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.