By Hannah Bodnar — Correspondent
Echo the golden retriever stood patiently as Minute Man National Historical Park Ranger Thompson Dasher consulted his list of questions.
“Will you bag your poop and take it with you?” Dasher asked.
“Yes,” said Joeleen O’Neil, on Echo’s behalf, holding up a used dog waste bag.
“Will you always keep your dog on a leash?” Dasher inquired, looking down at the leashed dog.
“Yes,” O’Neil answered.
“Will you respect wildlife?”
O’Neil nodded. “Yes.”
Dasher read the last question: “Do you know where you can go with your dog?”
“Yes,” confirmed O’Neil.
Dasher signed the certificate and handed it to O’Neil, who signed her name and Echo’s. Reaching into his pocket, Dasher pulled out an official green bandana and handed it to O’Neil. She tied it around Echo’s neck.
It was official: Echo had become a sworn B.A.R.K. Ranger.
Very good pups… and owners
The B.A.R.K. Ranger Program aims to promote responsible practices from dog owners in Minute Man National Historical Park that follow the B.A.R.K. acronym guidelines:
B – Bag your poop and take it with you.
A – Always have your dog on a leash (six feet maximum, and “don’t let your human leave you unattended.”)
R – Respect wildlife (Don’t harass or harm wild animals by making noise or chasing them.)
K – Know where you can go (parking lots, picnic areas, roads, and designated trails.)
Dasher said visitors typically learn about the program from Minute Man’s social media posts, but in some cases from visiting another national park, as it’s Park Service-wide. Different national parks may have their own pet policies, such as off-limit areas and where to dispose of poop bags.
The goal is to “allow responsible pet recreation in the park, and the whole program is meant to encourage that,” Dasher said.
Other local parks participating in the B.A.R.K Ranger program include Boston National Historical Park, Lowell National Historical Park, and Acadia National Park.
A space for everyone
Inside the Visitors Center, Minute Man has B.A.R.K. Ranger bandanas and certificates with the Ranger pledge on them.
They do double duty: They’re cute mementos and also help advertise the program, familiarizing other dog owners with B.A.R.K. and encouraging them to follow the guidelines with their pets.
“The whole idea is to spread the word,” Dasher said.
The program is seasonal and, this year, runs through October 31. Membership is free.
To certify your dog as a B.A.R.K. Ranger, ask staff at the Minute Man National Historical Park Visitor Center.
