This week's Adopt-A-Shelter-Dogs: Muppet and Jake!

Muppet is an eight-month-old Pekingese mix who is looking for a home that will help him work through some of his fears towards men. He warms up in time but he needs someone who will help him through the transition. He loves to go for long walks, or having some playtime (he loves playing with his stuffed toys), then curling up next to you for a nap! He loves being around people. He needs a little extra help in the house training department but with a little time and patience he should pick it up quickly. If you're interested in visiting with him stop by the N.O.A.H adoption center and ask to see Muppet!

Jake is an intelligent and sweet-natured nine-month-old shepherd mix.He’s young, so he’s a very high energy dog who would love to go to a home with people who will take him out for lots of fun outdoor activities, providing him with an outlet for his physical energy. He would also love a home that can provide him with training; a training class with his adopters would help him greatly in his adjustment to a new home and help strengthen the bond with his new owners. If he sounds like the right kind of companion for you, stop by the N.O.A.H pet adoption center and ask to visit with him!

Animals First Foundation Fundraiser at Feedback Lounge

Join Animals First Foundation on Wednesday (12/09/09) at the Feedback Lounge at 7:00PM for a fun filled evening of snacks, games and prizes. $10.00; all proceeds will benefit rescued animals in need. The Feedback Lounge is located in West Seattle at 6451 California Avenue S.W.,  206.453.3259. 

Holiday Issue Hot-of-the-press! Here is a sneak peek!

Subscribe today or give the gift that has tails wagging! Click here to get started! Woof!

CityDog Magazine

This week's Adopt-A-Shelter-Dogs: Dotty and Fran!

Dotty is a very sweet, mellow girl who would love to find a place to call home. She loves adult people and would love a home where she can have them all to herself, so no kids or other animals please. She enjoys regular walks and cuddle time. She will be your loving, devoted companion if you give her a chance. If you're interested in visiting with Dotty, stop by the N.O.A.H Adoption Center. Says Dotty, "I've been waiting for my new home for a very long time and look forward to a time when I can call someplace my forever home!"

Fran is a sweet shepherd mix that is looking for a loving forever home. Although she's only a couple of years old she has some very nice manners. She tries really hard not to jump on you and knows the commands 'sit' and with a little patience she knows 'lay down'. She walks very well on a leash and seems to be curious about meeting other dogs. All in all Fran is a sweet and happy go lucky girl looking for a family to call her own! If you're interested in meeting Fran, stop by the N.O.A.H Adoption Center.

Foster a Lonely Pet for the Holidays

On November 29, Petfinder.com is kicking off the first-of-its-kind Foster A Lonely Pet For the Holidays program in partnership with the Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie, A Dog Named Christmas, based on Greg Kincaid’s popular novel. Airing Sunday, November 29 on CBS, the movie tells the tale of a developmentally challenged young man with a penchant for caring for animals in need, who sets out to convince his family — and their whole rural community — to participate in a local shelter's inaugural "Adopt a Dog for Christmas Program."

 

Inspired by the book and movie, Petfinder.com is working with its network of 13,000 shelters and rescue groups across North America to give families the opportunity to welcome an adoptable pet into their home for the holiday season, ideally from Christmas Eve until New Year’s Day. Interested foster-parents-to-be can click here to find the participating shelters near them. In the Seattle area alone, participating shelters include the Seattle Animal Shelter, Seattle Purebred Dog Rescue and BullsEye Dog Rescue.  

 

Not only will you be providing homeless animals with a loving home during the holidays, but you will also be giving shelter volunteers and staff a well-deserved break. Now that's the howliday spirit!

You are invited to CityDog Magazine's annual Yappy Howlidays Muttmixer at the W Seattle!

The Weather Outside May be Frightful, but the CityDog 

Yappy Howlidays “Pawty” is Quite Delightful!

Celebrate the season with your festive furry friend and mix and mingle with fellow dog lovers at the W Hotel Seattle, Wednesday, December 9th.

Man’s best friend decked out in holiday garb along with their equally festively bedecked owners will be congregating at the W Seattle hotel Wednesday, December 9th for CityDog Magazine’s annual Yappy Howlidays Muttmixer. Nearly one hundred pooches of all shapes and sizes in stylish collars, reindeer antlers and holiday sweaters will mix, mingle and share a bark or two while their owners sip a cocktail and swap doggy tails.

This "howliday" event of the year promises to be a fabulous opportunity of Seattle-style merriment and mayhem. Nichole Smith of Dane + Dane Studios will be on hand to take holiday portraits, perfect as a keepsake memento or holiday card. And, each guest will go home with a holiday swag bag loaded with treats and other goodies.

The event is free to attend; we just ask that you bring a can or bag of pet food and CityDog will donate it to the West Seattle Food Bank to help struggling families feed their pets this holiday season.

When: Wednesday, December 9th, 6-8 pm

Where: 

W Seattle Living Room
1112 4th Avenue
Seattle, WA 98101
(206) 264-6000

Please RSVP with the number of people and pooches in your "pawty" to rsvp@citydogmagazine.com.

Woof!

CityDog Magazine

P.S. The holiday issue is hot-of-the-press and it is packed with gift ideas for dogs and dog lovers! Subscribe today!

Countdown to the Holiday Issue of CityDog Magazine

We are in the final stages of the Holiday Issue of CityDog Magazine going to print! It's packed with gift ideas for dogs and dog lovers plus a weekend getaway cabin retreat, a holiday celebration with your hound, my editor's picks in the "Best of the West" roundup, and much much more!

