February is officially here, and love is in the air!
Known for paper hearts, bouquets of roses and boxes of chocolate, February is a time for showing our dearest how much we care. It’s no surprise that at University District, our four-legged pals make the top of that list!
From the urban dog park to the pet spa at Esquire and the dedicated dog run at Aria, our hearts pound for hounds.
Our beloved canines show their admiration in many ways – tail wags, puppy kisses, late-night snuggles and comforting nose nudges. Why not get a little mushy with your pooch?
To help inspire you we compiled a list of fun, fabulous and thoughtful ways to give your furry valentine the affection they deserve. After all, they are unconditional love in a fluffy little package that deserves to be spoiled, today and every day. Let’s take a look!
Looking for some quirky and creative ways to show your snuggly and furry friend some love? From designer dog bowls to schnauzer-sized sofas, our builder partners interior design experts share their tips for some inspired ways to create a stylish home that’s primed for you and your pal. Check out their suggestions here!
Skip the box of chocolates; we all know that’s a no-go! Instead spice up your pup’s life with a box full of goodies from Pet Planet. From toys you’ll both fall in love with, specially made treats for your pooch to gnaw at, and a meaty chew to tie it all together. Pet Planet is serving up seriously delicious treats catered to our four-legged pals. We can’t wait for them to open their doors to residents and neighbours and their furry family members in U/D later this year!
Post Activity: Enjoy a leisurely stroll with Rufus in tow and bond over art at Color Me Mine, located in the heart of Kensington. Come on down and paint your canine companion a pet dish or capture the perfect paw print on any ceramic piece. Time to get creARTive!
Pet Planet: Multiple Northwest Calgary locations | petplanethealth.com
Color Me Mine: 334 14 Street NW | 403-249-4386 | kensington.colormemine.com
Varsity Ravine Park
Your furry friend would follow you anywhere, so bundle up and visit a nearby off-leash park such as Varsity Ravine Park for some mid-morning playtime in the snow or an extended game of fetch! It’s a great way to get some exercise, have fun and share some quality bonding time together.
Whatever little ‘petaway’ you decide to do with your dog, remember it’s all about them and if you plan to bring your pooch along for some wintry outdoor fun, check out these expert tips on how you can protect your four-footed family members.
Post activity: After a day of romping in the mud and snow, time for your pup to get squeaky clean at Bath & Tidy in the neighbouring community of Brentwood. Equipped with its own quiet room for your dog’s comfort, this local pet salon has all your dog grooming needs covered including de-matting, de-shedding, fur trimming and more. Prepare to have your pooch lathered up in dog-friendly bubbles and scrubbed up with a good shampoo to keep your pal looking fresh and at his best. Just be ready for those post-bath zoomies!
Varsity Ravine Park: 39 Varsity Ridge Terrace NW | 403-268-2489 | calgary.ca
Bath & Tidy: 1347 Northmount Drive NW | 403-289-1500 | bathandtidy.com
Photo Credit: Doodle Dogs
Get your pup a new toy and watch the happiness unfold! From new Kong’s and stuffies to jive balls and more, Doodle Dogs has you covered for playthings and knick knacks that will stimulate the mind and excite your canine’s senses. A stone’s throw away from U/D, Doodle Dogs has an open door policy for leashed pets where your four-legged pal can explore the store and take their time picking out the perfect toy. But they’ll likely love it no matter what, since it came from their favourite human.
Post Activity: Nothing says ‘I love you’ like the ultimate gift of home-baked treats. After splurging on a much-deserved doggy trinket, make a trip to the nearby Safeway in Market Mall and whip up a batch of some doggone good biscuits that will have tails wagging and dogs drooling. Need a little inspiration? Check out this recipe for the perfect homemade peanut butter dog treats.
Doodle Dogs: 3B Parkdale Crescent NW | 587-349-3647 | doodledogsyyc.com
Safeway: 3625 Shaganappi Trail NW | 403-286-5510
Everyone feels better after a day of indulging and your fur baby is no exception. After you’ve tuckered your little pal out with an outdoor adventure and laps around the park, give your pup some TLC with a spaw day at Pawsitively Pooched.
Nestled in the quaint community of Rosemont, this hidden doggy gem offers a variety of pooch-friendly services including nail and hair clipping, brush massages, ear cleaning and even hydrotherapy to help your dog feel relaxed and in tip-top shape. Not to mention over 4,000 square-feet of indoor and outdoor space for your four-footed friend to explore. It’s no wonder it was voted Calgary’s best doggy daycare and place to spoil your dog!
Pre-activity: Shake up your routine and surprise your fur baby with a trip and extra walk at Nose Hill Park before a day of ultimate pup relaxation. Not only will it be the highlight of your dog’s day, it’s a great way to use up some of your canine companion’s seemingly boundless energy and enthusiasm.
Pawsitively Pooched: 728 Northmount Drive NW | 403-241-5030 | pawsitivelypooched.com
Nose Hill Park: 5620 14 Street NW | 403-268-2489 | calgary.ca
Photo Credit: Bon-A-Pet-Treat! Pet Store and Bakery
Love spending time with fur babies but don’t have any of your own? Visit the nearby Regal Cat Cafe or walk to a nearby dog park and give some four-legged friends a bit of love and attention. They’ll love you for it!
Puppy portraits, whether you go the budget route with casual selfies or hire a professional photographer to capture the love, are priceless keepsakes. Snuggle up and get snapping! You’ll love remembering your dog’s sloppy, crooked smile. If your four-legged pal is game, dress them up with a scarf or headband, or even a coat for those cool wintry days. Nothing cuter! Plus your furry sidekick will love all the attention, treats and memories.
If your pet is a full-fledged, card-carrying family member (and whose isn’t!?) why not get creative? Consider a 3D print of you and your dog from GravityB 3D, a Northwest shop specializing in 3D dog prints. What better way to create a unique memento that you can cherish for all time.
Post Activity: After a day of posing throughout Edworthy Park, your pup deserves a treat! Stop in at the nearby Bon A-Pet-Treat! Pet Store and Bakery, known for its all-natural house-made dog cookies and fido-friendly cakes. With a variety of flavours to choose from, this Calgary owned and operated shop is a must-visit and University District favourite!
GravityB 3D: 3131 68th Street NW | 403-703-5291 | gravityb.com
Bon-A-Pet-Treat! Pet Store and Bakery: 5111 Bowness Road NW | 403-286-7389
This month may be all about the love you share for each other, but the more the merrier! If your fur baby enjoys playing with others, set up a puppy play date at Raising Canine. Your sidekick and his/her friends can enjoy an agility training class together that doubles as a canine meet-and-greet, learn some new tricks, or simply take in some puppy playtime. Play dates are always a good time for everyone involved.
Post Activity: Give your fur baby some extra attention and cuddles with a movie night at home. Bake up a batch of pupcakes and settle in for snuggles! Giving your pooch some cuddles and nuzzles is a surefire way to make them feel special.
Tip: Don’t own a pet? You can still share the love! Call up a friend and plan a playdate with their furry at University District’s urban dog park, or paw it forward by volunteering your time, cuddles and love at Pawsitive Match Rescue Foundation or the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society.
Raising Canine: 20 Crowfoot Crescent NW #520 | 403-984-3644 | raisingcanine.ca
This year, think outside the chocolate box when planning ways to spend quality time with your furry best friend. There is nothing better than treating your most snuggly family member to something special, as long as it’s safe, fun and fabulous, because they deserve nothing less.
Are you doing something special for your furry for the month of love? How do you show your love for your pup? Share your suggestions and stories with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. We’d love to hear from you!
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