Dog Run Drainage Project Completion Ceremony

French Drain Being Installed

Completed Project!

I am truly SO pleased to share with y'all ... Our dry well & french drains as approved by the Parks Department were installed last week! Everything looks like it is working well.

Let's celebrate our accomplishment with a little Ribbon Cutting Ceremony:

Saturday, October 29, at 10 am
Front of the Big Dog Run

Please join us. Dogs are welcomed!

We as a community did something pretty amazing. We as a community saw a problem, found a solution and worked through all the red tape that is the Parks Department, and working with OSA who at the time was a brand new nonprofit with a new executive director.

I am amazed at how the community supported us.

Thanks again for all your support! Look forward to celebrating what we have accomplished on Saturday, October 29th.

Deepest of appreciation,

Christine

& the demon dogs (Valencia & Ursula)

DRAINAGE PROJECT BEGINS TOMORROW

The Big Run at McCarren Dog Run will be CLOSEDstarting on Monday 10/17/11 10 am until the project is completed. Theproject is expected to be completed on no later than Friday 10/21.

Please note occasionally the work the contractor does will cause excessive dust to be flying around.

Additionally during this time, dogswill be using the Small Dog Run. Please be considerate of others. Not allsmall dogs get along with big dogs. And not all big dogs are good withsmall dogs. Talk toeach other, let people know if your dog(s) has issue ie. doesn't getalong with small fluffy dogs when one is about to enter the run. Small run can get pretty crowd so be aware of your dog and the others.

Why is the Big Run Locked?

Hello Dog Community, 

I want to first apologize for any inconvenience closing the dog run
this evening and tomorrow morning has caused. Hopefully you all saw the
progress that was made with the big dig. The contractor made the decision to
lock the dog run because the dumpster company was late on delivering
our dumpster and feared all the dogs in the run would flatten the mounds. 

Since the dumpster has arrived, hopefully we will open the run
tomorrow evening for use. 

During this time, dogs will all be using the Small Dog Run.  Please be
considerate of others.   Not all small dogs get along with big dogs.   And
not all big dogs are good with small dogs.   Talk to each other, let people
know if your dog(s) has issue ie.  doesn't get along with small fluffy dogs
when one is about to enter the run.    Small run can get pretty crowd so be
aware of your dog and the others. 

Thank you for your patience as well as your generosity. 

Christine & the Demon Dogs 

PS Despite the inconvenience today, aren't glad the project has started? 

Let the Digging Begin

Yup, you read that correctly, "Let the Digging Begin."   Thank you all for making the first phase of the Drainage Project possible.  

The contractor will begin digging out the Big Dog Run on Tuesday 10/ 11 approx. 10 am.  

During the digging the gate on the corner of Driggs & Union will be OPEN.    Did you read that, the gate will be OPEN.  I would recommend NOT using the Big Dog Run during the dig out period.    

You can still use the run during the morning before 9 am and after 5 pm on the days of the dig out.  

The contractor will be digging Tuesday 10/11 from approx.  10 am to 5 pm, Wednesday 10/12 9 am to 5 pm, Thursday 10/13 9 am to 5 pm and possibly Friday.  

This is very exciting!   Thanks!

How did we do?

I know I have said it before but y'all amaze me, you really just amaze me.   How did we do?

We met our goal of raising $1000 for the matching grant from Must Luv Dogs/Happy Dogs www.mustluvdogs.com.   We raised the $1,500 by midnight, Sunday, October 2. 

But wait it didn't stop there, you kept giving.  I got paypal notifications, I got emails, I got calls, people gave me money on the street, they left money at PS9 and Must Luv Dogs/Happy Dogs, I met people at the Dog Run in the morning and evening.  With all that generosity, I was speechless and a little teary.  

It didn't STOP with those donations, then Must Luv Dogs/Happy Dogs committed to up to a total of $2,500 to support our dog run drainage project (including their original matching gift).   This is truly amazing!  Thank you Must Luv Dogs/Happy Dogs for being a great neighbor.

