Dog Days of Summer
By Collin Kelley, Managing Editor
 Pooches keep cool at the Piedmont Park Dog Run. (Photo by Rob Felt)
Atlantans love their dogs. This is evidenced by the gaggles of pooches and owners who trek to the Piedmont Park Dog Run, the proliferation of high-end dog boutiques, and day care facilities fancier than your own loft or condo. The American Pet Products Manufacturers Association estimates that spending on pets (including food, toys, vet care and other services) will reach $38 billion by year’s end.
Since we’re moving into the “dog days of summer,” (a term coined in ancient times when the constellations Canus Major and Sirius were prominent in the night sky; it evolved into describing the hot, muggy days between the end of July and September), we thought this was the perfect time to round up ways for you and your furry friends to stay cool year-round. Here’s a sampling of what the city has to offer.
WALKING THE DOG
When your dog gets tired of running in the back yard or the narrow strip of grass outside your loft, there are plenty of wide-open spaces Intown. Keep in mind that city parks are open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Here are a few to try:
Atlanta Memorial Park: Plenty of open space for throwing a Frisbee or playing fetch. Make sure to bring baggies to clean up after your dog. On Woodward Way and Northside Drive across from Bobby Jones Golf Course.
Chastain Park: The park is a favorite for Buckhead residents, especially the play areas for kids. Dogs are welcome, but keep them on a leash and be sure to clean up after them. The park is bordered by West Wieuca and Powers Ferry.
Cochran Beach (Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area): Dogs can run off-leash and splash in the water at this popular spot. Take I-75 north to Windy Hill exit, then travel two miles on Interstate North Parkway. Look for the Powers Ferry parking lot on the left-hand side of the road.
Grant Park: Dogs are not allowed in Zoo Atlanta or the Cyclorama area, but there are plenty of other green spaces for walking Spot. Keep dogs leashed and bring clean-up materials. Located between Boulevard and Cherokee Avenue. Street and lot parking available.
Lullwater Park: Adjacent to Emory University, the park allows dogs if they’re kept on leashes. It’s a very quiet, contemplative space, so it might be good for the stressed-out owner as well. 1463 Clifton Road (entrance gate is across the railroad tracks at the intersection of Clifton and Haygood).
Piedmont Park Dog Run: Owners bring their pooches from all over to let them run free in the off-leash area located behind the stone bridge on the north side of the park. The fenced area allows dogs to mix and mingle, while their owners socialize as well. Closest parking is on 10th Street or on Park Drive off Monroe.
NIBBLES & BITS
Taking a dog to a restaurant used to be verboten, but a number of Atlanta eateries not only allow pets, but encourage them. Here’s a sampler:
Au Pied du Cochon: The 24-hour French brasserie at the Intercontinental Hotel in Buckhead is now hosting a weekly cocktail hour for pets on its patio every Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. 3315 Peachtree Road. (404) 946-9070.
Babs: Not only pet-friendly, but encourages owners to bring their beloved pals for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Offers water bowls and doggy treats for the four-legged customer. 814 Juniper St. (404) 541-0888 or www.babsmidtown.com.
Brewhouse CafÈ: The Little Five Points watering hole has a special area reserved on the patio for dogs and their owners who need a beverage or a bite. 401 Moreland Ave. (404) 525-7799 or www.brewhousecafe.com.
Brusters: It’s not just people who will stand in line for these summer treats. Dogs love Bruster’s, too, for the free Doggy Sundaes offered to every canine ice cream lover. Broookhaven, Decatur, Downtown, Dunwoody, Grant Park, Midtown, Sandy Springs, Stone Mountatin, Toco Hill. www.brustersicecream.com.
Daizy Dawg Bakery: All natural ingredients are the key to the tasteful treats at this online treat shop that delivers right to your door. Dog biscuits, cakes, personalized bones and gift baskets are available. (404) 943-1955 or www.daizydawgbakery.com
Hotel Indigo: This upscale boutique hotel – which welcomes guests with pets – offers Canine Cocktail Hour on its patio every Tuesday from 5 to 8 p.m. Water and treats provided. Part of the money raised from the events goes to the maintenance and upkeep of the Piedmont Dog Park. 683 Peachtree St. (404) 874-9200 or www.hotelindigo.com.
Park Tavern: After your pooch is worn out from running free at Piedmont Park, stroll over to this pet-friendly restaurant. Dogs are welcome on the expansive patio overlooking the park, and there’s even a “dog tie-up” area where your pet can stretch out and continue mingling with new friends. 500 10th St. (corner of Monroe). (404) 249-0001 or www.parktavern.com.
The Taj Mahound: Located inside Piedmont Bark, the bakery offers treats, cookies, cakes and gift baskets – all suitable for canine consumption. You can also order the goodies online. 501 Amsterdam Ave. (404) 377-9366 or www.tajmahound.com.
