Calendar of Local Events (updated March 17th, 2009)
(Events listed are usually NOT associated with the CHCoA and MAY NOT be dog friendly)

Events are added to this calendar as I receive them. I can not guarantee the accuracy of the info. provided. Please contact the event sponsor directly if you have questions regarding a function.
If you would like to have your upcoming event posted please contact Jamie D. at jdeben@hotmail.com. It's FREE!!

March 2009 Back to the top of this page

The Arizona Trail Association offers regular opportunities for volunteers to help with many areas of the cross-state Arizona Trail. Trail maintenance/building projects are planned each month by the passage stewards and they need your help. If you have an interest in the Arizona Trail and would like to be part of this wonderful project visit http://www.aztrail.org/volunteer.html.

Wednesday, March 4th-June 10th and July 1st- September 30th - Snake Aversion Classes with Jay Smith of Community Dog Training in Tucson. Call 520-792-6411 or visit www.communitydogtraining.com for more details or to register. Classes are held at Diamond Dogs training center located at 5120 N. La Cholla Blvd.

Wednesday March 18th -Peoria Outdoor Adventure Class: Day Hiking Essentials - 7pm to 8:30pm at the Rio Vista Recreation Center (8866A W. Thunderbird, Peoria, AZ). This class will cover gear choices for day hikers, Leave No Trace ethics, help for beginners, and strategies for finding trails and planning trips around your hiking abilities.
Sponsored by City of Peoria Parks and Rec. Dept. Cost is $5 for Peoria residents and $6 for non-residents. Participants need to pre-register by phone at 623-773-7725 or via the online registration webapge. You may also contact the instructor, Jamie DeBenedetto, at Jdeben@hotmail.com for more info.

Wednesday March 18th - Paws and Crafts - 10am-11am at the Anthem Dog Park. Sponsored by Pete and Mac's. Take a fun and free craft project home complete with your pet's paw print. Free fun for the whole family. For more info. go to www.petemac.com or www.anthempets.com.

Friday March 20th - Snake Avoidance Classes - 5pm and 7:30pm at the HSSA Companions for Life Center in Tucson. Each Rattlesnake Avoidance training class gives dogs the necessary training to help prevent an expensive and potentially deadly snakebite. Tuition for a 2.5 hour session is $65 per dog, which includes one follow-up session (if necessary). If purchasing tickets online, one ticket is required for each dog enrolled in the class. Dogs must be 10 months to 10 years of age and in good health; vaccinations must be shown at class to participate. For more information on class times & availability, please call 520-795-6225.

Sat., March 21st - HSSAz Pet Safety and First Aid Class - 9am to 1pm in Tucson. Cost is $45 per person. For location and registration, contact Pennie Liebig 520-881-7406 or visit www.hssaz.org

Saturday, March 21st - Snake Aversion Classes - 2pm and 5pm at Master's Kennels (17309 S. 144th St. Gilbert, AZ 85297) Trainer Gregg Hornby. Cost is $75 per dog. Call (480) 917-3647 or email gregg@doguniversity.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Sunday, March 22nd - Snake Aversion Classes - 2pm and 5pm at Master's Kennels (17309 S. 144th St. Gilbert, AZ 85297) Trainer Gregg Hornby. Cost is $75 per dog. Call (480) 917-3647 or email gregg@doguniversity.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Wednesday, March 25th - Snake Aversion Classes - 7:00 AM at SaddleBrooke Dog Park in SaddleBrooke, AZ. Web Parton / Jay Smith Trainers Call (520) 896-9555 or email casacielo@q.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Thursday, March 26th - Pleasant Paddlers Program: Humbug Paddle Tour & Hike - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM at Lake Pleasant Lake Pleasant Regional Park in Peoria. If you have a kayak or canoe, come join the ranger and the "Pleasant Paddler" program for a paddle of Humbug Bay and an optional hike to the old Humbug Dam north of Lake Pleasant. We will be exploring the main channel of Humbug Bay on our way to the north end, where we will start our hike. Be sure to bring a lunch and some good hiking shoes. Ranger Terry will talk about the old dam, during lunch at the site. Come early so that your boat is ready to be placed on the flat deck boat for transportation to the cove at 8 AM. Bring layered clothes, water, a lunch/snack, binoculars, camera, hiking shoes that might get wet (if you plan on hiking), and your sense of adventure. Paddle distance will be about 5 miles, the hike is about 4 miles. The hike is mostly flat, with some adventure wash hiking, and can be rocky and wet in some places. Meet the park ranger at the 4-lane boat ramp launch area, at the north end of the park. Registration is Required; Fee: $5 per vehicle + $2 per watercraft park entry; Contact: Terry Gerber, Interpretive Ranger 602-372-7460 ext. 202; Address: Take Hwy 74 to Castle Hot Springs Rd., go 5 miles and turn right into the park to the 4-lane ramp.

