Puptown

Renew On-line -- Get a Raffle Ticket!

Hey Puptown Fans,

 

For this week only, renew your membership on-line and be automatically entered in the Puptown Howl-O-Ween Raffle. Yes, you read that correctly: renew and get a raffle ticket.

 
This year's prizes are Puptown's best ever and there are more chances to win then ever.  You really want to take advantage of this. You do not need to be at the drawing to win -- we will contact you.

Offer expires this Friday (October 23) at midnight -- so don't delay.

To renew your membership, go to: http://www.puptown.org/membership.html

For information on Howl-O-Ween and some of the raffle prizes, go to: http://www.puptown.org/2009/10/howloween-2009.html

 

 

Vox pupuli: Question

Should Puptown organize a "Positive Loitering" event and show our support for our friends living around Leland and Sheridan?

Please comment Yes or No.

Vox Pupuli: Give Me a (Tax) Break

The UPI reports that there is a bill in front of congress to give pet-owners a tax-break of up to $3,500 for pet-care realted expenses. The idea came from actor Robert Davi ("Goonies," "Diehard") and was introduced to congress by U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, R-Mich. According to Davi, the proposed bill is "a pro-active way to be able to help the economy and change the culture in this country around animals."

Puptown fans, isn't this too much? What with war, health care, recessions, unemployment - is now the time to consider this?

PLEASE tell me what you think.

Howl-O-Ween 2009: Saturday, Oct. 24

Join us for Puptown's scariest event of the year ...

Date: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2 - 4 p.m.
*rain date: Sunday, Oct. 25

Costume Contest
Registration ($5) begins at 1:15 p.m.
Judging begins at 2 p.m. 

Judges
Nancy Myerson
Jill Moyse 
Stephanie Aldort

Prizes
1st, 2nd & 3rd prize for best homemade and store-bought costumes 

Raffle Grand Prize
Restaurant gift certificate

Additional raffle prizes include gift certificates to area restaurants, dog stores and more! Silent auction, too! 

Need costume inspiration? Check out last year's Howl-O-Ween photos.

Please support our generous donors: 

Restaurants 

• DaVinci Group Restaurants: $50 gift certificate
• Wild Pug: $25 gift certificate
• Crew: $25 gift certificate
• Fat Cat: $25 gift certificate
• Fireside Restaurant: $20 gift certificate 

Art

• CityboyForge: Belt buckle custom designed with your dog's image
• Paul Strabbing Photography: Portrait of your dog

Pet Supplies & Services 

• Blum Animal Hospital: Vaccination package
• Collins Canine: 5 training sessions
• The Barking Lot: 2 days of daycare & 2 days of boarding
• U.S. Bones: Gift certificates & bones gift basket
• Urb-Animal: Gift basket
• The Houndry: Dog leash & seatbelt
• Chad Jensen: Free dog grooming
• Bark Bark Club: Gift certificates & box of treats

Music & Movement

• Manigua Academy of Music/Dance: Package of 4 dance lessons
• Essence Pilates: Package of 5 pilates classes

Spa & Beauty

• Continuum Studio: $25 gift certificate (4)
• Sir Spa for Men: $100 gift certificate
• Spornette: $100 hair Brush Set

Other Offers

• Uptown Car Wash: Package of 5 free car washes (5)

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.

Volunteer Opportunity: Bulletin Board

Puptown seeks volunteer(s) to manage bulletin board.

Tasks include:

• Update bulletin board posts

• Organize content
  

Anticipate 1/2 an hour of service per month.

No experience necessary.

Contact volunteer@puptown.org if interested.

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.

Volunteer Opportunity: Vendors

Puptown seeks volunteer vendors:

Tasks include:

• Selling Raffle Tickets
• Managing Merchandise Tables
• Tending to cash box

Candidate(s) should have:

• Outgoing personality
• People skills
• Retail skills

Anticipate 1-2 hours per month.

