The Mad Hatter and a Litter of Puppies were the leaders of the pack at Saturday’s suicide karaoke contest held downtown at Goodfellers. Amy Beichler, Executive Director of PAWS dressed as the Mad Hatter, kept spirits up as rumors of “Franken-storm,” the uninvited guest, were a topic of discussion. Executive Director of Geauga Humane Society Hope Bruenstein's costume spoke volumes- “Don’t Litter!” Fox8 News meteorologist Angelica Campos was also in attendance. People may have wanted to ask her about the upcoming weather, but her favorite topic was “Charlie, is the most beautiful puppy in the …

If your idea of poker and dogs is black-light posters of a cigar-chomping bull dog and his buddies playing cards, then it's time to think again. PAWS, an organization started in 1976 to help animals, is on its fifth annual motorcycle poker run. This "animal lovin'-poker playin'" event is for two- and four-footed bikers who want to raise money to benefit animals fostered through PAWS, while having some fun riding through scenic roads in the area. Several Hillcrest residents regularly participate in PAWS events, including more traditional adoption programs through PetSmart in Golden Gate and …

Summer is in the air: the flowers are blooming, cottonwood is piling up in snowy drifts and you can’t make it out of the house with out a tissue, and dose of allergy medicine. Even your pets make you itch.“I’m allergic to animals” seems to be an easy way out for people who don’t want to stay with you, or parents dodging a plea for a dog or cat. Yes, some people truly are sensitive, and the symptoms irritating.First of all allergies are tied to your overall system. For example if the cat you’ve had since fall is suddenly causing your eyes to water, take a look at what else is stressing you – …

Republican or Democrat, dog lover or cat – it does not matter.This Memorial Day take a moment to help four legged veterans overseas, now classified as equipment, to come home. Despite the odds, a bill was passed in the House to allow military personal, veterans and their families, to streamline the adoption of military dogs. This bill is now in the Senate and needs your signature. Let them know that these steady and loyal animals are wanted here back in the states. They have served well and have bonded to their handlers or groups- and their handlers to them. This is a national issue, one that…

Part 2 of a two-part series The annual PAWS-4-A-Cause adopt-a-thon set tails wagging and wiskers twitching. Take a look at the photos for adoptable pets, the people who make it all work, and fun things to do.

Part one of a two-part series The annual PAWS-4-A-Cause Adopt-a-thon filled the polo fields and made a difference in the lives of 47 dogs who found forever homes. There were activities for all breeds and types of dogs. Some "volunteered" for the biscuit tasting while others acted as spokes "people" against puppy mills. There were therapy dogs and K-9 units. People came to have fun with their pets or look for a chance to give a forever home to a luck dog or cat.  Channel 8's Dick Goddard emceed the costume contest while the pups cavorted in the green grass. Although dogs and cats made up the …

Over the years mothers could expect flowers and candy for Mother's Day, just as dads got ready to receive another tie for Father's Day. Times have changed and Mother's Day is a lot more creative. This year celebrate if you are the mother of a "fur-kid," the guardian/owner of a female pet, want to surprise your mother with pet friendly activities or just want a reason to do something special.1 Donate time or money to animal charities that work with abandoned/orphaned baby animals. Locally PAWS has not only helped find homes, they have held a TNR (trap-neuter-return) program in Slavic Village …

You've been watching a baby rabbit sitting all alone abandoned by its mother – you want to help, but don't know what to do. Maybe you've seen a scrawny bird who has fallen from its nest. The parents are circling but the little one can't fly. You remember that once you touch a bird it will be rejected, so you sit watching for cats and worrying. If this sounds like a familiar but dreaded springtime scenario there are things you can do. One of the most important steps you can take is to be informed before the event. Take a look at the information below, then print and keep pertinent information…

"If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all ..." is a  refrain stray animals know too well. Thanks to PAWS volunteers, these animals are wagging and purring to a different tune. The past is long behind them and these lucky dogs and cats are healthy, happy and looking for forever homes. Despite a temporary power outage in Golden Gate Plaza on Saturday afternoon there was lots of interest at PetSmart in adoptions and volunteering. It was also a chance for PAWS "alumni parents" to run into old friends and brag about how well their "fur-kids" are doing. For more information about any of …

It is no doubt that indoor cats lead safer and longer lives, but many feel the call of the wild and nibble on indoor plants. Holidays are particularly tempting; munching Easter lilies or poinsettias can send a feline into shock. There is an incredible easy way to help them satisfy their "green tooth." All it takes is a trip to the health food store to buy wheat berries (food grade wheat seeds), although oar or rye will also do the trick. You will also need potting soil and a container. In a pinch? Try the ready made planting-medium pots by Jiffy-7. These are the compressed peat buttons that …

