Orry (42307) is a 12-year-old tuxedo kitty looking for a home. He is affectionate and independent, and loves to lounge around. Although he's a senior guy, he still has plenty of energy and likes to play! Orry is currently living in a foster home; you may call the San Diego Humane Society’s at (619) 299-7012 to meet him.

His adoption fee includes his neuter, current vaccinations, permanent microchip identification, a certificate for a free veterinary exam and waived enrollment fee for medical insurance from PetFirst.

Orry is available for adoption and living in a foster home. To learn more about making him part of your family, please call (619) 299-7012.

Name: Orry
Age: 12 years old
Gender: Neutered male
Breed: Domestic Short Hair
ID #: 42307
Adoption Fee: $25

The Ryan family of Scripps Ranch had a great time at the Helen Woodward Animal Center Surf Dog Surf-a-thon Sept. 8 in Del Mar. Colin, age 8, has been surfing for a couple of years and was inspired to try to surf with Snoopy, their Jack Russell mix. The family adopted Snoopy from Helen Woodward about three years ago when he was a puppy. Daughter Riley, age 6, also had fun at the event. (by Jennifer and Steve Ryan) 

(StatePoint) Whether you’re hoping to make your dog an Instagram sensation or you just want a nice portrait, you’ve likely discovered pets can be elusive around cameras. Check out these tips from e-tailer Zulily creative photographer Taylor Graham:

• After choosing your location, give your pet a few minutes to get comfortable with the setting. 

• If you’re shooting outside, situate your pet in a shaded area. 

• Get low to your pet’s level and frame the face tightly, focusing on eyes.

• Treats and squeaky toys are a given for getting pets to focus.

• Most cameras and camera phones have a “burst mode” that takes many pictures in a row. Later you can select the perfect frame.

• Don’t just pose your dog against a white wall. Add flair with accessories that fit your pet’s personality. For unique pet products at great prices, shop apps like Zulily that offer quirky must-have items, stylish accessories, treats and pampering products. Their 72-hour sales represent some of the best deals in retail.

• With easy-to-use smartphone apps like VSCO and Photoshop: Express, you can adjust brightness, color and sharpness to bring a professional quality to images in seconds.

Approximately 50 people and 25 to 30 canines descended upon Newtopia Cyder, 10045 Carroll Canyon Road, on the afternoon of Aug. 4 to attend a special “Yappy Hour” to learn about and support Greyhound Adoption Center.

Dog lovers mingled as they admired the sleek, gentle greyhounds at the pet-friendly Newtopia. The event served as an introduction to Greyhound Adoption Center, which is based in El Cajon. An assortment of items, such as limited-edition glasses, were on sale as a fundraiser for the private greyhound rescue organization. Attendees came from as far as Temecula for the event, according to Marilyn Golisch, one of the directors for Greyhound Adoption Center.

“It’s more of a meet-and-greet to have people meet the greyhounds, and we dispel some of the myths surrounding the greyhound breed and talk a little bit about our adoption program,” Golisch said.

She explained how the organization, which has been in existence for 30 years, rescues greyhounds from dog racing tracks and helps them get adopted.

“They are rescued from the racetracks throughout the country and as far away as Macau, China,” she said. “Over the years, we’ve rescued and saved 6,000 greyhounds. They’re the best kept secret in the dog world.”

Golisch further explained the characteristics of greyhounds as pets.

“They are absolutely sweet. And people think because they are a race dog, that they were a commodity for the industry – the second fastest land animal – that they are hyperactive, they need a big yard, they need all this exercise. And just the opposite is true,” she said. “They are a sprinter and they’re good for that short burst of energy, and then they’re done for the day, and then they kind of lay around with their legs up in the air.”

Babs Fry, founder and president of “A Way Home for Animals Inc.,” is a canine super sleuth. When man’s best friend goes missing, she can sniff out the escaped pooch’s whereabouts faster than you can say, “Lassie come home.”

“Basically, what I do is to serve as a go-to point for people who have lost their pets,” Fry said. “When that happens, most people don’t know where to begin.  They panic, and then go racing around looking for their dog, and when that doesn’t work, they put out flyers, all of which is counterproductive. So, I teach people the steps they should take and what they should avoid, and I’ll personally get in involved if needed.”  

