First Bench Sponsor:
Article: Written by Michal Thompson

Jean and Scott MacTarnahan of Beaverton have sponsored one of two benches in the Small Dog Area of Hillsboro's Hondo Dog Park, dedicating it to their two Shiba Inus, 12-year-old Wiley and 7-year-old Sydney. The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the native Japanese dog breeds.

"I think the dog park itself is one of the prettiest off-leash parks available," Jean said adding that she especially liked the separate area for small and timid dogs, "because sometimes the big dogs get a little too rowdy for the little guys."

"After we discovered it," Scott said, "we were coming here every other day, and we drive by a lot of parks to get here. We were just so impressed. It is something that is really needed because dogs like to run free with each other and socialize, and we thought we'd like to be a part of it."

Although Scott grew up with dogs, the two Shiba Inus are Jean's first dogs. Wiley wandered into their lives as an abused stray that they adopted, or as Scott recalls, "He adopted us!" Sydney joined the family later when a close family friend could no longer take care of him.

A brass plaque on the bench reads:
Wiley and Sydney
Thank you for your unconditional loyalty
Jean and Scott MacTarnahan

Each bench in the dog park is designed to carry a dedication plaque and available for sponsorship. There is one bench remaining in the Small Dog Area, two benches in the Winter Area, and six benches in the main area.