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NewsHound 022
April 10, 2008 |
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Dear Urbanhounders,
Pampered pets and their obsessive owners have become stock characters in nearly every lampoon of American excess. And, while it's safe to say there's a kernel of truth to it (after all, someone is buying the pink satin
dog robe and matching nightie from Paris Hilton's canine couture collection), the real story is far more complex than the cliché: Our dogs are members of our family.
We want to take them with us on vacation, out to dinner, and even to yoga class. Sometimes we indulge them. So what's wrong with that?
We plan weekend get-aways with them in mind, and we go out of our way for places like W Hotels where the amenities include dog beds with turn-down service and a concierge who can arrange a birthday party for your pup. When we must leave our dogs behind, we gladly pay for the swimming pool and blueberry facial scrubs at Wag Hotels and the orthopedic beds and webcams at D is for Doggy.
The connection between our hearts and wallets is nowhere more evident than at the vet, where we now have as many diagnostic tools and treatment options for our dogs as we do for ourselves. And, unlike a $1760 Louis Vuitton carrier or "handcrafted" canine canopy bed, these are expenditures we're willing to make even in the face of economic downturn. In fact, a recent survey suggests we'd go so far as to cut back on groceries for ourselves to give our dogs the care they need, exactly as if they were our children -- which, in fact, they are.
With best wishes to you and your all-deserving hounds,
Laura Cavaluzzo
Editor, Urbanhound San Francisco
Aaron Baar
Editor, Urbanhound Chicago
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» We told you last month Spring was coming, and now summer is just around the corner. If you're the owner of a flat-faced dog like an English Bulldog, Pug or Lhasa Apso, you may want to brush up on how hot, humid weather affects your dog's breathing. The rest of you may want to learn about the signs of heat stroke in dogs, just in case.
» Ok, we all know that the old adage of seven dog years to every one year is a myth. But how old is your dog really? Find out using Urbanhound's age tool. You'll have to know your dog's weight and human-years age. |
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Tell Your Pet "Tail"
Friday, April 11, 1 PM to 7 PM
Anti-Cruelty Society, 169 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
The Power of Paws Patrol will be at the Anti-Cruelty Society videotaping people speaking about their unique relationships with their pets. The stories could be used on a new Web site, which "celebrates our four-legged friends selfless acts of kindness." The videotaping continues 10 AM to 4 PM Saturday. Contact Tracy Schectman to schedule an appointment.
Mimi's March
Saturday, April 12, 10 AM to 1 PM
Indian Hill Metra Station, Green Bay Road, Winnetka
PAWS holds a fundraiser to help support its mission of helping all dogs -- like the event's namesake, Mimi -- find adoptive homes.
After the walk, stay for games and refreshments. Registration is $35/person (dogs are free).
PAWS Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, April 12, 10 AM to 1 PM
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 calendar for dates and times.
Spring Fashion Show
Saturday, April 12, 11:30 AM
Crystal Lake Country Club, 721 Country Club Road, Crystal Lake
The Assisi Animal Foundation holds its spring fashion show and luncheon hosted by Nancy Loo of Fox News. The show will include fashions by Savvy Spirit. Tickets are $35/person and must be purchased in advance.
What's Your Dog Thinking?
Saturday, April 12, Noon to 4 PM
Red Dog House, 2031 N. Damen, Chicago
Animal behaviorist and communicator Rachael Resk holds private, ten-minute sessions with you and your dog to help you understand what they're thinking. Each private session costs $20, a percentage of which will go to Dogs Deserve Better.
Adoption Event
Saturday, April 12, Noon to 3 PM
Kiehl's, 907 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago
Dogs from New Leash on Life will be available. This is the first of several adoption events for the organization this month. Check their events calendar for more.
Party for the Pups
Saturday, April 12, 7 PM
Zella, 1983 N. Clybourn, Chicago
The Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation hosts a night of cocktails and fun. For $40, attendees get unlimited beer, wine and call drinks, appetizers and raffle prizes. Advance registration is available.
A Golden Night
Saturday, April 12, 8 PM to 11 PM
Brookfield Zoo, 3300 Golf Road, Brookfield
Golden Lab rescue organization As Good As Gold holds an evening of food, drink and an auction at the Brookfield Zoo. The event includes a four-course dinner with wine, as well as auction items such as art, sports tickets and airline tickets. Admission is $125/person and $250/couple, and other sponsorships are available.
Healthier Living for You and Your Pet
Sunday, April 13, 1 PM to 3 PM
Anti-Cruelty Society's Education and Training Center, 169 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
Authors Beth Taylor (See Spot Live Longer) and Karen Becker (Real Food for Dogs) answer questions about pet nutrition and related issues. Among the topics: natural diets vs. commercial foods, how to read labels and how to prevent diet-related health problems. The seminar is free, but pre-registration is required.
