Take a Pittie Home for the Holidays (Nov. 27th) and Scamps & Scoundrels (Dec. 4th)

There's two events right around the corner: Take a Pittie Home for the Holidays (Nov. 27th)  and Scamps & Scoundrels (Dec. 4th). Hope ya enjoy and have a great holiday!

 

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Scamps and Scoundrels: An Urban Dog Challenge

Downtown Austin Goes to the Dogs

One of the first things people comment on about Austin is its amazing dog community. It boasts over 13 off-leash parks and on any given day at any given patio, you will see a dog or two at their owner’s feet enjoying a day on the town.

With that in mind, Blair Smith and Alesha Mathews of Dirty Dog (www.dirty-dog.com) have long dreamed of having an event for dogs and their owners in which they could do an activity together while checking out some of Austin’s favorite dog-friendly businesses. The only problem was time: they didn’t have any to plan an event of this size by themselves. So they reached out to their friends for help. Sarah Wolf (www.sarahkwolf.com) and Beth Bellanti (www.bellantibranding.com) didn’t hesitate to jump on board to bring this dream to fruition.

From this dynamic group has come Scamps and Scoundrels: An Urban Dog Challenge benefitting Austin Pets Alive (www.austinpetsalive.org). On December 4^th, registered teams of one dog and 1-4 humans will figure out clues to local, downtown dog-friendly businesses. Once there, the teams will be required to complete a fun task before moving on to the next location. When all tasks are complete, the teams will travel to the new Austin Pets Alive! building to check in to the finish line and join a HUGE party awaiting them.

Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) was founded in 1997 as a private-sector support organization working with government entities, other nonprofits and the public to stop the killing of Austin’s adoptable dogs and cats. In 2008, APA embarked on a bold and aggressive initiative to create an Animal Resource Center, and in September of 2010 that dream became a reality—they opened their building on Manchaca and South Lamar.  APA! hopes to take on the 7,000+ animals that our city shelter is killing each year and give them a better chance at survival. Since 2008, APA has saved over 4000 from the euthanasia list at TLAC!

The party will feature some of the amazing sponsors that have signed on in support: Tito’s Vodka, Sweet Leaf Tea, Republic Tequila, Uncle Billy’s, Amy’s Ice Cream and a “drool-worthy” silent auction featuring many, many more. While there, guests will be able to tour the incredible new facility that APA calls home. The group has been astounded at the response from the local business community as well as the local dog community. Everyone is really excited about this upcoming “tail waggin’ good time”. And of course, well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome!

For more information, team registration and to RSVP to the after-party:

Event website: http://scampsandscoundrels.tumblr.com

Sarah Wolf: sarah@sarahkwolf.com, 979.575.2757

Blair Smith: info@dirty-dog.com, 512.413.3711

All-Breed Weight Pull Dec. 4-5th

The IWPA Weight pull will be on Dec. 4th-5th at SouthPaws Playschool, 2324 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX. 

If you are interested in the IWPA sanctioned weight pull competition (Saturday and Sunday), weigh in will be at 10:00am. Pulling starts at 10:30.  Weigh in NOT required for novice rounds. You may enter any of the novice rounds up to the time it begins (10:30).  Please see www.iwpa.net for specific rules in the competitive rounds.  Novice teams should be treated like training rounds.

Weight pull general info:

Any dog can participate and earn a title through IWPA for weight pulling.

What's the fee? Free for spectators. $10 for novice rounds - enter when you get there. Consider novice rounds a training session and a chance to see if your dog enjoys it. I will have harnesses for you to use. Most dogs take to a harness quickly. $25 for competition rounds.

What can my dog get out of weight pulling? Physical activity, confidence building, socializing, and improving their relationship with you.

What do I need to train my dog to do before then for weight pull? The come or recall command. Your dog should have basic control.

What's the most weight a dog has ever pulled? The most I've seen is 50000 lbs.  Most dogs in healthy condition can pull 10x their body weight without any additional physical training.

When do I enter? On the day of the event. Novice can enter any time before the round begins. Professional/competition rounds must be entered and weighed in before the start of the pull.

Who can participate? Anyone and any breed. No registry or club membership required.

What should I bring? Your dog on leash and yourself. Camping chair and crate if desired. I will have harnesses available for dogs 20 lbs to 160 lbs.

