pets
by Rynski on Nov.19, 2009, under animals, cats, dogs, events, hope animal shelter, life, pet events, pet products, pets
Crafty way to help the critters: HOPE sale Saturday
Arts, crafts and some yummy goodies will be served up Saturday at HOPE Animal Shelter’s Craft and Bake Sale.
All proceeds from the sale, with food and items lovingly made by HOPE volunteers, will go to help the animals.
You may find treasures at the sale/Art and photo Ryn Gargulinski
HOPE is Tucson’s only no-kill dog and cat shelter and, like the rest of the world, can use all the extra help it can get through this economic crap.
We’re not sure what types of craft you’ll find. Part of the fun of such sales is the wide and interesting variety. Heck, you may be lucky enough to snag a crocheted Santa Claus toilet paper cover.
What: HOPE Craft and Bake Sale
When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21
Where: Outside HOPE Animal Shelter, 2011 E. 12th St.
For more info on the sale or the shelter, visit HOPEanimalshelter.net
Sawyer Says: Go.
What’s the coolest thing you ever got from a craft sale? The cheesiest?
Are you a bake sale fan? Are they more fun or less fun than cake walks?
Did you ever bake or make a craft for a sale and have everyone laugh in your face?
by Rynski on Nov.17, 2009, under animals, cats, dogs, events, life, pet events, pet products, pets
Tucson’s biggest pet party needs your help
Tucson’s – and Arizona’s – biggest pet party is heading our way in February, but now is the time to get on the bandwagon.
Sawyer and Phoebe discuss if they want to volunteer or rent a booth/Ryn Gargulinski
The Arizona Animal Fair, an annual free event for people and pets, is hitting Reid Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 20.
Hosted by SAFE, or Saving Animals From Euthanasia, the fair is billed as the largest event of its kind in the state and one of the largest in the whole Southwest.
Demonstrations, doggie dancing, pet psychics and photography meet with food, live music, low-cost vaccinations and mircochipping for a festive and fabulous event.
Don’t miss the petting area, which will feature horses, burros, llamas and even potbellied pigs. I want to pet a llama.
Want to do more than just show up?
Volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors and vendors are wanted.
Volunteer – More than 100 big-hearted animal lovers are needed to help make the fair happen. Volunteering can be as simple as helping to set up or as elaborate as helping to coordinate the event in progress.
Sponsor – Spend as little as $25 – or as much as $10,000 – to sponsor the event. Sponsorship will not only give you a cozy feeling that you are helping the fair happen, but you’ll also get your business’s name out in front of some 8,000 folks expected to attend the event.
Exhibitor/vendors – Got art? Food? Schmancy collars and leashes? A non-profit that caters to animals? Booths are available for a variety of prices, depending on the organization, and grants from SAFE are even available for qualifying non-profits. Application deadline is Jan. 23, space permitting, and a host of folks have already signed up. These include Doggie Diva Pet Care, Protect Police K-9s, Cause for Paws and dozens of others.
All proceeds from the event go to help the animal rescue community.
For more information or to download vendor and other applications, visit AZAnimalFair.com.
Folks can also call Roxanne at CatScratch Events 275-0445 or e-mail roxanne@azanimalfair.com.
Have you been this annual event?
What’s your favorite part of it?
by Rynski on Nov.16, 2009, under animals, dogs, events, life, pet events, pets
VIDEO: Behind the scenes at the Tucson Dog Show
Being behind the scenes at the Tucson Dog Show at the Pima County Fairgrounds makes for some interesting video – but don’t take my word for it, check it out below.
Best puppy winner Jelly with Gail Skee from Silver City, N.M./Ryn Gargulinski
Highlight: Definitely the people. Schmoozing with dog lovers, especially those so into the pooches that they are willing to spend days traveling and hours preparing, is a hoot. Some have even dedicated their entire lives to dog shows. Not a bad gig, as one handler and groomer said, if you don’t mind dogs on the mind, in the house, and dominating your life 24/7.
Lowlight: I think I heard one woman crying after her dog did something weird in the ring. Don’t know what it was but folks were asking her “Are you alright?” and her dog, a Doberman Pincher, was shaking a stuffed toy as if he wanted to kill it. Maybe the dog bit a judge? Nah, there’s no way I would have missed that one on video.
Note: Video quality suffers due to high compression currently necessary to view videos on this site.
