Tips and Ideas for Summer Fun

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

July 15, 2017

Traveling? Consider these Doggie Travel Essentials!

Pet first aid kit. Going on a long road trip? Don’t leave without a well-stocked doggie first aid kit. Items like tweezers, saline solution, blood clotting powder, bandages, and cold packs can ease your dog’s pain until you get to a vet.

Car safety equipment. Don’t hit the road without a stress-tested travel harness or a thoroughly secured dog carrier or booster seat. You’ll keep your dog safer—and yourself distraction-free.

Life preservers. Are water adventures on the agenda? Remember to bring a life jacket for your dog. Look for high buoyancy, sturdy material, easy-lift handles, and a comfortable fit.

Portable dog crates. Easy and light to transport, these folding-frame crates with removable fleece pads provide a snug bed away from home. Great for camping and overnight stays at pet-friendly hotels or friends’ houses.

Are You Making This Summer a Stay-cation?

With both your kids and your dog home all summer, consider arranging games and activities that kids and dogs can enjoy together. Here are some ideas to get the fun started.

Build a homemade mini agility course. You can create a fun playground right in your own backyard using hula-hoops, kids’ play tunnels, mini pools, poles, and whatever else you can think of. Get the kids involved and stage little competitions. Your dog and your kids will love it, and you get to enjoy how tired everyone gets from all that fun.

Go on an outdoor adventure. Both dogs and kids are natural explorers, so why not arrange an expedition? A hike on a nature trail or through a city park can be much more fun if you pretend to be intrepid explorers. Find and study plants, insects, or pond life, feed birds (where it’s allowed, of course), create nature art, or arrange a picnic in the open.

Make a play date. Get together with other parents and their kids, two- and four-legged. Depending on the age and temperament of both kids and dogs, this could mean interspecies play or an opportunity for kids to play while dogs romp with each other. Team up with fellow parents to share supervisory duties.

Smaller kids? Opt for parallel activities. With younger children, you have to supervise at all times (for your dog’s safety as much as for your kid’s), but you can still have fun together. Make your dog a yummy Kong and challenge your kid to draw your dog or practice reading skills by reading a book to the pooch while she eats. Or have your child blow dog-friendly bubbles; your dog will love trying to catch them, especially if they’re bacon flavored.

Want to Try Something New?

Sign up for a class. Indoor training classes provide you and your furry companion activities that can be practiced at home. Obedience, scent work, and Rally-O are just a few of the classes that can be practiced indoors as well as outside.

What is Rally-O? It’s a fun, energizing, less formal version of traditional obedience trials. The concept of Rally-O sprung from the practice of doing a variety of interesting freestyle exercises as warm-up before an obedience competition, and the name derives from rally-style auto racing, another sport that encourages creativity. In Rally-O, the handler and her dog navigate a course of 10 to 20 stations (depending on the level), each marking an exercise, like heel, stand, turn, sit, and back up. The handler is allowed to talk to and encourage her dog along the way, use hand signals, and go through the course along a designated route on her own without a judge calling out the exercises.

Make this summer a safe, fun and exciting one, not only for your dog but for your whole family!

Lori Wainio-Carman, VSPDT, professional dog trainer and owner of Dream Dogs, has been successfully training for over
20 years. 760-899-7272, www.dreamdogs.com

Eat|See|Hear

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

July 15, 2017

The stars are out … the air is clear. Thousands are gathered in chairs and on blankets under the night sky, enjoying the live music as they dine on cuisine that is freshly prepared and hot out of the kitchen. A white movie screen stands at the front, 3-1/2 stories tall and 60 feet wide. With 15 to 30 thousand lumens of projection and Line RA sound (a system custom built to create sharp, crisp sound outdoors), the packed audience knows it’s in for a treat. A hush falls as the movie begins, and many of the audience members circle three times on their blankets, then lie down with a contented sigh.

