Spring 2000 Newsletter
Spring 2000 Newsletter
Volume X Issue #1
| 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 | |
PAL Volunteers Speak OutThe following are a few "testimonials" from PAL volunteers about why they enjoy doing what they do. It's because of them and other volunteers like them that PAL has been able to accomplish so much! The work the volunteers do varies, and depends on their interests. Some people like to foster cats and/or dogs in their homes (PAL pays for food, vet visits, and anything else that might come up), others help transport pets, work in the thrift store, on the feral cat program, with the mailings, humane education, distributing flyers, and any occasional special projects. Some volunteers like to work directly with the animals, so they foster them. Others, who can't foster, like to work at the PAL Thrift Store on Joerschke Drive. At the PAL Thrift Store, volunteers work anywhere from two hours to two full days a week. Sometimes people pop in because they have an extra hour on their hands and tidy up the place. We hope that as you read on, you will be inspired to help us in our very worthwhile cause. We really appreciate all the help we get -- and, as you can imagine, so do the animals! |
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| I have been a PAL volunteer for almost nine years -- why do I do it? It is more than the fun of working with the other volunteers or meeting many interesting people who love their pets or finding some treasure among the many items which come into the PAL Thrift Store. It has to do with responsibility.
There are many organizations in this county which try to make up for the lack of responsibility and commitment that is often found among people today. There are groups to help abused and neglected children, or the elderly, or wives, or husbands, even animals. If, by volunteering a few hours each week, I can help feed a starving animal, find a new loving home for an abandoned pet, or prevent new puppies or kittens from being born into a world where no one wants them -- then those few donated hours of my time have been repaid many times over. I have been a PAL volunteer for a little over a year, and I particularly enjoy the variety of ways you can help out. I work in the thrift shop for a couple of hours one day a week, and you never know what a day's donations will bring us as new inventory. I help with the feral cat program, and I believe that PAL's spay and neuter program is one of the most important contributions we can make to long term animal welfare in Nevada County. I also conducted a home visit to follow up on a PAL cat that was adopted in Sacramento, and it was rewarding to see a rescued animal so happily placed. I have found PAL to be flexible in scheduling volunteer work, so even if you have only a few hours to occasionally contribute, I would encourage you to donate what time you can. I have found all the people at PAL fun to work with, and PAL always welcomes new ideas for PAL projects. Before my move to Nevada County six years ago, my partner and I lived for a couple of years in Boulder, Colorado, where we serendipitously rescued our first "kids" from the county shelter. Almost overnight we became the slavishly doting "parents" of two furry females with the floppiest of ears and biscuit addictions to rival the lifestyles of the rich and famous. We were so in love with our new family, but their arrival also marked the end of our innocence about the harsh realities that confront our animal companions. Luckily for dogs and cats, Boulder County is very pro- animal and their shelter reflects their progressive attitudes. The shelter had cleaned up the dogs we adopted, handled their health problems, spayed them before adoption, and had permitted them to stay alive long enough to give them a better shot at a second chance. I got to see firsthand what was possible if a community is educated enough to know and care about what happens to our furry friends. Suddenly I knew in my heart that I was an animal advocate, although I didn't know what I was going to do about it. I discovered PAL pretty quickly once we arrived in Grass Valley, and my education in animal advocacy began in earnest. At first I worked in the PAL Thrift Store, where I met other wonderful and amazingly dedicated volunteers. The example of their unwavering commitment to making a difference in animals' lives gave me the structure and much of the information I needed to get started, and they continue to inspire and motivate me to this day. I don't know that I could do animal rescue work, however part-time, without the friendship and support of this organization. Aside from my personal rescue work, which PAL has kindly assisted me with in many ways, I also visit the Grass Valley shelter semi-regularly as a PAL representative. For the purposes of putting together a report that is read on KNCO radio each Saturday, I collect whatever information the shelter has about each animal. I also take a good look at that day's "inmates" to see if I can get a beat on their temperaments for the report. I've been making these visits for almost two years, but I would be lying if I said it was easy. There's not a week that goes by that I don't feel a rush of grief, especially when I see animals that I'm pretty sure will be overlooked for one reason or another, either because of old age, behavior problems, size, or lack of classic good looks. But I realized recently that the bad news about visiting the shelter is also the good news. It's too easy to become complacent about those who are disadvantaged when we have everything we need. I want to be able to welcome the grief as a sign of my humanity, and use it as a spur to give whatever help I reasonably can. It's been a richly rewarding experience to be a PAL volunteer and to get to know other like-minded animal lovers and advocates. If you have some free time and you want to work with a dedicated group of people to improve the future of animals in this county, PAL is a great place to start! |
I have always loved animals. When I was working for a living, I had money but not time to donate to animal welfare organizations. When I retired and moved to Nevada County, I had lots of time but not much spare money. I discovered PAL while looking for a place to donate some used clothing.
