Anna-Lise Troup's Tucson Area Real Estate Update: July 2012

Dogs need a social life, too. Get your pups out and about with these five pet-friendly outings in Arizona and New Mexico.

Go off-leash in Gilbert

 

Pups of all sizes and breeds get their play on at Cosmo Dog Park, 2502 E. Ray Road in Gilbert, Ariz. The 17-acre park features four fenced areas, a lake with beach and dock access, drinking fountains and wash stations, and plenty of covered areas with tables and benches. The park opens at 5:30 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m., and an abundance of lighting makes nighttime use safe and enjoyable. A tot lot and basketball court also attract families with both two- and four-legged kids. The park takes its name from Cosmo, the town’s first K-9 member of the police force, and features a plaque in her honor. For more information, visit gilbertaz.gov/parks/popups/cosmo-park.cfm.

 

Treat your pup in Phoenix

Owner Helen Goldblatt greets every dog that walks into the Bone Appetit Bakery & Boutique with a smile and a treat. She and her husband Joe opened the store at 4810 E. Ray Road in Phoenix in 1999 and have been spoiling local pups — and cats, though they don’t come in as often — ever since. Healthy foods, freshly baked treats, collars, leashes, beds and just anything else your dogs might need can be found at Bone Appetit, but the best item at the store is Helen’s free advice. She helps owners pick out ideal products for their pets and never rushes a decision. For more information, visit azboneappetit.com.

 

Spend the night in Sedona

Traveling with your pups can be a hassle. Many pet-friendly hotels charge a nightly fee for four-legged guests and only allow them in a handful of rooms, which rarely rank as the nicest on the property. El Portal, 95 Portal Lane in Sedona, Ariz., does things a little differently. Of the 12 suites at the Spanish hacienda-style inn, most allow pets, and four even have enclosed pet yards. All rooms feature vintage furnishings and amenities you'd expect at a luxury hotel. El Portal welcomes pets in its common areas, and many a four-legged guest has fallen asleep in front of the lobby’s oversized fireplace. For more information, visit elportalsedona.com.

 

Take Fido for a hike in Albuquerque

Petroglyph National Monument in Albuquerque, N.M., welcomes your dogs on most of its trails. The park protects one of the largest petroglyph sites in North America, featuring designs and symbols carved onto volcanic rocks 400 to 700 years ago by Native Americans and Spanish settlers. The staff asks that you help protect the site as well, by keeping your pup on a leash and cleaning up after him. Also, don’t allow your pet to harass wildlife or dig holes. Bring water and keep your dog close and on the trail, as you might see snakes and coyotes along the way. For more information, including directions, visit nps.gov/petr.

 

Go for a walk in Santa Fe

Take your pups for a historic walking tour of Sante Fe, N.M. The Historic Walks of Santa Fe tour company welcomes well-behaved, leashed dogs at no extra charge. Join the tour as a couple or family — your pups will not be welcome inside all areas on the tour, so someone will need to wait outside. For more information, including tour times, visit historicwalksofsantafe.com.

 

All of these pet-friendly adventures deserve a spot on your to-do list. Not only will your pups enjoy themselves, you will too.