A lot of us are pet lovers such that our cats or dogs become members of the family. Indeed, many of us include our pets in our activities, but many places are not particularly amenable to or welcome pets' participation.
Fortunately, there are activities throughout the country that both you and your pet can attend. Most of them cater to dogs, but a few (especially cat shows) also cater to cats.
Perhaps the first things we think of when we think of attending events with our pets are dog and cat shows. That's right; In addition to simply "parenting" pets, you can also show your dog or cat. Most of these shows require that your dog or cat is pure bred, but some do not. Some of the organizations that host these events, such as the American Kennel Club and the Cat Fanciers Association, have regularly scheduled events and shows. Many of these organizations also hold dog and cat events that don't require the dogs or cats to be purebred.
Dog Shows
Dog shows and events sanctioned by the American Kennel Club
Dog shows and events that are sanctioned by the American Kennel Club (AKC) are certainly there for show, but they're also there to educate the community as a whole. In addition to shows, the American Kennel Club gives presentations throughout the country meant to educate, including such organizations as the Girl Scouts, the Boy Scouts, and 4-H.
To be registered with the AKC, a dog and his/her parents, as well as other ancestors in the family "tree" must be purebred, although it doesn't necessarily indicate that the health of any particular dog is good. Dogs registered with the AKC can compete in AKC events, as can their registered offspring.
Conformation events
Dog shows done through the AKC are intended to evaluate the "quality" of a particular breed. Some shows are "all breed" shows, with over 3000 dogs entered in a single show; they can also be small local "club" shows focusing on a particular breed. In these shows, the dogs' "conformation" is evaluated, meaning its overall appearance and structure.
All breed shows
All breed shows show off over 150 breeds of dogs recognized by the AKC. For a current schedule of shows in your area, visit the AKC website.
Specialty shows
Specialty shows are devoted to a single breed, and are sponsored either locally or nationally. In some cases, specialty shows can be held as an adjunct to an all-breed show, during the same event span.
Florida Classic Cluster of Dog Shows
Hosted in Tampa Bay, Florida, this "Florida's largest dog show" has more than 18,000 entries. Usually held in January, participants are invited to include their dogs for free for some "all breed (peer right) shows, as well as rally trials and obedience trials. Spectators can tour the facilities, meet the dog handlers, and see everything up close and personal.
Other Dog Events
In addition to professional dog shows, there are also "dog events" for humans and dogs to participate in and have fun together.
Basset Hound BoardWaddle
Hosted in Ocean City, New Jersey, more than 500 basset hounds participate in the "Board Waddle." It's part of the annual April Doo Dah Parade, with other celebrities like Meadowlark Lemon included in the sensitivities. Before the Board Waddle itself occurs, enjoy watching the Board Waddle Basset Olympics, and then participate in a picnic. Free to spectators, those who walk (or should we say "waddle"?) in the Waddle are asked to collect donations for the rescue organization, the Tri-State Basset Hound Rescue.
Dog Run Club
The Dog Run Club is for all members of a particular breed in any area of the country; held in dog parks across the US and Canada, you can get together with "like-minded" friends who are local to you and living your area. Dog "parents" of similar "breeds" can get together with canine and human friends and have some fun together. It's a sort of doggie "play date" that's been set up by the organization; for more information, email dogrunclub@gmail.com. Eventually, the organization will launch an app that will allow you to donate funds for rescues.
South Sound Canine Adventures
Located in the Tacoma, Washington Area and Running through January 12, 2012, South Sound Canine Adventures is centered on physical activity for both dogs and people, with a focus on staying active and having new experiences together. These "adventures" can be anything from dog friendly hikes and walks to get-togethers in dog parks, volunteer work, social classes, organized runs, and a lot more. It's meant to keep both canines and humans happy and healthy, with lots of socialization and fun activities, and a focus on enjoying each other's company and on physical activity.
Canines & Cocktails in the Courtyard!
