Dog Days

There's a lot more dog-friendly events coming up, including the one tonight in downtown Ferndale.

Before I jump right into the calendar, though, I want to let readers know that I still have not received a call back from the Lincoln Police Department regarding the mauling death of a 5-year-old boy by what most media outlets are alleging is a wolf-hybrid. It's frustrating.

Also, I heard the stupidest thing yesterday from a friend of mine and I just can't pass up sharing it. He said he felt his dog's behavior worsened as a result of the dog being neutered — and let me clarify: aggression, prey drive, escapism and destruction are the behaviors he thinks that neutering somehow caused. Is that not the most ridiculous thing you've ever heard? I was up so late arguing with him, but some people you just can't talk sense into.

OK, enough ranting. Here's the calendar!

SUNDAYS THROUGHOUT JULY
Holly Twp. and Fenton — As part of its 3rd annual pet appreciation month, Dynamic Works Photography of Holly will offer free photo sessions for pets at Fenton Park, 311 S. Leroy Street in Fenton, and at Holly State Park, 8100 Grange Hall Road in Holly, in exchange for donations of kitten food. Kim Wieas, photographer, will be alternating between the two parks and requires participants to call 248-634-2747 to make appointments. Participants will get a free 30-minute photo session valued at $100 as well as a 5x7 wall portrait and online viewing of photos. All pet food donations are appreciated, but kitten food is especially needed. All donations benefit the Michigan Humane Society.

DAILY THROUGH AUGUST 1
Troy — Check out custom-designed dog houses and purchase blueprints for just $5 in the North Grand Court at the Somerset Collection. The dog houses have been designed by six prominent architectural firms from the area as well as the designers of LEGO. Each house was then hand built by members of the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters. Designs include the Frank Lloyd Bite House, the Bau Wow House, the Green Roof Pet House, the Wiener-Haus and more. All money raised from the sale of blueprints will benefit the Oakland Pet Adoption Center. The display is open during mall hours from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sundays.

THURSDAY, JULY 15
Ferndale — The third annual “Fido Does Ferndale” will be from 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Ferndale. The event includes a pooch parade along W. 9 Mile Road at 6 p.m., a K-9 Treasure Hunt from 7 to 9 p.m., dog games and tricks, information sessions like “Ask the Trainer” and more. Fundraising opportunities to benefit Waggs & Wishes, the city’s most recently opened animal shelter, will also be available. Check out a blog with more details by clicking here, go to official website here, or call 248-546-1632.

SATURDAY, JULY 17
Addison Twp. — Join Oakland County Parks and Recreation for the “Animal Talk Pet Parade” from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Addison Oaks County Park, 1480 W. Romeo Road.

MONDAY, JULY 19
Madison Heights — Free samples of dog and cat food will be given away from noon to 5 p.m. following the ribbon cutting for The Pet Beastro, 27637 John R. Road. The new healthy, holistic pet food store will have its ribbon cutting at noon; light refreshments will be available after. Sample foods from Oma’s Pride, Primal Pet Foods, Fromm Pet Foods, Nature’s Logic, Grandma Lucy’s, Artemis and more will be available. The pet food store will sell whole meats, natural grain based diets, dehydrated vegetables and fruits, raw meats and more. Call 248-548-3448.

SATURDAY, JULY 24
Auburn Hills — The 9th annual “Pet-A-Palooza” will be at the Palace of Auburn Hills on Saturday, July 24 and Sunday, July 25. The largest adoption event in the state and one of the largest in the whole country, Pet-A-Palooza will feature entertainment, contests and on-site vendors. Businesses can contact Marie Skladd at 586-914-1623 and rescue groups can contact Joe Sowerby at 586-469-8888. Go online to www.michpetapalooza.com.

FRIDAY, JULY 30 and SATURDAY, JULY 31
Troy — Models and their four-legged friends will put on a fashion show highlighting pet accessories in the North Grand Court at the Somerset Collection at 7 p.m. Friday, July 30, and at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 31.

SUNDAY, AUGUST 1
Orion Twp. — Celebrate 10 years of Oakland County dog parks at “Yappy Birthday” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orion Oaks Dog Park, located on Joslyn Road just south of Clarkston Road. Oakland County Parks and Recreation will celebrate the 10th anniversary of opening the park, its first dog park, with a variety of vendors and activities for dogs and their owners.

SATURDAY, AUGUST 7
Farmington Hills — The 5th annual “Bowl-4-Animal Rescue” will begin at 7 p.m. at Country Lanes, 30250 W. 9 Mile Road. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door and includes three games, food and a shoe rental. Auctions, raffles, door prizes, music, karaoke and a cash bar will be available. Professional bowling champions Aleta Rzepecki-Sill and Michelle Mullen are hosting the event. The person with the most pledges wins a free bowling ball with a lesson. All proceeds will benefit Friends For the Dearborn Animal Shelter and the Michigan Animal Adoption Network. Tickets may be purchased by calling 248-615-9060 or emailing michelle@yourbowlingcoach.com.