I prefer my job

BlogDog knows many readers out there toil long hours at their computers. (You go, Maura!)

So today, he thought he would try out some quality time in front of a computer.

"Very overrated," he decided as he rolled over onto his back for a belly rub.

Got the travel bug, BlogDog?

BlogDog lives in the moment and doesn't spend a lot of time reflecting on his life's path.

But, as he stood pensively by the freight train, Mary began to wonder if he wasn't about to hop aboard and start a new blog, "My Dog in the U.S.A."

So many skirts

The Skirt Chaser 5k Race is a 3.1 mile run with a clever premise. The women, who receive a running skirt with their entry fee, start three minutes in advance of the men. The men then chase the ladies. The excitement comes from seeing if a "skirt" or "skirt chaser" crosses the finish line first.

In today's race, a super-quick chick won, finishing 5 k in less than 18 minutes.

BlogDog, who has a bit of an unfortunate sniffing habit with women in skirts, was excited to be there. Luckily for Mary and Matt, he behaved himself.

I'm already used to this!: Weekend Doggie Double

The Sheraton on the 16th St. Mall is a dog-friendly hotel (Two paws up for Starwood Hotels!)


Nonetheless, it felt sort of funny to lead BlogDog through the newly refurbished lobby, across the carpeted conference area, up the elevator and into the bedroom.

Well, it felt funny to Mary. BlogDog didn't show the slightest sign of awkwardness.

One, two, three, nap

BlogDog hit the gym today.

Immediately after this picture was taken, he headed to the corner and curled up for a nap.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

Welcome to Wednesday at my dog in denver daily.com. Wondering where BlogDog has been?

Check out the picture above. Then find out the answer by clicking here.

What's the big feista about?

Resturants usually come and go, open and close. But the Blue Bonnet, located at Alameda and S. Broadway, has been serving taquitos in Denver for more than 40 years.

BlogDog couldn't identify its appeal. That's because BlogDog does not appreciate margaritas or homemade salsa.

Inside and out of Union Station

Union Station is an impressive historic building in LoDo.

BlogDog spent his time outside the landmark -- since first time Matt and Mary tried to walk him through the tunnel underneath the station, they were quickly approached by a guard who confirmed that BlogDog was not a service animal and then suggested they hightail it to the nearest exit because dogs are not allowed inside.

To see a few lovely photos of the inside that BlogDog missed, check out these pictures from Cocktail Hour / a daily photo journal. (Click on the title of the post to bring up the image.)

Where there's cooking, there must be eating

About 11 am this morning, BlogDog checked out the outdoor kitchen set up on Filmore Square for the Inaugural Cherry Creek North Food and Wine event.

He was a bit disappointed he was too early for the demonstrations. Celebrity chefs were cooking center cut strip loin at noon, braised short ribs at 1:30 and petite beef tender at 3 pm.

Matt and Mary pretended they were really sorry for the early arrival. However, in actuality, they purposely stopped by before the smell of beef permeated the air and BlogDog became too excited to pose nicely for a picture. As it was, BlogDog couldn't stop sniffing the grass.

"Maybe somebody dropped a plate of bacon," Matt hypothesized.

Sometimes 1,000 words would be helpful

Just outside the Lions Lair on Colfax Ave., BlogDog was captured making this strange expression.

Matt and Mary could not tell if BlogDog was surprised by the crazy, pseudo-regal baby blue and yellow facade -- or if he was bored, "Just another dive bar along the Fax."

BlogDog would not explain himself any further.

When do we get to go to another park?: Weekend Doggie Double

Being the subject of a photo blog means BlogDog gets to explore the city, sniffing in exotic new locations across Denver every week.

However, it does not exempt him from having to go along to on routine errands, like the grocery store and the dry cleaner.

Going to the chapel

BlogDog doesn't follow a particular faith, but he's always on the look out for new churches he can take the few religious guest that occasionally roll into town to visit.

St. Dominic Catholic Church on 29th and Federal in the Highlands struck BlogDog as quite lovely. And he's heard those Dominican nuns are good people.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

It's time for our weekly feature in which you can test your knowledge of the nooks and crannies of Denver by trying to identify, "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?"

Hint: There's a bit of construction in the area -- again.

To find out the answer, click on "Comments" below. The answer is in the first post.

Don't mind me... just getting on the bus

The Free MallRide offers shuttle service along 16th St. between Broadway and Wewatta daily. The hybrid electric buses start up by 5:30 am daily and finish their laps after 1:30 am.

