Fun Events For You and Your Canine Companion
MSNBC.com
While traveling around the States, add a pet-friendly item on your itinerary
By Sandy Robins
updated 6:11 a.m. PT, Wed., March. 5,
There are no shortage of pet-friendly events across America. If you are traveling with your dog in coming weeks, why not include an outing on your itinerary especially for your canine companion?
Following is a list of fun happenings that promise to give your pet a tail-wagging good time.
March 8
The Canine Cotillion
The Birchwood Manor
Whippany, N.J.
If your pooch has a tuxedo or a pretty cocktail dress, you may want to book tickets for the annual Canine Cotillion — held in aid of homeless pets — at St Hubert’s Animal Welfare Centers in New Jersey. Apart from enjoying an evening of fine dining, you will have a chance to show of your pet’s moves on the dance floor with a Sheepdog shuffle, Labrador line dance or Chihuahua cha-cha. Events start at 7 p.m. … don’t forget your camera.
Contact: hscialpi@sthuberts.org; (973) 377- 4962
March 15
Doggone Easter Egg Hunt
Ben Geren Park
Fort Smith, Ark.
Fluff up your bunny ears and join in the Easter egg hunt, pet costume parade and other fun events planned to raise funds for Pets Haven Animal Rescue, an all-volunteer rescue group in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Dogs are encouraged to dress for the event, and prizes will be awarded. Registration costs $10. Bring proof that your pooch has all shots, including Rabies. The event starts at 12.30 p.m.
Contact: cat@pets-haven.com; (479) 782-7002
March 29
7th Annual Barry Crown Walk for the Animals
Okeeheelee Park
West Palm Beach, Fla.
Enjoy some Florida sunshine and join the West Palm Beach’s largest pledge walk for pets. There’s free breakfast for everyone, fun K-9 demonstrations and plenty of pet vendors to browse and shop. Register in advance. Funds raised go to various animal shelters in the community. The event is from 8 a.m.-2 p.m.
Contact: hspb.org (and click on the “walk” link); (561) 472-8813
Winks and Wags
Oakland, Calif.
It’s singles night and pet people of all ages are invited to meet and mingle. Snacks and drinks are provided for both dogs and their companions and there will be dog-sitters on hand to keep an eye on your pooch to give you the opportunity to meet new friends. Tickets costs $20 if purchased in advance and $25 at the door. The event is from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Contact: abarron@berkeleyhumane.org; (510) 845-7735, ext. 19
April 1 through Dec. 31
Doggie Yappy Hour
Hotel Monaco
Alexandria, Va.
Come and meet the pet set in Alexandria every Tuesday and Thursday between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. at this trendy yappy hour event hosted by a Bichon Frise named Charlie, the hotel’s Director of Pet Relations. There are complimentary gourmet doggie snacks with plenty of fresh water bowls and pet parents can enjoy champagne cocktails and the ambiance of Old Town Alexandria.
April 2
Society Dog Santa Cruz Dog Walk
Capitola Museum
Capitola, Calif.
Tour the wonderful art galleries in quaint Capitola Village on Monterey Bay near Santa Cruz with tour guide Caroline Swift as she spells out the dog history of the area. This tiny village is steeped in history dating back to 1869. There’s a $5 donation fee and afterward there will be a yappy hour to meet and mingle. If the weather is great, pack a picnic for your and your dog to enjoy. The walk begins at 10.30 a.m.
Contact: societydog.com; (408) 671-3417
April 5
4th Annual Canine Carnival
Independence School
Newark, Del.
Learn about the wonderful work service dogs do and see them in action at this fun carnival that promises a variety of fun events, contests, raffles, games and lots of food. Organized by Canine Partners for Life, there will be a microchip clinic as well as various specialty canine testing available such as Canine Good Citizen (CGC) and Therapy Dog International (TDI) testing. Advance registration is necessary if you want to have your dog tested. There will also be ongoing educational seminars throughout the day. General admission costs $5 for adults and $3 for children 10 years and under. Tickets are available for purchase to participate in the contests and games of your choice. The events will be from 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Contact: k94life.org; (610) 869-4902, ext. 225 for registration as well as general information.
April 12
Woofstock
Balboa Park
San Diego
Feeling groovy? Bring your dog and come and celebrate peace, love and walking to raise funds for Canine Companions for Independence. It’s a one-mile walk, followed by a variety of food and fun stuff in the park including flyball, disc dogs and canine freestyle dancing demonstrations. There are contests with prizes for the best doggie trick and the best dog costume. Entrance for the parade is $35 for adults and $15 for anyone under 16. Included in the ticket price is a cool tie-dye T-shirt, a sWAG bag for your dog, free admission into the Woofstock Festival and free parking. The event runs from 8 a.m. through 2 p.m.
April 19–20
Dock Dogs in Action
2008 Colorado Family Pet Expo
Denver
April 25 – 27
Dock Dogs in Action
2008 Canine Sporting Extravaganza
Virginia Beach, Va.
Diarize these dates and the cities and come and see these amazing dogs participate in the sport of Big Air as they fly off docks, putting air under their paws, catching Frisbees and having fun splashing about in water. There will be people on hand to ask questions about this fun sport. Learn how your dog can get into shape and try it, too.
Contact: dockdogs.com; (330) 241-4975
Sandy Robins is an award-winning pet lifestyle writer. She is the recent recipient of the Humane Society of the United States’ Pets for Life Award. Her work appears in many national and international publications.
© 2009 msnbc.com. Reprints
URL: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23450703/
© 2009 MSNBC.com
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