Spend a Saturday morning enjoying a beautiful boat ride on the Chicago River while picking up some knowledge and helping Tree House Humane Society.
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Chicago’s First Lady and the Chicago Architecture Foundation have donated an Architecture River Cruise to benefit Tree House. Along with the 90-minute narrated cruise, guests will get complimentary snacks, drinks will be available for purchase, and pet expert and author Steve Dale will be aboard to give an informal talk and answer questions.
The Puss ‘N’ Boats Cruise, from 9-10:30 a.m. May 16, will leave from the southeast corner of the Michigan Avenue Bridge at Wacker Drive. Boarding begins at 8:45 a.m. Tickets are $35 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under and can be purchased at treehouseanimals.org/site/Calendar?view=Detail&id=104041.
Photo contest
Deadline is fast approaching for Tails pet magazine’s annual photo contest. Categories include most photogenic, cutest sleeping, caught in the act, most adorable baby, unlikeliest couple, goofiest and sweetest senior. Deadline is May 3. Rules and submission information are at tailsinc.com/2015/04/enter-the-2015-tails-photo-contest.
Adoption tips from a trainer
Dog trainer Jennifer McCarthy (www.jmdogtraining.com) recently posted some ideas for people who are looking to adopt. She pointed out that when people walk into a shelter or rescue, they may “find themselves overwhelmed with guilt or sadness for the animals and some just want to take home every single one.” She suggests turning off the emotions and visit the dogs with a clear head; that will help you find the best fit.
She also had some excellent suggestions for when you bring a new dog home:
*Realize the dog needs about two months to properly adjust to his new environment.
*Take your dog for a long walk around the neighborhood the first day; she says the best way to bond with your dog is on a walk.
*Walk your dog off the property every day. How long? Larger and more active breeds require a fast paced one-hour power walk, she says, and small dogs require two half-hour normal walks.
*Rescue dogs can sometimes be at a rescue because they have run away. Ensure you have everything set up, such as checking fencing, before you bring him or her home.
*Expect stress and get involved in a good training class as soon as possible.
*Problems are common with all dogs. Most puppies don’t fully mature until 2 or 3 years of age. Be aware that you may still have a puppy on your hands even though he looks fully grown.
*Lack of education on the part of the owner is the No. 1 reason dogs are returned into the shelter system. Before giving up on your new dog, do some homework and find as much information as possible, then try to solve the problem.