I decided to try volunteering at the PAL Thrift Store about five years ago and found that I really enjoy it. I've met very nice people, customers and other volunteers while doing something to help our local animals. The other volunteers are wonderful people, true kindred spirits in their concern for animals. For me, volunteering at PAL comes from the heart. When people ask me if I "work" at the thrift store, I tell them that it doesn't seem like work at all when you are doing something that you really love. For the past three years I have volunteered at the Pet Adoption League Thrift Shop on Joerschke Drive one afternoon every week. It is very important to me to do this. My husband and I also contribute financially to PAL's spay/neuter program because we know that spaying and neutering is really the bottom line, where we've got to make a big difference. In addition to my work at the thrift store, every Tuesday morning I leave food and water for feral cats in a couple of Grass Valley locations. I have transported animals to the Animal Spay & Neuter Clinic in Auburn. And I have just started to make follow-up visits to the homes of newly adopted animals. I wish I could give a foster home to some of our wonderful animals, but that is impossible as we have two dogs, one who is scared of every other dog he sees, and the other who wants to take a bite out of every other dog she sees. They don't know how to behave in polite society. We all do what we can to help the animals and these are just some of the ways I'm trying to do my part. I feel very good about what I'm doing and I hope some of you who can make the time will consider helping us out. I have been a volunteer for PAL for almost eight years. It is most satisfying to help make a difference in the lives of our local animals. Working with the volunteers and seeing their unwavering dedication has been the impetus that has made me want to help in PAL's efforts to make Nevada County more aware of the abuse, cruelty and neglect that is so often the result of pet overpopulation. Over the years I have done a little bit of nearly everything. I have donated cash and items to the thrift store as well as convincing others to do the same. I have fostered cats and kittens until permanent homes were found; I have driven animals to and from the veterinarian; I have helped distribute flyers: I have worked on the PAL newsletter mailings: and I have helped organize the PAL volunteers' potluck suppers and get-togethers. At the PAL thrift store I helped put the book room in order, have been the cashier, priced jewelry and other articles, and done whatever else was needed. I work on the store "clean up" committee on Sunday mornings to dust and vacuum and do general tidying up. The hours I spend at PAL and for PAL take up only a small portion of my time, and I enjoy working with the other volunteers, so time passes quickly. PAL volunteers are great people who are dedicated to giving of themselves to help the animals. Won't you join us? I have worked at the PAL Thrift Store for five plus years. I work two days a week and sometimes more often if I'm needed. I really enjoy it! I like the volunteers and customers who I meet. It's fun to see what the day's donations bring in. And the people who bring these items in are mostly doing it because they care about the cause. I also help with PAL mailings. This is another opportunity to meet PAL volunteers. It's a fun day getting the quarterly mailing out. I would encourage you to give volunteering at PAL a try. I think you'll enjoy it. If you only have a couple of hours a week or if you have more time, there's a spot for everyone. I can't foster animals in my home, so it's rewarding to know that I'm helping raise funds (by working at the thrift store) to help these animals.
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Bark Four Times A YearThe Bark is a slick new magazine out of Berkeley dedicated to "all things dog." It bills itself as the modern dog culture magazine and claims that "dog is my co-pilot." Each issue includes excellent essays, cartoons, how-to, humor, advertising, and just about anything else related to For subscription info: 2810 8th Street, Berkeley CA 94710, |
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Tell Your Rep "What Fur?"Cat and dog fur is used to trim gloves, hats, toys, and other accessories. As many as two million cats and dogs are slaughtered each year in Thailand, the Philippines, and China. Much of this fur makes its way into the U. S. disguised under such names as Gae-wolf, Sobaki, Asian jackal, Wildcat, Goyangi and Katzenfelle. Current law exempts fur valued at less than $150 from any labeling requirements. The Dog and Cat Protection Act (S.1197), introduced by Senator William Roth (R-DE), and a companion bill (H.R.1622), introduced by Rep. Gerald Kleczka (D-WI), are currently under consideration in Washington, D. C. These laws, if passed, would prohibit the U. S. sale, You can help. Ask your representative and senators to co-sponsor the bill. For more information check the legislative update section at www.api4animals.org or call the Animal Protection Institute at 916/731-5521. |
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Kitty Litter CakeWe saw this recipe in the October 27, 1999 issue of Bette Worth's "Market Basket" column in The Union. No doubt it will be a big winner with cat lovers -- or maybe it'll be a great way to gross out your cat-loving friends! You choose. 1 box spice or German chocolate cake mix Prepare the cake mixes and bake according to directions (in any sized pans). Prepare pudding mix and chill until ready to assemble. Crumble white sandwich cookies in small batches in blender. They tend to stick, so scrape often. Set aside all but about 1/4 cup. To the 1/4 cup crumbs, add a few drops green food coloring and mix using a fork or shake in a jar. When cakes are cooled to room temperature, crumble into a large bowl. Toss with half the remaining white cookie crumbs and the chilled pudding. You probably won't need all of the pudding; mix with the cake and "feel" it. You don't want it soggy, just moist. Gently combine. Line litter box with foil or plastic wrap. Put mixture into litter box.. Put three unwrapped Tootsie Rolls in a microwave-safe dish and heat until soft and pliable. Shape ends so they are no longer blunt, curving slightly. Repeat with three more Tootsie Rolls and bury in mixture. Sprinkle the other half of cookie crumbs over top. Scatter the green cookie crumbs lightly over the top; this is supposed to look like the chlorophyll in Kitty Litter.. Heat remaining Tootsie Rolls, three at a time in the microwave until almost melted. Scrape them on top of the cake and sprinkle with cookie crumbs. Place the box on a newspaper and sprinkle a few of the cookie crumbs around. . Serve with pooper scooper. |
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Pets: Part of the FamilyA television program by this same name appears every Sunday morning at 10:30 on Channel 9 in the Grass Valley area. If you're out of the Grass Valley area, check your local listings. You can also learn more about books and magazines by this same name by logging on to www.petspartofthefamily.com.
