Bark Bits

RENEWALS: We have received several emails asking why our permits renew on a calendar year rather than a renewal based on the purchasing date. The decision was made prior to the opening of the dog park in order to develop an operating budget based on estimated costs and permit revenue. We wanted to avoid mailing monthly renewals and reminders because of our limited staff. We also needed to ascertain money available to operate the dog park each January. Because the dog park must be self-sustaining and because we are budgeting for a facility that has no maintenance history in this city, the calendar year approach was more manageable. The cost of the permit was kept low, less than $3.00 per month, in order not to make it onerous for those on a limited budget or those who wish to join mid-year; even for 6 months, it is still only $6.00/month. Because we realize that there was some confusion, permits obtained after August 1, 2010 will be sold at a $10 discount if requested at time of purchase. Woof, NOLA City Bark Board

Oops!: Some of the copy from the last Bark Bits was accidentally cut during formatting. The hints for safe holidays with your dog came from Dog Owner's Home Veterinary Handbook, by Carlson, D.; Carlson, L.; Eldredge, D.; and Giffin, J. New Jersey: Wiley Publishing, Inc. 2007. 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! PERMIT SALES: New permits and renewals are on sale now at the dog park office. If you are a renewal, you may just print out the form from our website www.nolacitybark.org and mail it with your check payable to City Park/dog park or credit card information to #1 Palm Dr. NOLA 70124. Your existing card will be reactivated. New permit applications may also be mailed in, but the cards must be picked up at the dog park office between 9am and 5pm, Monday-Friday. If you want a card mailed, please include $5 extra for mailing. We do request that new and renewal applications be filled out completely and clearly so that we have the correct, current information. Please print your email address so that we can correctly add you to our e-newsletter. The permit fee is still $35 for registering up to 3 dogs from one household.

End of Year Giving Help us light the park! Remember your favorite pooch with a donation to NOLA City Bark. All year end donations will be restricted to lighting the bark park. Checks should be made payable to "Friends of City Park-dog park", 1 Palm Dr., NOLA 70124. Bark Bits December 9, 2010 EVENTS Saturday, December 11 (11am - 2pm): Happening at NOLA City Bark 1. Great stocking stuffers-NOLA City Bark t-shirts and doggy stockings for sale. 2. 2011 permit & renewals.(GC available but recipient must fill out permit applicaton.) 3. Visiting foster dogs and shelter dogs will be at the park 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. 4. 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. Holidays (December 24, 25, 31; January 1): Although City Park administration offices are closed on federal and state holidays, the dog park will remain open for your use during its regular operational hours. Be advised, however, that maintenance will also have limited hours. It might be a good idea to bring a poop bag or two from home incase the poop stations do not get refilled as needed. Extra liner bags are tied at each station incase the liner bag becomes full. You may remove the full bag and put in the extra bag if needed.