Batmobile, adoptable pets join forces this weekend in Sacramento

What do wine, the Batmobile, DIY lessons and pets all have in common? They are all part of the action at the California State Fine Living Expo, running from tomorrow through Sunday at the Sacramento Convention Center.

Attendees can learn how to make the perfect garden and outdoor kitchen, how to redo their bathroom or even take a class in painting with faux-finishes. If do-it-yourself projects are not in your summer plans, the Fine Living Expo is the best place to find the experts who can do it for you. Check out antique travel trailers and two fully operational replica Batmobiles, then enjoy fine wine, art, vendors and sensational live music.

And since no home or life is complete without a loving companion animal or two, three local shelters will be bringing adoptable cats and dogs to the Expo. Visit the Outdoor Living area to meet pets from the City of Sacramento’s Front Street Shelter, the nonprofit group Animal Outreach of the Motherlode and the City of Folsom Animal Shelter.

“I’m a dog person” says Fine Living producer Sherry Larsen, who was happy to welcome adoptable pets to the Expo. Larsen has spent 30 years rescuing and showing Brittany Spaniels, and is the current secretary of the Central California Brittany Club.

In addition to meeting adoptable animals, the Expo is a great opportunity to learn more about pet health and the services offered by local animal shelters and programs.  Given the large number of homeless and stray animals in the Sacramento region, pet reproduction is a hot topic for shelters.

Kim Smyth, Canine Foster and Rescue Coordinator for the Front Street Shelter, says that “Bob Barker had it right; we can help save the world by spaying and neutering pets!”.

The Fine Living Expo has plenty to offer the whole family, and don’t be surprised if you end up adopting and taking home the furry love of your life.

• California State Fine Living Expo
• Sacramento Convention Center
• 1400 J Street, Sacramento, CA 95814
• Fri 4/27 – noon to 7 p.m./Sat 4/28 – 10 a.m. to 7 p.m./Sun 4/29 – 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Admission – adults $7/ages 17 and under free/Friday only seniors 62+ only $3.
• Click here for $2 off coupon

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

http://edge.sharethis.com/share4x/index.24569cde2fd3a34049b2201e5f5f9bea.html

City shelter cat wins top spot in the world

A small white kitten with black spots was abandoned at the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter in late spring; a frightened, lonely little girl without much hope. Today shelter staff learned that the same kitten should now be the poster child for a true rags-to-riches story.

In October the kitten, named Butters, was adopted by a wonderful man from Santa Clara. They met at the two-day Jazzy Cats Cat Show in Sacramento, where several of Ken’s show cats were competing in various categories. The show is a sanctioned event by The International Cat Association.

Butters and other adoptable City Shelter cats and kittens were also there competing in the Household Pet (HHP) categories, on the invitation of Jazzy Cats show manager Gloria Mahan. Competing in the show allowed them to be seen by a large number of people – more than 1,000 members of the public visited the show – thereby increasing their chance of adoption.

What increased their chances the most, however, was the treatment they received at the City Shelter. Like all other animals at the shelter, the cats and kittens had received top-notch treatment, vet care and socialization from shelter staff and volunteers.

Ken Kershaw stopped in at the City adoptables area before the Jazzy Cats show started on the first day and immediately fell in love with the now bubbly, playful and happy Butters. He filled out her adoption papers even before seeing her in action in the competition.

Butters and her fellow City kitties surprised everyone by performing like real pros in the competitions; they earned a total of 50 awards during the two-day show. One kitten even won “Best HHP Kitten in Show” and they all seemed to enjoy the process.

Butters is now named “Feral Faucet” and has been competing in shows across the West Coast since Ken adopted her in October. Kershaw says she loves showing off and strutting her stuff in front of the judges and crowds, and is the happiest and most friendly feline around.

Today Kershaw let City of Sacramento Animal Shelter acting manager Gina Knepp know just how well things have been going for the formerly frightened and lonely little ragamuffin kitten.

