Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail
Located in the heart of our city is one of the community’s favorite hike and bike paths to enjoy year-round.  Our research fond that its 10-mile trail system is visited by more than 2.6 million visits a year, and with good reason.  The lush and well-maintained path meanders along the water’s edge where one will pass by the city’s skyscrapers, ball fields, neighborhoods, and other cultural attractions.  
Cedar Park
Although this park isn’t really big, it’s still super pet friendly.  Located in Veterans Memorial Park, its five acres offers a dog pond for cooling off on those hot summer days, a dog park, showers and well-used and maintained pet waste stations.  
Which reminds us, no matter where you roam throughout our oh-so-pet-friendly city, be sure to pick up after your pup. 
Dog House Drinkery
OK, so here’s a perfect place for those with or without a four-legged friend to have a cold one on a hot day.  The Dog House Drinkery has a bar with lots of local brews from which to chose, and a nice wine selection as well.  TV screens wrap throughout the establishment for your sports-minded friends.  Outdoors, the 10 sf off-leash area is not just a place for your pup to play, it has a ‘dog park monitor’ so you can have the best of all worlds on your next day off.
As its one of the largest fenced areas for dogs in the region, it’s well used as a training ground, “yappy hours,” birthday parties and often the site of local adoption events. 
According to their website:
The off-leash dog park area is the only area that is membership only, but day passes can be purchased for $8.00 per dog.  Yearly membership is $150.00 a year.  If you have more than one dog the cost of the yearly membership is an additional $30.00 per dog.

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Red Bud Isle
There’s water, water, everywhere at Red Bud Park – which means everything to your pooch.  Running leash-free, they can splash all around while you sit unplugged on a sunny afternoon.  Rather play in the water.  Red Bud is also a popular spot for kayaking or canoeing or taking a hike with your furry friend by your side.  

Here’s a hint: go early in the day as it’s a popular spot and parking is at a premium.

Auditorium Shores at Town Lake
This is a super spot for that the whole family can enjoy for a day, or for a get-away.  We like to pack up and plan a few days of fun at Auditorium Shores.  If you choose to campout, be sure to get your reservation way in advance.  
What to pack? Take it all!  This dog-friendly park is well-planned with volleyball and basketball courts and fields to toss the ball for Fido or just a friendly game on the turf.  And there’s plenty of water sport opportunities so take the kayak, canoe bring your boat and don’t forget the fishing gear. 
Rather take a quiet stroll?  Their trails are well marked and always nice for a morning or evening walk in the park. 

Norwood Park  
In addition to the history of this beautiful park, the views are worth the trip to Norwood Park. We prefer to go here for its hiking trails while our dogs look forward to the park’s gated area (for smaller dogs) or in the large, shaded area where they can play with their pals as we hang out and enjoy some well-deserved downtime.  
While you are there, be sure to take some time to explore the Norwood House.  Its history dates back to 1922 when it was an arts and crafts bungalow.  In 1985, the City of Austin acquired the property as part of the park.  Unfortunately, funds were few and it was neglected for years. 
Fortunately, the Austin Parks Foundation (APF) has stepped up to renovate this historic building.  Here’s the good news as announced by Colin Wallis CEO of APF
“At APF we’re dedicated to partnering with our community to improve our treasured public green spaces. Norwood House and the surrounding parkland is truly a natural and cultural treasure for Austin. The restoration of this public space will be such an enriching gift to our community, and a valuable asset that everyone will be able to enjoy. We are thrilled to be able to support this project. We hope Austinites will be as enthusiastic as we are for the future of this historic estate and that the necessary funds to restore it will be quickly raised so construction can begin.”
 

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In its park-like setting, you can sit back with a cold one, classic cocktail or enjoy a glass of wine or stay for a while to enjoy a full meal under its shady trees and simple park setting.

Bring Fido to the dog-friendly Yard Bar, Austin's first restaurant, bar, and dog park. Yard  
Note from their website: For the safety of your children, our dog park is 21+ ONLY. All dogs entering the park must be spayed or neutered (regardless of age) and current on vaccinations. Minimum age for entry is 4 months old. All are welcome on our patio. 

Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ
This one-stop-shop can fill your gas tank and your tummy too!  After your vehicle is set for the road, set time aside to take your furry friends to the back of the Country Store where you can sit and savor some of the best BBQ in the city.  Serving wood-fired, slow-cooked, and dry-rubbed delights, Rudy’s complements the typical BBQ menu with a wider selection that includes jalapeno sausage and spicy pork chops, too.

Hopdoddy
This not your typical burger joint!  Put this on your spot to stop for some of the most creative cuisine.  Touting their ability to ‘raise the bar on burgers,’ the gang at HopDaddy boast:  
We pride ourselves on doing things the right way, not just the easy way. Made by hand, sourced for greatness with the highest-quality consciously grown ingredients, and ‘created to be different, you can’t find a Hopdoddy (or Doddy Mayo) anywhere else!

Bouldin Creek Cafe
This dog-friendly ‘made with love’ establishment serves everything vegan and every dish from scratch.  In addition to their delicious dishes for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, they pour their heart into the community as well. 
At the heart of our business is the belief in paying a living wage, supporting our community through fundraising, donating meals to those in need, and amplifying the voices of the marginalized. 
The menu includes fresh salads, portobello fajitas, tofu tacos and other vegan-inspired dishes.  Bring your pups as they are more than welcome to hang out at the outdoor tables. 

Where to take your dog off-leash in Austin?  
Stay tuned to next month’s feature on the “Best off-leash’ parks in Austin!
 

The post Best Dog-gone Friendly Restaurants in Austin, TX (Part Two) appeared first on Juniper Springs A Concierge Community Blog.

Kerby Lane Cafe
As long as your pup is on leash, you and your best four-footed friend are welcome to Kerby Lane Café. Since 1980, the family at the Café has been serving home-made sandwiches, tacos, and brownie fudge sundaes from their 1930’s bungalow in Central Austin.  
In the beginning, it was a cozy apartment for founders David and Patricia who operated a quaint little restaurant.  Today, it’s still family owned and operated and is one of the iconic restaurants that welcome the whole family.
 
Maudies
Some of the best Tex-Mex food awaits you and your pooch at Maudie's Milagro in Austin.  Since 1954, it’s been a top spot for home-made cooking. Going back several generations, Maudies was originally an 810sf spot to stop in for classic biscuits and gravy, chicken and dumplings, and ice-cold beer.  Turning from homestyle to Tex-Mex in 1993 with the instrumental guidance from family, friends, and fans, they have turned Maudie’s Tex-Mex into an Austin Icon, a Tex-Mex family staple serving multiple generations. 

County Line
On the Lake and a great place to take a break, County Line welcomes you and Fido too.  Bring an appetite as its mouth-watering, lip-smackin’ barbecue menu will fill any void.  Overlooking Bull Creek, its outdoor deck offers sunshine or shade for you and your dog, too.  Be sure to order some of their award-winning ribs, brisket, or spicy sausages.

History notes that the County Line was formed by some Texans who loved Austin, loved its heritage and historical buildings, loved BBQ, and love serving running their restaurant based on four principals (as noted on their website):
First:
Offer the highest quality smoked barbecue – ribs, brisket, sausage, and chicken – with traditional sides of cole slaw, potato salad and beans. 
Second:
Provide these BBQ specialties in generous portions at reasonable prices. 
Next:
Offer friendly table service with linens and bar service. 
Finally:
Feature an authentic location that celebrates the heritage of Texas. 
And check this out:
In 1990, The County Line Restaurants began shipping its legendary barbeque to all parts of the United States by Air Ribs. The same quality products that you've come to enjoy in the restaurants can be shipped right to your door. What better gift could you give your family or friends than to have The County Line cook for dinner?
 

