Canine Connection: There's no place like Nevada City for dogs

Cheryl Noble is the author of Canine Connection, a feature of the Nevada City Advocate.

The vast natural beauty and the opportunities to indulge in the great outdoors top the desirability list. There are trails everywhere. Everywhere.

I’m not a dog whisperer. I do believe, however, that I know exactly how dogs must feel about living in dog-haven Nevada City. From their perspective, it has to be sheer bliss: Freedom, room to roam, trail parties, wild animals and great dog-friendly social events.

 This is doggie nirvana. 

Getting back to basics, dogs love trees. They love barking up a tree, marking one or sniffing a freshly marked one. In and around Nevada City, there are a variety and abundance of trees. The Tahoe Forest is just a few miles from downtown Nevada City.

Dogs don’t have to go far to rediscover their instincts and particularly their keen sense of smell.

The vast natural beauty and the opportunities to indulge in the great outdoors top the desirability list. There are trails everywhere. Everywhere. Unique to this area is the Nevada Irrigation District with canals meandering throughout the county. The NID ditches offer residents and their best friends scenic walking trails plus access to cool water.

Whether it’s a daily walk on a neighborhood trail or a special outing, the call of the wild is ever so near.

Then there’s home sweet home. Dogs relocating from urban areas are sure to appreciate the luxury of a big back yard. Play time is just steps away. And a warning to squirrels – a dog’s back yard is his private property. Enter at your own risk.

Dogs have a life here. Businesses embrace our Fido residents. Stroll through the town and you’ll find water bowls set out (the designer-type bowls!). Many business owners bring their dogs to work. There are social engagements, too. After all, we don’t leave our dogs home alone.

Nevada City’s Summer Nights outdoor festival, held on three consecutive Wednesdays in July, is highlighted by the many dogs cruising along Broad Street. They’re part of the scene. Many vendors have their furry friends with them. I truly believe that dogs think the Summer Nights are just for them.

Our canine culture also includes play dates, sleepovers and pampered TLC.  What dog and dog parent wouldn’t want to live here? There’s simply no place like home in Nevada City for dogs and their families.

Cheryl Noble is the proud mother of Mulligan, an 8-year-old Catahoula. She can be reached at cheryl.noble@ymail.com.