Contact volunteer@puptown.org if interested.

 

Volunteer Opportunity: Project Manager

Puptown seeks volunteer project manager(s).

Tasks include:

•       Oversee park improvements
•       Attend meetings with park district architects
•       Develop illustrations of proposed improvements

Candidate(s) should have:

• Experience in the building and construction industry
• Drafting and illustration skills

Anticipate 1-2 hours of service per month for one year.

Contact volunteer@puptown.org if interested.

Tragedy at Puptown

A couple of weeks ago a thirty-five pound border collie escaped Puptown, ran onto Lake Shore Drive and was fatally hit by a car. In pursuit of a squirrel, the dog climbed over the protective mesh along the bottom of the fence and squeezed through the pickets. 

The wire mesh has done a great job preventing small dogs and puppies from getting out of the park but everyone should be aware that dogs can still escape. Please watch your dogs carefully and if you think your dog is able to squeeze through the fence, use appropriate caution.

Our thoughts go out to the owner of the dog.

Volunteer Opportunity: Park Survey

Puptown seeks volunteer(s) to commission park survey.

Tasks include:

• Develop questionnaire

• Solicit patron feedback

• Organize and report results to committee

Candidate(s) should possess keen sense of impartiality.

Anticipate 5-10 hours of service over the next few months.

No experience necessary.

Contact volunteer@puptown.org if interested.

Puptown Improvements: New Entrance and Tree

Some of you may  have noticed that a new tree was recently planted at Puptown. The tree is a River Birch, known for its exfoliating bark, pest resistance and distintive look in winter. Located at the southeast corner of the park, it is a gift in memory of David Wallace and his dog, Tyler. 

Another gift from David's friends and family will be a second entrance at the Northwest corner of the park (adjacent to the shed). As Puptown has become more popular, increased crowding at the entrance has become a problem. To reduce the ensuing risk of dog fights, a second entrance was proposed by the Puptown Dog Owners Group and approved by the Chicago Park District. 

Below are the drawing plans (click to enlarge). The entrance construction should begin soon.

We thank the friends and family of David Wallace for their generosity. The park will be a better place because of them.

Howl-O-Ween: Volunteers & Donations Needed

It's our favorite time of year - Howl-O-Ween!
 
Puptown's 9th Annual Howl-O-Ween party and costume contest -- our biggest fundraiser of the year -- is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 24. Barbara Kramer (Sam and Guinness's owner), has offered be the coordinator, and she needs our help.

Here's how you can help:
 
Make a donation and promote your business:
If you have a product or service you would like to donate to the silent auction or raffle, let us know. It's a great way to help the park and your business.
 
Volunteer:
Planning and set-up volunteers needed. If you have never volunteered for Puptown, this is a great place to start. You only need to spend an hour or so of your time and you will have that, "I did something good for my community feeling" and make new friends.

Please join in the fun! Contact John Lenti,(volunteer@puptown.org) for more information.

p.s. Missed last year's event? Check out photos from Howl-O-Ween 2008.

Volunteer Opportunity: Fundraising & Event Coordinator

Puptown is looking for someone to head up the annual Howl-O-Ween Fundraiser. 

Tasks include:

• Develop event concepts and implement

• Delegate responsibility -- match tasks with volunteer skills

• Coordinate activities of volunteers -- develop job lists and assignments

Contact volunteer@puptown.org if interested.

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.

Dog Heart Health Tour

by John Lenti

Get your dog's heart checked out at Puptown this Sunday.  Veterinarians specializing in cardiac care for canines will be visiting Puptown to educate dog owners about dog heart health and answer questions about heart disease. 

The Mobile Dog Heart Health Tour will arrive at Puptown this Sunday (August 30th) with a sound proof medical unit to assess your dog’s general health and risk for canine heart disease.  Dr. Rebeca Stepien, a canine cardiologist and local vets will be on hand to answer questions about canine health.

