December 2008 Archives

Yeah I know it's been a few days since I posted but you know how it is with the holidays and all. You'll definitely see many more posts in the new year. Hopefully 2009 will bring much more luck and happiness. Not sure about that with these hard economic times but one can hope...right?! For now here's a New Year's greeting from some furry friends to cheer you up! Stay safe tonight and please DO NOT drink and drive.

This can't get any funnier. This dog knows where to get his/her bone and he doesn't care if he steals it. hah!!!

Nothing much to say here except that the kitties, the hubby and I wish all of you a very Merry Christmas (or whatever holiday you celebrate) and a happy new year!

Oh wait! I do have something. Earlier I mentioned the new online store at New Leash in Life. Well now they have CAT TOYS as well. So go there for all of your canine and kitty needs and donate to a great cause while you're at it.

I just received word that the CHRISTMAS BENEFACTOR has pledged to pay for up to 300 adoptions at all LA Services animal shelters instead of just the East and West Valley shelters. The drive ends until 300 adoptions have been made or by Christmas...whichever comes first.

Here's the press release:

Los Angeles - YES, VIRGINIA, THERE IS A SANTA "PAWS". A benefactor, wishing to remain anonymous, pledged to pay all adoption fees for 300 pets adopted between now and Christmas at any LA Animal Services Center. Santa stated, "I hope this offer will help empty the kennels and cages and gives these pets a real home for Christmas." Santa had one request of those adopting a pet; that they write a letter to LA Animal Services explaining how adopting the pet changed their lives. "We are awed by this compassionate and generous gift that will bring so much joy to so many families", said Ed Boks, general manager of LA Animal Services. "We are immensely grateful to our Silent Santa for exemplifying the true spirit of the season by giving so deeply to help those who need it the most - our homeless pets. Happiness is an empty animal shelter on Christmas morning."

The offer could not have come at a more perfect time. LA Animal Services has experienced a 20% increase in the number of owners surrendering their pets due to the foreclosure crisis. Santa has reversed the fortune of these newly homeless animals. In light of this amazing offer, both the East and West Valley Animal Care Centers will be open today, Monday, December 22, from noon to 5 P.M. (All Centers are normally closed on Monday.) All six LA Animal Care Centers will be open from 8 A.M. to 7 P.M. Tuesday and from 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. Wednesday, Christmas Eve.

"We urge all those who hear about this exceedingly generous offer to paws to seriously contemplate the long term commitment needed to adopt a pet," Boks added. Decisions should not be made lightly and LA Animal Services reserves the right to refuse an adoption when we believe the welfare of the animal is not improved by the adoption. This offer is for individuals and families ready to make a 10-15 year financial and emotional commitment to a pet."

Pet adoptions include the spay/neuter surgery, microchip, vaccinations and in the case of a dog a license. You can find your true love at any one of the following locations:

North Central
3201 Lacy Street Los Angeles, CA 90031
MAP

West LA
11361 West Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025
MAP

Harbor
957 N. Gaffey Street San Pedro, CA 90731
MAP

South LA
3612 11th Avenue Los Angeles, CA 90018
MAP

East Valley
14409 VanOwen St. Van Nuys, CA 91405
MAP

West Valley
20655 Plummer Street, Chatsworth, CA 91311
MAP

I'd embed the video but there's no way to do that from the originating website. But if THIS VIDEO doesn't get you in the holiday spirit then I don't know what will. The puppychannel.com just launched awhile back. It's yet another hub for everything puppy related! Go check it out!

And here's another awesome website: www.thedailypuppy.com. Can it get any cuter than a rottweiler puppy?

I just randomly came across this video and thought it was cute.

Kittens and a tissue box!

A coworker of mine just gave me statistics stemming from this weekend's special adoption of 10 seized puppies.

According to Ed Boks, about 500 people showed up at Saturday's auction at East Valley Animal Shelter. Some people actually waited since midnight. This event increased the chance for other animals to get adopted. Of the 150 animals adopted Saturday across the city, 107 came from the East Valley Shelter.

In other great news...here's information from a news brief published in today's paper. I'd link to it but there's no link to be found. So here's the information:

Benefactor paying for pet adoptions

A well-heeled animal lover will pay for all animal adoptions at San Fernando Valley animal shelters between now and Christmas, Animal Services Department officials announced Sunday.

The anonymous benefactor will finance all $91 dog adoptions and $64 cat adoptions at the East and West Valley shelters in Van Nuys and Chatsworth. Each animal will come spayed/neutered, vaccinated and microchipped, said Ed Boks, general manager for the Los Angeles Department of Animal

"It would be great if everyone could be such a Santa Claus in helping animals," Boks said. He said: 'I just want you guys to go wild; I want you guys to adopt as many animals as possible."

To view animals up for adoption or for shelter information, CLICK HERE for the East Valley shelter and CLICK HERE for the West Valley Shelter. CLICK HERE for all the shelters.

Taken from Staff and Wire Services

Here's the article on my visit to the puppy mill puppy auction! And here's a photo gallery taken by our photographer Evan Yee!

PUPPIES!!!

MORE PHOTOS HERE!

This morning I went to the unique adoption...or should I say auction. Okay it's an auction that was an adoption! LOL!! Here's some photos from the event. Make sure to read tomorrow's paper for the full article.

Photos taken by Simone Schramm Trimm
Here Jacob Miller, and LA Animal Services worker presents Liz Walker of Pasadena with Noel. She bid $5,000 for her. All the the money obtained will go toward initial veterinary care for the puppies as well as other LA Animal Services programs. I heard that someone bid $12,000 for another puppy. Glad someone has the money! These people are serious!!

