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Helladogmoms unite to raise money for local animal groups

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Sarah Soghomonian

TV Producer and fan of all things fabulous.Bulldog Born, Bulldog Bred!

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If you’re a dog mom that loves your four-legged friend more than you do most people, you just might be a Helladogmom. And there’s a new, local community designed just for you.

Helladogmoms

Helladogmoms is bringing women together in celebration of their beloved dogs. (photo: Reyna Cazares)

Instagram account has grown and is giving back

“Helladogmoms is a community bringing together local women who are proud to be dog moms,” says Christine Brown, the founder of Helladogmoms. “This started out just as an Instagram account meant to put a spotlight on the Central Valley’s adorable furbabes, but now I’m hoping to use this platform as a way to bring #helladogmoms together, while coming up with ways to give back to the local nonprofits which work so hard to care for homeless animals.”

Brown is a mom of two dogs. Her oldest, Sir Duke, is a 6-year-old terrier mix. Her youngest, Duchess Shenehneh, is a 3-year-old dachshund mix. Both were adopted from local shelters.

Helladogmoms

Helladogmom founder, Christine Brown, with her husband Marquese and their furbabes Sir Duke and Duchess Shenehneh. (photo: Reyna Cazares)

“I came up with #Helladogmoms as a nickname for myself, kinda joking around about the over-the-top way I parent my two little furbabes,” Brown says. “As it turns out, I’m not the only #Helladogmom.”

What makes someone a Helladogmom? According to Brown, they do things like throw birthday parties for their dogs, meal prep for them, feature them in Christmas cards, and even push them in strollers.

Fashion line benefits organization

In August, Helladogmoms hosted a launch “PAWty” to celebrate the creation of a fundraising fashion line. The project was done in collaboration with Keep Life Simple Design, a local lifestyle boutique, and the shirts and merchandise are now available for purchase online.

Money raised from the shirt sales goes to the Animal Compassion Team. “The response from the community has been pretty overwhelming,” Brown says. “It has been so enlightening to connect with other dog moms who have the same love for their pets as I do.”

Helladogmoms

Helldogmoms held a launch party in August. They hope to host more meetups in the near future. (photo: Reyna Cazares)

Helladogmoms

Proceeds from Helladogmoms merchandise goes to the Animal Compassion Team. (photo: Reyna Cazares)

More meet-ups planned for the future

Helladogmoms hopes to expand their network before the year is up. More meet-ups and events are being planned.

If you’re interested in joining the #Helladogmoms community, follow them on Instagram and Facebook. You can also sign up for their newsletter to get updates on upcoming events.

Where to swim and cool off in Fresno: 2018 edition

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
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Toasty summers are a fact of life for Fresnans, but thankfully you don’t have to dig your own pool to find a great place to cool off this summer. The Fresno area offers multiple public swim locations, swimming lessons, water parks, and splash parks for families to enjoy, and even a couple of areas for dogs to cool off, too!

Here’s the 2018 round up of local spots to get your splash on.

Where to swim

There are plenty of places to splash, float and enjoy the summer while keeping cool this year!

Municipal Public Pools

Entrance fee is $2, but if temps exceed 105 degrees, entrance is FREE!

Mosqueda Pool
4670 E. Butler (Maple & Butler)
Monday through Sunday
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Frank H. Ball Pool
760 Mayor St. (Ventura & A St)
Monday through Sunday
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Mary Ella Brown Pool
1350 E. Annadale (Elm & Annadale)
Monday through Sunday
1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Airways Pool
5440 E. Shields (Shields & Clovis)
Monday through Friday
1:30 to 4:00 p.m.
Saturday 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.

The City of Fresno will be providing swim lessons this year at Central High School’s Aquatics Complex and Fresno Unified High Schools (Bullard, Hoover, Fresno, and Sunnyside). For additional information, follow the links.

Where to swim

Kids can take low-cost swimming lessons thanks to the City of Fresno

High School Aquatic Complexes

The following high schools have aquatics complexes and have previously been open to the public during summer for recreational swimming, swimming lessons or both. Each high school is now partnered with the City Parks and Recreation Department to provide affordable public swimming opportunities throughout the summer season. For information on hours (which vary by location) and pricing (which was $1-2/person last year and free on weekends), call (559) 621-2900.

  • Bullard High School
  • Fresno High School
  • Hoover High School
  • Sunnyside High School
  • Central High School

Splash Parks

These splash parks are fixtures of larger city parks in the Fresno area. Amenities include interactive water features, misters, and cascades providing refreshing water play for children at no cost. Water features typically operate between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. from mid-May through October.

