New Year, New Adventures.
Happy New Year! 2016 is over, Woof! This New Year we spent extra effort cultivating resolutions and setting intentions for our year ahead. In all our excitement, we almost forgot to check in with the ones who matter most. Our personal New Year, New You lists are full of awesome goals, fun activities and great feelings we want to experience in 2017, but what about what our pets want? We sat down with Brock to discuss how we can help him live his best life in 2017.
Brock's Resolutions:
Go on more romps
The Bay Area is full of great outdoor romping spaces for you and your furry friend to catch some fresh air, and most are less than 20 minutes from home. Below are some of our favorites:
Land's End Coastal Trail, San Francisco
Start at the parking lot at Sutro Baths. Take the Coastal Trail. Once you've hit the trailhead near the golf course take in the gorgeous view of the Golden Gate bridge, then loop back to the parking lot. Moderate hike with a challenging wooden stair-set. Brock sleeps like a baby after this romp.
Joaquin Miller Park, Oakland
We started this hike at the Tot Lot near Butters Lane in the South West region of Joaquin Miller. Check out the beautiful cascading concrete staircases leading to Woodminster Amphitheater. We took a small trail across a ridge to the North of the staircase- not advisable for small children or high energy dogs; there are lower trails that take you to the same trail deeper into the forest. Brock and his buddy John Parker have a great time frolicking in the sunbeams beneath the Redwoods. Warning: high foxtail risk in the summertime.
Mare Island, Vallejo
Brock spends a lot of time at Mare Island. We drive over the old blue drawbridge and his nose starts twitching as he takes in the scent of playtime. Enjoy the historic antique architecture and Naval monuments as you stroll down the giant tree lined streets. You'll find many hidden treasures among the Redwood and Eucalyptus trees, including hidden grassy parks perfect for a game of Fetch! On the weekends the Mare Island Preserve is open and we can climb hills and take in views of the shoreline.
Sometimes we opt for the less muddy, mainland walk on the Vallejo Waterfront. Here we dream of chasing pigeons and the trolls we find under the bridge at the far North end of the promenade. After particularly exhausting romps, we kick our paws up while we grab a brew at Mare Island Brewing Co. They make a mean IPA, and Brock and John Parker are allowed to hang on the patio that overlooks the Waterfront.
Go on more dates with my Ladies
There are plenty of pet friendly watering-holes in the Bay Area. Whether you choose to bring a human partner along, or you just want to spend solo time with your furry friend, these places won't discriminate. Your friends are welcome and loved at our favorite places listed below:
Drake's Dealership, Oakland
The folks at Drake's Brewing Company converted an old Dodge service shop on Oakland's Historic Broadway Auto Row, into a craft brew taproom and kitchen. The back lot was turned into a spacious dog friendly, gravel beer garden where your pooch can relax beneath a picnic table, or next to a cozy fire pit while you drink a delicious beer from their extensive craft brew menu or munch on a fresh wood fire cooked pizza. Pro-tip: You want the Frito Pie.
This spot is quickly gaining popularity so don't be surprised to meet a crowd; don't worry the crowd will likely be dog people, just like you! Perch on their outdoor patio while you peruse Fieldwork's craft brew list or hang out with your pooch inside. Play a board game, eat a pasty, sample a flight, have a great afternoon. Grab cans to go, you'll want to try everything. They also have locations in Sacramento and Napa.
Mare Island Brewing Co., Vallejo
Mare Island Brewing's Taproom is That Furry Face's home away from home- our off-site office. We spend many evenings drawing inspiration from the Furry Faces we see walking by on the waterfront promenade. Located in the Western facing rotunda of the Vallejo Ferry Building, a wall of picture windows overlooks the Mare Island Strait. Hang out on the patio and enjoy the delicious views and brews then take a walk along the waterfront!
Get My Wiggly Bum in Shape
The Rex Center, Pacifica
Where better to trim off holiday weight than at the fanciest canine gym in the Bay Area? The Rex center is a wellness center for dogs where your pooch can enjoy an instructor led swim class or free swim, a canine massage, Reiki treatment, Chiropractic therapy or rehabilitation services following illness or injury. The Rex center also hosts occasional workshops for humans to help their pups live their best lives.
ACE Dog Sports, San Francisco
Bond with your pooch while fulfilling their lifelong dream of becoming a ribbon winning, Good Dog. At ACE Dog sports you and your Furry Face can learn the dog sport Agility through a 6 week course with professional and award winning trainers who want to see your dog succeed and much as you do. "What is Agility?" barks Brock. Agility is a dog sport where a human handler guides a well trained dog through a series of obstacles in a predetermined time frame. Judges then decide and award the fastest, least distracted dog with a ribbon and title.
Russian River Adventures, Sonoma County
When summertime rolls around we plan to reward Brock's good behavior with the ultimate adventure- a day trip rafting down the Russian River. Russian River Adventures allows well behaved, top physical condition dogs to join their people on a gentle float down the river, doggie life vests provided. The whole trip is around 4-6 hours including a lunchtime pit stop. If your pooch is anxiety free, loves to swim and can hang all day with friends, go on an adventure.
