CityDog at PCC!

CityDog Magazine is pleased to announce we are now available at PCC Natural Markets! For store locations in the greater Seattle area, please click here.

Woof!
CityDog Magazine

One Week Until Muttmazing Race!

The countdown is here to the second annual Muttmazing Race, hosted by CityDog Magazine!

The Muttmazing Race kicks off at the rockin' South Lake Union Block Party, Friday, August 8 from noon to 7 p.m.

Compete with your furry, four-legged teammate in a variety of fun challenges for a chance to win great prizes and raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter's Help the Animals Fund.

All dogs are welcome... little dogs, big dogs, three-legged dogs, funny looking dogs (you get the idea). Challenges might include: licking peanut butter off a spoon; finding a hidden treat in a bin of squeaky toys; bobbing for tennis balls; learning a new trick; or maneuvering a short maze. Challenges are designed to be fun first, challenging second.

Only the challenges are timed, so in between quench your thirst in the beer garden with your best bud, check out vendor booths, sample foods from South Lake Union neighborhood restaurants, hang out in the special dog area, and listen to live music -- all as part of the South Lake Union Block Party. The festivities end with the top finalists from NWsource.com's Best Pet Pics strutting their stuff down the catwalk plus an outdoor movie screening of Juno. And it's all dog friendly!

To pre-register for the Muttmazing Race, please click here.

Our Muttmazing Race Sponsors: Downtown Dog Lounge, Pooper Trooper, Spawz Dog, Dog Is Good, Scraps Dog Bakery, Healing Place for Animals, Urban Beast, All the Best, Wellness, Fetch!, Blue Buffalo and Natura Pet Products.

Vote for Your CityDog TopDogs!

Once a year, CityDog Magazine features your TopDog picks of the West. Yes, this is our annual "Best Of...," and it's totally about dogs. We pick the categories, you pick your 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 8, 2008. 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 hot-off-the-press and on newsstands the first week of September.

Feel free to forward the ballot to all of your dog loving friends and colleagues, so they can vote too! Thank you for voting.

I'm pleased to announce I'm the new Pet Dish blogger at NWsource.com. For avid readers of Pet Dish, I'm sure you miss former NWsource pets columnist Lisa Wogan (I know I do), but I hope you enjoy my contribution. In these few short weeks since taking over the blog, it's been a lot of fun writing about the people, places and things that make life and living with dogs (and cats) in Seattle so great! Feel free to email me any story ideas you might have, particularly any upcoming events in the greater Seattle area.

Woof!

Brandie Ahlgren, founder & editor

CityDog Magazine

brandie@citydogmagazine.com

Here are some prelim shots from yesterday's CityDog cover dog model search at Kirkland Uncorked. Stay tuned for more to come! (Photos by J. Nichole Smith, dane + dane studios).

The CityDog booth before the chaos started!

This dog decided to let us know exactly what he thought about the cover dog model search!

All of the contestants lined up and ready for the catwalk (yes, the line wraps down and around the lake, with close to 150 dogs)!

The judges (back to front): Emily Rieman (photographer and owner of Best Friend Photography), Brandie Ahlgren (founder and editor of Seattle's own CityDog Magazine) and Paula Heddle (owner of Barkz pet store in Kirkland).

What a cutie pie!

Lots of dogs cooled off in the lake while waiting their turn to walk the catwalk.

Love the English bulldog! We had a few turn out for the model search including a tiny, little puppy!

This little guy was awesome! Mom's a groomer and a dog walker.

This pooch was gorgeous...and HUGE!

Awesome Doggles, dude!

Thank you!

Thank you to everyone who turned out with their gorgeous pups for the third annual CityDog cover dog model search at Kirkland Uncorked! We had three times the number of dogs than expected and raised close to $1,500 for Pasado's Safe Haven. You rock Kirkland dog lovers!

We'll have photos posted soon and if you didn't make it to Kirkland Uncorked, we have three more cover dog model searches coming up:

• September 6th at PAWSwalk (to benefit PAWS)
  
  
• September 21st Fremont Oktoberfest (to benefit Reading With Rover)
  
  
• October 4th at FidoFest (to benefit the Seattle Humane Society)

In the meantime, join us on 08.08.08 at the CityDog Muttmazing Race to raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter!

Woof!
Brandie Ahlgren, founder
CityDog Magazine

CityDog Event Reminder!

The third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search kicks off this Sunday, July 20th at Kirkland Uncorked!

Big dogs, little dogs, three-legged dogs, Heinz 57 dogs...ALL dogs are welcome to find their inner super model and try out to be on the cover of CityDog Magazine.

All in the name of fun and to raise money for animals, the winning pooch will be privy to a professional photo shoot with J. Nichole Smith of Dane + Dane Studios and featured on the cover of Seattle's own CityDog Magazine.

$10.00 per dog with all of the proceeds going to Pasado's Safe Haven.

When & Where: 1 P.M. Sunday, July 20th at Kirkland Uncorked (check-in at the CityDog booth between 11 A.M. and 12:30 P.M.).

To enter your dog in the third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Contest, click here.

