KEEPING PETS SAFE FROM HALLOWEEN’S GHOULS & GOBLINS

For the animals in our lives, Halloween can be a time of fear, anxiety and even tragedy. There are some very simple precautions that all pet owners can take to keep animals safe on Halloween.

Start with the basics. Be in tune with your animal’s feelings. Companion animals are creatures of habit. Loud noises in the street and strangers knocking at the door may frighten companion animals. In addition, we may know that the ghoulish faces that knock on our doors aren’t real, but our animals don’t.

 Some very important tips in keeping your animals away from potential harm on Halloween:

• Don’t leave your companion animal in the yard. Companion animals may be frightened by the increased activity in your neighborhood.  In addition, in the yard they may be victimized by children or adults participating in seemingly “harmless” pranks. It’s best to keep your pets inside your home, in a quiet place away from the front door. Cats should be kept inside for several days before and several days after Halloween.

• Keep lit pumpkins away from animals. Companion animals can knock them over and cause fires, or even burn themselves.

• Remember trick or treat candies are not for animals. Chocolate is poisonous to many animals and all candies may cause vomiting or diarrhea. In addition, candy wrappers may be harmful if swallowed.

• Animals don’t trick-or-treat. Children may have difficulty handling a companion animal during these activities.

• Be mindful of the safety and comfort of animal costume. If you decide to dress up your animal, try to make the outfit is as safe and comfortable as possible. Make sure that it doesn’t constrict movement or breathing and that it doesn’t include tiny decorations that the animal can choke on. And finally, make sure the outfit doesn’t obstruct his/her vision, even the sweetest animal can act aggressive when he/she can’t see.

• Black cats may be particularly at risk. Black cats have historically been the subject of many misconceptions and superstitions, especially in Halloween folklore. Be sure to keep black cats away from windows, as they can be taunted by trick-or-treaters even when inside the house. 

Back to the basics, keep an eye on your animal and be conscious of the way they are feeling. Happy Halloween and remember to keep your animals safe, comfortable and happy. For more information, please call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000.

DISPELLING THE MYTH OF THE DARK FELINE

Why are black cats consistently among the last felines to be adopted in shelters across the United States? Why do owners of black cats still have to take special precautions to keep their pets safe and sound during Halloween?
 

Many people, even in our progressive Bay Area communities, still believe the old superstitions that a black cat is the harbinger of bad luck, the witch’s best friend, or a reincarnated evil spirit.

However, there are many more superstitions throughout history and the present that suggest black cats symbolize good luck. These beliefs date as far back as ancient Egypt, where black cats were considered sacred and to kill one was sacrilege. Thousands of years later, King Charles I of England was so obsessed with the fear of loosing his black cat that he had it guarded by top ranking soldiers all day and all night. An old Chinese belief is that a light haired cat will bring its owner silver, while a dark haired cat will bring its owner gold. 

In Australia and Britain, black cats are believed to be lucky, while white cats bring bad luck. A famous British saying expresses this belief, “Whenever the cat of the house is black, the lasses of lovers shall have no lack”. In America there is a superstition that if the household black cat sneezes near a bride on her wedding day then she is sure to have a happily married life. In Santa Cruz some fishermen’s wives believe that a black cat at home can prevent disasters out at sea.

Black cats may be more difficult to place than other cats because people are more immediately drawn to other colors. Black cats or kittens may frequently get overlooked in shelter environments. Sarah Eryavec, Interim Director of the Santa Cruz SPCA, states, “Black cats are often victims of prejudice and because of that tend to be the last to get adopted. People often think that they all look alike and that they all must be the same, but black cats are like any other cat; they can be incredibly friendly, social and affectionate”.

There are many that believe black cats have the best personalities. “Black cats are sleek, shiny and very elegant. And they all possess a special, mysterious allure that other cats just do not have”, states Windi Wojdak, a proud owner of four dark felines. Seth Bodek, also an owner of a black cat proudly states, “We’ve had cats we have loved. But our black cat has such a wonderful personality! He’s smarter than my dog!”

Black cats certainly do not all look alike, nor do they act alike. Animal shelters and animal welfare organizations encourage people to choose their animal friends as they would choose their human friends, not by the way they look but by their personality. Cats, like people, are all different with each one possessing something special that makes them the wonderful being that they are.

