Page 36 - Life_In_Naples_Magazine_January_2015
P. 36
A place for Naples’
MOST PRECIOUS PAWS
by Kelly Merritt
O n the list of what makes Naples a special place to live, the different route to the park than the normal one, she will start whining
Naples Dog Park is near the top. What began as a grass right away.”
roots effort by a few determined dog lovers resulted in a
The one thing Heller would like say to people who have not
place that has become a source of great joy for canines and owners visited the dog park is that they will be amazed at how much dogs
alike. and owners love it.
“As we round the corner to enter the park, Griffin lights up,” “It is a great place to meet people from all walks of life that all
said Beth O’Brien, who with her husband Ed helped spearhead the enjoy dogs,” says Heller, who hopes the dog park will continue to be a
development of the park. “It’s as if his batteries have just gotten a place where dogs of all shapes and sizes can have a great time being a
charge – and of course because Griffin is the Mayor of the Dog Park, dog. “I have gotten everything from the best homemade BBQ sauce
his constituents readily come to greet him as he enters.” I’ve ever had to great fishing tips there.”
Griffin is one of many dogs who charm everyone who enters the Diane McGinty’s dog Nikki is another regular who steals hearts
dog park. His affable countenance and expressive face are irresistible. and easily makes friends. McGinty says for Nikki, the park is part of
He and his doggie comrades gather almost every day with their her daily routine.
owners at the dog park. Both humans and dogs have formed special “After a three-mile walk early in the morning, we head to the park
bonds. for socialization not only for the dog, but for the humans also,” she
“All dog lovers, whether they are city or county residents, year says. “As we approach the park, Nikki lightens up and looks as if she
round or part time, benefit from this park that is free of cost,” said recognizes the cars of the owners.”
O’Brien. “Friendships among folks of all ages and from all walks of In terms of what the park means to the community, McGinty says
life have been formed as their four legged family members have had it’s invaluable because so many people have no yard for their dogs or
the opportunity to frolic off leash and form relationships of their live in areas where they are unable to walk their dogs. She foresees
own.” regulars continuing to work hard to maintain the park so it can be a
Griffin’s dance card remains filled to the brim, with friends like legacy to future dogs.
Nikki and Bonnie ready for frolicking and exercising each morning. “Dogs have their own social networks and there is something
Bonnie is one of Griffin’s most treasured friends. She is one of a few about dogs connecting with other dogs that cannot be duplicated
three-legged dogs who frequent the dog park. by the interaction that we have with them,” says Beth O’Brien. “The
“Bonnie starts telling me that it’s time to go to the dog park every exercise, the stimulation, the fun that they have with each other is
morning once I put on my socks,” says her owner PJ Heller. “If I take a both amazing and delightful to watch.”
36 Life in Naples | January 2015
MOST PRECIOUS PAWS
by Kelly Merritt
O n the list of what makes Naples a special place to live, the different route to the park than the normal one, she will start whining
Naples Dog Park is near the top. What began as a grass right away.”
roots effort by a few determined dog lovers resulted in a
The one thing Heller would like say to people who have not
place that has become a source of great joy for canines and owners visited the dog park is that they will be amazed at how much dogs
alike. and owners love it.
“As we round the corner to enter the park, Griffin lights up,” “It is a great place to meet people from all walks of life that all
said Beth O’Brien, who with her husband Ed helped spearhead the enjoy dogs,” says Heller, who hopes the dog park will continue to be a
development of the park. “It’s as if his batteries have just gotten a place where dogs of all shapes and sizes can have a great time being a
charge – and of course because Griffin is the Mayor of the Dog Park, dog. “I have gotten everything from the best homemade BBQ sauce
his constituents readily come to greet him as he enters.” I’ve ever had to great fishing tips there.”
Griffin is one of many dogs who charm everyone who enters the Diane McGinty’s dog Nikki is another regular who steals hearts
dog park. His affable countenance and expressive face are irresistible. and easily makes friends. McGinty says for Nikki, the park is part of
He and his doggie comrades gather almost every day with their her daily routine.
owners at the dog park. Both humans and dogs have formed special “After a three-mile walk early in the morning, we head to the park
bonds. for socialization not only for the dog, but for the humans also,” she
“All dog lovers, whether they are city or county residents, year says. “As we approach the park, Nikki lightens up and looks as if she
round or part time, benefit from this park that is free of cost,” said recognizes the cars of the owners.”
O’Brien. “Friendships among folks of all ages and from all walks of In terms of what the park means to the community, McGinty says
life have been formed as their four legged family members have had it’s invaluable because so many people have no yard for their dogs or
the opportunity to frolic off leash and form relationships of their live in areas where they are unable to walk their dogs. She foresees
own.” regulars continuing to work hard to maintain the park so it can be a
Griffin’s dance card remains filled to the brim, with friends like legacy to future dogs.
Nikki and Bonnie ready for frolicking and exercising each morning. “Dogs have their own social networks and there is something
Bonnie is one of Griffin’s most treasured friends. She is one of a few about dogs connecting with other dogs that cannot be duplicated
three-legged dogs who frequent the dog park. by the interaction that we have with them,” says Beth O’Brien. “The
“Bonnie starts telling me that it’s time to go to the dog park every exercise, the stimulation, the fun that they have with each other is
morning once I put on my socks,” says her owner PJ Heller. “If I take a both amazing and delightful to watch.”
36 Life in Naples | January 2015
