February 2015 - Tasmanian Dog Walking Clubs Inc

Huon Valley
Dog Walking
Association
Newsletter
Info.hvdwa@gmail.com
www.dogwalkingtas.org.au
Huonville Dog Park Open for Business!
Since the report in the Huon Valley Council‟s December newsletter (inset), the off-lead exercise area in Heron Street, Huonville is now fenced and being used by local dog owners and their furry friends. Although landscaping and extra seating are
yet to be completed, the park offers a water fountain, poo bags and bins for the dogs - and a seat and rubbish bin for humans. The area is mostly level with a row of trees at one end - perfect for serious ball chasing or just exploring.
As stated in the article pictured, the
park will be a focal point for organised community events and training sessions as well as serving as
an emergency evacuation point
during bushfires etc.
Several HVDWA members are
already using the park on a regular basis and it will be incorporated into the Huon Valley Dog
Walking Association 2015 walk
calendar.
Being in town, the park is great
for residents who are not able to
drive or are too busy to travel to
other areas for off-lead time
with their dogs. The HVDWA
hopes that a safe off-lead area
will encourage people - especially kids - to get outdoors and
spend quality time with their
dogs.
Thanks go to the Huon Valley
Council for upgrading the park
for the benefit of the community.
If you haven‟t been to the park
yet, why not take the furkids
for a run when you‟re next in
town?
Issue 9, February 2015
Page 1
ABOUT
THE
HVDWA...
The Huon Valley Dog Walking Association Inc. was started in October 2011 by a
group of people who perceived the need for improved facilities for dog walking in
the Huon Valley. We are a member of Tasmanian Dog Walking Clubs
(www.dogwalkingtas.org.au).
The main aims of the Association are:

To help make available safe dog exercise areas in our towns.

To have social walks on a regular basis.

To help improve the image of dogs in general through safe
practices, education and training.

To promote responsible dog ownership.
If you want to ...

