October 2008 Archives

Here's an update to THIS POST!

First of all....The city that they live in is Panorama City!

The Mini Pincher has been adopted!

BUT! the chihuahua still needs to find a loving home. So if you live in So Cal...especially if you live in or near Panorama City, please consider adopting this cutie or email Linda Alavarez HERE to let her know.

The following information was sent to me by Debbie Trejo of K-9 Compassion.

I don't know the dogs' names nor the city they live in but as soon as I find out I'll update it here. Here are their photos and the email I received from the lady that is trying to rescue them from her neighbor.

Here is the 10-year-old Chihuahua.

and the 5-year-old mini pincher

Copied and pasted fom the email:

From: Linda Alvarez linda_alvarezzz@yahoo.com

So, I was walking my youngest, Lola, this afternoon when my neighbor came out and said, "Hey, I don't want my dogs anymore. What should I do?" While I am glad that people think I can help them with their animals, I was a little taken back since, one, I thought he was coming over to pet my beautiful daughter and two, I've never met this neighbor! I told him to hold on to the dogs and I would try my best to figure something out very soon. He said he would keep them for while but if it took too long then he was going to take them to the pound. He has two dogs, one is a 5 year old miniature pincher (aprox.10 lbs.), the other is a 10 year old chihuahua (aprox. 5lbs). They are both female and neither of them have been spayed.

I asked him if I could take pictures of his dogs so that I could show anyone who might be interested. He said it was fine so I ran home, got my camera and ran back to their house. When I got there he was spraying the 10 year old with the water hose. He indicated that he was trying to "clean the dogs" so that I could take them. I checked out the area where the dogs were kept and saw that they are kept outside in a long, dirt enclosure. In a corner there was a cat carrier that doubled as their dog house. As I approached the 10 year old to take a picture, she ran away from me, so my neighbor picked her up by her neck (I almost passed out when I saw this!!!) and said, "I'll hold her so that you can take the picture." As I held back from punching the guy I quietly said, "you can put her on the floor and just hold her." I quickly snapped a picture so that he would let her go. In the mean time the miniature pincher was hiding behind a piece of wood. Anticipating that this guy might do the same to that dog I asked him to just hold the dog on the grass so that I could take a picture.
The dogs seemed a little scared of their owner and a little nervous (I can't imagine why!). I am not a professional but in my brief oberservation I saw no signs of aggression toward me, they didn't bark at me or lunge, growl etc. However, both dogs seem to be either shy or afraid. ( Given the treatment I saw, I'm willing to bet they are more fearful not shy.)
I asked my neighbor why he didn't want them anymore and he indicated that he had bought the dogs for his kids to play with; now his kids are grown and they've all moved out so he didn't want to keep the dogs anymore becasue, "they're just back here, neglected."

Ugggh! I wish I had a huge ranch to take all these guys in but I don't. I would take them myself but as most you know I am at FULL capacity!

I am hoping that one of you may know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone that might want one of these two little girls. Or if any of you have any other ideas, please let me know! I'm willing to tansport them anywhere. I'm guessing that if someone doesn't take the dogs soon, he'll just take them to the animal shelter...the 5 year old may have a chance but I'm pretty sure the 10 year old will most likely be put down. I would love to see the 10 year old live out the rest of her life in a warm, loving home.

Anyway, let me know what you all think. Thank you all for listening to all my animal stories and for all your help and suggestions with the constant flow of animals in my life!!!

Linda

So yeah...please email Linda HERE if you or someone you know would like to adopt these dogs into loving home away from this abuse!

Wow! It's been over a month since the last ABC video. We're on J. So here is a random video of a Blue Jay bird...heheh!!

I swear...the things that people dress their dogs as is mind boggling. I was googling around and found this funny photo. How about some Chiquita bananas for your Howl-O-Ween celebration! LOL!!

And here's an early holiday present that's purrrrrfect for the crazy cat person in your family.

INTRODUCING THE DICE GAME PEOPLE AND CATS PLAY TOGETHER


Darf is challenging the expression "You can't herd cats!" Heheh!! oh yeah!! WATCH THIS CLASSIC VIDEO!! In all seriousness...I'm not sure if it would work with Hershey and Marcie. Although it doesn't hurt to try. They're still obsessed with that crazy cat dancer thing...heheh!!

