Dog Friendly Ice Cream Social @TraceATX benefiting @SafePlace_ATX

  On Saturday, August 18^th from 1:00-4:00 pm,guests are invited to kick back on the TRACE patio and enjoy some live music from the Erin Jaimes Band while sampling some of Chef O’Leary’sone-of-a-kind summer ice cream flavors.  Chef O’Leary is making a Peanut Butter Yogurt Ice Cream just for doggie guests at the event!  Trace is located at  W Austin  200 Lavaca Street.

 

This is a a free event for the whole family.  Guests are encouraged to “earn your spoon” by bringing a school supply donation for Safeplace’s back-to-school drive benefiting Austin area children. Learn more about the supplies needed here: http://www.safeplace.org/backtoschool.

Ice cream social summer flavor tastings include:

§  Southern Belle

Peach Cobbler Ice Cream

§  Complete Breakfast

Cheerios Berry Swirl Ice Cream

§  Chocolate Heaven

Dark Chocolate & Strawberry Meringue Pudding Pop

§  After-school snack

Salted Pretzel & Chocolate Swirl Ice Cream

§  Barely Buzzed

Bourbon Dulce deLeche Ice Cream& Candied Pecans (For Adults) 

Additional scoops while be available for purchase for $2 a scoop and the SIP menu will be featured throughout the event.For more information, please visit http://www.traceaustin.com/icecream or check out the event on Facebook

UPDATE:Twitter contest--Tweet your dream flavor to @traceatx using the hashtag #dreamflavor and Chef O’Leary will pick her favorite suggestion by Wednesday, August 15^th to create for the social. The winner will also receive a $100 TRACE gift card.

How Not to Socialize Your Dog

If you were a parent of a human toddler, would you take your child to a group of older kids that beat him or her up while you stood idly by?  After expressing fear, would you let the older kids beat your child up again? Would you then reward your child for showing fear?  That's essentially what I saw this past weekend.


An off-leash boxer was romping around the area at a dog-friendly event.  A young woman had a pyrenees mix puppy on a leash that looked to be about four to six months old.   The off-leash boxer attacked the puppy on three separate occasions, leaving the puppy yelping and screaming for 30 seconds.  The owner never protected the puppy from the boxer nor did the owner walk the puppy away from the boxer.  On two occasions, she walked the puppy up to the offending boxer.  At the end of the event, the puppy refused to follow the owner and cowered everywhere it went.  She stopped, petted the dog, and coddled it when showed fear.  This is a dog that is going to develop severe behavioral issues in the future.  The other owner praised his boxer as well.

The owner essentially put the puppy in a situation where it would be attacked, and then instead of teaching it to be confident through leadership, she coddled it.  I politely warned the woman that she was teaching her dog to be fearful, but she wouldn't have any of it.  She insisted that her cowering puppy was outgoing.  Unfortunately, it is difficult for many people to view their beloved pet(s)' behavior in an objective manner, and it was very obvious that the puppy no longer trusted her judgment. In my opinion, the owners of both dogs handled the situation improperly.  Both dogs were praised for undesirable behaviors. 
I have articles on how to socialize, but this one is how to NOT socialize.  Socializing isn't just spending time in the presence of others, socializing means having positive social interactions and learning how to interact.  Here's some basics on socializing your dog. 

• DON'T just let your dog play freely with other dogs.  Dogs are dogs.  They will fight on occasion.  They will pick up bad behaviors.  DON'T think that your dog won't come home with only germs from the dog park. They'll probably also bring home some unwanted behaviors due to social learning.  DO supervise your dog during play.
• DON'T assume that other dogs are friendly.  Like people, some dogs are just big mean jerks that want to pick fights.  DO know the other dogs before you let yours play or get beat up.
• DON'T think that all dogs have to get along.   DON'T walk your dog up to an aggressive dog.   If another dog is being a big meanie, just walk your dog away.  DO avoid fights.
• DON'T coddle your dog. Coddling your dog (babying/praising/petting when your dog exhibits fear or anxiety) only encourages those behaviors.  DO ignore fear and anxiety, and DO reward confident and active behavior.
• DON'T assume that other dog owners are watching their dogs.  Other owners probably aren't watching their own dogs.  Most of the time, they are socializing amongst themselves.  DO watch your dog and other dogs. 

