Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "animals"

Unique & Unusual Pets of the Week!

2012-02-08T20:04:09Z

Here at the Sacramento SPCA we have lots of dogs, cats and rabbits... but did you know that we have OTHER great pets here too??

Check out Featherworth: A very lively and spunky rooster who is among several that we have here at the shelter right now. Roosters are only $5 each right now, and they make great outdoor pets! Here are a couple of tips to help keep your rooster happy and healthy:

•Giving them a wide and open area to live and walk about, allowing them plenty of space to "roost".
•At night, keep them in a simple but comfortable structure or bed, allowing them space to crow at dawn.
•Try to keep their sleeping space dark. Roosters usually crow at the first sight of light, which could be annoying to neighbors.
•Clean their living space frequently.

***

And let's not forget some of the more furry, unique pets - rats!

Female sisters (approx one-year-old) are pictured above: Marshmellow, Snow and Frost
Did you know that domesticated rats (such as these three) are very friendly with people? Rats make great pets, and are available for adoption at only $15 each. These sisters get along great too, so if you're looking for more than one, you're in luck!

Pet of the Week- Noah

2012-02-01T23:44:46Z

Sweet little Noah!

This four-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix is a bundle of energy but also a lot of fun! He is perfectly content playing fetch, and will gladly bring the ball back to you if you want to keep playing! He is affectionate and a big people lover. Noah also gets along with other dogs. If he sounds like he might be a good match for your family, come pay him a visit today!

Local Man Fired for Feeding Cats

2012-02-01T08:01:05Z

Larry Ottoviani officially lost his job after seven years with the 7Up Bottling Company for doing the one thing that helped him counteract the anxiety in his personal life.

That one thing was feeding hungry cats.

“I love cats and don’t like to see them go hungry,” Ottoviania said. “When I’m feeding cats I can forget everything else for awhile.”

Ottoviani had been warned several times by his supervisor not to feed the cats. The official termination notice dated Jan. 4, 2012, stated that Ottoviani violated his “last chance agreement not to feed the cats on company time and/or company property.”

While Ottoviani does not deny feeding cats, he denied doing so during company time and on company property.

What was it that Ottoviani felt a need to momentarily forget about, even if it meant risking his job?

He is the father of a dependent adult child with severe physical disabilities and has also been coping with the effects of a debilitating illness afflicting his wife.

During the past year, his wife’s condition required several hospital visits as well as some extended stays. And after a tumor had been found on Ottoviani’s right kidney it required the surgical removal of that kidney.

Fortunately, job-related medical insurance covered most of the costs. Since the loss of his job, Ottoviani says he doesn’t know what he’s going to do. Even with COBRA, a health benefit provision that provides temporary continuation of health coverage at group rates, Ottoviania admits “I don’t know how I’m going to afford to pay the $400 monthly premiums.”

The 7 Up Bottling Company, a subdivision of the Dr. Pepper/Snapple Group with headquarters in Plano, Texas is a beverage production facility governed by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration.

According to company spokesperson Jason Genthner, “The FDA states that we must ensure that the grounds around the food plant under the control of the operator shall be kept in a condition that will protect against the contamination of food. Over the years we have seen an increased presence of feral cats on our property.”

Ottoviani believes that if it weren’t for him, at least in part, there would be far more cats on and around company premises.

In 2008, two local animal advocates, Linda Silva and Nicole Hutchinson, discovered Ottoviani feeding cats. When they saw how many cats there were, they immediately began working with Ottoviani on what is commonly referred to as TNR --Trap/Neuter/Return.

Alley Cat Allies, a national advocacy organization dedicated to the protection and humane treatment of cats maintains a website that identifies TNR as the humane, effective approach for feral cats. Feral cats are humanely trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ear tipped (the universal symbol of a neutered and vaccinated cat), and then returned to their outdoor home.

The organization states that another aspect of TNR is that kittens and other cats that can be socialized are not returned but instead adopted into homes. These procedures stabilize colonies of cats since altered cats no longer produce kittens.

Hutchinson enlisted volunteers from the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA) to sweep and clean up shards of broken glass in an unused area adjacent to the 7Up Bottling Company before launching an aggressive trapping program.

Hutchinson said that between August 2008 and December 2009, 71 cats were trapped and brought to the Sacramento SPCA which runs low-cost feral cat clinics on the first and third Sundays of every month.

The costs for altering the cats were paid by donations from the volunteers and from and grant funds. Ottoviani took home some of the tame cats and kittens, later finding homes for them. He kept the ones he couldn’t find homes for.

In 2006, there was a similar cat feeding incident involving a farmhand employed at the Cornell University Animal Science Teaching and Research Center in ~~Hartford, CT~~ Harford, N.Y..

John Beck was fired for feeding cats on the premises according to a story posted on the Best Friend Animal Sanctuary Network webpage. Beck filed a 20 million dollar lawsuit against Cornell University, which then filed a motion to have the lawsuit thrown out.

Beck admitted that his lawsuit was a long shot and that it was filed “for the principle of the thing.”

“How do you fire somebody for feeding cats?” Beck asked.

Ottoviani still believes he did the right thing. “I acted according to my conscience”, he said.

Linda Silva agrees. “Larry didn’t just feed the cats”, she said, “He went beyond the call of duty and took responsible action. It’s unfortunate that this would lead to the loss of his job.”

Editor's note: Corrections have been made to this article after publishing.

Pet of the Week- Jack Sparrow (Adopted)

2012-01-24T21:39:16Z

Such a charmer!

Jack Sparrow is ALL about getting and giving attention. When he isn't trying to get you to play with him, he is perfectly happy to just curl up in your lap for a nice petting session. This one-and-a-half-year-old will make a great companion for anyone looking for a young, playful and friendly feline. Come visit Jack Sparrow today!

*Find us online at www.sspca.org OR on Facebook and become a fan!

Pet of the Week- Zoie

2012-01-18T19:53:16Z

Zoie is a sweet, energetic Hound mix that loves nothing more then being outside and playing!

She is young (only a year and nine-months-old) and is very intelligent-so she has a lot of potential for training and positive reinforcement! Zoie is a really playful and loving girl, who's 'happy place' is being outside playing fetch. She knows her and name and sits on command...already a great little buddy in the making!
Zoie would do best in an active home with an experienced owner who is often home to run, play and explore the world with her. She should do fine with older children at home but no cats please! Other dogs should be OK.

She's looking for a place to call home, come pay her a visit!!

Pets of the Week: Rufus & Emma

2012-01-11T19:02:44Z

Meet Rufus & Emma!

Rufus (male) is about five-years-old and Emma (female) is four-years-old, but they are the BEST of friends!

Both are Bassett Hounds mixes and are a mandatory dual adoption, which means they must go home together. So if you're looking for two little buddies to join your family, they are a great catch! The price for these dogs is $150 for both (As the second dog is half-priced on dual adoptions).

They love to play outside, ride in cars and just hang out with their people friends.

Come pay them a visit and see what a sweet pair they are. Www.sspca.org

Pets of the Week- Samuel & Jackson (Adopted)

2012-01-04T23:06:12Z

Such a great duo!

Samuel and Jackson are both eight-year-old black Labrador mixes looking for a new family to curl up to. While they are not a mandatory dual adoption, it is recommended that they stay together, because they are the BEST of friends! They both enjoy long walks and playing ball, while also laying around and hanging out with their people friends. Both dogs would prefer dog-friendly homes that have older children.
Their ages qualify them both for our ‘Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program’ which waives the adoption fees to an adopter over the age of sixty.

Do Samuel and Jackson seem like a great match for your family and lifestyle?

Check them out online at www.sspca.org.

New Years Resolutions not JUST for people!

2011-12-28T19:11:35Z

With the New Year just around the corner, resolutions weigh heavy on the minds of most people. At the Sacramento SPCA, we figured that these same concerns might be occupying the thoughts of some of our animal friends. So, we took a random poll of the more than 400 dogs, cats, rabbits and even a couple of rats at our shelter and this is what we discovered:

• Four out of five dogs feel the need to exercise more
• Walking was the number one exercise of choice, with fetch coming in as a close second
• 65% of all animals surveyed are interested in pursuing healthier eating habits
• A whopping 96% of the cats surveyed vowed to get more sleep in the coming year
• 78% of dogs were determined to learn something new, while 99% of all cats thought that they already knew everything
• 87% of dogs and 8% of cats planned to travel more in the coming year
• 100% of all animals surveyed resolved to spend more time with friends and family and to love said friends and family unconditionally

“Despite the fact that a mere 12% of all humans actually stick to their New Year’s resolutions, we feel confident that our animal friends will be much more successful fulfilling theirs,” said Rick Johnson, SPCA Chief Executive Officer.

Visit the Sacramento SPCA in January and resolve to adopt a new best friend. Your new four-legged friend is guaranteed to make you a better person, and to play a key role in making your 2012 the very best it can be. Together, who knows what the two of you can achieve!

The Sacramento is located at 6201 Florin Perkins Road in Sacramento. Visit www.sspca.org for more information and a partial list of available animals. The SPCA adoption center is open Tuesday – Sunday from 11am – 6pm (closed Christmas Eve and Day and New Year’s Eve and Day).

Pet of the Week- MacHiko!

2011-12-21T21:55:42Z

MacHiko is a beautiful, ten-year-old Rhodesian Ridgeback looking for a friend to enjoy long walks and some quiet time with! She has a very sweet and gentle personality and she also has a big heart! MacHiko will do best in a low activity home with an experienced dog owner. She would probably do very well with older children and seems to do well with other dogs so another dog(s) at home should be fine. She is eligible for our Senior Companionship program where adoption fees are waived for adopters 60+ years adopting an animal over five-years- old.

*Don't forget about our Holiday Adoption Promo "Home for the Holidays" going on NOW at the Sacramento SPCA and other participating Sacramento shelters! All animal adoption fees are 75% off - which means great dogs like MacHiko are only $25 through December 30th. Adopt a pet into your family today! Find out more online at www.sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Nadia

2011-12-14T20:41:51Z

Nadia is a great lap cat, looking for a home to call her very own. She is a sweet, three-and-a-half-year old with a great personality! Nadia is very striking too, with great markings on her face and a beautiful coat. She is currently being kept in a community cat room where she enjoys the company of other felines. She will be your best friend if you pet and love her!

*Don't miss our Home for the Holidays Adoption promo going on NOW through December 30th! All animals (including Nadia) are 75% off their usual adoption fees! www.sspca.org

Pet of the Week- Shivers!

2011-12-08T22:47:18Z

Shivers is an outgoing, confident, and playful little Chihuahua mix! He is affectionate towards people and loves to snuggle up in his owner’s lap. He enjoys going for walks, and he walks well on a leash. Shivers is best suited for a somewhat active home. If he will be living in a home with children, he will do best in a home with older kids. Since he is seven-years-old, his age makes him eligible for our Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program. Any adopter over the age of sixty can have the adoptions fees waived.

**Home for the Holidays promotion going on NOW! All animal adoption fees are 75% off. That means Shivers (and other great dogs) are only $25 NOW through December 30th! Come on down to the shelter and pick up your new best friend today! **

Dogs: $25

Cats: $21.25

Rabbits: $11.25

Home for the Holidays!!

2011-12-01T23:26:40Z

Home for the Holidays? Yes please!

Help us to find comfy beds and warm hearts for the critters here at the Sacramento SPCA. Going on NOW through December 30th, all animal adoption fees are 75% off! Visit any one of the participating Sacramento shelters: the Sacramento SPCA, Sacramento City Animal Care Services, the Sacramento County Animal Care & Regulation and Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary!

The four participating shelters will take in over 35,000 animals (collectively) over the course of a year. Our goal for this adoption promotion is to see 1,000 animals find new homes this holiday season. Help us spread the word and make it happen!

Please visit www.sspca.org to find out more information.

Pet of the Week- the lovely Jada!

2011-11-30T19:49:36Z

Help us find Jada a home!
Jada is a very sweet and calm six-and-a-half-year old American Staffordshire terrier mix. She is one of our long-time residents here at the Sacramento SPCA and we’re determined to find her a home this holiday season! She is great with people and will do well with older children and friendly dogs, however, NO CATS please! *Additional bonus!* Her age makes her eligible for our Seniors for Seniors Adoption promo. Any senior over the age of sixty can have the adoption fees waived!

** Also join us on December 7th, (the first Wednesday of every month) for our Senior Vaccine Clinic!
FREE vaccines for seniors over the age of 60 who bring in their pets! This will be held in the ADOPTIONS building between the hours of 10:00AM- 12:00PM. Please email Shari at slowen@sspca.org for more information.

DECEMBER 1ST thru DECEMBER 30TH: ALL adoption fees will be 75% off. Our goal is to find every animal a home this holiday season!

Pet of the Week- Mr. Smokey (Adopted)

2011-11-22T21:03:36Z

This eight-year-old Jack Russell Terrier mix is both sweet and friendly. He is fairly typical of his breed in that he is very smart, confident and independent, but he’s also a big lover! Positive reinforcement training would help him focus his energy and learn even more commands than he already knows. Mr. Smokey would do best in a somewhat active home with experienced adult owners (older kids and other dogs ok). He is eligible for our Senior for Senior Program in which adoption fees are waived for adopters who are at least sixty-years-old and adopting animals over the age of five.

*Join us on Black Friday and during the weekend for some very special adoption deals! All black (and mostly black) animals are 50% off through the weekend at the Sacramento SPCA!

** Please note we will be closed on Thursday, November 24th for Thanksgiving.

Pet of the Week- Gypsy! (Adopted)

2011-11-16T17:40:56Z

Gypsy-girl is a darling two-and-a-half year old Torbie mix who gets along great with other cats, dogs, and children. She's a great catch for any family looking to adopt a sweet, affecitionate and curious kitty! She enjoys a good grooming session and loves to be pet; she'll make sure you know it too, once she starts purring! Find out more about Gypsy and her other feline friends at our website www.sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Penny! (Adopted)

2011-11-09T19:59:41Z

This cute and feisty little three-year-old is very fun to be around! She loves to play and be pet and is looking for a permanent place to call home. Penny can come off a little pushy with other cats, mainly because she wants all of the attention! She might do well with another companion, as she is learning to share the attention while she is here at the shelter. Visit her online at www.sspca.org.

**Join us on 11.11.11 for a very special adoption promo! We'll be open 11:11AM- 11:11PM and all animals are just $11.11! Enjoy shopping, food and family fun. This event only comes ONCE every 100 years; it's going to be a ONEderful day!

FALL in love with a Bunny this Season!

2011-11-02T20:02:18Z

Meet the newest addition to the Sacramento SPCA family!

We like to call these little guys (and gals) the "Squash Bunch"- as they are all named after a different type of squash.

This litter of eight, just turned eight-weeks-old and they are each ready to find their new families.

These little ones are very sweet and are used to being held; they are also on the path to being litter-box trained! Rabbits require a little bit of daily cleanup and thrive best with daily, human interaction. They make excellent companions!

Please visit us online at www.sspca.org.

Current adoption fees for rabbits: $45*

**Join us on Friday, November 11th for our 11.11.11 celebration, where we hope you'll find the ONE you've been looking for! We're extending our hours from 11:11AM- 11:11PM and all animals will be available for adoption at just $11.11!! (FREE for Veterans).

Food, entertainment, vendors and fun...what a ONEderful day!

Pet of the Week- Brody (Adopted)

2011-10-26T20:12:20Z

Brody is an eight-year-old Pointer mix who loves to be outside, go for walks, play with toys, or all of the above! He is described as being “one of the best behaved dogs” at the shelter, so we know he will make a lucky family really happy! Also any potential adopter should take note: He is OK with cats but will prefer to be the only dog in your home.

Brody’s age qualifies him for our Senior Companionship Program: Any adopter over the age of sixty can have the adoption fees waived. Find out more online at www.sspca.org!

