The next couple of weekends are packed with awesome events and activities for pets and their owners. Here are the details:

Saturday, September 29

Bark in the Park
Clark Park “B” (43rd and Chester)
2-3 pm
Friends of Clark Park are inviting dogs and their owners to join them in Clark “B” Park, near the bowl. There will be more than 25 doggie contests with prizes, a chance to meet the vet and all kinds of fun for dogs and their human friends. All are welcome.

“End of Summer” Sidewalk Sale
Baltimore Pet Shoppe, 4532 Baltimore Ave
11 am – 3 pm
Stop by Baltimore Pet Shoppe this Saturday to check on their “End of Summer” sale. Huge savings on pet toys, accessories and treats (30-75% off).

Sunday, September 30

Blessing of the Animals
St. Francis De Sales Church, 4625 Springfield Ave
Noon
Bring your little best friend to be blessed in honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the friend of all of God’s creatures.

Saturday, October 6

Low Cost Dog and Cat Vaccine Clinic
UPenn Alpha Psi, 4002 Pine Street
10 am – 4 pm
Alpha Psi, the veterinary fraternity at University of Pennsylvania, is having a low cost vaccine clinic. Rabies and Distemper shots – $10 for both, microchipping – $20. Also, bring your dog or cat for a free physical exam by UPenn Veterinary students. If you have questions, email: upennalphapsi@gmail.com

Earth Cup Doggie Strut
Earth Cup Coffee, 405 S. 45th Street (45th and Pine)
Noon – 2 pm
The Annual Earth Cup Doggie Strut will feature tons of great stuff: Prizes for all participants, a doggie photo booth, nail clipping and info booth by UPenn vets, generous treats from Baltimore Pet Shoppe, best trick/costume competition, music and more! You can sign up at the cafe or just show up and sign up at the event. For more information, visit Earth Cup’s Facebook page.

Update (1:40 pm): The rusty water problem should now be resolved, according to a message posted on PWD’s Facebook page. PWD is advising their customers to flush cold water taps, starting with the lowest floors, until the water runs clear.

10:54 am: The Philadelphia Water Department has issued a rusty water advisory for the area:

“While Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) crews were performing maintenance on the water distribution system in University City, rusty water resulted in some properties in the area. PWD crews are in the area and are in the process of establishing the extent of the impact.  Crews are also taking water samples and flushing hydrants to correct the issue.”

PWD has not specified where exactly in the area this issue has been found.

The advisory states that rusty water is not a health concern, but it is not pleasant to drink and shouldn’t be used to wash laundry. Residents with health concerns, however, are advised to contact their health care provider before drinking or using the water. If you have questions, please call PWD’s emergency hotline at 215-685-6300. You can also find more information and updates on PWD’s Facebook page.

If you have been affected by this problem, please let us know in the comments where you are.

More parklets are popping out around the University City area. Just recently, the University City District installed one on 44th Street between Spruce and Locust. A third parklet, although a little smaller (with just three tables), has emerged right next to recently opened Ramen Bar (4040 Locust Street).

Just last week we published a story about a community activist being attacked by two robbers on bikes in the Cedar Park area and now we want to alert neighbors about a similar incident on Monday. A reader who asked not to be identified reported an attempted robbery that took place Monday night, at 9:10 p.m., at 50^th and Warrington:

“I was walking home alone from the trolley when a young man, who had ridden past me twice already on his bike, rode past again when I turned a corner that was more isolated, and accelerated on his bike, and grabbed my purse as he went by my left side. He did not get it and eventually let go, and kept riding.”

The reader, a female, filed a police report immediately after the incident. She believes that the suspect was scoping the 34 trolley for victims like herself.

Ramen Bar is softly opening today at 4040 Locust Street and will serve lunch from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and dinner from 4 to 10 p.m. Stay tuned for our review.

Curio Theatre is hosting a Benefit Gala and an auction to raise funds for Curio’s new, second stage located in the basement of the Calvary Center. The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 15 at St. Francis DeSales (47th and Springfield) and will include a live and a silent auction, an open beer and wine bar, a meal catered by The Gold Standard Cafe, and live jazz music from Dr. Ketchup. Tickets are $50 (adults), $45 (students/seniors), $90 (couple), $450 (table/10 tickets). If you would like to donate an item to the auction, please call (215) 525-1350.

For more information and to purchase tickets please visit this page.