“Currently” says Kershaw, Feral Faucet is the “#1 International” Champion in her category, as well as being in the first place position within the Mid-Pacific region.

Knepp is proud of how her shelter staff and volunteers treat the animals in their care. She says that Feral Faucet is living proof that “extraordinary pets can be found in shelters.”

The next Jazzy Cats show is coming up on January 6-8 at the Doubletree Hotel in Sacramento. More adoptable Sac City shelter cats will be there, and Feral Faucet herself will return for her first showing as an adult cat. Click here for more information about the show and a coupon for $2.00 off the admission price.

Want to see Feral and the other City kitties during the October show? Click here to see the You Tube video of their Jazzy Cats weekend.

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

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.

Adoptable pets are champion athletes

A dog, a cat and a rabbit walk into a bar in Sacramento. Well, to be more accurate, they go under a bar.

A limbo bar, that is.

The three animals are stars in the ruthless world of competitive Pet-X-games.

Bambi is a handsome seal-blue canine with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. He was always teased on the playground because of his name; “Bambi” is often the name of either a girl or a tender young fawn.

As he grew, the strapping young man took to competitive sports with gusto. In addition to earning a black belt in limbo within his height class, he excels at four-legged races, skateboard poetry slams and extreme “Old Maid” card games.

Bambi became friends early on with Max the rabbit, another competitor in the Pet-X Games. Although they wear different uniforms, they share the same silver-grey, brown and white colors.

Max had to overcome a great disadvantage to win at meets; his lengthy ears initially caused him to knock down the limbo stick. In addition, sudden sounds of carrot munching often distracted him and earned him the nickname “Radar”.

His subsequent mastery of ear control has allowed him to win the official title to “Grandmaster Limbo Zen Guy”.

Max and Bambi met Simon on the set of “Bend it Like That Famous Englishman”, a reality show featuring limbo champs alone on a deserted island outside of Toledo. They became immediate friends when they learned they share a love of historical novels and chew toys.

Simon, a striped tabby cat with soft green eyes, wears his heart on his…uh, nose. (No really, look at his photograph.) This big boy is so loving and good looking that others often underestimate his athletic skills. Competitors have done so at their peril, as he has bested them all in competitive cat limbo where entrants must limbo successfully while balancing a trio of chatty mice on their foreheads.

Okay, so some of the above isn’t true. For instance, none of them really like historical novels and they prefer playing Strip Monopoly over Old Maid.

The true story is that these three loveable animals are all up for adoption from Sacramento area shelters.

Bambi is currently at the Sacramento County Animal Shelter, hoping someone will fall in love with his exuberance, playfulness and affection. This sweet boy with a beautiful grin may have been abused in the past, as he occasionally cowers when approached. Once he is comfortable with you however, you’ll find Bambi to be a wonderful and loving boy.

Simon is a real doll and has become a favorite of the staff and volunteers of the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter. His lovely eyes and heart-shaped nose are an accurate reflection of how beautiful he is on the inside.

Max is a very affectionate, demonstrative and devastaingly handsome bunny from the Sacramento House Rabbit Society. He sits up tall to greet you, loves kissing and being petted and even does some impressive acrobatics while waiting to be fed.

Simon, Max and Bambi are just a few of the loving, beautiful animals in this area that are looking for their forever homes. They will bring joy and a true understanding of thankfulness to everyone in their new human family.

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.

Celebrate “less adoptable” pets part 3 – Survivors

 

This weekend’s airplane crash at the Reno air show killed ten people; thankfully 60 others are alive, although injured. Actor Christopher Reeve lived nine busy years after an accident caused him to be a paraplegic. Halle Berry, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Ella Fitzgerald and Drew Barrymore are just a few of the millions of people who have lived productive lives in spite of previous physical, sexual and emotional abuse.    

What do they all have in common? They are all survivors of tragedy, whether perpetrated by the hands of people, nature or pure chance. Look around Sacramento and you will find plenty of inspirational humans who have survived trauma, but what about animals? 

