I’ve always thought the phrase “dog days of summer” meant that it was so hot that dogs would lie around panting and we’d enjoy the lazy hot days too. I was completely wrong. I’m confident that many of you thought the same thing. Maybe this should be a future Jeopardy question. Actually, the term originates from Sirius, the brightest star in the constellation Canis Major, which means “big dog” in Latin. Ancient Greeks noticed that this star appears to rise alongside the sun in late July and creates the hottest time of the year in July and August.
Now that you have this trivia tidbit, I’m going to tell you my meaning. I’m coining the phrase to mean that we’re going to plan some fun things for our dogs in Virginia Beach. That makes more sense to me. Here’s my list of fun spots for your furry friend this summer.
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Salty Paws
Take your canine to cool off with some doggie ice cream. This ice cream bar offers a huge variety of toppings like dehydrated chicken, sweet potato or cookies. Ice cream flavors include maple bacon, pumpkin, carob, cheese, banana and others. Man’s best friend can sit at the table and enjoy a bowl of ice cream while you shop for a doggie bag of donuts, cookies or treats to take home. The ice cream shop is located at Chic’s Beach.
2104 Pleasure House Road
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Chick’s Oyster Bar
Chick’s Beach Club is now dog friendly Friday-Sunday, so they’ve expanded their popular retail section with something special for the dogs. They’ve added an official orange crush dog toy. You can now share an orange crush with your dog. Also, dogs can don a cool Chick’s bandana. Gourmet hot dogs have been added to the menu to keep with the dog theme.
2143 Vista Circle
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Pups and Pints
Bring your furry companion to a dog park and tap house. Dogs and their owners can unleash and unwind with almost 2 acres to run free. Amenities include dog chairs, play areas, dog menu, pup-inspired bites and local brews. Bring your doggies to their upcoming events:
Saturday, July 22: Christmas in July- dog vendors, free photos with Santa(dressed in Hawaiian attire) and adoptable dogs from local rescues.
Sunday, Aug. 6: Barkcuterie Board Workshop-a charcuterie board workshop with options that are safe for dogs to eat.
2413 London Bridge Road
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Wolfpack Pet Supply
This locally owned small family business sells healthy food alternatives for dogs and cats. It’s not a big box store, so you get wonderful customer service. Their food offerings include raw, kibble, gently cooked, air dried, wet, toppers and treats. Also, you’ll find a selection of great chew toys, shampoos, supplements and flea/tick preventives without harmful chemicals.
1348 N Great Neck Road
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Harbor Park
Even though it’s not Virginia Beach, I had to include this Norfolk event. Tides host “Bark in the Park” every season. Fans can bring their four-legged fans to Harbor park on July 16, August 1 and September 17. Dog tickets are $5 with proceeds going to local dog charity.
Harbor Park, 150 Park Ave. Norfolk
Lee Belote, [email protected]
