Local animal rescue qualifies to compete for $100k

A Sacramento area animal rescue has qualified to participate in a national shelter competition, officials with the nonprofit announced Tuesday. Animal Outreach of the Motherlode is one of only two Northern California groups that qualified for the ASPCA and Rachael Ray $100k Challenge.

The nonprofit is small and relatively unknown as compared to the Marin Humane Society, the closest competitor by distance to Animal Outreach. Public voting over a 12-day period helped winnow a larger national list down to only 50 groups that are eligible to be in the performance-based competition.

Due to the number of votes received from April 5 to April 16, Animal Outreach placed 4th in the Western states and 15th overall in the country. More than 14,000 votes came in for AO; Marin Humane Society placed 22nd overall with 11,771.

Animal shelters often must operate with too little money, too little time and with too many animals in need. This annual competition offers shelters guidance and innovative ideas about marketing, fundraising and adoption programs. Groups that show significant growth during a 3-month period are eligible for financial awards from $1,000 to $100,000.

So how is such growth measured? Kathy Anderson, AO’s Community Outreach and Operations Manager, says that there are several ways. First, each group must adopt out at least 300 more pets from August to October 2012 than they did during the same period the prior year.

During those three months in 2011, Animal Outreach found great new homes for 569 animals. While finding good adopters for 869 pets during the same period this year will require plenty of work and outside-the-box thinking, Anderson resolutely states “We can do that.” She and the staff and volunteers of AO say they are humbled by the strong, positive response and support the shelter has received from the public.

The group that finds home for the largest number of pets during the period will win the $100k prize, but additional amounts will be awarded for things such as growth in community involvement.

Animal Outreach’s shelter is located in an out-of-the-way business park in Diamond Springs, a bit south of Placerville. In addition to that location, AO brings adoptable pets every weekend to PetSmart stores in Citrus Heights, Folsom and Rancho Cordova. In Diamond Springs they offer no/low-cost spay, neuter and vaccination services to pets from all over. In 2011 this small group provided the latter services to more than 10,000 animals; Anderson has big plans for expanding those services in the future.

Big dreams and an exciting future are clearly not out of reach for Animal Outreach, as their very small budget and limited resources haven’t slowed them down yet. In fact AO adopted out around 900 more pets last year than did the Humane Society of Central Washington, the group that earned the top spot nationally in the ASPCA and Rachael Ray $100k Challenge

• Animal Outreach of the Motherlode
• Low Cost Spay/Neuter Vaccination Clinic & Adoption Center
• 6101 Enterprise Dr.
• Diamond Springs, CA 95619
• (530) 642-2287

The Kings, a dog, a disease and the man of the year

What do Sacramento’s professional basketball team, a dog named Bozo and leukemia have in common? They are all part of the life of Delbert Stapp, a candidate for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s “Man of the Year”.

Stapp is a veteran volunteer who has raised money for charities including the Shriner’s Hospital and March of Dimes for many years. Today he is around the mid-point of a ten-week competition to support research into curing leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, and other blood cancers.

During the competition, teams of volunteers raise money to support different candidates for Man or Woman of the Year. The team that raises the most money by the end of the ten weeks will have their candidate win the title.

“Team Delbert” is working to raise $50,000 by the Grand Finale Celebration on May 12 and have many events planned over these next four weeks. The public is invited to Zocalo for a Cure, a special benefit brunch this Sunday at Zocalo restaurant.

Good Day Sacramento will have a special telecast from the event. Sacramento Kings players will be there signing autographs and the Danza Azteca Native American Dancers will perform.

So where does Bozo come in? About 5 years ago Stapp purchased Maya, a beautiful pit bull terrier, as a companion pet. Shortly after that, a stray male pit bull showed up at the home of a friend who couldn’t keep the dog. Animal lover Stapp took him in and started posting signs, canvassing the neighborhood and putting ads in the paper searching for the dog’s owner.

No one came forward, so Stapp decided to keep the dog that both he and Maya now loved. He originally named him BoGo, because he “bought one dog then got one free”. But Stapp says laughing that Bogo’s exuberant, happy and goofy personality led to the name change, because “he really is a complete Bozo”. Stapp happily shows videos on his phone of Bozo proving the name is a perfectly accurate fit.

To make a donation or learn more about Stapp and the 10-week competition, click here.

A full schedule of Stapp’s fundraising events – including everything from bingo and a huge garage sale to an Autocross event, Latin dancing and Cinco de Mayo – can be found here.

• Zocalo for a Cure Brunch for Delbert Stapp
• Benefit for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
• Sunday, April 15, 2012
• 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• 1801 Capitol Ave.
• Sacramento, CA 95811
• $30 per person

Use your mouse from April 5-16 to help local animal rescue win $100k

When I win the lottery I’m going to buy a big place and rescue a ton of animals.” If that sentiment has ever crossed your lips or mind, you are going to love this news. From today through April 16, you can help win $100,000 for animal rescue with just a click of the mouse a day.

Fifty animal rescue groups and shelters were accepted for the 2012 ASPCA and Rachael Ray $100,000 Challenge; only ten spots were available for each designated region of the United States. One sole Sacramento-area organization made the cut; the 501c3 nonprofit Animal Outreach of the Motherlode.

Animal Outreach provides low-cost spay/neuter, vaccination and adoption services for cats and dogs. They are based in Diamond Springs, but work with animals from all over Sacramento and Northern California.

