People and Their Pets: Picture Perfect
Jun 28, 2018 05:07PM ● By Ray Burgess
Picture Perfect
by Megan Wiskus
Paws for a moment to drool over these local animal companions.
Maks with Kylee (human)
“We rescued Maks as a puppy, and he’s absolutely the best dog! He loves his family and going on road trips to the ocean.”—Kari McKinley
Angel
“Angel has one blue eye and one green eye. Her hobby is chasing bugs when we’re in our backyard.”—Gilbert Carma
Crosby
“Crosby (named after hockey player Sidney Crosby) was adopted from Foothill Dog Rescue of the Sierras in April. He’s a border collie mix so is very smart and loves to tip over my coffee and lap it up as fast as he can!”—Wendy and Kevin Martin
Kyle
“Kyle’s hobbies are napping and watching animal shows on TV; in this photo, he’s tuned into a show about birds.”—Sue Goetz
Elsa
“Elsa is a 13-year-old löwchen. Though she needs glasses now, it doesn't stop her from reading. She loves to dress up for holidays and is part owner of Good Dog Mobile Grooming.”—Jean Gould
Bella
“Bella is a nine-year-old Pomeranian. She loves salmon and burgers, is afraid of high-pitched beeping sounds, and
was just diagnosed with mitral valve heart disease.”—Karen Peters
Lil Camero with Robert (human)
“Lil Camero is a beautiful bed hog who loves her food and is full of energy. She’s the best part of coming home every day!”—Robert Yanke
Lilly
“Lilly is a doxie-pin. She was a rescue from Rail Road Flat and loves running up and down our 1.25-acre property.”—Jeanetta Crowell
Colleen
“Colleen is notorious for stealing food; she swiped this waffle right out of the toaster!”—Wendy and Kevin Martin
Hadley
“Hadley is a rescue Keeshond whose favorite pastime is waiting for the lizards to come out from under the hot tub and chasing them back in.”—Linda Rodenspiel
Bailey with Adam (human)
“Bailey lives for food! He literally performs flips and partial somersaults as he awaits the delivery of his food bowl. His BFF is his ‘brother’ Adam.”—Jen Kosciuk
Chiko
“Chiko loves his walks and playtime at the dog park. His two favorite things are chillaxing on the couch with his favorite pillow and sleeping under the covers with Mom. He’s an American Bulldog mix and was adopted two-and-a-half years ago from the Placer SPCA.”—Larissa Parecki
Lucy
“Lucy is an energetic two-year-old who plays hard—running and jumping high off the floor. She loves water with ice and waits for it every evening by the fridge.”— Kathleen Emami
Ike
“Ike is deaf, and his favorite game is fetch; he’ll bring the ball to your feet and push it closer and closer until your shoes get dirty or you throw it.”—Walee Sitachitt
Precious
“Precious, aka ‘Preshy,’ begs for food by praying, can play soccer, and loves eating anything with chicken or cheese. When he sleeps, he hides his eyes behind a chair, a post, or anything to block out his eyes from the light.”—Janet Wong
Aphrodite
“Aphrodite is our one-year-old chicken. She loves to free-range and lays about five eggs per week.”—Dean and Karen Carter
Sunny D
“Sunny D was rescued from a box near the airport when he was a kitten. He enjoys terrorizing his sister Mazzy, getting his teeth cleaned and basking in the sun.”—Gary Zsigo
Dreamie
“Dreamie is a four-year-old huacaya alpaca who lives on our ranch, Alpacas of Somerset Farm. We plan to use her in weddings, since she has a sweet disposition and is very affectionate. This beautiful girl is also a part of the ranch’s mentoring and education program. Unlike most alpacas, she loves hugs and kisses!”—Jack and Dianna Jordan
Bailey and Charlie
“After a full day of chasing squirrels and turkeys off our property, Bailey and Charlie love to snuggle up for a nap. They live a ‘ruff’ life!”—Stephanie Turner
Magpie
“Magpie loves hanging out on the fence waiting for birds.”—Stephanie Turner
Sadie
“Sadie is a recent adoption from Foothill Dog Rescue of the Sierras, but with her silliness and love, I think she rescued us.”—Lisa Peene
Piper
“Piper is a two-year-old terrier rescue from the pound. She’s very smart and sweet and loves her new forever home.”—Bonnie Wagner
Olive
“When Olive gets tired of chasing lizards, she enjoys a nice, relaxing belly rub.”—Max Lee
Sadie Precious
