March/April 2014 Issue of Pet Me! Magazine by Pet Me! Magazine

March/April 2014

Your Guide To All Things Pets

Vets and pets,

a winning pair at NKLA

PLUS: “MRS” What? Puppies Need People Too What Are “Ag-Gag” Laws & Much More!

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2014

Awesome

Adoptables

To meet any of these adorable adoptables call (661) 255-9979 or email castaiccats@aol.com

Please consider opening your home and heart to one of these very special cats.

Max-imum Cuddles Max is an easy going and happy cat who who loves cuddles and pats. He is friendly with other relaxed cats and would make the perfect pet for anyone looking to add another family member. He found himself at the shelter when his owners could no longer care for him and it is obvious he has been a much loved and cared for kitty. Come see Max at the Castaic shelter today!

Big Beautiful Bentley Bentley is all style; he is smart, sophisticated, charismatic and very very charming! Weighing around 20 pounds, Bentley is a 6 year old Maine Coon mix who would make any cat lover swoon at the knees. He is great with other cats, loves cuddles, kisses and enjoys nothing more than soaking in the sunshine. Bentley is currently in foster care. Please contact (661) 255-9979 to meet Bentley.

Bashful Beckie We don’t know how to express how wonderful Becky is. At 11 years old this girl came in as a stray in a terribly matted state. When you go to sit with her she is straight on your lap. She loves children and will straddle over to them and plonk herself down for love. She does the same thing with other cats. This cat is simply amazing and has so much life left in her. Beckie is currently in foster care, to meet her call (661) 993-1029. 2 Pet Me! Magazine™

NEMA Nema was dumped at the shelter after 6 yrs. of love and devotion to her family when a new baby was born. Nema loves to have her face rubbed and is a very sweet girl. She is declawed and after a week in foster care we have learned she is deaf. We don’t think her family was ever aware of this. Nema needs a special home with a special person. She understands a couple of hand motions. Please contact (661) 255-9979 to meet Nema.

Sweet Stevie Sweet Stevie has been surrendered to the shelter because she did not get on with the resident dog, She is a gorgeous 7 year old girl who melts into your arms like butter and she seems to like other kitties. She gets so excited when she thinks someone is going to give her a cuddle so runs around your feet in circles! Come see Stevie at the Castaic shelter today!

Pretty Princess Poor little Princess has been surrendered to the shelter because she was not getting along with the older resident cat who didn’t really want a sibling. She is 1 year and 8 months old and although scared in the shelter, settles down for cuddles and purrs when you let her know she is safe. She would love a family where she can get lots of attention and people to play with her. Come meet Princess at the Castaic shelter today!

MARCH/APRIL 2014

Contents 4 Vets and pets, a winning pair at NKLA 8 Food collection for Pets of the Homeless 10 “MRS” What? Understanding bacterial resistance 11 Puppies Need People Too 12 Being Buddies With Booth 14 What Are “Ag-Gag” Laws 16 Heartbeat 18 Directory for All Things Pets

Advertising Information Direct: 661.255.9979 Fax: 866.259.9201 29743 Seco Cyn. Rd. #518, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

email: petadv@petmemag.com Web: www.petmemag.com

Please Contact Us For A Subscription – Annual Subscription By Mail: $12 PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Bridget Alves ART DIRECTOR Doug Conboy COVER PHOTO By Lynda Hill PUBLISHED BY Pet Me! Publications Find Us On Facebook and Twitter Pet Me! Magazine

Spring is in the air! Kitten and puppy season have started. If you have ever had a desire to volunteer now is the time to take action. Contact your local shelter or rescue and find out how you can help. Shelters are not equipped to deal with mamas and babies. Rescues are called upon more so than ever during this time of year. As a foster you will delight in the joys of parenthood with kittens and puppies and save some very precious lives.You may lose your mind with these little ones, but you will find your soul. They are a lot of work, but the reward is well worth it. So often, a pet is surrendered to the shelter in need of medical care, by those who can’t afford it or simply don’t care. Booth was one of those cats.You won’t be disappointed to read his story and find out how he won over the home and heart of one such volunteer who stepped in to help. Turns out Booth, destined for death at the shelter, is one very special cat! Public awareness of the atrocities committed to animals have increased actions and accelerated laws that are controversial. The Ag-Gag is one such law.You can make a difference and I’m hoping you will do just that. Challenge yourself to take steps to know the hidden truth, the laws, and how you can help. The animals need us. We are their voice. We speak for those in the shelters, those abandoned on the streets, those in the farming industry, the entertainment industry and so many other places where animals are exploited. I encourage you to be a voice. They matter. Thank you for reading Pet Me! Magazine, for allowing the animals to be heard, for engaging in our lives and sharing our stories of rescue and volunteer. Have a blessed and beautiful spring!

