Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Sept. 25-26 and beyond

Animal lovers, have we got good news for you. This weekend and the weeks ahead are full of fun opportunities to help charities focused on everything from pet adoption to farm-animal welfare, events where you can meet your next furry family member and a whole lot more. If you think we're forgetting something, let us know by leaving a comment or sending us a tweet @LATunleashed.

Through Saturday, Sept. 25, Petfinder.com works to raise awareness about homeless animals that often fall through the cracks at animal shelters with its Adopt a Less-Adoptable Pet Week. (Examples of hard-to-place pets include senior pets, FIV+ cats, "bully breed" dogs and black dogs that are the victims of so-called "black dog bias.") "It breaks my heart to think that some pets are homeless for years when they are just as wonderful as the younger, fluffier puppy next to them. These overlooked pets often make great additions to a family -- but many people don't even realize they are discriminating when they begin looking to adopt," Petfinder co-founder Betsy Banks Saul says. "The goal of this initiative is to bring the issue to the forefront and help find forever homes for these special animals." That's a goal we can get behind!

Saturday, Sept. 25, animal lovers can support Farm Sanctuary by participating in Walk for Farm Animals, a fundraising event that begins at Santa Monica City Hall, 1685 Main Street, at 8:30 a.m. The Santa Monica event is one of over 70 similar events around the country to raise awareness about farm animal welfare and Farm Sanctuary's work. Though there are several Walk for Farm Animals events in Southern California over the next few weeks, the Santa Monica walk is extra-special because Farm Sanctuary co-founder and president Gene Baur will be in attendance. Registration on the day of the event for $20. More information at WalkForFarmAnimals.org.

An unusual sight in downtown L.A.: Thousands of migrating Vaux's swifts delight birdwatchers

Southern California birdwatchers are celebrating the return of a tiny bird called the Vaux's swift to L.A.'s downtown area. Vaux's swifts have taken up residence in the unused chimney of the Chester Williams Building at the intersection of Broadway and 5th Street, and the local Audubon Society chapter is inviting the public to take a peek during two bird-viewing parties over the next few weeks.

Vaux's swifts prefer to nest in hollow tree trunks, but a chimney will do in a pinch, and members of the species have been known to roost by the thousands in abandoned urban chimneys along their migratory paths. These particular Vaux's swifts are expected to stay in L.A. until early October before continuing south for the winter, according to the Los Angeles Downtown News.

The tiny birds aren't new to L.A.'s downtown; for years, they used the chimney of the Nabisco Bakery Building as a stopover on their trip south. (They were forced to find a new nesting spot when the building was converted into lofts and the chimney was sealed, the Downtown News reports.)

Vaux's swifts are diminutive gray-brown birds closely related to chimney swifts and sometimes mistaken for bats by urban dwellers unused to seeing small, rapidly flapping creatures in the sky. You can see them with the added benefit of expert commentary and Audubon Society-provided binoculars at the organization's free Birds Over Broadway events Friday and Oct. 1. Both events begin at 6 p.m. on the top floor of Joe's Auto Park, 440 S. Broadway.

RELATED BIRD NEWS:
Sightings of endangered least Bell's vireos in Playa Vista area hearten bird lovers
San Juan Capistrano's famous swallows take up residence in Chino Hills

-- Lindsay Barnett

Photo: Vaux's swifts fly with a view of the moon in downtown L.A. before traveling north on April 23. They're once again in downtown as they prepare to fly south for the winter. Credit: Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Sept. 18-19 and beyond

If you want to adopt a pet, help worthy animal-related charities raise funds and awareness or watch athletic dogs go surfing (and really, who doesn't want to watch surfing dogs?), this weekend and the coming weeks are full of events sure to appeal to you. Think we're forgetting something? Let us know by leaving a comment on this post or sending us a tweet @LATunleashed.

Saturday, Sept. 18, Last Chance for Animals invites Southern California pet lovers to its Puppy Mill Awareness Festival at Hancock Park, 5801 Wilshire Blvd. (near the La Brea Tar Pits), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event will feature educational speakers, animal advocacy and animal welfare information booths, adoptable pets from area rescue organizations and shelters, live entertainment, pet-themed vendors and activities for children.

Saturday, Sept. 18, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies' Rancho Palos Verdes location, 28901 Western Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m; and at the Canoga Park PetSmart location, 21311 Victory Blvd., from noon to 4 p.m. (The department will also have adoptable pets at the Puppy Mill Awareness Festival, above.) See photos of adoptable pets at LAAnimalServices.com.

Sunday, Sept. 19, Best Friends Animal Society hosts "Strut Your Mutt," a walk to raise funds for Best Friends and local animal charities and rescue groups, beginning at the Santa Monica Pier. The event includes pet-friendly vendors, a doggie massage booth, a canine cafe, training demonstrations, a pet psychic, games, contests, an after party and more. Registration begins at 6:30 a.m., with the walk beginning at 8:30. More information at Best Friends' website.

