Tech-ing It Too Far

By Brianne Harrison

Don’t get me wrong—I like technology. I appreciate all the things techy gadgets allow us to do now, like help find a missing dog quickly—but there are limits to my tech love, and in some pet-related areas, I think I’m starting to reach it.

On the good side, there’s this story of a man who used an iPhone app to find his 8-year-old lab Maise, who had escaped from the owner’s yard and disappeared, managing to rip off her collar in the process. Her owner, William Coxe, started by putting up flyers, and then a friend told him about a website called FindToto.com, which helps recover lost pets. Coxe accessed the site using an iPhone app, which, for a fee, also contacted 2,500 of his neighbors and left them a message with the dog’s description and Coxe’s contact info. The call finally reached the person who had Maise, and she was back home in under 2 hours. Now, that’s the power of technology!

But of course, as with anything, it can be taken a little too far. By fall, we should see not one but two gadgets out on the market that allow your dog to send tweets on Twitter. Yes, that’s right, soon your dog can spend its day tweeting away about all the fascinating things it’s doing, like sleeping and scratching behind its ear.

The first product due to be released is an iPhone app called Bowlingual. The app, which has already been released in Japan, claims to translate your dog’s barks using a special algorithm, essentially allowing your dog to “speak”. That translation can then be posted to Twitter so everyone knows your dog really wants its dinner. NOW.

The second product, which will be released by Mattel in the fall, is a tweeting dog collar known as Puppy Tweet. Put the collar on your dog and every time he or she moves, barks, or growls, it sends out a pre-programmed tweet (example: I bark because I miss you—there, now hurry home), allowing you to obsessively follow your dog’s every move throughout the day. Oh, and just in case we weren’t sure yet that dogs have become the new babies, the collar is available in two colors only: pink and blue.

Now, I love my dogs, but I don’t really feel the need to know what they’re doing every moment of the day. I know what they’re doing—sleeping, snoring loudly, and occasionally getting up to get some water to drink. Although at one point, for our own amusement, my fiancé and I dreamed up a rich fantasy life for our dogs that had them building a biplane while we were out of the house, I’m fairly sure that their lives are much duller than that. But hey, maybe my feelings just mean I don’t love them quite enough.

What do you think?

Helping Hounds

By Brianne Harrison

Greyhounds are amazing creatures—majestic, elegant, and from what I hear, incredible family pets. But the breed has a storied (and often tragic) history, with many of these dogs ending up on racetracks, where they’re frequently subjected to strenuous races and cruel treatment. Too often, their careers are short, and dogs are disposed of once they’re no longer bringing in money.

Thankfully, there are a number of rescues devoted to saving these dogs and finding them good homes. One, Greyhound Friends of New Jersey, Inc., is having a fundraiser March 27. The evening will feature prizes, a buffet dinner, cash bar, and a tricky tray, all for a $25 donation. Space is limited, so if you’re interested in spending a fun evening helping animals in need, e-mail flutz22331@aol.com.

In other news…
Nature’s Variety has issued a voluntary recall of its Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets for dogs and cats with an expiration date of 10/29/10 or 11/9/10 and Chicken Formula and Organic Chicken Formula Raw Frozen Diets with an expiration date on or before 2/5/11 due to possible salmonella contamination. If you’ve purchased any of these items, return them to your retailer for a full refund or replacement.

2 Dogs, 2000 Miles, 1 Goal

By Brianne Harrison

Just about every animal lover has lost a pet at some point. Most of us grieve when this happens, and remember the good times as we begin to move on with our lives. But others, like Luke Robinson, decide to do more.

Robinson lost his beloved dog, Malcolm, to bone cancer in 2006. Malcolm’s death inspired Robinson to set out on an epic 2,000-mile journey on foot from Austin, TX to Boston, MA, accompanied by his two remaining dogs, Hudson and Murphy. Their goal is to raise awareness of cancer and the vital importance of further research into the disease. Researching canine cancer could help develop treatments for human cancers as well, since the malignant cells in both species are similar.

Robinson’s journey, which began in 2008, has made him a celebrity—he’s appeared on CBS, ABC, Fox, and the Today Show—and has brought plenty of attention to his cause. He’s talked to pet owners, scientists, and oncologists all over the country. He and his “boys” are now in New York, just 250 miles short of their goal, which they expect to reach in mid-June. You can follow their progress at 2dogs2000miles.org. There, you can also make donations, and those who have lost a pet to bone cancer can have their name added to the Memorial Shirt Robinson’s wearing on his walk. You can also nominate your pet for inclusion on the 2011 “Cancer Can’t Keep a Good Dog Down” calendar (submissions will be taken starting in mid-May.)

