Parks4Pups gives North County residents and visitors two popular fenced and off-leash recreational areas for exercising and socializing their dogs. Sherwood Dog Park in Paso Robles and Vineyard Dog Park in Templeton were founded by this nonprofit and receive support from the community and the volunteers including “Bark Angels” who help maintain the parks.
Both parks have a similar design with play areas for small, older, or timid dogs separate from play areas for larger dogs along with shade, drinking water, picnic tables, dunking pools, waste bags and play toys.
The parks are funded by donations. Visitors are requested to pay a $1 day use fee or an annual membership of $25 per family. Organizers host several fundraising events including the popular Dog Splash Days at the Templeton Community Pool on September 7 and 8. It’s the end of summer pool party for pups! Movie night with “Yappy Hour” is a popular event for dog owners to socialize at Park Cinemas in Downtown Paso. Wine is available for purchase prior to watching a dog-themed movie. The next movie showing “Pick of the Litter” on November 7.
The Annual Dog Jog takes place each spring at a local winery for owners and dogs to enjoy a scenic vineyard stroll followed by lunch and activities. Both dog parks offer a summer program with free socials, usually on Saturday mornings, serving coffee, pastries and cordial conversation. For information on membership, events, volunteerism, donating and park locations, call 805-610-8291 or visit parks4pups.org.
Caring for Our Feline Friends
North County Paws Cause, under the direction of Laura Hughes, provides essential services and depends on volunteers who care for rescued and tame cats and kittens. The programs include health care, spay/neuter services and fostering until permanent homes can be found. Paws Cause works with SLO County Animal Services to identify feral cats that can become good working and barn cats! They’ll be trapped, vaccinated, spayed and neutered with the goal of releasing, re-homing them at local ranches, barns and businesses that need rodent control. Volunteers are needed to trap and transport to local vets and animal shelters.
To “Get Your Cat/Kitten On!” volunteer to foster one or a litter to prepare them for loving adoption. Visit Facebook and northcountypawscause.org for contact information and upcoming details and the date for the “Pizza for Paws” fundraiser hosted by Nardonne’s Pizza in Atascadero. Both organizations welcome community and business sponsorships and donations to advance their programs.
