•SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income cat and dog friends.

At a wew Location the Albert H. Soliz Library – El Rio, 2820 Jourdan St., Oxnard on Friday, June 29th.

Please call to schedule an appointment 805-584-3823.

•Housing Authority to host its 4th Annual TYDTWDay® 2018

On Thursday, June 28, the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura (HACSB) will join companies around the globe in opening their doors to employees’ furry, four-legged best friends for PSI’s 20th annual Take Your Dog To Work Day (TYDTWDay®).

TYDTWDay was established by Pet Sitters International in 1999. This annual event urges businesses around the globe to experience the joys of dogs in the workplace for just one day to celebrate the great companions dogs make and to promote adoptions from local shelters, rescue groups and humane societies.The 2018 celebration marks the HACSB’s fourth year of participation.

“The Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura is excited to go to the dogs for a good cause! We see this event as a way to recognize the important role dogs play in our employees’ lives and an opportunity to make a positive impact on our local community,” says Cheryl Tabbi, Human Resources Manager.

The HACSB anticipates 10 dogs to join them on Thursday, June 28 and has a variety of activities planned, including photo sessions, a pot luck lunch and doggie swag bags with donations provided by Petco, Petsmart, Lucy Pet Products, and VCA Westlake Animal Hospital.

For more information on PSI’s Take Your Dog To Work Day, visit www.takeyourdog.com or PSI at

(336) 983-9222, ext. 23230 or [email protected].

The HACSB is the largest residential landlord in the City of Ventura, with 376 public housing units, more than 1,500 Section 8 vouchers, and over 450 non-profit affordable rental units. The agency is actively working to increase the supply of affordable housing and to improve the quality of life for hundreds more of the low-income residents throughout the City of Ventura. To learn more about the Housing Authority of the City of San Buenaventura or its TYDTWDay celebration, visit www.hacityventura.org or e-mail [email protected].

HACSB 995 Riverside Street (805) 648-5008 Fax (805) 643-7984 Tdd (805) 648-7351

•Pit Bull Sasha saves the day!

By Victoria Usher

On Sunday, June 3rd, 2018 an 8-month-old pit bull named Sasha was sitting outside of her Stockton, California, home when flames began to engulf the apartment building. Nana Chaichanhda, Sasha’s buddy, and her baby were both inside. Sasha quickly alerted Chaichanhda that there was a fire in their building and then proceeded to help the family escape from the burning building.

Chaichanhda explained that at first, she was confused, then she realized that her cousin’s apartment, which was right next door, was up in flames. Firefighters arrived on the scene and were able to save most of the building. Chaichanhda and her cousin’s apartment were destroyed in the blaze, the family is currently staying with relatives who live in one of the surviving apartments, CBS affiliate WTVR-TV reports. Chaichanhda says that it is because of Sasha that she and her baby are both safe, and she hopes her story will help change the negative perception of pit bulls.

•While fireworks are fun for people, they can be dramatic to our pets. All the noise and activity easily scares animals that might escape from home. Did you know, more pets go missing during July 4 holiday in any other time of the year?

•The Wabash Valley Animal Hospital has been conducting a stem cell trial to help our furry friends in need. Over the last year the hospital has given the free trial to many dogs. It’s a blind study and placebo trial. “Two thirds of these animals do get stem cells” said Doctor Andy Pickering.

If a dog is healthy, they’re eligible to be a participant in the study. Dogs receive injections of the trial in their joints, and they will either receive stem cells or a placebo.

One dog buddy says he can tell the trial is helping 17-year old Mooska. “Within a few days, he started acting better, and is still just going right up and down the steps like no problem at all,” said William Joe Robinson.

Wabash Valley Animal Hospital 812-299-2200.

• “If you want a real friend that you can trust in Washington, get a dog.” ~ Harry Truman

• SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income cat and dog friends. In the SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main) Friday, June 8th.

Please call to schedule an appointment 584-3823.

