Birchbark Foundation: If You Have a Pet, Help is Available, By June

By June Smith

Arecent news item stated that Queen Elizabeth, who had been gifted with two puppies by Prince Andrew, was devastated by the death of Fergus, one of the pups.

They were meant to offer comfort and companionship while Prince Phillip was hospitalized. If her staff at Windsor Castle had access to an organization like Birchbark Foundation, she could have received added loving support for her loss.

BirchBark was founded in 2013 by local veterinarian Dr. Merrianne Burtch, president of the foundation. BirchBark is the result of her dream to help people keep that wonderful bond with their pets. One of the most challenging parts of her job is watching people say goodbye to a savable pet when they cannot afford the needed medical care.

Michelle Frampton, Birchbark executive director says, “We are the only organization in the tri-county region protecting and honoring the human-animal bond. We are both an animal welfare organization and a human service organization, which makes us unique in nature.” and wildfires, a “Here and Now” program began, taking hardship factors under consideration.

Pet Loss and Grief Support groups take place on Zoom every third Thursday of the month. Also, one-on-one support with a counselor is offered free of charge. The hope is to add more group sessions in the upcoming months, both on Zoom and in-person.

Educational programs offer tips on good caregiving for pets. Upcoming seminars on how to do wellness checks at home are planned.

Risks for both cats and dogs, especially during the holiday season, are outlined on the website. For dogs, chocolate is dangerous for the heart and blood pressure as well as their intestinal tract. Cats and kittens are attracted to ornaments and tinsel, and removal from the intestinal tract is a common emergency procedure.

For families facing the loss of a beloved pet needing medical care they can’t afford, the program pays up to 50% of the treatment. More than 30 local veterinary partners discount their services by another 25%, reducing the family’s cost to an affordable 25%. There are financial qualifications, but during the pandemic

Dave Parara, chief operating officer of MBS Business Systems, says, “MBS has been honored to partner with BirchBark Foundation for the past five years. We believe that their mission addresses something anyone who has ever loved a pet can understand.

To not be able to save them because of money is unthinkable. BirchBark has been a fantastic partner to our company and responsibly does the work for us and our community we care very much about.”

The Santa Cruz County Bank’s partnership has offered years of support and love.

“We are committed to supporting local businesses that focus on improving quality of life and economic vitality,” said Mary Anne Carson, senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “BirchBark discovered a need and responded, creating options to help pet owners facing heartbreaking decisions. We’re so happy to support them and so many other nonprofits and organizations that are creating solutions to real problems.” Max is excited to go home after his treatment.

Cindie Ambar of Heartsong Animal Healing in Aptos, who provides energy healing work for animals of all kinds, especially those who have suffered from trauma, says, “The BirchBark Foundation is an amazing resource, enabling humans and their animals to stay together during times of medical and financial stress. They have helped several of my clients and friends to provide the care that their animals needed. I also love their mission of supporting the animal-human bond. What could be more beautiful than that!”

As a fundraising organization, the need for support is critical, and a memorial gift is a way to show how much you care for a pet who has passed on. n •••

Join the FALL IN LOVE WITH BIRCHBARK Virtual Celebration and Fundraiser at 6:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 3. Registration is free at: birchbarkfoundation.org/fil2021 or call 831-471-7255.

To learn more or to donate: birchbarkfoundation.org info@birchbarkfoundation.org.

“Youth in Action Summit” from page 10

If you have questions, would like more information, or would like to register after July 12, call, text, or email Friday Night Live staff member Monica Nicholas at monica.nicholas@santacruzcounty.us or call/text (831) 359-8450.

The Youth in Action Summit is developed and led by the Santa Cruz County Friday Night Live Partnership Youth Council.

Friday Night Live builds partnerships to promote positive, healthy youth development, and engages youth as active leaders and resources in their communities. n

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For more information about Friday Night Live, visit https://tinyurl.com/SCC-FNL

“Mayor Brooks” from page 13

Each City will offer a unique walking experience where you will be able to enjoy each of our beautiful communities and local art! The program involves picture frames painted by five local artists, installed in each City, that “frame” a beautiful setting in our communities. The artist-painted frames put the focus on our beautiful parks, places and YOU!

Grab a map at https://www.countyparkfriends.org/capoutsidetheframe. html to find all 5 frames. Come enjoy nature, take a photo, be inspired and GET OUTSIDE THE FRAME!

Every City will also be hosting a fun kickoff event with County Park Friends so be sure to visit the website to learn more.

With the less than normal school year we have had, we understand many children are playing catch up in summer school.

However, your child does not have to miss out on the fun of summer camp. Camp Capitola is holding sessions at Soquel Elementary that coordinate and complement the current summer school programs.

As we cautiously dip our toes into “normalcy,” we will start bringing back classes to Jade St. Community Center. Keep an eye out for our new catalog for fall!

If you have any questions or comments about our Summer programs feel free to contact us Monday-Friday 8:304:30 (831) 00475-5935. capitolarecreation@ci.capitola.ca.us cityofcapitola.org/recreation

Serving on a Capitola Board, Committee, or Commission is an excellent way to get involved in your community and participate in the decisions made at the local level.

The Mayor and/or individual Councilmembers appoint applicants based on their qualifications and Interest.The Finance Advisory Committee currently has an open seat for a Business Representative; if you are in the business world in Capitola, visit the City’s website to apply.

City Council is scheduled to adopt the FY 21/22 budget on June 24.

Highlights include $1 million in funding allocated to help repair our streets, almost $5 million to rebuild our wharf, and $50,000 to evaluate the City’s program for nonprofit community grants.

Have you ever wondered why the City of Capitola’s streets, sidewalks, bathrooms, and beaches look so amazing when you come to work in the morning or drive through town after a visitor-heavy weekend? Or who cut and moved those tree branches after a windstorm blew them down?

It starts with the team in Public Works led by Director Steve Jesberg and Field Supervisor Matt Kotila.

Today I’m introducing Nathan Kessier of the Public Works Department, who has worked for Capitola for four years and who sometimes starts at 3 a.m. opening our streets or preparing for a big event. Nathan is proud of the work that he does as a maintenance worker.

His supervisor says he has been heavily involved in beautifying Prospect and Rotary parks, has great attention to detail, and is always willing to go the extra mile when it comes to making trees and landscapes beautiful around town.

So, a big shout out to Nathan and the rest of the Public Works crew. It might be magic that makes Capitola sparkle, but we are glad to have Nathan and Public Works helping it along.

Have you noticed the refillable water bottle stations in the Village? The next time you are in Esplanade Park or walking on the Western end of the Seawall, be sure to check out this new environmentally friendly feature ... and bring your reusable water bottle!

The City wishes to specially thank the two sponsors who made this possible: the Capitola Public Safety Foundation and Keep Capitola Salty (Jill and Matt Arthur). n