A few months I received a comment on this website from Stacey Gammon, a pet photographer who was embarking on a mission she calls “The Park Project,” whose purpose is “to document and photograph North New Jersey parks, gardens and green spaces that allow dogs, giving away free pet photo shoots in the process.” We signed up, and have been following Stacey on Facebook and have admired her work as she makes her way across northern New Jersey.

Stacey has finally found time in her busy schedule to come to the most fabulous of all parks/dog parks. Weather permitting, she will be in and around Brookdale Park Dog Park Saturday, October 12 at 4 PM to photograph what we know are the cutest, funniest, most handsome, and sweetest dogs in the state. Check our Facebook page for possible cancellation due to rain.

Please note that while the shoot is free, photos from the shoot will be available for purchase.

It’s obvious that our dogs love fall — the cooler air, the enticing scents, and that crazy harvest moon. There are a couple of events coming up in October that should be of interest to dog lovers as well, both centered around Brookdale Park Dog Park.

First up we have Strut Your Mutt, the Brookdale Park Halloween parade, Saturday, October 26th. Registration begins at 9:15.  Here’s the official announcement from the Brookdale Park Conservancy webpage:

Free and open to the public, Essex County’s Annual “Strut Your Mutt” Canine Costume Parade and Contest returns to Brookdale Park this fall!

Come see dogs of all breeds, ages and sizes wearing costumes ranging from sweet and humorous to downright scary. Prizes are awarded in a variety of categories including Most Creative, Cutest, Best Owner-Pet Costume and County Executive’s Choice.

This canine parade is brought to you by Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., Essex County Executive, The Board of Chosen Freeholders and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs.

Registration begins at 9:15am with the parade starting at 10:00am. Rain date is Sunday, October 27.

Check out the video  of last year’s parade here and here.

The second event is Dog Play, Tuesday, October 29th. This event is a free seminar sponsored by the Brookdale Park Conservancy and led by local dog trainer Fernando Camacho. The details from the conservancy website are below; perhaps you have seen the sign up at the dog park message board (though I believe the address for the Brookdale Reformed Church is 10 Bellevue ave, not 10 Belleville ave).

Going to the dog park can be fun but it can also be an unpleasant experience sometimes. Join Dog Behavior Consultant and Trainer Fernando Camacho as he discusses the intricacies of dog play. Fern will go over what is appropriate play, detail the various dog play styles and teach you how to read dog body language and social queues. He will also show you how to identify inappropriate behavior so that you can help make your next visit to the dog park a fun and safe experience.

This is a people only event and seating is limited so please RSVP in advance using this form.

Dog Play is presented by The Brookdale Park Conservancy and will be held at the Brookdale Reformed Church, 10 Belleville Avenue, Bloomfield, NJ 07003

A $10 suggested donation supports Brookdale Park Conservancy in its efforts to help educate and inform our park community about relevant topics.

Henry and his pack hope to see you at the parade and in around the dog park. Happy fall!