The Adventures of 'Philadelphia Dog Parks'

Winston, like many dogs, absolutely loves to go outside and play. Living in the city makes that difficult sometimes. One of the best solutions to Winston’s cabin fever is to take him to the dog park. Here is a list of some off-leash dog parks located in the Philadelphia area.

Schuylkill River Dog Park: 2500 Lombard St

This park has an area specifically for small dogs along with another area for bigger dogs. They also provide complimentary biodegradable poop bags.

The Triangle Dog Park: E Fletcher and E Girard

This is a community run dog park located in Fishtown.

I-95 Dog Park: Front and Chestnut

The 1-95 Dog Park is covered in mulch, which helps to reduce mud and keep Fido clean.

Mario Lanza Dog Park: 2nd and Catherine St

The Mario Lanza Dog Park includes water fountains, hoses to clean off your dog, benches, trees, and tables. This park also has lighting so that you and Fido can take a stroll through the park at night! This park is known for being well maintained. Their heaviest traffic on weekdays is between the hours of 4:00 and 7:00pm.

Pretzel Dog Run at Manayunk Park: Silverwood and Rector St

This volunteer-based dog park is located in Manayunk, a suburb of Philadelphia. Be sure to bring your own water and bowls for your dog to drink from. The link to their website can be found here. http://www.manayunkdogpark.com/about.html

Orianna Hill Dog Park: 900 N Orianna St

This is a members-only dog park. Because it is members-only, this dog park tends to be cleaner than others. For more information visit http://www.oriannahill.org/

There are several other dog parks located in the Philadelphia area. Some of these dog parks may be closed for the winter so make sure to check out their websites before heading over. For more information, you can visit bringfido.com! 

Winston's Friends: Operation Ava

Winston’s feature friends this week come from Operation Ava located in the heart of Northern Liberties. Operation Ava is a no-kill animal shelter.

Evelyn is a senior Yorkie mix. She is a very shy and a little frightened.  Evelyn has problems seeing due to cataracts. Due to her lack of sight, she can be very afraid of quick or sudden motions. Despite her disability, Evelyn is very sweet and loving. She enjoys cuddling, being pet, and giving kisses. She would do best in a quiet home, preferably without children

Meet Stormy! He is a young Pomeranian/Terrier mix. Stormy’s favorite thing to do is go outside. He loves to wander around the yard and go on adventures! He is a good listener because he knows how to sit for treats. He also loves to give kisses and cuddle. Stormy is looking for someone who loves adventure as much as he does!

Our last friend of the day is Sparky. Sparky is a two-month-old kitten who came in with his brother Springer. Sparky is playful and loves other cats that like to play as well. He also gets along great with children and knows how to use a litterbox. Springer and Sparky do not have to go home together, but if you’re interested, two is always better than one!

All animals at Operation Ava receive a wellness exam from their veterinarian. Each is up to date with their shots and have been spayed or neutered. Dogs over 7 mos. are tested for heartworm and Lyme diseases and cats are tested for FeLV and FIV. Each dog also receives a microchip, which can be used to help a lost dog locate his or her family if they are delivered to a shelter or veterinarian. They are also eligible for a complimentary 30-day pet health insurance policy from Shelter care if you provide an E-mail address when you complete the adoption.

In order to adopt Evelyn, Stormy, or Sparky you must provide a veterinary reference or three personal references, proof that you are allowed to have pets if you rent, proof of home ownership if that is the case, and valid identification. All members of your household, including other dogs must be present to meet the adoption candidate. Please call 215-240-1240 if you are interested. 

Winston's Friends: Cares4Pets

This weeks featured “Friends of Winston” are from Cares4Pets and each of their names start with ‘B’! Cares4Pets is a “volunteer, foster-based rescue group focusing primarily on street rescue and helping reduce the population of unwanted strays in Philadelphia.” Most of their volunteers are veterinary students.

