Today was a BEAUTIFUL sunny Sunday in Seattle! Not the first day of Spring, but the first day it really felt like the flowers would begin to bloom. While I’ve enjoyed playing on the snow-packed mountains with the pups, I’m thrilled for the abundance of warm weather, fur-friendly activities. Below is the beginning of our 2010 Spring/Summer must-do list. Lots to do, but I’m sure I’m missing a ton of hidden, creative and downright fun ideas, and that’s where you come in. Big and small, all ideas are welcome and appreciated.

Dogland Approved Activities

• Hop the ferry and float your way to the San Juan Islands for a relaxing weekend with your dog(s)
• Step into action and walk for a cause. We had a great time participating in last year’s Walk for the Animals and can’t wait for round two. September 26, 2010 (we’ll post more on this later)
• Escape the bustling city and head south to the Oregon Coast where you and your pooch can pop a tent and unwind to the sounds of the sea
• Grab your pup, then grab a brew at Norm’s Eatery & Ale House
• If you only have an hour or two, visit your local dog park (Magnuson’s our favorite), stroll around the neighborhood and let your dog socialize and smell the activity around them, or get a heart pumping exercise in with a hike through one of the thousands of Washington trails

Above all else, don’t forget to keep your dogs cool in the heat.

Happy adventures!

Santa was good to us this year, bringing us snowshoes and warm weather gear. To show our appreciation, we made the trek to Stevens Pass, hitched the huskies up to long leads and hiked our way through the snow and up to some of the best views I’ve seen in a long time. Even Jenna (the foster husky who recently found her perfect forever home) made the trip.

I can definitely say I am now a true fan of snowshoeing. LOVE IT! Even when Kaiya dragged me down a good size hill on my back screaming and laughing all to be clothes-lined by Jeff and Ruckus at the bottom. At least they stop us from going off the side. But more than me, our dogs loved snowshoeing. For them (and us) it means lots of exercise, cold weather and piles of snow to play in.

Next up… Snoqualmie!

What to take for your pups:

• Long lead, preferably attached to a harness: Our “kids” are too young still and their prey drive is on overload, so unlike Jenna, they aren’t quite ready to go off leash; I’m looking forward to the day they’re ready for this.
• Snacks: To avoid the dreadful bloat, make sure you don’t feed your pooch a big meal right before they exercise. However, like you they’ll likely want a couple of treats if you take a break mid-hike. Then, following the hike they’ll be ready to chow down.
• Water: Our dogs were more interested in eating the snow than drinking the water we brought, but still a good idea to have on hand since they’re working up a sweat like you. And don’t forget the water bowl.
• Proper attire: I know, who says this for dogs, but it’s true. If you dog has a short coat and you plan on being outside for a good amount of time, pack them a warm waterproof dog jacket. You also never know when a storm may roll in and better to be prepared than watch your furry loved one shivering.

I’d love to share a cute and funny picture of Ruckus and Kaiya donning this year’s Halloween costumes, but unfortunately they’re having no part of the dress-up game so many dog owners partake in… and understandably so. I mean who doesn’t love to see a Dachshund dressed as a hotdog, Ferdie dressed as a bee, or Champ dressed as our favorite Disney character. I know I do! However, I made a pact with my huskies when they were very young that we’d stop at the occasional scarf, and even then I know I’m pushing my limits.

So while I don’t have any treats of my own to offer, I do have a few photos graciously provided from friends, the internet and fellow Dogland bloggers.If you’re looking to strut your dogs diggs in front of your fellow Seattleites, check out the 5k Pumpkin Push at Seward Park on October 24. Dogs are welcome!

However it’s not Halloween if you don’t have some tricks to accompany your treats. Here are a few tricks to make sure you and your pooch have a scary safe time!

• Chocolate is hazardous to dogs, so be sure to keep your loot far from Fido’s reach. Unfortunately if they find the bowl they’re likely to eat every last piece, foil, wrappers and all. If this occurs make sure you call you veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1 (888) 426-4435.
• Keep pets safely inside, rather than out in the yard. The noise and commotion from trick-or-treaters might spook your pet, and there is always the risk that pranksters may release your pet from the yard. If you happen to be a cat lover as well (like me), Halloween can be a dangerous time for them. Make sure the ID tags are on and up to date.
• Lit pumpkins and wagging tails do not go hand in hand. Keep pumpkins out of reach to prevent burns and fires (not to mention smashed pumpkins). If consumed in large quantities, pumpkins can cause stomach issues and intestinal blockage.
• Putting your pooch in a costume can be fun and funny, just make sure it fits comfortably and your furry friend isn’t restricted from moving or breathing in any way. Also check to make sure there are no loose parts that could get caught and strangle him. It’s a good idea to never leave your dog unsupervised while he or she has their costume on.

Angela just posted here about the joys of (and preparations for!) camping with your dog.  What if you want to head to one of Seattlites’ favorite escapes, the San Juan Islands?  Dogs are allowed to travel by ferry, but a few tips before heading out.

• Driving onto the ferry is probably your best option with a dog, although they need to stay on the car deck (and so should you – frequent car horns and ferry noises can cause anxiety for a pup who’s been left alone in the car for an hour and a half).
• If you need to walk on, dogs are allowed onto the ferry deck, but not in the passenger decks.  Be prepared to stay on the car deck for the full trip.
• Each ferry has a small, (very) informal area for passengers with dogs, usually at the front of the boat.  There are a few chairs, but be prepared to sit amongst equipment and with any other dogs that might be making the trip.
• Buying tickets: there is no extra fee to walk on with your dog, but getting your “human ticket” can be a pain, since you can’t bring Fido into the waiting room at Anacortes.  I recommend driving through to purchase your ticket in the vehicle line and then cutting off to the parking lot.

Several San Juan and Orcas hotels and camping sites are dog-friendly – be sure to check before you head out.  If you make it to Eastsound on Orcas Island, there is a great dog park in town to tire out your canine companion.  Muddy beaches abound on all islands, so be sure to bring an old towel!

As much as I adore my Winnie, one thing I really miss about my pup-less existence is the freedom to do whatever I want after work. When it’s time to sign off from my workday, I want to do one of two things: socialize or be lazy. The latter doesn’t lend itself well to a 17-month old puppy, but the former, now that I can work with.

Enter Norm’s Eatery and Ale House in Fremont, my favorite dog-friendly Seattle establishment.

In the few short weeks I’ve had Winnie, I’ve been to Norm’s at least five times. The atmosphere is chill, the servers and bartenders are friendly, the food is good and they serve beer. What more can you ask for from a happy hour destination? That it invites you to bring your dog along. Now that’s icing on an already delicious cake. (Or, in Norm’s case, it’s extra gorgonzola and mushrooms on an already delicious burger. Highly recommend that menu option.)

Aside from Norm’s, most Seattle bars and restaurants with patios welcome well-behaved dogs. A few tips for the comfort of you, the rest of your party, as well as the diners around you:

• Bring treats to reward a good dog or to distract one on the verge of misbehaving.
• Before sitting down, ask tables near you if they’re comfortable with your dog being on the patio. Most Seattle-ites are a pretty easy-going, but be respectful of people who may have allergies or who are fearful of dogs.
• Nobody likes a barker. If you have one, leave him or her at home for happy hour.
• Only bring socialized dogs.
• Don’t let your dog lick your plate or silverware when you’re done. Ew.

What are some other dog-friendly happy hour destinations folks like to frequent?