PAL Update

We'd like to give you an update on our activities.

Basically, we continue to do what we've done for the past 16 years: help people with adoptions, provide free spay and neuter, offer a dog-obedience rebate, give out over 30,000 pounds of food each year (36,000 pounds in 2006), distribute hundreds of cat and dog houses each year for people who can't afford them or are feeding colonies of feral cats, and more. Pets must be spayed and neutered to receive food and/or houses, but we will pay for the spay/neuter if people can't afford to have it done.

To give you an idea of what we spend on spay/neuter, from January 2001 to December 2006, PAL paid for 9,261 surgeries at a cost of $256,425.00. We also cover vaccinations, earmite treatments, antibiotics, and other expenses that may arise during the surgery, if people can't pay for them.

Spaying and neutering are the key to keeping animal populations down and keeping pets out of shelters. However, we hear that many animals who enter our local shelters are already spayed and neutered. So people are getting it done, but, for whatever reason, still abandoning their animals at some point.

 Because the shelter is always full of these unwanted pets, we try to get as many people to go to the shelter to adopt as possible.

We must all work together to help our fellow four-legged friends. 

If you're looking to adopt, please adopt a rescued or shelter animal, rather than buying one. Breeders contribute greatly to the pet overpopulation problem, even though they know millions of animals die in shelters every year.

The cats and dogs who end up in shelters are not "bad" animals. They are simply no longer wanted because people are moving, develop allergies, don't have enough time for their pets, or for other reasons. If animals do go into the shelter with "issues," the volunteers work with them to resolve any problems, then the animals are perfectly adoptable.

If you know someone who has unaltered animals, please tell them about our free spay/neuter program.

If you know someone who is having difficulties with a dog, please tell that person about our dog obedience rebate.

If you are a teacher, consider having us do a humane education program at your school.

If you have a few extra hours each week, consider volunteering your time to help animals.

You get the idea. We're all in this together. We can all do the right things to make a difference for those who need our help so much.

It's All Fur the Pets

PAL's annual budget is $120,000. In an average year, 55% will go to veterinary bills, 25% to pet food and supplies, 10% to our other service programs, and 10% to "overhead." We have no paid employees. We have always been and continue to be a staff of volunteers. Overhead consists of rent on our small office/storage facility on Joerschke Drive, insurance and a few other minor expenses.

Our money comes from bequests, grants from a variety of public corporations and private foundations, income from our reserve fund, and from you. 

If you donate to PAL, you obviously believe in our mission that "every pet deserves a permanent, loving home." We, and the animals you help, are very grateful!

Many thanks for continuing to invest in PAL's ongoing effort to make our vision and goals come true!

If you would like to know more about the Pet Adoption League -- how we got started, what we've done in the community, and what we continue to do, go to "About PAL on YubaNet" and "PAL's Accomplishments." 

Animals Are Our Equals

Joy Turner, in her column, "Talk With Your Animals," suggests that we need to put our animal companions first, that we should treat them as equals in every way.

After all, they give their all to us. They are always the first to run to us when we come home. They are first to provide love when we most need it. The first to listen when we need a sympathetic ear. The first to care when our hearts are broken by some event or person. The first to forgive any indiscretion. They are the perpetual giving and forgiving beings in our lives. So, Turner says, putting them first in our lives is exactly what and where they should be. They even put our well-being ahead of their own. It only makes sense to return the favor.

This equality she calls Unilateral Equality. By that, she means that there is no higher or lower. Animals are not "just animals." The house is ours (meaning theirs and ours), not just a place where the humans live and maybe the animals can, too. It's "our" furniture, theirs and ours, so they should be able to use it, too. 

Animals know their own mind, they have their own rights, they should have a say in what their lives will be like. Animals deserve the same respect, honoring, and love as humans do. Just because we think they don't look at life the way we do, or use the same language as we do, or any of the other reasons people give for animals being lower on the totem pole, does not mean they are less than we are. They are, in fact, our great teachers, inspiration, and example of what Turner calls Divine Love. Animals, she says, are more openly aware of the connection they have to their Soul and follow that guidance without question.