Subscribe to CityDog Magazine today or give the gift that has tails wagging all year round!

Woof!
Brandie Ahlgren, founder & editor
CityDog Magazine
 

Continuing Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month into November

With so many dogs available for adoption, dedicating a month to bring awareness to the issue just isn't enough. Therefore, CityDog will continue to post dogs available for adoption on the CityDog Blog to help with the cause, hoping you or someone you know will open your heart and home to one of these pooches. Woof!

This is Diamond, a six-year-old boxer/beagle mix, and she is in need of a good home that will give her lots of exercise and love. She is very sweet and loving, but has a problem with anxiety. N.O.A.H. has her on an anti-anxiety medication and with some patience and playtime, she will make someone very happy. N.O.A.H. has event put together a plan to help her in a new forever home, and if you're interested in adopting her please stop by the N.O.A.H pet adoption center. Diamond looks forward to meeting you!

Coco is a two-year-old Lab and a wonderfully affectionate and playful dog. She loves to play fetch with her tennis ball, which she will politely drop at your feet so you will throw it again. Coco was surrendered to a local shelter because of her owner's health. She was brought in with her two siblings, Midnight and Mocha. They are bonded to one another and get along very well so we would like to adopt out the three of them together. Coco loves to cuddle and be close to people just as much as she loves to be close to her siblings. If you are interested in Coco, visit the N.O.A.H. Center today!

Shelter dogs shine in "101 Dalmatians" musical

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Boy brings peanut dog to school

OAK HARBOR, Wash. - All Judie Gonzalez wanted in life was a chance for her son Logan to go to school like other children. With a little help from a special friend, her dream is now coming true.

"It means a little guardian angel is looking over Logan, giving him a helping hand," said Gonzalez. That guardian angel is a 1-year-old labradoodle named Roxie.

"She's gonna check our classroom and see if there are peanuts," said 7-year-old Logan.

Today he brought Roxie to his 2nd grade class at Crescent Harbor Elementary. Roxie has the skills to find even minute traces of peanuts. Logan is severely allergic. Last year he was hospitalized 10 times.

"Just breathing on him in the morning if you've eaten peanuts that could send him into shock," said his mother.
Roxie was trained for six months in Colorado by experts who trained bomb-sniffing dogs at the Pentagon. The community of Oak Harbor raised more than $12,000 to bring her here.

"Logan's a great kid. It would be a shame to not be a part of the classroom, so we'll do whatever we need to do to make sure he can be here," said Logan's teacher Bobbie Cane.

Some kids have even decided to swear off peanut butter all together.

"When these people have peanut butter, I say please get away," said Logan's best friend David. For now Roxie only spends the morning in school with Logan. The hope is by next school year, she will be trained to spend all day with him, wherever he goes.

By Tonya Mosley/KING 5 News

Only today and tomorrow left! Here is today's dog of the day: Alvin

Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month is a great way to raise awareness about the countless dogs living in shelters across the country. In our small way, CityDog wanted to help increase awareness by featuring a dog a day on our blog, hoping that someone, somewhere, would adopt -- either one of the dogs we featured or a dog from their local shelter.

Unfortunately, there are just two days left -- for Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month, that is. Adoption is something that can be done 365 days of the year! Today's dog is Alvin.

Alvin is a great little guy who desperately wants a home to snuggle with his new family! Alvin came to the Oregon Humane Society (OHS) from another shelter with no prior history. He is approximately six years old, weighs 26-pounds and is a beagle-mix. He is extremely sweet, loving and gentle and just simply needs a warm lap to curl up on.

Alvin's adoption fee includes neuter services, identification microchip, collar and I.D. tag, initial vaccinations, one month of pet insurance, a certificate for a free veterinarian exam, and plenty of support and information from the experienced staff at OHS.

To learn more about adopting Alvin, please click here.

October's dog of the day: Clyde

Clyde is a sweet guy with a heart of gold, who is waiting to find that special companion to take him to his forever home. Clyde came to PAWS as a stray from the Lynnwood, Wash. area and is five years old. He's got white fur with a cute black spot over one eye. Clyde would do best in a home with children aged seven and older. He's fun and goofy and absolutely adores people. Clyde is great on the leash and friendly to other dogs. He's eager to meet you!

To learn more about adopting Clyde, please visit is his profile page on Petfinder.com.

To celebrate Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month, all adoption fees of canines over six months old are reduced to $75 for the month of October at PAWS.

Halloween is just a few days away and if you're still searching for the perfect canine costume, here are a few ideas courtesy of the DogFiles!

October's dog of the day: Gracie

Look at that face!

This cutie pie is Gracie, currently residing at King County Animal Care and Control in Kent, Wash.

Gracie has this to share about herself, "I am a very friendly and energetic girl. I love to go for walks and know how to sit on command and am good on a leash. I am also learning how to 'stay' as well. I would love to go to a home where I'll get lots of exercise, playtime and of course, love."

To learn more about adopting Gracie, please visit her profile page on Petfinder.com.

October's dog of the day: Gus

Meet Gus, our dog of the day for Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month. Gus currently resides at King County Animal Care and Control in Kent, Wash., waiting for his forever home.

Here's what Gus has to say about himself, "I am a very sweet guy who loves going for walks. I know how to sit on command and am pretty good on a leash. I do like to investigate smells, so I can get a little distracted while I'm on my walks, but I come back when called with a whistle to get my attention. I am very friendly and love meeting new people."

