Top dog-days of summer

BARK ATTACK It’s smooth sailing for your pup at All Paws on Deck.

Sea dogs set sail
Spend an easy, breezy morning on the lake with Mercury cruise’s Canine Cruise, departing every Sunday at 10am between July 12 and September 27. The excursions take you and your nonaggressive, leashed pup on a tour of the river and lakefront, complete with historical anecdotes about dogs in the Windy City and information on canine-friendly locales. Bowls of fresh water, a newspaper-lined restroom and seats for bigger dogs will be provided (312-332-1353, mercuryskylinecruiseline.com; $23, kids $10, dogs $7). In the meantime, if you can’t wait to ply the waves, sign up for Mercury’s Anti-Cruelty Society fund-raiser canine cruise, scheduled for June 25 at 6:30pm. The sunset river and lake rendezvous includes refreshments for man and beast. Reservations required (312-644-8338, ext 319; anticruelty.org; $35, dogs free).

Beergarden breezes
No need to leave your four-legged friend at home when you go out carousing. Every Wednesday night through the end of August from 5–9pm, Joe’s Bar will host Doggy Happy Hour. Bring your pup, come hang out on the patio and nosh on doggy treats while you peruse wares from a rotating lineup of dog-related boutiques, shelters and trainers. A doggy film fest component was added this year, too: 101 Dalmations, Beethoven, Homeward Bound and others are slated for screening on a 20-foot outdoor Jumbotron (940 W Weed St, 312-337-3486; free).

Sand and surf
The dog beach at Montrose is sure to make waves with your pup, but Paws Chicago’s seventh annual All Paws On Deck beach party takes lakefront revelry to a whole new level. On July 23, don yourself and your little buddy in your cheeriest beach attire—think Hawaiian shirts and leis—and head to Castaway’s at North Avenue Beach to kick back with about 500 other guests. As you and your pup sniff out other party people, you can sip summer cocktails at the open bar, nosh on dishes from the summer dinner buffet, boogie down to Underwater People or vie for prizes in the auction. (1603 N Lake Shore Dr, 773-843-4884, beachparty.pawschicago.org; $175, advance $150, pet $50; 6–11pm).

A fest for wee lassies
And by lassies, we mean dogs, of course. A number of fests allow canines but what dog would even want to pound hot pavement just to get trampled by overserved crowds? The Scottish Festival & Highland Games, on the other hand, takes place Friday 19 and Saturday 20 on the vast, grassy grounds of the Oak Brook Polo Club—the lap of luxury for man and beast alike, as far as festival venues go. In addition to pole- and weight-tossing tournaments—plus traditional food and entertainment—leashed pups can also check out their Highland cousins at the fest’s Scottish breeds dog show on Saturday 20. More than 50 highly trained dogs will compete in agility tests, but believe us, it’s the canines’ adorable outfits that will really wow you: Be prepared to “aww” your way through the Dogs of Scotland Parade as Shetland sheepdogs, terriers and other breeds in well-tailored kilts and full traditional Highland dress march their way across the athletic field (31st St at York Rd, Oak Brook, 708-447-5092; Fri 19 4–10pm; Sat 20 8am–9pm).

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