Tuesdays With Toby

This week's column found me in Bethesda on a Sunday afternoon. I was out with a friend to work from a different vantage point. We decided to head up to Barnes & Noble on Bethesda Row.

There were plenty of people out strolling around and sitting in the common areas. I guess it wasn't weird to see a few dogs out there too. Outside is a place where I expect to see dogs.

Inside is another story.

When you work remotely like us mojos (mobile journalists) do, you tend to head straight for whatever coffee is offered at a particular venue. My friend and I made a beeline for the cafe on the top floor and found a table.

While I was getting my computer settled, I looked down and saw a feathery, golden tail. If you know me, you already know that I'm not the type to mind my own business, and when it comes to meeting a new dog, that character flaw is underscored.

It turns out, the owners of this beautiful one-year-old Golden Retriever actually asked if they could bring her inside the bookstore. Apparently, the answer was "yes," as long as the dog wasn't in the cafe area.

In thinking about good places to take Toby, I decided to list some local hounddog haunts.

• Now that you can probably bring your dog out as long as he stays tethered to one of the lampposts outside while you run and and get your order.
• The city's and they are a great place to bring canine residents. Toby loves the (yeah, I know, who gives a dog their steakburger?) and a bottle of ice cold water. I think he likes the music too, though I haven't yet been able to get him to dance with me.
• The plaza at , but even now it's a great, somewhat secluded spot to work, grab a snack and chill out with Fido. If you take him into one of the sports bars there, though, you'll want to make sure he doesn't get into the brew.
• The Hyattsville and Riverdale Park farmer's markets are super spots to pick up fresh food and get your pup loved on. Sonia takes Charlie out to Riverdale Park's market a lot, and I've seen patrons lavish him with attention.
• I spend a lot of time at I sat outside yesterday working in the sun and thought about how nice it would've been to have my yellow buddy beside me. The patio seating there is surrounded by greenery and you can even pick up some water for the dog there.