November 27, 2007
Canine Companions’ $50k gift will help build Karst Dog Park
Bloomington, IN—Canine Companions owner Bryan Bailey announced that his business will donate $50,000 towards the design, construction and maintenance of Karst Dog Park. Located at 2450 S. Endwright Road, the park will open in June 2008. The $50,000 gift makes Canine Companions the largest private supporter for a Parks & Recreation facility.

Karst Dog Park will be larger than a football field, with safety fences, separate enclosures for small and large dogs, watering stations, computerized security, grass irrigation, benches, and accessibility features. According to Kelli Witner, Assistant Administrator at Monroe County Parks & Recreation, the park has been a dream for ten years and is a culmination of a wish list gleaned from studying other dog parks around the country.

 “This could absolutely not come about without Canine Companions’ sponsorship and Bryan Bailey’s personal interest in animal responsibility,” Witner said.  “He is truly passionate about giving back to this community and being a leader in animal welfare.”

In 1985, Bryan Bailey, a master trainer, created Canine Companions. His personal vision and commitment to excellence, professional service, ethical care, and compassion are evident in every aspect of the business. He wants the park to reflect the same standards and feels being involved from the beginning allows him to provide professional input into the park’s quality, safety, and special features.

“At Canine Companions, our approach is rooted in understanding every facet of a dog’s physical and emotional needs. We strive for excellence in every aspect of the services we offer to meet those needs. With the Karst project, we want Bloomington to have a dog park of the highest quality that is the most healthy, caring, and fun environment possible,” he said.

Canine Companions sponsored Boogie Woogie in Bryan Park in June 2007 and is an annual sponsor of MCHA’s Walk for the Animals. Bryan Bailey was a character coach for South High School Football in 2007 and traveled extensively with Sports Outreach International, teaching leadership skills to athletic coaches in economically challenged countries.

“Canine Companions always strives to be a good community citizen,” said Bailey. “We like to make a difference when we can.”

According to Bryan, sponsorship of the Karst Dog Park gives Canine Companions an important, enduring way to contribute to a great community. “Our goal is to make a difference in the quality of life here for our citizens and their companion animals.” 

Canine Companions is a full-service dog care facility. It offers dog boarding, training, daycare, grooming, and an on-site veterinary hospital. See www.bloomingtondogs.com for more information.

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