FitDog Friday: #BarkWorld Expo Edition

It takes FitDog balance and focus to ride a bike like Norman the Scooter Dog did last night at BarkWorld!

Norman and mini-me, Rocco

BarkWorld Expo kicked off with an opening night reception last night, so we're bringing you today's FitDog Friday post live from BarkWorld!

Norman the Scooter Dog made a special appearance at the opening reception, sponsored by Natural Balance, showing off his amazing cycling and scooter skills. It takes some great balance and focus to master these skills and I imagine some good core strength helps too.

Later we posed for photos, which I imagine didn't burn a whole lot of calories, but it sure was fun!

Today we're actually looking forward to two great FitDog events at BarkWorld. First, we plan to do some early morning Dog Yoga with our pal Anna Bettina from Happy Healthy Pup. We've wanted to try this for a while so we're looking forward to seeing how it goes!

Then, later in the morning our FitDog Friday co-host SlimDoggy will be leading a session about learning how to read dog food labels and how to better estimate the proper serving size for your dog. Should be interesting to see how many folks are feeding their dogs too much without even knowing it.

Lots of our FitDog Friday pals are here at BarkWorld, so these Atlanta dog walk suggestions are for you! (reprinted from our Wednesday post).

The 1.2-mile Piedmont Center nature trail is closest to the BarkWorld host hotel. It's a hidden gem that meanders behind an office complex about a mile walk from the Westin. Click here for walking directions.

Chastain Park also has a nice path around the park and is about 2.8 miles from the hotel.  Click here for driving directions.

Lenox Park has some walking paths around a pond and fountain and is about 1.5 miles away. Click here for driving directions.

These are all about 3-7 miles from the Westin in Buckhead so you'll need to drive to get there.

A Walk Through Lullwater Park
Dog Walk on Freedom Parkway Trail
A Stroll Through Winn Park
A Walk Through Piedmont Park Expansion
A Walk Through Piedmont Park

This one's further out, about an 1.5 hours from Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains... perhaps a good Sunday hike if you're still here!
Hike Woody Gap with Dogs


The fun and games continue every Friday with FitDog Friday, the weekly Blog Hop brought to you by To Dog With Love, SlimDoggy and Peggy's Pet Place to promote a healthy active lifestyle for pets (and their people, too!) and to help combat pet obesity. Join in every Friday by linking up your FitDog story or visiting the blogs in the Hop.

BarkWorld Expo 2013: Packing Tips, Atlanta Dog Walks and a contest!

This will be my fourth BarkWorld conference
and Rocco's first. Ask us a question about
BarkWorld, we just might know the answer!

Tomorrow we're heading up the road to BarkWorld Expo, the social media and blogger conference that's located in our hometown of Atlanta!

I've attended every BarkWorld since the conference began in 2010,  so here are a few tips on what to bring and what to do while you're here.

7 Must-Pack Items:

1. Business Cards -- There will be plenty of networking opportunities with fellow bloggers and sponsors so don't miss this opportunity to share information and stay in touch! 
2. Camera -- This is a photo opportunity like you've never seen before! If you like to photograph pets, you'll be in heaven! Don't forget to take group shots of your blogger buddies, the fun pet signage and your favorite pet goodies.
3. Smart phone and laptop or iPad -- Keep your smart phone handy for quick pics and videos so you can share them immediately via Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. It's fun to follow the action live (use #BarkWorld) via social media for both conference attendees and those who are following from home.    And don't forget all your power cords and chargers!
4. Large expandable suitcase -- Blogger conferences are notorious for having great swag and BarkWorld is no exception! Bring a LARGE suitcase and don't fill it. Then, open the expandable section for all your swag! 
5. Sweater or layering pieces -- This summer has been cooler and wetter than normal, expect mid 80s during the day and 70s at night with some rain and lots of humidity. Bring layering pieces for air-conditioned hotel rooms and comfy shoes.  
6.  Your pet's food, treats and toys -- In addition to making sure your pet is comfortable with their pet carrier, you'll want to bring their familiar food, treats and toys. That'll make them feel right at home and help prevent upset stomachs!
7. Pet accessories -- Don't forget food bowls, leash, poo bags, medications or anything else that's specific to your pet's needs!

Taken earlier this year, Rocco is a social media
 early adopter ! He's 11 months old now and
all grown up! Come say hello when you see us!

Where to find us at BarkWorld

Rocco and I hope to meet a lot of old pals and new ones at BarkWorld, so please come up and say hello!

We'll be spending some time helping out in the Pruven booth, so look for us there or just out and about!

