Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "spca"

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.

Light up Midtown -- the winners

2011-12-17T06:08:08Z

Light up Midtown – the second annual event designed to bring holiday cheer to Midtown storefronts – crowned a winner on Dec. 14. Tres Chic Boutique, a dress store on J Street, claimed first prize for the second consecutive year.

The runner-up was French Cuff Consignment, a secondhand store also on J Street, and third place was awarded to Cheap Thrills Costumes and Party Clothes, a vintage clothing and costume shop on L Street.

Fifty participants competed in the contest to create “the most whimsical storefront,” which is three fewer than last year, said Heather Philpott, events and communications manager with the Midtown Business Association.

For winning, Tres Chic Boutique has $1000 in advertising grants, money that comes from the “12 Days of Midtown” event budget, Philpott said. Second and third place received $500 and $250, respectively.

Tres Chic has a window filled with white twinkle lights, framed with icicles. High-heeled shoes and an old-fashioned Santa, dressed all in white, complete the display.

“It’s about being creative, being whimsical and getting lots of lights up,” Philpott said, adding that the pretty windows helped to get the public vote, but the stores that won did so because they were able to get the word out to voters about the competition.

The display at French Cuff Consignment is a gingerbread dog house and Santa holding a note that reads, “All I want for Christmas is a puppy,” said store owner Corey De Roo. White lights and two Christmas trees frame the scene.

De Roo said she spent about $30 on the display, including several stuffed puppies. Once the holiday season ends, the stuffed animals will be donated to the Yolo County SPCA to be used for promotional work when live animals cannot be present.

Winners can spend their advertising grant anywhere, Philpott said. The owners can submit their invoices, and the MBA will pay the bill.

“I haven’t decided where to advertise,” De Roo said, “but I’ll use the money in a productive way to help inspire people to shop locally.”

Cheap Thrills Costumes and Party Clothes has a storefront with a bit of everything, said store owner Todd Aylward.

“We used lots of lights and dressed the mannequins up in holiday stuff,” Aylward said.

On one side of the storefront, one mannequin is dressed like a nutcracker, and another looks like Father Christmas. The other side features mannequins in party attire, a disco ball and a pair of checkered legs coming up out of the floor.

Aylward said he spent about $100 on the display and added that he plans to participate next year.

Voters this year had an additional incentive to cast their votes – one lucky winner’s name will be drawn to receive a gift certificate for $100 from any Midtown store, Philpott said.

The Light up Midtown competition will return next year, and Philpott said the MBA hopes to attract even more participants.

Editorial Note: A spelling correction has been made to this article after it was published.

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.

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.

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.

Bruises and beat-downs for a good cause

2010-08-25T00:31:16Z

It’s not often that bruises and beat-downs have anything positive associated with them.

But that’s exactly what will take place Aug. 28 at the seventh annual “Battle of the Badges” charity boxing fundraiser.

Police officers, correctional officers, and firefighters from throughout Northern California will step into the ring at Memorial Auditorium to duke it out all in the name of a good cause.

The event was founded in 2003 by correctional officers Israel Montes Jr. and Yvonne Vasquez of California State Prison-Sacramento before a third officer, Pablo Vasquez, joined the team. Vasquez passed away in 2007.

The annual tradition began as a small-scale event held at the Boys & Girls Club in downtown Sacramento and has outgrown the various halls and auditoriums used since then.

Montes said the event was started to “build camaraderie, unity and competitive sportsmanship among peace officers and firefighters” in addition to raising money and supporting what he call “worthy” local charities.

“The benefiting charities are chosen through careful consideration and at the recommendation of fighters. I want them to feel they are competing for a worthy cause,” Montes said.

Specific charities include beneficiaries from last year (The Firefighters Burn Institute, The Sac Fallen Officers Resource Fund and The Sacramento Sheriff’s Toy Project) along with new additions California Association of Highway Patrolmen Widows & Orphans’ Trust Fund and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Jim Doucette, executive director for the burn institute, said, “The Firefighters Burn Institute is very happy to be one of the charities that will benefit from this year’s Battle of the Badges. All of these charities do wonderful work for our community.”

