Issue link: http://hvparent.uberflip.com/i/669136
16 Hudson Valley Parent n May 2016 Thomas Bull Dog Park 211 State Rt. 416, Montgomery Open to the public from 7am until dusk with at open areas and rolling hills for dogs of all sizes as well as divided areas for big and small pups. Available bench- es, picnic tables, water fountains and a shaded structure for 2-legged friends. Beacon Dog Park 195 Robert Cahill Dr., Beacon A community-sponsored park with separate sections for small and larger dogs. Memberships can be purchased at The Beacon Barkery for a one-time annual fee. Gardiner Dog Park 2340 Rt. 44/55, Gardiner This popular dog park sits just behind Town Hall and includes an area for small dogs, a shaded structure, water spigot, benches and pet waste stations. The Woodstock Dog Park Dixon Rd., Saugerties Two fully fenced-in dog parks tucked into the woods include agility obstacles with the natural woodsy terrain. Follow Dixon Rd. then turn left at the baseball f ield and the trail at the back of the parking lot leads to the park. TOP 4 HUDSON VALLEY DOG PARKS For more, log onto hvparent.com/dogparks I Love My Pet! W hether they walk on four legs, hop around on two, slither along the ground or swim in a bowl, we really, really love our pets. According a national pet owners survey by the American Pet Products Association, almost 80 million U.S. families – about 65 percent of the population – share their homes with pets, up from 66.5 million just four short years ago. While some consider pets to be mere companions, many more think of their furry (or cold-blooded or scaly) friends as an actual part of the family – and do everything from buying gifts and throwing birthday parties for them to dressing them in holiday costumes. In addition to the pet food and yummy treats, cat and dog owners also spend a whopping average of $1288.50 annually on veterinary care for their pets according to the survey. Yep, we humans are pretty fond of our companions, and our readers are certainly no exception – evident by the droves of adorable pictures that came in for our "I Love My Pet!" contest. All were loveable and super cud- dly, but readers especially liked top vote-getter Missee from Slate Hill (pictured above). Cute K-9 Cookie from Poughkeepsie f inished second. Congratulations to them! Missee the cat from Slate Hill Sponsored by Sponsored by