M-DOG recruiting new members at Jones & Co. Oct. 2-3

MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Dog Owners Group will be recruiting new members at Jones & Co. Pets' annual sale Oct. 2-3 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at 1340 State Ave.

M-DOG membership packages will include membership cards, members-only M-DOG T-shirts and doggy bags. M-DOG's booth will also have the group's literature, maps, photos and brochures available.

M-DOG is a non-profit group that was created to set up an off-leash dog park in Marysville, and started the "Poochapalooza" outdoor dog event to create community awareness of the need for such a park. Since the 2008 opening of "Strawberry Fields for Rover" at the Strawberry Athletic Field, located at 6100 152nd St. NE, M-DOG has held a stewardship with the city of Marysville Parks Department to maintain the off-leash dog park, as well as the financial responsibility for it.

"Many people don't know that we're the ones responsible for the dog park," M-DOG President Leslie Buell said. "They think the city maintains it, since it's on city property, but M-DOG does."

Buell reported that M-DOG is having difficulties in keeping up its finances and volunteer numbers. She noted that volunteer activity with the group has gone done since the park's opening, which she sees as a sign that people believe the group's challenges have been met. She pointed out that M-DOG nonetheless needs to purchase doggy bags and assemble monthly work parties.

"People want a well-maintained small dog area with shade trees for the dogs, but all of this costs money," Buell said.

M-DOG's Poochapalooza "Best in Show" contest made its return at this year's "Scrub-a-Mutt" fundraiser, complete with prizes. M-DOG likewise plans to take part area events such as Old Dog Haven's annual fundraising auction, held this year Oct. 9 at 5:30 p.m. at the Everett Holiday Inn.

Looking ahead, M-DOG's next work party for the "Strawberry Fields for Rover" off-leash dog park is set for Oct. 16 at noon, when volunteers will arrive to help clean up the park. M-DOG's next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in Haggen's market deli, located at 3711 88th St. NE in Marysville.

For more information or to contribute, contact Buell at 360-651-0633 or log onto M-DOG's website, where you can also make PayPal donations to the group.

Contact Marysville Globe Staff at editor@marysvilleglobe.com.

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