According to Dr. Stepien:

“Early diagnosis and treatment of heart failure can significantly prolong and improve the quality of a dog’s life…We look forward to reaching out to local dog owners to educate them about heart disease in dogs and  treatment options. By emphasizing the importance of annual veterinary examinations and early diagnosis of heart disease, we hope to help more dogs live longer and better lives.”

About 11 percent of dogs suffer from heart disease.   That’s just about the same rate of incidence as for humans.  The makers of Vetmedin (a treatment for canine congestive heart failure) are sponsoring the event.  While there is no cure for congestive heart failure, treatments have developed that greatly increase a dog's quality of life. 

Early diagnosis is crucial so make sure to check this out.  Puptown volunteers will also be on-hand to answer questions about the dog park and park policies, memberships and volunteering opportunities.

Midwest Mobile Dog Heart Health Tour
When:     Sunday, August 30, 2009, from 12 noon to 6 p.m.
Where:    Puptown Dog Park – 4921 N. Marine Drive

Vox Pupuli: Sustainability at the Dog Park

by John Lenti

Innovative sustainability projects are being pursued at Dog Parks across the nation. For example, Bayview California's dog park received a $40,000 grant from Foster's Beverage Company to install solar panels for lighting and water pumps. San Fransisco is looking to convert dog waste into bio-fuel.

Puptown hosted a Wag for the Bag event in May to educate pet owners on sustainable dog products and services. Puptown hopes to make it an annual event -- a Green Flea Market. The Puptown Volunteer Group is dedicated to the principles of sustainability and strives to incorporate good design practice. Some areas where Puptown could reduce its carbon footprint:

• Create more permeable surface to prevent storm water from entering the sewer
  
  
• Eliminate plastic grocery bags
  
  
• Implement recycling programs

If anyone is interested in how they can help make Puptown more sustainable, drop a line to volunteer@puptown.org or leave a comment below.

 

Vox Pupuli: Picking Up After Ourselves - And Others

by John Lenti

Like most responsible citizens, I was taught not to litter. But what about the litter we come across on our daily activity? Should we step over it? Ignore it? Or do we have a moral responsibility to pick up litter we see?

I came across the following story at Working From Home Today, a Canadian blog. It was so applicable to Puptown that I wrote its author to ask if I could share it with you. The author enthusiastically agreed:

I pulled up to the dog park to witness all of these plastic bags rolling around in the wind. A bunch of people seemed to standing there, just watching them. So I walked up to one lady. "What's with the plastic bags?"

"They blew out of the ones on the fence." She was referring to the bags of bags that generous types tie to the fence for other people to use.*

"Is anyone going to do anything about it?" I asked.

"Who, like, the City?" the lady looked confused.

"No, the people just standing there!" I replied.

"I'm not chasing a bag in the wind!" She seemed angry I'd even suggest it.

"Well, we could at least try to get some of them," I said, stomping off.

But the lady was not the worst part of the whole thing. The worst part was the four other dog owners, all men, all aged 30 - 60, who then watched me, a heavily pregnant woman, run around a field chasing bags AND DIDN'T BOTHER TO HELP. One guy even stood there and watched as a bag rolled past right him.

There are no words.

Despite the free bags, there remains an inexcusable amount of dog crap all over the park.

When I read this I immediately thought about Puptown and Margate Park. How often have we seen plastic bags rolling in the wind? Aren’t we obligated to pick them up? Everyone agrees litter is the bad, but it is not enough simply not to litter. We must also pick up litter. In this war on litter, everyone is needed.

Remember what Edmund Burke (sort of) said: "All that is necessary for the triumph of litter is that good men do nothing."

Vox Pupuli: One Nation Under Dog

by John Lenti

In 2007, the American pet industry became our 8th largest retail sector -- larger than toys, candy, hardware and jewelry. Bare in mind this covers just the stuff to take care of the pet, not the pet itself.  

