Bark Like a Local: The Valley (San Fernando Valley, CA)

 Neighborhood Spotlight: San Fernando Valley (California)

Our second episode of Bark Like a Local takes us across the country to Southern California! In this episode we take a tour of San Fernando Valley (or "The Valley" if you're friends) with two of our favorite local tour guides. Our day in LA kicks off with a pup-friendly hike, followed by a community dog training class, and then a quick trip up the 101 for an afternoon in Thousand Oaks. Whether you're just visiting or considering a move to Studio City, we hope our tour of The Valley makes life a little easier for you and your pup! Thank you to our hosts for the day, Asha Leo and her rescue pup Pirate, and Larissa Wohl and her rescue pup Muppet!

Meet Our Guides: Asha & Pirate

Hi! I’m Asha and this is Pirate (who I’ve had now for about five months)! When I’m not Pirate’s social media Momager, I spend my time exploring the world while working as a fashion model and television host! As you might be able to tell, I'm  a huge advocate for pit bull awareness and breaking the stigmas that society has unfortunately brought to this breed.

Fun fact: I hold 5 Guinness Book World Records, including being the world’s fastest bread butter-er. (It’s true). (Instagram: @ashaleo and @piratepitbull)

Fryman Canyon State Park

There is nothing quite like spending the day outdoors with your pup. Pirate and I like to head out in the morning when the air is still crisp and cool. Fryman Canyon State Park is the perfect place to get some fresh air while your pup explores the trail. What’s particularly wonderful about Fryman Canyon is that there are a variety of paths to try, all with different elevations if you’re feeling up for a challenge. 

War Memorial Community Park

We love coming to War Memorial Community Park where we meet up with our friends from LARPBO (Los Angeles Responsible Pit Bull Owners)! They’re great because they actively work towards changing the stigma surrounding pit bulls and offer unique training classes to stimulate your pups brain while enjoying some California sunshine. 

Meet our Guides: Larissa and her pup, Muppet

Hi there! I’m Larissa and this is my cute little rescue, Muppet. The wonderful rescue Hand in Paw found my Muppet wandering the streets of L.A. and luckily, they were able to give her all the help she needed! When I saw her, I immediately knew she was the one for me. When Muppet and I aren't snuggled up at home, you can find me on Hallmark Home & Family as the Animal Rescue Expert!  (Instagram: @larissawohl)

Paw Works

We could not love Paw Works more! It’s full of pups who need to find their forever home, but they also have an awesome selection of toys, leashes, and collars. It’s a good shopping experience and it helps the shelter keep doing their incredible work. They've saved hundreds of dogs, done countless transports and pitched in with microchips, vaccinations – you name it! It’s a terrific organization and they do a great job bringing awareness to animal overpopulation and abandonment through adoption.

GPS Address:

350 W Hillcrest Dr. 
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Lazy Dog Restaurant

When leaving your pup at home isn't an option, Lazy Dog is the way to go. They have a great menu as well as seasonal options – everything from grilled lemon chicken for dinner to fantastic brunch items. Not only are you going to have a delicious meal, but you can order something healthy for your pup! Muppet is a big fan of veggies and chicken.

GPS Address:

172 W Hillcrest Dr. 
Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

West Lake Village Dog Park

You can really make a day out of the WestLake Village Dog Park! They have two separate entrances to make sure big and small pups alike are accommodated. It’s got lots of shade if you want to do a picnic while your pup can run around on the natural turf! If your furry friend gets a little too muddy, they have a bunch of doggie washing stations, so you have a fighting chance at keeping your house clean! It’s got great landscape and even has leash posts. It’s a fabulous area for you and your pup to spend a Saturday afternoon!

GPS Address:

31400 Oak Crest Dr,
Westlake Village, CA 91361

To learn more about Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co., please visit groundsandhoundscoffee.com. If you would like to support rescue pups, be sure to use the code "PIRATE20" for 20% off your Grounds & Hounds coffee purchase! 

Want to share your favorite dog friendly spots? Feel free to let us know at Info@groundsandhoundscoffee.com