Rusty Strait | Senior Reporter

Pets are members of your family. All too often, we take them for granted, like a piece of furniture that will always be there for you when you need it. That’s not the way it is.

They have a far more permanent place in your life. Let’s take a look. When you’ve suffered a bad day at work, a cat or dog will greet you at the door or jump up into your lap as you kick off your shoes and flop down on the couch for a well-deserved escape from all the mayhem of the day. They will cuddle without question.

It is as though they know they are needed to console and give you the warmth of love that only someone so devoted can render. Never, in recent times have we needed a pet as we did throughout the current COVID pandemic. It is now an established fact that during that period, the adoption of pets soared. If you have a dog on the leash it can improve your social life. The easiest way to engage in conversation is through that pet.

That is especially true if you come in contact with another pet lover who is seeking a social connection. Everyone likes to talk about your furry companion. Go walking with your pet every day and you will soon have a little black book filled with the names, addresses and telephone numbers reflecting your new social life. According to a recent Australian study, United States pet owners are far and away more likely to be more prevalent in their neighborhoods than those who don’t have or never owned a pet.

Owning a personal pet can make you a better person because people with a pet are decidedly more noticeable. Consequently, they seem to be friendlier and easier to be around. Many married couples can trace their first date back to that stroll with their dogs. Many find the act of stroking a pet reduced stress and anxiety. It gives them a sense of security, assuring them that everything is okay. A dog’s bark will alert someone living alone that he has your back. The presence of a barking dog, especially a large one, like a German Shepard or Rottweiler, will keep a home invader far from your front door.

Ever notice how anyone with a bird talks to their caged friend at mealtime? It doesn’t matter that the flinty fellow doesn’t understand a word they say; its owner is certain that the bird understands every word. Birds can be trained to tweet back. A boy and his dog has become a cliche. Ah, but it is more than that. A tot gains confidence and assurances from his little fido and as he grows, he will most likely consider that wonderful pet to be his best friend.

Dogs and cats often grow to the ages of 18 or 20. With pets growing that old, your child learns responsibility earlier than one without a pet. We often hear stories of a boy’s pet getting help for a child who has fallen into a hole or who is lost in the woods. When you go down to the shelter to adopt a pet, you may think you are rescuing it.

Nine times out of ten, it is rescuing you from boredom, loneliness, loss or worse. Think what you will; that pet is bringing championship into your life. It is like starting over again with a new family member. You need that pet just as much as it needs you.

Pets will rescue you from the doldrums of being lonely more than you can ever imagine. If you have a pet, cherish it. If you don’t, get one and watch how quickly it puts a sparkle in your life. Just sayin. rustystrait@alice-petersen

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Male, Jack Russell Terrier Mix

DOB: 5/18/18

Ghost is quickly figuring out that he likes people.  When Ghost first arrived at Living Free, he was a very shy dog that would hide whenever a person walked into the kennel.  However, with a little TLC and patience, Ghost has gained a lot more confidence and has learned that people often come with treats, food, and fun adventures.  He now loves going on walks and especially enjoys visits to the dog park with his many dog friends.  While he has made a lot of progress, he can still be unsure of strangers and will keep his distance until he gets to know you.  Once you are buddies, Ghost loves getting lots of pets and affection.

Ghost will need an adopter that is patient, kind and willing to give him the time he needs to feel safe. Several visits with Ghost at the sanctuary may be needed before he will be ready to go to a new home.

______

Quinoa

Female, DSH Black/ White Tuxedo

DOB: 4/11/2019

Meet Quinoa! Quinoa is a mellow gal looking for a home to call her own. Quinoa is bashful yet sweet and has the cutest purr. Here at the cattery, Quinoa enjoys sunbathing, back-scratches, and crunchy cat treats. Quinoa would do well in a relaxed home environment. Come say hello to Quinoa today!

All of our cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations. Our two main requirements for adopting a cat are 1. Must be indoors only and 2. Declawing is not allowed.

______

Brokk

Male Terrier Mix

DOB: 8/1/17

Brokk is a dashing, bright-eyed dog. He is very friendly with people he knows and will greet you by wagging his tail so vigorously that his whole body moves with it. However, he can be wary of strangers. He loves to go on walks and especially enjoys playing fetch. He will play this game all day long if you have the energy to keep up with him. Brokk has been around other dogs but will probably do best as an only dog. He is looking for a loving home that has experience with shy, sensitive dogs.

Brokk has the potential to be a happy, confident dog in the hands of an adopter that can help him be the best dog he can be.

Living Free, is a donor-supported, nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary.  Located at 54250 Keen Camp Road in Mountain Center off Highway 74, 15 Minutes from Idyllwild.  For more information, call:  951-321-9982 or visit living-free.org/adopt.

