December 2010 - Spot Magazine

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y t t e Pr for the holidays!

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Grooming Readers share . . .

“But she chose me” Working for hope, healing

Canine Cancer LY LOCAL

GRCOWN LY LO AL OWNED

Holiday Gift Guide

Everything Pet In The Northwest • DECEMBER 2010

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Spot Magazine | December 2010

Features

Canine Cancer • Working for hope, healing

The stories of loved ones lost to cancer are legion, and may even seem to be on the rise. Apparently, though, what’s increased is not the number of animals affected, but the mindfulness of pet guardians. Still, cancer claims too many. Vonnie Harris examines the statistics, causes, trends in research and treatment, and organizations doing great work toward eradicating the monster.

Tips from the top

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Get Pretty for the Holidays

GROOMING

PHOTO by Tanya

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Meet four award-winning dynamos in grooming. And get the skinny on what to look for (and to avoid) when choosing a groomer, or making decisions about grooming your baby.

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Holiday Gift Guide

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23 "But She Chose Me"

departments 17. PET PHOTOGRAPHY Tricks of the Trade

A treasure trove of ideas for pleasing the pets and pet-lovers on your gift list.

Reader Spotlight"But She Chose Me”

Along with a thank-you note for the fun she and her “foster kiddo” had at Doggie Palooza, Kris Henriksen enclosed the precious story of a rescued girl who herself became the rescuer, giving new life to a dog, and joy to an entire family.

David Childs is a rare combination of high energy, lover of pets and people, gifted teacher and writer, and master photographer. When teaching the tricks of his trade, Dave shines: presenting simple concepts and easy-to-apply techniques that are surprisingly powerful — as seen in the assignments his students create.

7. Matchmaker Considering adding a new family member? Westies are hugely popular for many good reasons. Check out their breed basics, including temperament, common concerns and popular traits. Megan also highlights rescues specializing in the breed. This month: The West Highland Terrier.

6. Rescue Me

18 Rescue community loses an angel Starly Pupke was known and loved for her tireless efforts in rescue and foster care of animals, as much as for the hand she forever extended to anyone in need.

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lightonBusiness Hot Spots for Pet Stuff

Kennedy Morgan shines the Spotlight on hot spots for pets that are not to be missed. This month: Meet Critter Cabana in Wilsonville.

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Animal House

The house that Jake built would be retrofitted to the nth degree — with custom details galore to make life with animals as safe, comfy, and gorgeous as it gets.

www.SpotMagazine.net

Meet the precious foundlings who made their way to Spot this month. These are often babies who need an extra boost finding their way home — a little older, sometimes needing special care, often just too long in a shelter or foster home.

26. Fetch Crunchy little newsbits to chew on - Saving babies . . . before they arrive - Cottage Grove says come in, get warm - PAW Team Cover-boy makes celebrity appearance - Holiday cards are works of art, keys to freedom - Eugene docs join Artwalk - Family photos with Santa at Macy’s - OHS medical team sets record in feline surgeries - Distinctive Dog introduces new fare - A boy and the impact of a visit - Spot now appearing on Bi-Mart Vision

28. MarketPlace/ Classifieds 29. Furry FunPlanner Spot Magazine | December 2010

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OUR TEAM Jennifer McCammon Publisher w/ Jack Publisher@SpotMagazine.net

Magazine Vol. 6 • No. 4 December 2010

contributing writers > David Childs > Jake Faris > Vonnie Harris > Megan Mahan > Kennedy Morgan

contributing Photographers > Marnie McCammon > David Childs Photography

Cover Model 411

ADVERTISING Megan Mahan w/ Smokey Megan@SpotMagazine.net

Jennifer McCammon w/ Broadway Publisher@SpotMagazine.net

mission: OUR MISSION

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.

OUR POLICIES 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: 503.261.8945; email to: publisher@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.

Subscription Rates:

administration Marnie McCammon Eugene/Springfield Office w/ Zip & foster kitten Gage Marnie@SpotMagazine.net 541.741.1242

1 year $15; 2 years $25

Spot Magazine PO Box 16667 Portland, OR 97292 Voice 503.261.1162 Fax 503.261.8945 Published monthly. Distributed from Vancouver to Eugene/Springfield & Sandy to Forest Grove. All rights reserved. Reproduction (whole or part) without permission prohibited.

© 2010 Living Out Loud Inc

Vonnie Harris Events, Distribution, Writer w/ Jake Vonnie@SpotMagazine.net 360.903.4174

www.SpotMagazine.net

SPOT Magazine is printed in Portland, OR on recycled paper.

Cover illustration by Karl Edwards Karl Edwards is a lifelong animal lover. As a boy, he had dogs, cats and even a monkey. His first job was at a pet shop. While at the California College of Arts and Crafts, he spent countless hours at the Oakland Zoo drawing animals from life. Edwards then landed a job as an artist at the San Diego Zoo. From his studio in dog-friendly Portland, Oregon, Edwards concentrates on custom dog portraits that capture the unique likeness and personality of each animal. He also produces commercial illustrations in a variety of styles. His work has appeared in children’s books and national advertising campaigns.

To accommodate all budgets, Edwards launched an online poster gallery at: http://karledwards.com/Karl_Edwards_Illustration/Poster_Gallery.html. Contact Karl Edwards Studio at www.karledwards.com, illustration@karledwards.com or 503-244-7773.

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Spot Magazine | December 2010

Jake Faris Webmaster, Writer w/ Buddy Jake@SpotMagazine.net

DESIGN Design This!

Interim Art Director dt.graphics@comcast.net www.dtgraphics.org

PROUD SPONSOR

Photo by Alicia Dickerson • Four Legged Photo

Jennifer McCammon with Broadway December has always been for me a time to reflect on the happenings of the year ending, and at the same time to dream a little dream for the new one just beginning.

2010 was amazing for Spot in so many ways. On the heels of a VERY difficult ’09, it was a brilliant surprise to wrap the year with a very successful Top Dog Awards event and a rockin’ “Best in the Biz” directory.

Altogether it felt like what I would imagine it feels like to collapse after blasting through the tape of a scrappy marathon — legs on fire, eyes tearing, and a heart and mind stunned at

A very good year the breathtaking realization: We Made It! Soon we segued into a year of huge growth and change.

Among the victories this year: In October, Spot’s website chalked up over 10,000 hits in one month (beautifully capping its first year), our new Spot to the Rescue page on Facebook took off with a vengeance, our ‘new kids on the block’ in Silverton made a great addition to the crew, and several new partnerships helped make a dent in the matter of spay/ neuter. Not a bad year-end report!

We’ll put this one in the cellar with a pretty label that reads;“a very good year.”

As I write to you today I’m taking care not to launch into a

tangent about new projects on the boards. 2011 hasn’t even begun, and already the roster is fat with new developments, programs, and partnerships.

You’ll hear about them soon, but for now I’ll just tell you: 2011 is going to be amazing!

All my love and appreciation to you, our many dear friends, readers, and partners in animal welfare and the pet biz. This adventure has been grand, relentlessly educational, challenging, and above all, a Work of Heart.

Thank you!

I wish you holidays filed with love, comfort and joy. And, of course, the gift of the precious animals we get to share it with.

Dear Spot, Hello my name is Myla Garlitz, I am 10 years old. My dad Rick works with your brother Geoff at Cummins Northwest. I told my dad about Spot and he told me he was in it. He helped save 4 kittens — Tater Tot, Tangie, Baby, and Monkey. I thought it was so cool that my dad was in your magazine.

I love your magazine, I read it at my school when I have free time. I look forward to hearing from you! I attached a pic of me and my dog Tawni. She is a 7-month-old Shi tzu puppy. She is my very own and I give her a lot of LOVE. Sincerely, Myla Li ann Lowell, Oregon

From the editor: After writing Myla to ask permission to share her letter with you, here’s what she wrote back: Dear Spot, I am so excited I can hardly take one breath, and Tawni is running around in circles so I think she is excited too.

Here is a little info on Tawni.

She hates water. After we give her a bath she runs around all over in relief that the bath is over. Sometimes when we relax on the couch she likes to lick our toes. She loves to curl up in my bed with me. That’s all the things I can think of right now.

Your friend, Myla Spot Magazine | December 2010

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Rescue ME! Thanks to everyone helping get the babies out there where potential loving families can find them. If rescue or foster care interests you or someone you know, please tell them about Spot’s new “Spot to the Rescue” page on Facebook, where daily alerts, updates and adoptables are featured.

Meet more adoptables at

PHOTO: Nina Sage

This beautiful boy was found tied to a tree and picked up by the county as a stray. Though he is white with beautiful blue eyes his vision is great and he can hear with some limitations. Louie has a beautiful disposition and loving heart. Everywhere he goes he greets people with a happy tail wag and they just love him. He has a medium energy level, he loves to romp and play but settles quietly in the house!

Good with dog-savvy cats. Louie is a fantastic dog and would love to find his forever home!”

Millie & Jollie

on Facebook!

PHOTO – Diana Grapp MCAS

Hello? Where are you? I can hear but can’t see you. I am an adorable little Chihuahua who’s had a rough road and just happens to be blind. My owner became ill and couldn’t keep me, but that’s okay. I made it to the shelter where nice people have given me some much needed TLC. Now that I’m clean and flea-free I’m looking for a new home where they’re okay not moving furniture around. My foster parent says I’m a perfect companion. I’m potty-trained and LOVE Laptime! I have blossomed into a loving boy, but they say my blindness means I should live only with grownups. Currently in fostercare, I am 7 years old and weigh 13 lbs. Please come meet me! To make a date, call my foster care coordinator at 503807-9134. I’ll be waiting!

PHOTO – Kristine Frey Cat Adoption Team

Sebastian PHOTO: Animal Aid

louie

Spot to the Rescue

Here are this month’s babies in need of forever loving homes.

Let’s get them home for the holidays!

