Happy Pets, Happy People

The Pet Adoption League's vision for this community and its pets remains the same as it was when PAL was founded so many years ago: Every cat and dog should have a happy, healthy life in a loving home. We aren't there yet, but good things are happening. The vision is coming into focus. Consider this: in 1990 the local pound euthanized roughly 4,000 unwanted pets. In 2003 that number had dropped by ninety percent (90%). In large part, we believe, because of an intensive spay/neuter campaign lead by PAL and other compassionate community members.

Being sick, unwanted and abandoned hurts. Each year thousands of cats and dogs are born in Nevada County, and many have no one to provide for their basic needs. The numbers seem overwhelming, considering that each pet's normal lifespan can be 20 years. That is a long time to live in pain.

What would our community be like if every pet lived with affectionate, responsible guardians? Aside from all the purring and licks, our taxes might be reduced, or at the very least reallocated. The cost of tax-supported government animal control might approach zero. The outlay for salaries, health and retirement benefits, and pound overhead would shrink dramatically. "Animal control" will probably never go away completely, pets will occasionally be lost or stray. But there will be no need for the costly ever-expanding warehousing and extermination that exists today.

If you share PAL's vision for the future happiness of all our canine and feline companions, please read on. Each spring our newsletter outlines the activities and successes of the past year. There are a few dry statistics, but lots of heartwarming news, too!

PAL 2003, an Update

This was the first full year since 1991 that PAL did not operate a Thrift Store to raise funds for our programs. But we did NOT cut back on our services or activities. In fact the number of "clients served" increased in every category, as did the underlying expense of providing these services. 

In striving toward our ideal vision of a humane community, one of PAL's main objectives has been spay/ neuter for ALL pets. 

While there are many wonderful homes, there just aren't enough. Therefore we must reduce the number of needy pets. PAL NEVER euthanizes its foster animals nor suggests that anyone do so. So the only alternative is to reduce the number of pets born into this world -- by promoting (and paying for) universal spay and neuter. In 2003, PAL paid for 1,600 spay/neuter surgeries. We also covered vaccinations and other health care if the guardian was unable to do so. We distributed just over 24,000 pounds of pet food to low income homes and for our feral cat program. Our other programs include adoption; providing cat and dog houses to those in need; basic dog obedience training rebate; humane education; and year-round advice and help with behavior and other problems.

To put a dollar value on all this, PAL's total expense for providing these services to the citizens (both human and pet) of this county was slightly over $100,000 in 2003. Not one dime was paid in salaries, benefits or perks to any PAL "employee," because we have none. We are all unpaid volunteers, always have been, always will be.

If the same services were provided by public employees and full-service veterinary hospitals, our expenses could easily triple to $350,000 or more. This is not intended as a criticism of these individuals or institutions.

The difference is mentioned only to underscore the three-to-one leverage that PAL's strategy exerts on the obstacles standing between where we are and where we see the welfare of pets in this community in the future.

Pick a Pet

The Grass Valley Union runs a page of adoptable animals who are waiting at the local shelters and rescue groups. Check out the Pick-a-Pet page in The Union the third Monday of every month to find that special someone who is just right for you! 
If you would like to advertise on this page, contact Melba at 530-477-4248 or melbab@theunion.com. She already has quite a few advertisers, but can add you to a waiting list in case someone drops out. Don't forget to take your business to these advertisers, or at least thank them for their support of this page.

The Union also runs a "Pet of the Week" each Saturday. One lucky cat or dog is showcased in the hopes that you'll rush over to the shelter and adopt him or her.

KNCO still airs the "Orphaned Animals Report" every Saturday morning at 10:05. We have been compiling this report of animals at the shelters for 14 years and they are kind enough to keep running this spot so that more animals find homes! If you would like to sponsor this spot, contact KNCO at 272-3424.

