This November, in the wake of the Butte Fire, we are challenged to see cause to be thankful. All around us is the evidence of loss, much of it profound. In communities hardest hit by the fire, the destruction of everything has led to a spike in suicides. The need to care for our animals in the face of disaster becomes especially therapeutic under trying circumstances; our animals require us to return to normal. One ranch family who lost their home, barn, vehicles, and half of their sheep observed that the imperative to get veterinary care for their surviving sheep and guardian dog, plus resuming the routine of feeding and daily care has restored their sense of purpose as the long cleanup of their property continues. This intangible illustrates how important our connection to animals is. Through that connection, we find the ability to say, once again, THANKS FOR THE ANIMALS.

And THANKS FOR THE HUMANS, too. 
To the firefighters, law enforcement, volunteers, utility districts, local businesses and animal agencies whose tireless work and generous contributions made it possible for us to pick up the pieces.
CALENDAR of EVENTS
2015
JANUARY  
ADOPT a WORKOUT
PARTNER

FEBRUARY

ADOPT a SENIOR SWEETHEART
 

MARCH

SPAY and NEUTER AWARENESS
 

APRIL
TRAP/NEUTER/RELEASE

MAY
BACK in BLACK

ACAC&AC OPEN HOUSE
Saturday, the 30th

 

JUNE  
WHISKERS & WINE 
Saturday the 13th

Food Bank PET FOOD DRIVE
 
JULY 
DOG DAYS of SUMMER

AUGUST
$9 for 9 LIVES for 9 DAYS

SEPTEMBER  
BARK in the PARK
Saturday the 26th

OCTOBER  
ORANGE & BLACK!

NOVEMBER  
GIVING THANKS 
From animals and their people

DECEMBER  
HOME for the HOLIDAYS
LINKS
The HUMAN to ANIMAL CONNECTION: Is it real?
As most pet owners can attest, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence to show how animals can make us feel better, but is there science to back that up? Here are some articles on the subject of "Fur Therapy".


And SPEAKING of SENIORS

Amador County Animal Control and Adoption Center joins Best Friends in reminding you that love does not belong only to the young. Best Friends is promoting the adoption of senior pets all month in November, and ACAC's Adoption Center would like to remind you that a lot of worthy things -- wine, musical instruments, and a loving nature -- actually improve with age. If you are 65 or older and adopt an animal of 5 years or older, you will get 50% off on our adoption fee, all year long.
SEPARATION ANXIETY: Not 'Incurable'
In our JUNE, 2014 issue, the "Tail of the Month" featured MANDY, a dog who tested her new adoptive family's patience; first, by running away and then by destroying items in the home whenever her "parents" had to leave her alone. Their patience and consistency paid off, though. Mandy is now a beloved and indispensible family member. Mandy's misbehavior was an example of a difficult and all-too-frequent problem with dogs: Separation Anxiety.


JOAQUIN, 2015: in memorium

It was Violet's dream to train a German Shepherd as a therapy dog, who could then offer love to those unable to have a dog of their own. Joaquin's gregarious nature fit the bill perfectly. Now that his training is complete, he participates in children's reading programs, visits local convalescent homes, and is a certified Disaster Stress Relief dog serving the Western U.S. 

When Violet and her dog family were evacuated during the King Fire [last September], she knew she could help. Not only did she and Joaquin comfort fellow evacuees, they visited the Incident Command Post at Base Camp where they were given access to the Chiefs fighting the fire behind the scenes. Violet described the tension as 'so thick you could cut it with a knife', but when the people there saw Joaquin, they would 'just melt, and hug him'.  Joaquin did a good job bringing joy to those working under extreme stress, and Violet is proud of him. She believes he is a perfect gift to her and all others in need of it.

This is a story from last year's November newsletter. Thank you, Violet, for sharing Joaquin with us while he was yours. 


DO YOU HAVE A GREAT ADOPTION STORY FROM OUR SHELTER? 
We'd love to hear from you. Send your story, with photos if you have them, to Lisa Peterson.
petreher1@yahoo.com

Don't miss in early DECEMBER
CRAFT FAIR:
Sutter Creek will be having its annual Craft Fair Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, December 4th, 5th, and 6th, at the Sutter Creek Auditorium. Every year, our hard-working volunteer, Elaine Hunter, stocks two booth spaces chock-full of crafts and home-baked goodies, the sale of which benefits the Rusty Fund. Come on over to lovely, traditional Sutter Creek, get your first exposure to home grown holiday festivities, and make your craft fair purchases count in the lives of our shelter animals...all in one take. 

SANTA PAWS:
Bring your pet to the Feed Barn Saturday, December 5th, 10 AM to 4 PM, and get a professional photograph for your holiday cards with the REAL Santa Claus ('wintering' in Northern California just ahead of his big North Pole delivery season). Proceeds from the purchase of these great photos benefit A-PAL Humane Society, upon whose help so many animals depend for crucial extras.

WHOA! Poor Santa! 





 
Our 
$50 gift certificate winner for NOVEMBER: 
Irene Lapsley. 
DO spend it all in one place, Angela.