June/July 2010 Issue of Pet Me! Magazine

Pet Me!

FREE TO GOOD HOMES!

Is Always…

RATTLESNAKE SEASON:

JUNE/JULY 2010

NEW COVER TO COME

Protect Your Dogs

IT TAKES A TEAM TO SPAY A CAT

Go Behind the Scenes of Your Cat’s Procedure

GARAGE MAHAL IN THE SCV TV Show Makes Local Animal Lover’s Dream Come True

MATTERS OF THE HEART

PICKING THE PERFECT KENNEL

How to Spot and Prevent Heart Disease in Pets

What you should look for in finding your pet’s “home away from home”

AT ONE OF TWO VERY SPECIAL UPCOMING EVENTS!

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TURTLE TALES

How to make your home turtle-iffic!

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FROM THE PUBLISHER Wow! It’s already summer in the SCV! Time to get outside and enjoy the great outdoors with your family and friends - two-legged and four-legged. We are so lucky to have the variety of outdoor environments so close to our community. Within a short drive you and Fido can hit the beach, climb a mountain, jump in a lake, hit the dusty trail, or just stop and smell those flowers!

While there’s nothing like hiking with our favorite pooch, on some of Santa Clarita’s favorite trails, you may come across an unwanted guest. Yes, its rattlesnake season, find out how to be prepared and what precautions you can take in this issue.

A couple of kind reminders for these heated SCV summers, take care to make sure your pooches paws are protected. Some people think that a pups paw pads are immune to hot pavement, this is not true, they are extremely sensitive.

Also, keep in mind that while you are in a tank top and shorts, your pooch is still wearing his winter coat. So take notice, have some fun and take advantage of the great weather we have right now with lots of outside activities. That way when those Dog Days of Summer in August hit, you can sit back and chill out - either at the lake or beach. You can always end you day by treating your pooch to a fabulous doggy spa to get out the sand and a summer haircut, what the heck treat yourself to one too!

As always, our magazine is geared to providing the most helpful, current information for pet owners, lovers, and advocates. If you have any questions or suggestions, please don’t hesitate to drop me a line.

Sincerely,

Bridget Alves

Publisher, Pet Me! Magazine

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FEATURES

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4 It’s Rattlesnake Season – Protect your Dogs

Vaccines are now available to prevent harm Dr. Terry Dayton, Ph. D, CAS, VDT

5 It Takes a Team to Spay a Cat Making sure your feline is treated well during her surgery - both before and after

By Dr. Tracy McFarland

6 Garage Mahal In The SCV

TV show turns garage into animal shelter Courtesy of Kyle Harris and Castaic Animal Shelter

7 Matters of the Heart

How to spot and prevent heart disease in pets

By Dr. Grewal

10 Information Resource Directory on pet supplies and services in and around the SCV

12 Puppy Diaries: Saving Tobi The art of choosing a rescue puppy

By Shayna Barraza

13 Picking The Perfect Kennel

What to look for in finding your pets “home away from home”

By Shayna Barraza

“I mean, here we come back from a grocery Ever consider what pets must think of us?

store with the most amazing haul — chicken, pork, half a cow. They must think we’re the greatest hunters on earth!

” ~ANNE TYLER, The Accidental Tourist ADVERTISING INFORMATION:

Direct: 661.255.9979 Fax: 866.259.9201 General e-mail: petadv@petmemag.com Web-site: www.petmemag.com Annual Subscription: $10

Find Us On Facebook - Search for Pet Me! Magazine PUBLISHER AND EDITOR

PRODUCTION/GRAPHICS

ADVERTISING/MARKETING

Pet Me! Publications

Bridget Alves

Shayna Barraza Sandie Allaway

ANi4 DESIGN PUBLISHED BY

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Shayna Barraza

16 Turtle Tales

How to make your home turtle-iffic!

Courtesy of Drs. Foster Smith

17 Kids & Pets

Fun things for kids, art & poems from readers

18 Furry Friends Help Sell Cars 19 Awesome Adoptables!

“

Most pets display so many humanlike traits and emotions it’s easy to forget they’re not gifted with the English language and then get snubbed when we talk to them and they don’t say anything back.

”

~ STEPHENIE GEIST Pet Me! Magazine™ 3

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JUNE/JULY 2010

It’s Rattlesnake Season!!

Protect Your Dogs

attlesnakes are found in wetlands, deserts, forests and mountains, they are California’s R only venomous serpents. We have six varieties that can all be found here in southern California. Snakes are most active in warmer seasons. Because Santa Clarita is already

Treatment of a Rattlesnake bite is expensive. The average cost to treat a dog bitten by a rattlesnake is between $1000 to $5000. Treatment can include hospitalization, intravenous fluids, anti-venom treatment and other medications. The anti-venom that is used on animals is the same treatment used on people and is regulated by the state. The manufactures of the anti-venom only sell a limited amount for the use of animals making it difficult to get at times and increasing the cost.

overall effects of the snakebite, reduce or eliminate the need for anti-venom and decrease your veterinary treatment costs. The vaccine is safer then anti-venom treatment.

The vaccine builds protective antibodies in your dog that starts neutralizing venom immediately. The average antibody in a recently vaccinated dog is comparable to the treatment of three vials of anti-venom. The vaccine does not mean that your dog does not need treatment if bitten. Only your veterinarian can determine if your dog is sufficiently protected and if further treatment is needed. The effectiveness of the vaccine is influenced by the location of the bite, the type of snake, the amount of venom injected and when the dog was vaccinated. Even Snake bites from non-venomous snakes are painful and can cause infections. Some breeds of dogs are considered a higher risk at being bitten the other dogs. Those dogs are hunting breeds and terriers. You may also want to consider attending a rattlesnake avoidance class as well.

The best way to protect your dog is to vaccinate your dog with the rattlesnake vaccine that can be obtained at your local veterinary clinic. The vaccination can reduce the

Dr. Terry Dayton, Ph. D, CAS, VDT Seco Canyon Animal Clinic

warming up- we have already had several reported cases of rattlesnake bites. Baby Rattlesnakes are considered even more dangerous then adults so do not let the size of the snake fool you. Rattlesnakes are born fully fanged. Young snakes have not learned how to control the amount of venom it releases. Most rattlesnakes contain hemotoxic venom that can causes tissue damage, shuts down organs and prevents the body’s blood the ability to clot.

Now Offering Bathing & Brushing

20341 Blue Cloud Rd., Saugus • Open Mon-Fri 8-6 • Sun 10-5 4 Pet Me! Magazine™ PetMe_JuneJuly2010.indd 4

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It Takes a Team to Spay a Cat

order for a cat to have a safe, In comfortable spay (ovariohysterectomy) so that she will not experience

periods of estrus or become pregnant, it takes a team of skilled, experienced professionals and lay staff at your veterinarians office.

First there is your phone call (or even an email) requesting information about the spay procedure. You might ask about how long your kitty will be in the hospital, what vaccines she will need ahead of time and what pain management she will receive.

You might also ask what the fees will be. A receptionist will answer these questions and then schedule your cat’s procedure. He or she will explain the steps you need to take at home to prepare your cat, such as withholding food for several hours beforehand.

The day before your cat’s surgery appointment, a receptionist will pull your file and prepare a written estimate of fees and surgery authorization for you to see the morning of surgery.

The morning of surgery (or at some offices the night before) you will drop off your cat and sign the surgical authorization. The receptionist or assistant will take your cat and bring her into the treatment room where she will be weighed, her temperature taken, and she will be made comfortable in the hospital ward.

Before her surgery, a veterinarian will examine her, which includes listening to her heart and lungs and palpating her abdomen. The veterinarian also verifies she has had

appropriate vaccines and is ready for surgery. A veterinary technician may take a blood sample and run several laboratory tests to make sure your cat’s kidneys and liver are healthy since they will be working to remove the anesthetics and other drugs from your cat’s body after surgery.

