On Thursday, April 9 The Thomaston Café and Bakery teamed up with The Thomaston Dog Park Association to host the first fundraising event for the new park. The evening exceeded expectations, raising more than $2,000. Around 70 people attended, sampling drinks like the Pink Poodle, Neopolitan Mastiff, and Salty Dog, during the "Happy Hound Hour," bidding on service auction items, and enjoying dinner. Assorted menu choices were available for "Small Dog Dishes" and "Large Dog Dishes."

The Thomaston Dog Park Association would like to thank Chef Ryan Jones and all of the staff at The Thomaston Café for hosting the event and supporting the soon-to-be park. Plans are being set to make the "Happy Hound Hour" a regular dog park fundraising event at the café, and their fresh-baked dog cookies, made with coconut, peanut butter, and local flours are always available, with 50 percent of the proceeds being donated to the new park.

The Association would also like to extend huge thank you to the local people and businesses that donated service items to the silent auction portion of the evening. Alex Nimon, ESSI Photography, Fair Winds Grooming Studio, Harbor Hounds, Harbor Road Veterinary Hospital, Peggy McCrea Historical Consultant,

Just Friends Hair Design, The Loyal Biscuit Co., Mainely Whiskers, Mathieson Digital, MidCoast First Aid, Midcoast Handyman Services, Mr. Tire Company, Patricia Hubbard, Patty McDonald, PenBay Veterinary Associates, Reed's Firewood, Ron's Detail and Wax, Rosewoods Salon, Spring Tide Acupuncture, The Black Dirt Guy, and The Flower Goddess.

Almost four acres of land have been donated for the off leash park. The design and budget are in place. Approximately $40,000 needs to be raised for secure, six-foot galvanized steel fencing and a generous parking lot. In addition to the large fenced area and separate small-dog area, planning includes safe, double-gated entries, available water, seating and walking paths.

For more information or to donate to the park, go to www.thomastondogpark.org and follow the progress on facebook.com/ThomastonDogParkAssociation.