It's Time for a Barksky!

If any of you are as sick of this San Francisco "winter" weather as I am here is a great way to get out of the city with the pooch.  Head 30 miles south to the Half Moon Bay Brewing Company and enjoy a brew, some bites, and great views and maybe even some live music (I highly suggest taking the scenic route along Highway 1).  Dogs are incredibly welcome on their front patio and Braddock had a wonderful time when we ventured on down the coast a few weeks ago.  He even made a few 4 legged friends while he was at it.  The food is great and the beer delicious!  With names like Sandy Beach Blonde Hefeweizen and Mavericks Amber Ale how can you go wrong?!  I don't recommend giving any of the liquid gold to your pooch, but the staff at HMB Brewing Co. is more than happy to provide fresh water for them to enjoy.  When you are done take Fido on a walk around the Marina and enjoy the sites, even pick up some fresh produce at one of the fruit and vegetable stands along the way!

Rafting on the Russian

When it gets hot I like to get wet and so does Little B.  A fun way to accomplish this is by rafting in Healdsburg on the Russian River with Russian River Adventures!  Enjoy a leisurely day on the water in a SOAR inflatable canoe with your pooch as this company is 100% dog friendly.  They boast that they put you on the most secluded section of the Russian River and never put in more than 40 canoes in a day, so overcrowding is not an issue.  There are plenty of fun swimming holes, rope swings, and some great turtle sightings!  When you are finished with your trip there is a return shuttle for your convenience :)

Remember to bring cool water for your dog to drink and a pet life jacket if your dog needs help swimming (like Braddock).  For extra savings become a Goldstar member and save 50% off the ticket price!  

Dog-Friendly Archives

For those of you who know me well you aren't surprised when I send another e-mail out requesting we go on one of the many fabulous excursions that Weekend Sherpa has recommended. If you aren't familiar with this site get familiar because it is awesome! They send out a free weekly e-mail newsletter giving you insiders' recommendations on the best outdoor pursuits exclusive to Northern CA. We are talking hiking, biking, kayaking, camping, etc... I have never had a bad experience with one of their suggestions!

Now it gets better as they just added a dog-friendly search so if you want to go on a hike with your Little B all you have to do is click on the link and you have tons of ideas to choose from! I LOVE IT! For example, it's 4th of July weekend and you feel like going to the beach...but where to go? How about Limantour Beach in Point Reyes? There are tons of trips to choose from!

So get out and explore!

Kimpton Hotels LOVE Your Pets

I have heard many a person complain that when they go on a road trip and bring their dogs the places they find to stay that allow their pooch to stay with them are less than desirable.  Well Kimpton Hotels are here to answer your prayers with an amazing hosPETality program.  All of their boutique hotels welcome dogs, cats, and various other companions with no fees or special deposits and no weight or size limits.

Kimpton doesn't simply allow pets to stay the night—they roll out the red carpet. Their hotels have created unique and fun packages to ensure that your pet guests are treated with the same elements of care, comfort, style, flavor, and fun that they promise their moms and dads.  These packages include amenities and services like pet food, dog walking services, chew toys and their pet friendly attitude.

There are even four legged pet ambassadors at a number of their hotels that are responsible for welcoming guests with an enthusiastic wag, helping the concierge make suggestions for local pet-friendly hot spots, graciously hosting the complimentary evening wine hour, testing potential pet amenities and services, and making celebrity appearances at events for animal organizations. Their Directors of Pet Relations also provide endless inspiration for Kimpton's hosPETality program.

So go ahead and book a room today!

Burning Dog Festival

You have all probably heard of the Burning Man Festival but now there is a Burning Dog Festival!  Starting this Friday, June 11th through June 14th bring your Little B for some camping under the stars at the Plaskett Creek Campground in Big Sur!  I have not attended this event myself nor will I be able to go but it looks amazing :)  Activities include:

Hikes to Sand Dollar Beach and Waterfalls
Art Projects with Your Dog
Costume Party with Prizes
Agility Course
BBQ's, Campfires, Live Music

There is even a party bus for you and your dog to take to arrive in style!

You must be a member of Woofers & Walkers which is free to join and is located out of Santa Cruz.  They put on all kinds of dog friendly events including an adventure every Sunday starting at 10:30 am where you and your pooch can enjoy a walk each week to a different beach followed by a Yappy Hour at a dog-friendly restaurant!