• New deputy first dog

By Victoria Usher

Governor Jerry Brown recently made an adorable and exciting announcement that a one-month-old female border collie puppy by the name of Cali will be serving as the state’s “Deputy First Dog” from now on. Little Cali will take on many new job responsibilities soon and one of the most important job responsibilities she will have will be assisting one of Governor Jerry Brown’s dogs named Colusa, a border collie-corgi mix who is known as the state’s “First Dog” in herding all of the state Capitol’s staff and also helping out in a variety of ways around the Colusa County family ranch. Colusa has been a constant Capitol presence and has the absolute cutest Twitter account in the world to prove it. Cali will begin her new job by helping Colusa with any and all of the important duties that must be taken care of around the family ranch.

• Life wouldn’t be the same without our best friends. So there is now National Best Friends Day. They’re the friends that can be counted on to be there at a moment’s notice. The ones who love, laugh, support, and cherish – in both good and bad times.

Friends can be celebrated on any day of the year, but what better day than Best Friends Day? The day is largely unofficial, with no clear clue as to its origins, but that doesn’t stop the millions who mark the day each year from enjoying their best friends.

Celebrations can be as low key or as flamboyant as desired. A picnic in the park, a get together over coffee, or a nice meal in a favorite restaurant ( that allows dogs) are popular ways to celebrate a close friendship. Should distance keep best friends apart, it’s enough to pick up the phone to wish that special person a very happy Best Friends Day.

June 8, a day to honor that one special person you call your “best friend”. This day is a time to show them how much you appreciate them, how special and important they are to you and how you cherish their friendship. Celebrate National Best Friends Day by letting your best friends know how much they mean to you!

•How to handle a territorial dog By Ashley Bennett

Spay or neuter your dog

If you have not already done so, having your dog spayed or neutered can reduce incidences of territorial marking. It can also extend your dog’s life, improve other aspects of their health, and reduce the number of unwanted dogs. Dogs that have been spayed or neutered can and do still engage in marking behaviors from time to time, depending on other factors. According to a report from the Humane Society, spaying or neutering your pet may help reduce likelihood that they will mark their territory, but it does not completely stop it.

Allow your dog to get acquainted with unfamiliar faces

Sometimes your dog may start marking things around the house because someone new has been introduced into the household, whether it is a new roommate, pet, or even a frequent visitor. Chances are that the dog feels like this person or animal has entered their realm and it is marking to show them that they still have ownership over the territory. People are usually annoyed by this behavior, but other animals know what it means if a dog has marked their territory. The only way to resolve this issue is to allow your dog to get a true introduction to the new person or pet and allow them to spend some time to bond with them. Keep the new person or animal out of the dog’s area until the two have become more acquainted.

• On April 27 Animal Services provided a shot clinic for the homeless in front of the SPAN

Store in Ventura. They also provided leashes, collars, food for yorkies and flea meds. Over 61 animals were served. Some of the homeless had up to 3 animals. It was for the homeless so the flyers were put up at Catholic Charities and other spots where the homeless go to seek services. SPAN is also working with Simi Valley Spay Neuter Clinic to have 2 mobile spay days a month.

•The Humane Society of Ventura County invites the public on Saturday, June 9, and get a behind-the-scenes look at its Ojai animal shelter, learn more about its programs and meet the people who run it.

The HSVC’s annual “Birthday Bash and Open House” will honor its 86 years of nonprofit service to the community. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ojai facility, at 402 Bryant St.

Visitors that day can interact with the animals – who will be available for adoption – tour the kennels and clinic, meet the staff, and learn about volunteer opportunities. Bring the whole family to enjoy refreshments, take part in a treasure hunt and learn more about how you can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

There will be a variety of activities for children along with information on responsible pet ownership. Humane officers will be available to discuss ways we all can help protect animals throughout the county.

“The Humane Society of Ventura County has accomplished quite a bit, when you add the numbers up,” said Greg Cooper, Director of Community Outreach for the HSVC. “Considering our meager budget as a private nonprofit, the HSVC continues to provide valuable services to Ventura County in an extraordinary way.”

