“Don’t ever tell a cat how to relax.” Savana

•  On June 10 there will be a wonderful event by the Herman Bennett Foundation to raise funds for our K9 officers in the Harbor. Please see the ad in this issue and plan to attend. The Breeze will be there so stop by to say hello and pick up a tennis ball for your pet.

•  by Victoria Usher

In a case study of one 10-year-old boy with cerebral palsy and his family’s dog, researchers found an intervention program led to a wide range of improvements for the child, including physical activity as well as motor skills, and quality of life. The researchers detailed the child’s experience in the adapted physical activity intervention program in a case study just published in the journal Animals.

Co-authors are Monique Udell of the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences; Craig Ruaux of the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine; Samantha Ross of the OSU College of Public Health and Human Sciences; Amanda Tepfer of Norwich University and Wendy Baltzer of Massey University in New Zealand.

Children with physical disabilities such as cerebral palsy spend less time participating in physical activity compared to their peers. Researchers designed an intervention where the family dog would help improve the child’s overall physical activity, motor skills and quality of life. After researchers and a veterinarian did separate assessments of the child and a year-old Pomeranian for participation, they began the eight-week intervention, which included a supervised physical activity program once a week for 60 minutes and participation such as brushing the dog with each hand; playing fetch and alternating hands; balancing on a wobble board; and marching on a balancing disc.

The child also wore an accelerometer to measure physical activity levels at home. Researchers re-assessed the child after the intervention and found that his quality of life had increased in several areas such as emotional, social, and physical health. Based on the initial positive results, researchers hope to pursue additional studies involving children with disabilities and their family dogs.

•  From Dogtime.com

Pet owners searching for an apartment know it can sometimes be difficult finding a landlord willing to rent to you and your dog or cat. But once you find the perfect place, there are certain precautions you should take before signing your name to a lease and moving in.

Landlords are not necessarily skeptical of people with dogs or cats. Responsible pet owners are usually responsible tenants, and landlords who permit pets know they have a larger pool of prospective tenants to draw from — especially ones who are likely to stay longer if they feel their pets are welcomed.

But renters have their own burden. If a landlord is reluctant to rent for any reason, you may have to prove that you and your pet can live within set guidelines and be good tenants.

You should also read and understand the fine print regarding pets — size and weight restrictions, policies about barking, the number of dogs or cats you’re permitted to own — plus security and cleaning deposits you’ll have to pay. In recent years, some landlords have even begun charging pet rent; it’s possible you may be charged $30 a month for your pet, in addition to deposits.

Your ability to prove that you care for your dog may be what gets you through the front door — and it could be what keeps you there.

First, read the lease thoroughly, especially the parts that relate to your pet. Make sure your dog or cat (or parakeet or snake, for that matter) fits within the limits established in the lease. If the apartment only allows small dogs and you own a Golden Retriever or a larger mixed breed, ask for an allowance — and then make sure it’s written into the lease and initialed by you and the landlord. But negotiating might not always work. For instance, if a landlord does not allow a specific breed of dog because it can be known to be dangerous, don’t expect him to stretch the rules.

Be sure that you understand any required deposits. Before moving in, do a walk-through with the landlord to identify existing marks on carpeting or walls. Take photos and attach those to the lease. When you leave, they may help you get back your deposit if you have kept your apartment clean.

The best way to convince your prospective landlord that you and your dog will make good tenants is to bring your dog for a visit when you find the right apartment. Bring along vet records showing that your pet has been spayed or neutered, is in good health, and is up to date on all vaccinations. Show proof that you apply flea medication on a monthly basis. Be willing to put in writing that you’ll keep your dog on a leash when he’s on property and that you’ll pick up and dispose of his droppings; also, that you’ll prevent him from relieving himself in flower beds.

Some of these suggestions come from the San Francisco SPCA, which has had an Open Door Program in place for several years promoting policies and agreements between landlords and tenants. Prospective renters are shown how to write a pet resume and show their dog in the best light. Apartment owners are provided sample pet policies and checklists for screening and recognizing responsible pet people.

“It benefits people who have pets because it means they don’t have to give them up, which benefits shelters, too,” says Christine Rosenblat, a spokeswoman for the San Francisco SPCA.

•  Welcome to our first “Pet Page.” We know that it will never be the same (or personal)without the Professor but we shall carry on in his name. He will be missed forever.

