Susan Neal, Fair Oaks CA Real Estate Broker

Need insurance in the Fair Oaks CA area?  My favorite insurance agency is R.K. Jacobs Insurance Services in Fair Oaks.  For years, when I lived in Southern California, my parents lived in Fair Oaks and their insurance agent was Rand Jacobs.  My parents depended on him always to be fair and reasonable, and to get all their questions answered quickly and thoroughly.

Naturally when my husband and I bought our home in Fair Oaks, one of our first calls was to Rand, and we have been happy with that decision.  R.K. Jacobs Insurance Services consists of Rand Jacobs and Jim Cox, both of whom have more than 30 years in the insurance business, and I have to say that both of them are super-nice guys.  Either of them are always willing to spend time with me, answering any questions I have and helping me with any insurance issues that arise.

Both Rand and Jim were with Farmers Insurance until 1985, when they decided to strike out on their own and become independent agents.  Being local boys, of course they established their business in Fair Oaks.  Rand is very active in the Chamber of Commerce, running the famous Fair Oaks Car Show that the Chamber sponsors every spring.  He is a true promoter of Fair Oaks and the Sacramento area, having been born and raised here, graduating from Cordova High School and receiving a B.S. in Business from Cal State University Sacramento.

After about 10 years in their independent agency, Jim decided to retire, and sold his interest to Rand.  That lasted less than a year before Jim decided that retirement wasn't for him after all and he came back to work.  Being an independent agency, R.K. Jacobs Insurance Services is able to offer its clients coverage from over 30 companies, so they can find the perfect package for each client.

They insure all personal and commercial types of risks to homes, autos, rentals, commercial properties, contractors, etcetera.  About all they don't offer is life, medical or disability!  But even for those, they partner with firms that do these policies - so if you're in the Fair Oaks California area, or anywhere in Sacramento County and surrounding communities and you have insurance questions, call Rand or Jim at R.K. Jacobs Insurance Services.  Be sure to tell them just what you need and they'll find the perfect policy for you!

R.K. Jacobs Insurance Services

4777 Sunrise Blvd #B  (at Sunrise Blvd and Sunset Ave)

Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Phone:  (916) 966-3733

Fax:  (916) 966-0177

rjacobs@pacbell.net

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Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 20+ years experience. I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction. "Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916) 705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.

Got Dog? Fair Oaks has a wonderful Dog Park!

Many in the Fair Oaks area have heard about the annual Fair oaks Dog Walk, held every October, that starts at the Village Park, but did you know that Fair Oaks has a Dog Park? The Fair Oaks Dog Park is in the Southwest portion of Phoenix Park, and is just a little less than 2 acres (see directions below). There is parking right there and restrooms nearby, so it is very convenient - fun for your dog and easy for you. There are shade structures, shade trees, benches and even poop bag dispensers.

Much of the information provided here is from the website of the Fair Oaks Responsible Dog Owners Group, who partners with the Fair oaks Park and Recreation District to maintian the park, and I suggest that you check it out for answers to any questions you may have before taking your dog to the park.

Many dog parks have 2 designated areas: an area for large dogs and one for small dogs. Owners usually have a pretty good idea whether their dog will play well with dogs much larger or smaller, or if they may play too rough.

Fair Oaks Dog Park has those two areas, plus a third area: This area is reserved for owners with special needs. For example, they may have a really small dog like a Chihuahua where even a medium sized dog is too big to play with. Other circumstances might be someone's first visit to the dog park and the owner is not sure how their pet will socialize with a bunch of new dogs. Area 3 is a good break-in area. Older dogs (senior) dogs or dogs that might not be too sociable might also give Area 3 a try.

This is also a good place for small children that are supervised by an adult and their pets to be able to enjoy the activity of the dog park. There is a rule, however, that children under 5 are strictly prohibited from entering the dog park. This is a safety rule!

There is one rule for Area 3 that is different than the other areas. Anyone who is using Area 3 has priority. Other dog owners who wish to use Area 3 must ask for permission to enter.

A "Staging" Area is provided with Double-Gates for Entering and Exiting the Dog Park!

