January 2006 - Spot Magazine by Spot Magazine

From the Editor Starting the year right

abin fever may be catching up with the two- and four-legged members of your family, and we’re all more likely to behave badly when we’re bored. Inside Spot this month, we’re bringing you stories to help you get through the winter, from fighting pets’ allergies to learning training terminology. Karen London’s ideas for indoor tricks are especially

inspiring — Monster and I are now working on the “stop” part of “stop, drop, and roll.” I’m also working on the editorial plan for the next several months. The list so far includes cat trees from do it yourself to over the top, the special challenges of caring for older pets, and some outdoorsy hiking and parks pieces as the weather warms up. Some of the upcoming story ideas came from readers. What else do you want to see in Spot? Send me your ideas, questions, and letters to the editor by e-mail, fax, or mail (addresses below). Portland hosts the biggest AKC dog show in the Northwest, the Rose City Classic, each January. Besides the fascinating array of different breeds, there are fun-to-watch agility and rally competitions. Check it out at the EXPO Center January 20–23. This month also brings the return of normal routines after all the festive craziness. Shelters and rescue groups have resumed their usual volunteer training schedules and adoption and education outreaches. The whole animal community is gearing up for February’s nationwide Spay Day effort. If you’re ready to get out of

the house, see the Furry FunPlanner on page 10 to see what’s happening near you. So enjoy winter, with a fun afternoon at a nearby dog park, an indoor training class, or just a quick living room fetch session. I’m sure many cats would like to remind everyone that cuddling and playing with toys are equally entertaining. It might be nasty outside, but you and your pets can still bring each other joy. Happy New Year!

p.s. Do you have any holiday cheer left? AirPet Hotel is receiving and storing pet food donations on behalf of Portland Animal Welfare Team (www.portlandanimalwelfareteam.org). PAW Team provides food, supplies, and basic veterinary care for pets who belong to homeless people. Chong Jones of AirPet Hotel says that the drive will be a year-round project. They’re at 6212 NE 78th Court, near 82nd & Columbia; call 503-255-1388 or e-mail info@airpethotel.com for more information.

Companion and working animals are important, beloved members of the family. Spot Magazine is the one-stop resource for information, ideas, and events of interest to these animals and their people. Spot Magazine welcomes opinions and letters to the editor. To be considered for publication, letters should be signed and include the writer’s full name, address, and daytime telephone (for internal use only). Spot reserves the right to edit letters for length and clarity. Mail to: Spot Magazine PO Box 16667 Portland OR 97292; Fax to: 1-503-397-1463; e-mail to: editor@spotmagazine.net. Opinions and ideas expressed by writers and/or advertisers herein are not necessarily endorsed by, or necessarily reflect, the opinions of Spot Magazine or Living Out Loud, Inc.

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he cat does not offer services. The cat offers itself. Of course he wants care and shelter. You don’t buy love for nothing. - William S. Burroughs

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What Smells? 4 A newsworthy sampling of fun and fascinating animal stories from nearby and around the world. This time: Strict new animal-welfare law in Rome, the world’s oldest captive animal has a birthday, watch out for salmon poisoning.

Home Sweet Home 5 Every month, Seeking Home Sweet Home delves into local animal rescue and adoption efforts. This time: Many animal victims of Hurricane Katrina fostered locally couldn’t be reunited with their former families and became available for adoption on New Years Day. Here’s how they are finding new homes.

Reward & Punishment 6 Is a better-behaved dog on your list of New Year’s resolutions? It all starts with training, and reinforcement, positive and negative, is basic to training. Two nationally-recognized trainers weigh in on what reinforcement is, how it works, and what’s appropriate.

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Behavior Bites 8 Noted behaviorist and author Karen London specializes in both canine aggression and canine play, and covers that whole range in her column for Spot. This time: Just want to stay inside? Indoor games to keep your dog content, and some strategies to get you off the couch.

Animal House 8 Pets dig, scratch, chew, and wet, and don’t necessarily care that you just reupholstered that couch. This column offers practical solutions for maintaining a happy, healthy, and (largely) unchewed home. This time: Allergies are a common health problem in dogs and cats. How to reduce the indoor allergens that hassle your pets.

Vet on the Spot 9 Each month, local veterinary specialists talk about their specialties and discuss who might benefit from specialty care. This time: Internal Medicine Specialist Sarah Naidoo.

Furry FunPlanner 10 Animal-related events and activities for January. Find a play day, informational workshop, pet show, or even a new animal companion.

