Summer fun with your dog: Beaches, ballparks and sidewalk cafés

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For dogs who are more interested in spectator sports than in swimming, the Humane Society of  Pinellas County is offering one last chance to Bark at the Ballpark on June 27 at Bright House Field in Clearwater. Aside from watching the Clearwater Threshers take on the Dunedin Blue Jays, dogs can participate in contests, enjoy treats and run the bases with their humans at the end of the game. Humans can adopt pets, participate in raffles and enjoy a great day out with their best buddies. Tampa dogs can get in on the fun, too. The Humane Society of Tampa Bay’s 4^th annual Bark at the Ballpark is on July 10 at Steinbrenner Field, where the Tampa Yankees face the Brevard County Manatees.

And, of course, some dogs prefer the café scene. For these dogs, Yappy Hours and dog-friendly brunches abound. Check out monthly events at Dunedin Brewery (first Sunday) or Savannah’s Café in St. Petersburg (third Sunday). For those willing to venture further afield, try Piglet’s Pantry’s Yappy Hour (third Friday) in Mount Dora. Piglet’s Pantry is a high-end dog bakery and shop with every dog toy and dog-themed gift item imaginable, and it’s located in the center of charming Mount Dora. A more complete list of monthly, weekly, and occasional dog-friendly dining events is available online from the New Barker magazine.