Title: Baldwin Park Shelter Volunteer Day
Location: Baldwin Park Shelter – 4275 N. Elton St., Baldwin Park, CA 91706
Description: If participating for the first time, we will be walking, grooming, socializing, and photographing as many dogs and cats as possible, after which we will circulate an electronic flyer to a large distribution group for networking. You will need to complete the following LA County volunteer application and the shelter’s volunteer orientation to volunteer at the shelter: LA County Volunteer Application

Please also make sure to wear your county volunteer t-shirt or AAA shirt.
(you may purchase an LA County Volunteer t-shirt for $10 at the shelter following completion of orientation).

Additional Details:

*Please plan to meet around 9:00 a.m. The shelter address is 4275 N. Elton St., Baldwin Park, 91706. From any location west of downtown LA, take the 10 Freeway east, and take the Puente exit (which is just east of the 605/10 Fwy intersection). Turn R on
Garvey and Left on Pacific. Take Pacific to Ramona and make a Rright – stay on left hand lane as you will need to make a Left turn at the second light (after the train tracks) to make sure you are still on Ramona. Turn Left on Elton. Elton is a very small street (almost an alley), so it is easy to miss the street sign. Keep your eyes peeled!
* Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, and be aware that your clothes and shoes WILL get dirty!
* Try to eat breakfast, and bring along an energy bar or snack and some water for lunch, as we normally do not have time to take an extended lunch break

Thank you for challenging yourself to make the time to help wonderful shelter animals!

Start Time: 9:00
Date: 2010-01-23
End Time: 15:00

Last year The Humane Society of Utah found homes for nearly 4,000 dogs. What does that mean? That means that for the first time EVER not one adoptable dog was euthanized at the Utah Humane Society all year long. It took them a decade to reach their goal of eliminating euthanasia of healthy adoptable cats and dogs. It took a lot of work. Foster homes and rescue groups had to get involved, helping the society to reach their goal with dogs in 2009. Now they are working to reach the same goal with cats. The Humane Society of Utah turns 50 this year. Happy Birthday!

Marbles (now Lucky) was rescued from the East Valley Shelter with not even minutes to spare. An Animal Advocates Alliance volunteer made it to the shelter to rescue this wonderful boy when the shelter was about to kill him. What followed can best be summarized by the adoptive families words that follow:

“My mom is super grateful for Lucky.  I was at my parent’s house all last week  (Lucky is still there) and my mom was saying that she really wished she could somehow let the family who probably gave him up know that he has landed himself in an ideal situation where he is loved by everyone he comes in contact with.  He has a new sister Lola, a little 12 pound Havanese, he has a long distance brother, my little Keyser, and another friend Lucy, all of whom he sees frequently (living with either Keyser or Lola).  He has tons of furniture to lounge on, including a warm bed with my mom and dad every night.  He has probably more snacks than he would ever need.  Oh, and he has put on 12 pounds since I got him and is now a very healthy and fit 66 pounds.  The vet said he’s in great condition and really fit.  He has a huge back yard where he can run around like a maniac, although I think he prefers sunbathing to running unless he’s patrolling the grounds with Keyser.  Most importantly, he has two proud parents who love him, I love him as though he is my own, and my niece loves him like he is hers.  She loves to lay on him and play with him and he is so gentle and loving with her in return.  Although I know we can’t tell his owner that he is in a great situation, I am hoping that you can pass this on to the lady who rushed to get him out of the shelter that Monday when you and I couldn’t.  I am eternally grateful for her.  I just want her to know how appreciated she is and what her kind act has led to.”

Have a great life Lucky and hope it’s filled with as much sunbathing as you want!

Fay was one of hundreds of dogs rescued by authorities this past summer in an eight-state raid of dogfighters, the largest of its kind in U.S. history. She was found chained to a wooden box in Missouri, with a severely mangled face requiring serious medical attention. The dog’s third and last surgery on December 28, 2009 was successful, but as she was waking up from the anesthesia Fay suddenly went into cardiac arrest and died. Because of her amazing journey and easy temperament, the disfigured pit bull became the face of a recent HSUS 2010 Animal Survivor’s campaign and made a lasting impression on many. For complete story click HERE.

