Check out the End of Summer deals at Animal Tales in Katy! Save on pet treats, accessories and event enter to win an iPod!

Donate $5 to Vizsla Rescue and take home a 20 oz. bag of Mother’s Nature Treats; 40% off Leashs, Collars, Clothes, Bowls and Beds; 1/2 Off Selected Items…And don’t miss Yappy Hour, Sept 24, 6-8 pm.

Friends of BARC is in need of funds and fosters for their ever growing population of saved lives.  They are a non-profit corporation that supports the humane care and treatment of the animals in the City of Houston Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care (BARC).  For more information regarding Sassy and Trapp or Friends of BARC contact Cindi Hohle at cindi.hohle@c-a-m.com.

Meadowlake Pet Resort is a combination pet hotel, university, spa and doggie camp offering lodging, grooming, training, and daycare services.  Meadowlake caters to dogs, cats and most exotics; including birds, ferrets, rabbits and lizards to name just a few.  Founded in 2009 by native Houstonian and animal lover, Carroll Robertson Ray, Meadowlake is conveniently located to Downtown Houston, the Med Center, Pearland and Friendswood areas.  Set on four green acres, Meadowlake’s many amenities include custom climate-controlled cottages, natural lighting, relaxing music, outdoor patios, hospital grade cleaning equipment, a state of the art spa, Activity Center with rubberized floor to protect precious joints, a dedicated staff with over 100 years combined animal care experience and even a Kitty Park.  Meadowlake’s services and amenities can be viewed online at www.meadowlakepetresort.com.

HPT September Radio spot on KTRH Your Pet’s Health

Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue is committed to providing all aspects of care while finding forever homes for the dogs including veterinary care and professional training (to address any behavioral issues).

In addition to pulling from shelters, one of the rescue group’s board members will watch ads on Craig’s List and attempt to educate people about the dangers of giving their dogs up for free by explaining that their family pet could very well be used as a bait dog in the dog fighting circles which is an unfortunate reality. Another reality is that if a pet is turned in at a shelter, there is the likelihood that the pet may not be adopted but will be put to sleep instead.

If Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue cannot personally help a cocker spaniel they will e-mail other rescue groups and cross-post cocker spaniel listings on Facebook so they can aid in the placement of as many cocker spaniels as they can.

GCCSR in Houston, TX will also strive to educate the public about the importance of spaying/neutering, the need for heartworm preventative (due to Houston’s mosquito problem), regular vaccinations, and other care pertaining specifically to cocker spaniels. Through awareness, Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue in Houston, TX hopes that one day the supply and demand ratio of these wonderful dogs will be in better balance.

How You Can Help Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue

GCCSR in Houston, TX is in desperate need of donations and reliable foster homes for the dogs. Even if you cannot make a donation or open your homes to a foster dog, you can still help by seeking contacts that might be able to help with the printing of paper, T-shirts, banners and signs. Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue in Houston, TX also needs help with planning and organizing various fundraising events (including connections who can help with a silent auction), and assisting with adoption events in the future.

Reimbursements for Foster Homes

Veterinary care for all dogs fostered through Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue will be paid for directly by GCCSR provided the dogs go to a partnered veterinarian. Additionally, anyone who fosters a cocker spaniel can be provided a tax deduction receipt for all documented, out-of-pocket foster expenses (e.g. food).

Adoption Events

In the future, when Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue grows and has enough foster homes to have additional dogs in the program, they plan to hold regular adoption events. Volunteers for these events are also welcome.

Shop at Kroger and Help a Cocker Spaniel

Once Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue in Houston, TX obtains their 501 (c)(3) status, they will participate in the Kroger Community Rewards Program. With this program, the rescue group will earn funds each time you shop at Kroger (when you use your Kroger Plus Card).

Kick-Off Party

Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue will be holding their first fundraising event on August 29, 2010 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Rover Oaks in Houston, TX. An admission price of $20 per person (or $35 per pair) will provide you with a BBQ lunch, a door prize, a Rover Pass valued up to $40 (which can be used for training, boarding, daycare, or grooming), a silent auction (which will feature items like tickets to sporting events, small electronics, a laptop computer, art, and a woman’s bicycle), and a photographer who will take complimentary pictures of you and/or your dog. *(Low-resolution proofs will be mailed to you for your review and selection. Affordable photography packages will be sold and the proceeds will benefit Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue group).

