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NewsHound 019
January 11, 2008 |
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Dear Urbanhounders,
Ahh, January. The weather is too dicey to go out and romp at your favorite dog parks, which means it’s the perfect time to stay inside and cozy up to a computer screen. For that, we’re giving our recommendations for our 10 favorite dog-related blogs (listed in no particular order).
For the Love of Dogs. An offshoot of social networking site Dogster, this is the king of all dog blogs. The site sums up pertinent dog news from around the globe, and includes links to several other relevant sites and blogs.
The Poodle & Dog Blog. Based in Northern California, but with national relevance, this blog is meant to celebrate “the remarkable, the ordinary, and the very funny dogs that share our world.” Former teacher and writer Jan (who gives no last name) does a fine job summing up the good, bad, weird and heartwarming.
The Bark’s blog is probably one of the best sources for good, reliable information on the Web. The commentary takes a nice point of view on news and other areas of interest for dog owners.
Pet sitting resource, PetSitUSA.com also has a blog that compiles a wealth of information, which recently has focused on dog food recalls.
The ASPCA’s blog features updated ASPCA news as well as regular adoption stories.
Gollylog is meant to be a blog for Skokie, Ill.,-based GollyGear (a pet boutique for small dogs). But the writers are keen on sharing more about their lives with dogs than what’s available in their store.
Though at times verging on too cutesy, Smalldogarific features some news and more photos of small dogs.
It’s the Dog’s Life, recounts a woman’s life in Ohio with two Saint Bernards and Four Labrador Retrievers. While the site tends to be photo heavy, it manages to stay away from being too cloying.
Though not entirely about dogs, author Karen Shanley writes engagingly about life in Maine with her pets and child, and in doing so, shows how all parts of a family work together.
Similarly, Dooce has become more about the author’s daughter than her dog, but she does post a new photo of her dog Chuck every day. And she got a new puppy for Christmas, which will almost certainly be the subject of many future posts.
That’s our take on the dog blogosphere. Any we should be keeping track of? Feel free to post your suggestions on our message boards.
Cheers,
Aaron Baar
Editor, urbanhound Chicago
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» A dog's paw pads are supposed to be hard and dry, and sometimes cracks are ok. But how do you know whether the cold weather has caused a problem? Dr. Betsy Brevitz, Urbanhound's resident vet, weighs in on what to do when paws get irritated.
» Do you walk your dog, or does your dog walk you? If it's the latter, Urbanhound's resident trainer, Andrea Arden, has some tips on how to get your dog to behave on a walk, and to stop chewing the leash.
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Adoption Event
Saturday, January 12, 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM
Petco, 7265 Lake St., River Forest
Dogs from The Animal Care League will be available for adoption. This is just one of several adoption events for the group throughout the month. Check their events page for more.
PAWS Volunteer Orientation
Wednesday, January 16, 10 AM to Noon
The Community Room at PAWS Adoption Center, 1997 N. Clybourn Ave., Chicago
Thinking of volunteering for PAWS? Here's a training session. Pre-registration is required. Can't make this session? There are several others throughout the month. Check their Web site for dates and times.
Pet First Aid Class
Saturday, January 19, 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Chicago Ridge Village Hall, 10455 South Ridgeland, Lower Level, Chicago Ridge
The Animal Welfare League holds a class to teach pet owners the basics of first aid. Topics will include poisoning, bleeding, CPR, cold and hot weather emergencies and other maladies. The class cost is $65, and a book covering all the class topics is available for an extra $15. Seating is limited, so advance registration is required.
Critter Camp
Saturday, January 19, Noon to 3 PM
Animal Welfare League, 10305 Southwest Highway, Chicago Ridge
The Animal Welfare League holds a class designed to teach children 6-11 the basics of animal safety. The children will learn through games, lessons and guest speakers. Class fee is $25, and registration forms are available online.
Volunteer Appreciation
Saturday, January 19, 2 PM to 5 PM
South Suburban Humane Society, 1103 West End Ave., Chicago Heights
The South Suburban Humane Society holds an appreciation party for its volunteers.
Adoption Event
Saturday, January 19, Noon to 3 PM
Petco, 3118 N. Ashland, Chicago
Dogs from Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation will be available for adoption. This is just one of several adoption events for the group throughout the month. Check their events page for more.
Peter Mayer Concert
Friday, January 25, 7:30 PM
Northbrook Public Library Auditorium, 1201 Cedar Lane, Northbrook
Folk singer Peter Mayer headlines a benefit concert for the Heartland Animal Shelter. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
Tag Days
Saturday, January 26, 1 PM to 3 PM
Animal Welfare League, 10305 Southwest Highway, Chicago Ridge
The Animal Welfare League offers low-cost microchipping. The procedure costs only $15. (The regular price is $33.). Reservations are not required.
Cosmic Bowling
Saturday, January 26, 10 PM
Oak Forest Bowling Lanes, 15240 S. Cicero, Oak Forest
The Animal Welfare League holds its 9th annual bowling fundraiser. Events include three games of Scotch bowling, a buffet dinner, door prizes and fashionable bowling shoe rental. Admission is $30/person or $55 for two, and tickets must be purchased in advance. Call 708-858-8586 ext. 227 to reserve a spot.
