What's PAL Doing?

If you missed our winter greeting card/news, we'd like to recap for you some of the things that PAL has done over the past 14 years and what we continue to do for animals.

 - PAL was the first animal welfare group to start a foster home program in our area. We were the first to take large numbers of cats and dogs from the shelter and put them in foster homes, where they were spayed or neutered, vaccinated, tested for diseases, wormed, had any medical or behavior problems resolved, and had their personalities assessed for the best possible placement with the best possible people. 

 - PAL was the first group locally to take these animals out in front of local stores and to special events to
show-case them and find them homes more quickly.

 - PAL was the first group to have a Pet Adoptathon locally. That first adoptathon saw 59 cats and dogs go to new homes. 

 - PAL was the first group to start a FREE spay and neuter program in the area. While we had been paying part of the bill for those who wanted help, we realized that some people just can't or won't pay even part of the bill. Now we pay for the entire bill, including the vaccinations. PAL pays to spay and neuter an average of 200 cats and dogs every month. We have expanded our program to include cats and dogs outside of Nevada County because the need is so great.

 - PAL was the first local group to start a Trap-Neuter-Return program for feral cats. These cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, wormed, treated for earmites and fleas, and kept safe until they have fully recuperated.  Once returned to their colonies, they are fed daily and provided with housing. Tame cats are put up for adoption. Cats who prefer not to be people-friendly are cared for -- for as long as it takes. In the first year of this program, we estimated, conservatively, that 16,000 cats had not been born into a world that does not want them.

 - PAL is the only group in our area to distribute free pet food on a massive scale -- about 25,000 pounds a year.

 - PAL was the first group to distribute cat and dog houses to area residents who couldn't afford them and who were unable or unwilling to bring their pets inside, and to those who feed colonies of spayed and neutered cats.

 - PAL was the first group to get the media involved in a big way to help the community understand just how much our local pets need its help. Local media was enthusiastic about helping when we approached them with news stories, PSAs, starting the Union's Pet of the Week, KNCO's Orphaned Animals Report, and more.

 - PAL is the only group offering a 90% dog obedience rebate for people who cannot afford the basic training.  Many dogs have been saved from going to the pound because the training helped keep the family together.

 - PAL also offers a humane education program; PAL has a referral program that matches up those who want to adopt a pet with those who must part with their pet; PAL takes seniors and others to the vet when they don't drive; PAL takes pet food to seniors and others who don't drive; PAL drives pets to the spay/neuter clinic when people can't get their pets there and back; PAL does home checks for animal groups outside the area who need to have a prospective home checked out; PAL gives supplies, food, and milk replacer formula to the Nevada County Animal Shelter; PAL provides hours of advice and support for behavior issues or bereavement; PAL sends out email "action alerts" to notify people of needs at the shelters, legislation, petitions, and other animal related issues; and, in general, PAL is there for pets and their people.

None of us is paid. PAL remains an all-volunteer group dedicated to helping local animals. Although we closed the PAL Thrift Store a little over two years ago and aren't as visible, we are still working hard. We do not hold fundraising events and our funding relies heavily upon your generous support in response to our quarterly newsletters.

THANK YOU for helping to keep our programs going!

Stress Relief

We lead such hectic lives. We're always doing one thing or another. It seems like there's never enough time to relax and look at the beauty around us. Naturally, most of us are anxious or tense a good deal of the time!

Luckily, for those of us who have pets, we know how comforting and calming they can be. 

It's amazing how quickly we can decompress when we're with our pets. Feline behaviorist Kate Gamble says we should spend at least 15 minutes a day with our cats. This is good for the cats and for us. 

While meditation is a great way to relieve stress, sometimes it's just not possible. We can't seem to quiet our minds, no matter which technique we try. Yet, when we have a cat on our lap, it's amazing how quickly and easily we can become still and quiet. 

Christian Northrup, MD, says that we should stop twice a day and think about someone we love for a few minutes. She says this is good for our heart. When you're sitting with your cat (or dog) and thinking about what a lovely, charming, sweet creature is sharing your life, you can feel it in your heart. Truly.

