Columbia Dog Talk: April is full of community dog events

Lots going on this month to keep you and your pooch busy as can be. Check the Events calendar often on the Columbia Dogs on the Go website to keep up with the latest, get details and links, and add events that you learn about.

April 5 (Friday) kicks off the first of the monthly Wine Bin Yappy Hours in Ellicott City, from 5 to 9 pm The Wine Bin's been doing these for years and they're a lot of fun--with wine and chocolate sampling for people and treats for dogs. Donations and a portion of sales benefit local pet charities.

April 21 (Sunday) is March for the Animals, the Maryland SPCA's largest annual fundraiser, featuring a 1.5-mile walkathon, pet contests, an agility course, training classes, pet demonstrations and entertainment. It takes place at Druid Hill Park in Baltimore from 10 am to 2 pm.

April 27 (Saturday) is the big day for our own Columbia Association, who is hosting its 7th annual Dog Day Afternoon at Hopewell Park from 11 am to 2 pm. There's plenty of doggy fun planned--contests, off-leash play, music, raffles and demonstrations.

April 27 is also the day for the K9-9K Walkathon, hosted by the Marshall Legacy Institute at Glenelg Country School, from 9:30 to 11:30 am. The event promotes the work done by mine detection dogs around the world and will raise money to sponsor a life-saving dog. Activities include walks around the Glenelg campus, BBQ, raffle prizes, dog contests, dog treats, and family activities.

April 28 (Sunday) is Bark for Life, a noncompetitive event for dogs and their owners to help raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society. The event features contests and games and takes place at Worthington Dog Park, from noon to 2 pm.

So, mark your calendars! We'll have no dogs complaining that "there's nothing to do around here!"

Be sure to check the Events calendar often on the Columbia Dogs on the Go website. Use the red "Add an event" button on the calendar to let us know about events to add!