Depending on the patient and veterinarian, your cat may have an intravenous catheter placed by the doctor or technician to provide access for life saving drugs should an emergency arise, as well as the intravenous anesthetics that help your cat “sleep” through her operation. Pre-anesthetic medications such as pain meds and tranquilizers may be given once the intravenous drugs are injected to cause loss of consciousness, an endotracheal (breathing) tube is inserted into your cat’s trachea (windpipe) by the veterinary technician or veterinarian and gas maintenance anesthesia is started and will continue until the spay is completed.

Your cat is placed on a warming pad on her back to maintain body temperature, her abdomen is shaved, her bladder is gently expressed (emptied) by the technician and then our patient is transferred to the O.R. (operating room) and again placed on a warming pad.

The veterinary technician and veterinary assistant work together to “prep” the surgical area with surgical scrub (soap) and alcohol rinses, while the surgeon dons a cap and mask and thoroughly scrubs his or her hands.

The doctor is assisted by the techni-

cian or veterinary assistant to put on a sterile surgeon’s gown and gloves, the patient is draped with a sterile cloth, the sterile pack of instruments is presented to the surgeon by the technician and the operation proceeds, with the technician monitoring anesthesia, including using advanced instruments to measure oxygen saturation and blood pressure.

The technician will assist the surgeon with suture packs and anything else he or she might need. Once the last suture (stitch) is placed, the veterinary technician monitors the cat until she is awake enough to have her breathing tube removed. She is then placed in a recovery ward and the technician or an assistant monitors her until she is fully awake.

She will spend the night in a quiet, comfortable cage with towels or blanket to cushion her sleep. Some spay/neuter clinics have spay patients go home the night of the surgery, in which case she will need to rest quietly in a small room.

The Cat Doctor & Friends prefers to keep our spay patients overnight so

they can get additional pain management as needed post-op and even the next morning. A kennel attendant will provide food, water and a litter box for your cat while she recuperates and a technician or the doctor will check her incision and temperature the next morning. She can then go home and after the doctor completes the surgical write up and progress notes, a receptionist will prepare the file for check out. If she has external sutures or staples she will need to return in 1014 days to have them removed by the doctor or technician. At The Cat Doctor & Friends, we use a subcuticular closure with no external sutures, so this additional visit is not needed.

As you can see, it really does take a team to spay a cat!

Dr. Tracy McFarland

Caring for cats and the people who love them.

Dr. Tracy M

Dr. Rebecca

cFarland

Palmer

The Cat Doctor & Friends

26055 Bouquet Canyon Rd. • Santa Clarita, CA 91350 For Appointments Please Call :

(661) 259-5288

Peace Of Mind Pet Care JENNIFER BISBEE,

Registered Veterinary Technician

Peace of Mind Pet Care provides loving, professional, at-home pet care by a registered veterinary technician for the Santa Clarita Valley area.

For Pet Care Please Call :

Whether you're heading out of town, or work late and just need someone to feed, or medicate your pet, Peace of Mind Pet Care will be there when you can't.

(661) 714-2839

c a t d o c t o r. c o m • p e a c e o f m i n d f o r p e t s . c o m

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JUNE/JULY 2010

V n C I S e Th

W

Host, Bill Goldberg, and Kyle is holding Lily, a puppy mill survivor.

hen Kyle Harris of Canyon Country saw six-foot-four, 275 pound Bill Goldberg tear up, she knew the right crew had arrived. And what was the former NFL football player and professional wrestler choked up about? The same things that bothered the professional pet sitter: brutalized and neglected dogs and cats.

While Harris has been running a pet sitting service and assisting the Castaic Animal Shelter with its overflow of animals for the past six years, Goldberg has been a spokesperson for the Humane Society of America.

So when Harris told her story to the reality series Garage Mahal, it just so happened that Goldberg was the host of the show.

“It was a slam dunk,” said Harris.” I still can’t believe it. But the DIY network

show and what we are trying to do here were a perfect match.”

Beside the dogs, animal shelter volunteers Clare Storey, Hsiawen Hull, and Debbie Rosato regularly descend upon Harris’ garage, bringing needy animals and helping her with problem animals and clean up.

Shelter officers often show up in uniform with a needy dog in the Animal Control truck. “It is a team effort”, Harris stressed.

Thirty-one puppies have been fostered in this garage so far this year.

Harris is also very active in spay/neuter education and anti-puppy mill legislation.

In three days the Garage Mahal was complete. “I was amazed.

When Bill Goldberg led Jim (Harris’ husband) and I in for ‘The Reveal’ on day three, I cried,” said Harris.

Garage Mahal Answers Foster Mom’s Prayers

The crew has a little playtime with Lily, a puppy mill survivor.

And for good reason. She had storage shelves, feed bins, elevated cages on a specially built kennel, a large dog door, electrical works, two new energy efficient washer/dryers, cabinet tops, and a deep sink for washing animals. Instead of a porous garage floor, there was newly polished floor with

a soy-based sealant. “They even put in a special drain for speedy clean ups,” said Harris.

In addition, Steve Goldberg, the host’s brother and owner of Muttropolis , donated many dog supplies, such as kennels, beds, bowls, and leashes to the project. Fresh painted green walls are

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Getting to grips with the jackhammer is Jim, Kyle’s husband.

Officer Taylor and Officer Harrison, returning the puppies after being spayed and neutered prior to going to their forever homes Kyle talks with Garage Mahal about her dream to help shelter homeless animals.

accented with the white storage shelves. A specially cut logo on one wall says Kyle’s Critter Care.

“We’re making the entire space functional and seamless,” said Goldberg.

“I’m ecstatic because it’s another way to give animals a voice. This is something that will definitely make a difference. She’s [Harris] a

very worthy person. You can tell her passion. In a day and age when people only think of themselves, it’s great to see someone

If you are seriously considering fostering dogs for the Castaic Animal Shelter, please visit Kyle’s website at www.kyles customcrittercare.com.

Volunteer classes are helping [others]. It’s very forming NOW! To download volunteer rewarding.” applications, please visit Garage Mahal airs Frihttp://animalcare. days on DIY network at lacounty.gov 9:30 p.m.

Se Habla Español Dog & Cat Boarding JORGE A. BARRERA, D.V.M. & Associates Available

Water Fun for Exercise & Therapy For Your Dog!

• Internal Medicine • Intensive Care • Orthopedics

VPI Pet Insurance, Senior Discount

In Home Boarding: $30 per night • $15 for 1/2 day Round Trip Pick-Up and Drop-Off $20

Trish Cohen • 661-618-6628 • www.hasshaus.com Certified in Canine Water Therapy Since 2007

A Tip From The Pros..

If using your central AC/heating regularly, air filters must be changed monthly to maintain a healthy & efficient indoor environment for you and your pets. Dr. Air Care specializes in air quality & odor control for homes with pets. We offer a number of tools to help you maintain a clean indoor environment. If you feel sick while leaving in your home it may very well be the air that your breathing.

For a limited time you can receive a free dander & allergy test for your home. Call Dr. Air Care today for a free over the phone or in home consultation at 888-401-VENT.

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MANY DISEASES OF PEOPLE ALSO OCCUR IN PETS. A PROBLEM THAT IS COMMON IN PEOPLE, DOGS, AND CATS IS HEART DISEASE. WHILE THESE DISORDERS HAVE SOME THINGS IN COMMON, MANY AILMENTS OF THE HEART IN PETS ARE COMPLETELY DIFFERENT THAN WHAT OCCURS IN PEOPLE. RECENT SURVEYS HAVE SHOWN THAT 11% OF ALL DOGS HAVE HEART DISEASE, AND UP TO 20% OF ALL CATS MAY HAVE SOME DEGREE OF HEART DISEASE. The statistics change depending on the age and breed of pet. Approximately one-third of dogs 13 years of age and older will have heart disease. Some breeds of dogs have higher rates of heart disease than others. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is the breed with the highest rate of heart disease, most commonly degenerative mitral valve disease.