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Male, Jack Russell Terrier Mix

DOB: 5/18/18

Ghost is quickly figuring out that he likes people.  When Ghost first arrived at Living Free, he was a very shy dog that would hide whenever a person walked into the kennel.  However, with a little TLC and patience, Ghost has gained a lot more confidence and has learned that people often come with treats, food, and fun adventures.  He now loves going on walks and especially enjoys visits to the dog park with his many dog friends.  While he has made a lot of progress, he can still be unsure of strangers and will keep his distance until he gets to know you.  Once you are buddies, Ghost loves getting lots of pets and affection.

Ghost will need an adopter that is patient, kind and willing to give him the time he needs to feel safe. Several visits with Ghost at the sanctuary may be needed before he will be ready to go to a new home.

______

Quinoa

Female, DSH Black/ White Tuxedo

DOB: 4/11/2019

Meet Quinoa! Quinoa is a mellow gal looking for a home to call her own. Quinoa is bashful yet sweet and has the cutest purr. Here at the cattery, Quinoa enjoys sunbathing, back-scratches, and crunchy cat treats. Quinoa would do well in a relaxed home environment. Come say hello to Quinoa today!

All of our cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations. Our two main requirements for adopting a cat are 1. Must be indoors only and 2. Declawing is not allowed.

______

Living Free, is a donor-supported, nonprofit, no-kill animal sanctuary.  Located at 54250 Keen Camp Road in Mountain Center off Highway 74, 15 Minutes from Idyllwild.  For more information, call:  951-321-9982 or visit living-free.org/adopt.

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SPOTTY

Labrador Retriever Mix – Male

DOB: 2/25/2013

Weight: 80 Pounds

Spotty is a little bit of a ham. He often has a big goofy smile on his face and is always ready to play. He adores everyone he meets and is eager to be around staff and volunteers. He absolutely loves belly rubs and enjoys a good romp at the park. He especially likes playing fetch. Overall, Spotty is a good natured and affectionate guy. Spotty’s only issue? He does not like thunderstorms and can become very anxious when left alone. Spotty’s ideal home will be with a family that is home often.

TabbyO

DSH Brown & White Tabby – Male

DOB: 12-25-16

Mr. TabbyO is one handsome boy! He’s a gorgeous brown and black tabby with a splash of white. He is also independent and very observant. TabbyO really enjoys playing with his buddies and the laser pointer. TabbyO is looking for a quiet, relaxed home with a cat or two and a loving human too!

Barnaby

Chihuahua Mix – Male

DOB: 8/23/11

Barnaby is small, but mighty. Barnaby has a real strut to his walk, showing off his robust personality. When he is not prancing around the dog park, he likes to flop on the grass and scoot along on his side to scratch himself. He absolutely loves belly rubs and being with people.

He can be bossy at times with other dogs, but overall Barnaby will be a loving, fun dog that will bring joy into your home.

Mason

DSH Black and Brown Tabby – Male

Meet Mason! Mason is a mellow sweetie, looking for his forever home. He enjoys lounging around on cat towers, back-scratches and playing with cat wands. Mason would do well in a home with a relaxed environment.

All of our cats are spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on vaccinations. Our two main requirements for adopting a cat are: 1. Must be indoors only and 2. Declawing is not allowed.

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Search: Pet of the Week – May 14, 2020

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HEMET

Rescue’s Adoptions Increased 293 Percent for April 2020 Compared with April 2019

ARE Animal Rescue, an all-volunteer nonprofit organization in Hemet, CA, is one of 15 animal shelters and rescues nationwide recently recognized by American Pets Alive! (AmPA!) for its work in saving pets’ lives during the COVID-19 crisis. In making the announcement, AmPA! noted that ARE Animal Rescue for April 2020 increased its adoption rate 293 percent compared with April 2019, finding forever homes for 266 pets. In April 2019 the rescue had placed 91 pets.

While the pandemic has forced some shelters and rescues to scale back on their operations, or close down, ARE Animal Rescue has ramped up its work on behalf of the communities it serves. In April 2020, the rescue took in 309 pets including kittens, adult cats, puppies and adult dogs. By comparison, the rescue saved 138 pets in April 2019.

AmPA! is a national education and support program run by Austin Pets Alive! in Austin, TX, for animal shelters and rescues working to end unnecessary euthanasia in the United States. Due to the work of Austin Pets Alive!, the city of Austin since 2011 has been the largest no-kill city in the United States.

