Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/573313
Petadoptionsmayhap- pen quickly for many of our furry friends. Regret- tably, there are a num- ber of home- less animals who are not adopted within a few days, or even a cou- ple of weeks. Some of them, in fact, may languish in their ken- nels for months. Why is it they cannot get that lov- ing family they deserve? Are they just unlucky or is there some commonality between them that brands them less than desirable? "Less Adoptable" is the common thread all of them share and all it means is that these pets are harder to place. We all know that pets come in varied sizes and shapes and each one has its own unique personality. Unfor- tunately, according to Pet- finder.com, senior pets, adult cats, pit bull-type dogs, special needs pets, and black pets take quite a bit longer for adoption be- cause of their distinctive- ness. A senior pet or adult cat can be the perfect pet in many homes. They may be a little slower in some areas, but they definitely have a lot to offer, among which is experience and maturity. With older pets, what you see is what you get. Not only have they have reached their full- grown size, but their per- sonality has already devel- oped. Despite some spe- cial considerations that an older pet might require, if you were willing to adopt one you might find that they will not need the con- stant monitoring and re- inforcement that pup- pies and kittens require, plus they are already most likely house trained. Special needs animals may be missing an eye or limb, or they could be par- tially or fully deaf or blind. They can also include those with health condi- tions, such as cats with FIV (Feline Immunodefi- ciency Virus) and Heart- worm positive dogs. What- ever the disability or con- dition, most will enjoy a full and active life, and be as delightful and affection- ate as any other pet. All they require is some extra help by a caring human. This I say from personal experience, since I have had several 'special needs' animals. Personally, I do not un- derstand the vagaries of why one finds a black pet less appealing than an- other color. The theory is that superstition and cer- tain beliefs, even in this century, play an integral part in selection. Addition- ally, the thought is that black pets are less pho- togenic than their coun- terparts are, thus result- ing in them being unno- ticed by possible adopters. Lastly, according to re- search done by the Uni- versity of California, black cats were perceived as be- ing more antisocial than other colored cats. Other than color, the truth is that these pets are no dif- ferent from equivalents of a different color. All of us involved with animal welfare would love to see every hard-to-place animal leave the shelter, and we want nothing more than for these homeless pets to find a loving per- manence that they did not have before. However, we also realize that adopting any animal should never be done impulsively or be- cause a heartstring was suddenly tugged. When bringing a new family member home, it is impor- tant to prepare yourself for it, and to honestly evaluate whether you and the an- imal will be a perfect fit. So, if you are considering a pet that is a senior, or is disabled, or is a bigger breed, or has a health con- dition, please be sure that you are willing and able to give it the resources, com- mitment, and love neces- sary. If you do happen to provide that nurturing for- ever home to an animal who is often unnoticed and disregarded day af- ter day, you just might find yourself being its hero. Next week is the coun- trywide "Adopt a Less Adoptable Pet" cam- paign, launched in 2009, by PetFinder.com, to bring awareness to these over- looked jewels. The Tehama County Animal Care Cen- ter at 1830 Walnut St., Red Bluff, in conjunction with PETS, will be joining hundreds of other facili- ties around the U.S. that are offering Adoption Spe- cials to find these often- maligned critters forever homes. During the week of September 21 through, and including, September 26, any Black, Senior (over 4 years), Pit-Bull, Special Needs (has a disability or is heartworm positive) dog can be adopted for $45 or less. Any Black, Se- nior (over 4 years), Special Needs (has a disability or is FIV positive) cat can be adopted for $20 or less. As a final note, if we fo- cus on the many positive traits and wonderful per- sonalities that these of- ten ignored, but amazing, animals have, just maybe their luck will change, and they will leave the shel- ter a bit quicker than they usually do. RonnieCaseyisvice president of PETS — Providing Essentials for Tehama Shelter. She can be reached at rmcredbluff@ gmail.com. For more information about PETS, visit petstehama.org. PETS Thechallengeoflessadoptableanimals Ol l ie a nd Ha n k Blunkhall and