2009 PURINA WALK FOR THE ANIMALS: A GREAT SUCCESS!

Thank you to everyone who came out to the Purina 2009 Walk for the Animals on February 21! It was a beautiful, sunny day at Bayfront Park, the perfect setting for a Saturday stroll for a great cause. Our three "Top Dogs" helped make the event extra special: Miami-Dade County Commissioner Sally Heyman, Grand Marshall; University of Miami President Donna Shalala, Leader of the Pack; and Divine Savior Church and Academy Principal Ben Troge, Education Chairman. Extra big thanks also go out to our generous sponsors and volunteers!

Click here to download the official event post-release (PDF format).

(Clockwise from top: “Top Dogs” stand together to cut the ceremonial ribbon; Purina representatives were all smiles; Café Pilon provided cortaditos for the early-morning crowd.) 

For more pictures from the event, check out our 2009 Walk photo gallery!

Outreach Events

▪ Aventura Mall (First Saturdays, monthly) - Saturday, March 7, 12-3pm

▪ PetCo (Second Saturdays) - Saturday, March 14, 12-3pm

▪ Kiehl's Lincoln Road - Saturday, March 21, 12-3pm

The Outreach Team is out on the town three Saturdays a month to introduce the public to a few of our amazing and adoptable dogs! Our locations include the Aventura Mall, in the interior courtyard by Macy’s; PetCo on Biscayne Boulevard in North Miami Beach; and Lincoln Road, South Beach, at the Kiehl’s storefront (hot summer months excluded from outside events). At all our events, we'll have fun doggie merchandise available for purchase as well as information on the Humane Society of Greater Miami's many programs and services. Stop by our table while you're out and about on your weekend!

For up-to-date details on all our special events, including outreaches,
please see our Events webpage.

Special Events

PetNet Poolside at Cabana One - Sunday, March 8, 4-7pm

For this month's PetNet event, head to Coconut Grove to enjoy drinks poolside at Cabana One rooftop lounge above the Mayfair Hotel and Spa. Bring along your favorite pup to enjoy the scenery as you mingle with other local pet lovers! Browse an array of merchandise from pet-goods retailers while you sway to tropical musical stylings.

The cost of $25 per person includes two drink tickets (courtesy of Finlandia Vodka) and gourmet light bites. All proceeds benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet. PetNet gives you the opportunity to "party with a purpose"!

For more information on PetNet, the Humane Society of Greater Miami's social group for animal lovers, please click here.

Location: Cabana One at the Mayfair Hotel & Spa, 3000 Florida Avenue, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. Metered street parking and $10 valet service will be available.
Please RSVP by March 5: (305) 749-1842; stephanie@humanesocietymiami.org

Life Line Stroke Screening Event - Friday, March 13
The Humane Society of Greater Miami is proud to host a stroke-prevention community health event on Friday, March 13 at the Soffer and Fine Adoption Center. Life Line Screening will offer complete stroke, vascular disease and osteoporosis ultrasound screening packages at a low cost for registered participants. Pre-registration is required—please call 1(800)324-1851 to learn more and to reserve your spot.

Wine & Cheese Benefit at Landmark ArTech Building, Aventura
Wednesday, March 18, 5-8pm
Join the Humane Society of Greater Miami for a free event on Wednesday, March 18 from 5-8pm at the luxurious ArTech Condominiums in Aventura. Wine and cheese will be served and guests will have an opportunity to purchase beautiful gold and sterling silver jewelry by Ippolita at up to 70% off retail pricing. A portion of the jewelry sale proceeds will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami.  

Location: ArTech, 2950 NE 188 th Street, Aventura, FL
Please RSVP by March 16: (305)749-1815; laurie@humanesocietymiami.org.

FREE SPAY AND NEUTER DAY FOR CATS
Cutler Bay Center - Sunday, March 22, 2009
Miami-Dade Citizens Urged to Spay or Neuter Their Cats

In an effort to help control the cat overpopulation problem in Miami-Dade County, the Humane Society of Greater Miami will join forces with the Miami-Dade Animal Services Department, The Cat Network and the South Florida Veterinary Medical Association and Foundation to offer free spay/neuter services on March 22, 2009. Procedures will be performed at the Humane Society of Greater Miami’s Cutler Bay Center, located at 10700 SW 211 Street, Miami , FL 33189 . The spay/neuter event will be staffed by local veterinarians who are donating their time.

Participating organizations encourage pet owners to spay or neuter their pets, as it helps reduce the number of unwanted dogs and cats and protects them from health issues that may develop later in life.

For further details and to schedule an appointment, please call (305) 805-1603,
Monday to Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm.

 See the official press release here. [pdf]

 
Celebrate National Puppy Day on March 23 by getting creative at C by Me!

C BY ME, located at 18673 West Dixie Highway, is a fresh, one of a kind store where you design, decorate and personalize your own clothing and accessories. They have something for everyone--infants, children, adults and animals too! A portion of the proceeds from that day will benefit the Humane Society of Greater Miami. For more information, call 305-932-8118.

This Spring, Clean Green—For You and Your Pets

It’s that time again—for spring cleaning, refreshing your living space and opening the windows to the warm Florida breeze. Many traditional cleaning products, however, carry strong risks to your canine and feline friends, from accidental ingestion to general exposure. This year, try a new approach to your seasonal scrub-down routine by ditching dangerous chemical-based products in favor of three all- natural solutions.

Keep your pets—and your home—safer and more environmentally friendly by following the tips below.

▪ Lemon Juice: Lemons are sour, acidic, and generally unappealing to pets. Using a dilution, this can be added to things you don't want pets to chew. It also cleans many surfaces on its own and leaves a refreshing, springtime scent.

▪ White Vinegar: If your pet has an accident on the floor, a quick spritz of diluted vinegar not only controls the smell but also discourages a pup from revisiting his old marking grounds. Spray a little on kitchen countertops to keep curious kitties from nosing around in your people food.

▪ Baking Soda: Known for its odor absorption properties, baking soda also comes in handy as a gentle abrasive for scrubbing floors, sinks, or anywhere you need a little extra cleaning power (like that hall corner where Fido likes to leave his sticky chew toys). Also works wonderfully in combination with either lemon juice or vinegar. *Article adapted from petsugar.com

THE PURR-FECT PRESENT!

Looking for the perfect gift for a party hostess, a helpful neighbor or a friend who
already seems to have it all?
A gift donation to the Humane Society of Greater Miami made in his or her honor is an ideal way to show you care—about your friend and the animals!

Donate today—the animals need your help!

Click here to find out more about giving to the
Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet.

 
Quote of the Month:
“In a perfect world, every dog would have a home and every home would have a dog.”
- Anonymous

Make A Difference: Volunteer!
▪ Next Orientation: Saturday, March 7 th, 2009, 11:30am ▪
Please see the volunteer section of our website for detailed information.

The Humane Society of Greater Miami loves its many volunteers!
Thank you for your dedication and support.

The Humane Society of Greater Miami Adopt-A-Pet has been helping homeless animals in Miami-Dade County since 1936 and is dedicated to placing every dog and cat in their care into a loving home and to promoting responsible pet ownership and spay/neuter programs.