The fifteen minutes passes quickly. The cat is grateful you found time in your busy schedule for her. You feel refreshed and ready to face the world.

Our little animal angels make the world a much nicer place. Thank God we have them!

Furry Companions

Cats are usually easier to care for than dogs. They do not need formal exercise such as daily walks and can exercise themselves during play. People don't adopt cats though, just because they are practical. It's their personalities that attract people to them; they have characteristics that are distinctly their own. Cats are friendly and affectionate, yet retain their individuality and grace. Most people have cats in their lives because of their, well . . . "catness."

Dogs are wonderful, too, and tend to be more "people-centered." They are quite happy to do what the people in their lives want to do, whether it's playing or watching TV or going for a walk. If you want to do it, they want to do it. They do require more formal exercise, though, and should be taken for a walk on a leash every day, weather permitting. They also come in lots of different sizes.

Whether you adopt cats or dogs, or both, you are adding not only a friend to your life, but benefiting your health. People who have pets tend to live longer, have lower blood pressure, and have a reduced risk of heart attacks. They suffer less stress and gain more relief from tension, have increased emotional strength and reduced risk of depression, have improved motivation and purpose, are less aggressive, are less self-centered, are more supportive of others, and are less judgmental.

Source: In part, North Shore Animal League America

ADOPT A SHELTER OR RESCUED PET SOON!

Matching Donations

Many employers will match your donation to the Pet Adoption League. Just ask. You'll be helping animals TWICE as much! 

United Way
If you participate in a United Way giving campaign, you can designate the Pet Adoption League as the beneficiary of your United Way gift.

What's Up on the Woof?

Each fall and winter PAL volunteers and other members of the community build and distribute dog and cat houses to pets in need of a house. Over the years PAL has supplied more than 1,000 new and recycled shelters to pet guardians. During the 2004-2005 building season we received help from Big Brothers Big Sisters, from the Boy Scouts, and from several individuals. 

Special thanks to Big Brothers Douglas Crisp, Steve Moyer, and Kent Gallagher; Eagle Scout candidate Tanner Ketcham and Troop 855; and Howard Freele whose construction services were kindly volunteered by his wife, Debbie.

This can be a fun family activity involving parent(s) and child(ren), and can be completed in a single afternoon. If you would like to build some houses, let us know. We supply the wood and paint. You don't have to wait until the fall. We distribute houses throughout the year for feral cat colonies.

Home Improvements and Keeping Pets Safe

If you're planning to remodel, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center offers the following tips to keep your pets safe during this hectic time:

• Keep your animal companions completely out of the areas where the renovation and other projects are taking place.
• Read and follow label directions for safe use and storage of all products used. In some instances, it may be better to board your pets in a kennel, day-care facility, or with friends to avoid any chance of potential exposure to hazardous substances.
• Most water-based latex paints are relatively low in toxicity, but could still cause gastrointestinal upset. Should your pet get paint on her skin or coat, bathe her skin and fur with a mild pet shampoo or baby shampoo. DO NOT use paint thinner or similar solvents.
• Could mold be lurking under your carpet or behind the walls? Certain species of molds can cause a variety of gastrointestinal, cardiac or neurologic effects in animals. If mold is discovered in your home, visit the EPA website (www.epa.gov) for information on safe cleaning and removal. 

For more information about protecting your pets from potential hazards, visit www.aspca.org.

Cats Can Be Trained

Hal Abrams of Animal Radio has these suggestions for training your cat.

 When teaching a cat to use a scratching post, get on your hands and knees and show your cat how a scratching post is used. She will get the idea. Placing catnip on the scratching post helps, too. It will entice the cat to the post. You can also try gently placing the cat's paws on the post, but don't force her. When you try to force a cat to do anything, you won't get the results you want.

When a cat does something "bad," just say, "No!" Don't use her name when you scold her. Only use her name when she is "good." For example, say, "Good girl, Fluffy," when she actually uses the scratching post.

