Go, gorilla, go!

BlogDog mingled with some furry friends at 6th Annual Denver Gorilla Run, a 5.6 mile race which benefits the Mountain Gorilla Conservation Fund. Each entrant receives a gorilla outfit, which can conveniently be used as a costume later in the evening.

This year, the race directors are hoping to set a new World Record for "People Dressed as Gorillas," previously set at 637.

BlogDog, not used to seeing so many large furry creatures, was very curious about the whole scene.

And to all a good fright

'Twas the night before Halloween, and out on the streets,

Strange creatures were stirring, looking for treats,

BlogDog prowled around with great care.

After all, a dog cannot be too aware.

Following the snowflakes back in time

BlogDog had time today to check out the Byers-Evans House Museum, located at 1310 Bannock Street.

He pondered what life would have been like on a snowy day more than 100 years ago when this house was built in 1883 by Williams Byers, publisher of the now-defunct Rocky Mountain News.

At that time, most houses were lit by candles and heated by fire. People stayed warm by wearing wool, not fleece. And, BlogDog thought as he watched cars slide by, getting around in the snow might have been a little easier. Horses would be unlikely to need 4-wheel drive or get stuck in a snowbank.

Everyone loves a snow day

As regular mydogindenverdaily.com readers know, Wednesdays are usually dedicated to trying to identify, "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?"

But today, as snow accumulated, businesses closed and kids were sent home early, BlogDog decided to take his own snow day and skip this regular feature.

Ready for my close up

BlogDog approached the CBS4Denver news van today, hoping to be asked to do a "dog on the street" interview about how he is preparing for the impending snow storm.

But, the news crew did not reappear before Mary insisted they move on.

"But, I believe the canine point of view is under-represented in the media," he lamented until a poodle walked by and distracted him.

A good spot for happy hour

The Spot Bar and Grill, at 98 S. Pennsylvania, is a neighborhood joint. As long as the weather is sunny, West Wash Park locals gather for beers and bar food.

The neighborhood is slow enough that BlogDog can just chill outside and have his picture taken during happy hour.

You haven't lived in Denver until...

BlogDog is open to experiencing everything about the Mile High life.

Today he contended with another quintessential Denver experience -- inching east in the snow past a traffic accident on I-70 so that the trip home from the mountains takes three times longer than it would under better circumstances.

BlogDog was very grateful to his responsible and adept driver for getting him home safely.

What's on your mind, BlogDog?

One of the delightful qualities of dogs is that you never have to guess what they are thinking.

If BlogDog is excited, he wags his tail. If he is sleepy, he curls up in a ball. If he wants you to pet him, he nudges your arm. If he is interested in having a squirrel for lunch, he assumes the rather elegant stance seen in the photo above.

Wandering in the wild west: Weekend Doggie Double

BlogDog rambled up to 31st and California to check out the Black American West Museum, a museum "dedicated to collecting, preserving and disseminating the contributions of Blacks in the Old West."

BlogDog particularly liked the memorial plaques to famous black cowboys inlaid into the sidewalk in front of the museum. He was sure that life on the plains with one of those guys would have been fun.

So, is this a bar?

BlogDog visited this drinking establishment at 2060 Champa St.

Apparently, the joint is called Carioca Cafe, although it is better known as Bar Bar, for obvious reasons. If you are ever in need of an early morning drink, stop by for the 7-9am happy hour.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

It's time to test your Denver knowledge and try to answer the question, "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?"

Can you identify where little, wet BlogDog is in this photo? To find out, click here.

It's fun to stay at ...

During their walk tonight, Mary and BlogDog stopped into the YMCA on 16th and Lincoln to warm up for a moment.

Once the door closed behind them, BlogDog was on to the next adventure. Mary had that darn song stuck in her head for the rest of the evening.

Spa? Pool? Play all day?

Bark!, a doggie daycare, hotel and spa on 13th and Santa Fe, offers 3,000 square feet of play space and a 1,500 square foot outdoor park with pools and slides.

BlogDog tried to convince Mary he should move in. She agreed, as long as she was permitted to move in too.

Just 0.2 miles left to go!

The Denver Half-Marathon and Marathon started and ended in Civic Center Park today. More than 10,000 athletes laced up for the event.

BlogDog wore himself out cheering for the runners, especially for his favorite half-marathon runner of the day, Kelly!

Something we can agree on

BlogDog mingled with some protesters outside 9News on Speer Blvd. today.

Given his limited political exposure, BlogDog was unsure on where he stood on their concerns on media bias. However, he supported their stance on petting dogs. They believed in petting him and he was pleased as peaches to be pet.

