Let's Fund-Raise the Roof for Pets

The holidays are rapidly approaching and you know what that means: a bit of the bubbly here, a humongous hangover there. And everywhere you’ll find presents, parties, and…pooches! What better way to get in the swing of things than with some doggone terrific fundraisers to help shelter dogs (and cats)? Here’s how you can join in the festivities and help a deserving animal:

OPERATION BLANKETS OF LOVE. Throughout the month of November, OffLeash, the very hip hound hangout in downtown Santa Barbara, is collecting new and gently used towels, blankets, comforters, sheets, pillowcases, and pet beds on behalf of Operation Blankets of Love, a non-profit organization that donates pet paraphernalia to animal shelters in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Studies show that potential adopters are more likely to choose an animal who is snuggled on a soft bed or comforter (the pet is more comfy too). Drop off your clean, rip-free donation at OffLeash, 1103 State Street. Store hours are Monday-Friday, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm, Saturday, 10:00 am – 7:00 pm, and Sunday, 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. Customers who make a donation may enjoy 20% off any purchase of $25 or more at the store.

SANTA PAWS DOGFEST. On Saturday, December 6^th from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, hightail it over to Godric Grove at Elings Park (off Las Positas Road) for a delightful day filled with educational demos, vendor booths, contests, “ask the vet,” silent auctions, pictures with Santa Paws (bring your well-behaved, leashed dog for the photo and the fun!) and much more. All proceeds from the event will benefit Shiva’s Center for the Human-Animal Bond. And be sure to stop by my booth, where you can pick up a one-of-a-kind holiday gift bag or homemade wrapping paper, which were lovingly created by my Roots & Shoots class at Montecito Union School. All funds from the sale of the holiday goodies will go to the Dog Adoption and Welfare Group (DAWG). Learn more about the event by visiting www.santapawsdogfest.com.   

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS. On Saturday, December 13^th, the Animal Shelter Assistance Program (ASAP), a non-profit organization that provides daily care, medical rehabilitation and adoption services for stray cats at the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter, is partnering with K-9 PALS and Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter (BUNS) to host a Home for the Holidays Adoption Fair. Because of the dire economic climate, Santa Barbara's homeless pet population has skyrocketed in recent months. Many homeowners are relinquishing their pets to animal shelters and fewer people are adopting. This means the County Animal Shelter is bursting at the seams with wonderful animals in need of new homes. If you have been thinking about adding a new four-legged friend to your family, now is the time! The event takes place from 10:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter, 5473 Overpass Road (off Patterson Avenue) in Goleta . Special adoption rates will apply the day of the fair: you can adopt any cat six months or older for only $28.00, a 50% savings over the regular adoption fee. Similar discounts will be available for dog and bunny adoptions. For more information, visit www.asapcats.org or call (805) 683-3368.

SPEAKING OF HOMELESS CATS, ASAP would like to remind Santa Barbara residents that volunteers are actively working to reunite felines and their families who were separated during the Tea Fire. ASAP has posted a link on the organization’s Web site with pictures and descriptions of lost and found cats. If you find a cat in the fire area, PLEASE bring the cat to ASAP at 5473 Overpass Road or call (805) 683-3368 to arrange for a pick-up. Dozens of people have reported their cats missing and they are desperate to find them.

IN RELATED NEWS, Julia DiSieno, Executive Director of Animal Rescue Team, Inc., has set up a fund to help animals burned in the Tea Fire. Send a tax-deductible donation to: Furry Fire Victim Fund, c/o Animal Rescue Team, Inc., 2848 Covered Wagon Road, Solvang, CA 934 63.

The Santa Barbara Animal Care Foundation also is collecting donations to help with fire-related veterinary expenses (the average veterinary bill for a cat who suffered burns in the fire is approximately $3,000.00, which includes antibiotics, pain medication, and around-the-clock care). Send donations to PO Box 86, Goleta, CA 93116-0086 with the words “Tea Fire Vet Expenses” on the memo line. If you cannot make a monetary contribution, consider donating (or loaning) a large dog crate, which will serve as temporary housing for a displaced cat. Take the crates to ASAP at 5473 Overpass Road. Today, I’ll be delivering my own roomy dog crate that, in a surreal twist of fate, I won a few years ago in a raffle hosted by the Montecito Fire Department.

AND FINALLY, THIS WEEK’S FEEL GOOD STORY: I received a note from Suzan of Santa Barbara who reports: “My daughter lived off Mountain Drive. Her boyfriend was home alone when the Tea Fire started and he had no idea what was going on. A neighbor knocked on his door and said “We gotta go NOW!!!” Joe grabbed one cat, but his other cat was outside. He called for Emilo but he didn’t come in. They had to leave! All weekend we stressed about Emilo. On Sunday, when they got to Mountain Drive , everything was burned. Joe went up again on Tuesday and he FOUND EMILO! It was a miracle. He has no whiskers or eyelashes and he feels like a goat. White’s Pet Hospital checked him out and said he is fine. I think Emilo used up a few lives in that fire.”

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Karen is looking forward to a mini catnap over the Thanksgiving holiday, but she promises to break away from the potatoes and pumpkin pie long enough to check her email. Send a message to her at karenleestevens@cox.net.

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By Karen Lee Stevens,
Founder & President, ALL FOR ANIMALS, Inc.
Copyright © 2008. All Rights Reserved.

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