I made my usual Friday morning stop at Fairmount Park but there were no people there with pets and it did not seem like the woman bringing the oatmeal was coming. I went directly from the park to Massachusetts on the Eastside but nobody was outside with their pets so I continued driving to Colton. I was asked to bring dog food to someone and I was able to do that and give away one of the final four AnimalVictory.org 'Holiday Love Bags'. I was going to go to Hunter Park next but stopped at Reid Park first. There is a gentleman living in his van with his dog. I saw the dog pop his head up when I pulled into the parking lot so I parked. The companion was sick and did not want to get out of the van but the driver's side window was open a bit and I was able to give the dog a toy, treats and a bully stick. I also left supplies on the hood of the van for both of them. Next was Hunter Park but when I did not see anyone I knew there I drove around the corner and visited with 'Solo'. While I was leaving, I received a text from the companion of 'Scamp' and 'Joey'. They were not at the park but they were close to where I was so I headed their way. With the exception of running an errand and checking our PO Box, those were my final stops for 2021. I am so Grateful that I was healthy and able to stay on the streets 24/7 this year. I am hoping for more of the same in 2022! Nestle Pure Life waters, large bag of recyclables, McDonald's gift cards, Subway gift card, socks, hand warmers, Large Snack Bags with a variety of beef and cheese sticks, beef sticks, cracker packs, cookie packs, chicken salad snack packs and canned pastas, Holiday Love Bag from AnimalVictory.org, squeaky Kong tennis ball, chicken jerky treats for dogs,2-20-pound bags of dog food from the Star Milling Company, small bag of dog food, Christmas pet toys, kabob chew sticks, bully slices and bully sticks were shared.

We rented five rooms last night with funds leftover from the money we collected prior to Christmas. Nine pets and their companions were able to sleep in a warm comfortable environment thanks to the generosity if out supporters. When I went to the motel, I visited with five of the nine pets. I distributed supplies and AnimalVictory.org 'Holiday Love Bags'. When I left the motel, I went to the parking lot across the street. 'Midnight' was there with a gentleman who began taking care of her when her companion went to the hospital on Christmas Eve. He is struggling with caring for the dog so I put a call in to a Sgt. Sanders at Riverside County Animal Services to inquire about the program that helps pets of the homeless in this situation. The person in charge of that program is on vacation but he said he would do what he could to assist. He wound up sending an AC Officer to pick up the dog for us and then I got word from someone I had called earlier. She said she found someone to watch the dog. So, she went to RCAS and was able to get the dog, before she was taken inside. It all worked out! When I was leaving that location, I headed across town to our storage units. I am going Sunday to meet a couple of people and pick up supplies but I knew I would run out of the large bags of dog food before then so I went today. From there it was the post office and then home. Nestle Pure Life waters, McDonald's gift cards, socks, fleece blankets, hand warmers, Large Snack Bags with a variety of beef and cheese sticks, beef sticks, cracker packs, cookie packs, chicken salad snack packs and canned pastas, Holiday Love Bag from AnimalVictory.org, chicken jerky treats for dogs, 3 large pet jackets, Max and Neo dog leash, Inaba Churus for dogs, Inaba Churus for cats, wet cat food, wet dog food, 17 pound bag of cat food from the Star Milling Company, 20 pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, Christmas pet toys, small bag of dog food, kabob chew sticks and bully sticks were shared.

I want to start this post by sharing some Gratitude, as the rest may not reflect all of my appreciation. We had funds left from Christmas/Christmas Eve and were able to rent 5 more motel rooms this evening. I am not exactly sure but there are somewhere between 6 and 9 pets in those rooms. I will have the correct count tomorrow but regardless of whether it is six or nine. There are people and pets out of the rain and the cold thanks to our recent fundraising efforts for this purpose……Now on to the rest of the day and how the year is winding down…..Our final count for 'the works' in 2021 was 192. We normally do at least 200 each year but Animal Services closed the calendar to us one day in November and two days in December which meant a possible 18 pets would not be getting their surgeries there. Add that to the number of no-shows we have had and it is pretty incredible that we were able to do the number we did. We had three neutered at VanBuren Animal Hospital but that is not the volume we are accustomed to. Our last pet of 2021 was supposed to get neutered today. Yesterday, his companions brought him over an hour late to get him chipped, vaccinated, flea&tick treated and a fecal exam. The cost was close to $150.00. I normally don't do that until the day of surgery or after a pet is already spayed and neutered but I thought this would be most efficient. Sometimes if people get the chip and vaccinations, they are happy to skip the neuter. That is not how we do things. Yesterday's services turned out to be a mistake and once again I was reminded why I have set rules for these things. The companions have two phone numbers but neither was working. I sat in front of the vet's office for forty-five minutes and finally left. I told Shirley to let me know if they showed. They never did. This is never what I want to happen and especially not how I wanted to end our spay/neuter surgeries for the year but there was nothing I could do about it. I will be sure to 'stick to the rules' from now on and stop trying so hard to make it even easier for the people we serve when all it does is put more stress on me. The stress comes with the territory (so to speak) but when I follow the guidelines set for Taking It To The Streets, people try harder because they know they will not get what they want if they don't. "One by one we get them done, because the only way to combat pet overpopulation and euthanasia in our shelters is to spay and neuter."

