Second Annual Bostoberfest
All proceeds from Bostoberfest go to help Canadian Boston Terrier Rescue.
How many pairs of doggy boots has your dog lost by now? Regardless of the make, all doggy boots are prone to a disappearing act. It’s a simple fact of life for those who use these products. A local company called PetPromises has come up with a simple yet effective solution for this universal problem, it’s called Suspend A Boot.
Suspend-A-Boot is essentially a set of sporty looking suspenders for your dog’s doggy boots. The elastic suspenders clip to each bootie with a sturdy metal alligator clip. The product’s intention isn’t necessarily to force the boots to stay on, rather to provide a life line for the little disappearing rascals in case they do fall off your doggie’s paws. The suspenders come in a variety of sizes and each harness can also be adjusted for a tailor fit. It easily fits over your dog’s coat, if he wears one. The reflective 3M Scotchlite fabric aids in your dog’s visibility in low light conditions. Doggy Tron? Oh don’t worry, if sporty is not your doggie’s look, these bootie suspenders also come in other colours including sparkly sequin models for the fashion forward divas.
Take a peak at this upbeat movie demonstrating the product:
Hershey’s Rally Against Ontario’s BSL
Ontario’s controversial ban on pit bulls — now five years old — is under fire once again as a coalition of dog-loving groups rallied Sunday to support MPP Cheri di Novo’s efforts to have the law changed. Hundreds of people and dozens of well-behaved muzzled dogs “substantially similar to the elusive pit bull” gathered at Coronation Park on the Toronto waterfront on Sunday afternoon to protest Ontario’s ban on pit bulls and to demand the repeal of breed-specific legislation.
The first speaker, reporter Anita Robeson, described the case of Ginger, a pit bull taken into custody after defending herself in a park after an attack by a German shepherd/collie cross. Ginger’s owner, Philip Huggins, has spent more than $75K in legal fees to try to protect her from being killed.
Marcie Laking, Vice-President of Toronto Humane Society, said at the rally that this subject is very close to her heart, as she has a 10-year-old pit bull. Although Toronto Humane Society is unable to adopt out illegal pit bulls, the shelter will make every effort to save them and will not put them down because of their breed. Marcie said that it has been proven scientifically that BSL does not work and certainly does not reduce dog bites.
She then introduced Bill Bruce, Director of Calgary Animal Services, who is visiting Toronto this week to consult with Toronto Humane Society. Rally organizers and attendees were thrilled that Bill took the time to attend and talk about the now world famous Calgary model to fight dog bites, which does work.
Calgary Animal Services provides education on responsible dog ownership (along with zero-tolerance bylaw enforcement) and on preventing dog bites. During a period of population doubling in Calgary, incidences of dog aggression have decreased 75%, even with the influx of pit-bulls from Ontario, Bill quipped. During his speech, he also cited a study by the Canine Research Council, noting that the incidence of mis-identification of dog breed within municipal animal control is 80%. Take note, Michael Bryant.
Cyndi Knill then stepped up to the microphone to tell us the story of the two Jennifers – Jennifer Wind, a rescuer, and Jennifer Waite, who ultimately ended up adopting Hershey in whose honour the new bill is named. Hershey had been an over-bred puppy mill mother, caged 24/7. Her jaw had been broken in two places with no veterinary intervention, and had been left to heal on its own. With Jennifer, Hershey went on to become a confident and healthy therapy dog in Halton Hills. Hershey received an award from Toronto Humane Society as Therapy Dog of the Year.
But, under the new breed-specific legislation, she had to be muzzled and could no longer be a therapy dog. People asked after her for months after her forced retirement. In March, 2009, Hershey passed away, but she will never be forgotten.
The audience burst into cheers when Parkdale/High Park MPP, Cheri di Novo, took the stage. Cheri told us that there is no question that we will win on this issue. It is just a matter of when. If not before the next provincial election, then certainly after it…The Conservatives are wholeheartedly behind Hershey’s Bill, along with the NDP and some of the Liberal back-benchers.
What can you do, she asked, to make this happen? Pester your MPP’s and find out where they stand on the repeal of breed-specific legislation. Email them. MPP’s are getting emails about this issue daily; the only campaign that has had more emails is the anti-HST one. Sign petitions. Get out to the all-candidates meetings and ask where they stand on this issue.
As dusk approached, rally participants walked their dogs peacefully to Pawsway at Harbourfront, then headed to Queen’s Park for a Candlelight Vigil.
Source: Red Star Cafe (please read their full article)
Related Story: Toronto Star
For more information about the efforts visit Stop Canine Profiling
On Wednesday, September 1st at 7 PM share in the celebration of the opening of the new enclosed off leash Botany Hill Dog Park in Scarborough. The park’s Dogs Off Leash Association (DOLA) invite you to attend to meet and tour the area, share ideas and establish a network for meeting and planning to make the first approved and built off leash park for dogs in Scarborough a great local place for area dogs and dog owners to enjoy.
The hours of operation of the park are 7AM – 10 PM daily. Dog Park users can park along Orton Park Rd for the allotted 3 hour limit, as well as park at the adjacent community centre. The responsibility and supervision by dog owners of the dog and the dog’s ability to respond to voice command was cited as being integral to the rules that will apply to this area and which will also be posted at the site. The fence is a visual guideline and is there to provide containment not confinement. Features such as a sheltered area, additional lighting and agility courses are not included , but through fund raising, these items could be incorporated into the park. Facebook users can join the “Botany Hill Dog Park” site to network with other dog owners, or contact us through the Curran Hall Community Association website with any inquiries, comments or concerns.
Come support the Etobicoke Humane Society during their 19th Annual Dog Walk-A-Thon. The event will take place on Sunday September 12th, rain or shine, at West Deane Park located near Marin Grove Rd and Rathburn Rd. Registration begins at 11am and the walk will start at 12 noon. All dogs must be leashed. Lots of fun activities are planned in addition to the Walk-A-Thon including dog sports, games and first aid demos by Who’s Walking Who and All About Dogs. The event will also include raffles, music, BBQ, silent auction, contests, and prizes. Join as a team or an individual and organize pledges to help fund The Etobicoke Humane Society, a 22-year old independent, all-volunteer, registered charity.
For more information call 416-249-6100 or visit the Walk-A-Thon’s Information Page.
Download the Walk-A-Thon pledge form here.
