Monday, December 31, 2007

The Quintessential Seattle Dog


Dog drinking from a Starbucks cup...Can it get anymore "Seattle" than that? Perhaps if it were, "Dog drinking from a Starbucks cup at the top of the Space Needle," but that's not very realistic.

(Photo by CityDog friend Gail Howard.)

For more Seattle dogs, check out the Cowbelly Pet Photography blog and photographer Jamie Pflughoeft's favorite shots of 2007.

Saturday, December 29, 2007

The Perfect Dog Guardian

Is there any such thing as The Perfect Dog Guardian? I use the term "guardian," because it seems to be preferred over "owner," implying that we don't "own" our dogs, but "guard" them. Wait, that doesn't sound right. Never mind. Anyway, back to my question about whether there is any such thing as The Perfect Dog Guardian/Owner.

Like most of us, I strive to be the best dog owner I can be to Scout and Ziggy (I prefer owner, because guardian sounds a bit contrived, but that's just me). I feed them premium dog food with ingredients like flaxseed, vitamin C, apples, carrots and human grade this and that. I frequently (albeit, sheepishly) buy them pig ears even though $5.95 for a packet of three disgusting-looking, discarded body parts seems expensive to me. Their treats consist of dehydrated, Alaskan-caught wild salmon, which stink to high heaven, but they love them. My house is littered with half-chewed squeaky toys and bones. I literally said to Ziggy the day I adopted him, "Dude, you just hit the jackpot." I could go on (like the fact that they are allowed on every piece of furniture in the house including the bed), but is it enough? Are they happy? Could I be a better dog owner?

Of course the answer is yes. It's like asking the rhetorical, "Could I be a better person?" The answer is always yes.

So, even though I will never be The Perfect Dog Guardian/Owner, I owe it to my dogs to at least try.

Brandie Ahlgren, editor, CityDog Magazine

My Dogs' New Year's Resolutions

I've been thinking a lot lately about my resolutions this coming new year. Typically, I don't make any because over the years I've realized that I'm not very good at keeping them. However, this year I resolve to stick to my resolutions, whatever they may be.

It also got me thinking about my dogs, Scout and Ziggy, and if they could make a list of their own resolutions, what would they be (whoknows, maybe they do make resolutions, but like me, end up breaking them come January 2nd)? Anyway, let's assume they can't, but if they could, this is what their lists would look like:

Scout: In 2008, I resolve to...
  1. Lose a few pounds as recommended by my vet, so by my next visit I'm a "5" (perfect) versus a "6 1/2" (a little chunky) on the weight chart.
  2. To do this, I resolve to exercise daily with at least a 20 to 30 minute walk.
  3. Go on more road trips (I'm dying to visit the Washington wine country; I've heard it's fabulous and totally dog friendly).

Ziggy: In 2008, I resolve to...

  1. Be nicer to Scout, not be so jealous and insecure, and not steal her toys.
  2. Chill out more. Life is too short to freak out every time I see or hear another dog, person, car, squirrel, cat, piece of paper, twig, etc.
  3. See Scout's resolutions 1, 2 and 3.

Yes, I realize that their resolutions are really my resolutions and that I need to go on more walks with them, take more roads trips, and work with Ziggy on his "issues." For the first time in years, I truly think these are resolutions I can keep!

Happy New Year!

Brandie Ahlgren, editor, CityDog Magazine

P.S. Make a comment: What are your dog's resolutions for 2008?

Thursday, December 13, 2007

CityDog Yappy Howlidays Pawty Pictures!


Click here to view pictures from the third annual CityDog Yappy Howlidays Pawty at the swanky (and dog friendly) W Hotel Seattle!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

CityDog Magazine on KOMO 4 TV's Northwest Afternoon!

CityDog founder and editor Brandie Ahlgren will be a guest on Seattle's own Northwest Afternoon this Friday to talk about dog friendly holiday entertaining plus great stocking stuffers and gift ideas for your pampered pooch. Be sure to watch the show this Friday, December 14th on KOMO, Channel 4 at 3 p.m.

Monday, December 10, 2007

Fall From Grace - Michael Vick Sentenced

Former NFL quarterback Michael Vick was sentenced today to a minimum of 23 months in prison for his part in a dogfighting ring, along with three years of supervised release and a ban on owning dogs. Aside from the obvious brutality of it, it's difficult to understand how someone so talented and at the pinnacle of his career, could jeopordize everything. I don't get it.

But, I suppose the silver lining in all of this, is the increased attention and awareness it's brought to the ugly world of dogfighting and that it's not just limited to poor, inner cities.

Also good news, today U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) introduced legislation that would allow for better tracking of animal cruelty crimes by including them in the FBI’s crime data reporting system to enable local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to collect national statistics on yearly crime rates, prevent recurrence of animal cruelty, and address its connection to other societal crimes.

Friday, December 07, 2007

W Hotel Seattle Offers New Pooch Package


At the W Hotel Seattle, they say "PAW" for Pets Are Welcome and they've introduced a brand new pooch pampering package that includes:
  • Portrait sitting with Dane & Dane Photography for up to 4 people and 3 dogs
  • $100 credit towards the print size of your choice
  • Pet bed, food, and water bowls with floor mat to use in room, plus a pet turndown gift
  • Pet toy, chef Adam Stevenson’s dog treat, woof id tag, 2 cello waste bags, and greenie bone
  • Pet in-room dining menus and local dog-friendly attractions
  • CityDog Magazine (yahoo!)
  • Photographer-signed copy of Good Behavior Book for Dogs
  • And a woof-onderful room that you’ll love...all for $689

Book by February 24, 2008 and stay by February 29, 2008.

*Additional nights available starting at $219 per night for a maximum of four night stay. See Terms & Conditions for more details. Rates do not include a non-refundable $100 cleaning fee.

For more information, click here.

Thursday, December 06, 2007

Yappy Howlidays a Smashing Success!

For all of you who turned out for the third annual CityDog Yappy Howlidays Pawty, thank you! What fun it was seeing your furry friends dressed in their holiday finery. Yes, there were a few reindeer antlers, jingle bell collars, party dresses and even a couple of Santa suits! And, thank you to everyone who brought a donation for Pasado's Safe Haven. Your generosity will go a long way toward giving people who need it most some holiday cheer this season.

Check back in about a week...We'll have photos from the party posted for all to see!

Yappy Howlidays!

Tuesday, December 04, 2007

Event Reminder: CityDog Yappy Howlidays Pawty!

The Weather Outside May Be Frightful, but a
CityDog Yappy Howlidays Pawty is Quite Delightful!
WHO
CityDog Magazine, you and your holiday hound

WHAT
Join CityDog Magazine for a yappy howlidays cocktail party! Mingle with fellow pooch parents, sip cocktails and swap doggy tails. Photographer extraordinaire J. Nichole Smith of Dane & Dane Photography will be on hand to snap holiday portraits of your furry friend (available for purchase).

WHEN
Wednesday, December 05, 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

WHERE
W Seattle, W Bar and Living Room
1112 4th AvenueSeattle, WA 98101
Click here for directions

WHY
For a good cause. If you bring pet food, toys, litter, leashes, collars, treats, beds*...essentially, anything a pet might need...we will donate it to Pasado's Safe Haven. Gift cards are also welcome. Then on Christmas Day, volunteers will deliver everything to those most in need. To learn more, visit http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/ or pick up a copy of CityDog's holiday issue to read more about this wonderful event. *Please donate new items only.

Party Animal Rules: Dogs must remain on-leash and be under your control at all times. Dogs (and people for that matter) must also play well with others. Thank you for your understanding!