Friday March 27th - Snake Avoidance Classes - 5pm and 7:30pm at the HSSA Companions for Life Center in Tucson. Each Rattlesnake Avoidance training class gives dogs the necessary training to help prevent an expensive and potentially deadly snakebite. Tuition for a 2.5 hour session is $65 per dog, which includes one follow-up session (if necessary). If purchasing tickets online, one ticket is required for each dog enrolled in the class. Dogs must be 10 months to 10 years of age and in good health; vaccinations must be shown at class to participate. For more information on class times & availability, please call 520-795-6225.

Saturday, March 28th - Snake Avoidance Classes - 5pm and 7:30pm at the HSSA Companions for Life Center in Tucson. Each Rattlesnake Avoidance training class gives dogs the necessary training to help prevent an expensive and potentially deadly snakebite. Tuition for a 2.5 hour session is $65 per dog, which includes one follow-up session (if necessary). If purchasing tickets online, one ticket is required for each dog enrolled in the class. Dogs must be 10 months to 10 years of age and in good health; vaccinations must be shown at class to participate. For more information on class times & availability, please call 520-795-6225.

Saturday, March 28th - Paw Placement Trail Trek - 8am to Noon at Tempe Papago Park in Tempe. Join Paw Placement No Kill Dog and Cat Rescue for a jolly good time in the outdoors. For our more adventurous friends we offer a 1 mile and a 3 mile hike. And for those a bit more on the couch potato side, we'll have vendors, rescue groups, a silent auction, raffle prizes, carival games, food, demonstrations, and much more. It's a morning of fun in the sun or shade if you prefer with all proceeds benefiting Paw Placement, a 501 (c) 3 org. Visit www.pawplacement.org for early registration and more details.
If you are an interested vendor or sponsor email Jamie D. at jdeben@hotmail.com

Sat. March 28th - TOP DOG AWARENESS DAY - 10 am to 1 pm at the new Dog Park Area on Country Club near 22nd Street in Tucson. Learn about Service Dogs & what they do. Behaviorists and a Veterinarian will be on hand to answer your questions, also Food & Beverages.

Sat. March 28th and Sun. the 29th - Arizona Game and Fish Department's 2009 Outdoor Expo - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m at the Ben Avery Shooting Facility in north Phoenix. The event is free. The purpose of the AZGFD Outdoor Expo is provide the public with education and information through activities, demonstrations and exhibits in the areas of hunting, fishing, recreational shooting, archery, off-highway vehicle and watercraft recreation, conservation and wildlife education, camping and other outdoor recreation elements. The Expo offers participants the opportunity to view live wildlife, try the latest in recreational supplies and equipment, and learn about boats, firearms, all terrain vehicles and more! Shooting sports activities are conducted on the range, and numerous vendors, sponsors and exhibitors are available to demonstrate and sell new products, seek public participation, and conduct informative workshops about a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. If you are looking for inexpensive recreational alternatives this year that can accommodate and entertain the entire family, learn more about the event in the upcoming weeks at www.azgfd.gov/expo.