Who would've thought CityDog would be mentioned in a travel magazine? Certainly, not me. But, check out Budget Travel's blog and a mention about this weekend's Kirkland Uncorked and the CityDog Cover Model Search!

CityDog (er, me) was also quoted in an article for USA Weekend about letting your dogs sleep on the bed (yes, I'm guilty).

Photos from CityDog's 21st Birthday Pawty!

Dogs turned out in droves -- some wearing nothing but their birthday suits -- to celebrate CityDog's 21st birthday pawty (our third anniversary in dog years, that is) at the swanky W Hotel Seattle! Check out the full gallery here.

Photos by Amy Soper, dane + dane studios.

Greatest American Dog Not So Great?

Did you watch Greatest American Dog last Thursday on CBS? I did. While I mostly enjoyed it--particulary the first half when you get to know the dogs and their people (there are some laugh-out-loud moments)--in the second half, it gets a little weird. I mean dog lovers get a bad rap as it is (although, not as bad as cat lovers), so dressing up in costumes (people and dogs alike), doesn't really bode well for our reputation. Anyway, if you missed it, you can read my full review on Amazon.com here.

Thank you to everyone who attended CityDog's 21st birthday party (in dog years) lastnight at the W Hotel Seattle! It was a pleasure seeing all of the familiar faces, along with some new ones! Over 100 humans and 80 canines turned out for the festivities—from tiny Chihuahuas to giant mastiffs—all shapes and sizes were represented!

Check out the candid shots from the pawty here.

Proud pet owners have sent in their best shots to Seattle's own NWSource.com, and now it's time for you to choose the winners. Vote for your favorite pet photos in a variety of categories including Best Dog Pic (winning shot will appear in CityDog!), Best Display of Affection and Most Mischevious. You will automatically be entered into NWSource.com's weekly drawing for $150 to Scraps Dog Bakery. All winning photos also receive $150 to Scraps. Weekly winners will be randomly selected between July 7-28.

Then, grab your pet and watch top finalists strut their stuff down the catwalk at the star-studded awards ceremony. This free event will take place at the South Lake Union Block Party August 8. Before the show, enjoy fun challenges at CityDog's Muttmazing Race.

Muttmazing Race: Registration anytime between noon to 6 p.m., with the race wrapping up at 7 p.m. Winners will be announced on the main stage around 8:30 p.m.

Best Pet Pics Runway Show: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008, lawn outside the South Lake Union Discovery Center, Seattle.

Click here to vote now!

Wag Reflex: Amazon.com's new pet blog

Amazon.com has launched a new pet blog called Wag Reflex, which features regular posts from yours truly. Read my first blog: a review of Seattle author Garth Stein's new book The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Woof!
Brandie Ahlgren, founder & editor
CityDog Magazine

Is that the summer issue of CityDog?!

Imagine our surprise when we saw this latest painting by artist Connie Townsend! Titled "Barkalounger," it features the summer issue of CityDog Magazine! How cool is that?!

This piece, along with several others, will be on display at the Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland, Wash. Swing by the gallery following Kirkland Uncorked and the CityDog Cover Dog Model Search, Sunday, July 20, 2008.

To see more of Connie Townsend's work, check out her website here. To register for the CityDog Cover Dog Model Search at Kirkland Uncorked, click here. You never know...your dog could also end up in a painting!

Come One...Come All! Cover Dogs Wanted!

The third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search kicks off on July 20th at Kirkland Uncorked! Big dogs, little dogs, three-legged dogs, Heinz 57 dogs...ALL dogs are welcome to find their inner super model and try out to be on the cover of CityDog Magazine.

All in the name of fun and to raise money for animals, the winning pooch will be privy to a professional photo shoot with J. Nichole Smith of Dane + Dane Studios.

$10.00 per dog with all of the proceeds going to Pasado's Safe Haven, PAWS, Reading With Rover and the Seattle Humane Society.

When & Where:

• July 20th at Kirkland Uncorked


• September 6th at PAWSwalk


• September 21st at Fremont Oktoberfest


• October 4th at FidoFEST

One dog from each event will be chosen to go to the final round and CityDog readers will vote to pick the winning dog to grace the cover of our winter issue! In addition, because we think ALL dogs are worthy of the cover, every dog entered in the contest will be featured in the winter issue!

To enter your dog in the third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Contest, click here.

Not so happy Fourth of July

It's that time of year again...time to celebrate our independence. Fun, right? Well, not so fun if you're a cat, dog, horse, goat...you get the picture. And not so fun if, like me, you have pets that are terrified of fireworks. The last few nights have been torture for my two dogs, Scout and Ziggy. With every little pop, crackle, snap, the shaking, pacing and panting begins. I've closed all of the windows, turned up the t.v., gathered them on my lap (all 60 and 40 pounds of them), trying to no avail, to calm them. If your pets are like mine, the Oregon Humane Society has some suggestions below to ensure your pets' comfort:

1. Make sure all pets, even indoor-only cats, are wearing a collar with an identification tag that includes your name and telephone number. A microchip is also a good idea. Terrified animals will become confused and disoriented. They may end up miles from home or deep under a neighbor’s porch. This simple precaution will save a lot of anguish, time, and energy.
2. Tonight, walk your dogs in the early evening – well before nightfall – to prevent undue stress from noisy fireworks.
3. During neighborhood fireworks displays, keep all pets safely inside. Dogs, and cats, who are agitated should be put into a bathroom or other room with no windows, with the door secure. Remember, screen doors will not keep in a charging dog. Please do not take a dog to watch a large commercial fireworks display. This only increases the chances of him becoming lost in an unfamiliar area.
4. In extreme cases, check with your veterinarian about tranquilizers.

