The Alameda Animal Shelter needs our help!

Please help save the Alameda Animal Shelter from city budget cuts. It is in danger of being outsourced to another agency. Please sign the petition to let the city know you want the city shelter to stay open! Follow the link to sign the online petition.

Sign the online petition here!
http://www.change.org/petitions/save-the-alameda-animal-shelter-from-city-budget-cuts

Tomorrow!! March 26 ! It's a Pawty at Urban Island Home Furnishings!

"Dogs on Camera" Photographers Reception 

Saturday, March 26, 2011, 7 pm - 9 pm

Frank Bette Satellite Gallery at Urban Island Home Furnishings

1901 Broadway, corner of Clement Ave., Alameda, Ca

 

We're having a Pawty and you're invited!! We invited photographers from the local community to take pictures at the Alameda Dog Parks and submit their work to the Satellite Gallery for exhibit, and a contest.

Please join us on Saturday, March 26 from 7 - 9 pm to enjoy the charming dog portraits, and find out which piece wins "Best in Show" (and a free year's membership to the
Frank Bette Center for the Arts.

Drop by and socialize with artists, dog people and dogs (social, leashed dogs are welcome!!) Music, beverages, snacks and ambiance provided by our wonderful host,
Urban Island Home Furnishings.
For more information about the reception, or exhibiting at the satellite gallery, please contact Carrie Isett at gallerycurator@comcast.net.

(All rights to event photo, "Please move, You're killing my groove", belong to K. Smokey Cormier, Photographer. Used here by permission.)

Master Plan 2011 Survey | East Bay Regional Park District

Master Plan 2011 Survey | East Bay Regional Park District

 

"The East Bay Regional Park District is currently updating the agency's Master Plan policy document. This is your opportunity to help determine the focus of the 2011 Master Plan update. Our Board of Directors would like to have benefit of your input into this process. Your responses will remain confidential and anonymous.

Thank you in advance for your input and support of your Regional Park District. This survey should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.

Sincerely,
Robert E. Doyle, General Manager "

Japan: Lost Akita Swims Tsunami to Reunite with Guardian | Global Animal

Japan: Lost Akita Swims Tsunami to Reunite with Guardian | Global Animal

SF Off-Leash Dog Walking! Call-In Day to U.S. Representatives and Senators

SF Off-Leash Dog Walking! Call-In Day to U.S. Representatives and Senators

Guide Dog Goes Blind, So Man Gets New Dog to Lead Them Both

Guide Dog Goes Blind, So Man Gets New Dog to Lead Them Both

The Alameda Small Dogs site is up!!

The hosting provider finally got the error resolved and we are back in action!!

Hosting Server experiencing technical problem...

Just wanted to let you know that, due to some weird glitch  in the hosting server, the AlamedaSmallDogs.org site is not available now. GoDaddy assures me that their team of experts is working on the problem, and has advised that the site will be back up by Monday. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Ultimate Loyalty: Japanese Dog Refuses to Leave Injured Friend Behind

It's a Pawty at Urban Island Home Furnishings!

"Dogs on Camera" Photographers Reception 

Saturday, March 26, 2011, 7 pm - 9 pm

Frank Bette Satellite Gallery at Urban Island Home Furnishings

1901 Broadway, corner of Clement Ave., Alameda, Ca

 

We're having a Pawty and you're invited!! We invited photographers from the local community to take pictures at the Alameda Dog Parks and submit their work to the Satellite Gallery for exhibit, and a contest.

Please join us on Saturday, March 26 from 7 - 9 pm to enjoy the charming dog portraits, and find out which piece wins "Best in Show" (and a free year's membership to the
Frank Bette Center for the Arts.

Drop by and socialize with artists, dog people and dogs (social, leashed dogs are welcome!!) Music, beverages, snacks and ambiance provided by our wonderful host,
Urban Island Home Furnishings.

For more information about the reception, or exhibiting at the satellite gallery, please contact Carrie Isett at gallerycurator@comcast.net.

(All rights to event photo, "Please move, You're killing my groove", belong to K. Smokey Cormier, Photographer. Used here by permission.)

Saint Patrick's Day Celebration! March with Dean Clark and A Leg Up Rescue - San Francisco Chihuahua Meetup

Saint Patrick's Day Celebration! March with Dean Clark and A Leg Up Rescue
- San Francisco Chihuahua Meetup (San Francisco, CA) - Meetup

Pro-Pooch Group Plans Rally, Protest Of Proposed Dog Ban: News: SFAppeal

Pro-Pooch Group Plans Rally, Protest Of Proposed Dog Ban: News: SFAppeal

Protest Proposed Dog Ban in Golden Gate Recreational Areas!