Spring and its traditional activities are a high-risk period for animals. Poisonings are most common, although ingested objects are also dangerous.Crinkly leftover Easter grass is dangerous for both dogs and cats, since the threads can be tangled in the intestine. Empty plastic eggs still smell of sweets, and can spell death particularly for dogs who crunch them and swallow the sharp edges. Baskets can be adapted for a cat, but most dogs will chew them; again leading to sharp needle-like pieces.Springtime poisons can be deceiving because they hide in attractive or useful guises. There are …

Lots of people take their dogs for a walk in the Cleveland Metroparks North Chagrin Reservation; but once a month people and dogs get to socialize while enjoying nature. Jeff Riebe and his dog Kira lead a group through the paved and wooded trails. The pace is moderate and everyone can go at their own speed. You can stop and smell the flowers, sniff the bushes, plunge into the water or just run ahead. It is an enjoyable time if you are on four feet or two.  There will be another dog hike from 1-2:30 p.m. on April 1, following a different route. Call North Chagrin Reservation at 440-473-3370  …

From Mayfield Village to Highland Heights, and Gates Mills to Mayfield Heights the sounds of an early spring are hard to miss. Birds are calling to establish territories and woo their mates. This an exciting time for amateur and experienced bird watchers. The large grassy open fields in Hillcrest make way to sparsely and heavily wooded area. The Chagrin River, feeder streams and the many man-made ponds attract even a greater variety of water loving species. Take a moment and open your window, or take a walk in the North Chagrin Reservation – how many birds can you hear? How many can you …

With the Easter just around the corner it may be tempting to get a cute, fuzzy chick or bunny. Before you commit to an consider local ordinances. The Hillcrest Patch area is made up of several communities with their own codes. Highland Heights does not allow fowl except for several areas which have historically been farm land and still have very large lots. Be sure to call and check your exact location. Mayfield Heights allows residents up to two birds, while Mayfield Village does not allow any. Gates Mills, like Mayfield Heights, permits fowl, but does not place a specific limit on number. …

More than 8,500 people and 500 dogs turned out to support animal rescue efforts and cheer on the Lake Erie Monsters to another win at home. The fourth annual Paws and Pucks was held at Quicken Arena Sunday afternoon in support of the Cleveland APL and PAWS. Dog tickets were only $5 entitling the pup to an assigned seat. Although there was lots of action on the ice, the vendors and concession stands attracted the interest of many canines. Before game time Nea, a seven-month-old hound mix was adopted from the APL. PAWS brought "Jo," Josephine a sweet Shepard/hound mix and Mutt Hut brought an …

The Hillcrest area is full of green areas, parks, trees and urbanized wildlife. What makes this a great area for people also attracts animals. Mid-February is the time animals play "musical chairs" with their nests or dens. Many animals prefer to go back to or near the spot they used last year, but if that is unavailable, they frantically look for new area. Here are some tips to keep your home to yourself, and free of unwanted visitors. Keep in mind if you need to call an animal removal service they will trap the animals humanely, but must destroy the animals and can ot release them. • Roof: …

According to people, Hillcrest pets celebrate Valentine’s Day, but not as much as other occasions. A quick survey showed that only two out of 10 people do something special for their pet on Feb. 14. Birthdays are often celebrated either individually or tagged onto a person’s celebration. However nine out of 10 get something special for the winter holidays. If you are looking for a February pick-me-up for yourself as much as your pet. consider these five pet friendly tips. • If you like to go shopping, try taking your pup to PetSmart or Pet People. Leashed animals are always welcome. A quieter…

For several years the mantra has been to "think globally and act locally." For the animal-friendly resident of Hillcrest there are many local activities to engage an individual and their family and make a change for the positive. There are wild animal programs at the North Chagrin Reservation to foster home opportunities for needy dogs and cats. If you are already doing things for animals, or only wish you had more time, there is something else you can do. Online petitions allow you to participate locally and globally at anytime you find convenient. Typically you don't have to be of voting …

Death and taxes are inevitable, yet not a subject that people consider when adding a pet to their family. Most people assume their relatives will gladly adopt their furry, feathered or scaled animals, should their pet outlive them. Sadly this is not the case. Dogs and cats often live 15 years, cockatoos 65 years, and turtles 40 years in captivity.Housing restrictions, work schedules and the costs of taking care of an unexpected pet can also discourage relatives from hurrying to adopt. According to the ASPCA, a medium dog incurs costs of about $1,500 annually and a cat about $1,000. Keep these…

The snowy weather can cause you and your kids to turn into couch potatoes, while the animals outside are shivering with cold and feeling hungry. Here are two easy projects that will keep you occupied indoors, feed the birds outside, and give you something to watch that is not on the TV. There are two quick and easy ways to make a bird feeder, thechoice depends on your "slime-factor," that is whether you (or your kids) like toget gooey as you work. If the neatness wins out, then make a pop bottle feeder.  Take an empty pop bottle and drill a hole in the cap. Cut a piece of string and loop it …