Turner recommends that we put aside our preconceived notions, what we've thought about animals in the past, suspend judgment, and realize that we are not the ones in control of animals' lives. Their Soul is. Turner says that when we live in this type of relationship with our animal companions, our life takes a very large turn for the better in many ways. All aspects of our life improves, with animals and people.

Turner reminds us that we can never love our animal companions too much, and that hopefully, we can love them enough.

You can read the complete article at http://animal.radio.com/February2007.html.  To find out more about Joy Turner, go to www.TalkWithYourAnimals.com.

Long Overdue

Wayne Pacelle, of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), has started a media campaign to persuade candidates running for office to be more animal-friendly, and to alert the public to candidates' stands on animal issues.

Sadly, some politicians find animal issues either unworthy or simply a joke. They're not laughing now.

For the first time in 50 years, the HSUS is trying to elect candidates to Congress who support animal welfare. Having merged with some other humane organizations, the HSUS has 10 million members, an average of 23,000 in each of the 435 House districts.

The HSUS has endorsed more than 300 candidates for Congress. "Animals are a part of the fabric of our culture, so it's inevitable that the organized network that protects animals would activate for political ends," said Pacelle in an interview. 

When candidates support cockfighting, other forms of animal fighting, or any kind of cruelty toward animals, their constituents take heed. The HSUS has already had some successes.

If you want to read the complete article, go to www.WallStreetJournal.com  and search: "Puppy Power: How Humane Society Gets the Vote Out," or we can email or mail it to you.

Source: Wall Street Journal, November 13, 2006

 Signed into Law

In California, Governor Schwarzenegger signed into law the following:

SB 1578, introduced by Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), prohibits dogs from being tethered, chained, fastened, tied or restrained for longer than three hours to a dog house, tree, fence, or any other stationary object. You can report violators to animal control, police, or sheriff's departments. Violators can be charged with an infraction or misde-meanor, depending on the nature and severity of the offense, and can face a fine of $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail.

SB 1806, sponsored by Senator Liz Figueroa (D-Fremont), makes it a crime to leave animals unattended in vehicles during hot weather and allows law enforcement officials to enter cars to get animals out when their safety is in danger.

SB 1349, introduced by Senator Soto (D-Pomona), increases penalties for animal fighting, and will help curtail illegal dogfighting and cockfighting in California. Lawbreakers will face up to a year in jail and/or a fine of as much as $5,000 for the first offense, and for a second offense could be charged with a felony, which could lead to a prison sentence and/or up to a $25,000 fine.

AB 450, sponsored by Leland Yee (D-San Francisco), will create and implement the California Animal Response Emergency Systems (CARES) program, standardizing emergency plans, including plans involving the rescue and sheltering of animals when disaster strikes.

George W. Bush signed into law the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act. The PETS Act requires local and state disaster plans to include provisions for household pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster or emergency. The federal law will require all states to present the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) with pet evacuation plans before receiving federal funds for emergency preparedness. The law also authorizes FEMA to provide additional money to create pet-friendly shelters and provide special assistance to pet guardians.

You can Google these bills to read about them in more detail.

Safety Furst

Liquid potpourri "simmer pots" can pose a danger to pets. The delicious smelling liquid may contain essential oils and detergents that cause irritation of the skin, gastrointestinal tract and mucous membranes. Painful swelling and lesions may appear. Symptoms include drooling, vomiting, depression and difficulty breathing. 

Few exposures are fatal, but treatment and recovery can be lengthy and expensive.

For more information visit ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center online at www.aspca.org.

A Damp Ramp for Scamp

Swimming pools are a drowning hazard for pets and wildlife. The best prevention is to fence off the pool and never leave a pet unattended in the pool area.

Not all dogs can swim, and even those who love the water may drown if they can't find the pool steps. Teach your dog where the steps are, just in case.

