Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine, January/February 2021 by Homes Illustrated/LV Pet Scene

New Year’s Resolutions

as illustrated by pets

• Benefits of STRETCHING and BUDDY BREATHING PREVENTING TAIL INJURIES

PETS help us to be HEALTHIER

Samson

COVER PET PHOTO CONTEST WINNER

l a s

v e g a s

Pet Scene

Contents

Dogs u Cats u Birds u Reptiles u Horses u Fish

Dedicated To Las Vegas Pets And The People Who Love Them

January/February 2021 FRONT COVER PHOTOGRAPHY: Bark Gallery Cover Pet Photo Contest Winner: Samson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS – – – – – – – – –

Chad Bower, DVM William Huggins Jamie Lee Gail Mayhugh Elizabeth Parker C.A. Ritz Geri Rombach Shannon Turpin Rena Winters

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. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement we believe is incompatible with our mission. 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 grocery stores, local pet stores, animal shelters and rescues, pet hotels, grooming salons, veterinarian hospitals, libraries and pet events with no cover price. We welcome reader correspondence. Please send all letters, inquiries, photos and correspondence:

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine 5785 W. Tropicana Ave., Suite 5 Las Vegas, NV 89103

702-367-4997

info@lvpetscene.com www.lvpetscene.com

Advertising in the

Las Vegas Pet Scene

MAGAZINE is the way to reach pet lovers in Southern Nevada!

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6 NEW YEAR'S

RESOLUTIONS

31 TAIL INJURIES CAUSES & CARE

8 IN THE NEWS 35 PET COMPANIONSHIP 10 STARTING NEW ROUTINES 38-39 AND HABITS

14 RAISING CJ 16 CAT HEALTH MONTH

18 BENEFITS OF

ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS + ADOPTABLE PETS

40 STOPPING THAT ITCH

STRETCHING AND BUDDY BREATHING

20 NEW MAN IN MY LIFE

24 REPTILE

SOCIAL MEDIA

CARE AND HUSBANDRY

lasvegaspetscene

26 PLAN AHEAD

lvpetscene

FOR ADOPTING

@lvpetscene lvpetscene

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

What a year we’ve just come through – 2020 was a tough year for everyone. The year presented all of us with many difficulties and challenges and forced us to get creative and learn new ways of living and working. Animal shelters and rescue organizations quickly learned to virtually adapt to the challenges. The work of rescuing, fostering and adoption continued in spite of the challenges. The year saw an increase in pandemic pet adoptions as people started on the incredible journey of being first-time pet parents. Every day our pets encourage us to find reasons to laugh, smile, and appreciate the small things in life. The phrase “out with the old and in with the new” took on a deeper meaning this year. We look forward to welcoming a new year and the beginning of a new decade. The year ahead will present its own set of losses, challenges and uncertainties.

We look forward with hope to better days in 2021.

I’m writing this today, December 21, 2020, or Winter Solstice, the start of winter and the longest, darkest night of the year. Yet it also signals the return of more sunlight – each day gets longer and brighter. Symbolically, this Winter Solstice could represent the end of a long dark year with brighter days ahead. Together we can help each other face the coming year. In this issue we share helpful tips and ideas for getting organized, reducing stress and adding play and enjoyment for our pets and ourselves.

We wish you joy and happiness in the coming year! Your friends at the Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine In Sympathy at this difficult time - our condolences to those who lost loved ones this year. We are so sorry for your loss. We hold you in our hearts, our thoughts and our prayers. There are no words to truly express our feelings.

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

Congratulations

T SCENE M A

COVER

PET CONTEST

Z I N E’S

LAS VEG

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO SUBMITTED PHOTOS, SHARED AND VOTED!

TO OUR WINNERS!

GRAND PRIZE WINNER:

2021

SAMSON

FIRST SEVEN RUNNERS UP:

PEDRO

BENJI

MISO

NEXT SEVEN RUNNERS UP:

MICKEY & ROCKY

CHEETO

REBEL

SAMSON received a professional photo session with Bark Gallery and is featured on the cover!

$50 Gift Certificate to Lazy Dog Restaurant

ROLLIE

DEXTER

LEXI

BUDDY, LILY & ROCCO

$25 Gift Card to AT YOUR SERVICE Pet Supplies & More

BURNZIE

MINNIE

TANK

SCARLET

THANK YOU

TO OUR

SPONSORS!

Next Cover Pet Photo Contest Coming in July… Stay Tuned! Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

New Years’ Resolutions as illustrated by pets

#LOVE ONE ANOTHER

#ENJOY THE OUTDOORS #TREAT YOURSELF

#FEEL THE STRETCH

#CELEBRATE MILESTONES

#GET MORE CARDIO

#GET PLENTY OF SLEEP

#LEARN NEW TRICKS

#POUNCE ON POSSIBILITIES

#PAMPER YOURSELF

Wishing Everyone a Healthy and Happy New Year!! 6

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

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»» IN

THE NEWS

FEBRUARY 5, 2021 IS WORLD ANIMAL REIKI DAY

PANDEMIC PET THERAPY

The day was designated to bring awareness about the healing benefits of Reiki on shelter pets and all animals. It was started by SARA (Shelter Animal Reiki Association) and teachers and practitioners of the Let Animals Lead® method of Animal Reiki. Shelters, sanctuaries and other animal welfare organizations, veterinary clinics, animal groups, animal-related businesses and individuals who love animals are encouraged to organize Reiki events in celebration of World Animal Reiki Day.

