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     Issue No. 4, Vol. 1
     April 17, 2009

     INSIDE THIS ISSUE     

FEATURE

Finding a Responsible Home for Your Pet

As more people lose their jobs and possibly even their homes, pet owners are relocating in growing numbers. In Part 2 of a two-part series, Mewsings offers information provided by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) on how to find a new home for your companion animal if your move prohibits you from keeping your pet.

If you ultimately decide that you cannot keep your pet, you have several options. Your best resource is our local animal shelter, El Dorado County Animal Services. Shelters screen potential adopters to make sure that they will be able to provide a safe, responsible, and loving home for your pet. Other animal care organizations in our area include community.

If you have a dog of a specific breed, there may be a breed rescue organization in our area that will accept him and work to find him a new home. Purebred rescue groups are usually run by people with in-depth knowledge of a specific breed. Rescue groups keep adoptable animals until they can be placed in loving, permanent homes. A complete list of local breed rescue groups has been provided by the Sacramento Dog Council.

In some cases, breed rescues only work with animal shelters and may not accept pets directly from owners. Be sure to find out as much as you can about the rescue group, and always carefully screen a breed rescue organization before relinquishing your pet. You should make sure the current animal residents appear well-cared-for, that the group screens potential adopters, and that the group offers post-adoption support services. Do not be afraid to ask questions.

If you decide to try to find a new home for your pet yourself, rather than relying upon a local animal shelter or rescue organization, be sure the animal's best interests remain your top priority. Finding a new home for a pet can be difficult. A "good" home means a home where the animal will live for the rest of his or her life, where he or she will receive attention, veterinary care, proper nutrition, and be treated as part of the family.

If you choose to find a home for your pet yourself, follow these guidelines:
  • Advertise through friends, neighbors, and local veterinarians first; then try the newspaper, if all else fails. Your chances of finding a good home are increased when you check references with someone you know.
  • Visit the prospective new home in order to get a feel for the environment in which your pet will be living. Explain that the pet is part of your family and that you want to make sure she will be cared for properly and that you want to see how the animal responds to the new home. Screen potential homes carefully.
  • Don't be fooled. If anyone refuses to allow you to visit their home, do not place your pet with them. Individuals known as "bunchers" routinely answer "free-to-good-home" ads, posing as people who want family pets when, in actuality, they sell pets to animal dealers. Dogfighters have also been known to obtain domestic animals for baiting through "free to good home" ads. These people are "professionals" who may even bring children or their mothers with them when picking up pets.
  • Always be mindful of your own safety when you go to interview potential adopters or if you allow a prospective adopter to enter your home.
  • Carefully consider all the elements of the new home: Will your pet get along with small children? Is the family planning to keep the dog chained outside as a watch dog? Will the cat be kept only as a mouser? Does the family have a veterinary reference? Do not be shy about asking questions. Your pet's life and happiness may depend on it.
  • Ask for a valid form of identification (preferably a driver's license). Record the number for your records and require the new owner to sign a contract stating the requirements of adoption upon which both parties agree. As part of the contract, require the new owner to contact you if he or she decides at some point that they must give up the pet.
  • Have your pet neutered or spayed before he or she goes to the new home. This will make the animal more adoptable and help stop irresponsible breeding.
  • If your pet is chronically ill or has behavior problems, it may be difficult to find him a suitable home. A new owner may not be willing or able to deal with these issues, and it may also be difficult for the pet to adjust to a new home. The decision to humanely euthanize such a pet should not be made without thoughtful input from a veterinarian, a behaviorist, and the family, based on how well they believe their companion would adapt to a new home.
    • Finding a quality home for your pet can be a difficult and time-consuming process. In closing, the HSUS suggests that our local animal shelter and other agencies have qualified staff trained to screen and counsel adopters. Relinquishing your pet to local organizations may be the best option for you and your pet.

    For a more detailed explanation of all of the above guidelines, visit the HSUS's webpage on how to find a responsible home for you companion animal.

    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.

    Diners will have a choice of three pastas, Italian salad and European desserts. Featured will be an alcoholic beverages/cash bar hosted by the Lion's Club, along with 40 raffle prizes and a silent auction. Music will be provided by "The Mack." 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.

