Best Friends LA Programs

Pet Adoption Festival LaBrea Tar Pits 11/15/09

scratchtopaz — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:20:10 GMT

Come to Lint Roller Party Oct. 3 at the fabulous Hollywood Palladium! Party like it's 1984 & see the Bangles perform live!

ElizabethO — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:19:48 GMT

Play Bingo this Sunday and support the animals!

Annag — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 00:06:46 GMT

Support the LA Programs of Best Friends Animal Society!

What: 10 Hilarious Games of Drag Queen Bingo

Why: To Raise Funds for our Life-Saving Programs

When: Sunday, August 16th - Bingo Starts at 7 pm

Where: Hamburger Mary's - 8288 Santa Monica Blvd..WeHo

Suggested Donation: $20 dollars for 10 games

Join us for art, wine and PAWS

Annag — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:55:37 GMT

Resources

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 09:06:59 GMT

Documents

Links

Pet Friendly Rentals

LAAS link to Pet Friendly Rentals

Working together to help LA's Animals : Abandoned Cat in Long Beach

uusoul — Sun, 05 Jul 2009 08:47:40 GMT

Please let me know if you can help with a cat that was abandoned by my neighbor when she moved out last weekend. I have too many cats in my apartment already and am in the process of moving to South Carolina. I'm sneaking food & water to her, but this is temporary because our landlord strictly forbids putting food out. I may need help catching her. The cat who was taken in by my neighbor as a feral kitten needs a little TLC spent the last year or more as a totally indoor cat. She can be a bit "growl-ly" but desperately wants to connect.

Thanks,
Pamela

Mo's Nose, Healthy Spot to Host Benefit for Best Friends

sdrd1031 — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 06:39:50 GMT

Friends of Mo event set for June 27

Mo's Nose and Healthy Spot will host a free Friends of Mo evnet Sat., June 27 from 1 p.m.-4 p.m. at Healthy Spot, 1110 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica. Ten percent of the day's proceeds will benefit Best Friends' Los Angeles Programs .

The event will feature Scentsational Storytime, balloons, fun prizes and tips from Best Friends staff about adopting animals.

For more information, call 310-458-2004.

Posted by Sandi Cain, Best Friends Network Volunteer

Hoarders Convicted in Mojave

sdrd1031 — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 00:42:44 GMT

Hundreds of Animals Still at Risk--Rescue Groups needed

This links to: http://network.bestfriends.org/california/news/34493.html

It's an urgent situation in Mojave as more and more dogs, puppies and cats are found.

Posted by Sandi Cain, Best Friends Network Volunteer

Mattias Fashion Funwear Event to Benefit Best Friends

sdrd1031 — Wed, 06 May 2009 02:15:02 GMT

Celebrate spring and help the animals

Mattias Fashion Funwear says:

To our valued customers, Let's celebrate springtime and lift our spirits with Champagne!

Visit us this Thursday, May 7, between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m. to drink, munch, meet other women and shop. Ten percent of your purchases will go to Best Friends Animal Society.

Where:
1403 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica 90403
(310) 576-4711

posted by Sandi Cain, Best Friends Network volunteer

Photo courtesy of Best Friends.

Healthy Spot “Rounds Up” for Best Friends L.A. Programs

sdrd1031 — Tue, 05 May 2009 03:19:56 GMT

Shop for Spot and Support Best Friends!

Best Friends L.A. Programs has been chosen to be the recipient of Healthy Spot’s “Round Up” program for the months of May and June!

Program Has Raised Thousands For Animal Welfare Groups
The “Round Up” program allows shoppers to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar with the money collected going to a designated animal rescue or welfare group. Since opening in May 2008, Healthy Spot has raised more than $4,000 with the “Round Up” program for local animal welfare groups.

When asked why Healthy Sport chose Best Friends for the program, co-founder Andrew Kim said, “We are big fans of Best Friends Animal Society but believe it is important for our store to work together with local organizations in the community. We have always felt stopping puppy mills and the commercial sales of puppies through storefronts is possible through the education of customers and businesses alike. So it follows we are strong supporters in the Best Friends L.A. Puppy-Store-Free campaign.”

