Click the picture on the right to see the remaining 15 dogs - of 162 originals - still homeless after the raid on the Humane Sanctuary in Kinsman on Feb. 12.

To bring that number down to zip, the Canfield Boarding Kennel will hold an open house from noon to 3 p.m. both Saturday, May 1, and Sunday, May 2.

All are spayed or neutered and up to date on their shots.

Canfield Boarding Kennel is located at 525 W. Main St. (Rt. 224) in Canfield. For more information call Randy at 330-550-9170 or Chris at 330-647-2973.

The Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County, which seized 203 total animals from the Kinsman property, can be found at AnimalWelfareOhio.com.

"The following day, Amy from PAWS and Kris and Deb from Marilyn's Voice came in and offered their help - and were they a BIG help, and so was Marilyn," said Barbara Busko, the president of the AWLTC. "Subsequently Shana and Tisha from For the Love of Pits, came in and began the process of evaluating, taking photos and took dogs into their rescue and found other rescues to help.

"Through the collective efforts of so many people, including you, that we were able to accomplish so much."

For more pictures of the remaining dogs and accurate, update-to-date information on the group's dynamic efforts, visit and say you Like the AWL Facebook page.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Great news! Starting Friday we can all buy stamps at the post office that will help buy food for shelter pets!

That said, here are a few pets in dire need of homes currently fostered by gracious volunteers at the South Euclid Humane Society.

"I'm hoping these dogs can be posted ASAP," Laura Bruck said. "We literally have no foster homes left (one of these dogs is temporarily at Euclid shelter) and I'm worried about what will happen if another dog comes in!"

Wendall, 2-year-old Shepherd mix
When rescued, this sweet boy was worried only about protecting his companion, a little female named Fern, also rescued by South Euclid. Now that his buddy is safe, Wendall sits waiting and watching hopefully as people pass by car or on foot and wondering if the family he loves is coming to take him home.
• 60 pounds, scheduled for neutering, house trained, vaccinated
• Well mannered, snuggly, playful and loves other dogs
• Extraordinarily beautiful (his photo doesn’t do justice to his plush silky coat and beautiful floppy ears)
• URGENT! With no foster homes available, lonely Wendall is sitting in a cage at a local shelter. South Euclid Humane Society has one week to find him a foster home.

Arlo, 2-year-old hound mix (with maybe some pit or boxer)
Found wandering the streets, this sweet boy literally greeted the animal warden with a hug! Then, at the vet, Arlo saw a woman whose dog had just died crying and ever so gently jumped up, put his paws around her, and lay his head on her chest.
• 55 pounds, neutered, house trained, vaccinated
• Sweet, gentle, super-affectionate, snuggler
• Loves other dogs (can't tell yet about cats), would love to snuggle with kids
• Extraordinarily calm but also very playful - the perfect doggie combo!

Gomer, 1-to-2-year-old mini boxer (or mix)
So sweet, silly and playful, Gomer snuggles happily with his foster dad and romps with his five foster dog brothers and sisters. In fact, he needed no introductions - simply walked in, said a cordial hello to all five, chose his favorite (Milly, another boxer, of course) and began to play!
• About 37 pounds, neutered, cropped tail and floppy ears, vaccinated
• Perfect with other dogs, and won't bother those who don't want to play
• Working on house training (and learning quickly)
• Leaps into the air with glee - would be the perfect agility dog!
• Extraordinarily calm but also very playful - the perfect doggie combo!

Wilson, 6-year-old mix (mostly retriever, a little rotti?)
Wilson was terrified when he was found whimpering at a busy intersection. We were sure he had just gotten lost. After all, this sweet, well-mannered (and well-fed) guy was definitely someone’s indoor companion. But Wilson has a mass on his hind quarters that requires surgery. It’s likely that he’ll be just fine, but it now also seems likely that his "family" simply dumped him when they learned he needed surgery - which we are now making preparations to provide.
• 70 pounds, neutered, vaccinated
• Perfectly trained, easy-going, 100 percent gentle and affectionate, playful
• Loves everyone - a great dog for families with other dogs, cats or kids!

Fern, 1-year-old pit mix
Once given a death sentence at another shelter for being part pit, Fern now has a new lease on life. Still timid and uncertain, her tail (once plastered under her tummy) now has a reason to wag as she starts to feel safe in the loving arms of her foster mom.
• 37 pounds, vaccinated, scheduled for spaying
• Working on house training (and learning quickly)
• Sweet and gentle, well mannered, quickly warms up to people and loves to snuggle
• Enjoys playing with other dogs - good with cats, too!

