SPRING EDUCATION NEWSLETTER

Respect the Wildlife!
With spring, comes the arrival of new little ones at the Warminster Community Park. Please remember that that park is home to many wildlife critters –squirrels, bunnies, groundhogs, fox, deer, geese, etc. These animals will be very protective of their young if they feel threatened. Please do not attempt to get close to or view nests, burrows, bird houses or wooded areas where these creatures may be harboring their young. For the protection of our wildlife and your domestic animals, it is imperative that dogs always remain on leash everywhere except in the Bark Park. For more information, please visit this website provided by the PA Game commission.

Be sure Vaccinations & Flea Preventative are Current!
Pet owners should be sure that all of the pet’s vaccinations are current; these should include rabies, kennel cough and DHLPP (A yearly vaccine for adult dogs that is administered to immunize your dog against (D)distemper, (H)hepatitis, (L) leptospirosis, (P)parainfluenza and (P)parvovirus). With wildlife in the park, and even in your backyard, there is a possibility that pets could be exposed to some of these diseases. When talking to your vet about any immunizations, be sure to discuss your lifestyle and what you and your dog do together.

Because the Bark Park is fenced-in, there is a good chance that wildlife is not visiting this area, but you must remember they have free reign in the rest of the park. Stay out of ponds, areas that are wet, have standing water or have visible burrows; being cautious in these areas may prevent many health issues. Unfortunately, one of our dog members recently passed away from leptospirosis. … For more info about dog health, vaccinations and this disease, please visit: http://www.cpvh.com/Articles/27.html or http://www.natural-dog-health-remedies.com/canine-leptospirosis.html

Clean up after your pet – No excuses!
Although by now we sound like a broken record, it is important that pet owners clean up after their pets. This helps keep the park clean, reduces the chance of spreading disease, flies and other pests.

Bark Park Maintenance
Recently the Park crew brought in new topsoil, grass seed and landscape blankets to try and grow grass in areas that are worn or barren. Mats are being held down by bricks so that we do not introduce landscape staples into this environment. Please be sure that you keep animals off these mats until the grass grows in and they are removed.

Mowing season has begun. If you see the park crew mowing the Bark Park areas, or if they arrive to mow, please remove your pets from the area until the work is complete. Weather permitting, the crew usually mows WCP on Wednesdays and the Bark Park first thing in the morning. Your cooperation would be greatly appreciated!

Dog Training & Bark Park Classes
It is never to late to teach an old dog new tricks. Dog training classes are forming now, be sure to check out the Township website for more information: www.warminstertownship.org/barkpark

For anyone interested in sitting in on a refresher course for the Bark Park, we have several scheduled over the next few months. Just call to have your name put on the list or sign up on line: www.warminstertownship.org/recreation.

Bark Park Memorial
The Department has posted a new section in the Bark Park website dedicated to our inspirational companions. If you wish to have your dog included on our Memorial page, please send us a picture, dog’s name and date of passing. We would be happy to include all our members as a tribute to these wonderful animals and their place in our lives.

Staying Connected
Some members of the Bark Park recently put together a facebook profile so that members can find out when their dog can have a play date. Please visit their postings by clicking here. The Parks and Recreation department does not have control over these posting, so please check with the group administrator for more information.

Thank you for your continued support and enjoy the Bark Park.