The ASPCA and Rachael Ray Challenge is performance-based, although votes from public are part of the initial round of the competition. Groups that get enough votes to make it through the qualifying round will participate in the actual contest from August 1 through October 31, 2012.  Different monetary awards will be won based on criteria including how many animal lives are saved as compared to the same August-October period last year.

In 2011 Animal Outreach provided low-cost spay/neuter or vaccine services to more than 10,000 cats and dogs, as well as finding wonderful new homes for more than 2,500 needy pets.

Kathy Anderson, AO’s Community Outreach and Operations Manager, said that from January 1, 2012 until today they “have already provided low-cost spay/neuter or vaccination services to more than 2,000 animals”.

And today and the following 11 days are when AO needs the public’s help to qualify for in the first round. Every day between now and April 16, people can click here to vote for Animal Outreach.

Votes can come from any confirmed email address and do not have to come from residents of the region; anyone in the world can participate.

• Check out the short, funny video about the vote by clicking on the link to the left.

“Winning this grant will help us spay and neuter more animals at no or low-cost to everyone; we do not have income restrictions”, said Anderson.

The nonprofit is having several off-site adoptions and other events that will also encourage people to vote; a full list of events can be found on the Animal Outreach website by clicking here.

Animal Outreach is part of the $100k Challenge’s Western Division, which includes Alaska, California, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Nevada, Washington and Wyoming.

• 2012 ASPCA and Rachael Ray $100,000 Challenge
• Vote for Animal Outreach of the Motherlode by clicking here.
• Each email address can vote once a day from Thur April 5 – Mon April 16, 2012
• Visit AO’s website and Facebook page
• Please share this information with others around the country and the world in person and on email, Facebook, Twitter and other social media and communication sites

• Animal Outreach Low Cost Spay/Neuter Vaccination Clinic & Adoption Center
• 6101 Enterprise Dr.
• Diamond Springs, CA 95619
• (530) 642-2287

Best Friend Friday – Happy Hour party to help animals

Gina Knepp of the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter announced today that the best happy hour party in town will be next Friday’s benefit for needy local shelter pets. The “Best Friend” event will be raising funds for the good work done by the Friends of Sacramento City Shelter Animals (FSCSA).

According to Knepp, FSCSA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that “is run by dedicated volunteers and is funded solely through donations“. Their goal is to help find permanent, loving homes for animals being cared for at the City shelter.

The party is one in a series of fundraising events put on by the Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community. Named “Best Friend Fridays”, guests to the happy hour series are encouraged to bring a friend to help support a local charity.

The FSCSA happy hour party takes place next Friday, January 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., and features hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer and a drawing for unique gifts and valuable services.

Could you use some extra money right about now? Buy a couple of $5.00 “keys to the kennel”; if one of your keys opens the kennel you’ll win a $100.00 cash prize.

• Best Friend Friday for Friends of Sacramento City Shelter Animals
• Friday January 27, 2012
• 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
• Sierra 2 Center
• 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818
• $5.00 entry fee includes one drink (Wine, beer, water or soda)
• Drawing tickets are $1.00 each / $5.00 for six /$10.00 for 12 / $20 for 25
• $5.00 for each kennel key for a chance to win $100.00

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Two pets in desperate need; one missing, one abandoned

On Monday in different parts of the Sacramento Valley, one dog and one cat suddenly lost everything they’d ever known. They each need help from the public before things go very, very wrong.

Max is a handsome older gentleman, a warm and affectionate cat with gorgeous Havana Brown coloring. His loving owner of many years passed away; this broke his heart but at least he still had a home with the owner’s wife.

Until she abandoned Max at a vet’s office on Monday, saying that she’d never really liked the 12-year-old cat anyway. Now he’s lost his beloved owner and the only home he ever had.

Then there’s Atcher; this happy and bouncy little dog has big, soft eyes and a fawn and chocolate colored coat. He lives in Folsom with his family and their pet cat; Atcher is neutered, wears a collar with tags and weighs in at about ten pounds.

On Monday Atcher’s owner had to leave for a bit, but she wanted him to enjoy the sunshine. She left the sliding glass door to the fenced backyard open, with the screen door closed firmly. They live in a safe neighborhood so she didn’t worry.

But Atcher must have tried to catch up with her, because she came home to find the screen door open just enough for him to slip through. He’d somehow made it through the fence as well, and the frantic family hasn’t been able to find him since.

Both Max and Atcher need our help now.

Max desperately needs a new home with loving people who appreciate his good looks and loving personality. The vet checked him out and found he is diabetic, but that is easily controlled and he is a sweet, healthy boy otherwise.

Could you, or someone you know, give this deserving gentleman a chance?

Atcher gets a little nervous around strangers or loud noises, so being lost must be particularly scary for him. His family is searching all over and have posted notices in papers and online, but so far they haven’t located their sweet boy.

The public is asked to share this information about Max and Atcher with others; spreading the word is the best chance these two have for a happy ending.

• For information or sightings of Atcher, the missing dog in Folsom, call Molly at cell number 925-354-0470 or send an email to mallendo@gmail.com.

• To learn more about Max the handsome cat, call Tami at 916-765-0117 or email her at trc225@comcast.net.

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Get Cash and Batman for Christmas

There is still time to find the perfect gift for that special someone on your holiday list. Cash is always a favorite gift and Batman is hugely popular as well; both are available to lucky shoppers in the Sacramento/Folsom area.

