UPDATE (10:50 a.m.): The Friends of Clark Park (FoCP) voted last night to recommend to the City’s Department of Parks and Recreation that limited hours be established when off-leash dogs are permitted at the Clark Park Bowl, the latest move in the park’s more than decade-long canine conundrum. The recommendation for permitted hours is daily from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., though, as in the past, enforcement of the new rule will be tricky.

The “fastest dog” competition during the 2011 Bark in the Park. (Photo West Philly Local).

The vote followed a discussion about off-leash dogs that included suggestions of stepped up enforcement by Parks and Recreation rangers or University City District’s bicycle patrol. FoCP board members agreed that a compromise was to post signs with hours for off-leash dogs, which are prohibited in public areas in Philadelphia but have been a fixture in Clark Park for years.

Tight enforcement risks alienating “a community that is one of the more dedicated to the park,” said resident Valerie Ross, who lives near the park. People who run their dogs in the Bowl often help clean up trash there, she said. And park events sometimes focus on dogs, including the annual Bark in the Park (24 years and counting) and even a corporate-sponsored, dog-friendly singles meet-up last year.

But complaints, including some at last night’s meeting, focused on off-leash dogs’ interactions with leashed dogs and children and adults who are afraid of dogs. Ross said the off-leash dogs are rarely a problem.  Continue Reading

There have been several reports of a light-colored long-haired dog with matted fur running loose in Spruce Hill. The first sighting was reported last night near 44th and Pine/Spruce, and there were more sightings tonight in the same area. The dog appears very scared and doesn’t let anybody come close enough to capture her. Here’s a photo of the dog taken by one of the area residents last night.

If you see this dog, please contact ACCT Philly (267-385-3800) and report the location and time of the sighting.

File photo.

Dog owners are invited to Clark Park this Saturday for the annual Bark in the Park event. There will be more than 25 contests, from the tallest dog to curliest tail to fastest runner, with chances to win doggie goodies. You can also meet the vet.

The event, which starts at 2 p.m. near the Bowl at 43rd and Chester, is fun for dogs and their human friends.

This dog was found near 43rd and Spruce early this morning. He had no collar or tags on him, and no microchip was found when he was scanned. Please email us at editor@westphillylocal.com if you have any information about the dog’s owner, and we’ll connect you with the person who found the dog.

This dog was found on Monday night at 53rd and Spruce. He was reportedly hit by a car and has a few scrapes on his face and paw, but otherwise doesn’t appear injured. He’s a very young, thin, tan and white intact male. He was wearing a studded leather collar when he was found. The dog will be taken to the vet today to be checked and scanned for a chip. If you have any information about this dog or his owner, please leave a comment or email: editor-at-westphillylocal.com

This week’s Project MEOW-featured adoptable cat is Teeter, a young male Domestic Short Hair cat. Teeter is a professional cuddler and can be found on or near you at all times.

Teeter

Teeter was found hanging around a community garden, very skinny and limping (thus the name). After a few weeks of cage rest and regular feedings, he is all better. Teeter loves to be around people, and to be petted. He can be talkative and spunky. He is a cat with character who would love to share your home!

Teeter is neutered, FeLV and FIV negative, current with shots, treated for fleas and worms, and is litter box trained.

This cat is being fostered through the partnership of Project MEOW and PAWS. To adopt Teeter please complete and return a PAWS adoption application. It is available at the Baltimore Pet Shoppe (4532 Baltimore Ave.) or online. Application and adoption fee ($50.00) applies. Please use number A29300909 when applying to adopt this cat.

For additional information, please email: projectmeowadoptions@gmail.com