Don’t even think about the Screen Actors Guild awards…
And even pass by the Oscars…
The awards show of early 2015 was the World Dog Awards, broadcast earlier this month on the CW Network in the USA.
Dog of the Year was Hank, the Ballpark Pup. Hank, a suspected Bichon Frise cross, made headlines last year when he wandered into the spring training camp of the Milwaukee Brewers professional baseball team. A veterinary check revealed that he may have been hit by a car. Outfitted in Brewers’ official gear, he became the team’s mascot. A children’s book, beach towel, and other merchandise have also been produced, with 20% of the proceeds going to the Wisconsin Humane Society.
The title “Dog of the Year” was given to honor the dog that made the most impact on popular culture during 2014. Hank received his Golden Hydrant statue from celebrity Paris Hilton.
While this award show may be seen my some as ‘over the top’ – Hank’s story helped to highlight the plight of homeless pets and the need for people to think ADOPTION first.
Good dog, Hank. Good Dog.
Kathleen Crisley, specialist in dog massage, rehabilitation and nutrition/food therapy, Canine Catering Ltd, Christchurch, New Zealand
I’ve already blogged about the Major League Baseball (MLB) games that are dog-friendly (link here), but did you know that many MLB clubs are cashing in on the popularity of dogs by offering branded gear?
Yes – it’s true. Gone are the days when t-shirts were only for human fans. Now you can buy a range of doggy products when you go to the ball park (or buy online).
For example, my hometown team – the Boston Red Sox – offer a range of Red Sox branded gear. Here’s a selection:
Dog t-shirt
Red Sox dog bed
Feed bowls
Collar and leash
Dog vest harness
Pink dog cap
Dog toys
Now…if we can only convince the Red Sox to have a dog-friendly game, life would be perfect!
It’s April and the 2013 Major League Baseball season is underway. Did you know that many MLB teams hold special events for dogs to attend the game?
These events allow baseball fans to watch the game from a special section of the stadium. Animal welfare charities are often supported through these events, which are accompanied by photo sessions and other activities (and some giveaways).
These games are so popular that some teams hold more than one event during the course of the season!
Here’s a list of the 2013 events:
Bark at the Park – Kansas City Royals vs Los Angeles Angels at Kansas City, May 26, 2013
Dog owners will receive a free Kansas City dog leash at this year’s Bark at the Park
Bark at the Park – Miami Marlins vs San Diego Padres at Miami – June 30, 2013 (Benefit for Humane Society of Broward County)
Bark at the Park – Miami Marlins vs Cleveland Indians at Miami – August 4, 2013 (Benefit for Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet)
Bark in the Park – Atlanta Braves vs New York Mets at Atlanta – May 5, 2013
Bark in the Park – Arizona Diamondbacks vs San Francisco Giants at Arizona – June 9, 2013
Bark in the Park – Arizona Diamondbacks vs Colorado Rockies at Arizona – September 15, 2013
Bark in the Park – Cincinnati Reds vs Philadelphia Phillies at Cincinnati – April 16, 2013 (Free ‘basebowl’ mat for the first 5,000 pet owners)
Bark in the Park – Cincinnati Reds vs New York Mets at Cincinnati – September 23, 2013
Bark in the Park – Los Angeles Dodgers vs Miami Marlins at Los Angeles – May 11, 2013
Bark in the Park – Los Angeles Dodgers vs Colorado Rockies at Los Angeles – September 28, 2013
Bark in the Park – Texas Rangers vs Chicago White Sox at Texas – May 2, 2013
Dog Day – Chicago White Sox vs Cleveland Indians at Chicago – April 23, 2013
Dog Day – Chicago White Sox vs Minnesota Twins at Chicago – September 16, 2013
Dog Day – Oakland Athletics vs St Louis Cardinals at Oakland – June 28, 2013
Dog Days of Summer – San Francisco Giants vs Pittsburgh Pirates at San Francisco – August 25, 2013
Pooches in the Ballpark – St Louis Cardinals vs Texas Rangers at St Louis – June 22, 2013
Puppypalooza – Cleveland Indians vs Kansas City Royals at Cleveland – June 17, 2013
Puppypalooza – Cleveland Indians vs Kansas City Royals at Cleveland – September 9, 2013
Pups in the Park #1 – Washington Nationals vs Atlanta Braves at Washington – April 14, 2013
Pups in the Park #2 – Washington Nationals vs Chicago Cubs at Washington – May 11, 2013
Pups in the Park #3 – Washington Nationals vs Minnesota Twins at Washington – June 9, 2013
Is your dog right for a MLB canine event? (guidance courtesy of the Atlanta Braves)Yes, if your dog:
Is old enough to be around other dogs and people (at least 4 months of age)
Is up to date on all required vaccinations
Is in relatively good health and can walk up and down several flights of stairs
Does well on-leash and is not overly aggressive toward other dogs
Is friendly toward humans and not excessively fearful
Is a Braves fan!
Probably not, if your dog:
Is still too young to mix with a big crowd (under 4 months);
Is a senior dog that would have trouble navigating stairs and being outside for an extended period of time;
Has aggressive tendencies towards other dogs or humans while on-leash (or off);
Is an Astros fan! (Just kidding, all are welcome!)
Is exhibiting any signs of illness close to the day of the game (ie, cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, diarrhea, etc). These symptoms can be signs of potentially infectious illnesses and it would probably be best for your dog as well as the other dogs in attendance, if they did not attend.
Older dogs, dogs with short muzzles and/or dogs in general that are quickly prone to heat exhaustion should consider not attending this event or possibly plan on not staying for the entire game. Even though there will be cool water, pools, shady spots, misting machines and ice cream on hand, the direct sun and heat can be a deadly combination for dogs. Dogs cool themselves down by panting and are not nearly as efficient as us humans. Please keep the comfort and safety of your dog in the forefront of your mind when planning out this fun day at the park.
