Now that the weather is warmer, local pet lovers want somewhere to run around with their pups. If you don't want to stay in your own backyard, go to one of the off-leash dog parks in the area.

There are several locations throughout the Mid-South where dogs can enjoy the freedom of being off-leash and owners don't have to fear their furry friends running out into the street.

Safe, fenced-in areas are available to the public, and the only necessity for most is that the dog be up-to-date on vaccinations.

1. Shelby Farms Dog Park: The most well-known and largest in the area. The park has recently finished updates to the area which includes water, a wooded area and large fields. There is a separate entrance for the dog area, located off of Trinity Road at Gate 12.

Shelby Farms Park is excited to open up the Outback, the park's off-leash dog park, with new improvements that significantly improve safety for dogs and their owners and offer patrons an opportunity to commemorate beloved pets in a place that is special to them.

New features include:

• New “bull pen” style entrance gate that allows controlled access and exit.  The double gated system allows visitors and their pets to leash and unleash in a safe holding area between the entrance and exit gate.
• A brick-lined Legacy Walk provides patrons an opportunity to commemorate beloved pets with a donation to the Outback that adds a personalized brick to the walkway
• Tree plantings, sod installation and improved signage
• Forest restoration though selective tree pruning and native understory plantings (Sweetbay Magnolias, Redbuds, deciduous Hollies and Serviceberry)
• Improved grading and drainage for adjacent parking lot

The Savior Foundation, established in 2010 by Mario Chiozza, is a non-profit organization offering financial assistance for urgent veterinary care to severely injured and abused animals of the Mid-South.

The Savior Foundation will be hosting its annual benefit dinner Saturday evening, August 6 at 7 p.m. in the St. Benedict at Auburndale cafeteria, located at 8250 Varnavas Drive.