Don't 'treat' your dog to any chocolate this Halloween
With Halloween coming up, don't forget that tricks-or-treats are not for dogs. At least, not the candy, especially chocolates. Chocolate in any form can be poisonous to dogs. Also, keep them away from lit candles. They could cause severe fires plus cause serious burns.
If you dress your canine companion in a Halloween costume, be sure it isn't confining in any way to prevent a hazard, especially where vision and activity are concerned.
New classes: Leash and Collar Dog Training has a new puppy class starting at 6:30 p.m. and basic obedience at 7:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5 and a post-basic obedience class, which will include novice rally, at 8:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 12. AKC obedience competitors have advanced novice at 8:45 p.m. on Tuesday evenings. These walk-in classes are held at 238 Saunders Road, Riverwoods. Call, (847) 945-4544.
Greyhounds-Only reunion: Greyhounds-Only annual reunion will be held Sunday, Nov. 9, in Warren Field House at 6601 N. Western Ave. in Rogers Park. Hours are 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reservation is $8 for anyone over 15.
Those under 15 years of age and hounds are free. Activity will include games for you and your greyhound, bag raffles, live and silent auctions, picture taking, yummy food, vendors, doggy day care and more. An added feature will be a memorial silent auction in memory of canines (not restricted to Greyhounds) that have "crossed over the bridge." For information, goreunion@gmail.com
or RetiredMalMom@yahoo.com. Web site is greyhoundsonly.com.
Party of the Year: Strays Halfway House Party of the Year, the 17th annual dinner and silent auction, will be Sunday, Nov. 23, at Villa Olivia Country Club on Route 20 and Naperville Road, in Bartlett. Doors open at 5 p.m. and dinner is scheduled for 6 p.m. Tickets are $35. Although reservation deadline is not until Nov. 16, space is limited. Send your reservation list and check to Strays Halfway House, P.O. 68811, Schaumburg, IL 60168-0811. You can also visit the Web site store at strayshh.org. Include number attending plus any special dietary needs. No credit cards will be accepted at the event. Call (630) 351-3150 for more information.
Shows and trials: Chicago Bulldog Club will hold a Breed Specialty on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and 2, at Meyer's Kennel, 5300 Irene Road, in Belvidere. Included will be breed and puppy sweepstakes.
• Northern Illinois St. Bernard Club will also hold a Breed Specialty on Nov. 1 and 2. It will be at Forest City Dog Training Club's location at 6203 Material Ave., in Loves Park.
• Glenbard All-Breed Obedience Club will hold Obedience and Rally Trials on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and 2, at DuPage Fairgrounds, 2015 W. Manchester Rd., Wheaton.
Tracking and TDX: Car-Dun-Al Obedience Dog Training Club will hold Tracking Tests and Tracking Tests Excellent on Sunday, Nov. 2. They will be at Burnidge Forest Preserve and Paul Wolff Campgrounds on Big Timber and Coombs roads in Elgin. Tracking secretary is Penny Kurz of Schaumburg. Don't forget that these start before some of us have breakfast!
Agility: Windy City Agility Club will hold UKC Agility Trials on Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 1 and 2, at For Your Canines, 4233 United Pkwy., Schiller Park. For information, call Karen at (847) 699-0442.
Want a Speaker?: Rainbow Animal Assisted Therapy has a speakers' bureau with individuals available to present programs about the organization. You can even request that a registered therapy dog accompany the individual. Contact Susan at (847) 297-3942. Donations are appreciated.