Was cat show win by City Shelter a fluke?

During an internationally sanctioned cat show last October, adoptable felines from the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter competed against professionals – and were big winners. So when the shelter was invited back to last weekend’s Jazzy Cats show, there was concern that the October outcome was an unmatchable, one-time-only fluke.

Perhaps the particular cats chosen to participate in October were especially attractive, had unique qualities or had received better-than-average treatment at the shelter?

Actually, the October and January animals were no different than others at the City shelter; they were simply healthy and well-socialized cats and kittens.

The good news – last weekend’s show proved that October was no fluke; once again the City shelter cats rocked the house. Twelve adoptable rescue cats and kittens competed in the three-day show and won a total of 46 awards.

The best news – Jazzy Cats show director Gloria Mahan allowed additional rescue felines to come as adoptables without competing. By the end of the show 19 cats and kittens had been adopted into loving new homes.

Lovely calico shelter cat Cleo won second “best in show” for her category; the first place position was won by “Feral Faucet”, who was adopted during the October show.  Feral’s new owner Ken Kershaw has continued to show her because she enjoys the attention and environment so much; two months after leaving the shelter Feral was named the number one kitten in her class in the world.

Two other City shelter cats adopted in October also competed last weekend, and won 9 awards between them.

Matilda and Prince Harry, an adoptable brother and sister from the City shelter, won 15 spots and the hearts of everyone at the show. The long-haired kittens were adopted together into a wonderful family who would have probably never met them if not for Jazzy Cats.

As during the October event, the City shelter received plenty of positive feedback from judges, Jazzy Cats’ members and the public. Mahan says she“always get wonderful comments about the volunteers and the kitties”.

Judge Alex Chisholm told a crowd of spectators about Caden, the cat she adopted during the October show. She praised the City shelter for giving Caden so much attention and socialization that he is very comfortable around people and pets. Chisholm noted that when she first took him home he had to be introduced to quite a few other animals, but that he had no problem fitting in.

According to Chisholm, there was “never a hiss or a spat or anything; just like that he was part of the group”.

The next Jazzy Cats show will also feature adoptable cats and kittens from the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter.

• Jazzy Cats March Madness” Cat Show
• March 2nd, 3rd & 4th, 2012
• Cal Expo Fairgrounds
• Click here  for more details

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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.

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

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.

Barks or bites – changes to L.A. animal control law

For many dogs, barking is part of their job description; they bark to warn off intruders and to keep their human and animal family members safe. But spending a little too much time on the job can land the pet and their owner in the dog house, at least for some living in Southern California.

On Tuesday the Los Angeles City Council amended the city’s existing law about barking dogs. The original version, similar to statutes in Sacramento and other cities across the country, referred to “excessive barking” without explaining exactly how much is too much.

The amended version defines barking for ten minutes, or for 30 minutes during a three-hour period, to be excessive.

The first citation issued to the owner of an excessively barking dog in the city of L.A. now comes with a minimum penalty of $250.00; by the third citation the cost is up to a minimum of $1,000.00.

By contrast, L.A. County’s barking dog statute carries penalties for the owner of up to six months in jail on misdemeanor public nuisance charges.

Some complaints are true cases of disturbing the peace; other complaints appear to be made for the sole purpose of getting a disliked neighbor in trouble. Regardless, the complaint and resolution process requires a large amount of time on the part of an Animal Control Officer (ACO).

City of Sacramento Chief Animal Control Officer Dan Torres says that the staffing needed for such complaints locally is “a resource I don’t have”.

Torres leads a team of seven ACOs handling issues in the city, far below the 22 to 30 officers needed for the area according to a study done in 2000 by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS).

The population of the city has grown by more than 60,000 residents since that determination was made.

Funding cut-backs have caused the low number of ACOs for the city, but the number of issues they need to handle has done nothing but grow.

Torres says that the most critical issue that City ACOs must respond to is dog or cat bites, due to the possibility of fatal rabies infections. Next are reports of “loose, aggressive strays at schools”, another immediate and serious safety concern.

Then there are sick and injured animals on the roadways, coyotes, raccoons and skunks in residential areas, potential abuse and cruelty cases, strays on the street, getting animals out of locked vehicles, transporting injured strays and wildlife for veterinary care, removing deceased animals and assisting the Police, Fire Department, Highway Patrol, SPCA and Sacramento County Animal Services with larger cases. Just to name a few.

Oh, and complaints about barking dogs. Many hours of an ACO’s time must be used for the investigation, follow-up and required paperwork of a barking dog complaint, particularly if an appeal is filed by the pet owner.

Each Sacramento City ACO is responsible for a specific area and each officer’s typical day starts with a list of 40-60 calls they must respond to. More issues and complaints come in throughout the day and night.

It is understandable then, why complaints about how much noise an animal is making had to be looked into after public health and safety issues are handled.

As of July 1, 2011 City complaints about barking dogs are routed to Sacramento Mediation Services; doing it in-house was simply a poor use of very limited resources.

Unless Los Angeles has a full contingent of Animal Control staff and a small number of issues to handle – which are highly unlikely – the newly amended barking dog law may not help solve any problems.

Click here for tips from the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter on how to help your dog bark less.

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.

Sacramento’s Catch 22 – either way too much or way too little

Today the Sacramento Pet Food Bank is little more than a bare floor with dusty corners, as its stock of pet food, cat litter, collars and pet beds is all gone. On the flip side, the Sacramento County animal shelter – one of the groups that help coordinate the food bank – is full to bursting with adoptable animals.

