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.