The Doggie Dash Dog Walk will kick off at 9:30 AM, with two one-mile courses for you and your dingo to choose from.  Can’t decide?  Then do both!  At 10:30 AM, following the Dash, is the Family Fest with booths, food, drinks, and music.  Local 12 anchor Tiffany Wilson will chair the day’s events, accompanied by emcees from WGRR, Chris O’Brien and Janeen Coyle.  Make sure you bring your dancing shoes to dance to the music of Ooo-La-La and the Greasers!

You can register beginning at 8 AM the day of the event, or click here to preregister as an individual, family, or team.  If you are registering as a team and think your team has a creative edge, make sure to check out the team t-shirt contest!  Whether you plan on supporting the SPCA at the Doggie Dash as an individual or team, or donating to the SPCA from home, know that you are helping the SPCA continue in their mission to provide humane education and animal protection, as they improve the quality of life in our community.

Lacey is an SPCA adoptable in search of her forever home!

Feature Rescue: Lacey

Our feature rescue this week is one of the SPCA’s adoptable dogs.  Lacey is a 4 year old American Bulldog.  She is a high energy lady who loves to fetch and run. Although she is a strong dog, she doesn’t tug the leash and knows when it’s walk time, loving to put on her collar and take long walks to see other people and dogs. Lacey needs to be crated when left alone and would do best in a home without other pets or children.  She is a beautiful dog and would make a great companion!  Lacey has been waiting for her forever home for over a year now.  Help her not have to wait anymore!  If you or someone you know could provide the forever home Lacey has been waiting for, go see her at the Sharonville SPCA, or send an email to Kelly_at_adopt@spcacincinnati.org. Thank you to the SPCA for sharing Lacey’s story and for the work you do to save animal lives every day!

written by Maria, “Mama Dingo”

Educate yourself for Dog Bite Prevention Week

Next week, May 19th to the 25th, marks National Dog Bite Prevention Week.  According to the Center for Disease Control, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year and approximately 885,000 of those bites require medical attention.  Dog Bite Prevention Week is a public safety campaign to focus on safety tips and emphasize the need for increased pet owner responsibility in the prevention of dog bites.

Children are the number one victims of dog bites.  Shockingly, the ASPCA reports that 50 percent of children in the United States will be bitten by a dog before their 12th birthday.  Here are some tips to keep your child from being included in that statistic.

• Before bringing a dog into your home, learn about the breeds and determine what type will suit your family best.
• Spay/neuter your dog to reduce aggressive tendencies.
• Properly train and socialize your dog from the moment you meet him.
• Teach your dog appropriate, not aggressive, behavior.  Don’t teach your dog to chase or attack, even if it is in fun.
• Seek guidance from a veterinarian or trainer immediately if your dog exhibits dangerous behavior.
• Make sure your child knows he should never pet a dog without permission from the owner, and even then, he should seek the dog’s permission first by letting the dog sniff his closed hand.
• Teach your child not to approach a loose dog, a chained dog, or a dog behind a fence.  Be sure that children know to tell an adult immediately if a dog is roaming the neighborhood.
• Instruct your family members and those who enter your home to never disturb a dog while she’s sleeping, eating, chewing on a bone or toy, or caring for puppies.
• Never leave a young child unattended with a dog.
• Make your child aware that if she is ever approached by an unfamiliar dog, she should remain motionless. She should never scream or turn her back and run, which encourages a dog to chase.

As much as our dogs are a part of our family, I always remind my children that they are still animals and can be unpredictable.  I wonder how many dog bite victims have heard the words “It’s okay – he doesn’t bite” before the dog has struck.   We are just offering a few tips, but there is so much available to read to keep the threat of a dog bite away.  Use Dog Bite Prevention Week to continue to be a responsible dog owner and parent!

written by Maria, “Mama Dingo”

Petopolis is so much more than a pet show! This is a family oriented, pet friendly event packed with local retailers, stage performances, demonstrations, contests, and more.  Petopolis Kid Zone will feature inflatable horse racing at pony downs, an inflatable obstacle course, and free face painting.  For the adults, you don’t want to miss Paint by the Glass at the show with the opportunity to Paint Your Own Pet and/or Paint-A-Pair of Wine Glasses. For more information and to register visit www.paintbytheglass.com.  Registration includes all art materials, apron, hors d’oeuvres, and admittance to show, and $10 from each of these registrations will benefit the SPCA!

To read about more of the exciting activities that will be taking place this weekend at Petopolis, visit their Facebook page! Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children 6 to 14. Children under 6 as well as all military with a valid ID are FREE!  Pet tickets are $2, benefitting the SPCA.  Take this weekend to enjoy all that our beautiful downtown has to offer, including the fun that is awaiting you at Petopolis!

written by Maria, “Mama Dingo”

On Saturday, May 11th, Paws and Claws will be selling items at the Boone County Administration Building parking lot to help pay for their medical bills. If you have items you would like to donate to this sale, please contact them at pawsandclawsanimalrescue@gmail.com.  If you would like to volunteer for this event, please contact them as well.  Most of all, if you are a yard sale enthusiast, head to Boone County and know that the money you spend will help save animal lives!

