Lilypad
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There are thousands of prints on the beach at Quiet Waters Park, but most of them aren't human. The dog beach at the county park outside Annapolis was key in snagging a spot in the top 10 dog parks in North America. 
The dog park complex at Quiet Waters, which also includes separate fenced-in areas for large canines and small and elderly pets, ranked No. 6 in a list compiled by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Dog park regulars weren't surprised by the park's accolades.
"It's clean; it's nearby; it's great for socialization," said Susan Beach of Annapolis, who was at the park yesterday with Lucky, her 3-year-old mutt.
She usually takes Lucky to the fenced-in area of the park where she can watch him interact with other dogs.
"I feel like a mom at the tot lot," she said. "That's just what it's like."
The number one park on PETA's list was Point Isabel Dog Park in Richmond, Calif., which is the largest off-leash dog park in the United States and has a self-service dog wash.
Colleen O'Brien, a spokesman for PETA, said the organization called for submissions on its Helping Animals Web site about a month and a half ago.
She said the group considered 46 dog parks after receiving e-mails from about 250 people. Ms. O'Brien said they received nominations for parks in Canada, as well as more than a dozen states from South Dakota to Florida.
She said the various parks' amenities were considered in the rankings, including things like fencing, off-leash areas, swimming areas and available water.
Spencer Seibert of Annapolis said he comes to the dog beach about five times a week with Jessie, his 2-year-old German shepherd. He stood on the beach yesterday morning and tossed a white ball out in the water as Jessie bounded after it.
"Short of being on the ocean, it's the only place I know where you can take your dog to get wet," he said. "She gets excited as soon as she gets in the car because she knows nine times out of ten, this is where we're going."
The dog park at Quiet Waters opened in Dec. 2001 and was the first one in the county. Now, there are dog-friendly areas or beaches at Broadneck Park, Bell Branch Park, Maryland City Park and Downs Park, as well.
County Executive Janet S. Owens said she was "delighted" to hear the news of Quiet Waters' ranking.
"That's incredible," Quiet Waters Superintendent Michael Murdoch after hearing the news of the park's spot on the list.
He said that the park's strong group of volunteers are a key factor in upkeep of the dog park.
"We're very proud to be in the top 10," Mr. Murdoch said. "It shows you what a demand and need there is for open spaces for pets and pet owners."
The other parks nearest to Annapolis in the top 10 are in Rocky Top Dog Park in Princeton, N.J. and the Bea Arthur Dog Park Norfolk, Va., named after the star of "Maude" and "The Golden Girls," which was built by PETA.
Suzanne Murphy makes the trip to Quiet Waters from Baltimore with her two boxers once or twice each week. She said Baltimore has a dog park, but not as nice as Quiet Waters' beach.
She said one of the biggest advantages is the dogs get a lot of exercise at Quiet Waters. "They have their heads out the window on the way down and they're asleep on the way back," she said.
The dog park complex at Quiet Waters, which also includes separate fenced-in areas for large canines and small and elderly pets, ranked No. 6 in a list compiled by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.
Dog park regulars weren't surprised by the park's accolades.
"It's clean; it's nearby; it's great for socialization," said Susan Beach of Annapolis, who was at the park yesterday with Lucky, her 3-year-old mutt.
She usually takes Lucky to the fenced-in area of the park where she can watch him interact with other dogs.
"I feel like a mom at the tot lot," she said. "That's just what it's like."
The number one park on PETA's list was Point Isabel Dog Park in Richmond, Calif., which is the largest off-leash dog park in the United States and has a self-service dog wash.
Colleen O'Brien, a spokesman for PETA, said the organization called for submissions on its Helping Animals Web site about a month and a half ago.
She said the group considered 46 dog parks after receiving e-mails from about 250 people. Ms. O'Brien said they received nominations for parks in Canada, as well as more than a dozen states from South Dakota to Florida.
She said the various parks' amenities were considered in the rankings, including things like fencing, off-leash areas, swimming areas and available water.
Spencer Seibert of Annapolis said he comes to the dog beach about five times a week with Jessie, his 2-year-old German shepherd. He stood on the beach yesterday morning and tossed a white ball out in the water as Jessie bounded after it.
"Short of being on the ocean, it's the only place I know where you can take your dog to get wet," he said. "She gets excited as soon as she gets in the car because she knows nine times out of ten, this is where we're going."
The dog park at Quiet Waters opened in Dec. 2001 and was the first one in the county. Now, there are dog-friendly areas or beaches at Broadneck Park, Bell Branch Park, Maryland City Park and Downs Park, as well.
County Executive Janet S. Owens said she was "delighted" to hear the news of Quiet Waters' ranking.
"That's incredible," Quiet Waters Superintendent Michael Murdoch after hearing the news of the park's spot on the list.
He said that the park's strong group of volunteers are a key factor in upkeep of the dog park.
"We're very proud to be in the top 10," Mr. Murdoch said. "It shows you what a demand and need there is for open spaces for pets and pet owners."
The other parks nearest to Annapolis in the top 10 are in Rocky Top Dog Park in Princeton, N.J. and the Bea Arthur Dog Park Norfolk, Va., named after the star of "Maude" and "The Golden Girls," which was built by PETA.
Suzanne Murphy makes the trip to Quiet Waters from Baltimore with her two boxers once or twice each week. She said Baltimore has a dog park, but not as nice as Quiet Waters' beach.
She said one of the biggest advantages is the dogs get a lot of exercise at Quiet Waters. "They have their heads out the window on the way down and they're asleep on the way back," she said.
