The Austin scene is getting a pro-canine boost from an unexpected quarter.

Downtown Austin offers some dog amenities, most notably Town Lake’s pet-friendly jogging trails, but luxury condos and dogs haven’t traditionally been a match. One Austin condo is trying to cater to dog owners, though. The Austonian, which at 56 stories claims to be the tallest residential building in Texas, has decided to go pro-dog with a set of facilities, policies and services.

The amenities include a 10th-floor dog park, dog grooming area, pet sitting, pet food delivery and even a taxi service that transports dogs to and from off-site appointments. The condo apparently also has an agreement with a nearby veterinarian. The only service that seems to be lacking is a substitute owner service to lavish love on lonely dogs who miss their hard-working owners.

With some of the well-publicized sales problems faced by downtown Austin condos, it’s admirable that the Austonian is already taking steps to appeal to this pet-crazy town full of outdoor patios. Looking at the Google map of Austin’s pet-friendly establishments at Austin Dog Friendly, it’s surprising to see the density of pet-welcoming businesses, especially in downtown Austin. A random list: Opal Divine’s Freehouse, Tiniest Bar in Texas, Key Bar, the Gingerman, One 2 One, Lamberts Downtown Barbecue and the Cedar Door. It’s a natural fit for a downtown Austin residential complex to cater to dog owners. However, we’re not sure if cat owners are included in the equation.

The Austonian is an interesting building. It’s part of the new condo construction that is rapidly remaking the face of downtown Austin, and it’s yet to be seen how such a structure will fit into the morphing Austin skyline. The Austonian is already dominating the downtown landscape, and it’s still climbing. Looks like the Frost Tower’s honeymoon period is over…!

If a tree falls in Zilker Park, does it make a sound?

Yes indeed.

Earlier this month, a pecan tree in the park fell  — thankfully no one was injured — and it has caused many to look closely at the safety of the park. While some say falling trees is simply just a part of nature, others are calling for action to be taken in order to make the park safer. Some, like Friends of Barton Springs Pool, say the city isn’t taking proper care of the trees.

According to a story from News 8 Austin, last week city crews removed three trees from the park that were deemed dangerous. They’re planning on cutting more down, and the Austin Parks and Recreation Department is considering double-checking a list of 28 trees deemed dangerous. Twenty-eight became just five, though, when pressure from the public was put on to keep the city from removing so many trees. The tree that recently fell was not on that list of 28, but it was a tree that the city was watching closely. The city is planning on carefully looking at the other 23.

The pecan tree apparently had green leaves and no outward signs that gave any indication that it was about to fall. Though it fell on a day that was very hot and dry with only a slight breeze, officials say the heat is not the reason the tree fell. If that were the case, more trees would have fallen.

Whether a tree falls because of an act of nature or because of improper care, it goes without saying that it can cause tremendous injury should a person or people be around. There was an incident at Zilker Hillside Theater in August of 2008 where a branch fell on a man, resulting in serious injury. Hopefully Austin city parks will continue to be wonderful places we can enjoy year round — without having to worry about injury.