Thanks to all the folks who let me sneak up on them with the video camera. And there were dozens of them, too many to include them all in the finished product. Here’s a rundown of those who do appear, in order of appearance:
Behind the scenes/Ryn Gargulinski
Cooper, show dog Golden Retriever
Fantasy (aka My Joy Fantasy Dreamer), show dog Sheltie with Joyce Van Kirk
Macy, show dog Golden Retriever with Sabine Werner from Phoenix
Casey Kilcullen-Steiner on unloading equipment, from Tucson
Jelly, best puppy winner Golden Retriever with Gail Skee from Silver City, N.M.
Karen Blisard in Bucket Bitch shirt from Silver City, N.M.
Citation, show dog Sheltie with Gayle Eades from Anza, Calif.
Longtime judge, from Mesa who chased me away before I could get his name
Gina, show dog
Also: Check out dog show slide show by Sawyer’s friend Mark Evans by clicking here.
Do you love dog shows? Why or why not?
by Mark B. Evans on Nov.15, 2009, under animals, dogs, events, life, pet events, pets
Tucson Dog Show slide show
Sawyer’s friend (sort of) Mark attended the Tucson Dog Show Saturday and Sunday and snapped some photos.
The show is put on every November by the Tucson and Sierra Vista kennel clubs. This year more than 2,000 dogs from around the country were entered in the four days of shows.
The dogs compete in best of breed competitions in the morning and early afternoon, then each breed winner competes in the seven group competitions: hounds, non-sporting, working, terriers, sporting, toys and herding. The winners of each group then compete for Best in Show.
The show was held at the Pima County Fair Grounds Nov. 13-16.
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Also: Check out Rynski’s Behind the Scenes at the Dog Show VIDEO by clicking here.
When employees at a West African animal sanctuary buried chimpanzee Dorothy, they figured it would be a solemn occasion with some mourning.
Illustration Ryn Gargulinski
But they didn’t necessarily expect the mourning to come from the other chimpanzees.
The chimps, who live in the Sanaga-Yong Chimpanzee Rescue Center, not only remained absolutely silent, but they leaned on and embraced each other, according to a report in our fave Big Apple paper, the New York Post.
Dorothy was in her late 40s, a good age for a chimp, and died of heart failure.
While the tribute may have been touching, it’s not all that surprising.
Even our pets who live together definitely know when a family member – human or animal – dies.
Birds sit stoic on their perches. Cats slump next to their best friend’s cubby hole. Dogs appear morose, staring at the pillow where their beloved used to sleep.
Phoebe in glee/Ryn Gargulinski
On the flip side, animals are also known to express sheer joy. Anyone who has seen a pet bird perk up, a cat dance or a dog break out with a giant grin will attest to this one.
Pets can also sense our moods and often act accordingly. High stress time for me means extra scuffling between Sawyer and Phoebe. When I’m down in the dumps, Sawyer cuddles while Phoebe will invariably butt my head with her rock-hard skull.
Some pets could surely use a few lessons in compassion, but they certainly share our emotions.
Animals are also much more like us than we may think – or perhaps we are much more like them than we care to admit.
What do you think?
Have you seen an animal in mourning? In glee?
Do you think animals have emotions that are comparable to humans or the reactions are just a coincidence?
by Rynski on Nov.10, 2009, under animals, dogs, events, life, pet events, pets
VIDEO, slide show: Greyhound fundraiser gives every dog his day
Local canine celebrity Scout ran away with part of the show, but every dog had his or her day at Saturday’s Arizona Greyhound Rescue’s Greyhounds & Friends Fall Festival Fundraiser.
Photo Ryn Gargulinski
Deb Ross’s dog Scout sauntered away with top honors in the best trick and human/pet lookalike contests, but others were not far behind with their howling good looks and feisty antics.
Alexis Pate, 6, also proved herself quite the dog biscuit baker with her prize-winning doggie quiche.
Folks had a chance to schmooze with the gentle greyhounds, many of which were up for adoption. Contact AGR if you can give one these fabulous pooches an equally fabulous home.
Also enjoy the slide show below and the video of Scout’s winning trick, where he dies after being shot, but gets CPR from Ross in the hopes to revive him.
Please note: Video quality suffers due to the high compression necessary to currently view videos on this site.
A big thank you to everyone who dedicated time, effort and resources to make this event possible. And thanks again for asking me to be a judge. Now I’ve got one more honor on my resume.
Are you a greyhound fan?
What’s your favorite breed of dog?