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PAL Gets Feng ShuiedRecently Ursula Rabe donated a Feng Shui consultation to the Pet Adoption League Thrift Store. It was a lot of fun! We learned what we were doing right and found new ways to harmonize our environment. To accomplish our goals, we're going to be putting up more crystals, chimes, mirrors, and color-coordinating in a new way. If you would like to donate some of these items, or other objects that would help us, we would really appreciate it! Before you say phooey to Feng Shui, we should add that the people who have tried it have found it to be quite beneficial. Thank you so much, Ursula, for taking the time to give us some very intriguing pointers! |
PAL Librarian RecommendsThere are many books available to people who want to do the right thing by their pets. But did you know there are also books for cats and dogs? It must be difficult for them to know how to figure us out. Why are we gone long periods of time? Wouldn't we rather be with them? Why do we keep them outdoors? Wouldn't we rather be with them? Why would we want to read instead of paying attention to them? These are all puzzling questions to our furry companions. To help them cope, there are many books on the market to help better understand people and to live more fulfilling lives. Two books that we recently came across are Feng Shui for Dogs, By Dogs for Dogs by Gerry Maguire Thompson and Feng Shui for Cats, By Cats for Cats, Edited by Roni Jay. You may know that Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice based on the idea that the auspicious placement and arrangement of buildings, walkways, furniture, plants, and other objects can ensure a good life. By allowing chi, or energy, to flow freely and not stagnate, one can create a harmonious environment which can lead to improved love, health, peace, even prosperity. Feng Shui for Dogs asks your canine friend: Are you living a dog's life? Do you feel dog tired? Does banishment to the doghouse make you feel hounded? There's no reason to be dogged by these problems, the books states. It puts forth the premise that dogs can be the top dog in the household by manipulating the humans in their lives (in a good way, of course). The book teaches dogs about directionology (the best direction to run is all directions at once), the art of placement (of hair, bones, and other treasures), how to access the savage wolf spirit that lurks inside. Feng Shui for Dogs covers the five canine principles of life (stick, bowl, ball, bone, and biscuit). Most importantly, dogs can learn how to get their own way every day! Feng Shui for Cats states that cats must have the right environment in which to thrive. Humans can be a stumbling block to this goal, so the book is all about how to live a more agreeable life by using the Feng Shui principles. Cats can learn how to brighten and lighten their environment as well as accessing a more steady flow of food. It's a purrfect guide to maximizing the chi in the environment so that the result is a warm, comfortable, and harmonious place to live and thrive. You may be thinking, "Should I really give this to my cats or dogs to read?" "Do I want them taking over the house?" But really, it's a way that you and they can live together more happily and contentedly. And you can always preview the books before you hand them over. You'll see that it's no big deal -- just a lot of fun! Other fun titles that we've seen:
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Two Success StoriesWhen Annabelle Loucks called to adopt a dog, we were sorry we didn't have what she was looking for, because we knew hers would be a GREAT home and wanted to be able to place a dog in it. As luck would have it, one of our volunteers took a dog from the pound the next week to foster. The dog exactly matched what Annabelle wanted. Cree not only was physically perfect, but her sweet, loving nature immediately won over the Loucks family. Cree goes everywhere the Loucks go. She has lots of wonderful cats to keep her company, and her every whim and desire is fulfilled. We have a feeling she also feels very lucky about the family who took her in. It's a perfect match! |
Belle was abandoned, hungry, and skinny when she was found. She was also well-adjusted and loving. It didn't seem like she had been abused, just no longer wanted. When a kind person offered her a ride to a meal, she eagerly accepted. After a short stint with PAL, Belle moved in with Julie Cobden. She can frolic with the other cats, or she can retire to one of the many parts of the house if she wants some "alone" time. Belle went from the skids to a super-life. She's a very sweet girl who deserves lots of love and kindness. We'll never know why she was deserted, but she certainly seems to like her new digs! |
