HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Next Friday, May 16, Hendersonville animal lovers and city officials will come together to dedicate a city dog park in honor of a "beloved mascot" of the Humane Society of Sumner County.

The dog park inside Memorial Park, located at 151 E. Main St., will officially be known as Samson's Dog Park, according to the Hendersonville Parks and Recreation Department. Members of the community are invited to join the humane society at the dedication, scheduled for 10 a.m.

According to the parks department, Samson was the "beloved mascot and faithful companion" of HSSC for 12 years. After being adopted by numerous families, the humane society became his forever home, where he "brought joy, love, and smiles to everyone he encountered."

"As a lifelong dog parent, I love that we have this dog park and fittingly have it named after a leader among canines," Hendersonville Mayor Jamie Clary said. "The park is one more amenity that makes Hendersonville an exceptional city for people and pets."

"The Hendersonville Dog Park is a special place to many in our community," Hendersonville Parks Director Andy Gilley said in a release.

The funds for the dog park came as a collaborative effort between the local Lions Club, the city itself and community members, according to Gilley.

"For many years folks have been looking for a proper name for the dog park. When the idea to name it after Samson, who served as the face of the humane society, came to us, we thought it was very fitting and a perfect way to honor Samson and all of the pets in our community that mean so much to so many," Gilley said.

Officials with HSSC thanked the community for the support of the park and for the effort to rename it for their former "house dog."

"The Humane Society of Sumner County would like to express our sincere gratitude to the City of Hendersonville for dedicating and renaming the Hendersonville Dog Park in memory of Samson, our long time canine resident and 'house dog,'" HSSC President Glenda Stone said. "We will be remembered and loved by many for the times he greeted visitors to the Adoption Center."

According to Stone, HSSC has helped rescue lost, homeless and abandoned animals in Sumner County for 51 years, thanks to the help of its dedicated staff, volunteers and donors.

"A special thanks goes to Donna Frost, volunteer and entertainer, and Andy Gilley, Director of Parks and Recreation, for all the time and effort to make this happen," Stone added.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/hendersonville-dedicating-samsons-dog-park-in-honor-of-beloved-mascot/