About JR Canines

Our Story

JR Canines began the way many great community efforts do: with neighbors talking to neighbors. Several years ago, residents of Juniper Ridge Resort noticed that while many of us had dogs and cherished them deeply, we lacked structured support for responsible dog ownership and quality spaces where our four-legged friends could safely play and socialize.

Some residents had mobility challenges and struggled to give their dogs the exercise they needed. Others were new to dog ownership and wanted guidance on training and etiquette. Still others simply saw an opportunity to turn an underutilized area into a welcoming dog park that would benefit the entire community.

Rather than waiting for someone else to take action, a small group of dedicated residents decided to form JR Canines as a formal 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. This structure allows us to accept tax-deductible donations, apply for grants, maintain transparency, and operate with accountability to the community we serve.

Today, JR Canines continues to be guided by that same neighbor-helping-neighbor spirit. We're not professional fundraisers or career nonprofit managers—we're your friends down the street who happen to believe that dogs deserve safe spaces and that people deserve the joy, health, and connection that dogs bring to our lives.

Who We Serve

JR Canines exists to serve several overlapping groups within and around our community:

Dog Owners at Juniper Ridge Resort

Whether you've had dogs all your life or adopted your first dog after retiring, we're here to support you. We help create spaces where your dog can exercise and socialize, offer training resources to make life easier, and foster a culture of responsibility so that all neighbors—dog owners and non-dog owners alike—can coexist happily.

Seniors and Retirees

Many of our residents are in their 60s, 70s, 80s, or beyond. For seniors, dogs provide daily structure, companionship, and a reason to stay active. Walking a dog encourages cardiovascular health and strengthens social bonds when you meet neighbors at the park. JR Canines recognizes the profound mental and physical health benefits dogs offer to older adults.

People with Disabilities

Dogs can be life-changing for individuals with mobility limitations, chronic health conditions, or cognitive challenges. While we don't train service animals, we do ensure that our community spaces are accessible and that our programs are inclusive. We also recognize that for some residents, their dog is their most consistent source of emotional support and motivation.

Visitors and Guests with Dogs

Residents often have family and friends who visit with their own dogs. We want those visitors to feel welcome and to have access to safe, clean spaces during their stay. Clear guidelines and well-maintained facilities benefit everyone.

Neighbors Without Dogs

Not everyone in our community owns a dog, and that's perfectly fine. JR Canines is committed to promoting responsible ownership, which means keeping shared spaces clean, managing noise, and ensuring dogs are well-behaved. When we do our job well, even residents without dogs can appreciate a cleaner, safer, more harmonious neighborhood.