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.

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”.

600,000 US pets impacted by natural disasters this year

September has been declared National Preparedness Month, due in part to the wave of natural disasters which have impacted the lives of so many people across the country. Many organizations are providing guidance on how to protect families and property, but keeping pets and other animals safe is also part of goal.

Tara Diller, of the Municipal Services Agency of Sacramento County says that having enough crates for cats and other pets “is crucial, as you never know when you need to evacuate quickly.”

WhileSacramentois not likely to experience a devastating hurricane or tornado, earthquakes, wind damage, fires and flooding are very real possibilities.

Diller points out the recent situation in the small community ofLincoln, when a rail car with 29,000 gallons of liquid propane caught fire. Nearly 5,000 residents – and their pets — had to be evacuated. The fire “really illustrated the need to have the essentials ready, crates, leashes, pet food, etc.,” says Diller.

The American Society for the Protection of Animals (ASPCA) has estimated that more than 600,000 cats and dogs have been affected by natural disasters nationwide so far this year, and that number does not include the many impacted by Hurricane Irene.

The ASPCA has a number of recommendations for pet owners, including creating an emergency kit that is ready to go with items like pet food, water, bowls, a pet first aid kit, collars and leashes, cleaning supplies and copies of pet medical records.

Not all emergency shelters for people accept pets, so it is important to determine in advance where the animals can be taken. Options may include local animal shelters, motels and family members.

A rescue alert sticker can help emergency responders know how many and what type of animals are in your home, and the ASPCA offers a free sticker on their website. Stickers can often be purchased at pet supply stores as well.

Making sure that pets always wear collars with ID tags is important, but microchipping provides a more permanent way to identify who the animal belongs to.

More valuable information is available at the ASPCA website

Urgent warning for pet owners about heartworm treatment

 

Fatal heartworm disease in dogs is easy to prevent, but as of Friday it became extremely difficult to cure. Immiticide, the only FDA approved medicine to treat adult heartworm in dogs is no longer available.

Merial is the only company that distributes immiticide for distribution in the United States.

 Although it had been known that supplies were dwindling, Merial representatives notified some area vet clinics late Friday that the treatment was no longer available at all.

Steve Dickinson, head of corporate communications for Merial says the company that manufactures immiticide for them is “experiencing some technical issues in the plant”. Merial is seeking another supplier, but Dickinson says that it is a complex product to make so it may take some time.

Mosquitoes are responsible for infecting animals with heartworm, which results in parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs and occasionally in the right side of the heart.

With no new supplies of immiticide reportedly available for the foreseeable future, “prevention is the biggest issue” says Dr. Andrea Kirsch of Natomas Veterinary Hospital.

Preventive medicines include Heartgard, Iverheart, Revolution and Advantage Multi; these are still readily available to consumers.

Kirsch observed that the economic downturn has influenced some pet owners to skip preventive medicines, but that now is a dangerous time to do so.

There are some lengthy and costly treatments which can lessen the severity of heartworm symptoms, but without immiticide dogs with full adult heartworm will likely have to be euthanized.

Cats are more resistant to the disease but can get it, according to Sacramento veterinarian Dr. Jill Roberts-Wilson, who strongly recommends that cats get preventive medicine as well.

Roberts-Wilson says that heartworm is more deadly in cats because there is no medicine, even immiticide, which can cure it once they have it.

Pet owners are urged to keep their animals current on heartworm preventives medicines and to contact their veterinarian if they have questions.

Doing the math for Black Cat Appreciation Day

Think for a moment – how many people do you know reasonably well in the Sacramento area? Then, how many do you know well enough to ask them to adopt a cat?

Simon has a wide circle of friends and close acquaintances, so he can name 50 people that he is close to. That’s great! His task for the day – convince each one of those 50 people to adopt a cat that is black (or black and white).

Simon knows that black cats are sleek and silky, playful, loving and a lot of fun at parties. Scientists have shown that they may even be less prone to certain serious health problems than cats of other hues.

Unfortunately it is extremely difficult to get black cats adopted, mainly due to ancient superstitions passed down from old wives and old sailors.

So Simon talks his friends into adopting. Success! By getting each of his friends to take one, there are 50 less cats in Sacramento that will have to be euthanized today. Problem solved.

Oh, wait.

