Kids Club E-newsletter

Hey kids! Wow, can you believe it? The school holidays are finally here! I’m sure you all have heaps of super cool things to do during the mid-year break (maybe you’re planning on seeing a flick with a few friends or a camping trip might even be on the cards?), but don’t forget to spend quality time with your pooch while you have some time off. In fact, why not check out the fun doggy-related events that we’ve listed below?
     In the meantime, take some time out to read the doggy news we’ve rounded up for you this month and enter our comps so you can get your paws on the paw-tastic prizes we have up for grabs! Check out DOGS LIFE JULY/AUGUST #96 to see how you can win.

 

Catch ya soon… and enjoy!

Natasha – Kids Club Coordinator

Crazy canine tails from around the world...

Boxer crowned ugliest canine

They say beauty isn’t everything and that’s definitely the case with the pooch who recently won the title of the world’s ugliest dog at a contest in Northern California, US.
     Pabst, a four-year-old Boxer cross with a severe under-bite and floppy ears, beat former champion Rascal to claim the title. A quirkly looking Chinese Crested, Rascal first won the title back in 2002 and has since won a bunch of “Ugliest Dog” titles, as well as starred in several TV shows and horror movies. Unique looks must run in the family as Rascal’s mother, grandmother and grandfather were all winners of the “The World’s Ugliest Dog” title in their golden years.
     Rescued from a shelter by Miles Egstad of Citrus Heights, California, Pabst not only scored the coveted title, but also US$1,600 for his owner, as well as pet supplies and a modelling contract with designer doggyware store House of Dog.

I paw-nounce you man and wife!

Two cutie pie pooches were recently hitched in Old Strathcona, Canada, much to the delight of revellers celebrating Canada Day at the same park where the doggy nuptials were held.
     At least 50 guests watched the handsome groom Meiko and Molly, the blushing bride, walk down the aisle and tie the knot under a flower-adorned archway. After the ceremony, guests were invited to sign a guest book and munch on a slice of wedding cake, while the happy couple were quite content chewing a few bones.
     According to Laurel Kostuk, the wedding planner and owner of The Urban Dog pet store, it was love at first sniff — sorry sight! — when Molly and Meiko first met.
     “Meiko is very particular with who he likes and it was an instant love match when they met," she explains. When asked why she organised the wedding for the pooch partners, Kostuk had this to say: "It puts a lot of joy in people's lives. Our pets are part of our families so why not?"
     Like any wedding day, there were a few hiccups along the way, like when the groom had a little tinkle on the beautiful decorations moments before the bride was due arrive. But that didn’t matter because Molly, in keeping with tradition, was fashionably anyway!

 

Rug up for winter

With the chilly winter weather now upon us, it’s important that we make the extra effort to keep ourselves warm, whether it be pulling on those extra winter woollies or staying out of the cold night air. And just as we have to take special care of ourselves during winter, it’s important that we also look out for our precious pets — after all, they can get sick too!
     According to Dogs NSW, dog owners need to invest in their pooch’s health by providing them with blankets at night and a warm place to snuggle up during the day, maintaining an exercise regime, and increasing their dog’s food intake. This will reduce the possibility of your furry friend coming down with the chills, developing respiratory and sinus problems, as well as experiencing arthritis.
     Dr Peter Higgins, a veterinarian and the Dogs NSW spokesman, also has this suggestion for dog owners: “We need to keep a keen eye on good health during these months. If your dog starts developing a hoarse cough, gets a dry nose, and shivers more than usual, it’s best to get it checked out with your local vet in case anything serious develops.”

Three cool things to do this month...                                         

#1 TOP DOG DAY – Friday 31 July 2009

We love all dogs, but especially those who assist people in need. Top Dog Day aims to celebrate and raise money for our furry friends at Guide Dogs Victoria, South Australia and in the Northern Territory. Visit www.topdogday.com.au to find out more.

#2 EkkA – Thursday 6 August to Saturday 15 August 2009

EkkA (The Royal Queensland Show) is a great place to learn about lots of interesting animals. Why not visit the Advance Dog Pavilion and check out the Canine competitions? For more information, visit www.ekka.com.au

Dogs at EkkA 2008. Image courtesy of Royal National Agricultural and Industrial Society of Queensland (RNA). 

#3 CUPCAKE DAY FOR THE RSPCA – Monday 17 August 2009

 

Tell us about your dog…                                                                                                  

Best pooch pal!

“Sandie, my Chihuahua cross Australian Terrier, always gives me unconditional love,” Marlisa from Oxley, QLD, tells us. “She is my best friend and I love her elegant beard! Here, we’re relaxing together on our deck.”

Do you think your precious pooch is the best pet in the world? Or have a barking mad story to tell us? Then we want to know about it!
     Tell us all about your furry friend by flicking an email to dogslife@universalmagazines.com.au with the subject heading “Kids Club: Tell us about your dog…”. And don’t forget to send a happy snap too!

PAW-TASTIC PRIZES

What super cool giveaways do we have just for you this month? Thanks to our friends at Disney, we’ve got five copies of the fun and furry movie Beverly Hills Chihuahua to give away, as well as five copies of the cute book I Don’t Want A Posh Dog by Emma Dodd (Orchard Books) — a must-read if you have a pampered pooch!

 

Want to win? Then flick to page 93 of Dogs Life July/August 2009 (OUT NOW!) to find out how you can be a winner!