Pet of the Week- Mr. Smokey! (Adopted)

2011-10-19T21:42:44Z

Mr. Smokey will steal your heart!

He is a sweet, friendly, eight-year-old Jack Russel Terrier mix who is typical of his breed, in that he is both confident and independent. He really enjoys being outside and is happy to show off tricks like 'sit' and 'stay.' Some positive reinforcement training will help him to learn to focus his energy and learn even more commands.

Mr. Smokey would do best in a somewhat active home with experienced adult owner. He should do fine in a home with teenagers but does need to be an only pet. He is eligible for our Senior for Senior Program in which adoption fees are waived for adopters 60 years old and older adopting animals 5 year and older.

Looking for a mate to explore the world? Come out and meet Mr. Smokey!

**Don't miss out on our Fall-Colored Feline promo going on NOW! All fall-colored cats and kittens are just $14 now thru October 31st! Visit www.sspca.org to find out more.

Sacramento Cat Hospital to Host Third Annual Pet Food Drive on November 19

2011-10-17T23:50:00Z

On Saturday, November 19, the Sacramento Cat Hospital will host its third annual pet food drive, benefiting Titanic's Pantry (the Sacramento Pet Food Bank). All donations of cat and dog food, canned or dry, will help feed hungry animals throughout Sacramento.

The pet food drive will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sacramento Cat Hospital, 4115 Manzanita Avenue in Carmichael. In addition to pet food, donations of leashes, collars, cat litter, bedding, and other pet supplies are welcome.

"If a family is having a tough time paying the bills or feeding their children, they may not be able to feed their pet," said Dr. Billie Bensen Martin, owner of the Sacramento Cat Hospital. "This pet food drive is a great way for our community to help animals in need all over the city. The current economic climate means that the demand is greater than ever."

"The goal of Titanic's Pantry is to help keep pets and their people together," said Gina Knepp, spokeswoman for the City of Sacramento's Animal Care Services. "If we can help feed pets, people who are struggling financially won't have to give them up."

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, approximately 63 percent of all households in the United States have a pet. The 2011/2012 APPA National Pet Owners Survey shows that the average annual pet food expenditure is $254 for a dog and $220 for a cat. Titanic's Pantry can help decrease this expense by providing cat and dog food as often as once a month.

Titanic's Pantry was launched in November 2009, when local shelters were seeing more and more people surrendering their family pets because they could not afford to feed them. Since opening its doors, Titanic's Pantry has helped thousands of families throughout Sacramento. Titanic's Pantry is 100% volunteer-operated and is sponsored by the Animal Care Partners of Sacramento, a collaboration of the City of Sacramento Animal Care Services, Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), and Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary.

The Sacramento Cat Hospital is a quality full-service feline veterinary hospital that celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2009. Three DVMs (including Sacramento's only Diplomate in Feline Practice certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners) and 16 staff members provide expert, loving care to feline patients. The doctors and team at the Sacramento Cat Hospital are committed to charitable and benevolent activities that make a difference for animals in need throughout our city.

For more information about the pet food drive, contact the Sacramento Cat Hospital at (916) 488-4161 or email info@sacramentocathospital.com.

Disclosure: Laurie Rich is a consultant and organizer of charitable events with the Sacramento Cat Hospital, and also volunteers with Titanic's Pantry.

Pet of the Week- Jada!

2011-10-12T17:39:09Z

Help us find Jada a home!

This friendly and affectionate American Staffordshire Terrier mix is one of our longest residents here at the Sacramento SPCA (110 days).

She’s six-years-old and is a very sweet, outgoing, and independent dog. Jada is looking for a family that will love walks and playing catch just as much as she does! (Also, a home without cats is a must!) Jada’s age qualifies her for our Senior Adoption Program. Any adopter over the age of sixty can have the adoptions fees waived!

Check out our website, www.sspca.org for more info.

Pet of the Week- Taz (Adopted)

2011-10-05T21:51:39Z

Come visit Taz at the Sacramento SPCA and check out our "Fall in Love with a fall-colored feline special" going on NOW!

All "autumn-colored" cats and kittens (including Torbies, Torties, Calicos and Orange cats) are just $14 through OCT 31st!!

Taz is a four-month-old Torbie colored cat who is very gentle and loves attention. She is even known to give kisses! Taz came from a family with children, dogs and other cats. While she wasn't a big fan of the dog, she got along great with the children and other cats.

Find out more about Taz and our current adoption special online at www.sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Skittles! (Adopted)

2011-09-28T19:12:52Z

Did you know that the Sacramento SPCA has MORE than just cats and dogs?
Meet Skittles!
This beautiful, five-month-old, peach-faced lovebird loves to play with his toys! He is especially fond of the little bell inside his cage. His breed is known to be very intelligent, and can learn to mimic and imitate noises and whistles. The personality of the peach-faced lovebird is similar to that of parrots, but seeing as how he is so much smaller in size, he is not nearly as messy or noisy!

Adoption Fee: $50. Find Skittles online at www.sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Temperance (Adopted)

2011-09-21T19:01:25Z

Meet Temperance, a really a sweet and silly litlle eleven-month-old Terrier mix. She can be a little shy at first but warms up quickly!

She really loves to both play ball and/or jsut cuddle and gives lots of kisses.

Temperance is a bright girl who would do well with a little training to help her build her confidence. She would do best with a dog savvy owner and would do best with adults and older children at home. She also should do fine with another dog(s) at home but no cats please.

Come meet Temperance and her friends here at the SPCA!!

www.sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Brock (Adopted)

2011-09-14T18:34:24Z

Did you know that the Sacramento SPCA offers FREE adoptions to seniors over the age of sixty, when they adopt animals over five-years-old? It’s called the Senior Companionship Program and it helps to benefit both seniors and pets in our community!

Meet Brock. He’s a seven-year-old Labrador Retriever mix who loves to be outside and explore the world. He’s also affectionate and will come in for a lean if you offer to pet him. He will do best with older children and other dogs; If he sounds like your new best friend, check him out online at www.sspca.org!

Pet of the Week- Mr. Smokey (Adopted)

2011-09-07T23:26:44Z

Meet Mr. Smokey!

He is eligible for our Senior for Senior Program in which adoption fees are waived for adopters who are at least sixty-years-old and adopting animals over the age of five.

Pet of the Week- Torpedo (Adopted)

2011-08-31T16:37:54Z

Editor's Note: Torpedo has been adopted!

Meet Torpedo! A very energetic and quirky dog who is a year and six-months old. He is a Pug/Corgi Cardigan Welsh mix, which gives him a very unique face.

Torpedo is a happy dog who just loves to have fun. When he is outside he likes run about and playing. He enjoys walking with a friend and does well on leash. Topredo is both adventurous and independent, but also loves to hang out with his people friends. As you can see from his picture, he's got a big smile on his face!

Torpedo would do best as an only dog in a very active adult home with someone who is home a lot to play and walk with him. He is a bright guy and should do well with a little training to focus his energy.

**Don't miss out on the 25th Anniversary Gala coming up on September 24, 2011! Join us for an evening of elegance, at the Arden Hills Resort Club and Spa. Dine on fabulous food from local restaurants, and taste wine and beer from various wineries and micro breweries. We'll be featuring both a silent and live auction, along with live entertainment from local performance artist David Garibaldi!!

It's an evening not to be missed! Visit our website and buy your tickets today- www.sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Kai (Adopted)

2011-08-24T18:03:15Z

Editor's Note: Torpedo has been adopted!

Look at that smile!

Kai is a big love dog. She is very affectionate, and loves to cuddle, give kisses and play! Kai is a one-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier mix who, depsite being fairly medium sized, she thinks she is a lap dog! She enjoys playing outside and going on walks. She is great on a leash and is also good about staying close to her walking buddy.

Kai would do best in a somewhat active home and should do fine with older children and other dogs at home.

This beautiful girl is very special indeed. Find out more about her and other great pets online at www.sspca.org!

Pet of the Week- Diana (Adopted)

2011-08-18T22:48:58Z

If you are looking for a young, vivacious and also affectionate cat- then Diana is your girl! She is a one-year-old grey colored tabby who came to us with kittens not too long ago. Now that her kittens are old enough to be adopted, Diana is looking for her future family! Diana is very polite. She uses a scratching post and has good litter box habits. She is also playful and will do best in a home with experienced, cat savvy family members. Don't forget! All cats over one-year-old (like Diana) are FREE through August 31st! Kittens are half- off.

She is currently in foster care, but if you would like to know more about her, please email Sarah at svaranini@sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Chewy (Adopted)

2011-08-10T22:40:24Z

Editor's Note: Chewy has been adopted!

Chewy is such a gentleman! This six-and-a-half-year old Miniature Schnauzer mix loves to both sit in your lap and/or go for walks. He does great on a leash and is playful when he gets outside! (He also had really soft fur!)

Chewy would do best in a somewhat active energetic home. He would do well with older children and should do fine with another dog and/or cat at home. He is a bright boy and would do well with a little training to help him focus his energetic nature. Chewy is eligble for our Senior for Senior Program where adoption fees are waived for adopters age 60+ adopting animals who are age 5+.

Check him out online at www.sspca.org!

Pet of the Week- Nikki (Adopted)

2011-08-03T21:25:01Z

Editor's Note: Torpedo has been adopted!

Nikki is a real doll! She is a one-year-old Rat Terrier/Spaniel mix with a great personality and a unique look! She is perfectly content to sit in your lap and hang out with you. She is pretty friendly too, and seems to just enjoy being around people.

We took her on FOX40 for an Adopt-a-Pet segment and she had a great time!

She will do best in a home with older kids, and cats are OK in the household. She is really sweet and will make a great addition to any family.

Check her out online at www.sspca.org!

Pet of the Week -Jack (Adopted)

2011-07-27T17:34:55Z

Editor's Note: Jack has been adopted!

Meet Jack!!

Playful and fun, Jack is a great little buddy with a sweet face!

He is a six-year-old standard sized Schnauzer who loves to play and be outside.

He needs a family that is dog savvy, with older kids and perhaps another dog in the home. Jack is a pretty happy boy, check him out online at www.sspca.org or pay him a visit today!

Pet of the Week- Diana

2011-07-20T17:32:48Z

Lovely Diana!

If you are looking for a young, vivacious and also affectionate cat- then Diana is your girl!

She is a one-year-old grey colored tabby who came to us with kittens not too long ago. Now that her kittens are old enough to be adopted, Diana is looking for her future family! She is currently in foster care, but if you would like to know more about her, please email Sarah at svaranini@sspca.org.

Diana is very polite. She uses a scratching post and has good litter box habits. She is also playful and will do best in a home with experienced, cat savvy family members.

Diana is a sweetie pie, check her out online at www.sspca.org!

**Don't forget! All cats over one-year-old (like Diana) are FREE through August 31st! Kittens are half- off.

Pet of the Week- Lady (Adopted)

2011-07-14T17:47:53Z

Editor's Note: Lady has been adopted!

Such a little lady!

Less than a year old, this pretty girl is playful and confident and ready to explore. She's very friendly and loves attention. Lady had surgery a few weeks ago on her hip, but she's starting to use her leg again and it truly doesn't seem to slow her down. Her tail is as waggy as ever!

Lady should go to a home where children are old enough to understand how to play gently with her. She would also do best in a home where she is the only pet (no cats or other dogs!) and where there is often someone at home.

Please come down to the Sacramento SPCA and meet Lady today!

Pet of the Week- Cranberry (Adopted)

2011-07-06T21:58:49Z

Editor's Note: Cranberry has been adopted!

This shy little charmer has the prettiest red-gold coat, beautiful brown eyes, and long slender legs. She is very gentle, and somewhat timid with strangers, but in a calm home with adults or older teens she should settle right in to be a very affectionate little friend.

Cranberry is an eight-year-old Chihuahua and gets along well with other small dogs, and might even be able to live with a cat or two.

Cranberry qualifies for our "Seniors for Seniors" program: if her guardian is over 60, we'll waive her adoption fee.

Come visit Cranberry at the Sacramento SPCA today!

Pet of the Week- Buddy (Adopted)

2011-06-29T20:49:14Z

We love Buddy! Meet a very sweet, five-year-old, gentle giant. He is a Golden Retriever (at a whopping 117 lbs!) and is need of a good home, a loving family and a little exercise! Buddy is mild-mannered , walks well on a leash and knows a lot of commands. Sound like a good fit for your family? Come visit him today!

*Join us on Thursday, July 7th from 11am- 3pm for a very unique event at the State Capitol (East steps). We're offering FREE Microchips and Low-cost vaccines to those who bring their dogs and cats (leashed dogs and crated cats please!). Find out more online at www.sspca.org.

Pet of the Week -Tucker

2011-06-22T21:53:14Z

Such a face! Tucker is a ten-and-a-half-year old Italian Spinone mix. He is young and sharp for his age, as well as gentle and outgoing. Tucker loves people and is friendly and well mannered on a leash! Tucker is best suited for a somewhat active home with adults or adults and older children. He should not live in a home with cats, and he is not a fan of pushy dogs. He is eligible for our Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program. This allows any adopter over the age of sixty, to have the adoption fees waived!

** Also going on now through the end of summer: All adult cats over one-year-old are FREE and kittens are half-off!!

Visit www.sspca.org for more details

Sacramento Zoo's 10th annual King of Feasts

2011-06-20T04:49:48Z

If you’re a fan of Hula-Hoops and a variety of local food, wine and beer, then the Sacramento Zoo’s 10th annual King of Feasts Wine and Food Luau – which will be held Saturday at the zoo – is for you.

“The luau is held all over the zoo,” Tonja Swank, public relations coordinator for the Sacramento Zoo, said of the 21-and-over event. “We line the different restaurants, wineries and breweries along different areas of the zoo. Some will be lined along Big Cat Row where the hyenas, snow leopard and where the larger cats are.”

Participating restaurants include local favorites such as Zocalo, Taylor’s Kitchen, Kru and Chops Steakhouse. Swank said attendees can expect to find sample-serving sizes of food since the luau is a tasting event.

John Ruffaine, co-owner of Giovanni’s Old World Pizzeria, said this is the fourth year his restaurant has participated in King of Feasts. He said his business will be providing three pizza options.

Their meat-lover’s option is the Don Giovanni, a pizza topped with homemade Italian sausage and red roasted pepper. Their vegetarian option will be pesto pizza, topped with fresh tomatoes and pine nuts. They will also be serving a traditional cheese pizza. He added that all their pizzas will be topped with extra virgin olive oil.

“We always have a lot left over, and we give it away to people at the end (of the night),” Ruffaine said. “There is no better marketing than being generous,” Ruffaine said.”

Desserts will be provided by Vic’s Ice Cream and Cupcake Craving, among others. Mulvaney’s B&L will be serving a seasonal fruit sorbet, said general manager Andy Kingsbury.

The Hoppy Brewing Company, will be providing beer, including Liquid Sunshine Blonde Ale, Hoppy Face Amber Ale, Stony Face Red Ale and Total Eclipse Black Ale, said marketing manager Scott Patterson.

Amador Cellars Winery will be pouring their 2008 petite sirah, the 2008 syrah and two styles of zinfandel.

Shaun Kelish, tasting room manager of Bogle Vineyards, said their winery will be furnishing four types of wine for the event: the 2010 sauvignon blanc, the 2010 chenin blanc, 2009 merlot and the 2009 cabernet sauvignon.

Kelish said Bogle Vineyards is also donating a 2008 merlot 3-liter, 3-magnum bottle of wine, equivalent to four regular bottles, for silent auction.

The Na Aikane Ukulele Club will be performing, along with the Kaulumele Polynesian Dance Group who will also moderate the adult Hula-Hoop contest, Swank said.

It is the second year in a row that organizers of King of Feasts have gone with a luau theme, Swank said.

Tickets can be purchased at the door for $60. Pre-sale tickets purchased during zoo hours or by phone are $50. Zoo members pay $45 pre-sale.

