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    Issue No. 3, Vol. 1
    March 28, 2009

    INSIDE THIS ISSUE     

FEATURE

Finding a new home for you AND your pet

As more people lose their jobs and possibly even their homes, pet owners are relocating in growing numbers. In Part 1 of a two-part series, Mewsings offers up information provided by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) on how to find a new home for you AND your companion animal. Next week's Part 2 will offer tips on how to find new homes for your pets if there is no possible way you can manage to keep them.
  • Give yourself enough time. If possible, start to check ads and contact real estate agents and rental agencies at least six weeks before you plan to move.
  • Understand why many housing communities reject pets. Put yourself in the shoes of a landlord: They may have had bad experiences with irresponsible pet owners who didn't safely confine their animals or pick up their feces, sneaked pets in, or left ruined carpets and drapes when they moved out. They may be worried about complaints from neighbors about barking dogs. All these concerns are legitimate.
  • Make use of available resources. Contact the humane society or animal care and control agency serving the area into which you are moving; the agency may be able to provide you with a list of apartment communities that allow pets. If you know any real estate agents who share your love of animals, ask them for leads. Community apartment guidebooks sometimes indicate which apartment communities allow pets
  • Recognize that it may be futile to try to sell yourself and your pet to a large rental community with a no-pets policy. You're more likely to be successful if you focus on places that allow most pets, allow certain pets (for example, cats or dogs weighing less than 20 pounds), or that don't say, "Sorry, no pets."
  • Gather proof that you're responsible. The more documentation you can provide attesting to your conscientiousness as a pet owner, the more convincing your appeal will be to your future landlord. Compile the following documents:

     a) A letter of reference from your current landlord or condominium association verifying that you are a responsible pet owner.
     b) Written proof that your adult dog has completed a training class, or that your puppy is enrolled in one.
     c) A letter from your veterinarian stating that you have been diligent in your pet's medical care. Supply documentation that your pet has been spayed or neutered and vaccinated against rabies.

  • Make your request to the individual or group with the ultimate authority to grant your request. Usually this will be the owner of the house or apartment.
  • If you encounter a no-pets policy, ask if it is the result of a negative experience with a previous resident. Addressing your landlord's prior experience may show you how to present your own request most effectively.
  • Let the landlord know you, too, are concerned about cleanliness. Point out that your pet is housetrained or litter-box trained. Emphasize that you always clean up after your dog outdoors and that you always properly dispose of your pet's waste.

  • Promote yourself. Responsible pet owners make excellent residents. Because they must search harder for a place to live, pet caregivers are more likely to stay put. Lower vacancy rates mean lower costs and fewer headaches for landlords and real estate agents. Let prospective landlords and managers know that you understand that living with a companion animal is a privilege, not a right.
  • Promote your pet. Offer to bring your pet to meet the owner or property manager, or invite the landlord to visit you and your pet in your current home. A freshly groomed, well-behaved pet will speak volumes. Make it clear to the landlord, manager, or condominium board that you keep your cat inside and your dog under control at all times. If you can't arrange for a meeting, consider making a short scrapbook with photos of your pampered pet in his or her current home, and/or draw up a résumé for your pet. Scrapbooks and résumés are unique ideas that are guaranteed to make a strong, yet positive, impression.
  • Be willing to pay a little extra. Tell your prospective landlord or resident manager that you are willing to pay an extra security deposit to cover any damages your pet might make to the property.
  • Get it in writing. Once you have been given permission by a landlord, manager, or condominium committee to have a pet, be sure to get it in writing. Sign a pet addendum to your rental agreement. Comprehensive agreements protect people, property, and the pets themselves. Request a copy of any house rules pertaining to pets. Let the landlord know that you will abide by the rules set for the broader community and respect the concerns of residents who do not own pets.
  • Be honest. Don't try to sneak your pet in. Keeping an animal in violation of a no-pets rule contributes to the general inclination of landlords not to allow pets. You also may be subject to possible eviction or other legal action.

For a more detailed explanation of all of the above tips, visit the HSUS's webpage on how to find animal-friendly rentals.

