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For Pets and The People Who Love Them!
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May 2007

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Lots of people are now finalizing their vacation plans for the summer (and if you haven't yet, and plan to bring your pet, this is the time to make reservations - before all the pet-friendly units get booked!). As part of that planning, families that include "controversial" dog breeds such as pit bulls or rottweilers should research breed-specific legislation in the area that they're planning to visit. For example, many Canadians are well aware that Ontario has a "pit bull ban". It doesn't just include purebred pit bulls but also pit bull mixes and "dogs that look like pit bulls". One website that tries to keep a tally of breed-specific legislation is www.goodpooch.com/BSL/cdnbsl.htm. However, it's always better to be safe than sorry, so call ahead to the local authorities to ask if your dog may be affected. See you next month... and remember to send in your favourite pet photos!

PET QUOTES

"A door is what a dog is perpetually on the wrong side of." (Ogden Nash) "A cat will be your friend, but never your slave." (Theophile Gautier)

PHOTOS FROM PROUD PET PARENTS

"Hi, my name is Bella (I'm the husky mix), and this is my good buddy Bailey. We hang out together and go for walks but most of all we love to chill out in my room on my big bed! My human, Debb L. is great and she walks me eveyday here in Lavington, BC. Debb thinks I'm the best girl in the whole world, so I'm one lucky dog!"

"My name is Paige and I live at Fort Knox, KY. This is my kitty Lexi, she is about 18 months old. We adopted her from the Animal Shelter here on post over 1 yr ago. She was rescued from a school bus stop, where she fell out of a tree and onto some kids' heads. She is a crazy cat, attacking everything that moves, climbing on everything, she is so curious! Here she is helping fold laundry!"

"This is Ziggy having his afternoon snooze ... all 90 pounds of him!" - Casey M. of Charlottetown, PEI

LEASH-FREE DOG PARK ETIQUETTE

Dog parks are often full of groups of proud pet owners, happily watching their dogs enjoy some playtime with their own kind. "Off-leash" dog parks, however, are a fragile thing: citizen complaints about dogs running wild or owners who don't pick up after their pets can lead to these valuable parks being shut down. Good "dog park etiquette" can help to save your local dog parks! Here are a few etiquette tips: Keep your pet on leash if there isn't a sign stating that dogs may run off-leash. Always carry a leash. You never know when you may need it. Don't let your dog harass other pets, people, or wildlife. Keep in mind that some dogs like rough play while others don't. Likewise, there are some people (yes, even "dog people") who are intimidated by big dogs or dogs they don't know. Make sure your dog has reliable recall. Coming back when called is for your dog's own safety as well. Always keep your dog in sight and within voice range. Don't assume someone else will keep an eye on your pet. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on his vaccinations. Don't bring female dogs in heat to the dog park. Don't bring young puppies. Their immune systems are not yet fully developed. Never bring more dogs than you can handle if a situation were to arise. Use common sense when bringing intact male dogs. If you know your intact dog has a tendency to engage in fights, then the leash-free park isn't an appropriate place to bring your dog. If your dog starts behaving aggressively, leash him immediately and leave. Leash-free areas are not suitable for aggressive dogs. No digging! Holes are a hazard and can cause another dog or a person to trip and injure themselves. If you catch your dog digging a hole, stop him and then fill in the hole. Respect the rules of the dog park. Clean up after your dog... every time!

UPCOMING PET EVENTS

Regina, Sask. - May 6/07: the Regina Humane Society's 16th annual Dog Jog will be taking place at 1:00 pm in Wascana Park. Round up some two-legged friends and collect pledges to help homeless pets. More info Creston, BC - May 27/07: Creston Pet Adoption and Welfare Society (P.A.W.S.) is holding its annual "Paws around the Park" Walkathon. Pledge forms are available from any PAWS member or by emailing paws@kootenay.com. This is a great opportunity for families to get outdoors and enjoy a walk with the dog, and help PAWS build their animal shelter too. And there will be lots of prizes! Etobicoke, Ontario - June 2/07: Bring Pooches & Pledges! Etobicoke Humane Society's 16th Annual Bruce Harvey Memorial Dog Walk-A-Thon @ West Deane Park. Registration: 10 am, walk starts: 11 am. For details/directions call 416-249-6100. Cochrane, Alberta - June 16/07: The Cochrane Humane Society and ATB Financial proudly present the 3rd Annual petsDOmatter Gala Fundraiser at the Cochrane RancheHouse. Guests of the Gala will enjoy a fabulous dinner in a picturesque setting with an outstanding silent auction. More info Edmonton, Alberta - June 24/07: The Edmonton Humane Society's 15th Annual Pets in the Park @ Laurier Park. 2.5K PetSmart Walk or 5K Tail Blazers Fun Run. More info Winnipeg, Manitoba - June 24/07: The Fairmont Winnipeg Paws in Motion Pet Walk-a-thon in support of the WHS. Held @ Assiniboine Park. More info Calgary, Alberta - June 24/07: Bring your dog, borrow a dog, or come on your own to our annual Dog Jog and More! Join other pet lovers to raise funds for the Calgary Humane Society. It's a fun-filled day for every animal-loving family! The walk takes place at Fish Creek Park. More info If your non-profit pet organization is holding an event, please send us the details!

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