Abrams believes that using a squirt bottle is not the way to train your cat. And, of course, NEVER hit your cat. When telling your cat, "No," you can also clap your hands or snap your fingers at the same time. Most cats will quickly learn this, and in time, all you will need to do is clap your hands or snap your fingers.

Best Friend Forgotten

If you missed the excellent program Best Friend Forgotten when it aired on PBS in the fall, you can buy the CD or VHS tape here. 

Hosted and narrated by actor David Duchovny, this is probably the best presentation to date about the plight of homeless animals -- how they wait patiently in shelters, abandoned by their people, yet hopeful someone will adopt them. 

Only 17 percent of the population adopts pets from shelters. If everyone adopted from shelters and rescue groups, most of these animals would have a chance. Sadly, less than half of the 6-8 million animals who end up in US shelters each year are adopted.

This is a completely preventable tragedy. The film is an inspiration to take action. 

Musician Peter Gabriel called Best Friend Forgotten "a brilliant documentary that needs to be seen by anyone who loves animals."

This is an ideal video to show at schools, libraries, clubs, public access channels -- you name it! 

Ten Dog Peeves About Humans

1. Blaming bad smells on me -- not funny, not funny at all!
2. Yelling at me for barking -- I'm a dog, remember?
3. Taking me for a walk, then not letting me check stuff out. Exactly whose walk is this anyway?
4. Any trick that involves balancing food on my nose -- STOP IT!
5. Any haircut that involves bows or ribbons. We don't like costumes or clothes, either. Humiliating! Now you know why we chew your stuff up when you're not home.
6. The slight of hand, fake-fetch throw. You fooled a dog. Wow! What a proud moment for you!
7. Taking me to the vet for the "big snip," then acting surprised when I freak out every time we go back.
8. Getting upset when I sniff the crotches of your guests.  Sorry, but I haven't quite mastered that handshake thing yet.
9. How you act disgusted when I lick myself. Look, we both know the truth -- you're just jealous of my flexibility. 
10. Dog sweaters? Hello!! Have you noticed the fur???

Source: The Internet

How to Safely Store Your Dog and Cat Food

Steve Brown and Beth Taylor, who have written See Spot Live Longer, ask the question, "Would you keep a loaf of bread open in your kitchen for 39 days?"

That's how long an open bag of dog food typically lasts. The lengthy storage time and poor storage conditions often lead to food spoilage.

One in three dogs dies of cancer. Brown and Taylor believe that improper storage of pet food is a major contributing factor.

Once the bag is opened, oxygen, light, moisture, mold spores, and storage mites can damage the food.

Every time the bag is opened, oxygen and light enter. Oxidized fats may cause cancer and contribute to many chronic health problems in humans and pets. 

Vitamins that are in the food, which are also susceptible to oxidation and long-term storage, diminish the longer the bag is open.

Warm, humid areas (most kitchens) can cause mold to grow on the food, which can also lead to cancer and other health problems. Mycotoxins (the waste products of mold) can kill most dogs slowly by suppressing the immune system and creating long-term health problems in all organs of the body. People don't see low levels of mold and most dogs can't taste it.

Bugs, storage mites, mice, and other "invaders" thrive on dry pet food. Recent research has shown that allergic dogs are frequently allergic to the carcasses of storage mites, which may infest grains, especially those grains used in low-cost dry dog foods.

Their recommendations:

• Keep food in its original bag -- don't transfer it to a plastic container. Plastics can leach vitamin C out of the food and the components of the plastics themselves may leach into the food (not a good thing). Also, rancid fat lodges in the pores of plastics that are not food-grade and will contaminate new batches of food.
• Buy small, fresh bags of food, enough to last seven days. Look for manufacturing or "best if used by" dates on the bag. If you don't see one, or can't understand the code, contact the manufacturer and ask where it is or how to interpret their codes.
• Keep food dry. If the food looks moist, throw it away.
• Keep large bags in the freezer. This is the only way Brown and Taylor believe large quantities of food may be kept safely.
• If the food is off-color, throw it away.
• If the food smells rancid or like paint, throw it away.
• If your pets don't want to eat the food, don't force them to eat it.
• Don't buy bags that are torn.

