May 2008 Archives

It's been awhile since I profiled a fellow worker's pet. What better way to get to know staffers than through their pets. MEET BEASTIE!!!

Columnist and Editorial writer Mariel Garza, who also shares her opinions at fellow blog Friendly Fire is a big animal lover who is owned by Beastie (love that name), a 1-year-old Newfoundland/border collie mix. I had the privilege of meeting this beautiful monster. I say monster in a loving way of course. The adjective definitely describes him because he is a BIG DOG!! I'm waiting for more pics and info about him but I do recall Mariel telling me that she rescued this beauty from somewhere.

This photo cracks me up. It causes me to sing the Twilight Zone theme song. I've got a few photos of my cats like that. In fact here's one of Hershey (DEVIL KITTY!!).

According to Beastie's blog (which btw...NEEDS TO BE UPDATED! Beastie come on! let us know how you're doing!) he....

Actually I'll quote it in his own words (which are actually typed by the two-footed can opener who lives in his den as Beastie describes his owner...LOL!). Here you go:

I am Beastie, a 1-year-old Newfoundland/border collie mix from Los Angeles. This means I'm drooly and hyper, large but lithe, and smart but sweet enough to get away with it.

I love bonies and doing tricks for hotdog pieces and barking at people and wrestling with Bella, my little yellow girlfriend.

Go check out his blog and request that he update it more often.

photos taken by Mariel Garza

This blog is mainly about domesticated pets but on occasion you'll see posts about local wildlife. Hey it's all about any kind of animal here!! According to Veronique de Turenne's latest blog entry on laobserved, some wild ducks in Malibu might be in jeopardy due to icky green, receding water. If any of you know who to contact about this problem reply here or email Vanessa here. Aren't they cute?! Click on the link to the flickr page for more ducky awesomeness.

Here's a link to my article on NLOL!! They didn't post a photo online but that's okay. So remember to come out on Sunday and hang out with a bunch of celebrities and crazy canines!! :)

I got this press kit for some art deco pet dishes and toys. And while looking at the product website I came across a link that really cracked me up. This is a necessity in our apartment especially since Hershey has been hacking up hairballs like gangbusters within the last few days. In fact she just horked up a pile about an hour ago. Sorry if you're eating at the moment. Yes I need to brush both of the kitties more often as they are shedding allot. And yeah I need to go out and get more cat grass for their digestion.

Anyway I came across this warning sign so that people won't step in it. God knows how many times the hubby and I have inadvertently stepped in a fresh, wet hairball or walked over the residual wetness left after cleaning up the mess. Now I think the T-Shirts are kind of cute in a weird sort of way but I draw the line on the apron. I certainly wouldn't eat something from someone that wears that. The association is just plain gross.

I just got done reading a blog entry from our sister pet blog Southbay Pets. RIP Sammy! Sounds like you were an amazing dog and I know you'll be missed. Hope you have fun up there at the rainbow bridge.

Just like other service dogs these dogs deserve the utmost respect for what they do. I know it's the handlers that train them but their hard work and loyalty are something that's in their heart and their soul from the get go. If you want to know more about the LAPD K-9 Division click here. And check out the pictures of all the dogs that have served or are serving. For information on donating to the program (the program is funded by public donations) just call the number in the link and they can probably give you information.

Photo by Photo William Thomas Cain/Stringer / Getty Images

Happy Memorial Day everyone! Regardless of our political stance we must always honor the heroic work our service men and women have done for us and we must remember with dignity those that have lost their lives for our country.

Today I thought that there's got to be information on patriotic dogs that have served our country in some way and I came across this blog.

For the most part we always hear about human soldiers putting their lives at risk but you never hear about the estimated 2,300 working dogs that can do things that humans can't.

Here's an exerpt from an article on military dogs.

With an acute sense of smell five to 10 times stronger than a human's, working dogs are able to detect minute traces of explosives or drugs and alert their handlers of their presence, Rolfe explained.

But at the same time, dogs have ability to inflict fear in an aggressor in a way a human -- even if armed -- often can't, and will defend their handlers to the end. "People see a dog and don't want to mess with it," said Staff Sgt. Andrew Mier, a military working dog trainer who has deployed to Southwest Asia three times as a handler -- twice to Saudi Arabia and once to Qatar. "A dog creates a strong psychological deterrent."

Read the entire article. It's an eyeopener as to what military dogs do for our country. The Dog Tags program is also a testament as to what dogs are doing for our disabled vets.

And here's something on wartime cats. I found another article on wartime cats but it was too disturbing to post here. Not sure if we have one here in the states but I also found this wikipedia link to a war memorial for animals in the UK.

