As temperatures soar in the Pass area, it is crucial to think of your pets’ health and well-being. Dogs and cats do not have the ability to shed their winter clothing to cool down. Their only means to maintain an adequate body temperature is to pant. Imagine being out for an afternoon jog in the most intense heat of the day dressed in a fur coat. Imagine wearing that same fur coat while sitting in a parked car as temperatures soar. On Monday, June 20, 2011, an innocent Golden Retriever suffered a heat stroke after being locked in a car and, tragically, had to be euthanized. The 19-year-old …

Gail Paparian’s recent article, New Insight Into Guide Dogs Of The Desert was a wonderful reminder of the importance of service dog programs and the good that these amazing canines do each and every day. Although I am not actively training guide dogs anymore, my passion for the cause will never falter. As a California state-licensed guide dog trainer, I have trained hundreds of guide dogs, but some of them are extra special. I found myself reminiscing about one special dog in particular. Rhonda had recently retired her first guide dog and was anxiously awaiting the arrival of her second guide…

Editor's Note: The author is a member of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass board. The Eighties came back in a flash as the Boys & Girls Clubs of the San Gorgonio Pass celebrated the end of the school year with a musical review and awards ceremony at Anna Hause Elementary School in Beaumont. Thirty children, from Anna Hause and Sundance schools, and a room full of parents, family and friends participated in the celebration. Set to hit songs of the eighties, Site Director Katie Wick ensured each child was part of the choreographed routine. After each song, children were presented …

Crowded in a classroom at Banning’s Hemmerling Elementary School, a group of dedicated volunteers celebrated the academic improvement of sixty-five children. Four days a week, mentors from all over the Pass Area donate their time and talents to help students build reading skills in the C.A.R.E. Lab. C.A.R.E is an acronym for Caring Adults Really Encourage. The group celebrated the end of the school year by attending a Thank You Tea hosted by Hemmerling Elementary School and teacher Nancy Hunt, my aunt. The successful reading program, started in 1996 by Dr. Sally Cawthon, has been continued by…

Downtown Banning has been granted another opportunity to shine. Tuesday afternoon, dozens of people gathered around the old boarded up building at 33 S. San Gorgonio Avenue and saw a simple, yet moving transformation. The building, owned by the late Bud Mathewson, has been given a breath of new life thanks to the foresight and vision of one person hoping to make Banning better. Just a few short weeks ago, Mayor Barbara Hanna approached Mathewson about the idea of covering the windows of his building with historical murals of the city. “I always think of ways to improve our city,” said Hanna…

For many families, the canine companion is much more a family member than a pet. Often that means pets celebrate holidays and share in meals with the family. While sharing most foods will not cause your pet harm, that is certainly not the case with Chocolate.   The ASPCA names Chocolate as one of the top ten pet poisons. Chocolate is made from cocoa and contains chemical compound called theobromine, which causes a serious danger to our furry, four legged friends. Theobromine is closely related to caffeine and while your pet will not experience the same effects caffeine has on our bodies, it …

Last week, I received a call from a member of Pet Lovers of Solera of Beaumont. The small group of seven residents rescued two Chihuahuas and were hoping I could spread the word that a good home was needed. The Solera group sees it as their mission to make sure all pets are safe, healthy, and protected, even if they are not residents. “We took them to the vet and it was a good thing we did,” said member Carole Clark. “The little girl had a uterine infection that put her life at risk and the little boy had to have ten teeth removed.” Four members of the group contributed to the five hundred …

It’s been fourteen months since pass area residents first learned the Banning Animal Shelter had been evacuated due to flooding.  The temporary closure and the topic of animal care in the pass quickly became a heated issue. As the closure ensued, the primary concern of residents and animal rescue groups became the welfare of pets in the pass area.  Mary Ellen Wilkins of Sun Lakes Animal Rescue remembers that time and the concern she felt.  “Where will all the stray animals be kept until they find homes?” asked Wilkins. “Where will the owners go to find lost pets?” While the Banning Animal …