Dogtoberfest Austin - Oct.23

Dogtoberfest benefits eight Austin area rescue groups.   Check out the fun events going on, and take some fun pictures too!

Date: Saturday, Oct. 23rd.
Time: 11- 4 pm
Location: The Domain, Austin,TX

KXAN presents the Dogtoberfest Canine Costume Contest

KXAN's Jim Spencer will emcee this year's Canine Costume Contest.  Categories include:   

• Wackiest                                                                
• Best Owner/Dog duo
• Best Group (2 or more dogs)                          
• Favorite Movie Character

Prizes will be awarded for each category as well as one for Best in Show.  It's free to enter!

This is a photo of Jim with Gwen, one of his beloved Miniature Schnauzers.

The photo was taken by our favorite photographer, Nicole Mlakar-Livingston.

Dog Portraits

The Neiman Marcus photo booth is back again this year.  For a $5 donation, we will capture your 4-legged family members photo in front of a custom back drop.

Additionally Nicole Mlakar-Livingston will be photographing the day's happenings as she roams througout The Domain.  After the event, we'll post a link to her website where you can view the photos and order them from her directly.  Nicole has come to be known as one of Austin's premier photographers. 

Silent Auction

Throughout the day, items from Domain vendors as well as many truly "Austin" businesses will be available for bidding at our annual Silent Auction.  The Silent Auction is the main fundraiser for Dogtoberfest, so please visit often & bid bid bid!

Demonstration Station Schedule:

11 - 11:30   Fit Dog Austin

11:30 - 12   McCormicks & Schmicks

12 - 12:30   Texas Hearing & Service Dogs

12:30 - 1     Canine Sports Rehabilitation and Conditioning

1 - 1:30        Fit Dog Austin

1:30 - 2        Flemings Cooking Demonstration - Making jerky for your best friend

2 - 3             APD K-9 Unit

3 - 3:30       Wiener Dog Races

3:30            KXAN Canine Costume Contest

Canine Sports Rehab and Conditioning

Austin's own Sandra Hudson will speak about the benefits of post-operative rehabilitation, as well as non-surgical treatments available for your best friend. 

Weiner Dog Races

You've heard about them, and maybe even seen them.  This will be your chance to be part of the first annual Weiner Dog Races at Dogtoberfest.  Central Texas Dachsund Rescue will organize & put on the races.  Stop by the CTDR booth starting at 10 am to register.  Slots will be limited, so don't wait!!!

Last Weight Pull of the 2009-2010

The last IWPA Weight pull of the 2009-2010 season will be on Feb. 6-7th at SouthPaws Playschool, 2324 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX. 

If you are interested in the IWPA sanctioned weight pull competition (Saturday and Sunday), weigh in will be at 9:00am. Pulling starts at 10:00am.  Weigh in NOT required for novice rounds. You may enter any of the novice rounds up to the time it begins.  Please see www.iwpa.net for specific rules in the competitive rounds.  Novice teams should be treated like training rounds.

Weight pull general info:

Any dog can participate and earn a title through IWPA for weight pulling.

What's the fee? Free for spectators. $10 for novice rounds - enter when you get there. Consider novice rounds a training session and a chance to see if your dog enjoys it. I will have harnesses for you to use. Most dogs take to a harness quickly. $25 for competition rounds.

What can my dog get out of weight pulling? Physical activity, confidence building, socializing, and improving their relationship with you.

What do I need to train my dog to do before then for weight pull? The come or recall command. Your dog should have basic control.

What's the most weight a dog has ever pulled? The most I've seen is 50000 lbs.  Most dogs in healthy condition can pull 10x their body weight without any additional physical training.

When do I enter? On the day of the event. Novice can enter any time before the round begins. Professional/competition rounds must be entered and weighed in before the start of the pull.

Who can participate? Anyone and any breed. No registry or club membership required.

What should I bring? Your dog on leash and yourself. Camping chair and crate if desired. I will have harnesses available for dogs 20 lbs to 160 lbs.

My dog is small. Is there anything for us to do? Yes! Even the "little" ones can weight pull. There have been Jack Russells and Italian Greyhounds that pull with success!

Sugar Mama's One Year Birthday Party! Aug. 29, 3-7 pm.

You love Cupcakes? I know you do! From the massive turn out at the Cupcake Smackdown 1.0, it is quite apparent that your dogs also love cupcakes. What better way to enjoy a Saturday afternoon than with your dog and cake! Join Sugar Mama's in celebrating their One year Birthday Party! It's dog friendly, and promises to be uber fun. See ya there! Deets below.

