Animal Crackers

“If you, Like me Were made of fur And sun warmed you, Like me You’d purr.” — Karla Kuskin Time spent in the garden with your favorite cat(s) and/or dog(s) can be one of the greatest pleasures a gardener enjoys. With spring upon us, their presence is a calming influence, which insulates us from the pressure of attempting to become thinner, tanner and richer prior to summer. However, not every furry friend has a home nor does every home have a furry friend, which is quite the shame.

I worked in homeless shelters in Santa Monica and found the homeless don?t want to be in or go to camps. They prefer being outside on their own, without any oversight. If you vote to allow homeless to sleep at the Digestion Building and then the police to enforce this, you?re making a bad situation worse and wasting $200,000, plus the added enforcement costs created by more unnecessary work for the police, to enforce. Please revisit the original issue and see what it will take to overturn the original agreement, and fight the suit.

Gina Kantzavedian may have degrees in engineering and computer science, but she "hasn't been happier" since leaving her Willard Marine job as a naval architect to pursue her life's love of caring for animals. But the Laguna Beach businesswoman, owner of Animal Crackers, a pet supplies and grooming facility, has allegedly run afoul of laws governing animals and adoptions, according to Animal Services officials. Kantzavedian has been investigated for allegedly selling animals without a license, has been cited for possessing a ferret, and is suspected by authorities of violating laws governing animal adoptions.

Firefighters were called twice on Sunday to put out a fire at a Shady Lane home, once at 4:33 p.m. and again at 10:25 p.m. The second call came some two hours after firefighters had left the premises at 8:44 p.m. Homeowner Marlene Dantzer and her friend Helen Evers were searching for Betsy, a cat. Dantzer had been unable to evacuate from her home when the fire was originally believed to be contained. Hearing a noise in the second floor bathroom, she thought might be a trapped animal.

Reading's gone to the dogs at the Boys & Girls Clubs TLC Branch in Bluebird Park. Daily reading is a major part of the Clubs' kindergarten programs, and at the TLC Branch a primary focus is on reading out loud. Enter Lagunan Kate Buckley and Murphy, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The duo conducts a weekly Reading Education Assistance Dogs program on Wednesdays at the branch, where kids read to Murphy, a registered therapy animal. "It's good for the kids because it gets them excited, and they have someone to read to," Buckley said.

Dogs in Laguna have a lot for which to be thankful. They are cosseted by their owners in a town where groomers and veterinarians make house calls, bank tellers provide treats, and stores have water bowls by their front doors. One of the biggest protests ever staged in town was led by former gallery owner Richard Challis when a City Council was persuaded by public opinion to rescind its decision to ban dogs on beaches. Local and visiting dogs can romp in the sand from mid-September through May 31 when the tourist season begins.

Tivoli Terrace is going to the dogs Sunday. Canine companions will be celebrated at "My Best Friend's Brunch" from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., presented by the Friends of the Laguna Beach Dog Park. The event will include food, mimosas, opportunity prizes, entertainment and a silent auction. June Neptune's crew will cater the brunch. Animal Crackers owner Gina Vuilee will donate two baskets of pet products as well as create the table centerpieces. Tickets are $25 if purchased in advance, $30 at the door.

Blue, a 9-week-old husky mix with warm brown eyes and seemingly oversized paws, was recently dumped on the side of a desert highway, along with his friend Buck, a shepherd mix of the same age. Abandoned and left to fend for themselves, the pups were discovered and rescued by a friend of local animal caretaker Gina Kantzabedian, who took them in despite her rescue center’s poor economic state. “I rescue about 40 dogs that are left on the side of the road each year,” Kantzabedian said.

Katharine Story and Animal Crackers Pet Rescue Non-Profit Organization are hosting in conjunction with the Laguna Beach First Thursday Artwalk a fashion fundraising event where 10% of all proceeds raised will be donated to the pet rescue efforts of Gina Kantzabedian and Animal Crackers Pet Rescue.  Please join us for cocktails and LIVE entertainment...and a few more surprises, too! When and Where: Thursday, June 4th 5 pm to 8 pm Katharine Story Boutique, 226 Ocean Avenue, Laguna Beach, CA 92651 Who: Katharine Story is a Laguna Beach-based fashion designer.

Firefighters were called twice on Sunday to put out a fire at a Shady Lane home, once at 4:33 p.m. and again at 10:25 p.m. The second call came some two hours after firefighters had left the premises at 8:44 p.m. Homeowner Marlene Dantzer and her friend Helen Evers were searching for Betsy, a cat. Dantzer had been unable to evacuate from her home when the fire was originally believed to be contained. Hearing a noise in the second floor bathroom, she thought might be a trapped animal.