Hosted in Sacramento, California at the Piatti Restaurant & Bar through November 3 of this year, Canines & Cocktails in the Courtyard brings together pet owners and their dogs for socialization, fun, and "happy hour." In fact, pet owners are given special consideration; if they have their dogs with them, happy hours extended for them through 8 p.m. -- and dogs will get a special treat, too.
Swimming and Hiking for Dogs and Their Owners
If you live in New York, now both you and your dog can have a day in the country together swimming and hiking. Held through September 1 of next year, admission is $75. You can get more information about a "day in the country" with your dog by emailing kessnyc@yahoo.com.
Canine Life and Social Skills Class
Held at the Dog Club of West Linn in West Linn, Oregon, CLASS (Canine Life and Social Skills) uses positive reinforcement to train humans and canines alike in real life skills, meant to make dog training on, supportive, and positive. Because the methods are based on positive reinforcement, punishment is not an option with these classes -- but a well behaved and happy dog (and "mom" or "dad") is a given. You'll learn skills that you can apply in a variety of real life situations, and be given an opportunity to show off your dog's skills, too. Different levels of CLASS instruction include the "BA" Level, with lessons like a meet and greet, waiting for food, stay and settle, leash walking and attention, and waiting at the door.
At the Masters (MA) level, dogsled to wait in the car, waiting door, learn manners when leashing up, passing by other dogs, loosely squawking and "leave it," and the command "stay."
At the Ph.D. level, loose leash walking, leashing up manners, table manners, attention, and six are taught, among other skills. Six teams (dog and owner) are the maximum allowed for each class.
Concert 4 Paws
On October 13, 2011 from eight to 11 p.m., you and your dog can is in "rock out" together at the Concert 4 Paws, located at the Transit Lounge in Miami, Florida. Tickets are $20 in advance or 25 at the door, with proceeds going to the dogs at Paws 4 You Rescue. Call
786-242-7377 or email info@concert4paws.com for more information.
Doggie Fun Zone
Although part of the Greater Naples Venice Dog Show hosted by the AKC, The Doggie Fun Zone is open to all dogs, not just those that are participating in the show. For more information, visit www.doggiefunzone.com and call or visit call 954-234-5415 or email doggiefunzone@hotmail.com.
Meet My Bully
If you're in the Milwaukee area and you are owned by a pit bull (or more than one), you can meet up with other "bully" dogs and their owners for some fun and camaraderie. Show your friends and neighbors just how great this (unfairly) much-maligned breed can be; educational as well as fun, Meet My Bully gatherings are hosted throughout the Milwaukee area. Sponsored by the Brew City Bullies, the next event is October 14, 2011, on Oakton Avenue across from Chase Bank and runs from 630 to 7:30 p.m. (If your pittie has socialization issues, the Brew City Bullies request that you contact them first for support before you bring your dog to the event. You can contact them about that or for other information by emailing tonya@brewcitybullies.org.)
Paws in the Park
Free for anyone (although donations are welcome), North Charleston Paws in the Park and Walk for the Animals is an annual event; this year, it's in Park Circle on Durant Ave. on October 15 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., in North Charlestown, South Carolina. Dogs are welcome and there will be live music, food, games, a walk, and local animal experts to answer questions related to animal health and education. Donations will benefit animals both in preventing their unnecessary euthanasia and in providing funds for their care.
Barktoberfest
Located in Westfield, Massachusetts and hosted by the rescue organization PoundHounds, Barktoberfest occurs -- you guessed it -- every October, with many doggy and dog lovers' events to enter. Contents include best dog owner look-alike, best booty wiggle, and more -- and there are other events for dogs and human participants, like dog Reiki sessions. Proceeds go to caring for and placing abandoned and rescued dogs in the New England area.
Dog Beaches
Dog-friendly beaches abound throughout the country, but no place in the country may be more dog friendly than San Diego, California. Several beaches allow dogs to be off leash, including Voltaire Street's Ocean Beach, Coronado's North Beach dog run, and Fiesta Island.
Another place in the country that's particularly dog friendly is North Carolina's Outer Banks. Beach lovers abound here, of course, but the city also recognizes that four-legged friends should be included. Although most dogs must usually be leashed to go on the beaches, there may be times when dogs can run free off-season.
