Save-A-Stray sweepstakes to help in this cold season

After all the shows and trials mentioned in last week's column for this busy weekend, there are none listed until after Christmas. They will be listed soon.

Sweepstakes tickets: Tickets are available for the 18th annual Save-A-Stray Sweepstakes, which benefits the Will County Humane Society's shelter, 24109 W. Seil Road, Shorewood. Funds are needed especially to cover the higher utility bills plus hardship cases that increase with the cold months. For tickets and more information about the shelter, call (815)741-0695. The sweepstakes drawing will be held Jan. 10.

Gazette photo contest: Photos for the annual AKC Gazette photo contest must be postmarked by Jan. 11, for the photographer to be considered. Only one photo, previously unpublished, in either black and white or color may be entered. The photo must be an unmatted 5 x 7 minimum and 8 x 10 maximum (no colored photo copies), however, high-resolution digital photos are acceptable. Tape the name, address and telephone number of the photographer, also include the breed of dog(s), to the back of the photo. The photographer is the one being considered, not the person who entered the photo if he/she is not the photographer. Send your entry to AKC Photo Contest, AKC Magazine Photo Contest, The American Kennel Club, 260 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016. Be sure to keep a copy of the entry.

Whippet standard: According to AKC, the revised standard for whippet was approved in October and will become effective Jan. 1. All particulars appear in the November 2007 issue of The Gazette.

Did you know?: If you are interested in providing a foster home for a Samoyed until a permanent home is found, you are not responsible for certain expenses. The organization NISA provides all approved veterinary needs, crate and bowls, special diet food and medication. Call Jean at (847) 398-5000 or send an e-mail addressed to McDudette@aol.com. For more information, write to NISA, P.O. 218, Arlington Heights, IL, 6006-0218.

Dog rescue organizations are also happy to accept donations of dog food, supplies and monetary donations to provide medications and inoculations or to help defray the cost of providing for the dogs awaiting permanent homes, if you are not interested in providing a foster home. One of these is the German Shepherd Rescue, Inc. Contact Marianne at www.gsdrescue1.org.

If you aren't looking to help a particular breed, check your directory.

Reserve your space: The 16th annual Chicagoland Family Pet Expo will be here before you know it. It will be March 14-16 at Arlington Park Racecourse. If you haven't reserved a space, don't wait. Contact Joyce at (630) 469-4611, ext. 203 or e-mail Joyce@TowerShow.com.