For the record Batman is a very social and chatty guy; while he is a “bigger” hero than he used to be, he is currently on a diet.

To get hooked up with Cash or Batman, simply contact Blue Ravine Animal Hospital and see about adopting them. Blue Ravine provides shelter for adoptable animals for the City of Folsom Animal Services Division, and the facility is very overcrowded.

Cash is a handsome, highly intelligent and energetic Jack Russell Terrier; he is 8 months old and has been neutered, microchipped, and vaccinated for rabies and kennel cough.  He has already received a DAP vaccination as well, which protects against distemper, hepatitis and parvo.

The City of Folsom’s Animal Services Division is managed by the Folsom Police Department.  The animal services division is staffed with one officer, Cindy Walden.

Walden said today that many of the animals have been at the shelter for an extended time and “desperately need forever homes”.  For example, Batman has actually been at the shelter for 10 months; this is a sad, stressful situation for him, even at a good shelter like Blue Ravine.

Batman is a stunning young short-haired black cat with a glossy coat, golden eyes and a loving personality. He is great with children and gets along with other cats. Batman’s owners turned him in to the shelter simply because he had gotten overweight; ironic since they were the ones who choose to give him too much food. He has lost weight now that his food has been regulated appropriately and is eager to find someone to love him.

All animals at the shelter are available during December at 50% off the typical adoption fee, go get in there now.

For photos and information about some of the adoptable pets, click here.

• City of Folsom Animal Services Division
• Blue Ravine Animal Hospital
• 1770 Prairie City Road, Folsom 95630
• (916) 984-0990
• Holiday hours: Thur/Fri December 22 to 23/open – 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday Dec 24/open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Closed Sun – Mon December 25 to 26
• Tues – Fri December 27-30/open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Closed Monday January 1, 2012

Holiday shopping; businesses that support animal rescue – part 3

Want to find the perfect gift for the pet lovers – and the pets – on your holiday list? You can do it fast, easy and with plenty of heart by shopping at businesses that support the same causes that are important to you.

Rather than wait in long lines at corporate chain stores, Sacramento pet-lovers can shop at small businesses that are full of unique gifts and great selections of pet supplies. Best of all, you can choose a business that puts their money where their mouth is by donating generously to charities in their community.

Sacramento pet rescue groups were asked on Monday which small businesses help them out, and they had some very good suggestions for shoppers.

Trends-n-Treats Pet Supply Spa and Boutique and owner Millie Finch give generously to nonprofits that help both people and animals in this area. Just a few of the many groups Finch assists are Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, Senior Gleaners and Titanic’s Pantry.

HART volunteer Bill Bonini doubts that anyone can walk into Trends-n-Treats without finding plenty of unique gifts, healthy pet foods and special services that are perfect for animal lovers.

Rachele with Pawsitive Attention Pet Services is another small business owner who “walks the walk”, or in her case walks the dog. Her business offers traditional services but also unique ones such as pet transport, moving-care, house-training and end-of-life care; she can even help if you would like your favorite pet to be part of your wedding ceremony.

But Rachele also gives back to her community by volunteering many hours every day to Chako Pit Bull Rescue and the Sacramento House Rabbit Society. Purchasing a gift certificate from Pawsitive Attention makes you a giver in more ways than one.

Western Feed and Pet Supply offers a wide range of goodies and foods for animals, and they donate to a wide range of local charities as well. Volunteers from many rescue groups sing the praises of Western Feed, including the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter, HART, Cats about Town Society and The Sacramento Pet Food Bank.

Gina Knepp with the City shelter also appreciates the generosity of Grateful Dog Day Care and the Animal Den Pet Resort and Spa.

Elk Grove’s Pets To Go has won the gratitude of the City shelter’s Karen Dickinson, who says that the owner has always been a big donor and supporter of area rescue groups.

Besides having a really cool name, Groovy Doggy offers artisan pet coats and owner Vanessa donates a portion of the sales of every coat to Chako.

Don’t spend the holiday season in crowded parking lots and longs lines; shop at small businesses that support the causes you believe in.

I see Fido kissing Santa Paws – this weekend

Santa is famous for assisting a certain ruby-nosed reindeer gain the affection of his peers, but his philanthropy doesn’t end there. The jolly fellow also works to get pets adopted and to raise money for worthwhile animal rescue groups.

Santa is particularly glad to help LAPCATS, a nonprofit organization created to help special pets from the Sacramento County Animal Shelter. To raise funds for LAPCATS, Santa is happy to pose for a keepsake photograph with your beloved pet.

Since he will be quite busy next week, this is the final weekend that the big man is available for pet photos.

He requests all to dash away, dash away, dash away to the PetSmart in Elk Grove on Saturday 12/17 or Sunday 12/18/11. Being an equal opportunity fellow, Santa has been known to pose with dogs, cats, rabbits, birds and even pet rats.

Within minutes, you will receive one quality printed photograph along with a special Christmas picture frame.

A donation of $10.95 is all it takes; guests with a free PetSmart “PetPerks” card get an even better deal of $9.95 for the pose, photo and frame.

LAPCATS understands how precious our pets are, and is pleased to email you a copy of the photo for an extra $5.00 donation to the rescue group.

During Santa’s visit, you will also have the chance to win unique prizes and gift baskets by participating in the annual raffle. This is a great opportunity to save money and time by winning the perfect gifts for someone on your list.