Bridget Alves Publisher & Editor

Pet Me! Magazine

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Vets and pets, Pet Me! Magazineâ&#x201E;˘ MARCH/APRIL 2014

Veteran Bilar Abdul Hasan plays with an adorable adoptable puppy at the NKLA Pet Adoption Center during volunteer orientation geared specifically towards military veterans. Photos Courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society. 4 Pet Me! Magazineâ&#x201E;˘

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a winning pair at NKLA Veterans volunteer to help homeless pets, and animals provide therapeutic benefit to vets in return. By Michelle Sathe

unny Patrick was not in the best mood when she woke up on Veterans’ Day. The military veteran, who served in Somalia, has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and tends to isolate herself when bouts of depression hit. But things would soon turn around. Sunny was one of several military veterans to spend the day in a volunteer orientation at the NKLA Pet Adoption Center in West Los Angeles. By that afternoon, she had a big grin on her face as she played with cats in the free roam room. Armed with a feather wand, Sunny had an audience of five felines at her feet who swatted, meowed and pranced about. “I

don’t think I’ve laughed so much in weeks,” Sunny says. “You don’t think about what you’ve been through when you look at these faces.” Lifting humans’ and animals’ spirits The NKLA Pet Adoption Center is one of two Best Friends Animal Society locations in Los Angeles dedicated to helping shelter pets find homes. Until they are adopted, interaction with volunteers, such as going for walks or simply being petted, is crucial to the dogs’ and cats’ well-being.

Tamara Gvozdenovic tours the veterans through the dog kennels at the NKLA Pet Adoption Center in West Los Angeles. For veterans, spending time with a pet can be downright therapeutic, according to Louisa Mendelsohn, recreation therapist for the Veterans Administration of Los Angeles. Louisa transported the veterans to attend the orientation and liked what she saw. “Animals give unconditional love, which so many people don’t get,” Louisa says. “Spending time with animals can lower your blood sugar and stress hormones. A change comes over the whole body.” A change can also come over the spirit, as veteran Bilar Abdul Hasan explained after walking an adorable, adoptable puppy. “It just made me feel good to be giving something back,” Bilar says with a smile. Veterans helping others Also taking part in the day was Sheri Williams, a dog trainer and founder of Animal T.A.I.L. (Animal Therapists Assisting

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continued from page 5

Best Friends Animal Society Los Angeles volunteer coordinator Tamara Gvozdenovenic (bottom left), Louisa Mendelsohn, recreation therapist for the Veterans Administration of Los Angeles, and Sheri Williams, dog trainer and founder of Animal T.A.I.L. (Animal Therapists Assisting in Living), participated in the volunteer training for several military veterans at the NKLA Pet Adoption Center on Veteran’s Day 2013.

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in Living), whose program matches veterans with pets from local shelters to adopt and ultimately train for service or animalassisted therapist certifications. Once the pet is certified, the pair can sign up to become part of an animal-assisted therapy team to work with disabled and special-needs children or rescue and train dogs for the elderly. Animal T.A.I.L. is working with Best Friends Animal Society and the Veterans Administration of Los Angeles to expand her program to local veterans, such as those in attendance. “What dogs do for veterans is to bring a sense of normalcy back into their lives. PTSD can be a very dark place. Pets take these vets out of the darkness and into the light,” Sheri says. After the initial orientation, Bilar, Sunny and the other participants were encouraged to return and become regular volunteers at the center. “These veterans, like our adoptable pets, are healing after adjusting to life-changing circumstances, so my goal is to assist them into acclimating back into society after serving our country,” says Tamara Gvozdenovic, volunteer specialist at the NKLA Pet Adoption Center. “Veterans deserve special recognition and I’m happy to welcome them as part of the NKLA volunteer program family.” Sunny, a self-professed animal lover, had no doubts she’d be back.

