This post has been sponsored by

Cathryn Rakich

Editor and Home Design and Pets Columnist

About This Author

Cathryn Rakich has been a writer and editor in the Sacramento area for 35 years, with articles in local, state and national publications. She is also active in the animal-welfare community, volunteering for local animal rescue groups. Her latest endeavor is as a ceramics artist.

Articles by this author

Stand & Deliver

Professional, polite and well-spoken, Julie Virga is a powerhouse. She’s relentless, determined and uncompromising.

She doesn’t mince words or pull punches when advocating for Sacramento’s dogs and cats. She requests meetings with city officials, sets agendas and gets attention.

A Sacramento native, Virga has rescued, fostered and rehomed countless animals, and volunteered as a foster parent for the city’s Front Street Animal Shelter.

Victory Pause

The trees can breathe easier, for now.

A U.S. district court temporarily stopped the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers from clearing hundreds of trees and miles of vegetation along the lower American River to make way for erosion-control work.

In granting the temporary injunction, the court found the plaintiffs would likely suffer “irreparable harm,” including the ability to use the affected portion of the river for recreation, such as hiking, dog walking and observing wildlife.

Missing In Action

The dais seat reserved for the head of Front Street Animal Shelter has been occupied by someone else at the past two Animal Wellbeing Commission meetings.

Front Street Manager Phillip Zimmerman has been absent. Apparently, he’s not ill or out of town. He’s a lame-duck leader who chooses not to attend.

Zimmerman posted on social media he plans to retire in May. Meanwhile, he’s still on the city payroll, but often missing in action.

Saving Lives

This post has been sponsored by Saving Lives Community clinic makes spay/neuter a priority By...

‘Sadvertising’

The dog’s graying muzzle proves she’s no youngster. She’s been bred so many times her swollen nipples hang down.

The cat’s scarred face is evidence of too much time on the street. He’s wary of strangers but warms up quickly.

No aggression. No medical problems.