Dakota at the Beach

Here are some pictures that Dakota's mom Michelle sent us.
Have a great weekend!

- Gary

Awesome Annie!

This morning Annie, a cute little tan Beagle, came in for her first day here at the Fort. While she hasn't busted out with all the moves just yet, she was a good greeter and enjoyed hanging out with the pack. There was definitely no trouble out of this little lady! She''ll be back again tomorrow to see the Saturday crew.

Here's a clip of Annie being "courted" by Rat Terrier Koji. She almost began to play, but settled on just wagging her tail happily, enjoying the attention. Hopefully with time and consistency she comes a little further out of her shell!


-Hope

Two areas, Two Clips

Here are some clips from the action today. In the first one, you can see the German Shepherd Ziva tearing it up with Terrier Marty. Stella the Boxer also flies through with her buddy Truman the Labrador.


Next is an action packed clip from the medium/small combo roll! Beija, a little Boston Terrier, is tearing it up with Jack, a Boxer-Lab mix, in the foreground while baby Boxer Zeus and Shitzu Buddy. At the end, we see Husky-mix Niko playing with his buddy Emily the Labrador.


If you're looking for something to do this weekend, try checking out the Pet Expo at the Puyallup Fairgrounds. It's going to be the world's largest pet and pet product expo, it should be a blast!

In the news, a city in Phoenix is considering using dog poop digesters as a green energy source. If you ever considered the idea yourself, there are commercially available digesters that you can get and use at home to create a little energy, and put that waste to use!

A dog missing seven years has finally been reunited with her owner.

Here's hoping that the sun comes back out!

-Hope

Coppertoned!

Hey everybody,

I hope you had a great 4th of July weekend and have been enjoying this precious weather we so deserve!

This morning we welcomed Copper to The Fort for his assessment. He is a dashing, four year old, forty-five pound, orange, black and white Australian Cattle Dog (Red Healer).

Copper spent his time in the Big Roll and did very well. He seems like a dog that would do just fine with the Big or Med pack. Being a Red Healer, Copper is naturally strong, agile and intelligent.
Unfortunately, he didn't play a whole lot today (first day sessions go like that 50% of the time) but he did speak good dog and seemed quite comfortable around the pack. We all have a feeling that he will most definitely "Bust Out" once he gets a few more visits under his belt.

Have a great BBQin day!

-Grant
P.S. Yesterday I played with the band in the largest parade Seattle has ever had (International Lions Club Convention Parade). It was too exciting but boy am I glad that I was able to borrow some sunscreen from a band-mate. If I hadn't, I would have been one hurtin' unit lol. Tomorrow we play inside Key Arena for the convention show! :)

An Anecdote

This morning I spotted a loose dog running down 27th Street, right in front of the Fort! I watched as a couple cars had to stop for her as she crossed the road, and sprang into action. I fished a treat out of the bowl and ran outside, then I let out a loud whistle. The pup happily bounded over to say hello, and that is how I met Peaches the American Staffordshire Terrier mix. She was fully tagged, with her name, phone number, and rabies tag. I was able to keep her in a crate for a few minutes while I called her owner and waited for him to come pick her up. Good thing he worked nearby!

Having a collar saved Lady from the dogcatcher!

I don't know what I would have done if she hadn't had those tags. Though this wasn't quite so epic as long-lost dogs rediscovered by a micro-chip scan, it was an experience that reminded me just how important it is to make certain that (firstly) your dog is well-contained and (secondly) that they are always wearing their tags just in case. Especially right after the fireworks, when even normally relaxed dogs can become spooked, it is important to be safe. Thankfully, we should be done with fireworks until the New Year!

With summer coming up, the question of whether it is legal to have a dog ride in the back of your truck has come up a time or two. The only restriction is that the animal not be capable of falling, jumping, or being thrown from the vehicle. I guess if common sense were really so common, it wouldn't have a special name! The good weather has also led to more outdoor time with Fido, and (sadly) more irresponsible owners not doing their part to keep our parks and sidewalks tidy. In an effort to remind people to pick up after their pets, group Puget Sound Starts Here has created a funny music video (which you can see here on KING5's website).

Enjoy that sunshine everyone!

-Hope

P.S. While looking for dog-related news this morning, I noticed this article about a different sort of dog entirely!

Happy Independence Day!

Rainier's parent's, Joyce and Colin, sent us these cute pictures of Rainier getting ready to celebrate the 4th of July! In case your pooch isn't quite as ready for the explosions on Monday, here are some tips for dealing with firework anxiety.

For today's news, here is a clip of Marley tearing it up with friends Emily and McGee. Gemma and Bella try to get in on the action a little bit as well.


Everybody have fun and stay safe!

-Hope

Birthday Girl In Da House!

Wishing a very Happy Birthday to Lila!

Lila is a very admirable dog that has been attending Fort Fido for many moons inside the Medium Roll. Lila's sister Blue also comes to The Fort frequently (she's in the Big Roll). Their owner Darcy brought in treats for all the dogs to share in celebration of her second birthday, too cool! Please do take a treat bag for your pooch on the way out.

Enjoy your sunny-long weekend! We are open tomorrow (9am - 6pm) but closed on Monday the fourth. Have a happy & safe Independence Day, we'll see y'all back on Tuesday July fifth.

-Grant
P.S. Will end this one with a cute clip from the A.M. of Schnauzer Brothers Oskar and Otto playing.