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Does your pooch have the chomps to take a bite out of pollution?

Posted on 21 May 2013 by Annamarya Scaccia

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Photo courtesy of Partnership for the Delaware Estuary/Flickr

She’s a furry bouncing ball of shih tzu energy that tears up your favorite jacket for fun. He’s a cranky little bulldog sweetheart who plops on the couch while watching TV.

Don’t lie: your pooch is the apple of your eye, warts and all. But does your zany best friend have the chomps to take a bite out of pollution and serve as the Philadelphia Water Department’s 2013 Philly Water’s Best Friend Spokesdog? The Water Department is currently looking for two dogs from University City and Filter Square, respectively, to represent the city as ambassadors for “living the eco-friendly dog life.” West Philly dog owners who think their canine has what it takes have until May 31 to enter their sweet ol’ pup into this year’s competition, which will focus on Schuylkill River cleanup efforts.

The winning dogs will be chosen at a judged pageant-style community competition, and receive a $200 gift to a local business, toy and cookie prize pack, and have their adorable face gracing promotional materials. As a Philly Water’s Best Friend spokesanimal, the winning dogs and their caretakers will be required to attend at least three community affairs in 2013-2014, and distribute information on the importance of picking up pet waste.

The Water Department has crowned four spokesdogs in East Falls, Northern Liberties, Queen Village, Manayunk and Roxborough since 2011. Last year’s competition drew over 7,000 voters for more than 50 doggie candidates.

For rules and registration, visit http://phillywatersheds.org/spokesdog/. Program sponsors include the Friends of Schuylkill River Park, Partnership for the Delaware Estuary, Philadelphia Water Department, Powelton Village Civic Association, and Schuylkill Banks.

Annamarya Scaccia

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Adopt-a-Dog: Buddy

Posted on 10 May 2013 by WPL

buddyMeet Buddy! This handsome fella is looking for a family of his own, and boy would he be a great addition! He’s about 5 years old, but he still has plenty of love and energy to share. He loves to run and play, and loves fetching sticks.

Buddy is very affectionate and absolutely loves being around people as well as other dogs. He has played with some new doggie friends at the shelter and did great. He is also terrific with people. He loves to goof around and show lots of affection. If you have any children under 10, please bring them along to meet him. If you have any resident dogs, please bring them along as well to make sure they’re a good match. Come meet Buddy today, you’ll be glad you did!

Here’s a video of Buddy learning the hoop trick.

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.

To check the status of an animal, call 267-385-3800 or email acctpetfinder@gmail.com.

 

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Out of the ring, into the harness: Lug Nuts offers alternative competition for dogs

Posted on 02 May 2013 by Mike Lyons

DogsthatpullThis 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.

 

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Adopt-a-Dog: Tiger

Posted on 21 April 2013 by WPL

tigerTiger 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.

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Middle-aged dogs available for adoption at ACCT Philly

Posted on 29 March 2013 by WPL

peteThese 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!

nikolIf 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/.

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Adopt-a-Dog: Tyga

Posted on 09 March 2013 by WPL

tyga1Tyga is a 1-2-year-old female pit bull terrier mix. She adores humans and looks forward to being the love of your life. Tyga is currently nervous around other dogs, but is learning how to play appropriately, with the help of her human friends. Unfortunately, Tyga must go to a home with no cats. She is microchipped, up to date on her shots and will be spayed when you take her home.

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: 111 W. Hunting Park Avenue in Philadelphia. Please check www.acctphilly.org for hours. To check the status of an animal, call 267-385-3800, or email acctpetfinder@gmail.com.

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