You can have your cake and eat it too!

In the spring issue of CityDog Magazine, we feature an article titled: "Here Comes the Dog: Couples say 'I do' to dogs in their weddings." Written by Seattle writer Cathy Herholdt, it's a fun article loaded with ideas and tips for including your four-legged friend in one of the most important days of your life – your wedding. In it, there's a photo taken by La Vie Photography (see above) featuring a wedding cake, a fire engine and two dogs, and it left us wondering, "Is it all cake?" Indeed it is! Leave it to Seattle's own Mike's Amazing Cakes to amaze us!

CityDog Reader Survey Results

A few months back, we conducted an online reader survey and the results were so interesting, we thought we'd share a few of them here:

• 56% of you live with one dog
  
  
• 27% of you live with two dogs
  
  
• 8% of you live with three dogs
  
  
• 5% of you live with four dogs
  
  
• 4% of you live with 5+ dogs (wow!)
  
  
• 46% of you live with other pets in addition to dogs. "Cat" was the obvious "other" pet, but many of you also responded with fish, turtles, geckos, rabbits and even goats! Goes to show...dog lovers are animal lovers!
  
  
• And a whopping 70% of you responded "yes" to the question, "Does your dog(s) sleep on the bed with you?"
  

When asked, "What do you like best about CityDog Magazine?" here's what a few of you had to say:

• "Everything! The professional look, the photographs, the product recommendations, the neighborhood highlights (love those!), and all of the little snippets of information I don't see anywhere else."
  
  
• "That it's local! It talks about where I live and places I could go with my dog(s)."
  
  
• "Local information and cool new products. Really speaks to a 'dog lifestyle' that we like since we want to include and patronize places where we can include our dog."
  
  
• "Variety. My dog is not a small breed, so I like that you have things geared toward larger breeds. Also, my dog is a pit bull so I like to see a magazine that not only does not discriminate, but also celebrates ALL breeds, including pits."
  
  
• "It's about MY AREA! It offers things to do and places to go with my best furriend!"
  
  
• "I love the local content. I am always interested in vacation spots around Seattle/Portland where I can bring my dog - especially those where there are great dog activities to do nearby."
  
  
• "The local articles and all the great tips and product listings. Everything. And that I can look back at an old issue and still get great info."
  
  
• "Everything. CityDog is my #1 choice of magazine."
  
  

Okay, so maybe that last one we included to brag a little, but CityDog is for you, the reader, and comments like that mean we are delivering on our promise to bring you a magazine that "celebrates life and living with dogs in the West."

If you would like to take the survey, simply click here. By taking the survey, you will automatically be entered into our exclusive drawing to win all sorts of cool road trip gear from our friends at Ruff Wear!

Woof!
Brandie Ahlgren, founder & editor
CityDog Magazine

CityDog Loves...

...these collars!

These very cool, hand-tooled, custom leather dog collars are created by Los Angeles-based Sun Rising Leather. Each collar is 1" wide and as wee as you need for the little ones, or up to to 21" in length for the big boys. You pick the design, color and font to match your dog's personality. $42.00 plus shipping. Click here for more information.

It's Here! The Much-Anticipated Spring Issue of CityDog Magazine!

The spring issue of CityDog Magazine has arrived and is in the mail to subscribers! It's also available at your nearest pet store and newsstand. For a list of where to buy a copy, click here or subscribe today!

Features in this issue include:

• Run Spot Run: Top 10 fun runs in the West with your dog


• CityDog's five favorite dog blogs to bark about


• Here Comes the Dog: Couples say "I do" to including dogs in weddings


• Doggone getaway to seaside Astoria, Oregon


• Dog's Eye View: Your dog will be treated like royalty in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood


• Road Trip to Breckenridge, Colorado


• Dog-friendly Deluxe Digs: Seattle's Sorrento Hotel and Portland's Hotel Lucia


• Follow up to the Michael Vick story: How some of the dogs rescued from the dog fighting ring are doing now at Best Friends Animal Society


• Your favorite CityDog columns: Ask Dog Lady, Red Dog Diaries and more!

We hope you enjoy the latest issue of CityDog Magazine, the magazine about life and living with dogs in the West!

Spring Barrel Tasting in the Yakima Valley: Stop by Sleeping Dog Wines!

If you're heading to the much-anticipated Yakima Valley Spring Barrel Tasting, April 25 - 27, be sure to stop by Sleeping Dog Wines. While not "officially" participating in the Yakima Valley Spring Barrel Tasting, their doors will be open to you and your four-legged friend that weekend if you want to swing by for a taste of their award-winning wines. Bring your canine companion for a walk in the vineyards, say "hi" to resident dog Aurora, then relax and enjoy their awesome view!

For more information, visit Sleeping Dog Wines.

For more information about the Yakima Valley Spring Barrel Tasting, click here.

CityDog Loves...

these buttons!The race is on for the White House and now your pooch can support his/her favorite politico—or democracy in general—by sporting one of these nifty buttons on their favorite campaign tee. Of course, you can wear one, too. Heck, at just $4 bones each, wear 'em all!

