small dog playgroup

CHLOE M TURNS 3!

 

   

NOTICE TO MEMBERS (reminders)

Registration Forms and Membership Dues must be paid before September 1, 2008 in order to retain your membership in our playgroup from Sept /08 - Sept / 09. If you are not registered and paid before that date, your membership will be canceled without prejudice and you are welcome to reapply in the future should you be so inclined.

Membership fees are non-refundabe unless the group disbands. If that were to happen, the balance in the bank account would be divided equally between the members current at the time of disbanding in an amount no more than the membership dues paid.

Our season runs from Sept/08 - Sept/09. Meetup frequency during the fair weather seasons will be 1-2 per week. Meetups during the winter will be 1-2 per month.

Although we cannot guarantee there will be any indoor meetups, activities will likely include: (semi-) monthly indoor meetups in the winter, on-leash pack-walks, outdoor off-leash park time, outdoor off-leash play in an enclosed space, Paws in Motion, Potluck Picnic, Howloween Costume Ball, Holiday Bake Sale. There will also be other special events as yet to be determined.

We have a solid core group of members now who attend most events all year long. We hope to expand the core as we go with our intent being to develop a <i>fellowship</i> of small-dog owners. We hope members will show support for the fellowship by attending all types of events all year long and not just take advantage of the indoor events in the winter.

Please keep up to date with the playgroup on our website at www.outofthedoghouse.ca. All members need to be a part of our network to gain access to event information and RSVPs as we felt it was important to keep our private information for members' eyes only. You can join the network at: www.outofthedoghouse.ning.com.

Registration Forms and Membership Dues can be turned over to Renee at any of our August events. Alternatively, you can mail them by August 22nd or drop them in the mailbox by August 31st: Renee Morin, 259 Augusta Dr., Wpg., MB. R3T 4H3. Cheques can be made payable to Renee Morin.

REFUNDS
For those who paid double membership fees prior to our recombining as one playgroup, refunds will be issued in September. Thanks!

MEMBER MUST READ: 2008-2009 SEASON

We will endeavor to continue providing opportunities for off-leash play (indoors and out), pack walks, and special events.

Indoor, Off-leash Playtime Although there are no guarantees of any indoor events at all as we do not own our own building suitable for such purposes, we will aim to provide two indoor events per month through the cold season (Oct 1 – March 31) by renting out suitable premises. We may also hold one indoor event per month through the fair-weather seasons if suitable arrangements can be made. Indoor, off-leash events will be on Sunday afternoons.

Outdoor, Off-leash Playtime Fair-weather plans include a monthly visit to Kings Park (walk + off-leash field) and a monthly off-or-on-leash walk through Kilcona Park. These will be on Saturdays (not on the same weekend as an indoor meet-up). We are currently looking into the possibility of an additional off-leash venue where there would be small dogs only in an enclosed outdoor area. This would be on a week night.

Pack Walks We will continue to have on-leash pack walks 2 or more times per month as weather permits and in varying locations (Assiniboine Park, The Forks, Kildonan Park, St. Vital Park, etc).

Special monthly events may include: Feb – Valentine’s Dance (train and show off your dog dancing!) April - Easter Hunt & Spring Bonnet Contest (get creative, be silly!) May - Agility Day June - Paws in Motion (let’s break our fund-raising record!) July - Potluck Picnic August – Pool / Beach Party and/or Birdshill Hike Sept - Corn Maze Oct - Great Manitoba Dog Party Oct - Halloween Ball & Silent Auction (new and gently-used goods) Nov – Doggie Talent Show (train and show off your dog’s tricks!) Dec - Holiday Bake Sale (just in time to stock up for holiday guests!) We are also going forth with our plans to have a team of therapy dogs certified and placed by St John Ambulance.

Pre-Season Refunds: As previously announced: if anyone needs to resign from the group due to the changes to our group structure and scheduling, refunds will be given if requested by email before July 20, 2008. After that date, no refunds will be given.

Fees: In order to ensure our costs (fees, supplies, prizes, refreshments, entertainment) are covered up front and based on a limited membership, the fee to belong to our playgroup for Sept/08 – Sept/09 is $40 per family living in the same residence and it is due before September 1, 2008. If more funds are needed for the 2008-2009 Season we will hold fund-raisers. Any credit balance in our account after this season ends will go towards reducing the fees for the next season. Should the group dissolve; any credit balance remaining after the group’s financial obligations have been met (ie – rental agreements, leases, and the like) will be divided appropriately and refunded to the members who are current at that time.

New Network: As we are experimenting with no longer using the pay-for-service Meetup.com site and instead using a Ning Network (free), all members will need to join the network in order to fully participate in the group. Joining is free and does not require any downloads. You can link to the Social Network from our website at www.outofthedoghouse.ca

The 2008-2009 Management Team

Co-Organizers: Renee Morin (Chloe M) Kathy Miller (Calli, Carter) Janelle McLeod (Pebbles, Keko)

Assistant Organizers: Shawna Musto (Rocky) Dianne Buchanan (Yoki) Ashley Sharpe (Callia)

Supervisors: Gail Foster (Cole) Dianne Renick (Angel) Paul McBay (Tsuki) Karen O’Quinn (Oliver, Zoe)

The Members

Please ensure your dog is shown on the list and note if you have outstanding items due by September 1, 2008,

The following is a list of dogs currently on our membership roster. If your dog should be on this list and is not, please notify Renee immediately. If your dog is on this list, but you plan to leave the group before the new season starts in September, please advise Renee. Outstanding registration items are noted beside the dog’s name. These items must be received BEFORE September 1, 2008 to avoid having your membership canceled. New applicants may attend events pending their full registration before September 1, 2008.

