•   Paw Works opens storefront in the Pacific View Mall
by my good friend Barbara Hinton

Did you know that there is now a “store” in the Pacific View Mall where you can adopt animals who need homes, purchase pet supplies and shop for gently used clothing?  Paw Works, a nonprofit animal rescue organization, opened a pet adoption center in the mall in November of 2015.  The center is located on the second level of the mall next to JC Penney.

Paw Works has a second adoption center in Thousand Oaks at the Oaks Mall.  The adoption centers allow the organization to introduce rescued cats and dogs to potential adoptive families in a calm and comfortable setting.  The Ventura center includes an upscale resale boutique that sells donated clothing and household items, with proceeds benefitting the nonprofit rescue.  They accept donations of gently used clothing or other items, and if you call them they will even come and pick up your donations.

Launched in January 2014, Paw Works is dedicated to partnering with county and city shelters to give abandoned animals a second chance at life.  The group has saved more than 1,900 pets to date and placed them in caring homes.  They have also spayed or neutered close to 250 rescued animals.

Animal rescue work requires the assistance of dedicated volunteers.  Paw Works is looking for individuals who are willing to help at the adoption centers or at local adoption events.  If you are willing to provide a temporary home for a rescued pet, they also need caring individuals or families that are willing to foster rescued dogs or cats.

Paw Works has accomplished much, but still has more to do.  Goals include the acquisition of a mobile spay and neuter van and creating a training facility and sanctuary.  For more information on how you can assist Paw Works, please go to their website:  www.pawworks.org or email them [email protected].

•   Ventura County Animal Services(VCAS) and SPAN are having a free shots and licenses clinic for homeless and low income people. Cats in carriers and dogs on leashes please. Wednesday May 25, 11 to 12 at SPAN 110 N. Olive Street, Ventura.

For low income cat and dog owners $10 spays and neuters at SPAN on June 9.

Call to schedule an appointment  584-3823

•   Pet cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore if you follow Cesar Millan’s quick and easy tips. You and your pup will both be happier and healthier if you do!

Your dog’s bedding tends to attract a buildup of dirt and grime. Follow these four steps to ensure a clean, comfortable sleep for Fido.

Vacuum the bed regularly to remove hair, dirt, and other debris. Follow up with a lint roller to pull away any hair the vacuum may have left behind.

Wash the cover and the bed base (if it’s machine washable) in cold water. Use a mild laundry detergent—no dyes or fragrance. Add a cup of baking soda to help neutralize odor. Dry for about 20 minutes.

A stinky collar can ruin the pleasures of a freshly groomed dog. But how do you clean a dog collar without damaging the webbing material or hardware? Put a couple of squirts of dog shampoo (which will help prevent skin irritation) in a bowl and fill the bowl with hot water. Let your dog’s collar soak for about 15 minutes. Rub the collar against itself to extract any ground-in dirt. If necessary, apply extra shampoo directly to the collar. Avoid using a brush, which could damage the material. Rinse the collar under running water and hang to dry.

To remove pet hair from furniture, drapes, or other fabric-covered items, use rubber gloves. Slightly dampen a glove on your hand and sweep the fabric with it. Hair will ball up and be easy to pick up. Wash and dry gloves between uses.

The rain (what is that?) means muddy paws, but a little prevention can keep your dog from tracking dirt inside the house. First, trim the hair around your pup’s paws regularly — mud won’t clump to his feet when the hair is kept short. On days that you can’t avoid a little mud, keep a bucket of warm water and a towel near the door.

Over-bathing your dog can cause dry skin, which results in itching and flaking.  Avoid these issues—but keep your pup smelling fresh—by giving him a quick dry bath. Brush out his coat first to loosen dead hair, dirt, and debris. Wipe him down with a towel spritzed with a solution of half apple cider vinegar and half water. Follow up by sprinkling baking soda on him and rubbing it in, which will neutralize the smell of the vinegar. Let it sit for a minute or two, then brush it off.