Sonny

I’m Millie. First our mom got sick, then our home foreclosed and we were taken to Animal Aid. Now my best friend Jollie has cancer. Is there an angel out there who would adopt me and provide hospice care for Jollie so we can stay together the last few months of her life? We’re both XXL lap cats who look like we could be sisters.I’m a happy 12-year-old who loves attention. Jollie is 10. I like everyone and even do fine with toddlers. Please come meet us! We will give our loving family a loving lifetime experience. Thank you! 503-292-6628

Sebastian was dumped at a local PetsMart store, with a note asking someone to take care of him. CAT stepped in to help out. Sweet Sebastian is a perfect gentleman. He’s friendly, likes hanging out and helping, and has impeccable litter box habits. His contact with dogs suggests he’s fine with them. He will walk on a harness and leash. Please give this handsome, debonair sweet boy a home of his own. Sebastian is waiting to meet you at the Cat Adoption Team Shelter in Sherwood. Stop by, or contact them at 503-925-8903, contactus@ catadoptionteam.org.

Snowy

Molly Sargent

Snowy is beautiful 10-year-old American Eskimo whose lifelong family moved and left him behind.

He is very sweet, and losing his family has been very hard and confusing for him — as it would be for anyone who is deaf and vision impaired! He gets around well once he’s used to a space, Snowy loves walks, gets along GREAT with other dogs (and probably cats), is potty trained, and has been treated to the works medically, dentally and at the groomer’s. Snowy will need an adjustment period in his new home, but it will be well worth it. He has become the ‘favorite’ dog in his foster home, and foster mom wishes she could keep him. Contact Shirley Larson 541-933-2813 to meet Snowy or for more information.

presents

Spot’s 2010 Cover Models – Portland Smiling Dogs are a huge attraction This issue will get looks — don’t get left in the doghouse!

Advertise!

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Spot Magazine | December 2010

Jennifer McCammon 503.261.1162 Publisher@SpotMagazine.net

Matchmaker,

Matchmaker Megan Mahan • Spot Magazine

West Highland White Terrier — The Westie

Trademark: Westies are said to be the clowns of the dog world because they love to put on a show and are very playful. You may recognize this breed from popular logos, including that of Cesar’s Dog Food.

Personality: The Westie is spirited, determined and loyal. They are happy little dogs, who make great traveling companions.

Preferences: Westies love companionship but are not always snugglers. They like to dig and tend to be barkers. They’re also hunters, with a strong drive to chase squirrels and other small animals, and therefore should be kept leashed or fenced when outdoors. Most of all, a Westie will prefer to spend time with you and will enjoy active things you can do together, like agility.

Size: 13-20 lbs.

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Common Health Problems: Skin problems are the leading reason Westies are abandoned to rescues and shelters. They are usually hereditary, often require long-term attention, and are often caused by food allergies or yeast infections.

Megan Mahan

Best Matches: The Westie is fairly high energy and will do well in a home or an apartment, so long as there are daily walks. A really nice feature of this breed is that they have hair, so they shed less than dogs with fur, which is great for allergy sufferers. But their coats do need to be maintained with regular brushing and a clip or stripping about every six weeks. Westies are great family dogs, but some challenge their owner’s authority and often do not get along with other pets. If raised with other pets such as cats, though, they will likely do very well.

Featured Rescue: Indigo Dog Rescue http://indigorescue.org has an adoptable two-year-old Westie mix named Benny ready to find his family! Bennie was hit by a car and suffered abrasions on his head and legs, but luckily avoided any fractures. (This is why his hair was clipped so short; it’s growing out now.) Benny has a typical Terrier personality: sweet and energetic. He needs a family that is experienced with the energy and temperament of Terrier breeds and no young kids. Benny will benefit from continued training and will make a great new addition to the right family. Visit www.petfinder.com/petdetail/15580968 to learn more, see additional photos, and arrange to meet him.

Westie Tip: Make sure you can be a strong leader who can provide consistent, positive training and tons of attention and exercise for this exuberant little dog.

Megan Mahan

lives with visiting foster animals, quite a few fish, and her boyfriend in Eugene, Oregon. She has a ‘day job’ in an office, but devotes much of her free time to fostering pets and creative writing. From her high school gig as Dog Bather to her more recent years working at the Santa Cruz SPCA, where she was contributing editor of the newsletter, Megan has always lived, loved and worked with and for animals.

Spot Magazine | December 2010

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Tips from the top

GROOMING

416 NW 10th Ave Portland OR

503.516.7387 www.dtailsdogsalon.com Proprietor Deena Holeman

1 Make it pleasurable.

Make it routine.

Be positive and happy when bringing your pet in. Your emotions travel right down the leash to your pet. Your pet will feel any apprehensions you may have.

Walking into the groomers’ should be done with a happy spring in your step. Talk to your groomer about the frequency of grooming as a pet groomed monthly is going to be more accepting and comfortable with grooming than one groomed 2-3 times a year.

Spot spoke to this extraordinary group of award-winning professionals considered top in the field of grooming. Here they each offer their TOP THREE TIPS for anyone choosing a groomer, or generally making decisions about grooming for their pet.

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Spot Magazine | December 2010

2 Check that groomer out.

What are their credentials? Ask about education and experience, how long they’ve been grooming.

Do they participate in continuing education? Are they certified?

How many dogs per day do they groom (very important-quality over quantity). Do they give back to the community (volunteer, support rescues)? What products do they use (green, natural)? How long do they keep your pet? Is the facility up to date, clean and organized?

3 Part of the family.

Grooming is only one part of the equation; veterinary care, training, exercise and nutrition all play an important role in your pet’s well being. When choosing your pet’s extended family, look for professionals that mesh well, who believe in the same handling techniques and philosophies, and have the same passion. If you have the same feeling about your groomer as your other care providers you’re on the right track.

Personal Note Since opening D’tails in 2006, Deena Holeman has become a certified groomer, entered the grooming competition ring and brought home several awards. She has attended many seminars and grown her knowledge base exponentially.

Her credentials are the best around. She is dedicated to providing her clients more than they can get at any other salon, spa or grooming facility.

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Word of Mouth.

Ask friends, veterinarians and daycares for recommendations. Our business is based on word of mouth referrals from satisfied clients.

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84899 Tillicum Ave Suites 1&2 Pleasant Hill OR

541-988-3003 mollylsargent@earthlink.net Proprietor Molly Sargent

Check them out first.

Call ahead and arrange a visit with your dog (leave your kitty at home). Does it seem clean and inviting? Are they happy to meet your pet?

In our shop the pet comes first. Ask how many pets a groomer averages a day. Eight to 10 baths and clips is a full day. Any more and the animals aren’t getting enough attention — it will be very stressful. Are there dogs barking continually? A calm, relaxed atmosphere means your pet will be, too. What’s included in the price? Do they charge extra for nails, special shampoos, ear cleaning, etc?

Are they experienced in cat grooming? Did you walk out feeling your pet will be in caring hands?

3 Your dog knows best (Your cat won’t tell you) Your dog’s first trip to a new groomer might be scary. Does the groomer address his fears? Does she ask questions about him, like bad experiences, medical problems? Does she explain the procedure she will use to make him less fearful?

Does she ask for instructions for what kind of clip you want? When you pick up your dog does he seem happy? Your cat will forgive you. And of course, did your pet get the clip you asked for?

Personal Note Embarkadero Compassionate Grooming, located in Pleasant Hill, OR has been open since 1999. Owner Molly Sargent has been grooming and advocating for animals for 45 years. Working with Molly is expert super groomer Michelle Manzer. Embarkadero is dedicated to kindness and care where the pet’s wellbeing always comes first. Services include clipping, bathing, nail trims and brush outs. Also offered is a full line of premium pet foods with free nutritional counseling and of course lots of treats and love.

Spot Magazine | December 2010

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450 Coburg Rd, Suite 206 Eugene, OR

541-343-2536 www.OhMyDogSalon.com

1 Find the right groomer!

Find a place that fits your and your dog’s needs. If your dog is fearful of kennels or other dogs, has arthritis, or any other special need, make sure you find a groomer with the means to make your dog or cat’s grooming experience the best possible and free of traumatizing situations.

2 Keep it up!

The more often you get your dog groomed on a regular schedule, the less anxiety there will be for your pet, because it will be part of his or her routine. Regularity also means keeping up the condition of your dog’s coat, which leads to an easier grooming procedure, and less stress on your furry friend!

the groomer it’s familiar, not strange or uncomfortable. Give them treats and get them used to the blow dryer. Butter your finger and help them get used to you touching their mouth — this helps make tooth-brushing a breeze! Grooming is a vital part of your dog’s life and health, and the more you can help make it pleasant for them the better.

Personal Note Oh My Dog opened December 2008. From the first day, staff has been dedicated to giving pets the best in quality care. Victoria and Sarah of OMD, both having worked in the pet industry for years, take pride in giving every dog the best possible experience. The girls are always on the mission to excel and gain new knowledge about their ever-growing and -changing profession.

3 Do your Part Work with your dog in the comfort of your home. Get your dog used to having his/her paws touched; that way when they are at

uttley Crew M e h T Dog Daycare, Grooming & Premium Pet Supplies

2010

Top Dog Winner in this category

NOW AVAILABLE AT THE MUTTLEY CREW:

We use fresh regional ingredients to produce Biologically Appropriate foods that promote the peak health of dogs & cats.

Open 806 NW Murray Blvd.

Monday-Friday Portland, OR 6:45am to 6:30pm 503-626-8212

www.themuttleycrew.com 10

Spot Magazine | December 2010

uttley Crew The M

806 NW Murray Blvd.

Portland, OR

503-626-8212 www.TheMuttleyCrew.com Proprietor Jeff Slaughter

1. DO NOT bathe your dog at home unless all the mats have been brushed/combed out first.

Just like a knot in a shoelace, mats become tighter when wet then allowed to dry.

Dematting a dog can be quite painful and time consuming, not to mention expensive.

2. A matted coat will not keep your pet warm.

The mats only hold onto moisture, which not only causes the pet to remain cold, but can cause skin problems.

3. Buy a good brush and METAL medium-tooth comb.

I recommend a Universal brush. Properly maintained it will last a lifetime. When new, Universals are very stiff and sharp.

I always tell people to take it to the sidewalk and as hard as you can run it up and down and side to side to smooth the sharp points. The longer you own the brush, the better it gets. Take care not to scratch the pet’s skin while brushing.

