Dog Saves Injured Dog on Busy Highway

We all love our dogs and know the limits we would go to protect them and make them happy, but look at this incredible video of an unfortunate dog who was struck on the highway during a busy rush hour and see what another dog does about it....

My dog, Norman

I remember the day like it was yesterday. I went to the shelter looking for a shepherd/lab mix and the owner of Animal Adoption Agency, Marilyn, told me she didn't have any dogs that met that description, but she did have an adorable black lab puppy who was just returned because the girl who took him had to return him because her landlord didn't allow dogs.

Well, I knew my landlord didn't allow dogs either

, but I also knew I wouldn't be renting for ever and I decided to drive over and take the puppy for a walk to see how that went.

When I arrived at the shelter, Marilyn met me on the front porch with a little 31/2 month old black lab mix whose eyes were practically closed, who looked like he got into

 at least a dozen alley fights and who was so scared he pooped and peed when we saw me walking up the stairs towards him.

With a bit of nervousness and uncertainty on b

oth our parts, Marilyn handed me his leash and off we went. He was so skinny when he walked you could see his ribs moving side to side and the way he walked was like a horse (both front/back right legs touched the pavement then left then right). It was adorable but his tail was still firmly between his legs and he did not feel comfortable at all which of course made me uncomfortable. He jumped at every noise and was not at all interested in exploring until we turned the corner.

I bent down and look at his big brown eyes and saw that this was a great, beautiful dog who was abused and who needed love and companionship (and a bath!).

We walked back to the shelter and she assumed because of the way our first meeting started I'd want to return him. I told her I did but only until I could get a cage set up at home because I was taking this poor shelter dog and giving him a new home.

She was thrilled. He pooped again and I was wondering if this was the right decision. In hindsight, I had absolutely no idea of the responsibilities and commitment that ensued, but that afternoon in June of 1995, I brought home my new black lab puppy named Norman. The girl who returned him gave him that name and I knew it was perfect and kept it.

Almost fourteen years later and with profound sadness I am mourning the loss of my boy, Norman. I had to put him to sleep on Saturday because his legs wouldn't carry his body any longer. We were able to keep the pre-cancerous liver growth at bay with the help of our vet, and managed for the most part to keep his weight down (because he was a mix he only weighed 75 pounds). We tried to get him to stand again, but he just couldn't and I knew there was no option except to put him out of his misery. 

I will miss you Norman. You were my best friend and I love you and miss you so much.

Lincoln Park Condo Pricing Report Fal, 2008

Market Snapshot of Lincoln Park (Chicago) Condos for Fall Quarter, 2008 ChicagoHomeBuzz.com

The total number of Lincoln Park , Chicago condos sold for the third quarter, 2008 was 309 units compared with 295 units in 2007 up 30% from the previous year but down 30% since 2003.

The median sales prices of Lincoln Park , Chicago condos for the same quarter was $412,000 compared with $430,750 in 2007 down 4% from the previous year and up 17% since 2003.

The average sales price of Lincoln Park , Chicago condos for the same quarter was $465,037 compared with $458,382 in 2007 down 1% from the previous year and up 21% since 2003.

The average market time of Lincoln Park , Chicago condos for the same quarter was 101 days compared with 94 days in 2007 up 7% from the previous year and up 87% since 2003.

For a full neighborhood and city wide report visit www.ChicagoHomeBuzz.com

Lakeview (Chicago) Fall Quarter, 2008 ChicagoHomeBuzz.com

Market Snapshot of Lakeview (Chicago) Fall Quarter, 2008 ChicagoHomeBuzz.com

The total number of Lakeview, Chicago single-family homes sold for the third quarter, 2008 was 30 units compared with 42 units in 2007 down 29% from the previous year and and down 35% since 2003.

The median sales prices of Lakeview, Chicago single-family homes for the same quarter was $1,200,000 compared with $1,041,250 in 2007 up 15% from the previous year and up 64% since 2003.

The average sales price of Lakeview, Chicago single-family homes for the same quarter was $1.276,563 compared with $1.129,197 in 2007 up 13% from the previous year and up 51% since 2003.

The average market time of Lakeview, Chicago single-family homes for the same quarter was 169 days compared with 154 days in 2007 up 10% from the previous year and up 213% since 2003.

For a full neighborhood and city wide report visit www.ChicagoHomeBuzz.com

Evanston CARE Dog Wash

The Evanston Animal Shelter CARE will be hosting a dog wash and nail clip fund raiser on September 13th at 2310 W Oakton in Evanston.

