Best Place To Walk Your Dog
Rillito Wash
READERS' PICK: For those of us who subscribe to the belief that
dogs are truly our best friends, the reasons for a good walk are
many. Dogs need exercise as much as we do (for some of us, walking
the dog is as much exercise as we're gonna get). Plus, they need
somewhere other than the carpet to take care of other matters.
Most of all, it's a joy just watching the critters get all worked
up as they explore everything in their path. Rillito Wash
is a perfect place to take the mutt in your life. The stretch
between Campbell and First avenues is a particularly good place
to avoid the hazards of urban walking. After minutes, the traffic
noise fades and you both forget you're still in the city. On the
north side of the wash is the paved bicycle/pedestrian path, best
avoided in favor of the river bed itself; down there it is a wonderland
for your dog's senses. Watch him run from spot to spot as he investigates
debris accumulated from previous floods. See him stare in awe
at someone riding by on horseback. Applaud as he finds a place
to do his duty that will not inconvenience your neighbors. The
sand at the bottom is smooth and deep enough so Rover can tucker
himself out without hurting his paws.
READERS' POLL RUNNER-UP: Reid Park, Country Club Road and
22nd Street.
STAFF PICK: Especially if you're a student, alum, campus neighbor,
university-area merchant or just a taxpayer, by all means, walk
your dog at the University of Arizona Mall. Let Fido poop
on those who poop on you.
