[Update - Tehachapi has made the finals! We are one of the leaders, but it is super important to vote 2 times everyday! It takes less than a minute. Do it for the dogs. :)]

Tehachapi Residents, as you may or may not know, our city is in the running to win up to $100,000 toward a dream dog park, to be situated in the new-and-improved Meadowbrook Park! Each of us has two chances per day to vote, once here: http://petsafe.net/barkforyourpark/

and once here: http://facebook.com/PetSafeBrand/. Read below to learn more about PetSafe's Bark for Your Park Contest, and help us win it...for the dogs!

From Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District Manager, Matt Young

Dear PetSafe Bark for Your Park Committee,

It is with great pleasure that I announce my support for Tehachapi's participation in the 2014 PetSafe Bark for Your Park Contest. In addition to supporting my constituents' efforts, the addition of a quality dog park is integral to fulfilling the mission of the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District (TVRPD). As such, the development of a community dog park is prioritized in the District's 2013 Master Plan.

Since 1958, the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District has been committed to providing high quality recreation and parks facilities to Greater Tehachapi Area residents. As ambassadors of community wellness and active living we at TVRPD know that efficient accessibility to positive, life-long experiences through inclusive recreational programming, events and parks are key to community wellness, including that of our canine family members. This, coupled with lack of a quality dog park, has guided Tehachapi residents to enter in the 2014 PetSafe Bark for Your Park Contest. Most recently, TVRPD has partnered with local canine rescue organizations, including renown Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue, to extend canine education and resources to Tehachapi residents. TVRPD and Marley's Mutts' partnership and involvement in the PetSafe campaign efforts have garnered the support of community members, elected City and County officials, the Tehachapi Parks Foundation, and many other local service groups. Following the registry of our city in the contest, Tehachapi has received nearly 8,000 votes from people locally, nationally and even internationally!

If we are to win the Bark for Your Park Contest, the Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Park District will provide all necessary resources to support the park, and/or help citizens organize such efforts once the park is complete. On behalf of TVRPD, I thank you for your kind consideration in helping Tehachapi to realize a world-class community dog park!

Respectfully,

Matt J. Young, MS

District Manager

Tehachapi Valley Recreation & Park District

m.young@tvrpd.org

From Liz R. Kover, Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue, Animal-Assisted Activities Director

Dear PetSafe Bark For Your Park Committee,

Dogs and humans have co-evolved to traverse the world together. Through hunting, foraging, migrating, working, and playing, we have enhanced one another's well-being. We at Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue dream of building a dog park that reflects and strengthens this alliance.

Like our friends at Tehachapi Valley Recreation and Parks District, we envision a shared community space where partnerships between residents and their dogs are strengthened, and new friendships are made. The human-canine bond will come to life here in ways that help people and their dogs stay active, get fit, and have fun! By utilizing the dog park to expand Marley's Mutts' educational programs, we will help people better understand their dogs' behavior, and how to safely introduce them in a social setting. Our park will bring people together for dog-related gatherings including birthday parties, training classes, adoption events, and creative fundraisers to support our rescue efforts. Our PetSafe park will facilitate active playtime for families and their pets, and unite the community in the name of health and happiness for all.

Like PetSafe, Marley's Mutts is a group of highly impassioned people working together for the common goal of making the world a better place, one dog, one human at a time. In winning the Bark for Your Park Contest, we will continue to save and make life brighter for dogs and people in the city of Tehachapi, and beyond. With your help, our all of our dog park dreams will come true!

Dog Speed,

Liz R. Kover

Animal-Assisted Activities

Marley's Mutts Dog Rescue

liz.kover@marleysmutts.com