We are a neighbourhood of pets. These furry, loving, sometimes annoying, bundles of fun have been a lifesaver during Covid-lockdowns.
Our pets gave us solace, companionship, and an excuse to get out and about when everyone was asked to stay away from one another. But as the numbers grow, there are a few things we need to consider as we live in a tight area.
Toronto has 2.8 million people and more than 230,000 dogs – that number is growing significantly since covid began. As more and more households embrace pets (this trend is bound to continue) keeping your best friends’ needs and those of others around ensures that everyone is happy with having furry companions around.
Talk to any pet owner and you are bound to hear stories about the joy and companionship of having a pet. But evidence is mounting that the effect of pets extends beyond their owners and can help strengthen the social fabric of local neighbourhoods.
Speaking of neighbours and making new friends, keep general pet etiquette in mind. Whether you’re at home taking the elevator or walking around our neighbourhood, you’ll want to keep your furry friend on a tight leash. If you live in one of the condos and are waiting for an elevator and are faced with a crowded one, you might want to wait for the next ride.
With so many people who love dogs and many others who don’t, here’s how we can all work together to live in harmony:
Keep dogs leashed in public (there are no designated dogs off-leash areas in our community).
Stoop and scoop. Put poop in the green bin.
Respect natural environments in parks (that means picking up after your dog even if you are in one of the ravine parks).
Spay/neuter and license your dog.
For more information on dogs in the city, go to https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/animals-pets/pets-in-the-city/dogs-in-the-city/
Love your "live in harmony" list. Since it's a tight neighborhood, let's also ask our barking dog owners to keep controls of those barking buds. No one would want to hear music blaring outside there home or going off at 7am - so the same respect should be applied to some of out of control pooches. Please be respectful of your neighbors whether on a walk, at the park or even in your own yard. Extended barking is NOT COOL.