Sun City has a Best Friends Dog Club. It is an educational, training, and social club For more information visit their website: http://www.bestfriendsdogclub.org/links.htm You can even post a picture of your pooch! There are also Dog Parks.
Thanks so much for this info... Good to know... I had a yellow lab a couple years ago.. thinking about getting a dog soon...
One thing I want to mention to those new to AZ is that Valley Fever is very common here and please watch your dog for signs of it. I don't think SUn City is as bad as where we used to live, north Peoria with lots of construction. I lost all three of our English Mastiffs to it and it almost killed me. We have a little rescue now and he is just fine. It can be carried in the wind so bring dogs inside during the dust storms. The new vet told us that the treatments now are more successful than they were a while back.
Thanks so much for the dog rescue info in Sun City. Very helpful and I do want to get another dog someday soon.... Valley Fever!! Wasn't aware of it... wow.. I will take note... anyone else have any experiences with this?
What sweet lab you have. We had a yellow lab years ago and I still miss him. Another thing to mention for those of you moving here from other areas is the Sonoran Toad is also deadly to dogs who lick them. Ugly, very large fat toads. They come out in the spring and are usually around ponds but not always.
Great reading about dog issues and tips. Read an interesting column about how we consider ourselves: "dog owners" vs. "dog guardians." Language has power and this article is good food for thought: http://www.care2.com/causes/pet-owner-or-pet-guardian-which-are-you.html
Where do dog use the bathroom outside? Since most of the areas are desert rocks, how do you dog people handle this issue? I know about the dog parks but the doesn't help with the daily potty routine.
I always carry a potty bag with me, it's the law in my city that we must pick up the poop, though many people don't. And I never let them go in neighbors yard...my city has a small strip of lawn between sidewalk and street (called the parkway). In fact, a few years ago West Hollywood installed these potty disposal units that have bio-degradable bags in them and then a receptical to place the stool. I just wondered if the dogs are willing to poop on rocks---doesn't sound easy. I have a small dog yard now. The girl uses it but the boy want to go on his walk. BTW, I would start training to the wee-wee pad now. I did train the girl for the pad at night but it took some time for that. Seems it's not natural for a dog. They do make some fake grass pad contraptions I know some apt owner friends use that works for them.
Are there any rules against walking a dog on the large grassy medians on the main streets, such as the ones on 107th street or Alabama etc.?
Yes, the baggies are a must. I repurpose all manner of plastic bags for the task and neighbors will also help out once they know there is a need; however, I prefer the diaper bags that can be purchased at Dollar Tree at Greenway and 99th since they are 75 for a buck and they have handles so you can tie a knot and hang it from a finger without having to grasp it. The key to either is putting your hand inside the bag to do the task so you can pretty much turn it inside out for the tie-up. My dogs didn't like the rocks at first, but are now accustomed to it for spilling their water, but prefer the street for the other since they like to circle and circle and the rocks crimp their style. It is also easier to lift from blacktop than rocks, there's less chance of stray cacti needles, and it's more courteous towards the neighbors. There are plenty of quiet streets and cul de sacs that make it easy to find some uninterrupted privacy for the critters.
Median walking is just fine and the majority of the dog walkers are very good about picking up. A nice walk is along 91st in Peoria which connects to Greenway, since they have receptacles similar to those you mention. By Youngtown's library they do too.
Just discovered the first place I heard of in the area advertising itself as "dog-friendly"--it's about time. I saw a posting on amazonlocal.com for a place called Uncle Bear's Grill and Bar 13752 West Bell Road Surprise, AZ 85374 623-544-8885. They are running a special now, but it's good to see they are thinking about our fur-buds too. Anyone know of other dog-friendly spots around SC?
Thanks for the answer on the one Jack, I was hoping it would be ok as it looks like a perfect place to walk them.
There's one called Duffeeland on Del Webb Blvd. across from La Ronde shopping center. On page 14 of the June 2013 Sunviews, there was a short article about how it was inspected by Maricopa County officials and found to be clean and that it met standards now that it has covered trash cans.
