By Colleen Grzan, werc@werc-ca.org

Pacheco, W.E.R.C’s turkey vulture, needs a chance to prove he is able to soar so that he can once again join the ranks of those magnificent wild birds circling high in the sky. If you own a spacious (approx. 2 acres or more) and level tract of land with no trees, located in South County, W.E.R.C. would like to hear from you. Send us an e-mail at werc@werc-ca.org.

In March 2007, Pacheco was found injured by the side of Highway 152 and brought to W.E.R.C. X-rays showed that the vulture not only had a healing fracture in the wing, it also had an older fracture that had already calcified.

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By Nicole Baldocchi

A long anticipated dog park at Las Animas Veterans Park has been christened with dog prints big and small, but organizers are hoping to bring the generally-praised park to more people’s attention.
The park has been open since Dec. 15, but will officially open with a ceremony 10 a.m. Jan. 31. The park features separate areas for small and big dogs and fire hydrants for the dogs to mark their territory and was well-received by the people who went there. However, there were few people to sing its praises, and that’s something proponents are working on.

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By Laurie Frazer 

At a party held by the Gilroy Dispatch to launch this Blog site I met several people with similar dreams to mine: to do more for the communities homeless pets and to have a sane connection for those looking to adopt them to the South County Animal Shelter in San Martin.

With our philosophy of treating people well, with respect, love and without judgment , a friendship with Doreen Copeland, her group of All About Critter staff and myself was formed. From this friendship we launched Bow Wow Adoptions.

The “sane” connection to the shelter is that animals are available to good homes, period. You do not have to pass a FBI background investigation, provide blood samples or bring in 10 witnesses to your animal husbandry skills. You will not be subjected to a humaniac lecture on how animals should be kept, fed, trained, exercise or life partnered.

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Dear Editor,
The governor is proposing a 9 percent tax on veterinary services to begin Feb. 1, 2009.
I am a full-time student, working full-time. I live paycheck to paycheck. I have rescued a dog from someone who was neglecting her in Gilroy. I knew what I was getting into. Pet care is expensive.
I am respectfully asking readers to join me in asking the governor not to make it more expensive by taxing my charitable act of caring for this animal. I am keeping a dog out of a shelter, saving taxpayers’ money.”Subjecting complicated veterinary medical procedures and treatments to taxation would be the same as taxing health care for children in California,” says William Grant, II, DVM, president of the CVMA. “What will happen to the sick or injured pets of people already struggling with potential home foreclosures and job losses? How much more heartbreak is it fair to ask of our fellow citizens?”Due to the struggling economy and home foreclosures, many pet owners have been forced to surrender their pets to city and county shelters, increasing euthanasia rates. Many shelters are already filled to capacity.Another fear is that pet owners will not be able to spay or neuter their companion animals. California’s pet overpopulation problem is already in a state of emergency. This must pass by a 2/3 vote in the state assembly and senate. Please contact the governor and your legislative representatives and voice your opposition to the tax on veterinary services. (Please consider publishing this letter. I live in San Jose but I use the services of Princevalle Veterinary Hospital in Gilroy and I rescued the dog from Gilroy. Our pets deserve our protection.)
Jayne Steinmetz, San Jose

The Pet Parade on Cannery Row is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 29 at 11:30 a.m., starting from the Steinbeck Plaza and traveling down the Coastal Recreation Trail to the American Tin Cannery. Pre-registration is required and check in begins at 10:30 a.m. in Steinbeck Plaza. All well-behaved and friendly four-legged friends (on a leash) are invited to participate in this free event.

The Cannery Row Company is proud to support the SPCA for Monterey County and Animal Friends Rescue Project during this event. Pet owners are encouraged to deck out their pets in their holiday finest and strut their stuff along the half mile parade route.

A Doggie Fashion Show, courtesy of Chateau le Paws Pet Boutique and Spa Doggie Day Care, will take place in the American Tin Cannery, the Peninsula’s “Pet Friendly Mall,” following the pet parade. The “models” will travel down a dog bone-shaped runway beginning at 12:15 p.m. at the American Tin Cannery.
Alicia Becerra, a news anchor for KSBW-TV, will emcee the fashion show. Following the fashion show, prizes will then be awarded to the parade participants for the most creative and original outfits. The SPCA for Monterey County and Animal Friends Rescue Project will also be available at the American Tin Cannery during the event and will feature onsite pet adoptions for those interested in adopting a new pet.

To register your pet for the Pet Parade or for more information, visit www.canneryrow.com or call (831) 657.6488.

Think you’ve got the cutest pet in the South Valley? Got an outfit that’s just adorable? Have an embarrassing moment while washing the dog? Send us your pictures of your pets – cquirk@svnewspapers.com.

All emails should include:

-Pet name

-Pet type and breed

-Owner name (first and last) and city

-Pet’s likes and dislikes

This blog, managed by the staff at the Gilroy Dispatch, Hollister Free Lance and Morgan Hill Times, is the site for all South Valley pet lovers.

As pet owners, we know that pets are an integral – and fun – part of your life. Who doesn’t like getting a tail-wagging greeting when you get home? Who doesn’t appreciate that extra bit of warmth of a cat on a lap on a winter night?

This is the place to share you stories of your pet, to post your pictures and get advice from local veterinarians and trainers.