Pet Briefs

Owners urged to keep pets fit

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, more than 50 percent of dogs and cats in the United States are overweight.

Overweight animals face the same potentially threatening health conditions as humans.

In an effort to provide a long-term solution for pet owners dealing with these issues, Sun Dog Cat Moon Veterinary Clinic on John's Island and Dolittle's pet store starting this month are hosting a pet weight-loss competition, "Fido ... From Fat to Fit: A Canine Fitness Challenge."

Dr. Ruth Roberts of Sun Dog Cat Moon and Ric Sommons of Dolittle's will lead 12 contestants through a 12-week competition.

Activities will include swimming, walking, training sessions, pet massage and seminars on pet health and diet control. Weigh-ins will be required every two weeks during the competition.

Interviews for contestants are being conducted. The winner, who will be announced April 10 at the Palmetto Islands County Park Pet Fest, will receive a package of prizes that includes a one-year supply of all-natural, healthy dog food from Natura and Dolittle's.

To download an application, visit www.sundogcatmoon.com, or call 437-0063.

SPCA hosts 10th annual fundraiser

Tickets are on sale for the 10th annual Downs Byrd Memorial Oyster Roast and Silent Auction, which will be at 6-10 p.m. Feb. 6 at the George Miler Country Club in Summerville. Tickets are $25.

With the theme "Show Some Love for Your Local SPCA," the event will feature oysters and a cash bar plus desserts made by members of the Junior Service League.

Pizza will be available for those who don't eat oysters. Oyster lovers are encouraged to bring their own knives and gloves.

Auction items include an autographed die-cast car from NASCAR driver Tony Stewart, a two-night stay at the Historic Hampton Inn and Suites in Savannah, a Carolina Panthers mini helmet signed by Jake Delhomme and golf packages at local courses.

Tickets are on sale at the Frances R. Willis SPCA, 136 Four Paws Lane; Westbury Veterinary Clinic, 1497 W. 5th North St.; Patterson Printing, 402 Old Trolley Road; or from any SPCA board member.

Visit www.summervillespca.com or call 871-3820.

Free-food Fridays for foster families

The first week of Dolittle's Free Food Fridays for canine foster families was a success, with Dolittle's giving away more than $250 in free food.

The program will continue Jan. 22. Those who already have received food are welcome to return.

Foster families must present a letter from their rescue group, shelter or vet showing that they have a dog or cat in their care. Each family will receive one bag of food at no cost while supplies last.

Dolittle's stores are at 22F Windermere Blvd., Charleston; 885 Houston Northcutt Blvd., Mount Pleasant; and 114 E. Richardson Ave., Summerville.

Contest looks for 'Doggie Valentine'

Do you hold a special place in your heart for your dog? Is your dog more like a best friend or a true partner than your pet?

Purina Chef Michael's canine creations is launching the "My Doggie Valentine" contest.

The winner will get a trip to New York to attend the Chef Michael's Be My Valentine Doggie Dinner Party on Feb. 10 at Gotham Hall.

A celebrity judge will select the winning dog in the contest, which takes place through Jan. 25 on www.doggievalentine.com.

Dog owners are invited to enter by submitting a color photo of their dog along with a caption that describes why their dog is their Valentine. Entries will be judged on the "unforgettable face" in the photo, the originality of the caption and the appropriateness of the entry to the contest's theme.

For every valid entry, Chef Michael's will donate $10 (up to $7,500) to Adopt-a-Pet.com to support its mission.

Compiled by Brenda Rindge. Send items to pets@postandcourier.com.