West Hartford Dog Park

ALL Council candidates support dog park

2011-10-26T11:00:00.002-04:00

The League of Women Voters of Greater Hartford has just released its 2011 Voters' Guide for the West Hartford municipal election and one of the major Issues at a Glance is: Are you committed to seeing that West Hartford establishes a dog park? All twelve candidates answered "Yes"!

For those interested in viewing the Guide, here is the link:
http://www.lwvgh.org/r/voterinfo/2011/2011-WH-VotersGuide.pdf

Join us for the Park Road Parade - Saturday, October 1st

2011-09-20T20:29:00.002-04:00

Please join the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition as we march with our pups in the 13th annual Park Road Parade!

Park Road on Parade is Saturday, October 1st

*FINAL INSTRUCTIONS*

The parade begins at: 10:30 a.m.
Participants should be in place no later than: 9:30 a.m.

We are in DIVISION 4 between Marc's Appliance Warehouse and ProCourier, Inc.

Line up on the south side of Park Road at the first entrance to the Convent, across from the Prospect Cafe.

PLEASE NOTE: Political signs not allowed.

Remember to wear your green WHDPC t-shirt or other green shirt. Well-behaved dogs must be on leashes no longer than 6 ft. Please clean-up after your dog and bring water if it is a hot day.

We are looking forward to a great turnout in support of the Dog Park!

Any questions? email or call Caroline at barkeater@sbcglobal.net 860.985.4797

Pooch Plunge Raises Money for a Dog Park in West Hartford

2011-09-11T20:47:00.001-04:00

Click here to view a great story by Adam Chiara on this year's Pooch Plunge.

2011-09-11T20:36:00.000-04:00

Please join the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition as we march with our pups in the 13th annual Park Road Parade! Details are below.

Park Road Parade
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Parade steps off at 10:30AM at Ringgold Street and ends at South Quaker Lane
Wear your green WHDPC t-shirt or other green shirt to show your continued support for the Dog Park!
Well-behaved dogs may march on leashes no longer than 6 ft. in length
Our meeting time and place will be announced as the date gets closer

Any questions, please contact Caroline at barkeater@sbcglobal.net

Pooch Plunge is Monday!

2011-08-19T11:45:00.002-04:00

The 2011 Pooch Plunge, our 4th annual, will take place Monday, August 22 at Kennedy Pool in West Hartford. There will be two sessions available for your dogs: 3:30 to 5:15 and 5:30 to 7:30; pool will be cleared between sessions.

Admission is a $5 donation per dog per session, additional donations gladly accepted!

All dogs must be licensed with their CT Town to participate (tags will be checked at entry). No dogs will be admitted without their license, so be sure you have it with you!

This event is possible due to the generous support of the following sponsors:
Uberdog
REI
Andrea Zmenyak-Liberno / Allstate
The Good Dog Spot
Planet Bark

Have questions? Contact Caroline Gaetano: WestHartfordDogPark@gmail.com

Final Parade Info

2011-05-25T19:22:00.000-04:00

We look forward to having a great turn-out for this year's Memorial Day Parade!

A few reminders:
Parade is scheduled for Monday, May 30, 2011 at 10AM!

The WHDPC is in the Third Division and will assemble on Farmington Avenue WEST of Newport Avenue. We are between the Ballet Theatre Company and Hwang's Martial Arts. Please plan to be there by 9:45AM.

Well-behaved dogs on leashes less than 6ft. in length are welcome! Be mindful that it may be a hot day, so plan to carry some water for your 4-legged friend.

This year the parade will highlight the Greatest Generation. So, in addition to wearing your green WHDPC t-shirt, or other kelly green shirt, please consider getting creative and make a pin or sign that respectfully thanks our WWII Veterans.

The parade ends at the Town Hall. For those interested, there will be a brief ceremony immediately following the parade at the West Hartford Veterans Memorial (corner of Farmington Ave. and Main St.).

Join us in the Memorial Day Parade!

2011-05-18T15:25:00.004-04:00

Please join us as we march in the upcoming Memorial Day Parade scheduled for Monday, May 30, 2011 at 10AM! This year the parade will highlight the Greatest Generation. So, in addition to wearing your green WHDPC t-shirt, or other kelly green shirt, please consider getting creative and make a pin or sign that respectfully thanks our WWII Veterans.

Well-behaved dogs on leashes less than 6ft. in length are welcome! Be mindful that it may be a hot day, so plan to carry some water for your 4-legged friend.

RSVP to barkeater@sbcglobal.net so we have some idea of how many marchers to expect!

Check back soon for updates on meeting/line-up location.

Status of the Project

2011-05-05T10:02:00.003-04:00

A lot as happened the last couple months with the dog park project, and I apologize for not keeping up with the blog. As you know, the coalition and supports were thrilled with the prospect of a parcel of land donated by West Hartford Place Condominiums (Home Depot, BJ's & Aldi). Unfortunately, their offer has been withdrawn.

A meeting was held last night with the mayor & other town officials to discuss the future of the project. To read an excellent summary of the meeting, please see this article:
http://mywesthartfordlife.com/community.php?cid=4&id=1817

The WHDPC is gearing up to march in the Memorial Day Parade in a few weeks. We'd love for you to join us! Check back soon for details...

We need your HELP in this critical point in our project!!!

2011-03-07T11:43:00.012-05:00

The Coalition needs your help now more than ever before to make the goal of a West Hartford Dog Park a reality. In the coming weeks, your participation in the process will help to determine the fate of the dog park.

Our formal application to locate the dog park on Flatbush Avenue has been submitted to the Town Planning and Zoning Commission. The application will be discussed and voted on at the April 4th TP&Z 7:00pm Meeting (please arrive early!!!). If the TP&Z approves our application, it will then be discussed at the April 11th Town Council Meeting.

Show Your Support

It is important that there is a room full of supporters at these meetings, so please put the dates on your calendars now! In addition to your physical support at these meetings, we are looking for people who would be willing to stand up and share their support for the dog park with the members of the TP&Z and Town Council. Please email us if you would be willing to speak. Also, letters and emails submitted to the TP&Z and Town Council will become part of the official record that will be reviewed when these groups determine whether to approve the dog park. Your support letter could help make a dog park become a reality. Please email your letters to:
mila@westhartford.org , Scott.Slifka@yahoo.com , TimBrennanTC@gmail.com , DeniseBHall@comcast.net , StevenIAdler@hotmail.com , Shaboyz@comcast.net , Judy.Casperson@gmail.com , LSDavidoff@sbcglobal.net jfv82@comcast.net , elleng@westhartford.org , westhartforddogpark@gmail.com

To ensure that your letter is part of the record reviewed by both TP&Z and Town Council, please print two copies of your letter and address them to both:
· TP&Z Chairman Theodore Doolittle c/o Mila Limson; and
· Mayor Scott Slifka c/o Ellen Guest

Both letters can go in the same envelope and be sent to:
· Town of West Hartford, 50 South Main Street, West Hartford CT 06107

Distribute Flyers Door-to-Door
Members of the Coalition will be going door-to-door in the Charter Oak neighborhood to hand out flyers and discuss the project with residents. If you are available over the next few weekends and would be willing to help, please email us and let us know.

