Calendar of Pet Events: A listing of expos, shows and fun activities

Looking for a pet expo, humane society party, photo contest or yard sale? Check out MySetterSam.com's Calendar of Pet Events. Listings include information about adoptions and donations; education, grants and scholarships; health; and shows, events and other fun activities.

ADOPTIONS and DONATIONS

American Humane Association Foreclosure Pets Grants. Grant money is awarded to qualifying American Humane member shelters. Animal welfare organizations interested in applying for a Foreclosure Pets Grant should email the following information to grants@americanhumane.org with “Foreclosure Pets Grant” in the subject line: Organization name and mission statement, American Humane member number and desired use of funds. The maximum grant amount is $2,000 per organization. Visit the American Humane Association for more information.

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A book about a rescue dog
that will touch your heart

THE HUNT OF HER LIFE, is a nonfiction book about Samantha, an unwanted rescue dog who the author adopts at age 2. This beautifully designed full-color deluxe book, by longtime newspaper journalist Joseph A. Reppucci, contains more than 60 vibrant color photos of dogs to help illustrate the compelling and uplifting story of Samantha - a pretty tricolor bird dog who uses her warm personality to win people over and build a new family after being put up for adoption by a hunter because she is gun-shy and afraid to hunt. Learn how she uses her special bonding abilities with people to help her eventually make a transition from the hunting fields to family life. While reading the The Hunt of Her Life, you will travel with Samantha and the author along a trail filled with surprising twists, sudden turns, mystery and even what some call a miracle. And when the journey is finished, you may never look at people and their pets, motherhood - and perhaps even God - in the same way.  The Hunt of Her Life is must reading. It will take you on a captivating journey - a trip like no other - that will touch your heart.

Available at:

Createspace.com (an Amazon.com company)

Also find it on: Amazon.com

Like it on:  Facebook/thehuntofherlife

Join us on:  Goodreads.com

CLICK HERE FOR A FREE LOOK INSIDE THE BOOK 

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Dogs Deserve Better "Have a Heart for Chained Dogs" Campaign. Each Valentine's Day, DDB mails Valentines and brochures to owners who chain or pen their dogs to help educate them about the cruelty of tethering and penning pets. Teachers, students, scout leaders and group leaders are especially encouraged to participate. To get involved in the campaign or to make a donation, go to Dogs Deserve Better.

Farm Sanctuary’s Adopt-A-Turkey project. For a one-time donation of $30, adopters will receive a special Adopt-A-Turkey certificate complete with color photo of a rescued turkey who resides at one of Farm Sanctuary’s shelters. For more information about adopting a turkey instead of eating one and to view this year’s “adoptable” turkeys, visit adoptaturkey.org or call 1-888-SPONSOR. Farm Sanctuary’s shelters in New York and California provide lifelong care for nearly 1,000 rescued farm animals. For more information, please visit the Farm Sanctuary.

Farm Sanctuary's Adopt A Farm Animal Project. People can sponsor a rescued farm animal at America's largest farm animal rescue organization, which has sanctuaries in Watkins Glen, New York; Northern California (Orland) and the Los Angeles area. Sponsors make a year-long commitment to a shelter animal and make monthly, quarterly, or annual payments. In return, you will receive an adoption certificate with a color photograph of your adopted friend. For more information, visit www.farmsanctuary.org/giving/adopt-a-farm-animal.

Humane Society of the United States home foreclosure and financial crisis fund. The fund was created because of the sharp increase reported by shelters in the number of families unable to afford to keep or feed their pets. The money is used to assist local animal shelters and rescue organizations to help keep people and their pets together. Visit the Humane Society of the United States to make a donation.

Humane Society of The United States vehicle donation program. Donate your old or unused car, truck, motorcycle, RV or other vehicle to The Humane Society of the United States. It will be towed for free from anywhere in the United States, and the donation is tax deductible. For more information, go to HSUS vehicle donation program.

