Caring for your pets when you no longer can
Saturday, March 10, 1 PM
242 E. 53rd St. btwn. Second and Third Aves., Manhattan
Pet trust law expert Rachel Hirschfeld, Esq. will discuss various ways to make sure that your dog is properly cared for if you are ill or die. Admission is $5. More info at 212-369-1293 or nybirdclub@yahoo.com.

The Canine Cocktail Pawty
Tuesday, March 20, 7 PM to 9 PM
Animal Haven SoHo, 251 Centre St. btwn. Broome and Grand Sts., Manhattan
NYC Shiba Inus and their Human Companions are hosting this fundraising event to help Animal Haven complete its beautiful new Soho shelter. Canine hors d'oeuvres courtesy of Buttercup's Paw-tisserie. Admission is $40 per person, dogs welcome free of charge. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

Sexy Beast Trunk Show at Henri Bendel
Friday, March 23 through Sunday, March 25
712 Fifth Ave. btwn. 55th and 56th Sts., Manhattan
Book a free styling session with groomer to the stars Jorge Bendersky. Your hound will be coiffed to the max with Sexy Beast products and professionally photographed. Call 800-887-5950 to reserve a spot.

Bowling for Greyhounds
Saturday, March 24, 7:30 PM to 11 PM
Babylon Bowling Alley, 430 Sunrise Hwy., Babylon, NY
Help support Long Island 's Grateful Greyhounds rescue group while knocking down some pins. The $30 ticket price includes dinner, shoe rental, and two games. RSVP by sending a check to Grateful Greyhounds, 20 Penny Lane, Levittown, NY 11756, or contact Iris Mosher at 631-675-6867 or casy17@aol.com.

Lenny the Pug's Second Annual Birthday Benefit for Animal Haven
Sunday, March 25, 2 PM to 5 PM
Animal Haven SoHo, 251 Centre St. btwn. Broome and Grand Sts., Manhattan
A raffle, silent auction, exhibitor tables, and treats for people and dogs are some of the highlights of this birthday bash to benefit the Animal Haven shelter. Tickets are $25 in advance, $35 at the door, dogs party for free.

Bide-A-Wee: Adoption Days at New Life Expo
Friday, March 30 - Sunday, April 1
New Yorker Hotel, 3rd Floor, 481 8th Avenue at 34th St., Manhattan
Get healthy; get a dog! Bide-A-Wee is bringing adoptable dogs (and other pets) to the weekend-long New Life Expo for holistic health. Hours are Friday, 3:30 PM to 10 PM; Saturday, 10 AM to 9 PM; Sunday, 11 AM to 8 PM.

Macy's 11th Annual Petacular: Barkfest & Pets on Parade
Sunday, April 1, 8:30 AM to 2 PM
Macy's Herald Square, Manhattan
The central event in this festive tribute to pets (which coincides with the 33rd Annual Macy's Flower Show) is the Pets on Parade fashion show, which features all manner of beasts dressed in Easter bonnets and other spring finery. Everyone is invited to participate. It can be quite a scene, though, so timid dogs may be happier staying at home. The whole event has a carnival atmosphere, with face painting and other activities for kids, strolling performers, clowns, and an elephant. The day starts with a benefit breakfast inside Macy's for the Animal Haven shelter. Tickets ($50 for adults and $20 for kids, with 100% going to Animal Haven) can be bought from the shelter's Tiffany Lacey at 917-459-2422 or TiffanyL@ah-nyc.org.

If there's an event you'd like us to mention in the next NewsHound, please email us.

There's an outbreak of rabies on Staten Island. Make sure that your dog's rabies vaccination is up to date -- it's the law. So far, there have been no documented cases of rabies in dogs on the Island, but several rabid cats have been found. So, keep your cat inside, and have him vaccinated too. Through the end of June, free rabies vaccines for cats will be offered around the Island. Animal Care and Control has a calendar that will tell you where and when the free vaccines are available. More information is available from 311 or the Department of Health.

Governor Eliot Spitzer's proposed budget could divert funds from crucial low-cost spay/neuter services in NYC. The ASPCA has more information, including the right pols to call to express your displeasure.

Things are looking good for those who would like formal off-leash hours in city parks. There was a strong showing of support for the policy at a February 22 hearing held by the Parks Department. Advocates expect the new rules to be announced in April.

Does your rescue dog have a great story? The ASPCA is publishing a book, Hopeful Tales, that will chronicle how formerly homeless or displaced pets found their homes. Entries are being accepted through March 31.

Harlem residents, rejoice! There's a new dog run in St. Nicholas Park. You'll find it just north of the 135th St. staircase, about mid-way between St. Nicholas Ave. and St. Nicholas Terrace. The run follows the naturally hilly and rocky terrain of the park.