For more event information 646-6505. For more on the HSVC, visit www.hsvc.org.

• Amber is from a private donor in Fillmore. This gorgeous and sweet-natured Belgian Malinois has been stealing the hearts of trainers and staff alike at the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation.

Amber has started to learn the search “game” and is working concurrently on Agility, Obedience and Direction & Control. All in all, Amber is quick on the uptake and has a blast training – a winning combination when it comes to being a Search Dog!

Amber grew up in a family of public servants and was very proud to serve her community as a 911 Public Safety Dispatcher for the Ventura Police Department and as a Tactical Dispatcher for the VPD SWAT Team.

Founded in 1996, the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation (SDF) is non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Santa Paula. Their mission is to strengthen disaster response in America by rescuing and recruiting dogs and partnering them with firefighters and other first responders to find people buried alive in the wreckage of disasters.

It’s not a matter of if, but when the next natural or man-made disaster will occur. To stay prepared, Canine Disaster Search Teams must constantly hone their skills through rigorous training exercises – and what better place to do that than SDF’s National Training Center, specifically designed for Disaster Search Dogs and their Handlers.

The NTC is open to any and all teams from across the U.S. and the world who want to train for disaster response. Designed with training props that can evolve and change, NTC allows trainers and teams to create different search situations that mimic various disaster situations.

SDF headquarters 6800 Wheeler Canyon Rd., Santa Paula, CA 93060 888-4K9HERO Tax ID #77-0412509.

•Top Cabaret and Jazz singers and songwriters will perform at a benefit concert and fundraiser for All For Love Animal Rescue on Saturday, June 2, at Bogart’s Upstairs, inside the AMC Theatres at the Oaks Mall, in Thousand Oaks. The event features special performances by award-winning singer/songwriter Amanda McBroom and Jazz legend Sue Raney. Other performers include the singing duo, Maripat Davis and Richard Osborn, and well-known composer-pianist Shelly Markham.

Amanda McBroom has been called “the greatest cabaret performer of her generation, an urban poet who writes like an angel and has a voice to match,” by the New York Times.

Sue Raney was signed by Capitol Records at the age of 17, and recorded her first album called When Your Lover is Gone, with Nelson Riddle.

All proceeds from the fundraiser will go to All For Love Animal Rescue (AFLAR), a 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue organization. AFLAR has rescued hundreds of homeless animals and placed them in loving, forever homes. AFLAR focuses on rescuing animals in the most danger of euthanasia, and depends 100% on charitable donations to rescue, board, and provide medical treatment for the many animals they save.

The event will also feature a silent auction with many items to bid on, opportunity drawings and door prizes, and complimentary snacks and desserts. Tickets for the event are $25 in advance, and $30 at the door. Seating is limited, and reservations are recommended. For reservations and tickets, call 445-3535 or purchase tickets at www.AllForLoveAnimalRescue.org/fundraiser.

• A message of hope for the families of Thomas Fire cats
Surfcat Rescue and Adoptions urges residents to keep looking for their missing cats

The story is heartbreakingly common. During the harrowing first hours of the Thomas Fire, with just minutes to evacuate, many residents were unable to locate and/or catch their cats. They were forced to leave them behind in order to escape the flames that quickly engulfed the hillsides and hundreds of homes. In the days that followed, devastated families searched the charred remains of their neighborhoods and scoured the web pages of local animal rescues in the desperate hope that their cat had somehow survived. When these efforts failed, they grieved, believing their beloved pets had perished in the flames.

But Leslie Weiss, founder of Surfcat Rescue and Adoptions, is reaching out with a message of hope to anyone whose cat is still missing. “We’ve learned valuable lessons from fire cat rescue teams up in Northern California,” explains Weiss. “Even months after the Tubbs Fire, cats that had long since been presumed dead were being trapped and returned to their families! The old cliché that cats have nine lives really isn’t very far from the truth. Given the opportunity, cats will survive. They’ll escape, they’ll hide, and they’ll hunker down and shelter in place until it’s safe to come out. We’re not giving up, and neither should you.”