Puppy-sale-free From the Start
Kim said he wanted Healthy Spot to be puppy-sale-free right from the start “because it was the right thing to do.”

“We share in Best Friend’s vision of a day when stores do not rely on the sales of puppies to make a living,” he said. “Healthy Spot is working proof of a more humane and successful business model for our industry. We will continue to work with local organizations to make a difference in our community.”

Healthy Spot is committed to unleashing their customers' passions for their dogs by being the leading provider of the finest products, premium services, quality information and highest care while breeding social awareness of compassion and canine education for the community.

Healthy Spot is at 1110 Wilshire Blvd., Santa Monica 90401.

For more information:

Visit Healthy Spot LA or call (310) 458.2004.

Visit the campaign Puppy Store Free LA.

Posted by Sandi Cain, Best Friends Network Volunteer

Store photo courtesy of Healthy Spot
Dog photo by Clay Myers, Best Friend's photographer

PetEx Brings Humane Store Model to San Fernando Valley

sdrd1031 — Tue, 05 May 2009 03:16:30 GMT

Downey Shelter Dogs Get Second Chance at PetEx Retail Store

By Melissa Maroff, Best Friends Volunteer

Back before some of the more high-profile Los Angeles pet stores stopped selling puppy mill dogs and went humane, Ron Levi, owner of a lower-profile pet store in the suburbs, began visiting shelters—simply because he wanted to do the right thing. After dealing with some red tape from government-run groups, Levi’s store PetEx quietly became the first in the L.A. area to convert to a humane model.

Tucked away in a strip center in the San Fernando Valley community of Tarzana, PetEx, in addition to offering pet food, supplies and grooming—has quietly found homes for some 60 shelter dogs since December 2008. The number is still growing.

Selling Dogs is "Not a Good Thing"
I visited the shelter and saw what was going on, I realized selling dogs was not a good thing to do,” says Levi, who opened as a pet supply/grooming store in 2006. He later began selling puppies he purchased from breeders and brokers. After making the decision to go humane in March 2008, Levi visited several Los Angeles city shelters and adoption events, hoping for an arrangement whereby he could offer shelter dogs at his store—but the best he was promised was a two-week wait for each dog.

“I told them they have tons of dogs, so why couldn’t they let me find good homes for them?” Levi says. “They kept telling me there are procedures. Basically, I got lost.”

Finding a Way to Make it Work
His quest took a more positive turn when a regular customer, who also happened to own a pet boarding facility, introduced him to the administrator at SEAACA, a shelter in Downey. A few days later, a truck pulled up to his store filled with dogs from SEAACA. He decided to choose four dogs and see how it would work out.

“They were spayed/neutered and had all of their paperwork; my groomer made them look beautiful and within a few weeks we found them good homes,” Levi says. “They were so open and so wonderful at SEAACA, and even offered to deliver the dogs,” he recalls.

He told them he’d come to the shelter instead. And that’s what he’s been doing since. He makes the nearly 40-mile drive from Tarzana to Downey two or three mornings a week in order to give some lucky dogs a second chance. On an average day you’ll find 10 to 12 dogs at his store, and on a good day, maybe only two or three.

Levi says he unfortunately doesn’t have the space for bigger dogs, so he has to be limited to puppies and smaller breeds up to two years old. He charges a flat adoption fee of $300, which includes neutering, shots, a microchip and the shelter’s 30-day health guarantee.

“I charge a decent price because I want you to adopt, not go to a breeder,” he says. “The supplies keep me in business, but adoption is the center point of the store.”

Store Good for Pets and People
PetEx’s large inventory includes a wide range of foods with a good selection of organic and holistic brands and a premium, yet affordable Canadian dog and cat food line that also features varieties comparable to prescription diets (which PetEx sells exclusively in the area). The store also carries a full line of pet remedies, including aromatherapy, and just about every other accessory a pet could need from the basics to designer and high-end imports that can’t be found anywhere else.