All proceeds will got to the Sacremento Zoo’s general fund.

Pet of the Week- Speckles

2011-06-15T21:53:24Z

Meet Speckles!

Such a sweet heart! Speckles is a three-year-old cuddle bug, looking for a good lap to snuggle up in. She is very friendly and didn't even mind being on TV for a pet-of-the-week segment! Speckles is OK to live with other cats, small dogs and even children.

Celebrate summer with the Sacramento SPCA as we team up with the makers of Fresh Step litter and the ASPCA for a very special cat adoption event!

Now through the end of August, all adult cats over one-year-old (like Speckles!) are FREE; Kittens are half-off!

Check us out online at www.sspca.org or stop by the shelter and meet a new best friend today!

18th Annual Doggy Dash- now being called the 'Soggy Dash!'

2011-06-08T22:18:56Z

Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, June 4th for the Doggy Dash, or as it is now being referred to as the "Soggy Dash!"

It may have rained ALL day, but despite everything, the event raised more than $170,000 for the animals at the Sacramento SPCA. We were amazed (and proud!) of the number of pet lovers who braved the weather with us!

We hope to see everyone next year, for the 19th Annual Doggy Dash in 2012. A date has not yet been established, but we're crossing our fingers (and paws) for sunshine and blue skies!

*Attached photos are courtesy of Patrick Storm Photography.

More event photos are available on our Facebook page 'Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash' or online at www.digitalwonderlandphotography.com.

Horses bred for nobility to perform elegant show

2011-06-07T00:56:46Z

Horses originally bred to carry the nobility of Europe to war now have a more peaceful and entertaining vocation – they will be dancing and performing in Power Balance Pavilion June 18.

The “World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions perform in their “Dancing White Stallions” show that recounts their history as well as the cultures of various European countries, including Austria, Slovenia and Spain, said show producer Gary Lashinsky.

“All of our horses were bought from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna,” Lashinsky said.

The one-hour and 45-minute show is a choreographed dance of 12-14 Lipizzaner Stallions, and it also includes demonstrations of maneuvers riders would have performed in battle – now an equestrian art form, Lashinsky said. Throughout the show, the 400-year history of the Lipizzans is told.

Riders dress in traditional equestrian clothing from Europe.

“We have a lot of musical changes and wardrobe changes,” Lashinsky said. “The routines are very different. We show horses at the highest level. It takes years and years of training.”

The horses are purchased at about age 4 or 5 from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, where visitors can see the horses perform in a similar show. Training begins at age 4, and it takes six to eight years before they are ready to perform, Lashinsky said.

Austrian travel writer Andreas Susana, of Graz, Austria, said in an email Monday that the horses are a source of national pride for Austrians. While their original home is in Slovenia, he said the specialized training has historically been a hallmark of Vienna and its Spanish Riding School.

The 43-year-old Susana said the combination of the horse performance, the music, the old-fashioned equestrian uniforms and the ambiance of the historic building in Vienna all come together to create the “special glamor” of the show.

The country has been able to maintain the breed over several hundred years – with a bit of help from the United States.

During World War II, the horses had been sent to places in and around then-Czechoslovakia to save them from expected bombings in Vienna. As the Soviet Union’s Red Army advanced, it was feared the Soviet soldiers would slaughter the prized stallions for food, Susana said. American Gen. George S. Patton sent tank units to save the horses.

Lashinsky said the story is the subject of a Disney film from the 1960s, “Miracle of the White Stallions.”

“Patton saved them from almost certain extinction,” Lashinsky said, adding that today there are only 3,000 of the horses worldwide. “Not many horses have the glamor and the history of the Lipizzans.”

U.C. Davis Veterinary Professor Sharon Spier – who also rides in the “dressage” style of the Lipizzans and has served as an emergency veterinarian at the Olympics – said the show is one that people of all ages can enjoy, even if they aren’t horse enthusiasts.

“ ‘Dressage’ is the French word for training,” she said. “It started as training for war, for the cavalry … so horses would be more agile for battle.”

She compared today’s dressage as being similar to figure skating, with horses riding in groups of four called quadrilles in both mandated and freestyle patterns.

“There’s probably very few opportunities for the public to see this high level of dressage,” she said, adding that the annual world cup is held in Las Vegas.

The Lipizzaner Stallions are different from racehorses or jumping horses, since they are usually older and stockier, Spier said, describing them as “compact and muscular” as well as “very coordinated.”

Their famous maneuvers are known as the “airs above the ground,” which involve the horse rearing on its hind legs and leaping, as in the photo above, she said. Training to that level takes years.

To the audience, the horses appear all-white, but Spier said they are actually born black and are known as grays, with their coats getting whiter as they mature.

“The ones that are younger will look more gray than a mature one, which will appear much more white,” she said.

The horses have a reputation for beauty, intelligence, grace and strength, local travel writer and travel blogger Jeremy Branham, 36, said in an email Monday.

“I think it’s great that these horses get a chance to be showcased in Sacramento,” he said. “Not everyone gets a chance to travel and see the horses perform in Europe and around the world, so it’s great that people have the opportunity to see them here.”

The horses were last in Sacramento about three years ago, Lashinsky said, adding that they performed in Bahrain for the king last November.

Branham said Slovenia is one of his favorite countries, and he pointed out that the horses were originally bred there.

“While enjoying the horses is one thing,” he said, “it’s great to understand the history (and) heritage of these horses in three different European countries – Austria, Spain and Slovenia.”

Lashinsky said the “World Famous” Lipizzaner Stallions that are seen on the show are based on Oviedo, Fla., which is not far from Orlando, where thy have been since 1989. When they aren’t traveling around the world, they are training.

The June 18 performances are part of the 41st annual tour and will be held at 2 and 7:30 p.m. in Power Balance Pavilion. Adult tickets start at $22.50 and can be purchased online at Ticketmaster.com or at the Power Balance Pavilion box office.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Pet of the Week- Stanley!

2011-06-02T22:53:00Z

Meet Stanley!

This eight-year-old Yorkshire Terrier mix is quite the character! He is very sweet and chatty- loves to tell you about his day! A somewhat active adult home will be best for Stanley (he is not a fan of little kids!). He is OK with cats and tends to ignore other dogs, so he'd be fine as "an only child." He has a long silky coat, but he's used to being combed, so he won't require more than a couple of minutes a day to stay well groomed. In fact, Stanley has some quirky hobbies too- he enjoys running in the sprinklers and taking baths! At the age of 8, Stanley qualifies for our "Seniors for Seniors" program: if his adopter is over 60, we'll waive the adoption fee!

*** Join us on Saturday, June 4th at the 18th Annual Doggy Dash at William Land Park!! RAIN OR SHINE!!!***

It's Kitten Season at the Sacramento SPCA!

2011-05-25T19:05:03Z

Yes! It is offically 'kitten season' once again! And what better way to enjoy this warmer weather, than to share it with a new furry friend?

Pictured above are three buddies named Kiko (149163), Kenji (149164) and Kato (149165). These three are all two-months-old and were in the same foster home. Their foster family reports that Kiko, the female kitten on the left with torbie coloring, is a busy and curious lap cat. Kenji, the cute black male kitten in the center, is a gentle and sweet cuddler. Kato, the male brown tiger on the right, is kooky, funny and curious.

Kittens often get adopted quickly but this time of year there's always more available. So even if these three find their furever homes before you get a chance to get to the shelter, we're sure to have another equally cute and sweet kitten that's just right for your home.

Find out more online at www.sspca.org.

** Don't forget to join us at the Doggy Dash on June 4th at William Land Park! Sign up online to walk in the 2k or 5k walk around the park. Then join us for a FREE "Bark at the Park" Festival!

9:00AM- 1:00PM

Go to www.sspca.org and click on the "Doggy Dash" link to be taken to the event website.

Pet of the Week- Cosey!

2011-05-18T19:10:08Z

Cosey is a big cuddle bug. She is a five-year-old mix of American Staffordshire Terrier and Catahoula Leopard Dog, making her a very unique mix! Cosey is a staff favorite here at the SPCA as she is an affectionate girl who loves getting and giving kisses. Cosey would do well in a somewhat active home with another dog or cat. She is eligible for Seniors for Seniors for Adoption Program. Any adopter over the age of sixty can have the adoption fees waived!

*Also, don't forget!

Join us for the DOGGY DASH, Saturday, June 4 at William Land Park

Visit www.sspca.org for more information and to register today!
..

Sacramento Cat Hospital Hosts Third Annual Arts & Crafts Fair to Benefit Felines in Need

2011-05-17T22:30:30Z

If you're looking for something fun to do this weekend that will also help kitties in need, please stop by the Sacramento Cat Hospital's Third Annual Cat’s Meow Arts & Crafts Fair.

Fair hours are 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Sunday, May 22 at the Sacramento Cat Hospital, 4115 Manzanita Avenue in Carmichael.

All fair proceeds will benefit the Sacramento Cat Hospital Foundation Benevolent Fund, established to provide treatment for injured, sick, and feral cats. Some of these cats require extensive and costly treatment to save their lives. The Benevolent Fund also provides routine physicals, vaccinations, viral screening, food, water, and shelter to the hospital’s foster cats until they find forever homes.

One such kitty is Charlie, who was brought to the Sacramento Cat Hospital after being shot twice; one of the bullets had shattered his left rear leg. Charlie was in need of costly surgery to repair the breaks. Through its Benevolent Fund, the Sacramento Cat Hospital worked hard to raise the money needed to cover the cost of Charlie's surgery with a specialist. Funds were also needed for post-operative care and preventative medicine while Charlie was fostered at the Sacramento Cat Hospital. After being treated and nursed back to health, Charlie was adopted into a loving home.

Attendees at the fair can purchase many handmade, artisanal items including jewelry, beaded purses and clothing, quilts, tote bags, aprons, pillows, etched wood jewelry, cat trees, dog clothing, children’s books, soaps and lotions, scrapbooks and accessories, pet video services, cat dolls, candles, book covers, Tupperware, and much more.

Fairgoers can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win great prizes, including an autographed picture of Tony Shalhoub (star of the hit TV show "Monk"), gorgeous cat trees, feline exam and labwork from the Sacramento Cat Hospital (a $270 value), and more. Winners need not be present.

For more information about the Fair, call (916) 488-4161 or visit www.sacramentocathospital.com. You can also find the Sacramento Cat Hospital on Facebook.

Disclosure: Laurie Rich is a consultant and organizer of charitable events with the Sacramento Cat Hospital.

Pet of the Week- Chuckie

2011-05-11T22:22:11Z

Meet the Chuckster!

At about a year-old, this Jack Russell Terrier mix is SO unique looking! He loves to run, play tug-o-war and enjoys going for walks.

Chuckie is playful and affectionate, and he enjoys lounging in your lap. Chuckie is best suited for an energetic and active home with experienced owners. He should live with adults or adults and older children. He should not live in a home with cats or other dogs. He prefers to be the only pet in your home!

Come pay Chuckie a visit at the SSPCA today!

Pet of the Week- Marley!

2011-05-04T20:29:49Z

What a face!
Meet Marley, a two-and-a-half-year-old Calico kitty with a lot of love to offer! She gets along great with kids, dogs, and most cats. She comes off a little shy, but warms up quickly. Marley is described by volunteers as the "friendly, quiet lap-cat."

Come pay her a visit on “Cinco de MEOWO” where cats like her (over the age of one) are FREE at the SSPCA! Kittens are half-priced, this day only. Find out more online at www.sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Petunia

2011-04-27T22:12:59Z

Meet Petunia!

This sweet, six-year-old American Bulldog mix is waiting anxiously for her forever home! Petunia loves walks, is house trained AND gets along with children. She is not a fan of cats though. Petunia is affectionate and gentle- come pay her a vist today!

She is also eligible for our Senior Companionship Program. Any adopter over the age of sixty can have the adoption fees waived.

*Also! Don't miss out on our June 4th Doggy Dash at William Land Park. We'll be walking with our dogs to raise money for the shelter. Afterwards, join us for a free pet festival. Check it out online at www.sspca.org!

Pet of the Week- Zoie

2011-04-20T19:44:52Z

Meet Zoie!

Zoie is a young girl, only eleven-months, with lots of energy! She is a Hound mix, so she needs some consistent training to be the best dog she can be, but responds well to calm, positive reinforcement trianing. Like most hounds, she spends lots of time with her nose to the ground, but also likes to interact with people. She should be the only dog in a cat-free home, and would do well with older children.

Check her out at www.sspca.org!

Looking for love?

2011-04-15T13:38:34Z

These adorable dogs are looking for homes. They are at the Sacramento city shelter at 2127 Front St. The shelter is open all weekend. Here is their website: http://www.cityofsacramento.org/generalservices/animal-care/

More dog photos may be seen at http://www.annechadwickwilliams.com/

Movie Premiere Benefiting the Sacramento SPCA

2011-04-13T19:52:36Z

“Worst in Show” movie screening -
A truly unique fundraiser for the Sacramento SPCA

What:
The Del Paso Boulevard Partnership is proud to present a Red Carpet fundraising event for the Sacramento SPCA, featuring the documentary “Worst in Show” by award-winning film makers John Beck and Don R. Lewis.

“Worst in Show” is a unique behind the scenes look at the now infamous “World’s Ugliest Dog Contest” held annually in Petaluma, CA.

When:
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Doors open noon
Film at 1 PM
“Meet & Greet” following the film with the directors, the four-legged stars and their owners

Where:
Artisan Building
1901 Del Paso Boulevard, Sacramento, CA 95815

Tickets:
$15 General Admission
$25 Blue Ribbon: Reserved front section seating and “Doggy Bag” with gourmet hot dog, popcorn and soda

What else:
• For ticket information visit http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/163053
• Visit www.worstinshowmovie.com for movie trailer and film information
• Visit www.delpasoboulevard.com for event information. 916/923.6200
• A Sacramento SPCA Mobile Adoption Unit will be on location at the event
• Gourmet vegetarian and traditional hot dogs, as well as other movie snacks will be available

Pet of the Week- Herbie

2011-04-06T21:36:43Z

Meet Herbie!

Herbie is a very well mannered and gentle cat, who had his first morning TV debut and did really well, considering the lights and cameras!
If you are looking for a cuddly lap cat, Herbie might be just the guy for you. He’s pretty unique in that he doesn’t have any teeth! Herbie came into the shelter with a bad mouth infection and had to have all of his teeth pulled. However, he is fully functional and remarkable (he’s learned to gum his kibble and he also eats wet food). If this eight-year-old love bug sounds like a great cat for you, come pay him a visit!

Chihuahuas in need of homes

2011-03-31T00:58:01Z

Four adorable chihuahuas are in need of homes. They are at the Sacramento city shelter at 2127 Front Street.

Pet of the Week- Meet Norman!

2011-03-30T18:18:38Z

Looking for a new best friend? Meet Norman!

At one-and-a-half years old, Norman is a social, happy, fun-loving American Bulldog. This big boy knows how to use a dog door, loves riding in the car and knows how to sit and stay on command. Norman loves to play, but because of his size (he’s almost 88lbs!) he will do best with a family that is active, home often, and has older children. He is okay with cats but prefers to be the only dog in the home.

Norman is currently in foster care with a Sacramento SPCA employee. He is often at the shelter, so if you’re interested in meeting Norman, please visit our website (www.sspca.org), download a “Dog Matchmaker Form” and fax it to 916-383-7062. Linda can also be contacted at lsalle@sspca.org.

**Don't forget about our dog adoption promotion going on NOW! All dog adoption fees are 50% off through Sunday, April 3rd. This is a great opportunity to check out available dogs here at the Sacramento SPCA!

Pet of the Week- Petey!

2011-03-23T17:05:56Z

Meet Petey!!

This sweet, entertaining and fun-loving dog is a unique mix of Basset Hound and German Shepherd.Petey knows how to sit, lay down and roll over- he's a riot!

