The March for Mutts Expo, the first event of the outdoor pet event season, saw throngs of enthusiastic pets and their guardians brave a cold, wet March day last year. Despite less-than-ideal weather, the event garnered rave reviews. That’s likely thanks in part to the fact that Northwest pet people jump at the chance to get out for a day of play and learning . . . and boost a worthy pet-related cause.

Happening Saturday March 6, 9-noon, at North Clackamas Park in Milwaukie, this year’s March for Mutts will feature free dog bones from Bob’s Red Mill for the first 150 arrivals, games, vendors, and costume and other contests, demos in agility, k9 cop skills and flyball; “Stupid Dog Tricks” training; door prizes; and an agility course. Attendees can also meet/chat with area rescues and adoption agencies, visit the “Ask a Vet” booth, and obtain rabies vaccines and microchips at reduced rates. As always, the fun goes on rain or shine. Details 503-653-8100 or parks@co.clackamas.or.us.

Admission is $5/person; proceeds benefit Meals on Wheels in North Clackamas County. Donations of dog and cat food will go to the Meals on Wheels Ani-Meals program, serving pets of the home-bound. 

Economic hardships are causing many to hold on spending. In an effort to help during these times, Lane County Animal Services is working to make it easier and cheaper to license pets in upcoming clinics.

The first clinic will be held Mar. 13, 11-2, at Alton Baker Park. Because rabies vaccines must be current to obtain a license, LCAS is offering free rabies vaccines with the purchase or renewal of a Lane County dog license. This is available only to dog guardians living within LCAS service areas, which include the City of Eugene and unincorporated Lane County. Low-cost microchipping ($20) will also be offered at the clinics. To learn more, call LCAS at 541-682-3647.

5 reasons to license your pet:

1. A license = a phone call home for a pet who can’t convey their home address
2. A license helps LCAS protect neighborhoods from dangerous dogs and investigate dog bites. It also supports investigations of cases of cruelty, neglect, and abandonment. 
3. Licensing helps fund the care of homeless animals.
4. Licensing supports educational programs on safety, health, and humane treatment.
5. Five percent of license fees go toward the Spay/Neuter voucher program

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond to help animals in and around Salem? If so, nominate him or her for Willamette Humane Society’s annual Humaneitarian Awards, which recognize those who exemplify WHS’s mission to promote the welfare of animals through leadership, education and action.

Nominations are being accepted through Apr. 9, and winners will be recognized at WHS’s spring benefit May 7. For details or nomination forms, go to at www.willamettehumane.org, or call 503-585-5900, ext. 660.

When you see the diamond collar you might be looking at a hero. The Oregon Humane Society honored five heroes with Diamond Collar Awards last month, recognizing pets and people for remarkable achievements in helping others.

Winners include Sheriff David Glerup of Harney County, OR; Zadok, the Akita who travels the country with Julie Burk as a crisis intervention therapy dog; and Simon, a Yorkshire Terrier  who braved a house fire to save the life of a woman.

Also honored were Ken Wells, longtime OHS volunteer, and the late Les Sarnoff, Portland’s legendary morning radio personality and animal advocate.  More than 300 people attended the ceremony, raising more than $80,000 for pets in need.

The volunteers of the Oregon Humane Society received red carpet treatment last month in honor of their continuing work to make the northwest’s largest shelter a place where animals and people “Feel the Love.”

“The dedication of our volunteers never ceases to amaze me,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS Executive Director. “We’ve got 1,453 volunteers, and the hours they work equal that of 100 full-time employees. We could not operate the shelter without them.”

OHS honored 23 volunteers last month, including: Volunteer of the Year Marty Ramirez of Vancouver, WA; Lifetime Achievement Award winner Lou Chapman of Oregon City; Volunteer’s Choice Award winner Dorma Mammano of NE Portland; and Feel the Love Award winner Simone Steib of NE Portland. 

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