Heads up City Bark friends -

BARK BITS
June 2, 2014

 

BARK BAZAAR: NOLA City Bark will hold its first Bark Bazaar at the dog park on June 21 from 10:30am-2:30pm. Vendors offering all things canine are invited to participate, and several business have already registered. Registration is open until June 15.  The registration fee is $50 and benefits the dog park. Vendors keep the profits made from their booths and get great exposure to the canine community. Co-chairs Gene Goldring and Patty Burnaman are also looking for volunteers to help with the event. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering or buying a booth, contact info@nolacitybark.org and put Bark Bazaar on the subject line.


 Cooling Off  

MASH SPAY/NEUTER CLINIC: Villalobos Rescue Center, Supporters of the NOLA Intact Permit, and The Inner Pup dog training business are co-sponsoring a MASH Clinic on June 12 to spay or neuter dogs from the 70117 zip code. The surgeries will be free to the participants, who will be pre-selected by the rescue center owner, Tia Torres. Participating dogs will also receive free veterinary annual exams and vaccinations. Many people want these services for their pets but are unable to afford them.
Pet owners interested in having their dog spayed or neutered on June 12 can apply by calling Lindsay Goldring at (773) 929-9990. Contributions, which will be used to offer more spay/neuter vouchers, should be sent to Villalobos Rescue Center, P.O. Box 771127, New Orleans, LA 70117.

It is hoped the event will educate people about the benefits of spay/neuter both for the dogs and for the community.


 Dag

REMEMBERING DAG: Life. Love. Legacy: The canine community lost a hearty hero when Dagnabit, the celebrated namesake of Dag's House, a special-needs facility for dogs, passed away earlier this month.   A fetching pit bull with a soft nature but attentive gaze, Dag was the perfect poster boy for the business which was conceived in 2006 when his owner, Belladonna Day Spa founder Kim Dudek, began seeking post-op therapy for Dag's spinal surgery for ruptured discs, which left him weak, void of muscle mass and unable to walk.

Dag was 14 when he passed away. That he lived to such a ripe old age is a testament to his strong will and the excellent care and treatment he received at Dag's House.  Donations in his honor can be made to Dag's House Foundation, either by check mailed to 5316 August Av, Marrero LA 70072, or via PayPal at dagshouse.com or facebook. *Photo of Dag courtesy of www.amandajones.com.


                                   Saint                                      

BARK BUDDIES/PARK PALS: Melissa McDonald joined NOLA City Bark so her beloved rescue German Shepherd, Saint, could enjoy his senior years relaxing and socializing. After Saint died, Melissa and her Aussie, Memphis Minnie (named after New Orleans jazz great), were distraught but not yet ready to adopt another dog. Melissa decided to help at www.dogsondeployment.org, an organization that places pets with fosters while their owners are deployed, by fostering Cookie. Cookie enjoys daily trips to Country Club City Bark while her mom is away on Coast Guard duty. The dog park gives this energetic Lab Dalmatian mix plenty of room to exercise and play. Minnie enjoys her new friend Cookie, but is also loyal to Atticus, her favorite bark buddy, who waits for her to run into the park, Aussie style, and round up all the dogs. If Melissa doesn't pick up the car keys at the normal time for their daily trip to the dog park from uptown, Minnie stares until Melissa springs into action.


   Memphis Minnie

At home, Minnie and Cookie have a full toy box including favorite Fugley stuffies. Minnie's favorite place at home is by the window, where she watches the people and cars go by. New Orleans is a spiritual home for Melissa, who relishes the culture, from the sound of the streetcar to the music and food. Festival season is Melissa's favorite time of the year. Melissa's background is in public relations and marketing in the health care arena. Her career is in transition right now, and she is taking full advantage of the time to enjoy snuggling in the mornings with Minnie and Cookie.


Cookie

Tail Wagger! We are very happy to report that Cookie's human mom has returned safely from deployment and was reunited with Cookie at NOLA City Bark the first weekend in May. Cookie convinced her "mom" to join NOLA City Bark so she could continue to come to play with her new friends and see Minnie on a regular basis.
EVENTS CALENDAR

 


Thursday, June 12: Pause 4 Paws: Gather your dog park friends and head out to enjoy lunch or dinner on Thursday, June 12 at one of the many restaurants in the metro area participating in this fundraiser for the LASPCA. Visitwww.la-spca.org/pause
 to see a list of all the restaurants participating in this event. Each restaurant will donate 20% of their proceeds from June 12, 2014, back to the LASPCA. What a great way to enjoy delicious New Orleans cuisine and help the animals of our community at the same time!