We have one pet scheduled for neuter surgery tomorrow at Van Buren Animal Hospital. It will be our last spay/neuter surgery for the year. The plan was to get the dog microchipped, vaccinated and flea/tick treated at the clinic this morning. It is cheaper there and even though I don't like spreading the services out between two days it is the best way to do it until we return to the Department Of Animal Services on January 5th to resume surgeries there. We were not supposed to meet until 10:00am so I told a couple of people that I would meet them in the parking lot of the Jurupa Valley Motel6 between 8:30 and 9:00am. I did meet them and then headed over to the clinic. I waited for thirty minutes but nobody showed so I drove to our PO Box and then home. I needed to pay for our 2022 Jurupa Valley Business Tax Permit so I grabbed the paperwork and headed to Jurupa Valley City Hall. While I was there, I received a phone call around 11:00am that the people and pet I was waiting for earlier had finally shown up. I approved payments for what needed done and I will meet the dog tomorrow. I also started a list of reservations for the motel on Wednesday night. We still had money for a few more rooms and the rain which has been on and off is supposed to return in full force on Wednesday and Thursday. I am trying to get rooms for those who missed out on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. If this winter continues to be a cold and wet one, I may be trying to raise more funds next month for the same purpose. For now, I am working on the funds we have and who they can help. Nestle Pure Life waters, umbrella, knit gloves, hand warmers, Holiday Love Bag from AnimalVictory.org, chicken jerky treats for dogs, small fleece pet jackets, Christmas pet sweater, Inaba Churus for cats, wet cat food, wet dog food, kabob chew sticks and bully sticks were shared.

I was supposed to drive out the Jurupa Valley Motel6 to check for a microchip on a stray dog but the dog was no longer there so I drove downtown in order to drop off some baked goods and kitty toys/treats to Rebecca Torres. She is the wife of Ralph Torres who has been so generously giving his time over the years to keep our website going. Unfortunately, I had a little 'mishap' on the way. Driving down Mission Avenue I could see something black and flat was in the road but could not make out what it was. When I got closer, I realized it was a deceased animal but was not sure what until I was forced to partially drive over it. I tried to move over but there were cars all around me and I could only do so much. As I continued driving a horrible odor filled my vehicle and I knew it was a skunk. I have no idea how to get rid of the smell on the inside or outside on the tires. I just hope it wears off soon, because I did not enjoy driving and dealing with that. After dropping off my gift bags, I drove to the eastside. I stopped on Massachusetts but nobody was outside the pallet houses or the shelter. I headed to the bank on University and made a call to the companion of a pet I had not seen in a while. They were in a motel room so I went directly there. Next stop was off of Marlborough Avenue near Hunter Park and then my final stop was at Hunter Park. I had planned on making another stop but after going to our PO Box, I ran out of time. Nestle Pure Life waters, socks, hand warmers, Holiday Love Bag from AnimalVictory.org, chicken jerky treats for dogs, small fleece pet jacket, Christmas pet toys, small and regular size Kong squeaky tennis balls, Inaba Churus for dogs, 20-pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, wet dog food, kabob chew sticks and bully sticks were shared.

In addition to the rooms we rented for people and their pets on Christmas Eve, we also rented six motel rooms for Christmas. A few of those pets had not yet received their 'Holiday Love Bags' so I wanted to get over to bring them today. Before doing that, I went across town to our storage so I could re-stock small and large bags of dog food. The rain let up which meant I had some catching up to do. I was supposed to go to two different river bottom outlets and distribute supplies but I had to text someone and tell them I would not be making it to their location after all. By the time I went to storage, one of the river bottom outlets and the motel I was out of time. I am sure I will be able to get to them sometime this week as long as the rain lets up. The people who received rooms during these cold/rainy days were so appreciative of what we did for them. The thanks go out to all of you who made monetary donations so I could make that happen. Nestle Pure Life waters, fleece blankets, Holiday Love Bags from AnimalVictory.org, chicken jerky treats for dogs, Christmas pet tees, small fleece pet jacket, Christmas pet toys, small Kong squeaky tennis balls, Inaba Churus for dogs, small bag of dog food, 17 pound bag of cat food from the Star Milling Company, wet cat food, Inaba Churus for cats, small bag of puppy food, wet puppy food, 3-20 pound bags of dog food from the Star Milling Company, wet dog food, Christmas Pet tennis balls, kabob chew sticks and bully sticks were shared.

My only plans for this morning were to go to the motel. I had homemade baked goods for the staff and wanted to visit with some of the pets we put in rooms last night. I was not able to visit with them all but did visit with nine. We have six more rooms reserved for this evening and that will include ten or more pets. When I left the motel, I drove around a couple areas of Jurupa Valley but when I did not find anyone, I stopped to get fuel and headed home. Nestle Pure Life waters, homemade baked goods for the Motel6 staff, McDonald's gift cards, Holiday Love Bags from AnimalVictory.org, chicken jerky treats for dogs, Christmas pet tees, small fleece pet jacket, Christmas pet jingle collar, Christmas pet toys, Christmas pet antler hats, Inaba Churus for dogs, 20-pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, wet dog food, Christmas Pet tennis balls, kabob chew sticks, bully sticks and bully slices were shared.

