10/08/2025
This post is getting a lot of attention which is wonderful! Now please see the updated post about the weather forecast which has completely changed since yesterday. 😭 We will advise soon on the status of the planned event.
The collies were discussing among themselves what should happen to the event at Valley Forge on the 12th if the government doesn’t open back up. So we thought we should let you know what they decided.
It’s still on! Read on!
While the government is closed, there is no access to facilities in the park, and there will be no park ranger to administer the Bark Ranger oaths. Our permit has not yet been finalized and cannot be until they go back to work.
However, the park grounds are still available.
Registrations are currently just short of the group limit where we would be required to have a permit, and we don’t expect that to change in the next 4 days. (If we reach the unpermitted limit, and the government hasn’t opened back up, we will close registrations so as not to exceed the limit.)
So we plan to have the event as planned on the 12th and will defer the permit until some time in the spring when hopefully even more people will be able to join us.
We do not know for sure whether we can still use the picnic tables inside the pavilion, but we’ve already told everyone to bring their own chair for comfort, so that shouldn’t make any real difference one way or the other.
The weather should be good but on the cool side. So, if you have registered, please dress accordingly.
We hope to have a nice gathering of collies and people, with refreshments appropriate for brunch, including a group walk as planned. The walk is of course optional. All park rules as far as keeping dogs on leash (6-ft maximum, no retractable) at all times and cleaning up after your dog, and where dogs are and are not allowed still apply.
If the government opens back up on time, then we will also be able to complete the Bark Ranger as planned.
If you have already registered, we are looking forward to seeing you on the 12th as planned.