A Dog's Delight in Denver

Many pet stores, parks and beaches have become dog-friendly zones in recent years. But what if you want your four-legged family member to join you on your weekend errands or travel with you on vacation? When your dog is part of your family, living or traveling somewhere that treats him as such is a joy. As one of the country’s most dog-friendly cities, Denver, Colo. welcomes canine visitors and residents with open arms. There is even a dog owners group geared towards harmonizing the relationship between the city and dog owners.

Denver D.O.G.

Denver Dog Owners Group is an all-volunteer organization with specific goals, including expanding the number of city parks where dogs are welcome and teaching dog owners how to responsibly handle their pets in public. Denver D.O.G. recognizes that dog owners have an obligation to their fellow citizens — good behavior from their canines. D.O.G. offers training sessions that cover the city's dog park rules; entering and exiting the park safely; proper manners, such as bark control; and proper play with other dogs. One of the best features of D.O.G.'s website is its list of off-leash dog parks. Each area is listed with its location, parking information, availability of shade and water, and a general idea of park set-up and amenities.

Shopping and Dining

Bring your leashed furry pal along when shopping at the Denver Pavillion on 15th Street and Tremont. The open-air center also features a deli with outdoor seating you can share with your pup. Downtown's historic Larimer Square offers dining and shopping where your leashed dog is welcome. Argonaut Wine and Liquor is a 40,000-square-foot shop on East Colfax Avenue where you and your leashed dog can examine the fare together. Treats can be found throughout the aisles, as you shop and meet others who share your love of animals and libations. On Clayton Street, Two Pals & a Pup Pet Bakery and Bowtique caters specifically to your dog with natural goodies and must-have accessories.

Relax with a burger and a brew on the patio of The Spot Bar and Grill on South Pennsylvania Street, where your pup is welcome to chill with you. Kate's at 35th Ave is a unique restaurant with a dog-friendly, shaded patio where some of the natural, organic menu items are grown in the garden of the Victorian building. Stella's Coffeehaus is situated in the pet-friendly Platt Park area, overlooking Pearl Street. The scenic porch welcomes dogs, as do many of the area's shops, evident by the welcoming water bowls.

Hotels

Hotel Monaco on Champa Street not only allows your dog to stay with you, it caters to him. All of your dogs may bunk with you and the staff will greet them with a cozy bed, chew toys and their own amenities basket. Dog sitting and walking are offered if you need to go out without your canine companion. Locals spend weekends at the unique Brown Palace Hotel and Spa, where a dog of any size may stay in your room. A bed, bowls and treat greets your pup on check-in at this plush 17th Street hotel.

Creative Commons image by ~ggvic~