<![CDATA[Clear The Shelters – NBC Los Angeles]]> https://www.nbclosangeles.com/https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/ Copyright 2024 https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/KNBC_station_logo_light.png?fit=276%2C58&quality=85&strip=all NBC Los Angeles https://www.nbclosangeles.com en_US Wed, 18 Sep 2024 21:05:06 -0700 Wed, 18 Sep 2024 21:05:06 -0700 NBC Owned Television Stations Adopting a shelter dog? Celebrity trainer offers these 3 tips https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/shelter-dog-adoption-tips-celebrity-trainer/3497044/ 3497044 post 9835069 Westend61 https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/GettyImages-1291935325-e1724718801243.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,200 Celebrity animal trainer and Link My Pet ambassador Brandon McMillan revealed to NBC Local what three things every new rescue dog owner needs to know about training their pet, and he says it’s like teaching your kindergartener their “ABCs and 123s.”

McMillan, who owns a top dog training facility in Los Angeles, said training your dog at a young age teaches it obedience because it is when the owner’s “basic manners of control” get instilled in the dog before they get used to getting away with bad behavior.

“If you neglect them of basic education when they are a puppy, or even an adolescent, then yeah they are going to have behavioral issues when they are older because you didn’t send them to kindergarten,” McMillan said.

So, how should you go about training your new puppy? Let’s break down McMillan’s three points to know for new dog owners.

1. Safety always comes first

Dogs, like humans, have personalities that may not always match with an owner. McMillan said prospective dog owners should talk to the shelter they are adopting from about the dog’s personality, and how it gets along with other dogs, children and cats, in particular.

“If you don’t do your prep work there (shelter), then you might bring the dog home and find out” your new dog does not get along with your kid or other pets, McMillan said.

2. Set them up for success

Bringing a new dog home can be stressful for the dog, and if they are untrained puppies they are sure to get into trouble if they are left to roam around a home alone.

“So when I say set them up for success, don’t drop them off at home and leave right away. You want to spend some time with the dog at home. You want them to feel comfortable and know this is home,” McMillan said. “And if they are a very young puppy, I would not give them free range of the house when you leave.”

“There’s no way on Earth you’re going to leave a puppy alone in a house for a few hours and it not get in trouble,” McMillan added.

3. Training builds trust

Dogs, as pack animals, naturally look for leadership.

“In pack animals, there is always a hierarchy in the pack,” McMillan said. “And they are always looking for some form of leadership.”

Dog owners should strive to be both the parent and the friend of their pet, and that is where training comes in.

“Training will not only build trust, but it builds a bond, a friendship,” McMillan said.

“If they don’t trust you, they are not going to learn one thing from you,” McMillan added. “You always want to make sure you form that bond, form a trust with a dog, and they are going to learn whatever you throw at them.”

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Tue, Aug 27 2024 01:22:25 PM Tue, Aug 27 2024 02:03:13 PM
How to donate to the Clear The Shelters campaign https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/how-to-donate-2024-cts-campaign/3482886/ 3482886 post 9784546 https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/Clear-the-Shelters-grfx.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Clear The Shelters is NBCUniversal Local’s nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign that encourages people to adopt from their local shelters in an effort to “clear the shelters.” Each year, more than 100,000 animals are adopted from shelters and rescues that participate in our initiative. 

This year’s campaign is a month-long event from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10 and culminates in crescendo events the weekend of Sept. 7. 

Leading up to and during the campaign period, Clear The Shelters, in partnership with Greater Good, will host digital fundraisers to raise money for participating animal shelters. 

Hill’s Pet Nutrition is once again the lead national sponsor of Clear The Shelters.

Here’s how to donate through Clear The Shelters’ social platforms, including Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

How to donate on Facebook

Click to donate on Facebook or follow the steps below.

  1. Find the fundraiser you want to donate to through a Facebook post or by visiting the Clear The Shelters page.
  2. Click “donate to nonprofit.”
  3. Type the dollar amount you want to donate.
  4. If you agree, check the “cover donation processing fees.”
    1. Note: The processing fee is no longer paid by Meta. The fee will be deducted from your donation.
  5. Click “continue.”
  6. Fill out the donation form, include your contact information, credit or debit card number, expiration date, CVV and zip code.
  7. You also have the option to donate through PayPal.
  8. Confirm your donation.
  9. You can also set up a PIN for additional security when making donations on Facebook.
  10. Troubleshooting instructions from Facebook.

How to donate on Instagram

Click to donate on Instagram or follow the steps below.

From Aug. 10 through Sept. 10, the Greater Good Charities Instagram donation fund will be delegated/directed to Clear The Shelters. 

There are several ways to donate on Instagram, including to a nonprofit fundraiser in a post, during an Instagram Live video, or through a donation sticker in a Story:

  • Donate to a nonprofit fundraiser in a post
    • Open the post, tap the banner on the right, tap Donate on the fundraiser details page, enter the amount, tap Continue, and then tap Donation visibility.
  • Donate during an Instagram Live video
    • Tap Donate in the bottom left, enter the amount, tap Next, select a payment method, and then tap Donate at the bottom.
  • Donate through a donation sticker in a Story
    • Eligible nonprofits can create a Story, add the donation sticker, and supporters can donate without leaving Instagram.

How to donate on TikTok

  1. Click the + button.
  2. Record a video, go live or post an existing video.
  3. Tap the stickers icon on the right rail.
  4. Select the “Donation” sticker.
  5. Search for “Greater Good Charities” and select it.
  6. Place the sticker on your video.
  7. Add a caption and post, or continue live streaming.

To learn more about Clear The Shelters 2024 and search for adoptable pets in your area, visit cleartheshelters.com. You can also donate to your local animal shelters and rescue groups by visiting clearthesheltersfund.org.

Follow Clear The Shelters on Facebook and Instagram to stay up to date on this year’s pet adoption and donation news:

Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

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Mon, Aug 12 2024 08:14:47 AM Mon, Aug 12 2024 12:50:13 PM
A celebrity animal trainer reveals the three things to know to set your new dog up for success https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/a-celebrity-animal-trainer-reveals-the-three-things-to-know-to-set-your-new-dog-up-for-success/3504377/ 3504377 post 7276467 Brandon McMillan https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2022/07/brandon-mcmillan-thumbnail.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Celebrity animal trainer and Link My Pet ambassador Brandon McMillan revealed to NBC Local what three things every new rescue dog owner needs to know about training their pet, and he says it’s like teaching your kindergartener their “ABCs and 123s.”

McMillan, who owns a top dog training facility in Los Angeles, said training your dog at a young age teaches it obedience because it is when the owner’s “basic manners of control” get instilled in the dog before they get used to getting away with bad behavior.

“If you neglect them of basic education when they are a puppy, or even an adolescent, then yeah they are going to have behavioral issues when they are older because you didn’t send them to kindergarten,” McMillan said.

So, how should you go about training your new puppy? Let’s break down McMillan’s three points to know for new dog owners.

1. Safety always comes first

Dogs, like humans, have personalities that may not always match with an owner. McMillan said prospective dog owners should talk to the shelter they are adopting from about the dog’s personality, and how it gets along with other dogs, children and cats, in particular.

“If you don’t do your prep work there (shelter), then you might bring the dog home and find out” your new dog does not get along with your kid or other pets, McMillan said.

2. Set them up for success

Bringing a new dog home can be stressful for the dog, and if they are untrained puppies they are sure to get into trouble if they are left to roam around a home alone.

“So when I say set them up for success, don’t drop them off at home and leave right away. You want to spend some time with the dog at home. You want them to feel comfortable and know this is home,” McMillan said. “And if they are a very young puppy, I would not give them free range of the house when you leave.”

“There’s no way on Earth you’re going to leave a puppy alone in a house for a few hours and it not get in trouble,” McMillan added.

3. Training builds trust

Dogs, as pack animals, naturally look for leadership.

“In pack animals, there is always a hierarchy in the pack,” McMillan said. “And they are always looking for some form of leadership.”

Dog owners should strive to be both the parent and the friend of their pet, and that is where training comes in.

“Training will not only build trust, but it builds a bond, a friendship,” McMillan said.

“If they don’t trust you, they are not going to learn one thing from you,” McMillan added. “You always want to make sure you form that bond, form a trust with a dog, and they are going to learn whatever you throw at them.”

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Mon, Sep 09 2024 09:02:29 AM Mon, Sep 09 2024 09:03:10 AM
Craving a new pet? Take a look at these adoptable animals named after popular foods https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/animals-named-after-food-clear-the-shelters-adopt/3502912/ 3502912 post 9866917 https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/09/Untitled-design-30.png?fit=300,169&quality=85&strip=all Are you looking to adopt a pet? Now is the perfect time to find your new furry best friend during our 10th annual Clear the Shelters campaign.

Several local shelters have lots of dogs, cats, rabbits and other critters to choose from.

Some of them already come with some pretty interesting names. Take a look at some of these adorable pets named after popular foods that you can adopt today:

Pasadena Humane Society

Churro

Macaroni

Frito, Cheeto and Dorito

Biscuit

Honorable mentions: Boba, Mac N Cheese and Popcorn.

Ventura County Animal Services

Cookie

Dim Sum

Prosciutto

Marshmallow

Honorable mentions: Muffin, Lollipop and Cofffee

Long Beach Animal Care Center

Tomato

Oreo

Gumbo

Peaches

Honorable mentions: Cornflake, Popcorn and Latte.

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Sun, Sep 08 2024 06:25:23 PM Sun, Sep 08 2024 06:31:11 PM
Double the fun: What does a ‘bonded pair' mean when adopting a pet? https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/what-does-bonded-pair-mean-when-adopting-pet-cat-dog/3489370/ 3489370 post 9808382 Getty Images https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/GettyImages-1299012664.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,200 Picture this: You walk into your local animal shelter and spot a charming dog that’s available for adoption. But the shelter tells you the pup is a “bonded pair” and comes with a best friend, who is also available for adoption.

But what is a “bonded pair”? According to Doreen Jakubbak, the executive director at Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary, a New Jersey-based animal shelter, it all boils down to the bond both animals have developed with each other.

“It is the term we use for when two dogs come from the same home or owner and we make a commitment to not separate them.”

Bonded pets come in all shapes and sizes. They could be a dog pair, a cat pair, or even a cat and dog pair. They may be littermates, come from the same household, or just developed a strong bond after being rescued.

When a shelter labels a pet pair as a “bonded pair,” it means both animals have a healthy relationship and usually sleep and play together so they want the pair to be adopted as a pair instead of separate.

“The one constant was them having each other so we believe that (separating them) would create unnecessary anxiety and further trauma to break that bond,” Jakubbak said.

What are the benefits of adopting a bonded pet pair?

Despite being a major commitment to adopt two pets, a bonded pair does come with its benefits, some experts say.

For starters, adopting bonded pairs has been proven to reduce separation anxiety, barking, destructive behavior and even potty accidents among some pets.

Similarly, bonded pairs might tend to learn quicker than single ones.

“Pets adopted together continue the learning cycle they experienced with their mother and siblings by watching what each other does,” said NOCO Humane, a Colorado-based nonprofit animal shelter. “As they socialize, play, and observe, they see how to behave along with associating the consequences of their actions.”

Lastly, if you’re in the market for two new pets, a bonded pair might be a better choice than adopting to separate animals since the pair is already comfortable together and no introduction is needed.

Visit ClearTheShelters.com between now and Sept. 30, 2024, to find out how you can adopt a pet virtually or donate online to help a shelter near you.

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Wed, Sep 04 2024 09:01:52 AM Wed, Sep 04 2024 09:02:15 AM
Mission Viejo offering training packages for adoptable dogs https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/mission-viejo-offering-training-packages-for-adoptable-dogs/3499415/ 3499415 post 9844742 City of Mission Viejo https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/image-19-5.png?fit=300,169&quality=85&strip=all Puppies are cute and fun, but sometimes they can be handful especially when it comes to active, intelligent breeds.

That’s why the city of Mission Viejo is offering training sessions for certain overly excited puppies and young dogs.

Porter, a 1-year-old German Shepherd mix, and Whisper, a Husky, are two of the adoptable dogs for whom the city of Mission Viejo is offering free training, paid for by DAWG, a non profit that raises funds for animals at the Mission Viejo Animal Shelter.

Porter is ready for next adventure

The 1-year-old pup is already showing intelligence, confidence and courage, according to the city.

Porter, an active boy, would make an “exceptional hiking companion.” 

As the pup loves to play with other dogs, families who are looking for a second or third dog would be great for Porter.

“(Porter) would benefit from having a canine friend with a similar temperament and energy,” Kelly Tokarski with the city of Mission Viejo said. “He has been enjoying daily playgroup time with other dogs and loves every minute.”

Porter, a German Shepherd mix, would make an “exceptional hiking companion,” the city of Mission Viejo said. (Credit: Mission Viejo)

Whisper is ready to spread love with forever family

Whisper, who arrived at the shelter as a stray in June after being found at a middle school, is loving and vocal as any Husky lovers would know and adore.

The fun, friendly and active pup enjoys receiving back scratches and kisses.

Like Porter, Whisper is available for adoption for only $20 in addition to a free training session.

Whisper, a loving and active Husky, is available for adoption for $20. (Credit: Mission Viejo)

Interested people can visit Porter and Whisper at the shelter at 28095 Hillcrest to meet Porter.

For more information, visit cmvas.org or call 949-470-3045.

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Thu, Aug 29 2024 06:48:03 PM Thu, Aug 29 2024 06:52:21 PM
Meet the Connecticut family who runs a sanctuary for special needs senior dogs https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/connecticut-heroes-care-for-senior-dogs/3495121/ 3495121 post 9814524 NBC https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/cts-senior-dogs-thumb-2.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 The Special Needs Senior Dog Sanctuary was established after Todd Giorgi learned about a 12-year-old pit bull named Chester through a Facebook post. Chester was in need of a home after being diagnosed with cancer and spending eight years in an animal shelter.

Not only did Giorgi adopt Chester, he also founded the sanctuary in the dog’s honor to ensure that as many special needs senior dogs as possible receive love and care.

Nestled in Stamford, Connecticut, the sanctuary is managed by Giorgi and his wife Anna Giorgi. The family, which includes Anna and Todd’s daughter, Jagger, and son, Lennon, offers unwavering love and support to senior dogs in need.

“I just get to be engulfed in love on a daily basis,” Todd said.

At the sanctuary, neglected, senior, elderly, abandoned, sick, and hospice dogs can spend their remaining days in a secure and loving environment.

“We both had this passion to rescue senior dogs and make this their final home,” Anna said.

The organization’s operations depend on generous donations to meet expenses such as vet bills and medication.

With the help of social media campaigns, the sanctuary has received donations that help the Giorgi family continue rescuing and caring for senior dogs in need of a fur-ever home.

“The gift I give is I try to hold every single dog in my arms, kiss their head, and tell them that they’re a good boy or girl and that they’re gonna see all of our other dogs at the rainbow bridge,” Todd said. “What they give back in terms of gratitude is ten-fold.”

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Thu, Aug 29 2024 01:57:14 PM Thu, Aug 29 2024 01:59:13 PM
Happy National Dog Day! What to know about the day dedicated to our canine companions https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/happy-national-dog-day-august-26-what-to-know/3494979/ 3494979 post 9829490 Getty Images (File) https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/NATIONAL-DOG-DAY.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Celebrity animal trainer and Link My Pet ambassador Brandon McMillan revealed to NBC Local what three things every new rescue dog owner needs to know about training their pet, and he says it’s like teaching your kindergartener their “ABCs and 123s.”

McMillan, who owns a top dog training facility in Los Angeles, said training your dog at a young age teaches it obedience because it is when the owner’s “basic manners of control” get instilled in the dog before they get used to getting away with bad behavior.

“If you neglect them of basic education when they are a puppy, or even an adolescent, then yeah they are going to have behavioral issues when they are older because you didn’t send them to kindergarten,” McMillan said.

So, how should you go about training your new puppy? Let’s break down McMillan’s three points to know for new dog owners.

1. Safety always comes first

Dogs, like humans, have personalities that may not always match with an owner. McMillan said prospective dog owners should talk to the shelter they are adopting from about the dog’s personality, and how it gets along with other dogs, children and cats, in particular.

