Red Cross Pet First Aid

American Red Cross and Pawtropolis are teaming up to provide a four-hour seminar on pet first aid. The seminar will provide crucial information that could potentially save your dog's life one day! You will also become officially certified in Pet First Aid at the end of the seminar. The seminar is on the expensive side, but you cannot put a price tag on the comfort of knowing that you can save your four-legged companion's life. There are only a few spots still available so sign-up today!

Here are some more of the details:
Date: Saturday, December 8
Location: Pawtropolis University (located in Athens, GA)
Time: 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Cost: $40.00 (pre-registration is required)
Phone number: (706) 227-7887 (I assume that you call and register)

There is nothing like a good lickin'

My dad forwarded a link to me today and it is simply too cute not to share it with everyone! Click here if your computer monitor needs a good cleaning! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!

Another "dog-tastic" event!

Hipbone Pet (the new pet boutique in Midtown that I just blogged about) is hosting a holiday party for the Piedmont Park dog park on Saturday, December 1 from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. You can get a holiday picture taken of you and your dog by a professional photographer. Great prizes such as dog training lessons and natural treats from Dogstar bakery will be raffled off throughout the day. All of the proceeds go to benefit the Piedmont Park dog park. Not only is this holiday party great for Georgia dog lovers because you can bring your dog, but it also benefits one of Atlanta's most cherished dog friendly places!

Click here to find out more specifics about this "dog-tastic" holiday event!

**This blog post was edited to add a link with more specific information about the event**

And the winner is...

Congratulations to Purina for winning the most preferred brand of dog food quiz on my blog. Second place was a tie between IAMS and another brand of dog food that I did not list with 26%. What other dog food do my fellow Georgia dog lovers prefer? I personally prefer Beneful's Healthy Radiance. I honestly believe that the dog food has helped both of my dog's coats.

Thank you to everyone who participated and voted. Stay tuned because I will post a new quiz shortly.

Three is a crowd

So this is Sampson, a four year old lab mix that will be coming to live with Joe, Jack, Lilly and I for quite some time. Sampson's owner, Jimmy, is a good friend of ours and he is temporarily living back at his parent's house so he can save up money to put a down payment on a house. Unfortunately, Jimmy parent's are not big fans of Sampson to say the least. They actually called Jimmy the other day to break the horrible news that Sampson is no longer welcome at their house.

I have watched Sampson before while Jimmy was out of town on business, but two bigs and one small dog sure is a crowd in just one house. Since we do have a dog-friendly house with a fenced in backyard, I told Jimmy that Samspon can come live with us until he finds a place of his own. Samspon is a well behaved dog, but a big problem that I have is that he constantly barks at our neighbors when they are outside. I cannot always keep him inside because it gets too hectic, but I do not want to be a disturbance to our neighbors. I could never give up my two dogs and I don't expect a good friend to give up his own either. I know how much Sampson means to Jimmy so we will just have to make it work. I will have to start reading the three dogs blog to find out what life is like with three dogs! Wish me luck!

Do any of my fellow Georgia dog lovers have any advice??

My awesome dog slide show!

Paws for Cocktails

On Thursday, November 29 from 5:30 until 10:30 p.m., the Atlanta Pet Rescue and Adoption is hosting their 6th annual Paws for Cocktails at Park Tavern in Atlanta. The price of the event is $15.00, but that includes food, one free drink, a pet psychic, a raffle, a live and silent auction, and a $25.00 gift certificate to Golfsmith. All of the proceeds from the live and silent auctions will go to Atlanta Pet Rescue.

Please correct me if I am wrong, but I do not believe you can bring your dog to this event, but it sure is a dog friendly cause! So all of you Georgia dog lovers out there should go to this awesome event and support your love of dogs!

Hipbone Pet

Hipbone Pet is one of Midtown's newest dog boutiques, and if I must say so myself, one of the must glamorous ones as well! Hipbone offers a posh doggie lounge that includes free wi-fi , a 42' plasma TV and a doggie-proofed deck. You can even rent out Hipbone for the night and host a dog friendly party! The Atlanta Pug Meetup group is even having their December meet up at Hipbone Pet!

They sell high quality dog food, treats and apparel, as well as other dog accessories such as collars, toys and leashes. They also offer FREE self-serving bathing for your pooch, as long as you bring your own towel. There is a $5.00 fee if you use one of the store's towels.

