Bend, Oregon, named 2012's DogTown USA by Dog Fancy

Each year, Dog Fancy Magazine tours the country in search of communities that hold dog parents and their companions in high regard, and this year's winner has that in spades. According to DogChannel.com, Bend, Oregon, has been named this year's DogTown USA for its efforts to make canines allowed in restaurants, businesses, public parks and many other factors that contributed to winning the title.

Dog parents have a wealth of recreational opportunities in Bend year-round, but the town is best known for its winter sports scene. Canine caretakers can cross-country ski, hike and snow shoe with their furry friends, and the town keeps all of these areas well-maintained to encourage dog parents to take advantage of them. The city has gone as far as renaming its new Sno-Cat, the machine used for snow grooming, the Sno-Dog.

Of course, the beautiful scenery of Bend during the summer affords dog parents plenty of opportunities for fun in the sun. The area is known for its Dog Days event, which features events like timed fetch, a Ruff Run 5K and river swimming contests. The city has also made great strides to improve its outdoor off-leash areas, so the 27,000 dogs who live in the city have a wonderful life to look forward to, reports OregonLive.com.

"We've seen a big upswing in tourists seeking dog-friendly travel opportunities," Visit Bend CEO Doug La Placa told the news source. "It's an honor to have Bend recognized for all the hard work locals have done to make the city welcoming for dogs and their owners."

In recent years, C'oeur d'Alene, Idaho, took the DogTown USA crown in 2011, while Provincetown, Massachusetts, captured the crown in 2010. As a reward for their dog-friendly efforts, Dog Fancy Magazine will supply a large food donation to the Humane Society of Central Oregon, and $5,000 will go to DogPac, a volunteer organization which paved the way for Bend's progressive off-leash recreational areas. Ultimately, the award is a success story for dog wellness advocates who have proved that urban areas and dog caretaking can coexist.

If you've been wondering how adopting a dog could change your life, consider visiting Bideawee's website. They have a complete listing of canines up for adoption who may be the perfect speed for your lifestyle.