Sus (and many others) received clarification from Beneful regarding their Dog Park Makeover Contest. Yes, we CAN post it publicly on social networking sites. So now we are posting it here again. Go to the link, vote for the Phil Rylette/Zoe entry, Just click on this green underline and it will take you right there. You can vote multiple times, but only once per day.

Yes, that email was legitimate! At least one member was concerned that the email entitled: Vote For Your Carmichael Dog Park in Makeover Contest was a legitimate one. Always a good idea to be leery of emails with links in them, so the concern is well-taken. Since we could not publish the link on the website due to some language in the official rules that was of concern, we "broadcast" a message to all the website members. Each individual sees only his or her own name, which is a level of protection against the unscrupulous compiling spam lists.

Cesar Millan sent out a couple of excellent reminders. Dogs can easily suffocate in a car or truck or recreational vehicle. Even with windows "cracked" or in the back of an open truck. They need shade, reasonable heat levels, and fresh water at all times. Sacramento heat has not even started yet, but when it does, please be very careful that your dog is safe.

Cesar also reminds us that the dog behaviors are not the dog's fault, but the human's behind the dogs. Hmmm. Although this statement is made in conjunction with selling his products, what he says is true. Worse than parenting, if you are a dog owner you will be judged by everything your dog does. Train them to be good citizens.

Why should there be separation of big and littles? A community discussion in Baltimore. Click on the link to read the facts. Rumor has it that some person put a sign on a rickety enclosure within the big park last clean up day that read "small dog park" I hope that person reads the above article.

The Events Calendar lists the Carmichael Park Founders Day Event on September 25. Sus Brown (The Poodles) is the go-to person for this event. See the detailed view at the Event Calendar above. More details will be posted as they are available. Sus (The Poodles) can be contacted on the web site.

Bordetella (kennel cough or tracheobronchitis) and other doggie diseases. Any place numerous dogs congregate is a place where infectious organisms can spread easily. Tracheobronchitis, is highly contagious, spreads through the air. The vaccine is only effective against 3 of the most common organisms, so if there is a new bacterial form or a viral form, your dog could contract it. It goes without saying, please do not bring your dog to the park when ill.

Giardia and other water-borne illnesses. Dogs have no manners. They pee in the pools and drinking fountains, among other things. The next dog taking a drink can be infected. Humans need to watch the water sources very carefully and change often.

Dog allergies can mimic other illnesses.
Pet Allergies

Dogs on leash until in the park: It's the county law and one of the posted rules of the park. In some places park patrols are giving tickets to unleashed dogs coming from car to park.

No Ads or Internet Links: As a part of stamping out spam and inappropriate content, Ning ( the parent company of the website) has enacted some new safety tools. Now there is an email verification and a specific quiz people have to answer to assist in screening for appropriate members.

However, rescue organizations can post info about their dogs or their organization -- advertise for free. Nominal fees or donations for adoption allowed.

SOS - Save our Shelter