Blossom is a young tabby cat less than six months old. Blossom was rescued from a high-kill shelter after Cares4Pets was called. Blossom needed to have surgery because she had a dislocated hip. Blossom is almost recovered from her surgery and is ready to find her forever home.  She gets along well with other cats, dogs, and children. Blossom is spayed, house-trained, and up to date on shots.

Meet Bruce! Bruce is a miniature all-white purebred poodle. He is a people person and loves to do everything with you! Bruce loves to be pet, he likes to play, and enjoys going on walks. He also likes to dance and give hugs! Bruce is already neutered, housetrained, and up to date with shots.

Winston’s last friend of the day is Bonnie. Bonnie is an American Staffordshire Terrier Mix puppy that was saved by Cares4Pets from being put down at a local shelter. Bonnie is currently in foster care with her brother Clyde. Bonnie does have demodex, a non-contagious type of mange, which she is currently being treated for with medicine.  Bonnie’s favorite activity is snuggling. She desperately wants someone who wants to cuddle with. Cares4Pets has listed Bonnie as Urgent, so if you are interested in adopting her please contact them.

If interested in adopting Bruce, Bonnie, or Blossom, or interested in fostering animals contact Cares4Pets at cares4pets@hotmail.com. Their adoption fees range from $50 to $250 depending on the animal and health status. The adoption procedure requires an application, a meeting at the foster home, and a home visit as well as veterinary checks.

The Adventures of "A Dog Friendly Thanksgiving"

Thanksgiving is almost here which means the holiday season is upon us! Thanksgiving is filled with all things American’s love: football, family, and lots and lots of food! With the holidays coming up, I began to worry about what foods are safe to feed dogs. A lot of times we assume that dogs can eat just about everything humans eat, however, after reading this article, I learned that’s not the case. 

We all know that dogs should never eat chocolate, but did you know that there are several other foods that dogs should not eat? For example, grapes, raisins, onions, macadamia nuts, alcohol, fruit pits and seeds, and many more foods can be very dangerous for dogs.

According to the article, the following foods are safe for dogs to eat during the holidays:

•         Sweet potatoes without the skin
•         Raw apple slices
•          Steamed carrots, broccoli or string beans without any seasoning or salt
•         Raw carrots
•         Salt-free chicken broth
•         Yams – no brown sugar or marshmallows
•         Corn – in small amounts, provides carbs for energy
•         Cranberries – high in Vitamin C and antioxidants
•         Mashed potatoes without the gravy
•         Pumpkin, before you turn it into pie
•         Stuffing – only if you don’t use onions or garlic in the recipe
•         Wild rice without seasoning – a good source of fiber
•         Milk – good for bone strength
•         Whole, raw eggs – stick one in the blender for your dog; the shell provides calcium         while the white and yolk provide protein
•         Turkey, without the skin or bone

Other foods that are potentially harmful to dogs during the holidays include bones, turkey skin, undercooked or raw meats, garlic, sage, nutmeg, mushrooms, dough and cake batter, chewing gum, caffeine, rotten or moldy foods, and candy. If you’re wondering whether or not it is safe to feed your dog something its best to either do your research or not feed it to them at all. They will thank you for it later.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone! 

Winston's Friends: Philly PAWS

Winston’s first birthday was yesterday! I still cannot get over the fact that I found him a year ago. It seems like only yesterday. We are celebrating Winston’s birthday this weekend, so more details to come later about that.

Winston’s only birthday wish is the hope that other dogs and cats that are not so fortunate are able to find loving homes like he did. Therefore, today’s post features more of Winston’s friends in need of loving homes.

Each of these loving animals comes from Philly PAWS, a non-profit no-kill shelter.

Winston’s first friend of the day is Annie. Annie has been patiently waiting for a new home for over seven months! She was rescued by PAWS and needs a loving family that will give her lots of love. Currently, she lives in the Petco store located on Grant Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, which is sponsored by PAWS.  Please help Annie find her forever home. If you are interested in meeting Annie, head over to the Petco store or email petcopaws@gmail.com with any questions.