It is a genetic disease that causes a heart valve to become deformed. Some veterinary cardiologists say this disease may occur in 80 to 90% of Cavaliers.

Other breeds of dogs with higher than normal rates of heart disease include Dachshund, Doberman Pinscher, Great Dane, and small breeds in general. Cat breeds predisposed to heart disease are Maine Coon, Ragdoll, American Shorthair, and Persians; these also have a genetic basis.

Heart attacks are common in people but do not occur in pets because pets do not have coronary vessel disease.

High levels of cholesterol and plaque clog the arteries supplying the heart muscle in some people; when the muscle reaches a critical point, a heart attack occurs.

Pets process cholesterol differently than people do; pet’s blood vessels do not become occluded.

Heart disease in dogs can be divided into three types, in order of prevalence, as valve disease, cardiomyopathy, and congenital heart deformities.

Valve disease occurs as the pet ages, and causes the valves to become thickened and irregular so they leak. In a normal heart, as the heart contracts, the valves fall into place and create a seal so the blood can go only one direction as the heart squeezes. When the valves leak, some blood can go backwards, and cause problems because there is over-distention of the 8 Pet Me! Magazine™ PetMe_JuneJuly2010.indd 8

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upper heart chamber. Eventually, as the valve leaks more, more blood goes backwards, and fluid builds up behind the poorly functioning pump (heart), and the pet goes into congestive heart failure.

Heartworm disease is a common cause of heart and lung disease in both cats and dogs. This can cause congestive heart failure, fluid build up in the abdomen, weight loss, coughing (especially in cats), or sudden death. All dogs Cardiomyopathy and cats should be is more common in on a monthly heartthe larger breeds worm preventative.

• Coughing of dogs, especially • F luid build up in the abdomen For all these heart Doberman Pinschers •D ifficulty breathing, using the diseases, except and Great Danes. abdominal muscles to help breathing heartworm disease, Most frequently • I ncreased respiratory the best method this is in the form of rate (not panting) of diagnosis or dilated Cardiomyo•W eakness evaluation is by an pathy, where the •P oor or gray color echocardiogram (a heart muscle beof the gums cardiac ultrasound) • E xercise intolerance comes thin and that looks inside • Collapse flaccid, and can’t the heart to evalu• Fainting spells which contract well. This ate the chamber may look like a seizure is a very serious dissizes, valves, and ease with a poor direction and qualprognosis. When people have this problem they are ity of the blood flow. An echo should be performed commonly put on the heart transplant list. only by a veterinary cardiologist.

Dr. Grewal, DVM There are many different types of congenital heart deformities, although none are especially common in pets. Some of these are serious and some will never bother the pet. Patent ductus arteriosus is one of the more common congenital heart diseases in the dog.

SIGNS OF HEART DISEASE IN PETS

Cats rarely have valvular or congenital heart diseases. Cardiomyopathy is by far the most common heart disease in cats. There are several different types of Cardiomyopathy, but Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy (HCM) is by far the most common form. With this disease, the heart muscle becomes very thickened, to the point it decreases the amount of blood that can come into the heart, and the heart wall becomes stiff so that it can’t pump well. HCM cats are prone to forming clots in the heart that are then flushed to other areas of the body; symptoms depend on where the clot goes. The most common event is for the clot to be washed down the aorta, and to lodge where the aorta divides to go into the rear legs. These cats are presented because they suddenly can’t use their back legs and are in pain. HCM cats can also go into congestive heart failure, or they can have acute death.

The most frustrating aspect for the veterinarian is that one-third of HCM cats do not have a murmur.

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PET CARE

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RESOURCES

RESCUES & MORE Ongoing Adoptions:

he SCV t in s t e V d Truste al Clinic h Stevenson Ranc l ta pi os Veterinary H Ave. ay gw in 25832 Hem Santa Clarita 661-799-0655 vet.org www.srvc.aaha

im Seco Canyon An on Road ny Ca co Se 27935 Santa Clarita 661-296-8848 fo nanimalclinic.in www.secocanyo

The Cat Doctor Rd. er Canyon nt Ce nary 26055 Bouquet Valencia Veteri ll Lane, ita ar Cl a nt hi Sa 23928 Summer 88 52 925 1ia 66 nc le Va .com or ct do www.cat 661-263-9000 om .c et av ci www.bestvalen Hospital.

VIP Veterinary n Rd. Cy 26111 Bouquet us Saug 387) 661-222-PETS (7 om l.c ta pi os th pe ip www.v

Friendly Fish Stores

Natural Wonders Fish & Pet Supplies 28018 Seco Cyn. Rd. Santa Clarita 661-298-2740 www.naturalwondersfish.com

Best boarding facilities in the SCV Canine Country Club 20341 Blue Cloud Road, Santa Clarita 661-296-0566 www.cccofscv.com

Castaic Canine Camp North Ridge Route Road, Castaic 661-257-0957 www.castaiccaninecamp.com

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June 6 • 12pm

Spa Day at Bunny Luv (fundraiser) 16742 Stagg Street Suite #104 Van Nuys, CA 91406

Petsmart Every Sat 10-3pm West Palmdale Petsmart 39523 10th Street, Palmdale GreySave Meet & Greet Adoptable Greyhounds Petco Fourth Sunday (Castaic Shelter) of each month.

Every 2nd Sunday Northridge Petco 26501 Bouquet Cyn.Rd. Noon-3pm Santa Clarita, CA 8800 Tampa Ave, Northridge

Adoption Events: June 18th • 12pm Gentle Barn Golf Tournament Robinson Ranch Golf Course Santa Clarita, CA

Sunday, June 27 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hawgz4Dawgz 3748 West Nickels Ave Acton CA hawgz4dawgz@yahoo.com

Brittany Foundation’s Famous Bake Sale & Adoption Event Santa Monica Airport Antique Market South Side • Airport Ave. off Bundy (Visit our adoption booth from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.!)

Saturday, June 19

Sunday, July 18

June 27, 2010

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique 642 Lindero Cyn. Rd. Agoura

Animal Shelters Castaic Animal Shelter 31044 N Charlie Canyon Rd., Castaic 661-257-3191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Lancaster Shelter 5210 W Avenue “I,” Lancaster 661-940-4191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Kern County Animal Control 201 S. Mt. Vernon Bakersfield 661-868-7100 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov

Pet Supply Adoption Day 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

26831 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. Saugus

Remarkable Rescues

Bunnyluv 16742 Stagg Street, Suite #104 Van Nuys • 818-988 – 4488 www.bunnyluv.com Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce • 661-713-5240 www.brittanyfoundation.com Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue Acton • 661-273-9822 www.forgottenangelsrescue.org Second Chance Rescue Acton • 661-269-1041 Villalobos Rescue Center (Agua Dulce) • 310-842-8164 adoption@vrcpittbull.com

JUNE/JULY 2010

Animal Encounters ™

JUNE/JULY 2010

™

In The Santa Clarita Valley

Gibbons

Snakes & Tarantulas

661-943-4915 or 661-296-2737 • 19100 Esguerra, Saugus Technically an ape, these animals are smaller than a chimpanzee and do not have tails. The forty gibbons at the Gibbon Conservation Center live as families in outdoor enclosures on the 2.5-acre site located across the street from Lombardi Ranch on Bouquet Canyon. The gibbons will entertain you with their beautifully pitched voices and acrobatic antics.

Call ahead and join a scheduled tour, or reserve a private tour. The center is always looking for volunteers, age 18 and over. Because the center is not open to the public except by appointment, please call ahead. Admission is tax deductible.

