No doubt about it, Tucson’s long, hot summers can be, uh, ruff for our canine companions.
But here’s some pawsome news: Dogs are allowed at the Tucson Botanical Gardens June through September.
This will be the fifth summer the midtown oasis has opened its doors to dogs. That first year, pooches could patrol just two days of the week. The program’s been so pupular that it’s expanded to all seven days and even stretched an extra month through the end of September, said Katherine Hougland, the gardens’ membership director.
“We wanted to give as much opportunity as possible for people to bring dogs into the gardens,” said Hougland, whose own four-legged friends Ranger and Chinook love the grounds.
All that vegetation means it’s 5-10 degrees cooler at the gardens than the rest of midtown. The shaded gravel and dirt paths don’t retain as much heat and are easier on paws, Hougland added.
“Everyone loves it,” she said. “I think most people just wish we were able to offer it year-round. I do, too. Unfortunately, that’s not possible.”
It would be too much of a liability during the busy season when the gardens host lots of visitors, she said.
Water is readily available throughout the grounds for dogs, and the gift shop offers toys and treats as well as cleanup bags. Even the cafe whips up special menu items for its canine visitors.
As for those with feline friends — and someone did once ask Hougland if a kitty could come — sorry, not allowed. With so many dogs around, that would be a catastrophe.