My dog is small. Is there anything for us to do? Yes! Even the "little" ones can weight pull. There have been Jack Russells and Italian Greyhounds that pull with success!

Fur Festival for the Animal Trustees of Austin - November 14th

2010 FUR FESTIVAL BENEFITS ANIMAL TRUSTEES OF AUSTIN

Donations from the free event will benefit the pet wellness nonprofit

  

  L Style G Style presents the first annual Fur Festival Benefit and fundraiser.   Featured activities will include a holiday pet photo booth, nutritional talks with a pet health expert, medicinal compound information, paw clippings, training tips, raffle items, giveaways, retail items for purchase, car display and massages.  This event is free to the public.  All donations will benefit Animal Trustees of Austin. Pets are welcome but must remain leashed for the duration of the event. Water for pets and a lawn rest area will be provided.  Pet waste services to be provided by Dog Duty.  www.furfestivalbenefit.com

WHERE:        L Style G Style headquarters parking Lot

                        1412 Collier St. Building B

Austin, TX 78704

                       

WHEN:           Sunday, November 14

                        1:00pm-5:00pm

Austin Barkitecture and Gypsy Picnic on Nov. 6th!

There are two  fun dog friendly events going on this weekend.  While I'll won't be able to make either, you can have some fun for me. Make sure you keep your dogs on leash. 

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Barkitecture 2010

Join us for a great, free family-friendly event! The silent auctions for 27 one of a kind designer dog houses begin at noon (see schedule below) so come early to check them out and place your bids. Free parking will be available in the City Hall parking garage until 5pm.

SCHEDULE OF BARKITECTURE 2010 EVENTS

Noon-4:00pm	Dog House Silent Auction
1:00pm-2:00pm	PhotoBooth by Annie Ray
2:30pm	Fashound Show
4:30pm	Awards ceremony at Design Within Reach
4:00pm -6:00pm	Barkitecture after-party at Design Within Reach

If you plan to participate in the silent auction, please read the following information:

• Bid sheets will be placed next to the dog houses.  There will also be a silent auction table outside the Lofty Dog store with Lofty Dog, Planet Dog, and 2nd Street gift baskets, photo shoots by Nicole Mlakar-Livingston, dog toys from Doggles, and more!
• All opening bids begin at $250 and are increased in $50 increments.
• The auction closes at exactly 4pm.  The highest bidder wins.
• Winners can come to the information booth in the City Hall block to pay by cash, check, or PayPal.  
• Winners not in attendance will by notified by phone by 4:30pm and payment can be made via PayPal.
• It is the responsibility of the buyer and builder of the dog house to coordinate pick-up and delivery of the dog house. All houses must be removed no later than 6pm.

Can't come to the event but would like to make a contribution? Proceeds from the event and donations go to Animal Lovers of Austin, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that will distribute funds to Blue Dog Rescue, Austin Pets Alive, Austin Dog Rescue, and Wee Rescue.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: We need volunteers to help before and during the event.  There are three shifts available (9am-12pm, 12pm-3pm, and 3pm-5pm).  If you're interested, please call Veronique at 512.476.5050.


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Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival

More Than 30 Trailers Announced for Inaugural Event

Austin isn’t just the “Capital of Live Music” anymore…we’re also the capital of Trailer Food. Paying tribute to the culinary craze that’s been tickling taste-buds all over the country, C3 Presents is rolling out over 30 of Austin’s finest mobile meal makers for the first-ever Gypsy Picnic Trailer Food Festival at Auditorium Shores on November 6. A fun–and funky–celebration of our thriving street food scene, this one-day event will gather the cream of the trailer crop in one convenient location, allowing attendees to easily sample from dozens of vendors instead of having to trek all around town. In addition to excellent eats, Gypsy Picnic will be serving up tasty tunes all day from the music stage with a showcase of local music.  Best of all, admission to the event is free to the public. 

Not only will our rambling restaurants reach thousands of hungry new customers, they’ll also have the chance to compete for belly-pleasing bragging rights in the Gypsy Picnic Trailer Cook-off.  A panel of expert judges has been pulled together to conduct blind tastings to select the very best bites in a variety of categories, and the public will get their chance to weigh in with an overall Fan Favorite.

