7/31--National Mutts Day

Saturday, July 31st is National Mutts Day! Get out and celebrate with your mutt!

Dog Park in Carlsbad

Have you and your dog been to the dog park in Carlsbad off of Carlsbad Village Drive (just east of El Camino Real)? We have been quite a few times. It's nice and big and open, and there are always other dogs there for yours to play with. There's a drinking fountain inside...one for humans and a lower one for the dogs, and some benches to sit at. The park is only a couple minute drive from the beach and just up the hill from a children's playground. Might be a fun place to check out this weekend!

7/29--Art Walk

Thursdays On the Coast Art Walk is held in downtown Carlsbad at the Shops at Village Faire on the last Thursday of each month from 5:30-8:30pm, year-round. The next Art Walk will be held on July 29th. We've haven't been to this yet, but based on the venue, I'm assuming it's held outside. In other words, I don't think it should be a problem to bring along the family dog! Check out the art, music, food and fun.

7/30--Doggie Cafe

The San Diego Human Society in San Diego is hosting a Doggie Cafe on Friday, July 30th from 6-8pm. This is a fun time of socialization for you and your dog as well as learning. The site explains, "Have fun socializing with other dog lovers and their dogs while you practice teaching your dog how to be calm around exciting distractions like people, other dogs and food! Dogs should be friendly and on-leash. One dog per human handler please. Dogs should be at least 4 months old and up-to-date on all vaccines, including rabies, to attend. Limited beverages, sandwiches, salads, and more available for purchase. Complimentary desserts and dog treats provided. Behavior and Training specialists "on-paw" to answer training questions. $10 suggested donation for the event...RSVP on-line or by calling 619-299-7012 ext 2230."

My Puppy Dog Tales

This last Saturday, we headed to Solana Beach and enjoyed 'Jazz on Cedros.' Penny even ran into a 10-week-old miniature version of herself. (I almost took the puppy home with me, although I don't think it's owners would have been very happy about that.) While there, we stopped in at Muttropolis where they were having an ice cream social for all the doggies. And while in Muttropolis, we met Audrey Teno of My Puppy Dog Tales. She is a very talented doggie photographer who was there taking pictures of all the dogs! Here, I've posted a picture she took of Penny...too cute!!! She was so nice and so patient as Penny kept wanting to get up and sniff around. If you think about it, we take pictures all the time of our family and friends, but how often do you take a picture of your pet? And we all know that our pets are definitely a part of our family. Wouldn't a photo of your pet, or you and your pet make such a great Christmas card, Thanksgiving greeting, or just a fun summer family photo!?! On her site she explains, "I will capture the personality of your beloved pet so that you can keep those images for all time. Some of what I shoot will be fun and silly, some artistic and others will be abstract...I guarantee a great time for your pet." I would definitely recommend checking out her site http://sandiegopetphotos.blogspot.com/ and her beautiful photos!

7/29--Yappy Hour Cookout

Check out the Yappy Hour Cookout at Three Dog Bakery in Del Mar on Thursday, July 29th from 5-7pm. This event benefits FOCAS which is a non-profit, volunteer organization that helps lost and abandoned dogs and cats in San Diego Animal Services' shelters. "

7/24--Pooch Boot Camp

On Saturday June 24th, from 9:30 to 10:30 am (arrive at 9am), Muttropolis will be hosting a Pooch Boot Camp with Tamilee & Izzie. Tamilee is the founder of the famous Buns of Steel videos. It will be an hour of fitness and fun in the Muttropolis front yard in Solana Beach. Make sure you call the store ahead of time to sign up because space is limited.(858) 755-DOGS (3647)

7/21--Ready for the Races?

So, are you ready for the Del Mar Races? Do you have that perfect hat to wear on opening day? What about for your pooch? The Muttropolis in Solana Beach is hosting a Del Mar Opening Day & Hat Contest on Wednesday, July 21st from 7-8pm. Their Facebook site says, "Muttropolis is celebrating Opening Day at the Del Mar Race Track by hosting our very own pup & parent hat contest! Prizes will be given to the best-dressed pooch! Dress your pooch to the nines and get creative with the hat! All breeds are welcome to join us for a night of fun while your pooches enjoy off-leash playtime and socialization. Wine and light appetizers will be served for you, treats for your pooch. Receive a 10% discount coupon for any purchases the night of the event, along with a complimentary goodie bag for your pooch!"

7/17--Ice Cream Social

Wow, has the weather been hot! Let your dog cool off with some ice cream. The Muttropolis store in Solana Beach is hosting an Ice Cream Social for your pooch on Saturday, July 17th from 11am to 2pm. Plus, while you're there, you can check out 'Jazz on Cedros' (see the posting below). Muttropolis' Facebook page says, "Today, pooches of all breeds are invited to cool off from the summer sun with an ice cream social - with complimentary Nature's Variety SweetSpots frozen treats for the dogs!During this great event, we'll also have snacks and beverages for the pet parents, and everyone will recei...ve a 10% discount coupon for any purchases the day of the event. All pups will receive a complimentary goodie bag as well!I scream, you scream...all the dogs scream for ICE CREAM!"