Cow down -- pregnant cow is shot at California State Fair

I've never been much of a fan of circuses, because of the exploitive animal acts, or the animal exhibits at state and county fairs. A cow made out of butter is one thing; a cow who's very pregnant and corralled into some display at a fair just so people can exhibit the "miracle of birth" -- that's a no-go.

At the recent California State Fair, people got to witness the "miracle of death." A very pregnant cow understandably panicked in this alarmingly unfamiliar place as she was being herded into a "birthing pen." She broke free, knocked over a police officer and ran through the fairgrounds before it opened. Officials said they tried to tranquilize her and couldn't, so police shot her to death -- four times in the head, three times in the body.

I appreciate the argument that children need to see real animals in real life to understand their life cycles. (It's unfortunately the same argument people use for not spaying and neutering their pets -- which more often than not results in the "surplus" puppies and kittens being dumped at animal shelters, on the taxpayers' dime, and maybe getting adopted or maybe not -- or just being dumped, period.)

Stand up and paddle for farm animals next month in Lake Tahoe

What does stand-up paddling have to do with farm animals? You'll find out if you load up your board and head up to Lake Tahoe on Sept. 10 to join Kings Beach resident John Merryfield when he paddles around the lake to raise money for Farm Sanctuary, a farm animal protection organization.

Merryfield expects to take two days to paddle the 72-mile perimeter of the lake. He did it last year in three days (photo above, Merryfield in center) and raised $3,050 for the organization. He was joined by eight people paddling the first day for 26 miles, with Merryfield and one other person finishing the entire trip.

Farm Sanctuary is active in raising awareness about farm animal cruelty and factory farming, conducts animal rescues and adoptions, and maintains shelters in Orland, Calif., and upstate New York. In a press release about Merryfield's upcoming paddle, Farm Sanctuary President Gene Baur said, "Whether you are an amateur vegan chef or a businessperson, a fashion designer or an outdoors enthusiast, there are many ways you can raise awareness and help create change."

Merryfield will begin the paddle at 8 a.m. Sept. 10 in Kings Beach, across from Tahoe Paddle and Oar. Paddlers are welcome to join him; donations can be made through his website.

RELATED NEWS ABOUT FARM SANCTUARY:
July in animal news: Five questions with Farm Sanctuary president and co-founder Gene Baur
Rescue success story: Angelo, lamb born en route to slaughter, thrives at New York's Farm Sanctuary

-- Julie Sheer

Photo by Michael Fish

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Aug. 21-22 and beyond

If you want to adopt a pet, take advantage of low-cost veterinary care options, see a baseball game with your dog, drink wine (or mojitos!) for a good cause or shop for cruelty-free makeup while snacking on vegan food, we've got good news for you! All these activities and more are coming up in the coming days and weeks. Here's our rundown of upcoming animal-related events; if you think we're missing something, leave us a comment or send us a tweet @LATUnleashed.

Saturday, Aug. 21, Clinico hosts a grand opening event for its recently unveiled low-cost spay/neuter clinic at the L.A. Department of Animal Services' East Valley animal shelter, 14409 Vanowen St., Van Nuys, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event includes free vaccinations and microchipping services for dogs (while supplies last), live entertainment, giveaways and face-painting. Guests can also make an appointment to have their dog or cat spayed or neutered.

Saturday, Aug. 21, spcaLA invites potential "foster parents" to learn about its fostering program from 10 a.m. to noon at its South Bay Pet Adoption Center, 12910 Yukon Ave., Hawthorne. "Foster parents" are needed to care for puppies and kittens that are too young to be adopted, as well as older dogs and cats with special needs. More information at spcaLA.com. (The L.A. Department of Animal Services offers a similar program for underage puppies and kittens; more information on that program is available at the department's website.)

Saturday, Aug. 21, the Beauty Rebellion Project hosts a launch party and fundraiser for the Best Friends Animal Society at American Vintage, 1750 Hillhurst Ave., Los Feliz, from 2 to 9 p.m. Guests can enjoy vegetarian and vegan food, drinks and shopping for discounted vintage clothing and cruelty-free beauty products. The event also features pet adoptions, raffle prizes, free makeovers and more. For more information or to RSVP, visit Beauty Rebellion on Facebook.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Aug. 14-15 and beyond

Whether you want to adopt a pet, learn how to protect animals in the event of an emergency, rub shoulders with other animal lovers or shop for vintage clothing and cruelty-free makeup for a very good cause, the coming weekend and the weeks ahead are full of events that are sure to appeal to you. If you think we're missing one or want to alert us to an upcoming event, let us know by leaving a comment on this post or sending us a tweet @LATUnleashed.

Saturday, Aug. 14, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at Fred Hesse Jr. Memorial Park, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd. in Rancho Palos Verdes, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and at the Canoga Park PetSmart location, 21311 Victory Blvd., from noon to 4 p.m.

Sunday, Aug. 15, the Surf City Animal Response Team invites Orange County pet lovers to its Pet Fair in the Park event at Mile Square/FB Sports Park, 16400 Brookhurst Ave. in Fountain Valley, from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can learn about disaster preparedness for pets, visit animal-themed vendors and take advantage of the event's low-cost vaccination and microchipping services. More information at SurfCityAnimalResponseTeam.org.

