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Emergency Preparedness Program (EPP) Pet Rescue Team: Jackie Schart, from the Western Riverside Animal Shelter was this month's much anticipated guest speaker. Although most everyone in attendance already knew something about animal behavior, we all learned more than we expected! She was a VERY animated, informative and knowledgeable speaker. Miss Schart is not only the Adoption Manager at the Riverside Animal Shelter, she is also an experienced Animal Behaviorist and Pet Trainer as well. Through the use of slides, some very comical cartoon pictures, and short videos, Jackie showed different types of animal body language, such as identifying fear and anxiety in dogs. This can come in handy on your walks, whether alone or with your own dogs. These very important signs could very well make the difference between a good walk or a VERY BAD walk, for you and your four-legged furry family pet! Jackie had some good advice for situations when your pet exhibits certain and possibly sudden unusual habits, such as shyness, excessive yawning, pacing or choosing to not take a treat. All of these can be signs and symptoms of your pet feeling stressed. These were brought up during the Q & A portion at the end of the presentation. Jackie also gave suggestions related to the bobcats that other wild visitors in our neighborhood. For example, keeping some smelly treats with you, like wet cat food, which can easily be tossed to distract an unwanted visitor. In addition, she suggested that walkers take water filled balloons to toss at the bobcats — the noise and spray from the ballon will inspire the bobcat to go somewhere else. Thanks to Jackie everyone left with a better understanding of the basics of animal behavior. We look forward to having a follow up presentation from Jackie in the near future. I want to personally thank Jackie for not only coming the speak, but for also being a great boss and friend. ~ Judie Kaczaroski Thank You: Kudos to the Pet Rescue Team, especially Judie Kaczaroski for her hard work in getting such an outstanding speaker for us. Also, congratulations to Judie as well. She was recognized by Riverside County as being the Volunteer of the Year for her many hours of service and dedication to the Animal Shelter. The Hands Only Sidewalk CPR training was also presented by the AMR EMT. Thank you to Jean Sandoval. Important note: We will be dark in July. Our regularly scheduled meeting, which is the first Thursday of the month, falls on the July 4 Holiday. Our next meeting will be Thursday, Aug. 1, at 10:30 am in the Lodge Ballroom. ~ Anita Worthen Community News | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | JULY 2013 15