"It's for a good cause," said Liz when asked why she bid $5,000. "I feel like I'm helping other animals by doing this."

One good thing came out of this event. Many of the people who did not win went out and adopted other animals at the center. So yeah...it was a good day at the shelter.

"People are realizing that we have a lot of other animals here," said Jacob Miller, an animal care technician. "The more people that come to the animal shelter the more animals that are going to get adopted."

This is Prancer with Capt. Jan Selder.

proof that regardless of what they've been through, dogs can show unconditional love. Here Prancer kisses the hand that bids for him.

For more photos from the event CLICK HERE!

If you're up for giving a dog that had a rough start in life a good home then don't forget to attend the special adoption of the puppy mill survivors that were confiscated at LAX. Get yourself to the East Valley Animal Shelter bright and early tomorrow morning (Sat. Dec. 20) and get ready to bid for one of 10 cute puppies.

Detailed information is RIGHT HERE!!

For more events CLICK HERE!

well then here's the perfect gift for that speedy little rodent of yours! LOL!! Now if you order The Critter Cruiser and Ham Track from this website you won't get it before Christmas. You can order individual parts at amazon.com here!. They're also available at local pet stores such as PetSmart and Petco.

I got yet another email about two cute dogs that need homes. To find out more about these dogs, please contact Tracy Blackburn at tracy@itsalivemedia.com OR Josh Mills at (323) 819-0913 and/or josh@itsalivemedia.com

Here's the information that was sent to me:

My mother passed away in October and she had two wonderful Welsh Corgies who now need a home. My wife and I live in a one bedroom apartment with two cats and there is simply no room for us to take on the dogs although we love them very much.

Currently they are being boarded at a fantastic place where they are well looked after and exercised daily. Also know we are a little stung as we had a family in San Diego take the dogs (I drove down and did a home check and they met the dogs twice) with two young children and then return them to us less than 48 hours later because of 'allergies' they never knew they had. These dogs need a loving home and have been moved quite a bit In the last six to nine months. But we really do not want to split them up.

Here are photos and some basic information on the dogs.
This is Lulu! Information on Lulu is listed below. Here she's howling in her own comical way.

Lulu is a very loving, very mellow nine-year-old old female who is most happy when She is at your feet. This dog will give you no problems other than wanting to be near you, sleeping and eating. A super, super dog. She is the dog we are most concerned about - she misses my mom.

And this is Trevor! Information on Trevor is listed below.

Trevor is two years old - he is fixed but does not have a chip. (He loves playing fetch with a ball and loves doggie toys and bones to chew on).

Lulu is up to date on vaccinations and Trevor still needs a few to update him. But vet records can be provided to prove this so that updated vaccinations can be administered. Both dogs have never been leash trained properly as my mother never walked them - she had a large yard for them to run around in so that is something to alert people to. Know that we have had them on leashes and they are simply not aware of what is needed but are not rambunctious - just slightly confused.

• 1. These are short haired dogs but they do need to be brushed or you will be inundated with dog hair.
• 2. Corgi's are herding dogs so they tend to be underfoot a bit
• 3. Corgi's bark - they will definitely alert you when someone is at the door or there is a strange noise. Be warned!
• 4. When giving the dogs a new toy or a bone, it's best to separate them for a little bit as Trevor's "boss dog" personality tends to come out.

  What else can I tell you? We love these dogs! My mom felt they were her children and I really just want a loving home for these 2 great dogs and prefer not to separate them.

  Josh

I'm so glad no photos are available for this. Now I have no problem with goth people...but goth pets?

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) -- Humane officers say a Pennsylvania woman marketed "gothic kittens" with ear, neck and tail piercings over the Internet. Officers with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals removed three kittens and a cat Wednesday from a home outside Wilkes-Barre, about 20 miles southwest of Scranton.

Officer Carol Morrison says the society got a tip that the Ross Township woman was selling the pierced kittens on the Internet. She says, "It's unbelievable anybody would do this to kittens."

Charges are likely against the homeowner, whose name was not released. Morrison says the woman has a pet grooming business in the basement of her home.
___
Information from: Times Leader, http://www.timesleader.com
Copyright 2008 The Associated Press.

With all this discussion about the new Obama dog, the issue of kids being responsible pet owners is even more in the limelight than it's ever been before. Here's a great gift idea for the family that is thinking about getting a pet.

Find out if your kids are ready for the responsibility of caring for a pet with Ubisoft's Petz Dogz Pack and other pet-related games (getting a cat? a hamster?, a horse? here's some other games you're kids can play).

Petz Dogz Pack is a new game from Ubisoft's casual game line for kids ages 6-12. It is designed to be played on the portable Nintendo DS. Petz Dogz Pack allows young players to crossbreed and create their own looks and personality for their new dog, as the game helps teach responsibility, showing kids how to interact and care for their new family member. This is the perfect way to show your own children what it is like to have a puppy and help them decide what breed is the best choice for their family. Petz Dogz Pack is also very affordable at $29.99, and is a good way to determine if your kids are ready for the real thing!

This is a much better option than getting a pet on impulse just because it's the holidays. If your child wants to get a pet then you can make a pact with them saying that if they do well with this game you can choose a puppy together at a later date...preferably at a rescue or animal shelter.

