My family owned a lot of animals when I grew up in Arizona. And I mean a lot. Dogs, cats, birds, fish ... you name it. If it was something that could be domesticated or bought in a pet store, we probably had one.

Needless to say, when I moved to college and then to San Diego, I had to leave the virtual farm behind. And living in San Diego as a single gay man on-the-go, it can be challenging to properly take care of a pet.

Still, I’ve always wanted another furry friend to call my own, but only to a degree. So, I placed a mental want ad:

WANTED: Playful and energetic dog for the weekend. Likes long walks and to toss the ball around. House-broken a must. Man-catcher a plus.

Well, the universe heard my call and I got my wish. My co-worker was leaving town for the weekend and needed a dog sitter for his golden retriever, Alex. So I jumped at the opportunity and decided to see what a weekend in the gayborhood with Alex would be like. If I had kept a journal and dogs could write, the following is what Alex and I would have recorded:

Alex comes to work, like he usually does any given week with his owner, but this time, I get to take him home for a weekend. I’m totally stoked. So in celebration, I decide to screw work and play ball with Alex all day.

Right after work, a bunch of co-workers are heading to Wine Steals. I’m excited to bring Alex, because I know they allow dogs on their patio. Plus, they provide water bowls for the pooch if you ask nicely.

Walking from my place in North Park to Wine Steals, Alex decides to take a dump in front of the sushi restaurant Ichiban. I assume this is not a very appetizing sight, since I hear several screams coming from the patio. Good thing I brought a bag.

After lots of fun banter, meeting my friend’s white lab named Baisey, and several glasses of white sangria and wine later, it’s time to head home. I have a slight buzz, and Alex looks tired from all the attention and because he hasn’t had a nap all day. All in all, Wine Steals is a nice place to bring your four-legged friend, but the patio can be a bit cramped if you have someone as big and hyper as Alex there.

Played ball all day, one of my favorite things. Got rubbed and petted all day, a plus. Meet a dog named Baisey. Not my cup ’o tea. Bitch. She tries to steal my thunder. Now it’s late and I am dog-tired, pun intended, and ready to go home. Sleep on the bed instead of the ground. Very comfy. Did I mention I played ball all day?

It’s a beautiful day, so Alex and I drive to Nate’s Point in Balboa Park. I’m a little nervous because there are a lot of dogs around, and I’m not sure how Alex is going to react to them. After throwing the ball for half an hour and a couple of close encounters of the aggressive kind with other dogs, I decide to leave the dog park and just take Alex for a long walk around Balboa. Better to avoid kiddie drama if your little one is not quite as social or outgoing as the other kids in the playground.

For lunch, some friends and I get together and hit up True North Tavern, another place that allows dogs on the patio. Another bonus is the Mug ’o Jack they serve, a mug with two shots of Jack Daniel’s and two splashes of Coke, one of my favorite things. I let Alex take a nap, while my friends and I enjoy some light refreshments and good conversation. True North Tavern has a large enough patio for dogs, so you don’t have to worry about bothering other patrons. Plus, there was a doggie bowl already on the patio in case pooch gets thirsty.

Ride shotgun to the park, which is fun. Play ball again, one of my favorite things. However, there were a lot of strange dogs around, which made me nervous. But, we went for a walk in the park, which calms me down and is another one of my favorite things. Later, it’s nap time in the sun. Lots more rubbing and petting. Good times.

It’s scorching hot today, but I brave the heat and walk to EarthFair in Balboa Park with Alex and friends. Although it’s probably not allowed, Alex takes a dip in one of the fountains. Better to be a cool dog than a hot dog. Sorry, bad joke. Even with all the mass of people around, Balboa Park is a great place to have a leisurely stroll with the pup and still find a place to sit and rest.

Later in the day, I decide to stick closer to home and take Alex to Old Trolley Barn Park for some ball-throwing time. Even though it’s not officially a dog park, there are a number of other dogs around, and there is even a post with bags to clean up after your dog.

I am exhausted from the weekend, and it’s time for Alex to go home.

Sunday, April 19 – Alex’s entry

Man, it’s hot today. Take a long walk and a dip in some water. Nice. After a little nap, I get to play ball again, one of my favorite things.

It’s been a long weekend. Like Katharine McPhee, I am over it and ready to go home.

There are many other dog friendly restaurants to check out: like Kemo Sabe, Veg-N-Out, and Terra (they have a “puppy menu”) are also known to welcome your four-legged friend. However, things change from time to time so be sure to call ahead and double check their current policy.

Aside from Nate’s Point and Old Trolley Barn Park, there are several other dog parks in the area. One lesser known one is the dog park at Otay Ranch Town Center, by REI, which is open everyday from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. And the mall happens be dog friendly as well.

For more information on dog-friendly San Diego, check out the following sites and get out and about:

Search for restaurants by feature and select “Dog Friendly Restaurants” at www.sandiegorestaurants.com.

For an all-inclusive list of dog-friendly places, visit www.dogfriendly.com.