I've always known about New Leash On Life but I never knew that they had a Ranch...uh E.R.A. Center, which stands for Education, Rehabilitation and Adoption. I guess it's because it's fairly new...at least it's new to me having been acquired in 2002 when they signed the lease.

I visited this beautiful "Ranch" to interivew founders Bobby and Kelly Dorafshar about the organization and what they have accomplished. The article should publish sometime this coming week. It's an advance of the upcoming Nuts for Mutts event.

In the mean time here are some photos I took of the dogs. A Daily News photographer was there as well and he probably got better photos...heheh!!

Here's Bobby and Kelly with one of their canine pals Duke. And I can tell you if I was looking for a dog this is the one that I would adopt. He is such a sweet dog!

And here's a photo of two very funny dogs Cain (l) and Brooklyn with their owners M.C. Callahan (l) and Astrid Mosquera. They were at the ranch getting ready to participate in their fifth week of training for the Lend a Paw program.

One thing that struck me as awesome was a quote from LAP trainer Jennifer Davenport. She made an awesome case for Pitbulls (Cain and Brooklyn have Pitbull in them).

"Staffordshire terriers or Pitbulls are actually very people friendly dogs. They are good with kids. We recommend them with families. They've got strong personalities so they have to have owners that know how to do the training and everything," said Jennifer. I trust the breed with people moreso than I trust allot of other breeds. I would love to see some Pitbulls and pit mixes get into therapy work so people can see the real personalities that these dogs have."

Wow! What a testament for someone to say! Pitbulls usually get a bad rap in the media so it's nice to hear something positive. They aren't all bad! It's the people that raise them wrong and train them to be aggressive. Believe me! These two dogs were a far cry from aggressive.

Check out more photos here.

A few weeks ago I posted a profile for Lilly and Annie, cats who are still waiting for adoption from Kitten Rescue, the organization that I volunteer for. In an interview Sandra Harrison of Kitten Rescue told me about some awesome adoption stories of cats that were considered "unadoptable." She emailed me the story of Lola (now named Bella).

Lola was was adopted from the group's Black Cat Affair adoption event at Pico. This couple had seen the event advertised on Good Day LA. They were in Palm Springs for the weekend, and came home early to go to the event. WOW! Talk about dedication!

Lola was a community foster cat who really had no place to go at the end of the day. She had been left behind by a roommate, and the remaining roommate did not care for her at all. The cat showed awfully at the event. She would whack at anyone who would pet her. She had one bad eye.

Paul, the husband, had a bad eye as well and because of that he had an instant connection to this poor cat. She was so wild that it took volunteers about 10 minutes to get her into a carrier. She was actually very scary. Yet, they still took her.

Sandra forwarded me the couple's email. And as you can see, Bella is very happy in her home. What's even more amazing is the fact that the wife was pregnant and you know the old myth about cats, pregnant women and babies. So glad they dismissed that myth.

In her email Sandra wrote:

"Rescue is often less rewarding than it is frustrating, tiring and disappointing. But we go on, because they need us. It is e-mails like this that let me know that we are making a difference. Lola was never loved or cherished in her first home. She is now. That is what we do. We can't save them all, and I wish we could. For this one cat we made a great difference in her life.as we do for around 1,000 cats a year."

Here's the letter and more photos from the adoptors

BioArts International, BioArts International chief executive Lou Hawthorne poses with dogs cloned from his family pet Missy.

Again...I will keep quiet about how I feel about cloned animals. But then again doesn't that alone tell you how idiotic I think it is. A California Biotech company is planning to auction off chances to clone your dog.

This quote by Dr. Robert Lanza says it all!!

"If anyone thinks they're going to get Fluffy back," Dr. Lanza said, "they're gravely mistaken." A cloned dog is "likely to be a totally unknown dog, just as if you went to the pound and adopted another, unknown animal."

I'd love to have all of my deceased pets back but I'd want the originals! Not carbon copies! They're all unique in their own way and I wouldn't even want to recreate them. They all brought something special to my life and future pets that I adopt will do the same.

AP file photo

A friend of mine loves to post odd news links in her blog and this one really caught my eye. I'm sure you've seen it all over the place by now but the creative headline in this version of the story just cracked me up!

And the first graph just continues the wacky headline with...

"A donkey in Mexico that acted like a jackass has been freed after spending three days in jail."

Maybe the Daily News should hire the writer for their hilarious wit!

I'm in the process of writing a manifesto about "unadoptable" pets (whatever that means) but it's getting late and I'm getting tired. But of course you can check back later for the finished entry. It's about some so-called "unadoptable" pets that were adopted.

But in the mean time I have been cracking myself up to the nth degree with the following video. Someone added music to this video and it has me rolling just as much as the original video. Although nothing beats the laughter of the owners (I presume they are the owners) cracking up as the cats participate in treadmill madness.

