From Now on "Like" us on Facebook!

From now on we will be continuing our blog posts on our new Facebook Page!  "Like" our page and stay updated at http://facebook.com/bestfriendschicago.com

Angel Tree to benefit Chicago Canine Rescue

Our Angel Tree program gives our clients the opportunity to donate a toy or food to the pets in need of forever homes at Chicago Canine Rescue to make their holidays brighter.

Dancing Merengue Dog

Spooky times at Windy City on Halloween

Shop Til You Drop Hallowen Party at Windy City

Sport-a-cular Daycare Party Tuesday Sept 21st

Grab your gear and head to Best Friends Windy City for our 2nd Annual Sport-A-Cular daycare party Tuesday, September 21st.

Mutt Strut 2010 Rained out

Today's Chicago Canine Rescue Mutt Strut fell prey to rain and thunder.  Tentative plans are to reschedule for October 24th.  Check their website for updates.  http://www.chicagocaninerescue.org/

New outdoor play area is open! Yeah!

Best Friends opens it's new center at Walt Disney World Orlando, FL

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. (Sept. 1, 2010) – Tails were wagging at Walt Disney World Resort today when Best Friends Pet Care opened the doors to its new, luxury pet resort. Dennis Dolan, CEO of Best Friends Pet Care, and Phil Bernard, vice president of Walt Disney World Operating Participants, were joined by Mickey Mouse's favorite dog Pluto to welcome the first guests.
 Check it out at http://wdw.bestfriendspetcare.com/ and see the grand opening tour of the center.

Safe Humane Chicago event August 26th

http://www.safehumanechicago.org/

Dog Day On The Green Sunday August 29th

Join us with Stacey Hawk of Hawk City K-9 for fun with Agility at the 2nd annual Dog Day On The Green event.  This year's event will be at Montrose Harbor.  For more information go to http://www.dogdayonthegreen.com/

7th Annual Mutt Strut September 18th

http://chicagocaninerescue.org/

"Big Night" Celebrity Chef Event

http://fcacc.eventbrite.com/

Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control is hosting the 6th annual "Big Night" Celebrity Chefs Event at the historic Cultural Center on Thursday, September 23rd.  Guests will enjoy extravigant culinary delights of at least a dozen local chefs, including Jackie Shen of Red Light.  Chicago broadcast legend Bill Kurtis will once again be on hand to encee the event.

Tickets for the "Friends" event may be purchased at the FCACC web site.  Don't miss out, get your tickets today.

http://fcacc.org/F.A.C.C./Home.html

Vinny needs a forever home!

Vinny is being fostered by our very own Lisa Mills.  He comes to work with her frequently and is a very sweet little fellow.

Vinny is a happy, friendly boy. He is about 8 years old, weighs 36 pounds, is fully vetted. Vinny was abandoned at a rescue site and has been waiting patiently ever since for a new home. Recently, he is very pleased to be in a foster home with 4 other dogs and 2 cats. Vinny is healthy and active. He enjoys sniffing everything in his current new yard. For more information please call 312-409-1162. Vinny is up-to-date with routine shots, house trained and spayed/neutered.

You can see Vinny and other pups in need of new homes at Lake Shore Animal Shelter's web site.

http://www.lakeshoreanimalshelter.org/

Bring you fou rlegged soccer fan to Toyota Park July 25th

http://www.womensprosoccer.com/chicago/

The Chicago Red Stars womens professional soccer team is hosting a Dog Day at Toyota Park in Bridgeview on Sunday July 25th.  Click on the link above for more information.

Protect your dog from the heat!

Melissa Maroff, eHow Contributing Writer "Just as we humans need to cool off during hot weather, so do canines. But unlike people, dogs can't pack a lunch and head to the beach or take a dip in the pool whenever they please. They're depending on us to keep them cool. And in doing so, we need to keep in mind that dogs are much more susceptible to heatstroke than humans--which is why it's extremely important to take the proper measures to keep our beloved companions safe from the heat."

Here are  some tips from eHow website:

Instructions

1. 
   
