This is one of the best times of the year to get out and about with our pups.  The close of summer means the opening of beaches and other off-limits areas to dogs.  And the start of the holiday season means plenty of events to celebrate and support pets!  Here are our picks for 8 great things to do with (and for) your dog this season!

Things to do WITH your pup:

Hike

Enjoy the crisp fall air and let your dog explore a new trail filled with tantalizing scents.  We have tons of pristine outdoor areas on the Cape, many spanning our beautiful coastline!  A few of our favs are Kent’s Point in Orleans, Sandy Neck Beach in Barnstable, Wiley Park in Eastham, Thompsons Field in Harwich and the Mashpee River Woodlands in Mashpee.

Take a Weekend Getaway

The offseason is the best time to play tourist in your own backyard! It’s also a perfect opportunity to make your pup part of the getaway since there are a surprising number of quaint resorts that allow dogs. Spend a weekend exploring P-Town at the 5 Star Lands End Inn.  Or head to the other end of the peninsula for a retreat at the Woods Hole Inn overlooking the busy harbor. They have one room dedicated to furry guests, which we’re told comes with its own entrance. On the Lower Cape, comb Nauset Beach and check out Orlean’s awesome shops and restaurants while staying at The Orleans Inn, which we’ve heard includes a gourmet bakery treat for pups upon arrival.  Closer to mid-Cape, The Inn at Swan River in West Dennis boasts on their website that “we know you love your prized pooch and we do, too.”  A quick Google search will reveal several other options for whatever part of the Cape you’re ready to explore!

Tailgate

The Pats are on a roll and if you’re like us, your Sundays are planted firmly in front of the TV.  Whatever team you root for, you can make your pup part of the football tradition!  From logo’d leashes, collars and sweatshirts, to football-themed toys and treats, your pup should enjoy the game experience as much as you do.  

Indulge in a Spa Day!

Who can resist the smell of sugar cookies, especially at holiday time?  We've got a special that will have you snuggling your dog and craving cookies from now until the new year.  Bring your pup in to the Hot Diggity Dog Wash in Dennis Port for a self-serve wash with our Sugar Cookie Shampoo and Cologne Spritz.  You'll also get an exclusive Hot Diggity Designs holiday bandana and a gourmet Holiday Treat from the bakery. All for just $30. Starts Thanksgiving weekend!

Snap Holiday Photos 

Photos with Santa are great, but it seems he's everywhere these days! Hot Diggity in Mashpee is offering an alternative for your annual holiday card with two artsy backgrounds. Saturday, December 3 will feature a whimsical White Christmas backdrop and Sunday, December 4trh will feature a charming holiday-themed antique barn door.  Call the store at 508-477-2663 to reserve your session and check out pics from last year here. 

Things to do FOR the pups:

Volunteer

The Cape has several wonderful pet-related non-profits and shelters, all relying heavily on volunteers to keep afloat.  Whether you’re available to help with special events from time-to-time or can devote regular hours to walking dogs or performing administrative duties, there are TONS of ways to help.  Check out the current volunteer opportunities at the Animal Rescue League in Brewster and MSPCA in Centerville. 

Sip Wine

Well, twist our arms, if it’s for the pups, I guess we’ll have to! Head over to New Seabury in Mashpee on Thursday, November 10th for the MSPCA’s annual Wine Tasting and Silent Auction!  More than 20 wines to taste and purchase, passed hors d’oeuvres, savory cheeses and a silent auction...say no more!   Get tickets ahead of time here!

Shop

You had us at “shop”!

Join Hot Diggity at the Cape Cod Academy in Osterville on Saturday, November 12 for the Fall into the Holidays Shopping Night!  We’ll be among the local vendors offering exclusive, pre-Christmas specials.  All vendors will be donating a portion of sales to the Academy.  The festivities also include door prizes, a "spin the wheel" game, raffles, food and drink, and a wine pull.  Get your holiday shopping for Fido done early while (again) sipping wine!   More here!

Head over to the First Parish in Brewster on Sunday, December 4 from 1:30-4:30 for a Craft Show and Bake Sale to benefit the Animal Rescue League.  Support local artisans and animals at the same time, a win-win!

Also Sunday, December 4, catch Hot Diggity at the Love Local Fest Holiday Edition at the Cape Media Center, Dennis. We'll be among the 100+ awesome local vendors, makers, artisans and boutiques at this fun holiday show put on by the Love Live Local team.  Get your holiday shopping done and support local vendors while enjoying beer & wine, food and music. Oh, and they're going to show the Pats game, too!  Doesn't get much better!