February
2014
Unleash Me with border

What?
FREE Off-leash Park Permits?
How Do I Get One?

That's right folks. As an added reward this year for our volunteers who complete the Governor's 50 hour Challenge, we will be giving away FREE off-leash park permits to a certain percentage of people completing the challenge! Spring is just around the corner and we have lots of opportunities to help you reach 50 hours. Please check our website, email Jill or Marie, or call Marie at 319-560-1673 to find out where we need your help to get you on your way to enjoying a whole year free at both area off-leash parks!  

Spring into Spring at
K9 Acres & Cheyenne
Don't Forget Your Bling!

With warmer days just around the corner (fingers crossed!), your dogs will be itching to head to the off-leash parks; but don't forget, it's a new year and all dogs need new tags to use the park. For dogs that have passed K9COLA's recall test (see articles below) and are spayed/neutered or live in multiple dog households, the cost is only $17! Fill out your application today and take it to Cedar Rapids Animal Care and Control's new location on the Kirkwood campus. Don't forget to bring proof of spay/neuter, vaccinations, and your recall certificate.

Animal Care & Control
900 76th Ave Dr SW
Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Hours:
Monday-Saturday 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Save the Dates
SAPADAPADO Parade Monday March 17

K9COLA will be looking for people and their dogs to walk with us in our "Dogs Gone Green!" St. Patrick's Day parade "float." The more the merrier! Please consider joining us for this fun annual event.  We'll keep you posted with details in our March newsletter, at our Facebook page, and at our website. 

K9Splash! 2014 Dates Set

Dates are set for K9Splash! 2014 (our annual dog swim event): August 16th and 17th at Bever Park Pool. If you are interested in helping to plan this year's event email

If Your Dog Comes
When It's Called ...
... You Can Save $$$!

The basic idea behind recall testing is that your dog comes when it's called. Why do we give discounts for good recalls? Safety. If an unpleasant incident happens at the dog park, owners calling their dogs limit the number of dogs involved in the incident and its "energy level."

On testing day you will need to check in at the table in the main yard. Tell them your name and your dog's name. The volunteer will give you a number and let you know how far down you are on the list. When the tester calls your number, let her know who you are and describe which dog is yours. When she sees the dog is sufficiently distracted, she will instruct you to call your dog. If your dog comes you pass.

Unlike with a Canine Good Citizen Test or an Obedience Trial, you are allowed to call your dog multiple times (if needed). Although people can practice this skill by rewarding the dog with treats/toys, you aren't allowed to use any on the day of the test. This test takes place off-leash in the main yard. Make sure to double check at which park it will be held.

Worried that your dog won't get far enough away to pass? Never fear: we have volunteers that can help lead your dog away from your side so you'll get a chance to call it back to you.

Still have questions about the test or how it works? Email info@k9cola.org. See the next article for dates and locations. Please let us know if you plan to attend on one of these dates. That way, if we have a last minute weather-related cancellation, we can contact you.

 

Recall Tests
Here's Where You Go To Be Safe & Save $$$

2014 Recall Testing:
Saturday, March 22, 12:30 p.m. @ Cheyenne (tentative depending on weather -- please watch for updates!)
Saturday, April 19, 12:30 p.m. @ K9 Acres
Saturday, May 17, 12:30 p.m. @ Cheyenne
Saturday, June 14, 10:00 a.m. @ K9 Acres      
Sunday, September 7, 2:00 p.m. @ Cheyenne
One more possible date at K9 Acres TBD

We are done when all testing for that day is complete so please be there at the start time.

Trash Talk
Help Keep Our Parks Clean

It's almost time to start scheduling trash volunteers for March and April. The weather will be warmer, so this would be a great reason to get out to the park with your dog! If you already know you can help please email Jill. Remember to include the dates you can help and which park you prefer!

What to Do on These Cold Days?
ANOTHER Snow Day at School?

Start baking and crafting for our upcoming Farmers' Market season. K9COLA has once again applied to be part of the Downtown Farmers' Markets. We need your homemade/handmade goods to sell! All treats should have the ingredients listed on their packages, and should include an "expiration" date (usually this is one week after making or thawing--so if you are baking now remember to freeze them!  Please contact Marie with questions.

Spring into Action
Become a Volunteer

This spring, K9COLA will begin publishing a special volunteer newsletter, so watch for details on how to receive it! This will be a great opportunity to learn more about some of our most vital opportunities, learn more about our great volunteers, learn how to get involved in small ways, and much more.

Come to a Meeting
A Good Way to Start ...

K9COLA's next scheduled board meeting is Wednesday March 5th at 6:00 p.m. at the beautiful new downtown Cedar Rapids Public Library. We'd love to have more park permit holders involved and attending meetings; we need to hear from all of you!

Good Stuff to Know

Pet First Aid Workshop
February 23 at Cedar Rapids Animal Care & Control. Learn more here.
Contact
K9COLA
P.O. Box 992
Cedar Rapids, IA 52406-0992
email: info@k9cola.org
website: http://k9ola.org

 
 

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All his life he tried to be a good person. Many times, however, he failed. For after all, he was only human. He wasn't a dog. 

--Charles M. Schulz