Pets

Rocky, a 3-year-old Shih Tzu-Yorkie mix, was one a handful of pets that received their blessings on Sunday — and a bag of doggie treats. Several dog and cat owners arrived at the Center for Spiritual Living in La Crescenta with their pets or photographs of their animals to be blessed by the Rev. Beverly Craig, the Rev. Steven Van Meter or practitioner Laney Clevenger-White. Nora Barsuk, 61, of Glendale, brought a picture of Rocky, adopted from the Glendale Humane Society.

The Southern California Veterinary Medical Assn. hosted its annual rabies vaccination at Fire Station 28 on Oct. 11. ?We hold this event once a year,? said Maria Maldonado, license investigator for the city of Glendale. With the fire station graciously offering the use of their driveway for the rabies clinic, the two licensed veterinarians began their work. Whether dealing with feisty cats or snappy dogs, the vets tried their very best to get the job done quickly and painlessly ?

Glory be!! At last I have common ground with Bob Tanabe! I commend him for his concern for the well-being of pets affected by Hurricane Katrina, and for bringing to our attention our local agencies helping to care for some of these animals. It is estimated that nearly 500,000 cats and dogs were directly impacted by the hurricane, and untold hundreds (probably thousands) have been left to die a slow, miserable death in the heat of the Gulf Coast. The heroes are the many volunteers from animal rescue agencies such as Best Friends, ASPCA, Alley Cat Allies, HSUS and Noah's Wish, and I urge you to visit their websites for information about how you can help and for reports of rescues and reunions of pets with owners.

Derby, a charming, 3-year-old terrier mix, is looking for a new home. He is gentle, affectionate and would be a great companion for someone who lives in an apartment or condo that allows pets. The regular dog adoption fee is $120, which includes medical care prior to adoption, spaying or neutering, vaccinations and a follow-up visit with a participating vet. For more information on Derby, call (626) 792-7151 and ask for No. A263903 or come to the Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA, 361 S. Raymond Ave., Pasadena.

An assortment of animals, including dogs, a black-and-white rabbit and two Cockatoos, came out with their human companions on a warm Saturday afternoon for a blessing at Holy Family Grade School. Fr. Jim Bevacqua, pastor of Holy Family Catholic Church, said he decided to hold the event around the Feast Day of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. The feast day was Oct. 4, but because it was a school and business day, Bevacqua said the weekend was a better fit. “Animals are important.

This gray toy poodle named Baby Joy is looking for a compassion-filled home. At “12 years young” according to Burbank Animal Shelter staff, she is brimming with affection and loves to sit in laps. While she will join you outside for some activities, she is an indoor dog. She is spayed. To meet Baby Joy, visit the Burbank Animal Shelter at 1150 N. Victory Place, Burbank, and ask for ID # A006797. Adoption fees are $104 for dogs, $78 for cats and $30 for bunnies. Cost includes spay or neuter, vaccinations and a microchip.

Glendale is poised to enact a far-reaching ban on dog and cat sales that would go beyond retailers and into the backyards of pet breeders. Other cities, such as Hermosa Beach and West Hollywood, have banned dog and cat sales at pet stores, but Glendale's ordinance would go one step further by also prohibiting so-called backyard breeders from supplying the retail storefronts. --------------------- FOR THE RECORD: An earlier version of this story mistated the scope of the ordinance.

There are many claims that people do not clean up after their pets - just one of the many positive things about the new pet-waste stations that city officials are trying to get neighborhoods to “adopt” (“Pet stations will aid curbside pickup,” July 6). As more neighbors use them, it will also mean less waste entering the storm drains, keeping pollutants out of the storm drain system. If you have a pet and have been leaving your pet waste out, just walk a little more until you see the stations with baggies.

City officials said Thursday that they have received commitments from 10 individuals or residential groups to sponsor depository stations designed to keep neighborhoods free of animal waste. The first stations are scheduled to be installed by mid-September, said Phillipe Eskandar, a program specialist with the city's Neighborhood Services division, which is overseeing the program. “We are hoping to install within the next four weeks or so,” Eskandar said. The courtesy waste station program was introduced earlier this year under the umbrella of the Clean and Beautiful Glendale initiative.

A year ago, the Warner Bros. facilities department was looking for a pet project to give back to the community. The Burbank Animal Shelter fit the bill. “We went over with them all the things we needed, and they were able to do a lot,” said Denise Fleck, president of the Volunteers of the Burbank Animal Shelter. One of the major improvements the studio department made, Fleck said, was pouring a concrete slab in the dogs' play area and covering the area with a shade cloth.

A 46-year-old Glendale man was sentenced today to 16 years to life in prison for killing his wife and microwaving his Pomeranian to death. John Levin was found guilty of second-degree murder last month after he pleaded guilty to felony animal cruelty for microwaving his dog. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge today also sentenced Levin to 8 months in prison for the animal cruelty charge. Levin was arrested attempting to cross the Canadian border days after the body of his 35-year-old wife, Michelle Levin, and the dog were discovered Sept.

CITY HALL — As part of the plan to fill a projected $18-million budget gap for this fiscal year, the public will come up against a range of increased and new fees for city services that went into effect this month. Officials project the fees — which run the gamut from pet licenses to building permits — will raise an additional $1.3 million in revenue this fiscal year. City officials recommended the fee increases to better recapture the cost of providing services based on the results of a study prepared by consulting firm Wildan Financial Services.

City officials are calling on a few good pet owners - or hygiene lovers. The cause? So-called “animal waste courtesy stations.” Dozens of the stations - essentially a post that dispenses biodegradable plastic bags - are scheduled to be installed throughout the city as officials seek out volunteers to man restocking needs and keep vigilant for possible vandalism. The city would provide the baggies. The stations will also be installed in neighborhoods that see frequent dog walkers and not be limited to parks.

A 46-year-old Glendale man was found guilty today of killing his wife and microwaving his Pomeranian to death before fleeing the state, officials said.