This music fists perfectly...especially when the calico stumbles upon the treadmill. I'm sure you've seen it a million times but I just can't help myself. Enjoy!

This is the best story I've heard all week!! I can just see parrot owners everywhere teaching their birdies to blurt out their personal info. Not sure that's a great idea in a public place because you never know what kind of people might be listening but it's a great thing to do in the event that you lose your parrot.

My mom had a cockatiel named Pearly and all he could say was "pretty bird," "Hello Pearly" and "Cock-a-doodle-doo!!!" Not sure where he learned to talk like a rooster though. We think he may have learned it from the television. LOL!!

Check out today's posts at The Bargain hunter blog. As you know from a couple of previous posts Julia Scott is doing pet-themed post for today (Wednesday is Theme Day). So go check it out for some unique ways to save money on your pet.

Hmmm.. I may just rethink getting that Ralphs club card. I don't normally shop there due to their high prices but there is one thing that I love that I can only find at Ralphs and that is Haagen-Daz Pomegranate Chip Ice Cream as well as the chocolate pomegranate ice cream bars. Now even if the ice cream is not on sale with the Ralphs club card I can feel good using it towards an animal-related charity.

I just revisited this post from Julia Scott's Bargain Hunter blog. In her comment, reader Dianne Berrones didn't necessarily provide bargains for pets but she provided some good ways to donate to animals charities through various avenues. One of them being the Ralphs Club Card Community Contribution program. Depending on how much you spend, a certain percentage of the proceeds will go to your designated charity. And of course there are plenty of animal charities on the list to choose from.

And WOW!! I did not know that Ralphs has a Pet Club card, which donates $1 to animals in need (either the Humane Society or the ASPCA) for every $9 certificate you redeem through the program. I'll have to give them a chance. It can't hurt.

The Annual Arthritis Walk for the San Fernando Valley took place Sunday, May 18 at Warner Center Park in Woodland Hills. And as you know the event raised funds and awareness for humans as well as the canine species. Popular pet trainer and radio show host Warren Eckstein (r in photo), served as honorary Dog Walk Chair.

• The Annual Arthritis Walk for the San Fernando Valley raised $95,000
• More than 1,200 adults, children and dogs including people suffering from Arthritis in wheelchairs participated
• About 200 dogs of all breeds, mostly Golden Retrievers, walked this year

Here are some more photos. Looks like they had a great day!!

Lovely Daily News reporter Julia Scott is compiling a list of bargains for pet owners on her Bargain Hunter Blog. If you have a unique idea on how to save money on pet products, services etc... let her know as soon as possible.

And while you're at it you can let me know too and I'll post it here as well! I'm always looking for great ways to save money without compromising quality!

If you ask me what my favorite adorable dog breeds are I'd have to say Golden Retriever, Samoyed, Husky and German Shepherd. But then again I'm biased because I had all those dog breeds and I have very fond memories with all of them!!

Rachael Hale's book 101 Adorable Dog Breeds is a tool in helping potential owners pick the breed that is perfect for them. Learn about your new puppy or your old friend by reading about the origin, temperment, and maintenance that various dog breeds require.

Rachael Hale is an esteemed photographer who has captured the essence of and unique personality of each breed. Each page brings out the endearing qualities of each dog using unique poses and props that might just melt your heart. Along with photographs of the animals the book describes the traits that make each individual dog unique. From the handsome (as described in the book) Bernese Mountain Dog to the courageous Japanese Spitz the book might just make you scratch your head as to which breed to adopt.

And yes I say adopt! And if you'd like to learn more about breed rescue organizations the AKC has an extensive list of breed rescue organizations.

Dog and cat lovers in the Woodland Hills area can enter their furries in the 2008 Summer Cutest Pet Photo Contest. Ten lucky entrants will also be selected to have their photo grace the cover of an internationally distributed pet book.

"We refer to them as Cover Pets," states Beulah Brewer, contest chairperson.

Dog and cat photos are welcome. The photo may contain one pet or several and may include different pet types in the same photo. There is a strict limit of one photo per household to avoid disqualification.

"Every pet owner has at least one photo that shows just how cute their pet is," says Brewer, "When people learn about the contest, they get excited about the chance of winning and the potential for national attention," continued Brewer.

Cash prizes include a $1,000.00 Cash Grand Prize

The contest is sponsored by the CA State Chapter of Dog & Cat Lovers of
America in partnership with CutestPetContest.com.

The preferred method of entry is to enter directly online at CutestPetContest.com.

The deadline for the contest is June 15th. The contest is open to everyone and entry is free.

