Fetch the Paper: Digital Dog Edition

Today's Rant: "Please Help Me Save My Dog"

This, in a slightly different form, is my editorial in the October issue of FETCH the Paper:

Local shelters and rescue groups are steeling themselves for a new round of surrendered Chihuahuas.

Previously glamorized by films like Legally Blonde and starlets like Paris Hilton, the Chihuahua found itself suddenly much desired. But people often found the breed not as cute and cuddly as made out in the media, so many were also surrendered. Not to mention, puppy mills saw a chance to make a quick buck from the breed, so they started pumping them out, many of them with genetic defects and other health issues. Now a new film, can you believe it titled Beverly Hills Chihuahua, opens October 3rd, and there’s concern aplenty that it will spur a new round of Chihuahua desire, leading to another round of Chihuahua surrenders in a few months.

Do You Know About The OTHER Dog Show?

Enter Your Adopted Dog in "The OTHER Dog Show" at the Bay Area Pet Fair & Adoptathon, September 6 & 7

This event is beng expanded at this year's Bay Area Pet Fair, to include not just rescue animals looks for homes, but also family pets who came from a shelter or rescue. We've already gotten lots of entries including several Katrina dogs.

Wine Country Weekend

Forget Napa. This weekend, anyway.

Two of my very favorite dog scenes are happening this weekend in Sonoma County's bucolic (isn't that an odd word?) Wine Country. And the weather promises to be perfectly restrained (read: not too hot) for hopping into the car with Fido and Fluffy, enjoying a scenic ride up the valley or coast, with a final destination at Mutt Lynch and/or Trentadue wineries.

Mutt Lynch Winery only opens its doors to the public once a year, and that's for its Dog Days weekend. Just a short hop outside Healdsburg in Alexander Valley, the winery overlooks the acres of lush vines that cover the valley floor. You can taste to your heart's delight with your (leashed) dog at your side.

If you haven't already had some eats at a Healdsburg sidewalk cafe, get a hot dog and chips to munch while you sip, and then stroll the local art (much of it dog-themed) and information booths. Brenda and Chris Lynch have been doing this event for at least 4 years now, and they donate a portion of the proceeds to the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. I like it because we always see a lot of great dogs and people, and everyone's so relaxed. Be sure to say Hi - I will be the FETCH The Paper booth.

Just a few miles further north between Healdsburg and Geyserville, Trentadue Winery is also having its Dog Days celebration. On Sunday, this winery will have several indoor and outdoor areas with lots of shade devoted to dogs. There will be games, vendor booths, training tips, and, of course, sipping of wine by humans. This event also gives proceeds to the Healdsburg Animal Shelter. Daniel from FETCH will be at Trentadue, too.

De-tails
MuttL ynch Dog Days: Saturday & Sunday August 9 & 10, 11am-5pm. Admission free. Dogs on leash welcome. Tasting fee donations benefit Healdsburg Animal Shelter. 1960 Dry Creek Rd, Healdsburg
www.muttlynchwinery.com
info@muttlynchwinery.com

Trentadue Winery Dog Days: Sunday August 10, 12-4pm. People $5 each, dogs $5 each, on leash.
19170 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville
www.trentadue.com

What our dogs teach us

Rhonda Abrams wrote a fun column in USA Today in honor of Take Your Dog To Work Day called "What your dog can teach you about your business." I like the idea that you can learn good business practices from your dog. I would add a few more that weren't in the article:

If you have to make a mess, be as tidy as you can.
Most dogs prefer to do their business far from where they eat and sleep. Like your dog, try to avoid letting messes, stresses and mistakes take over your whole life. When messes happen, keep them contained.

Treat each day like a new day.
Too often, we look on each day as another example of the same old thing. But whether you're out on a walk or going to work, just being in the same location doesn't guarantee the same experiences. Notice how your dog never gets tired of hunting for new smells in old places, and try to approach each work day with a fresh mind.

Be aware of the group dynamic.
Your dog manages to work as a member of her "pack" (your family) without losing her individuality. You can do the same at work. You're bound to encounter difficult people in your professional life, but keep reminding yourself that you're all working towards a common goal, though you may be taking different roads to get there. You don't have to like everyone in your pack, but you do have to work together for the greater good.

Are there lessons you've learned from your dog?  I'd love to read them in the comments!

Yappy Hour on Take Your Dog to Work Day

Join the San Francisco SPCA for “Yappy Hour,”  6-9 pm On Friday, June 20th at Dragon Bar, 473 Broadway in North Beach, to celebrate Take Your Dog to Work Day.

There's a $10 admission fee which gets the human a specialty cocktail. There will also be a raffle and door prizes. Proceeds benefit the SF SPCA.

Whatever you do on Friday, remember to honor dogs in the workplace!

Take Your Dog to Work!

Pet Sitters International is once again the lead sponsor of  the annual "Take Your Dog to Work Day" which is this coming Friday, June 20th. The event's purpose is to encourage employers to consider allowing dogs in the work place and to honor employers who already have dog-friendly policies. In the Bay area, many high-tech employers such as Google and Autodesk allow dogs at work.

Ask your boss if you can bring your dog to work on Friday and enjoy having the four-legged companionship all day.

Liveblogging ARF's Animals on Broadway

This is FETCH's second year at ARF's Animals on Broadway, which is very well attended with many dogs of all shapes and sizes strutting down Broadway Plaza. This is truly a unique event. This high-end shopping area of Walnut Creek closes off the street for day, and the dogs (and their people) wander in front of Nordstrom, Sephora, Bebe, Macy's and other shops. And it's all for a good cause, the fine programs and services of Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF).
I'd post a photo but I don't have my digital camera's card reader with me... so maybe I'll post something later.
We're here til 4 if you want to come and check it out! -The FETCH Team

Pups Ahoy!

I won't have photos for a couple of days but just wanted to say we had a great time at today's Dog Day on the Bay event. This annual cruise around the bay is loved by the dogs and people who attend. And it raises money for SF/SPCA, too. We saw a lot of people who were there last year, too--it's a great annual draw for dog lovers who want to do something fun with their pooch.

We took some SNAPS and those photos will be on line ASAP.

Mini Muttballs!

Now, Rachael Ray is not my favorite celebrity chef. She's a bit loony for my taste, and most of her recipes don't sound all that good. But she has a special running on the Food Network now, where she has a full hour and focuses on good eats and fun for pets. Her own dog, a pit bull named Isaboo, is featured prominently.

Best of all? Some great recipes you can cook for your dog. Like these Mini Muttballs with Ditalini.

Get cooking!

Bay Area Pet Fair, 2008!

I've been working on the 2008 Bay Area Pet Fair & Adoptathon web site--and it's now ready for all to see. Check it out, and mark your calendars now for the biggest pet event of the year, September 6 & 7 at the Marin Center in San Rafael.