Angel - fee
Annie, Peanut
Becks, Truman - fee
Belle, Selah
Bambi, Bullet Registration - Form and Fee
Bobby, Finnegan - fee
Boo, Taz - Registration form, fee
Bugsy, Pepper
Calli, Carter
Callia
Callum, Caiti
Calypso, Jetta
Casey K - $40 double payment to be refunded
Casey, Sheena
Ceasar - $40 double payment to be refunded
Charlie - Registration form, fee
Charlotte - fee
Chloe H
Chloe M
Chloe W - fee
Circa - Registration form, fee
Coco - Registration form, fee
Cole
Copper, Zephyr - fee
Daisy Duke - moving away in the fall
Elliot, Steve
Fergus - fee
Fiesta - Registration form, fee
Forester - fee
Ginger - fee
Gracie H
Gracie - Registration form, fee
Haley, Pipsqueek, Teddy
Harley
Hobs
Ivy
Izzy - fee
Ruby Tuesday, Jack - fee
Kassedy
Kipper, Ozzie - Registration Form
Kiwi
Leo
Lucky - Registration Form
Keko, Pebbles
Lila
Lily M - fee
Lily, Maggie - Registration Form, Fee
Lola, Monster - $40 double payment to be refunded
Macchiato - fee
Meeko
Mickey - fee
Moose - Registration Form, Fee
Mylee - Registration form, fee
Noelle, Trixie
Oliver, Zoe
Oscar - fee
Otis, Zen - $40 double payment to be refunded
Pepsi
Pixy
Porthos - registration form, fee
Presly
Reba - fee
Rocky
Rollo
Roxy - Registration form, fee
Sally
Sara - Registration form, fee
Sebastian
Shaina - fee (replacement cheque needed – wrong payee)
Snuggles
Sophie
Sugar
Tara - fee
Tequila
Thora - Registration form and fee
Tsuki
Tyler
Winston
Wolsely - Registration form and fee
Yoki
Zephie

IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ALL PLAYGROUP MEMBERS

Due to complaints over our dogs scent-marking equipment while playing free in the Hiflyers building, we will no longer be able to continue with our (bi)weekly meet-ups there.

However, we have managed to pre-book 6 Sunday afternoons at Hiflyers spread out through Sept 1 – March 31. There is also a good chance we will be able to reserve an additional 6 Sundays on an as needed / as available basis. We hope to use these additional short-notice bookings to provide 2 indoor meet-ups per month whenever possible through the cold season.

The Sunday meet-ups will be divided between:
(1) Set-up / Clean Up
(2) Dogs 12 lbs and over
(3) Dogs 12 lbs and under
(4) Free-for-All (all weights permitted)

In the summer, we do not expect to provide any indoor meet-ups as there are so many outdoor activities.

Our continued use of the Hiflyers building is dependent on us sectioning off the dogs in the last third of the room away from the equipment, or covering the equipment with tarps. This will require more set-up and clean-up time and additional expenses, but no other group will come in right after us to use the building, so there should be plenty of clean-up time and no complaints.

Although this change means less frequent meet-ups, at least we will be able to meet indoors over the winter (if all goes well). Each indoor meet-up will offer more playtime and flexibility.

As such, the cost to belong to our playgroup will remain at $40 and cover from Sept 1/08- Aug. 31/09. Remember, any excess credit we have in the account when the next year’s Membership Dues are calculated will go towards reducing the next year’s dues.

(Note – the fee for Play Toys has been increased as the original $20 was based on only a few indoor meet-ups over the upcoming year. As playtime will now be equal, the fee has been raised to $40. Anyone who joined the group before the increase went into effect will be given the option to voluntarily contribute the additional $20).

Typically, Membership Dues and Registration Fees are not refundable, however, if switching to Sundays does not fit into your schedule, or the decreased frequency of the indoor meet-ups is not satisfactory, we will be more than happy to refund your money should you choose to quit the group and apply for the refund before July 20, 2008. To get a refund, email me asap at outofthedoghouse@gmail.com. If you miss that deadline, no refund will be available.

Thank you for your patience.

OUR NETWORK

Hey guys!

There are only half as many members signed up with our Network (click here) as we have signed up in our playgroups.

You really need to join in order to have access to all our information, events, RSVPs, notices, etc.

Please make sure you apply, so that you are not missing out on anything!

Thanks.

COOLING BANDANAS AND VESTS

Hot days are upon us! 

I've never had trouble with Chloe and the heat.  Her trouble is being cold, hence her wardrobe of hoodies and sweaters. 