You may also submit your photo by postal mail. Please send one photograph full color or black and white of any size. All photo entries must include the photographer's name and address on the back. Photographs should be sent to: CA 2008 Summer Cutest Pet Photo Contest, P.O. Box 4470, Olathe, KS 66063. Entries must be postmarked by June 15th 2008.

I was just sitting in my den watching the news when a commercial for Progressive Auto Insurance came on. I must be out of the loop because I just heard that the company offers Pet Injury Insurance in case you get in a car accident while riding with your pet. Apparently this has been the case for awhile according to some websites I googled.

Is your pet covered in car accidents?

According to this article pets are covered in accidents although certain restrictions apply with most insurance companies. For the most part the at-fault person's insurance is liable for pet injuries incurred inside the non-at-fault driver's car. So, if you rear-end someone else and your pet is hurt in the process, your PD liability insurance will not cover harm to your pet.

But Progessive offers coverage no matter whose fault it is by giving out $500 if a pet is injured or killed.

Just like the author in this blog I'm not sure what kind of dent $500 would make because...as you know...veterinary care can be just a bit pricey. But hey! $500 is better than nothing. Pet insurance (if you already have it) or Care Credit can help you pay for the rest. By the way, Care Credit has been a godsend to me over the years. It helped me pay for a variety of major vet bills including the time when Cleo went through extensive kidney treatment. It still breaks my heart that she was so sick that I decided to euthanize her but Care Credit made things a little bit easier on the financial side while I was going through a really tough, emotional time.

Anyway...i'm just guessing that people who allow their pets to sit in the front seat should take on this coverage.

Andrea Arden, a pet expert retained by Progressive, says many motorists fail to take proper precautions when their dog or cat rides in a car. All the things that dogs seem to like to do would require irresponsible behavior on the part of you, the owner, including: allowing your dog to sit in your lap, allowing your dog to sit anywhere unrestrained in the car and allowing your dog to fully stick its head out of the window.

So...the least these people can do is get pet injury coverage for their beloved beast. Hopefully other car insurance companies will follow suit.

This is yet another sad casualty of this failing economy. It's just more proof that our lovely president is in denial when he says that we're not in a recession.

The following is from the original press release:

As more families are forced from their homes, the fallout is painfully clear at LA Animal Care Centers. The precise numbers are unknown, because there is no nationwide standard for documenting the number of "foreclosure pets" and because many owners who surrender animals at shelters tell personnel only that they are "moving" and give no specifics. But anecdotal comments from realtors and media coverage of certain incidents suggest that the phenomenon may be more widespread than anyone wants to acknowledge.

A few years ago I was forced to move back with my mom due to financial difficulties. Now she would have preferred not to have cats in the house but she knew that my cats are part of my family and made the sacrifice. I was pretty lucky in that regard but I would have sold all of my other possessions before giving up my furry companions and done everything I could to make sure they were taken care of...and that meant possibly living in my car. Who knows what would have happened but the fact is I would have definitely thought hard about their welfare.

When people take in a pet they need to take the animal's welfare into consideration when situations like this arise.

"Pets are among the voiceless victims of the current economic downturn" said Ed Boks, general manager of LA Animal Services. "I encourage families to prepare for their pets in the event of financial difficulties the same way they should prepare for a natural disaster. Take the time to plan what you will do if forced to surrender a pet. An animal shelter should only be a last resort."

Here's some good advice from the Humane Society.

"Pet owners may feel financially unable to care for their pets or are overwhelmed by a sudden move, but there are many alternatives to leaving pets behind. For those in need of help, we offer tips on easing the financial burden of pet ownership and finding pet-friendly housing," said Stephanie Shain, director of outreach for companion animals at The HSUS.

If every apartment complex (regular and low-income) allowed pets on the premises, animal shelters and other rescue organizations wouldn't be seeing this happen to the extent that it is.

I reluctantly agree to what Shain thinks when she says:

"No one likes to think of leaving their pet at a shelter, but if you can't take him with you, it is by far more humane than leaving them in an apartment or a house alone." But if you can't take them with you the next best thing would be to find a friend or family member that's willing to take the animal. As it's been said before, turning them into a shelter or a rescue organization should be a last resort.

I wanted to link to the Editorial response to the May 8 article on crowing roosters but our webmasters seem to be slow in getting the response online. So I'm just going to give you my thoughts on what people should do if they have more than one chicken because, as you know, according to the article the city has decided to limit the number of roosters one can have.

What should they do to the extra roosters?

Send them off to Kauai! For those of you who don't know, Kauai is filled with wild roaming chickens and they are considered a protected species because they are wild. Due to Hurricane Iniki in the early 1990s (don't quote me on it), lots and lots of backyard chickens got loose. And as you know chickens breed like gangbusters. Go to a Kauai beach and you might see a mama chicken tending to her brood. And chances are you will hear roosters crowing in the beautiful lush landscapes of the island.