More than 200 adoptable black cats are waiting at Sacramento rescues just today, according to Petfinder.com, the preeminent pet adoption site.

And those numbers do not include any black or black/white cats at the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter, the Sacramento County Animal Shelter or the Sacramento SPCA. Those places also probably have more than a few black cats waiting for homes today.

But let’s just focus on those 200+ cats on Petfinder. Do you think Simon could go back to his 50 friends and ask them to each adopt at least another three black cats? After all, everyone wants four or five cats of their own, right?

They all said yes? Simon truly has some GREAT friends. He can rest easy knowing that he has done an amazing, wonderful thing by helping 200 animals find permanent, loving homes.

But Simon can’t sleep; he keeps thinking about the uncounted number of black cats at the three big shelters. He also knows that more cats come to rescue groups every day, so the cages his friends emptied today will be full again within a day or two.

Simon loves black cats and it tears him up to know how many will die tomorrow, next week, and next year.

So Simon is going to help by spreading the word about tomorrow, which is Black Cat Appreciation Day. He’ll share with others his stories of frisky, silly, brave and brilliant felines who come dressed in black and in tuxedos.

He’ll share the attached video, which shows some of the many reasons to appreciate and love black cats.

Simon might also adopt a black cat or two for himself, and will make sure they are spayed or neutered. It won’t fix the problem overnight, but it is a start and is a wonderful way to bring joy to his life and to the life of an animal.

Perceptive, therapeutic Great Pyrenees are more than working dogs

Max, a gorgeous, loving and snuggly dog, is currently the guest of an animal rescue group near Sacramento. With his lush white coat and bright eyes, it is difficult to grasp that his road has not always been an easy one.

This gentle giant is a Great Pyrenees, a breed traditionally used for guarding flocks in harsh weather on steep mountainous slopes. But “Pyres” have much to offer as personal family pets.

Pam Tobin, president of the Sierra Pacific Great Pyrenees Club (SPGPC), describes the dogs as very soulful and therapeutic.  Intelligent and loyal, Pyres are very tuned in to their people and are great with kids.

“They are truly like having a best friend” says Tobin.

Descriptions like that make it all the harder to understand the sad condition some of the dogs are in when they reach the rescue.  

Tobin says that some come in injured, hungry and abused, with very little life in their eyes. Although it often takes plenty of work and medical care, when they leave for their new homes they “look like happy little people”, Tobin laughs.

In Max’s case, he arrived with severe burns on his backside. His previous owner had literally set the dog on fire.

Now healing nicely, Max shows that he is very grateful to have been saved. Although he does not get along with other dogs, he adores people and will do anything you want. He is very cuddly and is ready to find his forever family.

Max would be an ideal companion for an older couple or anyone whose lifestyle is low-key.

With their gentle, perceptive natures Pyres are ideal for use in pet therapy, including visiting hospitals, working with needy children and more.

Through the SPGPC, Tobin leads therapy dog classes to get pets registered with Therapy Dogs, Inc.

Tobin says that the rescue club operates solely from donations, grants and fundraisers. One of their greatest expenses is veterinary care; this is especially true for dogs such as Smiley Miley, who Tobin said was so injured that the dog was “literally held together with duct tape”.

Tobin cared for Miley throughout the healing process and found that she couldn’t give up the sweet and gentle dog. Smiley Miley was the only foster dog that Tobin ever adopted herself.

SPGPC is dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, rehoming, loving and celebrating Great Pyrenees dogs.

Visit their website to meet some of the beautiful, loving and kind dogs that are currently available for adoption. The SPGPC site also has an events calendar, information on donating and gifts for sale that support the services they offer to dogs.

Investigators find 50 cats in home with animal rescuer – part 2

The president of Purrs For You, a Sacramento rescue group, is under investigation for a second case of alleged animal hoarding. Mary Klatt was given until May 20, 2011 to remove all but four of the approximately 50 cats kept in her rented home in Rancho Cordova.

Klatt received the compliance order both verbally and in writing, according to Rancho Cordova Animal Services Officer Justin Arnold. 

On May 20, Klatt reportedly admitted to Arnold that she had not complied and that the number of cats had not changed.

Klatt’s non-compliance has resulted in a citation and further contact with the owner of the home, Scott Slotterbeck, has been made.  The owner is being given time to address the situation with Klatt.

