I Do, I Do--As Long as My Dog (or Chicken) Is Invited

Of course, we already think of our pets as part of the family, so it is only natural that we would want to have them involved in our weddings. According to an article in the New York Times, more couples are including their dogs or cats in their weddings. One woman even talks of carrying her pet chicken, instead of a bouquet, down the aisle!

"We get asked about including dogs in weddings all the time," says Wendy DeCarlo-Young, dog trainer with Dog Obedience Group. DeCarlo-Young, who was named the best dog trainer in the city by Chicago Magazine in 2011, offers some tips for those thinking of including Fido:

First, be sure to check that the venue (church, hall, etc.) will allow a dog in the building, in the grounds, or in the ceremony.

"Then, it all comes down to the dog," she says. "Will the dog feel comfortable with all the people?" she asks. "It's best to have a handler for the dog, and to make that someone the dog is very familiar with. This takes all the pressure off of the bride and groom." It also allows someone to focus entirely on the dogs, she points out.

DeCarlo-Young suggests that that handler then be responsible for taking the dog home after the ceremony--unless, of course, the dog is allowed at the reception site.

 The next issue is training. "The dog should have basic skills," she says. "The worst thing would be to have an over-excited dog who would be jumping on people, knocking things over, or chewing flowers."

And then there is attire. If you are going to dress up your dog, DeCarlo-Young strongly suggests that you practice having the dog wear the special collar or bow tie long before the event.

Follow this advice and you can expect many happy returns!

From Rags to Riches

Annie the dog came to us early April. Her owner showed up with her at the door saying that his family was moving and couldn't take her with. When the staff person turned her back for a moment, the man let Annie go and ran out the door. She was dirty, matted, and very thin. By our best estimates, she was probably left outside a lot, and definitely neglected. Needing to come up with a name, the staff temporarily named her "Ragstock". She was moved into a foster home, who got her cleaned up, groomed, and started on a good diet. Annie became a totally new dog, hardly recognizable from the scruffy pup who first showed up on our doorstep.

After a couple of months of not getting many looks, Annie finally met her match this past weekend and went to her new forever home who is sure to be her new Daddy Warbucks.

Chicago Fire Department Gets Pet Oxygen Masks

Paco is thrilled that the Chicago Fire Department has received a gift of over 200 pet oxygen masks. These masks will go a long way towards helping save pets who are in need.

Paco knows all about need--he was abandoned and had to make his own way until Red Door rescued him. He's doing fine--even though his right ear has a little wear and tear! Now he's waiting for a forever home to adopt him.

You can help pets like Paco by supporting Red Door's Gimme Shelter! Walk for the Animals on June 13th. No dog? No problem? We'd still like to see you there. And if you can't make it, maybe you can make a small, Paco-sized donation at http://www.reddoorshelter.org/

And on June 2, the Chicago Fire Department used their new masks to rescue the lives of two dogs and two cats who were trapped in a fire in West Rogers Park. What great news!

Have You Adopted from Red Door -- Wall of Honor for June 13th

We remember these faces -- of course! And they're only a fraction of the animals we've saved over the last 10 years.

Have you adopted from Red Door? If so, you will want to come to the Gimme Shelter! walk to see our Wall of Honor, showing all of the names--and many of the photos--of the animals we've saved during our past decade of rescues.

You can place a heart or star sticker by your animal's name on the wall.

Even if you haven't adopted from Red Door, you will still want to help us celebrate on June 13th at Indian Boundary Park. Get all the information at reddoorshelter.org

Registration is $15 before the event, $20 the day of the event. See you there!

Jingle Pups Charm Andersonville

Red Door's Jingle Pups braved the cold last Saturday to bring some heart-warming and heart-wagging good cheer to Andersonville. Our hardworking volunteers and their adorable adopted dogs raised hundreds of dollars from the generous shoppers out on Clark Street!!!

A big part of that success was due to the undeniable charms of Spike, Mabel, Gulliver and Benji; they all wagged their tales throughout the afternoon. A very big 'Thank You' goes out to Elise Murphy, Kristen Clifford, Tamara Friedman, Steve Williams, and Julie Dorion for braving the chilly weather and helping to make the event a success!!!

There's No Place Like Home: Update on Scarlett the Rescued Dog

All of us at Red Door remember Scarlett, a sweet dog looking for a home. So we're very happy to hear from her adopters with this update:

"One year ago today we started our new life full of happiness and good times
when we added our Scarlett dog to our family.

This has been a wonderful year full of belly rubs, rides in the truck,
hunting moles in the garden, running with Sasha (her new sister), baths
(sadly), begging and getting nothing, more begging and getting something,
playing, playing, playing, jumping really high, and sleeping & snoring under
the covers.

None of it would have been possible without our great friends "Uncle" Ben
Clark and all of the "Aunts and Uncles" at the Red Door Shelter. Your hard
work, dedication, and service are invaluable.

We thank you from the bottom of our pea-picking hearts for all that you have
done for our Scarlett and the many animals like her.

I have attached a recent photo of our two girls. Scarlett is on the left and
Sasha is on the right. I had just fed them some peanut butter mini dog
bones. I love this picture! They are always by each other's side mirroring
the other's moves.

Thank you!"