THE 145th ANNUAL WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW MOVES TO JUNE 2021 AT HISTORIC LYNDHURST ESTATE IN TARRYTOWN, NEW YORK

westminster kennel club lyndhurst estate fashionado

The 145th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will be held at Lyndhurst, a property of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, in Tarrytown, New York on Saturday, June 12 and Sunday, June 13, 2021, with live coverage across FOX Sports networks. Due to the ever-changing government restrictions during the pandemic a move to a springtime, outdoor dog show was necessary to uphold Westminster’s strong commitment to the health and safety of everyone who attends our show.

Westminster Weekend will kick-off with the Masters Agility Championship on Friday, June 11, 2021 followed by the Masters Obedience Championship on Saturday, June 12, 2021. Junior Showmanship, Breed, Group, and Best in Show judging will be June 12 - 13, 2021. For the first time, the Best in Show competition will be televised live on FOX. 

“We are excited to host the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Lyndhurst, a unique icon of American culture with its park-like landscape and majestic castle overlooking the Hudson River,” said Westminster Kennel Club President Charlton Reynders III. “The wide-open outdoor space at this extraordinary venue allows us to hold a dog show safely while following current social distancing guidelines and public health regulations.” 

About Lyndhurst—home to America’s Finest Gothic Revival mansion just 25 miles north of New York City—is a 67-acre estate on Route 9 in Tarrytown, New York. The property was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a privately funded not-for-profit, in 1961. The estate was designed in 1838 by renowned architect Alexander Jackson Davis. Noteworthy occupants include former New York City mayor William Paulding, merchant George Merritt, and railroad tycoon Jay Gould. 

Gould’s youngest son, Frank Jay Gould, was an avid owner, breeder, and exhibitor of rough- and smooth-coated St. Bernards at Westminster in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The family offered many trophies to St. Bernard winners including the silver Gould Challenge Cup. 

Lyndhurst is no stranger to dog shows having hosted them for more than three decades. In 1983, the legendary New York Times dog show reporter Walter Fletcher called Lyndhurst, “one of the most beautiful show sites in the country.” For more information visit Lyndhurst.org.

Saturday, June 12, 2021

  • FS2 – Select daytime breed judging, junior showmanship preliminaries, and obedience highlights will be televised live from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (EDT) 

  • FOX - The Masters Agility Championship will be televised from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. (EDT) 

  • FS1 - Pre-show at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) televised live 

  • FS1 - Groups from 7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (EDT) televised live 

Sunday June 13, 2021

  • FS2 – Select daytime breed judging and junior showmanship preliminaries will be televised live from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. (EDT) 

  • FOX - Pre-show at 7:00 p.m. (EDT) televised live 

  • FOX - Groups and Best in Show from 7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. (EDT) televised live 

FASHIONADO

BEYOND THE CATWALK BOOK LAUNCH

Last night, at the Jennifer Balcos Gallery in Buckhead, DOTC Foundation and Fashionado founder, E. Vincent Martinez hosted the book release and signing of his photo book, Beyond The Catwalk, to a packed house.

His vision of creating editorial quality fashion images was realized by a very talented team, co-lead by Martinez’s colleague and friend, Taylor Bareford. Both worked with emerging fashion designers, photographers and professional stylists and models to bring to life a collection of photographic images, with dogs, all shot on location at Atlanta’s Goat Farm.

In the Fall of 2018, a conversation was had between the President of the Art Institute of Atlanta and fashion professor E. Vincent Martinez about creating a stylish, philanthropic event to benefit the Doggies on the Catwalk Foundation [DotC] – a 501 c3 that supports pet-based organizations.

The concept behind Beyond The Catwalk was to style and create high-fashion images using garments designed by emerging student designers and to feature dogs with professional models. Photography professor, Taylor Bareford, who was an instrumental collaborator in this project, worked closely with Martinez on all aspects of art direction and production. Bareford and Martinez share a like-minded aesthetic and sensibility which brought forth an organic and contagious synergy to the project. The shooting schedule spanned over four weeks between January and February of 2019 and involved a team of photographers, designers, stylists, pets and their owners.

Beyond The Catwalk exceeded all expectations. The images are beautiful, dramatic and engaging – not an easy feat when you consider that dogs are inherently cute and we weren’t going for “cute.” One of the educational goals of the project was to offer a real-world experience to the students by taking them out of the classroom, shooting on location and allowing them to communicate their vision with the professional team.    