Source: www.mercola.com, where there is more information about pet and human health care.

Tips for Keeping Cats Out of Yards and Gardens

Please don't take neighbors' cats to the pound if you don't want them in your yard or garden. (One more reason to keep cats indoors.)

Here are some tips from www.fixourferals.org about discouraging cats from coming into your yard or garden area.

Cat Stop is an ultrasonic, battery-operated cat repellent with a motion detector. See their website, www.SafePetProducts.com, to read more about this product and others that may help, including a motion-activated sprinkler.

Push wooden chopsticks or 10-inch plant stakes into flower beds every eight inches to discourage digging and scratching.

Cats dislike citrus smells. Scatter orange and lemon peels or spray with citrus-scented spray.

Coffee grounds and pipe tobacco also repel cats. Lavender oil, lemon grass oil, citronella oil, eucalyptus oil and mustard oil may all help, too.

Spray cat repellent (available at pet supply stores and some hardware stores) around the edges of the yard, the top of fences, and on any favorite digging areas or plants. 

Cover exposed ground in flower beds with large attractive river rocks to prevent cats from digging (the rocks will deter weeds as well).

Plant the herb "rue" to keep cats away, or sprinkle the dried herb over the garden.

A non-chemical cat and wildlife repellent called CatScat is made of plastic mats that are pressed into the soil. Each mat, complete with flexible plastic spikes, is cut into four pieces. The spikes are harmless to cats and other animals, but are effective in discouraging excavation. See them at www.gardeners.com. The website also has other repellents.

10 Ways to Be a Sweetheart To Your Animal Companions

Want to be a purrfect companion to your pet? Here are some suggestions from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).

Spay and Neuter. This is the BEST way to prevent animal overpopulation and keep your pet healthier and happier: no stress and discomfort from heat cycles, no uterine cancer, less chance of mammary or testicular cancer.

Spend quality time together. Take your dogs to a dog park or for long walks. Let them stop and smell the things that interest them. Buy fun cat and dog toys and play with pets on a regular basis. 

 Keep your companion inside with you. Keep your dog in the house with you -- not outdoors in the cold. Don't let your pets roam unsupervised. They can get hit by a car, be attacked by other animals, lick antifreeze, encounter cruel people. In the house with you is the safest place for your pet.

Give your cat a pedicure, not a painful operation. DO NOT declaw your cat. It's a painful and permanently crippling procedure that involves the amputation of the last joint of each toe, including the bones. It can even make scratching in the litter box uncomfortable. (Cats are often taken to the pound after being declawed because they now won't use the litter box, they bite, or exhibit other behavior changes.) Regular trimmings, scratching posts, and nail caps are good options, rather than causing your cat pain and trauma (see www.declawing.com.

Give your dog some space. PETA says, "Never keep your companion in a crate." They go on to say, "Would you like to be locked in a closet all day with no bathroom breaks, no company, no entertainment, and no room to stretch or exercise?" They suggest having a friend or reputable dog walker take your dog out at least once a day if you can't make it home.

Use humane harnesses or collars. Choke, prong, and pinch collars are painful and can cause injuries. Use a nylon-web collar or harness. Animals should always wear identification so that you and they can be reunited if you're separated. 

Keep litter boxes clean. Cats don't want to walk in their waste. Would you? Change litter boxes often and avoid clumping litters, which can pose a danger to cats and kittens (call PAL for more information on this).

Listen when your pets talk to you. When your dog barks, he is trying to communicate something: fear, anger, loneliness, excitement.

Prepare a nice meal. Prepare your pets' meals if you can, or feed a high quality diet. Some pet food companies hire contract laboratories to conduct cruel nutritional tests on dogs and cats. Be sure to buy only from companies that don't torture cats and dogs.

Take a vacation together. Some hotel chains welcome four-legged guests. There are several books and websites that mention pet-friendly resorts, hotels, etc.

