Pictured is the soon to be completed dog park at the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter’s new facility site in Gwinn. This will be the first community, year-round dog park in the U.P. (Journal photo by Trinity Carey)

MARQUETTE — The Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Center will shortly open the first community, year-round dog park in the U.P. at their new facility site in Gwinn.

UPAWS launched a capital campaign for the construction of their new facility, and while the building is complete they aren’t done fundraising yet. The support from the community that made the new facility possible is also making the dog park possible. UPAWS asked the community what they would like to see included at the new shelter and a year-round dog park was the biggest request, explained UPAWS board member Amber Talo at a dog park forum held Wednesday evening.

“What I think is special is that we reached out to the community with a dream so we could better care for animals going well into the future,” Talo said. The community responded phenomenally and said we support you, we’ve supported you for over 40 years, we will make that dream a reality. We reached out to the community in return and asked what are some of your dreams for your pets to thrive, what are some things you’re looking for? I think it’s pretty incredible to be able to offer something the community wanted so badly. We’re making their dream a reality and that’s really special.”

Paws Park, a name chosen through a Facebook vote which 1,171 patrons participated in, will span two acres. There are two separate entrances 15 feet apart from one another and areas for small dogs, below 25 pounds, and large dogs, 25 pounds and above. The park is completely fenced in by 8-foot high fencing and will have waste bag dispensers and trash receptacles throughout. Water spigots will be available in both areas of the park. The corners of the fence of the park have been rounded out to avoid incidents and to discourage digging.

Annual permits must be purchased to use the park. Cost is $35 per dog or $50 for a family or household to bring a maximum of four dogs. Cost for a seasonal permit, November through April, is $20 per dog and $35 per household. There is a maximum number of two dogs per adult when visiting the park.

“By becoming a member of this park you’re helping these animals we care for on a daily basis find their forever homes,” Talo said. “We want you to take ownership of this park. Once you’re a member, this is your park.”

The first 50 people to sign up for an annual membership will be eligible to earn a second year-long membership for free.

Proof of current vaccinations is required to purchase a permit. Upon purchase, pet owners will receive a fob that allows access into the park.

Dog treats and toys are not permitted into the park and dogs must be at least 6 months of age. Designated days or time slots will be held for puppies to socialize and for agility training.

The perimeter of Paws Park will be plowed through the winter season.

Throughout the forum, Talo noted that safety is UPAWS top priority for the park. Aside from keeping the park clean and other dog park etiquette much of the forum focused on rules and regulations in order to keep all pets and owners safe. TacoMo Dog Training owners Rick Custard and Kim Benson-Custard presented tips on understanding dogs body language at the event.

The two noted common signs of discomfort in dogs they may display in the dog park.

“There is no better way to tell how a dog is feeling in the dog park other than body language,” Benson-Custard said. “If you hear them growl, they’ve already given off five different signs that they are uncomfortable. That was not the first sign.”

Signs included lip licking, vocal yawning, hackles, which is the strip of fur on the back that raises, and tail wagging that comes from a dog with a stiff body.

They noted that being able to read your dog’s body language is imperative to having a fun and safe time at any dog park. If an incident does occur between dogs, they recommend a pet owner’s first tactic should be to make a loud noise such as clapping or whistling.

If a pet owner notices any signs of discomfort in their dog, it’s best to remove them from the environment to prevent any incidents. Paws Park will have signage throughout that outlines both positive and negative body language to look for in your dog.

There is still some building to be done by Swick and Hall Contracting and the fob system to be set up by 906 Technologies before the park can officially open, but Talo said the fence gates will open in the next two to three weeks.

“What I can’t wait for is when we can open those doors and watch our dogs,” Talo said. “This project is close to my heart because I’ll get to see those dogs experience that freedom unleashed and just letting dogs be dogs. I think it’s going to be incredible to let the community experience that, if you’ve never been a part of an off-leash dog park.”

Registration packets for Paws Park are available on the Facebook page and at upaws.org, but permits can’t be purchased or fobs registered until closer to the opening date. Check the website or Facebook for updates on the park.

UPAWS is also hosting a competition for the design of a logo for the dog park. Individuals can vote for one of three designs on the Upper Peninsula Animal Welfare Shelter Facebook Page. Voting ends at noon on Wednesday. The winning logo will go on water bowls, lanyards, T-shirts and other swag for dog park members and UPAWS patrons.

For more information, contact dogpark@upaws.org.

Trinity Carey can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 243. Her email address is photos@miningjournal.net.