Texas Dog Runs Top Among U.S. 'Bark' Parks; Grants to Houston and Fort Worth Dog Parks Aim to Increase Access for All Dogs, Including Those Disabled by Arthritis

Business Wire, June 3, 2005

FORT WORTH, Texas -- Two Texas dog parks top the list as the best off-leash play areas for dogs in the United States. The Millie Bush Bark Park in Houston is the first of 10 on a new list of the top dog parks announced as part of the Play More program sponsored by canine arthritis medication Deramaxx(R) (deracoxib) and Dog Fancy magazine. Fort Worth's Fort Woof Dog Park ranks number 2. The Play More program encourages more exercise and active playtime for dogs, especially those with osteoarthritis.

The Millie Bush Bark Park earned the honor in part because of its unparalleled amenities, which include three ponds built with steps and slowly sloping slides to accommodate senior dogs. Named after the late first dog of former President George H.W. Bush and Barbara Bush, the park boasts 15 acres with separate enclosures for large dogs and small dogs, water fountains for people and dogs, overhead canopies to provide shade from the sun and a shower to wash off dogs before heading home.

Open since April 2004, Fort Woof has helped revitalize the city's Gateway Park area in part because of the enthusiastic support of the Fort Worth Dog Park Association. With its five acres of open space, ample shade trees and drinking fountains for people and dogs, the park draws hundreds of dogs and dog lovers daily.

The editors of Dog Fancy partnered with Deramaxx to conduct a first-of-its-kind review of U.S. dog parks based on a range of criteria from safety considerations to owner educational resources. With more than 700 dog parks across the country, their list recognizes the best parks for dogs in the United States today:

The Deramaxx Top 10 U.S. Dog Parks

--Millie Bush Bark Park -- Houston, Texas

--Fort Woof Dog Park -- Fort Worth, Texas

--Alimagnet Dog Park -- Burnsville, Minn. (Minneapolis/St. Paul)

--Tompkins Square Dog Run -- New York, N.Y.

--University City Dog Play Area -- University City, Mo. (St. Louis)

--Piedmont Dog Park -- Atlanta, Ga.

--Wiggly Field -- Chicago. Ill.

--Chattanooga Chew Chew Canine Park -- Chattanooga, Tenn.

--Best Friend Dog Park -- Huntington Beach, Calif. (Los Angeles)

--Hazeldale Dog Park -- Aloha, Ore. (Portland)

Play More Partners

Both parks will receive grants from Novartis Animal Health US, Inc., maker of Deramaxx, to augment accessibility for senior dogs and dogs that are disabled by the pain of arthritis. In Fort Worth, using Metroplex volunteers and contractors, part of the grant will fund construction of lighting for evening park use and new park features designed to maintain and improve freedom of movement for dogs -- a local community improvement program dubbed Play More Partners.

For their effort, Jamie Lawrence, president of the Fort Worth Dog Park Association, offered thanks to volunteers in advance for making the city a better place for all dogs. "Fort Worth is proud to have one of the best dog parks in the country, but we're always striving to make it even better with the help of dog lovers all over Texas."

Canine Arthritis and Play

An estimated 1 million dogs in Texas and 10 million dogs nationwide are afflicted with canine arthritis. Many more are considered senior at 6 years old and older. "That makes accessibility at dog parks a concern for nearly half the U.S. dog population," said Dr. Bernadine Cruz, a veterinarian who has a special interest in canine arthritis at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Laguna Hills, Calif.

"As the most common form of chronic pain in dogs, arthritis sidelines dogs of all breeds and ages," Dr. Cruz continued. "Even with special modifications at parks, dog owners should talk to their veterinarian about controlling pain before expecting a potentially arthritic dog to have fun playing, running or fetching at the park again."

Nearly one million such dogs in the United States have already been helped by Deramaxx, a canine pain medication in a class called nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs.

Dr. Cruz explained that controlling the pain and inflammation of arthritis with the medication Deramaxx is only a first step toward a renewed, active life for a dog with arthritis. Once diagnosed by a veterinarian, arthritis treatment for dogs may also include weight loss, controlled diet, exercise, disease modifying agents and physical therapy.

About Deramaxx (deracoxib)

As with all drugs in this class, side effects involving the digestive system, kidneys or liver may occur. These are normally mild, but may be serious. Pet owners should discontinue therapy and contact their veterinarian immediately if side effects occur. Evaluation for pre-existing conditions and regular monitoring are recommended for pets on any medication, including Deramaxx. Use with other NSAIDs or corticosteroids should be avoided or closely monitored. Pet owners should refer to the full product insert available at www.deramaxx.com for more information.

Editor's Note: More information available at electronic media kit at http://reporterville.com/playmore