Here are some upcoming, howling good, fun things to put on your calendar.

Saturday, September 15th, 2012, is the second annual Putt Putt Pub Crawl in Broad Ripple called Putt from the Ruff. Nine participating bars create their own putt putt holes - Broad Ripple Tavern, Wild Beaver Saloon, Landsharks, OPT's, Chumleys, Average Joe's, Flatwater, Canal Bistro, and Connor's Pub. It's a fun event and the proceeds go towards our canine friends.

Teams (will total 4 highest scores) make their way through the participating Broad Ripple bars while putt-putting at holes designed by each bar. Money raised benefits the National Canine Cancer Foundation, FIDO (Friends of Indianapolis Dogs Outside), and ARPO (Alliance for Responsible Pet Ownership). Registration starts at 10:30 AM. All team members need to report to the Broad Ripple Tavern no later than 11:30 AM. Waivers must be signed by all team members prior to start time. All team members must be 21 years of age. No food or alcohol is included in price. The event runs from noon to 6:00 PM. Email any questions to puttfromtheruff@yahoo.com. Registration information can be found at puttfromtheruff.eventbrite.com

They are asking for donations of leashes, Furminator dog brushes, easy walk harnesses and gentle leaders, 5 gallon buckets w/lids, dog food (dry or canned), puppy food (dry or canned), treats/chews, medium collars, toys.

Sunday, September 16th, 2012, Todd Oliver and Friends will be at the Murat Theatre at Old National Centre at 5:00 PM. Todd is a ventriloquist/comedian with three talking dogs; Lucy, Irving and Elvis (a Westie, Boston Terrier and Basset Hound). They have been seen on America's Got Talent, The Today Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno and The Late Show with David Letterman. Letterman proclaimed Todd Oliver as one of the top five ventriloquists in the world. Check them out on line to see their funny act on America's Got Talent.

On another note I know we had a lot of frightened pets when we had such a severe storm on a predawn Sunday a few weeks ago. We were right in the epicenter and had neighbors and customers with fallen trees on their roofs. It is so sad to see our beautiful old trees brought down. Next to us, the city came and finished the job on a Maple tree we have enjoyed for decades. It must have been over 100 years old. Chain saws could be heard for days in our community. 52nd and College became a four way stop for more than a day as power was being restored from the fallen trees which took down lines. More noise and scares are coming as pets brace for Labor Day fireworks. We have found that Thunder Shirts are a helpful solution to dog anxiety. They work by being tight and forming a swaddling effect. The manufacturer guarantees satisfaction. Another solution is calming chews made by Pet Naturals of Vermont. These are an herbal treat that really does calm a dog or cat. They are certified by the National Animal Supplement Council. This is a board of veterinarians who run rigorous tests on supplements to see if they stand up to their claims. They are watchdogs, so to speak. It is similar to the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. When purchasing supplements, look for the NASC seal.

I'll see you at the Todd Oliver Show. Pets make you smile and his show will be a guarantee.