For hardcore pet lovers, leaving our best friends behind for an outing can be difficult. To be sure, furry faces and four legs aren’t suitable for just anywhere, but Atlanta dogs are getting luckier every day.
More and more establishments are dedicating patio areas to patrons with pets and even posh hotels are getting in on the action. We’ve rounded up some unique pet-friendly events sure to have the pet set howling with pleasure as well as some sage advice from an expert before hitting the Hotlanta pavement.
Dr. Michael Good of Town and Country Veterinary Clinic in Marietta said that the most common ailment he sees in summer is heatstroke and that a dog can begin suffering from it in five to 10 minutes, especially in a hot car with no ventilation. He said that while using common sense is your best bet, nothing replaces fresh water and shade.
“Georgia’s humidity limits a dog’s ability to absorb moisture,”. Good said. “Because dogs can’t sweat, their body temperatures rise without us noticing.”
And just because an event is open to dogs or a park has an off-leash policy, monitoring your pet’s behavior is also paramount to their safety.
“They have the attention span of a toddler and if you’re not paying attention, your pet can quickly get into a scrap with another dog,” said Good.
Mutts and Martinis
The motto here is play fetch and be fetching. Once a month on select Wednesday evenings until September, the always stylish W Hotel in Midtown plays host to pooches and their people for a special happy hour. Held on the Living Room patio, owners can sip on Salty Dogs and treat their best friends to ‘Poochsicles' and specialty Barks and Bites. Part of the event's proceeds will go to the Southern Animal Rescue. There’s no admission fee with complimentary parking across the street in the 14th Street garage (enter on Juniper Street). Casual attire is welcome, no lint roller required.
6 p.m. – 9 p.m. May 2. Free. The Living Room, W Hotel Midtown, 188 14th Street, N.E., Atlanta. 404-892-6000,
Canine Cocktails
All throughout the spring, hotel guests and locals leash up and head over for yappy hour at the Hotel Indigo located across the street from the Fox Theatre. Pups get complimentary biscuits and treats and rule over the historic patio. Thirsty humans can enjoy signature cocktails, like the "Off the Leash" or the "French Bulldog," and casual fare from the hotel’s 683 Bar & Bistro restaurant. Pet photo ops are available in the recently redesigned and renovated lobby bar. Who smells a new Facebook profile pic?
5 p.m. – 9 p.m. May 3. Free. The Hotel Indigo, 683 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta. 404-874-9200, www.hotelindigo.com.
PAWFest
PAWfest, an all-day event for pets and people, raises funds for the Gwinnett Humane Society’s programs and services. The fun includes a pet psychic; prizes for the largest dog as well as the best costumed dog and an owner/dog look-alike contest; a canine agility demonstration; and low-cost vaccinations and microchipping. Treats will be provided by Nathan’s Famous hot dogs, Bruster’s (free dog sundae with purchase), J&J Culinary Sensations, the California Pizza Kitchen and a good old fashioned bake sale. There’s also a puppy hike and 5K. See website for details on how to register for all of the events.
10 a.m. -- 4 p.m. May 5. Free. Tribble Mill Park, Lawrenceville. 770-798-7711, www.pawfest.com.
Wag ‘n Walk
The third annual Wag ‘n Walk Pet Festival is a fundraising event benefiting the homeless pets of Walton County and provides a great way to spend the day with your pup. Participants and their pets are invited to walk around Meridian Park Lake and then enjoy live music and many pet-friendly events. Pet adoptions will take place down the “adoption alley” and there are raffles and prizes for all attendees, four legs and all.
11 a.m. -- 2 p.m. May 12. $10 per person; $25 per family. Meridian Park, 105 Generation Drive, Loganville. 770-207-1896, www.wagwalton.com.
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