Hidden Brook Veterinary Services and the Dartmouth Dog Advisory Work Group teamed up on Dec. 13 to bring Mr. and Mrs. Claus to visit all the good dogs of Dartmouth.

Light refreshments and a raffle table to raise funds for the dog park kept the humans at the veterinary clinic occupied while dogs of all breeds and sizes had their photos taken with Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, played by Rick Brown, a client at the clinic, and Karen Harb, a member of DDAWG.

This event was the first collaboration between DDAWG and Hidden Brook. Many of the people in attendance were clients and friends so it "made sense" to bring the two organizations together said Hidden Brook's Dr. Corrine Slaughter.

"Anything that's good for the owners and the dogs is good for us," Slaughter said.

"This was a great opportunity to get into another part of the town," said DDAWG committee member Diane Camacho. "It was important to make sure people know there's going to be a regional dog park open to all Dartmouth residents and non-residents."

DDAWG, established six years ago, has been working to create the dog park for Dartmouth residents and beyond. Town bylaws state dogs are not permitted in beaches or parks. Other than Buttonwood Park in New Bedford, sidewalks and DNRT reservations where dogs are explicitly allowed, there are no places in Dartmouth where dogs can be walked and exercised. Subsequently, the establishment of a dog park is very popular with locals.

From the Finance Committee to the Select Board to locals, "Everybody is behind it" said Camacho.

The location for the dog park would be at Dartmouth Regional Park and Trails, a multi-use recreational facility with tennis and basketball courts, fields, a playground and a handicap-accessible picnic area. There is a stretch of land there that is at a slightly higher elevation and cannot be used for sports but would be more than adequate as a dog park.

The Stanton Foundation provided the group with a grant to build the park and subsequently, they have a heavy hand in how DDAWG and the Parks Department can approach constructing the park. Though the committee wishes progress would move at a faster pace, they remain very optimistic about the park.

At their last meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 9, fundraising efforts had brought the group to over $5,600, which will be put towards operation and maintenance costs of the park once it is open.