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Community Corner

A Doggy Oasis in Sherman Oaks

There's lots of room to run or walk, or just roll in the grass, at Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park.

There’s no doubt that dogs enhance our lives. They travel, dine and shop with us. They join us as we watch TV, eat and sleep. We buy them clothes, jeweled collars and designer carriers. They eat better than many people. It’s understandable. Who else can make us feel like we are walking the red carpet when we come home?

Scientists say man domesticated the wolf, after the wolf discovered ancient man’s proclivity for littering his campgrounds with food scraps. Frankly, I think dogs have domesticated man. Who else can greet us at the door after having thrown up on the expensive living room rug or scattered a roll of toilet paper, knowing full well that all will be forgiven? It doesn’t take very long for a dog to master us. You only have to look into a dog’s eyes to know what I mean. Dogs also teach us some of the best lessons life has to offer—how to live in the moment by relishing the simple things: a good rub-down, a walk, healthy food and a nice nap.

Sherman Oaks also has a major dog-related asset—the Van Nuys-Sherman Oaks War Memorial Park, on Hazeltine Avenue between Riverside Drive and Magnolia Boulevard, featuring several great dog amenities—a walking/running path spanning over a mile, ample grassy fields (when soccer isn’t in play) and, most importantly, plenty of trash cans.  A few tips: Keep an eye out for loose dogs; not everyone follows the leash law. Make sure to bring extra plastic bags for your clean-up duties.  The dedicated park staff could use the support.

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