By Brooke Holland

A desire to help low-income, homeless, senior, and disabled residents and their pets has put C.A.R.E.4Paws new mobile veterinary clinic on the road.

The Santa Barbara County nonprofit launched a mobile veterinary service April 1 to provide more spaying and neutering surgeries, treat pets in need of veterinary assistance, and serve residents who may not have transportation to a veterinary clinic.

“We can bring our services directly to those in the community that need it the most,” said Executive Director Isabelle Gullo, who cofounded the organization in 2009 to prevent animals from becoming homeless.

The mobile veterinary staff aids pets on Fridays in their homes or at a central location such as senior-care facilities and assisted-living communities.

“We eliminate any obstacles, not just the lack of finances but also the lack of transportation,” Gullo said of the mobile clinic.

Staff provides services ranging from vaccination and wound treatment to dental cleaning and mass removal, according to Gullo.

Depending on the pet owner’s situation, Gullo said, mobile medical services are offered free or at a low cost.

Clients requesting help must fill out an application and show proof of financial need.

“For the demographic that we focus on, most pet owners can’t afford to pay $100,” she said of veterinary bills. “It’s important that our services are free.”

The 26-foot-long clinic vehicle, which replaced C.A.R.E.4Paws’ aging and lower-capacity Spay Mobile, was financed through grants and private donations.

“The new van allows us to house more animals inside during the day,” Gullo said. “We are also going to be able to house larger dogs.”

To apply for assistance or to make a donation, visit care4paws.org.

“Medical service for pets can get expensive, and if you’re living on a fixed income it’s hard to provide veterinary care,” Gullo said. “We are providing that bridge so that people don’t have to relinquish their pets due to financial constraints.”

Original Article:

https://www.noozhawk.com/article/c.a.r.e.4paws_takes_veterinary_clinic_on_the_road 

By Mike Hodgson

Santa Barbara County nonprofit C.A.R.E.4Paws launched a new mobile clinic April 1 and expanded some of its programs to assist low-income, senior and disabled residents and their pets.

The new mobile clinic, which replaced C.A.R.E.4Paws’ aging and lower-capacity Spay Mobile, will allow the organization to perform more mobile spay and neuter procedures each year, a spokeswoman said.

It will also let the organization treat a majority of pets in need of veterinary assistance “in-house” instead of sending them to a partner veterinarian.

Pets suffering from treatable medical conditions, like skin infections and dental disease, are often relinquished to animal shelters by owners who can’t afford the cost of veterinary care, said Isabelle Gullo, executive director, who cofounded C.A.R.E.4Paws in 2009 to prevent animals from becoming homeless.

But with financial assistance, the animals could have stayed with their families, Gullo said.

With the help of grants and private donations, C.A.R.E.4Paws is able to support the county’s most underserved communities, where many families live at or below the poverty line and have limited access to pet care of any kind, she said.

On Fridays, the mobile veterinary staff helps pets in their homes or at a central location, including senior care facilities and assisted living communities, providing services ranging from vaccinations and wound treatment to dental cleanings and mass removals.

Mobile medical services are offered at a low cost or free of charge if clients fill out a request for help and show proof of financial need, Gullo said.

For more information, to make a donation or to apply for assistance, visit care4paws.org or call 968-CARE.

Original Article:

https://syvnews.com/news/local/c-a-r-e-paws-rolls-out-new-mobile-clinic/article_4cec1dd4-5d6d-54bd-8594-cd09239df509.html 

By Mike Hodgson

The sound of children talking, yelling, squealing and laughing poured from the white van as it rocked on its axles in front of Jonata School.

Through the rear door, next to a license plate reading “DVM 2U” and below a round C.A.R.E.4Paws logo, half a dozen children were clamoring to pet a small black-and-brown dog.

Surrounded by the crowd, Carlos Abitia stood near the cab, patiently telling the children about the calm but wary dog nestled in his arms as they reached out to stroke its head.

Closer to the rear door, three or four other children jockeyed to become the next one to climb up into a small cage to get an idea of what it’s like for dogs that are in a cage.

Meanwhile, in a school classroom, Isabelle Gullo cradled another small black dog as she told a dozen children seated around a table about Puppy Davey, as they each held black-and-brown Beanie puppies named Davey.

