We have several dog parks in our area too... off leash parks. Thank goodness too because we live in the city in a townhome with a small and not very "doggy-friendly" backyard. It is hard to go to the one I like on a regular basis with my schedule but I try. We have 3 dogs so I take one each time. There is no way I could handle taking all three at once. I pack up some water and a couple balls (although there are plenty of tennis balls at the park that people bring in and leave there), some treats and a book and I read while my little girls play. You have to be careful and watch them though. Dogs will be dogs and not every one will get along but eventually they settle in and just run and play. No major problems yet but there are usually well educated "dog-park" people there who understand how to handle things. Also, I usually end up going when no one is there anyway.. mid week, early afternoon! It's perfect! Dog parks are a great thing and there definitely should be more of them. Most of ours are somewhat small but good and have bags there so you can pick up after your dog. That is very handy.

Also, I can't remember exactly but I think it was Fort Collins, CO that was mentioned as the doggie friendliest city in the U.S. They have all sorts of places that you and your pets are welcome like ice cream parlors with special "doggie-cones" or something. It would be nice if more cities were like that. Maybe we will just move to CO!!

Angel