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.

13 Weeks of Summer: Week 5

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 Hike! (Literally)

Put on your boots and grab the dog, it’s time to get out and explore your neck of the woods.  The Inland Empire has a treasure trove of hiking trails, from Temecula to Big Bear, just waiting to be explored.  The best part is, your four-legged pal can join you and explore too (on leash, of course).  Remember to bring plenty of fresh water for you and your pup and be careful not to bring any new creatures home with you.

1.       Louis Robidoux Nature Center, Riverside -  This park offers several hiking trails, many of which take hikers around Sunnyslope Creek.  There are other trails which take hikers to Schroder’s Pond, Burnt Pond, or the Santa Ana River.  Additionally, this park has several educational bridges highlighting the native animals and plants of the park.   Located at 5370 Riverview in Riverside.

2.       Skyline Trail, Corona – For hiking or biking, some of the best views of Corona can be can be seen from this little known trail which leads to the Cleveland National Forest.  Located on Skyline Drive (off Lincoln Ave, turn right onto foothill, the entrance is a little hard to find) in Corona.

3.       Pine Knot Trail, Big Bear -  This moderate 6-mile (roundtrip) hike gives you an little more of a physical challenge while rewarding you with a breath taking view of the world below.   Parking is located at Aspen Grove (just off Highway 18, past the Big Bear Dam and Mill Creek Road) in Big Bear.

If you would like to cool off in this hot weather, you may enjoy a costal hike better.  California boasts 1,200 miles of wild and urban trails along the coast, appropriately called ‘California Coastal Trail’.  Enjoy the view and the breeze with your dog, no matter where you might be along the California Coast.  More specifically, Laguna Beach is littered with trails that are great for day hikes.  The most popular places to hike is El Moro Canyon and Crystal Cove State Park because of the variety and diversity of the trails there.  Just be aware, the trails are shared with mountain bikers so keep your dog close and out of the bikers’ way.

1.       El Moro Ridge Grand Loop – This trail can be found just 3 miles south of Corona Del Mar, on Pacific Coast Highway in Laguna Beach.  This trail is great for any level of hiker because although it is a 9.5 mile loop, there are several other trails (at various parts along the main trail) that cut through it allowing a hiker to take a short cut and make the loop shorter according to their comfort level.   Parking can be found in the El Moro Canyon/Crystal Cove parking lot off of PCH.  For complete directions, click on the trail title.   Also, be aware that dogs are not allowed on any Crystal Cove backcountry trails.  

2.       RanchoSan Clemente Ridgeline Trail – This trail is 3 ½ miles long with wide angle views of the coastline from Dana Point to San Diego.  The trail is mostly asphalt but there are a couple of points along the trail that are natural soil.  The majority of the trail is easy, long grades but there are a few points that are steep, making this an appealing option for any type of hiker.  This trail has 6 entrances, one of which is just behind the Sergeant Baron Von Willard Memorial Dog Playground, and 3 of which that have parking nearby.  Parking can be found on Avenida Salvador, from Avenida Presidio off the 5 freeway.  For complete directions and a map of the trail, click on the trail title.

Want to find a trail near you? Check out www.trails.com and click on ‘Trail Finder’ to locate a trail closer to home or to find a new trail to explore. 

13 Weeks of Summer: Week 4

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 or invite a friend along. 

This Weekend:

Do you and your pup like music? Why not enjoy a concert in the park? This Saturday, July 14^th, The Shops at Dos Lagos kick off their “Rockin’ at Dos Lagos” summer concert series of tribute bands.  Bring a blanket, a lawn chair, and some friends and get ready to rock along to your favorite classics from Aerosmith, U2, Queen, The Who, Led Zeppelin, Boston, and Styx.   Each week will feature a different band, starting this week with Aeromyth (Aerosmith tribute band), at 7p.m. until 9p.m.  Admission is free but if you spend $20 or more at any Dos Lagos restaurant on the day of the concert you will receive 2 VIP seats.  VIP seating is limited so be sure to check in at customer service booth starting at 5p.m. to ensure you get your seat.

