Bark for Life Adventures

I felt really good about our plans for the weekend. We were going to attend the American Cancer Society Bark for Life event and after doing our part we were going to play in the park  Somehow our weekend didn't quite work out the way I planned.  I learned two things this weekend. First, it turns out a car will not make it to your destination if directions are provided by two different mapping systems.  Second, the Curse of the Black Dog was upon me this weekend.

We arrived at our destination while they were still stetting up and we decided it was a great opportunity to explore the park.  It amused Marley to see the skate park was fenced in and kids had to go through some pretty heavy doors to be able to play. During our meandering we discovered a dog park, which meant we had to explore.

Tanzanite Community Park is about two acres around half of a small lake.  It contains a small developed area with benches and a drinking fountain.  The rest of the park is rather simple with a walking trail and native grass.  Dogs of all sizes are allowed inside; if your dog has issues with dogs who are smaller or larger you may not want to visit this park.

The view from one end of the park. 

Marley and Rose enjoyed exploring the park. 

 (Curse of the Black Dog:  can you find Marley?)

There was a lot of cool public art around the dog park.  

(Curse of the Black Dog:  can you find Marley?) 

After exploring Marley took a nap in the sun. 

We enjoyed the park quite a bit and after Marley's nap we meandered back to the Bark for Life event. It appeared rather empty and we were disappointed to have missed the event. 

Quick recap of the lessons I learned this weekend:  

1. Find one mapping system and use those directions.  
2. If early to an event, wait by the event.  Side trips while fun will cause you to miss the event.
3. Black dogs, while wonderful are susceptible to the Curse of the Black Dog.

Desperate Landscapes is Renovating a Dog Park

While doing research on dog park design I made a delightful discovery, groundbreaking has just happened at the 2011 Beneful® Dream Dog Park.  I was even more excited to discover Jason Cameron, who hosts DIY Network’s “Desperate Landscapes” and is managing the renovation. I hope this means the park construction will be filmed.

The renovated dog park, which will be unveiled in summer 2012, will include many fun features, such as water splash pads to keep puppies cool during the summer; exercise paths with hills to climb and tunnels to explore; a large fetch field for big dogs and a mini-fetch football field for small dogs.  The best feature in my opinion is the community gathering spot, which will be used as a fundraiser.

Marley is a bit upset to discover the 2011 Beneful® Dream Dog Park Contest winner Honey Belle was able to participate in the groundbreaking at the new dog park. Marley thinks all groundbreaking is her responsibility.

Honey Belle Breaking Ground at the 2011 Beneful Dream Dog Park .

I'm looking forward to learning more about the construction of the renovated dog park.  Actually, I'm dusting off my graph paper and I'm starting my design for the 2012 contest.

Fun at the Park

 Marley and I invited Rose and Axle to the park with us the other day.  Rose, the pitbull puppy is at that teen puppy age where she knows what you want and will think about it before giving you a full body pout and maybe doing as you asked.  Axle is the tiny black chihuahua that doesn't know he is a tiny dog.

Rose and her big brother Axle. 

Rose really wanted to play.

Marley on the other hand spent some time interacting with other dogs. 

 "Hahaaa...the dog doesn't realize how uncool he is in a sweater!"

 "Will you play with me?"  

"What do I have to do to convince everybody I don't play with puppies"

"Please make Marley play with me"

After a while Marley surprised everybody by initiating play with Rose.  It was very cute, Marley walked up to Rose, bumped her and took off running.  She then circled back to bump into Rose and play bow. Unfortunately, Rose doesn't consider the chasing game as fun.

 Play with me, please

When we first met Rose she was smaller than Marley.  She is now a big girl who is working at becoming a service dog and once she overcomes her teen puppy stage, I'm sure she'll be great.

Dog Park Tour

Marley and I love traveling and I've become interested in dog park design. One cool and overcast day we gathered two friends with dogs and piled into my car and set off on the 2009 Dog Park Tour.

While Marley had fun sniffing and meeting new dogs, I spent the entire time photographing cool and unique features at each park.

Phoenix Park in Fair Oaks
I love this park, it has three sections:  Large Dog; Timid/Tiny Dog; and Small/Gentle Dog.  They are very careful of the lawn and they tend to close the park to prevent damage the lawn.  I would advise you to check their website prior to heading out.  My favorite feature is their pool area, which is surrounded by permeable pavers.  Permeable pavers allow water to soak through to the ground and prevent the area from becoming a muddy and unsafe.

