For them, the Salt Lake Valley offers a handful of parks where dogs of all shapes and sizes are welcome without a leash. No matter the weather, the scene warms the hearts of dog lovers, who get unique joy from watching pups frolic, play and run free.
Even the coldest temperatures can't cool some mutts' infectious enthusiasm.
That's especially true in winter, when most dogs barely notice the temperature and fresh snow is almost like a drug for some. Like the basset hound puppy that immerses his entire face in fresh powder trying to smell what's underneath. And the Labrador racing through a snowy field with head lowered and jaw agape to scoop up mouthfuls of snow.
"I think Salt Lake City is pretty progressive in terms of recognizing that dog parents need a place to let their pets run legally off-leash," said Temma Martin, a spokeswoman for Salt Lake County Animal Services.
The many offerings helped land Salt Lake City on DogFriendly.com's annual list of Top 10 dog-friendly cities last year, and earned it honorable mention this year. The ratings are based on myriad criteria, including whether dogs are allowed on public trains and buses, in decent hotels and restaurants and at most city parks.
Most Salt Lake Valley parks allow dogs on a leash, but a handful also permit mutts of all sizes to run free. Officially, there are several legal off-leash areas in the valley, but dog owners have taken over several other areas.
That is a problem, said Martin. People who let their dogs run wild in nondesignated areas test the patience and goodwill of those who aren't dog lovers. The biggest problems tend to be in the parks adjacent to off-leash areas.
"People assume [the off-leash area] begins at the parking lot and don't even bring a leash," said Martin. "There are people who are afraid of dogs and they deserve not to be bothered."
Irresponsible dog owners can also annoy those in the off-leash area by not controlling or picking up after their pets. Even if most people practice diligent poo-poo patrol, it takes only a few slobs to make a mess of a park.
"People need to be aware that they need to go absolutely out of their way to take care of [the parks]," Martin said.