This isn't so cherry after all: Weekend Doggie Double

BlogDog briefly considered recommending The Cherry Tomato on E. 23rd St. in Park Hill. It is preciously cute from the outside and the Italian menu gets thumbs up from most reviewers.



But when he realized there was no outdoor seating and they don't admit doggie diners, he lost his enthusiasm for the joint.

Umm...Am I supposed to believe we are in a jungle?

BlogDog mingled with zebras, elephants, giraffes and other wild life at Kazoo and Company -- a locally owned toy store on E. 2nd Ave. in Cherry Creek North shopping area.

Mary tried to trick BlogDog into interacting with the faux wildlife, but he was keen enough to realize they were not up for a chase.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

Oh, do you know the places BlogDog goes?

Yes, it's time again to try to identify, "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?"

Do you recognize this church, established in 1859? To find out, click here.

Big news in the brew scene today

Pablo's Coffee, on E. 6th Ave and Pearl, is where all the coolest kids get in the neighborhood get their morning, afternoon and evening coffee.

Today, they announced on their blog that they now offer french press coffee. This may not have made the news in your area, but it was a great development in the local java community.

Intensity at the pet store

Taking BlogDog to the PetSmart on Colorado and Alameda is like taking Mary to a chocolate store -- achingly, thrillingly over-stimulating.

When heading there, Matt and Mary deploy the heavy duty leash in order to prevent BlogDog from shimming out of his collar and searching for kitties on the lam.

More massive pink bows: Weekend Doggie Double

Since BlogDog started looking for pink bows last week, he seems to notice them everywhere in the city.

Four bows adorn the Denver City and County building on Bannock St. From a distance, BlogDog thought they appeared sort of dainty.

But an up close look revealed they are twice as tall as BlogDog.

Run, BlogDog, run

Living in the busy city, Matt and Mary don't let BlogDog run off leash very much.

But, his joy when his leash is unclipped and he is permitted to sprint and gallop and chase -- as he was this afternoon at Burns Park on Colorado and Alameda Aves. --is something to be witnessed. It exhilarates Mary just to see it.

One dog's path towards peace

Inspired by Obama's Nobel Peace Prize today, BlogDog thought he too would like to bring peace to others.

He headed to Core Power Yoga on 13th and Grant in hopes of teaching others his favorite yoga move -- yes, you know it, downward facing dog.

Thinking pink

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BlogDog found himself a pink leash and went in search of a pink bow.

He found one at the Chancery, an office building at 11th Ave. and Lincoln St., that exceeded his wildest expectations.

Where was BlogDog Wednesday?

Welcome to what might be the hardest edition ever of "Where was BlogDog Wednesday?"

For this episode, if you can even identify what neighborhood BlogDog is in, consider yourself a Denver expert.

For details on the exact corner of this classic dog and fire hydrant portrait, click here.

But I was just looking

" What could be nicer on a beautiful, crisp autumn day than to stroll outside? Especially if you can get off leash for a few moments and make a dash into Lil' Angel Pet Boutique and Gallery on S. Gaylord St." BlogDog though moments before doing just that.

Matt and Mary caught up quickly, before he was able to make too much headway into the store.

That was fun

The playground at 7th Ave. and Logan offers hours of amusement to the small children that play there.

It offered about six seconds of amusement for BlogDog. Once he realized the view from the top of the jungle gym wasn't much better than from the ground, he was ready to leave.

So many clean cars, so much fun

BlogDog doesn't understand the premise of a car wash, such as Waterworks Car Wash at 276 Broadway.

But with all people, cars and activity going on there, BlogDog thought it looked like a good time.

With just a little more dog park decorum...

BlogDog is an affectionate, outgoing pup. He adores all people and wants to be friends with almost every dog he meets.

However occasionally, for reasons that are entirely undetectable to Matt or Mary, BlogDog encounters a dog he does not like. At that point, his manners become quite rude.

Because of this, BlogDog's experience at the busy dog park at Stapleton was limited to a jaunt around the outside perimeter.

You think dogs in the wilderness take baths?

BlogDog believes his grooming needs are best met through regular and attentive licking. He doesn't care much for getting bathed or primped.

When Matt and Mary tried to get him to pose near the door of Oona's Dog Grooming on E. 23rd between Cherry and Dexter, he kept trying to slink away.

Picking up a little Western style and wisdom

BlogDog moseyed by to check out Rockmount Ranch Wear at 1626 Wazee St. This company has been selling Western style shirts and other authentic cowboy wear since the late 1940s.

Third-generation company president, Steve Weil, recently wrote a book about the wisdom of his grandfather and company-founder, Jack Weil, who died last year at age 107.

Oh, the folksy wisdom of this book! It kind of made BlogDog proud to live in this old cowtown.