No charges have been filed against Klatt as of yet, but City of Rancho Cordova Animal Services is continuing their investigation.

The inquiry began after a witness complaint was filed with the city in early May.

Arnold received a separate complaint from a different person several weeks later; this witness had met with Klatt at the Dawes Street property on another issue and made similar allegations.

The current investigation is separate from one in January of this year when City of Sacramento Animal Control removed 85 cats and dogs from a house that Klatt owned and lived in.  Approximately 70 of the animals in that case had to be euthanized immediately due to serious and infectious diseases. 

Klatt was not charged in relation to that investigation or seizure.

In January, Klatt verbally distanced herself from her animal rescue group, repeatedly stating that she was responsible for the situation as an individual. She expressed hope that Purrs For You could continue to be effective at finding homes for adoptable cats and kittens.

Investigators find 50 cats in home with animal rescuer

As was recently reported, the president of Sacramento animal rescue group Purrs For You is under investigation for the second time since January. A complaint alleges that Mary Klatt is keeping approximately 50 cats in a Rancho Cordova home that she rents.

Rancho Cordova City Animal Services Officer Justin Arnold and another city employee reportedly went to the home at 2413 Dawes Street to investigate in early May. Klatt was present at the address at that time.

Arnold states that they observed 40 to 50 cats at that location, as had been reported in the complaint.  

Klatt was given a written notice which included details on violations at the home of licensing, rabies and zoning codes. According to Arnold, Klatt verbally agreed to bring the number of cats at the location down to the allowable number of four by the end of two weeks as required in the notice.

The two week period, ending on May 20, 2011, was identified in the written notice; further action to be taken by the City of Rancho Cordova if Klatt had not complied by that date.

A copy of the notice was also mailed to the owner of the home.

Volunteers from several other non-profits have stated that Klatt is the “go-to” person for unwanted cats and kittens in the area. Klatt reportedly takes in every cat given to her by individuals and rescue groups regardless of how many she already has or can care and find adopters for.

For more information and follow up, see part 2 of this story.

Dog adoption could ease woman’s cancer pain

True love is precious and hard to find. Last October two Sacramento residents learned the hard way that it doesn’t always last forever.

If you had asked Karen three or four years ago, she might not have even believed in true love.  Then an abused young dog zoomed into both her life and her heart like a speeding train.

Ranger, a handsome Chocolate Lab and German Shorthair mix, was in an animal shelter and was scared to death.  His former owners had hurt him and he probably expected the worst from all of the people he encountered.

But when Karen adopted him and took him home, Ranger learned that people can be kind, patient, caring and fun.  Karen and Ranger have been inseparable ever since, and they absolutely love one another.  The two found that life really can be beautiful.

Then in October Karen was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

Now in the final stages of her terminal illness, Karen’s biggest worry is what will happen to her beloved Ranger.  He hasn’t left her side since she was diagnosed, but she knows their time together will be ending soon. 

The hope is to keep Ranger with Karen for as long as possible, but he will need a new owner soon. Could it be you?

Karen says he is the perfect housedog; he is housebroken, loves to watch the world through the screen door and never chews things up even when he is left at home alone.  Ranger loves to go to the dog park and gets along fine with other dogs.  He likes to chase squirrels in the backyard and play like the big, goofy dog that he is.

Ranger is a healthy boy; he is neutered and up to date on vaccinations. It takes him a little while to be comfortable with strangers since he was abused when he was younger, and he is more relaxed about woman at first than men.

But once he gets used to you, he’ll be your friend for life.

Losing his Karen will be hard for Ranger, and his broken heart will take a little time to mend.  But being loved and treated with kindness and patience by his new owner will help him get through it.  And knowing that he has a good home will help Karen immensely as she nears the end of her life.

So maybe true love really can last forever.

If you are interested in bringing this loving dog into your life, please call (916) 622-2744 or email gldnsvr@hotmail.com.

Rescue group president in potential hoarding situation – again

A Sacramento animal rescue group may be part of a hoarding situation for the second time in five months. More than 50 cats are allegedly being housed in a home in Rancho Cordova by Mary Klatt, president of Purrs For You.

The home, on the 2000 block of Dawes Street, was visited last night by a Sacramento resident on the invitation of Klatt. According to the visitor the house had very few furnishings, only one interior light and no human residents.

