The Seattle P-I is reporting that a Burien man is facing animal cruelty charges on claims that he beat and drowned his girlfriend’s Pit Bull dog.

According to the P-I, King County prosecutors say that on the night of Jan. 24th, Tyler E. Newman, 24, arrived at Five Corners Animal Hospital in Burien with the dead dog, a 5-year-old pit bull named Mada.

Staff at the animal hospital told investigators that Newman admitted, “I think I drowned my dog.”

Newman allegedly said the dog bit him when he was scolding it for urinating in his home. According to charging papers, Newman said he “just lost it” when the dog bit him again while he was attempting to bathe it.

Read the full story here.

Story and Photos by Scott Schaefer

Tuesday afternoon (Mar. 2nd) around 2pm, a potential domestic disturbance 9-1-1 call in Burien turned into the shooting death of a Pit Bull at an apartment near the intersection of 4th Ave SW and SW 155th.

According to a King County Sheriff’s officer on the scene, the Pit Bull escaped from its apartment when its owner, who was unrelated to the original disturbance call, heard some commotion. The dog then allegedly “charged” a cop, who shot it in self-defense. The officer (or possibly another officer) then had to “euthanize” the injured dog by shooting it again, possibly numerous times, according to witness accounts.

The dog’s body was covered in a yellow tarp when we arrived, as Animal Control officers and police continued to investigate the scene.

A neighbor who witnessed the attack told us that he felt the Pit Bull had endangered and scared other residents and children before.

UPDATE 3/3/10 Noon: We just received a response from Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer, who said:

There is an ongoing investigation of this case so I will need to be somewhat brief in my response.

I can tell you the officer was not bitten.

Dog attacks happen occasionally and like any life/safety issue, the Officers are trained to respond to the level of danger using necessary force.

Some of the other questions may be answered in the course of the investigation.

- Chief K

Here are photos we took on the scene shortly after it happened (WARNING: one pic includes visible dog blood):

Where do those puppies and kittens come from?

I asked at a local pet store, and they wouldn’t tell me.

According to the Humane Society, we should be skeptical of any claims that they don’t come from puppy mills (link here).

According to the American Kennel Club, you should buy a dog directly from the breeder, so you can inspect their premises and ask questions, instead of buying from a pet store (link here).

Better yet, you can get a mutt from the pound for one-tenth of the cost and save a life. Most pet stores agree that selling puppies and kittens is not the right thing to do.  The City of West Hollywood recently passed a law banning this practice (read the LA Times story here; link to the ordinance here as a PDF file).

Sign the petition and ask the City of Burien to take the lead in animal welfare:

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/no-pet-store-puppies

- Jim Branson

So…what do YOU think? Should Burien outlaw the selling of puppies in local pet stores? Please take our Poll, or leave a Comment below…

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Have something you'd like to say? Then email us your "Letter to the Editor" by clicking here. Be sure to include your real name and a way to contact you, and, pending our review, we'll most likely post it. Otherwise, feel free to leave a Comment below...]

The annual “Canine Christmas Adoption Event” is this Sunday, Dec. 13th from Noon to 3pm at the Paws-Abilities Dog Training Center in Tukwila, where you’ll be able to meet (and adopt) many great dogs and puppies from across Washington in one location.

And what makes a better gift than a loving, living creature?

Here are the details:

WHAT: Annual Canine Christmas Adaoption Event

WHEN: Sunday, Dec. 13th from Noon – 3pm

WHERE: The Paws-Abilities Dog Training Center, which is located at 1007 Industry Drive in Tukwila. Directions here: http://everydoghas.com/Special%20Links/map_to_center.html

INFO: There will also be a Dog Food Drive:

Times are tough, especially for the shelters and rescues relying on donations. In conjunction with the adoption event, we will also be holding a pet food drive. Will you consider bringing canned or dry pet food to our event? The food will be distributed to the shelters and rescues attending our event.

Adopt a dog and light up your life this holiday season.

A variety of wonderful dogs and puppies will be available at this event. Experienced shelter staff, volunteers and professional trainers will be on hand to help you find the right dog for your family. Meet the many great puppies and dogs from 8 shelters and rescues from across the state. Now is your chance to meet them in Tukwila, which is just minutes from Seattle and the Eastside.

For a list of frequently asked questions regarding our events, please click here.

Click here to Download a Printable PDF Flyer.

This just in from BTB Advertiser Richard Doane of Burien Auto Repair – looks like Richard and his wife Sheila are housing one of Burien’s fastest-rising stars – a dog named Ryder!

Ryder, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi and lifelong Burien resident, will be appearing in Hallmark’s 100th Anniversary TV Commercial, which will air this Sunday night (Nov. 29th) during the “Hallmark Hall of Fame Movie – A Dog Named Christmas,” which begins at 9pm on KIRO-TV (channel 7).

We’ve been told that the ad will be shown during the first commercial break, so be sure to set your TiVos/DVRs or watch closely for the first 20 minutes.

Owner Richard was recently contacted by Leo Burnett Advertising in Chicago who had previewed thousands of dog videos, and guess what? They selected Ryder to be one of the stars in this commercial, which will air nationally.

Ryder was selected for the commercial based on the following YouTube video clip that Richard shot and posted after his dog’s 1st Birthday about two years ago – it shows Ryder “blowing out the candles” on his birthday cake:

And get this – YOU can help make Ryder the winner of Hallmark’s “Cutest Dog of the Season” contest by voting online here:

www.hhofdogcontest.com/results/current-entries?name=ryder+doane

(Don’t forget to forward the link on to all your friends – let’s see if we can make Ryder a real star!)

According to Richard, for his “acting services,” Ryder was paid $350 which he plans to donate to PAWS to help out dogs and cats less fortunate than himself.

