Adopt a PAL

Do you have room in your home to adopt a homeless pet? How about one of these great cats or dogs?

Floppy, a spayed female (on the left) and Piper, a neutered male, who have always been together, would like to be adopted together. Both are declawed. She's quieter, he's more outgoing. Piper has a comic, entertaining purrsonality. Floppy is more laid back. He likes to stick his front foot in his water while drinking it. She likes to follow you around the house. They are 7 years young.

Tweedledee and Tweedledum are quite happy to be adopted together or separately. Tweedledee (the black-and-white spayed female) is affectionate, sweet, smart, and a real charmer. Tweedledum (neutered) is very handsome and likes the company of other cats. He doesn't mind being petted, but prefers not to be held. He likes being around people, just doesn't demand the kind of attention some cats want. Both are a year old. 

Shirley and Page want to be adopted together. They really like each other and wouldn't like being separated. They have tamed down quite a bit since they were first trapped, spayed, and vaccinated. They would like to go to a home where people will be patient and kind. It will take a little time for them to really feel comfortable, but if their new people are considerate of their feelings, it shouldn't be too long. 

Kobe is a GREAT guy! He's gregarious, outgoing, and LOTS of fun! He's great with other dogs and cats, but prefers a home without small children. He has an abundance of energy and likes LOTS of exercise. This charismatic 5-year-old is neutered, vaccinated, and housetrained. 

Consider adopting a pet in need. They are so grateful to be rescued and loved. Go to our dogs and cats pages to see these and other cats and dogs who are waiting to be adopted. Also check out  www.petfinder.com, www.pets911.com, and www.1-800-save-a-pet.com. Your true love is waiting for you at one of these sites. 

Take Your Dog to Work Day

On June 25, businesses across the country will participate in the annual Take Your Dog To Work Day, hosted by Pet Sitters International (PSI).

Take Your Dog To Work Day was created by PSI to celebrate the great companions that dogs make and to encourage adoptions from shelters, humane societies and rescue groups. "What a difference a day makes," says Patti Moran, president of PSI. "People bringing their dogs to work one day to celebrate Take Your Dog To Work Day can make a huge difference in the adoption rates at shelters. Dog-less co-workers will see the human-animal bond enjoyed by their colleagues who are dog parents and then adopt pets from local shelters."

Each year more and more people are bringing their canine friends along for a day on the job.

Why is it a good idea to take a dog to work? A dog at work can create a more relaxed and productive work environment. Creativity, interpersonal skills and positive work relationships increase, stress levels and absenteeism decrease.

If you would like to try having a "doggy day" at your place of business, consider these tips.

For Office Managers:

 Inform employees of this day to make sure there are no surprises or concerns.

 Doggy-proof the office, especially if puppies will be present -- cover all garbage cans and remove toxic items (like ink, toner cartridges, white-out) from snout's reach.

 Create and post guidelines/tips/doggy etiquette rules.

For Dog Guardians:

 Leave the overly shy or aggressive dogs at home. 

 Practice obedience training with your dogs before taking them to work. This will increase their chances of being allowed to stay.

 Post "Please Don't Let The Dogs Out" signs on doorknobs or doors if escape or mingling is a concern. 

 Introduce your dogs appropriately to other dogs.

 Take leashes and use them if your dogs are apt to wander. Or a baby gate could work.

 Take plenty of toys to keep dogs busy and treats to reward them for good behavior.

 Take food and water bowls with you.

 Take your dogs outside on your breaks. This will also give them a chance to expend pent up energy. Be sure to pick up after your dogs. Take clean-up supplies with you to work. 

 A new environment can be fun, but perhaps over- whelming, so be on the look out for signs of stress (panting, licking lips, yawning and whining).

 Take along a dog bed or make sure there's a quiet, comfortable place available for a nap. 

 Be considerate of others, especially minimizing barking (keep treats handy).

You can get more information about Take Your Dog To Work Day at the Pet Sitters International website: www.petsit.com.