Don’t forget your petiquette while enjoying the concert.  Remind your pup to be on his best doggy behavior at all times.  Keep him on his leash, be sure to pick up any messes he leaves, and bring plenty of fresh water for him.   

The Shops at Dos Lagos is located at 2780 Cabot Drive in Corona. Click on the “Rockin’ at Dos Lagos” link for the complete concert schedule.  

Are you or your dog not in to rock n’ roll? That’s ok, because Huntington Beach Central Park has a weekly summer Concerts in the Park series as well, with big bands, jazz bands, and orchestras.  Get lost in that old time music this Sunday, July 15^th, as The Swing Cats Big Band recreates sounds from the 30’s, 40’s, and 50’s. Each week will showcase a different band, continuing next Sunday with Orquesta Charangoa.  Admission is free and the bands start at 5p.m. so bring a blanket, a lawn chair, and some friends to get lost in the nostalgia.
Again, don’t forget your petiquette while enjoying the concert.  Remind your pup to be on his best doggy behavior at all times.  Keep him on his leash, be sure to pick up any messes he leaves, and bring plenty of fresh water for him.   

The Huntington Beach Central Park is located at 7111 Talbert Avenue, on the corner of Goldenwest and Talbert, in Huntington Beach. Click on ‘Concerts in the Park’ link for a complete concert schedule.

13 Weeks of Summer: Week 2

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 or invite a friend along. 

Coming up this Week:

California Dreamin’ Pet Fair

If you (or your friend) don’t have a dog yet to be able to enjoy the 13 weeks of summer series, well, here is your chance to get a new furry companion. Saturday, June 30^th, 2012, OC Animal Care will be hosting a pet adoption event at the OC animal shelter in Orange.  From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. visitors can check out the pets available for adoption as well as local pet-friendly vendors, demonstrations, and more.  The OC Animal Care’s California Dreamin’ PetFair is a great chance to give a dog, cat, or other small animal a second chance and a new forever home.   

The OC animal shelter is located at 561 The City Dr. S, Orange, Ca 92868.

4th of July Parades

Fireworks are a major part of our Independence Day celebration, but they aren’t the only way, nor the best way, to celebrate with your dog.  Any 4^th of July parade is a patriotic way to celebrate our freedom and it’s a great way to involve your dog in the celebration as well. 

 Enjoy the festivities of 4^th of July this year by lining up along Main Street in Corona for their annual 4^th of July parade.  The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Ontario and continues until 12 p.m. ending at Main Street and Olive Street.

The Huntington Beach 4^th of July Parade is said to be “the largest Independence Day parade west of the Mississippi River” with more than 300 entries, from bands and floats to celebrities and community groups.  The parade starts at 10 a.m. at the intersection of Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway and will end at Main Street and Yorktown Avenue.

The Newport Beach Harbor Old Glory Boat Parade is a festive spectacle of boats, decorated in red, white, and blue, cruising around the harbor.  The fun filled day begins at 7 a.m. with a pancake breakfast for a donation of $8 per person.  Lunch and dinner (tri-tip and chicken) will be available from 12 p.m. until 6 p.m. for a donation of $10 per person.  There will be raffles and live entertainment throughout the day as well.

There will plenty of patriotic parades throughout Southern California this Independence Day, such as the parades in Ontario and Lake Forest, so check your local city calendar to see if your city will be hosting a parade this year.  And remember that fireworks can be very upsetting for a dog, so please leave your dog at home in a secure room with soothing music on if you can’t be with them.  Have a safe and fun 4^th of July.   

13 Weeks of Summer

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 or invite a friend along. 

This Weekend:

Helpful Honda Pet Adoption

If you (or your friend) don’t have a dog yet to be able to enjoy the 13 weeks of summer series, well, now is the time to get one. Tomorrow, Saturday, June 23^rd, 2012, Honda will be sponsoring a pet adoption at the Fairview Park in Costa Mesa.  From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. the Helpful Honda people will be helping i.C.A.R.E DogRescue find new forever homes for their available dogs.  As if that wasn’t great enough, SoCal Honda will also be sending each adopted dog home with a new leash and collar and they will also be donating supplies to the rescue group.  In addition, Natura Pet Products will be sending each adopted dog home with a 5lb. bag of premium pet food.  

