Have fun with your dog – and support a good cause.
The Boca Raton Dog Club is hosting Nutts For Mutts from 9 am to 4 pm this Saturday at the Sunset Cove Amphitheater, 12551 Glades Road, Boca Raton.

Admission is free, parking $5.
All the proceeds will go toward purchasing pet oxygen masks for Palm Beach County fire and rescue vehicles.

And activities? Will there be stuff to do!
· Learn pet CPR.
· Get expert advice from Dr. Robin Valentine, an emergency medicine veterinarian.
· Interfaith animal blessings by a rabbi and a priest
· Kids dog show
· Contests for pet/owner look alikes, doggy vocal talent, and best trick.
· “Wedding” of therapy dogs (??)

For more information, call 561-394-4404. Or go to the Boca Raton Dog Club’s Web site.

Click here for a previous post on pet oxygen masks. Raising money for this equipment is a fine project for any group that cares for animals.

> Discuss this entry

Wanted: Small dogs and their two-legged friends want to meet the same for conversation, nose-touching and a nice run at the park.

If this sounds good to you: Join the South Florida Small Dog Social MeetUp group. Pet boutique owner Kim, petsitter Tracy and Get A Life Pet Rescue volunteer Stacy organized this community of more than 200 pet parents who discuss things online, as well as get together at various dog parks and events.

Members were out in force for the big Beverly Hills Chihuahua movie release party in Pembroke Pines on Sept. 27. The blinged-out pooches dazzled the pup-arazzi -- and Stacy and Chiquita were interviewed on the red carpet by the Deco Drive television show.

Want to make the next meetup? Go here to sign up and get on the mailing list. The next meeting is at 4 pm, Nov. 2 at Gary B. Jones Parks for Pups and People, 8101 Southgate Blvd., Margate. But you must register in advance.

The site also has links to rescue dog meetups -- and even cat meetups!

> Discuss this entry

Who knew that trick-or-treat time would become a pet parent’s favorite holiday? My Inbox has been flooded with animal costume contests, some that you enter in pet person and others that just require a photo.

PetSmart even has a “Howl-O-Ween” Central section of its Web site – and costumes are on sale right now. Local PetSmarts already had their in-store contests and pet parades, and the photo competition ended last week. The grand prizewinner was this tabletop pup. But I say extra credit should have been given to whoever was able to get a cat into Elizabethan finery; this was the only feline among the finalists.

The PetSource.org costume photo contest still is going on, if you want to get in on the action. Click here to enter. The competition ends on Friday. The winner gets a buncha pet swag, plus $1,000 to give to the local humane society or shelter of his/her choice.

So: Are you trick-or-treating with your pet this year? What’s your costume? I noticed there are some companies selling owner-and-pet ensembles, so you can go as a matching pair.

Here are some things to remember to help your dog or cat have a Happy Howl-O-Ween:

* Don’t feed candy to dogs or cats – especially chocolate or raisins, as these foods can be toxic to animals.
* If you go trick-or-treating outside, keep your pet on a leash and scan the ground for dropped candy that might be scarfed up.
* Keep decorations away from pets.
* Put your pet in a secure spot inside if trick-or-treaters will be coming to your door.

And be careful when picking out your party animal’s outfit. The pet-purrfect Halloween costume is:

* Roomy but does not drag on the ground in a way that would trip your pet.
* Has no parts that could be easily chewed off and swallowed.
* Made of flame-retardant material.
* Should not have tight masks or capes that could choke your pet.

Thanks to the Animal Medical Center in New York City and VPI Pet Insurance.

> Discuss this entry

Platina Luna Blade Runner -- just Runner to his cat pals -- made feline history at the Cat Fancier's Association Championship this past weekend when he became the first Russian Blue to win the Best of the Best title.

The show, in New York City, featured 248 cats representing 41 breeds.

"We're very surprised to have won, but we knew Runner was special ever since he was a kitten," said his mom, Teresa Keiger, who has bred Russian Blues for 15 years.
Runner lives with Keiger, her husband Rob Miller, and two other Russian Blues and Persian show cat in Greensboro, NC.