Yes, we’re talking about dogs—they make up a large part of this audience, and they’re at the heart of the Eat|See|Hear experience. Founded by Sharon and Jeff Sperber in 2012, the event occupies venues throughout Los Angeles all summer long, bringing up-and-coming local bands, gourmet food trucks, and the most professional projection and sound equipment available to give people and their pets an exciting Saturday night out.
“Los Angeles is the movie capital of the world,” says Sharon Sperber. “It has a lively music scene and it’s the place where food trucks began, so we wanted to provide an outdoor movie-going experience with a production value worthy of Hollywood.” And as pet parents, they were inspired to make it pet-friendly—they even give a portion of all ticket sales to No Kill Los Angeles, their official nonprofit partner since 2013. Eat|See|Hear also supports Best Friends Animal Society–Los Angeles through various initiatives, including a Christmas in July special supply drive movie event. Planned this year for July 22nd, it will feature the movie Die Hard, and attendees are asked to bring pet supplies to donate to the organization.
Sharon and Jeff both began their careers in the music industry, then moved into marketing and branding. Their idea for Eat|See|Hear came out of an assignment for an outdoor movie screening—they envisioned a pet-friendly event that would unite communities and provide a Hollywood-style movie experience right in LA residents’ own neighborhoods. “When we initially formed Eat|See|Hear, we wanted to create an outdoor series in Los Angeles that fit our lifestyle and requirements—mainly to create an event space that was great for humans and their well-behaved pets.”
And it’s great to be a dog at Eat|See|Hear. All canine audience members are greeted at the door with free biscuits and treats at every event. Water bowls are placed all around the venues and there are always extra doggie bags available for emergencies.
Eat|See|Hear events run all summer long in Santa Monica, Pasadena, downtown LA/Chinatown, North Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park. “And this year,” says Sharon, “we’ll be holding a special celebration at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, which just reopened in late April after a 3-year renovation.”
Each venue holds from 2,000 to 3,500 people, and the Sperbers ensure that each is pet-friendly, filing for waivers when necessary to allow pets on the premises. And dogs, while they make up the largest percentage of the pet audience, they are not the only pets to show up at Eat|See|Hear events. “People have brought cats, birds, even a rabbit on a leash!,” Sharon reports. With all those pet lovers on hand, pet rescues are encouraged to attend with adoptable pets, and most events have a shelter or rescue in place to educate attendees about how they can help.
The winner of “Best Outdoor Movie Event” in Los Angeles Magazine’s Best of LA 2014, Eat|See|Hear is truly LA’s premier outdoor movie, food truck and live music event series. And knowing you’re helping keep adoptable dogs and cats alive through No Kill Los Angeles and Best Friends will have you feeling good all summer. The 2017 season kicked off on May 6th, so if you’re up for some great food, live music, and catching a movie with your best friend, check out the schedule on petcompanionmag.com/events or at eatseehear.com. Have some fun, save a life!

Summer Heat Safety for Pets

By

Pet Companion Mag

-

July 7, 2017

hot-cars-infographic-061815 — Infographic by ASPCA

The summer season is here, and while we humans can make necessary adjustments to stay cool, our pets are depending on us to think ahead and keep them safe. Fun activities like taking your furry co-pilot along while running errands can do more harm than good.

Did you know? When it’s 80 degrees outside, your car will reach 114 degrees in less than 30 minutes. Even scarier, dogs and cats cannot cool themselves down as easily as humans. Even with the windows cracked, the A/C running and a bowl of water in the car, the danger is just too great.

Here are helpful reminders and tips and shareable infographictips from the ASPCA on how to keep your pets cool and safe this summer:

Visit the vet for a spring or early-summer checkup and get tested for heartworm.
Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it’s hot or humid outdoors. Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it’s extremely hot.
Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle. Not only can it lead to fatal heat stroke, it is illegal in several states!
Do not leave pets unsupervised around a pool—not all dogs are good swimmers. Introduce your pets to water gradually and make sure they wear flotation devices when on boats. Rinse your dog off after swimming to remove chlorine or salt from his fur, and try to keep your dog from drinking pool water, which contains chlorine and other chemicals.
Open unscreened windows pose a real danger to pets, who often fall out of them. Keep all unscreened windows or doors in your home closed, and make sure adjustable screens are tightly secured.
Change your walk schedule to accommodate those paws! The asphalt, sand, and concrete is quick to heat up during the summer months leading to burnt paw pads. Be aware of hot surfaces, walk your dog during cooler times of the day, and use the “hand test” on surfaces if you are unsure. The hand test: Place your hand flat on the pavement or walking surface for 10 seconds. If it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for paws!
Being so close to the ground, your pooch’s body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.
Commonly used rodenticides and lawn and garden insecticides can be harmful to cats and dogs if ingested, so keep them out of reach. Keep citronella candles, tiki torch products and insect coils of out pets’ reach as well.

If you see a dog, cat or other pet in danger call 911 immediately. Download and share this helpful graphic to spread the word and keep pets safe this summer.