A painful condition called “brush burn” can occur when the brush is used repeatedly in one area, damaging the skin and potentially causing a serious infection. Once you use your brush to

break up the mats, take the comb and gently pull out the clumps. You can use the end tines for this to get started. After you’ve mastered your brushing technique, you’ll never have a matted . . . or shaved pet ever again.

Personal Note The Muttley Crew, owned and operated by Jeff Slaughter, offers all breed grooming, dog daycare and premium pet supplies. Their credo is that the safety of the pets’ care for whom they are entrusted is paramount. The Muttley Crew uses only natural and often organic products. No chemicals are used for flea bathing; Slaughter says a citrus bath works better than anything chemically enhanced. Slaughter and his lead groomer Lori are Certified Master Groomers, with over 66 combined years of experience between them. Slaughter’s specialties include Terriers and rare breeds as well as Bichon Frises, while Lori’s is the Spaniel breeds. The Muttley Crew won Spot Magazine’s 2010 Top Dog Award for Groomer in both the dog and cat categories.

Spot Magazine | December 2010

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Holiday Gift Guide

Pet Food / Treats Organic handmade dog treats, foods, toys and much more.

www.twopugsbrand.com

The Gift of Love Honor a pet or loved one this holiday season! www.oregonhumane.org/tributes

Toys

Gifts, toys, accessories, gear, one of a kinds. Daycare, selfwash and grooming.

1889 Willamette Falls Dr. West Linn OR 97068

Holiday Portraits Heartwarming portraits of people and the animals they love!

www.lammphoto.com 503 682-2277

New Loca tion!

1736 SE Hawthorne Blvd

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Spot Magazine | December 2010

503-236-8036

503-850-4088

Spunk Level ll

Give the Gift of Good Health

888-921-2882 www.equerrys.com

Treats Pet Massage The perfect gift for your best friend... heal offers classes and specialized massages.

Toys, Gear – Every day’s a Holiday at The Dog Club!

www.dogclub4u.com

www.healnw.com

Holiday Gifts!

Mosaic

SuperSoft Ultra Pet Bed

Portraits with Santa!

12/4/10, 11 am – 4 pm

Custom Pet Portraits on a 12” Mosaic Stepping Stone

Comfy and Warm! Find this and other gift ideas for your pets at your local BI-MART store. Browse our pet beds, toys and other pet supplies.

www.petutopia.com

www.dogsteppingstones.com

k-dub designs

www.bimart.com

Spot Magazine | December 2010

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lightonBusiness Kennedy Morgan • Spot Magazine

T

Hot Spots for Pet Stuff

here’s a hidden treasure tucked behind Red Robin in Wilsonville, OR. It’s a veritable petting zoo where any number of pets — including a lounging albino Burmese Python — wait to meet you. Of course, what pet shop would be complete without a friendly dog to greet you? This shop has two dogs that wander through the store or snooze away the day enjoying attention from everyone who visits.

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Spot Magazine | December 2010

As you shop for high-quality treats and food, take a moment to enjoy the playful kittens in their own spacious room, or the varied and abundant birds that occupy their own nook. My favorite is the rosebreasted cockatoo. She plays hard to get, but what a love when she steps up to your offered finger. But don’t visit with a fresh manicure — she loves to chew on fingernails!

Also on site are Patagonian caveys, chinchillas, tarantulas, piranhas, rabbits and tortoises, Nile monitors, and ferrets — oh my!

And the list goes on. You have to see it to believe it, and be sure to allow time to see them all. The new store has a lot more room

allowing for plenty of pets.

The staff is wonderful and always willing to answer questions and guide a tour. During our visit a store volunteer spent quite a bit of time chatting with us about the habits and characteristics of many of the store’s fascinating inhabitants.

In addition to plentiful critters and supplies, Critter Cabana also offers grooming and a variety of pet-related books.

One thing you’re sure to notice is the staff’s vast knowledge of common — and uncommon — pets. The animals are selected with care, bred in captivity, and receive excellent care. Making sure new

owners are prepared, whether their new family member is an exotic or not, makes a difference.

Feel free to leash up your wellmannered pets for your visit. With a little local — and a lot of worldwide — flavor, this shop is worth a stop!

Kennedy Morgan is a native Oregonian, customer service manager, and freelance writer who shares her home with her two sons, her Great Dane, Vegas, Pomeranian, Leo, Bearded Dragon, Godzilla, and three uber-friendly kitties. Kennedy is an active member of agility clubs and the Portland Great Dane Community.

In her spare time she enjoys agility, hiking, biking, and attending her kids’ sporting events. Contact her at kennedymmorgan@gmail.com.

Tricks of the Trade… one frame at a time with David Childs

J

ust as any vehicle can take you on a fun trip, you can take great photos with any camera. But a 4 wheel drive can take you different places than a sailboat. There are so many camera choices these days it can be tough to know which might best match your goals. With the holidays upon us, let’s chat this month about some things to consider if a new camera might be under the tree.

performance. We’ll explore ISO thoroughly in a future column.

For now, know that good ISO performance means getting good exposure with less light. You’ll pay a price in image noise as you make use of ISO, but better ISO performance means you’ll pay a smaller price.

But the fastest camera isn’t worthwhile if it’s hard or

Us pet photographers have a lot in common with sports photographers. Our subjects often move quickly, powerful moments pass suddenly, and the lighting is not always ideal. That’s why I use a camera designed for top sports photographers and photojournalists. I care a lot about how fast my camera is, and I’m willing to trade some things, like a few more megapixels, to get that speed.

A super-sharp, high-res photo of the grass where my subject was 2 seconds before tends not to excite my clients. So, one thing I watch for in cameras is the delay after pressing the shutter. The camera’s minimum delay is called the shutter lag and many cameras are pretty fast. Is yours? One thing that happens during the delay is the camera focuses. It’s easier and faster to focus on a striped shirt in sunlight than a black dog running at night. The more expensive autofocus systems handle increasingly complex situations more quickly. If you want to capture action, especially in lower light situations, then a fast autofocus system is important for you.

If you won’t always have a lot of light then also note what reviews say about your camera’s ISO

Most ads for cameras list the number of megapixels. More pixels allows for larger photos and more options for cropping. I liken megapixels to watts on a stereo.

Almost any stereo I might buy has plenty of power for me. What I want is the sound to be clean and accurate. Many noisy pixels are less useful to me than a few very accurate ones. More megapixels

you better photos. A new camera can be a lot of fun and help move your photography forward.

But many of us are much more limited by our skills than our equipment. So if you’re investing in photography this season you might also consider a trip somewhere you’d love to photograph or perhaps a class or a book.

This month’s assignment December’s assignment is about what we’re really trying to do as photographers. Pick a furry friend(s) photo that has a big emotional impact on you. Don’t worry about the technical aspects as much as the emotion.

Cinnamon recently received a new fence from Fences for Fido and now happily has the run of her yard.

uncomfortable to use. Besides reading reviews at places like dpreview.com I recommend a trip to the camera store. Everyone’s hands and brains work differently, so it’s good to get hands-on time with cameras you’re considering.

Feel how it sits in your hand. Can you steady the camera to minimize blur?

Consider how well the size of the camera works for you - will a small camera that you always have with you work better than an amazing but big one that stays in the camera bag? Or, like me, you might have different cameras for different uses.

Also see how easily you can change settings. You can lose lots of great moments if it’s difficult to make adjustments.

can mean grainier photos or poor low-light performance, so watch for related comments in reviews and don’t be surprised if a lower megapixel camera actually gets

I’m hoping to see an image that makes you smile, laugh, tear up.

This is one everyone can do, so I hope to see a lot of you

Study with David live!

His pet photography classes are offered at OHS. Details, DavidChildsPhotography.com.

CLASS RECAP Try the exercise Send your photos from the assignment to: David@ DavidChildsPhotography.com.

Please put “Spot Photo Class” in the subject line Visit www.SpotMagazine.net and click on “Photography 101” to see your photos and those of your fellow students Share your great work with your friends!

Check out David’s tips and comments Meet David here in January for your next session!

David Childs David Childs is a professional photographer, photo journalist, instructor, and animal advocate. You can see his work or contact him at www.DavidChildsPhotography.com

Spot Magazine | December 2010

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all is right with the world.

Abnormal, cancerous cells behave differently by following a pattern of continuous development, outliving normal cells as they accumulate into growths known as tumors.

Benign tumors remain confined, not spreading to other parts of the body. Malignant tumors, however, contain cells that can grow out of control, deep into the tissue from which they began, and spread to other tissues and organs.

Goodness and sadness in the face of

cancer

Unfortunately, every animal has the potential for cancer . . . birds, rabbits and other small pets can suffer cancer-related diseases too.

Most forms of cancer develop in middle-aged to older animals but they can occur in early life.

Vonnie Harris • Spot Magazine

C

ancer — the one word that evokes fear and universal anxiety. The one word no one is ever fully prepared to hear. This dreaded disease affects too many humans and pets alike.

And when it comes to our beloved animals, it’s the one diagnosis that alarming statistics show account for nearly half of all disease-related pet deaths.

“Over the age of 10, fifty percent of cats and dogs are diagnosed with cancer,” says Dr. Kimberly Freeman, DACVIM of The Veterinary Cancer Referral Center in Portland, OR. Amazingly, the current rate of cancer is higher in dogs than in

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humans. The stories are all too common these days of animals fighting this deadly disease, oftentimes losing.

Over the age of 10, fifty percent of cats and dogs are diagnosed with cancer.

—Dr. Kimberly Freeman

Have the statistics increased over time? Not really, says Dr. Freeman. “More statistics are being reported because people are becoming better pet owners,” she says, “and are bringing their pets in earlier when things are out of the ordinary.” Freeman adds that advanced modalities such as x-rays, ultrasounds, CAT scans and MRIs allow for better and earlier detection.

What is cancer? Simply stated, it is unchecked, abnormal cell growth. Body cells normally follow a regulated pattern of cell growth, division and demise. New cells replace old ones as they die off, and

Cancer follows no iron-clad rule and there is no one single cause, but, “Age, genetics, obesity and poor-quality nutrition are all proven factors,” says Freeman.

Because of the many carcinogens in our world — everything from pollutants in the air and water to pesticides, cleansers, and plastics, Freeman says it’s hard to pinpoint environmental reasons as direct causes, although they may have an effect over time.