Auburn Ravine Dog Park in Lincoln
This is simply the largest dog park I have ever seen; both the small and large dog areas are gigantic.  We parked in the rear and entered through a fun nature area.  The small dog area has a huge old oak tree in the center.  The best feature is the french drain at the water faucet.  It directs the water away and prevents a muddy mucky mess and it looks fantastic.

Bear Dog Park in Roseville
This is considered the best dog park in the region;  I think it is nice and has some great features.  The small and large dog areas are a substantial size.  There is a walking path with decomposed granite with a grassy area in the center.  There are a lot of shade features and this cool puppy play equipment area.  Both the sides of the park have the play equipment.  The park also features a dog shower where you can hose off your dog prior to taking him home.

C Bar C dog park in Citrus Heights
The large dog area is enormous they have a shady oak grove towards the rear and it is fabulous if you have a large dog.  The small dog area was added after a tragic accident and is rather small.  The coolest feature is the Hole in the Fence so you can toss out the used poop bags.  It struck my as a unique and totally cool.

William Hughes Dog Park in Roseville
I found this park by accident, it is a hidden gem.  While on the small side overall, both sides are a good size.
The best feature is a fenced off quarter for training.  This is simply awesome of you want to work on some off leash training.  This is also one of the only parks with a dog like sculpture on the outside.  I love the dog angel bench.

I'm starting to plan for 2012 Dog Park Tour and I would like you to recommend any cool parks that you have visited.  We like road trips so location is not a problem.

I just wanted a tree

I've been up at "OMG its EARLY" two weekends in a row and I've started to wonder what went so wrong.

A while back I took Marley to her favorite park and we saw signs on all the trees in the small dog section; the trees were all going to be removed.  The trees were a big draw for us and I became concerned so I contacted the number on the flyer and did not receive a response.  I eventually contacted the park district to inquire about the tree removal and replacements.  

I was a bit unsettled by the response from the park district and I started to do some research about our park.  I learned the park was one of the first in the region (in 1990) and it was considered quite revolutionary.  At that time the park district signed an agreement with the founding members.  That agreement created the dog park association; which maintains the dog park. Today, park design tends to include amenities such as a dog park in the planing stage of a new park. 

Trees in the park were a major draw for me and I started to evaluate the park and amenities and compare Marley's favorite park with others in the region.  I became very upset when I realized how other dog parks are managed and maintained.  At this point it would have been smart had I picked out a new favorite park; instead I turned into Norma Rae. 

The dog park members rallied and we attended park district meetings and we expressed our distress with the lack of basic amenities in the dog park and at times unhealthy conditions.  The park listened to our concerns and after much debate agreed to work on a dog park master plan that would revitalize our park. The park offered to split the cost of renovating the park with the dog park association.

We have a lot of money that needs to be raised for the park to begin construction and in the last few months we have changed our approach.  We will be holding fundraisers every month until we have enough to begin construction.

Last week we staffed a gift wrapping booth at Pet Express.  

This week we held our 1st Annual Calendar Photo Shoot.  It was a huge success. Good Day Sacramento did a brief story on our event.   The photos were taken by Micheal Hall, who graciously donated his time.  Coffee was donated by Starbucks.  Donuts were donated by Richard's donuts, Raley's and BelAir and Safeway.  Goodie bags were donated by Incredible Pets. 

If you are in the area we welcome your attendance at an event.  I would also recommend you to check how your favorite dog park is maintained and if there is a dog park society in charge of maintenance I would encourage you to make a donation. 

As I was setting up yesterday in the frost covered lawn, I realized I still don't know when the removed trees will be replaced. 

Calling All Super Models

In December 2010 the Carmichael Recreation and Park District (CRPD) approved the Carmichael Dog Park Proposed Renovation as part of the District-Wide Master Plan after hosting three community meetings during which CRPD staff heard public input regarding renovation and improvements at the dog park. The resulting Proposed Dog Park Renovation includes upgrading the infrastructure, adding trails, seating, shade, new fencing, and enlarging the small dog park.

