Ridgewood Receives First ‘Dog-Friendly Community Award’

Ridgewood is so friendly to dogs, the American Kennel Club wants to show it to the best of the breeds.

The organization announced this month it would be giving the village its inaugural “Dog-Friendly Community Award.”

Jeffrey Ball, a delegate to the club and Ridgewood resident, nominated the village for the award when it was created last month.

Ball, the president of the NJ Federation of Dog Clubs, helped start a responsible pet ownership committee in Ridgewood last year, which the council created alongside a “dangerous dog” ordinance that increased the licensing fees for dogs involved in attacks.

The kennel club covered the costs of educational materials for the committee, which teaches pet owners on keeping their animals safely.

Local, county and American Kennel Club officials will be on hand Saturday, Feb. 8 at 1 p.m. for the presentation of the award at the dog run in Saddle River County Park (the Duck Pond). Dog owners are encouraged to bring their pups.

Following the presentation of the award, a reception will be held at the Community Center in Village Hall. Ten competitors for best of breed in the coming American Kennel Club Dog Show will be in attendance.