Summertime in Tucson can be intolerable to humans, let alone dogs. Canine family members need to run, jump, play and relieve themselves — all of which can be difficult in the heat.
Frankie Lemer has the answer: Bark Park at Dogs of Tucson.
“I jokingly say that we’re a social club for dogs,” she said. “I tell the humans, ‘Well, your dog’s the member here.’”
Humans can get a peek at the Bark Park when Dogs of Tucson hosts a DogTiki Lounge from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28, featuring themed doggie mocktails, a costume contest and vendors selling dog accessories. The event is open to all humans, but dogs must be members.
The $60 monthly subscription rate allows dogs to enter the Bark Park; extra fees may apply.
The DogTiki Lounge is one of the twice-monthly get-togethers for owners and dogs at Dogs of Tucson.
“We’re building a community of dog lovers,” Lemer said. “I think it’s really important to support each other and also educate each other on what good dog play looks like and what good dog interactions look like.”
To visit Dogs of Tucson, canines must be up to date on their vaccinations, spayed or neutered, and pass a social test. Lemer is cautious about how dogs are introduced to the pack.
The activities are carefully curated. Dogs will find agility equipment, padded flooring that’s gentle on their paws, and a designated area for relieving themselves. There will be other dogs to play with, and if their humans wish, there are tables and chairs for them to sit, work or simply watch.
The concept for the two-year-old business emerged naturally. Lamer wanted to create a safe socialization space for Macy, her cherished pup, who had been attacked by an off-leash dog during a leashed walk with her owner.
“All dog owners have some kind of trauma in their lives,” she said. “I don’t want Macy to be afraid of people. I want her to have friends.”
Lemer couldn’t find a safe place for shy dogs, so she created one, the Dogs of Tucson Bark Park.
The first trick was to find a landlord who would have her, which proved to be difficult.
“I had a hard time finding a place,” she said.
She finally found the place at the corner of Orange Grove and River roads. The space has room for the Bark Park, overnight four-legged guests, day campers, separate areas where dogs of similar play styles can be together and an outdoor potty porch.
Lemer has “rufferees” who love dogs, are unafraid of them and can easily handle them. The rufferees — at least one to every 10 dogs — supervise the dogs, who are never left alone.
Judy Christenson and her “special blend” dog Buddy were among the first pairs to join. Today she and Buddy go twice a week.
“I like that it’s indoors, especially now in the heat,” she said. “It’s clean. The dogs are all vetted, they’re all vaccinated. They pair the dogs to their play style. The people there are very knowledgeable about dogs and dog behavior. My dog loves it. All I have to do is say, ‘Play group,’ and he is all in.”
DogTiki Lounge at Dogs of Tucson
WHEN: 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 28. Regular hours are 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
WHERE: 3805 W. River Road, Tucson
COST: free to attend the DogTiki
INFO: 520-492-3015
dogsoftucson.com/
