My only plan for today was to finally get my vehicle washed and visit 'Tink', but I needed to pick up a few groceries first. On my way back from the store this morning, I saw a vehicle parked near the CircleK. I know the gentleman, and dog, that stay in that vehicle. I have been looking for them so I pulled into the parking lot. I wanted to know if the black and white pitbull was still in the area and he said yes. While we were talking, the dog actually showed up. Unfortunately, it ran back down into the brush when I began a slow walk in its direction. I tried throwing some treats, because I am sure the dog must be hungry, but it would not come back out. I finally sent an email to a Sargent at Animal Control to see if they might be able to go down and catch it. While I was visiting with the first dog, another came over with his companion. I gave supplies to both companions and then I drove home. I put away the items I bought at the store and went back out. I stopped at the car wash first and then went to visit 'Tink'. She is going to need a new foster or an adopter. Either way I am not sure if I will see her again in person so I was thankful to do so today... Bottled waters, Max and Neo large dog collar, chicken jerky treats, pumpkin biscuit dog treats, 2-20-pound bags of dog food from the Star Milling Company, Christmas pet sweatshirt, plush squeaky Christmas pet toys, squeaky pet toys, plush squeaky pet toys, squeaky balls, buffalo tendons and bully sticks were shared.

After I returned home from the Eastside yesterday, I received a text asking if I would bring dog food to a location on the Eastside. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to drive back over there but when I realized I would be able to assist seven pets and their companions I agreed to make the trip again. I met the first group in the parking lot of the Budget Inn. The other two dogs and their companion were not far from that location. All received a visit and were provided with supplies. From there, I drove across town to our storage units. I needed to pick up more dog food, waters and grab a few of the homemade jackets that were left over from last winter. I did not have time to inventory them. Or the Christmas toys and sweaters, but I hope to do so in the near future. It would just be easier, and faster, if someone was with me. When I left storage, I drove to the area where the stray pitbull had been seen again. I received a text, late last night, telling me the dog was still around but would run if anyone tried to approach. I was unable to locate it but I did suggest to one of the homeless nearby that Animal Control will most likely need to be involved. I will check again tomorrow and find out if there have been any updates. My final stop was our PO Box, after I went home and unloaded my vehicle. I received an email that two boxes had been delivered from Chewy. The person who sent them had given me a heads up so I made sure to go home first so I could make room for the boxes. I am glad I did, because they would not have fit otherwise... Bottled waters, Premier protein shakes, chicken jerky treats, 2-20-pound bags of dog food from the Star Milling Company, 8 pound bag of Purina for seniors, 6 pound bag of Bil Jac for seniors, wet dog food, simply cesar chicken, Inaba meal toppers, bully slices, kabob chew sticks and bully sticks were shared.

I made my usual Friday trip over to the Eastside this morning. I pulled up in front of the Path of Life Community Shelter but nobody was outside with pets. I was told they had their kennel break at 7am and nobody had their dogs with them so I continued driving. I was going to make a couple of stops, on the Eastside, but neither companion was around so I went to Fairmount Park. I wasn't sure if I would see anyone with pets but I thought I would drive through anyway. I'm glad I did, because there were a few people out with their dogs. I visited with seven, in total, and provided supplies. When I left that location, I drove out to Jurupa Valley. I was looking for the stray pitbull I saw yesterday. I thought someone was going to meet me to help catch him but the gentleman did not show up. I could not find the dog anyway so there wasn't anything he could have done. I just hope the dog is safe. I went to our PO Box, after that, and then back home... Bottled waters, band aids, large bag of recyclables, Premier protein shakes, cereal bars, smores chewy bars, pudding cups, jello cups, chicken jerky treats, 4 dog collars, 5 leashes, 2 large stainless steel pet dishes, 20-pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, doggie waste bags, bully slices and bully sticks were shared.

