The Mendocino County Animal Control in Ukiah and Fort Bragg are having a “It’s Raining Cats & Kittens” SALE! For the entire month of November, the cost of adopting a cat or kitten is $25. For this low Adoption fee, all cats and kittens have been spayed/neutered, tested for feline leukemia, vaccinated and micro-chipped.

For more information, call the
Ukiah Shelter 707-467-6453 or the Fort Bragg Shelter 707-964-2718.

9 year old neutered male black/brown short haired tabby with a rather small “stubby-chubby” build—stocky body with short legs. Muttski has a tiny bit of white on the tip of his tail and several notches on his ears. His left ear is slightly misshapen. Also, his right top canine tooth is chipped.
He disappeared July from the area of Hillview Ave. Mendocino Drive and Hillcrest Ave.
Contact marbo@saber.net or call 462-8239

“It was heartbreaking last year to see the dogs without proper coverings. We tried to shield them from the rains, but it was difficult,” said Sheryl Mitchum, executive director for the Humane Society of Inland Mendocino County. Luckily, with help in the form of a $10,000 matching-funds donation from the privately-owned Bank of Stockton, the dogs at the Humane Society should be getting a new home within the year. The Humane Society is located at 9700 Uva Drive in Redwood Valley. This nonprofit organization works to provide shelter and homes for dogs and cats looking to be adopted. The matching funds are dedicated to the memory of lifelong Hopland resident Charlie Shimmin, who recently died at age 93. He worked most of his life with the Savings Bank of Mendocino County, but it was his relationship with the Eberhardt family of the Bank of Stockton and his son Paul’s desire to commemorate his father that helped provide the Humane Society with this opportunity. “I know this is something that would be very special to him. I know he would be very pleased,” said Paul Shimmin, the third-generation banker, who, with the help of his wife, Linda, the Bank of Stockton and the Humane Society, worked to organize the project. Paul Shimmin said that following his father’s death, the Bank of Stockton approached him asking of a way to do something in memory of Charlie Shimmin.
Third-generation banker Paul Schimmin holds Dusty, who is currently seeking adoption at the Humane Society of Inland Mendocino County. At his suggestion, the Bank of Stockton donated $10,000 to the organization in honor of his father, Charlie Schimmin. (MacLeod Pappidas/The Daily Journal)

“I suggested that we set up some sort of matching funds, although I had no idea they’d send a check for $10,000,” Paul said.
The Bank of Stockton will be matching all donations to the Humane Society’s building fund with the hopes of replacing the 17 cages at the Humane Society. With help from the community, Mitchum and Shimmin are optimistic they’ll be able to utilize all of the matching funds.

Shimmin said the initial discussions are to replace the 17 cages with 28 new ones at the shelter. He said the Humane Society will be looking to rearrange the current space to fit more cages, resurface the gravel floors with cement and enclose each of the cages to provide shelter during rainy and hot days.

Construction has yet to start, but Shimmin said he and the Humane Society are looking for animal-friendly contractors to provide plans. Mitchum added that she wasn’t sure of an exact date for construction to begin, but she hopes it would begin prior to the start of the rainy season.

“We just want to be able to provide better living conditions for the animals here as they wait to be adopted,” Shimmin said.

He said that the idea of working with the Humane Society was something he felt his father would appreciate, and with the current conditions of the dog cages it seemed like the perfect opportunity to beat the rainy season.

“Once you come here, they (the animals) get a hold of your heart, and they don’t let go,” Mitchum said. “It’s really these animals that keep me coming here every day.”

She said the Humane Society is looking for cash donations as well as supplies and services to get the ball rolling on this much-needed project.

People interested in making a donation to the Humane Society of Inland Mendocino County’s Building Fund can send a check or money order made payable to the Humane Society of Inland Mendocino County, PO Box 3600, Ukiah, CA 95482. All donations will be matched, dollar-for-dollar, with the Bank of Stockton’s $10,000 in matching funds.

