Arden’s Sidekicks
Pet Safety Cat Casey
Casey is a comical, confident orange tabby who Arden adopted from the San Diego Humane Society. This long, lean purring machine charms everyone he meets—including other cats and dogs! One of the country’s hardest working felines, Pet Safety Cat Casey is a certified therapy cat and teaching assistant in Arden’s pet first aid classes and pet conference presentations—-conducted both in purr-son and via ZOOM. He knows how to come on cue, sit, touch paws to greet, engage in cat chat and do a 360-degree slow spin. He walks nicely on a leash and rides proudly in a pet stroller. He has traveled by car and plane with Arden to give pet first aid and pet safety talks to 13 states — and counting! He shares his feline insights in Arden’s latest award-winning book, “A Kid’s Guide to Cats.”
Pet Safety Dog Kona
Kona (aka “Ice Cream Kona”) is a shelter alum from San Diego. This always-smiling Jack Russell terrier mix loves people, other dogs and yes, even c-a-t-s! Kona has aced three levels of dog obedience training, and delights in her role as a certified therapy dog when she visits schools, hospitals and senior centers. Kona also helps Arden at many of her pet first aid classes and pet behavior seminars all over the country and via ZOOM. When she is not working, Kona loves to play fetch, engage in tug-of-war with squeaky toys, sniff out new places on walks and hikes, and learn new tricks. She has mastered how to spin, weave between legs, sit up pretty, shake, give a doggy hug and leap into your arms. Kona unleashes doggy insights in Arden’s latest award-winning book, “A Kid’s Guide to Dogs.”
Rusty the Purrformer
Rusty was rescued as an orphan kitten found in a dumpster by world-renowned animal trainer Samantha Martin of the Amazing Acro-Cats. She taught him to come to a whistle and leap through hoops before convincing Arden to adopt him when he was 6 months old. Now known as Rusty the Purrformer, he loves learning new tricks and joining in Arden’s pet first aid classes and being a feline co-host for the weekly Meowy Hours presented live on Facebook. He has his own pet trading card!
Emma
Itty-bitty Emma showed up during the start of the 2020 Pandemic in Arden’s neighborhood with no collar or microchip ID. Emma was diagnosed with a severe case of heartworms. Arden worked with her veterinarian to nurse Emma back to health. Today, Emma loves to learn, acing her AKC Canine Good Citizen test and is on her way to become a therapy pet. She especially loves playing and napping with Rusty, and never turns down an invitation for a walk or to meet people.
Mikey
Mikey is the senior pet in Arden’s household. He clearly has the best stare-down of Arden’s sidekicks, but don’t be fooled—he is a purring sweetheart! Once scared of pet carriers and vet clinics, Mikey is now chill thanks to Arden’s Fear Free Pet handling techniques. He loves grooming Kona on her head at night, hanging out on the cat tree in the living room and vocalizing when it is time for his breakfast or dinner. It is as if he sports an invisible watch! He is happy to be a purring home body always ready to cuddle.