The mission of the Doggies on the Catwalk Foundation (DotC) is two-fold. DotC is a 501c 3 that provides financial assistance to non-profit organizations whose mission is to enhance the lives of individuals living with disabilities and other special needs, and to those organizations who provide safety and loving homes to animals in need. In addition to supporting non-profit organizations, because Doggies on the Catwalk was created in the classroom, we are committed to providing educational assistance through the form of grants to arts education and fashion design programs. Proceeds from the sales of Beyond The Catwalk benefit the organization.

You can purchase your Beyond The Catwalk book HERE.

FASHIONADO

THE 144th ANNUAL WESTMINSTER KENNEL CLUB DOG SHOW EXPANDS TO THREE DAYS IN 2020

“king” Best In Show 2019

“king” Best In Show 2019

The Westminster Kennel Club will expand its iconic dog show to include an additional third day of breed judging at Pier 94 in New York City. The Westminster Week celebration of dogs will kick off on Saturday, Feb. 8, with the Masters Agility Championship followed by the 144th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show on Feb. 9-11, 2020.

Westminster will continue its annual benched dog show tradition, which offers the public an opportunity to meet and greet nearly 3,000 dogs of 205 breeds and varieties. In 2020, this will include an extra dog show day on Sunday, Feb. 9, at Pier 94. Spectators will now have a weekend opportunity to interact with hundreds of dogs and watch top show dogs vie for a chance to compete in the Groups, which will be held during the evening at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Feb. 10 and Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2020.

For 2020, Westminster welcomes a newly eligible breed, the Azawakh, to the competition. Originally from the West African nations of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, this guardian and hunter has a long history as a companion to nomads of the region. The Westminster Best of Breed winning Azawakh will make history as the first in its breed to compete in the Hound Group at Madison Square Garden. To learn more about this African sighthound, please visit the Media Center or the Azawakh breed page on Westminsterkennelclub.org.

"We are thrilled to offer dog lovers another day to meet top canine competitors from around the world," Westminster Director of Communications Gail Miller Bisher said. “Westminster looks forward to continuing its tradition of celebrating purpose-bred dogs, and their owners, breeders, and exhibitors, by sharing their heartwarming stories and highlighting their achievements in dog sports.”

There are a variety of ticket options on sale now at westminsterkennelclub.org. Also, find a quick reference guide to Westminster event tickets here.

UPDATES: The Westminster Kennel Club welcomes 204 breeds and varieties among 2,630 entries from 49 states and 19 other countries to its expanded three-day dog show featuring the top three breeds per day—Dachshunds, Poodles, and Golden Retrievers—at Pier 94 in New York City from Sunday to Tuesday, Feb. 9-11, 2020. America’s longest continuously held dog show culminates with Best in Show awarded Tuesday evening during the live three-hour broadcast on FS1 from Madison Square Garden. 

Westminster Week kicks off with the Masters Agility Championship on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 with 330 entries followed by the iconic, all-breed, benched dog show including the Junior Showmanship competition with 108 entries. The Masters Obedience Championship with 22 entries will be held on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020.

Dachshunds dominate on Sunday with 55 entries (all varieties) during the Hound breeds judging. Historically bred to hunt badgers because of their tenacious hunting spirit and good nose, today’s dogs excel at assisting police with tracking duties and competing with their owners in Earthdog events.  

Poodles are paramount on Monday with 43 entries (all varieties) during the Non-Sporting and Toy breeds judging. Originally purpose-bred as a retrieving water dog, the Poodle still retains that job today as well as being a wonderful companion and superstar in the Obedience and Agility rings. 

Golden Retrievers grab the top spot on Tuesday with 48 entries during the Sporting breeds judging. Preservation breeders of this traditional bird hunter and field worker are maintaining the breed’s unique characteristics which make them valuable in today’s society as heroes in search-and-rescue work, amazing comfort dogs in the aftermath of tragedy, and brilliant guide dogs for the blind. 

Joining the Westminster roster of breeds for the first time is the Azawakh with 6 entries. This slender sighthound and ancient companion of desert-roaming nomads will debut on Sunday during the Hound breeds judging. 

