This blog has moved to Examiner.com

Thank you to everyone who read and subscribed to this blog.

I decided to start writing for Examiner.com and am now the official "Columbia Dogs Examiner" (!) My focus will continue to be fun activities to share with your dog in and near Howard County. So, we'll have a calendar, announcements, walk descriptions, updates on dog-friendly eateries and shops, and other doggie news.

Please check it out, explore all the links, and add your comments!
And please subscribe too!

Movies: Going to the Dogs

Columbia Dogs-on-the-Go has set up a movie and pizza outing for January 11 to see Marley & Me, which opened on Christmas Day.

For dog-loving movie goers who want even more, the Maryland SPCA is hosting a sneak preview of Hotel for Dogs on Saturday, January 10 at Regal Cinemas Hunt Valley (118 Shawan Road, Cockeysville).

Admission is free, but there is a recommended $5 per person donation (cash or check, please) at the door. Donations will help provide food, vaccinations, spay/neuter, shelter, care and enrichment for homeless and lost animals at The Maryland SPCA. Donations will help provide food, vaccinations, spay/neuter, shelter, care and enrichment for homeless and lost animals at The Maryland SPCA. All attendees will be automatically entered into a drawing for one of ten free special edition stuffed dogs.

Check the MSPCA website for more details. You'll need to R.S.V.P. by Thursday, January 8 to Tami Gosheff at tgosheff@mdspca.org with the names and email addresses of everyone in your group. Space is limited!

Photos with Santa at the Columbia Mall

During the holiday season, the Mall in Columbia invites dogs to come in on Monday evenings and have their pictures taken with Santa! Heather, one of our Columbia Dogs-on-the-Go members, discovered this little gem (one of Columbia's best kept secrets?) Here's the scoop - it's only on Monday evenings from 6-9 pm, November 24, December 1, 8, and 15.

Here's the pricing info:
$13.95 for 1 5X7
$13.95 for 2 3X5s
$13.95 for 4 wallets
$7.95 for additional prints
25% off 5 prints or more[/center]

Since the mall is open and normally does not allow pets, you MUST enter through the entrance near the Pumpkin Patch store on the lower level (where the old Bun Penney coffee shop was located). Here's a link for the Mall with a map. If you click on the left mall map it shows the lower level. Enter through the little red arrow on the right side of Lord and Taylor. Then make a right and then another right because Santa is located right in front of Lord and Taylor. Your best bet would be to park in the Lord and Taylor parking garage - it's the closest to the entrance.

The First Puppy

Barack Obama is not only America's first African-American president-elect, but probably the first to promise to put a puppy (!) in the White House . . . only minutes into his victory speech. Yes! The Power of Puppy to heal the country! Another reason to celebrate!

"I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that's coming with us to the White House," Obama told his daughters Malia, 10, and Sasha, 7, while acknowledging his family's contributions to his campaign.

Grand Opening: Camp Bow Wow

Camp Bow Wow has been up and running for a few weeks now, but is preparing to celebrate its official Grand Opening with a party on Saturday, October 25, from 12:00 - 4:00 pm. All are invited!

CBW, located at 7165 Oakland Mills Road in Columbia, offers doggy day care and overnight camp. A nice feature of this camp is the "indoor/outdoor" play yards. Pooches can step out of the indoor play area for some fresh air (or a bathroom break) into a very well-protected outdoor play area--with more toys and equipment. Plus, you can spy on your pooch right from your computer with the live "Camper Cam". Before attending camp, your dog will first need to go through a "meet-n-greet" process. The meet-n-greets are scheduled Monday - Friday from 7:00am - 12:00pm.

CBW has a number of activities planned for the October 25th party, including a camper/parent look-alike contest (oh-oh!), bobbing for hot dogs, and meetings with local vendors of pet-related services.

Check the Camp Bow Wow website to learn of the latest details on the party, see photos of the facility and staff, and find out about all of the camp's features, hours and pricing.

Dogs! Get out and vote!

I saw an article today about a New Zealand company, Masterpet, that is gauging the public's pre-election mood by offering doggie chew toys with likenesses of the two politicians vying to run the country after their November election. Their pitch: "Which political leader would you like to see fed to the dogs?" So far, they say, the Masterpet poll is mirroring actual opinion polls.

