My family got a new puppy last weekend. She's a 10 week old Pomchi (pomeranian/chihuahua) and her name is Eloise, which means "warrior" -- quite fitting for this 1.4 pound menace, don't you think?
Now that she is home, I am discovering all of the Bellingham doggy resources. Travel with four-legged friends is becoming more and more popular these days, and we sometimes get canine-related questions at the Visitor Info Center. We're just one week into puppy ownership, so I am a far cry from an expert at this point, but here's a few highlights:
Kenneling and Doggy Day Care
Cedarwoods is where Ellie will be going for her obedience training. We had a dog years ago that we took to Cedarwoods and they were amazing. They not only teach obedience courses, but they are a rescue and offer kenneling services. The owners, Ron and Carolann, are great people and great to work with.
Tails-A-Wagging is a doggy day care and obedience training center. Ellie is going to be attending their free Thursday night "puppy pre school" which is a socializtion group for puppies 9-14 weeks of age. We're excited to start soon!
Ruff Day is another local doggy day care and grooming center that I am aware of.
Shopping
We have the two major chains,
PetSmart and
PetCo here in town, as well as a great little "boutique" store called
Bow Wow and Woofs that offers supplies as well as accessories like pet clothing and pet-themed gifts and gear.
The Great Outdoors
We have several off-leash areas for dogs, as well. You can download the
City of Bellingham Animal Related Regulations (PDF) with complete list of off-leash areas and other information, and here is a list:
- Arroyo Park Off Leash Dog Area
- Bloedel Donovan Beach Off Leash Dog Area
- Lake Padden Dog Park
- Little Squalicum Park Off Leash Dog Area
- Sehome Hill Arboretum Off Leash Dog Area
- Sunset Pond Off Leash Dog Area
- Whatcom Falls Park Off Leash Dog Area
Once Ellie is a little older and has all her shots, we look forward to heading out and about with our newest family member. :)