We (Billy, Angela and I) are so touched how y'all responded to our plea.    It was looking pretty dark last week so your support was just overwhelming.   Thank you SO much for showing us that you want drainage in McCarren.   

We raised ALL money ...  did you hear that We raised ALL the money for the dig out portion of the project.  Not just the money for the challenge grant BUT all the money need for this phrase of the project.   We raised over $4,000 to cover the dig out.  

So what happens NEXT, the contractor digs out the dog run this is scheduled to happen next week,  check the website, signs or email for the exact day.  During this time we ask that we try not to use the run, Dogs will be able to use the run during the morning, late afternoon and evening but probably from 10 to 4 will be off limits.  

Once the RUN IS DUG OUT  which should take few days, then the  contractor will start installation of the drainage.  Please NOTE during this phase, the big dog run will be CLOSED, the gate will be LOCKED and only the contractor will have access.   This will last about 5 days.  The small dog run will be a shared area for all dogs during this time.   Once the drainage is installed, the Parks Department will be bring fresh, clean wood chips.  After those are down, McCarren Dog Run will be open for business again!   

As the dates get confirmed, I will email, post on the web and run.   Please help spread the word.   Send this email to your dog friends in North Brooklyn.  

Thank you for all your generosity to support this project.

Christine (Valencia & Ursula - pictured above)

CHALLENGE GRANT from Must Luv Dogs/Happy Dogs

Once again, I am touched and excited to to let everyone know that I just got a call from Jennifer Cheng, the new owner of Must Luv Dogs [www.mustluvdogs.com], the dog daycare/boarding/grooming business across from McCarren Park, with a timely show of support for the dog run and local dog community.

Must Luv Dogs (which is soon going to be rebranded Happy Dogs soon) has stepped up to match every donation we get over the next 36 hours up to $1,000.   

Please give today ... Every donation matters ....  

If everyone who recieves this email, gives $25 we will exceed our goal;  or if 19 people give $50 we will meet our goal ... 

Please help us get the generous matching gift of $1,000 from Must Luv Dogs/Happy Dogs.

Make a donation at- McDogRun.org - and make a donation through the ChipIn widget or send your donation through paypal brooklynassociationfordogs@gmail.com.

We're now really close to getting this done! Please take advantage  of this matching challenge and let's rebuild the McCarren Park dog run together!

Show us you want Drainage in McCarren Dog Run. 

Thank you!  

Christine (Valencia & Ursula)  

PS   Just to show you that I am corny, these two clips have kept me going this week

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Q1fDf0GeY&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e9mf3Bypyk8

Inspired, please go to McDogRun.org  & donate

Good evening Dog Run Users,

Did you know that we started this project over 2 1/2 years ago? It started off with a meeting of over 40 dog run users to committee of nearly 10 people. Now it is just the 3 of us - Billy (Oscar), Angela (Henry) and myself (Valencia and Ursula). We have worked with the best of intentions to move this forward, little steps, too many meetings and emails.

We have reached a point were we have to come back to the community and you have show us you support this project.

Here's the deal: With the most recent site visit, our contractor informed us that the quote that we had been working with did not include excavating the dog run of nearly a foot of chips and such from the whole dog run before they could start. We thought this was obviously part of the project and in all of our conversations had said include everything in the budget. As they informed us it was not. We have been able to negotiate some of this. I wish someone had told me that any construction project will take twice as long as they say and cost 40% more.  

We have the permit.  
We have a potential start date - October 10 or October 17.  
We need the funds to cover this additional expense. We need to raise another $3,500 to cover the excavating of the dog run which will mean taking out all the crap off the top of the dog run. It cost this much because of the roots of the trees the contractor has hire people to dig it out, then they have to cart the stuff away. I hate asking for another donation when y'all have been so generous but I must ask.

Your donation will show us that you want this to happen.

Your donation will make this project happen.

Your donation will mean no puddles.  

If installing drainage is important to you and your dog(s), make a donation this weekend. Go to the website - McDogRun.org - and make a donation through the ChipIn widget or send your donation through paypal brooklynassociationfordogs@gmail.com. We MUST raise at least $1,500 by midnight, Sunday, October 2. 