Source: Peta

Do Not Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not here, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the softly falling snow
I am the fields of ripening grain
I am the gentle autumn rain.

I am in the morning's hush.
I am in the graceful rush 
of beautiful birds in circling flight.
I am the starshine of the night.

Simply stand at my grave and be.
I am not here, remember me.

Mary Elizabeth Frye

First Humane Charter School

Kindergarten through third-grade students participated in the first humane education charter public school in Sacramento last fall.

Dr. Yale Wishnick of the California State Teachers Association was the force behind this project. Teachers, parents, community leaders, and animal protection groups helped make it a reality.

The Humane Education Learning Community (HELC) charter school is designed to create a compassionate learning environment for all children. The school fosters critical thinking, academic achievement, social success, self-worth, and respect for all species and the environment. HELC is committed to academic excellence consistent with California state standards, and California certified teachers staff the classrooms.

Contact Dr. Wishnick at 916-212-9297 for more information.

Honoring Your Pet's Memory

The death of our animal friends can be very difficult. These family members, playmates, and confidantes always show us that they are our true, faithful friends. 

Offering a lasting tribute to our special friends can be very healing. Whether large or small, celebrating a pet's life can help ease the pain.

Here are some ways to honor their memory:

Hold a memorial service. You can do this in your backyard, inside your home, or any place that is special to you and your animal companion. You can do this on your own or invite friends of yours and the pet's.

Add an inscription to your pet's urn or gravestone.

Create a living memorial by planting a tree, bush, or flower bed in your yard or around the gravestone.

Frame a photo of your pet and put it in a special place. Some people like to make a sort of shrine to their pet; this can be part of it.

Keep your pet's favorite toy, collar, blanket, or bowl as a symbol of your pet. This can be part of the shrine.

Create a scrapbook or collage with photos and other reminders of your pet. (This can also be part of your shrine.)

Write a poem or story about your pet or write a letter to him. (This, too, can be part of your shrine.)

Participate in online memorials and candle-lighting ceremonies.

Volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue group to help other pets and/or send a donation to the shelter or rescue group in memory/honor of your pet.

When the time is right, adopt another pet from an animal shelter or rescue group.

If you have children, get them involved to see how they would like to memorialize their friend. It will help them heal, too.

In Memory of . . . 

