Dogs Versus Cat Beds

Over the years I have acquired some of the cutest little cat beds ever.  Ultra-soft, plush, gorgeous designer cat beds. 

I have also acquired some very nice dog beds.  It’s too bad that the dogs never use them.  Why?  Because the dogs are always in the cat beds.  And where are the cats?  Anywhere but there.

Cat beds, once “christened” by the cats, are absolutely irresistible to my dogs, like "cat nip."  Yes, the dogs look silly in the cat beds.  But they also look completely content.

Snug in their little cat beds, the dogs are oblivious to the wicked glare of the ousted cats. Because as anyone knows, once soiled with dog scent the cats will never spend time in those beds again.

Dogs vs cat beds. Or is it dogs versus cats, once again?

 

Mr. Bossy Pants Can't Dance

I recently spent a few days visiting with my sister.  And I soon learned that just as with people, you don't know an animal until you live with it. 

My sister has the bossiest cat in the history of Catdom.  He is in charge of everything his big round eyes can see.  He is in charge of the birds outside, the hummingbirds that hide, and the fat pigeons that glide.  Most days my sister's cat and the birds perform a not-so-graceful predator / prey dance which usually culminates in one or the other smashing himself against the window.


Mr. Bossy Pants believes himself to be the boss of all things.  He comes and goes as he pleases, and decides who pets him and when.  He sleeps wherever and whenever he pleases and if someone must sacrifice a pillow or two for Bossy's comfort, so be it.

Not a day goes by that Bossy Pants doesn't prowl the hallway, making sure everything is exactly as he likes it.  He likes to scold people (mostly me) as he surveys his domain, as if to say "I hope you appreciate that I have allowed you into my cat kingdom."

And that is when the birds show up and it's time for Mr. Bossy Pants to dance.  Or hurl himself against the window.  Because Mr. Bossy Pants can't dance.

Keep Your Pets Safe on the Fourth!

The following tips are for dog (and cat) owners to prepare for Independence Day:

• If you are going to a fireworks display, leave your dog at home where he will be the most safe and comfortable.
• Always keep proper identification securely fastened to your dog's collar in case he gets out. Talk to your local shelter about implanting a universal microchip in your pet, and make sure that your veterinary clinic and animal shelter have your correct contact information in their database.
• Don't leave your dog outside. A dog's sense of hearing is acute--about four times more sensitive than humans'.
• Create a special den-like area in your home where your dog feels safe. A properly introduced crate or kennel can be a calming refuge for them.
• Some dogs become destructive when frightened. If you don't use a crate, remove any items in the room which your dog could destroy or which could hurt them if they chewed them.
• Keep your dog away from the front and back doors. Your dog may be under significant stress, which could result in unnecessary injury to others or cause them to dart out the door.
• Keep windows and curtains closed to reduce noise and bright flashes.
• Turn on a TV or radio at normal volume to distract your dog from loud noises and help him to relax.
• If possible, stay with your pet during the majority of the fireworks. A dog often reacts more intensely to loud sounds and flashes of lights when you are not with him.
• Consider hiring a pet sitter to stay with your dog while you are away from home.

 

Have a Safe and Happy Fourth of July

Kumquat and the Birth of the Kool

Do doggies have an "in-crowd," a popular group of cool dogs that shuns the geeks?  If you ever went on a walk with Kumquat the Squat, you would think that they do.

Kumquat has some of the shortest little legs I've ever seen.  Short little legs and a large head that bobs up and down as he walks.

Kumquat walks like he owns the world, with little Squeaky Squirrel filling in as wing man. Kumquat throws a doggie nod to the other "cool" dogs on the block, followed by the requisite sniff.  Every now and then we come across a dog who's not cool (in fact some of them are downright nerdy) and Kumquat must let him or her know.  We're cool, you're not.  See how my big head bobs up and down as I motor along on my short little legs.

And for once in my life, I'm in with the In Crowd.  I think.

*DOSHA* Beautiful Doe-eyed Hound Needs a a Loving Home!

Lovely Dosha was brought to the shelter by her owners after she had a litter of puppies. She is absolutely gorgeous with her unique marking and big soulful eyes. Dosha likes to hide in her cubby and she is sometimes cautious around new people, but she’s a sweetheart who loves to sit quietly at your side. Do you have room in your home and heart for Dosha?

All animals are spayed or neutered prior to release. The adoption fees include preventative vaccines, parasite treatments, microchip implant (for permanent internal ID) with pre-paid registration and a free initial wellness exam by a veterinarian of your choice.

 

Impound No.: A1310357

Rebone Coonhound

Spayed Female

3 Years Old

Weight: 53-lbs.

Impound Date: 5/19/12

HARBOR ANIMAL CARE CENTER
957 N. Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-2632 or (213) 485-8789

ADOPTION HOURS:
Monday (Closed)
Tuesday (8AM - 5PM)
Wednesday (8AM - 5PM)
Thursday (8AM - 5PM)
Friday (8AM - 5PM)
Saturday (8AM - 5PM)
Sunday (11AM - 5PM)

Contact Harborfriends@gmail.com or contact the shelter directly

Top Ten Reasons Everyone Should Have a Pit Bull

A new Top Ten List is posted every Monday.

1. Pit Bulls are being euthanized in record numbers in our shelters.
2. Pit Bulls are intelligent and highly trainable, many excel as agility dogs
3. They are excellent cuddlers and often prefer spooning over any other activity
4. Pit Bulls are hearty creatures - they are athletic and make fantastic jogging partners and training buddies (and can easily carry a doggie backpack with hiking supplies)
5. Pit Bulls are "wash and go" and require very little grooming
6. They are not prone to a lot of the health problems that other breeds are prone to
7. Pit Bulls are great with kids and as everyone knows, they used to be called "nanny dogs"
8. They are extremely loyal and form a strong bond with their owners
9. There is an amazing variety of shapes, sizes and colors
10. The American Pit Bull Terrier scored 86% on the American Temperament Test: better than lots of more popular breeds!    



Rescue or Adopt a Pit Bull Today

Los Angeles Animal Services

Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control

*NEPTUNE* Sweet Senior German Shepherd Needs Rescue or Adoption!

email harborfriends@gmail.com

Meet Neptune! Neptune is a handsome, mellow senior gent who wants only to be someone's special companion. Neptune walks great on leash, and is so very gentle.  Neptune has been in the shelter since 4/29/12 - can you give this sweet boy a loving home during his Golden Years?

Update 5/31/12: Neptune was treated to a Spa Day! He received a bath and pedicure, and now he is even more gorgous (and he smells good too!). Neptune loved all the attention, and now he is ready to go to his forever home.

All animals are spayed or neutered prior to release. The adoption fees include preventative vaccines, parasite treatments, microchip implant (for permanent internal ID) with pre-paid registration and a free initial wellness exam by a veterinarian of your choice.

Impound No.: A1304593

German Shepherd Mix

Neutered Male

10 Years Old

Weight: 67-lbs.

Impound Date: 4/29/12

HARBOR ANIMAL CARE CENTER
957 N. Gaffey Street, San Pedro, CA 90731
(310) 548-2632 or (213) 485-8789

ADOPTION HOURS:
Monday (Closed)
Tuesday (8AM - 5PM)
Wednesday (8AM - 5PM)
Thursday (8AM - 5PM)
Friday (8AM - 5PM)
Saturday (8AM - 5PM)
Sunday (11AM - 5PM)