WHERE TO SHOP
Looking for a one-of-a-kind collar, a new toy, a plush bed for your pet? Finding the top gear for your pooch is easy at Atlanta’s array of pet supply stores.
Barkology: Atlanta-based online shop featuring stationery, fashion and home accessories with dog motifs. The quirky designs are based on Victorian postcards and portraits of dogs. Barkology items are also in select local boutiques, like Mitzi and Romano, Star Provisions, Periodot and The Fickle Manor. www.barkology.com.
Canine Showcase: Dog and cat groomers since 1976. 1533 Piedmont Ave. (404) 875-0611
Highland Pet Supply: Virginia-Highland shop offers the latest in must-have toys, dog food and accessories. 1186 North Highland Ave. (404) 892-5900 or www.highlandpet.com.
Inman Park Pet Works: A newcomer on the shopping scene, this fun and funky shop offers designer high-end products (sweaters, scarves, hoodies, booties and even eyeglasses), all-natural food and treats as well as regular pet adoption events. 914-A Austin Ave. (404) 522-4544 or www.inmanparkpetworks.com.
It’s a Treat Pet Boutique: While shopping for your Prada and Gucci accessories at Phipps Plaza, don’t forget your pet likes to be stylish, too. Clothing, toys, treats and high-fashion pet carriers for the discriminating and pampered pet are available. 3500 Peachtree Road, second floor at Phipps. (404) 846-0455 or www.itsatreat.com.
Jennifer Wheelock Pet Portraits: Local poet, teacher and artist Jennifer Wheelock creates colorful and whimsical paintings of your pooches in oils and acrylic. Visit her online gallery at www.jenniferwheelock.com.
Kirkwood Feed and Seed Pet Supply: This old-fashioned general store at 1998 Hosea Williams Dr. offers high-quality pet foods for cats, dogs, birds and more. The store offers baked goods, toys and all types of accessories, as well as vaccinations, grooming and dog washing in big claw-foot tubs. (404) 378-2829 or www.kirkwoodfeeedandseed.com
Mitzi Rothman Pet Portraits: Specializing in pastels-on-paper portraits of pets, Rothman has been capturing the elegance and playfulness of pets for more than a decade. See her gallery at www.mitzirothman.com.
Park Pet Supply: East Atlanta Village shop has all-natural pet foods and supplements, a big selection of toys and accessories, a pet portrait studio, grooming and four self-serve dog-washing stations. 479-A Flat Shoals Ave. (404) 588-0140 or www.parkpetsupply.com.
Short & Sweet Studios: Susan Hawkins’ specialized service offers themed video productions of kids and their dogs. Costumes, sets and a professional film crew complete this unusual service. 409 Mead Road #4, Decatur. (404) 377-1285 or www.shortnsweetstudios.com.
DAY CARE, BOARDING & MORE
Leaving pets behind while on vacation and business trips can be stressful on pets and owners, but there are a number of boarding facilities that will treat your beloved like one of their own – maybe even better!
Airport Park n’ Bark: Boarding and day care near Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport for those going on vacation or business trips. The operating hours – 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week – are also geared toward business flyers. 24-hour pick up is available by appointment if you fly in on the red eye. www.airportparknbark.com or (678) 278-0137.
Atlanta Dog Spa: Massage, swim therapy, hot oil treatments and more for that extra touch of pampering. Boarding and day care also available. 707 Edgehill Ave. (404) 879-1600 or www.atlantadogspa.com.
Bark Avenue Pet Resort: Located on 1.5 acres off Bolton Road, Bark Avenue offers “comfort boarding” with individual cabanas and mini-suites that have soothing music piped in. You can even request a special TV room. Outside play areas are covered so weather is not a factor. The resort also has exercise time, individual play time and group play time, and cats are welcome. 2431 Bolton Road. (404) 367-8447 or www.barkavenuepetresort.com.
Barking Hound Village: With multiple locations around Atlanta, Barking Hound takes pampering your pooch to a whole new level. The Barking Hound Village Lofts on Sommerset Terrace is the urban dog hangout offering windows with a view and kitschy and retro furnishings throughout. Barking Hound Village Inn on Lambert Drive features white picket fences and antiques in each room. (404) 897-3422 or www.barkinghoundvillage.com.
Briarcliff Animal Clinic: The granddaddy of Atlanta’s veterinary clinics, which has branched out to offer day care and boarding, and you can even refill your pet’s prescriptions online. The clinic has been in business for more than 46 years. 1850 Johnson Road. (404) 874-6393 or www.briarcliffanimal.vetsuite.com.
