Dog Days of Summer

San Diego has gone to the dogs – the bulldogs, that is. Sponsors took their fingers off the “paws” button and launched the inaugural “Running of the Bulldogs” Saturday, obviously cashing in on the popularity of Pamplona Italy’s annual “Running of the Bulls” event,

But if you expected dangerous excitement and gored spectators, you are barking up the wrong tree.

DowntownDogLover.com hosted the puppy march and encouraged owners to systematically plant their dogs on the ground one step at a time and give their pet dogs a chance to strut their stuff.

The $10 fee included admission to the post-run Launch PAW-ty at the San Diego Wine and Culinary Center. A portion of the proceeds benefitted the FACE Foundation, which helps animal owners who can afford emergency or critical care for their pets.

Owners and pets were not allowed to run willy-nilly over the course. All dogs were required to be friendly and leashed. Aggressive dogs were not permitted to participate.

Any and all breeds of bulldogs were welcomed (American, Aussie, English, and French). Owners could wheel, walk, trot or run their animal at a pace comfortable to the dog. Dog wagons and strollers were allowed, in order to not over-exert the dogs.

Owners had to dress in all white and/or light khaki, and all participants received a Running of the Bulldogs tee-shirt. Costumes for the dogs were also encouraged.

By the way, the San Diego Humane Society’s 23rd Annual Fur Ball is scheduled for this coming Saturday, August 8. I wish I could be there!