Here's a sneak peak how to win some great products from Pruven!

During BarkWorld, tweet your biggest cleaning pet peeves to @PruvenPets using #PruvenPooches for a chance to win a pack of their amazing pet products!


For some great dog walks in and around Atlanta, check out these links. 

The 1.2-mile Piedmont Center nature trail is closest to the BarkWorld host hotel. It's a hidden gem that meanders behind an office complex about a mile walk from the Westin. Click here for walking directions.


Chastain Park also has a nice path around the park and is about 2.8 miles from the hotel.  Click here for driving directions.

Lenox Park has some walking paths around a pond and fountain and is about 1.5 miles away. Click here for driving directions.

These are all about 3-7 miles from the Westin in Buckhead so you'll need to drive to get there.

A Walk Through Lullwater Park
Dog Walk on Freedom Parkway Trail
A Stroll Through Winn Park
A Walk Through Piedmont Park Expansion
A Walk Through Piedmont Park

This one's further out, about an 1.5 hours from Atlanta in the North Georgia mountains:
Hike Woody Gap with Dogs

For some more helpful blog conference and travel tips with pets, check out these:

How to Prepare Your Dog for a Long Plane Flight

Travel Bag Comfort for You and Your Pet
A Walk Through BarkWorld Expo 2012

See you at BarkWorld! If you're coming, let me know in the comments below!

The Dogs of Piedmont Park Green Market

Every Saturday from May - December, the Green Market at Piedmont Park in Atlanta offers lots of goodies for humans and dogs. Cosmo and I had a nice stroll through the market on Saturday.

There's lots for a dog to see and smell!

And plenty of places for folks to relax and enjoy a coffee and croissant while their doggies check out the view...

... and hope for a few crumbs!

 It's a dog-friendly market with watering stations, too.

Every pup needs to stop at the Big Daddy Biscuits booth. Not surprisingly, Cosmo's persistence pays off and he scores more than his fair share of treats!

There are always lots of dogs in tow while folks shop for fruits, veggies, cheeses and other goodies from local farmers  at the Green Market.

With cooking demonstrations and live music, the Green Market at Piedmont Park is a great place to take your dog on a Saturday morning!

And the rest of the park is a doggie paradise too!

This is just a few steps away from the Market.

Now let's see what everyone else is up to at the Monday Mischief Blog Hop!

Wordless Wednesday: Cosmo Havanese Dines Al Fresco

Cosmo Havanese enjoys the breakfast goodies at a dog-friendly restaurant in the West Midtown area of Atlanta, Ga.

Ok, so he's really eating his doggie snacks... but either way, the breakfast treats and patio at Swit Bakery and Cafe are sure to delight humans and canines, too!

Dining Out With Dogs: Lunch with Cosmo Havanese at Star Provisions

Cosmo Havanese had a nice lunch out at Star Provisions in Atlanta today. Ok, this wasn't really his lunch, but he did get to enjoy hanging out in the courtyard area.

Here's what it looks like from the other side. There's a nice, urban courtyard setting with shops and restaurants in the West Midtown area of Atlanta, and everywhere (except for inside the restaurants) is dog-friendly!

Wordless Wednesday: Dream Dog Park and Cosmos' Day

Last week we visited the Beneful Dream Dog Park on opening day. Here's a look at Cosmo's day in pictures! Above, Cosmo talks DIY and tells design expert Jason Cameron about HIS desperate landscape!

First a few jumps, then...

... A tall drink of water.

Cosmo's favorite place...  his head in someone's bag o' treats. Thankfully they didn't mind having Cosmo root around in their goody bag.

Even better than a romp through the sprinklers!

Atlanta Doggies Get Your Irish on in Piedmont Park!

The doggie events in Piedmont Park typically sell out, so here's a chance to reserve your spot in advance.  Cosmo and I already have our tickets and can't wait for this special St. Patty’s Day celebration in Piedmont Dog Park on Tuesday! There will be beer for humans and doggie bags filled with treats... for the doggies!
     Tuesday, March 15 - Wagging Tails and Ales
     6 pm - 8 pm
     Piedmont Park Dog Park, $15 in advance, $20 at the gate
Ticket prices are per person and all proceeds benefit the Piedmont Dog Park. Not an Irish Wolfhound or Irish Setter? No worries. Dogs of all types are sure to have a barking good time! Erin go Bragh in the Piedmont Dog Park! Order your tickets here! 

Dog-Friendly Dining: Check out Cosmo in FIDO Friendly magazine!

