Dog Friendly Events
If you love adolescent bathroom humor, all kinds of friendly people and don't mind the cold, this is a fun event. Well mannered dogs on leash are welcome to hang out too. The idea is to build an outhouse that you can push through the snow to the finish line - without it falling apart. People get pretty creative and have a lot of fun. The race is held the last Saturday of February and there is ALWAYS snow. You don't have to actualy race to watch and a lot of people do. There are vendors, beer and good times. Dogs get lots of pets and attention from children. It's a lot of fun.
Toivo Creation Story
In da beginning dere was nuttin’ goin’ on in Trenary.
On da first day Toivo created da Outhouse race.
On da second day he created da committee, da outhouse, and da track.
On da turd day he said let dere be a roll of toilet paper on da toilet seat in da outhouse.
On da fort day he created Yoopers to push da outhouse.
On da fit day he said let dere be trolls an da utters to come and push da outhouses.
On da six't day he created da idea of lots of people coming to watch da outhouse race on da street in Trenary.
On da seventh day Toivo said “Yep"!
We're all set to let da race begin.
Mula, our crowd loving dog at the races.
Howell Balloonfest
When we lived in Howell, it gave us ample opportunties to socialize our dogs. The community hosts several dog-friendly events every year including the Balloonfest in June, the Melonfest in August, and the Fantasy of Lights Parade in December. The loud noises and crowds provide a unique opportunity to expose your Malamute to many different people and other dogs. The one benefit of taking your dog to a Balloon event as a puppy is they are less spooked by hot air balloons flying over your back yard. The balloons emit a high pitched sound from their burners that has been known to send dogs into a frenzy and some have jumped fences and run off after being spooked by balloons. While our dogs are not that fond of the sound, they get used to it living in the flight path. I'll never forget the time I was out walking Penny and Homer and a balloon landed in the field across from our house. You would think the Antichrist himself had landed as Homer began to frantically try and dig his way into the house through the front door to get away from it. From that day on, I've tried to make the Balloonfest an annual event - especially when we have young puppies. It's a great socializing experience - all the children, noises, the balloons, and a medieval village with people dressed in costume. It's an incredible socializing experience for puppies. It's usually the last week in June at the Howell High School campus.
I'm too busy talking to puppy admirers to get any pictures of the puppies. Next year!
On Saturday evening they have a Balloon "Glow" after dark. Balloons return from the launch and are filled on the ground - an incredible thing to see. Many people attend with their pets - Steph even brought her rabbit.
Renaissance Festival
The Renaissance Festival in Holly, Michigan allows dogs and is another good socializing experience. Proof of vaccinations and photo is required.
and watching the UP 200 dog sled race....
A sweet little girl and her "sled dog" we met there........................the mushers..............
More information & Helpful links...
Airlines: toll-free numbers (and links to web sites) for finding out each airline's regulations regarding dog travel.
How To Move with Your Dog: excellent guidance for making a safe and humane move.
Pet Passport, Immigration, and Quarantine Information: provides "Rules for taking your dog to over 100 countries."
Petswelcome: lists over 25,000 hotels, bed-and-breakfasts, resorts, campgrounds, and beaches that are Malamute-friendly, searchable by state, etc. Information on traveling with dogs.
PetTravel.com: lists 35,214 Malamute Friendly Accommodations, Hotels and Services, searchable by City, State, Region in over 150 Countries around the world.
Malamute Travel Checklist: Great check list for Malamute travel.
Travel Pets: online directory for Malamute-friendly hotels.
TripsWithPets.com: lists "Malamute friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, resorts, campgrounds, and other lodging where your dog, cat, or other furry friend is welcome. Plus...Malamute friendly restaurants, activities, airlines and more."
United States and Canada Dog Travel Guide: lists "places that welcome ALL well-behaved dogs, regardless of size (and in non-smoking rooms)."