The creative minds at CityDog came up with a few slogans of our own... How about: Pugs 4 No More Dirty Politics, Collies 4 Campaign Finance Reform, Terriers 4 Tax Rebates, Bassets 4 a Balanced Budget? Okay, maybe not. For more information go to http://www.alfieandrex.etsy.com/.

These cool products and more are featured in the Spring issue of CityDog Magazine, arriving hot-off-the-press from the printer tomorrow, April Fool's Day (no joke)!

Woof!

CityDog on Facebook!

CityDog Magazine has joined the social networking revolution and is now on Facebook! If you're a member, be sure to visit our page and become a "Fan," add your own city dog's photos, connect with fellow dog lovers, post a comment, or simply keep up on the latest news and events. And, be sure to add yourself to the "CityDog Social Club" group we've created for upcoming CityDog-hosted parties, events and excursions. We have some pretty fantastic events in the works for this spring and summer (including CityDog's birthday bash and the MuttMazing Race), so stay tuned!

Event Not to be Missed: Seattle Humane Society's Tuxes & Tails

Ay, Matey! It's time to set sail for Tuxes & Tails, the Seattle Humane Society’s annual auction and celebrity and pet fashion show. Join your fellow buckaneers at one of Seattle's most "barked about" charity events of the year, featuring a Celebrity and Pet Fashion Show and a bounty of treasures in live and silent auctions.

Enjoy a memorable evening as 40 local personalities walk the plank (well, okay it's really a runway) with their own pet, or with one of the Humane Society's shelter guests available for adoption. Other delights will include a delicious four-course dinner, silent auction, and live auction featuring 50 amazing items including tickets to the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in New York, VIP seats for the Seahawks and Mariners, tickets to the Rachel Ray show, exclusive wine packages, and a 7-day African Photo Safari! For Mariners' fans, there will be a one-of-a-kind black and white, autographed portrait of Ichiro, painted by Northwest artist Michael Reagan.

Money raised will go toward saving more animals' lives and providing more spay/neuter surgeries. So, join the Seattle Humane Society for a jolly good night of entertainment and treasures delight!

When : Saturday, April 26, 2008

Where: Sheraton Seattle Hotel ~ Grand Ballroom
4:00 pm VIP Party begins

5:00 pm Silent Auctions begin

6:45 pm Dinner and Live Auction

Followed by: Celebrity and Pet Fashion Show

For more information and photos from last year, visit the Tuxes & Tails website here.

At the CityDog Magazine Puppy Love MuttMixer – which took place at the swanky W Hotel Seattle this last February in celebration of Valentine's Day – there was much fun to be had by all, two- and four-legged alike! See for yourself from this airing on Seattle's Q13 Fox News (there are two separate clips).

And stay tuned for CityDog's next MuttMixer coming soon!

Dogs Unleashed at First Thursday Art Walk in Seattle's Pioneer Square

"Dogs Unleashed," by artists (and identical twins) Raya and Heidel Bethel, is a fun and witty series that plays on today's culture and our fascination with dogs. Humorous yet sophisticated, these paintings capture our attention by placing dogs in human situations, incorporating the activities of popular culture and human emotion. The paintings' bold, graphic imagery and rich colors depict narratives of both life and the imagination.

If you love art and dogs, be sure to check out this exhibit:

Private Reception: Wednesday, April 2, 6-8 PM

First Thursday Reception: April 3, 6-8 PM

Meet the Artists: Saturday, April 19, 3:30-5 PM

Marni Muir Gallery, 112 S. Washington St., Seattle, Washington

Get Ready...Here it Comes!

The spring issue of CityDog Magazine will be hot-off-the-press and available April Fools Day... no joke! And, it's packed with places to go, things to do and adventures to be had with your dog throughout the West.

Features in this issue include:

• Run Spot Run: Top 10 fun runs in the West with your dog

  
  

• CityDog's five favorite dog blogs to bark about




• Here Comes the Dog: Couples say "I do" to including dogs in weddings




• Doggone getaway to seaside Astoria, Oregon




• Dog's Eye View: Your dog will be treated like royalty in Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood




• Road Trip to Breckenridge, Colorado




• Dog-friendly Deluxe Digs: Seattle's Sorrento Hotel and Portland's Hotel Lucia
  


• Follow up to the Michael Vick story: How some of the dogs rescued from the dog fighting ring are doing now at Best Friends Animal Society




• Your favorite CityDog columns: Ask Dog Lady, Red Dog Diaries and more!

If you're not already a subscriber, what are you waiting for? Click here to subscribe to the only magazine solely dedicated to life and living with dogs in the West – Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and everywhere in between!

If you ARE a subscriber...thank you...be sure to watch for your copy to arrive the first week of April!

Woof! CityDog Magazine

CityDog Loves...

...Dog Park Wisdom by Lisa Wogan.

