CityDog Blog

CityDog Event Reminder!

2008-07-17T12:33:00.001-07:00

The third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search kicks off this Sunday, July 20th at Kirkland Uncorked!

Big dogs, little dogs, three-legged dogs, Heinz 57 dogs...ALL dogs are welcome to find their inner super model and try out to be on the cover of CityDog Magazine.

All in the name of fun and to raise money for animals, the winning pooch will be privy to a professional photo shoot with J. Nichole Smith of Dane + Dane Studios and featured on the cover of Seattle's own CityDog Magazine.

$10.00 per dog with all of the proceeds going to Pasado's Safe Haven.

When & Where: 1 P.M. Sunday, July 20th at Kirkland Uncorked (check-in at the CityDog booth between 11 A.M. and 12:30 P.M.).

To enter your dog in the third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Contest, click here.

2008-07-16T14:06:00.000-07:00

Who would've thought CityDog would be mentioned in a travel magazine? Certainly, not me. But, check out Budget Travel's blog and a mention about this weekend's Kirkland Uncorked and the CityDog Cover Model Search!

CityDog (er, me) was also quoted in an article for USA Weekend about letting your dogs sleep on the bed (yes, I'm guilty).

Photos from CityDog's 21st Birthday Pawty!

2008-07-14T22:45:00.000-07:00

Dogs turned out in droves -- some wearing nothing but their birthday suits -- to celebrate CityDog's 21st birthday pawty (our third anniversary in dog years, that is) at the swanky W Hotel Seattle! Check out the full gallery here.

Photos by Amy Soper, dane + dane studios.

Greatest American Dog Not So Great?

2008-07-14T10:36:00.000-07:00

Did you watch Greatest American Dog last Thursday on CBS? I did. While I mostly enjoyed it--particulary the first half when you get to know the dogs and their people (there are some laugh-out-loud moments)--in the second half, it gets a little weird. I mean dog lovers get a bad rap as it is (although, not as bad as cat lovers), so dressing up in costumes (people and dogs alike), doesn't really bode well for our reputation. Anyway, if you missed it, you can read my full review on Amazon.com here.

2008-07-10T13:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who attended CityDog's 21st birthday party (in dog years) lastnight at the W Hotel Seattle! It was a pleasure seeing all of the familiar faces, along with some new ones! Over 100 humans and 80 canines turned out for the festivities—from tiny Chihuahuas to giant mastiffs—all shapes and sizes were represented!

Check out the candid shots from the pawty here.

2008-07-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

Proud pet owners have sent in their best shots to Seattle's own NWSource.com, and now it's time for you to choose the winners. Vote for your favorite pet photos in a variety of categories including Best Dog Pic (winning shot will appear in CityDog!), Best Display of Affection and Most Mischevious. You will automatically be entered into NWSource.com's weekly drawing for $150 to Scraps Dog Bakery. All winning photos also receive $150 to Scraps. Weekly winners will be randomly selected between July 7-28.

Then, grab your pet and watch top finalists strut their stuff down the catwalk at the star-studded awards ceremony. This free event will take place at the South Lake Union Block Party August 8. Before the show, enjoy fun challenges at CityDog's Muttmazing Race.

Muttmazing Race: Registration anytime between noon to 6 p.m., with the race wrapping up at 7 p.m. Winners will be announced on the main stage around 8:30 p.m.

Best Pet Pics Runway Show: 7:30 p.m. Aug. 8, 2008, lawn outside the South Lake Union Discovery Center, Seattle.

Click here to vote now!

Wag Reflex: Amazon.com's new pet blog

2008-07-08T10:11:00.000-07:00

Amazon.com has launched a new pet blog called Wag Reflex, which features regular posts from yours truly. Read my first blog: a review of Seattle author Garth Stein's new book The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Woof!
Brandie Ahlgren, founder & editor
CityDog Magazine

Is that the summer issue of CityDog?!

2008-07-07T14:15:00.000-07:00

Imagine our surprise when we saw this latest painting by artist Connie Townsend! Titled "Barkalounger," it features the summer issue of CityDog Magazine! How cool is that?!

This piece, along with several others, will be on display at the Howard/Mandville Gallery in Kirkland, Wash. Swing by the gallery following Kirkland Uncorked and the CityDog Cover Dog Model Search, Sunday, July 20, 2008.

To see more of Connie Townsend's work, check out her website here. To register for the CityDog Cover Dog Model Search at Kirkland Uncorked, click here. You never know...your dog could also end up in a painting!