To learn more about adopting Gus, follow this link to his profile on Petfinder.com. And please share this post with your dog loving friends and family!

October's dog of the day: Geronimo

Geronimo is a sweet, kind, blind cocker spaniel that was picked up matted and confused on the street in San Jose, California. This gentle boy needs a special home where life is consistent and mellow with loving and caring humans. Geronimo loves being with people, which he shows by snuggling up close, making sweet, contented snorting noises, and wagging his darling nubby tail. His rescuers at Muttville think he’s about 10 years old; he is fine with other dogs and cats, too. Geronimo seems to be house-trained, and guess what, he snores. So sweet! And, this guy will be a guest along with Fido Factor on San Francisco's ABC Channel 7. Woof! 

To learn more about Geronimo and how to adopt him, click here. 

October's dog of the day: Merci

Meet a very special dog currently residing at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah. Merci is our dog of the day for Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month.

Dog-O-Ween tomorrow at Seattle's Genesee Off Leash Area

This is one of our favorite annual events -- Dog-O-Ween!

Tomorrow, October 24th, between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. it's COLA’s (Citizens for Off Leash Areas) 10th annual fundraising event, Dog-O-Ween. Hundreds of dogs and their humans turn out to this event dressed in creative costumes to win prizes, mingle with fellow dogs and dog lovers, and support a great cause. KMTT - The Mountain's John Fischer will emcee and yours truly is one of the judges. There will be raffle prizes to win, silent auction items to bid on and vendor booths to visit. But best of all is the canine costume contest where pooches and their peeps strut their stuff for great prizes. For more information, visit dogoween.org.

For information and directions to Genesee Park, click here.

Here are a few of last year's "weiners:"

October's dog of the day: Gable

Gable is a strapping, five-year-old husky/Alaskan malamute mix who was brought to PAWS in Lynnwood, Wash. when his owners could no longer care for him. Playful, sweet and active, Gable loves a good adventure and would make an excellent addition to a loving family.

If you would like to learn more about this handsome boy, check out Gable's profile on Petfinder.com.

Because Gable is over six months old, his adoption fee is just $75 for the month of October, which is a total steal -- and, it includes spay/neuter surgery (if needed), initial vaccinations, a microchip, and a free health exam certificate from a local veterinarian.

October's dog of the day: Frankie

Meet Frankie, a one-year-old Australian cattle dog and pit bull mix and total cutie pie. Frankie has a very loving personality and enjoys hanging with his people and playing with other dogs. Frankie would do best in a family with children over the age of 12. Found as a stray, Frankie now resides at PAWS, located in Lynnwood, Wash.

To learn more about this sweet boy, check out his profile on Petfinder.com.

October's dog of the day: Posey

This sweet girl's name is Posey -- a Shiba Inu mix currently residing at PAWS in Lynnwood, Wash. Posey is a calm, well mannered girl who loves to hang outside and visit with other dogs. Posey would prefer a home with adults and is also selective about her playmates, so would do best as the only dog in the home. To learn more about Posey, visit her profile on Petfinder.com.

Reminder: Special for the month of October at PAWS: All dogs six months and older are now $25 off, making the adoption fee only $75. And, that includes spay/neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, a microchip, and a free health exam certificate from a local veterinarian.

Meet Mickey, a special needs dog at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary

You can help support the special care of these special pets by beginning or renewing your Best Friends membership as a Guardian Angel. Your donation helps cover the costs of the care of the latest arrivals needing urgent help. Click here to become a Guardian Angel.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Celebrates 25 Years

October's dog of the day: Montana

To finish out Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month (October), we are showcasing a homeless dog a day from Northwest shelters in hopes you or someone you know will take a fancy to one of these furry faces and give them a loving, forever home.

Meet today's dog -- Montana -- a lovely black and white Australian shepherd, with beautiful brown and blue eyes. She is 10 years old and looking for a forever home where she can spend her golden years with a loving family. Montana is gentle and easy-going, and would love to hang out and watch some TV with you. Montana is currently at PAWS, located in Lynnwood, Wash.

To learn more about Montana, visit her profile on Petfinder.com.

To celebrate Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month, PAWS has reduced all adoption fees of canines six months old and over to just $75 for the month of October.

Oregon's Project POOCH Qualifies for Mutt Madness Competition

Project POOCH is one of two Oregon rescue shelter groups nominated for Rachael Ray’s canine competition dubbed Mutt Madness.

Based on the NCAA March Madness, the bracket-style competition asks that voters select their favorite shelter. The top prize is $50,000; second prize is $25,000 (that's a lot of bones for a small shelter). For every week that Project POOCH remains in the competition, more money is earned for the program.

To enter the contest, log in and register. To begin the voting, click on the POOCH panel. A detailed profile of the POOCH profile opens. Once the window opens, simply click on “vote." You must vote for one candidate in each of the brackets before submitting your final vote. Check back each week to cast your vote for the next round.

For over 15 years, Project POOCH has successfully paired at-risk shelter dogs with incarcerated youth. The youth train the “death row” dogs and prepare them for adoption to “forever” homes. The youth learn patience, responsibility and compassion, while the dogs earn a second chance and a loving family.

To enter the Mutt Madness competition, click here and cast your vote for Project POOCH!

One-day telethon raises over $260,000 for Oregon Humane Society

Portland, Oregon - On Sunday, October 18, thousands of television viewers tuned in to the Oregon Humane Society's Tenth Annual Telethon to End Petlessness, setting an all-time record for supporting animals in need.

