Dog lovers rhapsodize about off-leash areas
Don’t ask a dog lover about their dog unless you have time to spare. “Dogs are family,” the button said, and for many dog owners, that’s exactly the case.
Judith Phillips, Mendota Heights, and “Teddy,” a Border Collie
Dog parks have been a lifesaver for me! My new dog and I have gone to one every weekend since mid-November. I bundle up in about 50 layers of clothes and watch my dog’s pure joy for an hour or two while enjoying some great new friends. People names I forget; dog names I remember!
David Regaldo Stuber, Minneapolis, gets a kiss from Belle, a six-year-old Yellow Lab/Malamute, during a cold-weather walk at Minnehaha Regional Park. David was with his mother, Doris Stuber, and Belle was “on loan” for the day from Frank Clancy and Molly Hensley-Clancy of Minneapolis.
Scott and Brenna Peterkin, Robbinsdale, and “Harv,” a Golden Retriever
We love going to all of the dog parks for different reasons, and we’ve been to a lot of them. Minnehaha Falls is a favorite because the humans get to hike along the trails, too, instead of just watching the dogs run around. Our dog goes crazy running through the trees and jumping in the river and saying hello to every person and dog that he sees. He sleeps for days after every time we go here. It seems like the people are there to see the dogs, but the dogs are there to see the people!
Derek Lee, St. Paul, and “Moose,” a big Chocolate Labrador
I really enjoy the off-leash areas, especially Otter Lake. It has a ton of room – woods, tall grassy areas and cattails – perfect for large, active dogs. Moose has even been known to get up pheasants from time to time.
Brent Carlson-Lee, Minneapolis, and “Pele,” a two-year-old Black Lab/Weimaraner mix
Dog parks are a great way to exercise your dog when your small city lot just won't do. It's also a great way to socialize your puppies to other dogs. They can be a social activity for the owners, too. The regulars tend to bond, though usually I'm just known as “Pele's dad.” I do know a couple who met at the dog park and then got married.
Suzanne Cellette, Blaine, and “Charlie,” a three-year-old Newfoundland mix
At dog parks, it’s great to see your dog get to socialize with other dogs, run full out, wrestle, and play in a secure area. We have met lots of great people and dogs at the park. There are many people we now see outside the dog park and make arrangements to meet at the park at specific times. I have found that there is no exercise that will tire my dog out and make him as happy as playing with other dogs.
During winter, the riverfront offers time and space for a solitary walk with the family dog. Even in bitter-cold weather, many dog-loving families take their animals out for exercise in off-leash areas.
Robert Coffman, St. Paul, and “Darby,” a Springer Spaniel
My dog and I visit the Minnehaha Falls off-leash park almost every day that I'm not at work. It is good exercise for the two of us. It is a pleasant way for me to get some fresh air and Darby couldn't be happier! There's no comparing the level of exercise that a dog achieves running around the park or swimming in the Mississippi River versus taking a few turns around the block at the end of a leash. The water, the beach, and the "back hills" make Minnehaha Falls a dog park without peer in the metro area.
Doris Stuber, Minneapolis, and “Belle,” a six-year-old Yellow Lab/Malamute
Maybe the best part is to see Belle bounding through the woods and up the hillsides. You can almost hear her 'whoop' with joy. Maybe the real pleasure is unraveling mysteries of the woods while exploring fallen trees with massive roots that cling to the earth while the branches dangle precariously over the beach. Or could it be the magnificence of standing in the woods in the city and seeing owls, eagles, a resident wild turkey, and hearing the busy woodpeckers? Maybe it's the combination of seeing my son, David, being so kind and loving with dogs, connecting with the environment, and the companionship. No matter, we look forward to many more park adventures to come!
Beth Nash, public affairs coordinator, Three Rivers Park District
One couple who met at one of our off-leash parks got married. They called to ask permission and then left a wreath on the park entrance gate after the wedding.