|
|
NewsHound 001
August 24, 2006 |
Dear urbanhounders,
July was a great month for dogs in Chicago, and not just because that was the month we launched Urbanhound Chicago.
First, July marked the grand opening of the city's 11th official dog-friendly area, the South Loop's fantastic Grant Bark Park. Then, from Chicago's City Council, came news that Ald. Gene Schulter had pushed through a measure that requires all grooming, day-care and boarding facilities to actually be licensed.
There's more. In discussion is a new city law that would officially allow dogs to accompany their owners at sidewalk cafes. We're not activists, but just as we hike and bike and run with our dogs, we sit at outdoor restaurants with them too. That's why this is a measure we're excited to lobby for.
At least one politician is sharply opposed to mixing dogs with sidewalk cafes. "What is to stop the dogs from defecating and urinating on the floor of the outdoor cafe?" demanded Alderman Burt Natarus, making clear his utter lack of familiarity with dogs (and responsible dog owners).
It seems to us that this is a good opportunity to remind our elected officials that dog people are voters, taxpayers, and dedicated members of our community. With the sidewalk cafe measure is stalled, we urge you to call or email your local alderman and state representative to express support for the measure.
What about the month ahead? Judging by all the great canine events scheduled (and listed below), it's off to a good start.
Cheers,
Aaron Baar
Editor, Urbanhound Chicago
P.S. Do you have suggestions or ideas for us? Please let us know. We're here to serve you. And your dogs.
|
|
|
 |
» Planning one final summer trip? Before booking your flight, read urbanhound's newly updated Air Travel pages, which outline the pet policies of 16 major airlines. Who allows dogs onboard? What does it cost? Which airline forbids Pit Bulls? What is a "certificate of acclimation"? We cover it all.
» If you're leaving town with your dog, but don't intend to fly, consult our guide to Getting Around. It details the pet policies of every regional transport company, from CTA buses and the El to Metra trains and Amtrak.
» Anyone planning a driving holiday should first read our own Dr. Betsy Brevitz's advice on preventing car sickness in dogs. |
|
| - Sponsor - |
|
 |
|
|
|
Irish Eyes Guest Bartending
Wednesday, Aug. 23, 7 PM
Irish Eyes, 2519 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
Members of the PAWS junior board work the bar at Irish Eyes, donating all their tips to PAWS Chicago.
Doggy Happy Hour
Wednesday, Aug. 23 and Wednesday, Aug. 30, 6 PM
Joe's Sports Bar, 940 W. Weed, Chicago
Dogs are welcome for an evening of drinking and socializing at this bar with outdoor patio. Pet psychic Denise Zak is in attendance, as well as several local boutiques. Free goodie bags for all.
Hogs for Dogs Motorcycle Poker Run
Sunday, Aug 27, 10 AM
Oak Lawn Harley, 11040 S. Cicero Ave., Justice, Ill.
At this event, riders raise money for the Animal Welfare League. The cost is $15 for a single rider, $20 for those with a passenger. To register, download this file.
Angels With Tails, Adoption on Armitage
Sunday, Aug. 27, Noon to 5 PM
Armitage Ave., from Halsted to Kenmore, Chicago
Raising awareness for homeless dogs and cats, the windows of Armitage Avenue's boutiques will be showcasing adoptable pets from PAWS Chicago and other Chicagoland animal shelters and rescue organizations.
Bloomingdales Shopping Benefit
Wednesday, Aug. 30
Bloomingdales stores in Chicago, Skokie, and Oak Brook
Buy a $10 ticket from The Anti-Cruelty Society and, for one day, you can save between 15 percent and 20 percent at various local Bloomies (900 N. Michigan Ave, Chicago; 600 N. Wabash, Chicago; 376 Old Orchard Center, Skokie; 4 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook). For more information, call 312-644-8338, x307. For ticket order forms download this file.
Palatine Park District Puppy Paddle
Tuesday, Sept. 5, 6:30 PM to 8 PM
Family Aquatic Center, 340 E. Palatine Road, Palatine, Ill.
