Buffalo Rising Online

Jun 22nd, 4:14pm By queenseyes

Pugs are sausages with legs. At least that’s what Sandy Hertel, owner of Elmwood Village Fabrics told me earlier today. She sent me an email a couple of days ago to remind me that “40 little pop-eyed, curly-tail pork roasts with legs” would be congregating at the BuffOLA dog park to celebrate ‘all things pug’. The turnout was pretty spectacular – not only were there a countless number of pugs running around, there were also a variety of other small breeds, or toys, joining in on the fun.

On the surface this meet-up was a blast for the dogs and their owners, but there was something even more special about this occasion that some people might not be aware of. Since the dog park has opened, this has become the only place (that I know of) where an event like this can take place in the city. I spoke to a number of dog owners who told me that up until now theses meet-ups were being held solely in the suburbs.

That’s great for folks living outside Buffalo… and now city-dwellers can show off their own fancy diggs. I spoke to one of the event organizers who told me that she works downtown but rarely spends much time in the city outside of work. She was extremely excited to be able to help showcase the LaSalle off leash area, which, she told me was, “Perfect, especially now that there are Abner Hours for smaller breeds.” Abner hours (30lb dogs and smaller) take place between the hours of 1pm and 3pm. Ultimately the plan is to have two separate romping areas to keep the large and small dogs apart.

Pug owners are not the only ones who are taking advantage of the BuffOLA dog park. The next meet-up that I am aware of is going to be dedicated to Chihuahuas - the smallest breed of dog in the world. I would think that any number of the recently opened doggy daycares, bakeries, specialty shops, etc. would jump at the chance to promote these events. When the BuffOLA park relocates to its new home (within LaSalle Park, we may just be covering Pug Pool Parties as well as an event known as Pugoween – a Pug costume party. Pug owners share their infatuation with each other through local online sites like The Pug Meet-Up. And if you’re into Chihuahuas, then sign up for their meet-ups. It’s a great way to meet new friends… and who knows, maybe the dog owners will even find a new friend or two.

Don’t forget to mark the following event on your calendar:

“Sunday, July 13 - Join the Run for Rover - walk with your dog or run a 5K with dog lovers in LaSalle Park in support of the Pet Emergency Fund” – Reed Stevens