When Scripps Ranch resident Leslie Chadwick’s foster dog Penny went A.W.O.L. via an open gate, she turned to Fry for help.

“Babs reached out to us the next day and told us what to do and what not to do,” Chadwick said. “We had one false sighting, then the following day Penny was seen in a nearby field. Babs told me to take our other dog and a rotisserie chicken and stay in one place.”

“The biggest mistake people make is to chase after their dog,” Fry said. “Stay in one spot, don’t spread your scent around because your dog will follow that scent instead of going back home. Don’t use fried chicken or boiled chicken or chicken nuggets. The rotisserie chicken has a unique smell that attracts dogs; it really is very effective.”

Standing in the mud and pouring rain, in one hand Chadwick had her dog on a leash, in the other hand she gripped a rotisserie chicken. It wasn’t long until Chadwick and Penny were reunited and on their way home.

“Babs is amazing,” Chadwick said.

In fact, she has been instrumental in getting three dogs back to owners here in Scripps Ranch within the time this article was written.  

“It takes a village to rescue lost dogs. From putting up posters, calling in sightings and Social Media detectives doing follow-ups,” Fry said.

Scripps Ranch is home to a myriad of unique personalities: authors, tycoons, mom-and-pop shops, trail blazing entrepreneurs and a cat named Harley.

Harley, a feral female feline, united an entire community that banned together to do what animal lovers do best, which is to take care of their four-legged friends when they need help.

Harley had no idea she was going to cause such a fuss, or that her adventurous nature would make her the talk of the town and an Internet sensation.

It all started when this sneaky cat snuck into JL Nuss’s backyard searching for a snack.

“One day we saw a very skinny cat eating some cake crumbs we left in our yard for the birds,” J.L. Nuss said. “We named her Harley for Harlequin and began feeding her. She very quickly put on a lot of weight.”

Harley’s weight wasn’t due to a high-carb diet; she was preparing to deliver a litter of little Harleys. Six weeks later the Nuss clan had a handful of newborn kittens running around in their backyard.

“On March 17, Harley delivered her second litter in my backyard, then carried them to my neighbor Sharon’s yard,” Nuss said. “Harley would come and go at-will to visit her kittens, leaving my family in charge of feeding and caring for them.”

“My mother-in-law … asked the Feral Cat Coalition in El Cajon for help,” Nuss said. “They offered us traps but we had to set them up, capture the cats and cart them to El Cajon ourselves. We had no clue how to set a trap.”

Trying to wrangle a mob of curious cats and a very street-smart momma cat was not an easy task. To make matters worse, Harley showed up with another tummy full of fun that she again deposited in Nuss’s backyard.

With a brood of six new baby kittens to deal with, the cat-friendly Nuss family was in way over their heads and needed help. Sometimes help can be just around the corner, or in this case, a grocery store checkout line.

While shopping, Nuss’s mother-in-law dropped a case of water. Customers Mitzi and Keith Reel came to her assistance. Mitzi, a cat person, noticed the woman was wearing a scarf adorned with kittens. A conversation ensued about Harley that resulted in the Reels jumping on the Harley bandwagon. They were members of the Real House Cats of Scripps Ranch Facebook page, and with a few strokes of the keyboard, Operation Harley was born.

“Once Mitzi and Keith got our story on the Real House Cats (page) things began to snowball,” Nuss said. “The entire community of the Real House Cats in Scripps stepped forward. Total strangers began dropping off donations of money, cat food, litter, formula, cat toys, cat beds and blankets.”

Nuss also needed someone to be foster parents for the kittens. In little time, Jennifer Ott-Rol and family volunteered to take on the task.

“Jennifer and her husband took all five cats and fostered them for two months … we got them all adopted except for the two they kept,” Nuss said. “We also got The Kitten Lady (a TV Personality) involved. She got us in touch with Val from the Rescue House.”

The Rescue House began setting up traps, and although it took time, Harley was eventually caught and fixed so her days of having kittens were put to an end.