But just in case you are interested in black cats or kittens, some feline dream lore: The dream of a black cat means all around good luck.

Handling heartache with grace

Senior animals have a special place in the hearts of many. The Santa Cruz SPCA just hopes some of you are out there reading this article because Gracie, a 10½-year-old standard poodle, could sure use your help.

This stunning beauty was once someone's cherished companion, but became displaced from home when her owner entered a long-term care facility and could no longer keep Gracie. Poodles are extremely intelligent and sensitive dogs and it's plain to see that she is mourning the loss of her family. However, she manages to put on a strong façade and endure each day with quiet grace.

Gracie is a very gentle girl with a mild manner and a docile temperament, making her both easy and enjoyable to have around. She's potty-trained and loves her crate, which she uses as her safe and quiet space. We have yet to hear a peep out of her, even when all the other dogs are singing loudly.

Gracie is wonderful with other dogs both her size and much smaller. Most of the time a few sniffs and she's done, but at times you'll see an unexpected yet adorable playful side when she meets a dog she likes.

It seems Gracie has had some training as she knows some basic commands and comes when called. However, she can be strong on the leash especially if she's spooked by something. While this girl is absolutely as sweet as they come, she also has a bit of a shy and unsure side that comes out once in a while, requiring some loving words and a little positive encouragement.

She is a big and beautiful girl, weighing about 60 pounds. She looks to be in great shape other than some small benign "old-dog" lumps and mild cataracts in both eyes that don't seem to be hindering her vision. She moves like a much younger dog and is more than capable of being active, going up and down stairs, and getting in and out of the car on her own. This breed has a long life-span compared to other large breeds and Gracie could easily live another five or more years. However, senior dogs tend to need more in the way of vet care.

This girl is an absolute "shelter-gem" who would make a great addition to many families and household types. She would do well in a home as an only dog, but would also fit into a multi-dog household. She would make a wonderful companion to a fellow active senior or someone who just loves and enjoys the standard poodle breed. Because of her age, Gracie would probably prefer not to live in a home with young children, but certainly doesn't mind young visitors and interacts with respectful children like the polite sweetheart that she is. Has this senior stolen your heart yet?

Take a look at Gracie on our Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SantaCruzSPCA.

Dorothy hopes to follow the yellow brick road to a forever home

If only she had a pair of ruby red slippers to click together three times! Dorothy is an adorable 5-year-old terrier mix at the Santa Cruz SPCA who has a one-of-a-kind personality that blends humor with affection all in one mellow and tiny ball of black wiry fur. She was found in an abandoned home along with two cats just as the food and water left behind ran out. It's hard to imagine someone leaving an animal behind in that manner, especially a dog as wonderful as Dorothy. However, we see this as her yellow brick road leading her to the loving and dedicated family she deserves.

 

It's quite easy to fall in love with this friendly little girl. Dorothy is a very relaxed soul with a wagging tail and prancing trot. She enjoys greeting new people and observing her surroundings, seemingly assessing situations. When things are hustling and bustling she is up and going, many times dragging a toy around or following volunteers silently hoping for a stroll around the block. When times are slow, she has no problem finding a lap or soft blanket to curl up on and pass the time. Dorothy is incredibly easy to have around, never causing problems and always bringing the cute factor into whatever room she enters.

 

Although she enjoys the company of all people, she seems to gravitate toward and spend more time with the gentler folk. She has integrated wonderfully with the other dogs and is very adept at setting her boundaries. She's not afraid to keep a pushy puppy in line. Dorothy is comfortable and patient when put in a crate and will whine when she needs to go potty. On a leash she is gentle and walks nicely, enjoying the sights and smells of the outdoors.

 

Dorothy is truly a tiny thing, weighting in at about 6 pounds, making her very portable and easy to tote around town. She's got the most expressive facial features with big soulful eyes. Her medium-length wiry coat behaves itself for the most part and although she's mostly black, it's the salt and pepper in her face that adds to her charm.

 

The perfect home for Dorothy would be with kind and gentle people looking for an easy-keeping and affectionate canine companion. She would make a great addition to a family with other mature and respectful dogs, but would also be perfectly fine as an only dog receiving all the attention. Most of all she's looking for someone with the brain to choose her, the courage to adopt her and the heart to love her!

