No meeting in November but the December meeting could be good!

The November meeting has been cancelled.

Get your dog a snappy new Christmas collar and take a walk with West County D.O.G.S. at a December meet and greet.

A "Walk for West County" beginning and ending at a dog-friendly commercial location could also serve as a friend-raiser, adding some visibility to our mission during a very busy period. Look for an email, or check back here, for details later in November.

If you have an idea for a location or Christmas theme (such as, Christmas caroling or holiday costumes for the dogs?) or would like to RSVP, send an email to Diane Thomas, with YES, I"LL BE THERE AND HERE'S MY IDEA in the subject line.

Progress toward nonprofit status

Before incorporating as a Missouri nonprofit, we need a unique name. We asked our members to respond to a survey to help us choose a name. The most often selected choice was West County D.O.G.I. (Dog Owners Group Initiative). A write-in alternative was also suggested, West County C.O.L.A. (Canine Off Leash Areas).

Although the majority selected West County D.O.G.I., we want to give the membership a chance to vote on the write-in. If you prefer the name "West County C.O.L.A." over "West County D.O.G.I.", send an email to Diane Thomas by November 7.

October meeting highlights

The October meeting developed into a "meet and greet" at a local restaurant. The group was small, so after the members arrived, they adjourned to the restaurant. Topics discussed included the new group name, becoming a nonprofit, fundraising, friendraising, and increasing volunteer participation.

Although no resolutions were made or actions initiated, some worthwhile ideas were exchanged that will be discussed at future meetings.

Creve Coeur

The Creve Coeur Parks and Recreation Commission discussed the proposal for an off-leash recreation area in Conway Park. The Parks and Recreation Commission support the idea of an off-leash area in Conway, although not necessarily one of the formats proposed by West County D.O.G.S.

In addition, the City Council will be exploring the issue at their upcoming meetings. Concerns continue to be safety of both people and dogs and the amount of space to allocate for an off-leash area.

Although no plan is confirmed as yet, the most favored size appears to be a two-acre off-leash area in the northeast corner of Conway Park. However, before they formulate their final plan, they will factor in recommendations from West County D.O.G.S. regarding the effects of an area as small as two acres, such as, maintenance difficulties and dissatisfaction caused by overcrowding.

On October 20, Creve Coeur commissioned the Warren Poll to conduct a telephone survey to measure citizen satisfaction with city services as well as gather opinions on major topics. Included in this survey were questions on the topic of off-leash recreation in Conway Park. Survey results will be considered when formulating a plan for off-leash recreation in Conway Park.

If you have questions or concerns about off-leash recreation in Creve Coeur contact the City of Creve Coeur. If you live in a community with recreation agreements with Creve Coeur, it couldn't hurt to add your voice, too.

Chesterfield

The City of Chesterfield remains positive and interested in establishing off-leash recreation in a Chesterfield park. They have asked West County D.O.G.S. to assist in more detailed research of the concept. So, we will begin a report on our assessment of the various locations suitable for off-leash recreation in Chesterfield.

If you have ideas or opinions about off-leash recreation in Chesterfield, email Diane Thomas.

Bring your pup to the Dwight Davis Tennis Center in Forest Park. It's the perfect place to be if your Fido or Fifi wants to GO-GO-GO and you'd like to meet other dog lovers.

The time and place of the December meeting will be announced later in November.

If you plan to bring your dog to the Dwight Davis Tennis Center on November 6 or November 13 for the dog park for a day, consider arriving early or staying after to help at the gate or ticket booth. For more information and to volunteer, contact Carol Panter, D.O.G.S. event coordinator.

Show the spirit of the holiday season by helping at the Borders Gift Wrap fundraisers

D.O.G.S. will staff the gift wrap table for three four-hour time slots, on three weekends in December, at the Borders in Ballwin and Brentwood. Sign up for a couple of hours or the whole shift.

Extremely well-behaved dogs will be allowed to accompany volunteers with prior approval to act as DOGS ambassadors.

Experience their enthusiasm during these small moments, then borrow a little bit of it and hold it close. And when you reach a holiday low point take it out and let it renew your spirit.

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
--Ralph Waldo Emerson

Email: westcounty@stdogparks.org

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