My Dog's Guide to Denver

You are required to keep your dog on a leash in this park, but many people just don’t. I see dogs walking themselves and playing wild games of frisbee here all the time. Coopers favorite park of the park is the path that circles the duck pond because there are a million things to sniff and geese to bark at. He always gets a little nervous when we walk along the fence behind the zoo. His powerful nose picks up a whiff of Lion and Tiger and his primal insticts tell him to get the hell out of dodge.

With locations in Cherry Creek and Aspen this is a very chic and stylish pet shop. The guy who runs the place is very nice and is happy to dispense treats to anyone who stops in. The store, as you might imagine, is pricy. If Cooper really expects me to shell out $125.00 for a calf-skin collar, he’s dreaming.

This shop is run by the sweetest couple that I’ve ever met. They will chat with you all day if you let them, and not just about dog toys. They always insist on carrying the 30 pound bag of food I buy here out to my car even though I am younger and stronger that either of them. Cooper is a big fan of the large assortment of rawhide chews in every size and shape.

This little shop in Stapleton sells food, toys, and has dog wash stations so that you can give your mutt a bath without having to destroy your bathroom. If you have an 80 pound dog like Cooper, it’s totally worth it.

On a sunny day there are sometimes as many dogs corraled out in front of St. Marks’ as there are people there drinking coffee. St. Mark’s is one of the true social hubs of the Denver canine set.

Letting dogs run loose in a crowded bar has really helped to establish the slightly Hippy feel of this popular 17th Ave Tavern. A good jukebox, and cheap drinks have kept me coming back, and I think Cooper really enjoys trying to lick up any drop of spilled PBR that he can find.

This hot dog joint on Colfax has a special dog area built under their covered patio. Fresh water and free treats make this a popular dog destination when we are out for a stroll. And the hot dogs and frozen bananas are a nice treat for people.

A mile or so north of our house stands the towering silos of the Purina Puppy Chow Mill. A few times a year, when the wind is just right, our whole neighborhood smells like Dog Food. This makes Cooper crazy. He paces the house, looks under all the furniture, and finally just stands at the door begging me to walk him. When we get outside he does his best to drag me north, towards the source of that delicious stench.