Do you and your pooch have matching Hawaiian shirts?
by Rynski on Nov.05, 2009, under Tucson pets, animals, life, pets, wildlife
Tucson pets: Meet a Monster
How would you like an 80-year-old Monster living in your backyard? One Southwest Side family loves it – but that’s because Monster is a charming and gentle tortoise.
Monster is his fashionable backyard habitat/submitted photo
Monster may weigh in at a stocky 40 pounds and be so named because he is huge compared to the family’s other two tortoises, but he still has to be separated from Wilson and Sleepy.
“Wilson gets aggressive,” Monster’s mom said – but no problems were reported between Monster and the family’s two birds and two dogs.
Monster is even known to help with chores around the home and yard. He loves following his human dad around, and even “helped out” by getting beneath a chair his dad was standing on while working on his truck.
“Monster went under the chair and lifted him about 2 inches off the ground,” mom said.
“I guess the hardest part of owning a tortoise is that they can get so big, making their habitat is a little harder,” she said. “Oh yes, and finding romaine lettuce on sale.”
Do you have a pet that rivals Sawyer? E-mail comment and photo to rynski@tucsoncitizen.com
What do you think?
Do you think tortoises make a good pet? Why or why not?
by Rynski on Nov.04, 2009, under animals, dogs, events, hope animal shelter, life, pet events, pets
Two dog treats this weekend: Canines Got Talent contest and Responsible Dog Ownership Day
Treat your dog to two exciting events this Saturday and Sunday – and plan to create some crafts or baked goods for a third.
Enter your dog in the archery contest/Ryn Gargulinski
Strut your pooch’s stuff at Arizona Greyhounds Rescue’s
Greyhounds & Friends Fall Festival Fundraiser
When: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7
Where: Brandi Fenton Memorial Park, Ramada A
How much: $5 per family, includes raffle ticket
From best dressed to coolest trick with the closet human/dog look-alike in between, a cache of Canines Got Talent contests is on the agenda. Sawyer, Phoebe and I are especially eager to see the entries as I’m one of the judges.
Folks will also get to meet a host of foster dogs, in case they are looking to adopt, and get a $5 nail clipping (Phoebe’s favorite), a chance to win prizes, decorate a pumpkin, enter a dog biscuit bake-off and more.
“We really want to encourage the community to get to know the greyhound breed so our event is for more than just greyhounds,” said dog lover, AGR volunteer and food blogger Karyn Zoldan. “This is the first time AGR has ever done an event outside our breed so we’re really excited.”
—
Get tips from Responsible Dog Ownership Day/Ryn Garguilnski
Don’t be a jerky dog owner like the folks that own Bimbo and Dumbo by attending
AKC Responsible Dog Ownership Day
When: 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 8
Where: Reid Park, Ramada No. 7 (enter at first 22nd Street entrance east of Country Club)
How much: Free, raffle tickets $1
Loads of information and activities are on the agenda. Fun stuff includes dog demonstrations and photo booths for you and your dog where you can get your dog’s mug on a coffee mug.
Adoption info from dog rescue groups; info on how you can get any dog, purebred or not, involved with AKC performance events; info on training classes; and $20 microchipping will also be available.
You can also get your dog’s manners tested to see if he passes the Canine Good Citizen exam. Sawyer says he wants nothing to do with that one. Phoebe just barked incessantly when I asked if she were interested.
The German Shepherd Dog Club of Southern Arizona and other Tucson dog lovers joined the American Kennel Club to host the event. You’ll be able to meet some fine German Shepherds and learn more about the breed.
—
One more animal nugget:
HOPE Animal Shelter’s Craft and Bake sale is coming up Nov. 21 and they are looking for crafters and bakers to donate yummy and interesting creations.
Craft donations can be brought to the shelter the week before the event with baked items brought in the day of. The shelter is located at 2011 E. 12th St. and can be reached at 792-9200. For more info, e-mail Marsha Wronski at mlwronski@yahoo.com
What’s your pet’s best talent? Has he won any contests?
Is your pet an obedient pet or could he use a dose of training?
Are you a fan of greyhounds and/or German Shepherds?
by Rynski on Nov.02, 2009, under animals, birds, health, life, pet dangers, pets, ua news, wildlife
Swine flu found in first U.S. pig – and swine flu myths busted
Yes, we are all sick of the swine flu, especially those who have become sick from it.
Art by Ryn Gargulinski/Photo by Emily
But we can get an even bigger headache if we believe some of the swine flu myths or spend our life savings on products that make false claims for treating, curing or preventing against the H1N1 virus.
