Tag: pets

More funny, silly photographs? Of course!

A well-dressed gorilla on a plate in a funny San Diego shop window. I also see some wind-up chattering teeth.
A well-dressed gorilla on a plate in a funny San Diego shop window. I also see some wind-up chattering teeth.

Here comes another generous helping of funny photos! All of these pics are from past walks.

Enjoy a laugh or two!

A silly bee made of a potted plant and old metal stuff by the Hive Sushi Lounge on Golden Hill.
A silly bee made of a potted plant and old metal stuff. I spotted this in front of the Hive Sushi Lounge on Golden Hill.
Marshmallow Madness in the window of IT'SUGAR in the Gaslamp. This cereal has Absolutely No Nutritional Value Added!
Marshmallow Madness in the window of IT’SUGAR in the Gaslamp. This cereal has Absolutely No Nutritional Value Added!
So lazy can't move. Must be the sugar crash.
So lazy can’t move. Must be the sugar crash.
World leaders on socks! Some funny gifts on display in the window of the Find Your Feet store.
World leaders on socks! Funny gifts on display in the window of the Find Your Feet store.
In the middle of the day, a neon sign proclaims It's 5:00 Somewhere.
In the middle of the day, a neon sign hopefully proclaims It’s 5:00 Somewhere.
Education is important but beer is importanter, according to a sign in front of Coin Haus in La Mesa.
Education is important but beer is importanter, according to a sign in front of Coin Haus in La Mesa.
A miniature seagull on the hat of a Navy sailor! Or perhaps it's just a bird atop Seward Johnson's enormous Embracing Peace statue on the Embarcadero. (The sailor-kissing-nurse-at-end-of-war sculpture was originally titled Unconditional Surrender.)
A tiny gull stands atop the hat of a Navy sailor! (Actually it’s just an ordinary gull atop Seward Johnson’s enormous Embracing Peace statue on the Embarcadero.)
Someone from Park City, Utah with a yacht is bored of the snow, or snowboarding, apparently.
Someone from Park City, Utah with a yacht is bored of the snow, or snowboarding, apparently.
Perhaps Santa is tired of the snow, too. I think I spotted his beard in Seaport Village. That heavy beard is great for the North Pole, but too warm in sunny San Diego!
Perhaps Santa is tired of the snow, too. I think I spotted his beard in Seaport Village. That heavy beard is great for the North Pole, but too warm in sunny San Diego!
A banner for your spoiled rotten cat.
A banner for your spoiled rotten cat.
Another elegantly dressed animal--a cow! Plus a bonus funny face.
Another elegantly dressed animal–a cow! Plus a bonus funny face.
These two dogs in the Michael J. Wolf Fine Arts gallery must like to wine.
These two dogs in the Michael J Wolf Fine Arts gallery must like to wine.

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Remember Me Thursday love in Balboa Park.

A best friend.
A best friend.

Every year, the lives of almost 3 million shelter animals are terminated. It’s a colossal, heartbreaking tragedy that defies understanding–because it needn’t happen. Remember Me Thursday is a global event that shines a light on the plight of shelter animals, and on the positive choice of animal adoption.

Here are a few photos from the special Remember Me Thursday candlelight vigil held this evening in Balboa Park. Those who participated gathered near the corner of Sixth Avenue and Laurel Street. The annual event was created five years ago by Mike Arms, President and CEO of Helen Woodward Animal Center.

Remember Me Thursday has spread worldwide and now hundreds of animal welfare organizations participate.

This evening in Balboa Park, hearts were lit for innocent animals in San Diego and around the world waiting for adoption. Like you, they simply want to live and be loved.