Sunday, March 29th - Snake Aversion Classes - 7:00AM at Oracle Ford Field (on the north side of Hwy 77, 200 yards east of the Oracle Ford Dealership) in Oracle. Web Parton / Jay Smith Trainers. Call (520) 896-9555 or email casacielo@q.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

April Back to the top of this page

Friday - Sunday, April 3rd - 5th - Becoming an Outdoor Woman(BOW) Spring Workshop - Held at Friendly Pines Camp in Prescott. BOW is an outdoor skills clinic for women. The objective of the program is to provide women with an opportunity to learn basic outdoor skills in a fun, non-threatening manner. Sponsored by the Arizona Wildlife Federation. For more info. or to register go to www.azwildlife.org.

Saturday, April 4th - Forward Paddle Stroke Seminar - 8:00 am - 1:00 pm at Lake Pleasant's north 4-lane Boat Ramp. Peoria, AZ. $20 per person. You must call or email to reserve a space. Contact is Jay Williams, 602-359-1354, jayfwms@msn.com. I truly believe that every paddler can benefit from attention to their forward stroke, Jay.

Saturday, April 4th - DOG HYGIENE AT HOME Seminar - 10am to 11am at Jackass Acres in New River (46135 N Black Canyon Hwy, New River, AZ 85087) Hosted by Pete and Macs.

Sunday, April 5th - Snake Aversion Classes - 7:00 AM in Peoria at (23445 N. 77 Ave., AZ 85383) Hosted by Ken Desch of 4k9 Solutions.com; $80.00 per dog Call (602) 618-0446 or email k.desch@cox.net for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Saturday, April 11th - Peoria Outdoor Adventure: Usery Mtn. Day Hike in Mesa - 4 miles RT- Easy- Beginners Welcome - Elev: Around 2,200'. 7am to 2pm. Meeting time is 7 am at the Rio Vista Recreation Center (89th Ave. N. of Thunderbird in Peoria, AZ). Transportation Provided. A common landmark in the east valley, the Usery Mountains host a beautiful Regional Park and offer a gateway into the Tonto NF. This trail travels through classic Sonoran Desert scenery and will hopefully still be boldly covered in wildflowers. Please bring at least 2 litres of water, a snack/lunch, a daypack or fanny pack and your day hiking essentials.
Sponsored by City of Peoria Parks and Rec. Dept. Cost is $20 for Peoria residents and $24 for non-residents, includes transportation. Participants need to pre-register by phone at 623-773-7725 or via the online registration webapge. You may also contact the hike leader, Jamie DeBenedetto, at Jdeben@hotmail.com for more info.

Wednesday, April 15th - Gabriel’s Angels Pet Therapy Information Session - 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Every Voice in Action Foundation conference room, 2851 N. Country Club Road in Tucson. Gabriel’s Angels, providing pet therapy to abused, neglected and at-risk children in Tucson, seeks volunteers interested in becoming Pet Therapy Teams and Helping Hands. The information session will outline the program and steps needed to become a Gabriel’s Angels Pet Therapy Team or Helping Hand. (We love your dog, but please, no dogs at this session). Reservations can be made by contacting Art Lipski, 520-609-4893, alipski@gabrielsangels.org ; or Jan Hutchinson, 425-6095, jhutchinson@gabrielsangels.org Website: www.gabrielsangels.org

Wednesday, April 15th - Snake Aversion Classes - 7:00 AM at SaddleBrooke Dog Park in SaddleBrooke, AZ. Web Parton / Jay Smith Trainers Call (520) 896-9555 or email casacielo@q.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Saturday, April 18th - Snake Aversion Classes - 2pm and 5pm at Master's Kennels (17309 S. 144th St. Gilbert, AZ 85297) Trainer Gregg Hornby. Cost is $75 per dog. Call (480) 917-3647 or email gregg@doguniversity.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

May 2009 Back to the top of this page

The Arizona Trail Association offers regular opportunities for volunteers to help with many areas of the cross-state Arizona Trail. Trail maintenance/building projects are planned each month by the passage stewards and they need your help. If you have an interest in the Arizona Trail and would like to be part of this wonderful project visit http://www.aztrail.org/volunteer.html.

