This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Beneful for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.
A dog park is a thing of beauty for both man and beast. The term "beast" used with great love, of course! Dog parks are a great way for both dogs and their owners to interact, make new friends, and get in some quality exercise. Unfortunately, not all dog owners have a dog park nearby. That's why Beneful is working to build more dog parks and make existing dog parks better nationwide.
I love what Beneful is doing, because I love our local dog park. We're lucky that we have a dog park within walking distance to bring our family dog, Lacie. She's getting older and isn't as quick as she used to be, but she still loves the opportunity to roam free with other canine friends. When she's had enough time in the dog park, we take her for a leisurely stroll on a leash through the rest of the park before heading home. It always wears her out, but I know she loves it because she comes running anytime she hears the leash!
Dog parks are not only places for pets— they're also great places for their owners to get out of the house and mingle. I enjoy going to the park with Lacie and meeting other furry friends and their pet parents— it makes me feel like I'm living in a close-knit community, and I enjoy learning names of faces that I see week after week.
The Dream Dog Park Project
Recently, Beneful launched its 2016 Beneful Dream Dog Park Project in cooperation with GoFundMe. Their goal is to provide financial and hands on support for a minimum of 12 dog parks across the United States. Beneful only recently partnered with GoFundMe, but they've been working to build and upgrade dog parks since 2010. That's because they recognize the benefits of dog parks for both dogs and their owners.
Dog Parks - Important for Dogs AND Their Owners
One of the main reasons that Beneful has been leading the push in dog park construction and renovation is because of the benefits they afford to both dogs and their owners. Dog parks are more than just a way for dogs to run off some energy.
Emotional Health
Did you know that 42% of dog owners take their dogs to dog parks several times a week? Of those, almost 80% say that their local dog park provides a place for them to exercise with their pooches. In addition, 37% of owners say that their dogs enjoy this exercise.
Physical Health
Health benefits aside, the dog park is also an excellent meeting place for dogs and their owners. 66% of dog owners love their local dog park, saying that one of the most enjoyable parts of going to the park is being surrounded by other dogs and like-minded owners.
Dog Parks are Few and Far Between
Dog parks provide all kinds of great physical and mental benefits to both dogs and their owners, but there aren't enough of them. While 66% of dog owners said they loved going to the park with their dog, 78% said they wished they had dog parks in their community.
Unfortunately, it can be difficult to get dog parks off the ground. Between lack of funding, community support, space, knowledge of who to contact for approval, and access to resources, getting a dog park up and running can be a huge challenge.
That's why Beneful is so committed to establishing more dog parks across the country and renovating existing dog parks. These parks can be the backbone of the pet community, and Beneful hopes that one day there can be a dog park in every community.
Do you have a dog park in your community?
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shannon Baas
WE do not have a dog park here.
Richard Hicks
We have one that is about 10 miles from us. Very nice too
Ashley C
We just recently moved and we don't have a dog park here. However, the place we moved from had a very active dog park!
Julie Wood
Yes we have a dog park 5 blocks from my house. Great place to take the dogs to play and have fun!
Denise S
Yes, we have a dog park near me.
Laurajj
We do have one and love to go. It has alot of paths thru a little wooded area...and a big area to run. Oh they love those smells there!
Elena
Yes, we have a dog park
Amy Orvin
We do have a dog park close by.
McKim
Yes, although I've never been there.
nickie
No, I do not.
Jessica To
We don't have dog parks in our town.
Susan Smith
We do not have a dog park close by.
Jessica
We don't have a dog park really close, but there is one in the city.
Will G
We do.
Renee G
We have a number of dog parks, but we don't usually drive into town to take our dog to one.
Shakeia Rieux
We don't have a dog park in the area
Virginia B.
Yes, we have a dog park nearby.
Rachel
We have a great dog park in our neighborhood.
Brittney House
No, we don't, but dogs are welcomed at our parks.
Leigh Anne Borders
We do not have one in our community but there is one in the next county.
Karla R.
We do have a small dog park.
Kristi C
We do not have a dog park in our community.
Stephanie Larison
Yes, we have one that is in the town next to us, which is only about 5 min away.
susan smoaks
we do not have a dog park but we live in an isolated area.
Cheryl
We don't have a dog park in our community.
Keeley Sullivan
I don't have a dog park but I really wish we did!
Mary Cloud
We don't have any type of dog park in our community
vicki lorenz
Yes right around the corner from us in the country.
Lisa V.
We do have one close by, but we usually choose to walk around the community ponds.
Lisa Vanhook
Yes...:)
Kimberly Keithline
We don't have a dog park in our community but hopefully we will be getting one soon
Sarah Mayer
We don't we have about 50 dogs in the neighborhood and they all meet at the park.
Candie L
Our town only has 1,000 people in it so sadly we do not have a dog park. Thank you k
Katherine Riley
Yes we do about 3 miles away.
Aaron
There is not a dog park in my community.
Aubrey
We don't have a dog park.
AEKZ2
Yes, we have a dog park close to my house
Sand
Not nearby buy yes, there is one in the city where I live.