Hello Sugar Family!

It’s been a long, hot, sweltering, drawn-out, unbearable summer, but we’re nearing the end. It’s hard to believe, but this time last year Sugar Mama’s was opening her doors to Austin’s welcoming arms! Come out to the shop on August 29^th from 3-7 and help us celebrate with Sugar Mama’s 1^st Birthday Party! There will be food from Casserole Queens, drinks from Tito’s Vodka and Richard’s Rainwater, music from Team Fabrication, ice cream from NadaMoo!, a pie eating contest for charity, and cake from yours truly! The parking lot will be closed for the party, but you can park on one of the side streets (please don’t park in other business’ parking lots).

We’re taking 20 contestants for the pie eating contest, with a $10 registration fee. Those proceeds will go to benefit Austin Children’s Shelter, and the winner will win a basket of gift cards donated from local businesses. Since you folks are our loyal contingent, we thought we’d give you first crack at entering. If you’re interested in competing, reply to this email with your name and number and we’ll let you know if you’re in! We’ll be taking 10 alternates in case someone doesn’t show up or chickens out at the last minute, but you won’t need to pay the $10 unless you’re selected to compete.

Paws in the Park - Sept. 12th 11:30-4pm

The Austin Dog Alliance is holding its second annual Paws in the Park event on September 12th from 11:30am to 4:00pm at the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center. We'd like for your club to do a demonstration at our event this year. We hope to introduce a variety of different dog sports to dog owners and dog lovers in our community.

Paws in the Park is a FREE event featuring five (5) circus rings of activities designed for every member of the family:

(1) The Dog Olympics Ring inspires the personal best of our canine attendees in hurdle jumping, speed races, hot dog eating, relay races, and a variety of fun games.

(2) The Training Ring is where local trainers will present 20-minute training sessions throughout the event.

(3) The red ring is the Childrens Ring where kids will be able to earn Girl Scout badges, participate in face painting, the jumpy jump, and crafts designed for younger attendees.

(4) Dog Sports and Fun is the theme for the ring where attendees can see demonstrations of Agility, Fly Ball, Carting, Frisbee, and even Dog Dancing.

(5) Adopt-a-Dog Ring, rescue groups and shelters will showcase dogs available for adoption.

In addition to the circus rings of activities, over 50 rescue groups and dog-related vendors will be in attendance. I have attached a flyer with additional information about doing a demonstrtion at Paws in the Park. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions at su@austindogalliance.org.

Hope you can join in the fun!

Keep Austin Dog Friendly's Cupcake Smackdown1.0

The next official Keep Austin Dog Friendly event is Cupcake Smackdown1.0 (Sat. August 1st, 4-7 pm at One2One Bar @ 5th& Brazos). It will include a blind tasting judging of nearly 760 cupcakes, cutest cupcake voting contest, human eating cupcake contest, and canine eating pupcake contest. The panel of judges include yours truly, local chefs, pastry chefs, and food bloggers. Proceeds will go to the Wine and Food Foundation of Texas.

The canine eating contest is for SPEED, not quantity. The dog that can finish 5 pupcakes in the least amount of time wins (max time is 60 seconds) The pupcakes will be donated by Grand Dog Bakery located in Austin,TX. They will either be carrot and ginger or banana and carob. Mouse can down 7 of them in a less than 15 seconds.

Additionally, Town Lake Animal Shelter representatives may be there to take donations at the event to raise money for parvo treatments. Participation still pending. http://austindogfriendly.blogspot.com/2009/07/money-runs-out-to-save-puppies.html

Deets below.


Are you ready? Get Set! and BAKE! It is time for Austin to have a Cupcake Smackdown1.0, pitting icing against icing, pitting cake against cake. we'll see whose cupcakes reign supreme. Cupcake Smackdown will be held on August 1, 4-7 pm at One-2-One Bar. The tentative activities for Cupcake Smackdown 1.0 are a blind tasting contest of all the store front bakeries, an amateur baking contest, a cupcake silent auction, the people's popular vote, and a cupcake eating contest for both dogs and humans! Live music will be performed by Arielle Nicole.

For the blind tasting, a panel of local chefs and foodies will be chowing down on vanilla, chocolate, and a baker's choice cupcake from each of the eight store front shops. Each cupcake will be judged on the flavor, texture, and aroma.

