By Mimi Pollack
Photo, left: Lauren Botticelli and Alf
August 11, 2024 (La Mesa) -- Nine years ago, I wrote an article on the all-breed dog rescue, the Animal Pad, which was then headed by Rebecca Weinrib and Stephanie Nisan. A lot has changed since then, and this non-profit dog rescue based in La Mesa has really grown as it continues to save the lives of many dogs. TAP (The Animal Pad) rescues dogs from other shelters, dogs that are owner surrendered, and dogs from various [and sometimes perilous] situations in Tijuana and Baja California.
Nisan and Weinrib have passed on the torch, with Nisan remaining on the Board of Directors. The present Executive Director and woman of many hats is the formidable Lauren Botticelli, who came in seven years ago. In addition, in 2020, TAP acquired a physical building on Avocado Blvd to run the day-to-day operations and house a kennel for up to 40 dogs.
Botticelli has numerous responsibilities as the only salaried person. She leads the day-to-night operations, and she does a lot of their social media. She is the hands on “take care of the dogs” person at their facility in the evening. She is also effective at public relations and building a community. This dedicated dog lover has her own dogs tattooed on her arm!
However, because TAP rescues many more dogs than they can keep at their kennel, they need volunteers and fosters. Botticelli is very good at recruiting many loyal volunteers who work side by side with her. Even her parents are volunteers! I met them the day I volunteered last month. I signed up to transport four puppies to an adoption event and I had to go to their home to pick them up. Her parents did such a good job of fostering and socializing the puppies that they all have been adopted.
TAP’s dedicated volunteers are the backbone of this rescue operation as they help in many ways. First, many of them foster these dogs until they find a permanent home. They also help with transportation to vet appointments, adoption events, and keeping everything running smoothly both in and out of the facility. TAP volunteers have a special page on Facebook to connect and find out about different events and coordinate together. This non-profit is good at working cohesively, which in turn has helped to save many dogs.
The day I visited the facility, the first dog I met was Momo (Photo,right), who looked like a little Koala bear. Momo was dropped off by his foster, vet tech Randi Koziorowski. She told me that Momo had been rescued from Tijuana and was picked up in very bad shape as he had been attacked and badly injured. Thus, he was reactive and very fearful.
Koziorowski was the vet tech at the clinic where Momo was brought in and although she already has a dog of her own, she volunteered to take care of him. She told me she took him home and spent a lot of time working with him to help him overcome his fears. When I met him, he was much calmer. He let me pet him and did not try to bite me. Momo is so cute that it is only natural to want to pet him, and thanks to his patient foster, he is now more trusting, and will soon be ready for adoption.
The second dog I met was Depp [think Johnny] who only had one eye. Depp (photo,left) was part of a group of dogs that TAP rescued from the Bahamas. In the Bahamas and parts of the Caribbean, they call these mix-breed dogs “potcakes”. Depp also came in very fearful, but Botticelli herself worked with him, and this potcake has slowly been coming out of his shell. He shyly greeted me.
The last dog I met on my visit was a cute little white terrier mix named Alf. Alf was rescued 15 minutes before he was going to be put down at a shelter in the Los Angeles area. They thought nobody would adopt him because of a bad cough. TAP stepped in and brought him to San Diego where he was treated and is now healthy and waiting for his forever home.
TAP is always looking for fosters and volunteers and they welcome people of all ages and abilities.
One volunteer who stood out was Dani Levin who has been with TAP for five years. She is considered like the “Human Resources” person and director of the volunteers. She heads the Facebook volunteer group [with 1.8 thousand members] and makes sure there are no communication issues amongst the volunteers. She is also known for her warm and friendly personality who goes above and beyond to help.
Thanks to the executive director and all the volunteers in precise roles, TAP is a well-oiled and effective non-profit that has rescued thousands of dogs since its inception 13 years ago.
Finally, there is a delicious way you can help. San Diego Padres pitcher Joe Musgrove has teamed up with TAP and Puesto Mexican Restaurants. From now until October 2nd, if you buy a Joe’s Adobada taco, the proceeds will go to TAP.