In the immediate aftermath of the fire, learning from the successes of other rescues faced with similar challenges, Surfcat purchased motion sensor/infrared wildlife cameras, secured donations of plastic storage boxes, food and water bowls, and went to work. Putting the word out on social media, Surfcat made connections with people who were looking for their lost kitties in both the burn areas and in evacuation areas. Setting up “critter cam/feeding stations” and employing expert trappers, Surfcat began identifying, rescuing, and reuniting kitties with their families. These rescues felt like miracles and the reunions gave people who had lost everything new hope for the future.

Surfcat is still in rescue-recover-reunite mode, and has compiled a comprehensive database of cats still missing due to the Thomas Fire. If you lost a cat in the burns areas or in evacuation areas you can register them with Surfcat Rescues and Adoption. Go to www.surfcatcafe.org/thomas-fire/ to register your missing cat or call 500-7125.

• The night of December 4, 2017, will forever be remembered at the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation as the night that they narrowly escaped disaster at the National Training Center (NTC), when the Thomas Fire raged through the canyon. Though they evacuated all dogs and staff in plenty of time and the main buildings were spared, they did sustain over $2.5 million in damages to Search City, the Train Wreck prop, the historic Boone’s Cabin, and landscape and maintenance equipment throughout the campus. It will take a great deal of time and effort to restore the NTC to its original state.

Just a month after the fire, 18 SDF-trained Search Teams responded to the devastating Montecito mudslides to help search for survivors amidst the debris. The grueling week-long deployment tested the resilience of search and rescue community and proved that inter-agency teamwork and focused determination is a critical part of a strong and reliable emergency response network when the unthinkable occurs.

They are dedicated like never before to rebuilding the NTC and continuing to provide these amazing Search Teams with the essential skills necessary to maintain top deployment readiness.

Disasters will happen, and it’s our job to be ready when they do. To learn more, and to donate to the Foundation visit https://searchdogfoundation.org/.

• Canine Adoption and Rescue League (C.A.R.L.) seeks participants, visitors, and of course, dog lovers of all ages for its much-anticipated 21st Annual Pooch Parade! This unique event will be held from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 5 at Ventura Beach Promenade Park.

In addition to the parade, there will be races, pet-related vendors and displays, food, live music, beer and wine, demos, a silent auction and fun contests and 5k and10k races.

Registration forms, and fees are available online at poochparade.org. T-shirts will be given to the first 250 entrants.

A Silent Auction featuring hundreds of special items will be held on-site. Proceeds will help pay for supplies and medical care for dogs and puppies in C.A.R.L.’s Second Chance Program.

C.A.R.L is a non-profit, Ventura County-based organization almost entirely run by volunteers. For more information, email [email protected] or visit poochparade.org or carldogs.org.

Beloved pet and companion of Raul Acosta. “Trouble” was 13 years old and a proud member of the Buddy Nation family. “Trouble” loved his walks on the beach and he is at rest there now. He is sorely missed by Raul, Cappi, Patti, Gill, Danny, Betty, Debi, Regina, Janet, Stephanie, Copper, Orange, Charlie, Jack, Alice and his Harbor Boulevard friends.

Canine Adoption and Rescue League(CARL) was presented a check from Meridian Design and Construction. Pictured owner Justin Shipp, Sharon Clark, executive director of CARL, Sara Masterson, Meridian Design consultant, Jessica Whitney, CARL kennel supervisor and the handsome guy is Rascal who is up for adoption.

The Ventura Police K-9 Units has received a gift from the Herman Bennett Foundation.

Officer Therrien and K9 Yoschi, Officer Rodriguez and K9 Rover, Sgt. Welch and Officer Ortega and K9 Miles were there to accept the gift.

• The Herman Bennett Foundation is a private non-profit 501 (c) 3 organization that is dedicated to working with local veterinarians and other related organizations to determine target areas most in need of both education and assisting low income pet owners and Feral Cats with the spaying and neutering of cats and dogs.