Saturday, May 9th - Peoria Outdoor Adventure: Red Rock Secret Mtn. Wilderness Loop Hike in Sedona - 5 miles RT - Easy to Moderate - Elevation: 4,500' up to 5,200'. 7am to 4pm. Meeting time is 7 am at the Rio Vista Recreation Center (89th Ave. N. of Thunderbird in Peoria, AZ). Transportation Provided. If you're looking for a true Sedona experience, you'll see it ALL on this loop. Scenic vistas, Sedona's biggest sinkhole, a few arches, the Seven Sacred Pools and famous red rock formations like Coffeepot Rock, Young Brave and Woman & Papoose. Please bring at least 3 litres of water, a lunch, a daypack or fanny pack and your day hiking essentials.
Sponsored by City of Peoria Parks and Rec. Dept. Cost is $20 for Peoria residents and $24 for non-residents, includes transportation. Participants need to pre-register by phone at 623-773-7725 or via the online registration webapge. You may also contact the hike leader, Jamie DeBenedetto, at Jdeben@hotmail.com for more info.

Wed. May 27th - Snake Aversion Classes - 7:00 AM at SaddleBrooke Dog Park in SaddleBrooke, AZ. Web Parton / Jay Smith Trainers Call (520) 896-9555 or email casacielo@q.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Wed. May 27th - Snake Aversion Classes - 7:00 PM at Diamond Dog Training and Day Care (5120 N. La Cholla in Tucson) - Lynne Brandt is the trainer. Call (520) 616-2905 or email lynne26usa@yahoo.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Friday, May 29th - Snake Aversion Classes - 5:00 PM/ 7:30 PM at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona's Companions for Life Center (3450 N. Kelvin Blvd in Tucson). Rattlesnake bites are not only dangerous to your pet, they frequently require extensive and costly veterinary treatment if your dog is to survive. This class will give your dog the necessary training to help prevent a potentially deadly bite. The program utilizes live, defanged rattlesnakes. Dogs ten months to ten years of age are eligible. $70 per dog (includes a follow-up test if necessary).Contact Summer Severin at 520 795-6181 or via email at sseverin@hssaz.org for more info. or to sign up.

Sat., May 30th - PET SAFETY AND FIRST AID CLASS - 9am to 1pm at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona's Companions for Life Center (3450 N. Kelvin Blvd in Tucson). Cost: $45 For location and registration, contact Jenison Silva (520) 321-3704 ext.125 or visit www.hssaz.org

Sunday, May 31st - Snake Aversion Classes - 5pm at Master's Kennels (17309 S. 144th St. Gilbert, AZ 85297) Trainer Gregg Hornby. Cost is $75 per dog. Call (480) 917-3647 or email gregg@doguniversity.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Sunday, May 31st - Snake Aversion Classes - 6:00AM at Oracle Ford Field (on the north side of Hwy 77, 200 yards east of the Oracle Ford Dealership) in Oracle. Web Parton / Jay Smith Trainers. Call (520) 896-9555 or email casacielo@q.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

June 2009

Wed. June 3rd - Snake Aversion Classes - 7:00 PM at Diamond Dog Training and Day Care (5120 N. La Cholla in Tucson) - Lynne Brandt is the trainer. Call (520) 616-2905 or email lynne26usa@yahoo.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Saturday, June 6th -Peoria Outdoor Adventure: Fossil Creek Day hike near Strawberry - 7 miles RT - Moderate Plus - Elevation: 5,600' to 4,200'. 6:30am to 6:30pm. Meeting time is 6:30am at the Rio Vista Recreation Center (89th Ave. N. of Thunderbird in Peoria, AZ). Transportation Provided.
The Fossil Creek Wilderness has been described as the most diverse riparian area in Arizona. The lushness found along its banks strikes a sharp contrast to the desert that surrounds it. Visitors to this area are in for a real treat. Please bring at least 3 litres of water, a lunch, a daypack or fanny pack and your day hiking essentials. Swimwear is encouraged as we'll probably want to get wet before hiking out. NOT suitable for beginners.
Sponsored by City of Peoria Parks and Rec. Dept. Cost is $30 for Peoria residents and $34 for non-residents, includes transportation. Participants need to pre-register by phone at 623-773-7725 or via the online registration webapge. You may also contact the hike leader, Jamie DeBenedetto, at Jdeben@hotmail.com for more info.