A fee and home visit is required for adoption. For more on any of these dogs, contact Laura Bruck at 216-297-0360 or lbruck@en.com.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

The cat shelter area of the Mentor-headquartered Abandoned Animal Welfare rescue organization is filled to capacity.

The organization hopes to find good homes for some of its many cats by participating in this weekend’s adopt-a-thon at the PetSmart store in Willoughby, 36395 Euclid Ave.

Adoptable cats from Abandoned Animal Welfare will be on display at the store from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday (May 1-2).

-- Robin Palmer

If you're rotating the radio dial Friday or Saturday, expect to hear at least a segment of the 5th Annual Pledge for Pets Radiothon on Q104.

Hosts will broadcast live from the Cleveland Animal Protective League from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The radiothon will also stream live and via webcam at Q104.com.

To get the inside scoop, befriend the effort on Facebook.

"During the 18-hour event, listeners will be treated to heartwarming stories of survival along with many happy endings with the hope that they will be inspired to call-in and make a gift that will change the life of a homeless animal, or come down to meet (Q104's Rebecca Wilde and Allan Fee) and adopt their new best friend," according to a news release.

Q104's radiothon has raised more than $500,000 in the past four years for the programs and services of the Cleveland APL.

Kicking things off Wednesday, groups of Q Cash Captains, Q Cash Kids and Q Cash Schools will turn over the funds they've collected since March at the Doggy Dollars/Kitty Kash Bash, held from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Rainforest at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Last year's $51,000 will be tough to beat, but it may be beatable.

The "Q Cash Kids" program is sponsored by Cleveland Indians DH Travis Hafner and his wife, Amy. Additionally the school that wins the new Q Cash Schools portion will receive a visit from Wilde & Fee as well as APL supporters Annie and Joe Thomas, offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns.

Good luck, Q104 and kids, on this ever-powerful and important endeavor!

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

The Abandoned Animal Welfare shelter plans to participate in the adopt-a-thon from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, May 1 and 2.

The event will be held at Petsmart, 36395 Euclid Ave. in Willoughby.

Based in Mentor, the organization has a cat shelter area filled to capacity. Consider coming out if you can help make room.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

The goal of ASPCA's $100K Challenge is to save at least 300 more animals in August, September and October than the same three-month period last year.

Two prizes - $100,000 for the shelter that achieves the greatest increase in saved lives, and $25,000 for the shelter that engages the largest number of community members in saving more lives - hang in the balance.

As one of the just 50 teams who made it into the contest, Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village and Lake Humane Society are sending their message loud and clear.

"We are out to win this challenge!" Rescue Village Executive Director Hope Brustein wrote in a news release. "It takes a village to run a shelter. It takes a regional community to win this wonderful 100K Challenge."

Theirs is Northeast Ohio's ONLY team, the release added.

Ways to help include volunteering, fostering animals getting ready for adoption, making a donation and enlisting friends, family, neighbors and co-workers.

Visit GeaugaHumane.org, find Rescue Village on Facebook or visit the shelter to find your new best friend and take part in special adoption events for the cause.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Click here for a strong article by reporter Tracey Read on local reactions to a recent Supreme Court decision against a federal law banning depictions of animal cruelty.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

PAWS 4 a Cause Adopt-a-Thon and Family Fun Day event will be 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. May 15 at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills.

The event includes a dog walk, adopt-a-thon, merchandise vendors and demonstrations, dog contests and more. The host will be meteorologist Dick Goddard.

Admission and parking is free. There are options of 1- and 2-mile dog walks.

Pre-registration is $25; $30 the day of the walk. Registration includes a doggie bag and T-shirt (T-shirt guaranteed for pre-registrants; for those who register that day they are subject to availability).

For details, visit www.pawsohio.org/paws4acause.

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

In honor of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, I'm going to take a risk and post a link to an elephant giving birth.

If you don't like bloody liquid, this might not be the video for you. That's the risk I take, I guess - of alienating the squeamish.

But if you're looking for a reminder today of how breathtakingly beautiful nature can truly be, well, I don't think it gets any better than this, folks.

Happy Earth Day to everyone who lives on this crazy spinning globe I call home.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-herald.com

A grieving family is now looking for its grieving dog.