Cole on the other hand is never cold and easily hot. 

Our groomer suggested he might like a cooling vest for our hot summer walks and outdoor activities.  A cooling vets?  Huh?  I said.  So I looked it up and darn right they do make such a thing.

Below you will find a link to a great site with explanatory info on how the vests are designed and work.  It doesn't look like the ship to Canada (although I have not called to check that).  You'll also notice they don't make these vests for dogs under 10 lbs.  Such small dogs rarely have troubles with heat that can't be solved by a patch of shade and a sip of water.

Our groomer, Jane, recommends Pet Value in Charleswood (info below) and thinks they may have cooling vests available.  Call first to check though!  Pet Value - Charleswood Centre - 3900 Grant - 896-6161

If your dog is smaller than the available vests or you don't think your dog needs an entire vest, they do make cooling bandanas for people and dogs!

Here's the link:  http://www.northcoastmarines.com/cooling_vest.htm

INPUT ON GROOMERS

Hi guys! 

We have great groomers but they are full up and booking a year ahead already!  As organizers of this group, we often get asked for recommendations for groomers.  As we can no longer refer people to our groomer, we hope to compile a list of groomers - good and bad - so we can make proper recommendations.

If you use a groomer, please let us know which one and how you rate them out of 5.  If you've had any nightmare grooming experiences or any fairytale ones, we'd like to know about them.  Please EMAIL me privately - do not post anything negative online.

If / when we know who to recommend and who not to recommend - we may even put up a page of recommendations to share with all.

Thanks for your input!

Members Removed from Meetup.com Playgroup

For those of you who joined us through Big Dogs in Small Bodies (aka Ruff 'n' Tumble) or Play Toys, you will have received a message via Meetup.com that you have been removed from the group.  As previously advised, we are going to try to go it without using Meetup.com as it became too expensive to have three Meetup accounts.  You have not been removed from the playgroup entirely, just from our site at Meetup.com.  Please use www.outofthedoghouse.ca (ie here) as your home page for the group.  Thanks!

Note to Members - events, RSVPs, emails

The upcoming events will be posted by the month.  The upcoming month will usually be posted by the middle of the month preceding it.

The upcoming events will be found listed on our Social Network and are viewable by all.

To comment and RSVP, you will need to join our Social Network (click on the link to Sign Up found towards the upper right of the Main Page on the Social Network).

In addition to RSVPing, there are many other fun options you can utilize as a member of the Social Network including posting photos, videos, blogging, and more!

There is no cost to join the network.

Now that we are not using Meetup.com, I am compiling an emailing list for the playgroup.  Please make sure you have emailed me your email address if you have not already.

THANKS!

MEEBO ME - live, real-time chatting

You will see that I have a "chat box" on My Page on our social network. 

This means that you can "chat"  with me (instant message) when I am online.  You can also arrange a time for me to "chat" with you if you'd like. 

If you'd like to have your own "chat box" so you can "chat" with others in real time, you can easily add one to your profile (My Page) on our social networking site (http://outofthedoghouse.ning.com/).

Here's how:

Go to meebome.com

Make a Widget (that like an electronic thingmabobber) by following the steps through.
Choose the title of your chat box.
Select your display name (go with your first name and last initial or your dog's name and last initial)
Size - you can custom-size it to 400 pixels by 400.
Pick color scheme
Hit Next

That's your widget made.  Now you need a Meebo account so that you can log into Meebo and others can use the chat box to chat with you.

Set up your new user account by following the instructions given by Meebo and then click next.

You will be provided with the code that will allow you to put your widget on your My Page on our social network.

Copy this code.

Go to our social network and make sure you are signed in.  http://outofthedoghouse.ning.com/

Go to your page on the network ("My Page") where you will see a box called your "out of the doghouse box".  Click Edit.  Paste the code from Meebo into the box.  Title the box and click Save.

Now, when you log into the account you just set up at meebo.com, you will appear online and people can chat with you. 

WRAP UP June 29

What a great weekend...again!  Saturday night at Kings Park was terrific.  We only saw a couple of big dogs and met many small dogs just like us.  Had a blast playing in the off-leash for almost a full hour!  Weather was cool, but the sun was peeking out and the skeeters weren't that bad once we all shared a spray of 'pellent.

Sunday morning was wonderfully hot with a cooling breeze.  The sun was out enjoying the day with us.  We had a scenic, off-pavement, walk that was a bit wet, but that was part of the fun of the off-roading experience.  We walked most of it off-leash and met only a handful of bigger dogs that were all very friendly. 

Thanks to all our friends who came out to play.  We hope you had as good a time as us!!

WEATHER FORECAST

Less chance of rain as we head towards our evening playdate at Kings Park Saturday night.

Tomorrow a.m. should be sunny and clear for our walk at Kilcona Park Sunday morning.

2 Events This Weekend!

Just a quick reminder to all:

We have two events this weekend.  Kings Park Off-Leash field Saturday at 8pm.  On Sunday at 10am, we will have an off-leash walk (on-leash if you prefer) through Kilcona Park.

RSVP for either or both by clicking the link in the left-hand column "RSVP" here and then click "comments" under the event for which you wish to RSVP.

