PUPPY SITTER WANTED

Victoria is picking up a 3-Month old puppy tomorrow to auction off for the Pat Boone Celebrity Golf Tournament on Monday November 1. Is anyone interested in watching it until Monday, Nov 1st. It will come with a crate, food and everything it needs. Don't know what kind it is yet. I am soooo tempted, but the look on Harold's face tell's me to ask around first! Let me know : - )

Off Leash Commitee Update

The Off-Leash Play Area Committee met last night at Friends. Thanks to all who choose to go out a rainy evening instead of staying home. We had scouted four possible locations for an off-leash play area and presented them at the meeting. Each site was discussed and the committee selected two to continue on with the feasibility study. The first site is located at the Promenade and the second site is located at the entrance park outside the Dove Canyon gate. Our goal is to consider all costs that would be associated with turning these two sites into an fenced off-leash play area. The sites were selected based on location and the low cost that would be associated in developing them. Our plan is to keep it as simple as possible and the least amount of improvements as possible. The study will taking into consideration insurance costs, fencing, trash receptacles, signage, and more. The feasibility study is also going to include market research and include possible ways to fund the amenity.

Our goal is to involve as many homeowners in the process by keeping them informed through this blog and our facebook page: Real Dogs of Dove Canyon. The Park 4 Paws survey results showed that 147 homeowners were interested in a possible area for their dogs to play. Although 115 were not supportive of this idea, there are still approximately 1,000 residents we did not hear from.

To be honest, the survey was to gauge interest in this possible new amenity, it wasn't suppose to be the final vote on deciding if we should add this amenity, and the HOA Board acted as if it was. They were ready to shut down the idea without knowing actual costs or facts involved in the creation of a off leash play area. Our request was to form a committee to look into the feasibility of creating this new amenity. So thankfully, we were represented at the general meeting to remind them of this, otherwise, it would have been voted down. We appreciate those who support the idea and we appreciate those who support the committee and their efforts even if they don't support the idea of an off-leash play area.

We shall continue with working on a thorough feasibility study at our expense and hope to present it at a general board meeting after the first of the year.

Off Leash Committee 2nd Meeting

The Off Leash Committee is meeting for the second time Tuesday, October 5th at 6:30 pm at Friends. We will be discussing possible locations for the off leash play area. Our goal is to select two sites which are feasible to support an off leash play area for our canine pets. The next step will be to attach costs to those locations so we can include in the feasibility study.

This meeting is open to Dove Canyon residents only. All residents who wish to contribute to the feasibility study are welcome. If you are interested in attending, please let me know so I can make sure we have enough seating. email maryfwong@cox.net.

Thank you.

Owner Desperately Seeking A New Home For Their Dog

I received an e-mail from a friend who received the following e-mail:

I'M DESPERATE!! OUR DOG NEEDS A HOME :( - 3 yr old lab mix. We have had Baby since she was 6 weeks old and we picked her up in front of a Grocery Store in Big Bear. She is now three years old and we have had to downsize and now do not have enough room to provide a good life for Baby. She is a very loving and enthusiastic dog who needs... lot of attention. Baby loves kids and small dogs too. Please contact me if you are able to provide her with a loving and attentive home. PLEASE FORWARD TO ANYONE YOU THINK MAY BE INTERESTED ?

I understand that Baby is Spayed and is up to date on all her shots. If you know of anyone looking to adopt a pet, please let them know about Baby. If you are interested, contact me at maryfwong@cox.net

The Last Dog Days of Summer

Autumn starts next week on September 23rd... What is the best way to enjoy the last few days of summer? Why not take a drive to Dog Beach in Huntington Beach and let your dog play in the Pacific Ocean. The weather is beautiful.. the dogs can play in the surf and the kids will have fun too. Great way for your pet to cool off and exercise. Click on the link for more information on Dog Beach. www.dogbeach.org

