The Texas Gulf Coast is a playground not only for man but also for his best friend. Your pup will enjoy everything from high-class pampering to sandy beaches in this area of the Lone Star State.
Treats fit for a king
Fido is a member of your family, so doesn’t he deserve his own birthday cake? Puppy pastries are on the menu at Woof Pet Bakery & Boutique in Spring, about 25 miles north of downtown Houston. Woof offers fresh-baked dog treats made daily using only human-grade ingredients and without salt, sugar or artificial preservatives. Treat your loyal companion to bacon porkies or barbecue-flavored, Texas-shaped snacks, or celebrate your dog’s birthday with a personalized bacon-and-chicken layer cake. Find more details at www.woofpetbakery.com.
Doggie’s day out
Dogs thrive on constant companionship, so it’s tough to balance your career with your pet ownership. That’s why many pet owners seek the services of a doggie day care such as Jackson’s Place, located in Montrose near Houston’s Museum District. Jackson’s Place provides day care seven days a week and has its own doggie bakery on-site. The facility offers inside and outside areas for relaxation and play, and dogs are stimulated by television and soothing music. Puppies are accepted if they have completed their second series of shots. Learn more about this “homey retreat for urban dogs” at www.houstondogdaycare.com.
Out on the town
If you are struggling to socialize your dog, or if your canine is a bit shy or antisocial, an organization such as Dog Walk Corpus Christi can be a real boon. This group organizes structured walks and hikes for “Dogs in Need of Space,” aka DINOS. Participants abide by a few rules that encourage good behavior in dogs: no face-to-face greetings between dogs, one dog per walker, dogs needing extra space wear red bandanas, etc. Keep up-to-date on the group by liking their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/DogWalkCorpusChristi).
Sun and surf
Dogs like to wriggle their toes in the sand, too, so rely on the website www.dogfriendly.com to discover which Gulf Coast beaches are particularly pet-friendly. For instance, Galveston Island’s Stewart Beach allows dogs on leashes to join in the fun, as long as their owners clean up after them. Check out the Stewart Beach scene at www.galveston.com/stewartbeach.
Leash-free, and the living is easy
Pet owners in Beaumont can relax with their dogs leash-free at Ida Reed Dog Park on Louisiana Street. The park offers pets a chance to socialize with one another and let off some steam without violating local ordinances. The park is open daily from dawn to dusk, and dog visitors are separated by weight. Those under 30 pounds stay on the south side of the park while their heavier peers stick to the north. Learn more at www.beaumontrecreation.com/dog_park.htm.
As you can see, anyone who tells you that the Texas Gulf Coast is not a puppy paradise is simply barking up the wrong tree.
