Summertime, and the living is… well, if not exactly easy, at least a little more leisurely for many of us. And though fog is a regular visitor in some parts of the Bay Area during August, there are warmer climes nearby where dogs and their owners can leave all care behind and play together in the sun.
Play is good. It eases stress, provides an outlet for pent-up energy, and floods our brains with endorphins. In short, it feels good, and dogs really dig it. As we all know, their ODA (optimum daily allowance) for play is high. Throw in some organized rules, positive training, and a little friendly competition and you’ve got a recipe for doggie delight.
So in this issue, we celebrate the world of dog sports – athletic activities that promote a positive canine-human bond, improve cardiovascular health, and stimulate sociable contact amongst dogs and people. Learn more about it all in Ursula Kinley’s lead article. Meet some local dog champions and their humans in our Canine Champions feature. Our Good Dog! column provides a how-to for agility beginners, and Ask Dr. Dog explains the veterinary fix for one common canine athletic injury. (Just like with humans, the knees are often the first parts to go.)
If you are more inclined toward less vigorous outings with your pooch, you need to read Liz Cherene’s article about urban adventuring with her Portuguese Water Dog, Abby. Fido-friendly train rides in Berkeley? Who knew?
And before I leave the topic of summer fun, here’s a big heads-up. We are throwing a party in Dolores Park on September 7. It’s all about celebrating the thriving community of Bay Area dog lovers that has made our humble newspaper a success. Bay Woof wants you to be there, so save the date and stay tuned for details.
Finally, don’t miss the whimsical story of how God created pets on page 23. It answers the question that has puzzled animal lovers since time began: “How did dogs and cats come to be our best furry friends?”
Happy summer trails and tails.
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