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Issue No. 5, Vol. 1 |
FEATUREHitting Dog Fighters Where It HurtsDog fighting opponents celebrated as one piece of proposed California legislation continued to move forward,yet mourned the demise of another piece that failed to win committee approval.Assembly Bill 242, authored by Pedro Nava, D-Santa Barbara, would call dog fighting a felony punishable by imprisonment in a state prison for two to four years and the crime of being a spectator at a dog fight would also be a felony punishable by imprisonment in the state prison for 16 months to three years. (Spectators are currently charged with a misdemeanor). "Dog fighting is currently illegal in all 50 states, and in 48 states it is illegal to be a spectator," according to a press release issued by Nava's office. "Spectators provide most of the profits associated with dog fighting. The money generated by admission fees and gambling helps keep this illegal sport alive. Because dogfights are illegal and therefore not widely publicized, spectators do not merely happen upon a fight-they seek it out." Currently, 29 states have made it a felony to be a spectator at a dog fight; California is not one of them. Nava's bill recently passed the Assembly's Public Safety Committee and has been referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further review and consideration. Another piece of anti-dog fighting legislation wasn't so lucky. California Senate Bill 318, which provides for the forfeiture of property and proceeds acquitted through dog fighting of those convicted of the crime, was recently defeated in the Senate Public Safety Committee. Authored by Sen. Ron Calderon, D-Montebello, the bill was opposed by the American Civil Liberties Union. The ACLU contends the penalty is disproportionate since similar measures are not in effect for the crimes of murder and/or kidnapping. |
 The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in dogfighting or cockfighting. For more information, visit the HSUS's webpage on dog fighting. Dog fighting became a topic of national debate and scorn after Michael Vick was sentenced in 2007 to 23 months in federal prison and three years' probation for his role in a dog fighting conspiracy. The suspended Falcons quarterback is looking at a scheduled release this July. Along with the prison term, Vick was fined $5,000 and will serve three years' probation after his release. The Atlanta Journal-Constitution estimated that Vick has incurred financial losses of $142 million, including $71 million in Falcons salary, $50 million in endorsement income and nearly $20 million in previously paid bonuses. Closer to home, Galt authorities raided the property of Samuel Anderson McCree in April 1999, and discovered 15 pit bulls with physical traits consistent with those of fighting dogs. Anderson was convicted, after a jury trial, of eight counts of possession and training of a fighting dog and two counts of causing a dogfight for gain. The trial court placed the defendant on probation for five years, with one year in county jail. To learn more about dog fighting atrocities in California, visit the Pet-Abuse.com website. The site features monitored cases, action alerts and cruelty laws. |
NEWS
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Bo, the Portuguese water dog, moves into the White House. The first family has settled on a first pet, a 6-month-old Portuguese water dog that the Obama girls are naming Bo. The selection was reportedly one of the White House's most tightly kept secrets. President Barack Obama's daughters, 10-year-old Malia and 7-year-old Sasha, named the black and white pup, a gift from Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, D-Mass., who owns several Portuguese water dogs himself. To learn more about the breed, visit the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America's website. But Bo comes with a bit of controversy. Obama and his wife Michelle said during the presidential campaign that they had promised their two girls a dog after the election. The Obamas repeatedly said they wanted it to be a rescued dog such as one from a shelter. Their search was complicated by daughter Malia's allergies, which would rule out many of the "mutts" the president has said he would prefer. Bo was indeed given up by his first owner and matched with the Obamas through his breeders. Because he was given up by his first owner as a poor fit and is now with his second owners, the Obamas, but never spent time in a shelter or with a rescue group, Bo is a "quasi-rescue dog," says Wayne Pacelle, chief executive of The Humane Society of the United States. |
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"Taste of Italy" dinner/fundraiser was a huge hit, according to Animal Outreach organizers. The event was held April 18 at the Lion's Club Hall in Diamond Springs. Some 350 people attended the dinner/fundraiser, designed to to support the forgotten pets of the economic crisis. Forty raffle prizes and a silent auction were also available. Because of the success and generous support of the community, plans are underway for a second annual event next year. And even though this cork-juggling kitty wasn't part of the festivities, we thought the photo too cute to pass up. The Annual Dog-a-Thon is Saturday, May 2. You may still have time to enjoy the event, organized by the local Lions clubs to benefit the El Dorado Center for the Visually Impaired. 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. |
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The Pet Adopt-a-thon will be hosted by El Dorado County Animal Services Saturday, May 2, at the Placerville Shelter. The public is invited to come meet the animals, volunteers and staff from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. Local Animal Services will participate as part of the larger, annual North Shore Animal League America Pet Adopt-a-thon. Hundreds of animal organizations worldwide will join together this weekend to find a home for shelter pets.
“We are inviting everyone to come out to the Animal Services shelter and adopt a loving animal in need of a home,” said Tonya Ruffner, Shelter Supervisor. The shelter is located at 511 Placerville Drive in Placerville next to the Flyer’s gas station.