*Note: Dogs are allowed at this event provided their owners bring current vaccination records – including a Bordatella vaccine administered in the past six months.

Rover Oaks is located at 2550 West Bellfort, Houston, TX, 77054. Need directions to the launch party? Click here.

To learn more about Gulf Coast Cocker Spaniel Rescue in Houston, TX visit their website at http://www.gulfcoastcockerspanielrescue.org.

Article by: Bobbi Leder

Thayer’s Pet Photo Contest (Benefitting CAP) contest rules:
1. Entry Fee: $199 plus tax.
2. $50 of each fee collected is donated to CAP (Citizens for Animal Protection).
3. You receive one 5×7 Evin Thayer Studios ART portrait (a value of $259).
4. Your photo image is entered into Houston PetTalk magazine photo contest.
5. Photo must be taken at ETS between June 1, 2010 and September 30, 2010.
6. Photos may be taken of just your pet, you with your pet, child and pet, or the entire family with the pet.
7. The photo you select will be judged for “Cute Image” and “Cleverness of Idea”; props of costumes may be used. The photos will be judged by the Houston PetTalk staff.
8. The winner will be announced in the November 2010 issue of Houston PetTalk magazine and the photo will appear on a full page in the magazine! You and your pet will be a star!
9. There will also be 6 runners up positions that will appear in the magazine.
To book a session call 713.524.0199 or for more information about Evin visit www.evinthayer.com.
Evin Thayer Studios – experience the art of photography!

Meadowlake Pet Resort is a combination pet hotel, university, spa and doggie camp offering lodging, grooming, training and daycare services.  Meadowlake caters to dogs, cats and most exotics; including birds, ferrets, rabbits and lizards to name just a few.  Founded in 2009 by native Houstonian and animal lover, Carroll Robertson Ray, Meadowlake is conveniently located to Downtown Houston, the Med Center, Pearland and Friendswood areas.  Set on four green acres, Meadowlake’s many amenities include custom climate-controlled cottages, natural lighting, relaxing music, outdoor patios, hospital grade cleaning equipment, a state of the art spa, Activity Center with rubberized floor to protect precious joints, a dedicated staff with over 100 years combined animal care experience and even a Kitty Park.  Meadowlake’s services and amenities can be viewed online at www.meadowlakepetresort.com.

CONTACT:
Elisabeth Graven
Sales Manager
elisabeth.graven@meadeowlakepetresort.com
713-413-1633 x 103 (Phone)
713-413-4723 (Fax)

Purchase Options & Pricing:

$40 Dog Day Bullpen Box Package-
Includes Bullpen Box seats for you and your canine with access into the Barking Room only section along Conoco Alley, the Dog Zone located in KBR Plaza, and the Pooch Parade around the warning track.
*ONE dog per ONE human will be permitted. Dog Day packages are available for owners with dogs 1-80 lbs.

$20 Dog Day Standing Room ONLY Package-
Includes access to the “Barking Room Only” area in Conoco Alley, the Dog Zone in KBR Plaze and the Pooch Parade around the warning track.
*Standing Room Only packages are required for owners with dogs 81-100 lbs. Standing Room Only packages DO NOT include a seat for you or your dog.
NOTE: Dogs exceeding 100 lbs. Will NOT be permitted entry.

PACKAGE ADD-ONS:

• $13 Additional Human Tickets (Bullpen Box)
  • Includes a Bullpen Box seat adjacent to your Dog Day Package.
• $10 Additional Human Tickets (Standing Room Only)
  • Includes a Standing Room only ticket in Conoco Alley. Does NOT include seat.

All fans who are participating please remember:

• Dog must be wearing a valid licensed tag that is in compliance with the City of Houston pet licensing for entrance. If you live in a city where registration is not required, you must provide documentation from your vet stating so.
• You MUST bring a copy of your dog’s vaccination records (Rabies, DHP, Parvo, Bordatella). All dogs must be up to date on all current vaccinations.
• You must bring a signed indemnity waiver or sign one at registration for all guests entering Dog Zone
• All dogs must remain on leash at ALL times including when you and your dog are seated in the reserved seating section.
• Your tickets will be mailed to you via UPS. If you purchase your package on or after September 10, you will pick up your tickets at registration in the Dog Zone located near the Left Field Gate on Crawford Street
• The Pooch Parade will begin at 11:45 a.m. at Right Field Gate
• Limited pre-packaged food and beverages (i.e. hot dogs, Cracker Jacks, bottled Cokes, a variety of bottled drinks, etc.) will be available in the Reserved Seating Area and Dog Zone. For a complete selection of ballpark food, you will be able to leave your dogs with “dog sitters” in order to purchase food in other areas of the ballpark.

