Rescued Oregon Dogs Still Looking for Homes

 

The Oregon Humane Society experienced a record-breaking number of visitors yesterday but is still looking for homes for more than a dozen of the dogs rescued from a breeder in Medford last Saturday.

Of the 41 dogs relinquished by the breeder, 14 remain available for adoption today at OHS; another three dogs are in medical care and will be offered for adoption when they are healthy enough for a new home.

Dogs available include Dodger (pictured above) a five-year-old pomeranian. Other dogs from the rescue still available include shiba inus, shih tzus, West Highland terriers, a Brussels Griffon mix, a pug/Chihuahua mix, and a miniature poodle. An up-to-date list of available dogs, with pictures, can be seen here at the OHS website.

Nearly 1,000 people visited OHS yesterday, more than twice the normal number of visitors, with a crowd gathering early in the morning to get in line to see the rescued dogs.

Eloise, a seven-year-old West Highland terrier, became the first dog to be adopted.

If you can't adopt, you can still help. OHS is seeking financial donations and donations of dog food to help care for the rescued dogs and other animals at the shelter. Monetary donations can be made on the OHS website at www.oregonhumane.org; food donations can be dropped off at OHS, which is located at 1067 NE Columbia Blvd. in Portland.

Editor's Pick: Thundershirt, the best solution for dog anxiety

To tell you the truth, I wasn't sure what to think about the company's claim of being "The Best Solution for Dog Anxiety," but as last night's crazy storm rolled in with thunder, lightening and wind (if you live in Seattle then you know what I'm talking about), I thought it had to be worth a try.

My boxer Scout has always been afraid of thunder...fireworks too. She starts shaking, panting and pacing... it's terrible. So last night, as soon as the thunder and lightening started up (and with it, the shaking and panting), I put the Thundershirt on her and within five minutes she was calm. Seriously.

Apparently, gentle, constant pressure has a calming effect on most dogs if they are anxious, fearful or over-excited and the Thundershirt does just that -- the shirt's stretchy material and Velcro fasteners provide a snug, but comfortable fit, creating slight pressure to the dog's torso.

In addition to noise anxiety, the Thundershirt works for separation anxiety, travel anxiety (which Ziggy has, so I'll be buying one for him), crate training, problem barking (um, again...Ziggy), and leash pulling.

So, thank you Thundershirt! A less anxious Scout and a less anxious Ziggy, means a less anxious CityDog editor!

Seattle Area Pet Stores Take The Humane Society of the United States’ ‘Puppy Friendly’ Pledge

Thanks to the efforts of local advocates, over 60 Seattle area pet stores have recently signed The Humane Society of the United States' puppy friendly pet store pledge — committing not to sell puppies, and instead support local animal adoption programs and provide literature that helps customers learn how to locate a reputable dog breeder. We applaud these retailers because their actions prove it is not necessary to support the cruel puppy mill trade to operate a successful pet-related business.

"These stores have set a positive example of corporate responsibility for other businesses to follow," said Dan Paul, Washington state director for The HSUS. "Pet stores that profit from the cruel puppy mill industry need to step up and do the right thing by stopping their puppy sales. I am thrilled to have wonderful local advocates working in our area to increase the public's awareness of puppy mills."

Store owners and managers who sign The HSUS' pledge receive a placard proclaiming, "We love puppies; that's why we don't sell them," to display in the store, as well as materials about adopting a dog or finding a responsible breeder. The HSUS encourages shoppers to purchase pet supplies at stores displaying the puppy-friendly sign.

The independent retailers in the Seattle area that have recently signed the puppy friendly pledge to not sell puppies are:

Mud Bay – (all locations)
The Pet Stops Here (Bellevue)
Walker's Healthy Pet (all locations)
Next to Nature (all locations)
Smiley Dog (Edmonds)
Simply Paws (Federal Way locations)
The Pet Market @ Dash Point (Federal Way)
Pet Country (Kent)
Denny's Pet World (Kirkland)
Dooley's Dog House (Kirkland)
Heads to Tails Grooming Spa (Kirkland)
All The Best Pet Care (all locations)
Dog Daze Natural Pet Market (Puyallup)
Eastside Dog (Redmond)
Paws Café (Redmond)
Pet Pros (Renton)
A Dog's Dream (Seattle)
Animal Talk (Seattle)
Crown Hill Pet Supply (Seattle)
Fido-N-Scratch (Seattle)
Great Dog Daycare & Shoppe (Seattle)
Mes Amis (Seattle)
Pet Elements (West Seattle)
Petapoluza Pet Supply (Seattle)
PJ's Paws and Claws (Seattle)
Wally Pets (Seattle)
Zak and Zoe (Seattle)
Lucky Dog Outfitters (Tacoma)
Purdelight's Grooming and Pet Boutique (Tacoma)
Wag Pet Market (Tacoma)
Beastie Boutique (Vancouver)
Natural Pet NW (Vancouver)
The Whole Pet Shop (Woodinville)

Facts about puppy mills:

• Approximately one-third of the nation's 9,000 independent pet stores sell puppies.
• The HSUS estimates that 2 million to 4 million puppy mill puppies are sold each year in the United States.
• Documented puppy mill conditions include over-breeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, poor food and shelter, crowded cages and lack of socialization.
• Dogs kept for breeding in puppy mills suffer for years in continual confinement. They are bred as often as possible and then destroyed or discarded once they can no longer produce puppies.
• Pet stores and online sellers often use attractive Web sites to hide the truth and to dupe consumers into thinking that they are dealing with a small, reputable breeder.
• Reputable breeders never sell puppies over the Internet or through a pet store and will insist on meeting the family who will be purchasing the dog.
• Puppy mills contribute to the pet overpopulation problem, which results in millions of unwanted dogs euthanized at shelters every year.
• Over the past three years, 16 states have passed laws to crack down on puppy mills.

To learn more about puppy mills, visit humanesociety.org/puppymills.

Canine Christmas Adoption Event

Don’t miss the upcoming Canine Christmas adoption event hosted by Pawsitive Alliance. Meet hundreds of great dogs and puppies from across Washington in one location. Come meet the dogs Sunday, December 12th, noon until 3 pm at Academy of Canine Behavior in Bothell, WA. Over 97 families found their new best friends at last year’s Canine Christmas event!

