Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine, January - February 2012

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Dogs u Cats u Birds u Reptiles u Horses u Exotics

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JAN/FEB 2012

Dedicated To Las Vegas Pets And The People Who Love Them

Animal Blood Bank Your Pet Can Give The GIft Of Life!

JANUARY National

Train Your Dog Month They Live Among Us Feral & Free-Roaming Cats

Cockatoos 101

Wheeler Pass Herd

Photographic Journey Pet-CHING Think CHA-CHING

Check Out The Kids Scene Page For Upcoming EventS AND CONTEST!!

Four-legged therapists working miracles in the lives of children and adults.

If you don’t train ‘em, don’t blame ‘em…

From poms poms to timber wolves,

MARK GIBSON HAS BEEN, IS, AND WILL CONTINUE TO BE LAS VEGAS’ BEST DOG TRAINER. Free Evaluation

in home or in kennel training.

www.GIBSONSCANINE.com

702-636-8700 Angel Tails Mobile Dog Grooming Where Dogs Have a Heavenly Experience

Debora Toro Owner - Groomer

(702) 277-1726 angeltails@cox.net

Our Pets… A Part of The Family Complimentary Urn & Matted Presentation with Paw Print, Fur Clipping and a Molded Paw Imprint.

Sheri Allen, Owner-Operator

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Veterinarian Recommended

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PET CREMATION SERVICES

We offer a SAFE, GENTLE and LOVING experience for your pet.

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Major Credit Cards Accepted

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Dogs ◆ Cats ◆ Birds ◆ Reptiles ◆ Horses ◆ Exotics

Dedicated To Las Vegas Pets And The People Who Love Them

Animal Blood Bank

January / February 2012

Publisher

Your Pet Can Give The Gift Of Life

SHASTA Media Connection, LLC

Contributing Writers Donna Streeter Kathy Schreur Shelly Volsche Madeleine Franco Linda Fredericks Darcy Grizzle

Advertising

Jayne Brass Geri Rombach

PAGE 6 Spirit Therapies Horses Lend Us The Wings We Lack

LAS VEGAS PET SCENE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly by Shasta Media Connection, LLC. All rights reserved. Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine assumes no responsibility or endorsement of the products or services advertised or featured. No portion of the Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine is distributed throughout the Las Vegas area at pet stores, animal shelters, grooming salons, veterinary clinics, health food stores and pet events with no cover price.

We welcome reader correspondence and editorial submissions. Please send all letters, inquiries, submissions, photos, pet stories and correspondence: Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine 5785 W. Tropicana Ave., Suite 5 Las Vegas, NV 89103

PAGE 9 January National Train Your Dog Month

PAGE 12 They Live Among Us Feral And Free-Roaming Cats

or info@lvpetscene.com Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine 5785 W. Tropicana Ave., Suite 5 Las Vegas, NV 89103 (702) 367-4997 www.LVPetScene.com

PAGE 19 Photographic Journey

INSIDE EVERY ISSUE 4 Las Vegas Pets 10 Kids Scene 16 Book Review 17 Upcoming Events 18 Adopt A Pet 20 Rescues & Shelters

Wheeler Pass Herd

PAGE 21 Cockatoos 101 Crash Course Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

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new year lies before us. It is a time to reflect on the past year and to review what we accomplished and what we perhaps failed to accomplish. It is a time to make resolutions and a time to Dream. Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine is a result of our 2011 dreaming.

Our goal for the publication is to provide the Las Vegas pet community with an interesting and educational resource in as easy-to-read, fun format. Judging from the encouraging and positive comments we received from readers, we’re accomplishing that goal. We have plans and dreams for 2012. We continually review, reflect, and plan to make this a useful and informative publication.

These are challenging times and it is easy to feel overwhelmed and adopt a “why-bother” attitude.

There are many challenges, yet there are many solutions. We can all play a role in making a difference in the lives of our pets and animals. Dare to Dream! Resolve to Act! There are so many ways you can help: donate money, volunteer your time, adopt a pet, become involved.

We encourage you to support our advertisers – they are our partners in providing this resource to the Las Vegas pet community.

We looking forward to hearing from you – email us at info@lvpetscene.com Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/lasvegaspetscene

Your Friends at Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine

“Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other one thing.” – Abraham Lincoln

Boxer – Blu, and Boston Terrier – Buster, taking naps with the girls…

-Meka’la and Tay

Coral Jones with Guinea-Stormy

Welcome Mia!!

She just moved to Las Vegas from Stockton, CA. Neat fact: Her parents are actual sled dogs at Kirkland in Tahoe.

Want To Be Featured On This Page?