Now, as these things often do, this mammoth journey has inspired a new cause: 2 Million Dogs. The goal is to get 2 million dogs nationwide to walk 2 miles for cancer. Although the campaign is still in its infancy, anyone interested can visit 2milliondogs.org to learn more and submitting their dog(s) and themselves for the walk.

In the meantime, see what Luke’s up to, and maybe plan a trip to Boston in June—there’ll be plenty going on for animal lovers!

A Cure for Stir Craziness

By Brianne Harrison

Going stir crazy? If you’re starting to, chances are, it’s even worse for your dog., which makes this the perfect time to consider joining the Possibility Pursuit Dog Walk this weekend.

Possibility Pursuit is an annual event hosted by Enable, which provides services, support, and living arrangements to those living with disabilities and their families throughout Central New Jersey. Last year, a group of people who rescue dogs asked if a dog walk could be included in the Possibility Pursuit. Some of the dogs that participated were themselves disabled due to injury or illness.

This year, the Dog Walk is being organized by Lynne Przychodzki, one of last year’s participants. Animal rescue groups will be in attendance, offering adoptions. Dogs who walk will be eligible for prizes for Best Trick, Best Bark, Best Outdoor Costume, Owner/Dog Look Alike, and Top Dog prize for the dog and owner who raise the highest amount of pledges. Dogs participating will receive a scarf, and owners will get t-shirts while supplies last.

Even those who don’t have pets can participate—Possibility Pursuit also includes a 5k run, which starts at 2 p.m., and an indoor fitness walk that starts at 2:05.

The Dog Walk begins at 2:30 p.m. Come out, get some exercise, and beat those winter blues!

Possibility Pursuit, Feb. 28, PEAC Health & Fitness, Ewing. For more information, e-mail event@enablenj.org or call Kirsten Yard at 609.987.5003 ex. 124.

Endless Possibilities

By Brianne Harrison

One of the wonderful things about the arts is that they frequently provide a means of expression for those who struggle or are unable to express themselves in other ways. Those with severe physical disabilities may fall into this group, but a New Jersey nonprofit called A.R.T. (Artistic Realization Technologies) helps them realize their full (and impressive) creative potential by providing them with the tools and technology they need to paint, take photographs, and sculpt. A.R.T has helped many artists create beautiful works that have been shown in galleries in New Jersey and Manhattan.

From February 25-28, A.R.T. will come to the Princeton University Art Museum with a new show entitled “A New Way of Seeing.” Stop by for the opening reception, from 6-8 p.m. on February 25, or check the show out over the weekend—admission to the museum is free, and the works will astonish you.

If you’re feeling more active this weekend, you might want to take part in the Enable Possibility Pursuit on Sunday. Possibility Pursuit includes a 5K run, indoor and outdoor fitness walks, and a dog walk. The event is geared towards persons with disabilities, their families, and friends. Pledges and funds raised will go towards supporting the services Enable provides to the disabled and their families. For more information, visit enablenj.org.

Fun in the Sun

By Brianne Harrison

It’s about this time of year that our winter-weary minds start to conjure up images of warm, sandy beaches and drinks with umbrellas in them. Many of us, unable to help ourselves, head to Expedia to start researching flights south and eagerly begin planning a tropical vacation in the months to come.

New Jersey animal lovers have a unique opportunity to kill two birds with one stone—plan a fabulous Caribbean vacation while also helping animals in need, thanks to the Jersey Shore Animal Center’s annual benefit cruise.

For seven nights from November 6-13, Norwegian’s brand new ship Epic will hop from Miami to St. Marten, St. Thomas, and Nassau in the Bahamas. Passengers can relax, enjoy the good food and shipboard fun, soak up some sun, and know the whole time they’re helping to support JSAC’s homeless animals. What could be better?

Prices are $762-$1072 per person, double occupancy. Airfare and transfers in Miami are not included. A $25 deposit per person is required to reserve an inside or balcony cabin, and a $300 deposit per person is required to reserve outside cabins. Deposits are due March 15, so start making your plans! Final payments are due July 31. For more information and booking, call Barbara at 732.262.8636 or Jaime at 732.920.1600 ext. 208.