The Academy of Canine Behavior is located at 4705 240th St. SE, Bothell, WA 98021. Directions can be found at http://www.aocb.com/contact.

Experienced shelter staff, volunteers and trainers will be on hand to help you find the right animal for your family. The trainers will be available to answer your questions about any dog you are thinking of adopting. Shelter staff has evaluated each dog’s behavior and temperament. Adoption fees range from $150.00 to $250.00.

Participating organizations bringing animals to adopt include:

• Barks R Us 
• Dogs Deserve Better 
• Everett Animal Services and ARF 
• Grant County Animal Outreach
• King County Animal Care and Control 
• Homeward Pet Adoption Center
• Humane Society at Happy Paws Farm 
• Love A Mutt Pet Rescue 
• Regional Animal Services 
• Yakima Valley Pet Rescue
• Wenatchee Valley Humane Society

*NEW* Food Drive - The Animals Need Your Help
Times are tough, especially for the shelters and rescues relying on donations. In conjunction with the adoption event, Pawstivie Alliance will also be holding a food drive and the food will be distributed to the shelters and rescues attending this great event.

Happy Howlidays Movie Event -- Woof!

The Dugan Foundation is hosting a Happy Howlidays movie event, this Sunday, November 14 at Grand Cinema at 606 Fawcett Avenue in Tacoma, Wash. The doors open at 9:30 a.m., and the show starts at 10 a.m. featuring the classics: A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Charlie Brown Christmas.

The event will also feature a bake sale, calendar and note card sales and an opportunity to meet some of the animals this pet food drive is benefiting. Admission is free with a cat or dog food donation, or a cash donation of any amount. Woof!

Medical Team Set for Record Number of Cat Surgeries

The Oregon Humane Society will be spearheading efforts this Wednesday to spay and neuter a record number of cats in the Portland metro area -- all at no charge to cat owners.

The medical team at OHS has scheduled 200 cat surgeries this Wednesday as part of the Elect to Spay event offered to low-income cat owners. Medical teams at five other animal organizations across the region will perform an additional 200 alters, bringing to 400 the number of cats to be spayed and neutered this week. "With the elections over, it's time for everyone to vote for improving animal welfare by spaying and neutering their cats," said Dr. Kris Otteman, OHS Director of Shelter Medicine.

Dr. Otteman will be leading a 40-person team at OHS that will welcome their first patient to the operating table at 8:00 am. The 200 cat alters will be about four times the number of surgeries (of all types) performed during the average day at the OHS Holman Medical Center.

The offer of a free cat spay or neuter has proved popular with the public, as all 400 slots for the Elect to Spay event filled up rapidly. But low-income cat owners can still take advantage of $10 cat alters the rest of the year through the Spay & Save program sponsored by the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland. The Spay & Save program seeks to alter 10,000 cats every year for five years in an attempt to significantly reduce cat overpopulation in the Portland area.

For more information about Spay & Save, including information on qualifying income levels, visit www.spaysave.org or call (503) 802-6755.

The groups participating in this week's Elect To Spay event are: Cat Adoption Team, Feral Cat Coalition, Humane Society of SW Washington, Multnomah County Animal Services, Oregon Humane Society and Washington County Animal Services.

Barksgiving at Dining Dog Cafe

Treat your best friend to a very special Barksgiving meal to celebrate all things dog, Sunday, November 14 at the Dining Dog Cafe in Edmonds, Wash. The menu is entirely for the dogs and includes a pumpkin daiquiri (non-alcoholic, of course), cheesy hot dog bites as a "puppetizer," turkey loaf as the entree, and pumpkin carob cupcakes for dessert. Yum-mie!

The cost is $20 per lucky dog, with event proceeds going to help fund Kirkland, Wash.'s first dog park (always a good cause!). To make reservations, download a form at www.kdog.org or email barksgiving@gmail.com. Space is limited!

Woof!
CityDog Magazine

Get Your Cat or Kitten ‘Fixed’ for Free

This November Elect to Spay your Demo’cat’ or Re’purrblican! To prevent unwanted litters of kittens from being born this coming spring, ASAP, the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland, is offering FREE spay/neuter surgeries this November in six locations around the Portland/Vancouver metro area. Caretakers of stray or feral cats can take advantage of this offer as well.

Qualified cat owners can have their fertile cats or kittens spayed or neutered for free between November 8 and 12, or schedule a spay/neuter surgery for only $10 any other time. Surgeries are performed by licensed veterinarians and subsidized through charitable donations. Up to 400 free feline spay/neuter surgery spots will be available the week of November 8 – 12.

“Add this ‘To-Do’ to your list along with voting”, says Joyce Briggs, President of the Alliance for Contraception in Cats and Dogs, and volunteer with ASAP Spay & Save Program. “The winter solstice in mid-December prompts cats to go into season, and many are pregnant by January. Preventing those kittens is the reason for this extraordinary offer. With 20,000 cats entering our area shelters annually, we need to focus on finding good homes for them, without a flood of kittens this Spring. There are not enough homes for all of them.”

How to Qualify: For a cat owner to qualify, they must receive government assistance such as Medicaid, WIC, food stamps, SSI, Section 8 public housing, AFDC, or TANF, and live in Multnomah, Washington, Clackamas, or Clark County. Those feeding unowned feral/stray cats need not meet income requirements.

Where: Services are being provided at the following locations, by license veterinarians and caring surgical teams. Transportation may be available for those unable to take advantage of this offer due to travel issues.

• Cat Adoption Team – Sherwood
• Oregon Humane Society – NE Portland
• Washington County Animal Services – Hillsboro
• Multnomah County Animal Services – Troutdale
• Humane Society of SW Washington – Vancouver
• Feral Cat Coalition – for strays or feral cats

How: Starting Monday, November 1, call: 503-802-6755 for a cat you own; or 503-797-2606 for feral cats. If you call prior to November 1, you can either schedule a appointment for $10 or you will be asked to call back on November 1. Free spay/neuter appointments will scheduled for November 8 through 12 only.