For more information, the website is The Animal Pad | Dog Rescue in San Diego and Southern California
Source: San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
January 29, 2025 (San Diego) - The San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomes guests aged 65 and older to enjoy free admission throughout February during Seniors Free Month. To participate, guests 65 and older simply need to present a valid photo ID upon arrival. Visitors can immerse themselves in the Safari Park’s vast 1,800-acre landscape, home to over 3,000 animals representing more than 300 species, alongside a botanical collection featuring over 1.3 million plants. This unique experience provides educational opportunities and unforgettable moments for all ages.
By visiting, guests contribute to the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s mission to protect wildlife and foster a world where all life thrives. Please note: The Seniors Free offer applies exclusively to the Safari Park during February and does not include parking.
WHERE: San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley Road
Escondido, CA 92027
WHEN: Feb. 1–28, 2025; the Safari Park is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily.
MORE INFO: Visit https://sdzsafaripark.org/seniors-free
About San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, a nonprofit conservation leader, inspires passion for nature and collaboration for a healthier world. The Alliance supports innovative conservation science through global partnerships and groundbreaking efforts at the world-famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, both leading zoological institutions and accredited botanical gardens. Through wildlife care expertise, cutting-edge science and continued collaboration, more than 44 endangered species have been reintroduced to native habitats. The Alliance reaches over 1 billion people annually through its two conservation parks and media channels in 170 countries, including San Diego Zoo Wildlife Explorers television, available in children’s hospitals across 14 countries. Wildlife Allies—members, donors and guests—make success possible.
East County News Service
June 21, 2024 (Lakeside) — In honor of National Canoe and Kayak Day, Lake Jennings in Lakeside is offering guided kayak tours on Wednesday, June 26 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The hour-and-a-half tour costs $30 per person and includes a kayak rental. Learn about the lake’s history, biodiversity, conservation efforts and operations. Reserve space by calling (619) 596-1306.
Kayak rentals and launches are also available. Just purchase a day-use permit and launch fee at the bait and tackle shop. No fishing will be permitted from kayaks for this event. (Personal kayaks must be sit-inside kayaks, at least 10 feet long, not self-bailing and have seats for all persons inside. Sit-on-top or inflatable kayaks are not allowed.)
Lake Jennings is located at 9535 Harritt Road in Lakeside.
For more information, visit www.LakeJennings.org.
East County News Service
January 6, 2025 (Santee) – Jordan Marks, San Diego County Assessor-Recorder-County Clerk (ARCC), has announced that early appointments are now available for civil wedding ceremonies between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on Valentine’s Day, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Couples can book their Valentine’s Day appointments for marriage licenses and ceremonies at one of four ARCC offices, including Santee, Chula Vista, San Marcos and the San Diego Downtown ARCC headquarters at the County Administration Center, 1600 Pacific Highway, San Diego. The Downtown location also offers indoor ceremony rooms or a picturesque, outdoor marriage arbor on the waterfront. The ARCC Santee branch office in East County is located at 10144 Mission Gorge Ave.
The ARCC office is responsible for issuing marriage licenses, birth and death certificates, as well as registering business names and recording all legal real estate documents. On average, the ARCC office provides nearly 25,000 marriage licenses and performs more than 11,000 weddings annually.
However, Valentine’s Day is historically one of the busiest and most popular days of the year for same-day marriage licensing and civil ceremonies, according to Marks, a countywide elected official who serves as county commissioner of civil marriages in his role as San Diego County ARCC.
“Valentine’s Day 2025 will be extra special this year because it falls on a Friday, allowing for a weekend of fun for the newlyweds,” said Marks. “Happiness begins here at my County Clerk Office for hundreds of couples looking to tie the knot on this unforgettable day. I highly encourage couples to make their Valentine’s Day 2025 appointment now, using my award-winning online booking system to secure their reservation for love on this highly-sought-after day.”
Cost for a non-confidential marriage license is $129. Cost for an ARCC staff member to perform the ceremony is an additional $107. Ceremonies can be conducted in English or Spanish. To make an appointment, visit www.sdarcc.gov, or call (619) 237-0502.