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Laura "Lala" O.'s Profile

Photo of Laura O.

"That girl with the white dog!!"

profile votes icon Review votes:
243 Useful, 67 Funny, and 145 Cool

Location

Seattle, WA

Yelping Since

July 2006

Things I Love

advocating for disability rights, traveling, being outside, eating out with good company, dogs

Find Me In

Greenlake

My Hometown

Homewood, IL

My Blog Or Website

http://www.yelp.com

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm reading a book or doing something outside..

Why You Should Read My Reviews

because I said so!

My Second Favorite Website

http://www.facebook.com

The Last Great Book I Read

The Shack

My First Concert

The Monkees Reunion Tour (I was a kid- and it was a fun concert!!)

My Favorite Movie

Princess Bride

My Last Meal On Earth

Creme Brulee,  pizza, Johnny's beef, authentic Mexican dishes

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I don't like hot coffee but will drink an iced coffee w/ sugary stuff

Most Recent Discovery

all the lovely parks in the northwest!!

Current Crush

none of the stars rocks my world at this time....but I love dogs!!

Recent Reviews

238 Reviews

Filter by: Location   Category
Seattle, WA 98102
(360) 902-8844

Wallace Falls  

Category: Parks

3 star rating
 9/3/2009  
I called ahead and confirmed it was okay to bring dogs (but they  must be leashed- a leash up to 8 feet long).

Anyway- I started off my hike on the railroad grade trail.  It was a pretty  and easy walk and I saw numerous runners.   My dog and I were startled by an owl that flew over us to a tree branch.  We probably startled the owl in the first place!  It was pretty neat to be sorta close to an owl!

I followed the signs to the waterfalls. I needed to go on the Woodie trail from the railroad grade trail.  The Woodie trail was an interesting trail with many tree roots sticking out. I admit I was worried about spraining my ankle.  The hike from the start of Woodie trail to the first waterfall was intermediate level.  The hike to the middle falls and upper falls were difficult.  I am grateful that my dog helped me by pulling me up!  It also did help that people going back down helped by encouraging you on and telling you that you are almost at the top.

After the middle falls- I kept plugging to another sight seeing area- expecting it to be Upper Falls.    I saw some people turning back but I had a gut feeling that the spot was not the "Upper Falls"area since I did not see a sign "Upper Falls".  There were signs identifying the other two falls.   I kept on walking until we reached the upper falls deep in the woods- yes- there was a sign at the sightseeing fence!  It was cool and very tranquil. My dog and I just chilled for almost an half an hour here!  We did not see anyone.   There was a big sign warning people not to continue on unless they were prepared.  There was a news article about people getting lost in the mountains.

The walk down was intermediate but easier!  All 4 sight seeing area- were beautiful.  The sound of the water was cool and soothing!

If you bring your dog-  consider the fact if your dog listens to you- there are animals in the woods. Naturally- dogs would  become very interested and maybe want to "chase" other animals.  You don't want a dog that doesn't listen want to take off after another animal.   I can see risks of falling on tree roots or rocks trying to pull your dog back.
Do plan a whole morning or whole afternoon for the hike.  The hike including the rest breaks took me 4 hours (and about 7-8 miles) to get to the top and back.

Please do wear good shoes and bring few water bottles.

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highway 2
Everett, WA 98203

Ebey Island Dog Park  

Category: Pets

2 star rating
 9/3/2009 1 photo   First to Review
This dog park is decent in size but the fencing is made out of those strong plastic with some wood which can be an issue for those dogs that like to pull a Houdini act.   This park is in a farming area so you can see livestock in the areas.  There is a small parking lot and  parking on the side of the road.

There are open fields with blackberries scattered in the park with two separate dog areas. The smaller area appears to be for shy dogs.  I went to the bigger park.  I was disappointed to find poop in numerous spots.  I stopped picking them up when I ran out of my own bags.  Please- people- pick up your own dog's poop!!

You will need to bring your own water and plastic bags.

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6th St and Hwy 2
Gold Bar, WA

Gold Bar Off Leash Area  

Category: Pets

2 star rating
 9/1/2009 1 photo   First to Review
This was so close to Wallace Falls State Park so I had to stop by with my dog.  It's on the south side of highway 2 (en route to Stevens Pass)- I do recall a gas station across the street.

FYI- this small area is NOT fenced and the signs borders the park.   Your dog must be under verbal and hand signs at all times.   This park is right next to the highway where the big rigs and cars/trucks zoom by.  The other side of the park has railroad tracks and the river (Skymomish River- I think.) Your dog must not be fearful of loud noises.

Fortunately, my dog is ball focused- she kept her eye on the ball and ignored all loud noises and ... she even ignored the huge deer pellet poo pile.    (Whew- I don't think I would be happy driving with a stinky dog inside home.)

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2690 NE University Vlg
Seattle, WA 98105
(206) 447-5744

University Village Shopping Center  

Category: Shopping Centers
Neighborhood: University District

4 star rating
 8/26/2009  
I have been to the mall at various times of the year.  One of my favorite thing about this mall is that I can bring my dog along!  It's a win-win for both  of us since we both are getting exercise and my dog is not cooped up at home!  If your dog is well-behaved dog, bring her/him to the mall!

Stores will have signs on their window/door if dogs are NOT allowed inside.  Restaurants- obviously- dogs are not allowed inside but they are welcome at places where there is patio dining as long as the dog stays outside of the boundary of the restaurant (something about a health code concern).  Anyway- some stores have treats for the dogs!  Every counter we approach, my dog hopes by sitting pretty and quiet to get a treat!  

