Murphy’s Page

How do you like to run in the park,
With other dogs so free?
Oh, I do think it the pleasantest thing
Ever has happened to me!

The Conejo Valley is a great place for dogs—lots of hiking and open space, excellent medical care and parks designated just for us (why don’t they call other parks people parks or talk parks?). Here are my favorite local spots. All but the beach allow me to go without my leash. What freedom!

Oh by the way, if you’re looking for a home that’s a step up from a doghouse, give my mom a call. She’s the best!

Calabasas

Calabasas Bark Park. Open sunrise to sunset. Location: 4232 Las Virgenes Rd., Calabasas. Directions: Take the Las Virgenes Rd. exit off the 101 Freeway in Calabasas.

Camarillo

Camarillo Dog Park. Benches, table, drinking fountains for dogs and people, shady, completely fenced and double gated. No charge. Location: Inside Camarillo Grove County Park, show them your dog and entrance is free. Directions: Take the Camarillo Springs Rd. exit off the 101 Freeway.

Leo Carillo Beach

Leo Carillo Beach. A1.5-mile-long stretch of beach where leashed dogs can run and swim. There are trails under the freeway. Not allowed between towers 2 & 3. Location: On Highway 1, approximately 30 miles North of Santa Monica, on PCH going north towards Oxnard (past Zuma Beach). Directions: Go north on PCH toward Oxnard until you get to El Matador and Leo Carillo.

Thousand Oaks

Conejo Creek Park. A 3-acre playground with picnic tables and drinking fountains divided into two sections, one for large dogs and one for small dogs. Open from 7 a.m. to sunset daily except for when equestrian events are being held at a nearby arena. Dogs must be on leashes from the parking lot to the park's double gates. Location: Avenida de las Flores just west of Erbes Rd. Directions: Take the Avenida de los Arboles exit off the 23 Freeway, go east, then south (right) on Erbes Rd. one block, then right (at Los Cerritos Middle School) on Avenida de las Flores.