The Best Of What Might Be
Days of an endless summer. It sounds idyllic, doesn’t it? Long, luxurious days spent enjoying the freedom that only summer brings. As American journalist and essayist, Charles Bowden, opined, “Summer is always the best of what might be.” And, of course, these luxurious, languid days are best spent with those we love and who love us more than anyone – our pets.
Living in such a gorgeous area means we get to enjoy the best of all four seasons, especially summer! We get to enjoy summer days and nights with our people and our pets. Whether it’s hitting the trails for a hike, taking a dip in the lake, or letting your pup run free at a dog park, the options are endless. When you’re in need of food and libation, there are pet-friendly options for partaking in summer’s best food and drink, too. No matter what you’re in the mood for, there are a plethora of activities to share with your furry bestie.
Outdoor Adventures
There are so many options available for outdoor activities! From dog parks to nature trails and beaches, you and your pet can visit:
- Karen A. Nelson Memorial Dog Park: Located within Quarry Lake Park in Racine, this off-leash park has separate areas for large and small dogs (including puppies over four months, elderly dogs, dogs with physical challenges), with plenty of space for your pet to run and playThere isn’t water on-site at this park, so it’s recommended that you bring water and a bowl to make sure your dog stays hydrated.
- Caledonia Dog Park: Located at 4649 WI-38 Trunk in Racine, this dog park provides trails and a wooded area for hiking as well as a pond and stream where your dog can splash and play. Off-leash dogs are permitted here.
- Johnson Park Dog Run: Located in Racine at 4829 Hwy. 38 on the east side of the highway, is a 17-acre wetland area near Root River where your dog can run freely. This area isn’t fenced in, though, so your dog needs to be manageable by voice command.
- Pike River Pathway: As part of the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, Pike River Pathway is a great place to walk or hike the trail that runs through meadows, wetlands, wooded areas, and residential areas.
Other Adventures
If you and your pet bestie would prefer other activities, there are local restaurants that are dog friendly:
- Sebastian’s: located at 6025 Douglas Avenue in Caledonia, Sebastian’s welcomes pets and their owners to sample their fine foods and spirits on their outdoor patio.
- Reefpoint Brewhouse: Reefpoint Brewhouse in Racine offers classic American food and great beer as well as an outdoor seating area for people and pets.
Before Your Adventure
Before you and your furry sidekick set off on your next adventure, be sure to check and respect the locale’s rules about pets. To ensure a fun and hassle-free experience for everyone, keep these common requirements in mind:
- Make sure your pet is properly licensed
- Check that their vaccines are up to date
- Vaccinate for highly contagious illnesses like bordetella, leptospirosis, and canine flu (we do offer vaccine titres to help determine how much immunity your pet has for a disease)
- Ensure that they’re protected against fleas, ticks, and heartworms
- Always pick up after your pet
- Use a leash when entering or leaving off-leash areas
- Opt for non-retractable leashes in restaurants or breweries
- Keep your pet under control with clear commands
Remember, each location may have its own set of rules, so do a quick check before you head out. Happy exploring!
Magnolia Springs Veterinary Clinic
Magnolia Springs Veterinary Clinic in Mount Pleasant, WI wants you and your pet to have a fun, adventure-filled summer! We’re here to help you with any pet-related care you need or questions you have. Contact us for more information.
Image credit: Pixabay