August 2011 Archives
That would be Jack the Cat, who has risen to semi-celebrity status since he escaped his
owner's travel kennel a week ago at JFK International in New York and is now on the run.
As airport officials and his frantic owner, Karen Pascoe, continue to search for the missing feline, Jack has set up his own Facebook and Twitter accounts. He has more than 9,000 Facebook fans.
According to a story in the Herald Sun, Pascoe last saw her long-haired tawny-colored cat when she dropped him off, along with Jack's "brother," Barry, on Aug. 25 at baggage services for an American Airlines cross-country flight to San Jose, where she was to start a new job:
The airline has flown Jack's owner back to New York to help with the renewed search now that the storm has passed. It is believed that Jack may still be within the airport, but there have been no sightings.
Daily briefings are held for the airport staff.
Read more here.
And you can follow his escapades (he's "having the time of my lives," according to one of his recent tweets) on Facebook ("like" Jack the Cat is Lost in AA Baggage at JFK) and Twitter (@findjackthecat).
owner's travel kennel a week ago at JFK International in New York and is now on the run. As airport officials and his frantic owner, Karen Pascoe, continue to search for the missing feline, Jack has set up his own Facebook and Twitter accounts. He has more than 9,000 Facebook fans.
According to a story in the Herald Sun, Pascoe last saw her long-haired tawny-colored cat when she dropped him off, along with Jack's "brother," Barry, on Aug. 25 at baggage services for an American Airlines cross-country flight to San Jose, where she was to start a new job:
But Ms Pascoe made it no further than the food court when she got a call from an airline employee saying Jack had taken a powder and they believed he was in the inbound baggage claim area, ABC News reported.Then everything really got complicated with the approach of Hurricane Irene.
The airline has flown Jack's owner back to New York to help with the renewed search now that the storm has passed. It is believed that Jack may still be within the airport, but there have been no sightings.
Daily briefings are held for the airport staff.
Read more here.
And you can follow his escapades (he's "having the time of my lives," according to one of his recent tweets) on Facebook ("like" Jack the Cat is Lost in AA Baggage at JFK) and Twitter (@findjackthecat).
September is shaping up to be a busy month for pet-related events in the South Bay. Here's an early heads-up on a few of them:
- Sept. 10, 10:30 a.m. to noon: PAWS to Read Program will hold a reading-aloud session for youngsters at the Hermosa Beach Library, 550 Pier Ave., Hermosa Beach (310-379-8475). More info at www.spcaLA.com.
- Sept. 15, 10 a.m. to noon: spcaLA presents a foster class for volunteers interested in temporarily taking in pets waiting to be adopted into a permanent home. The class is free and applications are available at www.spcaLA.com. "We provide the pet, you provide the home." Pets that have been fostered in a family environment have a much better chance of being adopted. Class meets at the P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village (in the auditorium), 7700 E. Spring St., Long Beach. Call 323-730-5300, Ext. 300, or email foster@spcaLA.com.
- Sept. 18, 1-3 p.m.: Dog owners can celebrate back-to-school month by picking up some education for themselves at the Responsible Dog Ownership Day presented by the South Bay Kennel Club. The free, AKC-sponsored event will take place at Arthur Johnson Park, 1200 W. 170th St., Gardena, with the stated purpose of educating "first-time dog owners about the responsibilities of dog ownership and helping current owners enhance their relationships with their pets." San Pedro's Barbara Millman, obedience chairperson for the South Bay Kennel Club, will provide information about the AKC's Canine Good Citizen certificate. She will also administer the test for those who want to apply for the certificate. Members of the Southwest Obedience Club of L.A. also will provide information about obedience classes and give demonstrations. Dogs of several breeds and varieties also will be on hand in a mini "Meet-the-Breeds" show. Call 310-324-3549 or email sobykc@aol.com for information; also, www.akc.org. The public also is welcome to attend the South Bay Kennel Club's meeting at 8 p.m. Thursday (9/1) at the Nakaoka Community Center, 1678 W. 162nd St., Gardena. There will be a discussion about the upcoming event. We'll be sure also to post a reminder when the time gets closer.