Why can't we think of stuff like that here?

Hey, wait a minute. We did!

You can buy an 11-inch Obama or McCain doll made of "durable 100% cotton canvas, 100% polyester stuffing and a squeaker" for $19.95 from Headline Pet Toys. (I didn't see a Palin or Biden doll yet.)

If you don't relish the image of a beloved candidate covered in slobber and drool, your dog can show more subtle support with a Democrat or Republican collar from Hot Dog Collars. This company also offers doggie t-shirts for Obama, McCain, and . . . . Hilary (for those dogs who just can't give her up).

Dogs who would like to chew thoughtfully on the issues can order organic Political Dog Biscuits (donkeys or elephants) from the Only Natural Pet Store.

A while ago, without political intent, I color-coded my dogs red and blue to keep their collars and harnesses straight. Interestingly, they seem to have taken on some characteristics of their respective parties. Cody (blue) always walks on the left, while Riley (red) stays on the right. Cody, the community guy, enjoys volunteering for Pets on Wheels. Riley insists that he didn't evolve from a monkey. Both like a good roll in the mud.

New Blog in Town

Here's another local dog blog that I am quite impressed it with. It was launched by the Animal Welfare Society of Howard County last month and is worth your time and attention.

In addition to updates on puppy mill legislation, rescues, and animal activism news, there's a lot of important information about the latest recalls of pet foods and toys. Plus information about new pet products and books, and some plain old fun things about animals.

I'm adding a link to "My Blog List" on this page. Check it out!

October 4: Basket Bingo!

The Animal Welfare Society of Howard County is having its 2nd annual Basket Bingo fundraising event on October 4, 2008! The event features "games, specials and raffles, with lots of chances to win great prizes." Plus, you get to support this great non-profit resuce facility that also offers slow-cost sterilizations and vaccinations to help reduce pet overpopulation and the incidence of disease.

Tickets are $15 in advance or $18 at the door.

The event takes place at:

The Lodge
2832 Frederick Road at Nine Mile Hill
Catonsville, MD (outside of historic Ellicott City)

Doors open at 5:30 pm and games start at 6:30 pm.

October 11: Walk for Paws

It's time once again for the annual Walk for Paws at Lake Elkhorn! I always try to go to this. There's always a lot of fun dog things to do, vendors to meet, and . . . it raises money for the Animal Advocates, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization dedicated to preventing the suffering of animals in our area. I always come away knowing something more about the local dog community than I did before. Plus it's just so much fun to see all the different breeds hanging out.

This year, Walk for Paws takes place on Saturday, October 11, from 10 am to 3 pm. The Animal Advocates website has a downloable flyer, plus offers online registration.

Going, going . . . gone! SPCA Auction

OK, ebay junkies. Here's something to get your fix AND help animals at the same time. Check out the Maryland SPCA's Shop-a-Paw-Looza online auction, held this year from October 3-28.

I looked at the preview and found cool things like dessert parties, wine-tasting parties, beach house rentals, acupuncture for pets, and jewelry. Proceeds will benefit the cats and dogs at The Maryland SPCA.

You can also donate items. As of today, the MDSPCA is still collecting donations of sports memorabilia, tickets to sporting events and vacation home rentals. Contact 410-235-8826, ext. 133 or email cprice@mdspca.org.

Top Local Blog

Columbia Dog Talk just received a "Top Blog Award" from Search Maryland, a local directory of businesses, tourist attractions, and professional organizations for the state of Maryland. We're proud to be named "one of the state's top blogs for 2008"!

Riley, the Artist's Model

© 2008 Catharine Love

Riley was one of the subjects of a series of pen-and-ink dog drawings done by my daughter Catharine this summer. Catharine's an art student at the Maryland Institute College of Art in Baltimore (and a graduate of Hammond High). I asked her if she would do some dog drawings that I could use on my blog, website, or . . . that book I'm thinking about writing.

I just love this one! I think I'll experiment with making some note cards.

Blessing of the Animals

OK. I'm not a religious person, but I thought this sounded interesting.

