FCCO offers limited free S/N

The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon will provide free spay/neuter services for stray or feral cats Feb. 28-Mar. 17.  Space is limited so appointments are necessary.  The two-week clinic commemorates World Spay day (Feb 28), the annual Humane Society of the United State’s campaign to encourage people to spay and neuter feral animals.  According to HSUS, six to eight million animals enter shelters each year, nearly half of which are never adopted.  S/N helps prevent adding to the number of stray animals as well as the pain and suffering of living on the streets or in shelters.  To learn more or RSVP, call 503-797-2606 or visit FeralCats.com.

Tethering limit bill moves forward

Teaming up with Representative Roger Goodman (D-WA) and Senator Nick Harper (D-WA) the Washington state based group, Limit Tethering, is working to get HB 1755 and SB 5649 passed into law during the 2012 session.  These bills “will be implemented to end the suffering of continually tethered dogs.  It will enable responding animal control and/or police officials the ability to remove these dogs from the end of a tether, preventing tragic deaths, needless human and animal injuries, as current animal cruelty laws do not cover the situation of a continually tethered dogs.”

Both bills limit the amount of time a dog can be tethered to no more than 10 hours per day, as well as restrict the weight of the chain and the type of collar used on a dog — banning the use of choke, pinch or prong collars on tethered dogs. Legislators heard testimony from citizens and other supporters of the bill at the capitol in Olympia in January.  To learn more, visit: LimitTethering.wordpress.com.

Making night more comfy for humans and pets

When Mark Tipperreiter began getting praise for Blanketbooster, designed as a “tent for people’s toes,” he didn’t expect his invention to benefit furry family members as well.  Blanketbooster is a free-standing frame that lifts blankets just above the feet, creating a better night’s sleep for those who feel cramped or uncomfortable from the weight of bedding.  It turns out people aren’t the only ones who appreciate a little extra room at the foot of the bed.  “We had people saying, ‘My dog loves sleeping under the Blanketbooster,” says Tipperreiter, “and ‘My cats just curl up in the tent.’”  With these and other testimonials, Tipperreiter met with Western Pet Supply in SW Portland, which agreed to carry Blanketbooster for those seeking greater bedtime comfort for themselves and their companions.  Learn more at Blanketbooster.com.

USPS honors Working Dogs

The Postal Service has unleashed a new series, “Dogs at Work,” highlighting four canine careers.  Created by Syracuse, NY artist John M. Thompson, the stamps depict four different dogs engaged in tracking (yellow Lab), guiding (black Lab), comforting (Welsh Springer Spaniel) and searching (a search and rescue German Shepherd). 

The new stamps run 65 cents and are good for mailing First-Class mail up to two ounces.  Learn more at USPS.com. 

Westover Inns opens new pet-friendly Cannon Beach property

The latest gem in Cannon Beach is The Wayside Inn, located at the south end of town,  across from Tolovana Park.  Purchased by Westover Inns in October, Westover is a local family-owned company in business since 1976.  The company has six hotels in Oregon, four of which are dog friendly.

Across the street from the hotel is a wonderful beach for walking, playing and exploring.  Majestic Haystack Rock and its many tidepools are just a short walk down the beach.  All rooms have ocean views, gas fireplaces, flat-screen TVs, DVD players, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, and free Wi-Fi.  Many suites have full kitchens with ovens.  There is also an indoor pool and spa for guests to enjoy.

The new owners say, “We love dogs, and we want both people and dogs to enjoy staying with us.”  The Wayside Inn welcomes dogs of all shapes and sizes, with a maximum of two dogs per room.  Each dog is just $10 per night, and every canine guest receives a basket for use during their stay that includes sheets, towels, dog bowls, pooper scooper and bags, and treats.  Dogs may be left alone in the room in a crate. 

Rooms are affordable at $79-$169 depending on the season.  New to this property but long in the business, Westover Inns have a longstanding reputation of providing great service and accommodations to people and their pets.  Learn more at TheWayside-Inn.com. 

Kassidy and friends give dogs a boost

In a note to Spot, Kassidy wrote: 

On Saturdays I love going to PetSmart to look at all the puppies.  Two summers ago I decided to sell bracelets to raise money for Oregon Dog Rescue.  I wanted to do it because my family rescued a dog named Oreo Cookie there.  Three of my best friends and I, Haley, Miya and Meghan, sold the bracelets at Ibach Park.  The first year we raised $50, and the next year we raised $80!  When we turned the money in to ODR, they were very happy.  Miya and I walked some of the dogs while we were there.  A dog named Nathan was so cute and fun!  Next year we plan to raise $100 and have more friends help us. 