Down at the Gypsy Picnic even the pickiest palate will find something to savor with fast fare from all over the world.  From gourmet cheeseburgers and Texas Czech to Asian Fusion, Moroccan, Mexican and everything in between, the Gypsy Picnic features a diverse array of fine food.  Picnic gourmands will find local legends like Torchy’s Tacos, The Mighty Cone, Chi’Lantro BBQ, and The Best Wurst, in addition to food scene up-and-comers like The Flying Carpet and The Peached Tortilla.  One thing’s for sure: no matter what windows people end up ordering at, they’re going to go home impressed.

Since the Gypsy Picnic is all about connecting communities, family, and friends to food and fun, our website helps take that experience a few steps further.  At GypsyPicnic.com, food-lovers can select the trailers they want to try out, see how many other people have selected that vendor and share “menus" with their Facebook friends.

Here’s the full list of Gypsy Picnic food vendors, including trailers and trucks from every area of Austin:

 86 THIS
 Bananarchy
 Chi'Lantro BBQ
 Colibri Cuisine
 Conscious Cravings
 Coolhaus
 Cutie Pies
 Elixer Coffee
 Gourdough's - Big Fat Donuts
 Hat Creek Burger Co.
 Holy Cacao
 Izzoz Tacos
 Juan Pelota Coffee Truck
 Kate's Southern Comfort
 Kronic Krave Arepas
 Man Bites Dog
 mmmpanadas
 Patika Coffee
 Pick up Stixx
 Royito's Hot Sauce Streamer
 Short Bus Subs  
 SugarShackBBQ
 The Best Wurst
 The Flying Carpet
 The Jalopy: Rotisserie and Press
 the Mighty Cone
 the peached tortilla
 The ZubikHouse
 Torchy's Tacos
 Turf  N Surf Po’ Boy

For the latest news as the event approaches, stay tuned to www.GypsyPicnic.com.

New Off Leash Nature Trail at Mary Moore Searight Park Fundraising Event

The brand new Off Leash Nature Trail at Mary Moore Searight Park off Slaughter Lane will open soon. The Friends of Mary Moore Searight Park and Austin Parks Foundation have been working on this project for the past two years. The project is almost complete, but the group is in need of some funding to complete the final stages by the end of the year. In order to accomplish this, they are holding a fund raising event at the end of the month.
 

The fund raising festivities is this Saturday October 30^th from 12 to 5 at the Mary Moore Searight Park Pavilion; 907 W. Slaughter Lane .  There will be a costume contest, silent auction, photo booth, and lots of pet related vendors.

Support the park by joining it, getting the word out, and donating to the cause.   

How Not to Socialize Your Dog

If you were a parent of a human toddler, would you take your child to a group of older kids that beat him or her up while you stood idly by?  After expressing fear, would you let the older kids beat your child up again? Would you then reward your child for showing fear?  That's essentially what I saw this past weekend.


An off-leash boxer was romping around the area at a dog-friendly event.  A young woman had a pyrenees mix puppy on a leash that looked to be about four to six months old.   The off-leash boxer attacked the puppy on three separate occasions, leaving the puppy yelping and screaming for 30 seconds.  The owner never protected the puppy from the boxer nor did the owner walk the puppy away from the boxer.  On two occasions, she walked the puppy up to the offending boxer.  At the end of the event, the puppy refused to follow the owner and cowered everywhere it went.  She stopped, petted the dog, and coddled it when showed fear.  This is a dog that is going to develop severe behavioral issues in the future.  The other owner praised his boxer as well.

The owner essentially put the puppy in a situation where it would be attacked, and then instead of teaching it to be confident through leadership, she coddled it.  I politely warned the woman that she was teaching her dog to be fearful, but she wouldn't have any of it.  She insisted that her cowering puppy was outgoing.  Unfortunately, it is difficult for many people to view their beloved pet(s)' behavior in an objective manner, and it was very obvious that the puppy no longer trusted her judgment. In my opinion, the owners of both dogs handled the situation improperly.  Both dogs were praised for undesirable behaviors. 
I have articles on how to socialize, but this one is how to NOT socialize.  Socializing isn't just spending time in the presence of others, socializing means having positive social interactions and learning how to interact.  Here's some basics on socializing your dog. 

