Take your DOG on a DATE 🐶 6 Western Washington places to take pamper your pooch
2January is “Walk Your Dog” month, so here are six local ways to get outside and bond with your furry friends!
Marina Beach Park in Edmonds:
Set right next to the water, the designated off-leash area allows dogs to run - and swim - free. It's one of the few Puget Sound public beaches open to dogs. If tidal rock is too much for delicate paws, there's also a more traditional dog park setting to enjoy (and plenty of parking for humans)
Fort Steilacoom Park in Lakewood:
Dogs can sprint for miles on 22 acres of fenced-off grassy space at this South Sound dog park. Volunteers work as “monitors,” helping make sure all the dogs get along. There's also a separate fenced area for smaller breeds.
Seabrook on Washington’s coast:
This picturesque community is has practically adopted "dog friendly" as its slogan. In town, many of the small businesses allow dogs - and so do roughly half of the vacation rentals. But the real draw is the endless sandy beach, ideal for racing and zoomies.
Brown Dog University in Gig Harbor:
For high-energy types who need more than a walk, try diving! Brown Dog University in Gig Harbor trains dogs to dive competitively off docks (or, just for fun.) There's no experience required to sign up - dogs simply need to be at least six months old and able to swim.
Bowser Beer from Des Moines:
You can buy your pal a beer thanks to the invention of a Des Moines dog mom. Bowser Beer is a meaty, savory, alcohol-free broth with lots of Vitamin B for shiny coats. You can order one on a dog date at Norm's Eatery and Ale House in Seattle's Fremont neighborhood. It's also for sale in stores and online.
Crossed Paws Bakery in Olympia:
There's no better way to say "good dog" than with a treat - especially if those treats could pass as human fare. Crossed Paws Bakery uses fresh ingredients like sweet potatoes and fennel bulbs to create small batch, hand-cut baked goods like biscotti, doggie donuts and brownies. Take your dog on an adventure to buy the bakery items at The Pet Works in Olympia, or various Farmer’s Markets.