It’s an event that every Franklin Dog needs to attend! The grand opening and dedication of a dog park at the historic Park at Harlinsdale Farm will be Monday, April 12 at 6 p.m.

The first 100 people (and their dogs) to visit the off-leash fenced park will receive a memento.

This amazing property is located on Franklin Road between downtown and Mack Hatcher. The 200-acre Harlinsdale Farm has been called the most significant historic farm associated with the modern Tennessee Walking Horse industry. Purchased by the City of Franklin, the park’s first phase was opened in September 2007.

The dog park, named The K-9 Korral, features half an acre of fenced area that was formerly the horses’ paddock. It is located on the south side of the barn, right off the parking lot area.

A notice from the Parks Department advises that dog licenses and rabies tags and vaccinations must be current, and dogs must be over 4 months old. when outside the fenced area, dogs must be leashed.

For more information, call the Parks Administration at 794-2103.

Core Value 3: OUR COMMUNITY AND ITS HERITAGE

We believe that as dogs can enhance the lives of families and individuals, they can also connect us on an individual and community level. We look for ways to use dogs to build bridge between members of our community. We recognize accomplishments of Franklin dogs, especially in the area of service to the community, and also work with owners interested in using their dogs to reach out to others. The Franklin Dog brand embraces our community’s history and its pride as a significant Civil War battleground.

We recognize accomplishments of Franklin dogs, especially in the area of service to the community.

More than 30 police officer/canine teams will be welcomed by some of our famous dogs of Franklin as our local police department hosts the 2009 United States Police Canine Association Competition.

Teams will compete in events at the Fieldstone Farms softball fields starting at 9 a.m. on Thursday and Friday, May 14-15. Thursday’s events will feature canine agility, obedience and suspect search. Criminal apprehension events will be on Friday.

Events start at 9 a.m. and continue into the afternoon.

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March 5-8

Williamson County Agricultural Exposition Park

Arguably it’s the highlight of the year for dog lovers in Franklin. I’m there when the first paw steps into the Expo Center and don’t leave until the final bark on Sunday.

It’s a great place for prospective dog owners to see most of the 160-plus breeds in The American Kennel Club. Last year’s count included 19 labs, 26 afghans and 67 boxers!

A couple years ago at this show I met Nancy Nier Prince, from whom I got Rosalynn, our Giant Schnauzer. I look forward to seeing her again this year.

It’s actually four separate shows. A “Best of Show” is named at the end of each day, and the whole process begins the next morning under different judges.

You can see the most action in the mornings, starting at 8:30 on Thursday and at 8 Friday-Sunday. But there’s still plenty going on in the middle to late afternoon when breed winners compete against the other dogs in their group (Terrier or Sporting, for instance). The seven group winners then compete for Best in Show, which takes place not too much before suppertime.

There’s a surprising number of Franklin dogs in the competition, but dogs come from all over the country. There’s also plenty of vendors.

It’s a great family outing. There’s a parking fee, but no admission charge

East off the Peytsonville Rd. exit. Then left on Long Road.

I shouldn’t be hard to spot…..I’ll be on a wheeled scooter contraption because of my torn Achilles. I’d like to meet every Franklin dog owner!

Randy

Cover Value 1: EVERYONE’S BEST FRIEND

We value the work of reputable breeders towards producing high-quality dogs.