Articles Articles in the Local Meet-ups & Social Clubs category

The 2010 Highway Wiener Dog Derby in Palo Alto

On the surface, it sounds ridiculous. And it is! Ridiculously fun, that is. The Sixth Annual Highway Wiener Dog Derby is set to take place on the 8th of August at Palo Alto High School, and it promises to be a lot of fun for all involved. As the name suggests, the race is open to Dachshunds only, and if you think your wiener dog would like to participate, you can e-mail the organizers to register. The sign-up is no more formal than that, and best of all, participation in the race is free!

Oh Snap! SF Bay Area Dogs

Chihuahuas ruled on Saturday at Pine Lake Park.

Dog Days at Lincoln Hound Society: Conscientious Dog Owners In Support of Free Roam Parks

If you live in San Jose and want to show your pet ownership pride, the Lincoln Hound Society (LHS) has the perfect event for you. Dog Days at Lincoln is a celebration of responsible pet ownership - it's an event that helps bring together conscientious owners who like to get involved in the community by helping influence local policies regarding pets and pet ownership. The event is currently in its third year, and will be held sometime in late July (the exact date is still to be determined).

Trail Blazers: Oakland Dog Hiker’s Group

A little over two years ago, Michelle Heathman founded the Oakland Dog Hiker’s Group with the intention of exploring the over 100,000 acres of open space parklands in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. Since 2008, the group had blossomed into an active dog community that not only explores the gorgeous pet-friendly East Bay trails but also parts of the Sierras and San Francisco.

Michelle and her group remain steadfast to staying park user-friendly. Supportive members, knowledgeable trail leaders and a fun mix of outdoor activities all make this meet-up group worth checking out!

Morgan Hill Dog Owners Group

The social aspects of dog ownership go further than just the enjoyment of meeting up with other owners at yappy hours, or seeing familiar faces on the hiking trail. There's also a shared responsibility to keep all dog areas, especially off-leash areas, safe for animals and humans. The Morgan Hill Dog Owners Group focuses on making sure that the Morgan Hill Dog Park, one of only two off-leash dog parks in the area, is kept to the necessary standards so that the city can keep offering this wonderful area as a haven for dogs and dog owners.

Society Dog: Let the Good Times Roll at Mardi Gras in San Jose

If you're getting in the mood to let the good times roll, you're in luck - Mardi Gras is just around the corner, and Society Dog is ready to party with an afternoon of walking, eating, and general fun and frolicking. If you're local to San Jose, it's sure to be an event you won't want to miss!

Terri Festa, founder of Society Dog and a previous Louisiana resident, works hard to keep the tradition alive in the South Bay. “We love bringing uniquely fun events for dog-lovers to the Bay Area while sharing & supporting dog-friendly businesses,” says Terri.

New Year's Resolution: Getting Fit with your Pet

It's getting to be that time when people start making resolutions for the new year, and of course the perennial favorite is "get into shape." Well, your pets are the best tool ever to help you get fit, so if you want to start right away, you could try canceling your walking service (or cutting down the number of times you book it per week), and taking your dog out on your own. It's cheaper than a gym, and it helps you bond with your dog in a context where he is comfortable and confident and doing something he loves. After all, what dog doesn't get excited to go out for a walk?

San Francisco Bay Area Beagles

One of the things that has become more popular in recent years is the forming of social groups that are specifically intended to bring together owners of a particular breed of dog. These groups can meet for seminars, outings in the park, or just informal get-togethers where the members can relax and chat with each other about dog related topics. No matter what kind of dog you have, you will be able to find a group in the bay area with like-minded members that you can meet up with on a regular basis.

Happy Friday + Our Photos of the Week

Happy Friday! Today we leave you with these photos from Beaglefest 2009 held in Sausalito last weekend. About 100 Beagles plus people attended. We hope they put a smile on your face. Have a great weekend!

A Social Club for the Doggy-Elite

If the regular circuit of social activities simply isn't enough for your dog, you may need a social club that can keep up with your fast pace and fill your social calendar accordingly. You want excitement! You want events! You want group walks! There is, in fact, a place where all that and more is available.

Join the Fun at Dog Days Morning in the Peninsula

Y'know the saying, 'the dog days of summer' … well during these “dog days,” take advantage of “Dog Day Mornings,” offered by the Peninsula Humane Society. It's a great environment for dogs who are both social butterflies AND those who might be a little more shy and nervous. It's perfect for people (and dogs!) who might like dog parks but end up feeling a bit overwhelmed!

Join the next Small Dog Walk at Ocean Beach

Oh, the joys of being a small dog! They get to accompany their humans to all sorts of places where big dogs aren’t allowed. No airplane holds for jet-setting small dogs . . . they fly in style in the human passenger section. No worries about hotel stays either. Big dogs often need to meet a weight limit at many pet-friendly hotels, but you can bet a small dog will always be welcome.

Pug Sunday at Alta Vista Park (This weekend!)

Pugs are popular city dogs. They're small, yet rotund and it seems as if too much strenuous activity would wear them out quickly, making them an ideal fit for apartment life. It's obvious why their little squished faces and cute waddle walk have endeared them to so many people. If you're one of these people – or if you just love dogs and/or pugs – then Pug Sunday is for you.