Mayor Steve Widmyer and his ten-month-old golden retriever Russell test out Coeur d’Alene’s newest dog park in McEuen Park at the Dog park dedication Saturday morning. (Coeur d'Alene Press: Tess Freeman)

It was a canine congregation and furry friend celebration as the Kootenai County Dog Park Association dedicated the new downtown off-leash, fenced dog park at the south end of McEuen Park early Saturday morning. About 50 people and many of their four-legged companions attended the ceremony, which was presented by retired Coeur d'Alene parks director Doug Eastwood. It included a ribbon cutting and socializing time for the dogs and their people. Kootenai County Dog Park Association founding member Bob Macdonald of Coeur d'Alene brought his friendly 3-year-old border collie-papillon mix Bugsy to the ceremony. Macdonald said he feels the new dog park is "absolutely essential"/Devin Heilman, Coeur d'Alene Press. More here.

Question: Have you taken your dog to one of Coeur d'Alene's dog parks yet?