   Step 1
   
   
    
   Make sure your dog has access to water at all times, especially during warmer weather. Always leave them with enough water in spill-proof or elevated bowls kept in a shady spot, and have a sufficient amount on hand if they're traveling in the car.
   
2. 
   
   Step 2
   Make sure the temperature is cool enough and there is good ventilation (i.e. air conditioning and/or ceiling fans) when your dog is left indoors.
   
3. 
   
   Step 3
   
   
    
   Have a permanent place for your dog to go for shade if she will be spending any amount of time outdoors. Temperatures in the shade can be 10 to 15 degrees cooler than in the sun. Dog houses provide protection from the sun, but not the heat. Make sure your dog has protection from both.
   
4. 
   
   Step 4
   Limit your dog's outdoor time when it's hot. And keep in mind, the hottest hours are between 10 and 4.
   
5. 
   
   Step 5
   Leave senior dogs, puppys under six months and ill dogs outside only briefly during hot weather. These dogs all have a higher sensitivity to heat. Also, many older dogs have arthritis and have difficulty rising. If they sleep in an area of the yard without shade, or if they are unable to get up out of the sun easily, heat stroke can strike quickly.
   
6. 
   
   Step 6
   Keep your dog from getting overheated during exercise. Canines seem to care not whether it's winter, spring, summer or fall when it comes to chasing that ball. It's up to you to monitor their playtime, especially during hot weather.
   
7. 
   
   Step 7
   Save walks on pavement for the early morning or evening hours. Hot asphalt can burn a dog's pads. A good way to check if it's too hot is to lay your hand or bare foot on the ground and if you can't keep it down for a few seconds, it's probably too hot for your dog. Also, bring along plenty of water if it will be a longer walk.
   
8. 
   
   Step 8
   
   
    
   Make sure there is sufficient airflow reaching your dog when riding in a car. Even if it's nice and cool for you up front, it may not be for your dog in back. It's never a good idea to leave your dog in a car without air conditioning during hot weather. Even with the windows open, the car can still become hot enough to cause heat stroke within minutes. Not to mention there's a chance your dog could get stolen. As much as you would like to take your buddy along for the ride, it's best to leave him home with the AC in hot weather.
   

Read more: How to Protect a Dog From the Heat | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2031946_protect-dog-heat.html?from=search_webresults%3C1%3E#ixzz0tf7KAua2

Splashing good times in our new play yard

Betty White teams with Petco and Blue Buffalo to fight pet cancer.

Betty White has teamed up with Petco and Blue Buffalo in an effort to raise funds for the Morris Animal Research efforts to find a cure for pet cancer.

To learn more go to http://petcancerawareness.org/

Fun bowling benefit for Friends of Animal Care and Control

Join Friends of Animal Care and Control on Wednesday, June 23rd from 6-9 pm at the Lucky Strike Bowling Alley.  Proceeds benefit strays and homeless animal in Chicago.

To print, click on the poster.  Bring the poster to lucky Strike
Bowling alley between now and June 23rd and they will donate 20% of your purchase when you bowl, eat, drink or play pool to Friends of Animal Care and Control.  It is a great place to play and benefit the homeless animal of Chicago.

For more information on the event and Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control check out their blog http://friendsofcacc.blogspot.com/.

ABC's Good Morning America discusses pet allergies

Dr. Becker discusses pet allergies and posible remedies on GMA.




http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Pets/deal-allergies-pet/story?id=10811285

Shedd Aquarium's baby beluga needs a name

From the Shedd Aquarium website, "Shedd Aquarium’s newest baby beluga whale needs a name! Starting Monday, May 24, Shedd is partnering with ABC 7 and the Daily Herald to offer you the chance to help choose a name for our male calf. Take a look at Shedd Aquarium’s beluga calf blogs, read about his milestones and personality, and then choose from 10 suggested Inuit names. Visit ABC 7’s website to vote. The naming opportunity runs through Sunday, June 6."