Source: www.animalradio.com

Disulfoton Dangers

Disulfoton can be very dangerous to pets. "Disulfoton is a very potent systemic organophosphate insecticide that works by affecting the nervous system of insects," according to Dana Farbman of the ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center. 

Dogs, cats and other animals can be susceptible to poisoning as well. Disulfoton can cause vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, difficulty breathing, muscle weakness, tremors, seizures, coma and even death.

Farbman offers these suggestions to keep pets safe:

 Use extreme caution when applying insecticides such as disulfoton. Always read and follow label directions for safe use and storage.

 Potted roses and certain other plants may have already been treated with disulfoton prior to being sold. Check with the nursery or garden store beforehand, and plant them where pets can't get to them.

 Disulfoton may be mixed with organic fertilizers, which can be attractive to dogs.

 If you plan to use disulfoton, use it in areas completely inaccessible to animals. Store unused portions in a secure container or cabinet out of reach of pets and children.

You can reach the ASPCA's 24-hour Poison Control Center by calling 888-426-4435 or go to www.aspca.org.

Source: The ASPCA, www.aspca.org.

Hot Tips for Summer

 Do not leave your pet in the car, even if it's parked in the shade and the windows are open. In a hot car, a dog's or cat's temperature can rise quickly to dangerous levels within a few minutes. Heatstroke and even death can occur.

 Always make sure your pet has fresh, cool and clean water available.

 Some dogs don't like to swim. Don't force them.

 If your dog does like to swim, don't leave him or her unattended. Bathe your dog afterwards to remove all sand, mud and chlorine. And, be sure all pool chemicals are stored safely out of reach.

 Do not allow your dogs to hang out of the window of a moving car. Objects such as rocks and tree limbs can hit your pets. Insects can hit their eyes. Or, they can become frightened and fall or jump out.

 Do not allow animals to ride in the back of a pick-up truck. They may be thrown out, or they may jump out.

 Take your pets inside if there's a possibility of a thunderstorm. Loud thunder may scare them, or lightening could strike them.

 Do not walk your dog near fireworks. Besides the obvious danger, the loud noise can very frightening.

 Check your pet daily for fleas and ticks. 

 Have your dog checked for heartworm and administer heartworm preventative.

Source: North Shore Animal League, www.nsal.org.

ADOPT A SHELTER OR RESCUED PET SOON!

Positive Training

Positive training works. Positive trainers recognize that every dog is different and learns at his or her own speed. They formulate programs to suit the physical and emotional limits of each dog. Positive associations allow the dog to see the world as friendly, thereby removing the need to be competitive or aggressive. It's a win-win for you and your dog.

A gentle, positive approach in conjunction with safety, patience, kindness and compassion will make your life and your dog's life richer and happier.

Source: Animal Wellness Magazine, Vol. 7, Issue 1. www.AnimalWellnessMagazine.com.

Punishment Doesn't Work

Dogs who are trained using punishment are more likely to develop certain bad behaviors according to a study published in the British Journal Animal Welfare.

Researchers used the survey results of 326 dog guardians to analyze the effects of different types of training methods.

They found that rewards (of play, praise and food) were more effective in eliciting desired behaviors from dogs than punishment-based training. Punishment-based training produced barking, aggression, fearfulness, excitement, and anxiety.

Dogs who were trained using punishment alone, or in conjunction with other methods, had the highest percentage of problems related to separation anxiety.
In general, punishment was never the most effective method of training. Dogs trained exclusively using reward-based methods were the most well-adjusted.

Source: www.animalsheltering.org.

Chewing for Better Health

Steve Brown and Beth Taylor, authors of See Spot Live Longer, recommend a fresh meat and vegetable diet for pets, but also suggest appropriate chews. Chew treats can provide pleasure as well as mental and physical exercise. Chews also help keep dogs' gums and teeth healthy. Here are some Do's and Don'ts of chew treats:

1. Don't use rawhide! They are high in fat, add no beneficial nutrients and can cause blockages in the stomach or intestines, which can become life-threatening. Chronic diarrhea in dogs could be because of rawhide chews.

