• We're Still Here!
• Is Your Home Toxic to Pets?
• Pets Prevent Allergies
• Bark Collars
• Why Do They Bark?
• Wanted: Whole Cat Journal
• More Good News!
• Introducing Cats to Each Other
• Fun Websites
• Stop Cruel Puppy Mills
• Feral Cats Need Homes, Too
• Two Success Stories

• Happy and Healthy with FIV
• German Animals Get Rights
• Cats Low Risk to Spread Disease to Humans
• Spay/Neuter: It's the Law
• In Honor Of
• In Memory Of
• Girl Scout Good Deed
• Help Get the Message Out
• Chained Dogs
• Success Stories in Print

We're Still Here!

Even though we closed our thrift store last July, the PAL programs are still active and going strong.
In the spay/neuter area, we have some exciting news! We are now spaying and neutering about 100 cats and dogs every month! More and more people are taking us up on the FREE spay/neuter program. 
Over the last three years we have spent $82,753.00 to pay for either part or all of the spays and neuters for which we have received calls. In many instances, we also paid for the vaccinations if the guardians were unable to do so. We are budgeted to spend even more, so please call us if you need help or know someone who does. Because of the extra funds available, PAL paid for the spaying and neutering of almost 500 cats and dogs in Camptonville in the last couple of years and almost that many in Downieville, Sacramento and Marysville. 

Thankfully, more and more people are willing to get their pets altered. They know this means a happier, healthier pet. And, there really are not enough homes to go around. For every animal born into the world, another one at a shelter/pound dies. So we're glad to see that people are receptive and willing. Most times it is a matter of money. That's where we can help.

We're still trying to help animals find homes, too. Even though we don't have the number of foster homes we once had, we still are able to match many people and pets through our referral service. We also keep track of who's at the shelter so that we can refer people there to meet their special someone. The animals there are grateful that more people are going to the shelters to adopt. 

We are still offering a 90% dog obedience rebate for people who want to take their puppies or adult dogs through basic obedience, but can't afford it. It's pretty gratifying to hear that someone, who was just at the point of taking their dog to the pound, was able to keep their friend because they were able to get some help with training.

We are also still giving out roughly 10 tons of food each year. Sometimes people just need a bag of food to tide them over until the next paycheck. And we're finding that more and more people are doing the much needed rescue work themselves, rather than relying on a group to do it all, but they need help with spay/neuter, vaccinations, food, litter, etc. We're happy to help.

We are still spaying and neutering feral cats, too. They, of course, need to be fed every day. It's not their fault someone abandoned them -- they want to live as much as we do. Sometimes these cats become tame and we put them up for adoption. But until they are ready, food goes to help them, too. Because they are spayed and neutered, tens of thousands of cats are not born into a world that does not want them.
We're still giving out dog and cat houses to people who can't afford them. Some of these houses go to feral cat colonies to provide shelter for them.

KNCO continues to allow us to air the Orphaned Animals Report every Saturday morning (10:05 am) which focuses on the pets waiting at the shelters. KNCO has been a great friend to the animals for many years!

We still spend a lot of time on the phone giving (wanted) advice about behavior problems, the best adoption match for the family, lending a sympathetic ear to those who have lost a beloved family member, and more!

Thanks to your continued support, we are able to help many four- and two-legged members of our community.

Is Your Home Toxic to Pets?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) "indoor air pollution poses high risks to human health," and this same air pollution hurts our pets, as well. Studies show that the indoor air in the average home is two to 20 times more polluted than outdoor air. There are some 900 chemicals that are commonly present in the home. These include dry-cleaned fabrics, shampooed carpets, household cleaning products, floor finishes, foam in upholstery, carpet glues and pads, perfumes, and cosmetics, to name a few.
Some of these chemicals are considered to have the potential to cause cancer and genetic mutations. Even in low levels, they can cause respiratory impairment, skin diseases, neurotoxic effects, and a number of diseases specifically affecting the liver and kidneys.

Some cats and dogs may not visibly display signs of poor health while others may show signs of asthma, anxiety, depression, itchy, runny eyes, or severe skin irritation.

Pesticides are considered the most serious chemicals, which are commonly found in flea collars, flea powders, shampoos and dips, carpet treatments, house foggers, and even some pet foods. In a study of over-the-counter pet pesticide products, nearly 50 percent are known or suspected to cause tumors or cancer.

