An insider’s guide to… A dog’s life in Melbourne

Casper, the two-year-old Golden Retriever (aka @casper_the_goldie) is one of Melbourne’s most popular canine social media influencers, with almost 5000 Instagram followers. Here, he has sniffed out his Top 10 doggy things to do in Melbourne:

Dog Lovers ShowMy pawrents go to this event at the Royal Exhibition Building every year. They don’t let me go with them, but they always brings me home a “doggy bag” filled with toys and treats. About 30,000 pawrents go to this show each year, so there are lots of pooches getting their very own doggy bags that weekend! 29 April – 1 May. Royal Exhibition Building, 9 Nicholson St, Carlton.

Million Paws WalkI’m pretty lucky – it’s definitely “a dog’s life” for me. But some other pups aren’t as lucky to have a life filled with treats, walks, cuddles and couch time. That’s why we go to the Million Paws Walk each at Albert Park each year. Not only do we get to walk around the lake and hang out with thousands of other dogs, but we are also raising money for the RSPCA, so they can help other dogs find a loving home (just like mine!). May 15, Albert Park Lake, Albert Park.

Dogs UniteDid you know that some dogs are so clever that they that help people who can’t see, to get around? I mean, I’m clever enough to that, of course, but these dogs are real heroes! I love to go to the Dogs Unite walk, because I can have a  great romp around the park, while also helping raise money for Guide Dogs Victoria. 17 April. Hays Paddock, Kew.

Gourmet PawprintsMy pawrents used to do fun things like winery tours and outdoor cinema in regional Victoria, but I would be left at home. Then they discovered Gourmet Pawprints, a company that does all the same fun things – and lets me come along! This year, I’m really hoping they’ll take me on the truffle hunt tour, where I can sniff out my very own truffle, just like the experts! Anyone know what a truffle actually is?? +61 408 577 140

Argos Loves Company We love having breakfast at this Brunswick café, because they have plenty of water bowls out for me, doggy snacks that my pawrents buy me and photos of pooches all over the walls (actually, it reminds me a bit of our house!). My pawrents also tell me the human food is pretty good, too. 149 Brunswick St, Fitzroy.  +61 3 9417 7290.

The Pets MarketThis monthly market is held monthly at CERES Community Environment Park. There are lots of awesome stalls, that sell treats, toys, costumes, a photo booth – and there is even a doggy massage service – ahhh, bliss! Held monthly, Stewart St & Roberts St, Brunswick East.

Rose Street Artists’ MarketThis is where all the hipster dogs (including me) hang out. This market is full of interesting finds by local designers and artists and when we are finished shopping, we usually stop at Young Bloods Diner, which has a courtyard area, so I can have a lie down – and some scraps from the table. Open Saturday and Sunday, 60 Rose St, Fitzroy.

Abbotsford ConventWe could easily spend a whole weekend here. The grounds are beautiful and my pawrents like the cafes and bakery, as well as the rotating calendar of markets, exhibitions and music events. Sometimes we will also wander to the Collingwood Children’s Farm next door – have you been there? They have chickens! Chickens!! 1-16 St Heliers Street, Abbotsford.

Port Melbourne Dog BeachThis is the best beach in Melbourne, I reckon. I often meet up with my doggy friends here, and we are all free to run, swim and sniff as we please. My pawrents really like it, too, as we can wander over to Bay Street for breakfast afterwards. Between Port Melbourne Yacht Club and Lagoon Pier, Port Melbourne.

Adventures with Tom & CaptainNot your average walk around the block, with Tom and Captain I become the adventurer! Exploring my way along the Merri Creek and Yarra Bend trails and tracks – run, catch, play, repeat and it doesn’t matter what the Melbourne weather is sun, rain , hail – whatever!  Luckily, my pawrents don’t mind muddy paw prints!