Also check their website Tours page for upcoming tours.

661-259-7721 • 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd., Newhall Get up close and personal with some of the scariest insects and reptiles from our area. Saturdays at 1:00 PM the Placerita Nature Center staff bring out these creatures to give you an opportunity to touch them. The Junior Ranger program for kids 6-12 takes place the last Sunday of the month from 2-4 in the afternoon all year long. The Nature Center is open every day, 9-5. Free.

Gibbon Conservation Center

Farm Animal Rescue The Gentle Barn

661-252-2440 15825 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country This animal rescue shelter opens its doors to the public Sundays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Teaching kindness and compassion to animals, you’ll have an opportunity to not only interact with the pigs, but to brush the horses, hug the cows, hold the chickens, hang out with a turkey, and pet the goats and sheep.

Animal Acres

5200 Escondido Canyon Acton, CA 93510 • Ph: 661-269-5404 E-mail: info@animalacres.org Web: www.animalacres.org

Rivendale Animal Sanctuary

661-268-1133 • Agua Dulce The passion of this sanctuary is to save ponies, horses and donkeys. They have also rescued other abused animals.

All of the animals here are not suitable for adoption.

The public is welcome to visit by appointment. Location will be provided when you call.

Bison

William S. Hart Park

Museum Information: 661-254-4584 Park Information: 661-259-0855 24151 San Fernando Road, Newhall Several bison roam the hillside near the William S. Hart Museum, donated by Disney in 1962. Park the car in the lot and walk up the drive toward the mansion. They can be difficult to spot; look for the chain link fence ‘feeding area’ to your right just before you reach the mansion. They are usually there every day between 6:30-noon, and then again at 4:00 pm for feeding. Free. While there, stop in for a tour of the mansion, offered Wednesday-Sunday, hours vary. Free.

Barnyard Zoo William S. Hart Park

661-259-0855 • 24151 San Fernando Road, Newhall Chickens, horses and other barnyard animals await your visit at the small zoo in William S. Hart Park, just to the right of the Big Hall. Admission is free. Open daily sunrise to 6:00 pm (summer), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (winter).

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PET CARE

Birds of Prey

661-268-0840 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce On the first Sunday of every winter month, the rangers at Vasquez Rocks bring folks closer to the magnificent birds in our area. Check the link above at our Calendar of Events for exact times, but do note that programs are cancelled due to inclement weather. (It can be beautiful here in the Santa Clarita Valley and quite nasty at Vasquez Rocks, and vice versa, so call the park to confirm the presentation.)

Macaws

Green Landscape Nursery

These brightly colored parrots can sometimes be heard throughout Green Landscape Nursery. It’s located at the corner of San Fernando Road & Cinema Drive. Head past the main building into the shaded area on your right, toward the giant steel cages. But watch your fingers! Note: At any given time, there are about a dozen Morning Dove nests and 30 or more hummingbirds scattered throughout the nursery-including the very beautiful Costa. The cheerful staff is more than happy to point you in the direction of the living creatures on the property. This is also one of the very best sources for quality plants and expert info on what will grow in your yard here in the SCV.

Horse Sanctuaries Animal Safe Haven Foundation

661-268-1879 • Agua Dulce Horses, livestock, cats and dogs reside in this sanctuary for senior animals who’s owners can no longer care for them.

Visitors are welcome Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

Location will be provided upon calling.

Exotic Animal Encounters

Hollywood Animals Exotic Animal Training School

323-665-9500 Get up close to animal actors during a one day seminar, or ride an elephant during a private animal encounter.

Please note that while many of these rescues and sanctuaries do not charge an admission, most are run by volunteers with very little funding-if any. They all appreciate your donations, and many seek volunteers to love and work with the animals. Also, many are located at personal residences, so please call ahead as requested.

RESCUES & MORE

SCV Pawpular Pet Suppliers

Placerita Nature Center

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area

RESOURCES

Perfect Pet Portraits Paw Prints Pet Portraiture 818-887-9010 www.pawprintspictures.com

Dynamic Dog Trainers Canine Water Therapy Trish Cohen (Certified) 661-618-6628 www.hasshaus.com Linda Chisholm 661-257-0957 Dogone-It Mobile Dog Training

By Marlee 661-251-3873

Pet Supply Santa Clarita 26831 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita 661-296-2654 www.petsupplysantaclarita.com Pet Stop 16522 Soledad Canyon Rd. Canyon Country 661-251-3867

Knock-out Nutritional Supplements Vetraceuticals 888-585-6722 www.myvetra4pets/com

Perfect Petfinder Barkcode 310-806-2000 www.barkcode.com

Pampering Pet Sitters Dogone-it • Marlee 661-251-3873 Jennifer Bisbee 661-714-2839 Loving Care Pet Sitting 661-443-0078

Great Groomers in SCV U-Wash Doggie (3 locations) 23013 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 255-9600 24144 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 284-3600 29469 The Old Road, Castaic (661) 257-0695 www.uwashdoggie.com www.petwash.com

Valencia’s Dog House 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 702-0507 www.valenciasdoghouse.com

Pet Friendly Happening Hotels

Comfort Suites 25380 The Old Road Stevenson Ranch 661-254-7700 www.choicehotels.com

Pet Friendly Property Management

Full Service Real Estate Group 27943 Seco Canyon Rd. #518 Santa Clarita, CA 91350 661-255-9979 fsregroup@aol.com

Best Western Valencia Inn 27413 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia 661-255-0555 www.book.bestwestern.com

Residence Inn 25320 The Old Rd. Santa Clarita 661-290-2800 www.marriot.com

NOW HIRING ADVERTISING SALESPEOPLE If you love pets and love to sell we need you!

Please email your resume to: info@petmemag.com or Fax it to 866-259-9201

Pet Me! Magazine™ 11 5/25/10 3:48:53 PM

FEATURES

PET CARE

Pet Me! Magazine

RESOURCES

RESCUES & MORE Ongoing Adoptions:

he SCV t in s t e V d Truste al Clinic h Stevenson Ranc l ta pi os Veterinary H Ave. ay gw in 25832 Hem Santa Clarita 661-799-0655 vet.org www.srvc.aaha

im Seco Canyon An on Road ny Ca co Se 27935 Santa Clarita 661-296-8848 fo nanimalclinic.in www.secocanyo

The Cat Doctor Rd. er Canyon nt Ce nary 26055 Bouquet Valencia Veteri ll Lane, ita ar Cl a nt hi Sa 23928 Summer 88 52 925 1ia 66 nc le Va .com or ct do www.cat 661-263-9000 om .c et av ci www.bestvalen Hospital.

VIP Veterinary n Rd. Cy 26111 Bouquet us Saug 387) 661-222-PETS (7 om l.c ta pi os th pe ip www.v

Friendly Fish Stores

Natural Wonders Fish & Pet Supplies 28018 Seco Cyn. Rd. Santa Clarita 661-298-2740 www.naturalwondersfish.com

Best boarding facilities in the SCV Canine Country Club 20341 Blue Cloud Road, Santa Clarita 661-296-0566 www.cccofscv.com

Castaic Canine Camp North Ridge Route Road, Castaic 661-257-0957 www.castaiccaninecamp.com

10 Pet Me! Magazine™ PetMe_JuneJuly2010.indd 10-11

June 6 • 12pm

Spa Day at Bunny Luv (fundraiser) 16742 Stagg Street Suite #104 Van Nuys, CA 91406

Petsmart Every Sat 10-3pm West Palmdale Petsmart 39523 10th Street, Palmdale GreySave Meet & Greet Adoptable Greyhounds Petco Fourth Sunday (Castaic Shelter) of each month.

Every 2nd Sunday Northridge Petco 26501 Bouquet Cyn.Rd. Noon-3pm Santa Clarita, CA 8800 Tampa Ave, Northridge

Adoption Events: June 18th • 12pm Gentle Barn Golf Tournament Robinson Ranch Golf Course Santa Clarita, CA

Sunday, June 27 7 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hawgz4Dawgz 3748 West Nickels Ave Acton CA hawgz4dawgz@yahoo.com

Brittany Foundation’s Famous Bake Sale & Adoption Event Santa Monica Airport Antique Market South Side • Airport Ave. off Bundy (Visit our adoption booth from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.!)

Saturday, June 19

Sunday, July 18

June 27, 2010

11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Shaggy Chic Pet Boutique 642 Lindero Cyn. Rd. Agoura

Animal Shelters Castaic Animal Shelter 31044 N Charlie Canyon Rd., Castaic 661-257-3191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Lancaster Shelter 5210 W Avenue “I,” Lancaster 661-940-4191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Kern County Animal Control 201 S. Mt. Vernon Bakersfield 661-868-7100 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov

Pet Supply Adoption Day 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

26831 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. Saugus

Remarkable Rescues

Bunnyluv 16742 Stagg Street, Suite #104 Van Nuys • 818-988 – 4488 www.bunnyluv.com Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce • 661-713-5240 www.brittanyfoundation.com Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue Acton • 661-273-9822 www.forgottenangelsrescue.org Second Chance Rescue Acton • 661-269-1041 Villalobos Rescue Center (Agua Dulce) • 310-842-8164 adoption@vrcpittbull.com

JUNE/JULY 2010

Animal Encounters ™

JUNE/JULY 2010

™

In The Santa Clarita Valley

Gibbons

Snakes & Tarantulas

661-943-4915 or 661-296-2737 • 19100 Esguerra, Saugus Technically an ape, these animals are smaller than a chimpanzee and do not have tails. The forty gibbons at the Gibbon Conservation Center live as families in outdoor enclosures on the 2.5-acre site located across the street from Lombardi Ranch on Bouquet Canyon. The gibbons will entertain you with their beautifully pitched voices and acrobatic antics.

Call ahead and join a scheduled tour, or reserve a private tour. The center is always looking for volunteers, age 18 and over. Because the center is not open to the public except by appointment, please call ahead. Admission is tax deductible.

Also check their website Tours page for upcoming tours.

661-259-7721 • 19152 Placerita Canyon Rd., Newhall Get up close and personal with some of the scariest insects and reptiles from our area. Saturdays at 1:00 PM the Placerita Nature Center staff bring out these creatures to give you an opportunity to touch them. The Junior Ranger program for kids 6-12 takes place the last Sunday of the month from 2-4 in the afternoon all year long. The Nature Center is open every day, 9-5. Free.

Gibbon Conservation Center

Farm Animal Rescue The Gentle Barn

661-252-2440 15825 Sierra Hwy, Canyon Country This animal rescue shelter opens its doors to the public Sundays from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm. Teaching kindness and compassion to animals, you’ll have an opportunity to not only interact with the pigs, but to brush the horses, hug the cows, hold the chickens, hang out with a turkey, and pet the goats and sheep.

Animal Acres

5200 Escondido Canyon Acton, CA 93510 • Ph: 661-269-5404 E-mail: info@animalacres.org Web: www.animalacres.org

Rivendale Animal Sanctuary

661-268-1133 • Agua Dulce The passion of this sanctuary is to save ponies, horses and donkeys. They have also rescued other abused animals.

All of the animals here are not suitable for adoption.

The public is welcome to visit by appointment. Location will be provided when you call.

Bison

William S. Hart Park

Museum Information: 661-254-4584 Park Information: 661-259-0855 24151 San Fernando Road, Newhall Several bison roam the hillside near the William S. Hart Museum, donated by Disney in 1962. Park the car in the lot and walk up the drive toward the mansion. They can be difficult to spot; look for the chain link fence ‘feeding area’ to your right just before you reach the mansion. They are usually there every day between 6:30-noon, and then again at 4:00 pm for feeding. Free. While there, stop in for a tour of the mansion, offered Wednesday-Sunday, hours vary. Free.

Barnyard Zoo William S. Hart Park

661-259-0855 • 24151 San Fernando Road, Newhall Chickens, horses and other barnyard animals await your visit at the small zoo in William S. Hart Park, just to the right of the Big Hall. Admission is free. Open daily sunrise to 6:00 pm (summer), 9:00 am to 3:00 pm (winter).

FEATURES

Pet Me! Magazine

PET CARE

Birds of Prey

661-268-0840 10700 W. Escondido Canyon Road, Agua Dulce On the first Sunday of every winter month, the rangers at Vasquez Rocks bring folks closer to the magnificent birds in our area. Check the link above at our Calendar of Events for exact times, but do note that programs are cancelled due to inclement weather. (It can be beautiful here in the Santa Clarita Valley and quite nasty at Vasquez Rocks, and vice versa, so call the park to confirm the presentation.)

Macaws

Green Landscape Nursery

These brightly colored parrots can sometimes be heard throughout Green Landscape Nursery. It’s located at the corner of San Fernando Road & Cinema Drive. Head past the main building into the shaded area on your right, toward the giant steel cages. But watch your fingers! Note: At any given time, there are about a dozen Morning Dove nests and 30 or more hummingbirds scattered throughout the nursery-including the very beautiful Costa. The cheerful staff is more than happy to point you in the direction of the living creatures on the property. This is also one of the very best sources for quality plants and expert info on what will grow in your yard here in the SCV.

Horse Sanctuaries Animal Safe Haven Foundation

661-268-1879 • Agua Dulce Horses, livestock, cats and dogs reside in this sanctuary for senior animals who’s owners can no longer care for them.

Visitors are welcome Saturday and Sunday by appointment.

Location will be provided upon calling.

Exotic Animal Encounters

Hollywood Animals Exotic Animal Training School

323-665-9500 Get up close to animal actors during a one day seminar, or ride an elephant during a private animal encounter.

Please note that while many of these rescues and sanctuaries do not charge an admission, most are run by volunteers with very little funding-if any. They all appreciate your donations, and many seek volunteers to love and work with the animals. Also, many are located at personal residences, so please call ahead as requested.

RESCUES & MORE

SCV Pawpular Pet Suppliers

Placerita Nature Center

Vasquez Rocks Natural Area

RESOURCES

Perfect Pet Portraits Paw Prints Pet Portraiture 818-887-9010 www.pawprintspictures.com

Dynamic Dog Trainers Canine Water Therapy Trish Cohen (Certified) 661-618-6628 www.hasshaus.com Linda Chisholm 661-257-0957 Dogone-It Mobile Dog Training

By Marlee 661-251-3873

Pet Supply Santa Clarita 26831 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita 661-296-2654 www.petsupplysantaclarita.com Pet Stop 16522 Soledad Canyon Rd. Canyon Country 661-251-3867

Knock-out Nutritional Supplements Vetraceuticals 888-585-6722 www.myvetra4pets/com

Perfect Petfinder Barkcode 310-806-2000 www.barkcode.com

Pampering Pet Sitters Dogone-it • Marlee 661-251-3873 Jennifer Bisbee 661-714-2839 Loving Care Pet Sitting 661-443-0078

Great Groomers in SCV U-Wash Doggie (3 locations) 23013 Soledad Canyon Road, Santa Clarita (661) 255-9600 24144 Lyons Avenue, Newhall (661) 284-3600 29469 The Old Road, Castaic (661) 257-0695 www.uwashdoggie.com www.petwash.com

Valencia’s Dog House 27674 Newhall Ranch Road, Valencia (661) 702-0507 www.valenciasdoghouse.com

Pet Friendly Happening Hotels

Comfort Suites 25380 The Old Road Stevenson Ranch 661-254-7700 www.choicehotels.com

Pet Friendly Property Management

Full Service Real Estate Group 27943 Seco Canyon Rd. #518 Santa Clarita, CA 91350 661-255-9979 fsregroup@aol.com

Best Western Valencia Inn 27413 Wayne Mills Place, Valencia 661-255-0555 www.book.bestwestern.com

Residence Inn 25320 The Old Rd. Santa Clarita 661-290-2800 www.marriot.com

NOW HIRING ADVERTISING SALESPEOPLE If you love pets and love to sell we need you!

