Thats wrote on Sep 18, 2008 12:10 PM:another reason i moved out of Escondido.
That place is turning into a total dump of a town.. Now you can't even take your dog for a walk without getting some crazy disease.. Not surprised.

Escondeeter wrote on Sep 18, 2008 12:15 PM:How odd... the story's been up for half an hour and nobody's tried to blame the Parvo outbreak on the City Council yet.

Oh well, it's still early.

Hate To Say It wrote on Sep 18, 2008 1:25 PM:I hate to say it, but only a fool would take a dog that they love to one of those parks and let it run and come into contact with fecal matter and saliva from dogs with suspect owners. All dogs go to heaven, but that does not necessarily mean their owners do.

Oh Please wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:16 PM:There are plenty of good dogs that play and enjoy the Mayflower dog park- it is not a representation of a crappy town, or shady dogs that this one incident occured! It's a public park and things like this happen...for every irresponsible, ignorant owner there are plenty of responsible, loving owners.

Really wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:24 PM:Really?

How much did you really "hate to say it"?

It appears that you didn't have a single problem saying that people who frequent dog parks are "fools".

Well, that's a pretty vicious thing to say! I go to this dog park on a regular basis (in the mornings) and there is a wonderful group of people that regulary go also. They take very good care of their dogs (that includes vaccinations).

So, the next time you decide to burn the bridge, you may want to cross it first. Thanks.

shimmin420 wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:38 PM:i take my dog there and he loves it.. so to "HATE TO SAY IT" I guess im a fool but the park is there for a reason. to let the dogs play toghther.

Hate To Say It wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:50 PM:Since you cannot guarantee your dog won't come into contact with contagion, you are gambling with their health. This cannot be disputed.

Dog owner wrote on Sep 18, 2008 2:51 PM:My dogs and I have been to the Mayflower dog park for many years but find the lack of accountability of some irresponsible dog owners a really good reason not to go there anymore. This situation may be a opportune moment for the City to consider "key cards" for entrance. This would enable responsible Escondido dog owners that license their dogs, vaccinate, cherish, etc., to gain access to the dog park. This way no injured or sick animal can be abandoned on the premise. No animal should be abandoned anywhere!

Dont Blame The Wrong People AGAIN wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:11 PM:Don't blame the responsible people and their dogs that frequent the park, nor Escondido. Someone was scared and VERY ignorant and did something that they probably had no idea as to what the serious ramifications were going to be.

Hopefully all of our dogs that were exposed are up-to-date on their vaccinations. Bathe your dogs, disinfect anything that has come in contact with them or could have been spread to and do a "google" search to educate yourself.

Lets all just send prayers to our pooches keep a watchful eye out for symptoms.

To Hate... wrote on Sep 18, 2008 3:18 PM:How old are you? Three?

Noone can "guarantee" anyone or any dog that they won't come into contact with a contagious disease!

Don't be so afraid of the shadows.

Thats wrote on Sep 18, 2008 4:16 PM:why i would not think that any dog park in a respectable neighborhood would not have this problem. I've seen people walking around Tamarac with their phoo bags and they make sure to pick up anything.. It's called responsible people living in a respectable community. We are talking Esconghetto.. but if your happy with living with filth.. birds of a feather flock together.. so be it..

lucki wrote on Sep 18, 2008 4:33 PM:Parvo has nothing to do with being in Escondido and EVERY dog owner should be aware that their dogs need to be vaccinated annually for Parvo and three times when they are still under five months old. No dog without vaccines should be at a dog park. You are asking for trouble and fatal illness.

well wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:14 PM:You can get bit by a mosquito in La Jolla and contract west nile virus...there is no place safe

Frank wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:27 PM:I bet the dog was in the park illegally and taking all the water...

ToThats wrote on Sep 18, 2008 5:48 PM:Go to your local vet (upper class?) and see if they have had any cases of Parvo. Bet they have. Parvo happens everywhere and it can be present even after the "phoo" is picked up. If you are a dog owner, Educate yourself.

