01/06/09 Bend
 
Attention dog owners-- the Les Schwab Amphitheater in Bend is now off limits Monday through Thursday. "I was a little surprised, I wondered if it had been there the whole time and I just hadn't noticed it," said dog owner Nila Mohler.
 
Tuesday was the first time at the amphitheater for Bailey and her grandparents Eleen and Dave Floyd. "This is our first time here, we usually go to Shevlin park but because of the tree damage we haven't been down there," said Eleen Floyd.
 
The Floyd family was confused as they read the new sign posted. Even so, they saw dogs playing on the amphitheater grass. "She said no it's okay, the dogs come here and the owner says it's fine it's like, maybe they didn't even see the sign," said Eleen Floyd.
 
The reason for this new restriction is to preserve the grass for summer concerts. "When the grass is wet and the dogs run they create damage to the grass and the budget for the amphitheater can't make up for the damage that's created," said Marney Smith, Director of the Les Schwab Amphitheater.
 
The amphitheater wanted to make it a win- win situation, still allowing dogs to play but saving the grass as well. They decided to open the grounds to dogs like Bailey and Indie Friday through Sunday. The rest of week they can run free on the old mill grounds. "It's a good place to play but there's more room around here so just deal with it I guess," said Shane Madel, Owner of Indie.
 
While some dog owner ignored the signs, there has been a decrease of playing pups. "Before we put the signs up, at any given time I'd see half a dozen to 20 dogs out there," said Smith.
 
It's all based on an honor system. No fines will be issued but the amphitheater says if too much damage is done, they may have to lock the gates. But Bailey and Indie can look forward to the signs coming down after spring.