Two great dogs on alert at WLA Shelter NOW.

Let's start the New Year right and make sure these dogs are safely out of the shelter!

Two great ways to celebrate the holidays, adopt a shelter dog.

Wow! So far it has been a stellar December at the West LA shelter with many larger dogs finding homes for the holidays. That is wonderful news! 

Yet, there are always more dogs (and cats) who are slipping through the cracks and are patiently waiting for a new home. If you are thinking of adding a pet to your family, now is the time to save a dog or cat from your local shelter. Shelters are FULL during the holidays and  they desperately need your kindness to get through this season. 

If you can't adopt consider fostering. You can also volunteer, donate/sponsor a dog or cat. 

Please, reach out to your local shelter and help. Happy Holidays!

http://www.laanimalservices.com

Striving for a No Kill LA in December! LAAS want to make it happen!

Brenda Barnette, the GM of LA Animal Services just sent out this press release. It's a great idea so I hope you spread the word and tell everyone you know to ADOPT and not shop for a pet. Your local shelter is a great place to start with all types of wonderful dogs, cats, rabbits and more! Some shelters even have horses, goats, chickens, etc. looking for homes. 

Come on, we all know that pet stores SELL animals from puppy mills and other similar breeding situations where the animal's well being is not considered.  So let's not perpetuate this horrible trade that tortures animals to make a buck.

Please support your local shelter, they need you!!!

First No-Kill Month in Los Angeles HistoryJoin the movement for the Animals

For Immediate Release
Contact: Brenda F. Barnette, General Manager
brenda.barnette@lacity.org
Phone (213) 482-9558

It has been an amazing 2012 for the animals!  At of the end of October, in addition to more adoptions, there were 3,500 fewer animals’ lives taken this year in L.A. city shelters than last year. That’s a huge achievement and a giant step toward No-Kill. Thank You Angelenos!

There’s still one month left to achieve what we could once only dream about. Together, let’s close out 2012 on a high note – and make the month of December a No-Kill December!

You can help make December the first month in LA history that the number of healthy or treatable animals killed in L.A. Animal Shelters is ZERO. Here’s how:
1. Adopt from a City Shelter – Open your home to an animal in need. From December 1–23, you’ll receive a special discount on select pets at all L.A. city shelters, thanks to FoundAnimals “12 Pets of Christmas” adoption promotion.

2. Foster – If you can’t commit to adopting, then fostering is a great way to give a pet the time they need to find a forever home. For more information on fostering, click here.
3. Spread the Word – The more people who join the movement to get Los Angeles to No Kill, the sooner we will get there. So encourage everyone to help make this a No-Kill December! Tweet it, Facebook it, encourage your friends and family to adopt or foster a furry friend for the holidays.
4. Donate – Can't open your home? Your generous donation could still help a pet find a home of his or her own. Here is a link for online giving:http://anidonation.lacity.org/. There are several options to choose from: an in-kind donation, a one-time cash donation or a monthly pledge, a kennel sponsorship or a direct donation to the STAR program dedicated to animals who need extra medical care.

Some AMAZING dogs looking for a home by Xmas!

Give thanks for Thanksgiving but no bones!

REALLY GREAT ADVICE FROM LA ANIMAL SERVICES!!

Los Angeles Animal Services Important Pet Alert

Over-eating during Thanksgiving can be serious for pets too!

Thanksgiving is the time of year when family and friends get together to enjoy each other’s company and a myriad of delicious foods. We have a tendency to include our four-legged family members in this feast, which often results in overindulgence.  Even when we don’t purposely include them, the agile and creative dog or cat can capture a special treat from the kitchen counter, trash or even the dining room table!


Thanksgiving weekend is also a busy time for emergency veterinary clinics. Dogs and cats suffer very serious and sometimes fatal consequences from turkey bones, too much rich and fatty foods and just plain overeating. If your pet is not acting like himself or herself, consult your veterinarian.  Your best friend could be seriously ill.