Summer vacation! The word bounces around inside my mouth with all the joy inherent in time spent away from 'normal' daily endeavors. The magic of vacation, or "holiday" to use the delightful British term, is to step away, to put down the mantle, and enjoy the natural rhythms of one's own body. This August, to both escape the interminable grey and to find warm waters to surf, a drive was planned down Mex 1 with good friends Cathy Cox and Patrick Humphrey. The trip would include a birthday celebration for Patrick, who hails from Montana.

M ay 31 was the day dedicated to the memory of those to whom we all owe so much. In Laguna, Memorial Day includes breakfast in an idyllic setting, solemn rites at Monument Point and the joyful patriotic program presented by the Laguna Beach Concert Band. The day starts early. Dan Moy and Ken Kenworthy were at the Veteran's Memorial Building at 5 a.m. to help load up food and supplies for the annual Exchange Club Pancake Breakfast at Heisler Park. City workers Reggie Christian and John O'Hara were manicuring the park for the breakfast by the time club member Patrick Freeman arrived at 6:30 a.m. to help set up equipment.

T he Laguna Beach Community Foundation began to fulfill its promise to energize philanthropy in town with the distribution of $80,000 in grants. Twenty local nonprofit organizations were presented with checks ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 at the inaugural grant awards luncheon, held May 19 at the home of Trustee Don Clurman. Almost half of the grants were given for operations, always needed, but seldom funded. "This is just the beginning," Board of Trustees Chairwoman Laura Tarbox said.

Five homes chosen to exemplify the charm of Laguna’s architectural hodgepodge will be featured on the annual Charm House Tour, presented by Village Laguna beginning at noon May 16. The homes, ranging in style from a Craftsman-style bungalow to beach loft, will be open only to ticket holders. Knowledgeable volunteers on the tour buses and at the homes will provide factual information and local lore to enhance the experience. “While we appreciate the appeal and popularity of an ocean-view home, I also look for much-loved-yet-friendly homes, proud owners, sustainable and green homes, small yet sophisticated and definitely historical homes since May is Heritage Month in Laguna Beach,” said Charlott Masarik, chairwoman of the selection committee.

“If you, Like me Were made of fur And sun warmed you, Like me You’d purr.” — Karla Kuskin Time spent in the garden with your favorite cat(s) and/or dog(s) can be one of the greatest pleasures a gardener enjoys. With spring upon us, their presence is a calming influence, which insulates us from the pressure of attempting to become thinner, tanner and richer prior to summer. However, not every furry friend has a home nor does every home have a furry friend, which is quite the shame.

Book signing benefits pet rescue Laguna Beach Books, 1200 S. Coast Hwy, Suite 105 will feature an appearance and reading by Garth Stein, author of the New York Times bestseller, ?The Art of Racing in the Rain,? from 3 to 4 p.m. Tuesday. Cost is $25 and includes a signed copy of the book, wine and snacks. Ten percent of the proceeds with benefit Animal Crackers Pet Rescue. To reserve a seat, call (949) 494-4779. Erotic Story on Ocean Avenue Katharine Story, 226 Ocean Ave., will host her annual Erotic Art Show from 6 to 9 p.m. during First Thursday?

Blue, a 9-week-old husky mix with warm brown eyes and seemingly oversized paws, was recently dumped on the side of a desert highway, along with his friend Buck, a shepherd mix of the same age. Abandoned and left to fend for themselves, the pups were discovered and rescued by a friend of local animal caretaker Gina Kantzabedian, who took them in despite her rescue center’s poor economic state. “I rescue about 40 dogs that are left on the side of the road each year,” Kantzabedian said.

Dogs in Laguna have a lot for which to be thankful. They are cosseted by their owners in a town where groomers and veterinarians make house calls, bank tellers provide treats, and stores have water bowls by their front doors. One of the biggest protests ever staged in town was led by former gallery owner Richard Challis when a City Council was persuaded by public opinion to rescind its decision to ban dogs on beaches. Local and visiting dogs can romp in the sand from mid-September through May 31 when the tourist season begins.

I worked in homeless shelters in Santa Monica and found the homeless don?t want to be in or go to camps. They prefer being outside on their own, without any oversight. If you vote to allow homeless to sleep at the Digestion Building and then the police to enforce this, you?re making a bad situation worse and wasting $200,000, plus the added enforcement costs created by more unnecessary work for the police, to enforce. Please revisit the original issue and see what it will take to overturn the original agreement, and fight the suit.