Because I did not have to do any cooking today, I had time to go to the motel and check on the pets that received 'the works; yesterday. I dropped off some homemade cookies in the office and then went from room to room. I was supposed to visit with three other dogs staying in the motel but nobody answered their phones when I called. When I left the motel, I decided to go to a location in Jurupa Valley to give something to a dog I could not find yesterday but his companion was not there today either. What I did find was a stray black and white male pitbull running around. I could not get him to come to me and I did not want to chase him into the traffic on Clay so I stopped to speak to some guys who were hanging out nearby. I asked them to keep an eye on the dog and that I would check back with them. The one gentleman had two dogs of his own so he said he could not try to catch the stray. I called a couple of people who stay fairly close to where the dog was. Neither knew who he might belong to but both said they would try to find him and catch him if they could. With the Riverside County Department of Animal Services being closed for a couple of days, I could not call to try to get an AC Officer to come and help me so I felt like I did everything I could for the time being. I hope the dog stays safe or that his companion finds him. I was told the dog has been around since yesterday so I am worried he may have been dumped. He wasn't too far from my house so I will definitely have another look tomorrow. I will spend the rest of the morning doing what I need to for this organization and the rest of the afternoon and early evening with my family and my son's family... Bottled waters, homemade cookies, Premier protein shakes, cereal bars, smores chewy bars, pudding cups, jello cups, chicken jerky treats, 3.5 pound bag of Pedigree for small dogs, wet dog food, Inaba meal toppers, kabob chew sticks and bully sticks were shared.

As many of you know, we have been doing all of our spay/neuter appointments at Riverside County Department of Animal Services. While they were dealing with internal issues, we were unable to have any pets spayed/neutered on November 5th, 12th or 19th. Everything is back to normal now and we were able to get back on our regular Wednesday schedule. We had six pets scheduled for 'the works' today. Four of those pets were dogs and two were cats. Five of them were originally scheduled for the 5th and the other was a new appointment. Three of the dogs and the two cats actually arrived early which was a great way to get things started. The dog I was still waiting for was a referral from Feeding Perris Strays and was one of the appointments rescheduled from November 5th. That appointment was confirmed but when it was getting close to check in time I texted to find out where they were. I was given a phone number of the person who was supposed to transport only to be told that she just woke up. That meant we had to waste the appointment. I already have a list started for next week but it was too late to try and get one of them in. I was really hoping not to waste any appointments, our first day back, but there was nothing I could do about it and I was very thankful for those that did show! "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." Bottled waters, ARCO fuel cards, 3-20 pound bags of dog food from the Star Milling Company, bag of kitten food, wet kitten food and wet dog food were shared.

My first stop of the day was to meet with a gentleman and his two dogs. We arranged to do that at Fairmount Park, While I was with them, two other people came over with their dogs. By the time I was done, all four received a visit and needed supplies. As I was leaving the park, I spotted another dog and his companion so I stopped for them as well. My plan was to go and visit 'Tink' afterwards. I have not seen her since October and I was really looking forward to it. However, she started her training sessions and the trainer was nearly an hour late so I was unable to see her after all. I did make a stop at our (empty) PO Box and as I was driving through the parking lot near the CircleK, I saw someone with a dog. The dog looked vaguely familiar but I wasn't sure which one he was. It turned out that we provided 'the works' for him more than six months ago. He was much bigger than I remembered but just as sweet. We visited and I provided his companion with a few supplies before heading home to begin working from there... Bottled waters, sliced cheese, 2 large collars from Max and Neo, 3.5 pound bag of Pedigree high Protein dog food, 2-20 pound bags of dog food from the Star Milling Company, simply cesar chicken, wet dog food, Inaba meal toppers, chicken jerky treats, bully sticks, buffalo tendons and collapsible pet dish with leash clips were shared.

