The Ashley Memorial Dog Park has become a popular meeting place where new friendships are made, but many remember dog names rather than individuals’ names

“I’ve met quite a few people here, but I can’t remember their names but I can remember their dogs’ names,” Jim Daly of Auburn said.

For Nancy Jellison, a retired editor with a legal publishing company in Sacramento, she’s found more than five new friends at the park off of Auburn Ravine Road. Jellison at least knows the first names of her new friends.

“I have met lots of friends here: Annie, Julie, Mary, Myra, Robin and more,” Jellison said Monday, as she watched her Labrador retrievers Maggie and Sage romp around the grassy area.

Jellison’s husband, Cary, has lived in Auburn for more than 40 years and works as a hunting and fishing guide. He uses Maggie and Sage on his hunting expeditions.

“He bird hunts with them,” Jellison said. “We use the dog park to keep the dogs in shape. It’s good because it socializes the dogs. Dogs that are afraid become more comfortable.”

Jellison met her friend Robin Gallego at the dog park. Gallego was out enjoying Monday morning with her chocolate lab Dodger and white lab Jake. Both dogs were adopted from the Placer County Animal Shelter, she said.

“I come here every day, twice a day,” Gallego said. “The park has been a godsend for us. Dodger loves it here. He chases the butterflies and birds.”

An accountant and notary, Gallego said she’s also gotten some clients while socializing at the park.

The dog park first opened to visitors in April, with evenings marking the most popular time, according to Laura Pinnick, director of the Ashley Memorial Dog Park Foundation.

“In the evening there are up to 40 dogs at a time,” Pinnick said. “You have the high-speed chases going on and the tug of wars.”

Mary Sutton of Loomis, who is recovering from hip surgery, especially appreciates the dog park because she currently is unable to walk her dog. However, the fenced-in dog park provides a safe enclosed area where she can let her lab Rocket run freely and play.

“I’m recuperating from hip surgery, so I can’t walk my dog,” Sutton said. “This park has been a real blessing for me. It’s great for people with disabilities. I can come and sit here and my dog gets exercise.”

While Daly may not remember individual names, his greyhound Brina, just six months old, was the star attraction of Monday morning’s dog activities. Brina gracefully ran across the grass with her long strides, as other dog owners observed her style. Daly adopted Brina from Greyhound Friends for Life, run by Shana Laursen of Auburn.

Greyhounds will typically chase almost anything that moves be it a car or squirrel. However, the enclosed dog park provides a safe haven where greyhounds and other dogs can run without risking the chance of being hit by a car.

“Greyhounds are sight dogs, so if she sees something she’ll take off,” Daly said. “It’s the only place I can bring her that’s enclosed. Brina loves it here.”

The chain-linked fence that surrounds the dog park is not that high, and Daly said that Brina might be able to jump over it when she gets older.

In the meantime, Brina can enjoy playing with other dogs, as the sign on the gate reads: “All Dogs Play Area, Dogs Have the Right of Way.”

The Journal’s Bruce Warren can be reached at brucew@goldcountrymedia.com, or comment online at Auburnjournal.com.