• DON'T just let your dog play freely with other dogs.  Dogs are dogs.  They will fight on occasion.  They will pick up bad behaviors.  DON'T think that your dog won't come home with only germs from the dog park. They'll probably also bring home some unwanted behaviors due to social learning.  DO supervise your dog during play.
• DON'T assume that other dogs are friendly.  Like people, some dogs are just big mean jerks that want to pick fights.  DO know the other dogs before you let yours play or get beat up.
• DON'T think that all dogs have to get along.   DON'T walk your dog up to an aggressive dog.   If another dog is being a big meanie, just walk your dog away.  DO avoid fights.
• DON'T coddle your dog. Coddling your dog (babying/praising/petting when your dog exhibits fear or anxiety) only encourages those behaviors.  DO ignore fear and anxiety, and DO reward confident and active behavior.
• DON'T assume that other dog owners are watching their dogs.  Other owners probably aren't watching their own dogs.  Most of the time, they are socializing amongst themselves.  DO watch your dog and other dogs. 

Dogtoberfest Austin - Oct.23

Dogtoberfest benefits eight Austin area rescue groups.   Check out the fun events going on, and take some fun pictures too!

Date: Saturday, Oct. 23rd.
Time: 11- 4 pm
Location: The Domain, Austin,TX

KXAN presents the Dogtoberfest Canine Costume Contest

KXAN's Jim Spencer will emcee this year's Canine Costume Contest.  Categories include:   

• Wackiest                                                                
• Best Owner/Dog duo
• Best Group (2 or more dogs)                          
• Favorite Movie Character

Prizes will be awarded for each category as well as one for Best in Show.  It's free to enter!

This is a photo of Jim with Gwen, one of his beloved Miniature Schnauzers.

The photo was taken by our favorite photographer, Nicole Mlakar-Livingston.

Dog Portraits

The Neiman Marcus photo booth is back again this year.  For a $5 donation, we will capture your 4-legged family members photo in front of a custom back drop.

Additionally Nicole Mlakar-Livingston will be photographing the day's happenings as she roams througout The Domain.  After the event, we'll post a link to her website where you can view the photos and order them from her directly.  Nicole has come to be known as one of Austin's premier photographers. 

Silent Auction

Throughout the day, items from Domain vendors as well as many truly "Austin" businesses will be available for bidding at our annual Silent Auction.  The Silent Auction is the main fundraiser for Dogtoberfest, so please visit often & bid bid bid!

Demonstration Station Schedule:

11 - 11:30   Fit Dog Austin

11:30 - 12   McCormicks & Schmicks

12 - 12:30   Texas Hearing & Service Dogs

12:30 - 1     Canine Sports Rehabilitation and Conditioning

1 - 1:30        Fit Dog Austin

1:30 - 2        Flemings Cooking Demonstration - Making jerky for your best friend

2 - 3             APD K-9 Unit

3 - 3:30       Wiener Dog Races

3:30            KXAN Canine Costume Contest

Canine Sports Rehab and Conditioning

Austin's own Sandra Hudson will speak about the benefits of post-operative rehabilitation, as well as non-surgical treatments available for your best friend. 

Weiner Dog Races

You've heard about them, and maybe even seen them.  This will be your chance to be part of the first annual Weiner Dog Races at Dogtoberfest.  Central Texas Dachsund Rescue will organize & put on the races.  Stop by the CTDR booth starting at 10 am to register.  Slots will be limited, so don't wait!!!

Learn about Canine Wellness at SouthPaws Playschool - October is National Pet Wellness Month

In celebration of National Pet Wellness Month, Southpaws Playschool, a local canine daycare, is hosting a Canine Wellness Series at 2324B South Lamar Boulevard. The series is scheduled for three consecutive 

Thursday evenings in October (October 14^th, 21^st and 28^th). The event will begin each evening at 7 p.m.

"Canine wellness is about so much more than a once a year veterinary visit. A dog's level of wellness affects every aspect of his life," said Tim Smith, owner of Southpaws Playschool. The speakers in our Canine Wellness Series will address ways to enhance a dog's health through nutrition, alternative therapies and positive physical, mental and emotional stimulation, in addition to comprehensive veterinary care."
The goal of this series is to encourage dog owners to take a more active role in managing their dogs' health and wellness. Participants will receive handouts, reference lists and product samples that will enable them to enhance their dogs' lives and longevity.

"Both pet owners and canine professionals will learn something new," said Smith. "This series is an entertaining, educational, and social event for everyone with a compassion for the dogs in their care."