Come One...Come All! Cover Dogs Wanted!

2008-07-07T11:13:00.000-07:00

The third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search kicks off on July 20th at Kirkland Uncorked! Big dogs, little dogs, three-legged dogs, Heinz 57 dogs...ALL dogs are welcome to find their inner super model and try out to be on the cover of CityDog Magazine.

All in the name of fun and to raise money for animals, the winning pooch will be privy to a professional photo shoot with J. Nichole Smith of Dane + Dane Studios.

$10.00 per dog with all of the proceeds going to Pasado's Safe Haven, PAWS, Reading With Rover and the Seattle Humane Society.

When & Where:

July 20th at Kirkland Uncorked

September 6th at PAWSwalk

September 21st at Fremont Oktoberfest

October 4th at FidoFEST

One dog from each event will be chosen to go to the final round and CityDog readers will vote to pick the winning dog to grace the cover of our winter issue! In addition, because we think ALL dogs are worthy of the cover, every dog entered in the contest will be featured in the winter issue!

To enter your dog in the third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Contest, click here.

Not so happy Fourth of July

2008-07-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again...time to celebrate our independence. Fun, right? Well, not so fun if you're a cat, dog, horse, goat...you get the picture. And not so fun if, like me, you have pets that are terrified of fireworks. The last few nights have been torture for my two dogs, Scout and Ziggy. With every little pop, crackle, snap, the shaking, pacing and panting begins. I've closed all of the windows, turned up the t.v., gathered them on my lap (all 60 and 40 pounds of them), trying to no avail, to calm them. If your pets are like mine, the Oregon Humane Society has some suggestions below to ensure your pets' comfort:

Make sure all pets, even indoor-only cats, are wearing a collar with an identification tag that includes your name and telephone number. A microchip is also a good idea. Terrified animals will become confused and disoriented. They may end up miles from home or deep under a neighbor’s porch. This simple precaution will save a lot of anguish, time, and energy.
Tonight, walk your dogs in the early evening – well before nightfall – to prevent undue stress from noisy fireworks.
During neighborhood fireworks displays, keep all pets safely inside. Dogs, and cats, who are agitated should be put into a bathroom or other room with no windows, with the door secure. Remember, screen doors will not keep in a charging dog. Please do not take a dog to watch a large commercial fireworks display. This only increases the chances of him becoming lost in an unfamiliar area.
In extreme cases, check with your veterinarian about tranquilizers.

If your pet becomes lost during the holiday (or at any time):

Immediately check with your local animal control agency first.
Put up flyers with a photo and detailed description of the missing pet.
Check around the neighborhood carefully. Lost cats have been found days later hiding under a bush in front of their owners’ homes. For dogs, expand the search area further than expected as a precaution.

Here's wishing you and your four-legged loved ones a relatively happy and safe Fourth of July!

Woof!
Brandie Ahlgren, founder
CityDog Magazine

More South Lake Union Images

2008-07-02T13:03:00.000-07:00

In the summer issue of CityDog Magazine, we feature Seattle's super hip South Lake Union as our "Dog's Eye View" neighborhood. Alas, with limited space in a 56-page publication, we can't feature all of the amazing photos snapped by our photographers when out on assignment. And believe me, it is extremely difficult to narrow the images down to fit a four-page spread. Thankfully, photographer Jamie Pflughoeft posted several more here from her exploration of South Lake Union, so check 'em out! Thanks Jamie!

Come visit South Lake Union for yourself at CityDog's Muttmazing Race and the South Lake Union Block Party, Friday, August 8th! It will be a barking good time with live music, tasty food, a beer garden, an outdoor movie and of course, the Muttmazing Race!

2008-07-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

CityDog is turning 21...in dog years, that is! And what better way to celebrate than with a birthday "pawty" at the swanky and dog friendly W Hotel Seattle?

You and your furry, four-legged friend are invited to join us at yet another one of our famous MuttMixers to celebrate three fabulous years of publishing CityDog, Seattle's premier magazine about life and living with dogs in the West.

Enjoy tasty cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, while mixing and mingling with fellow dog lovers.

When: Wednesday, July 9, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Where: W Hotel Seattle, 1112 Fourth Avenue. Valet parking available for a fee. Click here for directions.

Attire: Casual cocktail attire for humans; birthday suits for canines.

Please RSVP by July 7th with your name and the number of people and/or dogs in your party to rsvp@citydogmagazine.com. The event is free, but your RSVP will help us with a head count.