Spring has gently sprung in the San Gorgonio Pass and that means we can expect to see the bright new growth of budding trees and the lovely floral scent of beautiful flowers. However, with those wonderful acknowledgments of the season, it also means many of us and our pets will experience the offensive scent of the skunk. Recently, Renaissance Pet Resort and Hollywoof's Pet Salon has seen an increase in pets coming in for skunk treatments. “We had five skunked dogs come in for grooming in just one day.” said Ashley McLeod, Grooming Shop Manager. “The dogs are as upset as the people.” Skunks …

Each morning, my Android phone gently wakes me with downloaded music. I check the weather, review new email, and catch up on Facebook all through the little black box. My Android can confirm that my daughter checked in at school, help me check my blood pressure and pulse while on the treadmill, show me bank balances, and even allow me to Skype (real-time videophone) with my eldest daughter in Denver. Technology is amazing. Our daily lives are constantly guided by our smart phones. Apple reports that there are over 350,000 applications for the iPhone and Android is running close behind. With …

For us, brushing our teeth is something we do without even thinking; it’s a dedicated habit that is necessary for a healthy lifestyle. But, according to the American Veterinary Medical Association, only 2 percent of all pet owners brush their pet’s teeth every day. The American Veterinary Medical Association is hoping to change that low percentage. February is National Pet Dental Health Month and the organization is counting on owners to listen to important advice that can help extend their pet's life.   John McGovern of Beaumont recently took his Australian Shepherd, Amber, to her …

Quite often, the caller on the other end of my office phone line will hear a voice in the background screech, “Merry Christmas to You!” followed by “Help me! Help Me! Call 911! ” I calmly explain there is no need for alarm. Timber, an African Grey parrot is just taking an opportunity to express himself. Timber is celebrating because January is National “Adopt a Rescued Bird” Month. Hoping to raise awareness about rescued pet birds, the ASPCA began this quest to increase adoptions in 2002. Although Timber was not rescued from abandonment, we certainly offered a loving home to a pet in need. …

Living in the Pass Area, dealing with the wind is just a part of life. And very soon this Spring, we can say the same for the rain, thunder, and lightning thanks to “La Niña.” Lain and Sal Carrizal of Banning take a particular interest in the weather and its not because they would like to plan what to wear each day. The reason rests upon “Peanut,” an 9 year old Shih Tzu. “Peanut is terrified of the sounds of the strong winds and the lightning.” said Lain Carrizal “and I feel so helpless that I can't make him understand that it won't hurt him.” According to Forecaster Anthony Artusa of the …

 Making the decision to board a pet long-term can be difficult.  Tyree White’s situation was even more complex; he had just received orders to deploy to Kuwait, and he had two cats to consider. Like many pet owners White, nephew of Banning School Board President Deborah Dukes, saw his two cats Standly and Frederick as family members. The thought of leaving them behind during his yearlong deployment was devastating.  Six year-old feline brothers Standly and Frederick originally belonged to White’s girlfriend, also a GI.  In 2006, during a deployment in Iraq, a Humvee driven by White’s …

Mackenzie Maxwell, a Pet Groomer in Banning, has been working with her Australian shepherd Panyk to help control jumping. Panyk is only five months old, but Maxwell understands the importance of teaching good behaviors early and being consistent. “I take her for doggie daycare when I work.  Everyone that she interacts with works to help me keep her well-behaved and encourages the good behavior.” said Maxwell. “If she were home alone, there would be no one to keep her in line.” There are some simple, yet very effective tip pet owners can use to reduce the annoying habit. When arriving home, …

Each January, after consuming lots of holiday goodies, many of us vow to lose weight, exercise, and consume a more healthy diet.  We also promise to complete tasks on time and end procrastination forever—maybe. As you make your New Year's resolutions, don't forget your furry friends. Weight Loss Weight loss is one of the most common resolutions for each New Year.  According to a study by the Center for Disease Control, more than 73% of American Adults over the age of twenty are overweight, obese, or extremely obese. But the overweight tendency doesn't end with us.  A similar study by the …