After the swimming season comes to a close at the Templeton pool on Sept. 3, it's officially going to the dogs. On Sept. 8 and 9, all aquatically apt pooches are invited for a paddle and play-date to raise money for Parks-4-Pups. The cost for each dog to participate is $10, which will go toward an off-leash dog park in Templeton. The swim sessions will be open to 50 dogs at a time, and the kiddy pool will be open for more timid dogs, small dogs, and elderly dogs. Two sessions will be held each day at 1 p.m. and at 2:30 p.m. All dogs must have proof of vaccinations, and males older than 7 months must be neutered. Sorry, but puppies younger than 4 months won't be allowed in the pool. To reserve a session ahead of time, or for more info, call 239-4437.

Join It's a Grind on Aug. 30 for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and help support the San Luis Obispo Children's Museum. The franchise coffee shop hopes to bring a unique home-y feeling cafe to SLO with a fireplace, and comfy chairs to plant yourself in while surfing the Internet. It's a Grind is the latest addition to the Irish Hills Plaza on Los Osos Valley Road and Froom Ranch Way. Enjoy live music all weekend with Tim Jackson, Randy Cheek, and the Pat Cormick Group. Opening ceremonies will start at 11:30 a.m. with the Chamber of Commerce, and 20 percent of all sales for the day will benefit the children's museum. Regular hours are Saturday through Thursday, 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

SLO Alpha is offering training and support for prospective parents and recent moms, starting Sept. 12. Mom-to-Mom is designed to help moms network and share experiences with other moms. The group meets 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. every Wednesday at 11549 at the Alpha Support Center. The meetings are free. A Dad-to Dad group will begin in October. For more info, call 541-3367.

Kylie Mendonca compiled this week's Strokes and Plugs. Send your business news to [email protected].