Is there a better place to live a dog’s life than Scottsdale?
Nope, according to two recent studies.
WalletHub and Lawn Starter both dubbed Scottsdale as the best city in the country for canines.
After being voted as a “top dog” city, then seeing its beloved senior dog shelter receive funding – Scottsdale City Council charged forward with a $6 million dog park.
In 2019, as part of a 56-project package, voters approved $4.6 million for the Thompson Peak Dog Park project.
When city planners said the park would cost even more, Mayor David Ortega led the charge to find more funding.
“Scottsdale is a top dog community, recognized for plenty of open spaces, shaded walkways and pet- friendly merchants – frequented by our four-legged companions,” Ortega said.
According to a city staff report, the project’s estimate increased by $1.5 million “to accommodate inflation increases of construction materials.”
At its Sept. 10 meeting, City Council unanimously approved a contract with Valley Rain Construction Corporation to build Thompson Peak Dog Park.
Councilman Barry Graham raised no objections, this time.
Previously, he complained about transferring $1.5 million from the general fund for the dog park, as “the city’s original estimate of $4.6 million has shot up to $6.2 million —a 33% increase.”
The approved construction contract is “not to exceed $5,686,140.”
Engineering and other costs bring the total price tag to just over $6.2 million.
City Engineer Alison Tymkiw said the new dog park should be unveiled in about a year – “but we are anticipating to possibly get it done within nine months.”
Thompson Peak Dog Park is at the southwest corner of Hayden Road and Thompson Peak Parkway.
The planned Legacy North Apartments at Crossroads luxury complex nearby features its own dog park for new apartments/condos – and multiple “dog wash stations.”
A short drive away from where well cared for dogs will be romping, an agency quietly celebrated a much more modest financial boon.
Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary, Scottsdale’s only senior dog rescue group, recently received two grants: $14,651.40 from the Grey Muzzle Organization and $20,000 from Molly’s PawPrint.
The grant will allow FLPS to take in 12 senior dogs as well as defray medical treatment costs for – and facilitate the ongoing care of – the dogs in FLPS’ care, from the five currently in residence at the shelter to the 27 residing in foster and hospice foster homes.
“As a small rescue, we rely heavily on grants to sustain our mission of finding homes for senior dogs in Arizona,” said Luisa Chocron, FLPS founder and executive director.
“Many people adopting a dog tend to go for the cute puppies, but the overlooked and underserved senior community deserve homes just as much.”
In 2023, FLPS rescued 105 senior dogs, placed 80 senior dogs in new homes and helped 12 senior dogs receive in-home hospice care.
In the first six months of 2024, the agency rescued 61 senior dogs, placing 38 in “forever homes.”
FLPS is one of only about three dozen shelters exclusively dedicated to helping senior dogs.
For more information on Forever Loved Pet Sanctuary, visit foreverlovedpets.org.
The Home Show at Scottsdale, Sept. 27-29, is supporting dogs with a “Fur-ever Pet Adoptions” booth, featuring stars from the
If you’re not ready to adopt a dog – you can participate by bringing in pet items for free admission into the Home Show.
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