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NewsHound 005
December 1, 2006 |
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Dear urbanhounders,
With the Holidays bounding in on all four paws, we figure it's about time for Urbanhound's Annual Gift Guide.
The entire urbanhound team worked on this one, gathering from around the country the absolute best gifts for dogs (and their humans). Above all, we wanted our Gift Guide to be quintessentially urbanhound: idiosyncratic and artisanal, but also practical and, well, urban.
Read on for our Top Ten Picks below, then visit us online for the full Guide. If you prefer shopping in-person rather than online, don't miss urbanhound's Best Hound Shops, a list of our absolute favorite spots to shop in town.
After all, when it comes to Santa's list, all dogs are in the Nice column; not a Naughty one in the bunch.
Happy gifting, and best holiday wishes to you and your hounds,
Yours,
Aaron Baar (your Chicago editor), Nadia Zonis (your New York editor), and
Laura Cavaluzzo (your San Francisco editor)
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» We don't like to boast, but here it goes: our new Guide to Pet Portraitists is awesome. Reviewing dozens of portfolios, we set out to help you find the perfect painter or photographer to immortalize your hounds. Enjoy.
» It's the cold and flu season.
Should you be concerned about canine influenza? See what urbanhound's
resident vet, Dr. Betsy Brevitz, has
to say.
» Do you know where to go for a
late-night emergency? Check out urbanhound's list of emergency
clinics in the Chicago area.
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Scrumptious Pup-Cakes
Some of the tastiest dog nibbles come from Buttercup's Paw-Tisserie. From their storefront in Park Slope, Brooklyn, they bake all-natural, human-grade goodies for dogs, including their famous peanut butter pup-cakes ($6.95 for six). There's no added sugar, salt, or preservatives in anything. And yes, Paw-Tisserie ships anywhere in the nation.
ID Tags With Style
We love these hand-etched tags by Sally Harrell, a metalsmith and jewelry designer in San Diego. Choose one of six fonts, from Old English to the basic Bell, in one of three sizes ($37 - $40).
Hound Art From The New Yorker
Any urbanhounder would adore a gift of a dog-themed New Yorker cartoon or cover. The dozens of prints in their searchable database can be ordered simply matted or fully framed ($125 - $350).
Sunny Gear for Gray Days
Mod dogs everywhere will strut proudly in this fabulous orange-and-pink polka dot rain coat lined with bright pink fleece ($60 to $80). To take the '70s retro theme to the max, accessorize with a flower-bedecked vintage patent-leather dog collar from Canine Styles ($45).
Toast of the Hound
Mutt Lynch winery's official motto is: "Apply Dog Logic to Life: Eat Well, Be Loved, Get Petted, Sleep a Lot, Dream of a Leash-Free World." We'll raise a glass to that. The dog-themed Mutt Lynch Trio wine gift set ($55) includes one bottle each of Unleashed Chardonnay, Merlot Over and Play Dead, and Portrait of a Mutt Zinfadel/Carignane, plus a stash of gourmet dog bones.
The Ultimate Puppy Pram
Chuckle if you must, but an all-terrain doggy stroller is a real boon for new pups finishing up their shots, dogs with back issues, and older hounds with a bit less pep in their step. It features a rain and wind cover, 11" wheels, and rear-wheel shocks. And a cup holder. Seriously ($172.99).
Calendar for a Good Cause
The 2007 Dog Days calendar is a daily reminder of why our hearts have gone to the dogs. Shot by Chicago photographer David Sutton, it features striking black-and-white hound portraits, and 100 percent of proceeds will support PAWS Chicago, the largest no kill shelter in the city ($10).
Dog Bed With Urban Style
Check out the bright and bean-bag-cush Doggy Boy from Fat Boy. The wipe-clean nylon fabric comes in a range of hip hues, including lime green, camouflage and a very urbanhound orange ($99 - $139).
Dr. Spock for Dogs
The AKC Gazette calls it "The Bible of dog care." Elle magazine says its "Dr. Spock for dogs." We can't help but agree that the 480-page "Hound Health Handbook: The Definitive Guide to Keeping Your Dog Happy, Healthy & Active" (Workman, 2004), by urbanhound.com's own Dr. Betsy Brevitz, is indispensable ($12.37). For more literary gift ideas, consult our special edition of Newshound devoted to dog books.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
For the new puppy (or the old dog who needs to learn some new tricks), we recommend the gift of a training class. To find one, start by searching our Directory of Dog Trainers.
Want more ideas? Check out urbanhound's complete Annual Holiday Gift Guide for many more of our editors' favorite picks for 2006.
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Hope Comes in Small Packages - Click to discover.