Top Right –Tor, the Daddy, 2nd Row Left to Right – Rush, TJ, Ramses(the Mom), 3rd Row Left to Right – Redd, Couture & Juicy

Send Us Your Photo: Info@LVPetScene.com

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

Las V

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Your Pet Can Give The Gift Of Life…

And Benefit Too!

Blood is greatly needed for animal blood banks. Blood is so direly needed that there is often a 4 week waiting period to receive blood products from commercial veterinary blood banks.

Veterinary Emergency + Critical Care (VE+CC) has established a volunteer community blood bank to help local animals that need blood. Your pet could give the gift of life and save the life of another animal by donating a little blood to our blood bank.

The benefits of registering as an official canine or feline blood donor are: 1.

All potential blood donor candidates receive free basic donor screening to determine whether they are eligible as a donor, including:

2.

Limit one per customer. Expires 2/29/12.

• Physical Examination • Basic Blood Work • Infectious Disease Screening • Blood Typing

Donors will also receive credit for a free blood product for every donation made.

The ideal volunteer for blood donation will be: • Young to Middle Aged • Well-Behaved • Healthy • Meet Weight Requirements

Cats: 10 lbs or greater

Half-unit dogs (40 to 55 lbs)

Full-unit dogs (56 lbs. or greater)

Cats: all blood types needed

Dogs: universal donors needed

Fetch Your Free Copy of the Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine at these Locations: PETCO Stores

Las Vegas & Henderson

Veterinarian Hospitals

Barnes & Noble Booksellers

To Discover If Your Pet Qualifies As A Donor, Download & Print the Donor Questionnaire & Registration Form at

www.VECC24.com

Once Completed, Just Return to: E-mail: bloodbank@vecc24.com Fax: 702-262-7099 Mail: 8650 W. Tropicana Ave. B-107 Las Vegas, NV 89147

We greatly thank you for your interest and consideration of making your pet a donor.

Libraries

Las Vegas / Clark County

• Advertiser’s Locations

• Pet Stores

• Pet Hotels & Resorts

• Groomers

• Animal Shelters & Rescues

• Coffee Shops

View On-Line At: www.LVPetScene.com Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

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HORSES

LEND US THE

WINGS

WE LACK

By Donna Streeter

S

pirit can be defined as life or living substance apart from the physical; a powerful moving force; an energy reflecting ardor, enthusiasm and courage.

It is the fundamental tenacious emotion that defines one’s character. Therapy can be defined as treatment for mental, emotional and physical maladies or as the healing power or quality to aid in breathing new life into bodies and minds that have been challenged by physical and emotional issues.

Spirit Therapies combines these two definitions into one within their instructors, riders and the vessels of healing the horses themselves. Together they work miracles in the lives of the children and adults they serve.

Spirit Therapies was established in 2002, in Las Vegas, Nevada by Laurie Willmott. It is a 501(c)3 public charity, nonprofit organization that specializes in physical and mental therapy on horseback for individuals with special needs including our Veterans/Military heroes.

The program is entirely volunteer-driven with a Board of Directors. All donations and riders fees are used exclusively for program operations. Rider scholarships, horse adoption programs and fundraisers are the primary sources of funding.

Spirit Therapies is the only Premiere Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center certified by the Professional Association of

Therapeutic Horsemanship International (PATH) in Southern Nevada, an area where special needs children and adults are increasing each year. In addition to the children and adults benefiting from the services Spirit Therapies has to offer, horses with special needs have been rescued and enjoy a second chance as part of the Spirit team when age, injury or other circumstances suggested a change. It was recognized that these horses still have a lot of life left and can contribute in a unique and valuable way in helping children and adults become rejuvenated or in the cases of some, have a breath of new life and a sense of accomplishment for the very first time.

Director and CEO Laurie Willmott possesses a natural sense of nurturing which is just one of the valuable attributes she brings to the organization. Laurie is entirely emotionally and physically invested in each one of the individuals’ lives she serves. And her interactions with them and their families leave no doubt of her compassionate commitment to their progress.

Laurie is certified by PATH as an instructor. All non-therapist volunteers must participate in an extensive training course prior to working with the individuals; every volunteer must participate in ongoing training twice a year.

Our horses are really four-legged therapists, who help our riders improve their lives through physical contact, exercise, and interaction with others which increases communication and social skills.

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

Photos by Linda Quackenboss, Laughter in the Lens – www.laughterinthelens.com

nd

It!

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Birthday D y oCelebrating his pp32 Birthday with Laurie!

