Volume One's Pet Project 2012

brought to by

CHILSON SUBARU

VOLUME ONE'S FUZZY, HOUSEBROKEN RESOURCE OF ANIMAL COMPANIONSHIP Editors: Thom Foun t ain, K inz y Janssen Writers: Lindsey Quinnies, Anna Semanko, Mar ni Kaldjian, Trevor Kupfer Photos: Andrea Paulseth Designers: Br ian Moen & Josh Smelt zer

At 65 percent, pet owners are a solid majority among Americans. So it’s safe to say there’s a lot of puppy love going around, especially here in the Chippewa Valley. And even some parrot love. Pet owners and lovers of all kinds will find interest and intrigue within these pages, from popular pet debate topics and training tips to a local service that honors the memory of your pet when it passes on. Peruse a few of the local pet pampering places, as well a lengthy list of pet stores, groomers, adoption centers, breeders, kennels, trainers, and animal hospitals.

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PET PROJECT

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

De-Stressing Zones

FOUR LEGS and a big heart local animals lending their paws and hooves to help out local humans

By Lindsey Quinnies and Kinzy Janssen

Leader Dogs For The Blind

Schneider says that before official guide dog training begins, a willing volunteer (or a whole family) must first live with the dog for about a year to get them socialized – an initial service she refers to as “a great gift.” Some Eau Claire residents are giving this gift by raising guide dogs through an organization called Leader Dogs for the Blind. The process starts with puppy-raising.

Karen Voss is one of six puppy raisers in the Chippewa Valley area. Having raised over 20 puppies from the ripe young age of eight weeks to the maturity level of one year, Voss knows how important it is to

MARISA WOJCIK

Dr. Katherine Schneider, author and retired psychologist, has been blind since birth. The Eau Claire resident says her guide dog, Fran, is her “eyes, transportation, and best friend.” After using guide dogs for 39 years (Fran is number eight) she still loves and appreciates them all equally, saying, “I have a big heart; each one is in the exact center.”

Individually, Fran helps with Katherine’s ease of travel – most importantly keeping her safe when crossing streets. But the larger community can benefit from the presence of guide dogs in many ways as well. “Guide dogs give people with disabilities a friendlier image and make them more approachable to the community,” Schneider says. She also believes that guide dogs help educate the community and demonstrate how smart dogs can be.

Schneider has done a lot to educate the community on her own as well. She has authored a humor-infused children’s book (appropriate for all ages) entitled Your Treasure Hunt: Disabilities and Finding Your Gold that addresses the issue of coping with a disability. She also penned a memoir called To the Left of Inspiration: Adventures in Living with Disabilities. To include other voices on the subject, Schneider even fostered a lecture series in 2009 through UW-Eau Claire. Another local author, Kathy Nimmer, who wrote the book Two Plus Four Equals One, will be discussing material from her book at the forum this fall.

UW-Eau Claire and McIntyre Library have found a way to become involved in the local presence of service animals by offering students a de-stressing zone during finals week. Every finals week since Dec. 2010, the library has hosted certified therapy dogs one night and retired/active guide dogs on another night. The interaction, which occurs inside the library itself, gives students a much-needed respite from studying, but the pups also benefit by getting attention.

“The biggest thing for me that people take away is that they smile… it is a very stressful time and if students get it relieved by petting a dog, even if for ten seconds, then I have accomplished my goal of destressing students,” says Eric Jennings, Instruction and Outreach Librarian at McIntyre Library. He mentions that although this free and well-attended event caters to students, anyone is welcome.

Nature’s Edge Therapy Center

Founded in June 2001, Nature’s Edge Therapy Center in Rice Lake provides services through the use of animals that go beyond conventional expectations.

Nature’s Edge offers therapy to patients with conditions such as autism, brain injury, and cerebral palsy.

Through animal-assisted therapy, patients simply spend quality time with a variety of animals – the usual cats and dogs alongside sheep, pigs, chinchillas, and rabbits. They also offer more unique treatments.

Hippotherapy, or “treatment with the help of horses” as it translates from Greek, entails a therapist who guides the patient through various positions atop the horse, including stretches and sometimes games. Through these activities, patients make progress in physical and/ or occupational movements and even speech.

