That's right, it's been 10 years since MonDog (Montrose Beach Dog Owners Group) was formed with the crazy idea that there's enough room on the beach for everyone to share- people, birds, and dogs. It took 2 years of hard work and persistence to convince the Park District and Alderman to give us a chance to prove we could be good beach citizens. We we're granted a pilot area on the north end of the beach, a fence went up, and we've been there ever since.
Most of the original Mondog Board members have moved on to other endeavors, but MonDog still exists much as it did when we started, a small group of dedicated people who love the beach and want to make changes for the better. We've done our best and learned a lot along the way. It hasn't always been easy. It always seems like there's not enough resources to really do things the way they should be done. We have to work within the frame work of the Park District where nothing happens fast, and they're always short on funding. We've all got jobs and families and lives, but we've managed to keep Mondog going and working for the beach.
For all our work, what has really made Montrose Dog Beach survive and thrive for all these years are our beach regulars, the people who show up daily, weekenders, and even monthly users. They are the people who are out there all the time, who know and follow the rules, who take initiative to clean up when needed, and who fill in the new comers of "the ways of the beach". They are the dogs who know the score, how to share and play and swim and back off instead of fighting. They are the dogs that enthusiastically welcome you and your dog, and make your trip enjoyable. They are what makes our beach civilized, and we thank them for their dedication.
It's been 8 years that we've had a safe and legal dog beach. To celebrate our 10th year, we've set the goal to pay off our share of the fence bill, finally, and have a fresh slate next year. There's so many other things we'd like to accomplish, but fundraising has dominated our time. So if you love the dog beach as much as we do, please help us out and make a generous donation. Short on cash? We need volunteers to help with all kinds of stuff, so if you can't give money, how about giving some time?
So Happy Anniversary to all the MonDog Alumni out there! Please join us this fall for our anniversary party, and celebrate 10 years of our safe and legal dog beach!
"The Beach Is For Everyone"