Check out this event and if you end up going and want to send pictures I will be sure to post them and have an amazing time!

Memorial Day Activites

Memorial Day Weekend is coming up...woo hoo!  I love me some 3 day weekends, especially ones where people like to celebrate with each other by hosting picnic's and BBQ's and what about all of the sales!!!  While all of this merriment is occurring it's important to recognize what we celebrating and remembering.  This weekend is our special time to commemorate the Americans who gave their lives while serving in the military.

So how can we do this?  There are a number of activities going on in San Francisco:

May 30th - USS San Francisco Memorial - The ceremony begins at noon.  The USS San Francisco was built at the naval shipyard at Mare Island.  It was in almost every battle in the Pacific during WWII.  For more information check out http://www.usssanfrancisco.org/.

May 31st - Presidio Memorial Day Ceremony - San Francisco's largest Memorial Day observance is held in the Presidio and begins at 10:30 am when the 191st Army Band leads a parade from the Main Post Parade Ground to the San Francisco National Cemetery.  A formal ceremony at the cemetery begins at 11 am and includes flyovers, taps, a Korean War commemoration, a chorus, and a 21 gun salute.  For more information check out http://www.presidio.gov/.

Lost Boat Memorial Day Ceremony - Submarine veterans will gather on the USS Pampanito at 4 pm to honor submariners who were lost at sea.  A bell will toll 52 times, once for each US submarine lost during WWII.  For more information visit http://www.maritime.org/.






Even if you can't attend one of these events the official moment of remembrance occurs on Memorial Day at 3 pm for 1 minute.  Observe this moment in any way you like.


To get your dog in the spirit of things why not dress him up in some fun Patriotic gear:

Blue Stars Patriotic Dog Collar

Parade Frills Patriotic Dog Dress 

American Flag Dog Bandana

Patriotic Hawaiian Dog Shirt

Patriotic Dog Bow

 Either way have a very Happy Memorial Day!

Pawtrero Party with Muttville Adoption

This Sunday from 2-6 pm Pawtrero will be holding their Re-Grand Opening Party and Muttville Adoption Event to celebrate their new store expansion and name change from South Paw to Pawtrero (on Brannan)!

Come join us in Potrero Hill for Appetizers & Refreshments at 199 Brannan St! Plus a chance to meet the Muttville mutts and find the one that’s right for you!

10% discount off all purchases to anyone who adopts a Muttville dog!

Muttville is a non-profit, 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the lives of senior dogs. On a local level, Muttville rescues senior dogs and finds them new homes or gives them hospice. On a global level, Muttville provides information about caring for older dogs and support for people who do.

Through associations with shelters and other animal organizations, Muttville finds senior dogs that have been given up and are not likely to find adopted homes. Through outreach and networking, Muttville finds suitable new homes for these dogs. Ultimately, Muttville will have its own facility to house dogs that are not yet placed, or that are unlikely to be placed.

Meet some of the current mutts!

Eddie - Pit Bull Terrior Mix

Ellie & Sam - Rottweilers

Monroe - Labrador Retriever

Rosie - Pomeranian

Teaser - Lhasa Apso

San Francisco English Bulldog Meetup

We are so excited for our first Bulldog Monthly Meetup this Saturday May 15th, 11 am at Crissy Field. The San Francisco English Bulldog Meetup Group was founded in February 2003 and has held 76 meet ups to date and have 754 Bulldoggers as members.

Braddock is healing well from his surgery and ready to get out of the house and play! I have heard of these meet ups but not been to one yet. After looking at all of the pictures posted on the Meetup site it looks like it will be an amazing time. This is such a great idea, Crissy Field is a great place for dogs to begin with, but adding a bunch of Bulldogs playing in the surf and sand makes it that much better. I'm going to have to tie a ribbon or some kind of identifier to him so I don’t lose him in the huddled Bdog masses. He is going to be so excited to make new friends!

Here are some shots taken from the last meet up by Alessandro DeSogos from Doggie Portrait, aren't they so frickin cute!  This photographer really gets on their level and captures the moment so well.  You should check out the website as the shots are gorgeous!

Brunch at Red's

One of our absolute favorite places to get brunch is at Red's Java House in the Embarcadero.  Located on Pier 30 at Bryant and Embarcadero this place is a San Francisco institution and should not be missed.  It is one of the hot spots before a Giants game, but it is just as great on a random Sunday. 

