SUMMER IS HERE! Well, at least it was last weekend. Spring is here so complaining about the heat can't be far behind. If you and Fifi ( and certainly someone in this community has a dog named Fifi ) are headed out to the dog parks, don't forget that dogs need to sport both the city license and the one specifically for the dog parks.
With the nice weather finally here, there are tons of things to do with your pet or to benefit other pets in need.
ARFhouse Chicago is having its First Annual Alley Cat and Dog Bowl on April 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Lincoln Square Lanes, 4874 N. Lincoln. Visit www.ArfChicago.org .
The Anti-Cruelty Society's Bark in the Park—a 3.2 mile walk—is May 5 at Montrose Harbor at 9 a.m. They have some helpful hints on how to get your couch-potato pup ready for the walk on the site www.AntiCruelty.org . There will be dogs of all sizes in the walk. Our dachshund group has about 20 dogs walking in it, so please watch your step.
Billed as The Greatest Pug Party on Earth, that breed's spring event is June 2 at Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed. This party certainly lives up to the hype. What started as a party of five pugs is now a biannual event that draws 250-300 pugs and their owners. See www.pugparty.com .
On Sundays, July 8-Sept. 30, at 10 a.m., Mercury Chicago Skyline Cruiseline is providing canine cruises. The part-river and part-lakefront cruise features dog parks, fire hydrants and dog-friendly establishments. Newspaper-lined restroom and water bowls will be on board. No reservations are necessary. Tickets go on sale starting each Sunday at 8:30 a.m. at Michigan and Wacker. See www.mercuryskylinecruiseline.com .
PAWS Chicago's 5th Annual Beach Party takes place at the North Ave. beach boathouse on July 11 at 6 p.m. It includes dancing on the deck, cool cocktails, a beachy dinner buffet and a silent auction. While your dog is welcome to hang out with you all night, there is also a relaxing pup deck available. See www.pawschicago.org .
If you have a wiener ( sorry, I couldn't resist ) or even a wiener mix, there is a group we belong to called Chicago Dachshund Lovers. We meet monthly with our dogs. Special events include Wiener Races; Canine Massage and First Aid presentations; Halloween Gala; Summer Luau; an ice-cream social; and an annual Valentine's Day fundraiser for Midwest Dachshund Rescue. See www.ChicagoDachshundLovers.com .