Incense, cigarette/cigar smoke, and wood-burning stoves can exacerbate upper respiratory problems in people and pets.

Here are some tips for a healthier house:

• Purchase clothing that does not require dry cleaning
• Air dry-cleaned clothing outdoors for a week prior to bringing it into the house
• Ventilate the house thoroughly
• Remodel or build with inert, natural materials
• Filter your kitchen sink, bath and shower water
• Use beeswax candles in lieu of petroleum-based candles
• Use natural fiber area rugs instead of wall-to-wall synthetic carpets.

In general, stay away from petroleum-based products, all of which release health-damaging chemicals into the air your human and animal family breathe. 

If you want to read the entire article, we can mail it to you. Just call us at 530-273-7958.

Source: Animal Wellness Magazine, Volume 4, Issue 4; www.animalwellnessmagazine.com.

More Good News!

It is now illegal to debark dogs in New Jersey. Thanks to Governor James E. McGreevey, the legislation was signed into law last November. Violators face up to five years in prison.

In West Hollywood, California, the City Council decided that declawing cats is inhumane. 

Now if the rest of the country will catch up to Norfolk, New Jersey and West Hollywood, many cats and dogs will not be born into a world where there aren't enough homes for them, and the rest will have a much better, pain-free, life.

Pets Prevent Allergies

It's been mentioned in several publications, but if you haven't heard, pets are actually good for your allergies. 

Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, head of allergy and asthma at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, says that there isn't enough evidence to say that families with allergies or asthma should give away their pets. In fact, having pets in the first year of life could protect children against allergic reactions to dust mites, grasses, pollen, mold, as well as animals.

Another study shows that kids with a dog or a cat in the house get less asthma -- with two pets being more protective than one. 

The thinking is that exposing a child early in life to dust, dander and other allergens will help the body to build up immunity against them. 

Here's what's recommended if you are allergic to pets:

• Get rid of carpeting, which harbors allergens. 
• Use a HEPA air filter.
• Cover mattresses and cushions with zippered, plastic casings to cut down on allergen build-up.

These few measures can reduce symptoms by 95 percent according to Platts-Mills. 

Source: MSNBC 

Bark Collars

The Whole Dog Journal (WDJ) does not recommend bark collars of any kind, nor do they condone debarking.

Whether you use electric shock or citronella spray or a high-pitched sound or a surgeon's knife to silence your dog, that doesn't change the fact that the dog is barking for a reason. These methods all punish or mutilate the dog. The dog is barking appropriately according to what the problem is: loneliness, isolation, boredom, someone on the property, etc. 

WDJ recommends that you find out why the dog is barking, then help him. Figure out what's wrong, then take steps to rectify the situation either through training, changes in the environment, medication if appropriate, or even a re-evaluation of your perception of the behavior -- not cutting, shocking, spraying, or otherwise punishing your best friend for his attempt to communicate with you.

See the next article for WDJ's suggestions about ways to help our dog friends. 

Why Do They Bark?

Your dog is trying to tell you something. Is he seeking attention? Is he bored, anxious, overstimulated? If you address these problems, you can solve much of the barking.

Territorial Barking may start as low growls or barks that become sharper and more rapid as the visitor, delivery truck or intruder approaches. Spaying and neutering can help, but may not stop it completely. 

Yelling at your dog will probably make him think you're joining his efforts to keep the intruder away, and will escalate his efforts. Getting angry won't help. He's just trying to tell you that someone other than a family member is approaching. The best way to have him stop barking is to use a "quiet" cue.

Start by teaching a "positive interrupt" independent of the barking behavior. When your dog is calm and relaxed, say "Over here" in a cheerful tone of voice, make a kissy noise if necessary to get his attention, and feed him a tasty treat when he looks at you or comes to you. Repeat this exercise until your "Over here" elicits a prompt and happy response every time. 

Have a friend come over and knock on the door. Let your dog bark three times, then tell him "Over here." If he doesn't respond, put a bit of delectably high-value treat (like canned chicken) under his nose to turn his attention to you. When he stops barking, tell him he's a good boy, and feed him a few more chicken tidbits. Then have your friend knock again. Repeat the exercise until he responds to your "Over here!" cue as soon as you give it. Be sure to let him bark three times each time before you give the cue, or he may learn to not bark at all.

