Getting Ready for Copmany: Party Prep

 

So, you’re having a party and you plan to have your four-legged family member in attendance too.  After all, it’s your party and you’ll have your dog there if you want to; which is fine as long as you keep your guests in mind. 

As a host or hostess, you think of everything to pull off a successful party; from stocking up on food and drinks, to playing great music, and even having a game or two to break the ice.  But sometimes we get so wrapped up in our plans to entertain that we forget to plan for interactions with the dog. 

Here are some basic safety tips to enforce at your next party to ensure everyone has a good time, including the dog.

1.      Take your dog for a long walk or run before the event.  Your dog is less likely to be hyper, disobedient, or stressed out once strangers start coming to the door.

2.      Don’t let anyone feed the dog.  Giving a dog table scraps after dinner is one thing, but having 15 different people give your dog whatever food they want is dangerous (especially when they don’t know your dog’s regular diet).  There are many human foods that dogs simply cannot digest or may be toxic. Be sure to keep the following foods away from your dogs on any occasion:

            A. Onion and garlic - can cause haemolytic anaemia in both cats and dogs.

            B. Raisins and grapes - can cause kidney failure.

            C. Avocado - contains a substance known as persin which is toxic to both dogs and cats.

            D. Mushrooms - the toxins in these can cause shock and can even lead to death.

            E. Chocolate - this contains theobromine which is toxic to both cats and dogs.

             -Courtesy of Jane Grishaw’s article “The dangers of feeding table scraps to cats and dogs”

3.  Don’t let anyone give your dog any drinks – whether it is alcoholic or not. Caffeine, sugar, and alcohol can make a dog very sick.  You may think letting your dog get a little tipsy is funny but you are putting your dog’s life in danger, not to mention, potentially costing yourself a large vet bill and animal cruelty charges if someone were to report you.

4. If you plan to use noisemakers (or anything that might startle our dog) put your dog in a quiet room on the other end of the house and turn on calming music to avoid upsetting him/her.  A frightened dog will become irrational and unpredictable in their behavior and may also become aggressive.

5.  Be sure all doors and side gates are properly closed after each guest arrives.  You may be too wrapped up in a party to notice your dog is missing.  By the time you realize your dog is missing, if he’s not still wandering, he could have been hit by a car, been picked up by a stranger, or picked up by animal control.   

Don’t let these avoidable issues ruin your holiday cheer.  Be a responsible pet owner: keep your pet’s health and safety in mind so you can both enjoy the New Year together.

Getting Ready for Company: Introducing a Stranger

 

You may be expecting company this holiday season.  Whether it’s 2 people or 20, introducing your guests to your dog may be a little daunting, especially if he isn’t very social.  Having strangers in the home can be stressful for a pooch, and meeting a dog for the first time can be stressful for a human.  Here are a few things to practice with your pup to help ease any anxiety for your dog and your guests:

Leash your dog before answering the door- This keeps you in control of your dog.  Afterall, it is your home, you should be in control of who enters it – not your dog.  Keep the leash loose most of the time so you don’t send the wrong message to your dog.  A continuously tight leash could tell him that you’re anxious which can in turn make him anxious.  If you need to correct bad behavior, such as pulling or jumping, quickly tighten the leash then release.  You can also have him sit and stay until he has calmed down.

Reward calm behavior- Have your dog sit and stay before answering the dog.  Reward him for his calm behavior with a treat (which you can keep near the door), verbal praise, or hand him his favorite toy to hold.  You can also have your guest offer him a treat when you open the door.  But please remember to keep your pups feet on the floor when saying hello.  Jumping on a person is never a polite greeting (in both dog and human etiquette).

Never force a situation- If a dog doesn’t want to sniff a hand or be pet, then do not force him to.  That is how dog bites happen.  It may be best for your guest to simply ignore your dog until he (your dog) decides he wants to greet them. 

Do not have your dog greet people when agitated- If you are expecting company but your dog is not in the mood to be social, or if your dog is overwhelmed by the number of guests, have a quiet place he can go for a time out.  Time outs aren’t always bad; sometimes dogs just need some quiet time.