Hot-off-the-press is the holy grail for wagging tails! Dog Park Wisdom: Real-World Advice on Choosing, Caring For, and Understanding Your Canine Companion (Skipstone, $18.95) is written by Seattle author and pet blogger Lisa Wogan and features photography by renowned Seattle dog photographer Bev Sparks.

Broken into manageable sections, Dog Park Wisdom explores bringing home a new pooch, getting the digs ready, introducing them to a routine, socializing at parks and trails, and traveling with furry baggage. From breaking bad habits to understanding canine emotions, Wogan covers everything from potty training tips to grooming, proper playtime and off-leash etiquette.

You might even recognize a dog or two from past CityDog covers photographed by Bev (shepherd-mix Zephyr from the winter '06 issue; the crazy Jack Russell terriers, Dodger, Sunny and Milo from fall '05; and beagles Peggy Sue and Maggie from fall '06).

This book and a few of our other favorites are featured in the spring issue of CityDog Magazine, available April Fools Day (no joke)! To subscribe, click here.

CityDog Loves...

...these collars!

Your sassie Lassie will be the bark of the dog park in a Daisy Daze collar from Dublin Dog. Pet products purveyor, Katie Rockwell of Seattle's Urban Beast, gave CityDog the 411 on these super cool collars. S, M, L; starting at $22. To purchase, pop-in to Urban Beast at 217 Yale Avenue N or visit dublindog.com.

And be sure to check out the spring issue of CityDog (coming soon!) for more cool collar collections to suit your dog's every mood. Also, stay tuned for more "CityDog Loves..." We're going to have some fun with this...!

Take a Bite out of Tax Day

Does tax day make your hackles stand on end? If the answer is yes and you live in the San Francisco area, drop off your tax returns at the Rincon Center Post Office, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on April 15th. Why? Dogs and cats from San Francisco's SPCA Adoption Outreach program will be visiting the Rincon Center Post Office on Tuesday, April 15th to help soothe last-minute taxpayers suffering from tax day blues. Harried tax filers racing to mail their returns can experience some welcome stress relief by patting a pooch or kissing a kitty. Best of all, these animal therapists will be available for adoption! Unwind from tax day, and any other day, with relaxation therapy, “animal style.”

For more upcoming events, be sure to subscribe to CityDog Magazine! The spring issue is due to arrive soon and it's loaded with fun events for you and your pooch!

A disturbing report in the Seattle Times and on this evening's news raises concerns about King County animal shelters. Aside from what's reported (link to the Seattle Times article here and King 5 News' coverage here), is the number of animals ending up in shelters. "Last year, 11,801 animals entered the county's two shelters in Bellevue and Kent," (as reported in the Seattle Times article). The burden placed on shelters is overwhelming and if you do the math:

"...the euthanasia rate — a prime concern of the County Council — fell to an all-time low of 18 percent in January and February." Even at the "all-time low," that means, 12,000 times .18 equals 2,160 animals euthanized each year in King County shelters.

I don't have the answers, but that is a serious problem and one we need to contemplate. The county council is encouraging the public to voice their concerns at a public town hall meeting on April 14 at the Highline Performing Arts Center in Burien. I'll be there and I hope you will too.

Brandie Ahlgren, editor
CityDog Magazine

Upcoming Event Not to be Missed: PAWS' Wildnight Gala

At this elegant and inspiring event, more than 450 compassionate community leaders will gather to celebrate PAWS and raise funds to fulfill the organization’s life-saving mission. Enjoy heart-warming tales of lives saved and lives transformed through PAWS’ work—work that is made possible with your support. Bid on fabulous live and silent auction items—including the 2009 PAWS calendar featuring photography by Bev Sparks—all to help animals in need.

Tickets are $150 per person, or $1250 for a table of 10. All proceeds benefit the animals at PAWS. Learn more and register.

When: Saturday, April 5, 2008, starting at 5:30 p.m.

Where: Sheraton Seattle Hotel, 1400 6th Avenue, Downtown

We hope to see you there!

More photos from the CityDog Art Show!

When you host an event featuring photographers, of course you're going to get some great snapshots! In addition to the below link to Cowbelly Photography's images from the CityDog Art Show, check out these ones snapped by J. Nichole Smith with Dane + Dane Photography.

MuttMazing Race Video

This is kind've fun... It's a short clip from Seattle's KING 5 News featuring the kick off to last year's CityDog MuttMazing Race.

Be sure to join us at this year's MuttMazing Race, Friday, August 8th at the South Lake Union Block Party! The planning is in progress and it's going to be even bigger and better, with more vendor booths, more doggie challenges and even a special, off-leash area. All of the race proceeds will once again go to the Seattle Animal Shelter's Help the Animals Fund.

Check out the pictures from last year's MuttMazing Race here.

And, for more information, visit us at the MuttMazing Race website. We'll post more details as they come in, so stay tuned!

If you are interested in being a sponsor, please contact Brandie Ahlgren or Lisa Smith at 206.762.0643.

