One of the best things about Prospect Park is its off-leash hours which allow dogs the chance to romp freely mornings and evenings. There are acres and acres of natural space for the dogs to play in. Watching all the dogs interact and galavant in the morning is the highpoint of my day. For many folks, it's also a chance for socializing and networking. Dog World, a book set in Park Slope, describes this park scene.
Hundreds of dogs of every size and description mingle with each other, chase balls and frisbees, and dive in lakes and streams. Doggie Beach is a small part of a pond reserved specifically for dogs to wade and romp around in. However, plenty of folks sneak off to other parts of the Park for the larger bodies of water and just keep an eye out for the rangers. There are even special drinking fountains just for the dogs. The squirrels seem to have clocks in their treetop perches as you just don't see them before the 9am cutoff. The Parks Dept. and NYPD patrol the park and if you are caught off-leash at 9:01, it's a $100 ticket per dog.
Despite the number of dogs living in the neighborhood, finding apartments that allow dogs is not easy. Many Park Slopers with dogs have moved further south to neighborhoods like Windsor Terrace or Kensington which are slightly more affordable and dog-friendly. Some folks drive to the Park each day or take car services with their dogs since parking is difficult to find. Many dogs get taken to the Park by dog walkers while they owners are off at work.
A local group, FIDO (Fellowship in the Interest of Dogs and their Owners) sponsors monthly get-togethers in Prospect Park called "Coffee Barks" where folks gather for free coffee, biscotti, and dog biscuits. In December, FIDO's annual "Bark! The Herald Angels Sing" features caroling and musicians, wassail and sometimes an open fire for chestnut roasting. FIDO also organizes lectures in the neighborhood on various dog-related topics.
