Rest in peace friend...

Last night we received the unfortunate news that our long time canine-pal, Duke, passed away... He had been struggling with his health off and on for the last couple of years. Our thoughts, and deepest apologies, go out to his great owners for their loss. Duke was lucky to have Jeannie and Nick. They always did right by Duke, taking tremendously good care of him, over the course of his happy life.

Duke is survived by his younger "dog brother" Jack. Duke attended, and had a blast at Fort Fido weekly, for over six years! He was a massive dog, intimidating at first glance, due to his stature, however, his personality was quite different... He was calm, and honestly a true sweetheart. Duke most definitely lived up to his moniker of "Gentle Giant". Take care friend, you were one neat animal, a heck of a dog, you will be missed...

Some find the Rainbow Bridge Poem helpful during pet loss and it's grieving process. It certainly means well, regardless of your beliefs. I consider it a classic poem, check it out if you never have.

In other news, to lift the mood a bit, early this morning Tacoma Firefighters rescued two puppies from an apartment fire. Lucky dogs! Way to go! Here is some footage of the rescuers arriving on the scene.

;)

Take it easy,

-Grant

Yo, suds up!

I would like to remind everybody about a great event Fort Fido has coming up... Partnering with The Soggy Doggy Dog Wash and SUNDogs, of University Place, The Fort is participating in the "Spruce Up Fido" Dog Wash fundraiser. It's going to be a blast, and we hope you'll all mark your calendars to attend.

It is on Tuesday, December 3rd, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The Fort Fido Crew will be there to wash your pooch for you, or with you, from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Normal Soggy Doggy wash rates will apply. All proceeds that The Soggy Doggy acquires, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm, will be going to, and benefiting, the new off-leash dog park that the SUNDogs have in the works. When the Fort Fido hour begins, at 6:00 pm, all proceeds The Soggy Doggy takes in, will be donated to the SUNDogs, for the off-leash dog park project, on behalf of The Fort. Super cool!

For those that do not know, the current off-leash dog park, located on the Chambers Creek Properties, and "in" the golf course lol, has always been "temporary". It has basically been an experiment since its inception. Things have been going well with it over the past few years, so it looks like the people in charge will be allowing it to continue. So now it is time to get ourselves a permanent off-leash dog park spot! Which of course, requires some fundraising.

So please, come on down to The Soggy Doggy, December 3rd, anytime between 4:00 and 8:00 pm, to show your support for our cities off-leash dog park. We hope to see you there! Besides, it will be wayyy easier for you to let us wash Fido for you, or at least let us help you with the chore. It's never fun ending up like some of the canines and owners in this classic clip:

Hahaha!

Be well,

-Grant
P.S. Also, the UP Fire Department will be visiting with an engine that day, at 4:30 pm. At 5:30 pm, folks get a chance to meet up with University Place Council Member, Caroline Belleci... Last but not least, if you show up, you will receive a $2 off coupon for the ever-popular, Santa Paws Photo Shoot, happening on December 7th.

Say there Sammy

 

Meet Sammy! He is a very handsome, two year old, forty pound, black/white & brown colored, Border Collie Mix. Sammy is a rescue dog that has fit in well with his forever-family. He tried out The Fort today, to get ready for some future Overnight Boarding. Sammy stayed with us in The Medium Roll and wasn't exactly sure what to make of it at first. As the pack grew, Sammy relaxed into his new social scene well. We think Sammy did a good job here today. In time, hopefully he will become even more comfortable here, let his "hair down", and get some more play time in. Fine work this morning Sammy, we look forward to your return.

 

Be well,

 

-Grant

P.S. One cool fact about Sammy, his owner is a University Place Firefighter, who recently helped us on our latest Fire Inspection.

Fire Fighter & Photographer Michelle Johnson

I always look forward to her awesome photography. I enjoy all of the colors, and positive energy, that she captures in her shots.

Here we have a few pics of Miss Dakota Downtown, and a few sharp looking Pipers from the Pierce County FireFighters Pipes and Drums. Click to enlarge.

 

Thanks Michelle, take it easy y'all!

-Grant
P.S. Could anyone figure out why I liked this photo set sooo much? LOL! BAGPIPES! ;) Also, as always, if you have any pictures of your pets, please send them to us! grant@fortfido.com We love seeing what our Fido Buddies are up to outside The Fort, and we love posting the pics up on The Blog.