Myth – Pigs don’t get it.
Pigs can indeed get the H1N1 virus, and it’s not just your neglected and marginal alley pigs. In fact, six show pigs who were waddling their stuff at the Minnesota State Fair tested positive for the virus, according to a Reuters report posted on the ABC news website.
The first pig to test positive from the batch got honors on Oct. 19 as the first pig known to have the swine flu in the United States.
“The new strain of H1N1 virus, which has genetics from humans, birds and swine, likely circulated undetected in pigs for at least a decade before jumping to humans, according to an expert at the University of Arizona,” the story said.
Myth – Great swine flu cures and preventions can be found from overpriced items sold online.
Sham products include: “phony prescription drugs, ‘sterilizers,’ fake food supplements, magic shampoos, facemasks, a ‘silver spray’ claiming to protect against the flu virus and a phony ‘photon’ machine marketed with the false claim that it boosts the immune system,” according to a news release from Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard’s office.
Also be wary of products or even natural remedies that have been around for years that are all of a sudden claiming to calm, prevent or treat the flu. Be especially cautioned against products that boast about curing swine flu while they increase your sex drive, make you lose weight without dieting, or whiten your teeth overnight.
Myth – Folks can get swine flu from eating bacon, pork chops and other pig products.
While some pig products, like those pig feet you see floating in a milky liquid, may not be at the top of your appetizer list, none pose a threat of giving you the flu from simply ingesting them, according to the Reuters story.
Nevertheless, the story added, the U.S. hog market has been affected, with China banning U.S. pork products since May and Mexico hoping to instill such a ban.
Myth – Older people are most at risk for swine flu.
It’s actually the younger set that is more likely to fall prey to H1N1. Some older folks have a strengthened immune system, said the Gulf Daily News, thanks to living through pandemics that previously killed off millions. These include 1918’s Spanish flu; 1957’s Asian flu and 1968’s Hong Kong flu.
Those are some tough elders who may still be thriving today after suffering through the Spanish flu of 1918.
Myth – Piglet is the butt of jokes.
Unfortunately, this myth is true, as Winnie the Pooh’s little pink pal has become somewhat of an outcast. Don’t fret too much, as reports have indicated that Eeyore, at least, has remained on speaking terms with him.
What do you think?
What are some other swine flu myths and scares that you’ve heard?
Do you care Piglet has become an outcast?
by Rynski on Oct.29, 2009, under animal cruelty, animals, birds, cats, dogs, goats, life, pet dangers, pets
Keep pets safe from satanic slaughter on Halloween
Many of us have heard the warnings – keep your pets inside on Halloween or they could end up as satanic sacrifices.
Illustration Ryn Gargulinski
Actually, the standard line in Halloween pet safety lists reads something like: There are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, even killed pets on this night.
The warnings, especially the cult-related, focus on black cats, which throughout history have been considered the dark embodiment of evil.
Over the years, according to our favorite myth-busting website Snopes.com, the rumors have expanded to include white cats, the symbol of virginity and purity; black dogs, especially Doberman pinchers and Damien-esque Rottweilers; and then to all pets of all sorts.
Goats, of course, are on the list year-round. And you better hide that rabbit.
While these rumors may or may not be true, some shelters across the nation actually curtail adoptions of black cats – or any animal – during the Halloween season.
Others relay creepy stories, like two Brooklyn, N.Y., shelter workers who swear a woman came in for a black cat on Halloween dressed as a witch.
“We told her no,” Snopes quotes a worker. “We know she only wanted the cat for a Halloween ritual.”
Another shelter owner points out that cults are not going to traipse on down to a shelter, go through a background check and pay good money they could instead use for a new cauldron or something just to adopt an animal they intend to slaughter.
They’re going to take it from the streets or someone’s backyard.
Even if our pets are not likely to end up kidnapped by a satanic cult on Halloween night, it is a good idea to keep them inside.
You don’t need the headache of wondering if Fido will bolt out the gate or Fifi will attack a kid dressed as a goblin.
And even if a cult is not going to gather up your animal for slaughter, you don’t need those same yahoos who think it’s funny to throw eggs at your window to have unlimited access to your beloved pet.
After all, There are plenty of stories of vicious pranksters who have teased, injured, stolen, even killed pets on this night.
What do you think?
Have you heard rumors of Halloween pet abuse or sacrifices?
Have you seen it in action?
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