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Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 24, 2024 


JUPITER!

Need a little god in your life? Meet 
Jupiter, aka “Petey,” age only 7 
months. This miniature panther 
is seriously the most lovable kitten 
we have ever known. When he isn't 
showing off his stunningly good 
looks in the sunshine of his foster's 
catio, he is trying to melt into the 
body of the nearest human. Petey enjoys batting around a faux 
fur mouse and chas-ing a laser pen, but what he loves most of 
all is being with you. If you are looking 
for a cat who will mostly keep to himself, 
look elsewhere. However, if you are interested in a dog-cat (he even 
plays fetch!) who will follow you around and burrow into your body 
at night, Petey is your man. We recommend that he is adopted with 
either one of his sibling sisters, or a young cat you may already have. 

See more pictures of Petey at www.lifelineforpets.org/jupiter.html, 
or use the qr code.


CHRISTOPHER Nyerges 

 [www.SchoolofSelf-Reliance.com]


OFTEN IT’S THE OWNER, NOT THE DOG, WHO 
NEEDS A LEASH 

The famous outdoor explorer and outfitter George Herter devoted a 
section in most of his books explaining why the dog is man’s best friend. 
(We assume he was using the term “man” generically to include men and 
women).

The family dog can often be an essential part of the outdoor experience. 
We want our close friend and pet to be with us when we venture into the outdoors. The 
conflicts arise when the owners fail to realize that the written and unwritten rules of dog 
conduct are generally not the same for wilderness and city.

I know a man who believes that dogs are not meant to be leashed, and who refuses to 
ever leash his dog. Part of his defense is that he claims his dog is always under his direct 
control. Furthermore, when it comes to his dog’s wanderings, he doesn’t regard private 
property rights of home or business owners as worthy of acknowledgement, let alone 
respect.

The problem with his chosen way of dealing with his various dogs is that he does so at the 
obvious, and demonstrable, expense of others.

Once this man came to my house because I was going to hire him to do some drywall work 
in my home. For reasons unknown, he brought his dog along, who wandered into my 
neighbor’s yard. I told him to keep his dog out of my neighbor’s yard. He responded that 
his dog was not doing any harm. I told him that wasn’t the point, and that any number of 
things could occur that would be harmful. In fact, his dog had wandered so far that Dave 
could not see the dog. It was clearly not under his control. He suggested, “Well, perhaps 
I should have a talk with your neighbor if they have a problem.”

I could barely believe what he was saying. I insisted that he take no such action. I 
explained that it was me who had a “problem,” because I respect my neighbors, and I was 
not interested in having Dave attempt to foist his viewpoints upon my next-door neighbor. 
So I instructed him to depart, and I found another way to get my drywall work done.

On another occasion, I was selling merchandise at a flea market and Dave was there with 
his unleashed dog. Dave’s dog urinated on a man’s $200 painting, and he managed to 
avoid all responsibility for his dog’s actions. Dave first said the urine would dry, and when 
the outraged merchant yellingly told Dave that it was a $200 painting, Dave said that he 
had a $200 dog, a nonsensical response. Dave managed to quickly depart in the crowd.

Dave is one of the many dog owners who believe that it is cruel, unkind, or inhumane to 
keep one’s dog clearly within the owner’s control. Leash laws are intended to serve that 
end. Dave lacked a certain social responsibility because the “freedom” he wanted for his 
dogs was at the expense of others.

I mostly had pit bulls during my life, which I dearly loved, and found them to be very 
lovable to people, but not to other dogs. For that reason, my pit was never off a leash when 
in any sort of public place. In fact, He always had both a leash and a harness. When I 
hiked in the local hills, lots of other dog owners let their dogs run free, because they feel 
that is “natural.” Not my dog, whose name was Cassius Clay (I got him from pet rescue, 
where he had been used for fighting). I would not let Cassius run free for many reasons 
besides getting into fights with other dogs. He might run through poison oak, he might 
chase a squirrel, and he might be in the way of a bicyclist that suddenly turns the corner. 
But not all dog owners had my level of concern for others.

Once, while hiking in the hills, I saw a woman’s dog racing towards Cassius. “Stop 
your dog,” I yelled. “My dog is friendly,” she yelled back. “Yeah, but what about mine?” 
Everything then happened fast. I knew Cassius would rip the “friendly” dog apart, so 
I lifted him into my arms, and harshly kicked the offending dog away, repeatedly. The 
dog owner was now screaming bloody-murder at me for hurting poor fido, not under her 
control. “Get your dog,” I continued to yell, as each kick flew the dog back 6 or 7 feet. She 
was livid, finally getting her dog, and telling me how she would call “authorities” on me 
for hurting her dog. “Bring those authorities here now,” I responded. “Your dog is lucky 
to be alive.” But she disappeared and I never saw any authorities of any sort. She was the 
type of person who went home knowing that I was wrong, and I was the bad guy, despite 
the fact that my dog was leashed and her “friendly” dog was not.