Proceeds from the photos, raffle and optional email go to support the work of LAPCATS in the Sacramento and Elk Grove area.

Some of the group’s adoptable cats will be at PetSmart during the event and you’re sure to be impressed with these sweet, beautiful animals. All of the cats and kittens have been fully screened to learn about their personality, temperament and health. Placement in temporary foster homes has also given LAPCATS more insight into how each cat interacts and reacts to day-to-day life with people and other pets.

Before joining LAPCATS, each animal has been spayed or neutered, microchipped, given flea/tick/worm treatment, vaccinated, and tested for FELV/FIV.

Please join Santa and an elf or two in celebrating the holidays with your pet.

• Photos with Santa Paws to benefit LAPCATS
• Saturday 12/17 and Sunday 12/18/2011
• 11:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. both days
• PetSmart Elk Grove
• 8215 Laguna Boulevard
• Elk Grove, CA 95758

Holiday shopping; businesses that support what you believe in – part 2

While many people head for major national retailers and big-box stores when doing their holiday shopping, there are options that are better for the giver, the receiver and the community. Businesses that support the same causes that you believe in can be the perfect places to find extra-special gifts during the holidays and all year long.

If you or the people you are shopping for love animals, it is easy to find small businesses in Sacramento that do their part to keep shelters and rescue groups afloat. The support of these businesses is especially important to animal shelters in the current economy, and it is time to return the favor by spending your shopping dollars with them.

This series of articles highlights some of those local small businesses; part 2 introduces some great options for gifts that pamper the heart, soul and body. And yes, chocolate is involved.

Toffee Fudge, Glacier Mint and White Chocolate Mocha are just a few of the flavors available from Kelli’s Best Cookies. They have platters and gift baskets available and are now also offering unique children’s birthday parties. Best of all, Cathryn Reynolds of Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary said today that that Kelli has been “very generous in her support of the shelter”.

Now that chocolate issue has been handled, there are other special gift options to check out.

It is no stretch to see why Happy Tails also appreciates the efforts of the Zuda Yoga Center.  Each of the two studios (in Midtown Sacramento and in Folsom) offer yoga classes to the public twice a week with all of the proceeds going to Happy Tails. Gifts are available in their boutique and gift certificates are available in any dollar amount.

Others on your list would love a gift certificate for massage, sugar scrubs and other luxurious and relaxing spa treatments from Victoria Goddanti, owner of Shanti Lounge. Goddanti has been very generous about helping the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter and the Sacramento Pet Food Bank.

How that your loved ones are relaxed, pampered, limber and full of cookies, HART animal rescue and C.A.T.S. (Cats about Town Society) recommend a visit to Debbie Driggs of Hair By Debra. Anyone wanting a glossy mane of stylish hair would love a gift certificate from this talented, experienced stylist. For more information contact Debbie at 916-723-7786 or email her at debrahanes@comcast.net.

After all of that, snuggling down with a good book would be the perfect plan. HART and C.A.T.S. have also benefited from the support of Carol’s Book Store and owner Sharon Wright. The gorgeously funky store features great books, unique jewelry, cards and artwork, and Wright holds poetry and dance events there as well.

Show your love for needy pets while finding the perfect gifts for those special people on your holiday list.

Additional articles in this series will include supportive small businesses that offer gifts for the home and garden, as well as for families and pet owners.

A month of free dog food for 2011 adopters

Did you adopt your dream pooch from an animal shelter or rescue group at any time during 2011? Pedigree wants to thank you for rescuing a needy dog, and they’re ready to put their money where their mouth, well, where your dog’s mouth is.

As part of Pedigree’s adoption reward program, rescue groups learned today that eligible adopters in the Sacramento area can get coupons for a free one-month supply of dog food. In the current economy that is an especially nice gift for your wallet as well as for your dog.

The Pedigree coupons are redeemable for one bag (up to 20 pounds) of dry dog food and four 13.2 ounce cans of wet food. Unless the dog you adopted loves to binge and is the size of a bull Mastiff or a giant Newfoundland, that amount of food should last a month for one dog.

Judy Kent of Sacramento nonprofit Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue was pleased to hear that Pedigree is so supportive of animal rescue groups. While Pedigree may gain some new customers who continue to use the product after the freebies, Kent acknowledges that adopters likely have more to gain than the company.

Did you adopt your dream pooch from an animal shelter or rescue group at any time during 2011? Pedigree wants to thank you for rescuing a needy dog, and they’re ready to put their money where their mouth, well, where your dog’s mouth is.   As part of Pedigree’s adoption reward program, rescue groups learned today that eligible adopters in the Sacramento area can get coupons for a free one-month supply of dog food. In the current economy that is an especially nice gift for your wallet as well as for your dog.   The Pedigree coupons are redeemable for one bag (up to 20 pounds) of dry dog food and four 13.2 ounce cans of wet food. Unless the dog you adopted loves to binge and is the size of a bull Mastiff or a giant Newfoundland, that amount of food should last a month for one dog.   Judy Kent of Sacramento nonprofit Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue was pleased to hear that Pedigree is so supportive of animal rescue groups. While Pedigree may gain some new customers who continue to use the product after the freebies, Kent acknowledges that adopters likely have more to gain than the company.

Kent says that “those who adopt animals are special, generous people, and it’s great that a large company is willing to give back”.