“If you don’t do your prep work there (shelter), then you might bring the dog home and find out” your new dog does not get along with your kid or other pets, McMillan said.

2. Set them up for success

Bringing a new dog home can be stressful for the dog, and if they are untrained puppies they are sure to get into trouble if they are left to roam around a home alone.

“So when I say set them up for success, don’t drop them off at home and leave right away. You want to spend some time with the dog at home. You want them to feel comfortable and know this is home,” McMillan said. “And if they are a very young puppy, I would not give them free range of the house when you leave.”

“There’s no way on Earth you’re going to leave a puppy alone in a house for a few hours and it not get in trouble,” McMillan added.

3. Training builds trust

Dogs, as pack animals, naturally look for leadership.

“In pack animals, there is always a hierarchy in the pack,” McMillan said. “And they are always looking for some form of leadership.”

Dog owners should strive to be both the parent and the friend of their pet, and that is where training comes in.

“Training will not only build trust, but it builds a bond, a friendship,” McMillan said.

“If they don’t trust you, they are not going to learn one thing from you,” McMillan added. “You always want to make sure you form that bond, form a trust with a dog, and they are going to learn whatever you throw at them.”

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Mon, Aug 26 2024 05:40:54 AM Mon, Aug 26 2024 05:42:58 AM
‘The most fun dogs': Why celebrity dog trainer Tom Davis says pit bulls are his favorite breed to train https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/dog-trainer-tom-davis-pit-bulls-favorite-breed-to-train/3493182/ 3493182 post 9826794 Getty Images https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/GettyImages-503429738.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,203 From their square faces, short legs and muscular builds, the pit bull dog breed umbrella has gained a bad reputation for their intimidating looks and history of being dog-fighting animals.

But despite how intimidating they may look, behind the façade they are known to be lovable and well-behaved dogs.

That is exactly what celebrity dog trainer Tom Davis thinks.

“My absolute favorite breed to train is the pit bull,” Davis said.

For years, Davis, who founded the New York-based Upstate Canine Academy, has specialized in behavior-based dog training aimed at tackling challenging pet behavior.

According to Davis, pit bulls are so easy to train because they are bred to do anything for the humans they work with, which makes them naturally obedient and disciplined.

“In my experience pit bulls are some of the most loyal, trainable, and fun dogs to work with,” Davis said. “They also have a really good working drive and an off switch.”

The history of the American Pit Bull Terrier lineage is over 200 years old and can be traced back to 19th-century British bulls and terriers, according to the American Kennel Club.

Though they were initially bred to hunt, protect and drive livestock, the breed eventually turned into a family dog due to its loyal and enthusiastic nature.

“They like to go out and work with you, have fun and train but they also like to go home, cuddle and be a couch potato,” Davis said. “They are a really diverse dog.”

Why do pit bulls have a bad reputation?

According to Davis, it all boils down to the breed’s bond with its owner.

“The pit bull breed is so loyal and extraordinary that unfortunately it has given them a bad rep because of how loyal they are for their owners,” Davis explained.

“If the pit bull ends up in the wrong hands, that person can ultimately tell that dog to do anything they want. It’s one of the only breeds in the world that I’ve ever worked with that would literally die and do anything for their owner.”

Similarly, the AKC said pit bulls are “confident” and “strong” dogs, but “require an owner who will carefully socialize and obedience train the dog.”

Ultimately, any dog is what the owner makes of it, Davis explains. If the dog is not appropriately trained or disciplined, any good breed can turn into a bad pet.

“It always comes back down to training, whatever hands the dog is in is ultimately what the dog is going to act like,” Davis said. “It’s very important for dog owners out there to understand that if your dog is mean or aggressive or not listening when pulling on the leash, it’s a good chance that it’s because of you as the owner,.”

“There are no bad dogs,” Davis concluded.

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Mon, Aug 26 2024 05:35:54 AM Mon, Aug 26 2024 06:02:19 AM
5 things a vet would never do as a pet owner https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/vet-advice-for-pet-owners-what-not-to-do/3465997/ 3465997 post 9714802 Getty Images https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/07/RETRACTABLE-DOG-LEASH.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 This story was originally published on TODAY.com on April 21, 2023.

Pets are members of the family. So when it comes to taking care of yours and giving them the best life, what mistakes should you avoid?

Dr. Brett Levitzke, the chief medical officer of VERG Brooklyn, visited TODAY to share five things he’d never do as a pet owner knowing what he knows as a veterinarian.

Never use over-the-counter medicine without consulting a vet.

Levitzke advises to never use medicine without consulting a veterinarian as some medicine could be OK while others could be toxic to dogs and cats.

Never use retractable leashes.

While very popular, retractable leashes can be dangerous when used in traffic, around other dogs or at the veterinary clinic because they can make it more challenging to keep your dog under control. On that note, Levitzke says to never let your dog off the leash when in any of those situations. He often sees dogs come in because their owners didn’t have control over them when around other dogs, near cars or in an area where they could ingest something they shouldn’t.

Never feed a pet human food without knowing the risks. 

While your pet may beg for table scraps, do not feed them to your cat or dog as there could be health ramifications, Levitzke says. Some human food may be OK for your pet, but many foods like chocolate, onions, grapes, raisins and avocados are toxic to dogs. As for cats, many owners think they can have milk, but some are lactose intolerant. So if you want to give yours milk, make sure it’s a kind that is specially made for felines.

Never ignore your dog’s dental health.

Yes, your dog needs to have their teeth brushed, Levitzke says. Start getting them used to it when they’re a puppy and get in a daily routine to keep dental tartar and gingivitis at bay. You can find tooth brushes that are wearable on your finger or more traditional ones at your local pet store.

Never leave your dog in the car unattended.

Never leave your dog in the car unattended, Levitzke says, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Warmer temperatures are as dangerous for pets as they are for humans.

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

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Fri, Aug 23 2024 01:58:37 PM Fri, Aug 23 2024 01:59:06 PM
Is it ok to let your dog sleep on your bed? Yes, but be careful of this potential pitfall https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/can-my-dog-sleep-on-my-bed-training-expert-advice/3489360/ 3489360 post 9393506 https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/03/29846348186-1080pnbcstations.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Any dog owner knows their pup loves hopping up onto the bed, but is it ok to let them do so?

Expert dog trainer Tom Davis says it is ok to let your dog sleep on the bed, but there is a potential problem that owners need to make sure to avoid.

“My answer is, it doesn’t really matter as long as you can get your dog off (the bed) when they are older,” Davis told NBC Local.

Dogs who become accustomed to sleeping on the bed as puppies will want to do the same when they are fully grown, which could be as big as 100 pounds or more.

“Making sure that you can (say) ‘get off,’ or ‘down,’ and that your dog will actually do that so that you don’t have a fight when they are 100-plus pounds,” Davis added.

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Fri, Aug 23 2024 11:38:27 AM Fri, Aug 23 2024 11:59:14 AM
Seal Beach animal rescue group helps local shelters care for cats with “kitten kits” https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/seal-beach-animal-rescue-group-local-shelters-cats-kitten-kits/3492203/ 3492203 post 9818782 https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/Rescue-groups-Kitten-Kits-help-shelters-care-for-cats.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 A Seal Beach animal rescue group is helping local shelters care for cats during what they call kitten season, with the help of “kitten kits.”

A big part of clearing the shelters is keeping animals out of shelters in the first place, and that happens with the help of dedicated rescue groups and volunteers.

Rescue groups say people often bring kittens – just days old — to shelters, but the shelters don’t have the resources to care for animals that young. 

Volunteers with the Helen Sanders Cat Paws Rescue Group provide “kitten kits” to shelters year round. They also spay and neuter and find fosters. 

“If they need that kind of bottle feeding around the clock and they’re not rescued, they can’t let them starve obviously – so sometimes, end of day is end of kitten,” Felin-Magaldi said. “All these homeless kittens are being born and people are finding litters of kittens so this is a particularly bad time of year.”

“We probably have people coming in with a box of kittens – so a litter is four to six kittens,” Alma Vera-Lima, superintendent of the Long Beach Animal Care Services, said. 

Just as Felin-Magaldi and another volunteer were dropping off kits to the Long Beach Animal Care Center, a woman brought in a beanie filled with newborns, no more than a few days old.

The woman who found them can’t care for them and the hope is that someone else can foster them, and eventually find them a forever home.

In the meantime, rescue groups like Felin-Magaldi’s will try to fill in the gaps. 

“It speaks to me of these cats or kittens born into this world, not asking to be abandoned and left to die – I don’t think that should be a death sentence, they should get a chance,” Felin-Magaldi said.

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Tue, Aug 20 2024 01:44:02 PM Tue, Aug 20 2024 01:50:20 PM
Want to make your own pet food? Here's what to know https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/clear-the-shelters-making-your-own-pet-food/3489335/ 3489335 post 9808346 Getty Images https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/GettyImages-1464113332.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,200 Creating your own pet food can be exciting, but without proper research it may cost more in time and money than expected.

Do you want to spend five hours or more in the kitchen cooking for your pets? That is about the average amount of time a pet owner might spend making homemade pet food.

Many pet owners believe cooking their pets’ food will be easier and cheaper than buying commercial food. But according to Dr. Lindsey E. Bullen, a veterinary nutritionist, that’s not the case.

There is a “misconception about one being able to create nutritiously balanced pet meals from human ingredients. That is just not possible,” she said.

How to find the right recipe for your animal companion

Rather than finding a random recipe online, Bullen recommends working with a board certified vet to create the right recipe for your furry friend.

“Food preparation done incorrectly could cause long-term damage to be borderline lethal to your pet,” Bullen said.

How about feeding your pets kibble?

Kibble might not be so attractive, but it could be a better option for many.

Even though pet owners might think commercial food is less healthy, Bullen reminds them there is no equivalent in the human world.

If you want to make your own pet food, make sure to research and work with the right professionals.

Bullen said she doesn’t see the benefit of cooking over feeding pets commercial food because every pet is so unique and it’s humanly impossible to get every ingredient right.

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Mon, Aug 19 2024 12:17:43 PM Mon, Aug 19 2024 12:21:10 PM
How to choose the paws-itively perfect dog name: 105 cute ideas https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/cute-dog-name-ideas-list/3465924/ 3465924 post 9714574 Getty Images https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/07/DOG-NAME-IDEAS.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 What’s in a unique dog name? A whole lot of thought and care — and debate with fellow household members.

These days, some interesting trends are emerging in the puppy-naming space. “It doesn’t come as a huge surprise to see that most of the trending dog names from 2023 and 2024 are dignified human names,” Brett Reynolds, CPDT-KA, a certified professional dog trainer and director of dog care at The Dog Stop, tells TODAY.com.  Per Reynolds, it’s also interesting to note that pet name trends also tend to mirror baby name trends — serving as “further proof of our growing infatuation with our fur babies.”  

Janice Costa, the owner of Canine Camp Getaway, a vacation camp for dogs, expands on that sentiment, sharing that she believes the initial trend of dog names following people names (Lucy instead of Lassie, Frankie instead of Fluffy) began when dogs started to become viewed as the new kids. “These days, we cook for them, dress them, travel with them and celebrate their birthdays, so it’s no surprise that naming them has taken on a more important role,” she says. But while human names like Bella, Molly and Max have long topped the most popular dog names lists, more creative dog names have come into the fold.

As Reynolds further comments, the “Fidos” and “Chompers” of the world appear to be falling to the wayside, while distinguished “Bellas” and “Maximillians” are rising in popularity. Whether you choose a more traditional dog name or follow the trends, coming up with the right name for your fur-ever friend isn’t easy. Ahead, we’ve shared the best cute dog names across categories like food-inspired dog names, nature-inspired dog names, literary-inspired dog names, sports-inspired dog names and more.

Food-inspired dog names

  • Waffle
  • Skippy
  • Cookie
  • Olive
  • Nacho
  • Ginger
  • Tater
  • Bagel
  • Biscuit
  • Brownie

Nature-inspired dog names

  • Lake
  • Ocean
  • Blossom
  • Grove
  • Dale
  • Fern
  • Fir
  • Sky
  • Sunny
  • Thunder

Flower-inspired dog names

  • Dahlia
  • Rose
  • Tulip
  • Lily
  • Violet

Celebrity-inspired dog names

  • Fido
  • Colin from Accounts
  • Clifford
  • Major
  • Champ
  • Lassie
  • Mr. Big
  • Comet
  • Elvis
  • Miles
  • Fala
  • Otis
  • Scooby-Doo
  • Sinbad
  • Toto
  • Coco
  • Buck
  • Santa’s Little Helper
  • Elizabeth Taylor
  • Duke

Sports-inspired dog names

  • Mickey
  • Babe
  • Magic
  • Shaq
  • Serena
  • Bolt
  • Tiger
  • Ali
  • Kobe
  • Jordan

City/state dog names

  • Brooklyn
  • Memphis
  • Davos
  • London
  • Paris

Book/author-inspired names

  • Gatsby
  • Holden
  • Tintin
  • Argos
  • Beezus
  • Buck
  • Snoopy
  • Ribsy
  • Sherlock
  • Gromit

Celestial names

  • Sol
  • Leo
  • Apollo
  • Orion
  • Comet
  • Venus
  • Stella
  • Cosmo
  • Astro
  • Luna

Disney names

  • Pluto
  • Pongo
  • Perdita
  • Goofy
  • Nana

Human names

  • Sigmund
  • Marshall
  • Stella
  • Oliver
  • Toby
  • Bella
  • Charlie
  • James
  • Sam
  • Phoebe

Classic names

  • Rover
  • Peanut
  • Ruby
  • Fluffy
  • Bailey
  • Rosie
  • Scout
  • Sadie
  • Max
  • Rocky

This story originally appeared on TODAY.com on April 30, 2024. More from TODAY:

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Mon, Aug 19 2024 12:16:10 PM Mon, Aug 19 2024 12:17:04 PM
‘Cat Daddy' Jackson Galaxy joins Clear The Shelters' 10th annual adoption and donation campaign https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/jackson-galaxy-cat-daddy-clear-the-shelters/3482696/ 3482696 post 9806815 Courtesy of Jackson Galaxy https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/Jackson-Galaxy.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Celebrity animal trainer and Link My Pet ambassador Brandon McMillan revealed to NBC Local what three things every new rescue dog owner needs to know about training their pet, and he says it’s like teaching your kindergartener their “ABCs and 123s.”

McMillan, who owns a top dog training facility in Los Angeles, said training your dog at a young age teaches it obedience because it is when the owner’s “basic manners of control” get instilled in the dog before they get used to getting away with bad behavior.

“If you neglect them of basic education when they are a puppy, or even an adolescent, then yeah they are going to have behavioral issues when they are older because you didn’t send them to kindergarten,” McMillan said.

So, how should you go about training your new puppy? Let’s break down McMillan’s three points to know for new dog owners.

1. Safety always comes first

Dogs, like humans, have personalities that may not always match with an owner. McMillan said prospective dog owners should talk to the shelter they are adopting from about the dog’s personality, and how it gets along with other dogs, children and cats, in particular.

“If you don’t do your prep work there (shelter), then you might bring the dog home and find out” your new dog does not get along with your kid or other pets, McMillan said.

2. Set them up for success

Bringing a new dog home can be stressful for the dog, and if they are untrained puppies they are sure to get into trouble if they are left to roam around a home alone.

“So when I say set them up for success, don’t drop them off at home and leave right away. You want to spend some time with the dog at home. You want them to feel comfortable and know this is home,” McMillan said. “And if they are a very young puppy, I would not give them free range of the house when you leave.”

“There’s no way on Earth you’re going to leave a puppy alone in a house for a few hours and it not get in trouble,” McMillan added.

3. Training builds trust

Dogs, as pack animals, naturally look for leadership.

“In pack animals, there is always a hierarchy in the pack,” McMillan said. “And they are always looking for some form of leadership.”

Dog owners should strive to be both the parent and the friend of their pet, and that is where training comes in.

“Training will not only build trust, but it builds a bond, a friendship,” McMillan said.

“If they don’t trust you, they are not going to learn one thing from you,” McMillan added. “You always want to make sure you form that bond, form a trust with a dog, and they are going to learn whatever you throw at them.”