Due to economic times the Park District offered to share the cost of renovations with the Carmichael Canine Corral (at times also known as Carmichael Dog Park Society).  This is one of the many fundraisers we will host in order to raise sufficient funds to start renovations for a healthier park.

Cover Girls Need a Whole Month!

The 1st Annual Calendar Photo Event will be held on December 17, 2011 from 10-1 p.m. at Carmichael Park. A professional photographer will ensure all dogs that attend will be in the calendar. There is no charge for participating.

My Cover Girl wants her own month. There is the option for all those fabulous Super Models who wish to donate $50 for their own month.

The calendar can be pre-ordered on December 17th for $15 or you can purchase your calendar at a later date for $17.

Vendors will be present and there will be Free Doughnuts, Coffee and Cocoa. See ya there!

Beneful Dog Park Makeover Winner

Congratulations to Jennifer and Honey Belle for winning the 2011 Beneful $500,000 Dog Park Makeover for her park in Birmingham, Alabama.

Jennifer and Honey Belle's vision is simply marvelous and Marley wants to go to their new park.

Some of the features I really like are:

• The club house that can be rented for parties which would raise money for park maintenance
• The self-serve dog wash as a fund raiser for park maintenance
• Plenty of shade
• Bone shaped water feature
• Built in agility course
• Separate training area

I love that Jennifer thought about how the park was going to remain awesome and incorporated that in her plan.    I'm very excited about the dog park and I can't wait to see it complete.  I believe a cross country road trip is in our future.

I think its time for me to dust off my graph paper and start planning for the 2012 contest.  

Dream Dog Park Contest

Congratulations to the 15 finalists in the Beneful® WagWorld® Dream Dog Park Contest!

To celebrate the relationships people have with their four-legged best friends, the Beneful® brand has created the WagWorldTM Dream Dog Park Contest – in which they will award a $500,000 makeover to one lucky dog park!

Contestants entered 2 minute videos about their dog park, in which they show their local park, and describe their Dream Dog Park.

Limit one (1) vote per person, per day. WagWorld.com registration required. Voting ends on September 8, 2011.

To Vote:

• Review the Finalists’ entries
• Choose your favorite
• Go to your favorite Finalist’s page and click “Vote for this Entry!” You can only vote once per day

Marley and I are very excited to see two finalists from California with fabulous ideas. The most difficult part is picking a favorite.

Last year Pat McNeely and Koda won the First Beneful® WagWorld® Dream Dog Park Contest and their new park looks awesome!

Pool Plunge at Cameron Park Lake

I think the best way to spend a warm summer day is by taking my non-swimming dog to a swimming event. This event is hosted by the El Dorado Dog Owners Guild; they are raising money for two new dog parks in the county. We attended this this event last year and we had a great time, even if Marley didn't want to go swimming.

This year we met this tiny little dog that was not a happy camper. His mom would wade out and set him down in the water and he had to swim back to shore. He totally had a Marley attitude!

As we entered the play area, Marley bolted. I started to panic because this is not normal behavior for her and I couldn't find her anywhere. After searching in all the shady spots and casting suspicious looks at the people watching their dogs. I finally found her in the last place I expected to see my dog...in the water, I couldn't believe it! I know you won't believe it either, due to the curse of the black dog...

I got a close-up! Yes, this is my crazy dog in the water.

I'm not quite sure if she was chasing something or just playing in the water. After playing in the water for a bit and resting in the shade. We decided to visit some of the vendors and we discovered a little bit of HEAVEN!

Pups-n-Cups coffee is a wonderful mobile Coffee and Gourmet Dog Treats business. I had a great beverage and Marley enjoyed a Doggie Donut. The owner was totally fabulous and she also provides individual cups of shampoo for an emergency bath after swimming.

This is one of my favorite events and we plan on attending next year.

Fun at the Beach...

I've been hearing about Point Isabel Regional Shoreline for a long time and while not quite what I expected, it was still a lot of fun. The weather was typical of the coast, cool in the morning and warm in the afternoon. There were a lot of dogs running free; however, while we were there everybody behaved. Marley became a totally different dog at the coast, it was a bit weird.

Marley ready to party!

She raced Zeus to the water.

My non-swimming, non-fetching dog jumped into the water after a tennis ball. My heart nearly stopped, I was sure she was chasing something gross and dead. I was totally blown away she just jumped into the water after a BALL.