2. Green treats often have a gluten base, which is one of the most common allergens for dogs.

3. Cooked or smoked body parts, like tracheas and tendons are digestible and add beneficial cartilage to the diet. But an enthusiastic large dog can choke on them. Dogs can break a tooth on hooves and pigs ears are extremely high in fat.

4. Bones cooked at high temperatures may splinter. Sterilized and cooked bones may be fine for a light chewer who will gradually wear the bone away. Slow-roasted bones rarely splinter.

5. Raw bones are best. Fresh bones are a rich source of good fats, but they also provide a lot of calories. If your dog doesn't need these calories, remove as much fat from them as you can. Start slow, allowing for 5 to 10 minutes of chewing time. Raw bones can be stored in the refrigerator or freezer, but thaw them out before use.

6. Bones provide a natural source of glucosamine, chondroitin, collagen and calcium for healthier joints and connective tissue. But know your dog! Whether the bones are raw or cooked, heavy chewers can destroy a large knucklebone in a short time. This can be a heavy digestive load. Dogs raised on bones seldom overdo chewing, but they should still be supervised closely until you are confident they are safe with the bones you give them.

7. Promote mental health and agility with treat balls and food-stuffed toys. Kongs are difficult to destroy and provide an interesting challenge to dogs. They can be stuffed with crunchy bits, pieces of cheese or peanut butter, and will keep dogs working for a long time. Treat balls stimulate the brain. They work best when stuffed with tiny crunchy treats. Look for durability in treat balls.

For some dogs, chews are not an option. Poorly aligned teeth may break when dogs chew hard objects. Some dogs have thin tooth enamel, which can be easily worn away. 

Supervise all chew activities carefully. 
Source: www.mercola.com.

PAL Librarian Recommends

What Animals Teach Us: Love, Loyalty, Heroism, and Other Life Lessons From Our Pets by Mary Hessler-Key is a moving exploration of how wonderful animals are and what they teach us just by being. They are teachers, healers, heroes and role models, if we are open and receptive to their wonders. This book is not only a heartwarming collection of stories about the animal-human bond, but ends up being a self-help book as well. The book raises the consciousness of any caring person about the contributions that animals make to our lives and reminds us that they are more than just "animals."

They are our link to happiness and understanding, and to being closer to God. We let our guard down around them. We are our true selves around our pets. Many people even share their hopes, dreams, concerns, and inner selves with their pets. People say that animals bring out their loving natures and help them to reconnect with people and even a higher power.

Animals are angels among us, if we would only open our eyes and hearts and acknowledge them for their special presence. This book gives many examples of their miraculous gifts and the wonders they perform. It touches on all the obvious things we know about animals -- their unconditional love, their faithfulness, their heroism, their feelings and emotions, and their instinct. But it goes beyond that to their grace, as well.

Also Recommended

Pets should be allowed in the house. People sometimes say that it's easier to keep them outside because they bring in a lot of dirt and can be destructive. But pets who are allowed indoors and feel they are part of the family are more well-adjusted and happier.

Animal House Style: Designing a Home to Share with Your Pets by Julia Szabo offers many suggestions about how you can have your pets inside with you and still have a clean, nice-smelling, stylish home. Her examples are innovative, practical and appealing solutions for living harmoniously with pets.

She talks about treatments for walls, windows, furniture and fabrics. Ultrasuede, for example, is a favorite of hers because it's not suede at all, but a microfiber that resists odors and is very durable -- cats don't even like to claw it!

Fashionable, washable slipcovers are a favorite among those who talk about their pets in this book.

The cleaning products the author recommends are all non-toxic to pets, people and the environment. And just plain old vinegar and water, says Szabo, will easily help remove "accidents."

Szabo's own home is shared with 5 rescued pitbulls and several cats. All the decorators, designers, celebrities and others who fill the book give examples of how they live companionably with their pets. Fashion designer and filmmaker Todd Oldham, for instance, speaks for many pet lovers when he says, "I designed my apartment to be my dog's home too. I made sure to design everything to be comfortable for her in every way, so we'd both be happy with the result." Author and House Beautiful editor Lisa Fine feels that if it's not good enough for the dog, why have it?

