It’s a startling and sad fact that cancer will affect one out of every four dogs and of those, over half will die from the disease. In fact, cancer is the number one disease-related cause of death in both dogs and cats, according to Morris Animal Foundation, a world leader in advancing veterinary research. To help both dogs and cats live longer, healthier, cancer-free lives, Petco and Blue Buffalo are teaming up this May during Pet Cancer Awareness Month in hopes of raising $1 million for the Petco Foundation to benefit pet cancer research organizations such as the Morris Animal Foundation.

About eighty percent of pet parents know little to nothing about pet cancer symptoms and much like with humans, the cause of cancer in pets is largely unknown. Some experts believe pet obesity is linked to many forms of cancer. One way you can reduce the risk of cancer in your pet is to make sure they maintain a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise.

Last year, Blue Buffalo and Petco were able to raise over $900,000 and have their sights set on raising $1 million this year. For each bag of Blue Buffalo dog or cat food purchased at Petco stores across the country from April 29 to May 26, 2012, one dollar will be donated to pet cancer research organizations. Donations of any amount will also be accepted at Petco registers or online so customers can contribute as much as they like to the cause. Petco is also asking those already touched by pet cancer to share their story or to gain inspiration from pets who have beaten the odds by visiting their Virtual Memorial Wall. To donate or to share a story visit: www.petco.com/pca.

For more information, visit petcancerawareness.org.

The ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) thinks they have the answer from a study of nearly 1,500 adopters from five animal shelters across the country, uncovering the reasons behind why adopters chose the particular pet they took home.

Appearance of the animal, social behavior with the adopter, and behaviors such as playfulness were the top reasons for adoptions across species and age groups.

More than 27 percent of dog adopters cited appearance as the single most important reason, while more than 26 percent of cat adopters cited behavior with people as the most important factor.

Within each species, the results give an even greater glimpse into the factors that are most important for adopters. Appearance was the most frequently cited reason for kitten adopters (23 percent), while adult cat adopters cited behavior with people as the most important reason (30 percent). In contrast, appearance was the most frequently cited reason for adopters of both puppies (29 percent) and adult dogs (26 percent).

“The results of this study give us a glimpse inside of the adopter’s mind when it comes to choosing a pet. The information can be used by shelters to create better adoption matches, prioritize shelter resources and staff training, and potentially increase adoptions,” says Dr. Emily Weiss, vice president of shelter research and development for the ASPCA. “Additionally, some simple training techniques for shelter staff can be gleaned from this to make sure they are showcasing the wonderful personalities and behaviors of their adoptable dogs and cats.”

In addition, a greater number of adopters stated that information about the animal from a staff member or volunteer was more important than adopters who found information on cage cards, and health and behavior information was particularly important.

Roughly 80 percent of adopters reported that an important source of information about their pet was given to them from a staff member or volunteer.

Receiving information about the pet’s health (nearly 90 percent) was more important than receiving information about the pet’s behavior (roughly 80 percent), or about the pet’s life before entering the shelter (roughly 60 percent).

Adopters also found greater importance in interacting with the animal rather than viewing it in its kennel.

Thirty-three percent of adopters reported that the first thing their kitten did when they first met him/her was vocalize, while 22 percent of adult cat adopters reported their cat first approached or greeted them.

More than 20 percent of people reported that the first thing their adopted canine (both puppies and adult dogs) did when they first met him/her was approach or greet them followed by licking (more than 14 percent).

For both cats and dogs, seeing the pet’s behavior when interacting with them was more important than seeing the pet behind the cage door, or seeing the pet’s behavior toward other animals.

Army psychologist CPT Katie Kopp has an unusual tool to help soldiers deployed to eastern Afghanistan deal with combat stress. His name is Hank and he’s a spirited three-year-old Boston terrier.

Think your Rover has what it takes to do the rumba? If so, then be sure to enter the “Dance Your Tail Off” competition at the grand opening of Banfield’s newest pet hospital in Portland. The first-ever “Dance Your Tail Off” competition takes place on Cinco de Mayo, Saturday, May 5, 2912 and will be judged by Drew Lachey (98 Degrees), multi-platinum recording artist and “Dancing with the Stars” winner, and “Dancing with the Stars” professional dancer, Anna Trebunskaya.