Court Advocacy Group Meeting
Monday, January 28, 6 PM to 7:30 PM
18th District Police Station Community Room, 1160 N. Larabee, Chicago
Dog Advisory Work Group's court advocates gather for their regular meeting to discuss upcoming issues and advocacy opportunities. The meeting is free, but do let them know you're coming.
Pet First Aid and CPR
Saturday, February 2, 9 AM to 1 PM
The Anti-Cruelty Society Education and Training Center, 169 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
Learn about basic first-aid techniques for your dog in a class taught by a certified Red Cross instructor at the Anti-Cruelty Society. A course fee of $40 includes all materials, but you'll have to leave your dog at home, as mannequins will be used. Call Tammie at 312-644-8338, ext. 344 to reserve a spot.
Mardi Gras Madness
Saturday, February 2, 6 PM
Crystal Lake Country Club, 721 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake
The Assisi Animal Foundation holds a fundraiser with a French Quarter feel. The party will feature a live band playing music from the 1950s to the 1990s, and a costume contest (though costumes are optional). Tickets are $40 in advance. There will be no tickets available at the door.
PURR Party
Thursday, February 7, 7 PM to 10 PM
g boutique, 2131 N. Damen Ave., Chicago
ARFHouse Chicago hosts a ladies-only party and fundraiser with shopping, hors d'oeuvres, drinks and prizes. Cover fee is $20, with proceeds going to the shelter.
Animal Magnetism
Friday, February 8, 7 PM
Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St., Chicago
PAWS Chicago holds its annual romantic event, featuring dining, dancing, open bar and buffet dinner. Advance tickets are $125 per person and $25 per pet. Day of registrations are $150/person and $25/pet. Tables can be had for $1,000 (for 4) and $2,000 for 8.
Unleash Your Love
Friday, February 8, 5 PM to 10 PM
Stay, A Modern Dog Hotel, 4130 N. Rockwell St., Chicago
The Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation holds a Valentine's Day-themed party for pets and pet-lovers. A $100 admission gains entry to the party and a photo session for you and your pet with pet portraitist Steve Grubman. Tickets are available in advance.
Dog Parks: A Visitor's Guide
Saturday, February 9, 1 PM to 2:30 PM
Anti-Cruelty Society Education and Training Center, 169 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
Dog parks are fun for you and your dog. But they do come with rules and ettiquette. Two behavior specialists from the Anti-Cruelty Society discuss what's appropriate and what's just beastly. And how you can get your pooch to be on his or her best behavior. The lecture is free, but pre-registration is required.
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
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Protection for Abused Animals. On January 1, a new law protecting animals in cases of domestic abuse went into effect. The measure, which was supported by the ASPCA and approved by the Illinois legislature in May, allows judges to include animals in orders of protection for domestic abuse cases.
Vick's Dogs Find Sanctuary. Best Friends Animal Society, a 33-acre no-kill sanctuary in Utah, has become home to 22 of the dogs Michael Vick bred for fighting. Some 25 other dogs have been sent to other shelters and rescue organizations nationwide. Meanwhile, as Georgia considers a new law that will make it possible to prosecute spectators at dog fights (not just those who organize and host them) country crooner Willie Nelson has filmed a PSA urging support and passage of the bill. Best Friends is soliciting donations to get the PSA aired.
We Heart Technology. According to the New York Times, this month Case Western Reserve School of Medicine will end its longstanding practice of performing surgery on live dogs to study the workings of the heart. Case was the last medical school in the US to use dogs for this purpose. In November, New York Medical College also stopped the practice. Schools now favor high tech solutions, including echocardiography (in which students can watch a classmate's heart function on a monitor) and computer simulations.
Got a Budding Animal Artist? Chicago's Anti-Cruelty Society is holding its second annual Animal Expressions contest for artists between 5 and 17. This year's theme is The Human-Animal Bond: How People Help Animals and Animals Help People. Entries along this theme will be accepted in three categories: painting and drawing, three dimensional art and writing and multimedia. Special recognition in each of these categories will be given at different age levels (5-7, 8-10, 11-13, 14-18) based on originality, creativity and relevance to theme. The prizes will be awarded at an awards ceremony on March 7. The deadline for entries is February. 1.
What's On. The National Geographic Channel has begun a new series, DogTown, focusing on the Best Friends Animal Society in Kanab, Utah. Best Friends is the largest no-kill shelter in the country, and the show follows the travails of dogs rescued from puppy mills and the efforts undertaken to rehabilitate them and get them adopted. New episodes air on Friday nights at 9 p.m. Eastern and Pacific times, with rebroadcasts throughout the week. And, just in time for winter, Animal Planet has begun a series called Avalanche Dogs, spotlighting dogs who perform rescues in dangerous, mountainous terrain. For those of you into advance planning, the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show will air on USA Network on February 11 and 12.
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