Gullo and Avitia, the co-founders of C.A.R.E.4Paws, were presenting a program designed to foster compassion and empathy for animals called Paws Up for Pets, to children of the Buellton Unit of the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Barbara County.

“Paws Up for Pets was inspired, in part, by some incidents of severe animal abuse in Santa Barbara County, including what happened to Puppy Davey,” said Gullo, executive director of C.A.R.E.4Paws.

“Really, the goal is to make the youth we’re working with ambassadors for animals, to make them good stewards in the community to help fight abuse, discrimination and bullying,” she continued. “There’s discrimination in our community just like there’s discrimination against certain animals — pit bulls, Chihuahuas and black cats.

“But beyond animal welfare, it’s about kindness for all living beings,” she added. “We hope they will promote animal welfare and, in return, take those values into adulthood. That’s how we change things.”

While C.A.R.E.4Paws has presented short, one-day programs promoting animal welfare at schools and youth groups, Gullo said Paws Up for Pets is presented in sessions lasting 30 minutes to an hour over the course of a year.

Parts of the sessions can be serious, like the discussion Gullo was leading in the classroom, or more free-wheeling and fun, like the one in the van supervised by Avitia, the C.A.R.E.4Paws community outreach and youth program director.

“It’s really fun,” one girl said, as she hurried toward the school with a friend after having her heart rate and blood pressure checked inside the Mobile Spay Van. “I’ve really learned a lot, too.”

Children in the program are assigned certain tasks — like creating artwork or writing a poem, participating in a Power-Point presentation, learning all about proper animal care and taking a quiz — to complete over the course of six to eight weeks.

Once they fulfill their assignments, they earn badges like Animal Ambassador, Animal Advocate, Animal Hero and Animal Leader.

They also receive certificates, T-shirts and the Beany puppy, which is modeled after the real Puppy Davey and was created as a way to promote compassion for animals.

Davey’s story

The story of Davey’s short life is horrific, so children in Paws Up for Pets are spared the most gruesome details. Still, it’s a powerful argument for animal rights.

Davey was a 5-month-old miniature pinscher puppy who was taken to a veterinary hospital in May 2014 by the girlfriend of the man who had repeatedly and mercilessly tortured him over a period of days, if not weeks.

He was suffering from broken bones, broken teeth, burns over 80 percent of his body, nerve damage and mutilated genitals.

Veterinarians, who renamed him Davey for the small hero of the David and Goliath parable, labored for two weeks trying to save him, but his injuries were so overwhelming, they eventually were forced to euthanize him.

It was a full year before the 19-year-old Chinese exchange student who tortured him was charged with two counts of felony animal abuse with an enhancement of using a deadly weapon — a barbecue ignition torch — to burn the puppy.

The man showed no remorse, but to avoid a jury trial in the airtight case against him, he pleaded guilty. He was facing 7½ years in state prison, yet the judge sentenced him to only a year in County Jail — he served only six months before he was deported to China.

The outrage sparked by his sentence led Gretchen Lief to create Davey’s Voice, a coalition of animal rights groups, and partly inspired the development of Paws Up for Pets.

Gullo said Lief had connections to Ty Inc., which makes Beanie Babies, and at her request the company agreed to create the Beany Puppy Davey to give a voice for the animals. Davey’s Voice donates them to Paws Up for Pets.

Hopes for expansion

C.A.R.E.4Paws launched Paws Up for Pets in October 2016, and it was presented at schools and youth clubs in Santa Barbara before last fall, when it was brought to the Boys & Girls Club Buellton Unit, which consists of second- through sixth-grade students from Oak Valley Elementary School.

“It’s an awesome program,” said Jesse Gonzalez, Boys & Girls Club director of the Buellton Unit, who had seen it in operation in Santa Barbara. “I saw how the children really had a good time interacting with the animals.”

He said not only dogs but also cats and birds are used in the program, and the children take a field trip to the animal shelter.

“A lot of them think if you want a pet, you go to the pet shop,” Gonzalez said. “This shows them how they can adopt a pet from a shelter. It teaches them what kids and adults can do to keep animals from abuse.”