Move America Forward care packages for military working dogs. The care packages that the pro-military organization sends to troops oversees now include items for dogs, such as rawhide bones, dog treats and chew toys. The group sends care packages on an ongoing basis and needs donations. Visit Move America Forward to make a donation to help pay for the supplies in the care packages.

Pets of the Homeless food collection site sponsors needed. Pets of the Homeless, a nonprofit organization that provides pet food and veterinary care to homeless people who own pets, seeks business owners and managers who would like to act as collection site sponsors. These sites provide the public with a convenient location to drop off pet food and supplies. The donations are then delivered to distributing organizations (food banks, homeless shelters and soups kitchens) that have agreed to distribute the pet food to the homeless and poor. Businesses can become a collection site at no cost by signing up at petsofthehomeless.org. For more information, send email to info@petsofthehomeless.org.

PetSmart Charities hurricane emergency relief program. To make a donation to the PetSmart Charities relief program, visit PetSmart Charities or call 1-800-423-PETS.

EDUCATION, GRANTS and SCHOLARSHIPS

American Humane Association Basic Animal Emergency Services. Training programs are for those interested in helping to respond to animals in emergency situations. Visit the American Humane Association for more information.

American Humane Association Disaster Sheltering for Companion Animals Classes. Classes are geared toward professionals trained in disaster response, emergency medical services personnel, firefighters, animal shelter staff, animal control officers, veterinarians and vet technicians, animal handlers/trainers and Red Cross volunteers. Topics include: differences between temporary and co-location shelters; safety concerns; communication techniques; shelter setup; differences between human-made and natural disaster response; animal handling and demobilization procedures. For more information, visit the American Humane Association or send email to aestraining@americanhumane.org.

AKC Canine Health Foundation grants. Annual grants are awarded for one-year to two-year, in-depth research projects that examine causes, provide accurate diagnosis and prognosis and develop effective treatments for canine disease. CHF also funds short-term research throughout the year called ACORN grants. Researchers can submit research pre-proposals each year beginning in January. Once the pre-proposal period ends, the applications are initially reviewed by the a committee of experts in the application’s field of study. Visit the AKC Canine Health Foundation for more information.

American Red Cross Dog First Aid courses. Courses are held by local chapters across the United States. For more information and to find a local chapter, visit the American Red Cross.

Guide to Vet Tech Schools and Online Vet Tech Program. An unbiased list of every school that offers a veterinary technician program in the United States. For a comprehensive listing of schools, top animal care degrees and certificate programs, visit vettech.org.

Pet Sitters International ebook, "The Five Must-Do Steps to Starting a Successful Pet-Sitting Business." The free e-book free is available on the association’s website at The Five Must-Do Steps to Starting a Successful Pet-Sitting Business.

Pet Sitters International ebook, "2013 Pet-Sitting Industry Forecast." The free e-book free is available to current and prospective pet-care professionals on the association’s website at 2013 Pet-Sitting Industry Forecast. 

Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum Owney the Dog Curriculum. A 60-page full-color curriculum guide features four different units that use the story of Owney the Dog to meet reading, writing, math, social studies, science and art standards. The lessons are designed to provide inspiring and meaningful interdisciplinary experiences in classrooms from kindergarten through third grade. A special online microsite has been created for the Owney curriculum that features a downloadable curriculum guide for teachers, which includes units on maps, jobs, tags and stories. Visit www.npm.si.edu/owneycurriculum.

Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum Owney the Dog free eBook. Owney the dog, the loveable and inspirational figure in mail-service history, is featured in Owney: Tales from the Rails, a new free eBook narrated and performed by country singer Trace Adkins. It is available online and as an Apple iPad app. The animated children’s story is available on the museum’s website www.postalmuseum.si.edu/owneyebook.