Other activities include a bake off in which amateur bakers can enter either the vanilla, chocolate, or freestyle cupcake competition. There will be two categories for the cupcake eating contest: one for human participants and one for canine participants. Canines will be eating pupcakes for speed (not quantity). Ginger carrot pupcakes provided by Grand Dog Bakery. Spectators will also be invited to vote for the People's Choice award for any of the store front bakeries, vote for the cutest cupcake at the smackdown, and also participate in a cupcake silent auction. Proceeds to go to Wine and Food Foundation of Texas.

The event is kid and dog friendly. The last day to submit entry forms for amateur bakers' class is July 22nd. Pre-entries for the cupcake eating contest are being accepted and will be accepted until the day of the event pending space. Entry forms for the eating contests are available at All-In-One Bakeshop on 183. Each entry for the eating contests costs $10. Entries for the amateur baking contest is free. Please bring water and a spray bottle to keep your dog cool. It will be hot. Admission to the event is free. Please tip your bartender.

Email Jennie@misohungrynow.com to participate, enter yourself or your dog, enter your cupcakes, or to sponsor the event.

Schedule:

4:00 - 6:30 - Live Music, People's Popular Vote, Cutest Cupcake Vote, Silent Auction

4:00 - 5:00 - 1st round blind tasting of cupcake entries

5:30 - 6:00 - Final round of blind cupcake tasting

6:00 - 6:30 - Canine eating cupcake contest - pupcakes provided by Grand Dog Bakery

6:30 - 7:00 - Human eating cupcake contest - cupcakes provided by All-In-One Bakeshop

Here's the list of judges for Cupcake Smackdown1.0. I will be tasting, but not judging.


Jennie Chen - MisoHungryNow.com & MakeitwithMoonshine.com - Will shake my cupcakes for frosting.
Nataya Anderson – FeteandFeast.com -The REAL Everyday Foodie
Michelle Cheng – foodieisthenewforty.com - Attorney and Cupcake at Law
Jessica Maher – Spoon & Co. - Eats cupcakes in a single bite
Peter Tsai – FoodingBlog.com - the Foodingblog photographer \ writer with a taste for fun
Lisa Lawless – Lisaiscooking.com -Red head with a palate for red velvets
Todd Duclephan – Executive Chef at Trio/Four Seasons - I could judge cupcakes in my sleep.
Chris Palomares - Chow Chow Connoisseur - Opa to cupcakes!
Paloma Efron– Paloma Custom Cakes - Cake decorating goddess. And damn fine baker, too.
Ryan Snedgar - wotonmera.com- "Ryan, Chief Arbiter of Cupcakes"
Phillip Speer – Pastry Chef at Uchi -Want some Uni on your cupcake?
Jodi Bart – Tasty Touring and KGSR - Has anyone invented a cupcake top?
Devrah Otten - winner of the tasting competition portion of That Takes The Cake(2008 and 2009) - Cupcake Mistress of the Delicious.
Kristin - Do512 - It's not the size of the Cup it's the shake of the Cake
Jenna Noel – Associate Publisher of Edible Austin - I drink frosting for breakfast.
Chris Speyer - Chief taster of the Speyer Ranch - Will judge for booze
Kristen Speyer - Betty Crocker in disguise - Are you looking at my cupcakes?
Marshall Wright - eatthislens.com - food writer/photographer
Darrell Joseph – BellaVerdiFarms - I grow cupcake farms.
Cecilia Nasti - KUT Growing Concerns - She eats from the garden and savors life (and would grow cupcakes if she could find some seeds).
Penny De Los Santos - Senior contributing photographer 4 Saveur Magazine - Travel & Food Photographer pennydelossantos.wordpress.com



Sponsors include:
Rise and Shine Bakery
Sugar Mama's
Polka Dots Bakery
Mad Cakes
Luxe Sweets
L's Cupcakes
The Cupcake Bar
Hill Country Bakery
Wicked Cakes
Cupprimo
Grand Dog Bakery
Danger Cakes
Austin Urban Gardens
All in One Bakeshop
Growing Concerns on KUT
Do512
NosetoTailatHome.com
Bella Cupcake Couture
Walton's Fancy and Staple

Want to really spoil your pet (and yourself)?! Two words: Four Seasons.