Wash dog toys to keep them germ-free and in good shape for years of enjoyment. For soft toys, pop them in the washing machine, ideally in a garment bag. (Be sure to use dog-safe detergent.) Line dry or put them in the dryer inside a pillowcase. Hard toys can be cleaned in the sink with a solution of 50% water and 50% vinegar and a brush or sponge. An easy alternative: Put your pal’s toys in the dishwasher with her bowls.

Bailey was a C.A.R.L. adoption dog who passed away in April from cancer, she was 14 years old and will be greatly missed by her family.

•  SPAN is paying for all but $10 a pet on April 21 for spay and neuter in their parking lot at 110 N. Olive behind Vons. Valley Vet Nonprofit of Simi is bringing their mobile unit and doing surgeries. This is

their last one till June as it does get expensive for the thrift store to pay for that for take advantage of this.

•   Founded in 2009, The Forgotten Dog Foundation is a Los Angeles-based non-profit organization comprised largely of dedicated volunteers who rescue dogs simply for the love of animals, especially those who are forgotten. Combined, the group have rescued well over two thousand dogs. Once saved, each dog gets the medical care they need, are groomed and then cared for in foster homes, and are never housed in caged facilities. An application, home check and one week trial is required before any foundation dog is adopted into a forever home.

As a 501(c)3 foundation, TFD is dedicated to rescuing, re-homing, and rehabilitating dogs in need from the streets and shelters, and from owners who can no longer care for their dogs.

For more information, please visit www.theforgottendog.org, and be sure to follow The Forgotten Dog on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

•   By my friend Victoria Usher

A police dog recently helped catch two suspects in the San Diego area known as Oceanside. The pursuit all began when the police attempted to pull the suspects over for a traffic violation, but then the driver decided to leave the passenger in the car and start running. He ran to a portable outhouse in a strawberry field and then he hid in there. A San Diego County sheriff’s deputy and his dog responded to the call when this all first began. The dog was  able to find where the suspect was hiding after he  refused to leave the outhouse, the dog forced him out. The police say that both of the men in the car have been arrested and that two semi-automatic pistols and a shotgun were seized. I think it’s fair to say that the police dog definitely saved the day!

•   The Gurney Institute of Animal Communication introductory Animal Communication Workshop

Is April 30 and May 1. Hosted by Ventura Pet Wellness and Dog Training Center at 3521 Arundell Circle.

Saturday • 10am to 5pm- During this six-hour workshop, you will learn the basics of telepathic communication, first with each other and then with animals. Carol Gurney guides you through a series of fun exercises .

Sunday • 10am to 5pm  During the second day of this workshop, you will learn to communicate with animals from a distance, enhancing your communication skills with animals, do exercises to improve your overall intuitive skills, and learn basic problem solving techniques.  You will have the opportunity to have other students speak with your own animals using photos of your animals while you experience speaking with their animals.

For further information call 818-597-1154, [email protected], www.GurneyInstitute.org

•   I found this from 1866 from Washington, DC. Didn’t have room in last issue.

Dogs, Cats, and Other Domesticated Animals.

(a) Presence in State Capitol Park. Dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals are prohibited in State Capitol Park, for other than official or authorized purposes, except when held by the custodians thereof, or on a leash. Unleashed dogs or cats, and other domesticated animals shall be subject to impounding in a manner consistent with the applicable municipal, county and state laws and ordinances.

(b) Presence In or Upon State Property. Dogs, cats, and other domesticated animals are prohibited in state buildings and grounds, except:

(1) Specially trained guide dogs, signal dogs, or service dogs used exclusively to assist blind, deaf, or other disabled persons. For purposes of the chapter, guide dog, signal dog and service dogs means any dog which meets the criteria as defined under federal regulations adopted to implement Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

(2) Animals held or leashed as described in paragraph (a) within the confines of State Capitol Park or other state grounds.

(3) Animals which are authorized for exhibit or used for official or authorized purposes.