Suggested Rules of Etiquette:

• Make sure that the Staging Area is empty.
  • Allow others to Enter or Exit before using the Staging Area.
• Do not open the outside gate if an inside gate is open.
  • Be Patient!
  • Pets Escape - Please keep the gates closed!
• The Staging Area is used to Leash or Unleash your dog.
  • Remove your dog's leash inside the Staging Area.
  • Do not leave a leash on your dog in the dog park.
    • This may put your dog at a disadvantage and may actually cause an altercation.
• Enter or Exit the Park.
• Close all gates behind you!

• Once inside the dog park, move AWAY from the Staging Area!
  • The greatest likelihood for an "altercation" occurs when a dog is entering or exiting the Dog Park and other dogs are congregating at the gate.
  • A dog on a leash may feel threatened and unable to defend itself when entering the dog park if there is a "PACK" of dogs that must be negotiated!
  • Dog owners are urged to keep their dogs away from the gates, particularly if they see another owner attempting to enter. The best way to accomplish this if for owners to stay away from the gates. Dogs usually stay close to their owners.

It's a good idea to make your first visit without your dog. Familiarize yourself with how the area works and its posted rules.

Remember that not all dogs like meeting new dogs. If your dog has not regularly interacted with other dogs, find out how he will react before forcing him to meet lots of unfamiliar dogs. If you are concerned about your dog, check for obedience schools that offer socialization classes for adult dogs or enroll in doggie daycare. Be sure to socialize puppies (8-16 weeks of age) at a puppy kindergarten class. Early socialization is one of the most important things you will ever do for your dog!

The first few times you take your dog to a site, choose a time that is not busy. Weekday evenings are peak times. Weekends and holidays tend to be busy all day long.

The first visit can be a little stressful for both you and your dog, so keep it short and happy. Gradually work your way to longer visits.

Check the website referred to above for more information, and to learn about meetings and other functions for owners of certain breeds.

Directions: From Hazel Avenue and Sunset Avenue, east on Sunset to the second street, which drives into Phoenix Park. Follow that road around to the right until you see a gravel road, which takes you to the parking area. The dog park is right across from that, in the southwest portion of the main park.

HAVE FUN!

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Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 20+ years experience. I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction. "Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916) 705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.

For years we have had a minimum of 5 cats, and we have fed strays as well and gotten strays spayed and neutered. Ever since we moved to Fair Oaks from Southern California, our veterinarians have been the great doctors at Hazel Ridge Veterinary Clinic.

Hazel Ridge is a progressive full service small animal hospital caring for dogs, cats, rabbits, and pocket pets. You can tell when you bring your pet in to see them that they truly love animals. They are gentle and caring, and the staff is caring and supportive when the news is not good. We have entrusted our cats to them for all of their care, and through surgeries, infections, and all their issues.

State of the art equipment and medication enable the doctors to provide the highest quality diagnostics, anesthesia, surgery dental care and therapeutics. Their expansion and remodel in 2001 allowed them to add an ultrasound machine, a fiber optic endoscope, a dental radiograph machine, new intensive care and isolation wards, and more examination rooms. They have close working relationships with all the specialists and referral centers in our area, including the Veterinary School at the University of California at Davis. Often, they have a specialist come to the clinic to perform the required procedures so that your pet can be cared for in familiar surroundings by those who know him/her the best.

My elderly uncle had a cat that was his very best friend, and was dearly loved. Unfortunately little Misty passed away from a sudden heart attack. I called the gals at Hazel Ridge and they referred me to a crematory and a wonderful place to get pet urns, and I drove my uncle (who was holding Misty in her blanket) to Hazel Ridge. One of the staff came out to the car and waited until my uncle was ready, then gently took her inside and offered him her sincere condolences with teary eyes.

A few days later, I took him back and we picked up her urn from Hazel Ridge. They took care of everything, and charged nothing for their services. The only charge was from the crematory and for the urn. He also received a sympathy card, with notice of a donation made in Misty's honor to a pet rescue organization. I can tell you that my uncle was devastated at his loss, but so grateful to the people at Hazel Ridge for their compassion.

I wrote a post some time ago about Lucy, the black cat we rescued when she was starving, then again two weeks later when she was either hit by a car or had crawled up into a car engine and got badly injured when someone started the car - we don't know for sure. We only know that she dragged herself back into the house with her side so badly ripped open that we had to take her to Hazel Ridge for surgery. With their care, she was fat and healthy in no time.

