MORRISTOWN, NJ, June 28, 2005 - MARDOG (Morris Area Responsible Dog Owners Group) announced today that the non-profit 501(3) (c) organization presented a $10,000 check to the Morris County Park Commission last evening to provide maintenance, support and education in conjunction with the now permanent off-leash dog park at Lewis Morris Park in Morris Township, New Jersey.
The dog park at Lewis Morris has established itself as one of the jewels of the park system. It attracts dog lovers and their canine companions from as far away as Boonton, Jefferson and Washington Township. It is doubtful that there is a ball field anywhere in the park system that sees the constant, daily, repeated use of so many Morris County residents.
MARDOG also pledged $2,000 a year for the next five years to provide maintenance, support and education. "We researched parks all over the country and talked to experts. The best practice is to have an ongoing education program in conjunction with the dog park to educate both users and volunteers. We are dedicated to this mission," Alison Deeb said last night. "Many parks fall by the wayside without the proper support, attention, or even neglect, by users and we want the Park Commission to know we are here to stay and that we are ready to help."
"This is a milestone for MARDOG," said Deeb, president and founder. "Three years ago, a small group of local dog owners dreamed of a place where their canine companions could run unleashed in an enclosed fenced-in area. Now, thanks to the support of the Morris County Park Commission, we have a permanent pet playground located in beautiful Lewis Morris Park."
Last night's check presentation was the culmination of years of fundraising initiatives that included support from generous corporate sponsors, including Starbuck's, Milkbone, Novartis and a multitude of individuals and businesses. In addition to the check and the pledge, MARDOG has also spent $2,700 on waste bag dispensers and "Mutt Mitts," as they are called, hay, and four additional benches. The third Saturday of every month the group sponsors a "Maintenance Day" at the park where volunteers patrol the 1.26 acre park. The group also holds monthly meetings with Guest Speakers at the Morris County library to promote responsible dog ownership.
"Our hope is that the Morris Country Park Commission will utilize these funds to enhance the quality of the Lewis Morris Dog Park," said Deeb. We would like to recommend that the Park Commission consider adding a water fountain inside the park for the dogs, a separate small / timid dog area and a special kiosk to promote dog park events as well as homeless pet adoptions. "We believe dog parks are a community asset and a marketing vehicle to promote pet adoptions and ultimately save lives. They are an outdoor meeting place where friends can meet and share information," Deeb said. "We never had that outlet before." MARDOG is currently organizing its first chapter in the Township of Roxbury. MARDOG Legal Advisor, Deirdre Wheatley-Liss, ESQ with Fein, Such, Kahn in Parsippany and Heather Darling, ESQ in Succasunna are leading this effort. The goal is to develop a Roxbury Mardog chapter and establish an off leash dog park in Roxbury Township by 2006. MARDOG is also planning to provide Parsippany with end user support and volunteer training when they launch their first dog park and is currently trying to establish a park in another Morris County borough. MARDOG originally started as a grass roots effort in December 2001 in the Town of Morristown, New Jersey. MARDOG, Inc. was officially organized as a non-profit corporation on August 4, 2002. On March 13, 2003, MARDOG presented a formal written proposal to the Morris County Park Commission in support of one or more public off leash dog parks in Morris County. On April 7, 2003 MARDOG received its 501 c-3 status from the IRS. On November 15, 2003, a temporary off leash area was established at Lewis Morris County Park in Morris Township, New Jersey and it was given permanent status by the Morris County Park Commission on October 14, 2004. Currently, MARDOG has 1,200 members and 250 sponsors. Any person who supports public off leash dog parks can become a member. Any elected official or Town Council member who would like more information about starting a dog park in their community may contact info@mardog.org for chapter opportunities. Any corporation who would like to make a tax-deductible donation may contact info@mardog.org for sponsorship opportunities.
For general information about MARDOG, please visit www.mardog.org.