Bow Wow Beach

Bow Wow Beach
By James Fowler

Today, my wife and I found a new dog park to take our faithful mutt, Porthos ( a Dalmatian/Boxer mix). It was called Bow Wow Beach in Stow, Ohio, and it consisted of 7.5 acres of park facility with a huge lake in the middle of it. This park just opened a few weeks ago and it is, by far, the best dog park we have ever visited. A dog park, you ask? What does a dog park have to do with internet marketing? I asked myself the same question, as I sat under a shade tree watching Porthos run in and out of the water with over 200 other pets. I sat there and watched hundreds of dog owners and their children and asked myself, what non-profit shelter or local pet store isn’t out at this park recruiting from the faithful animal lovers that have driven here to allow their dog a bit of fun in the sun on a beach?

As our dogs are running around, people had three options: to watch their pets, talk to others about dogs, or do nothing. There is a captive audience from dawn until dusk made up of a very determined group of individuals who love pets – dogs, in particular.

I would share a web site address with you of this doggie oasis, but there isn’t any, which is a shame for the park’s committee in Stow, Ohio. These are dollars they are missing out on. A quick search on Google reveals one blog on the park, a newspaper article, and an announcement from a local Akron, Ohio animal shelter.

The park, itself, was originally a children’s swimming hole. The Stow park’s committee put up a fence around the 7.5 acre area and is now working on separating large dogs from small dogs. There is even a facility to wash the sand off your dog before you leave. Stow has the right idea. They need to follow through with it.

Some ideas that I would offer the City of Stow and local area shelters and businesses:

1. Put up a big sign at the entrance. At least let people know it is there.


2. Invite the area animal shelters to have a “day at the park”. While they are there, the city should collect donations from the patrons. Believe me, they have a gold mine here, added contributions to the park will only add to the benefit of this wonderful place and dog owners are willing to support a facility that makes their dogs happy.


3. Let local businesses pass out flyers or advertise in a “Bow Wow Beach” newsletter. Make sure other communities can participate in this.


4. Get a web site and announce upcoming events.

To the city of Stow, Ohio, I applaud your park facility and your efforts to make dogs and their very enthusiastic owners happy. Keep up the good work!