Pet Adoption League Newsletter Fall 2000

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.

Cat Enclosures Keep Cats Safe

More and more people are keeping their cats indoors to keep them safe from predators, cars, cruel people, diseases, fights, fleas, etc.

Cats who live exclusively indoors are very content and live much healthier and longer lives. When cats look outside at the wildlife, people sometimes feel sorry for them, thinking that they long to go out. In fact, the outdoors through a window is like a TV screen; the cats are simply enjoying the view.

If you do want your cats to live indoors yet enjoy the breezes and sunshine of the outdoors, you can provide them with enclosed areas that are durable and easy to build.

The structure shown here was constructed by one of our volunteers, Mary Dreifuss. If you aren't handy with carpentry, no doubt you have a friend who can help. Having at least two people makes the job go faster.

Mary used 2"x2" wood for the frame which she painted before assembly. If you decide to build a larger enclosure, you should use 2"x4" or even 4"x4" lumber. She made the sides and top first, then put everything together. She attached the two side pieces to the house with screws, then attached the third side (which faces the house), then the roof, also with screws. The wire is 2"x4" durable fencing. Chicken wire simply isn't strong enough and will sag over time.

It's important that the top part of the structure is enclosed too, otherwise the cats will just climb over. You may want to consider a partial roof to protect against too much sun if you don't have trees around for shade. A sheet or large towel would also work. Keep the cats' route from the house open so they can come back inside if they become uncomfortable outside.

Mary also made a door on one side for easy access. Through the door, she brings in toys, scratching posts, benches, boxes, cozy beds, and anything else she feels will make the cats more comfy. (If the enclosure is on grass, the cats will like sitting on that, but if it's on concrete or dirt, they will prefer something up off the ground.) Most of these things she takes inside when it snows or rains.

A plank goes from an open window and is secured with stakes at the bottom so that it's sturdy. Mary nailed cross pieces every foot or so on the plank to make it less slippery and easier for the cats to go up and down.

At night she closes the window and the cats sleep inside; no matter how safe and sound you think the structure might be, why risk any harm coming to the cats? She also does not feed them in this structure -- the food attracts meat bees and other animals. The cats eat in the house in the morning and evening when the window is closed.

While this enclosure is 9'x12' and 6' high, you can make yours any size you want. People go all out and even have two and three enclosures connected by tunnels. Some are constructed around large trees or have trees inside; manzanita is quite good for this. Of course everything must be re-enforced so that the cats are safe and secure.

On the other side of the house, Mary made a smaller structure attached to a window. The cats can go out into them, check out the sights and get some Vitamin D from the sun. This smaller enclosure should be pretty high off the ground so the cats feel protected. Again, 2"x2" wood and 2"x4" durable fencing was used.

HERE are other photos that may help you. If you have any questions, stop by or call us at 530/273-7958.

Temporary Indoor Enclosure To Confine an Injured or Sick Pet

If you have injured or ailing pets who need to be separated from your other animals indoors, you can
construct something similar to the cat enclosures to keep them isolated. Be sure to add lots of comfy beds and snug retreats so they feel like they can rest and relax completely.

Mary Kay Cosmetics are cruelty free!

Quilt Raffle Success

The beautiful quilt donated to Pet Adoption League by Bob and Emily Wheeler, which we featured in our Fall newsletter, brought PAL $2,002!

Every person who bought a ticket hoped that he or she would win! The lucky person who did win the quilt, pictured here, was Liz Olshausen of Nevada City.

Emily decided to "whip up" another quilt for us that had a holiday motif. This lovely quilt was raffled from our thrift store on Joerschke Drive. It was won by Becky Allen of Grass Valley. (Becky was not available for a photo.) We're very happy for both Liz and Becky. They ended up with gorgeous quilts! Thanks to all of you who bought tickets. We really appreciate your support! Emily plans to present us with another quilt later this year. Stand by! It should be just as spectacular as the last two, or, who knows, even more so!

Thanks, Emily, for all your hard work!

Gems

The following "gems" are from Heart Songs for Animal Lovers by Jack Hanna.

I don't think there's an antidepressant drug that works faster to lift your spirits than a purring cat
in your lap.
A dog is the only creature on this earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
A doctor may heal your body, but an animal can heal your soul.