You may need to have the friend back a few more times. When he learns the new cue, you can start calmingly adding the word, "Quiet" or "Quiet, please." Eventually you'll be able to just say "Quiet, please," and "thank you." 

Attention-Seeking or Demand Barking usually happens when your dog needs to go out or is ready for breakfast. The dog has a need, and you need to fill it. While you are capable of getting what you need, our pets need us to help them. When they are able to open doors and prepare their own meals, they won't need to get your attention.

Play / Excitement / Greeting Barks occur when your dog is happy to see you. You can use "Quiet, please," in this situation if it gets out of control.

Desensitization and counter-conditioning can help with Fear / Startle Barking. The process involves presenting a scary stimulus at a safe distance and associating its presence with something wonderful, such as canned chicken. As the dog learns to tolerate the scary thing -- even look forward to it because it means something wonderful -- the intensity of the stimulus is gradually increased. Sometimes you may need professional help with dogs who are afraid and easily startled. 

Social Isolation / Boredom / Frustration Barking is the saddest category of barking behavior. This dog is begging for your attention. If he's an outside dog, bring him in. If he's a neighbor's dog, talk to them about bringing the dog in, or at least enriching the dog's environment with interactive toys and other activities that will improve the quality of his life. 

Doggy daycare centers can help a dog who is left alone all day, or a friend or neighbor who would like the company, or whose home-alone dog might also like a pal. 

Take him jogging or hiking with you (on a leash, of course). Discover a dog sport that you and he will enjoy. Find a dog park -- or start one.

If your dog has separation anxiety, seek the help of a qualified trainer/behaviorist. 

Make him a true member of your family and he will no longer be bored, lonely and sad. 

Health / Age-related Barking comes when a dog is frustrated with his ability to function due to old age and poor health. Keep your dog's world as simple as possible and avoid making major changes in the environment. Help with sympathy rather than anger. Be patient if the poor dog can't figure out why he's in a corner and can't get out. Talk to your vet about possible medication to help alleviate some of the symptoms of aging.

The next time you hear a dog bark, rather than being irritated, stop and try to figure out what the dog is saying. You, and the dog, will feel better if you can help.

Source: Whole Dog Journal, January 2003;  www.whole-dog-journal.com.

Wanted: Whole Cat Journal

The Whole Dog Journal is an excellent publication, full of useful and insightful news and information. The Whole Cat Journal, though, has been discontinued.

Does anyone have any past issues of Whole Cat Journal that we could look at? We would, of course, return them ASAP.

If you wouldn't mind loaning them to us for a short time, please call us at 530-273-7958.

Thanks!

Happy and Healthy with FIV

            

• Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) is a slow virus that affects a cat's immune system over a period of years.
• FIV is a cat-only disease and cannot be spread to humans or other non-felines.
• FIV cats most often live long, healthy, and relatively normal lives with no symptoms at all.
• FIV is not easily passed between cats. It cannot be spread casually -- like in litter boxes, water and food bowls, or when snuggling and playing. It is rarely spread from a mother to her kittens.
• The virus can be spread through blood transfusions, badly infected gums, or serious, penetrating bite wounds. (Bite wounds of this kind are very rare.)
• A neutered cat, in a home, is extremely unlikely to infect other cats, if properly introduced.
• Many vets are not educated about FIV since the virus was only discovered 15 years ago.
• FIV-positive cats should be kept as healthy as possible (as should all pets). Keep them indoors and free from stress, feed them a high quality diet, treat any secondary problems as soon as they arise. 

If you want to read the entire article, give us a call at 530-273-7958 and we'll send it to you.

Source: Best Friends Magazine March/April 2002; www.bestfriends.org.

Cats Low Risk to Spread Disease to Humans

The risk of a human getting seriously ill from a pet cat is minimal, according to a recent review published by two Yale medical professors.

Dr. Jeffery Kravetz, an assistant professor of internal medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine, explored the issue when friends questioned whether he should keep his cats when his wife became pregnant.
Kravetz and Dr. Daniel Federman, professor of internal medicine at Yale School of Medicine concluded that cats are rarely responsible for toxoplasmosis, which can be fatal to a human fetus. Indoor cats hardly ever have the infection, and any cat who has it usually has it for only a few weeks, almost always as a kitten.
Kravetz stressed that with 57 million pet cats in the United States, the odds of coming down with a catas- trophic illness are slim.