Adoptions by Appointment

Until further notice, ARE Animal Rescue is conducting adoptions by appointment only at its pet adoption center at 101 East Florida Ave., Hemet. Anyone interested in adopting can view animals on the rescue’s website: arerescue.org.

However, with the increased volume of animals being saved and adopted, it has been impossible for ARE Animal Rescue to feature all available animals on its website. Interested parties are asked to complete an online adoption. The application will be reviewed and, if approved, a representative from the rescue will contact the applicant to learn more about what type of animal is desired and to schedule an appointment to meet animals at the adoption center.

For people in San Diego County who want to adopt a cat or kitten, ARE Animal Rescue operates the cattery inside PetSmart in Mission Marketplace, 471 College Blvd., Oceanside. The cattery is staffed during store hours seven days a week.

Founded in July 2018, ARE Animal Rescue currently has a network of more than 240 foster homes in four counties: Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange and San Diego. Anyone interested in fostering cats or dogs is asked to fill out an application, which also is available on the website.

Influx of Homeless Animals

The reason for ARE Animal Rescue’s increased intake of homeless animals is four-fold. It’s “kitten season,” the time of year starting in February and lasting through summer when female cats that have not been spayed are producing litters of kittens.

In addition, at the start of April, as Riverside County Dept. of Animal Services prepared to cut back on hours of operation, ARE Animal Rescue stepped up to help clear the shelters by taking more than 100 cats and several dogs from the county shelter in San Jacinto. The rescue continues to take animals from the shelter.

Further, ARE Animal Rescue is assisting other rescues as they, too, are working to save animals’ lives during this pandemic. And in an effort to help local residents during this difficult time, ARE Animal Rescue has been taking pets which owners must relinquish for various reasons.

To read about ARE Animal Rescue and the other organizations recognized by AmPA! go to americanpetsalive.org. Click on “Latest from AmPA!” then on “Blog” and see the post dated April 30.

An all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit rescue organization serving Southern California, ARE Animal Rescue’s goal is to attain a no-kill community by reducing euthanasia in high-kill shelters. ARE Animal Rescue is dedicated to rescuing at-risk cats/kittens and dogs/puppies from high-kill shelters and from situations of immediate danger in order to give them a chance at life. All rescued animals receive appropriate veterinary care and vaccinations, are spayed or neutered and microchipped, and reside in nurturing foster homes while they await adoption into responsible, committed, forever homes.

For more information, visit www.arerescue.org, call 951-708-1280, email to in…@arerescue.org, or follow ARE Animal Rescue on Facebook and Instagram.

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Lola

Female Terrier/Hound Mix

DOB: 4/4/17

Weight: 50 Pounds

Lola has a contagious smile. She seems to always be happy and ready to play. She especially likes to steal her buddy Kova’s toys to make him chase her around. At the dog park Lola likes running fast and enjoys a dip in the pool. She is silly and sometimes easily distracted. Ultimately, Lola looks for approval and praise, which makes her very willing to learn new things. She seems to get along with other large dogs that are around her size.

Lola is waiting for a home with a loving, active family that will provide lots of love.

Java

DOB: 4/4/2015

DSH Brown Black Tabby Female

Special Needs

Java is such a sweetheart but does require a little TLC. At the beginning of 2020, Java was diagnosed with kidney disease and we didn’t know if she was going to make it. With a lot of love, fluids, and a special diet, Java bounced back quickly. She is now doing wonderful! She is playful and cuddly and she loves to take naps burrowed under the blankets. Not only are we proud of her but we also want to find her a special forever home.

Spotty

Labrador Retriever Mix Male

DOB: 2/25/2013

Weight: 80 Pounds

Spotty is a little bit of a ham. He often has a big goofy smile on his face and is always ready to play. He adores everyone he meets and is eager to be around staff and volunteers. He absolutely loves belly rubs and enjoys a good romp at the park. He especially likes playing fetch. Overall, Spotty is a good natured and affectionate guy. Spotty’s only issue? He does not like thunderstorms and can become very anxious when left alone. Spotty’s ideal home will be with a family that is home often.

Tabbyo

DSH Brown & White Tabby Male

DOB: 12-25-16

Mr. TabbyO is one handsome boy! He’s a gorgeous brown and black tabby with a splash of white. He is also independent and very observant. TabbyO really enjoys playing with his buddies and the laser pointer. TabbyO is looking for a quiet, relaxed home with a cat or two and a loving human too!