Tom Hieronymous writes:

The history of this started back in the seventies when there was an attempt to ban all dogs from the Golden Gate National Recreation Areas.  However, because at that time there had been no studies or no public discussion period given, the courts threw out the ban.  So the Feds went back to the drawing board and, decades later, at the tax payer's expense of more than a million dollars, they produced a 17 POUND document about the impact of dogs in the parks, a document, by the way, that is not supported by science.

(That document is available to read on-line on the GGNRA website: http://165.83.37.12/document.cfm?parkID=303&projectID=11759&documentID=38106)
 

Now the proposal is back to greatly restrict dogs (Crissy Field, Ft. Fungsten, and others) or ban dogs altogether (Muir Beach and other areas) in all of their parks.  

A discussion period is happening RIGHT NOW, giving people a chance to organize, rebutt their "findings," and protest a ban. So far, the proposed ban has caused quite a stir with outcries from dog owners against these injustices. 

A series of four open houses have been planned to meet with the GGNRA parks representatives.

(http://165.83.37.12/meetingNotices.cfm?projectID=11759)

More information can be found: 

--on Facebook groups (http://www.facebook.com/saveoffleash) (http://www.facebook.com/saveoffleash#!/pages/Dogs-of-the-Golden-Gate-National-Recreation-Area/189574667743306), 

--by Googling "Dogs of Golden Gate," 

and a good Chronicle article: (http://sfappeal.com/news/2011/03/the-people-at-the-golden.php)

Comments can be make on the proposal at the GGNRA site.

Below is an email sent by a supporter:

"The GGNRA proposal is absolutely draconian.   They propose, e.g., to ban all dogs - not just off-leash walking - in areas where off-leash walking has been permitted for at least  the past  34 years and where the majority of all users are people walking their dogs.  (The so-called "New Lands").    Other bans on off-leash walking will effectively reduce the available area in San Francisco and the northern half of San Mateo county to 1/2 of the current Fort Funston and Crissy Field areas.

Both the SF SPCA and San Mateo's Peninsula Humane Society have written letters opposing the GGNRA's restrictive stance.

There will be an "open house" with GGNRA representatives at Cabrillo School, on Crespi Drive in Pacifica on March 9 : 4-8 pm.   Please come if you can!

Also - funds are being collected through the Crissy Field organization for a lawyer and an environmental specialist, on the theory that public comment will not be sufficient.  (Crissy Field Dogwalkers have legal 501 (c) (4) status).   Please donate if you can!

Finally - one last source of information: www.montaradogs.com . The Montara Dog Blog is specifically focused on the New Lands. This is the area where dogs would simply be banned - on or off-leash.

The New Lands comprise virtually all of the open space on the coast north of Half Moon Bay.  They run from north of Montara south  behind all the communities along the coast down to Half Moon Bay - Moss Beach, El Grenada, Princeton. This is pretty much all the available space. The environmental pressure and degradation on the remaining one mile loop of County park in the area is absolutely predictable.  "

Natalie B.

Alameda Small Dog Park Wins Beast of the Bay 2011 Award!

	Alameda Small Dog Park Wins Beast of the Bay 2011 Award! The Alameda Small Dog Park was voted "Best Adult Dog Play Group/Event" by Bay Woof voters,... By Small Dog Read more >

Visit Patch.com for more local news, reviews, and info.
Copyright © 2011 Patch. All Rights Reserved.

Poki and Friday cuddling on the table

Greeting from Poki's mom, Heidi.

Here's Poki with one of her best Park Pals, Friday! Aren't they just the cutest?

Poki and Mochi like to play RUFF!

Heidi aka Poki's mom here.

I wanted to share a few photos of Poki (my Tibetan Spaniel) and her park pal Mochi playing on the table...fun stuff!

The Grey Muzzle Organization

Nellie was one of the inspirations for The Grey Muzzle Organization. This small Whippet mix of about 10 years was left by her family at a shelter, and was so terrified that she refused to eat. The concerned shelter staff contacted Old Dog Haven. She was rescued by Grey Muzzle founder Julie Nowicki and cared for by her as part of the Old Dog Haven lifelong hospice program. Nellie was a delightful little dog, who leaped with joy when she saw Julie put on her cap and knew it was time for a walk. She was a constant tail wagger and big stuffy lover (although they didn’t last long). This sweet dog was greatly loved in her foster home. Unfortunately, it turned out that she had a very serious form of kidney disease. She died well loved after several months in her new home.