If your pet becomes lost during the holiday (or at any time):

1. Immediately check with your local animal control agency first.
2. Put up flyers with a photo and detailed description of the missing pet.
3. Check around the neighborhood carefully. Lost cats have been found days later hiding under a bush in front of their owners’ homes. For dogs, expand the search area further than expected as a precaution.

Here's wishing you and your four-legged loved ones a relatively happy and safe Fourth of July!

Woof!
Brandie Ahlgren, founder
CityDog Magazine

More South Lake Union Images

In the summer issue of CityDog Magazine, we feature Seattle's super hip South Lake Union as our "Dog's Eye View" neighborhood. Alas, with limited space in a 56-page publication, we can't feature all of the amazing photos snapped by our photographers when out on assignment. And believe me, it is extremely difficult to narrow the images down to fit a four-page spread. Thankfully, photographer Jamie Pflughoeft posted several more here from her exploration of South Lake Union, so check 'em out! Thanks Jamie!

Come visit South Lake Union for yourself at CityDog's Muttmazing Race and the South Lake Union Block Party, Friday, August 8th! It will be a barking good time with live music, tasty food, a beer garden, an outdoor movie and of course, the Muttmazing Race!

CityDog is turning 21...in dog years, that is! And what better way to celebrate than with a birthday "pawty" at the swanky and dog friendly W Hotel Seattle?

You and your furry, four-legged friend are invited to join us at yet another one of our famous MuttMixers to celebrate three fabulous years of publishing CityDog, Seattle's premier magazine about life and living with dogs in the West.

Enjoy tasty cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, while mixing and mingling with fellow dog lovers.

When: Wednesday, July 9, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: W Hotel Seattle, 1112 Fourth Avenue. Valet parking available for a fee. Click here for directions.

Attire: Casual cocktail attire for humans; birthday suits for canines.

Please RSVP by July 7th with your name and the number of people and/or dogs in your party to rsvp@citydogmagazine.com. The event is free, but your RSVP will help us with a head count.

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!

More upcoming CityDog hosted events! This summer, find your dog's inner super model at the third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search. That's right, we're looking for our next dog to grace the cover of CityDog Magazine and raising money for animals while we're at it! Click here for more information.

On August 8, 2008, CityDog is hosting the second annual Muttmazing Race as part of the South Lake Union Block Party. Compete with your four-legged teammate in a series of fun challenges to raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter. Then, kick back in the beer garden, sample tasty food, listen to live music, and even enjoy an outdoor movie. Click here for more information.

Mark Your Calendar: CityDog is Turning 21!

CityDog is turning 21...in dog years, that is! And, we're throwing a birthday pawty!

Join us with your furry, four-legged friend as we celebrate three fabulous, fun-filled years of publishing CityDog Magazine, Wednesday, July 9th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the swanky and dog-friendly W Hotel Seattle, 1112 4th Avenue.

Please RSVP to rsvp@citydogmagazine.com.

Woof!
CityDog Magazine

CityDog Loves...

...a dog's day at the beach. Grab the summer issue of CityDog Magazine, featuring our top 10 favorite dog-friendly beaches in the West then hit the sand and surf outfitted with ArfDog's puppy beach kit. Packed with the essentials, the beach kit includes a bowl for dining al fresco; tasty treats; plush squeaky toys and even puppy sunscreen for extra protection from the sun’s rays. For more information, check out arfdog.com.

Summer Issue Sneak Peek...It's Pugalicious!

The much-anticipated summer issue of Seattle's own CityDog Magazine is just about hot-off-the-press and on its way to readers' doors! This issue is all about fun in the sun, with over 50 ways to sit, stay and play throughout the West including our Top 10 favorite dog-friendly beaches, San Francisco's best dog parks, Seattle's five dog-friendliest summer festivals, great summer reads, cool products, San Juan Islands getaway, a road trip to beautiful Carmel, California, and much much more! Seriously, we're just scratching the surface of what's packed into this issue!

If you're not already a subscriber, then what are you waiting for...? Click here to subscribe today! If you are a subscriber... thank you! The summer issue is due to arrive this week!

Woof!

Brandie Ahlgren, editor

CityDog Magazine

P.S. Mark your calendar for these CityDog-hosted summer events: CityDog's 21st Birthday Bash at the W Hotel Seattle (July 9th), Cover Dog Model Search (dates and locations vary) and the Muttmazing Race at Seattle's South Lake Union Block Party (August 8th)! Check out our online calendar of events for these and other summer events!

Cover shot by Jamie Pflughoeft, Cowbelly Pet Photography

CityDog Loves...

Skeledog tees...Find your inner canine!

