Dogs are the greatest creatures that have ever lived or will ever live. As Socrates doth asketh, "For what is one's life if 'tis lived without a dog?" And as Plato doth respondeth: "Trick question, Crates! For life without a dog is no life at all."
Unfortunately, I live in an apartment—and dogs need more yards, more grass, more trees, and more fun than dumb apartments can provide. Which means that—at least until I murder someone and steal their house—I'm stuck with other peoples' dogs. Thankfully, this isn't as much of a problem as it appears; there are many ways to live in Portland without a dog, yet still hang out with dogs. (Or at least see them on a regular basis, so that you don't forget life is worth living.)
PARKS!
Going to dog parks without a dog can be weird—sometimes dog owners actually want to talk (no thanks, weirdo!), and sometimes dog parks are just big, shitty mud pits. Luckily, Portland has a couple of ideal dog-watching parks, like the south end of Laurelhurst Park (SE Cesar E. Chavez and Stark), AKA "the Dog Bowl," which is just a big, grassy dog arena where really great dogs run around and play and go crazy. Another great spot: Sellwood Riverfront Park (SE Spokane and Oaks Park), where, if the weather's warm and the sun is out, you can not only see wild-eyed dogs tearing across a big-ass field, but also splashing around in the reeking swill of the mighty Willamette. It's the best.
- KELSEY WROTEN