Have your guests greet your dog properly- Body language is everything to a dog, which a lot of humans take for granted.  Dogs are communicating with us constantly but we tend to ignore the signals or misunderstand them, which can lead to a dog bite.  Ensure your guests are greeting your dog properly to avoid any problems.

·         When greeting a dog it is best to avoid direct eye contact, as it is very dominating and dogs can feel threaten by that. 

·         You should never get in a dogs face, with kisses or the like.  Dogs should be allowed to smell the back of your hand before you touch them.  And remember, they have an excellent sense of smell so no need to put your hand right up to their nose. 

·         You can ask the dog out loud for permission to pet him, and if he seems open to your approach, pet him on the shoulder or under his chin.  Do not lean over him or pet him on the head because this too can be taken as a threat.        

Practice these techniques as often as you can.  You can do this whenever someone comes to the door or even when you meet strangers out in public, like at the pet store or coffee shop.  The more you expose your dog to these situations the better he will be at greeting strangers.  For more of a challenge (and a little bit of fun) you can teach your dog to shake hands when he meets strangers.  Everyone is sure to love your perfectly polite pup.

Taking the Purrfect Pet Picture

Ever wonder how the professionals get great animal photos? Getting your dog to sit in one place for any amount of time is helpful but you don’t need to have a trained stunt dog to capture the perfect photo.  Here are a few tricks of the trade to get great pet photos this holiday season:

1.       Use natural light – By using natural light you avoid using the flash, which not only causes red eye but can frighten your pet.  Go outside or in a room with a big window to naturally light your picture.

2.       Focus on the eyes – An animal’s eye can be very expressive.  Stay focused on them to help bring your photo to life.

3.       Go to your pet – Capture your pet in his/her natural environment.  This will help keep him/her comfortable and more than likely result in a better shot.  You can also sit on the floor or lay on your belly to get a shot from his/her eye level.

4.        Give your pet Character – Help convey the character of your pet by getting of picture of him/her doing what he/she does best.   If she is a lazy cat, capture her yawning.  If he is a playful dog, get a shot of him fetching a toy.

5.       Close up – Don’t be afraid to go in for a close up shot.  Some of the best pet photos just fill the frame with a pet’s face.

6.       Surprise your pet – Let your pet play while you set up your camera.  When you are ready, whistle, or use a noise maker, to get his/her attention then quickly snap the shot.

7.       Schedule accordingly – If you plan to schedule a photo session, do so accordingly, to make sure it’s when your pet is alert but not overly excited.  Did he just wake up from a nap? Does she have lots of energy in the afternoon?  Is he feeling sick? A grumpy dog, a tired dog, and a hyper dog do not make very good models.

8.       Have patience – Taking pictures of animals is not easy and rarely works out on the first take. You may need to take several shots before you get a good one.  If your dog is very excited, just wait a little bit and he will calm down.

9.       Experiment – Try approaching your pet in different ways, from different angles, and in different positions.  If you just focus on shooting a lot of pictures in the moment, you can worry about the results later.

A Thanksgiving Feast for Dogs

 

Turkey, stuffing, sweet potatoes, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry, sweet rolls, pumpkin pie;  With thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s almost impossible not to think about all the delicious food we’ll get to eat.  It’s hard not to feel bad for the dog who sits quietly under the table waiting for a meager scrap of food to fall for him.  But what do you do when you know it’s bad for him to get table scraps?  Well, you make him his own Thanksgiving feast.

Don’t know where to start? Below is a Thanksgiving favorite that your pup is sure to love.  But if this recipe doesn't work for you, there are dozens of recipes online to help you create a delicious Thanksgiving meal  for your pup. 

What you'll need:

2 lbs. ground turkey
2 eggs
2 cups cooked rice
8 oz. peas
3 carrots, diced
1 apple, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced


Directions:

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In mixing bowl, combine all ingredients. Mix well by hand. On baking sheet, form into the shape of a large dog bone (or smaller dog bones if you have more than 1 dog or you plan on saving the leftovers).  Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Let cool and serve.  

