Dogs are fun, fluffy unifiers, and there is no better place to witness this phenomenon than a dog park. “The Bedford dog park, Canine Commons, is a valuable and unique asset to our town,” says Houlihan Lawrence agent and Bedford Dog Owners Group (BDOG) president, Barbara Harris.

"It brings people, regardless of age or economic level, together with one common interest. Both dogs and their owners can be outside in a safe, clean, contained environment while enjoying each other.” Dog Park Canine Commons is located in Beaver Dam Park and is open to Bedford residents (and a limited number of non-residents) with a yearly permit that can be purchased at the Bedford Town Clerk’s office. The park is divided into two fenced areas, allowing large and small dogs to socialize with similarly sized pooches.

Rescue Dogs When it comes to choosing the family pup, Bedford area residents embrace both rescues and purebreds. As a teen, Bedford native Sophia Silverman started A New Chance Animal Rescue. Sophia’s mom, Sharon Silverman, worked by her side along with dedicated foster families, volunteers, donors, and community supporters, to save the lives of hundreds of dogs, placing them in warm, loving, safe, and healthy environments. Other local rescue groups include Rescue Right, New York Pet Rescue and SPCA of Westchester.

Dog Breeders Bedford’s Lisa Smith is equally dedicated to the wellbeing of the dogs in her care. She breeds Goodtime Golden Retrievers on her Guard Hill farm where the mamas and pups are raised to not only win awards but to also become beloved family members. Litters are expected in both June and August 2017.

Pet Support Once you have brought Fido home, you’ll need some help. Local dog sitters, like Carmel Archambault, of Pound Ridge Pet Care, and walkers, like Katherine Dawtry of While Away Dog Walking, are popular local choices.

Grooming Keeping your dog well groomed is an important part of pet care, and local groomers are also great sources of information on a variety of pet issues. Stop by Pawfection in Bedford Hills, Anderson’s Pet Grooming in South Salem, or Reigning Cats & Dogs in Mt. Kisco to learn more about their services. Or call a mobile pet groomer like Woof ‘n Wash to come by for a house call.

Pet Therapy Bedford dogs are valued as family members and therapeutic partners, as well. While Bedford Hills Free Library offers Reading with Therapy Dogs events, Fox Lane Middle School integrates therapy dogs into the two adaptive physical education classes for students with Autism and other disabilities. Walking the dogs on hikes helps to motivate reluctant exercisers to be more active.

If you’re thinking of moving to Northern Westchester, you can’t get a much more dog-friendly community than Bedford and Pound Ridge. From walking trails that welcome leashed dogs (Ward Pound Ridge Reservation, Pound Ridge Land Conservancy, Westchester Wilderness Walk, and Ketchum Memorial Sanctuary, to name a few) to the Bedford Dog Owners Group, we’ve got you covered.