•  The Humane Society of Ventura County is celebrating its 85th anniversary by holding an open house on June 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at its Ojai shelter at 402 Bryant St.

Attendees will have the opportunity to get a behind-the scenes look at the shelter, interact with animals, tour the kennels and clinic, meet the staff and learn about different volunteer opportunities.

A variety of local artists and crafts people will have one-of-a kind items available for sale. Attendees also can enjoy refreshments, participate in an scavenger hunt and learn more about how they can make a difference in the lives of animals in need.

Humane Educator Dawn Reily will have her assortment of critters, and humane officers will be on hand to give attendees a look at the responsibilities and duties of protecting animals throughout the county.

Firefly Ceramics will have a booth, and for or a $25 donation to benefit the shelter’s new kennels, and attendees can design their tile to later become a permanent part of the structure.

Also, the shelter’s main attraction – the animals —will be available for adoption. “You never know when you are going to meet your new best friend,” said Franki Williams, the HSVC’s media and marketing director.

The Humane Society of Ventura County is a private, nonprofit organization founded in 1932. It does not receive federal, state or local tax dollars to operate and relies solely on private donations.

•  Upgrade at the Simi Valley Animal Shelter requires kennels to be emptied! They are holding a “CLEAR THE SHELTER” adoption promotion until June 5th for all dogs. This promotion does not include the cost of a $20 license.

As always, adoption promotions do not guarantee the adoption of a pet. Application and Adoption Counseling from a trained VCAS Adoption Counselor are required as a prerequisite to adoption.

•  by Victoria Usher: A discovery was made recently at two elementary schools. Lead has been found in the water system at Emerson Bandini Elementary School and San Diego Co-Operative Charter School 2 who share a campus together. Testing of all the pipes in the San Diego Unified School District will happen soon because of this frightening discovery. This was all uncovered because one of the teachers at the charter school had been noticing that her therapy dog had not been drinking from a bowl filled with water from one of the classrooms. The teacher soon realized that something was wrong after looking and seeing that there was a sheen on the water. The district sampled a bunch of water outlets around campus after that and discovered that it was contaminated. I think we should all give a giant thank you to that teacher’s therapy dog!

•  Are these skydiving dogs poachers’ worst enemies? Meet Arrow and his handler, Henry Holtshyzen. Harnessed together, they take off across the vast wildlife preserve in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Arrow seems unperturbed, even as they hurl themselves out of the helicopter, falling more than 6,000 feet to earth — and landing in the middle of the poaching wars.

“Getting the dog to the frontlines as fast as possible is always a challenge and parachuting and rappelling is one of the ways of getting dog boots on the ground where they are needed,” Holtshyzen says.

These elite dogs are trained to immediately sniff out the poacher, rushing to attack, pinning the poacher to the ground until more help arrives.

The dogs are up against up against highly-trained, heavily-armed poachers who run a multimillion-dollar industry trading in elephant and rhino horn. In the past seven years, a third of Africa’s elephants have been wiped out.

Nearly 100 of these sky diving dogs have been placed in game reserves across Africa. In one region, they caught more than 100 poachers in 18 months. One dog, Killer nabbed more poachers than rangers equipped with the latest high tech weapons.

On May 9 Ventura Fire responded to a residential structure fire, the first arriving engine company reported heavy smoke showing from the first floor of a two-story single-family residence in the 600 block of Tarlow Ave. The occupants were out but the family dog was unaccounted for. The missing dog was located within the residence, having been overcome by smoke. It was successfully revived by fire personnel at the scene using pet-specific oxygen equipment.

Landon the Sheltie, a canine resident of Thousand Oaks, has had an amazing life of adventure and positive influence. After having a rough start as a young dog, Landon not only became a model and actor, but also had his own community education platform, led charity events, and became a certified therapy dog. Landon’s latest project though is particularly impressive, as he was recently appointed as the “Wellness Ambassador” for ISD Innovations—a Newbury Park-based nonprofit organization dedicated to projects that improve mental health and well-being.

National Police Dog Foundation’s The NPDF’s 2016 K-9 Hero of the Year, Edo, retired last month after 6 years of faithful service to the Los Angeles PD Metropolitan Division. The 8-year-old Belgian Malinois assisted with all armed suspect searches along with his handler, Officer Huynh. In March 2016, he was named the NPDF’s K-9 Hero of the Year for his courageous role in raiding a home involved in a hostage situation.