California Fire Rescue

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Emergency Rescue Update 

From Jeffrey Zerwekh, Executive Director

Uncontrolled fire causes fear – there is the heat, acrid smell, falling ash, irritation to the eyes along with smoke so heavy that every breath takes effort. This is what we experienced as we began to remove dogs from their kennels yesterday in Shasta County. It was a lot for us, and we could see it was also impacting the dogs. Stress levels were high. We really were not sure if they would even come willingly.

These are large dogs, used to living among forested trails and wide-open yards. Some of them have been in the shelter for more than six months and although they have been provided wonderful care by the local shelter, we were concerned that moving them into a transport vehicle might be too much for them. Might they lash out or try to break free? How hard was this going to be?

Then something amazing happened. As each one was led across the parking lot and into our Mobile Adoption Center (MAC), they practically loaded themselves into their transportation kennels. They willingly climbed the stairs into the vehicle with almost no encouragement and quickly settled into their designated space.

We gave each a few head scratches and whispered, “It’s soon going to be a lot better.” It was a promise that we repeated for them, as much as for us. There was little doubt that the stress of the day was starting to catch up with us.

We were asked to take 10 large dogs, which is the exact number of kennels we can fit in the MAC, so it was going to be a full ride. Just as we were preparing to leave we were asked to take just one more – a puppy. The puppy who had been returned from a foster family who now needed to focus on their own possible evacuation. The puppy was quickly loaded into a travel kennel that was placed between the two front seats. Now the MAC was not only full, it was complete.

We still did not know how all of the dogs would handle the four-hour drive back to Berkeley. But they were quiet, except for a lot of heavy panting that seemed to diminish the farther we traveled away from the smoke that they had been breathing for more than a week. We noticed we also began to breathe deeper – and we had only been in that environment for one day.

Despite the late hour, we arrived back at Berkeley Humane to some fanfare. There was a receiving line of volunteers waiting to help unload and welcome our new guests. Each animal’s name was announced as they emerged from the MAC as if we were exiting a maternity ward calling out the names of first-born children to family and friends. The dogs seemed to love the hoopla and as each one entered their kennels, they found that the volunteers and staff had been hard at work preparing for their arrival. Each dog had a soft bed waiting for them complete with blankets, toys, treats a big bowl of food, and cool refreshing water. We tucked each one in and said goodnight.

Today is a new beginning, out of harm’s way. We began this morning with medical checkups and introduced them to the sights and smells of our West Berkeley neighborhood. Today has been a good day.

Your financial support is still urgently needed.

While the Carr Fire is still raging out of control and is one of the most devastating disasters in California’s history, at least these dogs are with us now. But we suspect there will be more to come, and we will be ready and continue to respond.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more rescue updates. 

Royal Canin Purrfect food for Himalayans!

A Himalayan Cat is a crossbreed between Persian and Siamese cats; in Europe, it is considered a variety of the Persian cat with "points" and in the U.S. it is considered a breed.  One outstanding characteristic of these gorgeous cats is their long, thick shiny coats.  The hair is long all over their body and includes a ruff about the neck and a deep frill between the front legs, plus long ear and toe tuffs in additional to a full bush tail.  One of the most important things to understand about caring for a Himalayan is the need for grooming. The long beautiful coat doesn't stay clean and tangle-free on its own!  Their coats should be gently combed at least three times a week.

There are two basic reasons for grooming, the first is to avoid allowing knots to form, Himalayan fur is fine and knots have a tendency to form on the stomach and between their front legs.  The second reason is to minimize the intake of hair as Himmies love to lick themselves and preen. Grooming helps to avoid hairballs.  One food I do use to help my cats in regard to hairballs is Royal Canin Hairball Dry Cat food that chewy.com sent me this month to try.

Key Benefits 

Because my Himmies spend a large portion of their day grooming (and sleeping) they tend to swallow large quantities of hair, even though I groom them. I was excited when chewy.com sent me the Hair Ball formula by Royal Canin to try.  My cats love the Persian Royal Canin formula as well and have eaten it for years.  Best of all chewy.com is selling this cat food at a 19% discount, put it on autoship and save another 5 %! Thank-you chewy.com!

Hairball Care is a special nutritional formula that naturally helps reduce hairball formation in adult cats including neutered cats.

The nutritional formula is composed of a specific blend of dietary fibers including psyllium seed husk and insoluble fibers to help naturally stimulate intestinal transit. As a consequence, hair swallowed daily can be eliminated in the stools rather than building up in the stomach and being regurgitated.

The formula is also rich in mucilage and encourages the daily elimination of hair in order to prevent hair buildup that results in hairballs.

