Paws in the Park Barking Up Right Tree

Everybody and his dog turned out for the Paws in the Park event, sponsored by the Kennesaw Environmental Committee in conjunction with Georgia K9 to promote responsible pet ownership.

Canine friends and their families came to watch amazing demonstrations conducted by service dogs to learn some new tricks and make some new friends. The event boasted a Doggie Parade, with dogs making appearances in optional costumes. Vendor booths were available for free samples of pet food and pet products. Pet adoption services were also on hand to answer questions and introduce adoptable dogs to loving homes. Attendees were invited to walk the Fisher King Iditarod Lead Dog Memorial Trail.

The event came about in part due to concerned citizen Lisa Soukup, owner of Primrose School of Kennesaw North and Kennesaw Citizens Advisory Committee member. Soukup recognized a need for pet owners to be more responsible tending to their dog’s waste in the park and supported the event by sponsoring a booth to Take the Primrose Paw Print Pledge.

The Primrose Paw Print Pledge banner had over 200 signatures from people pledging to always clean up after their dogs. The banner is slated to be presented to Kennesaw Mayor Mathews by the Environmental Committee. 

There were approximately 20 vendors on hand, including vet services, dog grooming and accessories, organic dog treats, dog training and many others. Kennesaw Elementary School PTA was available to lend its support and Cobb County Animal Control was present with dogs available for adoption.

Given that this was the first year of this event, city officials seemed to be thrilled with the turnout. Their unofficial estimate was over 300 in attendance, the majority with their dogs. For the most part, the dogs behaved cooperatively with one another with minimal barking.  

Georgia K-9 performed demos every 30 minutes with their trained German shepard. “It was amazing to watch the performance and how obedient the dog was,” Soukup said. “I especially enjoyed the demo where the dog had to find the box with the scent of drugs and was very impressed with how the dog responded.” 

Swift-Cantrell is located at 3140 Old US Highway 41, and is a fun, dog-friendly park that boasts two large, fenced-in areas for small and large dogs alike. Your canine friends and family are welcome in all approved areas of the park. Remember to practice good doggone manners and responsible pet pick-up with the receptacles provided in the park.  

To contact the Kennesaw Environmental Committee: 770-424-8274 or visit their blog at http://kennesawgreen.blogspot.com/

Ga. K-9 can be reached via telephone: 770-721-6959 or by visiting: www.GAK9.com