The Dog Whisperer, Cesar Millan is in Canada for his first Canadian tour to meet with fans and their dogs. He will be appearing at the Pet Value at 240 Carlton St in Toronto on Sunday October 31st at 11:30 am. Purchase his new book, Cesar’s Rules, get his autograph and be photographed with the Dog Whisperer. Visit this location to be entered for a chance to be one of the first 25 people in line to meet Cesar Millan. For more information visit PetValue.com
Mobile dog grooming to the rescue
Some days, it’s hard enough for us humans to get ourselves to the hairdresser, not to mention our beloved dogs. Work, scheduling, the kids, the weather; there is always going to be an excuse to avoid taking the dog for a proper grooming. We love our pets, and we do our best to give them the very best care and attention they deserve. Everything from gourmet food and treats, to luxurious bedding and toys; why not indulge your beloved pet in the pampering he deserves? If you don’t have time to take your dog to a groomer, the groomer can come to you!
The business of mobile dog grooming has become more popular as many people no longer have the time to fit additional chores into their busy schedules. It’s important to stay on a regular grooming schedule to ensure your dog’s coat stays free of mats and tangles. Plus, this will ensure your dog gets used to regular handling by groomers. Remember, dogs, like humans, spend a great deal of time outdoors and need to be carefully monitored for fleas, ticks and other vermin that could potentially cause skin issues, leading to infection or disease. We groom ourselves regularly, so of course, dogs need and deserve the same attention. Part of a thorough grooming includes inspection for fleas and ticks, which is imperative, especially in the summer months when the flea and tick populations are at their height.
Keep in mind that every breed of dog has different needs when it comes to grooming. An English Cocker Spaniel will need special attention around the ears and muzzle. A Golden Retriever also needs special attention paid to its floppy ears, as well as routine grooming to control their year-round tendency to shed. An experienced mobile dog groomer will have experience with many different breeds of dogs, and will be able to tend to their specific grooming needs. Let’s not forget about our lovable mixed-breed rescue dogs; they encompass the characteristics of two or more breeds, which makes them susceptible to multiple skin and coat issues. They require special loving care and attention so their skin, coat and teeth stay healthy and clean.
Finding a good mobile dog groomer who can accommodate your busy schedule is crucial to keeping your dog happy and healthy. Check with other dog owners in your community to see which mobile groomer they prefer, or ask your vet if he or she can recommend anyone. It’s always a good idea to check references and make sure the groomer you choose is properly licensed and insured.
Bring Your Dog to the Stadium

Are you a football fan? Don’t miss this great event sponsored by Milk-Bone! Milk-Bone has partnered with the Toronto Argonauts Football Club for the third consecutive year. On October 2, 2010 at 3:00PM, Argo’s fans will have the opportunity to bring their dogs with them to the Rogers Center to watch the Argo’s take on the Saskatchewan Roughriders. An entire section within the stadium will be designated to football fans and their dogs.
Tickets for this event are $25 per person with $5 from each ticket sold benefitting National Service Dogs through the Milk-Bone “Good to Give” Program. Each ticket purchased includes a “dog ticket” with a maximum of two dog tickets per group/order.Don’t have a dog? Don’t worry! You don’t need to have a dog to purchase a ticket for this reduced rate and help support Milk-Bone’s “Good to Give” Program. If you are interested in attending this event and would like to order tickets or receive more information, please contact Al McNinch at (416) 341-2717 or amcninch@argonauts.ca.
We reported earlier (Baird Dog Park Construction Cancelled, Sep 10) that the construction of the Baird Dog Park has been cancelled due to complaints from local residents regarding the proposed off leash park.
Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division staff have reviewed comments and feedback received from residents in response to the dogs off-leash area proposal at Baird Park. This feedback was collected through various channels including two public consultation meetings and written feedback submitted to the Division and Councillor Perks’ office.
The city sent out a letter (click to view PDF) providing an update along with the location of a new proposed off-leash area. A final decision is set to be released in October 2010. If you wish to submit any further comments to the city regarding this proposed off leash area, all comments and feedback must be submitted in writing to dola@toronto.ca prior to September 30, 2010.
The new proposed location:

Dog Guides Annual Fall Open House
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is hosting its annual Fall Open House on Saturday, October 16th at its Oakville facility. The event will feature a new ‘Ask an Expert’ question-and-answer period with Program Director, Ian Ashworth, in addition to demonstrations from the five Dog Guide programs, tours of the facility and silent auction. The family event will provide an opportunity for members of the public to learn about the process involved in raising and training Dog Guides. Foster families will be onsite to discuss their experiences with their foster puppies and trainers will be presenting on-going demonstrations with trained Dog Guides.
In addition to the tours and demonstrations, a silent auction will take place throughout the day. It will help raise funds to cover the cost of raising and training Dog Guides, which is approximately $20,000 per dog. Each eligible candidate is provided a Dog Guide – including all required training, travel and accommodation – at no cost.
Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is a federally incorporated charitable foundation. Its mission is to provide service to Canadians with disabilities in the areas of mobility, safety and independence. Since 1983, Lions Foundation of Canada has been providing specially trained Dog Guides to more than 1600 men, women and children of all ages. In addition to training Dog Guides for people who are blind or visually impaired, Dog Guides are also trained to meet the needs of Canadians with hearing and other medical or physical disabilities.
For more information about the open house, please call 905.842.2891 or email info@dogguides.com.


