Animal Samaritans Pet Companion Magazine, Win2024-25
The Right Stuff
Is Your Dog or Cat Pet Therapy Material?
Travel Tips Winter Fun in Lake Tahoe Altering Big Dogs is a Big Deal
What’s for Dinner? Training
Living with Dogs— Want A Great Relationship With Your Dog? Learn Their Language!
Trained Dogs and Frustrated Pet Parents
Guide Dogs of the Desert
The Difference a Dog Makes
With the revitalized partnership between Animal Samaritans and Guide Dogs of the Desert, it seemed only fitting to feature our friends and valued colleagues in the world of notfor-profit service to the Greater Coachella Valley community. In fact, Animal Samaritans has had a busy year partnering with fellow non-profits and animal welfare organizations.
In providing the first three of our free Big Dog Spay/Neuter clinics for animals of the eastern Coachella Valley, we have partnered with Animal Rescue of California (ARC) and Desert Paws
Sanctuary. These smaller, grass-roots organizations are hard-working, bootson-the-ground outfits who truly live their mission to help animals in need. In 2025, we look forward to completing another seven free Big Dog Spay/ Neuter clinics with the help of these outstanding organizations.
We’ve also made the best of our organization’s multi-faceted and hectic growth spurt by partnering with the Riverside County Animal Shelter to optimize their newly built spay/ neuter surgery suite.
Before our Thousand Palms veterinary clinic temporarily closed for
renovations in September 2024, we struck an agreement with the county that allowed our high-volume spay/ neuter doctor and team of support technicians to continue the important work of altering adoptable shelter pets. Prior to the temporary closure of our veterinary clinic, we were performing up to 75 spay/ neuter surgeries a week on the county’s homeless pets; when our clinic became a construction site and operations ceased, we increased the number of spay/neuter procedures to as many as 150 animals a week by operating directly out of the county shelter’s
facility. The arrangement not only kept key members of our veterinary staff employed and doing what they do best, but it also assisted Riverside County Animal Services in adopting out additional animals.
Animal Samaritans is a proud member of
the Animal Welfare Coalition of Riverside County (AWCRC), which (as of this publication) includes seven animal welfare organizations in Riverside County: Animal Samaritans, Loving All Animals, Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center, Moreno Valley Animal Services, Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Ramona Humane Society, and Riverside County Animal Services. At AWCRC collaboration is expected, and problem-solving is the goal. How can a group of like-minded organizations work together to do more and do better for the
animals we all care about?
At the close of 2024, the Coachella Valley’s four members of AWCRC—
Animal Samaritans, Palm Springs Animal Shelter, Loving All Animals, and Riverside County Animal Services—teamed with a local non-profit organization to provide research into the problem of our community’s pet overpopulation issues, and better understand the challenges of owning a pet and the barriers to both keeping and adopting shelter animals. Health Assessment and Research for Communities (HARC) and our combined animal
organizations created a survey for animal lovers and pet owners that was distributed to more than 10,000 Desert residents. The results of this collaborative endeavor will illuminate the challenges pets and pet owners face each day, and hopefully lead to informed solutions that lower the euthanasia rates of shelter animals, expand affordable vet care opportunities, and keep more pets and their people together. Look for the detailed findings of this important survey in an upcoming issue of Animal Samaritans Pet
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Ask the Vet
Should I remove my dog’s dewclaws?
By Dr. Elizabeth Fogel, DVM Animal Samaritans Veterinary Clinic
Answer: This is an excellent question and the answer is: “it depends.” In some dog breeds, having dewclaws, or even double dewclaws, is normal and they are not removed (such as Great Pyrenees). Some herding dogs actually use their dewclaws to provide extra traction as well as stabilizing the wrist joint when the dogs turn at high speeds. Dewclaws can also be helpful in adding grip and stability on slippery surfaces such as ice, or when climbing out of water, as well as navigating rough terrain. In dog sports such as agility, dogs may grasp the sides of the teeter with their dewclaws to steady themselves.
However, in some cases, dogs may have their dewclaws surgically removed if they are only attached by skin and protrude out from the leg, and the dog lives in an environment where they are prone to catching their dewclaws on something and tearing them. Historically, many breeders have removed dewclaws, especially from hunting breeds, as a very young puppy. The best way to determine whether your new puppy or dog’s dewclaws may need to be removed is by scheduling an appointment with your regular veterinarian to discuss what is best for your particular dog.
When should I have blood work done?
Answer: Basic blood work consists of a CBC (complete blood cell count) and a chemistry panel. The CBC looks at the red and white blood cell counts as well as the distribution of different types of white blood cells. Platelet count is also evaluated. The chemistry panel gives us information on kidney values, liver values, blood protein levels, pancreatic enzyme values, etc. There are many times when your veterinarian will recommend blood work: Often at the time of your cat or dog’s spay or neuter pre-op appointment, a junior wellness panel will be run to make sure the blood values are a baseline normal prior to anesthesia. Blood panels should also be run prior to any surgery and frequently in older animals, prior to sedation. Older (geriatric) animals should have yearly blood work run or perhaps even more frequently if problems are found and need to be monitored. One of the greatest values to running yearly blood work in older animals is the ability to catch problems early, as this gives us a much better chance of fixing the problem or managing it long term. Anytime you take a sick pet to the vet for problems such as vomiting and/or diarrhea, dehydration, not eating or drinking, weight loss, or weakness, expect to have the vet run blood work to help diagnose the underlying disease. Blood work is an important tool that your veterinarian uses to help keep your pets healthy and to help figure out what is wrong with them when they are sick.
MEET THE AUTHOR
Dr. Elizabeth Fogel attended Smith College as an undergraduate and majored in psychology with a minor in art history. She then attended Oklahoma State University College of Veterinary Medicine and graduated in 2004. She practiced for one year as an equine veterinarian before transitioning to small animal medicine and surgery. Dr. Fogel has worked in general practice, emergency medicine, vaccine clinics, and most recently as an urgent care veterinarian. Horses have been a lifelong passion, and she continues to enjoy playing women’s Polo as well as competing in the occasional hunter/jumper show. She has also competed in AKC agility trials with her Australian Shepherds. Dr. Fogel joined Animal Samaritans in 2021.
The Right Stuff - Pet Therapy Dogs
Is Your Dog Pet Therapy Material?
During World War II, Corporal William Wynne was recovering at an Army Hospital in the Philippines when a friend from his unit brought his Yorkshire Terrier, Smoky, to the hospital. Not only did the dog lift Wynne’s spirits, but it soon became a therapeutic wonder with the other wounded soldiers. The hospital’s Commanding Officer, Dr. Charles Mayo (from the now famous Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN), began including Smoky on his patient rounds. The terrier served another 12 years during and after the war, making him America’s first unofficial therapy dog.
In 1962, Dr. Boris Levinson, a child psychiatrist working with disturbed children in Brooklyn, decided to bring his dog to work; the doctor was stymied as to how to reach a traumatized boy, and wondered if his young patient might interact with his pet. After spending one session with the animal, the non-verbal child began conversing with Dr. Levinson and the Pet Therapy movement was born.
What makes a dog suitable for Pet Therapy work? The answer is simple. While there is no specific breed, age, or size to speak of, the best therapy dogs share a singular trait: calmness.
Happy, tail-wagging pooches can be outstanding therapy dogs, provided they can contain their excitement and energy when needed. Some dogs simply become over stimulated when meeting and interacting with people to be good therapy dogs; while their love is welcome, their exuberance can be too much.
Prior to testing into Animal Samari-
tans’ Animal Companion Therapy (ACT) pet therapy program, candidates are required to obtain their Canine Good Citizen (CGC) certificate through the American Kennel Club. This is where aspiring ACT dogs learn to master their foundational commands for therapy
By Tom Snyder, CEO Animal Samaritans
work: sit, stay, come, down, and leave it. That said, a lot of dogs can pass their CGC training with flying colors but still not be right for the program.
Michelle Gear, Animal Samaritans’ Certified Canine Behaviorist, evaluates canine candidates through a proven set of criteria. Is your dog spooked by canes and walkers? Will they retreat or cower from sudden hand movements? Can they walk calmly on a leash? Can they stay earth-bound and resist the urge to jump or paw a person’s legs? How do they respond to having their fur pulled too tight, snout squeezed, or tail pulled? All common scenarios that ACT dogs experience in classroom settings, especially in classrooms for students with disabilities.
ACT volunteers commonly team up with a second dog handler and their pet, so can your dog walk calmly on a leash in the presence of another dog? Are they dog friendly? Dog aggression is a deal breaker and one of the more common
An Animal Samaritans ACT dog visits with residents of a Coachella Valley Assisted Living Community.
Smoky’s monument by Susan Bahary can be seen at the Cleveland Metro Parks, Rocky River Reservation, Ohio.
reasons canine candidates are rejected.
Another common reason a dog fails his ACT test, Gear notes, is “excess energy.” For overly affectionate pet therapy candidates, she often provides their owners with homework designed to control the dog’s restless impulses in challenging or overstimulating environments and situations. “The homework can increase the chances a dog will pass the next time,” she says.
There is no limit to the number of times an owner can test their dog for the program, but after about the fourth or fifth try, if they haven’t passed, they typically are deemed unsuitable.