“Sadie Precious is our four-and-a-half-year-old bubbly little girl who keeps us going. She’s crazy about the snow and her Kong.”—Jen Yanke
Riley
“Riley lives the ultimate life. He loves tackling pillows and watching television.”—Nick Comstock
Pepper Garcia
“This is Pepper Garcia enjoying the beautiful river at Coloma Resort. She is just happy to be wherever the family is and loves cheese and bacon.”—Maria Garcia
Mazzy
“Mazzy found us at the SPCA. She’s very talkative and always plays hard to get. She loves bird watching, belly rubs and chillng in the cat tree. —Rachael Lankford
Pokie
“Pokie loves to run and play and cools off on the tile floor or bathroom sink.”—Gayle Beane
Madison and Quinn
“Madison and Quinn are the babies of the house! They love treats and belly rubs from their mom.”—Tanya White
Finn
“Finn is a corgi and going to be a therapy dog when he grows up.”—Margaret Ervin
Sasha with Mireya (human)
“My German shepherd Sasha is smart, loving, active, and very vocal. She knows I would give my life for her and she would do the same for me. She loves car rides and knows about 30 words (her reaction to any of them is priceless, too)! I never felt so loved until I met her.”—Mireya Gaton
Slate
“Slate is six years old and loves salmon jerky, shrimp, and any kind of seafood; he also adores kids and going to his mommy’s clinic (she’s a pediatrician) to play with them.”—Paul Ip
Lily
“Lily is a corgi who loves to boss her big brother, Finn, around. Although a girl, she hates baths and getting her toenails done. She has a mighty voice and always announces when the UPS driver arrives.”—Margaret Ervin
Roxy
“This is Roxy the boxer! She loves to lay in the sun, play with her many toys, and be vocal as if she’s talking.”—Angel Galloway
Stella, Max, and Luca
“My three German shepherds—Stella, Max, and Luca, aka Medicare Man—were rescued through Greater California German Shepherd Rescue. All three are partners in crime, thick as thieves, and the biggest lumps of love ever! They’re smart, loyal, and formidable looking but the worst they would do is kiss you to death.”—Kim Schory
PET-FRIENDLY PATIOS
By Alyssa Mielke
The following establishments welcome well-behaved furry friends on their patios with open paws.
Allez!
Pick up healthy, fresh, delicious, and made-to-order food to go, along with a selection of local and imported cheeses and wines. 4242 Fowler Lane, Suite 101, Diamond Springs, 530-621-1160, allezeldorado.com
Bella Bru
This local favorite serves more than coffee. Enjoy the burgers, crab, or chorizo at this bustling restaurant disguised as a coffee shop. 3941 Park Drive, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-5454, bellabrucafe.com
Bene Ristorante Italiano
Their signature pizza and pasta dishes bring the taste of Naples to Placerville with high-quality ingredients. 423 Main Street, Placerville, 530-303-3415, eatpizzabene.com
Fernando’s Costa del Sol
Catch the El Salvadorian and Mexican flair at this restaurant with burritos, pupusas, and house wine. 2650 Cameron Park Drive, Suite 170, Cameron Park, 530-676-4460, fernandoscostadelsol.net
Flightz Restaurant
They support local breweries and wineries and the local community while providing you with great food and service. It’s a win-win! 3907 Park Drive, Suite 110, El Dorado Hills, 916-805-5128, flightzwinepub.com
Main Street Melters
Tasty melts with the highest-quality meat and cheese make this small-town shop shine. 589 Main Street, Placerville, 530-303-3871, mainstreetmelters.com
Relish Burger Bar
Classic and creative burgers (Bordeaux Burger? Yes please!) all in a stylish space. 1000 White Rock Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-933-3111, relishburgerbar.com
Sweetie Pie’s
They offer classic breakfast dishes and baked goods with a home-cooked feel to bring you back to Grandma’s house. 577 Main Street, Placerville, 530-642-0128, sweetiepies.biz
Wally’s Pizza Bar
Come for the sports bar atmosphere and stay for the service and pizza at this local gem. 4079 Cameron Park Lane, Cameron Park, 530-677-5205, wallyspizzabar.com
TAKE SHELTER
By Alyssa Mielke
Itching to welcome a furry friend to your family? Check out these local animal rescues to find your perfect pet match.