Let's Find Jessie a New Home

Received this e-mail today.... Please read and call if you know someone who can give this beautiful girl a loving home.
From Colleen:
Don't know where to start so I will just jump right in. About 2 weeks ago my son who lives a couple of blocks from me here off of Oso in Stonecliff, called to say he had found a dog that came right up to him. She was very thin, and the pads of her feet were open and bleeding along with some sores on her legs. Her nails were worn down to the quick. She had no tags on. He took her home fed and bathed her. The next day while taking her potty, a man came up to him and said it was his dog. My son Travis promptly returned her including the new leash he had purchased. The very next day while my son was taking his own dog potty "black lab" the man came up to him again to say that he needed to return the leash, Travis said no please keep it and take her for walks. The man then said he could not keep the dog for many reasons that I will explain to you later but the dog is chained up in their tiny courtyard daily and is locked in a garage at night. The reason for the sores besides not being taken care of, is she is trying to get out. Have no idea why they are not feeding her well.

Anyway, my son told the man he would try to find a home for her and has been looking ever since. He has two weeks until he has to move to a tiny apt. in Costa Mesa and cannot have another dog. He has called tons of rescue places and been told there is no room at the inn. We have also tried foster homes to no avail. We already know there are 2 no-kill shelters, one in Huntington Beach and San Clemente. However, to take the dog there you have to tell them you found the dog on the street. Hence, "lying", he will not do that.

This little girl is named Jessie. She is the sweetest girl ever. My son had called my husband the other day and said he had to work late could we go over and take the dogs potty. We said yes, but on the way my husband said "This dog has never seen us before, what if she is not friendly." Anyway long story, when she saw him she just wagged her tail, then waited until he told her to come out of the crate. There was no barking or anything. She then waited quietly while he put on her leash and still didn't move until he said "ok lets go". When he brought her back in and opened the crate door, she just walked right in still wagging her tail. She obviously has been well trained and she has the sweetest temperament.

She is healing nicely and in the short time he has had her she has put on a pound or two. She is not as weak now.

I am contacting you to see if you might know of someone who might be looking for a dog or if you might have any resources we haven't covered yet.

She will be a blessing to someone considering she is all trained and is so docile. If you have any leads would you email me? I appreciate you reading my long letter!

Contact Colleen at: 949.709.5648 (office)

Kick-Off Meeting Tuesday 8/17

Our first committee meeting will be held on Tuesday 8/17 at 7:00 pm. If you are interested in being on the committee, please e-mail me at maryfwong@cox.net. We are producing a feasibility study for an off-leash play area for the dogs of Dove Canyon. Upon completion, the study will be presented to the Dove Canyon Board for review. The meeting is for people who are wanting to help research all the different aspects of an off-leash play area, including location, design, costs, maintenance... If you are interested in updates, please check this blog regularly or our facebook page. Our intent is to have information available to ALL homeowners, so all concerns and idea's are addressed.

Coto's - CZ Canine Corral

Yesterday afternoon, Harold, Chip and I ventured over to the New Canine Corral in Coto. We met with a resident who was extremely involved in the development and design of the dog park. He shared with us all that they went through to add Coto's newest amenity. It was good to hear that the dog park cost was reasonable (approx. $26,000) and it didn't require any additional liability insurance. The park was funded mostly by donations. The Canine Corral is simple but extremely pleasant with shade and some topography changes. In our meeting we learned that this newest amenity is quickly becoming one of the most used areas in Coto. Every evening the park is filled with people who bring beach chairs and socialize with each other while their dogs enjoy playing. We gained some insight into the creation of the Canine Corral and came away more committed to seeing such a enjoyed and used amenity added to Dove Canyon. I would recommend that the next time you are in Coto is to drive and see how nice the Canine Corral is. The park is located across from the Equestrian Center at the intersection of Vista del Verde & Via Pajaro.

Mountain Lion Alert

This morning I received a Head's Up from Moki's Mom. She wrote:

heads up. we were walking moki kinda late tonight by the pool area (10:30) and security was out (dealing with teenagers) but they told us to be aware, they've had multiple mountain lion sightings in the past couple of days. Said mountain lion looks to be about 120 lbs. and has been sighted around Hillrise. Late night walks may not be a good idea. He gave us the "what are you thinking?" look.