Note: Authority cited: Section 14685, Government Code. Reference: Section 14685(c), Government Code.

•   As part of the Ventura Botanical Garden master plan, a new entrance is being built at the Garden trailhead. Bryce Kulzer is working on her Girl Scout Gold Award by working on putting in a drinking fountain for dogs on the trails.

Bryce stated “I have two dogs, Baxter and Clare, that I love taking for walks up the trail. I think having a fountain for dogs would be very beneficial and a meaningful way to help dogs, dog owners and my community. I have found an ideal portable drinking fountain for dogs. It will be located near the greeter table at the entrance.”

“The long term plan is for a permanent fountain, but that will need to wait until there is a water irrigation supply. I would like to ask for donations that will help contribute toward buying the new dog fountain.”

“Any help is appreciated! Additional funds received will help support dog signage at the Gardens, which is also part of the master plan. If you could make a small donation towards this, it would be great for my project and the Gardens. Thanks for your support!”

What a great kid. It’s easy to make a donation at VenturaBotanicalGardens.com.

In keeping with Ventura’s 150^th Anniversary I decided to show you some older dog photos. I don’t think (in dog years) that there have been any 150-year old dogs but a 20-year old dog is getting close and some smaller dogs live that long.

•   An off-leash dog park in the Westside would be wonderful. The Westside Action Committee Ventura Westside Dog Park (some title) thinks that the Harry A Lyon Community Park would be a great location. Please contact them at [email protected] to get involved and show your support.

•   Because I support all animals (even cats)I want you to know that In conjunction with national “Help a Horse Day,” Ojai Mayor Paul Blatz has issued a proclamation announcing commendation for the lifesaving work California Coastal Horse Rescue (CCHR) provides to area equines (I guess those are horses).

CCHR in Ojai will celebrate “Help a Horse Day” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, April 24 with an open house and family fun day at the ranch. The community is invited to this free event, which features vendors, food, games, a silent auction (including theme park tickets), pony cart rides for children, other animal rescues and, of course, the stars of the day – the CCHR horses.

CCHR’s open house is being held as part of ASPCA® (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) “Help a Horse Day,” a nationwide challenge for equine rescues and sanctuaries to raise awareness about abused and neglected horses.

California Coastal Horse Rescue “Help a Horse Day”, 11 a.m. to noon, 600 W. Lomita Ave.

Call 649-1090 if you need more information. www.calcoastalhorsrescue.com

•  This is a nice thing so try to help. Hospice caregivers (physicians, nurses, aides, counselors, social workers, or volunteers) working in Ventura or Santa Barbara county are needed for a Ph.D. dissertation research study. The study will explore the experience of hospice caregivers who have been exposed to animal-assisted therapy sessions provided to hospice patients. Participation involves a 1-hour interview with the researcher, and there is a financial incentive for participation. For more information, email [email protected] or call 469-0063.

•  This event is in Los Angeles (I’ve never been there but it is way over the hill). I’m mentioning it because it’s nice that dogs are getting credit for being so wonderful. The Dog Film Festival™ will premiere in Los Angeles on June 5. An Afternoon Tea Pooch Party will kick off the festival on June 4. The Dog Film Festival™ will premiere on the West Coast when it comes to Westwood to celebrate the love between dogs and their people – and the animal welfare groups that bring them together.

The Dog Film Festival™ features canine-themed films – documentary, animated and live-action – in two separate screenings of entirely different films.

•  by my friend Victoria Usher

After going back and forth for quite some time, it has been decided that an off-leash dog park will be opened in Beverly Hills. This is something that the residents of Beverly Hills have been asking about for over a decade. The city is home to around 35,000 people, which means that picking a location for this dog park was difficult because they did not want it to be disrupting to anyone’s daily life. The 20,000 square-foot site that they ended up choosing for the dog park is located very close to City Hall and is also across Foothill from an animal hospital and the Amanda Foundation. Most people are excited about this new dog park, other people however are worried that because the dog park is located so close to the heart of the city that it could cause problems. In the end though more people felt that this was something that Beverly Hills truly needed for their dogs and if everything goes according to plan then this new dog park should be open and ready to go by next summer.

