YOUR columnist is spearheading a shaggy dog event that will set tails wagging this September. Four-legged fun seekers will be setting their paws in the direction of the new Doggy Dynamo pop-up fun park for a special weekend treat.
Owners too will be getting some serious socialisation at the event running the weekend of September 9 and 10 at South13 – the former B&Q warehouse on Belfast's Boucher Road.
There will be lots of toys to play with, plenty of furry friends sniffing out like-minded play pals, some basic dog agility to learn and enjoy – and of course lots of praise, love, petting and tasty treats.
Staff will be on hand to help your best friend get the most joy out of the day that can best be described as Funky Monkeys for dogs.
You'll be able to sit and enjoy some food and snacks with a coffee, and engage with other dog owners. You can talk about the really important things in life like the health of your hound and the best places for pooch grooming and pampering.
The off-leash activity and social interaction is a first for Belfast city and my fellow committee of dog owners are working hard to deliver a chilled-out dog zone.
And for a dog, learning a simple agility course accounts for much more than physical exercise alone, because of the added processing and mental stamina required by our pets – and of course, us owners.
The aim is to bring a permanent dog park to Belfast for owners to let their dogs get off-leash exercise in a safe and fun environment with fellow dog lovers in the city.
For women like myself especially, walking at night in winter is often a solitary and sometimes frightening experience as the city's parks are closed and in darkness.
The pop-up dog park is supported by urban sports park T13 and is taking place at the new South13 venue on Boucher Road.
The venue, which is opening its doors on July 1, is the latest regeneration project from the Square Pit team – the guys behind T13 in Titanic Quarter, which is running activities and events on the same weekend at the south Belfast site.
Contact doggydynamos@gmail.com, Facebook: Doggy Dynamos, Meetup.com or Twitter @ddynamos for ticket prices and updates.