All About Equine Animal Rescue, Inc.
Rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes abused, neglected, and abandoned horses. 2201 Francisco Drive, Suite 140-174, El Dorado Hills, 916-520-4223, allaboutequine.org
Animal Outreach of the Mother Lode
Provides a safe and caring no-kill haven for shelter animals until adopted. 6101 Enterprise Drive, Diamond Springs, 530-642-2287, animaloutreach.net
El Dorado County German Shepherd Rescue
Provides shelter and care for displaced, quality dogs until they find caring homes. 5820 Marybelle Lane, Shingle Springs, 530-677-6444, edcgsr.com
Fat Kitty City
Unique, no-kill shelter serving El Dorado Hills that functions as a place of refuge for hundreds of abused and abandoned pets until they’re adopted. 916-939-3418, fatkittycity.org
Foothill Dog Rescue of the Sierras
Nonprofit dedicated to rehoming dogs from high-kill shelters and owners who can no longer care for them. 4131 South Shingle Road, Suite 14, 530-676-3647, Shingle Springs, foothilldogrescue.org
Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of homeless and abused animals while offering adoptable adult cats and dogs. 6001 Folsom Boulevard, Sacramento, 916-556-1155, happytails.org
El Dorado County West Slope Animal Shelter
Helps connect cats, dogs, and rabbits to loving homes. 6435 Capitol Avenue, Diamond Springs, 530-621-5795, edcgov.us/government/animalservices
Top Dogs
By Alyssa Mielke
Every dog has its day, but the following pups and their people are doing big things day in, day out.
Richard Hunter and Klinger
Five-year-old Klinger is the first-ever certified dual purpose running guide dog in the U.S. Add to that the bond he has with his owner, Richard Hunter, and the dog is one of a kind.
Hunter, an avid runner and former commissioned Marine officer lost much of his sight due to retinitis pigmentosa, but his blindness hasn’t stopped him from achieving a long list of accomplishments—some of which include running the Boston Marathon multiple times, being the second blind American runner to complete a 100-mile endurance run, and receiving the Sacramento Running Association’s 2017 Community Runner of the Year Award.
After he was struck by a car while riding his tandem bicycle and seriously injured, Hunter’s middle daughter encouraged him to get a guide dog. Unfortunately, guide dogs who could go on runs didn’t exist. Enter Guiding Eyes for the Blind. With assistance from the nonprofit’s CEO, Thomas Panek, Hunter helped create a special training program for running guide dogs. Hunter says Klinger’s success has “paved the way for other blind runners to be partnered with running guide dogs across the U.S.” and is what makes him proudest of his dog.
Klinger, with his undying stamina, offers Hunter a new sense of freedom within his Folsom neighborhood. The German shepherd is his most frequent running guide and is always rewarded by “a game of fetch with a tennis ball after every single run.” In addition to that, Klinger has a friendly and gentle disposition and is the poster pup for guide dogs everywhere. At press time, Klinger was a semifinalist for the American Humane Hero Dog Awards, an annual campaign that recognizes heroes on both ends of the leash.
Q&A
Favorite food: Blue Buffalo Grain-Free Chicken; Charlee Bear Dog Treats
Favorite activity: Chasing after tennis balls
Guilty pleasure: Anything with the scent of peanut butter
Hidden talent: Catching a tennis ball over his shoulder while running
Favorite local landmark: The park or zoo
Favorite toy: Tennis balls
Wendy Goossen and Max
There’s just something about seeing a large, mocha-colored Labradoodle bounding down a medical center hallway that brightens up the whole atmosphere. At Marshall Medical Center in Placerville, Max raises the spirits of each patient fighting cancer when he comes to work with his owner, Cancer Resource Center Director Wendy Goossen. For many patients, the treatment they receive is part medication and part love from the soft dog. “I love that Max makes so many [patients] smile. It really makes their day to have someone to hug,” Goossen says.