Although they don't have a boxer skeleton shirt yet, I still love Skeledog's super fun and super hip tee shirts. High-quality cotton, with cool colors and designs. Thanks to Skeledog, we dog lovers no longer have to look like dorks.

Check out more cool products, including Skeledog's tees, in the summer issue of CityDog Magazine...coming soon!

Woof!

Brandie Ahlgren, editor

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You...

In Wiener Takes All, documentary filmmaker Shane MacDougall chronicles the surprisingly cut throat world of competitive wiener dogs; a world that boasts healthy dachshunds and rabid owners. MacDougall unleashes the truth as this "dogumentary" tracks America's sexiest and fastest weenies on the professional dachshund circuit.

Get the inside scoop on what makes these champion dogs and their colorful owners tick as MacDougal crisscrosses the country, visiting dachshund races, hilarious "muttrimonies," and the Westminster dog show. Candid interviews with the world’s top show dog personalities give you a crash course in wiener dog politics, and a glimpse into the divisive controversies that have long dogged the dachshund community.

Intrigued? Watch the trailer below then catch a screening at Seattle's STIFF (Seattle's True Independent Film Festival) this Saturday, June 7th at the Capitol Arts Center at 4:30 p.m. or Tuesday, June 10th at the Jewel Box Theater at 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, click here.



Online Videos by Veoh.com

I was so touched by this post on Seattle pet photographer Jamie Pflughoeft's blog, I had to share it with you. It's about a special dog she met at the Belltown off-leash park named Angel. If you are looking for a new dog to welcome into your home, then please check out Jamie's blog.

CityDog's upcoming Muttmazing Race is featured on NWSource.com! Read all about it here plus a whole bunch of other fun events this summer to benefit animals.

Third Annual Cover Dog Model Search

Buddha, our 2007 model contest winner!

Find your dog's inner super model at the third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search.

That's right, we're looking for our next dog to grace the cover of CityDog Magazine and raising money for animals while we're at it! Big dogs, little dogs...ALL dogs are welcome to walk the catwalk and compete for the chance to be a CityDog cover dog model.

All in the spirit of fun and to raise money for a good cause, the winning pooch will be privy to a professional photo shoot with photographer J. Nichole Smith of Dane + Dane Studios to grace the cover of the Winter 2008-'09 issue of CityDog Magazine.

Click HERE to register for one of three model searches this summer!

Woof!

Brandie Ahlgren, founder

CityDog Magazine

P.S. Not only will the winning dog be on the cover, but also every single cover dog contestant will be featured in the Winter 2008-'09 issue!

To subscribe to CityDog, the magazine about life and living with dogs in the West – Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and everywhere in between – please click here.

Hands to Paws Massage

What dog doesn't love a good belly rub? Heck, if Fido can get a full massage out of the deal -- even better! Certified small animal massage practitioner, Jenni Streit, is hosting a class to teach just that -- massage techniques to enhance your pet's physical and psychological well being.

WHO
Jenni Streit, LMP, Reiki Master
Hands to Paws Massage

WHAT
In this experiential class, you will learn three massage techniques to relax your dog and/or cat (practice will be on stuffed animals).

WHERE
East West Bookshop
6500 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, Wash. 98115

WHEN
Monday, June 2, 2008, 7 PM - 8:30 PM

COST: $7; to register, call 206.523.3726

Three Dog Spa Night

Seattle's own Three Dog Bakery (1418 1st Avenue) is hosting a spa night to benefit the Seattle Animal Shelter, Wednesday, May 21st, from 6PM to 8PM.

Pampered pooches can enjoy a 10 minute therapeutic massage in the cozy "Spa Corner" from certified canine masseuse Karen Parkey plus a bag of goodies and gifts!

Just $10 with all proceeds benefitting the Seattle Animal Shelter.

For more information and to register, click here. FYI, space is limited.

CityDog FYI

On an 85-degree day, a car's interior temperature can climb to 120 degrees in 20 minutes, even with the windows slightly open.

DoveLewis Tails & Ales Dog Wash

Have a cold one at this cool event!

WHEN
Saturday, May 17, 2008, 11:00AM—5:00PM

WHERE
Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
1945 NW Quimby, Portland (right behind DoveLewis!)

WHY
Help DoveLewis celebrate its 35th birthday at this super fun dog wash at the Lucky Lab! Bring your dirty dogs to the Lucky Labrador Beer Hall and DoveLewis promises to send them home squeaky clean! (Minimum suggested donation of $5 per dog.)

Want your dog washed by Portland's 2008 Rose Festival Court? Come by from 3:00PM - 5:00PM.

Want to dance with your dirty dog? Check out Off the Record from 3:00PM - 5:00PM. They'll make sure everyone's having a great time with their fun, danceable rock & pop tunes, sure to rock your socks off.

And this year, you and your dog can help save lives! The American Red Cross will have their Bloodmobile on site. Humans -- make an appointment and donate blood between 10:00AM and 3:00PM -- please call 503.528.5608 to get on the list.

And, dog owners -- make a blood-typing appointment for your dog to see if he or she can become a DoveLewis Superhero! If your best friend meets the criteria to become a blood donor, sign up from 11:00AM to 5:00PM at the event.