Dickey Playground
50 N. Calaveras Street

Figarden Loop Park
4265 W. Figarden Drive

Todd Beamer Park
9797 N. Maple Ave.

Martin Ray Reilly Park
750 N. Chestnut Ave.

Inspiration Park
5770 W. Gettysburg Ave.

Where to swim

Yes, your “fur kids” can cool off in Fresno, too!

Splash Parks for Dogs

Dr. James W. Thornton Dog Park
3934 N. Hayston
$50 annual membership fee, and dogs must have up-to-date vaccines
Park includes a 2,000-gallon canine wading pool with jets!

Basin AH1 Dog Park
4257 W. Alamos
Shady, grassy, free dog park that features four wading pools for dogs to enjoy during hot weather.

Water Parks

The Island’s Ohana Bay

The Island’s Wave Pool with fun slides in the background

Click links for detailed location/cost info.

The Island Waterpark

Ideal for those living closer to the West side of Fresno, The Island Waterpark  offers 11 water slides, a wave pool, children’s water play park and lazy river and abundant picnic areas. The park opens Memorial Day weekend each year and is open during weekdays when schools are out for the summer. You can save money buying tickets online in advance.

Wild Water Adventures

For those living more Eastward or in Clovis, Wild Water Adventures offering more than 15 slides, a wave pool, children’s play area, abundant shade and even fishing is a great choice. Buy tickets online or in-person.

If you plan to go to either park more than twice this summer, season passes are usually the most economical way to go. You may be able to find discounts for Wild Water at Costco, though this year, The Island is only offering passes/tickets directly, not through any third party sellers.

Blackbeard’s

Blackbeard’s waterslides may not be as extravagant as The Island or Wild Water, however they are still a ton of fun and very affordable at just $10 per person for unlimited rides. 

From Hollywood’s Spielberg to Fresno’s Domino, Ray Arthur has met a lot of cool cats

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

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In his former role as Fresno’s Film Commissioner, Ray Arthur was used to spending time with celebrities of all stripes. Now in his current job working for Fresno’s Department of Utilities, he finds himself looking after a different kind of wild animal.

Located ten miles outside of Fresno, Ray’s workplace is often the dumping ground for feral or unwanted pets. Over the years, he and his co-workers have taken care of dozens of animals—mostly feeding them and finding them homes.

Currently, Ray is taking care of Domino, a cat that recently lost an ear to cancer. He calls himself a dog person, but one has to wonder if all the grouchy cats in his life aren’t working their way into his heart.

Here’s Ray’s story, and how you can help take care of Domino.

Ray Arthur

Ray Arthur began his career as a radio DJ

First, tell me about your experience as Fresno’s Film Commissioner. What was that like?

I was a Film Commissioner for 15 years before arriving in Fresno in 2007. My favorite story was our biggest film shoot. Everyone wanted a piece of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Steven Spielberg was looking for a small 1950s airport to double for Mexico City in 1957. After scouting several countries, they chose Fresno’s Chandler Municipal Airport. The crew was here for a week and they filmed one day. Unfortunately, all but one of the scenes were cut, but we did make eight seconds of the inside of a plane, and if you squint really hard you might see the control tower over Harrison Ford’s shoulder through the window.

The reality, however, is that film production is not just about getting your locations on the big screen. It’s primarily about economic development. Indiana Jones spent over $250,000 in Fresno and gave a $3,000 donation to the nonprofit Creative Fresno.

The kicker was, this was my second time working with Steven (he told me to call him Steven, I swear). He filmed a small portion of the original Jurassic Park in Red Rock Canyon State Park in 1992. That means I need to find a new Film Commissioner job by 2022 because clearly we are meant to work together every 15 years!

Due to the near depression about a decade ago, the funding for the Film Commission was eliminated, along with several hundred City positions. In 2010, I was fortunate to be offered a Project Manager position within the City’s Department of Utilities.

Ray Arthur

Ray and his best bud, Bud

Now you adopt cats and dogs at your work. What does that entail exactly?

Well, technically they adopt us.

I work at the Fresno-Clovis Regional Wastewater Reclamation Facility and our offices are located about 10 miles southwest of Fresno City Hall. It’s a pretty rural location and occasionally we become a home for strays and unwanted pets that have been dumped. When I arrived we already had a cat, Elvis. He was feral but has since learned some manners and has trained several of us to feed and pet him. We call him our Parking Lot Watch Cat and to his credit not one vehicle has been stolen or broken into since his arrival!

