dogs

EL CAJON ADDS BAGS AND RECEPTACLES FOR DOG WALKERS TO HELP KEEP CITY CLEAN

By Miriam Raftery

 

Photos by Robert Gehr

 

January 31, 2025 (El Cajon) – After voting to repeal a long-unenforced ban on dog walking downtown, the city of El Cajon has installed “doggie pots” and poop disposal bags to help dog owners cleanup after their pets.


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BABS FRY: A SHERO IN THE SAN DIEGO DOG COMMUNITY

Story and photos: Mimi Pollack
 
Photo: Babs with Sheldon
 
September 13, 2024 (Jamul) -- In the United States, most dogs are cherished family members, so it can be very upsetting if they get lost, and don’t come home. This is where local dog hero, Babs Fry, comes in. Fry is known in San Diego as the “pet detective” who has successfully reunited thousands of lost dogs and their owners. For the last ten years, Fry has dedicated her life to this cause. In addition, Fry has expanded from not only helping people reunite with their lost pets, but she also now rescues and rehabilitates strays wandering the canyons and dogs that have been relinquished by their owners.  
 
Three years ago, Fry started her own non-profit, A Way Home for Dogs. Stray dogs that she has rescued are housed at her large ranch in Jamul. A successful realtor, she left that job to focus full time on rescuing dogs. It can be a 24-hour-a-day job for the Jamulian.

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EXPLOSIVES-DETECTING DOGS JOIN SHERIFF’S K-9 FORCE

Source: San Diego County Sheriff
 
August 25, 2024 (San Diego) -- Four new dogs trained in detecting explosives and firearms are now on duty with the K-9 Unit of the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

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COUNTY SHELTERS WAIVE ADOPTION FEES THROUGH AUGUST 10

Above fold by Jonathan Goetz
 
ECM file photo: Junebug Owens sent in this idyllic image taken in late June of her Belgian Malinois mix dog, Ellie, lolling amid blossoms from a purple flowering Jacaranda tree and a scarlet Bougainvillea.
 
August 8, 2024 (El Cajon) -- From puppies and kittens to senior companions and small pets like rabbits and guinea pigs - the San Diego Humane Society is overflowing with deserving animals in need of adoption in El Cajon, Escondido, Oceanside, Ramona and San Diego. Through August 10,the county shelters are waiving adoptionfees.
 
There are thousands of pets in crowded shelters waiting for a second chance.
 
The San Diego Humane Society now offers an adoption guarantee* per Nina Thompson, so families can have peace of mind knowing that if the pet isn't the right match, they will welcome y/our pet back into care if you adopt her or him through the San Diego Humane Society in the event the pet does not work out. 
 
Visit www.sdhumane.org/adopt to learn more.

Don't like your new pet? "We'll take her or him or them back," assures East County Magazine the Director of Public Relations at the San Diego Humane Society (ECM) (official)


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COUNTY SHELTERS WAIVING ADULT DOG AND CAT ADOPTION FEES THROUGH JULY

 
July 13, 2024 (Bonita) -- Don’t “paws,” come meet our “pawsome” adult dogs and “purrfect” cats. Fall in love with one or two and help them make their “furever” homes with you. Adult dog and cat adoption fees are being sponsored.

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CELEBRATE HOWL-O-WEEN WITH A DEAL ON YOUR NEW DOG COMPANION

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

October 6, 2023 (San Diego) - It’s no trick! Take advantage of an October treat during National Dog Adoption Month.  The San Diego County Department of Animal Services is waiving dog adoption fees throughout October to help find loving homes for dogs who have been in the shelter for more than 14 days.


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BARKS ‘N BLUES CONCERT AUG. 25 BENEFITS LITTLE ANGELS, BRINGING BIG CHANGES TO PEOPLE SUFFERING FROM SEIZURES AND OTHER DISABILITIES

Facility trains therapy dogs for people with epilepsy, autism, hearing impairments, physical and mental disabilities

By Henri Migala

 

August 23, 2022 (Jamul) -- Little Angels Service Dogs, an Assistance Dogs International (A.D.I.) accredited organization based in East County, is entering into a creative and exciting two-year partnership with San Diego-based Neurelis to help people suffering from epileptic seizures obtain life-changing companionship and other benefits provided by service dogs specially trained to care for people suffering from epilepsy.


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TAKE CARE TO SECURE, CALM YOUR PETS DURING FIREWORKS

By Yvette Urrea Moe, County of San Diego Communications Office

Photo:  this festive pit bull is festooned for the Fourth of July holiday. Photo by Shutterstock.
 
June 30, 2022 (San Diego) - Every year, dozens of dogs end up at shelters after Fourth of July fireworks shows.
 
If you’re lucky, your dog doesn’t react to the explosions and shrill whistles of fireworks set off to celebrate the holiday. But for some dogs and other pets, the sounds can be terrifying due to their sensitive ears.