Spread the Word
Talk to your neighbors, friends and co-workers. Tell them about the dog park, the meetings and how they can also get involved. Remember, the more support we have, the better our chances of having our application approved and making the West Hartford Dog Park a reality!

Brownstone Bakery For Dogs Appriciation Night

2011-03-05T17:38:00.002-05:00

Calling all dog walkers, groomers, pet sitters and anyone else who lovingly cares for a four-legged friend...

Join the Brownstone Bakery For Dogs for a special Dogs After Dark. Bring your dog, bring your friends, bring your friend’s dog. Enjoy a glass of wine while your furry friend romps around and samples their tasty fresh-baked treats.

Thursday, March 10, 6:00-7:30 pm
Brownstone Bakery For Dogs, 16 Ensign Drive, Avon

For more information call: 860.677.2111

Neighborhood Meeting Thursday!

2011-02-18T09:16:00.001-05:00

The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition would like to invite you to join us for a friendly neighborhood meeting next Thursday, February 24th at 7:00 p.m. in the Charter Oak Elementary School Auditorium. We will be discussing our upcoming plans to submit an application to the Town Planning and Zoning Committee to locate the future West Hartford Dog Park on Flatbush Avenue.

Have questions about the dog park and the Coalition's proposal to TP&Z?

Please let us address them!

Want to support the project as we move forward?

Please come out and share your opinions and let others know why you think having the West Hartford Dog Park on Flatbush Ave is a great idea!

All are welcome

Happy 2011!!!

2011-01-03T14:51:00.003-05:00

(Photo Credit: prettyfluffy.com)

Happy New Year! As we begin 2011, we wanted to take a moment and thank you for all of your hard work on the dog park project in 2010 and provide an update for 2011. 2010 was a very busy year for this project. The group has undergone the process of vetting two potential sites (Fernridge Park and Flatbush Avenue), participated in the Memorial Day Parade, Celebrate West Hartford, the MADD walk, and the Park Road Parade, raised funds at the Blue Back Square Charity Tastes and Toasts events, and held the 3rd annual Pooch Plunge event. The success of these events could never have been possible without the support of our volunteers. Thank you for your continued generosity and support! In 2011, we expect to have another busy and exciting year. The Town has been working very closely with the businesses who currently own the property off of Flatbush Avenue (Home Depot, BJ's, and Aldi's) to create an agreement for the Town's use of the land for a dog park. We had hoped to have that agreement completed by December, but the timeline has now been changed to the end of January. Once that agreement is in place, we can work with the Town to go through the Zoning process, work with the Community to finalize the design, and begin fundraising. In preparation for these next steps, we will have a Coalition meeting in January/February to discuss the next steps in more detail and determine volunteer needs. More to come on this meeting soon. Again, we wish everyone a happy new year and we look forward to working with you on the dog park project in 2011. Thank you, The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition Leadership Team

Community meeting Tuesday night

2010-12-06T20:53:00.002-05:00

Please join the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition in showing your support for the dog park project by attending an information meeting on three major projects impacting the New Park Avenue / Flatbush Avenue neighborhoods. The meeting will be held at Charter Oak School, 425 Oakwood Avenue, on Tuesday, December 7 at 7 PM, in the school auditorium.

The agenda includes:

· A status report on the proposed Dog Park on the grounds of The Home Depot, 503 New Park Avenue
· An update on the DOT Flatbush Avenue flyover bridge and Busway project
· An overview of the New Britain Avenue road improvement project slated for Spring 2011

Presenters will include Town Manager Ron Van Winkle, Community Services Director Rob Rowlson, and Leisure Services Director Jim Capodiece. Residents will have an opportunity to ask questions.

We hope to see you there! (Don't forget to wear your green dog park tees.)

West Hartford's annual Halloween Costume Pet Parade

2010-10-20T10:34:00.002-04:00

Don’t miss West Hartford's annual Halloween Costume Pet Parade!

Dress up your pet in your favorite halloween costume and come join the fun! Judging for the best costume in each category to be awarded. Prizes and gift baskets!!

When: Saturday, October 23rd; 8:30am Registration; walk begins at 9:00am
Where: Meet at the registration table in town hall parking lot
Cost: $5/pet

Judging will be held at the Blue Back Square Pavilion. Free parking in the town hall parking lot. Enter gate at 50 South Main St. The event will be held rain or shine!

BYOPB, (Bring your own poopy bags)
(If applicable, all proceeds will be donated to The CT Humane Society).
If you would like to help volunteer for the event, please contact Julia Buckley at: Julia.buckley@hotmail.com

*Please note that this is not a WHDPC event.

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND

2010-10-07T18:14:00.003-04:00

Blue Back Square Charity Tastes N' Toasts Series to benefit the WHDPC
Wednesday, October 20th from 5pm-9pm
Pick up your admission button at The Counter!

Help the WHDPC raise the funds necessary to build and maintain a Dog Park off Flatbush Avenue! Experience a variety of cuisines and receive discounted drinks, appetizers and/or meal specials at a variety of eateries within Blue Back Square.

Visit our table at The Counter and pick up an admission button with each $10 charitable donation! Hear about the Coalition's Next Steps to make the Dog Park a reality.

Receive a map of participating eateries within Blue Back Square and enjoy a drink, dinner or appetizer special at the participating establishments.

We hope to see you there!
WHDPC Leadership Committee

Thanks for walking in the parade!

2010-10-07T18:11:00.002-04:00

A big thank-you to those of you who came out to walk in the Park Road Parade with us October 2. It was a beautiful day!

Join us for the Park Road Parade - October 2nd

2010-09-11T18:51:00.002-04:00

Please join the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition as we march with our pups in the annual Park Road Parade!

Park Road on Parade on Saturday, October 2nd

*FINAL INSTRUCTIONS*

The parade begins at: 10:30 a.m.
Participants should be in place no later than: 9:30 a.m.

We are in DIVISION 1 between Sisters of St. Joseph and Children's Museum of Connecticut.

Line up on the north side of Park Road beginning at the corner of South Highland. Enter parade site head-on from Park Road.