A Dog’s Life

By Brianne Harrison

It’s a dog’s life—or, at least, it should be, according to the author/photographer team behind Dogplay: The Canine Guide to Being Happy, a charming little gift book that urges people to approach life the way our canine companions do (example: “Explore new backyards, but know your way home.”) The platitudes, while cute, aren’t exactly groundbreaking; the photography, by Little Silver-based pet portraitist Kim Levin, is the real winner here. Levin’s black and white pics catch man’s best friend at its cutest, happiest, and sweetest. It’s impossible not to have your heart warmed at least a little by this quick read.

The book is coming out in March (but can be preordered here), and Levin will be signing copies from 1-3 p.m. at the following locations:

Barnes & Noble, Holmdel, March 6
River Road Books, Fair Haven, March 13
Barnes & Noble—Monmouth Mall, Eatontown, March 20

Meanwhile: St. Hubert’s has taken its pet adoption campaign to the streets—literally, by posting digital billboards on some of the state’s major highways, touting the benefits of pet ownership and adoption. The new billboards, which were created by Branchburg-based Mint Advertising, can be seen on Routes 80, 287, 78, 280, and the New Jersey Turnpike.

Puppy Bowl VI: The Big Game With a Side of “Awwwww”

image courtesy of animal.discovery.com

By Brianne Harrison

For some people, Super Bowl Sunday is the highlight of the year. For others…not so much. Fortunately, for pet lovers who aren’t big fans of the big game, there’s an alternative with a huge Awwww factor: the Puppy Bowl.

That’s right: instead of watching 250+ pound men crashing into each other, you can watch 60 of the cutest creatures in the world (all rescue dogs, by the way) wrestle over toy footballs, with occasional cutaways to action shots from the underneath water bowl camera. There’s also a kitten halftime show. And this year, New Jerseyans can cheer on some of their own: two puppies on the team, Duncan (left) and Jake (below), were adopted from All Star Pet Rescue right here in the Garden State.

Puppy Bowl VI airs on Animal Planet from 3-5 p.m. February 7. Set your TiVo and start planning that “tail”-gate party!

Join the Cause
Most of us are looking for ways to help out after the devastating earthquake in Haiti, and animal lovers have a unique opportunity to do so. A group of organizations and individuals have joined forces to raise funds for the American Rescue Dog Association, which has deployed several canine teams to aid in the recovery of victims. How can you help? If you have a Twitter account, post the message:

“We're donating to ARDA to support their work in #Haiti. Please help and RT http://bit.ly/7hgsf7 @BRACpet @NorthStarVETS @WedgewoodPetRx”.

The campaign, which started January 25, will continue through the next few weeks. You can also donate to ARDA by visiting ardainc.org.

Training People

By Brianne Harrison

For anyone who’s ever wondered what their dog is really thinking (and up to during the day when you’re not home) Training People is for you. This book is also for you if you need a really good laugh (and who doesn’t, these days?) The slim tome, written by Tess of Helena, teaches dogs how to bring out the best in their humans, and includes instructions that range from choosing a human (with the pros and cons of men vs. women vs. couples) to training your human to give you want you want (the head-tilt is frequently cited as being an excellent tool, which it is, for my dogs, at least.) Along the way, there’s plenty of advice on dealing with cats (get rid of them, whenever possible) and children (learn to love them—your humans will be thankful), getting what you want, and punishing your humans when necessary. This book is completely adorable, and I’d highly recommend it to any dog lover (or, as I said before, anyone who needs a laugh).

Find out for yourself: Enter to win one of three copies of Training Humans!

In other news, a rescue team from St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center recently set out to rescue 100 puppies and dogs from several Midwest puppy mills. The dogs will eventually be transported back to New Jersey and put up for adoption, but if you’re curious to know how they’re doing, St. Hubert’s is reporting its progress on Facebook. Good luck, team!

Winterize Your Pet!

By Brianne Harrison

The weather outside may be frightful, but man’s best friend still needs to go out for a walk. As you wrap up in jacket, boots, scarf, and hat, consider doing a few things to keep your pet safe and warm in wintery conditions.