Click on the link below to view a dive with the belugas.
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=7459286

Lake Shore Animal Shelter Bone Vivant Brunch

http://lakeshoreanimalshelter.org/

Best Friends Helping to Clean up the Gulf Coast Oil Spill

Hair is very efficient at collecting oil out of the air, off surfaces like your skin and out of the water, even petroleum oil.  Products called Hair Mats and Hair Booms are made from hair and fur clipping to help contain oil spills.
Hair Clippings are especially needed now after this terrible oil spill in the Gulf.  As a pet grooming business we have a wonderful opportunity to help.  We will be saving the fur clippings from clean dogs and sending them to volunteers working with Matter of Trust, a nonprofit environmentsl organization. 



Click on the link below to se how the hair boom is made.  So simple yet so effective.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aHuWyFVo62o

Windy City Welcomes All For Doggies Chicago

Chicago's All For Doggies Daycamp has moved to Best Friends Windy City.  We want to extend our warm welcome to Caitlin, Frank, Jessica, Sharon and Miguel who join the staff at Windy City.  We especially wish to welcome our new four legged friends to their new Daycamp location.



Create Your Own

Meet the new baby Beluga whale at the Shedd Aquarium, It's a Boy!

There are more exciting videos and information on the Shedd Aquarium web site.

"A Cop And Her Dog"

This morning on NPR radio, Scott Simon tlls the story of Chicago Police Canine Officer Sandra La Porta and Lakos, her German Shepherd partner who both retireed from the force this week. Check out their story at on NPR "A Cop And Her Dog" where you can read and listen to this mornings story on the podcast.

All Dogs were Irish at Windy City on St. Patricks Day

Best Friends Interview with The Cute Pet Gazette!

During the New Jersey Super Pet Expo Danielle the manager from our Windsor, NJ location was interviewed for the "How Cute is Your Pet" segment of The Cute Pet Gazette.  This is a great interview loaded with awesome information on Best Friends Pet Care.

Why should your dog be registered with the Chicago City Clerk?

There are difinite benefits of registering your dog with the city.  If your dog is lost and is wearing the dog tag the finder can call City Clerk del Valle's office at 312-744-DOGS or the Animal Care and Control at 311 with the tag number and they will help locate the owner.  Dogs with licensing information are held at Animal Care and Control or the Anmal Welfare League while the owners are conteacted to retreive them.  In addition, the funds are directed to Animal Care and Control and to promote spay/neuter programs in the city.  A dog locense can be used to acess Chicago Park District dog friendly areas and are required by the city when taking your dog to an animal care facility like ours.

The City Clerk's office provides a very informative booklet available on line, at our center and at City Clerk del Valle's office.  In it is informatiion on Chicago dog friendly areas, outdoor cafes, animal abuse, animal fighting informationlost pet recovery information free or low cost spay/neuter locations, health issues, and registration information for obtaining a Chicago Dog License.

http://chicityclerk.com/dog_guide/196903_05_Dog_Guide_Web_2008.pdf

March 15-21 is National Poison Prevention Week

Roscoe Village Animal Hospital, in their latest e-news letter listed things to watch out for when you "pet proof" your home.  They also suggest that you contact the ASPCA Poison Control Center at 1-866-426-4435 if you think your pet may have been poisoned.  Also contact your local veterinarian.

Hazards in the Home
Foods:
-Avocado
-Chocolate
-Coffee
-Macadamia Nuts
-Raisins & grapes
-Yeast Dough
-Onions & onion powder
-Alcoholic beverages
-Products sweetened with xylitol (ex. gum)

Medications:
-Aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, naproxen
-Cold & flu medicines (pseudophedrine)
-Antidepressants & anti-cancer drugs
-Diet pills

**human medications can be potentially lethal, even in small doses.**

Other household items:
-Antifreeze, coolant
-Ice melting products & salts
-Insect & Rodent products & baits
-Fabric softener sheets, detergent
-Cleaning products & disinfectants
-Cocoa bean mulch fertilizer & moldy compost
-Batteries
-Post 1982 pennies (due to high concentration of zinc)
-Citronella candles

Many common plants:
-Tulips
-Lillies
-Morning Glory
-Ferns
-Hydrangea
-Aloe

For a complete list of products and for more information, please visit www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control.http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/

Worlds Tallest Dog reported on CNN

CNN talks with the owner of the world's tallest dog, a Great Dane, standing 3 feet, 7 inches, a Guinness World Record.