Different types of cancer respond to certain types of treatments, both traditional and holistic. Advances in nutrition and veterinary care are providing more and better

treatment options for extending the lives of beloved companion animals.

Holistic Pet Vet Clinic in Tigard, OR has seen many success stories with their furry patients. “There is a place for all types of modalities,” says Laurie Austin, clinic manager, “including chemo and radiation, for animal cancer. Our approach to cancer is an excellent adjunct to conventional chemo and radiation treatments. We can help the patient be more comfortable and enable their body to handle (to a much greater degree) the intensity and discomfort of those extreme modalities.”

The best prevention? Maintaining a healthy weight, well-balanced nutrition, regular exercise and exams, and — depending on the age and breed of your pet — even semi-annual veterinary visits. Dr. Freeman recommends all pets over age 10 have bi-annual blood work and thorough physical exams.

While symptoms may vary or even be scarce until a cancer has become more advanced, early warning signs that call for immediate action include:

• Abnormal swelling that persists and continues to grow • Sores that do not heal • Unexplained weight loss • Loss of appetite • Bleeding or discharge from any body opening • Offensive odor and/or chronic bad breath • Difficulty eating or swallowing • Hesitation to exercise or loss of stamina • Persistent lameness or stiffness • Difficulty breathing, urinating or defecating Unlike dogs and cats that can show symptoms in early stages,

rabbits and birds may not show signs until the disease has spread.

Therefore, any change in behavior, eating patterns or repeated diarrhea, vomiting or fatigue should prompt an instant visit to your veterinarian.

Early detection is key. The earlier a tumor is diagnosed, the better the chances for effective treatment and even a cure. Because some types of cancer are not detected easily, any sign that your pet is “just not feeling right” should be taken seriously. Vigilant pet parents and veterinarians have saved pets by addressing growths or other subtle changes as soon as they noticed them.

Freeman, who has practiced oncology at The Veterinary Cancer Referral Center for seven years, says she finds the work rewarding for a couple reasons: one, being able to manage the disease and quality of life in her patients; and two, providing owners with a better

understanding of the disease and helping them be proactive by providing explanations of what could happen. “I like to make it less scary for them by letting them know what to expect and what they can do.

Dealing with cancer is often an emotional and difficult time for a pet owner. “Most people when they hear cancer, they have no hope, and the ability to give them a degree of hope is rewarding.” says Freeman.

Working to make way for even greater hope, many organizations are working toward goodness and hope through research, developing better treatments, and eventually a cure. Many of these organizations were born from broken hearts. Like phoenixes rising from the ashes, founders’ stories often tell of an animal taken too soon, and a human being unwilling to let the story end there.

Continued on Page 24

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Rescue community loses an angel Starly Pupke killed

T

he animal rescue community in the Willamette Valley and surrounding were rocked last month when news that fellow rescue rock star, Starly Susan Pupke, lost her life after exiting her van in traffic near Lane Community College in Eugene and being struck by two cars.

“I think she saw an injured cat or dog on the other side of the road,” says fellow animal advocate Cathy Bill, “and rushed to save it. That was our Starly.”

An article in the Eugene Register Guard referred to 57-year-old Pupke as “Eugene’s patron saint of homeless cats.”

Bill, who worked with Starly for 12 years as part of the Feral Cat Coalition,

estimates that she saved more than a thousand cats from suffering, death and an endless life of having kittens and fighting for their territory. Some say Starly was “the best cat trapper in Lane County.”

Starly kept many cats on her five-acre property off Bailey Hill Rd. in Eugene.

Immediately following news of her death, Facebook and chatrooms lit up with people willing to help the animals who had lost their loving caregiver.

Many acknowledge that Starly was quite poor, but those who knew her well know that while she lived simply, she had a huge heart and spirit, and a “very rich personality.” And, while some say she lived on the edge financially, she

Service of

Remembrance Dignified Pet Services Presents In partnership with the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program

December 2nd at 7 pm The Old Church 1422 SW 11th Ave. Portland (at SW Columbia St.) Please join us in celebration of the invisible yet powerful bond between humans and our beloved companion animals. Together, surrounded by others who understand this bond, we will light candles in memory of those who are no longer with us.

Service animals permitted.

Free parking available

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Spot Magazine | December 2010

never hesitated to extend a helping hand to animals, or people who needed help with their animals.

Named after a student her mother, Sim, had taught, Starly grew up with four siblings on a farm outside Cottage Grove.

Donations in Starly’s name may be sent to: Blue Star Rescue, Food Industries Credit Union, 3030 Gateway Loop, Springfield, OR 97477.

Animal House

Home Customizations

Pet Friendly goes Pet

Fabulous Jake Faris • Spot Magazine

T

rends in home design are increasingly moving beyond occasional nods toward pet-friendly to substantial installations that are truly pet fabulous.

While it might seem strange to some, the idea of customizing a house for life with pets is a given for pet parents, and the possibilities abound. “I think it adds a lot of value to the livability of the house if you take into consideration the family pet,” says Kathleen Donohue, a senior designer at Neil Kelly, a Portlandbased design firm. “The more you can conveniently accommodate pets, the better it is for everyone.”

A certified master kitchen

and bath designer, Donohue’s 25-year tenure with Neil Kelly has taken her to Bend, Eugene and Portland. With her cat named Hoodie and rescue Scottie named Major, Donohue has the perfect pet design testing team at home.

Popular contemporary designs often combine the dining, living and kitchen areas of the house into one big room. This open room is where people can comfortably be “together while apart” and comfortably talk, snack, watch TV or surf the Internet as a family. Still, until recently, designers hadn’t considered fourlegged members of the family in their plans.

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For a mudroom remodel Donohue handled for friends, she added a special pet-parent touch to the Marmolium flooring (see Spot’s November 2010 article to learn about the great properties of Marmolium).

Pets are family members too, and one of the easiest customizations Donohue recommends is adding pet-friendliness to the great room.

The lower section of a cupboard, bookshelf — even the un-used end of a kitchen island — can be converted into a tidy pet center. A medium-height shelf is ideal for a feeding and watering station for doggies, with the space below the bowls being a perfect out-of-theway spot for toys.

Once she found a linoleum installer who could inlay patterns into the tiles, Donohue found a pawprint stencil and asked the installer to inlay the paw prints across the floor, following the path the dog would naturally take. Her friends now have a pet-friendly floor with permanent pawprints tracking from doorway to doorway.

For feline feeding, a shelf just below counter-level — high enough to be out of dog-tongue range — can be converted into a kitty dining table.

There are many variations on the idea, and they all achieve the same thing: Incorporating pets into the family’s living area in convenient, elegant ways.

Another popular remodeling option for pet guardians is incorporating a designated dog bathing station into their utility, laundry or mud room. “This usually consists of a shower pan, some

into the living room, now Tivah travels through a tunnel disguised as a window bench. By the time she exits her tunnel, her paws are wiped clean on the washable carpet lining the tunnel. The tunnel is so well disguised most people don’t realize it’s there. Even better, the gate was designed to be removed during summer months.

“We love our tunnel,” says Bruso.

“The past few years our carpet has looked so much better.”

Pet guardian Mark Bruso was seeking a remedy for muddy low-tiled walls, and a handheld showerhead so muddy dogs can get a ‘hose down’ with warm water on chilly days,” says Donohue. “Of course a supply of fresh towels nearby is a must!”

This feature can be tweaked to suit people and pets. If space allows, a short counter can provide a pedestal for grooming.

Rather than tracking mud straight into the living room, now Tivah travels through a tunnel disguised as a window bench. pawprints. His dog, Tivah, enjoys free access to the back yard through her pet door, so he asked a friend and handyman for design advice. Because the back door was positioned in an alcove off the living room, a gate was constructed that allowed human access to the back door while rerouting Tivah’s entry and exit.

Rather than tracking mud straight

Spot to the Rescue on Facebook Up to the minute reports on adoptables, fosters, transports and more!

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Spot Magazine | December 2010

Customizing and Dog-Proofing the Yard Keeping lawns . . . well, just keeping lawns, is a constant struggle for pet people. It’s the fight with dead, patchy, and bumpy lawns that makes synthetic lawns so appealing, even in the organiccentric Northwest. But synthetic lawns might be more “green” than people realize. It’s definitely not the AstroTurf of the ‘80s.

According to David McFarland, owner of SynLawn of Oregon, synthetic lawn is a product growing in popularity with pet people. It’s used commercially in dog-specific applications like agility courses and dogs runs. InBark, an indoor dog park recently opened in Tigard, used SynLawn products for its play area turf.

Besides being incredibly realistic feeling and looking, SynLawn is practically made for pets. Specifically designed to be porous, rain and urine pass through the backing, eventually making its way through a layer of zeolite rock — a natural mineral that eliminates up to 80% of the ammonia in pet urine — and into the ground. Dogs’ paws don’t get muddy in the winter, dogs with grass allergies feel better, and it doesn’t require watering, fertilizers, weeding or mowing.

McFarland does admit that if there is a downside it might be the initial cost (grass seed is cheaper, but with virtually no maintenance cost, synthetic lawn might be cheaper in the long run), and due to the nylon in the grass blades, it doesn’t stay naturally cool in direct sunlight.

presenting their pet-friendly plant expertise during local seminars and workshops. The duo has been invited to do a pet-friendly presentation next June at the Oregon Garden in Silverton.

So much of what pet parents focus on is what not to put in their yard. While it is important to avoid plants heavy in toxins, like caster beans, Frey explains that the time to be most cautious is during puppyhood. “The time you need to worry is when you introduce them to your yard,” Frey says. “Or when dogs are left outside unattended.

Put up a barrier, temporarily, until the pet is no longer interested.”

Bitter Apple, a spray found in many pet supply stores, is especially effective at keeping curious nibblers away from plants indoors.

Synthetic lawn is a product growing in popularity with pet people. It’s used commercially in dogspecific applications like agility courses and dogs runs.

Still, its durability, appearance and eco-friendliness (builders can use SynLawn to count toward LEED certification) is winning SynLawn a growing base of fans in the pet community..

Plants are another part of the yard dogs can be hard on. Sometimes plants can be hard on dogs, too, especially dogs who like backyard salad.