“I want customers to have the whole nine yards,” Levi says, which includes grooming services seven days a week and free pet food delivery. “Even if it’s out of the area, we try not to say no,” he boasts, and also guarantees to beat the major retailers on food prices. He says the good relationship with his customers is what brings them back, and word-of-mouth from regulars is what helps get the dogs adopted.

“We treat our dogs like kings,” Levi says. “I’m blessed with a staff that cares about dogs, he says, which is evident when you walk in.

Hoping Other Stores Adopt Humane Model
Levi says he can’t tell other pet store owners what to do, but hopes they will all adopt humane models, and if they go humane in one of their stores, they should do it across the board—not have adoptable dogs at one location and sell puppy mill dogs at another. Some stores have both puppy mill dogs and adoptable dogs. In fact, he has leases pending for seven more humane pet stores of his own, but the economic slump has pushed those further into the future so he can make sure the Tarzana store remains healthy.

A Los Angeles resident for 30 years, Levi says he definitely sees public opinion about selling dogs changing—even among those who aren’t familiar with the concept of puppy mills. “My customers care about animals and appreciate that I’m helping,” he says. “Instead of dogs being put to sleep, they’re finding good homes.”

For more information about the campaign against puppy mills

Visit Puppy Store Free LA.

Read about the recent rescue of more than 200 puppy mills dogs through the Pup My Ride program.

Posted by Sandi Cain, Best Friends Network Volunteer

Photos by Courtney S. Gilmore: Top, PetEx staff with pups; middle, rescue dogs await new homes; bottom, groomer Susie primps the pooches.

L.A. Pet Festival Brings the Fun

scratchtopaz — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:38:37 GMT

Crowds behaved, and so did the people!

by Lisa Dulyea, Best Friends staff

Hundreds of adoptable animals from Los Angeles area shelters and rescues gathered in one place on Sunday April, 26th, all with the same dream – to find a loving, forever home. For 380 of them, that dream became a reality.

Best Friends Los Angeles Programs has been hosting bi-annual Pet Adoption Festivals for 11 years. “Things sure have changed,” said Jean Matheson, a long time supporter of Best Friends. “I remember when there were just a few tents and handful of volunteers trying to get shelter animals into homes, and now, this.” Jean was referring to the thousands of attendees, 160 vendors and adoption groups spread out across Westchester Park. “What an amazing opportunity for these homeless animals.”

Acres of fun!

G.G. Verone enjoyed the festive atmosphere and looked forward to visiting the vendor booths. “I love learning about the new pet products, especially the breakthroughs in nutrition.” G.G. was also impressed with the level of care the animals receive. “It’s incredible to see a physically disabled animal enjoying life and knowing that they are being given a chance.”

G.G. could have been referring to any number of animals at the festival. Yet one, in particular, touched her heart. He’s a large mixed breed dog, who lost the use of his back legs and relies on a wheeled cart to get around. He zoomed around the park, playing, greeting people and dogs, completely oblivious to his “handicap.” Without the hard work of dedicated rescue groups, this boy wouldn’t have made it out of the shelter, and without festivals like this people may not understand that disabled animals can live happy, healthy lives.

Celebrity trainer Tamar Geller enjoying the event

Tamar Geller, author of The Loved Dog and Oprah’s personal dog trainer, celebrity Katie Amanda Keane, KTLA’s Lu Parker and Best Friends’ founder, Francis Battista introduced each shelter dog to the audience as they were walked across the stage. Pit Bulls, Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, and every conceivable mix were individually evaluated, on stage, by Tamar as she stressed the importance of adoption. “It’s truly amazing how many sweet, beautiful dogs are in shelters. Please open your hearts and give these guys a home.”

In addition to the vendors, adoption groups and stage festivities, Dancing with Dogs added a new, fun element to the event. People and their dogs danced on stage in front of celebrity judges and a huge crowd. There was an assortment of dogs dancing with their guardians – no level of skill was needed, just the desire to have a great time. Celebrity judges Sarah Larson, Laura & Preston, Mariana Tosca, Larry Sullivan, Greg Haptor and Phyllis Botti volunteered their time to help make the day a success.

