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  • Katelyn McCartney, Brooklyn McCartney (holding a Jack Russell terrier puppy named Mickey), Dakota Clark and Clayton McCartney won first place in the Bark In the Park Pet Costume Contest Saturday at the city of Enid dog park. (Staff Photo by BONNIE VCULEK)

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July 9, 2011

Bark in the Park

By Austin Prickett. Staff Writer Enid News and Eagle

ENID — Hundreds of pet lovers braved the early morning heat Saturday to participate in Enid’s second annual Bark in the Park.

The event, which is a fundraiser for Enid SPCA, featured dogs big and small as well as pet vendor booths. Festivities kicked off with a pet parade, and owners were able to sign their pets up for three different competitions. The best dressed dog, best pet trick and pet and owner look-alike contests were all judged by veterinarian Leslie Dykstra of Wheatland Animal Clinic.

The best dressed pet contest featured dogs dressed as ballerinas, a hot dog, a dog promoting recycling and a stylish poodle matching her owner’s poodle skirt.

It took more than just dressing up one’s dog to win the competition though, as winners Katelyn, Brooklyn and Clayton McCartney and Dakota Clark all dressed up to match their Jack Russell terrier puppy Mickey.

Tara Wilson and her Gotti pit bull Mesha were entrants in the best dressed competition. Wilson and her daughters, Celisse and Ivy, dressed Mesha in a pink tutu to match her pink painted nails.

“The girls have dressed Mesha up ever since she was a baby,” Wilson said.

The idea for the Bark in the Park event came from Carson Kroeker.

“I love animals  and I wanted to do something that owners and their pets could enjoy,” Kroeker said.

She said attendance for the event was much more than she expected.

Event attendees were able to enjoy the dog park’s new amenities, which include a shaded area and ramps for the dogs to play on. Becky Hodgen, city of Enid spokeswoman, said the event is great for Enid.

“We love seeing citizen-based initiatives like this,” Hodgen said. “It’s great to see people getting involved,”

Hodgen said if the new dog toys continue to be popular, the city may look into purchasing more.

Enid SPCA executive director Vickie Grantz said the turnout for the event was awesome.

“What amazes me the most is how well all the dogs are getting along with each other,” Grantz said. “People really need to get out here and see this wonderful park Enid has.”

The city of Enid dog park is located on the north side of Crosslin Park.

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