Mile High Mile morning

BlogDog cruised up to the State Capitol Building this morning to watch the start of the Mile High Mile, a 1-mile race with 14 different start times for age groups ranging from 8 and under to 70+.

BlogDog related most to the young racers who mimic his style of exercise -- sprint as hard as you can, have fun and stop when you feel tired.

To market, to market

Matt and Mary took BlogDog to the Cherry Creek farmers market today.

Despite the fact that the vendors offered primarily vegetables (not interesting to BlogDog) and crafts (even less interesting, if possible), BlogDog was quite stimulated being there. There were dozens of other dogs to check out and lots of options for people who might want to pet him.

Getting BlogDog to pay attention to Mary and pose nicely for a picture was out of the question.

Check out this ride: Weekend Doggie Double

BlogDog visited his buddy, Myra, at Salvagetti bike shop at 1234 Speer Blvd.

Myra has a lot more experience biking (You've got to see this video of Myra in action) than BlogDog, so she took a moment to give him a few pointers.

If you live in Denver and need any bike tips, Matt and Mary recommend Myra or any of the other nice folks at the shop.

It's the thought that counts, BlogDog

BlogDog visited the Hermes store in Cherry Creek North shopping area.

He thought the modern building was cool and figured they'd probably have something he would like. He is a cool pup, after all.

He discovered he could pick up a $990 pair of sandals for Mary or $460 linen fedora for Matt, but nothing a dog would like.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

It's time to play BlogDog's favorite game. (Well, it's one of his favorite games. He would prefer "chase the squirrel" or "fetch the Kong.")

The game is "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?," where readers are challenged to identify BlogDog's location in the picture above.

Hint for Denver residents and loyal BlogDog readers: BlogDog has visited this building before.

Curious? For the answer, click here -- or here.

The joys of Colfax and Detroit

Some folks may not consider the intersection of Colfax Ave. and Detroit St. to be particularly scenic. But BlogDog thought there was a lot to love.

He appreciated the effort someone took to place a planter bursting with yellow flowers on the corner.

He also really dug the green, yellow and red striped building that is home to an Ethiopian restaurant cleverly named "Ethiopian Restaurant."

Go Nuggets!

The Denver Nuggets played game 4 of the Western Conference Finals at the Pepsi Center tonight.

Earlier in the day, BlogDog walked along the "Road to Victory" stripe running down Chopper Circle in front of the Pepsi Center. He felt a little bit of the "Nugget May-nia" that Gov. Ritter was talking about.

A patch of shade would be more beautiful

The 11th Annual Downtown Denver Arts Festival is taking place this weekend on the 16th Street Mall. Artists travelled from around Colorado to show and sell their crafts.

Mary was inspired by the talent on display. BlogDog was hot and found the whole experience an exercise in endurance.

A memorial moment

BlogDog was cruising around today when he came across the KYGO Veterans Memorial Tribute in Civic Center Park.

BlogDog felt it was appropriate to pause for a moment to honor the men and women who have given their lives for this county.

Scrub-a-dub-dub, BlogDog in the tub : Weekend Doggie Double

Matt and Mary took BlogDog to Heavenly Dog, a do-it-yourself dog wash on E. Tennessee Ave. and S. Gaylord St. It wasn't the happiest moment of BlogDog's weekend, but he settled in for the scrub.

Afterwards, Mary and Matt took BlogDog for a walk to dry off. He seemed to forget about the experience completely as he investigated the sights and sounds of the neighborhood.

Vacation at the Hotel Doggie

The PetSmart on Colorado and Alameda Aves. offers a doggie "hotel," where you can drop your pup off to stay when you are out of town. It's kind of cute to see all the dogs romping in the play room, supervised by the PetSmart girl.

BlogDog seemed interested in (or at least stimulated by) the potential for canine playtime, but decided he preferred in-home dog sitting he is used to when Matt and Mary split for the weekend.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

Welcome to another edition of the weekly feature, "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?"

Can you identify where BlogDog was when he jumped into this rickety wagon?

Here's a hint for loyal BlogDog readers: He's been quite near this location in several other pictures.

If you think you know where BlogDog was, leave a comment below. The correct answer will be identified in a comment tomorrow night.

Just a dog and his bar

The charm of the Skylark Lounge at 140 S. Broadway is not immediately apparent. It's the kind of place people grow to love because of the live music, retro vibe and unpretentious crowd.

Being utterly incapable of pretention, BlogDog figured he would fit right in.

Yes, I'm a member

Matt and Mary thought it would be fun to snap a picture of BlogDog at the Denver Country Club. The club, which has been in its location just off First Ave. in the Cherry Creek area since 1905, is a private club for members only.


Within moments of stepping out of the Honda to snap a picture of BlogDog in front of the plush golf green, a guard in the golf cart had his eyes on them.

