A dog's life

Bet you didn’t know that the phrase “dog days” (which we’re in right now) has nothing to do with dogs. At least not real ones. Canis Major, the constellation that features Sirius, the Dog Star, is at its most visible during August, and the wacky ol’ ancient Greeks, who thought the heavens were pretty cool, named the phase accordingly. The handle, as you might assume, describes the hottest days of the year—and the only way poor Bosco can beat the heat without your help is by panting his doggie guts out. Or keeling over dead on the spot.

That’s why everybody who has a dog (a real one) should visit Lighthouse Ice Cream & Yogurt, especially as summer bestows its final blast of sweat-inducing temps for 2009. Sure, this Ocean Beach eatery has every conceivable type and flavor of malt, cone, sundae, yogurt, sorbet and ice-cream sammie known within the explorable universe (you simply must try the chocolate waffle sandwich with pumpkin ice cream; at $2.60, this is the cheapest high you’ll find in O.B.).

But Bosco might like to join you in a cooling repast, and that’s where Lighthouse saves the day. It’s got a special nondairy ice cream just for him (a dog’s digestive system can’t handle sweets of any kind, including those used in dairy products). It’ll cost you a measly $3 to indulge your loyal bud and keep his weight in check at the same time.

You and your best friend are welcome here at 5059 Newport Ave., Suite 102, every day between 11:30 a.m. and 10 p.m.; you can also phone in your order at 619-222-8600. Either way, the dog days are no match for the both of ya’s at this place. Amid its cold comforts, you’ve weathered another August. And Bosco has cheated death.