Don't bring a dog to a gift exchange

If you plan to present a dog at a gift exchange, be it among family or friends, don't. Instead, wrap up an imitation, stuffed or whatever, to present and later, present the real one after all of the excitement. Hopefully, you are aware of the recipient's desire for a dog plus the chosen breed.

Goodies, music and information: Barrington Dog Bakery, 110 Barrington Commons Court, is the place to go between 1 and 3 p.m. Saturday. There will be goodies and guitar music while you learn about adopting homeless dogs.

Agility trials: At McCook Athletic and Exposition Center, 4750 Vernon Ave., there will be Illiana Collie Fanciers Agility Trials on Dec. 29 and 30. At the same site on Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, there will be Great Lakes Belgian Tervuren Club's Agility Trials.

New classes: The German Shepherd Dog Training Club of Chicago has a new all-breed canine Good Citizenship and Puppy program starting Jan. 4 and Rally program starting Jan. 11. These are held in the clubhouse, 4925 County Farm Road, Hanover Park.

The puppy program is for puppies under 6 months. The rally course is limited to 10 participants that have basic obedience skills. For information or to register, call Arlene at (630) 852-6129 or e-mail lucinc@comcast.net.

Correction clinic: Rand Park Dog Training Club's next Correction Clinic will be Jan. 5 at For Your Canine, 4233 United Pkwy., Schiller Park. Judging begins at 11:30 a.m. and no walk-ins after 1 p.m.. Pre-entry fee is $7 plus $6 for second entry of the same dog. Gate entry is $8 and $7. Send pre-entries to Jean Eremo, 2511 N. 79th Ave., Elmwood Park, IL 60707. For information, call Jean (708)453-5128.

Not time restricted: Donations to your favorite shelters don't have to be restricted only to holiday time. Every day is a holiday when they are blessed with donations of dollars, food, toys and, of course, adoptions. They are always welcome.

Warning: Keep a check on the tree's electrical cords, especially if your dog is a chewer.