•  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.

“Who said dogs are smarter than cats? Savana

•  Q. My rabbit friend is putting on weight. Is this something she needs to worry about?

•  A. A rabbit that is overweight can have multiple problems. Being overweight increases the risk of having digestive problems, respiratory problems, and can increase the risk of arthritis as they get older.  It is important for your friend to get daily, regular exercise and to eat a healthy diet.  A rabbit’s diet should consist of free choice, good quality timothy or orchard hay, a small amount of good quality rabbit pellets (the amount of pellets depends on the breed of the rabbit) and a balanced selection of healthy greens daily.  Nuts and a lot of fruit should be avoided.
Elaine Fowell, D.V.M.
East Ventura Animal Hospital

•  By Victoria Usher

We are all constantly in awe of how much technology has continued to help us more and more in every aspect of our lives. Now here is something else that technology is helping do. Pet owners can now look for their lost dogs with the Finding Rover app. In order for the app to work properly dog owners must upload a picture of their lost animal to Finding Rover. Once they’ve done that then their dog’s picture will be compared with all other pictures of found dogs, and the facial recognition software will try to make a match. Finding Rover uses the same software that the FBI and other law enforcement agencies uses when they’re looking for missing people or criminals. The Finding Rover app has managed to reunite hundreds of owners with their lost dogs. “We’re encouraging everyone to register their dog on Finding Rover now,” Randy Friedman, marketing manager of Animal Service’s said.

It’s true that an app such as this is something that every pet owner should have on his or her mobile device. Company officials have said that that they will soon add cats to the app as well (cats usually manage to find their way home though).

•  Traveling with a pet can make things a lot more difficult. But having options is a huge help. Some people prefer to travel by ground instead of by air, but until recently, taking an Amtrak train was off limits to people with pets. Now, Amtrak is changing that policy thanks to a bill that requires Amtrak to accept dogs and cats as passengers on their trains.

The bill sets up a pilot program that requires Amtrak to allow pets in at least one train car as carry-on baggage. That means that your dog or cat has to be able to fit in a kennel or tote that you can carry with you, and it must meet Amtrak’s carry-on requirements. Any dog that is too large will not be allowed to ride. Does this mean that I will need to go on a diet to ride?

There are still plenty of regulations and requirements that you can find on Amtrak’s website, and the program is only available on certain lines. But it’s a step in the right direction that is especially helpful for certain dog breeds like French Bulldogs or Pugs who have short muzzles and find it more difficult to breathe on planes (I bet you didn’t know that?).

•  More than 13,000 children will be diagnosed with cancer each year. Many of these kids have to endure painful treatments that trigger stress, anxiety and depression. Researchers are studying a drug-free and inexpensive way to help the kids feel better. And it only costs dog treats.

Bryce Greenwell is no stranger to tests or hospitals. He has leukemia and will undergo treatments for the next three years or more.

A little pup named Swoosh is making Bryce’s hospital visits much more bearable. “It gives us something to talk about. He gets excited to come see Swoosh,” said Jenny his mother.

Bryce and Swoosh are participating in a study to determine if dogs can help pediatric cancer patients.

Mary Jo Gilmer, PhD, Director of Palliative Care Research at the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing understands the impact the disease has on lives and is excited to see how the dogs can help.

“We know that the disease takes a terrible emotional toll on families. “It’s very obvious to me, just anecdotally, that those dogs are making a difference; that interaction is making a difference.”

Studies in adult patients have shown interaction with man’s (and woman’s)best friend can lower blood pressure, reduce anxiety and improve lung function. This is the first pilot study to test animal therapy in kids with cancer.

The dogs spend about 15 minutes with patients before treatments. The kids have their pulse and blood pressure checked before and after, along with a questionnaire.

The dogs even have their saliva checked to determine if they experience stress, but Swoosh’s owner Michelle Thompson says she doesn’t think that’s the case.”He loves to work. He loves to get his vest on, and he’s excited to go.”

It’s therapy that any kid (and adult)would love!

Researchers at five sites across the country will enroll a total of 120 families for this study.

They are still collecting data and cannot report on results, but they have noticed children who interact with the dogs require less anti-anxiety medications than they did before the pet therapy.

For more information on this report, please contact:

Ashleigh Ruehrdanz, MPH
Research and Evaluation Specialist & IRB Administrator
Humane Research and Policy
American Humane Association
Phone: (303) 630-9480
[email protected]

•  I want to wish all of my wonderful readers, and sponsors a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. It has been another wonderful year of writing for you. And a special thanks to Victoria Usher for helping write some of my articles.

•  In my last article I had a story about a cat that got stuck in a car’s engine. Alfred Lewis (who makes the paper look so nice) sent me this. It is a wonderful story.

“We got a cat that way. I was heading out on my daily rounds, but when I started the car I heard a loud bang, like something hitting the hood, then loud feline screaming. I stopped the engine, popped the hood and a little furry head came up. It’s tail was caught in the serpentine belt.”

“I went straight to panic and got Cathy, who also went straight to panic. I have very limited tools and absolutely no mechanical ability, and in desperation called the fire department.”

“We don’t do that sort of thing,” I was told (I guess only if a cat gets stuck in a tree). We were pondering who to call next when the fire department called back.”

“We seriously don’t do that sort of thing, but two firefighters volunteered to come over and help you.”

“A few minutes later the firefighters and a man from animal control cut the serpentine belt ($125 plus $50 for the tow to the dealer) and the cat was free. The cat went to animal control, where his broken tail was removed. Cathy haunted their office until she got the cat and brought him home. “

“We named him Auto, which many people thought was totally sick, but he was a great cat and he lived with us for the rest of his life.”

•  I have a rabbit for adoption in this issue so asked my friend J. Elaine Fowell, D.V.M. at East Ventura Animal Hospital a question about rabbits.