Spirit Therapies mission statement says it well: “Spirit Therapies is a nonprofit therapeutic riding center that positively impacts the lives of the physically and mentally challenged through connecting with trained therapy horses, certified instructors and compassionate volunteers. We will educate and bring awareness of this valuable therapy to the public, and one day be able to offer therapeutic riding free of charge.”

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In addition, since Spirit Therapies is a nonprofit organization it relies upon various grants and the generosity of the local community in helping carry out its programs.

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“

Winston Churchill said, There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.

• 1 cup flour • 1 cup cornmeal • 1/2 cup wheat germ • 1 teaspoon garlic powder • 1 pound raw liver (beef or chicken)

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Add dry ingredients.

Drop by teaspoonfuls of mixture onto greased cookie sheet.

Flatten with bottom of glass dipped in water and cornmeal.

Bake at 350 for 15-20 minutes.

Store in refrigerator.

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

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Experience The Difference Between Finding You A House And A Home.

These little dogs are my “babies”!

We “rescued and adopted” our Maltese, Button, when she was 8 years old and celebrated her 14th birthday on December 12th.

We got Lacee, our Bishon Frise, as a puppy and she is now 8 years old.

They are both so precious and keep us laughing at their playful antics.

We know Lacee has kept Button young!

Sheri Myers, CRS Certified Residential Specialist BROKER / REALTOR® 30+ Years Real Estate Experience

Direct (702) 458-8494 Cell (702) 686-5882

E-Mail: smyerslv@aol.com Website: www.SheriMyers.com

I’M HERE TO HELP!

I have been a REALTOR® in the Las Vegas area since 1977 and would like to put my experience and expertise to work for you. As an experienced REALTOR®, I am qualified to guide you in all aspects of either buying or selling a home or investment property.

Today’s market is led by short sales, bank repos, as well as traditional sales.

I handle them all.

$132,000 Very, Very Special Home With Great Pool & 3-Car Garage In Henderson!

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Here are 2 of the many “Short Sale” homes that I have recently listed and then closed escrow. At Windermere, we take great pride in our “Short Sale” process that has proven so successful in today’s $210,000 Absolutely Impeccable Spacious Home challenging market.

With Upgrades In Gated Community!

If I Can Help You in Any Aspect of Real Estate, Please Contact Me. Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

January is National Train Your Dog Month!

By Shelly Volsche, CPDT-KA

Did you get a puppy for the holidays or adopt a new friend from the shelter?

Are you looking at your favorite fido and thinking he could use a little social polish?

Do you simply want to get started doing something fun with your dog like trick training or nose work?

January is the perfect time for New Year’s Resolutions and training your dog.

About Train Your Dog Month

In 2010, the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) announced January as National Train Your Dog Month.

The event began with a website launch and some simple handouts. However, over the past couple years it has grown into a full scale campaign for better training, socialization and relationship building between canines and their families. The site now hosts handouts, webinars, and facebook chats on training and behavior issues. Visit www.TrainYourDogMonth.com to check it out.

Finding A Trainer

Finding a qualified, humane trainer has never been easier. Visit the APDT’s website (www.apdt.com) to complete a search for a local training professional or visit the Certification Counsel for Professional Dog Trainer’s website (www.ccpdt.org) to find an independently certified trainer. Be sure to visit the Pet Owners section of the APDT’s website for information on finding a trainer, socialization, and disaster preparedness.

When you contact a trainer, ask if you can visit a class or spend a few moments speaking with them about their methods. Are they current on the most recent techniques and research on canine learning? Do they use humane methods that focus on building your relationship with your dog? What is their background and what are their qualifications? A qualified trainer will be happy to take the time, recognizing that you place value on your bond with your canine companion.

What To Learn, What To Learn

Whether you just got a puppy or adopted an adult dog, start with the basics. For puppies, find classes with a trainer that understands the developmental stages of young canines. Socialization should be at the heart of these classes, and it includes more than puppy play and basic commands. Will the class help your puppy gain confidence in her world? Is prevention of common problems like barking at skateboards, eating the vacuum cleaner, and potty training addressed? It is important to start young, preparing yourself and your puppy to handle real life with ease.

For adopted adults, find a good basic manners class that understands not all dogs are the same. Depending on your rescued dog’s background, a group class may be a bit stressful at first. How does the trainer handle this? Is the dog excused?

Are visual barriers used to help your dog feel more secure until they become more comfortable? Be sure to ask these questions before registering for a class so you can be sure it is a good fit for you and your dog.

Having Fun

If you and your dog are already on the road to proper social skills, keep up the fun with trick training or any one of the various canine sports. Classes are available that teach agility for fun, tricks and dancing, or even nose work and scent detection. Ask around. Check with trainers and retailers to see what classes are on the calendar.