The 18-month-old Runner also could have won Mr. Congeniality -- he was perfectly poised and meowed politely at CFA President Pam Dunbar when she presented him his ribbon. Unlike Rona, an Abyssinian who caused an uproar earlier in the competition when she escaped in the exhibition hall.

As champion, Runner wins 400 pounds of cat food -- and made a television appearance today on "Live With Regis and Kelly." What, no SNL guest shot??

Here's a great story on the big event from Epoch Times.

(photo by Chanan.com)

> Discuss this entry

Jay Jay, an American shorthair and part of the Iams trained cat troupe, played a game of cat and "mouse" this week -- make that computer mouse. The cyber whiz kitty, performing at a press conference, was one of the many amazing sights at preview for the 6th annual CFA Iams Cat Championship going on this weekend in New York City at Madison Square Gardens.

Click here for a complete photo gallery, including snaps of a high-wire cat walk.

(photo by Michael Nagle, Getty Images)

> Discuss this entry

What happens in Vegas... helps companion animals.

Pet Rescue Inc., of Miami, is holding its annual fundraising Las Vegas At Night event beginning at 5 pm, Saturday, at El Palacio Sports Hotel, next to Calder Race Course on the Miami Dade/Broward County line.

Your $75 per person donation includes dinner, a show and $500 in "funny money" to play in the mini-casino. Click here for more information, or call Pet Rescue at 305-621-8354.

Pet Rescue is a nonprofit no-kill shelter that also has a foster program. Browse their Web site for adoptable dogs and cats.

> Discuss this entry

See pretty kitties vie to be top cat (it's kinda like Project Runway with claws) – and help a good cause, too.

Cats Exclusive, a Margate nonprofit that runs a no-kill shelter and a low-cost spay/neuter and medical clinic, is hosting a feline extravaganza all day Saturday and Sunday at War Memorial Auditorium, 800 NE 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale’s Holiday Park.

There will be a Cat Fanciers Association (CFA) championship competition, as well as a display of endangered wildlife. You can shop at the booths of 30 cat-themed boutiques.

And if you don’t have a cat, no problem! Cats Exclusive will have adoptable cats and kittens there both days.

Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and children age 6 to 12, with children under 6 free. But go here to the Cats Exclusive site, which has more details and exact show hours, and get a coupon for $2 off admission.

All proceeds go to Cats Exclusive, which provides low-cost medical services and vaccines for all cat owners.

Oh, and since its Halloween -- costumes encouraged for cats and their peeps.

> Discuss this entry

Sit, stay, pray!

Father Joseph, a Franciscan priest with St. Francis Friary, will be blessing all creatures great and small (and of all denominations, we presume) at the Humane Society of Broward County on Sunday, Oct. 5. The celebration is in honor of the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals, who preached that all creatures deserve our respect and compassion.

Here is Father Joe, getting a blessing of his own from a schnauzer at the 2006 Humane Society ceremony.

The ceremony begins at 3 pm on the east lawn of the shelter, at 2070 Griffin Road, just west of the Interstate 95 exit. All sizes of pets are welcome but must either be in a carrier or on a leash.

Father Joe also will be blessing the animals in the shelter and shelter mascots Tweety the Cat and Oscar the Bird.

Want to do your own blessing at home, or in your church or temple?

Check out Diana Guerrero's Web site, Blessing of the Animals, which is a companion to a book by the same name. I have this book and it's great. But the site, too, will give you a few tips on blessing ceremonies, animal "rites of paw-sage" like cat mitzvahs, and throwing a pet birthday party, as well as offers some readings and prayers.

It also has a promotional video showing awesome blessing ceremonies from around the world and featuring a variety of animals, including elephants and horses.

I recognize, however, that some people are uncomfortable making animals the focus of a religious ceremony. What do you think? Are pet blessings disrepectful,or do they embody what you practice in your faith? How about things like doggy weddings or cat mitzvahs?