The free spay/neuter surgeries are being offered through the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland’s Spay & Save program thanks to generous donations. This vital program is funded through private donations as well as grant monies. Special thanks to PetSmart Charities http://www.petsmartcharities.org for their grant support. See www.spaysave.org for details on qualifying, addresses of surgery locations and more.

Pets on Wheels

Some injures can lead to paralysis and drive our pets to a dead-end. Fortunately, there are now options for pets that can make their lives go on wheels again. Literally.

For animals that have lost use of their legs because of paralysis or a disease, wheelchair devices are now available that can restore lost motion.

"A wide variety of devices are now on the market to help companion animals move around, and they work very much like a wheelchair," said Dr. Alice Blue-McLendon, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.

Blue-McLendon says a veterinarian can take measurements of the animal's body to be fitted for the wheelchair devices, which are custom-made for that particular pet. The veterinarian can then contact one of several companies that make the wheelchairs, which usually consist of a harness-like device with straps and wheels. There are also several reliable companies on the internet that will work directly with the clients to make a custom wheelchair.

Dogs are the most frequent users of the devices, but they can also be made for cats, ferrets, goats, rabbits and other pets. Costs usually range from $200 to $400, depending on the size of the pet.

Blue-McLendon says that several medical conditions can cause a pet to need a wheelchair device. One is hind limb paralysis which can be due to injury, such as being struck by a car or a vertebral disk disease. Another cause is a degenerative condition in which the muscle or bone of the animal's leg cannot function properly, causing the animal to drag its legs or not move at all.

Once the device is fitted to the pet it usually takes several days for the animal to get accustomed to the wheelchair, Blue-McLendon explains. "But animals are quick to adapt, and after a few days, they usually can get around very well with these devices," she notes. She stresses that it takes a commitment from the pet owner before considering whether to purchase a wheelchair for a pet.

"It takes extra time on the owner's part to take off the device at night because the animals must sleep without them," Blue-McLendon says. "And many times if the animal is paralyzed it still needs assistance several times a day with urination. Also, since the animal can only use its front legs to get around it tends to get tired more quickly. So the owner needs to be aware of this, especially if taking the animal out for a long walk or other exercise."

Blue-McLendon adds that once the animal is accustomed to the wheelchair, it can lead a relatively normal life.

"These wheelchair-type devices have become quite popular in the last 20 years or so," she says.

"They give your pet an option that it might not have had otherwise -- that of regaining much of the mobility it once had. If the owner is willing to make the commitment, they can be wonderful aids for disabled pets."

This article is provided courtesy of Pet Talk, a service of the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University. Photo provided courtesy of Eddie's Wheels.

Tricks, treats and cute costumes!!!

Don't forget the furry ghouls and goblins this Halloween...they want to be part of the fun too! Whatever their (well, really your) preference, there are hundreds of costumes to choose from, so how to decide? Try to find a costume that fits his personality. If your dog was a human, would he be athletic? Goofy? Nerdy? Or how about a superhero?? Here are some ideas to get you thinking.

Maybe he's got a bit of a naughty streak?

Or perhaps she's been told she resembles a bug?

"What?"

Or maybe your dog likes to eat everything in sight!

"Oink Oink"

(Check out Doggie Vogue for the devil dog, caterpillar and pig costumes!)

Is your dog your biggest fan?

"Yaaaaaay HUMANS!"

Or is he always ready to save those from distress?

"It's a bird, it's a plane, it's Superdog!"

Or is she - hmm...ok, there's really no explanation for this one,

we just thought it was cute!

(The cheerleader, Superdog and corn cob are available at Oh My Dog Supplies.)

Maybe your dog's best friend is a kitty cat? 

(Shhh, we won't tell anyone.)

Or does she love to make you laugh and entertain a crowd?

"For my next trick, I'm going to chase my tail!"

Or is he a bit of a trouble maker lately?

"Back in the dog house again?!?"

(You can find the kitty cat, clown and prisoner costumes at Glamour Dogs.)

Maybe he's really a rock star? 

"Nah, I'm just a hound dog."

Or a cape crusader, with a dark side.

"I am Batdog."

Or perhaps he's a bit of a dreamer...

"Triple crown, here I come!"

And again, this one was just too cute. 

Who doesn't love a Smurf dog?

(Elvis, Batman, Horse Racer and Smurf costumes are all available at Costume Craze.)

We hope these creative and fun costumes gave you a few ideas to work with, but if you're not one for dressing up your dog, then we hope you got a few laughs. Whatever you decide to do this Halloween, just be sure to have fun, stay safe and as always, spoil your pup with lots of love. Oh and a few treats too!

For where to wear these cute costumes, check out the CityDog Social Calendar and/or tune in today at 2 p.m. to The Dog Talk Show. We'll be discussing fun Howloween events taking place this weekend and next.

Portland tops the list for best places to live with pets

 

Livability.com, a website offering in-depth information about America’s best places to live, has just released a list of Top 10 Pet Friendly Cities. The cities on this list have pet friendly parks and trails, quality veterinary care, active animal welfare groups, as well as an abundance of pet boutiques and retail shops. But to make the list, these cities also had to offer an incredible quality of life for pet owners as well.

Livability.com researched cities around the country and looked for cities that were both pet AND people friendly. From quality healthcare and higher education to diverse job opportunities and active artistic and cultural scenes.

These cities are some of the best places to work, live, play and own a pet in America. Here are the top 10, with Portland as number one:

Top 10 Pet Friendly Cities:

1. Portland, OR

2. Colorado Springs, CO

3. Rocky Mount, NC

4. Boulder, CO

5. Santa Cruz, CA

6. Eugene, OR

7. Asheville, NC

8. Albuquerque, NM

9. Nashville, TN

10. Louisville, KY

Candidates Endorsed by Save Washington Pets and the League of Humane Voters

At CityDog Magazine, we are a-paw-litical, but Save Washington Pets has teamed up with the League of Humane Voters, Washington Chapter to identify candidates for the state legislature who have demonstrated they are most supportive of animal welfare legislation in our state.

Save Washington Pets reviewed animal welfare bill voting records of incumbent state senators and representatives running for re-election. They also reviewed responses candidates provided to a humane legislation questionnaire that the League sent to each candidate.

Why did they do this? Because they are working toward passage of spay/neuter assistance legislation and other important animal welfare laws. CityDog agrees, we need to elect state senators and representatives who care about and understand these issues and will vote accordingly.

