The relationship between the Crazy Cat Lady, Brenda Adams, and Dr. Julie Evans, DVM, while built on the foundation of friendship, is also a mutually rewarding business relationship of the best kind.
Brenda and her husband pay all of the expenses of harboring the 46 cats in their colony and in return for the volunteer hours that she serves in Dr. Julie’s Hospital, the Adamses are rewarded with a hefty discount for food, boarding and medical costs incurred by the felines. The relationship is such that Dr. Julie makes herself available at all hours of the day and night, and in return, Brenda is a see-all, do-all person at the hospital who makes herself available to respond to emergency situations 24 hours a day.
The Valley Center Animal League benefits from Dr. Evans’ generosity in that she discounts all of the medical and boarding expenses the league incurs. And, as the League’s president, Dawn Taylor, often reminds us, the discounted services are instrumental in controlling our costs. We are very thankful for the gesture. Of course, as stated often in this column, we have complete trust that Dr. Evans does not partake of the “up-sell” pie so prevalent in the vet business today. There are no unnecessary surgeries performed or procedures rendered at the Ark Valley Animal Hospital.
It’s an exciting time for Animal Leaguers as we prepare for the Feb. 8 Father-Daughter dinner dance at the Valley Center High School. We are continuing to solicit donations of goods and services to be raffled off and prizes to be rewarded. Word has it that there are electronics, gadgets and toys accumulated so far. All proceeds are for our treasury, and the dance is our major fundraiser event every year. Tickets are available at Anne’s Attic and Paw Prints, only $25 per person. A memorable time for all is promised.
A continual and very important part of our mission is that we find foster homes for our displaced animals. Whether it be a dog or a cat, we would much rather they not have to be boarded. And we are in great need of foster homes at this time.
The vast majority, if not all, of the dogs and cats that find themselves in our care would be far better off in a home environment than in a kennel. We regularly see dogs act out if they are caged very long, and it is very troubling for us that they must endure any time in captivity.
As previously mentioned in this column, all of our members are maxed out when it comes to the number of animals in our homes. Being the animal lovers that we all are, we would each like to take more but at a point it often becomes unfair to the dogs or cats already with us to bring in “just one more.”
This is an urgent call for you or anyone you might know that would consider doing so, to become a foster to our animals. The league provides food, medical care, beds, toys and support for you and the animal. The dog provides the gratitude. You receive the gratification. It’s heartwarming for all concerned.
As this is written, we have two dogs that need a different place to be while they await their forever homes. Please find it in your heart to put a leash on one of them and take him or her to your vehicle. You will be glad you did.
Dawn would greatly enjoy hearing from you at 393-5256. And cat lovers, we often have need for you also. However, cats being cats, it’s possible they don’t know they need you.
Ed Varner is a member of the Valley Center Animal League. Reach him at or 616-7487.