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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.
Love and kisses,
Laura Cavaluzzo,
Editor, urbanhound San Francisco
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» Thinking of volunteering but don't know where to start? We have listings of shelters,
rescue groups and clinics that can always use a hand.
» Does your otherwise well-behaved hound pull like a sled dog on walks? Urbanhound's trainer-in-residence, Andrea Arden, can help you train him to heel like a champ.
» A little chicken soup is one of the remedies Dr. Brevitz suggests for helping your dog feel better when he has a cold. |
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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 homes. 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.
VET SOS
Among our favorite local heroes, VET SOS is a group of volunteer vets, vet techs and others dedicated to providing free care for the pets of homeless San Franciscans. With assistance from the SF/SPCA, Animal Care & Control, PAWS, Pets Unlimited and the San Francisco Veterinary Medical Association, these skilled caregivers help animals they've met at the bi-monthly Project Homeless Connect events and--with the help of a specially equipped outreach van--on the city streets. VET SOS always needs new or recently expired veterinary medications, unopened bags and cans of food, kennels, leashes and other supplies (in good, clean condition) and, of course, funds.
Friends of San Francisco Animal Care & Control
Senior dogs whose owners have died, boxes of puppies dumped in parking lots, fearful strays, vicious fighting dogs--Animal Care & Control sees them all. Operating with a bare-bones city budget, ACC is charged with protecting the public from potentially dangerous animals, protecting the city's animals from neglect and abuse and reuniting San Franciscans with their lost, and much-loved, pets. The Friends of San Francisco Animal Care & Control (FSFACC) was founded in 2000 to help raise the funds necessary for this city agency to expand its programs, improve conditions in its shelter and even make grants to rescue groups that partner with ACC. FSFACC always needs volunteers and donations, and , for a mere $25, you can create an enduring symbol of your puppy love through the organization's Ceramic Tile Project, which lets you customize a tile to be installed on the shelter's outside wall.
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Important Animal Control & Welfare Commission Meeting
Thursday, February 8, 5:30 PM
SF City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, Rm 408, San Francisco
The Commission will consider whether to recommend that the Board of Supervisors look into San Francisco reclaiming the parklands it gave to the National Park Service nearly 30 years ago. The lands--which include Fort Funston, Crissy Field and other popular areas--were transferred under agreements that protected traditional recreational uses, including off-leash dog walking. Many dog owners in The City see the Park Service's recent and ongoing efforts to diminish and even eliminate off-leash in the GGNRA as a violation of those agreements. Anyone who values off-leash access to the GGNRA (or fears overcrowding in city parks if GGNRA lands are closed to off-leash) is urged to attend this meeting and be heard. More info, courtesy of the San Francisco Dog Owners Group, can be found here.
Puppy Love: A Benefit Fashion Show
Friday, February 9, 7 PM
Stage Dor, 10 Liberty Ship Way, Suite #40, Sausalito
Stage Dor dance and performance center hosts this fashion show and dance exhibition to benefit the Marin Humane Society and celebrate the organization's centennial. The event will also include a silent auction, cocktails and hors d'oeuvres. Tickets are $50 and space is limited. Call 415-339-1390 for more information.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 10, 9:30 AM to 1 PM
Pleasanton Farmers' Market, W. Angela at First Street, Pleasanton
Funny (furry) Valentines from
Tri-Valley Animal Rescue will vie for your affection. Tri-Valley will hold similar events at various locations in the Dublin-Pleasanton area throughout the month.
Adoption Event
Saturday, February 10, 12:30 PM to 4:30 PM
George, 1844 4th Street, Berkeley
Cold nose, warm heart? Dogs (and cats) from Home at Last Rescue will be on hand to woo you, just in time for Valentine's Day.
Smooch With Your Pooch
Saturday, February 10, 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Paws & Claws, 2023 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland
Have a date with your dog at this Valentine's party to benefit the Oakland Dog Owner's Group (O'DOG) and the city's new dog parks. Hosted by Paws & Claws Natural Pet Store, the evening includes a kissing contest, as well as love song and costume contests, music and food. $10 - $20 entry fee requested.
Ceramic Tile Project
Sunday, February 11, 1 PM to 4 PM
Animal Care & Control, 1200 15th Street, San Francisco
Customize a glazed ceramic tile in honor of your hound, and support ACC's efforts to protect and assist San Francisco's lost and homeless animals. The 6" square tiles will be permanently installed on the shelter's outside wall. $25 (gift certificates are available). Contact the Friends of San Francisco Animal Care & Control for more information.