People experienced increased feelings of loneliness and isolation from family and friends. Depression and other mental health issues surfaced due to Covid 19. People claimed that their pets or newly adopted pets or “pandemic pets” as they were lovingly called helped them cope with loneliness and isolation. A few surveys were conducted to verify those claims. As pet lovers we know the therapeutic benefits of having pets especially during stressful times and situations. The results of the surveys verified that pets indeed provide therapeutic benefits.

Save the day for local plans for World Animal Reiki Day. Stay tuned for more information.

COVID 19 VACCINES COULD BE ADAPTED TO PROTECT ANIMALS Cats and dogs are not playing a significant role in the pandemic and there are no plans at this time to approve a vaccine for them. The concern is for wild animals such as great apes in the wild and in zoos and sanctuaries, mink, and endangered black-footed ferrets. Mink farms worldwide suffered with severe outbreaks which resulted in massive culling. There is potential for the virus to mutate and to spread to wildlife. Zoetis is developing a vaccine for mink that could be adapted for pets. Scientists are concerned that human contact with wildlife through wildlife trade and deforestation will produce future viral pandemics. www.sciencemag.org/news/2020/12/do-we-needcovid-19-vaccine-pets

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

The “Pets in a Pandemic” report from Mars Petcare’s BETTER CITIES FOR PETS program explored feelings unique to pet owners during the pandemic. It reported that 86% of pet owners surveyed said their pet’s companionship helped them through 2020 and its troubles, 78% felt less lonely and isolated because of their pet, and 69% responded that having a pet has made them feel more hopeful about the future. A survey conducted by Washington State University surveyed over 4,000 dog owners and the vast majority reported that their pets played a critical role in helping reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. They also shared feeling a sense of hope and nearly 70% shared that the presence of their dogs helped decrease feelings of loneliness and isolation. Another survey conducted by OnePoll on behalf of Zoetis Petcare, a U.S. business unit of Zoetis, was designed to learn more about how new and seasoned pet owners were feeling and to find what some of their experiences have been like at home with their pets. Results showed that 72% of pet owners said they would not have been able to get through the pandemic without their pet’s company. The survey of 2,000 cat and dog owners reported that their pets helped keep their morale up during quarantine and over 81% stated that they felt even closer to their pets during the pandemic. Hug your pet and tell them thank you for helping you get through the stressful pandemic!

Pets are awesome!

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In Loving Memory Of

MAYHEM

MR. MAYHEM was a sweet, wonderful friend adopted at 4 years. He was full of love, devotion, and many laughs. He carried his big, yellow Woodstock everywhere, even to bed where he quickly tore off his legs to prevent escape. He was good natured and a great brother to his bossy sister, Mischief. He could run like the wind and his size never deterred him from protecting us. He was a great sport about posing for silly holiday photos, a couple LVPSM used in the magazine and their FB page. Mom would hurry and there was always a treat to be had. He died too young of illness, at 10, and he is missed. I know he will be waiting at the Rainbow Bridge with other loveable furry friends that have past before. • RIP our cherished Mayhem • Kim Uptain

You can remember your pet in our magazine. For $75, your Pet’s Remembrance includes a photo of your loved one and approx. 75 words. It will appear in the Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine for one issue (2-months). Email us at info@lvpetscene.com. Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

STARTING NEW ROUTINES AND HABITS

By Gail Mayhugh

Happy New Year! Even with all that has been going on, I don’t know where the year went. I found that by being home more I needed to be better at keeping stuff picked up since I saw it throughout the day. So to start the year off I’m going to work on creating new routines with my pets. One of my friends always says, “It’s easier to keep it clean than get it clean.” Since starting new routines is easier in bite-size pieces, maybe one of these ideas will work for you. Cleaning the floors is not my favorite thing. Along with my pups I have two exotic birds that are messy kids. I got into the habit of cleaning their floor twice a day. What a difference it made - a quick sweep while my coffee is brewing and another swipe right before dinner. It literally takes me two minutes and I no longer guilt myself for not cleaning the floor. How do you tackle their toys? All my girls love toys, but the toys end up everywhere by the end of the day. I wish I could say that I’ve trained mine to pick them up, but I haven’t. When I had my Maddy, she loved to take her toys outside. It was so darn cute to see her grab a toy from her pile, run around shaking it up, and then head for the door. By the end of the night there could be ten toys out there. Each night we would do what we called a baby round-up and then put them back in her toy basket for the next day’s run. Ok, let’s be honest! How much dog hair do you pick up daily? One good routine I started was brushing them outside which minimizes the furballs around the house. I’m big into triggers to remind me of something I need to do. I keep a basket with their brushes on the patio table as a reminder to brush them outside. I do a quick brush before my first sip of coffee and that’s a real incentive to get it done. Now that’s not saying I still don’t find the dust bunnies hiding in their favorite places, but it sure has helped with the airborne fur. My girlfriend had a bulldog, Agatha, who was the cutest thing but goodness she always left a slobber trail. My girlfriend kept paper towels and wipes handy under each sink for a quick clean up so she didn’t have to wash the floors daily. My Sheltie, Miss Matilda, loves 10

