By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Tails were wagging, tongues were hanging, and snouts were sniffing.
It was dog heaven for the canines that wanted to race, tussle and just sniff other dogs at the “Dog Day Afternoon” event on the acreage set aside for a dog park in Bowling Green.
“This is so much fun,” said Jo Ascunce, a member of the Friends of BG Dog Parks that organized the test run of the 1.39 acres in Ridge Park designated for a dog park. The fence on the south end of the dog park was temporary, but the event gave dog owners an idea of how it will work.
“This is a fun day for us as well as the dogs,” Ascunce said.
Right now, the Ridge Park space is a bit sparse – with many of the dogs and their owners hanging out under the shade of one large tree.
Friends of BG Dog Park, a nonprofit organization, signed a lease with the City of Bowling Green for the space at Ridge Park in July. The board of directors is in the process of interviewing design and project management companies and anticipates that construction of the dog park may begin this fall.
When it’s completed, the dog park will have new fencing, a walkway, trees, and maybe a water feature, Ascunce said. There will be divided areas for big and small dogs, plus a double-gated entrance to prevent escapes.
Those using the park on Saturday afternoon were asked to fill out cards with suggestions they have for the park – possibly from using dog parks in other communities.
“It’s going to be the community’s park,” Ascunce said.
The rules for dogs and their owners at the pop-up park were basic, and will remain when the permanent park is open:
- All dogs must be vaccinated, licensed, be of good temperament, and get along with other dogs.
- Dogs must be off leash in the fenced area.
- Owners assume all responsibility for their dogs’ behavior.
- Owners must be with their dogs at all times.
- Owners must pick up after their dogs.
The dogs attending on Saturday ranged from Griffa, a gentle German Shepherd, weighing 100 pounds, to 7-pound Mitzi, who stood her ground to much larger canines.
“She’s my pride and joy,” Jason Burns said of Griffa. “She loves people and loves dogs.”
When Burns moved to Bowling Green a few years ago, he and Griffa both missed the large dog park in their previous home in Montana.
“That was the biggest downside when we moved here,” Burns said of the city lacking a dog park. “She does know the words, ‘Do you want to go to the park?’ Her best friend in Montana was a 7-pound Pomeranian.”
On the other end of the size spectrum was Winston, an 8-pound Yorkie mix, brought by her owner, Cassidy Kibby, a Bowling Green State University student. Kibby said she was thrilled to hear about the dog park so close to her apartment a couple blocks away.
Jacqui Nathan brought Chip, a mix of Australian shepherd, pitbull “and a few other things.”
“I think it’s great. I think it’s fantastic,” she said of the dog park site.
In addition to exercise, the dogs were also learning to socialize with other canines. Bear, a 5-month-old chocolate lab, and Titus, an 8-month-old French bulldog, became fast friends. The two puppies took on the shape of one as they wrestled, with their bodies and legs tangled together.
Al and Michele Stricklen said they were looking forward to taking home a more tired Titus.
“He loves playing with other dogs,” Al said.
“It’s good for socialization and gets some energy worn off,” Michele said.
The Stricklens, who live in North Baltimore, have been taking Titus to a dog park in Findlay, but now will have another option.
“We’re right in the middle of both,” Al Stricklen said.
Also during the “Dog Day Afternoon,” a talent show was held so the dogs could show off their skills. Lilo came in third after laying down when asked to dance. Bear won second place for sitting in exchange for a treat. And Zoey captured first place with her ability to “high five” her humans.
The dapple colored mini-dachshund, was brought to the dog park by her “grandparents” Paul Obringer and Mindy Flegle-Obringer. As it turned out, Zoey had multiple talents, including chasing leaves.
“She loves to chase leaves and bark at literally everything – and nothing at all,” Mindy said.
The Obringers said they will “absolutely” be bringing Zoey to the dog park in the future.
“Dachshunds need attention and to burn some energy off,” Mindy said.
Terry and Angie Heinze, said their dogs have skills – but they forgot to bring the motivating treats. Nine-pound Winnie, a miniature Pinscher, did however make her appearance in a dress decorated with daisies.
Sophie, a Shih Tzu, weighing in at “too many” pounds, is trained to sit and “whisper,” Angie said. But repeated attempts did not bring out the behavior.
“She isn’t going to do it unless you have a treat,” Terry advised Angie.
Winnie doesn’t really have a talent, but more of a peculiar trait.
“Winnie’s a vegetarian. She will not eat meat,” Angie said. “She loves carrots, but if they are cooked with meat, forget it.”
So it’s sweet potato treats for the mini Pinscher – which brings about another unexpected behavior. “She smiles when she’s happy,” Angie Heinze said.
The Heinzes said they hope to bring Winnie and Sophie to the dog park once it’s completed.
“We don’t have a fenced-in yard. Here they can get some socialization and exercise,” Angie Heinze said.
Anyone interested in receiving updates may visit www.bgdogparks.org to sign up for the group’s mailing list.