Keeping It Personal

When schedules and canine personalities require, it is always possible to seek private training. Not all dogs do well with other dogs, and that’s ok. Private training can help address behavior issues, but it can also give you quality one on one time with a trainer to learn a new sport, skill, or just have fun.

In the end, the important thing is that you get started. Training your dog not only teaches them proper manners, it can curb behavior problems and build a bond to last a lifetime.

Shelly Volsche, CPDT-KA is the owner of Good Paws, llc. She has over 5 years of professional training experience and is certified by the Certification Council for Professional Dog Trainers. She is a professional member of the Association of Pet Dog Trainers, Truly Dog Friendly, an AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator, and holds a Certificate in Canine Nutrition. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Her long term goal is to obtain a Masters Degree in Mental Health Counseling so she can help bridge the gap existing in so many human-canine relationships. Shelly can be reached at 702.469.1437 or via email at Shelly@GoodPawsTraining.com.

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

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Kids

FIND THE HIDDEN BIRD NAMES! The words may be in any direction: horizontally, vertically, diagonally, and forwards and backwards.

Scene

Word Puzzle Answers on Page 17

Hey Kids!

I hope Santa brought you lots of fun presents. I got a BIG bag of my favorite snack: GOLDFISH! YUMMY!

PET HUMOR

What has more lives than a cat?

(A frog. It croaks every night.)

What bird can lift the most?

(A crane.)

What bone will a dog never eat?

(A trombone.)

STORYTIME WITH HARLEY! Join Us!

Saturday, January 15th @ 3pm Saturday, February 18th @ 3pm

Barnes & Noble Booksellers – 567 N. Stephanie, Henderson

KIDS!

Enter the CONTEST and WIN!

2 LUCKY KIDS will WIN A FUN EVENT at the LAS VEGAS MINI GRAN PRIX which includes pizza, drinks, game tokens & ride tickets for 5 GUESTS ($100 value)!

Answer The Following Questions And You Could Win! Email Us: Contest@LVPetScene.com

1. How much does HARLEY weigh?

2. How many cups of food does Harley eat a day?

3. Where was Harley born?

Submit by 2-15-12.

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

Does Your Pet Need A

Specialist?

Many pet owners are unaware that veterinary specialists and specialty hospitals even exist. Veterinary specialists are similar to human specialists in many ways. They are doctors of veterinary medicine who choose to specialize in one type of medicine, surgery or species. They must complete 3-4 years of additional training, usually in the form of an internship and residency program after graduating from veterinary school. Following their advance training, they must submit credentials to the specific group in question, i.e. American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM), American College of Veterinary Surgery (ACVS), etc. Once they meet the preliminary criteria, they must pass a multi- day examination.

Once the individual passes the examination, they become a member or diplomate of that group and are considered to be board certified in their specialty. There are currently 20 veterinary specialties recognized by the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association). Specialties range from anesthesiology to zoo medicine.

In general, specialists see cases requiring advanced training, expertise, skill or equipment for diagnosis and to perform the most up to date surgical or medical treatments. Orthopedic surgery, complicated abdominal or cancer surgery, ultrasound, MRI/CT scans, chemotherapy, and endoscopy are just a few examples of these.

Seeing a specialist is usually on referral by your primary veterinarian. In many cases, your veterinarian seeks a second opinion or knows your pet needs advanced diagnostics or a complicated procedure that they are not equipped to handle in their hospital.

The Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center (LVVSC) is Southern Nevada’s only multi-specialty veterinary hospital with full-time specialists available 7 days a week.

LVVSC has been working with local veterinarians since 2005 to provide the most comprehensive veterinary medicine available.

For additional information about Las Vegas Veterinary Specialty Center, please visit our website at www.lvvsc.com.

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

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They Live Among Us

BY KATHY SCHREUR

A

shadow slipping between houses, a glimpse jumping off a wall, a darting shape dashing across the road.

Quiet, starving, struggling to survive - they are our cast offs. They are the result of abandonment or in a moment of carelessness, they were lost. They, like a lot of us in these troubling times, are searching for a place to call home.

They are called free-roaming or feral cats. The “lucky” ones find relatively safe places to live with others, known as colonies.

They find an abandoned piece of property; a gated community; a drain pipe; a garage which has an opening somewhere; a crumbling building.

These colonies can exist for generations of offspring, until nature or mankind force them out.

Fortunately for the wild ones, there are hundreds, if not thousands, of incredibly caring and kind people who also live among us. They are the people who want the euthanasia of thousands of animals in Clark County to cease and they continually seek avenues to that end. They are the people who acknowledge the cats are here and care for them. They are the people who seek legal ways to help diminish the overpopulation of our animal kingdom.

