It's worth a thousand words ...

Last week, I blogged about watching a black bear.

This week, it's a barn owl. And I am becoming an Owlcoholic.

To view the livestream of the barn owl, click here. People are chatting live on the right side of the screen, so it's uncensored, though I haven't seen anything offensive come across.

More information on the owls, from a Monday Associated Press article:

Thousands watch as owlets hatch in California yard
SAN MARCOS, Calif. — A barn owl couple in California has given birth to a family and a fan club.
Two years ago, Carlos and Donna Royal made an owl box, put it on top of a 15-foot pole in their northern San Diego County back yard and hooked up a video camera. Barn owls Molly and McGee moved into the box in January and started a family.
Since ustream.tv/theowlbox debuted, it’s had more than 3 million hits. More than 17,000 people watched as the first owlet hatched on March 21. A fourth baby owl hatched Sunday, with one egg remaining.
The Royals have named the babies Max, Pattison, Austin and Wesley.

I like the idea of watching Lily the Black Bear, but she's a little ... boring. Not much going on in the bear cave. But every time I have tuned into the owls, they are moving around and chirping. And there's one egg left to hatch! That could happen at any moment! I might have to keep the livestream open in another window on my computer (just don't tell my boss).


-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

Totally Dogs 4-H Club and Geauga County Recorder Sharon C. Gingerich are hosting a benefit dinner and silent auction for the Geauga County Dog Warden from 6 to 9 p.m. April 23 at Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St.

Cost is $20. Tickets are presale only. Proceeds will help the Geauga County Dog Warden care for homeless, abused and abandoned dogs.

Donations of bagged dog food, blankets, dog toys and other items that dogs would love to have are appreciated.

For tickets or to donate an item for the silence auction, call Sandy Cox at 440-285-0779, Dalene Becka at 440-286-4329, Ashley Santek at 440-669-4289 or Sharon C. Gingerich at 440-834-4317.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Daisy, a 6-year-old Jack Russell/fox terrier, is available for adoption through Animal Rescue Center in Eastlake.

Daisy’s owner was in a car crash and can no longer take care of her.

She is loving and loyal, according to ARC officials.

She has been vet checked, spayed, and is up to date on shots.

She is heartworm negative.

For more information on Daisy, contact ARC at animalrescuecenter@yahoo.com or stop by Animal Rescue Center, 36370 Vine St., Eastlake, from 3:30 to 8 p.m. Fridays and noon to 5 p.m. Saturdays.

-- Robin Palmer

It's always spring cleaning time at Caroline's Kids Cat Sanctuary in Concord Township.

And with that, the home to some 250 felines is in need of household cleaning supplies.

The sanctuary, at 7394 Morley Road, needs everyday supplies -- bleach, laundry detergent, dryer sheets, dishwashing liquid, paper towels, Fantastik, 409, Clorox wipes and 13-33 gallon trash can liners.

Right now, shelter officials report the cleaning supply cupboard is low and the sanctuary can use some help.

Any donated items can be dropped off from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.

Volunteers are also needed to help with daily maintenance inside and outside the sanctuary.

The sanctuary also holds adoptions from noon to 4 p.m. on Fridays or by appointment.

Call Judie at 440-449-3496 for more details.

-- Robin Palmer

An elusive monkey on the lam in Florida. Read on:

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — In the hours after a monkey on the lam fell into a woman’s pool and then swiped some fruit from her backyard tree, fans of the wily primate cheered it for avoiding capture.

"It’s something that you can kind of cheer for," said Amy Ellis, a Pasco County employee who has become a fan of the monkey on Facebook. "Every day there’s so much bad news. He’s kind of like a little hero."

The rhesus macaque monkey has avoided capture for nearly a year.

Authorities don’t know where the animal came from, but some believe it could have gotten separated from a troupe of wild monkeys in an Ocala-area state park, some 118 miles north of St. Petersburg.

Another possibility: the animal could have escaped from an owner who doesn’t have a permit and is therefore not registered with authorities.

The creature has captivated people in Tampa Bay and beyond — possibly because of his ability to outwit the humans trying to catch him.

The Facebook page dedicated to the monkey had more than 31,000 fans as of Wednesday evening.

-- Robin Palmer

If you've ever had a flea or tick issue with your pet, read this alarming post by Poynter's Al Tompkins on why the Environmental Protection Agency says spot-on flea and tick treatments may be animal killers.

"The Environmental Protection Agency took a significant step last week toward trying to make spot-on flea and tick treatments safer for dogs and cats," Tompkins wrote. "After about a year of study, the EPA said it seemed clear that the treatments had caused some pet deaths and other 'adverse incidents,' including allergic reactions."

