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NewsHound 008
February 8, 2007 |
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Dear urbanhounders,
Is it wrong to have a canine Valentine? Of course not. Your hound is there, all wide eyes and wagging tail, whenever you need adoration. It's only right that you lavish him with the same.
Perhaps a rawhide greeting card will express your affection best. Or maybe a portrait cake in drool-inducing flavors like peanut butter and carob fudge.
Better yet, we encourage you to celebrate your puppy love this Valentine's Day by giving from the heart to a rescue group, animal welfare agency or another worthy dog-centric organization. Whether you'd care to donate time, money or that crate your hound never has gotten around to using, there's a group out there who will put it to good use. Below are some of our favorites. We hope you'll share some of your own
favorites with us and with other urbanhounders too.
Cheers,
Aaron Baar
Editor, Urbanhound Chicago
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» Thinking of volunteering but don't know
where to start? We have a list of shelters and clinics that can always use a hand.
» It's been really cold out lately, and my dog's fur isn't particularly thick. Does she need a coat?
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| Hound-Helping Organizations We Love |
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Best Friends Animal Society
What began as a sanctuary for "unadoptable" animals today shelters 1500 dogs, cats, horses, rabbits and other critters, three quarters of whom are adopted out to new, loving homes. Best Friends is now spawning Best Friends Brigades to help shelters and rescue organizations across the country. Perfect for Valentine's day, the organization's Gifts of Life & Love program lets you donate by sponsoring a specific animal, whose picture and bio you can then download and pin to the fridge.
No Kill Advocacy Center
Before founding the No Kill Advocacy Center, former corporate lawyer Nathan Winograd crusaded for the cause at the San Francisco SPCA and in Tompkins County, NY (which, thanks to his efforts is the country's first no-kill county). Through the No Kill Advocacy Center, which maintains an online resource library, publishes a magazine and sponsors seminars, workshops and a conference, Winograd dreams of turning the tide nationwide and making the United States into a no-kill country.
Guardian Angels for Soldier's Pet
When soldiers are called up for service, among the loved ones left behind are pets. Guardian Angel for Soldier's Pet (GASP) has built a network of foster homes and caregivers to ensure that those animals are cared for until their owners return. Headquartered in Arkansas, with affiliate chapters in Minnesota and Mississippi, the organization is hoping to expand its reach to other states with the help of volunteers and donations.
Military Mascots
On the other side of the coin from GASP, Military Mascots exists to help soldiers rescue dogs and cats they've befriended overseas. When contacted by a soldier, they will send a care package of pet food, treats, toys, flea products, and more, plus connect the soldier with a vet in their deployment area for vaccinations and health certificates. Then, when it's time for the soldier to return to the States, Military Mascots will help with all the logistics (assisting with finances or fundraising where possible), to ensure that the soldier's best friend makes it home, safe and sound, too.
Bear Search & Rescue Foundation
Named for Bear, the intrepid 11-year-old golden retriever who found many victims of the 9/11 attacks, Bear Search & Rescue has a multi-pronged mission: to train and equip search and rescue teams, provide free air transport to missions and trainings when possible, and provide health care to all the dogs who worked at Ground Zero and the Pentagon. We say, skip the roses and gift your Valentine with "Bear: Heart of a Hero," the book that tells the story, instead.
National Greyhound Adoption Program
Many states in the US have banned dog racing, and we hope the others will follow suit soon. Meanwhile, there are still droves of "retired" greyhounds in need of rescue. The National Greyhound Adoption Program maintains a kennel and a state-of-the-art surgery facility to get these hounds healthy and happily situated in loving homes.
Illinois Vest-a-Dog
Among our favorite local heroes, Vest-a-Dog collects donations in a host of creative ways--from change jars at local businesses to raffles at community events, from recycling ink cartridges to organizing fundraisers--to equip police dogs across the state with bullet-proof vests. To date, 100 vests have been purchased, 100 heroic hounds protected.
Dog Advisory Work Group
A unique coalition of dog guardians, neighborhood groups and others, in partnership with Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS), the city's police department and local courts, Dog Advisory Work Group trains court advocates to follow cases involving animal abuse. Among other vital services, these advocates build relationships with state's attorneys, attend proceedings to lend support to victims and witnesses and ensure that cases involving animals receive the attention and serious consideration they deserve. D.A.W.G. also helped to create Wiggly Field, and that fact alone would endear them to our hearts.
