May /June 2016 Issue of Pet Me! Magazine by Pet Me! Magazine

May/June 2016

Your Guide To All Things Pets

Size Matters

Smaller Pets Need Bigger Supervision

PLUS: Nothing Is Certain But Death, Taxes and â&#x20AC;Ś Pets Veterinary Cardiologists Your Pet Can Get Stressed Too & Much More!

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2016

Awesome

Adoptables

To adopt one of these pets contact Castaic Animal Care and Control 31044 North Charlie Canyon Road, Castaic, CA 91384 – (661) 257-3191 http://animalcare.lacounty.gov

Popcorn Popcorn is probably the nicest dog in the world. She loves everyone and everything. In foster care she is ecstatic every day about life. Hanging out watching movies, getting into bed, going for walks - it is like she is a puppy all over again. She is perfect with all cats and other calm dogs, plus she is sweet and gentle with children who are old enough to respect her. She is 11 years old and after spending her whole life as an outside dog, she deserves to be adored and cherished. If you are interested in meeting Popcorn the poodle, please call her foster mom at 661-993-1029.

sky

BUDDAH

TANNER

Sky is a wonderful and larger than most Cane Corso who is almost 7 years old. He knows sit and walks nicely on a leash, plus he gets along with other doggies. He would make a great indoor pet and companion for an active family. He passed his temperament test and is already neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. He is currently at Castaic Animal Care and waiting for that special someone.

Buddah is looking for a friend to run with. He is a high energy boy who doesn’t act his 6 years. He is super friendly and gets along well with other dogs and children. He really needs a family that is committed to being just that - his family, as he is very loyal. As an added bonus he is even crate trained! He is already neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. He is currently at Castaic Animal Care and Control waiting for a wonderful home.

Tanner is all about the puppy kisses. This 9-month-old boy is energetic, playful, friendly and super excited about life. He is small, but makes a huge impression and would be a fantastic family pet, especially with children to play with. He is good friends with Turbo (they may even be brothers) and he gets on well with other dogs. How could anyone resist those big eyes and floppy ears? He will be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped prior to adoption and is currently at Castaic Animal Care and Control waiting for you to meet him.

turbo

misty

oliver

Turbo is all go. This 9-month-old boy is enthusiastic about everything and loves to be with people. He is cuddly, playful and very sweet. He is only little and would be a fantastic family pet, especially with children to play with. He is good friends with Tanner (they may even be brothers) and he gets on well with other dogs. He is such a handsome and friendly boy. He will be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped prior to adoption and is currently at Castaic Animal Care and Control waiting to be adopted.

Misty is sweet and delicate and when you meet her you want to bundle her up and keep her safe. She must be so confused at the shelter; as you can see, she needs a comfy bed and attention - so much so, she begs for it. At only 5 years, she is playful and energetic and would love to be in a home with another pet or family members who have time to play with her. She is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped and is currently at Castaic Animal Care and Control waiting to be kissed.

Oliver is a teeny tiny 8-year-old boy who is very chilled and wants nothing more than a lap to snuggle on. He is a quiet boy who needs some tender loving care, as it appears he hasn’t been given the VIP treatment. He has bits of missing fur, fly-bitten ears, a thin, little frame and a sad look that makes you want to love on him even more. We know a family can open their hearts and home to give this boy the love he greatly deserves. He will be neutered, vaccinated and microchipped prior to adoption and is currently at Castaic Animal Care and Control waiting to be loved.