Question wrote on Sep 18, 2008 6:18 PM:Was the abandoned dog a Pit Bull?

Dog Park Supporter wrote on Sep 18, 2008 6:27 PM:As someone who goes to the dog park regularly (in the a.m.), I just want to say:

Thank you, Community Services department of the City of Escondido!

I know that you guys are doing a great job maintaining and building our community parks. I appreciate your efforts and appreciate having a dog park to take my puppies.

This is a fluke thing and it should not reflect badly on the city or the city parks.

We are lucky to have this park and alot of people DO appreciate it and the efforts of the city to provide it to our residents & their "best friends".

Thanks to Robin Bettin and the entire Community Services Department...and especially the guys and gals that are out there in the parks raking and sweeping and pruning and all that stuff!! Stay cool.

To Question wrote on Sep 18, 2008 6:30 PM:To answer your question:

No. It was a dog and it DIED!!

Dorf!

grease spot wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:30 PM:Another reason that municipalities should not spend tax dollars on such a small portion of the community. People should not get a dog until they can give it the room it needs to run and play without us taxpayers supporting their pets. Is there any other small group that gets taxpayer dollars to support their pets?

Christine wrote on Sep 18, 2008 8:39 PM:Well I have complained to the City Robin and Dan about the 10 garbage cans filled to the brim with waste and all the others inside with the worst odor and bugs all over. Not to mention the one port-o-poddy that stinks to high heaven-you can smell it all thru the parking lot and way into the dog park. I suggest peeing behind a tree. Other parks have a more sanitary garbage can disposal and clean airy port-o-poddys. Can't help thinking this filth helps spread dog diseases.

Oh Please wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:35 PM:To Grease Spot- what an idiot! Just because you frequent the dog park doesn't mean you don't have a yard at home for your dog to play! Dogs like to play with each other, socialize, sniff, chase balls and each other- you are obviously completely uneducated on the topic and are probably one of those taxpayers that speaks up on issues they don't know anything about. Do us all a favor and keep your useless comments to yourself!

Exaggerations wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:49 PM:Exaggerations!!!

You can't smell the can all the way into the park.

Why is Christine recommending peeing behind a tree? That's illegal and it's also indecent exposure.

Also, all port-a-potties stink - some people wait until they get home! I would really have to pee really really badly to ever use a port-a-potty.

Also, "grease spot" should think before he/she greases up the pages with that kind of nonsense! Apparantly, you have no clue who goes to the park and who doesn't. The dog park is for all the community - if people choose not to enjoy this AMENITY (you know some municipalities actually have these) then you don't need to whine about it. There are plenty of good people that enjoy the park - and they actually help to maintain the park (for free - you don't have to pay these volunteers).

Christine wrote on Sep 18, 2008 9:55 PM:Grease Spot, taxpayers support children's parks don't they? A lot of us don't have kids and the dogs need socializing with other dogs. Plus, it is a great community service if it is kept clean. Believe it or not, dogs are the best companions to some of us and a joy in our lives. That's like saying don't have kids until you have rooms, careers, and college savings, right?

grease spot wrote on Sep 18, 2008 10:36 PM:I'm so misunderstood. I knew what was coming. I love all animals including dogs. I just want to know what makes dog owners so special that they are funded by taxpayer dollars.

Christine, I know of no parks built specifically for children, can you name a few?

Oh please, since your pet "Dogs like to play with each other, socialize, sniff, chase balls and each other" isn't that your responsibility? If dog owners have a need for this then owners should start a club and pool their money instead of making non dog owners help subsidize your pet. As far as uneducated, sorry, growing up with dogs and having a dear widowed mother-in-law with a pooch that is her best friend, I completely understand. I am the "walker" for this energetic Standard Poodle and enjoy the long walks just as much as my furry friend does. This pooch and I have a special bond and it takes her at least a half an hour to calm down after I come to get her. We currently have two cats who we love dearly and both were rescued from certain death at the pound. If and when we ever get another pet it will be by no other means other saving them from the pound. You see I get it about pets and I have compassion for our furry friends.