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Warehouse Sale Benefit
Thursday, February 8, 11 AM to 7
PM
Barker and Mewosky, 1007 W. Armitage, Chicago
Barker and
Meowsky is having a warehouse sale of overstocked items with a
portion of the proceeds to benefit Chicago Canine Rescue
Foundation. The sale, which will be a few doors west of their 1003
West Armitage location, continues through Sunday, February 11, during
normal store hours. Adoptable dogs from the shelter will be on site on
February 11, from 12 PM to 4 PM only.
Valentine's Day Portrait
Party
Friday, February 9, 6 PM to 10
PM
Grubman Photography Studios, 456 N. Morgan, Chicago
Benefiting Chicago Canine
Rescue, the second annual party features wine, cheese, sweets and a
photo session and portrait compact disc of you and your pet. $100 at the door.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 10, 12 PM to 3
PM
Red Dog House, 2031 N. Damen,
Chicago
Dogs from PAWS will be
available.First aid instructors from Heartworks CPR will give a demonstration at 1:30; $10 suggested donation.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 10, 12 PM to 3
PM
Central
Bark Doggy Day Care, 3358 N. Pulaski, Chicago
Dogs from Chicago Canine
Rescue will be available.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 10, 12 PM to 3
PM
Kiehl's
907 W. Armitage, Chicago
Dogs from New Leash on Life
will be featured.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 10, 12 PM to 3
PM
4
Legs, 3809 N. Clark, Chicago
Dogs from ARFhouse
Chicago will be featured.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 10, 12 PM tp 5
PM
Schaumburg Boat Show, Renaissance
Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Drive, Schaumburg
Dogs from Chicago Animal
Care and Control will be available.
Ask the Behaviorist
Saturday, February 10, 1 PM to 2:30
PM
Anti-Cruelty Society's Education & Training Center, 169 W. Grand,
Chicago
Anti-Cruelty
Society animal behavior specialist Karen Okura will answer questions
regarding feline and canine behavior problems. The event is free, but pre-registration is required.
You can also submit your
question in advance.
Valentine Photo
Fundraiser
Saturday, February 10, 1 PM to 4
PM
Jake's House of Kibble,
18700 S Wolf Rd, Ste 114, Mokena
Get a photo taken of your dog by pet photography specialist, KMT Photography with
proceeds to benefit Midwest Border Collie
Rescue. A framed, color 4x6 photo is only $10.
PAWS Presentation
Training
Saturday, February 10, 2 PM to 5
PM
Lurie Family Spay and Neuter Clinic, 3516 W. 26th St., Chicago
Learn from PAWS
staffers how to give humane education presentations to children and
adults. Materials will be included. The training session will be
followed by a practice session where the newly trained can work on
setting up equipment and presenting in front of an audience. Pre-registration is
required.
Animal Magnetism
Benefit
Saturday, February 10, 7
PM
Kaleidescope, 800 W. Superior, Chicago
A Valentine's dinner dance for couples, singles and pets to benefit the
PAWS
Chicago Adoption & Humane Center, set to open this summer. Tickets
are $100/person ($25 per pet) in advance and $125 per person ($25 per
pet) on the day of the event, and can be ordered online.
Mardi Gras Madness
Saturday, February 10, 7
PM
Crystal Lake Country Club, 721 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake
Dine and dance while raising money for the Assisi Animal Foundation,
with music from the rock band One 2 Many. Though costumes are optional,
prizes will be awarded for the best ones. Tickets are $40 and must be purchased in
advance.
Candlelight Cosmic
Bowl
Saturday, February 10, 8:30 PM to 11:30
PM
Strike and Spare II Bowling Lanes, 811 Northern Drive, Lockport
Featuring music, romantically dimmed lights and bowling, proceeds will
benefit the Tender Loving
Care Animal Shelter. Tickets are $25 per person and include dinner
and bowling. Drinks and rental shoes are extra. Call 708-301-1594 to
reserve your space.
Smooches for Pooches
Sunday, February 11, 10:30 AM to 2
PM
House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn, Chicago
A Valentine's event to benefit New Leash on
Life. Enjoy one free mini service for dogs (massage,
trainer/behaviorist consultation or communications session), a
Valentine's Day portrait, breakfast for you and a goodie bag for your
hound. Cost is $50 (for one person with dog) and $20 for kids aged 5-12
(under 5, free).
Adoption Event
Sunday, February 11, 12 PM to 3
PM
Macy's Woodfield Mall, 1 Woodfield Center, Schaumburg
Dogs from PAWS will be
featured.