Foster Care Saves Lives

 From Lake Shore Animal Shelter foster parents Mike Lesch and Lisa Mills.  Lisa is also the Activities Coordinator here at Best Friends Windy City.  Pictured are Lisa with Mini and Mike with Rocky.

To anyone wishing to get involved with animal rescue that isn’t sure how to help, consider opening you home and your heart to a foster dog.

Our decision to foster for Lake Shore Animal Shelter (LSAS) was tempered by two concerns; our fears that taking in a strange animal would be a difficult transition for both us and our pets (when we started we had two dogs and two cats of our own – an important fact to which we’ll reference later), and that we would become attached to our charges and would have difficulty when the time came to send them off to their new home. Allow us to address the latter issue first. We do grow attached to all the animals we foster, and it is a difficult, sometimes emotional part of the job to give them up, but there are several factors that ease this burden…

LSAS has always allowed us to be an integral part of the adoption process.

We personally meet with each potential adopter and we are able to find a comfort level with each candidate, so we’re sure they’re going to a proper and loving home.
We have been welcomed to stay in touch with many of our adoptive families.

We regularly receive emails, photos, and updates on their progress. We have even “babysat” for several of our former fosters when the need arises.

We know there is always another deserving dog waiting to be rescued.

Finding another home for our fosters allows us the space to take in another dog who needs a second chance.

Regarding the lifestyle impact of becoming a foster parent, let us relate a story…

Our Beagle was old, sick, and on the decline when we took in Rocky, an 80 pound,10 year old Shepherd mix with bad hips and a crooked smile. During Farley’s last week, Rocky kept a silent vigil, sleeping alongside him and protecting him from any perceived threat. His mood after Farley passed was noticeably dour as he obviously mourned with us. This from a dog who had lost his own home and owner just two months prior. He now is best friends with Sarah, another Beagle who before joining our extended family was scheduled to be euthanized. Both of these sensitive and loving animals have a chance at a new life because of the work done at LSAS. We have never felt burdened or inconvenienced by our role as foster. On the contrary, it has been immensely rewarding.

We are proud and thankful of the opportunity we’ve been given to work with LSAS. Over the course of almost three years and 29 dogs and counting, we haven’t regretted a minute.
Lisa Mills and Mike Lesch

Our fostered dogs (we think this is everyone).... Ginger + her 8 puppies (Curry, Sage, Pepper, Licorice, Rosemary, Nutmeg, Sugar, and Anise), Boomer, Mason, Parker, Lila, Peekaboo, Dickens, Jamie, Lily, Cooper, Duchess, Tiny, Playdough, Hitomi, Stitch, Sweetgum + her 3 pups (Ash, Willow, and Bonzai), Rocky, and Sarah. There was also the time Nutmeg, renamed Missy, was returned to us.

If you think you’d like to get involved with foster care and you are a seasoned dog owner, call 312 409 1162, and Mary, Elizabeth, or Ann will get back to you. We set you up with what you need and provide you with support throughout your fostering experience.

Hugs and Kisses from our Daycare buddies

Love was in the air in Daycare Friday!

All Fours Dog Training featured on WCIU the U

Dee Lulik, All Fours Dog Training, was featured on WCIU the U recently.  Dee teaches Agility at Best Friends Windy City on Thursday nights.

WCIU, The U / You and Me This Morning / Home / Dog Agility: Part 2

Dee Lulik, All Fours Dog Training, on WCIU the U part 2

"NEW LIVES", a new book by Joanne Wannan, stories of rescued dogs from shelters and the streets

Joanne Wannan has written a book of stories about 18 dogs rescued from shelters and the streets who go on to work miracles in animal therapy and as sevice dogs.  Her book has been endorsed by the ASPCA and the Humane Society with the forward written by Dr. Marty Becker author of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul.  You can read an exerpt at her blog http://www.inspiringrescuestories.com/.

In a recent email to us Joanne writes "While writing this book, my eyes were opened to how many truly amazing animal shelters and organizations are making a difference.  I also discovered the negative affects ths slow global economy has caused for these groups.  The animal shelters/organizations who are hurting the most aren't tho large nationsl groups.  Its the small local shelters and organizations that are really struggling right now."

