I woke not feeling super great or educationally motivated, so I (rather easily) justified skipping my psychology and religion class. I actually really love this class and enjoy my professor’s lectures, but somehow class and I just didn’t seem to go together today. What did go with my Wednesday morning mood? DOG PARK! As some lyric from a song that’s always on KGSR states: “Religion is a smile on a dog’s face.” So it was somewhat class related, right?
I take Lady (my darling, six-year-old cocker spaniel) to parks right by my house all the time, but we hadn’t been to her favorite, Red Bud Isle, yet this year. With the sun shining, sun roof open, and music blaring, venturing out to Red Bud felt like an initiation into spring and a visit with an old friend.
I love that at eleven in the morning on a Wednesday, Austinites find a way to be outside, and usually with their dogs. This dog park in particular is so unique because it is actually located on a giant peninsula, jetting into the very beginning of Lady Bird Lake. (On the other side of Red Bud Trail is the dam where Lake Austin pours into it.) This place is an oasis for any pup who enjoys a good swim! And, oh goodness, does mine ever.
Every time I come to Red Bud Isle, I feel such a sense of peace. On a stressful day when things can’t get any worse, this is the place where things just somehow get better. The combination of muddy pathways, wet dogs, and beautiful Austin can’t help but make me smile.
A giant, magnificent tree with its intricate roots exposed marks the farthest end of the peninsula. Even during my freshman year of college when Lady didn’t live with me, I’d come here just to think. Seeing how goofily gigantic the grin grows on Lady’s face as we take that left off of Red Bud Trail into the park, I can’t help but smile myself. Together, in our six legged love affair, we’ve found doggie heaven.
- Shannon
I love this! This is exactly the way I feel when I take Jake up to the mountain to hike and play in the creeks up there. Next time we are out there please take us to Red Bud Isle – that would truly be heaven!!
Come visit soon! Red Bud Isle is anxiously awaiting a visit from A and J!
That article was super cute Shannon! i know exactly how you feel! Every time I’ve been to the park with dogs all around, either in Austin or Dallas, I instantly feel a thousand times better, even if I’m in a bad mood. It’s like being outside and all the dogs are therapy for the soul! I don’t know what we would do in this world without all the amazing and wonderful dogs, but we definitely wouldn’t be nearly as happy and light-hearted! plus, Austin has got to be the best place in the world. I love visiting and can’t wait to live there! Where else can you find a perfect combination of city and outdoors/nature? Love, love, love
Sheridan
Combo of city and nature is hard to find, but it’s sort of what Austin is known for. I’d say Zilker Park and Town Lake areas are good. Maybe you can come to ACL with me next year. Austin has a lot of parks dt, which can give that feel. Sitting out side at neat restaurants can be a wonderful feeling as well…. sigh, our dogs r the best!
I love Red Bud! The only problem is that it can smell really bad in the summers… People have to make sure to clean up their dog’s poop… There’s a rumor that they are going to take away the off-leash privileges. Hopefully that doesn’t happen, because this is one of the best off-leash dog parks around! It’s like taking your dog to the best playground with all the coolest kids.