Dogs are invited to take center stage, starting at 11 a.m. at 7535 SW Barnes Road, Suite 109, to prove they have what it takes to “Dance Your Tail Off.” Lachey and Trebunskaya will be on site to review the best doggie dances either solo or with their owners. The equivalent of the coveted mirror ball trophy for the top dog and their owner is a Cinco de Mayo-themed dance lesson with Drew Lachey and Anna Trebunskaya immediately following the contest. The winner, along with two runners up, will receive a year’s worth of free veterinary care through Banfield’s Optimum Wellness Plan.

Also to commemorate the grand opening and give back to the Portland pet community, 20 percent of Banfield’s opening weekend revenue will be donated to the Washington County Humane Society.

Dugan Foundation is only $5000 away from beginning their dog park project in Tacoma and they need your help. Thanks to grants from Dimmer Family Foundation and contributions from generous Fur Ball guests, they have over $13,000, but they still need $5,000 more to start construction.

Matching Challenge – $100 donations matched

A generous and long time Dugan Foundation supporter, Beverley Long, has offered to match $100 donations for the dog park up to $1000!

The off-leash dog park is actually a part of Dugan Foundation’s current primary goal, building a High Volume Spay Neuter Clinic offering free spay neuter surgeries for animals of the shelters, rescues and individuals of Washington State.

The City of Tacoma, through the City Council, awarded Dugan Foundation a long term land lease (October 20, 2010) at minimal cost.  The primary purpose for this land is to build a High Volume Spay Neuter Clinic. However, as a give back to the community, the Dugan Foundation will be building and maintaining an off-leash dog park.

The park is currently slated to be built on a 15-acre parcel of capped landfill off of Center Street. There will be separate areas for smaller and older dogs and all areas will be completely fenced.

If you are interested in donating please visit click here and indicate “dog park” in the description field. Check donations can be mailed to Dugan Foundation, 706 Court A, Tacoma, Wash. 98402. Woof!

We are so excited! Book-It Repertory Theatre is presenting on the stage CityDog book club favorite The Art of Racing in the Rain by Seattle author Garth Stein. The world premiere adaptation of this story told in the voice of a dog plays April 17 through May 13 in the Center Theatre; pay-what-you-will previews are April 17 and 18, paid preview is April 19; and opening night is Friday, April 20.

This phenomenal bestseller by Garth Stein is a CityDog all-time favorite (to read our review and purchase a copy, click here)—and it holds a nearly perennial spot on the New York Times best seller list—since it was published in 2008. The Art of Racing in the Rain tells a family story from the perspective, and in the voice of Enzo, a wise and fiercely loyal mutt who dreams of being a race car driver just like his human best friend, Denny. Enzo has developed his own particular spirituality and educated himself largely through watching television; he applies all he’s learned to understanding his human’s condition. Because, to Enzo’s amazement and delight, Denny explains things to him (“he explained things to me —to me!”), Enzo learns that winning a race isn’t always about who can go the fastest around the circuit; it’s also about the strategy and technical skill it takes to steer around the hazards. Just like life. And he learns first-hand what it means to say, “That which you manifest is before you.”

The cast of The Art of Racing in the Rain features David S. Hogan as the philosophical canine, Enzo and Eric Riedmann as Denny with (alphabetically) Zoey Belyea, Mae Corley , Sylvie Davidson, Mike Dooly, Peter Jacobs, Amy Mayes, Eleanor Moseley, Andre Nelson, and Alec Wilson.

Author Garth Stein first published The Art of Racing in the Rain in 2008. It has been a number one BookSense selection, a Starbucks book selection, on the IndieBound bestseller list, long on the New York Times best seller list, translated into 30 languages, and adapted for young readers. Stein’s other books include How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets (2005), Raven Stole the Moon (2010), the full-length play, Brother Jones, and he is the producer of award-winning documentaries. With several fellow local authors, Stein started the collective, Seattle7Writers, a group dedicated to supporting local writers, local independent booksellers, and libraries. He lives in Seattle.