Harley and her adopted kittens continue to be celebrities thanks to daily posts on the Real House Cats of Scripps Ranch Facebook page.

Harley’s story could have been a catastrophe. But thanks to J.L. and her animal friendly neighbors, it all ended purrrrrrfectly.

Love on a Leash is proof positive that dogs are the best medicine on four legs. A wag of the tail and the nudge of a friendly nose can turn a frown into a smile and brighten up the darkest of days. Students at Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School tend to agree as many look forward to visits by the friendly canines from the Love on a Leash program.

In the early 1980s a group of pet therapy enthusiasts from San Diego founded Love on a Leash, an organization in which certified therapy dogs visit hospitals, homes and schools offering people-in-need some tender loving care as only a pet can offer.

“What started as a local program with a handful of helpers now has more than 2,000 volunteers nationwide,” said Linda Roth of the San Diego North County chapter. “Here in Scripps Ranch we have about 280 members and we each have a dog or a cat and even a bunny that has been certified as a therapy animal.”

In 2015, Roth, already a seven-year volunteer, and her canine pal Happy teamed up with Martha Wilcox and her dog Sedona along with Sharon Eastman and her pooch Puzzle to introduce Love on a Leash to Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School.

Gayle Shinn, district counselor for the San Diego Unified School District, recalls that meeting.

“Our association began three years ago when I wanted to do an assembly with dogs to teach children about all the wonderful things animals do for us and to respect animals,” Shinn said. “I met Linda and her dog Happy and thought it was a great idea to have the Love on a Leash dogs come to the assembly. The dogs had a very calming impact on our students as well as our staff. Things went so well that we made it an every-other-week event.”

Ellen Browning Scripps Elementary School Principal Liz Sloan also endorsed the program.

“The dogs are great motivators for students that are very shy and reluctant readers,” Sloan said. “We have the children read to the dogs and it brings them out of their shell, and they love the dogs.”

Roth, the leader of this unique pack, is on the go constantly traversing the community with her gal pals and their handsome hounds doing what they love best: spreading love one tail wag at a time.

Finding an open, legal and safe place to let your dog off-leash is a challenge in Scripps Ranch. The possibility of a dog park in Scripps Ranch continues to be a passion project for citizens of a committee called “Bark at the Park,” comprised of about 40 dog owners.

Many dog owners currently take their dogs to Meanley Park, 10368 Meanley Drive, where a blind eye is turned to taking the dogs off-leash. Many dog owners currently take their dogs to Meanly Park, but it is not an official City of San Diego off-leash dog park although it is labeled an open dog park on Google Maps. Meanley Park cannot be turned into an official dog park because of a water tank that sits only 18 inches below ground. The water tanks’ location prohibits the land from being designated open space and a fence cannot be built. This problem led local Scripps Ranch resident and dog owner Beca Tomcho to search for a dog park solution.

Tomcho said many dog owners in Scripps Ranch use unapproved land including fields meant for sports activity, which has led to conflict within the community.

“There are very responsible dog owners and some who are not. We are hoping to create a safe and legal off-leash space to take some of the conflict away,” Tomcho said.

While a dog park may relieve disputes over illegal, off-leash dogs, the proposed location has some residents concerned. One of the only available locations for the dog park is Hendrix Park, located on Aviary Drive, just south of Scripps Ranch Boulevard. Hendrix Park is lined with homes and apartments that abut a pond.

Tensions rose at a recent Scripps Ranch Recreation Advisory Group Meeting held on Jan. 10 where the renovation of Hendrix Park and the proposed dog park were points of contention. The meeting was not an official forum for the proposals, but served as an informal workshop for the project.

Landscape architect Leigh Kyle presented an overview for the process which would first include assessing the scope of the project, then planning and implementation. Kyle and her team have completed an initial survey of the park and have identified three areas that are potential spots for playground equipment, picnic tables or a dog park.

Tomcho presented some of her own ideas and made the case for a dog park in Scripps Ranch.

“We would like – and we feel there is a need – for a safe, legal dog area. A socialized and exercised dog is a better neighbor,” Tomcho said. “By having a fenced in area we do not impose on others’ children and people who may be afraid of dogs.”