Animal Samaritans’ ACT volunteers and their therapy dogs visit a variety of locations throughout the greater Coachella Valley at no cost to the facilities or their residents. These include nursing homes, memory care centers, and assisted-living facilities. Mental health institutes and safe houses also receive scheduled ACT visits. During classroom visits, and especially during Animal Samaritans’ free Summer Critter Camps for children, ACT dogs are often the star attractions. Residents at Eisenhower Medical Center also benefit from the therapeutic benefits of petting a dog. On average, ACT dogs and their handlers visit about 700 locations a year.
For information on how you can become involved in Animal Samaritans’ ACT pet therapy program, visit animalsamaritans.org.
How Animal Samaritans Brought Pet Therapy to China
In January 2007, China sent 26 delegates to the USA to learn how Americans use dogs for therapeutic roles. The delegates, traveling from cities throughout the Guangxi Zhiuang region of Southern China, had been studying through California State University San Bernardino, where Dr. Cathy Levitt was the Director of the Center for East-West Entrepreneurial Studies at the time.
A long-time friend and supporter of Animal Samaritans, Dr. Levitt was part of Animal Samaritans’ Pet Therapy program, what is now their Animal Companion Therapy (ACT) program. At the time, Dr. Levitt had been taking her dogs, Yankee and Didier, to the Juvenile Hall Center in Indio, California. Such visits provided canine companionship for troubled, incarcerated youth; a chance to de-stress and bond with a gentle, loving dog in an environment that was neither gentle nor loving.
“They [the Chinese] are particularly curious about how we use animals in assistance and therapy roles,” Dr. Levitt had explained, “because this is so different than their experience.” Prior to the early 2000’s, there were few pet veterinarians in China as most animal doctors cared exclusively for livestock and working farm animals.
Dogs ran feral in many urban parts of China, and the idea of sheltering canines was not inherent in Chinese culture. Roaming dogs were commonly seen as expendable nuisances and a hazard to human health. What is more, dining on dog meat had been a long-standing tradition in much of China, and despite efforts from the government to curtail the practice, dogs were commonly raised and trapped for food.
Dr. Levitt’s 26 Chinese delegates first learned about Pet Therapy after visiting the Veterans Hospital in Long Beach, California, but they had never actually
Dr. Cathy Levitt and her huskies share a moment in the car for this photo, safely parked with no driving involved during the photography.
met a therapy dog and were curious to learn more. Dr. Levitt contacted Animal Samaritans’ former Director of Development, Sandra Viden Martins, who arranged a meeting between the delegates and some of Animal Samaritans’ ACT leaders and their dogs. The delegates were amazed to discover that the simple act of petting a dog lowers our blood pressure, triggers the release of endorphins, and can cause our brains to secrete serotonin, a chemical neurotransmitter that elevates our mood and relieves depression. Therapy dogs (or the affection of any dog) have been proven to reduce a person’s cholesterol and triglyceride levels, both agents of coronary diseases.
Asked if the delegates’ meeting with Animal Samaritans made an impression, Dr. Levitt stated that their interaction with Animal Samaritans’ therapy dogs and talking with ACT leaders was the “catalyst” for China’s first pet therapy program.
Two years after the delegates met with Animal Samaritans, China initiated three pet therapy programs of its own. The first, started in November 2007 (just months after their U.S. visit), took until 2009 to fully launch. Dr. Levitt explained this was because organizers had to first learn to manage an animal shelter, which included properly feeding and training a number of dogs, something they knew very little about at the time.
Reprinted here with permission from Tom Snyder.
PHOTO CREDIT: ANIMAL SAMARITANS
PHOTO COURTESY DR. CATHY LEVITT
Cats are therapy animals, too.
The Hounds of Heaven
It’s an April morning at Johnson Elementary School in Indio, California. Elvira sashays past a line of excited second-graders awaiting lunchtime in the shaded food court. Her black rock star hairdo is part Jimmy Hendrix, part Tina Turner, which adds height to her already commanding stature. Her hair—not fur—makes her an ideal therapy dog, especially for those with fragile lungs. Standard Poodles do not shed.
“I want to pet her,” says an eager child. They all do. When several children stray from the line, their teacher pipes up, “Single file.” Elvira walks on, unaffected. Now is not the time to socialize. She has clients to see.
“Elvira’s here,” says Sherri Halstead, Elvira’s human companion. The students in this class cannot speak, but several change their facial expression and look toward the door.
In Diane Montgomery’s Active Learning program—a cutting-edge approach to working with children with severe disabilities—sounding boards and interactive mobiles replace chalkboards and desks. Students lie on padded mats or sit upright in what amounts to modified plastic car seats. Children with less severe disabilities strap into specialized walkers that allow them to stand upright and wheel about without the risk of falling. See-through tubs line an entire classroom wall and brightly colored objects abound—stuffed animals and shakers, plastic xylophones, bongos, noisemakers of every kind. A blind, autistic child sits on a homemade sounding board, spinning an aluminum mixing bowl in endless succession. The vibrations from the board tell him his proximity to the bowl, when it spins, when it stops. Elvira will visit him later. First, she must attend to “Andrew,” the boy in the blue plastic chair who has been beaming since she entered. Several years ago, Andrew came to
Diane’s class with severe diplegia, a condition of cerebral palsy that paralyzed his arms with rigidity. His hands were clenched, his arms and legs permanently crossed. During her first visit, Elvira stood beside him while he struggled to lift his head for a better look at her. On the second visit, he unclenched the fingers of his right hand to touch her. Several months later, he extended his right arm for the first time since infancy, just to pet a dog.
Elvira approaches and the boy’s eyes, magnified behind thick glasses, appear even wider. His crooked smile is infectious. Elvira is his puppy; she belongs to him. On Sherri’s command, Elvira positions her long body on Andrew’s
shakes free of him. He reaches for her again and she licks his hand. Delighted, he squirms. She is nurturing, protective, like a mother with her newborn. Perhaps it is he who belongs to her?
Five-year-old Guadalupe has a bent spine and constant seizures. She is always in pain. She stares skyward, as if in supplication, unable to lift or lower her head without assistance. She can no longer speak and communicates by blinking: One for no, two for yes. Elvira walks to her side and stops when the child combs her hanging fingers through her hair.
“Elvira’s here. You want to pet her?” Sherri asks.
Guadalupe double blinks.
left, weaker side. She patiently waits as he struggles to lift his arm and place it where he wants it. With help from an aide, Andrew lands his hand on Elvira’s neck. He strokes her awkwardly, almost roughly. She doesn’t mind. He grabs a tuft of hair and clenches to pull her closer. Elvira gently twists her head and
“I think she missed you. Did you miss her?”
Two more blinks and a smile. The grating whirl of a suction device begins, and a nurse places a small tube inside the mouth of one of Guadalupe’s classmates. The routine procedure keeps the child from choking on her own
Elvira, the ACT Standard Poodle, and Andrew, on Elvira’s visit to Johnson Elementary School in Indio
saliva. At the same time, an older child spills a box of toys that clangs with a ruckus, and the blind autistic boy spins his mixing bowl. Elvira doesn’t stir. It’s all part of the job.
At John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio, a team of burgundy-clad nurses pause in the corridor ooh-ing and ah-ing. Several nurses call Elvira by name. The hospital’s first pet therapy dog, she’s famous here. Elvira even dons a plastic name badge, which hangs from her blue Animal Samaritans’ therapy dog vest.
Judith Lewis, a volunteer at the hos pital, strokes Elvira, then stands aside and watches the handful of nurses linger behind to do the same.
“They’re not just therapeutic for the patients,” says Lewis. “Sometimes the nurses work 12 to 15-hour shifts. The dogs are great stress relievers.”
Lewis knows the simple act of petting an animal reduces a per son’s blood pressure. It also boosts the immune system. We pet, we smile. We smile and our brains release chemicals that elevate our mood and mitigate depression.
and wants to know what kind she is.
“A poodle? She’s so big.”
Elvira’s owner points out the poodle’s webbed feet.
“Standard Poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs to retrieve ducks and geese from the water. All poodles started out this big,” she explains, a reference to the miniature and diminutive toy varieties. “They’re actually German, not French.”
Elvira enters the intensive care unit, an area generally off limits to therapy animals. A doctor escorts her to a man
shows no judgment, no bias. People are people.”
dogs often work in pairs. More dogs mean more patients get a visit. Today Elvira has teamed with Danica, a Golden retriever, who her owner calls Daneeka in case a child has the same name.
Elvira’s next stop is the Oasis Mental Health Treatment Center. Here, crisis intervention is commonplace, and suicide assessments routine. It’s no cameras allowed.
Seven female patients sit in the spacious waiting room. It is after lunch and several others are reportedly still sleeping off their cheeseburgers. The room is long and narrow, with rows of seats facing inward, like an airport lounge. A gregarious woman now strokes Elvira. After a bit of small talk, she confesses to hard times on the street and the power of addiction. Elvira gently burrows her head into the woman’s side for more petting. Laughing, the woman leans down and gets a lick on the chin. Elvira shows no judgment, no bias. People are people.
A bearded man with flowing white hair emerges from his room and sits on the nearest sofa with the poise of a seasoned yogi. He speaks to no one but Elvira. She jumps onto the open seat beside him, and the man enjoys some coveted one-on-one time with her. Elvira eventually moves to the next patient, and the man quietly ventures back into his room.
