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Issue No. 7, Vol. 1 |
FEATURETime to Hit the Trail with your ACDust off those hiking boots and pull out the leash and backpack. This year, take your animal companion along with you as you visit the great outdoors.Featured below are three books which focus on great areas to explore with your dog. Before launching off on an extended hike, however, consider if your dog is healthy enough, has the desire, and is trained enough to walk the distance at your side. You should get approval from your veterinarian if your companion has any sort of medical problem, is overweight, etc. Work up to the longer distances with him by doing the shorter distances first. These three books are available at Amazon.com or may even be on local bookstore shelves. |
 Dr. Shirley Harman, the regular veterinarian at Animal Outreach clinics, and husband Hank are avid hikers, always taking a dog or two (or three or four) with them. Pictured are Dr. Harman with Jeremiah, Mickey, Maggie (with backpack) and Partner. |
48 Dog-friendly Trails in California's Foothills and the Sierra Nevada, by Debbie Preston. A guide to day hikes from Sacramento into the Foothills and the Sierra Nevada. With the hikes in this book, you visit places when wildflowers are at their peak, waterfalls at their fullest, and crowds at a minimum. Hikes are arranged by month so no matter when you visit, you will find something of interest to you and suitable to your physical ability. The trails in this book take you to places with great views, historical points of interest, fishing or swimming holes, etc. The hikes are all easily accomplished in a day trip, however, they progress in terms of difficulty starting in January with the easiest and finishing with more difficult hikes in the fall. |
 The Dog Lover's Companion to California, by Maria Goodavage. The inside scoop on the best dog runs, parks, beaches, hiking trails, camping areas, and pet-friendly businesses in the state. Goodavage and her animal companion Jake have dug up many surprising resources, such as baseball games, summer camps, and pet parades. For the less outdoorsy dog, there are doggy spas, art openings, and even winery visits. Packed with helpful maps, up-to-date leash laws, and a useful "paw" ranking system for all locations in the book. |
 Best Hikes with Dogs: Bay Area and Beyond, by Thom Gabrukiewicz. When Gabrukiewicz's canine companion, Scully, cut her pads on rough terrain, he was forced to carry her out on top of his pack-eight miles with an extra 50 pounds on his back. Scully recovered, but Gabrukiewicz started looking at trails from a dog's point of view. They have since hiked more than 2,000 miles together, joined by sidekick Trinity. These trails do not require leashes (except in parks as noted). More than two-thirds of the hikes are on lesser known trails where travel is light and where you're unlikely to meet horses, bicycles, or motorized vehicles. Additional features include what to pack for your pooch (The Ten Canine Essentials). |
NEWS
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The 16th Annual Doggy Dash, a benefit for the Sacramento SPCA, will be held Saturday, May 30, in William Land Park. Animal enthusiasts from the greater Sacramento area and beyond will gather to raise funds for animals sheltered at the Sacramento SPCA. Events include:
Although the Bark at the Park Festival is free, all Pup Show and contest registrations including the Pug Races are $5 per participant. Same-day registration fees for those interested in the fundraiser walk/run are $30 per person; if you are joining a team, the registration fee is $40. Children 8 and under are free. |
 For further information regarding the 16th Annual Doggy Dash, visit the SPCA's website dedicated to the event. For a map of the park, visit the City of Sacramento website. |
Animal Outreach's new website has been launched. The revamped site includes lots of new information including a link to their new logo store (see items below currently for sale). Visit the new site, www.animaloutreachcats.com, to see all of the adoptable cats and kittens, and to learn more about volunteer opportunities.
Michael Vick wants to work with an unlikely ally -- the Humane Society of the United States -- on a program aimed at eradicating dog fighting among urban teens. Society president Wayne Pacelle said Tuesday that he recently met with Vick at the federal prison in Leavenworth, Kan., and that Vick said he wants to work with the group once he's out of federal custody.
Vick, suspended NFL Falcons quarterback, is serving a 23-month prison sentence after his 2007 dog fighting conviction. He is scheduled to return to Virginia this week to serve the final two months of his term under home confinement in Hampton. Vick is expected to be released to supervised probation July 20 after receiving two months off his term for good behavior.
"He indicated that he's tremendously remorseful about this, and now he wants to be an agent of change, to work to end dog fighting and to specifically get young kids to cease any involvement in these activities," Pacelle was quoted as saying in the Tuesday issue of SportsIllustrated.cnn.com. Pacelle said he went into the meeting with much skepticism.
The vicious bloodsport, Pacelle contends is a "culturally complex problem" that is prevalent among black urban teens and Vick's voice could become a valuable asset. "Sometimes folks who are reformed can be particularly strong advocates," Pacelle said, but not simply by recording anti-dogfighting public service announcements. "We agree that he's got to put boots on the ground and hit the issue hard and do it over a long time."
For more thoughts on the subject by Pacelle, visit his blog devoted to the topic.
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Rehabilitation is possible for those involved in dog fighting and Sean Moore, 38, is living proof. The former "trainer" and dog fighter has spent the last two years as an anti-dogfighting advocate (ADA) for The HSUS's End Dog fighting program, relying on his inside knowledge of the streets to help transform attitudes among children and young men who are following in his footsteps. For a profile on Moore and his efforts to work with youth in Chicago, see the HSUS webpage. |
 Sean Moore and his friend Jigga are obvious loving fans of one another. |
Email your NEWS articles to Debra at Debra@PetMewsings.com to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.
HEALTH
Water safety can be an issue for your dog, especially if he's not a good swimmer. Pet expert Andrea Arden shared several pet safety summer tips on the msnbc.com website. According to Arden, even dogs who are good swimmers need to be protected around water. If you have a pool, keep in mind your dog might jump in and not be able to figure out how to get out, so just as with children, never leave a pet unsupervised around water. This is especially true if you have a pool cover on, because pets can get caught under it.