PLEASE NOTE: Political signs not allowed.

Remember to wear your green WHDPC t-shirt or other green shirt. Well-behaved dogs must be on leashes no longer than 6 ft. Please clean-up after your dog and bring water if it is a hot day.

We are looking forward to a great turnout in support of the Dog Park!

Any questions? email or call Caroline at barkeater@sbcglobal.net 860.985.4797

Pooch Plunge photos have been posted!

2010-08-28T13:08:00.003-04:00

This year's Pooch Plunge was another sucess. Thank you to the hundreds of people and their 4-legged friends who cam out for a swim.

The photos, courtesy of Lisa Asp - owner of Studio 970 Photography, have been posted on our website (http://www.westhartforddogpark.org/) - just follow the link on the "Pooch Plunge" page or click "photos" in the bottom right corner. 100% of the proceeds from your order will be donated to the West Hartford Dog Park, so be sure to order any images you love!

Blue Back Square Charity Tastes N' Toasts Series to benefit the WHDPC

2010-08-28T12:58:00.002-04:00

Wednesday, September 1st from 5pm-9pm

Pick up your admission button at The Counter!

Experience a variety of cuisines, while helping the WHDPC raise the funds necessary to bring a Dog Park to West Hartford. Participate in Blue Back Square's Wednesday Night Tastes N' Toasts Series, a weekly event hosted by a different restaurant and including discounted drinks, appetizers and/or meal specials at a variety of eateries within Blue Back Square.

Visit our table at The Counter and pick up an admission button with each $10 charitable donation!

Take the opportunity to learn about the WHDP Coalition's efforts to bring a Dog Park to town.

Receive a map of participating eateries within Blue Back Square. Enjoy a drink, dinner or appetizer special at the participating establishments.

We hope to see you there!

Only 10 days until the Pooch Plunge!

2010-08-13T13:39:00.003-04:00

We're very excited for this year's pooch plunge. The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition has the momentum going and we're seeing more support than ever before. We're looking forward to seeing you all come out for the 3rd annual Pooch Plunge on August 23rd. Details are below, in the previous post. Don't forget--your dog needs to be licensed in order to enter so be sure to attach the current license to his/her collar!

Thank you to this years sponsors:

REI
West Hartford Pet Sitters
Pet Supplies Plus
Andrea Zmenyak-Liberno/Allstate Insurance
K-9 Kouture
Peace of Mind Pet Sitting

Third Annual Pooch Plunge is Scheduled!

2010-06-28T13:50:00.002-04:00

Join the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition for our third annual Pooch Plunge! The dog swim event will be held the evening of Monday, August 23rd at Kennedy Pool in West Hartford from 3:30pm – 7:30pm. Mark your calendar for the best dog event in West Hartford! Admission is just $5.00 per dog per session. Because this continues to be such a popular event, we will be splitting the swim into two sessions: from 3:30pm – 5:15pm and from 5:30pm – 7:30pm, AND clearing the pool in between. Please plan accordingly!

For those who have not participated in the past, we hold the event the day after the pool closes for the summer. Dogs are given open access to the pool and get an opportunity to socialize with other area dogs. For pictures from last year’s fun event (courtesy of Lisa Asp and Studio 970 Photography), watch the slideshow:

Make sure your dog is licensed! Please note that only dogs with a current license in their town will be allowed to participate. If you are a West Hartford Resident, click here for details on getting your dog licensed.

This year we will have Sponsor Coupon Books for you to take home and take advantage of a variety of discounts/offers at a later date. Please be sure to thank our sponsors for thier support!

A little humor with breakfast...

2010-06-16T09:16:00.002-04:00

Congrats to our winners!

2010-06-15T07:41:00.003-04:00

What a terrific weekend at Celebrate West Hartford, despite Saturday's weather. So many of you stopped by to ask questions and show your support. We collected several hundred signatures for our petition, which will be an important factor in our application for the Town Planning and Zoning. In addition, there were a LOT of people who took part in our raffle. The gift basket winners have been notified and are:

Basket #1 Going away to summer camp - Ticket # 176968 - Heather
Basket #2 Making the house a home - Ticket # 176541 - Melissa
Basket #3 A LONG weekend without the dog - Ticket # 176958 - Liz
Basket #4 A little something for them, and a little something for us - Ticket # 176599 - The Marshalls
Basket #5 Take a pretty picture - Ticket # 176627 - Chris
Basket #6 Forget about the dog, it’s all about me - Ticket# 176636 - Tim

Thanks again for all your support! Continue to watch the blog and join our Facebook page for updates and event notifications. If you'd like to be more involved, we're always looking for volunteers! Send us an email (WestHartfordDogPark@gmail.com) or attend an upcoming meeting. The next one is for the Fundraising Committee and will be this Thursday evening (June 17) at 7:00 at Town Hall, Room 217.

Celebrate West Hartford!

2010-06-10T20:48:00.002-04:00

The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition will have a booth this weekend at Celebrate West Hartford. Stop by to purchase your very own green T-shirt or Dog Park button, sign our petition, and get you questions answered about the progress of the project. You'll find us in booth 81, between Town Hall and the police station, near the food court. While visiting our booth, be sure to take part in our gift basket raffle. Buy some tickets and choose which basket you'd like to try to win. So far we have 6 great prizes available:

Going away to summer camp
Uber Dog 10 Day Doggie Daycare Pass
Pet Supplies Plus dog bed, collar and leash, toys and treats

Making the house a home
Studio 970 Photography $200 Gift Certificate
Pier One Gift Certificate

Weekend without the dog
Halls Market Gift Certificate
Planet Bark 2 Day Overnight Stay

A little something for them, and a little something for us
Bravo! Dog Food gift basket
A Little Something Bakery Gift Certificate and lb. of coffee
Dog bowl, chews, treats, outside toys, Chuckit

Take a pretty picture
Honey Haven $45 Gift Certificate
Christopher David Photography Gift Certificate for pet-portrait session, including 2 framed 8x10 prints

Forget about the dog, it’s all about me
Moda Rey Salon pedicure gift certificate
Fit To The Core 4-week Boot Camp certificate
Mary Kay sunscreen skin care products

We hope to see you this weekend!

June is Dog License Renewal Month

2010-06-07T22:04:00.000-04:00

June is dog license renewal month in Town Clerks' offices throughout the state, and the West Hartford Town Clerk’s Office mailed postcard reminders to over 3,000 dog owners, urging owners to make their pets “legal.”

State law requires all dogs over 6 months of age must be registered and receive a dog tag annually. The numbered tag serves as identification for any pet that may wander away from home. The annual cost for dog licenses is $19.00 for unaltered animals and $8.00 for neutered or spayed animals.

