Spot Walks Kick Off Summer's Best Fun

Get the leash and put on your walking shoes, Dog Lovers! Spot Walks are here, and fitness just got more fun — and purposeful. 

With a keen focus on helping pets and their people get healthy, Spot is here to help get you motivated and on your feet. Not signed up yet? No problem. You can sign up at walks, or Angie will be happy help you; contact her at Angie@SpotMagazine.net. With enrollment you get a T-shirt and PETometer (perfect for tracking your pup’s daily strides), and regular updates on upcoming walks, events, and meet-ups at designated locales, parks, and animal shelters. 

The first Spot Walk, called “Diamonds in the Pearl,” is happening Saturday, July 24. Walkers will be treated to a great morning in Portland’s beautiful Pearl District, meandering two miles in the splendor of Portland in summer. LeRae Hunt of Recess in the Pearl and an experienced New York dog walker is excited to lead this first walk. She’ll get you warmed up and jazzed, offer tips on fitness, and act as guide during the afternoon stroll through a community rich in architectural and cultural gems. 

LeRae Hunt, Dogwalker, Recess in the PearlWith spot-on accuracy, Hunt notes, “No one wants to be lectured; hands on, or in this case, feet on pavement, is the perfect way to help pups and their people get going!” Hunt is an expert dog walker, having spent two years in New York walking dogs at Recess in NYC. She’s also a diehard Oregonian who loves venturing out with her four-legged friends rain or shine. 

The destination is the brand new Sniff Dog Hotel, where complementary treats and tours will be served. 

Sniff Dog’s Jamie Mollas says, “Our hotel is not only for dogs. We want to build a community for dog lovers to enjoy, too.” The property offers a plethora of choices for discriminating pooches. The hotel menu includes doggie daycare in a 2,000 SF play area complete with K9 grass (providing the ultimate in cleanliness and comfort); overnight boarding with options from basic to deluxe; evening and weekend training; and a self-service dog wash. People belonging to pet clients are welcome to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee or wine in the Café while Fido revels in the play area. 

This just in: 2nd walk added!

A second walk has been scheduled July 31 at 7pm at Multnomah County Animal Services, which is hosting its annual Toga Party ‘til midnight, to which all Spot Walkers are invited. The party features live music, vendors, an adoptathon and activities, and provides the perfect after-party to the Spot Walk. This walk itself promises great adventure too: Alison Eberhard of Alison’s Dog Training and Dog Scout Troop 192 hosts, providing fun training stations along the rural, undeveloped 2-mile route near the shelter. 

Spot Walks offer some of best fun this summer. Join in! To learn more or sign up, contact Angie or call 503-261-1162.