September 12: Bring your talented pet for a contest that includes, most talented, most handsome male, prettiest female, cutest baby pet (6 month and younger), best costume and more. Sunday, noon – 3 p.m. Register early. (949) 497-2474.

September 18: The AFRMA judges various categories of rats and mice including pets, English, breeder’s group, brood doe and progeny. Entry forms are found on the Web site. Saturday, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. 17156 Krameria Ave., Riverside. www.afrma.org

September 19: Grab your surfboard and pup and join Surf City Surf Dog for their second anual event, benefitting local dog rescue organizations. They will also hold on-land contests as well, such as cutest puppy and owner/dog look-alike. Sunday. Registration for surf events, 8 a.m.; Dog Expo, 8 a.m. – noon. www.surfcitysurfdog.com

September 25: Wag ‘n’ Walk is an opportunity for you and your dog to enjoy a walk together and help homeless animals enjoy a better life at the same time. Help raise money and awareness for the pets in residence at the SBACC. Join the walk with or without a canine companion. Events included a dog walk, raffels, a SBACC Adoptable Dog Show, a training demonstration and contests for dogs and their people. Saturday, 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Seal Beach Peir. (562) 430-4993. www.sbacc.org

September 25: 9th annual Pet Trek and Toy Sale. Join the walkathon event that features vendors, food, a silent auction and great entertainment. All funds raised will go to help homeless, abandoned and abused animals at the Irvine Animal Care Center as well as help the shelter to purchase new beds, toys, kennels and more. Saturday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Woodbridge Community Park, 20 Lake Road, Irvine. (949) 724-7740. www.irvineshelter.org.

September 26: Pet Pix’s will be at Chateau le Pooch for pets and people! Memories are priceless and Pet Pix will capture the true personality of your pet through quality photographs that you’ll treasure for years to come. Several backgrounds available, Pictures available 12-4 p.m. Chateau Le Pooch Boutique and Spa, 860 W. Imperial Highway, Suite M, Brea. (714) 482-0452. www.chateaulepooch.com
  

September 5, 12, 19 and 26: Dozens of dachshunds scramble in pursuit of fame and imaginative lures as hundreds of spectators cheer them on along a 20-yard cobblestone track. Handlers encourage, cajole and plead with the willful little dogs to focus on racing to the finish line, instead of the interesting sights, sounds and smells along the route. The scrappy little dogs manage to chase their “lure” to the finish line until the winners are determined. The top three winners of each race day receive trophies and gift certificates for the wiener dog store, “Paws at the Coffee Mill.” Old World in Huntington Beach, 7561 Center Ave. Call for dates. (714) 898-5111.

Saturdays: Free group walks with Chewsy Dog. Chewsy Dog is launching Fitness with Fido, a free group walk for people and their dogs at Heartwell Park. The group will walk through Hartwell Park enjoying the scenery while getting fit! Fitness with Fido will provide dogs and their owners with exercise, plus an opportunity to socialize (with other pets and humans), which is crucial for a dog’s well-being. All pawticipants must meet at Chewsy Dog to then walk to Heartwell Park across the street. Dogs must be leashed, and it is recommended that participants bring water for themselves and their pet. Fitness with Fido will take place weather permitting. If it is raining or too warm (80 degrees or more) the walk will not take place that day. 9-10 a.m. Free. Chewsy Dog. 4107 Viking Way, Long Beach. (562) 354-6040.

Saturdays: You and your dog will learn to stretch, relax and become healthier and happier. Benefits include: a deeper bond between you and your dog, increased flexibility and reduced stress, plus learn massage techniques that can be applied to your dog. Taught by Master Dogi, Lola. 10-11 a.m. $20. Chewsy Dog
4107 Viking Way Long Beach. (562) 354-6040. www.chewsydogonline.com

Mondays: Take your dog on a date to Fred’s Mexican Cafe! Dine on the patio and when you order an entree, your four-legged friend receives a yummy doggie stew for free. Dress-up your pup for a night on the town! Mondays, 6 p.m. – midnight. Fred’s Mexican Cafe, 300 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach. (714) 374-TACO. www.fredsmexicancafe.com