 


GET A TICKET TO RIDE
Take a chance on a 2014 Bryan Subaru Forester!  All proceeds will benefit the restoration of City Park's historic carousel. Raffle tickets are $75 a chance and only 750 will be sold. The Subaru Forester drawing will be held on July 23, 2014 at Friends' Fest at 8pm in the Carousel Gardens Amusement Park.  The evening is an exclusive night for Friends of City Park members, featuring free admission, free rides, and live performers. For official rules, to purchase a ticket online or for more information on Friends' Fest, visit this link: http://friendsofcitypark.com/or call 504-483-9376.



'TIS THE SEASON:
Lakeview Veterinary Hospital reminds us that summer will soon be here, bringing with it canine parasites. Heartworms, fleas, ticks, and intestinal parasites can cause serious illness in your pets and even in humans. NOLA City Bark is treated regularly to prevent infestation from fleas and ticks, but it's still important for each permit holder to do his part in making sure precautions are taken at home to keep pets free of parasites. Contact your vet for parasite testing, prevention, and treatment and to purchase parasite prevention products.


GOT HOSES?
Eric Bajon is looking for people to donate new or gently used hoses for the dog park. If you would like to donate, send a message to
info@nolacitybark.org
 and put "hoses" on the subject line.


EVENT HAPPENINGS:
If you know of any non-profit dog related events that you would like publicized, please send information to info@nolacitybark.org


LIKE US ON FACEBOOK:
Join NOLA City Bark on our Facebook COMMUNITY PAGE.
http://www.facebook.com/NolaCityBark?ref=tn_tnmm


BREED PLAY GROUPS
All dogs participating in dog park play groups must have current
permits to NOLA City Bark.

BEAGLES: If your beagle loves playing with other beagles and you are interested in joining a beagle play group, contact Sam atSamuel.a.stoner@gmail.com

BOSTON TERRIERS: 1st Sunday of the month from 7-8pm. For more information, contact Leattu Perdue attravelbyleattu@yahoo.com

BRITTANY SPANIELS: Jean's dog, Ginger, is looking for other Brittanys' to join a playgroup. Contact Jean atjvc41@att.net.

GREAT DANES: 1st & 3rd Thursday of each month from 7-8pm. For more info., contact Ray or Sarah atinfo@noladanes.com

HAVANESE: Cynthia Nicholson and Roux would love to meet up with other Havanese owners on the weekends. Email her at cynthnicholson@me.com if you are interested in joining her
Havanese

ITALIAN GREYHOUNDS: Catherine Molony invites all IG owners to meet in the small dog park at 10am on the 1st Sunday of each month. Contact Catherine at cbmolony@gmail.com

MINIATURE SCHNAUZERS: Colleen and Susan have organized a miniature schnauzer play group that mees at the dog park from 10AM-11AM on the third Saturday of each month. If you and your miniature schnauzer are interested, contact Colleen atcolleenmooney@yahoo.com or Susan at diver16@hotmail.com

SAMOYED: Odina Canales and her 1 year old pup, Zsa Zsa, would like to start a play group for Samoyeds. Please email her atodina.canales@gmail.com if interested.

If you would like to start a breed
specific playgroup, email info@nolacitybark.org with the information. If your group is no longer active, please let us know so we can remove it from the newsletter.

Want to see your pooch in Bark Bits? Send a jpeg file to info@nolacitybark.org.

Vist www.neworleanscitypark.com for events happening in City Park.

Did you hear?

It is official...  Wisner Dog Park @ 4876 Laurel is open for pups until 9pm!  I sure hope people take good care of it and that the rules are followed so everyone is safe and can play!

City Bark

Just a quick update about the storm damage.  Considering the amount of rain and wind there was no significant damage. We did lose one of our large oaks on top of hill in small dog park but think it can be saved. Another large tree across the street from park came down and barely missed the fence.  It has been removed. There is a great deal of debris to be removed and we will all need to pitch in as the park can't do it.  I went over this morning and cleared a path to the gate.  The most surprising thing is that we have electricity and the gate is working Please consider bring a rake and garbage bag to help with cleanup.