The Northwest is about to have record temperatures, so everyone be safe (no dogs in hot cars) and be sure to cool off at this super cool event!

44 Days Out of Kandahar

CityDog contributor Ranny Green will be reviewing 44 Days Out of Kandahar in our upcoming summer issue! In the meantime, check out this heartwarming video of Cinnamon's long journey home.

Tattoo You

I'm a big fan of the show Miami Ink, and of course my favorite is when they feature a client getting a tattoo of their dog. Very cool and I must admit, a little tempting. If you are considering getting a tattoo of your four-legged friend, here's an option a little closer to home that doubles as a way to raise money for a good cause!

DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital is hosting “Tats for Cats….and Dogs,” during the month of May. Tattoo artists from all over Portland, Oregon are donating 10% of the fees generated in May by animal-inspired tattoos to the DoveLewis Stray Animal and Wildlife Fund. 100% of that money goes to pay for emergency medical care for injured stray and wild animals brought to DoveLewis.

So, if you're thinking ink, click here for more information and a list of participating tattoo artists!

Pugmania!

It was a sea of pugs last Saturday at the 13th annual Spring Pug Gala hosted by Seattle Pug Rescue! All shapes, sizes and mixes were there in all their pug glory. I know you're dying to see photos and guess what, you're in luck! Photographer Jamie Pflughoeft with Cowbelly Pet Photography was on-hand, snapping pictures like crazy and she's graciously posted some on her blog for all to see. Click here and enjoy!

Friday Laughs: ihasahotdog.com

In a previous blog, we mentioned Itchmo.com as one of our favorite blogs, but then they went bye, bye. However, the creators have resurfaced with ihasahotdog.com and I highly recommend you check it out if "ur" in need of a Friday funny! This one in particular struck my funny bone...

Subscribe to CityDog Today and Get a FREE Dog Is Good Bumper Sticker!

During the month of May, subscribe to CityDog Magazine and receive a FREE Dog Is Good bumper sticker!

In the Spring Issue Over 50 ways to have fun with your four-legged friend are packed into this issue...places to go, things to do and adventures to be had in the West including a seaside weekend getaway to beautiful Astoria, Oregon, exploring Seattle's lovely Queen Anne neighborhood, a road trip to Breckenridge, Colorado plus reader favorites such as Red Dog Diaries and Ask Dog Lady.

In the Upcoming Summer Issue It's all about fun in the sun with Fido...CityDog's top 10 favorite beaches, a weekend getaway to the San Juan Islands, exploring beautiful Carmel, California, summer reading recommendations, and much more!

Simply click here to subscribe to CityDog today and receive a FREE Dog Is Good bumper sticker! Please type "Dog Is Good" in the "How did you hear about CityDog Magazine?" section, right above the Submit Order button.

Woof!
CityDog Magazine

The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the dog days of summer are here…Well, maybe not quite, but we've come up with some great ways to get things started!

UPCOMING MUST-DO EVENTS

05.10.08 Where can you see 1,000 pugs all in one place? Why, at “Pugmania,” of course! Hosted by Seattle Pug Rescue, the 13th Annual Spring Pug Gala at Magnuson Park is $10.00 per person (pugs and kids under 12 are free), with pug races, pug agility, the Parade of Rescued Pugs, a silent auction and raffle, a variety of vendors (including CityDog Magazine) and celebrity guest Pat Cashman. Pugs only, please.

05.18.08 Dogs rock! Especially at this fundraiser hosted by Ginger's Pet Rescue to help Death Row Dogs at Fuel Sports Bar in Seattle's Pioneer Square, with musical performances by Bruce Detore, Rewind, Universal Measure and Tripnine.

06.08.08 Join the fun as thousands of people run and walk, with friends, families, kids and of course their dogs, at the 9th Annual Furry 5K Fun Run and Walk at Seattle's Seward Park to raise money for injured and abused orphaned animals.

07.20.08 Find your dog's inner super model at the third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search at Kirkland Uncorked. That's right, we're looking for our next dog to grace the cover of CityDog Magazine and raising money for Pasado's Safe Haven while we're at it!

08.08.08 Get ready, because CityDog's second annual Muttmazing Race is coming! Compete with your furry, four-legged friend in a series of fun challenges to raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter's Help the Animals Fund, then kick back in the beer garden, enjoy food tastings, listen to live music and watch an outdoor movie, all at the rockin' South Lake Union Block Party.

For complete listing of upcoming events, click here. Be sure to check back often, because we update it regularly to keep you in the know on dog happenings around the West.

An Engineer's Guide to Cats

Fun Ways to Help Animals Part Five

Throw a party...

...and make it a gift drive to benefit the thousands of orphaned, injured and sick baby animals at PAWS. Simply invite them to shop the PAWS wish list, which includes items such as heat lamps to keep orphaned wildlife babies warm, plastic kiddy pools for wading and cooling off, Vicks liquid vapo-steam to help sick kitties breathe better while they recover, and of course, food, toys and treats! To learn more about hosting a gift/donation drive, click here.

