This week's adopt-a-shelter dogs: Troy & Lucy

My name is Troy! I am a five-year-old Chow mix. I am friendly, tolerant and playful with the kids. I am typically quiet while hanging out indoors, but can be a bit more talkative while outdoors. I know how to sit, stay, come and lie down. I absolutely adore my Kong toy and would love to have someone willing to fill it up with peanut butter or dog food for me regularly. I've lived with other dogs and cats, but sometimes I can't resist chasing the cats. Come visit me at NOAH today!

My name is Lucy and I am hoping to find my forever home with you. I am a gentle and loving 12-year-old beagle, and just want someone to call my own. I am mostly blind, so you will want to be prepared for helping me to adjust slowly to my new life and home. It’s a bit scary for me at times but it really helps to be around people, and to have a routine and know where everything is located. And when I get used to my environment my personality really shines! Come see for yourself at NOAH today!

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This week's adopt-a-shelter dogs: Ruffles & Bugsy

Hi there, my name is Ruffles and I’m a three-year-old Sharpei mix. I’m a happy-go-lucky guy with lots of love to give. I had a skin problem that caused me to lose my hair, but I’m better now! I was in foster care while my fur grew back, and while I was there my foster family said I showed LOTS of personality. I love to play and am getting really good at dropping my toys. I have a great start on my basic commands and would like to continue my learning with my new people. I would love to do an obedience class with you. My foster family also had cats and dogs and I did really well with both. I am a very respectful boy. I love to run and play but also enjoy quality time with my people. I will make someone a great companion....could that be you?!? If so, come visit me at N.O.A.H. today!

I’m Bugsy and I’m about a year old. I’m a Chihuahua mix who came from an over-crowded shelter in California. Luckily for me N.O.A.H. was able to help bring me to Washington where little dogs like me are in high demand. Not a lot is known about my past as I was picked up as a stray in California. I’ll likely need training, but I’m a very sweet boy who loves to be around people. Come and visit me at N.O.A.H. today!

Noah's Wish Disaster Response Training

In the current issue of CityDog Magazine, we include a piece on what to do when disaster strikes. Now you can take it one step further by becoming part of a skilled and professional animal disaster response team by attending a two-day training program that simulates what disaster response is all about, hosted by Noah's Wish. You will learn about search and rescue techniques, safety in a disaster environment, animal intake processes, disaster information on earthquakes and hurricanes, and much more!

When: May 15-16, 2010
Where: 50810 SE Grouse Ridge Rd., North Bend Wash.
Cost for new volunteers: $125; returning volunteers, students and seniors: $85

For more information, visit www.noahswish.info.

Portland Chihuahua honored as Red Cross Dog Hero

The barking of a small dog is more likely to result in annoyance than appreciation. But in the case of Jack the Chihuahua (Oregon City), there's no doubt his neighbors are thankful for his 3 a.m. wake-up call.

When Jack spotted flames in an apartment building last August, his continued barking worked up owner Chris Santiago, who in turn roused the building's residents and tried to fight the fire with a garden hose. Fortunately, all residents were able to safely evacuate before firefighters arrived. Thanks to Chris' quick thinking – and Jack's persistent volume – no one was injured or required medical treatment.

On Tuesday, March 9, Jack will be honored by the American Red Cross at the Fred Meyer Breakfast of Champions. The ceremony will take place at the Oregon Convention Center, 777 NE Martin Luther King Blvd., and all funds raised go to support disaster relief, CPR/first aid training and other services throughout the Oregon Trail Chapter's 16-county service area. For more information, visit www.oregonredcross.org/champions.

"Paws for Poetry" contest inspires kids to celebrate national poetry month by writing odes to their favorite four-legged friends

April is National Poetry Month. The 3rd Annual "Paws for Poetry" Contest Challenges Kids to Write Sonnets to Spaniels, Prose for Persian Cats 

April marks the 14th anniversary of National Poetry Month. To help celebrate, budding Emily Dickinsons and Edgar Allan Poes are encouraged to participate in the 3rd annual "Paws for Poetry" Contest (PawsforPoetry.org). To enter, children ages 5-12 are to write a poem to, and provide a photo of, their favorite animal friend. The contest is co-sponsored by kids' virtual field trip Web site Meet Me at the Corner (MeetMeAtTheCorner.org) and Flashlight Press (FlashlightPress.com).
 
Original poems of any length may be submitted in one of two categories: Group One (ages 5-9) and Group Two (ages 10-12). One grand prize winner in each category will receive a $50.00 Amazon.com gift card. Two runners-up in each category will receive a $25.00 Amazon.com gift card. Children's author, poet, and Iraqi war veteran Thad Krasnesky, writer of the upcoming "That Cat Can't Stay" (Flashlight Press, 2010) is the contest judge. Krasnesky will also be providing winners with signed copies of his new book.
 
In addition to the prize packages, winning poems and pet photos will be highlighted in an upcoming Meet Me at the Corner video pod cast. The pod cast will be videotaped at New York's Angellicle Cat Rescue Center. Local students will present the winning poems.
 
All submissions should be mailed to "Paws for Poetry" Contest, c/o Meet Me at the Corner, 20 West Del Norte, Colorado Springs, CO, 80907. The contest deadline is April 15, 2010.
 
For more information, rules and submission guidelines, visit PawsforPoetry.org.

CityDog's Winter 2010 issue in its entirety! Enjoy!

This week's adopt-a-shelter dogs: Bones and Ariel

My name is Bones and I’m a one-year-old boxer. They call me Bones because when I first ended up in the shelter I was nothing but skin and bones. N.O.A.H. has recently determined that I have a heart murmur, and unfortunately with their limited veterinary diagnostic equipment and limited funding they are unable to learn more. They are hoping that someone who has a kind heart and a generous pocketbook can help me through further veterinary care and diagnostic work. I was in a home with another dog and cat and did just fine. I also lived with young children, and though I do get quite excited, I do pretty well. Please come meet me at N.O.A.H., my kind heart and fun ways are certain to win you over!

Ariel is a very sweet and loving nine-year-old miniature pincher. She loves to be a lap dog, and just wants to be around the family. She was a owner surrender due to the owner's health. She has lived with other dogs, and has a great loving personality. Ariel does have a cataract in her left eye, but that doesn't slow her down any! Come meet this sweet girl and let her cuddle up to you right away. Stop by N.O.A.H. today, Ariel would really love to meet you!

Reward Your Shelter's Good Work with a Vote in The Animal Rescue Site's $100,000 Shelter+ Challenge

Animal shelters change lives every day. That's why we're so excited to share this chance to help recognize the good work of our -- and your -- favorite rescue organizations.

The Animal Rescue site has teamed up with Petfinder.com to award a total of $100,000 to eligible animal rescues in the $100,000 Shelter+ Challenge. The grand prize is a grant for $10,000, and there are honorable mention grants of $3,000, a $1,000 grant for all 50 states and Washington, DC, plus Canadian, International, and weekly winners.

All you have to do is visit The Animal Rescue Site and vote for your favorite rescue. You can cast one vote per day now through midnight (PST) on April 18th, 2010. We love a good challenge, and a good rescue!