Here’s what Richard had to say:

Ryder was chosen not only for his award-winning talent, but also for his positive attitude and willingness to help others.

When not chasing a tennis ball, Ryder loves to chase birds for fun, and go to the lake with his posse of other Corgis.

He has been a “therapy dog” at the Highline Medical Center, and enjoys spending time with his family and friends.

Remember to set your TiVo for Sunday night’s feature presentation – or at least until the first commercial break!

The Animals First Foundation is holding another Charity Wine Tasting Event at Burien’s Vino Bello this Friday, Nov. 13th to help raise money to care for rescued animals.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Charity Wine Tasting Event for Animals First Foundation

WHEN: Friday, November 13th, from 6pm—9pm

WHERE: Vino Bello, located at 636 SW 152nd Street in downtown Burien

INFO: From their poster:

Every Dog Has Their Day…Make This Day A Lucky One!

Friday, November 13th, 2009, 6pm—9pm

Please come join Animals First Foundation at Vino Bello on Friday, November 13th to help raise money to help care for our rescued animals.

Your $20 donation will buy a wine tasting and there will also be some amazing raffle prizes and silent auction items available!

Donations are needed to help give a rescued animal the best of care and preparation on its road to a better life!

Animals First Foundation

Event located at: Vino Bello 636 SW 152nd St Burien, WA 98166

Want to buy your ticket early and guarantee a space? Call Heather at 206-331-7440 or visit our website at www.animalsfirstfoundation.org and click the donate button to make your $20 donation!

The place was packed as over 60 local women raised over $1,000 at the “Girls Night Out Bingo” fundraiser Sunday night (Nov. 8th) at Sidestreet Kitchen & Bar in Burien.

It was an evening of enthusiastic fun, live music and bingo, with all proceeds going to Pasado’s Safe Haven.

Located about an hour north of Burien, Pasado’s Safe Haven is one of the premiere animal rescue organizations in the United States, dedicated to 24-hour rescue and rehabilitation of dogs, cats and farm animals. The sanctuary is home to hundreds of animals, most arriving as victims of abuse or neglect, now living out their lives in peace.

Darla Green, owner of Skinperfect Aesthetics in Olde Burien, coordinated the event and donated hundreds of dollars of services and products.

Other local businesses donated well over a thousand dollars in prizes.

Two West Highland dogs made an appearance along with volunteers from Pasado’s.

One attendee called the event “overwhelmingly successful,” saying “the guests were energized,” and that the bingo game was “spirited.”

The room was moved by a marvelous act of charity – Tina Larson, owner of Grassroots Home and Garden in Olde Burien, won $200 cash in a drawing. Instantly, Tina donated her winnings to Pasado’s Safe Haven.

The menu, created especially for the fundraiser by Sidestreet owner and chef Dan Davis, included marinated caprese skewers, prime rib bites with creamy horseradish, candied walnuts, herb butter popcorn, savory sausage with mustard, olive tapenade and tomato spread.

For more information on Pasado’s Safe Haven and how to help, go to www.pasadosafehaven.org.

Also:

• www.skinperfectinseattle.com
• www.sidestreetkitchen.com

On Halloween (Saturday, Oct. 31st), the annual “Boo In Burien” took place, where children went trick or treating from business to business, dogs (and kids) in costumes paraded, and wiener dogs raced against each other.

This year’s event was sponsored by Discover Burien, Prudential Northwest and Grocery Outlet.

The B-Town Blog was there of course, and Photographer Michael Brunk captured these photos:

Click to View Michael Brunk’s Photo Slideshow

If you see yourself (or your dog or child) and want to download a FREE high-res version of the photo suitable for printing or emailing, click here and browse the photos on Flickr. Once you find something you like, download it by clicking on “All Sizes” just above the image, then right-click and “Save As” the JPEG in whatever size you prefer (Large and Original are best for printing).

You may remember “Snaps,” the pit bull that was used as a “weapon” by a Burien teen and her friends in an attack on two different women in SeaTac on June 21st (as we reported last week, the 16-year old female suspect plead “guilty,” and her sentencing will be Oct. 8th).

At one point, this dog was very close to being put down, as he was considered dangerous and not a candidate for rehabilitation. However, due to a huge outpouring of public sentiment, which included numerous Comments left on this blog, as well as phone calls, numerous online polls and emails sent directly to the King County Animal Shelter, “Snaps’” story has a happy ending – he has a new home at the Olympic Animal Sanctuary in Forks, where he will live out the remainder of his life.

So a story that began with human ignorance, abuse and downright cruelty seemingly is headed toward a happy ending for a poor, innocent animal – just take a look at the “before” and “after” photos below (on the left, Snaps in his cage at KCACC; on the right, his current state at the Olympic Animal Sanctuary):

Here’s a note from the folks at KCACC Exposed, a website devoted to “stopping the taxpayer-funded suffering of animals at the hands of King County Animal Care & Control”:

Betrayed and abused by his owner(s), authorities would’ve easily destroyed him but for the dedication of people who saw the the unfair treatment and judgment and quickly sprang into action. With them, a caring public who would not stand for another misunderstood and mislabeled animal being killed. For Snaps, his future looks bright. He has gone to Olympic Animal Sanctuary in Forks, Washington. Thank you to all the Snaps advocates who kept up with the story and spoke out. Please remember there are many more like him. They silently suffer and endure whatever humans choose to do with them.

Snaps … has been released to an animal sanctuary where he will be allowed to live out his life in peace. Steve Markwell, executive director of Olympic Animal Sanctuary in Forks, Washington, picked Snaps up from King County Animal Care and Control (KCACC) on Friday afternoon (Sept. 11th) and transported him to his new home.