If you're going to be traveling somewhere soon and you plan to take your furry family member with you, you can check out pet-friendly options for exercise and outdoor fun, including beaches and parks, by going to your destination city's website and checking for information, or emailing authorities directly for more information. (Many cities also advertise dog-friendly hotels that will welcome all members of your family, including your canine friends. Check city websites or do a search for dog-friendly hotels in the area where you’ll be staying.)
Day of the Dog
Held this year on October 16, 2011 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Chicago on Rockwell Street, Day of the Dog is meant to benefit Found Chicago. Found Chicago focuses on rehabilitating and re-homing dogs and cats that would otherwise be euthanized and are currently homeless because of behavioral or conditions that make them difficult to adopt. This fall festival features music and show competitions, food and drink. Furry canine friends and family members are welcome to come with you too, as long as they're well behaved. Admission is a suggested five dollar donation, although the actual amount is up to you.
Cat Shows
Pedigreed cat shows as well are specialty "purebred" shows sanctioned by the Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. As the largest registry of pedigreed breeds, the CFA currently recognizes 42 breeds. About 400 licensed cat shows are held every year, with the next CFA national show to be held on November 19 and 20, 2011. The show is to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana with felines judged on agility. Awards are "best-of-breed" for kittens, championship cats, and "premier" cats, with both long and short hair categories.
What's notable about the CFA show is that in addition to purebred show rings, there are also show rings and inclusion categories for adoptable rescue cats and (personal pet) household cats that are not purebred. Entry fees are $49 for one cat; you can find a complete schedule of fees and more details at http://www.catshows.us/nationalshow/11flyer.pdf.
General Pet Events
St. Louis Pet Expo
Located in St. Louis, Missouri, the St. Louis Pet Expo is free to you and your four-legged family members. There's a costume contest, nail trims, demonstrations of agility and obedience, and much more. Adoptions are available at the Expo, too, meaning that if you want to (or simply can't help yourself), you may come home with a new furry friend. In addition to the St. Louis Pet Expo, other similar Expos are held around the country. Visit the St. Louis pet Expo website for a schedule to see when one might be near you.
Blessing of the Animals
Go to New York, New York, to the Cathedral Church of Saint John the Divine in Manhattan. Here, you can have your dog, cat, or other pet blessed after the service. In addition to getting your own pet blessed, you can also see other more exotic pets here, including yaks, if you so please. Pets are blessed after the service by clergy.
Church Service for You and Your Pet
On the second Sunday of every month through December 2011, Bloomingdale, Illinois's the Episcopal Church of the Incarnation holds a special service for dog owners and their pets -- in that pets are most definitely welcome. In addition to focusing on the animal/human connection, pets and their owners are also given a blessing.
The Colorado Fall Charity Horse Show
Free to anyone who wants to come, see a show at and visit the National Western Complex in Denver every September to benefit the Rocky Mountain Horse Rescue. Visit the stables to meet riders, trainers and horses in person, and watch quarter horses and many other horses and their riders perform for you.
References
A Beginner's Guide to Dog Shows. http://www.akc.org/events/conformation/beginners.cfm. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
Cat Fanciers' of Association Presents. http://www.catshows.us/nationalshow/11flyer.pdf. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
Dog Beaches & Dog Friendly Beaches in the U.S. http://www.petfriendlytravel.com/dog_beaches. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
Dog Events in the United States. http://www.bringfido.com/event/region/united_states/. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
Free to See: 10 U.S. Pet Events. http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/free-to-see/pet-events-us/. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
Meet the Breeds. http://www.akc.org/meet_the_breeds/. Retrieved October 11, 2011.
PoundHounds, Inc. https://www.facebook.com/pages/PoundHounds-Inc/33254039934?sk=info. Retrieved September 12, 2011.
The Cat Fanciers' Association, Inc. http://www.cfa.org/Client/home.aspx. Retrieved September 12, 2011.