New D.C. Dog Park is On Its Way!

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© courtesy Chevy Chase Field Dog Park Group

Pups in our nation's capital should be celebrating in the streets! A group of dog-loving folks, organized by one of All Things Dog Blog's readers, has been raising funds to create the Chevy Chase Dog Park. As they near their goal, a Yappy Hour is planned to celebrate and continue the fundraising. Dog lovers of all kinds are invited to this event to be held Monday, May 9, from 5-7 PM at Pete's APizza, located on the corner of Fessenden St. and Wisconsin Ave. NW. Feel free to bring your fido!


A $10 entrance fee will cover your pizza. Pete's APizza will be donating 25% of all other purchases of food or beverages to the dog park group to help make their goal a reality.


To date, the Chevy Chase Field Dog Park Group has already raised about $10,000 of their $15,000 goal. Much of the funds raised have come from donations from Friendship Animal Hospital, Councilmember Mary Cheh, both ANC3E and ANC3G, and donations from group members. They have worked very hard to get this park completed, and are on the home stretch.


If you're a DC resident, feel free to join in the fun on Monday evening, and don't miss out on your chance to win some really cool prizes such as doggies spas, boarding stays and even great wine from Paul's Liquors. Raffle tickets for the prizes are being sold for $2.

The park is located at Chevy Chase Recreation Center  5500 41st Street, NW  Washington DC 20015 adjacent to Chevy Chase Field.

Thanks to organizer Karla, an All Things Dog Blog reader, for notifying us of this event. You can reach her @  KGutierrez-Pugh@natgeotv.com. We would like to encourage all of our readers to Adopt a Dog Park in your community. You can even stand up and be counted by having your sponsorship shared at our Adopt a Dog Park site. Notify us at LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com.  See you at the park!

And as always, don't forget to visit 5 Minutes for Fido, where Tanner and Oliver spout off their opinions and generally offer up silliness.

© courtesy KGP
Chris, Karla and Casey

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Dog Parks Get a Leg Up withROOM TO RUN™ Project

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

© Carrie Boyko
Tanner Enjoys the Dirt;
Owners Would Like More Grass

The gang at All Things Dog Blog is not just a dog park loving bunch; we're die hard enthusiasts of the dog park lifestyle. We enjoy a variety of parks in our area and try to catch up with a few of the dog Meetup groups at various park outings.

That's why we're so excited to hear about the dog park appreciation project called ROOM TO RUN™, sponsored by Nutro. Their Facebook events page has a nice video from last year's project, as well as a map of locations, a park user poll, photos from last year, and contact info for volunteering. You can email nutro@edelman.com to get details on how you can help.


Pledging to enhance or improve 30 dog parks around the country, they certainly do have their kibble bowl full. Volunteers will be sought to participate in these events, to occur June 12-19 all around the U.S. and Canada.


This is a great way to get involved in making a dog park even better--adopt it! For more ideas, check out our Adopt a Dog Park page.


Projects will vary from park to park, depending on the area of greatest need. Some examples are painting benches, assembling benches, planting trees, removing debris, and pruning landscape.We're especially excited to see two Florida parks on the roster of parks slated for assistance. Check the map on their Facebook page to see if your area is part of the plan, and then come on down and lend a hand. It's sure to be a satisfying day of camaraderie and great accomplishments.

© Carrie Boyko Parks Need Watering Facilities for Thirsty Fidos Hope to see you there!

And as always, don't forget to visit 5 Minutes for Fido, where Tanner and Oliver spout off their opinions and generally offer up silliness.

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Help protect our precious dog parks

© Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

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Pet Friendly Beaches: The Problem, the Solution, the Locater

by Carrie Boyko, CEB

Where are all the Dogs?

Despite the fact that I live in warm, sunny Florida, a state that boasts 1200 miles of waterfront coastline, Florida does not have the most dog-friendly beaches in the union. Far from it! 


I let my fingers do the walking at Bing.com and found a surprisingly low 29 dog-friendly beaches in Florida, many of which are fresh water beaches found on lake fronts. That's an average of one beach to every 41 miles of coastline, if you don't tally up the lake fronts in the math. Sad.


And it gets worse. Many of these beaches are called dog-friendly, but their rules state your dog must remain on-leash. That fetch game is going to be pretty lame. Ditto on the swimming and Frisbee.


As I thought back on the movie Milo and Me, I couldn't help but remember that scene where Milo had a bit too much salt water to drink. Okay, so I get the problem. What I don't get is why we can't fix it. 


What can we do to get more off-leash beaches for our dogs and us to enjoy a Frisbee game, some Fetch practice, or a good ole romp in the rushing water? We can take responsibility for our dog. That means training, socialization, carrying a poop bag, and learning to be a proper leader, not just a gushy puppy lover who knows nothing about what we're doing. 