The Trader, too, has a two-page spread of homeless animals, called Shelter Friends, that appears the first week of every month. If you would like to advertise on these pages, contact Laura at 530-272-4919 or trader@gv.net.

What a great community!

We Can Help

Animals are abandoned every day in our community and throughout the country. Please help by making sure that your pets and all your friends' pets are spayed and neutered, loved, cuddled often, allowed indoors, and are fed the best food (e.g., Wellness, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Evolve, California Natural). They love us completely and unreservedly. It's the least we can do for them.

If you, or someone you know, can't afford to spay or neuter, call PAL (530-273-7958) and we'll pay for it.

Adopt a PAL

Please visit the PAL's pages for adoptable animals  for the latest little critters who are waiting and hoping to be adopted. These animals have been rejected through no fault of their own and deserve a great home.

You can see all the animals who are waiting for homes at the shelter by going to www.petfinder.org and typing in your zip code. These animals, too, deserve a second chance, this time in a "forever" home.

ADOPT A SHELTER OR RESCUED PET SOON!

Thanks for the Blankets!

Thanks so much to all of you who donated blankets for the animal shelters when we put out an appeal a few months ago. Please call the local shelters every few months to see if they need more blankets, towels, or other supplies. If you are reading this outside the Grass Valley area, please consider taking blankets and other necessities to a shelter near you.

Drivers Needed

We take pet food to Florin every couple of months to help some folks there who are spaying and neutering the feral cats in their area. We need more people to drive it down. Or, if you are reading this in Auburn or Sacramento, could we have someone drive it to you and you could take it the rest of the way?

Also, we're helping someone in west Sacramento with a feral cat colony by paying the bills for spay/neuter, etc. She could use some help transporting the cats to and from the Animal Spay and Neuter Clinic in Auburn. And, we can always use more drivers to and from the Animal Spay and Neuter Clinic. 

If you can help with any part of this, please call us at 530-273-7958. Even if you can only do this one time, that would be a big help! Thanks!

Success Stories

Here is our annual and very popular item:  success stories!

The Nevada County Animal Shelter on McCourtney Road in Grass Valley is always full to capacity with animals. The kennel attendant and volunteers work extremely hard to save all the animals, rather than euthanize them, and make them as comfortable as possible while they are there.

Last summer was an especially difficult time, since so many pregnant cats and kittens were coming in. Even though PAL is spaying and neutering over 100 cats and dogs every month, it just takes a few unaltered cats and dogs to keep this tragedy on-going, since they reproduce so prolifically.

PAL volunteer Laurie Brown took Lindsay from the shelter last summer and Lindsay had kittens almost immediately. Lindsay's and her kittens' stories are featured here. 

But first, Laurie had this to say about her fostering experience: "It was definitely one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. When Eric and I picked up Lindsay at the animal shelter, she had an upper respiratory infection. It took about 3 - 4 weeks to nurse her back to health, the treatment included putting a humidifier in her room, eye ointment, antibiotics, a really good raw meat diet, raw eggs, vitamins, and a lot of love and encourage- ment. Since we have other cats in the household that we did not want to get infected, I changed my clothes and washed my hands every time after visiting with Lindsay because she liked to sit on my lap and I couldn't refuse her that comfort. I performed that routine several times a day until she was completely healthy. Her kittens never showed any signs of the upper respiratory infection, nor did the other cats in my household. Keeping to that routine really paid off. I was so happy to give those kittens a better start in life, and they never had to know what the inside of an animal shelter looked like. I hope others will take that step and foster a Mama cat with kittens. It truly was a wonderful experience."

Laurie and her husband went the extra mile with Lindsay and her kittens, and what a wonderful feeling to know they helped one cat family get healthy and find excellent homes.

Lindsay is one of the nicest cats ever! Laurie and Eric Brown of Penn Valley decided to keep her once all the kittens had been placed. She not only is endearing, but has the best manners --she uses only the scratching post (rather than any of the furniture). She purrs all the time (who wouldn't in this great home?), is good-natured, cuddly, and sleeps with Laurie and Eric every night. Laurie says that she prefers to sleep next to Eric and is really his little girl!

