When is a dog park not a dog park? When it’s a community. ♥

16 Acre Wood is a labor of love. When the previous dog park closed, it was a devastating loss to not only the dogs who loved the running space and endless squirrel supply, but also to their humans who loved the shady walks, quiet space, and lasting friendships… some of which have developed over years! It was a canine version of Cheers with everyone knowing everyone’s names (or at least their dogs), having regular walking dates, and sharing life events together. It was a family gathering space for one incredible, chosen family.

Permanently losing such a unique asset to the community was unthinkable, so two members of the previous staff stepped in to save it! Malissa and Meg were hourly employees caring for the dogs who utilized the daycare and boarding services at the time the former business shut its doors forever. Despite having a number of hurdles before them, they worked with the property owners to quickly bring back the services that meant so much to the surrounding community.

The park came first, offering the same open fields, shady oaks, and pond, as well as the same monthly membership access as before. Together with even greater attention to park maintenance, landscaping, and care, the park is even better now than it was before! Daycare and boarding became a longer, and more complicated story.

The building formerly used to house the doggy daycare and boarding residents was in rough shape. Its age and years of continuous wear and tear left it in dire need of repairs before the new management team – freshly dubbed All For Dogs, LLC – felt safe reopening those services. The process was lengthy and one might say ‘character building’. There were twists and turns, highs and heartbreaks, but through perseverance, hard work, and an absolutely ridiculous amount of generosity from patrons and park lovers, the building renovations are now nearly complete!

If you enjoy wide open spaces, friendly chats, and the occasional involuntary shower from a pup fresh out of the swimming pond, you are invited to come by and see what 16 Acre Wood has to offer. There is always room for one more in the pack!