I really liked the motto that they included on their website which stated, "we really are the pet store for people!".

I have personally never been to Hipbone Pet, but I felt the need to share this doggie fabulous place with my fellow Georgia dog lovers!

Pictures from our camping trip

Due to technical difficulties last night I was not able to post pictures of our camping trip on the Chattooga River. Since the visitors of my blog seem to enjoy my pictures due to their comments (by the way, thank you for your comments!), I decided to do a separate blog post with the just the pictures from our camping trip.

I love camping!

As you can probably already tell by my previous blog posts, I love the outdoors! I especially love being able to bring my dogs to enjoy the outdoors with me. Camping is one of my favorite past times and my dogs seem to love it as well. If you love the outdoors as much as I do, I highly recommend bringing your dog camping. Pets are actually welcomed at almost every state park and campground in the state of Georgia as long as they are leashed at all times. Click here to find out more specific rules and regulations in regards to pets in Georgia State Parks and campgrounds.

My boyfriend and I personally like finding our own secluded campsites that are not in state parks so our dogs can aimlessly run around and thoroughly enjoy the outdoors. We all actually went camping the other weekend and had an absolute blast. We found a beautiful campsite on the Georgia/South Carolina border near the Chattooga River.

My pug Jack and I got a little cold at night because the temperature dropped down to the low 30's, but I was able to cuddle up to him near the campfire to keep us both warm. Lilly on the other hand was not phased by the cold temperature due to her extremely thick and heavy fur. One of the smartest things we did this past camping trip was buying glow sticks and tying them to Jack and Lilly's collars so we could see where they were at all times after night fall. I would highly recommend this to anyone who goes camping with their dogs. Although I would not recommend to keep your dog unleashed if they have a tendency to wander away, especially at night.

Check out this awesome website that contains information on dog friendly campgrounds in the entire U.S. and even Canada!

Who let the dawgs out?

If you are heading to Athens this weekend for the big football game with your pooch, Memorial Park which is located off of Milledge Avenue is the place to go after the game. At the back of the park there is a huge fenced in area where dogs can run around and play with other dogs without their leashes. Memorial Park has one of the biggest dog parks I have ever visited.

The dog park is encompassed by huge trees that make the area mostly shaded, which is a good thing during the hot summer months. There is an on site faucet for the dogs to drink out of and chairs for the owners to sit in.

The dog park is not only a great place for the dogs to socialize, but for the owners as well. Your dog makes a great conversation starter for other fellow dog lovers at the park. I have met a lot of interesting people and have had some great conversations while sitting at the dog park.

I have seen dogs of all different shapes, colors, and sizes at Memorial Park and surprisingly have not personally encountered any aggressive dogs. I always feel comfortable letting my little pug Jack "rough house" with the other big dogs. Around five o'clock seems to be a popular time to go to the dog park since both professionals and students are starting to get home from work and school. The hand full of times that I have gone to the Memorial Park around that time, there have been at fifteen dogs! And all of the dogs have gotten along and played just fine.

I have never brought my camera to the dog park since I usually have my hands full with two extremely excited dogs, but I will make sure to bring it next time so I can post pictures of the park and the dogs on here.

Oh yeah, go dawgs! Beat Auburn!

Mark your calendar!

If you live in or around the Athens area, the Athens Area Humane Society is hosting their monthly pet care clinic on Saturday, December 1. The pet care clinic offers cheap rabies vaccinations and other low-cost services such as flea and tick treatment. You can even get a microchip ID implanted in your pet for only $25.00! Click here to find out more specifics about this awesome, inexpensive opportunity to take care of your dog!

The Athens Area Humane Society also announced on their website that the Athens Regional Spay and Neuter Center is opening on Monday, November 19. The center will offer inexpensive spay and neuter services as well as vaccinations at extremely low prices. You can call 706-353-2287 or 888-582-5554 to schedule a spay or neuter appointment.

Tribble Mill Park

I have been to a lot of parks all over the state of Georgia and I honestly believe that Tribble Mill Park, which is located in Lawrenceville, GA is one of the best parks in Georgia. Not only is Tribble Mill beautiful, it is a great park to bring your dogs to. Some of my favorite scenery and dog pictures have been taken at Tribble Mill Park. The park has miles of trails to chose from to either run or walk around the park with your dog.

