Plenty of kittens and a special pooch at PLL

Greetings Sonoma.

It’s back to school for all our precious little ones (and some of the big ones, too). Everyone is getting back into their routines of the school year, and we are no different.

Pets Lifeline is experiencing an early fall kitten resurgence. We’ve had more than three litters come in with a mama. One very pregnant mama gave birth a couple of weeks ago in the shelter.

It’s been an interesting kitten season this year with very little neonatals (bottle babies) coming in, but a lot of older (3- to 8-week-old) kittens who are very scared and just on the edge of socialization. My fosters for most of the summer have been 4-to-8-week-old under socialized kitties, some of whom came into the house hissy and in attack mode.

Fortunately, most left as purring little lovebugs, but a few, although no longer hissy, were still on the fence about the whole human experience. Time in the kitten room with other socialized kittens and the public has worked wonders. All of them have found their loving forever homes.

I can’t reveal the details yet, but look for our September adoption special with the “Feline Negotiator.” You’ll see it around town soon.

A number of shelters throughout the county are connecting to promote adoptions. Have you been thinking about bringing some kitten love into your home?

Come check out all the fabulous felines hanging out in our community kitten and cat rooms.

Pets Lifeline held our first Neighborhood Forum on Thursday, Aug. 22, at the Sonoma Community Center.

It was a great way to get to know our community. Although the turnout was a bit on the slim side, we had some great feedback on ways we could better serve the community.

One was expanding our utilization of social media with adoptable animals, and lost and found animals. With that we are seeking a social media intern who can assist us to do this.

We unfortunately do not have the resources to hire someone, but doesn’t this sound like a great opportunity for a student looking for some professional experience? Spread the word if you know any likely candidates. They can contact us at info@petslifeline.org.

Our next Neighborhood Forum will be Wednesday, Sept. 25, from 5 to 7 p.m. at La Luz Center. We will have a Spanish translator available and would love the Springs residents to let us know how Pets Lifeline can work better to help the animals in the neighborhood.

We partner with La Luz every month for a free spay/neuter clinic (by appointment only) and have wellness clinics (first come first serve) quarterly. We will have information on the next clinics at the Neighborhood Forum.

The following Neighborhood Forum will be in Glen Ellen sometime in late October.

Before I sign off, I just want to note a dog we have in need of a home.

Tito is a wonderfully sweet 2-year-old Chihuahua who came to us with demodex (a skin condition). His condition has improved, but unfortunately because he was untreated prior to being surrendered to us, he has some permanent scarring. He is a great companion dog and just wants to snuggle all the time.

If you have a place in your heart for this sweet guy, please come meet our little Tito.

We are also looking for dog foster homes for a few precious pooches. We have some sweet dogs who are in need of the experience of a home environment even temporarily to expose them to life outside the kennel. Please contact us if you are interested in our dog home foster program.

Until we meet again: peace, love and paws. petslifeline.org.