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PARKWAY PLAZA BECOMES DOG-FRIENDLY SHOPPING CENTER: DOGS AND OWNERS INVITED TO “PAWS PARTY” MARCH 26

East County News Service 

Photo credit: courtesy of Parkway Plaza

 

March 23, 2022 (El Cajon) -- Calling all pet owners! Parkway Plaza is officially becoming a dog-friendly shopping center, welcoming customers to bring along their furry friends on all their shopping trips. 


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ANIMAL TALES: THE DOG SOCIETY OFFERS FUN TIMES FOR HUMANS AND CANINES ALIKE

 

Photo: The Dog Society welcomes dogs and humans, by Charie Juaneza.

March 8, 2022 (Rolando) --The Dog Society, a new human-dog hangout spot that is part sports bar, part dog boarder, part restaurant, and part family-friendly fun, enjoyed its grand opening on February 25. 

The unique business located at 6331 University Ave in the Rolando Village area of San Diego, just east of La Mesa, is the brainchild of owner Sara Broetje.

“Basically, I love dogs and I love hanging out with my friends watching football, and I love drinking craft beer so I wanted to smash it all together,” she said.


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ANIMAL TALES: CATCHING UP WITH CHOPPER THE BIKER DOG

Chopper the Biker Dog

By SJ Miller 

Photo: East County celebrity Chopper the Biker Dog,by Mark Shaffer

March 6, 2022 (La Mesa) — It's been just over a year since Fox 5 San Diego announced that canine celebrity Chopper the Biker Dog had been diagnosed with liver cancer. Now, I’m checking in on the beloved Boston Terrier and his dog dad, realtor Mak Shaffer.

 

“He’s terminal,” said Shaffer. “I’m trying to still give him some happiness and comfort.” 


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LA MESA CITY LEADERS REMIND DOG OWNERS TO LOVE EM AND LEASH EM

Leashes help to keep dogs & people safer by preventing bites, fights & traffic accidents!

Source:  City of La Mesa

February 11, 2022 (La Mesa) - La Mesa City leaders are reminding dog owners to be good neighbors by keeping their dogs on a leash, unless in a designated off-leash area. It's also the law. Leashes keep dogs and the people around them safer by preventing bites, fights and traffic accidents, as well as avoiding potentially dangerous encounters with snakes, coyotes, or other wild animals.


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VINEYARD GRANT JAMES HOSTS “DOG DAYS OF SUMMER” PAW-TY JULY 31-AUG. 1

East County News Service

July 29, 2021 (Ramona) – Vineyard Grant James in Ramona invites you and your dog to celebrate “Dog Days of Summer” with a “paw-ty” on July 31 and August 1.


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DOG DAYS OF SUMMER IN SAN DIEGO’S MOUNTAIN COMMUNITIES

 

By Miriam Raftery

June 29, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – If you’re looking for a getaway with your furry friends, you’ll find many dog-friendly destinations in San Diego’s mountain communities

Your options range from dog-friendly hikes to restaurants, wineries, breweries, stores and adventures to share with your four-footed traveling companions.


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IS IT TIME TO GET YOUR DOG A RATTLESNAKE VACCINE?

Story and photo by Rebecca Jefferis Williamson

May 16, 2021 (San Diego’s East County) – Should you get your dog vaccinated to protect against rattlesnake bites?

The County of San Diego’s Department of Animal Services cautions that rattlesnake season is year-round, but sightings may spike during hot spells or in the summer months.  The San Diego Humane Society also notes that rattlesnake bites can happen all year-round, but the worst months are from April through September.  County Animal Services says rattlesnakes can show up at any time from the coast to the deserts.


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STARVED PUPPY, ABANDONED IN CRATE, DIES: HUMANE SOCIETY ASKS FOR PUBLIC HELP

Crimestoppers offers reward for information leading to arrest in felony animal cruelty case.

 

Source: San Diego Humane Society

 

May 3, 2021 (San Diego) — San Diego Humane Society’s Humane Law Enforcement is asking for the public’s help in a felony animal cruelty case, involving a severely emaciated puppy who was found dead in a crate on a residential sidewalk in Encanto.


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DANGEROUS BACTERIA OUTBREAK REPORTED IN LOCAL DOGS: VACCINE FOR LEPTOSPIROSIS IS AVAILABLE

East County News Service

Photo: Creative Commons by NC-ND via Bing

 

December 17, 2020 (San Diego) -- An outbreak of leptospirosis, a contagious bacterial disease, has been reported in dogs in our region, the San Diego County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) announced today.

 


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FREE DOG FOOD FOR BACKCOUNTRY RESIDENTS

East County News Service
 
March 27, 2020 (Alpine) – Residents of Alpine, Descanso, Pine Valley and backcountry communities in East County can receive free dog food at Natural Instincts Healthy Pet Center in Alpine. 
 
The shop on Alpine Boulevard e-mailed area residents that it has teamed up with PAWS, a San Diego rescue group, to buy discounted dog food to give out for those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic.

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EARTHTALK®: DO LAWN CHEMICALS CAUSE CANCER IN DOGS?

