Yes, it’s time for Thanksgiving. Don’t we say every year, “where’d the year go?” Well, I’m doubling that this year. I’ve been on a speeding train with one usually great event or experience after another. A few bumps were inevitable, like the loss of my adorable cat Simba. I adopted him from the wonderful Amanda Foundation after I saw him on TV. In fact, it was Thanksgiving weekend about five years ago. As soon as I saw him lick the newscaster on the lips, I knew he was mine. I was at the shelter and back home with my new pal in four hours. My other kitty, Cheri, a lilac point Himalayan, and my motley poodle Fozzy Bear (both rescues themselves from different shelters), weren’t too happy. Neither was Simba. His fur stood on end for days facing his new housemates. But he grew to be such a pal, waking me up every morning by nuzzling my neck and ear, then lying on my back purring until I got up. But in July, I let him out on a Friday morning and never saw him again. This kind of loss hits me hard, bringing up every feeling of loss ever, and they swim to the surface like a tidal wave.
Finally, when I’d accepted he was gone, one of my greatest friends came to the rescue. She brought her neighbor Frank over with an entire litter and the mom-cat for me to take in. In a minute they were everywhere, climbing over the furniture, hanging out in the dog bed, scurrying under the couch. Most were dark tiger stripe. Except one. A tiny calico who was one of the most beautiful kittens I’d ever seen. I scooped her up and she went to sleep on my chest, content as could be. She was it. In a couple of weeks Frank brought the little bundle back. She, Trixie (short for Beatrix Potter), is now curled up in my lap, purring like a Geiger counter, as I write this. Well, ok, she just rolled off onto the floor like kittens do. Still purring. She’s gotten very good at torturing my Himalayan and scaring Fozzy Bear off to his cave, but they’ve also learned to share their space as we create a new little family.
So I highly recommend, if you can, to find a little bundle of your own, and give a pet a home this Thanksgiving. If you rescue a pet, they’ll rescue you. If you can’t, see about volunteering at a shelter. Here are a few web sites to check out: www.wonderpuppy.com, www.orangecounty.net/html/pets.html, www.capoanimalrescue.com.
Shop for the Holidays, Give to Kids and Pets
The Shops at Mission Viejo, a Simon Mall, will hold its annual shopping event, the “Simon Evening of Giving,” on November 21. You can purchase tickets for $10 through CARE (Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort) at (949) 240-1735, $7 goes to care for the animals at CARE and $3 supports the Simon Youth Foundation. What a deal — two charities for the price of one. CARE places homeless dogs and cats with foster families to better understand their needs and personalities before placing with adoptive families. And you can find CARE’s cats at the San Juan Capistrano PetSmart each Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.
Lima Beans are Cozy
Ok, that headline sounds a bit crazy. But it makes sense when you take a peek at the La Quinta Inn Irvine Spectrum by Old Town on Sand Canyon, now on the National Registry of Historic Sites We (my handsome significant other and I) stayed there a few weeks ago. The lobby is a normal building, but that huge barn-like structure looming behind, really is a barn. Actually, a lima bean silo to be exact. And you can tell when you stroll through the building. It’s an odd mix of cement and country quilts. In fact, the renovators sliced through cement walls to create the halls and rooms so you can see what you usually can’t — the rocks and pebbles that make up the cement. Fortunately, this hotel is pet friendly. Other pet friendly rest stops in the area are Casa Laguna Inn (800) 233-0449 and Mission Inn, a bed and breakfast adjacent to the historic Mission San Juan Capistrano (866) 234-0249. I love historic sites so look for more featured here.
From Furry to Slippery
Zoos are great fun, but if you want to get a little closer to the mammals of the sea, check out Friends of the Sea Lion, soon to be called the Pacific Marine Mammal Center in Laguna Beach. Education Director Beata Litz says there are great opportunities for seniors to be at one with these adorable rescued sea creatures. Currently there are about 10 seniors who are education volunteers and more are needed. “What I’ve found is that retired people are some of the busiest people I know!” says Litz. Recognizing that, all they ask is for a one year commitment for four hours one day a week. For that volunteers learn all about seals and sea lions, and the problems they have, then volunteers will speak with and answer questions of some of the 15,000 visitors a year. Many of those include tours of school children and scout troups. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and cares for 200-250 animals a year.
“The volunteers love being here and those four hours go by so quick,” says Litz. “Even if people are a little intimidated by the idea of being around sea mammals, they quickly get over it and enjoy being around them. It’s a very personal, community atmosphere here. And we have special meetings and events throughout the year for volunteers.”
And remember, if you see a beached seal or sea lion, call right away to 949-494-3050 and the Friends of the Sea Lion will be out immediately. Call the same number to reach Litz.
Answer to Last Month’s Trivia Question
Who said, “Life is a banquet and most poor suckers are starving to death!”
Well, it was Rosalind Russell in “Auntie Mame,” one of my favorite movies of all time. Maybe because my mother looked so much like her.
Now, what’s the most obvious physical difference between seals and sea lions?
Til we meet here again…