Get Out of the (Dog) House

The dog loves her belly rubbed. The cat loves her neck scratched. But you can do so much more to make your pets happy and content.

With an abundance of local organizations dedicated to the four-legged loves in your life, you can find a way to give more to your loyal companion or to homeless animals, still searching for that special bond.

Nov. 16: Magic Night of Giving

Tri-County Mall

5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

  If you love animals and you love to shop, this magical night is for you. For a five dollar donation to HART, this “after hours shopping gala” at Tri-County Mall gives you access to exclusive discounts and offers. HART is a volunteer-based rescue organization for abandoned and abused animals that puts each animal into foster care instead of a shelter. HART saves animals from euthanization and provides them with veterinary care, including vaccinations, a microchip and a spay/neuter.

Nov. 28: Pendleton Art Center Benefit for O.A.R.

Pendleton Art Center

6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Paw prints on your windshield, ribbons and yarn strewn about, furniture scratches and rips. Your cat has her own way of creating art, but if you want some professional pieces to adorn your abode, check out this “Final Friday” art sale. Final Fridays showcase the artwork of local artists on the final Friday of each month. The work from 100 to 200 Final Friday artists is up for grabs to help benefit the O’Bryonville Animal Rescue (O.A.R.) which works to control feral cat colonies along with other abandoned cats.

Dec. 13: Reindog Parade 2008

Mt. Adams

2 p.m. (Registration begins at 12:45 p.m.)

Instead of the regular neighborhood walks and trips to the park, this 18th annual parade in Mt. Adams offers your pooch a change in scenery – and an optional change in attire as well. With a sweater, antlers or other holiday accessories, your pup can show off her resemblance to Rudolph or Max from The Grinch Who Stole Christmas as she walks with other SPCA Cincinnati supporters. SPCA Cincinnati is an animal shelter and humane society that “turn[s] no animal away” as it promotes a healthy and strong human-animal bond.

Any Tuesday through Saturday: Shop for a Cause

Peppermint Pig Thrift and Gift

11 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Tuesday to Friday), 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Saturday)

Celebrate National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week this week (Nov. 1 to Nov. 8) by giving yourself some time to shop and support the Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, a no-kill animal shelter. “All proceeds from the sales at the Peppermint Pig Thrift & Gift go towards animal care and the purchase of a brick and mortar facility for the Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary, whose current roster of adoptable pets reside in loving foster care,” according to the store’s Web site.

This Anderson Township consignment shop also has some sales coming up, including the “Fabulous Fall Finale!” (Nov. 18 to Nov. 22.) and “Happy Holiday Hoopla!” (Dec. 9 to Dec. 13). During the Finale, each paying customer will receive a free book and can buy clothes and shoes at a buy-one-get-one-free deal. At the Hoopla, customers can enjoy the BOGO deals when clothes, books, drinking glasses, mugs and vases will all be buy one, get one free.

So help out local animal-support organizations by letting yourself off the leash to get your paws on the fun frenzy these events are bound to offer.

PHOTO CREDITS
Photo: Neysa Ruhl Photography
Location: The McAlpin
Models: Tamesha Calloway of New View Management Group, Inc. and Boots

Makeup Artistry: Trina Paul