At first, folks just drove through when visiting Columbia's holiday Symphony of Lights; then the Dazzle Dash was introduced a dozen or so years ago, so they could run (or stroll after the runners at their own pace). Last year they were able to reserve time for a group walk-through any late afternoon that the lights were on (and before cars started arriving at 6 p.m., of course).

This year marks the first time any of those visitors will be on four feet, as a new local social organization for canines and their humans called Columbia Dogs on the Go (columbiadogsonthego.org.) arrives.

Member pups and their peeps will meet up for hot chocolate and doughnuts (or water and biscuits) before setting out on the 1.4-mile route at 4:30 p.m. A $5 charge for people (dogs visit free) will benefit the Maternal-Child Services unit of Howard County General Hospital. The plan is to proceed apace along the hilly trail past the more than 70 light displays without too much ado, making it back to the starting point by 5:45 p.m.

This doesn't leave a large amount of time for sniffing and tussling, but "As long as everyone is going forward in same direction they're OK," says walk organizer Mary Love.

Yep, this year the lights are going to the dogs -- or rather, vice versa -- but it's too late for you to go with them; the group's limit has been met. Schedule a walk-through for your own Scout troop, sports team, church group, block of neighbors -- or other dog pack -- (minimum 50 human participants) by calling Susan Boyd of the Howard Hospital Foundation at 410-740-7570. As of this writing, many dates were still available, including some on weekends.

The Symphony of Lights begins on Saturday with the Dazzle Dash from 5 to 8 p.m. Sunday is reserved for walkers from 4 to 8 p.m. The trail opens at 5:30 p.m. both days. You can register online, at www.hcgh.org, for either event (cost is $20 per person or $50 per family of four or fewer), but you have to do it by 10 p.m. tonight.

Drive-throughs ($20 per car) will take place Monday Nov. 24-Sunday Jan. 4, seven days a week, including holidays, from 6 to 10 p.m. Go to www.hcgh.com for more information.

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