"No Pets Allowed" is a sign that sports our town's public parks.  It even graces the mini-Nuno park where I walk my yellow labrador, Estes Bark.  These ''forbidden" signs and even tickets for trespassing give people the impression that the city is not dog friendly. I can understand the frustration when out-of-towners ask, "Where can I walk my dog?"   I direct them to the railroad yard on the north side of the F Street bridge - the "unofficial dog run."  On the other hand, there is an organization fighting to install an "official" dog park, we have canine events, Ark Valley Humane Society is a popular charity and Fifi is treated like a member of the family by everyone.  For instance, I know that Gypsy, the golden retriever, wore a sari to greet Halloweeners; that Elway, the serivce dog, died in the near past; that Angel, the white-haired, blue eyed mutt, won't eat the office dog biscuits and doesn't really like to be petted; that Gus won't pass by our building without pulling his master inside, same with Grommet; that Gracie and Emma have a sitter who stays overnight; that Abby loves to bark and run; that Poncha (sister to Gracie) and Roscoe love to burrow and jump into snowbanks; that the Yolo pup loves to lie in the sun outside the clothing store; that puppy Marley often escapes then hides in the tall grasses; that eating poop is a favorite food for a cutie owned by Karen; that when Elizabeth travels she calls home to see how "Josie girl" is doing.  Well, I could go on.  But our dogs are essential sidekicks to hiking, snowshoeing and cuddling.  Some pooches even put air in the tires and take their owners out for a bike ride!