Lone wolves making space for puppy parties
A private dog park set up for “lone wolves” has become a spot where pups in the know host “pawfect” parties.
One of the first to celebrate a birthday at “the pasture”, was Sushi, a white japanese spitz who brought a group of dog friends that were all dressed up, Lone Wolf Pastures owner Tania Gecse said.
The birthday girl wore a pink dress, and her owner, Lonay Price, brought along party food for the dogs and the people, balloons and a pink and white birthday cake.
“Some people go all out for their dogs, it’s so cute,” Gecse said.
“Others just get together and let their dogs run around, some have cakes with their dog’s face and name on.”
John and Tania Gecse set up the dog park on their Manaia property a year ago so people with reactive dogs had somewhere to visit where they wouldn’t meet other dogs, and while this was a great success, they’ve opened it up to other dogs, too.
“The pasture” is a paddock on the couple’s lifestyle block that is deer-fenced and secure, and people book sessions online.
There are dog activities including agility obstacles to climb and a tunnel, a tug pole, sandpit, dog toys galore, a water trough, plus a sunshade and picnic tables for the people. They charge $2 for a 45-minute slot.
“We’re not doing it to make a living, it’s for the dogs,” she said. “We have had a vet running obedience classes, and foster organisations have been bringing dogs here to meet and greet the other dogs in a prospective home, on neutral ground, and they’ll have a good old play.”
They’ve also hosted dog walking groups and breed clubs, and whole litters of puppies.
Support from businesses had helped a lot, she said, with one company, Scoop
Dog, sending some dog ice cream, flavoured bubble mixture and drinks for tired pups to rehydrate after their games, and The Natural Pet Shop supplied dog toys.
The couple are planning a gathering for humans, not dogs, on May 11 at 11am to celebrate the success of the project.
People who would like to come need to let her know through the Facebook page for catering purposes.
And she is inviting a family from Stratford who are fostering a litter of rescued puppies to come along, so there will be plenty of puppy cuteness to go around.