Help find sweet Emma a forever home!

Feature Rescue: Emma

This week, our feature rescue comes from Paws and Claws Animal Rescue. Emma is a small terrier mix who is as sweet as can be! This one year old girl is very playful and gets along with everyone. She especially loves to play and romp with her foster home’s Saint Bernard dogs. Emma is crate trained and house trained.  She only chews only on her own toys and loves being part of the family, especially if someone is ready to snuggle with her. If you or someone you know is interested in adopting Emma, send all inquiries with a completed application to pawsandclawsanimalrescue@gmail.com.  Help Paws and Claws find a forever home for Emma!

written by Maria, “Mama Dingo”

Imagine how excited your pooch would be to receive this in the mail!

Don’t you just love getting packages in the mail?  I bet your furry family member would as well!  BarkBox gives you the opportunity to treat your dog with a box of goodies delivered each month!

For as little as $19 a month delivered, you can spoil and surprise your pup with a box of 4 to 6 full-sized products that have been hand selected by the BarkBox curation team. The box could include anything from a selection of toys,  bones, all-natural treats, hygiene products, and innovative new gadgets! The goodies are also selected specifically for your dog size.  All of the products are boutique toys and all-natural treats that are made in the USA or Canada, according to rigid guidelines, and are not able to be purchased at your typical big box pet store. Best of all, BarkBox gives at least 10% of its proceeds to local rescues or shelters!

I know how crazy my “girls” get when they know I have a special treat for them in the grocery bag…  They would really go nuts over a whole box of goodies delivered just for them! Whether it is for your own dingo or a gift for a friend, are your ready to give BarkBox a try?

written by Maria, “Mama Dingo”

You can pre-register for the event here, or register the day of the event beginning at 9:30 AM. The first 100 dogs to enter will receive a doggie bag from flexi USA. The event goes from 10 AM to 12 PM and is packed with activities. The morning of fun includes an opening ceremony with the testimony from a cancer survivor about the caregiving qualities of their dog, a 1/3 mile walk in celebration of such caregiving canines, demonstrations by the Cincinnati Police K9 Unit, music from a local DJ, and competitions with your dog for an opportunity to win a prize pack courtesy of flexi USA. For a small donation, you will also be able to have Pampered Pooch Spa clip your pooch’s nails, have your portrait taken with your furry friend, take home your dog’s pawprint autograph, and get a chance to win the raffle.

How often has your dog cheered you when you needed it, laid by your side when you weren’t well, and given you the extra love you needed after a difficult day? Imagine the amazing love and care that dogs can provide for someone struggling with cancer.  Help celebrate this love and the love of those who have fought or are fighting cancer. Are you ready to spend a Saturday morning with your favorite dog to help the American Cancer Society save lives?

Ruby is a devoted girl looking for her forever home!

Feature Rescue: Ruby

Good Buddies Canine Rescue will also be at the Bark for Life with some of their adoptable dogs for you to meet. GBCR rescues, rehabilitates, and provides emotional and physical care for abandoned and unwanted Kentucky dogs until they can find them a home with an adoptive family. This week, our feature rescue is one of GBCR’s rescues. Ruby is a 40 pound, 1 to 2 year old female cattle dog/shepherd mix.  Ruby had some sort of accident in her past, causing a spinal injury that left her with a broken tail and loss of feeling in some of her upper rear end. Despite everything, Ruby is an extreme lover, quick to bond, and wanting nothing more than to be by your side. She loves the company of other dogs, especially ones that will play with her, and is fine with cats as well. Ruby is house trained, learning obedience, and will go in a crate for treats. She will need a dedicated owner who can hang with her for the long haul and help her as she ages. If you think Ruby is right for you or someone you know, click here to find out more about her or read about other adoptable GBCR dogs. Help us find Ruby the loving forever home she deserves!

written by Maria, “Mama Dingo”

The Hoe Down for the Greyhounds will be held from 6 PM to 10 PM at Niederman Family Farm in Liberty Township.  A $20 ticket will get you a fun-filled night of food, beverages, dancing, raffles, and a silent auction. This is the major annual fundraiser for Homeward Bound Greyhound Association to raise funds so that they can continue to build knowledge, appreciation, and care of the greyhound breed. HBGA finds homes for retired racing greyhounds, nurses many back to health, and works toward the continued well-being of currently racing greyhounds.