Product Review: Find My Pet GPS

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

June 29, 2017

The Find My Pet GPS has several features:

GPS tracking device is also Wi-Fi- and Bluetooth- enabled for a back-up location finder—it even works indoors.

Smart Alerts: Helpful alerts via text (up to 10 per month), email and app notifications are sent the moment it detects location change, movement and more.

Geo-Fencing: You can set up a safe area and get alerts if your pet leaves the area.

SOS Button: When the SOS button on the tracker is pressed, it sends your pet’s location to you and anyone you designate.

Family & Friends List: Add your family and friends to your account so they can receive alerts to help locate your pet.

PROS:

• Small & light: 1.4 in. diameter x 1/2 in. high—weighs just 3/4 of an ounce.

• App includes speed-limit alarm, which helps you know if your pet is on foot or has been picked up and is traveling in a vehicle

• Low-battery alarm, able to set tracking check-in increments from phone

• Accurate locator and virtual fence worked well

• Tech support very helpful

CONS:

• App wasn’t intuitive and website doesn’t have a lot of instructions

PRODUCT SPECS

$99.99*

In the box

• Tracking unit

• USB charger

• Carrier (collar attachment)

• Holding pouch

• Phone app

Not Included

• Service plan to track pet: $2.75–4.99/month

Benefits

• Wi-Fi-, Bluetooth- and GPS- enabled

• Track pet on computer or on smart phone

• Up to 96-hour battery life

• 100% guarantee & warranty

• Tracking history

* Price on website at press time

Product Review: Link AKC Smart Collar

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

June 29, 2017

The Link AKC Smart Collar has several features:

LOCATION — This feature uses AT&T’s cellular network and GPS technology to help track your dog. You can also set up a “safe zone” by specifying an allowable distance from the base unit. Once your pet crosses the safe zone, you are sent an alert.

WELLNESS — Ambient temperature alerts, activity tracking, veterinary record storage and reminders, and activity recommendations based on your specific pet compared to similar breeds/age/size.

ADVENTURES — You can track your pet’s activity level via the phone app and digitally record and store adventures. Also has a social media aspect to share adventures with your friends.

SOUND & LIGHT — LED light and training sound (series of three quiet beeps) on unit can be activated from app.

PROS:

• Extremely high-quality components and well thought out design

• Tracking unit snaps into place solidly on carrier; never came off during dogs romp

• Waterproof to 3 feet

• Accurate locator and virtual fence worked well

• App easy to use

CONS:

• Rigid shape of collar attachment was uncomfortable for my dog. The curve only fit naturally at certain spots (top or bottom of neck).

PRODUCT SPECS:

$179.00*

In the box

• Tracking unit

• Base station/charger

• Carrier (collar attachment)

• Leather collar

• Phone app

Not Included

• Service plan to track pet: $6.95–9.95/month

Benefits

• Access for your app & dog’s collar to the LINK AKC data network

• 24/7 access to the Pet Poison Helpline

• Puppy guarantee

• 3-year limited warranty

* Price on website at press time

News from Mayor Max

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

June 28, 2017

Summers are buzzing with activity in dog-friendly Idyllwild, with many special events that go on every year in June, July and August. You can visit extraordinary art galleries and other musical venues on any day, including our world class restaurants, where musicians can be heard in many locations. Here are a few of my favorite events this summer. I hope to see you there!

Idyllwild Art in the Park

May 27–28, June 10, July 1–2, July 22, August 5, September 2–3; 10am–5pm
Highway 243, Idyllwild, CA
idyllwildartinthepark.com

Held outside in the beautiful forest, Idyllwild Art in the Park is the perfect combination of art and nature. Idyllwild Art in the Park offers an eclectic mix of ceramics, paintings, glass, jewelry, woodworking, photography, fibers, live music and more, created by fabulous artists for your viewing, listening and shopping pleasure.

Third Annual Paws for Rhythm & Brews

June 3; Noon–4pm
Idyllwild Nature Center
25225 Hwy 243, Idyllwild, CA
arfbeerfest.com

Attend this wonderful fundraiser for Idyllwild Animal Rescue Friends (ARF) at the Idyllwild Nature Center. You will enjoy the day with craft beer, a live band, dancing, food vendors and family entertainment. We especially love the beer stein competition. When you attend this fun event, the purchase of your ticket(s) will help save many awesome pets in need.

