Milo Update

Milo had surgery on Monday, March 26 to have one of his rear legs removed, and his dad says that all went well. On Wednesday, March 28 Milo will return home to start his recovery.

Some years ago, our dog Bela had a front leg removed due to cancer. From first hand experience we can tell you that it is remarkable the way dogs recover from this procedure. The first couple of weeks can be difficult, but dogs simply don’t dwell on things they way we humans do – they just want to move forward and experience all the great things that this world has going on.

We hope you’ll help us send some positive thoughts to Milo and especially to his parents, who will be doing some pretty intensive nursing in the next few weeks. They’ll also be taking a lots of time off of work, and we hope you’ll continue to help us show them some support by dropping a dollar or two into the “Milo” box in our lobby. THANK YOU!

See you soon, Milo! Woof!

Milo

Most of you know Milo as the dignified, reserved dog who sits near the gate at Dawg House every time somebody arrives.  He is also a silly puppy who can run around with the best of them! He has been part of our pack here at Dawg House for almost 5 years.

Recently, Milo was diagnosed with soft cell sarcoma, and has a single, localized tumor on his rear leg.   He was enrolled in a clinical trial to see if a new drug therapy would shrink the tumor, but it didn’t.  During his treatment, surprisingly, Milo actually enjoyed his visits to the vet.  It was inspirational to see him trotting in after a day spent at the hospital, all “smiles”.

The next line of defense for this cancer, though, is an amputation of Milo’s leg.  This will essentially cure him of the disease, which is a great outcome.  The amputation ensures that all the cancer will be removed, leaving nothing behind at the cellular level to multiply and grow again.  In the meanwhile, however, the actual surgery and aftercare is extremely expensive.

We here at Dawg House are sympathetic to the cause and know how difficult all these decisions can be.  We want to do what we can to alleviate some of the financial burden for Milo’s family so they can concentrate on what is important–helping him heal!

So, there is a donation box in our lobby, right by the door. Please donate a little something…because it can really add up and help out.  In the next week or so, we will also be raffling off a couple of daycare passes and 100% of those proceeds will go to Milo’s family as well.

We will look forward to his return to Dawg House, and his healthy future.  Dogs are incredibly resilient and it won’t be long til Milo is running around with the pack again!

Toro Loco Challenge!

On April 7th in Eloy, AZ there is a fundraiser happening for the Humane Society of Southern Arizona that will blow your mind!

Last year,  we (Christopher and Erica) participated in an event called the Warrior Dash that involved 3 1/2 miles of running, obstacles, climbing, and MUD! It was a blast, but there was one thing missing—our dogs!

The Toro Loco Challenge takes that into account by offering two separate courses.  The Raging Bull course is for competitive athletes, much like the Warrior Dash.  But, they also offer the Leisurely Longhorn course, which is a 5K that welcomes (and encourages!) both children and dogs to participate. You will still get wet, muddy and exhausted–and so will your dog!

It looks like a BLAST so, if you have the will and the way…sign up now! You can get additional information by clicking Toro Loco Challenge . Hope to see you there!

Two Upcoming Humane Society Benefit Events

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is hosting two big events in February! These are both annual events where you and your dogs can participate, win some prizes, and have a ball with lots of other dogs!

PAWS IN THE PLAZA is  Saturday February 11th from noon to 3pm at Casas Adobe Plaza (NW corner of Ina and Oracle).  It features adoptable animals, live music, sidewalk sales and specials and a chance to win a $1,000 shopping spree to the plaza stores. You can also buy raffle tickets here.

COVER DOG SEARCH is Saturday, Feb. 18th at La Encantada. Is your dog a Cover Dog? Then bring him out for this annual contest, and they could grace the cover of Tucson Lifestyle’s May 2012 issue. Your $10 entry fee benefits the HSSA. You can also get a personal photo of your dog on a magazine cover, visit pet-related vendors and enjoy the shopping center. Get more info: online registration and VIP.

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El Tour de Dawg – Ride for the Animals!

We wanted to share this idea with all of you who may be riding – or considering riding – in the 2011 El Tour de Tucson. You can choose to sign up through the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA)  and pledge your proceeds to benefit local animals in need!

The Humane Society of Southern Arizona is participating as a beneficiary in the University Medical Center El Tour de Tucson Presented by Diamond Ventures.  You can raise funds for our animals through your El Tour de Tucson ride or through the indoor event (which is held on stationary bikes).

El Tour de Tucson (Outdoor Ride):  Saturday, November 19, 2011

El Tour is an amazing bike ride attracting over 9,000 cyclists of all ages and abilities from throughout the United States, including novice, intermediate, advanced, and professional riders. What all riders of El Tour share is a desire to get on their bikes, meet great people and have a fun doing it!

Participants may choose to cycle 109, 79, 66, or 40 miles, plus a 4-mile & 1/4- mile Kids & Family Fun Ride, open to kids, parents and friends.

El Tour cyclists (signing up through HSSA) receive an official event t-shirt, cycling socks from HSSA, goody bag, police, route and SAG support, aid station refreshments, published results and more! And all finishers are awarded a special engraved medallion at the finish line for their accomplishment.

How it would benefit HSSA?  All contributions you raise from family, friends, and business associates for your ride will benefit the animals in our care.  Click here for pledge form and click here for sample thank you notes for your friends who pledge.  BUT you  MUST fill out our registration form! Click here for a registration form.

2011 Pet Idol Contest!

Tucson Weekly is sponsoring a Pet Idol contest and it directly benefits the Humane Society of Southern Arizona! For a $5 donation (well, that’s the least you can donate to enter—so be GENEROUS!) you can submit a photo of your dawg for the contest.

The deadline is one week from today–March 31st–so enter soon! We spend our day every day with a room full of idols, so enter!

You can get more information by clicking here!

Japan Dogs

If you haven’t seen this video yet, take a minute and witness why we love dogs so much. This Spaniel stayed by the side of its’ friend after the earthquake and tsunami hit, and tried to protect it from the person who was taking the video. It’s a heartbreaking picture, but it turns out that the injured dog was rescued and taken to a shelter along with its’ protector and friend.

Link: Japanese Dog and Friend

Animal rescue and aid is important during these disasters. When Katrina hit, animal rescue reached epidemic proportions, as so many were left homeless and injured. If you would like to help with animal rescue and treatment in Japan, donation are being taken and distributed by many organizations.

World Vets s a non-government organization (NGO) providing veterinary aid around the globe in collaboration with animal advocacy groups, foreign governments, US and foreign military groups and veterinary professionals abroad.

The Humane Society also provides relief to animals around the world in crisis situations.

Tucson Lifestyle Cover Dog Search 2011

Do you think your dog has what it takes to be on the cover of a top magazine? Tucson Lifestyle is searching for one fabulous pooch to grace the cover of its April 2011 issue, and is asking pampered pedigrees and lovable mutts alike to join in its cover dog competition. If you think your canine is a contender, join Tucson Lifestyle, the Humane Society of Southern Arizona (HSSA), and celebrity judges on Saturday, Feb. 5 from 9 am – 1 pm at the west end of Brandi Fenton Memorial Park (on the corner of River & Dodge).

Canine candidates will pose for a digital photograph, which will be reviewed by a panel of celebrity judges. The winner will be notified by phone and must be available for a private cover photo session within two weeks of winning.