Puppin’ Around in GVL: Most Pawesome Places for All Things Pup

Life in Greenville

Y’ALL. My hubby and I found out we are going to be PAWRENTS! I’ve always grown up with pups (Bear our Chocolate Lab, Holly our Shetland Sheepdog, Pepper our Miniature Schnauzer). After moving into college dorms my freshmen and sophomore year at Clemson, pups were just not an option. My junior and senior years I moved into a duplex with friends, but didn’t think it was the right time considering the still small environment. Fast forward to graduation in 2014 and I moved into a tiny one bedroom apartment and then a townhome in 2015 [with no yard].

I was patiently waiting and waiting for a home and my own backyard so my pup could spread her legs and play! After moving into our first home in the summer of 2016, my husband and I knew it was time to begin our search for a new addition to our family.

We did a TON of research and determined that we wanted either a Goldendoodle or Labradoodle girl. Not only are they adorable, but they don’t shed and have wonderful temperaments!

We submitted an application to Best Goldendoodles in March 2017 and were finally told we were getting a puppy this past Wednesday. YIPEE!!!

So…. 7 years later AND I’M FINALLY GETTING A PUP.

After all this waiting, I didn’t realize how much I didn’t know about raising a puppy. Sure, I always had dogs growing up. But I never had to think about it’s diet, activity levels, or the best veterinarians [thanks, Mom, for doing all that]. So, I’ve asked a lot of questions from my fellow Greenvillians and comprised this list below of the best that GVL has to offer for your pup.

It’s my hope that whether you are a new dog owner like me or if you’ve just moved to the Greenville area, you will be sure to be in-the-know on all the best places for you and your pup to experience GVL together! 

P.S., if you’ve had amazing experiences at places not mentioned, please comment below so I can add to this list! 🙂 

Top Nibbles

To comprise this list, I used the help of Dog Food Advisor. In their opinion, the best dog foods don’t have any of the following: 1) controversial chemical preservatives, 2) anonymous meat ingredients, 3) artificial coloring agents, 4) generic animal fats, and 5) substantial amounts of meat-based protein. In addition, they looked at dog foods that had a fat-to-protein ratio of 75% or lower and modest carbohydrate content.

After evaluating hundreds of brands, these were the top dry food findings:

I’ve also read about the disputed topic of diet rotation for dogs. The idea is that keeping your pup on the same dog food forever may mean your pup could be deficient in some aspect of their diet or have an excess of another ingredient. What if you only had chicken for every single meal? Sure, chicken has a lot of protein. But what about your veggies, carbs, and dairy? Once we get our pup, I’ll be sure to ask our vet their opinion on diet rotation.

BTW, I’m already planning on making my own homemade dog treats rather than using the store-bought versions that are packed with unhealthy ingredients. And I’m using these super cute dog cookie cutters.

Stellar Vets

This list was comprised by word of mouth [shoutout to my peeps on Simpsonville residents!] for the top vets in the area.

And when your pup needs after hours immediate care, Animal Emergency Clinic is your go-to.

Best Doggone Training

Is your dog a little wild? Does your pup always jump up on guests? Check out these pawesome trainers!

Hidden Gemercise Spots

Sure Falls Park is great, but it can also be crowded. Here are some lesser-known spots you can take your pup to play!

Stylin’ and Profilin’

Want your pup to be the coolest kid on the block? Check out these vendors for hip threads, the best pup toys, and yummy treats.

When the Pawrents Are Away…

The pups will play! Check out these boarding places when you must leave your furry friend behind.

Dog-friendly Breweries

Because no one wants to put baby in a corner…

Any places I’ve missed? Share and comment below with wonderful places you and your pup love to go! 

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