By Maria Estrella
Winding paths, warm breezes, and trees aplenty—there's nothing like spending a sunny day at the park. For Kiku, a playful French Bulldog, and Corpus Christi, Texas, resident Rex Remigio, a day at the park is something they truly look forward to.
Since they don't yet have a dedicated dog park in their hometown, he often takes Kiku (who is fond of car rides) on road trips to San Antonio and heads for McAllister Park. That's where the two of them can share some one-on-one time at a place where he knows Kiku will get a chance to explore and play.
“Weekend road trips are a must,” Remigio says. “And once Kiku sees me getting her dog toys, tennis balls, and Frisbee® together, she knows there's some serious playtime ahead.”
Fetch some fun
The approximately one-and-a-half-acre, off-leash park is a barking buddies' paradise to say the least: fire hydrants are strategically placed and water fountains are located just off the ground so that tail-wagging park-goers can easily quench their thirst after romping around the park’s wide open spaces.
But even with the equipment that the park supplies, Kiku's always content to play fetch with her best friend. “She loves to play fetch though she doesn't always give the ball back to me,” Remigio jokes.
“She'll prance around back and forth and when I toss the ball and it goes past her, she'll look at the ball then turn to me with her big dark eyes … waiting for me to go get it.”
Pack for the park!
Just like the things that Remigio and Kiku gather for their outings, you and your dog may want to include a few fun and basic supplies for your next trip to the park:
- Toys designed for outdoor use
- Water for both of you
- Proof of vaccinations; some parks require it for entry
- Towels in case you two romp in the dirt of mud!
Always on the go
In addition to the toys they bring, the park's other features also keep Kiku on her paws. “Sometimes, she'll jump up and down this bridge-like structure the park has and bark when she makes it to the center platform. I try my best to take pictures of her but it usually turns out blurry since she's always on the move.”
“Whether she’s up and about or down on the ground, she always knows how to have a good time.”
Check out other great Spots and Events with your best buddy.
3rd Annual Whisker Walk
318 Seven Bridge Road, Lancaster, MA 01523
June 6, 2010
978-422-8585
www.whiskerwalk.org
L'Oréal Paris' 7th Annual “Because Your Dog Is Worth It Too” Day
35 Broadway Road, Cranbury, NJ 08512
August 21, 2010
609-860-7601
www.yourdogisworthittoo.com
Nampa's 3rd Annual Pooch Party Stroll & Splash
7th Street North, Nampa, ID 83687
August 28, 2010
208-468-5858
www.nampaparks.org
Fido's Festival USA® presents “OctoberFETCH”
735 Route 40, Woodstown, NJ 08098
October 9–10, 2010
856-854-FIDO
www.fidosfestivalusa.com