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Animal news of interest from near & far Kerry Bleskan • Spot Magazine

Watch out for salmon

When in Rome…

Heads up, hikers: keep your dogs out of dead fish. In late November, the Tryon Creek Watershed Council distributed salmon carcasses along the creek to improve the habitat. “Salmon poisoning” is actually not poisoning but a canine disease caused by eating certain fish. It is extremely dangerous to dogs and is most often fatal if not treated. The danger is not seasonal, but fish carcasses are usually less plentiful this time of year. An infected fish contains a kind of fluke that lives part of its life in salmon, trout, and Pacific giant salamanders. Symptoms including fever, vomiting, and refusal to eat usually appear five to seven days after the dog eats infected fish. Treatment involves antibiotics and supportive therapies.

You’d best be very good to your pets. The city passed a broad-ranging animal welfare law in late October. The rules cover many species, including some wild and feral animals. It will be illegal to keep a pet in a locked car in warm weather. Feral cat colonies must be considered and cared for when new construction encroaches. Rome’s 150,000 dogs must be walked at least once a day, and electronic and spiked collars are banned. So are round fish

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bowls (thought to harm fishes’ vision), tailand ear-docking, and declawing for aesthetic reasons. The rules will be enforced by city police and additional personnel under the city council’s Animal Rights Office. Violators are subject to fines.

Volunteer wins shelter animals free food Oregon Humane Society volunteer René Pizzo had a great story to tell: in July, she and other members of OHS’ technical animal rescue team pulled off a precarious nighttime rescue, saving a pet dog who had fallen off a trail on Mt. Hood. Threeyear-old mixed breed Stella had been stuck on a cliff 200 feet above the Zig Zag River. Pizzo told the tale for the Humane Society of the United States’ “Shelter Stories” contest and won the shelter 55,000 pounds of Science Diet pet food, enough to feed the animals for a full year. The essay is posted on OHS’ website, www.oregonhumane.org.

Happy Birthday, Harriet The Australia Zoo in Queensland held a birthday party for its oldest resident — who also happens to be the world’s oldest living animal, according to the Guinness Book of Records — in November. Harriet the giant Galapagos tortoise celebrated her estimated 175 years with a pink “cake” made of hibiscus flowers. Although she was probably alive when Charles Darwin traveled to her home islands in 1835, Harriet probably never met the famed naturalist. She belongs to a subspecies native to one of the islands Darwin did not investigate. Not that he might have noticed her anyway, according to BBC Online’s analogy: “At the time of Darwin’s visit, Harriet would have been about as big as a dinner plate. She now weighs 150 kg [more than 300 pounds] and is roughly the size of a dinner table.” Keepers, citing her pampered lifestyle, special diet, and morning baths, say Harriet’s longevity is probably due to a lack of stress. The longest-lived animal on record is also a giant Galapagos tortoise who lived to 188.

Syrie Plat-Smith • Spot Magazine

cottish researchers think that some cats may be allergic to humans. Nicki Reed of the University of Edinburgh said, “There is a percentage of asthmatic cats whose asthma has been triggered by things people do, or possibly by people themselves.” Environmental (“inhalant”) allergies can cause breathing difficulties as well as itchy paws, ear and eye problems, and irritated skin in dogs and cats. While pets are unlikely to get rid of you for the sake of their sinuses, you can help them out by reducing the presence of airborne allergens.

The culprit(s) Inhalant allergies can, and generally do, have more than one trigger, says Michael Abdella, DVM, Dog Channel columnist. “Allergens include dust and dust mites; pollens from trees, weeds, grasses and other plants; molds; mildew; animal or human dander, including wool; and insects.” Cats are especially sensitive to new types of cat litter and perfumes and air fresheners. As with allergies in humans, the healthiest allergy treatment is avoidance. Allergy tests can help you pin down what Fido’s allergic to. “Allergens identified on testing should be avoided or eliminated from the dog’s environment whenever possible,” says Abdella. “Keeping the dog inside more and avoiding walking in grass, weeds, or brush may also

help … Flea control needs to be nearly perfect in allergic dogs.”

Cleaning up Dust and dust mites are not avoidable, but can be reduced. First, clean often. “Dust surfaces and wash your bed sheets often to limit the amount of dust mites around your home,” advises The Allergy Helper, a consumer advice site. “Vacuuming often can also help reduce surface dust mites.” Since dusting and vacuuming stir up dust, keep your pet out of the room as you clean. Daniel Becker, MD, of the Sinus Treatment Center, recommends filtering indoor air. “There are special filters that can be placed over the air conditioning vents that will capture microscopic allergic particles. If you have an old house that has built-in air ducts, these ducts should be professionally cleaned,” he says. “Finally, vacuum cleaners should be equipped with special micropore vacuum bags. These special vacuum bags trap small particles that cause allergy but that are not trapped by normal vacuum bags.” Dr. Becker also recommends removing rugs, but some say carpet can reduce the amount of airborne particles. Check with your pet’s vet for advice on the bare floor/carpet dilemma. Either way, a frequently-laundered bed raised off the floor will help with dust and dander allergies.