One such hero is Keith Williams. Mr. Williams is a man of many hats and a true inspiration. He was appointed by the Clark County Commission to the role of Central Sponsor and founded the Community Cat Coalition of Clark County, also known as C5. It is a non-profit, all volunteer organization, working with Animal Control, Heaven Can Wait Animal Society, Las Vegas Valley Humane Society, and Lied Animal Shelter to create an environment where there are no more unwanted cats.

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To achieve that goal, a core action is the Trap, Neuter, and Release (TNR) program. This program has proven successful in slowly and naturally diminishing colonies. The cats are trapped in special cages, taken to a veterinarian to be neutered or spayed (the cat is also given medical attention, vaccinated, and its ear is tipped to show he/she has been neutered/spayed), and then returned to their colonies. The colonies basically become retirement communities (no kittens allowed), where they live out their natural life span which averages 4 to 5 years.

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

The TNR program was once done in the dark of night, because cat colonies were unprotected and, if discovered, often times were cruelly destroyed. Through the efforts of many caring and dedicated individuals, including Mr. Williams, Clark County Ordinance 10.06 came about, providing legal protection for feral cat colonies. A cat colony can be registered with Central Sponsor and therefore protected. In the three years since the inception of Ordinance 10.06, Central Sponsor has, to date, 439 registered colonies, with an average size of 10 cats. In the first two years, C5 helped to facilitate the spaying and neutering of over 7,000 cats. Through their efforts, they are bringing down the number of cats whose end of life is reached at Lied Animal Shelter or through cruelty. Not only does that benefit the cats, it also benefits the taxpayer. It costs $100 every time Animal Control is called and $40 for disposal. What saves the taxpayers money is that C5 and Heaven Can Wait host a feral cat clinic once a month, which is free to the caretakers of the colonies and prevents population growth and expense. Again, the benefits and cost savings are for all concerned.

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society is a huge component in the fight to end homeless animals. It is a non-profit, low cost, spay and neuter facility, that works ceaselessly to bring down the overpopulation of our pets. Every month, under the brilliant direction of its President, Harold Vosko, Heaven Can Wait hosts a feral cat clinic. For example, working with C5, on just one day, December 11th, Heaven Can Wait sterilized 285 free-roaming cats. In November, over 400 free-roaming cats were sterilized. The clinic is extremely organized and just plain amazing. A small army of the kindest, most giving volunteers tend to the cats and kittens.

“If not us, then who?

If not now, then when?”

John F. Kennedy

Once again, Nevada proves how many wonderful, thoughtful, caring folks it has living within its borders. Hopefully, one day, every cat will know what it is like to curl up on someone’s lap, safe, fed, warm, and most of all, loved.

GNITY • DI

PECT • ES

R

There are many great organizations, veterinarians, volunteers, and caretakers devoted to our wild ones. This article just touches on a few. As you read this, hopefully you will find yourself wondering what you can do to help our homeless little ones. Please volunteer your time. The ways you can help are endless. If you do not have the time, donations are always appreciated. If you are currently taking care of a colony of wild ones, and would like guidance on how to manage your colony, you can contact Keith Williams through C5’s website, which is www.C5-TNR.org. Heaven Can Wait would welcome your call at 277-5555 or you can learn more about them at www.HCWS.org.

You Love Them – We Care!

MEMBER IAOPCC

Y

Heaven Can Wait is the only facility that has a youth volunteer program and welcomes young people ages 10 to 18. They believe it is very important to learn responsible pet ownership at a young age and to witness how important it is to spay and neuter your pet. It is just one more step to bring about the end of homeless animals.

Compassionate Pet Cremation, LLC Personal, Professional & Confidential

TEGRIT IN

Once the cats arrive, they are numbered and identified as male or female. Under the trained supervision of a veterinary technician, they are sedated. In a sterile operating room, eight volunteer surgeons operate under the direction of Medical Director, Dr. Henderson. The cats then are given to a team of young volunteers who groom the cats. For most of the cats, this will be the only kind human touch they will ever receive and you can see how much it means to the young people gently brushing the sleeping cats.

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www.CompassionatePetCremation.com QUOTE OF THE DAY “Never, never be afraid to do what’s right, especially if the well-being of a person or animal is at stake. Society’s punishments are small compared to the wounds we inflict on our soul when we look the other way.”

– Martin Luther King Jr.

Read local author Sue Laing’s latest thriller: Beth is an enthralling read, full of suspense and thrilling action that will keep the reader guessing to the very end. The characters are colorfully drawn, and the story moves along at a breakneck pace that will leave the reader breathlessly wanting more at the end.