The food is delicious; I highly recommend the Corn Beef Hash and Breakfast Quesadilla.  To top it off they are dog friendly.  Once you order your food head to their great back patio area for some fun in sun and a great view of the bay and the Bay Bridge where your Little B can hang out and enjoy himself and all of the great food smells that Red's provides.  And did I mention the price?  It can't be beat; you can get a double cheeseburger, fries, and a beer for under $12!!!  We hope to see you there this weekend :)

Lafayette Park

If this weekend turns out to be one of those unbelievable ones where you couldn't imagine being anywhere more beautiful than right here in good ole SF.  You know the kind with cloudless skies, temps in the upper 70's, and barely any wind to speak of, it might be a good time to head to Lafayette Park located at Gough/Sacramento/Washington/Laguna Streets to get your dose of vitamin D and let your Little B enjoy some time outside.  This park is great in that it is at the top of Pacific Heights and has amazing views of the bay and twin peaks.  It is a very popular place to go when it is nice outside and the people watching doesn't suck either.  Stop by Whole Foods on your way over and grab a picnic lunch to enjoy with you and your pooch.  Braddock and I had a blast when we spent a day here a few weekends ago :)

Bring Your Dog Wine Tasting in Healdsburg

As you might have guessed it Healdsburg is one of my favorite places in Sonoma...heck anywhere.  If you want to go visit this gorgeous piece of wine country but don't want to leave your Little B at home, bring him!  There are plenty of wineries that are dog friendly, so grab a picnic lunch from Costeaux French Bakery and enjoy this beautiful place!

Matrix Winery 3291 Westside Rd. - With panoramic views of the Russian River Valley and critically acclaimed wines - Pinot Noirs, Zinfandels, Syrahs, Cabernet Sauvignons, Chardonnays and Bordeaux varietal blends - you are bound to enjoy the trip.

Armida Winery 2201 Westside Rd - Just around the bend from the town of Healdsburg this winery is nestled in the western hills of Dry Creek Valley overlooking Healdsburg, Dry Creek Valley and the Russian River Valley.  Armida invites you to come to their Healdsburg Tasting Room and play on their beautiful bocce ball court, a great way to spend the afternoon!

Mauritson 2859 Dry Creek Rd - Stop by and try their delicious Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon, which showcase the fruit-forward, floral and spice-driven characteristics attributed to these appellations.  It doesn't hurt that there are adorable doggies there too!

Selby Winery  215 Center St - Believe in utilizing sustainable and organic vineyards...who doesn't like that!

Papapietro Perry  4791 Dry Creek Rd - a blend of fun-loving friends who wanted to drink Pinot daily so they made it themselves.  They specialize in small lots of handcrafted, single-vineyard designate Pinot Noir and Zinfandel produced from the finest grapes.

Quivira 4900 West Dry Creek Rd - Their organic and Biodynamic (which is amazing!) winery is teeming with colorful gardens, entertaining animal life, soothing waterways and, of course, abundant vineyards, offering breathtaking views of this small but thriving wine region.

Cheers!

Crissy Field Park - Off Leash!

I thought a great place start the activities section of this blog is one of our favorite places to take Braddock, Crissy Field Park, located at 603 Mason St. located in the Marina/Presidio area.  This is a wonderful place to take your pooch to frolic in the sand and surf while enjoying some amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz, and the San Francisco bay.  Off leash areas include the beaches along the waterfront and the large flat grassy field behind them.  If you want to venture to the West beach closest to Fort Point you will need to have your dog on leash and remember to avoid the fenced restoration zones and the lagoon area.

Braddock loves the wading pools as they are shallow enough for him to run through and roll around in without sinking (see pic).  There is nothing better than to see the excitement on his face when you take his leash off, present the huge beach to him and say, "Go Get It!".    He is also a huge fan of playing in the waves.  Can he swim...no...but does he love to get in up to his shoulders...heck yeah!

This is a very popular beach with many dogs to play with or just to dog watch.  It can get windy in the afternoon so remember to layer your clothing.  With the wind comes the wind surfers, kite boarders, and sail boats which adds to the charm.  There is plenty of great parking, a nice bathroom, and an area to wash the sand off and even BBQ.  Remember to pick up after your dog to ensure these places remain dog friendly and enjoy this beautiful city we live in!