•  My friend and roommate Savana is so nice (for a cat) that I want to share this information from Family Features. Do you know that sometimes at dinner time she just looks at her food and eats it later? I look at my food, eat it and say “is that all?”

Purr-fect Tips to Protect Cats Year-Round

When cooler weather arrives, you may assume your pet is safe from parasites – especially if your cat lives mostly or exclusively indoors. To the contrary, identifying the risk for parasites, such as fleas, ear mites and heartworms, and providing true pest protection for your pets has very little to do with the seasons.

“Back when I was in veterinary school, we believed there were parasite ‘seasons,’” said Chris Adolph, DVM, MS, DACVM, a board certified parasitologist(such a funny word), veterinary specialist at Zoetis and former veterinary practice owner in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. “Today’s highly variable weather patterns have resulted in the possibility of parasite transmission well beyond traditionally warmer months, and in turn, increasing the likelihood of infection or infestation to your pets.”

Cat owner Lauren Swern learned the hard way that even indoor cats can be afflicted with parasites and ultimately traced a flea infestation in her cat, Oreo, back to a pair of sneakers she’d worn in the garden.

After trashing most of Oreo’s toys and bedding, Swern’s veterinarian recommended a topical, broad-spectrum preventive. After treatment with Revolution® (selamectin), Swern’s home was again flea-free and continues that way thanks to monthly treatments she applies to her cat.

Routine checkups. You may believe that once your kitten has received its vaccinations, you’re finished with veterinary visits. Actually, it’s important to continue taking your cat for annual examinations to help maintain a high quality of life. Cats tend to hide illness very well, and your veterinarian can help identify problems you may miss at home as well as guide you in areas such as dental care, nutrition and behavior.

Preventive medication. Regular use of a monthly parasite preventive can protect your cat from many common internal and external parasites. Along with fleas, broad-spectrum preventives can address risks related to heartworm disease, ear mites (Otodectes cynotis), roundworms (Toxocara cati) and hookworms (Ancylostoma tubaeforme).

Behavior monitoring. Don’t assume that a cat that begins exhibiting behavior problems is simply acting out. Most undesirable behaviors, such as suddenly refusing to use a litter box or aggression, can actually be signs of illness. Consulting a veterinarian can help you determine the best course of action.

Consider the climate. Just as extreme temperatures can affect people, excess heat and cold may impact your cat. Cozy bedding in front of a bright window may provide just the right warmth in winter, but prove too toasty in the summer.

Ample activities. Even mellow kitties can benefit from exercise, just like humans. Provide toys to encourage cats to keep active and healthy – and offer diversions such as scratching posts from temptations like carpet or furniture.

•  From a previous issue (or two). “A 21 year old girl was killed by a hit and run driver and her white, female Maltese/Poodle mix named “Coco” was with the young girl and took off running.”

My friend Lyn Fairly, from KVTA News Talk Radio 1590am told me “What is so sad Scamp is this young girl was homeless and living with Coco in her boyfriend’s car, he too is homeless. You know about this because you help find homes for dogs and cats.”

The amazing good news is that Coco  was recently found on 7th street all the way in Oxnard!  I want to thank the human for rescuing her after all this time.  She is at the Ventura County Animal Shelter in Camarillo.

Animal ID # A637596.  Only $125.00 to adopt and that includes free vet checkup, spay or neuter, all shots, license and a microchip(I have one of those. I agreed because I thought they said potato chip).

She is an adorable Maltese- mini poodle mix.

•  On Tuesday, March 3 SPAN is sponsoring a $10 low cost spay neuter clinic in partnership with Valley Vet Non-Profit Veterinarians to help reduce pet overpopulation. There is an article (not written by me, I am much too busy) in this issue about SCAN and this event.