Fences pose no obstacle to cats and wildlife, so the best precaution may be an escape ramp mounted to the side of the pool and extending below the water's surface. The ramps are designed to attract the drowning pet to it and make it easy to scramble to dry land.

Several manufacturers offer ramps. One source: www.skamper-ramp.com.

Holy Guacamole!

While there are many foods that humans and pets can safely enjoy together, the avocado isn't one of them. The fruit, seed, leaves and bark contain persin, which is toxic.

Dogs, birds and rodents seem particularly susceptible. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, and respiratory distress. In extreme cases, death may occur.
The ASCPA's Animal Poison Control Center maintains a 24/7 emergency hotline 888-426-4435. There is a fee for calling the hotline.

I am the lucky one
The one that you loved
`Twas me that you followed
Now you lead from above

Blue eyes fixed on me
Soft steps so close behind
Together we laid to sleep
Your nose right next to mine

Your voice awakened me
Your purr put me to sleep
Your playfulness gave me laughter
Your sorrow made me weep

Now you are a spirit
The strength in my soul
Now you can go with me
Every place I go

I am the lucky one
Angel on my shoulder
Forever there you stay
Watching me grow older

Alas, I must go on
But our bond never severed
One day in the future
I will hold you forever

Reprinted with permission of the author -- Travis' Mom troliver2002@yahoo.com 

Coming Up

The Genesis Awards honors those in media and enter tainment (television, film, print, radio, music and the arts) who feature stories about animal abuse, exploitation, or encourage positive actions toward animals.

The Genesis Awards were started by animal advocate and actor Gretchen Wyler in 1986. 

The Awards will be held on March 24, 2007 in Los Angeles. If you would like more information, go www.hsus.org and search "2007 Genesis Awards" or Google "Genesis Awards."

Watch for The Genesis Awards on Animal Planet sometime in April.

Animal Friends Forever

They will not go quietly, the pets who share our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know their spirit still survives.
Habits make us think we hear them at the door,
Or step back when we drop a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet go around the place the food dish used to be.
And coming home at night, we miss them terribly.
While time may bring new friends, and a new dish to fill,
That one place in our heart belongs to them . . .
and it always will.

Author Unknown

Time Well Spent

Please spend as much time as you possibly can with your pets. They leave us so soon, and we are devastated when they go.

If you have lost a beloved family member, and need some support, you know we are here for you. You can also go to Angel_On_My_Shoulder@yahoogroups.com,  and www.petloss.com  has a chat room.

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

New Rules for IRAs

The Pension Protection Act of 2006 created a new opportunity for charitable giving. People over age 70 can now donate as much as $100,000 (or less, of course) from their IRA to charity, tax free. The opportunity is only available in 2007, although that may change. 
The process is simple, though there are a few technicalities to keep in mind. See "How to Give IRA Money to a Charity," Wall Street Journal, February 3, 2007. Or contact PAL for more information.

PAL's long-term mission, "every pet deserves a permanent, loving home," can only be accomplished if we remain strong financially. If you choose to include PAL in your will or in your annual giving program, be sure to use our full name: Pet Adoption League, Inc, located in Grass Valley CA, Federal Tax ID 68-0262007.

In Memory of . . . 