Riding the shuttle is a quintessential -- although not always pleasant -- Denver experience. Business people, homeless people, tourists and kids whose plan for the day seems to be simply to ride the Free MallRide stand shoulder to shoulder on the bus.

They don't actually allow dogs on the shuttle, but BlogDog thought that as a dog-about-Denver, he should at least check it out.

Really, treats would help

6th Ave. Pet Source is an independent pet shop in the Governor's Park neighborhood.

Dedicated dog lovers can purchase high quality dog food and pick up deluxe treats. The shop also offers an assortment of herbal supplements to help pooches with anxiety issues.

BlogDog tried to convince Mary that he had anxiety issues that could only be solved by a heavy dose of venison treats -- but she didn't fall for it.

Rolling, rolling, rolling on the coaster

BlogDog relaxed as riders screamed behind him on Twister II, a wooden roller coaster with an 80 foot drop at Elitch Gardens just south of Speer Blvd. downtown.

Modern technology has brought many high-tech ways for kids to have fun. But, the thrill of dropping really fast from high distances never gets old.

(Special thanks to guest photographer, Lauren, for capturing this moment with BlogDog.)

Crawling through LoDo for a good cause

Freedom Service Dogs hosted an afternoon pub crawl in LoDo to support the group's mission, rescuing pooches from shelters and training the dogs as service animals for disabled military men and women.

Teams paid an entry fee to join the 3rd Annual Ultimate Mini Golf Party, where they crawled through nine downtown bars, playing a round of mini golf at each location.

BlogDog didn't entirely understand the concept, but he appreciated the participants enthusiasm -- and costumes.

Clip, save and donate: Weekend Doggie Double

Today is the final day of Financial Week with BlogDog. While BlogDog is pleased to have shared his doggie wisdom with local letter writers, he is eager to focus on the things that are more important to him -- like good treats, a belly rub and his next place in visit in the Mile High City.


Q: BlogDog -- My St. Bernards, Ollie and Olaf, are encouraging me to use coupons and donate the money I save to the Colorado St. Bernard Rescue.

I have never used coupons before. Do you have any tips on successful clipping?

A: Ollie and Olaf sound like smart pups!

Saving money with coupons can be easy if you follow my four simple steps.

First, make a list of the products you need. No point in spending $20 on a lame squeaky banana toy just to save 50 cents.

Second, scour the circulars from your favorite store. Look carefully so you don't miss any offers.



Third, be on guard for people who want to take your coupons. You can never tell when the sweet granny in the next aisle will knock you over for 35 cents off a rawhide.

4. Clip, save and donate!

So all may eat: Financial Week with BlogDog

During Financial Week with BlogDog, BlogDog brings his canine wisdom to financial questions submitted by local readers. He hopes that you are enjoying his unique perspective on these pressing issues.

Q: BlogDog-- Tony insists that his Rottweiler, Moonbeam, dine only on organic steak.

Tony is a little short on cash now, while he waits for a large commission on a painting he sold. I suggested that Tony save a few buck by slipping Moonbeam some Purina, but Tony insists he would never skimp on Moonbeam's cuisine. What do you think?

A: I think both a man and his dog should eat well.

Here's the plan -- Keep sauteing the fancy beef for Moonbeam. Tony should head over to SAME (So All May Eat) Cafe between Race and Vine on Colfax. This lunch-time restaurant prepares a healthy meal each day. Patrons pay what they want or can afford.

Today, Tony leaves a few bills. When that commission check lands, he can return and leave some extra bucks to help others whose commission checks may never come. Moonbeam will be proud -- and well-fed.

In Denver, For Denver: Financial Week with BlogDog

BlogDog continues with day three of Financial Week with BlogDog. BlogDog uses his conventional wisdom to give advice on economic concerns of his readers.

Q: BlogDog -- My Australian Shepard, Max, was born and raised in Denver. He grew up walking around Wash Park and has cruised miles along the Cherry Creek bike path. He barks with Mile High pride.

Max tries to support local businesses, so it bothers him when I go to my big, national bank. Any ideas?

A: Grab Max's leash and head to the Denver Community Federal Credit Union on 11th and Acoma.

Max will love that it is a not-for-profit institution open to those who work or live in the Mile High City. Plus, it's right around the corner from Metropolis Coffee, where they have a whole bowl of dog treats by the front door.

New or used?: Financial week with BlogDog

Financial week with BlogDog continues with more of BlogDog's wise answers to readers' economic questions.


