I've got the 501 MetroBark blues.

Kendra Ward from Erie MetroParks recently sent me a press release announcing the 500th dog has been registered at the Erie MetroBark Park on Friday, April 3. Coincidentally, I fully registered our dog Calli on that day as well. I quickly sent an e-mail back to Kendra to find out if I was the lucky winner of nothing for our dog being the 500th. She responded with "Sooooooooooo close, Jason. You're #501. #500 beat you by 1 ½ hours! "So now I have the 501 blues, but I still won nothing, right? Here's the press release...ERIE METROBARK PARK REGISTERS ITS 500TH DOG! On April 3, Erie MetroParks staff were pleased to register local dog#500 for Erie MetroBark Park. The dog park has become a very popular placefor local dogs and their owners to spend some quality time outdoors.Executive Director Steve Dice said, "We are very pleased to be able toprovide this much needed public and canine service. We greatly appreciatethe help of the Friends of Erie MetroParks and others how worked diligentlyto make the MetroBark Park a reality." The dog park's creation came from area citizens' requests for anenclosed area exclusively for dogs to run and play in a safe environment,while not disturbing other park visitors or off-limit areas. This off-leashdog park was constructed by the Friends of Erie MetroParks, volunteers andstaff. Materials to build the facility were funded by donations and agrant. Owners wishing to let their dogs enjoy the off-leash park mustregister their dogs in advance. Registration is now available online atwww.eriemetroparks.org, by phone at (419) 625-7783 x221 or in person atOsborn Park's offices. The registration process consists of completing someinformational forms, providing shot records and a dog license, and paying aregistration fee. Erie County residents pay $15, while out of countyresidents pay $20. Additional dogs cost $5. Registrations are good for onecalendar year. For more information, contact Erie MetroParks at (419) 621-4220 x22.