We'll wash your dog and clip his nails in order to raise money for animals in need. On shelter grounds (2310 Oakton) from 9 am to 2 pm. 
$10 - Wash and Towel Dry
$10 - Nail Trimming

Make sure and support this great cause. Visit http://www.dogpads.net/ for more information

Dog Days of Summer Health Tips

Health tips for your pets during the dog days of summer. Keep them hydrated and use common sense but here are some great tips.

Chicago Dog Run For Their Lives to help PAWS

Join us on Sunday, September. 28, 2008 at 9 a.m. at Montrose Beach (a designated DFA) for the 8th Annual Run For Their Lives 8K Run/4K Walk.

Raise money to support PAWS Chicago by running or walking for homeless animals. Pets are allowed in the 4K walk or test your skills in the 8K run.

Great pooches, great people, great cause, great setting.

It's pretty much all around great.

Know your DFA's: Dog Friendly Areas

I remember walking my dogs on Foster beach a few years back and being told by a fellow dog-lover that the cops were giving out tickets if your dogs weren't on a leash. I couldn't believe it had sunk that low.

They were actually following me as I walked out of the park! Now that same area is NOT a designated area where dogs are allowed and I could be ticketed for another reason even if I am in what they refer to as a DFA. What is a DFA?

A DFA is how the city refers to their officiallly permitted" dog friendly areas (DFA's). Why would you care about a DFA? Because you can be fined if you don't follow their rules which are summarized here:

The Chicago Park District will require that people escorting dogs into DFAs shall have obtained from licensed veterinarians permits and registration tags for all dogs issued pursuant to the requirements in Regulation VIII. People bringing dogs into a DFA must have both a permit with them and a registration tag for each dog. The registration tag, Cook County Rabies Tag must be on the dog’s collar or harness.

Bottom line: enjoy the dog friendly areas in the city BUT make sure your dog is properly licensed and that you have the registration on you at all times.

You never know when the 'DFA police' will find you!

Chicago's Dog Friendly Property Search Site

Press Release: New home search website provides information to dog owners searching for a Chicago home.

Chicago, IL, May 5, 2008 - DogPads.net is a unique real estate website geared towards dog owners who are looking to purchase a Chicago area condo or townhome. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association 2005-06 National Pet Owners Survey, 43.5 million U.S. households own a dog, and nearly 73 million dogs are owned in the country. Real estate broker associate Jim Gramata, Keller Williams Lincoln Park Realty, recently launched his dog-centric home buyers MLS search website whose purpose is to help finding the best available "pad" for both the canine and owner. Current available search websites are geared towards pet owners looking to lease apartments, however, Gramata took this concept one step further by offering a similar search service for dog-owners looking to buy a home in a pet-friendly condo building.

"The dogpads.net site was created out of lots of slobber and perspiration for the dog lovers out there who would absolutely never consider living in a home without their pets." He went on to say the one mission of the site "is supplying a demand for pet-friendly home buyers who are interested in filtering out the thousands and thousands of properties that do not allow pets at all or with size and weight restrictions saving them time and money."

Some of the current features of the site include a report request where a free list of properties meeting the buyer's needs and wants, neighborhoods of interest and price ranges are sent via email. The second more advanced search method includes daily online reports of active properties meeting buyer's search requirements. The buyer can mark them as "interested," "not interested" or "maybe" and can view interior pictures when available and request showing appointments. Another method coming soon will be giving buyers the ability to independently search for properties by selecting their own parameters and stretching a box over an area of a map and seeing what active properties fall within the search areas.

"Buyers will have more interactive control of where they look since search criteria and interests can change daily," Gramata said.

In addition to these direct property search features, Gramata envisions the site evolving to offer a complete list of property addresses that allow pets in each neighborhood and any association bylaws. While a seemingly monumental task, the information would be quite valuable. "We also want the site to contain useful current information from local businesses and organizations that share the same philosophy that dogs (and all animals) are an important part of the family and deserve a home in this great city of ours." When asked if this meant the site would eventually be dominated by corporate sponsors, Gramata replied "we do not want to create a site whose sole purpose is to create advertising space for companies. Our mission is genuinely to distribute valuable information to our site visitors as it relates to improving their (and their pets) experience of finding a home and living in the city."

The site is live now at http://www.dogpads.net/ and Gramata reports there are currently visitors who are using the services and are actively searching for properties in the area. "We are happy to report that so far the dogpads.net has been very well received. We are diligently creating daily search reports for each of our recent visitors and are trying to find their dog (and them) their next home." The site is a refreshing original concept that offers a service long overlooked and it seems if the site continues in the direction it has started it should continue to serve the needs of buyers looking for a place to call home for both them and their dog and it will enhance the pet-friendly experiences for dogs and their owners for years to come.

# # #

Franchise opportunities available. Contact via dogpads website.