To receive the coupons for free food, people simply need to complete a short form and mail it in with proof of adoption, such as a copy of the adoption certificate or receipt for the adoption fee payments.

The company will not be able to return any of the adoption documents they receive, so they request that people only send in copies rather than originals.

If you do not have any of the original adoption documents, contact the shelter or rescue group from which you adopted the dog to see if they are able to provide a copy of it.

This offer is valid for dogs or puppies that were adopted at any point during 2011; unfortunately the exceptional people that bring in stray or abandoned canines are not eligible. Certain restrictions apply, and only one form can be completed per household.

All requests for coupons must be received at Pedigree by January 31, 2012 in order to be eligible.

• Pedigree Adoption Drive – Free Dog Food for 2011 adopters
• Click here for details
• Click here for get the form that needs to be completed.

Holiday shopping; businesses that support what you believe in – Part 1

During the holidays people rush to crowded malls and mass retailers for gifts that often end up being pretty generic and uninspiring. But there are some great gifts available that fill the heart and soul in addition to filling those empty Christmas stockings.

The key is shopping at a place that supports the causes you believe in and that have special and really fun gift options. Suddenly the holiday season will become merrier for everyone involved.

While some mega-monster corporations have their paid staff give help to charities, they operate with multi-million dollar budgets to publicize and market their good works. By contrast, small businesses that help do so without the fanfare or the big money.

If you (or the person you are shopping for) love animals, here is some jolly holiday news.

• Sacramento-area animal shelters and rescue groups have identified small businesses that voluntarily go the extra mile to help them, and there are plenty of options for gift seekers.

This series of articles will profile some of the businesses that put their money where their heart is; part 1 begins with Ned Buratovich, owner of the busy one-man shop imagiNed Web Design

Buratovich is also the creator of the fun and inspirational 100-year “One of These Days” calendar poster.

One of Buratovich’s dearest childhood pals was his short-haired fox terrier named Lucky. When long-time friend Suna Kneisley needed assistance for her Sacramento nonprofit group C.A.T.S. (Cats about Town Society), Buratovich immediately jumped in and offered his talents for free.

Kneisley describes Buratovich as one of the most “boundlessly creative, dynamic and whimsical” people she knows, and is grateful for the large amount of time he has volunteered to create and maintain websites for animal rescue.

She encourages people to visit the sites he does for C.A.T.S. and for the nonprofit Spay It Forward to see just a few examples of his talents.

So what does his passion for the under-dog (or cat) have to do with holiday shopping? The 100 year calendar makes a perfect present and is available online – with no long lines, crowded parking lots or desperate shoppers – for only $15.00. And this gift is a lot more than a blank canvas with numbers on it.

Buratovich describes it as “a long-term project planner, a dream vacation scheduler, the ultimate bucket-list calendar, a lifetime timeline, an anniversary keeper and birthday reminder, a historical push-pin map, a chronological chart AND a work of conceptual art”.

The calendar is an entertaining way to help people appreciate every day of their lives, and comes with a 14-page user’s guide booklet.

Best of all, the calendar is a great present in more ways than one. In addition to being something special they can keep forever, the giver and receiver are partnering with someone who donates his time and talents to help needy animals.

Beats a box of reindeer-decorated socks from a mega-corporation any day.

• LifetimeCalendars.com (or its “evil twin” ProcrastinatorsCalendar.com)
• Both are the same item, created by Ned Buratovich, but “pitched with different spins.”

We are the 75% – as least this month

Although recent news has been focused on people in the 99th percentile, there is a different number that is particularly special for pet lovers right now. Some of Sacramento’s largest animal shelters are proving that 75% is the figure that counts.

At least that is, when thinking about animal adoption fees.

During the month of December, adopters can bring home the pet that is perfect for them and save 75% off the normal cost of adoption.

The move is part of “Home for the Holidays”, a December campaign aimed at finding forever homes for 1,000 homeless animals in the area.

The Sacramento County Animal Shelter, City of Sacramento Animal Care Services, Sacramento SPCA, and Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary are all part of the promotion.

View the slide show to see just a few of the animals up for adoption from these participating shelters.

Shannon Asquith, a long time volunteer at the Sacramento County shelter, says that the 75% promotion is a great way to bring together people and pets. On Saturday Asquith helped a woman and her daughter pick out the only gift the girl wanted for Christmas; an adorable gray kitten.

“We found the perfect match, so both she and the kitten got just what they wanted most for the holidays”, says Asquith.

Some local shelters also have gift certificates available for purchase; they can be redeemed for adoptions, pet supplies, vet services or other items for sale. Adoption certificates are particularly good gifts because the receiver gets to pick out just the right pet for their lifestyle.

For more information, click on the name of the shelter below.

• City of Sacramento Animal Care Services
• Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
• Sacramento County Animal Shelter
• Sacramento SPCA

Join the “75-percenters” and bring the joy of the season home for a needy animal.

Happy hour party to benefit Sacramento Pet Food Bank

Put together music, wine and beer, hors d’oeuvres and a chance to win money, and it sounds like a good time. Wave a magic wand; it turns into a party for a great cause and becomes a downright excellent plan.

The event, set for Friday December 9 is a benefit for the Sacramento Pet Food Bank (Titanic’s Pantry) and the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter.

The $5.00 entry fee includefs one drink, wine, beer, water or soda.

