Best Dog-Friendly Places In Abilene – Jones’ Top Five

My two Boxers Wylie and Star love to get out of the house. They travel well too, and are eager to load up in the car and go on an adventure. Abilene actually has some great places to take your dog, and where dogs are welcome. Here are five spots your puppy is sure to enjoy:

1.PET SMART

I know it's a business, but Pet Smart absolutely welcomes dogs. Just make sure Killer is on a leash and has current tags. Dogs like shopping just like their masters, and when they go to Pet Smart, they often get to sample some treats. Along with that, they're guaranteed to meet some new canine friends. I've seldom been in Pet Smart when there were less than ten dogs shopping with their masters. Your dog can pick out a new toy, 'read the news', and enjoy an hour of puppy-centric time. The Abilene Pet Smart is at 3501 Catclaw Drive. There is a lot of info at the Pet Smart online site www.PetSmart.com

2.Abilene STATE PARK

Our state park near Tuscola is a fantastic place to take a dog. The park is just loaded with activities that dogs enjoy being a part of,  including camping, fishing, and a really cool one-mile hiking trail that winds through beautiful trees.  The trail features 'Buffalo Wallow', a long water-filled pond that dogs find irresistible. The park of course has a lot of native Texas wildlife, so make sure your dog is leashed and under control. The Abilene State Park is at 150 Park Road 32 in Tuscola, just off FM 89. Check out the website for driving directions and a full list of park activities, fees, and reservations at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/abilene

3. REDBUD PARK

Redbud Park is not only one of the larger parks in Abilene, it's also the best for dogs. One of our YMCA locations is within the park, and there's a running/walking track that goes all the way around the perimeter. You and your dog can both get some healthful exercise on the track. The park also has a huge open area to throw a frisbee for Fido or to just play a game of fetch. For added fun, the park has a dedicated and protected prairie dog town. The little guys are a lot of fun to watch. You can find Redbud Park at the corner of South 32nd and South Willis. It is also easily accessible from Buffalo Gap Road and South 32nd. You can see some great photos of the park and a lot of detail at abilene.tx.com/parks.

4. Wylie Jr. High Track And Practice Field

This one is a pretty well kept secret, not so much by intention as by the fact that you would have to be in the neighborhood to know about it. The Wylie Jr. High running track and practice field is often used by residents of the neighborhood to enjoy the company of their dogs. I always see owners and their dogs out there on late weekday afternoons and on weekends.  The running track is of course great for jogging with or without a dog when school is not in session.  And dogs love playing frisbee on the practice field. The area is fenced on three sides, and sits well away from roadways.  Just keep in mind that it is school property, so cleaning up after Rover is a must. The track is accessible from FM 707 just off Buffalo Gap Road.

5. CAMP BARKeLEY DOG PARK

I saved the best for last. Abilene is indeed fortunate to have a dedicated dog park: Camp Barkeley. It's aptly named for obvious reasons, but if you're not from this area, you may not know that Camp Barkley was a prominent military training facility located here in the 1940s. Yes the difference in spelling is correct: Barkely versus Barkley. The dog park is within Nelson Park right across from the Abilene Zoo. It offers watering stations and is divided into two areas specified for large or small dogs. The other great thing about the park is that it is  'leash free'. You can allow your dog to run freely, provided he or she plays nice with others. The response from the public has been phenomenal, and it's a tribute to Lydia Long and the area pet owners in the community who organized a campaign to get the park for Abilene citizens.  Camp Barkely is just off Highway 36 and Loop 322 in Abilene. Check the official website to find out much more, including park policies at www.theparkpeopleabilene.org

Finally.....a couple of faces only a Mother could love: