Fall 2000 Newsletter

Volume XI Issue #3

PET ADOPTION LEAGUE
Anna Drummond, President
Post Office Box 3303
Grass Valley CA 95945
530/273-7958		 PAL THRIFT STORE
Open Monday - Saturday, 10 AM - 4 PM
10067 Joerschke Drive
Grass Valley CA 95945
530/272-2PAL - 530/272-2725
WEBSITE:  www.pal.nccn.net

Table of Contents

Are You Looking for a Pet?

The pets on this site are spayed/neutered, leukemia negative (cats) or heartworm negative and on preventative (dogs), have had their shots, have been wormed, and their purrsonalities have been assessed. The only thing they're missing is a home. How about yours?

DOGS                         CATS

These are just a few of the many wonderful cats and dogs we have waiting patiently to be adopted. Please consider taking one in. You and the cat or dog will be so happy that you did.
And when you adopt one of our animals, we can rescue another one in need.

Another Woof Over My Head

It's that time of year again when we start building cat and dog houses and distributing them to people who can't afford to buy them.

Last year we distributed 147 dog and cat houses thanks to the many people who were kind enough to donate houses or to help build them.
Thanks to these people who helped build them:

Gordon Beal
Keith Chambers
Mike Drummond
Ed Holleman
Ron King
Marti Mott
Lee Stram
Ken Williams		 Don Youman
Boy Scouts
Girl Scouts
Big Brothers-Big Sisters
Pete Milano
Diana Pasquini
Brian Jones the Grizzly Hill School kids		 doghouse.jpg (10948 bytes)

If you helped with this project and we forgot to include you, please let us know so we can include you in the next newsletter. We tried to be very diligent about remembering everyone who helped, but sometimes mistakes happen. Thanks also to Russ at Knight's Paint, Moule Paint &
Glass, Rose Roofing, and Builders & Consumers for discounts, supplies, and goodwill! And to The Union, Sacramento Bee, KNCO and FCAT for publicity.

Some people built the basic house. Others were having so much fun that they actually put shingles on the buildings, painted them, and in one case put beautiful murals and other designs on them. The one here was donated by Dan and Carolyn Carter.

If you would like to help build dog and cat houses this year, give us a call. The houses come in three sizes and are pre-cut for easy transportation and assembly at your site. You can build just one or as many as you like. You can build the basics or go all out! If you're part of a service
group or school, this may be just the project for you and the kids. If you have a dog or cat house you no longer need, please send it our way and we will find a home for it.

If you need a dog or cat house, don't hesitate to let us know: 530/273-7958.

I've met many thinkers and many cats, but the wisdom of cats is infinitely superior.
Hippolyte Taine

Quilt Fundraiser

Bob and Emily Wheeler have donated a beautiful 80 x 90 quilt to be raffled off by PAL. Emily put a lot of time, effort and love into this unbelievably gorgeous quilt.

quilt.small.jpg (36725 bytes)In case you can't tell from this picture, next to each heart are cats, dogs, cows, bears, rabbits, butterflies, roosters, etc. It's one of a kind! You can see it "live" at the PAL Thrift Store on Joerschke Drive, Grass Valley (Open 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday - Saturday) and
occasionally on FCAT, Channel 11. We will also have it on display at the Volunteer Action
Center's Flea Market at the Nevada County Fairgrounds, McCourtney Road, Gate 4, September 10 (Sunday) between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

You can buy tickets there or at the PAL Thrift Store or by mail: PAL, P. O. Box 3303, Grass Valley, CA 95945.  If you would like to buy and/or sell raffle tickets, call us at 273-7958 or stop by our thrift store on Joerschke Drive. Each ticket is $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. The drawing will be held November 15.

We hope you will help us raise funds for a very deserving cause -- our four-footed community members -- by buying and/or helping to sell tickets. Call us at 273-7958. Thanks!

Cat Massage -- Ahhh!

Massage therapist Maryjean Ballner says she saw an amazing improvement in her cats' health and temperament after using massage on them. In fact, she has written a book about it, called, of course, Cat Massage, and made a video tape called Your Cat Wants a Massage! Both can be had by calling 877-MEOW-MEOW. (It's a toll-free number.)

The book sells for $10.95 and the video for $24.95. We at PAL liked the book and the video, and our cats LOVED them! They give them "both paws up"!

Massage helps tone your pets' muscles, improves circulation, and helps them relax and enjoy life. Maryjean says that even a temperamental cat can be tamed into a pussycat. It's important, she says, to start gradually, and to be gentle, friendly, and inviting. "Slow hand motions, light pressure and repetition produce the best effects. Never force massage on a cat, and never pull whiskers, fur, ears or tail.
Never press on the cat's stomach -- you can easily damage internal organs."

Massage, she says, is a great way to express affection for your cat and gets the cat used to being handled. It's a good way to bond. Cats love to be touched, sometimes we just don't know the best way.
Massage also alerts you to changes in physical conditions, such as growths.

Be sure your hands are clean when you touch your cats!

Dog Massage will be available November 8th in the bookstores, or by calling Maryjean at the above number.

Do's and Don'ts

Maryjean Ballner and other animal massage therapists offer these tips for cat massage. Properly done, massage can cause eye winking and purring in your cat. Done incorrectly, it can startle and possibly even harm your cat.

The Do's

  • Approach your cat slowly and speak in a soothing tone.
  • Avoid s-sounding words when you speak. The hissing sounds may seem threatening.
  • Let your cat pick the time and place.
  • Bring your hand up toward your cat's chin and give him or her time to smell it and accept it.
  • Use clean hands -- no oils, creams or lotions.
  • Massage with your hands and never your feet.
  • Make slow motions.
  • Pay attention to your cat's feedback signs. Friendly signs include purring, hanging around, kneading, eye blinking, and little cat kisses. Unhappy signs that tell you to stop include wiggling to leave, hissing, low sinking back, loud meows, hard bites or scratch attacks.
  • Repeat a technique your cat likes.
  • Look for ticks, fleas, cuts, scratches, swellings or lumps. Alert your veterinarian should these conditions continue.

The Don'ts

  • Don't press too deeply -- you could harm your cat.
  • Don't massage your cat when you feel stressed or hurried.
  • Don't force a massage on a cat.
  • Don't try to substitute massage for medical treatment for conditions such as arthritis. Let it complement the care plan devised by your veterinarian.

For Pet's Sake The TV Program

A program by this same name airs several times a week on local Channel 11 (FCAT). "For Pet's Sake" presents cats and dogs who are currently available for adoption at either of our two local shelters. You can catch the program during these times:

Monday 8:30 pm
Tuesday 8:30 am
Thursday 8:30 pm
Friday 8:30 am

Many people have adopted animals at one of the shelters after seeing a particular pet on FCAT and are absolutely delighted with their new friends. We could end the needless death at the shelters if more people would go there to adopt a cat or dog. Many of these pets come with complete histories: name, age, whether spayed or neutered, temperament, vet's name, etc.

You really can get a wonderful pet at either shelter. The Grass Valley Animal Shelter is located at Freeman Lane; 477-4630. The Nevada County Animal Shelter is on McCourtney Road right before the landfill; 273-2179. Call for hours of operation.

The Nevada County Shelter could also use volunteers. "For Pet's Sake" also airs on Channel 23 (in Alta Sierra and Lake of the Pines) on Fridays at 8:00 pm.

Dog Obedience Rebate Success

Last year we started offering a dog-obedience rebate for those people who want to take their dogs through training, but can't afford it.

The program appears to be a great success -- we have heard back from many people who benefitted from this program. One local trainer told us that she was especially glad that a couple of the people who went to her took us up on our offer. Both people were ready to take their dogs to the pound. Neither really knew how to make the dogs "good citizens" yet couldn't afford dog training. Because of the training, both dogs are still living happily with their people.
Naturally, the people involved are delighted they didn't have to part with their family members.

We have heard similar stories from the various people who have taken their dogs in for training and then received the rebate.  One person in particular, Victoria Woods of Nevada City,
took in a dog who was never socialized and is quite frightened of people. She took us up on the rebate, and even took him to a trainer who specializes in cases that other trainers give up on.
Victoria is following the trainer's advice religiously, and Cody is getting much better around people.

If you want to take your dog(s) through basic obedience, but can't afford it, please call us.
The process is simple. Call us and let us know when you're going through the training. Afterwards, bring us the original certificate of completion. We will call the trainer to make sure you attended every session. And if you did, we will send you a check totalling 90% of the cost of the training.

Questions? Call us at 530/273-7958.

In Memory of:

      Deena, from Deborah & Sam
      Cathy Antonelli, from Catherine & Gilbert McEwen
      Barney Benoit, from Pat Abbey
      Barney Benoit, from Valerie Crane
      Willie Buck, from Ken & Barbara Buck
      Amber Deppensmith, from Mike and Anna Drummond
      Lucy Dreifuss, from Mike and Anna Drummond
      Cabbie Eagan, from Karen & Ridge Eagan
      Misty Egger, from Diane Egger
      Tabitha, Chummy, Leader & Abby Fox, from Marion Fox
      Buffy Fuller, from Pat Abbey
      Ginny & Benji Hargens, from Bob & Lola Hargens
      Freddie & Koko Harriman, from Maxine Harriman
      Shadow Huebsch, from Irene Huebsch
      John Roger Jones, from Mrs. John Roger Jones
      Denise & John Larsen, from Doris Churnside
      Shirley Leathley, from Catherine & Gilbert McEwen
      Graeagle Baron von Kraemer, from Laura Craighead
      Graeagle Baron von Kraemer, born July 15, 1990, died May 28, 2000 "Noble in Life -- and in death. Remembered forever," from Cindy and Harry Martin
      Zinnia McChesney, from Pat Abbey
      Kitty McGuire, from Marion McGuire
      Catherine Moran, from Marion G. Fox
      Baby Girl Mott, from Marti Mott
      Sheenan Parks, from Pat Abbey
      Mary Raglin, "who loved all animals," from Tara, Crystal, and Melody Raglin
      Jake Sansing-Robinson, from Mike and Anna Drummond
      Boy Schliekelman, from Keith & Yvonne Schliekelman
      Cricket Schlosser-Henley, from Barbara Sutter
      Paint Schultz, from Pat Abbey
      Tiger Skaer, from Bill and Nick Skaer
      Florence Slater, from Juanita Ragsdale
      Florence Slater, from Jack and Dotty Young
      Penny Slater, from Dorothy Bates
      Penny Slater, from Bill & Cheryl Hopkins
      DB Smith-James, from Lynette Smith-James
      Ashley Juniper Swan, from Marra Swan
      Pearl Williams, from Liz & Bill Dozier
      Patsy Woods, from the Pet Adoption League
      Allen Yerrick, from Alma Yerrick

In Honor of:

      Pipi, Pepe, Amii, Snupes, Tummies, & Suzi Irish,
      from Patricia Irish
      Rags, Beans, Lady, Joker, King, Alpha, and all the others,
      from Mary Spratt
      Don & Sylvia Williams, from Liz & Bill Dozier
      Stan Woodworker, from Tim and Betsi Lacy

When We Meet Again

Our pets also go to a heaven world. They go to a very beautiful physical type of world -- the same place occupied by humans. When an animals passes, s/he is met by the human being(s) with whom s/he had a rapport while on earth.

It is fairly common for your newly departed animal to come back to his or her earthly place of residence. More than likely s/he will sit on the same chair, sleep in the same spot, and watch you very closely. S/he remembers the kindness and love s/he received from you on the earth, and will often return to watch over and protect you.

from Talking to Heaven
by James Van Praagh

What Went Wrong?

Anyone who visits an animal shelter will become painfully aware of abandoned dogs. What went wrong? Dogs are such sociable beings that a betrayal of their close friends is not part of their way of life. So when a human abandons them, some sit quietly -- in shock. Others bark and bark trying to send friendship signals to passing humans.

The dog is our oldest animal companion, with a close relationship, going back at least 12,000 years. During that time we have nearly always benefitted more than the dogs from the association: Dogs have protected our homes, warned us of dangers, kept us warm at night, guided our blind, comforted our sick, tracked down criminals, sniffed out dangerous drugs, and above all provided us with loving companionship that comforts the lonely, de-stresses the
stressed, and warms our hearts.

from A Passion for Dogs
by Desmond Morris

Won't You Help?

Over the past ten years, we have accomplished much because so many of you have helped by volunteering and/or with cash and other donations. We appreciate your help more than you know. And the animals REALLY appreciate it!

But our work is far from over. While euthanasia rates have dropped at our two local shelter, animals are still dying there. We take as many as we can. We could take more if we had more foster homes. The PAL Thrift Store on Joerschke Drive is our major fundraiser and thanks to the many tireless volunteers who work there, the money earned goes to support our many programs. Yet, we could use more volunteers there, too.

Please consider volunteering for the animals. Even as little as two hours a week can help a lot.
Several of our volunteers have variable schedules so we fit them in where we can. So if you feel your schedule is really too crazy, we can still make a way for you to help.

Here are some of the areas where we could use your assistance:

  • Fostering animals for short periods of time
  • PAL Thrift Store, 2 hours or more a week
  • Feeding feral cats 1-2 days a week
  • Helping to trap feral cats (to have them altered)
  • Helping feral cats recuperate from surgery for one week
  • Transporting animals to the Spay and Neuter Clinic
  • Selling raffle tickets
  • Humane education
  • Building cat and dog houses
  • Telephone work (not solicitation)
  • Putting up fliers
  • Short, quick projects as they come up

We are very flexible and the volunteers appreciate that we can work with them to help them help the animals. Won't you consider joining us? For more information about the purrfect spot for you, just call. We know you'll like working with us. Our "clients" are very special!

SUCCESSSUCCESSSUCCESSSUCCESSSUCCESS
Over the years we have placed thousands of pets either through our foster homes, our referral list, or by directing people to the shelters.

Here are some of the ones we had in foster homes who were lucky enough to miss death, and we were fortunate to know before they ended up in superior homes!

As most of you know, we have never had a facility, but have relied on the kindness of the folks who have taken these animals into their homes until they were placed. We have operated on a no-kill basis; every animal found a home, regardless of how long it took.

Every time we run one these success stories, we get such fabulous feedback. Hope you enjoy it again this time.

Most of these cats and dogs were taken from animal shelters. The people who were kind enough to make a place for them in their home are so glad they did adopt them. There are so many others waiting at the shelters/pounds for you to rescue. Won't you take in a homeless pet?

We are always looking for foster homes. Give us a call if you'd like more information. We think you'll find it very rewarding!

Milda Barre of Grass Valley recently adopted TWO cats from PAL. Autumn was shy and timid when she was found. Sparky was so matted, he had to be almost completely shaved. Who would have thought that their life would take such a delightful turn! Autumn is now out of her shell and very playful. Sparky (or Mr. Personality as he's known at the Barre household) spends his time blasting his way through paper bags, chasing Autumn (she likes it), zipping through the house, and snuggling with his favorite feline (Autumn) or one of the kind people in his new home. Milda says that May 25, the day she adopted Autumn and Sparky, was just like Christmas!
Bailey was taken from one of the local shelters by one of our volunteers. She was just a tiny girl back then. It was easy to see why such a cutie was placed so quickly. A year later, she's still pampered. Adopted by Loretta and Rebecca Noone of Nevada City, she is fussed over as you wish every four-legged friend would be. Even when Bailey was facing some rather difficult and unexpected medical problems, Loretta and Rebecca persevered. They did a lot of research on their own, as well as listening to their vet, and getting second opinions.

In this photo, Bailey is licking some snow off her nose -- she goes everywhere with the family!
Penelope Perkins of Sacramento adopted Jamie from us in 1997. Jamie's home is so wonderful, that we have tried many times to "foist" more cats on Penelope!

But she has reached her limit by rescuing other cats in need. Jamie and his fellow felines live a charmed life. For a cat who ended up on the streets, though through no fault of his own, he now lives without having to worry where his next meal will come from.

Penelope says "Jamie continues to be one of the world's sweetest cats. He sits on my lap virtually every time I sit down. At night he climbs up on my chest and purrs for a while before settling down next to me."

So many cats and dogs are deserted every day in this country by people who simply do not care about their welfare. Luckily for Jamie, he's no longer hungry, alone, or sad. He's in a GREAT home!
Duncan, along with his brother, was rescued by one of our kind- hearted, long time foster home volunteers, even though she already had plenty of other rejected, abandoned animals at her house. In no time Duncan got a home. No doubt that was because he was so cute and charismatic (as you can see from his picture). He lives a happy life in Nevada City with Rich and Susan Greenwood.

Susan says the family loves Duncan "to bits," and that he fit right in with the family. He and their other dog are good friends. "We adore him," said Susan, "he couldn't be more perfect." Sounds like a perfect fit for a perfect home!
After being abandoned, Amelia looked to people for help. Kind people did put food out for her and made up a nice cozy bed. But with winter being as cold as it was, she clearly needed to be in a home. Sadly, no one would take Amelia. Her age, at least 10 years, was working against her.

Maxine Robinson of Nevada City decided she would take Amelia in at least while she recuperated from extensive dental and abscess surgery (she had already been spayed). Once she was at their house, it didn't take long for Amelia to win over Maxine and her husband, Terry. After daily kisses, gentle touches of the paw to people's faces, and lots of lap cuddles from Amelia, Maxine and Terry were powerless against Amelia's engaging little ways. Now she's a chipper cat, wondering probably, what all the fuss was about. She acts like she owns the place and everyone seems to respect their place her world!
Sharon Lydon of Yuba City adopted a cat from us in 1993 and came back in 1994 to adopt another. Woodrow and Wilson are pretty content, as you can see, and are "best buddies," according to Sharon.

