At Prospect Park's Coffee Bark, Dogs Let Loose

Last Saturday began like any other in Prospect Park; the sun was shining, strollers were out and dogs were unleashed. The only difference was obvious: the dogs outnumbered the humans. 

On the first Saturday of every month, dogs are welcome to bring their families to a community event that allows local canines to socialize and romp through the park's  Great Meadow. The event, sponsored by the Prospect Park-based dog owner group FIDO, attracts dozens of dogs and their families from across Brooklyn.

“Coffee Bark rescues dogs,” says Tony Chiappelloni, current president of FIDO. “It frees them from the leash or being locked inside. 

That freedom was evident by the dozens of happy dogs running through the meadow last Saturday. Dogs of all shapes, sizes and ages played catch , chased frisbees and made new friends as their families chatted over coffee and pastries. At times it was difficult to determine which dogs belonged to which owners as the dogs, freed from their leashes, chose to play amongst themselves.

Coffee Bark also hosts a number of local organizations that support dog adoptions and other causes. The Good Dog Foundation, which provides therapy dog services to clients throughout the region, handed out flyers and chatted with interested FIDO members.

FIDO, a non-profit organization, started over 15 years ago as a community group that encouraged local residents to bring their dogs to the park as a deterrent to crime, which was rampant at the time.

“FIDO began when about 15 or so people would come to the park with their dogs to hang out. Now we have somewhere between 500 and 700 members,” said Joey Singer, a longtime member of FIDO and its current treasurer. 

The current incarnation of Coffee Bark was born after the new off-leash laws came into effect in 2006. The law decreed that dogs were only allowed to be off their leashes between 9 p.m. and 9 a.m. Coffee Bark, which is held from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m., allows dogs to play while still observing the law.

The group also works to improve the park and educate the public. It has donated 300 garbage cans and a number of large dumpsters to the park and regularly also advocates for other issues connected to Prospect Park, such as campaigning against . It also hosts regular seminars about responsible pet care.

But most importantly, FIDO gives all those cooped up canines a chance to let loose.

"Coffee Bark gives dogs a chance to be themselves in a natural environment," said Chiappelloni.

Coffee Bark is held the first Saturday of every month in the Great Meadow of Prospect Park. Visit FIDO's website for more information about Coffee Bark and FIDO.