Smiles from the Helen Woodward Animal Center during Remember Me Thursday in Balboa Park.
Smiles from the Helen Woodward Animal Center during Remember Me Thursday in Balboa Park.
People gather to remember animals waiting in shelters to be adopted--and those who lost their lives.
People gather to remember animals waiting in shelters to be adopted–and those who have lost their lives.
The deeply touching Remember Me Thursday poem by Mike Arms.
The deeply touching Remember Me Thursday poem by Mike Arms.
A gathering in Balboa Park and an urgent message. Millions of shelter animals around the world simply want to live and be loved.
A gathering in Balboa Park and an urgent message. Millions of shelter animals around the world simply want to live and be loved.
A banner invites messages of hope and love.
A banner invites messages of hope and gratitude.
A wish that pets know the selfless love that they provide us while on Earth.
A wish that pets know the selfless love that they provide us while on Earth.
A few loving words for the best hamster a boy could ever have.
A few powerful words for the best hamster a boy could ever have.
As the sun sets, people wait to watch a moving video and hear the reading of Mike Arms' poem.
As the sun sets, people wait to watch a thought-provoking video and hear the reading of Mike Arms’ poem.
Many candles were then lit.
Many candles were then lit.

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

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A short, mysterious story about a dog’s tail.

Like a mysterious living battery, your dog stores up love. Its tail is powered by love.

A healing love that flows from hand, to hand.

If you’d like to read a bit of fiction I wrote over the weekend about this magical phenomenon, a very short story that I’ve simply titled A Dog’s Tail, then follow the link! If you enjoy reading Cool San Diego Sights, you might like it!

Along with a variety of other philosophical stories, A Dog’s Tail resides on my special writing blog, Short Stories by Richard.

Cosplay dogs become celebrities at PAWmicon!

Three canine superstars get their photo during PAWmicon. Cosplay goes to the dogs.
Three canine celebrities get their photo taken during PAWmicon. Cosplay goes to the dogs.

The humans can’t have all the fun during Comic-Con!

Check out some photos of dog cosplay at today’s PAWmicon event, which took place at Hazard Center. Helen Woodward Animal Center had adoptable dogs dressed up as superheroes, and friendly pups proceeded to save smiling humans! As the bumper sticker says: Who rescued who?

Dogs brought by those attending the event were also dressed up for a costume contest. I know–a bit silly–but every two-legged and four-legged critter at PAWmicon seemed quite happy!

Helen Woodward Animal Center created PAWmicon to help adoptable dogs find loving homes. Cosplay for a cause.
Helen Woodward Animal Center created PAWmicon to help adoptable dogs find loving homes. Cosplay for a cause.
I spotted Hairy Pawter in the Dogwarts Express.
I spotted Hairy Pawter in the Dogwarts Express.
Bat-dog was keeping an eye on the mayhem.
Bat-dog was keeping an eye on the mayhem.
I see Harley-canine and Super-growl.
I see Harley-canine and Super-growl.
Bat-dog returned to the relative safety of Gotham. San Diego is just too crazy.
Bat-dog returned to the relative safety of Gotham. San Diego is just too crazy.
A cosplay dog is a star of the show.
A cosplay dog is a star of the show.
The furriest critter around wasn't a pooch--it was Chewbacca!
The furriest critter around wasn’t a pooch–it was Chewbacca!
Not sure who this dog is pretending to be. Perhaps Captain Paw-merica.
Not sure what superhero this dog is dressed up to be. Perhaps some sort of Captain Paw-merica.
Here comes Scooby Doo. He ate so many Scooby snacks, he outgrew the Mystery Machine!
Here comes Scooby Doo. He ate so many Scooby snacks, he outgrew the Mystery Machine!

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I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!

Dogs and cats run wild throughout San Diego!

A wrinkly dog stands eternally inside the front door of Old Town's Korky's Ice Cream and Coffee.
A wrinkly dog stands eternally inside the front door of Korky’s Ice Cream and Coffee in Old Town San Diego.

Here’s a fun blog post!

Once in a while during my walks I come across art depicting dogs or cats. And sometimes it occurs to me to take a photograph!

Today I rode the trolley to Old Town, where I discovered some more dogs and cats running about my field of vision!

Some of these photos were taken elsewhere in San Diego and have been sitting in my computer waiting for the right moment.

Enjoy!

