Spring has sprung, so it’s time to grab that leash and your pup and have some fun at the latest and greatest dog events happening this month. If you don’t see an event you know dog fans would love on here, send an email with the dog event information and a photo to dogstermag@belvoir.com. We’ll consider your event for our May 2019 dog event listings.
May’s Holiday Observances: Chip Your Pet Month, Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month
All May 2019: Dogs of Danville, Unleashed
Danville, California, has created an outdoor public art display of beautifully painted dog sculptures throughout its downtown. Just pick up a colorful walking tour booklet that will show you the location of each dog, the sponsor info and any promotions offered. Dog sculptures will be auctioned off at the end of the event, and proceeds go to future art programs. More here.
May 3, 2019: National Specially-abled Pets Day
Founded in 2006, National Specially-abled Pets Day celebrates all pets who seem to have a remarkable ability to get past their disabilities. Honor these dogs by adopting or supporting a specially-abled pet. You won’t regret it!
May 7, 2019: Book Premiere: The Scent of Murder
Perfect for a day at the pool, dive in to bestselling author Kylie Logan’s new series The Scent of Murder, published by Minotaur Books. Protagonist Jazz Ramsey has an interesting volunteer gig — she’s a cadaver dog handler who trains them to find human remains. Things take a dangerous turn one day when her current cadaver dog trainee Luther finds a dead woman. When Jazz realizes her connection to the woman, she can’t stand to let the murder go unsolved. $26.99.
May 7, 2019: Premiere of Atomic Frenchie, Vol.2: The Cow with the Nuclear Heart
Dog lovers will love the furrific Kirby the French Bulldog — an amazing and hilarious protagonist who also happens to be a diabolical supervillain! Written by New York Times-bestselling author Tom Sniegoski and renowned comic artist Tom McWeeney, Kirby the French Bulldog infiltrates one of the world’s most secretive, mysterious locales seeking a mysterious object to bring his friend back to life. This illustrated novel is geared toward readers ages 8 and up. Want more Kirby? Check out the first in the series — Atomic Frenchie: Sit. Stay. Rule. Rule. Published by Insight Comics; $14.99.
May 17, 2019: Movie Premiere: A Dog’s Journey
Yes, Bailey’s journey (from A Dog’s Purpose) continues in this sequel, both based on the novels of W. Bruce Cameron. The story begins with Bailey (voiced again by Josh Gad) living on the Michigan farm of his “boy,” Ethan, (Dennis Quaid) and Ethan’s wife, Hannah (Marg Helgenberger). He’s got a new playmate — their granddaughter, CJ. When, CJ’s mom, Gloria (Betty Gilpin), takes CJ away, Bailey promises Ethan to find CJ and protect her at any cost. The movie follows Bailey’s new adventure through multiple lives as he, CJ (Kathryn Prescott) and CJ’s best friend Trent (Henry Lau) experience joy, heartbreak, music, laughter and lots of good belly rubs. I’m a fan of both Dennis Quaid and Marg Helgenberger, so I’m happy to see them both again! The movie is directed by TV’s Modern Family’s Emmy-winning director Gail Mancuso and produced by Gavin Polone. See it in movie theaters starting May 17th. Follow A Dog’s Journey on adogsjourneymovie.com and on social @ADogsJourneyMovie.
May 17 – 19, 2019: Long Island Dog Festival
The Long Island Kennel Club welcomes families and their fur children to the Long Island Dog Festival at the beautiful Planting Fields Arboretum in Oyster Bay. The festival is part of the annual Long Island spring dog shows on Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Sunday’s festival celebrates all-things canine, from impeccable show dogs and agility training to dock diving, farm dog trials and talent shows. The Long Island Kennel Club has recently re-adopted the club’s original logo – featuring the Bulldog – and invited the Long Island Bulldog Rescue to join in on Sunday’s festivities. Bulldogs will be on hand to meet and greet, and visitors can steal kisses at the Bulldog Kissing Booth too. The weekend’s daily activities culminate with the Conformation judging on all days. Hundreds of superbly presented dogs vie for bragging rights as they contend for Best in Show. All are invited to this parade of pups and cheer on the winner of the coveted ribbon. Sunday is also Costume Day and this year’s theme is Long Island Nautical. Prizes will be awarded for the best adult costumes (male and female), children’s costumes (boy and girl) and pet costume. The Sunday Flea Market offers a huge assortment of new and vintage items for all tastes and budgets. More details at longislanddogshows.com.
May 18 –19, 2019: U.S. Canine Biathlon
Do you and your dog love obstacle racing? Sign up for this 4-plus-miles event featuring more than 40 purpose-built obstacles over forest, sand and water. Serious competitors compete on the 18th while those more in it for the fun compete on the 19th. Or just watch the race and enjoy the vendors, food and beer trucks and children’s bouncy house. Takes place at VWK9’s training facility in Anniston, Alabama. Event info at uscaninebiathlon.com.
May 18 – 19, 2019: 15th Annual Milwaukee Pug Fest
The nonprofit Pug Hugs Pug Rescue is holding the 15th Annual Milwaukee Pug Fest to benefit Pug Rescue at the Milwaukee County Sports Complex in Franklin, Wisconsin. Expecting over 4,000 humans and 2,200 Pugs and smoochie-faced breeds to take part in what is now the largest event of its kind in North America, the Fest offers attendees two fun-filled days of demonstrations, wellness discussions and contests, while raising awareness and critical funding for Rescue groups in attendance for veterinary care for surrendered, abandoned, neglected and abused Pugs and Pug mixes so they may be placed in new forever homes. Visit online at MilwaukeePugFest.com.
May 25th and 26th: Pup Fest
Whether you have a four-legged friend to bring along or want to check out local dogs that are up for adoption, the Amazon Treasure Truck is hosting an event to connect with the community and also receive free dog products including, a travel water bowl, dog treats, free grooming services, plus dog obstacle course activities, a tasting kitchen, Barkery and photo opportunities galore. The Truck is like an ice-cream truck for grownups — and their dogs. Local animal shelter NYC’s Animal Haven will be there with adoptable dogs. Takes place at Hudson River Park’s Pier 46 in NYC. Details here.
Thumbnail: Dog driving car. Photography Svetlana Aganina | Getty Images