Petey is six-years-old and qualifies for our Seniors for Seniors Adoption program. Come on over to the Sacramento SPCA and pay Petey a visit!

*Also, don't miss out on Senior Day this Thursday, March 24th from 11am-3pm.

Seniors (ages 60+) will have a chance to bring their dogs/cats for free vaccines on this very special and informative day at the SSPCA. Seniors will also receive adoption/pet product discounts, tours, refreshments, and information on what the SPCA is doing for seniors in our community.

For more information please contact Shari Lowen at slowen@sspca.org

Three adorable dogs need homes

2011-03-19T12:51:38Z

These three cute dogs are at the Sacramento city shelter and need homes. A minature poodle, a puppy, and a standard poodle all want to go to a home. Please help them. The shelter is at 2127 Front St. and is open Saturday from 11-5 and Tuesday-Friday from 12-5:30.

Pet of the Week- Bo

2011-03-16T21:45:06Z

Meet Bo!

Bo can be a bit shy around new people and situations, but a little TLC helps him to come out of his shell. He is a two-and-a-half-year-old Chihuahua/West Highland Terrier mix with blonde fur. He is gentle, playful and affectionate towards people.

Bo is best suited for a somewhat active home with owners who are often there. He should live with adults or adults and older children.

Visit www.sspca.org to find out more about Bo or stop in and see him!

Pet of the Week- Hero

2011-03-09T21:13:51Z

Need a hero? Meet our little guy!

Hero comes off shy, but once he warms up to you, he's all yours. He is a two-year-old grey tabby and is quite the lap cat. Hero is very friendly with his human companions, especially if you pet him and give him lots of love! Hero will make a great addition to any family.

Come on down to the Sacramento SPCA and celebrate Mardi PAWS with us! All cats are 50% off now through Sunday, March 13th. You can also visit online at www.sspca.org to find out more about Hero and other cats.

Adorable dogs looking for homes

2011-03-05T05:00:47Z

These cute pups are in need of homes. They are at the Sacramento city shelter at 2127 Front Street, which is open Saturday from 11-5 and Tues. - Fri from 12 - 5:30. Cpt. Morgan is only three months old. Doodle is also a puppy and growing up at the shelter. Great dogs looking for great homes. Do you know anyone looking for a dog?

Pet of the Week- Petey!

2011-03-02T20:32:19Z

Meet Petey!

Looking for a sweet, gentle and quirky little dog? Petey is your guy!

He is almost six-years-old and IS an interesting mix of Bassett Hound and German Shepherd. He is playful and very smart- ask him to sit, lay down and roll over!

Petey is affectionate and attentive towards people, and will make a great pet for the right family. Petey is best suited for a somewhat active home with adults or adults and older children. He should not live in a home with cats.

Keep in mind that Petey is also eligible for our Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program. So if you are over the age of sixty, you could have the adoption fee waived!

**CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITE, WWW.SSPCA.ORG AND CLICK ON THE LINK FOR THE 2011 DOGGY DASH. YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS DOG FRIENDLY WALK & FESTIVAL ON JUNE 4TH AT WILLIAM LAND PARK. IT'S GOING TO BE A 'BARKING' GOOD TIME!!**

Pet of the Week- Sassafrass!

2011-02-23T23:51:07Z

Meet Sassafrass!

Looking for a friendly, young (two-years-old) cat who prefers being petted? Here's your girl!

Her initial shyness quickly goes away once you start giving her some attention. She's even been known to flop on her side if you pet her long enough. Sassafrass has lovely white fur and likes having it brushed. And like many great beauties, she even has a small "beauty" mark - a splotch of light grey on the top of her head.

Come pay Miss Sassafrass a visit, you won't regret it!

Or you can check her out at www.sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Sweetie

2011-02-16T18:44:12Z

Meet Sweetie, a special little lady waiting for her future home!
With long legs, a lanky body and a cute little face; Sweetie seems like quite the super model.

She is a little shy at first, but once she gets to know you she is outgoing and friendly. Her favorite activity is chasing toy mice and she also enjoys being brushed. If you need a little more sweetness in your life, Sweetie may be just the cat for you!

Check her out at www.sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Lucy

2011-02-09T18:27:24Z

We love Lucy!

This two-year-old Black Lop/Lionhead mix is soft, cuddly and very sweet! She is a friendly rabbit and actually enjoys being groomed. Like most rabbits, she can be a little shy around strangers but warms up quickly. She was around children in her last home and she got along with them well.

Don't forget that the Sacramento SPCA is offering 50% off all rabbit adoption fees through the month of February. Help us Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit! Visit www.sspca.org to find out more.

Pet of the Week- Corleone!

2011-02-09T18:22:20Z

Meet Corleone!
This six-year-old Chihuahua mix loves to cuddle and to be held. He also likes to go for walks with his human companions. Once he warms up to you, he can be quite affectionate and friendly.

Corleone is best suited for a calm and orderly home with experienced adult owners. He is okay to live with cats. He is also eligible for our Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program wherein any adopter over the age of 60 years old can have the adoption fee waived!).

Find out more at www.sspca.org!

Pet of the Week- Winter

2011-02-02T23:00:30Z

Meet Winter!

This three-year-old German Shepherd mix needs a loving home! Winter loves to go for walks with her human companions. She is friendly and affectionate towards people, not to mention that she is quite beautiful with her unique features!

Winter is best suited for a somewhat active home with experienced owners who are often home. She should live with adults or adults and older children, and she should not live with cats.

To find out more about Winter please visit www.sspca.org!

Pet of the Week- Roxy!

2011-01-26T22:39:49Z

Meet Roxy!

Cute little dog, perfect for someone looking for a pet under 20lbs. Roxy is a Cairn Terrier and is a little over one-year-old. Her coloring is black and silver, giving her a very unique look.

Roxy enjoys the company of people and is affectionate as well as attentive. Her perfect family would have the energy to walk her, but also the patience to lounge around and let her be a lap dog. She gets along with most dogs, but she should not live with cats.

Check out Roxy at www.sspca.org!

Pet of the Week- Newt!

2011-01-19T18:49:06Z

Are you looking for a fun loving Chihuahua that ADORES other dogs? Newt is three-and-a-half years old and he came to us as a stray with a broken leg and dislocated hip. He is currently living in foster care, but now that he is recovered, he is ready for his forever home!

Newt should be in a patient, adult home that can help him earn back his trust with people. He gets a little nervous when he is picked up or touched on his healed leg. He would LOVE to go to a home with other animals with whom he can buddy up with. Newt became very attached to his foster mom, so he will likely bond with one member of the household and become their little companion!
If you are interested in finding out more about Newt, please email Sarah at svaranini@sspca.org.

Pet of the Week- Zin

2011-01-12T18:22:44Z

Meet Zin!

This little three-month-old Chihuahua loves to hang out in your lap. She is gentle, playful, affectionate and attentive towards people. Zin will make a great little lap pet for a lucky someone!

Zin is best suited for a somewhat active home with adults or adults and older children. She is okay to live with cats!

Check her out at www.sspca.org

Happy Tails Chosen for L/C Mural & Design Annual Donation

2011-01-06T18:26:57Z

To celebrate two of their favorite things: cats and the New Year, mural artists, Sofia Lacin and Hennessy Christophel, choose Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary for their annual charitable mural donation.

‘A Cat for Every Lap,' a 15 foot by 4 foot hand painted mural, will be unveiled at Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary at 6001 Folsom Blvd on the 8th of January, 2011. Ranging in facial expressions and personality just as much as humans, cats are wonderful subjects for a mural. The mural will depict a variety of larger-than-life size human laps occupied by a variety of feline friends.

It seems to be a good time to focus on these creatures, as shelters are packed or closing and so many animals are left homeless. Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary is one of the only no-kill animal shelters in Sacramento. ‘A Cat for Every Lap’ captures the individuality of cats and how our animals often become a member of the family. What a gift it is to be able to visit with the animals at Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary to determine which is best suited to you: it’s like speed dating, but with less pressure for conversation!

Recent college graduates, Sofia Lacin and Hennessy Christophel, have been painting all over Sacramento and Northern California for the past couple years; dozens of murals for a wide variety of clients. It has become their annual tradition to donate a mural to a nonprofit that really touches their hearts. Last year, they donated a 30 foot by 10 foot mural to the Volunteers of America family shelter.

“Our goal is to contribute to Happy Tail’s effort to grow and help more and more people find their perfect furry companion. It really enriches a life, two lives, really,” says Lacin.

article by Hennessy Christophel of Lacin/Christophel Mural & Design www.lcmuralanddesign.com

Pet of the Week- Rubin!

2011-01-06T00:41:53Z

Meet Rubin!

Rubin is a very cool dog with a mix of Labrador Retriever and Weimaraner, which gives him a unique coloring of blue and white! Rubin loves to chase tennis balls, and most of the time, he gives them back. He likes to go for walks, and he walks well on a leash. Rubin is very attentive towards people, especially people with treats.

Rubin is best suited for an energetic and active home with adults or adults and older children. You can find out more about Rubin and other great animals on our website at www.sspca.org.

Sacramento SPCA Pet of the Week- Hamshire

2010-12-29T23:08:59Z

Meet Hamshire!

This little bunny rabbit is very sweet and has the most amazing velvet-like fur! Hamshire is almost a year old, and is a mix between a Mini Rex and Dutch breed. He doesn't mind being held, but he also loves to explore! Hamshire, like most rabbits, will make a great pet for a family looking for a quiet little animal. With enough socialization and proper handling, rabbits are very social and friendly pets (and they can even be litter box trained!)

Check out Hamshire and other great finds at www.sspca.org!

Ask the County Law Librarian - Pet Licenses

2010-12-23T19:51:37Z

Q: We’re adopting a dog for our children for Christmas. A friend told me we'd need to get a pet license. Is this true? If so, who do we contact for that?

Bridget

A: Congratulations on the new addition to your family!

Sacramento County, and all cities within the County, require dogs and cats over 4 months of age to be vaccinated and licensed. Sacramento City also requires licensing of mini-pigs.

Each city processes its own licenses, so you will need to contact the Animal Services department for the city where you live. Links to each of those departments is listed below.

Citrus Heights (contract with the County to process animal licenses) - (read the code section here)
Elk Grove - (read the code section here)
Folsom - (read the code section here)
Galt (contract with the County to process animal licenses) (read the code section here)
Rancho Cordova - (read the code section here)
Sacramento - (read the code section here)
Unincorporated Sacramento County - (read the code section here)

Licensing fees vary between cities, and are significantly higher for unaltered animals. One-year licenses for a spayed or neutered dog will be $10-$15. One-year licenses for unaltered dogs range from $30-$150. Most cities offer one, two, or three year licenses, with discounts for the longer licenses. In order to obtain an animal license, you will need proof of rabies vaccination. If you wish to pay the reduced licensing fee for an altered animal, you will also need proof of spay or neuter.

Licensing your pet offers many benefits, especially if your pet gets lost. If your pet is wearing her license tag, animal control officers will attempt to bring her home, rather than taking her to the shelter. Should your pet end up at the shelter, though, the license will extend the time she is held at the shelter.

Do you have a question for the County Law Librarian? Just email sacpress@saclaw.org. If your question is selected your answer will appear in next Thursday's column. Even if your question isn't selected, though, I will still respond within two weeks.
Coral Henning, Director
@coralh & @saclawlibrarian

www.saclaw.org

Sacramento SPCA Pet of the Week- Thumbelina

2010-12-22T18:05:38Z

Meet Thumbelina!

This one-year old American Staffy mix is a real sweetheart! She is also very unique in that she has six toes on each paw! Thumbelina is very affectionate and gentle with her human friends. She loves her walks and especially enjoys chasing toys and running through puddles. She is featured as the "Staff's Pick" this month as everyone has really grown to love her.

We know she will make a great addition to any loving home. She will fit in best with an adult family (or one with older children) and she is even okay to live with cats.

Don't forget that all animals are 50% off at the SPCA through December 30th! Adopt a shelter animal and bring them Home for the Holidays!

Check out Thumbelina and other animals at www.sspca.org.

Emaciated dog rescued but veterinary bills very high

2010-12-02T13:47:56Z

On Thanksgiving morning, a woman out walking came upon an emaciated, starving and freezing little dog. He was lying on a thin sheet curled up in the tightest ball under a tree. She took him home and bundled him up and gave him food. It soon became clear he needed emergency vet care.

Mueller's Pet Medical Center initially thought he might have stomach cancer, but surgery revealed he had eaten a corn cob. Because he has been in starvation mode for so long, his recovery has been complicated. He weighed in at 22 pounds. He should weigh about 45 pounds. He has been receiving 24-hour care since Saturday, and his bills are about $1,200. He is a very sweet and loveable greyhound mix.

The new owner was laid off from her job in February and is currently still unemployed. Photos of Ollie can be seen at annethedogphotographer.com. If you know of anyone able to help with a financial donation to Ollie's vet bill, please have them call Mueller's at 916-428-9202.

Sacramento Cat Hospital Hosts 2nd Annual Pet Food Drive to Help Hungry Cats and Dogs

2010-11-08T20:19:04Z

On Saturday, November 13, the Sacramento Cat Hospital is hosting its second annual pet food drive, benefiting Loaves & Fishes and Titanic's Pantry (the Sacramento Pet Food Bank). All donations of cat and dog food, canned or dry, will make a difference for a hungry animal.

Pet food drive hours are 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Sacramento Cat Hospital, 4115 Manzanita Avenue in Carmichael.

"Providing enough pet food to meet the need is an ongoing challenge for shelters, charitable organizations, and animal rescue groups," said Dr. Billie Bensen Martin, owner of the Sacramento Cat Hospital. "This large-scale pet food drive is an effective way for our community to help animals in need all over the city."

During last year's drive, more than 8000 pounds of pet food was collected. "It was wonderful to see the generosity of our community at last year’s pet food drive," said Dr. Martin. "We’re hoping to collect even more pet food this year. The economic climate means that the demand is greater than ever. So many people in our city are faced with the difficult choice of feeding themselves, or feeding their pets."

Around the country, healthy animals are being surrendered because their owners can no longer afford to feed them. Two organizations in our community are working to feed hungry pets and keep them out of our city's overflowing shelters.

The kennel at Loaves & Fishes houses and feeds the pets of their guests while the guests are eating in the dining room or participating in other services. Pet food is also distributed to those who have pets at home.

The Sacramento Pet Food Bank was launched in November 2009 in response to the increase in pets surrendered to shelters due to the inability of their owners to afford to feed them. The goal of the program is to keep people and their pets together by having a constant supply of dog and cat food available to those in need. The food bank is a partnership between the City of Sacramento Animal Care Services, Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation, the Sacramento Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary.

For more information about the pet food drive, contact the Sacramento Cat Hospital at (916) 488-4161 or email info@sacramentocathospital.com.

Disclosure: Laurie Rich is a consultant and organizer to charitable events at the Sacramento Cat Hospital.

Mercer Vet Clinic Helps Homeless Pets

2010-09-13T22:30:17Z

Once a month, hundreds of pets and their owners break the Saturday morning quiet on Ahern Street. Dogs bark and pace, cats meow in travel cases and owners talk to one another to pass the time. Many will wait up to six hours to be seen at the Loaves and Fishes’ location for free veterinary care for the homeless by UC Davis’ Mercer Veterinary Clinic.

The clinic has been coming to Loaves and Fishes for more than 15 years to help the animals of the homeless clients. They visit the second Saturday of each month from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

On Sep. 11, 148 animals were brought to Mercer to be seen.

Client Lisa Lafont of Sacramento brought her three dogs, Muffin, Missy and Sam, to be vaccinated, spayed and neutered.

“The population of everybody here is the homeless,” Lafont said. “Homeless pets are still family members. It gives them a little bit of health care, too.”

The number of clients and patients varies. Some Mercer volunteers said they believe it depends on the weather. Dogs are the primary patients, followed by cats.