The Shrine of St. Anthony is offering a special liturgical event on Sunday, October 5, 2 pm, to bless pets in honor of St. Francis, the patron saint of animals.

The shrine is located at the St. Joseph Cupertino Friary, which is in a very pretty setting in Howard County ("on 310 acres of rolling hills and woodland"), so it's definitely worth checking out. It's that interesting looking monastery that you might have seen and, like me, wondered about while driving along Folly Quarter Road. What do they do there? Do they make bread? Wine? Fruit cakes? Would I be allowed in? Could I get a closer look?

So here's a perfect chance to satisfy your curiosity and visit on an early fall day. Plus get to see all those cute pets out there waiting for their blessing. And it's free. I just might do it. My guys could use a blessing (though maybe an exorcism would be more in order for Cody . . . ?)

12290 Folly Quarter Road
Ellicott City, MD 21042

There are more details on the shrine's calendar.

P.S. Rubina from our Dogs-on-the-Go group posted a photo of her "lil hell raiser" Parker getting his blessing last year:

Here are directions to the shrine, if you're coming from Lake Centennial.

Tonight: Saving the Vick Dogs

The National Geographic Channel is airing the Season 2 premiere of "Dog Town". This episode follows the work of staff members who are rehabilitating four severely traumatized pit bulls that were rescued from Michael Vick's illegal dogfighting.

Tonight at 9:00 pm

Duration: 120 Mins.

Rated: TVPG

Outdoors, Documentary

I wrote an earlier blog about one of the Vick dogs, Sweet Pea, who is in a foster home in Howard County and joined us on a group dog walk.

The National Geographic Channel is channel 101 on Verizon FIOS in Howard County.

August 13: Eat at Unos - Help Animals!

On Wednesday, August 13 from 4-10 pm, the Animal Welfare Society of Howard County is holding a fundraising event at Uno's at Columbia Mall!

Dine in, carry out, or just have a drink at the bar, and 20% of your purchases will go towards AWS!

You will need a coupon with your payment to make your purchases count. Click here for a PDF that includes the coupon, which you can print out and bring the night of the event.

Pooches Pool Party!

It's the dog swim event of the year! Each year, the Howard County Recreaction & Parks department welcomes dogs into the pool for the last weekend the pool remains open for the summer. It's always the weekend after Labor Day and has been at the Roger Carter Center pool.

This year, it's Saturday, September 6. The fee is $10.00 and covers one dog and two handlers. Session times are 10 AM and 1 PM. Registration started August 6 and will fill up quickly.

Go to the HCR&P site, click on Location: Roger Carter Rec Ctr, and then go to page 2 of the listings. Or search for sessions #3003.101 or #3003.102.

Here are some pics of Riley, enjoying a dog swim at the Kings Contrivance dog swim a few years ago:

See you there!

The Canine Olympic Swim Team

Columbia Dogs-on-the-Go had a great walk today along the Savage Historic Mill Trail. It's the perfect summertime walk--short, shady, swimming. . . and sweets! You start out by crossing the historic Bollman Bridge in Savage, walk about a half mile down the trail, and then take the little side trail down to the river and "beach." About half the dogs in our group decided to take the plunge:

After the walk, we headed over to Bonaparte's Bakery at Savage Mill. There's a great outdoor courtyard--not to mention pastries and coffee. You go inside to order, and they will bring your order to your table outside.

We also ran into some other CDOG members who were having an outdoor lunch with their dog, Beamer, in the courtyard, with service from the Ram's Head. Apparently, you can order inside at the Ram's Head and they will bring your order (including beer and drinks) outside also. We'll try that next.

Directions to the Savage Mill walk are on the CDOG website.

The Ohmidog! Dog Blog

For the last few months, I've been an avid fan of the Baltimore Sun's "Mutts" blog, written by John Woestendiek. Today, John announced that he is leaving the Sun and made his last entry "Goodnight Sweetheart." (I cried.) BUT, the good news is that John will continue his dog blog on his own. So I'm going to check out Ohmidog.com right now. Good luck, John, with your blog and your plans for your book!

Hey, dogs! Chill out!

