Tour Shambala Preserve

I thought pet-lovers like Claire's supporters might like to know about a unique opportunity available in Southern California. Did you know that you can visit Tippi Hedren's Shambala preserve? Located in Acton, the preserve has monthly "Safari Tours" with a mandatory $50 donation. The three-hour planned excursion offers the chance to meet African lions, Bengal and Siberian tigers, and black and spotted leopards, servals, and mountain lions, up close and personal. All the exotic cats at the preserve have been born in the U.S. to be sold as pets. A highlight of the tour is the opportunity for a picnic lunch at Shambala Lake. Reservations must be made in advance; minors and pets not allowed.

Nuts for Mutts

Nuts for Mutts is an annual fundraising walk and pet expo benefitting the Rotary Club of Calabasas. I can't believe I'd never before attended! There were tons of people and dogs, but it was roomy enough to not box any dog in, so everyone was well-behaved. I left both pups home--Claire on crate rest and Chance to keep her company--and took a can for Claire along with a poster, then stood outside the event collecting for several hours, adding $50 to Claire's fund. After the walk had run its course, I toured the expo, asking for leads from veteran rescuers, and soliciting raffle donations. Look for some fun giveaways to come on the blog!

In the afternoon I settled into a Starbucks for wireless and set up Claire's and Facebook page. I tried to figure out ChipIn the night before, but I needed an email for Claire in order to get a Paypal in order to set up the ChipIn. It took some thought to figure out how best to configure it all. I had Claire's donation jar with me at Starbucks, and a kind gentleman stopped at the uncanny similarity between our dogs. After hearing our story, he donated $100, bringing the day's total to $150! By the time I left, our internet campaign had begun on ChipIn....I spent most of Sunday evening posting Claire's facebook page to other dog rescue sites and fanpages, and inviting everyone I knew. I put Claire to sleep anticipating a better day come morning.