DOGS FETCH NEW FRIENDS FOR OWNERS CANINE MATCHMAKERS NOSE AROUND LOCAL PARK.

Byline: Brent Hopkins Staff Writer

The scent of love was in the air and it smelled like doggie biscuits.

An estimated 300 dog lovers and singles gathered at the Sepulveda Basin Dog Park on Saturday afternoon, talking romance and Rottweilers while their pooches played around. Set up to promote the ABC Family Channel's ``Just a Walk in the Park'' - a romantic comedy about a dog walker - the event drew a mixed crowd, with Malteses and Labradors turning out with their proud owners on the prowl.

``This is a great atmosphere,'' said Cedric Fortune, a Reseda resident whose large canine friend strained at its leash. ``It's not like going to a nightclub where all you meet is snotty people. Here, everyone's nice, honest and they love dogs. As a bachelor, I don't get out all that much, so this is great.''

As show dogs raced after flying discs, owners chatted about their leashed charges. While their schnauzers sniffed one another and yipped nervously, their human counterparts found an instant topic of conversation.

``Sometimes it's hard to meet people, so it's easier when you've got something in common like this,'' said Tina Mercade, a Granada Hills teacher clutching a trio of Chihuahuas.

And the owners weren't the only ones seeking romance. Willow, an attractive Staffordshire bull terrier from North Hills, eyed the field as owner Janice DeMadona stood by.

``It's great to get her out with other dogs,'' said DeMadona, who spends her days managing The Loved Dog Co., a kennel-free dog day care center in West Los Angeles. ``And she's always looking for love.''

Robert Natoli, a film lab technician from Toluca Lake, sat on the sidelines with his American bulldog, Max. The large, long-legged Max eyed Mercade's threesome, pondering what would have been a very unusual match indeed. His owner hadn't landed anyone major yet, but professed confidence in his future prospects.

``I met a couple of girls today, and I'll be mingling later on,'' Natoli said. ``I didn't get a phone number or ask for one, but it's still early.''

Though the setting wasn't ripped from a Shakespearean love scene, most would-be wooers weren't deterred. Suzy Robertson walked her boxer Carmen slowly, noticing how easily conversation flowed between fellow dog lovers.

``When you have something to talk about, conversation comes much easier,'' she said. ``Maybe dog slobber attracts people ...''

Not all regular dog walkers were so sold on the premise, however. Upon hearing the event was singles-themed, one German shepherd owner quickly turned tail.

``Well, he's neutered,'' the man said, leading his dog away. ``And if my girlfriend heard I was coming to something like this, I'd share the same fate.''

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(1 -- 2) Alan Thibido and his Border collie, Jasper, above, put on a show Saturday at the Sepulveda Basin Dog Park during a movie promotion sponsored by ABC Family Channel. Tina Mercade, left, has her hands full with her three Chihuahuas.

Gus Ruelas/Staff Photographer