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

to run and stand in the rain. It is one of her happy places. We don’t have rain all that often, but when we do, I put a towel by the back door to dry her off, especially her feet. You can’t miss those puppy paw prints on a wood floor and this makes it easier to keep it clean. Along with having my household cleaning supplies in the kitchen I also keep cleaning supplies under each bathroom sink. I added my pet cleaning supplies to the caddy and if there’s a pet mess I can get it cleaned up quickly with everything all together. Consider doing this if you have a 2-story home so you don’t have to run downstairs to grab your pet supplies for those unexpected messes. I understand everyone has different schedules and time allocated to do these things. To help get started think of just one thing that bothers you about having pets. What could you start as a mini habit that would take less than 5 minutes? What trigger could you use to remind yourself?

I hope these ideas will help you adopt a new habit or routine for a less stressful and smoother running home in the new year. Gail Mayhugh, the owner of GMJ Interior Design, has been designing in Las Vegas for over 20 years. She also supports animal rescues and shelters through her non-profit, www.SeniorsToTheRescue.org.

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

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Between JANUARY 1 and FEBRUARY 28, send us your SLEEPING/RELAXING pet photo and you will be entered to win a $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE TO LAZY DOG RESTAURANT & BAR. Email your photo to contest@lvpetscene.com with the following information. All entries must contain all of the information below to qualify (one photo per pet or pets/one entry per person):

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

ANIMAL RESCUE, FOSTER & ADOPTION | not-for-profit 501(c)(3)

NEARLY 20 YEARS AGO

RAISING CJ

I GOT INVOLVED WITH DOG RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS. I CAN TELL YOU FROM EXPERIENCE NOTHING WILL LOVE YOU MORE THAN A RESCUE PET.

Some of them also bring unique challenges. Like CJ.

– By William Huggins

In early 2017, still grieving the death of the best dog I ever had, I started looking around for a new rescue pup. As an avid hiker I needed a dog who can cover long distances. The Internet provides easy access linking rescue organizations to individuals like me. After a few clicks I found myself meeting a female red heeler.

of the large stones. I carried her through, talking softly to her the whole way. On our second hike she ran between my legs and tripped me, spilling me into a patch of scree. I rose with bloody hands and legs, cut up by the scattered rocks. She had a lot to learn.

She had been abused. I knew immediately this dog would be a challenge. When I met her, she wouldn’t look at me, tail tucked, shaking. The worst scars these dogs bear are the ones we cannot see.

On our third hike she tried to jump out the open driver’s side window of my car at 60 mph. After that I leashed her into her seat, where she would sit and wail.

As a married guy with kids, my life contains enough complexities. Heelers can be challenging dogs. They typically bond to one person – for CJ that was definitely me. When I first brought her home I started her with a walk, to burn off some energy and anxiety, then introduced her to our other two rescues. Our Australian shepherd went a few rounds with her while they established their relationship. Our terrier mix shrugged her off. I named her CJ, after my favorite science fiction writer. For the first three days I fed her food laced with probiotics. Rescues’ GI tracts are often squirrelly and the stress levels on CJ were off the charts. I let her sleep beside me that first night, and for a few nights after that, until I eased her into our dogs’ sleeping area. Getting through the first month was the toughest part. On our first hike she came up to a pair of dark, volcanic boulders bordering a trail and refused to walk through them. She ran away, frightened 14

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

Over four years we’ve trained and hiked ourselves into a solid partnership. But her anxiety continues. The swoosh of an outgoing email sends CJ into frenzied laps around the living room. Like lots of dogs, fireworks make her inconsolable. She’s madly jealous if I play games with my daughter or son. But we’ve all adjusted to her special needs. When CJ and I sat on the summit of Mt. Charleston, we cemented the culmination of all the work we’ve done. High elevation hiking is one of many reasons I brought her into my life.

It took a lot of time and work to get her to this place. Many people don’t have the time or the patience to work with special needs dogs. But if you have the opportunity, the rewards are worth it – not just for the dogs, but for us humans, as well. William Huggins is a local writer. His book Ghosts is available from Owl House Books.

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine â&#x20AC;¢ January/February 2021

FEBRUARY

NATIONAL CAT HEALTH MONTH

It’s a great time to celebrate our cats and let them know how much we love and appreciate them. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to ask ourselves if we are meeting all of their needs. Cats are unique and often we misunderstand them and fail to create an environment that meets their needs. We provide for their basic needs but are we providing for enrichment and play. Enrichment means improving or enhancing the living environment of our pets for greater health, longevity and quality of life.

ne way to enrich their lives is to safely explore the outside together. Screened-in porches or cat enclosures are popular. A less expensive option is a pet tent. It is easily set up and provides some contact with the outdoors. Ideal for letting your cat be with you when you’re outside. My ultimate favorite is a pet stroller. Some cats can be trained to walk with a harness and a leash adding exercise along with the joy of being outside. Another way to enhance their lives is by providing opportunities for play and predatory behavior. Cats are natural hunters and in the great outdoors without human caretakers would spend a great deal of their time hunting for food. For cats, play is more than just having fun. It helps them satisfy their basic predatory instincts. Kittens are naturally playful yet engaging adult cats in meaningful play can be challenging. Play that mimics predatory behaviors exercises the mind and body helping to reduce boredom and obesity.

