Photo by Stephanie Conway
Dirk, the Doxie
Summer means family fun, fireworks, road trips and cookouts. Here are some important tips to keep in mind to keep your furry family members safe while enjoying the summer fun:
• Never leave your dog in the car: Even with the windows cracked, the temperature on the inside of a vehicle quickly shoots up to dangerous levels within just a few minutes. Fayetteville also recently passed an ordinance that prohibits animals from being left inside a vehicle unattended when the temperature is 70 degrees or above. If you see a pet left in a vehicle, immediately alert the store manager, ask the store to page the owner, and call animal control or the non emergency police department number.
• Life jackets are a must on the water: Dogs need to wear a life jacket when swimming, boating or canoeing. Even great swimmers can become tired, and canoes can tip leaving a pup to get swept away. I recall a ‘found dog’ post on Facebook last summer from Lake Tahlequah, a small dog in a life jacket was found floating in the middle of the lake. He was later reunited with his owner who hadn’t even realized he had been thrown from the boat! If it wasn’t for the life jacket, he would’ve drowned.
• Buckle Up on Road Trips: Just like the rest of the family, dogs need to be restrained while riding in the car. There are many low cost, easy options at the local pet store.
• Heat can be deadly for pets: Summer temperatures can cause harm to dogs. Hot pavement can hurt sensitive paws, and heat strokes can happen quickly. When the temperature rises, be mindful of things like hot asphalt, limiting your dogs exercise, and keep plenty of water on hand.
• Fireworks, thunderstorms and other scary things: Loud noises like thunder and fireworks can be extremely scary to dogs. In fact, shelters have some of the highest intakes after the Fourth of July holiday every year. Make sure your pets have a name collar with up-to-date information, a microchip (required if you live in the Fayetteville city limits) and a safe, cozy place to keep them during the storms and/or celebrations. Turn on some gentle music to help with the noise. A Thundershirt works wonders for scared dogs during thunderstorms and fireworks. Its a good investment if you have a very frightened pet.
Dog friendly events and fundraisers calendar:
FIRST THURSDAY — First Thursday will take place around the Fayetteville Square on Thursday, June 2, beginning at 6 p.m. There will be art, food for purchase, children’s activities and music.
PINT NIGHT — Pint Night #4 hosted by Pack Rat is happening on Wednesday, June 8, from 5:30 p.m. until 8 p.m. This dog- and kid-friendly event will include food and beer for purchase, as well as nonalchoholic beverages. Bring $6 and your photo ID to purchase the commemorative glass. Proceeds benefit our local Nature Conservancy. Pack Rat is located at 209 W. Sunbridge Dr., Fayetteville.
GULLEY PARK SUMMER CONCERT SERIES — Thursday, June 9, and Thursday, June 23, from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Pack a blanket and lawn chairs and come to Gulley Park for the free Summer Concert Series. Dana Louise & the Glorious Birds will play June 9, Blue Healer will perform June 23. Free to the public.
PEANUT BUTTER, PUPPIES & PINTS — Set for Saturday, June 11, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. at Nomads Music Lounge in Fayetteville. There will be a special dog menu of peanut butter smoothies and chicken son-cones for the pups as well as a full human food menu and craft beer selection. 10% of proceeds will go to the Washington County Animal Shelter. Rain or shine, so come with your pup and enjoy their covered patio at 1431 S. School, Fayetteville.
YAPPY HOUR — B.Y.O.D. Bring your own dog to Yappy Hour benefiting the Animal League of Washington County Thursday, June 16, from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on the Noodles Patio! $10 admission (free for ALWC members) includes live music, giveaways, appetizers and gourmet dog treats. Cash bar available. Proceeds benefit Animal League of Washington County. Noodles is located at 3748 Mall Ave., Fayetteville.
NWA DOGWALK — Help raise funds for local shelters at the 5th annual NWA Dogwalk Saturday, June 25, 9 a.m. until noon at Orchards Park in Bella Vista. This event is fun for the whole family, including the dog! There will be vendors, adoptable dogs on site, food and fun. Registration is $30 for 1st dog and $5 each additional dog and includes an event tshirt and goody bag. All proceeds benefit local shelter. Register at www.nwadogwalk.org
Hope to see you at one of these great events! Until next month…Keep Fayetteville Furry! xoxo Stephanie & Dirk