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MAY/JUNE 2016

Contents 2 Dog Adoptables 4 Size Matters – Smaller Pets Need Bigger Supervision 10 Nothing Is Certain But Death, Taxes and … Pets 14 Veterinary Cardiologists: Specialists with a Heart for Healing 18 Your Pet Can Get Stressed Too 20 Cat Adoptables 21 Is Adoption for You? 23 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 PUBLISHER Bridget Alves EDITOR Martha Michaels ART DIRECTOR Doug Conboy PUBLISHED BY Pet Me! Publications Find Us On Facebook and Twitter Pet Me! Magazine

Do you have neighbors like coyotes and bobcats? If you do, chances are you have trouble maintaining small pets, such as cats. It may be time to start a Wildlife Watch group.The Department of Fish & Wildlife has a program that bands neighbors together to create strategies to detract wild animals that come into yards and devour the pets of fellow residents. Learn about the program and get some tips to keep your furry members of the family safe. Ophthalmology, dentistry, internal medicine. Did you know veterinarians have specialties just like our doctors do? In this issue, we decided to feature veterinary cardiology.You’ll meet Dr. Fred Brewer, who has a mobile practice and brings his expertise to pets all over the Southland. Are you looking for an opportunity to adopt a pet? Visit our adoptable animals page and see the needs out there. At the same time, run your plans by our checklist of necessary factors when considering adoption. We have an article that gives you some things to think about before heading to the shelter and bringing home a new animal. If you’re already a pet owner, you’ll want to learn a few ways to reduce your animal’s stress level. We’re all aware of our own challenges, between pressures of a career, family obligations and other personal issues that inevitably come up. Since we tend to get distracted by our own hassles, it’s always a good idea to double-check to be sure our little furry ones are in a stable environment. Have you made plans for your pets in the event something happens to you? Turn to the article entitled “Nothing is Certain but Death,Taxes and ... Pets.” There are so many different scenarios, some that are devastating to our animals. Make arrangements now, so they’ll have maximum comfort in the event they have to change homes. Curl up next to your furry friends and enjoy the insights we’ve brought you in this issue of Pet Me! Keep in touch –- let us know if you want to learn about something new. We appreciate your interest and your support!

Bridget Alves Publisher

Pet Me! Magazine

Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2016

Size Matters Smaller Pets Need Bigger Supervision

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2016

By Martha Michael

t’s simple math: the higher the number of wild animals in the neighborhood, the fewer the number of small pets that survive. But if you’re a small animal lover, the only equation you care about is one and one: you + your pet. We work so hard to protect our pets – shots and well-checks, buying them the best food, rattlesnake training. The last thing we want is to lose them to a natural predator. Yes, size matters when it comes to pet ownership in Southern California, but it cuts both ways. While smaller pets have a disadvantage in communities shared with certain wildlife animals, there’s also safety in numbers. And pet owners have an opportunity to band together in a program promoted by the California Department of Fish & Wildlife. They can form a “Wildlife Watch Group.” Patterned after the “Neighborhood Watch” groups that formed decades ago to minimize crime through shared awareness, pet owners can collaborate in the same way. Residents are joining forces with neighbors for these educational collabora-

tions with the shared purpose of minimizing problems incurred by living among wildlife. In an article by Donna Littlejohn in the Daily Breeze last summer, the Wildlife Watch program in San Pedro was described as an attempt to quell the conflict between residents and coyotes. San Pedro’s Coastal Neighborhood Council heard from Fish & Wildlife officials to consider being one of the first communities in the Southland to use the strategy. “We have a very aggressive training program and we would be more than happy to set up meetings,” said Andrew Hughan, a spokesman for the Department of Fish & Wildlife. “There are all kinds of great resources to use free of charge.” The groups enable neighbors to share information and work together to ward off animals that prey on their pets. And coyotes are number one, according to Hughan. “There’s certainly a tremendous amount of coyote activity,” Hughan said. “But it’s not a new phenomenon, by any means. We