According to the information I got:

CatFeats is a new dice game for people and their cats to play together... With CatFeats, people compete to see who is best at getting a cat to complete fun activities like the "Shake Hands," "Wiggle Your Ears" and "Take A Bow." Okaaaay...they really don't know my cats...hah!!!

CatFeats is a totally different way for cats and people to have fun together. Players roll the paw print die and have one minute to coax their cat into performing tasks on the matching paw print card. Players can use their voice, treats, toys and gestures to get their cat to complete the activity and earn the points (guess I'll have to go out and get more Feline Greenies!!!). First player to score 30 points wins the game!

"Before we played CatFeats, we didn't think our cats could do tricks. Now, game night at our house includes our kitties," says Denise Rothman, Darf president.

CatFeats can be played by two to four people and one to four cats. It comes with a paw print die, a sand timer, 30 activity cards, a score pad and a pencil. No skill is needed to play. The game is available at select pet boutiques, pet stores, game stores, gift stores, online pet stores and at darfinc.com.

Darf is a specialty pet company that creates games for people and pets to play together. For more information about Darf pet games including CatFeats visit www.darfinc.com.

Halloween is just around the corner (Friday to be exact) and you know what that means. Time to keep your black cats (and dogs probably) safe and away from crazy people. In fact, please take cautions with all of your pets no matter what color they are. Here's a press release I got from the spcaLA. It's not just this organization but most pet adoption places. In fact the adoption center where I volunteer has taken away our beautiful Ebony (sorry no photo) and put her in a foster home until after Halloween. I know some people think it's crazy but you just never know what motive people have...especially around this time. So here is some information and tips on how to keep your pets safe:

HALLOWEEN CAN BE TRICKY FOR YOUR PETS
spcaLA Bans Black Cat Adoptions

Los Angeles - Black cats have long been associated with Halloween. They are often depicted as scary and evil or at the very least unlucky if they cross your path. Due to this well-known folklore, the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) has temporarily banned black cat adoptions until November 1,
effective immediately.

"In an effort to ensure the safety of black cats during Halloween, the ban has been in place for several years," said spcaLA president Madeline Bernstein. "We have found many people have ulterior motives when adopting black cats and it is a shame that all the myths and superstitions about black cats have made them targets."

To get into the Halloween spirit, many pranksters target black cats and use them as party props. Black cats have even been sacrificed during satanic rituals and are more likely to be subjected to cruel treatment during this time of year. spcaLA takes every precaution to make sure this does not happen by temporarily banning black cat
adoptions and encourages other pet adoption facilities to do the same.

This holiday is not just scary for black cats, but can also be very scary for all family pets, who may find the sights and sounds of Halloween terrifying. spcaLA urges people to take safety measures during the Halloween season to protect their pets and provides the following tips to help make Halloween a safe and stress free holiday.

* Keep pets indoors on Halloween night as the extra activity can be scary. Take extra precautions if you own a black cat and keep them in your house several days before the holiday as their infamous association with Halloween makes them a prime target for many who want to use them as props.

* Confine your pets to a safe and quiet area. The constantly ringing doorbell can be stressful so place your pets in a quiet area, preferably with the television or radio playing to soothe them, and if possible, a human companion.

* Do not take the family pet out trick-or-treating. Pets can be frightened by strange costumes and may result in the animal running away or acting out by attacking. Remember, pet owners may be liable for injuries inflicted by their pets.

* Never let your pet around a lit pumpkin. Pets may knock it over and cause a fire. Curious kittens and puppies especially run the risk of getting burned.

* Candy is not for pets. Most candy will get your animals sick and chocolate is actually very dangerous as it is poisonous to many animals. In case your pet accidentally gets into the candy, keep the number of your local poison control center handy.

* Never dress your pet in a costume that is not made for pets. If you do dress your pets for Halloween, make sure it is a costume made for pets their size.

* Current Identification Tags are vital. With the door constantly in use on this holiday, pets can sneak out of the house. Make sure they've been microchipped, their tags are on and the information is updated.

Pictures of me with the Euro man (yeah that's what I call him) while I was dogsitting him.

I haven't done a Daily News Staff profile...mainly because I haven't received much information from fellow coworkers. So if you work with me, feel free to send me info you your beloved pet.