Most of us don’t spend much time thinking about pets that survive disastrous circumstances, but there are many of them out there. Long-term survival for them means finding someone kind to take care of them.

Caring for a survivor – human or animal – takes a person with a capacity for tremendous love. The rewards, however, are rich and lasting. 

This week Petfinder.com is celebrating “Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week”, encouraging the adoption of pets that a bit more challenging to find homes for.  View the slide show at http://tiny.cc/ljsp9  to see just a few of them in the Sacramento area.

For example, Chloe is a 3-year-old Lab mix currently living at the non-profit Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary.  She is a lovely playful young dog, but has a scar from an acid burn on her back. It likely occurred at the hand of a human; could yours be the human hand that pulls her up into a permanent, happy home? To learn more click here.

Then there is Lucy, at Born Free USA. The sweet Chihuahua is only one to two years old, but was literally thrown away by her owners after a spinal cord injury left her a paraplegic. Linda Wolfe with Born Free says that Lucy is very active anyway, adores people and loves playing with dogs and other cats. Lucy, she says, “has no idea that she has limitations” so she doesn’t let anything slow her down. For more information on Lucy, email Linda at linda@bornfreeusa.org.

Buster is a cream and milk chocolate Ragamuffin cat that is adoptable from SOCKS (Save Our Cats & Kittens-Sensibly); one of his gorgeous blue eyes is scarred. Does that make him less worthy of a good home? If you think so, send an email to save.r.cats@sbcglobal.net

What about Honey? She is a lovely tawny-colored blind terrier that “navigates, plays and explores using all of her other senses”, according to Gina Knepp with the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter. For more info, click here.

Or Myka, a stunning Tortoiseshell Point Siamese/Turkish Angora kitten, who lost a back foot to an infection? Foster-mom Laurel Fagan says that Mika does perfectly well on three feet, suggesting that she is “footless, but fancy free”. To learn more about Mika, visit here.

There are many other wonderful animals that could be your perfect pet; stay tuned for information on during “Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week”.

John Wayne, Sly Stallone and Bob the Cat

 

 

Most popular male movie characters fall under the heading of “macho men”; they are strong and handsome, each with a squared jaw and the steely gaze of of a hero. Much to her surprise, a Sacramento woman recently discovered a prime example of a macho man lying half-dead in her driveway.

He didn’t particularly look the part at first, as he was severely malnourished and dehydrated and could barely raise his head. The only evidence of the former owner who abandoned him was the worn-down fur where a collar used to be. 

By the way, his name is Bob. Bob the Cat.

The woman and her grandson thought Bob would never survive, but they took him to their shady porch and were able to revive him with food and fluids.

After plenty of food, love, attention, grooming and medical treatment for an infection, ear mites, fleas and dental issues, Bob the Cat is now the very picture of a macho man. He is strong and healthy, very affectionate with people and generally just a fun guy to be around. He is believed to be at least 12 years old, a gentleman “of a certain age”

Watch Bob’s video to see what he has in common with other macho men like John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and Bruce Lee. http://youtu.be/7VT1ubuFm2g

Bob’s only physical problem is a dangerous one. He is deaf and sometimes sits in the middle of the road, where he can not hear oncoming cars or predators.

The lovely lady who saved his life adores Bob and would love to bring him inside and keep him forever. But she has some physical issues herself which impact her mobility and she simply can not have him inside weaving around her legs and rubbing her feet – which Bob loves to do.

A neighbor lets Bob stay in their garage at night; he stays on his rescuer’s porch during the day, where she spends as much time with him as possible. Handymen and other people that visit the house always stop to visit with Bob, many remarking that they have never known such a friendly cat.

He is very loyal to the woman and will even stand up to big dogs if they dare to come close to her.

But with his hearing loss and the approaching cold and rain of winter, Bob needs to find a permanent, indoor home as fast as possible. Could you be the one to love him forever?