It's heartwarming to see the lengths to which some people will go, to make their animal companions happy and comfortable, especially those pets who are old and fragile -- like designing stairs next to the bed that match the rest of the furniture, or lowering the bed.

Kindness, consideration and love play a big part in the lives of the people and animals who are in this book. And, as the author says, our homes are extra special because of the pets who share our lives.

Ideas range from the inexpensive to the very expensive. By the time you finish the book, you'll have many good ideas. And your pets will appreciate it, too!

There are also many resources in the back of the book.

Blessing The Bridge

Blessing the Bridge, What Animals Teach Us About Death, Dying, and Beyond is the title of a book by Rita M. Reynolds, founder of Howling Success, an animal sanctuary in Virginia. She is also establishing a community hospice program for animals and their human families. 

Blessing the Bridge is a heartwarming, touching book about the passing of our furry, feathered, or scaly friends and gives insight into how we can cope with what is for many of us a traumatic time. 

While having to lose our beloved family members can be very painful, Reynolds offers ways to help, sooth, and smooth the journey for them, and for ourselves. 
The author believes that our animal friends are angels in animal form. Their intelligence, wisdom, and absolute love of us forms a bond with us that, she feels, is eternal. 

"Death is a pause between stages of living," Reynolds says, and adds, "the soul moves through a process not unlike the experience of birth into the physical world," and we don't need to be afraid. She assures us that after we cross the bridge from this life to next, we will be reunited with those we love.

Reynolds includes all living beings in her compassionate outlook on life. She tells many lovely and poignant stories about the companionship and passing of several beings that have graced her life, including a spider named Sara. A spider who would sit and listen as Reynolds sang while doing dishes.

You need to read the book with an open mind. If you think any part of it is silly, you'll miss out on a moving, thought-provoking journey with the author. Just let go and fall into it and accept it for what it is. It's very comforting, even though some passages are quite sad. You may even think of it as a holy, peaceful experience. Reynolds convinces us that every life is precious, and that the power of Spirit is always present everywhere and in everyone.

You can read excerpts from the book and find our more about the author at www.blessingthebridge.com.

Italy's New Animal Laws

Dog guardians in Turin will be fined up to 500 euros ($650) if they don't walk their pets at least three times a day, under a new law from the city's council.

People will also be banned from dyeing their pets' fur or "any form of animal mutilation" for merely aesthetic purposes, such as docking dogs' tails, under the law about to be passed in the northern Italian city.

Italians can already be fined up to 10,000 euros and spend a year in prison if found guilty of torturing or abandoning their pets, but Turin's new rules go into much greater detail.

Dogs may be taken on walks by people on bicycles, the rules say, "but not in a way that would tire the animal too much."
Italy considers itself an animal-loving nation and in many cities stray cats are protected by law. Still, some 150,000 pet dogs and 200,000 cats are abandoned in Italy every year.

To enforce the law, Turin police would rely largely on the help of tipsters spotting cruel treatment by their neighbors. A 20-page rulebook gives Turin the most stringent animal protection rules in the country. It even bans fairgrounds from giving away goldfish in plastic bags.

Source: Reuters

PALs for Adoption - click dogs, cats for current pets available

PAL's Lifetime Commitment

Several years ago PAL had all of Betty Frost's cats spayed, neutered, and vaccinated. Because Betty didn't drive, we would deliver cat food to her regularly. Sadly, the cats had either been left behind by neighbors or dropped off in the area. Betty was happy to care for them, but, as a senior, her fixed income didn't allow for a lot of extras, like pet food, vet bills, etc. We at PAL were glad to help.

 Betty was in her 80s when she passed away a few months ago. Three of the cats were still there. Because they were so old, we hoped that whoever bought the house would allow them to live out their lives in familiar surroundings, since they had been there for most of their lives.

During the course of the sale of the house, volunteers went every day to feed the cats. (Betty's executor, who lives in Marysville, wasn't able to come to Grass Valley every day to feed them.)