The EPA has not pulled or banned any products as a result of the study, he added, but said new restrictions will be added.

Read the EPA's evaluations of various brands here.

Or for more of Al's Morning Meeting post, including bits from the Wall Street Journal and ConsumerAffairs.com, click here.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Geauga Humane Society's Rescue Village has a perfect way for people to get in shape this spring ... go walking with your newly adopted dog.

The Russell Township-based facility has plenty of dogs waiting for new homes and someone to go walking with.

Check out the dogs from noon to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and noon to 5 p.m. Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Adoptions stop 30 minutes before closing.

Rescue Village is at 15463 Chillicothe Road, just north of Music Street and 1/2 mile south of Route 87.

For more information, call 440-338-4819, ext. 22, or visit www.geaugahumane.org.

-- Robin Palmer

Have you ever wanted to watch a black bear in its natural habitat but don't want to venture inside a cave?

WildEarth.TV will let you do just that, with a video camera set up in the black bear den of Lily. Tune in here.

According to Lily's Facebook, page:

Lily the Black Bear is part of a long-term research project run by the North American Bear Center (http://bear.org) and the Wildlife Research Institute http://bearstudy.org) out of Ely, Minnesota.
Producer Doug Hajicek and bear researcher Lynn Rogers installed the LIVE cam in her den so the public could share in the birth and care of her cub.

Lily gave birth two months ago (The video is not graphic; you're not going to see much more than Lily's back and her cub's paws. But be sure you are watching with volume because you can hear the cub crying.):


I have tuned in to watch Lily a few times, but haven't seen much movement. The other night I saw her cub stirring as Lily slept. It's pretty amazing to see such wild animals, separated by a few thousand miles and a video camera.

Become a fan of Lily on Facebook here to get more updates about her, or follow her on Twitter @LilyBlackBear.

-- Cheryl Sadler
CSadler@News-Herald.com

The Morning Journal in Lorain is recruiting - cute critters, that is.

Our sister paper's 3rd annual Cutest Critter Pet Photo Contest is now in full bloom.

All photos and the pet’s name and owner’s name will appear in print as part of the Cutest Critter special section published on Tuesday, April 20, and online.

Deadline for submissions is Tuesday, April 13. One pet per photo. Entry fee is $10. (You will be contacted prior to publication for payment.)

Cast your vote for your favorite critter beginning Tuesday, April 20. You must purchase a minimum of 10 votes for $10 and register prior to voting.

Learn more, and check out the prizes, here.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Remember my Pet Acoustics app blog?

Well the whole thing just got a lot more expensive. Not that I'm spending.

Meet the My Pet Speaker - the world’s first sound system designed to cater specifically to the hearing sensitivities of dogs, cats and horses, according to the pitch.

Did you know that our pets can hear frequencies that are both much higher and much lower than what the human ear is capable of hearing?

Well (only sound techs and gear heads proceed...) "designed to eliminate unsettling frequencies, My Pet Speaker features an Omni directional speaker with a 4” drive unit and cone reflector which disburses the music in 360 degrees recreating how animals hear in nature. By producing limited frequencies and featuring a soft bass design for listening comfort, your pets will not be startled or disturbed by jarring volumes and piercing sounds that put them on alert. My Pet Speaker keeps these alarming frequencies within the comfort range of your pet’s hearing. This allows you to use your entire music library to fill you and your pets’ environment with a sense of calm and relaxation."

The unit also features attractive real-wood veneers...

Or shell out $1.99 for the much-cheaper Pet Acoustics app on iTunes. Whether it will relax your pets is anybody's guess. Mine didn't show any visual signs of caring, but maybe I was reading too much into it.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

It may be a bit of a hike out to Akron Public Library, but if you're wondering how an animal cruelty case unfolds, or what happens after a concerned call is reported - well here's your chance to find out.

Join the Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary crew at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 14th, for a start-to-finish look at two familiar animal abuse cases - a livestock case in Medina County and a horse abuse case in Portage County.

The free, unique presentation will include detailed descriptions of investigations, court proceedings, trials, final outcomes and what the Ohio Revised Code laws give area humane officers to work with.

How can you help get the laws changed? They'll take a look at that, too.

Law students, law enforcement officers, animal lovers and anyone else looking to have their eyes opened are especially encouraged to attend. Psychology students may also take special interest in a discussion of the hoarder mentality and the link between domestic violence, child abuse and criminal behavior.

Click here to spread the word with a flier.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

I witnessed a frightening sight today.

A deer fell through the melting ice in a retention pond behind my house.

As he struggled to break through the ice, I panicked and called 911.