Mixed Breeds Are Best

If everyone adopted pets from shelters and pounds, these facilities would not have to euthanize healthy, loving, intelligent, adoptable cats and dogs.

People tell us all the time that the cat or dog they got from the shelter was "the best dog," or "the best cat" they have ever had. Perhaps it's because the animal knew what was in store and was relieved and grateful to be rescued. Perhaps it's just that mixed breeds, which is what the shelters have mostly, make better pets than purebreds.

This is why. Purebred animals are usually bred for certain fixed characteristics or behaviors. For example, "sled dogs" are born to run away from you, which can result in resistance to leash training. Some breeds have been aggressive guard dogs for centuries, others have nervous dispositions which predispose them to fear-biting. Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Richard H. Pitcairn, DVM, PhD lists all the breeds and all the problems associated with them. (We carry this book at the PAL thrift store on Joerschke Drive, the libraries have it, and any bookstore can order it.)

Although generalizations about positive breed temperaments usually hold true -- which is why purebreds appeal to some people -- potentially negative behaviors are usually not highlighted by breeders.

Animal behaviorist Maureen Strenfel believes that most people are better off with a mixed breed cat or dog. Mixed-breeds tend to inherit the best characteristics from their parents. "Natural selection produces dogs that are intelligent, patient and tolerant, loyal and loving -- just what you want in a lifetime, companion animal," says Strenfel.

When you save a pet from the pound, you not only get a unique, precious life, but feel great about it, too! Many of the animals at our two local shelters come with complete histories. And even if they don't, they usually still make great pets. All the animals PAL has rescued from the shelters over the last ten years have been fantastic friends for the people who adopted them!

Grass Valley Animal Shelter:
556B Freeman Lane,
Grass Valley; 530/477-4630

Nevada County Animal Shelter:
14647 McCourtney
Road, Grass Valley; 530/273-2179

PetsMart Banners on the PAL Website

If you go from our website to the Petsmart website, through one of their banners to buy your pet food, and you are a first time customer to PETsMART.com, PAL will receive a 10% commission as well as a $5 new customer purchase reward. It's an easy way for you to stock up on pet food and help the animals at the same time!

A Kid's Best Friend

Children are often more likely to turn to pets than to people to get them through the tough times.
British psychological researchers asked seven- and eight-year-olds whom they would turn to first in a variety of situations, including being sick in bed, getting bullied at school or having a special secret. Mothers, followed closely by fathers, were the top comfort choices for kids, but the family pet came before siblings, other relatives and teachers.

Source: Time, December 18, 2000

Renters with Pets Get Help

People with pets often struggle to find a house, apartment, or condominium, to rent. Leasewithpets.com
offers property owners a pet warranty that covers damage up to $5,000 per unit. The renter or lessor pays a $275 deposit and $200 a year. After one year, the policyholder receives a $200 refund, and the lessor gets the other $75 when the tenant moves and if the premises aren't damaged. For more information, go to www.leasewithpets.com or call 877/690-DOGS.

Source: Veterinary Economics, September 2000

In Memory of:

