Whooo hooo. Finn's Second Win

On Sunday, April 19, 2009, at the Heartland Kennel dog Club, Finn was Winner's Dog and then went on to be Best of Winners. That same day, our houseguest, Esme, was Winner's Bitch and Best of Opposite. Both of them received one point.

In the Best of Breed competition, Finn was handled by his handling instructor, Amanda, and did a great job. We had also just switched to a different show collar and lead and he did much better with the new system.

He may have been best of 2 dogs that day, but he was still the best and he got a point. My feelings were a little hurt when a family member (in-law) laughed at him beating only 1 other dog. A win is a win in my book.

Here are Esme and Finn waiting to pick up their ribbons. They both did outstanding and Matt me and Ginny are very proud of them

The Problem with Fleet Peeples Dog Park

The problem with Fleet Peeples dog park is simple. Ignorance.

There is a fight brewing between the City of Winter Park and dog lovers that have used this park as an outlet for their dog's pent up energy. The City needs money. Yep. The City of Winter Park, one of Central Florida's wealthiest neighborhoods, needs money. And they have turned their eyes on the park that has seen a revival since the dogs have come.

Oldtime residents, and I mean old, remember a time when the park was used by families. People would swim in the lake, picnic and watch fireworks. Those days are gone. Located in a remote, little traveled area of Winter Park, Fleet Peeples soon became the home of drug dealers and other not do friendly individuals.

After years of drug activity, the park was a virtual wasteland. And the City turned it over to the Friends of Fleet Peeple, who managed to turn the park in to a great place to take your dog.

And now the City wants to change it. Friends of Fleet Peeples raised money, on their own, fixed up the restrooms, put in a doggie bath area and occasionally they have poop patrols. And now the City of Winter Park wants it back. They believe they are missing out on pavilion rentals. Missing out on the rental of the park by rowing competitions. Family reunions. All of this due to the popularity of Baldwin Park, right across the lake.

So now the City is trying to enforce the leash laws in the park. Dogs must be on a leash between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm on the week-end. They are also trying to limit the park to the residents.

So sitting at dinner one night, with an old time WP resident got my blood to boil at the ignorance of some people. He insisted that there should be a cost to non-resident. He proposed 3 thousand dollars. And then, he stated if there was a fence and the dog crossed in to the area only meant for the people, shoot the dog.

And that, my friends, is exactly why there is shouting and non-resolution at the City meetings.

I may not have a solution to offer, but I do know that is not it. Ignorance. That is the problem with Fleet Peeples Park.