This is one of my favorite dogs ever. I occasionally take care of this wonderful and gentle giant. When you first meet Euro he can be intimidating but in reality he's just a big, lovable baby. Euro, a four-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback is owned by my coworker Theresa and her husband Bart who live in Woodland Hills. Euro is a show dog who has won several prizes. I think he even got his championship. Not only is he fun and lovable, he's very smart and has the keenest sense of smell I've ever witnessed in a dog. I keep telling Theresa that they should train him to be either a search and rescue dog or cadaver dog because that nose never stops smelling things...even things that are blocks away. For instance...while I was walking him one time, he went ballistic after smelling my husband from two blocks away. I was on my way to the house when Chris drove up. Euro took one whiff and nearly pulled my arm out of the socket from excitement. He remembered Chris' smell from the first time he had seen Chris, which was many many months before.

His favorite thing to do is go for walks. I know this because he would never cease to wake me up with his wet nose at the crack of dawn. Whenever I stay at their house I never ever need an alarm clock. Who needs one when you've got a natural one in the form of a Ridgeback..hah! He also loves to eat hot dogs from a his Kong, nap on his plush bed and eat Frosty Paws (in moderation of course). Oh yeah...and he just plain loves to romp around the back yard.

Here's a funny video of him chewing on a bone! Enjoy!

First of all! I discovered the best toy ever to get Marcie moving as much as I can. I have no idea how it got in my apartment. It was just there. I have a feeling it came with the medication that was ordered through the mail from the vet. Either that or God may be playing a nice trick on me. The hubby opened up the package for me and I wondered why the box was significantly larger than the tiny bottle of liquid medication (btw...it's Tegeserod, which is used for Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Anyway...onto the toy. For the longest time I have not seen Marcie stalk anything (lasers, toy mice, my hand under the covers etc...) and I was pleasantly surprised to see her go ballistic over this simple toy. I mean all it is is little cardboard pieces tied to the end of a hooping wire. I seriously could just take some of my own twine and make it myself from a remnants of a cardboard box. The minute she sees me take that thing out she gets ready for action. And last night I had both cats going bonkers. They were literally arguing over who gets to play with it. So yeah...this toy is a keeper. It seems like most cats absolutely love simple toys like this rather than fancy schmancy fru-fru toys with all the bells and whistles. Give marcie a crumpled up piece of paper and she goes ballistic...give her an expensive feather toy and she turns her nose up...LOL!!!

Anyway...I gave her the first dose of the Tegaserod. It's TUNA flavored I might add. The special pharmacy called to ask what her favorite flavor is...LOL!!! I will keep you informed as to how it works. If any of you have had experience with this drug for your pet, please let me know. I'd love to get some testimonials. I haven't really seen any online regarding cats (humans but not cats). But according to information from my veterinarian, it's supposed to work good. We shall see. I'm supposed to give it to her twice a day for 2 months.

It's been awhile since I've updated you on the old girl and her condition. This photo was taken a few weeks before IT happened.

As you know...for the last few weeks she's had to get enema after enema because she either would not poop or she'd strain until she finally pooped out one big hard piece of poop. It got to the point where I had to take her to the emergency yet again only for the enema not to work. Two days later I took her to my regular vet to see what he could do. He gave her another enema, which expelled almost everything except for one big piece that was stuck a the top of her colon. She had to be sedated so that he could extract that last piece of poop manually. That caused her to stay overnight. Yes it was not healthy for my pocket book but it sure as heck made her feel better and gave me piece of mind at the fact that she felt better. I could tell the minute she came home that things were much better...at least for awhile. She ate like crazy (something she didn't do while she was uncomfortable from lots of dry poop stuck in her colon) and drank allot...probably from the multiple enemas she got.

Following this episode the doctor suggested that I keep trying the canned pumpkin approach because it may work after several times giving it to her. I think it is working in some way although she's not pooping as often as I'd like. Every couple of days I see one or two pieces of what looks like her poop although it's much smaller than it was before she got sick. Heheh!! Yes I've learned to decipher the difference between Hershey's and Marcie's poop. I guess it's a good thing because I'm not always home to "witness the event!" LOL!!! It has gotten to the point where the minute I come home I check both litter boxes and if nothing is in there I get really nervous...as I have been in the last couple of days. I mean she hadn't pooped in almost three days and the last time I checked it was a couple of very small pellets instead of the large chunk that she normally spews out. But the doctor reassured me that she didn't have Megacolon, something that I hope she never has. So he told me to continue with the pumpkin and give her as much exercise as possible to stimulate movement in her bowels. And if she still doesn't produce a satisfactory bowel movement then he'd prescribe a medication designed to stimulate nerve function in that...ahem...area. He was a bit concerned that when he administered the enema last time she didn't growl and hiss. That indicated that she may have lost some feeling in that area. It's not a good sign because it could mean that part of her colon isn't...you know...giving her the sensation that she needs to relieve herself. And when your colon is too weak to push things through then you're in deep doodoo!! Yes I'm trying to make light of this situation although it's not really funny if things don't get moving!!

