MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. -- Bubba, Nina, Smokey and Harley... having all four of these names together in the same place means one of two things. Either you've wandered into a grisly, Route 66 biker bar, or you've just stepped foot into the Domestic Animal Control shelter here.

Camp Pendleton's Domestic Animal Control provides Marines and Sailors with a place to adopt cats and dogs of all sizes, ages and demeanor and provides valuable resources that owners must know in order to keep a pet on base, said Julie A. Ramsey, an animal caretaker at Domestic Animal Control.

The staff, which currently includes one Marine, is dedicated to making sure the animals are treated properly both at the shelter and in base housing throughout Camp Pendleton.

"I enforce the base regulations, making sure (the
animals) are registered and that they're not maltreated," said Cpl. Macen E. Bernardi, a bulk fuel specialist with the 1st Marine Logistics Group on temporary additional duty at the shelter. "I feel good if I go out and (retrieve) a mistreated dog; I can take it back here and make sure itÕs taken care of."

Domestic Animal Control receives a variety of pets for a wide array of conditions, but most come into the shop as strays that have either run away, gotten lost or somehow wandered onto base from the outside.

While some of the animals come into the shelter under poor conditions, most rehabilitate fully and turn out to be excellent pets, said Ramsey.

All of the animals in the shelter are spayed or neutered, and they are all current on their shots; however, properly taking care of the adopted pets, or any pets for that matter, is the responsibility of all.

According to base regulations, animals on base are not allowed to be tied up, within a fence or otherwise.

Any dog outside a fenced must be on a leash and accompanied by a responsible adult.

Additionally, no residence is allowed any more than two cats, two dogs or any combination thereof. The only other pets allowed on base are fish, small birds and hamsters, said Ramsey, who is originally from Kansas City, Kan.

She admits that it can be difficult at first to watch the animals go, especially those that she's cared for the longest, but watching them find a good home is what she comes to work for each day.
"Sometimes I feel like a matchmaker," admitted Ramsey, who tries to match some of her favorite animals with her favorite "adoptive parents."

She encourages pet lovers or those who simply want to make a difference to volunteer a little time at the shelter.

"Don't worry about that diet," joked Ramsey. "You can come in and walk a dog during your lunch break."

Whether volunteering time to lose weight, add to volunteer experience or simply to have fun with the animals, the experience is rewarding.

"When you go home after a day here, you really feel like you made a difference," said Ramsey.

Anyone interested can call (760) 725-8120 for more information.