They're Here!

The spay/neuter stamps are finally here -- well, almost. We're told you should be able to get them beginning September 20 at any post office.

Humane groups have been working for several years trying to convince the United States Postal Service (USPS) that issuing this type of stamp would be well received. After many rejections, it was decided that perhaps a petition would convince the USPS that people really would buy such a stamp. The International Society for Animal Rights (ISAR) was kind enough to send us hundreds of petitions, and we were able to obtain many hundreds of signatures. Many of you signed it when we had our thrift store -- THANK YOU! ISAR received many more thousands of signatures and that must have helped turn the tide because the USPS issued not one but TWO stamps. 

Additionally, the USPS usually issues 80 million commemorative stamps, but they are issuing 200 million of the spay/neuter stamps!
Samantha the kitten and Kirby the puppy, the dog and cat who appear on the stamps were both homeless when they posed for the stamps. They have since both been adopted and, of course, have been spayed and neutered.

To learn more about Samantha, Kirby, and the stamps, go to www.palc.org.

Dog Camp

Camp Winnaribbun at Lake Tahoe is a vacation spot for dog lovers and their dogs.

Instead of kenneling your dogs while on vacation, take them along! There are lots of fun activities including hiking, swimming, exploring, doggie games, campfire entertainment, as well as obedience classes, agility training, and companionship with other dogs. 

Their website boasts a beautiful 33 acre pine forest retreat with its own private beaches and delicious gourmet meals (of course the dogs choose from menus, too).

To learn more about the camp go to www.campw.com or call 775-348-8412.

A Little Progress

Governor Gray Davis signed a bill into law that requires pet dealers to provide their customers written material on the benefits of spaying and neutering dogs and cats.

"Irresponsible pet owners have created this 'throw-away' population of unwanted dogs and cats who don't have a chance at life because there aren't enough homes to adopt them," Governor Davis said. "This bill will help educate pet owners, and place some responsibility on businesses that make a living selling these companion animals."

Every year in California, hundreds of thousands of pets wind up at animal shelters with the vast majority being euthanized. A 1991 study shows that Californians spend $102 million for animal control services.

According to Spay USA, an unspayed female cat producing two litters a year will give birth to 11,606,077 offspring in nine years. A female dog doing the same can give birth to 67,000 puppies in six years.

Rather than buying a pet from a breeder, why not rescue a homeless cat or dog from a shelter or rescue group? These animals are most often already spayed or neutered, tested for diseases and vaccinated. Their temperaments are often assessed for purrfect placement!

Locally, the Grass Valley Animal Shelter, on Freeman Lane (477-4630), is open from 11am - 1pm and 3pm - 5pm Monday through Friday and 9am - 11am on Saturdays. The Nevada County Animal Shelter, on McCourtney Road, right before the landfill, is open 11:30am - 3:30pm during the week and 10am - noon Saturdays. Many wonderful animals are waiting and hoping for a second chance at life. Many of these pets come with complete histories, so you know how old the pet is, his or her name, whether or not spayed or neutered, personality, etc. If you are thinking of adopting, please consider the shelters first.

If you are reading this outside the Grass Valley area, consult your yellow pages under Animals or Humane Groups for the nearest shelter or rescue group.

The pet you save will be very grateful and will pay you back in devoted, unconditional love for his or her lifetime. You'll be happy about your decision, too. We promise!

Pets Welcome

Here are some places that will take you and your pet when you're on vacation:

§ The San Ysidro Ranch in Montecito, California has cottages that run $100 per pet per stay. This includes pet massage, special water, cookies and a personal pet bowl. www.sanysidroranch.com; 800-368-6788 or 805-969-5046.

Go to www.allforanimals.com for a list of many pet-friendly places to stay in and around Santa Barbara.

§ The Four Seasons chain of hotels accommodates smaller pets at many of its properties across the country. Included are a ceramic bowl, sleeping pillow, dog biscuits. www.fourseasons.com; 800-819-5053.

§ The Loews chain allows certain pets, if the hotel is notified in advance. Sometimes there are "Bark Breakfasts" in which people can bring a pet for a meal, fashion show, vet tips and goodies. www.loewshotels.com; 800-235-6397.