We will ask permit holders to pitch in with cleanup Hope all of you have survived with minimal damage but assume many of you are without power If anyone is available tomorrow the park is asking for volunteers

Baby B

Please keep this little man in your thoughts...  He was attacked at City Bark yesterday and was very badly injured.  He is home (with tons of stitches) resting with his brother.  This photo was taken this past Thursday.

This is so sad... We loved Zeus!

In Memory: Zeus, "the elder statesman of the dog park," passed away on May 30. According to his mom, Kathy, "his death was natural, gentle, and peaceful and my husband Bill and I were with him as he took his last breath." Zeus would take his time as he hobbled from the van to his place inside the dog park where he would lie and watch all the activity around him. Kathy said that he loved to be in the company of the other dogs and that visits to the dog park made his last year full and satisfying. She thanks everyone who stopped by their station near the front gate to give him some love. His spirit will live forever in the dog park.

Lafreniere Park plans 4-acre dog park

From NOLA.com - Article

Few, if anyone, would argue that a dog disdains a good run. In tune with the rising trend to provide that, Lafreniere Park in Metairie will soon have a new fenced-in dog park to let the family pet off the leash.

The Parish Council set aside $300,000 last month, then asked for bids last week from companies willing to build the 4-acre compound on the north side of the park.

With dog parks at Bonnabel Boat Launch and City Park getting plenty of use, building one at Lafreniere seemed an excellent idea, park manager Barry McGuinness said.

“They seem to be very popular,” he said. “They seem to be what the community wants.”

The dog park will be enclosed alongside the Frisbee golf course, incorporating some of the rolling hills nearby, McGuinness said. A fence will separate the large dogs from smaller ones. Landscape architect Greg Cantrell is designing it to hold sidewalks, benches, gazebos and water fountains for humans and canines alike, McGuinness said.

Officials are hopeful bids on the construction could return by May, with the work taking about six months to complete, McGuinness said. “It’s going to be pretty basic,” he said.

Should the bids come in below the $300,000 budget, McGuinness said the park will use extra financing to enhance the dog park’s amenities. For instance, there could be enough money to build an obstacle course similar to the one at Bonnabel Boat Launch.

“We’re going to try to be fiscally responsible and get the best bang for our buck,” he said.

City Bark - News

Jackie et al are doing such a great job @ City Bark

FIELD TRIP FUN: Earlier this month, first grade students from St. Benedict the Moor School visited the SPCA and NOLA City Bark to learn about the proper treatment of pets as part of their Service-Learning Unit entitled "Care for God's Creatures." Board members Jackie Shreves and Kathy Schrenk met with the students outside the dog park and spoke with them about the dog park, its rules, and care of dogs. The students enjoyed watching the dogs play in the park and were lucky, with the permission of its owner, to pet a very patient and gentle Labradoodle who was entering the dog park. The students' service project will be to make dog biscuits, adoption bandanas, and cat toys and to collect newspapers and towels for the SPCA. The Brown Foundation is the sponsor for their project. NOLA City Bark Board strongly believes that education is the best prevention against animal abuse. If you have a school group that would like to visit the dog park, contact us at info@nolacitybark.org.

Bark Bits - Road Closures!

Attention City Bark friends... from Bark Bits

Run Jacqamo!

MARDI GRAS MARATHON

ROAD CLOSURES: On Sunday, February 13, the Rock 'n' Roll Mardi Gras Marathon, starting in the French Quarter, will finish in City Park. Driving into City Park will be difficult, if not impossible, between dawn and 3PM on Sunday.

Beginning at 6:45am until 2:45pm, the following streets in and around City Park will be closed in part or completely: Esplanade Ave., Wisner Blvd., N. Carrollton Ave., City Park Ave., Anseman Ave., Marconi Dr., Victory Ave., Dreyfous Dr., Lelong Dr., and Roosevelt Mall Dr. You can view a complete list of street closures and a race map atwww.competitor.com/community. Click on the New Orleans tab to pull up the information.