Bob is available for adoption from HART, a non-profit animal rescue. For more information on this special macho man, email hartcats@live.com or call/text 916-730-7814.

Groovy dogs, hot licks, Woofstock is outta sight baby

 

Bring your tie-dye and love beads but don’t trip out; Sacramento’s Woofstock is a primo party for pets and people. Live music, great food and free activities abound, with fun for everyone from the tiniest Chihuahua to the mightiest Mastiff.   

Energetic pups and people can begin checking in for the Grateful Dog Fun Run/Walk at 8:30am, while others who prefer to relax can enjoy the Weiner Dog Race later in the morning.

A “pawcake” breakfast for people and dogs runs from 6:30 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. and contests throughout the day include Best Pooch Smooch, Ugliest Dog and Best Tail Wagger.

Drag out your bell-bottoms and fringe and make sure your dog will wear a flower in its hair; you might just be the winners of the 60s costume contest.

Many local animal rescue groups will be represented at the event, including Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue and Sanctuary, West Coast Mastiff and Large Breed Rescue, Sacramento Independent Animal Rescuers, Scooter’s Pals and Greyhound Friends for Life.   

Vendors will be on hand with food choices galore and with every type of merchandise imaginable for pets and the people who love them.

Sacramento’s own Cats about Town Society (C.A.T.S.) and HART (Helen’s Animal Rescue Team) will be selling gifts, goodies and low-cost Advantage and Frontline+ flea control products; all proceeds go directly to fund the two groups’ animal services.

Well-behaved, immunized and leashed dogs are welcome to attend the event; although dogs must be at least 6 months old and have current identification (license, tags or microchip), rules about the decorum of their owners has not been specified.

Live music will be provided by Vibro Counts and Rockin’ Down the Hiway.

This year the proceeds from Woofstock will be donated to Chako Pit Bull Rescue, Second Chance Cocker Rescue,  All American Daschund Rescue and The Chester Foundation.  

• Woofstock 2011
• Admission is free
• Sunday August 28
• 9:00 A.M. to 3:00 P.M.
• Johnson – Springview Park
• 5480 5th St, Rocklin, CA

Put a cork in it for a cause

 

The Sacramento area is a goldmine for those who enjoy fine wine and a great party. Now Homeward Bound Golden Retriever Rescue is offering two chances to bottle your own wine and take it home.

“A Golden Vintage”, a fundraiser for the non-profit dog rescue and sanctuary, takes place both this Friday night and on Saturday afternoon of the following week.

The event takes place at Vintner’s Cellar in Rancho Cordova, and includes appetizers, wine tasting,  raffle and door prizes, a silent auction (during the Saturday event) and a Homeward Bound logo wine glass to take home. Guests can enjoy live music while being pampered with complimentary chair massage and hand spa therapy.

A Golden Vintage also gives guests the unique opportunity of bottling their own bottle of wine and creating a custom label for it.  They can then take the bottle home so that it can mature.

Homeward Bound is run solely by volunteers and has rescued over 6,500 Golden Retrievers since it’s inception in 2000. The group has a policy of accepting even dogs and puppies that have medical problems; in many cases the health problems are either the direct cause of or the specific result of their abandonment or surrender by former owners.

Veterinary expenses alone run the non-profit group over $350,000 each year.

• A Golden Vintage
• Friday, August 12th, 5:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
• Saturday, August 20th, 1:30 – 4:30 pmVintner’s Cellar,
• 12401 Folsom Blvd (off Hazel and Hwy 50), Rancho Cordova
• Tickets are $40.00
• Purchase tickets online at http://www.homewardboundgoldens.org/ or at the door.

Going gray the best way – with cats, kittens and other pets

Silken, lush, velvety and glowing with an inner light; these are just a few ways to describe the richness and glory of silver-gray hair. And listen up, Baby Boomers of Sacramento – all are good reasons to embrace the gray, both on ourselves and on animals.

But the ultimate statement for the purposes of this particular discussion is this; gray fur rocks.