Mary wondered how he identified so quickly that they didn't belong. She wondered if it was that they were not in proper dress code.

Matt suggested maybe the guard just thought it was odd to see two adults take a picture of their dog.

BlogDog does the Denver Diner

If you have ever...

• Been out too late and wanted a greasy meal
• Worked an overnight shift in the service industry
• Had Matt take you out to a meal in Denver

...you have probably enjoyed the delights of the Denver Diner on Colfax Ave. and Speer Blvd.

BlogDog has never eaten there but he thought he identified the tantalizing scent of bacon in the air.

Shout out: Golfing with the Big Dogs event, June 6

As mydogindenverdaily.com readers know, BlogDog was a pound pup. There is a special place in his doggie-heart for any organization that works to help dogs find their "forever homes."

So, BlogDog wants to give a shout out the the Colorado St. Bernard Rescue group, an "organization dedicated to the rehoming of unwanted, neglected, abandoned and abused St. Bernards."

This non-profit, volunteer run group is holding their annual "Golfing with the Big Dog" fundraiser on June 6. They are seeking donations for the event. Gift certificates or products for anything, dog or non-dog related, would help raise money to help place St. Bernards into loving homes.

For more information or to golf, sponsor, advertise or donate, visit their website or contact Mony at mony@hazlettbowen.com.

Was there a busier place in Denver today?

BlogDog joined the crowds at Wash Park this lovely Saturday afternoon.

The park was abuzz with hundreds of people walking dogs, dozens of barbecues, at least five kickball games, a few bocce ball matches, a slip-and-slide gathering for a crowd of minimally dressed young adults and even a full on beer pong tournament.

BlogDog enjoyed mingling for a while and then retreated to the relative peace of Smith Lake at the north end of the park.

Two elements of a good Friday night: Weekend Doggie Double

The quality of these photos is not very good (you might even say they are really bad) -- but the quality of Matt, Mary and BlogDog's Friday evening out at Proto's Pizzaria Napoletana on 15th St. was quite high.

To see why, check out the waiter coming out the door.

First he brought pizza...

...Then beer.

BlogDog passes on art with issues

BlogDog visited the Museum of Contemporary Art, Denver at 1485 Delganey St.

Through August 30, the museum is hosting a collection of works by uber-controversial artist Damien Hirst.

BlogDog pondered whether he was too offended to view the collection, which weaves religious themes and animals preserved in formaldehyde. He ultimately decided he was just too uninterested. It was a lovely afternoon and a great day for a walk.

Special birthday shout out to Janie

BlogDog enjoys his regular Wednesday feature, "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?" However, this week he insisted upon suspending that event in order to dedicate this post to wishing Jane from Boston, MA, the very happiest of birthdays!

Besides being a wonderful friend to Mary for more than twenty years, Jane is also one of BlogDog's biggest promoters. A significant percentage of BlogDog's 58 Facebook fans? They were invited by Jane.

The Janie who regularly adds witty comments to this blog? Yes, that's her.

And the girl wearing a my dog in denver daily.com sticker on her bridesmaid dress last weekend? That's Jane! (OK, it was half a dozen drinks into the reception, but it still totally counts.)

Happy birthday Jane. You are the best!

BlogDog, relax -- it's only four wheels attached to a piece of wood

If you have been a loyal BlogDog follower, you may recognize BlogDog's expressions by now. He usually looks relaxed, stoic and occasionally happy.

But today, as BlogDog posed in front of this colorful gate at the Denver Art Museum, he showcased a new look -- the crazy, wide-eyed, intense "I hear a skateboarder" look. This look is frequently followed by spastic barking and a wild lunge at the hapless dude rolling by.

Much to love about Bromwell

Bromwell Elementary School is a K-5 school on E. 4th Ave. and Columbine St.

There are many things to like about Bromwell. The educational community is thrilled the school has won numerous awards, including a No Child Left Behind Blue Ribbon Award.


Mary thought the wall made from tiles containing children's drawings was cool.

BlogDog was most impressed by the comfy ground.

DTC -- A feast for the senses

The Denver Tech Center is the hub of the high tech industry in Denver. Best known for office parks and chain hotels, it's not a place most dogs would have a good time.

But BlogDog found something to sniff and really enjoyed himself.

Reader Suggestion Week wraps up with a little vino

It's the last day of Reader Suggestion Week, the wild and wonderful 7-day period where BlogDog visits the locations you suggest.

Thanks to everyone who shared their ideas. There were so many good ones! If BlogDog didn't visit your fav spot this week, keep an eye on him over the next couple months and see if he takes the tip.

To wrap up Reader Suggestion Week, BlogDog visited a place suggested by another Anonymous, who must know a little about Matt and Mary. She wrote, "a little tasting at Bonacquisti Wine Company is a canine (owner) favorite."