In this business I've seen enough photos and read stories about firefighters risking their lives to save animals in distress.

As the dispatcher checked to see if the fire department was authorized to make the rescue, the deer made its way back to the embankment and fled into the woods.

What a relief!

My thanks go out to the dispatcher, who from the sound of her voice, was truly concerned and sympathetic to my ordeal.

As for the deer, well, I found out he can swim. I just wish he wouldn't tread on thin ice.

-- Robin Palmer

No clue how they managed to do it, but the Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County has found homes or rescues for 90 dogs involved in the Kinsman rescue.

This leaves about 70 dogs that still need to be placed - and time is running out.

The warehouse provided to care for the original 162 dogs was only temporary, and the remainder need to leave very soon. Right now that date is March 25.

"The AWL team is working very hard and long hours to not only care for these dogs, but find them appropriate placement," animal advocate Marlene Kovacevic said. "They are also working on contingency plans for when they must vacate the building.

"Most all of these dogs are loving and sweet and are anxiously waiting for us to help them," she added.

Donations, adoptions, fosters and rescues can be made at:

Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County
545 Brunsetter RD SW
Warren, Ohio 44481-9600
(330)394-3512
awltco@neo.rr.com

For pictures of the remaining dogs and accurate, update-to-date information visit the AWL Facebook page. (Pictured above is "Female Pit #67 - Very loving. Likes to kiss.")

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

These four dogs need help finding homes. Enter South Euclid Humane Society and all its wonderful work.

Gretchen was found lying in a snow bank, shivering from the cold and whimpering from fear and loneliness.

She wiggled with glee when the South Euclid Humane volunteer wrapped her in a warm blanket and put her in the car for the first step of her journey, a foster home. And once settled in with her new friends at DogTopia Daycare for Dogs, Gretchen promptly forgot her troubled past and went about the business of being a puppy — running, playing, kissing and snuggling!

About Gretchen:
• 12-week-old, 17-pound female puppy
• Mystery breed, will probably be medium sized
• Has first puppy shots, will be spayed
• Pure puppy! Super snuggly, an expert face-kisser
• Great with other dogs, cats and kids

The good Samaritan who rescued Uncle Vinnie really did save his life. He was starving and freezing and desperately thin that one more night in the cold might have been his last.

After some encouragement, Vinnie finally snuggled up in a lap and went to sleep, looking up every few minutes to make sure he wasn't just dreaming that his long, lonely ordeal was really over.

About Vinnie:
• Roughly 6-year-old male mix - Boston terrier, perhaps?
• Painfully thin (17 pounds) so needs a lot of TLC and fattening up, otherwise in excellent health
• Has all shots, neutered
• Sweet, gentle, loving, and while shy at first, warms up quickly and definitely wants to be a lap dog
• Great with other dogs and cats, would likely be very sweet with kids

And then there's Marge and Homer, who are as close to perfect dogs as they come. Both are sweet, gentle, super-affectionate and obedience-trained. They're also ready-made family companions.

About Marge:
• 2-to-3-year-old, 40-pound female terrier mix
• Has all shots, spayed
• Perfectly trained, extraordinarily calm, looks into your eyes and asks "what would you like me to do now?"
• Loves kids and other dogs
• Could easily be a therapy or assistance dog
• Has been shot with a BB gun (two pellets remain but do no harm now) and still feels nothing but love

Found wandering the cold streets at the wee hours of the morning, when Marge saw Homer back at the police station she greeted him with a gentle kiss on his face. That's when rescuers knew they were either fast friends or had been together in the same home. They love each other's company but would also do fine apart.

About Homer:
• Roughly 6-year-old, 30-pound beagle
• Neutered
• Perfectly trained, though doesn't like being left alone for long periods
• Loves kids, dogs and is especially sweet with cats

South Euclid Humane Society requires a home visit and adoption fee. To meet with any of these dogs, contact Laura Bruck at 216-297-0360 or lbruck@en.com.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

Lately I've been getting a lot of people asking me to spread the word about the continued effort to find homes for a group of animals rescued Feb. 12 from a property in Kinsman, Ohio.

A whopping 162 dogs, 18 cats, horses, fowl and chickens were taken from that 58-year-old woman's “Humane Sanctuary” - or as most define the operation now, a hoarder who ran a no-kill shelter.

The collection included Johnny Walker, the roughly 1-year-old black and tan Coonhound pictured throughout this blog. Click here for a glimpse into how he and other dogs lived there.

Now, of course, all need good homes.

The Animal Welfare League of Trumbull County was the first to swoop in and take most.