When newly-retired detective Michael Pearce reluctantly agrees to beloved sister Mattie’s

request that he come to her home and help her with a murder investigation, he has no idea that he will soon delay his long-anticipated

fishing trip to help Mattie’s dear friend Jenny get to the bottom of the mysterious accident

that befell her beloved adopted daughter, Beth, and Beth’s youngest son, Daniel. The local

police department has ruled the case a murdersuicide, but Beth’s estranged husband’s

insistence on a hasty cremation makes Mattie and Jenny suspicious, and Michael begins to agree with their assessment.

Sue Laing has made her home in the Las Vegas area for 26 years. She has been passionate about writing all of her adult. She prides herself in the fact her readers never manage to identify the culprit until revealed by the author.

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ISBN: 978-160844-926-2

Visit: suelaingbooks.com to order online!

• Perfectbound • Nook • Kindle • iBooks

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

13

This Is A Paid Advertisement

Daily Deal Site Launches to Benefit Las Vegas Pets PETching is America’s first and only daily deal site to donate proceeds to local non-profits.

Las Vegas – January 1, 2012 – PETching is a premier daily deal website that offers pet products and services at discounted prices. The company is dedicated to fostering a loyal community of pet lovers through daily deals and an emphasis on locally owned establishments.

PETching’s carefully curated pet deals include goods and services such as: pet sitters and walkers, animal boarding services, veterinary clinics, animal bakeries, and much more. PETching currently services the Las Vegas area and offers National Online Deals.

revenue for businesses both local and national, and ultimately aiding in creating more jobs for Americans by focusing on one of the world’s biggest communities: pets. The PETching website is an online space where pet owners feel comfortable sharing tips about their favorite local establishments, and it provides helpful tips on how to keep pets healthy and happy. PETching also makes a concerted effort to give back to the community, and portions of the company’s proceeds are donated to non-profit pet organizations.

Deals that have been offered in just the first month of launch include pet sitting and walking services.

PETching partnered with local business, Gals on the Go, to offer doggy daycare, 30-minute pet visits, dog walking services, pet taxis, and bird/reptile care. Another deal featured was J&L Pet Services, a Las Vegas company that provides daytime/overnight pet sitting, dog walking, waste removal services, pet taxis, deodorizers, and medication administration. Since then, businesses such as pet products, pet food & treat companies have signed on for deals to offer to consumers nationwide.

PETching is currently building a deal calendar for the new year, and businesses interested in specific dates are encouraged to contact PETching. PETching is also interested in sponsoring upcoming pet-related events and is seeking charities interested in affiliate opportunities.

While the daily deals are the main attraction for the PETching customers, the company provides its patrons and partners with many other beneficial services.

PETching gives local and national businesses a platform to expand their clientele bases and gain loyal customers.

PETching is proud to be a catalyst in the recovery of the economy by creating discounts for consumers, generating

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

Launched in 2011, PETching provides subscriptionbased customers with pet related daily deals. PETching connects pet owners with locally and nationally owned businesses in an effort to create an online and offline community of animal lovers. PETching is headquartered in Las Vegas, Nevada.

For more information, contact: Lorenzo@ PETching.com For more information on PETching: www.PETching.com

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

15

Book Review

By Geri Rombach

Inside of a Dog – What Dogs See, Smell, and Know

By Alexandra Horowitz

I have a new hobby - dog watching or dog observing! This book sparked my curiosity about dogs. How do dogs experience the world? How do dogs see the world? According to the author, “Dogs don’t see the world like we do: they ‘see’ mostly through smell. “ She asks us to imagine relying on smell rather than sight as our primary sense. She also asks us to imagine each detail of our visual world matched by a corresponding smell. Imagine smelling every visual detail – what would that experience be like? When we notice a smell it is because it is either a good smell or a bad one. We rarely use it as a source of information. The author states that a dog’s universe is a stratum of complex odors and that their world of scent is as rich as our world of sight.

The book offers many examples of common dog/human bonding experiences between the author and her own dog, Pumpernickel. However, the book is not one to be read for pleasure alone or for winding-down bedtime reading. It is, though, a source of scientific research and data on animal behavior and a helpful resource for understanding your own dog. The author describes herself as a dog person, a lover of dogs and also a scientist. She studies animal behavior professionally. The book is about imagining the dog’s point of view; how the dog experiences the world; what they want and need, and what they understand.