Cosmo and I love to visit dog-friendly restaurants, and while they seem to be on every corner in Italy, there still are plenty of choices for outdoor dining in our Atlanta area.

So when Carol Bryant from Fido Friendly magazine and blog let us know we made the current issue of the magazine, we couldn't wait to share the great news and the story about dining out with your dog. Check out the photos below and click on each to make it large enough to read the entire story!

We're featured at TAP, a gastropub in Midtown Atlanta with a large patio right on Peachtree Street, perfect for people or dog watching!

Our pal Gus from According to Gus is also featured in a very handsome photo in the first photo below.  Read on to check out the story AND a way to win a subscription to FIDO Friendly magazine.

We had just renewed our subscription to FIDO Friendly when we got the news we'd actually BE in the magazine. How cool is that?! We especially like the photo of Cosmo eyeing the yummy bacon, while I'm enjoying my coffee and brunch on a beautiful Sunday morning last fall.

And now, to make it even better, Gus is hosting a giveaway for a subscription provided by FIDO Friendly!  Just be sure to visit According to Gus before Monday to get all the details and enter!

Atlanta Botanical Garden Opens its Doors to the Dogs for Annual Reindog Parade!

If you want to take your pup to the Atlanta Botanical Garden, this Saturday is the day to do it! Once a year, the Garden opens its gates to the dogs for the Reindog Parade, a competition for prizes and a chance to enjoy the Holidays in the Garden.  Cosmo and I plan to be there and we hope we get the chance to meet Victoria Stilwell, host of this year's event and celebrity dog trainer of Animal Planet's "It's Me or the Dog."

Pre-registration has ended, but the Garden will be accepting walk-ups. Here's all you need to know!

Reindog Parade

Date: December 11

Time: 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. 

Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. 

Join the once-a-year fun of dogs in the Garden! Dress your pooch in holiday finery to compete for prizes or to just show off. Also, connect with local canine enthusiasts and businesses in the Doggie Expo.

Dogs compete in the following categories:

Best Dog-Owner Look-Alike

Best Botanical

Best Puppy (under 2 years)

Best Senior (older than 10 years)

Best Dog Pack

Not competing -- just showing off

Get more information here.

Here's a few photos from past Reindog Parades. We went last year and the costumes were a hoot! Some people go all out, but you can enjoy the fun no matter what you wear! 

Two little angels!!

Top Dog!!

Holiday finery!

See you at the Garden this Saturday!

Dog-Friendly Atlanta: A stroll through Winn Park

Sometimes a dog and his people just need to take time out of their busy lives and take an afternoon stroll through a lovely park, with fields and streams, and a few squirrels too!

We started our stroll at the Iris Garden entrance of Winn Park, nestled amongst the winding streets of Ansley Park, just minutes from Midtown Atlanta. 

You'd never know the busy business district is just minutes away!

Can you spot the wild Havanese in his native habitat?!!

It's Cosmo Havanese! Stopping to cool off in a clear, cool stream.

The pond is a lovely place to stop and relax...

... and watch the gold fish swim, the mighty oaks reflected in the clear pond water. 

What's caught Cosmo's eye? A squirrel, of course! 


This post comes just in time for the first day of National Walk Your Dog Week, October 1-7, founded by pet lifestyle expert and animal behaviorist Colleen Paige and sponsored by the Animal Miracle Network. Paige created National Walk Your Dog Week to bring awareness to the increasing problem of canine behavior issues and canine obesity in America. 


So what are you waiting for!! Get off the sofa and take your doggie for a walk, right now! It's good for both of you! I'm heading out the door with Cosmo just as soon as I hit "Publish." Ta-Da!


See you outside.

Piedmont Park Pool Goes to the Dogs: Splish Splash Doggie Bash Part 2!

The folks at Piedmont Park say last Saturday's event was "so nice, we had to do it twice!" So for Atlanta doggies who missed all the fun, you get a second chance this Saturday, September 25.


Once a year, or twice in this case, the Piedmont Park Aquatic Center goes to the dogs! Looks like the doggies had a blast last weekend!

Come join the fun again this Saturday! Event details:

Saturday, September 25

12:00 - 2:00pm

Piedmont Park’s Aquatic Center

$10 per pet in advance, $15 at the door*

$50 Premiere Pup Package

Limited to 2 dogs per person

*If space available

Enjoy music, dog-related vendors, receive a Wag Bag, raffle tickets, food/beverage vendors and more!

Dog Swim ONLY 

Event proceeds support the Piedmont Dog Park

For event information and to buy tickets visit the Piedmont Park Dog Park page.