Riley and Cody are not thrilled with this hot weather. Their Cuban roots aren't helping them at all.

Someone on one of our dog walks mentioned a device called ChillyBuddy that is supposed to help keep dogs cool by lowering their coat temperature by about 30%. So far, I haven't seen any dogs wearing them around here, but I've been giving them some thought. I guess I've mostly just been taking my dogs for longer walks in the morning and evening and trying to avoid sunny areas.

The Maryland Bichon Frise Rescue has these available (in all sizes) for about $38-59. I believe a portion of the sales goes to the rescue efforts. Bichons apparently have very pink sensitive skin and need extra sun protection.

Has anyone tried one of these?

Doggie Happy Hours in D.C.

If your best drinking buddy walks on all fours (when he's sober) and you like spending time in D.C., you'll want to check out the article, "A Happy Hour for You and Fido, Too" in today's Washington Post Weekend section. Featured are the Cantina Marina, the Hotel Monaco (in Alexandria), and the Helix Lounge.

Where can you go locally? I'm not aware of "official" doggy happy hours--maybe that's something we can work on--but there are places you can go. See my earlier blog on the Pub Dog in Columbia. We've also taken the dogs to Sonoma's Bar & Grille after walking around Lake Elkhorn.

Other ideas?

USA Today: Dogs Doing Their Business

Alright, not THAT business. But, business business. In recognition of "Take Your Dog to Work Day," USA Today published an article called "What Your Dog Can Teach You About Your Business." It was written by Rhonda Abrams in the voice of her dog "Cosmo" who lists about 10 good reasons to have a dog-friendly office. He says:

"Dogs make great business companions. You can talk over your problems and ideas in complete confidence, or take a walk and meet potential customers. Dogs restore your confidence, and support you through thick and thin."

Did you take your dog to work today?

It's National Take Your Dog to Work Day!

Mine are here with me as always while I work, and as you can see in the photos, they are finding it extremely stimulating.

I think it's time for a coffee break and some hanging out around the water cooler!

Take Your Dog To Work Day was created in 1999 to celebrate "the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs. This annual event encourages employers to experience the value of pets in their workplace for this one special day to promote pet adoptions."

K9 Trailblazers: Busy, busy, busy!

Wow! The K9 Trailblazers have been filling up the calendar with summer hikes!

There is one tomorrow (June 21) at Soldier's Delight, and I hope you'll forgive my late posting. But, there's more coming up, including:

July 26: Sugarloaf Mountain

August 23: Little Bennett Regional Park

So get your hiking boots out and start exploring!

Dog Shows at HoCo Fairgrounds

I've never been to a dog show. My main source of knowledge about them is the Christopher Guest movie, "Best in Show" (2000).

But maybe I'll go to the "Independence Cluster" shows in July at the Howard County Fairgrounds and check them out for myself.

There will be four AKC All-Breed Dog Shows from July 3-6. Each will feature about 1500-2500 dogs in approximately 140 different breeds. There will be about 40 -50 Vendors selling dog items and food supplies.

The show hours are 7:30 am - 5 pm. Admission is free, but there is a charge for parking ($5.00 ?). Strollers and dogs not entered in shows are not allowed.

The line-up is:

• Thursday (7/3) - Catoctin Kennel Club
• Friday (7/4) - Northeastern Maryland Kennel Club
• Saturday (7/5) - Upper Marlboro Kennel Club
• Sunday (7/6) - National Capital Club

Howard County Fairgrounds; 2210 Fairgrounds Road; West Friendship, MD 21794

Flea Market, Play Day and "Make a Milk-Bone Moment"

Well, there's just no end to the choices of fun dog events this month! The Humane Society of Baltimore County is sponsoring a "fun for the whole family" event on Saturday, June 21, from 9:00 am - 4:00 pm ($5 donation at the gate). You can shop at the flea market, have your dog play on the agility course, have your kids make crafts, and enjoy light refreshments.