Jennifer Sensibello of Chardon wrote us asking for our help, saying that her mother died April 9 of cancer with her faithful companion, a German Shepherd named Viess, at her side.

"This dog meant everything to my mom," she said. "Sadly the next day Viess was so upset my nephew went to put her in the car to take her to my mom's house to comfort her and she ran away through downtown Willoughby."

The dog and her late owner lived in North Willoughby before they moved in with Jennifer about six weeks ago. "I am sure she is searching for my mother but may be confused which house to go to."

Viess is a 9-year-old female, about 72 pounds, and has her current Lake County license and rabies tags. She is shy and timid with strangers, so she may be hiding in the woods, Jennifer added. "The one thing that will tell you if this is Viess is her right ear - it is crooked and deformed due to an ear infection that she had when she was a puppy."

The family is offering a reward for her return. With information about Viess' whereabouts please contact Jennifer at 440-796-2523 or jennifer711@roadrunner.com or her sister Cathy at 440-384-0062.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Animal Rescue Center, 36370 Vine Street, Eastlake, will host a rummage sale from 9 a,m. to 5 p.m. April 24.

It will be held rain or shine.

Household items, toys, furniture, pet items and much more will be included.

There also will be pets available for adoption, and vendors and food.

-- Robin Palmer

Click here for a story about our area's first Camp Bow Wow franchise location, courtesy of reporter Brandon C. Baker.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Greyhound Adoption of Ohio will host an open house from noon to 4 p.m. April 25 at GAO kennel, 7122 Country Lane in Chagrin Falls.

The public is invited to visit and play with the greyhounds awaiting adoption.

Refreshments will be served.

The kennel is located 1 mile from downtown Chagrin Falls.

For more information, call 440-543-6256, e-mail RJRJLP@AOL.com or visit the group's Web site at www.GreyhoundAdoptionofOH.org.

-- Robin Palmer

Click here to read or sign a petition against a three-cat restriction in Garfield Heights.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Click here for information, effective April 13, on a recall of certain bottles of Cetyl M Joint Action Formula tablets for dogs.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Endangered Species Chocolate organic product line has recently become the first line of chocolate bars to obtain "Non-GMO Project Verified" status, to be advertised on its laters later this year.

The verification means that ESC's products contain no genetically modified organisms.

To reach Non-GMO Project compliance the ESC quality department went through a rigorous one-year process, which included a review of all the ingredients in their organic products to verify that they were in compliance with the best practices for GMO avoidance, including testing of GMO risk ingredients.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Make a difference this Earth Day...by eating dinner at Chester's Legacy Tavern at 11 Chester Street in Painesville!

Join the Envirothon between 6 and 9 p.m. Thursday, April 22, and 10 percent of your bill (excluding alcohol) will go to the 2010 State Envirothon competition June 14 and 15 at Lake Erie College.

To participate, print a flyer from the Geauga or Lake Soil and Water Conservation District Web sites, make reservations by calling 440-354-5000, and give the flyer to your server when you get to the restaurant.

The Envirothon is an outdoor, academic, natural resources competition, as well as an exciting, effective tool for incorporating environmental education into high school classrooms.

Schools participate in teams, each consisting of 5 dedicated students, and are tested in five areas: aquatic ecology, forestry, wildlife, soils, and a current environmental issue. Working together, the students gain team building skills, knowledge of science and appreciation for local natural resources.

Students from Perry High, Riverside High, Chardon High, Hawken School, Ledgemoent High, Kenston High and West Geauga High will compete in this year's area Envirothon, held April 28 at Camp Wise in Burton.

About 400 Ohio teams compete each year, but only the top 20 teams ultimately compete for the state title and a chance to attend the Canon Envirothon, hosted by a different state or Canadian province each year.

For more information contact Gail Doyle at 440-834-1122 or gdoyle@geaugaswcd.com or Beth Landers at 440-350-2730 or blanders@lakecountyohio.gov.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Caroline’s Kids Pet Rescue is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a special fundraiser — 3-T: Terrific Ten-For-Ten campaign to raise $10,000 by July 1.

According to group founder Judie Brown, “the goal is to get 1,000 Terrific supporters to donate $10 each to help reach the goal.”

All donations go to support the free-roam, no-kill sanctuary for life for felines, especially older cats and those with special needs.