Whether on cats or dogs, rabbits or goats, a coat of silver is the mark of a fine and magnificent creature.

For cats, gray is simply coat coloration rather than an actual type of feline. Pewter-toned cats may be from a variety of breeds and breed-mixes, including short-haired tabbies, long-haired Maine Coons, Persians, Burmese and the silvery-blue Russian Blue.

Sacramento animal shelters have many different breeds and hues of gray pets available for adoption, and there is no time like the present to invest in silver.  The adoption fees won’t drain your wallet and your heart will be fully invested.

Check out the slide show ( at http://www.examiner.com/cat-rescue-in-sacramento/going-gray-the-best-way-with-cats-kittens-and-other-pets) to see the names and photos of just a few of the beautiful gray cats that are currently offered at local shelters and rescue groups. For more information on an individual cat or kitten by name, click on the corresponding link below.

As always, Petfinder.com is an excellent resource for finding the perfect animal of any type for you and your family.

• Animal Outreach – Citrus Heights  http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CA334.html
• Cats about Town Society (C.A.T.S.) http://catsabouttown.org/category/featured/
• Cats on the River  http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/catsontheriver.html
• Fluff Buddies  http://www.fluffbuddies.org/
• Happy Tails  http://www.happytails.org/
• HART  http://hartanimalrescue.org/
• KATMOM  http://www.katmom.com/
• Purrs For You  http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelterid=CA1817
• River City Cat Rescue  http://www.rivercitycatrescue.org/
• Sacramento County Animal Shelter  http://www.msa2.saccounty.net/acr/Pages/default.aspx
• SAKrescue http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/CA1154.html
• SCACR-LAPCATS  http://www.lapcats.org/catandkittenadoptions.html
• Shellden Shelter for Cats and Dogs   http://www.shelldenshelter.com/

Calico cats unbeatable, says local expert

 

“Once you go Calico you never go back”, or so claims Sacramento cat expert Sasha Zeebang.  With many adoptable rescued Calico cats at area shelters, now is a prime time to bring one of these unique creatures into your life. 

Zeebang explains that the designation of Calico describes a color pattern, not an actual breed.

Calico cats have coats adorned with solid blocks of red-orange, black and white colors. The pattern can be seen on many types of cats, including short- and long-hairs, tabbies, bobtails and Manx.

Almost all Calico cats are female says Zeebang, and are known to be extraordinarily beautiful.

In addition to the gorgeous coloration, Calico cats often share similar personality traits regardless of their actual breed. 

Zeebang says that Calicos are guaranteed to be the center of attention in any room, bringing beauty, wit and grace to every occasion. They love to be in the middle of the action, a position Zeebang says they clearly and richly deserve.

Known to be divas, Zeebang adds that Calicos are quirky, fun, affectionate and very outgoing with humans. It is her opinion that no home should be without a rescued Calico cat.

Sasha Zeebang brings a long list of credentials to validate her comments, the most important of which is that she is, um, a rescued Calico cat.

Sasha Zeebang is, by her own humble admission, the Empress of the Universe. Although other Calicos may claim that title for themselves, Zeebang promises that she is the genuine article and should be obeyed without question.

Oops, that last part was supposed to be off the record.

In any case, Calicos are indisputably beautiful, unique, fun and special animals. Click on the link below to check out the slide show with just a few of the amazing Calico cats that are up for adoption in Sacramento this week.

Sasha promises that adopting a Calico will be the best move you’ll ever make.

The Calico cats featured in the slideshow are available from the following rescue organizations;

• Animal Outreach of the Motherlode
• C.A.T.S. (Cats about Town Society)…

Continue reading on Examiner.com Calico cats unbeatable, says local expert – Sacramento Cat rescue | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/cat-rescue-in-sacramento/calico-cats-unbeatable-says-local-expert#ixzz1TPaMWme9

Adoptable Maine Coon cat has big shoes to fill

If necessity is the mother of invention, then one Sacramento cat at least qualifies as a father figure.  As an above-average sized fellow, the options for elegant attire in his size range were limited.