In addition, you and your dog will get a chance to pose for the camera and share your "Milk-Bone Moment™" with the world. Milk-Bone® is celebrating its 100th anniversary by sponsoring a Make a Milk-Bone Moment ™ Mobile Tour. The contest will recognize the top 100 Milk-Bone Moments™, i.e., "moments of joy that strengthen the bond between a pet and his or her pet parent — a head on your lap when you are snuggling on the couch together, a little dance when he learns you are taking a walk together or even a sloppy kiss on the cheek to remind you how much he loves you."

The top 100 Milk-Bone Moments™ will be posted on Milk-Bone's website and America will vote for its favorite. The grand prize winner will receive a $100,000 contract to serve as the Milk-Bone® 100th Anniversary "SpokesDog."

Call Kara 410-833-8848, ext. 205 for more details about the event.

"Mutts" Dog Blog by Sun Reporter

Check out another local dog blog called Mutts, written by John Woestendiek, a features reporter for The Baltimore Sun. Lots of fun dog stuff and, as John says, "you'll find links to stories written by myself and other Sun reporters about pets and animals; helpful lists of people, companies and organizations that provide services for dogs; a calendar of pet-related events, and links to tons --- yes, tons, I actually weighed it --- of useful pet information."

Black Tie & Tails Gala

The Humane Society of Baltimore County is sponsoring a Black Tie and Tails Gala on Saturday, June 7. This fundraising event will feature "a gourmet seated dinner, premium open bar, live music, silent auction (featuring trips, art, sports memorabilia and more!), an opportunity to purchase professional photo portraits, and participate in a Best Dressed Pet Contest." The gala will take place at the Grand Lodge in Hunt Valley from 6:30 pm -11:00pm (302 International Circle).

The honorees this year are the Animal Law Section of the Maryland State Bar Association. All funds raised from the Black Tie and Tails Gala will support the care of the animals at the Humane Society of Baltimore County.

Call 410-833-8848, ext. 217 for more details or email events@baltimorehumane.org

Wine & Wag Happy Hours!

The Maryland SPCA is celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day with a Wine & Wag happy hour on Friday, June 20, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The event is the first of 3 summer happy hours, where "people and their canines can relax after work with other pet-friendly people and enjoy light refreshments, beer and wine." Planned activities include an obedience training class, paw painting, bobbing for hot dogs, a treasure hunt, tours of the Adoption Center, and off-leash play in the Fun Runs!

Tickets are $10 per person in advance and $15 at the SPCA gate. Dogs are admitted free, but only one dog per person is permitted, and all dogs must be leashed. Tickets can be purchased online.

Take Your Dog to Work Day

June 20 is National Take Your Dog to Work Day. No problem for me. My dogs have been my co-workers for the past 8 years--ever since I became a freelance writer in a home office. But I'd be curious about which local companies might participate.

Take Your Dog To Work Day was created in 1999 to celebrate "the great companions dogs make and to encourage their adoption from humane societies, animal shelters and breed rescue clubs. This annual event encourages employers to experience the value of pets in their workplace for this one special day to promote pet adoptions."

This event is sponsored by Pet Sitters International, who is asking every business to participate and help promote pet adoptions. The PSI site explains how to participate, register a business, and spread the word.

Pub Dog: Outdoor Seating, Beers & Pizza

Riley and Cody tossed back a few brewskies at the Pub Dog last night. Well, OK. We did. They're under age. But a nice waitress made them happy by bringing out a big dish of ice water and a bowl of treats.

The Pub Dog has a large outdoor patio with about a dozen tall table-and-bench sets attached to the side of the building. The pub is not presently offering outdoor table service, so you need to place your order inside and bring it out--which is no big deal.

The Pub Dog offers a nice selection of their own microbrews--2 mugs for $4. Everything is dog-themed. The menu consists of salads and about 15 varieties of pizza. Richard had the salad which was meal-sized and I had the Fox & Hound pizza which I thought was very good. The portion size was just right.

I'm not much of a beer drinker, but I liked my mug of Amber Ale. There are also peach, raspberry and blueberry beers plus a number of other beer and ale offerings ranging from light to stout.

The Pub Dog is located on Dobbin Road (sort of; the official address is 8865 Stanford Blvd., Suite 100) near the Noodles Corner and Riverside Coffee shop. It's open from 11 am - 2 am daily.