By Saturday morning, Snaps was getting his first chance to stretch his legs in nearly three months, romping with Mr. Markwell in a sanctuary exercise yard. Snaps then took a ride in the cab of Mr. Markwell’s truck (with his head in Mr. Markwell’s lap) and shared an order of French Fries.

“Snaps is a sweet dog who has been through hell. He has likely been in fear most of his life, and his behavior has been a testament to all of his suffering,” said Mr. Markwell. Mr. Markwell adds that he believes the aggressive behavior Snaps reportedly demonstrated at KCACC came largely as a result of his lengthy confinement in a kennel.

Mr. Markwell says the reputation of Snaps as “vicious” has taken on “mythical proportions,” but “he’s really just a dog who’s been hurt, and deserves better.”

“He’s still learning to trust people again, but he’s not the most difficult dog I’ve worked with, and he’s not the most difficult dog at the Sanctuary. I believe Snaps will not only thrive in this environment, but that he will be an ambassador for misunderstood dogs everywhere,” he said.

The release of Snaps comes after a long battle with King County authorities, who had insisted on keeping the dog in inhumane conditions at KCACC from the time that he was involved in the June 21 incident. An informal, grassroots campaign to “Save Snaps” was launched after his owner, a 16-year-old Burien girl, was arrested for beating and kicking the dog until he participated in her assault on two Good Samaritans, who had stopped to try to save Snaps from abuse. Last week, the girl pleaded guilty to charges of assault and possession of alcohol – although she was never charged with animal cruelty.

Since the day that Snaps was seized from his owner, he has been kept in a tiny indoor kennel at the KCACC shelter in Kent, with no exercise, social contact, or fresh air. Soon after he was impounded, KCACC Exposed learned that KCACC Interim Manager Nancy McKenney had warned KCACC staff members that they were not to “make friends” with Snaps, telling compassionate staff members that they were not to visit Snaps, or give the dog anything more than the minimal level of care, such as food, water, and cage cleaning once a day. Only after KCACC Exposed wrote a letter protesting the conditions in which Snaps was being held did KCACC managers relent and allow the dog to have a bed and toys, but staff report that he still was never allowed to leave his kennel, except to be dragged at the end of an animal control catchpole.

Although Snaps has now been released from KCACC, other animals on long-term holds continue to be housed in similar conditions in the Kent shelter – albeit with far less public awareness of their plight.

During Snaps’s stay at KCACC, authorities claim he underwent two “independent behavior assessments,” from “outside experts” who reportedly determined that Snaps was dangerous and could not be rehabilitated. KCACC has refused to release either assessment, or identify the groups or individuals who performed the assessments, although KCACC Exposed has now filed a public disclosure request to obtain those records. However, KCACC staff have informed KCACC Exposed that the first assessment was by a regional rescue group with no expertise in abused dogs or behavior assessments, and that the representative of the group did not even go inside the kennel when performing the evaluation, but simply looked at Snaps through the fence.

Mr. Markwell, who was provided a copy of this assessment, confirms that the assessors “never even observed the dog outside of his kennel, and thus did not conduct a single test before determining that he was dangerous and recommending that he be killed.”

Mr. Markwell was not given a copy of the second assessment that was reportedly done on Snaps. However, KCACC Exposed has been told that the second group of evaluators asked that Snaps be released into their custody for a week, so that he could relax and be evaluated outside the stressful and terrifying environment of the KCACC shelter, but that Ms. McKenney refused that request.

KCACC staff members have reported that although Snaps clearly has issues resulting from his troubled past, he responded to treats, affection, and kindness while impounded at the shelter.

Nearly twelve weeks later, and following the guilty plea of Snaps’s former owner, KCACC and the prosecuting attorney’s office agreed to release the dog after relentless pressure from the public, local animal advocates, and members of the King County Council.

Of course, KCACC has been shameless in taking credit for Snaps’s happy ending, with Ms. McKenney going so far as to claim in a press release that “This is an example of the hard work our staff does to ensure that every animal has a chance.”

Ms. McKenney made this claim despite the fact that KCACC did nothing to facilitate the transfer of Snaps – in fact, it was KCACC Exposed Co-Chair Kim Sgro who contacted Olympic Animal Sanctuary and secured Mr. Markwell’s consent to take the dog. Meanwhile, KCACC staff and volunteers report that Ms. McKenney and other shelter leaders repeatedly complained about being told that they had to allow Snaps to be transferred, and insisted that the dog should be killed even if there was a sanctuary that was willing to take him.

In taking all the credit for itself, KCACC management ignores the real heroes of this story who should be recognized: You

KCACC, King County Executive Kurt Triplett, and the King County Council were bombarded with letters and phone calls from the public, as well as multiple public petitions with thousands of signatures, pointing out that Snaps was as much of a victim as the women he was forced to attack, and demanding that every effort be made to save him. Although KCACC answered these letters with dismissive boilerplate, others were listening. There is no question that the outpouring of compassion for Snaps got the attention of public officials, and caused them to take a careful look at his case. Once these officials learned more about Snaps, the abuse that he had suffered, and the neglect that he was continuing to endure, several compassionate public officials and their staff intervened on the dog’s behalf.

As Councilmember Kathy Lambert acknowledges, this happy ending occurred in large part because of the public’s involvement: “I would like to congratulate the research and advocacy of all the animal welfare supporters who contacted my office and the animal shelter on behalf of Snaps,” she says.

King County Council
As has become all too common, it was the King County Council that had to intervene to force KCACC to do the right thing. This time, it was the intervention of Councilmember Lambert that was critical. After KCACC Exposed co-chair Sgro contacted Olympic Animal Sanctuary, and the sanctuary agreed to take Snaps, Councilmember Lambert worked directly with King County Executive Kurt Triplett, and his advisor Noel Treat, to facilitate the transfer.