•  The Herman Bennett Foundation is a nonprofit organization helping qualified low-income individuals and military with the spay and neuter of their cats and dogs. They cover 100% of the spay/neuter procedure cost. The foundation also provides funding to partnered veterinary clinics for the spay and neuter of feral cats. Spaying and neutering plays a major role in helping control the animal population and preventing the needless death of cats and dogs.

They are having a wonderful fund raiser, a ride on a train and lunch(See ad in this issue). Proceeds go directly to the Herman Bennett Foundation 501(c)(3) to help fund their Spay/Neuter programs across Ventura County. Call  445-7171 to reserve tickets.

Come spend the day on a 1940’s vintage locomotive (reserved train car) as you journey through the countryside with two stops to explore along the way. Depart from Fillmore Western Railway Train Station and head through Santa Paula while enjoying the scenic orchards and hillsides.

Enjoy a delicious full box lunch made fresh by Whole Foods Oxnard (included with each paid ticket).

Visit the Ventura County Agricultural Museum and their incredible collection of vintage tractors (admission and kids craft are included).

Make a special stop at the Loose Caboose gift and garden shop where live birds, fish and turtles can also be found. Win cool prizes for being the first to complete their Train Adventure Scavenger Hunt during your trip.

A fun day for a great cause. Maybe you will see my editor there.

•  By my friend Victoria Usher

The San Francisco Chronicle recently reported that six border collie puppies, all from the same litter, were found abandoned in a Merced trash bin. The six puppies were all taken to the veterinary offices of the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, it was there that veterinarians were able to determine that the puppies were probably around four months old. Krista Maloney, SPCA spokeswoman, explained that a hair salon worker was taking out the trash when she noticed something move inside a different trash bag and when she looked inside she found the six border collie puppies. The veterinarians haven’t completed all of their other medical evaluations yet but they do appear to be healthy. SPCA is asking for any donations in order to help cover vaccines and other expenses. I think I speak for everyone when I say that I’m glad that those pups are safe!

Scamp: How sad, and border collie’s are considered to be the smartest dogs. But, I’m still the cutest.

•  Well, for one more time a Shih Tzu wasn’t selected the best in show but at least we were selected best in the Toy category. Isn’t it nice that we are considered toys ? Toys bring lots of joy to little kids (and big ones).

America’s top dog at the 140th Westminster Kennel Club was CJ, a German shorthaired pointer.

CJ won best in show beating a couple of top favorites at a nearly packed Madison Square Garden who cheered on their favorites.

The 3-year-old CJ beat 2,751 other entries in 199 breeds (there are that many?) and varieties to win the nation’s most prestigious dog competition.

A borzoi called Lucy finished second. CJ also topped a Skye terrier, German shepherd, bulldog, shih tzu and Samoyed.

•   Sharing a few happy stories. The world certainly needs them.

Kramer, Nik Glaser’s proclaimed noodle-loving golden doodle, disappeared from his Venice, Los Angeles apartment over the holiday break under suspicious circumstances.

For the past nearly 2 months, Glaser launched a ferocious campaign by foot, flier and social media to find his missing service dog that treats his anxiety.

Glaser also filed a police report and set up an anonymous tip line, begging for the safe return of his dog, no questions asked.

The tips poured in, ranging from claims of witnesses seeing the dog being sold on Craig’s List to sightings everywhere from Runyon Canyon to South Los Angeles. Glaser would get his hopes up as he chased down each lead, the heartbreak mounting.

Yesterday a woman named Linda Zlot Pearson posted a message on the Bring Kramer Home Facebook page asking “Could this be your Kramer at the South L.A. Shelter?”

A few hours later, Glaser was on a plane from Seattle, where he has since relocated to accept a new job, and from where he had been making trips down in his continued desperate search to find Kramer.

