The Guardian of the Lake stands guard just outside Lake Oswego’s Hazelia Dog Park.

Drive around Lake Oswego and one thing you’ll notice—dogs are welcome here. While the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals estimates that between 37-47% of American households have a dog, I’d venture to say that Lake Oswegans skew the average on the higher end of the scale.

So it makes sense that we’d have a popular dog park at Hazelia Field that draws both locals as well as neighbors and their pets on a daily basis. The city’s own “Guardian of the Lake” – a reclaimed metal dog sculpture that won the People’s Choice Award in 2014 for the city’s Gallery Without Walls—stands guard nearby on the Hazelia Trail, keeping watch. (He’s so life-like that some of the canine visitors mistake him for the real thing and bark at him to let him know they are not intimidated by his size). Can’t imagine a better spot to celebrate National Walk the Dog Day, this Wednesday, February 22.

Here’s some things you should know:

• There are two separate off-leash areas, one for timid and shy dogs (northernmost area) and one for more outgoing and assertive dogs (the larger area facing the parking lot). Both are a good size allowing for lots of romping around.
• Poo bags are provided as well as receptacles to dispose of them.
• It’s free to all-comers.
• The park is open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
• Address is 17800 Stafford Road, West Linn.
• It can get muddy when it rains so be prepared to clean your dog up before loading him/her back into your car
• Know that the park is as much for socializing among the dogs as it is for their owners. Regulars enjoy the company of other canine-smitten humans as well as their wet-nosed charges.

Here’s what some Facebook fans have to say:

• “I love the little dog park. My pup doesn’t have to worry about big dogs bothering him and he loves to run like the wind. Great place.”

• “ …lots of trees and toys for the dogs to play with! Dog pools and water buckets and a hose with running water.”

• “Very nice dog park compared to North Clackmas dog park. Adequate fencing, and a hose and water for dogs, nice people. Very great dog park well worth it to drive to.”

And one regular describes the combination of fresh air, trees, and furry friends running up to greet you as very “healing.” Can’t argue with that.

A couple other nearby spots to let your dog have his or her day include:

• Mary S Young Park off-leash dog park and beach area, 19900 Willamette Drive in West Linn (your dog is required to be on leash, however, on your way to the designated area).
• Tualatin Community Park dog park located on the northern end of the park, 8515 SW Tualatin Road, Tualatin
• Tigard Dog Parks which include Potso at 7960 SW Hunziker Road, Ash Street at 1270 SW Ash Avenue and Summerlake at 11450 SW Winterlake Drive.

If having room for Fido to roam is on your house hunting checklist, let me help. Give me a call at 503.939.9801 and/or check out my website. I counted three dogs at one time living under my roof so I get it. I’d love to help you find the perfect spot where you and your canine family members can call home.