There are national “holidays” for just about anything – from national jelly bean day to pretend to be a time traveler day, there’s truly something for everyone. And today, it’s all about the dogs!
National Dog Day has been held recognized annually on August 26 since 2004, when animal advocate Colleen Paige decided she wanted to help encourage more people to adopt shelter pets.1 Paige selected August 26 for this special howliday in honor of Sheltie, the first dog she adopted when she was just 10 years old.2 Here in Wheeling, there are plenty of ways to celebrate your four-legged friends on National Dog Day.
Here are ten ways you can celebrate National Dog Day in Wheeling this year:
Treat Your Dog to a Spa Day at Play n’ Stay
What better way to pamper your pooch than with a spa day! Play n’ Stay Pet Camp prides itself on providing a safe, fun and interactive environment for its clients by offering a variety of services for dogs of all breeds and sizes.
Treat your dog to the Play n’ Stay’s Spa Works package, which includes a full slate of spa offerings – a bubble bath, blueberry facial, nail clipping, pawdicure, ear cleaning, teeth brushing, and anal gland expression. In addition to spa services, Play n’ Stay also offers puppy training, dog boarding, and daycare at their Wheeling and St. Clairsville locations. Learn more and schedule your stay online at playnstaypetcamp.com.
Get a Little Sugar Buzz from a Puppiccuno
Did you know that Wheeling Coffee and Spice Downtown Wheeling is a dog-friendly business? Stop in and treat yourself to a latte before heading out on a walk along the Wheeling Heritage Trail. All dogs are welcome to join their humans in the shop while they place their orders, and service dogs can stick around as long as they’d like! Wheeling Coffee provides water bowls both inside and outside of their shop and, if you ask nicely, you can even order your dog a special pup cup off of their secret menu!
Take a Trip to the Fitzsimmons Dog Park
If you’re short on yard space or just want to get your pup out of the house to socialize, then head to the Fitzsimmons Dog Park located at the Tunnel Green Recreation Complex. The park is split into two sections for large and small breed dogs, each with its own water and waste stations and benches.
Learn more about the Fitzsimmons Family Dog Park by visiting wheelingwv.gov.
Order a Treat from Zeb’s Barky Bites
Zeb’s Barky Bites creates small-batch, handmade, preservative-free pet treats right here in Wheeling! This small family-owned business is licensed by the WV Depart mentof Agriculture to make and sell pet treats in West Virginia. You can catch them locally at farmers’ markets and other pop-up events around town. Their business currently offers treats for pickup or delivery as they transition to a new business model. You can learn more about Zeb’s by visiting their Facebook page.
Share a Meal at One of Wheeling’s Outdoor Dining Destinations
Lindsay Schooler and her new pup enjoy an afternoon treat at Later Alligator.
There are plenty of patios that your pup will love in Wheeling! Later Alligator, CharHouse on the Boulevard, Sarah’s on Main, and Route 88 BBQ and Brew are all great places to have a delicious meal while enjoying the great outdoors. In fact, CharHouse on the Boulevard regularly hosts a “Woof Wednesday” on their patio. Open to leashed dogs and well-behaved owners, Woof Wednesday patrons receive a free bandana when they bring their pups to the patio.
Go for a Walk and Admire Wheeling’s Art Scene
Take an afternoon stroll with your dog and check out some cool art along the way! Wheeling Heritage’s Downtown Public Art Walking Tour is a self-guided 3.5-mile walking tour that passes by several murals, monuments and sculptures made by local artists. You can pick up a copy of the walking tour map at the Wheeling Artisan Center or Wheeling CVB. Download and print your own copy and check out the full Wheeling Public Art Trail by visiting wheelingheritage.org/public-art-trail.
Spoil Your Pup with Presents from the Wheeling Artisan Center Shop
The Wheeling Artisan Center Shop carries several products for dogs and dog-lovers!
The Wheeling Artisan Center Shop carries several locally-made products that your dog will love! The shop recently added new products to its inventory that specifically cater to dogs and dog lovers alike. Bandyanas is one such vendor that makes reversible dog bandanas and accessories in dozens of different patterns. The shop also added dog shampoo bars made by Saunders Farm to its lineup of natural, handmade products.
Stop in and see all of the Wheeling Artisan Center Shop’s products at the Downtown location Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., or at Oglebay seven days a week from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Shop online anytime by visiting artisancenter.com.
Support a Local Animal Shelter
There are several animal shelters and rescues across the Ohio Valley that could all use some extra support. Even if you aren’t ready to adopt a pet of your own, you can help animals in need by donating time, money, or supplies to your local animal shelter or rescue.
The Ohio County Animal Shelter is currently in need of Frontline flea and tick medication, cat and dog food, collars, leashes, laundry detergent, paper towels and more. The shelter is open seven days a week from 12:30 – 5 p.m. Learn more about the Ohio County Animal Shelter by visiting their Facebook page or by calling them at 304-547-1013.
Take a Selfie in Front of Your Favorite Wheeling Building
Zeva is a big fan of the Wheeling Artisan Center, because that's where her big sister Alex works!
Follow Wheeling Heritage’s trend by posting a picture of your dog in front of your favorite Wheeling building! Wheeling is home to hundreds of historic homes and buildings with different architectural styles and unique features. Pick your favorite and snap a selfie to share with us on Facebook and Instagram! Be sure to tag Weelunk and Wheeling Heritage for your chance to win a special treat courtesy of the Artisan Center Shop!
Mark Your Calendar for Paws in the Park at Oglebay
After a day of excitement with your dog, wind down by planning ahead for your next big outing together! Oglebay will host its Paws in the Park event on Saturday, September 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Paws in the Park begins with a Best Friend Hike through the beautiful trails at Oglebay. Cool off afterward with a dip in the Crispin Pool at Drool in the Pool, presented by Dirty Paws Pet Care Services. The day will conclude with a meet and greet with the K-9s who assist our local law enforcement and your favorite PAW Patrol characters at Schenk Lake. You can learn more about Paws in the Park by visiting oglebay.com.
So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and celebrate National Dog Day! Don’t forget to share photos of how you’re celebrating National Dog Day in Wheeling by tagging Weelunk and Wheeling Heritage on Facebook and Instagram.
References
1 “About National Dog Day.” National Dog Day, n.d. https://www.nationaldogday.com/about.
2 Ibid.
• Alex Panas is the Program Manager for Wheeling Heritage, where she works with artists, small business owners, and community stakeholders to provide technical assistance and create meaningful programs that enhance Wheeling. She also serves as the managing editor for Weelunk. Alex lives in St. Clairsville with her husband where they raise four cats and four spunky backyard chickens.