Binky Deserves More Than a Backyard

Binky, a purebred Pomeranian puppy, was purchased from a breeder at 8 weeks old by a family who wanted him for their young children. He was the cutest and tiniest ball of fluff you ever did see -- but it only took a few months for him to grow to nearly adult size and just that long for the children to lose interest in the bigger version.

Once the kids stopped playing with him, Binky stopped getting exercised altogether, and because he was a normal bouncing puppy, he was relegated to live full-time in a small concrete backyard. Soon thereafter he was listed on Craigslist for free. A very caring woman saw his ad and, in fear he may end up in the wrong hands, went to get him. She decided to bring him to the Santa Cruz SPCA, where she knew potential adopters would be screened and he would have the best chance at finding the home he deserved.

 

Binky is now 4½ months old and is the most friendly, eager, outgoing bundle of joy! It doesn't appear that he's had much in the way of training, but this happy guy has a wonderful temperament which is a solid foundation to build on. His eyes light up when he sees people -- big or small -- and absolutely LOVES to play with other dogs. Once he's got his giggles out, he'll stretch out on the floor with both legs behind him or hop in your lap for some snuggles.

He'll need some help figuring out how a leash works and may need a reminder that all four feet need to stay on the ground, but give this guy a chance and you will be happy you did! Binky is going to bring a lot of fun and laughs into someone's life.

This little guy is pillow-soft and extremely beautiful. His coloring is rare -- red sable merle -- causing him to have a "freckle-faced" appearance. He's at the in-between stages of puppy fur and adult fur so he has a little of both. We expect his coat to become thicker and fuller as he matures. This breed is known for its grooming needs, particularly the brushing upkeep and shed control. As far as size goes, Binky is now about 8 pounds and should mature to between 10-12 pounds.

The perfect home for Binky would be an active one, possibly with children or another playful dog. Of course, this time around we want to see that the whole family loves him and that he will be a valued indoor member. He'll need daily exercise and play, as well as basic obedience training. Because he's still a puppy, your schedule is something you must consider as puppies his age shouldn't be left alone for more than four or five hours a day.

Come down to the SPCA and you'll go bonkers for Binky in just one bounce!

Offer Abbey Another Someone to Love

Abbey and her previous person were inseparable and did virtually everything together. They shared a very deep bond filled with mutual love and respect for six long years after Abbey was adopted from the Santa Cruz SPCA. Tragically, Abbey's other half was hit by a car and killed while walking in a crosswalk. Not only did this horrific event leave Abbey without her person, it also left her without a home after attempts to place her by friends and family members failed.

This beautiful 12-year-old Wheaton terrier mix is settling in at the Santa Cruz SPCA, and although she is very obviously grieving, her sweet and calm nature is winning hearts already. You would never guess her age; Abbey is extremely able-bodied and loves to fetch balls and take long walks. She's been through obedience classes and knows basic commands like sit, stay, come and down and walks wonderfully on leash. In the home she's mellow, quiet and completely house-trained. She enjoys lying at your feet, by your side or following you from room to room. This is a seasoned house dog who's smart to boot!

 

The perfect home for this sweetheart would be with a kind and gentle person or an adult family with no small children. She prefers a gentle approach when first greeting, as fast movements by strangers intimidate her. After just a couple seconds her tail begins wagging and she'll give a few kisses for good measure. She seems to tolerate other dogs but doesn't enjoy puppy energy or engaging in play. That being said, we could see her doing OK in a home with another older dog or as an only dog.

Abbey is a healthy girl with no history of major medical issues. Due to her age, she does have a few benign fatty tumors that are very common in older dogs and generally pose no health risks or require any treatment. Although they are not painful, Abbey is a bit sensitive about them being touched as well as some other parts of her body, so it's important that her new person be perceptive and gentle when handling her.

Weighing in at around 30 pounds, Abbey is a medium-sized dog with an extremely soft coat. At this time she has a summer cut and has been shaved relatively short while her face and tail remain longer. She seems to shed very little, but it's not known if she would be considered hypo-allergenic. Her hair will grow out long and fuzzy, so she will require regular grooming.

Abbey has a lot of life and love to give a special person. She's lost a soulmate, but that doesn't mean there isn't another perfect someone out there for her. If you think you may be the one to pick up her pieces, please come meet her!

The SPCA's adoption package for dogs and cats includes spay/neuter, vaccinations, micro-chipping, an ID tag, collar, a free vet exam, one month's free health insurance and other animal care materials.

