GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A Grand Rapids man is grieving the loss of his dog, Poppy, after the animal was fatally injured when a makeshift structure at a local park fell on top of him.
Gregory Polson, who took his chihuahua to Garfield Park on the west side of the city on Saturday afternoon, described the heartbreaking incident. Polson, accompanied by Poppy and another dog named Shadow, was at the Burton Woods section of the park, which contains several structures made from tree trunks, including tables and chairs.
It was there that the accident occurred. Polson recalled how Shadow had placed its paws on a chair, causing it to topple backward and crush Poppy, who had been sitting beneath it. The chair, which weighed an estimated 50 to 100 pounds, landed across Poppy’s neck.
“At first, I thought Poppy was just waiting for me to move the chair,” Polson said. “But when I tried to lift it, I realized something was very wrong.” Unable to free the dog by himself, Polson used both hands to lift the chair but found that Poppy was unresponsive.
Panicking, Polson rushed to the car, cradling Poppy in his arms. “I could feel his heart slowing down,” he recalled. “I just kept pumping his chest, hoping to keep him alive.”
Despite the efforts at a nearby animal hospital to resuscitate Poppy, it was too late. Veterinarians confirmed that the dog had suffered severe internal injuries, including four broken ribs, and they were unable to revive him.
In the aftermath of the tragic incident, Polson learned that the makeshift park structures, which were not installed by the Grand Rapids Parks Department, were likely the cause of the accident. David Green, a spokesperson for the department, confirmed that the city had no part in constructing the structures and stated that Parks and Recreation staff were working to secure the area with caution tape.
“We extend our condolences to Mr. Polson for the loss of his dog,” Green said. “Parks staff were able to identify the makeshift structures and have addressed the issue by securing the area and preparing to remove them.”
Polson has since expressed his concerns over the safety of these structures, emphasizing the potential risk they pose to others. “This could have happened to anyone—children, other pets. It’s dangerous,” Polson said, pointing to the now-secured chair. “My dog died because of this, and that’s painful enough, but this shouldn’t be happening in a public park.”
While Polson grapples with his grief, he is also left with a financial burden. The $1,087 vet bill for the resuscitation efforts has only added to the emotional toll. Polson is seeking assistance in paying the bill and has called on the city to take responsibility for the cost, given the circumstances surrounding the accident.
“The hardest part was telling my son,” Polson shared, his voice trembling. “He’s cried more than I’ve ever seen him cry. I haven’t cried like that since my mother passed away.”
As the community rallies around Polson, there is hope that both emotional and financial support will help him through this devastating time. Donations to cover Poppy’s vet bill can be made by contacting Target 8 at woodtv.com.
The tragedy has sparked further discussion about the safety of public park amenities and the need for greater oversight of such structures to prevent future accidents. As Polson has pointed out, if something so easily toppled could hurt a small dog like Poppy, it could easily harm children or other pets.
The Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, in response to the incident, has urged the public to report any unsafe conditions in the parks by calling 311, ensuring that similar dangers are addressed before another tragedy occurs.
