Good location for pets? (Chicago, Lincoln: apartment, neighborhoods, living)

[lili23]

Hi, I am new to this forum and hopefully I didn't overlook a similar thread.

I'm a 23 year old divorcee thinking of moving to Chicago for a fresh start. Call me crazy but my main concerns about the whole idea involve my dog. He's really all I have and I want to make sure he's happy and taken care of. He's a friendly (not vocal however), highly energetic Cairn terrier who has been accustomed to a large yard and plenty of romping space. I have read that his particular breed make great apartment dwellers, however I am not sure how he will handle being cooped up all day in a studio-sized apartment.

I am wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to handle apartment-living and city-living with an energetic dog; good locations for pet owners to live (such as areas with enclosed dog parks); and the overall dog-friendliness of Chicago. We are from a smaller town in the west and I worry about his walking "manners". He is pretty well-behaved on walks, but he is just so friendly that I worry he will want to stop and greet every person and animal he passes. We are always tidy on our walks and I promptly clean up after him, but I worry about being in a busy area where he might lift his leg on a cafe table where someone is eating. I think I've imagined pretty much anything that could go wrong

I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions and I hope this wasn't a repetitive thread

[JanuaryGirl]

I would suggest the northeast side of Lakeview (near broadway/waveland) or just north of there in Buena Park. There is a great doggie beach at Montrose Beach and you will be near the lakeside trail and parks for him to run around.

[Attrill]

Lakeview could work really well. Overall Chicago is a pretty dog friendly city.

The Park District has a number of dog parks (http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/resources/dog_friendly_areas/ - broken link), and it isn't too hard to find an apartment in a three flat that has a small (25'X25') backyard. I would definitely suggest looking for a smaller apartment building, like a three flat, as opposed to a larger building where you have to use an elevator. Check out the sticky thread about neighborhoods - Lakeview, Andersonville, Lincoln Square, Bucktown, West Town, Ukrainian Village, Pilsen, etc. all have plenty of smaller buildings. Just check out the descriptions of neighborhoods to see what fits you best. As long as you are outside of downtown and 1/2 mile in from the lake it isn't too hard to find a place with a yard.

Based on the tone of your post (talking about cleaning up after your dog and such) I don't think you should have much trouble with a dog in the city.

[mr aztec]

You might also make it a priority to live near one of Chicago's dog parks. I live within driving distance of two, but I can see what a nice benefit it would be if I lived a block away. There is a nice park in Uptown, "Puptown", and an adequate park in Lakeview (LP?), "Wiggleyville". (The Uptown park is also near the dog beach on Montrose--so best of both worlds.) Those are the two I'm familiar with, though you will want to look at the Uptown thread to see if that neighborhood would suit you. Wiggleyville is ok, and the neighborhood is top notch. I belive there is a park in Bucktown/Wicker Park. I live in Lakeview and I wish there weren't so many dog owners--my boyz are distracted every block we walk!

[jessiegirl_98]

Definitely search this forum for dog parks, pet-friendly, etc and you will find many posts on this topic.

[snoylekim]

Beleive it or not, West Loop and parts of Fulton/River aren't bad ..there are two parks , both on Desplaines..One about 200 North, the other at 200 South that have active 'dog communities' . After work is a good time to witness the dogs and their pet humans getting together in their respective clusters.. My building has everything from toy yappers to a weimaraner ..