Karen McGill • Spot Magazine

The Four-Legged Victims of Katrina

a “foster to adopt program,” where the animals are fostered by would be adopters until the end of the year. If the animal’s owner does not come forward to claim him/her, then the foster parent can permanently adopt their charge. As of midDecember, 10 dogs were still at the shelter. All cats were either transferred to different shelters or went into the foster-adoption program. Anyone wishing to learn more about the pets of Hurricane Katrina can go to www.petfinder.com/ disaster/ to read updates and make a donation. If you are interested in adopting or fostering a

Hurricane Katrina animals you can find which organizations need foster families or are looking for permanent homes. Activists remind that any animal adopted from a shelter is a life saved. And, in the words of Britta Bavaresco of CAT, “When you adopt from a shelter, you save two lives: the life of the pet you adopt, and the life of the pet who takes his place.” Editor’s note: At presstime, Oregon Friends of Shelter Animals had just flown approximately 30 “Katrina dogs” to Portland.

Hurricane victims find temporary and permanent homes in Oregon

he images on television of the Gulf Region were heart-wrenching: dogs pacing on rooftops or swimming frantically through murky water, cats meowing through windows, trapped in their homes with no way out. These were some of the voiceless victims of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, and thousands were saved by the hundreds of animal rescuers that descended on the area to help save and, hopefully, reunite pets and people in the aftermath of one of the worst storms of the past century. Animals rescued from the Gulf region were given an initial examination, photographed, documented, entered into a nationwide database, and then sent to fostering shelters all over the country. The Humane Society of the United States recommended all shelters hold all Katrina pets through the end of December 2005 before adopting them out into permanent homes, unless the owners released them, or they were already in shelter care before the hurricane. This gives owners a chance to find their lost pets before they go to new families. Several animal shelters and rescue groups in Oregon and Washington took in pets from the hurricane area, and some, including Indigo Rescue, Oregon Humane Society, and In Defense Of Animals, sent workers and volunteers down to help in the rescue efforts. What they found was chaos. Rescue cars and vans were bringing in animals by

the dozens, most dogs testing positive for heartworm and other parasites, and most dogs and cats intact. It was not a rare occurrence to capture a dog or cat, only to have to search out the litter the animal was obviously nursing. According to the Louisiana SPCA, up to 95% of dogs in the New Orleans area are heartworm positive and intact. Indigo Rescue of Beaverton sent a team of six, including President Heather Hines, down to New Orleans and brought back five pit bulls and a cat. All the dogs tested positive for heartworm, as well as several other parasites, and have heart and lung damage. Only two are currently suitable for adoption; the other three still require further care. Cat Adoption Team (CAT) in Sherwood arranged for 40 cats from shelters stricken by Hurricane Katrina to be flown and transported to their shelter, where they are being treated and adopted out. They can be seen on petfinder.com or at the shelter. Oregon Humane Society (OHS) brought back a total of 101 animals from the New Orleans area. 12 have been returned to their owners, and two have been released by their owners to OHS. Some of the animals were sent to King County Animal Services and the Humane Society of Central Oregon. Most, according to Kathy Covey of OHS, went into

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Reward & Punishment in Training A reward doesn’t have to be a cookie, and punishment should never be abuse By Carol Frischmann

appy New Year! You’ve already made good on your resolution not to let Fido pull on the leash, right? No more begging from the table? Not yet? Hey, training is tough, with all those confusing techniques and paraphernalia. Here’s a refresher on the basics, including a new take on the scary concept of punishment.

Today’s training fundamentals Understanding how punishment and reinforcement work helps us understand how our dogs learn new skills, why they may have specific behavior problems, and what we can do to help our dogs learn, says Mary Burch, Ph.D., Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist and author of How Dogs Learn. “In dog training, when we talk about rewards, we are talking about giving the dog something for good behavior,” says Burch. Food, toys, praise and a hug can all be considered rewards. The technical term for reward is “positive reinforcer.” Punishment refers to “consequences … that decrease the probability the behavior will occur again,” says Burch. Burch regrets the term punishment, which has very negative connotations for most people. She considers “negative reinforcer” to be a better term, factual but less emotionally loaded than “punishment.” Therese Backowski, notable trainer and editor of the premier training magazine Off Lead, uses the leashed dog straining to chase a cat to exemplify a situation requiring negative reinforcement. “We put the dog on a down-stay,” she says. “To the dog, it’s a punishment because he can’t do what he wants to do.”