To donate materials or services to this project, contact Mitchum at 485-0123 during business hours at the Shelter: Wednesdays through Fridays 1 to 5 p.m., and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Zack Sampsel can be reached at udjzs@pacific.net

Excepted from the Ukiah Daily Journal

Paul Bunyan Days are here and so is the 22nd Annual Ugly Dog Contest!

Bring Out your cute, big small, talented and ugly dogs. 
Sign up: 2:00 and Contest starts at 3:00
Location: N Harold and Laurel, Fort Bragg
Prizes for Best

• Best Frisbee Dog
• Dog Owner Look Alike
• Smartest Dog
• Smallest Dog
• Biggest Dog
• Prettiest Dog

Judging by Mendocino Coast Humane Society
Dog Toy Prizes supplied by LittleRiverPetShop.com

Reprinted from Ukiah Daily Journal 8/12/07 

Mendocino County Animal Care & Control Director Bliss Fisher is staying on in the county despite tendering her resignation in mid-July.

According to a press release issued Thursday by Fisher’s boss, newly appointed Health and Human Services Agency Director Carmel Angelo, “We are pleased with the programs that Bliss has started. She has been working really hard on increasing adoptions of animals, expanding spay and neuter services and developing a feral cat trap/neuter/release program.”

Angelo was appointed to run the new combined county Health and Human Services Department June 11.

She said she is looking at the organizational charts and staffing to look at Animal Control services and what changes might be needed.

Animal Control was shifted into the Public Health Department in 2006 as part of an effort by then-county CEO John Ball to respond to criticism of the department and its former director, Greg Foss.

“I love working with Animal Care & Control,” said Fisher, who was hired in February. “Some of the administrative responsibilities are new to me, but I am learning fast.”

Fisher is a registered vet tech, has experience working with private veterinary practices and shelters but is new to managing government programs.

She apparently ran afoul of animal advocates on the coast, who told county officials at a public meeting they thought Fisher lacked “people skills.”

But Fisher is also credited with getting the traveling spay-neuter Care-A-Van back on the road and is popular with inland animal advocates.

They call her articulate and diplomatic, and someone who does a good job of explaining the department’s operations and problems.

Richard Winkler, with the inland Spay/Neuter Assistance Program known as SNAP, said Friday that Fisher has done a lot to help the effort to round up feral cats and get them spayed and neutered.

He pointed out that of the 1,000 or so animals euthanized by the county each year, 600 of them are feral cats.

“We would like to get a handle on it because that’s the majority of it,” he said. “Bliss actually took a leadership role in getting together all the people who have feral cat colonies.”

Winkler said there are about 50 people in the county who have feral cat colonies. These people have gathered feral cats, had them spayed or neutered and now feed and take care of them.

“It’s a group of very dedicated people that she’s trying to help,” Winkler said.

He added that Fisher is considered a “breath of fresh air” in the Animal Control department. “She is really interested in helping animals.”

Mendocino Coast Dog Owners Group (MCDOG) is holding a fundraiser Saturday, Sept 1 from 3 - 5, in conjunction with the Ugly Dog Contest on the Middle School field in Fort Bragg. We’re raising money to build a fence around the dog park, which will soon be on the grounds of the Parks and Recs Community Center in Fort Bragg - future home of the Aquatic Center.

Here’s more about the MCDOG fundraising activities:
- Puppies Bobbing for Rubber Duckies
- Digital photos of you, your pup or your kids with real-life, life-sized MCDOG
- Questions for Madam Chien, animal communicator
- Items for sale to support the fenced dog park including leash luggage and personalized plaques to honor your four-legged friends.

Ugly Dog Contest Sign- 2-3 PM

Last Saturday, the Mendocino Humane Society and a dedicated volunteer made another small dent in the Coast’s Feral Cat over-population problem. Joyce Baker, the volunteer, trapped 10 feral cats from several locations and they were brought to the Shelter for a “quick fix” or spay at the Shelter and of course, a rabies shot.  After recovery, Joyce returned the “wild cats” back to their original locations. This is called a “TNR” Program or “Trap, Neuter and Release” Program. It has been found that the best way to control feral colonies and control feral cat over-population is to return Ferals back to their original homes. It prevents the spread of disease and keeps the colony in balance.  Feral cats that are released to a different location usually wander off or are chased off. This takes them away from their steady food source and is very stressful, making them vulnerable to disease and injury.