It is difficult to comprehend, but when giving pets treats you must consider the relative size of their body compared to yours. If you weigh 150 pounds and your dog weighs 25 pounds, he or she is only 1/6th of your total weight. If you visualize yourself as a whole pie, comparatively your dog is only one slice of pie. Consequently, sharing an unfinished plate that still holds a generous serving of mashed potatoes with gravy, a side of very rich dressing, a few bites of turkey and a small slice of pumpkin pie with your best friend can make him or her feel miserable.


You do want your pets to enjoy the holiday. Stop by a pet food store and purchase some new dog biscuits or cat treats; then reduce the amount of their regular meal to accommodate the treats they will be getting throughout the day. Remember, biscuits and treats are usually much higher in calories than regular pet food so having them skip dinner may be a prudent choice if they have been snacking all day.


If you are planning a quiet holiday at home without a lot of company and confusion, and you don’t already have a dog or cat to share your life with, this could be the perfect time to visit one of our six Los Angeles City Centers and fall in love with your new best friend. You can get him or her settled in while you have a couple of days off work. What better way to give thanks than to give an orphaned shelter pet a home? You will be repaid with unconditional love and laughs for years to come. 

Happy Thanksgiving!
Brenda Barnette
General Manager
brenda.barnette@lacity.org
(213) 435-0815

Los Angeles Animal Services is one of the largest municipal shelter systems in the United States with six shelters serving approximately 60,000 animals annually and responding to 20,000 emergency calls involving an animal or person in danger each year. Visit us on the web athttp://www.laanimalservices.com.

Arnie and Ziggy, both need homes and help!

Arnie and Ziggy are 2 dogs that were rescued from a sad situation. They've been living in kennels for the last year, a step up from their original arrangements, but not they need to move on due to their caretaker's illness.

These wonderful dogs need your help. Please network them and disseminate their flyers to anyone who may be looking for a new love in their life.  Thanks!

Another lesson in don't judge a book by its cover. It's in the DNA!

Don't call me a Pit Bull!

How a dog looks can be very deceiving indeed.  A study done by Maddie's Fund Veterinary Medicine program at University of Florida  makes the point over and over...and over.  It's simple, do DNA tests on a bunch of dogs, ask people what they think the primary breed of the dog is and then compare the DNA test results. The results will amaze you.

I had to laugh at some of the results because you have to wonder how some of these dogs got together?! It's a fascinating study and it will definitely make you reassess what you thought you knew about identifying dog breeds.  All I can say is those American Eskimo Dogs sure get around! ;-)

On a more serious note, I can tell you that every shelter out there is WAY off on their guesses as to what kind of dog breeds they have.  One reason there are so many Pit Bulls in the shelters is that most mutts look like a what we think of as a "Pit Bull."  How many dogs on this list would be categorized as a Pit Bull at your shelter?

Most importantly, this study proves another reason why BSL is such nonsense. How do you identify a dog as a Pit Bull?  I seriously doubt they are doing DNA testing on every dog.  How can BSL be legal when they don't even know the breed of the dog?  I'm starting to think that we need to eradicate the term Pit Bull from our vocabulary and call a spade a spade: it is a mixed breed dog!

So, check out this study, you'll be really amazed at some of the mixes.

http://sheltermedicine.vetmed.ufl.edu/library/research-studies/current-studies/dog-breeds/dna-results/

Brandon Fouche dog behaviorist and aggression expert Fundraiser appearance.

Don't miss this unique chance to learn from the master of dog rehab.  Brandon Fouche is an expert on dealing with dog aggression and has helped countless shelter and rescue dogs find their way back into a normal life.  

Brandon is donating his time for this special fundraising event to raise money towards FREE S/N and microchips for the under-served communities in South Los Angeles.  All ticket sales will go to this purpose.  

This event is being co-sponsored by SAAFLA, Downtown Dog Rescue, The Fouche Way, Planet Speck and Council member Jan Perry.

Tickets are available now at the www.saafla.org website. Special low rates for students, shelter employees and volunteers.

URGENT! Sonora doesn't deserve for the shelter to be her last home.