Note: This recipe makes a large batch. I had enough to make 6 plate-sized dog bones.

So why not treat your dog to a Thanksgiving feast this year.  He will thank you by letting you eat your feast in peace.

Getting Ready for Company: Bathing

 

So, you’re having guests over for the Holidays and you plan to have your four-legged family member in attendance too.  After all, it’s your party and you’ll have your dog there if you want to; which is fine as long as you keep your guests in mind.  Nothing is worse than a stinky, dirty dog jumping and rubbing up on you when you are dressed to impress.  And if you want your friends and family to come to the next party you host, you should probably be sure that Sparky is sparkling and on his best behavior.   

You may hate it as much as your dog does but it’s time to spell out that offensive four letter word……… B-A-T-H. 

Even if you take your dog to the groomer to have the dirty work done for you, there are things you should know about a dog’s skin before you go.  You might think twice if you knew how a bath can affect your dog’s health.

Dog’s oily skin attracts dust and dirt, and sometimes smells.  For people who allow their dog on the furniture and in bed with them, it isn’t unusual to bathe the dog once a month or even weekly.  This is not necessarily bad for dogs but a frequent bathing routine should be approached with caution.

Dogs have thin skin that is easily damaged.  Beneath the skin are special glands that produce an oily substance that coats hair and skin to protect it against moisture.  This waterproof layer also helps keep the good stuff in and the bad stuff out.  Bathing with even mild shampoo can remove some of this layer.  For this reason, unless recommended by your veterinarian for a skin condition, you shouldn’t use medicated shampoo.   Medicated shampoos (like dandruff shampoo) are often too harsh and can cause more problems than they solve, making a skin condition worse.  If frequent bathing is needed then use only the mildest shampoo.

Also keep in mind that brushing and combing your dog’s fur regularly will not only remove loose hair (cutting down on the amount of vacuuming) but will remove dirt as well and prevent mats and tangles from forming.  Regular coat maintenance like this can cut down on the number of baths given each month.

*Weather Watch Tip:  Watch out for dry skin this fall.  If you find your dog is scratching more than usual, try using a moisturizing shampoo or conditioner, like oatmeal, to help relieve dry and itchy skin.

Race for the Rescues

This weekend is a going to the dogs as running enthusiasts and pet advocates alike join forces to raise money for local animal welfare organizations. 

Taking place at The Great Park in Irvine, this Sunday, November 10^th, is a race and adoption fair to benefit local animal welfare organizations.  Registration begins at 7:00 a.m., while the first race starts at 8:30 a.m.  This event is open to the public, and while you do have to pay to run, Entry is free to the expo area and adoption fair.

Not a big fan of running? That’s ok because participants can race in a 5k run, 10k run, 1k dog walk, or 1k kid/couch potato run. There is something for everyone which makes this a great family activity.  It’s also a positive and fun way to introduce your child to philanthropy while getting him/her outdoors exercising!

The event will be hosted by celebrity pet expert Harrison Forbes.  Other celebrities joining the cause include USA Track & Field runner Brenda Martinez, singer Katrina Parker, dog trainer Laura Nativo, the Anaheim Ducks Ice Crew, along with the Anaheim Ducks mascot, Wild Wing.

Race for the Rescue has raised 54% of their goal so far, but they need your help to reach 100%.  Go to the Race for the Rescues Donor Drive page to register, donate, and get more information like race fees, schedules, course maps, parking info, volunteering info, and more.

 

Last minute Dog Costume Ideas

Need a last minute costume idea?  If you made a last minute decision to attend a howl-o-ween event and the pet store is out of costumes in your dog’s size, have no fear, here are some easy-to-put-together costume ideas for your dog.

Your favorite Celebrity- whether it be Donald trump, Miley Cyrus, or LeBron James, it’s easy to put together a human look-a-like costume.  You can find old clothes in your closet, head down to the thrift shop for a good deal, or hit up the little kid clothes section at the store.  Hair pieces can be made out of yarn that is glued to a barrette or headband that your dog can wear.  