Melinda Frey and Anne Taylor, of Raindrop Garden Design and Living Elements Landscape respectively, are landscape designers known for

Spot Magazine | December 2010

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When it comes to landscape design, one of the most problematic parts of the yard for many pet guardians is the fence line. The first thing Frey recommends is that if your dog is aggressive, seek help from a professional trainer. As she puts it, “Aggression isn’t good for your dog, and it’s not good for neighborhood relations.”

Because your dog wants to know what’s going on around his or her territory, allow for visibility. But, to keep the area along the fence from becoming a doggy autobahn, plant a screen of shrubs or similar barrier plants a couple of feet from the fence. This not only provides a visual screen so the fence line isn’t so distracting, it also provides a partial physical boundary for the backyard hound.

Along with training, there are actually behavior-correcting plants that work well in problem areas. Selectively using plants like holly or dwarf conifers can provide structure and year-round color. And because they’re kind of prickly, dogs tend to give them clearance.

Other sturdy plants to consider are sword-ferns, which hold up well to dogs and can be refreshed with pruning every year in late winter.

Ornamental grasses are another option. Sturdy and often drought-tolerant, some varieties grow up to 8 feet tall. Unlike conifers, they do die back each year.

Dogs’ love of pathways can be another frustration . “Dogs will create the straightest point from A to B,” says Frey. “If you try creating a new path they will go back to their original. Stick with their original.”

Instead of fighting dog-made paths, enhance them. “Try fitting it into your yard’s aesthetics,” recommends Frey. Use mulch, cedar chip (NOT cocoa mulch), gravel or pavers to make the path look intentional. Frey adds that edging the paths with full plantings helps keep the dog on track. “That cuts down on dogs going every which way, and it keeps their paws from getting muddy.”

Great Resource!

Pretty Pet Friendly by Julia Szabo, recomended by Melinda Frey.

Jake Faris

is a freelance writer who’s worn many different hats, including a hardhat and the 8-point hat of a police officer. Jake and his wife Charity live with their two cats and four dogs in Beaverton. The whole pack moved to Portlandfrom Wenatchee, WA three years ago. Now a dedicated Oregonian, Jake finds new reasons to love his adopted state every day. Contact him at jake@spotmagazinenet

Never Say Never Greyhounds

Kennedy Morgan • Spot Magazine What do we (the general public) know about Greyhounds other than that they’re skinny-ish dogs who race around in a circle after a rabbit and show up from time to time at adoption events? Breaking down common thought barriers about certain breeds is critical to discovering the depths of the dog. In Never Say Never Greyhounds (neversaynevergreyhounds.blogspot. com), oh boy, are belief barriers broken. From agility to dock diving, tracking to swimming, competitive obedience and clicker training, hiking and more, these are some remarkable dogs. They’re also ex-racers adopted by people with a heart for Greyhounds.

This site is a great resource for diverse subject matter in the area of dog training. One particularly interesting topic I came across dealt with breaking the bad habit of counter surfing – of particular interest to those of us with large and giant breed dogs. Of course it seems logical to simply prevent counter surfing by putting everything away. Life is not always orderly though, and we misstep. Titled A Right of Passage, the post regarding counter surfing made me laugh for its simplicity of reasoning.

Of course with the love of dogs comes the heartbreaks of health issues and end-of-life goodbyes. All in all though, this blog shares the life story of a houseful of lean, mean (not), ex-racing machines that get to live and learn, play and perform, and whose unique individuality is considered carefully.

Exploration of the information, videos, pictures, quips, quirks, and the lovely life of Never Say Never Greyhounds is worthwhile.

Kennedy Morgan is a native Oregonian, customer service manager, and freelance writer who shares her home with her two sons, her Great Dane, Vegas, Pomeranian, Leo, Bearded Dragon, Godzilla, and three uber-friendly kitties. Kennedy is an active member of agility clubs and the Portland Great Dane Community. In her spare time she enjoys agility, hiking, biking, and attending her kids’ sporting events. Contact her at kennedymmorgan@gmail.com.

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"But She Chose Me” agazine To: Spot M Henriksen t you did From: Kris u for wha o y k n a h T E: S ubject: R Palooza!!!! at Doggie e at velous tim I had a mar ory about why I d an o d d ki st My foster attaching a so much. ooza! I am r) Doggie Pal ch (and The teenage o o p e e love affair th love s ago, but th ar ye l ra ve se This is from anks again! :-) Th s e u n ti n co

And here is the precious tale she shared

The Story of Tanya and Summer “But she chose ME.” Those 4 simple words, spoken by an 11-year-old girl, started the love affair without our even knowing it.

Tanya, our foster kiddo, had been on a trip to the Oregon Humane Society, and she returned a young woman with a mission.

The dog, she reported, was named Summer. She was a two-yearold Beagle, just a tiny bit bigger than my Mom’s dog Buddy.

Prior to Tanya coming into my life, it needs to be said that my mom’s house was very normal in terms of pets. Hers was a two cat, one dog household, and had been for years. Things changed when Tanya came along. The kid had persuasion skills a hostage negotiator would envy. She would bide her time, drop a hint at the right time, and find any small hole in my mom’s defenses. In less than two years, my mother accumulated the dog and two cats, two hamsters and two parakeets. The Noah’s Ark jokes hit close to home and weren’t always funny.

And now a dog had chosen her. My mom and I drove to OHS with tremendous apprehension. We chatted nervously about how we were quite sure that a small young dog would have already been claimed; that we would just check to be sure, then have the joy of reporting same to Tanya.

The dog’s name was Summer, and she was at least part beagle.

That much was true. However she was listed as seven years old, and was more than “a tiny bit bigger” than Buddy, the 9-pound Lhasa Apso. We asked to take Summer outside for a bit and the poor old girl could barely get up. She made no eye contact, no big kisses, no attempts to prolong our time together.

PHOTO by Tanya

Reader Spotlight

A rational person would have gathered their composure and moved on.

Luckily for all concerned, my mom and I both have bouts of overwhelming lack of reasoning. We filled out all the paperwork. We signed everything. We put Summer in the Subaru and drove away.

Later that day when we surprised Tanya with the dog, magic happened.

Summer sat up and flashed a million dollar smile. She chased a ball for hours until she had to rest.

A visit to the vet soon after Summer’s arrival pegged her at age 9 or 10, with more than a few health problems. Ears. Digestive. Teeth. Etc. After listening carefully, Tanya’s only question for the vet was, “Do you think anyone ever took good care of this dog?”

Our vet — quite possibly the sweetest man on earth — thought for a moment and replied that he wasn’t sure, and that maybe somebody had owned her who couldn’t take good care of her for whatever reason.

Watching Tanya’s face I finally got it. Summer needed to be rescued, just as Tanya had two years before. Both girl and dog had spent many years of struggle, and now Tanya could rescue a creature who so deserved it.

Later that day when we surprised Tanya with the dog, magic happened. Summer sat up and flashed a million dollar smile. She chased a ball for hours until she had to rest.

It is impossible to adequately describe their mutual adoration. Tanya is 15 now. Approaching her 12th birthday she considered what she wanted most for her birthday. She finally decided on….a dog house . . . proudly displayed to this day in the front yard of Noah’s, I mean Nan’s, Ark. Tanya and Summer camp out in their own tent on my mom’s deck. I have no doubt that Summer has been able to hear about all the things from Tanya’s past that might never be shared with me or other humans.

Tanya is well aware that her time with Summer could be short. Where uncertainty like that can make adults timid, it seems to inspire Tanya to fully relish every trip to the dog park, and every quiet walk through the front yard.

They say that love finds you when you least expect it. I have more reason to believe that now that I have experienced one old dog finding, and falling for, one young girl. Life brought them together for a reason, and it was all wrapped up in those four little words: “But she chose ME”.

Shared by Kris Henriksen, Portland Spot Magazine | December 2010

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Continued from Page 17

Cera Reusser of Warrenton, OR wanted answers after losing her six-yearold black Lab, Chase. Reusser’s devotion to her best friend led her to create Chase Away K9 Cancer, which began and still follows the mantra: “one dollar at a time.”

In just four years, Chase Away K9 Cancer has raised $374,586, all from donations, many one dollar at a time, as well as sales of merchandise bearing the Chase Away logo. All proceeds go to the American College of Veterinary Medicine (ACVIM) in support of canine cancer studies.

Reusser says “The vets at ACVIM take this very seriously, especially knowing that the money is raised one dollar at a time.”

So far Chase Away’s efforts have funded seven studies, and Reusser says good strides are being made.

Age, genetics, obesity and poor-quality nutrition are all proven factors.

In September 2009, Nancy Elston lost Molly, her 6½-year-old Golden Retriever to Hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive, malignant tumor of blood vessel cells. A month after losing Molly suddenly, Elston’s yellow Lab Abby developed mast cell tumors and required surgery. Abby had her third surgery in August and is a survivor. This type of tumor can reoccur, so Elston keeps a vigilant eye. “I have been lucky to catch them early,” she says. “They have never gone to the stage where we need to do chemo or radiation.”

Elston’s experience led her to read everything she could on canine cancer.

Along the way she discovered the National Canine Cancer Foundation (NCCF), an organization based in Arizona, whose founders had lost three beloved dogs to cancer.

The NCCF has chapters nationwide that raise money locally at small events and larger, foundation-coordinated events.

“I was surprised to find out that one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country did not have a chapter,” says Elston. Desperately wanting to help, she went into action, coordinating fundraisers, raising awareness and spreading the word about canine cancer and the foundation.

The magnitude of her efforts might be measured in the now-familiar sight of the organization’s signature pink paw. Wherever you might find Northwest “dog people,” you’re likely to spot the pink paw on hats, t-shirts, pins and car windows. “People don’t know where to go and there are wonderful organizations out there to let you know that you are not alone,” says Elston, who has become one of those resources herself.

When Elston began working with NCCF a year ago, there were only six chapters nationwide; now there are 12. All funds raised from the chapters goes directly to laboratories that must apply through the foundation for grants to fund research aimed at developing innovative approaches to prevention, treatment and a cure for cancers in dogs.

