April brings showers, flowers and must-do dog events! Don’t see a dog event you know about on this dog events listing? Email us at dogstermag@belvoir.com to get on the list!

All month: National Heartworm Awareness Month and National Adopt a Greyhound Month

March 26—April 14: Uplift the Underdog Contest

Premium pet food manufacturer Petcurean hosts its second annual “Uplift the Underdog” contest to help raise awareness and increase adoption opportunities for “underdogs” – those dogs in shelters who are often overlooked due to age, medical conditions or other issue. Rescue groups and shelters are encouraged to enter their most overlooked dogs who fall in one of three categories: those who have medical or physical challenges, those with behavior or emotional issues, or those who are super seniors. The contest is open to all rescues and shelters across the United States and Canada now through April 14, 2019. Beginning on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day (April 30), dog lovers can vote for their favorite dog in each category through uplifttheunderdog.com. The dogs in each category that receive the most votes within one week will be named category winners on May 7, 2019.

April 2: Premiere of the book The Animal’s Companion

Drawing on literary, artistic, and archaeological evidence of our relationships with other species, acclaimed cultural detective and lifelong pet owner Jacky Colliss Harvey uses her compelling storytelling skills and keen eye for historical investigation to explore the history not of the pet, but of humans as pet owners. In The Animal’s Companion, Jacky discusses the when, the how, and the why behind our connection to the animals we take into our lives; the latest scientific thinking; plus suggests new insights into this most long-standing of all human love affairs. Published by Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers. $14.99.

April 6: Spring Doggie Fashion Show

April 13—14: 2019 Dog Cosplay

Celebrate a mix of nerd and canine culture at this year’s Denver Indie Comics & Art Expo in Colorado, where artists, writers, creators, tattoo artists and much more gather for panel discussions, exhibits, crafts sessions and fun contests like this. Just sign up your dog and dress him up (only if he wants) in a character or element from the nerd culture realm that you create. Finalists compete on the Main Stage with a fashion show. Info at dinkdenver.com.

April 14: 26th Annual Behind-the-Scenes of an Animal Hospital

For 26 years, the Paumanok Veterinary Hospital has opened its doors to allow the community to see first hand what goes on behind the scenes of an animal hospital. This year’s event will also feature volunteer dog teams from the Patchogue Rotary Animal Assisted Therapy Program (PRAAT), information about pet health and wellness; dDemonstrations with Green Screen Photography, canine obedience and pet acupuncture and laser therapy. Plus, you’ll get a chance for give-aways and a whole lot more. The event is free and family friendly. For the safety of all attendees, please leave your pet(s) home.

April 19-20: 20^th Annual Boardwalkin’ for Pets Weekend

Kick off the weekend with a dinner and silent auction on Friday April 19th plus a walk on the Ocean City Boarkwalk for a good cause on Saturday the 20^th. This Ocean City, Maryland event raises funds for the private, non-profit, no-kill animal shelter — the Worcester County Humane Society. It’s the largest fundraiser held each year, so please join. Hundreds of pet friends and families meet at the Inlet and the boards in downtown Ocean City to walk as far as they or their pet like. Registration has no minimum, but an entry of $25 will get your pet a bandana, a donation of $50 will get you a bandana and a t-shirt and a donation of $100 or more will get you all of that plus a beach towel with the logo. There will be water stops along the way as well as “Beach Photos” by professional photographer Images by Sara, complimentary for all teams and individuals participating in the walk. At the end of the morning there will be contests and members of the Ocean City K-9 team, Ocean City Animal Control and the Ocean City Mounted Units. Click here for more information.

April 23: Book premiere: Swimming for Sunlight

Pet parents of anxious dogs will love this fiction book by international bestselling author Allie Larkin, who herself has an anxious dog, Stella. After Katie Ellis’ divorce, she and her dog, Bark, move back to Florida to live with her grandmother, Nan. Katie and Bark struggle between anxiety and hope in this new life venture. This novel of hope, loss and friendships — both human and furry — make for the perfect spring read. Published by Atria; $15.99.

April 26-28: America’s Family Pet Expo

This is a truly fun family show in Costa Mesa, California, with lots of pets, pet organizations, pet adoptions and pet products. Check out the police K-9 demonstrations plus other puptacular demonstrations like diving dogs, dog breed presentations and cooking for your dog. Latest details at petexpooc.org.

April 27: Ocean Bark Charity Reception

Join Bulldog Realtors as it hosts charity reception Ocean Bark at its new Main Street, Santa Monica office benefiting Road Dogs and Rescue, which helps find homes for bulldogs. The event will feature a silent auction, raffle, bites and sips. Free RSVP here. An architectural doghouse with options for air conditioning  and sound filtering (think canine sensitivity to July 4th fireworks) will be on display and available for purchase, made to order. Cost for this starts $3,650 from local LA builder, Taj Rahil. Bulldog’s real estate office also features high-end canine products, including remote cameras soyou talk to your canine while at the office. Check out Bulldog Realtors Bulldog of the week on Instagram @bulldogrealtors.

April 29: Art Exhibit: Working Like a Dog

See dogs hunting, retrieving, herding and guarding in paintings, prints and sculptures from the 17th through the 20th centuries in this beautiful exhibit open now through April 29 at the Pebble Hill Plantation, Thomasville, Georgia (pebblehill.com). Admire works created by influential and celebrated American and British sporting, animal and wildlife artists. Plus, view an exhibit showcasing working dogs who lived with generations of the Hanna family, owners of the plantation.

April 30: San Francisco SPCA Metamorphosis Event

Celebrate the healing and transformations that animals undergo at the San Francisco SPCA and the many ways in which dogs and cats enhance people’s lives with the Metamorphosis Event taking place at the SF SPCA’s Mission Campus, from 6:00pm  to 10:30pm, followed by a nightcap party at the new Dandelion Chocolate Factory and Salon. Enjoy the legendary Heklina as the evening’s entertainment, plus the SF SPCA will honor J. Peter Read for his lifelong commitment to animal welfare and unwavering support of the SF SPCA. The evening begins with cocktails and the opportunity to cuddle adoptable animals. Several of the SF SPCA’s Animal Assisted Therapy pets will also be onsite to greet guests, including LiLou, the famous therapy pig. A gourmet vegetarian dinner will be provided by McCall’s, and guests will have the opportunity to bid on several special items in a live auction. Proceeds from Metamorphosis will provide essential support for the animals and people who rely on the SF SPCA. Individual tickets start at $1,000 while sponsorships start at $10,000. For details, visit sfspca.org/gala

Thumbnail: ©Aksakalko | Getty Images

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