§ The Doubletree in Tucson accepts all pets under 50 pounds for $25 per night. Room rates are $150 nightly. www.doubletreetucson.com; 520-721-7100.

§ The Twilite Motel in Ellsworth, Maine has cabins on a six-acre spread. Dogs are encouraged to frolic. The rate for pets if $7 per night on top of the regular rates. www.twilitemotel.com; 800-395-5097.

Also visit www.petswelcome.com.

Purring Strengthens Bones

The Fauna Communications Research Institute in Hillsborough, North Carolina has been studying cat purring, and has made some interesting connections between the vibrational frequencies of purring and healing.

Cats purr not only when they are happy, but also when they are giving birth, are under stress, are caged, or are severely injured. It turns out that their purr is the exact frequency that heals bones, muscles, and ligaments. 

A recent study evaluated the various health problems of 31,484 dogs and 15,226 cats. Lameness and disc disease were among the top problems of dogs and 2.4 percent were severely arthritic. Kidney and bladder problems were most prominent among cats, but there was no mention of bone, arthritis, or joint problems in cats.

Hip dysplasia, arthritis, and ligament and muscle damage are all common to dogs, but almost nonexistent in cats.

Breathing problems associated with heart disease are almost nonexistent in cats, but common in dogs. Large skin-tissue grafts take quickly in cats, but not in dogs. Bone cancer is rare in cats, but quite common in dogs.

Purring appears to be a cat's way of treating him or herself. The purr seems to reach a vibrational frequency that promotes healing in various parts of the body.

These frequencies have been shown to elicit various healing effects in humans, too. People claim to sleep better with a fan on. Chanting during meditation may have a similar effect to purring.

Some people say their migraine headaches go away by lying down with a purring cat next to their head.
One more reason cats prove to be special creatures in our lives! 

If you'd like a copy of this article, call us at 
530-273-7958 and we'll send it to you.
(Let's hope that studying these cats didn't hurt them --see the next article Pal Librarian Recommends.)

Source: Dr. David Williams' Alternatives Newsletter, 7811 Montrose Road, Potomac, MD 20854; 800-211-8562; www.drdavidwilliams.com; mailbox@drdavidwilliams.com.

Senator Speaks Up For Animals

When someone in high places sticks his or her neck out to help four-legged animals, you know things are getting better.

Senator Robert Byrd (D-WV) delivered a pro-animal speech on the Senate floor in which he publicly acknowledged the rampant cruelty that is being inflicted upon animals today, especially in the animals-for-food industry.

He started the speech by saying, "The one absolutely unselfish friend that a man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is the dog."
He went on to talk about the suffering, pain, and "barbaric" treatment of livestock, egg-laying hens, and other "helpless, defenseless creatures" which "must not be tolerated." 

At the Humane Awards Gala in Washington, DC, he also said:
"For better or worse, man is destined to rule this world, and with that charge comes the heavy responsibility of benevolent custody and faithful husbandry to all creatures found within nature. To fail in that duty is to denigrate the sanctity of all life.
"Choices in our treatment of animals are a good baro- meter of how well we are carrying out our stewardship of God's beautiful world.

"Man may choose to rule this world, or attempt to do so, but for all his worry over property rights among his own species, it is well to remember that it is only God who holds title to this planet.

"Animals are man's fellow occupants on this blue-green ball, slowly spinning through eternity, and they enlighten and enliven our lives in many ways.
"Animals deserve our respect because they, too, are creatures of God. Combating cruelty and apathy towards the welfare of animals is a high and moral calling.

"We have come a long way towards the goal of fostering more humane treatment for animals, but we still have much to do.

"I hope that our efforts may inspire others to a more sublime level of humanity through empathy with the animals with which we share this lovely world."

If you would like to thank Senator Byrd for taking a stand for the animals, write: Senator Robert Byrd, U. S. Senate, Washington, DC 20510;  202-224-3954; or email: senator_byrd@byrd.senate.gov.

Healthy Pet Food

More and more people, including veterinarians, are coming around to seeing the wisdom of feeding raw meat to our pets. (Dr. Pitcairn has been advocating this kind of diet for many years -- see Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs & Cats by Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD; available at bookstores and libraries.) 

If you want to complement feeding raw food with a healthy commercial pet food, there are good ones to choose from.

Anne N. Martin, in the article, "Healthy Foods for Happy Pets," (Better Nutrition, August 2002) talks about what's allowed in pet food. Among these items are grains that can contain toxic molds, meat that's unfit for human consumption, road kill, zoo animals, meat that's no longer fresh, outdated baked goods, rotten fruits and vegetables, and euthanized companion animals. Sodium pento- barbital, a barbiturate used to euthanize animals apparently doesn't degrade, so that ends up on your pet's plate, too.

Fortunately, there are healthy pet foods available. Martin recommends:
Wellness 
Halo 
Natura, makers of California Natural and Innova
PetGuard
Azmira
Sojourner Farms
Essex Cottage Farms

We at the Pet Adoption League are familiar with Wellness, Halo, Natura, and PetGuard.

Wellness has been a big hit with cats who will not eat dry food (they'll eat the Wellness), cats who are very finicky (they'll eat the Wellness), cats who have health problems and don't have much of an appetite (they'll eat the Wellness), and cats who will eat anything. Dogs love it, too.

When we tried the Halo food, dogs LOVED it and cats wouldn't have anything to do with it. That was a few years ago so it may be formulated more to their taste now. This canned food is very pricey. You can cook up the same ingredients (meat and veggies) and it will be much cheaper and fresh. This food, while very good, is really for people who don't have the time to cook, but want to feed VERY good food to their pets. Dreamcoat, a product also made by Halo, is excellent for turning dull coats into beautiful ones. Locally, Briar Patch Community Market carries Dreamcoat.

Natura makes California Natural and Innova. The Innova seems to have too much protein and fat, but the California Natural is well received by pets.
Some pets like PetGuard and others don't.
Locally you can get Wellness, California Natural and Innova at Incredible Pets in Grass Valley. Most stores can order whatever food you want from their distributor. Just ask. 

If you have any questions or want a copy of Martin's article, call us at 530-273-7958. You can also see the article at www.betternutrition.com.

Fun Things

If you'd like to have a bumper sticker that reads

DOG IS LOVE

go to www.loveyourbuddy.com to order.
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) offers a bumper sticker that reads: 

To Neuter is Cuter

You can find that one at www.petamall.com. They have lots of other great things for animal lovers, too.

If you'd like to have a license plate holder that reads

Neuter Your Pets 

or 

Fix Your Critter

go to www.meowsville.com.

The Hep Cat Catalog has REALLY cute cat items: clothes, plaques, pillows, mobiles, chimes, switchplates, mirrors, bags, jewelry, lamps, pet beds, and MUCH more! To get a catalog, call 800-771-7317.

Picture This!

Now your pet can have his or her very own picture ID. You can carry it in your wallet, use it for identification purposes, attach it to your pet's carrier when your pet travels by air or train, and, of course, show it off to friends and family.

A smaller tag can be worn on your pet's collar. 
This is not a substitute for licensing your pet. You still need to comply with your local licensing laws. But it's a cute, fun thing to have and can actually help locate your pet. Universal Photo Pet ID will keep a copy of your pet's pertinent particulars in their files in case the tags and IDs are lost or stolen.
You can get more information by calling Universal Photo Pet ID at 916-338-0212.

Murphy's House Rules

1. The dog is not allowed in the house.
2. Okay, the dog is allowed in the house, but only in certain rooms.
3. The dog is allowed in all rooms, but has to stay off the furniture.
4. The dog can get on the old furniture only.
5. Fine, the dog is allowed on all the furniture, but is not allowed to sleep with the humans on the bed.
6. Okay, the dog is allowed on the bed, but only by invitation.
7. The dog can sleep on the bed whenever he wants, but not under the covers.
8. The dog can sleep under the covers by invitation only.
9. The dog can sleep under the covers every night.
10. Humans must ask permission to sleep under the covers with the dog.

Author Unknown

PAL Librarian Recommends

Animals aren't the only ones hurt by animal research, on which billions of taxpayers' dollars are spent every year.

