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.

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.