What the Best Neighborhoods Offer!


Bruce Miller pictured with his three girls Dharma, Emma, and Daphne


"My three girls bring a lot of joy into my life. At the end of the day, Emma, the smooth Fox Terrier, joins me on the couch; Daphne, the Afghan, wants to be petted for a few minutes then settles in on her bed; and Dharma, the Greyhound, needs and wants very little in the way of attention. Like kids, they sometimes argue about who should get a treat first, but unlike kids, I don't need to worry about them wanting to borrow the car! Although I love children, especially my nephew and niece, I feel quite lucky to have kids of the four-legged variety."

By Jamie Downey

Photo by Heather Green

Determining the best neighborhood to live in is a top priority for mindful parents with children. Many families will base their decision on what district has the best schools; what type of sports and recreation facilities are available; the close proximity to parks, hiking trails, and baseball fields; the safest neighborhoods with the lowest crime rates; the availability of restaurants and shopping centers nearby; and whether there are other children living in the immediate vicinity, so their bright-eyed-and-bushytailed kids will have amiable friends nearby to play with. Every parent knows, when choosing a home to live in, that a child's needs come first. And every mom and dad always want what is best for their baby"” and will pay to get it!

When you are a parent with dogs, the same criteria above are important when determining what digs you and Neighborhoods Fido are going to call home. The biggest priorities for those with dogs: is the nearest park within walking distance; where are the hiking trails; how many miles to the friendly neighborhood dog park; where is the closest lake or body of water; and most important, neighbors who love (or at least don't dislike) dogs.

Dog parents want to ensure they live in the best neighborhood possible for the safety and comfort of their canine kids, and also want to have the fundamental services of doggie conveniences accessible within a short distance. At the top of the list are your neighborhood specialty pet boutique, doggie daycare and boarding facility, and grooming shop with top-of-the-line spa treatments. Once all these amenities are in the same neighborhood, life is good for dog and parent!