DogParksUSA finished assessing the NOLA (New Orleans Louisiana) dog parks; they have three, one each in their Central Business District, French Quarter and Garden District/Uptown neighborhoods. The City Bark dog park in NOLA's City Park is by far the best dog park in NOLA and one of the best in the country (and they purchased the DogParksUSA dog park development book before developing City Bark!).
The WESTWARD HOund Dog 2012 assessments for this trip are complete, and DPU field reporter Shiloh took to Bourbon Street this evening (see photo). She earned a set of dog Mardi Gras beads at some point, has no idea what she bared to get them, but there they are!
DogParksUSA heads back to Florida tomorrow, driving for a few days, then will start updating PawedCastTV (http://www.PawedCast.TV) with assessment videos of all the dog parks visited.
Speaking of the dog park development book that NOLA City Bark purchased, it is still on sale for $15 off through June 16th - http://www.dogparksusa.org/pb/wp_3d059c69/wp_3d059c69.html - coupon code ONEFIVE
Cajun Country is now hosting a visit for two days from DogParksUSA as part of its final phase of WESTWARD HOund Dog 2012's dog park assessments. DPU's field reporter, Shiloh, has already found out about several dog-friendly places and dog parks from the locals in the French Quarter, and found a big friendly dog statue in front of Harrah's Casino (photo) to hang out with.
Dog park assessments will begin tomorrow in the Big Easy.
DogParksUSA's publisher is offering another discount on the dog park development book, $15 off through June 16th - http://www.cafepress.com/dogparksusa.28337323 coupon code ONEFIVE
DogParksUSA's Australian readers might be interested in applying for funding to upgrade their dog parks; up to three (3) communities in Australia might be selected for $20,000 in upgrades. Nestlé Purina PetCare - the company behind some of the best known dog foods and products in Australia is getting behind communities that want to upgrade their local dog parks. Nestlé Purina PetCare recognises that the family pet plays many roles in the lives of families. Unconditional love, support in times of distress, keeping people active and encouraging older people to maintain their independence are just a few of these. Dog owners across Australia are being encouraged to start their own local community campaigns to improve their local dog parks. Improvements may take the form of dog education equipment such as tunnels and bridges, or landscaping to make the dog park a more attractive an inviting place to be. Nestlé Purina PetCare will award $20,000 to the council responsible for the dog park nominated by each of the 3 winners and will work with each council to ensure that the winning dog parks are supported by council, with proposals that are consistent with council directions for these sites and the local community. Taking cues from dog parks in the USA, off leash play areas are becoming increasingly popular in Australia. They provide alternative recreation opportunities for residents and allow dog activities to occur alongside other park activities. Importantly, they become another social hub where people come together via a common interest, their pets.
The $60,000 prize pool will be divided between three winning local dog parks. To put their dog park in the running to win, dog owners may enter online to pledge for their dog park each time they buy a PURINA dog product at a participating Woolworths supermarket. The Promotion closes on 14-August 2012. Communities wanting further information can contact: Purina Pet Care Advice Team Phone: 1800 738 238 or go to www.purina.com.au/dogpark for more information.
Austin Texas dog parks were all assessed today by DogParksUSA's WESTWARD HOund Dog 2012. Many of the dog "parks" were not dog parks, as in "fenced areas exclusively for the use of dogs", but rather parks that permitted dogs. A lot of them allowed dogs off-leash but were in open areas, not fenced, right next to busy roadways and in the way of bicyclists and joggers (many of whom had to avoid lunging dogs and being chased by dogs). DogParksUSA only found two true dog parks, fenced and for the exclusive use of dogs. Those reviews for the true dog parks will appear in future PawedCasts. The locals did tell me Austin is very dog-friendly in that many eating establishments offer outside dog-friendly dining areas -- nice!
One of the dog-friendly (but not dog park) along the Colorado River in downtown Austin was quite lovely for a stroll, and the DPU field reporter stopped for a view of the downtown skyline with the river in the background (photo).
DogParksUSA is done in Austin and heading to New Orleans Louisiana tomorrow for the final phase of WESTWARD HOund Dog 2012.
DogParksUSA made it to Austin TX this evening after 10 hours of driving. Wish we'd gotten here earlier; Austin has lots of dog parks for us to assess, and we will need more time than we have to get them all in. Shiloh, the field reporter, is turning in early to get a very early start tomorrow. Stay tuned for the updates on Austin's dog parks tomorrow.
Dog parks in El Paso TX did not pass muster during DogParksUSA's WESTWARD HOund Dog 2012 dog park assessments, sorry to say. Overall, they did not provide the dogs with any water (or with one spigot as far away from the dog park entrance as possible), no shade under the brutal desert sun, and only one waste station at the entrances, resulting in tons of poop far from the stations not getting scooped. Boo, El Paso!
Disgusted with the dog parks here, DogParksUSA's field reporter, Shiloh, chose instead to take an on-leash hike in Murchison Park and enjoyed one of the scenic overlooks (photo).
DogParksUSA is off to Austin TX tomorrow to continue its dog park assessments there.
Today is the last day to get the number one dog park development book for $25 off - http://www.dogparksusa.org/pb/wp_3d059c69/wp_3d059c69.html - Coupon code ERNIE
