Going To The Dogs Watauga Humane Society Opens Dog Park April 8 The dog park, which totals almost 4 acres, is actually divided into two parks. Photos courtesy Lynn Northup Lynn Northup takes a dog for a “test walk” at the new dog park. The dog park will provide plenty of running space for dogs of all ages, sizes and personalities. By Mike Shands Every High Country dog can soon have his or her day, every day. The Watauga Humane Society will open its dog park to the public Saturday, April 8. Featuring almost 4 acres of grassy fields, the park will be open every day from 7 a.m. to sundown. It will provide a safe place where owners can let their dogs run without leashes to socialize and play with other dogs. “We’re extremely excited. Boone definitely needs a place like this,” said Lynn Northup, the humane society shelter’s manager. She said that dog-related activities have become one of America’s most popular recreational pastimes. “This will just provide a place where animals can be loose because there are very few places that still allow dogs to run loose,” Northup said. “Most parks and trails require dogs to be on a leash. “Besides being a place for dogs to socialize, it’s an opportunity for their owners to socialize with others who have that in common.” The dog park is located on 13 acres of land the humane society purchased in June 2003. The land is home to the Bare Bones Boutique thrift store and also will eventually be home to a new shelter for the humane society, replacing the existing shelter at 200 Casey Lane in Boone. That shelter is more than three decades old and can’t be enlarged because it is located in a flood plain. The dog park is located along Don Hayes Road, between Rutherwood Baptist Church and the Boone Stockyard, about four miles from Boone off Old Highway 421 South. A 6-foot high chain-link fence surrounds the park, which is actually divided into two parks – one for more active dogs and one for any smaller, more timid or elderly dogs that aren’t as active and might be intimidated by larger, rougher dogs, Northup said. She also said that there is no water source at the park so owners should bring water for their dogs. Membership fees to use the dog park cost $35 a year plus $10 for each additional dog. They are available at the humane society’s shelter and at Bare Bones Boutique. The fee for seniors and students is $25 a year plus $10 for each additional dog. Funds from the fees will be used to maintain the park and benefit the humane society. When registering their dogs owners must bring proof of current rabies vaccination. Dogs must be 4 months old or older to use the park. “The park will not be supervised by humane society personnel so we’re going to rely on members to monitor their dogs’ behavior,” Northup said. “We will ask that owners clean up behind their dogs, and we will provide the bags.” Once they register owners will receive a membership number and code that will allow them access through the keypad entry gate. Parking will be available in an adjacent gravel parking lot. Dog Park Workday The humane society will hold a workday Saturday, April 1 at the dog park to make sure it is ready to open the following weekend. All volunteers are welcome and encouraged to bring work gloves and gardening tools. For more information contact the humane society by calling (828) 264-7865 or looking online at www.wataugahumanesociety.org. The society’s shelter is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:30 to 5 p.m.