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DECEMBER 19, 2025

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Oakley’s Newest Veterinary Hospital

Ojala Family Pet Care We treat your pets like family — because to us, they are. Whether your pet is here for a routine check-up or dental care, we’re committed to making them feel safe, loved, and right at home.

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• Brand-New Clinic with the Latest Equipment • Family-Owned and Operated • Accepts All Types of Animals 98 Big Break Rd., Oakley • In-Home Visits and Euthanasia Open Mon-Fri, 8am to 5pm

925-308-5618 • www.ojalafamilypetcare.com

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DECEMBER 19, 2025

How to keep your dog calm during New Year’s fireworks ISAAC ARRIAGA

ew Year’s is just around the corner, which means fireworks will soon begin

popping off at night in the lead-up to the end of the year. That’s bad news for your furry friend who is not as fond of the loud bangs as many people are. To keep your dog calm and prevent them from running away, local experts offered a few tips to help them out before the celebrations begin. Veterinary Director of Brentwood Veterinary Hospital Dr. Megan Beaumont says dogs can have a negative reaction to fireworks for a number of reasons. “It’s a loud noise and they just don’t know the source of the noise. That’s pretty scary, it’s a little bit unusual for their regular day-to-day life… Plus their hearing is a lot more sensitive than ours.” The loud bangs of New Year’s fireworks can cause a dog to react in a number of different ways. Beaumont said the most common signs that a dog is afraid of the loud fireworks are “shaking, shivering, panting, pacing, some dogs get very destructive and try to escape. I’ve heard of people that have had doors or walls destroyed because a dog has tried to

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The loud bangs of New Year’s fireworks can cause a dog to react in a number of different ways. escape. Some dogs will try to jump fences or burrow through fences just to get away from where they think the noise might be, but those are extreme examples.” She also mentioned that a dog may hide and cower as well during a fireworks show. To calm a dog down during a fireworks display, Beaumont suggested giving your pet a space that they can feel safe in whether that’s their favorite room or in their crate. The booms of fireworks can be muffled by white noise or the sounds of a television, so you

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might want to leave those on for your dog. There’s also apparel, such as thunder shirts and ear muffs, along with over-thecounter supplements, like zylkene and soloquin, and pheromones, such as Adaptil, that help relieve a dog of anxiety. One way Beaumont suggested could make a dog more comfortable during future fireworks displays is through making the experience a fun one despite the noise. “Playing games, using puzzle toys, giving (your pet) their absolute favorite treat, making them try and associate those times with a fun, positive thing will make them a lot less scared and fearful,” she said. Beaumont also recommended a behaviorist for your dog who could build their confidence and create ways to manage situations that are scary for the dog. This method requires time and attention, so it could be done to prepare for next year or future celebrations where fireworks are prominent. She also said that a veterinarian can help prescribe anti-anxiety medication that could help your pet tolerate the celebrations. It is best to reach out to a veterinarian about a week before New Year’s so that if the medication requires a higher dose to be effective, the correct dose can be provided prior to the big New Year’s celebrations.

While you’re at the veterinarian’s office, make sure your dog is up to date on their vaccines, she said. Beaumont warned of the potential dangers that could occur if a dog that is behind on vaccinations should escape. “If you think about your pet, they’ve escaped, they’re in a new situation, there’s big loud scary noises,” she said. “Even the sweetest dogs can become very terrified and they go into that, fight or flight, response. The last thing we want to have happen is for your dog to get terrified, bite someone, and then for there to be a concern about rabies.” Public Information Officer of the Contra Costa Animal Services Department Steve Burdo advised concerned pet owners to have their pet microchipped, which allows animal services to identify the owners of a lost pet. However, microchips do not track dogs. For that, he suggested Air Tags that can be placed on a dog’s collar and will enable you to see where your dog has run off to through an app on your phone. Burdo also spoke about the advantage of having a dog licensed. “Licensing would allow us to know that the dog has been immunized for rabies and we can hold them longer before putting them up for adoption.” Incidents of dogs escaping from their homes and getting picked up by animal services are lower on average in December than they are during non-holiday months, according to the Contra Costa County Animal Services Department. Data from the past three years also shows that only four stray dogs a year from 2022 to 2024 were impounded from Oakley and Brentwood. Burdo said New Year’s Day is not a common day for stray dogs to get picked up. “We tend to see more strays on July 4 due to the fireworks than we do around New Year’s.” For details, visit Brentwood Veterinary Hospital at 4519 O’Hara Ave., or call 925-634-1177. Contra Costa County Animal Services Department is at: 4800 Imhoff Place in Martinez or call 925- 608-8400. To view a video of the event, visit www.thepress.net/multimedia