We have had kitties who had allergies and other more common problems from time to time, and always we were handled with care and our pets received the greatest care. A little more about Hazel Ridge:

They can provide pet insurance, fill prescriptions by phone or on line and with home delivery, and provide advice by phone in the evening if you feel that your pet's problem can't wait overnight.

Hazel Ridge Veterinary Clinic
4347 Hazel Ave.
Fair Oaks, California 95628
916-965-8200
Email: HRVCmailbox@yahoo.com

Hours:
Monday 8:00 - 6:00
Tuesday 8:00 - 7:30
Wednesday 8:00 - 6:00
Thursday 8:00 - 7:30
Friday 8:00 - 6:00
Saturday 8:00 - 4:00

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Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 20+ years experience. I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction. "Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916) 705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.

Do you have some household items, furniture, sporting goods, clothes, knick-knacks or collectibles or ??? that you no longer want or need? This is a great opportunity to turn them into some extra cash!

That's right! It's time to get ready for the annual Fair Oaks Fall Garage Sale in Fair Oaks Park, 11549 Fair Oaks Blvd. (at the corner of Madison Avenue and Fair Oaks Blvd). This year it will be held on Saturday, September 26 from 8:00 am to noon.

Want a booth? Registration for the Fall Garage Sale begins August 7 at 8:00 am at the Fair Oaks Recreation and Parks District Office. Register early, because the sale is limited to 57 spaces, and once those are reserved, there will be no more permitted. Each booth space is 15' x 14', which is equal to 2 parking spaces, and the registration fee is $35 per booth space. No craft vendors at this sale please. For further information, call the District office at 916-966-1036.

This sale always draws many shoppers, who get free admission and usually go home with armloads of treasures after a morning of great fun.

Both sellers and buyers should keep in mind that there might not be any food or beverage vendors, so make sure to bring your own food and beverages.

Garage sales are always fun, and imagine going to one huge sale with 57 sellers in one place! This is an experience you won't want to miss - you'll find lots of bargains, and who can't use a bargain these days?

See you there?

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Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 20+ years experience. I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction. "Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916) 705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com

Beautiful Fair Oaks, California is home to a wonderful store, in which we spend a great deal of time. It is Wild Birds & Gardens, a premier backyard bird feeding, gardening, and gift store. They have been serving backyard bird enthusiasts since 1993. Whether you are interested in learning more about bird watching or buying a special gift, their knowledgeable and friendly staff is happy to help you with finding exactly what you need.

They carry:

•· Bird seed (in 2, 5, 20 and 25 pound bags)

•· Bird houses

•· Bird feeders

•· Wildlife items

•· Optics (binoculars)

•· Flags

•· Wind socks

•· Wind chimes

•· Spinners

•· Books, field guides

•· CDs, DVDs

•· Greeting cards

•· Children's stuffed animals and hand puppets

•· Sun hats

•· Gift cards

•· Other surprises

•· They even offer delivery service and shipping for bird seed.

•· Wild Birds & Gardens online and emailed newsletters are packed full of practical advice on such things as how to attract birds to your backyard, what kind of feeders to use, where and how to mount them, what to feed various birds, how to deter or feed squirrels and much more. In addition, the newsletter has information on bird walks, special events, in-store workshops, as well as coupons for savings throughout the store.

Another wonderful thing they do is to sell golf balls for 50 cents each (3 for $1.00), with all proceeds going to benefit the Wildlife Care Association, a local, non-profit organization with a sanctuary that cares for injured wildlife, including backyard birds. If you've found a bird that needs care, you can contact the center for more information at 916-965-9453.

My husband and I have called them or dropped by with a number of questions about the many birds that frequent our yard, as well as the red and grey squirrels and other critters - and yes, we feed them all with the great quality food we buy at Wild Birds & Gardens! The critters love the food, and there is little or no waste, because what is dropped by the birds eating from feeders is scooped up by the ground feeders, and it is non-sprouting, so there are no strange weeds growing under the feeders.

Their hours are Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm, and they are open every day except for these major holidays: New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Check out Wild Birds & Gardens at:

5339 Sunrise Blvd., Fair Oaks, CA 95628

916-966-5958

www.birdsgardensandmore.com

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Full time real estate services in Fair Oaks CA, with friendly professionalism, 20+ years experience. I work hard to give my buyer or seller a low-stress transaction. "Happy clients make me happy."

For all your real estate needs or questions, call me at (916) 705-8951 or visit my website at www.SusanNealFineProperties.com.