Here’s a story that underlines the value of microchipping for pets. Willow, a calico cat from Colorado, disappeared five years ago and was presumed to have been lunch for the area coyotes. Somehow Willow made her way to Manhattan, was turned into a local shelter and scanned for a microchip. She will soon be reunited with her family.

Please have your pets microchipped even if you never plan to let them outside. Doors can be left open, leashes can break, etc. and if that happens, you’ll want to know that you’ve taken every precaution in an effort to enable them to find their way home. Be sure to keep your address and phone number current with the microchip company too.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/09/15/nyregion/willow-lost-cat-from-colorado-resurfaces-in-manhattan.html?_r=2

The Cornelius PARC Department and the North Mecklenburg Animal Hospital present the 11th Annual All American Dog Show to be held at Bailey Road Park in Cornelius, N.C. on Saturday, October 8.

Bring your furry friend and compete in fun categories or just go to watch. Industry vendors will be on-hand displaying products and services. Pre-event festivities begin at 5 p.m. and the dog show contest begins at 6 p.m.

Dog owners can pre-register online beginning Monday, August 29 or register at the event. Registration fees are $5 online and $8 the day of the event.

Additional information can be found at http://www.cornelius.org/parks/special-events/all-american-dog-show

Don’t forget that the 2nd Annual Currents Commodore Cover Dog Contest will kick off at 3:00 pm this Saturday, with on-site registration, vendor displays, entertainment, a silent auction and activities for the entire family. The event will take place at Historic Beaver Dam in Davidson, N.C. Read the full story

The campers have fledged, orphans are being released, and summer is winding down at Carolina Raptor Center. They are getting ready to trade orphan season for festival season, flight shows for owl prowls, and camp outings for field trips. Check out what CRC has to offer this August. Read the full story

Keep Kitty hydrated, the ASPCA says. (ASPCA photo)

With temperatures headed back into the mid- and high-90s again this week, it’s worth heeding a little advice about pets and heat. The ASPCA urges pet owners to keep an eye on their pets’ health when the mercury rises, and to know the warning signs of trouble.

“Even the healthiest pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke and sunburn if overexposed to the heat,” says Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, “and heat stroke can be fatal if not treated promptly.” Read the full story

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Chihuahua chases robbers from California shop.

This video comes to Youtube via the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, which is looking for two men who robbed an Altadena, Calif., smoke shop, on July 7. The noisy little fellow apparently stymied the armed thieves,  chasing them out and keeping them from getting as much cash as they might have, according to the Los Angeles Times.