A cool cat bench outside the entrance of the Coronado Veterinary Hospital.
A cool cat bench outside the entrance of the Coronado Veterinary Hospital.
Two dogs stand guard on a downtown San Diego sidewalk.
Two dogs stand guard on a downtown San Diego sidewalk.
This realistic cat is ready to jump from a flower pot.
This realistic cat seems ready to jump from a flower pot.
Pottery pooches on a shop's shelf in Old Town.
Pottery pooches on a shop’s shelf in Old Town.
An army of pottery pooches!
An army of ceramic pooches!
Beautiful dog art at Seaport Village's wonderful The Tile Shop.
Beautiful dog art for sale inside Seaport Village’s fantastic The Tile Shop.
A curious cat observes a blue moth in a flower.
A curious cat observes a blue moth on a flower.
u mad bro?
u mad bro?
A very colorful cat bag.
A very colorful cat bag.
Two dogs run in circles at the Balboa Park Carousel.
Two dogs run in circles at the Balboa Park Carousel.
A dog with a sore head. A fun image on the side of downtown San Diego's Banfield Pet Hospital.
A dog with a sore head. A funny image on the side of downtown San Diego’s Banfield Pet Hospital.
A chalk cat in Balboa Park waves to passing visitors. Fun art outside the Mingei Museum's Collectors Gallery.
A chalk cat in Balboa Park waves to passing visitors. Fun art outside the Mingei Museum’s Collectors Gallery.
A fat cat who loves treats!
A fat cat who loves treats!
A dog at Dick's Last Resort tugs wildly!
A dog at Dick’s Last Resort tugs wildly at his leash!
Two cats in one window!
Two cats in one window!

Today I also revisited the Old Town Model Railroad Depot, and I took more photos of the awesome O-Scale layout! To see them, click here and check out that old post’s update!

I’ve been busy! Coming up will be blog posts concerning the famous Whaley House, the Veterans Museum and Memorial Center in Balboa Park, and something super amazing inside the San Diego Automotive Museum. But it takes time to choose and prepare photos—-and to do necessary research–give me a few days!

Thanks for following my blog!  I hope you all enjoy these glimpses of San Diego as much as I do!

Guide dogs for the blind in San Diego!

Loving, intelligent guide dogs and their trainers attend a special event in San Diego.
Loving, intelligent guide dogs and their trainers attend a special event in San Diego.

During my walk today I came across a special event taking place at Embarcadero Marina Park North. A local group representing Guide Dogs for the Blind was having a gathering by San Diego Bay!

I was impressed at how loving and intelligent the guide dogs all were. I asked where people could go to learn more about possibly raising a guide dog, and was told to check out this website!

According to a handout I received, Guide Dogs for the Blind was created in 1942 to aid servicemen blinded in World War II. I also learned their services are offered free to people throughout the United States and Canada.

If you know someone who is blind or visually impaired, tell them about Guide Dogs for the Blind! Or check out their puppy raising program!

Guide Dogs for the Blind had a special gathering today at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
Guide Dogs for the Blind had a special gathering today at Embarcadero Marina Park North.
You see a puppy, a person who is blind sees the world.
You see a puppy, a person who is blind sees the world.
This best friend can make a difficult life much better.
This best friend can make a difficult life much better.
Guide Dogs for the Blind. Raise a puppy. Change a life.
Guide Dogs for the Blind. Raise a puppy. Change a life.

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Adopt a furry friend in San Diego!

Adopt Leticia! She's a silly Chihuahua and Rat Terrier mix who loves fluffy beds and meeting new people!
Adopt Leticia! She’s a silly Chihuahua and Rat Terrier mix who loves fluffy beds and meeting new people!

Lots of potential furry friends are awaiting adoption at the San Diego Humane Society. They’d like to meet you!

I spotted some fun flyers while walking near Balboa Park yesterday evening. They feature some friendly four-legged folk who are waiting to be adopted. Visit the San Diego Humane Society website to find out more!

Adopt Ellie and Bob! These special kitties are best friends who seek a compassionate human who understands the nature of shy cats.
Adopt Ellie and Bob! These special kitties are best friends who seek a compassionate human who understands the nature of shy cats.
Adopt Lacey! She is a calm, loving girl who is smart and loving.
Adopt Lacey! She is a calm, loving girl who is really smart.
Hey there, I'm Regal! This social gentleman is ready for a home of his own! He loves belly rubs and tennis balls and being with his people!
Hey there, I’m Regal! This social gentleman is ready for a home of his own! He loves belly rubs and tennis balls and being with his people!

