HUDSON – Centennial Beach went to the dogs on Sept. 19 as the Hudson Division of Recreation held the Dog Days of Centennial.
The event supported the proposed dog park at Sauta Fields.
Those in attendance were given a sneak peek at the new dog park design and were able to give input on the draft for policies that will be enforced at the park. Music was provided by Brian Chaffee, who sang a set that included “Rainbow Connection” and “Fast Car.”
Addressing the attendees, Recreation Director Steven Santos credited Tiffany Newton, the recreation program coordinator, and Dan Hannon, the assistant director, for their work in making the event happen. As the dog park has been a project that is years in the making, he said, “We’re really excited about where we are in the project right now.”
If everything goes as planned, Santos said that construction could begin by the summer or fall of 2025.
He also thanked the vendors and Kith and Kin, which had a food truck there, for their support of the event.
There were vendors selling dog treats, collars and other goodies as well, with the proceeds going to the dog park. Crazy For Canines, which is run by Kellie-Jean Price from Sterling, had a table where she sold all-natural, jerky dog treats. Price said she has been making them for her own dogs for 15 years and “just started selling them.” She said she has a “house full of rottweilers” who love the preservative-free treats.
Hudson resident Gayle McGinty came to sell her handmade dog collars and bows to help raise some money for the dog park.
She said, “So here we are. It’s a beautiful day to do so.”
She has an Etsy shop, GaylesCraftingCo.
Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue, an organization that rescues golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers, also supported the event. It is celebrating its 40th anniversary this winter. Karen Martin, a volunteer event coordinator for the group, said the organization is always looking for volunteers and people to help out.
She said, “We have volunteers from all over.”
The organization adopts out dogs. From puppies to elderly dogs, it works to find them homes.
Hudson residents brought their dogs to enjoy the beach on a fall day, and many were excited to see the dog park project moving forward.
Wendy Hewitt, who lives near the proposed dog park, brought Tillie, a 4-year-old Tibetan terrier. Tillie is full of energy, she said, and the park will “just let her run and play with other dogs.”
Naomi LeBlanc came with Cooper, 1 1/2, who she said would be able to play with other dogs.
She said, “I’m excited at the idea that I can bring him to play with friends.”
Jennifer Malloy came with Timothy, a 12-year-old beagle, in tow. She remembered how long the process has been to get a dog park in Hudson.
She said, “It’s really exciting to see how far it’s come.”
Orly Frank, who had Mo, a 2-year-old Australian cobberdog, looked forward to “having a really good dog park.” She lived in Virginia previously and said there are many great ones there.
Derek Michaels came with his dog Gus, also a 2-year-old Australian cobberdog. He said, “The town is doing a really good job with the park.”
Lauren Antonelli said she came to find out about the park. She brought her dogs Maple, 4, and Stanley, 6 months, to enjoy Centennial Beach.
For more information about the dog park, visit www.hudsonrecreation.org.
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