Of course, we could find other ways to do this BUT the permit expires 12/31/11, it is a limited window in terms of starting with doing this with the smallest impact on the trees, and before the ground freezes.

If we don't raise at least $1,500 by midnight, Sunday, October 2, we have no choice but postpone the project. If we have to postpone the project, we will then schedule a community meeting and we will hand over the checkbook, our nonprofit status, the drainage plan and our respective knowledge over to another group of volunteers. We will also loss our $2,000 deposit to the contractor. We will be around to support them but we will not be the leaders.  

Show us you want Drainage in McCarren Dog Run. Make a donation at- McDogRun.org - and make a donation through the ChipIn widget or send your donation through paypal brooklynassociationfordogs@gmail.com.

Thank you! Christine (Valencia and Ursula), Angela (Henry) & .Billy (Oscar)

Challenge Grant Time

It is getting a little WNYC-ish ... but here I go ... I have a challenge grant to help us reach our goal ...

A Yorkie Owner will donate the final $175, if we can raise $175 by 9 pm Wednesday night.

Yes, you read that correctly ...

If you haven't given, please do so now! And if you given but want to give a little bit more, wonderful.

Thank you!

Let's raise that last bit of money before 9 pm Wednesday so I can stop emailing.

Again, thank you.

Christine ( Valencia & Ursula the demon dogs)

50% Closer to No Puddles

McCarren Dog Run Users,

Y'all amaze me! We have raised $1,000 of our goal of $2,000. This $1,000 includes a matching gift of $500. Amazing! Thank you!

For those who haven't donated yet, please take a moment today and make a donation ... Your gift of $20, $50 or $100 brings us so much closer to No Puddles. All donations are tax-deductible. And for those you have donated, please feel free to tell your dog friends to help.

To donate, Click Here

Please give Today!

Still so thankful and grateful for all your support!

Christine (Valencia & Ursula - the demon dogs)


PS If you don't like to donate on line, please feel free to email personally at christine@aperfectbag.com to coordinate.

Almost There! Please Help!

I hope you will help! I am sorry to keep asking but I am talking about no puddles!


As I mentioned in the What's Up with McCarren Dog Run Email, we might need to do another around of Fundraising.

Yes, we do. We received the project budget and we are short a little more than $2,000.


If we could all donate something ($100, $50 or $20 or another amount) in the next 48 hours, will be able to pay a deposit to the contractor.


Those who can give $50 or more, please give. And for those that $50 is a stretch, please give $20. All donations are tax-deductible.


I know y'all are as tried of me asking for money as I am for asking. But we are so close .... An anonymous dog run users has offered to match the first $500 we raise. did you read that? Raise $500 and we will have $1,000. that will take us to the half way to the $2,000 need.


Please help! To donate, Click Here - and click on the chip in icon to your right.


Please give Today!

Forever thankful for all your support! Christine (Valencia & Ursula - the demon dogs)


And for those you like fine print,

Design Fee (already paid with Dog Run Donations) - $2,000
Construction Costs for Dig-out - $7,980
Total Project Cost w/o Arborist - $9,980
Balance Due w/o Arborist - $7,980
Dog Run has little less than $6,000 in the bank

The estimated cost of hiring an arborist ranges from $1,200 to $3,100. OSA has agreed to pay for the arborist.

WHAT’S UP WITH McCarren Dog Run?

After over 18 month’s worth of meetings, fundraising and negotiations, our Dry Well/French Drain Plan has been approved by the NYC Parks Department. This is great news!

For those new to the dog community, this will result in the end of puddles in the large dog run. Woo Hoo!


What’s next? Our contactor will submit our plans and begin the process of getting the permit so the work can get started. We are hopeful because all our previous conversations with NYC Parks and Brooklyn Parks Administrator/Open Space Alliance Executive Director Stephanie Thayer will help move this along.

What does it mean for the dog run now?

* We won’t be getting any new chips because once we get the permit we will have to remove them. So we are waiting.

