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The Pet Shop

A voice for the Triad's four-legged friends.

February 9, 2010

Nonprofit unchains three dogs in High Point

The Triad Chapter of the Coalition to Unchain Dogs built a fence for three dogs in High Point on Jan. 30. Watch Snowflake, Cici and Iverson be freed. Fore more information about this project, read this story in today's Life section.

Visit www.unchaindogs.net. To volunteer for the Triad chapter, send an e-mail to unchaindogstriad@gmail.com.

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Tags: dogs, rescue dogs, coalition to unchain dogs

Posted by Andrea Martin on Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 10:04 am

Life of the party

It's become a yearly thing. Every Super Bowl Sunday I host a small group of my friends at my house for the game. There's food, football and fun. And this year was no different.

But possibly the highlight of this year's event was Apple.

After last Tuesday's appearance during "Lost", I was hopeful she would be brave enough and join the party. It took a little encouragement from me, but eventually, she made it down to the bottom of the stairs.

Sporting her new, and now hated, red collar, Apple sniffed everything and kept low to the ground, not exactly sure what all the noise was. Then she was spotted.

I saw her when she first hit the ground floor; I was looking for her. But once she made her way into the living room, everyone saw her, and the football game took second fiddle.

She rolled on her back for some belly rubs and played with her laser light, all with complete strangers. I was very happy to see her be so social.

The rest, well that was another story. Julian stayed around until the number got too big. Then he left. At least he made his presense known.

Libby ventured down with Apple at first, but everyone's stares and petting was too much for her I guess. She went back upstairs.

Then there's Abbey. I had told everyone there was no way anyone would see her all night. And she proved me true. I went upstairs after the game, and she was curled up on my bed. At least she wasn't under it.

All of this interaction with people has me hopeful Apple will take to her leash walking. Later this week, I'm going to lose the collar and upgrade to the harness. Keep your fingers crossed.

Posted by Margaret Wimmer on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 11:44 pm

February 8, 2010

Now that's what we call snow

Pet Shop reader Lindsay Reep, in Halethorpe, Md., sent a photo of the play pen she dug out for her new corgi puppy in the backyard. When was the last time we saw this much snow in Greensboro?

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Tags: dog photos, snow, dogs in snow

Posted by Andrea Martin on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 2:57 pm

Can I get Cesar on speed dial?

As much as I'd like to think I'm the "pack leader" in the house, I know I'm not. I've lost control of the situation and I'm not sure what to do about it. Can I get Cesar on speed dial?

It's not that bad, but I think it needs to be dealt with now before the situation gets worse. Admittedly, we haven't had the dogs around a lot of people. When people come over, we usually put them outside or in their crate. But I realized about a year ago that's not helping them become socialized and learn how to behave. So we've started allowing them to hang out when we have people over. Sometimes it goes well, sometimes it doesn't.

Last night, it didn't. I had a friend and neighbor over to watch a movie. Jeremy was at a friend's watching the Super Bowl, so it was just us girls. She has two dogs of her own, so she's not oblivious to how dogs can act. When she rang the doorbell, I told the dogs to stay in the living room. They did. I was impressed.

I walked to the front door, opened it and she came in. We exchanged pleasantries and then came the attack. Greta and Cassie jumped all over her like she was a chicken-flavored dog bone wrapped in cheese and slathered in peanut butter. They were just sniffing and licking. But it was obnoxious and unpleasant and I had no control over it. I grabbed Greta and pulled her off my friend, because that much muscle jumping on you is never fun, trust me.

We proceeded to the living room and once we sat down things calmed down.

I've seen that exact scenario on episodes of "The Dog Whisperer." Cesar has someone ring the doorbell and he does some kind of Jedi mindtrick on the dogs so that they stay in the living room and don't jump all over the guest. Do I have any volunteers to come and ring my doorbell and be my guinea pig while I figure this out?

Posted by Andrea Martin on Monday, February 8, 2010 at 11:15 am

February 5, 2010

Fur coats become animal nests in recycling bid

LOS ANGELES — Got a fur coat gathering dust? The Humane Society suggests the ultimate recycling — putting it on the backs of other animals. The Coats for Cubs program by the Humane Society of the United States helps orphaned, injured or sick wildlife by gathering fur coats and using them for nests, bedding or cuddly replacements for mom and dad. In 2009, 2,687 fur items were donated. Read More

Posted by Andrea Martin on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 3:46 pm

Pets in the Snow, Round 5,245

Imagine my surprise when the first photo of a pet in the snow today was of Bandit the pig! I love it! Keep sending your photos to thepetshop@news-record.com

Meet Cindy Minx' 5-month-old peekapoo Kinsey. Cindy says Kinsey loves all this snow.

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Tags: pet photos, playing in the snow

Posted by Andrea Martin on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 11:10 am

So, it's snowing again ... do you think the dogs will notice?

