"No phone zone" in the park? Hell no, but common sense is in order...

Talk show icon Oprah Winfrey designated April 30 as national "No Phone Zone Day." The nation's Media Life Coach launched a ban on texting and using cell phones while driving. Makes perfect sense. Should human denizens of the Genesee off-leash park refrain from talking or texting on their cell phones?

As five-time Wimbledon champion John McEnroe might say "You can not be serious!"

Of course not. Most of us have used our cell phones at least once while we brought Sadie the Yellow Lab to Genesee.

But how many times have you seen some owner so engrossed in cell-phone conversation or texting that the individual doesn't notice.... her border collie taking a deuce on the other side of the park, his Viszla playing too rough with the other dogs, her Chihuahua sneaking out of the park.

Be a good steward when you and your canines visit the Genesee Dog Park. Ordering takeout from All Purpose Pizza or finalizing dinner plans at Verve Wine Bar and Cellar is flat out no excuse for neglect. Pay attention to your dog.

If you do what Oprah says -- and millions of people do -- sign her No Phone Zone pledge online:

http://www.oprah.com/questionaire/ipledge.html?id=4

Happy Pet Parents Day!

Happy Pet Parents Day from your friends at the Dog Denizens of Genesee Park (DDGP)!

Need another excuse for sending flowers or greeting cards? Need rationale to purchase yourself a new trinket? VPI Pet Insurance has designated April 25 as "Pet Parents Day" to salaute those of us who love and indulge the animals with whom we share our lives.

Is this self-created holiday a plot by VPI to lure us into purchasing pet insurance policies? No doubt. But it seems to make sense that caring, responsible pet parents receive their props for caring for our dogs, cats, ferrets, hamsters, etc. Comedian Jerry Seinfeld once observed that if Martians landed on earth and saw us walking our dogs -- strolling two or three steps behind and carrying poop bags -- that the aliens would think the dogs were in charge.

What do your pets provide? Nothing of monetary value... just intangibles. Love, companionship, and unwavering loyalty.

Well, today is not a time for false embarrassment or modesty. Celebrate your caretaker function. If you neglected to purchase an Apple iPhone, BlackBerry Bold or Motorola CLIQ for yourself to commemorate Professional Administrative Professionals Day... well, take this opportunity to atone and fork over the money. Freckles and Checkers would have wanted you to. Sadie implores you.