Party Animal Rules: Dogs must remain on-leash and be under your control at all times. Dogs (and people for that matter) must also play well with others. Thank you for your understanding!

More upcoming CityDog hosted events! This summer, find your dog's inner super model at the third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search. That's right, we're looking for our next dog to grace the cover of CityDog Magazine and raising money for animals while we're at it! Click here for more information.

On August 8, 2008, CityDog is hosting the second annual Muttmazing Race as part of the South Lake Union Block Party. Compete with your four-legged teammate in a series of fun challenges to raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter. Then, kick back in the beer garden, sample tasty food, listen to live music, and even enjoy an outdoor movie. Click here for more information.

Mark Your Calendar: CityDog is Turning 21!

2008-06-17T10:39:00.000-07:00

CityDog is turning 21...in dog years, that is! And, we're throwing a birthday pawty!

Join us with your furry, four-legged friend as we celebrate three fabulous, fun-filled years of publishing CityDog Magazine, Wednesday, July 9th, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the swanky and dog-friendly W Hotel Seattle, 1112 4th Avenue.

Please RSVP to rsvp@citydogmagazine.com.

Woof!
CityDog Magazine

CityDog Loves...

2008-06-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

...a dog's day at the beach. Grab the summer issue of CityDog Magazine, featuring our top 10 favorite dog-friendly beaches in the West then hit the sand and surf outfitted with ArfDog's puppy beach kit. Packed with the essentials, the beach kit includes a bowl for dining al fresco; tasty treats; plush squeaky toys and even puppy sunscreen for extra protection from the sun’s rays. For more information, check out arfdog.com.

Summer Issue Sneak Peek...It's Pugalicious!

2008-06-09T14:44:00.000-07:00

The much-anticipated summer issue of Seattle's own CityDog Magazine is just about hot-off-the-press and on its way to readers' doors! This issue is all about fun in the sun, with over 50 ways to sit, stay and play throughout the West including our Top 10 favorite dog-friendly beaches, San Francisco's best dog parks, Seattle's five dog-friendliest summer festivals, great summer reads, cool products, San Juan Islands getaway, a road trip to beautiful Carmel, California, and much much more! Seriously, we're just scratching the surface of what's packed into this issue!

If you're not already a subscriber, then what are you waiting for...? Click here to subscribe today! If you are a subscriber... thank you! The summer issue is due to arrive this week!

Woof!

Brandie Ahlgren, editor

CityDog Magazine

P.S. Mark your calendar for these CityDog-hosted summer events: CityDog's 21st Birthday Bash at the W Hotel Seattle (July 9th), Cover Dog Model Search (dates and locations vary) and the Muttmazing Race at Seattle's South Lake Union Block Party (August 8th)! Check out our online calendar of events for these and other summer events!

Cover shot by Jamie Pflughoeft, Cowbelly Pet Photography

CityDog Loves...

2008-06-07T12:11:00.000-07:00

Skeledog tees...Find your inner canine!

Although they don't have a boxer skeleton shirt yet, I still love Skeledog's super fun and super hip tee shirts. High-quality cotton, with cool colors and designs. Thanks to Skeledog, we dog lovers no longer have to look like dorks.

Check out more cool products, including Skeledog's tees, in the summer issue of CityDog Magazine...coming soon!

Woof!

Brandie Ahlgren, editor

Coming Soon to a Theater Near You...

2008-06-04T22:48:00.000-07:00

In Wiener Takes All, documentary filmmaker Shane MacDougall chronicles the surprisingly cut throat world of competitive wiener dogs; a world that boasts healthy dachshunds and rabid owners. MacDougall unleashes the truth as this "dogumentary" tracks America's sexiest and fastest weenies on the professional dachshund circuit.

Get the inside scoop on what makes these champion dogs and their colorful owners tick as MacDougal crisscrosses the country, visiting dachshund races, hilarious "muttrimonies," and the Westminster dog show. Candid interviews with the world’s top show dog personalities give you a crash course in wiener dog politics, and a glimpse into the divisive controversies that have long dogged the dachshund community.

Intrigued? Watch the trailer below then catch a screening at Seattle's STIFF (Seattle's True Independent Film Festival) this Saturday, June 7th at the Capitol Arts Center at 4:30 p.m. or Tuesday, June 10th at the Jewel Box Theater at 1:30 p.m. For tickets and more information, click here.

Online Videos by Veoh.com

2008-05-24T14:01:00.000-07:00

I was so touched by this post on Seattle pet photographer Jamie Pflughoeft's blog, I had to share it with you. It's about a special dog she met at the Belltown off-leash park named Angel. If you are looking for a new dog to welcome into your home, then please check out Jamie's blog.