“This animal is a victim of abuse and did not deserve to be euthanized just because of the irresponsibility of his owner, if any other appropriate options are available,” says Councilmember Lambert, who was present at KCACC when Snaps was transferred in order to make sure that things proceeded smoothly. “It is unfortunate that people were injured before this dog could be rescued from abuse, and I hope that the women who were injured have a speedy and complete recovery. In the case of Snaps, I believe this is a positive outcome.”

Councilmember Lambert has earned a reputation for her compassion for the most vulnerable members of society – children who get lost in the system, and jail inmates who are mistreated in custody. We are delighted that she is now also working to protect animals who are abused, neglected, and forgotten. (Check back here soon for articles on Councilmember Lambert’s efforts to ensure that King County plans for pets during disasters, and her legislation to force KCACC to allow transfers of animals to local shelters and rescue groups.)

KCACC Staff Members
Too often, the KCACC staff is implicated in the failures of KCACC management and the obstructionist policies of the KCACC Guild. It becomes all too easy to forget that many of these staff members have their hearts in the right place, and are doing their best to help the animals caught in the failing shelter. Through this experience, it has again become clear that many staff members are compassionate, caring people. They did their best for Snaps even under orders not to give him any special care, showed clear affection and sympathy for the abused dog, and were overjoyed when they heard that he was going to be released to a sanctuary. Without their care, we’re sure that Snaps would have been in much worse shape when he was finally released. (How sad is it that we cannot name these staff members, because they would be in danger of retaliation from King County for their compassionate behavior?)

Steve Markwell, Olympic Animal Sanctuary
Mr. Markwell of Olympic Animal Sanctuary is the ultimate hero of this story. Very few sanctuaries or shelters are willing to take a dog that another shelter has decided should die. Sanctuaries and rescue groups all over the country were contacted about Snaps, by private citizens, KCACC Exposed, and county officials. None agreed to take the dog. When Best Friends Animal Society ultimately refused to take Snaps, Ms. Sgro contacted Olympic Animal Sanctuary, and was thrilled to finally receive a “yes.”

With the motto “We Save Dogs You’d Rather See Dead,” Olympic Animal Sanctuary focuses on dogs such as Snaps who are considered unadoptable by other shelters, including former fighting dogs, street dogs, and dogs that have attacked other animals or bitten people. These dogs are given lifetime care (with no possibility of adoption, due to safety concerns), along with exercise, affection, and freedom from fear and stress. Says the sanctuary website: “People made them monsters; Olympic Animal Sanctuary lets them be dogs again.”

Although Snaps will never have contact with the general public, he will get plenty of exercise, including a chance to enjoy a swimming pool. Most importantly, he will get a chance just to be a dog.

Mr. Markwell says that his goal with Snaps “is the same as it is for every dog at the Sanctuary – I want him to be healthy, happy, and safe.”
“Walking on a leash is a bonus. Not biting is a bonus. I’d like him to be able to play with other dogs, but we’ll have to wait and see how that goes,” says Mr. Markwell. “Truthfully, I’ve already reached my goal with Snaps, so everything we accomplish from here is gravy.”

Note: We will be visiting Snaps at Olympic Animal Sanctuary next week, and hope to return with more photos and videotape showing his progress. Please check back soon!

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Burien Girl Pleads Guilty To Using Pit Bull As A Weapon; Dog “Snaps” Will Be Released To Sanctuary
• UPDATE: 16-Year Old Burien Girl Pleads “Not Guilty” In Pit Bull
• An Update On “Snaps,” The Pit Bull Used In SeaTac Attack
• Pit Bull Used As A Weapon In Sunday Night SeaTac Attack Against Two Women

The B-Town Blog welcomes Fetch Pet Care, our newest advertiser, owned by Deva and Hunter Samuels.

Fetch Pet Care offers in-home care for dogs, cats, birds, reptiles, rodents and even fish.

Fetch Pet Care is a locally owned and operated franchise, so they are able to call on their parent company if they need any support with making sure your pets’ needs are met.

Deva has taken a nine-month Veterinary Assistant course offered by Pima Medical Institute in Renton and received her diploma so she is well qualified to care for all types of animals.

Deva offers a free in-home consultation to make sure you and your pets’ needs are a perfect match for her services.

She specializes in taking group excursions (four animals or less at a time) to off-leash dog parks, including Luther Burbank Park on Mercer Island, for robust canine swimming parties.

Deva can also take care of the special needs of animals, including medical injections and special diets.

When not working, Deva volunteers her time for Bulls Eye Dog Rescue, a group that pulls dogs from local shelters and fosters them, providing medical care and placing them in loving homes.

Fetch Pet Care is located right on the West Seattle/White Center border, so its location is perfect if you work downtown and need a great place to keep your pet happy and secure while you are at work

Contact Deva for more information:

Fetch Pet Care
9425 12th Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98106

Phone: 206-965-9851

Website: http://fetchpetcare.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Seattle-WA/Fetch-Pet-Care-of-West-Seattle/60648432694

Email: westseattle@fetchpetcare.com

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story and Ad like this for your Business on a popular, fast-growing website seen by 31,000+ interested Local Readers every month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Des Moines’ 2009 Pet Festival is coming to Des Moines Beach Park on Saturday, Aug. 1st, from 9am to 2pm, with lots of FREE fun for animal lovers of all kinds!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Des Moines Pet Festival

WHEN: Saturday, Aug. 1st

WHERE: Des Moines Beach Park

INFO: No cost, and there are lots of fun activities for your pets, including:

• Agility and Rally Training Match
• Ice Cream Eating
• Hot Dog Bobbing
• Basic Obedience
• King and Queen
• Best Trick
• Best Costume
• Ugliest Pet
• Owner/Pet Lookalike

Please keep in mind that “any pet that might be a safety hazard to humans or other animals is not allowed, and may be removed from the festival.”