Here's a nice summary of the art show on the Decopaw blog, featuring more of Jamie's images (and unlike me, she actually took the time to write captions): http://www.decopaw.com/dogblog.html

Wow! That's what I have to say about the CityDog Art Show on Thursday...Wow!

The gallery looked amazing and the turnout was incredible... approximately 350 people -- with their furry, four-legged art lovers in-tow -- braved rush hour traffic, the rain and parking to venture down to Pioneer Square for the first-ever CityDog art exhibit, showcasing the 80+ paintings and photographs by some of Seattle's finest dog photographers and artists.

Jamie Pflughoeft with Cowbelly Pet Photography was kind enough to snap some pictures of the big event, which you can view by clicking here.

And, a BIG thank you to each of the artists and photographers for participating...as well as to Dry Soda for providing the delicious, gourmet sodas (rhubarb is my fave, although the lavender is pretty tasty too)! And, thank you to the Pioneer Square Community Association for their help with the venue and working with us on what turned out to be a hugely successful event.

Thanks too to Evening Magazine, the Seattle Times, NW Source and 96.5 Jack FM for helping us get the word out!

And lastly, thank you to Seattle city councilwoman Jan Drago for stopping by the art show. Your support of the dog loving community is greatly appreciated.

Stay tuned for the next CityDog Art Show coming this summer! And, if you'd like to receive priority invitations to CityDog events, be sure to subscribe!

Woof!

Brandie Ahlgren, founder

CityDog Magazine

CityDog Art Walk in the Seattle Times

Click here to read more.

CityDog Art Walk on NWSource.com

Check it out here.

Things Are Gearing Up!

Things are gearing up for the first-ever CityDog Art Exhibit featuring Seattle's finest dog photographers and artists. The art is almost completely hung (it looks amazing) and even the crew from Evening Magazine stopped by to shoot a promo for tomorrow night's show, airing at 7 p.m. on channel 5. Be sure to tune in to see all of the highlights!

Another Sneak Peak

Renowned Seattle photographer, Bev Sparks, B Sparks Photography

That's right, Seattle's Pioneer Square is going to the dogs this Thursday, March 6th, 2008!

Each day leading up to the CityDog Art Exhibit, we are featuring the artists and photographers whose work will be on display, so you can get a sneak peak and because we think they're pretty fabulous! We hope you can join us with your four-legged friend (yes, it's dog friendly) between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. at the first-ever CityDog Art Exhibit at 109 S. Washington Street. For more details, click here.

Another Sneak Peak

"Lucky Dog" by Seattle artist Shai Steiner

The countdown is officially here...Only four days until the first-ever CityDog Art Exhibit! Here is another sneak peak at one of the eight artists and photographers on display at the upcoming art show. We hope you will join us at this groundbreaking event, showcasing some of Seattle's finest artists and photographers, this Thursday, March 6th, 2008, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. as part of the First Thursday Art Walk in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square.

For more details, click here.

Another Sneak Peak

Seattle photographer Jenifer Flynn, Four Legs Photography

Here is a sneak peak at another one of the eight artists and photographers featured at the upcoming CityDog Art Exhibit on Thursday, March 6th, 2008, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. as part of the First Thursday Art Walk in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square neighborhood.

We'll feature an artist or photographer every day on our blog up until the art show, so check back. And, we hope you will join us at this groundbreaking event, showcasing some of Seattle's finest artists and photographers. For more details, please see below.

West Seattle dog owners on the lookout for coyotes

"Residents in the city's West Seattle neighborhood are on the lookout for a possible pack of coyotes after area pets began disappearing..."

Read more at the KOMO News website by clicking here.

A Sneak Peak

"Touva," by artist Jennifer Sellers

Here is a sneak peak at one of the eight artists and photographers featured at the upcoming CityDog Art Exhibit, Thursday, March 6th, 2008, from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. as part of the First Thursday Art Walk in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square neighborhood.

We'll feature an artist or photographer every day on our blog up until the art show, so check back. And, we hope you will join us at this groundbreaking event, showcasing some of Seattle's finest artists and photographers. For details, please see below.

Countdown to the CityDog Art Exhibit Begins!

Seattle artist Jamie Pflughoeft, Decopaw Design

All of us are extremely excited for the first-ever CityDog Magazine Gallery Exhibit and Art Walk taking place a week from tomorrow, Thursday, March 6th, 2008. Here's a recap:

WHO
CityDog Magazine, you and your furry, four-legged art lover.

WHAT
Join CityDog Magazine and the Pioneer Square Community Association for the first-ever dog friendly art walk as part of the First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square.

Be sure to check out the CityDog-hosted, one-night-only art exhibit showcasing the fabulous works of some of Seattle's finest dog photographers and artists all under one roof!

Photographer extraordinaire Amy Soper of Dane & Dane Photography will be on hand to snap portraits of your own furry friend (available for purchase) and Pioneer Square's own Dry Soda will be there with refreshing samples of their gourmet sodas.

