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NEWS & EVENTS 2006PET PLACE MAKES ANNUAL APPEARANCE IN BELMONT SHORE CHRISTMAS PARADE, DECEMBER 2ND, 2006
The Pet Place made its annual appearance in the festive Belmont Shore Christmas Parade, held each year on 2nd Street in this eclectic part of Long Beach. Once again the parade route was packed with an estimated 60,000 celebrants. Fred Bergendorff, host of The Pet Place, was sponsored by Charter Communications where the TV show airs every day in the Long Beach and Signal Hill communities. Fred rode in an exotic Corvettte provided by Wiskers Pet Store.
As always, The Pet Place appearance was greeted warmly by the friendly crowds. "THE MIRACULOUS JOURNEY OF EDWARD TULANE"
The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was announced as Book Of The Year For 2006 during a gala children's reading event held at Borders Bookstore in South Coast Plaza on Saturday, February 3. Fred Bergendorff, host of The Pet Place, emceed the book party and was joined by the radio show's book reviewer Maryanne Dell (and her therapy and reading dog Jitterbug), as she announced her book of the year choice. The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane was written by Kate DiCamillo and illustrated by Bagram Ibaloulline. It is the story of a snobbish rabbit who looks down his nose until an ocean voyage and resulting mishaps change his life. It is published by Candlewick Press and is beautifully and richly illustrated. It is written for children aged 9-12, with a suggested retail price of $18.99. In addition to announcing the book choice, both Maryanne and Fred read to children gathered at Borders. "This was a wonderful experience to interact with the kids," stated Bergendorff. "They were so excited and attentive. We are looking forward to these reading events becoming a regular part of our appearance schedule in the coming months."
The Pet Place Radio Show, with co-host Dr. Bernadine Cruz and guest co-host Marie Hulett, is heard every Saturday morning at 7:00 on Country 540 and 1260 AM, and includes interviews and discussions relating to pets and animals. In addition, according to Mr. Bergendorff, the book review feature has become a very important aspect of the program. "I wanted to do something to encourage young people to read, especially animal-related books, so I contacted Maryanne Dell, a noted columnist with the Orange County Register, and asked her to take on this once per month project of reviewing children's books." Additionally Mr. Bergendorff commended Borders Bookstores for being a partner in the reading project. In addition to The Pet Place Radio Show which debuted in 2006, The Pet Place TV show, seen each Saturday at 1PM on KDOC-TV, and daily on Charter Cable/Long Beach, has been on the air for 16 years. It has been responsible for getting homes for more than 160,000 pets from 45 shelters and rescue groups in Southern California.
THE PET PLACE ANNOUNCES "HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS" DISABLED PETS SPECIAL SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 11 ON KDOC-TV THE PET PLACE HONORS HEROES TO ANIMALS AT DECEMBER 10TH LUNCHEON The Pet Place Radio and Television Show is hosting its 15th Annual Heroes To Animals Gala Luncheon Sunday, December 10th at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Long Beach. Celebrities, volunteers and organizations will be honored; each receiving a proclamation saluting their efforts to help and support animals. The luncheon emcee will be the show's host and executive producer, Fred Bergendorff. Senior Producer Gary Lycan will again introduce the winners, along with the show's "On The Go" correspondent Mickey Laszlo, who is well known to local TV viewers as the former morning traffic reporter on KABC-TV. The honorees include: Since the annual luncheons are pet friendly, several of afore-mentioned dogs will attend along with their owners and be recognized for their part in the rescue stories. The Pet Place TV Show airs Saturdays at 1 PM on KDOC-TV, and daily on Charter Cable/Long Beach on channels 3 and 8. The Pet Place Radio Show is heard Saturdays from 7-8 AM on Country AM 1260 and 540. Contact: Senior Producer Gary Lycan at garylycan@sbcglobal.com. Or call 949 474 9510. Show Will Feature Disabled Pets Exclusively (For Release October 16, 2006) The Pet Place TV Show has announced one of the most unique programs in its 16 years on Southern California television. The "Homes For The Holidays" special, airing Saturday, November 11th at 1 PM on KDOC-TV, will exclusively feature disabled pets. In planning the program Fred Bergendorff, the show's creator, executive producer and host, talked about these special needs animals. "Disabled pets have by far the most difficult time being adopted from area shelters and rescue groups. They are too easily overlooked and forgotten. Tragically, many end up being euthanized. These are needless deaths. I want people to see how wonderful these animals are and how they can bring so much love into a home. They deserve a second chance at life and The Pet Place is here to help." Mr. Bergendorff explained that the adoption picture is particularly sad during the Holidays. "It breaks my heart to see thousands of pets languish in our animal shelters during what is otherwise a festive time of year. They have no homes and I have to tell you that these left-behind pets really do grieve. People may not realize that they have feelings too." The November 11th broadcast will showcase several disabled pets from area