The park is located at 2525 Placentia Avenue, Costa Mesa, CA 92628.   

Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters 15th Annual Benefit Car Show

On Sunday, June 24^th, 2012, you and your dog can attend your first event of the summer at the Rancho Cucamonga Firefighters 15^th Annual Benefit Car Show.  The event will be taking place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Red Hill Community Park in Rancho Cucamonga in support of local burn survivors through the Burn institute – Inland Empire.  Awards will be given to the top 10 cars and truck, including Best in Show.  Admission for spectators is free, so bring the kids and the dog to check out the classic cars and trucks and enjoy the food, music, vendors and more.

The Park is located at 7484 Vineyard Avenue, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

Man's Best Friend Mondays

Whether you like baseball or not, Man’s Best Friend Mondays are a great opportunity to try something new and meet new people or create new memories with your friends. Starting this Monday, June 25^th, 2012, San Manuel Stadium invites you and your dog to come and enjoy a 66er’s baseball game in the lawn section with the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley Man’s Best Friend Monday.  The cost is only $5 to you and your dog gets in for free. You and your dog are invited to come back again for the Humane Society of San Bernardino Valley Man’s Best Friend Monday on July 9^th and August 27^th.  The 66er's play the Lake Elsinor Storm this Monday and the game starts at 7 p.m. Don’t forget to bring a chair or blanket for you and plenty of water for your pup.

The San Manuel Stadium is located at 280 South E Street, San Bernardino, CA 92401

Paws to Review Your Petiquette

Now that summer is officially here, it’s time to get out of the house and see the world.  Even if that means you only make it across town, it’s time to get out and do things.  But don’t forget to bring the dog.  There will be plenty of opportunities this summer to share an adventure with your pup, which means now is the best time to brush up on your petiquette.  

 Here are 10 simple petiquette rules that every dog and dog owner should practice.  And even though these refer to the dog park, these manners are good rules of thumb for any dog interaction scenario.

#1.   Choose the appropriate area for your dog.  Most dog parks have a small dog yard and a big dog yard.  While you may be ok with your smaller dog in the big dog yard, you cannot expect larger dogs to accommodate you by restricting their play and you assume the additional risk.  Larger dogs are not usually appreciated in the smaller dog yards at all. 

#2.  Enter the dog park (or any dog situation) calmly.  Never let your dog get overly excited or aggressive when approaching or entering an area with a lot of dogs. Too much excitement or fear will elevate the energy level of all the dogs greeting him/her and that high energy level can lead to problems.  Work on rewarding calm energy around the park and discourage elevated energy of any kind.

#3.  Watch your dog.  A trip to the dog park is not the time to get lost in conversation or stick your nose in a book.  A trip to the dog park is about bonding with your dog by interacting with him/her, reading his/her body language, and observing his/her interactions with other dogs.  Any situation can change in a moment.  Owners should be close by and ready to take action if needed.

#4.  Avoid an ambush.  Too often dogs will be surrounded by other dogs when entering the park. This level of energy can escalate very fast and, depending on the mix of dog personalities, it can lead to a serious problem.  When a new dog arrives, call your dog over to you and give him/her some attention until the new dog has a chance to get through the gate.  Wait for the crowd to disperse then let your dog go and greet.  I'm sure your dog would appreciate this same courtesy when entering the park as well.

#5.  Don’t let your dog obsess over another dog.  Too much attention can be a very bad thing, and unlike humans, dogs can’t use words to express their displeasure.  If your dog is annoying another dog he/she is at risk for a bite (or worse).  Puppies are usually the biggest offenders.  If your dog is obsessing over another dog who does not want his/her attention try to refocus his/her attention on something else. If that doesn’t work, you may need to leave early.

#6.  Keep your puppy in line.  While you may love and adore puppies, most adult dogs do not care for puppies at all. Why? Because puppies lack dog manners and constantly break petiquette rules.  And while other dogs may be the best teachers for a puppy (most of the time) you should keep in mind that not all owners appreciate their dog being bothered for the sake of your puppy’s petiquette lesson.  If your puppy is obsessing over another dog, refer to #5.  You may also consider befriending other puppy owners and coordinating a meetup time for your puppies to play together.  