Microchipping Clinic
Sunday, February 11, 1 PM to 4 PM
Animal Care & Control, 1200 15th Street, San Francisco
San Francisco residents can have their dog or cat microchipped for free with no appointment at this clinic, sponsored by the
Friends of San Francisco Animal Care & Control. Non-residents will pay the bargain-basement price of $15.
Film Shoot
Saturday, February 17, 9 AM to 4 PM
Contact for exact location, San Francisco
Think your hound has what it takes to be the next canine American Idol? Immortalize that star power in a short film spoof of the popular talent show. Shooting in San Francisco, the director is looking for dogs that can do any trick (even just sit still on command), dogs and guardians in whacky costumes, people who resemble their dogs and dogs (and people) who dance. Contact Romanus Wolter for location and other info.
Dog Park Opening Party
Sunday, February 18, 11 AM to 2 PM
Joaquin Miller Dog Park, 3950 Sanborn Drive, Oakland
Come out to celebrate the opening of Oakland's first new dog play area in 15 years with games, prizes a raffle and an official "ribbon-chewing" ceremony. The Oakland Dog Owner's Group will host the celebration for this 12-month pilot program, sponsored by City Council members Jean Quan and Henry Chang and the Joaquin Miller Dog Owners Group. Dogs should be on leash for the party. Rain date: February 25.
Flyball Workshop
Saturday, February 24, 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM
Marin Humane Society, 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato
Introduce your dog to the fun, fast-paced game of flyball through this workshop taught by the Marin Running Riot Flyball Club. To participate, your hound must be current on vaccines, solid on the recall, well behaved and socialized, healthy and not overweight. $15 per dog. Call 415-506-6280 or email for info.
Bark & Whine Ball
Thursday, March 1, 7 PM to 10:30 PM
Gift Center Pavilion, 888 Brannan Street, San Francisco
Put on the dog for this annual fundraiser for the San Francisco SPCA. The black-tie, dog-friendly event features a cocktail buffet, silent auction and dancing to Dick Bright's Orchestra. (Think they play wagtime?) Tickets are $125 for people, $20 for dogs (one per guest, please). Special ticket packages are available.
Bay Area Pit Fix 2007
Friday and Saturday, March 2 and 3, Various times
Various locations around the Bay Area
Pit bulls and pit mixes can be spayed or neutered for free during this two-day event. Participating shelters include East Bay SPCA, ARF, the Marin Humane Society, the Peninsula Humane Society and others. To learn more, call 1-877-4-PIT-FIX (1-877-474-8349)
Pet Loss Support Group
Tuesday, March 6, 7:30 PM to 9 PM
SF/SPCA Humane Education Classroom, 243 Alabama Street, San Francisco
A free, drop-in, monthly group, hosted by the San Francisco SPCA with grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack.
Getting to Know Your Dog
Thursday, March 15, 6 PM to 7 PM
12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo
The Peninsula Humane Society offers this workshop twice a year for people who have recently adopted a dog or are thinking about doing so. The Society's behavior experts cover a range of topics, including housetraining, leash-walking and introducing your new pup to animals already in the household. $10 suggested donation. To register, call 650-340-7022.
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.
It's Westminster time! With all due respect for the Superbowl, February's most exciting televised sports event--in our estimation--is the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show (on the USA Network at 8 PM on February 12 and 13). Even if purebred dogs aren't your thing (or dogs with foofy hairdos), it's hard to watch Westminster without picking favorites. The sheer variety of shapes, sizes and colors of hound is truly amazing, and the handlers are a breed unto themselves. And, although hardcore dog show fans might disagree, we think the best seats in the house for Westminster truly are on your very own couch, with your own unbeatable hound by your side.
Take two slobbery kisses and call me in the morning. A recent study confirmed what we've suspected all along: our dogs keep us healthier. Published in the British Journal of Health Psychology, the study suggests that we dog owners have lower blood pressure and cholesterol, bounce back better after heart attacks and other illnesses, and experience fewer health issues overall. Cat ownership was found to provide similar health benefits to dog ownership within the first few months after adoption of the pet, but ten months down the road, only dog owners were still experiencing health benefits. Of course, your hound could have told you that.
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Copyright (c) 2007 urbanhound, LLC.
All rights reserved.
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