Bark in the Park 2007

The Ultimate Air Dogs Show was an entertainment highlight for the crowd at Davie Dog Park during Bark in the Park on Saturday, April 28th. In this event known as "Ultimate Vertical" dogs jump 8 feet out over the pool to grab or release a training bumper.

An estimated 7,000 people accompanied by hundreds of dogs attended this year's event, said Candy Bridges, recreation coordinator for the south district of Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation. Bark in the Park began in the early eighties but only recently 2005 - 2007 has it become a regular annual event for the county, she noted.

Located within William R. Davie District Park at 4635 Pineville-Matthews Road, Davie Dog Park has five fenced acres for dogs to play off-leash. There are secure separated sections for large dogs (over 20 lbs) and small dogs (under 20 lbs).

Deborah Parkhill Mullis writes about dogs for area magazines and newspapers and her blog: Metrolina Dog Reporter. Contact her at dogreporter@hotmail.com (This photograph was published by Union County Weekly, Volume 2, Number 19 * May 11-17, 2007)