#7.  Curb your dog’s barking.  If your dog barks out of excitement or frustration, you may be irritating other dogs and their owners.  Barking can be considered aggressive and excessive barking will get you complaints. To avoid scowls and dog fights, work with your dog more at home on curbing his/her barking habit.   

#8.  Pick up your dog’s poop.  There are no employees who come to pick it up and there are no magical poop-be-gone fairies to make it disappear.  More importantly, there are no excuses for not picking up after your dog.  And nothing ruins your day like when you or your dog steps in poop while trying to enjoy your time at the park.  We won’t even get into the unsanitary statistics of it all.  Pick up after your dog.

#9.   Dogs have good days and bad days.  If your dog seems to be overly aggressive, sensitive, or irritable in any way, then the dog park is not the place to go that day.  This could mean changing your plans for the day or leaving the dog park early.  Despite the wrench in your plans, avoiding a dog fight should always be your priority.

#10.  Don’t let your dog jump on or scratch at people’s legs for attention, no matter how small they are.  Small dogs are the worst offenders and because they are so cute we let them get away with it instead of discouraging the habit.  Of course, when those small dogs grow up to be big dogs weighing 60lbs plus, it isn’t so cute anymore.  Great or small, no one likes to be a dog’s jungle gym or scratching post, so be considerate of others.  

Calling All Paws to the Bark for Life Event

Looking for something to do with your dog tomorrow?  Well you are in luck because the 3^rd annual Corona Bark for Life walk will take place tomorrow, April 28^th, at The Shops at Dos Lagos in Corona. 

What is Bark for Life?

“The American Cancer Society Bark For Life^TM is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer.” –RelayforLife.org/barkcoronaca

The Corona Bark for Life is a fundraiser event for the annual Corona Relay for Life (a 24-hour relay), which will be held May 19^th - 20^th at Santana Park.

The annual Corona Bark for Life is hosted and organized by mother and daughter team, Colleen Cain and Stephanie Gott, to honor the memory of over 11 family members who have passed away from cancer, including beloved husband and father, Bill Cain.  Bark for Life also honors the many service dogs who assist cancer patients and those who have passed away from cancer. 

Why should I help?

·         Approximately 1 out of every 3 women in the U.S. will develop cancer in their lifetime.

·         Almost 1 of every 2 men in the U.S. will develop cancer in their lifetime.

·         1 out of every 9 dogs in the U.S. dies of cancer each year.

·         Cancer is the 2^nd leading cause of death in the U.S., exceeded only by heart disease.

By supporting or participating in Bark for Life, you help the American Cancer Society raise much-needed funds and awareness to help save lives and reach their ultimate goal, which is to “create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.”

How can I get involved?

You can support the American Cancer Society Bark for Life by donating, participating, and

spreading the word. 
 

By donating to the American Cancer Society you can provide support to cancer patients and their families in the community.  And with the proper funding, the American Cancer Society will be able to offer a broad range of essential programs and services at no cost to the recipient. To donate, log on to www.relayforlife.org/barkcoronaca

 

To participate simply come with your dog(s) to The Shops at Dos Lagos, located at 2780 Cabot Drive in Corona.  This year’s Grand Marshall will be Assemblyman Jeff Miller of the 71^st Assembly District (which includes Corona, Eastvale, Norco, and a few cities in Orange County). The event kicks off with the walk but it doesn’t stop there.  There is plenty of fun to had after the walk including the agility course, doggy costume contests, vendors, food, adoptions, demonstrations and more.  New this year to the festivities is the Doxie races, which are always fun to watch.  The event is from 9a.m. – 3p.m. and the entry fee to join the walk is $20 for the first dog, and $10 for every immediate family dog after that. For more information, or to pre-register your dog, log on to www.relayforlife.org/barkcoronaca or call (951) 283-9128.

   

If you can’t donate or participate you can still make a difference by passing on this

information and encouraging your friends and family to support the cause in whatever way
they can.  Every little bit helps and together we can make a difference and save lives.