I spent part of my morning on the Eastside. I parked on Massachusetts in front of the Path of Life Community Shelter kennel. I visited with nine pets and provided a number of supplies to each. When I left that location, I drove to another location on the Eastside where I was hoping to visit one more pet but I did not see the dog or his companion. From there I headed to our storage units to drop something off and pick up more pet food. I had not planned to do that until tomorrow but because I could make it work today I got it done. When I left storage, I made one stop at our (empty) PO Box and then went home to unload and reload for tomorrow and to get started on the work waiting for me at my desk... Bottled waters, 2-3.5 pound bags of Pedigree for small dogs, 20 pound bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, simply cesar chicken, wet dog food, Inaba chicken fillets, chicken jerky treats, bully sticks, buffalo tendons and kabob chew sticks were shared.

Yesterday, I made arrangements to meet with a group of people who live in the river bottom near the Fed-Ex facility off of Holly Street in Jurupa Valley. I have been meeting them at this location for quite some time but I guess I won't be able to anymore. The last time I was there, a woman who I am guessing works at the facility, was upset that I was calling Animal Control about two dogs that run loose there. She said they were feeding the dogs and to leave them alone. I mentioned they should not be loose like that and she told me to leave because I was on private property. I told her I would leave, after I gave supplies to the people I was there to meet. She threatened to call the Sheriff. I told her to go ahead and I finished what I was doing, while she sat in her vehicle staring at us the entire time. My guess is that she made a big stink, because there was a security guard parked out there today. He said I could stay but that I would have to find somewhere else to meet from now on. He was patient at first but after forty minutes he said I really needed to go. Nine of the ten pets I was expecting had come and I wasn't going to argue while trying to wait for the last one to show so I packed up. I was still able to visit with and provide supplies for the nine that were there with their companions so I was thankful I was able to do that much. I decided to call it a day after that... Bottled waters, large bag of recyclables, ramen noodles, breakfast bars vienna sausages, jello cups, pudding cups, fruit snacks, puppy training pads, large Max and Neo dog collar, puppy milk, nursing bottle kit, 3.5 pound bag of puppy food, wet puppy food, 2-17 pound bags of cat food from the Star Milling Company, 4-20 pound bags of dog food from the Star Milling Company, wet dog food, wet cat food, Inaba meal toppers, Inaba juicy bites, bully sticks, bully slice and eight squeaky balls were shared.

I may not have visited with many pets today but having my vehicle back did give me the opportunity to make the effort to do so. At 7am, I loaded up some of the boxes for the AnimalVictory.org 'Home Street Home' Holiday Love Bags and headed over to our storage units. I unloaded the boxes and unpacked a donation from Ilene Stein as well as the Riverside Temple Beth El High Holiday Food Drive. I loaded my vehicle with pet food, waters, some of the food items and pet toys for 'Tink'. I drove back to my house, got all of that unloaded and then reloaded for tomorrow. I planned to visit 'Tink', after I stopped at my daughter's work to drop off something but the visit did not work out. That left me with time on my hands so I decided to drive around and look for some of the people I haven't seen the past few weeks. I stopped at Fairmount Park first. Some of the areas were flooded, as they are after every rain, so they were gated off. I was able to visit with and provided a few supplies for one pet there. As I was leaving, I saw someone else with pets so I stopped but then realized it was someone I had argued with previously when she told me she plans to breed her dogs. I did give the dogs a bit of jerky and then began driving again. As I was going through Rubidoux, I spotted a gentleman I know standing beside shopping carts. I noticed his dog doon after and pulled into the parking lot only to find he now has a puppy too. I spent some time with them, provided the pets with treats and chew sticks and got back on the road. I tried calling some people to see if they were in the area but nobody answered. I drove to a location in Jurupa Valley where I had seen a vehicle parked as I was driving to storage. The gentleman in the vehicle has a dog but I did not have time to stop when I passed them earlier so I thought I would check on them. They were no longer there. I then made a quick stop at our (empty) PO Box and then went home. I may not have spent much time with pets but it sure felt good to be out and about! Flavored drink packets, Max and Neo slip lead, large stainless steel pet dish, small dog collar, wet dog food, Inaba meal toppers, bully stick, bully slices and buffalo tendons were shared.