The formula is also nutritionally balanced and provides a balanced diet that meets all of my cats' needs.

The size of my Himalayan's mouth is rather small and the size of this kibble is easy for them to chew. In addition, the shape of the kibble and texture promotes a brushing effect helping to reduce the formation of plaque on their teeth.

Ratings

Looking at chewy.com's website, Hair Ball Care Cat food got 4.7 stars out of  5 stars by reviews.  Most everyone reviewing this food noted that their cats loved the food (all mine do, even the Tonks) and, all noted a reduction in hairballs with use.  The only negative was that with the formula change the calorie count increased a bit.  As for my gang of five, they love it and I am hoping for a reduction in hairballs with use of this food.

About Himalayans

In the 1930s breeders started to selectively create a Persian cat with the pointed pattern of a Siamese cat and by the 1950s the Himalayan was accepted for recognition. Himmies  The Himalayan or Himmie as they are affectionately called is a sweet docile cat that can exhibit kitten like bursts of speed and playfulness.  My three Himalayans can be sleeping on their favorite chair in the sun when all of a sudden one of them explodes into motion by running around the room and rolling around on the carpet, with the Tonkinese close behind.  All in all, my Himmies are friendly with everyone, even strangers, with Zivah being the most curious out of the three and Max the friendliest.

Victor Cat Food- Summer Fun & Sheffield Island Lighthouse

This July has been particularly hot and humid... and cats need to drink and one way to get them to have water intake is by serving up wet food.  Chewy.com   sent me a new premium cat food by Victor that was purrfect!  This tuna and salmon food by  Victor for cats is a pate, and, my cats, loved it.  Sabu is just waiting for this blog to be finished... I bet he is hungry!

Healthy Highlights 

Victor Pet Foods, made in Mount Pleasant, Texas is passionate about providing pets with the highest standard of nutrition and their cat food formulas are developed using the most advanced nutritional knowledge to support cat metabolism that promotes healthy digestion and strengthens their immune system. My cats loved the turkey and salmon dinner... here is why....

• Free from all unwanted Corn, Wheat, Soy, and Gluten

• No Artificial Flavors, Colors or Preservatives.

• Naturally Formulated Cat Food with added Vitamins, Minerals and Trace Nutrients

•  Ingredients include turkey, turkey broth, turkey broth, salmon, peas, carrots, egg, chicory root, yucca schidigera, taurine, and flaxseed

• Omega fatty acids found in flaxseed contribute to healthy skin and a shiny, lustrous coat, and added taurine supports heart health

• Antioxidant-rich cranberries and blueberries that help support the immune system and fight inflammation.

The Bottom Line

My cats are enjoying this new cat food that provides them with lots of moisture during these hot dry days of summer.  Check out chewy.com  for this and many other goodies for kitties-- dogs and... the endless number of critters --- they offer an amazing inventory that is easy, discounted and fast, that is why I am a chewy fan...and, so is my gang of five!  If you don't believe me and my gang of five, all you have to do is to check out  chewy.com website where this food got 4.7 out of 5 stars from reviewers

Travel Tip for Summer Fun...

I made the Victor cat food pate into a lighthouse shape for a reason...  in Connecticut, we are celebrating a 150-year-old maritime landmark, the Sheffield Island Lighthouse... it is amazing.  The Norwalk Seaport Association not only supports and curates Sheffield Island and the 150-year-old Sheffield Island Lighthouse, they are actively involved in initiatives to protect marine life in Long Island Sound and raise funds to make sure that children experience this National and Connecticut treasure. For more information visit info https://seaport.org/

300 Days and Counting

300 Days and Counting

Kaye is celebrating her 300th day with Berkeley Humane this week, and although we’re big fans of anniversaries, this isn’t a cause for celebration – unless a party will bring Kaye an adopter!

Kaye is the last of 150 animals to find a home here in the Bay Area that were all evacuated in advance of Hurricane Irma from a shelter in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.

Why has it taken so long to find a new home for this sweet, 30-pound girl? Because her story did not start in Florida. Kaye began her life on the streets of Puerto Rico, was rescued, and sent to the Humane Society of Broward County (HSBC) in Ft. Lauderdale.

Then in September 2017, Hurricane Irma threatened Ft. Lauderdale. With less than 24 hours to plan, HSBC's entire shelter population was put onto a plane and flown to California. Once safely landed, the dogs and cats were greeted by a collation of animal welfare agencies, including Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation, East Bay SPCA, and Berkeley Humane. The animals were quickly divided between the three partners. Once back at Berkeley Humane, we discovered that our new arrivals included three very shy dogs originally from the streets of Puerto Rico. We named them Holly, Kendra, and Kaye.