Meet hundreds of adoptable cats and dogs from across Washington State, all at the Kent Animal Shelter on Saturday, July 11! Pet microchipping, pet licensing, & pet product vendors will be on site as well as animal trainers and a raffle to benefit the Animal Angel Fund. Click here to learn more…

The B-Town Blog is “yappy” to welcome our latest Advertiser: Yappy To Be Home Pet Services!

Yappy To Be Home Pet Services started in 2005 as a result of a career change for owner Sandra Ekland. Sandra asked herself what her passion in life was, and the answer was easy to come by – she love animals!

“Animals are our precious little babies that love us more than we love ourselves,” Sandra said.

If you’re like most pet lovers, you hate leaving your pet in unfamiliar surroundings when you travel. Yappy To Be Home Pet Services is designed to offer less stress for your pets and therefore, for yourself as well. By utilizing Yappy To Be Home, you are assured reliable and responsible service. Your pets will not only be in their own secure and familiar environment, they will follow their customary routine and diet and receive loving individual attention. With at-home pet sitting, you also avoid exposure to possible illnesses from other animals.

You can leave with peace of mind knowing you have left your home and pet in good “paws” and they are Yappy To Be Home!!

Yappy To Be Home Pet Services covers a wide area from South Seattle through Des Moines. When you call Yappy To Be Home, a visit to your home is arranged, sometime before you leave to meet you and your pets, get detailed info about caring for them and make arrangements.

While you’re away, Sandra will:

• Feed and water your pets
• Exercise them
• Give medicine, vitamins and other special care
• Get medical treatment in case of illness

While taking care of your pets, Sandra is also happy to water your plants and make your home look “lived-in” by bringing in mail and newspapers and adjusting draperies and lights.

Yappy To Be Home is also a member of Pet Sitters International (PSI), which was created by a pet sitter with a mission to serve pet owners. Please visit their web site also at PetSit.com, for more information.

Here are some testimonials from some very “yappy” customers:

“We are so grateful for the wonderful care Honey and Bear received from “Yappy to Be Home”. Leaving them at a kennel was not an option after a terrible experience with our beloved “Tank.” We didn’t feel bad about leaving them. They got to stay in their own home, sleep in their own beds and make a new friend!”

“We were extremely pleased with Yappy to be Home Pet Services. I always worry about our two cats (Ahi and Nani) when we leave town. When Sandra came over to meet our cats and find out what needed to be done, I was immediately impressed with her detailed note taking as I was explaining how I’d like our cats to be cared for. When we came home from our trip we found a “visit log” which gave a detailed account of each visit and how our cats interacted with Sandra. Our pets are like our children and it’s important to me to have someone that is reliable, trustworthy and caring – I have found those qualities in Yappy to be Home Pet Services. I know now, without a doubt, that our furry loved ones are in good hands when we’re away.”

“Thanks so much, Sandra for looking in on my 5 kids. It makes it easier to know they are in good hands and gives me one less thing to worry about while I am away.”

For more information on Yappy To Be Home Pet Services, click here, email sandra@yappytobehome.com or call (206) 947-5983.

Sandra would be “yappy” to talk with you!

[Would you like to have a "Blogvertorial" story like this for your Business, along with an Ad on every page seen by over 16,000 interested Local Readers per month? Email us for more info, or check out our Advertise page!]

Meet hundreds of adoptable cats and dogs from across Washington State, all at the Kent Animal Shelter on Saturday, July 11!

Pet microchipping, pet licensing, and pet product vendors will be on site as well as animal trainers and a raffle to benefit the Animal Angel Fund. If you are searching for a new furry friend, don’t miss this event!

Download the 8.5×11 flyer (PDF) or the 11×17 flyer (PDF) to print and post in your neighborhood or at your business!

Here are the details:

WHAT: Super Pet Adopt-A-Thon

WHEN: Saturday, July 11th from 10am to 4pm.

WHERE: Kent Animal Care and Control Shelter, located at 21615 64th Ave. South in Kent (see map below)

INFO: Call 206-296-7387; 206-296-2709 TDD or click here to visit the website.

View Larger Map

Emmie, a Golden Retriever, checks in with Pretty Paws owner Kathy Graf
about the free toe nail trimming for the month of June.

How’s this for a creative offering?

At B-Town Blog Advertiser Pretty Paws, it’s free toe nail trimming, from 11 am to 1 pm, Monday through Friday, throughout the month of June (dogs and cats only – sorry humans!).

Pretty Paws is “A Full Service Pet Spa,” as their slogan goes.

They’re in a little white house at 123 SW 158th, west of 1st Ave. S., just north of US Bank in Burien (see map below).

“We specialize in expert pet grooming,” says founder and owner Kathy Graf, an International Pet Groomers Association Certified Master Groomer.

So go get those nails trimmed and tell Kathy and crew that the B-Town Blog sent you!

Pretty Paws – A Full Service Pet Spa
123 SW 158th
Burien, WA 98166
phone 206-444-4656

Hours:

• Mon – Thursday: 8am to 5:30pm
• Fridays: 7:30am to 5:30pm
• Saturday: 8am to 6pm
• Sunday: 9am to late afternoon
• Walk-Ins Welcome

by Jim Branson

Have you been to this area’s’s off-leash dog park?

Grandview Park is Disneyland for Dogs, the happiest place on earth, according to my dogs.  My youngest will start yipping with joy as soon as we turn off of I-5 at the 200th Street exit.  Although this park is actually in Sea-Tac, it’s only ten minutes away from the middle of Burien, and it is supported, in part, by Burien tax dollars.