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Are you a blogger? Do you want to help make the world a better place? You might want to join Bloggers Lifting Others Generously.

Tiny surfing dogs ride big waves at Imperial Beach!

Tiny dogs surf mighty waves in Imperial Beach during the 11th Annual Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition!
Tiny dogs surf mighty waves in Imperial Beach during the 11th Annual Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition!

And now for something on the light side. Surfing dogs!

Enjoy these funny photos of tiny dogs riding “huge” ocean waves near the pier at Imperial Beach! This morning I swung by the 11th Annual Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition, just to check out the action. The first 10-minute heat featured smaller breeds. These dogs are some of the most talented surfing athletes you’re likely to ever see! Well . . . maybe. But they definitely appeared to be having fun!

All you non-dog athletes, take note! No aspiration is too lofty! No wave is too large!

A crowd gathers on the beach in the morning, as the very popular Surf Dog Competition is almost ready to begin!
A crowd gathers on the beach in the morning, as the very popular Surf Dog Competition is almost ready to begin!
A pooch says Hi while hanging out with a few buddies. It's going to be another great day in San Diego!
A pooch says “Hi” while hanging out with a few buddies. It’s going to be another great day in San Diego!
This thoughtful dog is checking out the perimeter of the surf competition starting area, which is fenced off from interfering human types.
This thoughtful dog is checking out the perimeter of the surf competition starting area, which is fenced off from those often interfering human types.
We're almost ready for the first heat! These small dogs pose atop their surfboards for photos and make the most of their superstar status.
We’re almost ready for the first heat! These small dogs pose atop their surfboards for photos and make the most of their superstar status.
A line of people awaits the start of the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition's first 10-minute heat of the day!
A line of people awaits the start of the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition’s first 10-minute heat of the day!
And these small surf dogs are off, making toward the Pacific Ocean with the help of a few human assistants!
And these small surf dogs are off, making toward the Pacific Ocean with the help of a few human assistants!
The excitement has built to a doggone unbelievable level. Which four-legged contestant will catch the best waves and impress the judges?
The excitement has built to a doggone unbelievable level. Which four-legged contestant will catch the best waves and impress the judges?
The crowd watches these talented canine athletes as they take to the thundering waves!
The crowd watches these talented canine athletes as they take to the thundering waves!
Those are awfully big breakers! Only the most talented and fearless dogs will master this tough competition.
Those are awfully big breakers! Only the most skillful and fearless dogs will master this tough surfing competition.
An amazing dog athlete has successfully caught the first wave! Here he comes! Great form!
An amazing dog athlete has successfully caught the first wave! Here he comes! Great form!
A tiny canine contestant receives encouragement as the annual surf dog competition gets underway.
A tiny canine contestant receives encouragement as this year’s surf dog competition in IB gets underway.
This innovative dog--I believe his name is Samson--doesn't adhere to those old surfing traditions. He rides backwards.
This innovative dog–I believe his name is Samson–doesn’t adhere to those old surfing traditions. He rides his surfboard backwards.
Oh my goodness! Three dogs on one wave! Remember this moment, because you'll probably never see it again!
Oh my goodness! Three dogs on one wave! Remember this moment, because you’ll probably never see it again!
Two furry athletes vie for surfing supremacy.
Two furry athletes vie for surfing supremacy!
I'm thinking of submitting this amazing photograph to SURFER Magazine. I wonder if it might make the cover. (Just kidding!)
I’m thinking of submitting this amazing photograph to SURFER Magazine. I wonder if it might make the cover. (Just kidding!)
Samson seems to have finally straightened himself out. Maybe he just wants to leap back onto dry land.
Samson seems to have finally straightened himself out. Maybe he just wants to leap back onto dry land.
These best buddy pals are happy just to walk along the beach. No need to show off surfing skills.
These best buddy pals are happy just to walk along the beach. No need to show off their mad surfing skills.
And these two sneaky dogs want to pretend they're honest-to-goodness surfers. Can't fool me!
And these two sneaky dogs want to pretend they’re honest-to-goodness surfers. Can’t fool me!
Tiny surfing dogs have mastered the mighty waves at Imperial Beach during the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition. They are superstars, indeed!
Tiny surfing dogs have mastered the mighty waves at Imperial Beach during the Unleashed by Petco Surf Dog Competition. They are superstars, indeed!