Additional benefits, according to Tomcho, would include strengthening the community by giving both individuals and their dogs the opportunity to socialize with one another.

“I see the dog park as an opportunity to be reasonable and conscientious and be good neighbors. Ultimately, we all want to have healthy, happy pets, family and community,” Tomcho explained.

Many of the residents who live on and near Hendrix Park attended the meeting and shared their concerns over a dog park being built near the pond. In the 1970s, local residents combined funds to pay for the park’s establishment. The deed was handed over to the city for maintenance after its purchase from a developer. Local resident Chris Eshelman said she thinks it would be wonderful to restore the natural beauty of the park, but is not a proponent of the dog park.

“Many of us feel – as original neighbors – that it’s important to preserve Hendrix Pond as a nature park, which was its original intent when it was established,” Eshelman said.

Other concerns include the environmental impact of the dog waste on the pond and the local wildlife as well as noise and light disturbances to the neighborhood.

Funds have been secured for design renovations at Hendrix Park, the site of the proposed dog park. The subject is on the agenda of the Scripps Ranch Recreation Council for March 14, at 7 p.m. in the Scripps Ranch Library Community Room.

According to Marc Sorensen, chairman of the Rec Council, this meeting is to lay the groundwork for possible renovations at Hendrix Park. The park project will be an informational item on the agenda as the council will seek to gain further insights into the City’s plan. A representative from the City will attend, and Sorensen hopes they will answer some foundational questions.

“This will likely be a slow process where we need to have more information from the City before we move forward. What is the exact area we are looking at? How much money do we have to build it? And what are the acceptable uses for that area?” Sorensen said.

The March 14 meeting should provide further insight but may not provide the forum for debate or idea presentations for residents.

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and the rush is on to plan romantic dinners and buy important gifts. It’s a special day for those in love, of course, but every day is special for those with pets, especially those lucky enough to have a new puppy in their home. Puppies provide a special kind of affection.

Almost nothing beats the feel of a puppy’s moist nose or a sloppy dog kiss. Dogs are loyal and give love unconditionally. They are fun on good days, but they are incredible on bad days. They are enthusiastic and always greet their owners with excitement.

Pets are important. They are soothing and their antics are delightful. Having a new pet is a wonderful experience, much like having a new baby. The animal soon becomes a part of the family and pet owners become very protective of their animals. The addition of a new pet is uplifting, especially when it’s a cute puppy.  

Some Scripps Ranch residents are experiencing the joy of having a new puppy in their household this year and agreed to share their thoughts about their love for their pups:

Shannon Higgins sent adorable photos of Silas, her mini Australian shepherd puppy, along with his best feline friend Gideon, a Maine Coon.

“Silas is such a fun-loving, playful little guy,” Higgins explained. “We love watching him interact with our cat, Gideon – two different species of animals, years apart and yet they manage to get along and become best friends. We can learn a thing or two from our pets.”

While puppies can be a handful, a beautiful pet such as Silas makes it all worthwhile.

“Underneath all that beauty is a smart, sweet and loyal pup. If he hears someone approaching the door, immediately he comes and sits at our feet to protect us,” Higgins said. “Around 9 p.m., he lets us know he’s ready for bed by making a sound and looking up at the stairs. It’s the funniest thing!” 

Meanwhile, the Spencer family, Jared and Geri Spencer and daughters Amber and Tiffany, added Daphne to their family. This is what they had to say about their new puppy who is about 13 weeks-old.

“She is extremely playful. She already has a bucket of toys and will make herself so dizzy playing that she falls over. After playing so hard she will pass out on her back with her legs going every direction.

“We love her markings on her face and her nose caught our eye in the first place. She tries to exert her will on the colder mornings and sits by the door rather than quickly going for her potty break, but she is starting to understand the faster she potties, the sooner she will be able to go back inside to the warmth.” 

The Lyons family is enjoying two four-month-old Bichon Frise puppies, and each of the daughters in the family has been given one pup. Geddy is owned by Jocelyn Lyons and Solo is owned by Audrey Lyons.

“Solo is always there when I need him. It was a bit difficult in the beginning, as he is my first puppy ever, but we both eventually learned the ins-and-outs of having a puppy. I can’t imagine my life without him now,” Audrey said.

