Happy Holidays from Toby's Day Out!

Whew! It's been a long year, and a while since my last post! I haven't forgotten about you, but there are some big changes coming to Toby's Day Out, so I've been gearing up for a big year!

I hope everyone is enjoying the holiday season. I have been eating lots of turkey, and enjoying my new Christmas presents, which included a new duck, some reindeer ears and a new squeeky toy! I'm looking forward to exploring more dog parks and happy hours in the coming year, and introducing you to some local four-legged celebrities. Lots of exciting things are coming your way, so check back soon for some exciting new additions to Toby's Day Out!

The Dash 5K & Doggie Run

Join Capital Sprints for the Dash 5K & Doggie Run this Sunday, November 6th for their 5K run through Rock Creek Park! Well behaved pups have a special 1 mile Doggie Run/Walk,with water bowls and treats provided at the start/finish. Event partnered wit the Washington Animal Rescue League.

For more information and to register for the event visit the Capital Sprints website here.

Photo credit: Capital Sprints.

Woof-Worthy Events for Halloween!

{Special Events}


Adams Morgan Main Street Group Bow Wow Pow Wow
Saturday, October 15th from 11:00am - 5:00pm

Marie Reed Learning Center Basketball Corts
2200 Block of 18th Street at Wyoming Avenue
Washington, D.C.

Join other pups and owners for a day of presentations and contests, with vendors and prize drawings through the day. There will be top trainers, experts, vendors, dog dancing, agility demonstrations, pet adoption and pet fostering, and more! Contests include Dog with Character, Cutest Puppy, Most obedient, Best Costume, Most Affectionate, Best Trick, Dog/Owner Look-Alike, Biggest Dog, Smallest Dog, and Most Handsom/Glamorous!

The Power of Pets "Woof Walk" and Fun Run
Saturday, October 22nd from 10:00am - 1:00pm

Capitol Reflecting Pool
3rd Street SW & Jefferson Avenue SW
Washington, D.C.

THE POWER OF PETS™ by Mars Petcare, a community-focused initiative that celebrates the health benefits of pet ownership, is focusing its 2011 program on dog walking as a way for families to increase their physical activity levels while spending more time together and outdoors. More information here.

Stay tuned - More information and contest giveaway coming soon!

{Halloween Events}


Spooktacular Halloween Canine Happy Hour and Costume Contest
Tuesday, October 25 from 6:30pm - 8:30 pm

Tommy Joe's
4714 Montgomery Lane, Bethesda, MD
Price $10.00/person

Come out for tail-wagging fun with a dog costume contest starting at 7:30pm. Treats and water provided, as well as happy hour specials and food and drink specials for humans. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at the door. All proceeds go to the Washington Animal Rescue League. Pups must be up-to-date on vaccinations and well-socialized, and kept on a leash.

Doggie Happy Howl-O-Ween Costume Contest
Thursday, October 27th from 4:30pm - 8:00pm

Jackson 20 Restaurant
489 King Street, Alexandria, VA
Price $10.00/person

Dress up to benefit the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) and compete for prizes for "the Most Glamorous Get-Up," the Best Dressed Couple," and the "Top Dog" award. Halloween-themed cocktails will be available, and free treats and water for the pups.

Bark and Bowl Tonight!

Get out tonight and bowl, benefitting the D.C. Chapter of the  National Canine Cancer Foundation.

Park Review: Cabin John Dog Park

Since I began writing about parks, I have only reviewed Virginia dog parks. This was more of a strange coincidence, made more ironic by the fact that I am in fact a Maryland pup! I decided it was time to shine the light on Maryland parks, and so as per request of a friend over at DCPetTalk.com, I have visited a few dog parks in the Maryland area. I was skeptical at first, because the best reviews were concentrated in the Virginia area. But I was pleasantly surprised to find a number of hidden gems, in my own backyard! One of these was Cabin John Dog Park.

The park has a number of beautiful walking paths that circle the grounds, with picnic areas in the center.

The dog park was separated into two sections, one for small dogs under 20 pounds and the other for large dogs over 20 pounds. Both sections had a patio and covered area for human friends, and a large space to run around. The large dog area had a lot more room, but I was glad that there was an area just for small dogs like me to run around!