Apply Vaseline to your dog’s paws in icy conditions. It’ll act as a barrier between the paws and road salt. You should also make sure to buy salt that’s pet friendly. Most major pet stores carry it this time of year. If your dog’s paws are very sensitive, you might want to consider buying some booties. I’ve heard good things about PAWZ booties, which are just thick enough to protect those paws but thin enough that your dog can still feel the ground he’s walking on!

If there’s salt on the roads or sidewalks, gently clean it off your dog’s paws with a towel after your walks. Salt can be very irritating to dogs’ paws.

Considering a coat for your dog? Keep in mind that only breeds that have thin coats (like most small breeds) really need them. If your dog starts shivering in the chilly wind, he may need a coat or sweater. Make sure you get one that’s easy to put on and take off, but that isn’t so loose it gets in your dog’s way!

If the weather’s so bad you can only get out for the absolute essentials, make sure you give your dog some indoor exercise time. Push back the furniture to give yourselves some room and play a game of fetch (as long as nothing breakable’s around!) or tug-of-war. If you need other ideas on how to keep your dog occupied, see our pet expert’s article on Cabin Fever.

Stay warm!

A Friend in Need

By Brianne Harrison

Massachusetts’ ban on greyhound racing, which recently went into effect, is both good news and bad news for hundreds of former racing dogs. On the one hand, they’re spared further racing, and the risk of injury that comes with it (not to mention the possibility of a horrible fate if they cease to run profitably). On the other hand, many of these dogs are now rendered homeless, and greyhound rescue groups are finding themselves overwhelmed.

One such group, Greyhound Friends of New Jersey, Inc., has taken in about 135 dogs from two recently closed tracks. Seventeen dogs came in last week alone. The group is now actively seeking foster homes and adopters for these beautiful dogs, which make excellent pets, even for those who don’t have large houses or a lot of land (surprisingly, greyhounds are major couch potatoes and prefer snoozing in a sunny spot to running all day.)

“These dogs are a joy to live with,” says GFNJ president Linda Lyman. “They’re not only beautiful; they’re calm, gentle, and loving. Some people may think that retired racing greyhounds are over-active and hyper, but the opposite is actually true. While they want a good walk each day, they spend most of their day snoozing.”

Interested? GFNJ is now holding regular adoption events, where you can meet the dogs, spend time with them, and get expert advice on the breed from GFNJ volunteers. Prior to adoption, all the dogs are spayed or neutered, tested for heartworm, and have their teeth cleaned.

For more information, call 732.356.4370 or visit greyhoundfriendsnj.org.

Fitness for Fido

By Brianne Harrison

Is your pooch packing some extra pounds? Many humans make resolutions to lose weight and reduce stress in the new year, but what about helping your pet do the same? Morris Animal Inn, a luxury pet spa and resort, is offering a “Fit and Zen” resolutions camp to help canines kick off a healthy 2010.

The camp, which will run January 11-15, features activities designed to keep dogs active, stimulated, and stress free. Spot can enjoy treadmill trots, swim sessions in the indoor pool, “Doga” and “Pawlates”, as well as pampering massages and homemade treats. The program’s offerings will be tailored to meet the particular needs of each dog, with some sessions overseen by a trainer and others offered in a group setting.

“Fit and Zen” is $49 per day or $199 for the week. Reservations must be made in advance by calling 973.539.0377 ext. 5. For more information, visit morrisanimalinn.com.

Little Shelter, Big Cause

By Brianne Harrison

This week, we’re going to take a little trip north, to the Long Island-based Little Shelter Animal Rescue & Adoption Center. Little Shelter is notable for being one of Long Island’s oldest no-kill shelters, having spent the last 82 years rescuing and rehousing strays and abandoned or abused cats and dogs. But now, this admirable and much-loved institution finds itself in a precarious situation.

Like many shelters across the country, Little Shelter has been inundated with animals due to the bad economy. Heartbreakingly, unemployment, wage decreases, and foreclosures are forcing many loving owners to hand over their pets. The economy has also led to the closure of two Long Island shelters—Bid-A-Wee and Animal Haven, bringing even more homeless animals to Little Shelter, which is now caring for more than 400 cats and 50 dogs. This is, understandably, putting an immense strain on the shelter’s own resources at a time when donations are down 30%. As a result, Little Shelter has had to cut back on services such as animal medical care and its numerous community animal care services.