Now- lets talk about the mall.  It's an outdoor mall. It has a lot of my favorite stores (Crate and Barrel, Apple, Pottery Barn, Talbots, Storables, etc.)  There are places sit and soak up the sun or people watch throughout the mall.  When its raining- the mall has the complimentary yellow umbrellas that is for EVERYONE To use.

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6100 152nd St
Marysville, WA 98271
(360) 363-8400

Strawberry Fields for Rover Off-leash Park  

Category: Dog Parks

3 star rating
 8/26/2009  
My dog and I had a play date at this park.  It was a bit hard to find this park- especially when you are not a local!  Luckily- we just followed another dog owner and dogs to the off leash area. It's a walk from the parking lot to the off leash area (behind the soccer field and some tall grass.)

The off leash area is fenced and pretty large and great for balls and Frisbee throwing.  There were some smaller agility stuff for dogs like the tubes. Water fountain is provided for dogs and owners.

My only concern is that there was a lack of shade for the dog owners.  We went on a very warm day.  My dog and playmate  took refuge in the large black tubes to cool down and be in the shade while my friend and I wilted in the sun ;-)

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530 Patmore Rd
Coupeville, WA 98239

Patmore Pit  

Category: Pets

4 star rating
 8/26/2009   First to Review
YOWZA! 40 ACRES!!  

This was right off of 20- which made it a perfect place to stop by to stretch my legs and let my dog get some exercise!  

During the day trip to Whibdey Island, my parents noticed my dog was happier at this park than the one in Oak Harbor.  My dog was happy to explore the park while we scouted the park.  The fields are HUGE which is perfect for throwing balls or Frisbee!  Naturally, I "chucked" the ball with the "chuck it" with my dog for a while.

There were water jugs provided for dogs as well as poop bags. I did discover on-line- after I left the park- that there is an agility area!  I will definitely check that out the next time my dog and I come to the park!

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Oak Harbor at Ault Field Rd
Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Clover Valley Off Leash Park  

Category: Pets

2 star rating
 8/26/2009   First to Review
My family and I took a road trip with our dog on Whidbey Island.  We did some sight seeing and also stopped at dog parks along the way to let my dog stretch her legs.

I was not too impressed with this park.  This park was too rocky.  My dog would walk instead of run to fetch the ball.  I can only surmise that the rocks are hard on her paws when she runs.

There are chairs and some shade for the dog owners.

Stop by if you are on a road trip with your dog and need a place to stretch your dogs legs for a bit. It was a few minute drive from route 20.

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202 N. Blake Street
Sequim, WA 98382

Sequim Off Leash Dog Park  

Category: Dog Parks

3 star rating
 8/26/2009 2 photos   First to Review
What a nice off leash park where you can let the dogs run!  

There are two areas for dogs. One for small dogs and one for the big doggies!   Both parks did have water, dog poop bags, benches for  people to sit while watching their dogs, and plenty of trees for shade.

The people here at the park were very nice and they would pick up other dogs' poop that were not picked up.   They were also responsive to my dog when she wanted them to throw her ball.  

Overall- this was a friendly place for both dogs and their owners!

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320 Innis Arden Way
Seattle, WA 98177

Shoreview Off Leash Park  

Category: Pets

4 star rating
 8/26/2009   First to Review
This dog park is by the Shoreline community college and there are signs that leads you to the park!  

Yay to the City of Shoreline!

I was so happy when Shoreline finally had an off leash park!  This park is a decent size with open strip area  to throw balls for your dog.  There are benches and picnic tables in the park.  I walked up and down the strip with  my dog while throwing the ball.    The strip is surrounded by tall trees that provide some shades.

I did see people who did not have dogs use the park for walking/cardio exercise since the strip is long.  They didn't bother us and we didn't bother them. The park is big enough to share with others! :-)

There are some rocks/ pebbles  in the park but its mostly dirt and grass.   I do recall that there is a fresh water tank for the dogs to drink from.

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Bandix Road SE at Burley-Olalla Rd
Kitsap, WA 98359

Bandix Dog Park  

Category: Dog Parks

4 star rating
 8/26/2009   First to Review
This park is huge! Check out the map by the entrance of places to go.  I believe this park is about 30 acres.  There is walking trails for you and your dog(s) to walk throughout the park.  I like dog parks where you can walk so YOU can get some exercise along with the dog! There are several open areas where you can throw balls for your dog(s) to fetch.  Some open areas have tall grass which can be a good exercise for your dog to find her/his ball by smelling.  My dog did find a lot of balls but wouldn't bring those balls back except  "her" ball with her smell.

There are blackberries patches where you can pick berries to eat.   There are benches and picnic tables in the park for you to relax with your dog(s).

Bring your own water for the dogs!

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31 Compliments

  • You're Funny

    Once you get your own sitcom I'll be there to add the laugh track.nice… More »

  • You're Cool

    Will have to check this place out the next time I'm on the island!!!

  • Great Lists

    Thanks for the reviews of the off-leash areas.  I've been to Marymoor for a… More »

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Photo of Beveridge Place Pub

Places I can take my dog…

There are so many things to do here in/out of…
1.  Beveridge Place Pub
YES!!! A dog friendly…
2.  Green Lake Park
It's a 3 mile walk/jog…
3.  Carkeek Park
Another gorgeous park in…
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Photo of Marymoor Park - Off leash

Off leash dog parks

Dog parks that my dog and I have visited-
1.  Marymoor Park - Off leash
WOW!! This park is…
2.  Double Bluff Beach
WOW!!  What a beautiful…
3.  Woodlawn Park - Off Leash Area
Well- we had a great…
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