Beat those super-hot August days by chilling out with all-things dog. We’ve rounded up some August 2018 dog events and happenings just for you and Fido. If you’ve got a dog event for August or any month going forward, contact us so we can add it to our dog events calendar.

All August — National Dog Day Campaign for the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study

Animal health advancement leader Morris Animal Foundation is launching its second annual Dog Day Campaign starting Wednesday, August 1. The month-long campaign, which ends on the actual National Dog Day (August 26), raises funds for the Foundation’s well-known Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, a $32 million longitudinal study designed to identify correlations to cancer in dogs. For the second year, the campaign will benefit from the support of an anonymous donor who lost her beloved golden retriever, Cody, to cancer. She will generously match all gifts made to the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, dollar for dollar, up to $50,000, now through August 26.

Wednesday, August 1 — Sunday, August 5: Mutt House: The Musical

Don’t miss out on the world premiere of this life-affirming musical at the Kirk Douglas Theatre in Culver City, California. When quirky outsider Eddie Corbin finally finds a place to call home — a neglected animal shelter — the city threatens to close it down. Along with the help of six zany mutts, Eddie takes a stand. Directed by Ryan Bergmann, musical direction by Anthony Lucca and choreography by Janet Roston. Created by Tony Cookson, with music and lyrics by John Daniel, Tony Cookson, Robb Curtis Brown and David O. Tickets on sale at mutthousethemusical.com.

Saturday, August 4: World Dog Surfing Championships

Surf’s up for wave-riding pups at Linda Mar Beach in California. The Norcal Dog Surfing event and World Championships for Dog Surfing bring together dog surfing talent competing for the gold for charity. While you’re there, check out the Surf Dog Village for a range of canine services and products. More at surfdogchampionships.com.

Wednesday, August 8: Premiere of Dog Days

Perfect as a date night for dog lovers, this comedy followed the lives of multiple dog owners and their pup pals around Los Angeles. When their paths start intertwine, their lives change in ways they never expected. Directed by Ken Marin, the movie stars Nina Dobrev, Vanessa Hudgens, Adam Pally, Eva Longoria, Rob Corddry, Tone Bell, Jon Bass, Michael Cassidy, Thomas Lennon, Tig Notaro, Fin Wolfhard and Ron Cephas Jones.

Friday, August 10: Premiere of Freaky Friday

It’s back — everyone’s favorite body-swapping comedy, Freaky Friday, but with a really big scene-stealing performer — Bruce the Great Dane. The canine out of Mission, British Columbia, stands 32 inches tall and weighs in at 60 pounds. He plays the role of family dog Boris alongside his human family, Heidi Blickenstaff (Katherine), Cozi Zuehlsdorff (Ellie) and 10-year-old Jason Maybaum (Fletcher). Not only is this Disney Channel Original Movie a comedy, but it’s a musical, too, based on the stage musical created by Disney’s Theatrical Group.

Monday, August 13: Journals by Artist Dean Russo

We love Brooklyn-based artist Dean Russo for his paintings that explode with color and for his promotion of rescue awareness by painting shelter pets and donating proceeds back to shelters. And now for us — gift book creator Quiet Fox and Dean have partnered to create this beautiful eight-journal series perfect for your own creative self-expression. Available on Amazon.

Saturday, August 18: Bark (&Meow) Around the Block

Help clear the shelters! Attend Berkeley Humane’s “celebrity,” star-studded, red carpet event with some of the biggest names in adoptable animals, like Kitty Furry, Clint Eastwoof, Oprah Whisker, Kim Katdashian-West or Neil Patrick Harris. Two blocks in West Berkeley will feature 20-plus rescues with more than 150 adoptable animals, food trucks, beer/wine, live entertainment and kid-friendly activities. Berkeley Humane is waiving all adoption fees and partner rescue groups are waiving or reducing their fees to make as many adoption happen as possible. Event takes place at 2700 Ninth Street, between Parker and Pardee in Berkeley, California.

Thursday, August 23 — Sunday, August 26: River Valley Cluster AKC All Breed Dog Show

Find out who wins Best in Show when AKC judges come to town to officiate this competition of conformation, obedience and rally trials. Held indoors at the Owensboro Convention Center in Owensboro, Kentucky, the event is sponsored by the Owensboro River City Kennel Club, the Southern Indiana Kennel Club and the Evansville Kennel Club. Show starts at 8 a.m. each day and ends after Best in Show is announced. Vendors will be present, plus a raffle with lots of great prizes. General admission is $5, children under 12 $3 and Seniors over 60 $3. More information at orckc.com.

Thumbnail: Photography ©Srdjana1 | iStock / Getty Images Plus.

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