New dog park opens in Shafter

Lennar Homes at Gossamer Grove held a ribbon cutting ceremony recently to celebrate the opening of the newest dog park in Kern County.

The park had been in the planning stages for a couple of years, with the aim to dedicate the park to the service dogs who serve in the United States military.

A bronze statue of a military service dog guards the entrance to the park, which includes an area for large dogs, as well as a special area for small dogs. The event also brought in used and new dog toys to be donated to Titan Dog Training.

Local resident and dog activist Sheryl Taylor was on hand at the event, realizing her dream as she helped the City of Shafter and Lennar Homes celebrate the event. Taylor spearheaded the effort, taking the idea to Lennar Homes and the city, as an opportunity to give the city its first dog park, as well as honoring service dogs that sacrifice their lives for our country.

Also on hand was Kern River Blue Star Moms, an organization that supports troops, veterans, fallen heroes and their families, two legged and four legged.

The City of Shafter was also there helping residents with registering their dogs and licensing them. As long as residents had proof of rabies vaccination and a small fee for the license, residents were able to register their dogs.

The park will help residents and their pets who want to exercise safely in the area.

"This is a godsend, having a place to take your pet without having to worry about letting them roam around," said resident Sherry Landors. "I have two dogs and they are going to love the park. They just love to run and play."

The park is now open and ready for residents to gather and play.