Fwd from Dr. Christine Makowski: Ithaca Conference
Seth Sicroff
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: cmakowski <cmak...@dplus.net>
Date: Apr 25, 2006 6:29 PM
Subject: [tcdog] Ithaca Conference
To: tc...@yahoogroups.com
As an animal lover and veterinarian (Cornell '77) who has recently returned to the Ithaca area, I attended the Ithaca Conference for Dog Friendly Communities held April 22 at the Ithaca Holiday Inn. I wanted to network with animal lovers of the Ithaca area and explore the state of involvement of the Ithaca community. While many people who are not dog oriented may scoff at such activities as conferences for dog people, the bonds that humans have with their pets was in 2005 made glaringly obvious in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The news reports were constantly filled with reports of people who refused to evacuate their flooded homes if it meant they had to leave their pets behind. Pets were being pulled on floating rafts while their owners walked through the water. People chose to stay on the street with their animals since they were not allowed in shelters.
I fully realize that these behaviors seem bizarre and perhaps even unstable to those without strong bonds to pets, but the importance of animals in our society and culture continues to increase and be recognized. The amazing works of dogs serving the disabled, the sick ,and the elderly has created an acceptance and even a legalization of their presence in all buildings (including supermarkets and other food establishments). Dogs, cats, and miniature horses are being trained to perform more miraculous services for humans with every passing day. Dogs and cats are used to comfort the sick, the young, and the terminally ill in hospice programs around the country.
It is with this knowledge and experience that I was dismayed to learn of the conflicts in the Ithaca area concerning dogs and their activities in public places. In order to learn all sides of the story, I have attended meetings, and had conversations with members of TCDOG, the local dog training groups, people walking their dogs on the street, and non-dog owners. I have read all the articles in the local papers and attempted to familiarize myself with the history of this conflict, because in my experience it is not only unusual, but the level of negativity from all sides is truly unfortunate.
My conclusion (as an outsider looking in) is that this is not really a dog problem, but a people problem. Strong personalities on all sides of the conflict are clashing and refusing to talk logically, let alone compromise. People are being blind to the feelings of the other side. It was a very confusing situation to those of us at the conference who are from communities where the presence and importance of pets - most especially dogs - is more happily accommodated. Many communities rate activities for dog owners in their quality of life assessment.
I feel that what is needed is an outside facilitator - someone who is not emotionally entangled in the history of this conflict. The keynote speaker at the conference was Alison Deeb from MARDOG (Morristown Area Responsible Dog Owners Group) in New Jersey. Her experience, intelligence, and knowledge of the dog vs non-dog conflict would make her an ideal candidate. The people of TCDOG know how to contact her. The resolution of this debate in Ithaca could bring many more retirees, tourist dollars, and businesses to Ithaca. But most of all, resolution with rules, guidelines and respect could bring peace to those who appreciate dogs, and those who do not. The establishment of dog parks in other locales has proven time and again to be of benefit to the community.
Christine Makowski MS,DVM
Animal Health Alternatives
Trumansburg, NY
YAHOO! GROUPS LINKS
- Visit your group "tcdog" on the web.
- To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
tcdog-un...@yahoogroups.com
- Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of Service.