Consider donating to the nonprofit Santa Cruz SPCA, which receives no government funding. The Second Chance Fund also helps pay for emergency surgical procedures.

Abandoned Dog Finds New Home Helping Combat Veterans

An abandoned 5-year-old cocker spaniel has found a new home and a new purpose in life helping military combat veterans recover from post traumatic stress disorder.

Laddie was adopted recently out of the Santa Cruz SPCA to serve as the house therapy dog at the Paget Center. The 12-bed residential facility helps homeless vets recover from their traumas and transition back into civilian life after serving on the battle field. The gentle, people-pleasing pooch immediately had a positive impact on residents.

"The mood in the house is lighter," said Lino Montes, the manager at Paget Center. "People who were withdrawn are coming out of their shells. They're taking an interest in walking and feeding him. It's amazing to see the transformation."

Laddie languished at the SPCA for months because he doesn't get along with other dogs. But when it comes to humans, he offers nothing but love and support. He has the run of the house at his new home, a large fenced in yard to play in, and has an uncanny knack for detecting when individuals need comfort.

"If he sees you're upset, he puts his head on your lap," Montes said.

The Paget Center is staffed by veterans who have been affected with PTSD, and understand the many challenges combat vets face.

Funded by the Veteran's Administration, the house operates under the auspices of Front Street Inc., a behavioral health agency, and provides 90 days of emergency shelter for homeless vets and a host of services. Along with individual counseling and group therapy, the Paget Center also helps veterans find jobs, housing and provides other services to help them re-engage with society.

The residential facility, which has been operating for 17 months, has a 98 percent success rate in helping veterans get their lives back on track, Montes said. As manager, Montes has the authority to provide any services his residents need.

NEW LEASE ON LIFE

 

When he realized the residents would benefit from a house dog, he contacted Mandi Hart, the assistant manager for the Santa Cruz SPCA and asked her to help. Hart recommended Laddie, who had become a staff and volunteer favorite at the shelter for his people skills, and brought him to the Paget Center for a visit.

Instantly popular, Laddie was adopted a few days later.

"I can't thank Ms. Hart for all the help and support she gave us," Montes said. "Laddie gets all the attention he wants and has a big house to run around in."

With a dozen different beds to sleep on, Laddie also seems to know who needs his company most. One of the residents who has struggled with severe insomnia brought on by PTSD said he was able to sleep through the night for the first time in years after Laddie arrived.

"It's awesome," said Anthony Uzzi. "The first night he was here he slept on my bed. It was the best sleep I've had in years. Having the dog in the room does help me because I'm not constantly listening to sounds. With Laddie, it's an extra set of ears that lets me stay asleep. He's got my back."

Like other residents, Uzzi said just petting Laddie helps reduce his stress. The dog also provides another set of ears for veterans to talk to about their experiences. While there is a 1 to 2 ratio of counselors to residents at the center, and staff members on site 24 hours a day, sometimes the men are more comfortable confiding in the dog.

"You can tell him anything and he's just going to give you that unconditional love," Uzzi said. "It really does help us heal."

Laddie also helps add a homey touch to the residential house.

"This place is about giving back the gift of life," said Kendra Cooley, the center's outreach coordinator. "It's a home, it's a family, it's a safe place and a springboard to the next path."

For a formerly homeless vet who struggled with chronic pain and depression after a traumatic brain injury he incurred while in the military, the center helped him heal, then hired him to help others.

"This place was a Godsend to me," said Ernie Soto. "It gave me back my drive, my desire and a purpose in life."

Hot Dogs! Ten Minutes to Disaster

We understand that many people mean to be kind by bringing their dogs with them as they run errands around town.

But as the summer months are fast approaching, you should be aware that even a mild summer day on the coast can be deadly for an animal left in a parked car.

On just a 78 degree day, the temperature inside a parked vehicle can reach 160 degrees in just a few minutes. Parking your car in the shade or rolling down the windows won’t prevent your pet from getting over-heated.
Be aware of the signs of heat stress:

•Heavy panting
•Glazed eyes
•Rapid pulse
•Unsteadiness
•Staggering gait
•Vomiting
•Deep red or purple tongue

If your animal becomes over-heated, take him/her into the shade or an air conditioned area immediately and apply cool (not cold) water all over their body to gradually lower the body temperature. Apply ice packs to the animal’s head, neck, and chest only. Let him/her drink small amounts of cool water or lick ice cubes. Take your animal to a veterinarian immediately.