This time, the identification was pawsitive.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, their reunion was nothing short of the epic love fest you’d expect – check out the adorable video here at https://www.facebook.com/BringKramerHome13/

From a previous column “My name is Buddy.  I am a golden tan American Staffie/lab mix, weighing about seventy pounds and about ten years old.  People say I act more like a well-behaved four-year-old and am the life of the party wherever I go. I have become a self-made therapy dog since I ended up at Ventura County Animal Shelter in July after my soul mate person of many years, a Vietnam War Veteran, became ill and was taken to the VA Hospital in Los Angeles.”

“To provide an outing for me and give me opportunity to spread a little cheer, on December 16, my handler Jerry Dulek and I dropped by to visit my friends at the Coastal View Healthcare Center.”

“When my visit is over, routine resident life continues.  And it’s back to shelter life for me.  Living a life behind bars, my heart aches even though staff love me, friends visit me, I have good food, a good bed, and as much attention as possible.  But after my last visit to Coastal View, suddenly wow, wham, bang!  Less than two full days later, my life changes forever.  Late in the day on December 18, I left the shelter for the last time and am now living in my forever home with the most wonderful family on the face of the earth.”

Reader Betty Okrent sent me this.

“I did hear from Buddy’s new family that they all enjoyed the Buddy article very much.  Buddy’s “new mommy” told me.  And Buddy seems to be doing great—fits in well, gives and receives much loving, has a snoring contest with her husband on the sofa every night.  And sleeps on the sofa after the family has gone to bed—so they have given in and forgotten the “no sofa” rule.  He also loves his sister Pittie—they share a bed and look out the window at the world passing by. Thank you Scamp.”

“I sent a copy of the article to a dog sitter I used when I lived in CT– she emailed me to let me know she had read the entire Scamp page several times—and enjoyed all the news about animals.  So thanks, again.”

“Take care—Please know you certainly have the best, most thorough newspaper in Ventura.” (this has nothing to do with Buddy but made me feel good).

•   Paw’s Corner By Sam Mazzotta Dog Is Afraid of Cats

Dear Paw’s Corner: My mixed breed dog, “Jessup,” is absolutely terrified of my two cats. As soon as he notices both of them in the room with him, he yelps and runs off to another room with his tail between his legs. I have never seen any other interaction between them, good or bad. Jessup is a rescue dog, and I wonder if something in his past is causing this. Is there any way to get him past his fear of cats? — Jamie in Sioux Falls, South Dakota

Dear Jamie: I suspect the same thing: Jessup had a bad experience with a cat in the past, and the memory still brings up fear. I don’t know that he can ever completely get past that fear, but perhaps you can reduce his flight reaction. If the cats aren’t at all bothered by his presence and are generally pretty mellow (for cats, anyway), you can try to desensitize Jessup somewhat. Do this by gradually reintroducing all the pets into one room. You’ll need a helper for this. First, bring in Jessup and command him to sit or lie down and stay next to you. Keep a supply of treats in your pocket. Next, have your helper bring in one of the cats, cradled in their arms or, if necessary, in a carrier. They should sit down across the room where Jessup can see them. If and when Jessup begins to react, tell him to sit and stay. Give him a treat if he obeys. Do this for only a minute or so at first, and gradually extend the time each day. Avoid getting frustrated. If you can get Jessup to stay just a short time by your side and then calmly leave the room, that would be a big victory.

•   The connection between animal cruelty and domestic violence is well-documented. Abusers often harm pets to intimidate and control their victims or to prevent them from leaving. Too often, victims of domestic violence stay in dangerous relationships and delay seeking help out of fear for the safety of the pets they must leave behind. Even though I think it is wonderful that they want to protect their animals it is still very sad.

In order to protect domestic violence victims and their pets, 28 states, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, have enacted laws that allow courts to include pets in domestic violence protection orders.

