I originally wrote this post in June 2011:
It’s no surprise that, given the length and intensity of Geauga County winters, we celebrate summer joyously around here. From festivals to dining to travel and more, we love our great outdoors. But why enjoy all the riches of summer living on your own? Grab the leash and take your dog with you. Here are a few ideas for some fun activities your dog can enjoy with you.
Dog Events
From early spring through late summer, rescue groups and humane societies host festivals to raise funds and awareness. You and your dog get to enjoy fun activities, pet-themed shopping, and great park settings, while supporting the adoption of homeless pets. Looking for your new best friend? These events feature adopt-a-thons, too. Several are scheduled in the coming weeks and months (see Resources for more information on each event):
> Summer Scoop & Reunion (for senior dogs age 7 and older), hosted by The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs, is August 7 at the Cleveland Metroparks Brecksville Reservation.
> Canine Fun Days, hosted by Greyhound Adoption of Ohio, is August 20 & 21 at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills.
> Mutt Strut, hosted by Lake Humane Society, is August 27 at Lake Metroparks Penitentiary Glen in Kirtland.
> Woofstock, hosted by Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village, is September 11 at Holden Arboretum in Kirtland.
> Bark Boo-nanza, hosted by Freedom Greyhound Rescue, is September 24 & 25 at Sunny Lake Park in Aurora.
For everyone’s enjoyment: bring only sociable, friendly dogs; use a four- or six-foot leash (no retractables); give your dog plenty of water and shade; watch for signs of overheating or stress in your dog; and clean up your dog’s waste.
County Parks
We have a wealth of outstanding parks available to us throughout Geauga and Lake Counties. Most parks welcome on-leash dogs. Stay on marked trails, keep your dog on a non-retractable leash at all times, and clean up your dog’s waste. Geauga Parks host Hound Hikes during the summer. Check the website for details. Lake Metroparks also has a Companion Dog Patrol. Volunteers in this program patrol the parks in pairs as “eyes and ears” for park rangers; assist with park-sponsored special events; and participate as park representatives in community events. There are modest requirements for participation, and Geauga County residents are welcome to volunteer in the Patrol. Interested? Contact Lisa Sintic, Volunteer Unit Supervisor at 440-256-2144.
Pet-friendly Dining and Travel
Take your dog along on family vacations or when you go out to eat. Some Northeast Ohio restaurants host special pet-friendly events. Check out Pugs on the Patio on August 6 at the Branding Iron Cookhouse in Mentor; or the Dog Days of Summer on August 7 at the Great Lakes Brewing Company.
Several pet-friendly websites offer directories and tips for traveling with your pooch. See the Resources section at the end of this article.
Hot Fun in the Summertime
The more your dog is a part of family activities, the better for her and for you! Get out and enjoy our all-too-short summer with your pooch. Please observe summer safety for your dog. NEVER leave your dog alone in the car—the temperature in your car can rise from 80 degrees to 120 degrees just 10 minutes. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous, even deadly, for your dog. See Resources for tips on keeping your precious pup safe this summer. Be safe and have fun!
Resources at your fingertips
Summer Scoop & Reunion: sanctuaryforseniordogs.org/id40.htm
Canine Fun Days: greyhoundadoptionofoh.org/caninefundays.htm
Mutt Strut: lakehumane.org/mutt-strut.html
Woofstock: www.geaugahumane.org/events/woofstock.html
Bark Boo-nanza: www.freedomgreyhoundrescue.org/Pages/events.html
Geauga Park District: www.geaugaparkdistrict.org
Lake Metroparks Companion Dog Patrol: www.lakemetroparks.com/about/ranger-dept/CompanionDogPatrolHikingPatrol.shtml
Pet Friendly Dining and Travel:
www.greatlakesbrewing.com/events/886
www.ohiolodgingrentals.com/pets_welcome.asp
www.pet-friendly-hotels.net/pet-friendly-hotels-ohio.html
Summer Safety Tips:
www.aspca.org/pet-care/pet-care-tips/hot-weather-tips.aspx
Carol Peter is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and owner of Cold Nose Companions, LLC Dog Training. She offers private in-home training for people and their dogs throughout Geauga County. Carol focuses on resolving problem behaviors and teaching good household manners using positive reinforcement training and behavior modification methods. She can be reached at carol@coldnosecompanions.com.
©2011, Carol Peter, Cold Nose Companions, LLC
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