Do you have a Treat Tree in your neighborhood? No? When you are done reading this, you’ll want one.
As my dog and I walk the neighborhood, we make a trek by the Treat Tree several times a week. It’s a special tree that has dog treats inside those plastic Easter carrots. And a big bucket of “Animal Water” is also nearby. We cannot walk by the Treat Tree without stopping, no matter how hard I pull on the leash.
Last night we happened by as Treat Tree steward, Elisa, was re-filling the delicious dog carrots. Yum! It was bonus time!!! I stopped and asked for a little history.
Elisa and her family started with Animal Water, placing a large bucket of water outside near the sidewalk of her home a 2nd near her business for all dogs and such. The Treat Tree itself started over 10 (or was it 20?) years ago, when her kids were small, during the Easter season. Within a short time however, the neighborhood dogs insisted on stopping, carrots or not. The animal water would be available, but treats? People would have to bring their own treats before the dogs would move on. It was strictly, BYO. Within a couple of years, treats were available, year round.
Spreading Treats
Elisa’s neighbors help with providing dog treats for the Treat Tree. An occasional anonymous donor will drop off a bag or box, too. Lisa faithfully fills the carrots twice a day and changes the animal water.
On occasion, people will share with her stories of taking the Treat Tree idea to their neighborhood, often in other states.
Sometimes Elisa will simply overhear people stop, and exclaim in surprise, “Wow!! I love Portland”
Now, don’t you think a Treat Tree is needed in your neighborhood? I hope you start one. Let me know if you do. I’ll share the story with Elisa. And the dogs.
Portlandia, here we come.
5 Minute Citizen 