Anyone who owns a high-energy dog can attest to the need for a dog park. Dogs are made to run, bound and wrestle with their peers. In any town without a designated park, there is no place for dogs to do this legally and safely without fear that they may run off, go to sniff someone who is afraid of them, or be hit by a passing car.

Even those with more docile animals know that the chance to socialize a dog with others of his kind ”“ in a neutral area, off the leash ”“ promotes positive behaviors.

For dog owners, too, a dog park helps to create a sense of community. These most beloved of pets are one of the best conversation starters for strangers, who know even before they start to talk that they share a similar passion for fuzzy faces. Having the chance to see your pet interact safely with other animals is another way to bond with him or her, as well, and understand why and how your pet will react to certain situations.

Technically, dogs can’t smile, but once local dog owners see their pets’ faces as they dart around with their peers in the park, they’ll know otherwise.

For these reasons and others, local dog enthusiasts have been trying for the past two years to create a dog park in Biddeford, but have made little progress. Though the city gave the go-ahead for a dog section in Rotary Park, off Main Street, the offer did not include any funding.

The Dog Park Committee has been largely dormant, facing the daunting task of raising enough money to simply put up a fence.

Now, however, thanks to a major donation of $10,000 from the Biddeford Animal Hospital last week, the dog park can become a reality. The veterinarians and technicians there know how important it is for dogs to have a place to exercise and socialize. They see every day the negative health effects of obesity, which has spread from Americans to their pets. After all, we keep hearing how people aren’t getting out to burn off calories, so it stands to reason that neither are their pets.

A dog park offers an alternative for dog owners who may not be very mobile due to a disability or injury or those who simply are not into an active lifestyle. At the park, they can simply let Fido off the leash for an hour of active play with other dogs while they rest on a park bench. If the owner isn’t going to walk the dog, the park is a much preferable option to staying home.

Well-exercised dogs don’t bark as much as those who are cooped up and are less likely to engage in destructive behaviors, according to animal experts. This benefits not only the owner, whose shoes will stay intact, but also the neighbor who wants some peace and quiet.

Also, for those who do not own dogs, the park will be a benefit by keeping most dog owners in the park area rather than the rest of Rotary Park. Dog waste has been an issue throughout the park (and the city) due to irresponsible pet owners who don’t pick up the poop. Having a designated dog area will lessen the poop problem in Rotary Park, as dog owners are directed to the dog area, which will have a requirement that waste be picked up. These social contract types of laws are much more easily enforced when someone’s watching and is rarely a problem within a well-used dog park.

Organizers say the project still needs another $10-15,000, which will allow for maintenance, benches and other needs. Hopefully, having a bare-bones park will be enough to draw people in and garner their financial support to maintain and improve the park. All those wagging tails, dangling tongues and wet noses together will be positive proof that the park is a worthy investment.

— Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Nick Cowenhoven by calling 282-1535, Ext. 327, or via e-mail at nickc@journaltribune.com.