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Dogs

Every year, DOG FANCY magazine asks its readers to nominate America's most dog-friendly cities. The editors then determine the winner based on the following criteria: presence of dog-friendly activities, restaurants and businesses, dog parks, medical specialists, and pro-dog legislation, in addition to some other criteria.

This year's (2009) DogTown USA winner is — Best Big City: San Diego, Calif.; Best Mid-Sized City: Huntington Beach, Calif.; Best Small Town: Carmel-by-the-Sea, Calif.

Past winners:

  • DogTown USA 2008 — Colorado Springs, Colo.
  • DogTown USA 2007 — San Diego, Calif.
  • DogTown USA 2006 — Portland, Ore.
  • DogTown USA 2005 — Chicago, Ill.

Is your Town a Dog-Friendly Town?

Answer the following seven questions to find out if your town is a great place to be a dog — or dog owner. Keep track of your answers and tally up your points!
  1. Finish this sentence: In my town...
    People have more dogs than kids! (2 points)
    Dogs are a common sight. (1 point)
    I'm one of the few dog owners. (0 points)


  2. How far is the nearest fenced-in dog park by car?
    Less than 10 minutes. (2 points)
    Between 10 and 20 minutes. (1 point)
    What dog park? (0 points)


  3. How many restaurant meals can you eat with your dog in one day without going to the same place twice — or leaving your city?
    Breakfast, lunch, and dinner. (2 points)
    Breakfast and lunch. (1 point)
    One meal. (0 points)


  4. Your best friend is going to visit with her dog, but she can't stay with you. How many hotels in your city will accept her dog?
    Three or more. (2 points)
    One or two. (1 point)
    None. (0 points)


  5. How many veterinarians practice in your city?
    They're everywhere, like Starbucks. (2 points)
    Not sure, but there seem to be plenty. (1 point)
    None. I drive to another town to see my veterinarian. (0 points)


  6. Are there laws in your town that are intended to protect dogs?
    Yes. (1 point)
    No. (0 points)


  7. Finish this sentence: In my town...
    Every weekend there seems to be another dog event, like a dog show or festival. (2 points)
    Dog events — like a costume parade or dog walk-a-thon — happen every few months. (1 point)
    I have to leave town to attend a dog event. (0 points)
Total

Scoring

11 to 13 points — Happy tails to you! Your town is a model of dog-friendliness. Businesses, residents, and city leaders alike embrace dogs and the people who love them. Congratulations!

7 to 10 points — Something to wag about. Your town is taking great steps to honor its canine citizens, but there's probably some room for improvement. Figure out what your town needs, like a dog-friendly festival or sporting event, and rally other dog-loving citizens to make it happen.

6 points or less — Don't whine! Consider your town a work in progress. Talk to other dog owners and form a dog owners' association to lobby city leaders for better dog laws or perhaps start a dog park. Then make like a dog with a bone and don't give up. Your dog – and dog owners all over your city — will thank you!