Insider Report ­ September 2015 ­

Board Report by Sharon Sherman, Chairman of the Board

We here in Coronado are so blessed. We live in one of the most beautiful towns in the world, just across the bay from America's Finest City. Our kids attend an excellent school system and we all share one of the finest libraries of its size in the state. Swimming pools, tennis courts, a skateboard park, rock climbing wall, lawn bowling court, and an 18 hole golf course are just a few of the leisure resources maintained by the city for each of us to enjoy.

As a community, Coronado has more than adequate resources to care for our lost, stray and relinquished animals and both the City Council and we, as citizens, have made the commitment to do just that. Come down any time to the Coronado Animal Care Facility (ACF) and you will see a beautiful building with decorated cat rooms, outside exercise areas for the dogs, toys galore, and food enough for many, many weeks for all of the animals who are awaiting their forever homes.

This isn't the case at some other animal shelters in Southern California. Most municipal shelters do not have organizations such as PAWS of Coronado whose volunteers and donors are dedicated to enriching the lives of our animals. And, as unbelievable as it may sound, some shelters do not even have enough food for the hundreds of animals who come in through their doors needing help.

Such is the situation in El Centro, the largest city with the largest animal shelter in Imperial County. The need there is great. Their shelter is impacted heavily by its close proximity to the Mexican border. Not only are animals brought across the border and left at the shelter, many stray dogs actually find their way the few miles from their life on the streets in Mexico to what they hope will be safety at the El Centro shelter. The area is struggling economically as well. For a time, it had the highest unemployment rate in the nation. Its economy is based on agriculture, and with the current drought, farmers and workers alike have been greatly impacted.

Bob and Ramey Murphy are no strangers to animal welfare. Bob served on our Board of Directors for a time; Ramey was a kennel attendant at our own ACF. Now they both volunteer time at The Rescued Dog, a foster­home based rescue organization, here in San Diego County. Its mission is "to save at­risk dogs from high­kill shelters and place them in loving, forever homes for the benefit of the dogs and humans alike." The Rescued Dog often pulls dogs from the El Centro shelter. When The Rescued Dog discovered the need for basic food supplies at this shelter, they launched a food drive and Bob and Ramey remembered their friends at PAWS, telling us about the situation.

Your Board of Directors unanimously voted at the last meeting to join this food drive for the El Centro shelter and we are now asking you to stand shoulder to shoulder with us to support the animals in need in Imperial County. You have always been so generous. Many of you bring dog and cat food to the ACF to share with our animals. We are now asking you to bring in even more food to share with animals even more in need.

Brands are not important: anything will do, even open bags of dry food your pet might not have liked. Any size contribution will be so appreciated and will go toward feeding animals who just don't have the advantages of those who are being cared for in the ACF in Coronado.

Please let's share our blessings with those who are not as fortunate as we are. A helping hand is all these El Centro dogs and cats need right now and at PAWS I just know there are many hands wiling to reach out.

Earthology Tech by PAWS Staff Writer

Earthology Tech: What in the world is that? Well, it is a business here in town, owned and operated by Rich Giglio, which specializes in the installation of artificial turf.

Rich is no stranger to PAWS. His adorable dog, Byron, participated in the last Canine Mayoral election. While he didn't win the coveted position of Mayor, he was a crowd favorite, leading the pack in the most single votes for any dog. Byron came out to meet his fans again at this year's 4th of July parade, charming the entire crowd.

So, when we decided to replace the turf at the ACF, who did we call? Rich and Byron of course!

They did a fantastic job for us, and at a very Rich Giglio and his dog, Byron competitive price. The product chosen by Rich for the project is designed especially for heavy use by dogs in airports, shelters and the like. The construction is new, with "V" shaped groups of the blades of grass, making it look more like the real stuff and making it more durable too. Rich also extended a service contract so he and Byron will be paying us a visit every three or four months to deep clean the turf and fluff it up to look like new. That's on top of their visits just to say "hi."

PAWS is committed to supporting local businesses. How could we not be when so many of them are so committed to supporting the animals of Coronado? Want to replace your water guzzling lawn with drought friendly, beautiful turf? Rich Giglio of Eartholog Tech is your man. Visit his website at earthologytech.com or he can be reached by telephone at 619­435­5296. And Byron is the wonderful bonus workman on the job! Adoption Process at PAWS of Coronado by Sarah Luken

It could be the emerald eyes of Adora, or Prim's creamy coat, but you've made a connection with a PAWS dog or cat. You're ready to make the commitment to provide a forever home for a deserving animal.

Now that you've made this decision, what's next?

To make sure a PAWS dog or cat will thrive in his/her new forever home, there are a few steps to complete the adoption.

Meet the PAWS Dog or Cat

The first step is actually meeting the adorable canine or kitty. The Coronado Animal Care Facility (ACF) is open daily 9am to 4pm and closed on major holidays. A word of advice if you're looking at the dogs for adoption: the dogs are walked daily at 9am and 2:30pm for one hour. Therefore, it's best to visit your potential buddy between 10am and 2pm.

Complete an Application

Once you've met and fallen in love with your future best friend, you should complete an adoption application. You can do so at the ACF or online. Some animals are very popular and may have several applications, so it's best to submit the application quickly. Applications are considered in the order in which they are received.