As a result, she is donating a portion of the proceeds of the sale of the book to shelters.  There is also a contest where people can tell their shelter stories and win valuable prizes.  2 lucky winners will each have 15% of the profits from the sale of New Lives donated to the shelter of their choice.

Safe Humane Chicago Meet and Greet at Windy city

Safe Humane Chicago is holding a "meet and Greet" at Best Friends Windy City for Dog and Handler Teams.

http://www.safehumanechicago.org/

Earn $20 by Referring Best Friends Windy City!!

Check out our awesome Refer a Furry Friend Program here at Best Friends Windy City.  Every time you refer a friend to us- you will get $20.  All you have to do is have the new customer fill out the card below.  Then- both of you will recieve $20 on us!!! 

Click here to download the referral card! 

Call 773-384-5959 for more information.

Great Pup needs new home!

We had a client drop off her dog because her landlord is no longer allowing her to have her at home. Her name is Sierra, she's a 6 year old Doberman and super sweet. She's not agressive at all - she spends all day in social play with the other pups here, she has great manners - doesn't jump or pull, and looooves any attention you give her. She doesn't even bark! She's up to date on all her shots, and of course spayed. She's registered with the AKC and we have all her pedigree papers.

Interested?  Contact Caitlin at All For Doggies.

All for Doggies
1760 N. Kilbourn
Chicago, IL
773.395.0900

Valentines Daycare Party February 12th

AETC Blood Drive For Animals February 6th

AETC Blood Drive for Animals

February 6, 2010, 10am - 2pm

AETC Chicago Hospital, 3927 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60618

Have your pet screened to be a blood donor

Refreshments for pets and their people will be provided

Click here to see the Blood Donor Program requirements for dogs and cats.

To woof or meow....that is the question!

How are dog people and cat people different?
By Elizabeth Landau, CNN
January 13, 2010 8:59 a.m. EST
 
CNN - According to a team of experts at the University of Texas in Austin, ....turns out that the "dog people" -- based on how people identified themselves, not on what animals they actually own -- tend to be more social and outgoing, whereas "cat people" tend to be more neurotic but "open," which means creative, philosophical, or nontraditional in this context.
 

Look at our new friend boarding with us this week.

Dingo is a 3 month old Australian Cattle Dog. Isn't he just the cutest!  He loves to play with his new friends.

"Day of Surgeries" to support local shelters

The staff of Animal Medical Center of Chicago 1618 West Diversey will be donating a 'Day of Surgeries' to three local shelters on February  21, 2010.  They have worked with the shelters and compiled a list of much needed materials, items you might not expect them to need.  Please join Dr. Solomon and her team by donating any of the items needed by the shelters.  You can drop off donated supplies at Animal Medical Center of Chicago during the week of February 1st.  The list includes:

Laundry Detergent

Lint Brushes

Old Newspapers

Puppy Pee Pads

Computer Paper

Garbage Bags

Stamps

Collars (all sizes)

Leashes (all sizes)

Heating Pads

Yesterday's News orClay Cat Litter

Mop Heads

Non-slip Bathmats

Latex Gloves

Pet Store Gift Cards

Interactive Cat Toys (without catnip)

Dog Beds (all sizes)

Stuffed and Rubber dog toys

Carriers and Crates (all sizes)

turkey/Chicken Baby Food

Blankets (new or gently used)

Towels (new or gently used)

Pet Food and Treats

And anything else you wish to pass along!

Please contact Animal Medical Center of Chicago at 773-525-3353 with any questions.

"Operation Dairyland"

December 31, 2009 Dairyland Greyhound Park in Wisconsin closed displacing 450 greyhounds. The Greyhound Alliance working with greyhound rescue groups has been workinig dilligently to place the dogs disignated as pets.  Of the 450 dogs 261 have been selected, 17 are awaiting transports and 244 remain oin site.  To help in their efforts go to Greyhound Alliance web site or contact Greyhounds Only for more information and contact information.

To see pictures of the December 5th transport click here