WHEN
March 6, 2008, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

WHERE
Seattle's Pioneer Square on the corner of S. Washington & Occidental
(at the old Fenix; enter through the atrium on Occidental Square)
Click here to view map

FEATURED PHOTOGRAPHERS & ARTISTS

• Bev Sparks, B Sparks Photography
• Emily Rieman, Best Friend Photography
• J. Nichole Smith, Dane & Dane Photography
• Jenifer Flynn, Four Legs Photography
• Jamie Pflughoeft, Decopaw Design
• Jennifer Sellers, Artist
• Shai Steiner, Animals In Primary
• Angela Ketelhut, Art by Angie

This dog friendly event is one-night-only, so don't miss this chance to mingle with fellow dog lovers and visit with the photographers and artists who specialize solely in the art of the four legged. Each will be on hand to discuss and share their wonderful works of fine art and photography with you. Then, look for the "CityDog Friendly" sign at other participating, dog friendly galleries as part of the First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square.

RSVP rsvp@citydogmagazine.com

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!

Seattle photographers Emily Rieman, Best Friend Photography (left) and J. Nichole Smith, Dane & Dane Photography (right)

More Great Photos from the CityDog Puppy Love MuttMixer!

Click here to view the full gallery! And, be sure to join us at our next event, the CityDog Art Walk as part of the First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square. See details below.

CityDog's Next Dog Friendly Event: Seattle's Pioneer Square is Going to the Dogs!

Join CityDog Magazine and the Pioneer Square Community Association for the first-ever dog friendly art walk as part of the First Thursday Art Walk in Pioneer Square.

Be sure to check out the CityDog-hosted, one-night-only art exhibit showcasing the fabulous works of some of Seattle's finest dog photographers and artists all in one location!

When: March 6, 2008, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Where: Seattle's Pioneer Square, 109 S. Washington Street (at the old Fenix in Occidental Square)

Featured photographers include:

• Bev Sparks, B Sparks Photography
• Emily Rieman, Best Friend Photography
• J. Nichole Smith, Dane & Dane Photography
• Jenifer Flynn, Four Legs Photography

Featured artists include:

• Jamie Pflughoeft, Decopaw Design
• Jennifer Sellers, Artist
• Shai Steiner, Animals In Primary
• Angela Ketelhut, Art by Angie
• Marilyn Carr, I Paint Dogs

This dog friendly event is one-night-only, so don't miss this chance to mingle with fellow dog lovers and visit with the photographers and artists who will be on hand to discuss and share their wonderful works of fine art and photography with you.

More Puppy Love!

Here are a few more snapshots from Wednesday's Puppy Love MuttMixer at the W Hotel Seattle from party guest Gail Howard.

The W Hotel Seattle puts on the ritz even for the four-legged.

Flirting, doggie style.

It's a festival of pugs!

Puppy Love Was in the Air at the CityDog Valentine's Eve MuttMixer!

Here is a sneak peak at lastnight's CityDog Puppy Love MuttMixer at the W Hotel Seattle. Dog lovers turned out in droves to mix, mingle and share their love of dogs. We'll post a full gallery of photos from the party on our website soon, so stay tuned!

Photos by Amy Soper, Dane & Dane Photography

Oregon Humane Society Receives Best Valentine Ever: One Ton of Food!

The Oregon Humane Society is expecting to receive a huge donation from the third and fourth graders of Duniway Elementary School tomorrow...Valentine's Day.

This is the fifth year in a row that Duniway students have brought gifts of food and toys to OHS on Valentine’s Day. Last year the gifts weighed over 2,000 lbs. Wow!

“We are so honored that Duniway Elementary School chooses OHS every year for this food and toy drive,” said Carol Shiveley OHS Education Manager. “It is touching to see how much effort they put into helping the animals and how much pride they have with the results.”

Kids helping animals...It doesn't get much sweeter than that!

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

CityDog Magazine

One Week 'Til the CityDog MuttMixer!

Mark your calendar and RSVP today for CityDog's Puppy Love MuttMixer this Valentine's Eve!

WHO
CityDog Magazine, you and the furry, four-legged love of your life.

WHAT
Join CityDog Magazine and fellow dog lovers to mix and mingle, sip cocktails and swap doggy tails. Are you single? Even better! Puppy love will be in the air, so whoknows...you might just meet that special two-legged someone to add to your pack.

Photographer extraordinaire J. Nichole Smith of Dane & Dane Photography will be on hand to snap portraits of your furry friend (available for purchase).

WHEN
Wednesday, February 13, 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

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

WHY
Why for the love of dog, of course!

RSVP
rsvp@citydogmagazine.com

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!

Pasado's Safe Haven Offers $5,000 Reward in Dog Poisonings

Susan Michaels, co-founder of Pasado's Safe Haven, was kind enough to give CityDog an update on the potential dog poisonings in West Seattle. She indicated that reports of poisonings started as early as January 13th and that after thorough research, Pasado's has decided to offer a $5,000 reward.

Two reports are most concerning. First, a dog became ill after walking with its owner in Fauntleroy Park. Pasado's is waiting for the vet's report on the dog's stomach contents to determine whether the cause was poison or not.

