Lots of fun unleashed at Bark in Park

COTTONWOOD HEIGHTS — A furry frenzy filled Bywater Park recently as pets and their owners flocked to a Bark in the Park celebration.

Owners and their leashed animals wandered the park, which was filled with information booths featuring everything from a pet photographer to search and rescue dog demonstrations.

Donna Rudzik, Bark in the Park organizer, said microchip identification implants, dog licenses and spay and neutering clinics were available to residents at a discounted rate.

"We wanted to offer a community service to the community of Cottonwood Heights and to have some fun," Rudzik said.

People could also get mugs of their pets taken by a professional pet photographer, and many pets were available for adoption.

The daylong celebration also featured several contests including the biggest/smallest dog and best costume competitions. Tina Bracken's dog, Lily, who was dressed up in a hula skirt and a coconut bra, won the best costume contest.

"It was funny looking," said Raeni Pehrson of Provo. "It was my friend's dog."

Rudzik said about 100 people brought their canine friends to the Bark in the Park, but mother nature had her own idea of how the event should go. By 5 p.m. organizers closed the celebration because it was raining cats and dogs.

But Rudzik said there is a lot of interest for another Bark in the Park.

"Everybody wanted to know, 'When are you going to have it next year?' and said, 'You have to have it earlier so weather will be better,' " Rudzik said.

The canine event was held at 3149 E. Banbury Road, just a few days before a public hearing was set to discuss keeping Bywater Park as an off-leash park.

"It's the only off-leash park we have," said Liane Stillman, Cottonwood Heights city manager. "We want people in the community to know where they can go to take them off their leash."

In October 2004, the park was given off-leash authority on a temporary, one-year basis.

Residents came to the Cottonwood Heights Recreation Center on Oct. 12 to discuss making Bywater Park an off-leash park permanently.