—    Kassidy, Tualatin, Oregon

Spot thanks Kassidy and Haley, Miya and Meghan for a great job boosting pups in need, and also for doing the very important work that is providing a model to others, showing through action we can all make a difference.  Thank you girls, Great Job! 

Holiday Fun at WHS in Salem

Willamette Humane Society is offering a great roster of holiday activities for kids, adults and dogs.  Take a peek at the lineup: 

Santa’s Shelter Elves — An 8-hour mini-camp open to kids grades 5-7 interested in animals.  Activities include grooming, socializing, toy-making and fun activities that actually enhance the animals’ adoptability.  Camp meets 1-4pm, Dec. 20 and 27.  Cost is $50/student. 

Tricks Are for Kids — Students grades 5-7 learn to teach their dogs a variety of tricks during a fun, two-week class.  Participating dogs should be appropriate around other dogs and know some basic commands.  Class meets 3:30-4:30 Dec. 21 and 28; cost is $35 ($30 if the dog was adopted from a shelter).  

Anyone interested in participating in either of the holiday youth activities should contact WHS trainer Annie Ingersoll at (503) 585-5900, ext. 326 or email behavior@willamettehumane.org.

Holly Jolly Tricks — A one-hour clinic open to adults (or families) and their dogs.  Participants will learn how to teach their dogs a variety of tricks.  Two available sessions:  Wednesday, Dec. 21, 7-8pm, or Saturday, Dec. 31, 3-4. Cost is $17 ($15 if dog was adopted from a shelter).  Register at willamettehumane.org/behavior.

WHS offers many other classes — from puppy kindergarten to leash manners and more — throughout winter.  All classes are held in the shelter’s heated Canine Classroom, and taught by certified pet dog trainers using proven, positive reinforcement methods.  Classes are kept small to ensure personalized attention.  For a current schedule or more details, visit willamettehumane.org/behavior or call 503-585-5900 x326.

Calling all Thrifty Cats

A new thrift store open Friday, Oct. 28, that’s sure to please bargain hunters and animal lovers alike. Located at 4838 SW Scholls Ferry Rd. in Portland, the thrift store benefits the Cat Adoption Team.  

“The community has really embraced the thrift store both in donations and patronage,” says Bobbie Winchell, thrift store manager for CAT.  “Come support the homeless animals in the community, and take home a bagful of goodies.  There are also great volunteer opportunities to help staff the store.”

When shopping this holiday season stop by the store that offers great savings while helping homeless pets.  To learn more and get discount coupons, visit catthriftstore.org.   The store is open Tuesday-Sunday 10am-6pm.  Tax-deductible donations of gently used clothing, furniture, household items, jewelry, books, electronics, collectables, art, and more are happily accepted at the store.  

Rescue finds itself a home

Founded in 2007, the nonprofit, foster-based ODR has placed more than 1,000 dogs in forever loving homes.  Sustained entirely by volunteers and donations, the group has utilized networking and Saturday adoption outreaches at Tualatin PetSmart to find loving homes for sweet adoptables . . . until now.  ODR is making itself at home at last in a leased a building right across the street from the PetSmart that’s long hosted ODR’s outreaches.  The move makes it possible for ODR to get even more dogs home, thanks to the ability to hold on-site adoptions 6 days a week.  There’s lots of work to do to make the new space dog-friendly; anyone who’d like to lend a hand should contact info@OregonDogRescue.org (donations and supplies are always greatly appreciated as well).  When completed, the space at 6700 SW Nyberg Rd. in Tualatin will have 2 meet-and-greet rooms, grooming and retail areas, and comfy sleeping quarters.  To learn more, contact Barbara Roach at kibaruby@gmail.com or via the Oregon Dog Rescue facebook page.

Volunteer Barbara Roach says, “There is still a lot of work  to do to get the building ready,  and donations are needed.  If you have construction skills, or even if you don’t and just want to help out, please contact info@OregonDogRescue.org  for details on the next work party.”  Donations sought by ODR at press time included:  a fridge, retail display racks, janitorial “wringer type” mop buckets and mops, air purifier(s), kitchenware, cleaning, paper supplies and dog gear such as leashes, collars and toys.  Cash donations are of course always welcome; donate at oregondogrescue.org.