Save Washington Pets' recommendations for the state senate and house of representatives are posted here. They have each candidate's name linked to his or her website or email address.

Your vote may be decided based on political party preference; candidates' positions on social, economic or other issues; or other factors. However, please also consider candidates most supportive of animal welfare legislation when you're deciding how to vote in the November 2 election.

If you're not sure what legislative district you live in, just use this handy district finder.

Woofs & Wags!
CityDog Magazine

Mark your calendar: Muttster Mash, Saturday, October 30th

For all you four-legged ghosts, goblins and Lady Gagas, West Seattle's Muttley Crew Cuts is hosting Muttster Mash -- So, don your canine costumes and join your fellow furry friends for a spooktacular night of fun!

When:
Saturday, October 30th from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Where:
Muttley Crew Cuts
4200 SW Admiral Way, Suite C, Seattle
Parking available in the underground parking garage just north of Muttley Crew Cuts.

Doggie costume contest, beer and wine for your humans, pet food drive to help dogs in need, and more! All charity donations will go to the Furry Faces Foundation.

If you need some canine costume ideas...stay tuned for our next blog!

Poisonous mushrooms cropping up in the Pacific Northwest

As dog lovers know...our furry friends will eat almost anything, so it's our job to ensure they are safe by keeping toxic substances far out of reach. Here's one more thing to add to the list: mushrooms...or a specific kind of mushroom known as a "death cap." Just yesterday, King County health officials issued a warning about "death caps," and while this warning is meant for humans, it also applies to canines.

Death caps -- or Amanita phalloides -- were thought to be rare in the Pacific Northwest, but this season they are cropping up in the wild, in local parks, and even in our own back yards -- some were spotted in Seattle's Carkeek Park a few weeks ago -- easy pickings for our intrepid pooches.

So, here are a couple of photos of what they look like and sadly, we are also including this link to a flyer sent to us by a woman who lost her dog in August to this deadly mushroom.

Even with these photos, it's best to err on the side of caution...if you find any mushrooms growing in your yard, pick them, bag them and throw them away. Woof!

Bring your dog to the 2nd annual Frogs and Dogs in Issaquah!

Love beer? Love dogs? Love frogs? Okay...maybe not frogs, but this event is sure to be hoppin'! Issaquah Brewery is located next to the salmon hatchery in downtown Issaquah, just 15 miles from Seattle's Space Needle. Issaquah Brewery's family of Frogs are created in a 15 barrel brew system. The brewery has garnered 30 awards for taste and quality. Yum!

Details: 35 West Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027 Phone: (425) 557-1911

CityDog Editor's Pick: Rockin' hoodies for hounds

I'm a big fan of the Foo Fighters and now an even bigger fan of this hoodie featuring the Poo Fighters by Torudog. Warning though...Once your dog's inner rock star is unleashed, it may be tough to fend off those furry groupies when wearing this garb! $32 and up, plus more hoodies, tanks and tees at torudog.com.

Time to vote for the next CityDog cover dog! Vote today!

 

 

 

 

Drumroll please...here are the five winners from the 2010 CityDog Cover Dog Model Search at Kirkland Uncorked (Harry), West Seattle Thriftway (Spencer), PAWSwalk (Violet), Fremont Oktoberfest (Dohjo) and FidoFEST (Ruby)! And, if you click here...you will find ALL of our canine contestants...close to 500 in all their smiling glory!

And, now it's your turn...we need your help in choosing the final dog to grace the cover of CityDog Magazine! Simply click on the dog of your choice from the five winners above, then type his or her name into the subject line and click send. We will tally the votes by October 31, 2010 and announce the winner in our November 2010 CityDog E-News!

Thank you to ALL of our canine contestants -- you helped raise close to $5,000 for animals in need! Woofs and wags from all of us at CityDog Magazine, two- and four-legged alike!

Dogs rule the pool at the Pooch Pool Party!

Dog owners looking for a fun new way to socialize with their pets can treat their furry friends to a dip in Stewart Heights Pool in Tacoma, Wash. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, September 11, 2010.

Following the end of the swimming season, four-legged friends will have the opportunity to paddle around with other dogs, lunge through the Lazy River and splash in the sprayground.

The shallow end of the pool has a zero depth entry where the pool bottom slopes like a beach providing easy access in and out of the water. The maximum depth of the pool is 4 feet, 3 inches.

The Pool Party will feature two pool sessions: 10 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. to 2 p.m. In addition to romping in the water, dogs and their owners can visit the vendor fair in the park next to the pool. This dry land fun includes contests and games for dogs, doggercise demonstrations and dog-related vendor and agency booths.

The vendor fair will run continuously from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. so visitors can come for the morning pool party and stay after for fun and games in the park, or come early to the park and then take the plunge during the afternoon pool session. Either way, it's a day full of fun for dogs and their people!

Stewart Heights’ last day for public swimming is Monday, September 6. Later that week Metro Parks’ staff will turn off the pool chemicals in preparation for furry visitors. After the Pooch Pool Party the pool will be drained, cleaned and closed for the winter.

“The pool party provides dog owners and their pets a unique experience after the pool closes for the season. It’s great to be able to put this park asset to a different use before it’s drained and cleaned for the winter,” remarked Jim Biles, Aquatics Supervisor.

Admission is limited to two dogs per person. Entry fee is $7 for the first dog, $5 for the second dog. Humans are admitted free of charge. Entry may be limited if pool reaches capacity.

Participants are encouraged to bring unopened pet food to the event for donation to the Dugan Foundation to support their work establishing Pierce County as a no-kill community.

Stewart Heights Pool is located at 402 E 56th St. For more information call 253.591.2042 or visit www.StewartHeightsPool.com.

Check out photos from the 2009 Pooch Pool Party here.

CityDog Summer Muttmixer: RSVP today!

You are Invited to the CityDog Summer Muttmixer presented by Natura Pet!
 

CityDog Magazine | Summer Muttmixer
Wednesday, August 25th, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
W Hotel, 1112 Fourth Avenue, Seattle

CityDog Magazine is rolling out the red carpet at the swanky and super dog-friendly W Hotel Seattle to celebrate a milestone...our fifth anniversary! You are invited to join us and fellow dog lovers at the CityDog Summer Muttmixer to enjoy cocktails, tasty hors d’oeuvres and of course, mixing and mingling with two- and four-legged friends alike.