PERMIT RENEWALS:

All 2010 permits that were not renewed have been deactivated. Note: If you purchased your card after October 31, 2010, it is good for 2011. New permits and permit renewals are still only $35 and are valid through December 31, 2011. We accept cash, check or credit card.

Permits may be renewed by mailing or bringing the permit form to our office at #1 Palm Drive, NOLA 70124. The dog park office is open 8AM-5PM, M - F. You will keep your existing 2010 entry card and it will be activated for 2011 upon renewal.

Please help keep the permit fee low and prevent "gate crashers." Do not admit persons who do not have permit cards or who show a card that does not activate the gate release into the park. Remind them that they need to send in a renewal form and pay the $35 fee for 2011.

If someone has renewed for 2011 and is having trouble with the card card, they should come to the dog park office or call 483-9377 for assistance during business hours.

City Bark - Permit Renewal(s)

PERMIT RENEWAL: Woof-woof! That is your pooch reminding you to renew your permit! Board members will be at the entry plaza of NOLA City Bark this Saturday, January 29, from 11AM -2PM taking permit renewals and new permit applications. NOLA City Bark t-shirts and bandanas will also be available for purchase. All 2010 permits that have not been renewed will be deactivated beginning February 1, 2011. New permits and permit renewals are still only $35 and are valid through December 31, 2011. We accept cash, check or credit card. Permits may also be renewed by mailing or bringing the permit form to our office at #1 Palm Drive, NOLA 70124. The dog park office is open 8AM-5PM, M - F.

You will keep your existing 2010 entry card and it will be activated for 2011 upon renewal. After January 31, please do not admit persons into the park who show a card that does not activate the gate release. Remind them that they need to send in a renewal form and pay the $35 fee for 2011.

Bark Bits

HAPPY NEW YEAR: Happy New Year to all NOLA City Barkers! As we enter our second calendar year of operation, please remember that all permits will expire on January 31, and the entry cards of permits that have not been renewed will be deactivated. The permit fee is the same as last year, $35 for up to 3 dogs from your household...what a bargain! It's easy to RENEW. Just print out the registration form from our website, www.nolacitybark.org. complete it, making sure all information is legible and up to date and mail it with your check(payable to City Park/dog park) or credit card information to 1 Palm Dr., NOLA 70124. Your card will remain activated. And speaking of that address, we have finally moved to the new building on Palm Drive, behind the practice track, close to the railroad tracks off Marconi Dr. So don't look for the dog park office in the trailer by Storyland because "it ain't dere no more!"

REMINDERS: FOOD* Please remember that no food, either human or canine, is allowed inside the dog park. Some people have been using training treats with their pets on the agility equipment. With so many dogs around, any food may become an issue that triggers an aggressive incident. Also, and just as important, many dogs have food allergies and sensitivities. Food that is just a welcome treat to your dog could trigger a severe allergic reaction in another dog. Be considerate of the health of other peoples' pets. Within the dog park, use only praise as a reward to your dog for a job well done. LEASHES* Dogs must be on-leash when entering or leaving the dog park. Leashes should be removed only within the howdy gates. Off-leash dogs outside the park can become a problem as they approach on-leash dogs. Your off-leash dog is also at risk of injury with all the cars coming and going from the area. It is a city ordinance that dogs must be on-leash, except within the fence of NOLA City Bark, the only official off-leash area in Orleans Parish. MAINTENANCE* The dog park is closed for maintenance every Tuesday until 1PM. Your entry card will not work on Tuesday until 1PM, and even if the gate is open with maintenance workers coming and going, you should not enter the dog park. Tuesday mornings are used for grounds maintenance, insecticide application, repairs, and general cleaning. Gates are not secured then, therefore your dog is not in a completely fenced area; also chemicals or equipment might be in use that is hazardous to your pet. The maintenance crews need to be able to get their jobs done without interruption from dogs and visitors. Please visit after 1PM on Tuesday.

COMPASSIONATE CANINE: Narah Cano wrote in to tell us about a big hearted black lab that was more compassionate than competitive. He was in the large dog area and became interested in playing with a tiny tsi'zhu across the fence in the small dog area. They were enjoying playing together alongside the fence, and the lab began running. As the smaller dog tried to "race" to catch up, the lab slowed down and let her win. We can all learn so much about how we should live from our dogs!