Please email your resume to: info@petmemag.com or Fax it to 866-259-9201

Pet Me! Magazine™ 11 5/25/10 3:48:53 PM

FEATURES

Pet Me! Magazine

™

Puppy Diaries:

JUNE/JULY 2010

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly One girl’s journey into puppy parenting

SAVING TOBI - THE ART OF CHOOSING A RESCUE PUPPY

We

had already spent hours researching about dog breeds, personalities, and which were best for families with children.

Based on that information, we had a general idea of what kind of dog we wanted. When we decided to rescue a dog from a shelter rather than purchase one from a breeder, all of that kind of went out the window. Not entirely, but there is a limited selection to choose from, thus you may go in wanting a Chihuahua and come out with a German Shepherd. No, really. It happens. Reasons for this vary, yet most of us in this situation are motivated by the perfect combination of peer pressure and a hint of guilt. With our objective in place, the rescue mission (or should I say hunt) began.

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During our first visit to the shelter, we found a little puppy that we kind of liked. We weren’t crazy about him, but figured we would learn to love him.

I mean, at least we were rescuing him, right? (Here’s that combination of guilt and peer pressure I was telling you about). We soon came to our senses and remembered our vow to commit to keeping our next puppy forever. In the end, we decided to wait and find one who really pulled at our heart strings. Not what we really wanted to do in the passion of the moment, yet it seemed right. Of course the kids were crawling out of their skin, waiting to get their hands on a puppy to call their own. You can imagine their disappointment when we broke the news that we were going to have to go home empty-handed. Needless to say, our first trip to the shelter didn’t turn out how we’d hoped it would.

But one long week later, we piled into the car and drove an hour to give one more attempt at finding the perfect puppy to love. At the shelter, things hadn’t gone so well this time either. As we took one last stroll through the kennels before leaving, we spotted her. She hadn’t been there just a few minutes earlier; at least we hadn’t seen her. She stole my heart at first glance. When I saw her, I immediately made up my mind that we had to take her home (of course I didn’t tell anyone, but that was my secret plan). I pointed her out to the family and everyone was enamored. She was just sitting there, perfectly posed, at the front of the kennel staring outward. Her fur was a soft apricot color, with a black muzzle, and her floppy white paws were too big for her tiny body. She had the most hopeful look in her eyes. After all of three seconds, we unanimously agreed we wanted to take her home.

DOGONE-IT! PET SITTING

Marlee (661) 251-3873

I love ‘em when you ha ve to lea ve ‘em!

Mobile Dog Training • Dog Walking

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JUNE/JULY 2010

FEATURES

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We went to the front to get some information about her; it was a miserable wait. It took 30 minutes for us to finally speak with the woman behind the desk.

Let me remind you that we are talking about waiting 30 minutes in a small crowded room (that didn’t smell like roses), in the middle of summer, with flies harassing us the entire time. The things we do for love! As it turned out, she had just been spayed three days earlier, which meant this was the first day she could be released. This was great news. Unfortunately, we had to get back in line to fill out paperwork, etc. We picked another number and waited 40 minutes this time, but the entire wait was worth it. We paid our small fee, loaded her up into the car, and we were off.

On the way home, Tobi was jittery, but it was to be expected. She was only three months old and had no idea what was happening. A few minutes down the road, we found the closest grassy area, and took a pit stop for Tobi.

We hooked on her leash and gently placed her on the grass. She was so fragile.

As she clumsily walked through the grass, she reminded me of Bambi when he first tried to walk. Remember how his legs kept folding under him and all the forest animals were laughing? It was just like that. She hobbled around a bit, but never went to the bathroom; all the way home I was hoping she didn’t have an accident on my lap. Though you could feel the wonder and excitement in the air, it was a quiet ride as each of us sifted through our thoughts and expectations of how we could best accommodate Tobi to her forever home. Sadly, our euphoria would soon be replaced by feelings of frustration, helplessness, and disappointment. Just a short time had passed since we brought Tobi home, and we weren’t sure whether this new little puppy would be with us very much longer. Until next time….

Shayna Barraza is a freelance writer based in Santa Clarita You can contact her at scvwriter@yahoo.com

CASTAIC

When Your Family Pet Deserves The Best!

Lisa A. Pope, D.V.M. Amber Wheelbarger, D.V.M. • Full Service Veterinary Hospital • All surgical patients provided with pain medication • Microchip identification WE SEE & implantation available EXOTICS

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Let’s face it, when it comes to your canine children, you want the best for them. A place where the love and attention they need and want is guaranteed.

Castaic Canine Camp sits on 17 pristine acres of land adjacent Castaic Lake. Castaic Canine Camp offers boarding, daycare, training facilities, and services for all ages, breeds and sizes of canines.

Castaic Canine Camp accepts furry guests for a day visit or extended stay, and offers inter-action with other dogs or separate accommodations according to your pet’s special needs...and your needs for them.

Pet taxi is for those of you who know your pet

Castaic Canine Camp Offers: Boarding Daycare Pet Sittitng Dog Walking

Pet Taxi Training Pet Parties And Much More

HOURS:

Mon.,Wed., Fri. 8am-6pm Tues., Thurs.

8am-8pm Sat.- 8am-2pm

Pet Taxi is well to stay at home while you're gone for the day. But you know you can't make it on time to take your pet out where they need to go. We provide transportation to vet's office, groomer's, friend or relative's house, and even the airport. Wherever your pet may need to go or be picked up we can transport him. This service is not only for dogs, we also provide transportation for livestock. Also we can pick-up and deliver any supply you may need for your livestock and house pets. Rates depend on mileage, please call for more details.

(661)

799-0655 www.SRVC.com ATM CARDS ACCEPTED

(661) 257-0957 • (661) 257-1870 36975 Ridge Route Rd. • Castaic, Ca 91384 www.castaiccaninecamp.com • email: ossaonyx@aol.com

25832 Hemingway Ave. • Stevenson Ranch (Corner of Stevenson Ranch Road)

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FEATURES

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JUNE/JULY 2010

Sending Your Pet On A Sleepover Four Quick Tips for Picking the Perfect Kennel When you have to go out of town and your dog can’t tag along, where do you find someone to watch him? Though we’ve all found ourselves in a crunch at one time or another, scrolling through the yellow pages as you frantically lug your suitcase down the stairs, isn’t exactly the best way to choose a place for your dog to stay. If you want your dog to be safe and happy – and not hold a grudge when you return – put in some effort ahead of time to ensure he’ll be well taken care of.

So, let’s go back to the yellow pages. No, they’re not bad, but try asking around first to see if you can get some referrals. Ask your veterinarian, friends, family, or even people at the dog park to give you recommendations or share their experiences with you. Once you have a few names and numbers, start calling around and asking questions. Follow our quick tips below, to help you choose the best kennel for your furry friend: TAKE A TOUR Call your place of interest and ask to make an appointment for a tour of the facility. This is pretty much standard procedure for most places now, so you shouldn’t have a problem. If there is a problem, recognize that as a red flag and take your dog elsewhere.

be boarded. Not all places require this. If they don’t, consider giving your own dog a flea bath before you take him or after you pick him up (or both if you prefer).

