A corporate spokesperson issued this statement:

“In our effort to spread the word about our new Chicken McBites, one of our local markets ran an ad that inadvertently offended some of our customers. The ad was insensitive in its mention of pit bulls. We apologize. We are pulling the ad, and will review our creative screening process. It’s never our intent to offend anyone with how we communicate news about McDonald’s.”

While pulling the ads was a good first step – we find it offensive that the blame was placed on a “local market”. We’d like to make a suggestion – let’s think about opening a Ronald McDonald House for abused animals. Like the idea? Why not let McDonald’s know by calling 1-800-244-6227, operators are on duty 7 days a week from 7 to 6. If you’d rather email them believe it or not. . they have an entire division focusing on Social Responsibility (go figure – I guess they don’t talk to the “local markets”). Here’s the link to the Socially Responsible people: http://www.mcdonalds.com/us/en/contact_us/social_responsibility/social_responsibility.html

McDonald’s. . .just let us know if you need some help getting your image restored by setting up the Ronald McDonald House for abused animals. . .just give us a call at 941-379-1440. We are here to help.

You can listen to the commercial here:

Milo here is a unique 3 year old Petit Basset Griffon Vendeen Mix. Satchel’s Last Resort tells us that he is a very easy going kind of pup who (you’ve guessed it!) loves the outdoors and enjoys long walks. With that said, Milo is also a big advocate of watching television with you indoors as well. Did someone say car ride? This pooch would happily go anywhere with you in your car. He’s easy to please!

Milo is a pretty laid back pup and gets along with other dogs but he doesn’t seem too interested in playing with them much. We’re happy to report that Milo’s best friend, Radio, has been adopted. Now it’s Milo’s turn to find a new forever loving home. Milo is crate trained, housebroken and up to date on all his shots. Contact Satchel’s Last Resort to make an appointment to meet Milo by calling  or emailing them at Comments@SatchelsLastResort.com.

Milo’s story is brought to you by Ace Pet Resort, a resort for vacationing dogs and cats to and from the Sarasota area!

Ms. Eastman gave the students a simple strategy for dealing with strange dogs – the WAIT method.  W for wait and be calm, A for Ask the dog’s owner for permission, I for Invite the dog to come to you by calling his name, and T for touch the dog, not on the top of his head but underneath.  By employing this way of greeting dogs many accidents can be avoided.

Ms. Brawn and her amazing dogs, Tango and Resin shared information about the difference between Pet Therapy Dogs and Service Dogs.  Tango demonstrated how he helps Ms. Brawn by retrieving needed items and Resin showed his love of life by wagging thoroughly during a petting fest.

All of the student to dog interaction was heavily supervised by teachers and presenters.

Students engaged whole heartedly with the speakers and had prepared a list of pointed questions.   Ms. Eastman was surprised that they had done their homework even before the presentation by checking out the Satchel’s Last Resort web site.  The children had great questions and lots of stories to relay about their experiences with dogs.

The classes contributed a wonderful panoply of donations for the shelter including blankets, toys, dog beds, detergents and treats galore.

Our report back from the shelter is that the dogs were so excited to receive the new toys, especially the green football that they had an extended play period last night.

Thanks to all who participated in this mutually beneficial project!

If you would like to join our group . . its easy and free. Just visit Meetup.com and register.

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The entrance and reception area boutique is stocked with unique accessories and neccessities for the well appointed Sarasota Dog.

Beyond the retail area,  a cluster of indoor and outdoor rooms provide spaces for grooming, playing (with lots of fun toys) and a serene napping station replete with a television tuned to Animal Planet.

Throughout the facility the staff is involved with caring for the dogs in a fun and loving way.

It’s easy to see why Beverly Hills Dog is local favorite for both grooming and daycare, winning The Nattie Award for two consecutive years AND Favorite Doggy Daycare and Favorite Pet Groomer for the last two years in the Sarasota Pet Choice Awards in the same categories.

Despite what has been a troubled time for many small businesses, owner Patricia Ovadia aka Ms PeeJay is ready to expand.  “We are looking at some adjacent properties to increase our space for our loyal customers”.

For Ms. PeeJay, loyalty is a two-way street.  Recently one of her clients needed to relocate to an assisted living facility and was unable to bring her beloved pooch.   What might have been a heart-breaking scenario was averted when Ms. PeeJay adopted the dog, and now visits with her “real-mom” at the facility on a regular basis.