shelters. They will all be up for adoption. In addition, according to Bergendorff, The Pet Place will include interviews with pet owners who will bring their disabled pets to the studio and share personal adoption stories. "We want to show how these pets add so much to a person's life. Among them are a totally blind cat, a partially blind dog (the second blind dog the owner has adopted), and the world-famous dog, 'Wheely Willy,' who because of a damaged spine, cannot walk on all fours." The Pet Place is a public service program which, for the past 16 years, has been responsible, as its primary mission, for getting an estimated 160,000 animals adopted from 45 area shelters and rescue groups. And with a 96% adoption rate, it arguably is the most successful television program of its kind in the nation. Equally noteworthy is the fact that The Pet Place is the longest-running, currently-airing non news program in LA area local TV history. It should be noted that The Pet Place is supported by Ralphs Supermarkets as part of their commitment to the community. This show will be taped Thursday, November 2nd at 6:30 PM at KDOC-TV in Irvine. Guests (and animals) will be available for interviews, photos, etc. CHILDRENS BOOK REVIEWS TO MAKE RADIO DEBUT SATURDAY, AUGUST 26TH ON KKGO AM 1260 AND 540 For the first time ever on Southern California radioÉ, listeners to The Pet Place Radio Show will be able to hear reviews of children's books by a noted writer and columnist. The feature makes its debut Saturday, August 26 during the weekly program which airs from 6:30 to 7:30 AM on KKGO Radio (AM 1260 and 540), it was announced by host and executive producer, Fred Bergendorff. "Although the program itself has only been on the air a few weeks, I wanted to start adding unique features as soon as possible. Maryanne is a gifted writer and has been a guest on the show, discussing her experiences with pets and animals. She is very well qualified." Bergendorff went on to explain that, "the emphasis will be on children's books relating to animals. Hopefully this will give parents some suggestions when they head for their favorite bookstore." Maryanne plans to review up to four books from various age groups for her feature, which is scheduled to air once each month during the show. The Pet Place Radio Show also includes interviews with special guests and celebrities, discussions of pet-related topics, and resident veterinarian Dr. Bernadine Cruz answering listeners' email questions. For more information visit www.petplace.org, or www.kkgo.com. FRED BERGENDORFF RECEIVES CVMA MERITORIOUS SERVICE AWARD ON BEHALF OF THE PET PLACE Award Presented June 24th At Gala San Francisco Celebration Fred Bergendorff, on behalf of The Pet Place television show, recently accepted an award from the California Veterinary Medical Association, during the CVMA’s annual convention held this year at the San Francisco Marriott Hotel. The organization’s first ever Meritorious Service Award was presented to Mr. Bergendorff "in appreciation for promoting the special relationship between people and their pets and the benefits for the human-animal bond." In accepting the honor, Bergendorff acknowledged the success The Pet Place has had in getting homeless pets adopted, and also teaching responsible pet ownership. Then he thanked members of the CVMA for playing a crucial part in helping people and their pets. "I am deeply appreciative, particularly of the compassion that veterinarians show when people are confronted over the illness or death of their beloved pets. They need this added understanding and I am grateful that members of the CVMA are so caring." RALPHS SUPERMARKETS SPONSORS Fred Bergendorff To Make Extensive Personal Appearances On Behalf Of Ralphs Pet Club The Pet Place TV show has announced that Ralphs Supermarkets is the program’s major underwriting sponsor for the remainder of 2006, according to host and executive producer, Fred Bergendorff. "We are very excited to have Ralphs as a major partner with The Pet Place. They do a wonderful job giving back to the Southern California community and their financial support will allow us to continue to save the lives of homeless animals." The partnership also includes an aggressive personal appearance schedule which will include all Ralphs stores in the LA/Orange/Riverside County area. The schedule will be posted on The Pet Place website at www.petplace.org, and mentioned each week on the show. Mr. Bergendorff started The Pet Place in 1990 on Charter Cable in Long Beach (where it still continues) as a way to help get homes for shelter animals. "I just couldn’t stand to see beautiful, innocent and healthy pets being put to sleep. I had to do something about it." A year later the show was added to the KDOC-TV schedule where it remains today, airing every Saturday morning at 7:30. The Pet Place showcases adoptable pets from more than 40 participating animal shelters and rescue groups, resulting in an estimated 160,000 pets getting homes. It should be pointed out that the show is especially concerned about handicapped pets that need a second chance at a good life as well. In addition, The Pet Place aggressively promotes spaying and neutering, and making sure that youngsters, in particular, understand the importance of having love and respect for pets and animals. Finally, Bergendorff explained that The Pet Place is supported by a 501 c 3 non profit organization. "We are solely dependent on donations to stay on the air. The new partnership with Ralphs will certainly be a big help."