The sanctuary, located on Morely Road in Concord Township, also has many younger cats available for adoption.

Volunteers are also needed to help maintain the sanctuary and its grounds.

To make a donation to Terrific Ten-For-Ten, send a check noting the donation is Ten-For-Ten, to Caroline’s Kids Pet Rescue, P.O. Box 24068 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124.

To inquire about volunteering or adopting, call 440-449-3496.

-- Robin Palmer

This weekend I stumbled upon a site called ARKive, a multimedia guide to the world's endangered species. These animals probably won't be in your house or backyard, but that doesn't make them any less interesting.

From the site:

"By revealing what these species look like, how they behave and what makes them special, we are aiming to shine the spotlight on the many thousands of endangered species, thereby raising their public profile and, ultimately, helping to ensure their conservation."

And boy does their spotlight show some pretty cool stuff!

The photography on the site is amazing. The animals look like they were plucked from a Dr Seuss book and brought to life.

By clicking on the "Explore" drop down menu at the top of the page, you can select a type of animal, plant or fungi to browse. That will take you to an alphabetical list of the animals/plants/fungi in their database. Each species' page is an encyclopedic entry detailing biological information, and may include professionally taken photos and videos.

The Afghan tortoise's page, for example, lists facts, status, description, range, habitat, biology, threats, conservation and further resources to consult, as well as six photos and one video. The species' pages also include glossaries when terms that may be unfamiliar to the site's visitors.

ARKive is also searching for the "most wanted" endangered species -- those that are the most endangered. Photographs of these species do not exist, and if they aren't taken soon, we will never know what they look like. They're looking for your help in locating these species, taking photos and just learning about them. You can even send e-cards of the "most wanted" to your friends and family.

Think you'll be photographing an endangered species? Have a kid who's doing a report for school? Just like to look at photos of interesting animals? This site is educational, interesting and neat -- time well spent on the Internet.

--Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Just in time for flea and tick season, this story in today's News-Herald outlines some of the precautions we can all take against counterfeit pet pesticides.

Worth a read, if I do say so myself.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Is kitty feeling a little stressed these days?

How about a little Reiki session to relax your feline.

Caroline's Kids Cat Sanctuary in Concord Township offers its next Reiki session for cats from 2 to 4 p.m. April 18 at the sanctuary's Healing Cove, 7394 Morley Road.

Sessions are for cats only and last about 20 minutes.

A $20 donation to Caroline's Kids is required.

Denise Hading, a Reiki practitioner for the sanctuary, offers the sessions.

Reiki does not take the place of traditional medicine, but can help in conjunction with veterinary care.

Sessions are held each month.

For more information, call 440-449-3496.

-- Robin Palmer

In the past three years, Marilyn's Voice has rescued and found loving homes for more than 350 dogs - and educated thousands about Ohio's puppy mill epidemic.

Celebrating that success will be part of the festivities at an upcoming spaghetti dinner fundraiser, where all proceeds will benefiting the group.

The event will last from 4 to 10 p.m. Saturday, May 8, at Country Lakes Family Campground, 17147 Gar Highway in Montville.

Dinner, served at 5 p.m., will include spaghetti and meatballs (vegetarian sauce available), salad, bread and soft drinks. Bring your own liquor or beer.

There'll also be a Chinese auction, 50/50 raffle, DJ Billie Blue from 96.5 KISS FM and more.

If purchased by May 1, tickets cost $10 for adults and $5 for kids 10 and under. Admission will cost $12 for adults and $7 for kids at the door.

For more information, or to buy presale tickets, call 440-255-1450 or e-mail contact@marilynsvoice.org.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

With Earth Day just around the corner, the Earth Day Coalition hopes you'll join them for their 21st annual EarthFest celebration and Walk or Bike for the Earth.

The event - from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, April 18, at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo - has been confirmed as the longest running Earth Day festival in the nation and Ohio's largest environmental education event, according to a news release.

Though Earth Day is officially Thursday, April 22, EarthFest 2010 coincides with the 40th anniversary of the very first Earth Day in 1970.