DOGS IN NEED - the rescue from the Woodlands Breeder.

For your convenience, here is the article recently posted in the Free Press about dogs that had to be taken away from the breeder as the dogs were is such poor shape and health.  If you would like to contact the groomer who is coordinating the rescue effort regarding making a donation towards care, fostering, or adopting, her name is Kim from Diamond Edge Grooming Salon, 3549 Pembina Hwy, 255-4377.  The email address I have for her is:  kim.ian@allstream.net

Dogs rescued from breeder

By: Aldo Santin

Updated: June 22 at 11:23 PM CDT

About 70 puppies and dogs suffering from a list of ailments -- internal and external parasites, tumours the size of a fist and blindness -- have been rescued from a Woodlands breeder.

The group of dog-lovers now looking after these neglected beagles and American cocker spaniels is desperately seeking help to cope with their care.

"What we saw was just mind-numbing," Kim Kaufmann, a St. Norbert pet groomer who is co-ordinating the care and fostering of most of the animals, said.

Kaufmann said the dogs range in age from newborn puppies to 16 years.

Kaufmann enlisted the help of about 14 friends, all show dog owners from across the province, to rescue the dogs that were surrendered to the province following an inspection of the dog-breeding operation on Highway 6, just north of Warren.

Provincial veterinarian Wayne Lees refused to discuss the situation when contacted Sunday night, but the breeder confirmed that he voluntarily shut down his operation and turned the dogs over to the province after his facility had been inspected by provincial officials.

Ernie Boklaschuk said he had been breeding dogs for about 20 years but was unaware that the dogs were in such poor condition, adding he's been ill for the past two years and unable to properly care for the animals.

"I didn't notice anything like that," Boklaschuk said when told the dogs being cared for by Kaufmann and her friends had open sores and tumours and badly matted fur so hard that it couldn't be trimmed with clippers or scissors.

Morris resident Cheryl Crick said she had never seen dogs in such poor condition.

"When we trimmed some of the dogs we found barbed wire wrapped around their paws," Crick said. "It was appalling. I was sick to my stomach."

Corrinne Walker, of Warren, said she took home a beagle and five, three-week-old puppies and learned that one of the puppies had tapeworms that were 10 centimetres long.

Bill Macdonald, executive director of the Winnipeg Humane Society, said his agency agreed to help after being contacted by the provincial veterinarian's office.

Macdonald said the province doesn't have the facilities to look after animals, adding the humane society took in several puppies and other shelters in the city did as well.

Kaufmann said the province isn't providing her group with any financial assistance and that's straining the resources of her friends. "We were told that had the animals been seized, then there would have been money to provide for their care but because they were surrendered the province can't help us," she said.

Kaufmann said she and her friends first went to the Woodlands dog-breeding operation Thursday and brought back 15 beagles and American cocker spaniels to her grooming operation on Pembina Highway in St. Norbert, the Diamond Edge Grooming Salon. She and her friends bathed the dogs and then trimmed the cocker spaniels and determined which ones needed urgent care.

Kaufmann said they returned Sunday morning and took away 20 more cocker spaniels, adding about 20 more dogs remained at the site.

Kaufmann said all the dogs need to be examined by a vet and some need urgent care. She said her friends are fostering the animals, taking them home and acclimatizing them but added they need to find homes for the dogs.

"We're doing our best but we can't keep them," Kaufmann said. "We'd love to be able to give them away to a good home."

POST PAWS IN MOTION

What a great day! We started out early and R had to work really hard to get me outta bed at such a dog-awful hour of the morning.

I was excited though when I heard it was Paws in Motion. I knew we had to get there early to snag a picnic table for my pack. So, I dutifully rose from my slumber and, there's no delicate way to put this, went for my morning pee. Soon....Cole and I were all pottied out and decked in our Paws in Motion team uniforms. We were ready way ahead of the 2-leggeds and had some time to kill.

We had so much fun it was unbelievable. Our team raised over $3000. for the Winnipeg Humane Society. A bunch of us came out to do the walk despite the hot heat (and they say dogs don't perspire!). My bud, Yoki, showed up as early as us to help us set up...what a guy! So many of my friends brought food to share with everybody and the picnic we had after the walk. We had coleslaw, potato salad, fried chicken, fruit, veggies, cake and more!! We'd like to thank everyone who raised money and those who supported the team with donations and coming out to walk with us. If you missed the event this year, you shouldn't miss it next year. It really was a super-duper day!

Back to bed....exhausted!  Nightey-night :-)

PAWS IN MOTION IS THIS SUNDAY!!

Pledge-collecting team members be there at 830am for us to register as a team.  After that you can walk around and check things out before the walk begins.

Walking Buddies (people who donated, but did not collect pledges) can be there as late as 10am.

Look for our HQ to be set up around a picnic table, near some shade if possible, with a sign out.

See ya there!!!

BIRTHDAYS THIS WEEK

We had two birthdays this week (well, 3 if you count mine!).....best birthday wishes go out to.....(drummmmm rollllll)......