PLEASE HELP US WITH VEHICLE DONATIONSIn an effort to enhance its fund-raising capabilities, The Pet Place has teamed up with ACTION DONATION SERVICES, to help enable people who want to donate that older auto, boat, truck, etc. to a charity (namely The Pet Place) while receiveing the maximum legal a tax deductions. Fred Bergendorff, President of Elevad Inc. (The Pet Place) and host of the popular weekly public service TV show, commented on the partnership. "I am very excited about the possibilities provided by Action Donation Services. They have achieved a great deal of success with other charities and they like what we are trying to do to help save animals' lives. Several of our viewers have recently asked if we accept donated cars and this prompted me to look around to find an organization to help us. I think we have found an answer. I particularly like the fact that a significant portion of the proceeds goes to The Pet Place, unlike some other fund-raising plans that sometimes only deliver "cents on the dollar" to the charity. More than 25 area shelters and rescue groups participate on The Pet Place, including the Long Beach Animal Shelter (where it all started), the Orange County Animal Care Center, and several of the Los Angeles City and County shelters. "Our southern-most shelter is San Clemente and we have helped shelters in the far end of the San Fernando Valley and as far east as Riverside and Redlands," according to Bergendorff.Anyone interested in donating that older auto, boat, RV, truck, plane, motorcycle, art, jewelry, heavy equipment, real property, cash gifts, etc... can go to the Action Donation Services website at www.ActionDonation.org, or call toll free 866-244-8464. Please mention that you would like your donation to go to The Pet Place. It All Started With A Black CatWho says black cats bring you bad luck? A search for a stray black cat led Fred Bergendorff to the Long Beach Animal Shelter late in 1989. After seeing first-hand the desperate need to find homes for thousands of unwanted animals, Fred came up with the idea of using television as a showcase. Charter Cable in Long Beach accepted The Pet Place program concept and the first show began airing in April, 1990. The show debuted on a weekly basis on KDOC-TV a year later. (Incidentally, the black cat was found and Fred fed it for several years until its untimely death.) More Than Just A Pet ParadeWhile it is true that showcasing a number of homeless pets each week is the secret to getting them adopted, the show is much more than that. The Pet Place does a weekly feature on some aspect of animal care, products, or services. For example, the show has talked about traveling with a pet, pet emergency care, flea and tick control, breed rescues, pet grooming tips, pet rescue kits, preserving endangered species, and much, much more. In addition, the show offers such free guides and pamphlets as:
The Pet Place has come to the aid of the community in times of crisis. When a devastating earthquake shook several nearby desert cities, the show organized a mercy flight of pet food to affected shelters. And a convoy of donated vans followed to bring back many homeless animals from the vastly overcrowded desert facility. During the infamous Los Angeles riots, The Pet Place worked with the SPCA in helping to provide pet care. And the show raised funds for the animal shelters victimized by the monster hurricanes which wreaked havoc in Florida and Hawaii. Your donation of stock can lower your taxes and help The Pet PlaceIf you're looking to shelter a portion of your income from taxes you might consider giving some of your appreciated stock to the Pet Place. As long as you've owned the stock for more than a year, you can claim an itemized deduction on your 2001 tax return for the full market value...plus you forever escape any tax on the stock's appreciation. The Pet Place is funded by a 501 C-3 non-profit corporation which can accept your tax-deductible gift. For information call The Pet Place at (949) 474-9510. Unparalleled SuccessSome 27 local animal shelters participate on the show on a rotating basis and they report sharp increases in adoptions. More than 90% of the more than 10,000 animals shown on The Pet Place have gotten homes. And, some estimates are that an additional 80,000 pets have found homes as a result of the show sending people to the shelters. When viewers visit a shelter to take home an animal that they saw on TV, they often find the pet has already been adopted. Therefore they take another one home instead. Because of the show's ability to provide such a critical community service it has often been referred to as, "The most successful show on TV." Awards and HonorsThe Pet Place has received a number of honors and has been specially recognized by The California State Assembly, The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, The Orange County Board of Supervisors, The City of Long Beach, The Living Free Foundation, and the Los Angeles SPCA. A Word About Handicapped PetsThese animals are certainly the most forgotten of all ... but not on The Pet Place. Several times the show has featured dogs and cats who in some way were handicapped. Not only have adoptable handicapped pets been shown but those that already have good homes have been included as well, along with their owners, so that viewers can see how well they adapt and fit into a family. In ClosingThe best way to sum up is to include some comments from viewers who realize the importance of The Pet Place in their lives and in the community.
