(Ottawa Dog of the Week for August 9th/10)

“I’m Warf. I take my responsibility unseriously and laugh easily. Unlike my namesake, I am no Klingon warrior, but I can wag multi-directionally. When I’m not providing counselling or loafing around with friends, I enjoy bicycling, boating, swimming, and singing. Due to my heavy schedule and lack of pockets, my Mom has been trained to carry my business cards, and take my calls and emails for public appearances.” – Warf, as told to his mom, Janet

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I’ve had a few readers and some followers on Twitter ask how to keep our dogs cool in this weather. One reader sent this in and it sounds like a great idea!

There’s a little park called Kiwanis Park at the east end of Levis Street in Vanier. It has a kids pool divided into two sections – one about 10 inches deep, the other about 3 feet deep. The pool closes at 6pm during the week and while they drain the pool, you can let your dog off leash to play! The area is small, and completely fenced in. It’s been a life saver these past few days, as even a short walk burns us out, but our 2 year old chocolate lab Frankie loves charging through the shallow water. It’s lightly chlorinated, but doesn’t bother her a bit. And she smells a lot better than after swimming in the Rideau at Stanley Park!

How are you keeping your dogs cool in this heat? Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Popularity: 3% [?]

(Ottawa Dog of the Week for July 20th/09)

“I researched for a long time what breed of dog would be best for me, and the answer always came back to a pug. They are funny, clever, affectionate companions, and usually great with other pets and children. I love their wrinkly little faces, sideways walk, and curly, cinnamon-bun tails! I had to wait several years but I finally got my pug! Satchmo is the sweetest little guy! I got him as a puppy at 11 weeks old, and he is now 2 years old.

Wherever I go, you will usually find him there, half a step behind me. He is a lot of fun to hang out with, up for anything from rides in the car, going to Nannie’s, playing in the dog park, going for long walks in the Arboretum, or cuddling on the couch watching TV. He understands over 30 people words, including all of his toys by name: Kong, Hedgehog, Lion, and NewToy (its not new anymore, but the name stuck!) The kitties are not so convinced of his awesomeness, but he has learned that they don’t mind him when he’s on his best behaviour.

He loves going to the cottage in the summer, where he runs all-day with his doggie-cousins, and swims in the lake. Not many pugs like to swim, but he gets right in there and paddles around to play with us in the water and to cool off. He likes to stick his tongue out when he swims. He loves to have visitors over; his snorts, wiggles, and “pug-run” make him the clown of the party! Everyone who meets him loves Satchmo’s quirky, loveable character, but no one loves him like his Mama!” – Satchmo’s mom, Kim

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I’ll be the first to admit it, I am NOT a camping type girl. I love sleeping in a bed and my camping days ended with Girl Guides (and now I want a Girl Guide cookie…). It’s just not for me. Give me a cottage with running water any day.

That being said, a lot of people really enjoy camping and love to do so with the entire family, including the four legged ones! I have had a few requests so after some poking around, calling, emailing, and the help of some friends, I have come up with some resources for those of you who enjoy the great outdoors.

Check out the following places:

CHAMPLAIN TRAILER PARK
Contact: 1.705.474.4669
Website: champlaintrailerpark.com

About this service: Enjoy a beautiful Canadian sunset at our quiet, full-service park. Champlain Tent and Trailer Park is located at the edge of the city, adjacent to the historic Champlain Municipal Park where the Lavase River meets Lake Nipissing. From this point, the Canadian explorers and fur traders caught their first glimpse of Lake Nipissing as they paddled westward on their journey from Montreal to the Great Lakes by way of the Ottawa, Mattawa, and French Rivers.

Champlain discovered our area. Now it’s your turn. Come enjoy the natural beauty of Lake Nipissing and all that North Bay has to offer.

KOA
Website: koa.com

About this service: KOA say they welcome dogs on their website, but they do suggest calling ahead. Some locations have breed restrictions due to insurance reasons. There are a few locations near Ottawa, and up through the 1000 Islands area. Located here, here and here.

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Popularity: 3% [?]

(Ottawa Dog of the Week for December 15th/08)

“I adopted Kirby at 14 weeks old, after his first family decided they should have done more research into puppies and breeds before getting a dog. Since coming into my life, Kirby has blossomed into a (mostly!) well-mannered, goofy, active and extremely loving boy. I couldn’t imagine life without him – he brightens every moment of every day!”

Kirby’s favourite pastimes include swimming, digging, learning to be obedient with the help of his friends at Ottawa Canine School (he’s got two levels so far!), playing rough with his many, many puppy-pals, frequenting Ottawa’s various dog parks – particularly Stanley Park, helping his mom study for school (but only after a long walk or a swim!), learning agility, chasing squirrels, being lazy on the couch, visiting his Grandma and Grandpa’s cottage, barking at the neighbours, herding his mom’s cats, being told he’s handsome while getting some lovin’, playing with toys – especially the ones that squeak, honk, quack, and cheese!

Kirby’s least favourite things are the car (it makes him drool….big time!), learning not to antagonizing his mom’s cats, and small kitchen appliances, power tools and the vacuum (really, anything electric that makes noise!!) – oh and nap time! He hates that!

When Kirby grows up, he hopes to learn to be a therapy dog because he has heard that means lots of cuddling and kisses. He hopes to someday compete in agility and maybe, even pass the Canine Good Neighbour Test – provided he can get over his fear of scary things, like umbrellas and unfamiliar situations, but his mom has no doubt he can do it because he has already learned so much in their 9 months together!” – Kirby’s Mom, Adrienne

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(Ottawa Dog of the Week for May 12/08)

“Clifford is one and a half year old Boston Terrier big boy (he is large for the breed at 30 pounds). My husband and I got Clifford in 2006 as a wedding gift (to each other). We both tried to go without a dog for about a month after we moved in together but just couldn’t live without a dog. Clifford is the cleverest dog I have ever owned (or met) and you can see the wheels in his head turning when he is figuring out how to get something he wants. He loves swimming, running and playing with his little sister, Dottie. He also LOVES to watch T.V. He loves anything with animals and, oddly enough, golf. His favorite show is The Dog Whisperer and watches whole episodes start to finish. He loves the people he knows and warms up to other quickly but he is a very good watch dog. He is definitly a Daddy’s boy and loves to cuddle!” – Clifford’s mom, Morgan

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