Sugar (June 18)
Bobby-Whiskey (June 20)

Hope you had happy ones!!

RSVP: June 28 - Off Leash Field

We'll meet at Kings Park at 8pm.

Then head straight to the off leash field for some fun.  After about 45 minutes, those who aren't tuckered out can take the scenic walk back to the parking lot (15 minutes).

We'll meet at Kings Park at 8pm.

Then head straight to the off leash field for some fun.  After about 45 minutes, those who aren't tuckered out can take the scenic walk back to the parking lot (15 minutes).

RSVP - June 21 - WALK

We will meet at The Forks at noon. 
We'll give a go at scoping / timing out a regular route at this location.  We'll try down along the river (if not flooded) and up over the Provencher bridge, along the river walk on the other side until we hit about the 25 minute mark.  We'll have our water break and then head back over the bridge and to our starting spot.

We will meet at The Forks at noon. 
We'll give a go at scoping / timing out a regular route at this location.  We'll try down along the river (if not flooded) and up over the Provencher bridge, along the river walk on the other side until we hit about the 25 minute mark.  We'll have our water break and then head back over the bridge and to our starting spot.

CANCELATIONS AND A SERIOUS ISSUE

The following events have been canceled:

June 21 - Hiflyers - Out of the Doghouse
June 28 - Hiflyers - Big Dogs in Small Bodies
July 5 - Hiflyers - Out of the Doghouse

I will replace the 28th and 5th with outdoor events.

The cancelations have taken place because we are in serious danger of losing the use of the Hiflyers facility due to dogs peeing / scent - marking.  There have been further complaints by others who use the facility since I last addressed the issue with our membership.

As such, I am canceling the above events at Hiflyers to allow us time to come up with a solution to our problem and implement it without risking another complaint which could put an end to us using the indoor facility at all.

It will be a long, cold winter without an indoor place to play.

I hope you can appreciate the seriousness of this issue and thank you for your patience while we try to come up with a solution that works for everyone.

SPOTS OPEN FOR NEXT SESSION OF AGILITY

There are 3 spots open for small dogs in the next Beginners Agility session (6 classes). 

The dogs from our group who've previously taken the classes are having a blast! 

If you'd like to know more and might be interested in joining the next session, please contact Jo Henry at 261-3000. 

Dear Members...

Thanks to all the members of all of our playgroups for being patient during our switch over from Meetup.com.  I hope you find the new site informational and easy to use.  I'm sure things will become clear to all as we go forward.  Thanks again!

RSVPS for July Coming Soon

RSVP threads for July will be posted at the end of June. 

Members can click on "comments" under each event and state whether or not they will be attending or leave any comments or questions there too.

MONEY RAISED, BEST DRESSED CONTEST, MINI PICNIC

Things are shaping up for Paws in Motion.  Our team has raised $3000 and still counting!!  I'll let you know the final tally on Saturday!

Remember, those who collected pledges will be registered as official team members.  Please arrive between 815-830am to register.  Everyone else is welcome to come out and walk with the official team and is free to arrive as late as 10am.

Headquarters will be set up along the tree line of the road leading to the Duck Pond (across the field from the Lyric Theatre behind the Pavilion).  If we can't grab a spot there or choose not to for some reason, you'll be sure to spot us with our matching club gear and we'll put a sign out too.  We will also have a picnic table and a couple puppy pens set up.

Guess what?  There's a contest for the best dressed team! Maybe we'd have a shot at that with our matching bandannas, vest, and dresses!!  Please remember to wear your matching club duds to the event.  I'm guessing that any prizes will be limited to official team members only, but walking buddies should come dressed too!  If you haven't gotten your club gear, contact Shawna (spikesm@mts.net) asap as she may be able to get you something and bring it with her on the morning of the event.  Adele, our seamstress, will also have a booth there and you can ask her if she has any of our club's duds available. The contests take place from about 1130 - noon....so plan to stick around for that!!

Another good reason to stick around is our mini picnic after the walk.  I know we'll have fruit salad (Shawna), coleslaw (Gail), potato salad (Janelle), chips and cheezies (Renee).  I bet more people bring stuff to share too!

We will try to provide shade for the dogs and water bowls that everyone can fill with water to share.  The WHS also provides watering stops and wading pools for the dogs.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR PAWS IN MOTION

If you were wondering why the event starts so early (registration 8am), it's a good thing it does!  Dress cool.  The event should be over before the mid-afternoon high temp (thank goodness!).

RSVP - June 21 - 6pm - Hiflyers - Out of the Doghouse

CANCELED - due to an issue with the facility, we will not be meeting up at Hiflyers on this night.

This meetup at Hiflyers is limited to dogs who belong to our original playgroup, Out of the Doghouse only.

If you belong to that playgroup and would like to let us know if you are coming or not, please comment on this post.

RSVP - JUNE 22 - PAWS IN MOTION

This event is open to all our playgroups.  Members who have collected pledges need to be at the event by 815am to register our team.  Members who did not collect pledges, but made a donation and are coming out to walk with the team can arrive as late as 10am.

If you'd like to let us know that you'll be at the event with us, just comment on this post.