Remember this post about Naomi the Cattle Dog Mix? Well she found a foster person willing to take until she finds a forever home. If you're still interested in giving her a loving forever home email marinadeldave@gmail.com. But at least she won't be euthanized. Here's the email I got about it!

Hi Everyone,

Great News! Fantastic News! We have an angel among us! My friend and her husband went to the LA South Central shelter and pulled Neomi out to foster her in their home until we can find her a new, "forever" home. NEOMI IS NOW SAFE AND WARM AND IS BEING LOVED AND CARED FOR !!

This is not the end of her story though. We now need to find Neomi a "forever" home. Meredith states that she is a sweetie and a real cuddle-bug. She's adjusting to her foster home with another dog and cat and Danielle my dog training business partner will be helping with the adjustment period if needed. When Neomi has settled and begins to "blossom" into the wonderful dog we know she is, we will send out a new bio on her.

In the meantime, M & S, I cannot thank you enough for opening your hearts and home to this dog in need. God bless you!

Please pass this good news email on to everyone you sent her plea to so they know there is power and hope in our email forwarding system.

~Connie

My cats used to love doing stuff like this to the Christmas tree. Now that Marcie is older and a bit slower (especially because of her condition) I have nothing to worry with her. But Hershey can be another story. That's why I don't have a real Christmas tree and there will be absolutely NO real Poinsettia plants in my house. It's too bad because I think they're so beautiful.

I got several emails listing pet safety tips. But rather than edit and combine tips that aren't duplicated I found this HOLIDAY PET SAFETY CHECKLIST!

WOW!! I did not know that snow globes often contain ANTIFREEZE!! No snow globes take residence in my house at the moment. But who would have thought about something like that?

Take a look at that list. It's comprehensive and mindboggling.

Here's one tip that will never get old:

If you suspect that your pet has eaten something toxic, call your veterinarian and/or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center's 24-hour emergency hotline at 1-888-4-ANI-HELP better known as (888) 426-4435.

I got several emails about various holiday issues in regards to your pets. I'm sure you've read it all before but it doesn't hurt to be reminded of things like this. Here's something about what to do when traveling with Fido or Fluffy during this season.

TIS THE SEASON TO TRAVEL WITH PETS

Easy Pet Travel Tips
(New York - November 17, 2008) -- Whether you are traveling to a neighboring town or over the river and through the woods, it's important to always put your pet's safety first, which can easily be overlooked with the holiday hustle and bustle.

According to Jane Manfredi, DVM, being prepared is the best thing pet owners
can do to ensure a safe and easy trip with a pet this holiday season. Below
are a few tips to ensure a merry ride for you and your pet:

Always Use an ID tag: Just like you always tag your luggage, be sure to tag your pet. Pet owners are discovering a new generation of web-based pet identification services that can easily help you find your pet. CLICK HERE for previous posts on such services. A reader commented on another web-based pet ID service called Return Moi Pets! Click the link and check it out. It's got the same idea.

Do Your Homework: If you and your pet are, please review the current Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations about traveling with pets. Make sure your pet has proper ventilation and spacing in its cargo. If your pet is flying as a passenger, confirm that your carrier meets FAA size regulations.

Document It: Before hitting the road, be sure to pack a copy of your pet's vaccination records, including rabies. More and more public places like dog parks,
hotels and pet playgroups are requesting this documentation.

Create a Home Away from Home: Help create a sense of security for your pet by familiarizing them with their travel crate weeks prior to your trip. Be sure to include cozy reminders from home, such as your pet's favorite blanket or toy.

Feed a light meal to your pet three to four hours before traveling. Pets should never fly on an empty stomach or be fed while in transport.

Don't forget to tell visiting family and friends your pet's dietary guidelines. It's often tempting to feed a cute furry friend table scraps that may disagree with your pet's sensitive system.

Check and Groom Before You Go: To ease the stress of travel on a pet, it's best to take your pet for a check up at your veterinarian's office and a grooming appointment at least a week in advance of travel. Get some anxiety medications from your vet prior to traveling. And make sure your pet as ample supplies of other medicines he or she needs.

Don't forget having your dogs nails trimmed can make traveling more enjoyable for both dog and owner. Finally, just remember the winter season is upon us and the weather outside can be frightful... pets should never be left unattended in a parked car for any
period of time especially during the chilly winter months (or hot summer months if you're traveling south of the equator).

I got this information in an email about a Cattle Dog mix that desperately needs a home. Otherwise she will be put to sleep soon.

Please help us save this sweet cattle dog mix - who's so shy they are going to put her down
LA IMPOUND # A0998810. Here's a link to her shelter page.

Neomi is a very shy, scared girl, about 1 year old, probably a cattle dog mix. She stays in the back of her enclosure at the shelter. Just the tip of her tail starts to wag as she sees you stop and say hi, but she's afraid to come over. When she leaves her cage, she trembles and huddles against the base of the walls in the hallway. She's so terrified she hardly moves. But once you get her into a safe surrounding, she comes right over and plasters herself against you - she can't get close enough - and slowly she starts to relax and stop shaking. She's curious about the world, just very, very afraid. She needs a family that will give her a quiet, safe environment to gain her confidence. She definitely seems like she'll be a real sweetheart once she feels better about the world and herself. Who knows what she's been through to feel this way! She seems good with other dogs and doesn't fear men. Because she's so shy, she's overlooked at the shelter. Right now she is RED LISTED - which means she is scheduled to be euthanised. Please help us save Neomi from being killed because she's so shy - Let us know immediately if you can foster or adopt her.

