By Robin Rhea, PetSafe Senior Brand Manager
When we decided we wanted to host a contest to give a U.S. city $100,000 to build a dog park, we never expected the response that we have received over the last 3 years. Every year, the team at PetSafe is overwhelmed by the excitement we see from communities that know a dog park will make their city an even better place to live. We come to our desks each day and are welcomed by nominations, votes, photos, comments, and Facebook likes. We get to see the photos of your dogs, who clearly deserve their very own dog park, and we understand completely why you want to give it to them.
Our dogs have always had the most wonderful way of bringing us together, breaking down barriers that are between us. When those barriers are removed, the love of our dogs and our community can bring us together for a positive purpose like rallying together to win a dog park. It’s amazing that even with a million tasks and to-dos, it’s always possible to find time for the things we love the most. You can tell that most passionate communities will have a dog park, no matter what, because they have joined together and are truly committed to seeing it become a reality. 
Natalie Lester and Leonitis, preparing for their scene in the finalist video.
The spirit that our nominees show inspires our team. We know you are all working hard to get your communities involved and excited to Bark For Your Park. We recently shot our Bark For Your Park Finalist video to give the 15 finalist cities tips and tools for the next phase of the contest.
We hope the video shows that we are just as excited as you are. With all your effort, someday there will be a brand new dog park with people and dogs running, playing, sharing, slobbering, laughing, and enjoying life together. The moment you and your community of dogs share that first best moment in your very own park, it will all have been worth it.
So as we finish Phase I of Bark For Your Park, congratulations on starting something wonderful for your community. We hope you’ll keep the spirit going more matter what.
And, please, keep barking. We are listening and rooting for your dogs.
