The Dog Owners Group Organized in the fall of 1998 to address concerns between Portsmouth’s dog owners and city residents. The main issues were:
- The accessibility of city parks to dogs
- Where could dogs play off-leash?
- Enforcement of pooper scooper laws, especially in areas with children.
As Portsmouth City Officials began to examine these issues, the Dog Owners Group, having registered with the state as a not-for-profit, organized to promote dialogue between dog owners, City Hall and the public. This involved countering misconceptions about dogs, educating as to dog’s social needs and addressing health concerns. And to remind the Portsmouth community that dog owners represent an important unified group of good citizens.
By spring of 1999, the Dog Owners Group faced possible closure of all public areas to dogs, on or off leash. With the interest of all Seacoast dog owners at risk, the group gathered at City Hall to voice opposition. In response to the strong showing, a small dog park was temporarily created near the center of town in order to determine whether there was a need for a safe off-leash play area. The park was an immediate success and became the Portsmouth Dog Park!
The past several years have seen many improvements to the Dog Park…new gravel, signage, shade trees and picnic table. Thanks go to our generous supporters and matching funds from the City of Portsmouth. But more needs to be done!
A group of passionate dog lovers have recently taken up the challenge to create an even better park. One that is safe, clean and fun for all Seacoast dogs and their owners with an emphasis on socialization, education and responsible pet ownership. Plans include a small dog play area, clear signage, benches and dog play equipment, fence repair, shaded areas, improved water fountain, dog training sessions, community events, informational bulletin board…and more! In addition, the Dog Owners Group will liaison with the City to seek and maintain new and existing dog friendly areas and also act as a sounding board for dog related issues.
Be on the lookout for upcoming DOGS events, announcements and fundraisers. With your help, we can bring people and their dogs together to improve our parks, our lives and the Seacoast! Bark on…
Board of Directors: Paula Nikonow, Priscilla Valli, Kim O’Connell, Adrienne Wallace, Stacey Kimberley Rogers, Susan Carney and Jon Wilkinson
Founders: Carol Cooper, Geoff Crosby, Beth Powers, Midge Leiter, Dick Katz and Amanda Telford.
PO Box 136, Portsmouth, NH 03802
info@seacoastdogs.org