The pillow in this picture is a favorite spot to sleep. They rush to see who gets there first, but after one settles in, the other crowds on top. Sharon tells us that they are the most photographed cats around. Some of you, who cherish your four-footed family as much as Sharon does would probably say yours are the most photographed. But that's what we like to hear. Lots of people who really care about their furry as well as human family.
When Burney was no longer wanted, he ended up with us at the Pet Adoption League.

Now he doesn't have to worry about ever being neglected or rejected because he lives with Peter and Stephanie Symes of Grass Valley. The Symes adopted Penny, a Border Collie, from us in 1997, and recently adopted Burney, a Golden Retriever mix.

Penny is very pleased to have a companion. The two dogs get along wonderfully well, according to all reports. And Burney clearly likes his new home. Both dogs are very content. It's not surprising. Every dog should have such a caring, conscientious, warm environment to live in.
Allan and Betty Rogers of Nevada City adopted Sam from us when he was a year old, back in 1993. Sam "loves to be loved," according to Allan and Betty. He also likes to be talked to and gives "head bumps" to show his affection.

This mild and quiet little cat has lived a very comfortable life with the Rogers and has watched Allen and Betty rescue two other cats: Sunny and Sara. The cats like to hang out with the Rogers during the day, and lay in the bed with them at night. All three are "our faithful and loving family." Not a bad ending for a cat who almost didn't make it out of the pound.
When Thumper needed a home, Joan Richardson of Brownsville stepped up to the plate. She was looking for a Maine Coon and we just happened to have this super cat!

Joan has been so great about writing to us often to let us know how he's doing. She says that her "precious" Thumper is the best Christmas present she has ever given to herself! "He is sweet, funny, loyal" and has completely wrapped himself around her heart. "He owns me, I don't own him." Apparently Thumper doesn't do anything wrong, doesn't scratch furniture or dig in Joan's plants. Joan refers to Thumper as her "Angel baby, punkin kitty boy." She's delighted with her "little love," but Thumper must also be very glad he found such a loving home!
Judith Dalziel of Sacramento adopted Madeline from us last year. This year she came back for more! Originally only interested in one kitten, she decided to take both since they were so devoted to each other and Judith hated to leave one behind.

Jack and Emily are doing very well now that they're in a very good home. At first their start was pretty shaky. Their feral mom had deposited them at a local elder-care facility. Only two weeks old at the time, they needed to be bottle fed until they were old enough to find homes of their own. Someone had just signed up to bottle-feed underage kittens, so we called her right up! These two and their siblings were very lucky indeed. All found wonderful homes! Madeline came from a feral cat colony, as well. Not feral herself, someone had deserted her there to whatever fate had in store for her. Fortunately, one of our volunteers took her in, too, until a permanent place could be found. She has really blossomed at Judith's.

If only they could all be so lucky!
Tessa and Shadow were adopted from us by Criss Raintree-Hegwer of Garden Valley several years ago. Criss tells us that even though they came from two different PAL foster homes, they have been inseparable ever since.

They lived in suburban Sacramento with Criss for a few years, then moved to El Dorado county with Criss, where they now live with their three calico cat sisters. Criss says "Tessa's Border Collie bloodlines make her a very smart, easily trained companion whose life would be perfect if she could just be next to her [human] mom 24 hours a day. Shadow, because of his Husky/German Shepherd mix, is a brave and fearless protector and also one of the vocal type who greets family members with this talk: woo-woo."

Criss recently wrote us to say thanks. We should be the ones to say thank you for a wonderful home for two great dogs!
Mocha lives a life that you would wish for every pet. Appreciated and loved, this sweet girl spends her days with the other cats in the household (Nikkie and Luccio) and her very kind person, Barbara Burger of Folsom.

Here Mocha is posing with "Miss Bunny." In her note to us, Barbara said, Mocha "happily posed" for this picture. Apparently this is one of her favorite places to nap while Barbara plays the piano. "She is my most devoted fan!" says Barbara. We're not surprised. When you're happy and loved, and get to hear beautiful music all the time, who wouldn't be completely satisfied with life?

These pets and many others like them have found their way into outstanding homes. Some come from pounds, others from feral cat colonies (although not feral themselves), others from bad situations. Everyone who has adopted these homeless pets is thrilled with their new family friends. And the pets are very happy, too!

We hope that when you want to adopt a special someone, you'll go to organizations like ours or to the animal shelters/pounds. There are so many there who are so grateful to be rescued. People will often say to us that it's too painful to go there, but just think -- if you don't adopt a cat or dog from the pound, that same cat or dog will die. You'll literally be saving a life!

Pet Adoption League, Inc. is an independent, nonprofit animal welfare organization dedicated to helping local animals.