Michael Schaffer's very engrossing book, One Nation Under Dog (Henry Holt Company, LLC, 2009) is subtitled, "Adventures in the new world of Prozac-popping puppies, dog-park politics, and organic pet food," and it provides an excellent analysis of our society's relationship with their dogs.

Schaffer effectively tracks the boom in pet industry sales following September 11, 2001, and provides sufficient historical background to make sense of it. A self-described dog lover who promised never to become one of those fanatics who treats their dog like a "fur-baby," Schaffer comes to learn that he has indeed become one of them when confronted with the realization that his beloved dog will one day die.

The American dog has moved from sleeping outside to sleeping in our bed, from eating table scraps to eating scientifically formulated kibble. Schaffer asks, "is modern petmania...a sign of modern lunacy?"

And yet, it all seems to make sense. Schaffer brings us into the world of the dog walker making a triple-digit salary, the vet providing experimental health care, and the funeral director caring for the bereaved. He is so compassionate with the people he interviews that you come to understand how it is that any dog owner became "one of those" dog owners.

Dog Day on the Green - August 2

by John Lenti

The office of Chicago City Clerk Miguel Del Valle will host Dog Day on the Green, a new annual dog festival, on Sunday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the grounds of Soldier Field. This free event will include a Doggie Olympics, photo booths, and autograph signing by local celebrities and their pets.

The festival will be an eco-friendly way for dog lovers to learn more about pet related issues, register their pet with the city and even purchase the new dog-themed city vehicle stickers. Remember to bring vaccination records if you want to register your pet.

Del Valle believes that dogs are important to Chicago and that we all must be better educated on how to care for them. This is a great way to spend a day with your canine friends while strolling the beautiful greens of Soldier Field.

Puptown's Quarterly Meeting Highlights: Spay/Neuter Proposal, David Wallace Memorial Fund and More

by John Lenti

Puptown held its quarterly meeting July 8. The Pet Overpopulation and Safety Ordinance was the most-discussed agenda item -- scroll down for more on that. But first, here's a review of other park matters:

David Wallace Memorial Fund: Treasurer David Goyer reported that we have collected $5,985 to date; $600 has been used to pay for the River Birch Tree that the Park District will install this year.

I reported that the Park District is currently reviewing the proposed memorial plaque and its designers are in the process of drafting construction drawings for the new second entrance gate.

Treasure's Report: David Goyer stated that Puptown currently has $11,624 in its account (almost half of which is earmarked for the Memorial Fund). Most of this money will be used to pay for the second gate, which the Park District estimates will cost $8-10,000.

Puptown needs approximately $2,000 per year to cover cleaning and maintenance projects (including gravel replacement), so we should be OK so long as we keep up membership and other fundraising efforts. For more on what membership money goes toward, please check out our park FAQ.

Speaking of membership, if you haven't yet joined the Puptown Dog Owners Group (P-DOG), sign up here. 

Park Upkeep: Cleaning and fundraising continue to be challenging due to a lack of volunteers. Peter Leiser has helped keep the cleaning efforts going this summer (thanks, Peter!), but additional Saturday morning volunteers are always needed. Check the cleaning schedule here. The next Puptown clean-up is scheduled for July 18. 

We are always looking for ways to increase membership and participation and remain open to suggestions. Contact volunteer@puptown.org to discuss how you can help.

Communications: Our new Facebook page has 90 fans and is being used for messages about lost items, park safety and events. We're thrilled to see it has much it has grown in a short amount of time.

Membership: David Goyer reported that the Wag for the Bag event in May netted $65 in t-shirt sales and $215 in new memberships.

I spoke with the vendors who took part that day, and they'd like to do it again. Puptown plans to make this an annual spring event, though we may be looking to come up with a better name ("flea market," anyone?).

Fundraising: Eric Wagner presented the approved hat design. It should be ready to go on sale by mid-July. Keep an eye out for them -- for $25, you can help the park out and look good, too.

