With spring and warmer weather quickly approaching, humans aren’t the only ones excited about spending more time outside.  Louisville city parks of Cherokee, E.P. Tom Sawyer and Charlie Vettiner all have dog parks available for dogs and their owners to enjoy.   The cost of the 2008 Dog Park Permit is $25 and allows for unlimited access to the park through Dec 31, 2008.  There are separate areas for the smaller dogs, as well as a large area for the bigger dogs, all accessible with an entry code.  While leashes are not required once in the actual dog park, they are necessary until the dog is safely inside.

As Chad Bock, owner of The Groom Room on Taylorsville Road tells us “Louisville is an extremely dog friendly city full of resources available to dogs and their owners.  There are establishments available to dogs such as Doggie Day Cares, Dog Hotels, Animal Hospitals which provide premium health care, and of course top notch grooming facilities such as The Groom Room”.

For those furry friends who need a little more attention than just a trip to the dog park, there are plenty of local businesses to help cater to their needs as well.  With businesses like Three Dog Bakery on Chenoweth for getting ice cream or gourmet biscuits for your pooch to Barkstown where you can take your 4-legged fri/files/storyimages/for socialization skills and exercise classes, there is no shortage in the city for pampering your pet.

When asked about a memorable guest to the Groom Room for a “spa day”, Bock tells us about a particular owner and her dog.  “An owner who is a regular and who is very particular with her dog came in one day and it happened to be the dog’s birthday.  She insisted on putting a blue bow in his hair and a matching bandanna.  She wanted him to match all of the party decorations.  Apparently she had not only decorated her entire house for her dog's birthday but invited all of the dogs in her neighborhood to attend.”

While that may seem extreme to non-dog owners, the tr/files/storyimages/of dog pampering is increasing in popularity as it has become a billion dollar a year industry.  Celebrities are carrying their babies around in $300 designer carriers.  Target has an entire aisle now dedicated to dog clothing and gourmet treats.  Want to dress your dog up for Halloween?  It’s not a problem as you can choose from a dinosaur, lobster or even Princess Leia from Star Wars.  Does your dog have a special diet?  There are plenty of all-natural foods and treats with special ingredients designed just for special dogs.

The city is making sure that dogs and their owners are a priority in their parks systems.  Licenses are required for dog owners, and you can now even do it online.  Responsible dog owners along with city efforts are making Louisville a great place for the furriest members of your family.

As Bock tells us “Honestly, people view their dogs the same way they view their children. People who have  dogs see them as just another extension of the family.”

For more information on licensing, the new dog ordinance or to see all of the services Louisville Metro offers, please visit http://www.louisvilleky.gov/AnimalServices  or http://www.louisvilledogs.com.