Highlights:

• Unveiling of the new, permanent Rain Garden Exhibit in partnership between Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, North East Ohio Regional Sewer District and Earth Day Coalition.
• Grab a free, reusable Walmart shopping bag.
• Family Fun Area with dozens of hands-on, eco-friendly arts, crafts, and activities for the whole family, including afternoon performances by Radio Disney.
• More than 175 exhibitors featuring environmental solutions and non-profit innovations.
• A dozen alternative fuel vehicles and clean transportation technologies.
• Participate in the Eco Safari.
• Join Earth Day Coalition and enter to win a Hybrid Aluminum Mountain Bike.
• Zoo will be effectively wind-powered for EarthFest 2010.
• Top local bands on stage all afternoon, roaming musicians, drum circles, tumblers, and much more.

Admission is the same as zoo admission: $10 for adults, $7 for kids, and free for children under 2. But there many ways to save, including free admission for those who choose to ride the free-fare, RTA Clean-Air bus between Public Square and the zoo, or those who wish to take part in the educational fundraiser Walk or Bike for the Earth.

Registration and sign-in for Walk or Bike for the Earth begins at 7 a.m. at the zoo entrance. From there participants will embark on a five-mile nature hike through the Brookside Reservation that will loop back to the zoo, all the while learning about the zoo’s composting and recycling projects, nature preservation, water testing and more.

Registered participants receive free admission to EarthFest 2010 as well as refreshments and light food.

Registration and launching points for the Bike for the Earth are:

• Shaker Square - 13201 Shaker Square at Dewey's Coffee Cafe
• Lakewood - 15108 Detroit Avenue at The Root Café
• Downtown - 1300 West 9th Street at Phoenix Coffee
• Canal Visitor Center, 7104 Canal Road at the intersection of Canal and Hillside Roads, in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

The emphasis for this year’s Bike for the Earth will be on using bicycles as a commuter option, and bike leaders will provide free safety checks and lessons on commuting via bicycle.

For more information, or to sponsor, exhibit or volunteer at EarthFest 2010, visit EarthDayCoalition.org or call 216-281-6468.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village is seeking Snuggle Safes, toys for kittens, KMR (kitten milk replacer), Kitten Chow and adult Cat Chow and other items.

For a complete listing visit GeaugaHumane.org.

During April the shelter will have a playpen in the lobby to receive needed items.

Rescue Village is at 15463 Chillicothe Road, Russell Township. Hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday and Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

-- Robin Palmer

Sometimes I wonder what might happen to my pets in case of emergency.

And just in time for tornado season, Petland of Mentor reminds me that these concerns are valid.

Should natural disaster, fire or other emergency strike, the American Red Cross recommends people assemble a kit with at least three days of supplies in an easy-to-carry container.

Petland of Mentor Operator Bob Ripley also recommends a kit of the following pet supplies:

• Food and water
• Collar and leash
• Carrying case for easy travel
• Small litter box or plastic bag
• Medications
• Proof of current vaccination
• Recent photo of your pet (to eliminate confusion if your pet gets lost)
• Information on feeding schedules, medical conditions, behavior problems and your veterinarian's contact information (in case you have to board your pets or ask someone else to care for them)
• List of nearby hotels that accept pets

Also...

Make sure your pet wears identification, either a tag or microchip.

Keep your pet vaccinated. Many shelters required proof that your pet is up to date on its shots.

Post a sign in a visible place at your house so rescue officials know there's a pet inside that may need a helping hand, too.

Include pets in your drills to get them used to entering and traveling in their carriers easily.

Be aware that your pet's behavior may change. Keep a close eye on your pet to protect him/her and others from hazards and stress-related events.

Ohio's peak tornado season runs April through July, with most such storms occurring between 2 and 10 p.m. Hopefully your kit will never be needed, but it seems one can't be too cautious when it comes to keeping loved ones from harm.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Chagrin Falls' Junior Girl Scout Troop #1923 is throwing a roller skating fundraiser Sunday, April 25, to benefit the Public Animal Welfare Society of Ohio.

From 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., come on out to the Chagrin Valley Roller Rink, 7151 Chagrin Road, right where South Main Street becomes Chagrin Road, and join in on the fun.

It'll be a night of skating, homemade baked goods, handmade (by the Girl Scouts) dog and cat headbands, a raffle and much more. A few adoptable animals will also show up to say hi.

Admission is $10. That's $3 for the skate rental, which will go to the rink, and $7 for entry, which will go directly to PAWS. Skaters are also welcome to bring their own skates and just pay the $7.

Visit PAWSOhio.com for more on the event or CVRR.com for more on the rink.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Puppies Behind Bars has placed 23 dogs with veterans who have post-traumatic stress disorder in the past two years, according to The New York Times.