Before entering a room, Elvira’s handler peers in and gently knocks on an open door.
“Would anyone like a visit from a therapy dog?”
A patient with salt-white hair nods. Elvira approaches the side of her bed. The woman strokes her with curved hands, her fingers more bone than flesh. She says she misses her cat and asks if Elvira gets along with felines.
In the next room, Elvira greets a man who appears impressed but cautious. He’s never seen a dog like her before
pump oxygen through his nose.
“Some people are here with a therapy dog,” the doctor says.
The patient, a retired pediatrician, appears to be in his 80s.
He smiles. “She’s a beauty,” he says, petting her. “Oh, I miss dogs.”
Studies show that pet ownership, not spousal or any other type of human support network, is the best indicator for predicting whether heart attack patients will have a successful long-term recovery.
At JFK, as in other hospitals, therapy
Compared to traditional hospitals, visitors here are rare. Schizophrenia and substance abuse have a way of severing the ties of our social and family networks. Several years ago, on Christmas Eve, Elvira came to the center during evening visiting hours. There were decorations, a Christmas tree, dozens of visits and lots of petting. An hour later, the music ended, and the residents returned to their rooms. That Christmas Eve, Elvira and her handler were the residents’ only visitors. It seems, however, that they were enough.
Reprinted here with permission from Tom Snyder.
Living with Dogs
Want A Great Relationship With Your Dog? Learn Their Language!
By Lori Carman, VSPDT, Dream Dogs
Living in a human world can be confusing for our canine friends, and communication problems between dogs and their people are often at the heart of behavioral issues. How learning to ‘speak dog’ will help you and your dog thrive:
Better Communication
Learning to interpret your dog’s signals allows you to understand their feelings and needs. Dogs primarily communicate through body language, and it can be subtle. Stay curious about what your dog may be telling you, especially in new or
stressful situations. (Editor’s note: see the handy chart to test your dog body language knowledge.)
Increased Trust
Understanding when your dog is anxious, relaxed, or playful helps you ‘have their back’ so you can remove them from sticky situations or do more of what they love. By responding to subtle cues in your dog’s body language, you create an environment that promotes comfort and trust.
Enhanced Training Success
Effective training relies on clear communication. Understanding how your dog expresses emotions and responds to various stimuli allows you to tailor training sessions to their needs. This approach makes for successful training and reinforces a positive learning experience.
A Deeper Connection
Dogs are highly perceptive to human emotions and body language. They are also incredible communicators, provided we know how to listen. Learning more about how dogs communicate opens up a fascinating new world – you will never view the dog park in the same way again!
Understanding and interpreting dog body language is a valuable skill for all dog lovers and will improve your observation and training skills. If you want a head start, a forcefree trainer can help by pointing you toward valuable resources and provide clues about what your dog is saying.
been successfully training for more than 20 years. dreamdogs.com 760-899-7272.
Lori Wainio-Carman, VSPDT, professional dog trainer and owner of Dream Dogs, has
Altering Big Dogs is a Big Deal
Veterinarians, animal shelter managers, and animal rescuers universally agree that spaying and neutering our dogs and cats is one of the most effective ways to reduce the overpopulation of unwanted, homeless pets. Fewer homeless pets, of course, means less euthanasia in public animal shelters. Unfortunately, not all pet owners make altering their furry companions a priority, especially those with larger dogs.
One reason is the expense. Some veterinary clinics charge over a thousand dollars to spay or neuter a pet, and usually, the larger the dog, the larger the vet bill. Barring complications, a spay is more complicated than a neuter and takes longer to perform. Spaying your large dog will cost more than spaying a medium-to-small sized dog, neutering a dog of any size, or spaying or neutering your feline.
Another reason is apathy or indifference to the plight of homeless pets. “Out of sight, out of mind,” as the saying goes. What doesn’t impact their
pets and their neighborhood, is not their problem. This mindset of spaying and neutering our pets as more elective than essential, dismisses the link between greater social responsibility and pet ownership.
Some argue spaying and neutering is cruel and counter to the course of nature. Those who do, however, rarely acknowledge the cruel and unnatural life for homeless, unwanted pets that include a constant scarcity of food, rampant disease, infections, illnesses and injuries that go untreated, the daily threat of predation, and a lifespan that is significantly less than their domesticated counterparts.
For some big dog owners, their pets are an extension of their identity, and “macho dudes don’t have neutered pets.” Will their dogs still seem intimidating? And will they? How can they be big and tough if their big, tough dog loses his gonads? Might people think they’ve lost theirs too?
For pet owners in rural communities, driving to the nearest veterinary clinic
often requires significant travel time and creates a financial burden. If pet owners have to miss a day’s work to take their pet to the vet clinic and then spend significant money on their pet (that isn’t sick or injured), it can be easy to rationalize forgoing the whole endeavor. Periodically, spay/neuter buses provide free spay/neuter services to rural communities, but most spay/neuter buses have limited capacity for large dogs. If the mobile bus provider were to focus on big dogs, that would drastically decrease the number of animals it served. What is more economically efficient: a mobile clinic that alters 10 big dogs, or one that alters four big dogs and another 16 medium-to-small dogs?
Animal Samaritans held three free spay/neuter clinics for big dogs in 2024 and is committed to at least seven more in 2025. The budget for these 10 free clinics is $40 000, made possible in part by a gift from a charitable foundation (that wishes to remain anonymous). In addition to the surgeries, the dogs receive vaccinations,
microchips, flea and tick medication, and post-operative pain medications. In 2025, pre-operative blood work will be included for each dog. The funds also account for additional health and surgical complications that may arise during surgery, as well as the cost of transporting the animals from East Coachella Valley rural communities to the Animal Samaritans veterinary clinic in Indio. Thus far, about half the dogs have been driven to and from the veterinary clinic by their owners, while the rest have been transported by charitable animal welfare organizations. Animal Samaritans has been proud to partner with Desert Paws Sanctuary and Animal Rescue Center of California for these events. Like Animal Samaritans, both organizations provide free animal rescue and adoption services to the Greater Coachella Valley community.
Even if Animal Samaritans spayed and neutered the large dogs of every household, strays in the Coachella Valley (particularly in the farming communities) continue to procreate and perpetuate the cycle of unwanted litters, leading to pet homelessness, and premature death on the streets and at public animal shelters.
Homeless large dogs, even those that may be relatively socialized and healthy, commonly endure a tragic fate: a stint at the nearest public animal shelter, stressful confinement in an overcrowded kennel, and eventual euthanasia after failing to get adopted before the next wave of homeless pets has arrived to occupy their kennel space.
The primary barriers to doing and achieving more for large homeless dogs in the Eastern Coachella Valley are funding, and the scarcity of highvolume spay/neuter doctors. These critical spay/neuter clinics will not end the cycle but do slow it. Doing nothing is not an option and is counter to Animal Samaritans’ mission of improving the lives of animals and people.
Helping Pets When There’s
No One to Help Them
Philanthropist Cade Morrow discovered Animal Samaritans late in life. Frail in health and resigned to a terminal diagnosis, he was already focusing on who, and what, mattered most to him, when he read about Animal Samaritans plans to expand their veterinary clinic and build a new Pet Adoption & Humane Education Center.
Legacy planning sounds simple enough, but Morrow was meticulous and needed constant reassurance that what he left behind would benefit who he wanted, and what he wanted.
Google “veterinary resources for homeless pets” and you will find a host of charitable foundations and organizations that offer financial assistance to pet owners who cannot afford their pet’s medical expenses. What you will not find, however, is financial aid for dogs and cats without an owner.
With Morrow’s passing in 2024, Animal Samaritans inherited over a million dollars from his estate for the expansion of its veterinary clinic in Thousand Palms. As was his wish, The Cade L. Morrow Fund is specifically tied to the clinic and the animal patients it serves.
No matter how young, intelligent, affectionate, or trainable a homeless shelter pet might be, if there is no one to pay its medical bills—even for a treatable injury or illness—it often won’t survive. For example, a broken leg, a bout of parvovirus, or a sudden case of pyometra, are treatable conditions for an animal with an owner, but for a dog or cat impounded at a public animal shelter, these can be a death sentence.
The Cade L. Morrow Fund at Animal
Samaritans provides life-saving medical care for homeless, abused, and neglected dogs and cats. Morrow credited the love he felt for his own pets, and the joy they brought him, as a primary reason for supporting Animal Samaritans. Most recently, he shared his life with three amazing dogs and his small cat.
Baber, was the Beagle he’d always wanted, who he admittedly pampered. He rescued Ruffer, a Bearded Collie, after discovering a scrawny, hungry puppy wandering about a city park. Nolan, his beloved yellow Labrador Retriever, had been abandoned on the streets of Northern California until Morrow’s compassion got the better of him and he took him home. His cat, Squeaks, whose meow sounded more like a squeak, was a community cat that he fed and eventually socialized to the point that Squeaks allowed him to feed, sit with, and even touch it.
“It has brought me an inner happi-
ness to know that I will be a factor in improving and expanding the Veterinary Clinic,” said Morrow before his passing, “and I will, in some small way, have an impact on saving animal lives through the Care Fund.”