Please direct any questions about adopting or fostering this sweet shy girl to Marina @ marinadeldave@gmail.com. She would sure be a wonderful addition to your warm holiday home.

"He was nothing but a gentleman. He was elegant and a perfect resident of the White House." She adds, "he won't soon be replaced," said Linda Kulman who ghost wrote Hillary Clinton's book "Dear Socks, Dear Buddy: Kids's Letters To First Pets."

This Yorkshire Terrier and these Maltese dogs are among 10 puppies seized at the Los Angeles Airport as part of a puppy mill bust. They will be up for adoption at the East Valley Animal Shelter in Van Nuys. CLICK HERE for more information.

For more photos and video CLICK HERE! The dogs will be up for adoption via a silent auction. For more information on the silent auction, CLICK HERE!

L.A. Animal Services is looking for owners who can spend a significant amount of money to care for the puppy mill survivors as they tend to develop physical or behavioral issues as a result of improper breeding and poor living conditions.

WHAT: Puppy Mill Survivors Adoption
WHEN: 8:30 a.m. SHARP (be there on time or you'll miss out)
WHERE: East Valley Animal Shelter, 14409 Vanowen St., Van Nuys
MAP

For more events CLICK HERE!

Okay I may not post videos every day so it might as well be your semi daily or occasional cute video post! I've seen this video countless times. Someone just put it under my radar once again by posting it to the Live Journal Tortielove community (for fans of Tortie or Tortishell cats...like Marcie!).

This kitten does NOT want a bath but the momma sees to it that he gets his bath!

Don't ask me why the previous post with this event was deleted because IT'S STILL HAPPENING!!

Take your cat, your dog, your ferret and any other furry you may have to the nearest PetSmart for a digital photo with Santa. Proceeds from the event benefit local PetSmart charities.

WHAT: Photos with Santa
WHEN: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday Dec. 20-21
WHERE: Your nearest PetSmart
COST: $9.95
Find your nearest PetSmart HERE!

Photo Package includes:

• A digital photo of you and your pet with Santa
• An exclusive holiday frame

For more events CLICK HERE!

Now if this doesn't put you in the holiday spirit then I don't know what does. This dog REALLY loves snow. Can you say WHITE CHRISTMAS?!

I'm not really sure if this works since I'm not really allergic to pets (thank God)...although I have occasionally gotten a severe case of hay fever when visiting horse stables. But here's something that might help you if you or a friend/family member are allergic to our furry friends. I have one friend that I could give this too. If it works then I'd finally be able to invite her over to my house.

New Hope For Pet Lovers With Allergies

IRVINGTON, N.Y. (November 2008) - President-elect Obama promised his daughter Malia a puppy during his Election Night address and while the family is considering a hypoallergenic dog, no breed is 100 percent allergy free. Fortunately, the recent launch of a breakthrough allergy treatment may be just what the first family needs to create an environment where pets and allergies can peacefully coexist.

New Chloraseptic™ Allergen Block and Little Allergies™ Allergen Block will help make it possible for parents to check off that cuddly gift at the top of their children's wish list. These over-the-counter (OTC) products use an innovative science-based approach to help prevent nasal allergy symptoms by blocking allergens, including pet dander, on contact, before they enter the nasal passages. The Allergen Block products are drug-free topical gels which are applied outside the nostrils. The products are without systemic side effects, so your children can run around with Sparky without feeling drowsy.

Chloraseptic Allergen Block and Little Allergies Allergen Block are available in small, handy tubes which can be used anywhere, anytime. These gentle topical gels may be used safely in conjunction with other over-the-counter or prescription medications and can be reapplied as often as needed. Allergen Block products have received a Food and Drug Administration 510K registration number.

Unlike existing allergy products that treat allergy symptoms once the symptoms have started, Allergen Block products, when used as directed, help prevent the start of mild nasal allergy symptoms by reducing the number of allergen particles from entering the nostrils.

For more information on Allergen Block, log onto Allergenblock.com.

Well maybe not that but I'm so glad that certain pet stores are closing down due to public outrage.

Pet Love, a Beverly Center Institution, Prepares To Close As 'Puppy-Store-Free LA Campaign' Exposes Puppy Mills

LOS ANGELES-American consumers are becoming more aware of puppy mills these days, which is causing some Los Angeles pet shops to go out of business.

The latest is Pet Love, a Beverly Hills pet retailer that for 15 years has been located in the upscale Beverly Center. This week, the Beverly Center said it will terminate Pet Love's lease sometime in the next few months.

Pet Love's eviction from the Beverly Center could become part of a national trend, according to Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal rescue organization that has been educating Los Angeles residents about puppy mills, mass commercial breeding operations that supply pet shops with inventory.

Because puppy mills flood the market with approximately 400,000 animals each year, it contributes significantly to the plight of overcrowded animal shelters in the United States, where each year approximately five million homeless pets are put down. In Los Angeles shelters alone, approximately 25 percent of dogs are pure-bred animals, many of which end up euthanized.

"Puppy mills are cruel, inhumane places and the public is becoming wise to where pet shops procure their animals," said Elizabeth Oreck, Los Angeles program manager for the national animal rescue organization Best Friends Animal Society. "When you buy from a pet store, chances are you are supporting puppy mills, and the more likely it is that dogs will be euthanized in shelters."