Tickets for The Art of Racing in the Rain range from $22 (students) to $44 (Apr 20 opening night, includes party) and can be purchased at www.book-it.org or by calling 206.216.0833. Performances are at 2pm for matinées, or 7:30pm for evening shows; The Art of Racing in the Rain will be performed in the Center Theatre, and runs for 2 hours, 20 minutes. Post-play discussions follow the Sunday matinées on April 29 and May 6.

Click here to buy The Art of Racing in the Rain

Spring is here and with it, much cheer for two- and four-legged alike. From cool collars to comfy chill pads, CityDog has found some great products to make tails wag this season.

These chill pads, by San Francisco company P.L.A.Y., are for your pooch to y’know… chill out on. Light, durable and versatile, I take it with me in the car, to the office and when staying with friends, so the dogs have a comfy place to chill wherever they go. They come in five sizes and five fun colors. $29 to $95 at petplay.com.

The latest dog collar from our friends at Ruffwear is both waterproof AND stink-proof. The Headwater Collar is designed for dogs that love to swim, play water fetch, and reside in rainy climates…um, can you say perfect for Pacific Northwest pooches? $29.95 at ruffwear.com.

Fetchtech didn’t invent the leash…they just perfected it. The AXIS leash is designed so you can shorten it whenever needed and features an accessory loop, built-in shock absorption with  dynamic climbing rope and a quick connect wire gate carabiner. To protect your wrist, high-density ergonomic climb spec webbing was added. $54 at fetchtech.ca.

Break out your ball gown…dust off your tuxedo…these upcoming galas are the perfect excuse to get gussied up for a great cause!

PAWS Wild Night, April 14 at Fremont Studios
Cocktail hour and a silent auction kicks the evening off at the annual PAWS Wild Night, followed by dinner and live auction. By attending PAWS Wild Night you will give thousands of animals a second chance, helping to rehabilitate wildlife and giving shelter for cats and dogs in need. Purchase tickets now to be a part of the fun and make a difference for animals. Dress/cocktail attire is suggested.

Tuxes & Tails, May 12 at the Hyatt Regency Bellevue Purchase your tickets today for Seattle Humane Society’s most “barked about” event of the year featuring local celebrities, luxurious auction items, adoptable pets strutting their stuff on the runway, and more — all to benefit shelter pets in need of forever homes. Dress/cocktail attire is suggested.

HPAC Fur Ball & Auction May 19 at The Westin Seattle
The Homeward Pet Fur Ball Auction & Dinner is the no-kill shelter’s annual gala, bringing more than 375 animal lovers together to bid on amazing silent and live auction items in support of the animals in their care. Enjoy a gourmet dinner, delicious wine and delight in a fun dessert dash. Dress/cocktail attire is suggested. Click here for more information and to buy your tickets today!

For more events, check out the CityDog Social Calendar here.

The Oregon Humane Society honored four heroes on February 26 with Diamond Collar Awards recognizing pets and people for remarkable achievements. The honorees ranged from an abandoned cat who made a miraculous medical recovery to a police officer who helps animals both off and on the job.

“The OHS Diamond Collar Awards are a chance to celebrate the heroic stories that exemplify how important pets are in our lives,” said Sharon Harmon, OHS Executive Director. “These winners showed compassion, courage and a desire to help their community,” said Harmon. More than 400 people attended the ceremony at the Governor Hotel in Portland, which also raised more $100,000 for pets in need.

The winners of last week’s Diamond Collar Awards were:

King Tut: This long-haired Chihuahua was raised as a breeding dog, never seeing the inside of a house. King Tut found new family through the Oregon Humane Society and quickly proved himself a life-long friend to his new owners, Jeanne and Elmer Wyatt of Cornelius. When Elmer suffered a heart attack last fall in the kitchen of their home, it was the frantic barking of King Tut that awakened the sleeping Jeannie. She called 911 and began administering CPR, even though she could find no pulse. After many attempts, paramedics were able to restart Elmer’s heart in the ambulance on the way to the hospital. Doctors treating Elmer said the only reason he is alive and healthy today is because King Tut awakened Jeannie in time.