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Fri, Aug 16 2024 12:37:22 PM Fri, Aug 16 2024 12:38:14 PM
2-time Super Bowl champ George Karlaftis' dog, Ralph, ‘is family' https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/2-time-super-bowl-champ-george-karlaftis-dog-ralph-is-family/3489310/ 3489310 post 9800442 https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/33644461933-1080pnbcstations.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 For two-time Super Bowl champion George Karlaftis , adopting his dog has been like adopting a new member of the family.

The Kansas City Chiefs defensive end, who grew up in Greece before moving back to the U.S. when he was 13, said he always loved animals but could never have a dog growing up because his mom was allergic.

Fast forward to the present day, and he and his girlfriend have their very own flandoodle (a Bouvier des Flandres mixed with a poodle), Ralph, who the NFL star says is “amazing” and has “taken up the personality” of the couple.

“He’s big, you know, most of us are larger human beings,” Karlaftis told NBC Local. “He’s pretty lazy around the house — he likes to relax and just hang out. He’s awesome. Everyone loves him.”

“Ralph is family to me,” the 2021 All-American added. “You know, getting back home after a game, or after a long day of work, you know, to him, is awesome because you can’t be mad at him.”

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Thu, Aug 15 2024 04:14:18 PM Thu, Aug 15 2024 04:23:13 PM
Life-saving airlift rescues over 100 dogs and cats from overcrowded shelters https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/clear-the-shelters-airlift-dogs-cats-overcrowded-shelters/3487323/ 3487323 post 9801069 Eric Mullin/NBCU Local https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/cts-airlift-2024.png?fit=300,169&quality=85&strip=all Celebrity animal trainer and Link My Pet ambassador Brandon McMillan revealed to NBC Local what three things every new rescue dog owner needs to know about training their pet, and he says it’s like teaching your kindergartener their “ABCs and 123s.”

McMillan, who owns a top dog training facility in Los Angeles, said training your dog at a young age teaches it obedience because it is when the owner’s “basic manners of control” get instilled in the dog before they get used to getting away with bad behavior.

“If you neglect them of basic education when they are a puppy, or even an adolescent, then yeah they are going to have behavioral issues when they are older because you didn’t send them to kindergarten,” McMillan said.

So, how should you go about training your new puppy? Let’s break down McMillan’s three points to know for new dog owners.

1. Safety always comes first

Dogs, like humans, have personalities that may not always match with an owner. McMillan said prospective dog owners should talk to the shelter they are adopting from about the dog’s personality, and how it gets along with other dogs, children and cats, in particular.

“If you don’t do your prep work there (shelter), then you might bring the dog home and find out” your new dog does not get along with your kid or other pets, McMillan said.

2. Set them up for success

Bringing a new dog home can be stressful for the dog, and if they are untrained puppies they are sure to get into trouble if they are left to roam around a home alone.

“So when I say set them up for success, don’t drop them off at home and leave right away. You want to spend some time with the dog at home. You want them to feel comfortable and know this is home,” McMillan said. “And if they are a very young puppy, I would not give them free range of the house when you leave.”

“There’s no way on Earth you’re going to leave a puppy alone in a house for a few hours and it not get in trouble,” McMillan added.

3. Training builds trust

Dogs, as pack animals, naturally look for leadership.

“In pack animals, there is always a hierarchy in the pack,” McMillan said. “And they are always looking for some form of leadership.”

Dog owners should strive to be both the parent and the friend of their pet, and that is where training comes in.

“Training will not only build trust, but it builds a bond, a friendship,” McMillan said.

“If they don’t trust you, they are not going to learn one thing from you,” McMillan added. “You always want to make sure you form that bond, form a trust with a dog, and they are going to learn whatever you throw at them.”

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Tue, Aug 13 2024 02:22:56 PM Tue, Aug 13 2024 03:22:17 PM
Jurupa Valley families adopt new pets with Clear the Shelters' waived fees https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/jurupa-valley-families-adopt-new-pets-with-clear-the-shelters-waived-fees/3484982/ 3484982 post 9793540 NBCLA https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/cts-pets-jurupa-valley-81024.png?fit=300,169&quality=85&strip=all Droves of animal lovers flocked to Riverside County Animal Shelters on Saturday, ready to welcome a new animal companion to their households as part of NBCUniversal’s Clear the Shelters pet adoption campaign.

Among the purrs of curious cats and barks from attention-ready pups were families excited to participate in the free adoption event. NBCUniversal’s annual adoption campaign, Clear the Shelters, has returned for its 10th year, aiming to get as many adoptable animals into loving and responsible homes as possible.

At the Riverside County Animal Services’ Jurupa Valley shelter, participants were eager to increase their household size with a few paws or claws.

“We’ve been looking at cats for like, weeks or something,” said Abby Ribota. “We heard about Clear the Shelters so we came today and we decided to adopt today.”

The waived adoption fee gets new pet parents more than just their new animal companion.

“In that free adoption, you’re getting microchipping, all of their vaccines and spay/neuter so this dog is leaving good to go ready to hang out with your family and live a good life,” said Alison Chavez, who works at the Jurupa Valley animal shelter.

To learn more about Clear the Shelters, and for a map of participating animal shelters, click here.

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Sat, Aug 10 2024 03:18:16 PM Sat, Aug 10 2024 08:14:18 PM
NBC4 and Telemundo 52's ‘Clear The Shelters' pet adoption & donation campaign returns for 10th year August 10 to September 10 https://www.nbclosangeles.com/community/nbc4-and-telemundo-52s-clear-the-shelters-pet-adoption-donation-campaign-returns-for-10th-year-august-10-to-september-10/3483399/ 3483399 post 9786716 https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/CTS-2024_FS.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 NBC4 and Telemundo 52’s annual Clear The Shelters pet adoption and donation campaign returns for its milestone tenth consecutive year from Aug. 10 to Sept.10.  As part of the monthlong event, the stations are partnering with local animal shelters and rescues to promote pet adoption and raise funds for participating shelters and rescues.

Since its inception in 2015, NBC4 and Telemundo 52’s local Clear the Shelters campaigns have helped more than 107,000 pets find new homes. Nationally, more than one million pets have been adopted and millions of dollars has been raised for participating shelters and rescues over nine Clear The Shelters campaigns.

The 2024 fundraising effort will again be led by Greater Good Charities, a global nonprofit and longtime campaign partner. Donations can be made Aug. 1 to Sept. 30 at ClearTheSheltersFund.org. Through the online platform, built by Fundraise Up, donors have the option to cover transaction fees so that 100 percent of the funds go directly to the shelter or rescue of their choice.

Virtual pet adoptions are also returning for the sixth consecutive campaign through WeRescue. The WeRescue website and app enable users to browse adoptable pets in their area by breed, gender, size and other factors, submit their adoption applications, and ask questions directly to shelters.

Tune in to NBC4 daily throughout the campaign for special coverage and reports beginning with Today in LA from 4-7 a.m., followed by the newscasts at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. 4 p.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m., 7 p.m., and 11 p.m. In addition, the station will feature content on the NBCLA app and on its streaming TV local news channel NBC Los Angeles News as well as the station’s lifestyle show California Live.

Audiences can tune-in to Telemundo 52 throughout the campaign for pet-related stories and coverage across its Noticiero Telemundo 52 newscasts at 5 a.m., 6 a.m., 12 p.m., 5 p.m., 5:30 p.m. 6 p.m. and 11 p.m., during the station’s lifestyle and entertainment show Acceso Total, which airs weekdays at 11:30 a.m., and via its digital and streaming TV local news channel Noticias California.

For more information and to find a participating shelter, click here.

Follow the latest updates on social media @NBCLA and @Telemundo52 using #ClearTheShelters and #DesocuparLosAlbergues.  

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Fri, Aug 09 2024 01:27:10 PM Tue, Aug 13 2024 10:13:08 AM
What to know as Clear The Shelters kicks off its 10th annual adoption campaign https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/clear-the-shelters-2024-adoption-campaign/3482839/ 3482839 post 9786662 Getty Images https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/LAZY-CAT.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Who’s ready to clear those shelters?

Clear The Shelters, NBCUniversal Local’s nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign, is kicking off its 10th annual adoption initiative on Saturday. The adoption campaign will run for one month until Sept. 10.

The donation initiative, which began Aug. 1, is on an extended run until Sept. 30 in celebration of Clear The Shelters’ 10th anniversary. But starting Saturday, donations can now be made to a participating shelter or rescue of your choice.

Here’s what to know as Clear The Shelters’ adoption initiative gets underway:

What is Clear The Shelters?

Clear The Shelters sees NBC and Telemundo stations nationwide partner with animal shelters and rescues in their local communities to promote pet adoptions and to fundraise.

Last year, over 150 NBC and Telemundo stations teamed up with 1,400-plus shelters and rescues located across 49 states and territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam.

How many Clear The Shelters pets have been adopted?

Clear The Shelters surpassed a landmark of 1 million all-time adoptions last year. The total currently sits at over 1.02 million.

Clear The Shelters helped over 150,000 pets find homes in 2023 while also raising more than $575,000. The campaign has raised millions of dollars for participating animal shelters and rescues.

What’s the closest Clear The Shelters location to me?

Clear The Shelters has hundreds of participating shelters and rescues across the nation. Check out the interactive map below to find the location nearest to you:

Virtual pet adoptions are also available through WeRescue, which allows prospective adopters to search for pets in their area, submit adoption applications and ask questions directly to shelters.

What are some of the special events during this year’s Clear The Shelters campaign?

Good Flight Pet Airlift: On Aug. 13, NBCU Local, Greater Good Charities, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and The Animal Rescue Site will conduct a pet airlift to transport more than 100 cats and dogs from overpopulated shelters in Louisiana and Alabama to New Jersey, where they will be received by several shelters, provided with any needed medical care and placed for adoption.

MEGA Adoption Event: A Clear The Shelters adoption event will take place Aug. 17-18 in North Texas, the birthplace of Clear The Shelters, to help celebrate the campaign’s 10th anniversary. In partnership with NBC5 and Telemundo 39, dozens of area animal shelters will convene at the Amon G. Carter Jr. Exhibits Hall in Fort Worth, Texas, to help find new homes for more than 1,000 pets.

Clear The Shelters Television Special: Actor, producer and singer-songwriter Amanda Seyfried – who has starred in acclaimed films such as “Mank,” “Mama Mia!” and “Les Misérables,” and hit series “The Dropout” and “The Crowded Room” – joined this year’s campaign to serve as the host of the Clear The Shelters half-hour television special, which will premiere on NBC stations and COZI TV nationwide on Aug. 16.

“As a lifelong animal lover who has rescued and fostered pets, I know the life-changing impact of welcoming pets into your life and understand the growing challenges faced by animal shelters and rescues,” said Seyfried. “That’s why I’m so proud to participate in the 10th annual Clear The Shelters and support its mission of promoting pet adoption and raising funds that benefit animal welfare.”

More about Hill’s Pet Nutrition, national sponsor of Clear The Shelters

Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a global leader in science-based pet nutrition, is serving as the national sponsor and partner of Clear The Shelters for the seventh consecutive campaign. During the campaign, Hill’s Pet Nutrition will provide adoption kits to new pet parents. Available at participating shelters, the adopter kits include starter bags of Hill’s Science Diet, coupons, pet-parenting tips and other supplies.


For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com. Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

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Thu, Aug 08 2024 04:32:09 PM Sun, Aug 11 2024 04:39:11 PM
The benefits of adopting a senior dog https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/the-benefits-of-adopting-a-senior-dog/3482870/ 3482870 post 8696309 Getty https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2023/06/GettyImages-1396504241.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,205 Whether you’re looking for a loyal pal to take on a hike or to catch your favorite Netflix series with, a senior dog may be that perfect plus one.

While people oftentimes turn to a puppy to take home, there are so many advantages to having an elder companion.

As a matter of fact, dogs aged seven and older are typically housebroken, less destructive, and calmer than younger dogs. The devastating reality, however, is senior dogs have a 25% adoption rate, compared to a 60% adoption rate for younger dogs and puppies, according to ASPCA.

“After about 12 years of volunteering in animal shelters, what I noticed was the older dogs that I fell in love with were getting passed over for puppies,” said founder and CEO of Muttville Senior Dog Rescue Sherri Franklin.

Franklin vividly remembers when of her favorite dogs at the shelter — a cheerful 8-year-old Beagle Basset — was euthanized for space because she wasn’t considered adoptable.

“I knew I had to do something,” Franklin said. “I started taking home dogs one at a time, fixing them up, getting them to see my vets and finding them homes on my own.”

It was such a large mission, which led Frankin to start a nonprofit in 2007. In the past 16 years, Muttville Senior Dog Rescue has saved over 9,000 senior dogs.

“I like to say we made senior dogs sexy,” she said.

Did you know older dogs often end up in shelters after their owners pass away, get sick, or transition to assisted living?

“I know for me personally, one day I’m going to grow old, or older, and I hope at some point in time when I need it, there will be someone out there that’s going to provide the assistance that I need,” said Doreen Jakubcak of Marty’s Place Senior Dog Sanctuary.

While there are many benefits to adopting senior dogs, be prepared to accommodate semi-annual veterinary checkups, special diets and decreased mobility.

The key is to address any and all health issues as early on as possible, Jakubcak advises. Catching any health ailments before they worsen can oftentimes rectify the issue or at least save the dog before it becomes untreatable.

“People often ask us how do you do it when you have to say goodbye?” Jakubcak said. “We focus on that quality of time, we focus on knowing that we did our best and we gave that dog the best care we could during that period of time they were with us,” Jakubcak said.

So what are you waiting for? This is your sign to run to a shelter and take home a loyal senior dog today.

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Thu, Aug 08 2024 09:30:05 AM Thu, Aug 08 2024 09:32:06 AM
What to know about making your pet an emotional support animal https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/what-to-know-about-making-your-pet-an-emotional-support-animal/3485726/ 3485726 post 8208812 Getty https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2023/05/GettyImages-1408229145.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,200 There’s nothing like a furry friend to get you through some of life’s most difficult moments.

Numerous studies have shown the positive effects pets have on humans — reducing stress, anxiety and depression, as well as improving overall mental health.

For many individuals, having an Emotional Support Animal (ESA), most commonly cats or dogs, can be a very helpful experience.

So what exactly is an ESA and what are the steps in having one? Take a look:

What is an Emotional Support Animal?

An ESA is an animal that helps individuals deal with mental and emotional disabilities.

While ESAs are not trained to perform specific tasks like service animals, they mainly offer support and comfort with their existence.

How do you make your pet an emotional support animal?

The first step of the process is finding the right pet — which sometimes includes checking out local shelters.

It can oftentimes come with a hefty price tag as the owner has to pay for food, boarding, care, adoption fees and more.

Next, you’ll need an ESA letter from a licensed mental health professional. The therapist must state your mental health condition and how the pet will help your symptoms.

Individuals must have an emotional support animal letter for housing to qualify their pet as a state-recognized ESA.

Who qualifies to have an Emotional Support Animal?

To qualify for an ESA, an individual must have a psychological condition or a professionally diagnosed mental illness. The licensed therapist must see that your animal provides you with support and comfort.

ESAs are seen to benefit people with anxiety, stress disorder, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, depression and PTSD.

How to make my cat a service animal?

Unfortunately, cats cannot be service animals because they cannot be trained to do a task for a disabled individual.

While cats can be trained to do certain tasks, it’s not to the depth that a service animal is required to be.

Cats, however, can be ESAs under Federal Law.

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Thu, Aug 08 2024 08:45:42 AM Sun, Aug 11 2024 05:02:05 PM
Dolce & Gabbana launches a new perfume for dogs, but some vets and pet-owners are skeptical https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/dolce-gabbana-launches-dog-perfume/3481669/ 3481669 post 9779687 AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/08/AP24220338617939.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,200 Fashion house Dolce & Gabbana has launched a new alcohol-free perfume for dogs called ‘Fefé’ in honor of Domenico Dolce ’s poodle, but not all vets and pet owners agree it’s safe or appropriate.

The perfume costs 99 euros ($108) for 100 milliliters (3.4 ounces) and has been certified suitable for animal use. It follows a Safe Pet Cosmetics protocol designed to ensure a degree of safety of cosmetic products for animals comparable to that required for humans, Dolce & Gabbana said.

