Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – The Pet Page
• 14 Warning Signs Your Pet May Be Sick (and What to Do)
Some symptoms are more serious than others. So how can you tell if your dog or cat needs to go to the vet? Experts explain.
by Jennifer Billock
As all pet owners know, our four-legged furries are more than friends — they’re family members. So when they seem sick, it can be easy to decide to drop everything and run to the vet. The good news is, that’s not always necessary. Some issues are better off being monitored at home, and some require a vet visit. Here’s how to tell the difference.
Wait-and-See Symptoms
No one wants to see Boots or Mittens in pain or ill, but observing your pet for a few days is often the only way to determine if there’s really a problem. Like us, animals can suffer from passing aches and sniffles. If you notice your pet drooling, limping, whining, dealing with an upset tummy, coughing, itching or wiping away eye or nose discharge, keep a close eye on them. Believe it or not, these symptoms could be a cry for attention (hello to my dearly departed Boston terrier who pretended to limp when he wanted snacks) or simply a 24-hour bug.
Other subtle signs to note during observation days are changes in eating and drinking habits and in activity level. “This could look like the water bowl being emptied more quickly; hesitancy jumping up or taking stairs; or not wanting to go on walks that are as long as usual,” says Rena Carlson, D.V.M., president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. If these behaviors continue, consider a call or trip to the vet.
It’s also important to note that animals deal with pain differently than we do. If you haven’t noticed any drooling, wincing or whining but have seen a new fear or an outsize reaction to something typical, it could mean they’re in pain. Give it a couple of days and see if the fear or overreaction resolves. If not, head to the vet.
Ultimately, you know your pet better than anyone else, so watch for changes in their normal patterns and routines. If it’s just a onetime thing, they’re probably fine. But changes over a longer period of time might be reason for concern. “Remember that animals can be good at hiding symptoms of illness or injury, and that even subtle changes may be a sign that something is wrong,” Carlson says.
Signs You Should Take Them In
Pets like to hide when they’re sick, so sometimes it can be difficult to notice an emergency situation right away. But even if they’re hiding, check on them every now and then to be sure nothing is seriously wrong.
Specifically for cats, Carlson advises watching for open-mouthed breathing. “Open-mouthed breathing is almost always an emergency situation for cats,” she says. “Any cat exhibiting this behavior should be brought to the veterinarian immediately for emergency care.” That said, some cats will keep their mouths open for a moment after smelling or seeing something unusual for them. If yours leaves theirs open longer, call your vet.
Also, while you may not think of this, pets can get sunburn — if you see any sign of severe burns or heatstroke, you’ll need a vet visit.
More Serious Signals
Diabetes and heart problems are difficult conditions to spot in pets. Luckily, some warning signs can show up long before things get really bad. Be concerned about diabetes if your furry friend is:
- Drinking and peeing more
- Losing weight (with or without an increased appetite)
- Eating less
- Enduring chronic or recurring infections, including skin or urinary infections
- Has cloudy eyes (particularly in dogs)
Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – Scamp Club
I’m Mitten a 5-year-old Tortoise Shell.
I like flowers of all kinds and dogs.
Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – Forever Homes Wanted
Hi: I’m Sadie, a beautiful 8 year old Chow in need of a new home as my owner sadly passed away. I’m thankful to my sponsor so I could come into CARL’s adoption program.
I’m gentle, affectionate and confident. I’m good with other dogs and older children. It’s unknown how I would do with cats or younger children. I may wander if a door is left open. I enjoy going for walks and I walk well on a leash.
If you have room in your heart and home for me, please fill out an online application to meet me. Canine Adoption and Rescue League C.A.R.L. https://carldogs.org/
CARL Adoption Center-call 644-7387 for more information.
Hi: I’m A847483 so you will get to name me.
I’m a 3 Years female French Bulldog. We are the number one dog.
City Found: Ventura
Shelter: Camarillo Animal Shelter Kennel: 506
Ventura County Animal Services
Venerable Ventura arts group marks milestone
Sacred Spring, Delphi by Gerd Koch. Courtesy of BAA
A free, four-day exhibition at the Museum of Ventura County next month will celebrate seven colorful decades of cultural contributions by members of the Buenaventura Art Association.
Visitors can enjoy “Retrospective: BAA’s 70th Anniversary Celebration” from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. June 13-16 in the Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Pavilion. A reception from 1-3 p.m. Saturday, June 15 will feature awarding an Honorary Lifetime Membership to a couple of current members for service to the group and the area arts community, plus a presentation about recent BAA accomplishments.