When he was working, Morrow had a long and impactful career as an attorney with the U.S. government, where he specialized in national health-related programs. He also championed rights and programs benefiting the LGTBQ community. An avid hiker and outdoor enthusiast, Morrow supported environmental causes and was responsible for the reforesting of California wilderness areas once devasted by forest fires.
Morrow grew up poor and his formative years had a profound effect on him, inspiring his belief that we have a personal responsibility to help each other. He lived life fully, but never forgot his sense of responsibility to others, spending several years of his life as a caregiver to friends and partners dying of debilitating disease. Though often sad and exhausting, he recalls these as some of the most rewarding times of his life, filled with lessons about human dignity, courage, tenderness, and compassion. With Morrow’s generous legacy gift, Animal Samaritans recently named its Thousand Palms veterinary clinic in his honor.
To contribute to The Cade L. Morrow Fund for homeless shelter pets, or to learn how you can include Animal Samaritans in your estate plans, contact Animal Samaritans Development Department at 760-797-7439, or visit the Planned Giving tab at animalsamaritans.org.
Cade Morrow
PHOTO PROVIDED BY CADE L. MORROW
Don’t Forget Your Furry Friends in Your 2025 Budget!
By Jonathan Wainberg, SVP and General Manager, Pet, Synchrony
We all want the best for our pets, but providing top-notch care requires careful financial planning. With pet-owning households in the U.S. spending more than ever on care1, it’s important to budget for our furry family members. The good news? You don’t have to break the bank to keep your pets healthy and happy.
Here are some tips that can help you plan so you can ensure your pets receive the best possible care:
Tip #1: Streamline your pet care finances
Juggling insurance reimbursements and payment options can be a headache. That’s why Synchrony recently introduced a reimbursement solution to link the CareCredit credit card and Pets Best Pet Insurance to simplify the reimbursement process2. Now, pet parents can enjoy a more seamless reimbursement experience that helps offer both peace of mind and financial readiness for their pets’ health and wellness needs over the course of their lifetime.
“Many pet owners underestimate the lifelong costs of pet care,” says Dr. Courtney Campbell, DVM, DACVSSA, and host of the Anything Pawsible
podcast. “Without a proper budget, pet parents face tough choices between quality care and financial stability. This new solution streamlines pet care finances, allowing pet parents to focus on what truly matters – their pets’ wellbeing.”
Tip #2: Prepare for emergencies
Research shows 80% of pets will experience a medical emergency in their lifetime3. Yet, according to new research from Synchrony, many pet owners are unequipped to navigate specialty and emergency veterinary care — both informationally and financially4. Despite cost being their number one concern, only 25% of specialty vets believe pet parents have realistic expectations of the cost of care. Consult your veterinarian to understand the cost of care and available payment options before treatment. Being informed empowers you to make the best decisions for your pet’s health.
Tip #3: Pick the insurance plan that meets your pet’s needs
While that monthly insurance premium might seem like an extra expense,
pet insurance can offer help with financial security. Just like us, different breeds have different health predispositions. Researching breed-specific health concerns and choosing an insurance plan that addresses those needs can save you significant money in the long run.
Happy Pets, Happy Wallet
By utilizing smart financing options, understanding potential costs, and selecting the right insurance plan for you, you can confidently manage unexpected veterinary expenses and ensure your furry friend receives the best possible care. It’s a win-win!
References:
1Total U.S. Pet Industry Expenditures, American Pet Products Association, 2023. https://americanpetproducts.org/industry-trends-and-stats
3Pets Best claims data 2015–3/31/2020 for unexpected medical care
4Veterinary Specialty Care, A Synchrony Lifetime of Care Study, 2024. https://www.vetspecialtycare.com/
CareCredit is owned by Synchrony Financial and is an independent, indirect affiliate of Pets Best. Pets Best does not own, administer, or make decisions regarding CareCredit.
Pet insurance products offered and administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company or Independence American Insurance Company. For all terms visit http://www.petsbest.com/policy
Pet Myths Debunked
You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
A healthy dog is capable of learning new tricks at any age, especially if there’s a yummy treat to provide motivation. Continue to stimulate your dog with training throughout its life as this is a great way to bond with your pet. Keep in mind dogs can develop memory problems with age, so be aware that training an older dog might require more patience. Like their human companions, older dogs can develop problems with their joints. Be sure to teach tricks that are suitable for your dog’s physical abilities.
Cats Cannot Be Leash Trained
You probably see people walking dogs every day but when was the last time you saw someone taking their kitty for a stroll? Just because you don’t see it often doesn’t mean it is not possible! With patience, practice, and proper reinforcement, most cats can learn to enjoy walking on a leash and harness. Cat owners say it’s easier to teach kittens when they are young, but an adult cat can learn as well. For the best results, choose a well-fitted harness designed specifically for felines. This is crucial to prevent discomfort, and to avoid escape.
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Whether you’re looking for pet boarding or doggie
care, your furry friend will receive the very best in pet care with us. We’ve designed our Grand Paw facility around making your pet not just welcome, safe, and cared for, but happy and fulfilled.
At The Grand Paw, pets get as much social interaction as they want, the kinds of entertainment they enjoy, calm comfortable spaces for rest and relaxation – and all sorts of just plain fun.
Dogs Eat Grass When Sick
You’ve probably heard that dogs eat grass because they are trying to settle an upset stomach. The truth is there are many reasons your dog could be eating grass, including boredom and anxiety. Your dog may simply enjoy the taste and texture of grass. Eating grass, for dogs, is a common behavior that is usually harmless in small amounts. Please note, a dog should never eat grass that has been treated with chemicals.
Puppies Are Born Blind and Deaf
Puppies enter the world without sight and hearing because their eyes and ears are not fully developed at birth. Their optic nerves and ear canals are still maturing during the first couple of weeks of life. Eyelids and ear canals are closed during this time to protect them from damage until they are ready to function properly. At this stage, puppies rely on their keen sense of smell to navigate the world and find their mother for food and warmth. Puppies usually start to open their eyes and ears around two to three weeks of age.
Dudes, Dogs, and Designer Fashions to Help the Animals
By Valerie Kattz, Animal Samaritans
Animal Samaritans 15th Annual Men of the Desert Fashion Show and Luncheon proves that anything is paw-sible when over 550 animal lovers come together to better the lives of animals in need.
The “Back to the Future” themed event was held on Sunday, Dec. 8, at the Palm Springs Air Museum. The celebration began with a reception where guests enjoyed bidding on a variety of
Bone-Appetit! The party moved into the main airplane hangar for a delicious lunch provided by Lulu California
Bistro. During lunch, the energetic and highly entertaining auctioneer, Freddie Silva, told heartwarming stories about Animal Samaritans’ life-saving work and led the crowd in raising their donation paddles to help Animal Samaritans save more lives.
Next, it was time to unleash the
silent auction items, mingling with other animal lovers while enjoying complimentary champagne, and capturing memories in the 360 Photobooth by Party Life Photo, which provided free keepsake videos for attendees.
hounds and models for the highly anticipated and often howl-arious fashion show featuring 21 male models, each strutting the runway with a canine companion. The models looked quite fetching in the latest designs by Leon-
Leon as they worked the unique zig-zag shaped runway.
After expenses, the sold-out event raised over $280,000 to benefit Animal Samaritans Adoption Alliance Animal Rescue Program and no-kill animal shelter. Since 2011, their rescue program has saved the lives of over 16,000 local homeless animals, while their no-kill shelter has provided a safe haven and found homes for another 12,000 dogs and cats since 1980.
Thank you to our event committee Cochairs, Brandon Boswell and Lorie Serfling, Fashion Show and Event Producer, Susan Stein of SusanSteinStyle!, MC Patrick Evans, Art Designer, Richard Vaughn, as well as our attendees, donors, volunteers, and staff.
A special thank you to our sponsors for making this event possible. Leader of the Pack/Presenting Sponsor: Carl Jud Foundation; Show Producer: Eisenhower Health; Gold Sponsors: Harold Matzner and Shellie Reade, Jan Salta, Helene Galen and Jamie Kabler, Barbara Rogers, and Brandon Boswell Diamonds; Photographic Pup Sponsor: Coachella Valley Firebirds; Silver Sponsors: Foley & Stinnette Interior Design, Robin Stonehill; Media Sponsors: KESQTV, KGAY Radio, Palm Springs Life; Fashion Sponsor: LeonLeon, and In-kind Sponsor: Brandini Toffee, and Tailwaggers, Palm Springs.
Handsome Hounds Models and Event Crew from MOD 2024.
What’s for Dinner?
By Peyton B. Aaronson, DVM, VCA Desert Animal Hospital, Palm Springs, CA
Accessibility to pet food has not always been a short drive or click away. Before commercialization, dogs were left with whatever food families could spare from their dinner tables—including bones, bread, cabbage, and potatoes. It was not until the Industrial Revolution that the rising middle class took an interest in converting dogs from working animals to domesticated companions. The first commercially prepared food was documented around 1860, when a businessman in England created a dog biscuit composed of wheat meal, vegetables, beetroot, and beef blood. This inspired additional companies to formulate their own recipes, and thus launched an industry projected to reach $136.82 billion by 2028.