Animal experimentation is poor science at best, but at worst, it actually harms people (as well as the millions of animals who endure their plight in torturous agony). 

Specious Science, by Dr. Ray Greek and Dr. Jean Swingle Greek, is a compelling and exhaustively researched book which clearly demonstrates how animal experimentation not only fails to meet the standards of sound scientific theory, but also how it flies in the face of evolution, the key organizing principle of modern biology. Also, it shows in case after case how the results of animal studies have misled scientists, delayed medical progress, and caused the suffering, and even death, of humans.

Dr. Neal D. Barnard of the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (www.pcrm.org) says, "There's a terrible price to pay" for using animals in medical experiments, and it's not just animals that are paying it.

So even if you don't care about animal suffering, you may want to read the book to see how defrauded the public has been by animal experimentation. Specious Science will change your mind if you think using animals in biomedical research is a "necessary evil."

Available at all book stores and on the internet.

Also Recommended

All for Animals: Tips and Inspiration for Living a More Compassionate Life by Karen Lee Stevens is filled with uplifting stories and tips that will touch your heart and expand your mind.

Additionally, there's information about how you can easily help animals, what alternatives are available to animal testing, a list of cruelty-free companies and products (com- panies that don't test their products on animals). There is also information about adopting a companion animal, enhancing the bond you already share with your animal companions, reducing the pet overpopulation problem and pet theft, becoming healthier through your food choices, and much more.

You don't have to be an animal rights activist to enjoy this book, nor do you have to have a huge amount of time to invest. The book shows you simple yet very rewarding ways to appreciate your own pets more deeply as well as respecting the rights of all animals.

Get it at your favorite bookstore or at www.allforanimals.com (this is a great website!).

Surviving Grief

In our last newsletter, we gave you some information about coping with the death of a loved one. Here's more.

Dr. Susan Lark, in her newsletter "The Lark Letter," says it's very important to take care of our emotions.

When we lose someone close to us, we experience not only the initial sense of shock, but often panic, anxiety, disbelief, loss of appetite, even a sense of numbness. Insomnia and depression are also very common reactions to grief. 

Dr. Lark recommends Rescue Remedy for panic, grief, feelings of desperation, nervous tension, and impatience.

For sadness, crying, and loss of appetite, she suggests Ignatia 30C, a homeopathic remedy.
If you're having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, Dr. Lark encourages the use of valerian root.

For remorse or helplessness, try Kali bromatum 30C.

For depression, try 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).
(All of the above are available at health food stores.)

Dr. Lark says it's also important to nurture yourself by meditating, practicing yoga, writing your thoughts and feelings in a journal, getting support from sympathetic family and friends, and/or seeing a grief counselor or joining a grief support group. 

It's important to take care of your emotional and mental health so that your physical well-being stays in good shape.

If you would like us to send you the article, call us at 530-273-7958.

You can find out more about Dr. Lark by going to www.drlark.com, where you can also subscribe to her free and very informative e-newsletter or her more in-depth monthly newsletter by mail. Other contact information: The Lark Letter, 7811 Montrose Road, P. O. Box 60004, Potomac, MD 20859-0004; 877-4DR-LARK.

God is manifested in all creatures. All creatures live in God, and God is hid in them. Be ye therefore consid-erate, be tender, be ye pitiful, be ye kind, not to your own kind alone, but to every creature which is within your care, for ye are to them as gods, to whom they look in their need.

A Reflection Excerpted from
The Gospel of the Holy Twelve
Essene Version

I ask for the privilege

. . . not to be born until you can assure me of a home and a guardian to protect me, and a right to live as long as I am physically able to enjoy life.

. . . not to be born until my body is precious and men have ceased to exploit it because it is cheap and plentiful.

Author Unknown

Why Spay or Neuter?

Because it's very difficult to find TRULY good homes for all the offspring.

Because for every kitten or puppy you allow to come into the world, one at the pound dies.

Because you don't want your pet to end up with uterine, mammary, or testicular cancer.

Because there is a lot of financial assistance to help you.