The 144th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Sunday-Tuesday, Feb. 9-11, 2020 / Pier 94 / Madison Square Garden 

There are 2,630 dogs representing 204 breeds and varieties from 49 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico with the most dogs from California (238), followed by New York (208), Pennsylvania (175), New Jersey (156), Florida (153), Texas (124), and Massachusetts (114). They include Junior Showmanship qualifiers (108) and 101 entries from 19 other countries, topped by Canada (63), Japan (11), and South Korea (5). The farthest entries are from Australia (2) and Thailand (2).

Dog Show Breed Entries by Group 

Sporting (442): Brittanys (19), Lagotti Romagnoli (10), Nederlandse Kooikerhondjes (5), Pointers (17), Pointers (German Shorthaired) (28), Pointers (German Wirehaired) (9), Retrievers (Chesapeake Bay) (13), Retrievers (Curly-Coated) (6), Retrievers (Flat-Coated) (23), Retrievers (Golden) (48), Retrievers (Labrador) (44), Retrievers (Nova Scotia Duck Tolling) (15), Setters (English) (16), Setters (Gordon) (8), Setters (Irish) (14), Setters (Irish Red and White) (11), Spaniels (American Water) (2), Spaniels (Boykin) (5), Spaniels (Clumber) (9), Spaniels (Cocker) A.S.C.O.B. (8), Spaniels (Cocker) Black (9), Spaniels (Cocker) Parti-Color (7), Spaniels (English Cocker) (11), Spaniels (English Springer) (29), Spaniels (Field) (9), Spaniels (Irish Water) (4), Spaniels (Sussex) (7), Spaniels (Welsh Springer) (7), Spinoni Italiani (13), Vizslas (17), Weimaraners (10), Wirehaired Pointing Griffons (5), Wirehaired Vizslas (4).

Hound (361): Afghan Hounds (17), American English Coonhounds (2), American Foxhounds (4), Azawakhs (6), Basenjis (13), Basset Hounds (8), Beagles, (13”) (9), Beagles, (15”) (18), Black and Tan Coonhounds (5), Bloodhounds (7), Bluetick Coonhounds (5), Borzois (16), Cirnechi dell'Etna (10), Dachshunds (Longhaired) (16), Dachshunds (Smooth) (23), Dachshunds (Wirehaired) (16), English Foxhounds (1), Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens (3), Greyhounds (9), Harriers (2), Ibizan Hounds (12), Irish Wolfhounds (13), Norwegian Elkhounds (8), Otterhounds (5), Petit Basset Griffon Vendeens (14), Pharaoh Hounds (12), Plotts (7), Portuguese Podengo Pequenos (15), Redbone Coonhounds (7), Rhodesian Ridgebacks (28), Salukis (12), Scottish Deerhounds (6), Sloughis (1), Treeing Walker Coonhounds (8), Whippets (23).

Working (399): Akitas (6), Alaskan Malamutes (10), Anatolian Shepherd Dogs (6), Bernese Mountain Dogs (30), Black Russian Terriers (15), Boerboels (5), Boxers (15), Bullmastiffs (16), Cane Corsos (19), Doberman Pinschers (17), Dogues de Bordeaux (8), German Pinschers (4), Giant Schnauzers (15), Great Danes (26), Great Pyrenees (11), Greater Swiss Mountain Dogs (10), Komondorok (1), Kuvaszok (4), Leonbergers (17), Mastiffs (14), Neapolitan Mastiffs (10), Newfoundlands (19), Portuguese Water Dogs (16), Rottweilers (22), St. Bernards (8), Samoyeds (26), Siberian Huskies (22), Standard Schnauzers (15), Tibetan Mastiffs (12).

Terrier (314): Airedale Terriers (14), American Hairless Terriers (6), American Staffordshire Terriers (10), Australian Terriers (10), Bedlington Terriers (11), Border Terriers (15), Bull Terriers (Colored) (3), Bull Terriers (White) (2), Cairn Terriers (15), Cesky Terriers (3), Dandie Dinmont Terriers (3), Fox Terriers (Smooth) (15), Fox Terriers (Wire) (12), Glen of Imaal Terriers (4), Irish Terriers (6), Kerry Blue Terriers (18), Lakeland Terriers (7), Manchester Terriers (Standard) (11), Miniature Bull Terriers (11), Miniature Schnauzers (16), Norfolk Terriers (9), Norwich Terriers (14), Parson Russell Terriers (6), Rat Terriers (8), Russell Terriers (14), Scottish Terriers (14), Sealyham Terriers (9), Skye Terriers (3), Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers (10), Staffordshire Bull Terriers (12), Welsh Terriers (5), West Highland White Terriers (18).

