Here's a letter that CDOG member Jane Beal wrote to the City Council and the Cambridge Chronicle (see an abridged version of the letter in the Cambridge Chronicle). It communicates quite eloquently what we at CDOG stand for. Thanks, Jane!

TO: Cambridge Chronicle
Cambridge City Council
CDog Members

FR: Jane Beal

DT: November 15, 2007

RE: It Takes a Village to Walk a Dog

Halloween was a lovely day for a walk so my 70 lb. pup and I headed off for a long hike. As we neared the end of our jaunt, we found ourselves on a 70 degree incline covered with brightly colored leaves. Appreciation for the beauty of Fall gave way when a different fall occurred -- the leaves slipped and so did I. My planted foot twisted
-- but the bones didn't and three fractures was the result.

Fast forward to the next day when the reality of 6-12 weeks recuperation were laid out by my doctor -- no walking, no driving, wheelchair, crutches. I was pretty sure I could take care of myself
-- but just as certain that my dog's needs were not easily met in these circumstances.

Checking my email, I was stunned to find five messages from dog owners in my Fresh Pond neighborhood. They had seen a friend walking my dog, heard the story, and the word had gone out. By the end of the day, seven people had stepped forward to offer dog walks, shopping, cooking, laundry -- even installing a computer at my house so I can email my support crew!

Now these generous people are all new acquaintances from the last year
-- met when walking my dog at Fresh Pond.

When two dogs meet in an off leash park and start to play -- their humans talk. Pretty soon, friendships form. Dogs need to walk several times a day -- every day -- regardless of weather, convenience and other invitations to sloth. So every day, people run into their dog owning neighbors and pretty soon -- you've got a community.

I've lived in Cambridge 25 years -- but have had a dog only this last year. And the difference is amazing. I have met more Cantabridgians in the last 16 months than I did in the previous 16 years. As well as Belmonters, Arlingtonians. Somervillians, etc.

But what is truly remarkable is that these are not just people you smile and wave at and then move on. I am not the only person to have been supported in times of need.

Here are some other life-altering examples from among the regulars at Fresh Pond Reservation who have struck up a conversation with a stranger while walking around the reservoir:

- A Cambridge woman strikes up a conversation with a Brookline woman. She learns of an adoption resource that leads to an adorable Chinese daughter.

- A Cambridge man chatting with a Somerville fellow hears of a teaching job, ending a long job search.

- A Belmont man loses his wife to cancer. His ad-hoc Cambridge dog group attends the memorial service, stages a birthday party for him, and contributes dinners, dog sitting & emotional support.

Why am I telling you all this? Because:

1. In our mobile age, the Cambridge City Council has set as one of their goals for several years, " Building Community." Well, dog parks are one of the most effective means I've ever seen for creating connections between people.

2. In recent months, there has been a proposal at Fresh Pond Reservation to limit access for non-residents, restricting off-leash privileges to residents only. Not only does this run counter to the spirit of inclusiveness that Cambridge aspires to, but community does not exist only within city limits, particularly when local resources border other towns. A sense of belonging and connection thrives when given fertile ground and withers when held too close.

3. These lovely people deserve a public thanks. For those who think of Cambridge as a transient City, gentrified to the point of dissolving the tight neighborhoods of past years, I bring you hope.

Good neighbors still exist. And if you ever want to see them in action, bring a dog for a walk at Fresh Pond.

Sincerely -- and gratefully,
Jane Beal