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.

Socializing Your Pets - Yappy Hour/Ask the Trainer

Socialization of Dogs is very important - especially puppies.  Puppies need to meet people - all kinds - and other dogs - young and old. The ultimate goal is for them to avoid displaying fear or aggression. There are a number of different ways you can accomplish this - one is to find a situation where they can meet lots of people and other dogs.

One option is something like the Yappy Hours we hold at Cause to Paws. We push aside the displays and make room for the dogs (and people) to interact and socialize. These supervised sessions with other dogs is a good idea - you need to make sure to do this only after your puppy has received its full set of vaccinations.  We also have a couch area where you can sit with your puppy in a more private way,  where you and others can handle and pet the puppy/dog or allow them to "retreat" to an area where they can rest in case they get tired from playing with the other dogs. And it is fun. We test out new treats (for people and pets), toys and talk about our dogs - doesn't get much better than that.

Training your Pet - You can also attend socialization classes or a variety of training options - that go beyond just Puppy training.  Many trainers offer a variety of classes including Agility, Dog Park Behavior, Canine Good Citizen Training, and much more. At Cause to Paws we often have trainers come in to give free talks - including "Ask the Trainer" - where you can meet a trainer and ask questions (and remember no question is a stupid one) - about your dog's behavior, training or any concerns you might be having. It's a good way to know what is available before making a commitment . We have a new session coming up on Sunday, June 19th starting at 3 PM with Vera Wilkinson, from The Cooperative Dog.

In addition to classes - walk the streets, bring them to a park and spend as much time as necessary to ensure that you have a well trained, socialized and happy puppy/dog.  It is well worth the effort.