Animal blessing photo by Joe Cavaretta, Sun Sentinel.

> Discuss this entry

Pet owners in urban South Florida often don't consider rabies a threat to their animals. But at least eight people had to receive rabies shots just last month after being bitten by a kitten, living in a feral cat colony west of Boca Raton.

World Rabies Day, coming up this Sunday and in its second year, seeks to spread information about this disease that is easily preventable. More than 600,000 animal vaccinations in 74 countries were administered last year through World Rabies Day events. In Africa, where rabies is a serious problem, most of human deaths are in children under age 15.

Rabies cases have been reported in every state except Hawaii, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and are especially prevalent in the country's east coast states. The disease is caused by a virus, secreted in the saliva, that attacks the nervous system and can be fatal. Only mammals can get rabies. Here is what you can do to protect your pets, from the American Veterinary Medical Association:

* Have your pets vaccinated.
* Try to keep your cats and ferrets indoors as much as possible, and supervise dogs when outside.
* Don't leave uncovered garbage or pet food outside, as it may attract wild or stray animals.
* Teach children never to approach or touch any animal they do not know, even if it appears friendly.
* Observe wild animals from a distance and if they are acting strangely, call animal control officers.
* Do not keep wild animals as pets.

Does your pet need a rabies vaccine? Here are some inexpensive options:

Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control will have a low-cost rabies clinic tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 27, at Micanopy Pavilion in Okeeheelee Park, off Forest Hill Boulevard in West Palm Beach. Cost is $15 for a rabies shot and microchip.
Click here for more information or call 561-233-1200.

Broward County Animal Care and Regulation offers rabies clinics on various Saturdays throughout the year. The next clinic is from 9 am to 4 pm, Oct. 4, at Mary Saunders Park in West Park, 4750 SW 21st St., Hollywood. Cost is $15, cash only.
Click here for more information or call 954-831-4000.

The Humane Society of Broward County is offering a mobile medical clinic, including rabies vaccinations, this Sunday (Sept. 28) in the parking lot behind the society's main building on Griffin Road. Click here for a previous post with detailed information.

> Discuss this entry

Ay carumba!

Hit dog movie often equals people scrambling to buy their own version of the star. That in turn leads to a big upswing, a few months later, of that breed ending up at animal shelters when families figure out a canine's on-screen performance doesn't translate into real life. Just ask animal welfare agencies what happened after the "101 Dalmatians" flick.

Now comes "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" set to open in theaters Oct. 3. As if Paris Hilton hadn't made life tough enough for these dogs.

Producer Disney Enterprises, however, apparently wants to head things off at the pass. The company is inviting rescue groups to advance screenings to tell potential pet parents about the breed's pros and cons, and to promote adoptions.

Get A Life Pet Rescue, which specializes in small dogs, is headlining the Chihuahua in Paradise event from 10 am to 2 pm, this Saturday (Sept. 27) at Muvico Paradise 24, 15601 Sheridan St., Davie.

Chihuahuas and their two-legged posse are invited. A prize will be given to the most dressed-up, blinged-out Gucci poochie: a $650 gift package that includes a stay at the Fur Seasons pet resort and a private portrait sitting. This canine Project Runway competition begins at 1 pm. You can find more details here.

Muvico also will be giving out free passes to a "Beverly Hills Chihuahua" screening on Tuesday.
The event is co-sponsored by HaveDog.com , a clearinghouse for South Florida doggy events and meet-ups.

The Get A Life folks will be there to answer questions and "with plenty of adorable chihuahaus and chihuahua mixes," said volunteer Stacy Narcisse. But there will be no on-the-spot adoptions: Prospective adopters must fill out an application and go through a home visit.

Narcisse hopes careful screening will stem the growing numbers of chihuahuas being surrendered at shelters.
"Unfortuantely, Paris Hilton has single-handedly caused a big problem. And she doesn't even support rescue. She just buys dogs for her friends," said Narcisse, who lives in Fort Lauderdale.