Dogs know how to ‘get down’ at Westchester Park!

Pet Adoption Festivals provide an opportunity for all walks of life learn about animal welfare. Jack Weiss, Councilman for District 11 made a guest appearance, urging everyone to adopt an animal. “These events are a terrific opportunity to bring the community together, meet their local representatives, and help us find new families for hundreds of homeless pets. It's a win-win for both the community and the animals, and we're so thrilled to have had such a great turnout,” said Elizabeth Oreck, Best Friends Los Angeles Programs Manager.

Campaign Specialist for the program Pit Bulls: Saving America's Dog, Ed Fritz, hadn’t been to a Pet Adoption Festival before. “This is amazing,” he said. “Where else could you see Pitties, Chihuahuas, council members, celebrities and kids interacting in a public setting? There’s great music, food and homeless animals getting a shot at a new life. I’m blown away.”

Even with all the success, shelters and rescues are overflowing. “This economy is having a huge impact on animals losing their homes,” said one L.A. Animal Services volunteer. “We are getting more owner turn-ins than ever. It literally comes down to people feeding their kids or feeding their animals. The animals always lose.”

Rachael Ray and Ainsworth Pet Nutrition stepped up to help by donating 3000 lbs. of the pet food line, Rachael Ray Nutrish and hundreds of bags of treats like Isaboo Booscotti. 2000 lbs. went to government shelters. The remaining 1000 lbs. was divided equally among rescue groups. Heartbroken by the thought of animals facing hardships, Rachael Ray created Rachael’s Rescue, which is dedicated to helping worthy pet charities. 100% of Rachael’s profits from Rachael Ray Nutrish go to dogs in need. The public also contributed to feeding hungry animals. Food donation bins were stuffed with contributions.

April 26th was a great day for many cats, dogs, bunnies and birds who now have families to call their own. The Pet Adoption Festivals have become a model for others across the country to follow. “The best part about these events,” said Julie Castle, Director of Community Programs and Services for Best Friends, “is the educational aspect. So many people still don’t realize that there are wonderful animals in shelters. This event provides such a great learning tool for the public. It allows for shelter animals, who would otherwise be stuck in a kennel, to be seen by thousands of people. Be cool. Save a life. Adopt a shelter pet.”

Best Friends’ staffers working hard: Elizabeth Oreck, Francis Battista, Lisa Dulyea & Julie Castle

Best Friends Los Angeles Pet Adoption Festival was proudly presented by PETCO Foundation and Chrissie’s Fund and sponsored by Dog’s Life Magazine, The American Dog Magazine and Centinela Feed.

images courtesy of Roberto Valenzuela Photography

posted by Denise LeBeau, Best Friends staff

Working together to help LA's Animals : Affectionate FIV-Positive Flame-Point Siamese Needs Loving Home

krodecki — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:05:17 GMT

Rice Krispy has real personality. He's a lap-cat who will crawl right into your lap when you sit down. He loves people and loves to be petted. However, he's also a little quirky due to the fact that he's had to fend for himself out on the streets for years. He needs an adult-only home with a family who will love him unconditionally.

If interested, please email me at kamar93@yahoo.com.

Working together to help LA's Animals : Special Needs kitty needs home!

karensam — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 02:10:17 GMT

I am in dire need of help. Six years ago I adopted the last member of a feral colony of cats who were trapped and put up for adoption. No one wanted Leroy because he scratched and hissed at everyone who came near him. I felt bad and thought enough love and compassion would help him thru his fear. Now six years later he is still skittish, hisses anytime I try to pick him up, very very anxious and has a problem with improper elimination. I have tried literally everything to help him. The good news is he is healthy so there is no medical problem. He has the correct open litter box and clay litter that is soft on his pads. As for his anxiety, Feliway doesn't work, nor does flower essences or even Prozac. I have consulted with doctors, behaviorists, communicators...believe me when I say I have tried everything for Leroy. I just want him to be in a peaceful place where he can be happy (or as happy as he is able) and enjoy his existence. I know I am not that place for him. There is no rhyme or reason to his improper peeing and I have been told many times that anxiety cases are very hard to diagnose. Financially and emotionally I am drained. I am looking for someone well experienced in special needs cats; a feral sanctuary would be fabulous or perhaps someone with a yard and cattery. I love this kitty and want to do right by him. Please help me find his perfect home! Thanks so much, KS