Henry Aguirre, from Gloria Morales
John Allen, from Chelsea Fox Robinson
Daisey Bailey, from Betty Bailey
Oskar, Phoebe & Farley Ballenger, from Dave & Margie Ballenger
Hulda Barnum, "who also loved animals," from Louise Bradley
Jackson & Max Bateman, from Bob & Dawn Bateman
Smokey Kitty Becker, 6/86 - 12/06 "She is loved and missed," from Marv & Jean Becker
Alice Beedy, from Pamela Lindquist & Melinda Prewitt
Bridget, Amie & Buck Berman, "In loving memory," from Ron & Sally Berman
Henri & Sable Bradley, from Louise Bradley
Schotzi & Missy Bruch, from Gloria Bruch
Alex Brumm, from Barbara Brumm
Darling Casey, Amber & Sammy Deppensmith, from Don & Kathryn Deppensmith
Skoshi Devine, from Sandy & Tom Devine
Kenji Dierkes, from Soji & Mom Dierkes
Arnold Dreifuss, "In memory of my lovely cat, Arnold. I miss you every day my sweet boy." from Mary Dreifuss
Arnold Dreifuss, "a great little cat," from Sue Nepstead
Franklin Dreifuss, from Kit Britt
Franklin Dreifuss, "In loving memory of Franklin, my darling cat." from Mary Dreifuss
Franklin Dreifuss, "Such a sweet little cat," from Sue Nepstead
Franklin Dreifuss, "Loved by Mary and Sue," from Edi Silverman
Gina Droitcour, "a beloved cousin and very dear friend. The world is a lonelier place without her." from Betty Strait and David Strait
Zoe Drummond, Cute little funny-face, full of fun and antics. No more. Such a great amazing spirit ina tiny cat body. We miss you so much! See you at the Bridge, darling.
Bill Duncan-Bridges, from Jill & Paul Lessing
Sweetie Pie Eck, from Patty & Thomas Luther
Copper Eslinger, from Larry & Debbie Eslinger
Ruger Evans, from Shirley Veale
Princess Falor-Dolf, from Claire & Mac McDermid
Fluffy, "Freya keep you with love until we meet again," from her human
Poddy & Ben Foss, "My beloved parents," from Peter Fulton Foss
Callie Frost, from Betty Lee Frost
Dottie Gale, from Donna Lind
Bob Gill, from Kit Britt
Edie, my Mama Cat, from Hindi Greenberg
Rufus Hansen, from Sibley Hansen
Rufus Hansen, from Midge Scotten
Bob Head, Love, Pamela & Wookie Head
Scarlet Heist, from Toshimi Y. Heist
"In memory of many things & many people," from Ralph Hill
Betty & Barney Hill, from Ralph Hill
"In memory of Joey, 17« years old. If love could have saved you my sweetheart, you would have lived forever, Mom." from Tina Hurley
Mr. Jazz Inch, from Rebecca Partridge
Tiger Ingram, from Marjorie Ingram
Pipi & Pepe Irish, "We love you and miss you," from Patricia Irish
Mister Jazz, from Rebecca Partridge
Promise Janousek, Katie's first horse, from Midge Scotten
Max, Aseal, Axil & Burt Porteous-Kelly, from Phyllis Porteous & Nik Kelly
Oprah F. B. Knott, from Max & Rip Kellerson
Katie Kutcher, from Margaret Kutcher
Joan Lancaster, from Louise & David Beesley
Aurelie Langfort, from Louise & David Beesley
Josie Lewis, from Midge Lewis
Piggy Linton, "Beloved putty tat of Brenda & Gary Linton," from Peter Fulton Foss
9/11: Animals & owners lost, from Elizabeth MacKenzie
Little & Tipper & Hershey MacPhail, from Marty MacPhail
Sierra Mader, "A wonderful family dog," from Beverly Brown
"Sierra, our loyal adopted PAL dog. We love and miss you very much." from The Maders
Laura Mason, from Patty & Tom Luther
Buffy McAlister, from Dorothea McAlister
Betsy McGrew, "a wonderful dog, a wonderful friend," from Kristen & Bruce McGrew
Peanut McMurtry, from Catherine Busch-Johnston
Betty Melbourne, from Pet Adoption League
"In memory of our dear departed pets . . . always in our hearts," Leo & Kathy Montavon
Chloe Montierth, "Forever in our hearts," Garry & Flo Montierth
Jean Mulbarger 1915-2006, from Mary Wamser
Sophie Nepstead, from Kit Britt
Sophie Nepstead, "Remembering Sophie, a wonderful dog. I will never forget you."from Mary Dreifuss
Sophie Nepstead, "The Best dog in the world!" from Sue Nepstead
Sophie Nepstead, "Loved by Sue & Mary," from Edi Silverman
Kelly Griffiths Nunez, from Marilyn & Bob Rixon
Woggles Palmerton, from Sandy Palmerton
Harold Peterson, from Marilyn Peterson
Oscar Perry, from Bill Skaer
Oscar Perry, from Steve & Patty Pauly
Oscar Perry, from Patricia Riley
Reality Pinson, from Yvette Dunn
Pookie & BC Porter, from Al Porter
Pernal (Pearl) Pursche, from Dolly & Marilyn Peterson
Twinkle Quinlan, from Ross & Elaine Quinlan
Twinkle Quinlan, from Bill Skaer
Twinkle Quinlan, from Fleta Stefan
Loewe & Shanti Rabe, from Ursela Rabe
Junior Rosen, "who lived the good life for 16 years and died under his own terms," from Bernice Rosen
Kacey Runcie, "In the Canine Hall of Fame," from Donald Runcie
Lady Ryan-Connelly, from Shirley Veale
Annie Schmiedel, "My sweet Annie-cat," from Mona Schmiedel
Sarah Schmit, from Kandice Kelley & John Peterson
Woody, Smokey & Fritz Stude, from Carl & Linda Stude
Smokey & Wolfie Talent, from Pam Talent
Chloe Thomas, "My Chloe," from Isabell Thomas
Sammy Thompson, "a special friend of 16 years." from Esther Thompson
Phyllis Thorsen, "A longtime friend," from Pet Adoption League 
Phyllis Thorsen, from Bobbie & Jim Heard
Phyllis Thorsen, from Kit Britt
Greta Tintle, from Pat Tintle
All our beautiful little guys, from Jan & Richard Townsend
Jetta Walkauskas, from Catherine Busch-Johnston
Scooter & Molly Wallace, from Susan Wallace
Linnie Sue Washburn, in remembrance of her birthday, from Shelley & Bunker Daniels
Don Williams, from Shelley & Bunker and Jacki & the Kitties
Fritz & Jennie Wilshusen, from Carol Wilshusen
Smokie & Bonnie Wood, from Nancy Holtz
Christee, Spunky, Boo Kitty & Mocha Wymer, from Ted & Ruth Wymer
Clifford Yordan, from Frances Yordan
Columbo, Cinderella & Sly Yordan, from Frances Yordan

