12/12--Pet Parade

Have fun and check out the Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade on Sunday, December 12th. The Gaslamp.org website says, "Join us for the Third Annual Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade Presented by Downtown Ace Hardware on Sunday, December 12th, 2010!...Once a year San Diego pets and owners are invited to dress up in their favorite costumes for a special promenade throughout the Gaslamp Quarter to celebrate the holiday season. You can only imagine the fun and excitement as downtown became filled with costumed pets & their handlers all vying for prizes and bragging rights including Best Costumed Duo, Cutest Critter, Best Pet Costume & Best of Show! The Parade originates and concludes at the Hilton Park adjacent to the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter at 4th Avenue and K Street. The Parade steps-off promptly at 3pm. Enjoy our Pet Expo in Hilton Park throughout the afternoon. Don your best costume with your furry friends and join in the festivities!" Check out the link for more details.

10/2 & 10/16--San Diego Spaniel Rescue Socials

Do you have a Spaniel? Well, then here's a great social event for your doggy! The San Diego Spaniel Resuce periodically holds dog socials. In October, their will be one held on Saturday 10/2 at Doyle Dog Park, and one on 10/16 at Oceanside Dog Park. Their site says, "Join fellow Cocker Spaniel owners (and their dogs!) for a leisurely get together. Our Spaniel Social happens monthly beginning at 1:00pm. Your Spaniels can run and play in the fenced-in dog park. This is a great opportunity to bond with your canine companion while providing socialization skills." Check out their site for more information.

9/12--Find My Dog A Date event

I recently came across this website, FindMyDogADate.com. It's goal is to help you find a furry playmate for your dog! There will be a FREE San Diego meetup on Sunday, September 12th at 1pm Morley Field Dog Park. The site explains that, "sometimes caring for our furry friends can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to finding them new friends to play with. Locating that perfect play partner is a difficult job, especially if you are new to town or have few friends with dogs. Unfortunately, the task of finding your dog a friend often is neglected altogether. Not any more!"

Do you have a Spaniel?

Check out the San Diego Spaniel Rescue socials. Their site says, "Join fellow Cocker Spaniel owners (and their dogs!) for a leisurely get together....Your Spaniels can run and play in the fenced-in dog park. This is a great opportunity to bond with your canine companion while providing socialization skills."

9/4---Doyle Park, Dog Park 1:00pm - ? at 8175 Regents Road, San Diego, CA. 92122

9/18--Oceanside Dog Park 11:00am - ? pm at 2905 San Luis Rey Road, Oceanside, CA. 92054

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!"

8/21--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.

8/8--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.

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."

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.

6/26--Green Jazz Fest

Check out Green Jazz Fest in San Diego on Saturday June 26th from 11am to 4pm. This event's focus is that of recycling. There will be art, food, and music. Check out the link for more details including location. A portion of the net proceeds will be donated to San Diego Youth Services. (I'm assuming you can bring your dog to this event, especially since it's held in an outdoor setting.)

6/4--Dog Days of Summer

The Porto Vista Hotel will be having a Dog Days of Summer rooftop mingle event. This will be held Friday June 4th, from 5:30 to 9:00pm. Sign On San Diego explains, "To celebrate the warming weather, Porto Vista invites guests to dress up their pups in their best summer attire, from sleek doggy shades to cool shorts and baseball caps. Guests will also have the option to apply for adoption or foster an Italian Greyhound in need of a home."

6/6--Rock 'n Roll Marathon

Go be a spectator with your dog on Sunday, June 6th at the Rock 'n Roll Marathon and cheer on all the competitors! There will be local bands playing live on 26 entertainment stages. There will be a FREE post-race concert featuring Big Bad Voodoo Daddy located at the finish line festival and is open to the public. Check out specator tips and spots on the link above.

5/29--Blood Drive event

The 2nd Annual "Bandit The Biker Dog Memorial Blood Drive", benefitting the San Diego Blood Bank will be held on Saturday, May 29, 2010 9am-3pm at San Diego Harley Davidson - 5600 Kearny Mesa Rd. 92111. Dogs are welcome! There will be live entertainment, a FREE BBQ, give-a-ways, drawings, and more surprises to be announced. Incentives for donors include: Hornblower passes, “Burrito Bucks” from Chipotle, movie tickets, food provided by Pat & Oscars. There will be a free BBQ for ALL; Helen Woodward Animal Center Adoptions on site; raffle prizes.

5/23--Sicilian Italian Festival--FREE admission

On Sunday, May 23rd, from 10am-6pm, San Diego's Little Italy will be hosting the 17th Annual Sicilian Festival! Admission is free. There will be food, entertainment, free children's rides and entertainment, a traditional grape stomp (how fun!), as well as art, history, and heritage. Check out the link for more details. (I don't think there are dog restrictions, because I think it's similar to a street fair outside.)

5/1 and 5/2--Old Town--FREE

Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in Old Town early on 5/1 (Sat) from 11am-10pm, and 5/2 (Sun) 10am-5pm! Walk around and enjoy historic San Diego while listening to live music and eating great food. (I don't think there are any restrictions to dogs in Old Town.)

Did you or your dog feel the earthquake today?

First of all, Happy Easter! The weather turned out great today in San Diego, didn't it? We had a nice lunch outdoors today with family and friends. And Penny got to play with her doggy 'cousin.' I wish I had a rabbit ear headband so I could have taken a picture with it on Penny! After eating and relaxing and playing, some of our family who were sitting down felt a tremor. I was walking around at the time, which is probably why I didn't feel it. Apparently, we had a fairly significant sized earthquake. Did you feel it? I'm hearing different reports now of it being a 6.9 or 7.2 earthquake with the epicenter being in Baja California. After listening to everyone we were with talk about what they felt and what they saw moving, I started to wonder if Penny felt it, or if she sensed it ahead of time. Can dogs sense earthquakes before they happen? I've heard that they do, but I didn't know if it was true. I did a search online, but there wasn't anything conclusive. I don't recall any strange behavior from Penny before the earthquake, other than her trying to sneak some food off my sister's plate when she wasn't looking, but that's not strange...that's typical Penny!

Woofstock--April 10th

Want to participate in a fun event with your pooch and help fundraise at the same time?! On April 10th, Woofstock will be held in Balboa Park to benefit CCI (Canine Campanions for Independence). Penny's 'cousin' is a CCI doggy! CCI's website explains how they are a "nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of people with disabilities by providing highly trained assistance dogs and ongoing support to ensure quality partnerships...CCI assistance dogs open up new lives of independence, mobility, companionship, and inclusion for those with disabilities. CCI is supported entirely by private donations, foundations, and fundraisers like WOOFSTOCK 2010." This is a 60's themed festival for people and their dogs, which kicks off with a "Walk 'n Roll" fun walk, and the festival begins after! Check out CCI's website to learn more about this organization, and to find out more information on Woofstock event information and registration. It sounds like it's going to be a blast!

Sat. March 13th--Pet Education Seminar

There is going to be a Petlovers Educational Seminar this Saturday, which will discuss topics on having a healthier and happier pet. Presenters will share information on: Caring for Your Aging Pet, Canine Sports Massage, Reading Your Dog's Mind, Emotional Nutrition for Your Pets, Planting with Your Pooch. Registration is $20 and the seminar will be held at the Meeting Room at Dog Beach Dog Wash, 4933 Voltaire St, San Diego (Ocean Beach).