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2014

Sheri Williams, dog trainer and founder of Animal T.A.I.L. (Animal Therapists Assisting in Living), talks to the veterans about the possibility of adopting and training a dog or cat to become a certified therapy pet. “In my apartment, I’m isolated and not able to work on my issues. Volunteering is a great way for me to get out, make friends, and be around animals. You can’t be in a bad mood while you’re with these pets,” she says. For more information on the NKLA Pet Adoption Center, visit www.nkla.org/PetAdoptionCenter .

Open House Sunday, April 13, 2014

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Food collection for Pets of the Homeless By Evelyn Vega, DVM, CCRT, Happy Pets Veterinary Center

or the month of December, Happy Pets Veterinary Center collected pet food, blankets, pet treats and toys for pets of the homeless. What inspired me to do this was recently I was driving through West Los Angeles, and at a stoplight I saw a homeless man crossing the street with a black-and-white cat riding on his shoulder. I immediately thought of how lucky my cat was to have a warm home, a bed, and food each day. However, this cat was also lucky in that he had a companion to look after him. With the shelters being so full and pets dying in the street, this cat was lucky to have a “home” with this gentleman. That is when I considered how I could help this man and others like him who are limited in their material possessions, but are willing to share the little they have with their furry friends. I contacted our local homeless shelter in Santa Clarita and found out that this year was the first year they were going to accept pets. As of this time they only have space for two animals. They were not aware of how great the need will be or which supplies will be necessary. I let them know that Happy Pets can help to collect supplies and food for them. Then I found out that our local food pantry also collects pet food to hand out to low income families, though their pet food donations are usually few. I started collecting boxes to wrap and set up as collection sites for these organizations. Then one of my employees told me about HOPE, a veterinary clinic in West Los Angeles that offers free veterinary care as well as food donations once

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a month for pets of the homeless. They had contacted her and let her know that they desperately needed food donations, as during their last clinic they ran out of food and many of those pets had to leave empty handed. Even though it is not local, these pets need our help. The number of homeless pets in that area is far greater than what we have here in SCV. We have expanded our vision and decided to help them as well. Our goal was to collect primarily food donations to distribute to our local food pantry and to HOPE. We also collected pet supplies for our local homeless shelter. We were overwhelmed by the response from our community. We collected over 350 pounds of dog and cat food, over 200 cans of pet food, 40 blankets and over 50 pet toys and treats! We had the help and support of not only from our customers but also our local privately owned pet stores, Pet Supply, Canyon Pet Center and Pet Stop in Canyon Country. On January 4 I along with one of our technicians from Happy Pets Veterinary Center, volunteered our services for the day. It was a very busy and hectic day, yet inspiring and fulfilling at the same time. What we learned was not only is there a great need, but these people will do anything in order to care for their pets. I met a woman that came from the Inland Empire to have her pet’s ear infection looked at. It was amazing to see the commitment and loyalty the homeless and their pets have for one another. To maximize our aid for these organizations, we will need more contributions. This will be an ongoing project, as food

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2014

donations are needed year-round. HOPE is open the first Sunday of the month from 8-2pm and are also in need of volunteers in the veterinary field. There is absolutely no charge for the veterinary care that is given, so monetary donations are always welcomed. There is much we can do to help those in our community and beyond with their pets. Animals provide comfort, hope, and companionship to people in all walks of life, and we hope our efforts here will truly make a difference in the lives of the homeless and their beloved pets.

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“MRS” What?

