BUDDHA DOG

Today was the First Annual Pet Care Fair presented by City Councilmember Tony C?rdenas (Council District 6) and Senator Alex Padilla.  There were lots of beautiful adoptable animals from L.A. Animal Services, Pet Orphans Fund, and Linda Blair's WorldHeart Foundation.  We were really worried about the weather since showers were in the forecast, but though we had a few windy and cold moments, we escaped the wet stuff!  We even saw the sun a handful of times!  But despite the weather worry, we had an excellent turnout in Woodley Park.  It was awesome to see the lines for free spay/neuter in the morning and for the free microchips knowing that precious lives will be saved! 

Like usual, I met many people who had never heard of animal massage.  I just love spreading the word about animal massage!  I gave away all the "Massaging your Animal" booklets I brought, and went through all my brochures, so I'm hoping lots of deserving animals got massages when they got home! 

Of course, all the animals were SO adorable and hilarious to watch.  There were mostly dogs, but a few cats in carriers, and even a boa constrictor!  I massaged many sweet dogs, and had a drawing for an animal massage gift certificate.

Shug, my partner and sweetheart, had a great time at the fair!

The big guest was the Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan.  I loved what he said about Pit Bulls (he speaks so lovingly of his Pit Bull, Daddy, who is 13 now), and the importance of spaying and neutering.

Daddy

Cesar was really great to everyone.  He gave away lots of DVDs and stayed for a long time to take pictures with people and sign autographs.  The crowd loved him!  Cesar was kind enough to give shelter workers and volunteers a free seminar years ago that I was able to benefit from.  He really opened my eyes as to how very important exercise and stimulation are for the well-being of dogs. 

Cesar and his wife Ilusion founded their own foundation to aid and support the rescue, rehabilitation and placement of abused and abandoned dogs.


The Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation has committed to being a part of the solution through the promotion of spaying and neutering. If animals can't breed, they don't produce offspring that end up in shelters only to be euthanized.

The Foundation has created a campaign that rescue organizations, veterinary clinics, spay/neuter programs, humane education programs, and schools can use to educate their communities on the importance of spaying and neutering. The campaign includes posters, t-shirts, & postcards.

To be considered for the program, you can complete their application form. The Cesar and Ilusion Millan Foundation will review the information and contact you regarding your eligibility. They will accommodate as many requests as they can, but applying does not guarantee inclusion in the program. Priority will be given to those groups that currently offer free or low cost spay and neutering in their communities.





The wonderful Linda Blair was also there with her WorldHeart Foundation
and she shared her wisdom with the crowd.  Linda has always been a champion for my beloved Pit Bulls, and for that I am forever grateful.
Linda is having an emergency fundraising party on June 8th in Beverly Hills (shoot!  I'll be out-of-town ) from 3-7 PM where she'll showcase her rescued animal photo collection.  It will be an intimate party with celebs, music, silent auctions, and more!  Linda does so much for animals, and is always in dire need of funds for medical care because she takes in so many animals in desperate need of saving.  She rescued lots of Katrina dogs, and had to deal with the expense of heartworm treatment for those that tested positive, which was most, if not all. Unfortunately after much treatment and nurturing from Linda and the wonderful volunteers at the foundation, she has lost two of her Katrina survivors due to cancer, which seems to be an epidemic from Katrina.  She still has some beautiful, healthy Katrina survivors that need loving homes, so please adopt from, donate to, or volunteer for her awesome WorldHeart Foundation- you'll be so glad you did!

My highlight might have been receiving this certificate of appreciation from the city of Los Angeles from Councilmember Tony C?rdenas who is so awesome to put on this Pet Care Fair to raise awareness of responsible guardianship.  He promises this will be an annual event which is AWESOME for the city's animals!  Check out his "Pack Leader" shirt from Cesar!


The dog I was massaging that I'm holding onto is sweet Ginger, whose Mom is the incredible Eileen Smulson who started Operation Blankets of Love, where much-needed blankets are donated by generous, caring people for shelter animals that appreciate them so much.  Here is Eileen's blog where you can find out how you can help:  http://dogcomfort.blogspot.com/.
Check out this great article in the Daily News about Eileen:  http://www.dailynews.com/ci_8424056

(From L.A. Animal Services):
You can help by collecting and donating clean, old & new blankets and towels for shelter animals waiting to be adopted by loving homes!

A study by the Compassion Action Institute in New York shows that shelter animals that are given blankets, sheets, and comforters to rest on are more able to relax and get comfortable in their new surroundings while they are waiting to be adopted. Potential adopters are more drawn to animals that appear relaxed and friendly, snuggled on a soft bed which helps to create a more home-like setting. The simple addition of a blanket or comforter to a shelter animal?s environment is proven to lead to increased adoptions.

Please bring your donations to the following locations: