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.

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of July 17-18 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-Sunday, July 17-18, Humane Society University and the Surf City Animal Response Team host a two-day workshop on emergency animal sheltering at UC Irvine Healthcare, 101 The City Drive South in Orange. The workshop is designed to help members of the public learn the skills necessary to volunteer at emergency shelters in the event of a disaster and includes both classroom instruction and hands-on learning exercises. Cost is $95. For more information or to register, visit HumaneSocietyUniversity.org.

Saturday, July 17, the Sierra Madre Fire Department offers a first aid and CPR training class for dog and cat owners at Pasadena's LaSalle High School, 3880 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event also features adoptable pets, animal-themed vendors, raffle prizes and a guest appearance by Shorty Rossi, the star of Animal Planet's "Pit Boss." Cost is $20 at the door.

Saturday, July 17, the Angels Baseball Foundation presents "Forever Friends for Free" at the Orange County Animal Care Center, 561 The City Drive in Orange, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. During the event, adopters can bring home a new pet from the Orange County shelter and pay only the cost of spay or neuter surgery, if applicable, and microchipping. 

Fashion finery at the dog park? We'll take sensible shoes, thank you

We've never thought of off-leash dog parks as a place to show off one's clothing -- more like a place to get splattered with muddy paw prints and covered in fur.

Those perils to fine clothing haven't stopped some fashionable dog owners from looking nice while exercising their pets at area dog parks, though.

For The Times' Street Fashion series, photographer Colin Young-Wolff visited area dog parks to talk to owners about what they -- and in some cases, their dogs -- were wearing. He met a lot of folks who, like us (and, we imagine, like many of you), dress down for the dog park.

One of them, the sensibly-clad Lucy Ibarra, offered this advice to dog-park newbies: "Don't wear your nice clothes. I got peed on once." Of course, there are those among us who must dress to impress, regardless of context. 

Check out Young-Wolff's photo gallery of dog-park fashion at The Times' Image section. And for the outdoorsy dog owners out there, be sure to take a look at our interactive maps of off-leash dog beaches and dog-friendly hiking trails in Southern California.

-- Lindsay Barnett

Photos, from left: Dominique Brown with her mixed-breed, Thaler; Shenit Hernandez with her mixed-breed, Moe; and Jon Lindsey with his French bulldog, Gustave Flaubert. Credit: Colin Young-Wolff / For The Times

Orange County dog-lovers club raises money for homeless animals at its pet-friendly gatherings

Some 300 Orange County residents are using their regular dog-friendly outings for a greater purpose: raising money for area no-kill animal shelters and rescue groups feeling the sting of the recession.

Brandi and Stephen Terry, a husband-and-wife pair who run a pet-care business, formed the Desperate Paws of Orange County Dog Club as a way to help dog lovers spend quality time with their pets while mingling with like-minded people. They've organized everything from an Easter egg hunt for dogs to beach outings and trips to dog-friendly restaurants.

Inspired by the story of an 8-year-old Irvine girl who raised more than $1,000 for animal cancer research by selling bracelets, the Terrys decided to use their meet-up group to help homeless pets. Over the last few months they've hit up local businesses to donate raffle prizes or a percentage of their sales. They dubbed the campaign "Paw It Forward," and so far they've raised nearly $800.

At the end of the year, group members plan to divide the proceeds from their fundraising efforts between two area shelters or rescue organizations; they'll vote to decide which groups get the cash.

Learn more about the Desperate Paws of Orange County Dog Club and the Paw It Forward campaign in reporter Abby Sewell's recent story in The Times.

-- Lindsay Barnett

Photo: Dogs greet each other at a gathering at the Lazy Dog Cafe organized by the Desperate Paws of Orange County Dog Club on June 28. Credit: Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times

Southern California animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of July 10-11 and beyond

Whether you want to listen to music while relaxing in the company of zoo animals, watch a fashion show for dogs, compete for the chance to appear in a cat-lovers calendar or watch a posse of dachshunds zoom around a race track, the coming days and weeks are loaded with fun events for Southern California animal lovers. 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.

