Dog park leash-cutting ceremony is June 20

The dream of an off-leash dog park in Whitefish will be realized on Saturday, June 20, when the bull-pen gates open at the Hugh Rogers Wag Park, located in the Armory Park complex, with an open house and hot dog party from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Whitefish Animal Group (WAG) board recently incorporated Hugh Rogers' name into the park as a memorial to the popular Whitefish veterinarian who died in a plane crash in April.

Rogers was an early supporter of the dog park and gave countless volunteer hours to a host of community projects, ranging from animal support groups to the Red Cross.

The dog park encompasses nearly five acres, with fully accessible paths, a drinking fountain for both dogs and people, benches and lots of room for running and playing catch. Future park plans include a gazebo structure for shade and shelter, a dedicated area for small or shy dogs, and development of a pond where dogs can cool off.

A leash-cutting ceremony will take place at noon with city parks director Karl Cozad and WAG chairman Steve Lull. Local dog trainer Ellie Bell will present a talk on "Minding your dog park manners' prior to the leash cutting.

WAG member Myni Ferguson will run a table offering both Flathead County and Whitefish dog licenses. Owners need to bring proof of current rabies vaccination.

For more information about the Hugh Rogers Wag Park, visit online at www.wagparks.org or call Diane Ward at 862-3624.