The Dogs of U/D

Pet owners know the importance of designing a routine to ensure their pets have a happy and meaningful life. At University District, the ample amenities and offerings to support people with furry friends does just that for its residents and frequent visitors. Whether it’s strolling to the community’s urban dog park, visiting pet-friendly stores along the Retail Main Street or meeting fellow furry neighbours for a playdate, University District is the perfect community for pets (and their owners). 

U/D makes pet ownership simple for its residents

We connected with three dogs and their owners in University District to share why they feel the community supports their lifestyle. Reagan Boucher, resident of Truman Noble Townhomes in University District and dog-mom to her rough collie, Sully, shared why the community is so perfect for their lifestyle. 

“The best part about living in University District is being so close to the dog park. We love to pop over there after a long day and I specifically appreciate not having to drive anywhere to access it,” said Boucher. “We also love all of the pet-friendly retail options. It is great being able to include Sully in my daily activities around the community.”

University District is home to many parks and green spaces. The north urban dog park offers a completely contained off-leash dog area that is perfect for letting your dog play, meet others and socialize, while putting your mind at ease that your beloved pets are safe. With a future south dog park in the plans there will be even more places to explore. University District also has many on-leash walking paths including the green spine that connects the north and south ends of the community. 

Se’era Anstruther, a resident of Truman’s Esquire apartments, shared that the walkability of the community makes U/D the perfect fit for anyone with energetic dogs. Says Se’era, “My dog Milo requires a lot of exercise and having many options for walking routes in the area is perfect for us to change things up. You’ll never get bored being a pet owner in this community because there is so much to do that can include your pets.” 

Another resident, Louise Retobis, shared why University District is a great fit for her and her two pups, Teddy and Sonny. “My partner and I moved to the neighborhood last year and have enjoyed all of the amenities. We love being able to walk to pet friendly restaurants, patios, pet stores and enjoy all of the nearby  green space ready to be explored.” 

The best ways to promote a happy life for your pup in a condo-living environment

Condo living with pets is not always simple, but U/D’s thoughtful design makes owning a dog convenient and comfortable. There are many ways that dog owners can implement habits and training methods to ensure their dogs are safe and happy while living in a condo. 

It’s vital to think about the kind of owners we are to our dogs so that we may prepare them for success rather than merely surviving our training and expectations on them. Cat Harbord, Dip.CBST, a certified dog behavior consultant and director of ImPAWSible Possible Inc. shared a few ways that dog owners can change their habits to make the best life for their pups in a condo living environment.

“Your dog will be exposed to a variety of nearby sounds and sights when living in a condo setting, and a dog’s coping mechanisms are quite similar to our own,” she explains. “Taking things slowly and recognizing fear, anxiety or other forms of stress may be present and equipping your dog with strategies to manage the day to day stressors and ‘big feelings’ as soon as they arise will help your dog learn that the world is not so scary when it changes.”

Visitors of U/D enjoy the many offerings for their furry friends

University District is not only great for residents with pets, but also visitors from other local neighbourhoods who like to spend time in the community. One frequent visitor of University District is Gizmo, an adorable celebrity corgi. Gizmo’s human companion, Ilsa, shared why Gizmo is such a fan of University District year round. “The heated underground parking makes for easy access for walks in the winter. Gizmo loves to visit on colder days and hang out by the fire while watching the skaters. In the summer, we enjoy popping over to Village Ice Cream for a pup cup or spending a few hours at the dog-friendly patio at The Canadian Brewhouse,” said Ilsa. 

Similarly, Jasper the golden retriever loves to visit University District where his grandma lives when his ‘pawrents’ are away. Jasper’s favourite things to do in the area are socializing with other friendly pups at the nearby off-leash dog park, checking out the ever-changing new developments and walking down Retail Main Street for a visit to the dog-friendly local retail stores. 

Whether you are a resident of University District or live in a nearby northwest community and love to be part of the action, the U/D community is perfect for humans and their canine companions to take a walk and visit local retail offerings or meet other local residents with pups to socialize.