Then Mo happened. Mo was rescued by Pasado's in New Orleans after he’d gone 14 days without food or water. Fortunately, after being nursed back to health, he was adopted by a Pasado's Katrina volunteer. Now it looks like Mo may be a victim of poison. Mo's owner suspects he may have ingested the poison at the Westcrest off-leash park, but it is not clear how. To read more of Mo's story, click here.

Michals says Pasado's rewards have worked time and time again and that they've received two tips thus far for the West Seattle incidents. Both tips have been turned over to authorities and "One is pretty good," according to Michaels, so "Keep your paws crossed."

If you have a tip or for more information about Pasado's Safe Haven, visit http://www.pasadosafehaven.org/.

Important Alert! Possible Dog Poisonings in West Seattle

Yesterday, it seems an ad was posted on Craiglist regarding possible dog poisonings at West Seattle's Fauntleroy Park. Following that, there was another report of a dog poisoning at the Westcrest off-leash area. It's still early in the investigation and it's not clear if it was intentional or just some imbecile targeting coyotes, but Pasado's Safe Haven is looking into it, along with the city's Parks department. I've included some links below and will post updates as they appear.

Report on KOMO 4 News lastnight
West Seattle Blog's original post
West Seattle Blog's follow up
Original post on Craigslist

CityDog's Valentine's MuttMixer featured on NW Source!

Here's a great post on NW Source from Seattle writer Lisa Wogan: "Where do single Seattle dog lovers mix and mingle?" that includes CityDog's upcoming Puppy Love MuttMixer, February 13th at the W Hotel Seattle.

Click here to read the full article.

American Humane Ensures Animal Safety During Super Bowl of Advertising

Sunday might have been a tough day for Patriots, but it was a great day for dogs. Not to mention alpacas, horses, carrier pigeons and oxen.

During the big game Sunday, Americans were treated to more than a dozen commercials featuring animals ranging from household pets like dogs, to lemurs. And while these ads placed many an animal in outrageous and comical situations, most advertisers made sure safety representatives from the American Humane’s Film & TV Unit were on hand to ensure that no animals were ever in danger.

The number of spots monitored by American Humane represented what is believed to be the most ever for Super Bowl-bound commercials. In every ad American Humane monitored, the advertiser succeeded in earning the “No Animals Were Harmed” credit.

Thank you American Humane and congratulations to the New York Giants (even though I lost $5 for your win)!

Brandie Ahlgren, editor
CityDog Magazine

W Hotel Seattle Invites City Dogs!

View the invitation to CityDog Magazine's Puppy Love MuttMixer from the W Hotel Seattle here! Also, for more details, see below.

CityDog Puppy Love MuttMixer!

WHO
CityDog Magazine, you and the furry, four-legged love of your life.

WHAT
Join CityDog Magazine and fellow dog lovers to mix and mingle, sip cocktails and swap doggy tails. Are you single? Even better! Puppy love will be in the air, so whoknows...you might just meet that special two-legged someone to add to your pack.

Photographer extraordinaire J. Nichole Smith of Dane & Dane Photography will be on hand to snap portraits of your furry friend (available for purchase).

WHEN
Wednesday, February 13, 06:00 PM - 08:00 PM

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

WHY
Why for the love of dog, of course!

RSVP
rsvp@citydogmagazine.com

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!

CityDog iMix: Beach Tunes

The right tunes can make a day at the beach with your hound, so we’ve picked a few "dog" songs (we mean that in a good way) to roll to when you and your four-legged friend hit the road, whether it's a day at the beach or a long weekend getaway. So, crank up the iPod and let the metaphors start flying...You might be wondering why we're featuring beach tunes in the middle of winter. Well...in the latest issue of CityDog Magazine (see below), we feature sunny Santa Barbara as our doggone weekend getaway!

Winter Issue of CityDog is Available Now!

Hot-off-the-press and available now, the winter issue of CityDog Magazine is packed with what to do and where to go with your four-legged friend throughout the West -- Seattle, Portland, San Francisco -- and everywhere in between!

This issue features:

• Top 10 dog friendly ski resorts of the West featuring Washington, Oregon, British Columbia and northern California
• Top 10 dog friendly coffee houses with FREE WiFi in Seattle and Portland
• Big Dogs, Small Spaces: Tips for living with plus-size pooches in tiny abodes
• 2007 CityDog cover dog model contestants (all 200+ of them!)
• Doggone getaway to sunny Santa Barbara, California
• Dog's Eye View: Frolic in Bellingham's Fairhaven neighborhood
• When Baby Makes Four: Tips for introducing a new baby to your pack
• Five fun ways to help animals in 2008 (drink wine, do yoga, throw a party...all for a good cause!)
• CityDog Columns: Ask Dog Lady, Red Dog Diaries and Wag
• And, much much more!

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Win an REI Adventure Dog travel kit!

One lucky dog will win a travel kit from REI's new Adventure Dog line simply by answering a few questions in our first-ever CityDog Reader Survey. Click here to get started!