Much of what is presented is difficult for a person unfamiliar with animal psychology or cognition to understand. Personally I understood about ten percent of the scientific data presented yet that percentage allowed me to imagine and explore in a new way the world of dogs. The book will help you understand what your dog’s behaviors mean to them rather than just what they mean to you. You will see your dog through new eyes of imagination. Definitely well worth reading!

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

Training For All Breeds & Mixed Breeds

Vegas Valley Dog Obedience Club (Licensed By The American Kennel Club)

OBEDIENCE CLASSES: Three sessions per year – 6 week classes January – April – September

REGISTRATION: First Thursday of A

January, April and September at 7:00 pm. no

PROOF OF SHOTS REQUIRED! Please do not bring dogs to registration.

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pr ofi

to

JANUARY 7th Petco National Adoption Event

Las Vegas Labrador Rescue Lake Mead / Rainbow Location. 10am - 3pm.

Bake Sale, Raffle and Adoptable Dogs!

JANUARY 14th Pet First Aid & CPR Class

Paw Prints Pet Supplies – 1000 N. Green Valley Pkwy #250 10am - 2 pm. Cost is $45. Call to RSVP (702) 558-7297.

January 19th - 21st Giant Warehouse / Garage Sale!

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society – www.hcws.org 9am - 3pm. Located at 2900 E. Patrick Lane #1, Henderson • Electronics • Books • Jewelery • Clothing • Furniture, etc!

JANUARY 21st Meet, Greet & Bathe Day!

Las Vegas Labrador Rescue Barking Dogs Bakery - 9325 S. Cimmaron Rd. #145 Bake Sale, Crafts, Raffle & Adoptable Dogs!

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WHERE: Mendoza Elementary School

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tii on

2000 S. Sloan Lane

CLUB FOUNDED IN 1964

CLASS PRICE: $95 per dog

We offer:

(subject to change) H Ask about Senior & Military Price

Puppy through Advanced Levels

held Thursday after registration 7:00 to 8:30 pm All following classes are from 7:30 to 8:30 pm

Obedience Training

The fun of you learning how to train your dog and the close bond this will create!

CLASS DAY/TIME: 1st class will be

LOCATION: Dog Fancier’s Park (Behind Horseman’s Park) 5800 E. Flamingo Rd.

Monthly Meetings: The first Tuesday of the month 7 PM Community Meeting Room @ Desert Toyota, Scion – 6300 W. Sahara Ave.

For More Information Visit Our Website www.VVDOC.org or Call 368-0656 (recording)

Darby’s Favorite Cat Quotes: There is no snooze button on a cat who wants breakfast. ~ Author Unknown Dogs come when they’re called. Cats take a message and get back to you later. ~ Mary Bly “My husband said it was him or the cat... I miss him sometimes.”

- Anonymous

FEBRUARY 10th Vegas Pet Expo

Indoors at the Cashman Center, 10am - 6pm.

Bring Your Pets! Low Cost Vaccinations & Microchipping, Mega Adoption Event, Great Pet Products, Free Nail Trims, Pet Costumes & Talent Contest & Tons of Entertainment!

“Way down deep, we’re all motivated by the same urges. Cats have the courage to live by them.” –Jim Davis (Garfield creator)

FREE CLASSES!

FEBRUARY 13th Golf… Fore The Love of Pets

Heaven Can Wait Animal Society – www.hcws.org At The Golf Club At Southshore, Henderson

Answer Key to Word Puzzle on Page 10 Kids Scene

A Place That Beaders Call Home We can teach you how to make beautiful jewelry for yourself, your critters, or as gifts.

Call and sign up for your free class today!!

Come Bead With Us! 4750 W. Sahara Avenue, Ste 13 (702) 259-6100 Las Vegas, NV 89102 www.TheBeadShackLV.com Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

Wheeler Pass Herd

e e r F N d l i W

By Darcy Grizzle

Director of America’s Wild Horse Advocates As one of the Directors of America’s Wild Horse Advocates (AWHA), I am directly involved in documenting one of the herds near Las Vegas, Nevada. It is called the Wheeler Pass Herd, and it’s in a small remote A Photographic Journey of the Wild Horse Herds mountain area called Cold Creek. AWHA strives for education and awareness of our Near Las Vegas, Nevada Wild Mustangs and Burros across our state, and the 9 other westernstates where the Wild Horses & Burros roam in their Herd Management Areas. We are also dedicated to on the range management, in lieu of roundups, we promote Eco-Tourism and adoptions.

I am up at least once a month. Part of my documentation includes photographing the different bands & keeping track of what mare had what foal, what stallion they are with, and their approximate age. In my “Photography Website”, www.redbubble.com/people/dgrizzle, I showcase some of the Wild Horses. Any profit I make from sales goes to non-profits that help rescue the Wild Horses & Burros.