Toy (359): Affenpinschers (10), Brussels Griffons (14), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (34), Chihuahuas (Long Coat) (19), Chihuahuas (Smooth Coat) (16), Chinese Cresteds (28), English Toy Spaniels (Blenheim & Prince Charles) (3), English Toy Spaniels (King Charles & Ruby) (3), Havanese (19), Italian Greyhounds (12), Japanese Chin (9), Maltese (12), Manchester Terriers (Toy) (9), Miniature Pinschers (11), Papillons (22), Pekingese (11), Pomeranians (27), Poodles (Toy) (11), Pugs (32), Shih Tzu (17), Silky Terriers (9), Toy Fox Terriers (7), Yorkshire Terriers (24). 

Non-Sporting (261): American Eskimo Dogs (9), Bichons Frises (26), Boston Terriers (24), Bulldogs (8), Chinese Shar-Pei (10), Chow Chows (11), Cotons de Tulear (6), Dalmatians (16), Finnish Spitz (8), French Bulldogs (32), Keeshonden (10), Lhasa Apsos (10), Lowchen (5), Norwegian Lundehunds (3), Poodles (Miniature) (11), Poodles (Standard) (21), Schipperkes (6), Shiba Inu (9), Tibetan Spaniels (10), Tibetan Terriers (16), Xoloitzcuintli (10).

Herding (364): Australian Cattle Dogs (10), Australian Shepherds (28), Bearded Collies (18), Beaucerons (10), Belgian Malinois (12), Belgian Sheepdogs (4), Belgian Tervuren (13), Bergamasco Sheepdogs (7), Berger Picards (13), Border Collies (24), Bouviers des Flandres (5), Briards (6), Canaan Dogs (4), Cardigan Welsh Corgis (19), Collies (Rough) (18), Collies (Smooth) (11), Entlebucher Mountain Dogs (2), Finnish Lapphunds (10), German Shepherd Dogs (13), Icelandic Sheepdogs (7), Miniature American Shepherds (28), Norwegian Buhunds (7), Old English Sheepdogs (8), Pembroke Welsh Corgis (25), Polish Lowland Sheepdogs (11), Pulik (6), Pumik (9), Pyrenean Shepherds (7), Shetland Sheepdogs (17), Spanish Water Dogs (9), Swedish Vallhunds (3).

Dog Show Entries by Location

States (49): Alaska (8), Alabama (23), Arkansas (11), Arizona (18), California (238), Colorado (48), Connecticut (99), Delaware (18), Florida (153), Georgia (68), Hawaii (10), Idaho (14), Illinois (58), Indiana (37), Iowa (15), Kansas (10), Kentucky (31), Louisiana (22), Maine (6), Maryland (75), Massachusetts (114), Michigan (77), Minnesota (38), Mississippi (6), Missouri (31), Montana (6), Nebraska (4), Nevada (15), New Hampshire (17), New Jersey (156), New Mexico (3), New York (208), North Carolina (79), Ohio (103), Oklahoma (21), Oregon (17), Pennsylvania (175), Rhode Island (18), South Carolina (44), South Dakota (3), Tennessee (45), Texas (124), Utah (6), Vermont (12), Virginia (103), Washington (81), West Virginia (6), Wisconsin (46), Wyoming (1). Other: Washington D.C. (8), Puerto Rico (1).

Other Countries (19): Argentina (2), Australia (2), Belgium (1), Bermuda (1), Brazil (2), Canada (63), Chile (2), Columbia (1), Costa Rica (1), Croatia (1), Germany (1), Guatemala (1), Japan (11), Lithuania (2), Mexico (2), Russia (1), South Korea (5), Sweden (1), and Thailand (1).

7th Annual Masters Agility Championship at Westminster

Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020 at Pier 94

There are 330 dogs entered representing 71 breeds and 35 states with the most coming from New York (49), New Jersey (47), Pennsylvania (24), Ohio (23), and Virginia (23). The top five entries are Border Collies (44), Shetland Sheepdogs (32), Golden Retrievers (25), All-American Dogs (23), and Papillons (21).