Start a Wildlife Watch Group

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continued from page 5 need more awareness. People are out there feeding them, leaving food and water out for coyotes. It’s dumb and dangerous.” Coyotes have become unnaturally bold as a result of residents feeding them. It’s not a good idea, because it encourages them to spend more time near homes, which makes domestic pets more vulnerable. “We are their chief enemy,” says Native Animal Rescue of Santa Cruz County. “It has been estimated that 30-50 percent of all adult coyotes die each year from human-related causes.” This is where Wildlife Watch comes in, educating homeowners and changing detrimental habits. “Reduce the attraction – don’t just leave pet food out, keep it inside,” Hughan advised. “There’s generally plenty of food for them to eat in nature – rodents, etc. But they’re going to go for the easy meal.” One of the benefits to living among coyotes is the natural rodent control they provide. They also eat insects, which can save farmers and homeowners from suffering the destruction of their vegetation. The website for The Humane Society of the United States claims many suburban residents are unaware that coyotes live among them. But it is an assumption that can be dangerous for pets. “Coyotes typically hunt small mammals such as mice ... and

rabbits,” says the website. “If given the opportunity, they will also make a meal of a cat, tame or feral. Dogs, especially smaller breeds, are also at risk, although attacks on them are more rare.” Your pets are safer, of course, if you only let them outside when they are with you, on a leash. Taken from the Humane Society book “Wild Neighbors,” the website offers pet owners the following advice: Protecting your pet cat When you allow your cat to roam freely outdoors, even for short periods of time, you expose her to perils such as cars, dogs, diseases, coyotes, poisons, and cruel people. If you want your cat to be safe, keep her indoors. Some people let their cats outside because they mistakenly believe it’s cruel to keep cats indoors. The truth is that cats who are protected from the dangers outside live longer, happier lives. Protecting feral cat colonies People who feed feral cats are often concerned that coyotes might prey on the cats. These concerns are well founded, as coyotes will be attracted to both the outdoor pet food and the cats themselves as prey. Here are some general suggestions for keeping such cats safer: • Feed cats only during the day and at a set time – and pick up any leftovers immediately

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continued from page 6

mostly occurs during breeding season – be• Provide escape routes for cats. In treeless or open areas, tween January and erect “cat posts” – long pieces of wood (four inches by four March. inches or corner posts) that stand out of the ground at The Humane Soleast ten to twelve feet. These can be climbed by cats, but ciety has suggestions not by coyotes for homeowners who • Elevate feeding stations beyond coyotes’ – but not the cats’ want to create a dis– reach tance between coyotes • Discourage/harass coyotes seen on the property. Go after and their pets. Fences them aggressively. ... Making them feel uncomfortable will need to be at least six encourage them to stay out of the area. feet tall and installed six inches below Protecting dogs ground, because coyotes both jump over and dig under barriDogs (especially small dogs) are also vulnerable to coyote ers. There is a device called a “coyote roller,” a 4-foot aluminum confrontations. These incidents generally involve coyotes who piece that minimizes the ability of wildlife to get into your yard. are accustomed or habituated to people (usually due to wildlife You can also add chicken wire to the tops of fences or add a feeding), or coyotes who are protecting their territory and pups mesh apron to the bottom of the fence. (usually during breeding season). “They’ll continue to have a presence until homeowners’ beDogs (especially small dogs) should not be left outside unhavior changes,” Officer Hughan said. “The number one thing attended, should never be chained and should always be kept is ‘be responsible for your pets.’” on a leash in public areas. It is important to never let your dog Sharing the land with its native residents is a lot more interact or play with a coyote. Pet food and water should be charming when we keep in mind its benefits. The goal is to kept indoors to avoid attracting coyotes to your yard. peacefully coexist with wildlife – after all, they lived here before The Humane Society adds that when coyotes feel their terwe did! ritory is threatened they may attack larger dogs. It is rare, and

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2016

Nothing Is Certain But Death, Taxes and …

Pets By Larissa Barnes

Don’t Miss Advertising in the Next Issue!