Please Network Sonoma!!! She's in trouble, out of time and needs to be rescued ASAP!

Bow Wow Meow pet fair in Santa Clarita Oct.14!

Jeeze, what's a pittie gotta do...? How 'bout Cipher A1338732!!!!

Arnie & Ziggy: 2 great dogs that are great together...or apart

 Arnie

 Ziggy

These two dogs were rescued by a kind-hearted person who already had a houseful of animals and was struggling with her own problems. Yet, she gave them the very best of everything and did all she could to give these dogs a great quality of life for the past year or so.  The dogs are up to date on shots and both are fixed. Unfortunately, she can no longer provide for these lovely dogs due to her on-going illness.

Both dogs came from a very sad situation where they were tethered and left outside with no food or water all day and night.  Her rescuer saw what was happening and convinced the person to give her the dogs. What originally started as being a "foster" situation, ended up in what is now an urgent situation.

First, Arnie is a medium size Shepherd mix as you can see from his distinguished profile.  He is a playful boy with lots of energy.  He loves to bug Ziggy (which she tolerates nicely) and he also enjoys toys and raw bones.  He loves to go on walks and is a friendly boy overall.  He can seem a little tentative at first meetings but then warms right up.

Ziggy is the "brains" of this duo. She is a very smart and confident dog. She has some obedience training which she seems to enjoy performing. She is a relaxed dog with a good temperament. She's strong though and needs someone who can keep up with her.

If you know anyone interested in either dog or both, please contact Lola4dogs@gmail.com right away!

Thank you so much.

Have you considered becoming a foster parent to a shelter dog or cat?

If yes, you are my hero! :-)  You already know how satisfying it is to help a wonderful animal that is waiting for a home in an over-crowded shelter system.

If no, why not?  The shelter picks up the tab and you get to socialize and even save the life of an amazing animal that will be grateful for your help.  The clock is ticking for each and every animal at the shelter. Only YOU can help them.

These are some of the dogs currently in the foster program at LA Animal Services.  Please consider fostering one of these worthy dogs or cats.  You will be helping these animals more than you can know!

A1319399

Gentle! Mellow! Amazing! These are just a few of the descriptions used
to describe IRIS, a spayed female Labrador/Chinese Sharpei. Iris is
about 2 years old who draws second looks from people when they see her
sleek black coat

A1279901

Maxine has a very sweet temperament and loving with people once she
has a chance to relax. Maxine has played in the yard with a large dog
and did just fine. Her previous owner commented that she was not good
with small dogs.

A1312722

June is a bundle of energy! She is a beautiful 1 years, 6 months old
unaltered female Staffordshire Bull Terrier with a beautiful,
expressive face and incredible ears.
June is young and has an abundance of energy.

A1324154

Mandy is a very sweet dog who walks well through the kennels. She is a
very attentive dog who follows commands and is able to sit, lie down,
do high fives and roll over.

A1304694

Boots is a spayed 6 year old cat who is very easy going and friendly.
Boots owner passed away and so she ended up at the animal shelter. She
has been to the L.A. Love and Leashes adoption store and is okay with
traveling.

A1316457

Sweet Pea is a spayed 2 year old cat who is very friendly and kind.
Sweet Pea’s owner decided that they didn’t have time for her any more
so they brought her to the animal shelter. 

A1318703

Chester is a spayed 6 year old cat who is friendly and longing for a
permanent home. Chester’s owner had to move and could not find a place
that accepted pets so he ended up at the animal shelter.

A1296764

Neo is a neutered 6 year old cat who is very calm and sweet. Neo’s
owner passed away and so he ended up at the animal shelter. He has
been to the L.A. Love and Leashes adoption store and is okay with
traveling. 

A1315398

Susie is a sweet, spayed 2 year old stray cat. Susie is friendly and
gets along with everyone. She has been featured at the L.A. Love and
Leashes adoption store.

A1303409

Sonora loves people. She is very affectionate and loves to be petted.
She walks well on a leash. She knows her sit and down commands and
responds to strong verbal correction that is sometimes necessary when
she gets too excited.