In addition, all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and a certificate from the veterinarian must be presented in order to purchase a license. If a pet is being licensed for the first time and has been altered, a certificate from the vet again must be presented.

This year, the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition has a donation jar in the town clerk's office. While you're renewing your license, we'd love it if you would throw a few bucks in the donation jar to help kick off our fundraising efforts! With 3,000 licensed dogs in West Hartford, we only need to raise $20 per dog to fully fund the building of the dog park.

Applications for dog licenses may be made through the mail or in person at the Town Clerk’s Office. You may reach the Town Clerk's office at (860) 561-7430. The office is located in Town Hall, Room 313, 50 South Main Street. The office hours are Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Tuesday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Thursday, 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM, and closed Friday.
http://www.west-hartford.com/TownClerk/DogLicenses.htm

Great turnout for the parade

2010-06-02T14:52:00.003-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to march in the Memorial Day parade with the West hartford Dog Park Coalition! It was a beautiful day and we had a great showing. Our green shirts continue to make a visual impact, especially when we're out in force! Thanks also to the wonderful coalition supporter for sending in the following photos from Monday...

Memorial Day Parade

2010-05-26T11:58:00.003-04:00

Monday is shaping up to be a beautiful day--come out and join the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition march in this year's Memorial Day Parade!

Please wear your green WHDPC t-shirt, or other kelly green shirt. Well-behaved dogs on leashes less than 6ft. in length are welcome. Remember to carry some water for your 4-legged friend.

We line up on Farmington Avenue WEST of Newport Avenue and will be directly behind the Sedgwick Marching Band (look for the sea of navy blue polo shirts). The parade will commence promptly at 10 a.m., so please be to our designated area by 9:45am.

Landscape Architect Needed

2010-05-21T07:53:00.007-04:00

We need your help! We are looking for a landscape architect who would be willing to donate their time and talent in designing the West Hartford Dog Park. This would be a great opportunity to give back to your community and promote your business!

If you or someone you know could assist in this area, please let us know. If you have questions, please email: westhartforddogpark@gmail.com.

Big Dog Park News!!!

2010-05-05T19:55:00.002-04:00

We have a site! It was decided at the Community Planning Committee meeting today that we will move forward with an application to the Zoning Committee for the Fernridge Park site. This is great news and a huge milestone for our project.

Are you interested in helping the project move forward? We're always looking for additional people to get involved:

*Fundraising Committee is meeting next on Thursday, May 13 at 7:00pm at Twon Hall, Room 217.
*PR Committee will be meeting again in the next couple weeks--stay tuned for details.
*The Memorial Day Parade is coming up Monday, May 31 - march in the parade along with the WHDPC!

Additional events will be announced soon. Be sure to check out our Facebook Page for additional even info!

Walk Like MADD: Saturday, May 1

2010-04-29T09:06:00.005-04:00

The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition needs volunteers to join us in our participation in the Walk Like MADD even May 1. The event begins at 9:30am and the walk steps off at 10:00am. The 2.5 mile walk goes through Blue Black Square and West Hartford Center and ends back at Town Hall at about 11-11:30am where all walkers are treated to a free lunch. We have confirmed that dogs are welcome to participate in the walk so please feel free to bring them along!

We are in the process of working out the details of how we will be sharing our message with those in attendance at the walk. We have been invited to bring literature, etc. for display in the walk's "Pet Zone" so that should be a great way to raise awareness of the dog park and the process we've been engaged in with the town.

To register for the walk please log on to the website by following this link: http://support.madd.org/site/PageServer?pagename=wp1_homepage

Click the "Participate" button at the top of the screen and select the West Hartford walk on May 1st. We have a team set up for the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition so please select that when you register. Also, please feel free to invite others to join us on the walk and show their support for both the West Hartford Dog Park and MADD! Don't forget to wear your green WHDPC tshirt!

Email or call our PR Chair, Lauren, with any questions: lauren.palmisano@utc.com or 860-306-7300.

New Facebook Page!

2010-04-09T09:02:00.007-04:00

We have added a brand new Facebook page--be sure you join in! This will allow us an easy way to hear your feedback and suggestions, post news updates and list upcoming events. Check it out and join in here: www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111274665560951&ref=mf

Volunteer Opportunity

2010-02-21T11:19:00.003-05:00

As most of you know, we are currently in the process of identifying a site for the dog park. As soon as the site is finalized, we will need to quickly start the process of raising money to build the park.

We need your help!

If you are willing to donate your time and talent, to assist with creating and implementing a fundraising plan for our group, please contact Caroline Gaetano, Fundraising Chair, at barkeater@sbcglobal.net.

Once the Committee is established, it will meet on a monthly basis, but only if necessary. Please support this project and join the Fundraising Committee.

Dog Park Resolution Passed!

2009-12-09T11:37:00.005-05:00

We did it!

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Town Council meeting Tuesday night. We had a great crowd and it was noticed! Your voices were heard and the resolution passed with support from all 9 Town Councilors (which is unusual). Thank you, also, to everyone who contacted the Town Councilors prior to the meeting. That was a vital element in getting all of their support on this resolution.

For those of you who were not able to attend, hopefully you caught the live broadcast on Channel 5. If not, they will replay it in the next couple of days and we suggest you check it out as the Town Councilors had many nice comments for our group.

So, now the big question is WHAT'S NEXT?

Our understanding is that this will now be assigned to the Community Planning Committee, of which, Joe Verrengia is the Chair. We will work with Mr. Verrengia and the Town Manager, Ron van Winkle, to identify a site for the park. We expect this process will take about 2 months. Once the site is identified, it will be fundraising time. Fundraising is going to be the big challenge for our group and that is the time we are going to desperately need your help and support!

We will keep you up to date as the site selection process moves forward and will certainly let you know how you can help with the fundraising process. In the meantime, if you have any questions or ideas, feel free to contact anyone from the leadership team by emailing us at this address WestHartfordDogPark@gmail.com.

You can also read recaps of the meeting from the Hartford Courant and West Hartford Life.

THANK YOU,

WHDPC Leadership Team

Mandy Pike, President
Liz Buczynski, Vice President
Scott Cieslak, Treasurer
Kim Thomas, Secretary
Caroline Gaetano, Fundraising Chair
Steve Bunin, Public Relations Chair
Lisa Asp, Webmaster

Photograph Courtesy of Lynn Woike

Save the Date - December 8, 2009, 7:30pm

2009-11-22T19:28:00.005-05:00

A resolution to identify space for a dog park in West Hartford will be presented at the Town Council meeting on December 8th and we need your support!