Sunday, Aug. 15, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at the Torrance PetSmart location, 3855-59 Sepulveda Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; at Moorpark Park, 12061 Moorpark Ave. in Studio City, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and at West Hollywood pet store Healthy Spot, 8525 Santa Monica Blvd., from 1 to 5 p.m.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of Aug. 7-8 and beyond

If you want to adopt a needy pet, help area rescue organizations or meet like-minded animal lovers in Southern California, the coming days and weeks are full of events sure to help. We've got the details on a number of them; if you think we're forgetting one, let us know by leaving a comment or tweeting the details to us @LATunleashed.

Saturday, Aug. 7, spcaLA offers a low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic for dogs and cats at its South Bay Pet Adoption Center, 12910 Yukon Ave. in Hawthorne, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic will offer rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs ($5); DHPP vaccinations for dogs ($15); bordetella vaccinations for dogs ($10); FVRCP and FeLV vaccinations for cats ($15 each); and microchipping for cats and dogs ($25). More information at spcaLA.com.

Saturday, Aug. 7, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts a mobile pet-adoption event at the West Hollywood Petco location, 508 N. Doheny Dr., from 1 to 5 p.m. See photos of adoptable pets at LAAnimalServices.com.

Saturday, Aug. 7, the Voice for the Animals Foundation presents a night of entertainment from comedians Lily Tomlin, Elayne Boosler, Bruce Vilanch, Rick Overton and Orny Adams, as a fundraiser for the campaign to remove Billy, the L.A. Zoo's lone Asian elephant, from the zoo and "retire" him to animal sanctuary P.A.W.S. The event, to be held at a Beverly Hills mansion, begins at 5 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. Tax-deductible tickets range in price from $100 to $200 and can be purchased through Voice for the Animals' website.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of July 31-Aug. 1 and beyond

If you want to adopt a pet, visit with native Southern California butterflies, attend an art show or meet like-minded animal lovers, this weekend and the days and weeks ahead are full of events you're sure to enjoy. Think we're forgetting something? Let us know by leaving a comment on this post or sending the details to us in a tweet @LATunleashed.

Through Sunday, Aug. 1, Claremont's Rancho Santa Ana Botanic Garden invites Southern California residents to its temporary Butterfly Pavilion exhibit, which features hundreds of butterflies native to the area. Admission to the exhibit is an additional $2 with paid Botanic Garden admission, which is $8 for adults, $6 for adults over 65 and students with a valid student ID, $4 for children ages 3 to12 and free for children under 3. Exhibit hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. More information and directions at RSABG.org.

Saturday, July 31, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at Centinela Feed & Pet Supplies' Rancho Palos Verdes location, 28901 Western Ave., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; at downtown pet store Pussy & Pooch, 564 S. Main St., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and at Northridge's Petco location, 8800 Tampa Ave., from noon to 4 p.m. See photos of adoptable pets at LAAnimalServices.com.

Saturday, July 31, more than 60 fine artists will present their work at an art show and silent auction at the Riverside Municipal Auditorium, 3485 Mission Inn Ave. in Riverside, with proceeds benefiting the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. The event also features a special appearance by Sea Shepherd leader Paul Watson and guest DJ sets by the Crystal Method and DJ Diabetic (aka artist Shepard Fairey). Cost is $20, payable at the door. VIP admission is also available for $110 per person. More information at SeaShepherdArtShow.com.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of July 24-25 and beyond

If you want to adopt a pet, volunteer at the L.A. Zoo or meet fellow animal lovers while enjoying a nice cocktail (or two), there's an event for you coming up in Southern California. Here are the events that hit our radar; if you think we're missing one or want to alert us to an upcoming event, let us know by leaving a comment or sending us a tweet @LATUnleashed.

Now through Sunday, July 25, the L.A. Department of Animal Services offers potential adopters the chance to bring home a new dog or cat for a discounted fee during its Summer Discount Adoption Days. Throughout the event, dogs and puppies will be available for a discounted rate of $78.50 and cats and kittens for a discounted rate of $50.50 at each of the department's six shelter facilities (West L.A., South L.A., Harbor, North Central, East Valley and West Valley) and at mobile adoption events.

Saturday, July 24-Sunday, Aug. 1, the Capistrano Animal Rescue Effort (CARE) offers discounted adoption fees for homeless cats at the San Juan Capistrano PetSmart in honor of its 10th anniversary. During the event, cats will be available for a $100 adoption fee (down from $135). See photos of adoptable cats at the organization's website.

Saturday, July 24, the L.A. Department of Animal Services holds mobile pet-adoption events at Forneris Farms, 15200 Rinaldi St. in Mission Hills, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; at the G2 Gallery, 1503 Abbot Kinney Blvd. in Venice, from noon to 3 p.m.; and at the Canoga Park Petco location, 6615 Fallbrook Mall Ave., from noon to 4 p.m. See photos of adoptable pets at LAAnimalServices.com.