* We can begin digging out the sides and bringing the mulch & chips to the center which will help with the dust and will help the contractor when work begins.

* We will most likely do another round of fundraising.

* We can also get new dogs users on the Google Group and let them know about our website – McDogRun.org



Please contact the Dog Run volunteers working Parks on this Project

--or other improvements like better signs if you want to be more involved –

at mcdogrun@gmail.com



Yeah, things may be a little dusty and muddy for a little longer &

then we won’t have puddles!

DOG-GONE IT!!

NOTICE ANYTHING DIFFERENT AT NEWTOWN BARGE PARK?

For the details check out Miss Heather's Post
http://www.newyorkshitty.com/greenpoint-goodness/?p=55354

That’s right…dogs are now verboten.
Help me do something about it! Get involved!

Join D.O.G.G.O.NE. at yahoo groups and help me get a real dog park set up.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/doggone_brooklyn

Metal + Salt + Water + Stray Voltage

Greetings! Please see the 1/12 Brooklyn dog shocking on StreetZaps and disseminate this vital public service to preclude more tragedies. Many thanks and happy safe new year!

Just so you know, I confer with Con Edison's Stray Voltage and Public Affairs Units and contribute to Wet Nose Guide and New York Dog Chat.

HOW TO SLAY AN INVISIBLE DANGER.

Blair Sorrel, Founder
http://www.StreetZaps.com

Contact voltage is a chronic hidden hazard that can readily victimize an unsuspecting dog, walker, or both. No dog lover could possibly observe a more horrifying scene than witnessing his beloved pet instantaneously maimed or tragically electrocuted. When you exercise your pooch, please exercise greater prudence. Common outdoor electrical and metal fixtures may shock or even kill your vulnerable dog. And depending upon the current, the walker will be bitten and like poor Aric Roman, suffer permanently. But you can, indeed, self-protect.

Just start to adopt this simple strategy — EYEBALL THE BLOCK, AND AVOID A SHOCK. Take a few seconds and make your trajectory toward generally safer, free standing, non-conductive surfaces, ie., plastic, wood, cardboard. Intuit your dog’s cues and if it’s resistant, change directions. Work site perimeters may be live so try to elude them. If necessary, switch sides of the street or your hands when leading to skirt hazards. If you traverse the same route, you may memorize locations of potential dangers. Carry your pooch when in doubt. Consider indoor restroom products like PottyPark when external conditions are chancy or RopeNGo’s hardware-free leash and harness. And don’t rely on dog booties as a palliative as they will actually put your pet at even greater risk since the dog can’t tell you they’re leaking! To learn to more, please see StreetZaps. A safer walk is yours year round if you are willing to open to your eyes and mind to it.

Our Day Has Come - Fencing Is Done!

Hello McCarren Dog Run Users,

I am happy to announce the last of the snow fencing has been replaced with historical fencing, the project is completed and the big run is now safe for all dogs (Small one's like Wizard and Otto and the Big One's like Mack and Duke).   With the project completion, we owe some long over due thank yous.

First, to our friend and Assemblyman Joe Lentol.   He was the spark that made this project a possibility.  http://mcdogrun.blogspot.com/2008/09/report-from-state-of-dog-run-lentol.html Thank you Joe for looking out for the local dogs!

Next, to our friends at Open Space Alliance.   Thank you Julia who managed the bidding and installing process.   We know how hard all of this is from our own efforts to install of chain link fencing in both the small and big run.   Thank you Stephanie for keeping the McCarren dog run on OSA's agenda.   And thank you to OSA's board for the funds and leadership to getting it done.   And last but not least, a big thank you to the OSA park workers who dug out several feet of dirt for the fence to be installed and attending to the important details like rat wire and painting.   

The dogs have had their day ... http://www.greenpointnews.com/news/1627/the-dogs-will-have-their-day-new-fences-slated-for-mccarren

We look forward to working with OSA & Parks to get the drainage project done in the Spring.  

Thanks!

Christine (Valencia & Ursula)