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Ojala Family Pet Care brings veterinary care to Oakley waterfront JEFF WEISINGER

ustin and Alexa Ojala didn’t set out to open a typical veterinary clinic. They

wanted something different for their practice — a space that felt calm, welcoming and personal. When they stepped onto the quiet marina deck overlooking the Oakley waterfront, just minutes after spotting the listing online, they knew they had found it. Photo by Jeff Weisinger

At their location at 98 Big Break Road, perched and looking out toward where Big Break meets the San Joaquin River, they saw something ‘most clinics don’t offer’: peace, space and an environment designed to put both pets and people at ease. “Some of the clinics I’ve managed before were in a strip mall or right off a busy street,” veterinarian Austin Ojala said. “Here, you can sit on the deck, look out over the Delta and just breathe. If a family has to say goodbye to their pet, there’s nothing more peaceful than sitting outside with them at that moment.” That sense of calm has become the foundation of Ojala Family Pet Care, which opened in June and has built a

The staff at Ojala Family Pet Care pose for group photo outside the office. loyal following. The family-owned practice blends modern veterinary services with a setting designed to make pets and owners comfortable. “The community has been incredible,” practice manager, and Austin Ojala’s younger sister, Alexa Ojala said. “Word of mouth has caused us to grow, and people truly feel the family environment when they walk in.” For Austin, veterinary medicine has always been his goal. He grew up around animals of all kinds — dogs, cats, anacondas, pigs, goats and sheep — and shaped his life around caring for them.

“Every decision in my life led to this exact thing,” he said. “And getting to do it with my family makes it the best thing.” Alexa, who has watched that passion up close for years, said opening the clinic together felt natural. “We’ve always been very close,” she said. “This was the perfect opportunity to build something meaningful for our community.” Ojala Family Pet Care reflects that philosophy in both care and scope. On any given day, the clinic may see routine wellness visits alongside more unexpected patients — including what the Ojala’s

described as a 190-pound dog and a 116-pound miniature Highland cow in the same afternoon. “You never know what the day will bring,” Austin said. The clinic offers a full range of services, including wellness exams, spay and neuter procedures, dental cleanings, most nonspecialty surgeries, medical grooming, nail trims and anal gland care. For families unable to travel, the team also provides in-home visits. “If you need us at your ranch, we can come to you,” Austin said, adding that they see nearly everything “except horses and birds.” Contact Ojala Family Pet Care by phone at 925-308-5618, email at ojalafamilypetcare@gmail.com, at www.ojalafamilypetcare. com or through social media on Instagram at @ojalafamilypetcare, and by searching for Ojala Family Pet Care online. Both Austin and Alexa Ojala say that the clinic stays active and connected with the local community through their social media accounts. As the practice continues to grow, Austin and Alexa remain focused on the experience they want every client to have. “We just want people to feel the difference when they walk in,” Alexa said. “This is a family business, and we treat every pet like part of our family too.”

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Pets in your Trusts and Estate Planning Documents By Michael J. Amthor, Esq.

How to plan for your pets’ care should you die…

For many seniors, pets provide companionship, emotional comfort, and a sense of purpose. Yet the worry of who will care for a beloved animal if the owner becomes unable to do so is common. Because pets cannot communicate their needs or manage their own welfare, planning ahead is essential. Without a plan, pets may face abandonment, inconsistent care, or placement in a shelter. A pet trust offers a reliable solution by ensuring a pet’s future care is legally protected. A pet trust is a legally enforceable arrangement that sets aside funds for a pet’s ongoing needs while appointing both a caregiver to look after the pet and a trustee to manage the designated funds. Unlike informal promises made to friends or family, a pet trust creates a binding obligation, guaranteeing that the owner’s instructions will be followed. Pet trusts provide several key benefits. First, they guarantee that a specific person will care for the pet, following the owner’s detailed instructions for diet, exercise, grooming, medical care, and overall well-being. Second, the trust supplies financial support for the pet’s expenses, reducing the burden on the caregiver and ensuring consistent care. Third, the owner maintains control over important decisions by choosing the caregiver, outlining expectations, and requiring the trustee to monitor the caregiver’s performance. Finally, because the arrangement is legally enforceable, the trustee has authority to intervene if the caregiver fails to meet their responsibilities. Setting up a pet trust involves several steps. The owner must first select a responsible

