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NewsHound 004
November 9, 2006 |
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Dear urbanhounders,
Is pet health insurance worth the money? That was just one question we set out to answer when we began our research.
Our reporting team, led by urbanhound's Chicago editor Aaron Baar, studied all the major plans, comparing costs, coverage, exemptions, and, yes, the fine print. The result: Urbanhound's all-new (and must-read) Pet Health Insurance Guide.
As you probably know first-hand, the cost of veterinary care has exploded. That's got more and more of us thinking about getting pet insurance. But it isn't easy making sense of all the options.
How much will you actually be reimbursed? What's with all those hidden surcharges? If your dog has a chronic condition, will he lose coverage? What does it mean that your policy "re-sets" every year? Which breeds are excluded from which plans?
Our Pet Health Insurance Guide covers everything the insurance companies don't tell you, or don't want you to know.
Have a happy, healthy month,
Laura Cavaluzzo
Editor, urbanhound San Francisco
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» Are acupuncture and homeopathic remedies safe and effective for my dog? Let urbanhound's resident vet, Betsy Brevitz DVM, guide you in choosing alternative treatments for dogs.
» The holidays are around the corner, and that means company's coming. Here, from urbanhound's resident trainer, Andrea Arden, are tips on teaching your dog to sit quietly when guests arrive.
» Want to get a jump on your holiday shopping? Check out our picks for the best hound shops in and around San Francisco. And keep an eye out for urbanhound's Holiday Gift Guide, coming soon to your email in-box.
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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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Book Party
Thursday, November 16, 6 to 8 PM
549 Castro St., San Francisco
Under One Roof hosts a book party for "Paws and Reflect: Exploring the Bond Between Gay Man and Their Dogs." Edited by Neil S. Plakcy, the 25-story anthology includes interviews with Edward Albee and Greg Louganis and original essays by Jay Quinn, Russ Overton, among other delights.
"Home for the Holidays" Christmas Windows
Friday, November 17 through Tuesday December 26
Macy's Union Square, Stockton St. at O'Farrell
Adoptable dogs and cats, puppies and kittens from the SF/SPCA frolic in the windows of Macy's downtown San Francisco store. This much-loved holiday tradition is celebrating its 20th year with a salute to Hollywood glamour: each window will replicate a classic movie set. So, how much is that doggy in the window? Adult dogs can be adopted for $180 (which includes a $100 coupon for the training class of your choice), while puppies go for $250 (including a $150 coupon for an SF/SPCA Puppy class). Adoptions are processed during store hours, up to 9 PM.
SF/SPCA Volunteer Orientation
Saturday, November 18, 10 AM to Noon
243 Alabama St., San Francisco
If you love animals and can commit three hours a week for six months or more, the SF/SPCA wants you. This monthly orientation covers volunteer opportunities in the shelter and out in the community. Call 415-554-3807 to sign up.
First Aid & CPR for Dogs & Cats
Saturday, November 18, 1:30 PM to 5:30 PM
2700 Ninth St., Berkeley
Presented by the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, this class uses hands-on practice with mannequins to teach the American Red Cross Emergency Action Steps, how to identify and respond to signals of a variety of emergencies, how to find a pet's vital signs and more. The $65 class fee includes the book "First Aid for Cats & Dogs." Advance registration is necessary, as the class is limited to 12 students (no dogs, please). Call 510-845-7735, ext. 0.
Rocket Dog Rescue's Blast Off Benefit
Saturday, November 18, 5 PM to 10 PM
Cydonia Glass Studio, 935 Natoma St., San Francisco
The 6th annual Blast Off features snacks, cocktails, fine art and an auction to benefit Rocket Dog Rescue. Suggested donation is $20 at the door. Dogs are welcome.
Holiday Photo Shoot at The Holistic Hound
Sunday, November 19, 10 AM to 2:30 PM
1510 Walnut St., Berkeley
Just in time for holiday cards or gifting, photographer Tonya Perme will create portraits at this East Bay shop. The cost is $25 for a digital photo, $15 for a Polaroid or $35 for both. Proceeds benefit the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society shelters. To reserve a space, call 510-843-2133 or email info@holistichound.com.