One day after the Palatine Park District's Aquatic Center closes to humans, it opens to canines---but only for a few hours. Cost: $7 per dog, which also covers one owner at least 16 years old. Proof of shots required. To register, call 847-991-0333.
Fun Match Day
Saturday, Sept. 9, 10 AM to 4 PM
Camp Dogwood, Ingleside, Ill.
This day of events, to be held in rain or shine, includes mock trials for agility, flyball, rally obedience, and regular old obedience, as well as a Skyhoundz Toss & Fetch Disc Dog Competition. Included in the day's festivities will be a cookout lunch, raffles, various vendors, and access to an on-site private off-leash sandy beach. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children. To buy tickets, enter your dogs in any of the matches (deadline: August 25), get directions, or to learn more about the event, download this four-page form.
Dog Day Saturday Afternoon
Saturday, September 9th from Noon to 6 PM
Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted St., Chicago
This dog-friendly social is sponsored by the PAWS Chicago GLBT Task Force and hosted by this gay and lesbian bar. E-mail kmorrissey@pawschicago.org for more information.
People and Pooch Dog Walk
Sunday, September 10, 10 AM
Busse Woods, Arlington Hgts Rd. and Higgins Rd., Elk Grove Village
This three-mile walk benefits the Almost Home Foundation. Sponsored by the Alexian Brothers Medical Center, it includes raffles, snacks, beverages, contests, and a silent auction. Registration begins at 9 AM on the day of the walk. The cost is $25 for adults and nothing for children. To register in advance and create an online pledge form, visit this webpage.
3rd Annual Chicago Canine Rescue Mutt Strutt 2006
Saturday, September 16th, 8 AM to 1 PM
Lincoln Park Savings Bank parking lot, 3234 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
Help raise money for the Chicago Canine Rescue by participating in this walk (circling Hamlin Park) and festival (including games, contests, food and drinks, canine merchandise, and more). Basic registration, which is $25 (in advance) and $35 (day of), includes a t-shirt and gift bag. Those who raise or donate larger amounts of money receive hats, sweatshirts, even AMEX gift cards and a "top secret grand prize." Entry forms are available online. Email Mistie Lucht for more information.
10th Annual Sam O Rama Picnic
Sunday, September 17th
Busse Woods, Grove 3, Elk Grove Village
More than 70 Samoyeds and some 200 humans attended this event last year to raise money for the Northern Illinois Samoyed Assistance. Tickets, $15 for adults and $8 for children, include an all-you-can-eat hot dog and corn on the cob buffet. Raffle tickets start at $5 for six. All proceeds go to providing medical treatment for homeless Samoyeds. Aside from the picnic itself, the event includes a parade (of Samoyeds, of course), a blessing of the animals, tons of raffles and prizes, and plenty of Samoyed merchandise. Pre-registration is required. The registration form packet is available online.
Animal Images - Opening Night
Saturday, Sept. 30, 5 PM to 7 PM
Anti-Cruelty Society, 169 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago
The sixth annual Animal Images, an animal-themed art exhibition, kicks off with an opening night artists' reception in The Anti Cruelty Society's Mullane Auditorium. The event will include refreshments and presentation of awards, including Best in Show and People's Choice. There is a suggested $10 donation. All art is for sale, with 50 percent of sales going to the Society.
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
|
|
|
The Northside Chicago Off-leash Meetup Group needs an organizer. The group boasts 80 Chicago-area dogs that love to play. Are you the person to get them organized? Sign up here.
Is your rescue dog especially cute? PETA is holding a contest to select the most adorable rescued companion animal. You can enter at PETA's website.
Lassie Natural Way dog food is holding a photo contest. The grand prize winner's photo will appear on the company's packaging, semi-finalists get a free year's supply of food. You can enter and vote for your favorite hound photo online
|
|
|
|
|
Copyright (c) 2006 urbanhound, LLC.
All rights reserved.
|
|
|