Camp Woof: Housed in a 9,000-square-foot building, the open play area has climbing areas with an indoor fort. There’s also a giant outdoor play area. Pets are pampered by the staff, and there is also overnight boarding available. 608 DeKalb Industrial Way, Decatur. (404) 499-9008 or www.campwoof.com.
The Clean Dog: Grooming, self-service wash tubs, holistic pet foods and spa products are featured at this Inman Park shop. 745 Edgewood Ave. www.thecleandog.com or (404) 567-1750
Critter Sitters: In-home care of your pets while you’re away on business or vacation. Services include walking, feeding, giving medication and “human time” on a daily basis. (404) 377-5475 or www.critter-sitters.com.
Dog Days: Billing itself as a “canine utopia,” Dog Days offers grooming, boarding, day care, accessories and food. Supervised playroom lets animals romp all day. 3225 Cains Hill Place. (404) 266-8668 or www.dogdaysatlanta.com.
Dog Feathers: Grooming, pet supplies and more at this small, friendly shop. 2631 N. Decatur Road, Decatur. (404) 373-1454
Paws Playhouse: This Toco Hills-based doggie day care, grooming and boarding service offers Web-cam views for worried owners as their “kids” play in a cageless environment with other pups. 2979-C North Druid Hills Road. (404) 633-5555 or www.pawsplayhouse.com.
Pet Minders: The Decatur-based company will send over trained specialists to walk, play with and feed your pet while you’re at work or out of town. They also offer a “Pet Taxi,” to the vet, groomer, doggie day care, friend’s house or boarding facilities. Pet Minders will also bring in your mail, water the plants and do a security check for homeowners. 2107 North Decatur Road, #191. (404)315-1155 or www.petminders.com.
The Pet Set: In business for more than two decades, the shop not only offers toys and treats, but boarding, grooming and a pet taxi service. 2480 Briarcliff Road. (404) 633-8755 or www.thepetset.com.
Piedmont Bark: A full range of services is offered, including grooming and bathing, as well as boarding and day care facilities at its Midtown location. Piedmont Bark also offers 8,000 square feet of play space for dogs, not to mention air-conditioned and heated kennels. It also offers the Atlanta Pet Taxi service if you want your pooch to be pampered even when being taken to the vet or picked up from day care. 501 Amsterdam Ave., (404) 873-5400 or www.piedmontbark.com.
Rex & Roxy’s: Your dog will get plenty of exercise while socializing with other furry friends in a safe, supervised setting. And no more chewing up the furniture, accidents on the carpet, or incessant barking from being lonely and bored at home. Puppies can play together and not have to worry about separation anxiety. 142 New Street, Decatur. (404) 377-9699 or www.rexandroxys.com.
Wagging Tails: Doggie day care allows pets to romp and play as well as mix with other pooches and trained staff who give the borders lots of attention. For the nervous owner, you can watch your pet play via Web cam throughout the day. 376 Trabert Ave. (404) 873-0049 or www.waggingtailsatlanta.com.
Wag-a-Lot: Three locations – Decatur, West Side and Reynoldstown – offer boarding, day care, grooming, washing and more. They also have a Web-cam to keep an eye on your pet and will even throw it a birthday party. (404) 350-7877 or www.wagalot.com
RESCUE, RESOURCES & NONPROFITS
Pets need homes, and sometimes their owners need support to help maintain their lifestyle. Here’s where to adopt and where to turn if you need help taking care of your furry friends.
Atlanta Humane Society: The animal shelter is filled with pets needing loving homes. The society also offers a charitable veterinary hospital, pet therapy, obedience classes and grief counseling for those who have lost a pet. 981 Howell Mill Road. (404) 875-5331 or www.atlantahumane.org.
Atlanta Pet Rescue & Adoption Shelter: You see one of their pooches or kitties featured every month here in Atlanta INtown, but there are plenty more that need homes. Weekly adoption events are held Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. 720 14th St. (404) 815-6680 or www.atlantapetrescue.org.
PALS: Pets Are Loving Support (PALS) and Meals on Wheels recently announced a partnership that provides daily food to home-bound senior citizens and their pets. PALS also partners with Project Open Hand to deliver free pet food for those with HIV/AIDS, critical illnesses and the disabled. The organization also helps to provide free veterinary care. PALS holds numerous fundraisers, including the raucous bingo nights hosted by drag queen Bubba D. Licious at Magnolia Hall in Piedmont Park. (404) 876-PALS or www.palsatlanta.org.
PAWS Atlanta: A no-kill animal shelter that provides, shelter, food and medical care for abandoned pets. Adoptions are held daily from noon 6 p.m. at the shelter at 5287 Covington Highway in Decatur and the first Saturday of every month from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. at The Pet Set, 2487 Briarcliff Road. (770) 593-1155 or www.pawsatlanta.org.
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