by Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

Spring means nature is blooming with new life. Whether venturing out on hikes or planting new gardens in the backyard, our chances of encountering wildlife are increased. Each year, many people find baby birds or mammals and call W.E.R.C. and other wildlife rehabilitation facilities for help. It’s heart warming to see that so many people are concerned for our local wildlife. Sometimes, these good intentions are not necessary because baby animals that appear to be orphaned are being well cared for by their parents. More than 75 percent of young animals that are brought in don’t really need assistance. Hopefully, a little understanding and information will make it easier for people to determine whether the animal they find needs to be rescued or should be left alone.

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Spencer is a 4-year-old German shepherd. He is very mellow, good with other dogs and cats and knows some commands. He is available for adoption at the San Martin Animal Shelter. If you are interested in adopting this or any other animal at the shelter, please call (408) 686-3900.

By Pete Keesling

Q:
I am Community Service Officer Gary Muraoka with the Gilroy Police Department. With the warm spell this last week people need to remember not to leave their pets in their vehicles. It may be 85 degrees outside but a locked vehicle can quickly rise to 110+ degrees inside. Could you please remind the public to keep their pets safe and out of their vehicles when they go shopping? The safest place is out of the car on a leash or at home.

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by Brigid Wasson

The kittens are POURING in to the South County Animal Shelter in San Martin. Most of our foster homes are already full. A few weeks in your home can mean the difference between life and death. If you are home most of the time, you can foster small babies who need to be bottle-fed, and if you work or go to school, you can foster older kittens eating solid food on their own. For more information, please call the shelter supervisor at (408) 686-3901. Tell a friend!

Courtesy of Pet Talk

Spring is when we plant new plants and get our yards ready to shine. While you are preparing your outdoor areas for your family to enjoy just make sure you take the steps to ensure that it is safe for your pets to enjoy as well.

“When planting your garden it is important to note that there are numerous house and garden plants which can be toxic to animals,” warns Dr. Murl Bailey, professor of toxicology at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Several that come to mind initially are brunfelsia, lilies, cycads, kolanchoe and oleander.”

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By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

Two-week-old bobcat, “Morro” arrived at the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center April 17. A hiker trekking in Morro Bay park had discovered the tiny kitten in the middle of a field, but was unsure of whether the mother had only accidentally and temporarily dropped her while transporting her to a safe haven.

Checking back an hour later, the hiker found that the helpless kitten was still there and so it was assumed that the mother was either dead or had abandoned her. He brought her to Pacific Wildlife Care, who contacted W.E.R.C. W.E.R.C. is internationally renowned for its protocols for rehabilitating orphaned bobcat kittens.

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By Pet Talk

Pregnancy can be an exhilarating time for both mothers and fathers. Taking special care of the mother-to-be’s nutritional needs, spending extended hours in the doctor’s office and preparing the home for a new arrival can all be a part of the exciting rituals expectant parents are encouraged to follow. Not surprisingly, these same precautions and preparations are also necessary for a pregnant pet.
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Support W.E.R.C. and enjoy a delightful evening listening to great jazz by the renowned The Sideways Trio (www.thesidewaystrio.com). 100 percent of the proceeds benefit the Wildlife Education and Rehabilitation Center in Morgan Hill. Though only the humans in the jazz band will actually be performing live music, guests will also have the opportunity to meet nature’s own drummer (Clarabelle, the acorn woodpecker), bass voice (hootin’ Luna, the great horned owl), and other of W.E.R.C.’s educational non-releasable animals.

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Chai is a 4-year-old Queensland heel/pit bull mix who has been neutered. He loves to play fetch, roll around on the ground and get attention. He is friendly and great with other dogs. His ID number is A029519 and he is available for adoption at the San Martin Animal Shelter. If you are interested in adopting this or any other animal at the shelter, please call (408) 686-3900.

by Brigid Wasson

ABC-Channel 7 News came out to the shelter and interviewed me for a segment on how the economy is affecting pets. They did a great job with the piece which aired April 10 on the morning program and on the 6 o’clock news! Please post the link to your Facebook, etc. and spread the word.

http://abclocal.go.com/kgo/story?section=news%2Flocal&id=6754475