Source: "Paws To Think" Winter 2003, Volume 2, Issue 1, a publication of The Pet Savers Foundation; www.petsavers.org.

German Animals Get Rights

The German parliament recently recognized that animals have constitutional rights.

A two-thirds majority of legislators in the upper house of parliament voted to add the words "and animals" to the clause in the German Constitution that obliges the state to respect and protect the dignity of humans.
Germany is the first country in the European Union to include animal rights in its constitution.

Source: Animal Protection Institute; www.api4animals.org.

Introducing Cats to Each Other

These tips should help when introducing a new cat into your home.

At first, the cats should only be allowed to smell and hear each other, not see or touch each other. This can be done by confining the new cat to a small section or one room of the house with all the necessities (litter box, food, water, toys, bed, etc.).

Place towels with the scent of each cat underneath the other cat's food dish and on resting places. Rub the cat toys with the scent of the new cat. The goal is to have this scent be associated with "good things."
After the new addition is comfortable in her room (anywhere from several hours to several days), confine the resident cat in this area and allow the new cat to explore the house, under supervision. This allows each cat to become more familiar with the other's scent.

Feed or offer both cats treats close to the door to this room (one on each side). This helps each to associate "good things" with the other's presence. Use really yummy treats such as small pieces of tuna, chicken, or salmon.

Try slipping one end of a toy underneath the door to encourage the cats to paw at it or each other in a playful way.

Repeat these procedures until there are no aggressive or fearful responses and both cats begin to show some curiosity about the cat who is on the other side of the door.

Next, wedge the door open about an inch with door- stops. This allows the cats to peek at each other, paw if they want to, but not have complete access to each other for things to go wrong. Do not progress past this step until the cats can see each other without fearful or aggressive responses. Continue to use toys, food, and petting.

Next, wedge the door open a little farther, but not so much that the cats can get to one another.
An ideal next step is to give the cats full view of one another behind a screen or glass door before being allowed together.

When the cats are first together, keep the session brief, and continue to offer enjoyable things -- food, toys, petting.

Do not move the introduction along too quickly. The cats should be tolerating each other well at each step before progressing to the next. One bout of fighting may set the introduction back for months.

During initial time together, if any hissing or conflicts occur, try to distract the cats into another activity -- dangle a toy, get the resident cat into the kitchen with the sound of food preparations, etc. If these reactions continue, back up a few steps in the introduction process.

Supervise interactions at home, and do not allow the cats to be alone together until they are consistently demonstrating friendly behaviors with each other for at least a week.

Punishment is rarely helpful with cat introductions as it is counterproductive in creating the association of "good things" with each other's presence.

If a fight does occur, try a loud noise, such as an airhorn or ultrasonic device, or a water gun to break it up before either cat is injured. This should be used to interrupt the current interaction, not as a repeated procedure.

Keep the resident cat(s') routine as much the same as possible by keeping feeding, play, and sleeping times and locations the same as before the new cat arrived.

This may seem like a lot of work, but you'll find it goes easily and the rewards are satisfying to everyone involved!

Source: Animal Sheltering Magazine July/August 2002; www.animalsheltering.org and Pet Behavior Protocols: What to Say, What to Do, When to Refer by S. Hetts.

Two Success Stories

A few months ago, when one of our volunteers was leaving church, she heard the unmistakable cries of kittens coming from nearby bushes. After a little exploring, sure enough, she found Mom and two babies.

Karen Simmons of Grass Valley adopted the kittens, and named them Laverne and Ludlow. We're not sure who is luckier -- Karen, because she adopted two incredibly nice kittens, or Laverne and Ludlow, who were adopted by such a nice person. From everything we hear, they are one happy family.
The PAL volunteer kept Mom, so she, too, is living happily ever after.

Muffin was waiting for us one morning eight years ago when we arrived at the thrift store. Of course we don't know why she was dropped off, but at least she was waiting for us in a carrier. 

This gorgeous girl was adopted by Florence Walker of Sacramento. We recently received this darling picture of Muffin.

She's doing very well and is constantly cuddled and loved.
We wish all cats and dogs could end up in such good homes.

Help Get the Message Out

Here's an idea about sharing the spay/neuter message: Someone recently told us that she leaves a message on her outgoing answering machine message encouraging people to spay and neuter. She lets the machine pick up even if she's home so they "get the message."