Wed. June 10th - Snake Aversion Classes - 7:00 AM at SaddleBrooke Dog Park in SaddleBrooke, AZ. Web Parton / Jay Smith Trainers Call (520) 896-9555 or email casacielo@q.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Wed. June 10th - Snake Aversion Classes - 7:00 PM at Diamond Dog Training and Day Care (5120 N. La Cholla in Tucson) - Lynne Brandt is the trainer. Call (520) 616-2905 or email lynne26usa@yahoo.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Friday, June 12th - Snake Aversion Classes - 5:00 PM/ 7:30 PM at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona's Companions for Life Center (3450 N. Kelvin Blvd in Tucson). Rattlesnake bites are not only dangerous to your pet, they frequently require extensive and costly veterinary treatment if your dog is to survive. This class will give your dog the necessary training to help prevent a potentially deadly bite. The program utilizes live, defanged rattlesnakes. Dogs ten months to ten years of age are eligible. $70 per dog (includes a follow-up test if necessary).Contact Summer Severin at 520 795-6181 or via email at sseverin@hssaz.org for more info. or to sign up.

Tues., June 16th - PET SAFETY AND FIRST AID CLASS - 6pm to 10pm at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona's Companions for Life Center (3450 N. Kelvin Blvd in Tucson). Cost: $45 For location and registration, contact Jenison Silva (520) 321-3704 ext.125 or visit www.hssaz.org

Wed. June 24th - Snake and TOAD Aversion Classes - 7:00 AM at SaddleBrooke Dog Park in SaddleBrooke, AZ. Web Parton / Jay Smith Trainers Call (520) 896-9555 or email casacielo@q.com for more info. or to reserve a training slot.

Friday, June 26th - Snake Aversion Classes - 5:00 PM/ 7:30 PM at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona's Companions for Life Center (3450 N. Kelvin Blvd in Tucson). Rattlesnake bites are not only dangerous to your pet, they frequently require extensive and costly veterinary treatment if your dog is to survive. This class will give your dog the necessary training to help prevent a potentially deadly bite. The program utilizes live, defanged rattlesnakes. Dogs ten months to ten years of age are eligible. $70 per dog (includes a follow-up test if necessary).Contact Summer Severin at 520 795-6181 or via email at sseverin@hssaz.org for more info. or to sign up.

On Going Dog Friendly Activities Back to the top of this page
(Events listed are NOT associated with the CHCoA)

Dog's Night Out at Classy-Jazzy - Every Thursday 7 to 9pm. Hang with your pooch while listening to live sounds and checking out new art and fashions. Located at 7111 E. Fifth Ave. in Scottsdale. Call 480-970-1894 for info.

Hiking With Dogs - Mondays and Wednesdays
This is a dog hiking group that plans fun outdoor walks on Mondays and Wednesdays every week up in the Mogollon Rim area. Email Lori C. for details - mtnrider@cybertrails.com

Paw Placement of Northern AZ Adoptions Days - Held on the 2nd & 4th Sunday's of each month from 12-3pm at the Petco in newly built Flagstaff Mall off of Hwy 89.

Humane Society of Southern AZ Yappy Hour - Saturday evenings
Yappy Hour is a fun-filled evening of excitement for pooches and their people with light food and taste tempting treats for the pups. Four-legged canine companions can make new doggie friends while playing in the outdoor grassy yards, participate in dog games and contests and play on pooch agility equipment. Space is limited and reservations are required. Call 520-795-6225 or 520-795-6181. There is a fee.