Presently, finding the “best” food for your pet has never been more difficult. Pet food companies are stocking shelves with shiny, bright-colored packages and
showcasing taglines that promise they will cater to your dog’s individual needs. The harder the answer is to find, the more it becomes apparent that pet owners will continually search for, and pay for, what they feel is best for their pet.
Luckily, among the chaos that is the pet food industry there stands a sovereign body that exists to provide a framework for animal dietary nutrition—the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This private non-profit corporation establishes practical nutrient profiles for dog (and cat) food and provides nutritional adequacy statements that can be placed on the outside of pet food packaging to let consumers know whether a diet provides complete and balanced nutrition for the animal and labeled life stage.
While these guidelines are helpful, it is important to note that AAFCO does not regulate pet food. This means
that companies can place an AAFCO statement on the back of their package without undergoing feeding trials to substantiate these claims. In addition, meeting the recommended requirements does not provide any information on the quality of the ingredients. It is paramount to find a trusted manufacturer with nutritional expertise.
While a number of grain-free diets and raw diets may have AAFCO statements located on the back of their packaging, they are not recommended by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), for these reasons:
Grain-Free Diets
A grain-free diet is considered one that contains a high percentage of peas, lentils, other legume seeds, and potatoes, as ingredients that are listed within the first ten items listed on the packaging label. Grain-free diets have recently been linked to the development of a
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heart disease in dogs known as dilated cardiomyopathy.
Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a disease of cardiac muscle that causes heart chamber enlargement, thereby compromising the pumping ability of the heart. As the heart becomes more and more dilated, the heart valves leak and cause a build-up of fluid in the chest—a disease known as congestive heart failure (CHF). While dogs may not show any clinical signs of DCM early in the disease process, progression can lead to weakness or tiredness associated with exercise, a heart murmur, an arrythmia, collapse, and eventually difficulty breathing due to CHF. While there is an established genetic link to the formation of DCM, more recent research now also presents a nutritional component.
So how are grain-free diets potentially linked to the formation of dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs? Research performed by veterinary cardiologists Dr. Joshua Stern and Dr. Joanna Kaplan at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine (shoutout: Go Aggies!) delved into the dietary association between diet and the development of heart disease, which eventually led to an FDA-published warning and further investigation.
The research study involved 24 golden retrievers diagnosed with dilated cardiomyopathy and documented taurine deficiency. Taurine is an important amino acid for cardiovascular function. Twenty-three of the 24 dogs in the study were being fed grain-free, and/or legume-rich diets—both of which were presumed taurine-deficient. When the cardiologists prescribed a diet change and taurine supplementation, the results showed all but one of the twenty-four dogs improved in cardiac functional parameters, even those with DCM severe enough to cause congestive heart failure. As a result, the FDA released its
own public alert on reported data that included various other dog breeds, many without known genetic predisposition to DCM. While large and giant breed dogs are more typically associated with DCM, small and medium breed dogs such as Shih Tzus, whippets, and bulldogs, among others, were included in the FDA reported cases of nutritionally mediated DCM. These dogs were fed grain-free diets anywhere from a few months to years. This data presents canine DCM as a multifaceted condition with contributing factors that include genetics, underlying medical conditions, and, of course, diet.
If you are feeding your dog a grainfree diet, discuss it with your veterinarian who may choose to perform diagnostic testing and can aid you in choosing a new diet appropriate for your pet. Do not abruptly change your pet’s diet or supplement taurine without a discussion with your veterinarian.
Raw Diets
Raw diets are another category of pet nutrition made popular by mainstream media misconceptions. Feeding a raw diet involves primarily uncooked meat, bones, and organs that are either homemade or commercial diet formulations. Those who feed their dogs raw diets have more than likely heard and perhaps prescribed to the rationale, “dogs descend from wolves,” and thus should eat similar diets. While I would challenge anyone to find a Shih Tzu in the wild fervently hunting for its next meal, the more important point is recognizing the divergence of dogs from their wolf ancestor occurred over 100,000 years ago. Over this time, anatomical changes—skeletal structure, dentition, and gastrointestinal tracts—occurred, posing different physiologic nutrient requirements for dogs than those of their ancestors.
Nutritional imbalances are common when feeding raw diets—excesses and deficiencies are found of calcium, phosphorous, copper, zinc, iodine, vitamin A, and vitamin D. Imbalances can lead to malnutrition and systemic clinical signs. In addition, raw diets can cause parasitic, bacterial, and/or viral infection. Compounding the concern is the ability for these infections to also be zoonotic—meaning humans can become infected as a result of feeding and/or preparing raw food for our dogs.
The FDA conducted a study that took 196 raw canine and feline food samples from a variety of manufacturers and screened them for contaminants that can lead to food-borne illness. Of the 196 samples, 15 were positive for Salmonella and 32 were positive for Listeria monocytogenes. This presents not only a concern for pet health but also a public health risk, because human owners are handling these products. The American
Veterinary Medical Association official policy discourages feeding raw food to dogs or cats due to infection risks of animals and people, especially for immunocompromised individuals.
Choosing a Diet
When picking out a new diet for your four-legged bestie, be conscientious in your examination of pet food labels. The World Small Animal Veterinary Association (WSAVA) Global Nutrition Committee provides useful guidelines on selecting pet food: (1) Does the brand employ a veterinary nutritionist? (2) What is the quality control process for ingredients and finished products? (3) Who formulates the diet? (4) What kind of product research or nutrition studies have been conducted, and are they published in peer-reviewed journals? In addition, consult veterinary guides on what to
look for within the nutrition label. Use the additional resources and information provided in this article to help you make a thoughtful and informed decision about your pet’s nutrition.
Peyton B. Aaronson, DVM is a veterinarian at VCA Desert Animal Hospital located at 4299 Ramon Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92264. Dr. Aaronson is a graduate of UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Class of 2021, and UCLA, Class of 2016. vcahospitals.com/ desert 760-778-9999
Honor Their Memory
At Pet Cremation Services of the Desert, we understand the deep bond you share with your beloved pet. Our compassionate pet cremation services provide a dignified farewell, allowing you to cherish their memory forever. Choose from personalized urns and memorial options to celebrate their unique spirit. We care for all pets including: cats, dogs, birds, lizards, fish, tortoises, turtles, small farm animals, ferrets, rats, snakes, and more!
The Difference a Dog Makes
— Guide Dogs and the Miracle of Independence
By Juliet McShannon
Guide Dogs of the Desert (GDD) is one of 14 Guide Dog Schools in the USA, and one of three in California, accredited by the International Guide Dog Federation based in England, UK. Other Guide Dog schools in the USA train dogs, but do not have that certification. Located in Whitewater, California in the Coachella
Valley, GDD is a non-profit that aims to “ensure love, companionship, and the miracle of independence through the use of a Guide Dog.” The School receives applications from across the country, and around the world. “We have enough applicants right now to last us for about three years,” says GDD Canine Development and Medical Director, Angel Coleman.
What makes GDD unique is that it is the only school that has a formalized breeding program for Standard Poodles.
“We also breed Labrador Retrievers,” says GDD Executive Director, Robert Maher, “but Poodles are hypoallergenic and don’t shed, and that is important because we have many people whose family members are allergic to dogs, or they individually may be allergic to
dogs, or their job does not allow them to go someplace where people may be allergic. We have some people who work in hospitals. One student is an attorney and cannot have a dog that is not hypoallergenic going in and out of a courtroom. Another of our students, in Israel, is hoping for her second Poodle from us because her current Poodle is retiring, and her father is allergic to dogs. That makes GDD unique. Plus, we are a great school!”
The dogs are bred on campus based on genetic clearances, and what dogs will match best with each other. The best care is given from the outset: “In the nursery we absolutely cater to mom,” says Coleman. As long as she is well-cared for, she will take good care of her pups.
Our dogs are raised together so it is not uncommon in the nursery to see three moms with a litter and them sharing. They’ll go feed each other’s puppies. A very much community thing.”
After three weeks the puppies move to the ‘puppy den’ and after six weeks begin a training program that includes crate training, learning their names, sit on command, and leash walking. They acquire these concepts by eight to 10 weeks of age before they go out into volunteer “puppy raiser” homes for a period of 18 months. Maher says, “We want our puppies to have as many experiences in life as they can because once they go off to be a Guide Dog we don’t know what kind of lifestyle that dog is going to have.”
Even though the majority of the people served are from elsewhere, the puppy raisers are from the Coachella Valley and immediate surroundings. “All of our dogs have volunteers who love them, care for them and provide all their needs for the entirety of the dog’s stay,” says Coleman. Guide Dog puppies can be raised with other pets in the home to learn boundaries, how to ignore other animals, and distraction work. Puppy raisers use techniques to refocus puppies distracted by new smells, activities, or loud sounds, preparing them for a future of guidework duties.
When the puppies return to campus, Guide Dog instructors train them for six months. By now, the puppies are two years old and at this stage the applicant
GDD Support K9 placements include emergency response organizations throughout California and across the country.
Robert Maher, Executive Director, GDD, holding a GDD puppy.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GUIDE DOGS OF THE DESERT
(student)-dog matching process begins: “We start looking at the individual applications and look at the student’s ... lifestyle and dynamics and match them with a dog,” says Coleman.