Third Episode of "Dogtown" Airs Tomorrow Night

Tune in to the National Geographic Channel this Friday, January 18 at 9 pm ET/PT to catch the latest episode of "Dogtown."

The episode, called “The Outsiders,” is described by National Geographic like this:

"A one-year-old bulldog named Wiggles arrives at Dogtown from a California shelter with unusual symptoms. He falls frequently and can’t control his bowels. Dr. Mike Dix must determine if Wiggles’ condition is life-threatening or if he’s stable enough to live in a home. Trainer Pat Whitacre faces a different kind of challenge: to transform spaniel mix Jolene from a painfully shy, fearful dog into a happy, friendly one. Step by step, Pat attempts to socialize Jolene so she has a chance at adoption. Zoey, a Rottweiler/hound mix, suffers from crippling allergies to the environment and to humans. No allergy medication has worked. Dr. Dix works on a new plan of attack.”

“The Outsiders” is the last of three episodes scheduled to air, but if the series proves successful, additional episodes will be produced and broadcast. So please, watch this terrific program and encourage your friends and family to do the same!

And, if you've seen the last two episodes, catch up on all of the dogs saved, treated, and cared for by Best Friends Animal Society here.

To learn more about Best Friends Animal Society, visit http://www.bestfriends.org/.

Seahawks Had Two Big Wins on Saturday!

The Seahawks earned more than one win this past weekend when fans donated 1,500 pounds of pet food to the Seattle Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank.

“We are so proud of our Seahawks and grateful to the Seahawks fans for their generosity,” says Brenda Barnette, CEO of the Seattle Humane Society. “With your help, we received 1,500 pounds - that’s almost ONE TON of food! Caring Seahawks fans also donated more than $1,100 which will be used to purchase even more food for our Pet Food Bank.”

The Seattle Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank feeds more than 1,000 pets of low-income community members, senior citizens, and people with HIV/AIDS. Supplies were down 40% before Saturday’s game, so game-goers were asked to bring any dog and cat food to the MaxMobile, a 33’ bright yellow mobile adoption and education center, which was located at the northwest entrance of Qwest Field.

For those who were not able to attend Saturday’s game, donations are accepted year-round at the Seattle Humane Society shelter, located in Bellevue at 13212 SE Eastgate Way.

For more information on the Seattle Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank, call (425) 649-7567 or visit www.seattlehumane.org.

A Look Back: CityDog Launch Party

I was going through some old files and came upon the photos from the CityDog launch party back in June 2005. While CityDog has come a long way since then, it was fun to take a walk down memory lane.

Held at Seattle's Downtown Dog Lounge, the theme of the party was "Rock Star," with our dogs being the rock stars and we mere humans, their groupies.

Britney Spears, Tina Turner, Elvis, Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many other rock stars, graced us with their presence at the "pawty!"

Click here to view the gallery.

Photos by Steve Schimmelman

Woof!
Brandie Ahlgren, founder
CityDog Magazine

P.S. Subscribe to CityDog Magazine and receive priority invitations to CityDog parties, events and excursions!

Seattle Seahawks Team Up With Seattle Humane Society

This coming Saturday morning, January 5, at the Seattle Seahawks' much-anticipated playoff game, the Seattle Humane Society will be collecting much-needed pet food.

With the needs so great in Washington’s flooded areas, local food banks, including the Seattle Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank, are suffering. Right now, the Pet Food Bank, which feeds more than 1,000 pets of low-income community members, senior citizens and people with HIV, is down 40 percent from this time last year and the need is critical.

Game-goers are asked to bring any kind of dog and cat food. There are no restrictions, but the greatest need is for dry cat food. To find the collection barrels, look for the Seattle Humane Society’s new MaxMobile, a bright yellow mobile adoption center parked along Occidental Avenue at the northwest corner of Qwest Field starting at 10:30 a.m. The MaxMobile will also be traveling to the game with animals in need of loving homes of their own.

“What better way to start off 2008 than to bring a pet food donation to ‘Max’ and his friends on your way to this Saturday’s Seahawks game,” says Brenda Barnette, CEO of the Seattle Humane Society. “Your donations will help people in need keep their pets well fed and healthy this year.”

For those not going to the game, donations are accepted year-round at the Seattle Humane Society shelter, located in Bellevue at 13212 SE Eastgate Way.

For more information on the Seattle Humane Society’s Pet Food Bank, call (425) 649-7567 or visit www.seattlehumane.org.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on National Geographic Channel

If there is any reason to get cable, this is it. Beginning January 4, the National Geographic Channel will air the first episode of a weekly TV series based on Kanab, Utah's Best Friends Animal Sanctuary.

Titled “Dogtown,” the show “takes viewers on a journey inside the sanctuary's bustling grounds to meet the dogs and the skilled professional team dedicated to ensuring that even the toughest cases survive. This expert team of caregivers has a single mission – to transform hopeless dogs into loving pets.”