The first thing I want to do is thank Pam Shimanek for making it possible for me to do my daily travels today. We are not able to start spaying and neutering again, until next Wednesday so I thought it would be good to try and catch up with a few pets. It has been nearly two weeks since I was able to visit with and provide supplies. I have definitely missed it and we squeezed as much as we could in the time that we had available. She picked me up and we loaded her vehicle with supplies that I had in my vehicle and/or my shed. Our first stop was on the Eastside at the kennels by the Path of Life Community Shelter. There were seven pets there. Two of them I had not met before but both were already spayed/neutered. From there we drove to Rubidoux and stopped for the companion of three dogs. When we were done, I called someone who had asked for dog food earlier in the week. She stays in the river bottom near the shelter so we agreed to meet there. We made a quick stop at my PO Box on the way. Nothing was there and we proceeded to the shelter. The companion brought both of her dogs and I provided them with supplies. Our last stop was in a parking lot in Jurupa Valley. I went to speak to a gentleman there and had a visit with his dog too. By that time, Pam needed to get going to an appointment and I needed to get home to my senior dog. I don't know when I will be going out again but I am very thankful for the time I had this morning! Bottled waters, ARCO fuel card, 3 Max and Neo leashes, 2 small leashes, Max and Neo medium Collar, small harness, small/medium collar, chicken jerky treats, wet dog food, 5- 20lb. bags of dog food from the Star Milling Company, 2-3.5 pound bags of Pedigree for small dogs, wet dog food, wet puppy food for small dogs, Inaba meal toppers, buffalo tendons, bully slices, bully stick and kabob chew sticks were shared.

Until my vehicle is repaired, I will be doing very little if any driving. The spay/neuter appointments are available again but I am not even sure if I will be able to do that. Rentals are pricey, it is too far to walk and I have to be at the clinic by 7am on Wednesdays. I am taking it one day at a time for the next few weeks. I did go out for a brief time today but decided it is not wise to do that again, even though it was good to be out and about. I went to Fairmount Park to see if anyone with pets was there picking up any of the used clothing that is usually given out the second Saturday of every month. There were About eleven people there with pets. I visited with and/or provided supplies for eight of those. I had errands to run but thought it best to go straight home so that is what I did. I don't think I realized how busy I am and how much I depend on my vehicle. These next few weeks are going to be difficult but knowing it is temporary helps... Bottled waters, medium stainless steel pet dish, collapsible pet dish with leash clip, chicken jerky treats, wet dog food, 2- 20lb. bags of dog food from the Star Milling Company, 8lb. bag of senior dog food, 4.5lb. bag of senior dog food for small dogs, Inaba meal toppers, buffalo tendons and kabob chew sticks were shared.

My first stop of the day was in Rubidoux. I planned to visit with three dogs there but when I arrived there were other people on the property with another dog I knew. I visited with all four dogs and provided supplies, before heading over to Fairmount Park. While I was there, I met up with the gentleman caring for a dog named 'Butch' and a woman who has multiple dogs. She had some of them with her. I provided the gentleman with a few supplies and did the same for the woman. When I left that location, I drove out to Staples to ship something back to Amazon. Next stop was our PO Box. There was a grant denial letter and a donation check waiting there. When I arrived home, I received a call from the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. I was told that they will not be doing spay/neuter surgeries tomorrow and to wait for further notice of when they will start up again. That was very disappointing news but it freed up my schedule so I am now able to go to the dealer and have a part replaced in my vehicle. I am just hoping surgeries start back up again very soon... Bottled waters, large stainless steel pet dish, Tiller tug leash, Max and Neo leash, small Max and Neo collar, 2 dog leashes, xl dog collar, medium dog collar, chicken jerky treats, wet dog food, simply cesar chicken, 20lb. bag of dog food from the Star Milling Company, Inaba meal toppers, buffalo tendons and bully sticks were shared.