Appreciate Lori for sending that alert.. It would be nice if Dove Canyon could post alerts to homeowners, especially since it sounds like Security already is aware.

Remember that early morning and late evening is when Wildlife is out and about. If you need to walk your dog during those hours, avoid the trails and walk with a friend or family member.

Park 4 Paws Survey Results

Seabreeze placed an update on the Park 4 Paws survey in the August 2010 newsletter. If you didn't get a copy in the mail with your invoice, the newsletter is posted on Dove Canyon Life website.

Seabreeze Management received a total of 262 homeowner responses. 115 were no's and 147 were yes's. Only 21% of the homeowners responded. The Dove Canyon Board of directed has chosen to table the Park for Paws and allow for an independent homeowner committee to study the feasibility of the off-leash area. The homeowner committee will form within the next couple of weeks and establish an outline for the feasibility study and a deadline. The committee will then request to be added to the agenda and present their study to the board, in hopes that it will then be discussed and voted on by our Dove Canyon delegates. If you would like to be on the committee, please e-mail me at maryfwong@cox.net

Real Dog of the Week: Mojo

Our Real Dog of the week is Mojo,an adorable Maltese who has quite a bit of charm. Mojo enjoys his frequent walks through the Dove Canyon Promenade and likes to greet all the big dogs. Mojo is one dog who can work his magic through the neighborhood.

Beautiful 8-week old Shar-Pei / Lab Mix puppies looking for a good home. Meet Petunia- female,Zora AKA Bongo - female,Mr. Meeogi- male, Wasabi - male,Bonzi - Male, Jade- Female and BeeGee - Female.

These large Chinese Sharpe/Lab mix pups are approximately 8 weeks old. They
were rescued, by New Beginnings Rescue, out of the Merced County Shelter and
brought here. These pups need permanent loving homes. They will probably
be big! Mom was a small black lab, but clearly dad was Chinese Shar-pei.
They have been de-wormed and had their first set of puppy shots. They are
big cuddle bugs and very playful. They are being fostered in Coto for New Beginnings Rescue. There will be an adoption fee,which will include the spay or neuter. Please call Carey Smith if you would like an application forwarded to you, or if you would like to meet these 7 loving puppies. Consider rescuing a pet and saving a life. Carey's number is: 949-636-2857.

Introducing Tsunami

Technically, Tsunami is not a Dove Canyon Resident, however, since the new pup belongs to my stepdaughter and we have puppy sat almost everyday, I get to show her off. Tsunami is a three month old Belgian Malinois who Jenn got from the animal shelter she volunteers at. Not much is know about Tsunami's early days, but the Pet Orphans of Southern California, located in Northridge, rescued this pretty pup at the Riverside Shelter because they were overcrowded. A Belgian Malinois is like a German Shepard and is often used for police work. This sweet girl should get about 60 lbs. Diva is getting tired out from puppy play and is a little jealous when the focus is on Tsunami. She is mostly calm and has a great disposition and as soon as she gets a little more training behind her, we'll take her down to the Promanade and show her off.

Happy Fathers Day to all Dove Canyon Dad's

Happy Father's Day to all the dads of kids and pets in Dove Canyon. We celebrate you today for all that you do, from the big stuff to the small stuff like taking the dog for a walk. We appreciate all the support you provide and being there for your children to lean on even when you both feel like different species! Enjoy your day and I hope you get to spend it the way you would like.

TUESDAY JUNE 15 - LAST DAY TO TURN IN YOUR PARK 4 PAWS SURVEY

Tomorrow, Tuesday, June 15th is the last day to turn in your Park 4 Paws Survey. Because the association has switched over the Dove Canyon Life website to a new server, dwelling live, I was unable to find the survey posted on the website. I e-mail Seabreeze today to see if they can post it for those who waited until the last minute. If you know someone who wants to send in the survey, have them e-mail me at: maryfwong@cox.net and I will be happy to forward it to them. I do have to note that although the survey was not under Announcements, the Dog Leash law was posted there.