NEWS

"Taste of Italy" dinner/fundraiser will be held Saturday, April 18, at the Lion's Club Hall, 4701 Missouri Flat Road, Diamond Springs. This is a first for Animal Outreach, who will host the event in an effort to support the forgotten pets of the economic crisis. Featured will be an alcoholic beverages/cash bar hosted by the Lion's Club, along with 40 raffle prizes and a silent auction. Tickets are $12 adults and $6 for kids 10 and under. Tickets can be purchased in advance at Animal Outreach headquarters, 6200 Enterprise Dr., Suite D, Diamond Springs. For more information, call A.O. at 530-642-2287.
Gus takes the prize during the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) second annual Spay Day Online Pet Photo Contest. Gus, a resident of Spirit Lake, Idaho, was singled out from more than 45,000 entries. The 2009 celebrity panel was comprised of Matt Grant of "The Bachelor," author and dog trainer Tamar Geller, "MUTTS" cartoonist Patrick McDonnell and photographer Christopher Ameruoso.

The description of Gus, submitted by owner Lanmana Parys, captured the judges' hearts and imagination: "He is the best babysitter/big brother for all the fosters I have had through the years. I can trust him with the smallest and weakest, and even his annoying little sister can't break his patience."

Spay Day takes place on the last Tuesday of February, with events in honor of the day occurring throughout February. Event organizers across the United States and around the world hold special spay/neuter clinics and conduct outreach efforts to raise funds and promote spaying and neutering. Since its inception in 1995, more than 1.5 million dogs and cats have been spayed or neutered as a result of Spay Day. To read more about Gus and to see photos of runner-ups, visit the organization's website.

The Annual Dog-a-Thon will be held May 2, 2009. The event is organized by the local Lions clubs to benefit the El Dorado Center for the Visually Impaired. Prior to the event, participants may pick up an entry form to begin seeking pledges for his or her entry. On the day of the event, registration begins at 8 a.m. at Schnell School with the walk commencing at 9 a.m. along the El Dorado trail. Vendors will be on site and prizes, raffle, entertainment will be offered. Sponsors are welcomed. For more information, call 530-686-6715 or 622-6860.
Gus the Babysitting Dog

Email your NEWS articles to Debra at to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.

HEALTH


Warning! Easter lilies can be deadly Easter lilies and other lilies can be toxic to cats, causing kidney failure and death. All parts of the lily can be toxic, and eating just one leaf can result in severe poisoning. After eating a portion of an Easter lily, a cat will generally vomit and become depressed within 2 hours. The vomiting may subside, but the cat will not eat and continue to become more depressed.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if you know or suspect your cat has eaten any part of an Easter lily. Treatment includes causing the cat to vomit by giving an emetic, administering activated charcoal and a cathartic (stimulates bowel movements), and giving subcutaneous or intravenous fluids. A cat must be treated within 18 hours of ingesting the plant, or the damage to the kidneys will be irreversible.

Other lilies which belong to this same plant species and are also toxic include tiger lilies, rubrum or Japanese showy lilies, and various day lilies. Many other bulb plants are also poisonous such as daffodils and hyacinths.

For an entire list of plants and other substances toxic to cats, visit Doctors Foster and Smith's PetEducation.com.

Multiple Dog Disorder (MDD) Although it can be serious, it is seldom fatal but unfortunately, there is no known cure. See if you suffer from the disorder (I know I do):

Diagnostic Criteria
Symptoms which must be present:

  1. Poor self-control, usually unable to resist "just one more."
  2. 100% occupancy of kennel space at all times.
  3. Dog food expenses at least 4 times the grocery bill.
At least 4 of the following symptoms present (8 or more indicate a chronic condition):
  1. Minimum of 2 crates and 1 grooming table in the house.
  2. Dog grooming equipment in 4 large storage crates, personal grooming supplies in 1 overnight bag.
  3. Clean kennels daily, clean house once a month.
  4. Doing dishes means washing more than a dozen dog bowls.
  5. Have a king size bed, but sleep clinging to the side to allow dogs enough room.
  6. Yard securely fenced, landscaping is outside of fence.
  7. Attend Company BBQ to collect a large quantity of rib bones.
  8. Live in isolated rural location.
  9. Others ask "how many dogs do you have...now"?
  10. Pooper Scooper Wrist (similar to Tennis Elbow).
  11. Dry cleaner always finds plastic baggies in pockets.
  12. Used to show pictures of children, now whip out dog pictures without provocation.