Canine Howliday Soiree
Wednesday, November 29, 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Ritz-Carlton Hotel, 600 Stockton St., San Francisco
Herald the holidays with the hound you love at this festive event that benefits Pets Unlimited. Human guests will nibble hors d'oeuvres, sip champagne and enjoy a canine fashion show with adorable, adoptable models, while four-legged guests will be treated to complimentary massage therapy, pictures with Santa, goodies from the Bow-Wow Buffet and more. Tickets are $68 per person, $25 per dog. For reservations, call 415-773-6198.
Pup 'n' Pony Meet 'n' Greet
Saturday, December 2, 10 AM to 11 AM
11500 Skyline Blvd Oakland
Dog walkers share the trails with equestrians in many parts of the Bay Area. This free monthly event (weather permitting) will allow you to familiarize your dog with horses in a safe, controlled environment and learn how to handle encounters safely on the trails. Sponsored by O'Dog, the Oakland Dog Owner's Group.
Rabies Vaccine Clinic
Sunday, December 3, 10 AM to 1 PM
1200 15th St. San Francisco
Co-sponsored by Animal Care & Control and the San Francisco Veterinary Medical Association, this clinic offers vaccinations for $5 (cash only). Dogs must be 4 months or older, leashed or in a carrier.
Monthly Low-Cost Vaccination & Microchipping Clinic
Wednesday, December 6, 6 PM to 8 PM
12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo
The Peninsula Humane Society offers vaccination for rabies, distemper and DHPP ($10 each), plus microchipping ($20). For residents of Belmont, San Mateo, East Palo Alto and the unincorporated areas of the county, microchipping is just $12.
Project Homeless Connect/Vet SOS
Thursday, December 7, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Bill Graham Civic Auditorium, 99 Grove St. San Francisco
Volunteers with the Veterinary Street Outreach Service will provide care for the pets of homeless San Franciscans at the 14th Project Homeless Connect. Vet SOS is always looking for skilled volunteers to help handle the animals on site and is in need of donations of recently expired veterinary medications, reusable pet supply items and, of course, money.
Monthly Vaccination & Microchipping Clinic
Sunday, December 10, 10 AM to noon
171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd, Novato
Vaccinations for $5 each, microchipping for $20, courtesy of the Marin Humane Society.
Book Signing
Thursday, December 14, 6 PM to 8 PM (Rain date: Sunday, November 5th)
549 Castro St., San Francisco
Under One Roof hosts a book signing for "Tails of Devotion", a collection of essays about people and their pets, by Emily Scott Pottruck. We hear Emily may have a celebrity guest with her at the event. We can't tell you who it will be, and even if we could, we wouldn't; wondering and guessing is so much more fun.
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
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Project Runway is over, but there's still time to design your way to fame. Pets Unlimited, a non-profit shelter and vet hospital in San Francisco, is looking for a special logo design to celebrate its 60th anniversary. The winner will have the thrill of seeing his or her design in ads and on correspondence and promotional materials throughout 2007. Designs must be submitted by November 15, 2006. The winner will be contacted on December 1.
NPR recommends more dog books for your night stand. If you liked our recent literary Special Edition of NewsHound, hie thee to the NPR website, where you'll find a story by librarian Nancy Pearl on great books about dogs. Her list is entirely different from ours, giving you that many more reasons to curl up with a book this fall and winter.
Park closures may affect your walks in upcoming months. On November 6, San Francisco's Recreation & Parks Department closed the Pine Lake Meadow Dog Play Area near Stern Grove for improvements. RPD says the park will reopen around Thanksgiving, with repaired irrigation, benches and water fountains. Meanwhile, the administration of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area has closed parts of Crissy Field and Ocean Beach to off-leash dogs, stating that the change is part of a new policy to protect the western snowy plover and will be in effect, going forward, from July through April of every year. This move by the NPS has generated controversy, especially given that the NPS is in the midst of a negotiated rulemaking process that will shape the future of off-leash in the GGNRA. Citing a 2005 report from the federal Fish & Wildlife Service de-listing the Bay Area as critical habitat for the snowy plover, and the failure of the GGNRA administration to follow rules mandating public notice and comment prior to such actions (upheld in a court ruling issued last year), some dog owners have vowed to fight the closure in court.
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Copyright (c) 2006 urbanhound, LLC.
All rights reserved.
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