Bend named DogTown USA

Last modified: July 31. 2012 6:18AM PST

The August issue features Olympic athletes and their dogs, but Dog Fancy's September issue will feature Bend, named Dog Town USA.

Dog Fancy magazine will name Bend DogTown USA — the nation's dog-friendliest city — in its September issue, according to a news release from Visit Bend, the city's tourism promotion agency.

Bend earned the title for its canine-friendly recreational opportunities, businesses, restaurants and off-leash areas.

“Bend is a great place to live for pooches as well as people," said Kreg Lindberg, the president of DogPAC — a regional volunteer organization and advocacy group that promotes off-leash recreation.

The city promotes itself as BikeTown USA and BeerTown USA, so DogPAC explored the option of DogTown USA, Lindberg said. DogPAC discovered that Dog Fancy had a contest for the title and decided to apply, he said.

Last year, Bend was a runner-up for the award, he said. Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, won, according to the magazine's website.

With the award comes a large donation of pet food for the Humane Society of Central Oregon. DogPAC is scheduled to receive a $5,000 check at 10 a.m. on Saturday during a public ceremony at the Pine Nursery Dog Park in northeast Bend.

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