Wine Tasting
Monday, April 14, 7 PM to 9:30 PM
Coco Rouge, 1940 W. Division, Chicago
Animal Assistance group Canine Therapy Corps (formerly Cheney Troupe) celebrates its name change with a wine-tasting and fundraiser. Cost is $35/person in advance, $40 at the door. Space is limited, and reservations are encouraged. Call 773-404-6447 to reserve your spot.
Benefit Dinner
Thursday, April 17, 5:30 PM
Marriott's Lincolnshire Resort, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire
Orphans of the Storm holds its 2008 benefit dinner, "8 Decades, 800,000 Animals, 1 Life at a Time," focusing on the group's 80-year-history and its most memorable success stories. Silent acution items include a diamond necklace, airline tickets and a Magnificent Mile shopping package. Cost is $250 per person. Contact Donna Heggie at 630-567-7240 for a reservation.
Pet First Aid Class
Saturday, April 19, 12:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Chicago Ridge Village Hall, 10455 South Ridgeland, Chicago Ridge
Learn the most current treatment protocols for common illnesses and accidents in a class sponsored by the Animal Welfare League. Topics inlcude poisons, bleeding, weather emergencies and CPR. Cost for the class is $65 and advance registration is required.
A Birthday Party
Sunday, April 20, 11 AM to 3 PM
Queen of the Rosary, 750 West Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village
The Almost Home Foundation celebrates its 3rd birthday with cake and a party. If you want to bring them a gift, they do have some wishes.
Adoption Event
Sunday, April 20, Noon to 3 PM
Bloomingdale's, 376 Old Orchard Center, Skokie
Dogs from PAWS will be available. This is the first of a few adoption events this month. Check the organization's events calendar for more.
Protecting People and Pets
Tuesday, April 22, 9 AM to 4 PM
Anti-Cruelty Society's Mullane Auditorium, 169 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
The Anti-Cruelty Society hosts an all-day seminar aimed at recognizing and stopping abuse toward people and pets. The seminar will include presentations about local programs and resources and developing an action plan for local communities. Registration is $60 ($50 for shelter members).
Tuxedos for Tails
Saturday, April 26, 5:30 PM to 11 PM
The Stonegate, 2401 West Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates
Save-a-Pet holds its annual black-tie auction, four-course dinner and live music and dancing. Tickets are $100 and are assigned on a first-paid basis, so get tickets now.
Alley Cat and Dog Bowl
Saturday, April 26, 6 PM to 9:30 PM
Lincoln Square Lanes, 4874 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago
A night of bowling, food and fun to benefit ARFHouse Chicago. Cost is $40 per person, which includes bowling, shoe rental and food. Reservations are appreciated.
Baby Shower for Kittens and Puppies
Sunday, April 27, 11 AM to 3 PM
Animal Welfare League, 10305 Southwest Highway, Chicago Ridge
The Animal Welfare League hosts its first-ever puppy (and kitten) baby shower. Supporters are encouraged to donate everything from kitten litter to heating pads to thermometers. (Here's a complete list of their needs.) For their good works, donees will get refreshments and a special gift.
Spring for the Animals Luncheon
Sunday, April 27, 1 PM to 3 PM
Oak Park Country Club, 2001 Thatcher Ave., River Grove
The Animal Care League holds its annual fundraising event featuring silent and live auctions, raffle prizes and buffet. Those interested in attending should contact the shelter (708-848-8155) for more information.
What Does Their Body Language Say?
Wednesday, April 30, 6:30 PM
Naperville Municipal Center, 400 S. Eagle St., Naperville
Mick McAuliffe, former director of behavior and training at the RSPCA in Australia, helps you interpret what dogs are trying to tell us with their body language. The seminar, sponsored by the Naperville Area Humane Society, is free, though space is limited and advance registration is appreciated.
Bark in the Park 2008
Saturday, May 3, 9 AM to Noon
Lincoln Park at Montrose Harbor, exit 4400 N. Lake Shore Drive, Chicago
The Anti-Cruelty Society holds its annual 5K/3.2 mile walk to benefit the 109-year-old shelter. In addition to the walk, activities will include canine obstacle and agility courses, demonstrations, exhibits and product samples from local businesses. Avoid the crowds and pre-register for this event.
Coasters for a Cause
Saturday, May 3, 10 AM to 8 PM
Six Flags Great America, 542 N. Route 21, Gurnee
The Animal Welfare League has teamed with Six Flags Great America Amusement Park for a special day at the park. Tickets are available from the shelter for $26.50 (regular price is $54.99), and the shelter will get $8 for each ticket sold.
