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Chopper (bottom) and J.J. can barely contain their excitement in anticipation of the new Jackass Acres K‑9 Korral set to open Oct. 1 between Anthem and New River.

North Valley dogs finally get their day
by Jim Crawford

ANTHEM – It’s been a long time coming, but perseverance and hard work have finally paid off, as the North Valley is getting what is said to be the only all “green” dog park in the United States.

Jackass Acres K‑9 Korral broke ground for construction Aug. 1 and is set to open Oct. 1 at 41633 Old Black Canyon Highway (Interstate‑17 frontage road) between Anthem and New River.

The park is the brainchild of a group of determined North Valley residents who needed a location dedicated solely to canine pets. Spearheaded by Barbara Windgassen and a tireless board of directors, Anthem Pets Inc. is nearing the end of a long wait for a suitable place to locate the facility.

Negotiations for a park started with the Anthem Community Council in 2005, but ended in 2007 after the community council, developer Pulte/Del Webb and Anthem Pets couldn’t reach an agreement on a permanent parcel within Anthem proper, Windgassen said.

In May, Anthem Pets entered into negotiations with Joe and Pam Airdo, longtime owners of Jackass Acres, to purchase a portion of the property. Most of the property has been sold by the Airdos to a large Scottsdale landscape firm, but an additional parcel remained suitable for a dog park.

The two‑acre site has hills, trees, and is an ideal place to take pets, Windgassen told The Desert Advocate.

“It’s a great place to watch them play. We want to include the whole North Valley. All we ask is they sign up and become a member of Anthem Pets. So far we have 1,300 members and more than 600 pets registered.”

Dues are $35 annually for one dog and $50 for two. Pets must be up to date on all vaccinations.

Anthem Pets’ mission is a dedication to include all healthy, well‑behaved dogs in the organization.

The group also is very active in reuniting lost pets with their owners, along with education on the welfare and general safety of pets. They stress identification for dogs and cats with either a simple tag or a microchip.

“We are not a shelter for animals,” Windgassen explained. “It’s just one resident helping another. We provide a lot of foster homes for pets until a permanent home can be found for them. And, it’s an excellent social outlet–a place where lots of like‑minded people can get together and share their love of pets without hassle.”

Jackass Acres K‑9 Korral will be totally “green,” with solar lights, solar security system and solar‑operated water pumps, along with artificial turf made especially for dogs.

“We are really excited to be one of the first totally green dog parks anywhere,” Widngassen said. “This project is a perfect example of what a bunch of determined people can do when they set their minds to it.”

Memberships and memory bricks, along with rules and regulations, are available at www.anthempets.com. Donations to the new park can also be made through the Web site. The park will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.

For more information, contact anthempets@yahoo.com.

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