Dr. Katherine Schneider with Fran socialize the puppies early in their lives. She takes them places they will likely frequent in the future such as churches, grocery stores, and other public places. “Many businesses are very familiar with our pups in their blue capes, and welcome us to visit and shop,” says Voss. After teaching the dogs the basics of obedience and exposing them to public environments, the puppies with go on to the next program, aptly called Leader Dogs; this will be their final step before they begin helping a blind owner.

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The presence and variety of service animals in the Chippewa Valley wouldn’t be as prominent or even possible without the support of local residents. Whether it’s training guide dogs for the blind, allowing your pet to become a therapy pet, or contributing to a fundraiser or organization, the involvement of locals reflects the togetherness, compassion, and consideration that exists throughout our community.

Visit LeaderDog.org for more information about becoming a volunteer puppy raiser. If you are interested in learning about the certification process for therapy dogs, contact Karen Rude through rudedogu.com. Nature’s Edge welcomes donations and sponsorship of patients or therapy animals and offers volunteer, employment, and internship opportunities.

PET PROJECT

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

MAKING FURRY FRIENDS

WAYS TO SUPPORT THE EAU CLAIRE CTY HUMANE SOCIET Y I’ve never met a person who can resist a wet-nosed, waggly-tailed, droopy-eyed puppy – even those who claim to be cat people. And if you can’t handle the slobber, a cuddly little kitten never hurt anyone either. While I would love to round up an assortment of these furry friends and take them home, like many folks these days, I simply can’t. Maybe your landlord won’t allow it, your wallet just isn’t thick enough, or your schedule is too full. Don’t despair! You have options.

The Eau Claire County Humane Association (ECCHA) is always looking for volunteers to help out with the approximately 200 four-legged balls of fur. Volunteers have the chance to walk that dog they always wanted or cuddle up with cats or hang out with various other creatures, from ferrets and rabbits to snakes and chickens. There are a multitude of other tasks that volunteers are needed for, too, such as obedience training, office work, maintenance, greeting, and housekeeping.

Even if you’re lucky enough to consider owning your own pet, you might suffer from a fear of commitment. Foster

By Anna Semanko

parenting may be for you. Some animals get stressed or sick and need some time away from the shelter. The length of the stay may vary and the possibly hefty price tag may fall on your shoulders, but some may say that providing a needy pet a home is priceless.

The shelter also partners with programs like Purina Pets for People and the Pet Transitional Living Program for pets who live in households with families facing abuse.

On top of volunteering or foster parenting, you have the chance to interact with the community. Fundraising opportunities are ample and outreach programs allow you to attend events and educate the community about the ECCHA. To be considered for any of the jobs above, you simply need to be at least 16 (or come with an animal-loving adult), fill out a simple volunteer form (found on the ECCHA website) and attend a volunteer orientation.

The shelter’s volunteer coordinator, Jayme Morey, mentions the recent restructuring of the volunteer system that is still in progress, “We’re really excited

about that… we do want [the volunteers] to be comfortable and confident and get what they want out of the volunteer program as well as the animals getting what they need.”

If what you need may be a way to give, donations are always accepted in the form of money or materials. A single donation of $35 dollars could vaccinate ten homeless dogs or feed one lonely feline for three weeks. A detailed list of items the ECCHA needs – such as food, toys, and office supplies, along with options for donating – can be found online. Or save your Gordy’s grocery receipts, use the GoodSearch.com search engine or

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donate your old ink cartridges through FundingFactory to benefit the shelter.

Maybe volunteering isn’t your cup of tea and the only donations you are able to make currently is to your stack of bills, but you can still drop by the ECCHA and drool over the cats and dogs and any other surprise creatures you may come across. Keep in mind that June is AdoptA-Cat Month (half off adoption fees). Will you be able to resist?

Volunteer orientations are held at 5pm and 6pm every Thursday. Hopeful volunteers should call ECCHA at 839-4747 ext. 21 or email volunteer@eccha.org to hold your spot (orientations fill up fast).