The people who bought the house preferred that we find new digs for the cats. One of the feeders, Susan Wallace, decided to take the tamest of the three cats, Tiger. A lovely couple, Mike and Janet Brisson, who have taken other feral cats from PAL, agreed to take the other two old timers and give them a home for the rest of their lives. Last we heard, they were doing very well. 

We think Betty would be happy to know that PAL was able to help the cats even after she was gone.

A big THANK YOU to Sally Berman, Laurie Brown, Carol Gaynor, Jennifer Gunder, Suesan Larsen, Nancy Picker, and Susan Wallace for their help in feeding and eventually trapping the cats.

In Memory of . . . 

Missy Adams,"beloved kitty-friend," from Margaret Adams
Tilos Bergen, from Grace Bergen
Peanuts Avery, PaPa's "Boy Dog," from Helen Avery
Stephanie Babao, "My pound pup friend for 14 years," from Donna Babao
Betty Blake, from Carol Ann Wilshusen
Lulu Campbell, from Valerie Perry
Punkin-Chewey DaRoza, from Carol DaRoza
Chic De Cazessus, from Mary Dreifuss 
Chic De Cazessus, from Sue Nepstead
Chic De Cazessus, from the Pet Adoption League
Chic De Cazussus, from the St. Francis Animal Protection Society of Corte Madera and Campbell, California
Madeline Dalziel, from the Pet Adoption League
Kenji Dierkes, "Miss you," from Soji Dierkes
Ursula R. Donnelly, from Ralph E. Donnelly
Two Stroke Droitcour, "from his heartbroken mom," Gina Droitcour
Jean Flocks, from Carol Ann Wilshusen
Ben & Poddy Foss, "my beloved parents," from Peter Fulton Foss
Betty Frost, from the Pet Adoption League
Serena Hall, from Jerry & Suzanne Hall
Rich Hearn, from Jack & Gay Conner
Eddie Hurley, "I loved you and miss you, your mom," from Tina Hurley
June Jackson, a Mother's Day Remembrance, "She loved all animals, especially dogs, and believed strongly in the work and goodness of your organization." from Lynn Wolfe
Helen Jensen, from Kimberlee & Scott Evans
Helen Jensen, from Shirley & Richard Veale
Boots Johnsen, from Roy & Doris Johnsen
Mr. Magoo, Ming & Cheng, "who loved me, and I loved them," from Daniele Lewis 
Dean Lawrence, "Thank you, Dean!" from the Pet Adoption League 
Chance Lucchesi, from Robert & Linda Lucchesi
T-Bone Mandeville, from Louise Mandeville
Perkins & Suni McEwen, from Gil & Cato McEwen
Heidi McLeish, from Anne E. Wright
Angel McMurty, from Catherine Busch-Johnston
Felix, "beloved putty tat of Nan & Tom Morrison," from Peter Fulton Foss
Blossom Moyer, from Bill Skaer
Lady Petersen, "My best friend and guardian who went to wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge in January," from Maryjane Petersen
Tom Peterson, from Marilyn Peterson
Bob Phillips, from Gene & Virginia Hall
Sweetie Picker, from Mike & Anna Drummond

SWEETIE PICKER, a cat who lived up to her name. Thank you to Anna, for urging me to adopt this petite little girl who was skinny and scared. One whose past was unknown but whose future was to spend the next 2-1/2 years of her life with me . . . a remarkable journey of lessons learned from her. When I adopted Sweetie (not from PAL, by the way) I was told she was anti-social, didn't like other cats and would never be a lap cat. Yet, she became a loving part of my cat family. She was probably anti-social because she was in kidney failure. With much love, nurturing and quality food she blossomed into a very special cat. Thank you Sweetie for becoming a part of my life. I was blessed to know you. 
I will miss you, Bug . . . 
Nancy, Omar, Judy, Gizmo 