No rock, tree, or vertical object was left un-sniffed as I made my way through the small dog park, exploring the entire area before giving it a tail-wagging approval.

The pups were very playful!

The large dog section had lots of space for them to run around!

Here are a few friends I made. I've always had an affinity for labs!

Doesn't this dog look just like Boo??

After running around with the other pups I decided to take a stroll through the park,  to explore the grounds further.

The park was beautiful just before sunset!

{The Details:}

Hours: Sunrise to Sunset, except Tuesday 9am-11am closed for weekly maintenance.

Location: 10900 West Lake Drive, Bethesda, MD 

Amenities: Restrooms, Water Fountains, Picnic Tables, Nature Trails, Trash Cans, and Doggie Bags provided.

Terrain: Grass & mulch

Fenced: Completely fenced in area

Type of Dogs: Mix of small and large dogs, separate areas for each.

Owners: Mostly friendly, not attentive.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Reasons: While the park was very beautiful, there were a few disappointing things. A permit is required for entry into the park. These permits are relatively easy to obtain, but because there are parks in the area that do not require a permit (which costs about $50) I think many pups would choose other parks instead. Also the fenced in area was relatively small for the smaller dogs. I like having lots of space to run around, so I think next time I would go to the big dog area, or opt for a park with more space.

 Keep wagging, friends!

BowWowMatch.com Launch Party!

Whew! It's taken me a while to post these pictures because this week has been very hectic! (More posts coming very soon..) I had a great time at the BowWowMatch.com Launch party and Yappy hours last Thursday. I made lots of new friends, and had so much fun running around. There were lots of prizes and even some pups up for adoption! 

I met a few dogs that looked just like me! Same size and color, see?

Helloo!

I also found another Terrier! I was trying to whisper something to him about how much fun I was having! 

Look how snuggly this pup was! He must have been tired after too much running around and socializing!

Trying my best to be obedient and sit for the picture. I was trying to impress all the other dogs with my ability to listen. See how well my friend and I are sitting here?

How neat is that trick? The dog even looks at the camera, what a star! He definitely needs to look into dog-modeling.

I was trying to jump up and give my new friend a hug!

If you haven't checked out BowWowMatch.com yet you definitely should. It's a great place to meet other pups to go for walks with, playdates, and more. I love socializing, and making new friends, and I can't wait to start meeting even more dogs on BowWowMatch.com. Find my profile by searching my username: TobysDayOut!

Keep wagging, friends!

Park Review: Glencarlyn Park

This weekend I went to Glencaryln Park with some of my friends! It was so much fun! I think it was my favorite park so far, because there was lots of space for me to run around and play, and it was not too crowded either. My owner was a little concerned that there was no fence, but it was ok, because it was a big area and it was far from any parking lots or streets where I could be in danger.

When we first got to the park, my owner was not sure where the area was for dogs! But I knew exactly where it was! We had to take the path over the bridge, and to the right, and walk about five minutes before the opening at the top of the hill. I was so excited I ran as fast as I could!

I immediately went to explore the area, and make some friends! See how excited I was? 

This is me with my friend Scout! His owner found a log for us to sit on for pictures. I tried to be as cooperative as possible, but I couldn't sit for long. Too many exciting things to explore! 

Look at me running with Scout and Cash! It was so much fun exploring the trails!

Whew! Sometimes I needed a minute to catch my breath from all the running and excitement!

I didn't really like going very deep in the water, I preferred the shallow end. But Scout was so adventurous! He went all the way in and swam around!

Scout and Cash!

Look! It's all of us in the water! 

I even posed for a few pictures. I was trying my best to sit, and stay!

Goodbye Glencarlyn Park!

I was really sleepy by the time we left! All that running and digging made me so tired, I passed out in the car on the way home!

But not for long! The excitement of the drive home was too much! Look! I think I saw a squirrel! 

{The Details:}
Hours: Sunrise to 1/2 hour after sunset
Location: 301. Harrison St. Arlington, VA 22204
Parking: Limited space
Amenities: Restrooms, Water Fountains, Picnic Tables, Nature Trails,
Grass or Pavement: Grass
Fenced in: Partially
Types of Dogs: Mix of big and small dogs, all with good behavior and social skills
Owners: Friendly and attentive
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5, this park was tail-waggingly fun! Definitely woof-worthy!