We have been going to this park ever since it opened in 2003.  It’s a great place to visit on a sunny spring day, but it’s even better, from a Labrador Retriever’s perspective, when we’ve had two inches of rain, or when it has a blanket of snow.  Actually, there’s never a bad time to visit the dog park.

With 37 acres to roam, you can spread out and find your own space, or you can congregate at the main play field to let your dogs socialize.  To the north of the main dog areas, you’ll find a healthy forest with native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers.  The park is maintained, in part, by volunteers from SODA, Serve Our Dog Areas.

Currently, the grass is higher than a dog’s eye.  It’s kind of fun to play in, but one of my dogs came home with a tick, which must have been lurking in that tall grass, waiting for a tasty dog to trot by.  I’m sure they will be cutting the grass soon.  It’s hard to find a ball when it goes into that deep grass, and the mower will probably be spitting out shards of tennis balls on mowing day.

My youngest dog always finds a mud hole to wallow in, but you can keep your dogs clean if you steer them away from the low spots.  I have found that a muddy dog is a happy dog, and I can always give them baths when we get home.

PROS:

• Large open space with good gravel surfaces and plenty of grass.
• Great view of Mt. Rainier, most days.
• Friendly, happy dogs.
• A nice trail through the forest to the north.
• Bathrooms, bag dispensers, and drinking water.
• It provides a place for Burien’s dogs to play off-leash, instead of our local parks, which aren’t designed for dogs to safely run off-leash.

CONS:

• DO NOT leave valuables in your car.  Many cars have been broken into.
• Dog walking services sometimes come with dozens of dogs at a time, and they can’t always keep track of all the messes they should be cleaning up.
• It’s not actually in Burien.
• It is not 100% fenced, so people with dogs at risk of running off should choose a fully-fenced dog park, such as Westcrest, Genesee, or Magnuson.

Here’s a photo slideshow of my dogs in action at Grandview Park:

Click to View Slideshow

Grandview Park is located in SeaTac:

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Welcome our latest Advertiser to The B-Town Blog: Companion Animal Medical Center in Normandy Park!

There’s a new vet and clinic in town, Dr. Leslie Kasper and her Companion Animal Medical Center with a new philosophy on the care and treatment.

Dr. Kasper told us here The BTB, “We believe every pet is a member of a family, so why should your animal’s doctor visits be any different?”

At Companion Animal pet-parents will always feel comfortable and confident in their companion’s care. Dr. Kasper and her staff simply love animals. You can see it in the way they treat them. They’re all pet-parents too!

“Whether it is a simple vaccine or a major procedure, we will strive to educate you on your patient’s current condition, overall health, and any prevention or future care that may be warranted,” stated Dr. Kasper.

Area resident Dr. Leslie Kasper can’t remember a time she didn’t want to be a veterinarian. She gained experience working in the field as an assistant and technician through high school and undergraduate school.

As a 2005 graduate from Washington State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, she initially worked in Cheney, WA at a mixed animal practice. Although she enjoyed working with the livestock and farmers, she missed her family in Western Washington.

Dr. Kasper (then Strelow) spent the next two-and-a-half years practicing in both Bellevue and Renton, where she developed the clinical medicine, professional and business skills she utilizes today.

Dr. Kasper and her hubby Mike share their Burien house with their pet-family that includes two miniature dachshunds, Piglet and Molly, as well as a DSH lilac torti named PufDuster and two adopted kittens – TuTu and Evalyn.

Services for your pet-family:
What can we say about services in 20 words or less? Dr. Kasper’s clinic is state of the art with the most advance medical equipment in the area. Some of her services are:

• Routine Examinations with Specialized Preventive Care
• Nutrition and Weight Management
• Soft Tissue Surgery
• Dental Prophylaxis and Oral Surgery
• In-House Laboratory Testing
• Digital Radiography (X-Rays)
• Geriatric and Hospice Care
• Housing and Boarding Facilities
• Behavioral Consultation

Top: Dr Kasper with Piglet and Molly, Lisa with Bella, Teghan with Boxer.
Bottom: Rose with Chance, Audrey with Lil’Girl.

Meet the staff:

• Audrey—Licensed Veterinarian Assistant (LVT) Hospital Manager, 11 years experience
• Lisa—final stages of schooling to become a LVT.
• Rose — Certified Veterinary Assistant, 4 years experience
• Teghan — Veterinary Assistant: New to veterinary field; studying for masters in Animal Behavior
• Melanie—LVT, and has been with Dr. Kasper through then entire rehabbing process

Also on the staff are:

• Lil’Girl (greeter)
• Chance (sniffer)
• Piglet and Molly (worry-warts)

If you drive on First Ave South through Normandy Park halfway between Burien and Des Moines, you’ve probably witnessed Companion Animal Medical Center come to life at 19655 First Ave. South in Normandy Park (map below).

Now you can stop by and welcome them to the neighborhood and check out their state of the art clinic.

Or call them at 206-878-0405.

Or visit their website here.

For hours of operation click here.

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We are more than thrilled to bark out a welcoming wag to Pretty Paws, a wonderful pet grooming service.

“A Full Service Pet Spa,” as their slogan goes.

Established in 1999, Pretty Paws moved a little over two years ago from its Ambaum location to its present home, a little white house at 123 SW 158th, west of 1st Ave. S., just north of US Bank in Burien (see map below).

“We specialize in expert pet grooming,” says founder and owner Kathy Graf, an International Pet Groomers Association Certified Master Groomer.

Kathy’s crew is led by Dawn, who has worked at Pretty Paws for almost its entire decade in business.

“I was bathing dogs when I was 8 and picked up my first pair of doggie clippers 4 years later,” says Dawn.