The Herman Bennett Foundation has also expanded their operation to include assisting the Military/Service Dogs with their medical requirements (not covered by any agency); supporting Animal Rescue Groups and “No-Kill” Animal Shelters.

Marvin Fisher, Marketing Director for the Herman Bennett Foundation put the fundraiser together for the Ventura PD K-9 unit. They gave them a check for $1,180. The event was at Bistro13 in Camarillo on Feb. 12.

They also have a thrift store in Camarillo, 601 Mobil Ave. that has been up and running for over 2 years.

• The Purrfect Cat Café is Ventura County’s first and only “cat-fe.” Unlike ordinary café’s the Purrfect Cat is a feline friends facility where guests for $10 (children 8 to 12 and seniors over 65 are $5) are provided with a complimentary drink and a snack in a setting where they can curl up with a dozen adoptable kitties of all ages and breeds.

All of its friendly cats are rescues from local animal shelters, or owner surrenders, and must meet a stringent set of guidelines to become a member of the “lounge cats.” Their health and temperament are paramount to ensure a safe and happy experience for everyone – both two and four legged. In the 8 months since opening its doors, the Purrfect Cat Café has found loving families for 30 of its “alumni.”

People of all ages and abilities have visited the café, the facility is wheelchair accessible. The facility can be rented for private parties.

The Purrfect Cat Café is located at 5800 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 142 in Camarillo and is open Tuesday through Sunday. Call for reservations 419-6116 or send a request thought the website www.thepurrfectcat.com.

• Medical marijuana for animals

by: Victoria Usher

The people of Albany, New York might be able to provide medical marijuana for their animals soon. Since many people have been able to find a medical marijuana card provider for themselves, for many, the attention has now switched to their canine buddies. Legislation was introduced recently by Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, D-Scarsdale, Westchester County, that would change the New York law to allow veterinarians to prescribe medical marijuana to animals. “Medical marijuana has helped countless people in the management and treatment of chronic and debilitating illnesses,” Paulin’s bill states. “Research suggests that animals can also benefit from cannabis use to similarly treat their ailments.” So reading into the medicinal properties of CBD, by reading such information like this CBDfx review and others, medical patients can also get an idea as to how they can treat their dogs also.

Two other states that are also considering legislation to legalize medical marijuana for animals are Nevada and California, saying it could help pets with chronic illnesses, just as how everyday optimal CBD has been found to help some people with theirs. “This could be helpful to many animals in need of relief, especially those that have chronic illnesses and for whom more traditional medical treatment has not proven to be effective,” Paulin’s bill said.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has moved cautiously with expanding the state’s medical marijuana program. According to the state Health Department the medical marijuana program currently has 1,500 registered practitioners and about 47,600 patients, with many looking to sites like TONIC to get their prescriptions filled. As more states in the United States legalize marijuana, pet owners are giving their animals cannabis to help treat anything from anxiety to arthritis. However, veterinarians say there is still not enough scientific data to prove that it is safe and effective for animals.

• A 16-year-old boy was hiding in a closet giving updates to a 911 dispatcher during a burglary at his family’s home, when he heard gunshots and his dog suddenly stopped barking.

Des Moines police Cmdr. Doug Jenkins said the first 911 call came in at about 12:20 p.m. Police said the teen was home alone when the break-in happened.

“He heard noises and voices, ran upstairs and hid in closet.”

The family’s 2-year-old German shepherd, Rex, ran downstairs to confront the intruders. The thieves beat the dog, leaving him badly injured.

Even after being bloodied and hurt, Rex still had enough strength left to get back to the teen — his best friend — and protect him as the thieves proceeded into the bedrooms, including the one where the boy was hiding.

Rex came out with the little strength he had left in him and threw himself at them.

The thieves opened fire, shooting Rex multiple times. He was struck in the neck, leg and knee, yet managed to survive. The suspects were no longer in the home when officers arrived.

• Dog food and treat products are being recalled by manufacturers because of possible listeria or salmonella contamination. There has been a series of massive pet-food recalls over possible salmonella, listeria and pentobarbital contamination.