The very touching, amazing, and true rescue story of Jay Kopelman, a tough, U.S. Marine in Iraq who falls in love with a tiny puppy named Lava, and just had to 'bring him home'.
You will laugh, smile, cry and want to keep turning the page to hear about Lava's exploits in harm's way and his journey to safety.
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Animal Care League Holiday
Bazaar
Saturday, Dec. 2, 9 AM to 3 PM
19th Century Club, 178 W. Forest, Oak Park
The Animal Care League
hosts its annual Holiday Bazaar and Fundraiser with baked goods, gifts,
crafts, raffle, music, and more. All proceeds benefit the ACL.
Young at Heart Pet
Rescue
Saturday, December 2, Noon to 5
PM
Anti-Cruelty Society, 157 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
Representatives from senior pet rescue organization Young at Heart Pet Rescue will
be on
hand at the Anti-Cruelty
Society to talk about older pets available for adoption.
PetSmart Santa Claus
Portraits
Weekends, beginning December 2, 11 AM to
4PM
Various PetSmart Stores in Chicagoland
PetSmart stores throughout the
area offer
pictures of your pooch with Santa for $9.95, with a portion of the
proceeds going to the Anti-Cruelty
Society. Check the Society's events
page for locations.
Fourth Annual Reindog
Parade
Saturday, December 2, 11 AM to 3
PM
Chicago Botanic Gardens,
1000 Lake cook Road, Glencoe
One of the few times that dogs are allowed in the garden. Costumed dogs
will be allowed along the parade route, led by Santa. Other activities
include photos with Santa and dog demonstrations. Registration is $19.
Adoption Event
Saturday, December 2, 12 PM to 3
PM
Soggy Paws, 1148 W. Leland Ave., Chicago
Dogs from New
Leash on Life will be available for adoption.
Adoption Event
Saturday, December 2, 12 PM to 3
PM
Kiehl's,
907 W. Armitage, Chicago
Dogs from New
Leash on Life will be available for adoption.
Adoption Event
Saturday, December 2, 12 PM to 4
PM
Bloomingdale's
Home & Furniture Store, 600 N. Wabash, Chicago
Dogs from PAWS will be
available for adoption. Outside dogs are also welcome to take photos
with Santa. Pictures are $10 with proceeds to benefit PAWS.
Teen Service Learning
Day
Sunday December 3, 9 AM to 3
PM
Anti-Cruelty Society, 157 W. Grand Ave, Chicago
Educators from the Anti-Cruelty
Society teach teens about the function and operation of an animal
shelter. The session is worth five service learning hours for school. Email for more
information.
Adoption Event
Sunday, December 3, 12 PM to 3
PM
Bloomingdale's Home & Furniture
Store, 4 Oakbrook Center, Oakbrook
Dogs from PAWS will be
available for adoption.
Chicago's Big Fix
Thursday, December 7
Columbus Park, 500 Central Ave. Chicago
Chicago
Animal Care and Control's mobile low-cost spay/neuter clinic will be
offering procedures for qualified candidates. Appointments required.
Contact: 312-747-1406 for scheduling.
Photos with Santa
Saturday, December 9, 10 AM to 4
PM
Dog-a-Holics, 904 W. Armitage, Chicago
Everyone wants a photo with Santa, even your dog. Get yours at Dog-a-Holics
during this event sponsored by Chicago Canine Rescue.
Pet First Aid Class
Saturday, December 9, 1 PM to 4
PM
Chicago Ridge Village Hall, 10455 S. Ridgeland, Chicago Ridge
The The
Animal Welfare League
is holding a Pet First Aid Class that will cover everything from CPR to
seizures. Cost is $55 and advance registration is required. Click here
for a registration form.
PAWS Presentation Training
Session
Saturday, December 9, 5 PM to 7
PM
Lurie Family Spay and Neuter Clinic, 3516 W. 26th Street, Chicago.
PAWS
Chicago will train people about how to give humane education
presentations to children and adults. E-mail for more information.
PAWS Presentation
Practice
Saturday, December 9, 5 PM to 7
PM
Lurie Family Spay and Neuter Clinic, 3516 W. 26th Street, Chicago
Those who completed the earlier training session (see above) are invited
to practice their skills and presentations in front of a friendly
audience. E-mail for more
information.
Pet Portrait Day
Saturday, December 9, 1 PM to 5 PM
PM
Red Dog House, 2031 N. Damen,
Chicago
Pet photographer Rhonda Holcomb will be on hand to take portraits that
will be available in time for Christmas. Each mini-session costs $50 and
will include two 5x7 photographs in color or black-and-white. A portion
of the proceeds will be donated to Arf House. Limited space is
available. E-mail or call
773-227-7341 for registration.