Reservations are required. Admission is $20.00 for all three sessions (paid in advance) or $10.00 per session paid at the door. All proceeds from the Canine Wellness Series benefit the Southpaws Playschool Foster Dog Program and the Austin & Travis County Pet Food Bank.
 
For more information about the Canine Wellness Series, dog owners can contact SonyaWilson at 512-440-7529. Additional information is available and reservations can be made at the Southpaws Playschool website - www.southpawsplayschool.com.
 

Dogtoberfest with Blue Dog Rescue - Oct. 3rd, 11am - 8 pm

Come help Blue Dog celebrate 10 YEARS of finding great dogs great homes.

The day starts with the Blue Dog Birthday Walk downtown at 9am.
The walk starts at Republic Square Park, heads down fourth to Congress to 11th, then Guadalupe and back to the park.

The party continues at The Ghost Room, 304 West 4th right next door to Republic Square Park. We kick off the party with The Austin Flea at 11am.
Local artists and funkmeisters will feature their goodies for an always good time.

At 12pm Dogtoberfest will officially be under way with live music, bountiful beverages, birthday cake, silent auction and more!

Updated with the music lineup:

Music Line Up:
12-12:30 - Amy Annelle
12:45-1:15 - Susan Gibson
1:30-2:00- Sally Allen
2:15-2:45 - Mark Viator & Susan Maxey
3:00-3:30 - Miranda Dodson
3:45-4:15 -Hilary York
4:30-5:00 - Lee Barber & Scrappy Jud Newcomb
5:15-5:45 - Charlie Hurtin' & The Hecklers
6:00-6:30 - Graham Wilkinson
6:45-7:15 - Boxcar Preachers
7:15-7:40 close silent auction
7:40-8:15 - The Astronaut Suit

Take the dogs to enjoy Oktoberfest at North by NorthWest

 Join NXNW for an Austin tradition! The annual Oktoberfest is back for its ninth year and is aimed to be fun for all ages. While the music of local bands Oma and the Oompahs and Sauerkrauts fill the air, Chef George will prepare traditional German cuisine to enjoy with special NXNW-crafted brew.  The dates are: October 16, 2010, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.  and October 17, 2010, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.

NXNW encourages attendees to donate $2 at the door. All Oktoberfest festivities will benefit three independent nonprofits: the Breast Cancer Resource Centers of Texas, Pet Pals of Central Texas and Central Texas Dachshund Rescue.

NXNW Oktoberfest will feature something for everyone: kids rides, face painting, artists’ booths, brewing demonstrations, and a balloon artist. On Sunday, there’s even an all-breed dog costume contest at 2:30 p.m. and a Weiner dog costume contest at 3 p.m. for the four-legged friends!

Frost Celebrates Community with Pet Food Drive

Austin, TX – August 26, 2010 – In honor of the Mueller Community and Frost’s first anniversary there,  Frost is generously hosting a celebration on Saturday, September 25, benefiting Animal Trustees of Austin and Austin Humane Society.  The Austin community is invited to join these organizations from 9 am - 1 pm at the Mueller Financial Center, 1200 Barbara Jordon Blvd.

Starting Tuesday, September 7, Frost will run a donation drive collecting wish list items and pet food for both non-profit organizations leading up to the celebration on September 25.  People interested in donating items and pet food can drop them off at the Frost Mueller Financial Center.  Frost will match food donations pound for pound.

Come join in the fun as the Mueller Frost branch celebrates its first anniversary with a donation presentation to the animal welfare community.  The community event will feature a petting zoo, home cooking from Hoover’s restaurant, on-site animal adoptions and other fun surprises.  The event is free and open to the public.

For more information on this event and the donation drive contact:

Ken Gates Sr. Vice President Frost Mueller Financial Center 512-473-4616 ken.gates@frostbank.com

Kevin Farr Communications Manager Animal Trustees of Austin 512-371-1965 kevin@animaltrustees.org

Misty Valenta Community Outreach Coordinator Austin Humane Society (512) 646-PETS MValenta@austinhumanesociety.org

Dogtopia of Austin Hosts Annual Charity Dog Wash to Support Working Canines

Dogtopia, a full-service dog day care, spa and boutique, prides itself on being a place where pets are valued as family and­ where dogs enjoy endless playtime and spa treatments in a positive environment. Amy Nichols, president and founder of Dogtopia, began her campaign to raise awareness for military dogs, as well as working dogs of all kinds in July 2005. To accommodate the success of the campaign, she established a permanent charitable wing of her company called K-9 Support, where all dog wash donations in Austin will go toward.

