D.C. Mayor Adrian Fenty presided over the opening of a fabulously-appointed new dog park at 17th and S Streets NW yesterday (along with a refurbished park for all living things at 17th and T, but the focus was clearly on the pooches’ new playground). As theses photographs illustrate, the park features a hill-shaped, artificial grass surface and a water fountain designed specifically for dogs.

The event attracted at well over a hundred local residents and their canine companions, along with a contingent from the Washington Humane Society, easily spotted in their green WHS T-shirts and brandishing cute canines bearing orange “Adopt me” vests.

The ceremony went off without a hitch and everyone seemed to enjoy the spiffy new surroundings. There was one heart-in-mouth moment after the Mayor had left when a miniature chihuahua was attacked by an enormous dog, resulting in several minutes of total chaos and panic. Fortunately for all involved, after the hysteria had abated, the tiny pup appeared to have sustained only a minor cut.

One local politics development: as Borderstan makes note, ousted Department of Parks and Recreation Director Clark Ray, who is challenging At-large D.C. Council member Phil Mendelson in 2010, received public kudos from Fenty and Ward 2 Council member Jack Evans during the event for his work in realizing the new parks. “Ironic that Fenty fires Ray, but then gives Ray credit for his good work. I guess I do have to give Fenty credit for recognizing Ray, but some days it is tough to figure out our mayor.”