Phoenix - Week of the Balls and the dogs
Over the next week, tens of thousands of people will invade my city to watch tiny balls get hit into tiny holes and to cheer or jeer obnoxiously over a bigger brown ball while grown men beat each other up. Though I’m not looking forward to all the traffic jams, restaurant lines and pointless news reports, I do feel an obligation to provide my insight for visitors who are bringing their four-legged friends along for the ride. So here are my suggestions for things to do with your dog while visiting the Valley of the Sun.
Take your dog hiking. If you do nothing else during your booze-infused trip, take the time for this. The Phoenix-metro area has several dog-friendly hiking paths, all within city limits. Papago Park and some North Mountain paths are great for less-experienced canines. Camelback and South Mountain will give you and Fido a solid workout. Please remember this is a desert. Bring enough water for you and your dog, despite how beautiful the weather is. And watch out for prickly plants, there are several along the trails.
Take your dog to dinner. The employees and guests at your hotel don’t want to hear your mutt yapping while you’re out on the town. There are plenty of restaurants that welcome dogs. Pick one and take your dog with you. Bad things happen when dogs are left alone too long in hotel rooms…
Splurge on your dog. It’s easy to get caught up in your own shopping indulgences, so try to be less selfish and think of your dog instead. The Phoenix-metro area is a hot spot for swanky boutiques, fancy salons and homemade dog cuisine.
Schedule some doggie social time. Phoenix is full of off-leash areas where your dog can run free and make some new canine friends. You’re not going to find better weather anywhere and considering you’ve dragged your dog here in a cramped car or airplane, this should be at the top of your list.
Take your dog to Tempe. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Walking Mill Ave., going for a run or riding a bike along Tempe Town Lake will help everyone recharge. Just make sure to clean up after yourselves, no one wants to step in a visiting dog’s crap.
Get a local vet on speed dial. Not trying to freak you out or anything, but accidents happen, especially when you’re drunk. So ask your hotel concierge for the nearest veterinarian and keep the number handy, just in case.
And finally, a little advice for the humans:
1. Try not to be an annoying tourist driver.
2. Always tip at least 15 percent.
3. Do NOT mention the Arizona Cardinals. The wounds are way too fresh.
Follow this advice and your Phoenix experience should turn out just fine. Welcome to the Valley of the Sun – your welcome for the weather.