A celebration of dogs in all their forms – from lifesaving service animals to beloved family pets – is coming together in one lively morning at Memorial Park on April 11.

At the heart of the festivities, which include the popular Bark in the Park and Pooch in the Pool events, is the unveiling of a new public canine-themed mural by Tauranga artist Sam Allen.

Titled Our Best Friends, the artwork pays tribute to service dogs and the vital roles they play in supporting people and communities.

For Allen, the mural is more than just public art – it’s a heartfelt ‘thank you’.

“I wanted to celebrate dogs,” he said. “And to really celebrate them, I decided to select service dogs – to acknowledge all the work they do for us humans.”

The idea was sparked during travels to Nepal, where Allen witnessed a festival dedicated entirely to honouring dogs. Similar experiences in Japan reinforced the universal bond people share with their canine companions.

“It struck me that loving dogs is something almost everyone has in common,” he said.

“No matter your background, social or economic situation – it’s something we can all connect on.”

The guide dog featured in the 'Out Best Friends' mural at Memorial Park has raised tactile elements enabling those with low or no vision to trace its shapes by hand. Photo / Kelly O'Hara

Back home in Tauranga, Allen put a call out on local Facebook community pages asking for dog nominations. The response was overwhelming – more than 350 comments poured in, with people nominating their own beloved companions and others in the community.

From these, he selected four service dogs which have roles that reach far beyond their immediate families: Kora, a search and rescue dog involved in the Tauranga landslides; Milly, a conservation detection dog; Easton, a guide dog; and Kōwhai, an assistance dog.

“I selected service dogs because they’ve dedicated their lives to helping multiple people,” Allen said.

“Most people nominated their own dog, which is fair – there’s that personal connection. But I felt it was important to give the spotlight to dogs serving the wider community.”

In a thoughtful touch, the mural, developed with support from Tauranga City Council’s public art fund, was designed with accessibility in mind.

Raised tactile elements allow people with low or no vision to experience the artwork through touch –a meaningful inclusion, particularly as one of the featured handlers is blind.

The unveiling, running from 9am-12pm at Memorial Park, is being opened up as a community celebration – and everyone is encouraged to bring their dogs along.

Coinciding with the launch are two popular events hosted by Tauranga City Council, transforming the park into a hub of canine activity.

Pooch in the Pool returns to Memorial Pool on April 11. Photo / Supplied

Bark in the Park, held at Jordan Field from 9am to 12pm, invites dog owners to connect, learn and enjoy a relaxed morning out. The event features educational booths on topics such as microchipping and dog-friendly walking spots, along with live music, agility demonstrations, food trucks, giveaways and dog play areas.

Meanwhile, nearby, Pooch in the Pool returns at Memorial Pool, offering a splash-filled experience for dogs of all sizes. Running from 10am-4pm, the event includes dedicated swim sessions for small, medium and large dogs, along with games, treats and prizes. Entry is $16 per dog, with proceeds supporting charity.

Together, the mural unveiling, Bark in the Park and Pooch in the Pool promise a day that celebrates not just dogs, but the joy, companionship and service they bring to everyday life.

As Allen puts it: “It’s about giving thanks”.