Tails in the News

By Theresa Gonzalez

Santa Cruz SPCA shelter relocates after fire

On March 20, 21 dogs, cats, rabbits—and one potbellied pig named Stuart—survived a late-night fire at the Santa Cruz SPCA at 2260 Seventh Avenue in Live Oak. Neighbors Jerry Hooper and Leslie Mass first noticed the fire, which began at 9:15 p.m., and called 911. According to news reports, Hooper then proceeded to smash open the window and put out the flames with a handheld extinguisher. The sprinkler system took care of the rest before fire officials arrived at the scene.

The fire was reportedly caused by a faulty computer printer. Two dogs were hospitalized briefly for smoke inhalation and minor paw burns, including three-legged Romeo, while Boo, a small Schipperke mix, escaped the fire and was found in the woods off Capitola Road five days later.
Harbor Veterinary Hospital, Bed & Biscuits, and Chanticleer Veterinary took in the animals while the SPCA prepared a new home for them. Fifteen of the animals were adopted after the blaze, while the others remained in foster care until the new facility was ready. Lisa Carter, director of the Santa Cruz SPCA, brought home Stuart the pig temporarily. “I’ve had dogs all my life, and this pig is smarter than any dog I have had. He’s incredible,” she says.

The fire caused $15,000 worth of damage and will require about three months of repairs, including water remediation, asbestos abatement, and new floors, paint, and windows to clear any smoke and water damage, says Carter. Animal Services, which maintains a close relationship with the SPCA, plans to open a facility next door in August.
At least until the end of May, the SPCA shelter has relocated to 2701 Chanticleer Avenue in Live Oak, next to the Chanticleer Veterinary Hospital. The site, originally used by the SPCA to quarantine sick animals, also had to undergo repairs after the fire in order to accommodate the animals and volunteers. It has since reopened and currently offers adoption services. “We are in a small community, and it’s incredible how much support we received during and after the fire. People were just coming by to help,” says Carter.

For more information, visit SantaCruzSPCA.org.

HSSV dog scores third obedience title

Proving that shelter dogs are anything but second best, Hana, a 4-year-old purebred Boxer adopted a few years ago by Marie Tiraschi, an executive assistant at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV), has been honored with three American Kennel Club (AKC) obedience titles: a Rally Novice title in 2006, advanced titles in 2007, and a Companion Dog obedience title this past January.

At 5 months old, Hana was dropped off at the HSSV as a stray. “I looked into her eyes, and I thought, ‘Oh dear, she’s mine,’” says Tiraschi, who has been with the HSSV for 22 years. Tiraschi had trained two other Boxers to obedience victory before meeting Hana three and a half years ago. Since then, they have trained together once every week.

What makes this story remarkable is that Hana has been competing against dogs with a championship lineage and obedience degrees. “She was a little rough around the edges at first, but it just showed me that she has personality,” says Tiraschi. “We work as a team at the dog shows. If Hana makes a mistake, it’s our error, not hers.”

Hana has also recently completed her certification as a therapy dog. She visits the elderly at Villa Sienna in Mountain View, where she provides not only love and attention, but comic relief as well. “She makes the residents laugh,” says Tiraschi. “She’ll lie on her back and kick her feet in the air. She gets goofy.” Hana also educates children on how to be safe around dogs with HSSV’s Bite Free educational programs. “She loves to give the little ones kisses,” adds Tiraschi. “I tell the kids they can keep the kiss or give it back by patting it on Hana’s head.”
With support from the whole Tiraschi family, Hana has become well trained and loved by all who meet her. “She’s made us very happy. She’s surpassed all our expectations,” says Tiraschi.

Mountain lion killed by San Jose police

On a Saturday, March 22, residents of The Villages retirement community in southeast San Jose were dismayed to discover that an injured 40-pound mountain lion had been shot and killed by police. First reported in the San Jose Mercury News, the incident began when a resident spotted the mountain lion on the golf course near the property and a security guard called 911. After being told that the California Department of Fish and Game would not be able to provide a tranquilizer gun until after the weekend and that Animal Control didn’t have a tranquilizer gun that would work on a mountain lion, two San Jose police officers fired several shots that killed the lion. The animal appeared to be injured on his leg and went to rest under some bushes before the shooting.

Several residents told the Mercury News they were upset by the killing. Mountain lions are protected in California; however, they can be killed if they pose a public safety threat or are attacking pets or wildlife.

Mountain lion safety

In light of this recent shooting, Silicon Valley Tails checked in with Kyle Orr from the California Department of Fish and Game to find out some mountain lion safety tips. “We do see an increase in reported sightings of mountain lions this time of year,” he says, “but that’s because humans are outside, hiking and biking in mountain lion habitat.” In fact, according to Orr, half of the state of California is considered mountain lion habitat. Here are some tips to protect yourself in the event that you cross paths with these stealthy animals:

• • Do not hike alone. There are an estimated 4,000–6,000 mountain lions in California, says Orr. You find them more often in areas where there are a lot of deer (their most favored prey).
• • Be cautious, not fearful. According to Orr, there have been a reported 14 mountain lion attacks in California since 1890—and only six of those were fatal. “Mountain lions are very cautious, secretive animals,” says Orr. “They’re solitary creatures and generally avoid human contact.”
• • Do not run in an encounter. “You’ll stimulate the animal’s instinct to chase,” cautions Orr. Instead, make eye contact, stand tall, and raise your arms (to appear larger). Do not approach the animal. “Give him a chance to escape.”
• • Keep children close. If you are with a child when you encounter a mountain lion, pick up the child without crouching down and continue to face the animal. Do not turn your back. By holding the child, you ensure that he or she does not run and provoke the animal.
• • Fight back. If you are attacked by a mountain lion, use rocks, sticks, or hands to fend him off. Avoid crouching down. “You don’t want to act like typical prey,” says Orr.
• • Prevent pet attacks. Don’t leave your pets out at night or feed them outside. “Don’t do anything that encourages an attack,” warns Orr.