I know we all mean well. But we have to realize that together, collectively, the owners are the reason for a shortage of dog-friendly venues of all kinds--parks, beaches, hotels, outdoor restaurants , shopping--all the places that we'd like to take Fido, if only we were permitted to.


I get agitated sometimes when I feel my dogs are slighted. There was never a shortage of parks for my children, and they were not nearly as well behaved as my dogs are. Go figure. 


Okay, enough ranting from me. Let's get to the resource I sat down to bring you: 

A locater for dog-friendly beaches--just click your State and go at:

Pet Friendly Travel.com

Yes, it includes lake front beaches. Yes, it includes beaches that require your dog to be on a leash. But at least there is a resource, and at least there are some beaches where Fido can run free. Find them. Thank the providers. Take responsibility for your dog. You may even have to bring your own poop bag or water. Let's set the example to be emulated all over the country:

Dog Lovers Take Care of Their Venues

Only when we do this, will we earn the right to demand our share of tax dollars for parks that our dogs can run free in. 

Got an opinion? Of course you do! But more than that, we need your ideas. What else can we do to help get more dog parks and dog beaches? Visit Adopt a Dog Park. Leave a comment below, send a Tweet, or get into the conversation at my Facebook page. Let's figure this out!

Every interaction with regard to this post will enter you in a dog lover's giveaway--3 prizes. It will be your choice: a dog toy for your beloved Fido (suitable for small or large dogs) or a copy of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul (suitable for small or large owners). Have a bowl now--leave a comment. Be sure to stop in and thank our hosts for this great hopping fun time: Life with Dogs, Two Little Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume.

Hop On!

Check out my latest guest post at FIDO Friendly: Dog Park Safety Guidelines for Owners and their Dogs.

Dogs Don't Leave Home Without It: Necessities for Summer Day Outings

by Carrie Boyko

(c) Brent Boyko

Tanner is Ready to go to the Beach

We do lots of fun things outdoors. Since we love to do things outdoors, we're going to be bringing you a series of "Dogs Don't Leave Home Without It" tips. For day outings in the summer, like when you go to the park, on a country drive, hike in the woods, a picnic or beach visit, don't leave home without:

• Lots of cool water and a bowl for the pups. We have these cool water bottles that have a fold-out bowl, perfect for thirsty dogs. You can also get the collapsible ones and the pop up kind. Whatever works for you and your dog.
• I give the dogs ice cubes in the car, so they don't get everything all wet when they spill the bowl. Tanner, being a Retriever, likes putting his paw in the bowl.
• Pop up nylon crates with mesh windows are great for a safe and bug-free nap time, or if we visit a friend's house and have to leave the pups behind while I run an errand without them. It's good to have the crates to make my friends feel that their houses are safe, even though my pups don't chew on furniture. More on that later!
• Our battery operated fans hook onto the crates and have their own stand, so we can all stay cool in the shade, when we stop for a rest. I carry 3 in the car, along with extra rechargeable batteries.
• Spare necessities that we always carry in the car for emergencies are: leashes to replace lost or broken ones, a 1st aid kit, neem oil spray to repel mosquitoes, peppermint oil spray to repel ticks, and cedar oil spray to repel fleas. Can you tell we don't like bugs or boo-boos?
• I don't tell the dogs I have these, but I keep a stash of chew strips that are good for their teeth, hidden in the glove compartment for long car rides.
• My AAA card and a cell phone are a necessity for getting help, just in case we have car trouble or can't hike the rest of the way. I also keep my health insurance card handy--just in case. I suppose a credit card would be a good idea, in case of an emergency.
• Finally, although they all have microchips, they also wear a collar with name tags and phone numbers. 

I'd love to hear from  you if you have more additions for my list. Tanner has added a few things to the list over at 5 Minutes for Fido. He's quite miffed with me over a few of my apparent omissions; hope you get a good laugh when you read his column.


Soon, I'll bring you some additional 'Don't Leave Home Without It' lists: errands, out of state trips, winter outings, and more. All you folks from up north should send me your ideas for the winter outings list. I'll need major help with that one. Ideas?

Visit Adopt a Dog Park

Help protect our precious dog parks

© Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

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An Interview with Tanner, My Golden Retriever, and Houdini Wannabe

by Carrie Boyko

(c) Carrie Boyko

Tanner, My Goofy Golden

This idea was prompted by a reader's letter that suggested I help you guys get into the heads of my dogs--i.e. get to know them a little better. What better way to get acquainted than with an interview.