Chase Away K9 Cancer and the National Canine Cancer Foundation are just two of many wonderful organizations committed to finding a cure for pet cancer. Cancer touches everyone, and while we all have different abilities and resources, each of us is capable of contributing. By giving our time or money (yes, even one dollar at a time), we can make a difference.

And the difference we can make in our animals’ lives is one of the greatest lessons they teach us . . . living in the moment and enjoying each day.

RESOURCES Chase Away K9 Cancer ChaseAwayK9Cancer.org The National Canine

The following orgs offer financial support to those who can’t afford treatment:

Cancer Foundation

Canine Cancer Awareness

WeAreTheCure.org

CanineCancerAwareness.org

Morris Animal Foundation

The Magic Bullet Fund

MorrisAnimalFoundation.org

TheMagicBulletFund.org

Vonnie Harris

is a freelance writer, and operator of BowWows & Meows Pet Services of SW WA. She and her brood, Jake and Jessie, both yellow Labs, and parrots Pedro (Yellow-Nape Amazon) and Lorali (African Grey) reside in Vancouver. Vonnie also is “the face of Spot” at many Portland-area pet-related events. Contact her at vonnie@spotmagazine.net.

www.SpotMagazine.net

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fetch Saving babies . . . before they arrive

The importance of spaying and neutering is widely understood, yet there are still massive numbers of unwanted animals, and too many people who don’t realize how important spaying/ neutering is, or that it can be so affordable.

Folks like the Oregon Spay/Neuter Fund (OS/NF) — which teamed up with Spot a few months ago in an effort to reach more people and get more animals “fixed” — work with a vengeance to reach further, improve their resources, and strengthen their corps of participating clinics.

OS/NF’s latest report shows great accomplishment in each of these areas. Clinics providing lowcost spay/neuter services were recently added in Corvallis and Philomath, joining a handful of clinics from Portland to those points south. “These are progressive veterinarians,” says Kathie Nelson, executive director of OS/NF.“They’re committed to the critters and getting the job done, and they’re all following consistent discounted pricing.”

Participating clinics can be found on coupons inserted in every copy of Spot this month, and at

locations where Spot is available. The flipside of the coupon features ASAP’s Spay & Save program, a low-income Portland-area program targeting feline spay/neuter. Spay & Save’s latest improvement is offering one number to call for a procedure; callers are referred to the clinic most convenient to them. The number is: 503-802-6755.

“Help your friends and neighbors, offer to drive them to a clinic, expand resources, Spread the word!”

When asked to sum up her report this month, Nelson said,“Help your friends and neighbors, offer to drive them to a clinic, expand resources, Spread the word!”

Vet clinics interested in participating or learning more should call Nelson at 503.853.1963. She says, “Vets are very needed and greatly appreciated.

Sometimes they even get home-baked cookies!”

Distribution of the current spay/neuter coupon was made possible thanks to the generous support of Willamette Valley merchants Mini Pet Mart, Suds ‘Em Yourself, and Wags! Dog Emporium, and Portland area merchant Healthy Pets Northwest.

Runchy

little newsbits to chew on

Cottage Grove says come in, get warm Beds for Freezing Nights will offer beds to homeless people and their pets in Cottage Grove, OR this winter season. In this first-year project, beds will be set up at the Presbyterian church and pets will stay in kennels at the Forest Valley Vet Clinic.

Volunteers, supplies and support are still needed to help make the project successful. To learn more, get involved, or support the effort, please contact Rachel Cunningham-Kyle of North Star Rescue at northstarrescue@aol.com. Details http://freezingnights.com

Boy makes a celebrity appearance A beautiful, sweet boy named Tres appeared on the cover of Spot last month as part of a story on PAW Team, a nonprofit providing free monthly veterinary clinics to pets of the homeless in Portland.

I’m Feeling Better.

Watch Out Cat! Strength. Ability. Recovery.

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Copies of the November issue were made available to PAW Team clients during the clinic held in November, and according to PAW Team member Robyn Luchs, “The clients really enjoyed them and a few asked for autographs!” Now others will be able to get autographs as well. Tres is having his very own “Pawtograph” Party Dec. 4, 10am-1pm, at Fleur de Lis Bakery at 3930 NE Hancock in Portland.

For details about Tres, PAW Team, or Tres’s Pawtograph Party, visit PAWTeam.org.

Holiday cards are works of art, keys to freedom

David Childs custom holiday cards are available now. Order your custom set and bring a dog in from the cold. The cards feature photos from your session, your chosen text, colors and fonts, and 10% of the proceeds go to Fences for Fido. Check out this season’s selection at www.DavidChildsPhotography.com/2010HolidayCards.html.

OHS medical team sets record in feline surgeries The Oregon Humane Society was headed into a day of surgery they hoped would end with a record number of Portland-area cats spayed and neutered — at no charge to their people.

Beau Owens Photography

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Runchy

little newsbits to chew on

Eugene docs join Artwalk, share their art For the first time in the history of Eugene’s popular First Friday Artwalk, a veterinary clinic will be offering an art show. Cat Care Limited at 1400 Willamette Street in Eugene will host an art show and reception featuring cat-themed art in various media Friday, Dec. 3, 6-8pm. Visitors are invited to stop and enjoy works by Karin Dunker (fused glass), Beau Owens (photography), Kiernan Phipps (Chinese brush painting), and Patricia Shea, DVM (watercolor). Tours of the feline-only clinic and refreshments will be offered as well. Details 541302-5824.

Family photos with Santa at Macy’s

The OHS medical team scheduled 200 cat surgeries for Wednesday Nov. 17 as part of the Elect to Spay event offered to low-income cat owners.

Medical teams at five animal organizations across the region were scheduled to perform an additional 200 alters, bringing to 400 the number of cats to be “fixed.”

The offer of a free cat spay or neuter proved popular, as all 400 slots for the Elect to Spay event filled rapidly. Low-income cat owners can take advantage of $10 cat alters through year-end through the Spay & Save program sponsored by the Animal Shelter Alliance of Portland. Spay & Save seeks to alter 10,000 cats every year for five years in an attempt to significantly reduce cat overpopulation in the Portland area.

For more information about Spay & Save, including information on qualifying income levels, visit www.spaysave.org or call 503-802-6755.

Distinctive Dog introduces new fare

Finally! Pups are welcome at Santaland! Macy’s is offering family photos with Santa Tuesday, Nov. 30, 10-2 at the flagship store in downtown Portland.

Details portlandsantaland.com.

Distinctive Dog, makers of beautiful treats often featured at Spot’s booth at events in 2009, has returned with new, better and — as is their style — more beautiful offerings than ever. The

The best little billboards in town!

Spot’s Lil Red Doghouses available now.

Advertise! Great exposure, great premium locations.

Jennifer McCammon 503.261.1162 Publisher@SpotMagazine.net 26

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Runchy

CONTINUED

Seattle-based husband and wife company that started in their home kitchen now offers these and many more treats: Sweet Potato Carrot Cake, Pawberry Cobbler, Peanut Banana Bread and Chicken Pot Pie. All are baked by hand with high-quality ingredients and no gluten, wheat, corn, soy, or artificial preservatives.

Albany: Albany Pet Shop Cool’s Feed Brownsville: J & S Supply Canyonville: Roger’s Feed Coos Bay: Alison’s Pet Palace Hanson – Meeken Veterinary Corvallis: Best Friends Corvallis Kennels Denson’s Feed Cottage Grove: Old Mill Farm Store Dallas: Orchard Animal Hospital Old Mill Feed & Garden Shaggy Dog Boarding Kennel Eugene: Bare Bones Dog Wash – Amazon Bare Bones Dog Wash – River Rd. Bobcat Pets Diess Feed Store Dogs A Play Down to Earth – Olive St. Down to Earth – Willamette St. End Results Grooming Evergreen Nutrition Center H & E Feed Store Holiday Boarding Kennel JCO Feed LexiDog Pet Time Nature’s Pet Market S.A.R.A. Well Mannered Dog Florence: Aloha Pet Grooming Florence Humane Society Harris Feed Store Maryann’s Natural Pet 101 Pet Supply Independence: Jack’s World Keizer: Copper Creek Mercantile Soapy Paws

Paws on the Sand McMinnville: Buchanon Cellars – Valley Feed Mill City: Ark Animal Care Vet Molalla: Safe & Sound Dog Grooming The Grooming Barn Newberg: Critter Cabana Newport: Dog Port Oceana Natural Food Corp.

Philomath: Inavale Farm Animal Care Pleasant Hill: Embarkadero Grooming Reedsport: Dillards Pet Products Parent Feed & Farm Roseburg: Atlantis Fish & Pets Grooming By Linda B Salem: Champion Feed Everything Pawsible Nature’s Pet Pet Etc. Playhouse for Paws Pup in a Tub Sebastian’s Healthy Pet Food Soapy Paws South Salem Pet Supply Whole Pet Vet Center Springfield: All American Pet Supply Best in Show McKenzie Feed & Saddlery Toledo: Going to the Dogs Toledo Feed Veneta: Critter Creek Day Care Pet Paws Dog Wash Waldport: Natural Selection

Lebanon: Alpha Dog Grooming

Walterville: McKenzie Feed & Tackle

Lincoln City:

Wilsonville: Critter Cabana

“The idea for Distinctive Dog began when we decided to bring dogs into our family. It was difficult to find information about dog treats and food and what would be best for our dogs,” says owner Tamra Johnson. “While most commercial food claimed to be healthy, we soon learned that many of these products contained animal by-products, additives and fillers that are potentially dangerous to our pets’ health.”

Tamra and her husband Andrew researched healthy ingredients and began baking treats for their new dogs at home. “It took a while to perfect the recipes, but once we did we began to share the treats with friends and family. They became very popular in our extended circle and we started receiving inquiries from local retail stores,” Johnson says.

Now Distinctive Dog operates out of a commercial bakery in Seattle, and introduced their treats for national distribution at the SuperZoo trade show in Las Vegas this September. “We’re extremely excited about the response from retailers across the United States. We’ve worked hard to translate our passion for dogs into our treats and create a company focused on promoting healthy living for dogs,” says Johnson.

