Pictures with Santa

The Christmas season is officially upon us. A time old tradition is to get your picture taken with Santa Clause. We take young ones and old ones every year, but this year why not allow your dog to get in on the fun?
The South Bay Galleria in Torrance, Calif., reserves Monday nights for pet photos with Santa. The first run ended this past Monday. However, on December 13 the Galleria will be holding another pet photo day. Santa will only take pictures with dog for one hour. The start time is 8 p.m.  so get there early because the line gets long.

If the city of Torrance is out of the way for some people, the Northridge Fashion Center offers pet photos with santa too. In addition to serving complimentary treats, costumes and props will be provided too. The last day to get a picture taken is Monday, December 13. This event last for three hours, starting at 6 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. The good thing is those who work will have enough time to take their dog.
It is also important to note that the fashion center is specific to dogs. Whereas the Galleria allows all ranges of pets. Remember there will be dogs of all shapes and sizes so if a dog doesn't get along with others this event is not ideal.

The Dog Bakery

Three Dog Bakery is a local all natural dog bakery. The closest on is located at Los Angeles Farmer's Market, 6333 W. 3rd. St. #710. Its right next to Johnny Rockets.

The bakery was started by Dan Dye and Mark Beckloff out of love for their dog Gracie. Gracie was born deaf and blind in one eye. The duo wanted to prepare dog treats with all natural ingredients.

From the outside the bakery has a cozy atmosphere. There are tables and chairs in front of the bakery so dogs can enjoy their treats at the same time as their owners.

The store is very small inside. There is enough room for around six customers to fit comfortably. Bringing your dog inside isn't a good idea, any dog, of any size would just get in the way. The store specializes in dog food so toys and accessories are limited.

The bakery uses eclectic names, like Doggie O's, Pupcakes or Drooly Dream Bars. The bakery uses all natural ingredients like peanut butter, wheat, apples, honey, blueberries, molasses, egg, milk or sage. They will even make dogs their own birthday cakes or other desserts if called in ahead of time.

Also, the bakery has special holiday treats. During the Thanksgiving holiday the bakery offered a Thanksgiving feast that could be pre-ordered. The dinners were prepared by hand and included lamb wellington, pumpkin pie, fresh carrots and spinach dip. The bakery topped it off with a pound of bakery blend kibble.

Currently, there are two Three Dog Bakery locations. One at the Grove and the other in Pasadena. The store is open from 9am to 9pm, Monday through Friday. 

Dining with your Dog

Now a days there are few places where people can enjoy a well prepared meal and still have their dog tag along too. Many restaurants restrict pet access unless he/she is a service dog. However, Uncle Bill's Pancake House, a local diner in Manhattan Beach, allows you and your dog to dine complete with an ocean view. 

The pancake house has been around since the 1960s. Dogs are not allowed inside the restaurant, but the patio is fair game. The patio is a recent addition and allows visitors to drop in while on an early morning walk with their dog. The place fills up quick and its not unusual for guests to spill out into the sidewalk.

The food is fresh and the portions look small, but end up being the right size. It fills you up and leaves you satisfied and not over stuffed. Dogs are allowed to prop themselves up on the end of your table if that's what you allow. Every now and then we threw Duke pieces of sausage or fruit. Duke loves strawberries.

The staff is very friendly to both people and pets. Patrons keep to themselves, but every once in a while someone will look up and offer a smile or compliment a passing dog. Many didn't fuss with having an animal in the same vicinity as their food. 

I saw lazy dogs, alert dogs and dogs bold enough to rest their paw on their owners knee so as not to be forgotten. Waitresses will bring out bowls of water for dogs if their owner asks. The joint is open seven days a week from 6am to 3pm, Monday thru Friday and, from 7am to 3pm on Saturday and Sunday.   

Bath Time at a Local Pet Wash

      Let's admit it, depending on your choice of breed, bathing your large dog at home is more of a hassle, than a bright idea. The clean up alone is enough to make me run and hide. One trip to the groomer and a medium to large sized dog can cost $50 to $90. In the end, taking your dog to the groomer becomes more of a luxury than a necessity.

