City Bark - Latest Bark Bits

11/30/10

As caring dog owners, it is our responsibility to manage the home environment and keep our dogs safe.

ü Use pet gates in your home to restrict your dog from areas that might be dangerous for him. This includes the area of the tree which might have ornaments that attract your pet and are unsafe for him to chew or play with, the water saucer beneath the tree that might contain bacteria or chemical preservatives, areas with lighted decorations and electrical cords, tempting baked goods and fruit baskets, etc.

ü Avoid decorating with, or keep out of reach, poinsettias, amaryllis, and potpourri which can be toxic in varying degrees to pets and humans.

ü Chocolate, rich table scraps, bones, grease and garbage should be kept out of reach of your pets. When preparing holiday baked goods, keep all ingredients away from your pet.

ü Most dogs want to enjoy the holiday visitors, but be aware that your active dog might overwhelm older or younger visitors and create an unsafe situation for both the human and the dog. Small or high-strung dogs might be overwhelmed by large numbers of guests. For the comfort of your dog and your guests, consider crating or restricting your dog to a bedroom during party time so he can take a break while you and your guests enjoy each other's company.

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Even though you are busy, continue with your dog's daily exercise routine. Go for on-leash walks and schedule trips to the dog park for some quality play time with your pet. "A tired dog is a good dog." You will enjoy this time to de-stress from the holiday as well

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STAFF AND OFFICE HOURS: We have a new dog park staff person, Ginny Vergadamo, and new office hours, 9am-5pm, M-F.

The dog park office is still located in the Friends of City Park trailer but will be moving to the new administration building on 1 Palm Drive in late December

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ROAD WORK: The FEMA road project is under-way to improve parts of Diagonal Drive and Magnolia Drive, two of the streets that border the dog park, and to resurface the parking area across the street from the dog park. Access to the dog park will not be impossible, but you might need to take a detour or alternate route...something we New Orleanians have become experts in for the past few years!.

LOST AND FOUND: We are collecting quite a few items in the lost and found box at the dog park. If you are missing something, please look there or call the dog park office at 483-9377 to see if it has been turned in there. (If we find swipe cards in the box, we take them to the office to notify you. Hint: If you write your cell phone number on your card, perhaps the finder will be able to locate you while you are still in the dog park.) Some of the lost items include leashes, glasses, sweaters, even keys...we wonder how that person got home!

PERMIT RENEWALS: All permits will expire December 31, 2010. Renewal permits can be downloaded online and mailed if you are paying by check or credit card. Please fill out entirely so that we can verify that we have your correct information. Your security card will stay the same so no need to come to the office unless you want to pay by cash. In order to allow everyone ample time to renew, we will not deactivate non-renewed cards until January 31, 2011. If you purchased your permit after August 1, you will receive a $10 discount if requested.

LEAF BLOWER RESPONSE: Special thanks to Jerry Lousteau from Canton, MS (displaced New Orleanian) and Rebecca Connolly for their donations and to William Hart and Pat Williamson to responding to our plea. As a result, we should be leaf free in the entrance plazza. What a great resonse!

UPCOMING EVENTS: Events: Mark your calendar for these special events. December 2: Gambit Weekly Pet Adopt-a-Thon. Make the holidays "dog"gone "purr"fect for local animals. A $25 donation will sponsor an animal and help find it a suitable, permanent home. The deadline is near, so call 504 483-3138 before 4pm on December 2for more information and to pay by credit card. A picture of the pet you sponsor, along with your name and personal message, will be featured in a special issue of the December 7 issue of Gambit Weekly. December 3 - January 2(except Dec. 24 & 31), starting at 6PM: Celebration in the Oaks in the City Park Botanical Garden and amusement area. Family friendly (no 4-legged family members, please) Christmas decorations, music, and fun. Visitwww.neworleanscitypark.comfor more information. December 4 (starting at 10am): Animal pictures with Santa to benefit Animal Helperwill be taken outside the gates at NOLA City Bark. (Visit the NOLA City Bark Facebook page for more information.) Picture CDs will be sold for $20. December 8 (noon): NOLA City Bark open board meeting in the Friends of City Park trailer across from Storyland. Come meet the board members and participate in our annual open board meeting. (No dogs, please.) Questions or concerns that you want to be discussed at the meeting preferably should be submitted toinfo@nolacitybark.org by 5pm on Tuesday, December 7. Be sure to include your name and daytime and evening phone number. Questions or concerns will also be accepted in writing at the beginning of the meeting. December 11 (11am - 2pm): NOLA City Bark holiday sale of NOLA City Bark t-shirts and doggy stockings. Volunteers will be at the dog park selling t-shirts, stuffed stockings for dogs and 2011 permits. December 11 (noon-2pm): Visiting foster dogs and shelter dogs will be at NOLA City Bark and available for adoption. If you need another furry friend, or know someone who is looking for a dog to adopt, this is a great opportunity to come out and see a dog in a social situation and learn if she is the right pet for you. We will also be collecting new or gently-used towels, blankets, training treats, puppy teething toys, ping pong balls (for cats), new dog toys, and canned dog and cat food for the LA/SPCA at that time. December 11, 12, 18, 19 (10am-3pm) and December 16 (3pm-6pm): Holiday Pet Photos,$25 per sitting, proceeds benefitting the LA/SPCA and Gulf Coast Doberman Rescue. Have your pet's photo taken with Santa or in a sleigh at Jefferson Feed, Pet, and Garden Center, 4421 Jefferson Hwy.