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.

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.

ü

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

.

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

. .

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.

City Bark - Street Closures

Thanksgiving AM, will be the 103rd running of the annual Turkey Day race in City Park. Although the streets directly bordering the dog park will not be closed, Marconi, between Tad Gormley and Harrison Ave.; Harrison between Marconi and Wisner; and Wisner between Harrison and Zachary Taylor will be closed to vehicular traffic for the 5 mile race. Many of the interior park streets south of I-610 will also be closed. Check the route at www.runnotc.org for specifics.

Upcoming Events @ City Bark

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Events: The holidays are just around the corner; mark your calendar for these special events.

Saturday, November 13:

Gulf South Golden Retriever Rescue will be holding their first book sale on Saturday November 13, from 9am-3pm. This event will be held at Lakeview Brew Coffee Café, 5606 Canal Blvd., in Lakeview. If you would like to donate books, contact Alicia ataliciaborges@juno.com. For more information on this group, visit www.gulfsouthgoldens.com.

Sunday, November 14:

Take your "bark" to Lafreniere Park, 3000 Downs Blvd. in Metairie this Sunday, from11AM - 4PM, for the third annual Pet Fest. The event is free for owners and friendly, leashed dogs over the age of 3 months. Pet Fest features adoption opportunities and more. There will be food and music, agility demonstrations, an AKC dog show, games for people and dogs, a costume party, and many pet informational booths. For more information, visitwww.friendspetfest.org.

Friday, November 19: Support City Park by attending the Preview Party for Celebration in the Oaks on Friday, November 19, from 7:30PM - 11PM in the City Park Botanical Garden. Tickets are $100 per person in advance, $120 per person at the door. Experience the magical holiday decorations in the Botanical Garden while listening to music on six different stages and enjoying food and spirits from a variety of local establishments. Visitwww.neworleanscitypark.com for more details on this event and the Children's Preview Party.

Saturday, November 20: P.A.W.S. Dog Adoption Day will be at NOLA City Bark on Saturday, November 20, from 10AM - 1PM. Look for the dogs wearing "Adopt Me" vests and talk with their handlers about adoption possibilities. This is a good opportunity for you to bring a friend who does not own a dog to visit NOLA City Bark to consider adoption of one of these deserving animals. "Acquiring a dog may be the only opportunity a human ever has to choose a relative." Mordecai Siegal (b.1934)

Sunday Novembe 21: Celebration in the Oaks Children's preview party is Sunday, November 21, from 5PM - 8PM at the City Park amusement park and Storyland. This is the perfect way to start the holiday festivities with your little "elves." Food, music, amusement rides and holiday decorations combine to make this a special holiday tradition for the younger set.

Don't forget to let us know if you have an animal event that you would like to feature in Bark Bits: email,barkbits@gmail.com

Bark Bits - City Bark Police & Leaf Blower!

BARK BITS #22

November 10,2010

WHO LET THE DOGS IN?:

With this beautiful fall weather and so many NOLA City Bark permit holders eager to play at the park with their pets, the dog park is experiencing a large amount of activity, especially on week-ends. The greater density of dogs in the park makes it even more important for everyone to be a good citizen and follow the rules.

The dogs are more active, so please keep a close eye on your pet and be proactive in avoiding problems by walking your pet away from a crowded situation. In particular, do not allow dogs to crowd or rush the gate as others are entering. Move away from the gate area with your dog to visit with friends so that others may access the park easily.

Children 8 and over are allowed in the dog park with their parents. However, please remember that activities in the dog park are for the dogs. Parents, do not allow children to climb on equipment or trees, play in the water features, roll down the hills, or run in the dog park. Dogs might perceive your child to be "one of the pack" and respond by chasing, nipping or playing rough with your child.

And PLEASE remember to pick up after your pooch. We have had several complaints about the amount of dog waste in the park.

If your schedule is flexible, you might enjoy visiting the dog park on week-days before 3pm when it is much less crowded.

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.

LIGHTING: Now that Daylight Saving Time has ended and the days are shorter, our 6pm closing time makes it very difficult for many people to use the dog park during the week. We will be meeting with Entergy to explore the possibility of the installation of security lights and to see if the cost is feasible and if the lights will provide enough illumination to allow us to use the park at night.