Since, the 1990s self wash pet stations have been popping up near the beach cities, according to petgroomer.com. Most of these pet station cater to medium and large sized dogs.

Splash UR Doggie is a self wash pet station located at 3817 Overland Ave., in Culver City. Right as you walk in you are greeted by the staff. Pets are welcome. There are three wash stations. The are kind of small but either way our medium/large sized Boxer was able to fit comfortably. We also took medium sized Sadie a Chow mix. She fit perfectly and the stairs allowed her to climb into the tub herself.

The shop offers organic shampoo on hand. They will also mix up a special oatmeal wash for dogs with sensitive skin. There are aprons so you don't splash water all over your clothes. The water does take a second to heat up but it wasn't a big deal.  

Overall, the staff is very helpful and attentive. They really make you feel comfortable and put your nerves at ease. The place is small and it is usually slow, which is a good thing if your dog is shy. 

Turns out there are a lot of self wash stations around the city. Check out Bark Williams or Moon Doggy's Dog Wash in Santa Monica, Calif. Or if you live in the South Bay area stop by Tidy Dog or UShampooch in Redondo Beach, Calif.   

 

Dog Gone Dog Parks

         Now-a-days, you’re sure to find a dog park in or around your city. In order to keep your big dog healthy, fit and happy it is important to let them roam free in an area bigger than your backyard. That’s why below you will find two great parks to enjoy near the beach.

The Westminster Off-Leash Dog Park in Venice, Calif. is a great spot to start. Located on 1234 Pacific Ave., this park offers up to 0.8 acres of land for your canine. A special perk is a sand box for dogs who like to dig. 

Redondo Beach Dog Park, (rbdogpark,) located the corner of Flager St. and 190th St., in Redondo Beach, Calif. offers 3 acres of fenced off space. According to rbdogpark.com, their “ongoing goal is to expand usage of the dog park to become a place to offer services and to bring people together." 

David Duddy, Fireplace Installation Specialist, goes to  rbdogpark twice a week with his mixed bred Rhodesian Ridgeback and German Shepherd dog Charlie. He enjoys knowing Charlie isn’t restricted by his leash and he also gets a chance to socialize with other dogs, Duddy stated. 

In addition, both sites offer water and seating for dogs and their humans. Always abide by the rules of the park and bring plastic bags for your dogs business. Remember to get out and have fun!

Doggie Day Birthday Bash

Every year birthdays come and go. Instead of celebrating your birthday why not celebrate your dogs birthday. Duke turned three years old this year. However, it doesn't matter when or where you got you dog you can have a pup day bash any time of year. 

Invite people and pets that your dog gets along with. Try asking friends at the local dog park. .

Decide to decorate or not. The great thing about dog parties is they can be big or small. Balloons and streamers is a good place to start. Supplying four legged guests with party hats is a nice touch.

Prepare a nutritious homemade meal for everyone. Try ILoveDogs.com, a free recipe site.. Another route is preparing a meal for both you and your dog. Bake whole chickens with vegetables. Great side dishes are white rice and roasted red potatoes. Shred some chicken and add a  cup of kibble and mix it all together for the dog.

Allow time for the dogs to get their energy out. Some ideas include a walk around the neighborhood or playing fetch.

Stop by Three Dog Bakery, an all natural dog bakery and place an order for a birthday cake. There are also individual treats to purchase as well. 

Finally, when guest begin to leave pass out a doggie bag. Some items to include are raw hides, chew toys, tennis balls, mini pup cakes or  poop bags. In the end dog parties turn out to be more fun than anticipated.

Dog parties are not limited to just birthdays, dogtime.com, an online resource offers other suggestions like a bark Mitzvah, a puppy shower or a howl-o-ween party. Whatever you choose to celebrate using the tips above will insure your dog party goes smoothly.