PET PROJECT

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

RELAXING WITH REX CONSIDER DOG MASSAGE TO KEEP YOUR POOCH HAPPY LIZ SCHULTZ

Dog massages. However likely this phrase is to conjure up images of overindulgent owners showering their Fifis and Cocos with gourmet dog food and trips to day spas, this isn’t a pampering technique for the clueless.

A good massage is as beneficial for dogs as it is for humans. Although generally used for the canine athlete, it may be used for your average pooch.

Benefits of professional canine massage include increased circulation and range of motion, released tension, decreased muscle inflammation, relieved congestion, and above all, pain relief.

Dog massaging is a rare commodity in the Chippewa Valley, with only one local provider. Local dog onestop-shop EmBARK offers dog massage through the expertise of owner and self professed “canine circus ringleader” Heather Mishefske, a certi-

fied canine massage provider. Though they’ve offered it for about five years, Mishefske says that when she first began, nobody did it. “People laughed at me… now, it’s a lot more common practice.”

Mishefske says people are initially skeptical, and many use her as a last resort. “Let’s go see the weird voodoo girl who does massage,” she quips.

But, Mishefske continues, “Muscles are muscles, whether they’re on a camel or on a human. They all work in similar ways. If we can help heal the muscles manually, lengthen them, bring in blood flow, then the benefits are amazing.”

At EmBARK, Mishefske focuses on competitive, geriatric, and post-surgery dogs. What she does is more therapeutic and less relaxing in nature, which involves a lot of gait analysis beforehand. “Dogs tell you everything,” she says, “just based on how they move... their bodies are so honest.” Mishefske also focuses on teaching owners how to play a larger role in their dog’s health, which includes nutrition and exercise.

Although canine massage is not an alternative to veterinary medicine (a point emphasized by Mishefske’s website), the results can be just as impressive. According to Dr. Cynthia Mather, a veterinarian at Eau Claire Animal Hospital, canine massage has very tangible benefits. “It’s very relaxing for him or her,” says Mather, “It’ll increase flexibility, pain relief, the release of endorphins... it’s a real antistress move. Just like for humans... it’s going to make the dog feel better.”

Altogether, canine massage is recommended for tense, athletic, or just plain fractious dogs. It’s also a chance to get to know your doggy pal at a whole new level. “What I love is how I can give the owner the tools to help their dog… it strengthens their relationship as well,” says Mishefske. “The amazing part is for the tentative dog to come in, and to see how trusting they become.” – Marni Kaldjian

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PET PROJECT

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

BONA FIDO ADVICE THINGS WE’VE LEARNED ABOUT PETS FROM MOVIES

By Trevor Kupfer

If you put a rat on your head and let it control you, it might make you a famous chef. from Ratatouille Don’t leave for vacations. Ever. Your pets will be determined to find you. from Homeward Bound Wolves are just, like, really awesome dogs. from White Fang

Lions are just, like, really huge cats. from Born Free

Pet fish can also be fashion accessories. from What About Bob?

Sometimes, when it seems like a dog is trying to tell you something urgent (like there’s a fire), it’s just barking. from The Jerk Your fish are always trying to escape the aquarium and return to the ocean. from Finding Nemo Don’t pet bunnies too hard. from Of Mice And Men

Air Bud, Golden Receiver

Golden retrievers can play football, basketball, soccer, baseball, and volleyball. from Air Bud Your hamsters might be secret agents.

Cockroaches make loyal, resilient pets. from WALL-E

from G-Force

Mo’ doggie, mo’ problems. from Beethoven, Marmaduke

from Lassie

Your horse will win the big race, if you get Mickey Rooney to train it. from National Velvet, Black Stallion Pet owls can also handle your mail needs. from Harry Potter

Some pets are kleptomaniacs.

If there’s a kid in a well, Collies know about it.

Whales can leap hundreds of feet in the air, provided you pump your fist in the air and play a Michael Jackson song. from Free Willy Your dog hates it when you chase him, wild-eyed, and carrying a fork. from Where The Wild Things Are

from Aladdin

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PET PROJECT

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

YOWLING GOOD

RESOURCES

PET SHOPS, ADOPTION, TRAINERS, DAYCARES, HOSPITALS, & GROOMING

PET SHOPS

Awards & More 2425 Seymour Rd, Eau Claire • (715) 839-8666 • awardsandmore.com/index.php.

