Presque Isle’s dog park, part of Peace Park on Central Drive, has a new bench for pet owners to enjoy while their dogs run freely in an enclosed area.
The bench was donated by the Central Aroostook Kennel Club, whose members strive to encourage the dog-human bond through various activities.
According to Vice President Kathy Hoppe, the kennel club was started in the mid-1970s by local dog enthusiasts to encourage responsible breeding of purpose-bred dogs. Over the years the group has hosted American Kennel Club matches, seminars and workshops, and for years has offered spring and fall dog training classes in the Presque Isle area.
But between the closing of the former Loring Air Force Base, the drop in County population, the COVID-19 pandemic and other variables, the club has experienced declining membership and seen a loss of interest in competitive dog training and breeding.
After much reflection this spring, the club decided it was time to bring the chapter to a close, Hoppe said. But members wanted to ensure the remaining funds would continue to support the dogs that brought them together, and founding member Lucy Richard suggested donating a bench to the dog park.
“The members warmly embraced this gesture, seeing it as a lasting way to celebrate our shared love of dogs and the community we built together,” Hoppe said.
The bench will stand as a quiet reminder of times spent side by side with dear friends and faithful dogs, she added.