Inspired by his last name and heritage, gold and ginger colored Finnegan Shoemaker chose to help other cats find the one thing they were missing; shoes that perfectly fit the four feline feet.

While Finnegan wanted to help his fellow cats, he was driven by a personal issue as well.  He was only one year old and was a big kitty to begin with.  But his feet were already above average size and he l earned he could be a very big guy before he stopped growing in a couple of years. Check out his video to see him in action.

As much as Finnegan and the humans around him appreciated his big glorious feet, he knew that finding shoes to fit his rapidly growing paws would be very tough. As there were no “big and tall” stores for felines nearby, the creative ginger cat decided to design his own foot- and paw-wear line.

From athletic shoes that offer the promise of firmer tail muscles to decadent 70’s-style disco boots with heels full of goldfish, Finnegan has covered the full range of feline paw-wear.

He became tired of the grueling work hours and eventually sold his shoe business for two cases of Friskies and a brick of fresh catnip.

Now retired at the startling age of one year, Finnegan is thrilled to just stay at home and be a house cat. The only thing he needs now is a permanent home and a person to call his own.

Okay, so some of this information isn’t 100% accurate, but the last part certainly is.

Finnegan was dumped in a public park by his former owner; thankfully Sacramento’s HART animal rescue group found the bedraggled, starving cat and took him in.  He has blossomed into an extremely affectionate and beautiful cat.

True to his widely sought-after breed, this part Maine Coon cat is big, goofy, mellow and very loving. He will follow you around almost like a dog would, and can’t wait to prove what a loyal companion he can be.

Finnegan has been neutered, flea-treated and immunized, and can be taken home for a $25.00 adoption fee. While he has been around other animals, he would probably prefer to be the only pet in the family.

For more information about Finnegan Shoemaker or other adoptable cats and kittens, click here.  A HART volunteer can also be reached by phone/text at 916-730-7814 or by email at hartcats@live.com.

Teenaged humans or teenaged pets – YOU make the call!

 

 

Teenagers can be peculiar creatures, moving around with one foot stretching into the adult world and the other still planted in childhood. But one Sacramento teen wants to prove that he is very different from the rest.

In the first place, he has four feet instead of two.

Elliott, a handsome black and white cat, is around 10 months old. In kitty development, that puts him smack dab in the middle of teenage-hood. 

Young Elliott is looking for a new, permanent home to call his own. But he has overheard the parents of human teenagers talk, and he understands that kids that age can be, um, a challenge at times.

Elliott would like to reassure any potential adopters that, unlike some other teens, he will:

• Never be embarrassed to be seen with you in front of his friends
• Always be more entertained by an empty paper bag than by a Nintendo Wii
• Never require nor desire $200 athletic shoes, and if he DID he wouldn’t outgrow them in a month
• Never run up your phone bill, and actually finds it impossible to text since he lacks opposable thumbs
• Never have a Facebook page or post embarrassing photos of you on the Internet
• Never get a driver’s license or run up the cost of your auto insurance
• Does not care what the other kids are wearing – he is perfectly content with his current coat
• Will never, absolutely ever, roll his eyes while you are talking
• Will not make you worry about unplanned pregnancy, as he has already been neutered

Being a creative young man, Elliott made a video about himself for You Tube; please check it out and let him know what you think.

Elliott promises to be a very loving, fun and playful addition to your household. He was rescued from a scary life on the streets by some nice people who really love him. Unfortunately they have several other cats who aren’t interested in having him stay around permanently.

In fact, one of the other cats has begun to express this disinterest via some “outside the box” behavior, so Elliott needs to move out very soon.

Elliott is available for adoption through HART animal rescue; a $25.00 adoption fee applies. He has been neutered, immunized, flea treated and given a clean bill of health by a veterinarian. All he needs now is you.

To meet this charming and thoroughly atypical teenager, contact HART by email at hartcats@live.com or call/text 916-730-7814.