Bark Avenue Bakery Available at the Phoenix Park and Festival Foods farmers markets, Eau Claire • 715-2144614 • barkavebakery@gmail.com.

Pet Food Plus 3460 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 8355733 • info@petfoodpluseauclaire.com.

Petco 3731 Gateway Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 832-0200 • petco.com.

PetSmart 4142 Commonwealth Ave, Eau Claire • (715)

831-1532 • petsmart.com.

Pic-a-Pet Plus 2421 Hwy 25 North, Menomonie • (715)

235-4363.

Poochie Heaven 1728 Spooner Ave, Altoona • (715)

271 - 4991 • poochieheaven.com Designer dog clothes, carriers, and beds.

Shure Pets • (715) 829-3808 • support@shurepets.com • jkippenhan.shopshurepets.com.

Sue’s Dog Grooming and Supply 120 W Greenville St,

Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-2118.

Tropic Waters Pet Center & Bark Avenue Grooming Salon 3015 E Hamilton Ave, Eau Claire • (715) 8320174 • tropicwaterspets.com.

Waggin’ Tails Doggie Daycare N4668 471st St.,

Menomonie • (715) 235-3188 • waggintails@wwt.net • waggintailstraining.com.

Woof Naturals (715) 577-5634 • woofnaturals.com.

ADOPTION CENTERS

Bob’s House for Dogs 715-878-4505 • info@

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bobshousefordogs.org Dog foster care and adoption center.

Chippewa County Humane Association 10501 County Highway S South, Chippewa Falls • (715) 382-4832 • ccha@cvol.net • chippewahumane.com.

Dunn County Humane Society 302 Brickyard Road, Menomonie • (715) 232-9790 • sheltermanager@wwt. net • dunncountyhumanesociety.org.

Eau Claire County Humane Society 3900 Old Town Road, Eau Claire • (715) 839-4747 • director@ecch.org • eccha.org.

Hestekin Hills Pet Adoption Services 4147 Soley Lane, Eau Claire • (715) 832-9091 • tar9091@aol.com • hestekinhills.com/a.htm.

BREEDERS

Birdstone Labradors 6555 Kestrel Rd., Eau Claire • (715) 835-6100 • birdstonelabradors.com.

Brittany Hills Kennel N7130 740th St., Menomonie • (715) 235-3106 • info@brittanypuppy.net.

Cut Away Kennel 8434 County Hwy N, Chippewa Falls

• (715) 726-1257 • bradhunt720@yahoo.com English Springer Spaniels (puppies and pre-trained hunting dogs).

Freed’s Bull Dogges Chippewa Falls • (715) 523-9909 • toryfreed@yahoo.com • freedsbulldogges.com

Lakewood Labradors Altoona • (715) 833-1880 • Rude-

dogu1010@aol.com • lakewoodlabradors.com Englishtype Labrador retrievers.

TRAINERS

Ann Braue’s Canine Training 800 Wisconsin St., Eau

Claire • (715) 839-0993 • info@abctc.com • abctc.com.

PET PROJECT Bifrost Farms E2062 930th Ave., Boyceville • (715) 6432208 • info@bifrostfarms.com • bifrostfarms.com.

emBARK 2109 Fairfax St., Eau Claire • (715) 864-3263 • embarkdog.com.

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

hoo.com.

Cindy’s Grooming 4720 W Folsom St, Eau Claire •

(715) 835-6140.

ANIMAL HOSPITALS

Animal Wellness Center of Buffalo Valley 201 Indus-

• (715) 235-6502 • frawley@leerburg.com • leerburg. com.

trial Dr. #1, Mondovi • 715-926-3836 • awcbv@cvcexpress.net • animalwellnesscenterofbuffalovalley.vetsuite. com.

Northwoods Animal Learning Center, LLC 2775 8th Ave, Chetek • 715-642-2421 • nalc@ymail.com.

• (715) 834-3221.

Paws on Positive Dog Training W. 573 US Hwy 10,

Brakken Veterinary Clinic 2215 Sch-

Leerburg (Dog Training) Video & Kennel Menomonie

Mondovi • (715) 833-9915.