I like to bring my dogs to a large lake off to the right side of the park so they can go swimming and chase after the tennis ball. Lilly, my German Shepherd loves to swim in the lake while my pug Jack only likes to put his paws in. The dogs love this park because they get to go running, swimming, and chase tennis balls all in one day.

Tribble Mill Park is also horse friendly so you can bring both of your best four-legged companions with you to enjoy this beautiful park.

Has anyone else been to this park with your dog? Did you enjoy as much as I do?

Happy Halloween!

Halloween is only two days away and dressing up in costumes is not just for humans. I found a great website that has a lot of costumes that you can either order or get some great ideas from for your dog.

Is anyone dressing up their dogs? If so, what are you dressing them up as?

Have a safe and happy Halloween with your friends, family, and four-legged companions!

Trick-or-treat!!

PugFest 2007

Here are some pictures from PugFest 2007 this past weekend. Pugs of all different shapes, sizes, colors and ages were there to celebrate their awesomeness! Some pugs were dressed up in costumes, while other pugs rode around in luxury in their strollers. I dressed my pug Jack (pictured below) in a UGA t-shirt in honor of the big Georgia/Florida football game. There were several contests that your pugs could participate in, from the oldest pug to the pug who had the curliest tail and longest tongue. Overall, I had a great time at Pugfest and enjoyed talking with fellow pug owners about what we love the most; our pugs!

I would love to hear back from other people who attended this "pug-tastic" event.

Cloudland Canyon State Park

If you want to go on a beautiful fall outing in the North Georgia mountains with your dog, Cloudland Canyon State Park is the place to go! This is the perfect time of the year to go because the leaves are beginning to change beautiful colors and the temperature is just right for a hike.

Unfortunately, Cloudland Canyon 's waterfalls have not been in existence for over a year due to the drought, but it is still worth the trip. The entire state park is dog friendly, but they must be leashed at all times.

There are over 6 miles of mountain hiking trails to enjoy for you and your pooch to enjoy. I would not recommend to bring your dog if they are out of shape because the trails might be a little too strenuous for them. Make sure to bring plenty of water for you and your four legged companion because there are no water fountains on the trails.

Cloudland Canyon makes for the perfect day if you want to enjoy the beautiful outdoors with your dog!

Hotel Indigo

For all of my Atlanta dog lovers, Hotel Indigo which is located in the heart of Midtown is pet friendly and has no pet fee! I have personally never stayed there, but I have heard great things about it. If you aren't a poor college student like myself and can afford something a little bit better than a Motel 6 and are traveling to the Atlanta area with your furry companion, Hotel Indigo is a great option for you!

I know summer has passed, but Hotel Indigo also holds a Canine Cocktail hour every Tuesday night from 5-8 PM for their 21 and over dog loving guests and their four-legged guests all summer long, from Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day weekend. They even have a delicious doggy menu and complimentary treats and water. How cute! I know Memorial Day is several months away, but keep this event in mind if you and your pooch want to go out for a summer night out on the town !

Has anyone ever stayed at Hotel Indigo or attended this event? How was it? Let me know!

Excuse me, how much did you say that would cost me?!?!

One big and EXPENSIVE responsibility of having a dog is taking them to the vet for yearly check-ups and for anything else that might happen in between. I know this blog is about pet friendly places in Georgia, but I feel that finding the right veterinarian is very important to every fellow dog lover. I used to take my pug Jack to the Banfield Animal Hospital that is located in Petsmarts, but I felt that I was being overcharged.

After doing some research and talking to other dog owners, I scheduled Jack's yearly check-up at the VCA Falcon Village Animal Hospital that is located in Lawrenceville, GA. I heard and read nothing but good things about it so I definitely had high expectations. The staff was friendly and helpful, but the the nurse assisting the doctor was exceptionally caring and loving toward Jack; I could tell she loved her job. The vet was nice and took her time to listen to my concerns and answer all of my questions, but I still feel that I was overcharged.

Here is the breakdown of my vet bill that was over $300.00:
$45 Comprehensive wellness examination (I believe this was the blood test to check all of Jack's vital organs)
$11 DA2P (Distemper, adenovirus, parainfluenza)
$8.00 Bordatella (Kennel Cough)
$18.oo rabies
$9.00 parvovirus
$8.00 Coronavirus
$25.00 heartworm test
$50.00 fecal exam
Jack also received a benadryl shot, cortisone shot for itching, and some medication for his skin irritation which probably added up to at least $30.00.