He noted it’s a good addition to the services provided by the Boys & Girls Club, which not only provides students with homework help but also computer safety training, sports, arts and crafts and various activities related to STEAM, which stands for the fields of science, technology, engineering, art and math.

Gullo said that as a result of funding from generous donors, C.A.R.E.4Paws is able to provide the program free of charge, but it will take a lot more donations to provide it at multiple locations

“We’re trying to get it countywide,” Gonzalez said of Paws Up for Pets. “Hopefully, we’ll get all our (Boys & Girls Club) sites onboard, because it really is an awesome program.

“It gives kids the opportunity to interact with pets socially,” he added, noting that can have other benefits for children.

“Sometimes you have children who are shy, separated from the group,” he said. “But with the animals there, they start interacting, even with other kids around.”

Original Article:

https://syvnews.com/news/local/paws-up-for-pets-fosters-care-for-animals-among-elementary/article_fc4f3875-89ea-514c-aa90-b3dace6797ce.html 

By Julia Lee

Source: C.A.R.E.4Paws

As of June 1, C.A.R.E.4Paws has graduated 150 young and excited Animal Ambassadors in Santa Barbara County through Paws Up for Pets, a new educational initiative that promotes accountability and compassion for animals and empathy in the community as a whole. A collaboration between C.A.R.E.4Paws, United Boys & Girls Clubs, Davey’s Voice and, as of June, the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise, Paws Up for Pets was launched in October and focuses mainly on children age K-8 enrolled in afterschool programs. The 150 students who have graduated “Badge 1” include youth from United Boys & Girls Clubs’ Carpinteria and Lompoc units, the Chumash Reservation and a Girl Scout troop in Goleta. C.A.R.E.4Paws also works with Santa Maria’s Arellanes Junior High and just expanded its program to include the Lompoc YMCA, United Boys & Girls Clubs’ Goleta and Westside units, and a Santa Maria Girl Scout troop.

The youth who graduated with the Animal Ambassador badge worked weekly with C.A.R.E.4Paws for several months, learning about topics such as responsible pet care, pet overpopulation, shelter animals, and the importance of showing kindness to all living beings. “Paws Up for Pets is unique in that it engages children over a period of time, which allows us to get to know the kids and talk a lot about how to be a great pet-care taker, that animals have feelings, just like us, and what to do when a pet is lost, sick or abused,” says Carlos Abitia, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ Community Outreach & Youth Program Director.

Following the Animal Ambassador award, children have the opportunity to earn more badges. For example, the Animal Advocate badge involves a tour of a local shelter followed by a creative project. Students can choose to virtually adopt and write about a shelter pet. Or they can focus on the topic of how all pets are individuals and that all shelter animals have their own unique story. At the United Boys & Girls Club Carpinteria Unit, students are now working on their shelter projects, after visiting Animal Shelter Assistance Program (A.S.A.P.), Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter (B.U.N.S.) and County Animal Services’ dog shelter in Santa Barbara. The Goleta Girl Scout troop also visited these three shelters. Afterward, they made high-quality leashes and toys for shelter pets out of recycled materials (like Girl Scout cookie boxes), and fundraised to buy blankets, pet treats and other supplies for the shelter as well as C.A.R.E.4Paws. 

“As a Girl Scout leader, animal lover and pet owner, I have nothing but praise for Paws Up for Pets,” says head of the troop, Amy Findlay. “My troop learned about all aspects of pet ownership, from compassion to neglect and everything in between, and I guarantee they will be better pet owners as a result. They also learned that even as 10- or 11-year-olds, they can still make a difference in a pet’s life by educating others, volunteering, setting a good example and, essentially, being ambassadors for animals.”

Paws Up for Pets was created in response to several incidents of severe animal cruelty in Santa Barbara County and a general concern that few cruelty cases are reported, despite the strong connection between animal abuse and family violence. Years of research links animal abuse to violent behavior toward humans and shows that children who mistreat animals are more likely to act violently later in life. And, according to data collected from WestEd surveys and the California Department of Education, Santa Barbara County has a high rate of bullying—one third of public school students here have reported being bullied.  “When you show children how to be respectful and kind to animals, the ripple effects are endless,” says Abitia. “Children feel empowered, and are less likely to harm a pet, hurt a friend or bully a classmate. And they bring these values into adulthood.”