Los Angeles Halts Discounts for Spay/Neuter Program

cmoon — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:28:21 GMT

Steep Budget Cuts Will Increase Pet Population and Strain Area Shelters

By Mary Hudgins, Best Friends Network Volunteer

The city of Los Angeles’ budget woes have lead to the suspension of discount coupons for spay/neuter program. The cut of $150,000 from the budget of the Los Angeles Animal Services Department (LAAS) has led to the suspension.

LA recently mandated animals over a certain age be spayed or neutered. To help low-income residents with the costs of surgeries, the Spay and Neuter Voucher Program was devised. Coupons are good for a $30 discount or a $70 free surgery.

With puppy and kitten season upon us, officials are worried the suspension of the coupon program will cause an alarming increase of strays in shelters.

“In the months since instituting the strongest spay and neuter ordinance in the nation, we’ve seen incredible increases in the number of surgeries performed, and it’s critical that we immediately reinstate the city’s low-cost and free voucher program to help our community members comply with the law,” said Councilman Richard Alarcon.

“The spay and neuter voucher program is a smart investment in our city that will reduce Animal Service’s costs over the long run and continue to move Los Angeles towards our ultimate goal of being a humane, no-kill city.”

Several LA city council members have introduced a motion calling for the reinstatement of the program. “Although the City faces extreme budget challenges, this decision is an error in fiscal and moral judgment,” said Councilman Dennis P. Zine. “Reductions in preventative services such as spay/neuter programs are shortsighted and will undoubtedly cost more in the long run, both in dollars and in cases of needlessly homeless animals. When compared to the approximate $200 cost of impounding an animal in a LAAS shelter, the coupon program makes economic sense.”

How You Can Help
Please contact the LA City Council to support the motion calling for the reinstatement of the program.

Stock photo by Clay Myers, Best Friends Staff
Posted by Cheri Moon, Best Friends Staff

Working together to help LA's Animals : Sunny The Cat

Sunny2003 — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:48:43 GMT

HI
I have a 6 yr old orange and white stripe tabby who is about 9-10pnds. I got him when he was 13months as he came to my deceased mom's door in 2003. No one would help so I finally adopted him only to learn the lady behind the man across the street it was her cat. She put it out as 2 of her 3 kids developed allergies and very mild ones at that. He has been spooked by noise and I am his mommy.
Since we had to move to one bedroom apt. it is worse. I can't get rest. He needs to be in a yard and someone to play with the string so he can chase it during the day to wear him out for the night.
He is fixed and all shots and has home again in him. He is cute. I just am underweight and have problems with my leg have to watch it doesn't get ulcers. Problem is that he loves whiskas treats and when I want to go to sleep and close the door he is at it pushing the tp barracade down. He wants whiskas or just wants to lay at end of bed. Tried that then 3 hours later in my face begging for food and has accidently sractch me in the face and arm to get them.
I can't take it and would love to place him in a loving family's home who can give him the attention he needs and deserves.
I hate to turn him into the pound but I am at ropes end. I was going to get a scat mat I can't afford it but foil, noise and treating him as his mother would or the squirt bottle is a NOT a big enough deterient. I feel sorry for him as he has had his share of stress too.
If I could afford it as I am on disability, I would call in catbusiness1 a behaviorist but can't. My sister sued me for my inheritence.

I have no means to upload a photo just think of the same color of tabby in petfood tv add chasing butterflies. He is use to chasing lizards etc.

