Dog paradise

Imagine yourself walking along the cool, damp beach of the Puget Sound.  In the distance you spot several sailboats and a lighthouse. You’re wearing a light North Face wind-breaker. The moist air brings the famous grey skies of the Pacific Northwest.  What might make this nearly perfect moment better than it already is?  Add in a dog running up and down along the shoreline.  If you own a dog, Seattle would be a great place to visit.  Seattle is one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S.

There are several dog-friendly dining opportunities in Seattle.  This can be a great incentive for well-behaved dogs.  Norm’s Eatery & Ale House is an American pub that got 4 stars from Yelp, and 4.5 from Urban Spoon.  They’re located right downtown, 460 N 36th street.  The Leary Traveler received 4.4 stars from Google reviews.  Both of these options are not only known for their food and service, but because people love that they may bring their dog with them.  Le Pichet is a little more upscale.  Still dog-friendly, this French bistro has an extensive menu.  It is located right in Pike Place Market, 1933 1st Ave.  After your lunch, Pike Place is a great place to walk around the scenic shops with your dog.  Bringing a dog inside to dine is a great option in rainy Seattle (Burkert, 2014).

Pike Place Market is a great place to take your dog.  Whether you’re in the packed main street of the market watching the workers throw fish to one another, or down in the basement checking out the magic shop, leashed dogs are welcome.  The salty water can be smelled from a couple miles away.

                “Pet friendly hotels are similar to normal hotels. You can choose bed and breakfast hotels or even a spa and enjoy your trip with your pet beside you” (Hensley).  Hotels are a great way to have a place to stay over a number of days.  Pet friendly hotels can be harder to find, but they’re not rare.  Calling ahead will ensure your pet will be allowed to stay.  There are some pet friendly hotels that will go above and beyond the standard.  Some will even include a miniature dog park on their property for social opportunities for both the owner and their pet.

 A list of 30 pet friendly hotels in Seattle are listed on the link below:

http://www.dogfriendly.com/server/travel/uscities/guides/us/cities/usonlinecityWASeattle.shtml

                Not only does the link provide you with pet friendly hotels, but it also directs you to various dog-friendly attractions such as the Seattle Center.   The Seattle Center is 74 acres and home of the 1962 World Fair.  This is a spectacular, historic place to visit next time you find yourself in the Emerald City.  One of Seattle’s most popular attractions among tourists are the Seattle Ferry Services.  Ferries link many islands, bays, and canals within the Puget Sound.  The best part?  Friendly, well-maintained dogs are allowed on board at no extra cost! 

                Located in the north of Downtown Seattle, University Village Mall is an outdoor shopping center with high-end shops that are dog-friendly (Burkert, 2014). 

“Perhaps the real wonder should be reserved for Seattle, 1000 miles to the north, which made the civic transition to dog parks with relative ease and polish. Seattle, too, was hit by the off-leash trend in the early 1990s and, after complaints escalated, the city initially took a hard-line approach, adding more animal control officers and increasing the number of citations. Concerned about where the policy would lead, dog owners formed Citizens for Off-Leash Areas (COLA) and caught the attention of a city council member. The Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation was not the least bit enthusiastic, but COLA helped identify about 70 possible off-leash sites and the City Council mandated a 15-month pilot program at eight of them in 1996”
(Prospect Park: New York City, Creating dog parks-Without Rancor) Source 7

Seattle is home to many dog parks.  Shoreline off-leash Dog Park is a park located in Seattle for those city dwellers to go on a walk with their dog after work. This park features a big dog area as well as a little dog area for isolation.  However if your dog doesn’t need that there is an open field and a trail as well.  Along the trail there are human drinking fountains as well as a dog drinking fountain for your dog to lap up the water when her gets thirsty.  The trail brushes up to the Lake Shoreline.  Many dogs love splashing in the salty water that brings them much delight.  If you’re looking for a break in your work day or a day with the dog and some friends one weekend, Shoreline Park would be a great option for you.

Perhaps one of the most beloved dog parks in the Seattle area is Marymoor Park.  To many locals it is referred to as “Disneyland for Dogs.”  Located in Redmond, Washington, Marymoor Park has big off-leash fields for your dog to roam all he wants.  There is also the option to walk along Lake Sammamish; however, dogs must be leashed. When you’re finished with your walk, there is a dog bathing spot to clean your dirty dog before getting into your car.  Not only does Marymoor Park have a great dog area, but they also are home to many summertime events such as outdoor concerts, and rock-climbing.  It’s a great “get-together” park. 

                Seattle is home to many spectacular vistas and outdoor scenery.  For moderate-level hikers, Little Mount Si is a great hike, and has a view of the Snoqualmie Valley.  Traveling north, you have beautiful Wallis Falls.   For beginning hikers, head to Discovery Park.  It includes an urban forest, a lighthouse, and beach views.  Dogs aren’t allowed on the beach; however, there is a short path that walks along it (Rhae, 2014).

                There are some breeds of dogs that are natural swimmers.  Retrievers especially tend to love the water.  This is a perfect fit for visiting the Seattle area, because you’re surrounded by water.  According to Jessica Rhae, “Both Green Lake Boat Rentals and Ballard Kayak Rentals allow you to bring your dog along on your watery adventures.  You can rent kayaks or paddleboards at either place (2014). Green Lake has one of the most popular walking trails in Seattle.  It’s a great social scene for both the owner and their dog.  To experience the Puget Sound, Ballard Kayak Rentals is the way to go.  They will also offer 30-minute lessons to beginning paddlers.

Sometimes traveling with a dog can be difficult.  Since Seattle is dog-friendly, it is a wonderful city for travelers with pets.  Having a dog on your side has been proven to make one a happier and healthier person.  (If interested in the effects of owning a dog on a human, look at source 6 on my cited page.)  Next time you plan a trip to Seattle, bring your four-legged furry friend with you.  You won’t regret it!