Beveryly HIlls Dog engages with our community to help support important causes with initiatives like Grooming for the Cure in October when a portion of proceeds are donated to the  Making Strides Against Breat Cancer Foundation part of the American Cancer Society. Look for information on their monthly activities and even contests at BeverlyHillsDog.net!
Check our map here for the location at 2030 Bishpam Road.

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Cissy here is a very unique looking little girl. She is a 3 year old Chihuahua/Boston Terrier mix. Cissy’s foster mom, Jacky, tells us that she is a lap dog who loves giving kisses! Whether you’re watching your favorite game on TV or checking your status on Facebook, be prepared to share your lap with her. Although Cissy loves her snuggling moments, she is still very much a puppy that values her play time.  To Cissy, play time means chasing Carley (another one of Jacky’s foster dogs who is a Whippet mix) around the house or chewing her soft toys and ropes.

Cissy loves her walks and she does very well on a leash. Squirrels of course are always a distraction so she may pull in this instance. When on a leash, Cissy seems less than friendly with other dogs but if introductions were done carefully, she would most likely enjoy socializing with them just like she does with Carley. Although she loves Carley, Cissy doesn’t like to share her food with her, so they are kept separated at meal time.

Cissy can be stressed out and nervous around strangers but once she is comfortable, her love will show no boundaries. She is crate trained and would make a great family addition for any couple or single person looking for companionship. To learn more about sweet Cissy, contac Jacky at 847-309-4303 or townsendjacky@yahoo.com.

Cissy’s story here is brought to you by Ace Pet Resort, a resort for vacationing dogs and cats to and from the Sarasota area!

On Saturday at noon, you can join other animal advocates at the Puppy Mill Protest at Puppy Town on Tamiami Trail.  Why do this?  Because there are so many people who do not understand the horrors of how that adorable puppy in the store came to be there.

It’s a good cause, and only takes an hour.   You can park at Best Buy and walk up to the picket line.  Bring a sign or not.  The more people that come – the bigger the statement that will be made.  We need your support!

Feel like shopping for a cause?  This Sunday from 8:30 to 4, Save the Animals will hold their Annual Yard Sale at 802 The Rialto in Venice.  This 501  (c) 3 group chips in to provide medical help for animals in need.  Here’s a map to the event.

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Your Source for All Things Dog in Sarasota

Please join us at the Polo Grill this upcoming Sunday, January 29th at 4:30.  The Polo is opening a little bit early for us.  You will need to sign up at Meetup.com so that we know you are coming.  Registration is easy, free and secure.

This is a wonderful group of local dog lovers, come out and meet some new friends!

Looking for dog-friendly restaurants – check our local listings here.

This is a beautiful off-leash County beach and paw park, just south of Sharky’s on Harbor Drive in Venice.  A Sarasota Dog Club Team member will be right to the right of the beach entrance as you face the water.  We’ll be flying a dog balloon so that you can spot us.

After some fun and romping, the group will head over to Spanish Pointe Marina and Pub for some light refreshments.  Dogs are welcome there, under the tiki hut and down by the water.

It is a relaxed low key atmosphere with a view of the bay.  If you are not sure where it is, there is a map here and we’ll bring some printed maps to hand out.

A couple of things you might want to bring!

Water for you and your pup

A chair or blanket/towel to hang out on

Sunscreen!

Forecasters are calling for high’s up to 80 with just a 20% chance of rain so we are looking good!

Here is a map to the beach:

Delilah is a beautiful 3 year old spayed female Border Collie/Greyhound mix. She weighs 53 pounds and she is housebroken. Along with her gorgeous good looks, this smart gal knows her basic obedience commands such as sit, wait, paw, leave it, ok and let’s go. Did someone say car ride? They are certainly right up her alley!

Delilah would make the perfect workout buddy as she walks well on her leash and absolutely loves to be outside. Want to light up her eyes? Bring out the Frisbee, because to her, it’s the bees’ knees! Delilah gets along great with other dogs her size and doesn’t mind indoor cats. This pretty girl loves to get out and run but she’s not a big fan of swimming.

The ideal home for Delilah would be one where her owner works from home, retired or a family with another dog she can play and spend time with. Bottom line, Delilah dislikes being at home alone and has exhibited separation anxiety. She has showed a loving and gentle demeanor towards kids and she does like most adults. For more information on this dollface, contact Kate at 401-282-9972 or email her at kmchugh30@live.com.

Delilah’s story is brought to you by Ace Pet Resort, a resort for vacationing dogs and cats to and from the Sarasota area!