- Sept. 18, 4-5:30 p.m.: A concert for the animals -- Animal-Loving Musicians Support will donate a performance to help raise funds for Diamonds in the Ruff, a nonprofit animal rescue organization based in Los Angeles (310-699-2747). The benefit concert will feature jazz and pop standards performed at The Strings Connection, 716 Deep Valley Drive, Rolling Hills Estates. Call 310-377-0803 or email alms4animals@hotmail.com for details.
My friend Dolly, who (brilliantly, as it all turned out) matched me with up Annie the cat a couple years ago, had invited me to stop 
by the Petco in the Crossroads Torrance center on Sunday to take a look at some of the babies available for adoption through A Cat's Tale.
So after church I went by and, yeah, my heart melted.
There are so many good kittens and cats needing homes right now. And they have some real beauties.
Among those up for adoption at A Cat's Tale are a couple Russian blues and kittens that are three days and three weeks old, rescued from what would have been a life as ferals. (The 3-week old kittens, shown below, had been abandoned and were covered in maggots. A litter mate died, but three of them survived. They're still on bottles, but will be ready for homes shortly. They're active scamps. They kept trying to climb out of their screened playpen):
Below are the kittens that are just 3 days old:
There's the teen club hangout, above.
Check out their website or give them a call (number below). They show their cats on Sundays at the Petco at Crossroads Torrance, Lomita at Crenshaw boulevards.
by the Petco in the Crossroads Torrance center on Sunday to take a look at some of the babies available for adoption through A Cat's Tale.So after church I went by and, yeah, my heart melted.
There are so many good kittens and cats needing homes right now. And they have some real beauties.
Among those up for adoption at A Cat's Tale are a couple Russian blues and kittens that are three days and three weeks old, rescued from what would have been a life as ferals. (The 3-week old kittens, shown below, had been abandoned and were covered in maggots. A litter mate died, but three of them survived. They're still on bottles, but will be ready for homes shortly. They're active scamps. They kept trying to climb out of their screened playpen):
Below are the kittens that are just 3 days old:
There's the teen club hangout, above.
Check out their website or give them a call (number below). They show their cats on Sundays at the Petco at Crossroads Torrance, Lomita at Crenshaw boulevards.
No hurricane here on the West Coast -- just some unusually hot weather, considering how cool this summer has been.
But for folks back east, it's a different story.
Read about efforts being made to make sure family pets also are protected as Irene moves across the coast on the other side of us.
If you live in an unincorporated area around Hawthorne, you may want to make sure your dog's paperwork is in order -- license, rabies certificate, etc.
County Animal Control will be going door to door to make sure pet owners are in compliance.
County Animal Control will be going door to door to make sure pet owners are in compliance.
"Shop for a Cause" at Macy's: Purchase a shopping pass from Purrfect Partners for $5 and save 25% all day Saturday (Aug. 27) on regular, sale and clearance items at Macy's stores and online.
Purrfect Partners, a cat rescue in the South Bay, keeps 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each shopping pass -- to be used toward cat and kitten rescue.
Call 310-370-0526 or email cats@purrfectpartners4cats.com.
Purrfect Partners, a cat rescue in the South Bay, keeps 100% of the proceeds from the sale of each shopping pass -- to be used toward cat and kitten rescue.
Call 310-370-0526 or email cats@purrfectpartners4cats.com.
At least that's the plan.
The South Bay Kennel Club is working on setting up a Sept. 18 Responsible Dog Ownership day at the Arthur Johnson Park in Gardena. The site hasn't been confirmed, however, so stay tuned -- we'll let you know when or if this event becomes booked.
The American Kennel Club calls on its thousands of affiliated dog clubs and other organizations around the country each year to participate in these events, held to educate the public about "the importance of being a responsible dog owner."
It also celebrates the "deep bond between humans and their canine companions."
If the local event can be pulled off, it will feature various breeds as well as information about (and an opportunity for your dog to take) the AKC's Canine Good Citizenship test.
Read more about it at the AKC website.
UPDATE: It's a go, the event will be from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 18 (that's a Sunday) at Arthur Johnson Park, 1200 W. 170th St., Gardena. Admission is free.
