Get the latest news about animals and pets in Oregon and the Pacific NW.
Pets and their people entered Spot's Cover Model Search at events all last Spring and Summer. Winner Penny Love, graces this month's cover. All the other beauties are featured in the magazine and in our online photo album.
In the rarified world of truffles, Oregon is known as the center of research and expertise outside of Europe. The 6th annual Oregon Truffle Festival, held recently in Eugene, gave the public a chance to immerse themselves in the unique world of truffles, and the emerging popularity of training dogs to hunt them.
Suds ‘Em Yourself of Eugene celebrates 17 years in business this month, and Spot congratulates owners Dan and Trish Cole for making it a community favorite (3rd Place winner in Spot’s 2011 Top Dog Awards for Dog Wash, and #1 Reader’s Choice for two years in the Register Guard).
Harold Hansen helping a student at his "Heeling Free" Dog School in EugeneHarold Hansen, owner and operator of “Heeling Free” Dog School in Eugene, contacted Spot recently to share an article he published recently in a human-focused medical publication. He felt — and we wholeheartedly agreed — that the information was important to share with all those who work, live with and love dogs. The article was originally created for physicians after Hansen received a call from a dog owner who said she wanted her doctor to write a letter saying she needed a “Service Dog.” She said her doctor wasn’t certain about the guidelines, so Hansen did the homework and learned that the definition had recently been clarified to read:
“Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), businesses and organizations that serve the public must allow people with disabilities to bring their service animals into all areas of the facility where customers are normally allowed to go.”
The animal rescue community in the Willamette Valley and surrounding were rocked last month when news that fellow rescue rock star, Starly Susan Pupke, lost her life after exiting her van in traffic near Lane Community College in Eugene and being struck by two cars.
When the scent of fall fills the air, it’s a good time to remember: Not only is it always raining in the Northwest; it’s always raining cats and dogs! This time of year some dogs get excited about playing in muddy puddles while others start wondering where their favorite sweater is. This is also the time of year Spot likes to “paws” for a look at the current landscape of pet-friendly businesses and awesome resources serving animals and their people in the Willamette Valley.
Seven years ago, Jeff and Gail Lang of Eugene lost their beloved 21-year-old Cockapoo, Holly. Jeff, an environmental health supervisor, and Gail, a teacher, were absolutely devastated.
Deeply concerned with Gail’s grief, Jeff felt strongly that it was important to find a companion for her to love — fast. So he set out on a mission; he searched numerous animal shelters and replied to classifieds, driving up and down the Willamette Valley, looking for just the right new friend to love.
If disaster strikes, you don’t leave a family member behind. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans, countless pet guardians stayed put and faced the floods rather than abandon beloved beasts who weren’t allowed in the hurricane shelters.
The Willamette Valley doesn’t get many natural disasters, but sometimes winter nights can be harsh. While many are a little unprepared, those hit hardest are the homeless, who have nowhere to escape the cold. Their pets suffer with them.
During a freeze December 8, 2008, 60-year-old Major Thomas Egan, a homeless veteran, froze to death on the streets of Eugene. People were horrified this could happen here. Citizens, veterans, activists, faith groups, local governments and others came together to ensure it wouldn’t happen to another soul. The result was the Egan Warming Center, whose mission is simple: ensuring that homeless people in Lane County have indoor refuge when temperatures hit 28 degrees or below between November 15th and March 31st.
Training Goal: Glue that doggie’s butt to the ground! Teach your dog to sit calmly as guests enter your home for the holidays.