Fourth Annual Central Texas SPCA Valentine's Day Brunch

Enjoy a delightful champagne brunch and silent auction in an elegant setting this Valentine’s Day, Sunday, February 14, benefiting the Central Texas SPCA.  A delicious buffet brunch, with multiple entrée choices, will be provided by Pascal’s Catering, known in Austin for European elegance.  The beautiful, historic Daniel Caswell House, with balconies overlooking the State Capitol, will make this a beautiful occasion to remember. 

Doors will open at 11:00am with brunch service to begin at 11:30am.

Silent auction will close at 12:45pm with winners to be announced at 1:00pm. 

Doors will close at 2:00pm.

Ticket price includes a table for 2, complimentary champagne, wine and beer, and a delectable brunch.

Seating is limited so purchase tickets early.  Payments must be made at the time of purchase to guarantee seating.

For more information, email us at ValentinesDay@CentralTexasSPCA.org.  For information about the Caswell House, go to www.AustinJuniorForum.org.

With your support of the animals of the CTSPCA, we know The Caswell House will once again be filled to capacity on this very special Valentine's Day.

Happy New Year!

 BRUNCH MENU 

Fresh Fruit Display

Chicken & Tarragon Crepes

Pascal Original Egg Casserole with Pico de gallo

Mini Crab and Swiss cheese Quiche

                                                                                                                                                                                               

Tomatoes Napoleon Salad

Roasted Potatoes with Rosemary

Blintzes served with Raspberry compote

Blueberry muffins

  

Dinner rolls & butter

Complimentary Refreshments

 Non-Alcoholic - Coffee, Iced tea, Water & Orange Juice

Alcoholic - Champagne, Wine, Beer

Wanna win a Mazda Miata? The Austin Humane Society’s 6th Annual New Car Raffle

For all you car lovers out there, this is your chance to wine a Mazda Miata.  Ever wanted to take a car to the track?  Here's your chance to win a car you can take to the track?  The Austin Humane Society is raffling off a 2010 Mazda Miata.  The drawing will be held Saturday, March 27^th –  Only 5000 tickets will be sold, and tickets are $20 each or 3 for $50

All proceeds to benefit the Animals of the Austin Humane Society (Miata is generously donated by Austin Mazda Dealers Association)

For more information, raffle rules (also below), and to purchase tickets - click here 

1. TO ENTER.  From January 4, 2010 from 12:01 p.m. through 12 Noon on March 27, 2010, (“Entry Period”), entrants may enter the Austin Humane Society's 6th Annual Car Raffle (“Raffle”) by purchasing a raffle ticket from an authorized employee or agent of the Austin Humane Society for $20, or three tickets for $50, payable to the Austin Humane Society and completing a registration form which will include name, complete address, city, state, zip code, e-mail address (if available), and telephone number. Tickets may also be purchased over the internet. NOTE. ALL MAILED RAFFLE ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED BY MARCH 15, 2010.  AFTER MARCH 15, 2010 AND THROUGH MARCH 27, 2010, RAFFLE ENTRIES MUST BE PURCHASED IN PERSON, OR BY CALLING (512) 685-0126. RAFFLE ENTRIES MAY BE PURCHASED VIA OUR WEBSITE UNTIL MIDNIGHT, MARCH 26, 2010.
   
   OFFICIAL DRAWING. The official drawing will take place on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 12:30pm at Mazda South, located at 4506 S I H 35, Austin, TX 78745, (512) 462-3131 - festivities will begin at 10am!
   
   
2. SPONSOR.  The Raffle is sponsored by the Austin Humane Society, a Texas non-profit corporation (the “Sponsor”).  All decisions of the Sponsor are final.
   
   
3. CONDITIONS.   An eligible entrant may only enter via the ticket purchasing methods as described above.  Incomplete entries are void.  By entering, entrants acknowledge compliance with these official rules including all eligibility requirements.  All entries become the property of the Sponsor and will not be returned.  Neither Sponsor nor advertising and promotion agencies are responsible for incorrect or inaccurate transcription of entry information, or any other error or malfunction, or late, lost, illegible or misdirected entries.  Entry materials that have been tampered with or altered are void.  No copies, facsimiles or reproductions of entries will be accepted.
   
   
4. DETERMINATION OF WINNER.  A random drawing will be conducted on March 27, 20105,000 tickets sold.  The winner will be notified by telephone, mail, and/or email.  The winner will be required to complete an affidavit of eligibility and release, which must be completed and returned within fourteen (14) days of issuance of notification or an alternate winner will be selected.  Any attempt to deliberately damage the content or operation of this Raffle is unlawful and subject to legal action by the Sponsor or its agents.
   
   from among all eligible entries received.  Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received, not to exceed
5. PRIZE.  The prize is 2010 Mazda Miata.  Approximate retail value of this prize is $27,000, but actual value may vary.  No substitution or transfer of prizes is permitted, except Sponsor reserves the right to substitute a prize of comparable or greater value, if a prize cannot be awarded for any reason.  Prize cannot be redeemed for cash.
   