Because spayed and neutered animals live longer, healthier, happier lives.

Because you have a heart and you care.

For every person born, 15 dogs and 45 cats are also born.

There are simply too many animals and not enough homes for them all.

The problem is too big to be solved by adoption alone.

Spaying and neutering will solve the problem.

For financial assistance, contact
Pet Adoption League
P. O. Box 3303
Grass Valley, CA 95945
530-273-7958
pal_95945@yahoo.com

This notice can be printed for posting at your workplace on a bulletin board or wherever you thing would be a good place. Let's make it visible to more people!  For a printable version, 
click here

Dresser for Sale

We're selling this antique dresser to raise funds for PAL. We'd like to get $1,000 (we're told this is a fair price) or the best offer we can get. It's from the 1920s and is very unique. If you'd like to see it, let us know at 273-7958 or pal_95945@yahoo.com. 

Dogs In, Husband Out

Long-time activist for animals, Brigitte Bardot traveled to Bucharest when the mayor there decided to eliminate 200,000 stray dogs. She offered $150,000 to sterilize 100,000 dogs over two years. The mayor agreed not to kill the animals immediately, but insisted that unless they were adopted and kept indoors, they would be destroyed. That led to an all-out campaign to save the dogs. 

One woman, impressed by Bardot's commitment, adopted five dogs and brought them home. Her husband was not so impressed and delivered the ultimatum that it was "me or the dogs." 
She chose the dogs and filed for divorce the next day.

Source: Best Friends Animal Sanctuary Magazine, Kanab, Utah 84741-5000; www.bestfriends.org; 435-644-2001; fax: 435-644-2078.

In Memory of . . . 

Skittles Baldwin, from Peter Fulton Foss
J.B. Charnley, from Bill Bridges and Linda McManus
Prince Dalton, "Bill's best friend," from Gloria Morales
Chewey Daroza, from Shirley Beedy
Mimi Deane, from Betty Deane
June Drummond, from Mike & Anna Drummond
Honey, Sassy, Juno, and Misty Egger, from Diane Egger
George Gibson, from Mary Dreifuss
George Gibson, from Cleo & Gerry Gibson
George Gibson, a very sweet cat, from Sue Nepstead
Wallace "Red" Godfrey, from Carol McGraw
Gus Hargesheimer, from Jeanne Ingram
Pepe Irish, "Goodbye Pepe, we all loved you and miss you so much," Patty Irish, Amii, Snupes, Tummies & Suzi Irish
Tinkerbell & Tippy Lawrence, from Dean Lawrence
Meghan Matchett, from Mardell Matchett
Chad, Sheba & Patch Mock, from Dorothy Mock
John "Pat" O'Brien, from Louise Bradley
Stranger Pozar, from Milada Pozar
Pernal "Pearl" Pursche, from Dolly, Elvis & Marilyn Peterson
Jim Shay, from Ezella Shay
Molly Smith, from Karsten & Maryalyce Hansen
Kara Stewart, from Glenda & Larry Williams
Frosty Strobeck, from Nina & Dutch Strobeck
Duke II Wymer, from Ruth Wymer

In Honor of . . .

All my wonderful cats! from Janice Stewart
Honey, Coco & Osa Hargesheimer, from Fred Hargesheimer
Josh & Amy Hargesheimer, "A wedding present!" from Fred Hargesheimer
Bohdi Kaiser, "on his second anniversary as a PAL adoptee," from Diane & Julian Kaiser

Two Success Stories

Karen Mitchell of Penn Valley saw Katie at one of our adoption sites and fell in love right away. 

When one of our volunteers did a follow-up visit, everything was going well. A year-and-a-half later, Katie is still very happy and her people love her very much! 

Recently the family adopted another puppy so Katie has a puppy playmate to go with her people friends.

That is, until she had to move out of state. Because she was getting older and her health was a concern, she decided to move closer to her daughter, and couldn't take Fluffy with her.
Happily, we were able to find homes for all the feral cats. And for Fluffy, we found Trish Holtz, a very caring and compassionate person who said "Yes" immediately to taking in Fluffy. Fluffy now lives the good life in Weimar with Trish and her other cats.