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Is your dog your best friend? Consider him or her family? Then let your pooch join in your daily activities and fun extracurriculars around Berks! Where can he or she join you when you're out and about? Read on for some ideas!
Grab a Drink
Looking to cool off with a cold beer or maybe even grab a bite to eat? There are spots in Berks where you can do it with your dog in tow! Stop in at The Barley Mow Craft Beer House in West Reading, or schedule a stop at the outdoor patio area of 1787 Brewing Company in Hamburg. And every Sunday from 11am until about 5pm at the Beach Bar Patio of Beverly Hills Tavern, Sinking Spring, you can bring your pooch to Yappy Hour. A bonus? For every Tito’s drink purchased, Tito’s Vodka will donate $1 to the Animal Rescue League of Berks County – a win-win!
Go Shopping
Need to pick up some supplies for a home improvement project? Good news. Dogs are welcome at both your local Lowe’s and Home Depot stores. And if you’re looking to do some landscaping or simply pick up some flowers to spruce up your house or yard, your dog can come along to Riverview Garden & Gifts on Pricetown Road in Temple. The business even hosts a Dog Days event each summer, where dogs get gift bags and can participate in a scavenger hunt, too.
In West Reading on Sunday mornings, the Farmers Market is a popular place for owners to bring their dogs as they shop for fresh produce, meats and beyond. You’ll often find the local Penn Avenue shops will put out water bowls for canine visitors as well.
Treat Them
What dog wouldn’t love a day of shopping tailored to his or her tastes? Perfect spots to check out include independent local stores like Godfrey’s Welcome to Dogdom in Mohnton, Pet Value in Sinking Spring, Oasis Dog Spa & Shoppe in Muhlenberg Township, and Awesome Dawgs in Temple.
Beyond just shopping at Awesome Dawgs, you can participate in training and socialization classes, or even just book time at their Dawg Park on site. Note: play time at the park should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance and should be with a dog group that suits your dog’s socialization level.
Want to do something extra-special for your pup’s birthday? You can also rent the center at Awesome Dawgs for Pooch Parties and play sessions.
Make Them your Wing-man or Wing-woman
Have you heard there’s a special dating group in Berks dedicated to canine lovers looking to find their match? It’s true! Must Love Dogs, founded by Erica Dunsky of Laureldale, got its start because “Dating is hard,” she explains. “I wanted to find an easier way not only for myself, but for my friends who are also single. I thought there would be no easier way to break the ice than to share a common interest, like a love for dogs. Not to mention most of my friends all had the same common complaint: first dates are awkward. That being said, we all agreed that the easiest way to meet someone these days is via social media. So that is when I came up with a group that was the best of both worlds.”
Every other week, or even weekly, members of the Facebook dating group are presented with “Thinking Labs” that Dunsky, a dog trainer, creates. They’re conversations aimed at improving dating skills in the real world. Dunsky also works on seeking out dog-friendly activities and events in Berks. The group initiates pack walks and hiking events, too. This summer, the goal is to have a weekly activity available to members.
Think you might want to join? Here’s how, according to Dunsky: “To be a part of our organization, you have to be willing to answer a set of questions pertaining to you and your furry friend or friends. You must also have a Facebook profile picture and an established Facebook page. Overall, we have three different groups on Facebook. All of the groups can be accessed through our Facebook page “Must Love Dogs – Social Groups.” When you go to the page you will see Must Love Dogs – for Singles, LGBTQ+, and for Friends. Each group understands that everyone shares the same love for dogs and wants to form a connection with someone based on their love of tail-waggers. In addition, I share dog training tips, care and advice on common dog behaviors.”
More than Dating
Beyond making romantic connections, Must Love Dogs is a great place to network and meet new people. Says Dunsky, “For example, one of our members was interested in learning how to show dogs and connected with another member who is a handler. They live in the same area, and hopefully in time this will lead to an ongoing friendship. We have had other members move to new states. Our group provided them fun events in their area, for them and their BFF. Our goal is to provide an easy transition and the ability to branch out and meet new people in their new community.”
Go Exploring!
Finally, take advantage of the beautiful summer weather with your best furry friend. Go hiking, take neighborhood walks and stay fit together. You may also check into music festivals or summer concert series events to attend; just make sure it’s dog-friendly. Outdoor art shows and winery events are also a possibility. Just check the websites of the location, call and get confirmation before you pack up and head out!
Bark in the Park
Grab your friends, family, and well-behaved, on-leash pup for a howling good time at a reading fightins baseball game.
Free baseball game tickets available for pick-up in the lobby of the Humane Society of Berks County during normal business hours at 1801 N. 11th St., Reading
Reading Fightins
FirstEnergy Stadium
1900 Centre Avenue, Reading
June 9, June 30, July 14, July 21, August 4
