Mountain Views News, Sierra Madre Edition [Pasadena] Saturday, November 19, 2016

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JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS

Mountain Views-News Saturday, November 19, 2016 


Amazing AUSTIN MEOWERS! Austin is not only 
very, very handsome and fluffy, but he is also super, 
super sweet! Definitely your "purr-fect" kitty! 
He lives for loving! Austin would be happy just 
lounging around, 
being petted, and 
just being around 
you. Age about 2 
or 3. See his cute 
video and more 
pictures on our 
website.

 Lifeline for Pets 
is a small no-
kill rescue, and 
we know our cats 
well. We show 
some cats most Sunday afternoons at Petsmart, 
3347 E. Foothill Blvd. in Pasadena, 12:30-3:30. 

 Adoption fee is $100, which includes spay, 
microchip, exam, & vaccines. Our cats are negative 
FELV/FIV unless otherwise indicated. 

 

 See adoption info & application on our 
website, www.lifelineforpets.org. Or call 626-676-
9505. Sorry, we are not accepting cats at this time.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/lifelineforpets.
pasadena. Email: info@lifelineforpets.org

CAT CAFES CROP 

UP IN CALIFORNIA

Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc

It’s been all the rage in various areas of the world, including 
China and other places where folks are far less fortunate than 
we are here in the US. Indeed, the concept of the cat café has 
been around for quite some time. It’s an establishment where 
a delicious cup of coffee, tea - or whatever else your pleasure 
might be - and a healthy helping of one-on-one time with a 
kind feline are served up, hand-in-hand.

 While we Californians like to pride ourselves in being at 
the cutting edge of social trends, in this case I’m afraid we 
must admit we’re a little more than fashionably late to the 
party. But it seems we are finally catching up with the global 
movement of combining coffee with comforting kitties in 
cozy cafes for a unique one-stop-shop social experience.

 I came across an article on this very subject last week, 
following a conversation I’d had with a friend wherein 
I mentioned, “How cool would it be to have pet-owner 
partnerships so folks could equally share the responsibilities 
and expenses while benefiting from the loving cuddles 
associated with having a pet?” When one owner is at work 
the other could be spending quality time with the pet, and 
vice versa. Makes sense, right? But that’s another article.

 The prospect of cat cafes cropping up in California really 
has me feeling curiously content, and I have no doubt that 
the trend will catch on. But for now I’d like to celebrate the 
cat petting places that we have so far, and encourage all my 
feline-loving friends to patronize and support them in their 
quest to introduce this innovative, win-win business concept 
to our local social scene.

 The basic gist of business goes something like this; There 
are thousands of cats in California shelters, each waiting 
for that special individual to come in an offer up a forever 
loving home before their ticking timeline runs out and the 
state pays to have them euthanized. Then you have folks who 
would just love to own a cat but their conscience won’t allow 
them to bring one home only to be left there for countless 
hours of the day while they are away at the office.

 Add to that the fact that those same folks who leave home 
for work each morning, almost always end up stopping 
somewhere for a cup of coffee and a crumpet to help kick-
start their day. What if someone came along and put the two 
together? The shelter cat and the pet less person who’d just 
love to have the time to share with a cat? Vuala, in comes the 
cat café concept and there you have it…a win/win situation 
for all involved!

 When I looked into it, I found four cat cafes in California 
where one can imbibe in a morning cup 
of warming waker-upper while relaxing 
amongst a clamoring yet somehow calming 
crowd of kitties. Although there may be 
others that I am yet unaware of, the ones I 
found to be currently in existence all look 
fabulous and have apparently done pretty 
well for themselves since they’ve opened for 
business.

 Each café offers its own unique style and 
teach seems to run their operations slightly 
different than the others. For example, 
one might be completely free of charge 
excepting the food or drink items they 
purchase during their visit, while another 
charges a visitation fee that includes free 
coffee or tea refills for the duration. One might donate a 
(high) percentage of their proceeds to a particular rescue 
of their choice while another operates as a rescue in and of 
themselves.

