Tina Heckman and Sebastian Dog heaven may look a lot like Tina Heckman’s three–acre off–leash park near I-77 and Shop Road.

The shady haven, with a dog pool, water stations, and hose–off areas, along with plenty of chairs for owners’ comfort, seems like nirvana for dogs of all breeds and sizes. While some race back and forth or chase tennis balls, others visit their buddies and roll in the grass, just happy to be there.

But creating this doggie heaven takes a lot of mortal hard work and perseverance, especially on Heckman’s part.

Heckman, a certified dog trainer, has run the park for 12 years and has strict standards for the dogs and their owners, who pay $50 a year for 24–hour access to the facility.

“First, you have to understand that it’s about the dogs, and it’s not about you,” she said. “We don’t allow cell phones, food, or reading material in the park. The dogs must be neutered, have all of their shots, and be able to get along with everyone else.”

Heckman meets with every dog and its owner personally to establish the rules and to ensure the dog will not act aggressively towards its peers. Then the party begins, and for some ani- mals, it’s the best thing that ever happened to them.

“Coming to this park has changed Tag’s life,” said Elaine Baskin, a four– time–a–week visitor to the park. “His temperament is completely different. He’s become socialized to other dogs and other people.”

“What Tina has done here is amazing,” Baskin continued. “We all talk about what a great experience it is for our dogs.”

With 10 dogs of her own and years of dog training experience, Heckman said she recognized the need for an off–leash park in Columbia, primarily for the health and well–being of the canines and their owners.

“I see every day the impact and importance of having a dog well–socialized and well–exercised,” she said. “I’m passionate about dogs and see what amazing gifts they are, and they deserve to have a place of their own to run.”

It’s not all fun and games, however, and sometimes dogs can mix it up. During a recent hot Tuesday afternoon with about a dozen dogs in the park, two of them got into a minor disagreement. Unruffled, Heckman waded into the pack, separated them out, and instituted a cooling–off period. The pair was back in good graces within moments.

“You’ve just got to think like a dog and then act on it,” Heckman said, “There are less disagreements here than you will find in a park with kids in it.”

The membership, which stands at about 100, includes businessmen and women, retirees, lawyers, and military personnel, Heckman said. Many come at the same time every day, and others appear seasonally, such as the spring and fall. One common thread unites both the dogs and their owners, however.

“No matter where they are from, they are all friends here,” Heckman said.

Heckman’s Doggie Park is located on Humane Lane off Shop Road near I- 77. For more information or to make a dog evaluation appointment, call 608-0577.