CityDog received the first two episodes on DVD a couple weeks ago. A big fan of Best Friends, I took it home, popped it into the DVD player and an emotional (and Kleenex-filled) two hours later, I am even more in awe of the trainers, handlers and medical personnel at Best Friends. Viewers will truly get to know the dedicated Dogtown staff and witness the miracles they perform every day.

National Geographic has produced three episodes, which are listed below with a synopsis of each and their scheduled airtime. If the series proves successful, the production crew will return to Best Friends to begin work on subsequent episodes. So, encourage your friends, family members and co-workers to watch the show!

DOGTOWN: Crisis Dogs, airs Friday, January 4, at 9 pm ET/PT
A puppy mill – a facility that mass-breeds dogs – is raided by Nebraska state authorities. Over 170 dogs are found in terrible condition. Dogtown arranges an emergency flight for trainer Sherry Woodard to bring back some of the most traumatized dogs. Among them is a terrier mix she names Animal, who’s been driven to the brink of madness. Meanwhile, Dogtown’s head veterinarian, Dr. Mike Dix, faces a baffling medical mystery: a gentle male dog named Porto suffering from an undiagnosed illness. If Porto’s ever going to find a home, his condition has to be diagnosed and treated. Two sibling hounds – Remington and Ruger – have been rescued from a polygamist sect in which unwanted dogs are often shot. They’re safe in Dogtown, but to have any hope of adoption, they have to be split up. Trainer John Garcia has the difficult job of separating two dogs who have never lived apart.

DOGTOWN: Second Chances, airs Friday, January 11, at 9 pm ET/PT
An older chow named Bruno heads to Dogtown for much-needed medical attention. His extensive ailments include a sunken eye and balance problems – symptoms indicative of a possible brain tumor. Dr. Dix and his staff do all they can for him, but will it be too late for Bruno? The staff faces a decision every family dreads: When is it time to let a beloved animal go? Meanwhile, Dogtown heads out on a rescue mission to a local Indian reservation. As the mid-day sun beats down on them, Dogtown manager Michelle Besmehn and other staff members search a garbage dump, hoping to save any abandoned dogs. The team finds two scared puppies on the brink of dehydration hiding among the trash. Back at the sanctuary, Sherry Woodard fosters one-year-old Annie, a behaviorally challenged dog with a serious history of biting an infant. Annie’s next challenge will bring her face-to-face with one of her biggest fears – a two-year-old child.

DOGTOWN: The Outsiders, airs Friday, January 18, at 9 pm ET/PT
A one-year-old bulldog named Wiggles arrives at Dogtown with unusual symptoms: he falls frequently and can’t control his bowels. Dr. Dix must determine if Wiggles’ condition is life-threatening, or if he’s stable enough to live in a home. Trainer Pat Whitacre faces a different kind of challenge: transforming spaniel-mix Jolene from a painfully shy, fearful dog into a happy, friendly one. Step by step, Pat attempts to socialize Jolene so she has a chance at adoption. Zoey, a Rotweiler/hound mix, suffers from crippling allergies to the environment and to humans. No allergy medication has worked. Dr. Dix works on a new plan of attack. As a caregiver at Dogtown, Thomas Foyles feels a connection with the most aggressive dogs, like Bones, a Vizsla street dog who was rescued and brought to Dogtown 11 years ago. When he arrived, Bones was known for attacking other dogs, but in the last few years he has mellowed. Now, Thomas believes Bones could live in a home for his last few years. So Bones will undergo an official assessment to see if his violent tendencies are truly gone.

Click here to watch a three-minute sample of Dogtown then tune in to the National Geographic Channel starting January 4th to watch entire episodes.

Hundreds of Pets find a Home for the Holidays

Here is some good news to start the new year. The fifth annual Oregon Humane Society Home for the Holidays adoption campaign was a major success. More than 850 pets were adopted and more than 10,000 people visited the shelter during the month of December.

The goal of the adoption campaign was to find a permanent home by Dec. 31st for each of the 274 animals who were living in the shelter as of Dec. 1st. Of that group, 209 found homes. OHS is glad to report it also found homes in December for another 657 animals who arrived in the shelter after Dec. 1st, making it one of the best Decembers in the shelter’s history.

"This campaign drew attention to many or our long-term guests that for some reason had been overlooked," said Sharon Harmon, Executive Director of OHS. "I want to thank the public for opening their hearts to these animals, as many of these pets had been here since the summer.”

The remaining 65 Home for the Holidays animals will stay available for adoption as long as needed because OHS does not impose any time limits on adoptions and never euthanizes animals for space.

Notable animals that found permanent homes during the campaign include:

-- Ms. Patches, a black and white green-eyed beauty of a cat who has been looking for a home since June 28 and who was the shelter’s longest feline resident.

-- Spunky and Pepper, a pair of bonded dogs who had been at the shelter since August. This was not their first trip to OHS; they returned here after their previous owner (who adopted them from OHS) passed away.

“My thanks go out to everyone who opened up their hearts and homes to new pets. What better way to bring in the New Year than with a new furry friend,” said Harmon.