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Dogs, owners invited to Sunday’s annual ‘Bark in Park’
By Lynn Hotaling
It may be in October instead of August, but this coming Sunday is shaping up to be a real “Dog Day.”
That’s because it’s time for the annual “Bark in the Park,” a fun and educational event for dogs (and their humans) that’s on tap Oct. 14 at Mark Watson Park.
Action will get under way at 1 p.m. with the Parade of Breeds and continue non-stop until the Halloween Costume Contest (for dogs and owners) and Parade at 4:30 p.m. Sandwiched in between will be informational programs, demonstrations and more contests and games, according to “Bark in the Park” organizers.
“We just have a great time,” said Margo Gray, of the Western Carolina Dog Fanciers Association, a dog owners’ group that sponsors the event along with the Jackson County Recreation Department. “We love sharing our dogs and talking about dogs with others who are interested.”
Jackson County Sheriff’s Office deputies David Lovedahl and Josh Yopp, with Cinta and Sonja, demonstrate the ways their Belgium Malinois dogs can help with a variety of law enforcement tasks during last year’s “Bark in the Park.” Both officers and their dogs, along with the Sheriff’s Office’s newest K-9 team, Deputy Jimmy Henry and Falco, will be on hand this year as well. “Bark in the Park” is slated for this Sunday, Oct. 14, from 1 until 5 p.m. at Mark Watson Park. The event will feature a variety of demonstrations, contests and games for dogs and their owners. – Herald photo by Kelly Timco
All well-behaved dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash and their shots are current, Gray said.
WCDFA is an American Kennel Club affiliate and holds a number of AKC competitions that are exclusively for purebred dogs.
“‘Bark in the Park’” is one of the events we hold each year that’s just for fun,” she said, pointing to contests like “Dog/Owner Look-alike,” “Best Trick” and “Best Kisser.”
Plenty of information will also be available, though, in order to give people more perspective on the responsibilities and rewards of dog ownership.
“Many dogs end up in a shelter because of the owner’s lack of knowledge,” she said. “Events like ‘Bark in the Park’ can broaden people’s understanding about what it means to have a dog and help them choose a pet that will fit their lifestyle.”
The opening “Parade of Breeds,” which will feature dogs belonging to WCDFA members, is another way Sunday’s event will disseminate knowledge, she said.
“The parade gives people a chance to see a variety of dogs up close,” Gray said. “They can talk to owners and ask questions about the dogs’ characteristics and needs.”
In response to parent requests, veteran dog obedience instructor Jane Finneran, a WCDFA member, will give several brief talks on dog safety for kids.
“Jane will talk with children about how to approach strange dogs and how to act around dogs,” Gray said.
Music will fill the air Saturday, thanks to disc jockeys Chris and Jennifer Allen of Haywood County, who will once again donate their services to the event.
Sunday’s short demonstrations will highlight a wide range of canine versatility and skills, from agility and obedience to herding and law enforcement, Gray said. WCDFA members and their dogs will teach the crowd about the sports of agility (dogs complete obstacle courses at their handlers’ directions) and rally obedience (dogs and handlers complete timed courses where the owner learns at each station which moves the dog should perform). Joe Parham of Candler and his 2-year-old border collie will herd sheep and ducks, and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office K-9 officers will discuss their dogs and the part they play in law enforcement. In addition to manning the concession stand, the N.C. Search and Rescue Dog Association will provide information about its role in assisting with searches across the country. Joetta Newman, a member of Search and Rescue, also belongs to the WCDFA.
Besides being informative and fun, Sunday’s event will be unique because of the diversity of the WCDFA’s membership, Gray said.
“We have veterinarians, people who board dogs, people who train dogs, members who breed and show dogs, AKC judges, people who compete in agility and rally ... that’s why we’re able to offer a comprehensive look at ways to have fun and improve the relationships between dogs and their owners.”
Last year’s “Bark in the Park” was the first time the event was held in Sylva, and club members are looking forward to a second event at Mark Watson, Gray said.
“We always have a great time at ‘Bark in the Park.’ It’s a great chance for families to be outdoors in the fall, and it’s a rare opportunity to include the family dog,” she said. “The weather’s usually beautiful, and the Halloween theme is a natural for kids.”
Admission to “Bark in the Park” is free, but there are small entry fees for the contests to help defray the costs of staging the events.
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