7/17--Jazz on Cedros

Stroll down Cedros (in Solana Beach) while listening to some great jazz with your dog! Jazz on Cedros will be held on Saturday, July 17th, from 12:30 to 5 pm. What a fun, relaxing way to spend a summer day in July! Plus, there is a Muttropolis store on Cedros you can pop into.

7/18--"Tree of Life"

Check out the "Tree of Life" fundraiser event for pets on Sunday, July 18th from 1 to 3pm at The Veterinary Speciality Hospital at 10435 Sorrento Valley Road, San Diego 92121. There will be some great raffle prizes. The FACE website says, "Please join FACE, the Veterinary Specialty Hospital and fellow animal lovers as we celebrate the unconditional love of our pets at the unveiling of our 65ft. 'Tree of Life' mural. You will enjoy live music, hors d' oeurves and wine, an educational seminar on 'How to recognize if your pet is having an emergency and what to do about it' and mix and mingle with your precious pet and favorite vet...Space in our stunning 65ft mural at the Veterinary Specialty Hospital is still available for your pet, but filling up quickly! Animal lovers have already commissioned 16 portraits and nearly 100 individual leaves, each representing a beloved life. If you'd like your pet added to the mural before the unveiling celebration please contact us ASAP! ...This is an RSVP required event!" Check out the link to find out more about RSVPing and more details.

7/14--Relaxing Rex Doggie Massage

Come and bring your dog to the Relaxing Rex Doggie Massage at the La Jolla Muttropolis store on Wednesday, July 14th from 7 to 8pm. Muttropolis' Facebook page explains, "Tonight, we are happy to offer complimentary 10-minute doggie massages by Anastasia Lang, owner of Relaxing Rex Canine Massage. Anastasia will also be available to answer questions and chat about the importance of massage! Remember, our dogs feel the same stresses and pain that we do when they work and play too hard, are recovering from injuries and surgery, or are just getting older. Just like humans, massage can help them feel better and recover faster! Massage is also very helpful for performance, athletic and competitive dogs. For dogs with behavioral issues, like fear and anxiety, massage can be very beneficial as a touch therapy. Anastasia is a graduate of the Lang Institute for Canine Massage, a 682 hour course focusing on canine anatomy, physiology, pathology, structure & movement. Massage is just a part of a 'whole dog' approach to your dog’s health, which also includes proper nutrition, exercise and veterinary care. All breeds are welcome to join us for a night of fun while your pooches enjoy off-leash playtime and socialization. Wine and light appetizers will be served for you, treats for your pooch. Receive a 10% discount coupon for any purchases the night of the event, along with a complimentary goodie bag for your pooch!www.relaxingrex.com"

Happy Friday!

I love these pictures of Penny and her doggy

'cousin' down at the beach admiring the waves.
It was their first time meeting each other and they had a blast! Can't wait to get together again.


Hope to see you all down at the beach this weekend!

7/10--Ice Cream Social

The Muttropolis store in La Jolla is hosting an Ice Cream Social for your pooch on Saturday, July 10th from 11am to 2pm. Muttropolis' Facebook page says, " Today, pooches of all breeds are invited to cool off from the summer sun with an ice cream social - with complimentary Nature's Variety Frozen Yogurt for the dogs! During this great event, we'll also have snacks and beverages for the pet parents, and everyone will receive a 10% discount coupon for any purchases the day of the event. All pups will receive a complimentary goodie bag as well!I scream, you scream...all the dogs scream for ICE CREAM!"

7/11--Dexter's Deli 17th Birthday Party

Happy Birthday! Celebrate Dexter's Deli's 17th Birthday Party on Sunday, July 11th, from 2 to 4 pm at their Del Mar Store. There will be a BBQ, cake, and 20% off treats, toys, and accessories.

7/7--"The Privileged Pooch"

Check out the "The Privileged Pooch" book signing event with Maggie Espinosa (and her privileged pooch, Marcel) at the Muttropolis store in La Jolla on Wednesday, July 7th from 7 to 8 pm. The Muttropolis Facebook page explains, "Maggie is an award-winning travel journalist whose coverage includes national and international publications, syndicated radio interviews, and reporting for ABC TV. 'The Privileged Pooch' features a wide variety of 'pet friendly' hotels, bistros, activities and trendy shops throughout Southern California that Maggie and Marcel, have personally experienced. Detailed reviews, websites, fido-friendliness ratings, costs and maps make this guide a must-have for pet-toting travelers who want everyone in the family to have a blissful luxury vacation! Also attending this fun event is the founder of Pawtopia - trainer Colleen Demling! Colleen will be on hand to recommend doggie travel tips and will answer any questions you are curious about!Feel free to bring your pup to this evening’s, event, as we’ll also have a night of fun while your pooches enjoy off-leash playtime and socialization. Wine and light appetizers will be served for you, treats for your pooch. Receive a 10% discount coupon for any purchases the night of the event, along with a complimentary goodie bag for your pooch!"

4th of July!

Happy 4th of July! Thank you to all who have and do serve our country and protect our freedom and independence!

Happy Friday!

Here's a picture sent to me of Penny's doggy 'uncle.' Looks like he was having some fun...look at that smile!

If you have a funny, goofy, cute picture of your dog, send it to me to post!