With all of the kittens mentioned here, we waited until they were three months old before we placed them. Because they spent that extra month with Mom-cat Lindsay, they seemed more secure and well-adjusted. Or perhaps that's how they were born. In any case, they all ended up in truly amazing, wonderful homes!

Mercedes was in a terrible state. Malnourished, weak, very thin for her already tiny size, she was happy to get into a foster home where she could get back to her normal weight, get the attention and love she had missed, and relax into a life of just being a happy cat. Lisa Howard of Loomis saw Mercedes on our website and called about adopting her. Since Mercedes likes people but wanted a home without other pets, Lisa's home was purrfect for her! It took some time for Mercedes to get on her feet, and Lisa's patience and kindness let Mercedes continue to heal and learn what it means to be well cared for and truly loved.

Dustin, like thousands of poor little animals, was abandoned. It's hard to understand how anyone can do this to a defenseless being, but it happens all the time. Luckily, Dustin, who is now called Crackerjack, was adopted by Don and Kathy Harris of Auburn, people who cherish him and would never dream of abandoning him. Dustin/Crackerjack is a cheerful, affectionate cat who ended up with people who are equally affectionate and loving!

Al, a charming Golden Retriever, needed a home when his person decided to move but wasn't taking him with her. A kind neighbor said she would foster Al until he found a home. When Connie Lundgren of Penn Valley called to say she and her husband, Joe, were looking for a great dog, we didn't have to look far. Last we heard, Al had fit right in -- as though he had always been there. Even the cats like him, but we're not surprised, he's that kind of a guy! The cats, Connie, Joe, and their son, all adore Al. It's no wonder -- he's very lovable!

Charlie was adopted by long-time PAL volunteer and Nevada City resident Brenda and her husband Randy Nascimento. Charlie started out as a foster dog but quickly made his way into Brenda and Randy's hearts. It's been twelve years since Brenda and Randy adopted Charlie. He has some gray on his face, but he's still a happy boy who is much loved! 
We've lost many foster homes over the years because people have fallen in love with their little charges and decided they couldn't part with them. It's one less safe place to keep the animals, but we know they are in a truly good, caring home!

PALs for Adoption - click dogs, cats for current pets available

Email Alerts

If you would like to receive email alerts about various animal-related issues, email us at palmailbox@yahoo.com with your email address.

We usually send out requests such as the shelters needing blankets, PAL needing drivers, forwarding alerts from other animal organizations about something in the news -- that sort of thing.

Of course if you decide at any time you would like us to remove you from the email alerts, we will do so.

Bedtime Pet Prayer

Now I lay me down to sleep, 
The king sized bed is soft and deep.

I sleep right in the center groove,
My human being can hardly move.

I've trapped his legs, he's tucked in tight,
And here is where I pass the night.

No one disturbs me or dares intrude,
Till morning comes and "I want food!"

I sneak up slowly to begin,
And nibble on my human's chin.

For the morning's here, and it's time to play!
I always seem to get my way.

So thank you Lord for giving me,
This human person that I see.

The one who hugs, and holds me tight,
And shares his bed with me at night.

Author Unknown 

Tile We Meet Again

The Nevada City School of the Arts mosaic class taught by Rebecca McCartney had 18 students of 6th, 7th, and 8th grades participate in completing 3 cat houses for PAL's Woof Over My Head program this year. PAL donated the houses, the students designed, cracked tiles, adhered them and grouted the houses. One was given back to PAL. The other two were auctioned off to raise much needed funding for NCSA, which is a charter school.

Rebecca's classes have tiled dog houses for PAL in the past. You may remember the ones we featured in the Spring 2002 Pet Adoption League newsletter.

