CBS Sacramento » pets

Placer County SPCA Offering Discounts On Less-Than-Desirable Dogs

Staff — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 04:52:12 +0000

ROSEVILLE (CBS13) – You might call them doggone ugly, but there’s a pretty sweet offer for you to take them home.

A local animal shelter is calling it their “ugly duckling doggie adoption deal.” At the Placer SPCA, they’re lining up the ugly with an attractive offer.

“Because these are special dogs, we decided that we’re going to have an adoption special,” said Leilani Fratis, Placer SPCA’s CEO.

Adopt any of these dogs this weekend, and instead of the $125+ fee, it’s a flat $50. What a deal.

“It is a deal,” said Fratis.

But what’s the deal with Ally’s tongue?

“She doesn’t have any teeth left and that’s what causes the tongue, because teeth help hold our tongues in,” said Fratis.

It’s the same thing with baby Herbie who had to have an eye taken out. He has a very long tongue that stays out all the time.

“Herbie is a long-haired Chihuahua,” said Fratis.

The others, like Dolly, have their all their teeth and her tongues in her mouth.

But holy cow, man! Her babies did a number on her.

“We can’t give her a tuck and fold,” said Fratis.

And Holly has a human-looking upper-tooth grin — a good reminder that “beauty is in the eyes of the beholder,” said Fratis.

And as I was holding Lil’s face (she loved my massage), it hit me these dogs are a reflection of all of us.

“We don’t all look the same,” said Fratis.

She’s right. And sometimes we need a reminder we need to look beyond the outer image to fine the tail waggin’, tongue droppin’, bug-eyed beauty in all of us.

Which dogs were my favorites? I did spend an awful lot of time with those tongue-outside-their-mouths dogs. They kind of grew on me.

The $50 adoption deal is only offered at the Placer SPCA and lasts all weekend long.

Filed under: Local, News, Seen On, Syndicated Local

Best Stationery Stores In Sacramento

cbsexaminer — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

When writing “The Federalist Papers,” it is unlikely that Alexander Hamilton could have imagined the book being available on an e-reading device rather than on actual paper. The same could be said for the author of “The Art of the Handwritten Note,” which is easiest to find in an electronic typeface on a Kindle or Nook. These days, a pen is often a touch screen stylus and text is considered to be a verb, but sending a handwritten card or letter is a true sign of style.

Pens from ParaDice (Credit, Valerie Heimerich)

PeraDice Cards & Gifts
918 24th St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 930-0600
www.peradice.com

PeraDice has everything needed for personal expression and for just plain joy. The owners are warm and fun, and the bright, colorful shop offers a great selection of cards, books, calendars, journals, artwork and gifts that you won’t find anywhere else. If you’d like a lovely, inspirational card and hand-painted silk scarf for your grandmother, shop PeraDice. If grandma is a bit on the unique side, you’ll also find provocative, wildly funny greeting cards, outrageous magnets, fun and whimsical jewelry and gorgeous, funky décor from local artists.

Books and Accessories from Trends-n-Trends (Credit, Valerie Heimerich)

Trends-n-Treats
8929 Madison Ave., Suite 200
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 536-0000
www.trendsntreats.com

If you’ve never thought of going to a pet supply store for greeting cards, think again and visit the friendly folks at Trend-n-Treats. Although not large, the selection of cards includes options that are funny, artistic and just plain fetching. Scrapbookers will enjoy the special dog breed stickers and there are animal-centric notepads, books and other paper goods nestled between unique gift items. Pet lovers will also enjoy wall plaques and signs with slogans including “Warning – this home has MPS, Multiple Pet Syndrome. There is no cure.”

Ladybug Ladybug
2512 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 594-7664
www.ladybugladybug.com

Ladybug Ladybug is a fun shop with one of the widest selections of greeting cards in town, with offerings from the sublime to the outrageous. Regardless of the occasion or personality of the receiver, you’re sure to find the right card for that unique person in your life. In addition to bows, ribbons and rolls of wrapping paper, the store also carries a large number of individual sheets of gift wrap. This is a rarity in Sacramento and the prices on the beautiful, clever and colorful sheets are quite reasonable.