Poverty affects the welfare of our youth and our pets, too. In high-poverty areas, such as Lompoc and Santa Maria, more than 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children live at or below the poverty line. And as many as 65 percent of these households own pets, according to a 2015-2016 National Pet Owners Survey. The good news? Paws Up for Pets connects pet-owning families to free and low-cost services that improve quality of life for them and their animals, such as spays/neuters, vaccines, vet care, and pet food through C.A.R.E.4Paws.

In addition to C.A.R.E.4Paws’ original Paws Up collaborators—United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County and Davey’s Voice—the Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise just joined as a partner with a $1,500 grant to support Paws Up workbooks, badges, certificates and “Stay Pawsitive” T-shirts for at least 50 children participating in the program. “The Rotary Club of Santa Barbara Sunrise, made up of local business, professional and civic leaders, has a history of supporting impactful community service programs that make a positive difference in the lives of youth, says President Chris Baxter. “Sunrise Rotary is thrilled to support C.A.R.E.4Paws’ new, innovative Paws Up for Pets program, which teaches compassion for animals and anti-bullying.”

To support Paws Up for Pets or for more information about the program and its generous sponsors, please visit care4paws.org/youthprograms, call 805.968.CARE (2273) or email info@care4paws.org.

Original Article:

https://www.edhat.com/news/care4paws-grows-its-youth-program-and-awards-150-paws-up-for-pets-animal-ambassadors 

This month, C.A.R.E.4Paws, United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County and Davey’s Voice launch Paws Up for Pets, an innovative educational initiative that engages local youth to promote compassion for animals and in the community as a whole.

The new campaign targets children K-12 in Santa Barbara County, and primarily youth enrolled in afterschool programs. In November, the program is being introduced at United Boys & Girls Clubs’ Carpinteria and Lompoc units, and on the Chumash Reservation in Santa Ynez, with more locations to be added in early 2017.

Paws Up for Pets was created in response to several incidents of severe animal cruelty in Santa Barbara County and a general concern that too few cruelty cases are reported, despite the strong connection between animal abuse and family violence. Pet overpopulation, particularly in North County, also inspired the initiative.

C.A.R.E.4Paws, a nonprofit that works to reduce pet overpopulation, keep animals out of shelters and improve quality of life for pets and pet owners in need, is heading the campaign, which consists of weekly workshops and special activities targeting critical animal-welfare topics.

Focus areas include how to be a compassionate, responsible pet owner; animal abuse and its connection to family violence; why so many animals end up in shelters; and the philosophy that all animals are individuals — just like humans. Children have the opportunity to become role models for others as they participate in the program at four different levels and earn badges as they complete each step.

“Paws Up for Pets was created to inspire more empathy in our community, and it starts with our youth,” said Carlos Abitia, C.A.R.E.4Paws’ bilingual community outreach and youth program director and the organization’s co-founder.

“When you show children how to be respectful and kind to animals, the ripple effects are endless. Children feel empowered, and are less likely to harm a pet, hurt a friend or bully a classmate. And they bring their values into adulthood,” he said. “There’s no better way to fight abuse, violence and bullying.”

Years of research links animal abuse to violent behavior toward humans and shows that children who mistreat animals are more likely to act violently later in life. A study from Michigan State University College of Law reports that 40 percent of animal abusers have committed violent crimes against people, and 100 percent of sexual homicide offenders have a history of cruelty to animals.

There’s also a proven link between family violence and cruelty to animals. And, according to data collected from WestEd surveys and the California Department of Education (2011-2013), Santa Barbara County has a high rate of bullying — one third of public school students in Santa Barbara County have reported being bullied.

Paws Up for Pets aims not only to promote compassion for all living beings and shed light on animal cruelty, but to empower children to speak up against, and report, abuse.

“We will be working with youth in our county’s most underserved areas,” said Abitia. “Up to 90 percent of children enrolled in afterschool programs live at or below the poverty level, which means they have access to fewer resources and have less opportunity to stand out in life. Through Paws Up for Pets, the get a chance to be engaged in the community and feel like they can make a difference.”

