Beastly Pleasures

Pooch Protocol

Whether it’s a puppy that simply needs to learn manners or a pedigreed pooch that needs more high-brow behavior, trainers at the spacious Zoom Room provide private or group lessons. Staff members also help canines develop agility through “Pup-lates” and four-legged birthday parties to help dogs learn socialization. “Clients” seem delighted with their obstacle course as well as their freshly baked Doggy Donuts. 

Bird’s-Eye View

Some people play golf; others play bridge. But millions of Americans are into bird watching–the second fastest growing hobby in America. The bird enthusiast shop Wild Wings is now catering to this crowd by offering guided nature hikes. Owners Scott Logan and Bonnie McFarlin take bird lovers to places like the Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Preserve to discover magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The next hike is September 29.

Shop ‘Til You Adopt

Located in the Westfield Promenade Mall on Topanga, the new shelter Petopia works with four different animal rescue groups: Valley Cats, Inc., Southern California Pomeranian Rescue, Animal Rescue Alliance & Farm Sanctuary, and Precious Paws. Mall shoppers can walk in and play with the cats and dogs and, as volunteers hope, take home a furry friend.