Adoption Interview

After submitting your application it's time to talk with a dog or cat adoption counselor. The counselor will review your application and talk with you to make sure the adoption is a good fit for you and the animal. At PAWS we make sure our dogs and cats find their forever homes, where both the animal and owner are happy.

For dog adoptions, a home visit is also required to make sure your home, and yard if you have one, is a suitable and safe environment for the dog. For larger dogs we'll also discuss your plans for exercising the dog.

Complete the Adoption

You're almost there! Once the adoption counselor approves your application, it is time to officially adopt the cat or dog. At this time, you will pay the adoption fee and we will complete a Transfer Agreement, giving ownership of the animal to you. For a complete list of adoption fees, please go to: http://www.pawsofcoronado.org/adoption­information/. The adoption fee covers the cost of the all required immunizations, spay or neuter, microchip (for animal identification) and a starter packet of food. Now you're all set to bring home your furry companion and start a new journey together!

Here are some of our current adorable adoptables: Gilbert Slater Cash

Ken Jaylo

Calvin Photos by Kim Johnson

To view all our animals for adoption, click here: http://www.pawsofcoronado.org/

Successful Adoption Stats for this Summer

July August Cats 5 6 Dogs 3 5

Click to view our 2015 Successful Adoptions. Snowy

What's this "Tortitude" All About? by PAWS Staff Writer

I have a cat named "Tea" and she is a Tortie...that's a Tortoiseshell coated cat. Torties are not a breed. They are named for their distinctive coloring ­ a combination of patches of black, brown, amber, red, cinnamon and chocolate, often with brindled fur between the patches. A true Tortie has no white fur at all. And, a classic Tortie has a face which is divided in two: one side with the distinguishing patches of color, the other side brindled. As you can see, Tea is a classic Tortoiseshell cat.

Genetics creates the Torties' color combination. The vast majority of Tortoiseshell cats are female because two X chromosomes are required to produce black, gold and orange coloring. Male cats only have one X and one Y chromosome, so it is genetically impossible for a male to inherit the tortoiseshell coloring, unless he is the 1 in 3000 tortoiseshell cats which are male, having been born with an extra X chromosome.

Is there any truth to the commonly held belief that Torties have unique personalities? Many will tell you that Torties are talkative, hyper energetic, high strung, pushy and often times "in your face." But the professional jury is out on just how distinctive Tortie personalities are.

Dr. Fern Crist of the Just Cats Clinic of Reston, VA calls Torties the "redheads of the cat world: beautiful, but short­tempered and quick to wrath." She makes it a practice to treat Torties with a "tad more circumspection than cats of any other coat." Says Dr. Elizabeth Colleran, a former president of Tea, the Tortie cat the American Association of Feline Practitioners, though, "There is no evidence of a link between color genes and personality. But it is true that almost all tortoiseshell cats are females, and some people perceive females as being more headstrong than male cats." Somewhere in the middle of the debate is cat behavioralist, Jackson Galaxy, who tries not to speak of cats in generalities but does offer his belief that Torties are "more energetically sensitive with their individual personalities always on full display."

For me, "Tortitude" is very real...at least my girl Tea has it in spades. Chatty, unpredictable, sweet one minute and swatting me the next. And while the Tortie I know seems at times to have a split personality, going from purring away in my lap to knocking over both her water and food dishes and meowing at the mess she has made, I wouldn't have it any other way. There is never a dull moment with Tea. There are several Torties at the Coronado Animal Care Facility waiting for their forever homes...one we call "Crazy Pants" for his Tortie traits. Come meet these interesting cats and decide about Torties for yourself. You might just take one home.

Upcoming Events:

­ Sept. 10, 8:00am ­ PAWS Open Meeting ­ Coronado Golf Course Clubhouse ­ Sept. 30, 5:00pm ­ Yappy Hour ­ McP's Irish Pub ­ Sept. 27, 11:30am­3:00pm ­ 4th Annual Coronado Pet Parade & Chili Cook­off Promenade Park (1845 Strand Way) ­ Details below

Tribute to Blade, Our Vice Canine Mayor to PAWS of Coronado by PAWS Staff Writer

Blade answered the call of duty when his mom, Julie Brightwell, asked him. In step with her wherever they went, he was that sidekick that every girl needs, and the Vice Canine Mayor that every town hopes for.

But now, it is Blade's memory to which we must cling. The remembrance of a dog so special, words cannot always describe his uniqueness. Blade set a standard for how a gentleman dog should present himself.

With his ever­present poise, good looks and style, Blade shared many moments with his PAWS of Coronado friends. He and Julie never wavered in their support of the activities we offered our furry friends in need of homes. This kind boy only knew how good it felt to have a mom who loved him and friends at every corner.

So goodbye, good friend, and please say a howdy to those whom you will join on your journey across the Rainbow Bridge. Those left behind will never forget you. Photo credit: Kim Johnson

Two alumni from PAWS of Coronado making an appearance at Yappy Hour: Winsty, formerly Nado, with his mom, Marilyn.

Ollie on Karen's lap Photos by Kim Johnson Interested in being a sponsor? Please contact Caroline Haines at tel. 619­6435­5200 or email [email protected].

PAWS of CORONADO ­ pawsofcoronado.org ­ Tel. 619­435­8247 Insider Report Editor: Beth Good

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