How you can help?
Do you know of a Feral that needs to be altered. Call the Shelter - 964-SPAY.
Want to help solve the Coastal over-population problem - Donate Now Online.
It is quick and easy! It is safe and secure - use your Visa, Mastercard or PayPal account and the money will help our local feral cats. Thank you for caring.

For owners and their dogs; we are going to have a pleasant Dog Walk downtown Mendocino; every Tuesday at 1:00.
The walk is meant for trained dogs and dogs in training to enjoy an outing.
We will meet at the Post Office; so bring your dog and treats and let’s walk. All dogs must be on leash.
So bring your dog for a walk!

Becky Stenberg will be teaching Agility Classes this summer at Ann Kanitz’s At Last Farm Dog Day Camp. They hope to offer Beginners (Introductory class) and Advanced Beginners. At Last Farm Dog Day Camp is located on Gurley Lane off Little Lake Road.
Dogs love Agility Classes!
If you’re interested, please contact Ann.
atlastfarm@yahoo.com 937-2935

Paws is a summer program that helps to unite at-risk youths with animals in need of training and homes. The kids receive Clicker Training, an effective Pet Training method and then the kids train the cats and dogs.

See the complete Article in Ukiah Daily Journal

Need a BIG dog spayed or neutered and can not afford it. The Mendocino Coast Humane Society can assist you. If your Big Dog weighs over 40 pounds, call and make an appointment to be spayed or neutered at the Humane Society’s Spay/Neuter Clinic.
Pay what you can afford.
To make an appointment;
Call the Humane Society at 964-SPAY.

Missing July 1, 2007, from Hillview Avenue and Mendocino Drive or Hillcrest Avenue. “Muttski” is a rather small 9 yr. old neutered male described as “stubby chubby”–stocky build with short legs. Has nicks on ears; one ear is slightly misshapen. He has a tiny white tip on his tail.

After several years of neglect the County’s Mobile Spay/Neuter Van is out and about thanks to Bliss Fisher, the new Director of Animal Control. On July 18th the Van will be on the Covelo Reservation and it will also be in Point Arena on July 25th.

Need that pet spayed - check it out!

This cat lives near Ukiah High School and his family is desperately trying to find him. He could even be in another area of town via a delivery truck, cars, etc.  He weighs 10 pounds and is a two year old neutered male cat.  If found, please call Linda at 463-6937.

The Mendocino County Animal Control has placed Cats Available for Adoption in numerous Fort Bragg  & Mendocino stores. Evergreen Barn, Paws and Fort Bragg Feed are just a few that have adoptable cats from the Fort Bragg Animal Control Shelter. This creative and successful idea was brought to the Coast by Bliss Fisher, the new Mendocino County Animal Control Director.

In the Willits Valley last Oct., we rescued 3 abandoned cats (mother & 2 kittens). The cat pictured here we believe is from the same group. He was seen at that time with a similar 2 mos. old and then again periodically, but was too afraid. In the spring he came around closer meowing, so I worked to get him comfortable coming around. He is now neutered, wormed, shots, and clear for disease. He’s actually very loving, has an unmistakable talking meow, can be a barn cat but we think wants to be more special.
Please help him find a home.
We hate to see him go, but the owner here says no.

P.S. He survived the winter with the coyotes in the creek bed, so he’s a real trooper! No sign of his little friend.
Interested? Contact us.
Kym White & JoAnn White    (707) 459-6070

The County Care-A-Van will be in Point Arena on Wednesday, July 25th. The van will be performing low cost spay/neuters and vaccinations.

It is easy-
1-  Call for an appointment and pre-surgery instructions
2-  Drop your pet off at 8:30 am
3-  Pick your pet up about 2:00-3:00
Exact pick up time varies depending on work load.