2008-05-24T13:07:00.000-07:00

CityDog's upcoming Muttmazing Race is featured on NWSource.com! Read all about it here plus a whole bunch of other fun events this summer to benefit animals.

Third Annual Cover Dog Model Search

2008-05-24T12:30:00.000-07:00

Buddha, our 2007 model contest winner!

Find your dog's inner super model at the third annual CityDog Cover Dog Model Search.

That's right, we're looking for our next dog to grace the cover of CityDog Magazine and raising money for animals while we're at it! Big dogs, little dogs...ALL dogs are welcome to walk the catwalk and compete for the chance to be a CityDog cover dog model.

All in the spirit of fun and to raise money for a good cause, the winning pooch will be privy to a professional photo shoot with photographer J. Nichole Smith of Dane + Dane Studios to grace the cover of the Winter 2008-'09 issue of CityDog Magazine.

Click HERE to register for one of three model searches this summer!

Woof!

Brandie Ahlgren, founder

CityDog Magazine

P.S. Not only will the winning dog be on the cover, but also every single cover dog contestant will be featured in the Winter 2008-'09 issue!

To subscribe to CityDog, the magazine about life and living with dogs in the West – Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and everywhere in between – please click here.

Hands to Paws Massage

2008-05-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

What dog doesn't love a good belly rub? Heck, if Fido can get a full massage out of the deal -- even better! Certified small animal massage practitioner, Jenni Streit, is hosting a class to teach just that -- massage techniques to enhance your pet's physical and psychological well being.

WHO
Jenni Streit, LMP, Reiki Master
Hands to Paws Massage

WHAT
In this experiential class, you will learn three massage techniques to relax your dog and/or cat (practice will be on stuffed animals).

WHERE
East West Bookshop
6500 Roosevelt Way NE
Seattle, Wash. 98115

WHEN
Monday, June 2, 2008, 7 PM - 8:30 PM

COST: $7; to register, call 206.523.3726

Three Dog Spa Night

2008-05-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

Seattle's own Three Dog Bakery (1418 1st Avenue) is hosting a spa night to benefit the Seattle Animal Shelter, Wednesday, May 21st, from 6PM to 8PM.

Pampered pooches can enjoy a 10 minute therapeutic massage in the cozy "Spa Corner" from certified canine masseuse Karen Parkey plus a bag of goodies and gifts!

Just $10 with all proceeds benefitting the Seattle Animal Shelter.

For more information and to register, click here. FYI, space is limited.

CityDog FYI

2008-05-15T10:10:00.000-07:00

On an 85-degree day, a car's interior temperature can climb to 120 degrees in 20 minutes, even with the windows slightly open.

DoveLewis Tails & Ales Dog Wash

2008-05-14T22:28:00.000-07:00

Have a cold one at this cool event!

WHEN
Saturday, May 17, 2008, 11:00AM—5:00PM

WHERE
Lucky Labrador Beer Hall
1945 NW Quimby, Portland (right behind DoveLewis!)

WHY
Help DoveLewis celebrate its 35th birthday at this super fun dog wash at the Lucky Lab! Bring your dirty dogs to the Lucky Labrador Beer Hall and DoveLewis promises to send them home squeaky clean! (Minimum suggested donation of $5 per dog.)

Want your dog washed by Portland's 2008 Rose Festival Court? Come by from 3:00PM - 5:00PM.

Want to dance with your dirty dog? Check out Off the Record from 3:00PM - 5:00PM. They'll make sure everyone's having a great time with their fun, danceable rock & pop tunes, sure to rock your socks off.

And this year, you and your dog can help save lives! The American Red Cross will have their Bloodmobile on site. Humans -- make an appointment and donate blood between 10:00AM and 3:00PM -- please call 503.528.5608 to get on the list.

And, dog owners -- make a blood-typing appointment for your dog to see if he or she can become a DoveLewis Superhero! If your best friend meets the criteria to become a blood donor, sign up from 11:00AM to 5:00PM at the event.

The Northwest is about to have record temperatures, so everyone be safe (no dogs in hot cars) and be sure to cool off at this super cool event!

44 Days Out of Kandahar

2008-05-14T09:00:00.000-07:00

CityDog contributor Ranny Green will be reviewing 44 Days Out of Kandahar in our upcoming summer issue! In the meantime, check out this heartwarming video of Cinnamon's long journey home.