This same concept works for all human related costumes, be it a business man, scientist, jersey girl, or fitness fanatic.  

Mummy- rolls of guaze are all you need to get this look.  You can use a sharpie to make the guaze look dirty or simply take the guaze outside and rub it in the dirt.  Brush it off and then wrap it around your dog (but not too tight).

A Flying object- An airplane, butterfly, or even a UFO can be created using cardboard.  The cardboard can be covered by white paper, colored felt squares, or tin foil and decorated for your desired effect.  Antennae can be created by using pipe cleaner and a headband.  

All of these are inexpensive ways to create a unique costume for your dog.  But a word of caution: Last minute costumes can be a total disaster or a stroke of genius.  Whatever you end up with, just remember to never underestimate the power of pipe cleaner, felt squares, yarn, construction paper, cardboard, tin foil, and glue.  Hit up your local craft store for even more supplies and further inspiration.

Here are some creative homemade costumes:

 

Stop Annoying Habits

Does your dog bark at you, paw at you, nudge you with her nose, or lick you constantly?  While you may not think anything of these bad behaviors (or possibly think they are cute), they are actually signs of an unbalanced dog.  And if your dog uses these strategies to get your attention they will do the same to your house guests, who will most likely not find the behavior endearing. 

These bad habits are all techniques a dog uses to get your attention.  Children do similar things like repeating “mom, mom, mom, mom, mom” over and over, or patting you until you give them your attention.  Lack of the desired attention may result in a tantrum.  And for some reason many parents are quick to correct their human child’s rude behavior but not their fur child’s bad behavior.

Correcting these behaviors will restore peace in your house and allow you to enjoy your dog’s company without living at the mercy of your dog’s whims.  You can easily correct this bad behavior by making 4 easy changes to the way you interact with your dog.

1.       Only give your dog attention when he or she is CALM and quiet.  This is especially important if your dog barks at you to get attention. 

2.       Require your dog to perform an action before giving him or her attention.  This action is usually a sit (while being quiet).  One great way to curb bad manners in a dog is to start expecting him or her to work for all of his or her rewards.  Have your dog sit before he or she is allowed to… start eating, go outside, come inside, get on leash, get off leash, get a treat, and get pet.    

3.       Stop giving positive reinforcement for bad behavior.  For most people, treats and toys are seen as the only way to reward a dog, when in fact, positive reinforcement can come in many different forms.  Eye contact, speaking, and touching (even pushing away) are all forms of attention that would be considered positive reinforcement to an attention seeking dog.  If your dog is trying to get attention in a way that is not ok with you, you must ignore him or her completely until the bad behavior has stopped and the dog is calm and quiet. This may take some patience.

4.       Be persistent!  While this may be difficult at first (and possibly for a while, depending on the severity of your dog’s behavior), there is no substitute for persistence.  Don’t give in to your dog’s tantrums; stay strong and stick to the new requirements for your dog to get attention.  Your hard work will pay off!

13th Week of Summer: Make a Splash

 

Dealing with nearly unbearable heat this month, it’s hard to tell that summer is coming to a close.  But that’s how it goes in sunny California; we often need a calendar to tell us what season we’re supposed to in.

This last activity of summer is ideal for beating the heat while saying goodbye to those carefree days. Regional Parks has partnered with V.C.A Animal Hospitals to throw a giant pool party just for dogs.  You and your pup can join in the fun at DoggiePool-ooza this Saturday, September 14^th. 

The Doggie Pool-ooza is being held at Cucamonga-Guasti Regional Park located at 800 North Archibald Avenue in Ontario.  Of course, playing in the pool isn’t the only fun thing to do.  You can catch adorable pups strutting their stuff in the Talent Show, Dog Swimsuit Competition, or Little Dog Races. Or perhaps you and your dog would like to compete in the Dog/Owner Look-a-Like Contest. There will be lots of great vendors to check out along with an agility course, pet photo booth, workshops, pet adoptions, and more.  It’s sure to be a splash! The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. and goes until 1:00 p.m.

