If you have a dog you know you’re one of the luckiest people in the world!  Dogs give and give waiting for your affection – a rub behind the ears, a pat on the head, and a little praise. They patiently (most of them) wait for you to get dressed and politely let you put their bling (leash) on for a morning potty break.  Afterwards they’re eager for some morning “num-nums” and with all the dog-etiquette they can muster, gobble them down. Then, they watch as you dart between rooms getting ready for work while you run 15 minutes behind. Of course they don’t care, they sit there with unjudging eyes of adoration and a sense of joy just to be near you. 

After you’ve gone they eagerly wait for your return from a long day at work, and there is no question about how much you were missed.  They don’t care if you messed up a huge presentation or spilled coffee. No, they want nothing more than to cuddle up with you and let your presence completely delight them.  Spending a few weekday hours together can be unfulfilling, that’s why you need a “doggie date!”  It’s your way of telling Brute, Pebble, Fifi or Treat that you really love them!

We’ve scoured the Birmingham area to bring you the cutest spots to visit in order to truly bond with “man and woman’s best friend.”

Start with the Park.

Before you even leave the Retreat at Mountain Brook, kick off your date with a quick stop at our very own dog park located right behind our community garden off Sharpsburg Drive.

As you head on your way there are quite a few other Birmingham bark parks that are well worth the visit.  Close to The Retreat at Mountain Brook you two will find the Grants Mill Station Dog Park in the City of Irondale.  This fenced 4-acre dog park, a favorite for area pet owners, is where you’ll enjoy designated areas for small and large pets, picnic tables and dog training equipment.

Another great spot is the Loch Haven Dog Park.  This well-kept park in Hoover boasts large separate areas for your cuddly buddies.  One Yelp reviewer said “we cannot wait to go back….best thing yet: your fur baby is exhausted by the time you return home.”  The downtown Railroad Park is a fantastic choice as well, with over 19 acres of open space covered with trails to help you get your exercise on!

For extreme bark parkers, according to a forum post on Reddit, there’s a “secret” dog group that meets at Caldwell Park on Highland Ave every evening. This is not an official dog park, but rumor has it the dogs are well behaved and fun to play with.

Eat some Treats.

Once you’ve finished unleashing all that pent up love it’s time for both of you to grab some “din-din.”  Whether you’re in the mood for burgers, tacos or pizza, there are many incredible pet friendly restaurants dotted around the city and ready to serve!

Among local pet lovers the top pics are Chez LuLu & Black Market Bar who have both received a rating of 5 out of 5 bones by dog owners on BringFido.

Click here to find the full list of eats for any appetite, but don’t forget to bring their kibble and a dish to serve it in.

Want to connect with other like-minded dog lovers? Get social & document your “doggie date” by tagging #dogsofbham; a local group created by dog lovers for dog lovers of Birmingham, Alabama!

Shop and Sniff.

Leashed dogs of all sizes are welcome at The Market at Pepper Place every Saturday from April through December, rain or shine.  This farmers market features local fruits, vegetables, baked goods, and other edibles along with items from local artisans. The market welcomes dogs of all sizes and several vendors even place complimentary water bowls at their stand.

We recommend outdoor enthusiasts bring their pup to The Mountain High Outfitters in Birmingham to scope out your gear for this year.  While dog size isn’t a worry, make sure your leashed dog is well behaved before entering.

Primp those Paws.

Another stop on your doggy date must be to get your bestie groomed!  Everyone loves that fresh cut feeling when getting up from the styling chair, dogs do too.

A local favorite is Rub-a-Dub Dog Bath House & Spa based on their ability to literally take the stress out of grooming for both you and your dog!

Cozy up.

Cozy up in the car or on the couch while you watch a heartwarming, pet friendly movie. If you aren’t quite ready to head home, the Coyote Drive-in (located in Leeds) is very dog friendly. Both you and Fido will love the January 27 release of A Dog’s Purpose. Watch the official trailer HERE.

For those who are worn out by all the running around, we totally understand that cozying up in your spacious apartment at The Retreat at Mountain Brook, in front of the fire, to classics like Turner and Hooch, Homeward Bound, or Benji may be more up your alley.

As a pet friendly apartment community we always welcome you to stop by the leasing office for a treat anytime you and your pup would like!