Socialise your dog

Make friends

Explore the Valley

Be part of a network of animal lovers and animal professionals
...joining the Huon Valley Dog Walking Association may be just for you!
Contact us for more information and news of our forthcoming activities.
Email: huondogwalkers@gmail.com Ph: 62950326
Web: www.dogwalkingtas.org.au
Find us on Facebook
Issue 9, February 2015
Page 2
Pause for thought..
A SPECIAL MEETING
The HVDWA has come a long way in the last 3 years. We‟ve achieved
lots and enjoy an increasing awareness in the community. The committee feels that it‟s time to revisit our objectives and make whatever
changes necessary to keep us moving forward. It is important that all
members are given the opportunity to have input in this.
There will be a meeting at Cradoc Park Meeting Room, Channel Highway, Cradoc on Saturday March 7th in order to discuss our aims and
objectives and make changes if necessary. It starts at 5.30pm and will
be followed by wine, nibbles and a barbecue. There is no charge and it
should be a very worthwhile, enjoyable and interesting get together.
If you think you can come please RSVP ASAP to
huondogwalkers@gmail.com) so we can confirm the booking and organise the refreshments.
On page 2 there is an „About Us‟ which lists the current goals of the
association. Look forward to seeing you there.
PS: sorry no dogs for this one.
THE PERILS OF THE PERFECT POOCH
I‟ve just been reading a fascinating article, sent by a member,
covering health problems and ethical issues with pure breed
dogs. It doesn‟t seem right that some breeds have to endure pain
or the risk of disease just so they can win a „Best in Show‟. The
article‟s a bit long to put in the 'Tails of the Valley', but here‟s a
link if you‟re interested . http://ww.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/10/dog
-breeding-health_n_6598664.html
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU AND YOUR DOG
If you enjoy reading 'Tails of the Valley', why not contribute and
make it even better?
Photos of your dog, a birthday, a story about someone who is a
dog lover or any matter which involves dogs or dog owners in the
Huon Valley are most welcome. You can email your contribution
to info.hvdwa@gmail.com .
Please don‟t hesitate to call me on 0412535800 if you have any
questions.
Happy reading!
Rozel Duncan
Editor
Tails of the Valley is printed with the assistance of our sponsor,
Southern Tasmanian Veterinary Hospital.
Southern Tasmanian Veterinary Hospital
Unit 3/13 Sale Street, Huonville 7109
Ph: (03)6264 3002
Email: southerntasvet@gmail.com
Web: www.stvh.com.au
Issue 9, February 2015
Page 3
In the Pipeline
The ‘ Million Paws Walk’ is coming to the Huon Valley !
The Huon Valley Council and the RSPCA are organising the event which will be held on Sunday, May 17 th. Members of the Huon Valley Dog Walking Association will also be assisting on the day.
The Million Paws Walk will cater for all ages and fitness levels with walks various locations around Huonville. The newly fenced Dog exercise area
and immediate surrounds will be a focal point for fun events for all dog lovers and their furry companions.
This will be a fun day so please keep an eye out for more details .
Taste of the Huon
Members from the HVDWA will be donning aprons and gloves to form a „clean team‟ at the Taste on Monday, March 9th. We will also be operating
a car park patrol to look out for any dogs in cars which may be in distress.
Although the Taste is a ‟No Dogs‟ event, we feel that our presence will help raise the awareness of responsible dog ownership and who knows ,
maybe in the future our Pooches can attend. Of course, our fee for the day will go into the HVDWA coffers!
Other Business
Membership renewals
A reminder that membership for the financial year 2015 are now due so if you haven‟t renewed yet, you can do so by bringing your form to a walk,
posting the form in, or renewing online. A membership form with all the details is on the last page.
Pet Insurance offer to members
"Petsecure" Pet Insurance has offered a 10% discount on new policies to financial members of all associations linked to Tasmanian Dog Walking
Clubs. That includes us, financial members of Huon Valley Dog Walking Association. Petsecure has received a positive review in Choice Magazine.
If you‟d like more information, email huondogwalkers@gmail.com or phone 62950326.
Volunteers wanted!!
We need volunteers for our upcoming fund raising events. If you would like to help out at the Million Paws Walk or Taste of the Huon, please
email to huondogwalkers@gmail.com or phone 62950326.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2015
Susan Moore
President
Rozel Duncan
Vice President,
Newsletter Editor
Val Andrews
Secretary, Public Officer
Karen Cosier
Treasurer
Jo Ward
Walks Co-ordinator
Julie Nahmani
Michelle Gibbons
MEETING TIMES to June 2015
DAY
DATE
TIME
TYPE
Saturday
February 28th
10:00am
Ordinary
Saturday
March 28th
10:00am
Ordinary
Saturday
April 18th
10:00am
Ordinary
Saturday
May 23rd
10:00am
Ordinary
Saturday
June 27th
10:00am
Ordinary
Catriona Johnson
Diane Oats
Neal McGregor
Want to be involved ? You’re welcome at any of our meetings in
the comfy surrounds of DS Cafe in Huonville!
Issue 9, February 2015
Page 4
Christmas BBQ
A chilly December day presided over our 2014 Christmas BBQ , which was once again held at the home of David and
Susan Moore. Despite the cool weather, everyone enjoyed a fabulous lunch while catching up with friends and meeting
new members. Of course our dogs had a great time too!
Thanks to David and Susan for making us all welcome at their home.
A Plum Job
Some members gathered in Cygnet
recently to help Val Andrews deal with
her huge plum and berry crop. A perfect Tassie day for the little furry friends
to play while the humans did the work!
Issue 9, February 2015
Page 5
We were supposed
to be having a break...
While the committee was officially on holidays over Christmas and New
Year, those of us not out of the state were kept busy with a few events.
The Summer Survival Guide
For the holiday season, the HVDWA compiled „The Summer Survival
Guide..for Dog Owners‟ (SSG) , a booklet for Huon Valley residents