I know it's a little quirky, and a lot corny, but if anyone knows what my dogs are thinking, it's me, so here's Tanner's interview. Hope you enjoy:

Tanner:

"I'm over the hyperactive stage now; just give me a daily walk or dog park visit and don't leave out the afternoon swim with my favorite fetch toys. Fetch is loads of fun, and I'm trying to teach Mom to throw a Frisbee. I could use some help with that, but I guess we all have talents and challenges. Mom says she throws like a girl, and she's not kidding!"

"I love chow time and I'm the master of patience while waiting for meal preparation. What is it that takes Mom so long to put food in a bowl? She rubs her scent on our bowls, then scoops the food with her hands, makes meatballs for Xena's thyroid medicine, and finally, our bowls are put on the floor. I almost always get to eat first, because I'm the best at waiting patiently. Mom and I are both proud of my personal best stay. While we were waiting for permission to eat one morning, the doorbell rang. By the time she returned it was nearly 30 minutes later and I was sitting in a puddle of drool. My breakfast was still in my bowl though. I got lots of praise for that!"

"Meeting mom at the door when she comes home from errands and stuff is really exciting. She always has good smells on her and I enjoy giving her a good once-over. Sometimes we think about getting into Therapy dog work so that I can go out and share my friendly nature with lonely folks. I'd really like that."

"I love going to see the vet. We always shop for goodies there in the place where they keep pup toys and stuff. My vet gives me a nice massage while I get my physical. Mom says I have to get shots sometimes, but she talks to me like everything is fine and I never notice them. What's up with that? Patches, my cat, turns a shot into an international event!"

"Next to my pool and the dog park, my favorite place to play is my doggie daycare, where I go to hang with the 'ruff crowd.' All my best friends are there and we play with the toys, run on the grass, play in the pool, and jump around on the walls and obstacles. The girls that help us play have to put extra locks on the gates to keep me from opening all the doors, gates and other latches. It's a talent I have that is very useful. Yesterday, we had company in my pool, and I was not invited. Imagine that?! I let myself out the front door and went around back to swim with the guests. I'm so smart!"

"Speaking of obstacles, I tried out agility training for a year and a half. I really had a blast on everything except the teeter; it was sorta scary, but I did it anyway. Mom and Miss Joanne said it was okay, so I believed them. Between you and me, I'm much better at Fetch.

"I can't give an interview without telling you what an extrovert I am. I LOVE everybody--dogs, people, cats, rabbits--you name it. I'm so friendly that I get my feelings hurt when people walk by without stopping to say hello. And snobbish dogs; well, I just don't understand that!"

"I better go now. Xena is frolicking with one of Dad's socks; that always means she'll be wanting to wrestle with me soon. I'm there for ya, Xena! Us pups gotta have our playtime."

Have you been over to check out OUR BLOG? It's called 5 Minutes for Fido. Xena, Oliver and I have started our own blog with tips for living happily with your dogs. After all, we're the experts. We have the happiest family ever. If you read more here, you'll see. I have the life!

Coming Soon:


An Interview with Xena, my Super Sweet, Senior, Retriever Mix, Rescued Rover and An Interview with Oliver

© Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

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Changes at All Things Dog Blog...

by Carrie Boyko

(c) Carrie Boyko

Tanner Announces Good News

for Adopt a Dog Park

All the dogs at All Things Dog Blog have been itching to have their own blog. I told Xena, Tanner and Oliver that it is a lot of work, but they assured me they can handle a tip a day. Starting today, you can read their tips at 5 Minutes for Fido, where my pack will take turns giving us ideas for happy pups and happy families. 

Tanner won the drawing to get his picture on the blog. It's a totally silly picture, so Oliver and Xena have been teasing him. Such is the lot of a 'cover dog'; somebody is always going to be jealous. Stop in and see what's up with doggie play dates, exercising on a rainy day and more at 5 Minutes for Fido.

Well, folks, it seems that all good things must come to an end.  After nearly a year (18 answers in 11 months) of answering your dog health questions, Dr. Jacki, with her thriving practice and growing, young family, finds herself with a bit too much on her plate. I'm hoping she'll pop in for an occasional guest post, but there's more....keep reading.

This column was the start of something big for All Things Dog Blog, and I will be forever grateful to her for helping me get off the ground. The impetus for the blog's growth, I credit the ASK THE VET column as the beginning of the blog's sudden expansion, its rise to an appearance on the Technorati Top 100 Pet Sites, and the addition of more regular columns to meet the many needs of my readers. Your response to the ASK THE DOG TRAINER column has been absolutely thrilling to both Judy and me.


Additionally, I am thrilled to announce that sponsors have stepped forward for Adopt a Dog Park, my grass roots effort to save our dog parks from demise during the economic downturn. Thank you in particular to Lupine Leads. You can do your part by visiting Adopt a Dog Park to learn more.