Agility Entries by Breed

Breeds (71): All-American Dogs (23), American Eskimo Dogs (2), American Hairless Terriers (1), American Staffordshire Terriers (1), Australian Cattle Dogs (1), Australian Shepherds (19), Beaucerons (1), Bedlington Terriers (1), Belgian Malinois (1), Belgian Tervuren (2), Berger Picards (1), Bichons Frises (5), Border Collies (44), Borzoi (1), Boston Terriers (5), Boxers (5), Boykin Spaniels (1), Brittanys (1), Bull Terriers (1), Cardigan Welsh Corgis (2), Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (5), Chesapeake Bay Retrievers (1), Chinese Cresteds (4), Cocker Spaniels (8), Cotons de Tulear (1), Dachshunds (2), Dalmatians (4), Danish Swedish Farmdogs (2), Doberman Pinschers (2), English Cocker Spaniels (2), English Springer Spaniels (5), Fox Terriers (1), German Shepherd Dogs (2), German Shorthaired Pointers (1), Golden Retrievers (25), Havanese (2), Icelandic Sheepdogs (1), Irish Red & White Setters (1), Irish Setters (1) Keeshonden (1), Kerry Blue Terriers (1), Labrador Retrievers (10), Maltese (1), Manchester Terriers (3), Miniature American Shepherds (10), Miniature Pinschers (2), Miniature Schnauzers (5), Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers (4), Papillons (21), Parson Russell Terriers (2), Pembroke Welsh Corgis (5), Pomeranians (3), Poodles (14), Portuguese Water Dogs (1), Pugs (1), Rat Terriers (2), Rhodesian Ridgebacks (1), Rottweilers (2), Rough Collies (2), Salukis (1), Scottish Terriers (3), Shetland Sheepdogs (32), Shiba Inu (2), Siberian Huskies (3), Soft-Coated Wheaton Terriers (1), Toy Fox Terriers (1), Vizslas (3), Weimaraners (1), Welsh Terriers (1), West Highland White Terriers (2), Wire Fox Terriers (1), and Yorkshire Terriers (1). 

Agility Entries by Location

States (35): Alabama (1) Arizona (1), California (13), Colorado (1), Connecticut (21), Delaware (2), Florida (9), Georgia (3), Illinois (10), Indiana (5), Kentucky (2), Maine (1), Massachusetts (27), Maryland (7), Michigan (6), Minnesota (2), Missouri (2), North Carolina (8), Nebraska (1), New Hampshire (11), New Jersey (47), New Mexico (3), Nevada (1), New York (49), Ohio (23), Pennsylvania (24), Rhode Island (2), South Carolina (2),Tennessee (4), Texas (6), Virginia (23), Vermont (3), Washington (3), Wisconsin (2), West Virginia (4), and Canada (1). 

***As of January 3, 2020 we have reached 330 entries. The Agility entry numbers are subject to change until the secondary cancellation date of January 20, 2020.***

5th Annual Masters Obedience Championship at Westminster Entries

Sunday, Feb. 9, 2020 at Pier 94

There are 22 dogs entered from 13 states led by New Jersey (6) and Illinois (3). The top breeds are Border Collies (8) and Labrador Retrievers (3).

Obedience Entries by Breed

Breeds (10): Belgian Tervuren (2), Border Collies (8), German Shepherd Dogs (1), Miniature American Shepherds (1), Papillons (1), Poodles (2), Retrievers (Golden) (2), Retrievers (Labrador) (3), Shetland Sheepdogs (1) and Spaniels (English Springer) (1).

Obedience Entries by Location

States (13): Connecticut (2), Florida (1), Georgia (2), Illinois (3), Indiana (1), Iowa (1), Maryland (1), Minnesota (1), New Jersey (6), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (1), Texas (1), and West Virginia (1).

FASHIONADO

Save the Date: DOGGIES ON THE BELTLINE OCT. 28

We're taking two of our favorite things (costumes and canines) and combining them into one poppin', pre-Halloween event for both man and man's best friend! Join us for the very first Doggies on the BeltLine Halloween parade, featuring a full afternoon of activities and awesome goodies, including:
+ Pre-party at The Shed at Ponce City Market
+ Costume contests (with prizes from Hotel ClermontBarking Hound Village, and City Winery Atlanta)
+ Fabulous freebies from Ace + Jack, Barking Hound Village, and more
+ Atlanta BeltLine Partnership Trekker benefits for an entire year
+ After-party at Park Tavern featuring Tito's Vodka cocktails

Doggies on the BeltLine will be held on Sunday, October 28th from 1:00-3:00 PM. Doggie check-in and parade starts at The Shed at Ponce City Market, where we'll be handing out goodies for you and your precious pooch from Ace + Jack, City Winery, Barking Hound and more! From here, we'll make our way down the BeltLine and end at Park Tavern for the costume contest and after party of the century. Help ring in the Halloween season with the Atlanta BeltLine Partnership, Doggies on the Catwalk Foundation and your four-legged bestie!

