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These events and places put new spin on 'dog days of summer'

Posted at 7:29 AM, Jul 07, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-07 07:29:50-04

CINCINNATI -- The dog days of summer are upon us.

The high temperatures and humidity that mark July and August in the Ohio Valley usually leave both dogs and people seeking air conditioning. (Or at least a tree for shade.)

Some events and places in Greater Cincinnati offer fun outdoor options perfect for people and their four-legged friends. Here are some dog-friendly ways to enjoy the outdoors this summer. 

EVENTS

The Pet Spot Summer Grill Out: Get a better understanding of your dog’s mind with pet psychic Donnetta Zimmerman or a caricature of its likeness during the Pet Spot Summer Grill Out. There also will be food and art at the event, which benefits the Save the Animals Foundation no-kill shelter. The Grill Out is 11 a.m.-3 p.m. July 8 at the Pet Spot, located at 2503 Norwood Ave., Norwood. For more information visit the event Facebook page.

Park Fest 2017: Bring your pooch out to Pierce Township Park on July 15 for a day of fun. "Animal communicators" will be on hand to talk to your dog. Festival organizers also will host dog games where pet owners can win prizes for their pooches. There also will be a raffle for a custom-made dog bed. This is the annual fundraiser for Pierce Township's park system. For more information visit piercetownship.org.

Pints for Pitties: Help a pit bull find a new home and bring your adorable pooch to this fundraiser at 16-Bit Arcade+Bar from noon-11 p.m. July 16.  Ambassadors with Adore-A-Bull Pit Bull Rescue will greet guests. Ohio Valley Distribution, Thirsty Dog Brewing and 16-Bit will donate $1 each per pint of beer sold that day to the rescue. For more information visit the event Facebook page.

Paws-A-Palooza 2017Bring your dog out to Paws-A-Palooza at Monroe Crossings Park in Monroe on July 22 for fun and a good cause. The daylong event benefits the no-kill PAWS adoption center. Find new treats for your dog and enjoy the wiener dog races, too. 

Dog Days of Summer Wiener Dog Races: Does your dachshund have a need for speed? If so, you’ll both probably love the Aug. 12 wiener dog races at Belterra Park Gaming. The races take place on the park’s horse track. The park welcomes all dachshund owners to enter their dogs for a shot at glory. For more information visitthe event Facebook page.

Bark in the Park: What better way to spend time with your best friend this summer than at Great American Ball Park? The Cincinnati Reds invite fans to bring dogs to the ballpark during the team’s Aug. 29 game against the New York Mets and again on Sept. 21, when they take on the St. Louis Cardinals. Visit the Cincinnati Reds website for more information.

SPOTS TO KNOW

WagsParkWagsPark may very well be dog nirvana. The private three-acre facility, located at 3810 Church St. in Newtown, has spring-fed lakes for dogs to splash in. While the park requires human membership to use its facilities, membership also gets dogs and pet owners access to beer tastings and movie nights. The park is open to the public for the WagsPark Open Swim on July 15. For $15, non-members and their dogs can cool off in the WagsPark lake. For more information visit the event Facebook page.

Washington ParkWashington Park’s dog park offers a great opportunity to enjoy the summer with your pup any day of the week. Amenities at the Over-the-Rhine park include a cool water feature for Fido and beer for you on the nearby deck most afternoons.

Armleder Dog ParkThis 10-acre dog park inside Otto Armleder Memorial Park, located at 5057 Wooster Pike, is the perfect place to spend time outdoors with your pup. The park has separate areas for large and small dog breeds, plenty of shade trees, dog drinking fountains, a canine shower and benches. On cooler days, you and your dog can explore the shaded connecting trails between the Otto Armleder and Lunken Airport trails. 

Hueston WoodsThis state park is located about an hour's drive north of Downtown. What makes Hueston Woods so special for dog owners is how friendly it is toward four-legged friends. Contrary to online rumors, the park does not have a lakefront beach area just for your dog, but Hueston Woods does have a three-acre dog park, along with ample hiking trails to explore.