I received the following email from Kristie:

I am a little frustrated today and do not know for sure who to contact. I first went to the park on 21st and Bethany Home to find out that it was closed and then proceeded to go to Friendship Park because I live on 67th Ave and Baseline. When I arrived there already was a family there with three dogs. I let my two go and their dogs proceeded to attempt to hump mine and try to dominate and this went on for about 10-15 minutes at most until I was very upset because the people were not controlling the dogs and I verbalized my opinion and frustration. Is there a way these dog parks can be monitored in some way because my dogs were unable to enjoy the environment due to rude people who cannot control their "puppies" which I have two of also.

Well, Kristie, I can appreciate your frustration--you aren't the first person to send me an email on this topic.

First of all, from time to time all dog parks will be closed for maintenance or irrigation, so I always recommend you call the day before to make sure the dog park will be available to you and your furry pals.

Now, about rudeness at dog parks. This is one of those things that happens. No one who is discourteous or inconsiderate ever thinks they are. It's like people who throw trash out their car window, and then complain that Phoenix isn't as clean as it used to be. But I digress. Dog parks are public places. All kinds go there. In order to make this great amenity available to the public and their dogs at no charge, cities around the Valley have to ask that people follow the rules, be considerate of others, and undertsand that if you have an aggressive dog, or a dog that is having a bad day, you should not take the dog to a public dog park.

All I can do is empathize, and direct everyone to these general dog park rules. Although I know of no dog park that is monitored by the city in which it is located, a call to that city's Parks and Recreation Department, or an email to them, couldn't hurt. Remember--when filing a complaint with any government office (or any company, for that matter) be professional and polite! If there's anything at all that can be done, you're much more likely to get action that way.