Fetch the Paper: Digital Dog Edition

Pogo, R.I.P.

When I first heard about the death of young Pogo, the pit bull foster puppy who was found stabbed this week seven days after he disappeared while exercising off-leash at Ocean Beach, I was snapped into despair and frustration. With so much good being done for animals in our community, with dozens of groups and thousands of volunteers rescuing and caring for the homeless and sick, it's always shocking to hear a story like this.

Pogo died when he was still a puppy, about 7 months old. He was in a foster home under the auspices of Grateful Dogs Rescue, one of San Francisco's most active rescue groups, and one dear to my own heart. My own Wylie  was rescued by Grateful dogs at age 10, and fostered by them for a year until we adopted him. Until Grateful Dogs took him in, he was slated for euthanasia because of his age and arthritis.

But Pogo's story has a special twist. Pogo came to San Francisco Animal Care & Control with a genetic defect that required the amputation of one hind leg. Now with two barriers to quick adoption - his breed and being a tripod - Pogo was taken in by Grateful Dogs, who raised the funds for his surgery and would train, socialize and care for him until he was ready for adoption. San Francisco Veterinary Specialists generously donated part of the cost of his surgery. Pogo was now set for success.

All that changed in the circumstance of a moment. While out on Ocean Beach near Sunset on July 22, Pogo disappeared behind a sand dune. Seven days later, his body, brutally stabbed to death, was found, dumped in an unincorporated area of Bayview.

SF ACC is asking anyone  with  information  about Pogo's death – or who knows anything about Pogo being taken from Ocean  Beach - to call Animal Care & Control at (415) 554-9400. A $2000 reward  for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the perpetrator has been established by Grateful Dogs Rescue and The Friends of SF Animal Care & Control. To contribute to the reward fund, please contact Animal Care & Control at (415) 554-9412.

Yes, I am mourning Pogo. And my heart goes out to the wonderful folks at Grateful Dogs, who have rescued, healed, fostered, trained, and re-homed thousands of dogs taken from the streets of San Francisco or who, like my Wylie, were surrendered by owners when they became old, sick, or inconvenient.

Even if you can't help solve this horrible crime, please do anything you can to support the efforts of groups like Grateful Dogs.

In Memory of Kathleen

Earlier this week, many in the Bay Area were touched by the story of a woman who died in San Francisco’s Stern Park as she concluded a walk with her dogs. A large redwood branch broke off a tree and crashed into Kathleen Bolton, 50. She died a short time later after being taken to the emergency room by ambulance.
We at FETCH knew Kathleen only in passing. We first met her during the 2006 Bay Area Pet Fair, where she volunteered for Grateful Dogs. We know she fostered several dogs, include Katrina rescues. We saw her at other dog events in Marin and San Francisco. We asked someone who knew her well to provide us with some words in memory of Kathleen. Molly Maloney of Pooches Playtime sent us the following. More information about Kathleen and her life can be found at www.kathleenbolton.org.

Kathleen Bolton died suddenly on April 14th, 2008, while doing what she loved to do...walking her dogs. I met Kathleen about 20 years ago through dog walking interests. At that time she was just beginning to look into the business as she had just taken in a young boy who needed a home and thought he might like to work with her to walk dogs. We became fast friends.
Kathleen did not limit her rescue work to just dogs. Over the years she took in anyone who needed a little help and asked for nothing in return. She always put all of her time and energy into everything she did. If she was fostering a dog, she took the time to attend training classes. If you called to talk she gave you all her attention and really listened. I was hospitalized once and she put together a care team to assist me without ever being asked. That was just her way.
Kathleen was herself disabled, but it never impeded her from enjoying life fully or helping others, especially the dogs.  She gave of herself freely, offering a warm hug and a genuine smile. Her absence is like a hole in my life and in the lives of all her were fortunate enough to know her.

Raven's Story

The story of one very brave dog and her mom as they face the challenges of osteosarcoma. Raven and Christie are North Bay residents.