A Fenced Hangout For Canines & Humans Combined

I recently had a request to do a series on safe spots for deaf dogs. I thought about the parameters to what that really ment. It meant the area had to be safe, preferably fenced, and away from traffic. I then had the thought that these parameters could be applied to more than just deaf dogs. For people just getting to know their new hound, or in a puppy's case, these would all be important attributes of a safe off-leash experience.

Today Roy, Bikini and myself made it to Nelson Park. The entire park isn't off-leash friendly, but does have a lot to offer. People come here to read on the grass, or play their acoustic guitars. There's a gazebo to hang out in, and a play area for children. On the opposite side of the park, they've included a completely fenced area for dogs to do their thing, off-leash allowed.

Nelson Park is located between Nelson and Thurlow and continues to Bute Street. This means it's nearly in the heart of downtown, but has the serenity that the West End tends to offer. It's a short walk from the hustle and bustle of Burrard St, but has birds chirping and tweeting in every tree planted. There's a school right next to the dog park, and it's always fun to let the kids pet the doggies.

This park is about as social as it gets, for both dogs and their owners. I was here on a late, Monday morning, and it still managed to attract a crowd. This place is comparable to a local, doggy gathering spot. You have your regulars that come to chat over coffee as the dogs play, dig, or chase a ball. You also have the socialites that come in groups to simply chat at one of the picnic tables offered within the fenced, off-leash area. And of course, you have the occassional loner who sticks to their designated corner of the place.

This community inspired park is a fun place to take your dog, particularly if there isn't quite the trust needed to go to other un-fenced areas. The security is tight at this park. The fence doesn't have a single break in it, and there is a double gate to ensure your pet gets his leash on and off in a safe manor. Dogs can just be dogs without the worry of traffic, children, run aways, and other mishaps. If security is the issue, or has become a worry the gates that lead in and out of the off-leash area  are designed to keep dogs in, and keep them safe.

As I've said in other posts, I'm completely floored by the heat wave we've been having here in Western Canada. Cherry blossoms have been spotted already in bloom, and tulips are starting to make an appearaance, but today I actually found the first real sign of Spring. A single flower sat in an unkempt garden. Around the corner, there were five or six more stalks completely in bloom. I only hope we don't meet a cold snap that kills off all these early bloomers. *Sigh*, if only we could have our cake, er snow, and eat it to...