Fido Friendly on Capitol Hill

After 10-plus years in a single family residence, the thrill of home maintenance and yard work has begun to wane. These days, I’m easily enticed by the lure of maintenance-free condos. (O.K., condos aren’t really maintenance-free, but I wouldn’t be the one maintaining it.)

I could accept the possible noise, space and privacy issues of condo living–my hearing’s going, I’ve been in the mood to down-size for a few years, and my life is way too dull to generate much outside interest. The one condo complication I’ve yet to make peace with though is the impact on my dogs. I’d feel guilty forcing them from a spacious back yard to a place with little, if any, outdoor space.

One possible solution is to live near a dog park. Dog parks offer not only exercise, but also a chance for socialization–for you and your puppy. Seattle has a few dog parks, but not nearly enough. (And many of its off-leash areas occupy distressed locations under the freeway, next to the freeway, on top of the freeway: all too noisy for me, but seemingly acceptable for my dogs. I guess for dogs, sniffing butts is more important than relaxing environs?)

Magnuson Park, on Lake Washington, is an exception. It’s big, spacious and has water access. It’s also about a 25 minute drive from the city center.

Capitol Hill’s off-leash area, Plymouth Pillars Park, is a tiny little triangle at Boren and Pike. Though small, my dogs love it. Fifteen minutes there, mixing it up with other spastic pups, mellows them out better than an hour-long walk.

If you’re a dog-owning condo-shopper, you may want to consider these places. They all accept dogs (though some have weight restrictions) and they’re all just a bone’s throw from Plymouth Pillars: convenient location for you and your pooch.

1420 Terry Ave #1101 Seattle, WA 98101
2 Bedrooms, 1.75 Baths, 1,103 sq./ft.
Price: $650,000

1323 Boren Ave #604 Seattle, WA 98101
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 516 sq./ft.
Price: $239,950

1616 Summit Ave #308 Seattle, WA 98122
2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath, 732 sq./ft.
Price: $313,500

303 E Pike St #411 Seattle, WA 98122
1 Bedroom, 1 Bath, 796 sq./ft.
Price: $375,000