On Sunday, July 18, 2010 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you're invited to bring your dog for a spa treatment.  You (the human) will get to enjoy tasty nibbles, games, raffles, and other activities 

.  

 Location:

Dogtopia of Austin 

2105 RR 620 South
Building 1, Ste.101
Lakeway, TX 78734  

http://www.dogdaycare.com/austin/

    

Bark in the Park, July 17th

Want to spend a day playing with puppies and learning about responsible pet ownership?  You won't want to miss Bark in the Park. With oodles of fun vendors to informational sessions, join other Austin dog owner at Zilker Park this weekend for mingling, learning, and chowing down picnic style.  Information follows:

Bark in the Park Austin

The day-long gala benefits several local area  non-profit rescue organizations, while bringing awareness to education, outreach and accessibility within the Greater Austin canine community. Activities begin at 8:30,  and ends at 3pm.

Location: Beverly S. Sheffield Zilker Hillside Theater, Located in Zilker Park across from Barton Springs Pool.

Bark in the Park Austin attendees will enjoy panel discussions, demonstrations, product testing, shopping, contests, raffles and giveaways while they learn how to participate in local causes and support the local service providers and retailers in our area.

The day will kick off at 8:30 am with “Breakfast with the Beagles” – of course ALL dogs are welcome.
($5 donation)

The park area will feature:
Eco-Dog (fitness, eco-friendly products, clothing, demos, etc)
Wellness and Vet Care (food, Vets, general care, massage, alternative medicine)
Training and Behavior/Other Services (includes grooming, boarding, and individual services)
Retail & Rescue (retail shops, product sales other than food / treats, specialty… and rescue groups)

Attendees should pre-register online for a $10 fee.  Check in at the registration table to receive your wristband and back pack.
•           Onsite registration is also available to receive the backpack or for breakfast, as quantities last.
•           Kids under 10 free.
•           Limited concession items will be available throughout the day. Picnics encouraged!

A silent auction will deliver a mix of art, jewelry and gift baskets which will go home with the highest bidders. Proceeds to benefit “Share.Care.Sandy.” project.

Bastille Day Celebrations that will make your tummy happy and poodle happy.

Bastille Day is tomorrow, which means tomorrow is full of celebrations. I've copied this post over from my Misohungry blog. Not only does it have fun food and drink events, but there's also a poodle parade at the AMOA!


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Peche on 4th Street is offering $2.50 St. Germain cocktails from open until close. If you haven't had St. Germain or been to Peche yet, you are missing out. Get there! Also, here's the blog post from the St. Germain Dinner at Fino.
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Mirabelle is also hosting a Bastille Day Dinner with some French wines for your inner wine fancier. Information follows.

Bastille Day Wine Dinner, Weds, July 14th, @ 7pm. $65 (inclusive of tip/tax) 346-7900
We had such a great response to Michael raiding the cellar for the All American Wine Dinner, that he has been sent down again to find French wines for the celebration of Bastille Day. And what a set of wines: a terrific French 100% pinot noir sparkler, something old (2001 Puligny Montrachet) , something new (New World style Bordeaux), his favorite score from the acclaimed 2007 Rhone vintage, and a little Sauternes to send everyone home sweet. Michael obtained these wines over the years and on futures, so take advantage of his purchasing prowess and enjoy this Bastille wine dinner at half the price of its value.

Mirabelle Restaurant
Bastille Day Wine Dinner
Wednesday, July 14th, 2010 7:00pm

Reception
Truffled Brie Gougeres
(NV) Brut D’Argent Sparkling Rose

Menu
Pan roasted Monkfish with Crispy Shallots
Avruga Caviar-Chive Remoulade and Sauce Meuniere
2001 Puligny-Montrachet, Domaine Gerard Chavy

Butter Roasted Quail with Herb-Bread Stuffing
Green Peppercorn Sauce
2006 Chateau GRAND DESTIEU Grand Cru
(Saint-Émilion, 90 points Wine Spectator)

Boeuf Bourguignon ala Julia Child w/ Les Halles Frites
2007 Châteauneuf-du-Pape, MAS DE BOISLAUZON
(94 points. Robert Parker)

Dessert
Brillat-Savarin Crème Brulee with Pear & Apple Compote
2006 Sauternes, Chateau Roumieu-Lacoste

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Le Cordon Bleu is offering a four course French menu for just 17.89 on July 14th.