    Raffle tickets are $1 per ticket, 12 for $10 or 26 for $20. Among the many raffle prizes are:
    • Pet carrier by Travel Gear
    • Celetron VistaPix binocular and digital camera all-in-one ($180 value)
    • Signed and numbered print by New Orleans artist Paul de la Fille (matted and framed)
    • Buffet dinner for 2 at the Red Hawk Casino
    • Hand-painted ceramic gecko from the Golden Pond Collection
    • Professional singing lessons from Janet Matranga ($200 value)
    • 3-bottle variety case of fine wine from Madrona Vineyards
    • Necklace and earring set by glass artist Maryann Schultz
    • 10-pack of children's popular DVDs
    • Glass cat pendant necklace from local glass artist Barbara Terrill
    • $50 gift certificate to the Sequoia Restaurant
    • $75 gift certificate from Camino Flowers
    • Full-hour body massage by Angel Henry
    • $35 gift certificate to Round Table Pizza
    • Hand-painted ceramic from the Golden Pond Collection
    • $50 gift certificate to PetSmart
    • Men's Fragrance Basket ($75 value)
    • $100 gift certificate to Evergreen Footwear
    • Starbuck's gift basket
  • Six Regal Theater movie tickets
  • Garmin GPS Navigation System ($299 value)
  • Sherpa Pet Bag
  • And much, much more!
    • Participants need not be present to win. For more information, call Judy at 530-363-4499; or Maryann at (530) 672-6633.

    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.

    Animal Care Expo 2009, the world's largest educational conference and tradeshow for animal sheltering professionals, will be held at Bally's Las Vegas, April 6-9. The event brings together leaders from animal care, control, and rescue organizations from across the United States and around the world.

    The Humane Society of the United States, which hosts Animal Care Expo, is combining the annual event with one of its other major conferences, the National Conference on Animals in Disaster, which is attended by emergency managers and responders as well as the animal sheltering and rescue community.

    The conference includes 48 workshops, exhibits, and eight daylong certificate courses. In addition to extensive programs focused on caring for dogs and cats, the program also includes workshops on horses, wildlife rescue, elephants in entertainment, rabbits, farm animals and more. Expo features specific tracks on veterinary medicine, shelter operations, emergency services and more. Look for highlights of the expo in future issues of Mewsings.

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

    HEALTH

    Chocolate or plush only, please

    The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) asks people to refrain from acquiring live chicks and rabbits as Easter gifts this holiday season. Young, adorable animals mature quickly into adults and need daily care for the rest of their lives.

    In some areas, selling chicks and keeping chickens as pets is actually illegal. Every year, animal shelters receive a surge of unwanted Easter pets who are given up after the owners have lost interest or are unable to care for them. Unfortunately, many are euthanized due to lack of available homes.

    Some animals given as gifts are released into the wild when people tire of them. However, the animals are unable to fend for themselves and usually die of starvation or exposure to the elements, or are preyed upon by other animals.



    Bringing any type of pet into your home should be done only after carefully assessing your family's ability to meet the animal's needs and after seeking information from experts. Adding chickens or any animals to your family should only be done if you have carefully considered your family's lifestyle and your commitment to an animal who can live for many years.

    Visit the HSUS's Rabbit Care webpage to learn more about taking care of rabbits. If you do decide that a rabbit would be a good pet for your family, consider adopting from your local animal shelter.


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

    ADOPTIONS


    Mickey needs someone very special to share his "forever" home with. He was born just after the first of the year and is a male, neutered Chihuahua terrier mix. As his foster mom notes, he's "95 percent delightful and 5 percent devil." Mickey has been microchipped, is current on his vaccines and has been de-wormed. His foster mom also provided a few FAQs regarding Mickey and his behavior:

    FAQS about Mickey
    • Affectionate? Yes!
    • Smart? Yes
    • Like to cuddle? Yes! 100% snuggle-bunny!
    • Appetite? Excellent! Loves mealtimes, snack-times etc. Will do anything for a treat! Not finicky. But watch out- may be at risk for getting fat if not careful.
    • House broken? Almost…..
    • Crate-trained? Yes. Sleeps quietly on a blanket in his pen in the living room at night.
    • Bedtime? 10:30, Up & at 'em by 7 a.m.
    • Playful? Very!
    • Good with other dogs? Yes! Lives with 7 other dogs and gets along fine, once he got acquainted.
    • Good with children? No! Not trustworthy around children. Potentially nippy.
    • Friendly to strangers? No! Timid and insecure around new people or strangers. May growl or snap if he feels pressured. Needs to be introduced slowly and carefully to new friends. Once he is introduced and feels comfortable he is very friendly.

  • Aggressive around toys or food? Yes. Mickey may often growl or even snap if you reach for him while he is eating or playing with a "high value" object such as a rawhide chew or dog treat. This can be dangerous if children are around.
  • Favorite activities: going for walks, getting treats, sleeping in your lap.
    • Let the Animal Outreach staff know if you're interested in learning more about Mickey by calling (530) 642-2287. They will then put you in touch with his foster mom.

    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


    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: " If a dog jumps in your lap, it is because he is fond of you; but if a cat does the same thing, it is because your lap is warmer. " ~ Alfred North Whitehead (1861 - 1947)

    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.