D.C. Animal Watch

These were among cases handled by the Washington Humane Society. The society operates its shelter at 7319 Georgia Ave. NW and the District's at 1201 New York Ave. NE. For information or assistance, 24 hours a day, call 202-723-5730 or visit http://www.washhumane.org.

Grocery Cat Claimed

MARYLAND AVE. NE, 1600 block, March 11. Grocery store employees called animal control for assistance after shoppers reported seeing a cat wandering the aisles. An animal control officer found the cat and returned it to its owner the next day.

Dumpster Snake Rescued

MORSE ST. NE, 1100 block, March 12. An apartment building resident called animal control after discovering a snake inside a fish tank in a dumpster. An animal control officer rescued the snake before the trash truck arrived. The ball python was taken to the D.C. shelter and will be transferred to a reptile rescue group for adoption.

Storage Unit Puppies Saved

PENNSYLVANIA AVE. SE, 3900 block, March 14. D.C. firefighters called animal control after finding two abandoned puppies in a storage unit. The property owners were unable to determine who was using the unit. The puppies were taken to the D.C. shelter. They will be evaluated for adoption if an owner is not located.

The following were among cases handled by the Washington Animal Rescue League, 71 Oglethorpe St. NW. For information, call 202-726-2556 or visit http://www.warl.org.

Wobbler's Syndrome Treated

OGLETHORPE ST. NW, 1-99 block, March 13. A homeless 1-year-old male boxer was seen by medical center veterinarians because his gait was abnormal. Wobbler's syndrome, a disease that affects boxers, Great Danes and Doberman pinschers, was diagnosed. The dog was treated with rehabilitation and medication.

Grapes Sicken Pekingese

CAPITOL HEIGHTS, Capitol Blvd., 500 block, March 14. A woman took her 2-year-old Pekingese to the league's medical center because the dog had been vomiting for a week. The dog urinated excessively and would take in only liquids. Veterinarians learned that the owner had fed grapes to the animal, which caused kidney disease. The dog was treated with medication. League officials said grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs.

15 Pitt Bulls Spayed, Neutered

OGLETHORPE ST. NW, 1-99 block, March 16. Fifteen pit bull and pit bull mixes were vaccinated and spayed or neutered. Among the dogs was a litter of seven puppies. The league will hold its next free, one-day spay, neuter and vaccination clinic April 13.

Rescue Me Gala April 25

The Washington Animal Rescue League is hosting a cocktail reception with heavy hors d'oeuvres and dessert, a silent auction with WRC (Channel 4) anchors Jim Handly and Wendy Rieger and a speaker, Washington Post columnist Gene Weingarten, from 7 to 10 p.m. April 25, at Union Station's East Hall, 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE. Leashed dogs are welcome, and black tie is optional for humans. Tickets are $125; after Tuesday, $150. Call 202-726-2556, or visit http://www.warl.org.

-- Compiled by RIA MANGLAPUS