Cards from Mixed Bag (Credit, Valerie Heimerich)

Mixed Bag
2405 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 447-6123

This appropriately named store carries everything from crystal-topped pens and elegant journals to a 3D vampire and zombie coloring book and a paper-doll book featuring famous movie characters in drag. Available products include greeting cards of every possible kind, fanciful post-it pads, funny to-do lists and calendars. Mixed Bag offers a selection of attractive wrapping paper, ribbon and gift tags, as well as funny party napkins and plates. Be warned, the shop is literally packed to the ceiling with items and the experience can be a bit overwhelming.

The Paper Garden
558 Pavilions Lane
Sacramento, CA 95825
(916) 487-2737
www.papergardenboutique.com

This store offers handmade cards and traditional stationery items such as calendars, notebooks and diaries, and boasts an amazing selection of paper in every possible color, texture and weight. Rubber stamps, stickers, paper punches, ink pads and many other embellishments make it a dream come true for experienced and novice scrapbookers. The Paper Garden also offers paper-craft ideas and free classes for making your own greeting cards and paper accessories. The creative and friendly owner can even help you design and make your own invitations for weddings, anniversaries and other special events.Related: Best Fabric Stores In Sacramento

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Filed under: Best of, Shopping & Style

Dog-Friendliest Workplaces In Sacramento

cbsexaminer — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:00:00 +0000

If your dream job includes bringing a pooch to work with you, smaller businesses in Sacramento are often the best places to apply. Numerous studies have shown the health and productivity benefits of having pets in the workplace, and doing so can be a win-win for all involved. While not all types of businesses are appropriate for furry friends, these local employers are fully sold on the idea.

Capitol Store Fixtures
4220 Pell Drive, Suite C
Sacramento, CA 95838
(916) 646-9096
www.csfixtures.com

Appropriately enough, poodle and Pekingese mix Elvis is a fixture in the Capitol Store Fixtures showroom. CSF specializes in promotional, sales and merchandising products for small and large businesses and groups. Elvis was rescued by owner Vicki Pelc and has been providing his own brand of customer service for years. CSF has no official dog policy or pet-related benefits, but calm, friendly pets of employees and customers are always welcome. Pelc keeps the overall environment fun, relaxed and positive, which translates to a happier and more productive staff. And Elvis offers an additional bonus for interested customers; a free shoe shine as he rolls happily at their feet.

Nature’s Select of Sacramento
2435 Albatross Way, Unit 116
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 480-0900
www.nssacramento.com

Nature’s Select of Sacramento delivers quality pet food, treats, cat litter and health supplements to customers throughout the Sacramento and Bay areas. Many of the employees bring their dogs to work in the office and accompany them to public and promotional events. The owners happily encourage the practice, but do check to make sure the pet interacts well with people, children and other animals first. Job openings are posted on the company’s website and Facebook page, although new hires are also found among NSS customers.

A Purrfect Groomer
1016 Jefferson Blvd.
West Sacramento, CA 95691
(916) 372-7288
www.apurrfectgroomer.com

A Purrfect Groomer’s services include styling, grooming, nail trims, ear cleaning, transporting and even de-skunking for cats, dogs, birds and pocket pets. Employees bring their well-behaved animals to work, including one groomer/stylist’s poodle named Pancakes and Bruno, another staffer’s pit bull. No written pet policies are in place, but employees are told that they are completely responsible for the animal at all times. At this time, the company finds new groomers and staff members primarily through word of mouth.

Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode
6101 Enterprise Drive, Suite B
Diamond Springs, CA 95619
(530) 642-2287
www.animaloutreachcats.com

Animal Outreach is a no-kill animal shelter and spay/neuter clinic. The non-profit group works with animals coming from the Sacramento, El Dorado and Placer areas. The personal pets and foster animals of volunteers and staff are often seen around the place, serving both as entertainment and as goodwill ambassadors for everyone. As with the other pet-friendly small businesses, staff makes common-sense decisions regarding guest animals rather than requiring a formal pet policy. Open jobs are filled by existing AO volunteers; job seekers who are considering volunteer work to keep their resumes current could benefit doubly from offering their time to Animal Outreach.

PeraDice Cards and Gifts
918 24th St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 930-0600
www.peradice.com

While not actual part-owners of the business, customer service dogs Schnitzel and Maggie May certainly do their part to keep PeraDice a friendly place to work and visit. The popular shop offers unique gifts, candles, jewelry and what is widely credited as the most humorous and edgy greeting card selection in town. The small operation does not have a pet policy on paper as of yet, but primarily because the store is currently only staffed by the two human owners. Visitors to PeraDice are welcome to bring small, well-behaved pets with them to the shop on one condition. They must pass Schnitzel’s muster, as he is known to be the king of the place.

Filed under: Best of, Family & Pets

Important Questions To Ask Before Signing A Lease

cbsexaminer — Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:00:00 +0000

Looking for an apartment or rental home? Whether the apartment will be your first place or you’ve rented before, you will want to ask some questions before signing a lease and definitely before you move into your new place.

Zvi Rudawsky, principal of Boutique Apartments in Denver, Colorado, says to be informed of what is expected of you as a tenant. “Don’t even think about signing a lease until you are sure you understand it. You don’t want to read the lease for the first time as you’re loading up the moving van,” he explains.

What should a prospective tenant ask? The following questions will help you out.

1. What’s required before moving in? “A prospective tenant will have to go through a criminal background check and a credit check before signing a lease,” says Jennie Spallone, a realtor with Coldwell Banker in Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Another requirement includes paying a security deposit.

2. Are pets allowed? For people with pets, renting an apartment or home that will accommodate Fido or Fluffy is imperative. “You need to ask if you can even bring your dog or cat with you,” Spallone explains, noting that apartments that do allow animals may have limits on how big an animal can be and how many are allowed. An additional fee will likely apply to pet owners.

3. Who pays for utilities? Water, gas, electricity, cable, internet and garbage may or may not be included in your monthly rent. Ask what is covered and which utilities you will have to pay.

4. What do you do about annoying neighbors? Face it, neighbors are a fact of life. But before you sign the lease, ask what can be done about an annoying neighbor. If you don’t feel comfortable approaching a neighbor who plays loud music at all hours, speak with your landlord.

5. What happens if you’re late with rent? Before signing a lease, find out what the landlord considers a late payment and if there are any fees associated with paying rent after it’s due. “Some landlords allow a grace period of a few days before they consider rent payment late. After that, they may add fees that increase for every day that you’re late,” Rudawsky says.

6. Who pays for something that breaks? Whether it’s a broken window or a leaky toilet, the issue of who pays for the repair can be a sticky one. “If something breaks because of the tenant’s fault, then the tenant will have to pay for repairs,” Rudawsky says. But if something breaks due to normal wear-and-tear, then the landlord will need to pay. Spallone agrees, noting, “If anything happens to the property, the tenant should not be scared to contact the landlord.”

7. Who should be contacted for repairs? Get the name and number of the landlord’s contact person to deal with repairs or concerns. Don’t forget about an after-hours contact number as well.

8. Are small repairs covered by the landlord? “Small things like light bulbs and hinges can be replaced by the tenant easily and fairly inexpensively. You don’t want to bother your landlord for something like that,” Spallone says, but adds that who is responsible for paying for small repairs should be included in the lease.

9. What’s the parking situation? Ask if a specific parking spot is reserved for you in a lot, or if you can park on the street overnight. You will also need to know who to contact if someone mistakenly parks in your spot.

10. Is smoking permitted? If you smoke, you will want to know if smoking is permitted in the rental unit. If it’s not, you should see if smoking is allowed anywhere else on site. If smoking is permitted in the rental unit, an additional fee may apply.

11. What amenities are included in rent? “Some apartments might include amenities like a pool, workout room or a large common room. Check and see what’s available,” Rudawksy advises. After all, you’re already paying for these perks.

12. Is redecorating allowed? Before you pick out the perfect shade to paint your walls, ask if painting and hanging pictures is allowed. “You might be allowed to paint, but you may have to pay a fee when your lease is up and you’re ready to leave,” Spallone says.

13. Who shovels snow or mows the grass on the property? For a large apartment complex, tenants will likely not need to worry about landscaping concerns. But if you’re renting a home, the lease should state who is responsible. According to Spallone, it’s usually the tenant.

14. What are the penalties for breaking the lease? If you get an unexpected job transfer to the other side of the country six months into your 12-month lease, you’ll need to break your lease. Find out if there are any fees that apply if you need to do this.

Megan Horst-Hatch is a mother, runner, baker, gardener, knitter, and other words that end in “-er.” She loves nothing more than a great cupcake, and writes at I’m a Trader Joe’s Fan. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

Filed under: Your Home

Best Places For Black Friday Shopping Deals In Sacramento

cbsexaminer — Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:00:00 +0000

The day after Thanksgiving is the traditional kick-off to the holiday shopping season and big-box retailers will offer big discounts to those willing to risk the crowds. Since thousands of people take advantage of the same deals, the special gifts you’ve gotten for friends, neighbors and great aunt Tillie might be the same ones they end up giving to you. To find truly distinctive and thoughtful gifts, avoid the mall and take advantage of Black Friday savings at unique Sacramento small businesses.

(credit: peradice.com)

PeraDice
918 24th St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 930-0600
www.peradice.com

Find just the right gift for the exceptionally special people on your list at this eclectic treasure trove of elegant and whimsical items. Black Friday specials make the already reasonable prices even better and the exceptional customer service provides a relaxed and fun shopping experience. Jewelry, lotions, candles, artwork and the best selection of cards never to be seen in a chain store are always on hand at PeraDice. It is easy to find a gift that will always make them smile at this delightfully quirky boutique.

(credit: trendsntreats.com)

Trends-n-Treats
8929 Madison Ave.
Fair Oaks, CA 95628
(916) 536-0000
www.trendsntreats.com

Your best friend would just love to get a manicure, salon hair cut and treatment, delicious food and some special bling for Christmas. If your BFF is a dog, visit Trends-n-Treats for special Black Friday prices on nail trims, handmade bejeweled collars and much more. For the pet-loving humans in your life, there are many unique gifts and houseware items, or get a special Black Friday deal on gift certificates so they can choose what they like. The fun, colorful shop will be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on the day after Thanksgiving.

(credit: http://www.thrifttown.com)

Thrift Town
410 El Camino
Sacramento, CA 95815
(916) 922-9942
www.thrifttown.com

Go green on Black Friday by finishing your to-do list with recycled goodies from ThriftTown. From tinsel, toys and tree-toppers to linens, leather jackets, top-brand sportswear and shoes, early-bird specials will get you out the door with money left in your wallet. Find perfect holiday outfits for the whole family and get set to be on the best-dressed list for New Year’s Eve celebrations as well. ThriftTown has two Sacramento locations and one in Carmichael, all offering great deals on both new and gently used items. Usher in the season of giving and joy with a small business that supports the community. Thrift Town purchases all of its merchandise from nonprofit organizations, generating more than $80 million for local charities since it began in 1972.

(credit: Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Natomas Bike Shop
3291 Truxel Road
Sacramento, CA 95833
(916) 641-8640
www.natomasbikeshop.com

A flashy seasonal sweater covered with sequined elves and reindeer may be appreciated by some on your list, but Natomas Bike Shop will be offering day-after-Thanksgiving savings on gifts sure to delight all year long. The knowledgeable staff can assist you in finding the perfect holiday surprise for both new and experienced cyclists. Get a free gift with every purchase and ask about the Black Friday gift certificate special. The rows of gleaming bikes are sure to inspire and receiving a present from Natomas Bike Shop will let them roll into 2013 with energy, fun and good health.

(credit: Torsten Blackwood/Getty Images)

The Gifted Gardener
1730 J St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 443-6005

Black Friday will be in full bloom at The Gifted Gardener and Black Friday specials will help you find far more than just soil and planters. Gorgeous chimes, fountains, statues, stones and tools for the garden and home will delight the green-thumbers on your list, and the proprietor can provide you with unique ideas and guidance. The eclectic establishment has plenty of gift-giving options for non-gardeners as well, with a delightful selection of stained glass, art and fanciful stocking stuffers you won’t find in any big chain stores.

Filed under: Best of, Shopping & Style

The California Pet Lover’s license Plate

mikhailcbs13 — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 04:20:16 +0000

Join the California Veterinary Medical Board, Petco, the Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, Best Friends Animal Society, PETA, the Jason Debus Heigl Foundation, the Millan Foundation, Found Animals Foundation, and thousands of pet lovers in California in helping launch the new California Pet Lover’s License Plate program.

Proceeds provide funding for spay and neuter programs across California.

Filed under: Links & Numbers