The Pet Love closure is the result of Best Friends Animal Society's "A Puppy-Store-Free LA" campaign, launched last July at a Los Angeles news conference. The campaign includes a four-point program for Los Angeles that includes peaceful protests outside of stores that sell puppies, undercover investigative work, plans to change local ordinances, and rescuing animals from shelters for transport to other communities where they can be adopted.

"This is a direct result of our efforts over the past six months to let people know about the countless sick dogs sold by Pet Love," Oreck said. "Hundreds of Beverly Center patrons and employees have signed our petition expressing their concern about Pet Love's practice of selling sick dogs. Ultimately, this led the Beverly Center to make what we believe is the right decision-to sever their relationship by terminating Pet Love's lease."

Pet Love has sold thousands of dogs to local consumers. Best Friends' investigations proved that dogs were acquired from puppy mills. Pet Love was the subject of a KCBS Los Angeles undercover report that revealed illegal, improper medication on puppies for sale in stores, and has been cited by Los Angeles Animal Control for similar violations.

National Implications

Best Friends' chief executive officer Paul Berry said developments in Los Angeles send a strong message to pet shops across the country.

"Our work here in Los Angeles sends the strongest possible message everywhere that pet shops are supplied by puppy millers," Berry said. "If a pet store can be closed down in the iconic Beverly Center, it can happen anywhere in the country - New York, Chicago, Boston and other large metro areas."

"Puppy mills, sadly, are legal in the United States and because of this, the general population has not been aware of the conditions under which the puppy store animals are bred," Berry said. "We have been involved in many puppy mill rescues where parents of puppies, along with their offspring, are forced to live in cramped cages without socialization and little or no medical care. It has to stop and our campaign, we believe, is making a difference across the country."

Last summer, Best Friends met with owners of Pet Love to propose converting the shop to a business model that rescued animals and put them up for adoption. But Oreck said Best Friends was turned down-and threatened with litigation.

However, the residents of Los Angeles have spoken and the Beverly Center heard them.

"Our goal has never been to put Pet Love out of business," Oreck said. "We just wanted them to stop selling animals that come from puppy mills and other irresponsible breeders. We would happily guide and support them in that endeavor."

Next Steps

A-Puppy-Store-Free L.A. volunteers have also established a regular presence at in the Westside Pavilion to educate the public about Barkworks, another store that obtains their puppies from puppy mills, as well as the independent yet high-profile store, Pets of Bel Air. Best Friends will be expanding into other malls in the coming weeks and will continue to increase peaceful protests until consumer fraud, cruelty and shelter euthanasia associated with the irresponsible breeding and selling of pets in pet stores has ended.

Let Barkworks and and Pets of Bel Air know how you feel about puppy mills and inform them that you will not patronize their stores unless they STOP selling dogs from puppy mills.

Email Barkworks HERE and contact Pets of Bel Air HERE!

Now I know this isn't in the Valley but how fun is this? Why not take your dog on a fun and luxurious doggy retreat while you shop in Century City!? Your pooch would love it.

This holiday season DreamWorks Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies are bringing "Hotel for Dogs," a Doggie Retreat, to Westfield Century City as part of a promotion for their upcoming film, "Hotel For Dogs." Through January 5th, shoppers are invited to check-in their beloved dogs at the "Hotel for Dogs" Doggie Retreat where pooches can socialize in the lap of luxury for up to four hours free while their owners take care of their holiday shopping needs.

The Doggie Retreat, built especially for the Westfield Century City customer experience, is an exact replica of the one seen in the film, "Hotel For Dogs." The film stars Emma Roberts and Jake T. Austin with Lisa Kudrow, Kevin Dillon and Don Cheadle, in a smart, funny, comedy adventure that shows how two resourceful kids use love and imagination to create a magical dog-paradise for their dog and all of his stray friends. The film opens nationwide on January 16, 2009.

Help Canoga Park-area Seniors and their Pets Fight Hunger during Season of Suppers, a "Pet Food Drive for Pets in Need."

National initiative encourages Canoga Park-area community to reach out and donate this season to help local seniors with Pets stay nourished year round.

For some seniors, getting around easily is not an option, their best friend and only companion is a loving dog or cat. The Season of Suppers campaign, now in its third year, calls attention to the importance of pets to the well-being of homebound seniors. Helping keep these companion pets well fed, healthy and part of the family for as long as possible became the motivating factor behind the partnership among Banfield, The Pet Hospital, the Banfield Charitable Trust and Meals on Wheels Association of America.

To help feed the pets of needy seniors in the community, the following locations will collect pet food and monetary donations until Dec. 31:

Banfield, The Pet Hospital of Canoga Park (located inside PetSmart), 21311 Victory Blvd., Canoga Park. MAP
Banfield, The Pet Hospital of Westlake Village (located inside PetSmart), 5766 Lindero Cyn. Road N., Westlake Village. MAP

Bowl designed and autographed by Carrie Ann Inaba

I just saw this on our sister blog South Bay Pets and thought I'd post it here. It definitely fits in with the holiday spirit. Go to the ebay link and bid some great things for your animal-loving friends!

Los Angeles -- Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (spcaLA) has joined forces with the LA Kings and some pet friendly celebs to raise money for animal in need. Beginning Monday December 8th on spcaLA's eBay page, spcaLA will auction pet bowls designed and autographed by famous personalities like, Tori Spelling and Carrie Ann Inaba (from "Dancing With the Stars") as well as the chance to get up close and personal with the LA Kings. 100% of the proceeds benefit spcaLA.

