November in the Bay Area often brings a noticeable shift in the weather – from lovely autumn light to a regular diet of overcast and dreary – but Thanksgiving can help to brighten things up. If we take the meaning of the holiday to heart, we can boost our attitudes by pausing to feel gratitude for all the good things in our lives. For the likes of Bay Woof readers, furry companions surely make the list.
This issue is an enthusiastic “Thank You!” to the dogs among us and to the local folks dedicated to making their lives better. Without the passionate volunteers who work with dogs at animal shelters and rescue groups, far more would be euthanized than adopted. Turn to GRRR-ATEFUL to meet some of the people who are creating happier endings for the homeless canines in our communities.
You’ll learn the essential role played by volunteers at one group on the front lines of local dog support in this article about Give A Dog A Bone (gadab.org). What started as a spark of compassion in the heart of Corinne Dowling has grown into a volunteer army determined to improve the lot of dogs in custody at San Francisco’s city shelter, Animal Care & Control. The job isn’t pretty or easy, far from it, but the benefits for everyone involved – dogs and people – are legendary.
Now you’re fired up, right? You too want to experience the deep satisfaction of improving the lives of dogs? Here, learn what types of help are typically needed at animal shelters and rescue groups. You’re sure to feel the tug of something just right for you. Go for it!
One more piece will warm your heart this Thanksgiving season and quicken your resolve to do what’s best for the dogs: Kelly Gorman Dunbar’s story is about all the canines who have graced her life with love and valuable lessons. You may notice a new photo beaming from the page. This month Kelly officially takes the reins from partner Dr. Ian Dunbar. Ian is traveling a LOT to teach and speak these days, so Kelly is henceforth the official author of the Monthly Woof, with Ian chiming in on occasion (instead of the other way around). Thanks, Dunbars, for all your great contributions to our pages over the years!
Other regular columns this month include enrichment tips from Kim Moeller (Good Dog!), Dr. Cynthia Cook’s overview of canine vision problems (Ask Dr. Dog), and all the details about Muttville Senior Dog Rescue’s exciting new home (Shelter Zone). Catch a glimpse of the furry fun at the 2012 Pet Food Express Bay Area Pet Fair and Adoptathon (Tails of the City). Hope you didn’t miss it!
Here’s an important heads up: Starting November 1, you can vote online at BoBa2013 for your favorite dog people, places, things, and events. We’re changing up the format for the 2013 Beast of the Bay Awards, dispensing with nominations and using a write-in ballot until voting ends at midnight on January 31. The field of candidates is wide open, so here’s your chance to call attention to the best of the local dog scene by naming names. Which poodle groomer, hiking trail, doggie daycare do you love the most? We’ll announce the winners in our March 2013 issue.
Looking ahead to December, we’re planning to continue our tradition of sprinkling the issue with fun photos of holiday hounds. To be considered, please submit high-res shots of your festively-clad canines to santa@baywoof.com by Monday, November 5.
Now back to the topic of Thanksgiving before I sign off. Loyal readers, fellow dog lovers, good people of the pack – please accept heartfelt thanks from all of us at Bay Woof!
– Mindy Toomay, Editor
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