Early Bird, Friendship or Full Moon Paddles
Join the Arizona Paddlers Network for their on going canoe and kayak paddles at various local lakes. These outings are great fun and for some events you don’t even have to have your own boat to participate!
Prescott Paddlers Club for fun and friendship - Contact www. prescottpaddler.com
AZ Canoe Outriggers Club - Saturday mornings at Butcher Jones Beach, Saguaro Lake. Dennis (480) 288-0637 or d.pacanas@mchsi.com
Lake Pleasant Paddlers for a paddle after work. Contact gmorse7@cox.net for details
Guided Lake Pleasant Paddle Tours - Contact the park Interpretive Ranger, Terry Gerber at 602-372-7460 ext. 202 for more details.
Mid Week Paddlers - Join Kayak Jay and Mid-Week Paddlers for fun & friendship on the water. kayakjay@msn.com (602) 359-1354

Monthly Beagle Playdates - Bring your Beagle to play at the park and meet other Beagles and their humans! AZ Beagle Rescue hosts monthly playdates for beagles and the people they own. This is a relaxed and informal gathering for beagle owners and their dogs! Go to www.azbeaglerescue.com/news for exact times and dates.
Tucson - 1st or 2nd Saturday of every month at Gene C. Reid Park.
Glendale - 2nd Monday of every month at Foothills Dog Park.
Chandler - Last Wednesday of every month at Shawnee Bark Park.

Silent Sundays - The City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department is proud to present "Silent Sunday" at South Mountain Park/Preserve and at North Mountain Park. We invite you to come and enjoy these free "non-motorized" recreation events! We will be hosting a "Silent Sunday" event each month in 2009. Bicyclists, wheelchair users, in-line skaters, tots in strollers, horseback riders, walkers, hikers, etc, get to call the roadways of these two parks their own during these events! The goals of Silent Sunday are to promote awareness of alternative modes of recreation and transportation, and to give the parks a day of rest from motor vehicle traffic. For closure dates and other information call 602-495-5506 for N. Mtn or for South Mtn call 602- 534-6324.

Back to the top of this page

Guided/Ranger Led Hikes

Lost Dutchman State Park - Saturdays at 9am for about 2-3 hours. Native plants, animals and legends of the Superstition Mountains. Upcoming Moonlight hikes on 3/5 and 4/3 from 7-9pm. 2.5-mile ranger-led hike by moonlight followed by a campfire. Call 480-982-4485 for more details. Friendly leashed dogs are usually welcome, call ahead.

South Mountain Park - Discover the South Mountain Preserve and reward yourself after a hard week of working. They offer interpretive hikes as well as Hiking Healthy treks which are hike-at-your-own-pace. Cost is $5.00 per person (exception: Dinner at Dobbins), payable on the day of the hike. For additional information or to register for any hike, call 602.534.6324. Friendly leashed dogs are very welcome on all South Mtn. trails.

Pueblo Grande Museum Hikes at South Mountain Park
View rock art and ruins. Hikes start at 7a.m. at the trailhead. You have to register and pay in advance ($5 for non-members, Free for members). They show this as kid-friendly, not sure about the dogs. Call first. 602-495-0900 for more info. Hikes are 3 mi. approx. and last about 3 hours. www.pueblogrande.com.

The following Maricopa County Parks offer Ranger led hikes that vary in length, level and focus. Most of these areas offer interpretive, bird watching, indian ruin, early bird, full moon and fitness hikes throughout the month for only the entrance fee into the park. Some also offer various Ranger hosted seminars covering topics like, wildlife, history, geology, survival, and edible plants. Friendly leashed dogs are usually welcome, call ahead.

Cave Creek Regional Park Park - (623) 465-0431
Estrella Mountain Regional Park - (623) 932-3811
Lake Pleasant Regional Park - Operations Center (602) 372-7460
McDowell Mountain Regional Park - (480) 471-0173
Spur Cross Ranch Conservation Area - (480) 488-6601
Usery Mt. Recreation Area - (480) 984-0032
White Tanks Regional Park - (623) 935-6056

Back to the top of this page