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?