Bark in the Park makes a triumphant return

Some dogs like to put on their weekend best before heading to Bark in the Park.
Some dogs like to put on their weekend best before heading to Bark in the Park.
Flying disc dogs doing disc dog things.
Flying disc dogs doing disc dog things.
Former chief of police John Duval gets nibbled on gently by Fanto (at least Keith keeps telling himself that’s what’s happening).
Former chief of police John Duval gets nibbled on gently by Fanto (at least Keith keeps telling himself that’s what’s happening).

So just between us, it was a little disappointing Keith wasn’t wrestled to the ground by a police dog last April.

Don’t judge; you were probably thinking the same thing. Now we’re not saying Keith did anything illegal (at least that we know of) that would have warranted being tracked down by a four-legged member of a local police department. He didn’t have to. Keith actually agreed to put on one of those heavily padded, and from what we understand, incredibly safe, bite suits as part of the second annual Bark in the Park. And if you’ve never seen one of the demonstrations where volunteers try to run away from a police K-9, which almost always lead to a pretty awesome take down, you should watch a few videos.

“Watching someone get mauled in a bite suit, what’s not to love?” said Concord Public Safety Foundation board member Bruce Clendenning. “It’s a good five, six or seven minutes that the dog is going after the person in the suit.”

For the record, Keith didn’t back out – and in all likelihood wouldn’t have – but it was actually bad weather that led to the event being postponed last April. The second try in September was canceled because there wouldn’t be enough cool dog things to make it worthwhile, which brings us to this weekend. Even with over a year to think about it and the opportunity to watch YouTube K-9 mauling videos, albeit safe ones, Keith still said yes. Talk about doing anything for a story.

So if you’ve always wanted to see Keith, first of all wear a big puffy suit, and second, be attacked by a dog in a controlled environment, then Rollins Park is the place for you this Saturday. Unless it rains, in which case it will once again be pushed back, but only until Sunday. Along with the Concord Public Safety Foundation, the organizers for the event, we sure do hope it’s nice weather.

In all actuality, it’s really a family-friendly dog fair to benefit what Concord Police Chief Bradley Osgood hopes is a future K-9 unit. 

“I think K-9s have a place in law enforcement,” Osgood said. “They’ve been very successful in police departments across the country.”

Once upon a time, Concord PD had a dog unit, but it was eliminated from the budget in 2006. Now, Osgood and CRSF are trying to raise the necessary awareness to bring one back. 

“We still think there’s a place for it,” Osgood said. “We’ve put in for a K-9 program to reestablish the program every year for the last several years, but it never rises to the level of need. A K-9 program is not cheap. The start up cost is fairly substantial.”

The money raised this weekend will go toward offsetting some of the costs if the unit is ever brought back.

“We were looking for an event to support the Concord Police Department,” said foundation chair Kim Murdoch. “And naturally we thought we should do an event that features dogs.”

The event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., attendance is free and there’s plenty to do for both humans and canines.

And Keith won’t be the only one staring death or dismemberment in the face. Nazzy – you know, that DJ guy from WLNH who’s at just about every major event in Concord – and Mark Hayward of the Union Leader, will also be trying to keep the peace with Fanto, Hillsboro’s police pup. Nazzy will put on the suit at 10:45 a.m., Keith will be at 12:15 p.m. and Hayward takes the stage at 1:45 p.m.

“It gives people an opportunity to see a K-9 in action,” Murdoch said. “And it will be a lot of fun watching a K-9 attack our wonderful volunteers.”

And the fun doesn’t stop there. 

Granite State Disc Dogs will be there showing off their high flying pooches and all the tricks they can do with the simple toss of a frisbee. Finlayson’s Pet Care Center is holding obedience demos and No Monkey Business Dog Training will be on hand to show you some of the best ways to exercise – with your dogs, of course. And the 4H Snazzy Sniffers are going to be doing some dancing with their dogs.

“Apparently the kids have been training their dogs to dance,” Clendenning said.

Add in a canine costume parade, scent sniffing demos, best trick contest, best features/best costume contests and an obedience challenge, and you’ve got yourself a pretty nice sounding Saturday. There will even be the chance to have your dog try some of those agility obstacles you see on TV.

“There will be booths and demos throughout the day,” Clendenning said.

Both humans and pets can enjoy a variety of treats and vendors. Don’t forget to try your chance at the instant raffle, and purchase very affordable tickets for your dog to take part. Tickets for activities and competitions start at four for $5. For $25, participants receive a pass that allows their dog admission to each game, contest and event.

“It’s a great opportunity for dogs and their people to come out and participate in a bunch of great activities,” Murdoch said.

And don’t worry if you can’t make it for the beginning, because all the demos will happen at least twice, if not more. 

“We’re planning it in such a way that no matter when you’re there, you’re going to see a lot of the stuff,” Clendenning said.

Stay updated on the latest Bark in the Park announcements by following CPSF on Facebook at facebook.com/ConcordPublicSafety.

Author: Tim Goodwin

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