In addition to checking out Distinctive Dog’s offerings, www.distinctivedog.com provides information on canine health. The company donates 5 percent of its profits to nonprofits that support the health and betterment of dogs. Johnson says she wants to help consumers make better choices about what they feed their dogs and make a difference by helping organizations working to protect dogs and other animals from abuse and abandonment.

little newsbits to chew on

A boy and the impact of a visit Alexander Knapton, a 22-year-old student at Western Oregon University, was hospitalized for 10 days with pneumonia and sepsis in December 2009. During his stay at Kaiser Sunnyside Hospital Alexander was visited by a Delta Pet Partners team — typically people/animal pairs who provide comfort and company in a variety of scenarios. The team’s visits were the highlight of an otherwise difficult time for Alexander. In fact, he enjoyed them so much that when he had to take the winter semester off due to his illness, he checked into the kind of dog he would like to get in the future.

Alexander was hospitalized again for two weeks in May 2010. During this stay his desire to serve others as a pet/partner team became a conviction. After recovering, and researching what would be the perfect dog for him, he decided on a Petit Basset Griffin Vendeen. He found Ollie, a wonderful, very smart canine. Ollie is five, and he and Alexander have already finished basic obedience training, bringing Alexander’s dream of becoming a Delta Society Pet Partners team one step closer to reality. Alexander looks forward to giving others what he received in such a difficult time.

Written by Ellen Knapton (Alexander’s mother) and reprinted with permission from Delta Society.

If you know of someone whose life would be better with the aid of a service animal, Delta Society, along with NEADS - Dogs for Deaf and Disabled Americans, would like to hear about them. Contact Jennifer Moody at jenniferm@ deltasociety.org for more information.

Been to Spot’sHouse lately?

Come Ovah!

www.spotmagazine.net

Spot Magazine | December 2010

27

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DAYCARE

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Daycare in my secluded private home. Near the 28

Spot Magazine | December 2010

classifiedS airport 15 yrs. experience.

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Contact Serena @ allanimalscount@comcast.net.

ADVERTISING DIRECTORY ADOPTION / RESCUE Multnomah County Animal Services......... 6

APPAREL bad cogs canine coats............................... 12

BOARDING / DAYCARE 3 Dogs Boarding & Daycare....................... 7 Brody’s Doghouse..................................... 28 Cascade Pet Camp..................................... 20 Cooper Mountain Kennel.......................... 26 Countryside Pet Spa.................................. 11 Doggie Day Camp ..................................... 28 Green Acres K-9 Resort.............................. 28 Howliday Inn............................................. 19 Laurel Acres Kennels................................. 19 Opportunity Barks..................................... 28 Rock Creek Kennels .................................. 21 Rose City Vet ............................................. 22 Tail Wag Inn .............................................. 2

CREMATION / MEMORIAL / HOME EUTHANASIA Compassionate Care.................................. 28 Dignified Pet Services................................ 18

D’tails Dog Salon 28 The Muttley Crew 10 Tail Wag Inn 2 Wilco 8

MASSAGE Heal NW, Rubi Sullivan.............................. 13

PHARMACY Dale Edgar ................................................ 7

PORTRAITS David Childs Photography ........................ 24 Lamm Photography.................................. 12 Karl Edwards Illustrations ......................... 14 Sara Monahan Studios.............................. 12

PRODUCTS bad dogs canine coats............................... 12 Fred Meyer Jewelers.................................. 13 Healthy Pets Northwest............................ 12 Snowfire - distributor of fine foods ........... 27 The Stock Exchange for Animals Resale/Consignment.................................................. 28

SOCIAL / PET NETWORKING

EVENTS

pdxdog.com.............................................. 24

KPSU Weekend Report.............................. 31 Service of Remembrance .......................... 18

SPAY / NEUTER

FITNESS Paws Aquatics........................................... 25

FOOD / TREATS 2 Pugs Brand............................................. 12 BiMart....................................................... 32 Dale Edgar................................................. 7 Healthy Pets Northwest............................ 12 Jesse’s K-9 Cookies.................................... 28 The Muttley Crew...................................... 10 Snowfire - distributor of fine foods........... 27 Solid Gold Northwest................................ 21

GIFTS Bad dog canine coats 12BiMart ................ 13 The Dog Club ............................................ 13 Dog Stepping Stones ................................ 13 Fred Meyer Jewelers.................................. 13 Oregon Dogs Inc. ...................................... 12 PetUtopia.................................................. 13 The Stock Exchange for Animals Resale/Consignment .................................................. 28

GROOMING Aussie Pet Mobile ..................................... 11 Bows & Bones Mobile Grooming............... 28 Cooper Mountain Kennel .......................... 26 Countryside Pet Spa.................................. 11

Multnomah County Animal Services......... 6

SUPPLIES BiMart....................................................... 32 Healthy Pets Northwest............................ 12 The Muttley Crew...................................... 10

TRAINING Opportunity Barks..................................... 28

VACATION RENTALS Bennington Properties......................... 18 Idyllic Beach House.............................. 22, 28****

VETERINARY CARE Animal Allergy & Ear Clinic of Oregon ....... 10 Back on Track Vet Rehabilitation Center..... 25 Cascade Veterinary Referral Center ........... 16 Rose City Veterinary Hospital.................... 22 VCA NW Veterinary Specialists.................. 17

WELLNESS Animal Allergy & Ear Clinic........................ 10 Back on Track............................................. 25 Cascade Veterinary Referral Center ........... 16 Paws Aquatics........................................... 25 VCA NW Veterinary Specialists.................. 17

30 NOVEMBER, TUESDAY

3 FRIDay

PORTLAND • 10am — Family Photos WITH the dawg (and Santa) at Macy’s Santaland at the downtown store ‘til 2.

Details PortlandSantaland.com.

PORTLAND • 10:00am — OHS Adoption Outreach at the Christmas Bazaar at the Portland Expo Center ‘til 6.

1 DECEMBER, WEDNESDAY GRESHAM • Comfort & Toys Drive for the Animals at OHS. Donate a gift for the pets to Rodda Paint at 318 NW Eastman Pkwy and receive a discount on paint, wallpaper, and window coverings.

View the list of needed items at oregonhumane.org.

SHERWOOD • CAT is accepting donations of gifts for homeless kitties, as well as small bags of unopened, unexpired cat food for the Food bank at the shelter at 14175500 Galbreath. While there, pop into the in-shelter store — you might find the perfect gift for a pet or petlover on your list.

2 THURSDAY PORTLAND • Noon — Pet Loss Support Group at DoveLewis, 1945 NW Pettygrove. These groups last one hour and are a free community service. Dropins are welcome. Please take a photo of your pet to share.

PORTLAND • 6:05pm — Tune into 98.1 FM Radio for Spot’s Report on Pet-friendly events this weekend. The Furry FunPlanner report opens the KPSU Family Show.

PORTLAND • 7pm — Service of Remembrance at The Old Church, 1422 SW 11th. Hosted by Dignified Pet Services in partnership with the DoveLewis Pet Loss Support Program. A celebration of the bond between humans and our beloved companion animals. Candlelight ceremony. Service animals permitted; free parking available.

FRIDAY Reminder NOTE TO SELF: Grab the camera and shoot fun photos to share at “Spot’s House” (www.

SpotMgazine.net). Send ‘em to Vonnie@ SpotMagazine.net — she’ll post the latest photos on Monday.

Pretty Get

for the holidays!

Tips from the top

GROOMING

Page 8

4 saturday MULTI LOCATIONS • Open Hours — Santa Claws Pet Photos at PetsMart.

Have your pet’s (dog, cat, rabbit, rodent) photo taken with Santa for $9.95 and give Cat Adoption Team a boost. Held today and tomorrow.

PORTLAND • 10am PAW Team’s Coverboy Tres’s PAWtagraph Party ‘til 1 at Fleur de Lis Bakery, 3930 NE Hancock.

WEST SALEM • 10am — Adoption Outreach with Salem Friends of Felines at Pet, Etc. ‘til 2.

PORTLAND • 10am — Pet Nutrition & News with Chip Sammons on KKPZ, Spot Magazine | December 2010

29

SALEM • 11am — Santa Claws pet photos with Santa at PetSmart ‘til 4. Get a photo $9.99 and boost Salem Friends of Felines.

ket to benefit Greenhill Humane Society.

Take your dogs to the fountain courtyard for a professional photo. Hosted by Greenhill and Curious K9 boutique, cost is $20; complimentary hot cocoa, holiday refreshments & doggie goodie bags will be served. Register on site. Details green-hill.org.

SHERWOOD/ PORTLAND METRO • Noon — Adopt a Cat this Weekend.

CAT counselors are on site at local PetsMart stores ‘til 4. PetsMarts are located at Cascade Station, in Clackamas, Hillsboro, Tanasbourne, Tigard, Tualatin, Wilsonville and Washington Square. Also noon-4 the weekend of Dec. 18.

REGIONWIDE • Noon — Santa Photos at all Wilco stores open on Sundays ‘til 3. People and their pets can have your photo taken with Santa and give OHS a boost. Wilco stores are located in Battle Ground WA, Canby, Cornelius, Lebanon, McMinnville, Newberg, Oregon City, Silverton, Springfield and Stayton.

EUGENE • 2pm — Dog Tale Time every Saturday at the Downtown Library.

Kids grades 1-6 build skills by reading to trained dogs. Dogs & handlers provided courtesy of PAAWS (People and Animals Who Serve), a local chapter of the Delta Society. Pre-register for 15-minute reading sessions. Details 541-682-8316.

SHERWOOD • Noon — The Cat Food Bank is open ‘til 2, providing cat food for owners in financial need, at CAT’s shelter: 14175 SW Galbreath Dr.

1330 AM radio. Chip helps you help your pets live long, healthy, happy lives. Airs every Saturday at 10.

PORTLAND • Saturdays @ 3:15 — Puppy Manners program at OHS. For puppies under 16 weeks at start of 5-week series. Open enrollment means begin anytime. Class covers socialization, boundary-setting, steps for success, basic cues, potty- & crate-training. Cost $125/5 weeks; RSVP to oregonhumane.org/ pet_training.

5 sunday PORTLAND • 10:30am —T-Touch for Dogs Workshop at Oregon Humane Society. Bring your dog and learn relaxation methods in this popular class.

T-Touch has been shown to improve a wide range of physical & behavioral issues. Cost: $65 with dog, $45 without.

