Everyone is distracted. No one pays attention anymore. People are texting while walking, driving while talking on the phone and eating lunch while staring at their smart phones. When we’re home, we’re watching television while we monitor our Twitter and Facebook streams. It’s exhausting.
So instead of playing another round of Words with Friends, why not play Fetch with your furry best friend or let your Tabby purr contentedly on your lap? Pets are a gift because they bring you back to what’s really important in life.
There have been numerous studies recently reporting the emotional benefits of pet companionship. They help us to relax and focus our attention away from our problems and worries. The power of physical touch is important to our emotional health and bonding with our pets helps increase levels of oxytocin in the body. Oxytocin is a hormone that helps our bodies fight stress. And lastly, pets help us to be more active. If you’re looking for new spots to get out and commune with nature and your dog in the South Bay, here are some suggestions.
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Dog Parks
There are a number of dog parks in the South Bay, including the in Campbell, Saratoga Creek Dog Park on Graves Avenue and Saratoga Road in San Jose and Las Animas Dog Park at 40 Mantelli Dr. in Gilroy.
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Hiking Trails
Fremont Older Open Space Preserve
Located on Prospect Road in Cupertino, Fremont Older Open Space Preserve has nearly 15 miles of trails for you and your dog to roam. Dogs must be on leashes.
St. Joseph’s Open Space Preserve
In Los Gatos, St. Joseph’s Open Space Preserve is a popular three-mile loop that overlooks Lexington Reservoir. It can get hot on sunny days, so avoid midday walks.
Coyote Lake
Gilroy’s Coyote Lake-Harvey Bear Ranch County Park has more than 35 miles of trails and a lake for fishing and boating. Dogs must be leashed on trails.
Roaring Camp Railroad
If you’re looking for a place to cool off with Fido, head over to Roaring Camp Railroad in Felton. Well-behaved, leashed dogs are permitted on the train. You can take a tour through the redwoods or take the beach train to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
For more information on places to get out with your dog, visit the South Bay Dog Lovers Meetup (membership required), Bay Area Hiker website and DogTrekker website.
Pet of the Week
Meet Roscoe, an 18-month-old mix of Rhodesian Ridgeback, Redbone Coonhound and Labrador Retriever. He’s very friendly, affectionate, and true to the hound in him, frequently has his nose on the ground sniffing. Roscoe gets along very well with other dogs and with children, but would do best in home without cats.
If you’re interested in taking Roscoe home with you, visit the Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue of Northern California website for more information.
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