Understanding bacterial resistance By Amy Shumaker, DVM, Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Dermatology Antimicrobial resistance is a rapidly use, then a bacterial culture and sensitivity growing problem in both human and vetis indicated to determine a more approprierinary medicine. In veterinary medicine, ate antibiotic. This is when a sterile swab skin and ear infections are commonly enis touched to the surface of the skin and countered problems, which are often treatsent to a microbiology laboratory. There, ed with antibiotics. As in human medicine, the laboratory staff will grow the bacteria, the more antibiotic exposure an animal has determine the type of bacteria and also had, the more likely the chance of developgive information about which antibiotics ing a resistant infection. will kill the bacteria. The most common bacteria encounAn extremely important way to help Typical crusting, scaling and redness tered in veterinary skin infections is Staphtreat resistant skin infections as well as associated with Staph infections ylococcus pseudintermedius, formerly help prevent resistant skin infections from called Staphylococcus intermedius. The developing in the first place is topical most common form of resistance is called methicillin resistance therapy. There are many medicated shampoos, sprays and oint(MR). You may be familiar with the term MRSA, which stands ments that can help treat and control bacterial skin infections. for methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (a type of bac- Many products contain an antibiotic called chlorhexidine. It is teria most commonly found on people). Methicillin resistance uncommon for bacteria to develop resistance to topical antimioccurs when Staphylococcus bacteria acquire the ability to pre- crobials, thus these products can be effective even in the face of vent common antibiotics to bind to their surface, which makes methicillin resistance. These products can also speed clearance them resistant to killing by these antibiotics. When Staphylo- of the infection. coccus bacteria become resistant to methicillin, they are then In order to help prevent resistance in the first place is to resistant to an entire class of antibiotics as well as other an- completely finish a course of antibiotics prescribed by your vettibiotic drug classes, including the most commonly used and erinarian. As we all know, it can be difficult to medicate our otherwise effective antibiotics like cephalexin. Once resistance pets, and it is tempting to stop medications when it looks like has developed, these infections can be very difficult to treat due the problem is resolved. However, it does take several weeks to to limited antibiotic options. clear a skin infection, which is why a 3-4 week course (or longer Although this sounds bleak, there are ways to prevent re- for deep infections) is often recommended for antibiotics. sistance from developing, the most important of which is judiAnother means of controlling for the development of resiscious use of antibiotics. For an antibiotic to be effective the bac- tance is by controlling for relapse of infection in the first place. teria must be susceptible to the antibiotic, the antibiotic must Topical therapies as discussed above can be helpful, however, reach the site of infection, and the antibiotic must be given at the underlying cause of the infection should be investigated an appropriate dose for an appropriate length of time to clear if there is recurrence. Dogs and cats with recurrent infections the infection. In the case of skin infections, beta-lactam drugs generally have an underlying problem. The most common consuch as cephalexin or cefpodoxime are commonly chosen as ditions that contribute to infections are allergies (such as enfirst line antibiotics. For superficial skin infection, these anti- vironmental or food) or endocrine disorders (hypothyroidism biotics should be given a minimum for 3 to 4 weeks, or for at (low thyroid) or Cushing’s disease (adrenal gland disorder)). least 1 week past clinical cure. Signs of a bacterial skin infection Therefore, if your pet has had recurrent infections, then an ininclude crusting, alopecia, erythema, papules, pustules, epider- vestigation into these conditions should be performed and may mal collarettes, malodor and itching. include blood work to rule out endocrine disorders, elimination To confirm that a bacterial skin infection is present, cytolo- diet trials to rule out a food allergy, or skin or blood testing to gy should be performed. Your veterinarian will collect a sample evaluate for environmental allergies. from the surface of the skin and put it onto a microscope slide. Methicillin resistance is a growing concern in veterinary After staining the slide, bacteria can be seen by examining the medicine. However, we can work together to prevent further slide under the microscope. Cytology is also helpful to deter- development of methicillin resistance by combining judicious mine if the chosen antibiotics are effectively clearing the skin systemic antibiotic use with topical antimicrobials, monitoring infection by repeating the procedure on follow up examina- response to treatment with cytology, and culturing when aptions. If the infection is not clearing with appropriate antibiotic propriate therapies fail. 10 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2014

PUPPIES

NEED PEOPLE TOO

o you have a new puppy in your home! They are so cute and cuddly and just like we do with our human babies, we cuddle, play with, and coo to them. With human babies we have the cuddly infant phase, the teething phase, the walking and toddler phase, etc. During these periods of their growth, we always have our eyes on them or at least we should. The same is true with our canine babies. The cuddly stage turns into the rambunctious stage along with chewing anything that they fancy. This stage may last a long while while moving into the more energetic stage of digging and chewing bigger and more expensive items, jumping on you and your guests, etc. This seems to paint a bleak picture of owning puppies and young dogs but this doesn’t need to be the case. Training and socialization can circumvent a lot of this. Early and consistent training of the basics is a must. As you and your puppy learn the basics, and, along with exercise, incorporate them into daily life and your home routine, you will have a happy and well adjusted furry family member. After vaccinations are complete, outside socialization is a must. Positive and proper leash training is essential as is learning how to meet and greet people and other dogs. Proper socialization will enable you to take your dog anywhere. Along with the basic training, I offer “Puppy’s Day Out”. I

will pick up your pup and we will head out for various outings. We will visit such places as the pet stores, various parks and sport areas, banks, stores, etc. This will expose the pup to many different places, distractions, and obstacles. Laurie’s Pet Sitting offers pet sitting to those that cannot take their furry friend with them. I also offer daily/weekly dog walks to alleviate the pet’s boredom while its owners are at work or school, and of course the training is for dogs of all ages. For more information, visit www.thepetmom.net.