Reinforcers are individual Positive and negative reinforcers, are different for each dog. Burch comments that good trainers start by understanding the particular dog’s likes. “While for many goldens [golden retrievers], food is an effective reinforcer, a particular golden may prefer a ball.” If you have a dog with less interest in food, select a different positive reinforcer, such as a treasured squeaky toy. Backowski makes the point that like human beings, dogs won’t do things if they’re forced, at least they won’t do it consistently. “You work for a paycheck. Your dog has to be given ‘a paycheck’ too.” Negative reinforcers, (e.g. “No” for some dogs or physically removing an inappropriate object from the dog’s mouth for others) can be used a few times, but these reinforcers diminish in effectiveness over time. Both experts agree, you must use more positive than negative reinforcement.

she says. “Dogs don’t do or not do something because it’s morally wrong.” “Punishment should never involve abuse or retribution,” says Burch. “When punishment is used, it should be used only as a systematic component of a behavior plan, never on the spur of the moment when a trainer is angry. “ Backowski agrees, categorizing spanking or shouting as abusive and emotional responses. The dog doesn’t understand them, and the confidence of the dog is undermined. She suggests crating your dog before you become frustrated as a way of giving you and your dog a break.

Learning appropriate correction and reinforcement “It’s normal for dog owners to need instruction in how to give guidance

Clickers and collars as training tools Burch and Backowski say that collars and clickers can be effective training tools, but that’s all they are. “The training methods don’t change when you use the tools,” Backowski says. “Tools can make the process faster or slower but they don’t change the process of correction and positive reinforcement.” Backowski points out that most tools, properly used, can be effective in the right hands. The tool she’s most nervous about the pet owner using is an electronic collar (often called a shock collar) because it needs to be understood and used perfectly. “Reading through a book or pamphlet is not enough education.” She suggests if you feel you need this tool, that you consult a dog-training professional for help.

Difference between punishment and abuse Therese Backowski believes dogs are thinking, feeling, and puzzle-solving beings without conscience. “They do what’s easiest,”

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to their dogs,” Backowski says. “When you get the puppy, sign up for the obedience class. The education is more important for the owner than for the dog.” This education includes the variety of appropriate corrections and proper use of reinforcers. One helpful aspect of such classes is learning to show your dog the behavior you really wanted, instead of what he gave you. This process is called correction. For example, imagine you’re teaching your dog a down-stay in which you want the dog, once down, to turn his left hip under and fold the right paw. Backowski explains that when you give the dog the command “down-stay” and the dog assumes his previously learned straight down position, you correct the position, rotating his hip and paw, and praise.” What you did was very gentle. Without repeating the command, you corrected the behavior quietly and carefully, and praised the dog once he assumed the correct position, reinforcing the desirability of the requested behavior.

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Five Tips for Success from Dr. Burch 1. Always train with fairness, a level head, and no emotion. Other tools can enhance a pet owner’s success and are less harmful if used incorrectly. “Small devices that make a ‘click’ sound, are used as conditioned reinforcers,” says Burch. “In plain English, this means they are paired with an established reinforcer (such as food) until they become reinforcing on their own.”

Like human beings,

dogs won’t do things

if they’re forced, at least they won’t do it consistently. The quick positive reinforcement makes clicker training especially useful for teaching complex behaviors. Therese Backowski encourages trainers to make training fun by allowing dogs to experience a lot of success. “For puppies and pet dogs, positive reinforcement is definitely the way to go,” says Burch.

2. Do what you need to do to learn the training skills you need from qualified people. 3. Use a positive approach as much as possible. 4. If you decide you will use any corrections at all, including the slightest leash pop or “No,” make sure you have a strong positive component in place for correct behavior. 5. You owe it to your dog to develop a strong bond-make sure your behavior plan includes lots of exercise, playtime and love.

So are you ready to teach Fido great on-leash manners (or a perfect down-stay, or an adorable “high-five”)? Select your positive reinforcers. Good job. Resolve to make gentle corrections. Good read-

ers. Promise to crate Fido before frustration. (I give you a chocolate.) Good job. Portland writer Carol Frischmann specializes in writing about animal science, pets, and nature. Carol’s current trainer — er I mean dog — is a Doberman Pinscher named Onyx. Onyx uses reward more than punishment.

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BEHAVIOR BITES Preventing cabin fever this winter Karen B. London, Ph.D. and Annie

ored dogs with energy to burn bark more, chew more, and have more trash parties. Though we love them madly, it’s hard on the relationship when our dogs act up. Keeping dogs happy is easy in summertime with warm days, extra hours of light, and outdoor activities of every kind readily available. Winter is a different story with rain and cold, little daylight, and a tendency to stay inside. How can we keep our dogs busy enough that they won’t go nuts during the cold, gray months of winter?

Plan to get outdoors Rather than having vague intentions, create an actual plan for getting out. Decide ahead of time to walk or go to the park to play as soon as

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the rain stops. Head out during the warmest, lightest time of day whenever possible, and make excursions longer on the weekends. Find a buddy with a dog to share the commitment. When I lived in Wisconsin, a neighbor and I took our dogs out in weather so hideous that if it had been forty-five degrees warmer, it still would have been freezing. Neither of us would have been as likely to brave that kind of cold alone. Take to heart the motto that there is no bad weather, only improper clothing, and buy gear that provides warmth and dryness. Wardrobe issues are not just a human concern. For dogs who are not winter naturals, booties, sweaters, and jackets may help.