“(The homeless treat their animals) really, really well,” said Dr. Laurel Gershwin, UC Davis veterinary school professor and chair of the Mercer board. “I’ve been incredibly impressed with how well they follow directions when you give them medication to give, and you get results.”

Mercer consists of first-, second- and third-year veterinary students. Preveterinary students assist as aides. Up to three UC Davis veterinarians are on-hand, depending on availability.

The clinic is funded by grants, donations and fundraisers. Its policy requires that its patients be spayed or neutered, and clients be confirmed as homeless by Loaves and Fishes.

“You have to realize for these people that have very little, that (an) animal is something solid and stable in their life,” Gershwin said. “It provides companionship, love, and it’s a very important part of their life. I’ve even seen our clients go out and save an animal another homeless person has been mistreating.”

Most patients receive general preventative care including heartworm medication and vaccines. Many clients rely on Mercer for pet food. The clinic provides and treats nearly everything a general practice would on-site, except surgeries.

“The only difference is sometimes we see things that most veterinarians would’ve seen sooner,” Gershwin said. “So the dog that was itchy and had a couple spots of hair missing, and would go to a normal clinic will come to us and have practically no hair because the owner didn’t know they could come in for free, and they couldn’t take it to a veterinarian.”

A UC Davis trailer comes the Sunday after each clinic visit for scheduled spay and neuter procedures. About 10 to 12 patients are seen per visit.

“It provides a lot of good for people who, basically without their homes, need their animals to protect them,” client Tosha Roach of Sacramento said. “And I don’t have any kids, so (my dog, Kaleah) is my baby.”

Loaves and Fishes requires the clinic to be finished by 3 p.m. Any clients left after that time must be turned away.

Patients are seen on a first-come, first-served basis. They are taken into a warehouse where the clinic has temporarily set up equipment and supplies. Large containers of donated pet food sit on one side, and folding tables acting as examination tables sit opposite. There is a small tent in one corner so vets may examine cats without the possibility of them running away.

“It would be nice if we ultimately had a more dependable space where we don’t have to worry that if they decided to do something else with the warehouse, we wouldn’t have a space to do our clinic,” Gershwin said.

If a procedure is unavailable on-site, Mercer will often have the animal transported to the UC Davis veterinary teaching hospital or referred to a private practice veterinarian Mercer is associated with and pays.

“If our clients feel enough love and caring to sit out here for six hours in the hot sun to see a vet or vet student to get medication, you know they care,” Gershwin said. “Most people wouldn’t do that.”

Photos:

1) A kitten is seen by veterinary students.

2) Clients and patients wait to be seen.

3) Mercer's warehouse interior.

4) A table with supplies for Mercer veterinary clinic.

Art, music, and magic at CurtisFest

2010-09-03T05:28:49Z

Whimsical ceramic characters that wink as you walk by, domestic and exotic animals who allow you to pet them, a fairy who paints a glittering swan on your face, and musicians whose songs are brand new each time they perform. These are only some of the imaginative artists and activities that await kids and adults at the 4th Annual CurtisFest on Saturday, September 11th. Presented by the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association (SCNA), Curtis Fest will be held from 10am until 4pm in Curtis Park, an eighteen-acre parcel of ground surrounded by quaint bungalows and shaded by heritage trees.

CurtisFest was established in 2007 to give local artists a venue at which to exhibit and sell their work. This free fall event will feature almost sixty artists and artisans who will present samples of their creations, great food from local vendors, live music, and a craft area where kids can have fun and make art themselves. Ceramicists, watercolorists, jewelry artists, photographers, potters, portraitists, fabric and giclee artists, and many more will be on hand to provide a fall feast of visual delight.

The photography of Eleakis and Elder, Francisco Dominguez and Donald Satterlee will be displayed at the festival. Doug Wylie, Lori Ervin and Wes Ervin will present their ceramics and pewter; Gerilyn Maslowski her vases, wall tiles, and pottery; Mickey Abbey his stained glass; and Patt Illouli her ink, watercolor house portraits and general portraits. Laville Logan will display her original and giclee prints, watercolors, and soft pastels; Wendi Weston her handmade totes, and Susan Barnes’ her oils and watercolors. Yoly Petra Stroeve will also offer her paintings, and Robyn Slakey her garden totem poles and ceramic vertical sculptures. Painter Reine River will be there with her watercolors, acrylics and pastels, and Natalie Thiele with her broken tile mosaics.

A number of innovative ceramicists will bring their work to share with attendees. Ellen Huls fanciful “kitschy characters” will be joined by the ceramics of Sharon Bloom and the creations of Rosalie Roth. Phyllis Koessler’s pottery and ceramics will be on display, as well as Denise Wilken and Joan McClellan’s handmade scarves, jewelry, birdhouses, and table runners. Marsha Elam will offer her ceramics, jewelry and collage.

Heading off the early-entry artists who work in jewelry and related media are Olga Barmina and Paula Forman with their “From the Heart Hair Clips” and June Bug Jewelry, Caron Gregg and her beaded jewelry and jewelry boxes, and Dot Edwards with her jewelry, glass and mosaics. The jewelry of Mary and Lee Coldren will be shown, as well as the jewelry and mixed media of Jodi Queenan, and Gale Lee and Jodi Vidad’s handcrafted costume jewelry and handmade fabric totes. Attendees at this year’s CurtisFest will also be able to enjoy the jewelry art of Linda McAtee, of Leticia Botello, and of Sandi Osterman. Finally, Christi Hunter will be at the event with her sterling silver jewelry and art glass vessels.

There will be lots more for attendees to do as they delight in the work of the visual artists. Offering their musical take on the richly creative atmosphere of CurtisFest will be the improvisational project band Instagon. Begun in 1993 as a musical experiment in the unexpectedly compelling sounds that can be created from everyday objects and situations, Instagon formed when a number of local musicians began incorporating this “noise” into a fusion of progressive rock, jazz, and drunge punk. Different musicians join Instagon for each performance, keeping the vibe crisp, intoxicating, and very much alive.

In 2007 a trio of musicians from Instagon developed the idea of creating a band with a solid lineup of jazz cover-versions of popular songs and riffs. The idea caught on with fans, and Garage Jazz Architects was born. Now on indie label TIF Recordings, Garage Jazz Architects will bring their spontaneous garage-jazz covers to CurtisFest to share with all.

The third musical group on board for CurtisFest is The Mike Justis Band. After performing together throughout northern California for twenty-five years with the popular band, Poetic Justis, Steve Mc Iane, Kathy Barwick and Mike Justis formed a trio to bring their mix of country rock and blues to venues in and around Sacramento.

Children are perhaps the most special part of CurtisFest, and this year’s festival offers two events that have proven to captivate children of all ages. Voted 2010 Family Favorite by the Bay Area Parent magazine, Happily Ever Laughter is an ensemble of specially-trained performers who’ve created a cast of singular characters to entertain at all sorts of children’s events. These professional “faeries” are known to enthrall children with not only their extraordinary face-painting, singing, magic, and balloon art, but also their genuine connection to the children with whom they “play.”

After conversing with the fairy from Happily Ever Laughter, kids can wind their way over to visit the animals of Pony Ranch Parties. The law firm of Soluri Meserve is sponsoring this first-ever CurtisFest petting zoo. Expert at providing a safe and fun experience for both children and animals, Pony Ranch Parties introduces children to a variety of domestic and exotic animals. The adult staff members of Pony Ranch Parties go the extra mile to share and teach in this memorable interactive experience.

No event would be complete without great food, and CurtisFest’s blend of culinary items will not disappoint. The first vegan food cart in Sacramento, Happy Go Lucky will offer its gourmet, healthy street food to the patrons of this year’s festival. Happy go Lucky was voted Best Vegetarian Food Cart by the Sacramento News & Review. Soon to be featured on an episode of the Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Dad’s Kitchen will be on hand to offer its scrumptious cuisine. Chunk's Stand By Me is the lifelong dream of street food enthusiast Ryan "Chunk" Filippini, who prides himself on his quality hot dogs, hot links and hot pastrami, all served on fresh baked rolls. And when ready for something cool to finish the experience off, kids and adults can enjoy Shasta Valley Shaved Ice’s frozen treats.

This richly-conceived celebration of creativity and community is offered free to children and adults of the Sacramento area. “It’s got something for everyone,” says Dusty Miller, one of the event’s organizers. “And it’s a great lead-in to Second Saturday.” Event chairperson Nicole Soluri agrees. “The community of artists and artisans participating in this year’s CurtisFest is incredibly talented, diverse and enthusiastic” says Soluri. “Our city will not be disappointed.”

For more information on the Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Associations 4th Annual CurtisFest, call (916) 452-3005 or email faith@sierra2.org. Those interested in knowing more--and in hearing about new participating artists and vendors--can also follow CurtisFest on Facebook. Posters and postcards highlighting the event, designed by Curtis Park artist Scott Gordinier, can be seen throughout Sacramento.

The Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association (SCNA) formed in the 1970’s to rescue the old Sierra School from demolition. Since then, SCNA has brought neighbors together for a diverse slate of year-round events, and has offered a cohesive voice for community concerns. The restored Sierra 2 Center serves as a focal point for artists, teachers, students, parents, children, and seniors, who rely upon its dance studios, gardens, performance spaces, meeting halls and class rooms to provide a secure, charming home. Curtis Park is a neighborhood of approximately 2500 homes, a patchwork of diverse architectural styles situated around a quaint park.

Barnum's 200th birthday party comes to Arco

2010-09-02T00:46:54Z

Audiences will be puzzled and amazed by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey’s presentation of “Barnum’s FUNundrum!” coming to Arco Arena Sept. 9-12.

The event celebrates the 200th anniversary of the birth of legendary showman P.T. Barnum.

The 130 performers hail from 15 different countries. Acts include body benders, a two-level trapeze arrangement, stilt walkers, high-wire motorcycle balancing, trampoline acrobats and, of course, plenty of clowns.

A menagerie of exotic animals, including 100,000 pounds’ worth of elephants, will be incorporated into the various acts performed throughout the show. Ticket holders are allowed access to to an “Animal Open House” 90 minutes before show time, and can also step onto the arena floor to meet performers one hour before the show begins.

Exotic animal trainer Daniel Raffo is a crowd favorite when he and his 11 tigers share the spotlight.

“We have the opportunity to show people the beauty of these animals and the wonderful character that they have,” Raffo said.

Raffo is a fifth-generation circus performer who has also performed as an acrobat, juggler and high-wire artist in his own family’s circus. He and wife Andrea Ayala-Raffo, who is also a fifth-generation circus performer, are carrying on a performing legacy of their own. With their 5-year-old son on board, the Raffos’ lives seem anything but normal, yet for them this has always been the norm.

“It’s great to be married to someone that’s also in the same business,” Ayala-Raffo said. “When he performs, I watch his back, and when I perform, he does the same for me.”

“It’s great because it’s how my mom and dad grew up,” Ayala-Raffo said.

Ayala-Raffo, along with her two sisters, inherited their hair hanging act from their mother. In addition to being spun and rotated from her hair, Ayala-Raffo also juggles lit torches while being suspended more than 30 feet in the air.

The Raffo family commits 11 months out of the year to the Ringling Bros. circus. “FUNundrum!” will travel to 78 North American cities over the course of the next two years.

“I love what I do because I travel all the time. I learn different languages, different cultures,” Raffo said.

Raffo said the circus provides his son with experiences that most children will never have. “Many people live their whole life at home and just watch TV,” Raffo said.

Having both been raised in performing families, the Raffos said they cannot conceive of living any differently.

“When I’m home I get bored,” Ayala-Raffo said, “I want to travel.”

When all is said and done – the years of training and risking their lives for an act – the Raffo’s payoff comes when audiences awe over the end result: the performance.

“When I perform, it’s like my spirit comes out of my body,” Raffo said. Fear, excitement and disbelief spread across the audience faces. “It’s a joy for me to see people’s reaction to the show.”

Ayala-Raffo said the performers thoroughly enjoy what they do, and that’s what fuels them on.

“There’s always a risk, but that’s the joy of it,” she said, “that’s the ‘wow’ of it.”

Performance schedules for Sacramento can be viewed by clicking here.
Tickets start at $14 (Opening Night tickets available for 50 percent off) and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com, the Arco Arena Box Office or by calling 800-745-3000.

Photos courtesy of Feld Media.

Sacramento Zoo Photo Safari

2010-08-23T02:10:08Z

On a surprisingly cold morning the Sacramento Zoo was already receiving guests early on Saturday morning. A Zoo Photo Safari Class was taking place with Pat McKown serving as the instructor on the third, in a series of four photography classes offered this summer on the Sacramento Zoo campus. The class was geared toward learning how to photograph zoo animals and compensating for exhibits housing avoiding some photography obstacles such as bars, netting and glass. There were 14 people taking the class and many questions were asked during the lecture part of the class. Pat McKown’s photography helpful tips were quite useful. Students brought their digital cameras and I think many of them learned more about their camera during the lecture than they had since they’ve owned their cameras. Cameras used by class participants ranged from small digital cameras with 3X zoom to full blown digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras.

Ann Geiger, zoo educational director, met me at the zoo entrance and led me to the classroom where the class had already been taking place. As we walked to the classroom Ann indicated that these classes were made possible by a grant from GenCorp. Anne explained that there was also a similar class for students sixth grade and up. She also talked about the Sacramento Zoo Docent program. The Docent program is made up of volunteer educators, older than 18 years and who’ve had Sacramento Zoo training. They provide tours, station walks and other services to zoo visitors. Classes for the program will start again in January 2011 and go into early March. This program requires a lot of training before becoming a Docent. Log on to the Sacramento Zoo website to learn more about this program and other volunteer programs. Programs are also available for teens and currently there are about 50 teen volunteers who work at the Zoo mostly on weekends.

The photography class included topics such as whether to use flash or not. Pat recommended that flash, in order not to startle or bother the animas, should not be used when photographing the animals. I noticed many zoo visitors violating this rule but at the same time most don’t know that it can be a nuisance. Optical vs. digital zoom was discussed; ISO and other photography terms were explained. The most interesting topic, in my opinion, was taking pictures and trying to compensate for bars, netting and glass structures between the photographer and the animals. I will be interested in viewing the final product when pictures from this Safari are posted on a zoo website.

(The giraffe exhibit)

Pat’s expert knowledge of both subjects (photography and zoo animals) was very helpful for the students. I overheard several of them, as they were taking pictures, saying things like “I keep getting reflections off of the glass housing. I just have to be patient and get closer to the glass enclosure”. This comment was made in reference to McKown’s suggestion to get close to the glass in order to avoid seeing reflections on the photos. The patience part was, I believe, the hardest thing for the students to heed. Most animals do not like to pose for pictures, they tend to move the second you press the shutter release button. I noticed that if they seem to be posing it’s because they’re asleep. Patience however allows the photographer to take the picture as the cage or netting is out of focus and the animal comes into full focus. It comes in handy as you wait for your model to move and seemingly pose for you. Patience is one of the hardest qualities to attain whether it’s in photography or life but it pays off in either facet. Patience in photography is all about, as Pat put it, “capturing the moment”.

As students broke into smaller groups and eagerly walked from the classroom to the zoo I had a chance to speak with Pat McKown for a few minutes. This was the third Photo Safari class that she’s taught this year with one more class scheduled in September. I asked how she got started doing these classes and she said, “I had been a Docent on a regular basis. When I came back from a trip to Africa I did a presentation and this eventually led to a grant”. The grant was passed on to the Sacramento Zoo. Pat’s experience in photography is immeasurable and her enthusiasm is apparent making the class quite enjoyable.

I followed one group of students out to their Safari Adventure. I ran into other students at different sites and all seemed to be enjoying the shooting and challenges posed by exhibits behind glass, net, wires, cages and other zoo visitors. Capturing the moment seemed to be in everybody’s mind as they moved from one exhibit to the next.

