Dogs are like family members, as every pet owner knows. With wide-open spaces and friendly store manager faces, Kosciusko welcomes pets to its large county family, as four-legged friends accompany their people on their daily rounds. Here are some local dog owners favorite places to take their dogs.
Alex and Ringo
Alex Sanchez and Ringo, her Australian cattle dog, enjoy wet and wild Kosciusko places. Kayaking and paddle boarding on Winona Lake and using the trails near it keep her and her four-legged friend cool and comfortable while having fun.
Ben and Sarah with Willow, Jolene, and Sansa
With up to 115 pounds of canine energy to harness, Ben Schlipf and Sarah Margy-Schlipf have found the Lake City Greenway in Winona Lake the perfect conduit to fun for their three mixed-breed rescues: Willow, Jolene and Sansa. “Cherry Creek runs all along the greenway,” Sarah said. “We keep them on leash, but we stop for them to have a wade and a splash.”
For one on-leash dog at a time, she likes Wildwood, a small nature preserve of ACRES Land Trust, near Silver Lake. “The quiet is good for our dogs,” Sarah said. “They’re not negotiating other dogs, bikes, activities, and people. It’s one of few places where dogs who don’t like chaos can be comfortable.”
Deea and Lola
For Deea Brenden’s mini-golden doodle, Lola, Kosciusko County’s her stage – for dog treats, pats and love.
“Lola loves to visit Lowe’s and TJ Maxx in Warsaw,” said Brenden. “The customers and workers alike love her. They always have treats to give out and there is one guy at Lowe’s who always loves her doggie kisses.”
Never put it past a canine to know the dog-friendly places on the day’s agenda. “She loves to go to Lake City Bank drive-through. She knows when we pull into the bank that all of the tellers love to give her treats.”
Like any busy, healthy dog, she also enjoys the outdoors. “Lola loves to walk in the park at Winona Lake. We walk down by the park area at least three times a week, and she loves seeing all the kids and getting lots of hugs and pets. We have family who live on Lake Wawasee, and Lola loves to jump off of the boat and play on the sandbar.”
Pet Friendly Locations
Here is a list of some pet-friendly locations in Kosciusko County.
- Best Western, Warsaw
- Cerulean Restaurant, Winona Lake
- Creighton’s Crazy Egg Café & Coffee Bar, Warsaw
- Igloo Ice Cream Shop, Silver Lake
- Joe’s Ice Cream Supreme, Syracuse
- Light Rail Café & Roaster, Winona Lake
- Oakwood Resort, Syracuse
- One Ten Craft Meatery, Warsaw
- Port Winona Wine + Market, Winona Lake
- Social Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop, Winona Lake
- Tippy Creek Winery, Leesburg
- The Village at Winona, Winona Lake
- Three Crowns Coffee, Warsaw
