Category Archives: Dogs

This past weekend, my dad and I took Frasier to Dog Days at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. While this is an annual event at the park, it was only Frasier’s first experience socializing with other dogs outside of his evenings at the dog park and his one time at the dog beach, and it was quite the affair.

From the countless rescue groups like Greyhounds Only, Inc., to Save-A-Vet.org, which rescues military and law enforcement working dogs, to Fido to Go, a canine catering food truck, there was something for everyone, whether human or pooch.

Although Frasier failed miserably at the Peanut Butter Lick contest, he was the epitome of a good dog throughout the whole event.

En route. Frasier knew something fun was ahead.

Right before the Peanut Butter Lick contest.

Exploring the tents.

Watching the military simulation.

Showing off his new (free) bandana.

One pooped pup.

What do you do when you’re not feeling up to par?

Keep calm and walk the dog, of course.

Nothing more soothing than relaxing with your pooch.

[top image via pinterest]

On Sunday, Frasier, who is undoubtedly a suburban dog through and through, had his first visit into the city in 12 years. What started as a ride down I-55, along Lake Shore Drive and through Rogers Park, ended with an early afternoon jaunt at the Montrose Dog Beach.

Accompanied by my uncle visiting from Portland, Josh and myself, Frasier quickly adapted to the beachy terrain. True to form, he ignored the countless other dogs, steered clear of the water, and instead opted to patrol the shore while doggedly (pun intended) marking his scent all across the beach.

One tired pup.

I think a return trip is most definitely in order.

Sometimes your pooch really is your BFF.

When you’re best friends with your pooch, you want others to be best friends with him too.

And sometimes, even when they hate you, your pooch is still your BFF.

This morning on my way to work, I spotted a stray dog much too close to the busy thoroughfare that is 63rd Street. So of course I pulled over to see if I could get to him. What I planned to do if that happened, I wasn’t sure.

As I jogged down the sidewalk, I ended up in the parking lot of a local grocery store, just a few feet from the lost pooch. I could tell he had been lost for a minute because his fur was slightly matted and dirty, he looked scared and nervous, and he must have been famished; he was picking for garbage and in the 90+ degree weather, I’m sure he was probably aching for some water.

Although he came close enough for me to offer a few pats on the head, he was still too scared to follow. Unfortunately I didn’t have a leash or dog treats on me so it became a lost cause as soon as he ran off. Even a quick drive down the alley behind the market proved to be fruitless. And I’m sure my eventual call to animal control was just as ineffective. Even worse is the fact that this wasn’t the first time I’ve come across stray dogs on the Southwest side of the city, and it’s awfully disheartening. So here’s to keeping a stash of treats, a bowl of water and a simple leash in the Jeep from now on.

This is one lucky pooch.