Q: BlogDog, I need a new car and can't decided if I should buy a new or used vehicle. I am leaning towards a pre-owned car because I heard it is a wiser financial decision. But I think my hound dog, Frank, would prefer a new SUV with a dog ramp. What should we do?

A: There are few things in a dog's life that are more fun than sticking his head out the window of a car. Imagine Frank's ears flapping in the wind, his nose picking up hundreds of new scents, his heart filled with doggie-joy as the miles pass.

Frank doesn't care what kind of vehicle you buy as long as the windows open. So buy a used car and pick me up for a ride.

New toys on Colfax: Financial week with BlogDog

With the economy making headlines every day, BlogDog felt he could no longer ignore the fiancial issues of our time.

Although he usually tackles lighter topics, he agreed to dig into his his e-mail box this week and answer some of the financial questions he has received. Wise yet emotionally detached from the subject, BlogDog brings his unique perspective to these questions. Move over, Suze Orman, here comes BlogDog.

Q: BlogDog, I like to give my teacup poodle, Harriette, a new toy every day. However, a wee bit of financial troubles have come upon me and I don't know if I will be able to afford Harriette's daily plaything habit. What should I do?

A: One great thing about being a dog is that almost everything is a toy. If it's new and I can chew on it, it's a toy!

Here's your answer -- head over to your local thrift store. The Goodwill on Colfax Ave. is a popular option. Buy a couple of old shirts or towels. Tear them up and tie into different shapes. Now you've got new toys.

Harriette will love them. Just be sure to keep an eye on her while she plays with them. Shirts shred and we don't want little Harriette to get a fuzzball stuck in her throat.

Behind the garden gate

BlogDog was eager to know what was behind the the newly renovated gates of Denver Botanic Garden.

There were lots of happy tourist going in and out, so he imagined it had to involve snacks and not involve leashes.

To serve and protect, but not to be photographed

BlogDog felt very official as he hung out near a Mile High traffic cop and his cruiser.

Matt asked the officer if he would pose with BlogDog. He declined, explaining he didn't pose for pictures anymore because you could never be sure what someone would write when they posted the picture on line.

BlogDog, who is a very respectful pup, thought that was kind of a bummer that a few bad apples ruined his photo op with one of Denver's finest.

This is no abstract expressionist photo: Weekend Doggie Double

Influential abstract expressionist Clifford Still bequeathed his vast collection of never before seen artwork “to an American city that will . . . maintain permanent quarters exclusively for the collection.” When Denver was selected as the site of the museum in 2004, it was a big deal in the Mile High art community.

Since it was important to Denver, BlogDog insisted on visiting the site of the future museum, located on Bannock between 12th and 13th on Bannock St.

Mary thought the fence and transformer in the picture detracted from the elegance of the photo. She suggested Matt hold BlogDog up so these features were out of the picture.

That didn't work so well either.

Family meals are important

North Federal Ave. offers mucho choices for tasty, authentic Mexican food.

While in the neighborhood, Matt and Mary stopped by El Padrino Mexican Restaurant, hoping to have a burrito on the patio with their buddy BlogDog next to them.

But the patio was closed so they snapped a picture and left in search of a place the whole family could dine together.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

It's Wednesday so put on your Mile High hat and try to figure out, "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?"

To find out, click here.

I don't think he was really making fun of you

A careful look in the white circle in the photo above will reveal a squirrel.

To Mary, this looked like an average, brown squirrel sitting in a tree. To BlogDog, it apparently looked like a squirrel with an offensive attitude that was insulting BlogDog's doghood.

Mary was curious how long BlogDog would stare at the squirrel, waiting for the small creature to accept his silent challenge to a duel. After ten minutes, she insisted BlogDog move along.

Another sponorship opportunity

The Livable Home in the Highlands sells furniture designed to endure the wear and tear of dogs, cats and kids -- and still look good.

While it's an interesting concept, BlogDog was more curious about how he could get his picture blown up and in their window.

"That dog is cute," BlogDog admitted "but my charming mug would really move some couches."

Say Cheeseman

Cheeseman Park was at its finest today.

The sky looked like a child's drawing of fluffy white clouds on a blue background. The grass shone emerald and the fountain bubbled cool water, making an inviting oasis.

BlogDog didn't realize he could have been part of a very handsome picture if he just would have stopped gawking at the squirrels.

Free admission for all two-leggers

In an act of tax-payer supported generosity, the Denver Scientific & Cultural Facilities District sponsors Free Admission Saturdays at museums, the zoo and other culturally interesting locations.

BlogDog discovered today -- Free or not, the sites are still not open to dogs. Even really cute, well-behaved dogs.