It's always fun to see the creativity of these kids and the incredible final product. The house seen here is even more beautiful in person. Rebecca was hoping that the students' efforts would bring some money in for PAL, so if you're interested in the house, bidding is starting at $100. 

Rebecca took more houses to tile and grout so we'll be meeting her again and we'll showcase one or more of those houses in a future newsletter.
Thank you, Rebecca, and please thank your wonderful students!

Brush With Greatness

Many thanks to the "Woof Over My Head" dog house painters at Kathy Hanneman's 3-R Charter School in Grass Valley: Heather, Danelle, Shelly, Maden, Sean, Kelly, Jenna, Chelsea, and Jessie.

Thanks, Roseville SPCA!

Thanks, too, to the Roseville SPCA for their very generous donation of dog houses. 
Like the Pet Adoption League, the Roseville SPCA promotes "indoorness" for cats and dogs. Some people, though, can't or won't bring their animals in. So at least these pets have some protection with a Woof Over Their Head.

PAL Librarian Recommends

Peace to All Beings: Veggie Soup for the Chicken's Soul by Judy Carman shows how animal rights and liberation are an essential part of making the world a better place -- for everyone. The book explores the interconnectedness of animal rights, ecology, world peace, and social justice. If you are seeking to live in accord with the values of compassion, nonviolence and reverence for all life, this book is for you. It's full of inspiration as well as information. Gandhi, Yogananda, Jane Goodall, and St. Francis of Assisi are quoted.
Reverend V. A. Holmes-Gore, an Anglican priest, is quoted as saying, "We cannot hope to rid the world of war, disease, and a hundred other evils until we learn to show compassion to other creatures and refrain from taking their lives for food, clothing, and pleasure."

Leonardo da Vinci had this to say, "The time will come when men such as I will look upon the murder of animals as they now look upon the murder of men." 

And Paramahansa Yogananda adds, "Only spiritual consciousness -- realization of God's presence in oneself and in every other living being -- can save the world. I can see no chance for peace without it."
The author states that the ancient Celts and many of the aboriginal peoples understood intuitively that all life depended on mutual harmony -- that we are inter- dependent, that we all care for each other, that no species is superior to any other. Carman goes on to say that the Bhagavad Gita proclaims that those who are nonviolent to all creatures are "dearest to God."

"There is something profoundly Christ-like about the innocent suffering of creatures who have done no harm and who are utterly dependent upon our mercies," was said by Reverend Andrew Linzey.
There are so many thoughtful, insightful pages and passages to contemplate. Unfortunately there isn't enough room here to cite them all. We think you'll appreciate and enjoy the book.

If all people could see what a peaceful, tranquil world we could have -- if we lived in harmony with all beings -- we really could have heaven on earth.

Honorable Mention

For those of us who love a good mystery, reading Exit Wounds by J. A. Jance was especially gratifying because she incorporated important topics that deal with animal welfare.

The plot revolves around an animal hoarder, animal control, and the sad aspect of having to kill animals because people no longer want them and more keep coming through the doors every day. Perhaps the fact that Jance's sister (in real life) is the Director of Animal Control in Pinal County, Arizona lends an extra dose of realism to the presentation of this issue. 

In the Afterward, Jance reminds readers that adopting a pet means a lifetime commitment to that pet, encourages people to spay and neuter, to get obedience training and advice if problems arise, and to adopt from a rescue group.

If you would like to thank Jance for talking about these issues, you can email her at jajance@jajance.com. Her website is www.jajance.com. 

In Memory of . . . 