Stolen Hearts Benefit
Sunday, February 11, 1 PM to 5
PM
Mars Gallery, 1139 W. Fulton
Market, Chicago
Help Midwest Dachshund
Rescue at their second annual benefit, featuring raffles and a silent
auction. A $5 admission admits you and your Dachshund or Dachshund mix with
all proceeds going to benefit the organization.
Best in Show Benefit
Tuesday, February 13, 7 PM to 10
PM
Players Bar
and Grill, 551 N. Ogden Ave., Chicago
Watch the finals of the Westminster Dog Show
while raising money for Sit!Stay!Read! at the
literacy organization's second annual benefit. Admission is $25.
Tattoos for a Cause
Friday, February 16, 2 PM to 12
AM
Insight Studios
Tattoo Parlor, 1026 N. Milwaukee, Chicago
Show your bulldog how much you love him by having his likeness tattooed
on your biceps. All profits from the weekend's tattoos will benefit the
Anti-Cruelty
Society, with the goal of raising $1,500. Event continues on
Saturday, from 12 PM to 12 AM and Sunday, from 12 PM to 10 PM.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 17, 10 AM to 1
PM
PetCo,
3118 N. Ashland, Chicago
Dogs from Chicago Canine
Rescue will be available.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 17, 12 PM to 3
PM
PetCo,
3046 N. Halsted, Chicago
Dogs from New Leash on Life
will be featured.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 17, 12 PM to 4
PM
Mutt Hutt, 1212 W. Grand Ave,
Chicago
Dogs from ARFhouse
Chicago will be featured.
Compassion and Style on the Mag
Mile
Saturday, February 17, 7 PM to 11
PM
Sofitel Hotel Chicago, Water Tower Place, 20 E. Chestnut, Chicago
The Humane Society of the United States, the International Academy of
Design and Technology in Chicago and Goldman Sachs present Spotlight
Humane, an event featuring cruelty-free fashions, with silent and
live auctions, food and dancing. The event will also feature the
inaugural Humane Awards, spotlighting people who've made a difference
against animal cruelty in Chicago. Proceeds from the $150 admission will
go toward preventing dogfighting in Chicagoland. RSVP your attendance.
Cosmic Bowling
Saturday, February 17, 10
PM
Oak Forest Bowl, 15240 S.
Cicero, Oak Forest
The eighth annual fundraiser for the Animal
Welfare League, featuring food, drink, raffle and door prizes (oh,
and bowling.) Tickets are $30 each or $55 for two. Call 708-636-8586,
ext 227 to reserve a space.
Adoption Event
Sunday, February 18, 12 PM to 3
PM
Bloomingdale's,
376 Old Orchard Center, Skokie
Dogs from PAWS will be
featured.
Pet Portrait Photo Day
Wednesday, February 21, 4 PM to 8
PM
Red Dog House, 2031 N. Damen, Chicago
Pet photographer Rhonda Holcomb once
again visits the Bucktown store for mini-photo sessions. Each 25-minute
session costs $70 and will include two finished 5x7 portraits. Space is
limited, sign up in the store
or by calling 773-227-RDH1 (7341).
IKC Cluster of Dog
Shows
Friday, February 23, 9 AM to 5
PM
McCormick Place, North Building, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
The International Kennel
Club of Chicago hosts its three-day Cluster of Dog Shows featuring more than
10,000 pure-bred dogs competing in a variety of competitions. Some of
the contests include conformation, agility and obedience, as well as the
Third Annnual Best in Show Owner Handler Competition and Junior Dog
Judging for kids ages 10 to 18. Tickets — sold only at the door
— are $13 for adults and $3 for kids 3-12. Save $2 with a coupon. More shows Saturday, February 24 and Sunday, February 25 (8 AM to 5 PM, both days).
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 24, 12 PM to 3
PM
Kriser's
Pet Supplies, 2037 N. Clybourn, Chicago
Dogs from ARFhouse
Chicago will be featured.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 24, 12 PM tp 3
PM
Gamekeepers, 345 W.
Armitage, Chicago
Dogs from Chicago Canine
Rescue will be available.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 24, 7
PM
Chicago Wolves Home
Game, Allstate Arena, 6920
N. Manheim Road, Rosemont
Dogs from Chicago Animal
Care and Control will be available.
Adoption Event
Sunday, February 25, 12 PM to 3
PM
Wiggleyville, 3337 N. Broadway, Chicago
Dogs from ARFhouse
Chicago will be featured.
ACL Baby Shower
Sunday, February 25, 1 PM to 3
PM
Animal Care League Offices, 1013 Garfield, Oak Park
Help the Animal Care
League prepare for the homeless puppies this spring by participating
in its second annual baby shower. The organization is requesting
cleaning supplies such as bleach, paper towels and trash bags, as well
as gift cards to warehouse stores. Also requested: old towels and
bedding. Refreshments will be served.