Marley and the boys after a quick swim.

Zeus and Riley - "Sandwiches, did we hear that right?"

Marley - "Take the damn picture already"

We all enjoyed a pleasant snack behind the Sit and Stay Cafe. Marley is ready to return to the coast.

I heard the beach is supposed to have sand!

Celebrating the Sun

According to Marley there is only one way to celebrate warm sunny days.

Black and White Day

Marley has been sick and we have spent a lot of time at home, driving each other crazy. Yesterday was simply gorgeous and we couldn't resist a trip to the park. Unfortunately nobody told us it was black and white day at the park.

Marley meeting a black and white Pomeranian.

Marley meeting another black and white Pomeranian mix.

We had a great time, until Marley noticed the UFOs on the horizon. She does not like kites, she insists on barking at them until they go away.

We are on a Mission

Marley and I are on a very important mission. We are trying to find the best, secret dog play spot. So far we have found a wonderful green field at a local high school and a fabulous enclosed green field in a quiet neighborhood. I was so surprised to find the secret enclosed green field; it is tucked away between a couple of houses and it appears the neighbors have taken it over for their dogs. I'm going to use it to practice some jumps with Marley. If you happen to have a secret dog safe play area we would love to hear more about it.

"More secret running spots, please"

I've noticed Marley does the weirdest thing after a walk. She will lay down and begin sniffing her paws and she will spend quite a while smelling herself until she has inspected her whole body. I wonder why she does this?

Pooch Plunge at Cameron Park Lake

El Dorado Dog Owners Group (EDDOG) is raising money for the construction of two dog parks in El Dorado County. The Pooch Plunge is a great event where dogs can run and play in the water. It is really special because normally pets are not allowed at Cameron Park Lake.

I was a bit concerned because Marley normally does not like any water activities; however, when we arrived she immediately ran into the water.

She played along the shore and stopped when the water began to deepen.

She took breaks in the sand watched the crazy, ball fetching labs.

She made friends.

After an hour when it was getting hot, Marley chose to break in the shade.

We saw a Riley twin (Labradoodle mix).

Overall, we had a great time at this event. I think Marley likes the gentle slope of the lake and the small waves. She is very adamant at stopping when it becomes warm. I look forward to more of these events.

Congratulations to...

The winner of the Beneful WagWorld Dog Park Contest is Pat McNeely & Koda!

See the winning entry here: Newton Dog Park in Johns Creek, GA.

The park will contain a rubberized mulch trail around the perimeter of the one-acre park and a water spray area with a dog pool.

It sounds so exciting, Marley and I may have to take a trip to Johns Creek in order to check this out when it is complete.

What would your dream Dog Park look like?

Congratulations to the 10 finalists in the Beneful® WagWorld® Dream Dog Park Contest!

To celebrate the relationships people have with their four-legged best friends, the Beneful® brand has created the WagWorldTM Dream Dog Park Contest – in which they will award a $500,000 makeover to one lucky dog park!

Contestants entered 2 minute videos about their dog park, in which they show their local park, and describe their Dream Dog Park.

Limit one (1) vote per person, per day. WagWorld.com registration required.

To Vote:
•Review the Finalists’ entries
•Choose your favorite
•Go to your favorite Finalist’s page and click “Vote for this Entry!” You can only vote once per day

Marley's favorite park is one of the finalists and we encourage you and your friends to vote as often as possible.

Hagan Dog Park

We recently attended the grand opening of Hagan Dog Park. It is the first dog park in Rancho Cordova and it is the result of over 5 years of fund raising by committed volunteers. It is over 2 acres and is split into three sections. There are 2 large dog areas and one small dog section. All sections have a concrete pad and access to water. There are a ton of trees within the large dog sections and the small section is simply huge.

The event was simply one of the best I have attended. There were fly ball and agility demos. There were a ton of booths with information. It seems like the entire city turned out to support the dog park.

Marley patiently waiting to enter the park.

Ribbon cutting ceremony.

It was very well attended.

There were various city officials, who attended the grand opening. Including, a police officer and a narcotics dog.

A search and rescue dog was also part of the festivities.

As soon as we were allowed to enter the park Marley found the best rolling spot.

She rolled around for about 10 minutes totally ignoring all other dogs. She always looks so happy when she is rolling around.