To expand to all states the federal protections offered in the Pet and Women Safety Act of 2015(PAWS Act)  Sponsored by Rep. Clark, Katherine M. [D-MA-5] will help victims of domestic violence and their pets escape abusive environments and seek the safety and shelter they need. This bipartisan legislation will make crossing state lines to injure a pet an offense punishable by up to five years in prison. The bill will also allow victims to recover veterinary costs and will establish grants to help house victims and their at-risk pets.

In the latest action, on March 31, 2015 it was referred to the Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations.  Don’t they have a committee on cruelty to animals?

Please urge your representative (Hannah-Beth Jackson 805-988-1940) to support this important bill by placing a phone call to her office.

Here is a sample script you can use when speaking to the receptionist: “Hi, this is Scamp and I am your constituent residing in Ventura. I’m calling today to urge Senator Jackson to support S.1559, the Pet and Women Safety Act, to protect victims of domestic violence and their pets. Thank you.”

•   In cities’ across the nation, we see recurring issues that prevent willing pet adopters from adopting pets or keeping their adopted animals in their homes. Here are some of the most common reasons that family-pets end up in the shelter system:

Many people don’t know that most adoption agencies  provide some free services for eligible pet parents. Caring for a pet can be costly, and in some instances, cost-prohibitive. Legal and community requirements such as vaccinations and registration fees can cost money, as can services necessary for the pet’s wellbeing. Depending on an animal’s age or medical issues, things like spay/neuter surgery, x-rays, blood tests or routine vet check-ups can add up. The high expense of owning a pet often leads people to relinquish animals to the shelter system; they simply can’t afford the cost of care.

Excessive noise, pawing, jumping, energy and destruction are all challenging traits that are common in many pets(certainly not me, I am a pussy-cat like Savana). With a bit of time and dedication on both the pet and parent’s part, these behavioral issues can be trained or managed—however, many pet parents don’t know how to go about finding the resources to fix the problem. The lack of awareness and access to behavioral training are often leading pets back into shelters, and out of loving homes.

Unfortunately, there are many rental properties or communities that restrict the pets that residents can have. Some areas have weight restrictions (good thing that I am on a diet), while others have breed restrictions which could exclude dogs like pit bulls, Rottweilers and Doberman Pinschers. For pet parents relocating to restrictive housing like this, their only option may be to make the heartbreaking decision to relinquish their pets to local animal shelters. In addition, prospective pet parents who already live in restrictive housing will be limited to certain types of animals when adopting—ultimately putting a strain on the animal shelters in those communities.

•   by Victoria Usher

Clara Chambers has been sentenced to ten months in custody for running an unlicensed puppy mill once again. Chambers was convicted in 2012 for running the puppy mill out of her home in Las Vegas and she violated the terms of her probation big time! Prosecutors also said that a lot of the puppies died of respiratory and parasitic infections not too long after they were purchased. No animals should ever be treated this way; they deserve so much better. Clara Chambers was ordered by U.S. District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia to pay $24,000 in restitution to people who had bought the puppies and to also serve twenty-six months of supervised release. I’m glad that courts are now looking at pet cruelty the same as people cruelty.

•   Pet owners should always compare pet insurance policies to see what will work best for their budget and breed of pet. There are a number of questions you should ask. Each insurance provider will have a slightly different answer, price and type of coverage. Here are a few things to look for when considering a policy:

* Does your pet’s veterinarian accept the type of insurance coverage you’re considering?
* Is the insurance company licensed in your state?
* Does the policy cover “wellness” or “preventive care” such as annual checkups and shots?
* What is the policy’s deductible? Can you change that deductible from year to year?
* What kind of health conditions or care are not included?
* What are the annual and lifetime care limits, if any?
* What if your pet has a pre-existing condition?
* Are there any extra fees that could be charged?

These are just some of the important questions you should ask of a pet policy provider. You’ll want to find a balance between the cost of the policy and the amount of coverage it provides for different health situations. A discussion with your vet will get you started.

•   I received this from my friend Lyn Fairly at KVTA.