If interested please contact:

Shawn C. Colon

Animal Care Technician Supervisor

West Los Angeles Center

11361 W. Pico Blvd.

West Los Angeles, CA 90064

(310) 207-8976 (office)

(310) 207-4965 (fax)

shawn.colon@lacity.org

www.laanimalservices.org

National Dog Day, help your local shelter dog!

Hey!  I just found out that today is National Dog Day! www.nationaldogday.com

How to celebrate:

Lots of sweet doggies waiting for homes at West LA right now. Why not save a life and adopt from your local shelter.  If not, you can do a lot of things to help the dogs at the shelter like volunteering or donating. As a volunteer you can do different types of activities with all the animals be they cats, dogs or rabbits. The activity can be as simple as walking a dog.  Inside and outside of the shelter there are adoption events where you can help people choose a shelter dog.  You can photograph shelter dogs, write about them, spread the word through social media, etc.  Donations can be money, items that the animals need, or donating your time to help keep the shelter going. There are tons of opportunities to contribute and I can assure you that you will feel really good about doing it. Animals have no voice, we are their voice.

You can get started immediately by helping me right now. Just tell everyone you know about these dogs! Happy National Dog Day everyone!! www.laanimalservices.com

Thank you LA Times!

Thank You LA TIMES for your editorial today. http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/editorials/la-ed-pet-stores-ban-los-angeles-20120805,0,5045029.story

Please support the ban on selling dogs, cats, bunnies, etc. from a "mill" of any type in pet stores! Rescues only!

Adopt, don't shop!!!

Bobby, tell me it isn't so! ID#A0903035 The big black dog syndrome.

I am just worried sick about Bobby ID#A0903035.  He's a gorgeous and large guy who is wonderful.  All the volunteers think he's great. Here is what they are saying:

Bobby is an easy going 7 yr. old neutered male, all black Rottweiler/Labrador Retriever mix, who weighs in at 102 lbs, AND IS HOUSETRAINED (what a plus). In spite of his size and weight, he iseasy to walk on leash. "Took him for a walk around the block and he couldn't be easier to handle; when he started pulling ahead, I merely tugged on the leash, gave him a verbal command and he immediately responded" (notes of a volunteer who weighs only 10 lbs more than Bobby). One volunteer describes him as "very chill". He is non reactive to other dogs as can be seen in the video. Even when provoked by other dogs he simply barks at them.

Bobby just enjoys hanging out with people. When being bathed he tolerated all of the fussing that went on and probably enjoyed the extra attention.

Click here to see his video:  Bobby's video
His friend Princess got rescued, but poor Bobby is still waiting and time is running out on this fabulous dog.

Here is a flyer to disseminate far and wide:

Tyson A1304301 is a favorite at WLA, please give him a chance!

Tyson (ID#A1304301) is a beautiful 10 yr. old shepherd mix surrendered by his owner because of "allergies" on April 28. He is at the West Los Angeles Animal Shelter. Tyson is a smart boy, good with people. He sits, goes down and does a high five with the best of them. With other dogs he is a little cautious. He is not aggressive but would probably be best either as an only dog or with a real mellow dog. Tyson is running out of time!. It breaks my heart when I pass his run and see him staring out as if looking for his person. He does the same thing in the yard. He misses having a family. Please help network Tyson before it's too late. 


Check our his Youtube video!

Tank A1230660 & Bobby A0903035, dogs who need homes NOW!

Tank & Bobby are living on borrowed time! They are both VERY friendly, dog friendly and would make a great companion. They have been at the shelter for far too long and they may die there. Why are they not being adopted? Bobby is a big black dog and Tank is a Pit Bull, nuff said... If you can help them, PLEASE, now is the time! You won't be sorry! Happy July 4th!

SAAFLA fundraising to help inner-city dogs continues...