Thanks to initial funding from Wells Fargo and supplemental contributions from community members, Marshall Medical Center raised money for its pet therapy program. Once Goossen was approved for a canine therapy dog and realized the dog couldn’t shed, she was led straight to Max, who’s hypoallergenic so can be around patients with fur allergies.
The four-year old pup has been with Goossen since he was nine weeks old, when she and Max bonded especially well on one of Goossen’s visits to Brasken Labradoodles in San Luis Obispo. Now, Max visits the patients each day to make sure they feel loved and supported. Greeting the people who come through the door is his favorite thing to do, but he also loves to hang out with the patients receiving treatment.
On Max’s days off, he loves going hiking and playing in the water. Goossen says, “It’s so much fun to watch him love the outdoors and appreciate being in nature.”
Q&A
Favorite food: Anything he can’t have
Favorite activity: Chasing balls
Guilty pleasure: Sneaking into the neighbor’s yard
Hidden talent: Swimming
Favorite local landmark: Historic Main Street in Placerville
Favorite toy: A monkey he’s had since puppyhood
Officer Gage Lawley and Eros
Don’t let Eros’ dashing good looks deceive you. This fierce K-9 officer on the Roseville Police Department loves tug-of-war, chicken, and justice. The handsome sable colored dog is originally from Germany and was sent to Canada where he was unfortunately injured.
In August 2010, Eros was transferred to California and paired with his owner, Officer Gage Lawley, where he underwent what is equivilent to the police academy for dogs—a 12-week intensive training session. In addition to initial certification, each K-9 team trains two days a month with other K-9 units in the region to stay sharp in the field.
“Eros is always wanting to work,” Officer Lawley says, and he appreciates that.
The canine is cross-trained in patrol and narcotics detection, which means he works on a patrol team and also detects narcotics in buildings, vehicles, open areas, and packages. Eros’ position was funded by drug asset forfeiture funds, so the dog is giving back by being a part of the squad. On occasion, Officer Lawley and Eros go to schools for demonstrations, and each time, Eros is a huge hit. Officer Lawley says what makes him most proud of the German shepherd is his ability “to be a ferocious, hardworking K-9, then go to a demonstration at a school and become a loving, regular dog.” Because of this, the dog is a reliable worker and even better pet. Officer Lawley could not have asked for a more perfect fit to his K-9 team.
Q&A
Favorite food: Anything that tastes like chicken
Favorite activity: Working; playing tug-of-war
Guilty pleasure: Afternoon naps
Hidden talent: Dropping his toy in running water so he can chase and find it
Favorite local landmark: Sierra Nevada—he loves hiking
Favorite toy: Kong with rope through it
AWESOME ANIMAL SANCTUARIES
By Sharon Penny
Round up the family for a day trip to one of our region’s animal sanctuaries that give furry and feathered residents hope and plenty of room to roam.
Folsom City Zoo Sanctuary
A caring home for rescued domestic and wild animals. See mountain lions, coyotes, bears, peacocks, and even a tiger! Check out the new Barnyard Experience, too—an abode for the sanctuary’s horses, miniature donkeys, and zebu. The zoo is open Tuesday-Sunday from 9 a.m. 3 p.m. through August 31. 403 Stafford Street, Folsom, 916-351-3527, folsomzoofriends.org
Blackberry Creek Farm Animal Sanctuary
A home for rescued farm animals started by two middle school teachers. Visit with Bob the donkey, Blossom the Pig, Benjamin Franklin the turkey, Oscar Oswald the tortoise, Ethel Mae the chicken, and other sweet barnyard friends. Visitor days are held the first Sunday of most months from noon-2 p.m.; tours are free, but donations are welcome. 1170 Pinecroft Road, Colfax, 530-774-3027, blackberrycreek.org
Animal Place
One of the oldest and largest sanctuaries for farmed animals in the country, Animal Place is home to 200 permanent non-human residents including cows, pigs, chickens, sheep, goats, rabbits, and turkeys. Pig belly rubs (ahem, guided tours) are available Saturdays and Sundays through Fall. Check the calendar on their website for days and times (and make sure you pre-register). 17314 McCourtney Avenue, Grass Valley, 530-477-1757, animalplace.org