Photo courtesy of Kerri at the Four Seasons

It is no secret that I love Trio at the Four Seasons (@FSAustin on Twitter). It would not be inaccurate to say that I broadcast my love for them freely. They are the second business in the "Inside Austin Businesses" series. I have posts reviews about them, here, and update here, and here. If you love food and want to feel like royalty, read my posts, find Susie behind the bar and Mark holding a bottle of wine during Happy Hour, and get ready for the time of your life. Here are some pictures from Trio, just because I like posting food pictures.

Cheese Plate


To die for Chocolate Flourless Cake

Beef Sashimi

One of the things that I love about Trio is that they are psychic. Yes, I said it. They are like the Miss Cleo of service. They know what you want, before you know it. Trio's staff is literally 5 steps ahead of you. If you need more wine in 5 minutes, Mark already has a selection of different wines at the table based on your preferences before you can ask. This hasn't happened yet, but I'm guessing that if you're going to propose to your beloved at Trio, you probably just need to call Kerri, and they'll have something fabulous planned and the perfect ring sitting at the bottom of a glass of wine. Based on what I've seen Kerri do, that's my guess if you pop the question at Trio. Men, do you hear me? Don't screw up your proposal. Let Trio take care of it. They are masters at orchestrating the perfect evening.

Now onto the dog friendly part. The Four Seasons is dog friendly. The only down side in this for me is that I live in Austin, so I'll probably never find an excuse to stay in a room at the Four Seasons with my puppies. But for those of you out of town folks who are tired of Motel 6 or La Quinta (most economical choice on the dog show circuits), try the Four Seasons. Not only do they have a doggie menu, their staff has also been known to save some treats for my Mouse and Beez. We've gone home with a gigantic sized pork chop that was going to get thrown out. :o)

Photo courtesy of Kerri at the Four Seasons

A few administrative points though:

*While the hotel is dog friendly, no dogs in Trio (restaurant) or on the terrace outside. No dogs are allowed where food is prepared or being served, per health codes. You can order off the doggie menu from your room or from the large grassy lawn just outside the hotel. Let me tell ya, it's a perfect place for a picnic. No puppies in the spa or pool area. We need those places to be mostly hair free. No hair in my cucumber water please.
*Only pets the size of a beagle or smaller (in general, smaller than 16 inches and fewer than 25 pounds) are allowed.
*While in the hotel, pets must be kept on a leash when not in the guest's room.
*Pets may not be left in guest rooms unattended and must be well-trained.
*With advance notice, pet sitting services may be arranged through the Concierge at 512-685-8130.
*Owners are responsible for any property damage and personal injury their pet may cause while in the Hotel.

If you hadn't noticed, there are two picture on this post of how your puppy or kitty will be greeted. Oh yes. We're talking about being pampered. Imagine being you being spoiled after a dog show. Ah....now that's talking. Don't forget about your manners when stay at a hotel with your pet. Read them here: www.austindogfriendly.com. Pick up after your pet, and make sure your dogs aren't doing too much talking or singing. Enjoy your stay!

Closing Bull Creek District Park OLA (Off leash area)

***UPDATE***

7/12/2009

Due to the continued levels of e-coli in the creek, Bull Creek District Park is in danger of losing the off leash area (ola). The water quality testing and e-coli problem has been going on for over a year but the City of Austin has recently escalated its actions.

Several City of Austin departments are currently conducting meetings to review the water quality data and are making decisions on the future of this park and its off leash area with out including YOU, the stakeholders and users of the park!

This is a public park and the possibility of closing the off leash area should involve the public. Bull Creek Dog Off Leash Group-BCDOG asks that you take a moment and email or call the following people to ask for public involvement in the review of this park and the off leash area. We are asking for public involvement thru a taskforce so that the source of the e-coli can be determined and find possible solutions.