It is a favorite -- a tasty wine with cool labels made primarily from grapes grown in Palisades, CO. And they actually make the wine right here in a non-descript strip mall at I-70 and Pecos.

Visiting the winery may not be too exciting for a dog, but Matt and Mary would recommend it!

"Be careful out there!": Reader Suggestion Week and Weekend Doggie Double

BlogDog continues his week long quest to visit spots his loyal readers would most like him to go. Yes, it's Reader Suggestion Week here at mydogindenverdaily.com.

Anonymous (who may have decided to protect her identity for obvious reasons) suggested, "Sneak Blog Dog into places that he shouldn't be."

Not one to let a challenge pass, BlogDog acted like a master ninja and carefully snuck into the Denver's toniest shopping zone, Cherry Creek Mall.

He was on the lookout for trouble at all times. And when it came, in the form of a mall cop, he exited with speed and stealth.

This dog's life: Reader Suggestion Week

It's Reader Suggestion Week -- where BlogDog responds to your requests.

Today's request come from Anonymous, who said, "How about less 'where to go' and more regarding what BD does, sees, encounters and confronts?"

To help with that task, Matt asked BlogDog to record his thoughts and reflections for the week. Despite repeated pleas and several bribes, BlogDog did not come through with anything.

When pressed, he offered this -- "To gain some insight into the mind of a dog, I suggest readers check out this well-known writing from a dog's diary. Those crazy readers who have cats may also be interested in the feline's diary that follows."

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?: Reader SuggestionWeek

Reader Suggestion Week continues with a special request from Eugene: "I've never been to Denver but would like see some mountains, if possible."

Denver has a mountain town attitude, but it's a 20 minutes drive before you can set a paw in the foothills. It's not easy to get a great view of the mountains from the city.

But BlogDog was determined to show some mountain scenery to a loyal reader who has never visited the Mile High City. So, BlogDog returned to one of his favorite locations for this photo.

If you look really carefully along the horizon, you can see the foothills of the Rocky Mountains mingle with the clouds.

Can you identify where this picture was taken? Do you know, "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?"

To find out, click here.

Cinco de Cheap Beer: Reader Suggestion Week

Reader Suggestion Week continues today.

Anonymous #8 commented, "(BlogDog) is going to have to attend some sort of celebration of Cinco de Mayo. I would love to see him in a sombrero." So, off he went, rapido, rapido!

BlogDog grabbed his sombrero (OK, it's actually Mary's very cute sun hat that her very nice mother-in-law bought for her) and headed to some of the Capitol Hill bars for a Cinco de Mayo festival.

After all, nothing says "celebration of Mexican culture" like 16 oz PBR cans for $3.

Hur långt är det till Storkyrkan härifrån?: Reader Suggestion Week

It's day two of Reader Suggestion Week -- BlogDog travels to the places his readers most want him to visit!

Today's suggestion was from Anonymous Adam, who said, "I want BlogDog to see something Swedish in Denver." Denver is not known for its thriving Swedish culture, but BlogDog accepted this challenge.

First he considered visiting Swedish Medical Center, but he decided since the hospital is technically in Englewood -- not in Denver -- that didn't count.

Then, BlogDog considered trying to get a Swedish massage, but he didn't think that was something he wanted to have photographed.

Visiting the IKEA store seemed like a good possibility, but then he learned the Swedish retailer hasn't opened its planned Centennial store yet.

Finally, he decided to visit the Swedish Consulate in Denver located at 1720 S. Bellaire Place. He was hoping a nice Swedish lass come out and bring him a few dozen Swedish meatballs.

Mingling with the masses: Reader Suggestion Week

Thanks to everyone who contributed ideas about places BlogDog should visit during Reader Suggestion Week! BlogDog was very impressed with all the inspired ideas.

To kick off Reader Suggestion Week, BlogDog took a tip from "Biggest BlogDog Fan." Her idea? Perhaps BlogDog could visit "a fair or parade where he can mingle with the masses."

So, today BlogDog headed to the 5th Annual Denver Duck Drop. This school fundraiser, held at George Wallace Park, drew hundreds of families and culminated with 3,000 sponsored rubber ducks racing down the gulch for prizes.

BlogDog chilled out on the hillside listening to the quartet, getting pet by children and learning about Denver's dog park development plan from a very friendly park ranger. BlogDog was a mingling master -- until he pulled the leash out of Mary's hands and "mingled" a little too excitedly with a mini schnauzer and a standard poodle.

Mary got some really dirty looks, so she decided to split.

Who doesn't love...?

Mary thought Denverites might need some cheering up as we have another cold, drizzly weekend, so here's a picture of two things that make everyone happy --

A cute dog and fresh doughnuts.