CITY PARK POLICE: City Park police officers, Billy Bayle & Billy Mimms, will begin to visit the dog park regularly. Rather than just driving by, they will park and walk into the park. Please feel free to introduce yourself. Since we have received numerous complaints about children under 8 in the dog park & non-permit holders using the park, they will help us with these issues. You may call City Park police, 421-9307 and give the officer your name and remain at the dog park to speak with him when he arrives. Police officers are on duty Monday-Saturday, 9 AM- 7PM and Sunday 9 AM-8 PM. During Celebration in the Oaks, (Thanksgiving-New Years) they will not be available during the day. There is only one officer on duty at a time to patrol 1300 acres.

Please call the police only for the above violations or for matters of extreme emergency. Most disputes should be handled between permit holders and other violations reported toinfo@nolacitybark.org.

LEAF BLOWER NEEDED: If you have a gently-used, gasoline powered leaf blower or a new one you would like to donate to the dog park, it would be most appreciated. Lt. Joe and his CSWs have been doing a great job of keeping our entry and sidewalks clean and this piece of equipment would be a big help. If you would like to donate, let us know at info@nolacitybark.org. Thanks.

City Bark - Street Closures

STREET CLOSURES: The Voodoo Experience music festival will be held in City Park on October 29, 30, and 31. Although the streets directly bordering the dog park - Magnolia, Zachary Taylor, and Diagonal drives - will not be closed, you should be aware that most of City Park south of I-610 will be closed to vehicular traffic for those 3 days. The Henry Thomas Drive underpass flowing under the railroad tracks and I-610 will be closed. Additionally, Marconi Dr. from City Park Avenue to Roosevelt Mall will be restricted to one lane of traffic during the festival. Your best access route to the dog park will be from the north, along either Marconi Dr. or Wisner Blvd., turning in on Zachary Taylor.

City Park will put signs in NOLA City Bark parking indicating that parking is for dog park visitors only. However, we cannot guarantee that everyone will obey the signs. City Park will be extremely crowded the week-end of the festival. Early morning hours will be the best time to visit the dog park.

From Bark Bits - Heads up!

STREET CLOSURES:

TheVoodoo Experience music festival will be held in City Park on October 29, 30, and 31. While the streets directly bordering the dog park, Magnolia, Zachary Taylor, and Diagonal drives, will not be closed, you should be aware that most of City Park south of I-610 will be closed to vehicular traffic for those 3 days. The Henry Thomas Drive underpass flowing under the railroad tracks and I-610 will be closed. Additionally, Marconi Dr. from City Park Avenue to Roosevelt Mall will be restricted to one lane of traffic during the festival. Your best access route to the dog park will be from the north, along either Marconi Dr. or Wisner Blvd., turning in on Zachary Taylor.

From Bark Bits... This sounds fun!

AGILITY DEMONSTRATION:

On Wednesday, September 29, at 5:30PM, Cinda Walters and her Australian shepherds, Jake, Zeke and Riley, will present an agility demonstration at NOLA City Bark. Cinda has been enjoying agility training and competitions for 8 years. All of Cinda's Aussies are rescues, and she has been working with them since she adopted them. Jake, 7 years old, was rescued from Pine, LA when he was 4 months old. In 2006, he won first place in the United States in the 24" Australian shepherd division in agility. Zeke, age 5, was rescued from Franklinton, LA, when he was 6 months old. Both Jake and Zeke have earned the top ranking of Excellent in agility; both also hold titles in sheep herding. Cinda will also bring her more recent rescue, Riley. Age 2 years, Riley is from Florida and has only been training for about 6 months. It will be interesting to compare the "rookie" to Cinda's 2 experienced competitors.

The demonstration will be held in the field across from the dog park; the dog park will remain available to permit holders and their off-leash dogs. You may watch the agility demonstration with your dog, but she must be on-leash while outside the fence and viewing the demonstration. This program is free and open to the public. Non-permit holders are welcome to come and visit outside the dog park, but, as always, only registered dogs are allowed within the gated area.

Following the demonstration, Cinda will be glad to answer questions and will have information available on agility training lessons.

Thursday, September 30, is the rain date for this event.

PTL

City Bark reopens at 6am on Saturday the 11th!

No! No! No! Will we survive?

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