   
6. ELIGIBILITY.  The Raffle is open to legal residents of the State of Texas, United States, who are physically located in the State of Texas, United States and who are 18 years of age or older as of January 4, 2010. The Raffle is void where prohibited.  Employees and Directors of the Sponsor and their immediate families are not eligible to win the grand prize.  Immediate family is defined as, through either blood or marriage, one degree of familial relationship (including in-laws and step-family), such as your spouse, your siblings, your parents, and your children.  Immediate family does not include other family members (including in-laws and step-family), such as grandchildren, grandparents, nieces, or nephews.
   
   
7. WINNER’S NAME.   For the name of the prize winner, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to: Austin Humane Society Raffle, ATTN: Winner’s Name, 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin, TX, 78752, or log on to http://www.austinhumanesociety.org
   
   
8. RULES REQUESTS.  To receive a copy of the official rules, send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the same address listed in Item 7, ATTN: Raffle Rules, or log onto www.austinhumanesociety.org
   
   
9. TAXES.   All applicable federal, state and local tax associated with winning the prize in the Raffle will be the sole responsibility of the winner.  The winner shall be provided a 1099 form for income tax purposes because the value of the prize exceeds $500.  The winner will also be liable for the title and license fees and paperwork, if any.
   
   
10. LIMITATIONS ON LIABILITY AND DISCLAIMERS.  Sponsor, its employees and its Directors will not be responsible for or liable to any prize winner, winner’s family or estate for any submissions of entries that are lost, late, illegible, damaged, incomplete, or incorrect.  Sponsor can, at any time it chooses, without recourse, decide to terminate or modify the Raffle if the integrity of the Raffle appears to be compromised. If the raffle is cancelled, all monies paid for raffle tickets will be returned to entrants.  Decisions of the Sponsor related to the winner, interpretation of official rules, and other matters related to this Raffle are final.
    SPONSOR MAKES NO WARRANTY OF ANY NATURE WITH RESPECT TO THE RAFFLE OR THE PRIZE, WHETHER IN RESPECT OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SATISFACTORY QUALITY OR OTHERWISE.  ENTRANTS ACKNOWLEDGE THAT, EXCEPT AS SPECIFICALLY SET FORTH HEREIN, SPONSOR HAS NOT MADE AND DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY WARRANTY, REPRESENTATION OR GUARANTEE, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN FACT OR IN LAW, RELATED TO THE RAFFLE OR THE PRIZE.  ALL ENTRANTS, BY ENTERING, AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THESE OFFICIAL RULES. BY ACCEPTING THE PRIZE, WINNER AGREES TO RELEASE SPONSOR, ITS DIRECTORS, EMPLOYEES, OFFICERS OR AGENTS, FROM ANY AND ALL LIABILITY, LOSS OR PERSONAL OR PROPERTY DAMAGES ARISING DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY OUT OF, OR IN CONNECTION WITH, THE AWARDING, RECEIPT, ACCEPTING, USING OR MISUSING OF THE PRIZE OR PARTICIPATION IN ANY PRIZE-RELATED ACTIVITIES.
    
    
11. GOVERNING LAW. This Raffle is subject to all applicable federal, state and local laws. All disputes surrounding the Raffle and any prize awarded hereunder will be subject to the substantive laws of Texas. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED OR RESTRICTED BY LAW.  
    
    
12. GENERAL.  Winner consents to the use of his or her name, biographical information, photographs and/or likeness for advertising and publicity purposes without additional compensation, except where prohibited.  Sponsor reserves the right to verify eligibility qualifications of the winner.  Purchased tickets are not tax deductible, nor considered a donation to the Sponsor.

Petcasso 2010: Animal Art from the Heart

Austin, TX

WHO:         Animal Trustees of Austin announces Petcasso 2010: Animal Art from the Heart

WHAT:  An annual evening of unleashed talent featuring canine and equine artistry to benefit the programs and services of Animal Trustees of Austin. Petcasso 2010 includes a lavish buffet dinner, silent auction and paintings created and presented by Austin animal artists and their owners for the live auction.

WHEN:  Sunday, February 21, 2010 from 6:00-9:00pm

WHERE: Dell Jewish Community Center, 7300 Hart Lane

BACKGROUND: Petcasso 2010 is Animal Trustees of Austin’s fourth annual animal art event to raise money for its programs providing quality and affordable health care for animals of low income and homeless residents of Austin.  Petcasso 2009 raised more than $170,000 to support ATA’s two clinics, with more than 85% of the proceeds going directly to serve animals in need.