Kathleen Adams, from Helen Jones (Charlie's Mommy)
Emily Allen, from Deanna Allen
Annie Andersen, from Barbara Sutter
Maggie & Ms. Kitty Baldwin, from Diane Baldwin
Dog & Tyrone Bateman, from Mikki Bateman
Frederick Bold, Jr., from Peter Fulton Foss
Murdock Brans, from Peter Fulton Foss
George Brasher, from Charles & Suzie Brasher
ChiChi Bridges, from Peter Fulton Foss & Jill Clement
ChiChi Bridges, from Pam & Marty Gilbert
ChiChi Scott Bridges, from Sandy Bridges
Chip Brokaw, from Jack & Melissa Brokaw
Russell Childers, from Rebecca & Brian Childers
Scout Connell, from Betty Lou Connell
Pepsi Cooper, from Janet Cooper
Tipper Craighead "January 1992 - December 13, 2003, a special PAL cat," from Laura Craighead
Cabbie Eagan, from Karen & Ridge Eagan
Honey, Sassy, Juno & Misty Egger, from Diane Egger
Charley Fairclough, from Orlo & Cathy Steele
Rosie Firth, "my best friend," from Doe Firth
Dottie Gale, from Donna Lind
Aimee Gill, from Fran Canepa
Aimee Gill, from Joan Elmore
Aimee Gill, from Harlene & Jack Flournoy
Aimee Gill, from Ray Henry
Aimee Gill, from Kay & Jim Kerr
Aimee Gill, from Jane & Al Lares
Aimee Gill, from the Pet Adoption League
Goldie Grace, "He went to find Jack, again,"  from Pat Grace
Benji Hargens, from Lola Hargens
Webster Hubbs, from Greg & Betty Hubbs
Charlie Barker Jones, from Margaret Adams
Lucky Keckley, from Paul & Margaret Keckley
Ming Lewis, from Daniele Lewis
Joe Litzius, from Mary Newton
Spenser Magnuson, from Peter Fulton Foss
Aunt Marie, from Pat Abbey
Dr. Margaret, from Patricia Grace
Dr. Margaret, from Tina Hurley
Dr. Margaret, from Elizabeth MacKenzie &
Little Friends Child Development Center
Susie Q Martin, from Arden Martin
Becky Martins, from Theda Martins
Champagne Mayo, from Philip & Barbara Mayo
Daisy Mazur, from Laura Pasten
Jinks Meredith, from Carolyn Meredith
Chad, Sheba (Lee) & Patch Mock, from Dorothy Mock
Snowball Jay North, from Lindsey North
Ruthie O'Brien, from Peter Fulton Foss
Ralph Parkin, from Norm & Marge Parkin
Tassy Parslow, from Stephanie Alelyunas
Sam Picker, from Mike & Anna Drummond
Ramona Plautz, from Cathy & Jim Thompson
Maddy Raybe, from George & Janine Raybe
Linnea Reuthinger, from Marilyn Peterson
Romeow, from the Bookseller 
& the "Romeow Coloring Book Fund"
Romeow, from Cindy Cortright
Marjorie Sample, from Thomas Rumble
Sasha Scotten, from Midge Scotten
Kobe & Kashi Schrader, from Patricia Schrader
Sydney Smith, from Lynette Smith-James
Katoomba Steele, from Shirley & Bill Elliot
Jiggs Truman, from Sandra Truman
Bill Vaughn, from Alice & Roy Vaughn
Shasta Willcox, "My best boy, who helped to find homes for many retired racing greyhounds and was a charmer, much loved by everyone who met him," from Barbara Willcox
Fritz & Jennie Wilshusen, from Frank & Carol Wilshusen
Lucille Wingo & her beloved companions, from Nancy Young
Valiant Wingo, from Carol McGraw
Taz Womach, "We miss you, little guy," from John, Joan & Justin Womach

In Honor of . . .