The rain was pouring down all day yesterday, through the night and then most of the morning. I did some baking, trying to pass time and hoping it would clear up for a bit. At about 8:30am, we got a break when the sun came out for about an hour or so. I had filled my vehicle with supplies earlier, including the 'AnimalVictory.org 'Holiday Love Bags' and was ready to head out. I was hoping to find some of the people I could not reach by text or call but who I thought might welcome a motel room with their pets. I was able to do that at my very first stop and then my phone continued to 'blow up' with texts and calls from others who wanted out of the rain. I went to Fairmount Park, the Jurupa Valley Motel6 and our PO Box. That was the extent of today's travels. There were deep puddles all over the roadways and the river bottom encampments were all sitting in water. When I drove to Fairmount Park, all of the entrances were gated due to the large masses of water that had accumulated. Everything was a mess but I was able to offer a few people and pets some relief for Christmas Eve or Christmas. By lunch time, I had reserved six rooms for tonight and four for tomorrow. I have not heard back from everyone yet but I think we raised enough for others as well. I won't have an exact count until the charges go through but it looks like 18+pets and their companions are already booked for one of the days so there is no telling how many we will have when I am able to do a final count. Nestle Pure Life waters, hand warmers, fleece blankets, Gift Bags from AnimalVictory.org, fleece blankets, chicken jerky treats for dogs, Christmas pet tees, small fleece pet jacket, Christmas pet jingle collars, Christmas pet toys, Christmas pet antler hats, small collars, small bag of dog food, Inaba Churus for cats, Inaba Churus for dogs, 20 pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, small Kong squealy tennis balls, Christmas Pet tennis balls, kabob chew sticks and bully slices were shared.

Today was our first full day of rain and we are expecting lots more of it for at least another week. I am not sure what that will mean for my daily travels as I will not be able to go to many of the places I normally do, due to there not being any cover. All I can do is make an effort and see what happens. It was not an issue today. I started the morning at Van Buren Animal Hospital where we had a dog getting neutered. I had a couple of appointments at Kaiser so as soon as I gave them a few things and got everything set to go I left. Thankfully, I was in and out of Kaiser in about ninety minutes. There were many long lines wrapped around the parking lot for testing and vaccination but I was able to park and go in to do what I needed to get done. When I left, I went home to give the dogs a potty break and then headed over to the Jurupa Valley Motel6. We had people with pets in three rooms and I also wanted to visit another that was there with her companions. It was hard to stay dry and after an hour or so I had enough and decided to call it a day. I will go back tomorrow and try to catch up with anyone I missed. I was going straight home but wound up at our PO Box and then drove out to the Sprouts in Eastvale and the Sees on Pats Ranch Road. It felt wonderful to get home and spend the rest of the day in a warm, dry environment but it is hard not to think about all those trying to stay warm and dry where it is pretty much impossible. I might have to do the 'Shelter From The Rain' fundraiser sooner than I planned. "One by one we get them done, because the only way to combat pet overpopulation and euthanasia in our shelters is to spay and neuter". ARCO fuel cards, Burger King gift cards, McDonald's gift cards, Gift Bags from AnimalVictory.org, fleece blankets, pet beds, jingle pet collar, Christmas sweater, Christmas jacket, Max and Neo Dog Gear collars, Max and Neo Dog Gear leash, and chicken jerky treats were shared.

Even though we are unable to resume our spay/neuter services at the Riverside Department of Animal Services until January 4th, we still managed to get a few appointments at Van Buren Animal Hospital this week. I am still unsure if we will do any next week but we had two scheduled for today and another for tomorrow. One of the companion's pulled into the parking lot the same time I did. We were both a little early which gave me time to give the dog an AnimalVictory.org 'Holiday Gift Bag', do a video clip and take a few photos. This family has another dog that we already provided 'the works' for not too long ago. I gave her a bag as well, after she was trying to get the bag intended for her 'brother'. The second dog was not on time. Their ride had a dead battery so they arrived late. I was unable to wait for them, because I had an appointment to get to but everything was set up for the dog so they were ready for him. I was unable to get any photos, do a video clip or give him his AnimalVictory.org 'Holiday Love Bag' but I will do that tomorrow at the motel. Thanks to AnimalVictory.org, I did not have to try to solicit donations for 'the works' or the post op two-night motel stay. ARCO gift cards, McDonald's gift cards, AnimalVictory.org 'Holiday Gift bags, chicken jerky treats for dogs and a bully stick were shared. "One by one we get them done, because the only way to combat pet overpopulation and euthanasia in our shelters is to spay and neuter."

Today was one of the busier days I have had in a while. Met with 13 pets and their companions throughout the morning. My first stop was the Jurupa Valley Motel6. Before I went to any rooms, I dropped of some home baked cookies for an office staff member who goes above and beyond to help and I also left a container for the housekeepers. I had three rooms to visit. Two of the rooms were for pets that received 'the works' after they were impounded. AnimalVictory.org covered the expenses for their services and for the two-night stays at the motel. The other room was where some kitties were with a couple of dogs. I wanted to give them a 'Holiday Love Bag' for the kitties and one for the dogs too. I had made arrangements to meet a few people at the vaccination clinic so I headed there next and brought a container of home baked cookies for the front office staff. Two of the dogs are going to be getting neutered tomorrow at Van Buren Animal Hospital, thanks to AnimalVictory.org. It is less expensive to get them microchipped, vaccinated and flea treated at the clinic so we did that today, in preparation of tomorrow's surgeries. The other four dogs were there strictly for vaccinations and flea/tick treatments. I had planned to go to the PO Box when I left there but I ran out of time and headed home. Nestle Pure Life waters, ARCO fuel cards, Burger King gift cards, Gift Bags from AnimalVictory.org, fleece blankets, Christmas sweaters, Christmas pet hoodie, small fleece pet jackets, 2 Max and Neo Dog Gear med/lg collars, 2 Max and Neo Dog Gear leashes, two small collars, two small leashes, small bag of dog food, large stainless steel pet dish, collapsible pet dish, squeaky dog toys, rope dog toys, wet dog food, 2-20 pound bags of dog food from the Star Milling Company, 2 small bags of kitten food, Inaba Churus for dogs, kabob chew sticks, bully slices and bully sticks were shared.