"A lot of people get chihuahuas and don't know how to care for them," Narcisse said. "Then the dog doo-doos in the Louis Vuitton handbag and the new owner says, 'No way.'."

Chihuahuas are not a family-friendly breed, according to Narcisse, and Get A Life usually will not adopt them into homes with children under age 13. Some dogs are nippers and they can become very protective, bonding with one person.

The dog's current popularity and high selling price also has lead to some over-breeding, Narcisse said, resulting in kneecap disorders and snappy temperaments. Get A Life foster home volunteers work with difficult dogs to socialize them.

"But we will have plenty of nice dogs on Saturday," she said.
So come with your own chihuahua superstar. Or think about adopting one of your own, if you and this breed are a match.

> Discuss this entry

Love my dog, love me?

Hank, a roommate in a large house I shared with seven other students one college summer, always said Justin was the ultimate chick magnet.

Justin was Hank's handsome white German shepherd. All Hank had to do was tie a bandana around Justin's huge neck, snap on his leash and take him for a walk -- preferably at the park that bordered the women's college, where debutants accompanied by their horses went for their higher education. Hank and Justin always came back with a few numbers.

This ploy can be yours.

The Jewish Community Center of the Greater Palm Beaches is holding a Dog Walking Day in the Park, Bark Bark and getting some exercise isn't the only goal. The event is part of the JCC's singles program.

The walk begins at 6 pm this Sunday (Sept. 14) at Pooch Pines in Okeeheelee Park, 77715 Forest Hill Blvd., West Palm Beach. It's open to dog lovers age 21 to 45 (and for dogs of all ages, I suppose). To RSVP, e-mail TamaraL@JCConline.com.

So just curious: Anyone out there made a love connection at the dog park?

My co-worker Laura attracted the attention of her future husband as she drove around town with her giant mastiff, Tara, in the back seat. Now that's how to stop traffic.

> Discuss this entry

Here’s your chance to help seriously ill or injured homeless animals and pick up a lovely original piece of artwork at the same time.

Miami artist Darek Pala is auctioning ten of his paintings, with 50 percent of the proceeds going to start Karmela’s Fund. The fund will finance surgeries and medical treatments for seriously ill pets in the custody of four Miami-area rescue groups: Buddies Thru Bullies, Humane Society of Greater Miami, Miami-Dade Animal Services, and Paws 4 You Rescue.

The care will be provided by Miami Veterinary Specialists, a regional critical care and emergency center that treats animal patients needing advanced surgeries or procedures.

The fund is named for Pala’s dog, Karmela, who has three legs. Pala adopted Karmela from a Miami animal shelter where she had been surrendered by her owners, who were unable to pay for Karmela’s treatments.

According to the center, thousands of dogs and cats, like Karmela, are taken to animal shelters because they have conditions their owners can’t afford to treat or don’t want to bother dealing with. People often shy away from adopting such animals, so the majority are euthanized.

“We have close relationships with the shelters and rescue groups in Miami, and they are short on funds as well,” said Dr. Juan Sardinas, a surgeron at Miami Veterinary Specialists. “We see broken legs, tumors. Maybe Karmela could have kept her leg if her owners had gotten her treatment earlier.”

Bidding for the paintings, which all feature dogs, starts at $1,000 a piece. The auction continues today and through tomorrow, Friday, Aug. 15.

You can see the paintings in person at Miami Veterinary Specialists, 8601 Sunset Drive, Miami, during business hours. You also can view them online by clicking here.

To place a bid, call Robbie at 305-665-2820. You also can make a donation to Karmela’s Fund at that number.

> Discuss this entry

A lovely summer afternoon. Fine art. A chilled glass of chardonnay. And your best friend at your side.

Doesn’t get any better than that, eh?

I’m sure the 15 people who attended the Museum of Art’s first Dog Days of Summer wine tasting would agree. Dog lovers and the objects of their affection came from Boca, Miami and Hollywood on a Sunday early this month to sip wine (or water, for the four-legged ones), chat and bark. Tables were set up outside in the museum’s breezy atrium in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Even the wines were canine-themed, with names like Dachshund Red.