RSVP JUNE 28- HIFLYERS - 6PM - BIG DOGS IN SMALL BODIES

CANCELED - due to an issue with the facility, we will not be meeting up at Hiflyers on this night.

This meetup at Hiflyers is limited to the members from Big Dogs in Small Bodies only.  If you belong to that group and would like to let us know if you will or will not be attending, please comment on this post.  Thanks!

RSVP JUNE 29 - WALK 10am - Kilcona Park

This walk is open to all our playgroups. 

If you'd like to let us know if you are or are not coming to this walk, please comment on this post.

PAWS IN MOTION....NEXT SUNDAY!!

Paws in Motion is this coming Sunday, June 22nd at Assiniboine Park (in the field behind the Pavilion, towards the Duck Pond).  We will be there early and try to get a picnic table to set up as the Headquarters for our team.  If we're lucky we'll get one near to the main Paws in Motion set up but be near the tree line to take advantage of shade.

Weather forecast is for a hot, sunny day, so be prepared for that.  The WHS has water bowls / water stations and wading pools for the dogs.  A list of suggested items to bring follows below.

Official team-members are those who collected pledges and turned their pledge forms and donations into Renee before the event.  Official team-members are eligible for prizes from the Humane Society which are awarded based on how much money you raised as an individual.  There is also a prize for the team that raised the most money and we may be in the running for that ---- who knows! 

Team-members need to be at the event by 815am.  We will gather,  and then head over as a group to the Registration Tent at 830am.  After we've registered your are free to kill time by looking at the booths and displays.

Walking buddies are those who made a donation through our team either with a pledge or by putting change into the collection jar we had out for Paws in Motion at our meet-up events.  Buddies are not eligible for prizes, but are welcome to walk with our official team.  Walking Buddies can come as late as 10am, but keep in mind, that thousands of people attend the event, so parking gets harder the later it gets, so allow time to find a spot and walk to the event. 

Everyone should consider getting dropped off in the morning and call for a ride home in the afternoon if you have someone willing and able to drive you.

We will leave our headquarters at 1015pm to go to the starting line for the walk which begins at 1030am.  It is 3km long and loops back to the starting area.

You are free to leave items such as lawn chairs, picnic blankets, coolers, and the like in our Headquarters as Gail (and maybe another person or two) will remain at our HQ while everyone is away walking.  DO NOT BRING ANY VALUABLE YOU CAN'T CARRY ON THE WALK.  We will not be responsible for the loss of any valuables if you leave them behind in our HQ while you go on the walk.

The walk is at your own pace and you'll come back to the HQ afterwards where we can hang out.  Bring some snacks and drinks for yourself and to share with others if you like.  There are activities, music, and display booths that go on into the afternoon.  Adele, our team's seamstress, will have a booth there so be sure to check that out as she has really great stuff!

SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING:

Official team members should bring a bag for any prizes they may win.
Leash  - best not to use a retractable leash at an event with thousands of other dogs.
Lawn chair / picnic blanket
Umbrella -- works for both rain and to provide shade from the sun
Water and snacks for people and pooches
Water bowl
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Sunglasses
Bug Spray
Cash (for shopping and snacking)
Poop bags
camera

Don't forget to wear your playgroup bandannas or other duds and walkers could also dress in black and white to match our team colors.

I know it will be a blast and I must say our pledge-collecting official team-members have done an outstanding job this year!!

Please Be Patient

CHLOE M AND COLE OFF LEASH KINGS PARK

No way Cole "Stubby" Foster is gonna catch Chloe M, schnoodle extraordinaire!

CESAR MILLAN, DOG WHISPERER

Cesar Millan is The Dog Whisperer.  His books and tv show are fantastic!!  Even if you don't agree with all of his methods, there's no denying he has a way with dogs and a deep understanding of them.  His philosophy is positive and patient.  If you haven't checked out The Dog Whisperer yet, you will want to do it.  I guarantee you will get something positive and your time will be well spent. 

The tv show is on multiple times in a week and appears on The National Geographic Station.  If you don't get this station (MTS 272;  shaw 116), it is easy to contact your cable provider and have the package, or even just the individual station added to your subscription.

Here is the link to National Geographic's page on The Dog Whisperer.

http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/series/dog-whisperer

Here is the link to Cesar's own website:

http://www.cesarmillaninc.com/

SEEING EYE CAT

ASSINIBOINE PARK FREE CONCERTS & BALLET IN PARK

Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays during the summer there are free open-air concerts at the Lyric Theatre in Assiniboine Park (behind the Pavilion). We've added the information on some of these concerts to our calendar. They do not appear as Meet-ups, but as notes. These will be unofficial meet-ups. There will be no Event to RSVP. For these, you take your chances on who you might meet. It could be lots of us or none of us. See our Activities Page at Meetup.com for more information.

PAWS IN MOTION, 2008

There are 2 ways to enjoy this WHS event with this playgroup:

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(1)  Be a Walking Buddy.

A walking buddy is NOT an official registered team member who collects pledges (and earns prizes). A walking buddy is someone who makes a significant personal pledge through our team leader (Renee) and comes out to walk with our pack on the day of the event. Most of our walking buddies each gave $20 or more last year, but smaller pledges are just as acceptable.