Play with your food!

Parenting a pet is often compared with parenting children. There is one importance difference though. We usually tell children to “stop playing with your food” whereas with our furry feline children it’s a good idea to encourage them to play with their food. There is a category called foraging toys which includes food puzzles and treat dispensers which help satisfy a cat’s natural instinct to search for food. Last year I switched my cat to a mostly wet food diet supplemented with some dry food. I use a maze or tower 16

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

type dispenser and also a few smaller ones designed to dispense treats or dry food when played with. It encourages slower eating and simulates hunting for his food. I also use a DIY feeding game using little mice and other small prey and small plastic containers. I put two or three treats or dry food in the container and top it with a mouse or feathered prey. I hide these in a variety of places throughout the house for him to hunt and catch. It’s also very important to include interactive playtimes with your cat in your daily schedule. Short regular play sessions are best. Interactive toys such as wand-type toys with feathers whizzing through the air or mice moving erratically on the floor resemble the prey cats innately hunt are great toys for these play sessions. Battery or remote controlled toys simulate the movement of small animals. These play sessions provide positive times to bond with your furry feline.

Enjoy and have fun with your furry feline. Remember cats crave attention and love from their humans. Celebrate this month with additional healthy doses of cuddling, snuggling and togetherness.

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

Two Ways To Get Balanced And Prepared For The Year Ahead By Jamie Lee Do you want to feel balanced and peaceful in the new year? Then take a lesson from pets – practice stretching and synchronized (Buddy) breathing. Not only will you be happier, but you will also be developing a deeper relationship with your pet. If you wonder what pets know about stretching and breathing, consider this - most pets wake up and immediately take a deep breath, a long stretch, or a vigorous shake, and there are several good reasons to follow their lead. Benefits of Stretching and Synchronized (Buddy) Breathing ENHANCE POSTURE & BODY ALIGNMENT Increasing your range of motion

reduces stress and muscle soreness. You’ll feel more supple and peaceful, plus you’ll look better and be protected from many common injuries.

BOOST YOUR ENERGY LEVELS

Sit back down and wiggle your toes and roll your head from side to side. Small stretches throughout the day will keep you feeling flexible and focused and give you the energy to engage with your pet when you get home. A great activity to engage in with your pet is Synchronized Breathing or Buddy Breathing.

BUDDY BREATHING

You’ve probably noticed that even small body movements can help you wake up when you start to drift off during a boring meeting. A long stretch is an ideal way to increase the energy flow throughout your body.

Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit with your pet. Begin to breathe deeply and slowly while stroking your pet and gazing into their eyes. Your pet’s breathing will begin to synchronize with yours.

REDUCE FEAR, WORRY, ANXIETY

Buddy Breathing Benefits

Synchronized breathing can decrease stress and give you inner peace. It can help you focus and deal with daily conflicts and issues.

ENHANCE MENTAL FOCUS

Stretching and Synchronized Breathing can increase oxygen to the brain, enhancing focus and concentration. Preparing for the day can begin before you even get out of bed.

SEIZE THE DAY-STRETCH

While you’re still in bed, reach your arms over your head and stretch out as far as you can. (Be careful not to disturb your pet) Make sure you breathe deeply. Repeat this stretch as many times as you like. If you forget to stretch in the morning, don’t worry. Stretching and breathing happen all day long. If you sit at a desk most of the day, set reminders on your phone to make sure that you stand up occasionally and take slow, deep breaths, then twist side to side from the waist. 18

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

LOWERS STRESS ➠ Deep breathing helps lower heart rate, regulate blood pressure, and helps you to relax, all of which help decrease how much of the stress hormone cortisol is released into your body – less cortisol, less stress. DEEPENS BONDS ➠ When you gaze into your pet’s eyes, your brain releases oxytocin, the feel-good hormone. Oxytocin promotes happiness and calmness, and it’s a great way to strengthen the bond you share and say, “I love you.”

Follow the examples of the real Zen Masters, our pets. Shake off the fear, anxiety, and depression from 2020 and walk boldly and confidently into the new year. Jamie Lee is a life-long animal lover, author and speaker, with over 18 years of Reiki experience. She is an Animal Reiki Teacher of Excellence in the Let Animals Lead ® method of Animal Reiki, and a member of the Shelter Animal Reiki Association. She lives with her two rescue pups, Bella and Oscar, two parakeets, and a desert tortoise. https://animal-bonds.com

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

New Man In My Life BY RENA WINTERS

I have been a widow for the past three and half years and now suddenly there is a “new man in my life.” I am thrilled, excited and so in love. The “man” in my life has dark shiny hair, big gold eyes, perfect manners, a true gentleman, and is originally from India. I sent emails to my family and friends. Here are the responses I received. Who is he? Where did you meet him? What do you know about him? How could you get so involved so quickly? What are you thinking? You are making a terrible mistake. Get him checked out thoroughly. You’re making a fool of yourself.

