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August 21, 2014

Chicago’s Dog-Friendly Navy Pier

Once again we’ve got a series of rainy days ahead of us here in Chicago. But yesterday before the rain came I decided to take advantage of a beautiful afternoon and visit one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions – Navy Pier. Unlike many popular tourist spots, Navy Pier
Once again we’ve got a series of rainy days ahead of us here in Chicago. But yesterday before the rain came I decided to take advantage of a beautiful afternoon and visit one of Chicago’s most popular tourist attractions – Navy Pier. 21.1

Unlike many popular tourist spots, Navy Pier is a great place to bring your dog

On summer afternoons, the park and the pier are filled with people enjoying the view of Lake Michigan. Last year I took Eko to Navy Pier, so after I took him for a run yesterday he was content to sleep at home while Penny played the tourist with me.

Our first stop in the park was a sculpture which I assume was commissioned to depict what it’s like trying to walk a Ridgeback.

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Well, that’s what I think it is at least. It certainly depicts how I feel sometimes

With cafes on one side and the pier on the other, Penny and I strolled through the crowds and took in the sights. It was a great opportunity to enjoy ourselves while also working on socialization and loose leash walking.

After we covered the pier half of the trip, we of course had to cover the navy part too. That’s right, Penny got her sea legs (all four of them) courtesy of Seadog Cruises – a dog-friendly boat tour that operates at Navy Pier. Shocking precisely no one, my little speed demon loved her first boat ride.

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“This is awesome!”

We also brought along the old-man contingent of my brother and Dutch. In his ten years of life Dutch had never been on a boat before so he was just a tad nervous at first.

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“Hold me!”

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Our tour took us cruising up and down the lakefront. While the boat was at top speed, the pups sat inside us with the wind whipping across our faces

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During lulls in the trip, we all took in a view of the city from the water

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No matter how long I live here, I don’t think I’ll get tired of this view

And as for how Dutch fared after his initial hesitance? Well, I think it’s safe to say he had the time of his life.

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“I’m flying, Jack!” *cue Celine Dion music*

You know that giddy, punch-drunk feeling you have after a roller coaster ride? Turns out it’s not just for humans.

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“Whoa…that was awesome…let’s go again!”

After our boat ride, Penny insisted her next adventure would be a nap on the sun-warmed deck. Unfortunately, the price of admission doesn’t cover boat naps so we had to be on our way.

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“Take me home, Will.”

Our trip to Navy Pier was an absolute blast. I recorded as much video as I could, so hopefully I should have some fun clips to share next week.

If you’re in Chicago with your pup, make sure you make the trip to Navy Pier and make sure you guys catch a ride on the lake with Seadog. You’re guaranteed to have a great time and if Penny is any indication, you’re guaranteed your pup will get the best sleep of their life!

Comments for Chicago’s Dog-Friendly Navy Pier

  1. dashlilly says:

    This is fabulous! Of course Penny loved the speed. What a great day!

  2. Sounds like the BEST day ever……for humans and pups alike! What fun……it’s wonderful that Dutch had a boat ride with you – everyone should feel that wind in their hair (ears?) once in their life!!

    Pam (and Sam)

  3. Marcela says:

    Aww! Dutch looks so handsome. Great job Will of taking all your canine kids for a nice outing. I recently took Alex, my 12 year old pit mix, and Bella, my 3 1/2 year old, kayaking, and to be quite honest at the beginning I did not like it, but after a little while we all had a wonderful time. No, I did not take pictures. Bella thought she was a fish, and Alex was nervous but only at the beginning.

  4. Victoria says:

    love seeing the old sea dogs enjoying himself too -looks like you boys and Penny had a great day- never had my dogs on a boat before but will try that first chance i get.

  5. Emmadog says:

    That would be so fun. The Twin Cities just aren’t that dog friendly unless maybe if you have a pocket dog.

  6. Kyla says:

    What do I know? I’ve never been east of the Rockies.

  7. Casey says:

    “Not Penny’s Boat”?

  8. OMD, all those pics are SO fabulous! Love the ‘walking a ridgeback’ statue, and the ‘hold me’ pic of Dutch turning out to be his best “wind-in-my-ears” day is just too sweet! Would love to try that some day with Rita, but I think we’re a ways away from her being comfortable with all that!

  9. It looks like a great adventure. I have not been there yet but need to do that. Thank for sharing a great time.

  10. Dottie and Tuffy -Cat says:

    Exceptional post! You can tell all four of you had a great time! I’m looking forward to more from your videos.
    Dottie and Tuffy-Cat

  11. Chicago is such a pet / dog friendly city – we’re seriously thinking of moving in with you guys…got space on the futon for 2 scotties?
    Wally & Sammy

  12. Oh my gosh how CUTE!! I am happy Penny enjoyed her first boat trip! What a brave girl! Someone I know and live with would have been terrified at first, but then I think he’d have loved it too 🙂 (We need to move there- I do not know of any dog friendly boats here!)

  13. Love the pics! Penny with the bronze made me giggle! Dutch is a hoot too 🙂 Can’t wait for the video.

  14. What a pawsome adventure! Please send the boat over here to Singapore!

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