DAVIS
Every year, UC Davis draws a crowd to its annual Picnic Day, featuring a jam-packed schedule of activities, exhibits, and demonstrations all over campus. The Canine Medicine Club at the School of Veterinary Medicine hosts various dog events, including a breed showcase and canine disc contest. Other furry events include Jack Russell Terrier races, Sheepdog trials, and plenty more, all from 8 AM to 5 PM on April 17. It all adds up to a fun and educational experience for adults, kids, and on-leash dogs. UC Davis is within easy reach of the Bay Area, a straight shot along Highway 80, about an hour east of Berkeley. Full details at http://picnicday.ucdavis.edu.
HEALDSBURG
Mutt Lynch Winery garnered reader raves in our second annual Beast of the Bay Awards, and we staffers love it, too. It’s not just the bucolic country setting or the awesome wine cave that keeps us coming back, and it’s more than just the very fine wine featuring dogs on the labels. What we most admire is the owner’s devotion to improving the lot of homeless dogs. Mutt Lynch is a big supporter of www.adoptapet.com – this year’s donation goal: $10K – and the winery supports the fundraising efforts of animal rescue groups near and far through its Nonprofit Partner Program. For more info, visit www.muttlynch.com or email info@muttlynchwinery.com.
SAN CARLOS
Pulgas Ridge Open Space Preserve in San Mateo County is a jewel of the Peninsula, especially for outdoor enthusiasts who also happen to love dogs. The preserve’s 293 acres include many miles of trails that allow your on-leash hiking companion, and furry friends can play and socialize off-leash in a well-designed 17.5-acre area dedicated for the purpose. Spring is a great time to enjoy the natural beauty that abounds here, wildflowers especially. Download a map of the Preserve at www.openspace.org/preserves/maps/pr_pulgas_ridge.pdf.
SEBASTOPOL
Folk artist Patrick Amiot single-handedly has put Sebastopol on the map for dog devotees. His whimsical sculptures made of scrap metal and other found objects decorate many private lawns and businesses in this groovy Sonoma County town less than an hour north of San Francisco. You can pick up a map to the sculptures at Copperfield’s Books (138 N. Main St.) or from a red box on the front steps of the artist’s own home (382 Florence St.). Be sure to take along your favorite young two-legged friends as well as your dog so you can gawk and giggle in good company. Dog-friendly cafes and wineries also dot the area.
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