The person states they contacted Klatt regarding a litter of un-weaned kittens that had been found.  Klatt reportedly agreed to meet the caller at the Dawes Street home so that the kittens could be left with a lactating mother cat that could nurse them. 

The Sacramento SPCA and the City of Rancho Cordova Animal Services were contacted after the witness reported seeing at least 50 cats in cages or roaming free inside the home. The litter of kittens was not left with Klatt as originally planned; another rescue option was found for them.

In January of this year police and Sacramento City Animal Care staff removed 85 cats and dogs from a College Glen house that Klatt owned and lived in.  Many of the animals were reportedly euthanized due to serious and infectious diseases. 

Klatt did not receive animal cruelty or other charges as a result of the College Glen raid. This was reportedly part of a deal negotiated with Klatt so that the animals could be surrendered and given veterinary care immediately. Klatt was ultimately allowed to get seven of the healthy animals back, the maximum number allowed by law.

Rancho Cordova Animal Services has not responded to inquiries regarding the Dawes Street complaint.

Feline “speed bump” needs to dance the weight away

For some, 1970’s America means Watergate, the Love Canal and Kent State. But one awesome Sacramento cat only flashes on the transcendental strobe lights and funkadelic tones of Donna Summer playing on the 8-track.

Mimi is a stone fox, a real disco queen.

This sexy Siamese really knows how to boogie.  Ask around and you’ll hear that Mimi is always on the floor at Studio 54, showing the boys how to get down.  Sporting a killer mood ring, a fly Farrah ‘do and platform soles full of goldfish, this fine feline is certainly no Annie Hall.

Mimi, a fab full-figured chick, knows how to shake her thang like dy-no-mite.  She is known as “Speed Bump” because of how fast she can groove. NOT, as rumors suggest, because of the shape and size of her bitchin, curvy bod.

Okay, so some of that isn’t strictly accurate.

The truth is that beautiful Mimi can’t really dance that fast, mainly due to the poor care of her previous family. They constantly…

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Feline “speed bump” needs to dance the weight away – Sacramento Cat rescue | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/cat-rescue-in-sacramento/feline-speed-bump-needs-to-dance-away-the-weight#ixzz1KeEJQCoA

Abused Maltese is now a happy dog who needs a home

Imagine that you had spent the first two years of your life crammed into a small, restrictive space, rarely getting any interaction or attention. How would you feel today? If you were a little girl dog named Otter, you’d feel pretty lucky.

A kind-hearted Sacramento woman named Maureen found the Maltese at an animal shelter, and was shocked by the poor young dog’s condition.

About a month earlier authorities had learned that Otter had been forced to live inside a very small crate for almost two full years. They removed the dog from her abusive owners and took her to the shelter.

Otter was lethargic and unsteady at the shelter; the little dog was barely able to stand up straight.  The exhausted Maltese would most likely need to be euthanized due to the extent of the damage.

Then Maureen came in and Otter’s luck began to change.  As soon as she saw Maureen, the little dog staggered to her feet and came right to her. One look in her eyes convinced Maureen that Otter wanted to live.

Maureen signed on as Otter’s foster parent, and spent the next weeks working with her.  A complete veterinary work-up revealed that Otter was born with a birth defect which caused the wobbly and shaky movements. The years spent crammed into a crate…

Continue reading at http://tiny.cc/8cehx

Earthquake and tsunami relief for Japan’s people and pets

The 8.9 magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami that struck Japan today caused widespread death, injury and destruction.  Relief organizations and governments around the world are responding to help people, and now several groups are stepping in to assist the animals impacted by the disaster as well.

There are a number of ways for people here and abroad to help the people and pets that were hurt or displaced. Sacramento pet expert and author Gina Spadafori reported today on recommendations made by her colleague, veterinarian Dr. Marty Becker.

For those interested in doing so, Becker suggests contacting the following organizations:

World Vets is an international veterinary aid organization that provides “free veterinary aid, resources and support during times of disaster all over the world”. Their non-profit efforts spans 25 countries and 6 continents, and handles both veterinary issues and human health issues caused by animal-related infectious diseases.

World Vets is already working to help victims of the earthquake and tsunami, and desperately needs donations. To learn more, click here for their website.