Ulli Neitch: An officer for the Milwaukie Police Dept., Ulli Neitch is not only the “go to” animal person for local law enforcement agencies, she is also a hard-working animal advocate off the job. As a member of the Oregon Humane Society’s Technical Animal Rescue Team (OHSTAR), Neitch has rappelled off bridges, searched cliffs, and braved a house filled with poisonous carbon monoxide gas to rescue animals in distress. Neitch is also the training leader for OHSTAR. She has helped the team prepare for almost any eventuality, including waterborne and underground rescues.

Nicole Jergovic: As an assistant district attorney for Multnomah County, Jergovic has earned a reputation for effectively prosecuting animal offenders. Even with a huge case load, she successfully pursues even difficult animal cases, providing a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves. In addition to her work as an attorney, Jergovic has also opened her home to shelter animals. She and her husband adopted two dogs who had never seen the inside of a house before and were previously owned by individuals convicted of animal neglect. Jergovic is also the most successful team captain in the history of the annual OHS Doggie Dash event. For the last four years, her team, Paws for Justice, has been the top fundraising team for the annual charity walk through downtown Portland.

Milagro: This red tabby cat was abandoned and left for dead inside a rented storage locker in Oregon City. An OHS Officer rescued the cat, but only after he had been without food or water for as long as four weeks. At the OHS animal hospital, doctors were not optimistic he would survive. But the cat’s remarkable medical recovery earned him the name “Milagro” from the medical staff. After a few weeks of care he was placed in a foster home, and was soon walking under his own power — a feat that amazed veterinarians. Once abandoned and left for dead, Milagro showed a hero’s strength for surviving while demonstrating unconditional love to those who helped him.

The Oregon Humane Society is the Northwest’s oldest and largest humane society. OHS relies entirely on private donations to support its adoption, education, and animal cruelty investigation programs. Visit oregonhumane.org for more information.

Being single this year, I cannot help but be a little bitter about Valentine’s Day. And, it doesn’t help when inundated with cheesy commercials for jewelry, flowers and “pajama-grams” (really?). And, the “seasonal” aisle at the grocery store…don’t get me started. It looks like Saint Valentine himself threw up all over it.

But, not to worry…I do have a valentine. TWO, in fact. They just happen to be of the four-legged kind. And, this year I am looking forward to spending the day with the true loves of my life, Scout and Ziggy. To sweeten the day, I found some awesome presents for the pooches. Check ‘em out…I’m sure your furry valentine will like them too!

Wags and Wiggles offers adorable, handmade dog toys in a variety of whimsical shapes and sizes including “hearts and bones,” perfect for Valentine’s Day. Made of high-quality home decorator fabric, they are durable too. $5 to $14 at etsy.com/shop/wagsandwiggles.

DS Barkery’s all-natural, organic treats are made with peanut butter, whole wheat flour, sunflower oil and oatmeal. Each box contains about 50 small hearts. $10 at etsy.com/shop/dsbarkery.

Dogville Farms uses all natural free range chicken broth and eggs, whole wheat flour and frosts their treats with a healthy sugar-fee yogurt icing. $2.50 for two three-inch bone shaped biscuits, perfect for small to medium sized dogs. etsy.com/shop/SierraStarlight

Tell the world you love your dog with a hand stamped, sterling silver bracelet from Lissa Harlin Designs, customized with your favorite breed and choice of charm and precious stones. $62 at etsy.com/shop/lissa73.

We love these Fugly Friends chew toys. Meet sweet heart Lovie, who enjoys running through fields of sunflowers. She measures in at 8″ tall and 7.5″ wide and is handcrafted (no two are identical) from tightly woven Polartec®fleece with a triple stitched seam. $16.50 at etsy.com/shop/fuglyfriend.Charlie Hearts Diesel designed this beautiful 100% cotton cowl, woven in the lost art of Tunisian Crochet. Thick, sturdy, and incredibly well insulated, this cowl will keep your furry Valentine cozy. And, 20% of the sale price of this item will be donated to the homeless and abandoned pets of the Riverside City Animal Shelter. $18 at etsy.com/shop/CharlieHeartsDiesel. We also feature Charlie Hearts Diesel in the upcoming Winter issue of CityDog Magazine, with more styles!

Biscuit & Gravy’s grosgrain ribbon, heart print collars are an expression of dogged love. $20 with free shipping at etsy.com/shop/BiscuitandGravy.