HEALTH

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. If your pet accidentally ingests any potentially harmful products and you need emergency advice, consult a veterinarian or the ASPCA hot line at 888- 426-4435 (a fee applies) or visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Hill's Science Diet behavioral and nutritional needs hot line. Owners can discuss special needs such as acclimating a pet into a new environment, obedience/house training, proper nutrition and fitness with experts trained by Dr. Jacqui Neilson of the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists. The pet line - 1-877-NEW PET LINE - is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST Monday through Saturday.

SHOWS, EVENTS and FUN

Pets Best Insurance My Vet's the Best Contest. All pet owners are invited to nominate their veterinarians. The prizes are: $200 to the author of each winning story; $1,000 to the veterinarian to help pay the cost of treatment for needy animals; a trip for two to the Western Veterinary Conference for the veterinarian. For more information and to nominate your veterinarian, go to Pets Best Insurance My Vet's the Best Contest.

The Humane Society of the United States Taking Action for Animals. The conference, which will feature speakers and workshops about animal advocacy, will be held Friday, June 27, to Monday, June 30, at Walter E. Washington Convention Center 801 Mt. Vernon Place NW in Washington, D.C. For more information, go to Taking Action for Animals.

Smithsonian’s National Postal Museum's Owney the Dog postage stamp 3-D viewing. The postage stamp can be viewed by a free iPhone app available from the Apple iTunes Store or the museum’s special webcam page at www.postalmuseum.si.edu/owneyapp. A multidimensional virtual Owney appears above the stamp. Owney barks, trots, sits and listens to postal train whistles in full 3-D. When the stamp is moved closer to the camera, details of Owney’s collar and some of the tags he received from his many travels can be seen. When viewed from a slight distance, the stamp can be moved around to see Owney from any side or angle. For more information about the National Postal Museum, visit www.postalmuseum.si.edu.

STATE-BY-STATE LISTINGS

ARIZONA 

Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA Medical Miracles Fund. The fund - established so donors could support the extra medical expenses and efforts that AAWL & SPCA takes on as part of its no-kill mission - seeks donations. For more information on how to donate, visit the www.aawl.org and click on the Miracles Fund link on the home page.

Arizona Animal Welfare League and SPCA military adoption discounts. Veterans and active military can get 10 percent off adoption fees or a free leash and collar for their new pet when they adopt, they can take a 10-percent discount on any training class offered by AAWL and SPCA. The shelter is located at 30 N. 40th Place, just north of Washington and east of 40th Street, in central Phoenix. Adoption hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. For more information, visit www.aawl.org and click on Adoptable Pets.

CALIFORNIA

America’s Family Pet Expo - Orange County. The event schedule will be held 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, April 25; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, April 27; at OC Fair and Event Center, 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa. It will feature thousands of pet products for sale, animals on display in stage shows, competitions and demonstrations, animal experts and pet adoptions. For more information and to buy tickets, go to www.petexpoOC.org.

Marin Humane Society’s Special Human-Animal Relationships program seeks donations. Pet food and toys are needed to fill gift bags for clients and for distribution to shelters in Marin County. Financial contributions are also welcome and will be used to purchase additional gift items. The program provides a lifeline for more than 200 low-income seniors and disabled clients and their pets. Assistance is offered in the form of pet food, veterinary care, home visits, and emergency boarding for pets in the event of hospitalization of the client. Donations may be delivered to the humane society at 171 Bel Marin Keys Blvd., Novato. through the end of the year. Visit the Marin Humane Society for more information.

FLORIDA 

Humane Society of Pinellas Bark at the Ballpark. People can bring their dogs to a Clearwater Threshers game on April 6 at Bright House Field in Clearwater. Gates open at noon and game time is at 1 p.m. For tickets and information, go to Humane Society of Pinellas.

Humane Society of Pinellas Fur Affair. The event will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. March 27 at Earthscapes Garden Room in Palm Harbor. It will feature live music by the Markunas Brothers, food from local restaurants, raffles, beer and wine. For more information, go to Humane Society of Pinellas.