TAKE FIDO FOR A VISIT It makes sense to stop by and let your dog visit before he’s left there overnight or longer. With the management’s consent, take your TAKE NOTE As you’re walking around the facility, dog around the facility. Let him sniff around and interkeep your senses attuned to what’s around you. Are act with the caretakers for a little while. Some places you overpowered by the smell of urine or feces? Does charge for this and others don’t. Either way, it’s well the place look like it is cleaned regularly? How about worth it to familiarize your dog with the kennel and the dog food bowls, bedding, and crates? Also, note have peace of mind while you’re away. the demeanor of the other dogs. Do they seem comOnce you’ve found a kennel with which you’re comfortable and well cared for? fortable—congratulations the footwork is done.

ASK QUESTIONS Don’t forget to ask a lot of ques- Now that you have a reliable place to leave your dog tions about how your dog will be cared for. You’ll while you’re out of town, you can relax. Well not exwant to ask how often he’s walked, how much time actly; now you have to say your goodbyes. Pet him, he spends outside, if he’ll be interacting with other hug him, scratch behind his ears, and then be on your dogs, which vaccinations other dogs are required to way. He already feels comfortable and doesn’t have have, and if they have access to a veterinarian for sick anxiety about it, neither should you. Enjoy your trip. dogs. Another important question to ask is whether Shayna Barraza a freelance writer based in Santa Clarita. dogs are required to have a flea bath before they can You can contact her at scvwriter@yahoo.com

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Avast ye mateys!

My guinea pig has scurvy!

Since the early maritime years the British have been called “Limeys”— a nickname rooted in their habit of taking citrus onto the high seas to prevent scurvy. Caused by vitamin C deficiency, scurvy can be fatal if left untreated long enough. In its early stages skin is unhealthy, hair falls out, bones ache, and the immune system is weakened, making other diseases more likely.

Today we don’t see many people afflicted with this ancient disease.

But the veterinary world still does, and one common patient is the pet

guinea pig. Unlike most domesticated animals, guinea pigs need vitamin C to survive. Without enough of it they develop scurvy just like those sailors.

Most people believe that the store-bought pelleted food they feed their little piggies is ideally formulated to maintain the health of their little friends. And they may be, but because vitamin C is light sensitive the vitamin can degrade by the time the guinea pig eats it—either in the bag or in the bowl.

To counter this, many people add a vitamin supplement to their guinea pig’s water supply. However, twenty minutes after the light hits the vitamin C it becomes worthless colored water. Even supplementing your pig’s diet with fresh items may not be sufficient. I have seen many piggies with classic scurvy signs even though they ate fresh items.

Preventing scurvy in your guinea pig will nearly always require oral

vitamin tablets. Guinea pigs require between 50-100 mg of vitamin C per day. Good choices are either children’s chewable tablets quartered to give 50-100 mg, or specially-made Oxbow brand apple-flavored tablets available at specialty stores or exotic animal veterinary hospital. You can give these orally, as treats, or dissolve them with a little water and administer it immediately with a syringe or dropper. Most piggies really love the flavored treat and will live a longer, healthier life because of it. by, Amber Wheelbarger, DVM

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Humidity

here are many different types of aquatic and semi-aquatic T turtles that you can keep, such as red-eared sliders, painted turtles, mud turtles, musk turtles, and Florida cooters.

Humidity needs vary widely by species. The more terrestrial turtles will need a lower humidity, while those who spend more time in the water will need a higher humidity. Speak with your veterinarian about what the proper humidity levels are for your turtle, and monitor levels with a hygrometer.

The substrate you use in the basking area will contribute to the humidity levels, so turtles that require less humidity should have drier substrate such as sand and dry mulch in their habitats, while turtles that need more humidity can use moister substrates such as damp mulch, soil, sphagnum moss, or peat moss.

JUNE/JULY 2010

turtles in the tank. Another factor that you may not have considered is how you feed your turtle. Be careful not to overfeed your turtle, as this will create excess waste, and always remove uneaten food to prevent it from fouling the water.

We recommend performing large water changes at least every two weeks, replacing with water of the same temperature. The exact water change schedule should be based on the above factors. If you are unsure of when you should clean the aquarium, consult your veterinarian.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after washing the tank or handling any of the accessories to prevent possible transmission of salmonella.

Each species will have its own specific housing requirements that are necessary to promote proper health. However, there are basic guidelines that all aquatic and semi-aquatic turtle habitats adhere to, and the following tips will help you provide your aquatic turtle with a safe and comfortable habitat.

Enclosure/Cage

Aquatic and semi-aquatic turtles should be housed in long, low aquariums that allow them plenty of room to swim, bask, and move around. The size of the aquarium will be dependent on the size of the turtle, and you should always purchase with consideration to how big the turtle will be when it is full grown.

Turtles must have a carapace length of 4” to be sold in pet stores, but some can grow as big as 12” in diameter.

One to two small turtles can fit in a 20 gallon aquarium, but a turtle that has a carapace length of 8” will need at least a 20 gallon aquarium to itself, and most adults will need an aquarium that is larger than 20 gallons. If you own multiple turtles, each additional turtle will require, at the least, an additional 10 gallons worth of space. Use a wide-spaced mesh lid to provide proper ventilation and allow UVB light through.

The aquarium should be divided into a land area and a water area. The ratio of water to land will depend on the species. The majority of semi-aquatic turtles will need no more than 50% of the aquarium dedicated to a water area. Most aquatic turtles will need the majority of the aquarium devoted to a water area, with no more than 25% of the aquarium dedicated to a land area. The water should be deeper than the turtle’s shell is wide, so that the turtle can be completely submerged and swim freely. You will need to use a filter to keep the water clean.

The land area will be used for basking, and it can be made from aquarium gravel, soil, or sand. Again, which substrate is best will depend on the specific needs of the species that you are keeping. Land areas can also be created using a large dock or ramp or some smooth rocks, slate, or driftwood that stick out of the water. The basking area should slope gently down into the water to ensure that the turtles are easily able to climb out of the water and onto land.

The size of the basking area will depend on the size of the turtle, the species, and how many turtles are in the terrarium. Larger turtles will need a larger basking area, and aquariums housing multiple turtles must have a basking area large enough to accommodate all the turtles at once. Additionally, some semi-aquatic turtles, like redeared sliders, are more terrestrial than others, and they will need a larger land area to move around on.

Substrate such as gravel or sand can be used in the water area, but it is not recommended as it will make it more difficult to clean the enclosure and maintain cleanliness. If you wish to use a substrate, select a substrate that won’t be easily ingested by your turtle, to help prevent possible impaction.

Landscaping/Aquascaping

Semi-aquatic and aquatic turtles generally do not need many landscaping items in their aquarium, but such items can be used to make them feel safe when they are on land and to make the environment more natural. You can use logs and terrestrial plants to provide them with a sense of security. Aquatic plants can also be used in the water areas to provide hiding places and improve or sustain the quality of the water. Worn driftwood or smooth flat rocks can be placed in the basking area. You can also place a wooden enclosure in the basking area if it is large enough to provide your turtle with a hide spot.

It is important to note that many turtles will eat plants, so we recommend that you use a combination of real and artificial plants to cut down on excess waste.

Using only real plants works best if you have a very large habitat for your turtles. Using only artificial plants or a combination of real and artificial is better for smaller habitats. If you see that your turtles are frequently nibbling on the artificial plants, remove them from the habitat and replace them with real plants. When using real plants, choose carefully - by researching the plant or consulting a veterinarian - as some plants can be toxic to turtles.

Temperature

There are two temperatures that are important in a semiaquatic or aquatic turtle’s habitat: the temperature of the water and the temperature of the basking area. The water temperature should be approximately 78°F, though it can vary slightly by species. You can maintain this temperature using under-tank heaters or submersible aquarium heaters.

The temperature of the basking area should be approximately 80° to 85°F. This can be achieved with the use of overhead 60 watt basking lamps with reflectors.