Distinguished top-tier BAA artists, both current and past, and their collectors are lending pieces for the show, which will include artworks by Gerd Koch, Norman Kirk, Dorothy Hunter, Hiroko Yoshimoto, Gail Pidduck, Len Poteshman, Rex Kochel, Don Fay, Margy Gates, Carlos Grasso and more than 20 others, many of them BAA Honorary Lifetime Members.
The association’s roots date to the April 1954 founding with city help of the Ventura Arts and Crafts Association to promote interest in and participation by schoolchildren, adults, and professional and amateur artists. The group arranged art classes, exhibits and an annual Ventura arts festival. Initial endeavors also included drama, dance, literature, minerals and rocks, and science as well as painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography and weaving.
A formal meeting a month later at the Pierpont Inn set the association’s structure, leadership and goals, and work began on bylaws and articles of incorporation. The first general meeting was Sept. 24, 1954, and that year 76 people paid dues to join. Charter members paid $5 that first year, then general memberships were $3 a year. Students paid $1, and a lifetime membership cost $100.
The association currently operates Studio 99 in Bell Arts Factory, 432 N. Ventura Ave., downtown Ventura, and Harbor Village Gallery & Gifts, 1559 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 106, in Ventura Harbor. For more about BAA and its programs, phone the gallery at 805-648-1235 or visit buenaventuraartassociation.org.
Vol. 17, No. 18 – May 29 – June 11, 2024 – As I See It
• On May 14, the Ventura City Council presented me with a Proclamation celebrating my “retirement” from being the publisher of the Ventura Breeze and declared May 14 “Sheldon Brown day.”
It was an amazing and emotional event for me. A special thanks to Mayor Schroeder for his introduction of me, and to member Mike Johnson for stating that an article I wrote several years ago inspired him to run for city council.
•Very sad to see Steves Plumbing close. It has been a Ventura staple for many years.
The store opened in 1971 on the Avenue and moved to Thompson Blvd. in 1973. Denis Stanley purchased the business several years ago and sadly passed away last year.
•The summer of 2023 was Earth’s hottest since instrumental records began in the 1800s and possibly making 2023 the hottest in more than two millennia.
I sure wish we would get some of that hot weather. I’m tired of being cold. The weather station that gives us current condition information is at the county government center off Victoria. The weather by the harbor where I live is usually colder and has more wind.
The primary cause of the exceptional heat was human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, (oh sure, blame us). Other factors pushing up temperatures include El Niño, the natural climate pattern that warms the surface waters in the eastern Pacific Ocean.
The U.N.’s climate chief stated the world has only has two years to take action to avert far worse climate change. Scientists say halving climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 is crucial to stop a rise in temperatures that would unleash more extreme weather and heat. Some argue if we have global warming why are we having more snow, more rain and more cold weather? These are all just some of the effects of climate change, so maybe just call it climate change.
•Governor Newsom has announced that the state will make $3.3 billion available in July to begin building inpatient and outpatient mental health treatment centers to provide very much needed housing facilities and address the homeless crisis. It is estimated that at least 1/3 of the homeless are suffering major mental health issues. The money comes from the $6.4 billion bond measure Proposition 1 narrowly approved by voters in March.
•I heard a sports announcer say, “I don’t dislike cats, but they aren’t pets.” He is correct, dogs are pets, cats are family members. You don’t say “sit” and “rollover” to a family member.
•I bought a pair of pants that has a “hidden pocket” for my phone, and now I can’t find it.
True wisdom comes to each of us when we realize how little we understand about life, ourselves, and the world around us.
~ Socrates
Making Memories! Flight of a Lifetime!
Retired Fire Chief, David Hanson, 85, enjoying the moment. Photos by Janie Tran.
by Janie Tran
It was a privilege to sit down with four residents of The Palms as they recounted their incredible experience with Dream Flights on May 15, 2024. Don Renner (87), Bill Hughes (93), Les McCormick (81), and David Hanson (85) were still giddy and full of smiles as they shared their experience of a lifetime.
Don Renner enjoyed sitting at the front of the plane. It was his first time on a biplane, checking off a bucket list item. He hopes to check off parachuting and sailing next. The feeling of getting off the ground was magical for Don. He served in the Navy as a Petty Officer for six years, served in the Police Force for 20 years, and was married to his wife, Dee, for 68 years before her recent passing. Don is also a past Resident Council Chairman and a talented artist.