"All our loving babies. Wait for us at the Bridge." from Karsten & Maryalyce Hansen
Remy Baldwin, "my little guy," from Diane Baldwin
Daisy Bailey, from John & Betty Bailey 
Daisy Bailey, from the Pet Adoption League
Rose Baltake, from Joe & Susan Baltake
Hulda Barnum, from Louise Bradley
Jackson Bateman, "Jackson was the best dog ever in the universe. We will miss him forever," from Dawn & Bob Bateman
Irene Blagg, from Patricia Grace
Monique Fragel-Blume, from June Fragel & Pat Blume
Chi Chi Bridges, from Sandy Bridges
Martin Brumm, from Barbara Brumm
Wooly Bugger, "Who taught us to LOVE and ADORE kitties," from Jackie & Mike
J.R., Scampi, Suzie, Honey Bear, Melissa & Rachael Carter, "The pain still lingers," from Carolyn Carter
Jake and Mandy Crabtree, from John & Darlene Crabtree
Streaker Cross, from Glenn & Merridy Cross
Bebe Cummings, from James & Fleta Stefan
Mandy Currier, from Marolyn & George Currier
Grace Dehn, from Julie Teeling
Skoshi Devine, from Tom and Sandy Devine
Ching-Mau Dole, from Leonard & Glennis Dole
Richard Dykstra, from Richard & Janet Bisbee
Bo Eck, from Thomas & Patricia Luther
Treza Fitzgerald, from Cath, Al, and all the Busch-Johnston Critters
Dottie Gale, "Love to Dottie Gale," from Audrey Young
Dottie Gale, "In loving memory," from Donna Lind
Kelly Griffiths Nunez, from Marilyn & Bob Rixon
Betty Hill, from Ralph Hill
Alexander "Alex" Tweedy-Hogan, from Anna & Mike Drummond
Sammy Howsion, from Harry & Charlotte Howison
Camille Hughes-Sywulka from Orlo & Cathy Steele
Sur Henry Jennings, from Jeanne Ingram
Tootsie Johnston, from Ruth Johnston
Dot Kee, from Barbara Luich
Hersog Landmann, from Martha Landmann
Boone Lindquist, beloved dog, from Shirley Beedy
Doris Maier, from Dorothy Green
Inky Mandeville, from Louise Mandeville
Tinkerbell & Sammy Mayerle, "Wait for me at the Bridge,my little shadow cats," from your mom, Joan Mayerle
Jim McLaughlin, from Gay & Jack Conner
Lucky Man McMurtry, from Cath, Al, and all the Busch-Johnston Critters
Felix Meredith, from Carolyn Meredith
Chad, Sheba (Lee) & Patch Mock, from Dorothy Mock
Donner Mulder [4-29-94 to 7-7-04], from Jan Mulder
Nikki Neher, from Judy and Bob Neher
Jim & Doris Nelson, from Mike & Anna Drummond
Missie Nightingale, from Joan Nightingale
Amber Offutt, "We miss you, Amber. Love, Don & Kacey" from Don & Kacey Runcie
Muppet Pixley, "My little 'tripod,'and her courageous spirit," from Barbara Pixley
Shanti & Loewe Rabe, from Ursel Rabe
Maddy Raybe, from Janine Raybe
Rex Roddy, from Ridge & Karen Eagan
Dinty Roth, from Ruth Fitzgerald
Barbara Sailor, "who always loved her animals," from Helen Avery
Marilyn Sauer, from Julie Teeling
Moose Schneblin, from Linda & Merlin Schneblin
Bentley Trembley, from Jake & Hallie Trembley
Fritz & Jennie Wilshusen, from Carol & Frank Wilshusen
T.J. Yerrick, from Alma Yerrick
Cinderella, Romeo & Max Yordan, from Frances Yordan
Chelsea Youmans, "a very dear old Chesapeake Retriever & friend," from Shirley Beedy

In Honor of . . .

"All the good people and pets at PAL," from Corrine Quintana
The Adler Family, from Nick, Wendy & Aiden Browning
Ethel Asbell, from Nick, Wendy & Aiden Browning
Rosemary Carstens, "Merry Christmas!" from Suzanne & Jerry Hall
Mike & Anna Drummond, "who have devoted their lives to helping these little creatures," from Helen Avery
Joyce Haire, "Happy Birthday!" from Shirley Nibbelin
Joyce Haire, "Happy Birthday!" from Jennifer & Jeff Alvarez
Rosalie Kimberlin, "Merry Christmas, Mom!" from Lisa VonBiela
Paige & Bob Lavioux, from Nick, Wendy & Aiden Browning
Pumpkin, Malibu & Nesta Manz, from Anne Rose
Buddy & Gidget Scutero, from Jim & Lynn Scutero
Zeus, Willie & Jack Simpson, from Nanette Simpson
Chloe Thomas, from Isabell Thomas

Success Stories

When we took Fred out of the shelter, he was adorable, but unneutered and heart- worm positive. We, of course, had him neutered, vaccinated, and had the heartworm treated.

On the day we were in Downieville showcasing the PAL cats and dogs, the Smart family was visiting from Sacramento. They came over to see what we were doing and spotted Fred. It was love at first sight! Fred liked the adults and the kids in the family, and they like him, too! He left for Sacramento that day to live out his life with a nice family.

It was an auspicious day for everyone concerned! Happy Fred! Happy Family!

That materialized with Nancy and Tom Smith of Grass Valley. They saw Emily on one of our adoption days and decided she was the one for them. You can see from this picture how comfortable and happy Emily is in her home.

When the PAL volunteer did the follow-up visit, she said Emily was very lucky, that she ended up in a VERY nice home!