This morning, I drove straight to Massachusetts on the Eastside. I thought some people were planning on meeting me with their pets but nobody was out there waiting. I continued on to Hunter Park where I visited with three pets, distributed supplies and passed out a couple of the 'Holiday Love Bags' from AnimalVictory.org. Another one of my favorite pets was up the street so I went to see him next. When I arrived, I met a little dog named 'OG'. He was previously neutered by his companion so I was happy to share supplies and AnimalVictory.org 'Holiday Love Bags' with both dogs at that location. My daughter had picked up a few small dog beds for me and she had them in her vehicle which was not far from where I was. I met up with her, put the beds in my vehicle and headed out to Colton. Three of the dogs I was hoping to see were not there but two were. I distributed supplies and gave them an AnimalVictory.org 'Holiday Love Bag' too. I was going to swing back to Massachusetts Avenue but my time on the streets was running out. I got on the freeway and headed to our PO Box in Jurupa Valley. A couple of things I ran out of when making the 'Holiday Love Bags' was supposed to be there so I wanted to check. The socks arrived but the snack packs did not. They are now due in another week. I should still have a total of 25 'Holiday Love Bags' to give over the next week so all is good. Nestle Pure Life waters, Gift Bags from AnimalVictory.org, fleece blankets, toilet tissue, hand warmers, Christmas jingle collar, Christmas sweaters, small fleece pet jacket, small bag of dog food, large stainless steel pet dish, collapsible pet dish, squeaky dog toys, rope dog toys, wet dog food, Inaba Churus for dogs, kabob chew sticks and bully sticks were shared.

I started my morning by meeting with Ilene Stein at our storage units. She is one of our board members and a close friend. I had some baked goods for her and a couple other friends. She offered to do the pick up and deliver. (Thanks Ilene). While I was at storage, I picked up a few bags of dog food and then headed over to Shamel Park to meet with 'Cali'. She received the first 'Holiday Gift Bag' from the project we are doing with AnimalVictory.org. When I left that location, I drove around to make sure I could find 'Kawasaki'. One of our supporters was bringing donations for the charity and I suggested we get together this morning. She has always admired 'Kawasaki' on Facebook so I thought it might be nice if they had a chance to meet. I was not sure exactly where to find her and her companion so I drove around looking. Once I found them, I informed her companion that I would be back in a bit with someone who wanted to say hello. I ran an errand and then met with Karla in a nearby Carl's Jr. parking lot. We put all of the donations in my back seat and then she followed me to 'Kawasaki'. She even took a few photos so I had something to give to AnimalVictory.org. We do not include people in our photos and even though I do not like my photo being taken, it seemed like a good idea for this project. Sharing the photos with one of my favorite dogs made me more willing to do it. When we were done there, I wound up going right home so I could unload all of the wonderful supplies Karla brought for us. Next Sunday, I am hoping to meet a group and their pets at one of the river bottom outlets. I am most thankful when there are multiple pets being visited. Nestle Pure Life waters, Gift Bags from AnimalVictory.org, socks, sleeping bag donated this morning by Karla Wooldridge-Lungstrum, Large Snack Bag with cracker packs, cookie packs, beef and cheese sticks and chicken salad snack pack, Christmas pet outfit, Christmas pet scarf, small bag of dog food, wet dog food, Inaba Churus for dogs, bacon flavored dental chew sticks and bully sticks were shared.

I was contacted yesterday about a stray dog. We agreed to meet this morning at one of the river bottom outlets in Jurupa Valley so I could scan it for a microchip. When I arrived, I was told that they had already found the owner(s) which was great news. The person I was supposed to meet has a dog we recently provided 'the works' for and she was in need of dog food for him. I was able to give her the dog food and other supplies. While at that location, I walked over to where another large dog stays. He needed something they could tether him to now and then and it needed to be something where he had room to roam. I was able to provide them with a trolley cable run for that purpose. I visited with a total of six pets at this location and distributed supplies to each of them. When I left there, I drove over to meet someone at Fairmount Park. There was some type of event going on and I could not find who I was looking for so I continued driving. I had to stop at a store to pick up an order for the AnimalVictory.org 'Holiday Love Bags' and I also had to pick up a package at the post office which contained beanies. Those are going in the bags as well. If all goes as planned, I will be able to put together a few bags and start passing them out sometime next week. Nestle Pure Life waters, socks, body wipes, pet wipes, trolley cable run, dry pet shampoo, Christmas pet tees, Christmas dog toys, 20-pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, Max and Neo dog collar, Max and Neo dog leash, cat treats, Inaba Churus for cats, Inaba Churus for dogs, collapsible pet bowl, wet dog food, wet cat food, Christmas cat toys, kabob chew sticks and Bully Sticks.