In Honor of . . .

Koko Adams, "The best dog ever!" from Margaret Adams
Comie Best, from Kit Britt
The Eslinger Family dogs: Chance, Skippy, Halle, Tana, Whitney & Indy, from Larry & Debbie Eslinger
Tim Foss, from Peter Fulton Foss
Kip & Linda Foss, from Peter Fulton Foss
John & Kathy Gregor, "Who rescued the foal of a Premarin mare from slaughter," from Helen Avery 
Joyce Haire, on her birthday! from Shirley Nibbelin
Barbara Inch, a great sister and animaltarian! from Rebecca Partridge
Jeanne Ingram, from Teresa & Roy Jennings
"All my love to Amii, Snupes, Tummies, Suzi & Java," from Patricia Irish
Roy, Tes & Dexter Jennings, from Jeanne Ingram
Turbo McClain, "My best PAL," from Betty McClain
Rosalie Kimberlin, my Mom, from Lisa Von Biela
Tessa & Shadow Raintree-Hegwer, from Criss Raintree-Hegwer
Minnie Scotten's 10th Birthday! "I love her dearly," from Midge Scotten
Zeus & Jack Simpson, from Nanette & Larry Simpson
Mrs. Jacqueline Smith, from Carol McGraw 
Ariana Tillotson, from Joyce Tillotson
Rosie & Harry Trembley, "Two good dogs," from the Trembley Family
Nathan, Amber, Neil & Michelle Truman, from Sandra Truman
Magnum & Minerva, my beautiful greyhounds, from Barbara Willcox
Bobby & Andre Yordan, from Frances Yordan

 ZOOming in on Ferals

The Folsom City Zoo is actually a sanctuary for about 100 animals, from squirrels and chickens to tigers and bears. 