I'll never forget the first time I visited the island. Hubby and I got off of our cruise ship to go on a tour. We stopped at a shopping center parking lot and I just about rolled over laughing when some random roosters and chickens appeared in the parking lot. We asked the tour guide and he told us the whole story.

And then there's the story of us going to the Fern Grotto. As the tour guide started singing the Hawaiian wedding song to our group a rooster decided to chime in with us. Funniest thing ever.

So yeah...if you have to give up some roosters, take them there! They would absolutely love it. You know I'm kidding of course! I don't think Kauai would appreciate it as they have more chickens than they can handle!! LOL!!

I guess these cats read this post and I'm thinking that Petzen needs to get cracking on a treadmill for kitties!
Treadmill Kittens

While I can see both sides of the story I fail to understand why popular shopping areas like The Grove allow all dogs while the new Americana at Brand shopping center in Glendale only allows small dogs...and that's only if the owner holds them. All I can say is...talk about being particular.

And what's all this about the fine line between private and public property surrounding the new shopping center?

What I'm saying is...if they ban one size of dog then they should ban all sizes. It's just not fair. Of course they can't ban service dogs (seeing eye, hearing etc...) because that would be the ultimate in discrimination.

This is weird! With Marcie's possible diabetes and the fact that she's a bit overweight (not much...it's mostly muscle according to the vet) I've been thinking allot about just how much I'm feeding both of my cats. I've always wondered why pet food labels don't contain the food's caloric value. So as I searched for pet-related news articles I came across this article. I definitely think that this would give owners a better idea of just how much they should feed their pet.

While the labels indicate the amount of food you should give according to the weight of the animal, listing the number of calories per serving would give owners an even greater idea of just how much they are feeding their pets.

"Pet owners do not always know how much to feed. They may not realize the high number of calories associated with some of the pet food they are giving their pets," said John Branam, testifying on behalf of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

The information also would help consumers and veterinarians compare and choose the best food product, Branam said. For example, two cups of one product could have the same calories as one cup of another product.

....says the article.

Some people say it wouldn't work because it doesn't always work for people. But I look at it this way: Calorie counting worked for me when I joined Weight Watchers so why can't it work for a vigilant owner who wants to make sure their pet stays healthy and in shape. Of course it won't work for people who aren't willing to take that extra step.

While I don't want marcie to lose too much weight...losing about a pound would be great for her. Heheh! If this law does pass then maybe someone can start a Weight Watchers program for pets! LOL!!

Well so far it looks like Marcie DOESN'T have diabetes as stated in this post. Took her to the vet under less stressful circumstances with absolutely no bites or scratches. I still have to watch her water intake and eating habits. She'll visit the vet again in another month. Last time her blood sugar reading was about 300 but today it was around 160 or so. Yeah! That's a big difference.

Heheh! Here's a good way to safely put your cat in a carrier without hurting yourself and without over stressing your cat. Quietly hide the cat carrier in the bathroom the night before (preferably when your cat is in some other part of the house). When it comes time for kitty to go drape a towel over them and wrap them in it. Then march them over to the carrier and put them in there butt first (for easy cat insertion put the carrier upright with the door facing the ceiling...it's easier to gently drop them in there and quickly close the cage door). And keep the towel in there for security. I noticed that marcie seemed allot more at ease with the towel although she still yowled in displeasure.

I still have a hard time training my cats to realize that pet carriers aren't negative things. But what can you do? Indoor cats don't go out much and when they do it's for the purpose of visiting the vet or moving to a new place. So I decided to keep one of the carriers out to see if they get more comfortable with it. It's time to end their (especially Marcie's) or at least lessen their negative association they have with carriers. Not sure how that's going to work because the only time I will use it is for said negative purposes (at least it's negative to them).

But now she's back to her old self and not hating my guts for the horrible things I did to her last week. See this picture? That's the good old Marcie that I know. Yes it looks upside down but that's how I took the picture. One of her favorite pastimes is basking in the sun with belly exposed. :)

I found some really cool ideas for getting your cat to like the carrier here! I'll let you know if the felines in our house respond well to these training sessions.

I seriously think that the less-stressful ride to the vet resulted in a better blood sugar and urine reading. They monitored her throughout the day to make sure it was at a normal range and I'm extremely happy about this. But alas! she is considered geriatric so I must be even more vigilant about her health than ever before.

I know it's a bit late in the day but HEY! What could I do. I've been without home internet access for a few days because our Time Warner cable splitter went out (last time it was the modem). I've got allot on my mind too...like my trip to the vet with Marcie tomorrow. And yes you will get an update on her. The information on cat diabetes is overwhelming and it's just making my head spin. So we'll see about that tomorrow.

