The weather here in Northern Illinois has been gorgeous the last several days…sunny and mild – all the way up into the 60s! Because it’s so nice, we’ve taken “the girls” (Mina and Zuzu) to the Canine Corners Dog Park at Searls Park. The dog park is a great and inexpensive place to help exercise and socialize your dogs. In Winnebago County, Illinois, all you have to do is go to the Park District office or Carlson Ice Arena to purchase tags for your dogs to wear (or, in the case of Zuzu, who’s so little that she doesn’t wear a collar, for you to wear for her). The first dog is $25 for a full year and subsequent dogs are $15 for a full year. You can also purchase single session or half season passes.

We’ve rarely had problems, although we have had some. Last year another dog decided he didn’t like Mina and attacked her. She now has two small scars on her head from where that dog bit her. There have also been instances where bigger dogs have gotten rough with Zuzu. In those instances, either Todd or I will scoop her up and tell the dog/dogs to go away. Mina will also intervene by ramming those dogs, and in some instances, nipping them to get away from Zuzu – Mina is a great big sister! In almost all instances, however, the owners of the dogs are right there to discipline their dogs.

We’ve only ever been to Searls, but it’s perfect for us. There’s a small covered area when it’s a bit too windy, a big grassy area where the dogs can run and play, and a newer path system through a small forest that is our favorite. Below are some pictures from our visit today.