Successful applicants stay in a dormitory on campus for 28 days to work with their Guide Dog before graduating from the Program. Even then, GDD maintains their relationship with their dogs and students after graduation. “We do everything to make it work and then we follow those students for the rest of the dog’s lifetime. That can be up to 13 years, even longer,” says Maher.
Coleman addresses a common misconception that Guide Dogs and Service Dogs are the same. “A guide dog is the hardest job for a dog to perform because it requires “intelligent disobedience.” The handlers are in
charge, but the dogs make decisions. If a person’s surroundings or situation is not safe and their handler is asking them to step out into a street, we do expect the dog to have a level of intelligent disobedience, to not listen to the command, to keep that person safe. In contrast, a Service Dog performs tasks. They will open your fridge, provide balance work, bring you your slippers, pick up remotes. Tasks that do not require the dog to think. That’s why the breeds are so specific.”
Is it a case of ‘all work and no play’ for guide dogs? “No,” says Coleman.
“When our dogs aren’t working, they are pets. They know the difference between my vest is on and this is serious, and, I don’t have my vest on, and I can play and be a goofball! We are looking for that on/off switch but when the vest
“I encourage people to do this. Stand at the street corner and close your eyes, and say how am I going to cross that street by myself. A Guide Dog will guide you safely across the street. Some people may not even go out because of the fear of being alone on the street.”
Robert Maher, Executive Director, Guide Dogs of the Desert
Learning “Intelligent Disobedience.” A GDD trainer on a training route with a chocolate lab. They are between two obstacles that both of them won’t fit through.
A trainer, and black lab in harness are working on identifying elevation changes in the campus quad.
comes off, they are just like pets at home, they run and swim and hike.”
The cost to breed, screen, raise, and ultimately graduate a Guide Dog is roughly $100 000. A decade ago, GDD entrusted Animal Samaritans with providing essential veterinary care for their dogs. In 2018, the need lessened when GDD set up their own
California State licensed veterinarian hospital, primarily servicing the dogs coming through their program. Then recently, their veterinarian of record retired, eliminating their ability to do regular services on campus. Animal Samaritans offered to help, and currently provides medical care for the cadre of Guide Dogs: “We have over 100 Guide Dogs on campus, including 68 puppies, the dogs in the breeding colony, and graduate dogs out there working,” says Maher. “The majority of vet practices are for profit. We are non-profit and Animal Samaritans is a non-profit. We would much rather support another non-profit and the work that they are doing.”
Office as a Support Canine for their Crime Prevention Unit and SAFE family Justice Centers.
situations in the field.
“The Community benefits from the partnership tenfold.”
Angel
Coleman, Canine
Development and Medical Director, Guide Dogs of the Desert
Even with careful breeding selection and training, not all Guide Dogs turn out to be suitable for this role. “Some dogs are just too fun-loving, and loving, wanting to be giving kisses to everybody and they are not able to make good guide dogs,” says Maher.
The good news is that those dogs who do not graduate as a Guide Dog have an alternative career path. GDD may place the dog in their Support K9 Program, where they may be adopted by emergency first responders, Border Patrol, Child Protective Services, High Schools, and the Police Force. Palm Springs Police Force has a Support K9 dog, as does Desert Hot Springs Police Force whose Support K9 is the station dog for Officers exposed to stressful
GDD’s Support K9 Program has begun to incorporate ‘cortisol smell’ training. “Our dogs can walk into a room and know immediately who is more stressed and go to the person who is most anxious,” says Maher. “In our training, we have volunteers who role-play and go through the script so the dogs can come over and respond to them.”
Maher acknowledges advances in technology and robotics but does not think that Guide Dogs will be replaced in the near future. “There are GPS walking canes telling you which way to turn but it won’t replace the fuzzy feel of a warm dog by your side. A Guide Dog provides so much more emotional and ‘intellectual emotional’ support. We had a student, who for years was too afraid to go outside at night. She was afraid for safety reasons, among other reasons, and she realized that by having a dog she felt much more comfortable going out in the neighborhood at night, and I don’t think that could be replaced by a robot.”
Coleman agrees: “One of our students said he got his white cane when he
Angel Coleman, Canine Development and Medical Director, Guide Dogs of the Desert.
Augie, a 5-year-old Silver Male Standard Poodle from GDD, joined the Riverside County District Attorney’s
became visually impaired so he could detect the obstacles in his way, but once he got his Guide Dog, he didn’t even know the obstacles existed!”
For more information about Guide Dogs of the Desert, please visit guidedogsofthedesert.org, or contact info@gddca.org. Phone: 760-329-6257.
Wiggles and sillies after a busy day of training!
Graduate [student] with her dog.
Guide Dog Mobility Instructor, Mindy Romero, praising a Labrador on a training route.
PHOTO COURTESY OF GUIDE DOGS OF THE DESERT
PHOTO COURTESY OF GUIDE DOGS OF THE DESERT
11 Dog-friendly
Destinations for Winter Fun in Lake Tahoe
By Yvonne Villasenor
Lake Tahoe is a popular vacation destination cherished for its year-round stunning scenery and endless activities. In addition to the beauty and fun it has to offer, it is also incredibly dog-friendly, making it an amazing place to take a trip if you’re in search of a winter wonderland. Here are some of the best dog-friendly spots to visit in Lake Tahoe in winter to enjoy with your canine companion.
The Getaway Cafe
An award-winning restaurant, known for their homemade American and Mexican dishes, you can savor comforting breakfast cuisines and picturesque mountain views, and warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, organic coffee, or your favorite brunch beverage. This cute, cottage-style restaurant has an outdoor patio seating area where both you and your dog can enjoy brunch. Your dog is treated to a water bowl and recommended dog-friendly options on the menu.
The Getaway Cafe is located at 3140 US-50, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, visit tahoegetawaycafe.com.
Dog.Dog.Cat
Located just two minutes away from the Shops at Heavenly Village in the Raley’s Village Center is the beloved pet boutique store Dog.Dog.Cat. From clothes for pets and humans, and travel essentials to top-notch toys, you and your dog are bound to find something you’ll love. They also have a baked treat section—“The Barkery”—so your dog can indulge in a scrumptious snack made just for them!
Dog.Dog.Cat is located at 4000 Lake Tahoe Blvd Ste C-17, South Lake Tahoe, CA and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit dogdogcat.com. 1 2
The Shops at Heavenly Village
This pet-friendly shopping complex is a vibrant, lively spot to enjoy daily live music, and shop and dine at over 40 stores and restaurants. Popular options include Base Camp Pizza, California Burger Company, McP’s Taphouse Grill, Pick 6, and Sprouts Cafe. It is also conveniently located near Fido-friendly lodgings such as Hotel Becket, Basecamp Hotel, and Desolation Hotel.
The Shops at Heavenly Village is located at 1001 Heavenly Village Way, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sundays. For more information visit theshopsatheavenly.com
Eagle Falls Trailhead
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For those who want to bask in the Great Outdoors with their canine companion, look no further than Eagle Falls Trailhead. This is considered to be an easy, short hike that is ideal for beginners. With captivating views of Emerald Bay, no wonder it is a popular destination among those who live and visit South Lake Tahoe. Dogs are welcome and must be on a leash. It is best to visit early, as parking is limited.
Eagle Falls is located at 138 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150.
Pet Station
After a long day of romping and playing in the snow, treat your furry pal to a spa day at this full-service pet store. There are 15 Pet Station locations in the Reno/Tahoe region with four in Tahoe: South Lake Tahoe, Tahoe City, Incline Village, and Truckee. All locations offers a vast selection of pet food and supplies, a self-service dog wash, and a pet ID tag engraving service. Incline Village hosts weekly obedience classes, and 3 of the Reno area stores host monthly low-cost vaccination clinics.
Pet Station has multiple locations with various hours. For more information, visit tahoepetstation.com
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Sonney’s BBQ Shack Bar & Grill
You and your furry friend will want to visit this cozy barbecue restaurant on an empty stomach. Voted “Best BBQ in Tahoe” from 2015 through 2022 by the Tahoe Daily Tribune, Sonney’s BBQ Shack Bar and Grill knows how to do comfort food. Here, you will find everything from beef brisket, spare ribs and biscuits and gravy, to shrimp and grits, hot bread pudding, and deep-fried mac and cheese. Best of all, your dog can feast on a “pup patty and bacon” and wash it down with a bowl of water. Outdoor patio seating is available for doggie guests.
Sonney’s BBQ Shack Bar & Grill is located at 787 Emerald Bay Road, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150 and is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit sonneysbbqshack.com.
Hot Diggity Dog & Cat
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This charming, yellow cottage located across the lake will make you and your dog feel right at home. No matter whether you’re looking for tasty treats, wag-worthy toys, or cute clothing and accessories for your pooch, you are sure to find what your dog needs—and wants! The shop is also stocked with healthy and organic food for cats and dogs, as well as homemade dog treats.
Hot Diggity Dog & Cat is located at 8675 N Lake Blvd, Kings Beach, CA 96143 and is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, visit their Facebook page
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park
Get the entire family in on the winter fun at the Tahoe City Winter Sports Park. Your dog can have a snow play day while accompanying you on several kilometers of cross-country skiing and snow-shoe trails. Dogs must be on-leash at the trailhead and parking lot, and are not permitted on the sled hill or ski rink. No Skijoring is allowed.