Soon I will be introducing you to your new ASK THE VET columnist. Keep checking in, as that announcement will come shortly.


All Things Dog Blog's Columns:

• ASK THE DOG TRAINER, with Judith Joseph
• Rescuing Rover
• Coming Soon: A Doggie Cooking Column (Interested? I'm currently accepting recipe submissions, and will be sponsoring a recipe contest in the fall. Prizes will be awarded for several categories of recipes, a cover photo, and a 'name the cookbook' winner. More information will be announced shortly). Send your recipes, photos or name ideas to LetsAdoptaDogPark@gmail.com.

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Help protect our precious dog parks

© Carrie Boyko, all rights reserved

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Celebrating Memorial Day with Your Dog

by Carrie Boyko

(c) Carrie Boyko

We're Ready, Mom

Xena is Napping

Like many dog owners, I enjoy including my pack in whatever celebration I am having. Whether it be a costume on Halloween or a special bandanna or shirt, my dogs seem to get the message that something extra special is happening. I know, they sense it from my excitement, but that's all good when we have something special going on in our lives, even if only a long weekend.


Memorial Day was set aside on this day to commemorate U.S. men and women who died while in the military service. A patriotic holiday requires a red, white and blue theme at my house--just for fun. But what else can you do to  participate with your pups in this remembrance of these special service men and women? Here's a few ideas:

• Take your dog with you to the parade! Like many of the ideas below, it's FREE and he will enjoy the walk, the activity, and passersby will enjoy saying hello. This is a great time to practice friendly, calm greetings with your dog, so remember to bring a few training treats in your pocket, and praise him when he behaves properly. Canine manners are important when you are out in public, so be ready.
• Visit your closest veteran's cemetery for a walk, and time to contemplate the ultimate sacrifice that these special folks have made to help us keep our freedom.
• Wherever you go on this special day, take Fido with you, wearing his or her red, white and blue. You too! Don't have a bandanna? Just tie a ribbon around Spot's neck; this will do the trick.
• If your community is sponsoring a commemorative event, join in with Rover in tow. Likely it will be an outdoor gala, complete with flags, speeches and local performers. Your dog is sure to love the excitement and attention he will get, even if only wearing a ribbon around his neck. This will surely be a good opportunity to socialize your dog--good for his manners.
• Whenever you take your large or younger dog into a public setting, there is one thing you should do to assure safety and a calmer dog; take your pup on a long walk before you go. This may seem redundant, but it will help to drain his energy and make him a calmer companion during your outing.
• Today is the perfect day to consider a dog park visit. While you're at it, perhaps you might want to Adopt a Dog Park. What a great way to show your dedication to your dog as well as helping out the government with a little dog park clean up now and then.You can visit Adopt a Dog Park for more information.
• One last idea for finding patriotic bandannas and other accessories: In addition to pet stores, I have located them at places like dollar stores, craft shops, and discount stores. At this time of year, there is usually stock at most of these places, with Memorial Day, July 4th and then Labor Day, all lined up to take their place in our patriotic celebrations. Now go have some fun with your dog!

Xena, Tanner and Oliver plan a day with their favorite girl this year. We're ready to celebrate her homecoming along with Memorial Day. Maybe just a cookout at home? Here's a plan you might enjoy, complete with a bunch of yummy recipes for your own cookout:  Kicking Back with the Dogs on Memorial Day.

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Dog Blogging Around the Globe

by Carrie Boyko

With my recent appearance in the Technorati Top 100 Pet Sites, I have seen a surge in readers, visitors, subscribers, and surprise--lots of emails. I'm hearing from readers who are not quite sure how to comment on the blog. I'm also hearing from other blogs who would like my presence on theirs; no better compliment was ever received.


Today's post is simple, yet effective. I want to give you some of my latest links to guest postings at other sites. I'll put this information somewhere on the site for access later, as well. But for now, here goes. Let me know what you think:


At Dog Park USA:
Child Safety at the Dog Park


At Dog Care Journey:

Socializing  your Dog or Puppy: It’s Never too Late

At Dog Park USA:

Adopt a Dog Park: Help Save Your Pup’s Playground

At Adopt a Pet:

Hello from All Things Dog Blog


Where will I pop up next? Who knows, but it's sure to be another adventure for you to follow along on. My goal is to invite you to travel the globe with me, visiting other pet sites of interest. No airline tickets or suitcases, just a keyboard and a few minutes of your time. Happy travels!


Related Reading:
Atlanta Airport Opens Dog Park for Travelers
Travel Troubles with Fido?
Go Camping with Your Dogs, Part I (of V)

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