The meeting will be at 7:30pm at Town Hall. For this to succeed, we need you there. More information will be distributed shortly, but please go ahead and mark your calendars and plan to attend this important event.

Please select the link below to let us know that you are planning on attending.
http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?event=UJHWHBRBCMNELPOLXJQV&inviteId=TEJZPLMTKKBURBBRMOXG&showPreview=false&x=726904534

Thank you!

"I Do Dog Tricks"

2009-11-16T10:23:00.003-05:00

This is the cutest website ever!

Type in a command and see what happens... Sit, roll over, down, stand, sing, dance, shake, fetch, play dead, etc. And...it's also cute if you type in a command that's not recognized...!!
Type in 'Kiss' too, but do it last.

ENJOY!!!!!

Why Everyone Should Have a Dog

2009-09-24T09:25:00.002-04:00

Here is a fun little video that's sure to bring a smile to your face! Enjoy.

Pooch Plunge Photos are Online!

2009-08-26T22:28:00.002-04:00

We hope you were all able to join us Monday night for our second annual Pooch Plunge!We had twice the attendance as last year, and all dogs and people seemed to have a gret time.

Lisa Asp of Studio 970 Photography was on hand photographing the event. To see the photos and order copies for yourself, please head to our website (www.westhartforddogpark.org), click "enter", then "Photos" at the bottom right of your screen and follow directions on that page.

All orders will be professionally color corrected and printed and 100% of the proceeds from your order will go directly to the West Hartford Dog Park! Feel free to make a donation to the dog park while you're on the order screen.

Please let us know if you have questions. Enjoy!

Dog Swim was a Success

2009-08-25T11:53:00.002-04:00

What a perfect night for our second annual "Pooch Plunge"! We had twice the turnout as last year, and both dogs and owners had a blast. Watch the blog for info on how to see photos from this year--all order proceeds will go directly to the West Hartford Dog park Coalition! In the meantime, check out this video from the Pooch Plunge:

Second Annual Pooch Plunge is Scheduled!

2009-08-02T22:51:00.004-04:00

Join the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition for our second annual Pooch Plunge! The dog swim event will be held the evening of Monday, August 24th at Kennedy Pool in West Hartford from 5:00pm-7:30pm. Mark your calendar for the best dog event in West Hartford! Admission is just $5.00 per dog. Because this was such a popular event last year, time in the pool will be limited to one hour so all dogs have a chance to swim.

For those who did not participate last year, we hold the event the day after the pool closes for the summer. Dogs are given open access to the pool and get an opportunity to socialize with other area dogs. For pictures from last year's fun event (courtesy of Lisa Asp with Studio 970 Photography), see the slideshow!

Make Sure Your Dog is LicensedPlease note that only dogs with a current town license will be allowed to participate. If you are a West Hartford resident, click here for details on getting your dog licensed.

Event sponsors will be on hand this year, so be sure you visit and thank them for their support! Sponsors will include:
West Hartford Pet Sitters
UberDog
CT Pet Pros

June is Dog License Renewal Month

2009-06-10T08:11:00.000-04:00

June is dog license renewal month in Town Clerks' offices throughout the state, and the West Hartford Town Clerk’s Office mailed postcard reminders to over 3,000 dog owners, urging owners to make their pets “legal.”

Town Clerk Essie Labrot says that according to state law, all dogs over 6 months of age must be registered and receive a dog tag annually. The numbered tag serves as identification for any pet that may wander away from home. The annual cost for dog licenses is $19.00 for unaltered animals and $8.00 for neutered or spayed animals.

In addition, all dogs must be vaccinated against rabies and a certificate from the veterinarian must be presented in order to purchase a license. If a pet is being licensed for the first time and has been altered, a certificate from the vet again must be presented.

Applications for dog licenses may be made through the mail or in person at the Town Clerk’s Office. You may reach the Town Clerk's office at (860) 561-7430. The office is located in Town Hall, Room 313, 50 South Main Street. The office hours are Monday and Wednesday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Tuesday, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM, Thursday, 8:30 AM - 7:00 PM, and closed Friday.
http://www.west-hartford.com/TownServices/TownDepartments/TownClerk/DogLicenses.htm

Memorial Day Parade

2009-06-10T07:38:00.003-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out to help us march in the parade! It was a great day, the dogs were very well behaved and everyone had a good time. Enjoy the photos...

Rocky Hill Dog Park Spring Fest

2009-05-22T15:41:00.003-04:00

Join the Rocky Hill Dog Park in their upcoming fundraiser "Paws for the Park Spring Fest". It will be held at Veteran’s Memorial Amphitheater in Elm Ridge Park, Saturday, May 30 (rain date 6/6), 10:00am–3:00pm. Fox 61's Joe Furey will host the event.

Admission is $10 per person or $20 per family, and dogs are welcome to attend! Activities will include:

Demos (Agility, Service Dogs, K-9, Dancing Dogs)

Pet Psychic

Microchipping

Local Vendors

Adoptable Animals

Dog Tag Engraving

Dog Games and Photos

Food and Beverages

Silent Auction

More information can be found at: http://www.rhparkrec.org/

Please join us to walk in the West Hartford Memorial Day Parade!

2009-05-21T17:44:00.002-04:00

We are seeking volunteers (and their four legged friends) to walk in the Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25th. If you are interested, please respond to this email or contact our leader for this event, Caroline Gaetano at barkeater@sbcglobal.net.

This event was so much fun last year, that we decided it would be a great event to do again this year and a great opportunity for dog park supporters to get together and continue to show the town how much we support this project. We hope to see you there!

Details for the event:
- Well behaved dogs are welcomed to walk with you, but they must be on a leash.
- We will meet at Farmington Avenue, west of Newport Avenue at 9:45am on Monday.
- Please wear your WHDPC green shirt or another green shirt (shirts will also be available for sale for $10).
- Make sure you bring bags to clean up after your dog and water for your pet.

Also, as an update on the dog park, the project is still kickin and has been re-energized through the support of Town Councilor, Joe Verrengia. Joe is working closely with our organization to identify a site for this park and has been extremely supportive. Though we have not finalized a location, a potential site has been identified and is currently being vetted.

As always, we thank you for your continued support of this project. We hope that you will be able to join us on the 25th and display your support to the Town.

Thank you,
West Hartford Dog Park Coalition
Website: http://www.westhartforddogpark.org/
Email: westhartforddogpark@gmail.com

Pet Fundraiser for Our Companions

2009-05-01T12:57:00.001-04:00

If you missed having your pet photographed, you can still get in on the fundraiser by voting for your favorite pet. The winner will grace the front of the 2010 Our Companions calendar, with the next 12 inside. Enjoy the slideshow, then visit http://studio970.com to vote!