Go above and beyond and make it a tail wagging celebration with stylish and personalized dog and cat party themed accessories from Tail Waggin' Celebrations. From dog cakes and treats to cat balloons and party hats, this website has it all for an animal-themed "pawty."

True Story!

I'd heard a rumor of this happening in Alaska, but thought it was an urban legend...

Just yesterday, a friend was hanging out at a beach near Port Townsend with her Yorkie when a bald eagle swooped down, grabbed the dog and tried to fly off! Fortunately, Peanut, who is barely a year old, was wearing a leash. Once the eagle realized Peanut was tethered, it dropped her and flew off. She's going to be okay after spending the night at the vet, but she has a punctured lung and is afraid to go outside. I don't blame her!

Fun Ways to Help Animals Part Four

Drink coffee...

Warren Sly, founder and self-proclaimed chief do-gooder of Seattle-based Specialty Coffee Roast, donates $2 to the organization of your choice for every pound of coffee you purchase.

For die-hard java drinkers, there's even a coffee club. And, you can create your own custom label. Simply select your coffee, create your label, set the delivery frequency and relax, knowing that your habit is helping animals!

Fun Ways to Help Animals Part Three

Root for Air Supply this fall on an episode of "Rock & A Hard Place."

One would've thought Air Supply was all out of love, but it seems the world-renowned soft rockers have a soft spot for animals and the work of Best Friends Animal Society.

According to Best Friends, the band has proposed making the Kanab, Utah-based animal sanctuary its charity of choice for an appearance on the television show “Rock & A Hard Place,” which airs on DirecTV channel 101. Apparently, it's a game show where some of the hottest music acts of the past and present test their knowledge on everything from music history to current events trivia to strange-but-true factoids.

Each team of contestants plays for its chosen charity, with all the proceeds from the night’s winnings going to that organization. The new season starts this fall so stay tuned!

In the meantime, here is a blast from the past for your viewing and listening pleasure!

Fun Ways to Help Animals Part Two

Join the Dog Lover's Wine Club and California winery, Caravintas, will donate 10% to the animal welfare organization of your choice. Each wine shipment features a new dog label and comes with information about the wine and the artist on the label. You can even create your own custom label featuring your furry friend.

Caravintas sources the majority of their wines from Santa Barbara County, partnering with some of the best established and up-and-coming winemakers in California such as Bedford Thompson Winery, Ethan Wines, East Valley Vineyards, and Balletto Vineyards (nine times Winery of the Year winner).

For more information, visit the DogLoversWineClub.com.

Mark your calendar for the second annual CityDog Muttmazing Race at the South Lake Union Block Party!

When: August 8th, noon to 6 p.m.

Where: Seattle's South Lake Union neighborhood

Why: For some fun in the sun with your four-legged pal and to raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter's Help the Animals Fund. You and your pooch can participate in fun challenges for the chance to win great prizes!

For more information, visit muttmazingrace.com.

Seattle Humane Society Raises $730,000 at Tuxes & Tails

Animal lovers raised more than $730,000 for the Seattle Humane Society at Saturday's 19th annual Tuxes & Tails celebrity and pet fashion show and auction! For event pictures, click here.

If you would like to carry on the good works of Seattle area animal lovers, CityDog will post a blog each day this week on fun ways to help animals.

First...Do yoga (or "doga," as it's officially called). In other words, bring your dog with you to yoga class on May 11, 2008 at the Seattle Humane Society. This class, taught by local yogi and fellow dog lover Brenda Bryan, is a fun way to explore yoga, massage, stretching, and relaxation techniques for both you and your dog PLUS raise money for the Seattle Humane Society. For more information, visit seattlehumane.org.

If you are one of the millions, like me, who received and signed a petition regarding the "art exhibit" resulting in a dog being starved to death, you might be interested to read this post on Dogster.com. Apparently, the artist, Guillermo Habacuc Vargas, claims the whole thing was a hoax as a way to point to our hypocrisy.

While I want to believe that over the alternative, who really knows? Why didn't he keep the dog and care for it, instead of "releasing" it back to the streets? Not only as proof the exhibit was a stunt, but also as the right thing to do. And he calls us hypocrites?!

I love this analysis on the Huffington Post by Dr. Belisa Vranich: "At the very least Vargas has traits of antisocial personality disorder, grandiose and narcissistic personality disorder, and a peppering of delusions. The line between chronicling cruelty and staging is clear to most. Treating the dog as an object, for 'art's' sake shows pathological malevolence."

She goes on to say, "Fact is the Humane Society is backed by 10 million Americans, PETA has 1.8 million members, and the ASPCA has 680,000. Are there rules that need to be changed and lives that need to be saved all over the world? Yes. Absolutely. But he doesn't strike me as part of the solution, in any way."

If anything, he is the biggest hypocrite of all.

Brandie Ahlgren, editor
CityDog Magazine

CityDog's Five Favorite Dog Blogs (besides our own, of course!)

1. The Pet Dish at NWSource.com Hungry for news about the Seattle pet scene? NWSource's resident pet blogger Lisa Wogan serves up advice, shopping tips and local events for you and your furry friends.



2. Itchmo.com Seattle-based Itchmo News for Dogs and Cats offers the essential news, humor and product reviews for cats, dogs and pet owners.