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Being Buddies With

Booth F

infection. He was not going to be adopted, he needed medical care and was where the public couldn’t see him. He needed to be rescued and so the journey began and I didn’t think it would be too different to the 50 plus felines that I had rescued and adopted out before. The first surprise was that Booth didn’t need any operation, a change in diet and lifestyle corrected his bladder infections within a fortnight. The second surprise was that the resident cat, who dislikes all other cats and redefines antisocial behavior decided that Booth was not too bad; Booth was adamant that they would be buddies and slowly but surely won her over, with a combination of silently edging closer to her whenever

or an animal lover, the magic your pet brings to your life is no surprise; their quirks and idiosyncrasies are what you love most. For a shelter volunteer or animal rescuer, this heart swelling warmth occurs every day multiple times for multiple pets that need a chance to shine. Booth is one such cat that in the short time he has been part of my family, has not only changed the way I rescue animals but changed the lives of the animals I rescue. It all started when a I saw Booth in the isolation area of the shelter, he was scared but friendly, well fed and obviously well loved; surrendered because his family could not afford the next steps in his medical treatment for an ongoing urinary tract

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she wasn’t looking and sharing his food bowl so that the resident fat cat could have a little snack later. When new fosters arrived, Booth made it his mission to welcome them to the family. No cat or dog can enter the house without Booth meeting them face to face and diligently rubbing himself against them before lying down with belly and legs out in a submissive pose. It is obvious when you watch this ongoing display that Booth is introducing himself,

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telling them to come in and enjoy themselves, showing them there is nothing to worry about and that here we are safe and friendly. Most cats would run a mile from a two month old puppy who thinks the cats tail is a toy, but not Booth, he spends his time rolling around and playing with the puppy until he falls asleep in Booths arms. The sick kitten who was locked in an apartment building is no match for Booth’s perseverance and not long after arriving the kitty is relaxed and no longer scared, enjoying the companionship of a big brother cat who promises everything will be fine. The senior sick cat who was found as a stray so badly matted that it couldn’t walk; Booth sleeps with her in bed for days until she is no longer disoriented and scared. At some point, Booth changed the dynamics occurring between foster pets and resident pets, he had found his home and opportunity to shine, he is not an animal that needs rescue but part of a family that rescues and he takes the job very seriously. And like Booth, there are many cats sitting in shelters across California who are waiting for their moment to show you the magic you are missing. Courtesy of Larissa Barnes LA County Volunteer

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What are

“Ag-Gag” Laws?

g-Gag is the term used to describe a series of antiwhistleblower laws in the U.S. Though they vary in details, the essence of these laws is that they criminalize the taking of undercover videos of abusive practices in the animal agriculture industry. Some of these laws criminalize the taking of videos documenting inhumane factory farming practices without the owner’s consent, while others criminalize the application for employment in factory farms without disclosing the applicant’s links to the press or to organizations concerned with animal welfare. A third variant, which pretends to help the animals, requires that any evidence of abuse be turned over to authorities in a very short period of time, usually 24 or 48 hours. This kind of Ag-Gag bill is more subtle than the others but is just as harmful in that it would alert the abusers early in the process and preclude the gathering of evidence necessary to a successful cruelty prosecution. The result of these laws is to make exposure of abusive prac-

tices to the public extremely difficult in the states which have passed them. In the real world, how often will factory farm owners and managers consent to have their practices filmed and how many will employ people with links to PETA or HSUS? The Food Integrity Campaign of the Government Accountability Project, a non profit, describes the situation as follows: “When it comes to bringing horrific truths to the public eye, undercover footage and images are often an effective outlet for whistleblowers who otherwise risk retaliation when speaking up. Going through “proper channels” to report abuse often results in supervisors intimidating those employees who have made complaints to keep quiet. Statements by Ag Gag bill sponsors imply that “real” whistleblowers have a safe and effectual means for speaking up, when history shows that’s often not the case.” Ag-gag laws have already passed in several states and bills proposing them are pending in many others. These bills have usually passed in states with powerful livestock lobbies and