Your Guide

July/August 2015

To All Thing s Pets

Deadlines: For The July/August 2016 Issue Publishes Thursday, July 7: Advertorial, Space and Ad Copy must be submitted by

Wednesday, June 15, 4pm Camera Ready Ads must be submitted by

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s tax season comes to a close, most of us are entertaining a small degree of financial planning, even if it is as pure and simple as wanting to pay fewer taxes next year. For some of us it prompts the chance to review our financial objectives and consider what plans we have in place. But how many people have considered their pets in that long-term vision? As a shelter volunteer, there is nothing more devastating than seeing a beloved pet enter the shelter because the owner has been injured, gone into care or passed away. When a bereaved family member or friend walks “Puffy” the senior cat back to the cold, steel cage in the cat room because her owner died, you can just picture the owner rolling over in his grave. The love of his life is abandoned when she needs help the most. Puffy won’t eat, she cries, and her medications don’t come with her. Then there is the man who was in a motorbike accident and no one knew he had a shy Yorkie puppy at home named “Chase” who isn’t discovered until seven days after the accident. Alas, there is the daughter who Mom knew she could depend on, but who now “can’t” take her mother’s birds (Chirpy having been Mom’s favorite) when Mom is admitted to the nursing home. She doesn’t want to upset Mom, and instead tells her she found them all good homes. These situations occur every day and they all have one thing in common – they didn’t have a plan! Neither do the owners of almost 500,000 pets per year that end up in a shelter because of incapacitation. There are a few steps you can take to ensure you have a longterm vision for your pets: • Step One: Find two responsible caregivers for your pets in case of an emergency. Make sure these friends, neighbors or family members know your pets, their medications, care instructions, vet details and have keys to your house. • Step Two: Make sure neighbors and friends know about your pets. Carry a wallet “pet alert card” with the above caregivers listed. That way if you are in an accident the police will alert them. Create “in case of emergency” stickers that list your pets’ names and stick them near your front door or window in case

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continued from page 11 emergency services personnel are called to your house. They will then look for your pets. • Step Three: Consider what you are going to do about permanent care and never assume your relatives will take responsibility for your animals. Put the plan in writing and make it formal. Include your pets in your will (this will only take effect if you are deceased) or in your trust, via your estate planner, in the event you are in hospice or on life support. We never know what can take us by surprise. Make a back-up plan in case the caregiver is incapable of fulfilling his or her commitment. Leave a designated amount of money for your pet’s care and the authority to make medical decisions. It is important to cover different scenarios, for example, re-homing the pet and euthanizing the pet. It is also great to remember that costs associated with reviewing your trust or will are actually a tax deduction, so there is no reason to exclude “Puffy,” “Chase” and “Chirpy” in your future plans. When you are thinking about taxes, consider making annual contributions to a charity you believe in. So many pet-based charities rely solely on single, monthly or annual donations to survive. Pets can be expensive and charities take on the vet costs for injured and sick animals prior to finding them homes – not to mention, the cost of providing hospice care for senior animals that are not adopted (such as Puffy the senior cat!). But

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not all charities are created equal: • Do some research and find a charity that you believe in, a charity that benefits the animal directly, rather than paying overhead for office space or employees. You want to know that your donation helped “Puffy the senior cat” get her medicine! If you prefer a larger charity, read the non-profit’s mission statement to make sure your beliefs are aligned with theirs. • Be sure the charity is IRS-qualified – a registered 501c3 with non-profit status, otherwise you will not be able to claim deductions. • Obtain a receipt for your donation, even if your donation is 20 bags of dog food. • Talk to your accountant. There are tips and tricks to help you reduce your taxes and there are rules that prevent you from being able to claim certain deductions. For example, a donor’s deductions are limited to 50 percent of the individual’s adjusted gross income. If you earn $60,000 and donate $35,000, only $30,000 will qualify as a deduction. Confusing? Yes, but remember your accountant’s bill is also a tax deduction, so it is worth getting professional advice! So, if you are passionate about pets, both yours and those needing your help, now is the time to review things financially and long-term. There are many ways that helping charities can benefit you financially and help you lower your annual tax bill. By using this time to also review your plans for “Puffy,” “Chase” and “Chirpy,” it ensures your pets will be cared for, no matter what. Not all of us can have nine lives!