Friday, July 9, the L.A. Zoo hosts the first of its "Music in the Zoo" summer events from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Guests can wander the zoo while listening to live Irish, Japanese, Zimbabwean, Middle Eastern, Mexican and salsa music. Tickets are $12.50 for adult zoo members; $7.50 for child members ages 6 to 15; $16.50 for adult non-members; and $10.50 for child non-members ages 6 to 15. Children 5 and under enter free. For more information or to RSVP, visit LAZoo.org.

Saturday, July 10, the Found Animals Foundation holds an open casting call for male cat owners who think they (and their pets) have what it takes to be featured in a calendar called "6 Packs/9 Lives." The casting session runs from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Matrix Theater, 7657 Melrose Ave. Calendar-model hopefuls, please bring a photo of yourself with your cat (leave the actual cat at home) and proof of ownership, such as a vet bill or those dozen kitty photos you keep in your wallet. There is no pay for participation, but the top 12 dreamy cat owners will have the chance to be photographed by celebrity photographer Adam Bouska. Proceeds from the calendar will benefit Found Animals' work promoting pet adoption, low-cost spay/neuter surgeries and microchip programs. More information at FoundAnimals.org.

Animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of July 3-4 and beyond

Whether you want to dance up a storm, pet a pig, help homeless pets while having a nice dinner or enjoy world music while mingling with zoo animals from around the world, the coming days and weeks are chock-full of ways to help animals while having a good time. Here's our list of upcoming events; if you think we're missing one or want to let us know about an event we haven't heard of yet, just leave a comment on this post or send us a tweet @LATunleashed.

Saturday, July 3, party for a good cause during the Milkshake L.A. Independence Party at West Hollywood club 650 North, 650 N. La Cienega Blvd., from 10 p.m. to closing. The event raises money for Southern California organization spcaLA. Visitors can sign up online in advance of the event to be on its guest list; those on the guest list get in free before 10:30 p.m. Regular admission is $20.

Sunday, July 4, Acton-based farm animal sanctuary Animal Acres hosts its annual Fourth of July "Pignic," at which guests are invited to feast on vegan hot dogs and ice cream while getting to know the sanctuary's rescued residents. Activities include tours of the facility, opportunities to feed animals, field games, face-painting and more. Cost is $10; reservations aren't required. More information at AnimalAcres.org.

Sunday, July 4, don't forget to protect your pet while celebrating the Fourth of July. If you'll be away from home for the festivities, make sure your pet stays in a safe, quiet area; is not left unattended outdoors (even in a fenced yard); and is wearing a tag with your current contact information just in case he or she manages to make a run for it. Be sure to keep things like alcohol, matches, lighter fluid and citronella candles out of your pet's reach. More safety tips are available from the Humane Society of the United States and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

Animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of June 26-27 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, June 26, the Mission Viejo Animal Services and Dedicated Animal Welfare Group (DAWG) hosts its 16th Annual DAWG Walk, Pet Faire and Dog Adoption Event along the Village Green at the Norman P. Murray Center in Mission Viejo. The event includes a walk along Oso Creek Trail, for which participants must pay a $25 entry fee, as well as activities, demonstrations and pet adoptions. For more information or to register for the event, visit Dawg.org.

Saturday, June 26, spcaLA hosts a low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. behind West Hollywood City Hall, 8300 Santa Monica Blvd. The clinic will offer rabies vaccinations for cats and dogs ($5); DHPP vaccinations for dogs ($15); bordetella vaccinations for dogs ($10); FVRCP and leukemia vaccinations for cats ($15 each); and microchipping for cats and dogs ($25). More information at spcaLA.com.

Saturday, June 26, the PAGE Project hosts a donation drive for L.A.-area dog, cat, rabbit and wildlife rescue groups at the Actors and Others for Animals parking lot, 11523 Burbank Blvd. in North Hollywood, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wish-list items include clean blankets, towels and sheets (placed in a bag or a box); crates and carriers; dry and canned cat and dog food; chew toys; healthy treats; flea and tick treatment products; cat litter; cleaning supplies; office supplies and stamps. 

Animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of June 20-21 and beyond

Whether you want to raise money for needy animals, adopt a pet or party at the L.A. Zoo for a good cause (and in the company of the divine Betty White), this weekend and the days and weeks ahead are chock-full of events sure to appeal to Southern California animal lovers. 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, June 20, the L.A. Department of Animal Services offers discounted adoption rates for dogs and cats in honor of Father's Day. During Father's Day Discount Days, adopters can bring home a needy dog for a discounted rate of $78.50 or a cat for a discounted rate of $50.50. More information at the department's Facebook fan page.

Saturday, June 19, the Found Animals Foundation sponsors its "Better With a Buddy" adoption event at the six L.A. City animal shelters (South L.A., West L.A., East Valley, West Valley, North Central and Harbor), the six L.A. County animal shelters (Agoura, Baldwin Park, Carson, Castaic, Downey and Lancaster), the Southeast Area Animal Control Authority animal shelter in Downey and the Antelope Valley Pet Stop in Lancaster. During the event, adopters can bring home a new pet for a 50% discounted rate or two pets for the price of one. More information at FoundAnimals.org.

Saturday, June 19, spcaLA offers a low-cost vaccination and microchip clinic for dogs and cats at its P.D. Pitchford Companion Animal Village facility, 7700 E. Spring St. in Long Beach, from 9 a.m. to 1 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.

Animal lovers' calendar: Weekend of June 12-13 and beyond

Whether you want to adopt a new pet, help Southern California's homeless animals or party with Betty White at the L.A. Zoo, there are many events sure to appeal to L.A.-area animal lovers in the coming days and weeks. If you 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 using the hashtag #ALC.

Saturday, June 12, the L.A. Department of Animal Services hosts mobile pet-adoption events at the Lake Balboa Pet Care Fair, 6350 Woodley Ave. in Van Nuys, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; at downtown pet store Pussy & Pooch, 564 S. Main St., from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; at Fred Hesse Jr. Memorial Park, 29301 Hawthorne Blvd. in Rancho Palos Verdes, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; at the Canoga Park PetSmart location, 21311 Victory Blvd., from noon to 4 p.m.; and at the West Hollywood Petco location, 508 N. Doheny Drive, from 1 to 5 p.m.

Saturday, June 12, 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, June 12, spcaLA hosts PAWS to Read at the Hermosa Beach Library, 550 Pier Ave., from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Beginning and independent young readers up to age 12 are eligible to participate; the program is free, but advance registration is recommended. More information at spcaLA.com.

Animal lovers' calendar: Memorial Day weekend and beyond

It's Memorial Day Weekend, and we hope you and your animal friends will be enjoy some well-deserved relaxation (while observing the ASPCA's Memorial Day pet-safety tips, of course). We've got the details on a number of upcoming animal-centric events in Southern California; if you think we're missing something, let us know by leaving a comment or tweeting the details to us @LATunleashed.

Saturday, May 29, spcaLA invites baseball fans to purchase discounted tickets to the 1 p.m. game between the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim and the Seattle Mariners at Angels Stadium. The organization is also hosting an online auction of Angels memorabilia and other items, with all proceeds benefiting its work on behalf of needy animals in Southern California. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit spcaLA.com.

Saturday, May 29, the Burbank Animal Shelter hosts a mobile pet-adoption event at the Burbank location of Centinela Feed and Pet Supplies, 1505 W. Olive Ave., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monday, May 31, upscale pet hotel The Kennel Club LAX invites patriotic pet owners and their well-behaved dogs to the "Pack for Paws" event at its airport-adjacent facility, 5325 W. 102nd Street, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The event will honor dogs that serve in the military and guests will participate by creating care packages filled with beds, treats and toys for four-legged soldiers and books, snacks and toiletries for their human handlers. Refreshments for both dogs and owners will be served and guests will have the opportunity to have their pictures taken in what Kennel Club LAX describes only as "a patriotic setting." We're envisioning red, white and blue balloons, but hey, that's just us. For more information or to RSVP, visit Kennel Club LAX's Facebook event page.