2ND ANNUAL "PAMPERED POOCH DAY" WILL ALSO FEATURE ADOPTABLE DOGS AND AFFORDABLE "MICROCHIP CLINIC"

Nov. 4th event at "Dogs in Suds" in Chesterland will include dog massages, pet portraits and prizes, and will benefit the Geauga County Dog Shelter

The second annual "Pampered Pooch Day" will take place on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2007, from 1-4 p.m., at Dogs in Suds, 8089 Mayfield Rd., Chesterland. Admission will be free and open to the public. Donations of cash and/or dog food for the Geauga County Dog Shelter would be appreciated, but are not required.

Representatives from the county dog shelter and from Northeast Ohio Greyhound Rescue will bring and talk about several dogs up for adoption. Massotherapist Sherrie D'Anne will be available for "doggie massages," and will explain why they are healthy and relaxing for canines. Chesterland artist Anita Silverman will sketch pictures of dogs (either on-site or from photos provided by the dogs' owners). Free-will donations for their services will be given to the county dog shelter.

There will be several raffle drawings for baskets with both practical and fun items for pooches. Raffle tickets ($1 each or 6 for $5) are available at Dogs in Suds from now through 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 4, when the winning tickets will be drawn. There will also be items for sale, including dog grooming aids, toys, tasty treats, and whimsical artwork about pets by local artist Carol Yuko.

The event will also include an affordable "Microchip Clinic" (only between 2-4 p.m) with West Geauga Veterinary Hospital owner Christine Pappas, DVM. Dr. Pappas will insert a tiny AVID I.D Systems microchip between each dog's shoulder blades for the reduced cost of $25. (A portion of the fee will benefit the county dog shelter.) Dr. Pappas said the insertion feels similar to getting a vaccination shot. No appointment is necessary, and the insertions will be done on a first-come-first-served basis.

The Nov. 4th clinic is limited to dogs, but the microchip can also be inserted into other pets (cats, birds, etc.). If a pet gets lost, many animal shelters and law enforcement offices can access the contact information of the pet's owner and/or veterinarian by scanning the microchip. Dr. Pappas noted that, on average, one out of every three pets gets lost during sometime in his or her lifetime, and said she is always interested in reuniting pets with their owners.

"Our first Pampered Pooch Day last November attracted many people, who brought their well-behaved, friendly dogs for an afternoon of socializing and pampering," said Dogs in Suds owner Lauren Sobol. "Our first Microchip Clinic this past May was also a big success. So, we are including another one during the last two hours of this year's Pampered Pooch Day."

At 2 p.m., Ms. Sobol will introduce Chesterland resident Lorraine Kania, who brought "Charm," a 3-year-old, 8-pound Pomeranian, to Dogs-in-Suds on May 15 for the microchip insertion. About six weeks later, Charm got out of his yard and ran into a wooded area. Because of the microchip, when he was found later that day several miles away, the Kania family was notified and reunited with their pet.

Dogs in Suds is a full-service dog grooming center which offers both professional grooming by appointment as well as do-it-yourself (DIY) grooming. No appointments are necessary to use the DIY stations, which are kept clean and well-equipped with all necessary supplies. The professional staff groomers are also available to answer grooming questions from both their clients and those who utilize the DIY stations.

For more information about the services or retail products at Dogs in Suds, or the Nov. 4th event, call 440-729-1211 or visit www.dogsinsudsllc.com.