Up for auction are one-of-a kind pet bowls designed and decorated by a variety of stars. Tori Spelling, Jenna Fischer (from "The Office"), AnnaLynne McCord (from "Beverly Hills 90210), Alison Sweeney (from "Days of Our Lives" and "Biggest Loser"), Carrie Ann Inaba (from "Dancing with the Starts") and many more were generous enough to participate in this spcaLA fundraising opportunity. Also available to eBay bidders, a chance to win a Zamboni ride or a seat in the LA Kings' penalty box during warm-ups, which make unique Holiday gifts. These prizes are redeemable at spcaLA's Night with the LA Kings on January 8th.

spcaLA's Night with the LA Kings on January 8th is a chance for sports lovers and animal lovers to come together, enjoy a great game (LA Kings vs. Anaheim Ducks!) and raise funds for animals in need. During the game, a silent auction of pet bowls designed and signed by Kings players and Kings memorabilia will be held. To purchase tickets for spcaLA's Night with the Kings, please go to http://www.spcala.com/ or call (323) 730-5300, x232. Proceeds from the silent auction and a portion of ticket sales benefit spcaLA.

spcaLA's ebay page is HERE!

Now I've never had a problem with my two felines as far as food goes. Well...I take that back. When it comes to wet food, Marcie prefers canned tuna and any other type of fish. Give her chicken or beef and she turns up her nose. Dry food is another story. This is not about the food itself but about the dishes it's served in. With my cats it doesn't matter what dish it is...just as long as there's food in it. But that's not to say other felines and canines don't care what kind of dish their food is served in. Yes SERVED!! We serve them! hah!!

Anyway...here is some information on a new type of pet dish. They are the perfect gift for your furry ones or friends and loved ones who have furry ones!

Is it just me? Or do these people have way too much time on their hands. But then again we should care about the comfort of our pets even when it comes to pet dishes.

THE WETNoZ DESIGN LAB REVOLUTIONIZES PET DISHES WITH THE CREATION OF THE URBAN COLLECTION

Countless Hours of Animal Observation and Anatomical Research Leads to Discovery of Bowl Shape That Best Suits Both Dogs and Cats

PFLUGERVILLE, Texas (Nov. 5, 2008) - It's one of those "that's so simple, why didn't I think of it?" discoveries. Create a pill shaped pet dish like one from the WETNoZ URBAN Collection - oriented perpendicularly to a dog's body and its shape perfect for the dog's muzzle, and their ears fall outside the dish. Take the same shape and turn it horizontally to a cat's body, and now you have a dish that does not touch their sensitive whiskers while they eat.

"One of our slogans is "we put the fun back in function," says Mark Kimbrough, Vice President of Creative Design for WETNoZ. "And that kind of thinking results in products like the URBAN dish. At first glance most would say "isn't that a cute pet bowl," but when you actually watch a dog or cat eat out of it you see just how well suited it is for both animals."

But the URBAN's functionality does not end with the shape; each dish in this collection is constructed with two separate parts. There is a removable stainless steel liner making an easy to clean, hygienic feeding surface, and the outer shell is made from tough ABS plastic with an anti-skid rubber ring on the bottom.

But all this functionality does not mean that the URBAN Collection can't also be stylish. One of the trademarks of all WETNoZ products is the subtle pleasure that they bring to humans and their home environment. While pets will only appreciate the functional design, homeowners will love WETNoZ's efforts to always provide the latest in contemporary design.

The URBAN water and food dishes are available in either a medium size that will hold three cups, or a small size with a one-cup capacity. To further enhance the URBAN Collection's sleek styling, the outer shell is offered in two beautiful earth tones - Tree Bark and Arctic Snow.

"The URBAN Collection is a great addition to our product line," added Kimbrough. "It is in perfect harmony with our ideal of first make it functional and then make it fun."

For more information about the URBAN Collection, or any of WETNoZ's other luxury pet accessories, please visit their website at www.wetnoz.com.

For more holiday gift ideas CLICK HERE!

Here's something for the horse lovers on your list. I always wished I could have a horse (can't afford it at all) but I love to live vicariously through others and I do have a couple of short stories of horses I've encountered but I'm sure those stories aren't as interesting.

Local Authors & Experts Featured in New Book for The Ultimate Horse Lover

Several local authors wrote an original contribution that has been published in the newly released book "THE ULTIMATE HORSE LOVER: The Best Experts' Advice for a Happy, Healthy Horse with Stories and Photos of Awe Inspiring Equines," the latest book by NY Times best selling publishers Health Communications Inc.

Here is an synopsis of one of the stories:

Title: Eight Belles and the Challenge of Faith

Summary: A race track chaplain has the difficult task of praying for safekeeping over jockey and rider, and in particular has to deal with the tragedy of famous race filly, Eight Belles.

Are You Crazy About Your Horse?

During their professional lives spent caring for, writing about, and riding horses, top equestrian experts Marty Becker, D.V.M., Audrey Pavia, Gina Spadafori, and Mikkel Becker have witnessed some amazing stories about the bonds between people and their beloved equines--true stories of love, loyalty, laughter, courage, connection, and camaraderie. Here these esteemed experts have compiled amazing true stories that will make you laugh and cry as you celebrate how much horses bring to our lives emotionally, physically, and spiritually.

And, whether your passion is riding, showing, or racing, life with a horse is never without questions, so you'll find expert advice from top veterinarians, trainers, behaviorists, and other authorities on all manner of equine topics, including nutrition and preventative care, communication and behavior, and so much more. With over sixty pages of photos that capture the awe-inspiring beauty of horses, this is truly the ultimate book that will make any horse lover whinny with delight.