The event is FREE to attend and be sure to pick up a swag bag that will make your dog’s tail wag! Please RSVP to rsvp@citydogmagazine.com with the number of humans and number of canines attending in your “pawty.” Dogs must play well with others (that goes for humans, too) and remain on-leash at all times. If you've never been to one of our Muttmixers and want a glimpse of what they're like, then check out this fun video. Woof!

And, a big shout out to our Presenting Sponsor Natura Pet...thank you!

Vote for your CityDog Magazine TopDogs!

In the upcoming Fall issue of CityDog Magazine, we are featuring the Best of the West, chosen by you and of course, your pooch! We pick the categories, you pick your favorites (and, your dog's favorites) and then we feature them in the magazine. Tell us your favorite dog park, pet store, toy, treat, veterinarian, doggy day care and more!

Click here to nominate your TopDog pick in each category and submit it to us no later than August 23, 2010. Your opinion is important to us, so we want your vote. Once the ballots are in, we will tally the votes, nominate a TopDog in each category and announce the winners in the Fall issue of CityDog Magazine. Feel free to share this with all of your dog loving friends and colleagues, so they can vote too! Woof!

CityDog Guest Blog: Health Concerns for Popular Breeds

Picking a breed of dog for your family is always a tough decision. If you grew up with a specific breed as your family pet, you may be inclined to choose the same for yourself. Or, you may want to try a breed you’ve heard about in magazines, books, or from friends.

When you are making your decision, there is one additional thing you should think about – the pet health concerns of different breeds. Many breeds have a history of specific health concerns, and some of them can be quite expensive over the lifetime of the dog. While measures can be put in place to help offset the costs of these illnesses, such as purchasing pet insurance, it’s still a good idea to be aware of what you could encounter. And remember...if you are looking for a specific breed, be sure to check your local shelter first.

Following are the top five dog breeds in the United States and the most notable health concerns for each:

1. Labrador Retriever – It’s no secret that Labrador Retrievers are great family pets. They are friendly, eager to please, and easy to train. Some of the major health concerns for this breed include cataracts, hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (displaced kneecap), and Osteochondritis Dissecans (a cartilage disease).

2. German Shepherd Dog – Known as the great protectors, German Shepherds are often utilized as police dogs. As a pet, they offer a sense of security for a family. This breed is prone to cardiomyopathy (heart dysfunction), cataracts, dermatitis (inflammation of the skin), and elbow dysplasia.

3. Yorkshire Terrier – Yorkies’ personalities far outweigh their little bodies, as they are fearless and bold and love adventure. Patellar luxation is the main health concern for this breed, but they also can suffer from achondroplasia (a genetic disorder causing dwarfism), Legg-Perthes (a degenerative disease of the hip joint), and portacaval shunts (a serious liver condition).

4. Golden Retriever – Like the Lab, the Golden Retriever is a family-friendly pet who loves to please. Be prepared to be smothered with love and affection from this sweet pooch! Some of this breed’s most common health concerns are elbow dysplasia, hemangiosarcoma (a fatal form of cancer), lymphoma (a disease that causes immune system cancer), and progressive retinal atrophy (deterioration of the retina).

5. Beagle – The beagle is known to be one of the happiest of all dog breeds. This dog will love his family unconditionally and is regarded as being a great pet for children. Beagles are prone to Cherry Eye (a congenital eye defect), glaucoma, epilepsy (recurring seizures), and hip dysplasia.

An informed owner is a happy owner, so remember to take these health concerns to the table when you make your final decision on adding a pet to your family.

And when you decide on the right breed for you, consider investing in pet health insurance to help offset the costs of veterinary care over the lifetime of your pet.

Blue Angels safety tips from the Seattle Humane Society

The Blue Angels roaring in our skies at Seafair may be a captivating event for humans, but the loud noise can be hard on our companion animals. With a little planning, you can keep your pets calm and safe at home.

The squadron will take to the local skies Thursday for practice flights, and Friday through Sunday for the Boeing Air Show at Seafair.

Keep your furry family members safely indoors in an enclosed room, preferably one without windows. If you are expecting guests, keep your pets in a room that is off-limits to guests, with plenty of fresh water.

Surround your pets with their favorite toys and other familiar objects to create a calming environment. Play soothing music and keep the room as quiet as possible by closing doors, windows, and blinds.

The biggest risk is that pets will get loose and become lost. Even if a pet is secured inside, the sound of the Blue Angels flying overhead can cause them to panic. Your companion animals should be microchipped and they should be wearing an identification tag on their collar. If you have moved, make sure that the microchip company has your current address and phone number.

The Seattle Humane Society offers $20 microchipping (includes national registration) for pets of income-restricted guardians. Appointments are available on a drop-in basis 7 days a week from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

For more information call (425) 641-0080 or visit the microchipping page on their website.

Woofstock '10: Bringing together local folks and adoptable pets

Got Woof? On Saturday, August 7, 2010, Dugan Foundation will present the fourth annual Woofstock, an exciting event, free for the whole family, at Todd Field at the University of Puget Sound.

Capturing the spirit of the original Woodstock of the ‘60’s but adding a family twist, Woofstock ’10 is a day dedicated to coming together in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere to listen to music, support a wonderful cause and make positive changes – the cause is to end the killing of adoptable homeless companion animals, and folks can make a real difference by adopting a pet at the event. Last year’s event resulted in the adoption of 115 animals!

This free event will feature over 20 adoption groups and non-profits from around the Northwest, with dogs, cats, bunnies and ferrets, along with local pet related artists, merchants and services.

When: Saturday, August 7, 2010 10am – 4:30pm

Where: Todd Field on the campus of the University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner Street, Tacoma, WA 98416.

Admission is free, but donations are appreciated and will benefit area rescue and spay/neuter programs.

Dogs are welcome, but must be on-leash and under your control at all times.

Visit www.duganfoundation.org and click on the Woofstock ’10 for more information.

CityDog Summer Muttmixer: RSVP today!