Plus the hubby and I spend some quality time with my mom today.

In the meantime I've been searching around for a fun way to wish all of you a Happy Mother's day. And that means ALL MOTHERS, including those who only have animal babies like me. Did a massive youtube search and finally came across this heartwarming video. We as human beings can all learn from this. These aren't local pets but everyone can definitely relate.

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY to all the animal mom's out there too!!

Before you know it they'll be opening a dog gym in your neighborhood complete with treadmills, ellipticals, and aerobics classes. OH BUT WAIT! Apparently they're already popular in Japan! But if you have a home gym you can include Rover in your indoor workout routine. What better way to bond with your dog than by simultaneously walking your treadmills to music or, better yet!, your favorite television show (preferably Animal Planet if poochie has anything to do with it).

Petzen has just introduced a motorized treadmill that allows you to walk your dog without leaving the house. Now there's nothing better than running or walking with your dog outside at a park with fresh air but now you can walk your dog even in inclement weather.

Here's just a snippet of the press release:

The DogTread incorporates modern features into a motorized treadmill specifically designed for dogs and is available in sizes for small, medium and large dogs. With speeds up to five miles per hour for the small treadmill and an adjustable incline, it greatly simplifies the problem of exercising pets no matter what the weather or schedule dictates. Its space saving tilt up design allows it to be easily stored in a closet or behind a couch when not in use.

"In a perfect world owners would take their pets on daily hikes through beautiful woods and meadows," said Amy Eskelsen, PetZen co-owner and professional dog trainer. "But bad weather, leash laws, limited open space and the hectic schedule of daily life doesn't always allow this."

You know what my favorite aspect of this treadmill is? The bone-shaped dashboard!! How cool is that?!

The suggested retail price for the treadmill ranges from $499 to $599. For more information on all Petzen products click here.

I don't always read MUTTS but whenever I do come across the strip it warms my heart. I just got this book in the mail and I must say it is a very cute and unique way to raise awareness for the millions of shelter animals out there that need to find loving homes.

Patrick McDonnell, author of the celebrated comic strip helps give the animals a voice in Shelter Stories: Love. Guaranteed (Andrews McMeel Publishing, $16.95). The book features an inspiring introduction by Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States and combines more than 100 of Patrick's best "Shelter Stories" strips alongside 70 candid photos and shelter stories of real animals. Not only will you see dogs and cats, but you'll read stories of rabbits, guinnea pigs, ferrets and birds and the kindhearted souls that saved them. The book also features a reference guide filled with tips for adopting the right pet and a variety of useful links that encourage readers to, as Patrick puts it, "adopt some love today."

And as you know you can buy the book in the usual places.

Yesterday I took my angelic cats to the veterinarian. I say that sarcastically because they were both little devils when I tried to put them in the carrier and I've got the scratches to prove it. They both got a clean bill of health for the most part except that marcie may be diabetic. She always drank allot of water but lately it's been increasing. I know that lots of water is good for cats but I also know that excessive drinking can be a sign of diabetes. So I had them draw blood to check her sugar levels. They said it's elevated but not as high as some other diabetic cats. I'm relieved to hear that. But now I'm bringing her back to the vet and dropping her off for an all-day visit. They want to take the test again when she's in a relaxed state...not sure if that will work being at the vet and all rather than agitated like she was when we first got there. The doc also wants to take a urinalysis to determine if it's really diabetes.

So now I'm searching just about every website about feline diabetes. Feline Diabetes dot com seems to be a great place to start.

Looks like I may have to brush up on my cat injection skills. A few years back I took care of a diabetic cat and was utterly terrified of giving her a shot until I actually did it. It wasn't that bad. Now I'm not so sure how marcie will react but if I do have to give her injections she's just going to have to get used to it.

Giving a cat an insulin shot!

In the beginning of this blog I talked about highlighting various pets around the valley that are desperately looking for homes. These are pets that the rescue organizations are having a tough time adopting. It's not because they're bad animals, it's just that they've either got strong personalitites, baggage from previous experiences or they might not be the right age. Allot of people like to adopt puppies and kittens. But then again even they too can have baggage based on bad experiences, which causes them to grow up and become adults waiting for homes.

Today the spotlight is on two very cool older cats that really deserve the right kind of home. One is a very quirky and extremely outspoken Snowshoe/Bluepoint Siamese named Lilly and the other is a very docile, sweet cat named Annie.

Lilly:
Breed: Siamese Bluepoint/Snowshoe mix.