Coto's CA Canine Corral opens Today

We have been keeping an eye on the process of Coto establishing a dog park within their private community and it finally opens today. The Canine Corral as it's named is opening with some controversy. The Dog park opponents main criticisim is that they say, CZ Master, the largest HOA in the community, pushed through the dog park with no community input. There is an article in today's South County section of the OC Register regarding the resident's complaints , and an announcement of it opening in the Trabuco Canyon News . I believe Dove Canyon residents started on the right track in regards to getting an off leash play area for our dogs. I'm glad residents initiated this request with our HOA Board and I'm happy that our HOA Board listens to the residents and agreed to put out a survey to gage initial interest from homeowners to see if a Park 4 Paws is a amenity that should be added to our community. I really hope that if our community response is in favor of a Park 4 Paws, that a committee is formed with both HOA members and homeowners to study all aspects of a dog park ... Design, Cost, maintenance, etc. I have already heard from homeowners that they don't want a dog park because of the high cost of liability insurance... I think it's very preliminary to speculate if Dove Canyon would even have to get additional insurance. We e-mailed CZ Master Association if they had an increase or added additional liability and their response was "

Our agent checked & advised that insurance was not an issue for us at this time; it can become an issue after you have an incident. We are not having waivers signed but posting that by entering you accept the liability"

. I'm not saying this will be the same for Dove, but I do think everyone should keep an open mind and find out the facts by going to the next level. Dove Canyon HOA will present all the facts by a Park 4 Paws committee to the homeowners to vote in a new amenity before it can be implemented, so let's see what is involved first. If I use the formula that was in the Trabuco Canyon News as to determine how many dogs were in Coto, it would work out as: According to the Humane Society, almost 40% of U.S. Households own a dog and 33% of those own two or more. That translates to roughly 665 Dogs in Dove Canyon based on 1,252 homes. Let's hope that everyone turns in their surveys by the June 15th deadline and that we can continue to forming a committee and find out what it shall really take to develop a dog park with our community informed every step of the way.

Dove Canyon Real Dog Bailey is looking for a new home.

FREE TO GOOD and the RIGHT home, Bailey is a 14 month old, male Mini Labradoodle. His owner is sad to give up Bailey but is unable to give him the attention he needs. Bailey is gentle, housebroken and is up to date on all his shots. He's full of energy and would love a home where there is another dog. His owner writes, "we had another dog Moby (so wonderful) and got Bailey to liven Moby up a bit. It turned out Moby had an autoimmune disease and passed away in Febuary. Bailey loved Moby and followed him everywhere, now that he is gone Bailey needs training; he did need it before but it did help that he always followed Moby's lead. He loves dogs, people; he is extremely social yet a bit too excitable! When he sees other dogs he cries until he gets to play with them. I so hope to find him a great home." I have seen Bailey often on his walks and is very cute. Bailey would be perfect for someone wanting a young dog but doesn't want to go through the puppy stages. Please let's help find Bailey a home. All inquiries can be sent to Christen at her e-mail: Christen846@yahoo.com, or call 949-709-0083.

Bell View Trail

The mornings have been so beautiful lately that I am enjoying walks with Diva on the Bell View Trail which we access from the Park on Sycamore. You need your old pool key to get through the gate or you can access it at the Waterfall or towards the end of Sycamore where it opens up onto the trail. Here is a photo I took of Dove Canyon this morning along with a picture of a Quail. This Daddy Quail was on the lookout and Mama Quail and new babies ran into the brush before I could snap their photo.

Happy Birthday Cooper

Cooper is celebrating his 8th birthday with a great roll in the grass. If you are down at the promenade this week, stop by and give him your birthday wishes. Cooper is usually there every morning and evening!