The SPCA Fur Ball will take place from 6 PM to 11:30 PM at the Sharonville Convention Center.  This evening of entertainment includes cocktails, silent auction, dinner, and special  entertainment by the Acme Comedy Company. You will also be given the chance to mingle with some of the SPCA’s adorable cats and dogs who are available for adoption!  Click here for ticket information or call Ashley at (513) 247-2036. Your support of the SPCA will help it continue to improve the quality of life in our community through humane education and animal protection.

Could Freddie be more handsome?!!!

Feature Rescue: Freddie

Our feature rescue this week is one of HBGA’s gorgeous greyhounds. Freddie is an outgoing greyhound who arrived at his foster home in Cincinnati at the end of March. The tail on this beautiful brindle boy never quits wagging!  When I asked Mary Beth with HBGA about her favorite characteristic of this breed, she told me that it is probably how relaxed they tend to be…  ”Although some still enjoy running, a quick turn or tow around the yard is generally enough for them. Then they sack out on their dog beds for several hours! This characteristic makes it possible to find a greyhound to fit almost every living situation. We have placed dogs in apartments and condos where there is no fenced yard and have been very successful.”  Could Freddie or another greyhound find his home with you? Click here for more information on Freddie or other adoptable HBGA greyhounds.  And thank you to HBGA for helping to give the members of this wonderful breed the loving lives they deserve!

written by Maria, “Mama Dingo”

Nelly is ready for another Reds championship!

Opening Day is less than a week away!  Don’t miss your chance to take your favorite pooch to enjoy a game with you! Again this year, the Cincinnati Reds will be holding two Bark in the Park events. For these games only, a special seating area is reserved for dog owners and their pets.  The Fan Zone is turned into the Dog Zone, with product samples and activities for both you and your dingo!

The first Bark in the Park game, April 16th, is already sold out!  But you can still click here to reserve your tickets for the second game, which takes place at 7:10 PM on Monday, September 23, as the Redlegs take on the NY Mets.

Admission for one dog and one human to the Bark in the Park is $32, and additional human tickets are $22. $2 per ticket will be donated to the SPCA Cincinnati! Make sure you arrive early to join in the pre-game parade on the track surrounding the field. Prizes will be awarded for the best dog tricks, best Reds-dressed dogs, and for the largest and smallest pooches. With a donation to the SPCA, you can also have your photo taken with your dog in front of a special Reds backdrop. You will also be given the opportunity to browse the pet expo and see available SPCA Cincinnati dogs available for adoption.

Even though there is snow on the ground, I can already smell baseball in the air! From all of us at Naked Dingo, Happy Easter and happy baseball season!

written by Maria, “Mama Dingo”

Bobbie is ready for her photo with the Easter Bunny!

Keep Your Pets Safe This Easter!

Easter is right around the corner with baskets full of goodies galore. But don’t forget, what may be fun and yummy goodness to us could be dangerous for your four-legged family members.  Keeping these tips in mind this Easter will keep your pets safe:

• Substitute colored tissue paper for the plastic grass. Cats might be especially attracted to this shiny plastic that can cause choking, blockages, or damage to the intestines. Signs of an obstruction are loss of appetite and vomiting.
• Make a tally of all of the eggs you hide and make sure they are all accounted for when the hunts are through! Plastic eggs can be confused for toys and ingested, causing choking or blockages. Hard-boiled eggs can spoil and cause belly issues when your pet discovers it days after Easter.
• Keep chocolate in areas where your pets cannot get to it. The stimulants found in chocolate can be fatal to your pets.
• Remind your children not to share their Easter treats with their furry siblings! Also, have them clean up wrappers immediately, as these can pose a choking hazard for your pet.
• Consider a substitute for your usual Easter lily, as well as other lily flowers, which are lethal to cats if ingested.
• Keep this number on hand in case you may become concerned that your pet has ingested something dangerous: ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. (There is a consultation fee associated with this number.)

Most of all, don’t forget your furry friend…  A special treat or new toy may be just the thing to keep her out of trouble out of everyone else’s baskets this Easter!

written by Maria, “Mama Dingo”

Help us find a home for Ginger Snap Dragon!

Feature Rescue: Ginger Snap Dragon

“Ginger Snap Dragon” is a 1 year old femail Staffordshire Terrier/Rhodesian Ridgeback mix.  Ginger is a playful girl, serving as the life of the party at her foster home!  But not only is she playful, she is one smart pooch, already knowing the commands to “sit,” “give paw,” and “give other paw.”  Ginger is great with other animals and with children, and would love a family and a fenced yard to party in! Please contact Paws and Claws Animal Rescue if you or someone you know may be interested in giving Ginger her forever home. Inquiries can be sent to pawsandclawsanimalrescue@gmail.com.  Or visit their site to see other lovable animals in need of forever homes!

written by Maria, “Mama Dingo”