‘Leash-cutting’ officially opens Hays Dog Park

dog park ribbon cut — Friends of the Hays Dog Park members and supporters officially open the Hays Dog Park Saturday with a “leash-cutting.”

By Becky Kiser
Hays Post

Hays Area Chamber of Commerce members have been at many local grand openings where they hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

This morning at the Hays Dog Park, it was a leash-cutting that marked its official grand opening at Bickle-Schmidt Sports Complex.

It may have been a first for the HACC, and it’s certainly the first time the excited audience included dogs.

dog park nikki — City of Hays Animal Control Officer Nikki Hausler at Saturday’s grand opening of the Hays Dog Park.

Following a a few remarks from Hays Animal Control Officer Nikki Hausler reminding owners “what could possibly go wrong with a bunch of dogs,” it was time to release the hounds, both big and small, all four-footed.

Grand opening activities continue until 2 p.m. and include educational booths and fun for pets and their humans.

Dog agility demonstrations will be given by Johanna Musgrove.

dog park trio release — Visiting dogs wear “Take Me Out to the Hays Dog Park” scarves.

Dr. Brandon Weidenhaft, Big Creek Veterinary Clinic, will discuss diseases that can affect dogs at noon. Dr. Steve Mosier, Hays Veterinary Clinic, will talk abut “Doggy First Aid” at 1:30p.m. Certified dog trainer Raina Alm is on hand to talk about animal behavior.

Booths are selling Friends of the Hays Dog Park t-shirts; homemade dog treats, and the Girl Scouts are selling hot dogs.

Western Plains Animal Refuge has a booth as does Great Plains Animal Response Team with information about disaster preparedness for pets.

Dog photos are also available for purchase.