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Plan outdoor trips with the dog’s capabilities in mind Whether the outing will involve hiking, running or even cross-country skiing, it’s important to accommodate any limitations by choosing carefully where to go. How good are the dog’s leash manners? How does the dog react when there are dogs, deer, or people about? Will the dog be willing to cross over cold water? If not, will someone be strong enough and coordinated enough to “portage” the dog across?

Education is never a waste The coldest, rainiest part of the year is a great time to take classes. General training either for the first time (yes, an old dog can learn new tricks) or as a refresher is only one possibility. Agility, tracking, freestyle, and Canine Good Citizen classes are all widely available. Canine massage, which provides benefits in behavior, health, and relationship enhancement, is worth learning in classes or even from videos. Skills acquired in classes can have practical benefits. I had a client whose dog was able to track a child who had wandered almost a mile from a big picnic and scared everybody half to death; this dog had previously only tracked recreationally. Learn-

ing new tricks is a winter favorite of mine. I spent a particularly nasty stretch during one winter working on teaching my dog to be a fire safety dog, so that when given the cue, he could stop, drop, roll, and crawl to safety.

Play Whether it’s an organized play group with several compatible dogs or play sessions with a human, dogs benefit in so many ways from play. Tug, fetch, hide & seek, and follow can all be done inside and are wonderful ways to pass the time and keep dogs from going stir crazy. Combining physical exercise, social interaction, and mental exercise, play is the perfect antidote to the winter doldrums. Even short sessions during commercial breaks for the TiVo-lacking people among us can make a big difference in a dog’s quality of life. In winter, it takes a little extra effort to engage in exciting activities with our dogs, but there are few things better for our relationship with them than sharing experiences. It makes our dogs happier and easier to live with, and is a great gift we can give to them and to ourselves. Karen B. London, Ph.D. is a Certiﬁed Applied Animal Behaviorist and Certiﬁed Pet Dog Trainer who specializes in the evaluation and treatment of serious behavior problems in domestic dogs. An expert in canine aggression and play-related issues, she has written widely about training and behavior. She lives in Flagstaff, Arizona with her husband and their two sons.

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Vet on the Spot with Sarah Naidoo DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital

Spot: What is your specialty?

Spot: How quickly do you see results?

The Doc: Small Animal Internal Medicine.

The Doc: Unfortunately, success of treatment is very dependent on what disease we are treating. While some diseases can be cured or managed with medications, others do not respond well.

Spot: Why did you choose it? The Doc: For the love of solving difficult problems and for the bonds you are fortunate to develop with long-term patients and their owners.

Spot: Explain your credentials (the initials after a vet’s name). The Doc: DVM = Doctor of Veterinary Medicine; MS = Master of Science; DACVIM = Diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.

Spot: What additional training/ education was required to specialize in your field? The Doc: A one-year internship in small animal medicine and surgery, followed by a three-year residency in internal medicine. Some residency programs also require that you complete a Master of Science degree. To become certified in the field, which is necessary in order to be called a specialist, I had to pass a series of written examinations, case reports, and publish an article in a veterinary medical journal.

Spot: Which animals can benefit from your care? The Doc: Any pet that has a serious or complex medical problem may benefit from a consultation with an internist. Some examples include pets with longstanding vomiting/diarrhea/anorexia, pets who are drinking/urinating excessively, pets who are losing weight inexplicably, those with blood disorders such as anemia, and those with hormonal disorders (diabetes, etc).

Spot: Who is not a good candidate? The Doc: Although internal medicine does encompass to some degree the fields of oncology (cancer), neurology (brain, spine, and nerve disease), and cardiology (heart disease), pets with these diseases may benefit from seeing specialists in these specific fields, if they are available. Pets with diseases that need to be fixed surgically (fractures, wounds) or that require routine health care (vaccines, teeth cleaning) are not good candidates to see an internist.

Spot: Tell us about new developments in your specialty. The Doc: There have been many exciting developments in recent years that have paralleled developments in human medicine. New cancer treatments, a new insulin for diabetic cats, and new medications to treat autoimmune diseases are some examples. Internal medicine is forever evolving and we keep up with new developments by reading human and veterinary medical journals and attending conferences.

Spot: Are most of your patients referred to you by their regular vet, or do their humans find you? The Doc: My situation is a bit unique in that a work as a consultant for DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital. The pets that I see have come to DoveLewis, either directly or through referral by their regular vet, with serious medical problems that require emergency hospitalization and treatment.

