Monday, August 23, 2010

Mark the end of summer with your dog

All right folks, I'm going to be out of the office for a bit this week so bear with me if I don't post as much as normal. But don't worry — I'm not leaving you empty handed.

I finally updated my dog events calendar today, excluding only those events that are taking place in October. Can you believe fall is here already? Getting these fall press releases is always a bummer this time of year, reminding me summer is once again coming to a close.

And once again, I never did buy one of those kiddie pools for Sensi. I'm so disappointed in myself.

I am, however, looking forward to getting back out into the nitty gritty backwoods of our state parks again. I tend to avoid the wilderness trails in the dead heat of summer, when the biting flies are usually too voracious to make a walk worth your while. The fall can be a bit sketchy too because many of the places we visit allow hunting, but I always take caution to wear my orange vest and yes, Sensi has his own orange vest as well.

But enough about the fall. Here are some of the summer's last dog-related events.

As a side note, the Paws in the Park event in Canton looks like it'll be awesome. I know it's a drive, but some of the coolest doggie sports will be taking place and in many cases, you and your dog will even get a chance to give some of the sports a try too. I don't know about you, but I get stuck on ESPN every time I see a lab or chessie splash into a big pool for the dock diving event. Would your dog do that? If not, perhaps skip the drive to Canton and just take your dog for a swim at one of the county parks to mark the end of summer. Dogs in a pool ... how cool is that?

SATURDAY, AUGUST 28-SUNDAY, AUGUST 29
Canton — Oakland County residents up for a bit of drive may want to check out the second annual Paws in the Park event held at Heritage Park, 1150 S. Canton Center Road. The two-day event is brimming with a variety of activities, contests, entertainment, adoptable pets and more. For a $15 donation, attendants can take part in the one-mile Paw Walk Saturday morning. Paw Walkers are encouraged to dress up and even create floats to be eligible for a six-month supply of dog food from Canidae Pet Foods. Dogs and their trainers will also put on a ‘Rock n’ Roll K9s” event featuring a 45-minute agility show choreographed to music. Attendants can also have their dogs give a shot at the Ultimate Air Dog Competition, where dogs run and jump off a dock into a 30-feet-long pool — the longest jump wins (this always looks like a ton of fun!). There will also be fastest dog competitions, look-a-like contests, pet trick contests, wiener dog races and more. Lots of dog-related vendors, both local and national, will also be on site — including Davisburg dog trainer Shelli Kizner of ClearMark Clicker Training. See the full schedule of events by hour online by clicking here. Cost to attend is $4 in advance or $5 at the door, with children ages 10 and younger getting free admission. Dogs must be on a leash at all times.

THROUGH AUGUST 31
Warren — Donations of pet food will be accepted from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays and from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays at Flame Heating, Cooling and Electrical, 2200 E. 11 Mile Road. Donations will benefit the Michigan Humane Society and can also be brought to the MHS location in Rochester Hills at 3600 W. Auburn Road.

TUESDAY, AUGUST 31
Northville — The “Pints & Pups” fundraiser to benefit The Detroit Bulldog Rescue will be from 7 to 10 p.m. at Poole’s Tavern. Tickets cost $10 at the door and the event is dog-friendly and open to all breeds, as well as people who do not have dogs. Dogs must be leashed and socialized. A silent auction and Bully Bakesale featuring chef-prepared wheat-free dog treats will be available, as will a variety of fun games. Call 248-739-9199.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Waterford Twp. — Register now to ensure your dog gets a spot at the annual Bow Wow Dog Swim held at Waterford Oaks Waterpark, 1702 Scott Lake Road. Only 75 dogs per slot will be admitted and there are a total of five slots, including two for large dogs and two for medium-sized dogs, and one for really small dogs. Pre-register for $10 — which includes an owner t-shirt, parking, entry, one 55-minute swim session and contest entry — by clicking here, or register for $15 at the event. Registration must be postmarked by September 6. Dogs that are 70 lbs. and larger can swim from noon to 12:55 p.m. or 3 to 3:55 p.m. and dogs between 31 lbs. and 69 lbs. can swim from 1 to 1:55 p.m. or 4 to 4:55 p.m. Dogs 30 lbs. and smaller can swim from 2 to 2:55 p.m. Only dogs will be allowed to swim. A contest for best wet look and best swimsuit will be held. Contact 248-858-4929 for more information, or email stasiakl@oakgov.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Madison Heights — Oakland County will host its second Bow Wow Dog Swim at the Red Oaks Waterpark, 1455 E. 13 Mile Road. Only 75 dogs per slot will be admitted and there are a total of five slots, including two for large dogs and two for medium-sized dogs, and one for really small dogs. Pre-register for $10 — which includes an owner t-shirt, parking, entry, one 55-minute swim session and contest entry — by clicking here, or register for $15 at the event. Registration must be postmarked by September 6. Dogs that are 70 lbs. and larger can swim from noon to 12:55 p.m. or 3 to 3:55 p.m. and dogs between 31 lbs. and 69 lbs. can swim from 1 to 1:55 p.m. or 4 to 4:55 p.m. Dogs 30 lbs. and smaller can swim from 2 to 2:55 p.m. Only dogs will be allowed to swim. A contest for best wet look and best swimsuit will be held. Contact 248-858-4929 for more information, or email stasiakl@oakgov.com.

No comments:

Post a Comment