National Puppy Day was on March 23rd, and chances are your social feed was filled with people taking selfies with their favorite pet. While it may seem like every day is puppy day (I mean who doesn’t love spending time with their best friend?), this highly Instagrammable holiday may have gotten you thinking about all of the different ways you can stay active and have some fun with your beloved pooch year round.
Leash up Fido, grab your backpack and get ready for an ideal day of adventure with your furriest family member. We have put together a guide for a day full of dog-friendly fun.
After you and your best friend have filled your bellies with breakfast, head out the door to a local park with a bag full of tennis balls. The best way to have a successful day with your favorite dog is by letting him or her get all of their nervous energy out right off the bat…and there’s no better way to do that than by letting them run and play. There are a number of dog parks located throughout most city areas. Look up one that is close to you, grab your morning cup o’ Joe and go! Chances are, you will only throw the ball a couple of times before your dog makes a new friend and gives you an opportunity to take a rest.
If you and your dog prefer more room to move and fewer friends around, head to a nearby beach. The Oregon coast is only slightly over an hour away from Portland and two to three hours from the Seattle area. From Seaside, OR to Long Beach, WA and beyond, there are plenty of quiet stretches of beach for long walks, runs or hours spent chasing after balls. If it takes more than a couple of hours to reach the sea, head to a nearby lake to find a stretch of running area (think Lake Coeur d’Alene, Id or Diamond Lake, Or). When all of your energy is gone you can grab a snack and relax while reclined on the sand and listening to the sounds of the waves crashing on the shore.
There are an abundance of pup-lovin pubs throughout the Pacific Northwest. With spring taking hold of most cities, you are sure to find a couple that have dog-friendly outdoor seating areas and there are even some that let pets inside. If you are in Portland, check out Lucky Labrador Brewing Company. It has several locations throughout the city and offers traditional sandwiches, soups, and plenty of Lucky Lab craft bear. The Barking Dog Alehouse in Seattle has micro craft beers for you to sample while munching on Nachos or a Burger, and the Elk Public House in Spokane welcomes Fido with several dog-friendly tables and upscale grub including Salmon Cakes and Ravioli.
You’ve seen the pictures of dogs in paddleboards and dogs in boats. Take your partner for a float. After running all morning and gorging on great eats, there’s nothing more relaxing than a leisurely paddle down the river or on a lake. If you have a water dog, he or she might even jump in for an afternoon swim!
Ok, so a long hot soak in the bath after a busy day is relaxing for you. Your dog might not appreciate cleanliness like you do, but after running, playing and swimming all day a dog bath is in order. If you don’t want to destroy your bathroom trying to get your pup in and out of the tub, head to a local groomer. These professionals know how to wash your dog with love. You never know, it might even be a pleasant experience for your furry family member.
National Puppy Day may have given you an excuse to bond with your special animal companion, but don’t let the love stop there. Owning a dog can be incredibly fulfilling and even improve your mental and physical health. Make sure you set aside some time every day to fully appreciate your best friend.
RecTennis is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization | © 2024 RecTennis | Privacy Policy
I hereby consent to emergency medical and/or hospital service that may be rendered by or at accredited hospitals, by appointed physicians, in the event such need arises in the opinion of the duly licensed physician.
Acceptance of my entry in these events is without responsibility of any kind by the USTA/Pacific Northwest Section (USTA/PNW) and any other entity sponsoring the event. I do hereby for and on behalf of myself and my heirs and legal representatives RELEASE and forever discharge the USTA/PNW, its officers and representatives, from any and all claims, demands, and injuries, howsoever arising, whether caused by the negligent or intentional acts of the USTA/PNW and its representatives, representatives of other sponsoring entities, or by third parties, which injuries may be in any way related to my activities during the tournament and any period traveling to or from the events described, and all such claims are hereby WAIVED AND RELEASED, and I covenant not to sue therefore. The parent or guardian by signing below, does hereby agree to INDEMNIFY and hold harmless the USTA/PNW Section and its representatives and the sponsoring entity from any liability which they may incur to the entrant, howsoever arising and whether caused by the negligent or intentional acts of the USTA/PNW, its representatives, or the sponsoring body. I also give USTA/PNW permission to create a USTA account for myself and everyone in my party who is participating in the event.
I agree to be filmed and photographed by The United States Tennis Association (“USTA”) in connection with such participation and that the USTA will own any and all rights in such film and photography of me (hereinafter referred to as “Footage”). This will permit the USTA to proceed with taking such Footage and I now waive, as to the USTA and its successors, assigns and licensees, all personal right and objections to any use to be made of me, my name, likeness, voice or personality in connection with the use of the Footage in any media for any and all purposes, including trade, advertising and promotional purposes, in perpetuity and without further compensation. I understand that in proceeding with filming and photography of the Footage, the USTA will do so in full reliance on the foregoing permission.
By checking the box below you agree that you can currently answer no to the following questions: 1. In the last 14 days, have you experienced COVID-19 symptoms? Symptoms include: cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, or at least two of these symptoms: (a) fever of 100.4 or over; (b) chills: (c) repeated shaking with chills; (d) muscle pain; (e) headaches; (f) sore throat; and (g) new loss of taste or smell? 2. In the last 14 days, have you tested positive for COVID-19? If you’ve tested positive, but subsequently tested negative for COVID-19 twice in a row, 24 hours apart, have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, and other symptoms have resolved, then you can answer “no” 3. Have you been exposed to any individual who has symptoms of or has tested positive for COVID-19 and/or traveled to any known hot-spots for COVID-19? Exposure means a household member, intimate partner, or other individuals in prolonged close contact (within 6 feet for more than 10 consecutive minutes).
Players, participants, and any spectators or individuals that are participating in USTA and USTA PNW tournaments, programs, activities or events, acknowledge the risks associated with tennis, accept those risks voluntarily, and in consideration of their acceptance in the USTA and USTA PNW tournaments, programs, activities or events, assume all loss or damage, and any claim or demand therefore on account of injury and/or exposure to infectious syndromes or diseases to the person or property or resulting in illness and/or death arising out of or related to their participation, whether caused by negligence or otherwise. By participating or attending a tournament, program, activity or event, the players, participants, and any spectators assume all risks whether known or unknown. Furthermore, players, participants, and spectators agree to hold harmless the USTA, USTA PNW, and the host facility, their officials, (Released Parties) and the Released Parties employees and agents with respect to any injury or loss caused by negligence or otherwise to the fullest extent permitted by law.
