Dog Halloween Party in Goshen!

Dogs and Halloween are two of my favorite things and this year I get to celebrate them together at the Howl-o-Ween Open House this Sunday at the Made from Scratch Pet Bakery in Goshen. You can bring your spooky, scary, silly, or just plain lovable pooches to join in the festivities from 3 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. There will be Halloween treats for both you and your dog, as well as the opportunity to have your dog’s picture taken by professional photographer Clarissa “Cyd” Du Bois with your donation to the Elkhart County Humane Society.

Be sure to check out the full line of gourmet goodies along with the other unique dog items including this fun fall scarf.

 

Dog Halloween Party in Elkhart this Weekend

Who said Halloween was just for humans? Planet Canine is hosting it’s 3rd Annual Howl-o-Ween party this weekend on Saturday, October 18, from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.  Dress up your pooch and head down to Planet Canine for games, raffles, shopping, and demonstrations.

Planet Canine Halloween Party

 

Pet First Aid / CPR Offered in South Bend

As a loving pet owner, one of the best things you can do for your dog (or cat) is to learn Pet First Aid and CPR. You never know just when an emergency could arise that would threaten the life of your pet. Fortunately for those of us in Michiana, the St. Joseph County American Red Cross will be offering a course in Pet First Aid and CPR on Saturday, October 18 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at St. Patrick’s County Park in South Bend. Topics such as rescue breathing, response to choking, CPR, and treatment of muscular and skeletal injuries will be covered. The cost is only $30.00 and participants will receive a certification card, DVD, and reference guide. Contact the American Red Cross at 574-234-0191 for more details.

 

No Thanks, Petco

For months I was eagerly awaiting the announcement for what store was going to move into the newly constructed building on US 33 in Goshen next to Meijer. When I heard that Petco was going in my heart sank. Great, another over-priced pet store with unhealthy food, toys imported from China, and mass bred animals trapped in gross cages. In addition, Petco’s warehouse was recently seized by the FDA for “unsanitary conditions.” You can read more about there here.

I know one thing for sure, Petco will not be getting any ofmy business. I am going to continue to support and would encourage fellow area residents to support their smaller, pet goods stores that offer healthy and holistic options. In the Goshen area try Made From Scratch Pet Bakery, Pet Supplies Plus, or Healthy Pets.

 

A Happy Pitbull Story

I don’t believe in breed stereotypes, especially not with pitbulls. I personally know more than a dozen happy and balanced pitbulls raised in caring and structured environments that are just as loving and well-behaved as America’s favorite breed, the Labrador. However, the media loves to feed on the negative, horror stories that involve the breed rather than the positive aspects.

I was pleased to see a story on WNDU about a local Michiana woman, Karen Eis who is speaking out against the stereotypes.  Karen Eis has multiple sclerosis and employs the aid of a pitbull service dog named Katie to help her with daily tasks.

Karen says when she takes Katie into public places, such as the grocery store, it is usually the kids who run up and want to play with Katie. However the adults stand to the side and get nervous. Karen says her goal is to change those people’s perspective on pitbulls.

“People sometimes see her and say ‘oh my god, that’s a pitbull!’ and I say ‘Yes, she is, but she is gentle.’”

You can read more of the touching story here. You can also learn more about Midwest Assistance Dogs, Inc., the organization that paired Karen and Katie together.

Way to go Karen and Katie!

 

Soggy Dog Swim Rescheduled

The Soggy Dog Swim at Goshen’s Shanklin Pool has been rescheduled to next Saturday, August 23rd at noon. Unfortunately, due to the change in days, we will not be able to attend. Bummer!

 

Dog Adoptions this Weekend in Michiana

Looking for the perfect dog or an adorable puppy? Why not help out a homeless animal who needs you. There are two adoption events going on this weekend in Michiana where you can find your four-legged soul mate.

• Sponsored the by the Elkhart County Humane Society will be at Elder Beerman in Concord Mall in Elkhart on Saturday from 12:00 pm-3:00 pm

• Adopt-A-Dog, sponsored by PetsConnect will be at PetSmart in Mishawaka from 12:00 pm-4:00 pm.

 

News Soundoff: the Good, the Bad, the Ugly

Our local news has been filled with dog stories lately. Some of the stories are great while others make me really upset. I’ll let you decide on your own.

The Good: The Berrien County Sherrif’s Department has has recently added  a K-9 officer to their roster. Rico, a young Belgian Malinois, will partner with  Deputy Jason Haskins in his patrol of Niles Twp. Rico will help with narcotics, tracking, and apprehension of suspects. Read the full story here.

All 23 of the dogs found in wretched conditions in a garage in South Bend will be getting new homes. Originally the owner who was hoarding and/or running a puppy mill was being allowed to keep one of them However, now all of the dogs will be getting new healthy and stable homes.  You can read the full story here. The original story is here.

WNDU recently did a feature story about the progress that is being made with DNA tests for dogs to determine breed. Read it here.

The Bad: A 10-year old Paw Paw boy was attacked by his family dog and had to have his arm amputated. The dog, a pit bull, was immediately euthanized. While I feel horrible for the boy and his family, I do not buy into breed stereotypes. There are plenty of stable, friendly, pit bulls around. What I do buy into is that ALL children should be supervised around dogs and taught the do’s and don’ts. Read the sad story here.

A man in Paw Paw is charged with throwing his girlfriend’s pregnant Chihuahua through a window. Disgusting. Enough said. Read about it here.

The Ugly: The St. Joseph County Humane Society is in a battle with the community and with public officials over is future. The shelter has long been noted amongst the community for its variety of problems. Read about it here.

 

Goshen Dog Massage Demo

This Friday, there will be a dog massage demonstration at the Made from Scratch Pet Bakery in Goshen, as a part of the monthly First Fridays celebration Downtown. The demonstration starts at 8:00 p.m. and features the healing hands of Chris Martin.

Made from Scratch is a cute boutique-looking store, featuring tasty, healthy, homemade treats for dogs and cats. Looking for the perfect way to celebrate your dog’s birthday? You can also order a custom birthday cake for the special occasion. In addition, the bakery also carries a wide variety of toys and clothing to outfit your pet in style. Make sure to get your dog’s picture taken for the “Wall of Fame” while you’re there. Pets are always welcome. You can view store hours and location information on their website.

 

Back to School

With summer winding down it’s time to think about sending the dogs back to school. Several training institutions throughout the Michiana area are offering classes ranging from beginner level to advanced.

• Academy for Obedient Paws (Elkhart) is offering it’s Basic Clicker class beginning August 5th.

• Planet Canine (Elkhart) is offering everything from basic obedience, to agility, and conformation.

Enrolling your dog in obedience classes is key to having a well-rounded, social, happy dog. Courses such as agility will further your bond with your dog and allow him to feel he has a job and to be mentally engaged and challenged.