Dog park to be named after local canine

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If you stand downtown and look at the top of Tenderfoot Hill, then down and to your right, you’ll find a small white structure that marks the grave of Loyal Duke, a historical brown water spaniel owned by Charles F. Catlin, who ran the Monte Christo Hotel at the end of F Street. Duke greeted passengers arriving on the train, and was well-liked. When he died, Calin buried him atop “Little Tenderfoot Hill.” The Salida Dog Club has offered to maintain Duke’s memorial and to name an upcoming dog park “Loyal Duke’s Dog Park.” This name seems appropriate and the club hopes the park can continue his welcoming spirit.

Dog parks are a place where dogs are allowed to legally run off-leash. The use of a dog park requires and promotes responsible pet ownership. Many of these parks are located throughout the nation; more than 70 of which are in Colorado. The Salida Dog Club has been working hard on getting one established here in Salida. Last month both the City Council and the School Board signed agreements to make it possible to start building Loyal Duke’s Dog Park on Holman Ave near the new soccer fields and between the parking lot and the bike trail.

During the first phase of creating the park we will be putting up fencing, including a four foot fence surrounding the entire perimeter of the dog park. In addition to fencing, other expenses include the cost of signage and equipment/supplies for waste disposal. All of this is mandatory to opening the dog park to the public. The Department of Correction inmates are scheduled to put up the dog park fence on September 21st and 22nd and our goal is to open Loyal Duke’s Dog Park in the middle of October.

The Salida Dog Club is giving businesses and private individuals an opportunity to be an important part of this project by making a donation. Although the economic times are challenging, this time of the year is optimal for making tax deductible contributions. Donations will be held in a specially designated nonprofit 501(c)3 Ark Valley Humane Society account. Donors of $500, $250, and $100 will be considered sponsors and will be acknowledged on permanent signage by the park. Contributions should be sent to Laura Pintane (4880 CR 108, Salida, CO 81201) and made out to the Ark Valley Humane Society but should be identified for the Salida Dog Park on the memo line.

Thanks to each of you for contributions to provide the first safe and fun park environment for the community to exercise their dogs. We appreciate your sponsorship for this need within Salida.

Laura Pintane
Salida Dog Club