The South Bay Kennel Club is working on setting up a Sept. 18 Responsible Dog Ownership day at the Arthur Johnson Park in Gardena. The site hasn't been confirmed, however, so stay tuned -- we'll let you know when or if this event becomes booked.
The American Kennel Club calls on its thousands of affiliated dog clubs and other organizations around the country each year to participate in these events, held to educate the public about "the importance of being a responsible dog owner."
It also celebrates the "deep bond between humans and their canine companions."
If the local event can be pulled off, it will feature various breeds as well as information about (and an opportunity for your dog to take) the AKC's Canine Good Citizenship test.
Read more about it at the AKC website.
UPDATE: It's a go, the event will be from 1-3 p.m. Sept. 18 (that's a Sunday) at Arthur Johnson Park, 1200 W. 170th St., Gardena. Admission is free.
Another cutie. From the Noah's Bark email:
Tilly is a female, 2-year-old spaniel mix. She is fun loving, playful and walks well on the leash. Loves going to the dog park. Housebroken. This little gal was originally from Florida -- guess she came to L.A. to *make it big*!
To meet Tilly -- and other great adoptable dogs -- visit Rover Rescue at www.roverrescue.com. Or call 310-379-0154.
Rover Rescue's next mobile adoption event:
- Saturday, Aug. 27, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Centinela Feed & Pet Supply, 413 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach
Kimberley Foley purchased the former Kritter Korral pet store more than a year ago, but this weekend marks the official grand opening celebration of the remodeled and renamed store at 1724 Palos Verdes Drive North, Harbor City (at the corner of Western Avenue and PV Drive North).
Dino's Pet Shoppe (named after one of the owner's springer spaniels) will offer three days of special shows, along with vendor booths and other specials.
Here's the schedule:
Dino's Pet Shoppe (named after one of the owner's springer spaniels) will offer three days of special shows, along with vendor booths and other specials.
Here's the schedule:
- Friday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Bird Experience will put on a bird show. Hand-fed birds also will be on display and for sale.
- Saturday: 11 a.m. to noon, Illusions by Allen, a show featured at the Magic Castle, with "magic with animals;" 1 p.m., ribbon cutting ceremony with the Lomita Chamber of Commerce; 1-2 p.m., reptile and bug show.
- Sunday: 2:30 p.m. Blessing of the Animals to be held in the store's parking lot; 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., pet adoptions; discounts on the store's newly remodeled self-serve dog wash ($12 per dog, a savings of $4).
We saw this email today from Maureen Megowan, who with her husband, Bruce, have been trying to establish an off-leash dog park on the Palos Verdes Peninsula:
See this online article for more information, and another piece on the issue.
And here's our earlier post.
As you may have read, the City of Rancho Palos Verdes is asking for public input regarding the use of the stretch of beach below the Trump National Golf Course that the public has been using as an off leash dog beach. This use is against current city ordinances requiring dogs to be on a leash and that dogs are not now allowed on the beach. This issue was discussed at Tuesday night's city council meeting .... where my husband Bruce spoke in favor of maintaining the beach as an off leash dog beach. ...
I wanted to let you know the contact numbers at RPV for people to voice their opinion regarding what to do with the dog beach that has developed below Trump: Main number - 310-544-5260 Katie Howe - 310-544-5267 The PV News mistakenly gave the City of Palos Verdes Estates phone number for input. You can also send an email to the city council members at CC@rpv.com .. These emails are read by the council members and are extremely important in developing their sense of the public opinion on this issue.
If you're interested in the effort, contact:I would encourage you to indicate that you are for the continued use of the Trump beach as an off leash dog park, at least on certain selected days, and that you also believe that there is also a need for a separate dog park facility that is more readily accessible and separates large dogs from small dogs.
Maureen Megowan
310-541-6416 / 310-259-7124 (cell)
See this online article for more information, and another piece on the issue.
And here's our earlier post.
** Meeting is tonight: 7 p.m. Tuesday 8/16 at RPV City Hall, Hesse Park, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd.
For several years now, the rustic strand of beach below the Trump National Golf Club has
become an unofficial, off-leash dog play and exercise area. Because it's so remote -- getting in and out requires some up and down hiking skills along the cliffs -- citations were seldom handed out to dog owners who were violating the law by taking their dogs onto the beach.
