Drivers passing Grateful Dog Daycare and Boarding in Midtown might not notice the small building, but inside, as many as 50 dogs romp in supervised play yards, get their hair done or simply lounge on couches. The business marked its third anniversary Tuesday and continues to provide cage-free daycare and overnight boarding. Owner Robert Espinosa said that the economy started going bad almost as soon as he signed the lease in 2008, but that people still want their dogs cared for, and the daycare reaches its capacity of about 50 dogs nearly every day. “This is a way for dogs to be out and get exercise and socialize with other dogs,” he said Wednesday. “It’s not your typical kennel.” Larg

 When you think of the River Cats, dogs may be the last thing on your mind. But for their fourth annual "Bark in the Ballpark" event on Sunday afternoon, it was the first thing on the minds of many dog owners. By paying for an extra dog ticket, they were able to bring their favorite pooches into the lawn area for the game. “It’s just an event we wanted to offer to our fans and dog lovers,” media relations director Rebecca Brutlag said.   Before the game, owners were able to parade their dogs on the field as part of the costume contest. While the aerobics instructor dog got a lot of attention on the lawn, the bumble bee pup won the goodie bag, complete with tickets to a future River Cats

Sandwiched between the Capitol and Tower Bridge, Capitol Mall was blocked off Saturday for the 26th annual Sacramento Pride Festival. About 12,000 people filled Third through Seventh streets from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. to celebrate the event and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month. The event was kicked off with a parade from Southside Park to Capitol Mall. A ribbon-cutting ceremony included Mayor Kevin Johnson, Senator Darrell Steinberg and Speaker of the Assembly John Pérez. "(The festival) is a celebration of equality for all people, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation," said Bonnie Osborn, Sacramento Pride's marketing committee chair. Attendees wandered amon