What can I say about Lilly. I have had the pleasure of interacting with Lilly a few times since she's sometimes at the Petsmart where I go to clean the Adoption Center cages. She is definitely a character to behold. From the moment you meet her she comes across as very feisty and strong willed. But underneath that tough exterior she's a very loving and sweet cat. She just tends to let you know how she's feeling in a big way. She's nearly been adopted a few times until people realize that she needs to be the only pet without children. "She has a strong personality, but you know what? She's calmed down allot too," said Sandra Harrison of Kitten Rescue. Sandra is her foster care taker. Lilly may be a handful in the personality department but the many volunteers who have gotten to know her know that she'd make a great pet when given the chance.
Lilly's petfinder page can be found here. I also took some photos of Lilly myself. Click here to see them. Some of them came out dark and of course she was not cooperating for the camera. But again! don't let that stop you from adopting her. She'd be a great pet if just given the chance.

Annie
Breed: Brown tabby

"Annie to me is an old sensitive soul," said Sandra. "I picture her in a home with someone who's retired because she's just mellow and not crazy or anything." When Sandra found Annie she was already spayed. People had been feeding her for three years but thought she was feral. The truth is she was just terrified on the street and never let anyone touch her because of it. She was either someone's cat that either got out or she was left behind. Once she got in the hands of Kitten Rescue, her loving side appeared like gangbusters. Annie is definitely an example of why older cats should be given the chance. She may not be a kitten but she's very docile and sweet and would be a great pet for anyone willing to give her a chance.

Both Annie and Lilly were found on the street.

I tried to find Annie's profile on petfinder page but I'm not having any luck. If you can find it please let me know and I'll post it here.

For more information about adopting Lilly and Annie (or any other kitten rescue cat) you can email Sandra here.

If you're interested in either Lilly or Annie you might just see them at the Petsmart Adoption Center in Canoga Park located at 21311 Victory Blvd. on the corner of Canoga Avenue and Victory Boulevard.

And you'll definitely see them at the Petsmart cat adoptions, which take place noon to 3:30 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday. But then again you may not if they (hopefully) get adopted.

I plan to keep reminding people of these pets every once in awhile until they get adopted. And of course WHEN they get adopted I'll post a followup.

Recently my husband has turned me on to comedian Orny Adams. The other day Chris showed me this video since I've started to become more eco concious than ever (I'm not perfect but I'm trying the best that I can for the planet). That video had me rolling.

So today we're driving down Topanga Canyon Boulevard in Canoga Park and I see this dog running like crazy through Lanark Park in Canoga Park with his owners clearly standing there with leash in hand (trust me...this is related to Orny). That got me venting once again as to how owners can just let their dogs run loose in a public place when it's common knowledge that we have leash laws here. This dog looked like it was going to run onto Topanga (a very LARGE boulevard as you know) with the way it was frolicking and the owners just stood there watching him/her. Yeah I know not all officers enforce the law since they've got bigger fish to fry (like gang shootings and such) but those laws are in place for a reason: the safety of the dog and the people surrounding it (you know...people who might be afraid of the dog, people who might get bitten if the dog isn't friendly, and people who might get in a car accident while trying to avoid the dog running in the middle of the street).

Oh...and here's an interesting case scenario stated from the website:

LAW AND ORDER IN SUBURBAN LOS ANGELES

Here's a legal interpretation problem for you: If the law requires a dog to be on a leash, does the owner have to be holding on to the other end?

Bessette and Rex went to court, where Rex balanced dog biscuits on his nose to show how well trained he was. The pair got off with a warning.

Things like this make me scratch my head and go...huh? What is the point of having the dog on a leash when a person isn't holding it? It totally defeats the purpose of why you have your dog on a leash.

Okay now...back to my original intent of what this blog post was supposed to be about: Orny Adams and his hilarious video about this very pet peeve of mine. After the incident on the road today my husband told me about this video. And thank god he did because I kind of had a slight case of writer's block. So enjoy a laugh or too. I'm sure most of you responsible dog owners know what I'm talking about.

Love the reversed roles at the end.

First of all...can I just jump into that pile of furry cuteness?

None of us want to find something like this in our yard but as you know much of the southland is built upon desert land. And with the heat coming upon us like gangbusters the rattlesnakes will be out in force. With summer coming families will be out and about hiking, playing in the yard, you know...summer things.

So if you have a dog it is important that they learn to avoid rattlesnakes. And of course it's important that you know how to protect yourself and your family as well.

According to the Natural Solutions website, as more and more development displaces natural habitat, the rodents and the snakes that eat them, are forced to share the same area with humans and their beloved pets, and many casualties happen at or near home.

Most trainers use a variety of rattlesnake species that are indigenous to the area where you and your family live because every snake has a specific odor and pattern that your dog will recognize.