“I learned a lot about pet grooming from my mother.”

“Dawn is particularly good with specialty clips for poodles,” says Kathy.

“Remember, we also groom cats. Even the finicky ones. Not all shops offer this service.

“Also, for Burien-area senior citizens with mobility problems, we will pick up and drop off their pets for a small additional fee.”

You can pick up pet food at Pretty Paws as well as products such as dog sweaters and Coach collars and leashes.

There’s even a dog house for sale.

One of our B-Town Blog reporters, who is always looking to make a million dollars quickly, recently said to Kathy and her crew “Hey! I’ve got a great brand name for dog bone products! They should be called ‘Fetch ‘Ems’. You want to trademark that with us?”

“Uh, you go right on ahead and trademark that one yourself,” Kathy said, rolling her eyes. “Good luck with that, okay?”

Pretty Paws even has its own onsite African Gray Parrot, named Cash.

“Cash really likes (human) men,” say the Pretty Paws workers.

Cash will even offer its own loud vocal “Goodbye!” as happy customers walk out the door.

Pretty Paws also offers baby sitting services for special customers – call or visit to inquire further.

Exciting future note: Kathy Graf is also a budding writer.

“I’m writing a nonfiction piece, unrelated to dogs or cats.”

Kathy’s keeping us all in non-canine, non-feline suspense, but she promises to give us all here at B-Town Blog Central the worldwide scoop come publishing time.

Stay tuned.

And as Bob Barker used to say, “Don’t forget to scoop!” Uh, we mean…oh, never mind.

Open seven days a week.

Come on by and say Hi:

Pretty Paws – A Full Service Pet Spa
123 SW 158th
Burien, WA 98166
phone 206-444-4656

Hours:

• Mon – Thursday: 8am to 5:30pm
• Fridays: 7:30am to 5:30pm
• Saturday: 8am to 6pm
• Sunday: 9am to late afternoon
• Walk-Ins Welcome

So walk (or heel) on over, or bark your orders over the phone – just be sure to check ‘em out Pretty Paws next time your pet needs grooming!

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We are more than happy to shout a big and loud Woof Woof! (that’s Doggie Speak for “welcome”) to our latest Advertiser: Wag the Dog Daycare!

You kind of have to look to find Wag the Dog – they’re next to Supercuts on Ambaum in Burien, just south of Martini Cleaners. There’s plenty of parking.

“Wag the Dog is committed to providing socialized fun-filled days,” owner Terri  Benish says. “Our day care is filled with lots of toys for the dogs’ enjoyment, and beds for when they want to relax. We are ready and willing to cater to your pet’s needs at any time.”

At Wag the Dog, your pet will have access to an outside fenced-in play yard which allows him or her to remain on their normal potty routine.

Another unique feature are Wag the Dog’s four “Dog Cams” (check them out here) which enable you to check in on your pooch anytime of the day.

Terri offers additional features including grooming, nail trimming and teeth brushing.

“It’s been my dream all my life to work with animals,” says Terri, who for fifteen years worked as a real estate appraiser. “I love what I’m doing now. It is truly rewarding and fulfilling to work with my clients’ dogs every day.”

Terri opened her shop in March, after looking at locations all around the south Puget Sound area.

“I was delighted to find that Burien has very reasonable zoning regulations,” Terri said. “This city is quite business friendly.”

Well, as they say at Wag the Dog: “Wag On!”

Wag the Dog info:

Monday through Friday
7:00 am to 7:00 pm
15227 Ambaum Blvd. SW, Burien  98166

Phone 206-453-DOGS (3647)

info@wagthedogdaycare.net
www.wagthedogdaycare.net

Sure, it’s election season, but that doesn’t mean that Washington’s Governor wouldn’t have shown up for Saturday’s “Boo In Burien” event anyways, right?

She did, and we managed to be at the right place at the right time to grab a quick, exclusive soundbite video from her about Burien just after she bought some cookies for herself and her posse at the Danish Bakery, and just minutes before she “kicked off” the Dog Parade.

Ever wonder what your governor thinks of Burien?

Watch this and see for yourself:

Found on seattle-tacoma craigslist > south king > pets:

R A C C O O N S kill your beloved animals–watch out!!! (Burien)

Our cat escaped late Thursday night as we closed the sliding glass door.

She was only outside for 10 minutes.

We heard her screaming and ran outside to find FOUR RACCOONS mauling her in our driveway.

We rushed her to the vet but because she had such severe injuries we were forced to put her to sleep. The vet recommended it and the making that decision sucked!

The vet said that there have been a huge increase in raccoons killing cats AS WELL AS DOGS AND OTHER DOMESTIC ANIMALS.

• RACCOONS MAY LOOK CUTE & CUDDLY, BUT THEY ARE DANGEROUS!! DO NOT FEED THEM!!!
• PLEASE KEEP YOUR ANIMAL INSIDE AFTER DARK. And if they escape, chase after them.
• YOU MIGHT JUST SAVE THEIR LIFE…

We emailed the Poster and got this response:

When we heard the fight & found our cat, we took her to the ER @ Five Corner Veterinary in Burien (at midnight last Thursday!).

EVERYONE there discussed with us how they had seen a huge increase RECENTLY in the number of attacks on domestic animals (cats+dogs+others) this year. 

They also discussed how viscious & violent raccoons are.  (even though they really do look cute & cuddly!)

So keep this in mind B-Town pet owners and friends of animals – raccoons may be cute and anthropomorphic in their “hand washing,” but they are also dangerous (and can be rabid), and we say this as a pet owner whose Jack Russell Terrier got in a fight with one last summer, and she still has battle scars to show from it.

