Dog Sculpture To Honor Memory Of Local Visionary

By Nicol Jenkins
Editor

A dog sculpture will soon welcome visitors to the Dr. Steven G. Paul Memorial Dog Park in honor of the park’s late founder.
Dr. Steven Paul DVM, who passed away last year from non-smokers lung cancer, will be remembered for his dedication to the community. The dog sculpture designed by Keith Bradley will soon be placed at the entrance of the local park.

“The Paul family is honored and wishes to donate this statute to the Dr. Steven G. Paul Memorial Dog Park,” said Dr. Paul’s wife Jill Paul, as she presented the sculpture to the Coral Springs City Commission. “It will be named Parker after our golden retriever and the name means ‘keeper of the park.’ It will welcome all dog and human visitors to the dog park.”

Coral Springs Mayor Scott Brook added, “He was a wonderful contributor to the community and is in our hearts. This will help his legacy.”
Dr. Paul passed away from BAC or non-smokers lung cancer in February 2007.

“He started wheezing and was diagnosed with pneumonia. But in October 2006, we discovered he had stage 4 lung cancer. It progressed so quickly. Chemotherapy didn’t work and we kept hitting brick walls,” she said.

Her husband was known in the community for his healing touch with pets. He owned Wiles Road and Cypress Wood animal hospitals. In addition, about twenty years ago, he started the non-profit organization called the Coral Springs Dog Day Run, now known as People Helping Pets, which helps various animal charities. He also opened Dr. Paul’s Pet Care Center Dog Park, the first dog park in Florida.

The City Commission renamed the dog park in his name hours before he passed away. “He was lying in ICU at the Coral Springs Medical Center and they wheeled a TV into his room. He was able to watch the Commission re-name the park. That was his dying wish. And for the Commission to do that for him, we will be forever grateful,” said his wife. “The park was his baby. It was one of his favorite achievements. He was a visionary and had a heart of gold towards people and animals. He accomplished more in 50 years of life than most do in lifetime. He received numerous awards, and he did a lot of good for the community and city.”

Paul says her two sons, 14-year-old Jordan and 13-year-old Kevin, are following in their father’s footsteps. Jordan collected $2,000 for the non-profit and would like to donate a police dog vest to the city.
“I will try to carry on his legacy and so will my kids,” she said.