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Veterinary Cardiologists Specialists with a Heart for Healing By Martha Michael

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magine the excitement of bringing your new baby home. You cuddle with her in your bed, bond with her during feedings, and parade her in front of friends while you gush about her deep set eyes and tiny nose. But at her first well-check you get bad news. Her heartbeat is abnormal, so they advise you to bring her to a cardiologist. What if the “baby” you were worried about, while considering all the medical options available to you, was not a son or daughter, but your pet? The advice would actually be the same – seek out a cardiologist. Veterinary specialties exist for animals, just like they do in human medical science. There are board certified specialists in ophthalmology, radiology, neurology, cardiology and other veteriDr. Fred Brewer nary arenas as well. Veterinary cardiologist Dr. Fred Brewer says he’s treated a range of species, from dogs and cats to snakes, birds and opossum. “We all rely on our hearts – from embryology to pathology,” Dr. Brewer says. “It’s quite amazing.” How do you know if your pet needs to see a cardiologist? “You may not be able to pick up on the signs until it’s too late,” Dr. Brewer says. “If you’re

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continued from page 15 taking your dog or cat in for a wellness check and if the vet hears sounds (that indicate) they may have heart disease, then you’ll want to contact a cardiologist. Owners can sometimes pick up on symptoms, such as they will be exercise intolerant, or if they’re losing weight.” The basis for heart trouble in animals isn’t the same as humans. “Dogs and cats don’t have clogged arteries and they don’t have heart attacks,” Dr. Brewer explains. “As for cardiology issues or issues with their hearts, some are congenital and some are acquired heart diseases.” Weight is not the same issue with our pets as it is for us. “For instance, you find atherosclerosis in humans, not in vet patients,” Dr. Brewer says. “Many dogs and cats are overweight and so they may get diabetes or endocrinopathy or other metabolic disturbances. If they’re overweight it can also affect the way they breathe.” Veterinary cardiologists see some breeds more often than others because they have a predilection to contracting particular diseases. It’s not unlike the way certain breeding lines carry personality traits, such as dogs or cats with skittish personalities. “A lot of smaller dogs are over-represented with certain cardiomyopathies,” Dr. Brewer reports. Some of the breeds he sees the most include the Chihuahua, Maltese, Shih Tzu, and the Cavalier Spaniel. Also, Boxers, Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers tend to have greater numbers of cardiology issues. There is speculation that Maine Coon cats and Ragdolls are two feline breeds with a genetic propensity for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, or HCM, which is the most commonly diagnosed cardiac disease in cats, according to the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine website. A feline with the condition may show signs of lethargy or open-mouth breathing. It is diagnosed through the use of echocardiography, electrocardiography or thoracic radiography, and treatment may include medications to control heart rate or alleviate pulmonary congestion. Janice Dosh of Santa Clarita owns a Bengal that was born with a heart murmur. While the breed is not known to suffer from cardiac problems as a rule, when they do, these cats have a different challenge. Like a lot of breeds that are very expensive to obtain, those that have medical problems can be the object of rejection or neglect, and “Lola” was no exception. “We always made a home for stray cats or one from the litter in the neighborhood,” says Dosh. “If they couldn’t find a home for Lola, she was going to be put down.” The Dosh family took their new Bengal to Dr. Tracy at The Cat Doctor and Friends in Santa Clarita, who referred them to a cat cardiologist to have her heart checked before being spayed. The procedure involved ultrasound, Dosh remembers, 16 Pet Me! Magazine™

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and the veterinarian specialist determined Lola could undergo the spaying with no problem. “She is six years old and is doing well,” says Dosh. “Her markings are just beautiful, yet she is not sweet and friendly. This probably has more to do with her early months without much human contact. Lola is quite unique and we do love her.” The combination of the art of medicine and surgical practice is what attracted Dr. Brewer to veterinary cardiology. He grew up in Long Beach and attended UCLA, followed by veterinary school and a three-year cardiology residency at Cornell University in New York. He completed an internship at California Animal Hospital Veterinary Specialty Group in West Los Angeles with Dr. Stephen J. Ettinger. “Even my friends in the human medical field are so surprised when they find out there are veterinary cardiologists,” Dr. Brewer says. “The biggest hurdle is getting awareness that these specialties exist. The more awareness, the better care these pets get.” And with a mobile practice, Dr. Brewer enables more animals in the greater Los Angeles area to get cardiac care. On Wednesdays he works at Animal Specialty Group in Woodland Hills, but on other days he has a flexible schedule. Pet owners can contact him and he travels to the location of the patients who need his expertise. Dr. Brewer can be emailed at CaliforniaPetCardiology@gmail.com.

