California Dreamin'

What IS it about California that attracts so many wonderful people who love and care for injured, abused, neglected and disabled animals? Must be something in the water, but I think this is a great place to give a few of these special places their props.

One of the most miraculous stories to share is that of Brighthaven in Sebastopol, where Gail and Richard Pope have dedicated their lives -- and their home -- to caring for animals no one else wants. And they do it in a unique way: Over the years BrightHaven has evolved to become a completely unique holistic retirement retreat and hospice for senior (16+) sick or disabled animals.

Once animals are "adopted" by BrightHaven, they live out their lives in a beautiful, well-balanced environment as part of a loving family. All are free to roam indoors or out in the enclosed gardens. BrightHaven is becoming well known as a healing arts center for animals through its seminar and workshop programs, designed to help people better care for their animals. Well-known practitioners from many walks of natural health join with Brighthaven to offer their knowledge to the community.

Another great California group is BONES - Better Options for NEglected Strays. BONES is named after an early rescue dog. These photos show him before and after being rescued:

There are many, MANY more organizations in the sunny state of California that treat animals they way they should be treated. There's a great list of these at the Puppy Love Rescue site - another great group. Check them all out!

Saving Face

Here's a story my brother told me about, which just proves how easy it is for any critter -- or person, for that matter -- to find themselves "almost perfect" in the blink of an eye. Check out Edgar's story about almost losing her (yes, her) face in this video.

Diva Dog!

"There is an emotional connection where animals and human beings have created exactly what the universe wants, which is a bonding that saves each others' lives." Debra Wilson gets it right in "Diva Dog," a Chris Cory film now running on YouTube. It's a brief introduction to Coral, a spunky, lively and altogether charming pitbull who's teaching the real meaning of getting on with life despite one's limitations.

"That's what makes her story and legacy so important, because she touches you and moves you, and you become transformed," Wilson says, describing her experience with Coral.

It's a story familiar to our own Vicki Tiernan, whose beautiful Dobie-Lab mix Ruby did the diva thing in San Francisco, inspiring people for years in her own inimitable way. Ruby graces the cover of Almost Perfect: Disabled Pets and the People Who Love Them.

Bounce on over to Rebound Hounds!

Okay, here's another blog that's right up our alley: Rebound Hounds. It's devoted to disabled dogs, and has some great info on dachshunds, especially. You just gotta love Greta, the elder stateswoman dachsie, modeling the fashions worn by all the hip senior pups this season. You'll also find some links to other related websites, and a great list of disabled pet-friendly holiday gift suggestions, so truck on over and give it a look!

Altruism - This is what it's all about.

Okay, it may be a stretch, but I just HAD to include this one here. Actually, perhaps it's not a stretch at all, but actually the most pointed example of how animals can inspire us. This vid is about one dog disabled in a most profound way -- being run over by a car on the freeway -- and another coming to his rescue. Amazing. Don't miss it.