Dear Scamp,

Last Wednesday night the 6th of Jan. a young girl (around 21 years) , was killed by a hit and run driver. It was rainy and the difficult to spy the license plate (Scamp this is similar to a dog collar) , any tips from all humans will be appreciated. The story can be found on the KVTA Facebook page and in the police records.  Now why this matters to you Scamp is that a white, female Maltese/Poodle mix named “Coco” was with the young girl and took off running, not hit in the tragic accident.  We need you to put on your detective hat and request in your column that anyone who might have found “Coco” please contact me.

What is so sad Scamp is this young girl was homeless and living with “Coco” in her boyfriend’s car, he too is homeless. You know about this because you help find homes for dogs and cats.  The boy is crushed and would like to find “Coco” and care for her.

Respectfully, Lyn Fairly

•   Some nice doggie classes are being offered by the City:
Basic Obedience- sit, down, name recognition, basic commands (I know these)
Beyond Basic Obedience-shake, advanced commands, games, opening beer cans
Total Recall- even more advanced stuff, opening wine with a corkscrew
Treibball Urban Herding for Dogs-mental and physical workout
Canine Body Language Seminar-learn to identify  anxiety, etc.  in your dog(maybe we wag our tails because we need to pee)

To register and get more information go to www.cityofventura.net/prcp.

•   New York’s four-legged finest are now officially representing the state. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has signed legislation that names the “working dog” as the official New York state dog.

All breeds trained to provide a service are celebrated in this law, from the German Shepherd Dog that stands guard at Grand Central to the Belgian Malinois that patrols with police to the sweet Golden Retriever that leads his visually impaired owner around the city to the many more working dogs around the state.

AKC President and CEO Dennis Sprung says of the legislation: “Working dogs provide unparalleled service to individuals and to our communities in a vast array of roles from search-and-rescue, to disease detection, to military and police work, to therapy and service for the disabled. We are extremely pleased by this recognition of the value that all working dogs bring to our lives.”

The inspiration for the bill is Bari, the dog of Assemblyman Matthew Titone (D-Staten Island), who is trained as a therapy dog. Together they are working with non-verbal preschool autistic children and young adults facing adversity, like homelessness and drugs.

Inspired by the work Bari has done, Titone sponsored the bill signed by Gov. Cuomo on Dec. 23.

“Once I actually saw him working and the result of his work, that’s when I knew in my heart of hearts that [sponsoring this bill] was the right thing to do,” Titone said.

I am a working dog (writing my column) so maybe I should be Ventura’s official dog?

•   Paw’s Corner By Sam Mazzotta

My veterinarian recommended that I buy pet insurance for my puppy, “Max.” Should I purchase the insurance that the vet recommends, or can I choose my own policy? — New Owner in Nashville

Humans aren’t the only ones who could benefit from a New Year’s resolution or two. Resolutions can even help our dogs live healthier lives. Whether your four-legged friend needs a refresher course in training or needs to lose some weight, resolving to do more with your dog will help everyone involved. Here are four ideas to start the new year off right:

Mind your manners. Whether you have a puppy that has yet to start training classes or an older dog that has forgotten his manners, training classes teach important commands and socialization needed to help both dog and owner to be a responsible member of society, not to mention that training is a great way for dogs to bond with their owners.

Explore competitive events. Resolve to train your dog to compete in fun events in the New Year. Agility, obedience, and rally competitions are a fun and rewarding experience for all dogs. You’ll meet new people with a similar love for dogs and watch your pup grow into a well-behaved, even-tempered, and physically fit companion.

Lose those pesky holiday pounds. Exercise is extremely important for both you and your dog’s health. Daily exercise is good for your dog’s heart, lungs, circulatory system, and muscles, in addition to helping him maintain a healthy weight. Obesity causes many health problems in dogs and being overweight can shorten your dog’s life.

Help others. Dogs love helping others and they’re invaluable in providing service to humans – visiting the sick, helping the disabled, locating missing persons, and much more. There are many ways dog owners can put their special skills to use in their community.