NEW! CityDog Summer Muttmixer
August 25 • Seattle, Wash. 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Spend a summer evening sipping cocktails and mingling with fellow dog lovers at our CityDog Summer Muttmixer. We're rolling out the red carpet at the swanky and super dog-friendly W Hotel Seattle to celebrate our fifth birthday and we want you and your furry friend to join us in celebration! There will be a DJ spinning, tails wagging and people mingling. The event is free to attend, but please RSVP to rsvp@citydogmagazine.com.

Urgent Attention Northern Idaho/Washington area dog lovers: Pit Bulls In Need needs your help!

Pit Bulls In Need (PIN), in the Northern Idaho/Washington area, needs your help. This rescue has been run and funded primarily by the founder who has recently become unable to handle the load due to a medical condition. The two primary and immediate needs of the rescue are fosters or adoptive homes for the dogs in their care (seven total), and donations to cover vet costs and support the rescue's expenses until homes can be found for the remaining dogs.

Other needed donations include: Dog food, straw, volunteers to return phone calls, do home checks, screen potential foster and forever homes, advertise and everything else it takes to run a successful rescue. All donations are tax deductible.

All of the dogs are very people friendly, unless otherwise noted:

Candy (pictured top left) -- Three to five years old, extremely sweet. Does well with submissive dogs of both genders.

Lilly (bottom left) -- Three years old and in current need of financial assistance for an ongoing medical condition. Must be supervised with other, submissive-only dogs; does not do well with dominant dogs.

Sadie (top right) -- Two years old. Sweet girl that loves ALL dogs no matter what, but does not care for kids. Very loving and gentle on a leash.

Tucker (bottom right) -- Two years old. Long term resident at the rescue because of his energy level. Loves kids, but needs more work with other dogs.

Not Pictured:

Took -- One year old, with separation anxiety. He is a foster or sponsor only, because PIN is working with his owner to get him back into the home. Does well with submissive dogs of both genders, but needs to learn social manners with people and dogs.

Rose -- Three to five years old and in current need of financial assistance to help with her allergies. Sweet girl, dominant female but tested well with cats and LOVES people including kids.

Short Stuff -- Two years old, in immediate need of financial assistance to further investigate tender joints. Tested well with cats and dogs, and according to PIN, is a total love, with no issues. "Sweet little guy."

If you can help in any way, please email Charlotte or for more information visit PIN's website here. And, please share this with your fellow dog loving friends and family!

CityDog loves City Kitties too! Meow in Mukilteo

With over 70 cats and kittens available, you are sure to meet your match in Mukilteo on Sunday July 18! Don’t miss Pawsitive Alliance’s 3rd annual cat adoption event.

Join Pawsitive Alliance for Meow in Mukilteo on Sunday, July 18. Meet over 70 cats and kittens on July 18th, noon until 3 p.m. at the Rose Hill School located at 304 Lincoln Ave, Mukilteo, Wash.

If you’re considering bringing a new feline friend into your home this is the place to come because there will cats and kittens available from eight different cat rescue organizations.

Participating rescue groups and shelters:

• Animal Rescue Foundation and Everett Animal Services

• City of Edmonds

• HappyPaws Farm Humane Society

• Homeward Pet Adoption Center

• King County Animal Care and Control

• N.O.A.H.

• PAWS

• Whisker City

Why should you adopt at this event?
More than 70 cats and kittens of all different shapes, sizes, ages and breeds from eight rescue organizations will be onsite and available for adoption. Experienced shelter staff and volunteers will be on hand to help you find the right pet for your family. Each cat has been altered and is up to date on shots. Adoption fees from $50.00 to $100.00.

Beat the Heat: Oregon Humane Society Opens Cooling Center for People and Their Pets

People and pets can beat the heat by coming to the Oregon Humane Society. OHS is now offering its lobby as a cooling center for individuals and their animals who are suffering from Portland's record-breaking heat wave.

The OHS cooling center will be open today and tomorrow, July 8-9, during normal shelter hours, 10 am - 9 pm.

Pets must be accompanied by their owners at all times – no pet drop-offs are allowed.

"There are few, if any, cooling centers where people can bring their pets," said OHS Executive Director Sharon Harmon. Adults, children and well-behaved pets are invited to the cooling center, located in the OHS Animal Medical Learning Center (AMLC) lobby, which is located a few feet east of the main OHS shelter lobby entrance. The public is encouraged to bring crates for animals accustomed to using them.

OHS is located at 1067 NE Columbia Blvd, Portland, OR, 97211, (503) 285-7722; www.oregonhumane.org.

Why dogs should not ride in the back of pickup trucks

First, it's illegal in the state of Washington...well, sort of... Second, as I was walking this weekend with Scout and Ziggy along a stretch of road in Cle Elum, I saw a flash of fur as a dog, seemingly out of no where, hit the pavement, rolled about three feet in front of me, coming to a stop when it slammed against the curb. At first I thought it'd been hit by a car, which is horrific enough...when in fact, it'd jumped from of the back of a pickup truck going about 35 miles per hour. The dog slowly got up and limped toward me, injured and bleeding. Its front right leg was most likely broken and its nose was scraped and bloody. It was horrible...absolutely horrible. The owner scooped the dog up and was gone before I could even say anything...I was in shock, I think the owner was in shock, and the dog was definitely in shock.

It is estimated that at least 100,000 dogs die each year when tossed from pickup trucks (or in this case, jump from a moving pickup truck). The state of Washington has a law which says: "Any person who willfully transports or confines or causes to be transported or confined any domestic animal or animals in a manner, posture, or confinement that will jeopardize the safety of the animal or the public, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor." Okay...

Oregon has a state law that prohibits a dog from being in the back of a pickup "unless the dog is protected from falling from the vehicle." Even more vague...

I think the laws should be stronger...but, it is still up to each owner to use common sense. Unfortunately, from first hand experience...this isn't always the case.

Brandie Ahlgren, founder & editor
CityDog Magazine

Pawty with a Purpose!

Val Mallinson is a long-time contributor to CityDog Magazine and we miss her! Pawty with a purpose this Saturday, June 12th for a great cause!