Televised live on Portland's KATU Channel 2, the four-hour telethon succeeded in two of its most "close to the heart" endeavors for the day: Finding homes for 78 dogs, cats, rabbits, and rodents and raising over $260,000 to help the community's homeless companion pets.

If you didn't get a chance to tune in and make a donation , you can send your Telethon to End Petlessness gift today to:

Oregon Humane Society - Telethon Donation
PO Box 11364
Portland, OR  97211

Woof!

October's dog of the day: Red

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog month, so each day for the rest of this month, we will feature a dog available for adoption in the Northwest. Today's pooch is Red, a 7-year-old pit bull terrier available for adoption at the Seattle Animal Shelter.

In Red's own words, "I'm a super smart boy and eager to please, so naturally I'm very obedient and learn quickly. I walk well on the leash, and even know to sit at curbs before crossing. I know lots of other things too like 'sit, stay, come, okay, no, up, drop, leave it and high five.' I'm completely housebroken and I always tell my people when I need to go out. I enjoy long or short trips in the car, and I've been crate trained as well.

True to my breed, I'm the most loyal, loving animal you will ever find. I adore my humans and my very favorite thing is to be with them, no matter what they're doing. As an adult dog, I'm very good at snoozing and just hanging out. I love to meet new people and enjoy people of all ages. I play well with my foster dad's young godchildren. I LOVE to play fetch and swim and roller blade. I'm always good at being mellow with my people but especially if I've been out to run and play.

I have a big playful streak that will make you laugh. I can tell when you're ready to play and will entertain you with my antics and the way I "talk" to you when we're playing. For some reason my people think it's funny when I sleep on my back with my paws in the air, but I just think it's comfy and maybe (hopefully) I'll get a belly rub. I

I'm not too fond of cats and would do best in a home without them. I like other friendly dogs but I'll definitely need to meet yours first if you want me to join your family (I'd probably prefer to be an only child). Now you know all about me, so now all that's left is for us to meet, and for you to take me home!"

For more information about Red, here is the link to his page on Petfinder.com.

It's time to vote for the winning dog to grace the cover of CityDog

We need your help! Please pick the winning dog to grace the cover of CityDog Magazine. Over the course of the summer, we held five cover dog model searches, raising over $4,000 for area animal welfare organizations. Hundreds of dogs turned out to walk the catwalk and compete to be on the cover and these are our five finalists (to vote, scroll to the end of this blog):

Murphy helped raise over $1,000 for the Doney Memorial Animal Clinic at Thriftway in West Seattle.

Tazz helped raise close to $1,000 for the Seattle Humane Society at FidoFEST.

Scout helped raise close to $500 for PAWS at PAWSwalk.

Mulligan helped raise $500 for Pasado's Safe Haven at Kirkland Uncorked.

Shi Shi helped raise close to $1,000 for Reading With Rover at Fremont Oktoberfest.

VOTE NOW

Not only will the winning dog grace the cover of the Winter 2009-'10 issue of CityDog, but ALL of the dogs entered in the model search will be featured in this issue. To subscribe to CityDog Magazine, click here.

To check out ALL of the dogs entered in this year's CityDog cover dog model click here. Woof!

Surf Dog Ricochet Raises Over $8200 for Quadriplegic Surfer

San Diego, Calif. -- Ricochet, the "Surfin’ for Paws-abilities" surf dog, exceeded her fund raising goals, and won 2nd place in the large dog category at the Surf City Surf Dog event on October 11th in Huntington Beach.  

Ricochet has been leading a fund raising campaign for Patrick Ivison, a 15-year-old quadriplegic adaptive surfer for the last several months. As part of these efforts, she and Patrick performed a tandem surf demonstration at the Surf City Surf Dog event last Sunday with the goal of raising funds, as hundreds of onlookers enjoyed the tandem pair. 

Ricochet’s fund raising goals were twofold: Raise enough money to cover the $2000 cost of Patrick’s new service dog, Kona from Pawsitive Teams, a local service dog organization. And, raise at least $5000 for Patrick’s intense physical therapy at Project Walk.

The WebMD Health Foundation, who is thrilled to help Patrick reach his goals, made a kick off donation of $3600, which helped Ricochet raise a total of $8200. Donations are still being accepted -- to donate, click here.

Despite injuring her paw two days before the event, Ricochet was determined to do her job for Patrick, and competed in the large dog category of the surf dog competition, where she placed first. Ricochet then went on to the finals where she won 2nd place in the large dog category, and Patrick happily accepted her prize. But, Ricochet says “The best prize was raising more than $8200 for Patrick, and doing our tandem rides, which put a huge smile on Patrick’s face!” 

Patrick suffered a C4/5 spinal cord injury as a result of an un-insured driver backing a car over him when he was a child. Patrick was diagnosed quadriplegic, and has used a wheelchair ever since, but uses an adaptive board to surf. 

Ricochet was slated to be a service dog for people with disabilities, but had to be released from that role due to her strong drive to chase birds and other small animals, which could be dangerous to a person with a disability. She went from service dog to SURFice dog, and is now fundraising for charitable causes.

Westcrest dog park in West Seattle is now accessible to dog owners with disabilities (KOMO 4 News video)

Oregon Humane Society Howlin' for Halloween Pet Adoption

Portland, Oregon – You'll be overjoyed when you bring an Oregon Humane Society pet home at Halloween. For all pets with orange, black, or orange/black colors in their fur, they will have their adoption fees reduced by 31% for the entire month of October. No tricks here – just a lot of furry friends who will be the treat of your life.

