Doctors have also been taking on new endeavors and being recognized for their achievements: Dr. Shayda Ahkami joined the Palm Springs Animal Hospital and Dr. Michael Forneyjoined VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital. Dr. Brittany Yates, a veterinarian at VCA Desert Animal Hospital, was nominated one of Coachella Valley’s most inventive leaders and achievers under 40. Read about the 40 under forty in Palm Springs Life’s October 2018 issue.
Dr. Brittany Yates
To celebrate International Cat Day, Palm Springs Animal Shelter sent 127 kitties to the Oregon Humane Society, its no-kill shelter partner, to help find them homes. Several other Southern California shelter and rescue partners joined PSAS, along with celebrity guest Jackson Galaxy.
Venus De Fido was recently spotlighted by HGTV as one of the top ten paw-some indoor dog parks in the country.
Also, read the article on page 88 about how Living Free Animal Sanctuary was able to avoid major damage from the Cranston Fire.
Loving All Animals will host their annual Spay-ghetti No Balls fundraising event at the Palm Springs Air Museum on November 1st, click here for details.
KOFFI ANYONE?
Looking for a great cup of coffee, a tasty snack and a dog-friendly patio? Koffi has you covered with four convenient locations. kofficoffee.com
PALM SPRINGS KOFFI NORTH
515 N. Palm Canyon Drive,
Palm Springs
PALM SPRINGS KOFFI CENTRAL
650 E Tahquitz Canyon Way,
Palm Springs
PALM SPRINGS KOFFI SOUTH
1700 South Camino Real,
Palm Springs
RANCHO MIRAGE KOFFI & ROASTING FACILITY
71-380
Highway 111
Rancho
Mirage
PERSONALIZED PET PORTRAITS
Photography has been a lifelong outlet for Kasey Scott, a way to communicate when words failed and a fun escape from reality. Kasey’s current passion, YESAK Pet Creations, is a new adventure—through the magic of computergenerated applications, she transforms your favorite photo of your pet into a unique, fun, playful piece of art.
You can check out Kasey’s YESAK Pet Creations in in person at PoshPetCare in Palm Springs and K9 Clipper & Catamaran in Cathedral City. Or visit her website at yesakgalleries.com, and click on Pet Creations.
REMEMBERING ROBERT MILLARD OF PSAS
On July 23, the Palm Springs Animal Shelter (PSAS) said goodbye to a loving member of its community: the warm and funny Robert Millard, who went by Jerry.
Jerry and his wife, Carol, dedicated themselves to the shelter over the years and saved thousands of lives. From cleaning cages to feeding and watering cats to doing his favorite thing—adoptions—Jerry happily spent many hours and days at PSAS. His contributions to the shelter didn’t stop there—Jerry increased adoption rates and, back in October 2013, helped move 137 cats to PSAS.
Jerry wore many hats. Not only did he donate to the organization, but he also designed and constructed cat condos, took on many projects, and took his volunteer work home with him—he and Carol fostered more than 300 kittens. PSAS will always remember his never-ending volunteer work.
GETTING INTO THE GROOVE AT NEW LOCATIONS
One of your favorite training organizations has moved to Bermuda Dunes and still offers the same great training services—plus a lot more.
Classes are in session at Dream Dogs’ new location which features many exciting additions: an agility field, an air-conditioned barn for classes, outdoor kennels and training pens, a spacious lawn for outdoor classes and events, an aviary, and some new friends—baby goats and desert tortoises! Pups can also enjoy time by the pool on a hot day, as well as grassy areas for playtime.
Check out dreamdogs.com for information on its open house event in the Fall.
Speaking of new locations, Staybridge Suites opened a new hotel in Cathedral City that features a dedicated dog park for guests and their furry friends, as well as 197 convenient, spacious suites. Staybridge also partnered with the golf course next door, so guests can enjoy a day of golfing. Visit staybridge-suites-golf-resort.hellocoachellavalley.com for more information.
A BAN ON PUPPY MILLS AND BACKYARD BREEDING?
Most of us can agree that puppy mills and inexperienced backyard breeders are in no way champions of either pets or potential pet owners. But we also know that there are many reputable breeders out there who love and respect their breeds and take the utmost care to produce happy, healthy pets with the appropriate temperament and other breed features. And so when the Palm Springs City Council proposed a ban on residential breeding of cats and dogs, it was met with mixed reactions. The American Kennel Club (AKC) and its members strongly opposed the ban and they let their city council members know about it.
The City Council has delayed their vote on whether backyard breeding should be illegal in Palm Springs until they discuss a solution with American Kennel Club representatives, the Chamber of Commerce, and residents.
THE WILDLANDS CONSERVANCY HIKING TRAILS
There are many hiking opportunities in and around the Coachella Valley, and some of the best spots are overseen by the Wildlands Conservancy. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome, so please be a responsible pet owner and clean up after your dog.
Whitewater Preserve is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, or in the event of dangerous weather conditions. Visitor facilities include a ranger station, picnic areas, and campgrounds against a backdrop of steep vertical cliffs, where bighorn sheep are often spotted. A trailhead leads to the Pacific Crest Trail and paver paths around the ponds.
Pioneertown Mountains Preserve is open daily from dusk to dawn. Visitor facilities include trailhead parking, a kiosk, a shade ramada, and restrooms.
Mission Creek Preserve in Desert Hot Springs does not have visitor facilities, but offers hiking trails that link to the Pacific Crest Trail.
Other Southern California preserves can be found in—
San Bernardino County: Bearpaw Reserve, Bluff Lake Reserve, Mission Creek Preserve, and Oak Glen Preserve (see article, page 80)
Orange County: Mariposa Reserve
For additional information about the Wildlands Conservancy, visit wildlandsconservancy.org.