Dogs on the beach are illegal -- on leash or off-leash -- under RPV city ordinances. And things may get a little harder for dog owners who have been sneaking onto the secluded spot since at least 2008 for a carefree romp along the shore with their best friend.
At 7 p.m. tonight (8/16), the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council is slated to launch a public outreach process to determine the future use of the beach. No decision is expected tonight on the 24-acre ocean property.
An average of 76 canines were counted on July weekend days, according to the staff report.
Staff is recommending that the city conduct a public outreach/feedback effort and assess the "pros and cons of dog beaches" before making a decision. Keeping it open to dogs would require a change in the city's law, however. And dogs on beaches have traditionally encountered opposition in many communities.
Ownership of the beach was transferred to the city by Trump in May, triggering the assessment.
Tonight's meeting will be at City Hall, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd. There may be opportunity for public comment. Here's a link to the staff report.
For several years now, the rustic strand of beach below the Trump National Golf Club has
become an unofficial, off-leash dog play and exercise area. Because it's so remote -- getting in and out requires some up and down hiking skills along the cliffs -- citations were seldom handed out to dog owners who were violating the law by taking their dogs onto the beach.Dogs on the beach are illegal -- on leash or off-leash -- under RPV city ordinances. And things may get a little harder for dog owners who have been sneaking onto the secluded spot since at least 2008 for a carefree romp along the shore with their best friend.
At 7 p.m. tonight (8/16), the Rancho Palos Verdes City Council is slated to launch a public outreach process to determine the future use of the beach. No decision is expected tonight on the 24-acre ocean property.
An average of 76 canines were counted on July weekend days, according to the staff report.
Staff is recommending that the city conduct a public outreach/feedback effort and assess the "pros and cons of dog beaches" before making a decision. Keeping it open to dogs would require a change in the city's law, however. And dogs on beaches have traditionally encountered opposition in many communities.
Ownership of the beach was transferred to the city by Trump in May, triggering the assessment.
Tonight's meeting will be at City Hall, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd. There may be opportunity for public comment. Here's a link to the staff report.
They were the best of the best:
A Pembroke Welsh Corgi -- GCH (Grand Champion) CH Segni at Coventry -- and a black Miniature Poodle -- GCH CH Danfour Debutante -- won Best in Show honors this past weekend at the South Bay Kennel Club's all breed dog show.
Segni at Coventry, left.
Photo by Derek Glas
Danfour Debutante, right
Between 500 and 1,000 spectators attended the free outdoor show each day at North Torrance High School, said Cynthia Woods of the South Bay Kennel Club.
Many of the dogs entered -- more than 1,200 each day for two separate shows, with many overlapping and being in both events -- are earning points to advance to national shows, including Westminster held in New York in February.
Group winners on Saturday were:
Sunday's group winners:
The show also included obedience trails, with the big surprise this year being a pair of wins by Golden Retrievers. Border collies usually dominate that field. But before the AKC recognized the border collie breed, it was the Goldens that reigned in obedience trials, according to San Pedro dog trainer Barbara Millman.
Earning 197-1/2 points (out of a possible 200) in the top obedience competition was OTCH (Obedience Trial Champion) Regal Gold's Diamond Girl of Whittier, owned by Mary Fry and Gerri Monahan.
Also winning top awards in obedience was OTCH High Times Hot Shot owned by Sandy Walton of Studio City.
All in all, the show went smoothly, Millman told me. "People had a good time," she said, adding also this important footnote: "I don't think anyone got bitten."
And check out Daily Breeze photographer Scott Varley's photo gallery from the weekend show.
A Pembroke Welsh Corgi -- GCH (Grand Champion) CH Segni at Coventry -- and a black Miniature Poodle -- GCH CH Danfour Debutante -- won Best in Show honors this past weekend at the South Bay Kennel Club's all breed dog show.
Segni at Coventry, left.
Photo by Derek Glas
Danfour Debutante, right
Between 500 and 1,000 spectators attended the free outdoor show each day at North Torrance High School, said Cynthia Woods of the South Bay Kennel Club.