I started my morning at Fairmount Park and the first thing I did was look for the woman who stood me/us up twice on her scheduled 'spay days'. I had given her so many supplies believing she would keep the appointments and then today she told me she did not know I was going so spay the dog when we started the vaccinations. That was totally untrue as we had discussed the dog recuperating from surgery in a motel room. For whatever the reason, she chose not to be honest with me and I told her I did not appreciate my time, appointments, supplies and funds being wasted. I am definitely done with that puppy which makes me sad as she lives and hangs out at the park with no health measures in place...I was not going to waste my morning dwelling on her so I visited with three other pets at the park, before heading over to the Eastside. I went down Massachusetts and met with someone who recently got off the streets with her two dogs. Everyone I met with today received supplies and I had an opportunity to spoil the dogs for a bit. My next stop was home. I wanted to pick up the gift bags filled with baked goods for the postal employees. I had one bag for everyone and one bag just for an employee who always goes above and beyond to help me get our packages to my vehicle. After that I ran a quick errand and then met with someone at the Pedley Square Vet. She has a rescued kitten that got injured and has paralysis in its back end. I wanted to begin its vaccinations, have him chipped and check out his weight. He will not be big enough for the neuter appointment I made for him next week but we will still take care of that when he is big enough. The surgery to correct the problem is thousands of dollars but thankfully, he is able to scoot around and still be a playful little guy. We will update his vaccinations in a few weeks and go from there. Nestle Pure Life waters, hand warmers, socks, beanie, Christmas pet tees, Christmas dog toys, Christmas pet scarves, 17 pound bag of cat food from the Star Milling Company, 20-pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, Max and Neo dog collar, Max and Neo dog leash, small bag of dog food, Inaba Churus for cats, wet dog food, wet cat food, Mama/Baby wet kitten food, Mama/Baby dry kitten food, Christmas cat toys, large chew bone, kabob chew sticks and Bully Sticks.

At 7:30am, I was back at Dutton Motors trying to get the Android Auto issue taken care of. It is working on and off now so I am hoping it is resolved. I was out of there a little after 9am and arrived back at the house at 9:30am. I let the dogs out, grabbed my protein shake and headed over to the Jurupa Valley Motel6. A transporter was coming from Orange County to pick up 'Walter' and I was hoping to see him before he left. I also wanted to visit 'Roxy' and 'Drac' to check on their recuperation as well as visit with a few other pets. There were six pets in all and each received needed supplies as well as treats and some holiday goodies too. From there, I went to the PO Box. When I went the other day, we had quite a few packages. It was pouring rain and I did not want to carry out more than the three they had placed in the storage lockers so I went today to retrieve the rest. I headed straight home, after that. Nestle Pure Life waters, ARCO gift cards, body wipes, socks, fleece blanket, beanies, gloves, large snack bag with fruit cups, cracker packs, cookie packs, canned pasta, tuna snack packs, beef sticks and beef sticks with cheese, hand warmers, Christmas pet outfits, Christmas dog toys, Christmas pet scarves, Inaba Churus for dogs, wet dog food, wet cat food, kitty litter, Christmas cat toys, doggie rain jacket, pet sweaters, pet jacket, small leashes, kabob chew sticks and Bully Sticks.

Today was totally hectic but thankfully everyone showed up for their spay/neuter appointments. This is our last Wednesday in December to spay/neuter at the Department of Animal Services. They will let us start again in January. I have a couple of pets that I am trying to get in other places but we are done for the most part until 2022...This morning, we had three male dogs, one male cat and two female dogs scheduled for 'the works'. Five of the dogs are actually going to rescue. That doesn't happen often as I work hard to help people keep their pets. However, when a pet does need rescue, I like to make sure it has been spayed/neutered, micro chipped, vaccinated, etc. so it makes it easier on the rescues. It is not always easy to get the help but when we do, we pay it forward. "One by one we get them done, because the only way to combat pet overpopulation and euthanasia in our shelters is to spay and neuter".

The android auto in my vehicle is not working so I made an appointment to go to Dutton first thing this morning and have it checked out. I use it all the time and want it to do its job. Perfect timing, because it was pouring down rain from the middle of the night and throughout the day. I was there for two and a half hours only to learn that they needed to order a new sd card for the vehicle so now I have to return for a couple more hours on Thursday. It wasn't in my plans but if I do not go then, they won't be able to do anything until after the New Year. When I left Dutton, I ran home to give the dogs a potty break and to grab some baked goods I made for the homeless woman caring for the abandoned dog 'Walter'. She got a motel room last night and I paid for two more nights. The dog will receive 'the works' tomorrow and needs a warm, comfy place to begin recuperating. The rescue is sending a transporter on Thursday. I doubt I will be done in time to say good-bye but he will be off to begin a new journey and the woman caring for him will get an extra night in the motel with her two dogs as a thank you for all she has done to help. The main reason I was stopping at the motel though was to check on the 14-year-old pug that was treated for pyometra yesterday. I received donations to keep them in a room for three nights and the companion was very grateful. He said he has been on the streets for four years and this is the first time a charity has really stepped in to help. That made me sad but grateful we were able to do that for them. The dog has been with him since she was a baby and she is now a blind senior. It is nice to know she has a chance at a healthy future now. There is not telling how long that will be but she will no longer suffer from the infection and she will no longer be able to have litters. Her companion was not breeding her but often times pets on the street are stolen and used for that. Just another reason to spay and neuter. When I left the motel, I had just enough time to go to our PO Box. There were packages for us in the storage locker and another that I needed to stand in line to pick up. The line was long and the rain was still coming down hard so I decided to go back another day for the other. ARCO fuel card, Burger King gift card, chicken jerky treats, home made pumpkin bread and homemade cookies were shared.