We remember Nellie with many smiles and wish we had more time with her, but we’re grateful that she ended her life in a safe and happy place, not alone in a cement pen.
A goal of The Grey Muzzle Organization is to help shelters, such as the one that took Nellie in, give senior dogs a second chance to know they are loved.

Don't miss the Bay Area Pet Expo!

Get More Details at the Website!
Check out their Facebook Page!

Dogs on Camera! Calling all Photographers!

"... a place for meetings, readings, showings and other creative doings."  Frank Bette  CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS! Announcing a fun new photography opportunity called "Dogs on Camera", a way to participate in the "Raining Cats & Dogs" show, FBCA's upcoming exhibit running February through March 2011. As part of the "Raining Cats and Dogs" exhibit, we invite YOU to sign up for Dogs on Camera (DOC).  It's simple: Hang around either the Alameda Dog Park (mixed sizes) or the Alameda Small Dog Park (dogs under 30 lbs.) on the weekend of February 5-6 and then submit one ready to hang piece to FBCA by February 27. The pieces will be on display, (in either the FB main gallery or our premiere new satellite gallery at Urban Island) for the month of March. The photographer of the piece judged "Best in Show" will win a free FBCA membership.  (If you already are a member, your membership will be extended for an extra year.) Sign up by emailing patricia@frankbettecenter.org or give her a call at 510.521.2655. Frank Bette Center for the Arts 1601 Paru Street Alameda, Ca 94501 www.frankbettecenter.org

Sadey has found a caring new home!

Update: Sadey has found a caring new home. Congratulations Sadey!

____________________________________________ 

Kelly McDermott must find a new home for Sadey by the end of January.

"Sadey is almost 6 years old, 35lbs, stands on all fours at around 2ft.  She is housebroken, current on her shots and is in great shape.  Sadey has lots of energy and is very affectionate.  She gets along great with other animals, including cats.  She is sweet and loyal.  She is shy at first, but warms up fast.  She doesn't like to be alone in the house for long periods of time.  I have left her in the house a lot, and she would get in minor trouble, but nothing big.  She isn't fixed yet."

Please contact Kelly McDermott if you are interested in meeting Sadey.

Merry Christmas to all the small dogs!!

In Pictures: An Alameda Pet Parade

	In Pictures: An Alameda Pet Parade Contests bring out Alamedan pets and their owners.... By Chris Geier Read more >
The Pet Faire & Contest was fantastic!

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If you're not a member of Patch yet, sign up now!
Home | News | Events | Directory | Q&A | Volunteer
Copyright © 2010 Patch. All Rights Reserved.

Pet Holiday Faire on Dec 18!

For each category in the Pet Contest there will be 4 prizes awarded! Gift Certificates to Dog Bone Alley & More!! Don't miss this fun new pet event on Webster Street in Alameda! (This event will be held under a large tent .) For more information about the whole two week long event, check the Winter Island website!

Lucky and Domino have been ADOPTED!!

We are happy to report that Lucky and Domino have been adopted into caring and loving homes. Thanks to their new owners for finding a place in their homes and hearts for these wonderful little fellows!

Lucky has been adopted!

(Lucky has found his new home!)
Lucky came from the same home that Domino was in. He is also being fostered by someone from the Alameda Small Dog Park. Lucky is a sweet, exuberant, active and playful mini-Poodle mix. His foster family includes two Chugs, and two cats - Lucky gets along well with all of them! He is house-trained and although spunky, is well -behaved. He would benefit from a puppy training course so he can learn his commands. He is very curious about the world so must always be on leash when outside. He has been known to run out the front door too so his new family will have to be watchful about that, and be conscientious about training him.

Domino has been ADOPTED!!

December 9, 2010 

We are happy to report that Domino has found his forever home. Thank you to his new owners for adopting this wonderful little fellow!!

________________________________________________

Domino needs your help! He and his house-mate Lucky were both left at the Alameda Small Dog Park this week. Their guardians are no longer able to afford food and supplies for them and asked for help in finding them a good new home. Domino is being fostered in Alameda, and really needs someone to adopt him and give him a great new life. He is a very loving, affectionate and playful little guy - and as you can see from his photo, quite adorable looking as well. Domino was accepted right away by his foster family, which includes 3 chihuahua mixes (male & female), a senior terrier mix, and a cat. In other words, he gets along very well with other dogs! We believe him to be about one year old. He has some puppy energy, but in general seems to be a mellow, content fellow. He likes to play with toys, his foster siblings, and is unimpressed with the cat. He was not eating right in his former home, and needs to lose a couple of pounds. Right now he weighs about 25 pounds and should probably weigh around 22. A good quality food, and the right quantity will likely do the trick. We are not quite sure what his mixed breed is, but we are guessing Chihuahua, Boston Terrier?? or perhaps a bit of Beagle too?? Domino is neutered and has had his shots in the last year.