Parks & Recreation Department Director

Sara Hensley sara.hensley@ci.austin.tx.us

City Council Members

Lee Leffingwell-Mayor 974-2250

Chris Riley-Place 1 974-2260

Mike Martinez-Place 2 & Mayor Pro Tem 974-2264

Randi Shade-Place 3 974-2255

Laura Morrison-Place 4 974-2258

Bill Spelman-Place 5 974-2256

Sheryl Cole-Place 6 974-2266

*city of austin website www.ci.austin.tx.us

*group email www.ci.austin.tx.us/council/groupemail.htm

Watershed Protection Department Asst. Director

-Nancy McClintock 974-2652

nancy.mcclintock.ci.austin.tx.us

Parks & Recreation Board

Linda Guerrero-Chair

Danette Chimenti-Vice Chair

Marilyn Bostick-Board Member

Jeff Francell-Board Member

Sara Hatfield Marler-Board Member

Mark Vane-Board Member

*board meetings are generally held the 4^th Tuesday of every month, check city of austin calendar for changes

Don’t let decisions be made behind closed doors about your park, get involved. Stay up to date by becoming a fan of Bull Creek Dog Off Leash Group-BCDOG on Facebook or sign up for our Yahoo group.

We need volunteers to help spread the word about the OLA. If interested please email Debra at baileysolutions@yahoo.com

LovePuppies Brownies and Puppy Breakfast at Austin Java City Hall and Lofty Dog

LovePuppies Brownies gets the proud honor of being the first business featured on Keep Austin Dog Friendly's "Inside Austin Businesses" series. I'm pretty happy to announce that as a food blogger and avid baker, LovePuppies brownies are amazingly awesome. I should know. I just ate 4 of them in the last 2 days. My favorite so far is the "You Mocha Me Crazy" which is rich dark chocolate with ground espresso beans. It is sinfully delicious with the scent of coffee and a little crunch. I'll also add that I am not a coffee drinker. I personally find plain coffee to be disgusting, but I love the smell.

Also, I wish I had pictures of the brownies to post. But I ate them all. Oops. My bad.

LovePuppies Brownies, owned by Chef Joel Haro, is a branch of his catering business. As a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY, Chef Haro began a catering company that included these brownies. Since 2007, the demand for these brownies led to increased flavors, website, and a business plan just for the brownies. In 2009, La Dee Dah Treat at the South Austin Trailer Park (next to Shuggies and Torchys- LOVE Torchy's BTW - and dog friendly) began to carry the brownies.

LovePuppies currently carries six flavors: Make Mine a Double Chocolate, Peanut Butter Nutcase, You Mocha Me Crazy, Hunka Hunka Burning Love, Forget about Dinner Mint, and Trailer Park Chic. They also develop signature flavors or house brand flavors for a business or event. You can order them via their website or by phone. Give them a try. They might Mocha you crazy! www.lovepuppiesbrownies.com 512-507-9526 Did I mention that Joel Haro loves his puppies?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also, Austin Java at City Hall at 301 W 2nd St has some new specials. Every Saturday morning from 8-11, they're having "puppy breakfast" where you get 10% off if you bring your dog or a Lofty Dog receipt. They will have treats and water bowls available all the time. On July 18th, the puppy breakfast will be "breakfast is going to the dogs", and Lofty Dog at 403 W. 2nd Street will have goodie bags with coupons and treats in them as well.

Dog Day Party on the Patio At Cool River Cafe June 13th

Happy 7th Birthday to Keep Austin Dog Friendly and Mouse!

A Dog and his Swanky Bucket

It has been seven long years since the inception of Keep Austin Dog Friendly. We started as a little rinky dink website hosted for free on Yahoo. The first hard copy list went out at Groovy Dog's first location on Mopac and 2222 (now closed). In after a year, I decided that it was time to buy a domain name, and the Austin Dog Friendly list was transferred to www.rrgsmd.com (still up for the time being). Just over two years ago, rrgsmd.com was replaced with romanreign.com which is were the Keep Austin Dog Friendly list is hosted. You can reach the list by visiting austindogfriendly.com or Keepaustindogfriendly.com.

I CAN HAZ BUCKET!

Over the years we have grown, added google maps, added a blog, and a Twitter. Now I can update event information easily, and make that information available to readers in a timely fashion. Thanks, Austin. Thanks for Keeping it Dog Friendly!

In celebration of Keep Austin Dog Friendly's Birthday, Rio Grande Austin will be having Yappy Hour all day today with 1/2 price appetizers and drink specials.

Fried Soft Shell Crab at Paggi House

It is also the 7th Birthday of my baby Mouse. Now that he's seven years old, he'll be showing in the veterans class at conformation shows. *Sigh* The time really does fly. His week of birthday celebrations started out with a Keep Austin Dog Friendly Social where he met Fenway, practiced some obedience, and had some cookies. On Tuesday night, I took him to one of the swankiest dog friendly joints in Austin - Paggi House. Paggi House rocks our world. One of my other hobbies is food blogging, and here's my review of Paggi House. The service, the food, and the view at Paggi House is to die for. This is where you take your future in-laws to impress. This is where you take your million dollar clients. This is where you take your beloved pets to celebrate milestone birthdays.