On to the spay/neuter proposal ...

We discussed whether Puptown should take a stand on the city's proposed ordinance, which would require all dogs be spayed or neutered (with an exception for breeders). Please read my previous post for more background and information on how spaying/neutering affects park safety.

After lengthy discussion, we agreed to send a letter to the City Council focusing on the impact that intact dogs have on city dog parks. We intend to suggest that the Council look at making the spay/neuter requirement a condition for acquiring a Chicago dog park permit, regardless of whether the ordinance drums up enough support.

The final letter will be posted here in the very near future for comments from Puptown members and the Puptown community.

Prior to the meeting, we had sent a draft letter to our Google group asking for feedback (if you're not on the email list, sign up in the upper right corner on this website). As of this post, I have received feedback from 20 folks. The results are as follows:

• 15 respondents support the City Council proposed ordinance; 5 respondents oppose the ordinance
• 18 respondents think intact dogs should be banned from Puptown, regardless of whether the city-wide ordinance passes; 2 respondents would oppose a dog-park ban

Please add your thoughts in the comments below or feel free to contact me directly. Thanks!

Vox Pupuli: Puptown to Add Second Entrance

by John Lenti

Puptown will soon have a second entrance. Friends and family of David Wallace, a Puptown member who died in January in a car crash that also killed his dog, Tyler, sought a way to honor David's memory and chose Puptown to receive donations. Thanks to their generosity, Puptown has raised enough money to pay for this much-needed improvement.

Additional items for the David Wallace Memorial include a new River Birch tree to be planted in the southeast corner of Puptown and a dedication plaque. 

Dog behaviorists agree that two entrances are an important feature for dog parks because it reduces crowding at gates and the dog fights that can result. The new entrance will be located on the north end of the park. Currently, the Chicago Park District is creating contract drawings for this work.

We were very saddened to lose David and hope these new improvements will keep his memory alive. There will be a dedication ceremony once all the work is complete. Please click here to read more about David or if you are interested in contributing to the David Wallace Memorial fund.

Vox Pupuli: Chicago Spay/Neuter Ordinance Making Fur Fly

by John Lenti

In an attempt to curb dog fighting and animal overpopulation, Chicago aldermen Edmund Burke (D-14) and Virginia Rugai (D-19) are proposing that Chicago require all pet owners to spay or neuter their pets. The Pet Overpopulation and Safety Ordinance has become one of the most polarizing forces in the otherwise unified dog-loving community. 

The American Kennel Club, the Anti-Cruelty Society and the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) oppose the ordinance. The Humane Society, P.A.W.S, and Mayor Daley support the ordinance. Who would imagine that the Humane Society and Anti-Cruelty Society would ever find themselves on opposite sides of an issue? 

Vox Pupuli asked Dr. Scott Rovner from the Roscoe Village Animal Hospital why the CVMA opposes the ordinance. Officially, the CVMA worries that the ordinance will discourage otherwise responsible dog owners from visiting their vets, resulting in increased incidents of rabies. But Dr. Rovner actually thinks the ordinance is a good one and stands opposed to the CVMA.

The CVMA's position seems odd: spaying and neutering your pet is part of responsible pet ownership unless you are a breeder. The Pet Ownership and Safety Ordinance accommodates breeding. 

From my point of view as a dog park user and Puptown volunteer, the proposed ordinance would make things much easier. Chicago Dog Friendly Areas (DFAs) in general -- and Puptown at Margate Park in particular -- can get crowded. Introduce an intact dog to a crowded dog park, and the atmosphere becomes absolutely electrified. The Pet Overpopulation and Safety Ordinance would help toward the goal of reducing dog fights. 

The City of Chicago already acknowledges that special precautions are required when visiting dog parks. To obtain a DFA permit (required as of 2006), dogs must be up to date on their vaccinations, including bordatella, which protects against the bacterial strain of "kennel cough." This vaccination is required in most boarding and daycare centers as well, since kennel cough is easily spread in crowded environments.