Northwest Naturals, of Portland, is recalling its 5-pound frozen Chicken and Salmon pet food chubs because it may be contaminated with listeria monocytogenes. Product is packaged in 5-pound frozen chubs labeled Chicken and Salmon Dog Food with a UPC code of 0 87316 38440 6. The company says the product was one isolated batch of 94 cases distributed in California, Washington, Texas, Michigan, Georgia, and Rhode Island and sold thru specialty pet-retail stores.

Carnivore Meat Company, of Green Bay, Wisconsin, is recalling 73 cases, of Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Beef Nibblets Entrée for Dogs pet food, one-pound bags, Lot #13753, because the products may be contaminated with salmonella.

TruPet, of Milford, Ohio, is recalling 2.5-ounce package, Lot # 20190514 13753, of TruDog Treat Me Crunchy Beef Delight Pet treats because they may be contaminated with salmonella.

Gravy Train, Kibbles ’n Bits, Ol’ Roy and Skippy dog foods withdrawn from market over euthanasia drug

Feds, state investigating Tukwila pet food over repeated salmonella contamination

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, both salmonella and listeria can affect animals eating the products, and there is risk to humans from handling contaminated pet products, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with the products or any surfaces exposed to these products.

• Once again a Shih Tzu did not win best in show at Westminster (Scamp are you listening?). A dog almost as cute a Bichon Frises becomes America’s top dog 2018 when Best In Show was awarded to “GCHP CH Belle Creek’s All I Care About Is Love”.

• By Cesar Millan

Being fostered is a wonderful opportunity for a dog to prepare for his forever home. He will have more one-on-one time with humans, and he can experience more of the world around him instead of being limited to the confines of a shelter. It can significantly increase his chances of fitting in with his next family.

And of course, his foster parents can make sure his new family is the right fit by helping them to understand his energy level, any issues that are being worked on, and any special needs the dog has.

Fostering isn’t just good for the dog – it can do wonders for the human as well! A dog needs daily exercise, and that helps us to get up, get out of the house, and experience simplicity. Dogs help you to appreciate the world around you. They smell the ground so intensely. They look at the trees as though they are seeing them for the first time. It helps us to remember the wonders that we take for granted. So if you’re stressed or anxious, it goes away for that moment when it’s just you and the dog. People say I do magic, but it’s the dogs that do magic. In an instant, they can help you feel calm. They just come in and make it happen without a word.

But I think it’s important that you don’t form too much of an emotional attachment with the dog. Remember, you are preparing the dog to detach himself from you and live with another human. If not, it can be damaging to his relationship with his new family. He can move on, but it will just make it harder for him. The way I think this can be achieved is by switching dogs. They use this system to train dogs for the blind. If people stay with a dog for a month and then get a new one, the dog doesn’t become confused. When he is in his forever home, he will know he is with his new pack! As a professional, I have to do this with dogs I work with. If I am going to help a dog that is not mine, I can’t connect all the way. I need to let the owners finish it!

• After the massive mudslide decimated Montecito two veteran Canine Disaster Search Teams trained by the Search Dog Foundation (SDF) were staged in the area prior to the slide and went to work immediately, searching for survivors.

When the magnitude of the disaster became clear, additional teams from throughout California deployed to assist in rescue efforts.

Humans and canines worked side-by-side during the grueling week-long mission to find anyone who survived and was trapped in the wreckage. In total, 18 SDF Search Teams responded, searching day and night for survivors in the mud. It marked the largest number of SDF teams deployed to a single disaster since Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

• SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income cat and dog friends.

In the SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main) Friday, March 2nd.

Please call to schedule an appointment 584-3823.

•By Victoria Usher

In 2011, a Maryland dog owner named Mali Vujanic uploaded a video to YouTube titled “Guilty!” He’d come home to find his two retrievers near an empty bag of cat treats. The first dog, a golden retriever, lounged calmly, her conscience seemingly clean. But the second dog, a yellow Labrador named Denver, sat quaking in a corner, her eyes downcast, making what Vujanic called “her signature ‘I done it’ face.”

