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NewsHound 012
May 31, 2007 |
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Dear urbanhounders,
Newspapers usually place San Francisco's dog population at 120,000, but that stat's been knocking around for a decade, and we suspect the number is much higher these days. San Francisco is a great town for dogs, and it just keeps getting better. Here are our top ten reasons why:
10. A slew of high-end boutiques, bakeries and even a luxury hotel devoted to dogs.
9. The Chihuahua Cha-Cha, Pug Sunday and all the other snarfly, slobbery gatherings around the Bay.
8. Restaurants that allow dogs in their outdoor seating areas. San Franciscans love to chow with their hounds, and eateries like Zazie, The Grove and the Atlas Cafe make it possible.
7. The San Francisco Dog Owners Group, Fort Funston Dog Walkers, Ocean Beach DOG and all the other groups who promote responsible dog ownership and work hard to defend and expand off-leash space.
6. Among the country's strongest laws on the humane treatment of pets. Plus, Capt. Vicky Gulbech and Lt. Michael Scott and their team of Animal Care & Control officers (stars of Animal Cops: San Francisco) and police Sgt. Bill Herndon, the even-handed, compassionate judge of the city's Dog Court.
5. One of the lowest euthanasia rates in the country, thanks to the amazing efforts of the SF/SPCA, Animal Care & Control and dozens of dedicated rescue groups.
4. Dog Day at the ballpark with the San Francisco Giants (August 11, against the Pirates).
3. Bark magazine. Sure it's a national publication, but it's headquartered in Berkeley and steeped in the canine culture of the Bay Area.
2. Fort Funston, Crissy Field, Ocean Beach, Point Isabel, and other astoundingly beautiful parks where dogs and their owners can slip the bonds of city life to breathe (and run) free.
1. All the dog-friendly events that happen every month, and the fact that NewsHound tells you all about them.
Anything I've missed? Let me know or, better yet, share your thoughts in our online forums.
See you around town,
Laura Cavaluzzo,
Editor, urbanhound San Francisco
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» Summer means flea season is once again upon us. Our resident vet, Dr. Betsy Brevitz, has some recommendations for holistic, non-toxic flea treatments.
» Thinking about immortalizing your dog in a work of art? There are some amazing photographers and painters who specialize in pet portraits. We've reviewed some of the best, with a wide range of styles, at various price points. |
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Fort Funston Clean-up
Saturday, June 2, 9:30 AM
Upper Parking Lot, Fort Funston, San Francisco
Hosted by Fort Funston Dog Walkers, this monthly clean-up event includes free coffee and donuts. Dogs and kids are welcome, and all clean-up equipment and supplies are provided.
Buena Vista Park Clean-up
Saturday, June 2, 10 AM
Buena Vista Park, Haight Street at Buena Vista Ave. W, San Francisco
Dog folks meet near the Children's Playground at the bottom of the park for this monthly clean-up, sponsored by D5DOG. Supplies are provided. In case of rain, the clean-up moves to the following week.
Centennial Dog Walk
Sunday, June 3, 10 AM
171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato
Get your Sunday morning exercise, and raise money for the Marin Humane Society, during this 2-mile benefit walk. The $25 registration gets you a t-shirt and treats for your hound. Prizes will be awarded for the three people who raise the most sponsorship money. Immediately afterward, head to the shelter campus for the Society's big 100th Birthday Bash. Call 415-506-6265 or email the MHS for more info.
San Francisco Adoption Event
Sunday, June 3, Noon to 4 PM
4040 24th Street, San Francisco
Rocket Dog Rescue brings sweet pups to Noe Valley. Check their events page for more dates and locations.
Pet Loss Support Group
Tuesday, June 5, 7:30 PM to 9 PM
243 Alabama Street, San Francisco
Grief counselor Dr. Betty Carmack moderates this free monthly group at the SF/SPCA. No pre-registration is necessary. For more info, call 415-554-3050.
Hats Off Fashion Show & Luncheon
Wednesday, June 6, 11:30 AM
Postrio, 545 Post Street, San Francisco
The neediest of the SF/SPCA's shelter animals are the beneficiaries of this annual gala, hosted by famously be-hatted movie critic Jan Wahl (KRON-TV and KCBS Radio). Featuring a three-course lunch, a live auction and a fashion show (of hats, of course), the event will be co-hosted by Andrew DePrisco, author of WOOF! A Gay Man's Guide to Dogs. $75 per person. Call 415-522-3535 for information.
Monthly Low-Cost Vaccination & Microchipping Clinic
Wednesday, June 6, 6 PM to 8 PM
12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo
The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA 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.