Use a thermometer to monitor temperatures to avoid over- or under-heating your turtle’s habitat. Improper temperatures can result in a lack of appetite, illness, and even premature death.

Lighting

Semi-aquatic and aquatic turtles need full spectrum light, so you must use both UVA and UVB bulbs in the tank. UVA light encourages proper activity levels, appetite, and breeding. UVB light contributes to Vitamin D3 production and simulates their natural environment, decreasing stress. UVB heat lamps should provide the main lighting, and basking heat lamps should be used in the basking area.

We recommend the use of a timer to achieve natural light cycles. Most semi-aquatic and aquatic turtles need a natural light cycle of 12 to 14 hours of light followed by 10 to 12 hours of darkness. The length of the light period should be longer in the summer and shorter in the winter.

A: Fresh Air Screen Cover B: Dome light and black or red reptile bulb C: Fluorescent Strip Light with UV Bulb, on a Timer D: For a more streamlined look, consider using a combination heat/light fixture like “The Slider” Reptile Hood or Zilla Combo Fixture.

Cleaning & Filtration

E: Thermometers for both air & water temperatures, and Hygrometer F: Real or Artificial Plants G: Filters) (Internal or Canister, the larger the better!)

H: Under Tank Heater (UTH) or Submersible Heater I: Basking/Land areas, such as a turtle ramp or dock, rocks or driftwood J: R eptoGuard

Turtles produce a good deal of waste, so a filter is an absolute necessity to keep the water clean. Without a filter, you’d have to do water changes almost daily, and proper filtration ensures that your turtle’s habitat will stay as clean, safe, and sanitary as possible between water changes.

There are a number of filters that you can choose from. We recommend that you use a larger filter, such as a canister filter, that will not be easily clogged by your turtle’s solid waste. While canister filters are more expensive, they are a worthwhile investment that will decrease the amount of work you have to do, keep your turtle’s habitat cleaner, and keep your turtle healthier. Whether or not you opt to use a canister filter, remember that the bigger the filter, the more effective it will be, and the less you will have to clean. If you decide to use an internal filter instead, consider using two, rather than just one, for cleaner, healthier water. No matter what filter you choose, always remember to change the filter media regularly to optimize your filter’s performance. How often you will have to clean the water in your aquatic turtle’s tank will depend on a number of considerations. These include how big the tank is, how effective your filtration system is, and the number and size of the

Housing Multiple Turtles

You can house more than one turtle if you choose to.

However, always remember that the 4” turtles you are bringing home can grow to have a carapace length of 8”, 10”, or even 12”, and the size of the enclosure will need to be large enough to accommodate their adult size. One large semi-aquatic or aquatic turtle can require a 30 or 40 gallon aquarium, and multiple turtles will need an aquarium larger than that. Increased size will also entail higher setup and maintenance costs. Carefully consider whether or not you have the room or the finances for a multiple turtle aquarium before purchasing additional turtles. ©2009 Drs. Foster and Smith, Inc. Reprinted as a courtesy and with permission from DrsFosterSmith.com (http://www.DrsFosterSmith.com) Free pet supply catalog: 1-800-323-4208

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JUNE/JULY 2010

FEATURES

Pet Me! Magazine

™

Kids & Pets Q: W hat do

Q: Why did the poor dog

chase his own tail? you call A: He was trying to make a very both ends rude bird?

A: A mockingbird! meet!

We treat each pet as if they were our own!

Rattlesnake Vaccination

MY KITTY

Clawing on the couch Dipping her toe in the sink water Sniffing all around Nipping at my toes Finally she curls up to sleep My kitty is the best

Lauren T. • Age: 10 *Hey kids, do you want to see your work in Pet Me! Magazine?

Send a drawing, poem or short story (less than 100 words) about your pet or any pet you know, to 27943 Seco Canyon Rd. suite 518, Santa Clarita, CA 91350 by July 9, 2010. Submit your work on a blank sheet of white paper and include an index card with your name, age, address, and telephone number.

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Pet Me! Magazine™ 17 PetMe_JuneJuly2010.indd 17

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FEATURES you’ve ever been to If Valencia Acura or seen its advertising, then you know why the dealership owned by Don and Cheri Fleming was the natural choice to be the Pet Adoption Sponsor of the SCV Pet & Family Expo. To the Flemings, their family dogs are a whole lot more than just pets. Spark Plug and Bumper are Valencia Acura’s Official Greeters and a friendly, tailwagging presence in the showroom every day.

“It’s been that way since we opened - because we’ve always looked at our dogs as family members,” said Cheri, “So it made perfect sense to bring them into the family business.” Don added, “Now if customers don’t see them running around the place, they always ask us where they are – and we wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Not surprisingly, both dogs have a slightly different perspective on the relationship.

“Don’t let Don and Cheri fool you. We are the real masterminds behind Valencia Acura,” asserted Spark Plug. Bumper continues, “They’re well-

Pet Me! Magazine

™

JUNE/JULY 2010

worked very well.

Earlier this year, Valencia Acura was awarded Acura’s most prestigious honor – the Dealership of Distinction award – which is reserved for only those dealers that excel in providing “an exceptional customer experience”.

Then in February, their award-winning service department achieved the highly coveted position of Number One in the Nation for Customer TWO FURRY REASONS VALENCIA ACURA IS Satisfaction.

Cheri proudly concludes “We’ve been number one in our district and trained, but do you really those words are meant to zone many times – but think they could run a be much more than just being number one in the world-class organization an ad theme. The entire nation is especially gratilike this on their own?” team considers it to be fying for everyone here.”

Everyone agrees their personal commitFOR MORE INFORMATION the family dynamic has ment to every customer Cheri Fleming • (661) 255-3000 worked very well for the – and it has apparently cfleming@valenciaacura.com dealership. The dogs have helped enhance the friendly atmosphere in the showroom. As a result, many customers have become friends and Valencia Acura is now known as “The Friendship Dealership”.

Valencia Acura has often featured the line “It’s not just a dealership, it’s a friendship” in its advertising. But it’s clear

“The Friendship Dealership”

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18 Pet Me! Magazine™ PetMe_JuneJuly2010.indd 18

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d s f h e l . r e d n r

d t e -

Chrissy, a blonde bombshell malti-poo rescued from the Bakersfield Shelter, is about two years old and a total charmer.

She's affectionate with people and loves other dogs, as well as going for walks. Chrissy would make fantastic canine companion for just about anyone.

For more info on Chrissy, contact The Brittany Foundation at brit_dogs@yahoo.com or call (661) 713-5240.

If you’re looking for a SUPER SWEET – VERY AFFECTIONATE – PLAYFUL boy then you’ve found him, IT’S ME. Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue, Inc. (661) 273-9822

Chrissy

N 0 m

Harley Sinbad is a one-year old male pit bull that is fun personified.

This big handsome fella lives to play and go for walks, gets along well with most other dogs, and is very affectionate. Sinbad loves belly rubs and giving kisses, but would love a home of his own most of all. Pit bull experienced person or family preferred.

For more info on Sinbad, contact The Brittany Foundation at brit_dogs@yahoo.com or call (661) 713-5240.

Jazzy is a great combination of playful, outgoing and a dash of feisty thrown in just to keep it entertaining. While Jazz does love to play with the laser toy, anything catnip will do as a runner up.

Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue, Inc. (661) 273-9822

Sinbad

Jazzy We were born Dec. 21, so we’re almost 4 months old. We would love to be adopted with one of our brothers or sisters, we like to cuddle together and groom each other. We like grooming you too…you’ll know we’re doing this when we kiss your hands or feet…that’s when we really trust you and make take some time.

Contact Bridget Alves 661-255-9979

Sammy & Max PetMe_JuneJuly2010.indd 19

To Adopt One Of These Perfect Pets Please Contact the Agency Listed or Visit Our Website:

www.PetMeMag.com

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