I understand dogs completely, do you understand my point? If you don't I will understand but I still don't like the city reaching into the wallet for your pet's needs.

Instead of mean spirited comments like "keep your useless comments to yourself!" and "Grease Spot- what an idiot!" can we at least agree to disagree?

Christine wrote on Sep 18, 2008 10:52 PM:I've got an idea grease spot-you seem like a nice guy, why don't you volunteer at the park and clean out the poopy garbages and portopoddy in case old people or kids (yeah, kids) have to use it so tax papers don't have to pay for help that comes once a month...it seems!

I've got a headache! Good night! Where 's my doggie...here boy.

To oh please wrote on Sep 18, 2008 11:14 PM:Did you really comment that dogs like to chase balls? Wow...dunno how the editor missed that one

Spot has no clue wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:54 AM:Grease Spot is not misunderstood.

We understand that you are complaining because the city provides this amenity to pet owners. And we understand that you are complaining about "your" tax dollars are being wasted on the park.

Can you please inform us all...What is the great cost that you speak of? Do you have any idea?

I am willing to bet a bag of dog treats that you do not have a clue!

Also, if you know so much about dogs...then you would also know they are Pack Creatures and they desire the companionship of other dogs...so they can do dog stuff like play fight and SNIFF each other. Do you provide that kind of interaction with your "dear mother in laws dog" and WHY are you the dog walker? Do you begrudge that duty?

We might understand more, if you were actually complaining about the real waste of TAX DOLLARS. Forget the "agree to disagree" mumbo jumbo...it's over-used.

Dog Park supporter and visitor! Hey...my tax dollars go to this amenity, too! And I enjoy it!!

To Grease Spot wrote on Sep 19, 2008 6:56 AM:Every single one of us could make a very long list of things that our tax dollars subsidize but provide no direct benefit to us. That is what it means to be part of a community. I have no kids in school, should I be exempt from supporting them? Of course not. I have never utilized the East Valley Community Center, should me tax dollars be diverted from it? Of course not. Your point is taken but it doesn't hold up.

Oh Please wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:34 AM:I don't agree to disagree with grease spots....I bet if you did more then just took your "dear widowed Mother in laws" dog on walks it would be a lot happier- I walk my dog too but nothing compares to letting him roam around and make new friends amongst it's own kind. Of course you wouldn't know that...since you're too busy keeping yours away from the park!

Ray wrote on Sep 19, 2008 7:56 AM:People need to police themselves by picking up after their dogs. This is just going to be like everything else...it will get closed down because people will not take care of it.

Esco Native wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:00 AM:To all these people that are hating on the people that use the dog park are being good owners, just because there is one bad seed doesn't mean you get rid of the whole apple. I Hope that the dogs tht visit the park are all ok and they are able to clean up the park.

News Tip wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:16 AM:Thank you NCT for following up on my email yesterday concerning the rumour that the park was closed as a result of the infected dog. Dog owners who use the park regularly were concerned and wanted confirmation as well as details. Your fast response and follow up is why small hometown newspapers continue to be a vital source of local information.

LH wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:18 AM:I live in Valley Center- my 14 yr old dog just died of parvo wed. morning...(my diagnosis but I KNOW that's what it was)
She was at a vc vets office about 2 wks earlier- for surgery-and a couple times for followup- I am convinced she picked it up there- she hasn't been anywhere else. Ever... It is a HORRIBLE way for a dog to die... and I am so very sorry I let her shots lapse.
Old dogs and puppies and large black dogs- are most susceptable.
Watch your dog for signs of lethargy- vomiting - within a day it progresses to bloody diarria and then just blood.
From the time I realized she was sick- she died in just 11 hrs. time. We are heartbroken- and now worried sick about our other 2 little dogs...

The Necessity of Vaccinations wrote on Sep 19, 2008 8:26 AM:You all are missing a couple of valuable lessons to be learned from this incident. First, the dog was abandoned, probably because it was sick. Please vaccinate your pets. Abandoned dogs roam all over Escondido, I've given a home to 2 strays during the time I have lived here and see them being abandoned up near Dixon Lake and Daley Ranch all of the time. That sick puppy could have roamed any where, including your front yard. Thankfully, it wandered or was abandoned in a public park where city officials could act and can contain or decontaminate as needed to control what could have become an epidemic in the city among unvaccinated animals.