King Salmon Carpaccio at Paggi House

Upon our arrival at Paggi House, the staff greeted Mouse with Happy Birthday! Not only did he get spoiled by the staff, he also got to drink out of super posh bucket. Yes, indeed, Mouse will have a very Happy Birthday! BTW, someone needs to bring me here for MY birthday. I want a swanky bucket too! Thank you to the wonderful staff at Paggi House. We finished up Mouse's 7th birthday food tour at Max's Wine Dive.

I've been to Max's Wine Dive several times, and well, I love it too. Here's my review of Max's wine dive, and here's the link to additional food pictures. Scroll to previous pictures on the photo stream. Brunch there is absolutely fabulous!

Also, new additions to the list since last posting: North by Northwest, Cissi's Wine Bar, Crepes Mille, Mansion on Judges' Hill, Lustre Pearl Bar, Key Bar Austin, The Tiniest Bar in Texas, Max's Wine Dive, Music Cafe, Zax's Pints and Plates, Foodheads, County Line on the Lake, and Salvation Pizza.

Ribs and Slider at Max's Wine Dive

French Toast at Max's Wine Dive Brunch

Picnic with your pooch event at Chandler Park, Georgetown, TX

from the promoters

Picnic with your Pooch
http://files.georgetown.org/files/2009/05/picnic-with-pooch.pdf
Benefiting Georgetown Bark Park
Saturday June 6th 4pm-7pm
Chandler Park(Across fromm Georgetown Country Club- 108 Spring Valley Road)
Georgetown , Texas
This one of the most beautiful parks in Central Texas!!

• Free Barbeque
• Bring your own beverages, chairs
• Music by the Post Hole Diggers
• Come with or without your leashed best friend
• Microchipping and registration will be offered for only $20.00
• Canine contests show quality ribbons awarded to Best Kisser and Best Tail Wagger

$20.00 donation per family would be greatly appreciated 100% of dontation goes to bark park fund

Greater Swiss Mountain Dog Nationals 2009 and SWOM Tweetup May 20

After spending a combined 69 hours in a car with 2 people and 3 dogs round trip, we made it back from the Greater Swiss Mountain Dog National Specialty Show just North of Salt Lake City, UT. Every breed has a specialty show put on by the national club yearly. Usually, the location of the specialty will rotate across the country so that club members will get to attend the shows that are closer to home. Specialty shows usually include activities that are breed specific (ex: herding for border collies, drafting for newfies, and tracking for bloodhounds) in addition to conformation shows and an obedience trial. Dog above is Morgan from California. Specialty shows are great as you get to meet other owners from across the country, and you get to see many dogs of the same breed. As an owner for 2 rare breed dogs, this is a real treat. This year, I had the great pleasure of meeting an entleburcher! Looks like a Swissy with short legs. Pictured below. National breed clubs have many functions in additional to organizing a specialty show each year. National breed clubs are responsible for maintaining and improving the language of breed standards, heading up programs to improve breed health through screening and careful breeding, educating the general public about the breed, educating conformation judges, rescuing and rehoming dogs, and maintaining various records about the breed. Join your national club for more info. Also, Upcoming event....: Society of Word of Mouth Tweetup http://twtvite.com/hgb6us Cuatro’s, 1004 W 24th St, Austin, TX 78705 http://www.cuatrosaustin.com/ 1004 W 24th St, Austin, TX 78705 , Austin, TX

When? May 20, 2009

What time? 5:30 - 7:30pm

Keep Austin Dog Friendly starts Blogging

Welcome to Keep Austin Dog Friendly's Blog. Due to the high number of Austin Dog Friendly Events, event announcements will be posted here. Additionally, training adventures of Mouse and Basil will be here. You can also follow us at :

www.twitter.com/pookiesoup
www.twitter.com/mousethedog

Training for Monday, May 4:
Precision work and the get-it-stand on Mouse at Whole Foods Downtown. Mouse is more than distracted by people walking by with plates of bbq. Tough work for a hungry dog. Woof Woof! More proofing work later on today.