Pet Owners in Need Find Help from Library Pet Food Drive

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A dog from the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, which received donations from the Library pet food drive.

Local critters in need could be getting a care package soon, courtesy of the County of San Diego Library’s pet food drive.

“Our summer reading program is called ‘Read for a Reason’ because it motivates kids to open a book by allowing them to give back to the community," said Jose Aponte, County of San Diego Library Director.

"It’s in its fourth year, and this year, the program benefited local animals,” Aponte said.

The program lets kids log reading hours online toward charitable goals. Activities included visits by the Spay/Neuter Action Project’s mobile at library branches to provide low-cost services and food donated by Hills Science Diet, as well as the pet food drive at all branches and the County Department of Animal Services’ three shelters. The results:

 

  • 2,009 pounds of dry cat and dog food; 1,042 cans of dog and cat food
  • 31 pounds of food for other animals, including rats, birds, rabbits and hamsters
  • 101 pounds of dog treats
  • 83 other pet items including shampoo, collars, carriers and even a doggy toothbrush

County Animal Services staff helped collect the donations and deliver them to the Pet Food Bank, which serves animal groups in Southern California, and the Spay/Neuter Action Network. 

The final group of donations was delivered today to the San Diego Food Bank, which will distribute them to other non-profits that care for animals, such as the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, which will use the items for its Training Wheels outreach program.

“As President of the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, I have seen the generosity of our community many times, and the amount of food donated through this drive is another example of the remarkable lengths that San Diegans will go to help both our two-legged and four-legged friends,” said Mark Goldstein, DVM.

The County Library plans to continue the “Read for a Reason” program next summer.  For more information about all of the Library’s programs, please visit www.sdcl.org.

 

Get Your Free Flu Shot Here!

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This year there are two types of influenza: seasonal flu and the pandemic H1N1, or swine flu.

Although the H1N1 has been getting a lot of attention recently, it’s still very important to get vaccinated against the seasonal flu.

To continue promoting the health and wellness of employees, the County of San Diego is pleased to provide free seasonal flu shots to County employees again this year. No appointment or registration is necessary. All employees possessing a valid County ID will be eligible for a flu shot.

Check out the schedule here.

Short Film Challenges Youth to Make Better Decisions

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            San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie M. Dumanis recently announced the premiere of a short film entitled “4 or 40: The Choice is Yours” at the Lincoln High School theater in Southeast San Diego.

The film, created by the members of the District Attorney’s Youth Advisory Board, is part of a countywide campaign challenging young people to make better life choices in difficult situations.

“The film’s message is a powerful one, in part because it came directly from the students,” Dumanis said. “The decisions young people make during their four years in high school really will affect the next 40 years of their lives.”

For more information, visit the 4 or 40 Web site.

Stay Safe in the Heat

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County health officials are reminding us of a few simple precautions to stay safe and healthy as temperatures are expected to hit triple digits in some parts of the county this week.

“Avoid exercising during the hottest times of the day, between10 a.m. and 4 p.m., and keep an eye on seniors and young children in your family and neighborhood.  These age groups are most at risk of suffering heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D. M.P.H., County Public Health Officer.

Signs of heat stroke include: body temperature higher than 103 degrees, lack of sweating, rapid pulse, headache, nausea, confusion and even unconsciousness. If a person has these symptoms, move the person into the shade, use cool water to cover the body, and call 911.

Take similar steps if your pet suffers from heat stress, and take the animal to the veterinarian immediately.  Also, never leave pets or children unattended inside a vehicle at any time. Temperatures can quickly reach deadly levels even with windows slightly open and in mild weather.

Other tips to keep cool:

  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids, and give your pet fresh, cool water.
  • Stay indoors as much as possible, and if you don’t have air conditioning, keep windows slightly open with shades closed, or go to a Cool Zone location.
  • Pace yourself while doing physical activities.
  • Bring your pet indoors, and walk your pet before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. when temperatures are cooler. Hot concrete and black top can burn and blister your pet’s paws.

More tips and Cool Zone locations

More information on Pets and Heat

Beaten Border Puppy Celebrates First Birthday

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Spirit was just 10 weeks old when she came into the care of County Animal Services.Remember Spirit?

She was the 10-week-old puppy that was savagely beaten at the Mexican border a year ago. Her story captured the attention of people across the county and nation.

Border cameras were rolling as a man threw Spirit over a fence, then beat her. The man fled back to Mexico and was never found.

Immediately after the incident, County Animal Services took custody of the puppy, treated her for multiple fractures and later placed her in a new home. The public’s outrage was displayed in numerous national stories with continued follow-up on Spirit’s condition and rehabilitation.

“It is truly amazing to see the love that Spirit has for all people considering the horrific
suffering she endured at the hands of one person,” said Dawn Danielson, Director of Animal Services.

Spirit's new owner, Lori Shirazi,  recently held a birthday party and fundraiser for the “Spirit Medical Fund,” to help other stray and homeless animals that are in need of extensive veterinary care, beyond what County Animal Services can afford.

For more information regarding animal cruelty investigations or adoptions, contact the Department of Animal Services at (619) 236-4250 or visit www.sddac.com.