Dog Days

don’t leave fido out of the fun (or in the car) this summer

Your pooch is part of your family, so finding activities that are dog friendly can be just as important as finding activities for your kids. (OK, well, maybe not quite.) The Reno area offers many great places for you and your furry friend to share your time and have some fun.

Dine with your dog

Dinner with your Dog is returning Monday nights this summer at Wild River Grille. You can eat on the riverside patio with your four-legged friend and 10 percent of your check will go to the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) of Northern Nevada. And on this Sunday, starting at 5 p.m., Wild River Grille will be having “A Mother's Day Dining Experience of a Different Breed” or “Doggie Moms Day.” This is an event for the mothers of dogs to come eat with their pooch on the patio. This event will also give 10 percent of your check to the SPCA, and mothers will be given a glass of champagne and a goodie bag for the pup with treats from Scraps Dog Company and Discount Pet.

4th Street Bistro is also dog-friendly. They allow leashed, friendly dogs in their outside dining area, and they focus on sustainable business practices and local sourcing. Freeman's Natural Hotdogs also allows dogs in their outside seating and offers vegan and organic options. Other dog friendly locations include Süp Restaurant, Emerald City Cafe, Squeeze In and many other restaurants in the area that have outdoor seating available.

Humane Society events that give back

On May 18 from 8 a.m. to noon, the Nevada Humane Society (NHS) will host its annual “Walk for Animals” to raise money to help feed homeless animals. Those participating in the walk are asked to seek pledges, and those who receive pledges of $30 or more will be entered to win prizes. This will be a two-mile walk, which four-legged friends on leashes can participate in, along with different contests, face painting, music and more. Contests will include Best Dressed Pets, Best Pet Tricks and Best Look-A-Likes. It will take place at the Sparks Marina Park, and parking will be free for the event.

The Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe will also host an event to help feed homeless pets this summer. The “Truckee Duckee Derbee” on June 9 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the River Ranch is a fun rubber duck race down the Truckee River. Those who wish to participate can purchase ducks for $10 each to take part in the big race. There will also be a dog costume contest called “Dogz in Dudz.” The contest will take place at 2 p.m. with the race right after and raffles will continue until 5 p.m. Both these events are great ways to have fun with your dog and help out the community as well.