Mozart for Mutts & Meows
Saturday, June 9, 7 PM to 10 PM
Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley
A concert by players from the Midsummer Mozart Festival conducted by Maestro George Cleve crowns this event, a fundraiser for the Berkeley/East Bay Humane Society. The evening also includes a silent auction, hors d'oeuvres and wine. Tickets are $75, online or by calling 510-845-7735, ext. 19.
Microchipping Clinic
Sunday, June 10, 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. Residents' dogs must be licensed to take advantage of the free microchipping; if you need a license, bring proof of current rabies vaccination, and they can issue one on the spot. This is the last ACC clinic for 2007, so don't procrastinate!
Picnic for Pawsability
Sunday, June 10, 1 PM to 3 PM
Glen Park Canyon, Elk St. at Chenery St., San Francisco
This BBQ benefit supports
Puppies Behind Bars, a non-profit organization that trains prison inmates to raise guide and service dogs. The event will take place behind the Rec Center in Glen Park Canyon and will include a raffle and kids corner, great food, live music and more. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids under 18, and can be purchased online.
Texas Hold 'Em Tournament
Thursday, June 14, 6 PM
7031 Koll Parkway, #100, Pleasanton
You've got to know when to hold 'em at the 1st annual poker night for the animals, to benefit Hopalong & Second Chance Rescue. A $50 entry fee includes all refreshments, table prizes, raffles and the chance at a $1000 first prize ($350 second prize, $150 third prize, $50 fourth prize). To reserve your seat, contact Andy Sharkey by Email or by phone at 510-267-1915, ext. 501.
Alamo Square Clean-up
Saturday, June 16, 10 AM to Noon
Alamo Square Park, Hayes Street at Pierce, San Francisco
D5DOG is at it again, with a monthly clean-up of postcard-perfect Alamo Square Park. Meet at the top of the hill, on the west side of the park, for free coffee and donuts. Supplies are provided. In case of rain, the clean-up moves to the following week.
Take Your Dog to Work Day
Friday, June 22
This is the eighth year of this national event, created by Pet Sitters International to spread the word about what wonderful companions dogs make. For tips, forms, and ideas to help organize "Take Your Dog To Work Day" at your company, download PSI's 17-page "Business Action Pack" here.
Gay Pride Parade
Sunday, June 24, 10:30 AM to Noon
Market Street, from Beale Street to 8th, San Francisco
Rocket Dog Rescue is planning to march in the parade, led by chihuahuas in band uniforms and pit bulls in tutus. They're looking for folks to march, and also for volunteers to help coordinate and facilitate. Interested? Email them or call Jeff at 415-553-6266.
Pet First Aid Class - Registration
Monday, July 2
243 Alabama St., San Francisco
Registration begins on this day for the SF/SPCA's enormously popular Pet First Aid class. The class, which takes place on August 18, covers symptoms and care for common ailments and emergencies as well as general health maintenance tips and instructions on assembling a pet first aid kit. Participants also receive Pet First Aid, a 128-page book published by the American Red Cross and the Humane Society of the United States. Enrollment is $50. Download a brochure for more info.
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
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Mandatory Spay & Neuter Bill. AB 1634, currently working its way through the State Assembly, would make mandatory the spaying or neutering of any dog or cat four months old or older. Owners can apply for a permit to leave their pets intact if they can prove one of the following: that they are doing business as a licensed breeder; that the animal is a purebred actively competing in shows; that the dog is a trained guide, service or signal dog, or trained for use by law enforcement agencies; that a vet recommends the animal not be neutered or spayed due to risks posed by age, poor health or illness. The stated objective of the legislation is to help curb pet overpopulation, but—in a classic politics-makes-odd-bedfellows alliance—there are no-kill activists and animal breeders who say it's not a good solution. Arguments and action alerts in favor of the bill can be read here; those in opposition can be found here.
Plover Restrictions Lifted at Ocean Beach. On May 17, GGNRA officials announced that dogs can once again be off-leash in the section of Ocean Beach designated the Snowy Plover Protection Area (between Stairwell 21 and Sloat Blvd.), as the birds have migrated to their breeding areas. Dog owners who favor that part of Ocean Beach had best enjoy the freedom while it lasts; the GGNRA says the plovers will be back in July, and so will the restrictions.
A Dog's Life Photo Contest. Your hound's mug could be on the label of these organic treats. Here's how to enter.
"Hey Mister, What Kind of Dog is That?" For great early-summer reading (and watching), check out Baltimore Sun reporter John Woestendiek's seven-part multi-media series on his quest to trace his mutt's DNA.
Cable TV Goes to the Dogs. In addition to the shows we told you about last month (Divine Canine and It's Me or the Dog), Animal Planet will be airing its Dog Championships 2007 series several times in June.
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Copyright (c) 2007 urbanhound, LLC.
All rights reserved.
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