There will be a raffle and items for sale, including unique jewelry, artwork and pet supplies. One particular raffle item will appeal to the dog owners on your holiday shopping list; a gift certificate from Trends-n-Treats Pet Supply, Spa and Boutique for a full-service dog bath and grooming.

Bring a donation of cat or dog food, cat litter, toys or other pet care items for Titanic’s Pantry, and get a free ticket to the raffle. The more donations you bring, the more raffle tickets you can get.

“Keys to the Kennel” according to Gina Knepp, Acting Animal Care Service Manager for the City of Sacramento. Knepp said today that the kennel keys are $5.00 each and the winning key will open the lock on a $100.00 prize.

Party attendees should bring either cash or their checkbook, as credit cards can not be used at this event.

There will also be gift certificates from the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter available for sale; this is your opportunity to give a holiday gift that really counts. Certificates can be redeemed for animal adoptions or other services at the shelter.

The benefit will take place in the Garden Room at the Sierra 2 Center for the Arts and Community, part of the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association.

• Titanic’s Pantry Party
• Friday December 9, 2011
• 5:30 P.M. – 7:30 P.M.
• Sierra 2 Center Garden Room
• 2791 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818
• $5.00 entry fee includes one drink (Wine, beer, water or soda)
• Raffle tickets are $1.00 each / $5.00 for six; free raffle ticket for donations to the Pantry
• $5.00 for each kennel key for a chance to win $100.00

County shelter tells how to get what you want in life

As of this morning, the Sacramento County animal shelter is caring for 368 animals, including cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, chickens and more. Although some are sick, injured or otherwise not ready for adoption, there are plenty of healthy, fixed and loving pets that need to find homes before their time runs out.

With so much to do and so little time to do it in, our lives can be very stressful these days. Sometimes it seems like there is no time to just get a little happiness for ourselves.

The County animal shelter wants to help you get what you want out of life, while helping some of the needy animals at the same time.

Multiple studies over the years have shown the emotional and physical benefits of pet ownership, and there is no better time than now to bring some fun and peace into your life.

There are plenty of dogs and cats available at the shelter that can do just that for you.

According to volunteer Barbara Bowen-Doty, there are especially plenty of cats available to meet your individual taste and interests.

Bowen-Doty says they have a declawed cat named Paws and several polydactyl felines; the latter have more than the five standard toes on their paws. Ernest Hemingway enjoyed polydactyl cats, and his estate still reportedly has 26 such animals living there.

The shelter has “many breed-specific cats like Siamese, Maine Coon, Russian Blue, Turkish Van, Turkish Angora, Bengal, just to name a few”, reports Bowen-Doty.

Check out the video to the left of this story to see just a few of the beautiful cats and kittens from the Sacramento County Animal Shelter that are currently looking for homes.

To learn more about the shelter, their pricing, gift shop and other services, visit www.saccountyshelter.net.

•    Sacramento County Animal Shelter
• 3839 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento
• Open Wednesday through Friday – 12:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.
• Open Saturday & Sunday – Noon to 4:30 P.M.

Should Santa leave a puppy – or is there a better option?

The image of delighted children playing with their adorable new dog or cat on Christmas morning is pure Norman Rockwell. But is it a good idea?

Perhaps not, some Sacramento animal rescue groups are saying today.

But why not? Lots of reasons probably, but here are just a few – I wanted a dog not a cat, I don’t like dogs, I don’t like cats, I think hamsters are icky, I want a Siamese cat instead, I want one that will cuddle instead of running around, I want one that runs around instead of cuddling, I think they’re too much work, I can’t afford pet/vet care, I like other people’s animals but don’t want one of my own, I don’t like picking up poop or cleaning a box, I want one that doesn’t bark so much, I want one that barks more or….I don’t actually like animals very much.

Giving someone a live animal sounds wonderful, but the reality isn’t always a great thing for the animal or the new pet owner.

For the animal, moving into a new place with new people is a wonderful but stressful event in any case. Add to that the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and it can upset and change the behavior of the sweetest aniaml in the world.

For the people, if the match isn’t right or if the recipient doesn’t actually want a pet, things can go south pretty quickly.

(Just ask all of the little chicks and bunnies that were given as gifts last Easter, and were turned in to overcrowded shelters a week later.)

Instead of buying an animal to give as a present, Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and HART animal rescue suggest getting a gift certificate instead.

The animal shelters for Sacramento City, Sacramento County and the City of Folsom also encourage holiday shoppers to come to them for gift certificates.

Depending on the shelter, certificates could be issued for an adoption, a service or just for a particular dollar amount.

Know several people who want to contribute towards a larger gift for someone special? They can each buy a dollar-amount gift certificate that will combine to get the recipient what they want. This can be a great option for someone who already has their perfect pet.

Cindy Walden, Animal Services Officer for the City of Folsom shelter, says that a certificate could even be “for a rabies vaccine ($5.00) or microchip ($20.00) at our monthly clinic “.

Dollar-amount certificates can also be redeemed for any items a shelter may sell (such as logo shirts, books or calendars); check out Homeward Bound’s “Golden Mall” for some great examples.

For the sake of the people and animals involved, all regular adoption guidelines and screening done by the shelter still apply when gift certificates are used.

For contact information on these shelters and rescue groups:

• City of Sacramento Animal Shelter, click here
• City of Folsom Animal Shelter – Call 916-439-2268 or email cwalden@folsom.ca.us
• HART Animal Rescue – Call 916-730-7814 or email hartcats@live.com
• Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue, click here
• Sacramento County Animal Shelter, click here

Prince Harry, Black Friday adoptions this weekend

Contrary to public opinion, Prince Harry is not a dashing red-haired young Englishman. Or at least his namesake in Sacramento is not; the local version is a silky, black-haired adoptable cat at the County Animal Shelter.