I bet they will. And I bet you'll take more pictures. So send them to us again. We love to see pictures of your dogs playing in the snow. And your cats, too! Or whatever other animals you have! We don't discriminate here at The Pet Shop.

Send your photos to thepetshop@news-record.com all weekend long and we'll publish your photos on the blog.

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Tags: cats, dogs, dog photos, playing in the snow

Posted by Andrea Martin on Friday, February 5, 2010 at 9:18 am

February 4, 2010

Zoo launches Valentine's program to support animal enrichment

ASHEBORO — The N.C. Zoological Society announces the You’re Beary Special – Be Mine program to raise funds for enriching animals’ lives at the North Carolina Zoo. The program allows donors to contribute by purchasing a special Valentine’s Day gift package featuring a plush teddy bear.

This $45 You’re Beary Special adoption package includes a 16-inch “Be Mine” stuffed teddy bear, a personalized adoption certificate (along with a personal message), a photo and fact sheet of your adopted animal (from a list of 14 animals), and chocolates. The assorted chocolates were donated by Food Lion.

Adoption gifts of $500 or more also receive a behind-the-scenes tour of the black bear exhibit. Funds from the adoptions will support the zoo’s animal enrichment program, which buys toys, treats and keeper-training to improve the quality of life enjoyed by the zoo’s animals.

Anyone interested in contributing to animal enrichment with the purchase of a You’re Beary Special Valentine’s Day gift package should contact the Zoo Society office at (336) 879-7250, toll free at (888) 244-3736, e-mail adopt@nczoo.com or visit www.nczoo.com.

The N.C. Zoological Society is a private, nonprofit organization that supports the zoo and conservation. The zoo is an agency of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Dee A. Freeman, Secretary; Bev. E. Perdue, Governor.

Posted by Andrea Martin on Thursday, February 4, 2010 at 11:38 am

All the cool cats are wearing one

Last night, I had some friends over to watch the premiere of "Lost." Most of my cats found a quiet spot upstairs to sleep while I entertained my guests. But Apple stayed with us all night. Maybe she was feeling social, maybe she was just being nice to the new people. But I think she just wanted to show off her new collar.

As part of my new experiment to get Apple to walk on a leash, I bought her a collar. I figured it would be a good idea to get her used to having something on, so she wasn't freaking out about the collar/harness the same time she's freaking out about being outside.

I got her one over the weekend, and easily snapped it around her neck. She didn't really seem to mind it at first. Apple immediately went back to playing with Libby and the laser pen toy.

It wasn't 'til Monday that I noticed her annoyance with it. She scratches at it a lot, and she's begun to pull at it and try and bite it. I think she wants it off.

The collar is more than loose around her neck. I certainly wouldn't trust it if I did take her out with just the collar on. I plan to walk her with a harness, one I borrowed from the SPCA of the Triad on Tuesday. If this works, I'll buy her one of my own.

But, the weather people are calling for more snow this weekend, so once again, my walking experiment is going to be delayed. So she'll have to suffer through the collar a little longer.

Not that it's bothering the other cats. Apple's collar rattles, so to speak, when she walks. And now Abbey always knows when Apple is coming down the hall or around the corner. Poor Apple has lost her ability to sneak up on anyone, giving Abbey the advantage.

But I have faith she'll see this through for me, and because I keep telling her she looks just so darn cute with it on.

Posted by Margaret Wimmer on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 11:31 pm

February 3, 2010

My Pet: Ginger Graves

Name of pet: Ginger Graves

Age: 4 years old

Resides in: Greensboro

Breed: basset hound

Male or female: Female

Owner: The Graves family

How owner and pet came together: Stray from Rockingham County and adopted from Carolina Basset Hound Rescue

Best trick: Can catch treats from 18 feet away; gives "high five."

Favorite activity: Playing with her basset sibling

Is there anything else we should know about this pet? (i.e., likes/dislikes, act of heroism, quirk etc.) She is the sweetest dog and rescuing her was the best thing we ever did.

Credit for photograph: The Graves family

If you would like your pet(s) to be considered for the weekly My Pet feature, fill out this form.

Posted by Andrea Martin on Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 11:29 am

About the Authors

Margaret Wimmer

Margaret Wimmer is a page designer at the News & Record. She shares her home with the Fab Four: Julian, Abbey, Apple and Libby. More

Contact Margaret Wimmer
Andrea Martin

Andrea Martin is a page designer at the News & Record and mother to Greta, a boxer/mix, and Cassie, a border collie. More

Contact Andrea Martin
Carla Kucinski Seward

Carla Kucinski Seward is the editor of Go Triad and mother to Yoshi, an Australian Shepherd/Husky mix. More

Contact Carla Kucinski Seward
Faun Finley

Faun Finley, News & Record copywriter, is deeply bonded with her rescue dog, Harpo. More

Contact Faun Finley
Robert Lopez

Robert Lopez is a features reporter. He and his wife Lana have a gray tabby named Jet. More

Contact Robert Lopez

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Pet events

The Animal Rescue and Foster Program is taking donations for its Purse Sale at its center, 705 Milner Drive in Greensboro. Call 323-0850 for more details. www.arfpnc.com.