Additionally, we’ve had a variety of dogs vacation here, one or two a year, and through Facebook and email lists we’ve been successful in finding homes for many of them. About six years ago, a cat was dumped and she figured out pretty quickly that where there are people, there would be food. One of my co-workers named her Domino.

While Elvis will roll over for anyone who walks by, Domino is more skittish and only trusts a couple of us. Ironically, I’ve always been a major DOG person and not at all interested in cats. These cats, however, seemed not to sense that or if they did, to give a damn. So, Elvis’s food is near the front door and Domino’s is near the back door and they rarely meet. The only thing they have in common is me.

Domino needed ear surgery, and you’ve set up a GoFundMe page to help with her medical expenses. How is she doing now?

Several months ago, we noticed that the tip of Domino’s right ear was missing. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a growing cancer, and two weeks ago we had most of the ear removed. On January 12th, she had her stitches removed and she has about two more weeks with the cone. Then she’ll be close to back to normal.

She has two major life changes: due to the ear amputation, she will now be an inside cat, as she clearly was before she was dumped. And there is a high probability that the cancer will return.

I created the GoFundMe campaign because the initial medical bills topped $500 and there will be more to come. The goal is $1,000 and we’re a little over $300, so we have a way to go.

Ray Arthur

Domino the cat, before her ear was removed due to cancer

Do you have any advice for people wanting to help the local pet population? How to get started, etc.?

Not really. I’m a total amateur who just fell into this. All of my dogs over the past 60 or so years have been strays or rescues. I would urge people to find a mutt you like and know that you saved their life and they’ll thank you every day.

What’s your favorite thing about Fresno?

Not any one thing. I was on the Creative Fresno Board of Directors for several years and that not only built long term friendships but broadened my interests. I grew up just outside of Philadelphia (huge), and over the years worked in many smaller communities. Depending on what I’m doing at the moment, I enjoy Fresno as a big “small” town and a small “big” city, depending on the day.

…

If you want to donate a couple of bucks to Domino’s medical expenses, click here to visit the GoFundMe page. If you’re interested in adopting a cat or dog that needs a home, you can contact The Cat House on the Kings or Valley Animal Center (to name a few!). You won’t regret giving a furry friend a new home.

Elder Paws Senior Dog Foundation to host ‘Hearts of Gold’ fundraiser

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

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Having a dog in your life is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. But as our furry friends (and us, too) get a little bit older, things can get complicated. Medical issues and other expenses come with age. Sometimes people on a fixed income have trouble caring for their older canine companions.

Luckily, if you live in the Central Valley and are on a fixed income, there are options to help you and your older dog out. The Elder Paws Senior Dog Foundation is a non-profit whose mission is to help senior doggies stay with their owners. Oftentimes, finances are a large part of the sad story of shelter-surrendered pooches. Elder Paws works to make a sad story have a happy ending, allowing these dogs to stay with their owners and get the care they need.

Elder Paws Foundation

Buttons, the namesake of the “For Love of Buttons” program for terminal dogs

Programs help support dogs and their owners

Elder Paws has various programs that are tailor-made for older dogs. The “For Love of Buttons” program helps cover humane euthanasia for dogs suffering from terminal illnesses. There’s also the Pandora Fund. Covering the cost of critical health care, this fund allows senior dogs to stay with their owners and still have a good quality of life.

Sometimes senior dogs need specialized dental and skin care. A good example of this is Peekaboo, an 8-year-old chihuahua. According to Elder Paws Executive Director Cathie Garnier, “A few months ago, Peekaboo began scratching and itching and recently has shown signs of a serious skin issue. Peekaboo’s owner could see that her furry companion was miserable, but living on a fixed income left no funding for expensive vet care for Peekaboo. Peekaboo’s owner was referred to Elder Paws Senior Dog Foundation as a candidate for our ‘Pandora Fund’ program. Peekaboo was diagnosed with chronic allergic dermatitis, aggravated by the summer heatwave. He is now receiving treatment for his condition and his owner feels so much better that Peekaboo is getting the help he needs.”

Elder Paws Foundation

Peekaboo and his happy owner

Hearts of Gold annual fundraiser

If you like hearing happy tails (er, tales) like this, you may want to consider supporting the work of Elder Paws. There’s a great opportunity coming up in September when the foundation hosts its annual Hearts of Gold fundraiser.

Tickets are on sale now for the event, which includes dinner, a show with Jeremy “Elvis”  Pearce, and a silent auction.