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BOARDING WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH

HOUSE & PETSITTERS

Elizares Kennels 503-658-2304

ANNIN’S PET SITTING & DOG DAYCARE Full-time loving care in my warm dog-friendly home. Former vet tech/groomer/dog daycare manager. Pick up & delivery avail. 5 min from airport. 503-710-7795 www.anninspetsitting.com KRITTER KARE OF PORTLAND Daily dog walks. Vacation pet sitting. “Overnites” & house sitting services. Caring for domestics & exotics in the tri-county area since 1994. Licensed, bonded, insured. Refs. 503-252-0599, 503-940-7761. DEPENDABLE RETIRED COUPLE Will do overnighters in general PDX area. Will visit once or twice a day to feed pets in Newberg, Dundee, or Sherwood area. References. 503-537-9719 or 503-679-5613.

We offer full DOGGIE service grooming. DELIGHT Try our NEW Fluff and Buff Service™ 2X2 503-644-0747 • 2167 PU NW 185th Ave., Hillsboro Located on 185th and Cornell, next to Safeway

PETS BY MATT 2X2 PU

WHEN YOU CAN’T TAKE YOUR FRIENDS ALONG Kels Pet Sitting provides loving in-home pet care. PSI member. Insured. Refs. 503-253-9510 or www.kelspets.com. GRF PET SITTING & DOG WALKING Walks, playtimes, & in-home pet sitting. Vet. exp. Licensed/bonded/insured. Member PSI & OPSA. Bvrtn, Aloha, Tigard, & surr. Areas. 503-407-0280 Monica.

*Classified Ad Rates:

HAPPY PALS DOG TRAINING Have fun w/your dog teaching manners and/or earning titles in obed, rally, conf, or tracking. Judges from several orgs. Private lessons, your home or our facilities. Call Loanne or Roger 503-359-9297.

3 lines of text, 45 characters per line Additional lines $1 per line per month

K9-BEHAVIOR COMPANY Private in-home training. Perfect puppy right from the start! Behavior modification for your outta-control adolescent dog. Help with your shy or aggressive dog. Call Deb Walker 503-704-7481 Web site: www.k9-behavior.com

1x 3x 6x 12x $40 $33 $25 $20 *These rates apply only to text ads, not display ads

SPOT MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2006

J A N U A R Y

aLL MONTH LONG 9am–9pm Meet Adoptable Cats and Kittens from Multnomah County Animal Services every day at Gresham PetsMart. Adoption counseling Tuesday–Sunday Noon–4pm. Info www.multcopets.org. Tom & Mom Cat Special preregistration at 503-626-4070 ext 2#. In honor of the upcoming Spay Day USA, local rescues are sponsoring lowcost spay/neuter surgeries Feb 14– Mar17. Low-income people can have their cats altered for $10, but space is limited. Info www.spayoregon.org.

train for the Iditarod and other famous races. Starts at spectator-friendly Sunrise Lodge. Info www.visitbend.com; 877-245-8484 5–8pm Adoptable Cats from Willamette Humane Society at Salem’s First Wednesday. Reed Opera House, Salem. Info www.willamettehumane.org; 503-505-5900.

5 thursday Noon–1pm Pet Loss Support Group at Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital’s Northwest Portland location. Free. Groups meet several times each month, schedule posted online. Info www.dovelewis.org; 503-234-2061.

3 tuesday 10am Tails of Dove Lewis Tour at Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital’s Northwest Portland location. Free. Info rsvp@dovelewis.org; 503-535-3391 x44. 7–8pm Drop-in Conformation Handling Class every Tuesday at It’s a Dog’s Life, Vancouver. Info www.pennyking.com; 360-600-1849.

4 wednesday

6 friday Adoptable Cats from Multnomah County Animal Services at Division Petco every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Info www.multcopets.org. 6:30pm Obedience Show & Go every Friday at Pup-a-Razzi, Beaverton. Info www.pup-a-razzi.com; 503-259-8978. 7–9pm Drop-in Agility Classes every Friday at Absolutely Magic Dog Training in Gresham. Info/directions 503-256-1779.

Race for Vision through Jan 7 at Mt Bechelor, Bend. Mushers and teams

KPSU Fathers & Families Show 1450 AM Thursdays at 6:00 Featuring Portland Family with Weekend Highlights Plan your weekend in a flash! *Coming up on Fathers & Families with your host Jim Whinston 1/05 — Roundtable on the nation’s 35.7 percent out-of-wedlock birthrate. 1/12 — John Sauer on negotiating airfare beneﬁts (when getting a job) in order to see one’s children. 1/19 — Kenny Lavitz performs “funky blues with a twist,” and discusses being a single parent and a musician. 1/26 — Paul McAdams and Harvey Master on bills that would end cable access, the only TV that gets beyond sound-bites, does not have an ulterior agenda to promote consumerism, and provides true community television. *Subject to change.

www.kpsu.org 10

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Tigard, and Wilsonville PetsMarts. Info www.catadoptionteam.org; 503-925-8803.