On a lighter note – and we don’t mean to make fun of this issue but we couldn’t not post this video – be sure to lock up your floormats as well, or else you may suffer a fate similar to this:

The annual (and FREE) Des Moines Pet Festival will happen Saturday, Aug, 2nd, from 9am-3pm at Des Moines Beach Park, with the following activities planned:

• Ice Cream Eating Contest
• Hot Dog Bobbing Contest
• Basic Obedience
• King and Queen
• Best Trick
• Best Costume
• Ugliest Pet
• Owner/Pet Look-Alike
• Agility, Rally & Conformation Training Match
• Much more!

Please keep in mind that the above-mentioned contests are for PETS, not humans, so if you show up dressed as Elvis ready to eat 10 quarts of Rocky Road, you’ll be sad (and so will we, ‘cuz that’d be cool to watch…).

Also keep in mind this disclaimer quote placed at the bottom of the poster:

Any pet that might be a safety hazard to humans or other animals is not allowed, and may be removed from the festival.

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by Shawn Underwood

I like dogs.

All kinds of dogs.

Except “biters” and those with foaming saliva on their molars.

The “biter” phenomenon is very evident in small yappers, the kind that yip and yap then bite and bite until the victim (usually me and my ankles) yaps, thus negating the “yapper phenomenon” via a double negative.

We have several “latchkey” dogs in our neighborhood as well. When I say “latchkey,” what I mean is that they don’t wear keys around their necks, then miraculously open the door to their home. No, when I say “latchkey” dog I mean the kind that just wanders around, latching onto anyone they deem latchable.

Two of my favorite latchkey dogs are called “Tuffy 1″ and “Tuffy 2.”

These two Westies are the spirited neighborhood mascots. They go everywhere together, paw in paw. I have spotted them chasing their Suburban-driving owner in a frantic attempt for a car ride. Of course, most dogs love car rides – who wouldn’t want to hang their head out the window with the wind blowing your ears back?

Tuffies 1 and 2 have been know to frequent “The Bean”, our local coffee shop, perhaps partaking in a “bow wow” so to speak with the other customers.

Another four-legged visitor to The Bean is a yellow lab. He trots about a mile up Maplewild hill for his biscuit and water. He is often seen with his boyfriend (not that there’s anything wrong with that…), who he picks up on his way to the coffee stand. His boyfriend is a friendly, fetching Irish setter.

Jason, the owner of The Bean, always stocks a good supply of doggy biscuits, so perhaps this is part of the doggy allure. Either that or maybe there’s a new frequent biscuit punch card thing going on.

I have not seen any cats in the coffee area but then this story is not about the neighborhood cats is it? So why do you ask?

The wandering latchkey canines also have latchkey human company at The Bean. A group of men from Maplewild meet there everyday, exactly at 9:15am and 3:15pm on the dot.

While the gentlemen yap, yap, yap, the dogs nap, nap, nap.

Sometimes it’s vice-versa, and other times it’s hard to tell whose who, or what’s what.

The two-legged species at The Bean are of an indeterminate age, meaning they are mostly retired but still full of beans, and I am not talking about coffee beans. I am not sure what they talk about twice a day. I wonder if the same subject comes up in the afternoon as was discussed in the morning.

“Hey Elmer, did I tell you about the thirty pound fish I caught in Alaska?”

“Yes, Rufus you did, but this morning at 9:15 the fish was 40 pounds, so which is it?”

They are a cantankerous and exclusive group; several times I have tried to horn in on the conversation, to no avail. This club is obviously exclusive to men and dogs, and I’m seriously considering filing a discrimination lawsuit (although I’ve been called the word used to describe a female dog before, I still feel excluded).

The dogs are also male; there may be something to this.

Maybe if I bring my male dogs, “Mr. Big” and “Mr. Small” to The Bean, the men will let me join in the fish tales.

I am sure they could use a fresh voice in their crowd.

Or not.

Yap.

Twenty-five years of living in Burien gives Humorist Shawn Underwood much fodder for her writings.

All of her stories are true, or at least have a grain of truth with no added embellishments.

Or something like that.

Read more of her humor at her website here.

To prepare for Monday’s Animal Care Shelter 6:30pm hearing at the Highline Performing Arts Center, here is some significant funding news:

The King County Council and County Executive Ron Sims jointly outlined an agreement Thursday to spend nearly $1 million on immediate improvements and to plan the transformation of the much-criticized operation into a national model of excellence.

Under the agreement, the county will replace all cat cages and add dog runs at or near the main animal shelter in Kent to reduce overcrowding and the risk of infectious disease. Spending also will go to expand veterinary services, review agency operations, add to the shelter staff, assess building and equipment needs and hire workers to enhance placement of animals for adoption, coordinate volunteer activity and improve public outreach.

Of the $965,000 in spending, about $570,000 would come from an animal benefit fund built up over 20 years from donations by people licensing their pets, adopting animals or simply making charitable contributions. The rest will come from the county’s capital budget.

More details and full story here.

WHAT: Forum on animal shelters

WHEN: Monday April 14th starting at 6:30pm

WHERE: Highline Performing Arts Center, Burien, WA

INFO: Kurt Meacham, Program Manager, King County Animal Services, 21615 64th Ave. S Kent, WA 98032 • 206-296-4015

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Animal care at King County shelters will be the subject of a town hall-style meeting on Monday, April 14, at the Highline Performing Arts Center, 401 S. 152nd Street.

The meeting starts at 6:30pm, with a pre-reception starting at 6pm.

WHAT: Forum on animal shelters

WHEN: Monday April 14th starting at 6:30pm

WHERE:  Highline Performing Arts Center, Burien, WA

INFO: Kurt Meacham, Program Manager, King County Animal Services, 21615 64th Ave. S  Kent, WA 98032 • 206-296-4015

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