Well here’s the real story. A neighbor contacted me about meeting her son’s cat who needed a home. He was looking for a calm, quiet residence. We met and it was love at first sight. Bombay, that’s his name and Bombay happens to also be the name of a very special breed of cats which are quite beautiful. He has shiny short black hair, gold to copper eyes, and is small in stature for a three year old cat. He walks like a miniature leopard or panther. Bombays are a breed of cat between Burmese and American short hair. Highly prized in the Orient. Their short hair does not shed unless they are very stressed. 20

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

They are named after the city in India, Bombay, known for leopards. They are extremely people-oriented cats and love loads of attention. Sitting on your lap, stroking their fur, talking to them, and they do respond vocally, in fact they are quite vocal. My neighbor’s son had recently moved home with his cat, Bombay, due to loss of his employment. My neighbor has two cats of her own, and of course, the new intruder was constantly picked on. Bombay is also declawed which meant he was getting beat up constantly by the other two cats. My neighbor was looking to find a good home for Bombay. My other cat died in March just before the shut down, so I was alone. I thought after the pandemic I would look for another cat, but probably not until sometime next year. Then destiny found me. I am over the moon with Bombay. He is a perfect gentleman and does not do anything wrong. He loves attention and wants to be with me constantly. Since I am home a lot now, that is just wonderful. Bombay and I are in love. He needed a good home and I needed a lover.

PS: Look up Bombay cats. You will find them very interesting and see wonderful pictures of them.

Veterinary Dental Specialists and Eye Care for Animals are now working out of our facility!

www.lvaec.net We’re Here When Your Pet Needs Us Most. Call Us! Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

MEET LAKE LAS VEGAS RECORDING ARTIST

Destiny Malibu & Her Furry Friends – By Sarah Thornton

Destiny Malibu was busy during quarantine, and had her best friends by her side the whole time. The recording artist and mental health advocate released three albums in 2020, and launched them right from her home community of Lake Las Vegas.

Destiny’s two dogs are her most faithful companions. Halo, a three and a half pound male Teacup Poodle, has been with her for 15 years and her 12-pound Yorkipoo, Nike, is three years old. “I got Halo when I was 10,” said Destiny. “He has literally been with me through every move and every big event in my life.” Destiny said Halo chose her before she even knew they were meant to be family. “When I met him, he wouldn’t leave me alone. He was chasing me and pulling on my clothes and I just knew he was the one.” Destiny says their family calls Halo their “Bionic dog” because he has steel plates in his two front legs. Despite his injury as a puppy, he runs at full speed now and loves to play. “He also thinks his small bark from his three-pound body sounds very intimidating, and we don’t dare to tell him otherwise,” said Destiny. At just 12 pounds, Nike towers over his older “brother”. “He is the most hyper dog I’ve ever had,” said Destiny. “He absolutely loves people, loves to play ball, and he makes so

Halo

Nike

Destiny & Halo much eye-contact with everyone he sees that our family calls him a “huma-dog” because sometimes we wonder if he really is a little boy trapped in a dog’s body” Destiny has also recently discovered Nike has a hidden talent. “I was warming up one day, just singing a song and doing some runs. He started chiming in…not howling but actually trying to sing! He modulates his voice to sing with me now. I love it!” Destiny takes advantages of all the opportunities Lake Las Vegas has for pet owners. “I walk them around my neighborhood, take them to The Village and take them on the trails around my house,” she said. “With everything happening and their small size, those are much better options for us than dog parks. We have even seen some of the wildlife roaming around. We stay a safe distance, but it’s incredible to see coyotes, deer and even desert bighorn sheep in the mountains.” Pets and their human companions enjoy miles of walking paths and desert trails throughout the 3,600-acre masterplan community, named the Best of Las Vegas Gold Winner among Southern Nevada master plans. Lake Las Vegas’ pet-friendly trails lead to serene waterfalls, bridges and golf courses, and offer panoramic views of the Las Vegas Strip, Lake Mead and the 320-acre lake at the center of the community. “What I love about Lake Las Vegas is that residents truly treat their pets like they’re part of the family,” said Andy Gil, director of marketing and media at Lake Las Vegas. “They have the opportunity to involve their pets in nearly every aspects of their lives, whether it’s patio dining in the Village, driving around in their golf carts or even paddle boarding on the lake during the summer months.”

For more information about pet-friendly options and offerings at Lake Las Vegas, visit www.LakeLasVegas.com. For information on Destiny Malibu and her new family-friendly albums, visit www.destinymalibu.com.

REPTILE CARE and

HUSBANDRY By Chad Bower, DVM Legacy Animal Hospital – Las Vegas, NV

eptiles are a very diverse group of animals with tremendous variation in body form and function. There are over 8200 species and are found on every continent except Antartica. Due to this great diversity their care can vary considerably between species. Over the last 15 years I would estimate that greater than 90% of the reptile patients I have seen have problems directly related to improper husbandry and care. Everything about having a reptile and keeping it healthy depends on finding out as much as possible about it and replicating the animals native environment as closely as possible. While this is much easier said than done, below are only a few of the general considerations that need to be reviewed and addressed with the care of most reptiles.

