Doggie Paradise

Deciding where to take your dog to play in San Francisco can be challenging. Choices range from walking around the block, which can be mundane, to finding somewhere green and open to roam. Open areas in the city are rare and for the most part located off the beaten path. Finding dog friendly parks can be challenging but when you do the rewards are endless.
Dog friendly parks provide a safe place for your four-legged friend to play and make friends. It is not only beneficial to their well being, but it also allows your dog some time away from home. There are many dog friendly parks throughout San Francisco and locating the right one for your dog is important. Certain parks allow dogs to roam freely without a leash and others require dogs to be kept on leashes at all times. There is definitely a park for every dog and below are some examples of where your dog may want to go for their next outing, who knows it may turn into a regular play date with newly found friends.

Alamo Square Park consists of six city blocks at the top of a hill overlooking much of San Francisco, with a number of large and architecturally distinctive mansions along the perimeter. It is bordered by Hayes Street to the south, Fulton Street to the north, Scott Street to the west, and Steiner Street to the east. On any given day you and your dog will be greeted by other dogs running through the park and sniffing one another. The western section of the park is devoted to off leash play. There you will find dogs competing to catch tennis balls and Frisbees. If your dog is not as social as some of the others you can easily take him for a stroll along the perimeter of the park where dogs are required to be kept on leash. Do not worry if you forget a poop bag, because there are numerous poop bag dispensers located throughout the park. There are even lowered drinking fountains specifically designed for pet consumption. Alamo Square Park is one of my favorite places to spend a relaxing day with my dog.

Dolores Park is another great park to take your dog. The views of the San Francisco skyline from Dolores Park are among the best from any dog park in the city, and the generally sunny Mission-district weather make this a perfect park for summer picnics where your dog can run free. Much like a bigger version of Alamo Square Park, Dolores Park is essentially just a large sloping expanse of grass, so don’t come here expecting to get a good workout. And without a lot of things to explore, your dog will undoubtedly find that the other dogs in the park are the biggest attractions. Dolores Park is located in the Mission District between Church and Dolores, and 18th and 20th Streets.

Buena Vista Park is a great off-leash dog park if both of you and your dog want a good workout. While the park lacks any large open spaces for dogs to roam, it has steep paved and dirt paths and winding wooden stairs. Within steps of entering the park from any of its many access points you find yourself surrounded by a cathedral-like tree canopy and your dog a few paces ahead. Wind your way up the central ridge that rises from the Haight Street entrance at Buena Vista Avenue East and take a much-needed rest at the first lookout point. From the bench you can look northeast to Alamo Square Park and beyond to the East Bay. From there it’s a quick walk up to the highest lookout point and one of the few small grass areas where dogs are known to congregate. From the top there are many trails that circle down the hill, making this off-leash dog park one that you will want to visit often. Buena Vista Park is located between lower and upper Haight a few blocks south of the tip of the Pan Handle. Haight Street forms its northern boundary, and it’s ringed by Buena Vista Avenues East and West.

San Francisco has many fun and exciting places that you and your dog can enjoy. The three parks mentioned above offer a wide variety of entertainment. You can enjoy the scenery while your four-legged friend meets new acquaintances or joins a game of go fetch. Any of these parks are sure to be a treat for you and your loved one for years to come.
Image Credits: www.sfdogparks.com

A Dog's Other Best Friend

Have you ever been sick in bed and felt guilty about being unable to take your dog for a walk? Have you had to work late and missed the opportunity to spend time with your four legged friend? If you have been guilty of either one of these scenarios there is help available that will get you out of the doghouse. Hire a dog walker!

A professional dog walker is an asset to have if you are ever unable to walk your dog. A dog walker will come to your home, pick up your dog, and go for a walk. Walks usually last about an hour and can range from a trip to the park, a stroll along the beach or possibly a hike along a forested trail. Dog walkers work hard to make sure your dog is happy.

There are many benefits to using a dog walker. First and foremost the health benefits of daily walks are essential to a dog's wellness. Regular walks can prevent illness, increase longevity, and lead to a much happier existence. Dog walkers can save you time and come to the rescue in a pinch. They can fill a void in your dog's life when you are not able to be around. Nothing makes up for not being with your dog during the day, but hiring a dog walker to spend time with your dog can lead to peace of mind. You will no longer need to feel a sense of guilt
for missing a walk.
A great source for hiring a professional dog walker is www.dogwalks.com. In San Francisco reliable and trustworthy dog walkers are hard to find, but this website takes the guessing out of choosing the right walker for your dog. Julia Frink founded dogwalks.com in 1999. Her company services most neighborhoods throughout San Francisco. She will customize any walk program for your dog and you can relax knowing that her company and dog walkers are licensed, bonded, and insured.

Whether you decide to hire a walker 7 days a week or just for the occassional outing, dogwalks.com is a great resource. Your dog will never have to sit at home alone and bored for hours on end. Hiring a professional dog walker may be the best thing you can do for your dog.
Image Credits: www.dogwalks.com

Unconditional Love

In San Francisco there are many places to consider when thinking about acquiring a dog. For instance, you can purchase a dog from a breeder, a pet store, or adopt one from a shelter. When deciding to make a dog part of your life it is important to consider the many options available. Adopting a dog is the best option because it means you are providing a home to an unwanted animal and ultimately saving it's life. There is no better place to adopt a dog then at Pets Unlimited, located at 2343 Fillmore Street @ Washington.

Pets Unlimited was founded in 1947 out of concern for the stray animals that roamed the streets of San Francisco. Over the years Pets Unlimited has been instrumental in saving the lives of 250,000 animals and has grown to include an adoption facility, a 24-hour emergency hospital, extended shelter services, foster family program, and community education programs. The mission of Pets Unlimited according to their website is, "to find and rescue as many injured and neglected pets as possible, providing quality medical treatment and find them loving homes no matter how long it takes." Some of the pets in the adoption facility have been there for over a year and they continue to treat them the same as any other animal.

If you are contemplating making a dog part of your family consider choosing one from Pets Unlimited. Currently they have eight dogs waiting for good homes and any of them would make a great companion.

To the right is a photo of Oakley, an eight year old male Cocker Spaniel. He was rescued from the Fremont Animal Shelter and brought to Pets Unlimited to be given a second chance. If Oakley had not been rescued, he would no longer be on this earth. If you would like to adopt Oakley or play with any of his friends go to Pets Unlimited on Fillmore Street. The adoption center is located upstairs. You never know what four-legged friend you may find.

For more information and hours of operation go to: www.petsunlimited.org
Image Credits: Pets Unlimited 2008