Up to and through Halloween, the Oregon Humane Society will be adopting out black cats, black dogs, and even black rats. OHS Humane Investigators assure us that there are no problems for black cats during this time of year and OHS’s adoption procedures and policies are in place to make sure all animals go to loving families. 

For more details on adopting a pet from the Oregon Humane Society, click here or call (503) 285-7722.
  

WHEN:

The last week of October (October 26 through November 1)

WHAT:
31% off adoption fees for all pets with orange, black or orange/black colors in their coats that are available for adoption

WHY:
OHS still has a waiting list of over 500 pets waiting for a spot at the shelter

WHERE:           
Oregon Humane Society
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211

CALL: (503) 285-7722, for directions and adoption information

VISIT: oregonhumane.org for information on how to adopt and to see an updated photo list of all the pets available for adoption orange and otherwise!

Kids Workshops at PAWS

Visit PAWS for a one-of-a-kind, hands-on workshop this October exclusively for kids. Each half-day session provides an interactive learning experience filled with activities, crafts and fun -- all about cats, dogs and wild animals! Next workshop is October 24, 2009. To learn more about the workshops, Crazy for Cats and Canines and Wild Wonders, click here.

Fall in Love: Enter the ASPCA Adopt-A-Shelter Dog Photo Contest

Who is your dog in love with—besides you, that is? Perhaps he makes googly eyes at your neighbor’s cat or tools around with your guinea pig? Maybe playing with your bird or grazing with your horse tickles his fancy. Whoever your pooch pals around with, the ASPCA wants to see them in action!

This October, for the ASPCA's Adopt-A-Shelter Dog photo contest, catch your pooch indulging in cuddly interspecies affection. The top five winners—selected by ASPCA staff—will receive an ASPCA Prize Pack and be featured on their website. So get clicking, shutterbugs—the deadline for entries is October 31! Click here for rules and to enter.

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month and here is the perfect event to find your new furry friend

Don’t miss the upcoming Barktoberfest adoption event. Meet hundreds of great dogs and puppies from across Washington in one location. Come meet the dogs Sunday, October 11th, noon until 3 pm at the Academy of Canine Behavior in Bothell, Wash. Last year, over 80 families found their new best friends at Barktoberfest!

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

Why should you adopt at this event?

More than 100 dogs and puppies of all different shapes, sizes, ages and breeds from nine animal rescue organizations will be onsite available for adoption. Puppies, adults, small dogs, purebred and mixed breeds will be available. No need to buy a dog from a breeder and then have to pay for shots and spay/neuter--with these dogs all of that has been done and is included in the adoption price. The only thing these dogs need is a new home to love and protect them for a lifetime.

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

Need help picking out a dog or puppy?

Attend the Dog Ownership Basics Workshop with Trainer Robin Grannell

Saturday, October 10, 2009, 11 am to 1 pm at Canine Behavior Center, 7551 205th Ave NE Redmond, Wash.

Learn about options for acquiring a dog, how to select the right dog for your family and tips for successfully integrating the dog into your household. Workshop attendees earn early entry into the Barktoberfest adoption event. $20 per family.

For directions please visit http://www.caninebcenter.com/locations.nxg. The workshop is being held at the Redmond location.

Space is limited, so please RSVP to volunteers@pawsitivealliance.org or call 206.465.4116.

Participating organizations bringing animals to adopt include:

• Barks R Us
• Humane Society of Central Washington
• Everett Animal Services
• Grant County Animal Outreach
• Homeward Pet Adoption Center
• King County Animal Care and Control
• PAWS
• Yakima Valley Pet Rescue
• Wenatchee Valley Humane Society

Food Drive - The Animals Need Your Help

Times are tough, especially for the shelters and rescues relying on donations. In conjunction with the adoption event, we will also be holding a food drive. Will you consider bringing some pet food to our event? The food will be distributed to the shelters and rescues attending our event.

Sneak peek at the cover dog contestants from FidoFEST!

Drumroll please...Here are all of the smiling faces from our CityDog cover dog model search last weekend at FidoFEST. Thanks to all of the dogs and their peeps, we raised $1,000 for the Seattle Humane Society. And, thanks to Jamie Pflughoeft with Cowbelly Pet Photography for donating her time and talent to photographing the pooches.

Mark your calendar for the Kitsap Humane Society's Animal Krackers Gala!

The Kitsap Humane Society is holding the 16th Annual Animal Krackers Auction and Gala Dinner on Saturday, October 17, from 5 to 10pm at the Kitsap Conference Center, Bremerton Harborside. All proceeds go to help the thousands of homeless, abused or abandoned animals the shelter cares for annually.

The evening starts with a cocktail reception and silent auction followed by a delicious dinner and exciting live auction. Auction items include baskets of pet products, jewelry, art, and wonderful vacations include a stay at a bed and breakfast, a Holland America Cruise and tickets to Disneyland. Round out the evening at the dessert auction with a chance to bid on the most mouth-watering cakes and treats you’ll ever eat. Throughout the evening visit with friends and family and with the real stars of the Kitsap Humane Society – the animals available for adoption!

To purchase tickets, donate an item for the auction, or to promote or sponsor the event, visit the Kitsap Humane Society’s website at kitsap-humane.org or contact the Events Department at (360)692-6977 x7113 or events@kitsap-humane.org.