7 saturday Adoption Outreach with Second Chance Companions at Cascade Park Petco, Vancouver. Outreaches held at various locations throughout the month. Info www.sccpets.com; 360-687-4569. Agility Trial at Clark Co Fairgrounds, Ridgeﬁeld, WA. Hosted by Columbia Agility Team; cosanctioned by North American Dog Agility Council and Australian Shepherd Club of America. Portion of proceeds donated to Furry Friends. Info www.columbiaagility.org; 503-232-5037.

2 0 0 6

11am Problem Pooch Class at Oregon Humane Society, Portland. Peopleonly group discussion on dog behavior aimed at new and potential dog adopters. Drop-in, $10 suggested donation. Also held Jan 21. Info www.oregonhumane.org; 503-285-7722.

9am–3pm Adoptable Pets from West Columbia Gorge Humane Society every Saturday at Washougal Farmers’ Market, Pendleton Woolen Mills Parking Lot. Info shelteringhands@ya hoo.com; 360-835-3464. 10am–4pm Adoptable Cats from Salem Friends of Felines every Saturday at Lancaster Dr PetsMart in Salem. Info www.salemfriendsoffelines.org; 503-581-9444. 10am Chihuahua Play at Chapman Park, Portland. Info pdxchihuahuas @comcast.net. 10–11am Pet Nutrition and News with Chip Sammons every Saturday on KKSL1290 AM. Rebroadcast Saturdays at 4pm. Info about Sammons at www.holisticpetcenter.com. 10–11am Pet Loss Support Group at Willamette Humane Society, Salem. Led by experienced humane society staff. Drop-in, free. Also meets Jan 21. Info www.willamettehumane.org; 503-505-5900. 11am–4pm Adoptable Cats from Cat Adoption Team at various locations: 11am–3pm every Saturday at Tanasbourne and Tualatin Petcos, noon– 4pm every Saturday and Sunday at Pet Loft in Portland and Clackamas, Hillsboro,

11am Pug Playday at Minto Brown Park, Salem. Noon–4pm Adoption Outreach with Oregon Humane Society at Furever Pets, 1902 NE Broadway; and Tigard PetsMart. Outreaches held at various locations throughout the month, including the Jan 13 Blazers game and Jan 14 Winterhawks game at the Rose Garden. Check schedule at www.oregonhumane.org or call 503-416-5026. Noon–4pm Animal Aid Show & Tell at 5335 SW 42nd Ave every Saturday. Animal Aid is an independent, nonproﬁt group that helps animals through fostering, spay/neuter efforts, and more. Info www.animalaidpdx.org; 503-292-6628. Noon–4pm Meet Shelter Pets from Oregon

To submit items for consideration in the Furry FunPlanner, e-mail Editor@Spotmagazine.net or FAX 1-503-397-1463

Friends of Shelter Animals every Saturday and Sunday at Beaverton and Hillsboro Petcos. Info www.ofosa.org; 503-649-9488. 2–4pm Open Indoor Playgroup every Saturday at Lexidog’s Macadam location. $2 donation; all social, vaccinated dogs welcome. Info www.lexidog.com; 503-245-4363.

8 sunday Multnomah County Dog Licensing at area Petcos: Gresham 10–11:30am, 144th/Division 1–2pm, Clackamas 4–5pm. Info www.multcopets.org. Puppy Playtime every Sunday at BarkaLounge, Portland. Puppies 10–20 weeks, 10–11am; 20 weeks+, 11am– noon. Pre-registration required. Info www.barka-lounge.com; 503-236-3868. Small Dog Playgroups at Lexidog’s Pearl location. Dogs 12 lbs. & under 10am–noon, 30 lbs. & under noon–1:30pm, any size 1:30–3pm. Info www.lexidog.com; 503-243-6200. 1pm Great Dane Romp at Normandale Park, Portland. Info pages.ivillage.com/ gdromp. 1–2pm Schroeder’s Puppy Romp with Dr. Kirsten Nielsen, CPDT, every Sunday afternoon at Schroeder’s Den Daycare for Dogs, Hillsboro. Open to vaccinated puppies 10 weeks–6 months. Info www.schroedersden.com; 503-614-9899. 1-4pm Animal Aid Adoption Outreach at Urban Fauna, 235 NW Park. Info www.animalaidpdx.org; 503-292-6628.

11 wednesday 7:15–8pm Drop-in Conformation Handling Class second & fourth Wednesdays at Benton County Fairgrounds, Corvallis. Info rbritts@comcast.net.

13 friday 10am Zoo Experiences Workshop for ages 3–4 plus parent at Oregon Zoo. “Animals in My Backyard” includes a craft, snack, and tour. $20–23/child & parent, $10–11.50/addl person. Info www.oregonzoo.org; 503-220-2781.