Last year’s event,“The Raley Field Rumble,” raised approximately $10,000 for the benefiting charities and this year’s event is expected to raise even more.

Around 2,500-3,000 peace officers, firefighters, and family and friends are expected to fill the auditorium Saturday night.

There are approximately 15 fights lined up with three, two-minute rounds during each when Montes says the fighters will “battle fiercely representing their respective agencies.”

“We hope that all of the boxers do well, but of course we will be cheering for our firefighters!” Doucette said.

Before the action begins, there will be a pre-fight ceremony honoring fallen officers, firefighters and soldiers. The ceremony will include performances by the Sacramento Firefighters Pipes & Drums and the California State Prison-Sacramento Honor Guard.

On Friday night before the fights, weigh-ins and a pre-fight party will be held at Blue Cue and is open to the public, which Montes credits the event’s success to.

“This event would not be possible without the support of participants, sponsors, volunteers and fans,” Montes said.

Ticket prices are $40 for assigned floor-level ringside seating, $30 for lower-balcony/general seating, and $25 for upper-balcony general seating. Tickets can be purchased at the Sacramento Convention Center Box Office at 1301 L St. with no surcharge or at Tickets.com.

The Memorial Auditorium is located at 1515 J St.

Blue Cue is located at 1004 28th St.

See the complete fight card here.

For more information, visit the official Battle of the Badges website or Facebook page.

Photos from last year's "Raley Field Rumble" by Bob Knapik, restorem@surewest.net

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.

Maddie's Fund for a no-kill nation

2009-12-11T06:57:05Z

A miniature schnauzer named Maddie stole the heart of PeopleSoft founder David Duffield and his wife, Cheryl, before the dog died in 1997. Duffield made a promise to Maddie that should they ever become well off, their top priority would be to contribute money to animal causes to repay the love Maddie gave them.

To keep their promise, the Duffields started Maddie's Fund. It has set a goal of a 100 percent no-kill nation by 2015 by increasing the live release rate, or percentage of animals leaving a shelter alive, and promoting community involvement.

The nation's shelters kill 3.7 million dogs and cats, annually. That number must drop to 700,000 to reach the no-kill national goal, according to Maddie's Fund. Rich Avanzino, president of the fund.

According to Maddie's Fund figures, four million pets are adopted nationwide every year, which breaks down to three pets per shelter per day. In order to save the three million-plus pets that are being euthanized, two more pets per shelter per day would have to be adopted, an adoption rate of five pets per shelter per day.

"If, as a group and along with other rescue groups in the area, we can come anywhere near meeting the intent of the spay/neuter programs, the no-kill goal should be easy," said Kay House, director of Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary "It certainly would make everyone happier, and be much healthier for all the animals."

According to Avanzino, Maddie's Fund grants are available to all shelters in the United States as long as the shelters in a community are working together, making progress and have a goal to increase the live release rate.

"I have no idea if the goal is realistic, but it is something to aim for," House said. "The greater Sacramento area has done a terrible job of educating, encouraging and enforcing spay and neuter."

According to Avanzino, without community involvement Maddie's Fund would not be as successful.

"We are working on transparency and accountability," he said. "Public engagement and involvement is key to our success."

Whatever Maddie's Fund does to save animals' lives or what its goal may be, there always will be disagreement about animal shelters, Avanzino said.

"No-kill is just a movement — they are trying to make a point," said Penny Cistaro, manager of Animal Care Services facility. "'Kill' makes it sound like we're taking baseball bats and hitting the animals over the head. We perform euthanasia here."

"The shelters need to do what the loving pet owners do in their community," Avanzino said. " It's not about what the shelter can afford, it's not about what's easy. It's about what a loving pet owner would do for their animal."

Maddie's Fund has three multimillion dollar grants, including a $30,000-$40,000 one for communities that strive for no-kill status. All of the grants offer more money as communities work toward the goal.