If you want to be a walking buddy, here's what you should do:

(a) RSVP to the event on our Meetup.com calendar as a "Maybe" with a notation that you are a walking buddy and will make a personal pledge.

(b) Give your personal pledge to Renee or by placing it in our Paws in Motion piggy bank at one of our events. You can also mail it to her at 259 Augusta Drive, Wpg, MB. R3T 4H3. Mail it NO LATER than June 10th.

(c) Order your club bandana (and/or matching visor, vest or dress). See our About Us page for more info on items, pricing, and how to order.

(d) On the morning of the event, walking buddies can come as late at 10am. But, remember, parking will be harder the later you come and you should allow time for walking from the parking spot you find to the event area behind the Pavilion.

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(2)  Be an Official Team Member

If you want to be more help to the WHS and their animals in need, you can collect pledges and register with us as a member of our team.

DO NOT REGISTER WITH THE WHS TO COLLECT PLEDGES ONLINE.

If you want to be an Official Team Member, you must:

(a)  RSVP on our Meetup calendar "Yes" with a notation that you are collecting pledges.

(b)  Pick up your pledge form and register at Safeways or the WHS ($10 registration fee).

(c) Order your club bandana (and/or matching visor, vest or dress). See our About Us pages for more information on the items, pricing, and how to order.

(d) Complete the information required on the pledge form, but leave the team leader and team name blank as this will not be determined until you turn your pledge form into Renee.

(e)  Begin collecting pledges.  You will needs names and addresses for the form.

(f) On June 15th, you will be asked to have all your pledges collected and turn your completed pledge form and funds over to Renee to compile the teams. You will be required to write a cheque for any cash funds you've collected as this is safer and the registration process on event day goes quicker and smoother. If you miss this deadline, you will need to register on your own and not as part of our team.

(g) On June 22nd, official team members who collected pledges and turned their forms in to Renee on time, MUST be at the event between 8-830am to register as a team. If you are not there on time, you will need to register on your own and not as part of the team.

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So, all you Paws-in-Motioners, you can get started today by RSVPing on our Meetup.com Calendar for June 22nd. Remember, official team members collecting pledges, RSVP "yes" and walking buddies making a personal donation only, RSVP as "maybe".

More will follow closer to the event on getting your pledge forms and donations in and on where our pack will meet and hang out at the event.

FEELS LIKE BUBBLE-WRAP

If you, like me, are the kind of person who likes to pop the bubbles in bubble-wrap and, in fact, gets kind of obsessed about not leaving any unpopped, click the link below and then drag and click your mouse anywhere on the page.  It's fun in the same way that bubble-wrap is fun!

http://www.procreo.jp/labo/flower_garden.swf

VIDEO: Sugar

VIDEO: Dominick

VIDEO: Faith

VIDEO: Extreme Pete

WINNIPEG'S OFF LEASH DOG PARKS

A link to the information of Winnipeg's Off-Leash dog parks has been placed in the right-hand column under dog stuff. 

CALIBRATE YOUR MOUSE

Instructions to follow if your mouse was not recalibrated for the new year.

You should actually do this every year. Even more often is recommended by Kim Kommando (the computer guru) if you spend a lot of time on the computer. I was shocked to see how well this works!

To re-calibrate your mouse, click and hold on the Y below. Then drag the Y toward the g. If it doesn't work immediately, you might want to clean your mouse.

Y ou dumb ass. You'll believe anything

PETE THE SKATEBOARDING DOG - youtube video

SPLITTING INTO 2 GROUPS

This post is out of order by date, but I wanted it near the top of our most recent weblog updates:

Please read to the bottom as there is information provided on what you need to do to remain a member of our playgroups.

As most of you know, this whole doggie playgroup idea is a bit of an experiment. As our first year comes to a close we realize that in order for the playgroup to continue, we must have smaller groups with dedicated members, we must know more about our members, and we need to be financially self-supporting in a stable, predictable way to feel secure enough to renew and enter into our contracts for leasing / renting facilities.

We can not go on as a group of 150+ members with no application required, no registration process, and no membership fees if we want to provide a safe and secure playgroup in which members are known to management and a larger percentage of the membership has access to the events before they fill up and close to RSVPs.

We did not simply want to pick out our most regular attendees or our favorite dogs and people and form a smaller group, thereby leaving many dogs out.

So, instead, our experiment in our second year will involve:

1) Splitting into a minimum of 2 different playgroups. We've chosen the simplest way of doing so by basing the distinction between the groups on size. Luckily, Janelle and Ashley have stepped up to organize the new group and we will get them up and running well before the groups become independent. They will provide the same types of activities including indoor off-leash play and pack walks, along with their own ideas for new activities.

2) People interested in becoming new members of our playgroups must now apply and wait for approval. This will allow us to control how many members there are overall based on how many can be properly serviced by the playgroup. Once we determine the perfect number that will ensure the right amount of dogs at each event and that no one is always getting left out, we will have a waiting list for new applicants.