10–11:30am Volunteer Training at Cat Adoption Team in Sherwood. Also Jan 28. Info www.catadoptionteam.org; 503-925-8903. 10:30am Cat Parenting Class at Willamette Humane Society, Salem. Learn about cat tricks, what to expect from a new cat, and how to introduce a new cat to the other members of the family, two- and four-legged. Drop-in, free. Info www.willamettehumane.org; 503-505-5900. 11am–4pm Pet Adoptions from Bonnie L. Hays Small Animal Shelter at Beaverton Petsmart store. Also Jan 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29. Info www.co.washington.or.us/pets

15 sunday Feral Cat Spay/Neuter Clinic exclusively for feral cats who have someone feeding them. Info/reservations Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon www.feralcats.com; 503-797-2606. Multnomah County Dog Licensing at area Petcos: Hayden Meadows 10–11:30am, 144th/Division 1–2pm, Clackamas 4–5pm. Info www.multcopets.org.

19 thursday 7pm Doggie Date Night at Lexidog’s Pearl location. Info www.lexidog.com; 503-243-6200. 7pm Grief Support Group at Woodburn Pet Hospital. Free. Info 503-981-4622.

22 sunday Multnomah County Dog Licensing at area Petcos: Gresham 10–11:30am, 144th/Division 1–2pm, Clackamas 4–5pm. Info www.multcopets.org. Rose City Classic at Portland Expo Center. Today: Dog Fanciers’ Association of Oregon and American Bullmastiff Association shows. 1pm Great Dane Romp at North Clackamas Park, Milwaukie. Info pages.ivillage.com/gdromp.

23 Monday Rose City Classic at Portland Expo Center. Today: Greater Tualatin Kennel Club show. 7pm Fish Show (Bettas, Anabantoids, & Gouramis) and Greater Portland Aquarium Society meeting at Friendship Masonic Hall, NE 57th/Sandy. Info www.gpas.org.

25 wednesday 6pm Tails of Dove Lewis Tour at Dove Lewis Emergency Animal Hospital’s Northwest Portland location. Free. Info rsvp@dovelewis.org; 503-535-3391 x44.

28 saturday 9am–6pm Cat Show at Holiday Inn Portland Airport. Through Sunday 29, 10am–2pm. International Championship and Household Pet categories. Beneﬁts Oregon Food Bank. Sponsored by The New Culture Club. Info www.tncc.org.

10:30am Dog Parenting Class at Willamette Humane Society, Salem. People-only class covers selecting a new dog to adopt, how to make a new dog part of the family, and training and behavior issues. Drop-in, free. Info www.willamettehumane.org; 503-505-5900. 6pm–midnight CREW Portland Annual Fundraiser for DoveLewis Emergency Animal Hospital at Montgomery Park. “Portland for Sale” life-sized Monopoly game, chance to win a trip to Bali. Info www.crew-portland.org; 503-768-4299.

29 sunday Multnomah County Dog Licensing at area Petcos: Hayden Meadows 10–11:30am, 144th/Division 1–2pm, Clackamas 4–5pm. Info www.multcopets.org. 9am–3pm New Volunteer Orientation at Oregon Humane Society. Sign up 503-285-7722 x204.

PROJECT POOCH Project POOCH focuses on changing the lives of incarcerated youths by teaching them to care for and train homeless dogs. If you are looking for a dog, or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.pooch.org.

PROJECT POOCH 1X3 Project POOCH is supported solely by donations from individuals and foundations. PU If you would like more information about our program or are interested in adopting one of these very special dogs, please contact us at (503) 982-4492.

Project POOCH (503) 982-4492 www.pooch.org TRAINED SHELTER DOGS AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION A 501 (c)(3) nonproﬁt organization helping dogs and youths.

20 friday Rose City Classic at Portland Expo Center. Largest dog show in the Northwest has competitions in agility, conformation, junior showmanship, obedience, rally obedience, and more. Continues through Monday 23. Today’s specialty shows include Alaskan Malamute, Australian Cattle Dog, Basenji, Boxer, Brittany, Chow Chow, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Dalmatian, Doberman Pinscher, Fox Terrier, Great Dane, German Shorthaired Pointer, Irish Setter, Miniature Schnauzer, Newfoundland, Staffordshire Terrier, and the Terrier Group. Info: www.infodog.com/panels/or

14 saturday

21 saturday

Adoptable Pets from Multnomah County Animal Services. Dogs 10am–noon at Lake Oswego Petco; cats and kittens noon–4pm at Gresham Petco. Info www.multcopets.org.

Rose City Classic at Portland Expo Center. Today: Great Dane, Rhodesian Ridgeback, and Whippet specialties; Dog Fanciers’ Association of Oregon show.

SPOT MAGAZINE • JANUARY 2006