Editor’s note: Most of the Nature Center is dog-friendly; however, please check with the docent about specific rules and regulations prior to bringing your dog. There is an additional entry fee for dogs.

Lemon Lily Festival, Eighth Annual

June 24 and 25, 10am–4pm
Idyllwild Nature Center
25225 Hwy 243, Idyllwild, CA
(951) 659-3850
lemonlilyfestival.com

Enjoy visiting the Lemon Lily Festival at the Idyllwild Nature Center on June 24 and 25. This year’s festival includes folk music, pony rides, a children’s pioneer town, crafts and vendors of all varieties, and special guided hikes to see blooming lemon lilies in the wild.

Editor’s note: Most of the Nature Center is dog-friendly; however, please check with the docent about specific rules and regulations prior to bringing your dog. There is an additional entry fee for dogs.

Idyllwild’s 51st Annual Independence Day Parade

4th of July; 10:00am
North Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA
idyrotaryparade@ yahoo.com
Chuck Weisbart, (760) 578-3592

The Idyllwild Rotary is proud to present Idyllwild’s 51st Annual Independence Day Parade! Arrive early, as the parade always starts on time at 10:00am. You can even set up your chairs along North Circle Drive the night before.

Enjoy this patriotic occasion and travel back in time to an old-fashioned 4th of July. You will experience the best of small-town Americana.

Your well-behaved pet is welcome to attend—don’t forget sunscreen, a water bowl and pick-up bags!

Not pet-friendly (but fun!):

Plein Air Outdoor Painting Competition

June 10–11, Middle Ridge Winery Tasting Gallery, 54301 N Circle Drive, Idyllwild, CA

Jazz in the Pines

August 11, 6:00pm, Patrons Dinner and Dance; August 12–13, 11am–5:30pm, Performances, Idyllwild Arts, 52500 Temecula Road, Idyllwild, CA 92549, (951) 468-7210, jazzinfo@idyllwildarts.org

Meet Mayor Max

and Deputy Mayors

Mitzi and Mikey

On any day in Idyllwild, you can meet not only Mayor Max but also his deputies Mitzi and Mikey. If you’d like to set up a time to say hello, please contact Mayor Max’s Chief of Staff, Phyllis Mueller, (951) 659-0283 or mayormax.com.

Our charter as Idyllwild’s elected mayor and deputies is to convey unconditional love and do as many good deeds for others as possible. So we promise to always love you. We can’t wait to meet you!

Love always,

Mayor Max & Deputy Mayors Mitzi and Mikey

Meet Buddy of Living Free Animal Sanctuary

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

June 27, 2017

Buddy is one frisky feline—he loves to chitchat and is looking for a human who will indulge his craving for the spotlight. Sporting gorgeous eyes and Bengal-like swirls, this handsome fellow is quite the dancer, very playful and will always stop for treats. Buddy arrived at Living Free Animal Sanctuary with his brother Tigger after the passing of their guardian. Sadly, Tigger recently passed away, but Buddy is resiliently adjusting to his new singlehood and ready for a new home.

Living Free Animal Sanctuary has been saving lives since 1980, prioritizing pets facing euthanasia in public shelters. The sanctuary is a special place, nestled in the rich history of the mountains, providing a peaceful and loving environment to the animals who need it. Founder Emily Jo Beard wanted to create a space where animals could be safely housed without being caged, and one of the first things you notice as you visit Living Free is the care and attention to detail used in designing the living spaces for the animals. The cats enjoy a cage-free indoor/outdoor cattery, and the dog area is designed to alleviate stressors and promote a quieter environment than typical shelters.

Living Free’s cattery is one of the many features that set the organization apart from other shelter and rescue facilities. It provides feline residents the freedom to enjoy the indoors or outdoors at their leisure and to do it safely.

“Our open catteries are designed to simulate a home environment, and allow for a protected outdoor area,” reports Living Free’s website. “This helps us get to know each cat’s personality and any individual issues, proclivities, quirks and foibles (that they’d never admit to), which helps us find the right match for you.”

Many public animal shelters are not equipped to care for neonatal kittens or young puppies, provide medical assistance to animals who are injured or ill, or provide long-term care for those animals who may take a little time to find their forever home. Saving the most vulnerable pets from euthanasia makes Living Free an integral part of the no-kill movement within its community.

In addition to saving cats and dogs, the sanctuary is committed to other life-saving initiatives, including wild mustang rescue, outreach and education programming, and a low-cost spay and neuter clinic.