Most recently, the sanctuary added a feral cat exhibit. The roomy quarters include an outdoor exhibit area connected by an above-ground tunnel to an indoor, sheltered area that has a viewing window. Though feral, the cats are easily visible.

A sign in front of the exhibit states: "Contrary to popular belief, domestic cats are not wild animals that are able to fend for themselves. Please spay and neuter your cats."

This is, as far as we know, the only feral cat exhibit in the U. S. 
While comfortable and content, the kitties can always use more toys, cat trees, hanging cat walks and such. If you would like to donate toward these things or other needs at the "zoo," you can send your checks to the Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary -- Feral Cat Exhibit, P. O. Box 704, Folsom, CA 95763.

If you would like to visit the sanctuary, they are at 403 Stafford Street in Folsom, California. Hours are 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, except Mondays. There's a lot there to check out. You can learn more about this 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by going to www.folsomzoofriends.org, where you can also get a map to their place, or call 916-351-3527.

Read to George

You may remember reading in our fall 2005 PAL news- letter about the R.E.A.D. (Reading Assistance Education Dogs) Program. This is a program where children read to dogs in a calm, non-threatening environment, and their reading improves greatly.

The Madelyn Helling Library in Nevada City offers such a program. Between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Wednesdays, children can read to George, a female Miniature Schnauzer, who is a certified R.E.A.D. Program listener.

The program is open to school and preschool age children. The program is especially successful with early, reluctant and struggling readers. George listens with friendliness and without judgment as kids read to her, show her pictures, or tell her stories.

If you would like your child to participate, you must sign up in advance by calling 530-265-1538. Space fills up fast!

George and her person have been working with the library for over a year. George, who is also a registered therapy dog, has volunteered her time at various schools, assisted living facilities, after-school clubs, and adult day care centers. 

If you are interested in having your dog go through the R.E.A.D. program training, the very helpful staff at the library can assist you with this. They can also give you information about having George visit your facility. To learn more, please call 530-265-1538.

The R.E.A.D. Program is covered in detail at www.therapyanimals.org/read/index.php.

Happy Tails Events

Happy Tails helps a lot of animals. Perhaps you might be interested in some of their upcoming events:

Pre-Saint Patrick's Day "Happy Tails Hour"
Friday, March 16, 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Marilyn's on K
908 K Street, Sacramento
Live music by Richard March
Appetizers, Happy Hour Prices, Door Prizes
$10 donation

A Night of Laughs to Benefit Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary and Volunteer Center of Sacramento
Thursday, April 5,
6:30 pm to 7:30 pm: Wine Tasting by Jewel Winery of Lodi, Dessert Bar and Silent Auction
8:00 pm to 9:30 pm: Comedy Hour with Pet Gray and Mark G
Laughs Unlimited
Old Sacramento
$25 donation

Happy Tails will also be hosting another Painting for Paws in July.

For more information about Happy Tails and these events, visit www.HappyTails.org.                           

Judy & Eddie - Where are they now?

It has been 4-1/2 years since the PAL Thrift Store closed its doors but former shoppers and others still ask about Judy and Eddie, the "store cats." They had a circle of friends and admirers that extended beyond the usual "thrift store crowd." 

 Some folks came to the store simply to visit these two purrsonable ambassadors. People would often come in and immediately want to know where Judy and Eddie were, whether they shopped or not.

Parting Thoughts

The position we hold -- the abolitionist position -- is often said to be "extreme," and those of us who hold it are said to be "extremists." The unspoken suggestions are that extreme positions cannot be right and that extremists must be wrong.

But I am an extremist when it comes to rape -- I am against it all the time. I am an extremist when it comes to child abuse -- I am against it all the time. I am an extremist when it comes to sexual discrimination, racial discrimination -- I am against it all the time. I am an extremist when it comes to abuse of the elderly -- I am against it all the time. The plain fact is, moral truth often is extreme, and must be, for when the injustice is absolute, then one must oppose it absolutely.

Dr. Tom Regan
Animals Rights Philosopher