Pet Dog Show
Saturday, May 3, 9 AM to 2 PM
Aurora Turner's Club, 1335 Mitchell Road, Aurora
Rover Rescue holds its 5th annual dog show and fundraiser. Dogs can show off their talent in a variety of whimsical categories (such as fastest eater and most kisses in a minute). A $5 fee gains entry to three categories, and additional categories can be added for $1 each. Entries must be received by May 1. Other activities will include raffles, pet massages and face painting. Not entering? Admission to the event is free.
Adoption Event
Saturday, May 3, Noon to 3 PM
Dog-a-Holics, 3608 N. Southport, Chicago
Dogs from Chicago Canine Rescue Foundation will be available. This is the first of several adoption events for the organization this month. Check their events calendar for more.
Beer and Wine Tasting
Saturday, May 3, 8:30 PM
Wine & Cheese by TCC, 603 W. Lockport, Plainfield
Sample fine wines, specialty micro-brews and artisan cheese while helping homeless animals get a second-chance at this fundraiser for the Humane Society of Plainfield. Admission is $20, but space is limited to 60 people. Registration deadline is May 1.
Elvis Meets the Beatles
Friday, May 9, 6 PM
The Sabre Room, 8900 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills
Elvis impersonators Irv Cass and Dwight Icenhower headline a concert featuring Beatles tribute band American English (with a special appearance by Steve Bobbitt as Rod Stewart) in a benefit for the Animal Welfare League. Tickets are $30 ($40 for VIP seating), and can be had by calling 708-636-8586, ext 227.
Pet Expo
Saturday, May 10, 9 AM to 5 PM
Holiday Inn Select, Tinley Park Convention Center, 18501 S. Harlem Ave., Tinley Park
Pet businesses, shelters and vets will among the 80 exhibitors at Family Time Magazine's Pet Expo. The all-day event will also include activities for pets and humans.
Mutt Strutt
Saturday, May 10, 9:30 AM
Ladd Arboretumm, 2024 McCormick Boulevard, Evanston
Hundreds of feet and paws will hit the pavement for a 3-mile walk (or run) to benefit Evanston's Community Animal Rescue Effort. Post-event acitivities will include refreshments, a dog carnival and more. On-site registration is from 8:45 to 9:15, but you can avoid the line and pre-register.
Yappy Hour
Wednesday, May 14, 6 PM to 8 PM
City Club American Bar & Grill, 1163 E. Ogden Ave., Naperville
Supporters of the Naperville Area Humane Society will gather to socialize and snack while benefitting the shelter. Vaccinated and well-behaved dogs are welcome. Tickets are $25 per person in advance and $30 at the door.
Lilac Mutt Strutt
Saturday, May 17, 8 AM
Lilacia Park, 150 S. Park Ave., Lombard
Dogs are invited to this 5K run/1 mile walk through the Lombard Park District's 8.5 acre lilac display, featuring 1,200 lilacs and 25,000 tulips. Check the park's events section for registration information.
Help! We're Having a Baby!
Saturday, May 17, 1 PM to 2:30 PM
The Anti-Cruelty Society Education and Training Center, 169 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
Thinking about adding a baby (or already expecting) to a home that includes a dog? Trainer Janice Lynn Triptow discusses how to prepare your pet for the new arrival and how to identify and address issues that come up after the birth. The lecture is free, but space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended.
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
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Help for Families with Mortgage Woes. Fallout from the mortgage crisis is hitting pets across the country as their owners face financial strain and the loss of their homes. To address this facet of the crisis, the Humane Society of the United States has established a grant program for shelters, rescue groups and animal care and control agencies to support programs that help families keep their pets. Non-profit groups can submit an application for a grant ranging from $500 to $2000. Interested in helping out? Make a donation online.
Hound insurance news Progressive now offers a policy called Pet Injury Coverage that will reimburse up to $500 for vet care for a dog (or cat) injured in a car accident. Meanwhile, some employers are providing pet health insurance as an employee benefit through companies like PetFirst and Veterinary Pet Insurace.
Bikers Against Animal Cruelty (BAAC) 2009 Calendar Photo Contest If you love your motorcycle almost as much as you love your hound, submit a photo that shows them both off -- it could be selected to be in the first BAAC calendar. This group of motorcyclist enthusiasts raises funds for medical care for injured and abused shelter animals. For more information, write Admin@BikersAgainstAnimalCruelty.org.
What's On.At 8 PM this Saturday, Animal Planet airs an update episode of It's Me or the Dog in which trainer Victoria Stilwell visiting three dogs to see if they've been able to maintain their weight loss. Later, the channel premieres its new reality program, Groomer Has It begins this Saturday at 9 PM. Jai Rodriguez (Queer Eye for the Straight Guy) hosts as 12 groomers compete for a $50,000 prize and a mobile salon. Then at 10 (also on Bravo Wednesdays at 10 PM), Showdog Moms and Dads follows five families who sacrifice everything to make their dogs champions..
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