H. W. Scott were bound over to the Superior court by Justice McLane Saturday when they were given a prelim- inary hearing in the Su- perior court room in Red Bluff. Scott was the only witness put on the stand. He admitted having taken the cattle, admitted that Purcell claimed the cattle and stated that the Blunkhall boys had entered into the plan with him to run off the cattle. He testified that the nine head of cattle stolen were divided equally among the three men, he taking three and each of the Blunkhalls taking three. The cattle were marked and branded with their respective brands. — Sept. 19, 1915 100 YEARS AGO... 3accusedcattle men bound over Rep. Doug LaMalfa will be hosting a town hall meeting next Monday in Anderson. "I am looking forward to meeting with residents in Shasta Countynext weekto answer questions and pro- vide an update on my work in Congress," LaMalfa said. "Thesemeetingsareagreat opportunity to hear your thoughts and discuss im- portant issues facing the North State." The meeting is set for 6-7:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 21, at the Anderson VFW Hall, 3210 West Center St. For more information, call 223-5898.LaMalfa is a lifelong farmer represent- ing California's First Con- gressional District, includ- ing Butte, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc,Nevada,Placer,Plu- mas, Shasta, Sierra, Siski- you and Tehama Counties. CONGRESS LaMalfa to hold town hall in Anderson Monday Come join good friends for lunch in the Garden- side Café, in the Red Bluff Community and Senior Center, 1500 S. Jackson St. A freshly prepared, nutri- tionally balanced meal is served Monday through Friday at noon. Lunch also is served at the Corn- ing Senior Center, 1014 4th Ave., at 11:30 a.m. Call 527- 2414 a day ahead to re- serve a space for lunch. A minimum suggested do- nation of $3.50 for those 60 and older is requested, although a donation is not a requirement to receive a meal. There is a charge of $8 for guests younger than 60. Come enjoy lunch and various activities dur- ing the week, all are wel- come. The menu for the com- ing week: Sept. 21-25 Monday ETHNIC Chicken Con Queso, Spanish Rice, Green Beans, Mango & Pineap- ple Tuesday BBQ Beef, Pea Salad, Marinated Vegetable Salad, Peaches, Whole Wheat Roll Wednesday Chef's Salad, Pickled Beets, Melon Medley, Wheat Crackers Thursday ETHNIC Sweet & Sour Pork, Steamed Brown Rice, Pa- cific Blend Vegetables, Apricots, Pineapple Or- ange Juice Friday ETHNIC Jambalaya, Spring Blend Vegetables, Garlic Bread, Apple Crisp MENU Senior Nutrition Program This week's most wanted subject is Blanca A s u s e n a M e r a s , 36, from Red Bluff. M e r a s has sev- eral mis- demeanor warrants for her ar- rest along with a felony warrant for failing to appear with a bail amount of $452,000. Meras' physical descrip- tion is a Hispanic woman, 4' 11" tall, 182 pounds, black hair, brown eyes. Anyone with informa- tion regarding Meras' whereabouts can all any local law enforcement agency at any time or dur- ing business hours can call the Tehama County District Attorney's Bu- reau of Investigations Of- fice at 530-529-3590. All callers will remain confi- dential. MOST WANTED Police continue search for Blanca Asusena Meras Ronnie Casey COURTESYPHOTO Gomez is one of several less adoptable animals at the Tehama County Animal Care Center. PLEASERECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER. Thankyou! Meras Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for updates and more. Thefamilyof Richard Swierstra acknowledges with deep appreciation, yourkind expression of sympathy for ourloss.The outpouring of love was so comforting. Thank you forthe cards, calls, food, flowers and prayers Jackie, Sandy, Jenny, Carrie &Tamme ReservedTickets$28.00 PlatedLunch~ChoiceofThreeEntrees Program: "Jewels of the Garden" Tickets Available From Red Bluff Garden Club Members or Call Kathy B. 527-9403 or Charlotte 824-4429 Last day to purchase tickets ~ September 30, 2015 Wear your favorite hat with lots of bling & sparkle. Featuring: Denise Kelly, The Plant Barn ~ Chico, CA Numerous Vendors, Silent Auction, Drawings & Door Prize Red Bluff Garden Club Floral Design Program & Luncheon "Jewels of the Garden" Saturday, October 10 th , 2015 Carlino's Event Center At Rolling Hills Casino Doors Open to Guests at 9:30 AM 340HickorySt.,RedBluff www.tehamaestatesretirement.com Summer Summer Coupon Special 736-1389 632 Main Street, Red Bluff RagzToRiches New-Used-Consignment Antiques-Collectibles Upcycled-Shabby Chic Artists, Crafters, Designers AlfalfaHay FOR SALE •Excellant Quality •Fine Stemed •Great for horses goats and sheep South Red Bluff Call Scott 945-9276 $11.00 Bale COMMUNITY » redbluffdailynews.com Saturday, September 19, 2015 » MORE AT FACEBOOK.COM/RBDAILYNEWS AND TWITTER.COM/REDBLUFFNEWS A3