A chance to eat a delicious meal and meet Elvis all while helping older doggies? On the scale of “Nice Things To Do For Dogs,” this is a pretty fun one in my opinion. Mark your calendar! Here are the details:

Hearts of Gold annual fundraiser
September 23, 2017
5-9 p.m.

Classic Catering Co.
625 4th Street
Clovis, CA 93612

Tickets available by clicking here!

elder paws foundation

Other ways to help senior dogs

If you can’t make the fundraiser, you can still purchase items from the Elder Paws store here. You can also send items on the Elder Paws wish list here.

To make a donation or sign up to volunteer your time, visit the Elder Paws website.

If you want to follow the Elder Paws Foundation and see more inspiring stories, find them on Instagram  and Twitter, or check out their Facebook page. Seriously, follow them on Facebook, they have doggie videos!

Peeve: A Love Story

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Craig Scharton

I’m a weirdo. I’m a downtown revitalization, old neighborhood, old houses weirdo.

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When I was in fourth or fifth grade, I remember reading a book and seeing a line that mentioned a pet peeve. I’d never heard the term, and there weren’t any pets or animals in the story, so I asked my parents what it meant. They explained that it was something that annoys or frustrates people. I said it’d be funny to name a dog Peeve, so when someone asked what your pet peeve was, you’d answer “my dog,” and they’d be confused. Finally, when I was 48 and I had no one else to give me input into a name, I got to have it my way.

peeve love story

My pet Peeve

When I first moved into the Lowell neighborhood, I excitedly told our neighborhood police officer that I’d bought a house. She said, “You’d better have a dog, a gun, and an alarm.” I laughed off her suggestions. Later that week I saw Chief Jerry Dyer at a City Department director meeting, and I shared my exciting news about my new home. He said, “You’d better have a dog, a gun, and an alarm.” I don’t always (often) listen to advice, but this time I thought maybe I should.

I’d planned on getting an alarm, since I’ve always had one regardless of which neighborhood or city I’ve lived in. And I had an old hunting rifle already. I couldn’t hit my back shed from my back porch with it, but it makes a hell of a loud boom. I hadn’t planned on getting a dog, though. I knew that to have a dog was something I’d really have to commit to, and I’d hoped to have fewer obligations.

I headed out to the SPCA a couple of days later. Just to take a look. I walked through the main area and didn’t make any love connections. Then I walked through the strays section. All of the dogs were asleep or growling at me… until on the last row, where there was this youngster wagging his tail at me. I said “sit” and he sat, still wagging his tail. I put my hand on the gate and he popped up and licked my hand. I asked to take him outside for a bit to see if he got along well with other dogs and people… and he did. I then got into my car and left him behind. I made it about two miles back toward town, before I suddenly uttered some profanity and turned my car around. He had me.

peeve love story

Who could resist this face?

peeve love story

A gray-haired Peeve on a blanket that a woman crocheted for him after she saw his Fresno Famous video.

That was seven years ago. Our relationship started out a little rocky. Peeve didn’t like being left alone and City Hall didn’t really have a “take your dog to work” culture (except I did sneak him in on nights and weekends). How did I know he didn’t like being left alone? He chewed up a couple of couches, multiple chairs, the backseat of my car, and every shoe and boot I owned. We almost parted ways when he chewed up the remote control and I couldn’t watch a Giants playoff game that I’d DVR’d while I’d had a Fresno Housing Authority board meeting.

Friends starting dropping off their dogs at our house during the workday so that the dogs could wear each other out. I started taking Peeve to Welcome Waggers where he learned some more manners and social skills (and they wore him out). But thankfully he outgrew his destructive phase, although longtime friend and vet to all of my dogs Dr. Gary Shahbazian told me that sometimes it gets worse, not better (I’m glad I didn’t know that at the time).

When I was contemplating opening up a restaurant on the Fulton Mall, I remembered Bosco’s Bones and Brew in Sunol. I thought, That’s what we need, a friendly place with a friendly pub dog. And what could be a better location than right next to the Health Department? Actually, those Health Department folks were really cool about Peeve being there and were great customers… unless someone would complain, which only happened twice. Then they’d give me a warning and I’d keep Peeve away until after 5 p.m. when things cooled down. I’d been following the trend of dog-friendly places for years and it was actually a big draw for our little pub.

Peeve love story

Peeve’s mug as the logo for our pub

Peeve love story

Peeve hanging out with Alice Cooper—just a typical night for him

Peeve and I go to Kearney Park in the mornings for our exercise and know the other regulars out there. Peeve is a favorite with the neighborhood kids and puts up with their attempts to ride him, take him for walks, and teach him new tricks. He hates fireworks, but he loves cats and will lick them. He chases squirrels but doesn’t hurt them. He is really disappointed in my Whole Food Plant-Based Lifestyle more than I can express… no more calzones or late night Robertito’s to split.

