Pets And Weddings Do Mix

Tue., June 1, 1999

By Rick Bonino boninobeer@comcast.net

With wedding season hitting full stride, some people probably are planning on including their pets in their ceremonies. Some tips for doing so, from the DogGone newsletter:

* Appoint someone whose sole job is being in charge of the dog on the big day.

* If you’re going to include music, such as an organ, expose your dog to the sound in advance so he’s used to it.

* You might be able to train your dog to carry the rings, but keep him leashed so he doesn’t bolt with the bands.

* Make sure the dog is thoroughly walked before the wedding. You don’t want him saying “I do” to nature’s call mid-ceremony.

* Beauty, Spot: Wedding or not, need to pretty up your pooch? The Spokane Parks and Recreation Department is offering a series of dog grooming classes through the summer at South Hill Grooming, 2507 S. Freya.

While the June class is full, there were openings at press time for the July 15 and Aug. 19 sessions. Classes run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and cost $29; to register, call 625-6200.

And for those dogs who need to be good as well as look good, the parks department is presenting a four-week dog training class Sundays in June from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Clark Park, Garland and Division.

Puppies must be 4 months or older, and handlers must be at least 12. Cost is also $29; to register, call the same number as above.

* Gimme shelter cats: June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, and SpokAnimal C.A.R.E. is marking the occasion with a series of events.

The Spokane Valley Petco store (10 N. Sullivan) is hosting a “Whole Kitten Kaboodle Cat Adoptathon” June 4 featuring animals for adoption, information booths and displays by pet product vendors.

On June 11, the Twin Willows Gallery in Deer Park is donating a percentage of its proceeds to SpokAnimal. The Cat Tales game preserve will have an information booth.

And the weekend of June 11-12, people purchasing Friskies’ pet foods at Tidyman’s stores in Spokane will receive a $10 discount off cat and dog licenses, with any late fees waived.

* Twisters of fate: Where there’s human suffering, pets often are hurting, too.

The American Medical Veterinary Foundation is seeking donations to help pay for the treatment and boarding of animals affected by the recent tornadoes in Oklahoma, Kansas and Tennessee.

Send donations to AVMF-Oklahoma DREF, 1931 N. Meacham Road, Suite 100, Schaumburg, IL 60173, or call toll-free to (800) 248-2862, ext. 207.

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