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In 2004, PALS (People Assisting Lodi Shelter) was formed and soon granted 501(c) 3 status. Nancy Alumbaugh and Dawnis Bradshaw founded the organization to help homeless and abandoned animals of Lodi, California and to support the Lodi Animal Shelter. PALS is currently raising money to construct a much needed new building, PALS HAVEN. This additional space will enable PALS to save more animal lives and will provide additional services to the community. They have received two acres of donated land on the grounds of Sycamore Lane Kennels and Farm, and received donated architectural building plans. To donate to the PALS HAVEN building project, please note “Capital Campaign” on your check.

Turkey Tom Kettleman was first seen at the intersection of Kettleman Lane and Lower Sacramento Road in Lodi, California during the spring of 2014. He quickly became a popular attraction. Many people were concerned about a potential accident if a motorist swerved to avoid hitting Tom, or if a motorist did hit him. California Department of Fish and Game officials would not intervene because Tom was a wild turkey. Because of Tom's unsafe circumstances, some people regretted this wildlife policy and wished that Tom could be captured and relocated to a protected environment. On 09-28-14 a motorist struck Tom. The "WILD TURKEY XING" signs being printed by Public Works were installed a few days after Tom's death.

As a city council member, I hear concerns on a variety of issues regarding Lodi and the community, which I am honored to serve. Sometime in June of 2014, I started to receive e-mails asking for help regarding a wayward wild turkey living at one of the busiest intersections in Lodi. I tried reaching out to the Department of Fish and Game asking for the re-location of the turkey. Once I realized re-location was not an option, I reached out to the city manager and asked for traffic calming signs to do our best to alert drivers of the presence of our, quickly becoming, beloved bird. The city manager, with the help of Public Works, thought this would be a great idea!

As I waited for the signs to be installed, Tom’s popularity as our new mascot grew, concerns for his safety grew, and his number of Facebook friends grew. Out of curiosity, I found myself changing my trek to work to drive by Tom’s hangout just to get a glimpse of him. And even more curiously, when I did see Tom, how excited it made me feel. I guess I was starting to understand how phenomenal the “Tom Kettleman” experience was to the citizens of Lodi.

Sadly, the Wild Turkey Xing signs were installed after Tom's departure. However, I believe Tom left a lasting impression upon the city of Lodi. For a brief time, Tom created excitement and wonder for the community. Tom made many citizens very happy. And, whenever I hear Tom Kettleman’s name, I still smile.

I think back to 2004 when Daunis Bradshaw and I first thought of “making miracles happen” at the Lodi Animal Shelter. It was a dream then filled with compassion and an overwhelming desire to make a better world possible for the lost and abandoned animals of Lodi. That dream lead to the formation of PALS.

After ten years, thanks to the incredible volunteers that have given of their talents and thousands of hours, we are now building PALS Haven.

So, whether Tom Kettleman made you smile, gave you concern or frustration, he certainly has become a part of Lodi history. PALS is sorry for his passing, happy that another living being was not injured, and blessed that a gifted writer and a talented artist have chosen PALS to honor Tom's memory by donating the proceeds from this book to our capital campaign.

Sometimes as adults we need to remember that it is okay to dream. Our dreams bring change to this world and help make miracles possible. To all our volunteers, donors, and dreamers I give my deepest thanks. You are the ones that make this world a better place.