Living Free is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and relies on adoptions, volunteers and donations to continue their life-saving work. Visit living-free.org to find out how you can get involved or plan a visit.

Easy Life for Our Aging Pets

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

June 26, 2017

People flip over puppies, but a well-loved older dog is one of the most treasured creatures on earth. An older dog has lived through the events of our lives and consistently provides a link to many solid memories, both good and bad. They have the look in their eyes that speaks of years of special love. They have given us unconditional, nonjudgmental love in exchange for one simple thing: our own love and attention.

Your dog’s health as it ages is not entirely in your control. Many variables impede our ability to accurately care for aging pets, but you can have a real impact on a pet’s attitude, comfort and longevity.

Pets don’t know they’re getting older. They don’t cringe at seeing their gray hairs in the mirror, nor do they worry that their body is thickening, their limbs are aching, or that a lump is growing inside their chest or abdomen. Because they don’t talk, they won’t let you know that they have a foul taste in their mouth or that by the fifth or sixth time you throw the ball, they’re in excruciating pain.

A dog lives in the NOW. His instincts will lead him to do whatever you ask of him, and if you are sedentary, he will join you. If you urge him to run and jump in the dog park until he limps out of there, he’ll do that, too.

So how can we best serve our faithful friends?

As your dog ages, increase the frequency and diminish the intensity of his exercise. Instead of taking your dog to the dog park once a week to chase balls to exhaustion, take him each day on one long walk or two moderate ones.

If your dog has degenerative joint disease, consider underwater treadmill work therapy so there is less weight bearing (38% less) in a much more controlled environment.

It is critical that you consider the use of joint nutriceuticals, along with NSAIDs.

Additional helpful therapies include laser therapy, massage, manual therapies and acupuncture.

All senior pets should have two physical exams a year. Health issues in older pets can creep up silently. Your vet should be encouraging biannual exams that include diagnostic testing. Typically, body weight, X-rays, and urinalysis can help spot problems early and establish what is normal for your dog. All dogs need proper dental care to send them into their geriatric years with clean, healthy teeth and a pain-free mouth. The debilitating effects of a painful mouth are often underrated, as this condition can have a tremendous effect on your dog’s quality of life.

Provide a soft, cushioned bed that is low enough to easily get into and that is heated, if appropriate.

On smaller dogs, clothes can help regulate body temperature.

If your dog needs a ramp, try to find one that is lightweight and wide—these kind of ramps can be helpful for climbing onto couches and beds, as well as entering the car or house.

As seniors, dogs don’t always require as much food or treats to stay healthy—be careful of feeding your older dog too many high-calorie treats (chicken/meat strips and crunchy snacks). Be sure to take note of the calorie count of any toppers or treats you add to your dog’s diet.

Paying attention to the above directives can hugely improve the quality of your senior pet’s remaining years. If you have any questions on proper care for aging pets, do not hesitate to call Village Park Animal Hospital for a senior consultation.

Village Park Animal Hospital is located at 51-230 Eisenhower Dr. in La Quinta. Village Park Animal Hospital also
offers grooming services for dogs and cats. (760) 564-3833 www.villageparkanimalhospital.com

Summer Events

By

Miriam Wiegel, Publisher, Pet Companion Magazine

-

June 25, 2017

The stars are out … the air is clear. Thousands are gathered in chairs and on blankets under the night sky, enjoying the live music as they dine on cuisine that is freshly prepared and hot out of the kitchen. A white movie screen stands at the front, 3-1/2 stories tall and 60 feet wide. With 15 to 30 thousand lumens of projection and Line RA sound (a system custom built to create sharp, crisp sound outdoors), the packed audience knows it’s in for a treat. A hush falls as the movie begins, and many of the audience members circle three times on their blankets, then lie down with a contented sigh.

Food, movies and music—and man’s best friend is always welcome

Yes, we’re talking about dogs—they make up a large part of this audience, and they’re at the heart of the Eat|See|Hear experience. Founded by Sharon and Jeff Sperber in 2012, the event occupies venues throughout Los Angeles all summer long, bringing up-and-coming local bands, gourmet food trucks, and the most professional projection and sound equipment available to give people and their pets an exciting Saturday night out.

