“I organized the building of this dog park in Paramus for Kayla, to honor the joy she brought into my life. And honestly, it means even more because this park is where I spent so much of my youth — ice skating on the pond, sleigh riding, playing baseball with my friends until we couldn’t see the ball anymore. This community shaped me, and giving back to it is something I’m proud to keep doing.” It was opened on Sept. 21, 2013.
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BergenDOG and it's facebook group Enhancing the Well-Being of Dogs and Their People BergenDOG is a community-powered movement focused on the vital role of exercise and social interaction in the lives of dogs and their humans. Centered around an active Facebook group, BergenDOG brings neighbors together to help reunite lost pets, advocate for ethical adoption, and share knowledge about responsible dog ownership. Inspired by the enduring love for my late dog, Kayla, BergenDOG stands as a heartfelt tribute to the special connection we share with our canine companions. The mission of the Bergen Dog Owners Group (BergenDOG) is to educate and empower dog owners and communities about the importance of healthy exercise and socialization for dogs and their people. BergenDOG also manages a large, active Facebook group that helps reunite lost dogs and supports the adoption of dogs through reputable rescue organizations.
Remembering Kayla on Her Birthday – October 27th
Today, we celebrate the life and spirit of Kayla, born on October 27, 2008 a beloved companion whose presence graced our lives until May 28, 2019. 7 years now. Though she left us physically, her memory continues to shine brightly in our hearts and in the work inspired by her legacy. Kayla was more than a dog—she was family, a loyal friend, and a source of unconditional love. Her joyful energy, gentle soul, and unwavering companionship brought comfort and happiness every single day. She inspired The Dog Park @ Van Saun something I promised her and the web site BergenDOG, a community built to honor her love for play, connection, and helping others—especially dogs in need. On this special day, we remember her tail wags, her playful spirit, and the way she made every walk feel like an adventure. We honor her by continuing to advocate for dog adoption, exercise, and the joy that dogs bring into our lives. Happy Heavenly Birthday, Kayla. You are missed deeply, loved endlessly, and remembered always. Kayla also offers to all her friends a place to be memorialized on this site also. Bergen Dog Memorial Page Kayla's birthday - 10.27.2008 to 5.28.2019
October 27th would have been Kayla's birthday she left us back in 2019. Took my dog friend Hazel, who’s been visiting me this week, to The Dog Park @ Van Saun in Paramus NJ — the very one I helped get built back in 2013.
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LeoHazelSkel dogs led by Skelleo support helping dog organizations and efforts
⚾ MLB Players Known for Dog Advocacy & Sponsorship
🐕 Aaron Judge (New York Yankees)
🐶 Marcus Stroman
🐾 Zack Greinke
🐕 Clayton Kershaw
🐾 Adam Wainwright
🐶 David Price
⚾ MLB‑Wide & Team‑Driven Dog Initiatives (Player‑Supported)These efforts often exist because players push for them internally: 🐾 “Bark at the Park” / “Pups in the Park”
🐕 MLB Players & Service Dog Organizations
🧢 Baseball Culture & DogsBaseball players are:
https://guidrysguardian.org/about/
🐾 Celebrity‑Founded or Led Dog Organizations
1. The Bo Foundation – Betty White
2. The Vanderpump Dog Foundation – Lisa Vanderpump
3. The Asher House – Lee Asher (social media celebrity)
4. Maria Menounos’ “Take Action Hollywood! Paws”
🎬 Celebrity‑Supported Major Dog Welfare OrganizationsThese organizations existed first but grew significantly due to celebrity leadership or advocacy. 5. Best Friends Animal Society
6. ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
7. Wags and Walks
🎸 Unique & Niche Celebrity Dog Causes8. Rescue + Freedom Project
9. Bark Aid
10. The Sato Project
🐶 What These Organizations Typically Do
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John Fugazzie,
Freeholder Trazy Zur, River Edge Councilwoman Kathleen Murphy, state Sen. Bob Gordon, County Executive Kathleen Donovan, River Edge Mayor Sandy Moscaritolo and Fair Lawn Councilwoman Jeanne Baratta (and their dogs) open the Van Saun dog run, Sept. 21, 2013. Articles in Media
Sept. 23, 2013 Dog Park at Van Saun is Officially Open Sept.21,2013 Release the hounds: Bergen County opens newest dog park (photos) Sept 18, 2013 Dog Park at Van Saun Opens Saturday June 29, 2013 Ruffing It Up at Van Saun's New Dog Park Oct. 18, 2012 Where people bring dogs to mingle, or maybe it's the other way around Sept 18, 2012 Dog Park Underway; Opening Set for Late Fall An off-leash dog park at Van Saun Park is on the way late autumn… Jun 25, 2012 Van Saun Bark Park Construction Starts Next Month County will fund $50,000 cost to create a dog park on the River Edge side of Van Saun Park… May 30, 2012 Dog Park Location Determined; Possible Funding to be Determined Possible location scouted out this week for an off-leash dog park at Van Saun Park… May 22, 2012 http://www.northjersey.com/news/152612695_Online_petition_to_build_dog_park_gaining_momentum.html Feb 14, 2012 Off-Leash Dog Park Gains Steam with Online Petition County residents can take part in online petition for dog park in Van Saun… May 25, 2011 River Edge Man Pushes for Van Saun Dog Park Petition http://www.change.org/petitions/the-bergen-county-board-of-chosen-freeholders-build-a-dog-park-at-van-saun-county-park Facebook Page opened March 30, 2011 John Fugazzie created the group. · March 30, 2011 at 5:16pm Kayla
Artist Gina Stritch
www.facebook.com/gina.stritch.5 Click here to join Facebook Page for The Dog Park @ Van Saun
Public group 378 members Join Bergen Dog Owners Group Bergen Dog Owners Group Public group 3.8K members www.bergendog.org
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