There are a few things you should know before you go.  Event parking is $10 (carpool if you want to save a little money) and entry is $1 per dog.  Your dog must be at least 6 months old with a current license and vaccinations to participate. Only pups are allowed in the pools, no humans.  And dogs must be on a leash whenever they are not in the pool.  It’s going to be another hot weekend, and water reflects the sun, increasing your chance of sunburn. So, don’t forget the sunblock (you’ll probably want a hat too) and bring extra drinking water for you and your dog.  Most importantly, don’t forget to have fun! Enjoy this last week of summer. 

 

11th Week of Summer: Throw a Party

Labor Day is the symbolic end to summer, the kick-off to football season, and the start of a new school year. But why do we celebrate Labor Day? 

Labor Day is celebrated in honor of the economic and social contribution of workers.  It’s a national holiday that recognizes all the work you do and the contributions you make to society.  In other words, it’s your day to relax and enjoy life.

Most holiday weekends, one might try to get away, but sometime you just can’t.  If you can’t get away this Labor Day, why not throw a dog-friendly get-together?

You are cordially invited….

Who:

You can invite any one you like, whether they have a dog or not.  For those without a dog, make sure they are comfortable around dogs.  For those with a dog, make sure their pup is dog and people friendly before inviting them.

What: 

This party doesn’t have to be a big production.  In fact, most the attention will be on the dogs so you don’t need any decorations, fancy outfits, or party favors.  Keep the food simple (and dog themed if you like) with hotdogs and chips. Or do a pot luck and ask everyone to bring an item to feed 10 people (or less, if your group is smaller).  Don’t forget plates, plastic ware, napkins, cups, and a couple of trash bags.

When:

While you could throw a Labor Day party whenever you like, it would make the most sense to throw one sometime during the Labor Day weekend.

Where: 

Of course, your home would be the first place that comes to mind, but if your place is too small or you don’t think having a bunch of dogs there is a good idea, you can always host your friends and family at a local park or even at the dog beach.  Just keep in mind that it’s a holiday weekend, so you’ll want to get there early to reserve a spot.

In addition, you can make a special treat for the pups to enjoy.  You could make a pup-tini, baked biscuits, or frozen pup pop for them.  There are countless easy-to-make dog treat recipes available online, that you could whip up the day before. (For frozen treat ideas, check out last week’s article listed below). Just be sure you let the other pet parents know the ingredients before you serve them.  Some dogs may have a food allergy or sensitive stomach and will not be able to partake.

And lastly, if you do plan on being outside that day, be sure to bring sunblock for everyone (dogs too if needed), plenty of water for the pups, and a blanket and chair to sit on.  Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend; you deserve it!

10th Week of Summer: Cool Down with Homemade Pup Pops

August is always the hottest month of summer.  And just when we look for relief in fall, most times it doesn’t come until the end of October.  Here are some cool treats you and your pup can make together to help beat the heat until winter.

Enjoy one last summer ice cream cone with your pup.  He’s bound to love this Peanut Butter and Carob Swirl.

Ingredients:   32 oz plain yogurt (low-fat or non-fat); 1 cup natural peanut butter; and ½ cup carob chips

Instructions: 

1. Divide the yogurt evenly into a 6 cup muffin pan. 

2. Pour the peanut butter into a small bowl. 

3. Melt the carob chips gradually in the microwave in a microwave safe bowl. Stir every 15-30 seconds.

4. Pour the melted carob into the peanut butter. Stir until combined.

5. Place a spoonful of the peanut butter mixture on top of the yogurt in each cup of the muffin pan.

6. Using a toothpick, gently stir or swirl the peanut butter with the yogurt.

7. Freeze until solid, then let your pup enjoy a cup at a time!

 
These homemade cold dog treats will last about 2 months in the freezer.  If you don’t want your dog to eat them all within 2 months, feel free to share them with other dog owners.