February is Responsible Pet Owners Month. So if your four-legged friend is not up to date on their shots, now is the time.

Sunday, Feb. 7, 2 p.m.: Join the Philharmonica of Greensboro for its annual Pillow Pops Concert. This year's theme is "Animals Who Love Music" with special guest Nora the famous cat performing her CATcerto. Don't miss this free and family friendly event. Call (336)373-2549 for more information or inclement weather announcements.

Thursday, Feb. 11, doors open at 6:30 p.m.: The SPCA of the Triad holds Bingo night at the Oriental Shrine Club at 5010 High Point Road in Greensboro. Proceeds help the SPCA. www.triadspca.org.

Friday, Feb. 12, 6-9 p.m.: Join the Feral Cat Assistance Program at Christ Lutheran Church, 3600 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro, for the Jewerly and Handbag Sale. Vendors will be on hand with new items; FCAP will be selling gently used items. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Spay/Neuter Day Clinic for feral cats and the Cats in the Cradle Adoption Program.

Friday, Feb. 12, 6-10 p.m.: Great Danes Friends is teaming up with Blue Ridge Boxer Rescue to have a Valentines' dog party Cupids and Canines at the Dog Bar, 3307 N. Davidson St. in Charlotte. For a $5 donation at the door you get one free drink of choice. Bring your dog and get a Valentine's Day photo of you and your pooch for only $10. Puppy treats, gift baskets and dogs looking for a new home will also be on hand. E-mail greatdanefriend@yahoo.com for more information.

Friday, Feb. 12, 6-8 p.m.: Visit PetSmart on University Drive in Burlington for the store's Spring National Adoption Weekend.

Friday, Feb. 12, 6-8 p.m.: Join Greyhound Friends at the PetSmart on University Drive in Burlington for PetSmart's Spring National Adoption Weekend. www.greyhoundfriends.com

Saturday, Feb. 13, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: Join the Feral Cat Assistance Program at Christ Lutheran Church, 3600 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro, for the Jewerly and Handbag Sale. Vendors will be on hand with new items; FCAP will be selling gently used items. Proceeds from the sale benefit the Spay/Neuter Day Clinic for feral cats and the Cats in the Cradle Adoption Program.

Saturday, Feb. 13, 6-10 p.m.: Spend your Valentine's Day with Red Dog Farm. The "Have A Heart" event will be held at Mack and Mack clothing store, 220 S. Elm St. in downtown Greensboro. Enjoy music by The Stacy Looman Jazz Band and wine tasting by Grapevine Distributors. Adoptable animals will be on hand. There is a $25 cover charge; proceeds benefit Red Dog Farm. www.reddogfarm.com

Saturday, Feb. 13, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.: The SPCA of the Triad is holding a Fur-Ever Love Adoption Event at Gate City Lanes, 5502 Hornaday Road in Greensboro. Bring a bad of food and get a free game of bowling. www.triadspca.org

Saturday, Feb. 13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m.: The Animal Rescue and Foster Program is holding a Purse Sale at Sedgefield Presbyterian Church to raise money for its foster program. Donations can be dropped off at its center, 705 Milner Drive in Greensboro, unitl two before the sale. www.arfpnc.com.

Saturday, Feb. 13: RuffLove is hosting an indoor adoption fair at Dog Days, 705 Battleground Ave., Greensboro. www.ruffloverescue.com

Saturday, Feb. 13, 1-4 p.m.: The Guilford County Animal Shelter is holding an adoption fair at the PetSmart on Bridford Parkway in Greensboro. www.adoptshelterpets.org.

Thursday, Feb. 18, 2-3 p.m.: Visit the Glenwood Branch Library, 1901 W. Florida St. in Greensboro, for a presentation on types of adoptable pets. Animals will be on hand. Call 297-5000 for more information.

Saturday, Feb. 20, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: The Humane Society of the Piedmont is hosting an indoor pet adoption fair at it's facility, 4527 W. Wendover Ave. in Greensboro. www.hspidemont.org.

Saturday, Feb. 27, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: The Humane Society of the Piedmont and RuffLove Rescue are hosting Cupids & Canines, a Doggy Adopt-a-Thon Event at Camp Bow Wow, 6207 Chimney Center Blvd. in Greensboro. Bring your dog to enjoy the center's grounds, or meet animals looking for a new home. Donations benefit the rescue groups.