TEMPERATURE:

All reptiles share the fact that they are ectothermic, meaning that they cannot internally manufacture body heat. Basically they need to derive their body heat from external sources such as sunlight and hot lamps. Reptiles have optimum temperature ranges in which they do best. Within an enclosure there needs to be a temperature gradient provided to allow the animal the ability to thermo-regulate. To meet these needs you may need to supply heat in a variety of ways such as a basking lamp or warming rocks. One word of caution, beware of hot rocks as they can potentially cause burns.

DIET:

An essential element of proper husbandry and one that is often overlooked. Reptiles may be vegetarians, carnivores, insectivores or a combination. Below are just a few guidelines that must be considered. • Carnivores - Feed whole prey when possible. All food should be pre-killed to avoid possible injury to the reptile. • Insectivores - Crickets are low in protein and calcium and should not make up more than 50% of diet. Remainder should consist of insects such as mealworms, wax worms, flies, grasshoppers, etc. Insects should be dusted with a calcium and vitamin supplement. • Herbivores - Diets in captivity should be based on a variety of green, leafy vegetables. Fruits should be minimized.Vitamin and mineral supplements are usually necessary. 24

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

HUMIDITY:

Must be maintained to meet the specific requirements of the animal. Depending on the humidity needed, you may need to modify the enclosure to keep the moisture in or set up a micro-environments within the enclosure.

SUBSTRATE/ENVIRONMENT:

Many things need to be considered in this area. Some reptiles need hiding places such as rocks while others prefer trees/branches as well as preferred substrates such as sand. Below are just a few more things to consider. • Supports the physical needs of the animal • Meets the psychological needs of the animal • Is easily cleaned and changed • Avoids intestinal impactions and respiratory irritants

PHOTOPERIOD/UV LIGHT SPECTRUM:

This is essential for many reptiles and involves both the length of daylight and the proper spectrum of UV lighting. While direct sunlight is the best source, many times specific UV lighting must be incorporated into the animal’s enclosure. UV spectrum lighting can affect behavior and well-being and is necessary for calcium metabolism. As you can see, welcoming a reptile into your home requires a commitment of time, space and money. If you are interested in a reptile, please do your research beforehand to find the pet that will fit best with what you are looking for. Pet stores can be a good source of information. Another resource is on the internet. I always recommend researching a minimum of at least three legitimate websites to look for the commonalities on proper husbandry.

Best of luck!

702-643-0057

3315 West Craig Road, North Las Vegas

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine â&#x20AC;¢ January/February 2021

Plan Ahead

for adopting a pet Thinking of expanding your family? What better way to extend your family than by adopting a pet who is also in search of a home! It’s one of the most rewarding experiences and can bring years of joy to both you and your new pet. By Elizabeth Parker

here are, however, some key points to think about before making such a decision. It isn’t always easy and it is definitely a very long commitment!

Will this animal need training? Do you or someone you

Before adopting, here are some things you may want to ask yourself when you start looking at the rescue sites.

know have experience in training an animal? It’s not always easy to detect at first glance what little quirks your new pet will have. Sometimes they can be quite sneaky as they ease into the home for a few weeks before their bad habits reveal themselves.

If adopting a dog, have you researched the breed?

Have you thought about pet sitters? If your family needs

While each dog is unique, each breed has its own typical temperament. You wouldn’t want to adopt a working dog such as a golden retriever or a Labrador retriever if you don’t have the time (or energy) to give them plenty of exercise. They are very active dogs and need to have “chores” to do otherwise they can make your life a bit hectic! Other breeds are content just sitting on the couch and relaxing. It’s important to know which type of dog would fit into your family dynamics.

Do you have other pets already living in the home? Will your pet be happy with a new addition? Will the new pet be happy with your resident furry friend? A meet and greet is definitely helpful before taking the plunge and adopting a new pet. You may want to make sure they get along so that there are no drastic issues in the future!

Have you created a budget to make sure your finances are in order for a new pet? While hopefully

no major issues arise, we just never know. Animals can be healthy and then out of nowhere develop an illness (or have an incident) that can be very costly. Sometimes it costs thousands! Should the unthinkable happen, will you be financially prepared? 26

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

to go out of town either on vacation or for an emergency, is there someone you trust who can watch your pet? Or, do you know of a reputable boarding facility?

Also, you may want to ask yourself why adopt?

During the pandemic, it’s easy to get bored and think it might be a good idea to adopt a pet. While this might seem like a good idea at the time, what about when the pandemic is over and life as we knew it becomes normal again? Will you still have time for your new pet and will someone still be able to devote the time to train, play, feed, walk, etc. To many, these points may seem like common sense, but for someone who has never adopted an animal before, they’re light guidelines of situations to think about. Better to be prepared, than to be caught off-guard later on! Elizabeth Parker – Author of Finally Home, Final Journey, My Dog Does That!, Bark Out Loud!, Paw Prints in the Sand, Paw Prints in the Sand: Mission Accomplished, Unwanted Dreams, Phobia, Evil’s Door and Faces of Deception.

Available on Amazon.com!