Wrong Venue wrote on Sep 19, 2008 9:08 AM:Christine: You've got to get over it. This is not the time or place to air your personal complaints. The issue here is the contamination of parvo.

Use the bathroom at home before going to the park. It is a courtesy of the city to place the bathroom where it is and it's probably there more for the workers that clean up the messes that you too miss when you're reading your newspapers. Have you ever sanitized the table tops that your dog's arse sits on?

Grease Spot: How many city funded programs are there that you use that others do not. Life is a give and take!

Escondido is trying to be a community that supports the people living or visiting the area. Dog Park is a wonderful opportunity that everyone benefits from and keeps the dogs off of the streets, as they were allowed years ago. If the rules set forth are adhered to, Mayflower Dog Park is a safe, healthy and friendly environment that should be encouraged and the City should be thanked for the opportunity.

Thats: There are dog parks all over San Diego county and this could have happened at any of them. It just happened that Escondido was convenient for the uneducated and uncaring person that made a HUGE mistake by infecting Mayflower Park and the dogs that have played in there since the Parvo dog stepped foot on the property.

To LH wrote on Sep 19, 2008 9:10 AM:I am so sorry for your loss. ((((HUGS))))

To LH wrote on Sep 19, 2008 9:18 AM:Sorry to hear of your loss. I'll keep my fingers crossed for your other dogs. I often hear that people fail to vaccinate their pets. It's a very important subject - everyone please vaccinate your pets. There are programs that offer reduced prices for those that abstain for financial reasons. My pet received all of its shots for free (from a non-profit agency) and even was neutered for free. Plus, it didn't cost the taxpayers anything, so that shouldn't offend Grease Spot or others that are "fiscally conservative". David

Put the blame wear it belongs wrote on Sep 19, 2008 9:46 AM:It's Sam and Ed's fault!! If they wouldn't spend so much time on the parking ordinance this wouldn't have happened. They could be out there cleaning up that park. And on their way out, they could fill in a few of the pot holes in the streets.

Mooses mom wrote on Sep 19, 2008 10:00 AM:As a responsible dog owner with a real yard and "room for play", my husband and I still take our dog to play with other dogs- because she is an "only dog" in our home, and because they are PACK ANIMALS! We're saddened to learn of this closure and hope the 2 little puppies Moose played with Wednesday evening are vaccinated. We already have an appointment with the vet, I hope anyone there does the same, regardless.
You take a risk just leaving your own home every day of coming into contact with a virus or whatnot -Human or companion animal- so, "grease Spot" and all the other nay-sayers have a right to their opinion- but in my opinion should- "shut ... up."
The nice, classy, responsible people we've met at the park do not deserve being lumped together with the small percentage of irresponsible people that occasionally show up there. When they and their unruly dogs do, we just move to another section of the park.
The idea of of a key card is PERFECT! People that license their animals properly should be given a key card for the park- even an additional fee would be fine- the city could recover some costs incurred by the dog park, and the people that go there will have more peace of mind, knowing that the dogs there have been licensed and (most likely) vaccinated.
Alright everyone - walkies! Sit! Stay!

to LH wrote on Sep 19, 2008 10:06 AM:I am so sorry for your loss, no one should have to go through that. I'll be praying for the rest of your pack.
god bless.

Oh No wrote on Sep 19, 2008 10:50 AM:I hope another dog that was at the park doesn't come down with it or the city will be sued and they will close the park forever.

k wrote on Sep 19, 2008 11:53 AM:My friend took his dog there about 3 weeks ago and two days later his dog came down with parvo. So apparently the virus has been there for some time now. I'm sure he wishes that this was caught sooner because the vet bill was very expensive. Luckily his dog is ok now.But some may have not been so lucky. Hopefully not to many other dogs contracted the disease. I took my dog there as well but was lucky... she's fine. My friend was saying that his vet told him that Dobermans, rotweilers and pit bulls are the ones who mainly contract parvo. But who really knows if thats true or not.