and visitors to the Valley. Designed to help dog owners enjoy the holidays while keeping their pets safe and happy, the SSG contained information on snakes and snake catchers, emergency Vet details, locations
of council dog exercise areas, pet friendly accommodation plus much
more. Around 500 copies of the SSG were distributed around the Valley throughout the holidays at various outlets and judging by the great
feedback we received, we‟ll definitely be doing another one next summer.
Tilly was coaxed out from her shady umbrella for
a photo of our stand at the Folk Festival
The cover of the SSG
Cygnet Folk Festival
Toby and Treacle with Jo and De-Arne working hard to raise
money for the Home.
There were lots of well behaved dogs and their humans enjoying the
wonderful atmosphere of the Cygnet Folk Festival in January. Our second year at the Cygnet Folk Festival was another success. From our
stand, which was located outside the Huon Valley Christian Life Centre,
we provided poo bags, water, treats, collars and leads if needed and
collected donations for the Dogs‟ Home, gave out bumper stickers and
sold some recipe books! Lots of people stopped by to say hello, with
several commenting on how good it was to see our club at the event. It
was a hot and busy two days but well worth it.
Many thanks to the Huon Valley Christian Life Centre for providing
space for us and allowing us to use their facilities.
Dogs’ Homes of Tasmania
In February, members of the HVDWA participated in the Dogs‟ Homes
of Tasmania collection day. Assisted by their cute pooches, Toby, Treacle and Luca, our volunteers raised over $450 from the stand outside
Woollies in Huonville.
Issue 9, February 2015
Trudy with Luca, the Dogs’ Home pin-up Pup!
Page 6
W ALKS : F EBRUARY - A PRIL
ALL WALKS COMMENCE AT 10.30A.M. Unless specified.
Don’t forget to bring poo bags and water for your dog(s)!
If the weather looks inclement on walk day, please check our website
www.dogwalkingtas.org.au
SATURDAY 14TH FEBRUARY: KENT BEACH, DOVER. Follow the
Huon Highway down to Dover then turn into Station Road (near the old
Dover Bakery) and drive along until you come to Kent Beach Road (on
your left) , follow this road along past the Dover Caravan Park until you
see a sign on the right that says “Dog Exercise Area” Park here and
walk down to the beach. Dogs are allowed off lead. As this walk is on a
Saturday and it is also St Valentine‟s Day the Sushi Shop at Geeveston
will be open so you can go back via Geeveston and buy some sushi for
yourself or your loved one!
WEDNESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY: HUONVILLE /RANELAGH. Meet in
the parking area near the Swimming Pool in Heron Street, from there we
will walk along Tennis Court Road, then Wilmot Street onto the new
walking track to the Village Green at Ranelagh then return and let the
dogs have a
run and play in the newly fenced Dog Exercise Area in Heron Street.
SUNDAY 8TH MARCH: CYGNET ESPLANADE Meet in the car park in
Cygnet (the one behind the Town Hall – enter between the IGA and
Chad‟s Garage) from there we will walk along Charlton Street and turn
right into the Esplanade. It is a nice scenic walk but is not off lead, however there is a pleasant spot at the end for the dogs to have a play in the
water and a nice grassy spot for us to have a rest.
WEDNESDAY 23RD MARCH: FRANKLIN FORESHORE. Meet in the
parking area behind Petty Sessions. Once past the Caravan Park the
dogs can go off lead until we come to the Wooden Boat Shed where
they will be back on lead while we follow the wooden walkway along as
far as Eldercare. The reverse applies on the way back.
SUNDAY 5th APRIL: COPPER ALLEY BAY. Drive through Cygnet, continue straight on through the roundabout and follow Lymington Road
past the Yacht Club for about 4kms in total, drive over the bridge and
then once past it turn into Nichols Road and drive down to the grassy
area. This is a nice walk but it is not an off lead one.
SATURDAY 18TH APRIL: CRADOC HILL. A favourite walk. If coming
from Huonville follow the Channel Highway to Cradoc and turn left into
Cradoc Hill Road by the sign that says Cradoc Hill Abattoir. If coming
from Cygnet you can come via Slab Road. After about 3kms you will
see a sign that says “Private Property”, drive straight past this and park
on the grassy area below the abattoir. Dogs are allowed off lead on this
walk.
The walk is a bit steep in places but there is a nice dam at the top for the
dogs to have a swim and a grassy area for us to have a rest.
Happy Walking!
Issue 9, February 2015
Page 7
New Members Welcome!
If you want to become a member, simply fill out this form and send it to the address
below or, join us on a walk and deliver it personally!
Membership Application/Renewal form
Huon Valley Dog Walking Association (Inc)
Financial year to October 2015
Member No:...............
Name (s).....................................................................................................................
Address .....................................................................................................................
Dog(s) Name(s).........................................................................................................
Phone(s).....................................................................................................................
Email.........................................................................................................................
Amount tendered $................. subscription for
 Ordinary Membership or  Family Membership
Signed:
.......................................................................................................
Ordinary Membership - $20.00.
Family Membership (2 adults and up to 2 children)- $25.00.
Enquiries to : 39, Slab Road, Cygnet, TAS,7112 Ph: 62950326
or kpcosier@bigpond.net.au
......................................................................................................
Pay: Huon Valley Dog Walking Association Inc.
Cash/Cheque/ EFT.
BSB 633108, Account No:144419819,
Reference is your surname: ___________________________ or
your membership number if you have one.
New members please forward this form with payment to the above address.
A receipt will be issued. A membership card will be issued for new members.
Issue 9, February 2015
Page 8