Enjoy a benefit to raise money for Val Mallinson, author of The Dog Lover’s Companion to the Pacific Northwest. Live music by Jared Clifton of Radio Nationals and solo artist Sheryl Wiser. Munchie Menu by West Seattle’s own Sailing Chef. Autographed dog books will be for sale. Fun will be had by all, while  raising money to help pay a backlog of medical bills. 10% of proceeds will be donated to Advocacy for Patients with Chronic Illness.

Date: Saturday, June 12, 2010
Time: 6 p.m. – 10 p.m.
Location: The Common House, Duwamish Cohousing, West Seattle
Address: 6000 17^th Avenue SW, Seattle, WA 98106

Cover: $15 Suggested Donation at the Door, $40 Includes an Autographed Book

Featuring:
Jared Clifton of Radio Nationals – Gritty, twangy American rock from Seattle
Solo Artist Sheryl Wiser – Soulful, edgy rhythm and roots from the heart
Munchie Menu by The Sailing Chef

There will be a little sumptin’ sumptin’ to munch on, and we encourage you to bring your own libations.

TriMet Welcomes Dogs for OHS Doggie Dash

Rapid transit comes to the aid of our canine friends once a year for the Oregon Humane Society's Doggie Dash event in downtown Portland. Although four-legged passengers are usually off-limits on TriMet, the Portland-area transit agency is partnering with OHS to make May 15th a dog-friendly day for train riders.

The occasion? The 23rd Annual Doggie Dash, which takes place 7:30 am to 1:00 pm at Tom McCall Waterfront Park in downtown Portland. OHS expects 6,000 people and 2,000 dogs at Portland’s largest party for pets and people. Naito Parkway will be closed to cars from 8:00 am to 10:30 am as thousands of animal lovers and their dogs run and walk to raise money for OHS.

TriMet riders can bring their dogs to Doggie Dash on any TriMet MAX train until 2 pm on May 15th. Riders should be going to or from Doggie Dash (bring your registration reciept). Regular fares apply to riders, but dogs ride free! Dog owners need to follow these rules: dogs must be under the owner’s control (leash or in a crate ); dogs must be wearing a head collar such as Gentle Leader or wear a muzzle; dogs need to wear an ID tag that includes the owner's contact information; and dogs and riders can use only the rear of a two-car train. Note: dogs are allowed on TriMet trains only.

The MAX rail stop nearest to Doggie Dash is at SW Oak and 1st Avenue, just two blocks away from the main registration tent in Waterfront Park near the intersection of SW Stark and Naito Parkway. For complete TriMet fares and schedules, visit www.trimet.org. Participants can register for Doggie Dash as early as 7:30 am the day of the event, or can register online at www.oregonhumane.org/doggiedash. Advance registration is $25; day-of registration is $30.

Once riders arrive at Doggie Dash they can enjoy a pancake breakfast, live music, contests and more. For complete details on line visit www.oregonhumane.org/doggiedash.

Doggie Dash is presented by Lithia Subaru of Oregon City. Sponsors include, Banfield, The Pet Hospital; Pedigree; Sergeant's; Fred Meyer; Witham & Dickey; boly:welch; Mars Veterinary; KATU; The Oregonian and K103-fm.

Help the Animals and Meet New Friends at a Unique Event to Benefit a Unique Organization

Other Mothers Animal Rescue will host a Mother’s Day fundraiser luncheon this Saturday, May 8th at Portland, Oregon's Mark Spencer Hotel. 

Other Mothers Animal Rescue, Inc., is a one-of-a-kind animal shelter organization that rescues pregnant dogs and cats from conventional shelter facilities that lack the staff and time requirements to provide for the needs of newborns. All animals are cared for in a cage-free home environment with a volunteer foster family until ready for adoption.

The event is open to the public and tickets are $25 per person. All proceeds will go toward the care of rescued dog and cat “mothers” and their young. In addition to a sumptuous vegetarian feast, the lunch will include an animal psychic, special guest speakers, a professional photographer, and fabulous prizes to give away.

Space is limited, so please RSVP for tickets by emailing linda@othermothers.org or call 503.452.0465.

Other Mothers is a 501(c)3 non-profit charity that relies exclusively on private donations

My Dog Ate What? New show premiers on Nat Geo Wild

Has your dog eaten some crazy stuff? Well, they are not alone! In fact, there is a three-part program coming up on Nat Geo Wild called My Dog Ate What? Starting tonight, Tuesday, May 4 at 10pm ET/PT, Nat Geo Wild reveals some of the most amazing and shocking things ingested by dogs, from underwear (thong preferred) to pacifiers (27 in total) and money (all $800 of it)!

Watch Lola, the underwear eater's, story here:

Future episodes include Luciano...

Luciano is 130 pounds of love. The Rottweiler is loyal and gentle. His strong Rottweiler appetite has gotten him into some trouble with his owners, Deedee, a realtor, and Chris, a documentary photojournalist, especially when he ate Deedee’s engagement ring, but no serious danger. At a cost of $300, Dr. Miyo Murtagh at Friendship Animal Hospital in Washington, DC took an x-ray to confirm Luciano had eaten the ring. But it was Deedee’s job to get the ring back for her wedding by searching through many of Luciano’s “deposits.” (Photo Credit: © Nancy Glass Productions)

(Photo Credit: © Nancy Glass Productions)

And Milo's story...

Dogs' sense of smell is incredibly stronger than humans'. When Milo, a black Labrador retriever, gets a whiff of sweet ham while on a walk in Central Park, he runs off in search of the juicy treat. What looked like ham and rosemary was actually a piece of meat with pins in it. Milo is rushed to the vet and must undergo emergency surgery.  In the care of a great vet, Milo is able to make a full recovery. But a question still remains — why would pins be inserted into a piece of meat? It is later discovered that the meat was not ham, but a cow tongue with pins!  News crews and New York City detectives rush to Central Park to investigate and find that the act is a Santeria ritual, more specifically a voodoo curse! The case remains unsolved as to the reason for the ritual.

And Bogie...

Bogie was adopted from a rescue group last year. The two-year-old Saint Bernard started having seizures soon after. The vet diagnosed Bogie with epilepsy. The seizures were quickly under control. However, when Mike’s son, was giving Bogie his epilepsy medicine one day, Bogie ate the medicine and the spoon it was on.  Dr. Kathleen Johnson at Yorba Regional Animal Hospital in Anaheim, California performed surgery on Bogie at a cost of $2000.