caregiver and confirm that the person is willing to take on the commitment. Naming an alternate caregiver is also wise in case circumstances change. Next, the owner appoints a trustee — someone trustworthy, organized, and financially responsible — to manage the funds. While the caregiver and trustee can be the same person, separating the roles adds accountability. The owner then determines how much money to place in the trust by estimating the pet’s lifetime costs, including food, veterinary care, grooming, and any special needs. Clear instructions should be drafted to describe the expected level of care, preferred routines, medical guidelines, and even endof-life decisions. These details help ensure the pet continues to receive familiar and compassionate care. Finally, it is important to work with an attorney experienced in estate planning to draft the trust in accordance with California law and ensure the owner’s wishes are accurately reflected. In short, a pet trust offers peace of mind by guaranteeing that a cherished companion will be cared for with the same love and attention even if the owner can no longer provide it. With proper planning and legal guidance, pet owners can create a secure future for their animals and tailor the arrangement to their unique needs.

If you have questions on this or any other estate planning topic, call me at (925) 516-4888. Golden Legacy Law Group, 1181 Central Blvd., Brentwood www.goldenlegacylaw.com – Advertorial

DECEMBER 19, 2025

Advice to keep pets stress-free when hosting for the holidays Experts provide tips for animals and guests TAY LO R S H E P H E R D

osting parties for the holidays can be stressful for pets. Knowing whether to

lock the pet away, leaving them left to roam the house or allowing the pet to decide for themselves if they want to meet your guests depends on how well you know your pet and guests. Michele Kuslits, president of Antioch Friends of Animal Services, a support group for Antioch Animal Services said if the pet or guests are uncomfortable, the

pet being secured in a room or kennel during the time with supervised bathroom breaks is encouraged. “Dogs can sense when a human is uncomfortable and that is when accidents can happen,” she said. “I have a small dog who is uncomfortable around strangers, so he happily goes into his crate when we have company. It makes for a less stressful visit for pets, guests and pet owners.” Kuslits added that the owner knows their pet best. “If your pet is comfortable in social situations in your home amongst large crowds and all of your guests are comfortable, everything should be fine.” She noted a few tips to keep in mind: ♦ It is your responsibility to ensure your pet’s well-being, recognizing signs of stress in your pet, along with the safety of your pet and your guests. ♦ Be aware of the risk that your pets could possibly escape with folks entering and exiting the home. ♦ Ensure your pets are wearing ID tags in this situation, too. Many pets escape the see Hosting page 6B

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Michele Kuslits, president of Antioch Friends of Animal Services, a support group for Antioch Animal Services, said boarding your pet, bringing them with you or leaving them with a pet sitter depends on the pet. ”Some are very social and do well traveling with owners and being amongst other people and/or pets in social settings,” she said. “Other pets do great at a boarding facility that they are familiar with, and they actually enjoy their time in boarding and the opportunity to play with other dogs in a supervised setting. Then, there are the dogs who do not do well

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outside the home, traveling or in social settings, and in some cases, ones who are not friendly to other pets. In that case, having a trusted pet sitter that they are comfortable with, in their own environment is the best option.” Kuslits listed the best practices to ensure your pet stays calm and content: • Make sure they have a secure crate with their favorite toy or blanket during travel • Make sure pets are wearing identification tags and are microchipped with current contact information • Be sure your pet has a secure leash with a harness (they can slip out of collars, so a harness is a better choice). • Take plenty of their regular food and fresh water, as you don’t want to upset their digestive systems with changes in their diet • If they take medications that you have plenty for the entire trip, along with plenty of “poop bags” to clean up after them The Ojala family of Ojala Family Pet Care in Oakley said the key to traveling is keeping the pets calm/relaxed. For dogs, stopping every few hours for a quick walk/bathroom break really does wonders. For cats, allowing them to roam the car while the car is parked helps. If the pet’s anxiety is high, then medical options would include