For More Info on the Wild Horses & Burros, please visit: Wild Horse Freedom Federation: www.wildhorsefreedom.org The Cloud Foundation: www.thecloudfoundation.org America’s Wild Horse Advocates: www.awha.info

Two

Living In Harmony Painted Beauty

Kiss Me, I’ll Be Your Valentine!

Play With Me!

Wild Mustang

What A Wonderful Sight

I’m A Big Boy Now!

Wild Mustang Mare Named Snow

Free To Roam, or Nap Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

Cockatoos 101

By Madeleine Franco, Founding President of the Southern Nevada Parrot Education, Rescue & Rehoming Society.

If you are considering a cockatoo as a pet, please consider fostering or adopting one. With the economy such as it is, there are wonderful cockatoos looking for new homes because through no fault of their own, many of these beautiful and highly emotional and loving pets have become victims of foreclosure. So many people are downsizing, and life has a way of changing considerably when you start sharing a wall.

Ah, but, be warned! Cockatoos are not for everyone! There are many web sites you can visit, including www.mytoos.com, where you can listen to a soundtrack that will eliminate the excuse, “But, I had no idea they were so loud.” You’ll also get a no-holds-barred presentation on cockatoo ownership, undoubtedly designed to discourage all but the staunchest of “cockatoo people,” most of whom seem to be born rather than made. If that website doesn’t dissuade you—and it didn’t me—then, here are some things you’ll also want to know and remember. As the large cockatoos are by far the most mismanaged and, therefore, the most common birds in rescue and rehoming programs, it is important that potential owners know what they are getting into when they decide they want to foster or adopt a cockatoo. To that end, here is a crash course, suitable for posting on your fridge.

Cockatoos 101:

(1) They are loud (2) they are willful; (3) they are dusty; (4) they are destructive; (5) they are demanding; (6) they can be moody; (7) they can be spiteful; (8) they toss their food; (9) they will bite if provoked; (10) they’re sometimes too smart for their own good; (11) they can be bullies; (12) they can sometimes develop bad habits, such as feather plucking and screaming; BUT, perhaps worst of all, (13)

they steal! (your heart).

Don’t say we didn’t warn you! But, we cockatoo people love them just the way they are.

If you are interested in adopting a cockatoo – or any other parrot for that matter – the Internet makes it very easy to research various species, including the twenty-something subspecies of cockatoo most commonly found in aviculture. If you think you might be one of “us,” then please visit the web site of the Southern Nevada Parrot Education, Rescue & Rehoming Society at www.snperrs.org. We may just have something to fit the bill, so to speak.

And, for a little about me, if needed . . .

Copyright © 2011 Madeleine Franco, all rights reserved. Madeleine, who has had her heart stolen at least a dozen times by cockatoos who continue to make it almost easy to overlook items 1 through 12, is an award-winning business writer/presenter and founding president of the Southern Nevada Parrot Education, Rescue & Rehoming Society (SNPERRS). As an avicultural hobbyist, she tends a flock of approximately 30 non-breeding, highly platonic and interactive pet parrots. She is the owner of Premium Pine Cones, LLC (www.premiumpinecones.net), specializing in remedies, toys and diversions for parrots that pluck but would like to kick the habit.

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

21

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Jan/Feb 2012

J A S M I N E

By Linda Fredericks I have a dog named Jazmine but I just call her Jaz She’s full of spit and vinegar and often acts like Taz. Jazmine’s coat is smooth and white she learns through smell and sight I call her “my little white girl” and “sweetie pie” and such I also call her “Jazmine Velvet Ears” because she’s velvet to the touch.

A friend of ours found her roaming lost in their neighborhood she asked if we would take her... the minute we laid eyes on her of course we knew we could.

Jaz has a disability she’s as deaf as she can be but though she can not hear me I love her more dearly.

She bugs me every morning to take her for a walk and though she can not hear me she seems to listen as I talk.

V E L V E T

She wears a special collar that gives a little zap to let her know where I am and remind her to check back.

E A R S

I marvel at how fast she runs, how high she jumps, to her it’s no big deal she is one happy dog, her love of life so real.

She has a basket full of doggie toys her fav is “Big Mean Kitty” she can’t hear him make his noise “squeek, squeek,” and that is such a pity.

She’s been to San Diego, to Phoenix and L.A. and when we took her camping she almost swam away.

Jazmine has some special needs but I don’t mind a bit she’s even learning sign language she knows; come, stay and sit.

Our Jazmine died some years ago, in May two thousand seven, she’s burried in our yard a spot called “Jazmine’s Heaven.”

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