The Pet Adopt-a-thon will feature activities for the entire family, including:
- Morning kick off with coffee and refreshments
- Shelter tours and adoptions throughout the day
- Presentations, introductions and booths sponsored by local animal welfare groups
- “Ask A Vet” with Dr. Lisa Couper, DVM
- Face painting for the kids
- Meet “Smokey the Bear”
- Raffle with cool prizes
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A new take on Mother's Day gifts has been offered by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). Rather than give mom yet another box of store-bought chocolates, give her a gift that helps moms of all species. For example, you can send an arrangement from Organic Bouquet, created with their wide selection of organically grown stems. Or you can purchase or renew Mom's favorite magazine subscriptions at the HSUS Magazine Store. (You'll save up to 85% off news stand prices.) For coffee lovers, the HSUS offers its own blend created by Grounds for Change. She'll like knowing that her coffee is certified organic, fair trade, and shade grown. A special bottle of wine, created by Carivintas Winery of California, can be enjoyed by dog lovers, cat lovers and horse lovers, alike. The winery's animal-loving wine clubs feature beautifully created labels that celebrate animals. The HSUS's oneline store, Humane Domain, offers necklaces, earrings, tees and other accessories for Mother's Day and year-round. |
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Email your NEWS articles to Debra at to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.
HEALTH
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Bat season has arrived early this year, according to El Dorado County Animal Services. Several exposures to humans already reported to Animal Services and the department hopes to raise awareness about the expected increase in numbers of bats during bat season (the season typicall ranges from May through August). “While bats are beneficial in controlling mosquitoes and other pests, they are also primary carriers of the rabies virus, so it is important to avoid contact with them,” said Linda Haller, Chief Animal Services Officer. “Every year, we hear of a child who picks up a sick or injured bat or a resident who finds a bat in their home. These are causes for concern because of the potential for exposure to the rabies virus.” Rabies is a virus that attacks the nervous system of humans and other mammals. People and animals get the virus from the bite of a rabid animal or contact with saliva from such an animal. People exposed to a rabid animal typically must have a series of rabies vaccines administered very soon after the exposure. Once symptoms begin, without treatment, rabies is almost always fatal. “Although our natural instinct is to help a sick or injured animal, it is best to report the animal to Animal Services instead,” said Haller. If a bat flies into your home, try to isolate the bat into one room and then open a window or door so that it can fly out,, according to officials. Do not touch the bat, and keep children and pets away from the bat. Other tips to avoid exposure to bats and other wild animals that could carry rabies include the following: |
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Low-cost rabies vaccination clinics are held each Tuesday afternoon from 2:30 to 4 p.m. at the El Dorado County Animal Shelter, 511 Placerville Dr., Placerville. The clinics are open to all El Dorado County residents. The cost for each rabies vaccination is $6 per dog, cat, puppy or kitten. Only cash or checks are accepted.
The rabies virus is present throughout California and the United States. In 2008, a total of 178 animals were found in California to be positive with the rabies virus, including six in Amador County, six in Placer County, eight in Sacramento County and one in El Dorado County. These animals included 31 skunks, 137 bats, nine fox and one cat. So far this year, El Dorado County has had one skunk and one fox test positive for rabies.
California state law requires all dogs and cats to receive a rabies vaccination by a licensed veterinarian. A current rabies vaccination is also required for a dog license in El Dorado County and in California.
Pets should receive their first rabies shot at four months of age and a booster shot one year later. At each clinic, first time rabies shots that are good for one year will be offered. Booster shots will also be available and are good for three years. Pet owners are asked to bring in a copy of their pet’s vaccination records. Pets must remain in the owner’s vehicle until registered at the shelter. Once registered, owners are advised to have their pet on a leash or in a carrier during the clinic.
For more information about the low-cost rabies vaccination clinics in Placerville, call Animal Services at (530) 621-5795 . The Animal Shelter in South Lake Tahoe is currently not offering the vaccination clinics. Residents in the South Lake Tahoe area who are interested in receiving a low-cost rabies vaccine for their pet may contact Animal Services in South Lake Tahoe at (530) 573-7925 for a local referral list.
Email your HEALTH articles to Debra at to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.
ADOPTIONS
Zack is looking to live out his "golden years" with someone very special. While he's in excellent hands now with Foster Mom Sue, he is still in search of his forever home. Zack, an Italian Greyhound, is 10+ years old and in excellent health other than one permanently damaged eye. It appears to be the result of trauma but that's about all we know. He only weighs 12 pounds and is super cuddly once he gets to know you. He gets along with other dogs and cats although he is quite protective of his bed. He's housetrained and up on all his shots. If you're interested in meeting Zack and learning more, please call Sue at 621-2648. And, if you're interested in learning more about Italian Greyhounds, or "IG's" as they are affectionately known, visit the Wonderful World of Italian Greyhounds. |
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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 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 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
Winter wear on sale at the El Dorado Humane Society Thrift Shop. Full racks of clothes only $1 per item (including shoes). Sidewalk sales will begin Sunday, May 3 and be held every other Sunday. Drop by the Thrift Shop, 777 Pleasant Valley Road, Diamond Springs. Hours are 10 a.m. until 4, Monday through Saturday; noon until 4, Sundays. Needlepoint of kitten in a garden, only $12.50 at the El Dorado Humane Society Thrift Shop. Professionally framed. 
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 The "New Yorker" magazine offers some of its finest pet-theme covers online. The Dec. 8, 2008 cover, by artist Barry Blitt, appeared soon after President-Elect Barack Obama announced that the First Family would be getting a dog; a more recent cover reflects the President's final choice. The earlier cover can be purchased in two different sizes, matted and framed or simply matted. 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 to be included free of charge in the next issue of Mewsings.  RESOURCES
Email your RESOURCES articles to Debra at to be included in the next issue of Mewsings.  Quote of the Week: " A cat is a puzzle for which there is no solution. " ~ Hazel Nicholson  Frequently Asked Questions
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