Sunnysmom2 is my user name ; it seems it really is 2003Sunny or 2003sunny whatever it says at the posting. I am so pooped cant' think straight!
email and please use this if interested or know someone that is. I have Revolution flea control , bedding and the works and adoption fee $50 or let's talk
I hate to let him go as he is my only family and friend but my health is suffering and just a nervous wreck fighting this out with him each night.

email me at gap17j@hotmail.com
Thank you
Pat

Working together to help LA's Animals : Sunny The Cat

Sunny2003 — Sun, 14 Dec 2008 23:37:44 GMT

HI
I have a 6 yr old orange and white stripe tabby who is about 9-10pnds. I got him when he was 13months as he came to my deceased mom's door in 2003. No one would help so I finally adopted him only to learn the lady behind the man across the street it was her cat. She put it out as 2 of her 3 kids developed allergies and very mild ones at that. He has been spooked by noise and I am his mommy.
Since we had to move to one bedroom apt. it is worse. I can't get rest. He needs to be in a yard and someone to play with the string so he can chase it during the day to wear him out for the night.
He is fixed and all shots and has home again in him. He is cute. I just am underweight and have problems with my leg have to watch it doesn't get ulcers. Problem is that he loves whiskas treats and when I want to go to sleep and close the door he is at it pushing the tp barracade down. He wants whiskas or just wants to lay at end of bed. Tried that then 3 hours later in my face begging for food and has accidently sractch me in the face and arm to get them.
I can't take it and would love to place him in a loving family's home who can give him the attention he needs and deserves.
I hate to turn him into the pound but I am at ropes end. I was going to get a scat mat I can't afford it but foil, noise and treating him as his mother would or the squirt bottle is a big enough deterient. I feel sorry for him as he has had his share of stress too.
If I could afford it as I am on disability, I would call in catbusiness1 a behaviorist but can't. My sister sued me for my inheritence.

I have no means to upload a photo just think of the same color of tabby in petfood tv add chasing butterflies. He is use to chasing lizards etc.

Sunnysmom2 is my user name
email and please use this if interested or know someone that is. I have Revolution flea control , bedding and the works and adoption fee $50 or let's talk
I hate to let him go as he is my only family and friend but my health is suffering and just a nervous wreck fighting this out with him each night.

email me at gap17j@hotmail.com
Thank you
Pat

Working together to help LA's Animals : Affectionate FIV-Positive Flame-Point Siamese Needs Loving Home

krodecki — Thu, 27 Nov 2008 02:19:19 GMT

Howl-i-day Pawty for Best Friends LA on Saturday, Dec. 13th

laurat — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:24:25 GMT

Tiffanie Hauger and Kim Warren, along with their Chihuahuas Gidget and Mouse, invite you and your four-legged Best Friends to a Pawty.

WHO: Tiffanie Hauger and Kim Warren, Best Friends Volunteers

WHAT: Howl-i-day Pawty

WHERE: The Healthy Spot, Santa Monica, CA

WHEN: Saturday, Dec. 13th, at 7pm

There will be great friends, good food, wonderful shopping and fabulous give-a-ways. Feel free to spread the word - the more the merrier! Click here to download the flyer with all details.

A $10 suggested donation at the door goes to benefit Best Friends LA Programs. Please RSVP to gidgetandmouse@gmail.com.

Posted by Laura Thompson, Best Friends Volunteer

Working together to help LA's Animals : CSU Long Beach Cat Rescued-Needs Foster or Permanent Home

sonyasmom — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:55:31 GMT

Sonya was rescued from CSU Long Beach in March just before her campus home was demolished to make way for a new building. A total lovebug once she gets to know you, she is initially very shy. Sonya gets along well with other cats, but a home without dogs or small children would be the best fit for her. Sonya has adjusted well to life indoors (see pic) & enjoys just hanging out with her special person (prefers women over men) and receiving pets and a good butt scratch. All medical/dental/shots March 2008; already spayed. This perfectly healthy and beautiful little girl needs a home. Will you be the one who will win her heart? See her blossom under your care! Elegant grey & white tuxedo with jade green eyes, about 10 lbs, 6-7 years old. Boarding at Cat Clinic in Costa Mesa, CA. Can't afford boarding much longer. Contact me at (562) 760-1029 or ssuetsug@csulb.edu .