Real Dog of the Week: Mochi

Mochi is a very cute poodle mix. Mochi enjoy's visiting with her Dove dog pals and like her name, is a very sweet treat!

Real Dog of the Week: Paisley

Paisley is a beautiful representative of the Scottish Terrier breed. It is very fun to watch her sweep across the grass and play with her DC dog pals. Aside from her sweet temperament, Paisley wants to be where all the action is and enjoys keeping up with the larger dogs.

April Update on Animal Control Visits

As mentioned in my previous post dated April 25th, Animal Control came out to Dove Canyon in 2009 a total of 12 times. Between January and March 2010, AC visited Dove Canyon 12 times and (drum roll please), last month, AC came out to Dove Canyon 12 times, so that totals 24 visits so far for 2010. It cost Animal Control approx. $2,098.08 to patrol check our community, and as far as I can tell, has not issued any citations. An interesting fact is that Animal Control also did 16 patrol checks in Coto on Alta Drive, which is where their new dog park is being proposed and Coto homeowners play with their dogs. They responded to only two calls generated elsewhere in Trabuco Canyon. So please note that the Security Gate is still calling Animal Control on Dove Homeowners who play and run their dogs off leash.

Another Beautiful Morning in Dove Canyon

It's another beautiful morning here in Dove Canyon and I took a picture of Saddleback framed by wispy clouds for you to enjoy. It's not to late to grab the leash and take your Dog for a walk. Have a great day.

Real Dog of the Week: Roxy

Meet Roxy, a beautiful Rottweiler. Most likely you see Roxy enjoying her morning walk each day through the promenade. As she walks around the pool she will usually howl a friendly hello to her friend Coti, the Alaskan Malamut. Roxy's looks may be intimidating, but she is a sweetheart!

Happy Mother's Day to All Dove Canyon Mom's

Here is a picture of Diva's Mom with Diva and her litter mates!

4 Year Old Golden looking for new home

This four year old Golden Retriever Girl named Dakota is looking for a new home. Her original family gave her up in January because they lost their house. Her new adopted family's dog and the golden are not getting along, husband wants to take dog to shelter. Please if you know of anyone who would like this beautiful Golden Retriever, have them contact Michelle Fitch at mlfitch@cox.net or call 949 874-4394.

Have you sent in your survey yet?

Remember to send in your survey to Seabreeze. All surveys need to be in by June 1st. I'm asking dog owners that I meet if they have sent it in and it's amazing how many people don't even know about the survey, I guess not everyone reads the Dove Canyon newsletter. I encourage you to tell your neighbors and friends in Dove to complete the survey and send it in. This is our chance to find out how many people are interested in a Park for Paws. Some dog owners have commented that it seems as though Animal Control and Dove Canyon Security interests seems to have waned. However, we still take Diva down to the grassy area by the tennis courts almost everyday along with a few others, and we miss all the dogs and owners who use to come down to exercise and socialize their pets because they don't want to take a chance of getting a ticket. The more Dove Canyon residents who fill out the survey and send in their comments and suggestions for a dog park in our community, the better our chances of getting one. So, let's send in those surveys!

Central Bark - Irvine's Dog Park

Diva really, really needs to run and it's so frustrating for all the dogs and their owners to hang around at the promenade and stay on leashes. So, Sunday afternoon family outing to Irvine to visit their dog park, called Central Bark. Fairly easy to park, very big dog park divided into two area, one for small dogs and the other for bigger dogs. Lots of people, lots of dogs. We stayed an hour and tried our best to get Diva to run with the other dogs, however, she wasn't familiar with the dogs and didn't want much to do with them. She did have a great time sniffing all the benches, light posts, tree's, etc. I'm sure if we went there often, she would develop a "pack" to run with, however, driving to Irvine just to visit a dog park isn't convenient and Diva already likes the dogs that she knows in Dove Canyon. Has anyone else been to Central Bark? What did you think?

Information on Animal Control you never really cared to know about.

