Be Disaster-Ready for Your Pet

Preparing yourself and your house for a disaster is a necessity in California, and it's important to include your pet in those preparations.

On Saturday, April 28 from 1 to 4 p.m., Foothill College in Los Altos Hills is holding a free event, “Pet Ready,” to help pet parents be prepared in the event of an earthquake or other disaster.

Pet parents can learn how to apply first aid, bandage a broken limb and make a first aid kit. The event is sponsored by Adobe Animal and Mid-Peninsula Animal Hospitals and takes place in the Veterinary Technology Lab at Foothill. For more information, visit the Pet Ready website.

Pet Parent's Day

This Sunday, April 29, is recognized as Pet Parent’s Day. It’s a day for anyone who loves their pets and considers them part of the family. In honor of Pet Parent's Day, Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI) will donate $5 to One Dog Rescue  for every pet insurance quote generated throughout the month of April. You can also send someone a pet parent e-card VPI's Facebook page. And with the weather warming up, here are some ideas of ways to get out and enjoy time with your fur babies.

Learn Some New Tricks

The Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) offers a “Fun Tricks Class” beginning on Wednesday, May 2 from 5:30 to 6:20 p.m. at its Milpitas location. You and your dog can have a great time playing together while your dog becomes more focused, attentive and smarter.

Tricks taught during this six-week class include shake, high five, take a bow, play dead and ring a bell. And yes, senior dogs are welcome because old dogs really can learn new tricks. For more details about this class, visit the HSSV website.

Adopt a Pet

If you’re thinking of adding a feathered or furry addition to your family, consider attending the Adopt-A-Thon at the Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA) on Saturday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. During the event, meet animals available for adoption from SVACA as well as rescue organizations such as Cavy Spirit, North Star Rescue, Mickaboo Companion Bird Rescue, German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California and Toy Dog Rescue.

Admission is free and adopters can "Pay What You Want" in SVACA adoption fees. There will also be dog training demonstrations by DJ’s Clever Canines and a raffle. Visit the SVACA website for more information.

Pet of the Week

Meet Bug, a 4-month old pit bull mix. Her foster mom describes her as a “sweetheart” and a “total love bug.” I think she's named "Bug" because she's cute as a bug. A typical puppy, Bug loves squeaky toys, playing with tennis balls and a good game of tug-o-war. She’s also started to learn some obedience commands and sleeps through the night without any issues. Her adoption fee is $250, which covers her spay and current vaccinations.

For more information about Bug and other dogs available for adoption, visit the Copper’s Dream Rescue Organization website.