Annie Laurie Pierce, from Shirley Beedy
Duke Quehl, from Gary Quehl
Mary Raglin, "who loved all the animals," from Melody Raglin
Valley Girl Saunders, from Craig & Bonnie Saunders
Marge Schroeder, from Isabell Thomas
Willie Simpson, from Nanette Simpson
Lucky Stewart, from Don Runcie & the Morning Batting Practice Gang
Lucky Tillotson, from Joyce Tillotson
Sunnie Walker, "my cat for 19 years," from Leo Walker
Molly & Scoot Wallace, from Mike & Anna Drummond and the Pet Adoption League
Lucille Wingo, from Nancy Young
Smokey I, Shannon & Shawn, "three of the best friends in the world," from Vivian Wood-White
Arlene Young, from Bunker & Shelley Daniels, and Jacki & the kitties
Arlene Young, "she loved animals," from Shirley Nibbelin

In Honor of . . .

Mike & Anna Drummond, "for their tireless work to help those who cannot help themselves," from Nancy Young
Sassy, Honey, Juno & Misty Egger, from Diane Egger
Frances H. Emery, "Happy Mother's Day," from Elizabeth & Jeffery Johnson
Amii, Snupes, Tummies & Suzi, with love, from Patty Irish
Shirley Nibbelin, "Happy Birthday!" from Joyce Haire
Minnie & Garfield Scotten, from Midge Scotten
Sake & Dioji Sechovec, "my pals," from Carol Sechovec
Susan Wallace, from Mike & Anna Drummond and the Pet Adoption League

In Honor of Susan Wallace

No doubt most everyone has heard about the brutal attack on Susan Wallace of Nevada City on May 8. 

From all reports, Susan is making very good progress, but faces a long recovery. If you would like to send her a card, please address it to Susan c/o 1012 Sutton Way, Grass Valley, CA 95945. She really enjoys getting emails, too. Even if you don't know Susan, please consider emailing her at TeamSusanW@hotmail.com. Also, in lieu of flowers, we have been asked to donate blood. To do so, please call 530-477-1683 if you're in the Grass Valley area. Auburn: 530-823-0655. Sacramento: 800-995-4420. If you would like to make a donation, Susan has asked that people make it in memory of the two dogs she lost in the fire, Molly and Scoot, and send it to Sammie's Friends: 128 High Street, Grass Valley, CA 95945.

Susan is a kind, big-hearted, generous person who supports many causes. We at PAL know her because of her huge love of animals. She volunteers regularly at the Nevada County Animal Shelter and more recently has helped PAL out, too. Two of Susan's dogs came from the shelter. Herc and Pops, a Chow Chow and a Pitbull, were both difficult to place. Whatever "issues" they had disappeared at Susan's house because of her patient, gentle understanding and love. No doubt they miss Susan.

Cheryl Wicks, volunteer coordinator at the shelter, says that Susan is a faithful volunteer who would walk dogs every Saturday. "Susan also helped pay for medical expenses for various animals and has bought tons of wet dog food and treats for the dogs. She's a good friend to the animals."

Dawn Allmandinger, who rescues many pets from the shelter and finds homes for them, as well as keeping the PetFinder listing current for her rescues and for the shelter animals, says, "Susan's heart and love for animals and anyone in trouble is enormous. I've seen her cry at the shelter when old, sick dogs or cats came in. It's as if she feels their pain."

As you read elsewhere on this newsletter, Susan helped PAL when we were feeding and eventually trapping Betty Frost's cats. Susan fell in love with the tame cat and decided she would take her home. Tiger had her very own bedroom, the best food, and lots of love. Tiger is still missing as of this writing. Tom and Sandy Devine, who adopted Yubi and Little Guy from PAL a few years ago, and who live near Susan, have put up signs all over the neighborhood and are on the lookout for Tiger. PAL volunteers take food by regularly. If you see a petite, long-haired black cat with one ear shorter than the other, please call PAL: 530-273-7958. 

Please continue to say lots of prayers for Susan and keep her in your thoughts and hearts.

GET WELL SOON, SUSAN -- WE MISS YOU!

From all your friends at the Pet Adoption League!