“Spuds for Our Buds” events to benefit SaddleBrooke Dog Park

Three SaddleBrooke Dog Park buddies, left to right, Dusty, Kinzie and Dexter, enjoy the newly renovated grass. Spuds for Our Buds, a special fundraiser, will help with costs of the park; photo by Terry Johnson.

Three SaddleBrooke Dog Park buddies, left to right, Dusty, Kinzie and Dexter, enjoy the newly renovated grass. Spuds for Our Buds, a special fundraiser, will help with costs of the park; photo by Terry Johnson.

Diane Aaron

Dog lovers will gather Wednesday, November 8 for a unique fundraiser Spuds for Our Buds.

The first of its kind event will raise funds for the SaddleBrooke Dog Park. Everyone is invited to a fun evening of friendship and camaraderie in support of the SaddleBrooke Dog Park Association and its never-ending goal to provide a clean, safe and happy place for our canine buddies.

You don’t have to be a member of the Dog Park to enjoy a creative meal at the Roadrunner Grill and Patio. Spuds kicks off at 5:00 p.m. with dinner served at 5:30 p.m. Tickets are a $25 contribution each and include: Loaded Baked Potato Bar with turkey chili, cheddar cheese, onions, sour cream, bacon, broccoli and butter. Beverage Station: water, iced tea, lemonade, regular and decaf coffee; assorted cookies for dessert

There will be a cash raffle as well as door prizes.

“Off-leash parks like ours are a great benefit to our community,” said Board President Kathleen Dunbar. “Most dogs require the kind of exercise and movement they just can’t get at the end of a leash,” she explains.

“Our park is owned and operated by the members and is open only to SaddleBrooke residents. We are not subsidized by the builder or by the HOAs and that’s why this fundraiser is so important to us,” Dunbar explained. “Dues are $65 annually, but there are always unexpected expenses and that’s why we have events such as Spuds for Our Buds.

The dog park, Dexter’s Place, was established in 2004 to give SaddleBrooke canines of all sizes a place to romp off-leash.

“Off-leash they are able to run, fetch and play to their heart’s content,” says Dunbar, owner of two small dogs. “It’s a special community where people who share common interests bond over discussing training methods, health advice and comparing tips on everything from vet recommendations to dog-friendly motels.”

One of the best parts of the dog park, according to many of the over 200 members is grass, grass and more grass. Funds from the Spuds dinner will help with maintenance and replacement of the grass, Dunbar said. “We want to continue to give our pets the safest and most attractive off-leash area so please join us November 8 and have a delicious meal with other dog lovers while helping our dog park.”

Tickets to the event will be available October 1 from Kathleen Dunbar,  395-2920; Trudy Rossi, 225-0275 and Woody Thompson, 873-7418.