About a month ago, a tiny mixed-breed puppy wandered onto Sgt. Lucas May’s camp in Afghanistan.  With the help of his wife in Kansas they hope to rescue the dog and have her be a permanent member of their family.  May obtained permission from his commanders to rescue the pup, but it isn’t cheap.  They estimate it will cost about $2,500 to fly the puppy, Bella, from Afghanistan to Wichita.  So far they have raised $500. For complete story click HERE.

Depressed and vomiting dogs, a dirty operating room and expired medications were among 20 violations found at UW-Madison by federal animal welfare inspectors during a surprise visit last month. UW-Madison must fix the problems noted in the report, which was released this week, or risk losing some $200 to $300 million in annual animal research funding.  University officials are working to fix the violations and prevent new ones.  For complete story click HERE.

A Facebook page called “Demand Justice for Buddy” was designed specifically for the German shepherd mix that had been dragged to death in Colorado last week. Authorities said the dog was forced to run 3 miles up steep hills before it was dragged when it couldn’t keep up. The dog was found with a rope tied around its neck on a snowy road by a park employee.  Steven Romero was arrested for this crime on Thursday.  Animal lovers who have signed the petition on Facebook hope their efforts will convince a Colorado court to charge Romero with a maximum penalty of three years in a federal prison, a $100,000 fine and one-year of probation. For complete story click HERE.

11-year-old Austin Forman was retrieving firewood in his backyard on Saturday evening when Angel, his golden retriever, started acting funny.  Before he knew it a cougar was lunging right for him.  Angel leapt in front of the cougar preventing the attack on Austin.  There was a terrible fight between the two animals, which came to an end when Constable Chad Gravelle shot the cougar.  Everyone thought Angel was dead but then she popped up and ran to Austin.  She suffered several wounds but is expected to recover.  For complete story click HERE.

Ellen DeGeneres and Tim Gunn have been named Woman and Man of the Year by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals for their friendly ways toward animals. For complete story click HERE.

So you made your annual New Year’s Resolution to lose weight… get fit… exercise… But what about your dog? He/She needs exercise too so it’s time you both get in shape.

Here are some exercise tips from the Purina website so that you can ease your pup into his/her new exercise routine…

Exercising with your dog not only strengthens the bond you two share, it also helps control his weight and maintain a healthy heart, lungs and muscles.

As you exercise with your dog, consider his needs and present physical condition. Leisurely walks may be best for an older dog while a young dog has ample energy for a vigorous exercise program.

If your dog has more energy to expend than you do, teach him to fetch a ball or a flying disc. The activity may be just right for you and a challenging exercise for your dog.

If, for whatever reason, you have not exercised your dog regularly and decide to launch a regular exercise program, go slow at first. Begin with short periods of activity at slow speeds and gradually increase the time, speed and distance.

Begin walking or running your dog on soft surfaces such as dirt, sand or grass until its pads toughen.

Keeping your dog on a leash gives you control when walking or running.

Avoid exercising your dog immediately before or after he’s eaten. A full stomach may cause digestive upsets. Provide only small amounts of water before and directly after exercise.

Weather conditions are an important consideration as you exercise your pet. Dogs can suffer from frostbite and heat stroke just as people do. If you walk your dog in the snow, be sure to wipe the paw pads to remove any snow and ice buildup or possible salt that may have gotten caught. Remember that your dog’s feet can be damaged by hot asphalt during the summer.

If you walk your dog in wooded areas during the summer, check his eyes, haircoat and feet for foxtail, seeds and dirt. Also check carefully for ticks. Dogs with short, smooth haircoats may require the warmth of a dog coat or sweater when they go outside during cold weather.

Check with local authorities to find out what local laws allow. Your police department or animal control department can tell you more about laws in your municipality.

As you walk your dog, train him to walk at your side to help control him so he won’t jump on children, other dogs or adults, frightening them or possibly injuring them.

If your dog has a history of medical problems, work with your veterinarian to plan an appropriate exercise program. Whatever exercise program you pursue, remember that your dog loves to spend time with you and you can make that time special.