LAS VEGAS’ LONGEST ESTABLISHED LEASH TRAINER. Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

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MATTIE AND MARLEE

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CARSON, ADAM & PARIS

ACIA

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DAISY

BERKLEY

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PAPA SMURF

WALDO

THOMAS

ZIGGY & WONTON

PRONTO

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine â&#x20AC;¢ January/February 2021

ZSAZSA

TIKI

GRACIE

MEESHA

SHORTSTAX

TEDDY BEAR

JAZMIN

CASH

COCO

CYBIL

TJAY EDWARD SCOTLAND & KENSINGTON HARPER YORK

KOKO

SNICKER & PEANUT

PUNKY

YUM YUM

“THUG PUG” FRANK

KYAH MARIE

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PETS Las Vegas

Show Off Your Pet!

Email: info@lvpetscene.com By submitting a photo, you are giving Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine permission to use the photo in our magazine, emails, and social media/facebook.

One photo per family please!

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

Sponsor a Pet HELP US HELP THEM!

Become a SPONSOR and you will help give our pets the vital care they need. By sponsoring an animal, you are saving a life.

Annie

As a senior dog with malignant tumor, Annie will live out her life with a wonderful foster mom and an abundance of happiness and love.

OR S N PO IKE

L ERS H T O US!

Bailey Boy

He is in a permanent foster due to severe thyroid issues. LVVHS is committed to his future care and providing a loving foster for life.

We realize that you cannot adopt every animal that pulls on your heartstrings, but you can make a huge difference for animals in need. For a monthly donation, you can sponsor a dog or cat. Upon your request, we are happy to send you any updates we receive on the animals you sponsor so you can learn about your impact firsthand! If you are interested in sponsoring one of our rescue pets, please contact us by email lvvhs@cox.net to find out which animals will benefit from your sponsorship.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT www.lvvhumane.org

MANY GREAT EVENTS COMING SOON

• Stay

Tuned •

Mailing Address: Las Vegas Valley Humane Society l 3395 S. Jones Blvd., #454 l Las Vegas, NV 89146 Donations are tax deductible. www.lvvhumane.org 30

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

TAIL INJURIES Causes & Care

A happy, wagging tail is a sight that always brings a smile to your face. It lets you know that your pup is happy and excited to see you again. In itself, it is the ultimate communicator of your dog’s emotions. So, it is concerning when your dog seems to have difficulty wagging his tail or wincing in pain when you touch it. Since we don’t have tails, it can be difficult to understand what may have happened or what we can do to help.

here are actually many things that can happen to your pet’s tail that can cause them pain. Since tails are essentially an extension of the spine, they too are made up of vertebrae that get progressively smaller as the tail narrows. Unfortunately, while their tail is considerably mobile and flexible, it is also defenseless against objects and predicaments that may cause it injury. Comprised of small joints, discs, blood vessels, muscles and nerves, the tail tends to be injury-prone because it is an unprotected, frequently moving body part. Tails are always susceptible to being stepped on, shut in a door, or just a casualty of vigorous horseplay. It’s no wonder that tails can sustain an occasional injury. Dogs are more prone to tail injuries than cats, but it is not uncommon for your kitty to harm her tail as well. While many of these injuries simply take time to heal, some more serious injuries may require the assistance of a veterinarian. Recognizing the severity of your pet’s tail injury can be helpful in determining the best plan of action for recovery. One common injury that dogs can sustain is caused by them wagging their tail too much and too hard. In their excited state, they can end up straining the muscles in their tail or banging it into a variety of hard objects. This Happy Tail Syndrome can result in a very unhappy pup with a painful tail. If you notice any cuts or gashes on the tail, a trip to the veterinarian may be necessary to have the tail bandaged or even sutured to minimize the chance of infection. Bandaging the tail can help it heal and help prevent further injury. If there are no noticeable abrasions, then your dog may have just badly bruised his tail. Like most bruises, it should heal on its own in a few days.

Another type of tail injury is known as Limber Tail Syndrome. If you notice that your dog isn’t carrying his tail normally and it appears to look limp, this syndrome may be to blame. This very painful condition often occurs following strenuous swimming or other physically taxing activities. The onset of this condition is very sudden. Your dog may wince in pain if you try to stroke their tail or touch it near the base. Unless you observed some kind of trauma to their tail, it is most likely that your dog has sprained the muscles or strained the ligaments and tendons in their tail. Thankfully, this type of injury typically heals on its own in a few days. Try to avoid any strenuous dog activities during this time to promote the healing process. Perhaps the most alarming tail injury is an actual fracture. Trauma is almost always the cause of this type of injury. Let’s face it, our cats and dogs have a bad habit of leaving their tails in some very dangerous places! It can be so easy for us to accidently step on them or shut them in a door. Luckily, a simple fracture at the end of the tail will usually heal on its own without the need for surgery or a cast. Your pet will likely end up with a noticeable bump or kink in their tail, which will be sensitive until it fully heals. All in all, it is typically not a serious, debilitating injury.

Unfortunately, tails are susceptible to all kinds of injuries. They always seem to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. With a little care and observation, you will be able to determine the type of injury and how to care for it. Whenever in doubt, consult with your veterinarian for an expert medical opinion. Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

January is

ADOPT A RESCUED BIRD MONTH On January 3, 2002, the ASPCA proclaimed January as Adopt Rescued Bird Month urging Americans to “Let A Rescued Bird Fly into Your Home and Capture your Heart!” The goal of the monthly theme is to spread awareness about the need for bird adoption and to educate prospective bird parents.

