By Paula Felps
"As soon as the weather warms up in the spring, Kaya knows it and immediately decides to extend our walks," says Schrade, who lives in Saratoga Springs, New York.
And longer walking time is only the beginning of more outdoor fun for the two. Warm, sunny weather ushers in the blissful months of summer, which for these two mean soaking in the simple pleasures of longer days, evening sunsets and more things to do around town.
Dog play dates
"We have lots of play dates at the park," Schrade says. "We both love to people-watch, and Kaya has so much fun exploring every corner. I also take her to our town's 'Shakespeare in the Park' festival."
Summer also means more adventurous outings for the duo, including car rides to Vermont and hiking the foothills of the nearby Adirondack Mountains.
"This summer, we're trying kayaking for the first time," she says. "I'll keep Kaya in my lap while I paddle."
Schrade says that when the two do travel, Kaya loves having her favorite toy with her—a fuzzy, bright yellow chicken. "That and her yellow blanket. She loves sleeping on that."
Best of all, summer weather spells more together time for her and her best pal.
"Kaya loves it when I take her places. One of our favorite things to do is go to outdoor cafés together," Schrade says. "She loves being a part of the scene."
Dog paddling through the days
Richmond, Virginia resident Beth Downey and her eight-year-old Labrador Retriever, Mac, also revel in being able to enjoy wide-open spaces and longer days this time of year.
As often as possible, they retreat to their country residence on Chesapeake Bay for leisurely walks around their wooded property, or afternoons spent splashing in the waters of the Potomac River.
"Mac has loved the water since day one," Downey says with a laugh. "During summer months, we go to the river every weekend and he somehow seems to know when it's Friday. He paces around until we're packed and ready to get in the car. Mac will swim anywhere. I sometimes take him to the lake at the University of Richmond, but his favorite place to swim is the river." (If you and your dog are planning a day of swimming, you can find dog life jackets in different sizes at many pet stores. And, no matter how experienced he is in the water, you should never leave your best friend unattended.)
The temperate waters of the Potomac also are the perfect spot for Mac's favorite summertime activity: spirited games of catch.
"He loves it when I throw a stick or a ball out into the water," Downey says. "Mac will play catch for as long as I throw to him. He also loves to dig in the sand … summer is his absolute favorite time of year."
Check out other great Spots with your best buddy:
Bagel Bark
Central Park – Great Hill, New York, NY 10106
July 24, 2010, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
www.centralparkpaws.org
Bagel Bark
Central Park – Balto, New York, NY 10106
August 21, 2010, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
www.centralparkpaws.org
Bagel Bark
Central Park – Great Lawn Pinetum East
New York, NY 10106
September 18, 2010, 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m.
www.centralparkpaws.org
Summer Theater, Annie Get Your Gun
1 Steuben Place, Albany, NY 12207
July 6 through August 15, 2010
518-434-0776
www.parkplayhouse.com
The 6th Annual Horse and Hound Wine Festival
2122 Sheep Creek Road, Bedford, VA 24523
July 10, 2010, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
540-586-3707
www.bedfordwine.com
Cool Canines
33 East Glendale Road, Webster Groves, MO 63119
September 8, 2010, from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. or
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
314-963-5665
www.webstergroves.org
"I Double Dog Dare Ya" Wine Tasting
1800 Lakeside Avenue, Richmond, VA 23228
July 9, 2010
804-262-9887
www.lewisginter.org
This article is courtesy of Dog’s Life magazine by Beneful® brand Dog Food.