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The Austin Museum of Art is also throwing a Bastille Day Celebration, complete with a Poodle Parade.

July 14, 2010 from 5:30-9 pm
Austin Museum of Art-Downtown 823 Congress Ave at 9th Street
All proceeds benefit the AMOA’s exhibition and education programs
For everyone with a French flair for excitement…all ages!

Admission Tickets: $10-AMOA Members / $15-General Public
Join AMOA today and receive a free ticket benefit.

OOO-LA-LA! Party Features: Poodle Parade and Prize Promenade/French Music/"Picture Yourself in Paris" collaborative mural/food and wine on a sidewalk café/photograph opportunities/berets and other great souvenirs.

Poodle Prize Package:

• Lunch for two at Chez Nous,
• a 8x10 pet portrait and sitting by Robin Jackson Photography,
• a gift basket from Lofty Dog, and a trophy designed by Carl McQueary.

Fourth of July with the Four-legged.

Fourth of July can be a fun holiday for humans, but oftentimes a frightening and dangerous holiday for pets. With the noisy fireworks and parties, many pets are anxious and may break out of their crates, homes, or yards. Here's some links to helpful hints on how to keep your pet calm and safe.

Sacramento SPCA 
ASPCA
Best Bullstick Dog Blog
Dumb Friends League

And if you're so inclined, Lakeway Spa and Resorts is having a pet parade at 11am.  Check out the hotel's website here.  Call for more details.

KittyPalooza Party, Austin Java Photo Contest, and Zoom Room Opening

The sun may be sweltering, but the fun with animals doesn't stop in Austin.  We've got three fun parties for the dog and cat lover in you.  First up is Kitty Palooza.
  
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Thursday, June 24, 2010 at The Mean-Eyed Cat Bar, 1621 West 5th Street, from 5pm 'til 8pm

Come on down and help us kick-off the four day intense cat adoption event that is KittyPalooza!

This party is dedicated to the memory of Miss Kitty, the official greeter and feral cat who lived at The Mean-Eyed Cat Bar for at least 14 years - we hope to make her proud by helping 100 cats and kittens find new homes during KittyPalooza.  Stay after the party to enjoy Ray Cashman of Nashville (click here to visit his site) at The Mean-Eyed Cat Bar.  No charge for the party and no cover for Ray Cashman.  Guests will have the opportunity to sponsor a KittyKit - the bag of cat care products sent home with each new adopter. 

KittyPalooza is Town Lake Animal Center's four-day intense adoption event with the goal of getting 100 cats and kittens to new homes.  It's a high point in the summer push by TLAC and the Austin Humane Society to focus on cat adoptions.

Plenty of free parking!  Watch a slide show of all the available fabulous felines - there may be a few kittens in a crate for you to pet but they'll be outside- if you're allergic, you can still come to the party!  (since this is a bar, we must ask that all guests be at least 21 and have ID)

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Austin Java's Dog Days of Summer Photo Contest

Lets celebrate summer and our dog-friendly establishment plus get some competitive spirit brewing, no pun intended!

To enter the contest, simply send us a picture of you and your dog or just your
pooch solo hanging out at any of our three Austin Java locations – be sure to
specify the location when you submit your photo(s). We will then choose the best
picture from each location and the winners will receive $30 in Austin Java money!
Submit your photos by at-replying us on Twitter (@AustinJava) or uploading
it as a fan photo to our Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AustinJava).
Happy summer – get creative, cute or spunky with your pup; let the picture wars
begin!

Austin Java’s three locations are located at 1206 Parkway (12th and Lamar),
1608 Barton Springs Road and 301 West Second Street. The contest will end on
July 12.

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Zoom Room comes to Austin!  

Zoom Room's training facility, indoor dog park, and agility course is opening it's doors in Austin!  Come enjoy their grand opening on July 10th (details pending)!  

7739 Northcross Drive, Suite H

Austin, TX 78757

Phone/Fax: (877) 425-ZOOM

Contact the Austin Zoom Room