Bill Hughes, a First Class Navy flight engineer who served for 20 years, including in Vietnam, is considered a “big ball of sunshine” at The Palms. He was very excited about this Dream Flight!
Les McCormick, a 3rd Class Petty Officer who served for four years in the Navy/United Nations Command in Korea, is new to The Palms but is social and enjoys their outings. He started their Man Cave Monday social gathering and loves meeting new friends. This was his first time on a biplane, checking off another bucket list item. The next item on his list is parachuting.
David Hanson, an 85-year-old retired Fire Chief of 30 years, is one of the Ambassadors at The Palms, where he lives with his wife, Nancy, and their Pug, Bella. For David, the flight was a flashback to the past.
McCormick (81), and Bill Hughes (93). Front row left to right is Front Row – Left to
Right: Clint Cawly, John White, Brandy McCauly, Merilyn Chaffee.
It was heartwarming to see these four seniors thanked for their service with an experience of a lifetime. Thanks to Dream Flights, a nonprofit that takes military veterans and seniors up in a biplane once used to train WWII pilots. Staff from The Palms cheered them on as they took to the skies in Dream Flights’ Boeing Stearman biplane at Camarillo Airport.
The highlight for these residents was the care and compassion of the volunteers and staff. They all agreed that the flawless takeoff and landing made the experience memorable. Despite the cloudy day, once the flights took off, the skies cleared for great visibility. For a moment, all aches and limitations were forgotten, replaced by giddiness and freedom.
This experience was more than a memory; it was a reminder of their younger days, a connection to the past, and perhaps one of their last great adventures. Dream Flights makes dreams come true, one flight at a time.
A collaborative approach to addressing homelessness
On March 26, 2024, the Ventura City Council approved a five-year plan to address homelessness. This plan, developed through collaboration with the County of Ventura, City of Oxnard, and City of Thousand Oaks, outlines a strategy tailored to Ventura’s needs. LeSar Development Consultants played a crucial role by providing extensive research to inform the plan.
The Point in Time Count, mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), serves as a crucial tool for communities seeking federal grants to address homelessness. Results from the 2024 Ventura County Homeless Point in Time Count, conducted by the Ventura County Continuum of Care, showed a significant change. The number of sheltered persons increased by 14.7% from 2023 to 2024, reaching 927 individuals, while the number of unsheltered persons decreased by 12.4% to 1,431.
Key action areas within Ventura highlight the need to create permanent housing and prevention solutions to break the cycle of homelessness. These efforts involve securing funding, integrating CalAIM’s Enhanced Care Management (ECM) services, fostering partnerships, and enhancing data tracking capabilities.
Mayor Joe Schroeder commented, “The approval of Ventura’s 5-year homelessness plan by the City Council is a testament to our City’s dedication to creating positive change. Through partnership and community input, we’re taking meaningful steps to support this important community issue.”
Drawing insights from the Navigating Homelessness: A Community Engagement Survey, with over 1,100 responses, the City has initiated impactful programs. Among these is the Homeless Prevention and Diversion Program, launched on February 14, 2024, providing critical rental assistance. Strengthening its street outreach, the City partnered with the County of Ventura’s Human Services Agency to offer essential case management.
Insights from the Business Engagement Survey underscore the community’s commitment to addressing homelessness. Close to 90% of local business owners affirmed their presence in the community, identifying key areas for intervention, including affordable housing, behavioral health services, and substance abuse programs.
Currently, City staff are actively pursuing funding opportunities, recently applying for grants, and exploring avenues to expand ECM services. The City Council approved the homelessness plan and directed staff to implement Planning Commission’s suggestions, with updates to be provided quarterly. This approval fulfills a portion of the sixth cycle Housing Element. The City of Ventura aims to address homelessness with compassion and forward-thinking, with the County of Ventura’s homelessness plan aiding in this mission. The City Council prioritizes tenant protections, doubling foul weather shelter capacity, ensuring ADA accessibility for all shelter beds, and establishing an achievement timetable.
For more information on the City of Ventura’s Housing Services Division and its initiatives, visit cityofventura.ca.gov/HousingServices.
Rotary Presents Awards for Peace Perspectives
by Shirley Lorraine
Showcasing extraordinary works of art by high school seniors, the Downtown Rotary Club of Ventura awarded the 6th annual Perspectives on Peace Scholarship Awards on May 22.
A full house of Rotarians, awardees and family members, and guests attended the Poinsettia Pavilion to laud the stunning accomplishments of six Artists of Distinction. Sifting through 35 exemplary entries, judges admitted it was a challenge to single out just six outstanding works.
