Puptown

Neighborhood Man Uses Dog to Threaten Other

We came across an odd story from Uptown Update. A reader described a couple of encounters with another dog owner that became threatening and intimidating. Any help identifying the fellow in the photo would be greatly appreciated. Police are hoping to talk to him about his threats, homophobic remarks and claims of being a fireman.  The man is regularly spotted at Clarendon and Montrose.

 

Bark in the Park - May 1st - Montrose Harbor

Puptown will be on hand for the annual "Bark in the Park" fundraiser - a 5k/3.2 mile walk (with or without your dog) to raise funds and awareness for The Anti-Cruelty Society, Chicago’s only private, open-admission humane society.

The event takes place in Lincoln Park at Montrose Harbor (exit 4400 north Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, head east to the Lake and look for the tents).

Registration opens at 7a.m. and the walk steps off at 9a.m.

We are joining a few other dog-friendly area volunteers to help get folks more involved with their local dog parks.

Lost Dog - Please Help

At 2 p.m. on Friday, a dog was lost at Lawrence and Broadway.  Her name is Dahlia, and she is a mixed breed with black and white paws.  

She is two years old and about 20 lbs. She doesn't have a collar on (she got out of it and started running), but she is microchipped.

A reward is being offered -- no questions asked.  She is timid and shy -- so don't try to chase here -- just call 224-489-2726.

 

April Showers Bring...Sick Dogs?

Corri form the BowWow Lounge has been getting the word out about the rash of dog illness going around. With permission, I am posting part of her letter here:

There have been a few dogs over the past couple of weeks who have come down
with similar symptoms:

1. throwing up food / white or clear liquid (many times in a row)
2. diarrhea (sometimes)
3. acting sluggish / lethargic
4. drinking a lot OR little water

I have contacted a few vets (including ER vet on Clybourne) and the consensus is: "the
snow outside has melted and therefore all the feces that is left over from the winter and
the garbage that is on the grass is causing the dogs to get sick". One vet said they
had seen approx 30 dogs all within the same time period with all the same symptoms.

Every vet has had the same response. They said even if your dog doesn't have the desire
to pick something up off of the grass, nose contact and walking through it then licking their feet has the same effect. The symptoms sprout up all of a sudden and much like kennel cough, you don't know they are sick until they already are.

If your dog is showing signs of illness, by all means, be considerate, use common sense.  Do not come to Puptown and expose other dogs.

Also, it's time to think about park clean ups. Remember, this is done by volunteers. The park district does not clean the park - we do. 

When we start the Saturday clean-ups, please chip in.

Vox pupuli: Film Crews at the Houndry

Our friends at The Houndry (Sheridan El Stop) report that there will be a new arrival for the Meet-the-Parents franchise -- Little Fockers is in production, and film crews hit the Houndry neighborhood to do some filming. 

We at Vox Pupuli could tell you what Robert De Niro said to Houndry owner, Chad -- Yes, they talked -- but it's a story for Chad to tell. So head over to the Houndry and poke around. If the coast is clear, tell him Puptown sent you and get the full story.

Puptown Members' Quarterly Meeting

There will be a Puptown Members' Meeting Wednesday, October 14th, 7:00-9:00 P.M., at the Margate Park Field House.

Participation is essential to the health of Puptown so everyone is encouraged to attend. The Chicago Park District requires Puptown members to meet periodically to discuss policy and maintenance. Puptown members meet the second Wednesday of every quarter.

So far, topics on the agenda include:

• Introductions
• Committee Reports
• Howl-o-ween Planning
• Wallace Memorial Entrance
• Open Q&A

If you would like to add an agenda item, contact info@puptown.org.

Bringing a treat is welcomed but not required.

Vox Pupuli: Area Man Saves Dog, Drowns

by John Lenti

The Chicago Tribune reported that an area man drowned Sunday while trying to save his dog.  While swimming in Horsetail Lake, the dog tangled with some weeds and started to drown. Without hesitation, the man jumped in to rescue his dog. He successfully got the dog free but then  he himself got up in the weeds and drowned. How horrific that a beautiful day out with the dog can turn tragic. 

My friend Lindsay once jumped into the winter waters of Lake Michigan to save her darling Alex. During a visit to the beach, the poor pup broke through an ice shelf and could not climb back up to shore. Alex only had a few minutes before succumbing to hypothermia so with no time to get help, Lindsay hopped in and pushed Alex out.  Both were fine - luckily.

I like to think that I would be so brave, that I would do anything to protect my dogs. After all, my dogs would do the same for me. I don't think I could live with the guilt of doing nothing. It would be such a breach of loyalty.  Happily I haven't been tested.

Vox Pupuli: Uptown Neighborhood Gets Poop Bag Dispensers

This post marks the first of a new series, Vox Pupuli, by Puptown volunteer John Lenti.

by John Lenti

Uptown United recently installed new "Poop-a-Doopa" dog poop bag dispensers throughout the Uptown Neighborhood.

With the help of interns from Cleanslate, a neighborhood beautification group, Uptown United will make sure the dispensers are filled. They have asked for our help: If we see a dispenser that's empty, damaged, missing or used inappropriately, please call (773) 878-1064 or email.

"We all want Uptown to be dog-friendly, clean, and supportive of responsible pet ownership," Wally Rozak of Uptown United wrote in an email announcing the program.

We agree. So let's do our part: Pick up after your pet, in the park and in the neighborhood.

The closest dispenser to  Puptown is on the lightpole at the northwest corner of Marine Drive and Lawrence Avenue. Here are the other locations:

• Lightpole-SW corner of Winthrop/Winona
• Lightpole-in front of Bezazian Library
• Lightpole-SW corner of Sheridan/Ainslie
• Lightpole-NW corner of Marine/Lawrence
• Lightpole-approx 4709 N. Racine
• Lightpole-approx 1049 W. Leland
• Lightpole-NW corner Magnolia/Wilson
• Chainlink fence-NW corner of Hazel/Cullom
• Lightpole-NE corner of Clifton/Montrose
• Lightpole-in front of Uptown Library
• Lightpole-SE corner Sheridan/Cuyler