Can it really be June already? Whether you’re out walking your pooch in the sunshine, or just lounging with your kitty on the back porch, there’s no better time of year to be a pet owner.

And here’s little added brightener for your day: if you’re a Shaw customer, you can enjoy The Pet Network in free preview until June 30. That’s a whole month of Pit Boss, Pet ER, Fido & Wine, Fatal Attractions, Pet Cinema and more, all free of charge.

Check local listings to find out what channel The Pet Network is on in your community. And go to Shaw.ca or call (403) 716-6000 to subscribe.

Don’t forget to visit thepetnetwork.tv or our Facebook page for programming info and other updates.

Are you a Shaw Direct customer? If the answer’s yes, then we’ve got news that will make your month: The Pet Network  is in free preview on Shaw Direct from now until May 31. We’ve lined up a selection of our best pet documentaries,  along with great episodes of Fido & Wine, Fatal Attractions, Pit Boss and all of our other favourite series — so tune in to catch the action!

You’ll find The Pet Network on channel 556/187 (Classic/Advanced). Go to shawdirect.ca or call 1.888.554.7827 to subscribe.

Visit thepetnetwork.tv or our Facebook page for programming updates, and check back here in June for more free preview news!

Check out our first PETnews segment!

England has Crufts. New York has Westminster. And Canada has The Purina National®, a charity event for the Canadian Kennel Club Foundation.

It’s Canada’s most prestigious dog show, with top international judges on hand as hundreds of purebreds from around the world compete for their share of honour and prize money.

A small sampling of upcoming events for Canadian animal lovers:

* Toronto Cat Rescue will be holding a weekend adopt-a-thon on Saturday Aug. 6 & Sunday Aug. 7. Where: Galleria Mall Pet Valu, 1245 Dupont Street. The adoption fee is $175, which includes six weeks of free pet insurance. Call 416-538-8592 for more details.

* Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind opens the doors of its National Training Centre near Ottawa to the public on Saturday Aug. 6 from 11 am to 3 pm. Stop by the open house for tours, demonstrations and the chance to meet present and future guide dogs. Call 613-692-7777 or email info@guidedogs.ca for more information.

* Pawlooza (above) is London, Ontario’s festival for dogs. Join 4,000 of Canada’s coolest canines at Plunkett Estate on Saturday Aug. 20 from 10 am to 6 pm for the ultimate dog party. Take your pup dock diving, get readings from a pet psychic, learn the essentials of pet first aid and more. Visit www.pawlooza.com for details.

* The annual Toronto Westie Walk and Family Fun Day takes place on Sunday Sept. 11 at Mississauga Valley Park. Highlights include a bagpiper-led walk around the park, Westie games and races, a BBQ and more. Proceeds go to support the volunteer rescue group Westies in Need. Email corrie@westiesinneed.ca or call 905-936-6691 for more info.

* Based in Barrie, Ontario, Golden Rescue is a volunteer organization that has been working for more than 20 years to help abused and abandoned Golden Retrievers. Their 10th Annual Golf “Fore” Gold fundraising tournament takes place Monday, Sept. 19 at the beautiful Hockley Valley Resort in Orangeville, Ontario. Check out www.goldenrescue.ca for more details.

If you’ve got a pet event you’d like to see highlighted on The Pet Network Web site or Facebook page, or in our email newsletter, The Scoop, just drop a comment or contact dtodd@stornoway.com.