The flag-painted fire hydrant that was removed because critics thought dogs would disrespectfully urinate on it is being reinstalled, but with a fence to keep the pooches away.
The hydrant was part of a dog park named for Hondo, a police dog killed chasing a suspect 10 years ago.
"While hydrants are playfully associated with dogs as a 'target,' this hydrant was specifically designed and painted to serve as a very personal tribute to a service animal killed in the line of duty," said Hillsboro parks spokeswoman Corinne Bloomfield.
Since the hydrant was removed earlier this week, the department got responses from dog owners and war veterans in support of the tribute, "which is clearly the intent of this hydrant and does not disrespect Hondo, the U.S. flag or K-9 officers," Bloomfield said.
The hydrant was already elevated and surrounded by prickly shrubbery. Bloomfield said her department would add a fence and look for more ways to dog-proof it.
