If you’re looking for a rationalization for fostering or adopting a pet, look no further. According to GoodGoodGood, February is packed with national and international days for animals and pets, including:
- Groundhog Day — Feb 2
- National Golden Retriever Day – Feb 3
- World Pangolin Day – Third Saturday of February
- International Polar Bear Day – Feb 27
- National Bird-Feeding Month
- Dog Training Education Month
- National Cat Health Month
- Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month
- The Great Backyard Bird Count
- Bird Health Awareness Week – Feb 20 – 26
- Homes for Birds Week
And if you don’t adopt or foster in February, no worries; March has even more animal and pet-related observances (like Save a Spider Day, March 14)!
We ran this list past a few of our favorite rescuers and here’s what they had to say:
- World Pangolin Day: “The pangolin, which looks like a cross between an anteater and an armadillo, is the most-trafficked mammal in the world. These animals are trafficked illegally, and they are killed for their scales which are used in bogus male-potency tonics.” Pangolin meat is considered a delicacy across Asia and Africa, and pangolin skins command a pretty penny in the global luxury leather market. According to World Wildlife Federation, 2019 data indicate that a pangolin is poached every three minutes. (Sorry—“poached” may be a poor choice of words.)
- National Bird-Feeding Month: “A couple of points on this. If you put out a hummingbird feeder, you need to take it down and thoroughly sterilize it every week. Otherwise, harmful bacteria can grow inside it and harm your birds. The same is true for a regular birdbath, by the way. You need to scrape the gunk off the bottom and the sides weekly, and clean it with water and vinegar, never bleach or soap. And to all you cat-lovers, keep your cat indoors, or at least out of your neighbor’s yard. Because cats kill birds.” The Cornell—(heard of it, Nard-dog?) – Lab of Ornithology states that “It’s estimated that cats kill 1.3-4 BILLION birds each year in the U.S. alone.”
- Adopt a Rescued Rabbit Month: “People often make the mistake of thinking a rabbit as a pet is a no-brainer, and as a result a lot of bunnies get dumped. Domestic rabbits do not belong outdoors, period. They need to live in your house for their own safety, and bunny-humans need to know that rabbits chew everything in sight, so their teeth don’t grow too long.” Our region is home to several rabbit rescue organizations, so please consult with them, or even volunteer amongst the Lagomorphs to give yourself a realistic orientation to life with a wascally wabbit.
And here are some beasts that need a break
Zenna-licious!
Zenna lost her human to a blizzard in San Bernardino and landed in the Devore shelter there. Then in March 2023, she was rescued from the shelter by the area non-profit Kitty Devore Rescue. She is now safe in foster care but adopting her will mean that the group will be able to pull another cat from Devore, which is one of our area’s most overcrowded and understaffed with a high kill-rate.
- Female feline (DSH)
- Petite brown tabby with mojito-green eyes
- Age: 4 years
- Has been spayed, is current on shots, in fine health
- Friendly toward other cats. Behavior with kids, dogs unknown.
- Expert biscuit-maker, likes head and chin-scratches.
To meet Zenna, contact: Kitty Devore Rescue, https://www.kittydevorerescue.org/adoption-process/
How long does Charlie need to wait?
It’s been about a year since good-natured Charlie was rescued. He’s safe but spends most of his time alone in a room. He’s been waiting for 12 months, and although we can’t calculate that in dog-years, he’d love to be part of a loving family, even as a foster for a couple of months. He’s in Coachella, and The Animal Rescue Center will supply transportation.
- Male canine
- Shepherd mix
- Beautiful tawny coat, big doggy smile
- Leash-trained
- Neutered, current on shots, in fine health
- Friendly with other dogs! Friendly with kids!
To meet Charlie, call The Animal Rescue Center at 909-800-1836.
Consider Jackson #A764428
Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter has been Jackson’s address since September 7, 2023. This shelter is basically absent from social media, so the animals there have very low visibility. Many are never seen, and as a result are never adopted. This doesn’t have to be the case, though. The shelter is open for adoptions Tuesday to Saturday, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
- Male canine
- Brown and white Bull Terrier and Pit Bull Terrier mix
- Age: 3 years (approximate)
- Neutered, in fine health
Visit the Rancho Cucamonga Animal Shelter to meet many animals in immediate need of a foster or fur-ever home, 909-466-7387.
Help Latte #A512883 Get Lucky (he’s already got the lucky rabbit’s foot! Four, to be exact.)
By the way— here is Valentine’s sneak preview! You haven’t lived until you’ve sipped the Golden Latte at Rosebud Coffee in East Pasadena. This gingery, creamy turmeric elixir is velvety and gently energizing without coffee cottonmouth. On the Rosebud menu for Valentine’s Day: a pink strawberry milk drink, kept kid-friendly without the espresso, or made adult-strength with a shot. Also try new Rosebud signature beverages Salted Dirty Chai, Salted Rose Mocha, and Rose Pomegranate Tonic! And this café pours coffee with a conscience by creating youth job internships in our community.
But back to the bunny. You’ll find this sweet dude in kennel C23 at Pasadena Humane. Latte is young, healthy, and ready to join the right rabbit-worthy family.
- Short-haired domestic rabbit
- Cream-and-cinnamon coloring
- Male, has been neutered
- Age: 8 months
- Medium size
- In fine health
To see luscious Latte, contact Pasadena Humane for adoption appointment scheduling, 626-792-7151. Visiting hours are Saturdays and Sundays, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. An adoption appointment is required during non-visiting hours to walk through the kennels.