This site is owned and operated by a licensed real estate agent. No obligations for using site. See site for details

Pug Fest

This years annual Pug event is campaign related, title, "Pug Primary 2008: A Pug Party". and it is always a party. Held at Joe's Bar at 940 W Weed Street (its gotten so big they are now holding it at Joes!). No pugs needed to attend. You wouldn't even be recognized as having a dog if you tried this event is so big.

Spring Pug Party 2008
Time: Sunday May 4th, 2008 (noon until 5pm)
Location:
Joe's Bar
940 W. Weed St.
Chicago, IL 60622
312-337-3486


One year (when it was held on Webster) they'd let the dogs roam around without any attachments to their owners and it was hysterical. I never knew there were so many types of pugs let a lone so many pugs.

These people are serious when it comes to their breed so check out this event if you have not already.

Dress up your pug and win 'best dressed pug' or just go for the entertainment and fun.

An annual event and annual good time.

Chicago's Bark in the Park

It is here already. This years Bark in the Park will be held Saturday, May 3 at 9am. you can walk on your own or bring your dog for a 5K (3.2 mile) walkt to help raise money for the Anti-cruelty Society.

Meet at Montrose Harbor at 9am sharp and be part of the fun. If you've never done this before and like dogs (why would you be reading this if you didn't) then you HAVE to come and join in on the fun.

go to anticruelty.org to register for this fun event.

Pet Friendly Chicago Condos

Calling all pet owners. Do you like your pet-friendly condo building? Perks we should know about?

Please comment here or email me your top reasons you chose to live with your dog (or cat) where you do and why others should consider it. We will post your comments on our DogPads.net website for buyers with pets to see and consider.

Thanks for taking the time....for all kindred dog owners who know the importance of life with your dog or pet.

Some Old Pet-friendly Establishments

Steve Dale wrote this excerpt from WGN Radio site (click on title for direct link). Steve highlights some of my favorite stomping grounds on the city. Ten Cats brings back lots of memories where you could order a burrito from across the street the size of your forearm and they would deliver it to you in the bar (and would somehow always find you). I remember bringing my pooch Norman there in his (our) younger days and he had a blast hanging out in the backyard. He'd be gone for hours and I always knew he was being watched out for (and getting free sips I am sure). Are dogs still allowed? I think this was outlawed a while back....

To go directly to this WGN Radio webpage click title or here:

There are more than two-dozen bars in the city where you can take your best friend with a wet nose to share a wet one. Actually, most dogs like beer - just make a light beer and don't encourage Fido to make a habit of it. In our weekly "Pet Central" feature Places To Take Your Dog, we highlighted the Ten Cat Tavern. Here's some info about the Ten Cat and a half dozen other bars who welcome pups. For more doggy friendly bars, check out my book, "DogGone Chicago: Best Places To Sniff Out Taking Your Best Friend," which will be out in early August.

Lincoln Park
Jake's: They have the best bouncer in the business, an Akita named Titus. Titus does get territorial; some dogs she tolerates, others he does not. Any dog arriving in the afternoon or early evening must deal with Titus. Later in the evening, Titus lounges at home, and the doors open to all canines. Despite the hip clientele with two legs and four, Jake's retains a neighborhood pub sort of feel. 2932 N. Clark Street; (773) 248-3318.

Ravenswood
Augenblick: When owner David Butler's malamute Jackson is on the premises, he says that the cover charge is "petting the dog." Candles illuminate this cozy tap in the is where owners can sit on old over-stuffed couches, although dog clientele are discouraged from this practice. One highlight is the Gilligan's Island pinball machine. 3907 N. Damen Avenue; (773) 929-0994.

Bucktown/Wicker Park
The Charleston: A Chicago Tavern Classic: It's not named for the dance, but rather for Charleston Street. A mounted goat wearing a baseball cap greets all dogs, which are welcome only until 7 p.m. 2076 N. Hoyne Avenue; (773) 489-4757.

Roscoe Village
Finley Dunne's Tavern: Pet a Jagermeister - that's the name of owner Joe Kenny's lab/shepherd mix. The Meister dog is usually there during the day to keep Kenny company when the bar isn't so busy. Talk about variety, this old old-fashioned juke box plays everything from Dean Martin to Joe Jackson, but never the Spice Girls. The bar is named for Finley Dunne, a columnist with the Chicago Evening Post in the 1890's - the Mike Royko of this day." 3458 N. Lincoln Avenue; (773) 477-7311.

DePaul
The Local Option: On one visit to this DePaul neighborhood bar, I was greeted by a German shepherd dog, a pug and a pair of golden retrievers. When not welcoming patrons, the dogs played with an old softball, the 16-inch kind. There's a pool table in back for people to play with. This bar is legendary for being dog friendly, but when it gets crowded, on Friday and Saturday evenings, dogs are discouraged. 1102 W. Webster Street; (773) 348-2008.