3. Dogblog at Dogster.com The Dogster.com Dog Blog is your source for dog happenings around the U.S. and beyond.



4. Pets Blog at OregonLive.com The Oregonian's "Pet Talk" columnist Deborah Wood dishes about dogs (and cats, too).



5. DailyKibble.com "The inside poop on the latest, greatest, hottest, and coolest everything...for pets." Be sure to sign up for their daily newsletter!

If you have a favorite dog blog, we'd love to hear about it!

Did You Know?

A "Blue Dog Democrat" refers to a fiscally-conservative, socially-moderate Democrat?

Leading up to the 1994 election, the term "Blue Dog Democrat" was playfully coined by southern Democrats who said that conservative members have been "choked blue" by those extreme Yellow Dog Democrats on the left.

Blue Dog, Yellow Dog, Red Dog...This election year, get your dog in on the race with a party-approved "Democrat" or "Republican" bandana from FunStuffForDogs.com! Our only question...Why no bandanas for Green Dogs? Nader would be proud.

Happy Earth Day Part Six!

Psych!

Happy Earth Day Part Five! Recycle a Pet.

In the spirit of Earth Day and all things green, why not recycle a pet? In other words, adopt...don't buy. There are millions of "used" pets just waiting for the chance to go home with a new family, so start recycling today and check out Petfinder.com! Then, say it loud and proud with Read My Paws' 100% organic cotton, "Recycle. Adopt A Dog" tee.

Once you have that new four-legged addition to your family, start off on the right paw by stocking up on all earth-friendly products. It's one-stop shopping at Paw Luxury, a website specializing in products that are stylish, durable, all-natural, organic, holistic, sustainable, biodegradable, fair trade and made in the USA. Their motto is "healthy dog, healthy earth, happier life." Here, here.

Happy Earth Day Part Four! Dog Au Naturale.

With the Eco-Me 100% Natural Dog Kit, you can make your own natural flea and bug spray, clean wipes, dry powder shampoo and dog biscuits. Your dog will thank you for the natural fragrance of the Eco-Me Dog Blend, a 100%-natural, essential oil mixed with Citronella, Lavender and Lemongrass. Fight bugs, odor and calm itchy skin all in one special mix!

Kit includes:

• 1 Bottle with Sprayer to mix Eco-Me Dog Flea & Bug Spray


• 1 Jar & Lid to mix Eco-Me Dog Clean Wipes; 25 recyclable cloths included


• 1 Jar & Lid to mix Eco-Me Dog Dry Powder Shampoo


• 1 Jar & Lid to store Eco-Me Dog Treats with three recipes


• 1 Bottle of Eco-Me Dog blend essential oil mix


• 1 Mixer


• 1 Scooper


• 1 Dog Bone shaped Biscuit Cookie Cutter

Simply add your own water, vinegar, baking soda and biscuit recipe ingredients...and presto! You have a 100% natural, chemical-free, eco-friendly dog kit that includes flea and bug spray, clean wipes, shampoo and biscuits.

In addition to the Eco-Me 100% Natural Dog Kit, you'll find everything you need to keep your home, body, family and other pets healthy and happy at the Eco-Me website including:

Home Kits with the tools you need to start making your own chemical-free cleaning products for a safe and natural home.

Body Kits to make your own natural body products for soft skin without the chemicals.

Baby Kits so you can start making your own healthy & safe products for your baby and home.

Cat Kits with all the tools you need to make your own chemical-free cat products.

Happy Earth Day Part Three! Too Hemp to Be Cool.

The Good Dog Company makes these 55% hemp and 45% certified organic cotton corduroy collars and leashes plus a new corduroy harness. Not only are they super soft and come in a variety of cool colors, but they are also durable, naturally hypo-allergenic, anti-bacterial and odor absorbent!

But, we didn't just feature these collars and leashes because they are eco-friendly. We also wanted to highlight the company itself. Central to the mission of The Good Dog Company is the belief that they have a responsibility to promote awareness of sustainable products and practices, meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of future generations. How do they do this? By...

• Manufacturing goods using hemp and other natural fibers.
• Employing a local workforce in Colorado, emphasizing American craftsmanship and sweatshop-free labor.
• Reducing manufacturing waste through careful consumption and recycling.
• Donating a portion of their profits to environmental and social causes. Recipients include Leave No Trace, Environment Colorado, The Denver Dumb Friends League, The Humane Society and the Developmentally Disabled Resource Center.

Now that's a good, um dog, company!

Happy Earth Day Part Two! Saving the Planet One Dog at a Time.

This ultimate, eco-friendly dog collar from Planet Dog is made from naturally dyed pure hemp. Why is hemp so great? In addition to being the source for one of nature's strongest fabrics, hemp requires little to no pesticides, replenishes soil with nutrients and nitrogen, controls erosion of the topsoil, and produces lots of oxygen. Now there's a dog collar that is good for the environment. Planet Dog also makes a “cozy” version, which has a fleece lining to ensure optimal comfort for your best-friend. It's what you would wear if you were a dog. $13.95 - $15.95 at planetdog.com.