The book sells for $14.95.

For more holiday gift ideas CLICK HERE!

It's been a tough day for all of us at the daily news so I thought that I'd post another ABC video to make people laugh. This time we're on the K's.

Who would have thought that Koalas could be so territorial!

I get so many things about dogs and cats that I sometimes forget that reptiles also exist in the pet world. In fact our family has a gecko (well he/she is actually a salamander). But he's more of an amphibian. The following is something you can give to your reptile-loving friends.

photo of the Rock Outcrop

Don't Leave Cold-Blooded Pets Out In The Cold This Holiday Season:

Exo Terra Offers New Gifts For Reptiles

MANSFIELD, MA--Americans lavish lots of love on their dogs and cats every year during the holidays. A 2008 survey by the Pet Supplies "Plus" chain found that the average customer plans to spend $54.00 on his or her pet this Yuletide season. But what about American's 13 million turtles, lizards, snakes and other pet reptiles?

Confined to a terrarium placed in a corner far from the tree, reptiles may feel left out of holiday festivities. That's about to change, thanks to the exciting line of reptile products from Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp.'s Exo Terra division. The innovative products from Exo Terra are specifically designed to replicate their natural habitats, and take reptile care to a new level while making their care easier and less time consuming for owners.

Exo Terra should find a growing market for its gifts this holiday season. In recent years, reptiles have crawled and slithered their way into our hearts, doubling in pet population since 1996 to 4.8 million households. Across the Atlantic, reptiles are even tipping the scales against felines for second spot behind dogs in pet popularity in the United Kingdom. There are now some 6 million reptile pets in the UK versus 7 million cats. Here's a list of products from Exo Terra by Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. that are sure to make any lizard's holiday a little more merry.

Water Well--An attractive rock formation hides a bottle that feeds a small basin with water. The bottle holds much more water than the standard water dish in a lot less horizontal space, and isolates the majority of it from contamination and humidity, dramatically reducing the frequency of fill-ups.

Feeding Rock--An all-in-one solution to feeding, the Feeding Rock can be filled with supplement and insects and then shaken to coat the insects. Excess powder is stored in the rock, where it is protected from substrate and can be used again. Insects will gradually escape from a small hole with removable plug.

Rock Outcrop (first photo)-- The Rock Outcrop helps create a more 3 dimensional terrarium, while also providing ample shelter with multiple entrances. The vertical orientation of the Rock Outcrop maximizes space in a terrarium, while the hideout can help reduce stress. The realistic faux-rock finish is also easy to clean.

Snake Cave--The two-part design of the Snake Cave makes it easy to clean completely and even access an inhabitant if necessary. Dampening the included moss makes the Snake Cave a moist hideout required for nesting or shedding skin that even desert reptiles require.

Waterfall--Able to be installed anywhere in the terrarium, the Exo Terra Waterfalls helps stimulate natural drinking behavior in some lizards and increase a terrarium's humidity level. Stable and durable, the design of the Waterfall keeps the water tank and pump encased, but breaks down for thorough cleaning. An Exo Terra Repti Flo Pump is included.

Worm Dish--The inner overhanging lip of the Exo Terra Worm Dish prevents the escape of mealworms into the substrate where they can decompose and harbor bacteria or turn into an inedible beetle, while still allowing reptiles a clear view of their prey. The lip is also removable to clean easily and completely

For more information, or other great reptile gifts, visit exo-terra.com

I recently posted about IDTAG.com, a unique way to find your lost pet. I just got information on yet another lost pet alert system designed to easily help you find a lost pet. Now I'm not here to say which service is better since I've never used either (still thinking about it though...have to weigh the pros and cons of each). But I'm just giving you information so you can come to your own conclusions as to the best avenue to take. One thing is for sure! These things are like insurance (car or health etc...): you're glad you have it but you hope that you'll never have to use it.

New Pet ID System to Raise Bar in Lost Pet Prevention and Recovery

Wednesday, December 3, 2008 Chicago, IL Global Pet Search Inc.® announced the launch of their revolutionary lost pet search and rescue tagging system, Pawtags®. Pawtags provides instant 24/7 live operator assistance and leverages both a proactive and reactive process for reuniting pets with their owners.

Each Pawtag is a high-quality, colorful, weatherproof tag with an exclusive, deep-stamped ID number. Upon purchase, members register their pet's information, including vet info, rabies tag number, city licensing information, and microchip data, into their profile and can include up to ten emergency contact phone numbers. This allows the Pawtag to serve as a multi-tag component, storing all of the pet's information in one place.

In the case that a pet is lost, Global Pet Search's highly trained call center staff will work their way through the listed contacts until a live person is reached. The staff has been specially trained to help return lost pets to safety through a variety of methods, including Google mapping locations and three-way conferencing between the owner, pet-finder, and call center.

"Our rescue assistance procedures for lost pets are close to 911 emergency assistance services for people," said John Capriotti, Sr. Director of Marketing for Global Pet Search. "Microchips are good for identification, but they are only useful after the pet has been rescued. They have to already be in a facility that can scan and find the chip, which isn't always the case."

Included in the standard member's package is access to Global Pet Search's exclusive nationwide lost pet search program, the Pet Alert Warning System®, or PAWS Alert, which is the first in the country to provide pet owners with an open line of communication with all 10,000 intake facilities registered with the National Animal Control Association.