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More guests means more chances of an accident whether it’s a bite, scratch or sneaking food off a plate. It’s always better to be safe than sorry. – Catriona Cottle, Antioch Animal Services Manager Photo courtesy of Adobe Stock

“Dogs can sense when a human is uncomfortable and that is when accidents can happen,” Michele Kuslits, president of Antioch Friends of Animal Services, a support group for Antioch Animal Services said. including alcohol, yeast dough, chocolate, coffee, caffeine, milk, nuts, raw meat, and eggs to name a few. ♦ If the pet is not approaching you, let them have their space, sometimes the presence of new people, new sounds and new smells can be all too overwhelming for a pet. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) provided tips from the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) to keep pets safe:

dogs and feels uneasy,” she said. “More guests means more chances of an accident whether it’s a bite, scratch or sneaking food off a plate. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.” Cottle included tips for guests if the pet is left free to roam the house: ♦ Always supervise children around the pets. ♦ Make sure no one is feeding the pets or leaving food accessible. A lot of the holiday foods are toxic to pets

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♦ Don’t feed pets holidays treats or scraps, and make sure they get the “okay” from the owner before giving a pet snacks. ♦ Give your pet a safe space ♦ Be aware of foods your guests bring into the home. For a list of potentially harmful foods from the ASPCA, visit https://bit.ly/48X1JyG For more information, visit: ♦ Antioch Friends of Animal Services www.antiochfriendsofanimalservices.org/ adoption/ ♦ Antioch Animal Services www.antiochca.gov ♦ ASPCA bit.ly/48TuWKL

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home or are lost during these types of situations. It is your responsibility, as the pet owner, to ensure your pet is secure in the home. ♦ Do not assume your guests are watching out for your pet or that your guests are familiar with your pet’s behavior, likes, dislikes or temperament. “If your pet is left to roam the house, be sure guests speak up if they feel uncomfortable, they let you know immediately if they notice the pet is exhibiting any signs of stress, they are mindful of pet dietary restrictions, and ensure guests do not leave doors open.” Catriona Cottle, Antioch Animal Services Manager, said many of the bites they respond to in the homes are around the holidays when families are visiting. In this case. Animals tend to use the opportunity of open doors to escape. “Crate training is a great tool to minimize stress and risk,” she added. “There are many benefits to crate training or kenneling beyond the visitors in your home. In the event there is a house fire or natural disaster requiring evacuation, it is great to have pets that are already comfortable with being in a crate or kennel set-up. She said leaving the decision of being free to roam the house or meeting the guests to the pet should always depend on the level of confidence and how social your pets are. “Even a friendly dog can meet a person who is afraid of

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Trazodone for dogs and Gabapentin for cats, which both act as an anti-anxiety/sedative. For the pets with car sickness, then Cerenia (Maropitant) would be a good option. With that said, every patient is different, and these medications may not be a good fit. Consult with a veterinarian prior to administration of any medication. Kuslits noted that if boarding your pet, the same practices, except for the crate, apply. “They will be in a secure kennel at the facility and be sure you have a signed form for emergency vet care and the boarding facility has contact info for your regular veterinarian,” she added. Tips for leaving your pet at home with a pet sitter include ensuring they have ID Tags on and are microchipped with current information, the pet sitter has a current photo of your pet(s) and is familiar with their dietary needs any medication schedules, and the pet sitter has a signed form for emergency veterinary care and contact information for a regular veterinarian. “Sticking to your pet’s normal routine is best, to ensure they are happy while you are gone,” Kuslits said. Antioch Animal Services Manager Catriona Cottle said “there are a few options for a pet’s personality, health, and of course how deep your pockets are.” “For social dogs who enjoy other dog company and people, boarding is definitely advisable and a quick and easy solution if you are pressed for time in finding someone,” Cottle said. She advised that this option could be costly if the pet owner has multiple dogs. “Bringing your pet with you depends on