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have generally been rejected in states with a more humane orientation. Which side do you want to be on in this raging battle? For some examples of abusive agricultural practices, go to the folHUSBAND & WIFE TEAM lowing links and see some of the videos that would never have Responsible appeared had these Ag-Gag laws been in place at the time they Weekly Cleaning up after you Prompt were taken. Then decide for yourself. Bi-Weekly and your furry friends! Reliable http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-cor1uZ2AM Honest • Reasonable Prices http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2w7TCmJUD7g 28 YEAR SANTA CLARITA RESIDENT http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sTifP6idBPs REFERENCES AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST

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Meet some of the fantastic pets awaiting adoption at Best Friends Pet Adoption Center. All pets are spayed or neutered, micro-chipped, vaccinated, and ready to go to their forever home immediately. Adopters also receive one month of veterinary insurance, a bag of pet food, and a customized tag for their new pet. Parnell is an adorable three year old Pekingese that loves car rides, squeaky toys and laying in your lap. He has a nice, mellow temperament and gets along well with other dogs. Parnell would do best in a calm, quiet home where he can reach his ultimate goal of becoming your beloved lap dog. Sound good to you? Come meet Parnell today! The world used to be a scary place for Nacho, a three year old tabby. Nacho came to us really shy but after some time at our center, this handsome boy with the big, beautiful yellow eyes has slowly come out of his shell. He gets along well with other mellow cats and is receptive to being pet. Nacho would probably love being a lap cat, after he’s had a little while to acclimate. If you’re a patient cat lover, adopt Nacho and give him a chance to blossom. He’ll repay you with years of love and loyal companionship.

Distinguished Beckham is a super sweetheart longing to find the perfect home. At seven years old, Beckham is a great, calm companion, but he’s still spunky enough to enjoy long walks and mellow hikes. Beckham does OK with some other dogs or would flourish as an only pet. What Beckham likes most is cuddling and giving kisses. He’d make a fantastic best friend. Come meet Beckham for yourself and see if he doesn’t steal your heart! Dreamsicle is well, dreamy, with her shiny black fur, striking green eyes and regal bearing. This friendly four year old is great with other cats and adores people, so she’d fit well into just about any household. Dreamsicle likes to hang out by the window and watch the world go by…we think she’s daydreaming of finding her forever person and finally having a home of her own. Would that be yours?

Best Friends Animal Society Adoption Center Located at 15321 Brand Boulevard, Mission Hills. The center is open from noon to 8 p.m. daily. For more information, visit www.bestfriends.org/la or call (818) 643-3989 Pet Me! Magazine™

HEARTBEAT

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2014

By Sylvia Hathaway, Acupressurist & Reiki Master josephinesplace@msn.com

ound is a very interesting phenomenon. Its effects on the emotions are particularly intriguing. Think of the effect of a scream. Immediately you register source-direction, seriousness, reaction possibilities, etc. Or, consider your response to hearing someone’s cell phone go-off in the middle

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of a play. Emotion? In fact, we are so inundated by sound that we do our best to not hear most of it; trying to allow just the ‘important’ things to get through to us. Why? Because noise is very stressful. To react to every sound would be emotionally exhausting. Our companion pets’ hearing is so superior to ours, just imagine how much they have to ignore. (See, your cat is just trying to avoid exhaustion.) And then, there is ‘coherent’ sound; steady, purposeful, soothing sound. A heartbeat. A purr. A certain rhythm.... that bring such a welcome calm. And beyond that ... there is music. So, what is it about music? More specifically, how is music so much more that sound? How is it that hearing an old song can instantly transport you to a time long ago? A time full of emo-