3) To improve security and safety we will now have a registration process that involves the submission of a registration form providing the full names and contact info for all the dog owners in our group. A current vaccination certificate from each dog's vet will also be required to register. Registration forms and vet certificates are due by April 28, 2008 in order to retain membership in either playgroup.

4) To ensure that we are able to financially support the group over the coming year and can enter any contracts with confidence, we have decided to charge an annual fee for membership. This year's fee is $40 per family and is due by September 8, 2008. Our year will run from Sept - Sept with annual fees required each September. Hopefully, we can come up with funds sufficient to cover our annual operating costs and there will be no need to collect any donations at our events.

We simply could not continue as a free (except for voluntary donations), public playgroup with unlimited membership numbers where we did not even have contact information for the members. As we really do want to continue to provide a playgroup for the small dogs, these changes became necessary.

If anyone is not on board with these new developments and would like to start their own playgroup under their own conditions, please feel free to give it a go with no hard feelings from us. We would even advertise the new group to our members. I am sure there are enough small dogs in Winnipeg interested in playgroups. We have not actively promoted our group since we first started over 1 year ago and we were up to over 200 members before we had to cancel the memberships of our most casual members. We also know there are people out there who love the idea of a playgroup, but have not joined because they aren't available on weekends and almost all our events are on the weekends.

To remain a member of either Out of the Doghouse or Big Dogs in Small Bodies, you must fill in our Registration Form, attach a current Vaccination Certificate from your vet, and submit it by April 28, 2008. Members who do not do this will be canceled as of May 1, 2008. You are also required to submit the $40 membership fee. If you need, you can have until September to do this. Members who do not do pay their fee will have their membership canceled. Anyone who has financial difficulties paying the $40 fee all at once should contact us to make alternative arrangements.

DOWNLOAD REGISTRATION FORM

Download Registration_Form to print in MS Word

The registration package to be submitted needs to include: Registration Form, Veterinarian's Vaccination Certificate, and Annual Membership Dues.

Registration forms are due April 28, 2008.  If it is not a problem, we appreciate receiving the Membership Dues attached to the registration form.  If you need time to budget the dues in, you may have until September 8, 2008 to remit them.

Those who do not have their registration package into Renee by April 28, 2008, will have their membership canceled.

Those who do not pay their membership dues by September 8, 2008 at the very latest, will have their membership canceled.

BANDANAS, VISORS, VESTS

Our club bandanas and matching visors and vests are available to order through ROCKY and Shawna.  They will be out at all the meet-ups in April with sample sizes and will take orders, payments, and distribute the bandanas when they come in.  Please see them if you'd like to place an order.  Many members have already purchased the bandanas.  If coming with us to Paws in Motion, your dog won't want to be left out and bandanasless!!  Visit ROCKY & Shawna's Meetup.com profile and click "contact" to email her your order.

WHS MEXICAN FIESTA NIGHT

A fundraising event in support of The WHS Thursday, May 22, 2008
Tijuana Yacht Club - Canad Inns Polo-Park!  Tickets are $20 and include fajitas, veggies, salad, bread and a domestic beer or shot.  There will be a 50/50 draw and a silent auction.   Gather a few friends and call 982-2043 to purchase tickets today!

ANNOUNCING: FLASH WALKS!

These are last-minute walks and do not appear as events to which you can RSVP.

They are walks that one of your organizers was going on anyways and decided to invite the pack along too.

They are posted on short-notice, even as short as an hour beforehand, by any one of your organizers.

They can take place at any time and location.

Many dogs may show up or maybe just the organizer. 

A Flash Walk will be announced by a group email.

You will also see a note on the calendar entitled Flash Walk which you can click to get the details of where and when.
 

REGISTRATION RECAP

Registration has begun. 

Thanks to all of those who've got their forms and membership fees in already. 

To make things as clear as possible:

To remain a member of this group, you MUST complete the Registration Form, attach a current Vaccination Certificate from your vet and have it to Renee by APRIL 28, 2008. Current members who do not register by April 28th will have their membership canceled during the first week of May. They will need to reapply if they want to rejoin in the future. There is likely to be a waiting list. Events will not be open to non-members.

Membership fees should accompany the Registration form if possible. Members needing time to budget in the membership fees must have them submitted by September 8, 2008. Any registered members who have not submitted their fees by September 8, 2008 will have their memberships canceled and will need to reapply in the future. There is likely to be a waiting list.

Membership fees will cover Sept/08-Sept/09.  We will continue collecting donations as per usual to cover fees over the summer.

Before you Register, please make sure you are familiar with the types of events offered and the frequency of the events by taking a look at the annual calendar that has been posted. Like last summer, Hiflyers will become a biweekly frequency. We will have outdoor walks on alternating weeks. In the fall, we will try to find another indoor venue so that both groups can have weekly activities when it is too cold for outdoor walks. However, we cannot guarantee weekly events through the winter.

Once the Registration Process is completed (April) and all Membership Fees are submitted (September), we will assess the numbers of dogs registered in Out of the Doghouse and in Big Dogs in Small Bodies and decide how to proceed in a manner that will best serve the dogs.

Thank you again for grinning and bearing it all through this transition.