Critter Corner: Every End is a New Beginning

The New Year brings changes to Critter Corner, but animal needs remain the same.

Critter Corner and its readers have made a difference in the last two years. We’ve laughed at silly photos, taken action to adopt, rescue and raise money for abandoned animals and learned how to help wild animals in our back yard. Although this is the last Critter Corner column there are still animals, both locally and globally, who need your attention. Keep up to date by checking these sites for tips, activities and animal issues. Local sites National Sites I will still be covering larger events and urgent animal issues through a blog on Patch. Stay in touch by checking Patch or e-mailing me directly at katherinekpatch@aol.com Thanks for all your feedback and a pawsitive-can-do-attitude. Happy New Year to all two and four legged critters!

• Photos (1)

Critter Corner: Crown Classic

Getting a warm and fuzzy feeling is easy.

Long hair, short hair or hairless- there were so many options at the IX center during the Crown Classic dog show. Bill Russett, Show Manager of the Crown Classic Dog Show, said this show brings in some of the top dogs in the country.  It was hard to choose a favorite to the uninitiated eye. Champion Langrigg Star of the Stage, a Beagle, defeated 1,791 other dogs to win her title. Regardless of the judges picks crowds applauded their favorites in conformation, agility, rally obedience and obedience. This four-day event left both people and pups alternating between moments of giddiness and sheer exhaustion. There was also shopping, adoption, train the trainer sessions and meet the breed areas. If you are interested in a pure bred dog and …

•  1 Comment
• Photos (16)

Critter Corner: Crown Classic Dog Show is a Royal Treat

Part one of a two-part series

Thousands of dogs and people visited the IX Center for the 22nd Crown Classic. Bill Russett, Show Manager of the Crown Classic Dog Show, said it is popular with both attendees and those who show their dogs as well. "It is the biggest show in the area" he said, adding that the location and setup makes it easy for everyone. Record crowds filled the IX Center as dogs competed in conformation, agility, rally obedience and obedience. There was also shopping, adoption, train the trainer sessions, meet the breed areas and a friendly atmosphere as pups wiggled and strutted their stuff in front of an appreciative audience. If you are interested in a pure bred dog and would like to find out more, become a foster parent or adopt take a look at these …

• Photos (13)

Critter Corner: No Place Like (a Forever) Home for the Holidays

Local rescue groups and Pat O'Brien team up to find happy endings.

The showroom floor at Pat O'Brien's was full of holiday cheer as Marilyn's Voice, PAWS and NE Ohio Greyhound Rescue were joined by WELW, Santa and his merry elf. Their goal was to get animals rescued from puppy mills, hoarders, kill shelters and abusive situations into happy forever homes. It seems lots of holiday wishes will be coming true. Photos list MV for Marilyn's Voice or PAWS. For adoption information about animals currently in foster homes contact:  There is nowhere like a real home for the holidays.

• Photos (22)

Critter Corner: Cyber Monday & Gifts That Make a Difference

A plethora of choices await the thoughtful shopper.

If you are reading this column then you certainly have a soft spot for animals. With the holiday gift-giving season now in full swing, here are some gift ideas and activities to suit everyone on your gift list while making you, the gift-giver, happy as well. Check out these sites for gifts for the animal lover. A portion of all proceeds from these non-profits goes to help animals in need. You can buy an e-card, make a donation in someones name, or order a t-shirt that really makes a statement. Gifts and Rewards Since not all your friends share the same passion for animals that you do, here are some suggestions for events that are "people only." Enjoy a cold  one, cheer on a local team and have a great time.  Activities just for people

•  1 Comment
• Photos (1)

Critter Corner: Dos and Don'ts for Pet Guests at Thanksgiving

Tips for you, your pet and guests.

A typical Thanksgiving gathering is no longer out of a Norman Rockwell painting: Family structure has changed, dietary preferences are accepted, and pets have often reached people status. No matter if you are the host or are going to visit, here are some tips to start the holiday season off on the right paw. Manners Do's Safety-Do's and Dont's    Don't:    Don't forget to have a good time with your best friend. Curl up on the couch and watch the NBC broadcast of the National Dog Show after the Macy's parade. A walk afterwards might not be a bad idea, it will help you make room for leftovers!

• Photos (1)

Critter Corner: Answering the Call of Nature Despite Rain and Snow

Getting your dog to "go" on command can save you lots of aggravation.

Sandy's long and stormy reach had many devastating consequences, but for dog owners standing in the chilly blowing rain it was an experience not to be underestimated. Dogs can get very picky about where they answer the call of nature. Wet ground, rain or slushy snow seem to be the worst offenders. If you don't enjoy standing in inclement weather, or worry about leaving for work before their business has been done outside, this is the perfect time to start training. Training your dog to "go" on command is not much different than any other training; it takes patience and practice. This is the best time to start- before the rain and snow become a daily challenge. The first step is to think about what commands to give. Will you feel …

• Photos (1)

Critter Corner: Local Businesswoman is 'Sew' Into Cats and Dogs

Close knit family offers ideas and support.

It is not often that opportunity knocks — sometimes it pants, barks and wags too. Not many years ago Marsha Hotchkiss was working in an office and would go home to be with her two- and four-legged family and enjoy her hobbies of knitting and sewing in her free time. When the office was downsized, Hotchkiss, like many others, started looking at the job market, but nothing beckoned. One day she was brainstorming with her son, and he said offhandedly "Why not sew coats for dogs?" The rest may be called history for this burgeoning home-based business. Although it may seem a straight forward progression, the beginning of the business started with a good deed several years before. When the Hotchkiss Shelties were getting older they asked the …

• Photos (6)

Critter Corner

Critter Corner: Happy Howl-een

PAWS supporters lent their singing talents to raise funds in suicide karaoke contest.

The Mad Hatter and a Litter of Puppies were the leaders of the pack at Saturday’s suicide karaoke contest held downtown at Goodfellers. Amy Beichler, Executive Director of PAWS dressed as the Mad Hatter, kept spirits up as rumors of “Franken-storm,” the uninvited guest, were a topic of discussion. Executive Director of Geauga Humane Society Hope Bruenstein's costume spoke volumes- “Don’t Litter!” Fox8 News meteorologist Angelica Campos was also in attendance. People may have wanted to ask her about the upcoming weather, but her favorite topic was “Charlie, is the most beautiful puppy in the world- I adopted through PAWS”. Singing despite the rain, everyone had a great time raising money for needy animals. Stop in at PetSmart in Golden Gate…

• Photos (14)

Tail-wagging Trick or Treaters Head to Petsmart

Costume contest has everyone looking great.

Tounges and tails were wagging as Petsmart in Mayfield Heights opened its doors to the 2012 Halloween Pet contest. There were cute, funny and scary critters who vied for best-costume awards. Everyone was a winner, as there were treats and friendly pets for all.

•  2 Comments
• Photos (19)