Mutley the Horse Needs a Home

At CityDog, we love all animals and with a name like Mutley, this horse touched our heart all the more!

The Oregon Humane Society is seeking a home for Mutley, a horse rescued from a Molalla man who has since been sentenced to jail time and community service for neglecting animals.

Mutley, a mature gelding with a dark grey coat and black mane, was among four horses, three pigs, two rabbits, one duck, one dog and seven kittens removed from the rural property of Ora Mitchell in December 2008. Mutley is the last of the group to be made available for adoption, as he needed time to regain lost weight and receive treatment for medical issues. Mitchell was found guilty in May 2009 of several counts of Animal Neglect II and sentenced by the Circuit Court for Clackamas County to five days in jail, 2 years probation and 80 hours community service. He was also barred from owning domestic animals for five years.

Mutley will benefit from a patient, confident owner who wants to spend a lot of time with him. Because Mutley is a little slow to trust, he needs a home where he gets daily touching and interaction with his owners, but he is not the ideal horse for a child. Mutley will be perfectly happy as a pasture horse. He does not interact well with other geldings and should not be kept with them. He has lived with mares before, and could possibly live with one again. Once you gain his trust, Mutley does well with a halter and leads well. Riding him, however, is not a possibility at this time.

OHS does not have facilities for horses at its NE Portland shelter and instead relies on a network of volunteer foster families to provide stables, pastures and day-to-day care. The only horses made available for adoption from OHS are those rescued from owners charged with animal cruelty. OHS Humane Officers are commissioned by the Governor to investigate animal cruelty throughout the state. Their work is supported entirely by private donations to OHS.

To arrange a visit with Mutley, contact the Oregon Humane Society Investigations department at invest@oregonhumane.org

7th Annual Harbor Hounds this Saturday! Be there or be square!

Charity dog walk to raise money for the Prison Pet Partnership Program, Coalition: HUMAnE (formerly Peninsula Spay/Neuter Project), and the Gig Harbor Mid-day Rotary.

A fun, leisurely 2.0 mile walk along the waterfront in the beautiful historic fishing village of Gig Harbor. There will be a variety of entertainment, contests, demonstrations, expert advice, pet information, vendors, food, and loads of tail-wagging fun.

The 2009 Harbor Hounds will be held Saturday, September 26th, 10:00am–3:00pm!

The event takes place between Donkey Creek Park at the North end of Harborview and Skansie Brothers Park, (next to Jerisich Park). Participants will walk in between the two parks, along the waterfront. Event Directions

Awesome photos from yesterday's cover dog model search at Fremont Oktoberfest!

Well, we did it! Another fantastic cover dog model search -- this one at yesterday's Fremont Oktoberfest -- and here some pictures to prove it! Check out the contestants in all their super model glory here!

We have only one cover dog model search left -- Sunday, September 27 at FidoFEST. For more details and to pre-register your dog, click here. Woof!

This makes it all worth it...

Dear Brandie,

The West Seattle Food Bank would like to thank you for your donation of 205 pounds of dog food to our organization in August. Your donation will help the West Seattle Food Bank provide nutritious food to over 700 families and their pets every week.

So far this year the Food Bank has responded to a family in need 17,175 times. This is a 21% increase over the same period last year. Despite this dramatic increase in the number of families that turn to us for help, it is inspiring to see individuals and organizations in our community reaching out to provide a helping hand to neighbors experiencing difficult times.

Your donation will ensure that everyone in this community has access to the basic right of healthy food. This in turn will help these individuals and families lead healthier and more fulfilling lives.

Thank you for your generosity and dedication to community and support of the West Seattle Food Bank mission to eliminate hunger in our community.

Sincerely,
Fran Yeatts
Executive Director

Note: The credit goes to everyone who brought pet food donations to the CityDog cover dog model search at West Seattle Thriftway last month -- THANK YOU!!! To learn more about the West Seattle Food Bank go to www.westseattlefoodbank.org.

Trying to keep up

Between our Facebook page, Twitter, the CityDog Blog, our Fall issue going to press, dog events every weekend, updating the Web site and simply trying to keep up...something inevitably falls through the cracks. And, that thing would be our September e-newsletter announcing the next CityDog cover dog model search! It's THIS Sunday at 3 p.m. at Fremont Oktoberfest! I'll be sending an e-newsletter tomorrow, but wanted to get the info on our blog ASAP!

Here's the 4-1-1:

CityDog Cover Dog Model Search at Fremont Oktoberfest, Sunday, September 20, 2009, 3:00 p.m. in the Fremont neighborhood of Seattle. $10.00 per dog; benefits Reading With Rover.

In conjunction with this CityDog Cover Dog Model Search, you can enter your dog in The Simpson’s 20th Anniversary Santa’s Little Helper Look-Alike Contest (no extra charge to enter). The winner will appear on Q13 Fox's morning news! Cool, huh?!

To register your dog for this event, please click HERE.

All for a good cause and to have fun, we hope to see you there! Woof!

Renton’s New Dog Park Opens: Community celebrates with leash-cutting ceremony and furry-friendly activities

Good news!

The City of Renton and Renton's Unleashed Furry Friends (RUFF) will be celebrating the Grand Opening and Dedication of the Cedar River Off-Leash Dog Park Saturday, September 19, 2009. In attendance will be Renton’s Mayor, Denis Law, as well as other representatives from the City of Renton.

