Apologies for the lack of blog posts as of late. Not surprisingly, my benevolent overseers kept me busy with a wide array of Opening Day content. Some of this content was perfunctory and forgettable, while some was near and dear to my heart.

But now I can return to my one true love — internet dating blogging. Today, let us travel to the Pacific Northwest, so that I can highlight one of the most intriguing promotions of the ’09 season: the Portland Beavers‘ “Bark in the Park” night on August 1.

For those who are unaware, “Bark in the Park” has become a popular Minor (and, occasionally, Major) League promotion over the past several seasons. The premise is simple: fans are allowed to bring their dogs to the stadium on these special evenings, resulting in nine innings of canine-related merriment. But the Beavers’ “Bark in the Park” features two unique innovations that are well-worth commenting on.

1. A local, yet-to-be-determined dog will be honored with his or her own bobblehead doll. 

2. In a pre-game ceremony, the Beavers will attempt to set the Guinness World Record for Largest Dog Wedding.

Over the last three seasons, the Beavers have generated national attention with their Rodney McCray Bobblefence (2006), Bob L. Head bobblehead (2007), and Jerry Mathers bobblehead (2008). Now, they’re going to the dogs.

“Every year, we like to have a signature bobblehead, and this is the one that rose to the top,” said Chris Metz, the Beavers vice president of operations and communications. “Everybody loves their dogs, and Portland is no different in that respect. We’re already accepting submissions from people who want their dog to be immortalized.”

Those who want their dog to be considered for this honor should click here. Simply send a photo of your dog along with a 200-word essay on why he or she should be considered. The deadline is June 1.

Now, as for the dog marriage world record…the existing mark is recorded in the Guinness Book of World Records thusly:

“On February 12, 2006, in Hilversum, the Netherlands, 27 pairs of dogs were married in a ceremony organized by Nestle Purina PetCare Nederland B.V. The dogs had all met during a speed-dating session prior to the mass wedding and were issued certificates to celebrate the happy day.”

Metz says that the Beavers “feel very strongly” that they will be able to shatter the existing record. Even if they forgo the process of pre-nuptial speed-dating.

“I imagine that these will all be pre-existing dog relationships,” he remarked. “Ours is a family product.”