TICKETS: Tickets start at $125. A table of 10 is $1,500. Sponsorships start at $2,500. Call Shir Laves at 512.371.1965 or email shir@animaltrustees.org for sponsor information and ticket sales.

EMCEE:  Jim Spencer

AUCTIONEER: Walt Roberts

ENTERTAINMENT:  Singer and songwriter Michael Clay

GALA CHAIR:  Carol Smith Adams

PUBLIC CONTACT: shir@animaltrustees.org or kevin@animaltrustees.org

MEDIA CONTACT:  Carol Adams, 512.657.1114, carolsadams@sbcglobal.net

WEBSITE: www.PetcassoAustin.org  and  www.AnimalTrustees.org

Kevin Farr
Communications Manager
Animal Trustees of Austin
Kevin@animaltrustees.org
Office: 512-371-1965
Cell: 917-873-5219
http://www.animaltrustees.org/ATA/site/about.asp

Private lesson with Judy Oct. 23

It's been a while since I got these notes together, but entering shows is right around the corner.  If the weather would cooperate, it's time to get Mouse in the ring.

Basil:

• Teach heel position again by heeling forward slowly.  We're reinforcing her when she's keeping position now, not reinforcing the forward movement. We'll do this by doing many get closes, 45 degree pivots, etc...
• Basil also has a tendency to butt in when in heel position.  When I see her butting in with front out, I'll wiggle by
  
• Another exercise to reinforce the heel position requires the dog to back in heel position as well has move forward.  Using PVC or chicken wire, construct an L shape.  Follow the heeling pattern below by going forward, left, back, forward, back, and left again.  Repeat so that the rear is not on the outside (but on the inside so that the dog does not drift to the left).  
• I also need to start heeling very slowly, drift right, and make sure Basil drifts with me as opposed to drifting left away from me. 
• I should start treating basil right on my leg.  Not out. Not in front. She needs to get treats right on the seam of my pants. 
• I should also be holding my cue hand further back than I have.  She's scooting too far forward in heel position. 
• I also need to variate the reward she is given.  

Mouse:
 Needs to work on his stays.
On Stand for exam, I need to a barrier (pipe, chicken wire, or baby gate) to keep him from swinging his rear out too far after the jump.  I also need to give the command, pop back, and then tell him to stand.
I also need to teach him the cue for halts.  1. Slightly slow, look down (change my view), keep left food still, give sit command, and pop with leash in left hand.  2. I need the practice it with the dog. 3. Exaggerate my physical cues.  4. Drop voice cue and leash cue.  5. Do halts normally. 
I also need to work on left turns (like Basil) backing, turning, backing. 
Mouse needs more get close work like basil.
We also need to work right turns, halts, right turns, halts, and right 270's. 
For figure 8's, we need to play games on the outside of the figure 8. 

Upcoming Weight Pull Jan 23-24th!

The IWPA Weight pull will be on Jan 23-24th at SouthPaws Playschool, 2324 South Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX. 

You may also sign up online to reserve your spot here (Novice dogs only): http://austinweightpull.eventbrite.com/.  You will pay the entry fee on the day of the event.  Dogs competing for titles should not use the online sign up. 

If you are interested in the IWPA sanctioned weight pull competition (Sunday), weigh in will be at 9:00am. Pulling starts at 10:00.  Weigh in NOT required for novice rounds. You may enter any of the novice rounds up to the time it begins.  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!

Thanks to all the 2009 additions to Keep Austin Dog Friendly!

2009 was a great year for Keep Austin Dog Friendly.  With a slew of fun events and 43 NEW additions to the list, Austin's dedication to keeping Austin dog friendly is growing.  Stick with us for another year of growth and fun events! Newest Addition for 2010 is La Boite!



Newest Additions for 2009:  Paggi House, Drungo Ice House, Lost Parrot Cabins, The Grove Wine Bar and Kitchen, Lofty Dog, Thai Fresh, Rio Grande, Taco Deli, Taverna, Perla's, Frugal Media, Black Sheep Lodge, El Arroyo, Cuatro's, Zocalo's, North by Northwest, Cissi's Wine Bar, Crepes Mille, Mansion on Judges' Hill, Lustre Pearl Bar, Key Bar Austin, The Tiniest Bar in Texas, Max's Wine Dive, Music Cafe, Zax's Pints and Plates, Foodheads, County Line on the Lake, Salvation Pizza, Cool River, Tribe Comics and Games, Waterloo Ice House SouthPark Meadows, Summermoon Coffee, Angel's Icehouse, Viva Chocolato!, Abuelo's, Bakehouse, Walton's Fancy and Staple, The Hub, Elevation Burger, Mulberry, Waterloo Ice House Avery Ranch, True Effort Training Center, and Teuscher Chocolate of Switzerland and Coffee.