Happy Thanksgiving to all the Small Dogs!

Murphy's First Birthday -- Cancelled Due to rain

Due to the rain (and the mud that comes with it!), Murphy's birthday party will be rescheduled for a another date TBD.

Home At Last, Deuce gets free grooming from Seiji Morikawa!

	Home At Last, Dog Gets Spa Day Deuce, the miracle dog returned to his owner last week after having been snatched on Encinal Avenue... By Allan Mann Read more >

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Home | News | Events | Directory | Q&A | Volunteer
Copyright © 2010 Patch. All Rights Reserved

Holiday Dog Wash benefitting Alameda Animal Shelter

Holiday Dog Wash at Alameda Pet Food Express

It's time to decorate and prepare for holiday company. Getting the dog bathed is surely on your list. Let the volunteers of the Alameda Animal Shelter do it, for you. Purchase bath tokens at the register on Saturday, December 4th from 10am - 3pm. 100% of all pet wash sales will be donated to Alameda Animal Shelter during this time. Come out and join us!

Date: Saturday, December 4th
When: 10 am - 3 pm      
Where: Alameda Pet Food Express
            2661 Blanding Avenue Ste. 9F
            Alameda, CA 94501
            (510) 864-2222

Old Oakland: EAT - PLAY - BARK @ Jefferson Square Park! :: Satu...

Old Oakland: EAT - PLAY - BARK @ Jefferson Square Park! :: Satu...: "It's a community potluck and party at Jefferson Square Park (7th Street Btwn Jefferson & MLK)! Help us rededicate Jefferson Square Park a..."

2nd Annual Santa "FAAS" Celebration!

Clement Art & BBQ - Holiday Sale and Benefit

Check out the website to see the participating artists work and other details

Murphy the Cavalier Spaniel mix is turning ONE.

All dogs are invited to stop by the dog park this Sat, Nov 20th, from 1pm-3pm for pupcakes (cupcakes for dogs). The pupcake table will be at 8th and Westline -- away from the gates of the park. Just look for the balloons. You will help Murphy's mom know how many pupcakes to bring if you'd kindly drop her a line at mskitty3132@yahoo.com to let her know you'll be stopping by.

As of right now, showers are in the weather forecast, so please check back

here Saturday morning to see if this will be rescheduled.

The Howl-O-Ween 2010 Photo Gallery is now online!

The Howl-O-Ween 2010 Photo Gallery is now online! Here are just a few of the photos you will find in our gallery...see the rest at  alamedaSMALLdogs.org !

Trina as "Trina Ballerina"

Goya as "Jessie James, Motorcycle Legend"

Lily, as herself with Minnie, as a "Pug-mouthed Bass"

Ting Li as a "Pumpkin Alien"

Bonnie as a "Banana"

Eloise as a "Hostess Ho-Ho"

Howloween Dog

Shortie as "SuperDog"

Check out some of Will Anzenberger's Howl-O-Ween Photos!

nowsaycheese.us or flickr

Contact Will at nowsaycheese.us if you would like to schedule a portrait session for you and/or your small dog!

If you see photo in our Howl-O-Ween gallery that you would like a high resolution digital copy of, please contact Carrie at Alameda Small Dogs. Will is generously donating all the photos he took this year and we will send you a high resolution file FREE! 

...and the winners are...!

The Winners of Howl-O-Ween 2010!!
(photo by Will Anzenberger, Photographer)

