Zoo dogs

I recently learned that the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs has occasional "Dog Days" during which zoo goers can bring their well-behaved dogs to experience the "sights, sounds and smells that make the Zoo so special."

Obviously, Piper and I were going to the Zoo, and just as obviously, Angelo and Tang were coming with us.

Friday was the day. 

The first animals we encountered were statuary.

Both dogs were more than happy to pose with the fake animals.

King of the world!

Then we went into the penguin enclosure and discovered that neither dog was interested in penguins.

Not even the tiniest bit.

The only animals they were actually interested in...

were the other dogs!

Still, we persisted.

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is most famous for its interactive giraffe exhibit.

Zoo goers can purchase lettuce bundles and feed them to the giraffes. 

There is a lot of human/animal contact, and I thought the dogs might finally be interested.

They weren't.

They did, however, enjoy meeting Luna, who was dressed as a giraffe.

We kept walking.

Despite their lack of animal enthusiasm, both dogs seemed to be enjoying themselves.

That's not surprising.

There are a lot of fun things to see...

and do at the Zoo.

Eventually, we made our way to the top of the mountain just in time for the grizzly bear show.

The bears were right up by the glass, and just for a moment, Piper showed some fear interest.

Finally, the picture I was hoping for!

In one of the other North America exhibits, Tang also found a favorite animal.

The beginnings of a beautiful - and potentially stinky - friendship!

As our outing was winding down, the skies opened up with a sudden and violent burst of rain. We retreated under a restaurant awning and tried to wait it.

There was no waiting it out. 

Eventually we had to make a run for it. We got so wet!

Everyone was tired, wet and happy when we made it to the car. Well, everyone except, perhaps, Piper!

This was such a fun day. Thank you so much for going with us, Angelo. I can't wait to do it again!