pets

Spring is back and officially stars this Saturday the 19th, and with the change of season upon us, our thoughts turn to Easter celebrations, spring cleaning and much-needed home improvement projects. Before you take on your springtime projects keep an eye on possible hazards that will affect your furry family members.

Easter Treats and Decorations

South Tahoe Now and Carson Now carried the story of a helicopter search for missing Spinoni Italiano dogs near Carson City, and now reports of the two pets being spotted in South Lake Tahoe are coming in.

On Friday night, owners Stacey and Lorne Bell were walking the dogs, Mara and Adele, in east Carson City along the Carson River and on the ridges in the Mexican Dam area. As Stacey went to take a photo, the dogs broke loose and took off running, possibly after a rabbit.

Not one, but two pets of the week! Meet Harrison and Jackson who are brothers, and two-years-old.

Jackson is blue and Harrison is a Tuxedo. They were left behind when their owner moved and would like to have a new home together.

This month cat adoption fees are reduced to $30.

Tahoe Best Friends owner Paige Rice has a big heart not only for all of the family pets that she and her team at Tahoe Best Friends train and care for but also for those less fortunate members of our community who are in need of a helping hand. On Monday February 1st, Paige sponsored an “Adopt A Day of Nourishment” dinner held by Bread & Broth at St. Theresa Grace Hall. Paige brought Tahoe Best Friends’ employees Allison Brilliant and Maureen Stuhlman and friend and customer Judy Arnold to spend their evening helping at Paige’s sponsorship dinner.

Van is this week's Pet of the Week! He is a five-year-old Dachshund Yorkshire Terrier mix who like other pets and enjoys cuddling.

He is a chubby ten pounds and dislikes having his photo taken.

Don’t forget all animals come spayed or neutered, with all vaccinations and a microchip! Come visit Van out at The El Dorado County Animal Services, 530-573-7925.

For Spay-Neuter services and other support, call the Lake Tahoe Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 530-542-2857.

Last week’s pet of the week Lyric is very happy he found his forever home!

Are you prepared for an emergency? The City of South Lake Tahoe has developed a 12 month emergency preparedness tool to help you prepare.

As part of the City's continued initiative to increase communications, we will be offering a 12 part monthly series throughout the year highlighting emergency preparedness. Use these tools to prepare yourself for an emergency. More information is available in the City’s website at www.cityofslt.us/emergency

Emergency Preparedness—Month 1 - CREATE A FAMILY DISASTER PLAN

We've seen them walking along the streets, sleeping in the forests or hanging outside of an all night market. The faces of South Lake Tahoe's homeless. Winter can be brutal on the homeless in town with below freezing temperatures, snow covered paths and no place to keep warm.

That is, until today.

The Tahoe Coalition for the Homeless opened the doors of their new Warm Room on Friday, ready to take in their first visitors at 7:00 p.m. It is a safe and warm place for people over 18, getting them out of physically harmful conditions.

First lets tackle the “to eat a Christmas Tree or to not eat a Christmas tree” issue. The tree itself is not particularly dangerous if a few needles are ingested, it will most like come right up via kitty or doggie vomiting. The bigger concern is the stagnant tree water as it is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should they drink it. Speaking of the Christmas Tree make sure you securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet.

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.

Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.

Talkin’ Turkey

Allie is around three years old she is a petite tabby girl who was left behind when her owner moved. She likes other pets and has lived with small children.

Please come visit her at The El Dorado County Animal Services, 530-573-7925. For Spay-Neuter services and other support, call the Lake Tahoe Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at 530-542-2857.

Santa Paws is coming to town one day only, this Saturday, November 14.

The Lake Tahoe Humane Society's 29th annual Santa Paws will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Tahoe Production House studios. Pets and family members get to pose with Santa Dog and have their photo taken by professional photographer Jen Schmidt. Bows and antlers for photos will be available.

Your 5 x 7 inch photo will be handed out at the event, no waiting needed. Digital copies are also available.

Dear Hopeful Henry,
I read your article about Halloween safety, thank you for the information on the artificial sweetener now showing up in peanut butters. I was hoping you could advise on what other food items are bad for my dog.

Thanks,
Betty

Betty, so glad you found the information from last week’s article useful and your question is a great one. To answer your question with the most accuracy I obtained this list from the ASPCA Poison Control Center.

A horse living in the Greenwood community of El Dorado County has been infected with West Nile Virus according to county health officials.

"The horse is recovering and expected to survive, but the case reminds us that the virus is circulating and horse owners need to take precautions," said Fred Sanford with the El Dorado County Environmental Management Division (EMD). "Horses exposed to West Nile Virus (WNV) are vulnerable to serious complications and even death. Fortunately, a vaccine is available from many veterinarians that can protect horses."