Now in its 6th year, the awards are given in memory of Rotarian Sarah Johnson Ingram, and are the only merit-based scholarships available for VUSD students. The works come in all forms of artistic expression, allowing students to present their feelings on what peace means to them in ways that are meaningful to them personally and will resonate with others.
Rotary International has always been a world peace focused organization. As moderator Ken Leandro stated, “Rotary creates environments where peace can happen. “Through this art-based initiative, students can use creative expressions to bring their messages to life.
Wylde Brandt, a senior at Ventura High School, was awarded for his digital art creation titled “The Abyss” featuring people bridging the gap to come together in peace. Wylde plans to pursue a career in film and animation.
A painting titled “Eyes of Peace” garnered an award for Jami Chambers of El Camino High. Her work was a visual compendium of perspectives from several views. Jami plans to go on to Fullerton College.
An illustrated, animated short video submitted by Sierra Engel from Buena High School earned her the title of Artist of Distinction. Her work was a means to convey “the feeling of serenity that can be found in nature.” Sierra will be attending UC Davis in the Fall.
Moia Kingsley’s mixed media piece titled “Peaceful Words, Peaceful Heart,” using photography layered with written words showed her views on achieving inner peace, acceptance and forgiveness for a better, more peaceful world. After graduating from Foothill Technology High School, Moia plans to attend college in Illinois.
Also from Buena High School, Kendall Nagaoka was awarded for her palette painting self-portrait. It featured myriad colors indicating the many moods one can experience in the ongoing journey to find peace. She, too, will be heading to UC Davis in the Fall.
All five of these students were given a $1000 scholarship to aid in their educational pursuits. The Grand Prize of a $5000 scholarship was presented to Emily Sehati of Ventura High School. Titled “The Promise,” her art piece was a combination of digital art and poetry. She plans to attend Stanford majoring in International Relations.
Ventura Unified School District Superintendent Dr. Antonio Castro congratulated all the Artists of Distinction, stating “the common themes we see through this artistic expression are those we need to focus on – peace, acceptance and more. Through this art you change us, and you change the world.”
Community Memorial Healthcare Earns Specialty Pharmacy Designation
Community Memorial Healthcare is proud to announce that Community Memorial Pharmacy has received accreditation as a “Specialty Pharmacy” from the Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC). This accreditation demonstrates that the pharmacy consistently meets high standards for providing comprehensive, high-quality care to patients who take complex, specialty medications.
“I am incredibly proud of the work our pharmacy does to support the patients in our community who are managing chronic or life-threatening illnesses,” said Mick Zdeblick, President & Chief Executive Officer of Community Memorial Healthcare. “This Specialty Pharmacy accreditation is another example of how our patients can expect more from the services we provide at Community Memorial.”
Specialty pharmacy accreditation is a voluntary process in which pharmacies are evaluated by the ACHC on their ability to meet rigorous standards in patient management, drug quality management, and regulatory compliance. Accreditation recognizes the pharmacy for being committed to delivering safe, effective, and coordinated care.
Specialty pharmacies dispense injectable, intravenous, or oral medications to patients’ homes, physicians’ offices, or clinics, and offer disease-specific clinical monitoring and help make sure patients take their medications as directed. Accredited specialty pharmacies must have organizational infrastructure in place to support these services, provide clinical management and benefits coordination, and implement continuous quality improvement.
“Obtaining our specialty pharmacy accreditation means we have access to limited-distribution medications that other pharmacies can’t get but that are vital for many patients,” said Jack Tretko, Pharm.D, Director of Outpatient Pharmacy & Pharmacy Purchasing at Community Memorial Healthcare. “It also gives us the ability to work with more insurance companies. These benefits of accreditation mean our patients have better access to a higher level of care.”
Community Memorial’s outpatient pharmacy is conveniently located at 2790 Loma Vista Road in Ventura. The pharmacy fills and refills retail and specialty medication prescriptions, and patients have the option to pick up their medications in person or have them delivered. Same-day delivery service is available in the cities of Camarillo, Carpinteria, Fillmore, Port Hueneme, Newbury Park, Ojai, Oak View, Oxnard, Thousand Oaks, Santa Paula, Simi Valley, and Ventura. Delivery is free of charge to patients of the Community Memorial Health Centers of Community Memorial Hospitals in Ventura or Ojai. For more information, visit mycmh.org/pharmacy.