Maybe there is something to Black Dog Syndrome after all.
That might explain why Flash, a 2-year-old black Lab mix, has been stuck at the Kendall County Animal Control shelter.
Flash is such a charmer that he was allowed to stay longer than usual. But he got no lookers, lending credence to the idea of Black Dog Syndrome, which says that black dogs are adopted less frequently (for more on the topic, go to www.blackpearldogs.com).
So Flash sits. If you’re interested, call Kendall County Animal Control at 630-553-9256.
The last year has been tough on Wong. First, his cat stepbrother died. Then, earlier this month, his owner died. A friend is taking care of Wong, but he needs a permanent home.
The cat’s late owner found him in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood about eight years ago. He’s a black short-hair between 9 and 10 years old, neutered, weighs about 10 pounds and is in tip-top health.
Wong gets along with other cats and small dogs–not so much with kids under 10–and loves attention. He is fastidious about using the litter box, is a pretty hearty eater and loves his catnip. His foster owner has set up an e-mail account–kitkatkare@aol.com–and can answer questions about Wong. Or Pookie, as she is calling him. Maybe that’s the first question: Why are you calling him Pookie?
You know those “Authorities raid home, find dozens of neglected dogs” headlines?
Well, meet Matty.
Last month he was rescued from one of those situations in Marquette County, Wis. Matty was tied to a tree and had not been groomed in years. His tail was matted to his legs, and the hair above his eyes was matted to the hair on his cheeks, blocking his vision entirely. The hair on his upper and lower lips had grown together, limiting his ability to eat.
He has been clipped and neutered, and his teeth (the three that are left) have been cleaned. Matty is estimated to be 10 to 12 years old.
Matty may always be very shy, but the guy needs–heck, he deserves–a home. If you’re interested, contact Green Lake Area Animal Shelter in Green Lake, Wis. (920-294-3042).
Speaking of neglected dogs . . .
There’s a Pennsylvania-based group called Dogs Deserve Better, which is trying to eliminate the problem of dogs being tied up or chained outside for their entire lives.
The non-profit group has designated Feb. 7-14 as “Have a Heart for Chained Dogs Week” and will deliver a valentine, a brochure and a treat coupon to dogs forced to live outside. Dogs Deserve Better also will assist anyone who agrees to bring his or her dog into the home by helping with house training, purchasing a crate for house-training use or donating fencing.
The organization, which has an Illinois chapter, asks that if someone spots a dog chained or penned outside 24/7, send that dog’s address to Dogs Deserve Better, P.O. Box 23, Tipton, PA 16684. Or send the address and a handmade valentine. The valentine will be sent to the owner. Deadline is this week.
Go to dogsdeservebetter.org for more information.
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Events for pets and their people
Saturday, Feb. 10
Chicago: From the Heart, A Valentine’s Day celebration. Red Dog House, 2031 N. Damen Ave., hosts a PAWS Chicago adoption event from noon-3 p.m. In addition, certified pet first aid instructors from Heartworks CPR will give a demonstration at 1:30 p.m. A $10 suggested donation for the Heartworks class will go to PAWS Chicago. Space is limited. Interested parties may sign up at Red Dog House or by phone (773-227-7341). For more information, contact steve@reddoghouse.com or visit reddoghouse.com.
Tuesday, Feb. 13
Chicago: The Sit! Stay! Read! Best in Show Benefit. Watch the Westminster Dog Show live; $25 admission ($30 at the door) includes two drinks, appetizers, contests, prizes. Also, a silent auction. (No dogs at the event, please.) From 7-10 p.m. at Players Bar & Grill, 551 N. Ogden Ave. Go to sitstayread.org/News.aspx for details.
Friday-Monday, Feb. 23-26
Chicago: International Kennel Club dog shows. Various competitions, along with 150 vendors of dog products. McCormick Place, North Building, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive. Go to www.ikcdogshow.com for information on the club and the show, including hours and ticket information.
–W.H.
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