Group educates owners to make city more pet friendly

Extremism rarely helps a case, even when the case has four legs and a fluffy tail.

“Some people really like their pets and cannot fathom why anyone wouldn’t,” said Michael Schaffer, author of “One Nation Under Dog.” “It’s probably a failure of empathy. That is an all-too-common and unfortunate trait across society.”

Mr. Schaffer said that while people/pet relationships can reflect positive aspects of society, including empathy and changes to the meaning of the word family, puppy love can also reflect negatively.

“You can find a self-centeredness where people think that they and their pets and their needs are the only ones out there, and anyone who doesn’t cater to those needs is somehow anti-pet or discriminatory,” he said.

In Chattanooga, a group of citizens is working with the Parks and Recreation Department to make the Scenic City a more pet-friendly place by focusing their efforts on educating the community about responsible and respectful pet ownership.

“If you go to (a number of other cities in the South), the parks are family-friendly,” said Karen Roach, who serves on the Downtown Pet Advisory Board, “and that includes the four-legged family members as well.”

Of more than 65 parks in the city of Chattanooga, all are pet friendly, according to Larry Zehnder, city Parks and Recreation Department administrator, except for Coolidge Park, Ross’s Landing, the Walnut Street Bridge, Aquarium Plaza and the Tennessee Riverpark. The increase in families moving from suburban areas to downtown, however, puts an emphasis on the restrictions as more dog owners, especially those accustomed to private backyards, enter the downtown area.

“Not all people are dog friendly,” said Mr. Zehnder. “Not all people are supportive of pets, and we understand that. When you put a pet and a person who is afraid of pets in a confined space, sometimes that creates a problem.”

A confined space includes the Walnut Street Bridge — 34 feet wide rail-to-rail — which is popular with walkers, runners, bikers and children in strollers.

Another problem is animal waste, which can contaminate local waterways by running into storm water drains when not properly disposed. It can also create a nasty surprise for an unsuspecting pedestrian.

Rhonda Seeber, communications manager for the Parks and Recreation Department, who serves on the committee said her husband has unpleasant recollections of stepping in a dog mess at Greenway Farms.

“There was a pet cleanup station 15 feet away,” she said.

More areas in Chattanooga used to be open to animals, but a few bad puppies spoiled the litter. Animal enthusiasts like Ms. Roach and Lisa Putney at Bone Appetit say that a few irresponsible pet owners can ruin things for others who want to be able to promenade their pooch in public.

“Not everyone is a responsible owner,” said Ms. Roach, “but it’s not the dogs’ fault, it’s the people’s fault.”