Vaccinations do NOT need an appointment, they are Drop In between 10 and 2 pm.

Call 961-2526 or 463-4782 to make an appointment.
Care-A-Van Costs

• Cat       Neuter $30.00     Cat Spay  $45.00
• Dog      Neuter $55.00     Dog Spay $65.00

Add $10.00 for Dogs over 40 pounds.
Add $10.00 for Cats or Dogs in heat
Add $20.00 if pregnant

Vaccination Costs - Drop-In - 10:00 - 2:00 pm

Dog Vaccinations

• RABIES Vaccine          $ 8.00      DHLPP Vaccine            $ 8.00     
• Lyme Vaccine             $12.00     Bordetella Vaccine        $ 8.00
• Heartworm Test         $20.00

Cat Vaccinations

• RABIES Vaccine          $ 8.00      FVRCP Vaccine           $ 8.00
• FELV Vaccine             $11.00     FELV/FIV Test               $25.00
• Cat Carrier                   $ 5.00

Our loving owner has moved to a Retirement Home and they don’t take 2 medium large dogs. So we are looking for a comfy place to live out our last years. We are friendly and loving, but we need home and would like to retire together. A big yard, some nice shade and shelter would make us so happy.

Reprinted from Ukiah Daily Journal
June 14, 2007

A “meow” and “woof” from Precious and Roxy, residents at the Mendocino County Animal Shelter in Fort Bragg, were shared with the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors Tuesday.

Animal-speak for “thank you,” the message passed along by interim Health and Human Services Agency Director Ana Mahoney at a meeting on the coast marked the completion of needed improvements to the crowded facility made possible by an allocation of $100,000 from the board last year.

The money was used to build a 544-square-foot addition to the shelter at 19701 Summers Lane, giving the cat population respite from the cramped, stuffy confines of a cargo container they called home and the small shelter staff the simple luxury of having an indoor sink in which to wash the animals’ food dishes.

“The $100,000 was well spent,” Animal Care and Control Director Bliss Fisher said. “We have a new cat room, a laundry facility (with) a much needed washer and dryer installed, and we have an isolation room where we can separate sick animals from the general population.”

The cat room, equipped with large cages, multiple windows and a play structure, is a far cry from the approximate 30 small cages that lined the interior of the trailer now used only for storage, said Dan Woodward, animal facility attendant.

“They’re a lot more content in here. There’s a big difference in the way they act,” he said of the cats, that have also been healthier since leaving the trailer with little ventilation.

Improvements also include a large, outdoor fenced area for the dogs, added storage space and the extension of Woodward’s position from part- to full-time to allow the animal control officer who oversees the area to spend more time in the field.

But Mahoney said the work is not over. She is asking the board to allocate an extra $200,000 in the 2007/2008 Fiscal Year budget to coastal shelter operations.

“It’s a start, but a start that can’t stop,” Mahoney said of the work that’s been done. “These are not easy budget times, but it’s not easy for the animals — the cat and dog friends of ours that we have — without us continuing our dedication and our care and commitment to the coast shelter.”

More staff to allow weekend hours, an improved adoption program and eventually, a new facility, are needed, Mahoney said.

Friends of Mendocino Coast Animal Shelter, a recently-formed nonprofit organization, is also calling on the board to allocate more money to the Fort Bragg Shelter.

“Stop treating us like the forgotten coast.’ Provide a fair share of the budget for the Mendocino Animal Care and Control to the Fort Bragg extension,” FMCAS President Raymond Arnold said Tuesday, addressing the board.

According to Arnold, only about 9 percent of county shelter expenditures reach the coast, with the remainder spent inland at the Ukiah Shelter. The group of about 50 has pledged to seek grants and other funds to match any money the county puts toward a capital improvement account for a new shelter in Fort Bragg.

“There’s a real community concern for the treatment of animals here,” Arnold said.

The Board of Supervisors will consider Mahoney’s request at the end of August during final budget hearings.

Katie Mintz can be reached at udjkm@pacific.net.