New dog park dedicated to a hit and run victim and his loyal dog

It has been more than four years since KION first brought you the news that a young cyclist named Josh Laven was killed while riding his bike near Santa Cruz. Now, Josh’s family and friends are honoring him in what they call the perfect way: a dog park.

For Jennifer Putnam, the memory of her son Josh never fades.

“He was funny. He was adventurous. He was an artist and he was good looking too,” said Putnam.

Laven was killed in May of 2012 after he was hit by car while riding his bike on Highway 1 near Santa Cruz. He was on a bike trip that started on the other side of the country. He was 39.

Joan Leitner and her husband were the first to find Josh.

“We came across an obvious accident scene from the night before,” said Leitner. “We ending up finding Josh’s body in the bushes. He’d been killed by a hit and run driver,” added Leitner.

Next to Josh was his dog, a terrier named Ozzi. Remarkably, Ozzi was alive and stayed by Josh’s side the whole time, waiting for help. The two were inseparable, said Putnam.

“Wherever Josh was going he took Ozzi,” said Putnam.

The driver who hit Josh and Ozzi was never found and for months there was nothing but pain for Putnam and her family.

“I can’t even explain what it was like,” said Putnam.

Eventually, Putnam refocused her energy. With help of her new friend Joan, who adopted Ozzi, she set out to find a way to remember Josh.

“We came up with the idea of let’s do something for the community that Josh would really appreciate and love,” said Putnam.

After years of planning, Ozzi’s Dog Park is born. It is in Capitola, right next to the skate park.

“The three things he loved the most were his dogs, skateboarding and bicycling,” said Putnam. “So this a perfect memorial for him.”

Now, Josh is remembered by a place that so accurately represents his life.

Josh’s aunt Dilys Constantino said it best.

“He is still here… in our spirit,” said Constantino.