In an effort to raise much-needed funds, Little Shelter has extended its Holiday Donation Drive through January 7, 2010. Even a small donation can help this shelter keep going for another year. Why is this shelter worth your donation? Consider what Little Shelter offers: besides providing homes for many homeless animals, Little Shelter is also committed to rescuing senior and special needs animals, as well as some of the pets left behind during Hurricane Katrina (such as Walker, pictured here). Little Shelter also maintains a foster home network and an animal soup kitchen that helps people in low-income households keep and care for their pets in these difficult times by providing them with food and medical supplies. How’s that for a worthy cause?

This is the season for giving, and even a small amount can make a difference. Maybe you’ve had your eye on a new outfit or pair of shoes or book—nothing wrong with that! But take just a moment to consider what else that $20 or $50 can buy, and maybe you can find an extra $10 or $20 lying around that can help support these helpless, homeless animals.

To donate to Little Shelter, visit
littleshelter.com/fundraisers/donations.htm
or send a check of any amount to:
Little Shelter Animal Rescue
Dept. HD
33 Warner Rd.
Huntington, NY 11743

Dog Days

By Brianne Harrison

In all the holiday bustle, there’s one thing that a lot of people tend to overlook—in a couple of weeks, 2009 will end, and that calendar on the kitchen wall is going to be rendered obsolete. Which means, of course, that you’ll need a new one. Now, there’s no shortage of calendars out there for pet lovers—stores are fully stocked with “Adorable [insert breed of choice] Puppies of 2010”, but if you’re a New Jersey dog lover, why not be a little different and grab the 2010 Dog Days of Lambertville calendar instead?

The calendar (which was sadly absent last year) is the brainchild of Adrien Gerson, a Lambertville local who wanted to showcase the many dogs that live in the area as well as the town’s charming Victorian architecture. Adrien, who was diagnosed with MS 9 years ago, finds inspiration in Lambertville, its canines, and the humans who love them.

The Dog Days of Lambertville features 69 dogs from in and around town. Some of the notable new additions include Charlie D.O.G. Jones, the calendar’s first disabled dog (not that he lets having only three legs stop him!) and Emma, a formerly shy rescue dog who’s blossomed into a happy, bossy pup who delights in herding her four feline companions.

The calendar can be bought for $10 at Rojo’s, Tirpok Cleaners, Homestead Farm Market, Lambertville Animal Clinic, Picky Paws, Sojourner, Pet Shop Girls, No. 63, Secondhand Sams, Boxwoods, and Blue Raccoon in Lambertville. It can also be purchased online for $10 + $4.95 shipping and handling at lambertvilledogs.com. One hundred percent of the profits from the sale of the calendar is donated to Animal Alliance, Hunterdon Humane Animal Shelter, and Make Peace with Animals.

The Holiday Spirit

By Brianne Harrison

As we noted in our most recent issue, the holiday season seems to bring out people’s charitable sides. We donate our pocket change to the Salvation Army, or perhaps a gift to a needy child. Some, like seven-year-old Jake Rothstein, go a little further.

Jake is a second grader at The Wardlaw-Hartridge School, a Woodbridge resident, and a major animal lover. While picking up his newly adopted cat, Felix, from Angel PAWS in Colonia, he noticed the many other needy animals housed at the shelter and decided to do something to help them. So, Jake is organizing a collection of supplies the shelter needs at the BarronArtsCenter’s annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, which takes place today from 5-7 p.m.

Items the shelter needs include cat and dog food (wet and premium dry), litter, paper towels, paper plates, cleaning supplies (bleach, soap), towels, pet beds, toys, bathroom throw rugs, plastic garbage bags, grooming items (q-tips, cotton balls), and office supplies (paper, pens, etc). The collection box will remain at the ArtsCenter until December 31.

Santa Paws
Why should kids get all the fun? Take your pets to see Santa and have their pictures taken this weekend!

The Morris Animal Inn (120 Sand Spring Rd., Morristown) will have holiday pet photos on Saturday, December 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Morris K9 Campus (1 Aspen Dr., Randolph) will have photo sessions on Sunday, December 6, also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Photos will be taken by professional photographer, Hugo Juarez. A $10 sitting fee includes one 5 x 7 photo. Additional images may be ordered. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Make-A-Wish Foundation of New Jersey. For reservations, call Morris Animal Inn at 973.539.0377 or Morris K9 Campus at 973.252.5100.