Cocoa Mulch Warning

2009-04-18T14:45:00.004-04:00

Spring had FINALLY sprung! Thank goodness...it's been a
L O N G winter, huh? Now that the flowers have started blooming, many of us are out in our yards and working in our gardens.

If you're on your way to the garden center to pick up some mulch, be careful of the type of mulch you select. Here's an email I received:

"Over the weekend the doting owner of two young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. They loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog Calypso decided that the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk . Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's website, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats. Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that 'It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it'
This Snopes site gives the following information: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp

Cocoa Mulch , which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores , contains a lethal ingredient called ' Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks. Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine."

St. Patrick's Day is Tuesday!

2009-03-13T21:32:00.006-04:00

Need something green to wear for St. Patty's day? We suggest your West Hartford Dog Park t-shirt! Show your ongoing support for the WHDP, help spread the word, and celebrate your Irish roots (or honorary Irish roots) all at the same time. Enjoy your St. Patrick's Day, and watch for upcoming WHDP activities.

You're Invited!

2009-02-11T21:35:00.003-05:00

You and your dog are cordially invited to a West Hartford Dog Park Coalition Yappy Hour . . .

Wednesday, February 18th
6:00pm – 7:30pm
at Three Dog Bakery
967 Farmington Avenue - West Hartford Center

Points of interest:
Donations greatly appreciated
Popular green WHDPC T-shirts will be available for $10
Refreshments available for both dogs and their humans
If you try to join us and it is too crowded, we suggest a stroll around the Center, then stop back!

Contact: Caroline Gaetano – WHDP Coalition Fundraising Chair, 860.521.1940, fundraising@westhartforddogpark.org

2009-01-08T09:59:00.003-05:00

It's been a slow winter thus far, but now that the holidays are behind us, the Dog Park Coalition is planning events for the new year. We're hoping for big things this year, and with your help we know we can see some results! Congratulations to the town of Windsor for their newest addition--the article from the Hartford Courant is below...

Woof!

Site Approved For Dog Park In Windsor
By STEVEN GOODE The Hartford Courant
January 8, 2009

WINDSOR — - After two years of searching for a suitable site, proponents of an off-leash dog park in town finally have a home. The town council earlier this week approved a 15,000-square-foot site in the western end of the overflow parking lot at Northwest Park. The council, which approved the proposal 7-2, also appropriated $6,800 from the capital projects fund to develop the park. "I'm not a dog owner, but these places really do flourish," said Mayor Donald Trinks, who estimated that the town has more than 4,500 licensed dogs. The park, which will result in the loss of 35 to 40 overflow parking spaces, is expected to cost about $25,000 to build in two phases. When completed, it will feature a 4-foot-tall fence, dog waste stations and garbage cans, play apparatus, shrubs, shade trees and wood chips.

The first phase of the project — expected to total about $16,000, including a contingency fund — would install about 650 feet of fencing, four waste stations and mulch ground cover. Park advocates will be responsible for funding 40 percent of materials and construction costs for phase one. The remaining costs in the first phase would be shared by the town and the Citizens for a Windsor Dog Park, with the town's construction commitment capped at $4,800. Also, the town is providing the group with $2,000 in seed money to offset costs associated with fundraising, such as printing and postage.

"We've got the land; now we're raising money," said Ina Forman, a founding member of the Windsor Dog Park Committee. The site benefits from plenty of parking, Forman said, but the parcel is much smaller than the 1-acre plot advocates originally envisioned. Forman said the group is hoping people who had committed to the project in its early stages will follow through with their support and that many licensed dog owners in town will contribute. "That would go a huge way," she said. Forman said she expected to solidify plans for a fundraising campaign in a few weeks and was hopeful that the park could open by the fall. Forman can be reached at aliforman@comcast.net.

Represent the WHDPC in the Park Road Parade this Weekend!

2008-09-28T19:28:00.003-04:00

We are looking for volunteers to represent the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition (WHDPC) and march (with their dogs if they would like) in the Park Road parade Saturday, October 4. If you are willing to donate your time to promote this great cause, please email and let us know (westhartforddogpark@gmail.com).

The parade begins at 10:30am and we are to be in place by 9:30am. We are in Division 5 - which is lining up along Tobey Street, by the Dunkin Donuts and the Car Wash. Parking is available on side streets north of Boulevard including: Arnoldale Road, Lexington Road, Beverly Road. Roads off South Highland include Fairview Street and Warrenton Ave. The parade is 1/2 mile long. The itinerary refers people to www.westhartford.org/ParkRoadParade for more information. Though the weather is looking great for Saturday, rain cancellation information can be found by calling the West Hartford Police Department after 7:00 a.m. Saturday at 523-5203.

Thanks for your support and we are hoping for a great turnout at this event!!! Don't forget to wear your green WHDPC T-shirts!

Pooch Plunge a HUGE Success!

2008-08-18T22:32:00.007-04:00

Thanks to everyone who took part in tonight's first official fundraising event: The Pooch Plunge. The weather was spectacular and we had a wonderful turnout. In all, we had 105 dogs attending and even more humans. And, we SOLD OUT of our green Dog Park Coalition T-shirts! Everyone had a great time and all the dogs were smiling. This was a perfect opportunity to show how important a dog park will be in the lives of our canines. Thanks again to everyone who came out to support tonight's event. You can view photos here--feel free to download your favorites or order copies for yourself! Enjoy the video...

A second video:

Upcoming event: POOCH PLUNGE

2008-07-27T14:23:00.013-04:00

Announcing West Hartford Dog Park Coalition's first fundraising event: the POOCH PLUNGE!

photo credit: http://fireflyforest.net/firefly/

Thanks to the support of the West Hartford Human & Leisure Services Department, the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition will be having a fundraising event in a few weeks. The event will be a

Dog Swim

Monday, August 18th

5:00pm - 7:30pm

Kennedy Pool - 106 Oakwood Avenue http://www.westhartford.org/TownServices/TownDepartments/LeisureServices/RecreationFacilities/ParksPools/KennedyPark.htm

Please be on the lookout for a separate blog entry with additional event information. This event will be an opportunity for responsible dog owners to allow their dogs to play and swim in an off-leash environment in support of the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition's efforts to build a dog park in West Hartford. The cost for the event will be $5.00 per dog, however, additional donations will be accepted. Please note that all dogs will be required to have a current town license in order to participate in the event, so make sure your dog is licensed with your town, and mark your calendars for this wonderful event!

**All dogs must have a current town license in order to participate.**
If you have any questions, please contact Mandy Pike at westhartforddogpark@gmail.com

Thanks to "ullilane" from YouTube for the use of this video.