Just part of my crew during the peak of my MDD.




Email your HEALTH articles to Debra at to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.

ADOPTIONS


Consider a slightly older dog Digger, a black and tan hound and German Shepherd mix, is a little older than most residents of El Dorado County Animal Services. But at six years old, Digger may posses some qualities that make him an outstanding candidate for a new family member. According to the Senior Dogs Project, older dogs:

1. Are housetrained. You won't have to go through the difficult stage(s) of teaching a puppy house manners and mopping/cleaning up after accidents.

2. Are not teething puppies, and won't chew your shoes and furniture while growing up.

3. Can focus well because they've mellowed. Therefore, they learn quickly.

4. Have learned what "no" means. If they hadn't learned it, they wouldn't have gotten to be "older" dogs.

5. Settle in easily, because they've learned what it takes to get along with others and become part of a pack.

6. Are good at giving love, once they get into their new, loving home. They are grateful for the second chance they've been given.

7. Have grown into their shape and personality. Puppies can grow up to be quite different from what they seemed at first.



8. Are instant companions -- ready for hiking, car trips, and other things you like to do.

9. Leave you time for yourself, because they don't make the kinds of demands on your time and attention that puppies and young dogs do.

10. Let you get a good night's sleep because they're accustomed to human schedules and don't generally need nighttime feedings, comforting, or bathroom breaks.

You can visit Digger at the shelter, 511 Placerville Drive. Adoption hours are 9:30 until noon and 1 p.m. until 4, Monday through Saturday. Click here for a map to the shelter.

You can find your feline companion at one of the following locations:
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 to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.

VOLUNTEER


'Bottle Babies?' No problem Okay, so here's how you do it. I honed my skills while living in Baja, feeding a litter (or two) of bottle babies at all hours of the day or night. While the job can be a challenge, it is not without its rewards. And kittens grow up so much faster than human babies, soon alleviating the need for night-time feedings. If you're up for the challenge, local rescue groups desperately need your help. All you need is a quiet, warm room such as an extra bathroom. If they're bottle babies (such as those pictured here), you'll need special formula and bottles and lots of spare time. They will also require a litter pan, non-clumping litter, toys and loads of love. For more information, contact Animal Outreach at 642-2287.

Night-time feeding in Baja

Rudy queues up for kitten formula

Rudy now (keeping a baby is optional)

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:
Dog Exercising
Cat Socializing
Adoptions
Foster Care
Lost and Found
Special Events
Grooming
Training
Humane Education
 Office Support
Grounds Maintenance
All volunteers are required to complete a Volunteer Application, attend the Volunteer Orientation and be trained, at a minimum, in Basic Dog and Cat Handling before volunteering can begin. Other specific training may be required as identified for specific jobs. If you are interested in volunteering, call (530) 573-7925 in the Placerville area, or (530) 621-5795 in the South Lake Tahoe area and the shelter will end you a Volunteer Application packet.

Email your VOLUNTEER articles to Debra at 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 . Classified PET SERVICES ads are free; for rates and specifications of display ads, also write to Debra.

FLEAMARKET

The "New Yorker" magazine offers some of its funniest pet cartoons in a variety of gift formats. This cartoon can be purchased as a t-shirt, greeting cards, or as a matted print. Prices vary. You can check out the Cartoon Bank's offerings and limit your search to "Pets" for all the funny companion animal material.

Dog wire 'X-pens' Two different sizes available: 2-foot-high and 3-foot-high. Great for setting up a portable pen or for keeping puppies contained during clean-up, etc. Good condition. Asking $25 each. Call Alan or Debra at (530) 409-0132 (Placerville).