Okay, I have to admit, being staked out by Animal Control makes me wonder all kinds of things, like shouldn't they be rescuing a wounded animal somewhere versus staking out homeowners who just want to socialize and throw their dog a ball? How much does it cost the taxpayers each time an Animal Control Officer investigates a single complaint? And, how often does Animal Control come out to our quiet gated community? So I went on-line and found out that all information is available to the public and if they don't have to mail it to you.. it's free information. So I sent in a request and this is what I found out. Based on fiscal year 2008-09 and figuring in overall cost associated with each individual visit by a Animal Control Officer (Salary, benefits, supplies, services, transportation, equipment, etc) the overall cost per visit is $87.42. Currently 60% of OC Animal Care's annual budget is funded by fee's such as licensing revenue, permits, and various fines. 40% is funded by contracts with the cities in their jurisdiction.

Now an interesting fact is that in 2009 OC Animal Control visited Dove Canyon on calls only for stray and roaming dogs (which includes off-leash dogs)only 11 times the entire year and 5 of those calls were generated from the same street within a 5 day period. From the months of January through the end of March of 2010, Animal Control responded to calls, again for roaming dogs for a total of 12 times, 3 of those calls came from the Gate. 10 of the calls were in March. So, if the 2009-10 budget did not increase and the cost per visit stayed the same, it cost Animal control over $1,000.00 to visit Dove Canyon in two months vs. the entire 2009 year.
It also takes an average of 58 minutes for Animal Control to respond to a call. Quickest time it took 11 minutes.

So although I'm glad that Animal Control doesn't have to respond to too many wounded dogs, only 3 calls for RSM/Trabuco Canyon/Coto area last year, I am now wondering how Dove Canyon will effect their budgets for this fiscal year. Make sure you license your dogs, as long as calls keep getting generated from our community, OC Animal Control is going to need the revenue.

PARK FOR PAWS SURVEY

Dove Canyon Master Association has placed a survey on the www.DoveCanyonLife.com website to gauge the interest of homeowners for a possible future Dog Park. You can access the survey by clicking on New Announcements once you are on the website. Please take the time to complete the survey and add any comments, suggestions or idea's that you may have. THIS IS THE TIME TO LET YOUR VOICE BE HEARD. I encourage you to tell your Dove Canyon friends, neighbors, golfing buddies, school parents, etc. to take the time and fill out the survey.

The green link at the top of this page will take you directly to the Dove Canyon Life website.

The Real Dogs of Dove Canyon group's position is that a new community amenity be added to Dove Canyon, A "Park for Paws", a fenced, off leash play area for dogs. We would like a place for where the well-behaved canine citizens can exercise in a clean, safe environment without endangering or annoying people, property or wildlife. To develop a beautiful, well-maintained space open to all dog lovers and friends who are willing to uphold the park's rules and restrictions. To view this park as a community project designed to satisfy the needs of dog-owners and non-dog owners alike. A "Park for Paws" allows the dogs to socialize and get the exercise and playtime that is not possible while they are on a leash. As dog owners we know how important this is for their health and well being. A tired dog is a happy dog. It also gives homeowners a chance to meet other dog owners and build a sense of community with them, while monitoring the dogs interaction and of course, doing clean up duty.

Ways to Hug the Earth Today

Today is Earth Day and I've thought of three ways we can reduce our dogs carbon paw prints on the earth. Can you come up with more?

1. Recycle pets. Don’t buy—adopt one of the 70,000 puppies and kittens born every day in the United States.

2. Scoop the poop. Scoop up your doggie doo in biodegradable poop bags so your dog's No. 2 doesn't take hundreds of years to break down while deep-sixed in a landfill.

3. Reuse and recycle. Donate to local shelters. Call and ask if they need old newspapers, towels, bedding, leashes, litter boxes, pet toys or other gently used items that you plan to throw away.

WARNING: Cocoa Mulch

Please tell every pet owner you know. Even if you don't have a pet, please pass this to those who do. Over the weekend, the doting owner of 2 young lab mixes purchased Cocoa Mulch from Target to use in their garden. The dogs loved the way it smelled and it was advertised to keep cats away from their garden. Their dog (Calypso) decided the mulch smelled good enough to eat and devoured a large helping. She vomited a few times which was typical when she eats something new but wasn't acting lethargic in any way. The next day, Mom woke up and took Calypso out for her morning walk. Half way through the walk, she had a seizure and died instantly.

Although the mulch had NO warnings printed on the label, upon further investigation on the company's web site, this product is HIGHLY toxic to dogs and cats* *

Cocoa Mulch is manufactured by Hershey's, and they claim that "It is true that studies have shown that 50% of the dogs that eat Cocoa Mulch can suffer physical harm to a variety of degrees (depending on each individual dog). However, 98% of all dogs won't eat it."

*Snopes site gives the following information: http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/cocoamulch.asp

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman's Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores contains a lethal ingredient called 'Theobromine'. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. They will ingest this stuff and die. Several deaths already occurred in the last 2-3 weeks.

Theobromine is in all chocolate, especially dark or baker's chocolate which is toxic to dogs. Cocoa bean shells contain potentially toxic quantities of theobromine, a xanthine compound similar in effects to caffeine and theophylline. A dog that ingested a lethal quantity of garden mulch made from cacao bean shells developed severe convulsions and died 17 hours later. Analysis of the stomach contents and the ingested cacao bean shells revealed the presence of lethal amounts of theobromine.

Call Out for Summer Pet Sitters

I am adding to the Blog! If you have a pre-teen or teen who is looking to make money pet sitting or walking dogs, e-mail me their names,ages & phone numbers and which neighborhood they live in (i.e. Sterling Heights, The Oaks, etc) and I will create a section to promote their business.

New Real Dog: Moki

Introducing Moki, a new Dove Canyon resident! Moki's a rescue dog and is slowly being introduced to all the regulars around Dove Canyon. Still a little shy, Moki's personality is starting to emerge and is beginning to play with other dogs. Brothers William and James are taking great care of Moki and walking him everyday. Looks like Moki found a great home and deserves all the attention he gets.

Mamma Chewy Needs a Home.

Mamma Chewy is a 3 year old terrier mix who needs a home! She has all her shots, de-wormed (both types), and clean bill of health (thank you Dr. Silvia Stone’s Mobile Pet Vet). She delivered seven terrier poodle mixed pups early March. Her spay will be scheduled for May. She loves to play tennis ball and is very sweet with kids and other pets. She will be a great family member for someone who doesn’t want to go through the puppy stages! If you know anyone who is looking for a family pet, please call Carey Smith in Coto de Caza, 949.636.2857

HOA General Board Meeting Update

On behalf of Real Dogs of Dove Canyon, Chip Lindley, Harold Wong and I attended the board meeting this past Tuesday. The HOA Board is doing their own research at the moment in regards to the Paws Park. They agreed to place a survey on www.dovecanyonlife.com to gauge homeowners interest for a Paws Park. I will let you know once it's posted. Please encourage your friends and neighbors to complete the survey. If there is overall interest in the park, a committee will be formed to go to the next steps of determining design and cost and then it will most likely be put up for public review and they will need 67% homeowner approval to move forward. Minutes from the meeting will be approved at next months meeting and then posted on the community website.

Up Close and Personal - Need photo's of your Dog

I would like to feature more Dove Canyon Dogs on this blog so it's a call out for pictures and a little information about your dog, Tell us about your dog's personality, if it's their birthday, is your dog a rescue dog? Anything so we can get to know and admire your favorite pet. e-mail me a photo in a jpg. format along with your sweet, funny or real story.