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D ssE e r t S S t e G n a C t e rP

You

By Bridget Alves

18 Pet Me! Magazine™

Too

tress is a virtually unavoidable part of human existence. No matter the lengths to which one will go to do so, external factors will inevitably crop up now and again that stress us out. Cats, like humans, can also get stressed out. Unfortunately, there are some pretty common behaviors out there that many pet owners exhibit without realizing it that can put a lot of undue stress on their cats. Here are some common behaviors to avoid if you want to help keep your cat happy, healthy, and low-stress. • Using strong-smelling fragrances. Cats have a much stronger olfactory sense than humans do, and what seems like a “light” scent to you might be overbearing for your cat. Also, cats don’t like the same things we do. You may love the scent of pumpkin spice when you walk through the door, but the inability of your cat to escape the odor may be driving him nuts. • Litter box issues. You should be scooping your cat’s litter box at least once a day, and cleaning it entirely once every two weeks. Cats are clean creatures and they

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2016

don’t like it when their litter box is dirty. On that note, cats are also fairly private creatures, so don’t put the litter box in a high-traffic area. Would you want to go to the bathroom someplace people keep walking through? • Punishing them for doing what cats do. If your cat is scratching at the couch, don’t yell at him. Instead, provide him with a scratching post and reward the cat for exhibiting the behavior you desire. This goes for dogs, too. If your dogs bark when someone comes to the door, they’re doing it to warn you and keep you safe; it’s what dogs do. If you yell at your animal for doing something he normally does, he’s just going to get confused and end up fearing you. • Don’t restrain your cat. No matter what kind of day you’ve had, or how badly you want to snuggle with your furry friend, never grab your cat and hold her so she can’t escape. In the wild, predators will first restrain their prey before eating them, and when you restrain your cat, you’re going to kick in her fight or flight response and freak her out. If you want to pet your cat, let her come and sit with you, never grab and hold her. Nobody likes being stressed out, and knowing what can cause stress in your pets is important. If you want them to remain happy and healthy, they’re going to need as little stress as possible – just like you!

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Furever Purr Rescue To adopt one of these pets, please contact us at (661) 255-9979 or (818) 635-6473. All of our kitties are spayed/neutered, up-to-date on shots, micro-chipped, de-wormed, treated for fleas, and have been tested for FeLV/FIV. Several of our cats and kittens are showcased locally at the Shelter Hope Pet Shop in the Valencia Town Center Mall. Photos courtesy of That Spunky Monkey Photography.

Paris

Toby My name is Toby. I am 5 years old. I adore attention from everyone! I am very affectionate and cuddly and love nothing more than to sit on your lap or be close by on the sofa with you, and sleep next to you at night. I will place my front paws on your legs when I want to be picked up and cuddled, which I often do with my foster mom. When I speak, I look at you to see if you understand what I am trying to say to you. I also like just hanging out with the humans I love. I’m pretty good at supervising cleaning, laundry and food prep too. I would be fine with a NON-AGGRESSIVE cat or dog, but I will growl in situations where I feel uncomfortable or threatened. I am not aggressive and avoid confrontations, but will try to defend myself if I am attacked. I would also be fine as an only pet.