It's important to educate people "that spaying/neutering ultimately is better for everyone than mass euthanasia," House said.

Avanzino said Maddie's Fund wants to work with Sacramento to increase its live release rate.

And that's a goal animal shelters agree with.

"We always say we wish we could be put out of business," said Lesley Kirrene, director of public relations for the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Maddie's Fund is committed to every animal, Avanzino said, adding "they are more than just best friends, they're family members."

Maddie

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

Peace, love and Adoption

2009-10-26T05:45:09Z

Peace, love and adoption were in the air Saturday night at the SPCA Raining Cats and Dogs gala.

The 1960's themed silent and live auction benefiting the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals brought nearly 1,000 people to the Convention Center, according to Steve Potter, director of development

"We had a wonderful turnout," he said. "Even in the economic downturn, animal welfare still pulls on people's heart strings."

A live performance of "Hair" was visible on four stages among auction items as well as on the main stage along with the live music were two continuous slideshows of adoptable animals. A puppy named Ears was a crowd favorite, as indicated by the "awwwwws."

"This is always such a great event," said Julie Bush. "We've been coming for the past three years and plan to keep coming."

Auction items, including a meeting with actress Betty White, tickets to next year's Emmy's, and a homemade apple pie, raised thousands of dollars.

For an update on the amount raised and to view prize winners, visit the SPCA's Web site.

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.

The Sacramento SPCA - Providing New Hope for Homeless Animals

2008-11-24T23:52:28Z

There is a pet overpopulation crisis right here in Sacramento. The area’s three major shelters will take in more than 37,000 animals this year alone, and there simply aren’t enough homes for all of them. But this tragedy facing our community does have a solution.

Spay/neuter is the key to reducing the number of unwanted animals entering area shelters.
The Sacramento SPCA responded to this critical need when we opened our new spay and neuter clinic in May 2007. Through our clinic, the only high-volume spay and neuter clinic in the region, we will alter 12,000 animals in 2008 – saving countless lives.

Our clinic is at the heart of what we stand for at the Sacramento SPCA.

The Sacramento SPCA is an independent, non-profit organization that has been helping homeless animals in Sacramento since 1894. The organization is not affiliated with any other local or national animal organization, and depends on donations to feed, care for, and provide veterinary care to thousands of homeless animals each year.

The Sacramento SPCA will care for more than 11,000 homeless, unwanted, abused, abandoned and injured animals in 2008 alone. In addition to caring for animals in need, our SPCA offers a variety of services to both two- and four-legged Sacramento-area residents including:
• Adoption services
• Dog training and behavior consultation
• Estate planning
• Feral cat spay/neuter clinics
• Foster care and rescue
• Free animal behavior helpline
• Free pit bull spay/neuter program
• Humane education and Camp Kindness (including scholarships for low-income children)
• Low cost vaccination & microchip clinics
• Low-cost, high-volume spay/neuter clinic
• Pet lost and found
• Pet-assisted therapy in nursing homes and hospitals
• Safe Pets – domestic violence protective custody
• Senior programs (including free adoptions, reduced-cost services)
• Thrift store
• Veterinary care
• Volunteer opportunities
• Wildlife care
• And much more

The Sacramento SPCA is a dynamic organization responding to the various, changing needs of Sacramento-area residents and the animals we care for. The organization employs more than 80 people, and benefits from the dedication of more than 1,000 volunteers.

The Sacramento SPCA is a vibrant place to be. The staff is caring and dedicated, the animals at the Sacramento SPCA receive quality, compassionate care, and the shelter’s various programs and services are constantly being modified to best serve or region’s growing human and animal populations.

As the Sacramento region continues to grow and change, so does the Sacramento SPCA. With support from our community, the Sacramento SPCA will continue to be a place for positive change for Sacramento’s animals, as well as for the people who love them.

To make a donation or for more information on the Sacramento SPCA, its adoptable animals, programs and services and more, please visit www.sspca.org today.

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!