A portion of the proceeds went to Sebastian's Haul Foundation to Support Greyhound Rescue.

“Everyone really enjoyed themselves, the wine, meeting others. And of course, being able to bring their dogs was most important!” said Douglas Ratcliff. He’s the man behind those exciting changes in the museum’s shop and event schedule, which now includes regular wine tastings and a café with a delicious menu.

Douglas hopes to do more wine-and-dog events at the museum but first wants to connect with the Humane Society and other local animal welfare people. So rescue groups: Give a shout-out to Doug. You can e-mail him at artandwine@mac.com.
And click here for more info about The Wine Bar and The Store at the museum.

Art, animal causes and wine: This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

> Discuss this entry

You can't call 911 when your dog is having a medical crisis. But you can learn how to handle emergencies until you can get to the vet.

Get trained in animal CPR and first aid at the Dog Health & Safety Expo, being held from 6 pm to 9 pm next Tuesday (July 22) at Family Dog Central in Deerfield Beach.

There also will be instruction on hurricane preparedness for pets and dog massages, plus food, drinks and treats. Leashed dogs are welcome, although the emergency training program is for humans only. (You practice on dog models rather than the real thing).

There is a $20 fee for the first aid class, but everything else is free. Pre-register for the class by calling 954-360-2871.

Family Dog Central, at 1807 S. Powerline Raod, Suite 101, in Deerfield Beach, offers doggie day care and overnight stays. Click here for the Web site and more information.

> Discuss this entry

Winner TJ, hanging 20

Surf Dogs Rule, Show Dogs Drool!

That was the motto of the third annual Loews Coronado Bay Resort Surf Dog Competition, held on Saturday near San Diego. About 60 canine kahunas (okay, I stole that line from the "San Diego Union-Tribune" reporter) rode the waves either on their own or with human support.

Winners in their respective categories included Spaniel mix TJ, black Lab Stoli (who had an edge, given he's a water dog), and Zoey, a Jack Russell.

Click here to see the winners, the excitement and doggie beach fashions at Coronado Bay.

And click here for yesterday's story from the Union-Tribune.

(TJ photo by Laura Embry, Union-Tribune)

> Discuss this entry

National Take Your Dog to Work Day is right around the corner -- tomorrow, Friday, June 20. And just like a kid needs a well-stocked book bag, your pup should hit the office with a doggie backpack stuffed with goodies designed to keep him comfortable and happy. And to keep your co-workers from wishing Fido would take a sick day.

Here is a suggested list of "office supplies" from Dr. Karen J. Johnson, a vet with Banfield, The Pet Hospital.

* Plastic bags for emergency clean ups.
* A bed, blanket or towel to lie on.
* Favorite toys WITHOUT squeakers.
* A leash for walking.
* Something, if necessary, to confine your pet to your desk area.
* Water bowl with waterproof placemat.
* Treats for good canine employees. (Dogs prefer a biscuit over a bonus).

Click here to read a previous post for more tips on having a successful Take Your Dog to Work Day.

Of course, many workplaces ban companion animals from the premises. How about yours? I would love to get some profiles and photos of pets out there working "beastly hours."

So if you are lucky enough to be able to bring your dog or cat or ferret or any other kind of animal to work, send it along to me at: dlade@sun-sentinel.com. Please send photos as JPEG attachments. We may publish the submissions on SSS! or in the Sun-Sentinel.

> Discuss this entry

If you were convinced your touching tale about your pet was going to win you that stately home in Ocala -- dream on. The Ocala Mansion Essay Contest, which SSS! detailed several months ago, has been canceled "due to response from the general public," said sponsor Clementina Marie Giovannetti on her Web site.

Giovannetti, a self-published author whose latest book was based on life with her golden retriever, had said she would "give" her $1.25 million home to the person who submitted the best pet-lover story. But there were a few strings attached.