(The challenges of cage wire at the lion exhibit)

(Compensating for glass enclosures at the anteater exhibit)

(At the flamingo exhibit)

(Below are other animal exhibits)

Pat’s lecture and tips are a good foundation for a Zoo Safari. This foundation can be applied to taking pictures of your children as well. There are dozens of other topics that were covered in class and if you’re interested log on to the Sacramento Zoo website and sign up for the September class before it fills up. Also, look for other classes offered to people of all ages.

Fairytale Town Launches Adults Only Costume Ball

2010-07-10T09:10:16Z

Fairytale Town opened its gates on Thursday for a special After Hours event, the Once Upon a Night: Moonlight Costume Ball, just for adults. The event was open to adults 18 years of age and older and featured live music, a DJ, dancing, two themed bars, food and beverage, a henna artist, and more.

Fairytale Town continues to promote the imagination, creativity and education of children as their core mission. However, its After Hours programming will help develop an avenue to reach new audiences, and raise funds to support the park's programs for children and families. "So many Sacramentans remember coming to Fairytale Town as children, and hold fond memories of the park. We want to give those who don't have children the opportunity to return to Fairytale Town and continue having magical experiences, even without the kids," said Kathy Fleming the Executive Director. -Fairytale Town Media Release

Welcome to Fairytale Town.

The event kicked off with a performance by Fairytale Town's favorite belly dancers, UNMATA.

Live music was provided by The Enlows.

A fire performer with UNMATA.

President Obama gets down on the dancefloor.

A taco tries to drum up support in the Fairest of the All costume contest.

A partygoer enjoys one of the slides.

A Good Fairy gets some help with her wings.

One of the many excellent costumes at the Ball.

Tweedledee gets some henna work.

Owl's House, one of many attractions in Fairytale Town.

DJ Matt Brys (not pictured) from Extreme Productions Entertainment kept things moving on the dancefloor.

Evil Fairy, the winner of the female Most Wicked costume contest. All costume contest winners received a gift bag filled with goodies.

The runner-up of the female Most Wicked costume contest.

Poison Ivy?

Victory for The Steampunks in the Best Group costume contest.

County Shelter to Hold "Flea" Market

2010-06-18T06:25:17Z

The Sacramento County animal shelter is holding its inaugural “Flea” Market 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 26 to raise funds in light of Thursday's budget cuts.

The animal shelter is facing a $1.8 million deficit for the upcoming fiscal year and a severe staff shortage, as reported by SacPress’ Lisa Palmer.

“The big joke is that we're not going to be selling fleas, per se,” said Annie Parker, county communications and media officer.

Donated items for sale include new and used household items, furniture, pet products, toys, garden items, electronics and clothing. A raffle, bake sale and craft sale will be held.

The event was organized by shelter volunteers. They are still accepting donated items.

“This is part of our Save Our Shelter campaign, which is designed to raise funds and awareness for our shelter situation,” said Celeste Ingrid, county shelter volunteer coordinator.

“It's all about public awareness, not just fundraising,” she said. “This is something fun we thought we could do to bring people to our flea market but also to our new facilities. Everybody loves a good yard sale.”

According to the county’s Office of Budget and Debt Management, the April 14 proposal called for the county shelter to be open four hours per day, four days per week. The proposal would have cut the adoption program by 70 percent and eliminated the volunteer and foster care programs.

The board decided Thursday afternoon to cut seven positions effective July 3: animal care and regulation director, two animal control officers and four kennel attendants.

“As a leadership team we have to come back to the drawing board to strategize,” said Tara Diller, county shelter operations manager. “There's going to be a lot of services that aren't going to be available.”

The shelter is accepting donations and waiving late fees for pet registrations through June. All proceeds and donations go to the shelter’s fund.

“We’re down to two kennel attendants and eight field officers to work 30,000 calls a year,” Diller said. “We're not in good shape. We didn't get good news today.”

Parker encouraged pet registration to raise money for the shelter and as a safeguard for pets.

“It's going to be a great day for people who want to come out, browse and check out our new facility. We have a dog park there, so it's a dog-friendly ‘flea’ market,” she said.”We’ll also be doing our normal adoptions.”

The shelter is located at 3839 Bradshaw Rd. Information about the flea market is available by contacting (916) 361-7604 or saccountyshelterfleamarket@yahoo.com.

Photos:

1) The new Bradshaw Road county animal shelter. Courtesy of Annie Parker.

2) Inside the county shelter. Courtesy of Annie Parker.

3) Cats for adoption at the county shelter. Courtesy of Annie Parker.

Agnus-Dei Farrant is an intern for The Sacramento Press.

Put Your Paws to the Pavement for Doggy Dash

2010-05-27T02:29:43Z

Stretch those legs and flex those paws for the 17th annual Sacramento SPCA Doggy Dash June 5 in William Land Park.

Approximately 4,000 people and their canine companions are expected to attend, and will gather in the Village Green Area of the park. Festivities begin at 8 a.m. and will continue until 1 p.m. Participants may register with or without a dog.

The SPCA hopes to raise $250,000 through Doggy Dash.

"This is our largest fundraiser of the year," SPCA public relations director Lesley Kirrene said in an e-mail. "All funds raised go to help us care for the more than 12,000 homeless animals that will come to the SPCA this year alone. We have had such a terrific response to the event in the past — it grows every year — that we set a loftier fundraising goal each year."

So far they have raised about $128,000.

The SPCA is a non-profit, independent organization that relies on private donations and fundraising events, like Doggy Dash, to support general operations.

Participants may choose from a 2K walk, 5K walk or a 5K run.

"We urge people to be very aware of what both they and their dogs are capable of physically before entering," Kirrene said. "We do have water stations and people checking throughout the course."

After Doggy Dash, join the SPCA for the free Bark at the Park Festival. Register for Pup Shows (which include contests for the ugliest dog, best smile, best kisser and best costume), watch the high-flying frisbee contest and the Sacramento Police Department's K-9 unit demonstration. Stay for the Pug Races, visit booths of pet-friendly businesses and learn about other Sacramento animal rescue organizations. A pet psychic and pet photographer will be on hand. Dog DNA testing and canine heart testing will be available. The SPCA will have adoptable dogs at the festival as well.

Dogs are required to be current on vaccinations and be at least six months old. Dogs must wear current ID and license tags at all times. The SPCA prefers one leashed dog per person, but will allow two well-behaved leashed dogs. Leashes must be six feet or shorter. The SPCA asks that if your dog is not sociable, please do not bring him/her.

Contest registration is $5 per contest and will be available at the Doggy Dash event.

"Doggy Dash is the largest event of its kind in Northern California, and has become a 'don't miss' event for animal enthusiasts," Kirrene said.

In light of the Sacramento County animal shelter's potential closure due to further budget cuts, local animal rescue organizations may face a torrent of homeless animals and veterinary needs. Fundraising and donations are needed across the board.

"The SPCA is doing all we can to assist Sacramento County Animal Care & Regulation," Kirrene said. "We are completely separate entities, however we are very supportive of them and their efforts to stay open and avoid further budget cuts."

Registration is $25 per individual and $30 per team participant until Friday. Late registration is $30 per individual and $35 per team participant from Friday through June 5.

Online registration closes June 2. Registration is available June 2 through 4 at the Arden Petco store from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 1878 Arden Way. Otherwise, registration at the event starts at 7:30 a.m.

Photos courtesy of Lesley Kirrene and the Sacramento SPCA.

Agnus-Dei Farrant is an intern for The Sacramento Press.

SOS! Save Our Shelter!

2010-05-01T00:25:43Z

The Sacramento County Animal Shelter needs your help! Some of you may have been familiar with the old county shelter... built in the 1960's. You may have adopted an animal there or had to take an animal there, either way, you probably remember it as an old, dirty shelter. I myself, having volunteered there, remember it, and all animals who crossed my path there fondly. This year, the new and vastly improved county shelter opened up right near Safetyville off of Bradshaw Road. The new shelter is quite innovative and green! If you have not been there, it is definitely worth the visit. Due to County budgets though, it might be facing problems. The county has come up with a licensing amnesty program for county residents - if you have penalties piling up on your pet licenses, they will be waived and you can purchase a license for the normal price - $15. The greater Sacto area will be able to take advantage of this program, while helping to keep the shelter bustling. This shelter has the most amazing staff and volunteers, and successfully adopts out many animals a day - I really can't stress enough how much this shelter is needed in our community. Please share this information with your families and friends!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 29, 2010

County Contact:

Zeke Holst 916-875-4047
holstz@saccounty.net

City Contact:

Rhea Serran 916-808-1869 1869
rserran@cityofsacramento.org

Amnesty Offered to Sacramento City and County Residents for Pet Licensing

Program drops penalty; Citizens save $100 through June 30

Sacramento, Calif. – In an effort to get pet owners to license their pets, Sacramento County Animal Care and the City of Sacramento Animal Care Services is removing the late license penalty fee of up to $100 now through June 30, 2010.

“A licensed pet provides many benefits. Most importantly, it will allow Animal Care to return your pet home without you having to come to the shelter”, stated Pat Claerbout, County Animal Shelter Director. “All it takes is an unopened gate for your pet to get out. Licensing is a cheap, efficient way to be quickly reunited with your pet.”

“Licensing your pet is an inexpensive insurance policy for their safety and protection. Even indoor-only cats or pets confined to fenced yards get loose and their licenses help assure you can be reunited with them,” stated Penny Cistaro, City of Sacramento Animal Care Services Manager.

If your pet is licensed, Shelter staff will be able to contact you that they are holding your pet. Licensed pets are also held for 10 days as opposed to a four day hold for other animals.

County Residents:

To license your pet you will need current a rabies certificate and proof of spay or neutering to purchase a reduced fee license for one-year at $15, two years at $30 and three years at $45 at the following locations:

Online through the Animal Care website at http://www.msa2.saccounty.net/acr/Pages/OnlinePetLicenseRenewals.aspx
At the Animal Care Facility at 3839 Bradshaw Road, Wed-Fri, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sat and Sun, 11 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Cash, debit or Visa or MasterCard accepted.
At Animal Care’s low cost vaccination clinic held at the shelter the third Thursday of each month from 5-7p.m.
The North Area Service Center at 6015 Watt Avenue or the East Area Service Center at 5229-B Hazel Avenue. Payment by check only. Make checks payable to: Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation.
Participating veterinarians. Check with your veterinarian to see if they participate.
By mail – Print out a licensing application form available at www.saccountyshelter.net and mail completed form with check, proof of rabies and spay/neuter information to the Animal Shelter. Make checks payable to: Sacramento County Animal Care and Regulation.

City Residents:

To license your pet you will need current a rabies certificate and proof of spay or neutering to purchase a reduced fee license of $15 for dogs and $10 for cats for a one-year license or $35 for dogs and $25 for cats for a three-year license. Licenses can be purchased at the following locations:

At the City Animal Care Services at 2127 Front Street, Tuesday-Friday noon to 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Cash, check, debit, Visa and Mastercard accepted.
At City Animal Care Services low cost vaccination clinic held at the shelter the first Wednesday of each month from 5:30 p.m. – 7 p.m.
By mail – Print out a licensing application form available at http://www.cityofsacramento.org/generalservices/animal-care/ and mail the completed form with check, proof of rabies and spay/neuter information to the City Animal Shelter. Make checks payable to: City of Sacramento Animal Care Services
At the Sacramento SPCA at 6201 Florin Perkins Rd . Check and money order accepted.

Revenue from licensing helps support the care of more than 25,000 homeless animals each year, funds the animal shelters in investigating hundreds of animal neglect and abuse cases, provides low cost spay neuter clinics, provides food to pet homes in need through the City and County’s Pet Food Bank Program and protects our community from dangerous animals.

PLEASE PASS IT ON!

Sacramento Kennel Club Holds Annual Dog Show

2010-04-20T06:45:24Z

Cal Expo's immense Pavilion building was packed Saturday with about 1,500 competing dogs for the Sacramento Kennel Club's (SKC) annual dog show April 17 and 18. Grooming stations, dog crates, vendors and judging rings spanned the building. The high ceilings resonated the constant cacophonic backdrop of announcements, barks, cheers and talking.

"They can see every breed recognized by the American Kennel Club," SKC Vice President Karen Williams said. "It runs all day, and if people are interested in a specific dog, they could go online to find the time (of the breed's competition), the ring, everything."

According to Williams, the SKC has produced the show since the 1920s. She added that although there are numerous specialty breed shows in the Sacramento area, the SKC holds the primary dog show.

This year was the fourth SKC competition for breeder Cheryl Luce.

"We breed and show the Pembroke Welsh Corgi and one token Giant Schnauzer," Luce said. "I like that (this dog show) is indoors and that it's in one building. Everything is very accessible. When you have an animal competing, you're usually kind of limited to the breed group, but it's very nice with lots of good vendors."

Judges from across the nation participated in the weekend-long event. There are three types of dog shows, according to the American Kennel Club: all-breed, specialty and group. The SKC's was an all-breed show.

During the show, dogs begin by competing for Best-in-Breed. Winners then advance to compete within their groups (working, sporting, terrier, hounds, toy, herding and non-sporting). Those winners advance to compete for Best-in-Show.

"The same thing happens over again tomorrow," Williams said Saturday. "But you'll have different winners because there are different judges. Even though they are judging to a standard, every judge interprets it a little different so you have different winners."

There may be different dogs exhibited on different days, she said, because owners may prefer a certain judge.

Numerous factors are considered in a dog's winning placement. A specific judge may be preferred by some owners, but the breed's prevalence may also play a part in its success. The number of dogs exhibited in each breed group varied from one - as in the case of the Kuvasz and English Foxhound - to the 44 Boxers all competing in the same group.

"The Kuvasz is really rare, but there are a lot more of them in the Midwest and in the South," owner Steve Oppenheimer, of El Sobrante, said. "So they do better in group because the judges there are more used to seeing them. (My Kuvasz named) Attila is one of very few being shown in California right now. That makes it harder to compete at the group level."

The budding April heat caused a few dogs to lay flat on their stomachs against the cool, concrete floor. The indoor setting and facilities were not only appreciated by the dogs, but people as well.

"At some of the indoor shows, the rings are smaller and it's not good for the bigger dogs," Oppenheimer said. "Dogs like (Attila) have to move, they have a big stride. This ring will be great, this one will be big enough."

Much of the audience came prepared with seating and cameras. Many dogs, some competing and some not, were seen laying under folding chairs and next to owners.

"I love all the dogs," said Irene Rivas of Sacramento. "I'll think, 'Oh this is my favorite,' then I come here and I change my mind, 'Oh, I like this one.' My favorite part is Best-in-Show at the end."

Williams, who breeds Welsh Terriers, stated that dog shows are not only a place for people to see numerous breeds, but also for potential owners to learn more from breeders and owners.

"The best place to go if you're looking for a dog and a reputable breeder would be to come to a dog show because those people normally care about their animals," Williams said. "In other words, they're not breeding for money, they're not breeding for puppies - they want to give you, as an owner, a quality dog that's in good health."

Photos:

1) Animal crates

2) Bull Terriers competing for Best-in-Breed

3) Almost done with grooming

4) Two Alaskan Malamutes waiting to leave

5) Attila the Kuvasz

6) Two of Luce's Pembroke Welsh Corgi pups

7) Waiting to leave

8) Cyrus the Bull Mastiff prior to competing in working group

9) The working group

10) During working group competition

11) A Great Dane awaiting inspection

12) Sculptor Jim Gion sculpting a Bull Terrier's bust

Agnus-Dei Farrant is an intern for The Sacramento Press.

Sac Press readers making Mission Orange a success

2009-12-13T04:03:41Z

Saving all adoptable animals—that's the goal of Mission Orange.

