Northshore Couple make Pooch Park a priority

Read the original post on Northshorelinks.com

Most people would probably recognize Christian Serpas as the leader and multi-talented singer, songwriter, and front man of the band Ghost Town. What you may not know, is that he and his wife Melissa are part of a small group of people who have taken on the big job of getting the Northshore’s first official Dog Park built, and they are well on their way to making it happen.

Bark Park Chairman Sarah Pokorny had an idea and rolled with it, quickly gaining support and eventually the donation last year of 3.5 acres of land at Pelican Park to be used for a Bark Park. A Bark Park is a park where dogs, (and even their owners if they feel like it) can run free in a safe, secure area, not confined by leashes. Bark Park’s are hugely popular in communities all across America; it’s not a new idea. However, they are few and far between in Louisiana. Mandeville is a perfectly appropriate place and with the generous donation of the land and citizens like Christian and Melissa, it seems a new Bark Park is well on its way.

I first learned of Christian’s involvement in the Pelican Bark Park back in September when he was a guest on my radio show with Bernie Cyrus. He was on to talk about another worthy Northshore cause, the fundraiser that was held for Devin Funck, the little Slidell boy who was viciously attacked by an alligator. With a caring heart and not hesitant to get involved, he, and Melissa are perfect volunteers for this effort. Inspired by her love for animals (the Serpas’ have three cats) and particularly their precious Chihuahua, Phoebe, Melissa is extremely involved with Northshore activities for pets, volunteering for both the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws Parade and coordinating the Small Dog Playgroup that meets every other month at the Speakeasy Too in Madisonville.

Since September, it seems it’s been full steam ahead for all the Pelican Bark Park volunteers. Present at practically every festival or community event, they are there with volunteer sign-up sheets, spreading the word, gathering emails and accepting donations for the cause. They had their first big fundraiser, “Bark at the Moon” a couple weeks ago which was a success. And their “Yappy Hour” has become hugely popular. Everyone is invited and it’s held at Ruby’s Roadhouse on the 2nd Wednesday of each month from 6:30-8:30. The owners of Ruby’s graciously open their doors once a month to their patrons with pups in tow for a fun puppy-themed night. There is food available for purchase for the humans, and all-natural puppy treats by My Pooch’s Pantry for the pets. With doggie-themed drinks, a “mutt-strut” fashion show with adoptable dogs from the Humane Society, pet contests, and a 50/50 raffle, it’s a ton a fun, with the $5.00 cover going directly to the Bark Park.

The Pelican Bark Park can be built in phases, allowing it to be utilized while they raise additional funds for its completion. The first phase will consist of grass, drainage, parking and fencing. Other park features include benches, a pond, dog-washing stations, a walking path, and a shade pavilion. There will be special areas for small dogs and larger dogs to play, and a double-entry security gate.

Operating under a 501(3)c status, and working tirelessly to reach their goal, every bit of help is appreciated. In addition to volunteers who are needed to assist with booths and events, the Bark Park is also seeking out in-kind contributions of materials and such. Corporate Sponsorships with opportunities for naming rights are available. The $100 Buy-a-Brick campaign is a beautiful way to get involved and support our local Bark Park. Be a part of the “Walk of Fame” with a brick inscribed with your dog’s name, a business or family members name or perhaps the name of long loved pet that has passed.

This Bark Park is something a community like the Northshore needs. A place where not just the dogs, but friends and family can socialize, too. We’re lucky to live in a place that is filled with so many good, hard-working people who aren’t afraid to get involved and get things done. Their dedication to this project is admirable, and we will all get to benefit from it for years to come, with our pets, at our very own Bark Park.

The next Yappy Hour will be Wednesday, February 11 at Ruby’s with the theme of the evening being “Pawdi Gras Pawty” . And don’t miss the Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws parade on March 1 at 2:00 on the Lakefront. I’ll keep you posted here on www.northshorelinks.com of all of their events in the future, and of the progress of the Bark Park. Please check out the following links for more information about any of these topics.

The Pelican Bark Park, www.pelicanbarkpark.org

The Mystic Krewe of Mardi Paws, www.mardipaws.com

Christian Serpas and Ghost Town, www.ghosttown.org



Sheri Campbell

NorthShoreLinks.com