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This blog now features thousands of photos around San Diego!  Are you curious?  There’s lots of cool stuff to check out!

Here’s the Cool San Diego Sights main page, where you can read the most current blog posts.  If you’re using a small mobile device, click those three parallel lines up at the top–that opens up my website’s sidebar, where you’ll see the most popular posts, a search box, and more!

To enjoy future posts, you can also “like” Cool San Diego Sights on Facebook or follow me on Twitter.

Foster homes needed for loving San Diego cats!

Nemo is our special needs cat. He has had left and right knee surgeries, and pins removed. He is in rehab. All Donations Appreciated! Thank you!
Nemo is our special needs cat. He has had left and right knee surgeries, and pins removed. He is in rehab. All Donations Appreciated! Thank you!

Do you love animals? Would you like to adopt a rescue cat in San Diego?

I met three nice ladies during my walk through Balboa Park, and they have a cool organization called Guardian Angels Animal Rescue. They work to save homeless cats and kittens in San Diego. The more fosters they have participating in their program, the more lives they can save. Please check out their website and perhaps you can lend a hand!

These super nice ladies are the Guardian Angels Animal Rescue, helping loving cats find new homes.
These super nice ladies are the Guardian Angels Animal Rescue, helping loving cats find new homes.
Nemo and his furry pal are enjoying another beautiful day in Balboa Park. There are many cool cats like this who'd appreciate a nice home!
Nemo and his furry pal are enjoying another beautiful day in San Diego. There are many friendly cats like this who’d appreciate your love!

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Priest sprinkles startled pets with holy water!

Many animals were blessed in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Many animals were blessed today in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

The animals were blessed today in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.

Dozens of beloved pets received a sprinkling of holy water at the annual Benediction of the Beasts, a long-time local tradition.

Monsignor Mark Campbell, Catholic priest of Our Mother of Confidence Parish in University City, administered the blessings. The traditional church ritual, which dates back to ancient times, invokes St. Anthony of the Desert, the Patron Saint of Animals. In the very early years of San Diego, livestock were blessed for an abundant harvest.

I watched for livestock but, alas, didn’t see any.

After today’s blessings, the fun event included a mid-afternoon costume and animal trick contest, which I missed. The male human ritual of watching football could not be violated.

Front row dogs wait patiently for the ceremony to begin.
Front row dogs wait patiently for the religious ceremony to begin.
Monsignor Mark Campbell reads from Genesis and praises faithful pets.
Monsignor Mark Campbell reads from Genesis and praises faithful pets.
Holy water is cast by the Catholic priest upon animals to bestow health and blessings.
Holy water is cast by the Catholic priest upon animals to bestow health and blessings.
Animals lined up for blessings included dogs, cats and rabbits.
Animals lined up for blessings included dogs, cats and rabbits.
These two guys seemed to enjoy the proceedings.
These two guys seemed to enjoy the proceedings.
Bunny rabbits need blessings as much as any other creature.
Cute, furry bunny rabbits need blessings as much as any other creature.
Here comes Chopper, the motorcycle-riding dog, a local celebrity.
Here comes Chopper, the motorcycle-riding dog, a big time celebrity.

Chopper, the canine motorcyclist, is quite the sensation in San Diego. I must’ve seen him on local television news a dozen times. He’s even made a cameo appearance on TMZ!

Chopper rides his motorcycle up to the priest for a sprinkling of holy water.
Chopper rides his motorcycle up to the priest for a sprinkling of holy water.
This dog was a bit spooked and didn't know what to make of things.
This dog was a bit spooked and didn’t know what to make of this craziness.
A cat is fascinated by the shiny aspergillum waving about.
A cat is fascinated by the shiny aspergillum waving about.
One dog seems bored while the other appears suspicious!
One dog seems bored while the other appears suspicious!
A long line of pet owners waited in Old Town during the Benediction of the Beasts.
A long line of pet owners waited in Old Town during the Benediction of the Beasts.

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