First this is a really great video describing probably the biggest problem we see in LA, the overwhelming number of Pit Bulls in the shelters and on the streets.  Lori Weise founder of Downtown Dog Rescue has dedicated her life to helping the low-income areas of LA and educating the public about Pit Bulls and responsible dog guardianship. Lori and Dogman have been working together providing FREE dog training for Pit Bulls at the Coliseum in Downtown LA on Sunday mornings.
For more info: www.downtowndogrescue.org

SAAFLA is continuing to raise funds for the worthwhile endeavor of providing free services to low-income communities working closely with LAAS, Downtown Dog Rescue, The Amanda Foundation and others to provide free Spay & Neuter, free vaccinations, and free microchipping!  These services are being provided at the Yo Watts recreation center on a monthly basis through July 2012.

However, after July we are still looking forward to continuing to provide these much needed services to the communities who need them the most and who can't afford them. Stay tuned for further projects that will educate you, inspire you and provide for the animals who need help.

Btw, if you haven't seen the documentary Street Dogs of South Central, you really should!  It's a beautifully done film that captures the problem and why we need to help.  There are so many animals who may actually have a home, but get out and wander the streets because they are not fixed. Their families don't realize that their dog may end up at the shelter and ultimately killed.  To find out the next screening of this doc go to www.streetdogsmovie.com.

Let's not judge, let's fix it! Let's S/N every dog we can and microchip every dog that is S/N. It's pretty simple and it makes a huge impact on the community! Let's work together to solve this very solvable problem!

You can donate towards this goal at www.saafla.org. Thank you!

Lola
The Doggie Matchmaker

Looking for a dog friendly dog? Meet Princess & Bobby at WLA shelter now!

People are always looking for dog-friendly dogs, right?  Whether you want a friend for your dog-friendly pooch or maybe you want to frequent the dog park, or your mom has a friendly Fido... Whatever the reason there is nothing bad about a dog-friendly dog. West LA is full of dogs who desperately need a home and are also very friendly with other dogs, so rather than looking through Craigslist, just mosey over to the WLA shelter and meet these terrific dogs who are both people friendly AND doggy friendly!!!! 

A REALLY cute Pittie named Melon at WLA A1301351

Tyson's is a great guy, what's holding you back? ID#A0728699

See Tyson in action http://youtu.be/qlyRjz1szVg

Street Dogs of South Central documentary, fundraiser and why.

In case you haven't seen or heard of the documentary film Street Dogs of South Central, it's important to know a few things about the movie. A few people have criticized the filmmakers for not intervening in the events that occur in the film while they were shooting it.  However, as most documentary fans know, part of making a doc is to show things how they REALLY are so that the viewer can experience the reality of the situation. This is the deal, no more or no less. But don't think the filmmakers of Street Dogs are just shrugging their shoulders about the situation...

Moving forward, filmmaker Bill Marin is jumping in with both feet to raise money to help the very community and animals he filmed. Right on Bill! There is no question in my mind that Street Dogs is a movie that can make a difference by showing the stark reality of poverty in the inner city of Los Angeles, which is probably similar to many other inner cities in the US, and how it affects the dogs who live there.  The other reality we see is that these dogs are full of love as are many of the people and that our help would be greatly appreciated.  You can see this if you take the time to see beyond the poverty and what makes you sad.

These animals need our help and support so don't turn a blind eye. The families in the area who have animals also need our support. Most of these people can't afford to fix their animals, never mind licensing or microchipping them! They want to do right by their beloved pets, so why can't we help them? Stop judging and start helping!

Groups like Downtown Dog Rescue and The Amanda Foundation are taking the lead in going into these communities and giving people the opportunity to do what's best for their dogs.  The community is jumping on the chance to fix their dogs and when offered they also choose to microchip and license. Hundreds of dogs are attending these clinics.  All it takes is some money from you and I to help improve the quality of life for all those in this community.

Remember, microchips will keep animals out of the shelters by returning them to their homes. Spay and neuter will stop the cycle of unintentional breeding of dogs, big and small.  Take action by giving to the Shelter Animal Advocacy Fund, LA , buying a Street Dog wristband or by attending the Street Dog fundraising event screening the film Street Dogs of South Central.  See for yourself why this community needs our help!