There is nothing quite like fall. It is crisp and cool, the leaves change color — and then leave. It’s hard to beat.

Take a walk, you’ll thank me.

This post is part of UpTake’s Wordless Wednesday Series. If you would like to see your photo featured here please contact us via the link in the sidebar using subject line: WW.

Photo:  Whit Honea (taken in Redmond, WA)

Sit. Stay. Heel. Good dogs.

Sure, the commands are a bit contradictory, but under the circumstances these dogs seem to have handled it pretty well.

While you and your family are out and about this summer, don’t forget your four-legged friends like the park, too. Most communities have dog parks and beaches where Fido and Rover can run, sniff and fetch until their tail is too tired to wag.

These pups are in Cirencester, England, but there’s probably a dog park closer to you. Make the dog days of summer count and use your smartphone to find dog parks to visit on your travels this summer (dogs not included).

This post is part of the UpTake Friday Family Series because dogs are family, too.

Photo: johnson1952 via Flickr

Feel free to bring your four-legged friends with you on your next vacation to Arizona! The state is very dog-friendly, with lots of hotels that permit animals, and even spas dedicated to pampering your puppy (that will be the subject of an upcoming entry)! Nearly every city in Arizona has one or several “bark parks” which allow your dog to stretch his or her legs, and some freedom from the leash so they can explore every olfactory nuance of their playground. Here is a small selection of those dog-friendly parks:

The PETsMART Dog Park at Washington Park in Phoenix offers a spacious 2.65 acres in which your dog can frolic. The six-foot high perimeter fencing keeps your dog safe, while the watering station and shady trees keep your dog comfortable. There’s even a separate fenced area especially for small dogs.

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