Santa will also be stopping by the Jersey Shore Animal Center (185 Brick Blvd., Brick) this Saturday and Sunday from 12 Noon to 3 p.m. for pet photos. Cost is $10 per photo and all proceeds benefit the homeless animals at the Center. For more information, call 732.920.1600 or visit jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org.

Princeton-based SAVE, a Friend to Homeless Animals, is hosting Photos with Santa at PetCo in the Mercer Mall on December 5 and 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the animals at SAVE.

Happy Howl-idays!

Double Duty

By Brianne Harrison

Holiday shopping is about to go into full swing—so what do you get for the animal lover who has everything? How about a copy of Vet Confidential: An Insider’s Guide to Protecting Your Pet’s Health, which comes with the added bonus of helping animals in need?

Those animals are the ones currently crowding (seriously crowding!) the shelter in Darlington, South Carolina. The Darlington shelter will take in approximately 5,000 unwanted animals this year alone, and the massive influx is leading to shortages of food, medicine, space, and funds.

The plight of the Darlington shelter came to the attention of Dr. Louise Murray, author of Vet Confidential and director of medicine for the ASPCA’s Bergh Memorial Animal Hospital. In an effort to help, Dr. Murray will donate all author royalties for every copy of Vet Confidential that’s sold between November 15 and December 15 to the Darlington shelter. The book is a consumer’s guide to health care for pets, covering everything from vaccines to heart conditions, with information on the risks of certain medical procedures and the types of specialists who should conduct them. This excellent resource for pet owners will now be serving double duty—helping owners learn more about their pets’ health and helping the Darlington shelter feed and house its many animals. To learn more about Vet Confidential, click here. To learn more about the Darlington shelter and how you can help, click here.

‘Wining’ not ‘Whining’

You know, I’d been thinking that there just aren’t enough opportunities for me to combine my love of a nice wine with my desire to help homeless animals (no, really, I was actually thinking that), when lo and behold, two such events come to my attention. Kismet? Serendipity? Whatever it is, it’s nice to be able to try a few good reds and whites while helping out animals in need.

The lineup:
First up is the Wine Tasting for St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center, scheduled for Friday, November 6 at the Morris Museum. A $45 ticket gets you samplings of more than 100 wines from around the world, hors d’oeuvres provided by area restaurants, and access to the museum’s exhibits, which currently include Invitations to a Wedding: Bridal Gowns from the 1820s to the Present; Horseplay: A History of Equestrian Sports in New Jersey; and Sculpture by Sassona Norton and from the Collection of the Morris Museum. Tickets can be purchased online at sthuberts.org or at Main Street Wine Cellar at 300 Main Street in Madison.

Up next is All Star Pet Rescue’s First Annual Wine Tasting on November 20. Swing by the Salt Creek Grille in Rumson to enjoy hors d’oeuvres, a Tricky Tray raffle, and entertainment. All Star is currently accepting donations for the Tricky Tray. For more information, e-mail AllStarPets@comcast.net or visit allstar.petfinder.com.

This economy is hitting everyone hard, but animal shelters have been having a particularly difficult time of it—funding and donations are down, and more pets than ever are being handed over. So why not spend an evening living it up and helping out? It’s a decision you’re very unlikely to regret.

Pictured: Frankie, Noodles, and Panther, three dogs available for adoption through All Star Pet Rescue

Harry’s Bag—Helping Pets in Need

By Brianne Harrison

For many years, Harry, a rescue Scottie, was the unofficial greeter at his owner, Doreen Phillips’ Lambertville shop, No. 63. But after six happy years with Phillips, Harry passed away from cancer.

Not one to sit back and mourn, Phillips decided to honor Harry’s memory (and his habit of snooping in handbags searching for treats!) and founded Harry’s Bag. Harry’s Bag is a fund that provides funding for area pets in need of medical procedures their owners can’t afford.
“We have a lot of people in our community who own and love dogs but may not have the means to pay when unexpected health issues arise,” says Phillips. “When you experience the bond and love of an animal like we did with Harry, you can’t fathom all animals not having the same love and care.”

Harry’s Bag is starting to move beyond medicine—Phillips will be partnering with Picky Paws in Lambertville for Harnesses for Harry, providing harnesses for any dog who needs one.