One of the favorite neighborhood stories is true, but has grown into a bit of a tall tale over time. There was a wanted fugitive a few buildings over from our house. The police had surrounded the area, including the alley behind us. When the suspect jumped out a window and ran across our backyard, Peeve happened to be walking around the other corner of the house. The fugitive hesitated when he saw Peeve. The police officer who had jumped the fence from the alley saw this happen and alertly yelled “Police dog! Get down on the ground!” The man complied and got down on the ground. The officer was on top of him with handcuffs in seconds. The neighborhood kids started taunting the man (as kids will) instantly, chanting “You’re afraid of Peeve, you’re afraid of Peeve…”

Now, after seven years, we’re just two gray-haired bachelors enjoying hikes and road trips, and strolling downtown Fresno. Thanks to Officer Angie and Chief Dyer, I wouldn’t have my best friend. Peeve destroyed more stuff than any burglar would’ve ever stolen, but I wouldn’t change a thing. I’m just grateful that Peeve chose me. I know which of us was truly the rescue.

peeve love story

Take Advantage of the Cat House on the Kings Twice-Yearly Open House

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JoAnn Hallum

Houseplant killing optimist- freelance writer -kid herder

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“With Cats, some say, one rule is true:
Don’t speak till you are spoken to.
Myself, I do not hold with that —
I say, you should ad-dress a Cat.
But always keep in mind that he
Resents familiarity.
I bow, and taking off my hat,
Ad-dress him in this form: O Cat!’

– Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats by T.S. Eliot

There’s a lot of cool cats in the world, and many of them are looking for a place to rest their paws. Right now it’s kitten season, which means pretty much every cat that can is giving birth to eight or more cats. I guess it’s an abundance of riches, but all these fluffy new friends need a loving home. That’s where Cat House on the Kings comes in.

A sampling of some kittens the Cat House has rescued.

Why the Cat House is Deserving of Support

Located in Parlier, Cat House on the Kings is California’s largest no-kill lifetime sanctuary and adoption facility for felines. Their noble goal is to find a happy home for all of these homeless kitties and, while they’re at it, help control the pet population by spaying and neutering.

Over 700 cats roam the property, inside and out. (Additionally there is a Cat House on the Kings adoption center at the Petco on Ashlan and Blackstone avenues in Fresno.) Excitingly, twice a year, the Cat House opens its doors to visitors, and on Saturday, May 6, you can visit and take a guided tour of the 12 acres that make up the sanctuary.

Since Cat House is a non-profit organization, admission to this Open House is donation based. This means you can write a check or bring canned cat food, dry cat food, paper towels, pine cleaner, bleach or even kitty litter as your admission. How many events can you say you got into because you were carrying a gallon of kitty litter?

Additionally, this year the sanctuary is celebrating its 25th anniversary. During the Open House you can enjoy a DJ, a silent auction, quilt raffle and free refreshments — but let’s not kid ourselves, the highlight is the acres of cats and kittens. Thanks to founder Lynea Lattanzio, the Cat House has rescued over 24,000 cats and 7,000 dogs, but the kittens keep coming, so they could really use your help.

Founder Lynea Lattanzio and some friends

My Experience with Cat House

I’ll admit I’m a cat person. What can I say, I like to be ignored and glared at for no reason. I also hate going for walks, so I need a pet in my life that sleeps all day. I personally have adopted a cat from the Cat House on the Kings. It’s a fairly simple process: I looked online for a cat I loved (requirement: pretty and NOT a kitten) and filled out an application form. It took a few days but I was approved. Then, I hiked over to the Petco adoption location to meet “Candy” (I changed her name to Ghost Cat, you’re welcome, world). I’ll be honest, Candy wasn’t especially excited to see me. Finally, I took her home, and she promptly hid in my closet for six months (get it? GHOST cat?!). 

Ghost Cat, my neurotic and lovable rescue from The Cat House

This might be a problem for some, but she was exactly what I wanted. Eventually she stopped being completely crazy and now walks around the house from time to time. She even sleeps next to me, and sometimes her whiskers go up my nose. It’s a thrilling way to wake up at 3 a.m. I also enjoy it when she sits on my keyboard when I’m trying to write. Basically she’s my type of cat, but I’ve met quite a few cats and they aren’t all mellow and shy.

The beauty of adopting a pet is that you can find the right pet for your lifestyle. As a bonus, all the cats adopted are already spayed/neutered, microchipped, and up on their shots, so it can actually be cheaper to adopt. The staff is also very helpful, especially when you take home a nervous rescue like I did. It was comforting to have an expert to call when I thought my cat would never, ever leave the closet. So, whether you want a friendly cat or a cat that likes to visit you on Leap Year only, you can probably find it through The Cat House on the Kings. I mean, there are 12 ACRES of cats.

See these benches surrounded by cats? This Saturday you can sit on them and pet all the kitties!

What if you hate cats, you ask? Good news! A donation to the Cat House will help curtail that pet population. As I said, they’re very committed to spaying and neutering. So if you want to see fewer cats roaming around, send them your money!

Do you wish you had a cat but you’re allergic or something? The Cat House also has cat sponsorships available. It’s a great chance to help a feline in need without having to stock up on Benadryl.

Open House Details

cat house open houseLattanzio and her staff have created a fabulous place for these felines (and sometimes their doggie friends). It’s definitely worth a visit because chances are, you won’t get to see that many kittens in one location anywhere else.

When: Saturday, May 6, 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Where: The Cat House on the Kings, 7120 S. Kings River Road, Parlier, CA
Additional Information: Raffle tickets are $1 each and the prize is an amethyst and citrine ring appraised at $1,300. To purchase tickets, send check or money order to the address above or call the office at (559) 638-0030 to purchase by credit card ($20 minimum).

• The Cat House Open House has a Facebook Event page here.

• Animals available for adoption are found here (you must fill out an application before you can adopt).

• Make a tax-deductible donation to the Cat House or sponsor a cat here.

• Check out this great video from Nat Geo Wild about Lynea Lattanzio and the Cat House:

5 Ways to Keep Dogs Safe & Cool During a Heat Wave

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
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With temperatures into the 110s in our forecast in the coming days, you are likely thinking about the condition of your a.c. unit, making sure you’ve got plans to go swimming, or making a meal plan filled with cold sandwiches and salads – but have you remembered Fido?

As a pet-lover and owner of three rescue pups (and former foster of 25+ others), learning about pet safety and care is something that’s important to me. Knowing how many fellow animal lovers there are in the Valley, I thought this was a very pertinent topic to address, given the current climate.

Our furry family members have their own particular set of challenges to face when Valley temperatures soar. For those who are able to bring their dogs indoors, the potential risks of heat-related health problems are almost entirely negated, however for those who are unable to bring their canine companions indoors for one reason or another, planning ahead for their comfort and safety when a heat wave hits is a critical part of pet ownership.

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To help you prepare for the hot weather ahead:

5 Ways to Keep Dogs Safe & Cool During a Heat Wave

(with useful and affordable product suggestions linked for your convenience)

Provide cooler places to relax outdoors

Prior to leaving your dogs outside on a hot day, go out into the yard during the hottest part of the day that you are able to, to look for the coolest spots in the yard. Look for where the shade is, where the grass is cooler (typically grass will be cooler than concrete areas, as concrete becomes warmed and then reflects the heat) and where a good location would be to set up your pet’s “cooling quarters”.

The cooling quarter is where you want to put a bed, a large container of fresh water and their food. Some pet owners do not leave food out throughout the day, and feed only in the morning and evenings, in which case – no need to change the pattern your pet is accustomed to.

When thinking of bedding, you want to focus on air flow. Your pet doesn’t want to curl up with thick blankets or a deep, padded bed in the summer any more than you do, so skip the indoor type of dog beds for this use. Look for an elevated platform bed that will allow your dog to lay just above the ground, so that airflow can continue to occur below his/her body. Combine an elevated bed with a cooling pad, and your pooches will really thank you.

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Give cooled water

Make sure the fresh water supply is plentiful, and be sure to keep the bowl in the shade – drinking hot water isn’t refreshing for anyone, including your pup. For less than $20, you can purchase a water bowl with gel core than can be frozen, to keep your dog’s water cool outside for hours, unlike ice cubes that just melt away. As a treat, you can also freeze* low-sodium chicken broth with chewy treats or toys inside of it, and place it in a bowl for your dogs to enjoy licking during the earlier part of the day. The treats and toys can provide some entertainment during the afternoon.

Think carefully about grooming

Many people think that cutting their dogs fur very short will help them to stay cool during the summer, however, most dogs actually benefit from at least medium length fur in the summer, as it provides some protection from the heat by insulating the body. Additionally, short cuts can also lead to sunburn, a very uncomfortable condition we humans likely know well, yet rarely think of as a risk for pets. Pets can definitely suffer a sunburn as well, so be sure trims are not exposing your dogs’ skin to harmful UV rays.

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Offer water play

If at all possible, offer a filled wading pool with toys inside for dogs to splash around in on hot days. It may not come naturally for your dog to get into the water on their own, so you may need to have some fun, backyard play with your pet over a weekend so he/she can associate the pool with fun. This inexpensive solution can really make a difference in your pet’s comfort and enjoyment during periods of extreme heat.

Watch for danger signs

Dogs can suffer from heat stroke with temperatures as low as 80 degrees, so watch for signs that tell you something is not right. Fatigue is the most common sign, however a dry nose, excessive panting and heavy breathing can also be signs. If you believe your dog may be overheated, wet the dog with room-temperature water and sit with the dog in front of a fan as soon as possible. Offer lots of fresh water to drink, and don’t hesitate to call your vet if symptoms don’t improve quickly.

Above all, never ever leave your dog in the car alone on warm days. Car temperatures rise very quickly, and it doesn’t have to be very hot for your dog to suffer from a potentially lethal case of heat stroke when left in a car. You never know when a “short trip” into a store will be foiled by an unexpectedly long line or the need to have someone check for the item you need in the back – so please, don’t risk your pet’s life in this way.

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With a little preparation and a small investment in appropriate tools, your pet will be better prepared to withstand the heat if required. Keep in mind, dogs are domestic animals and they are no more comfortable in extreme temperatures than you are. If you’re hot, they’re hot, so whenever possible, keep your dogs indoors with you during times of extreme heat.

*Note: There are rumors about the dangers of giving ice/frozen liquids to dogs online. Ice itself isn’t actually dangerous to dogs, however it does constrict blood vessels. Some people have fed ice to dogs suffering symptoms of heat stroke, but due to the constricting effect, this is not very helpful.

What do to when you find a lost pet in Fresno

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Natali Carrera

Natali Carrera is a devoted coffee addict who also loves her nine-year-old son, husband of 14 years and bargain hunting at Target. She works full time with ValleyPBS as their Director of Educational Services and is also a freelance writer and YouTube vlogger (as a hobby). She's been told "bubbly" is the best descriptor of her personality, though she wonders if what people really mean is that she talks too much. Natali is a lifelong Fresno resident and Fresno State grad.
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Many friends of my family’s know that we are softies for animals – especially dogs. My husband has never met a (bigger) dog he didn’t like. My son has never met any dog he didn’t like and I tend to be able to find extremely endearing features in 99.9% of them.

We have fostered dogs while they waited for their forever families on 25 occasions over the past few years (though we have taken a break from fostering since adopting our third rescue dog, as he’s been um… a bit more of a “challenge” to train).

Minnie: Our first of 25 foster pups!

Minnie: Our first of 25 foster pups!

Since we are known for being connected to the animal rescue and shelter community, we are often the first people friends and acquaintances contact when they come across a lost animal. I wanted to write this article to help provide Fresno residents with a plan of action for if/when they find themselves in the path of a dog or cat in need of help.

What to do if you find a lost dog or cat in the Fresno area

"With these puppy dog eyes, I KNOW you'd want to help."

“With these puppy dog eyes, I KNOW you’d want to help.”

Step One: Get the animal to safety

Secure the animal in a safe place where they can’t easily escape and are protected from things that could startle them. They are probably already pretty scared and disoriented. A scared dog or cat can usually be to be lured to you with a little bit of food. Hot dogs seem to be a universal attractant for dogs (and cats) and a can of tuna is highly attractive to cats.

Step Two: Check for a microchip

Take him or her to your nearest vet or shelter. All vets and shelters have the ability to scan the animal for a microchip, which hopefully, will be registered with the chip manufacturer and provide contact information for the owner. There is NO COST to have an animal scanned for a chip – so please don’t let fear of expense prevent you from taking this very important step.

Step Three: Create a detailed description

If no chip is found, next, you’ll want to capture photos of the animal and do your best to look for distinctive features. This will be very helpful in helping a pet’s rightful owner to identify the animal.

Things to look for:

  • Male/Female?
  • Neutered male or unaltered? Is there a little x tattoo to indicate spayed?
  • Tail type?
  • Fur length/color/type?
  • Unique markings/patterns?
  • Approximate age? (Young/puppies tend to have very white, pointy teeth, older dogs have yellowed teeth or may have some plaque, less sharp teeth)

    Hercules: The teeny tiny dog who got to go to "Take your dog to work day"

    Hercules: The teeny tiny dog who got to go to “Take your dog to work day”

Step Four: Advertise the you have a found dog or cat

In order to have the best chance of finding the animal’s rightful owner, you’ll want to get the word out to as many places as possible where people may go to look for a “found” announcement. Locally, there are all of the following options:

File a found report with local animal shelters.

  1. Post found announcements online. Before I provide a list a great places to do this, I want to warn you of the importance of limiting the information you include in your found posting. Unfortunately, there are a number of people who will attempt to claim found dogs are their own in order to obtain free dogs to use as bait for dog fighting training. These dogs will endure horrible abuse and likely, eventually be killed under these circumstances. Provide limited details and require the claimant to describe the other details to you – if at all possible, have them send you a photo of their missing pet. Most loving pet owners have at least one if not many photos of their pets. A minimally descriptive yet effective found announcement example is:

FOUND: Small male dog with collar near River Park. Call/email to identify. Must state collar color and describe breed/mix, coloring to claim and present vet records or a photo of the dog to claim.

Stu the former foster dog says, "Don't let nice animals become bait. You wouldn't do that, right?"

Stu the former foster dog says, “Don’t let nice animals become bait. You wouldn’t do that, right?”

Here is a list of locally based online places you can place free, found announcements:
  • Craigslist (in the Community Section)
  • Your neighborhood’s Nextdoor page (Nextdoor is an online community for neighborhoods, created to keep neighbors informed of important information pertinent to their specific community)
  • Local Facebook group pages focused on helping pets and owners reunite (there are a great number of them! Just type any of the names listed below into the Facebook search bar to access them):

Fresno Humane Lost / Found Pets
City of Clovis Clovis Animal Services
CCSPCA Fresno
CCSPCA Rescue
Lost & Found Pets of Fresno and Surrounding Areas
Fresno County Lost and Found Pets
Central Valley Missing/Found pets
559 Lost & Found Pets
559 Found Pets Only
LOST AND FOUND (559)
Lost&found Dogs Fresno, ca
559 Lost Pets
559 Pets
559 Fresno/Clovis Pet Supplies and Lost and Found Pets
Fresno Lost/Found Pets and Homeless Animals
Lost and Found Pets of Fresno
Old Fig Garden Found/Lost Pets
Bullard High and Surrounding Areas – Lost and Found Pets
For the Love of Animals
Lost Dog Fresno
Lost Pet Fresno
Lost Pets of Fresno, CA
Central California Husky Club

Step Five: Keeping the animal safe

Once you’ve checked for a microchip, contacted local shelters and posted found announcements the next step is to wait. This can be more challenging for some than others – for example, those with other pets or with homes that do not have space for or allow pets. I’ve heard from people frustrated in the past, when after calling local rescue groups, they were told there was no room for their found furry friend.

This is the tricky part – the Fresno area has many, wonderful, volunteer run animal rescue groups. Those who volunteer for these organizations are amazing, selfless people who place the well-being of animals often ahead of themselves. That said, unfortunately there is a finite amount of space in no-kill rescues, and a finite amount of supplies (food, blankets, etc.) on hand. Also, local rules on found dogs typically require that animals that are found be held at the local animal shelter for a period of time before they can go to a rescue group, in case their owner comes to the shelter looking for them, or if the animal is a stray, to ensure the animal is not sickly or dangerous. Only then are the rescue groups typically able to pull the animal from the shelter and into their rescue care.

Ideally, if at all possible, plan to house the animal temporarily or obtain help from a trusted family member or friend who is willing. If you can foster the animal, often rescue groups can then help advertise the animal as found or eventually, up for adoption (if an owner does not come forward). Due to the large number of animals who are found roaming in Fresno County on any given day, our shelters are often very crowded, and sadly, animals are euthanized due to overpopulation. Thanks to Animal Compassion Team “ACT”, a local rescue group who recently took over shelter operations for the City of Fresno, and their tireless networking and volunteer work, those numbers are decreasing! However, in order to give your furry friend the best odds of staying safe while they wait to reunited with their family or find their new one – please only take an animal to a shelter as a last resort.

I hope these tips will help you to successfully reunite a pet with his or her family, or keep a sweet dog or cat safe until they can find a family to call their own. If you have other tips to share that I’ve missed, please leave them in the comments section, thank you!

Peanut: a terrier mix who was happy she was kept safe in foster care long enough to find her forever family!

Peanut: a terrier mix who was happy she was kept safe in foster care long enough to find her forever family!