From the Editors of E - The Environmental Magazine
 
November 24, 2019 (San Diego’s East County) -- Dear EarthTalk: Is it true that lawn chemicals can cause canine cancer, and if so, how can I protect my dog? --Bill W., Ithaca, NY
 
Unfortunately, the answer may very well be yes. A 2012 study published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal, Environmental Research, found that exposure to certain lawn care products, such as the nearly ubiquitous herbicide 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2 4-D for short), increases dogs’ chances of developing Canine Malignant Lymphoma (CML) by 70 percent. When ingested repeatedly, 2 4-D acts as an endocrine disruptor, mutating a dog’s white blood cell count allowing malignant tumor cells to replicate unchecked. While obviously worrisome for dogs and those of us who love them, the implications for people aren’t good either, given the similarities between the onset of CML in canines and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in humans.

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HUMANE SOCIETY RESCUES DOG WITH HEAT STROKE AT THREE SISTERS HIKING TRAIL

East County News Service

August 20, 2019 (Descanso) -- San Diego Humane Society is reminding pet owners to leave their animals at home when exercising on hot days. With another heat wave this week, it is crucial to remember that animals are sensitive to the conditions. Dogs are lower to the ground, absorbing heat from above and below. Their paws are also sensitive, as the ground is often much hotter than the air.


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FDA WARNS OF DOG DEATHS DUE TO XYLITOL, SWEETENER IN PRODUCTS FROM PEANUT BUTTER TO ICE CREAM

By Miriam Raftery 

July 12, 2019 (Washington D.C.) – Xylitol can kill a dog in just 10 to 60 minutes, or symptoms may occur up to 24 hours after ingestion. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration has issued a warning to pet owners to avoid any products with xylitol and to seek immediate emergency veterinary care if a dog or a ferret consume anproduct containing it.  


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DOG RESCUED FROM BOULDERS UP FOR ADOPTION TUESDAY

 

A German shepherd mix who was rescued after she was trapped between boulders for at least four days will be available for adoption Tuesday. Special adoption applications will be accepted Tuesday through 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 19.


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HOME OF GUIDING HANDS CLIENTS LOVING ON THERAPY DOGS; PAW SHAKES, KISSES, LOTS OF AFFECTION

 

 

East County News Service

April 1, 2019 (El Cajon) – The Home of Guiding Hands (HGH), a non-profit organization that provides services, training and advocacy to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families, recently hosted its second annual “Pizza and Pets” event at its Verbeck Center headquarters in El Cajon.


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STOLEN LA MESA DOGS FOUND ON MEXICAN ADOPTION SITE

 

East County News Service

Photo: ECM news partner 10 News

June 30, 2018 (La Mesa) – Two small dogs stolen from a backyard in La Mesa have been reunited with their owners – thanks to a pet detective.

Mischa and Honzu were located on a pet adoption site in Rosario, Mexico by utilizing facial recognition software, 10 News reports.


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“HOT” HIKING GUIDELINES FOR PEOPLE & PETS

 

After numerous dog deaths on local park trails, owners taking dogs hiking in hot weather can now be cited for animal cruelty.

By Ranger Rebecca Smart, Mission Trails Regional Park

August 8, 2017 (San Diego) -- Ready to get out and hike this summer? Great! The Rangers at Mission Trails have essential hiking info to share with you.

Follow these hiking guidelines every time you, and any four-legged companions, hit the trails this Summer; and you’ll be trail Rockstars for sure.


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DO RATTLESNAKE VACCINES FOR DOGS REALLY WORK?

 

By Miriam Raftery

Photo: Mojave rattlesnake

June 28, 2017 (San Diego’s East County) – The canine rattlesnake vaccine has been administered to over 100,000 dogs since it came on the market in the early 2000s. While only about 1 percent of dogs had side effects, the bad news is “there remains little fact-based data to support the efficacy of the vaccine to date,” according to Valerie Wiebe, Pharm.D with the University of California, Davis. In other words, it’s not clear if the vaccine actually works.


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MICROCHIP FIDO FOR FREE BEFORE FIREWORKS

 

The Fourth of July barbecue might be fun for your people-loving pooch, but come evening, the loud, high-pitched whistles and booms of fireworks can send Fido running for the hills.


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HOT WEATHER HAZARDS FOR DOGS

 

Summertime is here and the Department of Animal Services (DAS) wants to remind everyone that these hot days can pose a danger to your pets.


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RATTLESNAKE AVOIDANCE TRAINING FOR DOGS JULY 8

 

East County News Service

June 15, 2017 (Escondido)  -- Did you know your dog can be trained to recognize rattlesnakes by sight, sound or scent AND to avoid them? A course on rattlesnake avoidance training for dogs - featuring live rattlesnakes that have been disabled from biting - will take place on July 8th in Escondido.


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THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO HIKING WITH YOUR DOG

 

By Mate Garner, originally from https://www.scruffypuppyco.com/blogs/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-hiking-with-your-dog-1

February 11, 2017 (San Diego's East County) - Most dogs love hiking outdoors as much as humans. It's a great workout for both of you, but they also enjoy countless new smells they can sniff. It's important to be prepared for your hike so you have a safe, relaxing adventure with your pup. 


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