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ll the pet-lovers out there understand the benefits of having a furry friend at home. Their loyalty and love offer comfort and companionship. The time you spend cuddled up or playing outside can end up being the most relaxing part of your day. It's wonderful, but pets often spend a great deal of time alone. And that's when they can get into trouble.

Living in an apartment, the damage a pet can cause can get expensive. Between stains and actual destruction of furniture, walls or door frames both cats and dogs can rack up a big repair bill. Fortunately, there are a lot of ways to curb destructive behavior and avoid pet damages in your apartment.

Pet policies, fees and deposits

There are a few ways a property manager can collect money from you in anticipation of pet damage. Often, an existing pet policy goes into the lease as a pet agreement. This is a set of rules you, as a pet owner, must follow. It can include provisions related to permitted animals or breeds and pet weight-limits, among other restrictions.
 

If required, management collects pet fees or deposits at the beginning of your lease. This is like a security blanket for anything a property owner has to address after you move out. Deposits are refundable if there's no damage, a fee is not.

These precautions help cover the expense of addressing common damages that can occur with both cats and dogs.

1. Carpet stains

Carpet is an easy target for staining, especially with pets. Almost all of them have at least one accident in their lifetime. It's so common, property owners look for stains first when a pet owner vacates an apartment.

“This is the most common and easily noticed pet damage," says Olivia Beck from Goodlife Property Management, “usually in the form of pet urine." If an older pet has regular accidents, it's best to take them to the vet for a check-up.

Pets can't tell you when something is wrong, and accidents can be one way of attempting to communicate with you. If you have a younger pet, repeat accidents are sometimes a sign of a behavioral issue. Limiting their access to carpeted areas can help reduce accidents.

Keep it clean

Once an accident happens, it's best to clean it up as soon as you're aware of it. Keep carpet and floor cleaner handy that addresses pet stains and odor. Every carpet stain won't get completely erased, but you'll definitely keep things looking much cleaner.

It's also possible to prevent accidents, and carpet stains, from happening. For cats, accidents can result from too few litter boxes in your apartment. A good rule of thumb is one per cat. Place it in a quiet place. If there's a lid, consider removing it. Cats don't like it when they can't see above themselves as they go.

For dogs, accidents happen when they don't have access to an outside space to go. Consider bringing in a dog walker once a day or even crating them when you're at work. According to Paws, “a crate helps satisfy the dog's instinct to be in a den…" and helps them associate the outdoors with the proper place to do their business.

2. Cat scratches

When cats want to scratch, nothing is safe. Furniture, blankets, walls and carpet all fall victim. Damage of this kind happens fast in an apartment. The next thing you know, a doorway or couch arm is destroyed. It's possible, though, to distract them from their destructive ways.

Redirect their energy

“A scratching post is essential for any healthy, well-adjusted cat," says Shelley Wester on Petfinder. It provides them with an appropriate outlet for their urge to scratch, along with a place to stretch and exercise. With a sturdy cat scratching post that stays upright, they'll come here first and stop damaging your apartment.

Another way to redirect a cat's energy is with a variety of toys. Motorized options or things with lasers do especially well. These capture a cat's attention when you're not there to play with them.

3. Doggie destruction

Dogs can get destructive when they're lonely. Long periods at home also mean pent-up energy they can't release. "It could be a puppy, it could be an older dog, but if you find that you come home and your dog is just destroying things … they need more exercise…" says Dana Humphrey a.k.a. “The Pet Lady," who discusses this issue in the Hartford Courant.

Energy levels in dogs can vary by breed. The ones needing the most exercise include Labs, German Shepherds, Terriers and Retrievers, as well as certain collies and huskies. These might not make the best apartment dwellers, but regardless of breed, you can provide an outlet for too much energy.

Address the problem and make adjustments to avoid pet damages in your apartment

The best reaction to have when your pet is damaging your apartment is to stop the problem from being a regular issue. Modifying your pet's behavior with the right toys, accessories and services can prevent future damage from occurring. This allows you to repair the problem to the best of your ability to ensure an easier move out when the time comes.

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