RUFF ing it- Renton Offleash Dog Park still has some anticipated "fine tuning"

The Cedar River Dog Park is up and going, but there are plans for a little more fine tuning that I wanted to share with you. Debbie Englund, one of the major forces behind the park and RUFF, says it so well - I will let her do the explaining today.

Thank you for keeping the dog park in the news. Our dear Alex, who is our grand builder, (you can see him and his two dogs on the front page of our website here) has been on a well deserved
vacation and once he gets back, he'll get started in building that kiosk for us.

We've had lots of requests:

1. People want shade! It's hot there. We have a meeting next Thursday at the Renton Community Center and that'll be one of the first things we try to work out. We can't have "permanent" structures so we're looking into some other options.

2. Lots of folks want an entry at the other end. We'll discuss that one too. There's a spot for one that makes perfect sense so maybe we can get going on that soon, depending on our volunteer situation.

3. Everyone wants the water to be hooked up soon. The City is working on that, hopefully within a week or two we'll have a spigot so our backs don't continually ache from hauling in jugs of water.

4. There are the crabbies that want us to go away. We ruined their "private dog park" and they're angry about it. I guess they felt OK with breaking the law and allowing their dogs to run around unleashed. I always felt guilty and nervous about it. Especially down there where there are joggers and bicyclists for pups to chase after.

I'll happily keep you posted on what's going on in the new park. It's a hoot.

Thanks, Debbie - we would love to be kept in the "loop" here at the Picarron.

Barks,beers and little woofs

June 13th the Renton Offleash Dog Park will receive another good boost in the arm - the Barks and Beers event to benefit the park will be held at the Dog & Pony and the tickets are going fast. The Dog and Pony has always held human's best friend in high regard - the patio out to the side of the establishment is dog friendly and is used in the warmer months by many as a great place to dine on some great pub food and beer along with the furry "other half".

And while I have your attention - I want to put in a word for the smaller woofs in the crowd. Wookie, above, is a Chinese Crested Powder Puff, who weighs in at a whopping 4 pounds. Just this week he was grabbed up in the jaws of a much bigger dog at a dog park that does not have an area for "smaller dogs". His human, Sue Rider, hopes that in the entire 5 acres that is being allotted for the park, some consideration will be given to the wee folks who don't always have the easiest of times with those 80 pound four leggers. I second that motion. I have a wee one and he is just plain afraid of anyone else's shadow when it comes right down to it, even though he likes to make out with his initial annoying barking that that is not the case. Napoleon complex - owner diagnosed.

Barks & Beers Saturday June 13th 5-9pm
Dog and Pony Grill and Alehouse 351 Park Ave (425) 254 - 8080
www.thedogandpony.com
Tickets available now at the Dog for $30/$35 at door (but only some will be available)
Includes two dog-themed beers and your choice of hamburger,veggie burger, hotdog served with some tasty side dishes.