 

September

Back-to-school time calls for a good ol’ fashion PB & J sandwich. And now Fido can enjoy a similar treat too with this Peanut Butter and Jelly Frozen Smoothie Pops recipe.

Ingredients:  4 cups plain yogurt (low-fat or non-fat); 1 ripe banana; 1 cup of blueberries; 3 tbsp natural peanut butter; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Stir all of the ingredients together in a medium bowl.

2. Pour into a blender and puree until smooth.

3. Pour the smoothie into an ice cube tray(s) and freeze.

If you’re using a ½ inch ice cube tray, this recipe will yield about 32 treats. These homemade dog treats will last 6 months or more in the freezer.  And while this recipe maybe a little tart for humans, you can add some sugar or honey to taste and enjoy the same treat as your pup.  

 

October

Even though the heat will most likely still be with us in October, we can cool down with a fall inspired frozen treat, Pumpkin Pops.

Ingredients: 1 (1 oz) Natural Instant Vanilla Pudding Mix; 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1 cup milk (low-fat or fat free); 1 (15 oz) can pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)

Instructions:  

1. Whisk the vanilla pudding mix, pumpkin pie spice, and milk together until dissolved. (Approximately 2 minutes).

2. Fold, or gently stir in the pumpkin puree.

3. Scoop the pumpkin pudding into small paper cups, small plastic cups, or a plastic popsicle mold.

4. Place them in the freezer and let them freeze completely (about 3 hours).

5. Before serving, let it sit on the counter for 5 minutes. Then release from the mold and serve.

These homemade dog treats will last for 3 months in the freezer.  You can also keep them in the refrigerator as a pudding, but it will only stay fresh for 1 week.

 

These recipes and more are available on dogtreatkitchen.com. You can also buy and download their Easy Dog Treat Recipe Book for even more great dog treat recipes all year long.  

9th Week of Summer: Help an Animal in Need

It is said that charity will make your heart feel lighter.  Booker T. Washington said, “Those who are happiest are those who do the most for others.”  John Holmes said, “There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.” And John Bunyan said, “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.”   So this week, why not lift your spirit and your dog’s spirit by helping another in need.

August 17^th is International Homeless Animals’ Day, which seems like an appropriate time to help an animal in need.  What is it, you may ask?  In 1992, ISAR (International Society for Animal Rights) originated the idea that every year on the third Saturday of August, concerned citizens should come together to commemorate all the animals who lost their lives the previous year because there weren’t enough homes for them.  Activities held in honor of this day usually entail a community candlelight vigil while some organizations hold spay and neuter fundraisers, rallies, or even walks, to help raise awareness.

You and your pup can get involved too. Even though you may not have the time or resources to put on a community event, you can help in other ways, like helping your local animal shelter care for the hundreds of animals they currently have.   Every animal shelter has a ‘Wish List’ of supplies they are always in need of.  While some shelters may have very specific wants (such as specific food, treats, litter, or bed types) here is a list of some of the typical supplies needed by an animal shelter: 

·         Litter

·         Brushes or Combs for Cats and Dogs

·         Shampoo & Conditioner

·         Nylabones

·         Durable Toys (like Kong toys)

·         Cat & Dog Treats

·         Cat & Dog Food

·         Hot dogs

·         Chicken broth

·         Timothy Hay

·         New & Used Blankets

·         Small Animal Woodchips or Bedding

·         Cat Scratchers

·         Cat Toys

·         New or Used Towels

·         Slip leads

·         Food & Water Dishes

·         Newspaper

·         Bleach

·         Etc.

Look up the nearest animal shelter in your area to find out their specific needs.  And don’t feel like you have to go out and purchase these items or give away everything in your house.  You can ask neighbors, family, and friends if they have any of these items that they wouldn’t mind donating.  You and your pooch can go around making collections and drop-off the donations together.

