MOUNT OLIVE (10/21/07) – It was a dog’s day in Mount Olive today but not for poor Allie, a rambunctious golden retriever who was just a bit too friendly for a first meeting to suit some of the other 50 or so pooches.  

She had the unpleasant experience of mixing it up with another dog and being the first one expelled from the Mount Olive Dog Park that opened today in Turkey Brook Park.

Her owner, Sharon Liska, a bit embarrassed, rightly said Allie was just so excited to see all the handsome guys she could play with, she just got a little carried away. She’ll have to learn a little “petiquette” before being allowed back, Sharon said as she and Allie exited the fenced in 2 1/2 acre dog run in the rear if the park.

The day was perfect weather wise and most of the dogs were obviously overjoyed as they ran at top speed for long distances, rolling in the grass, greeting those who looked like they could be friends and played with the other dogs.  They really were fun to watch.  Some dogs  and their owners just came to look.  Owners explained they were more “house dogs” and not used to the wide open spaces.  We’ll come and just look a couple of times before we venture in, one dog master said.

Willie Cerone, the animal control officer paid tribute to the many people and businesses that had a hand in making the park a reality. Many local businesses, especially ones connected to animals, such as veterinarians and pet stores made generous contributions.

Dr. Sara Logan of the Mount Olive Veterinarian Hospital donated a beautiful sign identifying the park.  It is inscribed with the dedication to Charles Piatt who had been the animal control officer for 36 years before Cerone succeeded him.

“When this project started rolling the first thing I thought of was dedicating the park to Charley,” he said, “he always wanted something like this.”

  Cerone, addressing about 60 people who turned out for the “leash cutting,” rattled off a list of names of people and businesses who generously donated time and labor to bring the project to fruition.

The main park is divided into two spacious, grass covered areas…larger dogs and small ones.  There’s also a separate area for elderly and handicapped dogs.

  Mayor David Scapicchio welcomed everyone thanking those who had participated, especially Cerone.  “Willie rightfully gives credit to all who helped but we wouldn’t be here doing this today if he hadn’t worked tirelessly for the past seven years promoting it and working for it.  He also cited the volunteer efforts of all of the town employees, especially those from the Department of Public Works and the Parks and Recreation Department and most especially Sandra Carlanian who assisted Willie every step of the way.” He said she had logged more than 300 hours and the Morris County Sheriff’s SLAP (Sheriff’s Labor Assistance Program) workers who loaded 15 trucks filled with rocks. They were moved to another site and will be used in another refurbishing project, he said.

  Councilmen Steve Rattner and Phil Tobey and Councilwoman Colleen Labow were also happy with the event, Rattner pointing out that the best news was that due to Cerone’s efforts the cost came in at less than half of what was anticipated.

  Cerone did warn that unruly dogs can not be tolerated.  Maybe some time in the future we’ll get around to having obedience training activities but for now we have to have rules to protect the dogs and the people who come into the park, especially the children.  He emphasized that the rules that are posted will be enforced and he urged everyone who was going to bring their dog there read and understand them and if there was something they didn’t understand feel free to call him.

Billy Bradley, a parks and grounds caretaker, also volunteering his time, stood by with his pooper scooper and refuse barrel on wheels in tow keeping a sharp eye out.  “If I see anyone not picking up after their dog I’ll get after them and if they don’t pick up they won’t get back in.  He said one woman started walking away without picking up after her dog and he told her to pick it up or that would be it for her.  She did, he said.