The dogs are also extremely therapeutic for the inmates who train them.

Today the Times published a strong and compelling photo and audio slideshow about the effort - which is, in fact, not so different from certain efforts in our area.

Click here for this highly recommended four minutes.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Click here for a USA Today blurb on dog growls.

According to the journal Animal Behavior, neither the human ear nor computer analysis can tell the difference between food-related and play-related growling - but dogs can.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

If you're wondering about the latest numbers on the ballot initiative to ban dog auctions in Ohio, look no farther:

• 120,700 signatures from registered Ohio voters are needed to get the legislature to consider the proposed law in Dec. 1, '10.

• These signatures must be collected in certain amounts from 44 of Ohio's 88 counties.

• 10,297 signatures were collected between Nov. '09 and April 1, '10 - thanks to 259 volunteer petition circulators in 65 counties.

• At least 110,403 more signatures are needed.

Locally by county, Cuyahoga has reached 23.59 percent of its goal but still needs at least 10,409 more signatures, Geauga has reached 25.89 percent of its goal but still needs at least 870 more signatures, and Lake has reached 13.11 percent of its goal but still needs at least 2,294 more signatures, according to the campaign led by Mary O'Connor-Shaver of Columbus Top Dogs.

The next Ohio Dog Auction is scheduled to take place on May 22, and over 300 dogs are expected to be on the block. "We received some disturbing reports from the March 27 Ohio Dog Auction which included dogs purchased by a rescue that had high fevers, infected gums, inflamed hips and broken legs," O'Connor-Shaver added. "The veterinarian's report has been requested from the rescue, and we will provide you additional details on that case as they are received by the Coalition."

To download a campaign kit, complete with a dog auction Q&A, an informational sheet on strategies to raise awareness and gather signatures from registered voters, and the petition itself, click here.

Click here to visit the campaign's Facebook page.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Mentor will soon be home to one of the only dog training facilities in Lake County.

During Thursday night's meeting, Mentor Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the conditional use permit for the Lake County Dog Training Club.

Click here for the full story and video by staff writer Jacob Lammers.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Just got word of a happy ending from the tragic Kinsman animal rescue and resulting sticky situation in Trumbull County.

I'm told rescued "Pit bull #100," now known as Buckeye, boarded a plane last Friday at Cleveland International Airport for Oakland, California.

Arranged through the nationally known Bad Rap Pit Bull Rescue, he now has a home with Jamie Allen, humane educator with the Silicon Valley Humane Society.

"Jamie has been looking for a confident dog with lots of personality to replace her teaching dog, Buzz," said Barbara Busko, executive director of the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County.

Congratulations, Buckeye - you've certainly earned it - and to Jamie, we hope he becomes your new best friend.

The remaining 17 dogs from the rescue, which can be seen on the AWL Facebook page, were recently moved to the Canfield boarding kennels until homes can be found.

Donations, adoptions, fosters and rescues can still be made at:

Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County
545 Brunsetter RD SW
Warren, Ohio 44481-9600
(330) 394-3512
awltco@neo.rr.com

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Cold Nose Companions is founded on the belief that positive methods yield positive results.

That's the mission statement of Carol Peter's new dog training business in Chardon.

Peter's doors opened March 22 to offer private, one-on-one in-home training sessions in Geauga, Lake and some surrounding counties.

The "Certified Professional Dog Trainer-Knowledge Assessed" said she discovered her passion as a more-than-eight-year shelter volunteer, when she saw countless dogs surrendered due to behavior issues that could have been addressed through proactive training and positive reinforcement techniques.

She went on to become a class instructor, private trainer and professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, with particular attention to continued education.

"I focus my training practice on resolving problem behaviors, such as aggression, separation anxiety, possessiveness and protectiveness, and disruptive or destructive behaviors," Peter said. "But I also offer training in general obedience – the sort that constitutes good household manners – for puppies and adult dogs. I call it 'Dog Training for Family Dogs.'"

Peter is also a group class instructor with Canine University in Bedford Heights.

Visit ColdNoseCompanions.com for more on her newest endeavor.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Talk about a lot of mouths to feed ... the Geauga County Dog Warden takes in 700-plus dogs each year.

The shelter, at 12513 Merritt Road, Claridon Township, is in dire need of canned and dry dog food.

If you can help, stop by with donations or call 440-286-8135.

-- Robin Palmer