Located at 545 Brunstetter Road SW, Warren, 44481-9600, the Animal Welfare League is open from 1 to 6 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. "Volunteering time or willing to foster and/or adopt would be great," President Barbara Busko tells me. "E-mail with their name, address, phone number, best time to call and what days and times they are available to volunteer. Or they may call 330-394-3512. And we will need monetary donations." The group can also be contacted at AWLTCO@neo.rr.com.

Another non-profit group that helped, PAWS, will hold its “PAWS 4 a Cause Adopt-a-Thon and Family Fun Day” on May 15 at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Moreland Hills. Mark your calendar. The event, hosted by meteorologist Dick Goddard, the event will include a dog walk, adopt-a-thon, merchandise vendors and demonstrations, dog contests and much more.

Yet another, For the Love of Pits, claims one local warehouse wants to clear its rescued dogs by this Wednesday.

“As a result I contacted the organization in charge,” President Shana Klein said, “asking if I may visit the dogs to temperament test and possibly rescue a couple. These dogs are amazing and certainly deserve to see that life is better than living at the end of a chain with no food, water and human affections.” To foster for For the Love of Pits, click here and complete a caregiver application.

And then there's Marilyn’s Voice, which asked me to put a face on this whole tragic story – the face of Johnny Walker, perhaps the most visibly neglected dog they took in.

Whichever dogs the rescue operator did not warm up to were kept at the furthest corners of the property and mostly forgotten, a former Humane Sanctuary volunteer has told the group. The only footprints to Johnny’s 6-foot chain and non-insulated doghouse were those of that volunteer. There were never any food or water bowls.

But Johnny is a sweet boy despite his neglect, with a magnificent voice. He was terrified the first time volunteers put him on a leash to walk him to the car for his ride to foster care, but is already getting used to life indoors.

It's groups like all of these that really turn these dogs lives around.

Thanks to the generous donation by Mentor's TLC Pet Lodge, some of the most serious cases taken in by Marilyn's Voice will be boarded at the lodge, where employees are offering around the clock care at no charge. Most of them are not quite ready yet for adoption, but if you are interested in learning more, adopting one of these dogs, or assisting with a much-appreciated donation, contact Marilyn’s Voice at 440-255-1450.

Thanks to all for all you did, and continue to do, in this terrible undertaking.

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

The Totally Dogs 4H Club and Geauga County Recorder Sharon C. Gingerich will sponsor a benefit dinner and silent auction to help the county dog warden care for homeless, abused and abandoned dogs.

The event will be from 6 to 9 p.m. April 23 at Chardon United Methodist Church, 515 North St., at a cost of $20.

Participants are asked to bring dog treats, blankets, bleach, old towels and dog toys.

To get tickets or donate an item for the silent auction, call Gingerich at (440) 834-4317, Sandy Cox at (44) 285-0779, Dalene Becka (44) 286-4329 or Ashley Santek (440) 669-4289.

-- Robin Palmer

Good news from a local vet's office.

Kelli Sue Kerwin, certified veterinary practice manager of Animal Hospital Inc. in Willoughby Hills, was among 23 veterinarians and hospital managers who recently completed an intense management program, the Veterinary Management Institute, through Purdue University’s Executive Education Department in the Krannert School of Management and the American Animal Hospital Association.

Upon completing the program, Kelli received a certificate in veterinary practice administration in addition to 72 hours of graduate-level management education and is a member of the nineteenth graduating class.

Kelli is one of only 200 certified veterinary practice managers in the U.S. and Canada. She received her certification in 2005 and has been with AHI for twelve years.

Animal Hospital Inc. was established in 1961 and is one of only two AAHA accredited practices in Lake County. They are evaluated regularly by the associations trained consultants on more than 900 standards covering patient care, client service and medical protocols.

Good work, Kelli!

-- Sandra M. Klepach, SKlepach@News-Herald.com

A screening for potential therapy dogs will take place Saturday at the Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village, 15463 Chillicothe Road, Russell Township.

Dogs must be screened by the trainer prior to the Therapy Dogs International Inc. class, which begins April 11.

The six-session, Sunday class will be from 10 to 11 a.m. Cost of the TDI class is $125 and registration is required prior to class date. At the completion of the class, dogs who are at least 1 year old will be tested to receive therapy dog certification.

Geauga Humane Society’s goal in hosting the class is to recruit graduates as Rescue Village volunteer ambassadors. Ambassador dogs and their handlers represent Rescue Village at community events, work with TLC Kids Camp participants and visit classrooms.

For more information on TDI, visit www.tdi-dog.org. To make an appointment for screening, call Barbara Collins at 440-285-4679.

-Cheryl Sadler, CSadler@News-Herald.com