The main problem with lost pet searches is people do not know where to look for their pets. Most municipalities contract out their Animal Control Services. All lost pets go to those facilities first. Then a select few get picked up by Humane Societies and adoption facilities. The rest are euthanized in some cases within 2 or 3 days!

"Nationally, almost 80% of lost pets retrieved and brought into animal control facilities are euthanized," said Capriotti. "The main reason for this devastating figure is facilities that have found the pet don't know who owns it, and owners don't know where to look for their lost pet. Our PAWS Alert System is the sorely needed conduit between these gaps."

Global Pet Search is initiating various national programs, linked with pet industry advocates, in hopes of changing the current standard for pet identification in the United States. "We are committed to dropping the current 80% lost pet euthanasia rate though dedicated, devoted live assistance and advanced technological adaptations," said Capriotti. "Our members are comfortable knowing their pets are protected 24/7 and our staff will extend every effort to help them locate their lost pet."

Pawtags are competitively priced, with an initial purchase price of $9.99 providing both a durable tag and one year's worth of live operator search and rescue services. Members can renew each year for the same price or upgrade to a lifetime membership for only $19.99. The tags, which are the first cash-and-carry prepackaged pet tag in the country, will soon be available at local retailers, shelters, veterinary offices, rescue groups, and pet adoption centers, and can be purchased immediately at www.pawtags.com.

For more holiday gift ideas CLICK HERE!

Here's a great gift for the dog or cat owner in your life (or even for yourself). I.D. tags that make tracking your lost pet even easier. I call it the pet version of the LoJack...LOL!! But in all seriousness...this is a great thing. Hershey already has a microchip but Marcie doesn't so I think I'll get her one of these. Not sure if Hershey will allow me to put on a collar but we'll see.

Bone I.D. and Cat face I.D. tag. Check the website for more unique tags.

SAY GOODBYE TO STANDARD PET ID TAGS
New Generation of a Virtual Amber Alert(tm) System for Pets Released

(New York - November 12, 2008) - Did you know each year nearly 8 million lost pets are placed in animal shelters across the country, with nearly 75 percent euthanized? And with more people traveling with their pets, this number is sure to increase. Having accurate, easy-to-find contact information is one of the best ways to increase a pet's chances of being reunited with its family. And to increase these odds even more, IDTAG.com comes to the rescue.

IDTAG.com is a web-based pet identification service that provides the fastest, easiest way to reunite owners with lost pets. Each IDTAG.com pet tag is engraved with a unique identification number or pet "social security number," enabling the pet owner to create a secure, on-line profile containing current photos, videos, health records and emergency contact information about their dog or cat. So if your precious pet ever goes missing, one call to the IDTAG.com emergency support line or a click of the mouse and an instant lost pet alert will be sent to any shelter, veterinarian or rescue group within 50 miles of the pet's last known location. In a similar fashion, anyone who recovers the pet can simply call the toll-free number on the tag or log onto www.IDTAG.com. When every second counts, it's like an Amber Alert(tm) for lost pets!

Service Features:

• Simple, three-step online registration process that takes minutes to complete
• 24/7 toll-free emergency hotline, (866)-60-FOUND
• Secure on-line access to personalized pet and owner profiles - ANYWHERE, ANYTIME
• One-Click(tm) Instant-Lost Pet Broadcast Alert to more than 15,000 animal shelters, vets and rescue groups - new rescue contacts are added to the network weekly
• Text message and e-mail alerts sent to the network
• Lost-pet bulletins automatically posted on missing-pet web sites
• Stylish pet tags with no engraving necessary, serial numbers won't wear off
• Affordably-priced
• Even if IDTAG is missing, lost pets can still be recovered

The instant broadcast of pet emergency information saves time when searching for a missing pet and gives peace of mind that you are giving your pet the best protection available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Microchipping is another alternative to traditional engraved tags, but only IDTAG.com can be instantly and easily updated online and requires no additional scanning equipment. IDTAG.com's web site also allows pet owners to list multiple emergency contacts for maximum protection, with images, microchip numbers, rewards and even video. In the event a pet finder cannot easily access a computer, IDTAG.com operators will call every emergency number in the pet's profile, until the owner is successfully reached.

This new service is also beneficial to busy animal shelters. "An important part of the Valley Animal Center's mission is helping people keep their pets safe," said Brittnee Maxfield of Valley Animal Center in Fresno, California. "We are so pleased to be partnering with IDTag.com, providing pet owners another way to be reunited with their four-legged friends in the event that they ever get lost."

How IDTAG.com Works:

1. Use the serial number on the product tag to create a secure user profile on IDTAG.com. The profile creation process is easy and takes only a few minutes.
2. Lost pet? Call the emergency hotline or log into IDTAG.com. The service will send broadcast alerts to any shelter or rescue group within 50 miles of where your pet was
3. last seen. Shelters receive images of your pet, a list of special needs and primary and secondary contact information within MINUTES.
4. An e-mail is sent automatically to the user with listings of the shelters/rescue groups that received the lost-pet bulletin - no need to wait for the shelter to contact you.
5. If someone finds your pet, they simply log onto www.IDTAG.com or call the toll-free phone number on the tag.

IDTAG.com can be purchased at PetSmart, Meijer and at thousands of independent pet stores nationwide. For more information, please visit www.IDTAG.com.

A bird feeder from Wild Birds Unlimited.

This is taken from the recent Holiday Gift Guide, which was created by our lovely Bargain Hunter Julia Scott. Check that out for all the information you need on holiday savings.

Save lots on gifts for all pets!!