When you want the inside scoop on dog-friendly hot spots, you ask an expert: Dexter, an affable Airedale Terrier who is known as “The Begger of Birmingham.”
“At the CVS [at 35777 Woodward], pharmacists Caroline, Nora and Patricia are particularly generous with the treats when Dexter dog picks up his monthly medication,” says owner Ann Tappan of Birmingham. “Dexter likes sniffing everything on the shelves in addition to the plentiful snacks.”
Dexter enjoys the generous treats at Union Barber (“very large,” he notes), Gazelle Sports, Streetside Seafood and Faherty, which also displays a wall of Polaroid photos of their dog visitors. He also enjoys shopping for pet supplies inside Hollywood Feed, where he can lap up fresh water and gobble even more treats. The Daxton Hotel offers fresh chef-made treats dispensed year-round at the valet stand to all dogs — not just the hotel’s canine guests. “It’s the highlight of my dog's walk,” Tappen says. “He also enjoys people-watching on the outdoor patio at Brooklyn Pizza.”
Many retailers place water bowls outside of their stores for those strolling with pets — there are even two dog drinking fountains downtown in Shain Park and near Lot 6 (at 660 North Old Woodward Avenue), where the city hosts the seasonal Sunday Farmers Market.
“Dogs are welcome throughout the downtown, in parks and at our outdoor events, as long as they follow the city’s guidelines of remaining on a leash and under reasonable control of their owners at all times,” says Erika Bassett, executive director of the Birmingham Shopping District. Leashed, well-behaved dogs like Dexter also are welcome in the Paper Source so they can give their opinions on unique gifts, craft supplies and specialty paper, and at the summer concerts in Shain Park.
Dogs and their owners enjoy scenic walks along the Rouge Trail System, specifically adjacent to Booth Park, and on the several miles of chip trails along the Rouge River as well as frolicking in the city parks (Quarton Lake is especially popular).
If your dog is social —or if, gasp, you don’t own a dog, but love interacting with them — Bassett notes the owners of Tender, Grinstein Jewelers and Bobbles & Lace often bring their dogs to work and the stores are dog-friendly.
Outside of the city, there are many places to have fun with Fido: In Bloomfield Hills, explore the Cranbrook Educational Community’s 319-acre campus and visit the Franklin Cider Mill (opening for the season Aug. 30) to nibble on cider donuts and apples with your dogs, which are allowed outside, or browse with them inside on a leash.
Pups can lounge outside with you as you enjoy fresh oysters and seafood at The Franklin Oyster Bar & Eatery in Franklin and are welcome outside at the Michigan Beer Growler Company Beer Gardens in Beverly Hills. A happy hour indeed! Leashed dogs up for some adventure can tackle the trails at Douglas Evans Nature Preserve and Hidden Rivers Nature Preserve.
And what better way to end a true dog day of summer, filled with treats, socializing with other pets and sniffing all the world has to offer? Treat your fur-baby to a self-serve dog wash in a private room at Premier Pet Supply in Beverly Hills. Now, that’s living.