Katy Byrne, MFT is a Psychotherapist in Sonoma, editor and animal lover. Her private practice specializes in: life transitions, couples communication, eating issues, moving forward, conflict resolution and the kitchen sink.
Dog gone it
I found a pooch in the traffic this week as tired drivers skidded around him. Holding onto his collar in the summer heat, I walked him to my house. Unable to reach the owner/ “guardian” I was awed by local folks who helped immediately. Laurinda Charvat, dog sitter and animal trainer and who works at The Valley of The Moon Veterinary hospital, and Judy Curme, local activist, jumped right in to help. We found shelter and a way to make the dog safe.
It was a busy, hot day, but that’s what it takes – precious time. Animal Care and Control was hard to reach, Pets Lifeline was closed and the police operator impatiently suggested I call back the next day. It was beginning to feel like “dog eat dog” until Laurinda was able to help me get the dog into the clinic, right before 6 pm.
There is another story, about a severely injured cat. They still don’t know where he belongs, but he was treated by Rhonda Stallings and staff, at Arroyo, as they do all pained and stray pets. Trauma had damaged his bladder, so they did major reconstruction. He has since been lounging at their hospital. No microchip and so far no “owners.”
It is really up to us. Community networking is imperative in these times of budget cuts.
There are so many issues. People afraid to walk their dogs because of others might attack. Pooches roaming the streets without collars. Cats, who should have a bell on their collar, or kept indoors killing birds. (FYI, cats are the biggest reason for the loss of birdlife in the U.S.) My pet peeve: We have no place to sit with our dogs on scalding days during the farmers market. How about someone organize a place to meet near there, like Roche Winery near there? Or approach the powers that be with an idea?
Pets are required to have licenses in order to identify them. Rabies shots and other responsibilities are imperative. Did you know that another animal in the house will be confined for six months if it has been exposed to rabies?
Here are some key contacts to post on your refrigerator or send to a friend:
Pets Lifeline: 996.4577
Animal Care and Control 565.7100
Police: 565.2121 or 996.3602
Animal Emergency hospitals: 579.3900, 579.5900
Bird rescue: 833.6726
There are many issues to attend to in our lives, but animals are voiceless. It just takes a few minutes to do something. Have a heart.
