East Wenatchee Dog Pack creates community for canines and their owners
I was recently introduced to a grass-roots organization called the East Wenatchee Dog Pack, a group of canine enthusiasts who are building community by fostering a sense of shared responsibility, cooperation and education. The helpful and supportive environment they have created could be replicated in other communities.
Members of the Dog Pack are devoted to strengthening their relationships with their dogs as well as helping them socialize appropriately with other dogs and people.
Matthew Wolverton, one of the group’s founders, said it started out as an informal gathering of dog owners in East Wenatchee, using what was then a seldom-used Eastmont School District softball and soccer field next to the district headquarters.
In those early days, the field was littered with dog poop, Wolverton recalled. Members started cleaning up the field and organizing regular meeting times for members to gather. The work they were doing to be good neighbors caught the attention of Eastmont School District leaders, who were thankful that fields were being used responsibly by community members.
Wolverton works closely with Matt Charlton, the district’s assistant superintendent of secondary education, to make sure that the Dog Pack members are being good stewards. Charlton said he loves the fact that the fields are being used by community members. The Dog Pack adjusts their schedule to accommodate programs that the district is running on the fields, including practices for the Wenatchee F.C. soccer team. It’s a collaboration that is working well.
Wolverton and the Dog Pack members, which now number more than 500 individuals with about 700 dogs connected through a private Facebook page and via Instagram, are delighted to share the field.
When you spend time with the Dog Pack members, there is a positive vibe that reflects the more intentional and curated approach that Wolverton has fostered. People are friendly and welcoming to newcomers and photos of dogs that are welcomed into the group are shared on social media.
When new members apply to become part of the group, Wolverton lets them know about the rules and encourages them to slowly introduce their dogs to the Dog Pack to see if it will be a good fit. He encourages members to keep moving around the field rather than standing in one place to help their dogs stay engaged with them.
Over time, the Dog Pack has developed some consistent meet-up times for different types of training or sizes of dogs. Daily “hot lap” meet-ups are set aside to allow owners to work with their dogs off-leash in an environment that is more helpful for dogs that tend to be reactive.
One of Wolverton’s dogs, Bella, is a rescue from Mexico and he’s been working to make sure she doesn’t get overwhelmed and has seen great improvement. “We work with some reactive dogs by walking as a group, modeling good dog behavior, helping people understand the importance of holding a loose leash and teaching dogs to respect another dog’s space,” Wolverton said.
Dog Pack members appreciate the sense of community that has been created. “Everybody here is super nice,” said Staci Mendez, who was at the park with her daughter Kailyn and their dogs.
Some Dog Pack members told me they find the vibe at some off-leash dog parks to be less welcoming and sometimes a little intimidating, depending on who shows up. While most dog owners are responsible, there are some who are not. Those who create problems for others at the ball field are asked to take their dogs elsewhere for the safety of all involved.
From the beginning, Wolverton wanted to create a positive environment for his “girls.” That safe and supportive atmosphere has been a magnet attracting fellow canine enthusiasts who want a similar experience for their dogs.
Wolverton said his dogs “bring so much joy to my life” that he tries to reciprocate by providing them with as many joyful experiences as possible. That mission is being fulfilled by the dedicated dog enthusiasts who are part of the East Wenatchee Dog Pack.
How fortunate we are to have a volunteer-driven organization creating such a strong sense of community for dogs and their owners.
