Soon dogs such as Mr. Bundles, Dingo and Wilhelm will have a place to call their own after NOLA City Bark opens New Orleans’ first officially designated dog park. The planning for this state-of-the-art dog park began in August 2007, when a group of dog lovers, including those on our cover – Margo DuBos, Dr. Chris Fabacher and Jackie Shreves – believed that rebuilding New Orleans also meant improving the quality of lives for all New Orleans’ inhabitants. The group officially became a nonprofit organization in January ’08 known as NOLA City Bark.
The dog park, located in beautiful City Park, will be permit-only, to ensure a safe haven for all canines and their two-legged owners. There will be an annual fee to grant patrons the ease of mind that all dogs are current on their shots and patrons are up to date on the rules, and will also help provide funds to run the operations of the dog park.
On Friday, Aug. 21, 2009, NOLA City Bark will present its “101 Donations,” a fundraiser at the Pavilion of Two Sisters in City Park. To date, $300,000 has been raised with another $200,000 needed. Tickets for the event are $101 and the suggested dress is black and white dressy casual; spots are optional but strongly encouraged. A silent auction featuring items for both humans and their canine friends as well as a signature “canine” drink will entertain the two-legged participants.
Donors at the $1,000 level and up will be acknowledged at the event with their own wooden Dalmatian with their name on the collar. These Dalmations will then be displayed on the Dog Park’s fence at the opening day celebration.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.nolacitybark.org or by calling 283-8629.