Calling all Torti lovers! Pick me! Pick me! My name is Paris and I am 7 years old, and I am patiently waiting for someone to give me a second chance. When I was 5, my family decided they didn’t want me anymore. They took me to the shelter where I was very frightened, and I growled and hissed at people. My behavior put me on the list to not make it out of the shelter. A rescue took a chance on me. They say I need patience and time with someone who is cat savvy. I need to learn to trust again. I’ve been living in a large cage for the past two years, and I sure would love to have a family again. I lived with small children before, but my current foster mom thinks I would do best in an adult-only home with someone who gets the true personality traits of a Torti and enjoys my Torti-tude. If you would like to take a chance on me, don’t waste time – come meet me right away!

Griffin

Tank

Gorgeous Ginger

My name is Griffin and I am 3 years old. Although I may be a little shy initially, it is only for a short time until I get to know you. My foster mom says I have the sweetest personality and face! I am very mellow and not at all aggressive. I get along well with other cats and dogs; I am not picked on and I haven’t gotten into any fights. I walk away from altercations. Although I don’t like to be picked up and held very often, I adore being petted or rubbing/ scenting the legs of those I love. I am patient waiting for my canned food, but if it takes too long, I may meow a little. Often, I will go to my foster mom and very softly meow when I want special one-on-one attention, petting, kitty treats or maybe an extra serving of canned food.

My name is Tank. My foster mom says I am a “cool” cat. I am 4 years old. I love hanging out with her other cats and cruising through the house to see what everyone else is doing. I am extremely easy going with a calm demeanor. I am not intimidated by the other dogs or cats in my foster home, and I am not picked on by them either. I don’t always enjoy being picked up and held, but ADORE being petted, scenting my favorite humans (rubbing against them) and having my tummy rubbed. In the morning, I like chilling on the bathroom counter with my foster mom while she is getting ready for work. I get pets, snuggles and a few kitty treats! She always seems to know what I want. I love our one-on-one time!

My name is Ginger and I’m two years old. I was rescued from the shelter where I was dumped with my babies – only one of them survived. He has now been adopted and is in a home of his own. I’m still waiting for that special person to see my face and just know that they can’t live without me. I would do great as an only cat. I’m a lap kitty looking for a lap to call my own.

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2016

Adoption for You? By Bridget Alves

e’ve all seen those commercials where they show the sad-looking kittens and puppies juxtaposed with horrifying facts about animal abuse, and we’ve all had the feeling we’d like to save some of these precious creatures by adopting one. For some of us, that feeling fades as soon as the next commercial comes on, the one where some sports legend or another is explaining his erectile dysfunction, and how he finally decided to do something about it. For others, the feeling of wanting to adopt a pet persists. Emotions can be powerful motivators, but when it comes to adopting a pet, there are a few things you need to consider: Do You Have the Time? Pets are going to require attention – some more than others, to be sure, but even the most antisocial, aloof, misanthropic kitty-cat is going to need you to take care of him once in awhile. If you like to travel a lot, or simply find it hard to get everything done you need to, owning a pet is going to make that a whole lot worse. Do You Have the Money? The cost of owning a pet is a whole lot more than buying food once a week and the odd trip to the vet now and again.

continued on page 22 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ MAY/JUNE 2016

mitting to the life span of that pet. Some animals, especially cats, can live as long as 20 years. If you find yourself in a position where you need to re-home your pet, it can be extremely difficult to find someone willing to take him in. Additionally, if you’re forced to part ways with your animal due to circumstances, it can be an extremely depressing experience for both you and the pet. Ultimately, choosing to adopt a pet from a shelter is a noble and honorable thing to do. Just make sure you’re doing so with a rational mind. It can be easy for our emotions to overcome our reason and lead us into making rash decisions, and the people who put those commercials together know that.

continued from page 21 Think of obedience training, regular trips to the vet for checkups, shots, shampoo, toys, high-quality food, etc. Even cats and dogs that have no health problems throughout the course of their lives can still cost a considerable amount of money to keep healthy and happy. Are You Willing to Commit? Bringing an animal into your home isn’t like buying a new pair of pants. If you change your mind after a few days or weeks, you can’t just bring him or her back to the store and get a refund. Pets are a long-term commitment. You are com-

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22 Pet Me! Magazine™

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