Critter tale

Amy M.C. Callaghan, a dance instructor who hosts classes at the Agoura Hills/Calabasas Community Center, once a month invites Bob Ferber, animal attorney, and Sky Valencia, founder of St . Martin's Animal Foundation, to introduce misfit animals to her class.

The animals help educate the public about the importance of spaying, neutering and adopting elderly and handicapped animals from local shelters.

Barron Von Drool was a Rottweiler who had been rescued from an abusive situation by Ferber and Valencia. Though Barron died earlier this year, his memory lives on in the group Barron's Buddies, comprised of disabled animals such as Trapper, a three-legged shepherd; A.J., a blind Lhaso Apso; and Amy, a pit bull with a deformed mouth who is blind in one eye.

St. Martin's, a nonprofit organization, requires donations to help with medical needs and to obtain a flatbed truck.

For information, call (818) 771-8750 or visit the website www.stmartinsrescue.org.