Halsted Street
Marquee Lounge: The bartenders here have been known to toss the tennis ball for a game of Fetch. Here's a little tip for you, although most canines figure this out pretty fast: Bartenders keep treats behind the bar. When there's live music, the dogs can stay, but for sensitive pups, the music is earsplitting. 1973 N. Halsted Street; (773) 988-7427.

North Central
Ten Cat Tavern: As if one cat isn't enough, imagine ten - no wonder the dogs love the place. The bar is a blast from the past, like a 1960's home, complete with Formica table tops and chaise chairs indoors, and additional seating outside. On occasion, a collie who is truly named Lassie, visits. All that's missing is Timmy. 3931 N. Ashland Avenue; (773) 935-5377.

Doggie Easter Egg Hunt

The City of Chicago is sponsoring a Doggie Easter Egg hunt Take your pooch out or some dog friendly!  Doggie Easter Egg Hunt (ages 18 & over)

Bring your pup and hop over to Horner Park's annual egg hunt just for dogs! Activities include a spring bonnet parade, dog hunt for treat-filled eggs, obstacle course, with treats & refreshments for all!

Date: 03/22/08
Start Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Schedule Notes: Note: Dogs must be kept on a leash, and owners must stay with their dogs at all times
Cost: $5 per dog
Location: Horner Park

Meet the big white Bunny and look for hidden eggs! You can expect to find all sorts of treats including candy and other favorite prizes! In addition to funny face painting, arts & crafts and hunting for eggs, families get their photos taken while enjoying other fun entertainment. Some activities may require pre-registration due to limited space.

Bark in the Park

Bark in the Park Saturday, May 3 at 9am The 14th Annual Walk for Animals

Join our group if you'd like to help raise money for this great cause.

We will be meeting at Montrose Beach before (and after for a cool down and post walk party on the beach.

Beach. Doesn't that sound nice!

visit www.barkinthepark.org for more

Chicago dog friendly event happenings

Have you and your pooch gone stir crazy? Looking for some socialization for you both? Then grab your leash and favorite squeak toy and take your dog to one of these pet friendly Chicago events!

• Looking for some Puggle friends? Join The Chicago Puggle Meet up Group Saturday, March 1^st for some fun! For more info check out: http://puggle.meetup.com/23/
  

 

• If you and your pooch are looking for some pampering then join the Chenny Troupe Thursday March 6^th from 7-10 pm for the "Royal Treatment" including:
  

Massages and Yoga (for you and your dog)

Dog Swimming

Dog Acupuncture and Chiropractic demonstration

Palm and Paw reading

Wine, Cheese and Chocolate (for you)

Call 773-404-6467, email info@chennytroupe.org or check out royaltreatmentvetspa.com

 

• Feeling Festive? Check out the St. Pet's Day March 14^th at The Underground. Kick off St. Patrick's Day weekend with appetitizers and themed drinks. $20-30 to benefit the Anti Cruelty Society. Call 312-751-5531 for more info or check out http://chicago.metromix.com/bars-and-clubs/bar_club_event/st-pets-day-celebration-river-north/314809/content .

Keep an eye out for more dog friendly Chicago events! We'll keep you posted here at Dogpads.net!

Dog Parks, Dog Beaches, Dog friendly Condos: Your Chicago Pet friendly Site

We are about to launch this site called dogpads.net created out of lots of slobber and perspiration for the dog lovers out there who absolutely would never consider living in a home without their pets -- cats or dogs or both!

This site was created by a pet friendly person (me) for pet friendly people (you?)...

We are slowly adding features to it such as pet friendly beaches and parks and events happening in and around the Chicagoland area.

The primary focus of the site is to distribute active condominiums or homes in the Chicagoland area that allow pets (yes many discriminating property owners and associations do not allow dogs--can you believe it?)

I was at an open house a while back talking to the listing agent about the condo.

Gorgeous views of the lake and downtown Chicago. Tastefully renovated. It was a match for our needs.

Then we asked about the pet policy and you could see the agents eyes twitch as she realized she had hit an obstacle not even the best of salespeople could break through. She said "Just get rid of your dogs" --my wife and I looked at each other as if she had just suggested we give up our children (tempting) and go out on our own.

We informed her that was not even a remote possibility and we moved on...saddened for us personally, but if it doesn't allow the dogs then its not a match for us.

Thus was born dogpads.net a network of information for pet friendly people. Condos for sale allowing pets. No problem. Request your list. Looking for news and events related to the Chicago pet community, dogpads.net is building that list and between the site and its sister blog, we are trying to provide the kind of services we know we'd want if we were hunting for a home (we gave up our search and are staying where we are at --our dog walker wouldn't allow us to leave).