It seems that most people around the country still don't realize how many animals die each year because there are not enough homes for them all. Luckily, our own paper and radio stations are very helpful in getting the word out. But until major media alerts people to what's really going on in shelters/pounds across the country, people will still think it's OK to let their dog or cat have even one litter.

Let's all write or email Oprah to encourage her to have a show about spay/neutering and adopting from shelters. You can reach Oprah by going to www.oprah.com and clicking onto "email Oprah." If you want to send her a letter, her mailing address is The Oprah Winfrey Show, P. O. Box 909715, Chicago, IL 60690, Attn: Oprah. 

Chained Dogs

One of the saddest sights is a poor dog on a chain. Many of these dogs spend 24 hours a day living a lonely, isolated life. Their barks are cries for help. 

If you see a dog on a chain, and if you feel comfortable doing so, talk to the dog's guardian. You'd be surprised how often people are receptive, they just don't know any better. Often they will happily give you the dog because they don't want to be bothered with him/her. Or you can leave one of PETA's Chained Dog brochures on their doorstep. Unfortunately, according to Animal Control, it is legal to keep a dog chained in Nevada County, unlike other some other counties.

You can get brochures and more information by going to www.peta.org or to www.HelpingAnimals.com. 

Stop Cruel Puppy Mills

According to Performing Artists for Animal Rights, approximately 500,000 puppies are bred each year in puppy mills, while animals in shelters die every day. Most puppies in pet stores are victims of the puppy mill trade. There are kitten mills, too. 

Please adopt from a shelter or rescue group rather than a pet-store, which is where most puppy-mill and kitten-mill pets are sold. This is a brutal, horrendous trade in animals. We can stop it by rescuing, not buying.

To learn more about puppy mills, go to www.prisonersofgreed.com.

Feral Cats Need Homes, Too

We have some feral (wild) cats who need homes. If you have a barn, ranch, farm, or just some extra room, won't you consider taking in a feral cat or two? They are spayed, neutered, vaccinated and tested for diseases. All they need is a kind person to let them live out their lives on some property. 
Call us if you can help: 530-273-7958.
Thank you.

Fun Websites

Here are some website addresses that you might enjoy. Some are instructive, some helpful, some just plain fun!

• www.anaflora.com

• www.animalwellnessmagazine.com

• www.alternativesforanimals.com

• www.avantipress.com

• www.bedsfordogsandcats.com

• www.bluedogbakery.com

• www.catbarn.com

• www.catbehaviorbykate.com

• www.dognoseid.com

• www.henriksenimports.com

• www.hunkydorycards.com

• www.kittycity.com

• www.peaceablepaws.com

• www.rainbowlv.com

• www.snuggleme.com

• www.westpawdesign.com

• www.wysong.net

Girl Scout Good Deed

Many thanks to Corrinne Mead, Cadette, of Girl Scout Troop 1994, for organizing a pet food drive for the Pet Adoption League as her Silver Award Project.

Corrinne contacted over 30 pet food manufacturers and placed pet food collection boxes around Grass Valley to collect the pet food. 

Thanks also to the Alta Sierra branch of Placer Sierra Bank, Furry Friends Grooming Center, the Grass Valley Public Library and the Grass Valley CDF Interagency Command Center for allowing Corrinne to leave collection boxes at your places of business. We at the Pet Adoption League, two-legged and four-legged, are grateful!

In Memory of . . . 

Romeow passed away December 13, 2002. He was rescued 14 years ago by The BookSeller staff, and, not only given a home at The BookSeller, but lots of love. He provided much joy to all who visited The BookSeller over the years. He will always be remembered.

Romeow, the BookSeller cat -- "Our town is unique,
but Romeow made it extra special,"
from Alan & Marlene Aspey
Romeow at the BookSeller, from Cindy Cortright
Romeow, the Bookseller's guardian angel,
from Mike & Anna Drummond
Romeow, the BookSeller cat "who gave so much pleasure to that fine store's patrons -- young and old," 
from Dick Kolbert
Romeow, the BookSeller cat, from Elaine Quinlan
Romeow, the BookSeller cat, from Beverly Riddle
Romeow, much loved friend of the BookSeller, 
from Jean Settles
Alexander (the Great) Aspey, 
from Alan & Marlene Aspey
Maurice, Sweeney & Brubaker Baltake, 
from Susan & Joe Baltake
Sharol Barnett, from the Pet Adoption League
Chewie, Schatzi & Madison Beesley, 
from Louise & David Beesley
Princess Brasher, from Suzie Brasher

