Dogs and dog lovers gathered yesterday in Clark Park for the annual “Bark in the Park.” There were contests for everything from tallest dog to curliest tail to fastest runner. A good time was had by all. See the photos below.

From a Craigslist posting:

“Mitsi is a small, under 20 pounds, lemon (light brown and white) female beagle. She is spayed, very shy and timid but will come up to you if you call her. She was running fast about 9:30 a.m. from Clark Park and last seen heading north on 42nd street at Spruce.

She has tags – but they have her Grinnell, Iowa address – 1418 Spencer St., and an All Pets Veterinary (in Grinnell, Iowa) rabies license, and a Grinnell, Iowa dog license.”

If you’ve seen Mitsi, please email to this Craigslist address: comm-qhm2q-2639017920@craigslist.org

This week’s dog is Ginger, a female pit bull/terrier mix. She’s tan brindle with distinctive white markings, approximately 15 months old. Ginger has been living with West Philly resident Kathleen since late May, when she found her wandering in the street. Kathleen has had her spayed and microchipped, and she’s healthy and current on all her shots.

Ginger is a very affectionate, energetic and smart dog, and is excellent with small children. Unfortunately, however, she hasn’t integrated well with the four cats who were already part of the family; she isn’t dangerously aggressive with them (no growling or snapping) but overly persistent in wanting to play with them while they – being cats – want to be left alone. She needs more training and attention than Kathleen is able to give her.

The right home for her would be with an owner who doesn’t have other animals, but could put the time into training her; she’s a wonderful dog, but her current family is just not the right family for her. If you think Ginger might be the right dog for you, please email Kathleen and tell her a bit about yourself. Here’s Kathleen’s email address: khturner32 [at] gmail.com
 

This week’s featured cat is Polly. She’s available for adoption through City Kitties. Polly is a polydactyl kitty with extra toes on each of her paws. Polydactyl cats are sometimes referred to as ‘Hemingway cats’ because the author is known to have favored them.

Polly was found wandering the streets alone and scared with a terrible eye infection. But as you can see, it didn’t take long for this stunning dilute calico to heal, clean herself up, and look forward to the next phase of her life.

Polly’s got more than a unique look—she has a winning personality to match. She adjusts easily to new surroundings and is quick to make herself at home. Her favorite toy is a string to chase, but she also enjoys curling up on a lap or pillow. As a young and gentle kitty, Polly is likely to adapt well to cats, dogs or children. She’s ready to find her forever home today, so don’t miss your chance to adopt this special girl!

Polly is spayed, FIV/FeLV negative, up to date on FVRCP and rabies vaccinations, and has been tested/treated for fleas and parasites as needed.

Polly’s adoption fee is $85 to help subsidize the cost of veterinary care. To fill out an application click here.

Dogs, cats and even a turtle came to St. Francis De Sales church (47th and Springfield) on Sunday for the “Blessing of the Animals,” a ceremony honoring Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of animals.

A similar ceremony was also held at the Philadelphia Episcopal Cathedral (3723 Chestnut St.) earlier in the day.

At St. Francis De Sales, the ceremony included a blessing from Rev. John Hand, the church’s pastor, and of course a shout out to Noah and his ark.

Our favorite line from the “Blessing Prayer for Pets”:

“May we never treat our pets as dumb animals, but rather let us seek to learn their language and to be students of all the secrets that they know.”

West Philly resident Susan, who lives at the corner of St. Bernard and Springfield, lost the entire third floor of her home in a devastating fire last Saturday. Two of her cats died in the fire. Intense water damage has rendered the lower two stories and the basement unlivable for now.

While Susan is temporarily staying with friends, her remaining cats are still residing in the house as they have nowhere else to go. Susan is looking for temporary housing for them. She writes:

“…kitties are all freaked and living under rather unhealthful conditions, with the noisy and major internal work now underway, still smoky air, very wet floors, mold starting to grow, etc. I am trying to find foster homes, even for one or two, here and there, for about eight weeks, until they say we can all move back in. They are all sweet cats, great company, very people-oriented, and cuddly — especially warm when the weather starts to turn cold. Can anyone open their homes for a furry feline for a couple of months? I would gladly pay for food and other supplies during their stay… So, far, I have one volunteer for one cat. Believe me you would enjoy their presence… I have always found them comforting.”

If you’d like to help Susan, or know someone who might, please write her at: susaniris [at] msn.com or call 215-435-5273.