what the plans are – a ski trip may mean leaving your dog unsupervised in a hotel room all day, when staying at home could be less stressful,” she said. “A pet sitter is an easy go-to for the smaller pets such as cats, rabbits or birds that can’t go with you nor have a boarding option and inclusive of the dogs staying at home is often less stressful overall for any pet.” Cottle said some of the best practices are to ensure your pet is comfortable with traveling, boarding and or a pet sitter before committing to these choices with zero familarity. “Not all pets are created equal and leaving your pet with a stranger may result in fear and an unpleasant experience for both the pet and the pet sitter or boarding facility,” she said. “Socializing your pets is very important if you want to be able to leave them in someone else’s care.” The ASPCA listed five steps to keep pets safe during travel: 1. Plan a veterinary visit before the trip 2. Ensure your lodging is pet friendly. If activities are set, have a plan for your pet during the time 3. Never travel without a collar for your pet that includes identification tags and a leash 4. Allow your pet to rest during the ride. Some pets can develop motion sickness 5. Be aware of your surroundings upon arrival before letting your pet explore the area For more information, visit: Antioch Friends of Animal Services https://antiochfriendsofanimalservices.org/ adoption/ Antioch Animal Services https://www.antiochca.gov ASPCA https://www.aspca.org/news/ how-enjoy-safe-and-fun-trip-your-pet

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• Pet Transportation • Dog Walking • Pet Sitting

BONDED SIBLINGS. Goldie: Female DMH Black. Muffin: Male DLH Black/Brown. DOB June 11, 2025 These sweet, curious, and playful kitties are full of love. Goldie follows you around and is such a lovebug. Muffin is confident, enjoys lap time, and is a total loverboy. For the quickest response, please email nancy.eccchalo@ gmail.com.

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Dog Boarding & Day Camp

PT ADO E AP T (925) 306-0733

Meet Goldie and Muffin!

50% OFF

6800 Lone Tree Way, Suite 1 • 925-450-3800 www.lonetreeanimalcare.com

idi in her natural habitat: comfy, cozy, and unbothered!

For more information, email nancy.eccchalo@gmail.com.

Lone Tree Brought to you by Animal Care

People have grown accustomed to treating their dogs like members of the family, and that means that dogs increasingly are being brought along on errands, traveling with their human companions, and even being brought into the workplace. It’s important for pet parents to always be mindful of their dogs’ behavior when out and about, or even hanging closer to home. Dog owners can follow these dog etiquette pointers to be responsible pet owners. ♦ Get permission from your employer before taking a dog to work. If you plan to take your pet into the workplace, whether during Take Your Dog to Work Day or Take Your Pet to Work Week, or any time of the year, it is best to check with management to find out if this is allowed. Be mindful of people’s dog fears or allergies and be respectful of others no matter how much fun it might be to bring your dog into a public space. The warm and fuzzy feelings dog owners feel for their dogs are not necessarily shared by everyone. ♦ Quiet nuisance barking. Do not leave your dog outside unattended for a long time.

able situations or even dog bites, it’s best to always leash your dog. Choose a leash short enough to prevent your dog from jumping on passersby. ♦ Ask permission first. Check to see if your dog is allowed to greet people or other dogs. If someone says, “no,” respect that answer. ♦ Clean up after your pet. Always have waste bags at the ready so you can clean up after your dog. This also applies indoors, should your dog have an accident inside a pet-friendly store. ♦ Be mindful of shopping with pets. Many stores do not allow dogs inside, but employees may be hesitant to approach pet owners about such policies. Many stores only allow trained service dogs that are Americans With Disabilities Act-compliant. Service animals are defined as dogs that are individually trained to work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Service animal designations are exclusive to dogs. However, a number of people have “emotional support animals,” which are not recognized as service animals. As a general rule of thumb, know a store’s policy on non-service animal pets before visiting. And, when shopping at food stores, it’s best to leave the dog at home. ♦ Train your dog. A dog that knows basic obedience training will behave better in the community. If you are having trouble training your dog alone, consider working with an experienced dog trainer.

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4071 Orwood Road - Brentwood • 925-634-4431 • www.petsfrolicinn.com