Last week, I replied on a Facebook thread posted by Lori from Downtown Dog Rescue. A gentleman living near Riverside needed medical help for his 14-year-old pug and I offered to connect him with people who could help. Feeding Pets of The Homeless approved an exam at Van Buren Animal Hospital and the dog was taken there. She had Pyometra and was given meds. Her spay surgery was scheduled for today. I planned to meet them this morning but the companion's ride was running an hour late and I could not wait. I booked them a motel room for tonight, Tuesday and Wednesday, after someone donated funds. I left a few supplies for him and headed over to the Eastside. I went to Massachusetts, Hunter Park and Reid Park with no luck. I then drove a bit further to a side street in Colton where I ran into 'Ganja' and her companion. When I left them, I made a second trip to Hunter Park and knocked on the window of a car that 'Jet' and his companion stay in. They got out. I also visited with two other dogs and their companion at that location. I decided to try Massachusetts one more time and I did find 'Buddy' and his companion. There was also someone walking a pug and I later found out he was trying to sell the dog for $400.00. I am not sure where he went while I was attending to the dog I stopped for. Nobody in that area has money so I don't know who he thought would buy the dog. I wished there was a way to report him so the dog was taken away as I am sure it did not like being dragged around. I had to cut my morning a little bit short in order to get home, let my dogs out for a few minutes and head back across town to our storage units. Ilene Stein was meeting me with donations and Christine Langdon was delivering our monthly 570 pounds of cat/dog food from the Star Milling Company. I had planned to stop at our PO Box but I did not have time so I just went back home. Hoping to get over there tomorrow. Nestle Pure Life waters, dog bed with matching fleece, large snack bag with fruit cups, cracker packs, cookie packs, beef sticks and beef sticks with cheese, hand warmers, wet dog food, Antler head band, Christmas pet bandana, Christmas pet sweaters, Christmas pet toys, Christmas pet scarves, Inaba Churus for dogs, kabob chew sticks and Bully Sticks were shared.

Early this morning, I baked eight one-pound loaves of banana chocolate chip bread with milk toffee bits. Four of the loaves had glazed pecans in the batter and on top. I had them all wrapped and in the freezer. When I opened the fridge to see I left out a necessary ingredient. The batter did not seem right to me when I was mixing but I thought I was just mis judging. The loaves looked fine but I knew they would not stay moist. Needless to say, nobody will ever be tasing them...So, after feeling frustrated with myself, I made a new shopping list so I could pick up some of the items I ran out of. I had let the bananas sit for over a week to ripen but I need to bake more today so I figured I would make the best of whatever I could do…When I left the house, I drove to one of the river bottom outlets. One of the women was with family as she recuperated from surgery, another was visiting someone and the third was sleeping. She was in charge of all of their dogs but I could not get her up so I left. I hope all of them have food and whatever they need….My next stop was the grocery store. I picked up whatever I needed to bake this afternoon and then I drove out to visit with 'Cali'. When I left her, I found 'Kawasaki' and her companion. As I was getting ready to go home, a car pulled up and it was the companions of two dogs we provide services for. They were in the back seat so I hung around a bit longer. After that visit I headed home. Nestle Pure Life waters, small fleece blankets, hand warmers, body wipes, Christmas pet scarves, Christmas pet toys dogs, Christmas pet sweaters, pet pajamas, Christmas antler headband for pets, large stainless steel pet dish, wet dog food, chicken jerky treats, Inaba Churus for dogs, bully sticks and kabob chew sticks were shared.

I spent my morning between two Jurupa Valley locations. The first was the parking lot of the Motel6. I met up with a couple that had their four kitties with them as well as a woman with her two dogs and one that needed rescue. I am thankful to say that I had a rescue lined up, before I even left the parking lot. Mutts In Need in Newport Beach is literally 'coming to the rescue' for us again. I went directly to a river bottom outlet in an industrial area, next. We had fun dressing up the pets and all of the pets I visited today received needed supplies. When I left the second location, I went home to get changed, stop at the PO Box and meet my daughter for lunch and then hang out for a bit at the house. Nestle Pure Life waters, hand warmers, socks, protein bars, Large Snack bags with fruit cups, beef sticks, cookie packs and cracker packs, socks, Christmas pet scarf, Christmas pet toys dogs, Christmas pet toys for cats, Christmas pet dress, Christmas pet hooded jerseys, Christmas antler headband for pets, small dog leash, stainless steel pet dish for cats, pet bowl for medium sized dog, pet eye wipes, small bags of dog food, 20-pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, 17 pound bag of cat food from the Star Milling Company, wet cat food, wet baby/mama kitten food, wet dog food, chicken jerky treats, Inaba Churus for cats, Inaba Churus for dogs, bully sticks, peanut butter chew sticks, and kabob chew sticks were shared.

It was 48 degrees this morning when I arrived at Fairmount Park. The ground and tables were wet but it was not raining which made me happy. I spent time there visiting with and distributing supplies for five dogs. When I left, I had time to go over to Massachusetts Avenue on the Eastside. I was looking for two dogs and their companions but they were not around. I did however run into another dog I had not seen in a while. They were staying in the pallet houses but were told their time was up and now they are back on the streets. I gave them supplies and will be getting a large dog bed from my storage next week so 'Koda' can be more comfortable. I was on my way home to get changed and run out for an appointment for my Covid booster. There was an accident and I had to do a u-turn and go out of my way to get home but I managed to make it. They were running behind anyway so it would have worked out anyway. As soon as I received my booster, I went over to our PO Box. There was mail but it wasn't ours so I turned it in and headed back home. Nestle Pure Life waters, ARCO fuel cards, hand warmers, socks, protein bars, Large Snack bags with fruit cups, beef sticks, cookie packs and cracker packs, socks, Christmas pet toys dogs, Christmas pet sweater, Christmas pet dress, Christmas pet hooded jersey, Christmas antler headband for pets, pet jacket, 2 small bags of dog food, 20-pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, wet puppy food, wet dog food, chicken jerky treats, bully sticks and kabob chew sticks were shared.