Saturday, March 6: The SPCA of the Triad is hosting a donation drive at the Harris Teeter on Pisgah Church Road in Greensboro. www.triadspca.org

Saturday, March 6, 1-3 p.m.: The Humane Society of Alamance County will be hosting a cat adoption fair at the PetSmart on University Drive in Burlington. www.hsaconline.com

Saturday, March 13: Furniture City Kennel Club is hosting the AKC Earthdog Trial at Wilson Farm, 347 Ogburn Mill Road, Stokesdale. Pre-entries will be accepted through March 7. Please contact Sally Yancey at ScYancey@aol.com for pricing and times. www.furniturecitykennelclub.com

Saturday, March 13: RuffLove is hosting an indoor adoption fair at Dog Days, 705 Battleground Ave., Greensboro. www.ruffloverescue.com

Sunday, March 14: Furniture City Kennel Club is hosting the AKC Earthdog Trial at Wilson Farm, 347 Ogburn Mill Road, Stokesdale. Pre-entries will be accepted through March 7. Please contact Sally Yancey at ScYancey@aol.com for pricing and times. www.furniturecitykennelclub.com

Friday, March 19, 7 p.m.-10:30 p.m.- The North Carolina Rabbit Breeders Association is holding its annual convention at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex Special Events Center.

Saturday, March 20, 9 a.m.-10 p.m.- The North Carolina Rabbit Breeders Association is holding its annual convention at the Greensboro Coliseum Complex Special Events Center.

Saturday, March 20, 11 a.m.: The Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation presents its 5th Annual Easter Egg Hunt for Dogs at the Winston-Salem Dog Park in Washington Park. Every 'egg' will contain a treat, prize, gift certificate or other surprises. There is a $10 donation per dog, which includes a coupon for one hot dog. Call 406-0965 for more information. www.aarfanimals.org

Saturday, April 3, 1-3 p.m.: The Humane Society of Alamance County will be hosting a cat adoption fair at the PetSmart on University Drive in Burlington. www.hsaconline.com

Saturday, April 3: The SPCA of the Triad is hosting a donation drive at the Harris Teeter at 2639 Lawndale Drive in Greensboro. www.triadspca.org

Saturday, April 10, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: The Guilford County Animal Shelter is offering a $5 rabies vaccinations clinic at its facility on Wendover Drive in Greensboro. They are also offering microchips for $15. Have your dog on a leash and/or your cat in a carrier. www.adoptshelterpets.org

Saturday, April 10: RuffLove is hosting an indoor adoption fair at Dog Days, 705 Battleground Ave., Greensboro. www.ruffloverescue.com

Saturday, May 1, 1-3 p.m.: The Humane Society of Alamance County will be hosting a cat adoption fair at the PetSmart on University Drive in Burlington. www.hsaconline.com

Saturday, May 8, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: The Guilford County Animal Shelter is offering a $5 rabies vaccinations clinic at its facility on Wendover Drive in Greensboro. They are also offering microchips for $15. Have your dog on a leash and/or your cat in a carrier. www.adoptshelterpets.org

Saturday, May 15: RuffLove is hosting an indoor adoption fair at Dog Days, 705 Battleground Ave., Greensboro. www.ruffloverescue.com

Saturday, May 15: Red Dog Farm will be marching with adoptable dogs in the Summerfield Parade. Be sure to come out and see their float and animals looking for a new home. www.reddogfarm.com

Tuesday, May 18: Red Dog Farm will be participating in the Greensboro Grasshoppers' "Bark in the Park" event. Adoptable pets will be present, so come out for a night of baseball and maybe find your new best friend. www.reddogfarm.com

WEEKLY ADOPTION FAIRS

SPCA of the Triad: Saturdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at PetSmart on Lawndale Drive and Brickford Parkway in Greensboro.

North Carolina Pet Adoption League: Saturdays from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at PetSmart on Lawndale Drive in Greensboro

Feral Cat Assistance Program: Saturday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Sundays from 1-4 p.m. at PetSmart on Brickford Parkway in Greensboro

Animal Rescue and Foster Program: Thursdays from 6-8 p.m. (cats only) at PetSmart on Brickford Parkway in Greensboro; Wednesdays from 5-8 p.m., Saturdays from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., and Sundays from 1-4 p.m. at 705 Milner Drive in Greensboro

Humane Society of Alamance County: Third Saturday of each month from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Burlington Outlet Village (Exit 145 off I-85/40) in the Hanes Mill Outlet building, near IZOD.

Carolina Veterinary Assistance and Adoption Center: Saturday and Sunday at the PetSmart in Burlington and on Bridford Parkway in Greensboro.

Animal Adoption and Rescue Foundation: Saturdays from noon-4 p.m. at 311 Harvey Street, Winston-Salem

If you would like to have something included on The Pet Shop calendar, please contact Margaret Wimmer at margaret.wimmer@news-record.com.