Many of the dogs entered -- more than 1,200 each day for two separate shows, with many overlapping and being in both events -- are earning points to advance to national shows, including Westminster held in New York in February.
Group winners on Saturday were:
- Sporting: Weimaraner, GCH Silhouettes Lifeinthefastlane
- Hound: Ibizan hound, GCH Harehill's Ace in the Hole
- Working: Great Dane, GCH Naples TLBRK Dana San Roques Naika
- Terrier: Scottish terrier, CH Jacglen's Forever Present
- Toy: Affenpinscher, GCH Tamarin Top Banana
- Non-Sporting: French bulldog, GCH Lefox Bor to Boogie
- Herding: Penbroke Welsh Corgi, CH Segni at Coventry
Sunday's group winners:
- Sporting: Weimaraner, GCH Silhouettes Lifeinthefastlane
- Hound: Ibizan hound, GCH Harehill's Ace in the Hole
- Working: Boxer, GCH Telstar's All That Glitters at Cinnibon
- Terrier: Fox terrier/wire, CH Steele Your Heart
- Toy: Affenpinscher, GCH Tamarin of Top Banana
- Non-Sporting: Miniature Poodle, GCH Danfour Debutante
- Herding: Old English Sheepdog, GCH Cottonwood Man in the Moon
The show also included obedience trails, with the big surprise this year being a pair of wins by Golden Retrievers. Border collies usually dominate that field. But before the AKC recognized the border collie breed, it was the Goldens that reigned in obedience trials, according to San Pedro dog trainer Barbara Millman.
Earning 197-1/2 points (out of a possible 200) in the top obedience competition was OTCH (Obedience Trial Champion) Regal Gold's Diamond Girl of Whittier, owned by Mary Fry and Gerri Monahan.
Also winning top awards in obedience was OTCH High Times Hot Shot owned by Sandy Walton of Studio City.
All in all, the show went smoothly, Millman told me. "People had a good time," she said, adding also this important footnote: "I don't think anyone got bitten."
And check out Daily Breeze photographer Scott Varley's photo gallery from the weekend show.
The South Bay Kennel Club is sponsoring its all-breed dog show all day today and Sunday at North Torrance High.
Here are the details.
Meet Roxy (is she cute or what?):
Here's the scoop:
The group's next adoption event is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at Centinela Feed & Pet Supply, 413 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach.
"Roxy is a 3-year-old, female, Pointer/Pit Bull mix. This beautiful dog had to be given up by her family and was taken in by Charlotte Bell of South Bay Doggie Day Care. She is available for adoption thru Rover Rescue.
"Roxy is energetic and eager to please, she responds well to strong leadership. She knows many commands, and is housebroken! She loves going to the dog park and for long walks and runs. This poor girl has been passed around and is looking for stability and longs to be settled in her fur-ever home. Will you open your heart and home to Roxy?"Contact Rover Rescue at 310-379-0154 or visit www.roverrescue.com.
The group's next adoption event is 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Aug. 13 at Centinela Feed & Pet Supply, 413 N. Pacific Coast Highway, Redondo Beach.
About the Bloggers
Daily Breeze reporter Donna Littlejohn has shared her homes with a succession of wonderful, funny, and occasionally difficult canines -- Muffin, Fritz, Ellie, Mercy, Pilgrim and now Cowboy, an Australian shepherd-border collie, and Tess, a border collie. From strong-willed terriers to weirdly obsessed Australian shepherds, they've invaded her world with boundless energy, wet noses, muddy paws and soggy tennis balls. But they've really brought so much more than that -- like laughter and joy, some unexpected life lessons, and more than a few tears along the way.
E-mail Donna at donna.littlejohn@dailybreeze.com.
Josh Grossberg grew up with the usual array of animals: goldfish, dogs, hamsters, parakeets and turtles. He now owns the loudest dog in the South Bay(Video: Rocket the Dog) and is the least popular person on his block. He spends his free time in dog parks, pet shops and always has an extra plastic bag in his pocket just in case. He also has a cat.
E-mail Josh at josh.grossberg@dailybreeze.com.