The four major animal shelters in Sacramento -- the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Sacramento Animal Cares Services, the Animal Care and Regulations Center and Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary -- hope to make a difference in animal welfare by joining forces in "Mission Orange." Also known as a community initiative, Mission Orange aims to increase the live release rate, or percentage of animals that leave the shelter system alive through adoption or return to owner, and earn a prestigious grant from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

"We are combining all of our resources in order to increase the live release rate," said Penny Ciastro, Animal Care Services manager.

The mission was introduced to Sacramento in January and will kick into gear in 2010, according to Chris Andis, communication and media officer for the County of Sacramento Municipal Services Agency.

"We were selected because we were already working together as a group on many issues, including passing the licensing ordinance and our partnership with the SSPCA, who is going to be operating the new spay/neuter clinic when it opens early next year," Andis said.

According to the ASPCA, the bulk of the grants program supports Mission Orange partnerships across the country and funds a number of services, including spay/neuter and adoption programs.Grants range in value from $500 to $5,000.

"The programs should get going in 2010," Andis said. "We will be creating a special website with the mission, goals and actual statistics so people can see how we are doing. This first year we are gathering, analyzing and preparing and creating strategies and programs to reach our goals."

Each Sacramento shelter has its own goals based on the particular needs of the shelter. The Animal Care Regulations Center is focusing on resolving the aggressive pit bull issue and getting more adult cats adopted.

"We also want to reduce the numbers of animals coming into shelters," Andis said.

Lesley Kirrene, director of public relations for the SPCA, said cooperation between shelters and the community spreads resources and benefits the animals.

The ASPCA, a small New York-based animal shelter that receives the largest amount of donations in the nation, has been spearheading Mission Orange since 1866.

And it has pulled in other animal organizations with the same goals.

"We are equal partners in the grant and the program," said Happy Tails director Kay House. "The greater Sacramento area has done a terrible job of educating, encouraging and enforcing spay and neuter."

After the articles about the four shelters were posted on Sacramento Press with photos of some of the adoptable animals, 20 animals from the SPCA, eight animals from the County Animal Care and Regulation Center and eight animals from Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary have been adopted. The shelters have expressed thanks to the readers of The Sacramento Press for their support.

Finding homes and hope at the Sacramento SPCA

2009-11-22T00:58:41Z

"You are super cute," said Lesley Kirrene, as she walks past bright-eyed animals waiting for homes.

"Once the animals are on the adoption floor we have made a commitment to them that we will find them homes," said Kirrene, director of public relations for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

The shelter is keeping its promise. Cage after cage proudly displays the blue sign reading "On hold," which means the animal is waiting to be picked up and brought home. The lucky dogs for the day were Dorris, Roscoe, Rockie, Dot, Brindle, Fred, Conan, Bob and Kasey, who wagged their tails excitedly, knowing that they were about to go home.

The shelter is not considered a "no-kill" facility because it takes aggressive animals that have a history of attack and animals sick beyond treatment that need to be euthanized.

"We're not a no-kill shelter, we are an open-door shelter," Kirrene said. "We give animals that never had a chance at adoption a chance: un-weaned kittens, animals that need amputation and that 9-year-old dog that would normally be euthanized. We will treat animals, bottle-feed kittens and amputate a leg."

The shelter is constantly improving their home-like habitats and finding new ways to prevent upper respiratory infections that are common in animals with sensitive immune systems.

"We are putting more levels into the cats' habitats so that they have even more space to hide and play," Kirrene said. "Having more space is important to preventing the animals from getting sick."

Along with improving the habitats, the SPCA is partnering with the County Animal Care and Regulation Center on Bradshaw Road, Sacramento Animal Care Services facility on Front Street and Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary on Folsom Boulevard. Together, they have created "Mission Orange," a pact among the animal shelters to come together and raise the live release rate among adoptable animals and reduce the number of euthanized animals, according to Kirrene. If improvements are seen, the shelters will receive a grant from the ASPCA which will help to keep the improvements coming.

The shelter takes pride in the care that they give their animals and their high adoption rates.

"We have great volunteers that take the animals out multiple times a day for walks and to go to the bathroom," Kirrene said. "We take animals from anywhere as far as Santa Barbara to the Butte area and bring them here because we can adopt them out."

Despite the success that the SPCA has in adopting animals, the organization's wish remains the same for the nation: to not need animal adoptions and for people to be responsible with their animals.

"We always say we wish we could be put out of business," Kirrene said

The shelter is currently working on their annual book sale, one of three large fundraising events for the shelter. For more information on upcoming events, programs offered, adoption opportunities or to make a donation, visit the SPCA website or visit the shelter at 6201 Florin Perkins Road.

Harry Potter and Captain Hook

Bullet

Otis

Eve

Gracie

Jed

Bubbles

Whisper

Milo

Gracie

Penny

Bear

Jay Jay

Smoochie

Suzie

Leah

A Bay Bay

Eve and Sugar Pie

Angel

CoCo

ANIMALS WE HAVE SEEN IN SPIRIT

2009-11-18T17:19:09Z

The Celebrities Psychic

NANCY BRADLEY

“UNTIL ONE HAS LOVED AN ANIMAL, A PART OF ONE’S SOUL REMAINS UNAWAKENED”

Anatole, French Novelist

There is only one statue in all of New York City that does not need to be polished in spite of weather, bird droppings, dust, grime and elements, and that is the statue of BALTO. Balto is the beautiful Siberian husky sled dog that is immortalized as one of the 150 dogs that brought relief in the form of serum to the citizens of Nome, Alaska in 1925-26 from the horrible diphtheria epidemic killing the residents. And the reason the statue does not need continual polishing and cleaning is because residents and guests to the site pet the statue continuously as if it were a real dog. This says something to all of us about our love of animals. All people with souls love animals.

And as running the largest and oldest paranormal investigative organization in the world, Gold Rush Ghosts International Paranormal Investigations, no investigation of the existence of life after death could be complete without the mention of ANIMALS WE HAVE SEEN IN SPIRIT. Because (in my opinion) animals are Angels, put only on this planet to help man to often times be treated abominably by the cruel and uncaring. And for the gift that animals give us and their unfortunate yet unnecessary sacrifice, it is clear to me that no loving Universe would deny them immortality, for they are so much more advanced than man. And so as we explore the depth of our own immortality, as investigators it is important to me that we must incorporate into that investigation animals that we have known and loved, and some that just show up from spirit to wish us well. Here are the stories of a few of them.

My dog Sammy, a Whippet adopted one of my cats many years ago. Little Second Chance was the sole survivor of a dog attack, and he came to me a wet few day old yellow kitten starving and fighting for life. For several weeks as I went about doing my Psychic Readings and Counseling Sessions as well as other daily chores he lived in a harness close to my heart, as I fed him hour by hour and allowed him to hear my heartbeat. We loved him from the start and as soon as he could waddle and walk he came into the unlikely care of our male dog Sammy who could not have loved him more.

As time went by the name Second Chance was shortened to Chance, and being yellow and white as is Sammy, their unlikely friendship took on the appearance of matching bookends, one a little smaller than the other. They were always together. Although my bed is always open at night for cats and dogs to jump up and cuddle, Sam and Chance took to bedding down on the couch at night, and they would cuddle up together and enjoy only being with each other. Both rescue animals, they had something in common, both being loved and finding a second beginning in our family.

This went on for several years, until Chance suddenly died. Having a rocky beginning we could not expect that he would have a long life, who knows what damage was done to him before he could even walk. But Sammy and our family did have him for seven years, and when he died, the loss was almost too much for us to handle.

The day Chance passed my granddaughter was visiting. She had a special bond with Chance, and to this day she still maintains that same special bond with Sammy. Because it was she who found Second Chance and saved him from that vicious dog.

On the day of his death we were all in mourning. My husband suggested we take a picture of Sammy with our granddaughter right at the spot where Chance would curl up for the night in his paws. From the photo you can see that Chance has not left us at all. He is still there. Many times since his death we have seen him in Sam’s embrace and the two of them walking through the house together. Nothing changes except the etheric. No one and nothing really dies, just goes on to another place.

Here are a few other heartfelt stories of other animals in spirit.

“One of the most precious cats I ever had was Mr. Stubbs” states Judy Cooper, GRG investigator. “He was a black Manx without a tail weighting in at 15-16 lbs. He was such a love bug. When he was in the mood for attention, he would literally grab your face with his paw and pull it toward him. Once he passed away I’d catch him out of the corner of my eye by his food dish which is where he seemed to be most of the time while he was alive.

“A few months after he passed I was lying in bed and I felt him jump up on the bed. Startled for just a moment, I saw him come right up to me for some love, and felt the covers move as he walked towards me. Ever since that time I know he’s still around me. He evens shows up in my dreams. I know Stubbs will always be with me.”

“What I would like to say” stated paranormal investigator, and Sacramento Resident, Laura Martucci and great animal lover, “would take its own book about all the animals in my life, you know, it is very hard to keep it down to one. But Grover is the one pet for my husband Mark and I that has been with us consistently in spirit.

“Grover was the product of a golden retriever and Labrador/border collie mix. We rescued him in the parking lot of a shelter from the woman that raised him from a puppy. I do know that Grover was one of many she saved from the shelters. The women that gave him to us named all the dogs she rescued after Presidents. Grover’s full name was Grover Alexander Cleveland. He was playful and fun from the beginning, and he turned out to be an extremely smart dog, touching our lives in so many ways. He continues to do to so to this day.

His passing was a sad day for all of us. But he decided to stick around after death knowing we still needed him. Today he has the ability to let us know when he is with us, as he generally shows up in spirit when we are going through some hard times or maybe just having a bad day. After his death he came with me to my first reading with Nancy, and of course he was clearly the reason why I made the appointment. Mark was having a very hard time of getting over his death. This is very hard for me to convey, because Grover was very young when he died. He was only part of our family for four and a half years, so he died early at only 6 years old. Yet he was meant to be ours and though the years on THIS plane were short, the love and connection remains long. And he has been with us in spirit now almost as long as he was with us in life.

“I know that our current dog Nattie sees Grover. All of a sudden he will wake and be playing with something that only he and I can see. Grover.

“One recent morning I woke up and realized I could not move my legs. Looking down they had something laying across them. I could see that it was Grover. Not wanting to disturb him, I laid there still for a long time until he disappeared.”

According to GRG Investigator, also a Sacramento resident, Elizabeth Harrison, “The dog I have lost and feel the most still at my side is my little Pomeranian Sable who passed away from old age but still comes back and crawls into bed with me. I feel the movement as she gets under the covers, but when I awake I realize it is her spirit. She was only 4 lbs in life and yet it is a very distinct movement that I feel. She loved to curl up next to me when she was alive and I kept her warm and it was a comfort to both of us. I feel her around me often, and know that she still comes back to visit. I also periodically have Dakota our precious Rottweiler visit us since her death. I know because I will be walking down the hall and all of a sudden I bump into the wall. That is something that happened often to me when she was alive, as she would rush to walk beside me even when there was not room for the two of us. This was because she always wanted to go with me and wanted to be certain that I took her along. Nancy fell in love with her when she accompanied me to the television show THE PSYCHIC HOUR WITH NANCY BRADLEY, and insisted she sit on the stage with her. Dakota apparently liked her time there as well, as we still feel her at the television station.”

“Bandit showed up in our driveway in February” states Bob King, photographer for GRG Investigations. “Being in Sacramento California, it was a warm winter day, and this starving black half-dog, half-puppy walked the few steps down to our garage and collapsed in the yard. My younger sister Robin, a toddler, found old boxes we had in the garage, and made a makeshift enclosure around the dog so she would not leave. Bandit could have gotten up and jumped over them at any time if she had the strength, but she lay down, contented, and did not resist. Soon our mother came out of the house and saw the dog. A sucker for any animal, she fell in love immediately and Bandit became a treasured part of our family.

Now the new dog did not come with a name, and so when we took her to the vet for her first check-up and to have her spayed, the technician hearing the story of how we acquired her, said “Well, you are clearly a BANDIT, running away from something!” The vet seconded this opinion, adding that the dog was likely given to a family for Christmas, and it grew bigger than they had anticipated, or their kids did not take care of it, and so she had been dumped it on our cul-de-sac. Cruel as people can be, in this case it was a good ending for this helpless animal, they picked just the right house. The vet determined that Bandit was the cross between a collie and lab, pitch black, and regal. Her name was born that very day.

Bandit saw me through my adolescence, running around a pond at the end of our block, playing with friends, through my teenage years of hidden drugs and alcohol, to leaving for the military and coming out an accomplished man. Bandit saw my sister through several teenage crushes and heartaches, and my mother through an abusive marriage. She saved us from a burning hill behind our house by breaking through the door and pulling my mother out of the bathtub allowing her the opportunity to put the fire out before the fire department got there. One day we watched our Bandit come down the hill with a newborn kitten in her mouth, still wet from birth. A ferrel cat had obviously abandoned it, and Mama Bandit picked it up and carefully carried it to the house for Mom to care for. Bandit loved everything, rabbits, kittens, squirrels, anything in need of her help. The kitten survived and they became inseparable friends and the cat and Bandit moved with us wherever we went up until their deaths. Bandit was one of us kids.

Bandit was old when she died. Mom had doctored and cared for her through her years of arthritis and old age, and just could not bring herself to ‘put her to sleep’ regardless of what people thought would be the best thing to do. ‘Long as she is not in pain’ she would reason. But inevitably, one summer afternoon Mom came home from work to find her at the back door, soundly sleeping for the last time. Cuddling her, my mother’s heart broke. She was gone. I was not home at the time but the decision was made to bury her in that yard, the house she had known for 11 years. It was a hard decision because we knew we would be moving soon. Yet it seemed the right thing to do because it was the home and acreage that Bandit loved the most, and a place was found just under the trees where she loved to roam. We placed her body there in the country, a place where we knew she would never be disturbed. Every time we go by that old house today we always scream ‘HI BANDIT!’

But we don’t need to. Bandit is still with us wherever we go. I feel her around me all the time. Mom sees her in dreams and also when she is working late nights on her next book or novel, still lying at her feet. She accompanies her in the car, something Bandit hated in life. She is there for all occasions, Christmas, birthdays. Whenever we run and play, have an outing, Bandit is there.

We have many animals in our lifetime, and they are all special. Bandit was my childhood dog, and there are none to replace her. She lives in our hearts, and continues to walk with us to this day.” Those horrible people that ditched her those many years ago gave us the biggest gift of our lives. It’s one that lasts forever.”

Hope for county animals

2009-11-14T05:09:21Z

The new county animal care and regulation center on Bradshaw Road is providing a more spacious habitat to a wide variety of animals.

It houses cats, dogs, rabbits, reptiles, llamas, goats and horses and any other animal that comes through the doors. It also extends many animals' lives.

For visitors to the previous county animal shelter, the words 'five days' are chilling. That is the typical amount of time animals live at a government-run animal shelter before they are euthanized. If they are deemed dangerous, diseased, or unadoptable they will be killed immediately.

The new shelter allows the animals to have more time. The facility is spacious so the animals are displayed in habitats.

According to Chris Amos, communication and media officer for the County of Sacramento Municipal Services Agency, 90 percent of euthanized animals are feral cats.

"This is a fluffy adoption center," Amos said. "It's also a jail and a hospital. Because of that our adoption rate is up but so is our intake rate."

Improvements to come for the shelter include a bigger spay/neuter clinic run by the Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA).

"With this new clinic we could actually make a dent in the population," Amos said.

The volunteers at the shelter are dedicated specialists in their fields.

Gena Ensey, volunteer in the cat section, has been evaluating and spending time with 192 cats.

"We never thought this day would come, that we would get this facility," Ensey said.

"The new facility is better for everyone," volunteer Fred Stacey said. "Being cooped up they get hyper and stressed out."

Amos said the facility will host several adoption events in December. Pet Pantry, in a partnership with Coats for Kids, asks visitors to the facility to drop off a coat and a bag of animal food. Home for the Holidays offers animals one year or older to be adopted for free and receive free microchipping and vaccinations.

