On Saturday, January 26 from 6 to 10 PM, Sarge's Karaoke Night will be held at The Gem Bar, downstairs at Boojum Brewing Tap Room located at 50 N. Main Street in Waynesville, NC. Funds raised will go to Sarge’s “WuzBug Fund for Special Needs," which allows Sarge’s Animal Rescue to help animals with injuries, disorders, and diseases who require medical treatment outside of the routine.

Enjoy food, karaoke, and fun at this amazing local brewery!

Sorry but no dogs or children will be able to attend this event.

Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door. Tickets can also be ordered by phone at 828-246-9050 or purchased in person at the Adoption Center, 256 Industrial Park Drive in Waynesville, during regular office hours, 12 Noon to 5 PM, Tuesday-Friday, 10 AM to 3 PM on Saturday.

On Saturday, February 2, Cisco Pilates will hold a "Pilates with Puppies" class from 4 to 5 PM at the Asheville Humane Society Adoption & Education Center, 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville (off Brevard and Pond Roads near the WNC Farmers Market).

Pilates with Puppies will be a basic Pilates class, with puppies provided by Asheville Humane Society. Please bring your own yoga or Pilates mat and a small towel. Please do not bring your own puppy! The cost is $15, which is a donation to Asheville Humane Society on behalf of Buncombe County animals.

Pre-registration is required and these classes are very popular. Early registration is suggested as space is limited and this event is expected to sell out! Visit https://www.ciscopilates.com/pricing/ to sign up. Questions? Email alexis@ciscopilates.com

Image: Cisco Pilates

Hiking Hounds is one of the most popular Asheville Humane Society volunteer activities. Each month, volunteers take shelter dogs on hikes as part of the enrichment programming. You'll spend a few hours in Bent Creek hiking the trails with dogs who will love you for it.

The next hike with the Hiking Hounds group is Sunday, January 20. Start time is 10 AM for repeat hikers and 9:30 AM for new hikers. Hikers generally return to the shelter at 16 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville around 11:30 AM to 12 PM. Note: New and repeat hikers alike are required to sign up in advance. If you'd like to sign up for this hike, email ahshikinghounds@outlook.com.

Hikers are signed up on a "first come-first served basis" and you must have a confirmed reservation to attend a hike. And please make sure you can actually make the hike; if we have late cancellations, a dog gets left behind without a hike.

For more information visit the Hiking Hounds Facebook page.

Guest Post by Jennifer Scott

Winter is a magical time, but it can produce quite a few potential dangers for our dogs. From exposure to the cold to toxic chocolate treats, there is much to be vigilant against. Here are five tips to keep your pooch safe during the winter months.

1. Warning Signs

 Even in winter, your dog needs to be taken outside. One way to protect them is by being attentive to any physical and behavioral warning signs. Are they shivering or showing that they’re upset by barking or whimpering? Behaviors like these could be interpreted differently during the warmer months, but they can be indicators of distress in winter. Check their ears to see if they are cold, and watch out for lethargy. Your dog may just be discouraged by the cold, but reduced energy could suggest more serious issues. This is a time to be observant, as your dog will let you know if they are in trouble.

2. Paws

The cold takes a toll on our dog's paws. There are hazards concealed by snow, and ice can form between their toes, especially when nails are long. While you could avoid snowy areas, even sidewalks and roads have their own dangers due to increased chemical use. Salt and other deicers are toxic to dogs, and your neighbors may be unaware of that. Take precautions after each outing by wiping your pup's paws with warm water to remove salt and ice buildup. Your best option may be to buy booties, as they are comfortable and can keep them safe from harm and dry skin. This alone can keep their winter fun and free of ill-health.

3. Accessories

Even when they grow a heavier coat for winter, dogs can still feel the cold. This can make heading out onerous for them, yet they need to remain active for their own well-being. You can help keep your canines stay warm in dropping temperatures by adding a sweater to their natural buffer. What materials you choose will depend on the size of your pet and the thickness of their fur. Dog clothing can also be modified to deal with darker days. Your walks may happen in poor visibility, so consider attachable safety lights and high-visibility gear to give you peace of mind.

4. Hazards

Winter is a festive time, but cold weather foods can be harmful to dogs. Many wintery foods contain chocolate, but these treats can cause severe toxic reactions when ingested by our canines. Rich “people foods” can also cause problems, so avoid indulging your furry friends, as their health is more important than allowing occasional tableside begging. Especially dangerous in the garage is antifreeze which can poison pooches. Dogs are curious, but it's essential that you stop them from investigating anything that could be dangerous.

5. Keep Dogs Indoors

Bring your pooch inside during cold weather. Outdoor kennels are not safe places in winter, so don't rely on them. Your pooch may already have a special place to sleep when indoors. If not, choose an area for their bed away from cold flooring, like hardwood or tile, or anywhere that is drafty. Ideally, it should be well-heated, but you can supplement this with a hot water bottle or electric bed. However, take care that they do not become overheated, as this could cause restlessness. Aside from walks, keep your dog's outings to a minimum. That includes washing them indoors. It may sound messy, but a wet coat can be a recipe for hypothermia.

Our dogs deserve nothing but safety. Plan out how you can protect your canine from outdoor hazards and cooler temperatures, and be aware of physical warning signs. Winter should be a time to frolic, so make this season a happy one for your pooch.

Jennifer Scott has experienced anxiety and depression since she was a teenager. She shares stories about the ups and downs of her anxiety and depression at http://spiritfinder.org/

Image courtesy of Pexels

Here is an annual checklist for your dog's health from PetPlace.com that should be helpful in planning for the entire year.

Dog Owner’s Annual Health Checklist

• Annual Physical — Just like you, your dog should have an annual health exam where your veterinarian will check your dog from nose to tail. This is good preventative healthcare and it’s the best way to catch any problems early on. Be sure to discuss any concerns you may have with your veterinarian.
• Vaccinations — Vaccines help to protect your dog from a variety of diseases, so it’s important to make sure that all your dog’s vaccinations are up to date. The core vaccines that are recommended for all dogs include rabies, distemper, canine adenovirus-2 and canine parvovirus-2. Your dog may also need noncore vaccines if he is at high risk for a certain disease. Your veterinarian will determine what vaccines are right for your dog.
  
  
• Heartworm — If a dog has heartworm disease, his heart and pulmonary vessels are infected with parasites called heartworms. All dogs should be tested annually for heartworm infection. This can help to identify the condition and treat it early.
  
  
• Intestinal Parasite Control — Using a year-round heartworm preventative/intestinal parasite combination product reduces your pet’s risk of parasites. If your dog is on a year-round preventative, have a fecal test performed once or twice a year. If your dog is not on a year-round preventative, have a fecal test performed 2 to 4 times per year.  You should also treat for fleas and ticks.
  
  
• Dental Care — Don’t forget about your dog’s teeth. Good dental care is important for your dog, just as it is for you. Regular dental cleanings can help to prevent tooth loss and gum disease in dogs.

Be sure to visit PetPlace.com for lots more helpful information.

Image: Maggie Smith, Freedigitalphotos.net