Off-Leash Meetup Group
Saturday, December 9, 1:30
PM
Of Mutts and Men, 2149 W. Belmont, Chicago
Chicago's off-leash dog Meetup Group takes it inside for a day at Of Mutts and
Men. Cost is $3 per dog and $3 per person. Register for the Meetup
group and then RSVP.
Deck the Hounds! Tree Lighting
Party
Saturday, December 9, 2 PM to 5
PM
Cody & Carl's Blvd. 756 W. Northwest Highway, Barrington, Ill.
Pet boutique and portrait studio Cody & Carl's Blvd. holds
its first annual holiday party and tree lighting, with a "reindog"
costume contest and parade. Proceeds from ornament purchases will go to
help homeless pets.
Adoption Event
Saturday, December 9, 12 PM to 3
PM
Wigglyville, 3337 N. Halsted, Chicago
Dogs from New
Leash on Life will be available for adoption.
Holiday Hounds and Christmas Cats Holiday
Event
Sunday, December 10, 12 PM to 5
PM
West Suburban Humane Society, 1901 Ogden, Downers Grove
The West Suburban Humane Society
holds a holiday party and fundraiser. Attendees can visit with the
shelter's animals, buy gifts at the boutique and participate in a silent
auction.
Microchipping Benefit
Sunday, December 10, 12 PM to 4
PM
Heartland Animal Shelter, 2975 Milwaukee, Northbrook
The Heartland Animal
Shelter will be offering Avid Microchips for $15, with proceeds to
benefit the shelter. Pre-registration is not required.
PAWS Volunteer Brigade Work
Day
Sunday, December 10, 10 AM to 5
PM
Lurie Family Spay and Neuter Clinic, 3516 W. 26th Street, Chicago
Help the staff and volunteers at PAWS walk
dogs, stuff packets and do laundry. Email if you are interested
in attending.
Adoption Event
Sunday, December 10, 12 PM to 4
PM
Petco, 5222 Touhy, Skokie
Dogs from PAWS will be
available for adoption.
Chicago's Big Fix
Thursday, December 14
Ogden Park, 6500 S. Racine, Chicago
Chicago
Animal Care and Control's mobile low-cost spay/neuter clinic will be
offering procedures for qualified candidates. Appointments required.
Contact: 312-747-1406 for scheduling.
Pets Like Presents Too
Saturday, December 16, 12:30 PM to 2:30
PM
Anti-Cruelty Society, 157 W. Grand Ave, Chicago
Come make your dog a present for the holidays at the Anti-Cruelty
Society. A table will be set up for crafts such as doggy goody bags
and decorative photo frames. Pre-registration is not required.
Doggy Yoga Class
Saturday, December 16, 12
PM
Lakeshore Athletic Club-Illinois Center, 211 N. Stetson, Chicago
Find out what it really means to do downward facing dog. The Lakeshore Athletic Club offers a free
45-minute class of flexibility and stretching for you and your dog. Call
312-616-1087 x280 to register.
Adoption Event
Saturday, December 16, 12 PM to 3
PM
Petco, 3118 N. Ashland, Chicago
Dogs from Chicago Canine
Rescue will be available for adoption.
Adoption Event
Saturday, December 16, 12 PM to 3
PM
4 Legs Pet Products, 3809 N. Clark, Chicago
Dogs from New
Leash on Life will be available for adoption.
Adoption Event
Saturday, December 16, 12 PM to 3
PM
Petco, 3046 N. Halsted, Chicago
Dogs from New
Leash on Life will be available for adoption.
Adoption Event
Sunday, December 17, 12 PM to 4
PM
Bloomingdale's, 376 Old
Orchard Center, Skokie
Dogs from PAWS will be
available for adoption.
D.A.W.G. Court Advocacy Meet, Greet &
Congratulate
Monday, December 18, 6 PM to 7:30
PM
18th District Police Station, 1160 N. Larabee, Chicago
Meet the Chicago Police Department's Animal Abuse Control Team and
representatives from the Dog Advisory
Work Group to learn more about court advocacy and violence
prevention. Download a flyer here. Email to register.
Santa PAWS Holiday
Celebration
Monday, December 18, 6:30 PM to 9:30
PM
Hotel Monaco, 225 N.
Wabash, Chicago
Members of
PAWS Chicago's Professional Board hold a holiday celebration.
Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, a raffle and goody bags will be featured.
Dogs are welcome. Cost is $40 per person in advance; dogs are free.
Click here to
purchase tickets online. Or call 773-890-5116.
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
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Copyright (c) 2006 urbanhound, LLC.
All rights reserved.
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