In a paws-itively fun way to celebrate the Wareham Dog Park, the Dog Park Affiliation of Wareham hosted a birthday pawty with pup-cups, cake and a ribbon-cutting ceremony Sunday, April 27. 

Affiliation board member Sally Morrison was busy setting up stations and highlighted the new information kiosks the park has to offer.

"The kiosks literally got put in on Friday," she said. "Once they were done they had to be filled so I was standing in the rain seeing how many of these information things I can put in there."

The kiosks present information about the park, rules and feature artwork. 

Along with the new structures is a walking trail that Morrison thanked Garry Buckminster, Municipal Maintenance and the Mass Cultural Festivals & Projects for. A ribbon made from pet-waste bags lined the entrance for the trail.

"The trail has been planned from when this park was being planned," Morrison said. 

Deacon Hilary Green from Church of Good Shepherd blessed the park and pups present to kick off the celebrations. During the blessing, with dogs at her feet, Green highlighted God's love for all creation. 

"Animals are very often the hand and soul of God," Green said. "Just look into your dog's and you'll see what I mean."

Lindsey and Matt Almquist of Plymouth brought their eight-year-old pup Haley to the celebration. The pair said bringing her to the park helps her be social. 

"She loves hanging out and she loves meeting new people," Lindsey said. "And I really enjoy getting to meet all the dogs I'm not gonna lie."

They said Haley makes her rounds to get pets from patrons. 

"We come for the dogs and she comes for the people," Matt said. 

Sam Maystrovskay travels to the park from Cedarville with his two-year-old dog Mimi often. Donned in her usual pearl collar, Maystrovskay said bringing her to the park has helped her be less nervous. 

"She definitely learned how to socialize," he said. "Everytime she would see a dog she would jump into my arms and want me to hold her. Now I have to fight to get her out of here."

Sally Morrison said the event and park wouldn't be possible without the volunteers and extended gratitude to Carpenter Vincent Smith, Dog Park Affiliation of Wareham United Way and Hannaford's. 

"We couldn't have done it without them," she said.