The Rules are as follows:

Dogs MUST display a valid license and up-to-date rabies vaccinations
Owners must have control of their dogs at all times and keep them within designated boundaries during the event
Owners must pick up after their dogs and dispose of waste in the proper receptacles
Dogs swim at their own risk
Only dogs allowed in the water
Dog owners are responsible for any injuries or damage caused by their dogs
Dogs must be leashed when entering/exiting the fenced in pool area
Dogs in heat, aggressive dogs and puppies under four (4) months are prohibited
Dogs must be removed from the pool area at the first sign of aggression towards a person or dog
No more than three (3) dogs per person
For the safety of all dogs, no choke, prong, pinch, or spike collars allowed
No smoking, glass containers or food (people/animal) allowed in the pool area
An adult must accompany anyone under 15 years of age. Children must be closely supervised.

Summer Dog Adventures in Connecticut

2008-06-23T20:25:00.005-04:00

Our local REI in Blue Back Square will be hosting an event Tuesday evening:

Summer Dog Adventures in Connecticut!
6/24/2008
7:00 PM

REI will discuss the best places to take your dog in Connecticut, what equipment can make your trip safer and more fun, and give some helpful tips on trail etiquette, dog first aid and safety. REI will also be distributing information on how best to help our Connecticut Humane Society and discuss potential volunteer opportunities. While they cannot accommodate dogs inside the store, they do hope that you will stop by and discover how to further your adventures this summer!

Registration required. Call REI West Hartford Customer Service 860-233-2211
Location: REI West Hartford
Contact: Customer Service 860-233-2211
Cost: Free

Celebrate West Hartford - SUCCESS!

2008-06-17T18:58:00.015-04:00

This past weekend was West Hartford's annual Celebrate West Hartford. If you missed it, you missed a great time! There were some excellent artists selling their crafts, great food at the food court, fun rides for the kids and of course many booths from merchants, non-profits, volunteer organizations, etc.

The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition played a part in the festivities as well. We were able to collect nearly 600 petition signatures, answer tons of questions, and give out a lot of information and freebies donated by several local companies. Our thanks go out to West Hartford Pet Sitters for donating the booth, and to following for their donations: Planet Bark, Petcare Veterinary Services , Three Dog Bakery, Connecticut Humane Society, Lupine, Studio 970 Photography, Our Companions, ML Fencing, and Allstate Agent Andrea Zmenyak.

We also throw out a public thank you to everyone who volunteered! Without those people who have become actively involved in this cause, none of this would be possible. THANK YOU.

Enjoy the photos and video from the weekend...

Dog Park Volunteer Opportunity

2008-06-05T09:21:00.004-04:00

As many of you know, next Saturday and Sunday (June 14th and 15th) the Town of West Hartford will hold the annual Celebrate West Hartford event.

Through gracious donations from our Coalition members, the Dog Park Coalition will have a booth at the event which we will use to gather petition signatures, communicate our project information and answer questions about the project. The event is sure to be a great time and our PR committee has already done a wonderful job finalizing the details for our booth.

We now need to finalize who will be available to donate their time to be at the booth for the event. Please send us an email if you are available and interested in volunteering: westhartforddogpark@gmail.com. We are only asking for a 2 hour committment on either Saturday or Sunday--human volunteers only (Fido needs to stay home this time). This is your chance to get involved!

(Photo credit: celebratewesthartford.com)

T-Shirts Available in 2 Locations

2008-06-02T10:42:00.002-04:00

Still thinking about getting you own West Hartford Dog Park Coalition T-Shirt but haven't yet? It's not too late! Shirts are now available for only $10 in two different locations: Studio 970 Photography and Planet Bark. Four different sizes are available: Small (14/16), Medium, Large and Extra Large. This is a great way to show your support for the dog park!

Thanks Parade Participants!

2008-05-26T19:58:00.006-04:00

Thanks to everyone (and doggies) who came out to support the Dog Park Coalition by walking in the West Hartford Memorial Day Parade. It was a great turnout and everyone seemed to have a good time. The dogs looked great in their green bandanas! We fielded TONS of questions and the crowd seemed very interested and supportive. We handed out hundreds of cards (possibly more than a thousand!) with the website address and as of 8:00 Monday evening, there were 841 hits on the website JUST TODAY! Thanks also to Mandy for the great photos from today.

We also received a new batch of green Dog Park T-shirts in sizes S, M, L & XL. These are available for a $10 purchase at Studio 970 Photography (860-521-9701).

Our next big event is Celebrate West Hartford June 14-15. Stop by our booth to say hello!

2008-05-16T10:27:00.006-04:00

The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition wants you to come show your support at the upcoming Memorial Day Parade!

flickr photo credit: c1sbc

Please join us on Monday, May 26th @ 9:45am at the corner of Farmington Avenue and Newport Avenue.

If you have a green Coalition shirt, please wear it. If not, please wear any green shirt (kelly green if possible). We are hoping to have more shirts available for purchase at the parade. Well-behaved dogs are welcome, although certainly not required. If your dog does march, please use a leash no longer than 6 feet, bring your own bag and water.

With the positive feedback we received at the recent Town Council meeting, we really want to keep up the momentum! Invite your family members, friends, and neighbors to join us for an enjoyable morning.

Please RSVP to Caroline at barkeater@sbcglobal.net so we have some sense of how many participants to expect.

"It's a matter of when, not if." - Mayor Scott Slifka

2008-05-14T11:49:00.009-04:00

Last night the West Hartford Town Council heard, and saw, our plea for a dog park in West Hartford. The meeting was well attended as our green shirts filled the room (numerous remarks were made by Mayor Slifka about the shirts!). Several of our members spoke as to the importance of the dog park. Other residents attending for other purposes also mentioned their support while addressing the council. Mayor Slifka's remarks: "It's a matter of when, not if." It was a good night for the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition! See the Hartford Courant article for their recap and be sure to fill out the poll while you're there!

Also, check out Rachel Gottlieb's courtant.com blog--she also has a great entry covering last night's town council meeting. I love how she comments on the council referring to the "good karma" in the room last night with our group coming out in full force. :)

25,000 Hits!!!

2008-05-11T18:39:00.003-04:00

After having the new website live for only 5 1/2 weeks (since April 2), we are up to 25,000 hits already! Thanks to everyone for your continuing interest and support--we hope this project will become a reality soon.

We need you Tuesday!!!

2008-05-10T09:20:00.005-04:00

As discussed at our last Community meeting, our goal was to present our dog park proposal to the appropriate Town Council Committee, but, if we were not able to get on a Committee agenda, we would present our proposal to the Town Council by May 13th.