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2014

tions. It is not necessary to understand the mechanism. It is only important to recognize that through a particular sound (a melody) a powerful emotional link in time has been etched. But, time-travel aside, music can do wonders to uplift your spirits and those of your companion animals. Now there are some really nice CD’s available; and stringed instruments seem to best reverberate with the heart. But, the ‘instrument’ that most dramatically affects your companion pets is none other than Your Voice ... Singing. Yes. Singing ... even if you “can’t.” Because this is a really great stress-buster for all of you. Music causes a disconnect from stressful thoughts. It requires that you breathe... take in oxygen. All good. Best of all, something unexpected happens when you sing to your pets. They stop whatever they’re doing and look at you ... even cats. Often they’ll even walk over to you to investigate ... all the while watching where ‘the sound’ is coming from. (This is actually the most wonderful, engaging feeling! and if you really, really can’t sing, try whistling.) So pick a sentimental tune (old love songs work well, or a lullaby) and sing to your furry sweethearts. Sing to the whole group. Sing to each individually. Sing about how beautiful they are. Sing about how they light up your life. Sing from the heart and watch them blossom right before your eyes. Sing from the heart and let yourself fall in love with them all over again... in a heartbeat.

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Cal Pet Crematory (310) 278-0633 (818) 983-2313 (323) 875-0633 www.calpet.com Guardian Animal Aftercare (818) 768-6465 www.guardianaftercare.com Great Groomers Purrfect Paw Prints Mobile Pet Grooming (661) 313-2803 So Cal Grooming 28011 Seco Cyn. Rd. Santa Clarita, 91390 (661) 513-0778 www.socalgrooming.com Pawpular Pet Suppliers Fox Feed 17028 Sierra Highway Canyon Country, 91387 (661) 252-9790 www.foxfeed.com Pet Supply Santa Clarita 26831 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita, 91350-2372 (661) 296-2654 www.petsupplysantaclarita.com Dermatology for Pets Amy Shumaker, DVM, DACVD Valencia Veterinary Center 23928 Summerhill Lane Valencia, CA 91354 (661) 855-4870 www.dermatologyforanimals.com Animal Control Centers Castaic Animal Shelter 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Rd. Castaic (661) 257-3191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Lancaster Animal Shelter 5210 W. Ave. I Lancaster, CA 93536 (661) 940-4191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov

18 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pets

for all things Rescue Organizations

Trusted Vets In and Around SCV

Best Friends Pet Adoption Center 15321 Brand Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91354 (818) 643-3989 Bestfriends.org

All Creatures Veterinary Center 22722 Lyons Ave # 5 Newhall, 91321-2876 (661) 291-1121 www.wecarevets.com

Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce (661) 713-5240 www.brittanyfoundationonline.org

Canyon Country Veterinary Hospital 18840 Soledad Canyon Road Canyon Country, 91351-3772 (661) 424-9900 www.wecarevets.com

Citizens for Sheltered Animals, Inc. 26893 Bouquet Canyon Rd. C-318 (661) 513-9288 www.citizensforshelteredanimals.com

Cinema Veterinary Centre 23460 Cinema Drive, Unit L Valencia, 91355 (661) 253-9300 www.cinemavet.com

Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue (661) 273-9822 www.forgottenangelsrescue.org

Happy Pets Veterinary Center 27550 Newhall Ranch Road Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 295-9972 www.happypetsveterinary.com Open House! Sunday, April 13th

New Leash On Life Animal Rescue adopt@nlol.org (661) 255-0097 Ratz Nest Rescue (661) 303-7872 www.ratznest.weebly.com

Peaceful Pets In-Home Euthanasia Services (661) 621-3750 peacefulpetsinhome@gmail.com www.peacefulpetsservices.com

Saffyre Sanctuary (Horse Rescue) Sylmar, CA www.saffyresanctuary.org

Valencia Veterinary Center 24036 Summerhill Ln. Santa Clarita, 91354 (661) 263-9000 www.bestvalenciavet.com

Save A Kitty, Inc. (818) 825-3096 www.SaveaKittyCA.org

VIP Veterinary Services 26111 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. Suite D-5, Saugus, CA 91350 (661) 222-PETS www.VIPVeterinaryServices.com

PetSave Foundation Bunny Rescue (661) 478-7360 www.petsave.org St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary/ Lange Foundation 27567 Oak Spring Canyon Rd. Canyon Country, CA 91387 (661) 251.5590 http://langefoundation.com www.PetConnect.us

See individual ads for details on Low Cost Spay/Neuter and Vaccine Clinics and FREE New Client Exams!

Animal Aftercare

Best Boarding Facilities Canine Country Club 20341 Blue Cloud Road Santa Clarita, 91390-1259 (661) 296-0566 www.cccofscv.com

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