Anyway...I took the girl to the vet again today for another followup on her overall condition...especially to address the poop situation. Once again the doc stuck his finger up Marcie's butt and boy was I happy to hear her growl in pain. It sounds horrible but it made me and everyone in the room feel better that she showed signs of sensation down there. In this case...pain is a good thing. He could feel that she had small pieces waiting to be expelled but they weren't big enough to warrant another enema. So he prescribed the medication he told me about before. It's on order at the moment and I should receive it at my house any day now. For the life of me I cannot remember what it's called. All I know is that I'm supposed to squirt the medicine in her mouth with a syringe....a much better option than giving a cat a pill (read that...it's hilarious!!). The good thing is I did not need to leave her at the vet for the day.

And another good thing is....drum roll!! SHE POOPED this evening and I witnessed the event! hah!! One decent size chunk and a very small one. She still strains a bit but something is better than nothing.

There are other issues going on with her but I'll save that for another post. Thanks for all of your thoughts and prayers. Please keep them coming!! Marcie has proved that she is not one to give up easily when it comes to living.

I recently got a call from a friend who is also the contact for the Nuts for Mutts events. According to New Leash On Life, it was the biggest year ever for this particular event. So YAY for that!

And just so you know...there is yet another way to donate to New Leash on Life. If you are adopting a new dog or already have a spoiled pooch, you can get all of your dog supplies at Stuff for Mutts!, the store. All proceeds benefit the organization and its many programs.

Of course you'd definitely need the money. While searching for the lost momma kitty who I'm still on the lookout for, I got several emails and calls about pet detectives that use bloodhounds and all kinds of other NOSEy (LOL!!) dogs that can help look for the momma kitty. Unfortunately there's no way I can afford to pay them $800 per day on my meager salary.

But here's a great Daily News story that proves that these pet detectives work. CLICK HERE for the story. Here's an excerpt from the story:

Over the past month, pet detective Landa Coldiron said her dogs found 15 out of 17 pets they searched for. The dogs led her and pet detective Annalisa Berns directly to seven of the lost pets, though five were dead.

Even if the dogs don't lead directly to the pet, she calls all the nearby veterinarians and pet shops and teaches her clients the finer points of launching a flier-and-poster campaign - hundreds of fliers and bright, fluorescent posters that loudly promise generous rewards to whomever finds the lost pet.

Even if the dogs found the pets dead, the owners can at least find some closure as to what happened to their pet. I know all too well what it's like to have a lost pet without knowing what happened to them. It's the worst feeling. Several years back I lost my dog Sasha. He had no collar (it broke off and we were just about to put on a new one when our lovely gardeners left the gate open). Thank God we found Sasha a few days later (some lovely people found him and were honest enough to post found signs) but during those three days I was a complete mess because I didn't know whether he was dead or alive.

Even if you can't afford their services they offer loads of information on ways to find your lost pet.

Today a friend of mine and I attended the Fall fundraising event for New Leash On Life and it was a total blast. I also got to meet Eileen Smulson of Operation Blankets of Love. Remember her from Dennis McCarthy's profile on her?

Here's Eileen with her dog Ginger, who is Eileen's inspiration for starting Blankets of Love.

Well so many great things have happened to her and the organization since that article was published. Here's just a brief update of what has happened to her. Since that article, she has received more than 18,000 donations of blankets, pet beds and towels. Plus, her distribution area has expanded from just Los Angeles to Orange County and Ventura County. She also does presentations for a variety of community groups including the Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts. Here, the girls and boys can earn merit badges and learn all about caring for and saving animals in shelters. "By donating a blanket, you're not only saving one life, you're saving two," said Eileen. By that she means that a dog usually becomes more adoptable when they're happy and comfortable on a blanket rather than on a cement floor. And once that dog gets adopted, another dog will take it's place and use that blanket. The organization is currently working on creating a website. But for now you can CLICK HERE for more information, call Eileen at (818) 402-6586 or email her HERE.

