This Saturday in Malcolm X Park (51st and Pine) you have the chance to see some pit bulls and other rugged (or not rugged) pooches engaged in some thrilling, macho competition. But these are pullers, not fighters.

The Lug Nuts program was designed about a dozen years ago as a way to provide competition for (mostly) young men and their dogs that didn’t involve fighting. The dogs don padded harnesses hooked to plastic sleds filled with bags of dog food and do their damdest to pull the sled. No dog is forced to pull and any dog is welcome – from the smallest of chihuahuas to the greatest of Danes. Dogs are judged by how much weight they pull as a percentage of their body weight. So that chihuahua could walk away with the whole thing.

Saturday’s program includes low-cost vaccines, low-cost microchips, low-cost spay and neuter info and runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. rain or shine. The pulling competition is 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. No registration or training is required and entrants get free dog food and other gifts. The winners get cash money.

The Penn Vet Animal Welfare Society, Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) and Philly Lug Nuts (Facebook page) are sponsoring the event.

Tiger is an adult, male, medium size terrier/pit mix. He has a red coat, with silly fun ears and all of this is topped off by some gorgeous copper eyes. Tiger is a pretty calm dog that walks well on the leash. He is a curious guy who likes to explore the outdoors. Overall, all Tiger wants to do is to sit by your side and maybe chew on a bone or indulge in some treats. He met several dogs at the shelter and exchanged a few sniffs. Tiger has a wonderful disposition but he does not like the kennel atmosphere.

This is just one of the many wonderful dogs in urgent need of adoption, foster care, or rescue at Philadelphia’s animal control shelter, ACCT. You can stop down and meet them, and after filling out an application with shelter staff, interact with them 365 days a year at the shelter located at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia. Please check www.acctphilly.org for hours. Come in and take home a forever friend today! To check the status of an animal, call 267-385-3800 or email acctpetfinder@gmail.com.

If you happen to walk by the Baltimore Pet Shoppe window and see a pair of cute beady eyes looking at you, don’t be surprised; the store that has always helped our feline friends find homes is now hosting adoptions of small animals. In addition to cat adoptions, Baltimore Pet Shoppe will occasionally have hamsters, guinea pigs, and rabbits available for adoption.

Currently, there are a pair of hamsters waiting to go to their new homes, so stop by the shop to meet them. Check out the Baltimore Pet Shoppe website or Facebook page for more information.

Little critters like Strawberry, a female calico guinea pig that got adopted the day she arrived, are available for adoption through ACCT Philly. You can meet them at Baltimore Pet Shoppe.

A Powelton Village resident, Mark, is fostering a mama cat that gave birth to three kittens under his porch last month. He is looking for a home for all of them since he already has three cats of his own. The mother will be spayed soon, and Mark will also pay for the babies to be spayed. Please contact Mark at marklbrack@aol.com for additional information or to schedule adoption.
 

These middle-aged sweethearts have a lot to offer their prospective new families, including: the promise to catch on to housebreaking quickly, the ability to recognize the difference between their toys and your shoes with just a little guidance and most importantly, unconditional love and gratitude for saving them!

Pete is a 5-10 year old American Bulldog mix who was surrendered to the shelter because his owner fell ill and could no longer care for a pet. Pete isn’t letting his new life in the shelter phase him too much, mainly because he’s getting lots of attention from his new staff and volunteer friends. Pete is a big, tall guy, weighing around 80 pounds, but it appears as though his big, kissable head accounts for a fair amount of that weight.

Pete has quickly become a favorite at the shelter because of his low-key, easy-peasy demeanor. Despite his size, he’s pretty easy on the leash. While he loves to spend time with his human friends, Pete also did well when meeting other dogs at the shelter. He was tolerant of pushy, goofy play styles and was comfortable spending time with other low-key dogs as well. Pete has reportedly lived with other dogs AND cats in his past home. He’d be a great addition to any family looking for a big, easy-going companion. Interested in meeting him? Grab your resident dogs and stop by!

If you you searching for a sweet easygoing dog who is past all that “puppy” nonsense then Nikol is your girl. She is a full-figured, middle-aged girl who is looking for love and a forever family. She’s a low-key sweetheart who would enjoy curling up with you on the sofa on a cold day, or hanging outside with you enjoying the sunshine.

Nikol very much enjoys going for long walks to explore the great outdoors! She loves attention and will let you pet her for as long as you are willing. She is also very tolerant of her penpals putting her in costumes. Come meet her and maybe you will fall in love with her just like her volunteer friends. Bring the whole family, including any children and resident dog(s), if you have them at home already, so everyone can meet her at the same time to see if she is the right match to be a part of your family.

Interested in fostering or adopting one of these great dogs? They are currently residing at ACCT Philly located at 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue. For more information, click here: http://www.acctphilly.org/.

Emily has been missing since Tuesday, March 5. She was last seen in her home near 50th and Hazel. She was not wearing a collar. Please call (614) 499-6506 with information. There is a reward for her return.

UPDATE (3/10): Emily was found.