Let’s give a big round of allpaws to the staff of Friends of Mason City Dog Park for a successful turn out at the Annual “Doggy Dip.” Wednesday evening at the Mason City Family Aquatic Center, families could bring their dog to the pool to relax, play fetch, float on rafts and do the doggy paddle. And boy, did they turn out. Story and photos by Jody Spear and Kelly Meyer.|Let’s give a big round of allpaws to the staff of Friends of Mason City Dog Park for a successful turn out at the Annual “Doggy Dip.”
Wednesday evening at the Mason City Family Aquatic Center, families could bring their dog to the pool to relax, play fetch, float on rafts and do the doggy paddle. And boy, did they turn out.
Turning up the road, heading to the Aquatic Center, there were cars parked all up and down the road. The parking lot was full, and people and pets were still showing up. Asking the ladies at the gate if it’s been this busy the whole time, they replied, “Yes, it has. We even opened early. There were two different times advertised, but it’s been steady the whole time.” As people walked in with their puppies and dogs, most were more than happy to give “a free will donation” to help with the financial part of building the Mason City Dog Park.
There were all types of canines swimming, splashing, fetching, as well as making new doggy friends and shivering a bit. Miah, a three and half year old, Yorkshire Terrier was one of the shivering ones, “This is her first year at the Doggy Dip,” says owner Lisa. “She’s freezing, so we have to wrap her up in a towel.” When asked if Miah was a miniture “Yorkie” Lisa answered, “Well, I looked that up. They say there is no such thing as a miniture. People use that term, to get more money out of them. It really is determined by their parents and if they are smaller in structure, or perhaps they are the runt of the litter.” Lisa went on to explain a little about Miah, “There were three others in the litter, and they are bigger than her.”
Just like when people go to special events, there was a concession stand for the dogs and puppies that attended this event. The Community National Bank, provided Dog treats for all that came to swim. They had treats for all the different dog sizes and plenty of them, I think some got more than one. Some really knew how to work it.
It was time for all good dogs, to call it a night and go home. They were all good pets and didn’t cause any trouble. No police officers were called, no fights, thefts or disorderly conduct were reported.
The last owner and dogs to leave were Shelly McKee and her to girls, Asia and Abby. “Asia is half American Pitbull and half Terrier. This is her first time in water. I took them to Big Blue today, to introduce her to the idea of getting in the water. She was a little skiddish at first, but got used to it in a hurry, even going down the slide. She came to me from California. I have a friend there that told me that she was getting picked on, because she was smaller, so I said to send her here. The sleep, play, eat and even potty together. They do everything the same.”
A little information about the Mason City Dog Park:
The reasons the Friends of Mason City Dog Park give for wanting to build the Dog Park is to establish and maintain an accessible, fenced-in, off-leash dog park where well-behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment with their owners. They would be able to do this without disruption or endangerment to the citizens, wildlife or property within the Mason City community. They would like to develop a well-maintained open space for dog lovers and friends who are willing to abide by the park’s rules and restrictions.
Friends of Mason City Dog Park say, “The dog park will be for the entire North Iowa area , not just Mason City. All dogs must be licensed and up to date on their shots in order to use the park. As the dog park gets closer to completion, we’ll release an entire info sheets on the rules and expectations. We aren’t sure of all the rules as of yet.. we will set those (as a group) once we get closer to the park’s opening date. Right now, we really need everyone’s help for park design planning, fundraising and other “get started” needs. We would love for you to join our team of volunteers. If interested, let us know.”
Volunteers to attend our planning meetings, Thursday August 25 at 6:30 at the Dog Park (bring a chair) and Thursday, September 8 at 6:30 at City Hall, 3rd floor.
Volunteers to help at the Doggie Mixer, September 15.
Volunteers to provide resources, do you have a great doggy treat recipe? Can you make dog collar covers? If you could contribute to this we could use your help.
OR simply Send a Donation to:
Mason City Dog Park
c/o Pat Otto
10 1st ST SE
Mason City, Iowa 50401
If you are interested in volunteering, contact Linda at 425-3107 or linda@friendsofmasoncitydogpark.org.
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