Eileen with Ginger sitting on some donated blankets and beds. The organization is currently looking for corporate sponsors.

Here are some more photos that I took at the event.

Angel the Dalmatian. I just thought her eyes were beautiful. I've never seen a Dalmatian with two different colored eyes...Huskies yes...Dalmatians no.

Lola, the black Great Dane and Lily the White Dane and their owners Joan and Howie Eisenberg.

More photos are HERE!!

EDIT: Just found more photos taken from Daily News Photographer Andy Holzman HERE!

This video proves that the love a dog has for its owner never ceases even after he's been gone for 14 months. This video will make anyone happy no matter what they think of the war in Iraq.

GINGER FOR PRESIDENT! That is all!!

I just got this press release on my desk.

ABC Channel 7 News reported that the Humane Society in Ventura County had gone to a private ranch in Lockwood Valley (near Angeles National Forest) and started removal of almost 100 horses suffering form various degrees of neglect and malnutrition. Apparently, the Humane Society had gone to the same ranch about a week ago and removed 14 horses. Then, a few days ago they recruited more people to help and returned to remove some 50 more. The owners, now in custody, have been charged with animal cruelty and have been arraigned on Oct. 9.

The horses, (mostly thoroughbreds and mustangs) mostly mares (some pregnant), as well as foals, are now being cared for by the Humane Society and are in need of various items, listed below. The biggest need is for funds to purchase shelters and to buy hay and food. Any amount that you can donate, no matter how small, will be a huge help!

Please do whatever you can to help these horses. The items listed do not have to be new -- if you have extras of the listed items that you are not using, please donate them.

Here is the list:

• Funds (checks can be made out to "Humane Society" (and write "For the horses" in the memo section of the check). Mail to: Humane Society, 402 Bryant St., Ojai, CA. 93023
• Gift Cards at Feed Stores
• Horse shelters -- pipe corrals have been donated -- they need the shelters
• Fly masks
• Fly spray
• Plastic spray bottles
• Halters
• Cotton lead ropes
• Donation of a barn
• Food/water troughs
• Feeders
• Deworemers
• Horse blankes
• Anything that you can spare that will help to maintin almost 100 horses

HERE'S MORE INFORMATION!!

Just checked some fire updates on dailynews.com. Here's an update on where you can bring your animals:

Animal Shelters

* Pierce College - Equestrian Center - HAS REACHED CAPACITY
6201 Winnetka Avenue
Woodland Hills, CA 91371
(818) 719-6401
Enter campus on El Rancho Road off of De Soto Avenue just south of Victory Boulevard.
* Hansen Dam Equestrian Center - HAS REACHED CAPACITY
11127 Orcas Road
Lake View Terrace, CA 91342
(818) 896-6514

Those with livestock or horses can bring them to the Ventura County Fairgrounds. All other animals should be taken to the Camarillo Airport.

* Ventura County Fairgrounds
10 Harbor Blvd.
Ventura, CA 93001
* Camarillo Airportt
600 Aviation Dr.
Camarillo, CA 93010

For updated information on all evacuation shelters, CLICK HERE!

Here's an update to THIS POST! The website that shows fire updates hasn't said anything yet but I just heard on the television that horses and other livestock are being brought to Pierce College in Woodland Hills. And you can click on this article for more information. Keep coming here for more information on animal evacuations.

EDIT: I just heard the newscast on KTLA. Both animal evacuation centers at Pierce College and Hansen Dam do accept pets aside from large animals such horses and other livestock.

I know I've posted this before but as you know fire season is in full force. For up-to-the-minute updates on the fire CLICK HERE!! It even lists places where you can bring your pets (Hansen Dam comes to mind). The following comes from an ASPCA press release that I received a while back:

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS FOR PETS

What Pet Owners Need to Know in an Emergency

Los Angeles - Disasters strike at any time, don't get caught unprepared. It is now fire season and a major earthquake just hit the Chino Hills area today, only 29 miles away from Los Angeles. When a disaster strikes a community, essential services are often unavailable and precautions should be taken for the entire family including the safety of pets.