I know Jack is worth every penny to my name, but give me a break here..I am a poor college student! I need to find a good and decently priced vet for my two wonderful dogs...any suggestions? I need your help fellow Georgia dog lovers! Was I over charged or is this the standard rate for yearly check-ups?

Calling all pug lovers!!

Ever since I got my pug Jack, I have been a pug enthusiast! I am officially addicted to the breed and would recommend to anyone to get a pug. I also think it is safe to say that fellow pug owners feel the same way. My mom sent me an exciting email yesterday about a festival that is all about pugs! How exciting is this?

The festival/fundraiser is being held on October 27 at the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds from 10 AM to 4 PM. The event is being sponsored by the Southeast Pug Rescue and Adoption. I will definitely be attending this event with my pug and will post pictures of it on my blog. Pugs rule!

Click here to find out more specific information on PugFest 2007!











**This blog was edited to add photos**

Motel 6

I forget to mention in my last blog post that I also found out that Motel 6 is a dog friendly motel nationwide. Whether you are going somewhere for pleasure or business in or outside of Georgia, you can stay at a Motel 6 and bring your dog! The Motel 6 that I stayed at in Hilton Head, SC was exceptionally clean with a friendly staff as well. It was also located less than five miles away from the beach. I was thoroughly impressed.

Check out http://www.motel6.com/promotions/pets.aspx to read their pet policy!

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina

I went to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina this past weekend and by surprise found out that dogs are allowed on the beach during specific dates and times throughout the year! I have been to a lot of beaches along the East coast, but I believe this is the first beach that I have gone to that permits dogs on the actual beach. Some dates do not even require the dog to be on a leash!

Unfortunately, I did not know this great piece of information until I got there so I did not have my dogs there to enjoy the beautiful beach. Although, many other beach goers did take advantage of the dog friendly beach. I bet there was over twenty dogs of different sizes, shapes, and breeds just in the general area as myself.

If anyone wants to take a long weekend beach trip, but cannot find a dog sitter, Hilton Head is the place to go with your dog! Hilton Head is only about an hour away from Savannah which also makes it a plus for Georgia dog lovers!

To find out the dog rules for specific dates/times on Hilton Head Island Beach go to:
http://www.hiltonheadisland.com/beach.htm

Does anyone know of other pet friendly beaches? Has anyone brought their dogs to Hilton Head? If so, what was your experience like? I would love to hear other people's comments and experiences!



**This blog post was edited to add a photo**

Rainy, but still fun!

Since I am a student at the University of Georgia, several of my dog friendly places will be located in Athens, GA. UGA offers a great intramural facility that is pet friendly off of College Station Road (Exit #7) that is not only open to students, but to the general public as well. At the very back of the facility, there is an off leash permitted dog park!

My boyfriend and I took the dogs to the intramural fields on Monday evening. Even though it poured like "cats and dogs" on us for five minutes, I was still thoroughly impressed with the dog park. The dog park is enclosed by a fence, but it has wide open fields and numerous shaded trails to choose from to walk or run on within the fenced in area.We were able to play fetch with the dogs in an open field and go on a walk on one of the trails without their leashes on. The dogs had a blast!

Another couple at the dog park that I talked to goes there every day with their three dogs and have not encountered any other aggressive dogs, which can be a problem at other parks. The couple also mentioned that they sometimes keep their dogs unleashed outside of the dog park and have not had any complaints from other visitors. As far as I could tell, other runners did not seem phased by the unleashed dogs. Although I would not recommend for people to do this, unless your friendly dog will stay by your side and not distract other visitors.

This is a great place for college students to bring their dogs after a long, stressful day at school and for professionals after having to leave their dogs inside all day while at work.

The intramural fields offer a wonderful area for the dogs to aimlessly run around with no worries while providing a beautiful scenic backdrop to enjoy. What else could anyone ask for in a dog friendly place?

All about my blog

My dogs Jack and Lilly

I have two dogs and I love to bring them everywhere that I possibly can. My blog will contain information on pet friendly places all over North Georgia for other dog enthusiasts like myself who do not like to leave their dogs at home. Whether it be a restaurant that has a pet friendly patio to hiking trails that have permitted areas for unleashed dogs, I am going to find them and blog all about my dog-related experiences. I will also post pictures of my dogs enjoying my new blogging adventure. If anyone knows of any great dog friendly places that I do not blog about, please feel free to e-mail me or post a comment and I will try it out for myself with my two dogs.