Happy Halloween!

Don't forget your four-legged friends at Halloween. Plain Brown Dog will be enjoying the Ghosts & Goblins with Paws event in Port Orange FL on Saturday, Oct. 31 8 a.m. to noon at City Center. There will be a pet parade, games, activities, vendors and entertainment. If you get a chance, come on out and join us.

Tips for Halloween. 

While your pet may beg for a tasty Halloween candy treat, remember that chocolate can be deadly to dogs and cats in any amount. 

Don't leave Jack-O-Lanterns or lighted candles within reach of pets - and remember the swinging tails of dogs count as being "within reach".

If you want to dress up your pet, keep in mind that any sort of mask is a bad idea. Not only will it be uncomfortable for your pet, it can restrict vision and breathing. In fact, unless your pet is really receptive to the costume, it can cause stress. 

Don't leave your pet outside at night on Halloween. With trick-or-treaters in the area, the risk that your pet could be harmed, snatched or that your pet could bite a stranger is just too great. If you have a party at home, keep your pet away from guests in a safe area. 

If you'll be providing treats to visiting ghosts and goblins, keep your pet in a safe and secure place. The constant opening of the door and the strangeness of the visitors could lead to your pet escaping or harming someone accidently. 

Barktoberfest

This weekend is Barktoberfest, Halifax Humane Society's annual Halloween Themed Pet Extravaganza. 

Plan to stop by. The event is 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 24. Admission is $3. There are games, entertainment, vendors, a doggy costume contest, fun for everyone! There's even a low-cost microchip for pets. A great way to stay safe!

Oreo and all her friends will be there, so if you get a chance, stop by and see her. She's still waiting for a home. You never know, you just might meet your perfect match at Barktoberfest!

A Little Publicity

The Plain Brown Dog blog was featured in an article in the Daytona Beach News Journal today. The article detailed the happy ending to Misty's story. Misty (above),  now called Mutzy by her forever family, is the dog this blog was founded on. A plain brown dog who'd been looking for a home for nearly a year. With the help of this blog, a foster family, and the power of the internet, she was united with a loving family in less than 2 weeks.

If Misty can find a home, so can Oreo (below). So please, pass this blog along to everyone you know. You never know who the next forever friend might be for a plain dog like Oreo. 

Oreo: Plain Black Dogs can be famous

Did you know that there are plenty of plain black dogs just like me who have been famous. Really. Here's just a few.

Fala, the beloved pet of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his wife Eleanor, was a Scottish Terrier. Fala survived his master by seven years, yet was buried alongside him. A  statue of this plain black dog is prominently featured in Washington D.C.'s Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, the only presidential pet so honored.

Toto, Dorothy's dog in the Wizard of Oz, was played by Terry the Cairn Terrier. Toto was referred to as a "he" in the MGM classic film, but Toto was really played by a "she" named Terry. Terry's trainer Carl Spitz earned a salary of $125.00 per week for appearing in the film. 

Harry Potter star Fang is a large boarhound and one of Hagrid's beloved pets. Fang drools a lot and enjoys licking Harry, Ron and Hermione. Fang is actually played by a series of four different Neopolitan Mastiffs, really big plain black dogs. 

So, you see, I could be famous one day. Or just famous for making someone a really great and loyal pet. 

Oreo: Status Symbol or Forever Friend?

What are you looking for? Have you really stopped to think about that? Are you looking for a status symbol or a companion? Most of us plain dogs may not be "designer" dogs, but we have a lot more to offer.

So think about it. Do you want a dog that just looks good walking next to you down the street? Or do you want a dog that you FEEL good walking next to down the street.

I know dogs like me, plain dogs, aren't the most glamorous dogs on the market. But we have a lot to offer.

So please consider ... what are you looking for? With me I can guarantee you'd find a forever friend. 

World Rabies Day

World Rabies Day is celebrated today, Monday, September 28. Founded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Alliance for Rabies Control, a UK charity, World Rabies Day aims to increase awareness about rabies prevention and control.

Speaking with a veterinarian about keeping your pets current with vaccination not only helps to make sure they are free from rabies, but also reduces the risk of exposure for all family members.

Plain Brown Dog recommends these safety tips.

• Vaccinate your pets
  
• Do not feed or handle wild animals including feral cats
  
• Do not feed or touch stray animals
  
• Avoid all sick or strange-acting animals
  
• Cover your garbage cans
  
• Do not leave your pet’s food outside where it can attract wild animals

For more information on World Rabies Day.

Oreo: Special Offer

Have you been thinking of adopting a forever friend? Well now is the time because during the month of October, Halifax Humane Society is taking $20 off the cost of adoption of shelter dogs like me. That means I can be your forever friend for only $50 - now that's a bargain!

Here's what you get for your special rate of $50:

• A smiling face to greet you every time you come home
  
• A fitness companion - I love to walk or run
  
• A dining companion - you never have to eat alone again
  
• A foot warmer - nothing better on those soon to come cold winter nights than a friend like me curled up at your feet
  
• Entertainment - I'm a lot of fun. I'll keep you smiling and laughing all day long. 
  
• A loyal friend who listens to your every word
  
• A keeper of secrets, I'll never tell
  

Come visit me and my friends at the Halifax Humane Society during Adopt a Shelter Dog month. You'll be happy you did.