Let’s be honest: Portland dog people can be a little bit weird, and I can say that because I am one.
Can you blame us? We live in a city known for its quirky, independent spirit, and it happens to be one of the most dog-friendly places in the country. Portland is where dog lovers can let their freak flag fly, and a little bit (okay, a lot) of autumn rain won’t stop us.
Grab your umbrella, put a rain coat on your best friend, and get out there to enjoy these fun fall dog events in Portland.
Fang & Feather Halloween Anniversary Party
October 30, 5:00-8:00pm
Put on your Halloween costumes one day early and head to Kenton’s neighborhood-wide Halloween celebration for dog-friendly trick-or-treating and special events.
Local pet supply store Fang & Feather is celebrating their two-year anniversary with extra-special dog and human treats, and the Portland Animal Welfare Team will be on hand to share information about their mission to provide vet care to the pets of homeless and low-income Portlanders. Partial proceeds of the event benefit PAW, so get out there and have a great time in support of a great cause.
Fences for Fido Fence Building Event
Weekly throughout the season
For those of us with pampered indoor pets, it can be hard to imagine life for an outdoor dog. Fences for Fido is a volunteer-based organization whose mission is to educate and assist guardians of outdoor dogs in Oregon and Washington, helping them get their dogs “off the chain” and into a safe, secure, and comfortable enclosure.
This autumn, you can get involved by volunteering at a post-setting or fence-building event, and help Fences for Fido “change lives…one fence, one family, one dog at a time.”
ChiWaii Small Dog Party
November 8, 2:00-5:00pm
Get out of the rainy cold and into the tropical paradise of the ZoomRoom for this special event for Chihuahuas and other small-breed dogs and their people.
You’ll find a play zone for dogs, vendors selling pet-related wares, cocktails for grown-ups, drinks and food for everyone, and of course a whole lot of fun. Admission is $10 and all proceeds benefit animals at the Oregon Humane Society.
Take a hike
All season long
Don’t let a little rain stop you from enjoying Portland’s beautiful wooded trails. From Forest Park in Northwest to Powell Butte in Southeast, the city is full of opportunities for a delightful fall walk with your best friend. My favorite neighborhood hike is a jaunt up Mt. Tabor.
Your dog will love the exercise, and you’ll love the beautiful view of downtown once you get to the top. If your dog plays well with others, head down the mountain on the southern side for a romp in the off-leash area. Just remember to keep a towel in the car to wipe off those muddy paws!
Dignified Pet Servicies & DoveLewis Service of Remembrance
December 4, 6:00pm
Stop by the Old Church for a quiet evening of remembrance and reflection in honor of pets who are no longer here. This annual service celebrates the special bond between people and their pets, and gives pet guardians a chance to light a candle for beloved animals who have passed away.
Holiday Pet Food Drive
Month of December
Okay, this isn’t an event so much as an opportunity to help dog guardians in need provide for their pets as autumn turns to winter.
The Pongo Fund is a Portland-based pet food bank that helps feed the pets of homeless and low-income families, and throughout the month of December, you can help by purchasing an extra bag of food while you shop for your own dog.
Participating stores will have special discounts and gifts for shoppers who tell them they are buying food for the Pongo Fund, so get out there and support Portland’s economy while helping feed hungry pets.
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