“Los Angeles is the movie capital of the world,” says Sharon Sperber. “It has a lively music scene and it’s the place where food trucks began, so we wanted to provide an outdoor movie-going experience with a production value worthy of Hollywood.” And as pet parents, they were inspired to make it pet-friendly—they even give a portion of all ticket sales to No Kill Los Angeles, their official nonprofit partner since 2013. Eat|See|Hear also supports Best Friends Animal Society–Los Angeles through various initiatives, including a Christmas in July special supply drive movie event. Planned this year for July 22^nd, it will feature the movie Die Hard, and attendees are asked to bring pet supplies to donate to the organization.

Sharon and Jeff both began their careers in the music industry, then moved into marketing and branding. Their idea for Eat|See|Hear came out of an assignment for an outdoor movie screening—they envisioned a pet-friendly event that would unite communities and provide a Hollywood-style movie experience right in LA residents’ own neighborhoods. “When we initially formed Eat|See|Hear, we wanted to create an outdoor series in Los Angeles that fit our lifestyle and requirements—mainly to create an event space that was great for humans and their well-behaved pets.”

“We wanted to provide an outdoor movie-going experience with a production value worthy of Hollywood.”—Sharon Sperber

And it’s great to be a dog at Eat|See|Hear. All canine audience members are greeted at the door with free biscuits and treats at every event. Water bowls are placed all around the venues and there are always extra doggie bags available for emergencies.

Eat|See|Hear events run all summer long in Santa Monica, Pasadena, downtown LA/Chinatown, North Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and at the Autry Museum in Griffith Park. “And this year,” says Sharon, “we’ll be holding a special celebration at the Los Angeles State Historic Park, which just reopened in late April after a 3-year renovation.”

Each venue holds from 2,000 to 3,500 people, and the Sperbers ensure that each is pet-friendly, filing for waivers when necessary to allow pets on the premises. And dogs, while they make up the largest percentage of the pet audience, they are not the only pets to show up at Eat|See|Hear events. “People have brought cats, birds, even a rabbit on a leash!,” Sharon reports. With all those pet lovers on hand, pet rescues are encouraged to attend with adoptable pets, and most events have a shelter or rescue in place to educate attendees about how they can help.

The winner of “Best Outdoor Movie Event” in Los Angeles Magazine’s Best of LA 2014, Eat|See|Hear is truly LA’s premier outdoor movie, food truck and live music event series. And knowing you’re helping keep adoptable dogs and cats alive through No Kill Los Angeles and Best Friends will have you feeling good all summer. The 2017 season kicked off on May 6^th, so if you’re up for some great food, live music, and catching a movie with your best friend, check out the schedule on petcompanionmag.com/events or at eatseehear.com. Have some fun, save a life!

Humane Society of the Desert

By

Alicia Bailey

-

June 19, 2017

by Alicia Bailey

It was 1961 when the Humane Society of the Desert (HSD) was established with a small piece of land and just over a dozen kennels. The people at the heart of this effort had one goal: to help those animals who could not help themselves. In the beginning, the Humane Society was only equipped to help dogs, but in 1967 a small trailer was donated, allowing them to begin rescuing kittens. Today, HSD is one of Southern California’s largest no-kill animal sanctuaries, with the capacity to rescue dogs, cats, small animals, and even some types of farm animals and horses.

In 2005, generous board member and cat advocate Anne Barry donated the Barry Cat Rescue Center—this enabled the HSD to save more felines in need. The center is a 1,400-square-foot, cage-free building where cats roam free, play and soak up the sun in between visits with adopters and visitors. Each room has its own collection of comfy cat beds, cat trees, cubbies and other enrichment toys to keep everyone happy and provide a more natural meet-and-greet space for those looking to meet their purr-fect match.

The Humane Society of the Desert has saved thousands of pets over the years, and despite being part of the national Humane Society, HSD is responsible for its own funding. Annual fundraising events, such as Le Chien during Fashion Week, as well as the generosity of donors and volunteers, are critical to continuing their compassionate work. This type of generosity enabled HSD to acquire the Animal Hospital of Desert Hot Springs in 2015. The state-of-the-art hospital is full service, not only offering monthly low-cost spay and neuter clinics but also rolling hospital profits back into strengthening the sanctuary.

The Humane Society of the Desert is a tranquil oasis for homeless animals who need a second chance. For some, that means a new forever family. For others, it means they are already home. Whatever the situation, the Humane Society of the Desert will continue to be there for the neglected, abused and abandoned animals who rely on them.

Visit orphanpet.com for more information on programs, volunteer opportunities, and events or to make a donation.

Food, movies and music—and man’s best friend is always welcome

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