For starters, you needed to send $200 along with each submission. Giovannetti had the right to cancel the contest if she didn't receive enough entries; she said she needed 6,250 to make it work. If the plug was pulled, she promised to return entrants' $200 -- but got to keep a $20 per entry "processing fee."

State regulators noted that the essay contest sounded more like a creative way to sell an expensive house in a bad housing market than a contest, but agreed that it was legal as structured. They also agreed Giovannetti had her work cut out for her; similar house contests in the past haven't worked out because the owners could not get enough entries.

But if your heart was set on the Ocala Mansion -- it's back on the market for $1.25 mill.

Click here to read the original SSS! post on the contest.

So: Did any of you enter? And if so, did you get your $200 back?

> Discuss this entry

Give the dog his due. Only six days left to nominate a deserving canine superhero for the Dogs of Valor Awards, sponsored by the Humane Society of the United States.

Lassie and Underdog have nothing on some of the real-life canines that have acted bravely and saved human lives.

The Humane Society talks about Jesse, a service dog, who helped his owner -- a woman with an amputated leg -- out of her house when a fire started. Jesse died when he went back in to rescue the cat.
And there was Shana, a German shepherd mix who dug her elderly owners a path through the snow drifts during a storm and pulled them both to safety.

Click here for the Dogs of Valor Award home page, that includes links to the contest rules and nomination form.

There are separate categories for animal companions and working dogs. Nominations must be submitted online and must be received by 5 pm, Friday, May 30. You can nominate your own dog, one belonging to someone else -- or even a deceased animal.

Valor never dies -- or fades away.

> Discuss this entry

Michael Mack -- a guitarist and comedian famous for his "Faces of Rock" routine -- will headline a benefit for Animal Aid Inc. on Friday, May 30. Four comedians will perform.

The show begins at 8 pm at New York Comedy Club, 8221 Glades Road, Boca Raton. There is a $20 donation required, and a two-item minimum purchase.

Animal Aid operates a no-kill shelter and adoption center in Oakland Park, has a spay and neuter program, and runs a cat sanctuary in Naples. The organization also adopts its cats and kittens through the PetSmart store at Sawgrass Mills.

The nonprofit group runs completely on private donations. Click here for more information about Animal Aid. Or call 954-730-8398.

Check out their section on their special needs pets. These animals need extra support and, in some cases, a forever home with the right kind of person. Maybe that person is you.

> Discuss this entry

Here's some pics from the recent Walk for Wildlife, and the fundraising results...

Animal Planet star Jeff Corwin was at the front of the pack, when the SPCA Wildlife Care Center's Walk for Wildlife got underway on April 19 in Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach.

It was a great day for the 4,500 walkers and their pets -- a 30 percent increase in attendance over the previous year. They raised more than $100,000 for the center, which rescues, rehabilitates and releases injured wildlife as well as finds homes for domestic and exotic animals.

The top fundraising "flock," pictured above with Corwin, was the Michelle Lawless Wildlife Warriors. Other awards went to Donna Leone for top adult fundraiser, and to Alex Ng for the top child fundraiser -- Alex's second year winning that title.

And here are some walking teams that had a Dog Day Morning:
Mike Ingenito with Cody and Coco;
and Kelsey and Aubrey Harper with Charo.

Congratulations to the walkers and the center for a successful event.

> Discuss this entry

Take your best friend out to the ballgame! The Florida Marlins are having their annual Bark at the Park tonight, Friday. The game against the San Diego Padres begins at 7:10 pm -- night games are improvement over the Marlin's original Dog Day Afternoon, which broiled pooches and two-legged fans alike in the sun.

The event is held in conjunction with the Humane Society of Greater Miami/Adopt-A-Pet and the Humane Society of Broward County. There will be professional pet photographers and other "dog friendly" activities.

Tickets are $12 for humans, $6 for kids and dogs. That should leave you enough money for -- what else? -- some hot dogs.

Click here for more details.

And check back with Sit, Stay, Speak! tomorrow. We are going to post some photos from the game, and we aren't talking about pictures of the players.