Shelters are also in need of volunteers, so if you’re too shy to ask for donations, you could volunteer your time instead.  You can also help your community but participating in Trap-Neuter- Release (TNR) programs. These types of programs humanely catch feral cats, spay or neuter them, vaccinate them against rabies and then return them to live out their lives.  This has been shown to be the least costly, as well as the most efficient and humane way of stabilizing feral cat populations.  You can help by alerting your local animal shelter of the location of feral cats in your neighborhood. 

And one more way you can help a homeless animal is by spreading the word.  Share the importance of spaying and neutering pets to help reduce pet overpopulation and resulting euthanization.  Help find a homeless animal a new forever home by sharing a local shelter’s dog or cat of the week via e-mail or social network posts.  Become a fan of an animal shelter Facebook page or follow them on Twitter to be sure to get the latest updates and great information to help better the animal community. 

However you decide to get involved this week, remember this quote from Mother Teresa, “Charity and love are the same -- with charity you give love, so don't just give money but reach out your hand instead.”

8th Week of Summer: Go for a Walk

 

This week take the opportunity to join in the camaraderie of the dog community.  Interact with other dog lovers and dogs by walking through an outdoor farmers market or by walking for a cure.

Dog Days of Fullerton

 
The Fullerton Market is a favorite among locals, and rightly so.  Operating weekly, the market offers fresh produce, prepared foods, arts and crafts, jewelry, novelty and gift items, live entertainment, kid’s activities, and a beer garden.  

This Thursday, August 8^th, you and your dog can experience the renowned market for yourself as the Fullerton Museum Center Association hosts Dog Days at the Fullerton Market.

Dog Days at the Fullerton Market is a great opportunity to not only get a taste of the Fullerton but to join in the local fun with other dog owners. This special dog market will feature many dog-related vendors and activities to make sure you and your dog have a good time.   

The fun takes place this Thursday, August 8^th, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at the Downtown Fullerton Plaza located at 125 E. Wilshire Ave., in Fullerton.   

You and your pup can give back to the community and help those in need simply by going for a walk.  Yes, it’s as easy as that.  So get the leash, the poop bags, and some water for you both and head out to Fountain Valley this weekend to participate in the “Bark for Life” walk for cancer. 
 
Bark for Life of Orange County

The annual Bark for Life of Orange County will be held this Sunday, August 11^th from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at the Fountain Valley Recreation Center & Sport Park located at 16400 Brookhurst Street in Fountain Valley.

“The American Cancer Society Bark For Life^TM is a noncompetitive walk event for dogs and their owners to raise funds and awareness for the American Cancer Society's fight against cancer.” –RelayforLife.org

·         Approximately 1 out of every 3 women in the U.S. will develop cancer in their lifetime.

·         Almost 1 of every 2 men in the U.S. will develop cancer in their lifetime.

·         1 out of every 9 dogs in the U.S. dies of cancer each year.

·         Cancer is the 2^nd leading cause of death in the U.S., exceeded only by heart disease.

 
By supporting or participating in Bark for Life, you help the American Cancer Society raise much-needed funds and awareness to help save lives and reach their ultimate goal, which is to “create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.”  If you were to donate to the American Cancer Society you would be providing support to cancer patients and their families in the community.  With the proper funding, the American Cancer Society will be able to offer a broad range of essential programs and services at no cost to the recipient. To donate, log on to the Bark for Life website.

The Bark for Life welcomes dogs from all walks of life to join in the fight against cancer.  Online pre-registration (before August 9th) is $25 per dog. After August 9th, it will be $30 per dog.  Day of registration and check-in begins at 9 a.m. and the event kicks off with the walk at 10 a.m. 

There is lots to do and see after the walk as well, such as a peanut butter eating contest, bobbing for tennis balls, largest and smallest dog contest, and an agility course from Zoom Room Huntington Beach.  There will also be a silent auction, pet-related vendors, food, adoptions, and more!  On top of all of that, you won’t want to miss the special guest, New York Times Best Selling Author of "The Dog Lived and So Will I". 

Participating in this event is a great way to support a good cause while bonding with your best friend.  For more information, or to pre-register your dog, log on to the Bark for Life website.