Dog Day: How to celebrate this pawesome holiday in Orlando
National Dog Day — Aug. 26 — is a day set aside to show our beloved furry family members how much they mean to us. Here are just a few ways to celebrate in the Orlando area.
Adopt
In addition to showing appreciation for our pets, National Dog Day also encourages adoption.
There are many Central Florida shelters and rescues that offer the chance to meet and take home your new best friend, including Sniffing Snouts Pit Bull Rescue in Winter Park, The Dog Liberator in Deltona and Endless Pawsibilities Animal Rescue in Orlando.
Bark Park celebration
Celebrate on Aug. 26 with a free event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Bark Park, 499 Waggin Trail in Oviedo. Enjoy giveaways, dog food vendors and K-9 demonstrations. There will also be dog treats and ice cream available for purchase. For more information, call 407-971-5590 or visit cityofoviedo.net
National Dog Day at Colibri
Dog lovers unite at Colibri Mexican Cuisine (4963 New Broad St. in Orlando), which partners with Kacey Kares, to celebrate National Dog Day on Aug. 26. There will be a raffle, goodie bags, dog treats and drink specials, including $4 margaritas and $3-pints of Modelo and Miller, from 5-9 p.m. Find more details at www.facebook.com.
Woof at The Alfond Inn
At pet-friendly The Alfond Inn at Rollins (300 E. New England Ave. in Winter Park), every day is a good day to honor furry companions, but there’s one great way to observe National Dog Day on Aug. 26.
Give your dog the star treatment with the VIP (Very Important Pup) Package, which includes a two-night stay, keepsake water bowls, treats at turndown and more. And this reservation does some good, as for each booking, a donation will be made to the Pet Alliance of Greater Orlando. Rates start at $249 per night plus tax.
For reservations and information call 407-998-8090 or visit www.thealfondinn.com.
Day of the Dog race
National Dog Day is a day to walk or jog with your pup for the virtual Day of the Dog race that celebrates pooches. Participants can opt to run a 1-mile, 5K, 10K, half marathon or marathon race on Aug. 26.
Tickets are $16-$32 plus fees — depending on what extras, from medals to pins, you select — and 15 percent of every registration will be donated to nonprofit Freedom Service Dogs of America. Bibs and extras will be shipped to participants.
Go to a dog park
Central Florida is home to a slew of dog parks, and while you may want to do something a bit more extravagant, all your pup cares about is spending some quality time with you. Check out Orlando’s newly renovated Constitution Green Dog Park, 300 S. Summerlin Ave. in Orlando.