 Meet Timothy! Timothy is a 2-4 year old cocker spaniel mix. He is charismatic, loving, and sometimes a little stubborn. Due to this, he needs to go to a home with an experienced dog handler who can teach Timothy how to be his best. It would also be best if Timothy went to a home where he was an only pet because he likes to have all the attention to himself! PAWS asks that “If you are interested in meeting Timothy, please email dogs@phillypaws.org for an application. In order to meet available dogs, you must first file an application and be approved as an adopter (the process takes 24-48 hours). If you have questions, please email the above address or contact our adoption staff member at 215-298-9680, ext. 16.”

Winston’s final friend of the day has a special place in my heart. The reason for this is because we share the same name, Ali! Ali is a loving cat around 2 years old. She once had a home, but was then found abandoned on the streets. Because of this, Ali can be very shy towards people; however, with a loving and caring home, Ali could learn to love again. If interested in adopting Ali, please email her foster family Please at joerapier@gmail.com.

The Adventures of 'Dog Clothes'

We have exciting news! Thursday is Winston’s first birthday! Although we are not actually sure how old he is, he has officially been with me for one whole year! It is crazy how fast time flies.

As an early birthday present I went out and bought Winston some new sweaters. When I told some friends about this their comments sounded something like this, “Oh no. You are one of THOSE people.” While I am not exactly sure what “one of THOSE people” entails, I have a general idea.

Whether or not dressing dogs in clothes is harmful or not has become a heated debate amongst animal activists and their owners. In an article posted in The Telegraph, United Kingdom’s most popular news outlet, animal activist went so far as to declare “people who dress up their dogs could be prosecuted.” The article goes on to proclaim that people who dress their dogs are committing animal abuse. 

While I understand what their thoughts may be behind those who dress their dogs up in clothing that may be uncomfortable to the dog, I do not agree that all forms of dog clothes are harmful. In fact, Winston loves to wear clothes.

We started putting sweaters on him because when we first rescued him he was severely malnourished. His malnourishment caused him to be exceptionally cold, especially during the winter. While we worked on getting his weight back up to a healthy number, the best solution was to put him in sweaters. Unlike some dogs, he actually enjoyed wearing the sweaters and would get very excited to put one on in the morning. We have even taught him how to pick out his own sweater by wagging his tail at the one he wishes to wear. Winston even has a pair of letters for my sorority! 

I definitely support the thought that dogs that are uncomfortable wearing clothes should not be forced to do so; however, if like Winston, your dog likes to wear sweaters and other clothes, dress away! 

Winston's Friends: Philadelphia SPCA

Happy Friday Everyone! This week we will be featuring some of Winston’s friends that are in desperate need of loving homes. Winston’s friends come from the Philadelphia SPCA located in Northeast Philadelphia on Erie Avenue.

Winston’s first friend is Rocky. Rocky is a one to two year old Terrier/Pekingese male weighing in at twenty pounds. Rocky loves to play and cuddle and not just with humans! He also gets along well with other dogs and also likes cats. Rocky is neutered and available for adoption immediately.

Meet Wilma! Wilma is an extra special friend of Winston’s. She has extra toes on each foot, but they don’t hold her back! Wilma was found as a stray and is looking for a loving family to take her in. She is a brown and white tabby around 3 years old. Wilma is spayed, but not declawed. Wilma was only brought into the shelter yesterday so snatch her up before she’s gone!

Winston’s final friend of the day is Eboni. Eboni is a one to two year old Chihuahua/Dachshund mix. She is incredibly playful and loves to snuggle. Eboni is good with most children above the age of five and is great with other dogs and cats. She has a special love for women. Eboni is looking for a loving home with people who will take good care of her.  

If interested in meeting Rocky, Wilma, or Eboni please visit the Philadelphia SPCA at pspca.org. If you plan to adopt, please make sure you bring at least one form of identification and understand that there will be a fee. While this post only featured three animals, the Philadelphia SPCA shelters hundreds of animals each year. If you are unable to adopt at this time but would still like to help, please consider making a donation which helps the PSCPA care for these loving animals.