Help us keep animals cool and safe this summer!

Contact us for a free packet of flyers to carry with you in your car to help spread the word. Call
(831) 465-5000 or send a SASE to: Santa Cruz SPCA, P.O. Box 3800, Santa Cruz, CA 95063.

SPCA Helps Bring Hope to Hoarding Case Survivors

The faces of more than 100 adult dogs and puppies filled the backyard of a Madera home where they were living amidst their own filth and fighting over scraps of food for survival. The man who owned the home said he started out with four stray dogs and they began to produce litter after litter. According to a Madera County Animal Shelter volunteer, “They were attacking each other every minute because there was no food. There were dogs everywhere you looked, in every corner,
under every step, behind every turn.”

In situations like these, it’s hard not to let anger or judgment
creep in. However, as an organization dedicated to helping animals, the Santa Cruz SPCA put feelings aside and dove headfirst into the effort to save these precious lives. Time was of the essence because if rescues didn’t step in to get dogs out, the county would most certainly confiscate and euthanize them.

Within hours of discovery, a large group of dogs and even a few kittens were in a van headed to the Santa Cruz SPCA. In anticipation of their arrival, urgent foster home pleas were sent to every single person on our email list. Very little was known about body condition or health, but we wanted to be prepared for anything. Minutes after our emails were sent, an overwhelming show of support and foster offers flooded in. We were simply in awe of the level of compassion and willingness to give time, supplies, money and homes in order to aid our rescue efforts and give these animals
a fighting chance.

The animals arrived completely filthy, flea- and worm- infested, and suffering from numerous ailments from skin and eye issues to upper respiratory infections. They were met by a well- oiled group of staff and volunteers that, in minutes, vaccinated, de-wormed and de-flea’d all of the new arrivals. They were then sent to their foster homes with crates, food, and bedding to recoup, recover and relax.
In those foster homes these animals will live life like they’ve never lived before, and learn what it’s like to be truly loved and properly cared for. It will take time to get them well and a little more time
to get them adopted, but it’s clear that these cats and dogs are the survivors that we exist to save.
The value of a foster home, a donation, and even an adoption can be seen and felt in full force during efforts like these. It truly takes a village to “come to the rescue” and every helping hand is vital no matter how large or small. Our appreciation to all of our supporters runs deep, but to the animals, your support truly means life! This is the third hoarding case in two months from which we have saved animals, and it won’t be the last. We are extremely fortunate to have you by our side through it all.

Teacup for Two!

It's tea time! Why not sit down with Pumpkin, Sweet Potato or both? These two adorable 4-month-old teacup Chihuahuas are very loving, affectionate and sweet. Although they are teeny-tiny, barely 3 pounds, they will bring big love into someone's life.

These two were part of a litter of four that came to the Santa Cruz SPCA with their mom at only 4 weeks old as an unwanted litter. Pumpkin and Sweet Potato are the last two of the group and have literally grown up in a shelter. Although they have been loved by volunteers and staff, been given all of their vaccinations, and been properly socialized with other dogs and kitties, they are in dire need of a real home with a lifelong family of their own.

Sweet Potato is a little boy who is the more confident of the two. He is curious and bold and has the "take-charge" approach to life. He's playful with other dogs, loves his toys, and has the most adorable little upright ears and bright eyes. Pumpkin is a little girl who is a tad more submissive and shy. She is definitely the cuddle bug of the two and will follow a person around until she can figure out a way to wiggle into your lap, arms or clothing! She loves to be carried around and doted on, and although she's shy she will be the first to scurry over to beg you to pick her up.

These siblings are available to be adopted together or separately. They are so sweet with each other and spend hours playing, cuddling and cleaning each other. Even if they don't go together, we are confident that they will adjust to life with other dogs or human family members just fine. They would do great with other small to medium dogs or gentle larger dogs, as well as cats. We don't recommend that they go to a home with small children because their size makes them more delicate and they can be more easily injured.

Call the Santa Cruz SPCA at 465-5000, or visit www.santacruzspca.org. The SPCA, at 2685 Chanticleer Ave., is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. The SPCA Mall Adoption Center and Gift Shop is at the Capitola Mall near Target and is open on Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.