"In Memory of All Our Beloved Pets," from Peter Fulton Foss
Cathy Antonelli, from Gilbert & Catherine McEwen
Cassie Baltich, from Barbara & Michael Baltich
Chewbacca & Madison Beesley, from Louise & David Beesley
Felix Bennett, from Linda & Carl Stude
Geneva Bracken, from Mary Ann & Jerry White
Samurai Briggs, from Randi & Rick Briggs
Madhu Byerrum, from Susan & Jon Byerrum
Scampi Carter, from Carolyn Carter
Scampi Carter, from Mike & Anna Drummond
Bill Clark, from Donna Helms
William J. Clark, from Mary Hemsath
Louie Dreifuss, "he never really left," from Mary Dreifuss
Louie Dreifuss, "a wonderful little guy," from Sue Nepstead
Louie Dreifuss, from Mike & Anna Drummond
Fremont Chester, from Ethel Hermo
Muffin Dotlick, from GiGi Baque & Phyllis Baque
Honey, Juno, Sassy, & Misty Egger, from Diane Egger
Poddy & Ben Foss, from Peter Fulton Foss
Muki Fragel, from June Fragel
Dottie Gale, from Erin Hay
Trapper Gay, from Vanessa Gay
Siami Grace, "Love you, sweetie!" from Patricia Grace
Charles K. Graydon, from Dorothy Graydon
Betty Hill, from Ralph Hill
Marilyn L. Howe, from Elsa Patton
Boris Imfeld, from Ken & Bobbi Williams
June Jackson "who loved all animals," from Jim & Marge Folger
June Jackson, from Ruth Fisher
June Jackson, from Sam & Billie Kolsrud
June Jackson, from Glenda & Bob Krabbe
June Jackson, from Lake Wildwood Lady Niners
June Jackson, from City of Austin, LRC Staff
June Jackson, from City of Austin, Solid Waste Services
June Jackson, from Cathy Wolfe
Poker Jones-Santos: 1985-2000 "beloved pet of Terri &d Dusty," from Peter Fulton Foss
Scruffy Kingaby, from Mike & Anna Drummond
Dilly Lane, "the world's best canine companion," from Pat Lane
Shirley Leathley, from Gilbert & Catherine McEwen
Ollie Madigan, from Jack & Melissa Brokaw
Theo Martin, "a commanding presence -- much missed" from Harry & Cindy Martin
Theo Martin, from Mike & Anna Drummond
Samantha Marvel, from Julia Marvel
Casey McCollom, from Anne Wright
Gratia B. Milton, from Kristin Gallagher & Steve Amos
Max Moody, from June & Richard McKenzie
Luke Montierth, from Flo Montierth
Amber Montavon, "our dainty lady," from Leo & Kathy Montavon
Gizmo Mulder, from Janice Mulder
Chap Narveson, "a sweet boy," from Mark & Lesley Narveson
Maynard "Smiley" Nelson, from Jim & Doris Nelson
Rayna Petersen, "my wonderful companion for 17 years," from Joan Petersen
Bill Renz, from Lee Renz
Lady Rosen, "she never gave up," from Bernice Rosen
Jake Sansing-Robinson, "Maxie's heart," from Maureen Sansing & Rae Delgado
Jakey Sansing-Robinson, from Mugsy & Sonny Boy Brown
"Our sweet Jake," from Maxine & Terry Robinson
Lorriane Sahl, from Jim & Laurie Price
Harold Scott, "a special dog," from Gloria Morales
Mini Pup Scutero, from Lynn Scutero
Tiger Skaer, from Phyllis Tarleton Baque
Abbey Sholly-Tarriktar, from Mike & Anna Drummond
Chelsea Shuttee, from Gilbert & Catherine McEwen
Florence Slater, from Jim & Dollie Ragsdale
Penny Slater, from Marilyn Spiva
Penny Slater, from John & Carol Tingle
Ashley Swan, from Betty Melbourne
Big Kitty Teeling, from Julie & Jon Teeling
Lisa (Alice Marie) Temple, from a friend
George Townsend, from Richard & Jan Townsend
Karren Winters "who always had room for dogs of uncertain parentage," from Carol McGraw
Tia Shu Yanney "for 21 years, the best companion anyone could ask for," from Arlene Yanney
T. J. Yerrick, from Alma Yerrick

In Honor of:

All the wonderful people who adopt! from Marion Fox
PAL Volunteers, from Diane Egger
Rosemary Carstens, from Suzanne & Jerry Hall
Irene & Glen Curtis, from Jon & Julie Teeling
Jim & Sandy Curtis, from Jon & Julie Teeling
Grace Dehn, from Jon & Julie Teeling
Karen & Ridge Eagan, from Cicely & Lee Roddy
Captain Gobert, from Juliet Gobert
Joyce Haire, "Happy Birthday!" from Shirley Nibbelin
Joyce Haire, "Happy Birthday!" from Jennifer & Jeff Alvarez
Our rescued pets - Calvin, Mattie, Sophie, Slash & Duke, from Mike, Bill & Pia Hofstetter
Bear & Radar Inch, from Barbara Inch
Pipi, Pepe, Amii, Snupes, Kiti, & Suzi Irish, "love them so much!"
from Patricia Irish
Clyde Kerr, from Karen & Jim Kerr
Milo Kranz, from Alice Kranz
Honey Lindgren, from Wilbur & Nancy Lindgren
Ralphie Lyss "on his first birthday,"
from Cookie & Simi Lyss
Mac & Duffy Milligan, from Kathy Milligan
"Some friends of mine," from Mark Ostrov
Don & Marilyn Sauer, from Jon & Julie Teeling
Jacqueline Smith "who has opened her heart and home
to many abandoned dogs and cats," from Carol McGraw
Mary Weigand, "my sister, who has rescued three (3, III) very lucky, happy cats! from Nan Geary
In honor of my family: the Sinay family (Lake Oswego), the Sinay family (Salem), the Ross family (Tigard), the Sinay-Mosias family (Novato), Kimberly Pike (Tigard), & Rebecca Pike (Tigard), from Deborah
Ann Wills Crisanne Zufelt, from Jacqueline Johnson

