SPOKANE, Wash. — Spokane County’s popular Patricia Simonet Laughing Dog Park faces closure as budget cuts from the county’s $900 million spending plan take effect.
The county decided to end its lease with the Department of Transportation for the dog park near the state line, which costs $32,000 annually. The decision stems from a $20 million budget shortfall that forced all departments to cut 7 percent of expenses.
“It’s great for the dogs to socialize. It really is very important for them,” said Phyllis Temple, a regular visitor to the park…