Poverty affects the welfare of our youth as well as our pets. In communities where there are high-poverty areas, such as in Lompoc and Santa Maria, more than 30 percent of adults and 40 percent of children live at or below the poverty line. And as many as 65 percent of these households own pets, according to a 2015-2016 National Pet Owners Survey.

The good news is, Paws Up for Pets connects pet-owning families in need with access to free and low-cost services that improve quality of life for pets and their owners. This includes spays and neuters, vaccines, vet care, and pet food through C.A.R.E.4Paws.

As a Paws Up for Pets collaborator, United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County will help facilitate visits to its five county locations and help C.A.R.E.4Paws measure program results, while Davey’s Voice, a nonprofit that fights animal abuse, will contribute funds annually and help fundraise for the campaign.

“We are proud to partner with C.A.R.E.4Paws and Davey’s Voice on this project and to tap in to the power of our local youth as advocates and change-makers,” said Kristi Newton, vice president of advancement at United Boys & Girls Clubs. “While children are only 25 percent of our population, they are 100 percent of our future.”

Community members can support Paws Up for Pets through sponsorship opportunities and donations. For more information on how to become involved, visit pawsupforpets.org or contact C.A.R.E.4Paws at 968-2273, or info@care4paws.org.

For information on United Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Barbara County, visit unitedbg.org. To learn about Davey’s Voice, go to daveysvoice.org.

— Isabelle Gullo for C.A.R.E.4Paws.

Original Article:

https://www.noozhawk.com/article/paws_up_for_pets 

By Alyssa Durant

The festival was open to all humans and furry friends alike, beginning at 11 a.m. on Oct. 1.

“There is a critical need of adoption and rescue,” said Isabelle Abitia, executive director and cofounder of the organization. “The Wags n’ Whiskers event gives local shelters and rescue groups a venue outside of their own personal adoption centers to advertise pets up for adoption and hopefully help find them a home.”

Abitia started the organization to help with pet overpopulation. After researching all the reasons animals end up homeless, she felt obligated to help the cause because she believes every pet deserves a “forever family.”

Along with the different vendors, the itinerary for the afternoon included a performance of skills by a military dog, a ‘Strut Your Mutt’ pet fashion show, and an agility demo from Santa Barbara Flyers Dog Sports.

Cajun, a German shepherd, displayed what he learned with the help of Sgt. Angela Jones. Cajun went through the process of becoming a military station dog at Vandenberg Air Force Base. Dogs begin training for the military at 2 years old by completing a puppy boot camp program. After boot camp, they are stationed at a military base where they help protect the country.

The event offered a wide variety of species, from typical dogs and cats, to goats and therapy horses. ResQ Cats was the only organization selling cats at the event, where they found homes for at least five kittens throughout the day. On the other hand a multitude of local shelters including the Santa Barbara Humane Society, had successful dog adoptions at the event.

Davey’s Voice, a nonprofit that creates awareness around animal abuse, hosted a special dog named Scout at the event.

“Scout was brought to our organization about two months ago straight out of China,” said Gretchen Lieff, the founder and president of the nonprofit. “He came straight out of a butcher’s cage from the Yulin Dog Meat Festival. Scout is an absolute sweetheart and would make a comforting addition to any home.”

Scout was saved with about 10 other dogs.

Another nonprofit that made an appearance was the Healing Heart Sanctuary, which is based in Lompoc. The organization helps heal injured and disabled animals that in return become therapy pets.

The nonprofit hosted a petting zoo at the event with a therapy crew consisting of dogs, tortoises, ducks and one goat. The petting zoo was held to raise money through donations, and spread awareness about its mission.

Many dogs were shown off at the event in hopes of adoption. A chihuahua mix named Nugget was one of those, and was walked around the event to receive attention.

“This little guy is calm and so loving,” said Helen Rosales, a volunteer from the Santa Barbara County Animal Shelter. “His family couldn’t have him anymore so they brought him to us and he’s been a pleasure to foster. I hope he gets adopted so he can light up someone else’s life the way he has been lighting up mine.”

The event offered the chance for many animals looking for homes to “light up” people’s lives, and by the end of it, many were going to see what they will call home for the first time.

Original Article:

https://www.thechannels.org/features/2016/10/02/sbcc-campus-gets-dogtober-started-with-furry-friends/#