The weekend is finally here — find some fun of the four-legged variety! Check this list to find a pet event happening near you:

August 16

Grayslake, IL: Homeless Animals Day

Greenfield, IN: PAWS Pool Party

Belfast, ME: Grand Opening of Belfast Dog Park

Cranberry, NJ: Because Your Dog is Worth It Too Day

Tigard, OR: 5th Annual Bark in the Park

Tomah, WI: Western District 4-H Dog Show

August 16-17

Hayward, CA: East of Eden and South Bay Cat Clubs Show

Huntington, NY: Petapalooza 2008

Sioux Falls SD: Big Sioux Cat Fanciers Show

Austin, TX: 2008 TICA Annual SC Regional Cat Show

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Everyone has heard of obedience school for dogs, but training cats? To most, it probably sounds like an impossible task.

Those involved with Kitten Kindergarten feel otherwise, however. In these courses, which are run by the SPCA, kitties are taught to respond to commands, much the same way a dog would be — some even learn to fetch and jump through hoops! In Kitten Kindergarten, kittens are also socialized through interaction with people and other cats, which is the main purpose of this program.

Click here to watch a video of Kitten Kindergarten in action, and visit the SPCA to see if this course is offered near you.

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Get out and do something furry this weekend! Check this list to find a pet event in your area:

August 9

Tucson, AZ: Arizona Greyhound Rescue Dog Wash

Cardiff, CA: Dog Days of Summer: Contest and Canine Festival

Storrs, CT: Connecticut Police K-9 Olympics

Newcastle, ME: Woofstock 2008

Cleveland, OH: The Sanctuary for Senior Dogs Summer Scoop and Reunion

Portland, OR: Pacific Rim All Breed Cat Fanciers Show

Auburn, WA: Zooming Agility Pups Club August Agility Trial

August 9-10

Timonium, MD: Hidden Peak CFA Allbreed Cat Show

Springfield, MA: Pioneer Valley Cat Fanciers CFA Allbreed Cat Show

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Natural disasters, such as Hurricane Katrina and the recent flooding in the Midwest, have unfortunately claimed many victims, some of the four-legged variety. In an effort to help the furry members of the family in such situations, a Florida-based search and rescue team has created the Bark Ark, a rescue project for pets.

The Bark Ark will consist of six airboats that will be capable of reaching pets after a disaster situation. The boats themselves can carry up to 3,000 pounds and move easily from water to dry land. Currently, the project is still in its early stages and has two airboats available for use. Those making up the team of rescuers include firefighters, police officers, and paramedics.

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Pets have been a significant part of American society for hundreds of years, having evolved from workers to companion animals. The US has a rich history in its relationship with animals, a subject that is celebrated with Pets in America, a 2000-square foot exhibition currently traveling across the nation’s museums. Created by Katherine Grier, author of the book “Pets in America: A History,” the exhibit features a wide variety of pet memorabilia, including pet portraits, antique collars, and vintage pet food packaging, among many other items.

Visit the exhibit at the Museum of Florida History, where it is currently stopped, or check out the Pets in America web site to take a virtual tour.

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