And although he doesn’t get nearly as much attention from the paparazzi as his human counterpart, the feline Prince Harry is currently a newsmaker himself.

As part of a Black Friday special this weekend at the City and County of Sacramento animal shelters, the bonny Prince is making the headlines because he is available for half the normal adoption fee.

All black or mostly black animals are adoptable at 50% off at both shelters this weekend, which is a much better deal than most people will receive after waiting in line for hours at Wal-Mart or Target.

The Black Friday promotion continues through close of business this Sunday, until 5:00 P.M. at the City and 4:30 P.M. at the County.

The event includes Boo, a male black and white Pomeranian and long-haired Dachshund mix at the City shelter, and Jabbar, a Great Dane mix also with the City.

Marlow, a black gorgeous cat and a sweet Border Collie and Australian Shepherd mix (listed under kennel number ID#A560572 ) are half-price through the promotion at the Sacramento County Animal Shelter.

Old wives tales often suggest that black-coated animals have negative, mystical powers, but they are actually among the favorites of animal rescuers and others who have adopted ebony animals.

To learn more about why black animal are good luck, view the amusing video to the left of this article.

Kirsten DeVriend of Sacramento has had black animals throughout her life. She and her husband Bill currently enjoy the hijinks of Dizzy, a loveable pure black cat they rescued more than 10 years ago, and DeVriend remembers Max the dog fondly.

Max was a black German Shepherd with a caramel undercoat; they named him Maxwell Smart as a joke because he was, well, not the brightest bulb as a puppy.

“But if you petted him” says DeVriend, “you had a friend for life”.

This weekend is the perfect opportunity to find your friend for life at an excellent price at the City and County of Sacramento Animal Shelters. All pets adopted from the shelters are spayed /neutered, vaccinated and ready to join your family.

• Black and mostly black animals at 50% off normal adoption fees
• Saturday November 28 and Sunday November 27, 2011
• City of Sacramento Animal Shelter
• Sacramento County Animal Shelter
• Click on the above shelter links for information and business hours

Talking dog makes shocking confession; Sacramento listens

During a packed press conference in California’s capitol city today, the world’s first English-speaking dog made a brief, direct and indisputable statement. Rupert Smithson, a handsome pooch of undetermined lineage, spoke firmly and without need for a microphone.

“I’m hungry”, said the reddish-brown canine, “and I expect that I will want to eat again tomorrow as well”.

California’s “First Dog” Sutter Brown stepped in to add his support; the Corgi manfully admitted that he also felt the urge to have food on a daily basis.

A petite Persian cat in a flowing white fur coat, dark sunglasses and jeweled collar joined  Smithson and Brown at the podium and faced the crowd defiantly.

“I have an eating disorder”, she said. “Trust me, if I don’t get food every single day I become disorderly in the extreme”.

Although none were asked, she left the podium insisting that she would not answer any further questions.

Upon her departure a stream of pets surged onto the stage in solidarity, confirming that they share the same addiction as Smithson. Despite failed attempts at rehabilitation, all of the animals admitted to craving and essentially requiring food every day of the year in order to survive.

Smithson announced that he was going to a 12-step meeting and left the audience in shocked silence.

Okay, so maybe a bit of the above reporting isn’t completely accurate. In the interest of full disclosure, the Persian’s sunglasses weren’t actually very dark and the press conference wasn’t really all that packed.

But those little fibs did get you to read this far, so please stick around for a moment more.

Real or not, the message of the press conference comes through loud and clear. Just like people, pets need food every day, no matter what the weather is like or how the economy is behaving.

The need for food, whether for children or kittens, has a way of leveling the playing field. As living beings we all need it, and as a community we can help each other get it.

In this community, pet owners needing a little assistance can turn to The Sacramento Pet Food Bank.

Also known as Titanic’s Pantry, the all-volunteer-run nonprofit has helped thousands of families get a portion of their pet’s monthly food at no charge. Without assistance from the Pantry, many would have been forced to surrender their pets to already overburdened animal shelters and rescue groups.

This Saturday there will be a special pet food drive for Titanic’s Pantry, hosted for the third year by the Sacramento Cat Hospital.

Donations of unopened and unexpired cat and dog food (both canned and dry), leashes, collars, cat litter, bedding, and other pet supplies will be gratefully accepted by volunteers at the event. Monetary donations are also welcome, as they can be used to purchase whatever items are most needed.

By the way, Rupert really is hungry every day and the Persian diva can be difficult even after being fed.

• Pet Food Drive for Titanic’s Pantry
• Saturday November 19, 2011
• 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M.
• Sacramento Cat Hospital
• 4115 Manzanita Ave. Carmichael 95608
• For more information about the pet food drive, contact the Sacramento Cat Hospital at (916) 488-4161 or email info@sacramentocathospital.com.

“Donate what you can” at thankful Sacramento animal shelters

With the economic slump hitting California hard, it is usually great news to hear that a business has a line of people coming through the doors.Usually, that is, unless the place is in the business of accepting animals that no one wants or can afford to keep anymore.

And unfortunately, business is booming right now for area animal shelters.

