Take Your Dog “Out to the Ballgame”

Preston

When I think of summer, I instantly think of a baseball game with the crack of a bat, fun games for the kids, a silly mascot walking the fields, hotdogs, peanuts, and time with my family and friends. Lately, many major and minor league teams are starting to incorporate the entire family into this summer tradition – even including our dogs!

Last May, my Sigma Kappa Alumnae Chapter (Southern Kentucky), attended the Dog Days at the Park at the Bowling Green Hot Rods minor league baseball team. So me, being the crazy dog person I am, loaded up my two West Highland White Terrier fur-kids (Preston and Elvis), and I even let my husband go too. Off we went for an adventure. When we arrived, the baseball stadium had transformed the parking lot into a doggie agility course for the dogs to try out. It was quickly apparent that Preston was a natural. I was a proud pet parent and was already imagining him winning a national agility title when he walked across the balance beam. Elvis, unfortunately, not so much! He freaked out and refused to move off the beam or go through the tunnel. I think his sport of choice is sitting in my lap.

Elvis and his new friend, Cathy

The field had a special section by third base just for the dogs, and there were bowls of water by every concession stand. Also, treat companies gave out bags of treat samples, and local rescue groups had booths set up in case you were looking for your next pet. During the game, Preston and Elvis were even featured on the large screen. Preston enjoyed the game and couldn’t keep his eyes off the baseball the whole time. Elvis, on the other hand, could have cared less about the game. Instead, he was enjoying all the attention the Sigma Kappas were showing him. He even made a new human friend, Cathy!

It was so much fun we are already making plans to go back in a few weeks for this year’s Hot Rods Bark in the Park!

If you are interested in taking your dogs to a major league baseball game, here is a master list, compliments of Go Pet Friendly:

http://gopetfriendlyblog.com/take-your-dog-to-the-ball-game-2012/

Also, remember that most minor league teams have these special days too, so check their website. However, go to the game with an open mind. Your dog may not like being in a stadium with all the people and the noise. If your dog is truly not having fun, take him or her home. The last thing you want to do is stress out your pooch. Also, bring a toy or a chew stick to keep them occupied if baseball isn’t their cup of tea. Finally, check with the baseball field to see if you need to bring proof of vaccinations, sign a waiver, and if there are any restrictions on the type of leash your dog can be on (some places do not allow retractable leashes due to safety concerns). Finally, have fun with your entire family – even the four-legged ones!

Have you taken your dog to a sporting event? How did it go? Share your story below!

Today’s Live Sigma Kappa guest blogger is Rachel Phelps. Rachel is an alumna of Gamma Pi chapter at Kentucky Wesleyan College, as well as a member of Sigma Kappa’s Southern Kentucky Alumnae Chapter. She loves pets, so she helps her 2-1/2-year-old dog, Preston, write a blog called Preston Speaks . Her other dog, Elvis, is a 4-year-old westie that was rescued from a puppy mill in Missouri.  If you’re interested in more pet posts from Rachel, please let us know in the comments!