The video quickly garnered a flood of comments. “Dog shaming” has become popular on social media, as owners around the world post shots of their trembling pets beside notes in which the dogs seem to cop to bad behavior. One group of researchers wrote in a 2012 paper, the guilty look is likely a submissive response that has proved advantageous because it reduces conflict between dog and human. It’s easy to see harsh words and corny tweets as benign responses to bad behavior.

But some experts worry that our assumptions of canine guilt may be self-fulfilling. Julie Hecht, a doctoral student who studies animal behavior at the Graduate Center of the City University of New York, cites research showing that the more dogs are punished, the more they tend to act in ways that drive their owners mad. Scolding, Hecht believes, may confuse dogs, resulting in “an anxious cycle of destruction and appeasement” that could ultimately “harm the dog and human bond.” Making sure to put the lid on the trash can, keep your shoes in the closet, and hide the kitty snacks are better ways to avoid this.

Nothing compares to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. The unconditional love of a pet can do more than just keep you company. Pets may also decrease stress, improve heart health, and even help children with their emotional and social skills. Scientists are looking at what the potential physical and mental health benefits are for different animals—from fish to guinea pigs to dogs and cats.

Research on human-animal interactions is still relatively new. Some studies have shown positive health effects, but the results have been mixed. Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol (a stress-related hormone) and lower blood pressure. Other studies have found that animals can reduce loneliness, increase feelings of social support, and boost your mood.

NIH Human Animal-Interaction Research Program is funding large-scale surveys to find out the range of pet’s people live with and how their relationships with their pets relate to health. One study found that children with autism spectrum disorder were calmer while playing with guinea pigs in the classroom. The children also had better social interactions and were more engaged with their peers. The researchers suggest that the animals offered unconditional acceptance, making them a calm comfort to the children. It is important to remember that owning pets brings new responsibilities such as knowing how to care for and feed them.

• J.M. Smucker is recalling certain lots of Gravy Train, Kibbles ‘N Bits, Ol’ Roy and Skippy canned food for dogs after low levels of pentobarbital were found in some cans of Gravy Train. The FDA said the levels of the drug found in the samples the agency tested were unlikely to harm pets, but any detectable amount of pentobarbital in pet food violates the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act.

•With temperatures dipping below zero in some locations and fierce wind chills making outside conditions feel even colder people are bundling up and staying inside. But what about the animals?

The Humane Society recommends never keeping a household pet outside when temperatures go below the freezing point (32F).

Some state law describes terms of animal cruelty and says that no owner should allow or cause any conditions that could be defined as cruel.

Ohio Code: 959.131 prohibitions concerning companion animals states that animal owners cannot “deprive the companion animal of necessary sustenance or confine the companion animal without supplying it during the confinement with sufficient quantities of good, wholesome food and water if it can reasonably be expected that the companion animal would become sick or suffer in any other way as a result of or due to the deprivation or confinement.”

If the pet is kept outside, the elements have to be taken into account, according to the law.

It states owners cannot “impound or confine the companion animal without affording it, during the impoundment or confinement, with access to shelter from heat, cold, wind, rain, snow or excessive direct sunlight if it can reasonably be expected that the companion animal would become sick or suffer in any other way as a result of or due to the lack of adequate shelter.”

• SPAN Thrift Store is providing $10 spays and neuters for low income cat and dog friends. In the SPAN Thrift Store parking lot 110 N. Olive St. (behind Vons on Main) Friday, March 2nd. Please call to schedule an appointment 584-3823.

• Hi, Sheldon:

Hope this email finds you well! Thank you again so much for featuring Mojo’s Story. Without your help I don’t think we would have raised the money in time. Mojo was sent home the day after surgery. It’s been a rough week but he’s finally starting to feel a little better and move around a bit. Vetsurg was wonderful to Mojo! Dr. Holsworth even donated the implants for Mojo’s surgery which took off $250 from the bill. They also donated a treatment called PRP (protein rich plasma) which helps in speeding healing. Shalisa Chamberlain

• The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine’s new program, the Tallwood Canine Cancer Research Initiative will create a biobank of dog tumors to provide researchers around the world with new insights into cures for cancers in dogs, and humans too.