The National Disaster Search Dog Foundation is a non-profit, FEMA-certified agency that searches for survivors in the wreckage of catastrophic events such as the one is Japan.

NDSDF has already deployed six Canine Disaster Search Teams to respond to the current crisis; each task force is made up of approximately 72 members (including both humans and Urban Search and Rescue dogs) and some 75 tons of rescue equipment.

To learn more and to donate, click here for their website.

Kittens go from horror to happily ever after

With so many homeless animals in shelters and on the street, it seems like much of the news we hear about pets is depressing. But this tale is about a pair of Sacramento kittens whose story truly has a happy ending.

The two sisters first made headlines last December, when they were found dangling from nooses on a telephone pole.

The tiny kittens were only eight weeks old, and weighed about one pound each.

A woman spotted them and was able to cut them down before they choked to death.  She then contacted the non-profit rescue group HART (Helen’s Animal Rescue Team) and asked for assistance.

She couldn’t keep the kittens and knew that they needed medical care right away. HART volunteers took over and began to work on getting the small sisters the help they needed. Volunteer Joanie Toomire offered to foster the kittens and spent countless hours over the following two months caring for them.

To address the sisters’ injuries, veterinarian Dr. Jill Roberts-Wilson and other volunteers from HART and from the non-profit Cats about Town Society (C.A.T.S) stepped in. 

Veronica, a soft black kitten with wisps of white on her chest, had both of her hips partially dislocated as a result of the noose trauma.  Her beautiful tuxedo sister Maya was treated for infections in both eyes and for a serious upper respiratory virus.  

Once they were healthy, the girls were spayed, immunized and were ultimately ready to be adopted.  They had become happy, affectionate and very playful – just what kittens should be.

This is where their story becomes happily ever after…

Continue reading at http://tiny.cc/lani7

700 dogs saved – and you can help save more

What happens to abused and abandoned dogs when overfilled shelters can’t keep them any more?  For some lucky canines, Scooter’s Pals comes to their rescue.

Scooter’s Pals is a non-profit rescue organization that helps dogs from local areas including Sacramento, Placer and Nevada counties. Since 2007 they have found homes for over 700 dogs that might otherwise have been euthanized.

This Saturday afternoon is your chance to help more loving dogs have long and happy lives. Come join Scooter’s Pals at “Dollars for Doggies”, a…

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Good news for kittens that were hung from nooses

In December two small female kittens were found dangling from nooses on a telephone pole; luckily a Sacramento area woman found them in time to save them from being strangled to death.  Today the rescued kittens are healthy, happy and ready to find a family to love.      

But the path for the two sisters has not been without challenges.

One of the little girls, a soft black kitten with wisps of white on her chest, had both of her hips partially dislocated as a result of the incident. There is no specific treatment for the injuries since her hips were not fully dislocated; the issue will have to resolve itself over time.  The kitten, now named Veronica Lake, has an awkward way of walking at times but her discomfort is easing. 

Her sister, a lovely black and white kitten, was treated for infections in both eyes and a serious upper respiratory virus. Now called Maya Angelou, the tuxedo kitten is…

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85 pets removed from hoarder; 70 euthanized – no charges filed

On Tuesday Sacramento police and city animal care staff were on the scene of a significant animal hoarding situation. A total of 85 sick cats and dogs were found in a private home in College Glen; 70 cats suffering from a highly infectious disease had to be removed and immediately euthanized.

The residence at 2966 Chipley Street is listed under the animal rescue group Purrs for You and its president Mary Klatt. 

The 85 animals were found in the less than 1,200 square foot home, which police indicated smelled of feces and urine.

The home owner “will not be charged unless… 

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Non-profit animal rescuer in hoarding case

Last night Sacramento police officers reportedly went to a College Glen residence to check on a man that was ill. What they found instead was a large number of very sick cats and dogs, a urine- and feces-filled residence and no people.

The Sacramento Bee says that Sacramento City Animal Control removed all of the animals. 

Reports vary, but somewhere between 50 and 85 cats and dogs were involved. 

One source has stated that the vast majority of the animals were extremely ill and had to euthanized. 

The residents of the home on the 2900 block of Chiplay Street are believed to be part of the non-profit animal rescue group “Purrs for You”.

Through relatives, police were later able to…
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