“Through a compliance recognition to this protocol granted by Bureau Veritas Italia, participating companies demonstrate their sensitivity in creating products that ensure the safety and respect of the animal, in accordance with established standards,” the company said in the statement issued for the launch of the perfume.

Bureau Veritas Italia is a publicly held company that provides inspection, laboratory verification and certification services.

All of the dog owners consulted agree that the fragrance is “gentle and well accepted by their pets,” and veterinarians approve of the product, according to the company web page dedicated to ‘Fefé’, which cites performance reviews by veterinarians and customers.

But not all veterinarians agree on the use of perfumes for dogs, as they may interfere with the animal’s sense of smell and cover up bad odors that could be a symptom of diseases.

“Dogs recognize themselves by smells, they recognize a person by a smell,” said Federico Coccía, a veterinarian in Rome who holds a doctorate from the University of Teramo.

“When the dog arrives, he sees you, wags his tail, but first smells you and then recognizes you because you are stored in one of his ‘smell drawers.’ Therefore, this world of smells should not be changed,” Coccia added.

Coccia said becoming aware of an ongoing dermatological disease can be problematic if dogs’ natural odors are covered up. “In the case of sebaceous dermatitis, for instance, the smell somehow completes my diagnosis.”

“The smell of breath, the smell of earwax are disguised by the perfume. So, it could be a problem even for us vets,” Coccia said.

Among the enthusiastic users of pet fragrances are groomers who take care of the hair and aesthetics of dogs.

Aliof Rilova Tano, a dog groomer at Morgana Carpentieri’s La Boutique delle Birbe parlor in Rome, said that in general he is in favor of using fragrances for pets.

“Our dogs live with us, so a little dog at home on the couch next to us with a perfume is always pleasant,” he said.

Grooming customers often feel the same way, so much so that customer Mariarita Ricciardi said she is in favor of “anything that has to do with a natural scenting … and that can also help the quality of the hair.”

However, there are also pet owners who would never use perfumes on their animals.

“Especially brand perfumes, it seems to be a very exaggerated process of humanization,” said Francesca Castelli, a dog-owner strolling in Rome’s Villa Borghese.

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Wed, Aug 07 2024 11:01:36 AM Wed, Aug 07 2024 11:02:06 AM
WATCH: Team USA has named its MVP — and it's Beacon the therapy dog https://www.nbclosangeles.com/paris-2024-summer-olympics/watch-team-usa-has-named-its-mvp-and-its-beacon-the-therapy-dog/3475076/ 3475076 post 9751387 Courtesy of NBC Olympics https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-07-31-at-9.36.25 PM-e1722476303410.png?fit=300,188&quality=85&strip=all It’s possible that no one is more well-loved by the U.S. gymnastics team than 4-year-old golden retriever Beacon.

The MVP — or “Most Valuable Pup” — was an instrumental part of the team leading up to the Olympics, quietly sitting by trainings and Olympic trials while watching his gymnasts flip through the air.

Beacon is a therapy dog trained to give cuddles and calm nerves. He was seen comforting Suni Lee in an Instagram post the four-time Olympic medalist captioned, “thank god for beacon.” His badge — complete with a dapper headshot — read “goodest boy.”

“It’s such a joy for me to see him happy and to see the joy that he gives other people,” handler Tracey Callahan Molnar said.

Beacon is part of the U.S. gymnastics team’s efforts to prioritize emotional wellness in athletes, a topic which was pushed into the spotlight after Simone Biles dropped out of the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Though the pup wasn’t able to join the team in Paris, his handler sent the gymnasts a video of support.

“Beacon, what do you want to say to the team?” Callahan Molnar asked the pup, who gave an enthusiastic bark.

After watching the video, Asher Hong said he heard a “Go Team USA!” in Beacon’s woof.

“We love you Beacon!” the women’s team cheered to the camera.

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Wed, Jul 31 2024 06:47:31 PM Tue, Aug 13 2024 08:08:24 AM
Gizmo the dog went missing in Las Vegas in 2015. He's been found alive after 9 years https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/gizmo-the-dog-went-missing-in-las-vegas-in-2015-hes-been-found-alive-after-9-years/3469801/ 3469801 post 9727660 Judith Monarrez https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/07/81534231_1721777854944398_r-rotated.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Judith Monarrez crumpled onto her kitchen floor and wept when the news arrived in an email: Gizmo, her pet dog missing for nine years, had been found alive.

Monarrez was 28 and living with her parents in 2015 when Gizmo, then 2 years old, slipped past a faulty gate in the backyard of their home in Las Vegas.

The decade that followed brought a lot of change. Monarrez, now 37, moved into her own home, earned a master’s degree in English, and began her teaching career in higher education. But throughout the years, Monarrez said, she never stopped trying to find Gizmo.

Now, she was climbing into her car to drive across town to meet Gizmo at an animal hospital. Monarrez was later told that a woman had found the now 11-year-old dog and dropped him off at the vet, where they scanned his microchip, triggering the email notification that sent Monarrez to her knees, crying.

Within hours of receiving that email on July 17, Gizmo was back in his owner’s arms. Monarrez called it “a miracle.”

“Hindsight is 2020,” she said. “I’m so glad I registered his microchip.”

Their reunion came at the same time a new Las Vegas city ordinance requiring pet owners to microchip their cats and dogs is set to take effect Aug. 1.

Monarrez said Thursday that Gizmo’s first week back at home has brought mixed emotions.

It’s clear, she said, that the nine years they had spent apart had changed Gizmo, too. The 8-pound Chihuahua had grown afraid of shadows, heights and birds, and Gizmo now walked with a limp. Monarrez said both of the dog’s eyes were also severely infected, and some of his teeth were missing.

“Even though he looked so different, when I looked in his eyes I knew immediately it was Gizmo,” Monarrez said, recalling the moment they were reunited at the vet’s office. “And as soon as I said his name, he tilted his head and he didn’t stop staring at me.”

While Monarrez and her parents can’t stop thinking about what Gizmo endured after he went missing, their focus now, she said, is on addressing his health issues and “showering him with all the love that we were holding onto for all those years.”

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Fri, Jul 26 2024 06:53:49 AM Fri, Jul 26 2024 06:53:49 AM
Glen Powell says his rescue dog is ‘greatest addition' to his life. What to know about Brisket https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/glen-powell-talks-about-his-rescue-dog-brisket/3468976/ 3468976 post 9714629 Michael Buckner/Variety via Getty Images (File) https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/07/GLEN-POWELL-BRISKET.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Celebrity animal trainer and Link My Pet ambassador Brandon McMillan revealed to NBC Local what three things every new rescue dog owner needs to know about training their pet, and he says it’s like teaching your kindergartener their “ABCs and 123s.”

McMillan, who owns a top dog training facility in Los Angeles, said training your dog at a young age teaches it obedience because it is when the owner’s “basic manners of control” get instilled in the dog before they get used to getting away with bad behavior.

“If you neglect them of basic education when they are a puppy, or even an adolescent, then yeah they are going to have behavioral issues when they are older because you didn’t send them to kindergarten,” McMillan said.

So, how should you go about training your new puppy? Let’s break down McMillan’s three points to know for new dog owners.

1. Safety always comes first

Dogs, like humans, have personalities that may not always match with an owner. McMillan said prospective dog owners should talk to the shelter they are adopting from about the dog’s personality, and how it gets along with other dogs, children and cats, in particular.

“If you don’t do your prep work there (shelter), then you might bring the dog home and find out” your new dog does not get along with your kid or other pets, McMillan said.

2. Set them up for success

Bringing a new dog home can be stressful for the dog, and if they are untrained puppies they are sure to get into trouble if they are left to roam around a home alone.

“So when I say set them up for success, don’t drop them off at home and leave right away. You want to spend some time with the dog at home. You want them to feel comfortable and know this is home,” McMillan said. “And if they are a very young puppy, I would not give them free range of the house when you leave.”

“There’s no way on Earth you’re going to leave a puppy alone in a house for a few hours and it not get in trouble,” McMillan added.

3. Training builds trust

Dogs, as pack animals, naturally look for leadership.

“In pack animals, there is always a hierarchy in the pack,” McMillan said. “And they are always looking for some form of leadership.”

Dog owners should strive to be both the parent and the friend of their pet, and that is where training comes in.

“Training will not only build trust, but it builds a bond, a friendship,” McMillan said.

“If they don’t trust you, they are not going to learn one thing from you,” McMillan added. “You always want to make sure you form that bond, form a trust with a dog, and they are going to learn whatever you throw at them.”

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Thu, Jul 25 2024 10:44:40 AM Thu, Jul 25 2024 10:44:40 AM
Booties. Indoor dog parks. And following the vet's orders. How to keep pets cool this summer https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/keep-pets-cool-summer/3468641/ 3468641 post 9723571 Getty Images/iStockphoto https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/07/GettyImages-1257447192.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,207 As much of the world swelters, it’s not just people who need help with the dog days of summer. Pet owners have to consider how to both shield and cool down furry family members as intense — at times deadly — heat waves become more common.

“It’s really important to remember that if it’s hot outside for you, it’s even hotter for your pets,” says Dr. Sandra Faeh, American Veterinary Medical Association president. A dog’s breed, weight and chronic health issues also matter. “There’s not one specific temperature that we can say, `this is the right temperature to go outside,’ because they’re all different.”

In the U.S, over 180 million people, or 63% of households, have at least one pet, according to an American Pet Products Association report. Pet-related spending is projected to be over $150 billion this year, yet a lot of pooch parents aren’t accustomed to changing routines or buying items for hot weather. This summer’s heat is making that more normal.

Of course, the surest strategy against high temperatures is to take pets out in the morning and evening, Faeh advises. If you must take them out during the day, be quick and stick to shade, grass and dirt. Pavement can be a scorcher on paws.

“We often think that their paws are thicker, they’re not as susceptible to the heat, but they are. They can blister, they can hurt,” Faeh said.

One paw-sitive measure: Faeh says dog booties made with a thick fabric can help with hot surfaces. Dogs just need time to get the hang of walking in them.

Pets can also suffer sunburns, which can manifest as lighter pigment on the nose, or around the face on short-hair breeds. Veterinarians can prescribe special sunscreen.

Providing relief even after brief sun exposure is as important as sun protection. Cooling mats and small fans can help. And besides giving dogs water, you can wet their bodies with cool water. But not too cold, Faeh warns.

“If they get cold too quickly, their vessels constrict and then they have a harder time cooling off,” she said.

In a power blackout, Faeh suggests putting pets in a cooler part of the home like a basement or a windowless room. Keep fresh water on hand and any blinds or curtains closed.

Signs to look for if a dog is experiencing heat-related stress or heatstroke include restlessness, excessive panting, drooling and even vomiting. Cats show distress through open-mouth breathing. In any of these scenarios, contact a veterinarian immediately, Faeh advises.

There’s a wide array of pet accessories and devices available to help beat the heat, says Pete Scott, American Pet Products Association president. But some markets have been caught off-guard by the higher temperatures.

“You don’t think of Connecticut as being 100 degrees,” said Scott, who is based in Stamford. “You’ve got to be vigilant and be prepared. Like if it’s a week out when they say a heat wave is coming, everybody stocks up on bottled water. But they don’t also stock up for their pets.”

Besides booties, protective gear can mean a sun visor and doggy sunglasses or goggles, if your pet will wear them.

David Escalante started Kaykos Dog Shades out of his San Francisco Bay Area home in 2016 after putting a makeshift pair of sunglasses on his family’s pit bull. Now, Escalante, his father and brother hand-make every pair in his San Jose garage. They have sold nearly 15,000 in the last three years.

Each pair has a drawstring, nose bridge rest and lenses that he says protect against ultraviolet light rays.

“We try to push … to let people know, ‘Hey, you know, think about your dog’s eyes now that you’re out and it’s super bright,” said Escalante, who sells more during heat waves.

Other helpful tools include cooling collars and elevated dog beds that help with airflow, Scott says. You can also feed Fido chilled goodies like canine-friendly gelato, pup-sicles and ice cream mixes.

“When it’s hot, we all like a little frozen treat. So do dogs, so do cats,” Scott said.

Another solution is an indoor dog park. Spencer Mak and his wife, Lauren, have operated two Mak Pack Dog Training & Boarding facilities in suburban Phoenix since 2020. The 10,000-square-foot Chandler location includes an indoor dog park with agility exercises, climbing obstacles and a bounce house. They offer a $10 drop-in rate and a $49 monthly membership.

At its busiest, the indoor area has accommodated as many as 100 dogs. In June, when temperatures spiked, Mak saw 520 admissions compared to 300 in May — a nearly 75% jump.

He’s currently working on building an indoor doggy pool with ramps and floats.

Summertime also sees cases of people leaving or forgetting pets in hot cars. The temperature inside a vehicle can surpass the outside very quickly.

“It is so much better to just leave them at home and know that they’re gonna be wagging their tail and giving you kisses when you walk in the door,” Faeh says.

Some vehicles come with dashboard alerts if a child or pet is still in the back. There are also backseat car alarms on the market. But ultimately, “it always comes down to the human that owns the pet,” Scott says.

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Thu, Jul 25 2024 06:56:09 AM Thu, Jul 25 2024 10:34:10 AM
Hill's Pet Nutrition returns as lead national sponsor of Clear The Shelters https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/hills-pet-nutrition-sponsor-clear-the-shelters/3465812/ 3465812 post 9713904 Getty Images https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/07/HILLS-SPONSOR.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Hill’s Pet Nutrition, a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive and global leader in science-led pet nutrition, for the seventh consecutive year will serve as lead national sponsor of Clear The Shelters, NBCUniversal Local’s pet adoption and donation initiative hosting its 10th annual nationwide campaign Aug. 10 to Sept. 10. Since its 2015 inception, Clear The Shelters has helped more than one million pets find new homes and raised millions of dollars for shelters and rescues.

“Hill’s Pet Nutrition is an incredible, longstanding advocate for vulnerable pets and the shelters and rescues in communities across the nation that care for them,” said Bruce Kallner, SVP of Business Development, NBCUniversal Local. “Their sponsorship of Clear The Shelters has been a key driver of the campaign’s expanding impact and the milestones we’ve celebrated. As we embark on our 10th year, we’re again thankful for Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s contributions and remarkable collaboration.”

To support the 10th anniversary of Clear The Shelters, Hill’s Pet Nutrition will provide adoption kits to help new pet parents and their pets get a healthy start on their new life together. Kits containing starter bags of Hill’s science-led nutrition, coupons, pet-parenting tips and other supplies will be available at select shelters during the campaign.

“Tackling the growing challenge of the over capacity crisis happening in our nation’s shelters requires a team effort, which is why Hill’s Pet Nutrition is proud to continue our support of the Clear The Shelters campaign,” said Yvonne Hsu, US President and General Manager at Hill’s Pet Nutrition. “Supporting the significant work animal shelters do for the pets in their care is a priority for Hill’s as we work toward our collective goal of connecting more shelter pets with loving families.”

Clear The Shelters directly aligns with Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s mission to support shelter pets in need through the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program, which partners with shelters 365 days a year by providing science-led nutrition to feed the pets in their care, as well as financial support and other needed resources such as pet food for community food pantries. For more than 20 years, the Hill’s Food, Shelter & Love program has provided more than $300 million in food to shelters across North America, and has helped more than 14 million pets find new homes. To learn how Hill’s Pet Nutrition supports shelters and pets, visit Hill’s Food, Shelter and Love.

As part of the Clear The Shelters initiative, NBC and Telemundo owned and affiliated stations across the U.S. and Puerto Rico will partner with animal shelters and rescue services in their communities to promote pet adoption and raise needed funds. To mark the campaign’s 10th anniversary, donations to participating shelters and rescues can be made at ClearTheSheltersFund.org from Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.

The 2023 Clear The Shelters campaign led to more than 158,000 adoptions – lifting the all-time adoption total past one million – and raised over $575,000. More than 1,400 shelters and rescues representing 49 states and territories, including the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam – along with 152 NBC and Telemundo stations – participated in last year’s campaign between Aug. 1 to 30.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com.

Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

X: @ClearTheShelter
Instagram: cleartheshelters
TikTok: @cleartheshelters
Hashtags: #ClearTheShelters & #DesocuparLosAlbergues

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Mon, Jul 22 2024 10:46:09 AM Tue, Jul 23 2024 07:01:10 AM
Clear The Shelters campaign returns for 10th straight year https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/clear-the-shelters-2024-campaign-announcement/3443369/ 3443369 post 9640776 Getty Images https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/06/GettyImages-1845512061-e1719268320155.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,198 Clear The Shelters will be celebrating a decade in 2024.

The nationwide pet adoption and donation campaign from NBCUniversal Local is returning for the 10th straight year this August, the company announced on Tuesday.

The monthlong adoption initiative will take place from Aug. 10 to Sept. 10; and in honor of the 10th anniversary, the donation initiative will have an extended run of Aug. 1 to Sept. 30.

Clear The Shelters’ landmark anniversary comes after the campaign surpassed 1 million all-time adoptions in 2023.

“Surpassing the one millionth all-time adoption last year and now celebrating our 10th campaign are not just milestones, these numbers help quantify the incredible support Clear The Shelters has received from communities around the nation and the impact it’s had on vulnerable animals and the shelters that care for them,” said Meredith McGinn, NBCUniversal Local’s Executive Vice President of Diginets & Original Production, in a release.

Clear The Shelters sees NBC and Telemundo stations nationwide partner with animal shelters and rescues in their local communities to promote pet adoptions and to fundraise. The campaign has raised millions of dollars for participating animal shelters and rescues since launching in 2015.

Last year, over 150 NBC and Telemundo stations teamed up with 1,400-plus shelters and rescues located across 49 states and territories, including Puerto Rico and Guam. The 2023 campaign helped over 150,000 pets find homes while raising more than $575,000.

Details on highlights, activations and initiatives for 2024 will be announced at a later date.

Clear The Shelters has multiple partnerships that will be extended for the 2024 campaign. For the seventh straight year, Hill’s Pet Nutrition will serve as the campaign’s national sponsor and partner.

Meanwhile, virtual pet adoptions will be available through WeRescue for a sixth consecutive year. WeRescue allows prospective adopters to search for pets in their area, submit adoption applications and ask questions directly to shelters.

The campaign’s fundraising efforts will continue to be led by longtime partner Greater Good Charities, while animal and pet brand The Dodo will return as a media partner for an eighth campaign.

“It’s a privilege to partner with participating shelters, affiliate stations, Hill’s Pet Nutrition and our employees, to continue to grow and expand this initiative,” McGinn said.

For more information on Clear The Shelters, including participating animal shelters and rescues, along with details on local events, visit ClearTheShelters.com and the Spanish-language site DesocuparlosAlbergues.com. Follow Clear The Shelters on social media:

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Tue, Jun 25 2024 07:56:18 AM Mon, Aug 12 2024 10:05:21 AM
The ‘World's Ugliest Dog' contest has announced its 2024 winner https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/the-worlds-ugliest-dog-contest-has-announced-its-2024-winner/3442129/ 3442129 post 9636464 Sumiko Moots / NBC News https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/06/wild-thang-ugliest-dog-today-sk-240621-b08e33.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,150 A new pup has taken the crown for ugliest dog in the world.

Wild Thang won the 2024 World’s Ugliest Dog contest in Petaluma, California, on June 21.

Wild Thang, an 8-year-old Pekingese, has competed in the contest four previous times, placing in second three times before finally winning first place this year.

The dog was born and raised in Los Angeles and recently retired to North Bend, Oregon.

Wild Thang right before his win. (Sumiko Moots / NBC News)

According to his bio, Wild Thang contracted distemper as a puppy from a rescue foster.

“He survived, but not without permanent damage,” his bio says. “His teeth did not grow in, causing his tongue to stay out and his right front leg paddles 24/7.”

Wild Thang and his owner Ann Lewis. (Sumiko Moots / NBC News)

Apart from the physical issues, Wild Thang is “a healthy, happy Glugly (glamorous/ugly) guy,” his bio says.

He and his owner Ann Lewis took home a $5,000 check.

NBC News’ Gadi Schwartz helped judge the 2024 contest, along with Linda Witong Abrahm, Brian Sobel, Amy Gutierrez, Fiona Ma.

Last year, a hairless Chinese Crested pup named Scooter took home the title. Scooter was born with deformed back legs and turned into animal control for euthanasia by his breeder. He was rescued by the Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) rescue group, which his owner is a member of, and now uses a cart to help him walk.

The contest has been going on for nearly 50 years, according to the Sonoma-Marin Fair’s website, where the event takes place. The annual competition focuses on celebrating the uniqueness of all dogs and the benefits of adopting.

“The annual World’s Ugliest Dog Contest is not about making fun of ‘ugly’ dogs,” the website reads. “But having fun with some wonderful characters and showing the world that these dogs are really beautiful!”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

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Fri, Jun 21 2024 09:41:11 PM Fri, Jun 28 2024 10:47:13 AM
Saying goodbye: How to navigate the end of your pet's life https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/navigate-the-end-of-pets-life/3438527/ 3438527 post 9623307 Mary Conlon/AP https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/06/END-OF-PET-LIFE.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Dr. Lisa Walling’s first house call of the day was with a particularly fluffy hospice patient — a 13-year-old Newfoundland named Rugby.

Rugby happily licked a plate of peanut butter as Walling inserted needles along her back; acupuncture and a ketamine injection to help with pain and mobility problems.

As an end-of-life care veterinarian, Walling considers both pet and owner to be her patients. She’s there to make sure animals are as comfortable as possible in their final days, and help humans through the difficult decision of knowing when it’s time to say goodbye.

“I find a lot of the time, the biggest part of my job is helping the owners,” said Walling. When it came time to euthanize Rugby at a later visit, the whole family was there.

There are a number of options available to help aging pets and their caregivers, including hospice and palliative care, at-home euthanasia and a growing number of so-called pet death doulas. But navigating decisions around the end of their life can still feel overwhelming. Here are some ways you can take care of your pet and yourself.

How can I make my elderly pet more comfortable?

Hospice and palliative care veterinarians like Walling specialize in home visits, which can be a good option if transporting your pet to the vet’s office becomes too difficult.

The International Association for Animal Hospice and Palliative Care maintains a directory of its members.

Vets can prescribe medication to treat infections, pain and chronic conditions, and help with diet changes. But there are simple things owners can do themselves around the house to make their pet more comfortable.

As dogs age and their limbs become stiffer, slippery floors like hardwood and tile become difficult to walk on. Try putting carpet runners or yoga mats where your pet walks, and especially where they stand to eat. For breeds with longer hair, you can trim the fur off the bottom of their paws to give their pads more grip.

“We had to take all of the area rugs and patchwork our kitchen,” said Rugby’s owner, Sam Boege.

For larger dogs that need help getting up or going outside, Walling recommends a special harness that has front and rear handles.

Cats don’t struggle with slippery floors as much, but they do get arthritis. If your cat is having trouble stepping up into their litter box, it might be a good idea to get one that’s lower to the ground.

For both dogs and cats, try raising the food and water bowls so they don’t have to bend down as much.

How do you know when it’s time to say goodbye to your pet?

If medication and pain management aren’t relieving your pet’s suffering and you’re trying to decide if it may be time to let them go, look for signs like loss of appetite and difficulty breathing — and check with your vet.

“There is a spectrum of time when a euthanasia is an appropriate decision,” said Dr. Dani McVety, a veterinarian who founded Lap of Love, the country’s largest network of at-home euthanasia providers.

Lap of Love provides resources on its website that can be used to evaluate your animal’s quality of life.

Planning for at-home euthanasia can be a good choice for pets who aren’t experiencing immediate medical emergencies. It’s smart to prepare ahead of time and understand how the procedure works so you can focus on your pet in their last days.

“You’re not shortening their life, you’re shortening their death,” Walling said.

Where to turn for emotional support at the end of your pet’s life

You don’t have to go through the end of your pet’s life alone.

The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement provides information on its website to help pet owners understand euthanasia and grief. Lap of Love offers pet loss support groups several times a week. There are also pet loss counselors, grief specialists and animal chaplains who offer one-on-one support.

Animal end-of-life doulas, or “death doulas,” offer emotional, spiritual and informational support around the time of death. They aren’t required to have medical training, but may work with veterinary providers. A doula can help owners process feelings of grief and loss or assist with practical steps like planning for final days.

“Everybody’s different,” said Lauren Seeley, a death doula based in New York City. “What I find is most people aren’t ready to deal with it until it’s already happened.”

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Mon, Jun 17 2024 12:07:10 PM Mon, Jun 17 2024 01:13:11 PM
This New York City vet makes celebrity house calls. Now she has a memoir full of tails https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/new-york-city-vet-celebrity-house-calls-memoir/3432803/ 3432803 post 9605294 AP Photo/Mary Altaffer https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/06/AP24115578467121.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,200 As a city kid, Amy Attas had big dreams of roaming the countryside, healing animals a la James Herriot’s classic “All Creatures Great and Small.”

How did it go? Well, the veterinarian made it from Queens to Manhattan, spending the last 32 years traversing the streets of her hometown as a full-time house call doc.

And, boy, does she have stories to tell, from escaping a massive, ailing and territory-threatened Rottweiler, fangs fully bared, to three weeks on intravenous antibiotics after a nasty bite from a cat patient.

Then there’s the humans behaving badly (“No dog of mine will be neutered!”) and the pampered celebrity-owned pets, including the beloved dogs of the late Joan Rivers, whom Attas counted as a friend. Cher once bared all to show Attas a rash after she adopted a dog with mange, and Billy Joel serenaded her on piano.

“You’ll never guess what happened today,” was Attas’ nightly refrain to her husband. Now, she’s collected those tales into a juicy and compassionate memoir, “Pets and the City,” out June 18.

Woven among her stories are tips and advice for animal lovers. (Forget the Easter lilies, cat people.)

The pug-loving Attas had no grand business plan for her City Pets practice when she first packed up supplies and began traveling by subway and taxi. She had just left a tony Upper East Side animal hospital and some of her clients, including Rivers, wanted to keep using her. She assumed the house calls would be temporary.

“When I started, it was a novelty,” Attas said. “From day one I was busy.”

She has more company now as concierge services in general have grown in popularity. Other vets around the country do it full time like Attas, while some maintain brick-and-mortar practices and provide home services for end-of-life care.

Attas, meanwhile, has graduated to a private car and driver. She starts her days at 8 a.m., accompanied by one or both of her nurses. She allowed The Associated Press to tag along on a recent afternoon.

“I initially thought my practice would be filled with people who had difficulty getting to the veterinarian and maybe older people who had pets, or people with physical disabilities,” she said. They do seek her out but, Attas said, “what I didn’t realize was how attractive it would be to all kinds of other pet owners.”

Meet Puddy, the beloved 19-year-old domestic short hair cat of artist Wendy Beyer. The arthritic black-and-white feline has high blood pressure and requires monthly checks. Beyer found Attas through an online search.

“It’s life-changing,” Beyer said of having Puddy cared for in the comfort of his own home, a cozy sun- and art-filled apartment in the Hudson Yards neighborhood. “He’s never liked being in a carrier. It’s so traumatic trying to get him in the carrier myself.”

Beyer also likes Attas’ no-pressure approach to her decision to let Puddy age naturally without heroic measures.

“I think it’s helping to extend his life. He’s a really relaxed chill kitty. He’s not being stressed out,” Beyer said.

Hop on over to Fifth Avenue for a check on Cody, an adorable, barky white Maltese who, at age 8, is a bundle of fun-loving energy. He’s at the center of Lisa Healey’s life.

Cody has itchy allergies and a heart murmur. Attas, who helped the Healeys bid farewell to a previous dog, regularly sees Cody in the couple’s spacious apartment.

“This is our child and we would do anything for our children, so it’s worth the cost. It’s worth every penny. I don’t even think about it,” Healey said.

House calls are a far different beast for vets than regular practices. There’s the travel, of course, no small thing in Manhattan. On a recent round, Attas and nurse Jeanine Lunz made use of their in-car time answering phone calls, working on scheduling and tending to the numerous other tasks most vets deal with when they have a few minutes between exams.

“It takes much longer than just waiting for a patient to come in and going from exam room to exam room in a hospital,” Attas said.

The cost of her transportation (she’s Manhattan-only) is included in the fee. She charges an additional fee for seeing multiple pets at once. It’s less than making more than one trip to a vet’s office or what other vets may charge for seeing more than one pet on the same day, she said. Attas restricts her practice to dogs and cats.

In all, Attas said her services can be about 30% more than brick-and-mortar practices. She doesn’t perform surgery, but she provides typical care, from vaccinations to blood and urine draws, relying on specialists for things like severe heart and eye issues. She uses animal hospitals when large equipment is needed or for acute emergencies when every second counts.

So far, Attas has seen more than 7,000 animals in her travels, including the pets of Joel, Wayne Gretzky, Steve Martin and Kevin Kline. At minimum, she or one of the two other vets in her practice visit 12 to 15 homes daily. Her personal best in terms of animals seen in a day is 23.

Attas and her human clients point to other advantages of house calls. Once clients are established, the humans don’t have to be home.

“Sometimes they have their doorman let us in. Sometimes their nanny or their housekeeper is at home. And many of our clients actually give us keys to their apartments,” Attas said.

A copy of "Pets and the City" by Dr. Amy Attas, and James Herriot's "All Creatures Great and Small" are displayed on a book shelf in Attas' office at City Pets, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in New York.
A copy of “Pets and the City” by Dr. Amy Attas, and James Herriot’s “All Creatures Great and Small” are displayed on a book shelf in Attas’ office at City Pets, Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in New York.

Attas dispels the notion that her client list is solely filled with pets of the wealthy.

“I go to billionaires’ homes. I go to housing projects. I work with not-for-profits to help seniors continue to live with their pets,” she said. “Some of my favorite clients through the years were people who didn’t really have a lot, but what they cherished most were their pets.”

Attas never wants to be so busy that she loses the intimate value of home visits.

“When you’re in the home, you’re experiencing how that pet lives,” she said. “I can’t even think of how many times I have been in someone’s home where I see something that is a complete danger for a pet.”

That includes potential killers like open windows with no screens, toxic plants and unsecured terraces. She ended one owner’s practice of serving up massive quantities of catnip after the cat went seriously loopy.

And she found an unlikely object inside a bull terrier that wasn’t coming out the way it went in: His human’s giant over-ear headphones. The human wondered where they had gone.

“We couldn’t figure out how he even consumed them,” Attas said.

She keeps a keen eye on humans who sometimes need help themselves.

“I’ve seen seniors who have lost pets and lose their will to live. In one particular case that I talk about in the book, a lovely woman’s elderly dog passed away, and when I went to check on her a week later she was a fraction of the woman I had seen the week before,” Attas said.

Attas brought the grieving 90-year-old client a senior dog to adopt under the guise of fostering.

“She immediately had a reason to live again,” Attas said, “and took care of that dog until the day she passed away.”

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Mon, Jun 10 2024 10:47:07 AM Tue, Jun 11 2024 01:00:19 PM
Dog runs 4 miles to get help after man crashes car into ravine in Oregon https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/dog-runs-4-miles-to-get-help-after-man-crashes-car-into-ravine-in-oregon/3431567/ 3431567 post 9600713 Baker County Sheriff's Office https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/06/truck-pic.png?fit=300,169&quality=85&strip=all An Oregon man who crashed his car over an embankment was found and rescued after his dog ran four miles to alert family members at a nearby campsite that something was wrong, officials said.

Brandon Garrett was traveling north on U.S. Forest Service Road 39 with his four dogs on Sunday night when he “failed to negotiate a curve” and crashed over an embankment, according to the Baker County Sheriff’s Office. While Garrett was able to crawl about 100 yards from the wrecked vehicle, where he remained overnight, one of his dogs ran four miles to their camp and alerted family members.

Garrett’s relatives then set out to search for him, and finally located his vehicle on Monday. Garrett and his three other dogs were found alive, but the family couldn’t reach them due to the terrain. They called for help around 9:30 a.m. Monday. 

Sheriff’s deputies responded to the scene along with Baker County Search and Rescue, Pine Valley Rural Fire District and Halfway Ambulance. Sheriff Travis Ash located the vehicle and a dog in the “steep, brushy ravine,” and as he was searching for an access point, heard Garrett calling for help.