This is a long read, because so much seems to be going on...Last night ended with my finding out that the person I gave a fuel card to never came back to pick up 'Duke' and his companion so they were unable to get to the motel. I never give out fuel cards to people who are driving until after they drive to the motel but I made an exception and once again it was the wrong move. I also received a call from a homeless couple whose blind dog was taken when they irresponsibly left her outside of Savers a few weeks back. It's a long story and I already educated them about unattended pets but thankfully she was impounded so they have a chance to get her back. I was in the process of trying to spay her anyway so I am hoping if I cover the cost of that and her vaccinations/meds, etc. that they can put the impound fees, fine and boarding on a payment plan. I also received word that one of the dogs from the river bottom broke her leg. Pets Of The Homeless took care of her exam, hernia operation and meds and I agreed to pay for her spay. We will also pay for a microchip and vaccinations when we are able to get to the clinic. Unfortunately, the dog is being released tomorrow with no motel room to go to. Everywhere is booked and the places that have any rooms are running from three hundred to four hundred a night. That is just too much so her companion is looking for a friend with a house she can stay at for a few days. Finally, there is a senior pug named 'Roxy' that needed help. I saw that Lori Weise with Downtown Dog Rescue in Los Angeles posted that the dog needed help in the Inland Empire. I contacted Lori and then the owner of the dog. I connected him with Feeding Pets Of The Homeless and he was able to get her to Van Buren Animal Hospital. She has Pyometra which was what we had thought. She will be going back on Monday and we will spay her. She was released with meds in the mean time but on Monday night when there are motel vacancies again, we will put them in a room for three nights so the dog can recuperate….So, that was last night and here is today...I met with the companion of 'Duke' around 8am. It was raining so we met in an area we could stay dry at the Department of Animal Services. He had a bike with a bike trailer and made something to keep his dog inside and dry. I was happy to see that but sorry they were not warm and dry in a motel room. There was another gentleman with him. We spayed and neutered his dogs awhile back. He didn't need anything but came to visit. When I left that location, I drove over to Van Buren Animal Hospital, I had a bag of goodies for Shirley and Dr. Oh and I checked on 'Yvette'. She had an umbilical hernia that needed repair as well as a broken leg. Feeding Pets Of The Homeless took care of that and I paid for her spay. From there it was a trip home to grab a protein shake and let the dogs out for a bit, before heading over to the Jurupa Valley Motel 6. We had a total of five pets in rooms last night. Three were spay and neuter recipients and two were previous recipients staying with a couple of them. When I left the motel, I drove across town to meet my daughter and get some supplies she picked up for me and then I drove back out to Jurupa Valley to pick up mail from our PO Box, before heading home. Nestle Pure Life waters, ARCO fuel cards, McDonald's gift cards, socks, protein bars, Large Snack bags with fruit cups, beef sticks, cookie packs and cracker packs, socks, pet beds with matching blankets, XL orthopedic pet bed, , XL inflatable e-collar, holiday pet scarves, Christmas pet toys dogs, Christmas pet sweaters, Christmas pet jacket, small bag of dog food, chicken jerky treats, bully sticks, kabob chew sticks and cheese & bacon chew sticks were shared.

Four male dogs and two female dogs were scheduled for the works today. Three males and one female kept their appointments and two were no shows. One of the females was a no-show last week too. I rescheduled her for today, when I was reassured they would definitely make the appointment. The woman who was supposed to transport said she could not find them again this week. I saw the other no show yesterday and gave him supplies as I was promised they would definitely keep their appointment. Part of the reason I normally do not give people pet supplies until after the spays and neuters is because I have found they often don't show up for appointments when they get what they want or need. I have given one puppy a pet stroller, food, clothes, a bed and other supplies. I have given the other supplies too. I even did that yesterday for both yet they were nowhere to be found today. This is a reminder that I need to hold firm to the 'no supplies' rule until after the pet has had their surgery. I don't want the animals to do without but refuse to help those who will not take proper care of their pets. "One by one we get them done, because the only way to combat pet overpopulation and euthanasia in our shelters is to spay and neuter."

There was light rain this morning so I wasn’t sure how many people I would find out and about with their pets. I was contacted by someone needing supplies and told her I would stop there first. She was supposed to meet me at a Jurupa Valley river bottom outlet in an industrial area. She did not show up but I did speak to and visit with a few others around that location. I also reminded someone that one of the puppies there is scheduled to be neutered tomorrow. When I left, I drove over to Fairmount Park to remind a puppy’s companion that we are supposed to meet tomorrow morning for her ‘spay day’. I also made phone calls and texted the others who have appointments tomorrow. I received a text and an email saying donations had been shipped to us so I drove out to our PO Box and picked up packages, before heading home. Nestle Pure Life waters, protein bars, hand warmers, socks, 60-foot trolley cable run, holiday pet scarves, Christmas pet toys dogs, Christmas pet sweaters and jerseys, chicken jerky treats, bully sticks, kabob chew sticks, and cheese & bacon chew sticks were shared.

I was hoping to see a few people with pets on Massachusetts this morning but nobody from the pallet houses or the shelter were outside. I was pretty sure there were people and pets at Hunter Park so I drove there next. I found a few Christmas sweaters, clothing and accessories at the bottom of a bag with Christmas pet toys so I was looking forward to dressing up some pets today. I had fun putting the Christmas sweaters, scarves and clothes on the dogs and giving them Christmas toys. I did this for four dogs at Hunter Park and then again for three more when I drove out near Placentia in Colton. My next stop was in Jurupa Valley to pick up a donation at our PO Box and then I headed home to meet with a mobile groomer. Nestle Pure Life waters, protein bars, hand warmers, socks, dry shampoo, 20-pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, wet dog food, holiday pet scarves, Christmas pet toys for dogs, Christmas pet sweaters and jersey’s, Inaba Churus for dogs, collapsible pet dish, chicken jerky treats, bully sticks, kabob chew sticks, and cheese & bacon chew sticks were shared.