Next Tuesday, May 13th, the Dog Park is on the agenda for the Town Council meeting which starts at 7:30pm. We encourage all those supporting the project to attend (and wear your dog park shirts). We currently only have a few shirts remaining, but if the demand is sufficient, we can order some more.

We will plan to bring the available shirts to Tuesdays meeting to distribute on a first-come-first serve basis. They are $10 each. The shirts are a bright kelly green color (see the photo below), so if you have a general green top to wear, you could represent your support by wearing that.

Thank you!

Directions to Town Hall are below:

Directions to West Hartford Town Hall
50 South Main Street, West Hartford, Connecticut

From the north and south: Take Interstate 91 to Interstate 84 and follow the directions below.

From the east and west: Take Interstate 84 to exit 43 (Park Road / West Hartford Center)

Turn left at the bottom of the ramp onto Park Road.

At second light, turn right onto South Main Street. Proceed through traffic light at the Boulevard.

Turn right into the parking lot entrance off South Main Street.

Take a ticket at the gate and park anywhere in the parking lot or garage. There is 30-minute reserved parking for town hall business closest to the building. Bring your ticket with you so it can be validated at the Town Hall or Police Department office in which you do business.

The rain held off...

2008-05-03T16:34:00.004-04:00

There were about two sprinkles in the sky as the second West Hartford Dog Park dog walk began. We met this week at Elizabeth Park and strolled throughout the footpaths, first up by the tennis courts and then around near the rose garden. Though it was a bit chilly, it seemed as though everyone and their dogs had good fun and good conversation. We hope to see you at future walks! (Photo credit: Kevin Asp)

First Dog Walk Was a Success!

2008-04-29T10:50:00.005-04:00

Thanks to everyone who came out on Sunday to join us in our first West Hartford Dog Park Coalition Dog Walk! Everyone had a great time, and we look forward to seeing even more of you this coming Saturday for the next walk. This time we'll meet at the Pond House at Elizabeth Park at 1:00pm to stroll through the park. The tulip garden is in full bloom, so it will be a perfect time to visit.

Enjoy the photos below, thanks to Libby, of the walk last Sunday.

First WHDP Dog Walk Scheduled!

2008-04-23T08:13:00.004-04:00

If you're looking for a little something to do this Sunday, please join us for our first official West Hartford Dog Park dog walk! We'll meet Sunday, April 27, at 1:00pm at 7 Arapahoe, which is located near the West Hartford Center Post Office (the side street just off LaSalle/the the parking lot across the street from the post office). We'll stroll through the Center and Blue Back Square. The weather forecast looks like it will be a beautiful day so please bring your canine friends!

Remember to bring water for your pup as well as poo-bags to clean up. If you have any questions ahead of time, email us: WestHartfordDogPark@gmail.com

Future walk dates include:
Sat, May 3, 1pm – Elizabeth Park (meet at the Pond/restaurant)
Tue, May 20, 6pm – Elizabeth Park (meet at the Pond/restaurant)

Online Petition

2008-04-13T17:46:00.004-04:00

We have set up an online petition in order to continue to collect signatures from those who support the dog park project. If you have not already signed a petition for this project, please select the link to the right!

Unleash Your Inner Dog

2008-04-10T17:35:00.000-04:00

The first set of shirts arrived this week. Watch for the committee members wearing their shirts around town. Additional tees will be on their way soon--email westhartforddogpark@gmail.com if you're interested in grabbing one for yourself or a friend. This is a great way to show your support, and they make fun gifts as well! We will also have shirts available for Celebrate West Hartford coming up June 14-15. Stop by the booth to say hi!

.

It's Monday...

2008-04-07T15:52:00.000-04:00

Mondays are always the hardest days to start the week, aren't they? I was emailed these photos today and thought they'd give you a smile... Enjoy! (Sorry--no photo credit was included in the email.)

We're All New!

2008-04-02T10:44:00.000-04:00

With the start of April (and hopefully the warmer weather) we've launched our new website as well as our new blog! Please take some time to look through the site, see what some of the other dog parks in Connecticut look like, and let your four-legged canine friend(s) come to play in our dog'E'park.

We're excited to have such a great support from the community and know with that support we'll soon have a new dog park underway.

West Hartford Dog Park

ALL Council candidates support dog park

Join us for the Park Road Parade - Saturday, October 1st

Pooch Plunge Raises Money for a Dog Park in West Hartford

Pooch Plunge is Monday!

Final Parade Info

Join us in the Memorial Day Parade!

Status of the Project

We need your HELP in this critical point in our project!!!

Brownstone Bakery For Dogs Appriciation Night

Neighborhood Meeting Thursday!

Happy 2011!!!

Community meeting Tuesday night

West Hartford's annual Halloween Costume Pet Parade

**BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND**

Thanks for walking in the parade!

Join us for the Park Road Parade - October 2nd

Pooch Plunge photos have been posted!

Blue Back Square Charity Tastes N' Toasts Series to benefit the WHDPC

Only 10 days until the Pooch Plunge!

Third Annual Pooch Plunge is Scheduled!

A little humor with breakfast...

Congrats to our winners!

Celebrate West Hartford!

June is Dog License Renewal Month

Great turnout for the parade

Memorial Day Parade

Landscape Architect Needed

Big Dog Park News!!!

Walk Like MADD: Saturday, May 1

New Facebook Page!

Volunteer Opportunity

Dog Park Resolution Passed!

Save the Date - December 8, 2009, 7:30pm

"I Do Dog Tricks"

Why Everyone Should Have a Dog

Pooch Plunge Photos are Online!

Dog Swim was a Success

Second Annual Pooch Plunge is Scheduled!

June is Dog License Renewal Month

Memorial Day Parade

Rocky Hill Dog Park Spring Fest

Please join us to walk in the West Hartford Memorial Day Parade!

Pet Fundraiser for Our Companions

Cocoa Mulch Warning

St. Patrick's Day is Tuesday!

You're Invited!

Represent the WHDPC in the Park Road Parade this Weekend!

Pooch Plunge a HUGE Success!

Upcoming event: POOCH PLUNGE

Summer Dog Adventures in Connecticut

Celebrate West Hartford - SUCCESS!

Dog Park Volunteer Opportunity

T-Shirts Available in 2 Locations

Thanks Parade Participants!

"It's a matter of when, not if." - Mayor Scott Slifka

25,000 Hits!!!

We need you Tuesday!!!

The rain held off...

First Dog Walk Was a Success!

First WHDP Dog Walk Scheduled!

Online Petition

Unleash Your Inner Dog

It's Monday...

We're All New!

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND