Animal Services
Arizona Jake is a purebred Bluetick Coonhound, a rare breed in this area and diamond in the rough for hound lovers. Arizona is typical for this breed: well-muscled, sleek and racy and ready-to-go anywhere on a moment's notice. Blueticks are named for their gorgeous mottled or "ticked" black and blue pattern of their coat. Like all coonhound breeds, the bluetick is an American creation, dating back to the founding of the country. At that time, they were used by frontiersmen to track prey and are still used for this in many areas of the nation.
Arizona Jake is a pure-bred Bluetick Coonhound, a rare breed in this area and diamond in the rough for hound lovers. Arizona is typical for this breed: well-muscled, sleek and racy and ready-to-go anywhere on a moment's notice. Blueticks are named for their gorgeous mottled or "ticked" black and blue pattern of their coat. Like all coonhound breeds, the bluetick is an American creation, dating back to the founding of the country. At that time, they were used by frontiersmen to track prey and are still used for this in many areas of the nation.
Spring is right around the corner, and as the weather gets nicer we spend more time outdoors and wildlife tends to become more active. Sometimes this increased activity results in human and wildlife interactions. During the spring and summer months, MV Animal Services staff receive numerous calls for service regarding wildlife. This includes baby birds learning how to fly, snakes, other baby animals and wildlife being struck by cars.
Officer Rodriguez was recently dispatched to a home in Mission Viejo to investigate a baby owl that was standing on the sidewalk - when the officer arrived he discovered that the owl was injured. The owl was transported to a local wildlife rehabilitator, where the injuries will be treated and then the owl will be released when fully healed.
Mission Viejo Animal Services officers respond to calls regarding injured wildlife, but do not remove or relocate healthy wildlife.
This past week, Animal Services Center Officer Mansoor responded to a call of a possible sick or injured coyote which was lying down in a local backyard. The coyote reportedly would only lift its head a little and then lie back down, and the officer observed the coyote behaving similarly. However, when the coyote saw the opening of a sliding door, it bolted away showing no signs of injury. Apparently, this coyote was just enjoying the good weather and sunning itself in the California Promise.
Officer Mansoor was dispatched to a school in Laguna Hills to assist with a skunk that was trapped in a goal net. When he arrived, he discovered that not only was the skunk's head stuck in a hole, but he had tried to get out by going back through the next hole, thus weaving himself even more through the netting. With the help of the school maintenance crew, Office Mansoor was able to pull the net open and safely cut it, releasing the baby skunk. The skunk ran off safely before Officer Mansoor was even able to snap a picture.
Phil Glaser, our dedicated volunteer of 22 years passed away last month. Phil was an avid animal lover and a very strong supporter of the Center. In addition to the 2700 hours of volunteer service, Phil also served on the DAWG board for all those years. A tree was planted at the Center in his honor in 2008 for his 12 years of volunteer service. Sharon Cody, president of DAWG, remembers him as a gentle soul, and says Phil was an inspiration to all of the board members.
Sharon shared a sweet story about Phil and his dog Karma on his obituary page:
June is "Adopt-a-shelter-cat" month and kitten season is in full swing! Do you have an empty feeling that only a furry feline can fix? We have many adult cats and kittens that are looking for their fur-ever homes! Over 3 million cats and kittens find themselves at shelters each year, whether they were born there, abandoned or surrendered. Cats are perfect for cuddling and give unconditional love and can be a great addition to your family.
Make plans to attend the Annual DAWG Walk & Adoption Extravaganza on Sunday, October 13 along the Village Green at Oso Viejo Community Park.
The City of Mission Viejo Animal Services Center and Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) team up to host this fun event that features a pristine walk along the Oso Creek Trail and the Pet Faire.
A new Pet Pantry program being piloted by the Mission Viejo Animal Services Center offers to deliver free pet food and supplies to residents in need. The aim is that by proactively aiding such pet owners, they may be better equipped to keep and care for their beloved pets instead of resorting to relinquishment or abandonment.
The first Pet Pantry delivery was to OC Animal Care, which just last week accepted over 140 dogs from a single home. OC Animal Care staff were very appreciative to receive a car full of towels, blankets and pet food.