Following the 10 a.m. Leash-Cutting Ceremony, there will be a number of fun activities for dogs and owners alike including “Chuck-It” competitions and contests for the smallest dog, largest dog, best bark, and best look-a-like to Lassie, Rin-Tin-Tin and Marley. Throughout the event, RUFF will also be collecting pet food donations for low-income seniors with pets.

Renton’s new off-leash dog park is the result of community effort that involved numerous donations of time, money, materials and equipment by local volunteers and community members. In the midst of a deep recession, RUFF was able to move the dog park from conception to completion within a four-month period thanks to the more than $45,000 in cash, materials and services that were donated.

For more information on the Cedar River Off-Leash Dog Park or the Grand Opening Dedication, please visit www.rentonoffleash.org.

When: Saturday, September 19, 2009
Time: 10:00 a.m. – noon

Who: This event is open to the public and free of charge. Dogs and dog-owners are welcome to attend.

Location: Cedar River Off-Leash Dog Park located along the Cedar River Trail, just south of the Renton Community Center. Public parking is available on the west side of the Renton Community Center.

Celebrate Labra Day Weekend at the Oregon Humane Society

1/2 off adoption prices for all Labrador and Labrador mixes over the Labor Day Weekend!

What better way to celebrate the Labor Day weekend than with your new best friend – from the Oregon Humane Society! Adopt a Labrador or a Labrador mix dog from OHS this Labor Day weekend and receive a 50% adoption discount. On a typical day, OHS has nearly 80 adorable and adoptable dogs you can visit with, including nearly 20 Labradors and Lab mixes. Last year 1,722 people visited OHS over the Labor Day Weekend and 130 animals were adopted. Bravo!

WHEN: Friday, Sept. 4 – Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009 – Note: OHS is closed on Labor Day

WHAT: 50% off adoption fees for Labrador and Labrador mixed dogs available for adoption

WHY: OHS is seeing an unusually high number of Labrador and Lab mixes at the shelter for adoption. Taz (pictured above) has been at the shelter since mid June.

WHERE: Oregon Humane Society
1067 NE Columbia Blvd., Portland, OR 97211

CALL: (503) 285-7722, for directions and adoption information

VISIT: www.oregonhumane.org for information on how to adopt and to see an updated photo list of all the pets available for adoption, including these lucky Labrador dogs!

Pictured above and available for adoption (from left to right):
Taz (#77447), Kumar (#77620), Moose (#39183) and Hemi (#76032)

Frogs & Dogs Festival

On September 19th and 20th, two-legged and four-legged animals and humans will leap, run, ride and hop to the FIRST ANNUAL FROGS & DOGS FESTIVAL. Frogs and Dogs Festival is an outdoor gathering of everything in food or beer that involves either frogs or dogs.

Located just east of the Mecca of Frog Beer (Issaquah Brewhouse), there will be doggie dancing, doggie musical chairs, celebrity dog look alike contests, a free dog wash, frogger video tournament and of course a leap frog competition.

This dog-friendly festival will feature a prime selection of Microbrews, famous dog beers and Issaquah Brewhouse's series of Frog beers. The line-up includes:

. Laughing Buddha . Boundary Bay . Georgetown . Mac & Jacks . Snoqualmie . Hair of the Dog . Flying Dog . Laughing Dog . Sea Dog . Dogfish Head . White Frog Ale . Ménage a Frog

There will be fun stuff for the kids, including a frog and dog coloring contest and games. Entry to this event is $10 and includes five taster tokens (kids, dogs and frogs get in free when accompanied by an adult).

Proceeds from the festival will benefit "Reach for the Sky July", a three week all scholarship summer arts day camp for Issaquah and the Snoqualmie Valley's underserved youths ages eight through twelve.

FROGS AND DOGS: September 19-20, 2009

HOURS:
Noon to 10 p.m. (Saturday)
Noon to 6 p.m. (Sunday)
LOCATION: 35 W. Sunset Way / Issaquah, WA 98027 (425) 557-1911

Volunteers Needed: Get in free, get a shirt and join the Issaquah Brewhouse family.

For more information visit www.rogue.com or contact Brett Joyce at (503) 241-3800 or email brett@rogue.com.

From a subscriber...

I love your magazine and recommend it to people all the time!

Anne (CityDog subscriber)

CityDog Furry 500: A race to raise money for animals

Help us raise money for the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) by subscribing today to Seattle’s own CityDog Magazine.

Our goal is 500 subscriptions, which equals $500 or more to go to help the homeless animals at PAWS.

In other words, for every subscription we sell from now until September 30, we will donate $1.00 for a one-year subscription and $2.00 for a two-year subscription, with the goal of reaching 500 subscriptions and $500 for PAWS!

So, help us reach the finish line by subscribing TODAY to CityDog, the definitive dog lover’s magazine about life and living with dogs in the West!

Cover Dog Contestant Photos from Kirkland Uncorked now online for your viewing pleasure!

Drumroll please...Here are our cover dog model contestants from the kick off to our fourth annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search! Big dogs, little dogs...pirate dogs (you'll see)...all kinds of dogs took to the catwalk at this year's model search at Kirkland Uncorked. Thanks to all the pooches and their peeps who helped us pull off another successful event!

Click here to see all of the furry faces!

We have three cover dog model searches remaining. Click here for dates, locations and to pre-register your pooch!

Woof!

Bring dog & cat food to the CityDog cover dog model search on Sunday at West Seattle Thriftway!

It's recently come to our attention that many of the "customers" visiting the West Seattle Food Bank live with pets, so not only are they struggling to feed themselves, but also their furry, four-legged loved ones. That gave us an idea!

This Sunday, August 16, CityDog Magazine will be at West Seattle Thriftway from noon to 3 p.m. hosting our cover dog model search (more details below). If you would like to bring cat and/or dog food by our booth, we are happy to deliver it to the West Seattle Food Bank.

Or, if you would like to donate pet food directly to the West Seattle Food Bank, they are located at the corner of 35th Avenue SW and Morgan Street.

The West Seattle Food Bank works to eliminate hunger in West Seattle so that no one in our community will go to bed hungry. Let's make sure that includes pets as well!

CityDog Cover Dog Model Search this Sunday at West Seattle Thriftway!

Find your dog's inner super model at the fourth 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 compete for the chance to be a CityDog cover dog model.

Our next model search is this Sunday, August 16 at West Seattle Thriftway from noon to 3 P.M. All in the name of fun and to raise money for a good cause, the $10.00 per dog donation fee will go to help the Doney Memorial Animal Clinic.For more information and to pre-register your dog for the CityDog Cover Dog Model Search, click here!

For more information about the West Seattle Thriftway Dog Days of Summer, click here.

Thank you to our presenting sponsors:

Art for Animals' Sake gallery opening & silent auction this Friday!

Love animals? Love art? If so, then this is the event for you! Please join CityDog and friends, this Friday, August 14 at Art for Animals' Sake, an exhibition of sculptures, paintings and photographs, inspired by the theme of animals, featuring works of over 40 renowned Northwest artists, including such notables as Art Chantry, Edwin Fotheringham, Victoria Haven, Lance Mercer, Annie Marie Musselman, Charles Peterson, Emily Rieman, Whiting Tennis and David Walega. For a full list of artists and a sample gallery, click here. All of the proceeds from art sold will go to benefit N.O.A.H. (Northwest Organization for Animal Help).

Gallery opening and silent auction takes place from 6-9 P.M. on Friday, August 14; art will be available for viewing through Saturday, August 15.

This event is sponsored by: Best Friend Photography (Emily Rieman), Pet Portraits by David (David Walega) and Scraps Dog Bakery with the generous support of Jones Soda Co., Vulcan Real Estate and CityDog Magazine.

Location: 2200 Westlake Avenue, retail plaza level; above Whole Foods, Seattle.

For more information about Art for Animals' Sake, visit artforanimalssake.com.

Woofstock '09 Sunday, August 09!

Woofstock '09: The Summer's Pet Adoption Music Festival

When: Sunday, August 9, 2009 10:00 am - 4:30 pm

Where: Todd Field at the University of Puget Sound, 1500 N. Warner St., Tacoma, Wash.

Rescue and adoption groups, from all around Washington will be ready to fix you up with the latest addition to your family. Woofstock '09 is for all adoptable companion animals, from dogs and cats to bunnies and ferrets and money raised will benefit area rescue, spay and neuter programs.

All this and the added enjoyment of live music! Bring a picnic lunch (don't forget the dog food), pull up some lawn and enjoy the day. It promises to be filled with fun activities and information for the whole family, including your pets!

Informational booths will be setup along the way discussing the many ways you can help our companion animals through non-profit animal welfare groups.

Local animal communicator Penelope Jensen will also be available for a reading with your companion animal; they need not be present to have a session.

Cost: Admission to Woofstock '09 is free! Donations appreciated.

Dress: Casual summertime attire, shoes and shirt are required. Dogs must be leashed and under control at all times.

Woofstock '09 presented by Dugan Foundation an all-volunteer 501(c)3 charitable organization committed to making life better for all animals and ending the euthanasia of adoptable pets.

For more information about Woofstock '09, click here.

CityDog Extreme Muttmixer!

CityDog, the magazine about life and living with dogs in the West, knows how to throw a Puppy Love party to the extreme! The Travel Channel's Extreme Parties is there to capture this cool canine bash in all of its furry fun!

Sorry about the timer along the bottom -- we couldn't figure out how to remove it!

Dog-friendly Oregon Indie Beer Fest!

On August 29th from 11:00am to 9:00pm, the city of Portland will close down SE 9th Street between SE Belmont and SE Yamhill for the 1st Annual Oregon Indie Beer Fest. The event will feature 30+ small, independent Oregon-based brewers that brew no-more-than 1000 barrels per year, providing festival goers with exciting, hard-to-find beers.

To prepare us for this unique gathering, Green Dragon will be tapping some of these independent brews each day of the week (August 24-28) leading up to the festival. Attendees will have the opportunity to taste 60+ hard-to-find craft beers and meet their makers during the Indie Beer Fest, and will be able to take their favorites home with them in bottles, growlers and kegs to go. And if the beer is not enough to keep cool, tours of the Green Dragon's 1,040 square foot, glow-in-the-dark cooler will be held hourly.

Other activities at Indie Beer Fest include:
12:00 to 5:00 - Dog Wash
12:00 to 4:00 - Washers Tournament
11:00 to 9:00 - Free Pinball
11:00 to 9:00 - Free Shuffleboard

Indie Beer Fest is 100% dog-friendly and owners are encouraged to bring their companions with them. A portion of the proceeds from the Indie Beer Festival will benefit the Portland-based Pixie Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing animal adoption in a nurturing environment and affording access to spay and neuter services for everyone.

With a $10.00 paid admission, each attendee will receive 5 taster tickets. Additional tickets will be sold for $1.00 each.