“I love the small quirks of Solo that makes him unique. Like how he sleeps on his back, and how he likes to lay down in small holes, like under the pillow or between my back and the couch,” she added. “When I arrive home, he’s always there, wagging his tail and jumping up on me. One of the best things about Solo is that he always is ready to cuddle on my lap.” 

Geddy also brings a little added sunshine into their home.

“Geddy is very caring. Whenever I walk through the door, he brightens up my day by just wagging his tail. He brings joy into my life, even when he wakes me up at 3 in the morning. Geddy means the world to me and it’s hard to imagine a life without him,” Jocelyn said. 

“Geddy is a very unique dog. He sits like a prince and it’s very regal-looking,” Jocelyn explained. “Sometimes, he runs and jumps into his bed like he’s had a long day at work. His nickname is ‘dirt-beard’ because he loves to dig around in the dirt. When he’s hot from running and playing, he lays down on the kitchen tiles like superman flying in the air. When he lays on his back, his ears flop back, making him look like a fox. Whenever I carry him, he puts his head on my shoulder, looking behind me.” 

Donna Mirabella and her family, which includes four children attending Scripps Ranch schools, recently purchased a cute golden doodle puppy from a breeder in Utah.
“His name is Ted and our family adores him,” Mirabella said.

Rounding out this Scripps Ranch Puppy parade is Harper, a 4-month-old cutie recently adopted by the Butler family. He was adopted form Baja Dog Rescue, according to Alana Butler.

Nala is a 5-year-old American pit bull terrier/Hungarian Vizsla mix looking for a loving home to call her own. Nala may be blind, but she is an incredibly sweet girl with a big heart and lots of love to give. With a little time to get to know you, Nala could be your best friend in the world. Meet this special girl at the San Diego Campus.

Nala’s adoption fee includes her spay, permanent microchip identification, current vaccinations, 30 days of worry-free insurance from Trupanion Insurance and a certificate for a free veterinary exam.

Nala is available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society’s San Diego campus at 5500 Gaines St. To learn more about making her part of your family, call (619) 299-7012.

ADOPTION HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., seven days a week.

Name: Nala
Age: 5 years old
Gender: Spayed female
Breed: American pit bull terrier/Hungarian Vizsla 
ID #: 548612
Adoption Fee: $95

Hef is a 5-year-old American Staffordshire terrier mix looking for a loving family to call his own. Some of his favorite things in life include snuggles, long walks at sunset and belly rubs.

This gentle giant is house-trained, well behaved and obedient. He would do best in a home without other dogs. He wants all of your attention to himself – can you blame him? Meet handsome Hef at the Oceanside Campus today.

His adoption fee includes his neuter, permanent microchip identification, current vaccinations, 30 days worry free insurance from Trupanion Insurance and a certificate for a free veterinary exam.

Hef is available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society’s Oceanside Campus at 2905 San Luis Rey Road. To learn more about making him part of your family, call (619) 299-7012.

ADOPTION HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., seven days a week.

Name: Hef
Age: 5 years old
Gender: Neutered male
Breed: American Staffordshire Terrier/Mix 
ID #: 451754
Adoption Fee: $95

Leila is a 1-year-old domestic short hair mix looking for a loving home to call her own. This sweet kitty is affectionate and loves to be pet, but she can be a little picky about being held. Petting with four paws on the floor is more her style. She is also very friendly with new people and likes to play. Her ideal home would be with adults or older, respectful children and no dogs. Meet this cheerful kitty cat at the Escondido Campus today.

Her adoption fee includes her spay, permanent microchip identification, current vaccinations, 30 days worry free insurance from Trupanion Insurance and a certificate for a free veterinary exam.

Leila is available for adoption at San Diego Humane Society’s Escondido Campus at 3450 E Valley Parkway. To learn more about making her part of your family, call (619) 299-7012.

ADOPTION HOURS: 10 a.m.-6 p.m., seven days a week.

Name: Leila
Age: 1 year old
Gender: Spayed female
Breed: Domestic Short Hair/Mix
ID #: 546098
Adoption Fee: $25