There’s no home for the buffalo roam and the deer and the antelope play but Ceres now boasts a place for dogs to frolic and socialize with other dogs. Turning up to help the city open the first-ever dog park in Ceres on Friday were 10 dogs and their owners.

The dog park, located on the north side of Helen Perry Road and east of Boothe Road, has two shelters and benches and areas for large dogs and another area for small dogs enclosed by chain-link fencing. The parking lot is sized for six vehicles, one of which is reserved solely for handicapped persons with a handicapped placard.

Former Ceres Police sergeant Sam Ryno, whose wife is City Councilwoman Linda Ryno, brought down their Airedale “Spud.” Lisa Mantarro Moore brought down her two dogs, Judge and Bandit.

Councilwoman Ryno said that four years ago she was approached by citizen Brenda Krepela about the need for a dog park in Ceres. “She had to take her dogs to Turlock or Modesto because she wasn’t really feeling comfortable walking her dogs through the neighborhood,” said Ryno.

The dog park was then included in the revised parks master plan.

Shella Joiner brought down her dog and said she’ll be using it.

“We have a big backyard but he still likes to bust loose and run,” said Joiner, “so I think it’ll be good to have an unfamiliar place to run in. Maybe that’ll cure that need to break out.”

Don Cool, who is passionate about dogs, commented that the park was thought out well.

Renee Ledbetter attended the ribbon cutting and liked the idea of grass in the park versus a dirt lot. Also thinking the park is great was Leslie Demello.

“I absolutely love this – this is great,” said Demello who brought down her cocker spaniel Chewy – short for Chewbacca. “I like it because here he gets interaction with other dogs.”

The city has posted many rules designed to reduce problems at the park. Rules include that dog owners are responsible for the handling and control of their dogs and legally responsible for any damage, injury or illness their dogs may cause to other dogs, people or one’s self. Owners must have their dogs leashed prior to entering the park and cannot carry them unleashed into the park. Dogs must be fitted with a collar with dog tag at all times and must be licensed and vaccinated and be healthy. Puppies under four months of age are not permitted. It also goes without saying that owners must pick up any droppings left by their dog. One owner may not have more than three dogs in the facility.

The park may be used from sunrise to sunset. Loud music, unnecessary noise and consumption of alcoholic beverages are not permitted.

“If your dog isn’t very sociable then I wouldn’t bring a dog down here,” suggested Ryno.

City Manager Toby Wells said he doesn’t expect the dog park to be a problem for residents who live next to it. He said the dog park is closed when the sun goes down.

“We get more complaints about basketball courts than dogs,” said Wells.