 

I find it instructive to see how Small Claims Court cases turn out which involve loose 
dogs. The general principle is that the owner is 100% responsible for the actions of its 
dog. There are some exceptions, of course, such as when someone, or another dog, enters 
private property. 

A friend of mine was walking her large dog, leashed, on a public street when a small dog, 
unleashed, ran out and attempted to attack the large dog. The large dog responded, and 
after the small dog was extricated from the big dog’s mouth, the small dog was taken to 
the vet. The vet bill was about $5000. The owner of the small dog wanted my friend to pay 
the bill because the incident happened in front of their house, though on a public street. 
This case never went to court, but the owner of the large dog chose to contribute a small 
portion to the vet bill for the sake of neighborliness.

Dogs are a wonderful part of our human 
experience. I have even had funerals for my 
dogs when they died! But it is always the 
owner who needs to practice the diligence 
to control the dog. In fact, most dog 
trainers will readily point out that they are 
not training the dogs as much as they are 
training the owners. The owner who learns 
simple commands, and who is consistent 
with their dog, ends up with a happier dog 
who knows what to expect. 


Pet of the Week

 
We’re over the moon for two-year-old Luna! This beautiful 
Shepherd has been described as "Super Sweet” “a velcro dog” 
and “amaaaaazzzing!”. With rave reviews like that, she must 
be special!

 Luna first arrived at Pasadena Humane with four newborn 
puppies. They spent some time in a foster home until the 
puppies were old enough to be adopted- they have all found 
homes, so now it’s Mama Luna’s turn! 

 Luna is housetrained and has learned a number of training 
cues. She’s super smart and will automatically sit for a treat and 
give you her best puppy dog eyes- no one can resist her!

 Her foster family shared this about Luna: She'll make the 
perfect companion! She loves attention, belly rubs, and treats. 
She also loves to glance up to make eye contact while on walks 
as well & accepts hugs from us!

 Luna probably wants to be the only dog in your life, but that just means all her attention 
will be on you! 

 The adoption fee for dogs is $150. All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and 
age-appropriate vaccines. 

 All dog adoptions include spay or neuter, microchip, and age-appropriate vaccines. 

 New adopters will receive a complimentary health-and-wellness exam from VCA Animal 
Hospitals, as well as a goody bag filled with information about how to care for your pet. 

 View photos of adoptable pets and schedule an adoption appointment at pasadenahumane.
org. Daily adoption appointments can be scheduled online. New adoption appointments are 
available every Sunday and Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. Walk-in appointments are available 
every day from 2:00 – 5:00. 

 Pets may not be available for adoption and cannot be held for potential adopters by phone 
calls or email.

ALL THINGS By Jeff Brown 

Mount Wilson & Bailey Trail: This strenuous trail begins in Sierra Madre and ascends to the 
summit of Mount Wilson, offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Los 
Angeles area. Along the way, you'll pass through diverse ecosystems, including chaparral and oak 
woodlands.

Eaton Canyon Falls: Located near Pasadena, this popular hike leads to a 40-foot waterfall. The 
trail is relatively short and suitable for hikers of all skill levels, though it can get crowded on 
weekends.

Devil's Punchbowl Natural Area: While not technically in the San Gabriel Valley, Devil's Punchbowl 
is worth mentioning for its unique geological formations and scenic desert landscapes. 
Trails in this area offer opportunities for exploring interesting rock formations and experiencing 
the high desert environment.

Strawberry Peak: Located near La Cañada Flintridge, the hike to Strawberry Peak offers stunning 
views of the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding mountains. The trail includes sections of rock 
scrambling and offers a rewarding summit experience.

Monrovia Canyon Falls: Located in Monrovia Canyon Park, this short hike leads to a picturesque 
waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. The trail is family-friendly and provides a peaceful escape 
from the surrounding urban areas.

Henninger Flats: Beginning in Altadena, this moderate hike leads to Henninger Flats, where hikers 
can enjoy panoramic views of the San Gabriel Valley. The trail passes through shady forests 
and offers opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.

Millard Canyon, located in the San Gabriel Mountains within the Angeles National Forest, offers 
several hiking opportunities and a tranquil natural setting.

Fish Canyon Falls Trail: This trail, located near Azusa, leads to a stunning 80-foot waterfall surrounded 
by lush vegetation. The hike is moderately challenging and features creek crossings and 
scenic canyon views. 

Mindfulness and Relaxation: Hiking offers an opportunity to disconnect from the stresses of 
daily life and be present in the moment. The rhythmic motion of walking, combined with the 
tranquil surroundings, can promote mindfulness and relaxation.