Rude Dog U & K9 Dorms 904 Lake Rd., Altoona • (715)

833-1880 • Rudedogu1010@aol.com • rudedogu.com.

The Canine Counselor, LLC Chippewa/Eau Claire County, Bloomer • 612-251-3845 • caninecounselor@ gmail.com.

Waggin’ Tails Doggie Daycare N4668 471st St., Menomonie • (715) 235-3188 • waggintails@wwt.net • waggintailstraining.com.

KENNELS/BOARDING

All Pets Great & Small Boarding S. 12460 State Road 37, Mondovi • (715) 926-3748.

Bifrost Farms E2062 930th Ave., Boyceville • (715) 6432208 • info@bifrostfarms.com • bifrostfarms.com.

Canine Comfort Inn 2600 S. Broadway St., Menomonie • (715) 235-8669 • caninecomfortinn.com.

Cozy At Home Pet Sitting Service Eau Claire • (715)

835-1930.

Daneville Grooming and Portraits N 3485 390th St.,

Menomonie • (715) 235-1257 • danevillegrooming.com.

emBARK 2109 Fairfax St., Eau Claire • (715) 864-3263 • embarkdog.com

Happy Pooch Doggie Day Care 2208 Heimstead Road,

Eau Claire • (715) 552-5298 • MPacovsky@yahoo.com.

Hillcrest Kennel LLC 1212 N Hillcrest Pkwy, Altoona •

(715) 830-8444 • hillcrestkennelboarding@hotmail.com • hillcrestkennel-llc.com.

Mecca Kennels E 9976 County Road C, Elk Mound • (715) 874-6863.

Muddy Creek Kennels E 7561 370th Ave., Elk Mound • (715) 664-8708.

Northern Paws Pet Lodge 25927 115th Ave., Cadott •

(715) 289-4244 • info@northernpaws.com • northernpaws.com.

Northside Pet Hospital 1727 Western Ave., Eau Claire

• (715) 835-0761 • info@northsidepethosp.com • northsidepethosp.vetsuite.com.

Paws & Claws 3820 Old Town Hall Road, Eau Claire • (715) 831-1885 • info@pawsandclawstotaldog.com • pawsandclawstotaldog.com.

Rude Dog U & K9 Dorms 904 Lake Rd., Altoona • (715)

833-1880 • Rudedogu1010@aol.com • rudedogu.com.

While Away LLC (715) 832-0224 • whileawayllc@ya-

Ark Animal Hospital 2914 Mondovi Rd., Eau Claire neider Ave., Menomonie • (715) 2358404.

Chippewa Valley Wildlife Rehabilitation 8135 Burnell Dr., Eau Claire

• (715) 838-0326.

Chippewa Veterinary Clinic 14961

81st Ave., Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-3655 • chipvet@chippewavet. com • chippewavet.com.

Daneville Grooming and Portraits N 3485 390th St., Menomonie • (715) 235-1257 • danevillegrooming.com.

Eau Claire Animal Hospital 2828 Mall Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 835-5011 • ecah@clearwire.net • eauclaireanimalhospital.com.

emBARK 2109 Fairfax St., Eau Claire • (715) 8643263 • embarkdog.com.

Mor e loc al pet i n f o Volu at meO ne.o rg/ Pets

Four Paws, Five Treasures LLC Oakwood Hills Ani-

mal Hospital, 4616 Commerce Valley Rd., Eau Claire • Inquiries & house calls (715) 579-9472; office appts (715) 835-0112 • 4paws5treasures@gmail.com • acupuncture4animals.com.

Kindness Animal Hospital 1902 Hallie Road, Chippewa Falls • (715) 834-9201 • info@kindnessah.com • kindnessah.com.

Claire • (715) 239-5086 • horsedogloveis@live.com • foxyfashionsdoggroomingllc.yolasite.com.

Fur ‘N’ Feathers 1032 Oak Dr., Altoona • (715) 832-6228.

Grooming Hut 121 W. Grand Ave.,

Eau Claire • (715) 835-2840.

K-9 Bath Plus 1936 Hallie Rd., Chip-

pewa Falls • 715-836-7555 • Hughes • k9bathplus.webs.com.

