One hundred humans chattering and 100 dogs barking, all in one place, at the same time: It's a nightmare for some, but positively hairy heaven for the hundreds of dog lovers that frequent the 3 Road Dog Park.
The special canine occasion was the second Memory Park Celebration, sparked by the loss of several family pets around the same time last August.
One of the owners, Judith Hutson, who lost her beloved pet was so moved at the time by the reaction of the dog park community that she approached the City of Richmond to make the venue even more hospitable.
Two benches, a dog fountain, a rock table and a row of trees later, the Memory Park was born.
Now, when one of their "family members" passes away, the owner can tie a ribbon to one of the trees at the park.
"There's an amazing community down there," Hutson said. "We keep on hearing about the lack of community spirit these days, but that's not the case down there.
"Amazing friendships have developed since the park was installed and especially upgraded. The park has created a venue for quite different people to connect."
Hutson said the ribbontying is "a small way to have them remembered.
"I wanted to have a special place for people to come together. We now have a dog fountain, two benches, shady trees and a piece of flat rock which we use as a coffee table; it's very much a living room concept."
The off-leash park at No. 3 and Dyke roads was the venue for the second Memory Park Celebration, where about 100 people and 100 dogs dined on picnic food and dog treats.
"Tons of dog food and treats for the dogs was donated by Bosleys and Tysol. Bosleys staff actually came down with a table full of treats and toys for the dogs," Hutson said.
"The common element that brings us all together is our dogs, they are very much family members.
"People are incredibly moved when they tie their ribbons on. But it's not just a sad place; it's a living room where we all have a good old chat, it's a fantastic place really."