 Ultimately, though, they all seem to share the same 
basic objective. That of giving shelter cats a second chance 
at life by allowing them to live and be cared for at their 
café establishment until the cats are adopted into a loving 
furrever home. Meanwhile, the café cats get to enjoy the 
company of numerous daily visitors who truly appreciate the 
opportunity to receive the fur therapy they have to offer. Like 
I said…it’s a win/win, right?

 So, do be sure to take the time to visit a few of the feline-
friendly cat cafes that are cropping up in California. It could 
be yet another interesting story to add to your travelogue, and 
who knows? You might just decide to add a new four-legged 
furry feline member to your family. One that can share the 
warmth of your home while sharing all the warmth they 
have to offer, with you. Can you think of a more purrfectly 
reciprocal relationship? I sure can’t.

 Here’s the list of cat cafés I read about in last month’s 
issue of AAA’s Westway Magazine, plus one that I found 
through a brief Google search I conducted after I read 
the article. (Be sure to visit their respective websites 
prior to visiting their shop locations, as some require 
reservations in advance).

 Cat Town - located at 2869 Broadway in Oakland, this 
non-profit started out as strictly a cat rescue org. and later 
added the café as an after thought, doubling their adoption 
rate in short order. cattownoakland.org

 Kittea Café - located at 96 Gough Street in San Fransisco, 
this cat café Features local live tunes, sustainable Japanese 
teas along with lots & lots of kind kitteas! kitteasf.com

 The Cat Café - Found down in San Diego at 472 Third 
Ave., this is California’s first “catfe”, known for giving off a 
purr-fectly laid-back vibe that is oh so typical for SD’s coastal 
culture. catcafesd.com

 Crumbs and Whiskers - Proudly placed at 7924 
Melrose Ave. in Los Angeles, it’s last on this list, but 
most certainly not the least. This latest and greatest cat 
café opened relatively recently and is the closest to our 
neck of the woods here in Sierra Madre. They boast a 
host of fine felines just waiting to share their loving lair 
with all you crazy cat people. Be sure to check them out! 
crumbsandwhiskers.com


LOOKING FOR A BEST FRIEND?

Dobbie is a 9-year-old Chihuahua mix who was 
surrendered to the shelter when her owner became ill 
and could no longer care for her. Dobbie has a short 
coat of cream-colored fur that is easy 
to care for, and she weighs around 11 
pounds. 

 Dobbie is a friendly girl with a happy 
personality. At the shelter, Dobbie has 
been very social, often initiating play 
with other dogs. She has long legs that 
make it easy for her to jump on a chair, 
which seems to be one of her favorite 
places to perch so she can see what 
is going on around her. She seems to 
love people, and is happy to get pets 
and belly rubs when she takes a break 
from playing. It is hard to believe 
she is 9 years old because she’s an 
active dog who loves going for walks, 
and even runs if she has the chance. 
Dobbie recently attended the Best 
Friends Strut Your Mutt event. She 
completed the entire walk with energy to spare and 
got along with all the other dogs at the event.

 Dobbie is looking for a loving home where she is 
treated as part of the family. She would love a yard 
where she can run and play during the day and a 
soft, cozy bed where she can spend the night near 
her people. She would do well with another dog as 
a companion and playmate. Come 
meet Dobbie – her wagging tail 
and smiling face just might win 
you over and melt your heart. 
November is Adopt a Senior Pet 
Month! All dogs and cats that are 
6 years and older qualify for this 
promotion. Oreo’s adoption fee is 
$39 this month and includes neuter 
surgery, vaccinations, microchip 
and a free wellness exam at a 
participating veterinarian. Feel 
free to call us at (626) 286-1159 
for more information on Dobbie. 
ID#25568. She currently resides 
at the San Gabriel Valley Humane 
Society located at 851 E. Grand 
Avenue in San Gabriel which is 
located off San Gabriel Blvd, north 
of Mission and south of Las Tunas Drive. To arrange 
a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Praline, please stop by any 
time from 10:30am to 4:30pm Tuesday through 
Sunday.Website:www.sgvhumane.org. 

 
Walter Cailleteau, DVM Free Exam!
927 N. Michillinda Ave. For New Clients 
Pasadena, CA 91107 Bring this coupon to save! 
(626) 351-8863
Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com