Celebrate Spay Day
Tuesday, February 27, 6:30 AM to 6
PM
Lurie Family Spay and Neuter Clinic, 3516 W. 26th St., Chicago
Help PAWS
celebrate Spay Day USA by volunteering in their clinic. They need help
organizing activities, decorating and passing out flyers. E-mail them to let them know
you want to help.
Beer and Wine Tasting
Friday, March 2, 8 PM
Wine & Cheese by TCC, 603 W. Lockport, Plainfield
The Humane Society of
Plainfield hosts a beer and wine tasting fundraiser featuring fine
wines, micro-brewed beer and artisan cheese. Admission is $25, and is
limited to 60 people. Make a reservation by February 28, by contacting
the society via e-mail or calling
815-436-2700.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 17, 12 PM to 3
PM
PetCo,
3118 N. Ashland, Chicago
Dogs from Chicago Canine
Rescue will be available.
Pet First Aid and CPR
Class
Saturday, March 4, 9 AM to 1
PM
The Anti-Cruelty Society's Education & Training Center, 169 W. Grand,
Chicago
An American Red Cross certified instructor covers the basics in Pet
First Aid and CPR techniques at the Anti-Cruelty
Society. Leave your dog at home; mannequins will be used. Course fee
is $40, which includes all materials. Call 312-644-8338 to pre-register.
Young Artists Contest
Reception
Wednesday, March 7, Time
TBD
The Anti-Cruelty Society's Education & Training Center, 169 W. Grand,
Chicago
Celebrate the art and the artists who participated and won the
Anti-Cruelty Society's Young Artists
Animal Expressions Competition. Kids were asked for illustrations on
the theme of preventing pet overpopulation. The contest and awards
ceremony are part of the Anti-Cruelty
Society's 108th anniversary.
Texas Hold 'Em Poker
Tournament
Friday, March 9, 6:30
PM
St. Charles Country Club, 1250 Country Club Road, St. Charles
The Anderson
Animal Shelter hosts a Texas Hold 'Em charity poker tournament.
Buy-in for the tournament is $125, while a spectator ticket costs $35,
both include "heavy hors d'oeuvres." Pre-registration is
recommended.
Adoption Event
Saturday, March 10, 12 PM to 3
PM
Doggy Style, 2023 W.
Division, Chicago
Dogs from ARFhouse
Chicago will be featured.
Adoption Event
Saturday, March 10, 7
PM
Chicago Wolves Home
Game, Allstate Arena, 6920
N. Manheim Road, Rosemont
Dogs from Chicago Animal
Care and Control will be available.
Chicagoland Family Pet
Expo
Friday, March 16, 2 PM to 7
PM
Renaissance
Convention Center, 1551 Thoreau Dr., Schaumburg
More than 300 pet-related products and services—pet photographers
and groomers to service dog groups—have signed up as exhibitors
at this show.
There will also be demonstrations, entertainment and other hands-on
attractions. Adults are $9 ($8 with coupon) and kids 3-12 are $6. The Expo continues Saturday, March 17 (9 AM to 7 PM) and Sunday, March 18 (10 AM to 5 PM)
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the
next NewsHound, please email
us.
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Check your canine's
canines. February is pet dental health month. According
to the American
Veterinary Medical Association, 80 percent of dogs show signs of
oral disease by the time they're three. Some things to look for are: bad
breath, a change in chewing or eating habits, and a pawing at the face
or mouth. Small breeds are more prone to tartar buildup than large
breeds. Thankfully, there are lots of products available to keep your
dog's teeth healthy.
Protecting pets in an
emergency.
Illinois has become the 10th state to require that its emergency
operations plan take into account the needs of those with pets and
service animals. State representative Art
Tenhouse introduced the bill last year. The law was applauded by the
Humane
Society of the United States. Similar measures are in place in
Califorinia, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, New Hampshire, New
Jersey and Vermont.
How popular is your
pooch? According to the American Kennel
Club, the most popular dog in Chicago last year was the Labrador
retriever, followed German shepherds and golden retrievers. Among the
results: bulldogs continued to gain popularity as the 6th most popular
breed in 2006, compared with 8th in 2005. Rottweilers fell to 10th from
seventh in 2005. Pugs are more popular in the Windy City than nationally, and
beagles are less popular.
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Copyright (c) 2007 urbanhound, LLC.
All rights reserved.
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