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Search: Pet of the Week – May 07, 2020

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Gideon

Male Border Collie Mix

DOB: 11/22/14

Gideon is a smart, curious dog. He loves going on walks, exploring the dog park, and visiting with staff around the property. He knows how to sit and shake and will easily learn much more if you have a treat in your hand. Gideon gets along with other dogs. Gideon can be wary around strangers but will warm up to you quickly.
Gideon would flourish in a home with someone that understands his smart, yet sensitive nature. He would enjoy regular walks either as your hiking buddy or as a companion to take a stroll around the neighborhood. We believe he will do best in a quiet home without any children.

Caviar

DOB: 1/11/2016

DSH Tortoiseshell Female

Caviar is a beautiful and delightful girl looking for her forever home! Caviar can be a little bashful at times but once she opens up to you, she is extremely affectionate. She loves getting back scratches and will sometimes stand on her back two legs to get your attention! Plus, she has the cutest purr! Caviar would do well in a relaxed environment.

Lola

Female Terrier/Hound Mix

DOB: 4/4/17

Weight: 50 Pounds

Lola has a contagious smile. She seems to always be happy and ready to play. She especially likes to steal her buddy Kova’s toys to make him chase her around. At the dog park Lola likes running fast and enjoys a dip in the pool. She is silly and sometimes easily distracted. Ultimately, Lola looks for approval and praise, which makes her very willing to learn new things. She seems to get along with other large dogs that are around her size.
Lola is waiting for a home with a loving, active family that will provide lots of love.

Java

DOB: 4/4/2015

DSH Brown Black Tabby Female

Special Needs

Java is such a sweetheart but does require a little TLC. At the beginning of 2020, Java was diagnosed with kidney disease and we didn’t know if she was going to make it. With a lot of love, fluids, and a special diet, Java bounced back quickly. She is now doing wonderful! She is playful and cuddly and she loves to take naps burrowed under the blankets. Not only are we proud of her but we also want to find her a special forever home.

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Search: Pet of the Week

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“Duke” – Pitbull male Mix

What a sweet face, and what a beautiful dog. This handsome fellow came to us as a stray so we estimate his age to be 5 years old and weight at 56.7 pounds. He would REALLY like it if you could take him home with you Avail: 2/3/20

Duke is neutered, micro-chipped, good w/other dogs, up to date on shots, de-wormed and he is available now

167060 / R237212

“Missy” – Brown DSH female Tiger Mix

Missy is a sweet girl who was brought here by her previous owner because they said she didn’t get along with their other cat, so she just needs to be the Queen of her castle and all will be well. She is also very sweet and totally adorable. She is 5 years old & weighs 13.4 pounds.

Missy is spayed, litter-box trained, up to date on shots and she’s available NOW

169739 / R236835

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Search: Pet of the Week – February 13

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“Snoopy” – Pitbull male Mix

Beautiful, sweet boy. Snoopy came to us as a stray so we estimate his age to be 2 ½ years old & his weight at 72.7 pounds. He’s hoping to be one of the lucky ones to get a great family. He’s very well behaved and a little bewildered to find himself here, but he is very willing to be friends.

Snoopy is good w/female dogs, up to date on shots, de-wormed and he will be neutered prior to his adoption.

168515 / Cal31473

“Harley” – Brown DMH female Mix

Harley is a warm hearted bundle of fluff in search of quiet companionship to share her love of napping and snacking with. This spunky 3 year old brown tabbie is quite fond of cuddle time. She also enjoys grooming her luxurious mane and taking small strolls to show off her gorgeous locks. She does have playful moments and even with all her fur, she’s quick to catch a toy mouse. On the look-out for a gentle soul to spend your days with? You’ve met your purrfect match!

Harley is spayed, litter-box trained, up to date on shots, de-wormed and she prefers to be the only kitty in the house.

168464 / Hs235294

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Search: Pet Of The Week – February 06

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“Frankie” – Shepherd/Husky male Mix

This beautiful, sweet dog came to us as a stray so we estimate his age to be 3 years old & his weight at 58.1 pounds. Very calm & gentle… Frankie is being such a good boy while here…no fussing, rarely barks, just waiting patiently and hoping for the best.

Frankie is good w/other dogs, up to date on shots, de-wormed and he will be neutered prior to his adoption.

168983 / Hs231370

“Jackson” – DSH male Mix

Jackson is looking for a like- minded person to share a mutual love of staying and cuddling on the couch. This affectionate 1.5 year old has a lot of love to give but is a little shy at first. With some time and patience he’ll happily greet you with a head bump and fall into your arms begging for cuddles. Jackson prefers a quiet environment, where he can relax and take a nap in the sunniest spot in the house and enjoy some quiet time, to reflect on how lucky he is to go home with you.

Jackson is neutered, litter-box trained, up to date on vaccinations and prefers to be the only pet in the house.

166598 / R235526

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Search: Pet Of The Week – January 30

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