By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Anna Houghton and Hillarie Hamilton visit the Bark Park with
their own dogs as well as canine companions belonging to their friends.

Dogs and their owners
get a chance to unwind at
Kaimuki's Bark Park

By Stephanie Kendrick
Star-Bulletin

They come from Kalihi, Kailua and just around the corner in Kaimuki. Some bring their owners, some bring their owners' friends. You can tell they'd be just as happy to come by themselves, but someone has to carry the poop bags.

For Hawaii's canines, the Bark Park at the corner of 18th Avenue and Diamond Head Road is an oasis in a "No Dogs Allowed" world.

Founded by Clark Hatch of Clark Hatch Fitness Center, and maintained by Hatch and a group of volunteers, the park has a loyal following.

Jim Harris and Duke , a Rhodesian ridgeback/Labrador mix, are there everyday.

"He's addicted," explains Harris.

By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Sophie, a keeshond mix, is the center of
attention atop a table at the Bark Park.

Maintenance costs on the park are $500-$800 per month, according to Harris, who helped dig ditches for the sprinkler system and waters the grass and bushes on a daily basis. The Bark Park is maintained entirely by donations, he says.

Though he comes to the park for Duke, Harris says he gets a lot out of it as well.

"It's like therapy to watch them play, they have so much fun," he says.

Jennifer Stabrylla brings Tower to the park six days a week, sometimes twice a day.

They live in Waikiki with no yard, so the Doberman pinscher needs his frequent trips to the park.

As a regular, Stabrylla enjoys observing the different kinds of dogs and their behavior patterns. "You can learn a lot if you pay attention," she says.

By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Dave and Jill Nakasone bring their dogs out for a little exercise.

The pet owners socialize in interesting ways as well. "The funny thing about coming here is you know all the dogs names, but you don't know the owners' names," says Stabrylla.

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Pets on parade

The "No Animals" signs at Kapiolani Park are null and void the morning of June 6.

The Hawaiian Humane Society is hosting its PetWalk '99 fund-raiser, a two-mile walk around the park that starts at 8 a.m.

There will be pet product and services booths and a prize presentation following the walk.

Participants are asked to register for the event and turn in pledges by June 1. The walker who collects the most money by 5 p.m. that day will win the grand prize: two nights for a family of four in a two-bedroom condo at Hanalei Colony Resort on Kauai.

By George F. Lee, Star-Bulletin
Jennifer Spengler tosses a frisbee for Hina,
her Labrador and golden retriever mix.

Participants do not have to walk with an animal, but animals of all kinds have enjoyed the walk in the past. In past years, walkers have brought every kind of critter from horses to mice.

The Humane Society rescues animals that are homeless lost or injured; has spay-neuter programs designed to halt the birth of unwanted animals; and educates the community about the proper care of pets.

Registration forms are available at pet stores and veterinary offices as well as the Humane Society at 2700 Waialae Ave., or by calling 946-2187, ext. 225.

BARKPARK

To offer volunteer services or make a monetary donation to the Bark Park, write to P.O. Box 10045/Honolulu, HI 96816-0045.

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