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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 pets 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
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» Want to pamper your dog? Urbanhound.com's Hound Services Directory lists groomers, walkers, kennels, boutiques and more, conveniently sorted by neighborhood.
» Springtime is puppy season! Our in-house trainer, Andrea Arden, offers great advice on housetraining, chewing and play biting, separation anxiety and other timely topics.
» As the days get longer, the dog runs get more crowded. Dr. Betsy Brevitz, our in-house vet, has the scoop on dealing with potential dog park hazards, including hookworms, fleas and kennel cough.
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Oakland Adoption Event
Dates Throughout April & May, 11 AM to 2:30 PM
City Center, 12th & Broadway, Oakland
All year long, the East Bay SPCA sets up shop at City Center on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays to find homes for pets.
Dog Day Mornings
Saturday, April 12, 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM & 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM
12 Airport Blvd., San Mateo
Dog park too muddy? Too intimidating? Let your furry friend romp off-leash with other dogs, indoors, at this weekly supervised social hour sponsored by The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. The early session is open to all sorts of dogs (as long as they have basic obedience training and are up to date on shots). The second session of the morning is for small dogs only. Each session is $5. Get more info on the Society's website. Call to enroll: 650-340-7022, ext. 784.
Small Dog Beach Walks
Saturday, April 12, 10 AM
Ocean Beach, San Francisco
For the Dogs, a social group for owners of dogs under 20 lbs., meets up on Ocean Beach to walk on Saturday mornings. Meet on the beach, across from the Beach Chalet Restaurant. The group heads north from there.
Low-Cost Vaccination & Microchipping Clinic
Sunday, April 13, 10 AM to Noon
171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato
Vaccinations for $5 each, microchipping for $20, courtesy of the Marin Humane Society.
Fashion for Compassion
Sunday, April 13, 12:30 PM
Hyatt Regency, Burlingame
The 3rd annual luncheon fashion show to benefit The Peninsula Humane Society & SPCA. Four-legged models will be dressed by Bow Wow Meow, and their two-legged companions by Macy's. Tickets are $75; email or call 650-340-7022 x375 for more information.
Free Microchipping Clinic
Sunday, April 13, 1 PM to 4 PM
1200 15th Street, San Francisco
This drop-in clinic offers free microchipping for the pets of San Francisco residents, courtesy of The City's Animal Care & Control department. Non-residents pay only $15. No appointment necessary.
Paws to Read
Wednesday, April 16, 3:30 PM
Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda
Kids in grades 1—5 can practice reading with a friendly, temperament-tested dog as their partner. This free event will take place again on April 23. Sign up at the library or call 925-254-2184.
Bow Wow Bash
Friday, April 18, 7 PM to 9:30 PM
Kookez Cafe, 4123 24th Street, San Francisco
Eat, drink, bid and be merry -- to celebrate the 5th anniversary of the Pooch Coach and support Share-A-Pet's efforts to bring fuzzy love into nursing homes, hospitals and children's centers. The event features a raffle and silent auction (bid online if you can't make it to the party), live music, food, drinks and tons of doggy fun. Tickets are $40 in advance, $50 at the door. Dogs get in free.
DogFest 2008
Saturday, April 19, 11 AM to 3 PM
Duboce Park, San Francisco
Celebrate kids and dogs and check out the newly renovated Duboce Park during this benefit for San Francisco's McKinley Elementary School. Supported by Duboce DOG and the Duboce Triangle Neighborhood Association, the event will begin with a parade and will feature dog contests (enter online or at the event), face painting, craft tables, a raffle and more.
North Bay Adoption Event
Saturday, April 19, Noon to 3 PM
The Village, Corte Madera
The Marin Humane Society brings adoptable animals to Corte Madera. For more adoption event dates and locations this month, visit the Society's events page.
Preparing Your Dog for Your New Baby
Saturday, April 19, 3 PM to 5 PM
2700 9th Street, Berkeley
Presented by the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, this workshop covers the fine points of introducing your new baby to his or her furry, four-legged siblings. Cost for this people-only class is $50 per couple, $25 for singles. Enrollment is necessary. Call 510-845-7735 or email the Society.
Homeopathic First Aid for Pets
Wednesday, April 23, 6 PM to 7:30 PM
1510 Walnut Street, Berkeley
Holistic Hound presents a workshop on treating bites, stings, wounds, allergic reactions and other common ailments and injuries using homeopathy. Space is limited; no pets please. Cost for the workshop is $15. Register via email or by calling 510-843-2133.
