Today--Endless Summer

Join in at the La Jolla Brewhouse today from 5-8pm for their Endless Summer Yappy Hour event. There is a pet friendly patio and canine menu, plus you could win some great prizes! This event benefits SNAP.

Muttropolis Doggie Socials

Check out the Muttropolis Doggie Socials for various breeds on various Wednesday evenings from 7 to 8pm:

9/1--Schnauzer Shin-dig at the La Jolla location

9/8--Daschund Delight at the Solana Beach location

9/8--Chihuahua Fiesta at the La Jolla location

Their site says, "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!"

Surf Dog Ricochet

What an amazing San Diego dog! Check out Surf Dog Ricochet and all the wonderful things this dog does to support others in need! Here is a link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGODurRfVv4 to an inspirational video on You Tube that tells about her story and an example of how her talents have been put to incredible use to help others. Ricochet is a surfing dog, or rather SURFicing dog (serving others), who raises money for some great causes.

Click on the link above to read more about Ricochet, find out about surf dog events, help support/donate to these causes, learn how to teach your dog to surf, and more! Here is a little bit of Ricochet's story--from the perspective of Ricochet--that she tells on her website. "I'm a multi faceted SURFice dog that has raised thousands and thousands of dollars for charitable causes (over $47,500 in just 10 months!), and inspired millions of people with my SURFice dog video, which went viral and has over 2.6 million views! I also surf for fun, and have won several surf dog competitions. But, my main focus is working with people with disabilities in a non traditional way, and supporting human/animal causes....I was born, and raised as part of the Puppy Prodigies Neo-Natal & Early Learning Program with hopes of becoming a service dog for a person with a disability. But, they tell me I'm a little too interested in chasing birds, and other small animals. So, my career path changed, and instead of becoming a service dog, I became a SURFice dog! Now, I have a personal initiative called "Surfin' for Paws-abilities" which raises awareness, and funds for human/animal causes....When I'm not surfing or fund raising, I'm involved in goal assisted therapy working with children through Pawsitive Teams or animal assisted activities through Therapy Dogs Incorporated....I also love lure coursing, and chasing birds and other critters very, VERY much! I hope you enjoy learning about my surfing adventures, surf contests, and fundraising efforts... as much as I enjoy doing them!"

8/27--Summer Beach Party Doggie Cafe

There will be a Summer Beach Party Doggie Cafe hosted by the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA on Friday, August 27th (tomorrow) from 6 to 8pm at their Gaines Street location. Their website says, "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. Summer-themed pictures will also be available for a $5 fee...RSVP on-line or by calling 619-299-7012 ext 2230."

8/27--Furry Fashionistas

This looks so fun...and a great way to get you and your dog out of the house on a Friday evening! On Friday, August 27th (tomorrow) Rancho Coastal Human Society is partnering with St. Germain's and Muttropolis to hold the End of Summer Furry Fashionistas. There will be a Yappy Hour at 4pm, and Fashion Show at 6pm. This is a free event and your dog is encouraged to participate! Event held at 1010 South Coast Hwy 101 Encinitas, CA 92024 (760) 753-5411.

8/28--Wags to Riches Rummage Sale

In a previous post, I talked about how if you are into garage saleing, you could find a community garage sale and walk your dog at the same time! We have done that a couple times with Penny. We of course make sure we stop by a local coffee house on the way. Sometimes we don't find any treasures, but its a great way to get you and your dog some exercise! Penny always likes a new walk, instead of the same old routine too. This Saturday, August 28th there will be a Wags to Riches rummage sale to benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center from 7am to 2pm. The website explains, "We will be holding our first rummage sale... in Helen Woodward Animal Center's riding arena located at 6461 El Apajo Rd., Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067. 100% of the proceeds will go to benefit the programs of Helen Woodward Animal Center. Refreshments will be available... We will see you at the sale!"

8/26--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 August 26th. I'm assuming this is 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.

8/28--Poochie Couture Fashion Show

Check out the Poochie Couture Fashion Show next Saturday, August 28th from 2-3:30pm at the Encinitas Community Center at 1140 Oakcrest Park Drive Encinitas, 92024 to benefit the Helen Woodward Animal Center. Local pooches will strut their fashion stuff! The site says, "You'll see delightful canine fashions for 'Breakfast at Sniffany's,' 'Yappy Hour,' 'Howl-o-ween' and more! Sure to be entertaining and an enjoyable experience. Seating is limited so purchase your tickets today. $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Displays * Raffle Prizes * Light Refreshments. To purchase tickets, please click here: http://poochiecouture.eventbrite.com/ "

8/21--2nd Annual Dog Day Afternoon

On Saturday, August 21st from 1-4 pm, The Sculptors Guild at Studio 36 will be having their Second Annual Dog Day Afternoon in Spanish Village, Balboa Park. The posting I found on Craiglist says there will be "lots of themed sculptures to see, free lemonade and cookies, a raffle basket from Petco, and entertainment by Mountain Ghost. 10% of proceeds go to the San Diego Humane Society. Come join us for a fun afternoon! Dog treats for your furry best friend!" 10% of all sales will be donated to the Humane Society.

8/21--Surfer Dog

Want to teach your dog to surf? There is one Doggie Surf Clinic date left, on Saturday, August 21st, from 9am-11am. The dog clinic will last for about an hour and it will be held at dog beach. This clinic benefits Helen Woodward Animal Center. So you are getting you and your dog down to the beach for some great fun and supporting a wonderful center. Also, after the clinics will be a free special fitness class for you and your dog by Leash Your Fitness. Check out the Doggie Surf Clinic link above for more info and to sign up.