What can you do? No. 63 is accepting good condition, resellable vintage bags as well as donations. One hundred percent of the profit from the sale of the bags goes to animals in need. Bags and donations can be sent to Number 63, 10 N. Union St., Lambertville, NJ, 609.397.2121. The shop is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11-6. If you know of anyone in the New Hope/Lambertville area who owns a dog who needs medical care or treatments and the owner is of limited means, contact the shop and speak with Phillips.

In other news…

Monmouth County SPCA has lots of cats—over 500, to be more precise—who are desperately in need of homes. In an effort to house these homeless felines, the shelter is offering deals: kittens up to four months of age are two for the price of one, and adult cats older than one year can be adopted for any donation. Potential adopters must meet the shelter’s criteria for adoption. For more information, visit monmouthcountyspca.org.

How to be Fabulous

By Brianne Harrison

Those who weren’t able to get into the tents at Bryant Park can take heart: Downtown Millburn is hosting its own fashion week, and kicking it off with a fashion show at the Chanticleer this Thursday.

Featured in the show will be the latest styles from many of Millburn’s top fashion stops. Tickets run $60 each and include the show and a sit-down dinner. Proceeds from the event will be donated to three local charities: the American Red Cross, The Education Foundation of Millburn-Short Hills, and the First Aid Squad. For more information, call 973.379.2341.

For those who can’t make the show, fashion week will run October 30 through November 5. Participating Millburn retailers will offer special in-store events and promotions.

If you love both animals and fashion, you’re in luck! Devon Fine Jewelry is hosting their Jewelry Sale & Showcase to Benefit Pets October 29-31. Browse the selection of charms that can be custom-colored to match your pet’s markings and enter your pet in a photo gallery for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate. Ten percent of the revenue from the event will be donated to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge.

Howl-oween

By Brianne Harrison

Why should pets miss out on all the Halloween fun? Especially if that fun helps raise money for animals in need? Dress your pets in their sweetest or spookiest outfits for these “Howl”-oween fundraisers:

The 6th Annual Costume Pet Parade will start at 1 p.m. on Saturday in Historic Smithville. The event, hosted by PawDazzle Pet Boutique, will feature more than 100 costumed pets. Donations can be made to benefit the Atlantic County Humane Society and Safe Haven Cat Rescue. Take Note: pets must be pre-registered by the 21!

The Greyhound Friends of New Jersey will host their Go Green with Greyhounds Clothing Collection Drive on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Every pound of clean, wearable clothing, shoes and accessories, and soft household items such has bedding and curtains will generate cash to help pay for housing and healthcare for the organization’s rescued greyhounds. For more information, visit greyhoundfriendsnj.org.

Give your dog (and yourself) a treat by enjoying the lovely fall weather at the 10th Annual Bay Head Dog Walk. The registration fee of $10 per dog will benefit the homeless animals at the Jersey Shore Animal Center. The event will include a costume contest with prizes for best costume, as well as adoptable dogs from JSAC. For more information, contact Susan at 732.920.1600 x208 or info@jerseyshoreanimalcenter.org.

Animal Alliance’s 5th Annual Pet Masquerade will be held at Ely Field on North Main St. in Lambertville from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday. Enjoy food from the Union Fire Company’s grill team, enter to win door prizes, and enter your pets in the costume contest and parade. Proceeds benefit Animal Alliance, which helps rescue, rehabilitate, adopt, spay, and neuter animals.

If costumed pets aren’t your thing but good food is, you may want to check out the Murder Mystery Dinner on October 25 at Charlie Brown’s Restaurant on Route 70 in Lakewood. Tickets are $40 and include the show, dinner, salad bar, dessert, coffee, and tea, with proceeds benefiting the Jersey Shore Animal Center. To make a reservation, call 732.477.3299.

For those whose tastes run towards the finer things in life, Devon Fine Jewelry is partnering with Meche, a manufacturer of the “Nice Doggies & Pretty Kitties” charm line to host a Jewelry Sale and Showcase October 29-31. Customers can browse selections and submit pet photos for a chance to win a $100 gift certificate. Ten percent of revenue raised from the event will be donated to the Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge.

And finally, on October 30, Morris K9 Campus will hold its Howloween Costume Party and Movie Night. Bring your dog and enjoy tricks and treats, as well as a showing of Disney’s The Haunted Mansion. There will be a costume contest for both canines and humans, as well as games and refreshments. A portion of the proceeds will benefit 11th Hour Rescue Group of Rockaway. One dog per family. Reservations are required. Call 973.252.5100.