I couldn't agree more with MaryCatherine's comments regarding dogs. There have been times we actually wished we hadn't brought our very friendly little terrier with us, for his own sake. His life here cooped up in an apartment is rather boring compared to the freedom he was used to, and unfortunately there are no other dogs in the neighbourhood for him to play and socialise with either. After so many approaches to buy him, we are paranoid that he might get stolen or run up to say hello to someone who is afraid of dogs, so he is NEVER allowed outside unaccompanied or off the lead.
As for dog walking, as others have already said, the public parks are not an option. We go to the nearby public beach occasionally very early in the morning when it is cooler and also less people around. Apart from that, walks at this time of the year are in the early morning and after dark through the construction rubble and piles of rubbish in our local neighbourhood.
There are a number of things that we are glad we brought with us for our dog that you can't get here, especially the indoor "pet loo" (an Australian product, but I believe there are similar products available in the US). Once he learned to use it we have never needed to worry about accidents indoors. The other pet accessory that has been a godsend during the hot summers here is a cool-mat (another Australian product). It is full of crystals which expand when soaked in water and this then stays cool (without being damp) for days on end - perfect for hot panting dogs to lie on for a while after being outside.
I couldn't agree more with MaryCatherine's comments regarding dogs. There have been times we actually wished we hadn't brought our very friendly little terrier with us, for his own sake. His life here cooped up in an apartment is rather boring compared to the freedom he was used to, and unfortunately there are no other dogs in the neighbourhood for him to play and socialise with either. After so many approaches to buy him, we are paranoid that he might get stolen or run up to say hello to someone who is afraid of dogs, so he is NEVER allowed outside unaccompanied or off the lead.
As for dog walking, as others have already said, the public parks are not an option. We go to the nearby public beach occasionally very early in the morning when it is cooler and also less people around. Apart from that, walks at this time of the year are in the early morning and after dark through the construction rubble and piles of rubbish in our local neighbourhood.
There are a number of things that we are glad we brought with us for our dog that you can't get here, especially the indoor "pet loo" (an Australian product, but I believe there are similar products available in the US). Once he learned to use it we have never needed to worry about accidents indoors. The other pet accessory that has been a godsend during the hot summers here is a cool-mat (another Australian product). It is full of crystals which expand when soaked in water and this then stays cool (without being damp) for days on end - perfect for hot panting dogs to lie on for a while after being outside.
Good luck with the move!