So, this is a post that I've been meaning to share since June 18. Better late than never! On June 17, the Cleveland Indians hosted their annual Puppypalooza event. They typically do this in June and September, but it looks like this year June was the only one. I have been meaning to take Woody to this since we moved downtown 2 years ago, but something has always come up. Finally, I secured tickets ahead of time and cleared my schedule. I'm so glad I did! This is now one of my favorite Indians promotions. They truly ensure dogs and humans have a good time. Plus, they have a multitude of volunteers from the Cleveland APL and Banfield Pet Hospital to make sure everything runs smoothly.

Curt, Woody and I arrived early because prior to the game there is a parade in which all the dogs and their owners get to walk the warning track. It's been unseasonably cool this summer, but I can say that this might have been one of the hottest days we've had thus far. The dogs were panting and the humans were sweating, and we waited about 30 min. before heading down to the field. Once we got out there, I could not believe how many dogs were actually in attendance. There had to have been at least 300.

As we got out of the gate we realized that walking onto the field is forbidden and monitored by volunteers, but I didn't see anyone trying to push their luck. After walking the field, humans and dogs were able to pick wherever they want to sit on the Budweiser Patio. I was slightly nervous about this, given that Woody can be a little territorial when he's on the leash. But, everyone's dogs were really well-behaved and people followed the leash rules and gave other owners/dogs some distance to avoid mass chaos. Woody did decide to single out a husky and another larger dog in front of us that he just felt like he didn't like and kept growling and barking at them when they would look at him as if he was offended by their presence. I would give him a B+ for behavior skills.

Another key thing that I think made a difference was that they did not do any fireworks during home runs like normal. This is a big deal since fireworks and thunder are sever anxiety inducers for dogs.

All in all, I highly recommend this to dog owners next year. Check out my slideshow below and comment to tell me if you were in attendance and what you liked most about the event!

Today is the deadline for submissions for the Cleveland APL's Pet Calendar Contest. The entry fee is $25 and all proceeds benefit the Cleveland APL. All animals will be featured in the calendar and 12 will be chosen as Pet of the Month. You can get all the details and submit your photo here. Good luck!

"A tired Jack Russell is a happy Jack Russell" - some man I encountered on one of my dog walks.

This quote could not be more true, which is why I try to take Woody on a long walk almost daily. One of the neatest things about living in downtown Cleveland is that there is always something new to discover. There are fixtures in downtown that have actually been here for years that aren't always noticeable or understood until you open your eyes and pay attention to your surroundings. With all of the hype surrounding Gay Games 9, the RNC and Lebron's return, Cleveland is seeing the most positive worldwide attention it's received in decades. So, I thought this might be a great time to start sharing my firsthand observations from the walks that Woody and I take. Each week, I will highlight something we've discovered, whether it's something I noticed or something that attracted Woody's attention. From unique architecture (like The Arcade, which reminds me of the interior of the fine dining room in Titanic) to new bar and restaurant openings, I will share a little piece of the city with you. Hopefully you will enjoy learning through the eyes of a girl and her dog, and just maybe it'll make you want to walk around and explore on your own. Welcome to Cleveland! We hope you enjoy your stay.

In case you haven't heard, Lebron James is returning to the Cavs, a moment I never thought I'd see. Woody celebrated in true Cleveland fashion.