Bark in the Park

Summer is coming and it’s time to start planning what you and your family will be doing when the weather reaches scorching temperatures. When the heat rolls around, so do vacations and weekend trips, this may mean you have to neglect your furry, four-legged friend; not by choice of course. Naturally you still see them as part of the family, so make sure you show them how you feel.

The Monon Community Center (MCC) at Carmel has added programs to make sure you can spend some quality time with your pooch this summer. If you think your dog needs some training but you don’t want to send him off to doggy school, check out their Basic Pet Manners class that is offered every Tuesday from May 10 to June 14 at 6pm.

Not only can you train your dog, you can both get fit before or after class every week. The Monon Greenway runs right through the MCC and can provide some great running/walking time for the two of you. If running to class isn’t your thing, the MCC entrance on Rangeline Road will get you prime parking instead of fighting the aquatics traffic in the main parking lot.

After you and pup have spent the summer bonding, head back on over to the MCC for an end of summer splashtacular event in the water park. This year the event is scheduled for September 11 and will feature different swim times for small and large dogs. Admission is $6 a dog but will be well worth the money spent! If you start now, you might be able to train your dog to win some of the competitions! No need to wear your swim suit, your dog will be the only one swimming at this event. If you need a break from the pool, vendors will be passing out goodies and vaccination information throughout the event.

Of course these are only two events in the Indianapolis area that provide you and your pup some alone time but every bit counts. In addition to the facilities at the MCC, there is plenty of open area to play catch or Frisbee. If you’re dog is almost as important as your children, make sure you keep them happy!

Registration is required for both events and can be completed via the website or by calling or visiting the Monon Community Center.

For photos of last summer’s event, check out this Indianapolis Star online gallery.