Tahoe City Winter Sports Park is located at 251 N Lake Blvd, Tahoe City, CA 96145. Open daily from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday to Sunday. For more information, visit tcpud.org
South of North Brewing Company
If you are looking for craft brews, delicious food, and a laid-back environment, South of North Brewing Company is the place to go. Located just steps away from the Stateline community, this dog and kid-friendly spot has a variety of outdoor games and live music every night for all to enjoy with heaters and fire pits to keep warm. All dogs are required to be kept on a leash. Service dogs are allowed inside.
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South of North Brewing Company is located at 932 Stateline Ave Suite B, South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150. Open from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday to Sunday. For more information visit southofnorthbeer.com
Tahoe XC
This cross-country ski area has something fun for everyone, both two-legged and fourlegged. At Tahoe XC, you can go skiing with your dog on eight kilometers of designated dog-friendly trails. Dogs under voice command can visit leash-free. You can get a daily dog pass or upgrade your furry friend to their very own season pass.
Tahoe XC is located at 925 Country Club Dr, Tahoe City, CA 96145 Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit tahoexc.org.
Tahoe
Waterman’s Landing
Tahoe Waterman’s Landing is known as one of the most popular dog beaches on the North Shore—and for good reason. This rocky, three-acre beach is the perfect place for you and your pup to admire the spectacular views, crisp winter air, and peaceful atmosphere.
Tahoe Waterman’s Landing also has picnic tables, bathrooms, and a nature trail. Dogs are required to be kept on a leash.
Tahoe Waterman’s Landing is located at 5166 North Lake Boulevard, Carnelian Bay, CA 96140. For more information visit tahoepublicbeaches.org
How to Keep Your Dog Warm and Safe in Cold Weather
Cold weather offers plenty of opportunities for fun-filled activities for us and our dogs. And while some breeds are best suited for chilly conditions, frigid temperatures can be unpleasant and even dangerous for others. Before taking your canine companion out for a winter walk or outdoor adventure, consider their individual needs and cold tolerance—no matter whether they’re a Chihuahua or a Siberian Husky—and take extra precautions to ultimately keep them safe.
Here are a few tips on how to keep your dog warm and safe:
BUNDLE UP YOUR PUP
When stepping out into a winter wonderland, dress your dog in appropriate clothing. This could be a cozy sweater or waterproof jacket depending on how frosty it is. (Or neither if you have a large breed dog with a thick, heavy coat that naturally helps keep them warm!)
In addition to being fashionable, dog booties are essential in the wintertime. Appropriate for all dog breeds, booties protect your pup’s feet from snow and ice, as well as dangerous chemical deicers and rock salt.
Accessories like dog goggles or winter hats can be great for extra protection and warmth.
PROTECT THEIR PAWS
Dog booties can be challenging for some dogs to learn to wear and truly feel comfortable in. As they learn to get used to wearing booties, it’s important to protect their paws using other methods.
These can include:
Using a dog-friendly paw balm to prevent dryness, cracking, and direct contact with the winter elements.
Wiping down their paws (and legs and belly) with a towel or dog-safe wipe in case they come into contact with a surface that has deicers or antifreeze on it.
LIMIT TIME OUTDOORS AND TAKE PRECAUTION
Depending on your dog’s tolerance for wintry weather, it’s always a good idea to limit your time outside to prevent them from getting too cold. If they’re showing signs of discomfort, like shaking, shivering, or trembling, bring them inside as soon as possible.
When planning on spending time outdoors with your furry friend:
Bring a blanket, set of travel food and water bowls, and waterproof leash.
Avoid icy areas and thin ice.
Keep them away from de-icers or areas where these products have been used.
Knock on your vehicle’s hood to keep animals who seek warmth in engines safe.
You and your pooch can always admire winter’s beauty from the comfort of your couch. Make warm memories together by baking dog-friendly treats, giving your furry pal interactive toys and snuffle mats, and teaching them new tricks.
Spaying & Neutering: A Lifesaving Choice
By Sarah Scorgie, Director of Communications, San Diego Humane Society
San Diego Humane Society hit a heartbreaking milestone in the summer of 2024. A total of 852 dogs in our shelters in a single day. Breeds such as Goldendoodles, Saint Bernards and French bulldogs — once considered rare in shelters — were suddenly filling kennels. Shelters nationwide share this crisis, and one leading cause is unplanned litters. Recently, 10 puppies wound up at San Diego Humane Society when a community member took in a dog— not knowing she was pregnant— and quickly became overwhelmed by the unexpected litter. While puppies often get adopted quickly, the resources needed for their care can overwhelm shelters and keep adult pets waiting longer for adoption.
Spaying and neutering has long been recognized as an essential part of responsible pet care, but during the Covid-19 pandemic, these routine procedures became harder to access. According to the University of Florida Shelter Medicine Program, “there are almost 3 million missing neuter/ spay surgeries in the U.S. due to the pandemic, which, combined with veterinarian and staff shortages, is contributing to widespread overcrowding at pet shelters.” Additionally, the increasing costs of veterinary care has put spaying and neutering services out of reach for many. Yet, these procedures are the only surefire way to prevent unplanned litters and reduce the number of homeless pets entering shelters. Beyond reducing animal
overpopulation, spaying and neutering offer considerable health benefits for individual pets. These routine surgeries can significantly reduce the risk of cancers and infections, as well as behavioral issues such as aggression and territorial behavior that can impact a pet’s quality of life. Neutered males experience fewer prostate-related problems and carry no risk of testicular cancer. For female pets, spaying can prevent uterine infections and malignant breast tumors, which afflict about 50% of dogs and 90% of cats.
Take Penguin, a nine-year-old Siberian husky who came to San Diego Humane Society suffering from a large mammary tumor on her abdomen. Fortunately, our medical team was able to remove this sweet senior’s tumor and confirm that it was benign — but the tumor might never have developed in the first place if
Penguin had been spayed.
Consider the story of Beau, the eightyear-old dog who was found as a stray with severe perineal hernias. These hernias most commonly develop in older unneutered dogs, causing swelling, constipation, lethargy, difficulty urinating and blood in the stool. The medical team at San Diego Humane Society surgically repaired the hernias, performing a procedure called a bilateral perineal herniorrhaphy, and carefully monitored him as he healed. He got the second chance he deserved, but his pain and discomfort could have been avoided completely.
These stories—along with the sheer numbers of animals lingering in shelters—are all too common and serve as testaments to the importance of spaying and neutering. Increasing access to low-cost spay and neuter services is critical, and organizations like San Diego Humane Society are committed to doing just that.
Last year, San Diego Humane Society’s medical team performed 22,771 spay and neuter surgeries—an average of more than 62 procedures every day of the year. This number includes not only the surgeries provided for animals in shelter care, but also for owned pets in the community and free-roaming outdoor cats, known as “community cats.” To support pet families with limited resources, our organization offers low-cost spay and neuter services through our Community Spay/Neuter Program for qualifying pet families, as well as free vouchers for spay and neuter services at participating local clinics. And, of course, every pet adopted from the shelter is altered, saving new owners significant expense. Even with resources available, increasing the number of spayed and neutered pets takes a community. Spaying or neutering is more than a personal choice — it is a lifesaving decision for pets and shelters alike. If
you haven’t spayed or neutered your own pet yet, visit www.sdhumane. org/spay or check local resources for additional information about benefits and low-cost clinics. Together, we can reduce shelter overcrowding, improve animals’ lives and create a more humane world.
SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY
Soothing Pain in Dogs with a Gentle Touch
Acupressure for Chronic Pain Relief
By Wendy Rall, Rescued Tails Canine Massage and Hydrotherapy
RAcupressure is helping many dogs like Reyna, my 14-year-old lab mix. Your dog can benefit with this gentle touch.
- Wendy Rall
eyna is getting around great, trotting in the yard and running to me when it’s “cookie time.” With a massage therapist for a mom, Reyna gets a lot of “touch therapy” contributing to her overall mobility. But I noticed something recently: She no longer wants to sit for her treats. Trying to sit down and then get back up is possible for her but it’s obviously not comfortable. This leads me to believe she may have hidden chronic pain.
Many of our pets endure hidden chronic pain without us even knowing. That is why it is important to carefully look at changes in our pet’s demeanor or behavior as they age. Has your dog been having a hard time getting up after resting? Maybe you notice that they have trouble squatting, or lifting a leg. Does your dog yelp when you pick them up, but seem fine the rest of the time? They could be suffering silently in pain. You may notice that they are more lethargic or seem to be stiff overall. Mood changes can be a clear sign that your best friend is not feeling great. Excessive licking of a specific joint or finding it hard to get comfortable are other warning signs. Being aware that your dog might be suffering quietly is the first step toward finding relief, and that is where therapies like acupressure can make the difference.
Located on the body’s energy paths, called meridians, there are eight specific points that can help relieve chronic pain naturally, stimulate healing, restore balance, and promote well-being. Three points are located on the dog’s back, and five are found on the legs as shown in the illustration. By using acupressure, massaging with a light pressure of my thumb or fingers, I can stimulate the energy known in Traditional Chinese Medicine as Qi, or Life Force, resulting in pain relief and wellness. Reyna is practicing her sit and stand exercises at “cookie time” and the acupressure has helped her improve overall. In addition to pain relief and improved mobility, acupressure can
help dogs suffering from anxiety. It is also known to increase vitality and help with digestive and overall health.
