Hot List: Dog Days of Summer

Many, if not all, dog owners consider their four-legged friends part of the family, so why not treat them as such? Next time you head to the park or out to eat, bring your best friend along. These local spots welcome canines with open arms.

BARK IN THE PARK
Fans and dogs alike are rooting for the home team at Hank Aaron Stadium. Every Sunday home game during the 2014 season is a “Bark in the Park” day where owners can bring their K9 friends along to the ball park in support of the BayBears. All dogs get in free with the purchase of a human (adult) ticket. 

Hank Aaron Stadium • 755 Bolling Brothers Blvd. 

DOGGIE HAPPY HOUR
Enjoy queso fundido and a fresh margarita with your pup once a month at Doggie Happy Hour at OK Bicycle Shop in downtown Mobile. The event, organized by MyHappyDog123, includes live music, a raffle, educational information from local veterinarians and the opportunity to meet and mingle with fellow pet owners. Admission is free, but proceeds from the raffle, along with any donations, will be given to that month's featured cause.

OK Bicycle Shop • 661 Dauphin St. 432-2453

CALLAGHAN'S IRISH SOCIAL CLUB
What could be better than good music, a great burger and cold beer with man's best friend? It's pretty much the ultimate bro-date. Snag a table on the front porch so you two can enjoy the breeze. Also, make sure you keep your eye out for Erin Go Pawfest, the annual dog-friendly street party put on by Callaghan's and the Friends of the Mobile Animal Shelter each spring. It's always a good time.

Callaghan's Irish Social Club • 916 Charleston St. 433-9374

CREAM & SUGAR
Grab breakfast, lunch or post-dinner dessert in the Oakleigh Garden District at Cream & Sugar, a cozy little coffeehouse known for their deliciously rich cake balls and dog-friendly atmosphere. Bring a copy of your favorite local magazine (wink, wink) to read while you and your pup lounge around. The shop is open
7 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily. 

Cream & Sugar • 351 George St. 405-0003

JULIEN MARX DOG PARK
If your pup is often confined to a small outdoor space, a trip to this 4-acre facility at Medal of Honor Park will certainly allow him to stretch his legs. Park amenities include doggie water fountains, benches, pick-up bags and separate fenced areas for small breeds and large breeds. Grab a bench under some shade and sit back while Fido gets some much-needed exercise with his new puppy friends. 

Julien Marx Dog Park • 1711 Hillcrest Rd. 

WALKS AND WAGS
Bringing your dog along to board meetings and client dinners would be fun, but your boss probably won't go for the idea. For the pet owner constantly on the go, Walks and Wags is a canine haven. This doggie daycare offers everything your pet needs: green grass, tennis balls, playful friends and plenty of space to run around. Reserve a spot for your dog once a week or as many as five days a week if openings are available. 

Walks and Wags • 631 Azalea Rd. 643-1615

FAIRHOPE DOG PARK
Eastern Shore folks, you too can take advantage of the dog park perks. A two-acre, fenced yard + new friends + no leash = one tired dog. An hour or two of play time should have your dog nice and sleepy by the time you get home. Note: Puppies must be at least 4 months old to attend.

Fairhope Dog Park • 701 Volanta Ave., Fairhope. 

MCSHARRY'S IRISH PUB
After a long walk, you and your pup can enjoy traditional Irish music and a pint out on the “paddy-o” at downtown Fairhope's quintessential pub. Maybe just a pint of water for him, though. 

McSharry's Irish Pub • 101 N Bancroft St., Fairhope 990-5100.

COSMO'S RESTAURANT & BAR
Cosmo's makes a trip to the beach that much sweeter. Delicious local seafood, thirst-quenching beverages and a large dog-friendly deck are just a few of the reasons this restaurant is a must during your next vacation. Before you leave, stop by Maggie's Bottle and 'Tail across the deck,  a specialty gift shop featuring wine, beer, T-shirts and dog and wine themed gifts. 

Cosmo's Restaurant & Bar • 25753 Canal Rd., Orange Beach. 948-9663

GO PLAY PET SERVICE
You know what they say about idle hands, or in the case, paws. If your dog usually spends the day at home alone, treat him to a play date with Daphne's Go Play Pet Service. Your furry family member will enjoy a large, cage-free play area to exercise (including sandboxes for digging and baby pools for “swimming”) and socialize with other dogs. Play groups are separated by size and temperament.

Go Play Pet Service • 2518 Hwy 98, Daphne. 621-7389

Text by Abby Parrott