November already! The year is flying by. With the return of standard time we are now walking the last dogs of the day in the dark p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday evenings when the shelter is open until 7 p.m. You don’t have to meet dogs outside though; there are well-lit inside venues for meet…
Dogtown: Come meet sweet Basil and Rufus
The shelter has announced the date for this year’s Holiday Open House. It will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14. This event is a benefit for the shelter’s Emergency Medical Fund, which provides needed veterinary care for dogs and cats who have orthopedic injuries, heartworm, or other serious conditions. Though it’s two months away, you…
Dogtown: Doggie drama, adventures and adoptables
October is National Adopt A Shelter Dog Month! Of course we would love to see dogs adopted, but even if you are not in the market for a new furry friend, there are ways that you can celebrate the occasion. Donations to a shelter or rescue are always appreciated! The shelter’s Emergency Medical Fund…
Dogtown: Jethro, an aroma aficionado; Bugsy, who takes no guff from big dogs
It seems there is a something happening every weekend at this time of year! This Saturday will be “Bark in the Park,” an annual event put on by the Humboldt Bay Firefighters at Sequoia Park in Eureka. This 5K walk/run is dog-friendly and starts at 10 am. This year the proceeds go to the Humboldt…
Dogtown: Meet Digby, a social butterfly
One thing that we do at Redwood Pals Rescue is to work with the dogs at the Humboldt County Animal Shelter that have not yet passed their shelter temperament testing. Sometimes these dogs are very shy, or overwhelmed by the barking and activity of the shelter. Handling them gently, bringing them goodies and exposing them…
Dogtown: Entertaining games to keep your pup occupied
I mentioned recently that we had some visitors from the Shelter Playgroup Alliance come present a workshop at the Humboldt County Animal Shelter. These folks are trainers from the Bay Area who specialize in helping volunteers and staff to provide enrichment activities for dogs at animal shelters. Most of the activities can be put together at…
Dogtown: Sweet Tater never fails to entertain
I’m writing this week from the middle of a fascinating workshop presented by a group called the Shelter Playgroup Alliance. They have come here to share their experience with various forms of enrichment for shelter dogs, including how to safely create playgroups for the dogs so that they get to have social time with their…
Dogtown: Jax, an adventurer, and Otis, a distinguished gentleman
How are your pets doing with all this warm weather? I know my dogs sure enjoyed the opportunity to go for a swim in the Mad River the other evening. Well, some swam; others just dipped their toes, but they were all pleasantly surprised that the humans decided on an early evening outing! The shelter…
Dogtown: Don’t over-console your pet during the ‘end of the world’
The Fourth of July, or as some pets call it, “the end of the world,” is just a day away. I ran a few tips for keeping your animals safe last week. Here are a few more. Fireworks and matches can be toxic to pets so make sure all the garbage gets swept up and…
Dogtown: Get pally with survivors Allie and Mali
We’ve mentioned the shelter’s Emergency Medical Fund (EMF) here before. It is independent of the shelter and run by Friends for Life Animal Rescue. The EMF was created to provide funds for necessary veterinary procedures that are outside of the shelter’s limited budget. Like so many charities, December is the big giving month and by…