Ash rendered first aid while Pine Valley Rural Fire volunteers and U.S. Forest Service employees used chainsaws to clear a path for rescuers. Once the team was able to reach Garrett, they loaded him into a rescue basket and used a highline rope system to pull him across the ravine.

Garrett was transported by ambulance to a nearby Life Flight helicopter and airlifted to a hospital, the sheriff’s office said. The sheriff’s office did not specify the nature of his injuries, or his condition.

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Fri, Jun 07 2024 12:44:26 PM Fri, Jun 07 2024 12:46:14 PM
Service dogs helped ease PTSD symptoms in US military veterans, researchers say https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/service-dogs-helped-trat-ptsd-in-veterans-study-military/3428891/ 3428891 post 9591974 Justin Sullivan/Getty Images https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/06/GettyImages-93260781.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,192 Specially trained service dogs helped ease PTSD symptoms in U.S. military veterans in a small study that the researchers hope will help expand options for service members.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides talk therapy and medications to veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder and runs a pilot program involving service dogs. The VA can prescribe service dogs to certain veterans diagnosed with a visual, hearing or substantial mobility impairment, including eligible veterans with PTSD, and will cover some costs associated with having a service dog.

The agency continues to review the research “to evaluate the effectiveness of service dogs,” said VA press secretary Terrence Hayes, “and we are committed to providing high-quality, evidence-based care to all those who served.”

Study co-author Maggie O’Haire, of the University of Arizona’s veterinary college, said one of the researchers’ goals was “to bring evidence behind a practice that appears to be increasingly popular, yet historically did not have the scientific base behind it.”

For the study, service dogs were provided by K9s For Warriors, a nonprofit organization that matches trained dogs with veterans during a three-week group class. The dogs are taught to pick up a veteran’s physical signs of distress and can interrupt panic attacks and nightmares with a loving nudge.

Researchers compared 81 veterans who received service dogs with 75 veterans on the waiting list for a trained dog. PTSD symptoms were measured by psychology doctoral students who didn’t know which veterans had service dogs.

After three months, PTSD symptoms improved in both groups, but the veterans with dogs saw a bigger improvement on average than the veterans on the waiting list. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, was published Tuesday in JAMA Network Open.

It wasn’t clear from the study whether spending time with any dog would have had the same effect. (About 40% of the veterans in both groups owned pet dogs.) And all the veterans in the study had access to other PTSD treatments.

Service dogs should be considered complementary and not a standalone therapy, O’Haire said.

“When you add it to existing medical practices, it can enhance your experience and reduce your symptoms more,” she said.

PTSD is more common among veterans than civilians, the VA says, affecting as many as 29% of Iraq war veterans over their lifetimes. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, numbness or the feeling of being constantly on edge.

“I would wake up in the middle of the night, almost nightly, in a pool of sweat,” said Dave Crenshaw, who served with the Army National Guard in Iraq and was diagnosed with PTSD in 2016 while working undercover in law enforcement. Antidepressants helped with some symptoms, he said, but he still felt numb.

The 41-year-old veteran met his service dog, a pointer-black lab mix named Doc, in 2019. He immediately felt what he described as “joy and wholesomeness. It’s just an overwhelming feeling of ‘Hey, everything’s going to be OK.’”

Doc senses when he’s upset, often before he notices himself, and come close, Crenshaw said. Today, Crenshaw is no longer taking antidepressants and is enjoying retirement from the military and law enforcement. He gives Doc credit for getting his life back on track.

“It’s the greatest medicine with the least amount of side effects,” Crenshaw said.

___

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Tue, Jun 04 2024 05:44:59 PM Fri, Jun 28 2024 10:49:06 AM
Animal activists concerned with LA's ability to properly care for shelter dogs https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/animal-activists-concerned-with-las-ability-to-properly-care-for-shelter-dogs/3426189/ 3426189 post 9583330 NBCLA https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/05/dogs-animal-shelter-generic-may-2024.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Volunteers with Los Angeles Animal Services and rescue groups are hopeful a free statewide adoption event will reduce the overcrowding at local shelters, but they say that’s only part of the solution for solving the crisis.

As of Friday afternoon, LA Animal Services was at 205% capacity, with more than 1,500 dogs spread across their six city-run shelters. In an effort to help with the overpopulation, California shelters will be participating in a first-ever statewide free Adoption Day Event on June 1. This includes LA City, LA County, Orange County and San Bernardino County shelters.

There is an overwhelming number of unwanted animals entering the shelters at a rate higher than they’re coming out. It’s a critical issue that animal rescue groups and shelters are working to address, with the resources available.

Inside the North Central LA Animal Shelter, many kennels are doubled up with dogs due to the limited space and resources.

“We’re probably one of the more underfunded departments but we have to care for all these animals,” said LA Animal Services Public Information Director, Agnes Sibal.

Sibal explained how their six shelters are doing their best to keep up with the demand.

“They are having to kill a lot of dogs for space and we should be open and honest about that because that will only help people want to do better by their dogs. That will only help people want to rescue these animals,” said Animal Rescue Mission Founder, Shira Scott Astrof.

Astrof is concerned the city-run shelters are unable to properly handle the overcrowding crisis and claims they’re putting adoptable dogs on a “Red List,” which gives the animals a two-week window until they’re scheduled to be euthanized. However, LA Animal Services strongly denies they put down any animals for space.

“A lot of the animals that are on the red list are there because they have medical issues or a safety or behavior concern,” said Sibal.

The stress of overcrowded shelters is a problem across the country, which is why the California Animal Welfare Association, also known as CalAnimals, and ASPCA are hosting a free adoption event at more than 170 California shelters.

“People are struggling with lack of access to veterinary care or pet-friendly housing. And so, animal shelters and what’s going on in animal shelters is really always just a symptom of what’s going on in a general community,” said CalAnimals CEO Jill Tucker.

NBC4 reached out to LA Animal Services General Manager Staycee Dains about the concerns from volunteers and rescue groups.

Dains provided a written response saying she was focused on saving the lives of animals and working to address the overcrowding crisis and would be happy to do an interview. However, Dains has not been available when NBC4 requested interviews, and recently canceled two scheduled in-person interviews.

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Fri, May 31 2024 05:43:36 PM Fri, May 31 2024 07:20:45 PM
Airline ‘Bark Air' lands inaugural flight full of dogs in Van Nuys https://www.nbclosangeles.com/local-2/airline-bark-air-lands-inaugural-flight-full-of-dogs-in-van-nuys/3419976/ 3419976 post 9562669 Air Bark https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/05/airbark2.png?fit=300,169&quality=85&strip=all Now boarding: man’s best friend.

Bark Air is landing its inaugural flight full of dogs at Van Nuys Airport on Thursday afternoon.

The airline caters to owners who want to avoid putting their four-legged best friends in a crate or carrier when traveling.

Bark Air flies private Gulfstream G-5 jets, as opposed to your standard airliner.

The airline’s website calls it a “white paw” experience, with a quick check-in process for the dogs and their human companions.

Concierges provide everything from music to lavender-scented refreshment towels on board. Pups can choose between water or bone broth, all served during takeoff and landing to keep their ears safe when the cabin pressure changes.

The airline currently only offers one-way and round-trip flights from New York to Los Angeles and New York to London. Prices start at $6,000 for a flight to New York.

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Thu, May 23 2024 04:57:41 PM Fri, Jul 19 2024 10:11:36 AM
The real stars of Cannes Film Festival may be the dogs https://www.nbclosangeles.com/entertainment/entertainment-news/cannes-international-film-festival-dog-stars/3419889/ 3419889 post 9562107 Vianney Le Caer/Invision/AP https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/05/AP24141311552284-e1716494679471.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,200 Celebrity animal trainer and Link My Pet ambassador Brandon McMillan revealed to NBC Local what three things every new rescue dog owner needs to know about training their pet, and he says it’s like teaching your kindergartener their “ABCs and 123s.”

McMillan, who owns a top dog training facility in Los Angeles, said training your dog at a young age teaches it obedience because it is when the owner’s “basic manners of control” get instilled in the dog before they get used to getting away with bad behavior.

“If you neglect them of basic education when they are a puppy, or even an adolescent, then yeah they are going to have behavioral issues when they are older because you didn’t send them to kindergarten,” McMillan said.

So, how should you go about training your new puppy? Let’s break down McMillan’s three points to know for new dog owners.

1. Safety always comes first

Dogs, like humans, have personalities that may not always match with an owner. McMillan said prospective dog owners should talk to the shelter they are adopting from about the dog’s personality, and how it gets along with other dogs, children and cats, in particular.

“If you don’t do your prep work there (shelter), then you might bring the dog home and find out” your new dog does not get along with your kid or other pets, McMillan said.

2. Set them up for success

Bringing a new dog home can be stressful for the dog, and if they are untrained puppies they are sure to get into trouble if they are left to roam around a home alone.

“So when I say set them up for success, don’t drop them off at home and leave right away. You want to spend some time with the dog at home. You want them to feel comfortable and know this is home,” McMillan said. “And if they are a very young puppy, I would not give them free range of the house when you leave.”

“There’s no way on Earth you’re going to leave a puppy alone in a house for a few hours and it not get in trouble,” McMillan added.

3. Training builds trust

Dogs, as pack animals, naturally look for leadership.

“In pack animals, there is always a hierarchy in the pack,” McMillan said. “And they are always looking for some form of leadership.”

Dog owners should strive to be both the parent and the friend of their pet, and that is where training comes in.

“Training will not only build trust, but it builds a bond, a friendship,” McMillan said.

“If they don’t trust you, they are not going to learn one thing from you,” McMillan added. “You always want to make sure you form that bond, form a trust with a dog, and they are going to learn whatever you throw at them.”

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Thu, May 23 2024 02:13:06 PM Thu, May 23 2024 02:13:06 PM
Dogs steal the show with adorable Pet Gala looks. See the Met Gala-inspired photos here https://www.nbclosangeles.com/local/pet-gala-2024-gallery/3418541/ 3418541 post 9558035 https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/05/petgala-thumb.png?fit=300,169&quality=85&strip=all The Met Gala is a tough act to follow, but the Pet Gala may have just stolen the show.

Fashion designer Anthony Rubio threw the now-annual event Monday night at New York’s American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog. Eighteen dogs took to the red carpet to give their spin on the top fashion statements from the 2024 Met Gala and its “Garden of Time” theme.

From Nicki Minaj to J-Lo and Chris Hemsworth, the dogs really met the moment with their copycat looks.

Check out some of the doggie doppelgängers for yourself.

LaLa, a Pomeranian as Nicki Minaj

Lala and Nicki Minaj
Credits – Top: JoJo Estrellado, Bottom: Getty Images

Ted Gram, a Poodle as Bad Bunny

Ted and Bad Bunny
Credits – Left: JoJo Estrellado, Right: Getty Images

Miley-Jo, a Chorkie as Cardi B

Miley-Jo and Cardi B
Credits – Top: JoJo Estrellado, Bottom: Getty Images

Saya, a Pocket Pitbull as Shakira

Saya and Shakira
Credits – Top: Andres Mendoza, Bottom: Getty Images

Layla, a Shichon as Sarah Jessica Parker

Saya and Shakira
Credits – Top: Andres Mendoza, Bottom: Getty Images

Fritz, a Pomeranian as Ed Sheeran

Fritz and Ed Sheeren
Credit: Getty Images

Daffodil, a Pomeranian as Jennifer Lopez

Daffodil and Jennifer Lopez
Credits – Top: Andres Mendoza, Bottom: Getty Images

Livie, a Morkie as Gigi Hidid

Livie and Gigi Hadid
Credits – Left: Hideki Aono, Right: Getty Images

Gizmo, a Shih Tzu as Chris Hemsworth

Gizmo and Chris Hemsworth
Credits – Left: Hideki Aono, Right: Getty Images

Like the Met Gala, the Pet Gala serves as a benefit event for the host museum. Tickets into the Pet Gala were $300.

“I want people to understand that we’re not making fun of the Met Gala. We’re not mimicking the Met Gala,” Rubio said. “We’re elevating and appraising and appreciating the wonderful designs that were presented at the Met Gala by the most talented designers of the world.”

Safe to say everyone involved had a ball!

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Wed, May 22 2024 11:08:15 AM Wed, May 22 2024 01:14:07 PM
Firefighter dogs who rescued people from natural disasters are honored in Ecuador as they retire https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/firefighter-dogs-who-rescued-people-from-natural-disasters-are-honored-in-ecuador-as-they-retire/3417001/ 3417001 post 9553374 AP Photo/Dolores Ochoa https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/05/AP24141729381428.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,200 Five rescue dogs were honored by Ecuador’s Fire Department on Monday at a ceremony formally retiring them after seven years of service and turning them over to new adoptive owners.

Lt. Col. Esteban Cardenas said the dogs — Ares, Kratos, Zeus, Titan and Gaia — were part of the first class of canines used by the department’s rescue unit, which works with German shepherds and golden retrievers.

Cardenas recalled some of their feats, including aiding in finding survivors of earthquakes and landslides across Ecuador and abroad, including a mission to Mexico in 2017.

He said veterinarian reports had suggested it was time to retire the five dogs.

“Today for us is a day of mixed feelings. We really would not want them to leave. We would have liked to have them with us in our ranks,” Cardenas said.

The dogs’ new owners were selected carefully after meeting certain requirements, he said.

Gaia’s new owner, Valeria Zevallos, said she was amazed by her new pet’s previous career of saving lives.

“Many adventures await us now. After her work adventures, family adventures,” she said.

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Mon, May 20 2024 10:50:12 PM Mon, May 20 2024 10:50:12 PM
National Rescue Dog Day: How LA's dog breeding permit moratorium came about https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/national-rescue-dog-day-los-angeles-dog-breeding-moratorium/3416624/ 3416624 post 9552109 https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/05/Untitled-design-11.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Los Angeles Councilmembers Eunisses Hernandez and Traci Park often find themselves on the opposite ends of policy proposals in the city, especially when it comes to homelessness.

Park, who represents the 11th City Council District on the Westside, is a vocal advocate for the anti-camping law and RV parking ban, while Hernandez of the 1st City Council District, which includes Pico-Union and MacArthur Park, has been critical of the policies, which, according Hernandez, criminalize homelessness.

But it turns out the two officials, who were both elected in 2022, had one thing in common: their love of animals. 

Their passion for animal advocacy along with the overcrowding conditions they witnessed at the city’s shelters motivated them to push for a temporary moratorium on dog breeding permits, Hernandez and Park said. 

The Los Angeles City Council passed the temporary moratorium on dog breeding permits last month in an attempt to address overpopulation at the six city-run animal shelters.

‘We both love animals!’

When LA’s homelessness problems made headlines in the past couple of years, the public may have read or heard about the two council members’ opposing views on how to offer housing to the homeless population or whether to ban RVs from parking overnight in certain neighborhoods.

But Hernandez and Park said, behind the scenes, they learned more about each other and their shared passion for animal advocacy.

“[Park] was bringing in cats for adoption at City Hall, and I was bringing in dogs for adoption at City Hall,” recalled Hernandez. “I’m just grateful that there’s another person on the council that cares as much for animals as I do.”

Park said their common bond over animal advocacy made it easy to come together to look for solutions for the city’s crowded animal shelters that are overwhelmed with un-adopted animals with some forced to euthanize healthy dogs.

“When we discussed what could be done to ease the burden on our shelters and find homes for the animals, we easily knew what we needed to do moving forward,” Park said.

‘They refuel me’

Park and Hernandez may be influential decision makers who are faced with heavy and challenging tasks of solving homelessness, but they are no different than other pet parents when asked about their fur babies.

“They are the loves of my life, and they bring me a lot of joy,” said Hernandez, who is a dog mom to three boxers, Ringo Rosie and Coco. “They refuel me because they have endless love.”

Park is also a proud pet owner with two rescue cats.

“Bad Frances loves to chase the feather wand, and Cheddar, my adventure boy, likes to go for walks on his leash,” Park described, saying she chose to adopt because there were countless animals out there in need of loving homes.

Park also said she has been partnering with the LA Animal Service to provide updates on shelter animals to her constituents.