Humane Society of Tampa Bay's 27th Annual Bark In The Park. The event will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 29, at Cotanchobee Fort Brooke Park, 601 Old Water Street, Tampa. A fundraising 1-mile walk for animals starts at 1:30 p.m. The event will feature live music from Halcyon, food trucks and beverages, dog costume contests and pets for adoption. For more information and to register, go to Bark in the Park.

LOUISIANA

St. Francis Animal Sanctuary adoption days. The adoption events are held from noon to 5 p.m. the third Saturday of each month in the St. Francis Thrift Store, 813 Florida St., Mandeville. Visit St. Francis Animal Sanctuary for more information.

MASSACHUSETTS 

Fairy Dogparents Lucky Dog Bowlathon. The event will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at Boston Bowl in Hanover. Choose from 10 pin or candle pin bowling. The registration fee covers two hours of bowling, shoe rental, pizza and soda. Beer and wine available at cash bar. A minimum $25 fundraising goal per bowler is required. For more information and to register, go to Fairydogparents.org.

Gracie's Mission's 2014 Cosmic Bowling Fundraiser. The event will be held 8 to 11 p.m. March 29 at Westgate Bowling Lanes, 65 Westgate Drive, Brockton. The event will include prizes, trophies and raffles. For more information and to buy tickets, go to graciesmission.org or send email to info@graciesmission.org.

MSPCA Lobby Day for Animals. The event will take place on March 18 at the State House in Boston. Meet with your elected officials legislation that will significantly impact animals. No experience is necessary. Tips for lobbying and an overview of pending animal legislation will be provided. For more information and to register, go to MSPCA Lobby Day for Animals.

Quincy Animal Shelter's 8th Annual Beer and Wine Tasting. The event will be held from 6 to 10 p.m. March 28 at Adams Academy Building, 8 Adams Street, Quincy. It will feature fine beverages, cheeses, chocolates and hors d'oeuvres. Silent auction and raffle prizes will be offered. For more information, go to Quincy Animal Shelter.

Scituate Animal Shelter Annual Yard Sale. The event will held on April 12 and 13. Donations drop-off dates at the Knights of Columbus Hall on Route 3A in Scituate are: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, March 28; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, March 29; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 5; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, April 6. Examples of acceptable items include new or gently used holiday items, jewelry, handbags, accessories, kitchenware, toys, china and dishes, small furniture. No books, clothing items, TVs, computer equipment, sports equipment or large furniture. For more information, email the shelter at info@scituateanimalshelter.org or call 781-544-4533.

NEW HAMPSHIRE

Humane Society for Greater Nashua's Sponsor-a-Pet. Makes a great gift in honor of family members and friends. For just $1 a day, you can ensure that one animal in the shelter receives proper nutrition and a safe place to live (including a warm bed and toys. Make it $1.33 a day, and you can ensures that one animal in the shelter gets medical care and a microchip, too. Visit the Humane Society for Greater Nashua for more information.

Humane Society for Greater Nashua cell phones and ink cartridges recycle program. Donate your used cell phones and ink cartridges to the shelter to be discarded through the Funding Factory program. Individuals can drop off items at the humane society, 24 Ferry Road, Nashua. Businesses can receive prepaid shipping labels from Funding Factory with proceeds going to the humane society. Visit The Funding Factory for a list of qualifying cartridges and cell phones or the Humane Society for Greater Nashua for more information.

Submissions to the Dog Days Events Calendar should be sent to mysettersam@hotmail.com.

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The Calendar of Pet Events is a feature that appears on MySetterSam.com, a blog written by Joseph A. Reppucci, a retired editor from The Patriot Ledger in Quincy, Massachusetts. Mr. Reppucci worked as a reporter and editor on major daily newspapers in the Boston area for more than 30 years. He is the author of the book, The Hunt of Her Life, a heartwarming story about his once-in-a-lifetime rescue dog. Find it on Createspace.com and Amazon.com.

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