In 2006, several like-minded people banded together to form W.A.G. (Whitefish Animal Group) with two primary goals: To promote greater pet responsibility in our community, and to establish safe, legal off-leash dog parks. To that end, we have worked with the city to create a 5 acre fenced park as part of Armory Park, a 23 acre facility just east of Whitefish. This area already has a building, skateboard park softball fields, and a bike jump area. The Hugh Rogers Wag Park opened to immediate success in June 2009.

PEDICURES IN THE PARK

Join us for "Pedicure in The Park" The gracious folks at Whitefish Animal Hospital will be offering K9 pedicures on June 23rd from 5:30 to 7:30 at the Hugh Rogers Wag Park. They will also provide refreshments for dogs and their human companions. Nail trims will be free of charge, but donations to the Wag park will be accepted. They will also have staff members from Whitefish Animal Hospital there to answer any questions. For more information call 862-3178

THE PAVILION AND PAVING PROJECT

Although owned and maintained by the City of Whitefish, the park was built entirely with community funds raised by the non-profit group WAG. The five acre park features fully accessible paths, benches, a drinking fountain for dogs and people, waste stations, a message center, and lots of open space for play. The park is free to the public, and welcomes all responsible users.

Park users need shade, shelter, additional seating and a centralized gathering place. Design, surveying, and groundwork has been completed to construct a 20' x 28' pavilion and an expanded pathway to meet these needs. We plan to finish both of these major components in 2010.

If you want to get involved and/or make a donation contact WAG at PO Box 1690, Whitefish, MT 59937 or find us online at wagparks.org. Go to the Blog/Info link for current information.

WAG is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and your contribution is tax deductible. For further information call 863-9501

BENEFITS OF A DOG PARK

Dog parks benefit dogs by giving them a safe place to run, play, and socialize with other canines. It comes to quite a surprise to people how well dogs behave in this setting. There are several factors: it's a neutral territory, the dogs are off-leash, and they figure out that this is fun. Owners play a part as well, by using a calm, happy voice and body language and helping their dog socialize with others. Peer pressure to remove an aggressive dog is generally very effective. It also helps train people to pick up after their animals, and hopefully get in the habit wherever they go.

It's getting harder to find places to exercise a dog off-leash, and having a location close to town cuts down on driving and helps all segments of our population, young and old, be more active with their dogs. Having a dog park helps control the impact of dogs on wildlife in outlying areas.

Since all dogs using the park are required to be licensed, the park can help provide revenue and help animal control officers better manage the pet population of our growing community. Visitors to our area are looking for a place to exercise their dogs as well.

Finally, dog parks are a great place for people to meet and have time to talk. People without dogs like to have a place to interact with canines too.