There will be no onsite ticket sales – you MUST purchase your tickets for this event in advance here. Joining ABP in sponsoring this awesome event are Ponce City Market, Park Tavern, Altitude Apartments, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Hotel Clermont, Barking Hound, City Winery and more. We look forward to seeing everyone at The Shed at Ponce City Market in October! No refunds or ticket transfers, rain or shine (there will be covered areas).  

**Purchase tickets to Doggies on the BeltLine here.

fashionado

DOGS GONE - TRAVEL WITH YOUR DOGGIE

Ponyboy, a Great Pyrenees from Lithonia, is ready to hit the road from the driver’s seat of his retro Karmann Ghia. His favorite vacation destination: the beach, always the beach. Photo by Wendy Palmer.

Ponyboy, a Great Pyrenees from Lithonia, is ready to hit the road from the driver’s seat of his retro Karmann Ghia. His favorite vacation destination: the beach, always the beach. Photo by Wendy Palmer.

Pack a bag and prepare for a tail wag.  It’s easier than ever to take your pooch along on your vacation.

WHO’S A GOOD DOG? Your pup, of course. And as much you might love a getaway that promises a beach splash or mountain vista, it’s heart-tugging to leave fur family behind. Pleading puppy-dog eyes boring into your soul as you walk out the door with a suitcase are real, people.

America has some 85 million pet parents. Like Boomerang’s mom, they now have more spots that are dog- and, sometimes, cat-friendly. Photo: Wendy Palmer

America has some 85 million pet parents. Like Boomerang’s mom, they now have more spots that are dog- and, sometimes, cat-friendly. Photo: Wendy Palmer

We’ve got good news: Leave the guilt. Take the dog.

For animal lovers, two of the sweetest words around are “pets allowed.” It’s heard more and more often these days as businesses figure out how to cater to America’s 85 million pet parents.

Teen Vogue magazine this year offered a paid internship with only two duties: Travel with dogs, and post the photos on social media. Amtrak, which banned everything but service animals since its inception in 1971, recently dipped a toe — or paw, if you prefer — into the pet pool. Dogs and cats up to 20 pounds can now travel with owners on routes of seven hours or less.

If a road trip with your BFLF (best four-legged friend) sounds good, the Southeast has spots that let you roll right in.

Don’t chase your tail looking for destinations. We’ve done some digging for you. They’re arranged by vacation type (beach, mountain, hotel), then alphabetically by state.

Sea Spot run

Three Southern beaches get a paws up from Coastal Living magazine in its list of the seven “Best Dog-Friendly U.S. Beaches.” It mentions Jekyll Island, Hunting Island State Park in South Carolina, and Fort DeSoto Paw Playground and Beach near St. Petersburg, Fla. We’ve added a few to that list, too, so read on.

ALABAMA: Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores (5.5 hours southwest of Atlanta) allows dogs in its campground ($24-$57) for free and in select cabins/cottages ($152-$364 nightly plus $15 Fido fee). Leashed dogs can sniff their way through a picnic area and 27 miles of trails. A fenced dog park with its own pond and agility course lets you leave the leash behind. No dogs permitted on Gulf Shores beaches, though. To do that, go 20 miles west to Fort Morgan near Mobile. Gulf Shores details: 800.252.7275 or alapark.com/gulf-state-park.

Even though dogs aren’t allowed on Tybee Island’s beaches, they can take to the water. Photo: Gavin Edmondstone

Even though dogs aren’t allowed on Tybee Island’s beaches, they can take to the water. Photo: Gavin Edmondstone

FLORIDA: Fort DeSoto Paw Playground and Beach (6.5 hours south of Atlanta) is near Tampa, St. Pete and Clearwater but tucked away in nature. It’s attached to Fort DeSoto Park, twice named America’s Best Beach by TripAdvisor. You and Rover can camp together and romp in the waves. He can make friends in fenced areas where size matters — little pups and big dogs each get a designated yard. Details HERE or at 727.852.2267.