But besides being full to the brim with needy pets, the Sacramento City and County shelters are also populated with grateful human beings. No matter how difficult times are financially, the charitable support and volunteerism of individuals and businesses in the community have always helped keep the shelters in operation.

As a gesture of thanks, the City and County facilities are offering animal lovers a great deal that does not include turkeys or cranberry sauce.

Until Thanksgiving Day, normal adoption fees for animals are waived in favor of a “donate what you can” program. Adopters can choose how much to donate for the animal; generous donations are of course welcome from those who would do so.

For the health and safety of the humans and animals involved, normal screening procedures will be followed. As an example, a person living in a no-pets-allowed studio apartment would likely be ineligible to adopt two large dogs.

It is the true spirit of Thanksgiving, donate what you can and bring home the love of your life.

• City of Sacramento Animal Shelter
• 2127 Front Street (near Crocker Art Museum), Sacramento 95818
• Open Wednesday through Sunday – Noon – 5:30 P.M.
• Sacramento County Animal Shelter
• 3839 Bradshaw Road, Sacramento 95827
• Open Wednesday through Friday – 12:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M.
• Open Saturday & Sunday – Noon to 4:30 P.M.

Being a “senior” at age 1 or age 55

Public perception of the word “senior” has changed significantly over the years, or at least it has for many baby boomers. A person now technically considered a senior may have simply reached age 55, and a senior dog may still be growing into his huge puppy feet.

While being labeled a senior may not normally please those in the 55+ set, this month it is a great age to be. November is officially “Adopt a Senior Pet Month” and the City of Folsom Animal Shelter near Sacramento is proving that being a senior definitely has its benefits.

During November, people 55 or older can adopt any cat or dog that is at least one year old for the small sum of 55 cents.

Beloved pets can get lost; no matter how determined the owner is to keep them indoors or in a fenced yard. To help insure the animal’s safe return home, new owners also need to get a pet license ($15 per year) at the time of adoption.

Cindy Walden, Animal Services Officer for the Folsom shelter, came up with the 55-cent promotion after speaking with a senior volunteer. The long-term, experienced volunteer wanted to adopt a cat but expressed that the upfront costs often make it difficult.

“Pets are essentially part of a health plan” for seniors says Walden, recognizing the positive physical and emotional health benefits of pet ownership.

However, between the poor economy and living on limited or fixed incomes, many seniors have trouble coming up with the funds to cover high adoption fees, pet deposits for landlords and the basic supplies needed for a new animal.

Walden stresses that the November program is geared towards people like the shelter volunteer, who can afford to pay for a pet’s feeding, care and health on a long term basis. The 55-cent promotion simply helps with the start-up costs.

To see some of the animals currently up for adoption, click on the slide show or visit the shelter website by clicking here.

Adoptable animals from the shelter have been spayed (females) or neutered (males), received their basic vaccinations and have been microchipped and tested for heartworm and other potential health issues.

Adopting a cat has one additional benefit; the shelter will provide a free cat carrier that converts into a pet bed.

The 55-cent promotion lasts through November, and the shelter is hosting a special open house event this Sunday, November 13, 2011 from 8:00 A.M. until 2:00 P.M.

• City of Folsom Animal Shelter – located inside Blue Ravine Animal Hospital
• 1770 Prairie City Road, Folsom
• Open House on Sunday, November 13, 2011- 8:00 A.M .to 2:00 P.M.
• Normal shelter hours are:
• Monday through Friday – 8:00 A.M .to 6:00 P.M.
• Saturday – 9:00 A.M to 4:00 P.M.
• For more information, call (916) 984-0990.

Tricks, treats and cat dreams – free party at City animal shelter

Have you ever wondered what cats dream about? Perhaps they dream of candy and great music, of pets and clowns and special prizes. If you do too, the City of Sacramento animal shelter is just the ticket with a free Hooowloween party this Sunday.

A haunted house, munchies and plenty of animals will be on hand for the kids, and there are many surprises planned for adults as well.

Get a special, behind the scenes look at the shelter and meet the people and animals that keep the place going. Many people have negative notions about public shelters; this is a great opportunity to see just how positive a well-run shelter can be.

And to finally answer that all-important question, renowned artist Michael Knepp will be showcasing a series of comical paintings about cat dreams.

Costumes are encouraged but not required; rumor has it that shelter director Gina Knepp will be there representing a certain saucy feline.

A prize drawing at the party offers the chance to win artwork, jewelry, pet supplies and goodies for the kids. Tickets are $1.00 each or six for $5.00, and all proceeds benefit community animals in need.

Knepp leads the all-volunteer Sacramento Pet Food Bank, also known as Titanic’s Pantry. The pantry gives animal food and supplies to pet-owners who are having financial difficulties. The goal is to allow people to keep their pets rather than having the animals end up in a shelter.

Everything the Pet Food Bank gives out is donated by members of the community or by local businesses. Unfortunately business is slow for many people and work is hard to find – so the food bank is always in need of donations.

Anyone that brings a bag of pet food, cat litter, canned food or other pet supplies to the Halloween party of Sunday will receive two free tickets to the prize drawing.

Monetary donations to the Pet Food Bank are always gratefully accepted as well.

• Free Hooowloween Party for kids and adults
• City of Sacramento Animal Shelter
• 2127 Front Street (near Crocker Art Museum), Sacramento 95818
• Sunday October 30, 2011
• Noon – 4:00 P.M.