At Berkeley Humane, all of our animals come to us from larger public facilities that are often overcrowded or under-resourced. It is not uncommon for these animals to need individualized behavior plans to help them acclimate to their new environments. However, Holly, Kendra, and Kaye were different in that they had never actually bonded with people and didn't have a clue how to be a typical family pet. 

Berkeley Humane's patient and loving team of volunteers and staff worked hard over the months to come to slowly bring out their individual personalities. Holly and Kendra were eventually adopted, but as of today, Kaye has not found her perfect match. The right family for Kaye will recognize her sweet personality, but will also give her the time she needs to build her confidence in a loving and patient environment. 

“Kaye should not be forced or rushed into new situations – she will decide when she’s ready. She’ll need time to adjust to a home at her own pace,” explains Jesse Schumaker, Berkeley Humane's Animal Care Specialist. “She’d love a home where she can have dog friends. Her personality really blossoms when she is around other dogs who are confident and can show her the way.”

The good news is that Kaye does like people. She can just take a little while to warm up to someone, but she is playful and food motivated. Very food motivated! 

“Kaye does bond very strongly with people, especially people who feed her. She loves deli meat,” laughs Michelle Jewell, Berkeley Humane's Veterinary/Adoption Specialist. “With food and lots of patience, her adopter will soon have a 30-pound shadow following them all around their home.” 

Kaye's one-year anniversary is coming up quickly and if ever there was a dog that deserves to be out of a shelter and into a loving home, it's our girl Kaye.  The volunteers and staff at Berkeley Humane are appealing to our community to help find Kaye, who has traveled over 4,000 miles, find a happy ending to her story.

Please share

You can help by sharing this blog post or sharing Kaye’s video to help find her perfect match.

Think Kaye might be the one for you? 

Our staff can provide guidance and adoption advice for her love and care. “The things that the Berkeley Humane staff emphasized about adopting a traumatized animal were really helpful, even despite our previous experiences with other shelter animals,” says Erik, adopter of Holly (another dog from Puerto Rico who was rescued with Kaye). “They will prepared you for the extra time and effort that is necessary to Kaye’s adjustment.”

Contact us

Berkeley Humane

dogs@berkeleyhumane.org

510-845-7735

2700 Ninth Street, Berkeley, CA 94710

www.berkeleyhumane.org

Keeping Pets Safe During 4th of July

Are you as excited as we are about July 4th festivities?!  

We’re getting ready for fun in the sun, BBQ’ing with friends, and some much-needed downtime snuggling with our pets. However, with all of the people coming and going and the loud noises of fireworks and firecrackers, this is a time of year when many pets go missing after escaping from their homes. This Independence Day, be sure to factor your pet into your plans. 

Here’s how to help your animals avoid the stress of this holiday:

Photo credit: Brooke Jacobs

• Keep your pets indoors to avoid fireworks or firecracker displays. Animals spooked by fireworks may startle and want to bolt. Close the doors and windows, and turn on some soothing music to help distract them from the noise outside.

• Be sure your pet is wearing ID tags and is microchipped so they can be promptly returned to you in case of an unexpected escape.Remember to make sure your pet's microchip is registered and up-to-date with your current contact information.

• Crowds and loud noises can be really overwhelming for animals, and fireworks can be downright terrifying, so never bring your pet to a fireworks display.

• Do not leave pets unattended outside during the days leading up to, during, and immediately following July 4^th. If you normally leave your pet(s) outside or in a backyard, bring them inside to a space that is quieter. It’s possible for pets outside to panic and run away or hurt themselves while trying to hide or escape.

• Alcoholic drinks and human food need to be kept out of your companion’s reach. Same goes for citronella candles/oils, glow-sticks, matches, and lighter fluid — these can be lethal when pets comes into contact with them.

• Keep your pets on their normal diet. (No hot dogs or ice cream, no matter how cute and well-behaved those little munchkins are!)

• Don’t leave animals in the car. A matter of minutes in a car on a warm summer day is enough to cause serious health effects — including death. 

If despite your best efforts, if your pet does go missing, don’t panic. Call neighbors, get friends together to help you search, and post signs immediately. Check area garages, sheds, under cars and decks, and around shrubbery, because your pet might be seeking areas to hide. Call or visit your local public shelter or animal control facility (in Berkeley, call Berkeley Animal Care Services at (510) 981-6600) to check for your missing pet and file a lost pet report.

Do you have additional tips for keeping your pets calm during fireworks? Share them in the comments!

Have a fun, safe 4th of July!