Eula Daniels, from Dale & Doris Daniels
Samantha Duck, from Bill Skaer
Honey, Sassy, Juno & Misty Egger, From Diane Egger
Jake Fairman "Gone, but never forgotten," 
from Mike & Chris Fairman
Dusty Foss, "Beloved best friend of Peter Foss,"
from Taryn & Reagan Breen
Dusty Foss "My beloved Golden Retriever. To the world
he was but a part; To me, he was the world," 
from Peter Fulton Foss
Mazie Foss, "My little charmer," from Peter Fulton Foss
Marion Fox, from the Pet Adoption League
Tonie Green, from the Pet Adoption League
Maureen Hicks, from Jane Cruser
Betty Hill, from Ralph Hill
June Jackson, from Dale Jackson

Patricia Knutsen, from Jacqueline & Herman Nash
Blackie & Graysie Lawrence, from Dean Lawrence
Princess Lawrence, Dean's dear little forever-loved cat,
from Dean Lawrence
Oscar Lawrence, from Dean Lawrence
Dixie McCrummin, from Peter Fulton Foss
Julie McGibben, from the Pet Adoption League
Skipper McGrady, from Kay McGrady
Penelope & Son Miskimen, from Charlene Miskimen
Ruth Murray, from the Pet Adoption League
Kelly Marie Griffiths Nunez, from 
Robert & Joan Chadburn
Kelly Marie Griffiths Nunez, from 
Alfred & Madolyn Chandler
Kelly Marie Griffiths Nunez, from Thea Lasky
Kelly Marie Griffiths Nunez, from Bob & Marilyn Rixon
Kelly Marie Griffiths Nunez, from Ron & Ivy Langley
Duchess Pack, from Don Runcie
Pearl Pursche, from Marilyn, Elvis & Dolly Peterson
Eleda Rich, from Gloria Morales
Charlotte Roberts, from Mac & Claire McDermid
Leon, aka Vinny, Rockman, from Sandra Rockman
Olive Sanford, from Bill & Shirley Elliot
Holly & Chuckie Sansing-Robinson, 
from Mike & Anna Drummond
Bobby Starke, from Laura Starke
Forest Stevens,"with love," from Nancy Stevens
KC, Kristi, Sammy & Georgie Townsend, 
from Jan & Richard Townsend
Cody Wright, from Jim & Mary Stradinger
Cinderella Yordan, from Frances Yordan
Sprout Zavitz, from Bill Skaer


In Honor of . . .

All My Animals, from Patricia Irish
Hulda Barnum, from Louise Bradley
Phyllis Baque, on her 80th birthday!
from Shirley Romundstad
Mike & Anna Drummond, from Carl & Linda Stude
Joyce Haire, "Happy Birthday!" 
from Jennifer & Jeff Alvarez
Joyce Haire, "Happy Birthday!" from Shirley Nibbelin
Skippy Hanzlik, from Brad Hanzlik
Jeanne Ingram, from Roy & Teresa Jennings
Princess Jeffery, from Valerie Jeffery
Klondike, Snow & Bear Larsen, from Suesan Larsen
Honey Lindgren, from Nancy & Wilbur Lindgren
Claudia & Bruce Mosias, from Deborah Wills
Kim Pike, from Deborah Wills
Rebecca Pike, from Deborah Wills
Al & Tim Ross, from Deborah Wills
Bart & Baby Scutero, from Jim & Lynn Scutero
Bill & Gurnile Sinay, from Deborah Wills
Lake Oswago Sinays, from Deborah Wills
Jacqueline Smith, from Carol McGraw
Mary Weigand "who loves all animals and takes care of
quite a few!" from Nan Geary

Success Stories in Print

In the next newsletter (the summer issue) we will feature another two-page spread of some of the cats and dogs we have placed in homes over the past 12 years. 

If you would like us to feature the dog(s) or cat(s) you adopted from us, please send good quality pictures, preferably head shots, along with a short write-up about when you adopted the pet(s) and what this means to you and your life. 

Please send them soon to PAL, P. O. Box 3303, Grass Valley, CA 95945. Or you can email everything to us at pal_95945@yahoo.com