Animal Control is in 'da House

As many of you are aware that after twenty years, the Dove Canyon HOA is enforcing the leash law and have instructed security guard to call Animal Control the minute they see a dog off leash. Animal Control is now regularly patroling Dove Canyon looking for violators. This means you can't walk your dog off-leash, you can't throw your dog a frisbee or ball to run on any area other than your yard. You can't let go of your leash. You should be careful about having your children walk your pet, because if Animal Control decides that your child is not capable of handling your pet, it can be determined they do not have the proper control over your animal. If you or your child doesn't pick up after the dog and Animal Control see's it, you will be issued a fine. (We sure hope you are teaching your children to pick up after your pet). Say good-bye to retractable leashes, because your dog can not be on a leash longer the 6 feet. And since Animal Control is setting up Patrols, meaning they will sit and wait for a violator, you should make sure your dog has a license hanging from it's collar, because it's the law that all dogs be licensed. Because Animal Control has been called out so often to Dove Canyon, they will no longer give you a warning, they WILL give you a citation and they will fine you.
Please let your friends and neighbors know.

Slideshow has been updated

Real Dogs of DC Slideshow has been updated to include today's pictures.

Happy Birthday Diva

Two years ago we were a Cat family, however after years of daily begging from our daughter for a dog, Harold and I decided that at the age of 8, my daughter was finally ready for the responsibility of a puppy. So, we all researched the type of dog we wanted. We wanted a dog that didn't shed and was fairly active so it would force me to walk more. We debated size, breed, shelter vs. breeder, etc.. so finally we went to the OC Pet Fair and decided to check them all out. After looking at so many dogs, we came across the Portugese Water Dog and finally Harold said he loves this dog, Maya instantly and whole heartedly said she did too, so we came home and I went on-line and found a Breeder in Arizona whose PWD had recently given birth to 9 pups. She sent pictures and we were hooked. In June, we drove to Scottsdale, had a mini-vacation and picked up our new 9 week old puppy. Diva stayed in Maya's lap pretty much the entire way home and our lives had been changed forever.

Now I never considered myself much of a dog person, but walking Diva opened up a whole new world for me. Of course her personality won me over and we came to meet and know so many wonderful people and their dogs. Two years ago I would never have thought that in a million years I would start a dog blog, but here we are. Thanks to my birthday Puppy Diva!

Sunday Morning PR

Sunday, April 11th at 9:00 a.m., bring your doggies down to the grass area by the pool for an opportunity to be interviewed by the OC Register. Kristy Chu, local reporter is interested in doing a story on The Real Dogs of Dove Canyon and is coming by to talk with homeowners and take some pictures of their dogs. Here's a chance to show off our beautiful and loved dogs. Hope to see you in the morning and as a bonus, we are bringing cookie treats to celebrate Diva's 2nd birthday.

Real Dogs of the Weekend: Bella and Uzi

Bella and Uzi are the real dogs of this weekend. These two are the happiest bulldogs in Dove Canyon. Uzi is a little older and wiser while Bella is younger and lapping up all she can learn. They love their Dove Canyon canine buddies and Bella is happiest when she can play with Cha Cha the little black Havanese. Uzi and Bella always makes you smile.

FaceBook Fan Page

I have created a face book fan page for Real Dogs of Dove Canyon to give everyone another option of interacting with other Dove Canyon Homeowners. If you have a facebook account, you can post comments, links, pictures, and information. I encourage you to promote this page to your Dove Canyon friends and neighbors. You can click the link to the left of this site to access the fan page.

Real Dog: Sophie

Sophie is a beautiful brown and white Cocker Spaniel. Sophie has a sweet disposition and loves playing with all her puppy pals. Although this cutie looks as though she prefer's to be pampered, Sophie keeps up with both the small and big dogs. This ability sums up this spunky Cocker, Sophie may be little but she has a large personality.

Wildlife Alert: Red Diamond Rattlesnake

There was a Red Diamond Rattlesnake today at 5pm behind the tennis courts. The snake came from the reservoir and ended up on the tennis court. Animal control was called out and they captured it.

Tim, Coti's owner snapped these photo's and would like to remind people that as the temperatures warm up, these critters may come out now. Reason to stay alert on your walks and pay attention to our pets and kids.

Thanks Tim for this very important reminder.