They’re saying that Knoxville has gone to the dogs. Well, chalk up two more acres in town officially devoted to man’s best friend.
On Nov. 17, City of Knoxville officials, PetSafe representatives, community members and some four-legged furry friends gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open Knoxville’s newest off-leash dog park located at Charter E. Doyle Park in South Knoxville.
The PetSafe Dog Park, a two-acre section of Charter Doyle Park, is now the fifth off-leash dog park in Knoxville. Through a $500,000 donation, PetSafe has funded the creation of four of the parks and is developing two more. This is the first off-leash dog park to open in South Knoxville.
ldquo;We’re thrilled that Knoxville is increasingly becoming the best community for pets,” said Randy Boyd, CEO of Radio Systems Corporation, makers of the PetSafe brand. “With the addition of the South Knoxville PetSafe Dog Park, we’ve got places all over town where people can enjoy quality time with their pets.”
In August, Dog Fancy Magazine named Knoxville is the most dog friendly city in the Southeast, earning it the title of “DogTown USA.” Among the reasons that Knoxville was selected as a dog-friendly city were the community’s off-leash dog parks as well as pet-friendly events, dog-friendly restaurant patios and more.
Knoxville has grown into one of the best communities for pets thanks in great part to the Most Pet Friendly Community Committee, which includes organizations such as PetSafe, Young-Williams Animal Center, the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine, the City of Knoxville and Knox County.
"A city that cares for its pets is a caring, compassionate city,” said Knoxville Mayor Daniel Brown. "We in Knoxville are very proud to receive this dog-friendly designation, and we are thankful to PetSafe for helping to provide the community with dog parks that are free and open to the public for all pet owners’ use and enjoyment."
In addition to Mayor Brown and Boyd, many community members gathered for the ribbon cutting event at the South Knoxville PetSafe Dog Park.
Local citizens – human and canine – attended the event as well and were the first pet owners and dogs to check out the new park.
“After some running, barking, sniffing and playing, the conclusion from the canines was unanimous – another happy place for Knoxville dogs,” Boyd added.
For more information about PetSafe and its innovative pet products, visit www.petsafe.net or check out the PetSafe Facebook page. To learn more about the Most Pet Friendly Community Committee and Knoxville dog parks, visit www.mostpetfriendlycommunity.com or check out the Most Pet Friendly Community Facebook page.
About PetSafe
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, PetSafe is the industry leader in the management of pet behavior, offering pet training, containment, safety and lifestyle product solutions. PetSafe introduced the first do-it-yourself electronic fence to the pet market in 1991 and the first wireless fence in 1998. PetSafe's product line-up includes: kennels and electronic underground fences, bark control systems, a selection of remote training products, pet doors, pet feeders and a growing line of lifestyle products including toys and treats.