Required Vaccinations:

• Rabies – given annually, but sometimes can be a 3 year.
• DHLP (Distemper, Hepatitis, Leptospirosis, Para influenza) – all given annually, sometimes referred to as the Combo Vaccination, especially when it includes Parvo.
• Parvo – given annually, many times this is included in the DHLP and indicated as DHLPP.
• Bordatella – given either every six months or annually. Sometimes referred to as: Kennel Cough OR Tracheobronchitis.

BARC Upcoming Special  Events:

• DOG WASH
  • August 21^st – Dog and Car Wash with Donation Drive – 10 am to 1 pm – Sponsors – Our Block West U –Airport Pet Parks – Location: Carisma Car Wash - 5203 Kirby
• BARC at the Park
  • August 22^nd –– 9 am to 12 pm – TC Jester Dog Park – 4201 West TC Jester Blvd. BARC mobile adoption center, shelter supplies donation drive, and a special sponsor/hostess with doggy goodies.
• Market Square Dog Park Grand Opening
  • August 28th –– Mobile dog Adoptions: 2p to 4p
• Astro’s Dog Day
  • September 19^th –– Education and Outreach event – Pet Previews – (no adoptions on site) – 1 pm to 5 pm
• AnthroPAWlogy Adoptions
  • September 25th – Anthropology in City Center – Cat and Dog Adoptions and Pet Supply Drive: 10a to 2p
• PetFest
  • October 23rd & 24th – PetFest in Olde Town Spring – All Animal Adoptions, with pet services including Ear Cleanings and Nail Trimmings: 10a – 4p

BARC – Every Weekend Mobile Adoption Events

• Wags to Whiskers: 12p-4p every Saturday at BARC- 3200 Carr Street- with Food, Refreshements, and Fun!
• Petco #469 on 290 @ 43rd: 11a-2p every Sunday
  • (Details and Map)
• Petsmart #198 on 610 @ Westpark: 11a-3p every Saturday
  • (Details and Map)
• Highland Village – Saturday and Sunday hours vary
  • (Hours and Details)
• Petsmart #1045 on 290 @ Hollister: 11a-2p every Saturday
  • (Details and Map)

*Adoption Events may be closed on holiday weekends, contact store for holiday dates. If you would like to volunteer at any of these events register as a volunteer online at www.HoustonBARC.com. To host or sponsor future events with BARC please email tiffany.moore@houstontx.gov

Donation Drive Items Needed:

(we would like to supply many of these items to our foster homes and volunteers to provide animal assistance and enrichment)

New and used towels, rags, wash cloths

Dog food (dry or canned, any brand)

Cat food (dry or canned, any brand)

Puppy food  (dry or canned, any brand)

Kitten food (dry or canned, any brand)

Dog and cat beds (small ones)

Toys (indestructble types only)

Leashes and collars of all sizes and types for Adoption gifts

Dog and cat treats, cookies, bones, chews, biscuits etc

Dog, Cat, Puppy Kitten FLEA shampoo

Flea spray (puppy, kitten, cat, dog)

Qtips

Ear cleaning solution

Flea drops

Nail clippers

Brushes, combs, rakes for grooming

Grooming trimmers and scissors

Pet Wipes

Waterless shampoo

Card board boxes (shallow, clothing, lids, for litter boxes)

Newspaper

Recyclable biodegradable litter pellets made from newspaper

Stainless Steel bowls

Cleaning supplies:

409 or other spray cleaners

Clorox wipes

Clorox/bleach

Hand sanitizer (large pump bottles)

Paper towels

Shop type paper towels
Scrub brushes

Handi wipes

Spray bottles (empty)
Pails, jugs, containers

Plastic storage totes

Reusable Tote bags

Metal or plastic pet carrier crates and play pens