Birds

are wonderful pets that provide comfort, companionship and entertainment. Birds have become very popular pets. Many people, however, do not understand the amount of love and attention required to care for a pet bird responsibly. It is estimated that approximately 85% of birds purchased are rehomed or abandoned within the first two years of ownership. The vast variety of breeds, sizes, colors and temperaments offer a fantastic selection of pet birds. It is so important to do research before selecting a pet bird. Find out what breed best matches your lifestyle to help create a meaningful and lasting relationship with your bird.

its wings. It is ideal to have a room you can safely close off where your bird can fly freely from time to time. Another important consideration is the lifespan of birds. For example, parakeets are very popular birds and their average life expectancy is 12 to 14 years. On the upper end of the lifespan are African Greys; they typically live 50-70 years. Parrots can live well over 75 years. Are you willing to make a lifetime commitment to your feathered family member?

Are you willing to have a rescued bird fly into your home and capture your heart?

For starters, two important considerations are space and lifespan.

➠ SouthWest Exotic Avian Rescue www.swearlv.org

Do you have sufficient space to keep a bird? Though they don’t require an abundance of space it is important to provide your bird with a cage large enough for it to stretch

➠ Southern Nevada Parrot Rescue www.snperrs.org

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

The Kids Scene

Enter The Contest!

1. What is the average llfe span of a rabbit?

2. What is one thing you can do with your pet to beat boredom? Submit by 2-28-21. (Hint: Answers in this issue!)

E-mail your answers and you will be entered to win! Contest@LVPetScene.com (Please include name and a phone number so we can contact you if you won.)

2 LUCKY KIDS will WIN A FUN EVENT at the LAS VEGAS MINI GRAN PRIX!

pizza, drinks, game tokens

& ride tickets for 5 GUESTS ($100 value) Delicious Pizza!! 1401 N. Rainbow Blvd - Las Vegas, NV 89108

(702) 259-7000 - www.lvmgp.com The Best Birthday Party Place In Town!

Pet Talk!

OUR PETS COMMUNICATE WITH US IN SO MANY WAYS. It’s usually

easy to tell if they’re happy, sad, or mad depending on the noises they make. Can you find the names of these pet sounds hidden in the puzzle? The words may be in any direction: horizontal, vertical, diagonal, forwards or backwards.

» Meow » Hiss » Whimper

» BarK » Chirp » Coo

» Growl

» Howl

» Peep

» Purr

» Pet Scene Bonus Word!

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

Answer Key on Page 41

PET COMPANIONSHIP in 2021 By C.A. Ritz

Did You Get Your Wish?

Have you ever wished you didn’t have to go to school or work? Maybe like me, you did! Last year we got our wish. While it may be great to be home, 2021 has new challenges. How can we avoid boredom, anxiety, and loneliness? Here are a few thoughts for us and our pets!

Boredom

Dogs bark, chew shoes, and rip couches. Cats whine, stare out windows, and claw furniture. Birds squawk and tear things. What do these animal behaviors have in common with humans? People also whine, destroy stuff, or stare off when bored, anxious, or lonely. Boredom may be an issue, especially in situations we can’t control. However, we can engage in activities which will help us have a healthier outlook.

Anxiety

Signs of anxiety in pets should not be mistaken as bad behavior! These can include getting verbal, pacing, or urinating on your favorite possessions. One old cat decided to try and slip out the back door. Clearly, he needed exercise to release energy, maybe some fresh air, and attention. With coyotes in the area, this was not the best plan for a housecat. Solution? We have a harness and long leash. This allows him some freedom as we sit together and watch hummingbirds.

Loneliness

We have all experienced being lonely. Experts say physical activity decreases feelings of loneliness and improves health. Walking or playing with your dog will help her feel less anxious, less lonely, and more content. As she settles in for a nap at your feet, you may sense feelings of well being as you continue your work.

C.A. Ritz ~ Author and Illustrator cynthialeopoldritsko.com

«««

HERE ARE A FEW SUGGESTIONS: u WALK YOUR PET Enjoy sights and sounds of nature and how your animal reacts. u PLAY! Turn on your favorite music and dance with your pet. u READ OUT LOUD This aids your learning and your pet will love hearing your voice. u BRUSH YOUR PET This keeps your pet’s fur tidy and can be calming for both of you. u SIT FOR A MOMENT Take time to relax with your fuzzy, furry, or feathered friend. But, know they may give extra hugs! u MAKE CARDS Express gratitude… or give valentines from you and your pet!

Learn to stay in the moment as your pet does. Spending quality time together takes our focus off ourselves. With a little interaction, you and your pet can avoid boredom, anxiety, and loneliness as we head into this new year!

HAPPY 2021««« Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • January/February 2021

3RD ANNUAL

COMING SOON

AND OFFICIAL GUINNESS WORLD RECORD ATTEMPT FOR THE “WORLD’S LARGEST GATHERING OF ADOPTED SHELTER ANIMALS” PRESENTED BY

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine, January/February 2021

Articles inside

STOPPING

PET

TAIL INJURIES

CAT HEALTH

PLAN AHEAD

RAISING CJ

REPTILE

NEW MAN

IN THE NEWS