"It's a business," Amos said. "We're having to get more and more creative."

There will also be a celebration of demolition when the previous county shelter is blown up.

For more information on the shelter and to adopt an animal visit the animal care and regulation website.

Photos courtesy of Anthony Bento; for more photos visit anthonybento.com

Fluff, Muff, and Puff

Tia

Kitten #A510777

Kitten #A510725

Kitten #A50788

Kitten #A51347

Everton and Frisky

Jolene

Elena

Tamby

Flora

Faye

Jimmy

Butterscotch

Socks

Twinkle

Basil

Puppy #A511092

Rudolph

Local Veterinary Technician School Meeting Growing Need

2009-07-11T00:50:52Z

Seventeen-week program expands job opportunities in a tough economy

Two local veterinary educators have found a way to help animals, people and the economy all at once.

Al Aldrete, DVM of Davis and Alex Henderson, RVT of Dixon in 2006 founded a school that trains veterinary assistants to become registered veterinary technicians. There are plenty of veterinary assistants, but not enough registered techs authorized to perform certain medical procedures and operate technical equipment independent of a veterinarian’s supervision. If a veterinarian doesn’t have enough registered technicians, they must do the work themselves or risk losing their license.

Veterinarians outnumber veterinary technicians, 2-to-1. Veterinary Allied Staff Education (VASE) fills this need while helping veterinary assistants boost their career and earn a higher income. Published reports say an average unlicensed technician earns about $23,800, while a licensed one makes around $36,200 annually.

VASE first opened in Sacramento and has since expanded to offer classes in Fresno, San Diego and La Mesa.

The 17-week course is accepted by the California Veterinary Medical Board under the California Alternate Route program. The alternate route means the student completes a required number of hours working under the supervision of a veterinarian who certifies they are competent in specific clinical competencies. The VASE curriculum rounds out the requirements to sit for a state RVT licensure exam by offering students the academic portion of the training. Since the school opened, more than 100 students have completed the curriculum with a state exam passage rate of more than 95 percent.

Aldrete, former chairman of the California Veterinary Medical Board, is a veterinarian and former instructor at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. Henderson is a registered veterinary technician. They’ve known each other since they were pre-vet students at San Diego City College.

Henderson helped start the vet tech training program at Western Career College in Sacramento, and ran it for 20 years. Al was a program adviser there for 13 years, and taught some of the classes.

While private veterinary technician programs can cost as much as $27,000, VASE’s price for the alternate route academic curriculum is $4,000, all-inclusive. Plus, its schedule is attractive to those who can’t afford to quit their jobs to get the training. While community colleges can offer the training for less, it takes at least two years to complete, and not all of the classes are available at night.

“We try to minimize the cost to keep it affordable for the students,” Aldrete said.

VASE is a 17-week program, with classes from 6 to 10 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays. It prepares students to take the state exam for certification by the California Veterinary Medical Board. The program, based in Davis, rents classroom space locally at 1111 Howe Ave. in Sacramento.

Emily Gould was one of the first VASE students when the program began in Sacramento. Today, the 24-year-old not only has an RVT license, she’s a first-year veterinary medicine student at UC Davis.

“The biggest advantage to the course was being able to complete in four months what takes most other programs two years,” she said. “It’s taught at a pace meant for people with experience in the field.”

Kathy Burns, 51, said it’s difficult to fit in school when you’re working full-time and have a family. The VASE format makes it convenient. “To be able to do it in 17 weeks is awesome. I recommend this for anyone who has constraints with their time.”

The demand for the program is increasing, even in the tight economy. Vet assistants want a convenient, inexpensive way to advance their career. Aldrete and Henderson hope to offer the program in more communities, and are getting requests from people in Marin and San Luis Obispo counties.

Veterinarian Jon Klingborg who practices in Merced noted, “Our employee who took the VASE course began asking more detailed questions and demonstrating she understood the reason why she was doing the tasks. My confidence in her has grown and now that she has passed the exam, she is being rewarded through new career options and increased compensation.”

Department of Labor statistics show that the number of veterinary technician jobs is expected to increase 41 percent by 2016. For every technician graduating from an accredited program, there are six to eight jobs available.

The average VASE student has about five years of experience as a veterinary assistant. Often they think they can pass the board exam on their own but soon “realize they must know so much more to be successful on the exam,” Henderson said. “They know the mechanics of the task, but not the medical reason. We teach them the ‘why’s’ of what they are doing so they will be better in their jobs and the care they provide the animals will be better.”

Gould agreed. “There are so many things that you do every day as a technician because you know you are supposed to, but you don’t really know why. VASE was awesome because it showed us why we do a lot of the things we do every day in the veterinary field, and how that relates to the animal's medical status.”

The classes are taught by veterinarians and RVTs, with a maximum of 20 students. Since students are working and don’t have much time left for studying, the program relies on repetition to build knowledge and understanding. It teaches concepts instead of memorization.

What they learn is applied immediately when they return to work the next day. “That’s how you learn,” Aldrete said. “This is basically giving them the science behind what they are doing at work.”

Burns, an office manager at a Stockton vet hospital, said an RVT license brought with it a new degree of respect -- at work and at home.

“I am very proud of what I did. Even my little grandson sent me flowers,” Burns said.

Sessions begin each year in August and January. Call (888) 499-8273 or go to http://www.vetstaff-edu.com for more information.

Note: Shannon Mayo has posted this article on behalf of Veterinary Allied Staff Education (VASE). She works for ACS Quantum Strategies, a public relations firm in Sacramento.

Doggy Dash and Bark at the Park has highest attendance of 16 years

2009-05-31T03:34:59Z

It was a moment comparable to being at the circus, watching dogs large and small waltz by in bright, bulky and outlandish costumes, some complete with suspenders or patent leather doll shoes. The woolly mammoth, the lobster, the ballerina, the Lion King, the construction worker, the geisha, the bum, and the hippie — exceptionally well-costumed dogs — assembled in line for judges to determine which one would win this year’s dog costume contest. Zury, the 2-year-old Australian cattle dog dressed as a bum, was the first-prize winner, followed by Rudy placing second for his construction worker duds, and Klusso placing third as the Lion King.

According to Lesley Kirrene, Sacramento SPCA director of public relations, today’s Doggy Dash and Bark at the Park festival had its greatest turnout of the 16 consecutive years it’s been held at William Land Park. She estimated that there were 3,000 participants in the 2K and 5K Doggy Dash walk/runs combined, and added that this year’s fourth annual pug race had more participants than ever before.

In addition to the Doggy Dash, pug races and costume contests, the Bark at the Park festival also hosted various dog demonstrations and other competitions in three separate arenas.

The Sacramento Police Department held a K-9 demonstration using three of the department’s nine patrol dogs: Butch, Hutch, and their newest addition, Crash. The three dogs performed obedience demonstrations as well as attack demonstrations on pretend “bad guys” with padded arm guards. Sergeant Steve Olivera said that the dogs require four months of training.

Robert Lynch and his 3-and-a-half-year old Staffordshire bull terrier won first place in the look-alike contest and third place in best smile.

Disc Dogs of the Golden Gate showcased their owner-dog teams engaging in coordinated disc-catching demonstrations — team members varied in sizes as small as Sammy the dachshund and as stocky as Aztec the pit bull.

Other dog owners entered their dogs in the disc, toss and fetch contest, or competitions for best tricks, best smile or best kisser.

Among eye-catching dogs in attendance included black and white great Dane Cosmo, who is 43-inches tall and 155 pounds, and supposedly related to the tallest dog in this year’s Guinness World Records, according to the owner.

“I’m not sure if that’s a horse or a dog,” said contributing Sacramento Press photographer Ed Fogle.

Amid the excitement were two new additions to this year’s festival: a free concert by Sacramento band the Indestructibles, and a kid zone inclusive with rock climbing and a jump house.

Along with booths dedicated to dog rescue and prevention of animal cruelty, the event also hosted a variety of booths promoting grain, wheat, hormone and preservative-free dog foods, spa indulgences, resort packages and pet medical insurance to dog owners who sometimes seemed more concerned with the well-being of their furry friends than of themselves.

By mid-afternoon, dogs and their owners walked away from the park. Some looked happy, some looked dog-tired.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to help homeless animals at the Sacramento SPCA. For more information about the organization, visit: sspca.org.

*Author’s note: Photos 9, 10, & 11 by Jenn Walker. All other photos courtesy of Ed Fogle; click the following link to view website: Maverick Photography.

Sutter Dog Park Opens Saturday

2009-05-23T05:44:00Z

Adventure-seeking canines will be the stars at Saturday’s grand opening of the Sutter’s Landing dog park.

Sutter’s Landing Regional Park, once a city landfill, is already a top spot to take Midtown dogs due to its setting on the American River.

The three-acre dog park offers chihuahuas, labradors and St. Bernards a new leash-free place to play with their companions. The park includes shade canopies and trees, a dog drinking fountain, fencing and separate areas for large and small dogs.

The park is covered with decomposed granite and recycled mulch, which the city estimates will save thousands of gallons of water each year.

Staff from the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation and City Councilmember Steve Cohn will welcome dogs to the park at 28th and B streets from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday. The park’s mission has been to turn a closed landfill into an asset for the city. Sutter's Landing also contains a skate park.

“For the first time since Sutter’s historic boat landing site became a landfill over 100 years ago, trees and landscaping are now taking root,” Cohn said. “The addition of this new dog park will allow the community to continue to see Sutter’s Landing Park in a whole new light.”

Community Reinvestment Capital Improvement Program funds were issued for the project several years ago, before the recession, according to Hindolo Brima, spokesperson for the city’s Department of Parks and Recreation.

(Free) Family Fun Day at California Museum

2009-04-23T16:09:17Z

Live snakes, bats and a desert tortoise named Shelly - these animals will slither, fly and crawl their way around the California Museum on Saturday, April 25.

Inspired by Earth Month and Earth Day, Family Fun Day will have the theme "California's Critters and Crawlers."

From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., families and individuals will be able to enter the museum for free and view any of the regular exhibits as well as build crafts, learn about animals and view some endangered and threatened species. The goal is "to learn more about California's natural diversity," said Ashley Robinson, the museum's communications manager.

Emceeing the event will be Francie Dillon, a children's entertainer who will be singing and dancing as well. Interactive booths manned by the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cosumnes River Preserve and Save Our Sandhill Cranes will be displaying things to touch, smell and play with, Robinson said.

Isabella Powers, a local, ten-year-old animal enthusiast, fifth grader, and host of Isabella's Animal Show on the Access Sacramento channel, expressed her interest in the Family Fun Day. "Of course I would want to go to the museum - because there are animals," she said.

In addition to learning about these endangered and threatened animals, "hopefully [visitors] can learn ways to protect these animals. There are simple things we can do to help get them off the [threatened and endangered] list," said Shelly Atkinson, the museum's education and programs manager.

The desert tortoise, California’s official reptile, has been on the Federal Threatened and Endangered Species List since 1980, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The Department of Fish and Game will be displaying Shelly, the tortoise, all day.

Live bats will also be displayed, thanks to a woman from NorCalBats, an organization "dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of bats throughout Northern California," according to their website.

"They are not endangered or threatened, but they are considered an animal of concern,” Atkinson said. “Here's an animal that some people may not think is cute and cuddly, but they play an important role in the ecosystem, and without them, bad things can happen."

To round out the lineup of animals, Sacramento Zoo will arrive at 1 p.m. with a red tail hawk, a gopher snake and another desert tortoise.

Atkinson stressed that everything is free - parking, museum admittance, arts and crafts and entertainment. "It's a great way for families to have a great time together learning about California and its animals. The rest of the museum is also open for free," she said.

"You get to learn more about animals seeing them in real life" said Powers, who has one mole, one dog, two Bombay cats, five tree frogs and 11 hamsters.

Powers added, "I also want to say about polar bears: stop global warming. Global warming is melting the ice, and polar bears don't have a place or home [to swim to] so they just keep swimming."

The museum is located at 1020 O Street, on the corner of 10th and O Streets.

Jazzy Jas

2008-11-25T23:55:14Z

Jas is a giant puppy dog. He is my roommate's dog, and Antonio's biggest nuisance. He has the sweetest disposition and would never hurt a fly on purpose. He is enormous, energetic and clumsy, so accidents do happen.

My roommate, Jenna, adopted Jas when he was 5 months old from the Sacramento SPCA. He had been neglected by his prior owners, and as a result was starved for attention and had some behavioral problems.

A stipulation for adopting a puppy like Jas is to participate in mandatory training through the SPCA's training courses. Jas was awarded "Most Improved" in his beginners class.

Jenna told me that when he first came home, Jas was very rambunctious and a bit whiny. As soon as he came to understand that he was going to get attention and exercise, he was able to calm down.

Now Jas is a huge part of Jenna's life and, mine too. He always seems to know when you need to cuddle.

My favorite thing that he does is he tries to sit on your lap, even though he is much too big to be a lap dog. He thinks he's just a little puppy still and loves to play and get belly rubs.

When Antonio came home, Jas could not have been more excited. His only experience with cats had been my cat, Charlie.

Charlie does not like dogs one bit, and he let Jas know it. There was even blood shed. Antonio was so small and defenseless, that Jas could sniff and lick him as much as he wanted without running the risk of losing an eye.

To this day, Jas is alway ecstatic to see little Antonio and still tries to play with him. Antonio has wised up, however, and quickly retreats underneath the bed when he hears that big boy coming.

Despite getting a rough start in the world, Jas is a great pet. He loves his humans and is friendly and gentle with kids and other dogs. There are hundreds like him waiting for a home! If you are interested in adopting a dog, or maybe a cat if you are too busy for a dog, check out the SPCA's Web site.

Do you have a pet that you adopted? Feel free to sign up to write for Sac Press and tell us about your furry family member! If you add similar tags to mine (adopting, SPCA, stray animals, pets), then all these stories can be linked together for people to see. Also, The SPCA's Director of Public Relations, Lesley Kirrene, has posted a story for the Sacramento Press. Check it out to learn more about the organization by clicking here.

Rogue Roosters

2008-11-23T07:04:34Z

Someone thought it would be a good idea to abandon a couple of chickens at one of the UC Davis housing complexes. Two months and ten fold as many critters later, one can hardly walk next door without incurring the disapproving clucks of these easily-startled fowl. At least the students can now save some cash and ditch their alarm clocks for that au-naturale 7:00 am wake-up call.

Meet Antonio

2008-11-13T22:59:11Z

When my roommate came home with Antonio he was just a little ball of fur about the size of a tennis ball.

She had been driving down Longview Drive when she noticed that the orange center line was moving. She slowed and saw that a tiny orange kitten was walking along the paint. She threw on her hazards, jumped out and scooped him up to take home.

Antonio was only about 3 weeks old, and she got him just in time. He was covered in burrs, hungry, thirsty and confused. His eyes were still that clear-blue of a newborn. We gave him water and a bath before we went out to the pet store in search of kitten milk and a dropper to feed him.

We did an online search before we went to find out what the best food would be. She had never had cats, and while I'm a bona-fide cat lady, I had never had a kitten this young.

Over the first few days we started to get know little Toni. He is afraid of heights, even the 5 feet from my shoulder to the ground, and does not like being held. He prefers to be sitting on the ground while you pet him. He is very playful and loves to climb the furniture. We started to notice that he was running into walls and other inanimate objects around the house.

We thought that his sight would improve as he got older, but unfortunately, he is still nearly blind. It seems as though the malnourishment he faced at such a young age has left a permanent mark on him.

He was lucky to be found and taken in when he could have easily been hit by a car or starved to death. We feel lucky to have such a little bundle of love waiting at home. Toni has become part of the family and now, we can't imagine life without him. He's Toni the Tiny, but Tenacious, Tiger. Look how cute he is.

I bet you want one of your own now, huh? Check out some adorable pets that need a home at www.sspca.org!