Owners of dogs diagnosed with cancer can opt to have their veterinarian (if their practice is participating in the research initiative) remove their dog’s tumor during treatment and donate it to the program.

Using comparative genomics, they can identify which parts of DNA could contribute to an increased risk of specific types of cancer in certain dogs. Then look for corresponding regions in people to gain insights into new mechanisms that cause similar cancers in humans. This strategy is particularly useful for cancers that are rare among humans, but more commonly found in certain dog breeds

• In an effort to better align their current resources to workload and to properly care for and enrich the lives of the animals in their care, Ventura County Animal Services will be closed to the public every Monday beginning March 1, 2018, for pet adoptions. This closure will affect both the

Camarillo Animal Shelter at 600 Aviation Drive and the Simi Valley Animal Shelter at 670 W. Los Angeles Avenue. The shelter will be open for those who have found lost pets.

• RedRover, a national nonprofit animal welfare organization, was awarded a $433,000 grant from an anonymous foundation in support of the RedRover Relief Domestic Violence Assistance Program. This generous grant will allow RedRover to offer more financial assistance for safe pet boarding and veterinary care through the Safe Escape program, increase their Safe Housing grant amounts from $6,000 up to $20,000 and launch a pilot program that enables domestic violence shelters to create their own plan to help survivors of domestic violence and their pets escape abuse together. The grant also funds general operating costs for the program.

All too often, domestic violence victims stay in abusive homes for fear of subjecting their animals to abuse if they leave. RedRover Relief Safe Escape grants pay for temporary boarding and/or veterinary care to enable a domestic violence victim to remove pets to safety so that no member of the family is left behind.

Since helping its first victim of domestic violence with a RedRover Relief Safe Escape grant in 2007, RedRover has awarded 382 grants to help 688 people with 13,897 nights of boarding for their pets. Since the inception of the Safe Housing program in 2012, 58 grants have been awarded to domestic violence shelters for a total of $238,720.

RedRover is partnering with SAF-T to work toward the goal of having at least one pet-friendly domestic violence shelter in each state. Deadlines to apply for Safe Housing grants are May 15 and October 15 each year. To learn more, visit: https://RedRover.org/SafeHousing

More information about RedRover’s domestic violence resources can be found at RedRover.org/Domestic.

• A white Maltese dog mix that had been dyed purple with human hair dye was severely burned and weakened, and the animal required three months of treatment including pain drugs, antibiotics, intravenous fluids and wound care, Pinellas County, Fla., Animal Services staff say. The dog has a new owner who says “it’s amazing how she loves everybody and knows no strangers, despite how she was treated.” If you want a colored pet get a parakeet.

•You wouldn’t know it by looking at her now, but a KC couple’s 7-month-old puppy Rottweiler almost died after she ate a bottle of Gorilla Glue.

Now, Theresa Sanders and Aaron Blake are just thankful for their energetic comeback.

“The Gorilla Glue apparently has a sweet smell that the dogs like,” he said. “She went at it and had it so fast.”

Veterinarian Philip Allen said, as a result of ingesting the glue, Lucy suffered a severe growth the size of a cantaloupe in her stomach. Allen said had her owners not brought in the puppy right away, Lucy would have been dead within a day.

In fact, Blake and Sanders said everyone was convinced Lucy wouldn’t survive.

“Walking away from her and thinking she was not going to live was just awful,” Sanders said.

The couple signed Lucy over to the veterinary clinic, posted their final farewells to their beloved pet on Facebook. However, the heart-sick couple had no idea that Allen, who has two dogs himself, refused to let Lucy go. Allen performed emergency surgery on the ill pup and removed the large mass from her stomach. By the next day, Lucy was out of intensive care and eating again.

Moral dog’s and gorilla’s shouldn’t eat glue.