Tallac Historic Site, Kiva Beach, Valhalla and the Taylor Creek Visitor Center will all be closed on Wednesday so the U.S. Forest Service can conduct pesticide treatments to reduce the risk of plague. The Pope-Baldwin Bike Trail will remain open, but signs will be posted where the trail crosses closed sites.

The gates to these areas will close on Tuesday evening, September 15 at 7 p.m. and likely reopen on Thursday morning, September 17.

A California ground squirrel found dead at Kiva Beach picnic area on August 17 has tested positive for plague.

El Dorado County health officials were notified by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) that the squirrel tested positive for plague on September 2.

The squirrel had been sent for testing to the state laboratory.

Warning signs have been posted in the affected area and individuals are advised to report any dead or sick rodents. Health officials are not aware of human contact with the squirrel.

Join the Tahoe Heritage Foundation and the U. S. Forest Service at Lake at the Lake of the Sky Amphitheater on Friday, August 28 for a fun and educational presentation by Wild Things, Inc. Learn about the animals around the Lake Tahoe area with a LIVE animal presentation!

This live lecture is at Taylor Creek Visitor Center’s Lake the Sky Amphitheater at 7:00pm. It is open to the public and is a $5.00 donation to Tahoe Heritage Foundation.

Dogs on the Run, a South Lake Tahoe non-profit, is hosting their monthly Wag, Waddle and Walk event on Monday, July 20 at 5:30 p.m.

The monthly dog walking activity brings together dog owners for a little exercise, optional competition and socializing. The on-leash walk starts at Al Tahoe Post Office parking lot and finishes at Sierra Pizza on Al Tahoe Blvd.

This family friendly event is for non-aggressive canines and people. Dogs must be on-leash and up-to-date on their vaccinations.

5:30 Meet at Al Tahoe Post Office Parking Lot
Sign waiver

History shows time and time again our greatest accomplishments at Lake Tahoe are achieved when people work together. In the past, Tahoe was known as a place where unproductive interactions between stakeholders led to a stunning decay in our environment and our economic vitality, creating a region that seemed frozen in time.

We face major environmental challenges at Tahoe, including the uncertainties of climate change. And as Albert Einstein said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.”

With rising temperatures pet owners need to be aware that the temperature inside vehicles can reach 120 degrees in a matter of minutes, even with the windows opened slightly.

When a wildland fire occurs, will you be ready? Preparedness begins by making a plan for your home and business. Consider the local hazards and what you can do to reduce them. For wildland fires your plan must include defensible space, and how to evacuate if authorities ask you to leave the area. Evacuation plans should include primary and alternate (if available) routes to safety, as well as how to contact friends and loved ones. Establish a rally point at a known location and know each others’ telephone numbers in case your cell phone contacts are not working.

The annual Harrah's/Harvey's Hike for the Humane Society has teamed up with the Action Adventure Expo! Join us Saturday, May 16th, in the back parking lot of Harrah's from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm. Admission to the event is free, and a low cost lunch will be offered to benefit the Humane Society.

There will be an opportunity to meet Brandon Nelson and Cara Maria Sorobello of "The Challenge" series, and have your picture taken with your pet. You can also join the guided hike, which starts at 9:30, for just $10 for the hike and lunch! Pets are welcome, but they must be on leash at all times.

The fourth annual Lake Tahoe Home and Garden Show will be held on Friday, April 24th, and Saturday, April 25th, at the South Lake Tahoe Recreation Complex at 1080 Rufus Allen Blvd. The show will be open to the public on Friday from 4:00 pm to 7:30 pm, and Saturday, from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.

A proposal to ban coyote hunting contests in Nevada was rejected Friday by state wildlife officials.

After hearing from some 50 people for and against the idea, the Nevada Wildlife Commission voted 7-1 to deny a petition sought to end a controversial practice that gives cash or other awards to hunters who kill the most coyotes during so-called “coyote call” events.

Former South Lake Tahoe resident Terrie Q. Sayre passed away Friday in her home in Albuquerque, NM at the age of 54 following a short illness. Sayre, a former Miss Nevada, was the News Director for KTHO and KOWL while in South Lake Tahoe. She made her mark while on the South Shore and in Reno where she was a news anchor on KOH and host of a real estate TV show.

News reports out of New Mexico say that Sayre, who was an on air personality on KKOB 770 in Albuquerque, died after an illness. A close friend of Sayre's told KOB Thursday evening she had been battling the flu for a month.