Petchitecture
Friday, April 25, 7 PM to 11 PM
Westin St. Francis Hotel, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco
Always the most hotly anticipated dog event of the year, Petchitecture has upped the ante this year by going green. A bevy of noted architects have contributed eco-friendly dog (and cat) houses to the PAWS fundraiser, ten of which will go home with lucky winners of the live auction. The silent auction is always packed with amazing stuff, and the cocktails and hors d'oeuvres are almost as fabulous as the people and pet watching. Dogs welcome, of course. Tickets start at $150 and can be purchased online.
Pet First Aid & CPR
Saturday, April 26, 9 AM to 1 PM and 2 PM to 6 PM
171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato
Learn what to do for your pet in case of a medical emergency. Sponsored by the Marin Humane Society and presented by the American Red Cross, this workshop is offered in a morning or afternoon session (choose one). The $35 fee includes a first aid workbook and completion certificate. No pets, please (stuffed "demo pets" will be used for hands-on training). For more information, visit the Society's events page. Space is limited. To register, please call 415-506-6288.
Pet Loss Workshop
Saturday, April 26, 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
101 Gold Mine Drive, San Francisco
How do you cope with the loss of a pet? At this workshop, hosted by St. Aidan's Episcopal Church participants will create a memorial such as a scrapbook, poem, letter or niche, under the guidance of pet loss counsellors Dr. Betty Carmack and Lois Roach. A workshop for children 4 years and older will be conducted simultaneously by the Rev. Diana Wheeler and retired child/family therapist Judy Bley. $15 donation requested. Space is limited and registration is required. Call Diana Wheeler at 415-285-9540, ext. 5.
Care and Feeding of Your Pet Sitter
Tuesday, April 29, 7 PM to 9 PM
2700 9th Street, Berkeley
Finding the right pet sitter can be complicated and stressful. This workshop, presented by the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society, will help you sort things out. Birgit Hafermann, a member of Pet Sitters International, will share tips on finding a sitter and developing a positive, trusting relationship that benefits your dog. A $10 donation is requested at the door. Space is limited; enrollment is necessary. Call 510-845-7735 or email the Society.
Fort Funston Clean-up
Saturday, May 3, 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.
People Paddle for AIDS
Sunday, May 4, 10 AM to 5 PM
South Beach Harbor, San Francisco
PAWS is among the beneficiaries of this annual fundraiser, in which kayakers ply the waters of the Bay and collect pledge money for the AIDS relief organization of their choice. Register, pledge or sign up to volunteer online.
Dog Day on the Bay
Sunday, May 4, 11 AM to 2 PM
Pier 3, San Francisco
Enjoy a champagne brunch aboard the San Francisco Belle, with your hound by your side, in this annual fundraiser for the San Francisco SPCA. Hosted by Hornblower Cruises & Events, the two-hour cruise costs $140 per adult, $50 per child (12 and under). Children under three and dogs are free. More info on the Society's website. Purchase tickets in advance from Hornblower.
East Bay SPCA Volunteer Orientation
Sunday, May 4, 2 PM to 3:30 PM
8323 Baldwin Street, Oakland
Learn the ropes to volunteer for the East Bay SPCA. Monthly sessions are also held at the organization's Dublin site. Register online two weeks in advance.
People 'n' Pets Massage
Wednesday, May 7, 5 PM to 7 PM
Spa Solé, 2500 Clay Street, San Francisco
Lull your hound (and yourself) into blissful relaxation and support a great cause at the same time. Happy Hounds Massage offers People 'n' Pets Mini Massages, for $1 per minute, every first Wednesday of the month to benefit Pets Unlimited. Call Spa Solé at 415-929-6886 to make an appointment, or just stop by.
Monthly Low-Cost Vaccination & Microchipping Clinic
Wednesday, May 7, 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.
If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.
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Happy Ending for Used Books. Need shelf space? Love animals? The Marin Humane Society wants your used books, books on tape, DVDs and CDs to sell at book sales throughout the year. Drop donations off at the shelter, or call 415-506-6232 for more information.
New Sleuths at the Department of Fish & Game. The first class of graduates from the California Department of Fish & Game's K-9 Academy was deployed around the state last month, to sniff out poached game and invasive exotic species, including quagga mussels that stow away in boat ballasts. The dog teams will also be helpful in law-enforcement cases, according to the Department, because they are trained to locate spent ammunition, firearms and other evidence. A second Academy class is already underway.
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 Insurance.
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, April 12, Animal Planet airs an update episode of It's Me or the Dog in which trainer Victoria Stilwell visits three dogs to see if they've been able to maintain their weight loss. At 9 PM that night, the channel premieres its new reality program, Groomer Has It. 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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