Photo credit: Sherrie Stille

Ava’s Big Happy Day in One of Boulder’s Favorite Open Spaces

Say hello to Ava, today’s Boulder’s Dog of the Day — a pup whose smile could brighten even the cloudiest morning in Colorado. Ava’s got that classic “Boulder dog energy”: curious, playful, friendly, and fully convinced that every human she sees might be her next best friend. Out in one of Boulder’s wide, open natural areas today, she looks completely in her element — paws moving lightly over the trail, tail swinging like a metronome set to “happy.”

From Ava’s point of view, being a dog in Boulder is pretty much as good as life gets. She wakes up each day knowing she has access to more trails, scents, and sunshine than she could ever explore in a single lifetime. Boulder dogs live outdoors — not in a rugged, extreme way, but in the joyful, community-centered way that makes this place so special. There’s always another path to follow, another view to take in, another friendly dog to meet along the way.

Ava has her own little crew, too. There’s Rocky, the goofy golden retriever who thinks every log is placed there specifically for him to hop over. Stella, the serious shepherd who treats every trail like a mission. And Tucker, the tiny terrier who believes he runs Boulder’s entire canine world. Together, they make every outing a backcountry neighborhood party — playful, loud, and full of big personalities.

What really makes Boulder a dog paradise is how much the community embraces its four-legged residents. According to the City of Boulder’s official voice and sight program, dogs can enjoy designated off-leash areas as long as they meet simple training guidelines, creating shared trails that work for everyone. And the Visit Boulder travel guide highlights how dog-friendly this region is, with parks, paths, and open spaces welcoming dogs year-round. It’s a place designed for adventure — for humans and pups alike.

Ava reminds us of what Boulder does best: it brings out the pure, simple joy in everyday life. Watching her run, explore, and grin her way across the open landscape is a reminder of why people love living about Boulder and why dogs seem to thrive even more. They belong here — out in the sunshine, on the trails, part of the rhythm of this beautiful community.

Today, Ava gets the spotlight. Tomorrow? She’ll be right back on the trail, smiling her way into the hearts of everyone she meets.

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