Eau Claire Animal Hospital 2828 Mall Dr.,

Eau Claire • (715) 835-5011 • ecah@clearwire. net • eauclaireanimalhospital.com.

Foxy Fashions 2208 Heimstead Rd, Eau

Kindness Animal Hospital 1902 Hallie Road, Chippewa Falls • (715) 834-9201 • info@kindnessah.com • kindnessah.com.

Northside Pet Hospital 1727 Western Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 835-0761 • info@northsidepethosp.com • northsidepethosp.vetsuite.com.

Paws & Claws 3820 Old Town Hall Road, Eau Claire • (715) 831-1885 • info@pawsandclawstotaldog.com • pawsandclawstotaldog.com.

Lake Wissota Animal Hospital 16780 County Highway

Petco 3731 Gateway Dr., Eau Claire • (715) 832-0200 • petco.com.

Northside Pet Hospital 1727 Western Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 835-0761 • info@northsidepethosp.com • northsidepethosp.vetsuite.com.

PetSmart 4142 Commonwealth Ave, Eau Claire • (715) 831-1532 • petsmart.com.

X, Chippewa Falls • (715) 726-8811.

Oakwood Hills Animal Hospital 4616 Commerce Valley

Road, Eau Claire • (715) 835-0112 • info@oakwoodhillsanimalhospital.com • oakwoodhillsanimalhospital. com.

Painted Pony Equine Service N3302 630th St.,

Menomonie • (715) 664-8140 • lvande@paintedponyvet. com • paintedponyvet.com.

Westgate Animal Hospital 2135 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 834-7538 • mywestgateanimalhospital.com.

GROOMING PLACES Ark Animal Hospital: Professional Grooming Services

Eau Claire • 715-834-3221 • All dog and cat breeds welcome.

Bifrost Farms E2062 930th Ave., Boyceville • (715) 643-2208 • info@bifrostfarms.com • bifrostfarms.com.

Canine Comfort Inn 2600 S. Broadway St., Menomonie

Puckabees 24 S. Barstow St., Eau Claire • (715) 855-

0672.

Sue’s Dog Grooming and Supply 120 W Greenville St,

Chippewa Falls • (715) 723-2118.

Tropic Waters Pet Center & Bark Avenue Grooming Salon 3015 E Hamilton Ave, Eau Claire • (715) 8320174 • tropicwaterspets.com.

Waggin’ Tails Doggie Daycare N4668 471st St.,

Menomonie • (715) 235-3188 • waggintails@wwt.net • waggintailstraining.com.

Westgate Animal Hospital 2135 N. Clairemont Ave., Eau Claire • (715) 834-7538 • mywestgateanimalhospital.com.

POST-MORTEM PET CARE

Chippewa Valley Cremation Services 1604 Spooner

Ave., Altoona • 715-835-3333 • matt@chippewavalleycremation.com • chippewavalleycremation.com.

• (715) 235-8669 • caninecomfortinn.com.

Chippewa Veterinary Clinic 14961 81st Ave., Chippewa

Falls • (715) 723-3655 • chipvet@chippewavet.com • chippewavet.com.

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PET PROJECT

BROUGHT TO YOU IN PART BY

BREAK OUT THE

LEASH!

ANNUAL PET-RELATED EVENTS IN THE CHIPPEWA VALLEY BRIANNA SEIDLITZ

Happy Tails Dog Park in Chippewa Falls

DOG PARKS

Chippewa Falls Happy Tails Dog Park 30 West

Central St., Chippewa Falls • $3 per dog daily • contact@happytailsdogpark.org • www.happytailsdogpark.org.

Eau Claire Dog Park (aka the Off Leash Recre-

ation Area) intersection of Gateway Drive and House Road, Eau Claire • $4 per dog daily; annual passes available • info@ecdogpark.com • ECDogPark.com.

Menomonie Dog Park Brickyard Road, Menomonie

• $20 Resident, $28 Non-Resident • doghouse@wwt. net.

PET EVENTS

Eau Claire County Fair: 4-H Small Pet Show Jul.