Having far too much and far too little is a very bad combination, particularly with these two organizations.

When times are tough economically, more people give up their pets because they simply can’t afford to care for them. A large number of those animals ultimately end up at the Sacramento County and City animal shelters.

In too many cases the animals have not been spayed or neutered, so the shelters end up with entire pet families to handle and find homes for. Adopters, of course, are hard to come by because of the very same financial woes that filled the shelters in the first place.

Talk about a Catch-22. 

The biggest concern is that this no-win situation keeps multiplying.

The volunteer-run Pet Food Bank, also known as Titanic’s Pantry, gives pet food and supplies to people who need some help economically. The hope is that those people can then keep their pets rather than having the animals end up in a shelter.

• Click here to learn about donating to the Sacramento Pet Food Bank.
• Click here to learn about adopting from the Sacramento County animal 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 can barely get enough donations to stay open.

With less pet food available from the food bank, more people give up their pets and take them to shelters. With fewer people able to afford pet care, there are fewer pets adopted from the shelters.

With more animals and less adopters, employees at public shelters are forced to do the thing they hate the most – they must euthanize healthy, loving animals.

The Pet Food Bank and the Sacramento County shelter need help today. They are asking people to donate what they can, even just a little bit of pet food, supplies or money to buy them. Every bag of kibble helps to keep a pet with their family instead of a shelter.

And if you can provide a loving home to a pet or two, please visit the shelter or check out their adoptable animals on Petfinder. 

Let’s work together to reverse those numbers and have empty shelters and fully stocked food banks.

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 here 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”.

Celebrate “less adoptable” pets – Batu and Nix

 

Go to any playground or workplace from Sacramentoto Shanghaiand you’ll find at least one “golden child”, someone who shines in every way. They seem to get all of the best opportunities, are picked first for every team, invited to every party and appreciated for all of their efforts.

Then there are the rest of us “normal” people.

We are the fun, hardworking folks who keep the world operating; we are the sum total of our experiences, tend to get a bit creaky as we age and have some scars from a lifetime of, well, living.

Today is the first day of Petfinder’s “Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week”, a celebration of pets that are a bit more challenging for which to find homes. 

Some are a bit older or need a little extra assistance due to health issues, while others simply have fur that comes in a less popular color or have lived a difficult life. But they can be wonderful and loving additions to your family and Sacramento area animal shelters have plenty to choose from.

Meet Batu, a beautiful one year old terrier mix. Batu is something of a television star, although not in a way that the sweet, loving dog would have chosen. He was part of a hoarder case inLucerneValley where around 300 dogs were confiscated; the situation was chronicled on Animal Planet.

While being on television may have brought Batu fame, it unfortunately has not brought him a permanent, loving home. Batu is up for adoption from the Sacramento Independent Animal Rescuers, who note that he will need an understanding and patient adopter.

After the rough time he had at the hands of the hoarder, Batu is still a bit frightened and shy. For more information of Batu, click here.

Pets that are black or black and white are often difficult to find homes for, simply because of old wife’s tales and superstitions about being bad luck. But owners of ebony-hued cats and dogs praise them for their gorgeous glossy coats, great personalities and loving natures.

Nix, a young black cat with a very sweet and silly personality is up for adoption through C.A.T.S. (Cats about Town Society). Unfortunately Nix was also a victim of a hoarder, one of 100 cats removed from a home in deplorable conditions.

 In spite of this Nix is a happy little guy who adores people and other cats and dogs. He would love to have a permanent home that has another cat or two to play with.

For more information on Nix, click here.

Stay tuned for information on more local pets that are looking for homes during “Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week”.

 

Celebrate “less adoptable” pets – Patches and Sammie

 

When you imagine a pet that will brighten up your life, is it highly-bred, expensive and perfect in every way? Or is it perhaps a bit less traditional, a bit more quirky or unique?

Tomorrow is the first day of Petfinder’s “Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week”, a celebration of pets that you may not have considered before.  

Some are a bit older or need a little extra assistance due to health issues, while others simply have fur that comes in a less popular color or have lived a difficult life. But they can be wonderful and loving additions to your family and there are many Sacramento-area animal shelters with plenty to choose from.

For example, Patches is a gorgeous calico cat who has had it pretty rough for a while. She was adopted by a young American soldier several years ago and they quickly came to adore one another. When he was later deployed toIraq, Patches went to stay with the soldier’s mother until he came safely home.

But he returned home he had devastating and permanent injuries which made it impossible for him to care for Patches, and then his mother passed away. With deep regret he took Patches to the shelter, hoping desperately that a good home could be found.

Eight months later, Patches still does not have a home. She was saved from euthanasia by LAPCATS, a volunteer-run organization that helps support theSacramentoCounty shelter. But what Patches really needs is a permanent loving home of her own.

Click to learn more about Patches and her soldier.    

Sammie is another “less adoptable” pet, mainly because the 10-year old German Shepherd has arthritis and requires anti-inflammatory supplements. Sammie is up for adoption from Scooter’s Pals, who describe her as an incredibly sweet and delightful companion who does very well with older children and other dogs.

Sammie is not used to cats and is interested in chasing them, so a cat-free home would be best for her. She loves gentle playing and car rides, but is a mellow lady that primarily wants to spend time with her family. She has been spayed and immunized and ready to find her forever home.

Click for more information on Sammie.

Stay tuned for information on more local pets that are looking for homes during “Adopt-a-Less-Adoptable-Pet Week”.