“I initiated an ‘Adopt a Pet’ feature in my weekly newsletter… with personalized write-ups,” said Park whose coastal district has been seeing sick marine mammals and birds in the past year. “Whether it’s collaborating with my colleagues in council or groups like the Marine Mammal Care Center, I intend to use my team in office to ensure we get support for the comprehensive protection and well-being of all our animal neighbors.”

‘Our animals need partners on this council’

When Hernandez and Park first started the discussion of proposing the breeding moratorium, they were informed about potential opposition from LA residents, some of whom make a living by breeding dogs.

“I understand that everybody’s trying to make their way into trying to survive. But what’s happening is that we are getting purebred dogs that are being dropped off and surrendered at the shelters or being found in the streets, Hernandez explained. “We cannot keep up with the number of pets coming in with the inflow.”

Under the ordinance, the moratorium would be lifted once shelters are at or below 75% capacity for three consecutive months, and could be automatically reinstated if shelter capacity rises above 75%.

Park, who also acknowledged the ordinance may not be a “silver bullet,” said this would be one of the solutions needed to clear the shelters in the city.

“We need to use every tool we have available to us to bring the shelter population down,” Park said during the April City Council meeting. “Hopefully it’ll stem the inflow of dogs into our shelters and alleviate burnout among shelter staff and some of the suffering experienced by animals in our community.”

Councilmember Bob Blumenfield, who seconded the motion, noted during the meeting that the moratorium would also save taxpayers’ money as it has become increasingly costly for housing and even euthanizing un-adopted dogs.

“Get your Labradors, Bulldogs, Corgis from the shelter,” Blumenfield said.

More work to be done to clear the shelters

As Hernandez noted she and Park wanted to “create a barrier to try limit the inflow of animals” with the moratorium on dog breeding permits, the City Council is taking a “multipronged approach” to improve the conditions at the shelters, according to Hernandez.

She said a new plan is in the works to encourage people to foster shelter pets with financial incentives. 

“We’re putting a report together on figuring out how we can pay stipends to our foster volunteers because they’re giving time, they’re giving food, they’re giving their love,” Hernandez said. “We want to be able to support them in fostering our pets through stipends.

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Mon, May 20 2024 01:54:52 PM Mon, May 20 2024 04:01:22 PM
A starving stray dog showed up on a man's farm. What came next went viral https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/starving-stray-dog-south-carolina-man-farm-viral/3412364/ 3412364 post 9538177 @markontheranch via TikTok https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/05/dog-man-farm-2x1-zz-240510-caf75a.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,150 Mark Farmer gets up every day at 3 o’clock in the morning. He has his cup of coffee, then tends to the needs of his South Carolina farm, home to goats, horses, a chicken named Hennifer Lopez and more. He’s been doing this for three summers.

One morning this year, Farmer had an uninvited guest: a stray and underfed dog. And when you already have two dogs and over 40 other animals, what’s one more?

Farmer documented their first encounter on his @MarkOnTheRanch TikTok, posting the video on April 15. “Stray dog on the farm today,” the video reads.

In it, Farmer’s dog Luna spots the stray first, approaching him. Farmer tries to coax the dog forward, whose bones were visible, with a bowl of food. “It took a minute,” he wrote, but the dog ate and eventually followed him back to the house.

“He won the lottery he just doesn’t know it yet,” the caption reads.

Speaking to TODAY.com, Farmer explains the story behind the viral moment — as of May 13, the video has over 7 million views.

“I just so happened to be walking outside one morning — I just had a goat deliver babies — and I saw him outside of the goat pen sniffing around,” Farmer, a retired Marine firefighter, tells TODAY.com.

Farmer has a six-year-old Doberman named Luna, professionally trained by Farmer’s husband who is a retired Air Force canine handler. “I think if there was a dog to be a role model for Roman, it’s Luna,” he says.

“Protector” Luna noticed the stray dog first, Farmer says. He assessed the situation based on Luna’s reaction.

“She didn’t even go after him aggressively. She wasn’t barking, she immediately just started crying. So I knew there was a problem. He needed help. He wasn’t a threat,” he says.

Farmer spent the day trying to let the stray know that he wasn’t a threat and their home was a safe environment. “I didn’t try to touch him or approach him in any way. It took like five or six hours, but he eventually came up on the porch and walked in the house. It was done after that,” he says. “I knew right away that if he let me I was going to help him. And he let me.”

He decided to name the stray pup Roman. The name, he says, is “punny.”

Luna, Roman and Bruce Wayne, up front. (@markontheranch via TikTok)

“The first reason I called him Roman is because I just found him roaming around on my farm,” he says. “But also, I’m a huge Nicki Minaj fan. So it’s a little reference to (Minaj’s alter ego) Roman Zolanski.”

Farmer, who has been sharing his life on his South Carolina farm on TikTok for years, saw people’s interest in Roman’s story. He goes live on TikTok about four times a week at 9 a.m. ET, giving updates on all his animals — including Roman.

Followers love seeing Roman open up, show his personality and join his new “pack.” In addition to Luna, Farmer also has a miniature pinscher named Bruce Wayne. In videos, he happily wags his tail when he’s woken up, and decides to join Farmer’s two other dogs on the bed.

Followers watch Roman’s physical transformation, now that he has a diet and medication plan to help put on weight and control his heartworms. Farmer does a weekly weigh in and posts the results.

Roman getting more comfortable in his new home. (@markontheranch via TikTok)

“We’re going to hopefully put about 20 pounds on him. The vet said an ideal healthy weight for him would be around 70 pounds, and he’s a little over 50 now so about 20 pounds to go,” Farmer says.

Farmer and the vets believe Roman is a hound of some sort and about a year old. He will eventually want to get the newcomer DNA tested.

His origins are unclear — but his personality isn’t. Farmer says he’s a gentle dog. “He has done so well with all of my other animals. I have footage of him interacting with my baby goats, sniffing them through the fence and just acting totally fine,” he says.

The only animals left to meet are the chickens, but “he hasn’t walked that far across the property yet.”

Roman on a walk. (@markontheranch via TikTok)

Roman has only interacted with a handful of people, Farmer says. “We live in the middle of nowhere. People don’t come here, so he doesn’t really have the opportunity to interact with other people. But the ones that he has interacted with, he’s just been so sweet,” he says.

Through this saga, Farmer is living out the intention of his TikTok. He created the account during the pandemic “so that other people could escape the craziness of the world” and live in his “paradise, even if it’s just for an hour a day.”

“For three years now, I just come on almost every day just sharing to make people’s day brighter. That’s all,” he says.

Roman has definitely captured the hearts of thousands of followers — and Farmer will continue to share updates on the newest member of his family.

When asked what message he would like to share with his new and regular followers, he says: “Do something nice for somebody, even if that somebody is yourself, and then don’t tell somebody that you did.”

This story first appeared on TODAY.com. More from TODAY:

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Wed, May 15 2024 04:29:50 PM Fri, Jul 19 2024 10:13:18 AM
Horses confiscated during neglect investigation now available for adoption https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/horses-confiscated-during-neglect-investigation-now-available-for-adoption/3387025/ 3387025 post 9456769 Riverside County Department of Animal Services https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/04/horse-rescue-riverside-41224-thumb.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,190 Dozens of horses seized during a neglect investigation in the San Jacinto Valley, where more than 40 dogs were impounded as a result of the same investigation, came up for adoption Friday, though authorities cautioned that only experienced equestrian handlers would be able to manage the steeds.

“We are at a point in this ongoing investigation where we are able to reach out to residents and rescue groups that would want to help rescue or adopt and care for these animals and give them the quality of life that they deserve,” Riverside County Department of Animal Services Director Erin Gettis said.

According to agency spokesman Lt. James Huffman, the 60-plus horses and nearly four dozen canines were seized on March 28 from two different properties operated by the same individual, whose name was not disclosed.

Huffman said the seizure stemmed from an 18-month investigation that has not yet led to the filing of criminal charges. No one has been arrested in connection with the neglect case.

According to officials, most of the horses are untamed, so they will require breaking in by experienced handlers.

They include Aztecas, Friesian crosses and quarter horse crosses, mares and stallions, ranging from days old to their mid-20s. Some of the mares may be pregnant.

“Guarantees cannot be made regarding their condition, train-ability or ride-ability. All of the horses require teeth floating and hoof trimming,” according to an agency statement.

Along with the equines, animal control officers seized the canines at the two properties at the same time.

“They are mostly mixed herding breeds, such as Australian shepherd, border collie and German shepherd-type dogs, ranging from adults, puppies, to moms with puppies,” the Department of Animal Services said.

The canines can be seen anytime at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, 581 S. Grand Ave. The horses are accessible at the location by appointment only.

Inquiries should be directed to shelterinfo@rivco.org.

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Fri, Apr 12 2024 10:00:28 PM Fri, Apr 12 2024 10:01:46 PM
Overcrowding at LA County animal shelters is leading to euthanization of healthy pets https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/overcrowding-at-la-county-animal-shelters-is-leading-to-euthanization-of-healthy-pets/3386059/ 3386059 post 9453252 NBCLA https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/04/dog-generic-vara-41124.png?fit=300,169&quality=85&strip=all Healthy, adoptable dogs at Southern California animal shelters are being euthanized due to overcrowding and shelter managers say the problem will persist unless more funds are allocated to help alleviate the issues.

As Southern California residents continue to grapple with the financial impact of the coronavirus pandemic, leaders in the Southland’s animal shelters say more and more pet owners are surrendering their animal companions due to costs.

“People are having a hard time keeping their pets because of the economy, because of the increased cost of caring for pets,” said Marcia Mayeda of the Los Angeles County Animal Care.

And while more pets are being surrendered, more animal shelters are having to make the difficult decision to euthanize adoptable animals to make more space. The economy is only part of the issue contributing to overcrowding at animal shelters.

According to Mayeda, SoCal is experiencing a shortage of veterinarians.

“It’s more difficult for (pet owners) to get a veterinarian to get their pets spayed, or they can’t afford it,” she said. This is leading to an increase in backyard breeding, which further contributes to over-population at shelters.

“A lot of people started getting into breeding of animals and people who really didn’t know what they were doing,” Mayeda said. “Again, more unwanted puppies ending up in shelters, along with seniors and dogs that are sick.”

Some of the hardest-hit shelters in Los Angeles County include Lancaster and Palmdale. According to Mayeda, the county’s Palmdale animal shelter needs more staff and 80 more kennels to meet the demand of the animals it receives. However, the county’s limited funds have made it impossible to obtain those feats.

“Our Palmdale care center wasn’t really built large enough for what they need,” Mayeda said. “It was built as big as it could be with the money that was available at the time.”

With so many animals arriving daily at these shelters, the burden falls on staff to decide which dogs will have to be euthanized in order to make room for new animals.

“When you are already over capacity and you get 20 dogs and 30 cats, what do you do, right?” said Nikole Bresciani, President of the Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA. “There is realy compassion fatigue and burnout.”

It’s an issue that shelter managers say makes them and their team feel villainized.

“Nobody gets into animal welfare because we’re hoping to euthanize an animal. That’s a by-product of a lot of issues,” Bresciani said.

“To be in this business, you have to make a hard decision in getting overcrowded and then the spread of disease,” said Madeline Bernstein, President of spcaLA.

In an effort to prevent an animal from being euthanized, LA County Animal Care said it now sends two 24-hour notices for dogs at risk of euthanasia. The goal is to give volunteers and social media influencers a chance to share those dogs’ image online in hopes an adoption will be made before their scheduled euthanization.

While the county works to find solutions to prevent animal euthanizations, LA County Animal Care is sharing as many resources and information as it can to help people keep their pets. They advise all pet parents to spay or neuter their animal companions and to visit its website for more information.

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Thu, Apr 11 2024 07:17:11 PM Thu, Apr 11 2024 07:17:25 PM
Pet insurance didn't feel worth it—until my cat needed a $3,000 surgery https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/business/money-report/pet-insurance-didnt-feel-worth-it-until-my-cat-needed-a-3000-surgery/3376388/ 3376388 post 9416454 Mike Winters https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/03/107394593-1711664757591-wally_last.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,176 My wife and I never gave pet insurance much thought — until we were told our cat Wally needed surgery that would cost nearly $3,000.

Until then, we had dismissed a pet insurance policy as an unnecessary expense since the premiums and deductibles exceeded the typical annual vet costs we paid out of pocket.

Apparently, we weren’t alone in that thinking, as only about 25% of pet owners have pet insurance, according to a recent NerdWallet survey.

Our cat Wally.
Our cat Wally.

And yet, when it came down to it, there was no question we’d spend more than $3,000 if it meant keeping our chunky cat healthy and alive.

In the 10 years since we adopted our exquisitely lazy and self-possessed tabby, he has become our muse, the subject of endless chatter, social media posts and at least one professionally painted portrait that’s displayed on our wall.

And as someone who hadn’t owned a cat before, I was surprised by the strength of our bond over the years, especially after spending every single day together during the pandemic.

But in 2023, during a fit of the “zoomies,” Wally leapt off our bed and landed with a hard thud on the floor. We think that’s when the limp started. After getting X-rays at the vet, they said he had torn a ligament in his leg.

Wally under some bed sheets.
Mike Winters
Wally under some bed sheets.

Without treatment, he would likely develop osteoarthritis, which would only worsen his pain. All told, the related vet bills, including X-rays, cost over $3,500. We paid for the surgery with savings, and Wally has since recovered.

Shortly after the surgery, we signed up for pet insurance through my wife’s employer. The decision was a no-brainer for us: We already got burned once by unexpected expenses and our cat wasn’t getting younger. Plus, we got a reasonable rate of about $30 per month.

But more than that, we want to avoid tough decisions down the road.

What you get with pet insurance

Typically, pet insurance covers accidents, illness and wellness, which pays for routine care like annual exams. Accident and illness coverage are usually bundled together as a “comprehensive” plan, while wellness is commonly an optional add-on.

Comprehensive pet insurance policies that include accidents and illness cost an average of $53 per month for dogs and $32 per month for cats, according to personal finance website ValuePenguin. Adding wellness coverage increases the cost to $95 per month for dogs and $51 per month for cats.

These rates assume a rather common yearly deductible of $500, which is the amount you have to pay out of pocket before the insurance kicks in. These rates are also based on policies offering 80% coverage for vet bills, up to a maximum coverage of $5,000 per policy year.

Wally takes it easy.
Mike Winters
Wally takes it easy.

You can find plans with lower deductibles, higher maximums and 100% coverage, but those factors will likely raise your monthly premiums.

Crucially, pet insurance does not cover preexisting conditions, which are based on medical records from prior vet visits. With Wally, periodontitis is a precondition, which means that we will have to pay for tooth extractions, if needed. 

Is pet insurance worth it? The answer isn’t obvious

I can see why most people don’t sign up for pet insurance. To many, it may not seem worth the cost. And in some cases, it isn’t.

Routine vet visits, including checkups, heartworm tests and vaccinations, typically cost less than $300, according to estimates by health-care financing company CareCredit. If that’s all your pet needs for a given year, you probably won’t exceed a $500 deductible and would save more money by simply paying for these services out of pocket.

But there’s also a downside to this approach. My wife and I learned the hard way that emergency or life-saving procedures like hospitalization or surgeries can cost more than $3,000, which many people can’t easily afford.

Wally recovers from surgery.
Mike Winters
Wally recovers from surgery.

These expenses are often unexpected and can put pet owners in the difficult position of choosing whether a necessary procedure is worth the cost, especially if they have an ailing or elderly pet. 

In our case, we aren’t thinking of pet insurance as a way to save money. Instead, it’s a way to soften the blow of unexpected costs when they arise. We know that some procedures won’t be covered, but it’s a risk we’re willing to take.

How to know whether pet insurance is right for you

Financial planners who spoke with CNBC Make It were divided on whether pet insurance is worth the cost.

That’s because the value for any given pet insurance policy depends on several factors, including your pet’s overall health, whether your pet is genetically prone to specific diseases, or your pet’s preconditions and lifestyle. The cost of your plan and what it covers will be big factors too. 

“Insurance is never a slam-dunk purchase,” says Rikin Shah, an insurance agent and founder of the insurance broker GetSure.

Wally after his surgery.
Wally after his surgery.

To help decide whether pet insurance is right for you, he suggests that you “crunch the numbers” by comparing the annual cost of insurance with your vet bills in the last year. If the numbers are somewhat close, then you’ll likely feel better about purchasing a policy, he says.