Q.  A rabbit friend (being famous I have lots of friends)has to get her teeth trimmed every month. Is this something all rabbits need to have done?

A.  No, a normal rabbit should never need their teeth trimmed. Unfortunately malocclusion of the teeth where they do not line up properly can occur in rabbits.  As their teeth grow continuously, when they do not line up properly, the teeth can become very long and cause damage to the rabbit’s mouth and nose.  Sometimes the lower front teeth will stick straight out in front of the rabbits face!  Malocclusion of the incisors (front teeth) will mean that the rabbit has to have the teeth trimmed every 3-6 weeks, depending on the teeth.  Another option is to have the incisors surgically extracted so that the rabbit no longer has front teeth.  Don’t worry; she can still eat normally once she has healed from the surgery, as she will still have her cheek teeth.

Q.  Does a single house lady bunny have to worry about getting spayed?

A.  It is very important for rabbits to be spayed as cancer of the uterus is common in female rabbits. Ideally rabbits are spayed any time after 3-4 months of age.  This surgery will also get rid of the behavioral swings that can occur when they are cycling.  Neutering male rabbits is also advised to decrease the incidence of marking in the house.  Of course these surgeries will prevent unexpected baby rabbits if a rabbit companion is brought into the house.

Buddy was to be one of my “up for adoption friends” but I’m happy to say that he has been adopted, a very lucky dog indeed.

Scamp

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.  As always, smiles broadened and faces lit up when I entered the meeting room where about twenty residents waited to see me.

I enjoy being physically close to residents who know moments of happiness when they talk to me and stroke me.  Having my ears rubbed as I sit by the side of a wheelchair; looking up into a compassionate, loving face as I sit at a resident’s feet; standing on my hind legs, my front paws resting on a colorful homemade throw or touching the arms of a resident or propped on the bedside of a resident—this mutual bonding and shared affection temporarily transcend, for the resident and for me, the circumstances of our lives.

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.

Connect to VCAS Face Book to watch a video of my leaving the shelter for my forever home.  I got a great send off.  I get along wonderfully well with my new doggie brother and sister, both about my age.   I have already made soul mate connection with a beautiful girl, just the right size and age, to adore me and spoil me rotten. I have already kissed her in the mouth.   All she did was show delight.  I almost wagged my tail off before I was taken to my family’s car.  I left the shelter riding in the front seat. Shelter staff said, “This is a great day.”  “Look at that tail.” “What a great match.”  “He looks so happy.”  “I love that family.” When I got someone wet with a kiss, a staffer called out, “That’s what you get for adopting a lovable dog.”

I will always love my soul mate at LA Veterans Hospital.  I will always love my friends at Coastal View.  I thank all who have made my new life possible. I thank all compassionate people who have helped two broken hearts heal.

A few of the winning dogs at Howl-o-ween.
Photos by Bernie Goldstein

•  Hundreds of Howl-o-ween watchers lined the walkways around the stage at Ventura Harbor Village for the annual village event where dogs were judged for their best costumes. Ventura Breeze contributing photographer Bernie Goldstein was one of the judges (his photo was taken by Breeze contributing photographer John Ferritto). Sixty seven dogs in costumes were registered, considerably more than the 30 entries when the event was first introduced three years ago.

Bernie stated “I was privileged to sit on the canopy covered shaded stage as one of three judges. We were each given a clipboard and asked to each select three candidates of each of the five categories.

Dog owners brought their pets dressed in a wide variety of costumes and outfits; some came as brides and grooms, witches, bees, walruses, chicken, pirates, lions and more. Best in Show category winner was a Boston terrier costumed as a walrus being towed in a wagon with stuffed walrus’s.”

•  Over that last several months, there has been an increase in citizen reports of finding the deceased remains of cats, particularly in the neighborhoods east of Victoria Ave, south of Highway 126 to Saticoy Ave.

At this point all of the incidents that have been reported to the Ventura Police Department and Ventura County Animal Services have been investigated by veterinarians and determined by forensic analysis to be the result of “predatory kill.”  With the continuing drought, citizens have reported seeing an increase in coyotes wandering these neighborhoods to seek out food and water.

To help prevent cats from further harm, it is recommended family pets be kept indoors or in a secure enclosed structure and remove any outside food or water sources.

If any deceased cats are found and it appears suspicious, please do not touch the animal, preserve the scene, photograph if necessary, and immediately notify Ventura County Animal Services at 388-4341.

Q   Sometimes I worry that I’m getting fat.  How do I make sure I’m a perfect weight?

A   Ideally, your human should be able to feel your ribs under a thin layer of fat covering them.  You should also have a waistline behind your ribs.  If you’re feeling a bit pudgy, have your human reduce the food they are giving you by 5 to 10 percent and gradually increase the amount of exercise you are getting. Being overweight can cause both dogs and cats serious health issues including diabetes, cardiovascular disease and arthritis so it should not be ignored. – Dr. Jennifer Kelly, DVM is a local veterinarian at Ohana Pet Hospital in Ventura (www.ohanapethospital.com).

Q   I have a cat friend who is about to have kittens.  Is it o.k. for her humans to hold the babies when they are born?

A   Ideally, humans will keep their paws off the kittens for the first week of their lives if there is a mother there to do the job. One reason is that the moms don’t like it and another is that baby kittens are very fragile and must be handled properly or they could be injured. After the second week…let the cuddling begin since holding them is important to help them learn to socialize.   – Dr. Jennifer Kelly, DVM is a local veterinarian at Ohana Pet Hospital in Ventura (www.ohanapethospital.com).

This is me at On the Lamb Ranch in Camarillo honing my herding skills. I couldn’t tell if the sheep were scared to death or laughing their heads off (did you see the movie Babe?)