For A Good Cause - Cancer Effects us All

CAUSE TO PAWS is always approached to participate in various charitable activities and asked to provide donations to various causes - both locally and nation wide. For the most part we primarily limit our  CAUSES to PET RELATED ones - that is our focus and part of our MISSION STATEMENT. We also support our local community, Brookline and surrounding towns, whenever possible - especially Schools and Children.

But last month we  made a concerted effort to try and help raise money for CANCER RESEARCH through the PAN MASS CHALLENGE - a Bike Ride to the CAPE. (The PMC donates 100% of every rider-raised dollar to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute through its Jimmy Fund).

My friends Jim & Mary Ellen, lost their niece recently to a rare cancer - leaving behind 2,  three year old boys. She fought the hard fight but sadly lost the battle. They reached out to Cause to Paws, offering to SPONSOR one of YAPPY HOURs to try and spread the word (and raise money for Jim's ride). They provided the refreshments (and their company will match all donations). We provided a Gift Basket/Gift Certificate to Raffle off. 

Sally Wattles,  from Vincent Van Dogh did Dog Caricatures - donating a percentage of the cost to Jim's ride.  The response was great and we have asked Sally to come to our next Yappy Hour - Thursday, July 26th,  to do it again. We have extended our Raffle till then and will draw the winner that night (We sell one chance for $2 and $5 for 3 chances - you don't have to be present to win - although that would be nice and you have a choice between the Basket (approx $100 value) or a $50 Gift Certificate).

WHY CANCER RESEARCH?  Cancer not only effects the individual, but also families, including the dog or cat (our children in fur coats). Finding a cure for this group of diseases is not an isolated event. Treatments for people can extend to treatments for animal cancers as well. Why not HELP the CAUSE, and have some fun as well at our next YAPPY HOUR.

Socialization of Dogs is very important - especially puppies. Puppies need to meet people - all kinds - and other dogs - young and old. Meeting your neighbors and supporting a local store/event makes the community just that much stronger. AND the dogs can't get enough of Terry's Pupcakes - a peanut butter/carrot taste sensation. Don't worry, we have treats for the people as well! Hope to see you there - @ 1386A Beacon Street, Brookline starting at 6 PM.

Can't make it? You can still stop in and donate - win something for a GOOD CAUSE.

It's Hot Out There - Be Aware Be Safe

Been outside lately? If so you know how hot it is - I can only make it a few blocks before I need to dart inside somewhere and cool down. The Town of Brookline has annouced a Heat Emergency and opened up Cooling Centers. If you're hot imagine how your dog might feel. If possible, I suggest you leave your dog home. NEVER NEVER NEVER leave them in a car - even for a few minutes - the car is like a glass hot house, with temps much higher then the actually outside temp - cracking a window is NOT ENOUGH. Walk your dog early in the morning before the heat starts to build and later in the day when it begins to dissipate,  minimize any exercise, provide lots of water.

Hot sidewalks/asphalt can actually burn dogs paws. You can put on a salve on the paws, like Mushers Secret, to protect their pads. Some people, especially if you live or hang out at the beach ofter use PAWZ rubber boots to protect the pads - for short periods of time - to protect the paws from the heat and grit - REMEMBER - dogs sweat through their paws (and by panting) - so you don't want to keep them covered for long.

Little dogs can be lifted up and put into carriers - like a sling - especially if they get tired - and you want to walk faster. AND HYDRATE< HYDRATE< HYDRATE - not just the dog but you, too.

BE Smart, BE Aware, BE Safe - Your dog will appreciate it.