For more hemp products including health and beauty, notebooks and paper, and more pet products, visit The Hemp.com Eco Store.

Happy Earth Day! Give a Dog a Bone!

Tomorrow is Earth Day, so in honor of this important day, CityDog will post an eco- and dog-friendly idea or item each day this week.

We're kicking it off with West Paw's plush Eco Bones. Every dog loves a bone and the environment loves them too, because these special "bones" are comprised of recycled plastic soda bottles. The fabric is made up of 85% re-engineered recycled IntelliLoft™ fibers surrounding a squeaker, for an eco friendly, high quality dog toy. $9.50 - $13.00 at westpawdesign.com.

Ever wondered how much "nature" your lifestyle requires? The Ecological Footprint Quiz estimates how much productive land and water you need to support what you use and what you discard. After answering 15 easy questions at myfootprint.org, you'll be able to compare your ecological footprint.

CityDog Loves...AmazonFresh.com!

So, I hate grocery shopping...always have. But, when I received an email out of the blue from Seattle-based AmazonFresh.com announcing they now delivered to my neighborhood, I had to try it out. So, I went online, ordered my groceries and the next morning they were delivered to my front door! Love it! So much so, that I was trying to figure out a way to share it with CityDog Blog readers, but "Hey everybody, there's an awesome grocery delivery service" didn't quite work for a dog blog. However, today I received yet another email announcing that they now carry pet products! Voila! They carry organic pet foods like Castor + Pollux plus toys, treats and supplements for both cats and dogs, and even products for birds, bunnies and other critters.

Check it out at AmazonFresh.com.

Woof!
Brandie Ahlgren, editor
CityDog Magazine

Event Not to Be Missed!

Join Homeward Pet Adoption Center (HPAC) on May 10th for an evening of fun, food and spirits in honor of our companion animals and the many homeless animals who need our help and compassion. The festivities take place at Bell Harbor, located at Pier 66 on the Seattle waterfront. Begin the evening with a champagne reception followed later in the evening with a gourmet, three course dinner and wine service, while the live auction gets underway!

You might be wondering why we included a cover image of CityDog Magazine with this post. That's because we are donating a cover of CityDog to Homeward to auction off to the highest bidder at the live auction! That's right! Your dog can be on the cover of CityDog, while raising money for a great cause! Simply attend the event and let the bidding begin! If you win the bid, your dog will be photographed by renowned Seattle dog photographer Bev Sparks to grace the cover of CityDog Magazine. For more information about HPAC's 10th annual benefit dinner and auction, click here.

Note: The above cover from Fall 2005 raised thousands for HPAC! We feel it is our privilege to be able to contribute to such a worthy organization.

CityDog Loves...

the Seattle Mariners!Baseball season is here and the M's are looking good. Now your dog can look good too sporting a Seattle Mariners bandana. Click here for more info. Good luck Mariners at tonight's game!

UPDATE 4/13: The M's won their game lastnight against the Angels...one more game to go today! Go Mariners!

Rally for the Animals on Monday

As you may be aware, a series of disturbing reports have pointed to serious deficiencies in the care provided to animals at King County Animal Care and Control (KCACC). A citizens’ advisory committee called shelter conditions “deplorable,” finding the animals in the county-run shelters suffered from high levels of disease and stress and lacked basic comforts, and that outreach efforts to place them in loving homes were “paltry at best.”

These findings were further confirmed when shelter consultant Nathan Winograd released a report finding that despite claims of reform, the KCACC shelters were still failing to consistently provide even the most rudimentary level of humane care.

Yesterday, county executive Ron Sims joined with council members Julia Patterson and Dow Constantine in calling for fundamental change, announcing that $1 million has been earmarked for immediate improvements at KCACC.

On Monday, the King County Council is hosting a town hall meeting to discuss issues related to implementing dramatic and lasting improvements in its county-run shelters.

Here's a chance to make your voice heard on behalf of animals:

WHAT
Best Friends’ Rally for the Animals

WHO
The Rally for the Animals will feature Gregory Castle, one of the founders of Best Friends Animal Society, and King County council members Julia Patterson and Dow Constantine.

WHERE
Highline Performing Arts Center
401 South 152nd St., Burien, Wash.

WHEN
Monday, April 14, 2008.
Rally starts at 6:00 p.m.
Town Hall Meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. (public is invited to attend)
Adoption fair will also be held on site starting at 5:30 p.m.

WHY
Show that as a concerned citizen, you care about the treatment of animals in our shelters, and support efforts to implement a model animal care program.

For more information: nokillkingcounty.org.

Finally! Your photos are uploaded.

We asked for them and you sent them...Close to 200 photos of your furry, four-legged friends! Well, it's about time, but we finally got them uploaded into a gallery for you to check out. Having a bad day? Simply click here and it will all be washed away with pure, doggie love! I recommend viewing them as a slideshow to get the full effect.

Thank you CityDog readers for sending us photos of your pooches! And keep 'em coming...email your favorite photo to info@citydogmagazine.com and be sure to include your dog's name (even better if the file name is saved as your dog's name!).

Woof!
Brandie Ahlgren, founder & editor
CityDog Magazine