It seems I forgot to post these yesterday. I had planned on meeting a few people with pets at five different locations but my contacts at three of those place never reached out to confirm and I was unable to reach them by text or phone call. I was able to visit with two dogs and I am thankful I was able to meet with them. I started out at our storage units where I picked up needed supplies and then headed over to Shamel Park. I visited with 'Cali', giving her needed supplies and a some fun items. The same held true when I drove over to see 'Kawasaki'. When I was done there, I made a stop at the store looking for stainless steel pet dishes, which I did not find and then headed home to get ready for the 8th night of Chanukah. Nestle Pure Life waters, large hand warmers, Christmas pet toys, Christmas pet scarves, chicken jerky treats, small bag of dog food, wet dog food, bacon flavored chew sticks and bully sticks were shared.

When I left the house this morning it was only around 48 degrees outside and two and a half hours later, it had only warmed up to about 52. I prefer the chillier weather over the 100-degree summer temps but I am never happy with the fog. Thankfully, it looked worse than it was so driving was not too dangerous. My plan was to go to one of the Jurupa Valley river bottom outlets in an industrial area. On my way, I drove up Pacific Avenue to visit with a dog named ‘EZ’. I had not seen him in a while and I had a 3x jacket that I knew would be perfect for him. I spent about twenty minutes with him and his companion. The jacket fit and I left supplies for each of them. Someone had messaged me on Facebook about meeting where I was headed next. I did not know who she was but let her know what time I would arrive. Unfortunately, her dog is already pregnant but she wants to get the male that impregnated her neutered. I had an opening on the 15th and scheduled him for that date. She said the female actually belongs to her incarcerated brother and that he doesn’t want her spayed but I am hoping that changes. While at that location I visited with six pets. Two of them now have appointments to be neutered over the next two Wednesdays and all of them received supplies. Their companions got a few things too and I also gave someone pet food for some of his pets that he could not bring up from the bottom. When I left that location, I had enough time to run one personal errand on the Eastside and another at Magnolia Center, before heading home. Nestle Pure Life waters, hand warmers, toilet tissue, fleece blanket, socks, 2 small bags of dog food, wet dog food, pet jacket, Zippy Paws safety vest, Christmas pet toys for cats and dogs, Max and Neo Dog Gear collar, 17-pound bag of cat food from the Star Milling Company, 20-pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, Tiller Tugs leash, Tiller Tugs tug toys, collapsible pet dish, Inaba Churus for cats, chicken jerky treats, bully slices and kabob chew sticks were shared were shared.

I started my morning at Fairmount Park where I visited with six pets and distributed needed supplies. From there I drove over to the Eastside. I parked on Massachusetts and walked around looking for people with pets that stay in the homeless shelter or the pallet houses. Nobody was outside with their animals so I drove over to Hunter Park where I visited with two more pets and distributed supplies for them and a few others. While I was on the Eastside, I ran a personal errand and then drove out to our PO Box in Jurupa Valley, before heading home. Nestle Pure Life waters, hand warmers, Large Snack bags with a combination of these items; cup of noodles, chicken salad snack box, tuna salad snack box, cracker packs, protein bars, beef/cheese stick packs and fruit cups, women’s hygiene kit, socks, fleece blanket, medium dog harness, leash, 2 small bags of dog food, wet puppy food, wet dog food, pet sweater, pet jackets, pet pajamas, Christmas pet toys, 20 pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, Inaba Churus for cats, chicken jerky treats and kabob chew sticks were shared were shared.

As I was on my way to get fuel and pick up a few groceries this morning, I received a text from one of yesterday’s ‘no-shows’. He was completely out of food for his puppy. I normally don’t give supplies to people when their dogs are not spayed/neutered yet but I was just a few blocks away and agreed to meet. The dog needed quite a few things and I gave him what I had. I told his companion that if he stands me up again, there will be no more supplies no matter what but I am hoping he does better with his second chance. When I left them, I stopped at the store, went home for a bit and then drove out to the Jurupa Valley Motel6 to check on the dog’s that received ‘the works’ yesterday. They were both doing fine. I had a chance to visit with three other dogs while I was there. One was already spayed, one was neutered by us a few years ago and one still needs neutered. The senior that was neutered yesterday was the daddy to all four. So grateful he is finally done adding to pet overpopulation! I was told the mama dog is also a senior and not spayed. We are working on a plan to get her done too. When I left the motel, I drove to the post office and then headed home. Nestle Pure Life waters, ARCO gift cards, Burger King gift card, Large Snack bags with a combination of these items; cup of noodles, chicken salad snack box, tuna salad snack box, cracker packs, protein bars, beef/cheese stick packs and fruit cups, pet beds, harness, leash, fleece blanket, small bag of dog food, wet puppy food, wet dog food, pet sweater, Christmas pet toys, doggie waste bags with leash clips, 20 pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, chicken jerky treats and kabob chew sticks were shared were shared.

It is Spay/Neuter Wednesday and we had six pets scheduled for 'the works' today. Four of those were dogs and two were cats. Even though we confirmed three of the four dogs last night, only two showed up this morning. We would have had both cats but one of them got out of the carrier and ran up a tree in the river bottom. His companion has a female cat that she thinks is in heat so I am grateful she made it. There are only three spay/neuter days available to us this month so wasting appointments is especially troubling but I have to accept that I can't make everything go smoothly no matter how much effort I put into it. At this moment, I will be grateful for the three that made it in and hope we get all six next week. "One by one we get them done, because the only way to combat pet overpopulation and euthanasia in our shelters is to spay and neuter."