If we acknowledge that crowded environments need special precautions to protect the health of the dog and their handlers, shouldn't spaying or neutering be considered a reasonable precaution?

What do you think about the Chicago ordinance and the dog park suggestion? We'd love to hear your thoughts.

Pug Sharpei Found

Puptown is happy to note that Che, the pug sharpei mix who went missing from Montrose Dog Beach, has been re-united with his owner.

Last Friday, the Chicago Tribune reported that a West Rogers Park family found the puppy shortly after he was reported missing on the outbound side of Lake Shore Drive. They saw a report about Che's disappearance on TV and contacted the owner, Rebecca Blabolil.

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

Pug Sharpei Mix Stolen at Montrose Dog Beach

This just in:

This past Friday afternoon, my roommate had her puppy stolen from her at the Montrose dog beach. She is understandably crushed, and is scouring the city to try to find him. He is a 6-month-old Pug Sharpei mix, white with brown spots, with a surgical scar on his belly from a recent surgery. A photo is attached.

There is a $2,500 reward for the safe return of Che. He weighs about 30 pounds.

If you have any information, please call 773-415-9813. Thanks in advance for sharing the news!

 

Grab a Green Bag at Puptown

Today's Chicago Sun Times reports on the donation to Puptown of 12,000 biodegradable poop bags. Kara Spak writes:

The volunteers who donated a year's supply of biodegradable bags want dog owners to stop using plastic grocery bags -- which take centuries to decompose -- and try the eco-friendly bags made from corn.

"This is part of a long campaign of re-education to get people to realize those shopping bags are not for dog waste," said John Lenti, a Puptown volunteer.

The 12,000 bags were donated by Mike Schultz, who runs the Web site zoomagreen.org and Green Paws Chicago, an eco-friendly dog-walking service. The dispensers are courtesy of artists from Gallery B1E in Rogers Park.

Stop by the park to check out the new dispensers and grab a bag.

Wag for the Bag, Saturday, May 16 at Puptown

Green Paws Chicago and Zoomagreen.org will present “Wag for the Bag” on Saturday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Puptown.

The purpose of the event is to educate dog owners about the benefits of biodegradable dog waste bags over other plastic alternatives.

Courtesy of Green Paws Chicago and Zoomageen.org, Puptown will be the first off-leash dog park in Chicago to dispense biodegradable dog waste bags to its patrons, fostering the shared mission of Green Paws Chicago and Zoomagreen.org to promote sustainability.

In addition, the event will feature a juried competition of Chicago artists who will present their designs for waste bag dispensers created completely from recycled materials. The dispensers will be on display starting at 11 a.m. The winners will be announced at 1 p.m. Other dog services and products will also be on site.

Puptown volunteers -- join us for a park cleaning at 8 a.m. to make the park look super good for the event. And don't forget to stop by later in the day to enjoy the festivities with your dog!

Supplies Needed to Care for Abandoned Pets

Due to the economy, more pets are ending up in shelters and rescue groups are seeing an increase in the number of pets abandoned in empty, foreclosed homes.

To help Chicago Animal Care and Control meet the the needs of animals cared for at the shelter, State Rep. Harry Osterman is collecting non-perishable pet supplies including dry and canned dog/cat food, leashes, collars, toys, blankets, shampoo, etc.

If purchasing new items isn't possible, take a look and see if there's anything your own dog isn't using or if you have any old towels that could be recycled for use by the shelter.

Donations should be dropped off at Rep. Osterman's office, 5535 N. Broadway.

P-DOG Quarterly Meeting: Notes on David Wallace Memorial, Maintenance, Membership Drive and More

We've posted the minutes from the P-DOG meeting held April 14. Please take a look for the latest news concerning finances, upcoming events, park safety and capital improvements: MeetingNotes.April.09