Remember a Special Someone

A meaningful way to honor someone you love is with a Memorial or Honorary Donation to the Pet Adoption League in his or her name. These gifts can be used to mark special occasions or accomplishments of those still living, or to honor the memory of loved ones who are deceased.

PAL can notify the person or the family of your gift. The amount is not disclosed unless you request it. We will also publish the name in our newsletter along with yours, unless you request otherwise.

To make your gift, send it along with the name of the person you are honoring; and the name, address, and phone number of the person you would like us to notify about your donation. (PAL: P. O. Box 3303, Grass Valley, CA 95945. 530/273-7958.)

Animal Wellness Magazine

Yet another great magazine is available to animal lovers. The magazine's emphasis is on natural healing for animals. If you're interested in a subscription, go to www.animalanimal.com or call them at 888-466-5266.

Thanks Rotary Club!

The Rotary Club of Nevada City was kind enough to take many of our thrift store clothes to San Jose del Cabo. They had donated two ambulances and were taking them to Mexico in December of last year. They had some extra room in the ambulances and took about 20 huge bags of clothing down in them. Thanks to this community's generous clothing donations, we end up with a lot of clothing! Even though most of it is sold almost immediately, we sometimes have to cull what we have to make room for more. We are often looking for people who can use the clothing. Over the years we have donated many clothing items to many people in need. We are especially interested in helping those in Mexico
because their need is so great. So when John Hensley and Tom Coleman of the Rotary Club agreed to help, we were thrilled! Thanks again, Rotary!

Regular antifreeze is deadly to pets. Less toxic antifreeze may cost more, but isn't your pet's health worth it? Besides, if your pet is poisoned, veterinary bills would amount to a far greater expense.

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!

Karen and John Fillion called to adopt one cat but decided to take two. This is great because one lap doesn't go to waste and Beenie and Scooter have each other for company when Karen and John are away from home.

Beenie loves to play in a rough-and-tumble sort of way with John, but looks for hugs and kisses from Karen. Beenie also insists on a little kiss and a head rub as soon as the Fillions come home, otherwise he follows them around, meowing until he gets some "quality" time.

Scooter, the quieter of the two cats, likes to pat Karen and John on the face with his paw. Both cats were a little skittish at first, but luckily Karen and John were patient with the boys until they became more and more trusting.

Within two weeks, the cats were cuddling and sleeping on the bed. Sounds like a win-win for everyone in this family!

Diane and Julian Kaiser visited our thrift store on Joerschke Drive last summer, wondering if they could adopt a dog. They were looking for a black Lab and we had just the one for them!

When they met, it was love at first sight! We called him Bodie, but the Kaisers changed his name just a tad to Bodhi, a Buddhist term meaning perfect knowledge.

Diane and Julian recently said that Bodhi really lives up to his name. He is very intelligent, extremely responsive to training, likes people and other animals, is "unbelievably affectionate," and has been their "chicken soup for the soul." Not only do they love him, but they also love to hear people comment on how handsome he is!

Bodhi has a little bit of Pitbull in him. Luckily that wasn't held against him and he now has a WONDERFUL home!

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.

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

Cat Enclosures Quilt Raffle Success Mixed Breeds are Best Renters with Pets A Kid's Best Friend Are you Looking for a Pet	In Memory Of In Honor Of Remember a Special Someone Gems Animal Wellness Magazine Thanks Rotary club
Two Success Stories