The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA) strongly recommends pet owners prepare for an emergency by following simple guidelines to ensure their pet's safety in the event of an urgent situation or natural disaster.

"Pets depend on us for their safety, food, water and more," says Madeline Bernstein, spcaLA President. "With the earthquake that just occurred, it is important to have a disaster plan in place to ensure all members of the family are accounted for properly and it only takes a little advance preparation."

The following are the most important things pet owner can do to prepare their pets for an emergency:

* Make sure there is a supply of canned/dry pet food and bottled water with other emergency provisions including pet prescription and medicine.

* If roads are blocked due to a natural disaster, professional help may not be possible immediately so familiarize yourself and other family members with pet CPR, resuscitation
and general first aid procedures. Your quick action could save your pet's life.

* Try not to display stress and anxiety when dealing with pets. Most animals are very aware of their owner's emotions and can read your stress. This can cause otherwise calm pets to display aggressive behavior.

* After a fire or disaster, check pet structures and favorite hiding places for hazardous debris.

* Ask your local fire department, animal shelter or veterinarian for a "Pet Alert" sign for doors and windows. If none are available, make your own by listing your pets on 3X5 card and display it prominently. This alerts emergency teams there may be pets that need assistance.

* Dogs and cats should wear I.D. tags with current address and/or phone number at all times. This will make it easier for you and your pet to be reunited if separated.

* Keep up-to-date on your pet's vaccinations. Pets may become disoriented and stray, or housed in shelters with other animals, thereby potentially becoming exposed to infectious
diseases.

* Alert local shelters immediately upon discovering that your pet is missing.

For more information, contact spcaLA at 1(888) spcaLA-1 or visit www.spcaLA.com.

I also came across THIS INFORMATION from DOGSTER. I can't stress enough the importance of having an evacuation plan for both you and your pets. ALWAYS KNOW YOUR PET'S FAVORITE HIDING PLACE. I constantly keep up-to-date on new hiding places that my cats love to hang out in.

Check out this article written by Daily Breeze Staff Writer Melissa Heckscher in today's Daily News! I wonder if they'd be able to help me with Marcie in her road to recovery...although, according to my vet, she's not feeling any pain. She just needs to get her strength up more.

Anway...I thought I'd type the sidebar to this article that was published in the print edition since I can't find it anywhere online. Here's some useful pet rehab information that was provided to Melissa by Veterinarian Jessica Waldman:

WARM UP: Warm up your pet before strenuous activity. Start with a brisk, 10-minute walk, and cool down for the same amount of time afterward.

LIMIT EXPLOSIVE EXERCISE AND TAKE BREAKS: Any strenuous activity, such as rough play, should be limited to intervals, ideally 10 to 15 minutes at a time. Force your dog to take a break. "A dog in a dog park will push itself beyond what its body can do," said veterinarian Jessica Waldman, founder of California Animal Rehabilitation. "Dogs don't say, 'No, I need a break.'"

BUILD CONTROLLED ENDURANCE: The majority of exercise should be controlled (on a leash, or just no running, jumping or rough play) so that when your pet does strenuous exercise, he is better prepared, similar to how people train for competitions.

BE CAREFUL NOT TO OVERDO IT: Your pet should end a walk at the same pace he begins the walk. If your pet sits down or lags behind on a walk, you are pushing him too far.

SENIOR PETS: As your pet ages, he won't be able to do the same activity he did when he was younger. (Think of a 10-year-old Labrador as a human senior citizen.)

STRETCH YOUR PET: You stretch before and after exercise; why shouldn't your dog? Try these simple stretches after your pet is warm, and after exercise, to prevent injuries:

Shoulder extension: With your pet lying all the way on its side, keep the front leg straight and progress the whole limb forward until the leg reaches your pet's face. Stop progressing the leg when your pet seems uncomfortable or it is tight. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat three times, once a day.

Hip extension: With your pet lying all the way on its side, keep the hind leg straight and progress the whole limb backward, keeping the leg parallel to the ground. Stop and hold at the point your pet seems uncomfortable or it is tight. Hold for 15 seconds and repeat three times, once a day.

I was dilly dallying around this morning as to whether I should show up at this year's Bows Wows & Meows Pet Fair in Santa Clarita. After all...the hubby and I got home very late Saturday after attending a wedding in San Diego (yeah fun drive...NOT!!).