Stress and relaxation
Just as humans experience stress, dogs can also suffer from stress and anxiety. Whether the result of trauma, separation, or just the daily pressures of life, our dogs can carry emotional stress in their bodies. Acupressure works wonders in calming the nervous system, promoting a sense of peace, and reducing anxiety.
There are three points on our pet’s head that help them become calm and relaxed. One is just above the space between their eyes, where the point known as the Ying Tang, or “third-eye” is found. Light pressure applied on this point can calm a dog down quickly. I often use this acupoint when I am working with high energy dogs such as Bull Terriers, and it works very well. On either side of each eye, which we would call our temples, is the point known as the Yang Tang, and these points are additional calming points on the dog’s head. By lightly massaging in a small circular motion on these points, we can relax a dog into bliss! With the soothing touch of acupressure, every dog can find relief, comfort, and a renewed sense of well-being.
When looking for an acupressure practitioner, contact your local certified canine massage therapist.
Wendy Rall specializes in
Trained Dogs and Frustrated Pet Parents
Did your dog “complete training” but continues to misbehave?
By Manny Guerra, HHCT, ABCDT, K9 Parent Training
Almost daily, I hear similar comments from my clients: “My dog is really good, until ...”, or “She’s a great dog most of the time,” or “He’s so good except for these things ...”. There are so many families out there struggling with variations of the same handful of dog problems. A lot of folks have dogs that know the basic skills most folks are able to start teaching on their own such as sit, give paw, leave it. The challenge is getting your dog to understand that they should perform when you ask, and not just when they feel like it— you know, when it really counts.
Wouldn’t it be great if, instead of your dog reacting negatively to something, they instead performed one of those skills
you’ve trained them to do? Unfortunately, that is off the table for a lot of families, not because the family doesn’t want to do the work, but because they don’t know where to start, and need support.
The core issue for so many families is this: “My dog is really good until he sees or hears ...”. This frustrates pet parents, as they watch their “trained” dog not following the training when the dog is feeling anxious or insecure about something. The goal of training is to create learned behavior the dog can rely on and perform when in a high-stress situation. You want your dog to engage in the behavior they learn in obedience training, especially when they are feeling defensive.
I think it is understandable that many
dogs struggle to “remember the training” during these moments. I sometimes forget to behave when I’m upset too! I understand why staying calm in the face of a trigger is so hard. To me, it is not that different from trying to help a child to remember a lesson when they’re frustrated and upset. When you are stressed, it’s hard to calm down and refocus, for both people and dogs. It doesn’t always go the way we plan. So, what do we do?
Common Mistakes
It is important to understand how easy it is for various little things to collectively add up to behavioral problems in dogs. While some dogs seem to come prepackaged with permanent good behavior, with little to no training necessary, others require more time and structure to be a successful member of the household. When those dogs that need more time and effort are in training, a few common mistakes at home can create even more behavioral issues. How a dog is spending its time in your home and space, can make or break, your dog’s training.
Maybe you recognize one of these mistakes listed below as currently happening in your home. If you do, don’t worry. In most cases I see, there is hope for turning things around, as long as the families are truly dedicated to living differently with their dog.
The mistakes:
Affection before boundaries
Fun before work
Liberty before structure
As always, there are exceptions to rules, but if you’re dealing with challenging behaviors from your dog, these three mistakes are key.
Affection before boundaries has the potential to lead to an imbalance in your relationship with your dog. You’ve heard of “too much of a good thing,” right? Too much affection without expectation can create over-bonded, anxious behavior. Not in every dog, but it definitely happens.
Fun before work can sometimes lead to pushy, “entitled” behavior from your dog. A dog that demands attention eventually starts to exhibit other challenging behaviors.
Liberty before structure at times can allow undesired behavior to be rehearsed and reinforced in a dog. Like a child, a dog needs structure to learn about the world around them. With too much free time on its hands and no daily routine, a dog is bound to get into things they shouldn’t, and make other bad choices.
Behavioral Training versus Obedience Training
Now that we understand how certain allowances can condition unwanted behavior, we need to understand the differences between behavioral and obedience training. Increasingly, I have
families that come to me with “already trained dogs” that are still exhibiting hard-to-control behaviors such as anxiousness, aggression, or even silly “teenager” issues in a dog. Just recently, a family came in with a dog that knew basic commands—down, drop it, stay,
Struggling with your dog’s behavior?
come. Despite that trained behavior, the dog still struggled with issues: barking, jumping, lunging, door-darting, and pulling on the leash. But he was “trained.”
This is an all-too-common issue for so many. How do you fill the gap between the dog understanding basic commands and the dog actually performing those skills when needed? That is when you need more than obedience training.
It is important to understand your dog’s limitations. Genetics and early experiences play a huge role in behavior. Are you trying to turn your dog into something it is not? Did you accidentally expose your dog to scenarios it wasn’t ready for? Just like we do with children, we must recognize their limitations and work just inside that limit, helping them to gradually learn to tolerate stress and turn to a learned behavior in those moments. With this training, you are slowly raising their capacity for handling anxiety in a calm manner.
Also key is understanding the important difference between obedience training and behavioral training. A dog that knows obedience is not always a dog that behaves. Your relationship with your dog and how you spend your time with your dog will lay the foundation for you to be a good leader for your dog. The behaviors you require from your dog to have access to your space in the house, for example, if clearly understood, will keep your dog’s stress levels to a minimum. Behavioral training is like raising children. We are always training—every moment, every interaction, a little at a time.
Turning Things Around
Are you ready to put in a realistic amount of time and work to address your dog’s challenges? So many people admit in sessions, “Well I practiced a little, but I could’ve done more.” And we can all relate. But you cannot reasonably put in the minimum amount of effort and then complain that your dog still misbehaves.
Just as we do with children, we have to parent our pets to some degree. You have to be present. You have to be constantly teaching a little at a time.
Effecting change in your dog is a 50/50 arrangement. You have to put in the same amount of effort as your dog. If you want to see big changes in your dog, you have got to live differently and be determined to live those changes until you find a new normal.
Are your dog’s basic needs being met before their triggers enter the picture? Are there potential medical concerns? So many dogs aren’t sleeping enough, played with enough, or given good quality-time opportunities to practice calmness. Do you rehearse calm and relaxed behavior with your dog while you are going about your day? If you want to see better behavior in your dog, rule out any medical issues with your dog, practice a prescribed rest routine, add some self-control rules to play encounters, and make time for relaxation exercises. There is no quick fix for behavior issues. Consider many approaches, be willing to try new things, and be committed!
Finding the Right Program
If you are considering getting training support for the first time, or trying again
after a failed program, you’ll want to think about what level of support you need. Not sure? Well, it depends on what kind of time you are willing to invest in training your dog. It also depends on what your dog’s challenges are. If you have lots of time to dedicate to practicing, private sessions might be for you. One-on-one sessions offer the opportunity to dig deeper into your questions and your specific training needs. Private sessions start you and your dog training together at the same time, so you learn at the same time as your dog is learning. Often, dogs learning new skills tend to be more responsive when the handler is experienced. But you are both student and teacher in private training—you have to teach your dog new skills while you learn to become a confident handler. That can be a lot for some families to juggle, and some owners find themselves asking, “How can I be the teacher guiding my dog through a scenario while I’m still learning the material myself?” It works for some families, and for others it isn’t enough help. For families that need extra support, we like to offer a more comprehensive option.
Consider sending your dog to an overnight training camp, like the one we offer at K9 Parent Training. Camp
with Manny affords your dog the chance to live the training and fast-track their progress. Tried a camp before? Most board and train programs fall short in the amount of follow-up support for the K9 parent. We like to consider the end of the program the very beginning of training, not the end.
Our overnight programs come with tons of follow-up support in the form of check-ins and private one-on-one sessions for the client. The community you are plugged into once the program is over will be a welcoming group of pet owners working with their pets on some of the same behaviors. We also invite you to join free maintenance activities to support you in implementing the training when your dog returns home. It takes a village to create change, and our village will create accountability, for you to live that change and make it last. Happy training!
Manny Guerra, HHCT, ABCDT, is the owner of K9 Parent Training. 760-813-5250 k9parenttraining.com
Care 7
Thousand Palms Clinic
Indio Clinic
Animal Samaritans Capital Campaign, Phase One has begun! During our Thousand Palms Clinic Remodel, clients will be seen at Indio Clinic and our temporary location in Palm Desert: 77-840 Flora Road, Palm Desert.
Animal Samaritans Capital Campaign, Phase One has begun! During our Thousand Palms Clinic Remodel, clients will be seen at Indio Clinic and our temporary location in Palm Desert: 77-840 Flora Rd, Palm Desert
DAY CARE
Your four-legged friend will enjoy either a half or a full day, of air
cage-free indoor play, with plenty of fresh outdoor time in our fun play yards!
BOARDING
After a full day of play, your pup will enjoy a stay in their own private K9 Kennel. Staff on site 24-hours.