Category:	Winner’s Number:	Winner’s Name & Costume:
Best in Show	29	“Doggie Gaga” Cha Cha with Hazel Johnson
		Prize: Club K9 – 2 nites free boarding and gift basket
2. Most Original Costume	14	“Vending Machine & Ho Ho” Eloise with Jennifer Cohen
		Prize: Park Centre Animal Hospital – Gift Certificate $120 value
3. Best Dog & Person Combo Costume	4	“Homeless Bag Lady – Hit by the recession; No more luxury” Nani with Owner, Jay
		Prize: Back to Life – ½ hr. massage for person; Dog toys donated by American Cancer Society
4. Scariest Costume	17	“Vampire” Jewel with Owner Rico
		Prize: Alameda Red Cross – Pet First Aid Kit
5. Best Homemade Costume	33	“Scuba Driver” Miko with Loretta Chin
		Prize: Will Anzenberger, Photographer – 1 hr. Studio time + DVD of images. ($150 value)
6. Best Ready-Made Costume	24	“Banana Split” Mito with Jong Christine Calvin
		Prize: Dog Bone Alley Gift Basket + certificate
7. Best 2 or more dogs	6	“Catch of the Day – Pug-mouthed Bass” Jim & Jan Franz
		Prize: Providence Veterinary Medical Group - Gift Basket
8. Funniest Costume	25	“Vacuum Cleaner – Self cleaning Dog” Buddy with Henry Chin
		Prize: Will Anzenberger, Photographer – 15 min. Studio time + 1 free 8 x 10 print ($45 value)
9. Most Creative Costume	29	“Doggie Gaga” *No dogs hurt in the making of this costume! Cha Cha with Hazel Johnson
		Prize: Seiji Morikawa, Certified Groomer – 1 Free Grooming
10. Most Well-Behaved Dog in Costume	27	“Little Miss Sunshine” Matilda with Judy George
		Prize: Bowzer's Pizza – Gift Certificate for 1 small  NY Pizza
11. Best Costume based on Fictional Character	16	“Lion” Theo with Owner, Trin
		Prize: Alameda Pet Hospital – 6 month supply Advantage + custom T- Shirt
12. Best Costume for “Tiny” small dog	7	“Trina Ballerina” Trina with Troy & Carrie
		Prize: Alameda Small Dogs Gift Basket – Tiny dog coat, tiny harness, tiny toy
13. Best Child & Dog Combo Costume	20	“Jessie James - Motorcycle Legend” Goya with Owner Betsy
		Prize: Color Me Mine – Unfinished ceramic dog bowl + free studio time; Dog Toys donated by American Cancer Society.
14. Best dog dressed as another animal	13	“Shark” Rocco with Jeremy Markus
		Prize: MiniKnits Pupperwear – Hand-knit dog sweater + dog toys
Honorable Mention #1	35	“Miss Autumn” Muffin with Loretta Chin
		Prize: Halloween dog T-shirt, sz. small
Honorable Mention #2	11	“Bonnie Banana” Bonnie with Nicole
		Prize: Halloween dog T-shirt, sz. medium
Honorable Mention #3	18	“Mama’s Boy” Dexter with Owner, Bridget
		Prize: Halloween Witch stuffed toy, donated by American Cancer Society
Honorable Mention #4	15	“Hot Dog” Radar with Alex Gil
		Prize: Dog Toy donated by American Cancer Society
Honorable Mention #5	22	“Jester Vampire” Oscar with Jennifer Taing
		Prize: Toy from Pet Food Express
Honorable Mention #6	3	“Fishy” Oscar Meyer with Annette Lysmer
		Prize: Toy from Pet Food Express
Honorable Mention #7	19	“Cheerleader” Tahti with Sara Hall
		Prize: Toy from Pet Food Express

We are ready...are you? Howl-O-Ween at the Alameda Small Dog Park is this Sunday!

Looks the weather is cooperating, and we are all set to go! We have a fabulous Emcee this year, and some wonderful Judges for the contest...and of course, lots of super duper prizes!! Don't miss it!! *If you would like to help us set up and decorate at the park, just show up about noon on Sunday. And we can always use extra helping hands when the festivities are over, so if you can help with tear down, that is always appreciated!

Howl-O-Ween has been rescheduled!

Due to very rainy weather expected on Sunday, October 24th, we have had to reschedule Howl-O-Ween for the following Sunday, October 31st. We hope you can join us on that date!

The Alameda Small Dog Parks'
7th Annual Howl-O-Ween Contest
Sunday, October 24 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm (Rescheduled to Sunday, October 31st)

The details and schedule remain the same...

Here is what you can expect to happen:
1 pm:
Registration for the Costume contest begin.  Go to the registration table to sign up, and get your line up number. Numbers must be placed on your left front shoulder so that they are very visible to the judges.
1:45 - 2 pm:
All contestants will start lining up in numerical order for the Parade. When everyone is lined up, the Parade will start; one big loop around the park. Please stay in line up when finished, and then the Judges will walk around to see your costumes up close! This is part of the judging process so you and your pet should look your best!
2:15 pm:
 The walk past the Judges Table will begin. The Emcee will announce your names, costume title & number and ask you to walk past the Judges. Please feel free to ham it up, but keep the line moving. Most years there are many dogs in the contest.
3:00 pm (approx.):
Depending on how many contestants we have, around 3 pm the walk past the Judges Table finishes, and then the Judges will take a few minutes to decide upon the winning costumes!
3:15 pm:
 The winners will be announced and prizes awarded!!

We would love for all the prize winners to be photographed by this years' Howloween photographer, Will  Anzenberger so please stick around for a few minutes after you pick up your prize.

Rescheduled to October 31st! -- 7th Annual Howloween Parade & Costume Contest