"All the PAL volunteers!" from Diane Egger
Regina Ahern, "Merry Christmas!" from Nicholas &
Wendy Browning
Jeff & Jenni's 3rd Anniversary, from Joyce Haire
Anna Drummond "who has so unselfishly given to our
animal friends," from Joan Girdler
Mike & Anna Drummond, from Carl & Linda Stude 
Dr. Kevin Fassino, "our favorite vet," 
from Casey & Tigger Croft
Joyce Haire on her birthday, from Shirley Nibbelin
Joyce Haire on her birthday, from Jeff & Jenni Alvarez
Jeanne Ingram, from Roy & Tee Jennings
"All my precious animals," from Patricia Irish
Rosie Lane, from Pat Lane
"My sister, Mary Weigand, a certified cat slave!"
from Nan Geary

Leaving a Humane Legacy

Two out of three Americans haven't drawn up a will. Without a will, the government will decide how your assets are divided. You can take control by making a few decisions now. It doesn't have be complicated or costly to create an estate plan that assures your wishes are met.

Attend a FREE two-hour presentation on Saturday April 24th to learn how to avoid costly mistakes in estate planning, and how to avoid inappropriate services and products. There is no obligation, attend anonymously if you wish. Also learn how your gift may become part of a lasting legacy in our community.
The presentation will be made by local legal, financial and tax advisors, and is jointly sponsored by the Gold Country Estate Planning Council and Nevada County Leave A Legacy (of which PAL is a member).
The presentation will be in Nevada City from 10 a.m. to noon, Saturday April 24th at the Nevada City Elks Lodge, 518 Hwy 49 North. RSVP at 530-470-5119 by April 22.

To leave a bequest to PAL, be sure to use our full name: Pet Adoption League, Inc. Please contact us if you have any questions. 

Vaccines: Did You Know?

Bob Rogers, DVM, of the Critter Fixer Pet Hospital has this to say about vaccinating his dog: "My dog Splash was vaccinated for DHP at 8 and 12 weeks, Rabies at 16 weeks, and DHP/Rabies again at one year. I am through vaccinating. Splash goes to the clinic with me weekly where he is potentially exposed to parvo and distemper. We go on 25 miles horseback rides through the woods where there are skunks and bats. I feel confident he is protected for life."

Dr. Roger's website, www.critteradvocacy.org also has this to say about vaccines:

• Vaccines are not harmless.
• When an annual booster vaccination with a modified live virus (MLV) vaccine (like Distemper, Parvovirus or Fe Distemper) is given to a previously vaccinated adult animal, no added protection is provided. Antibodies from the previous vaccines block the new virus. 
• Vaccine manufacturers label claims should be backed by scientific data. There is no scientific data to support label directions for readministration of MLV vaccines annually.
• MLV for diseases like Parvovirus and Distemper provide lifetime immunity when administered to adult (over 6 months of age) dogs and cats.
• There is NO JUSTIFICATION for annual vaccination of adults cats for Feline Leukemia. Cats over one year of age are immune to FeLV whether they are vaccinated or not. 
• The risk for side effects outweigh the possible benefits for diseases like Feline Chlamydia, Canine Leptospirosis and Lyme Disease.

Visit Dr. Roger's website, www.critteradvocacy.org, to learn more about vaccine protocols, if we're vaccinating too much, concerns we should have about vaccines, new developments, references, and more.

The Humane Ten Commandments

1. My life is likely to last 10 - 15 years. Any separation from you will be painful for me. Remember that before you get me.
2. Give me time to understand what you want from me.
3. Place your trust in me. It is crucial to my well-being.
4. Don't be angry with me for long, and don't lock me up as punishment. You have your work, entertainment, and friends. I have only you.
5. Talk to me sometimes. Even if I don't understand your words I understand your voice.
6. Be aware that however you treat me, I'll never forget it.
7. Please don't hit me, I can't hit back, but I can bite and scratch and I really don't want to do that.
8. Before you scold me for being so uncooperative, obstinate or lazy, ask yourself if something might be bothering me. Perhaps I'm not getting the right foods or I've been out in the sun too long or my heart is getting old and weak.
9. Take care of me when I get old. You, too, will grow old.
10. Go with me on difficult journeys. Never say, "I can't bear to watch" or "Let it happen in my absence." Everything is easier for me if you are there. 

Remember, I love you.                                                                   Author Unknown