Sunday Afternoons at the Dog Park

“Bark, woof, grr…” These are common sounds which often fill my weekend. As a dog dad I frequently visit off-leash areas with my four legged friend Judo. While I’d like to say I’m completely unbiased, I do have a few favorites. Below are my top picks.

Magnuson
Located in Seattle’s Sand Point neighborhood, Magnuson is one of the city’s finest. The park contains 9 acres and features a variety of environments including small dog play areas, lake access, mini hills, and an expansive open play field. Magnuson’s mix of features has made it a number one destination for Seattle pet owners.

Genesee
Nestled in Seattle’s Rainier Valley, Genesee Park offers dog owners a savannah style landscape covered in gravel and light vegetation. Formerly a city dump, this park is remarkably flat compared to the surrounding hills. The park is frequently filled with dogs from around the neighborhood, making it easy for your pup to make friends with other dogs.

Westcrest
Near the border of West Seattle and White Center, this park is a common default for residents living in the southwest part of the city. The park sits next to a greenbelt and capped water reservoir. The main play area has gravel and mini obstacles for dogs to traverse. There is also a nice wooded trail you can walk with your dog.

For a complete list of Seattle’s carnie playgrounds, be sure to check out http://www.seattle.gov/parks/offleash_detail.asp?id=398. Also, if you’re a Foursquare user, I’ve created a handy list to help you track them down. 

Growing Up in Coffee Shops

As a Northwesterner raised by a Midwesterner and Southerner, coffee was a foreign substance in my household.  In its place was pop – a drink often rationed by my siblings and I. Coffee didn’t enter my life in a meaningful way until I returned to Seattle in 2007 for college at the University of Washington.

After years of drinking pop out of a fridge or vending machine, the notion of brewing coffee or going to get it from a shop seemed downright foreign, if not absurd. Venturing to shops with friends proved to be an interesting challenge. I’d often get to the menu board and be overwhelmed by the choices. It was a stark change from my standard options at home – Coke or Pop. Dazed and often very confused, I’d frequently leave shops with a mocha, my default/security blanket.

It wasn’t until I graduated from college when I truly started to appreciate coffee. Oddly however it wasn’t the taste which drew me in. No, instead it was the culture around the shops and its powerful distinction as an independent space for interaction, business, and relaxing. I hadn’t experienced anything like it before and was hooked by the notion.

Much of my experience with coffee came as a direct connection to the close of the Great Recession in 2009 – as documented by economists. During this time I found myself constantly hitting the pavement, making cold calls to potential employers, and emailing leads I’d discover through contacts. Responses were mixed. Many people were unresponsive, a few were downright rude, but remarkably I found a majority were actually very warm, friendly, and open to a conversation.

The receptive majority which I began to befriend always had a particular place they’d like to meet - coffee shops. Timid at first, I found myself bouncing from coffee shop to coffee shop meeting a variety of different professionals. During the meetings they’d provide in-depth insight into their lives, careers, and passions. The warmness I felt from those experiences still lingers with me today and is a major factor why I find myself frequenting coffee shops today.

Now at a new stage in my life as a budding freelance communications consultant/unemployed young professional I often find myself calling coffee shops home. It serves as a place to connect and work. In just a few years, this once foreign drink has become part of my natural routine. Happy to say I drink it mostly black with just a bit of sugar these days.

[Photo courtesy of Flickr user Nicola since 1972]

Five Years of Shiba Love

Judo as a puppy in Orting, Washington

Similar to many pet parents I wasn't prepared to be a dog dad at 20. Thankfully my dog Judo has been patient as I learned the location of the best dog parks and tasty snacks. Originally I was worried about raising a dog in my early twenties fearing lack of time and resources. While it has certainly been a challenge at times, adopting Judo is one of the best decisions I've made to date.

Judo is an anchor in my life. He keeps me grounded even when other parts fluctuate between crazy and calm. Judo also helped teach me the importance of selflessness and responsibility. Having someone who looks to you for care and love changes your perspective on the world.

It feels like we just met yesterday but Judo turned five this week! Join me in wishing him a happy birthday on Facebook! In honor of my pup I’ve dedicated this post to him which explains some of the most commonly asked questions about his origins.

Why Judo?
Originally named Waung, Fuzz and I renamed Judo shortly after we adopted him in the summer of 2008. According to Fuzzy mythology, Judo’s name is a combination of Joshua and Fadzrul. It also means the gentle way in Japanese which is a perfect fit for his temperament.

What’s a Shiba Inu?
Judo is a Shiba Inu – a spitz type of dog from Japan. The breed was originally bred to hunt in the mountains. It’s extremely agile and loyal to its master. Rearing has a strong effect on Shibas' personality. Early socialization and training helps prevent disobedience and improves interactions with other dogs later on in life.

Where Did Judo Come From?
Despite being a Japanese dog, Judo hails from Huntsville, Arkansas. Fuzz found him online after having difficulty finding an affordable Shiba Inu in the Northwest. Judo came to Seattle via a Boeing jet and fell in love with the region's mild summers but strongly dislikes the wet winters.

Judo Quirks
If you’ve ever had the opportunity to spend time with Judo you quickly discover he has his fair share of quirks and is full of personality. I’ve outlined a few I’ve noticed living with him for the past few years.

Dislikes
Grates
Guitars
Skateboards
Basketballs
Puddles
Camping
Long Walks
Getting Wet

Likes
Car Rides
Jelly Beans
French Fries
Belly Rubs
Sun Bathing
Dog Parks
Napping
People Watching
Toe Licking

Josh and Judo in Seattle, Washington