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Last weekend, I visited my son and his fiancé up in Atlanta. Sunday morning, their two dogs (Daisy and Grady–both pictured above) and my son and I went to a nearby dog park for some fresh air and fun.
Anyone who thinks dogs are not sentient beings fully capable of emotions including mischief, joy, anxiety, curiosity, and playfulness need only go to a dog park to see just how “human” these creatures are.
Click on any of the pictures in this post to see a larger image. And, here’s a link to a full-sized slideshow of all the pictures in this post.
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Most cities have dog parks, an idea which shows good sensitivity on the part of local government to the needs of its citizens. Here’s a list of Pet Friendly Places to Play with Your Pet in Florida.
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Here’s the official list of St. Petersburg dog parks: St. Pete Dog Parks. Here’s an unofficial list of the same information at Pets Welcome.
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Here’s the official list for Hillsborough County (where Tampa is), dog parks, and an unofficial list for Tampa, Dogster.
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Almost all the above sites also have information on other cities within the greater Tampa Bay area. Here are a few more:
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You’ll notice that dog parks come in varieties–just as dogs do! There’s leashless parks where they’re free to run. But, there are some parks where they must be on a leash at all times. There are parks that are primarily for the dogs and parks that are primarily for people, but allow dogs. Of course, there are pet friendly beaches as well as parks. Some parks have runs for big dogs separate from runs for little dogs.
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Even if you’re petless, find a friend with a dog, and tag along to a dog park. The experience draws you out of yourself as you watch these rascals play together.
Most images link to larger images.
click on larger image for closeup
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Great information on the importance of, and fun at, dog parks. Please consider GoPetFriendly.com a source of dog park locations for you and your readers not only “for the Tampa Bay area but also far beyond.”
Thanks for the tip! Your site is really a very good one…has a beautiful user interface, too. I like the fact it includes campgrounds, activities, and service providers as well as hotels which can be booked right on your site.
hilton, Bless your sweet heart !! This is one of the best of all your great submissions to share. Yea!!! some of our four-legged friends are better, more interesting, more faithful and sweeter than na lot of two-legged ones. As a life-long dog lover, owner/servant I really miss having a dog now. Had to choose between my dog and that wonderful man I married ‘recently” to be able to go to England for four months every summer. All the best and we hope to see you soon. !!
Katharine and Lloyd
Hi Hilton,
I just browsed thru your blog and was really impressed. You are quite an accomplished individual.
I have 2 dogs. I got “Harley” (part german shepherd/part unknown) from the SPCA 5 years ago. 1-1/2 years ago, somebody found a puppy (full-blood Louisiana Catahoula) walking down 301 in Tampa. I took him in and named him “Sidecar” (because every Harley needs one!) They are the best.
I take them to Gandy Beach (which I didn’t see on your blog as a dog-friendly place). I live very close to that beach and love it because (while it’s not the cleanest around) it’s a total locals beach and has lots of mangrove inlets where I can isolate my dogs from the rest of the beachgoers’ dogs! They love chasing the ball in the water and can swim out to the 1st buoy!