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NewsHound 015
September 6, 2007 |
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Dear Urbanhounders,
As a publication devoted to the well-being of dogs, we have a somewhat different perspective than other press outlets on deceased hotelier Leona Helmsley's $12 million bequest to her eight-year-old Maltese, Trouble. (Two of her grandchildren got nothing.) We've boiled our response to her, um, generous gift down to three bottom-line points:
1. Loving your dog more than some family members? We can relate. But it's never good for the welfare of dogs in general when ludicrously over-pampered, ill-mannered hounds make headlines. It just makes it easier for non-dog people to dismiss our adoration of our dogs as loony.
2. Imagine what that cash could have done for Animal Care & Control, the SF/SPCA, or any one of the other worthy shelters around the country. Helmsley left billions to charity. But unlike the detailed instructions provided for care of Trouble, she left no directives that funds be donated to animal-welfare organizations.
3. Stipulating in your will how your dog will be cared for after your death and, if possible, designating some funds for that care, is an excellent idea. The ASPCA has detailed information on how to set up a pet trust.
With best back to school wishes to you and your hounds,
Laura Cavaluzzo,
Editor, urbanhound San Francisco
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Bay Area Pet Fair
Saturday and Sunday, September 8 and 9, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Marin Center, 10 Avenue of the Flags, San Rafael
The Fair is back for its second year, with an adoptathon featuring dozens of agencies and rescue groups, a dog show open to all breeds (including mutts), a kids' pavilion, a performance ring and a full schedule of talks and demos. The event (and the parking) is free.
Seminar: Parrots to Pooches to People
Saturday and Sunday, September 8 and 9, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
243 Alabama Street, San Francisco
Animal Behaviorist Susan G. Friedman conducts this two-day seminar on humane methods and scientific approaches to changing animal behavior. Titled "From Parrots to Pooches to People: Connecting the Dots to Behavior Analysis Principles and Procedures," the event is presented by the SF/SPCA's Academy for Dog Trainers. The registration fee is $175 for academy alumni and $200 for the general public. Register online or call 415-554-3095 for more information.
Low-Cost Vaccination & Microchipping Clinic
Sunday, September 9, 10 AM to Noon
171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato
Vaccinations for $5 each, microchipping for $20, courtesy of the Marin Humane Society.
Low-Cost Rabies Vaccination Clinic
Sunday, September 9, 10 AM to 1 PM
1200 15th Street, San Francisco
Rabies vaccinations for $5 each, from Animal Care & Control and the San Francisco Veterinary Medical Association. Dogs must be more than 4 months old and either leashed or in a carrier.
Small Dog Beach Walks
Thursday, September 13, 1:30 PM
Ocean Beach, San Francisco
Got a diminutive dog? A petite pooch? A micro-mutt? Meet up with other owners of small dogs on Ocean Beach, across from the Beach Chalet, to stroll the sand together. This active group gathers every Thursday and Saturday on Ocean Beach and Tuesdays at Crissy Field.
Pick of the Litter Donation Day
Friday, September 14, 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM
12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo
Clear out your closets, garage and basement, and help the Peninsula Humane Society raise money to help needy animals. Drop off your gently used furniture, clothing, housewares, CDs, books and more to be sold at the Society's Ebay store. Pick-ups of entire estates or large lots of furniture can be arranged; call 650-344-1662 for info.
East Bay Adoption Event
Saturday, September 15, 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Redhound, 5523 College Avenue, Oakland
The Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society will be on hand with hounds who need homes. For other dates and locations, check the Society's mobile outreach page.
Intro to Fostering
Tuesday, September 18, 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
2890 Mitchell Drive, Walnut Creek
If you're interested in fostering a dog, but aren't sure what it involves, this free class at the Animal Rescue Foundation is for you. The Foundation's Foster Coordinator will cover all the basics, talk about the "realities and rewards" and answer your questions. Email ARF by September 14 to RSVP.
Your Dog's Got Talent
Saturday, September 22, 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The Family Stage, Broadway at Jefferson, Redwood City
Stupid pet tricks? Not-so-stupid pet tricks? Both are distinct possibilities in this contest, part of Redwood City's "Our Town - Downtown" community festival. Pet owners must complete and submit an entry form by September 15. Chosen performers will be judged on the creativity, execution and difficulty of their trick.
Pet Loss Support Group
Tuesday, October 2, 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.
Monthly Low-Cost Vaccination & Microchipping Clinic
Wednesday, October 3, 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.
Fort Funston Clean-up
Saturday, October 6, 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.
100th Annual Celebration & Open House
Sunday, October 7, 2 PM to 4 PM
171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato
For the 100th year, the Marin Humane Society opens its doors and invites supporters in to celebrate. Meet Neil Trent, the Society's new director, lose your heart to a new love during the Adoptable Animal Parade, and witness the first-ever Humanitarian of the Century Award, which the Society will bestow upon Jane Goodall (Bill Johnston of the Jane Goodall Institute will be on hand to accept on Jane's behalf). Refreshments will follow. RSVP by October 1 by calling 415-506-6212.
Animals in the Arts
Sunday, October 14, 1 PM to 5 PM
Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco
In celebration of its 60th Anniversary, Pets Unlimited hosts an art exhibition and sale, followed by the Baroque Chamber Orchestra performing Carnival of the Animals, by Camille Saint-Saens. The concert will be conducted by Emmy-Award winner George Daugherty and narrated by author Amy Tan. Admission to the exhibit and sale is free. Tickets for the concert are $50 to $500 and can be purchased online .
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
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There is yet another pet food recall. Stay away from Krasdale Gravy dry dog food and Red Flannel Large Breed Adult Formula. Both were found to contain a drug-resistant form of salmonella. Also, Wal-Mart removed two chicken jerky snacks manufactured in China from its shelves when they were found to contain the chemical melamine, like the other Chinese-made food recalled earlier in the year.
Considering buying a car? If you'd like hound-friendly features like metal safety gates, low-rise doors that make it easier to get in and out, and canine seat belts, consult DogCars.com, a website that reviews cars with your dog in mind. According to the American Kennel Club, half of all dog owners consider their pet when selecting a car.
Will dogs' contributions to humans' well-being never end? Their latest assist to our species: sniffing out illegal DVDs. Two black Labs, Lucky and Flo, are employed by the Motion Picture Association of America to look for the scent of polycarbonate, a polymer used to make the disks. The pair turned up 1.88 million pirated DVDs while on loan to Malaysia. In that country there is a bounty on their heads of 100,000 Malaysian Ringgit, or approximately $30,000.
Update on the Michael Vick case: The ASPCA and a San Francisco-based Pit Bull rescue group called Bad Rap have been brought in to assess the 53 dogs found on his property. Unlike most dogs seized from dog fighting rings, they were not euthanized immediately because they are evidence in a criminal case. ASPCA president Ed Sayres estimates that 10 to 20 percent of the dogs can be rehabilitated and adopted.
If your dog would like to express his feelings about Michael Vick, you may want to provide him with an Official Vick's Dog Chew Toy.
What's On. On Thursday, Sept. 13, Animal Planet airs a rerun of the Eukanuba Tournament of Champions from Portland, Ore., at 8 p.m. The network will also re-air the Animal Planet Dog Championships from Harrisburg, Pa., at 8 p.m. on Sept. 20. For Cesar Milan fans, National Geographic Channel begins a new season of "The Dog Whisperer" on Sept. 7, and airs new episodes on Fridays through the month. Also, the movie "Year of the Dog" is out on DVD.
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Copyright (c) 2007 urbanhound, LLC.
All rights reserved.
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