On Sunday, my husband and I decided to take our chocolate lab, Zeke, to Blue Bend Recreation Park at Monongahela National Forest. We have been there many times, and I even wrote a post on our first visit at Blue Bend with Zeke.
We were having a great time, enjoying a picnic and playing with Zeke in the water. He loves to play "fetch" anyplace, anywhere, anytime.
After spending about two hours of playing "fetch" in the river, a forest ranger approached my husband and warned us that dogs are not allowed in the water were people are swimming. Therefore, Zeke had to either leave the water, and be kept on a leash at all times while in the park, or we would be subject to a fine.
There were three other couples with their dogs and the officer warned each of them, also.
Since Zeke couldn't go in the water, we packed up our gear and came home.
General rules for pets and animals in National Forests:
- Pets must be restrained or on a leash at all times while in developed recreation areas. Animals (except certified assistance animals) are not allowed in swimming areas or sanitary facilities.
The Monongahela National Forest is a beautiful place with breathtaking vistas, peaceful country roads, gently flowing streams, great place for camping, swimming, fishing, canoeing, biking, walking trails, and so much more.
We will return to Blue Bend Recreation Park , but unfortunately we'll have to find another place along Anthony's Creek or the Greenbrier River for Zeke to swim.
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I understand that it can be upsetting for pet owners to have to keep pets leashed when in public areas, however, pet owners need to be a little more aware of the people who are ther eto enjy themselves, pet free. Some people have severe phobias regarding dogs, especially large ones, and small children can be easily frightened as well. While our pets may be our "children" it is unfair to assume that everyone feels as confortable and unafraid as we do.
Awe..... Zeke looks just like my love monkey... red collar too!!!!!!
Rebecca-I'm sure you understood the reasons behind the no doggie swimming rule for the park after the ranger explained them. I'm sure Zeke will have a new swimming hole soon as he obviously enjoys his time in local swimming holes.
Good information for dog owners planning visits to National Parks. Thanks for sharing your experience.
I understand the frustration. It is the same here with the beaches.
Jeremy, I agree. All the other times we have been at the park, there were only 2 or 3 people. Never seen a sign either, and always stayed on one side of the river. But, we certainly understand and will follow the rules.
Thanks everyone for your comments....
Rebecca - While I too do understand the rules, it's a shame that the "fur babies" can't enjoy the parks like everyone else. Out here on the left coast we have some of the same rules too. Thank goodness for the dog beaches. Our fur babies just love the dog beach here in Ventura county.
Oh, poor Zeke and all his other pals out there enjoying the lake. Seems like this isn't a Nation Forest Rule that many know about - until now.
Rebecca, hope you can find some dog-friendly places for Zeke. He obviously enjoys his water time. Gorgeous Dog!
Poor guy. But I am sure you will find another pet friendly place for him to swim.
Monongahela National Forest looks like a great place to visit! Your pictures show how much fun Zeke was having. I bet he was as disappointed as you were.
There are signs up in our parks that dogs are not allowed on athletic fields, but luckily the enforcement is pretty lax. Sometimes you just have to let a dog be a dog.
Awww, Rebecca...poor Zeke...at least he got to swim a little before you guys packed up and went home. Now you have to find other "dog-friendly" swimming holes you can take him to, like Anthony's Creek or the Greenbrier River. :)
Leilani