They prefer to walk side by side rather than confronting each other nose to nose. They get comfort from being in a pack. Wait — are we discussing dogs, or humans? Actually, this describes both when they’re together on a Paws on the Promenade group walk! This DTLB gathering has been getting an enthusiastic monthly turnout since it began in early 2025.
“I have a miniature Schnauzer named Bruno,” said Gerardo Acevedo, a walk regular who lives and works in Downtown. “Bruno and I like to meet new people and furry friends on the first Tuesday evening of each month at Paws on the Promenade.”
Rodrigo Rodarte, Downtown Long Beach (DTLB) Alliance’s Senior Placemaking & Activations Manager, explained how Paws on the Promenade works: “We always meet at the same place on the Promenade near Dog Haus Biergarten around 6 PM. We hang out for a bit, catch up and socialize, let the dogs get acclimated, play a little music, and give away prizes from local dog-related businesses. Then we take off for a walk lasting around 45 minutes. We have several different routes and we’re always thinking about new ones.”
The walk gets everything from Chihuahuas to Bulldogs to German Shepherds, and averages about 30 dog owners and well over 100 reactions on each walk. Sometimes people pull over in their cars, especially when the dogs are dressed up for a holiday, Rodarte explained.
Cleaning up after your dog is emphasized during the walk and made especially easy during Paws on the Promenade. If you forget to bring a clean-up bag, someone will be quick to give you one. The walk also emphasizes walking past “Mutt Mitt” stations which provide free bags for pet owners. “We have 48 stations in Downtown, and there will soon be 12 more, making a total of 60,” said Rodarte. “On any of our walking routes, we’ll pass by at least a dozen of them.”
Malia Turner, another Downtown resident, has attended every Paws On The Promenade group walk except one with her human pal Shawn and Chai Latte, her four-year-old Corgi. All three of them have made many new friends. “Chai loves her pack walk crew — Bruno, Poppy, Laddie, Freddie, Benji, the whole squad. Shawn and I love seeing the Downtown energy and connecting with other dog-loving neighbors,” said Turner. “There’s something very special about the DTLB dog community.”
Chai Latte’s Corgi pal Poppy belongs to Megan Greenidge, who has also attended every Paws walk except one. “The regulars always show up, but new dogs show up every month,” she said. “It’s great to meet like-minded people who will do anything for their dog.”
There is plenty of room for more dogs and their hoomans at Paws on the Promenade! We hope to see you and your canine companion(s) at the next one – the Cinco de Mayo edition – on Tuesday, May 5.
To learn more about Paws on the Promenade, click here.