We were thrilled to be included in this Our Americana podcast. We’ve conducted many interviews over the phone and in person before film and camera crews but this was our first via Skype phone. The interviewer, Josh Hallmark, skillfully organized my rambling dialogue into a story worth sharing. It was delightful to talk about the broader aspects of being a modern-day roadside attraction with connections to those of yesteryear. We also discuss why we think our giant dog in Idaho is appealing to visitors, and, as creators of Dog Bark Park, what Dennis & I find appealing about our visitors and guests. To access the podcast click here.
Double Anniversaries & Winter Specials
We’re celebrating with Anniversary Specials for the Holidays!
What’s the celebration? This year marks the 15th anniversary for
Sweet Willy welcoming guests to stay and 2017 is also the 20th year
of the founding of Dog Bark Park. Something to bark about for sure!
To honor our double anniversaries we will be offering weekly specials in
the next few weeks in time for holiday shopping.
Look for subsequent weekly specials by visiting our Facebook page
or drop by this blog every week.
Week 1 Special – 20 Years $20 Rebate*
Order two small-size carvings of your choice and receive a $20 rebate.
Rebate will be issued as soon as we confirm your order.
Special expires Monday November 20, 2017 at midnight Pacific Time.
Ways to order:
Online: https://www.dogbarkpark.com/wood-chainsaw-carvings/wooden-carved-dogs/
Phone: (208) 962-3647
Email: frances@dogbarkpark.com
*(Special only valid for orders shipped to US addresses.)
Slideshow images
With assistance from TripAdvisor, we’ve put together this short slideshow with music that gives a taste of Dog Bark Park. Most of the items we’ve added to our outdoor art garden are included. Enjoy the visit. And let us know your reactions.
To start the slideshow click here.
Rhubarb Season & Rhubarb Recipes
It’s rhubarb season in Idaho! And that means next year this time we’ll be cutting our first harvest from a new planting of rhubarb that grows near the front paws of the big beagle.
Rhubarb grows below the big dog's front feet
Rhubarb is rather like zucchini – people seem to either really like it or they stay far away from these foods. I happen to be fans of both. Spring just doesn’t seem right without having fresh rhubarb sauce. And summer could not exist without regular servings of sauteed baby zucchini for dinner.
Rhubarb Brown Sugar Muffins
Since Rhubarb Brown Sugar Muffins are a breakfast specialty I bake for our bed & breakfast guests, I raid neighbor’s rhubarb patches to gather in enough of the tangy fruit for a whole year’s supply. Nothing goes to waste as all those big floppy rhubarb leaves make great green additions to our compost pile. A quick wash of the stalks and then Dennis joins me in the kitchen as we chop & package the tart fruit for freezing. Another evening or two later I have pies baked and delivered to my rhubard neighbors as thank you gifts. It’s a spring ritual I would not wish to miss.
Basic Rhubarb Sauce
This is the sauce for rhubarb purists!
4 cups washed & chopped rhubarb
1/4 – 1/2 cup water
2/3 – 1 cup sugar
pinch salt
Place all in a medium saucepan. Bring to boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat & simmer for about 10 minutes until rhubarb is soft, stirring occasionally. Serve warm or cold. Good plain, over ice cream, with cereal and milk, or drizzle over pork or chicken cutlets during final minutes of cooking.
Rhubarb/Strawberry Sauce
This is a more elegant version with a milder rhubarb flavor.
4 cups washed & chopped rhubarb
1 cup washed & chopped strawberries
1/4 – 1/2 cup water
1 to 2 cups sugar
pinch salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1 or 2 drops red food coloring.
Cook exactly the same as Basic Rhubarb Sauce recipe. Let cool and enjoy!
Life couldn’t be better if there’s some rhubarb in it!!
Big dog travels to pages of Playboy Mexico
We didn’t quite know what to expect when the editors of Playboy Mexico Magazine contacted us a few months ago seeking images for an article in their architecture section of the magazine.
Sweet Willy looking proud
The finished article with photos turned out so nice. Click on the link above or here to view.
It’s always fun to see where Sweet Willy will appear next!
Bookings are coming in at a faster pace than previous years. June is now completely booked! Still have dates in July, Aug and beyond.
Fun exposure in Kids Magazine
Several families of children who read National Geographic Kids Magazine will be visiting this summer. We’re always delighted when the story of Idaho’s big dog makes press that encourages youth to read.
This is just one of the most recent appearances Sweet Willy has made. Click here to see the short article and accompanying photo. That’s Dennis at the giant fire hydrant!
Information about the big dog has appeared on standard achievement reading comprehension tests given to American school children in several states. And often Sweet Willy’s (that’s the big dog’s pet name!) photo and description are included in tuturial magazines aimed at teaching English as a second language to youth in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and other nationalities.
This is a level of appeal we never imagined for Sweet Willy. Such fun!