8/14--CCI Graduation

This is not an event you will be able to bring your dog to, but something you may want to check out for yourself! Canine Companions for Independence graduation ceremony will be held this Saturday, August 14th at Noon in Oceanside. Graduations are open to the public and admission is free. Their website explains, "Canine Companion's graduation ceremonies occur four times a year. At these inspiring events, people with disabilities graduate with their new, highly-trained assistance dogs. These dogs have been in training for over two years and know approximately 50 commands including opening doors, turning on/off lights, and retrieving dropped objects. The graduation ceremony is the culmination of an intensive, residential, two-week Team Training course with these new human/canine partners at the Canine Companions Southwest Regional Training Center in Oceanside." Penny's cousin is a CCI doggy! He is so smart and sweet, and is such a gift to the people he serves!

8/14 & 8/21--Surfer Dog

Got a dog that wants to surf? Want to teach your dog to surf? There are two Doggie Surf Clinic dates left, on Saturday, August 14th and Saturday, August 21st, from 9am-11am. The dog clinic will last for about an hour and it will be held at dog beach. These clinic benefit Helen Woodward Animal Center. So you are getting you and your dog down to the beach for some great fun and supporting a wonderful center. Also, after the clinics will be a free special fitness class for you and your dog by Leash Your Fitness. Check out the Doggie Surf Clinic link above for more info and to sign up.

8/14--Dog Days of Summer!

Dog Days of Summer Canine Festival! This looks like it's going to be a big, fun community dog event you won't want to miss! Besides it being advertised on the internet, when we were down in Cardiff last weekend, we saw tons of signs for it! This event will be held this Saturday, August 14th from 10am to 3pm in Cardiff at 124 Aberdeen Drive. There will be dog contests, a raffle, and will be a great way for your dog to get some social time with other dogs and get some exercise! Check out the link above for more info.

8/8--Art in the Village

Free Family Fun! Check out Art in the Village in downtown Carlsbad (on State Street & Grand Avenue) this Sunday, August 8th from 9am to 5pm. (Again, this looks like an event you could bring your dog to as it appears to be outside...I would just make sure your dog is well-mannered and doesn't get too close to the artwork.) The website states that the event will be "featuring over 100 of the finest artists and artisans in the region." The website also says there will be live music, food, art lessons, demonstrations. Plus, it's right near the beach, so you and your dog could also go for a stroll along the seawall.

8/8--Big Dogs Rock adoption event

Thinking about adding another dog to your family??? Well, here's the perfect opportunity! The 4th Annual Big Dogs Rock Adoption Event hosted by The San Diego Animal Support Foundation will be held this Sunday, August 8th 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Fiesta Island (Across from the Off-Leash Dog Beach in the OTL area). The site says, "If you love big dogs, join us on Fiesta Island for a very special adoption event featuring BIG DOGS ONLY (large breeds), and puppies that will eventually be big dogs! This is an ANNUAL event, bringing together dozens of San Diego’s finest non-profit rescue agencies and shelters, featuring 100-150 large dogs all in one place!
The Big Dogs Rock Adoption Event was designed to make the adoption process easier for people who prefer large breeds, bringing them to just one place where they can find their perfect pet among hundreds of big dogs. It’s become one of the largest, most popular annual adoption events in San Diego.The economy continues to plague the animal welfare community, and there simply are not enough homes for large dogs. So, this year’s event will also focus on encouraging big dog lovers to come out and learn how to become a temporary foster guardian. Foster families prevent dogs from being killed in shelters. Rescue agencies and shelters provide all food and medical care while the dogs are in foster homes, so it costs the foster guardian nothing to save a life. Potential foster families will get a chance to meet and interview representatives from more than 15 local agencies to find the one they like best. To help transition adopted dogs to their new homes, all dogs will go home with goodies, including quality health food, shampoo/conditioner, toys, and gift certificates for free services like pet-sitting, dog walking and grooming! Adoption fees vary by organization.... Bring your own dog to play on the famous off-leash dog beach, and maybe take home your new best friend or four-legged foster dog! Call 619-847-8755 for more info."

8/7--The Green Expo

This Saturday, August 7th will be The Green Expo at Loma Point - Liberty Station, NTC Park 2455 Cushing Rd., San Diego , CA 92106. (While I don't know for certain, this sounds like an outdoors event you may be able to bring your dog with you to.) The website explains, "A Green Day Festival is a multi-city campaign dedicated to connecting people to resources and information for a greener planet, life with a focus on the dawning era of creativity, and innovation in "green technology" (also known as "clean technology"). The Expos and Festivals are bringing together pioneers dedicated to the promise of a healthier planet, as well as the prospect of growing businesses that promote sustainability.... Live entertainment, raffles, exhibitors, educational workshops, speakers, children’s activities presented by Nature of Art- including mural painting, and an Eco Parade. The event also features eco awareness to save the Earth, cultural arts, dance, and live music at a concert stage. Its A Green Day in San Diego will be an earth-friendly experience that is thought provoking, inspiring and enjoyable for all. Consumers today are daily being encouraged by the media, the government their friends and employers, even their kids, to 'go green.'" Check out the link above for more info on this event.

Dog friendly beach at Carlsbad Lagoon

We have visited the Carlsbad lagoon (off of Bayshore Drive) a couple times with Penny now and she loves it! We have tried taking her in the pool and she's not a fan (I think because she can't tell how far down that first step is), but she loves the lagoon. Here, she's retrieving a toy that we threw for her. And she's so funny, because each and every time she comes up onto the sand from the water she has to shake the water off of her even though seconds later she's right back in the water. Goof ball! It's a great way for her to get some exercise and cool off this summer. Hope to see you and your dog down there soon too!