“I would recommend weighing the risks qualitatively,” says Shah. “If your pet is young, healthy and stays indoors primarily, an emergency fund may make more sense. However, if your pet does not have significant preexisting conditions and is older or is a breed prone to health issues, insurance may be the safer bet.”

Another option is skipping insurance in favor of a pet emergency fund that includes a few thousand dollars for pet costs.

“Because of the high cost, limitations and fine print in many policies, as well as the possibility of not needing the service, the risk of care for pets should be managed through planning, not insurance,” says Carol Fabbri, a certified financial planner based in Denver.

Of course, whether you choose pet insurance is a personal decision that isn’t entirely based on saving money — that’s what makes it a difficult decision.

Wally on the couch.
Wally on the couch.

“I have never recommended pet insurance per se, but I have it for my cat and have suggested people look at it,” says Nicole Sullivan, a CFP in Libertyville, Illinois. “For me, the peace of mind is reason enough to have pet insurance, but it can certainly vary from family to family.”

Want to make extra money outside of your day job? Sign up for CNBC’s new online course How to Earn Passive Income Online to learn about common passive income streams, tips to get started and real-life success stories. Register today and save 50% with discount code EARLYBIRD.

Plus, sign up for CNBC Make It’s newsletter to get tips and tricks for success at work, with money and in life.

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Sat, Mar 30 2024 07:00:01 AM Sat, Mar 30 2024 07:09:40 AM
A big airline is relaxing its pet policy to let owners bring the companion and a rolling carry-on https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/national-international/american-airline-relaxing-pet-carry-on-policy/3376092/ 3376092 post 9415591 Getty Images https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/03/GettyImages-1337914733.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,200 Celebrity animal trainer and Link My Pet ambassador Brandon McMillan revealed to NBC Local what three things every new rescue dog owner needs to know about training their pet, and he says it’s like teaching your kindergartener their “ABCs and 123s.”

McMillan, who owns a top dog training facility in Los Angeles, said training your dog at a young age teaches it obedience because it is when the owner’s “basic manners of control” get instilled in the dog before they get used to getting away with bad behavior.

“If you neglect them of basic education when they are a puppy, or even an adolescent, then yeah they are going to have behavioral issues when they are older because you didn’t send them to kindergarten,” McMillan said.

So, how should you go about training your new puppy? Let’s break down McMillan’s three points to know for new dog owners.

1. Safety always comes first

Dogs, like humans, have personalities that may not always match with an owner. McMillan said prospective dog owners should talk to the shelter they are adopting from about the dog’s personality, and how it gets along with other dogs, children and cats, in particular.

“If you don’t do your prep work there (shelter), then you might bring the dog home and find out” your new dog does not get along with your kid or other pets, McMillan said.

2. Set them up for success

Bringing a new dog home can be stressful for the dog, and if they are untrained puppies they are sure to get into trouble if they are left to roam around a home alone.

“So when I say set them up for success, don’t drop them off at home and leave right away. You want to spend some time with the dog at home. You want them to feel comfortable and know this is home,” McMillan said. “And if they are a very young puppy, I would not give them free range of the house when you leave.”

“There’s no way on Earth you’re going to leave a puppy alone in a house for a few hours and it not get in trouble,” McMillan added.

3. Training builds trust

Dogs, as pack animals, naturally look for leadership.

“In pack animals, there is always a hierarchy in the pack,” McMillan said. “And they are always looking for some form of leadership.”

Dog owners should strive to be both the parent and the friend of their pet, and that is where training comes in.

“Training will not only build trust, but it builds a bond, a friendship,” McMillan said.

“If they don’t trust you, they are not going to learn one thing from you,” McMillan added. “You always want to make sure you form that bond, form a trust with a dog, and they are going to learn whatever you throw at them.”

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Fri, Mar 29 2024 05:32:04 PM Fri, Mar 29 2024 05:32:04 PM
Who rescued who? Angel, a dog found tied to a tree, finds forever home https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/who-rescued-who-angel-a-dog-found-tied-to-a-tree-finds-forever-home/3357325/ 3357325 post 9354760 https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/03/angel-adopted.png?fit=300,169&quality=85&strip=all

Anyone who has lost a beloved pet would understand the sorrow the Hinshaw-Gratin family in Murrieta felt. They have been carrying a hole in their hearts after losing three beloved pets within a year. 

Then last week, Dee Hinshaw-Gratin and her husband saw the story of Angel, a 1-and-a-half-year-old Siberian Husky and German Shepherd mix, on NBC Los Angeles, they felt an immediate connection. 

“We looked at each other and said, “Yeah, we’re ready,” Hinshaw-Gratin recalled. 

The family was heartbroken and motivated to bring Angel home after hearing her harrowing tale. 

Angel had been under the care of the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center since she was found abandoned at Iglesia Park in Aliso Viejo at around 9 p.m. on Jan. 28. Officials said Angel was tied to a tree with her seven puppies in a box next to her.

Angel was found at a Aliso Viejo park, tied to a tree next to a box full of her puppies,

“Can you imagine what happened to her? Tied to a tree at a park with her puppies. No food or water with her puppies, so she couldn’t even feed her puppies,” Hinshaw-Gratin said. 

Mission Viejo officials said just hours after NBC Los Angeles aired and published Angel’s story, there was a “surge” in adoption applications. But they decided not to look far and go with the Hinshaw-Gratin family, moved by their love of animals.

“The family members believed Angel would be their beacon of hope,” Kelly Tokarski, a public information specialist with the city of Mission Viejo, said in a statement. “This sweet young pup found her forever home with the caring family, residing on a spacious property, surrounded by love for the rest of her days.”

Tokarski also credited the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center’s nonprofit, DAWG, for saving Angel and her seven puppies.

Hinshaw-Gratin said she feels the family is complete once again.

“You’re a true angel girl,” Hinshaw-Gratin told the pup. “We lucked out, didn’t we?”

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Wed, Mar 06 2024 07:47:45 PM Thu, Mar 07 2024 05:12:57 AM
The pet drugs vets are now prescribing look a lot more like human medications https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/business/money-report/the-pet-drugs-vets-are-now-prescribing-look-a-lot-more-like-human-medications/3350026/ 3350026 post 9334015 Monty Rakusen | Digitalvision | Getty Images https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2024/02/107342277-1701543541399-gettyimages-159615217-50mrk0076rf.jpeg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,176
  • While human health and animal health have some overlap, historically there has been a gap between drug development and treatment options.
  • But as pet ownership has skyrocketed and the desire for new treatments has emerged, it has allowed animal medicine companies including Zoetis to push into new drugs and health-care sectors.
  • Zoetis, whose CEO Kristin Peck was named to the CNBC Changemakers list on Wednesday, recently had the first monoclonal antibody pain treatment for cats and dogs approved.
  • If you want to understand how different the human and animal medicine and vaccine industries have historically been, you don’t need to look much further than weight loss drugs.

    On the human side, Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly struggled to meet the demand for Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound, respectively, since introducing them, as the popularity of these diabetes and weight loss treatment drugs surged in 2023. Other drug makers, like Pfizer and AstraZeneca, have outlined their strategies for getting into a market that could be worth tens of billions of dollars in the next decade, while small pharmaceutical companies are trying to grab a share in what has become the hottest part of health care.

    Comparatively, the first medication designed to combat obesity in dogs was ultimately pulled from the market in 2014 due to lack of interest.

    “I think I had one of the only dogs that was on it, and I’m going to make myself sound really bad when I explain why,” said Zoetis CEO Kristin Peck, named CEO in 2020 and named to the inaugural CNBC Changemakers list on Wednesday. “I don’t think a lot of people wanted to get their dogs weight loss drugs because if your dog is overweight, you have to admit that the reason is probably you’re not walking it and are feeding it too much.”

    As the saying goes, dogs, and pets in general, have long been viewed as man’s best friend. But pet pharmaceuticals haven’t always matched that, and often a tick or flea collar was the lone preventive medicine many pets saw, outside of necessary vet visits.

    But Peck said she has seen a shift in mentality from pet owners, as well as a shift in the pharmaceutical pipeline, that is bringing animal medicine more in line with human medicine.

    “Newer generations see their pets very differently than previous generations,” Peck said. “Fifty, sixty years ago, your dog was in the backyard; now it has moved into your house, often your bed and sometimes replaced your children — your dog or cat has a stroller, a backpack and an outfit.”

    When Pfizer spun off its animal health business in 2013 creating Zoetis, about 65% of the company’s business was livestock-related. That has flipped now, with 64% of the company’s revenue coming from products for companion animals like cats and dogs.

    Peck has kept the company’s emphasis on innovation, developing products in pet categories that didn’t previously exist.

    For example, the company had more than $1.3 billion in revenue from dermatology-related dog and cat drugs in 2022, compared to less than $1 million from products in that same category in 2013. The company’s top product in that category is Apoquel, which is designed to treat dogs who suffer from allergic itches and dermatitis.

    “When we said we were going to have dermatology, [the reaction] was that dogs don’t need dermatology, they take some Benadryl if they itch,” Peck said. “But we said we think we can create a market, and to now have over $1.3 billion in dermatology sales, if I told you that was even remotely possible five or six years ago you would have said that was crazy.”

    Peck credits the Pfizer spinoff for allowing Zoetis to better balance what the company wanted to do in animal health versus the human health side. “We only have one customer, and we are only thinking about that every day and with every dollar we spend, whether that’s on R&D, commercial or manufacturing,” she said.

    This approach has led to the next product that Zoetis and Peck are betting on to become a $1 billion franchise: the treatment of osteoarthritis pain in dogs and cats.

    In May, the FDA approved Librela, which is a monoclonal antibody treatment that can provide long-term control of OA pain symptoms in dogs, improving their mobility and overall quality of life. According to Zoetis, 40% of dogs have signs of OA, which can make it difficult for them to go up or down stairs, a hesitation to jump, limping after exercise and becoming more withdrawn.

    A similar product was approved for cats, marking the first time that monoclonal antibody treatments, which have become increasingly popular for treating human illnesses, have been used to treat pet osteoarthritis pain.

    “You can’t make a monoclonal antibody for dogs in a human health facility, so you have to be willing to outlay capital during clinical trials, and that’s a bold, large capital decision,” Peck said. “We’ve demonstrated that pet owners will pay if you find a product that has value.”

    While Zoetis is focused on bridging that gap between human and animal health products, Peck said the company is also aiming to tackle some of the unique differences, like the diagnosis process.

    “People with osteoarthritis, they go to the doctor, they get medication so they can live a healthier, longer and a better quality of life,” Peck said. “But if my hip is killing me but no one knows that because I don’t have a limp, it’s like the assumption that your dog doesn’t have osteoarthritis because it’s not limping.”

    In June 2022, Zoetis spent more than $50 million to acquire pet care genetics company Basepaws, which produces DNA testing for dogs and cats focused on health and early detection of disease risks.

    “You’re going to be able to extend life by looking at genetics and biomarkers to run diagnostics,” Peck said. “We’ll be able to get better at predicting, which will massively improve the quality of life of animals who can’t speak and can’t tell you they’re feeling some of the things that they are.”

    Artificial intelligence is helping with that as well. Cats generally get less medical care than dogs due to the difficulty many owners face in bringing them to the vet, Peck said, so Zoetis has invested in AI technology that will allow cat owners to record their cat’s movements, upload those videos and have AI analyze it to see if the cat is dealing with any osteoarthritis issues.

    Peck said Zoetis will remain focused on innovative approaches to animal health, taking some queues from human health but also forging its own path to deal with the unique challenges that come from taking care of cats and dogs.

    Unlike 2014, could there now be an Ozempic for dogs and cats that works?

    Peck said while the company continues to explore GLP-1s to treat pet diabetes, weight loss is not a current area of focus. Challenges related to cardiology, oncology and kidney disease are the highest priorities.

    “We recognize the success this class of medications has had in human health. In terms of treating pet obesity, our work with genetic markers could yield a more targeted opportunity for a treatment that could be effective for pets and a solution pet owners would value,” she said. “A lot of the same technologies will work from humans to animals. And from animals to humans.”  

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    Wed, Feb 28 2024 05:38:48 AM Wed, Feb 28 2024 08:55:19 AM
    Bonded senior dogs need a home after owner's tragic death in car crash https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/bonded-senior-dogs-adopt-pasadena-humane-society/3276307/ 3276307 post 9100232 NBCLA https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2023/11/DOGS-sally-pumpkin-november-2023.png?fit=300,162&quality=85&strip=all Two senior dogs whose owner was tragically killed in a car crash are in need of a new home. 

    Pumpkin and Sally are 10-year-old German shepherd mixes available for adoption at the Pasadena Humane Society. Their owner died in a crash two months ago, leaving the bonded pair without a home. 

    “We really want to place them in a home together they are very bonded,” said Keven McManus, of the Pasadena Humane Society. 

    McManus said the two dogs are never more than a few feet away from each other at the kennel and shelter. They’re currently living with a foster family.

    “Pumpkin kind of leads Sally around, and Sally really relies on Pumpkin,” said McManus. “The’re really just sweet.”

    November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month. While many shelter visitors might be looking for puppies, McManus said there are several reasons to consider adopting a senior dog. 

    “It’s really strange to me that a dog that is going to be calm and house trained and not destructive, that is really a plug-and-play dog, if people really open their minds and their hearts to getting a senior, I think they will be pleasantly surprised,” McManus said. 

    McManus said a typical day for Sally and Pumpkin includes hanging out and relaxing. 

    “We would love for them to be in a forever home for the holiday,” McManus said. “I think It would be special for them and warm all of our hearts for sure.”

    This story uses functionality that may not work in our app. Click here to open the story in your web browser.

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    Sat, Nov 25 2023 11:05:34 AM Sat, Nov 25 2023 11:06:39 AM
    Pet adoption drive to be held at LA State Historic Park on Sunday https://www.nbclosangeles.com/clear-the-shelters/pet-adoption-drive-to-be-held-at-la-state-historic-park-on-sunday/3260948/ 3260948 post 9048834 NBCLA https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2023/11/dog-adoption-11423.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 Dozens of dogs and cats were adopted Saturday as part of a local animal welfare organization’s weekend-long pet adoption drive.

    The Best Friends Animal Society hosted a pet adoption drive at LA State Historic Park, where locals welcomed animals in need into their households. Numerous animal rescue groups and organizations banded together to take adoptable pets for the event in hopes of finding them their fur-ever homes.

    “Our mission is to help every single shelter in the country get to no-kill by 2025,” said Holly Sizemore of Best Friends Animal Society.

    A total of 60 dogs and 82 cats were adopted during the event Saturday and those who are still looking to add some more love to their life can do so on Sunday.

    The second day of the drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at LA State Historic Park on Sunday. Animals of all ages – from puppies and kittens to senior pets – will be available for adoption. Each animal at the event will already come either spay or neutered, and be microchipped and vaccinated.

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    Sat, Nov 04 2023 10:19:26 PM Sat, Nov 04 2023 10:19:35 PM
    Pupdate: Dog found tied to gate of animal shelter finds fur-ever home https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/pupdate-dog-found-tied-to-gate-of-animal-shelter-finds-fur-ever-home/3254926/ 3254926 post 9009828 NBCLA https://media.nbclosangeles.com/2023/10/shelter-dog-102223.jpg?quality=85&strip=all&fit=300,169 A dog who was found tied to a gate outside a Baldwin Park animal shelter has had her fairy ”tail” dream come true after she was adopted recently.

    Lucy, a pooch who was awaiting adoption at the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter, is now with her fur-ever family after she was found by staff abandoned and tied to a gate at the shelter. Lucy was a long-term resident at the animal shelter and was running out of time to find her forever home. Now, fellow shelter dog Pondy is eagerly awaiting adoption.

    Both dogs were described as staff favorites and although Lucy’s story has a happy ending, Pondy is running out of time to find his new home.

    With it being Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, adoption fees are waived for dogs at all County Department of Animal Care and Control’s animal care centers. For more information, click here.

    Those who are interested in adopting Pondy can find him at the Baldwin Park Animal Shelter. His shelter ID is A5571809.

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    Sat, Oct 28 2023 07:21:10 PM Sat, Oct 28 2023 10:35:05 PM