(Photo Credit: © Nancy Glass Productions)

And Riley, Marley, Pablo, Branson and Bonnie...

Yellow Labrador Riley gulps down a skewered corncob. Marley, the entertaining Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, eats a few pairs of thong underwear. Pablo, the imposing Bull Mastiff, manages to swallow his entire five-foot leather leash. Branson the Bulldog takes down an amazing 27 pacifiers from his family's triplet boys. When love comes before money, Bonnie the Rottweiler undergoes surgery that cost thousands. And Joe the chocolate Lab eats a very high-priced meal of actual dollar bills. I bet you're wondering how Joe got his money back...well, you'll just have to watch and see! Woof!

(Photo Credit: © Nancy Glass Productions)

Lemonade for Shelter Aid

As part of Be Kind to Animals Week (May 2-8, 2010), American Humane is sponsoring Lemonade for Shelter Aid, a contest that encourages children to set up lemonade stands to raise money for their local animal shelters. The contest runs until May 10, 2010, and is open to children and teens (ages 6-14). One grand-prize winner/team will be randomly selected to receive three Nintendo DS Lite game systems. Learn more and enter!

Upcoming event to bark about!

Pasado’s Safe Haven’s 4th Annual Dog Bowl
May 2 • Bothell, Wash. at Kenmore Lanes (7638 NE Bothell Way). Join Pasado’s rescued senior dogs as they host one of the most barked about charity fundraiser events of the year. Ways to participate: Get a team together to bowl, ‘sit up and beg’ for sponsorships and pledges, or just come and have fun!  Fantastic raffle prizes including an Argosy cruise, treats for your dog for one year from Blue Dog Bakery and lots more. To register or find out more information, please visit pasadosafehaven.org.

For more doggone fun events, visit the CityDog Social Calendar by clicking here.

Follow up from ASPCA: New, Improved Crush Act Introduced--Let's Get It Passed!

From the ASPCA:

Dear Animal Advocates,

Earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court declared an important federal anti-cruelty law known as the “Crush Act” (18 U.S. Code Section 48) unconstitutional and therefore unenforceable. The Crush Act banned the creation, sale and possession of materials depicting genuine acts of animal cruelty where such acts are illegal. The Court made it clear that its major concern was the broadness of the law’s language, which could make the law applicable in many circumstances not intended by its authors.

While the ASPCA is disappointed with the Court’s decision, we are moving forward! Representative Elton Gallegly of California has acted quickly and introduced a bill to amend the law. H.R. 5092 will make the Crush Act’s language more specific and resolve the over-breadth concerns raised by the Supreme Court.

Passage of H.R. 5092 will help prevent a revitalization of the crush video industry. The original Crush Act was passed with little opposition—help us ensure that this revision passes, too.

What You Can Do
Please tell your U.S. representative that you support H.R. 5092, and that he or she should co-sponsor the bill and help move it quickly through the legislative process. Visit the ASPCA Advocacy Center online to email your representative now.

Thank you for helping us fight animal suffering and exploitation.

CityDog Living: Big dogs, tiny spaces

Mixing mutts with small-home living isn’t always easy. After all, cooped-up pooches can bark up a storm, alienating apartment neighbors. Out of boredom, they’ll turn your Italian leather loveseat into a chew toy. And a furry friend can really spread messes around your 450-square-foot condo.

So we’ve asked several experts to provide tips on sharing a modest domicile with your dog, without driving each other howling mad. Read more.

Photo by J. Nichole Smith, dane + dane studios

Cruelty to Animals Is NOT Free Speech

CityDog received the below press release this morning from the American Humane Association and I feel compelled to share it with you. How does the First Amendment and the right to free speech in turn give a person the right to abuse and exploit animals?

I don't get it.

American Humane Association: Cruelty to Animals Is NOT Free Speech or Entertainment

Congress must act to protect animals as Supreme Court reverses federal law against commercial trade in cruelty images

Denver, April 21, 2010 > The American Humane Association urges Congress to act immediately to protect animals from abuse, in light of Monday’s U.S. Supreme Court decision to invalidate federal law that prohibited videos, photographs and other depictions of acts of cruelty to animals for commercial gain. The law, the Depiction of Animal Cruelty Act, was intended to prevent the creation and sale of dogfighting, other animal fighting, and “crush” videos that show real and intentional harm to animals for “entertainment” purposes.

“Congress must take immediate action to pass legislation that protects animals from the type of horrific cruelty this law was meant to prevent,” said American Humane’s interim president and CEO, George C. Casey. “Deliberately killing animals for entertainment has nothing to do with freedom of speech. Americans are within their right to keep blatant animal torture and killing out of the marketplace, and the Supreme Court should have made that the priority over the supposed protections of those who take sick pleasure in this material.”

“We are extremely disappointed that the Court felt it necessary to throw out a law that so obviously was intended to stop criminals from using the First Amendment to defend their horrendous and illegal behavior,” Casey said. “Now we call on Congress to act quickly to remedy this unacceptable situation.”

American Humane’s deep concern about this ruling directly relates to the organization’s mission to protect both children and animals. The connection between violence to people and violence to animals is undeniable, and many studies indicate that animal maltreatment is part of a complex constellation of family violence. While not all children who harm animals go on to become violent adults, and not all adult animal abusers necessarily harm their partners or children, there is compelling evidence to view animal abuse as a signal for potentially more, and even more violent, antisocial behaviors.

American Humane urges Americans to learn about The Link between violence to people and violence to animals at www.americanhumane.org/link and to demand that Congress pass new legislation making it unlawful to produce, sell or own videos and other entertainment materials showing illegal acts of animal cruelty.

The case addressed by the Supreme Court’s ruling is the United States of America v. Robert J. Stevens. Stevens was convicted of selling videos of dogs fighting each other and attacking other animals. The section of the law in question states: “Whoever knowingly creates, sells, or possesses a depiction of animal cruelty with the intention of placing that depiction in interstate or foreign commerce for commercial gain, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than five years or both.”

Sounds reasonable to me, but apparently the Supreme Court doesn't agree.

Brandie Ahlgren, founder
CityDog Magazine