> Discuss this entry

Happy Friday!
Next week is National Pet Week, so deemed by the American Veterinary Medical Association. We will be bringing you loads of animal care tips and info about community happenings throughout the week, beginning Sunday.

But to get you primed, we offer -- in honor of Friday, a fine time to do a little inner-office procrastination -- a silly way to help you put off those important tasks. The AVMA's National Pet Week Web site offers three games with funny animal characters, like Brutus Woof Flannigan here, with some pet owner education slipped in. Rated G: Play it at home with the kids.
Click here to begin.

Have something coming up for National Pet Week? Post a comment and let us know.

> Discuss this entry

Coral Springs Museum of Art is going to the dog - the Blue Dog.

Artist George Rodrigue and his glassy-eyed, fox-eared creation, Blue Dog, will be featured during the museum’s – what else? – Blue Dog Weekend. It kicks off with a Friday evening reception. Then on Saturday morning, Rodrigue will read from his children’s book, Why Is Blue Dog Blue?, followed by a lecture and painting demonstration that afternoon. Click here for exact times, reservation and ticket information, and more info.

We are well acquainted with Blue Dog in my family, as my brother lives in New Orleans – Rodrigue’s home turf, and a place where the dog is ubiquitous. Me, I have trouble seeing the art behind mass-producing the same image over and over, although Rodrigue told art critic Candice Russell recently that the Blue Dog “comments on society and how we live today through (the pictures’) titles.”

My mom, however, is a huge fan. So you probably will find me in line Saturday, hoping to get Rodrigue’s signature on a Blue Dog book. Honest, it’s for my mother.

While there, I plan to check out Ann Beebe’s “A Journey of Love,” photographs that will be shown along Blue Dog and works by two other artists as part of the museum’s animal subject-themed exhibit. Beebe, a Microsoft executive living in Seattle, found her life’s passion in raising service dogs for Canine Companions for Independence. Her portraits of her students include one of Piper – a Devonshire lab that ended up flunking out of the program. Piper now lives with museum Executive Director Barbara O’Keefe, along with Arwyn, another training drop-out.

O’Keefe said the exhibit, the last in a series until October, has been huge hit. “It’s all about animals and people are loving it,” she said.

> Discuss this entry

Want to see your dog on the big screen in New York’s Times Square?

Purina Dog Chow is giving you the chance with its Picture Your Dog in Times Square campaign through April 28. Go to pictureyourdogintimessquare.com and upload a photo of your dog. So far, the virtual dog park has photos of more than 3,000 dogs.

Fans of Drew Lachey—of Dancing with the Stars fame—can create a personalized message voice message. You fill in some blanks with pertinent personal information and Lachey’s voice makes an appeal to join the virtual dog park via e-mail or telephone.

The Times Square finale happens June 19 when every photo in the park will be displayed. You’ll also be able to watch on-line. One winner will be chosen to travel to New York with a guest and their dog. As part of the campaign, Purina will give away up to $40,000 to maintain and dog-friendly and off-leash areas.

> Discuss this entry

Animal Planet's Jeff Corwin is the guest celebrity at the seventh annual Walk for Wildlife this Saturday, April19. But the real stars are the men and women at the SPCA Wildlife Care Center in Fort Lauderdale.

The center, which over 39 years has grown to the largest facility of its kind in the country, takes in and rehabilitates injured wildlife; treats and finds homes for abused exotic and farm animals; and teaches the public how to exist responsibly with other living creatures.
I personally have taken them a blue jay that knocked himself out by flying into my back porch window, a shrike fledging that had fallen out of its nest and a lost baby possum (my backyard is wild kingdom).

The fundraising 1.25-mile walk begins at 11 am at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach. You can register online now or beginning at 9:30 am at the event Saturday. And your pet can join you! The center encourages walkers to bring their animal companions -- and not just dogs.

Click here for more information and a walker's brochure. Or call 954-524-7154.

> Discuss this entry