If you want to play but not stay at the park, go 11 miles north to Madeira Beach (“Mad Beach” to locals) and get comfy in a pet-friendly condo or cottage (about $100 nightly). Dogs aren’t allowed on Madeira Beach, but it’s between Fort DeSoto and dog-friendly Honeymoon Island, 23 miles to the north. Madeira details HERE; Honeymoon Island details HERE.

GEORGIA: Jekyll Island and nearby St. Simons (about 5 hours southeast of Atlanta) let dogs on beaches with a few restrictions. St. Simons’ East Beach prohibits pets from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. all summer. They’re OK on or off leash for early-morning and evening walkies.

Jekyll’s beaches, long known as a bring-your-pup paradise, welcome leashed dogs all year long. Choose from dozens of lodging choices, including the Westin Jekyll Island  ($222 nightly) and the Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island ($152 nightly plus $75 pet deposit). Details: goldenisles.com.

At Edisto Island in South Carolina, canines can go kayaking. Photo: Frank DiBona

At Edisto Island in South Carolina, canines can go kayaking. Photo: Frank DiBona

Dogs are strictly prohibited on Tybee Island beaches (fines are a yowl-inducing $290 plus court costs), but congenial canines can cruise with you aboard Captain Mike’s Dolphin Tours ($8-$18).

Spend the night with your mutt at the Atlantis Inn Tybee Island ($89 and up nightly for pets up to 15 pounds) and the Dunes Inn & Suites Tybee Island ($100 and up). Both charge $25 per pet per night. The Sandcastle Inn ($114 and up) allows dogs of any size for a $25 one-time fee. It also has Tybee’s only saltwater swimming pool. For humans.

Despite beach restrictions, Tybee (18 miles from Savannah and four-plus hours southeast of Atlanta) is a pleasant place for pet people. It’s laid-back, family-friendly, not overdeveloped, the eclectic neighborhoods are fun to walk and bike, and you’ll find gorgeous marshland views. Tybee details: tybeeisland.com.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Drive the doggo to Hunting Island State Park (about 4.5 hours southeast of Atlanta) for a low-country vacation on a semitropical island. Camp here and walk or run 5 miles of beaches. If your pooch prefers not to “ruff it,” stay in Beaufort, 20 miles away. The boutique City Loft Hotel ($170 and up) charges $22 nightly for dogs up to 80 pounds. The Cuthbert House Inn ($190-$290 nightly), an antebellum mansion turned bed-and-breakfast, charges a one-time pet fee of $50. Hunting Island details at 843.838.2011; Beaufort details HERE or at  843.525.8500.

Charleston was voted “Best City for Pet Travelers 2016” by readers of GoPetFriendly.com, nosing out Florida’s Port St. Joe, the previous winner. On popular Edisto Island (30 miles north of Charleston, 5.5 hours from Atlanta), dogs must be leashed on the beach May through October; it’s your call whether to tether the other months. Charleston details HERE; Edisto details HERE.

Pups and peaks

If dogs could, they’d give mountain adventures two thumbs up. It’s often cooler than sea level for those with a fur coat, with plenty of room to roam. North Georgia offers lakes, waterfalls and hours of hiking (including 76 miles of the Appalachian Trail). Take a picnic, and don’t forget to allow time for sniffing every little thing of interest.

At Barking Fox Farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, your pooch can rub noses with the horsey set. Photo: TripAdvisor

At Barking Fox Farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, your pooch can rub noses with the horsey set. Photo: TripAdvisor

GEORGIA: The Last Resort in Blue Ridge (93 miles north of Atlanta, $125-$200 nightly) allows pets in most mountain cabins for $10. For humans, every cabin has a hot tub. For fishing fans, there’s a lake full of trout. Ellijay and B.J. Reece Orchards are 16 miles away. Let Fido help you pick whatever’s in season and sample goodies from the bakery.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Barking Fox Farm, a 43-acre horse farm in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains (3 hours north of Atlanta) offers two guest cottages. One has a deck overlooking the pasture; both have whirlpool tubs and full kitchens. Four-footed travelers are greeted with biscuits and a cushy pet bed. Details: 864.457.7300.

Sit, stay

More and more chain hotels are accepting pets, including Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, LaQuinta and Kimpton Hotels. Kimpton is so welcoming, in fact, it’ll offer you a fish for your room if you arrive without a four-legged friend.