Large airline-approved dog crate, like new (only used once). Asking $50. Call Alan at (530) 903-4257 (Placerville).

Email your FLEAMARKET classified ad to Debra at to be included free of charge in the next issue of Mewsings.

RESOURCES
  • Animal Outreach Provides low-cost spay and neuter for cats and small dogs. Clinics are held Mondays, Thursday and Fridays at the Diamond Springs headquarters. Visit their website or call (530) 642-2287.
  • Social Compassion A non-profit organization devoted to reducing the number of abandoned and euthanized animals through spay and neuter programs. Visit www.socialcompassioninlegislation.org..
  • PetPAC: Protecting the rights of pets and owners An organization formed to protect the rights of pets and owners through public awareness education, grassroots organizing, and advocacy at the local, state and national level. Visit www.PetPAC.net.
  • Breed-specific rescue groups The Sacramento Dog Council has compiled a list of various breed-specific rescue groups and their contacts. Please note that the council has not inspected nor endorses any of the rescue groups. The complete list can be seen at www.sacramentodogcouncil.com
  • California Shar-Pei Rescue I do, however, fully endorse this Redding-based rescue group after many years of working with Anna and Rich. The couple maintain a registered, non-profit, Chinese Shar-Pei dog and puppy rescue that serves the Western U.S. The operation offers Shar-Pei adoption services, Shar-Pei health information and resources. All four of my current dogs came to us via Anna and Rich. You can visit their site at www.californiasharpeirescue.com.
  • The Paw Project exists to promote animal welfare and increase public awareness about the crippling effects of feline declawing, to rehabilitate big cats that have been declawed, and to end the practice of declaw surgery. For more information on health-related issues and legislative efforts, visit their website at PawProject.com.
  • The Senior Dogs Project offers information on why older dogs make better pets, health care tips for older dogs and where to find your senior animal companion. Visit their website and read testimonials by owners of older dogs.
  • Find your lost love Among the myriad of services provided by Animal Services of El Dorado County is a "Find Your Pet" section for bereft owners. Several tips on how to find your lost pet, plus photos of recently found pets in both the Placerville and Tahoe areas, are available on line at www.co.el-dorado.ca.us/AnimalServices
  • P.A.W.E.D.  People for Animal Welfare in El Dorado County (PAWED) is an all-volunteer organization dedicated to saving and improving the lives of companion animals in El Dorado County. Among their information is a list of suggestions for folks forced to "re-home" their pets. You can read their suggestions in their entirety at www.pawedpets.org
  • Find an animal shelter This handy website lets you find the location of an animal shelter in any county within California. The site also offers adoption and information links at www.rescuers.com

Email your RESOURCES articles to Debra at to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.

Quote of the Week: " Until we extend the circle of our compassion to all living things, we ourselves will not find peace. " ~ Albert Schweitzer

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How Do I Submit an Article, Ad or Question to Mewsings? Write to Debra at
  • How Do I Submit a Graphic or Photo to Mewsings? Send as an attachment in .jpg form to Debra at
  • How Do I Advertise in Mewsings? Write to Debra at
  • What Can I Submit and How Often? Feel free to submit your ad to Debra via email each week for inclusion in the next issue of Mewsings.
  • Where can I view back issues? Past issues of the newsletter are now available at our website, www.PetMewsings.com.
  • How Do I Subscribe?  Write to Debra at

About Mewsings

Mewsings is a free, weekly newsletter dedicated to the care of companion animals living in the greater Sierra Foothills area. Content is supplied by the publisher, Debra Webster, and members of the community at large. Submissions are reviewed for appropriateness and edited for clarity. Debra, a former journalism instructor and editor, has worked extensively for animal welfare including a three-year stint in Baja California Sur. She is also owner of Gold Rush Consultants, a Placerville-based venture specializing in web development, non-fiction writing and graphic design. She and husband Alan Thompson own four dogs and 11 cats, all rescue animals.
Debra Webster, Publisher
Copyright © 2009. Mewsings. All Rights Reserved.