13 Weeks of Summer: Week 6

Now that summer is officially here it’s time to get out of the house and make the most of these three short months.  Each week will include a new idea, dog event, or activity for you and your dog to try.  Don’t be afraid to try something new and encourage your friends to join you.

This Week, Take a Trip to the Beach

Have you ever gone an entire summer without visiting the beach?  As a native Californian you know that it’s possible to take the beach for granted.  But with the coast so close, and with the days getting hotter, it would be a crying shame not to take a little time to cool off at the beach before summer is over.  So this weekend, give yourself a break from the hustle and bustle of life and go relax on the beach with your dog.

Wine a Bit at Yappy Hour…

On Thursday night (July 26^th) stop in the Just Food For Dogs kitchen in Newport for yappy hour.  New to the yappy hour scene? Yappy hour is a chance for social adults and their social pups to join in the fun of cocktail hour.  While you sip on wine and eat hors d’oeuvres your pup gets to sip his own non-alcoholic beverage (usually chicken broth) and eat dog biscuits.  While yappy hours are held in various dog-friendly locations, this yappy hour is hosted by Just Food For Dogs, in their store front/commercial, human-grade kitchen.  Just Food For Dogs provides fresh, nutritional food made entirely from USDA/FDA ingredients created by a team composed of a veterinarian, canine nutrition expert, pet chef, and a crew of dogs and dog lovers.  Check out their facility, enjoy some tasty treats, and let your pup sample their wholesome creations while you mingle.  This yappy hour takes place on the fourth Thursday of every month, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. and is located at 500 W Coast Hwy, Newport Beach, Ca 92663.

Catch Some Rays at the Huntington Dog Beach…

One of the best places for a dog to be a dog is romping through the sand and splashing in the water at the Huntington Dog Beach.  Even if your dog doesn’t like the water, playing on the sand is a better workout for him them walking on concrete.  The dog beach can be found at the very end of Goldenwest Street in Huntington Beach (around lifeguard tower 24).  The dog beach stretches from Goldenwest Street to Seapoint Street (to the right of Goldenwest when facing the beach from PCH).  There is metered parking along PCH or free parking one to five blocks inland, among the homes.  Check out the Huntington Dog Beach website for a list of beach rules and other FAQs.  Don’t forget to bring poop bags, a towel, fresh water for your dog, and sunblock if your dog requires it.  If it is your dog’s first time at the beach don’t be afraid to take it slow.  You want his first experience to be positive so you can come back again.  

Stop for a Bite at the Park Bench Café…

After a good run at the beach, your pup should be tired.  A tired dog is a good dog so it’s the perfect time to stop in at the Park Bench Café for a bite to eat.  Located at 17732 Goldenwest Street, in Huntington Beach, the Park Bench Café is a one of a kind stop for dog lovers who want to enjoy food and the beautiful outdoors with their four-legged friends.  After you order one of their delicious menu items for yourself, be sure to get something for your dog off the dog menu.  Your pooch can get a hot dog (without the bun), chicken, ground beef, bacon, lean ground turkey, and even eggs.  Check out the ParkBench Café website for a complete menu and list of dog rules to make sure your first visit there goes smoothly.  And if you have the energy after eating, you and your pup can saunter around the beautiful surrounding park before heading home.