Bottom line: Don’t forget to pack your pup. Photo: Tim Mossholder

Bottom line: Don’t forget to pack your pup. Photo: Tim Mossholder

At Loews Hotels, VIP means “Very Important Pet.” The national chain introduced the first pet guest program 18 years ago with its “Loews Loves Pets.” Amenities rival perks for humans and include a room-service menu for dogs and cats; food prepared on-site by the hotel’s culinary team; pet beds and  litter boxes; mapped dog-walking routes; and list of dog-friendly eateries.

If your fur-child stares at you expectantly because there’s no rawhide bone or scratching post nearby, those are available, too. Loews allows up to two pets per room. Expect a one-time fee of about $75 at properties in Atlanta, Nashville or Orlando. You even get a “Pet in Room” sign for your door so everyone knows that’s not you snoring. Details: loewshotels.com/loews-loves-petsloewshotels.com.

The tail end

Run to BringFido.com (or get the app) to find more than 200,000 pet-welcoming places to stay, dog parks and more. Likewise GoPetFriendly.com.

Take your dog on vacation. Loyalty should be rewarded.

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Davio's Cooks for Charity, Headshots + Handshakes and Doggies + Daiquiris

headshots

Fashion, Food & Furry friend lovers - We have three fun, stylish and very delicious events for you to attend!

Atlanta influencer and Doggies on the Catwalk runway model, Chris Watkins, along with his friends at Davio's and the AC Hotel Buckhead, have created "Headshots + Handshakes," "Davio's Cooks for Charity" and "Doggies + Daiquiris," just for you and to benefit the Doggies Foundation.

 Headshots + Handshakes: Thursday, May 10,  6:30-9p at the AC Lounge.

This is a networking event and headshot party benefiting Doggies on the Catwalk. Come network and mingle with Atlanta professionals at AC Hotel Atlanta Buckhead for professional headshots for your LinkedIn, website, or business profile. Enjoy drink specials throughout the evening. Headshots are $50 made payable onsite as a tax-deductible donation benefiting Doggies on the Catwalk.

Next up: Davio's Cooks for Charity May 15th, 5-10p

We didn't know our boy Chris could throw down in the kitchen...

Chris teamed up with the awesome team at Davio's Atlanta to host Davio's Cooks for Charity event on May 15th. He helped put the smackdown on the evening's charity dish, Penne Pasta w/ Applewood-Smoked Chicken, Sundried Tomatoes, Walnuts, and Cream where 100% of the sales benefit Doggies on the Catwalk.

Chris will be hosting the night and wants to see you there! Make a reservation on OpenTable at the link provided or contact the restaurant at 404.844.4810. https://www.opentable.com/davios-reservations-atlanta

Last but certainly not least:

Doggies + Daiquiris: Monday, May 21, 2018, 6-8p at the AC Patio.

This is a fundraising event benefiting Doggies on the Catwalk. Come learn about Doggies on the Catwalk and there benefactor Canine Assistants and meet the adorable service animals while enjoying doggie-themed daiquiris on the dog-friendly patio. Onsite donations benefit Doggies on the Catwalk.

So mark your calendars for these three fabulous events and support Chris Watkins and Doggies on the Catwalk! Bring a friend or two!

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Event Recap: Luxury Garage Sale Grand Opening Atlanta

On Wednesday, April 25th, over 100 fashion forward Atlantans descended upon Luxury Garage Sale's pop-up boutique in bustling Inman Park for the official grand opening celebration.  An intimate affair,  guests shopped coveted luxury brands for 90% off of retail prices such as: Chanel, Gucci, Prada, Celine, Prada, LV, and much more, while enjoying savory corn hush puppies and tuna tartare bites from The Brasserie and Neighborhood Café at PARISH, bubbly, Wild Heaven craft beer, and the signature cocktail of the night, made with Cathead Vodka, Luxury Living. Additionally, hitting record pop-up sales, 10% of the night’s proceeds benefitted Doggies on the Catwalk, the acclaimed 501c 3 founded by E. Vincent Martinez. 

Open until Tuesday, May 15, Luxury Garage Sale’s Atlanta pop-up, is located at The Shops at Highland Steel (240 N. Highland Avenue, Atlanta, Ga). For more information on Luxury Garage Sale, visit luxurygaragesale.com

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