Training focuses mainly on the smell and the sound of the rattle. Using an electronic correction collar the dog is humanely subjected to negative stimulus each time he/she encounters the smell of the snake and its rattle.

During the third step of the training process, the dog is introduced to a live rattlesnake that has been safely muzzled. It is here that the dog must use sight, smell and hearing to fully recongnize the danger associated with rattlesnakes.

The final step involves the introduction of a small juvenile rattlesnake, which is incapable of rattling so the dog knows that a silent rattler does not mean NON-DANGEROUS.

You could also ask your veterinarian about the Rattlesnake vaccine although there is some controversy on that. I'm not so sure I'd go that route since it's definitely not fool proof. Regardless of getting the vaccine you'd still have to take major steps in the event your dog does get bitten.

Oh yeah...according to the information I found, you should take your dog to snake avoidance classes once a year. I'm not sure why though. You'd think that something like that would stick with them.

For more information on snake avoidance training with Natural Solutions, visit their website. Their schedule in the Los Angeles area is currently booked but if you call them or visit the website they can tell you about added classes in your area. The phone number is (760) 464-6792 .

For information on how to treat a dog that's been bitten go here. The information there is pretty cut and dry.

Here are some other training classes that I found

Mint Canyon Community School (Utility Field)
16400 Sierra Highway, Canyon Country

May 10 & 11
July 12 & 13
7 a.m. to 5:00pm at specific intervals
(661)297-0876

Here's a map:

Patrick Callahan Enterprises will hold classes in July at Top Rock Training Center in Acton and in Simi Valley in August.

For more information on rattlesnake avoidance and treatment for the human species (LOL!) Click here.

and by the way...the training can also work for other pets including cats, horses and llamas.

Photo by Tina Burch, Daily News Staff Photographer
The response to Dennis McCarthy's article about Eileen Smulson of Granada Hills, the woman who started Blankets of Love has been overwhelming. A friend of mine emailed me the response she got from Eileen for donating blankets and it has a plethora of information if you have blankets and pillowcases to donate to shelter animals that need comfort and warmth.

Here's the info she sent:

With kitten season here and more strays then ever being picked up we need more blankets and towels NOW!!!


Please e mail this to all your animal lover contacts.

Thank you for inquiring about Operation Blankets of Love.

We need old or new items blankets and towels in all sizes. Everything must be clean and not ripped.

We also accept bed sheets, pillow cases and pet beds if you want to donate that too.

A study by the Compassion Action Institute in New York shows that shelter animals that are given blankets, sheets, and comforters to rest on are more able to relax and get comfortable in their new surroundings while they are waiting to be adopted. Potential adopters are more drawn to animals that appear relaxed and friendly, snuggled on a soft bed which helps to create a more home-like setting. The simple addition of a blanket or comforter to a shelter animal's environment is proven to lead to increased adoptions.

Here are the locations I have so far to tell your friends and family..or do a blanket drive where you work etc. then drop it off so I can take it to the needed shelters!!

(Thank you for giving us blankets and towels. We love snuggling and feeling secure and comfy.)

San Fernando Valley

Pet Zone
10142 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA
818-832-0110

North Valley Veterinary Clinic & Animal Dermatology Clinic
11152 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA
818-366-7777

The Pet People
18040 Chatsworth St.
Granada Hills, CA
818-832-0771

Red Barn Feed and Saddlery
18601 Oxnard St.
Tarzana, CA
818-345-2510

Red Barn, Too
8393 Topanga Canyon
West Hills, CA
818-887-7388

Jan's Pet Grooming and Pet Zone (#2)
17629 Chatsworth St.
Granada Hills
818-831-8565

The Puppy Palace
11156 Balboa Blvd.
Granada Hills, CA
818-366-9069

New Age Pet Supply
19315 Saticoy St.
Reseda, CA
818-886-7387

J9's K9s Dog Training
Canoga Park, CA
Call for drop off times @ 818-832-9906
or info info@j9sk9s.com

Tams Pet Foods & Supplies
17635 Vanowen St.
Van Nuys, CA
818-343-6873

Prestige Pet Supply
18425 Nordhoff St.
Northridge
818 772-6611

Los Angeles Westside &
Ventura County locations.
Ventura County

Big Als Pet Food Warehouse
999 E Los Angeles Ave
Simi Valley, CA 93065
805-584-9942

Theresas Country Feed & Pet Store
1836 Erringer Rd
Simi Valley, CA 93065
805-583-3599

Los Angeles Westside

Hour Glass
12437 Wilshire Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90025
(310) 442-4617

Hour Glass
10665 W Pico Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(310) 441-4617

With great appreciation,

Eileen Smulson
Founder
2008 Operation Blankets of Love
818-402-6586

Within the heart of every stray lies the singular desire to be loved.