Details oregonhumane.org.

PORTLAND • 11am — Claus ‘n Paws Pet Photos with Santa at LexiDog Boutique & Social Club, 418 NW 10th Ave. to benefit DoveLewis. Suggested donation $10; 100% benefits Dove. Happening all day.

SALEM • 11am — Santa Claws pet photos with Santa at PetsMart ‘til 4. Get a photo $9.99 and boost Salem Friends of Felines.

EUGENE • Noon — Holiday Pet Photos with Santa ‘til 4 at 5th Street Public Mar30

Spot Magazine | December 2010

PORTLAND • 1pm — Puppy Romp! at Oregon Humane. Exposing puppies to new dogs can help prevent behavioral problems later. Come allow them to run, play and socialize ‘til 2. Cost $15/puppy.

6 monday WHAT’S SO FUN ABOUT MONDAYS? It’s when Spot’s Vonnie Harris accepts/ posts photos of good times from the weekend at “Spot’s House” on the web.

A recent invite for people to check out new photos brought 700 visitors in one day! That’s A LOT of friends you can share your photos with! Send photos (anytime) to Vonnie@SpotMagazine.net.

9 thursday PORTLAND • 9am — Pet Loss Support Group at DoveLewis, 1945 NW Pettygrove. Drop-ins are welcome. Please take a photo of your pet to share.

PORTLAND • 6:05pm — Tune into 98.1 FM Radio for Spot’s Report on Pet-friendly events this weekend. The Furry FunPlanner report opens the KPSU Family Show.

10 friday SHERWOOD • Home for the Holidays is better with two feline friends.

Adopt two cats or kittens and receive $50 off adoption fees at Cat Adoption Team.

FRIDAY Reminder

Grab the camera and shoot fun photos to share at “Spot’s House” (www.

SpotMgazine.net). Send ‘em to Vonnie@ SpotMagazine.net — she’ll post the latest photos on Monday.

11 saturday MULTI LOCATIONS • Open Hours — Santa Claws Pet Photos at PetsMart.

Have your pet’s (dog, cat, rabbit, rodent) photo taken with Santa for $9.95 and give Cat Adoption Team a boost. Held today and tomorrow.

SALEM • 10am — Holiday Market at the Oregon State Fairgrounds (free admission) ‘til 6. Handmade crafts & a raffle will be happening to support Salem Friends of Felines.

LAKE OSWEGO • 10am — Multnomah County Animal Services Adoption Outreach at Petco, 333 S. State Street.

The Red Lizard Running club takes adoptable dogs for a jog (or walk, as the case may be). This is a great way to “test drive” your new best friend!

PORTLAND • 10am — Pet Nutrition & News with Chip Sammons on KKPZ, 1330 AM radio. Chip helps you help your pets live long, healthy, happy lives. PORTLAND • Noon — Beer for Pooches Charity Pub Crawl to benefit the Oregon Humane Society. The crawl begins at Laurelwood NW Public House, 2327 NW Kearney Admission is $30 and includes a t-shirt, crawl map/schedule, one drink ticket, drink specials and raffle ticket Register at www.coachdos.com.

BEAVERTON • Noon — Find some bunny to Love. Meet sweet adoptables and their Rabbit Advocates at Western

Pet Supply in Beaverton ‘til 3. Conversation/info about care & adoption, plus light grooming & nail trims for visiting bunnies (suggested donation). Details adoptarabbit.org.

PORTLAND • 2pm —Santa Paws Party at Hotel Monaco downtown today and tomorrow 2-4 to benefit OHS. Cats, dogs and other pets can get photos with Santa, people can decorate dog cookies or shop at the toy bar.

PORTLAND • 4:30pm —Canine Body Language Presentation at Oregon Humane. Learn about how dogs communicate in this interactive workshop.

Please leave pets at home. Admission $45; includes educational packet. Details oregonhumane.org.

12 sunday SALEM • 10am — Holiday Market at the Oregon State Fairgrounds (free admission) ‘til 4. Handmade crafts & a raffle will be happening to support Salem Friends of Felines.

PORTLAND • 1pm — Memorial Art Community Workshop at DoveLewis in NW Portland. Families 1-2:30, ages 16-adult 3-4:30. Enid Traisman MSW facilitates. Create a unique memento of your beloved and spend a little time in good company. Free; RSVP to dovelewis. org/giftshop.

PORTLAND • Noon-2:30 — The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank, helping anyone who needs help feeding their pet(s), at 910 NE MLK Jr Blvd in Portland. Details thepongofund.org.

13 monday WHAT’S SO FUN ABOUT MONDAYS? It’s when Spot’s Vonnie Harris accepts/posts photos of good times from the weekend at “Spot’s House” on the web. A recent invite for people to check out new photos brought 700 visitors in one day! That’s A LOT of friends you can share your photos with! Send photos (anytime) to Vonnie@SpotMagazine.net.

A recent invite for people to check out new photos brought 700 visitors in one day! That’s A LOT of friends you can share your photos with! Send photos (anytime) to Vonnie@SpotMagazine.net.

23 thursday

Weekend Fun!

14 tuesday PORTLAND • 5pm — Basic Manners Dog Training classes at OHS. Fun, positive classes built to be flexible for busy schedules. Mandatory intro class $15. Training classes offered Tues-Fri. Advance at your own pace; buy a “training pass” and go when convenient. Details/ RSVP oregonhumane.org.

16 thursday PORTLAND •* 6:05pm — Tune into 98.1 FM Radio for Spot’s Report on Pet-friendly events this weekend. The Furry FunPlanner report opens the KPSU Family Show.

PORTLAND • 7pm — Pet Loss Support Group at DoveLewis, 1945 NW Pettygrove. Drop-ins are welcome. Please take a photo of your pet to share.

17 friday FRIDAY Reminder Grab the camera and shoot fun photos to share at “Spot’s House” (www.

SpotMgazine.net). Send ‘em to Vonnie@ SpotMagazine.net — she’ll post the latest photos on Monday.

18 saturday MULTI LOCATIONS • Open Hours — Santa Claws Pet Photos at PetsMart.

Have your pet’s (dog, cat, rabbit, rodent) photo taken with Santa for $9.95 and give Cat Adoption Team a boost. Held today and tomorrow.

SALEM • 10am — Adoption Outreach with Salem Friends of Felines at South Salem Pet Supply ‘til 2.

PORTLAND • 10am — Pet Nutrition

& News with Chip Sammons on KKPZ, 1330 AM radio. Chip helps you help your pets live long, healthy, happy lives.

SALEM • 11am — Santa Claws pet photos with Santa at PetsMart ‘til 4. Get a photo $9.99 and boost Salem Friends of Felines.

CLACKAMAS • Noon — OHS Adoption Outreach at Clackamas PetsMart ‘til 4.

PORTLAND • 12:30pm — Problem Pooch class at Oregon Humane in Portland. Great for new or soon-to-be pet guardians, and those who just want to know what makes Fido tick. Details oregonhumane.org.

PORTLAND • 4pm — Puppy Romp! at Oregon Humane. Exposing puppies to new dogs can help prevent behavioral problems later. Come allow them to run, play and socialize ‘til 5. Cost $15/puppy.

PORTLAND • 6:05pm — Tune into 98.1 FM Radio for Spot’s Report on Pet-friendly events this weekend. The Furry FunPlanner report opens the KPSU Family Show.

24 friday FRIDAY Reminder Grab the camera and shoot fun photos to share at “Spot’s House” (www.

SpotMgazine.net). Send ‘em to Vonnie@ SpotMagazine.net — she’ll post the latest on Monday.

26 sunday PORTLAND • Noon-2:30 — The Pongo Fund Pet Food Bank, helping anyone who needs help feeding their pet(s), at 910 NE MLK Jr Blvd in Portland. Details thepongofund.org.

27 monday WHAT’S SO FUN ABOUT MONDAYS? It’s when Spot’s Vonnie Harris accepts/

posts photos of good times from the weekend at “Spot’s House” on the web.

28 tuesday PORTLAND • 6pm — Puppy Romp! at Oregon Humane. Exposing puppies to new dogs can help prevent behavioral problems later. Come allow them to run, play and socialize ‘til 7. Cost $15/puppy.

30 thursday NEWBERG • 5pm — Yappy Hour/New Years Mingle at Bishop Creek Cellars ‘til 8. Take the pooch and enjoy delicious Bishop Creek vintages and the company of fellow dog/vino lovers.

PORTLAND • 6:05pm — Tune into 98.1 FM Radio for Spot’s Report on Pet-friendly events this weekend. The Furry FunPlanner report opens the KPSU Family Show.

31 friday FRIDAY Reminder Grab the camera and shoot fun photos to share at “Spot’s House” (www.

SpotMgazine.net). Send ‘em to Vonnie@ SpotMagazine.net — she’ll post the latest photos on Monday.

19 sunday SALEM • 11am — Santa Claws pet photos with Santa at PetsMart ‘til 4. Get a photo $9.99 and boost Salem Friends of Felines.

PORTLAND • 12:30pm — Finicky Feline class at Oregon Humane.

Learn about feline matters like litterbox training, moving a kitty to a new home, furniture damage, biting and scratching.

Admission $10; class is for people only.

20 monday PORTLAND• 7pm — Pet Loss Support Group at DoveLewis, 1945 NW Pettygrove. Drop-ins are welcome. Please take a photo of your pet to share.

WHAT’S SO FUN ABOUT MONDAYS? It’s when Spot’s Vonnie Harris accepts/ posts photos of good times from the weekend at “Spot’s House” on the web.

Dec 2, 2010: Richard Gill on being a foster child and wanting to meet his biological family who, though he didn’t know, lived right in his own neighborhood.

Dec 9, 2010:

Harold Shepherd on his petition to the U.S. Supreme Court to end the practice of assigning the winning parent’s attorney’s fees to the losing parent in custody modification actions brought in good faith.

Dec 16, 2010: Brett Weed on having his children abducted to Japan.

Dec 23, 2010 The Street Roots Newspaper on homelessness.

Dec 30, 2010:

Sonja Harju with an update on Oregon issues.

98.1 FM • kpsu.org webcast 24/7 • huge diversity

Spot Magazine | December 2010

31