Published Articles & More
August 27, 2012
Many people consider their pets to be family members. Therefore, it is not uncommon for pets to be named as beneficiaries in wills and/or living trusts. Often the bequest for pets includes leaving a large sum to an animal rescue organization or a sanctuary that is instructed to care for and re-home your pets. The problem with… Continue Reading »
July 4, 2012
As many single mothers will tell you, whether two-legged or four, is often seen as too much baggage. It gets worse if your dog is old and needs a lot of care. You’re suddenly on the “do not date” list. No one comes near you anymore. The perception is that you’re a nut because you’re… Continue Reading »
June 11, 2012
As summer approaches, high temperatures can pose dangers to your animals in different ways. There are many articles on summer safety tips for your pets to keep them safe from hyperthermia, dehydration, bug bites and other summer hazards, but many people don’t think about the heightened risk of a dog or cat escaping from the home and being lost…. Continue Reading »
May 24, 2012
Valentino would not accept Pollyanna when I first adopted her. He was my only dog for six years when she joined our household. When we hiked in the mountains, he gave her a low growl. This went on for two months. He then started getting used to having her around. But not happy. At this point,… Continue Reading »
April 25, 2012
When our dogs get older, they start showing all sorts of health problems, just like the way we do. One of the typical issues with large dogs is their weakening back ends. When their hips or spinal nerves deteriorate, dogs typically start dragging their feet/paws. Consequently, their toe nails get worn out and eventually start bleeding. I… Continue Reading »
April 10, 2012
April is National Volunteer Month, not only save a life, but make a family that adopts the dog very happy, and the effects of your deed will last for many years, throughout the dog’s lifetime. Animal control pounds are always full, and consequently, rescue organizations are always full. The difference between the two is that the animal… Continue Reading »
March 11, 2012
A lovely family adopted a sweet blind Mastiff mix from my group, several years ago. They lived in a dog-friendly condo, but they did not realize that their condo rules (CC&Rs) had a weight restriction: Dogs weighing more than 25 lbs. were not allowed. Leyna, the dog they adopted, weighs about 90 lbs. Every resident… Continue Reading »
February 12, 2012
Shortly after I moved here from Tokyo in the ’80s, because I poured my heart out about how her singing influenced mine as a professional jazz singer. A few weeks later, I received a small single slip of paper soliciting donations without a reply letter. Not only had my heartfelt letter been summarily ignored, but… Continue Reading »
December 15, 2011
I run an animal rescue group, and people often call me the owner of the organization or refer to the rescue group as a business. But I do not “own the business” because 1) this is not a business and 2) no one can own an entity that is registered as a 501(c)(3) California nonprofit… Continue Reading »
November 14, 2011
When your dog becomes old, while euthanasia is supposed to only be conducted to alleviate an animal’s suffering from incurable and painful disease or injury, not for their own convenience. Other heartless people discard their dogs in the pound and adopt a puppy. When I witness such people, I often wonder if they realize that… Continue Reading »
October 18, 2011
I read an article by Peter Lovenheim, ” in the Los Angeles Times several months ago. He discussed how we are disconnected from our neighbors — we often do not even know who lives next door. It is so true that people almost never have to leave their homes because they can communicate with others… Continue Reading »
August 2, 2011
Day in and day out, the number one reason we hear from people who surrender their dogs is, “My landlord doesn’t allow pets.” As the head of a nonprofit organization, Forte Animal Rescue, and a former Commissioner of the Board of Los Angeles Animal Services, I was invited to a meeting of The Apartment Association… Continue Reading »
May 2, 2011
“Temperament” is defined by W. Handel, in his article, “The Psychological Basis of Temperament Testing,” as: “the sum total of all inborn and acquired physical and mental traits and talents which determines, forms and regulates behavior in the environment.” (Reference: American Temperament Test Society) Los Angeles former Commissioner on the Board of Animal Services, Laura… Continue Reading »
April 20, 2011
“He looks just like my dog who died last year, ” said a woman who adopted a new dog explaining why she chose him. Eventually, however, she wanted to relinquish this poor dog because he’s not the same as her late dog. This happens more often than you may think. It’s understandable that you’d like… Continue Reading »
March 23, 2011
When you are running a rescue organization, you receive all kinds of calls. The majority are quite astonishing. For instance, this was an actual message left on our rescue group’s voice mail system, “I’m getting married and I have to get rid of my dog because my fiancé doesn’t do dogs.” Another remarkable email we… Continue Reading »
February 25, 2011
My dog got hit by a car today. We were crossing a street. Both directions were totally clear, no sight of a car even in distance. Then a woman driver in a SUV drove out of a driveway, not looking in front of her at all. As I saw her SUV coming towards us, it was like… Continue Reading »
January 27, 2011
One of my neighbors’ dog died. She was a Pit Bull he saved from the street over 10 years ago. She must have been 14 years old or so when she passed. She wasn’t particularly good with other dogs, so her guardian, I’ll call “Ron,” went through a lot to work with her, and she… Continue Reading »
November 5, 2010
Not only do we rescuers advocate for spay and neuter of companion animals, it is the law in the City, as well as the County, of Los Angeles. After hearing our lecture on spay/neuter, some people still say they want to have their dog breed just one litter of puppies to show their children the… Continue Reading »
October 6, 2010
When you watch if your dog is afraid of skateboarders, you need someone to pass by you and your dog on a skateboard, over and over again. If a dog needs to learn to coexist with other dogs, Cesar takes her to his camp where dozens of his canine assistants will help accomplish the task. My… Continue Reading »
September 28, 2010
People get married, have a kid or two, and feel it’s time to add a family dog. This is all natural and nothing is wrong with it, but there are many rescue groups that decline homes with kids under 5 years old. Delaware Puppy Rescue cites on its website: “Until [7 years old] a child cannot reliably… Continue Reading »© 2013-2024 Forte Animal Rescue - All Rights Reserved.