Before leaving the house this morning, I received a call from the Riverside County Department of Animal Services. My number was one of the contacts for a dog that was brought in when his companion was taken to the hospital. He had a different companion, when I had him neutered, so it took me a minute to realize what dog was impounded. I do know his current companion but do not have any current contact information. I did say that I would go to Fairmount Park to look around for people who might know but I needed to go to the Eastside first. When I left the house, I drove to the Path of Life Community Shelter, just as I do most Mondays. I am never sure how many pets will be out with their companions. When I first pulled up, one of the dog's was in his companion's vehicle and they took off. There was one more dog out there with his companion. They are preparing to move into an apartment and were on their way to get his vaccinations updated but we did visit briefly. From there, I drove up the street to visit a couple and their two dogs. One of the companion's was still sleeping but the other was out with both dogs. I provided a few supplies and then went to Fairmount Park to look for people who might know how to reach someone to pick up 'Sparky' from the shelter. I did not have any luck there. Afterwards, I drove out to Jurupa Valley to look for someone whose dog needs to be neutered but I could not locate her or anyone else for that matter. Rather than waste anymore fuel, I decided to head back home a little after 11am... Bottled waters, chicken jerky treats, wet dog food, wet puppy food, Inaba meal toppers and bully sticks were shared.

My plan was to make this day a productive one but that is not how things went... At 8am, I met my daughter and my sister at a downtown hotel. My sister flew in yesterday, from Northern California, for my birthday. Last night the three of us, my son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter met for dinner. My sister was flying out, this morning, and my daughter was driving her to the airport. I met with the two of them while they had breakfast, so I could visit for a bit before saying good-bye. When they were ready to leave, I headed back home for a bit and then went out to do my daily travels. I had spoken to someone yesterday and mentioned meeting with him and his dog this morning. I went there first. I thought I was going to meet up with someone else and her dogs too but she was not around. I headed across town to Fairmount Park. I drove through a few areas of the park and did not find anyone with pets. I was about to leave and try a different location when I got my vehicle stuck in the parking lot. I somehow managed to get the two front tires over a curb and could not back off of it. The tires had sunk in the dirt so I could not go forward. It was embarrassing, to say the least, and I had to call AAA. I needed a tow truck sent to help get all four of my tires back on the asphalt. It took about forty five minutes for the truck to arrive and another thirty to safely get the car where it needed to go. By that time, I had to get back home to let my dog out. He wasn't able to wait for me so I just got that cleaned up and decided I did all I was going to do for one day. It's been a strange couple of days but thinking that tomorrow has got to be better! Bottled waters, chicken jerky treats, plush squeaky pet toy, buffalo tendon and bully stick were shared.

Even though I had not made arrangements to meet with anyone today, I was prepared to go out and look in some of the places I often go when I have planned ahead. I drove through Rubidoux and then went to Fairmount Park. I stopped in one of the parking lots at the park, when I saw a dog sleeping next to his companion's vehicle. While I was visiting him, a car drove through the lot. A dog I have known, since he was a puppy, had his head out the window. I met him, and his companion, when they were homeless and visited them when they were placed in a motel. For close to a year, they have been living indoors. I am always happy to see this dog and the feeling is surely mutual. After that visit, I drove back through Rubidoux and all over Jurupa Valley. I even tried to call a few people but everyone's number was either disconnected or not working. I finally called it a day, a little before 11am. I don't really have plans for tomorrow either but I am hoping it is more productive. Even though the day did not go as planned, I am looking forward to this evening. My sister is flying in for the night to celebrate my milestone birthday. My son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter are going to drive to Riverside, pick me up and then we will meet my daughter and my sister for dinner. Family time is everything to me. I don't get it often enough but I always appreciate it when I do. It is the best gift... Bottled waters, chicken jerky treats, buffalo tendon and bully stick were shared.