26, 9am • Eau Claire County Expo Center, 5530 Fairview Drive, Eau Claire • FREE • 715-839-4712 During the Eau Claire County Fair, 4-H pet owners hold an informal pet show.

Pets & Babies Aug. 8, 7-9pm; Nov. 7, 7-9pm • Oakwood Hills Animal Hospital, 4616 Commerce Valley Road, Eau Claire • FREE • 715-835-0112 Petowning expectant parents commonly have concerns about how their dogs and cats will react to a new baby in the house. This class is designed to address these concerns. You will receive valuable tips to prepare your pets long before your baby is born.

Doggie Swim Fest 2012 Aug. 26, noon-3pm • Fair-

fax Pool, 4200 Fairfax St., Eau Claire • $10/dog • (715) 839-1680 Fairfax Pool will be open exclusively to the canine crowd (sorry, no people allowed in the pool). Activities include water retrieval, open swim and a lure course. All dogs must show proof of current vaccinations. Proceeds benefit Eau Claire’s off-leash dog park.

4th Annual Happy Tails Dog Swim Every Day from

Aug. 27 to Aug. 28, 4-7pm; • Bernard F. Willi Community Pool, Bridgewater Avenue, Chippewa Falls • $5/dog/day • Must provide proof of current vaccines. This event benefits the Happy Tails Dog Park in Chippewa Falls.

Dunn County Humane Society Dog Swim Sep. 1,

9am-noon • Wakanda Park, Wakanda Park Rd. and Pine Ave. E, Menomonie • (715) 232-9790 • www. dunncountyhumanesociety.org Let’s hope the waters aren’t ruff.

Blessing of the Animals, Rev. Julie Lepp and Rev. Virginia Wolf Sep. 2, 10-11am • Phoenix Park, Riv-

mals. We will meet at Phoenix Park in the labyrinth area. Living animals should be in cages or on leashes. Teddy bears and other stuffed animals may be held in arms. All are welcome at our annual blessing of the animals.

Pledge 4 Paws Dog Walk Sep. 29, 1pm • Flag Hill, Irvine Park, Chippewa Falls • See contact info for costs • 715-382-4832 This annual event aims to raise money for the Chippewa County Humane Association, featuring contests, games, refreshments, and a flyball demonstration for pet owners and their companions.

Doll & Pet Parade Usually mid May • 6th Ave. &

Water St., Eau Claire • (715) 835-1540 • This annual five block parade invites children 6th grade or younger and their pets to participate. Each year has a theme. Enjoy live music, clowns, candy, balloons, prizes for parade entrants and much more. Register from 11am-12:45pm.

Fido & Friends Fun Run Usually mid May • Carson

Park, Carson Park Dr., Eau Claire • 715-839-4747 • info@eccha.org This dog walk event raises funds for the Eau Claire County Humane Association, and includes concessions and games such as a stupid pet tricks contest.

Indianhead Kennel Club Agility Trial Usually early June • Usually at the Eau Claire Exposition Center, 5530 Fairview Dr., Eau Claire • info@indianheadkennelclub.org.

Indianhead Kennel Club Dog Show Usually mid

May • Usually at the Eau Claire Exposition Center, 5530 Fairview Dr., Eau Claire • info@indianheadkennelclub.org This American Kennel Club-certified event draws as many as 1,000 dogs into competition for obedience, best in breed, best in group, and of course, best in show.

Better in Show Usually in early March; see contact info for exact date and location info • 715-839-4747 • info@eccha.org • www.eccha.org This all-breed pet exposition is the only one of its kind in Western Wisconsin. Put on by the Eau Claire County Humane Association, the event includes categories such as Best Dog Trick, Owner-Dog Lookalikes, Unusual Cats, and Other (which has seen everything from reptiles to a minature horse).

Chippewa Valley Outdoor Games Usually mid August; see contact info for full details • Eau Claire Rod & Gun Club, 801 Schoettl Ave., Eau Claire • 715-832-4391 Animal activities include a dock dog competition, big air, extreme vertical, and speed retrieving.

erfront Terrace, Eau Claire • Free • Bring your cats and dogs, gerbils and chinchillas. Bring your birds and turtles, teddy bears and other fuzzy stuffed ani-

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