For more details about the contest, click here: http://www.blurb.com/photo-book-contest/how_it_works

Pet care can be expensive—and in these trying economic times, families all over the country have been forced to give up their pets because of financial hardship. The HAPPY Act is important because it will help Americans provide their pets with the medical attention and quality of life they deserve, while also ensuring that more pets get to remain in their loving homes and don’t wind up on the streets or in the already overburdened shelter system.

Supporters of the bill are urged to send a letter to their U.S. representative, urging him or her to support and co-sponsor the HAPPY Act, H.R. 3501.

After careful thought and consideration, we have decided to  do our part to reduce our carbon ‘paw’ print and keep up with the current technology trends. Americans now report that they regularly go online to get their news than ever before.

To read the entire September/October issue of Urban Paws click here.

On September 12, the city’s newest PetsHotel opens its doors at the PetSmart location at 9718 Katy Freeway. With 24-hour on-site supervision and veterinary, grooming and training services, canine and feline guests are treated to a high-quality day and overnight care service.

Canine amenities range from poochy cots, treat time and hypoallergenic lambskin blankets to supervised play and TVs tuned to animal-themed shows. In addition, many pet parents call – via the bone booth – to hear their loved one’s bark or meow.

And not to be outdone, Houston cats get their own Kitty Cottages that have separate ventilation from the canine area and feature lambskin bunk beds with litter boxes, dishes and plenty of room for cat toys.

The mayor’s decision came just a day before City Council’s consideration of a $135,000, five-month contract with corporate turn-around consultant Gerry Fusco. The city hired him to recommend changes to BARC, and he has been working without a contract for the last month under a $49,500 purchase order. Mayor White said the move will help to reform BARC while another nationwide search is conducted to find a new director to replace Ray Sim, who was in the job for two months before being fired in early July.

BARC has long been under immense scrutiny with allegations of animal abuse and neglect as well as criticism for its high rate of euthanasia. Critics blame under-careing staff, poor management and inadequate adoption and spay/neuter programs.

Kenny Waymire, a resident of Spring, Texas is beginning the next journey of his life. He is facing dialysis treatments and ultimately, a kidney transplant. Kenny does not have medical insurance because he is uninsurable, so family and friends are planning a fundraiser to help off set his medical expenses.

This Saturday, June 6th we are having a HUGE garage sale in Spring Branch, West Houston to help raise funds!  Please come out and shop! 8923 Friendship Rd. Houston 77080. For information call 832-638-6786 or donate online at www.kidney4kenny.webs.com.

Euri, a beautiful English Cocker Spaniel, hasn’t had an easy life. He was born in the Czech Republic, but was destined for America when two separate breeders in the U.S. decided to co-own him. Unfortunately for the breeders – and fortunately for us – Euri was placed for adoption after he was fully grown and they could see he was indeed over-sized for the breed standard.

As luck would have it, we were looking to adopt an adult English Cocker Spaniel at that time. As soon as I read Euri’s description I knew that he was going to be the dog I had always longed for, and when I saw his photo, I fell in love.

I worked hard to get Euri shipped to Houston as quickly as possible and when he arrived, he couldn’t even bear to look at me. He was so anxious and scared. He just panted the entire ride home despite my petting and speaking to him calmly; but something happened when I pulled into the garage and let Euri out. He knew our house was his forever home and he began to relax. He snooped around and finally realized that he was not going to be forced to be a show dog. Instead, he was going to be a spoiled house pet who didn’t have to do anything to receive love except to be himself.

Euri is a handful with his daily grooming and energetic walks, but the love he’s given us has been worth it. Euri loves to wrap his paws around my neck and hug me while licking my face. I don’t speak dog but I’m pretty sure he’s happy here in Houston – despite arriving two weeks before Hurricane Ike. What I do know is that he’s made our lives a million times richer than we had ever imagined, and Euri is rarely seen without a wagging tail – or stub in his case.

Devastated only begins to describe how my family felt when we learned of the death of our three and a half year old greyhound, Skyjacker. It was December 23, 2008 and we had just adopted Sky in August. A short time in the grand scheme of things, but Sky had become more than just a simple family dog. He had become my buddy as I went about my day, my walking companion at any hour that I chose, my sidekick as I shuttled my son to school and practice and a trusted friend as he slept by son’s bed at night. Sky was a valued and loving member of our family and  we had just received the completely unexpected and crushing news that our beloved Sky was gone. Our holiday was shattered.

We had already made plans to meet my in-laws in New Orleans so we decided to leave a day earlier. The house was too lonely and too filled with memories of our pup. A six hour drive seemed a better alternative than spending another day at home.

Throughout the next four days we continued to be reminded of Sky. We saw a man walking two greyhounds in the French Quarter. We followed him for a block and as I knelt next to pet these two beautiful dogs, tears ran down my face. The antique shops had many tapestries and bronzes depicting these gentle and noble creatures in aristocratic poses. While walking through the Garden District, we had yet another greyhound spotting. This fellow was sitting quietly on his front porch. He came over to receive scratches thru the fence. The next day on our way back to Houston , we pulled over at a small Cajun restaurant along Route 10.  There on the wall hung a huge painting of greyhound.

Shortly after the first of the year my sister, who had been battling cancer, took a turn for the worst. Over the next three weeks her condition declined quickly. Sitting by her bedside one night, I had a thought that Sky would be waiting for her. Perhaps this dog that I had loved so much had another important job to perform. I believe that as one of God’s creatures, he created dogs as an expression of his unconditional love for us. I was sure that Sky would be waiting for my sister and when I told her this, the most peaceful smile came across her face.

Ultimately she passed away in January   of this year. I still have an image in my mind of my sister and Sky crossing the bridge together. As the next few weeks passed, I found myself bumping along through the days. The house was too quiet and my heart was broken and grieving.

By the first weekend in February, my husband and son were doing their best to sell me on adopting another greyhound. It’s not that I did not want another dog, as I certainly did. Having known Sky, I was hooked on greyhounds. I just needed time to process all that I was feeling. The conversations went on and on. “Maybe we could just foster.” “Sky would want us to get another greyhound who needed a home and for us to share our love with it.” They were really laying on the guilt.  However, their most creative and convincing strategy was talking to and petting an invisible dog. Mission accomplished. I was bamboozled into visiting the Houston GPA chapter just to take a look.

The first thing most greyhound owners will tell you about how they “choose” their dog is that they didn’t – the dog chooses them. Bruno was no exception. We spent several hours walking and playing with each dog that was available. Bruno honed in on our son  early as an easy target. And as any good salesman will tell you, you find the decision maker, ask for the business and close the deal. Bruno was a master at this. He made continuous rounds between us. On our walk he was a complete gentleman. He looked into our eyes and gave gentle nudges for even more attention. The fact that he had practically velcro‘d himself to our son’s side was pure magic. We were all in agreement – Bruno was the one. He came home with us that afternoon as a foster dog.  Bruno was still going through some vetting and would not be available for  adoption until he had completed his dental cleaning. After he was completely vetted we could either adopt him or keep him as a foster for the next few weeks.

The second thing that most greyhound owners will tell you about how they “choose” their dog is that they failed Greyhound Fostering 101. Some have failed several times! Bruno passed his foster dog test with flying colors. He gets along with the cat, rides well the car, walks well on a leash, is housebroken and he’s loving and social with other people. Bruno has taken over the role of all around buddy without missing a beat. He has found his forever home. Bruno’s presence has once again brought laughter, smiles and greyhound antics back into our home.

Although the passing of my sister and Sky will never be negated, our grief for them has been eased just a bit by a wonderful brindle greyhound named Bruno.