Coat Time!

If there's one thing I love about winter, it's DOGS WITH COATS!! This is one of many coated dogs I've seen running around town lately. Greyhounds, as you may know, have very thin fur coats and little body fat, so they need an extra layer to stay warm in the winter. (I can relate.) As the first snow sets in today, I'm going to keep an eye out for warm, happy pups like this one!

Bank Dogs

After finally deciding to break up with Bank of America, I set up an account at Chicago's local North Community Bank. Despite some initial concerns, I've been happy with the new bank so far - I've enjoyed the many ATMs and locations around the city, the friendly staff, and the smug feeling that I'm supporting a local institution instead of a creepy giant bank with questionable practices. And though I don't like to make decisions based on gimmicks, I can't help but like the fact that North Community is Chicago's only dog-friendly bank (owing to the fact that the owner's wife founded PAWS, a no-kill humane society). During my first visit to the Uptown branch, a couple came in with their two pups, including the Cocker Spaniel above. This guy seems pretty pleased with the bank as he checks out the $10,000 loan offer.

Happy Thanksgiving

After a bit of a hiatus, here's a Springer Spaniel I met in the neighborhood. I've been meeting tons of great dogs lately, but I seem to always forget my camera on the days when the best dogs come around. You'll have to trust that there are a lot of wonderful mental photos of puppies in my mind.

Dainty Greyhound

This is a dainty Greyhound I met outside the fire station in Uptown. She was a little freaked out when the firetruck honked its horn, but I did my best to comfort her.

Dog Rack

This is a puppy I met tied up outside Uptown Bikes. My friend, who has less love for dogs than bikes, might not agree with this use of the rack, but I would argue that you can't pet a bike.

Fiona

This is Fiona, a Norwich Terrier I met on the way home from work. Look at that punim!

Crosley

This is Crosley, a pit bull mix who just moved onto my street. He and his mom (owner) came here from Cincinatti, where she was a big Reds fan (hence the name - Crosley Field being the former home of the team). I'm just glad another dog named "Wrigley" didn't move into Lakeview - we have enough of those.

Basil

This is Basil, a Welsh Terrier I met in Uptown. The owners, a friendly man and his daughter, live in the neighborhood and frequent Inspiration Kitchens, the social enterprise cafe of my organization. Welsh Terriers, though originally bred for hunting fox, rodents, and badgers, are apparently now known for their "strength of character" and cute faces.

Cute Corgi

Pembroke Welsh corgis are famous for being the preferred breed of Queen Elizabeth II, but I love them because they have such cute little tiny legs. I met this corgi while biking home from work the other day and had to stop for a pat, particularly because he reminded me of these wonderful puppies:

Bar Dog!

First off, I need to apologize for not posting since the end of August. Due to some ongoing Internet difficulties, I wasn't able to access my blog - but I was able to photograph dogs! This is Leroy, a lovely bar dog belonging to the friendliest bartender in town, Henry. Leroy frequents the under-bar area of The Double, a neighborhood watering hole in Logan Square. Although Henry insists that Leroy is some sort of fancy breed, he sure looks like a pit bull mix to me. Also, I'd like to point out that I've met several resident bar dogs in the last month, of all sizes and breeds. I'm looking forward to posting more bar dogs here!

Puppy Royalty

This is a pretty adorable Cavalier King Charles Spaniel I met just outside my apartment in Lakeview. As the friendly owners told me, she's the same breed as Charlotte's dog in Sex and the City. Although she looks somewhat bewildered in this photo, she smiled a moment later, complete with a cute tongue stick-out.

Raider and Bailey

Meet Raider, the Golden Retriever, and Bailey, the Great Pyrenees/Australian cattle dog mix. I met them at the Irving Park beach today as they enjoyed a morning stroll along the lakefront. Let's hope the gorgeous weather lasts!

Sophie the Boxer

My first day back in Chicago and I've already come across a plethora of playful puppies! This is Sophie, a seven-month old boxer I met at the Logan Square Music Festival. She was quite a crowd-pleaser - and with those jowls, who wouldn't want to give that dog a pat?

Dog Blog!

"Like a food blog, but about dogs."

If you've spent any time walking around a city with me, you know that I have the irritating habit of stopping to pet every dog I see. Shih tzus or shepherds, pugs or Pyrenees, I just can't resist. So I thought I'd make a blog about it. I hope to update somewhat regularly, with photos of and tidbits about the dogs I see around Chicago.


To begin, here's a photo of my own dog, Isabelle. She's a German Shepherd, loves walks and lounging on the floor with the family. Unfortunately, she's not a huge fan of strangers; like many German Shepherds, her protective nature gets the better of her. Makes for a great guard dog, though!

More Dogs of Chicago to come!