At your own risk wrote on Sep 19, 2008 12:13 PM:As stated on the entrance, the city is not liable. It's at your own risk.

Shame, shame, SHAME on "K's" friend and the Veterinarian that diagnosed the parvo. VERY IRRESPONSIBLE NOT TO REPORT IT!!!!! Vets license should be revoked!

BAD.......................

CottonBallz wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:03 PM:I don't know anything about dogs except I fear them.I thought there was a vaccination for Parvo given to all dogs when they got their "puppy shots" / license? Isn't this a city requirement of ALL puppies?

To at your own risk wrote on Sep 19, 2008 1:52 PM:He wasn't sure where his dog got it from. He takes the dog with him EVERYWHERE!!! But now that this story came out it can be narrowed down to the dog park. He has contacted the humane society but I guess to little to late. If he had know his dog contracted it from the park he would have reported it I'm sure.

If people would obey the rules wrote on Sep 19, 2008 2:49 PM:If all people (citizens or non-citizen---is that PC enough for you, Mr. Editor??)would obey the rules and obey the laws, 3/4 of the negative things we have to deal with as a society wouldn't occur in the first place.

So let me get this straight.... the Department of Health is willing to close down a dog park because of a disease that affects dogs, but they are not willing to do the same thing when they have a chance to isolate a virus that affects humans?

Misplaced priorities.

Macho Man wrote on Sep 19, 2008 3:34 PM:Maybe it wasn't a dog. Maybe it was the chupacabra.

Thats wrote on Sep 19, 2008 3:45 PM:just nasty.. Don't seem to recall hearing about any other case of Parvo anywhere else. You live in a great community .. yeah for you.

dogs rule wrote on Sep 19, 2008 4:00 PM:OMG- everyone just needs to relax! One incident (that was probably caused by some careless young punk) and everyone is bashing the park? As someone spends 1+ hours per day, 7 days a week at the dog park, I am grateful to the city of Escondido for providing it. I along with the hundreds of others who use the park each day, will support the city in anyway we can to get the park reopened asap.

Responsibility wrote on Sep 19, 2008 4:49 PM:I’ve been taking my dog to the May Flower Dog Park daily for about a year. (In the evenings) Most of the regulars pick up poop constantly- Their dogs’ and other people’s dogs’ because we like the dog park and we want to keep it clean and nice.

Dog Park is a wonderful city amenity. I appreciate it greatly. My dog has a nice yard and loving family. But she loves going to the Dog Park, she has her friends and she can “doggie socialize”.

Owning a dog is a responsibility. The rules are posted in at least two separate places at the dog park: Vaccinate your dog and clean up after your dog are featured prominently in the rules.

Unfortunately, some people feel that the rules don’t apply to them and others suffer the consequences.

What happened this week was a tragedy. An animal died. It could have happened at ANY dog park to ANY dog.

Us this as an opportunity to be responsible and get your dog vaccinated if it isn’t already and maybe next time you visit the park, you’ll be more careful about picking up your dog’s poop.

To If People Would Obey wrote on Sep 19, 2008 5:21 PM:I don't know what human virus you're referring to, but the City of Escondido doesn't have a Department of Health. That is a San Diego County function. Dog park was closed by the City's Community Services Department. I think it was wise of them to do so.

Remember... wrote on Sep 20, 2008 9:02 PM:the article says that a STRAY dog with parvo was found at the park. It was not an irresponsible dog owner. For those who think that Parvo could only happen in Escondido, you must be living in a cave. Parvo is everywhere. It is especially bad in Northern California. We went to the Humane Society in Chico to look at a puppy and the puppy was not allowed to touch the ground there. We could only hold him. Vaccinate everyone to be safe!

Puppy Love wrote on Sep 21, 2008 1:17 PM:I'm sad to see the dog park closed.

I have a Rottweiler puppy with all his shots but I will take him to the vet just to be sure.

Parvo sucks!