NEWS FLASH: KITTENS OVERWHELMING THE SHELTERS!! PLEASE READ!
Kittens having Kittens
Its babies having babies…or in the animal sheltering world, its kittens having kittens.
 Each year from April through October our local animal shelters and rescue groups are inundated with kittens. The kittens range from neonates with or without their moms, to pregnant “teenage” kittens. Each year the cycle repeats itself, and adoptions and foster care cannot keep up with the yearly influx. We say that Mt. Kitten has erupted once again!
For the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services (DAS) the numbers are staggering. Approximately 19 kittens under 3 months of age enter our three shelters every day of the week during this time frame. This isn’t counting the older pregnant kittens which also flood our shelters and it doesn’t count feral kittens either. In addition, the very high numbers of beautiful adult and senior cats that sit and wait for a new home is a topic for another day too.
Our experience has been that many people are unaware how early a cat can get pregnant or that cats can get pregnant while still nursing a litter. While some people may indicate they expect to find homes for the kittens, there is already a shortage of adoptive homes in the community. Owners who give away free kittens compete for adopters who might otherwise visit a local shelter where kittens are in abundance. Also keep in mind that the kittens in shelters will be altered, microchipped, and vaccinated prior to adoption while the private “giveaways” will still need all that done.
Please spread the word in your community about the importance of spaying and neutering the family cat. Help where you can and together we will make a difference.
Dawn Danielson, RVT, Director
County of San Diego Department of Animal Services
Dog Paddles: Family Kayak with your Dog!
 Summer is just around the corner and it is time to get our 4-legged friends outside for some kayaking. Yes, Dog Paddles are the latest way to bring the whole family out for some water fun. We work with all breeds and temperaments.
Some dogs love the water and we teach them how to stay IN the kayak. Some dogs are afraid of the water and we teach them how to be comfortable around the water and in the kayak. Some dogs have never had an opportunity to be around the water, so they get to find out how much fun it can be.
We start with on land instruction and then take an easy paddle around Mission Bay. Then we make a pit stop at Fiesta Island for a quick romp and some exercise. Then we launch again for our trip back to the launch area. Family Kayak makes it easy for you to go out for a paddle. We provide the kayaks, life vests, paddles and safety equipment plus an ACA certified kayak instructor.
 No previous kayaking or swimming experience is required for the humans or canines. We use stable, roomy kayaks that can accommodate any size dog. The kayaks can be set up for one or two human paddlers and one or two canines. Each kayak can hold up to 500 lbs.
Cost is $42 per adult, $17 per child (2-14 years of age), $10 per dog for each private session. If you have a group of friends with dogs that already know each other, we are happy to put together a group lesson. Give us a call for group discounts.
For more information or to make an reservation contact Marie at 619-282-3520 or marie@familykayak.com. Or check out our website at www.familykayak.com/dog-paddles We hope to see you soon for this fun activity with you and your pooch.
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program Offered to Local Residents New Program Benefits the Cities of Oceanside and Vista
The North County Humane Society & SPCA (NCHS) will now offer low-cost spay/neuter vouchers to all Oceanside and Vista Residents. The voucher is part of NCHS’ Project KEPPT (Keeping Every Person and Pet Together) program. Project KEPPT is designed to help people who are faced with a crisis and must make the decision whether or not to keep their pet. “We hope making spay/neuter vouchers available in the community will give every animal the opportunity to live a long and healthy life,” said NCHS Executive Director Julie Bank. “Spaying or neutering your pet is not just a good idea, but it also prevents disease, helps with behavioral issues, and cuts down on over-population.”
Pet owners can purchase the vouchers at NCHS, located at 2905 San Luis Rey Road in Oceanside, any day of the week from 10am to 5pm. The cost per dog varies by weight and sex; fees start at $65 to $105. The spay/neuter costs for cats varies by sex; females are $50 and males are $60.
Project KEPPT also offers low-cost vaccinations, a pet food bank, help with behavioral issues and access to many other resources. Residents can apply to receive the full benefits of the Project KEPPT program by visiting www.nchumane.org or during Project KEPPT day, the first Sunday of every month from 1pm to 3pm.
Weekly Blog Gives Dog’s-Eye View of Balboa Park
Dog lovers planning a visit to Balboa Park can get a "Dog’s-Eye View" of North America’s largest urban cultural and recreational complex thanks to a recently launched blog. Cosmos’ Doggie Blog, www.balboapark.org/blog, sniffs out all the canine-friendly activities offered throughout the Park, which dogs and their owners can enjoy both seasonally and year-round.
Cosmos’ owner, a Balboa Park employee, has brought the nine-year-old mixed-breed female to work every day for the past year, giving Cosmos a unique perspective on the Park’s many facilities and activities, especially those that get overshadowed by major events and attractions. For example, recent blog posts have explored the Park’s three off-leash dog parks; free outdoor concerts, festivals, and guided walking tours; as well as dog-friendly eateries, picnic areas, and hiking trails. Shorter photo entries have also highlighted distinctive botanical wonders around the Park’s expansive grounds.
Anyone wishing to stay on top of all the latest tips and ideas for exploring the Park with their pooch can click on the "RSS Feeds" link on any blog page to sign up for email notifications of new postings.
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Planting with Your Pooch!