Juliana Hoffpauir and Reddy the Ridgeback create Shreveport dog blog; movement for dog park is rolling

Juliana Hoffpauir
Originally uploaded by trudeau

A leash-free dog park for Shreveport? That's the quest for Juliana Hoffpauir and her ridgeback, Reddy. In her new blog, Shreveportdogblog.blogspot.com,
she says,

"How about Hamel Memorial DOG park?

Hamel Memorial Park is off Clyde Fant Parkway. On the Red River and river trail, the spot is ideal because it is a big open space, it is by the water, it already has infrastructure in place (entrance & parking), it is at the end of the recreational trail that can end up as the destination spot for dogs and their owners."

SPAR likes the idea. And there's a dog park petition to sign at the blog. Additionally, there's news of other cities' dog parks (Atlanta, Austin).

Hoffpauir even sees a well-run dog park as the sort of amenity that would help combat the loss of young professionals from the area, as discussed in the recent Times feature on local demographics.

Her blog is an example of the sort of activity that could, in my opinion, help Shreveport grow. It's not just about dogs. It's about alternative ways to build community. Her thoughts are about applying good ideas from her hometown of Austin to a city that needs healthy new movement.


Click here to see the dog park petition.

Invitation to Critters event, New Orleans, by founder of Shreveport Dog Park petition, Juliana Hoffpauir

Juliana Hoffpauir
Originally uploaded by trudeau

"Wanted to let you know that photographer Keith Carter picked my photo "Reddy's Nose" to be included in the exhibit mentioned below. This is an honor for me and wanted to share this with my friends in Shreveport! Hope you can make it down! The exhibit is up through July."
Juliana

Critter Fest is Saturday, June 7th, 2008 1 pm - 6 pm at the 1100 block of St. Mary Street (at Magazine Street). Free Fest, Dogs and Cats Available for Adoption, Pet Microchippping, Critter Vendors, Pet Photos, Animal Hurricane Preparedness Information, Live Music, and Fun.

Entertainment:· Carl Mack 1pm · Treme Brass Band 2pm
· David & Roselyn 4pm

The inspiration for Critter Fest is the art exhibit Critters opening the same evening. The New Orleans Photo Alliance is pleased to announce our next exhibit Critters: Juried by Keith Carter.

Opening: Saturday, June 7 6pm-9pm
1111 St. Mary Street NOLA 70130
Exhibition: June 7 to July 26

Btw, the Shreveport Dog Park petition and cause has been taken up by Cynthia Keith.

Invitation to place art in background of a Homeland Security arts & crafts fair scene

Pencil Portrait of Loren Gill's Dog / May, 2006
Originally uploaded by trudeau.

Writes Juliana Hoffpauir, "I visit your blog often, enjoy it, and appreciate that it is here in Shreveport. I am hoping that you could help me with a posting. I am working in the art department on a movie shooting in town called "Homeland Security." We are looking for a local artist to donate small paintings, enough to dress a booth one may typically find at an arts and crafts fair. The scene will be shot downtown with Antonio Banderas, and the booth will be featured in the background. The paintings would be good exposure for the artist and we would take good care of them during the shoot. After the shoot, we will return them.

If you think any of your readers would be interested in donating their paintings, please let me know. I am posting on Craig's list today, but I think your audience is more appropriate. Thanks for your assistance.

Juliana Hoffpauir
Art Department
Homeland Security
318-632-8028
318-525-1453 (fax)