As an extra precaution your pet can wear a dog life preserver such as the ones from Hunterk9.com ($21 - $27) when enjoying supervised playtime in or near water. The Pool Patrol Alarm from Hunterk9.com ($149.95) is also a great precaution to have in your pool. It will alert you if anything that weighs more than 9 lbs. falls into your pool.
A friend sent me this series of photos of a dog rescuing a cat from the swimming pool, photographer unknown. For some reason, I don't think I'd trust my dogs to do the same. ...
Post-op care is critical for your dog or cat after they have been spayed or neutered. Your cat is still under the influence of the anesthetic and may perform contrary to its normal nature, according to Animal Outreach staff. It is important to keep your cat in a small, warm and quiet room for at least the next 24 hours. Provide a litter box, food and fresh water. Your cat may choose not to eat after surgery for as long as 24 hours. Have your cat remain in its carrier for at least 3 hours after pickup to avoid any injury to you or your cat.
Also, notify Animal Outreach, (530) 642-2287, if you notice:
- Redness, bleeding or puffiness at the site of the incision
- Pus or drainage at the incision site
- Cat refuses to eat more than 24 hours after surgery
Email your HEALTH articles to Debra at Debra@PetMewsings.com to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.
ADOPTIONS
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Winnie the Pug is available for adoption at the El Dorado County Animal Services shelter as of press time. Winnie is about 8 years old, spayed, and has been at the shelter since May 15. For those unfamiliar with the pug breed, Winnie is considered to be fawn and black. A whole lot more about pugs can be learned at the Pug Dog Club of America website. Winnie can be seen at the Placerville shelter, 511 Placerville Drive, Placerville. They can be reached at (530) 621-5795. The shelter is open from 9:30 a.m. until noon and 1 until 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. For more information, visit the shelter's website. For example, the Club cites overweight or obese Pugs as the number one health problem seen by veterinarians. Pugs will eat 'til they burst and always "act" hungry, even if they are well-fed. The Club cites a recent study by Purina which showed that lean dogs live an average of two years longer than overweight dogs and the lean dogs have far fewer health problems. "There are many wonderful foods on the market," according to the Club, "the key is to feed the proper amount." Owners should base the correct amount on what their dog looks like, not what the bag says or how much the bowl holds." As with all breeds, you should just be able to feel your dog's ribs and be able to see a waist. |
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- Be at least 18 years old.
- Provide verifiable identification.
- Guarantee adequate exercise, food, water, shelter, vaccinations, medical care, grooming, identification, lifelong care and love for your new pet.
- If you rent, provide permission for a pet from the owner or manager of your rental unit.
- Adhere to state and local ordinances pertaining to animal care and control.
- Complete an adoption application.
You can find your feline companion at one of the following locations:
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Animal Outreach 6200 Enterprise #D, Diamond Springs Saturdays 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Petco 855 East Bidwell (near Blue Ravine), Folsom Saturdays 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. PetSmart 2705 East Bidwell, Folsom Saturdays 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sundays 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. |
El Dorado County Animal Services 511 Placerville Dr., Placerville Monday thru Saturday, 9:30 a.m. until noon; 1 until 4 p.m. (530) 621-5795 El Dorado Humane Society 777 Pleasant Valley Road (next to Scalise Meats) Monday thru Friday, 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Sunday, noon until 4 p.m. (530)642-2734 PetSmart Corner of Greenback and Sunrise, Citrus Heights Saturdays & Sundays noon until 4 p.m. PetSmart 10830 Olson Dr., Rancho Cordova Saturdays noon until 3 p.m. |
Email your ADOPTION articles to Debra at Debra@PetMewsings.com to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.
VOLUNTEER
Volunteers are always needed at the local Animal Shelter (both Placerville and South Lake Tahoe). Among the many jobs for volunteers at the shelter are:
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Dog Exercising Cat Socializing Adoptions |
Foster Care Lost and Found Special Events |
Grooming Training Humane Education |
Office Support Grounds Maintenance |
Email your VOLUNTEER articles to Debra at Debra@PetMewsings.com to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.
PET SERVICES
Dirty Dog Pet Salon not only offers all-breed grooming but large tubs for self service. Flea and tick control applications are available. Dirty Dog Salon is located at 6196 Pleasant Valley Road in El Dorado just down the street from the Post Office. Call (530) 621-1432 for an appointment or more information.
To feature your pet-related business in the PET SERVICES section, write to Debra at Debra@PetMewsings.com. . Classified PET SERVICES ads are free; for rates and specifications of display ads, also write to Debra.
FLEAMARKET
Animal Outreach now features its own online shopping resource, via Cafe Press. All proceeds from sales go directly to AO efforts. Featured here are just two of the many items found at the Animal Outreach on-line shop.
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 The "New Yorker" magazine offers some very funny pet-related cartoons online. This cartoon, drawn by artist Eldon Dedini, appeared in the magazine July 9, 2001. The cartoon can be purchased in two different sizes, matted and framed or simply matted. T-shirts, sweatshirts and note cards are also available. Prices vary. You can check out the Cartoon Bank's offerings and limit your search to "Pets" for all the funny companion animal covers. |
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Email your FLEAMARKET classified ad to Debra at Debra@PetMewsings.com to be included free of charge in the next issue of Mewsings.  RESOURCES
Email your RESOURCES articles to Debra at Debra@PetMewsings.com to be included in the next issue of Mewsings. Quote of the Week: " There's no need for a piece of sculpture in a home that has a cat. " ~ Wesley Bates  Frequently Asked Questions
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