Boy am I glad that I did. Aside from all the amazing animals on hand, Cesar Milan (the Dog Whisperer for those of you that don't know...yeah, yeah...most of you animal lovers know who he is) was there as a judge and he also signed copies of his latest DVD as well as his latest book entitled Be The Pack Leader. When I found out he was there, I quickly moseyed on over to his booth only to find out that he did not want pictures. BUT! I finagled his wife into taking a picture for me. I would have loved to have gotten him with a dog but I take it that he didn't have much time. His wife was very nice about it and so was Cesar. Here's the photo of him in his car! LOL!!!

Anyway...on to some more photos....

This is Ms. (yes Ms.) Santa Clarita Valley Amanda Wasvery with her French Chihuahua Gigi! Isn't she cute? (Gigi that is...though Amanda is pretty too).

And yes there were lots and lots of animals up for adoption! Here's a beautiful Siamese kitty. Little Paige Guarino is holding her. Paige and her family were looking to adopt her. Hopefully she has a new home with them.

And what's a pet fair that's close to Halloween without costumes! Here are two cute PUMPKIN DOGS named Zander and Buddy. Owner Jim Haas of Santa Clarita decided to get festive...and why not? They're so cute!!

First we had pumpkins...and now we've got mythical sea creatures. Here's a photo of Abby the Mermaid...uh Dachshund with Kylee Dungen, her child owner (yes her parents were right there as well). This makes me want to sing Under the Sea from Little Mermaid. :)

I have so much more to say about this event...so watch out for another post! There are way too many cute photos and stories to post. In the meantime...

CHECK OUT MORE PHOTOS HERE!!

And now for your Friday afternoon laugh!

I would definitely hire this ginger poodle to dogsit...that is if I had a dog. Not sure if my cats would appreciate it!

I don't think he/she is doing it wrong! And the white one is posing as the perfect park bench! LOL!!!

I'm sure this Obama supporter is very pleased to know that the Obamas have listened loud and clear to those that have urged them to adopt a dog rather than buy.

Here's an excerpt from PETA's blog:

So you can see why we're quite proud of this whole thing and thank everyone who weighed in. We hope that the Obama family really listened to our message, and we hope that Barack, Michelle, and their daughters find a loving mutt who needs a good home.

And you know what? I always wondered if online petitions really work. It seems that in this case they do! According the the Best Friends Animal Society, they're online petition for the Obama's to adopt garnered over 50,000 online signatures!! I cannot wait to find out what kind of dog they get...regardless of who wins the presidential ticket. Hopefully this future Obama dog will be the next first dog (yeah I guess you know my political leanings...heheh!).

I hope I'm posting this on time. A friend of mine emailed me info on a listing on craigslist about a dog that desperately needs a home...like NOW! The friend is trying to help this person get this dog adopted.

The dog's name is Tongo. CLICK HERE! for the full information on this dog.

Isn't he beautiful?!

So hurry up to the East Valley Animal Shelter as soon as you can to snatch up this puppy!!

Spi, a Schnauzer-Terrier mix, left, barks at his owner Pourang Javaheri as they spend some time at the "Small Dog" section of the Off-Leash Dog Park in Van Nuys, CA, on Thursday, September 25, 2008. Javaheri knew about the new Los Angeles spay and neuter law which goes into effect October 1, 2008, and he decided to beat the rush by making the appointment for the operation that will cost him about $200, including the post-op medication. (John Lazar/Staff Photographer)

that the Los Angeles Spay/Neuter law goes into effect today!

According to the article...Owners who refuse face fines starting at $100, then $500, then misdemeanor prosecution. The law may be hard to enforce though. According to the article, during an audit in August, Laura Chick found LA Animal services ill-prepared to enforce the sterilization law. Not only has the department no plan to promote public awareness, Chick said, but no plan for enforcement.

"Spay/neuter is the cheapest way to save as many lives as possible in our animal shelters," said Ed Boks, general manager of the Los Angeles Animal Services department. "... (But) it's a very complicated law to enforce, to be sure."

Boks said his 64 animal-control officers will not go door-to-door or lift dog tails at the park. Instead, officers will investigate pets while responding to dog-barking and other animal complaints.

Nonetheless...it's a good idea to get your animal fixed or you might find yourself paying fines up to $500.