THE PET PLACE RADIO SHOW AIRS The Pet Place Radio Show is now on the air in Southern California and is heard Saturdays at 6:30 AM on KKGO AM 540 and 1260, announced Michael Levine, Marketing Director for the station. "We are pleased to partner with The Pet Place on this wonderful hour long program. The amount of good work Fred Bergendorff and Dr. Bernadine Cruz have done for the community is truly an inspiration to us all." Fred Bergendorff, who has hosted The Pet Place TV Show on KDOC-TV since 1990, is the host of the weekly one-hour program along with Dr. Bernadine Cruz, one of the leading veterinarians in the Southland. "Both the radio and TV shows will add a great deal of exposure to our efforts in teaching responsible pet ownership, and getting homeless pets adopted," remarked Mr. Bergendorff. Each show features interviews with special guests and celebrities, discussions of pet-related topics, and Dr. Cruz answering listeners' email questions which can be submitted by visiting The Pet Place website at www.petplace.org. Bergendorff observed that, "the show is not only be informative but fun as well. I want this to be an informal, relaxed atmosphere that people want to be part of. People have come to regard their pets as important family members and they want to be up on the latest pet-related information so that's what the show will focus on." Mr. Bergendorff started The Pet Place in 1990 on Charter Cable in Long Beach (where it still continues) as a way to help get homes for shelter animals. A year later the show was added to the KDOC-TV schedule where it remains today, airing every Saturday morning at 7:30. He explains that this was not his "day job" until about four years ago when he took early retirement from his other career in broadcasting. With more than 30 years in the business, Mr. Bergendorff has worked for KNX, 93.1 FM, KABC and KLOS in Los Angeles, as well as KPBS, KCEO, and KOGO-AM-FM-TV in San Diego. Dr. Bernadine Cruz also has had an interesting "outside" career in addition to her duties as veterinarian at Laguna Hills Animal Hospital in Orange County. For several years she appeared on the Orange County News Cable Channel, and also did a weekly pet report on KNX Newsradio. Further, she has been a veterinary consultant for the A&E Network, Discovery Channel, and Home & Garden Channel. She is also the author of a current book, "The Secret Sex Lives of Dogs & Cats," available at bookstores everywhere. Finally, she served as a veterinarian for the famed Iditarod Dog Sled Race in Alaska. The Pet Place showcases adoptable pets from more than 45 participating animal shelters and rescue groups, resulting in an estimated 160,000 pets getting homes. It should be pointed out that the show is especially concerned about handicapped pets that need a second chance at a good life as well. In addition, The Pet Place aggressively promotes spaying and neutering, and making sure that young people, in particular, understand the importance of having love and respect for pets and animals. Gary Lycan, senior producer for the television show, is producing The Pet Place Radio Show. Finally, Bergendorff explained that The Pet Place is supported by a 501 c 3 non profit organization.
ACTOR EARL HOLLIMAN, GOLDEN RETRIEVER "BISQUIT," AMONG RECENT GUESTS ON THE PET PLACE RADIO SHOW Actor and entertainer Earl Holliman, famous for his starring roles in the movies "Forbidden Planet," and "The Rainmaker," among many others, was a recent guest on The Pet Place Radio Show, heard Saturday mornings from 6:30 - 7:30 on KKGO AM 1260 and 540. And golden retriever Bisquit also dropped by with owner Carole Capellino to chat with program host Fred Bergendorff and co-host Dr. Bernadine Cruz. Holliman, now retired from film-making, is also president of Actors & Others For Animals, discussed the organization's mission and also talked about one of their star-tudded upcoming events. Capellino, who is a member of Golden Retriever of Greater Los Angeles Rescue, told of her recent national award as well as the group's rescue activities. Reflecting on past and current shows, Bergendorff commented that, "our guests certainly have diversity and variety." Each show also features interviews with special guests and celebrities, discussions of pet-related topics, and resident veterinarian Dr. Bernadine Cruz answering listeners' email questions.
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