November/December 2016 Issue of Pet Me! Magazine by Pet Me! Magazine

November/December 2016

Your Guide To All Things Pets

Canines in Combat Dogs Serving in the Military PLUS: Traveling With a Pet: A Few Tips Ho Ho Hold the Table Scraps! Essential Oils For Our Pets & Much More!

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Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

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One Special Family Momma Maisy came into Animal Care and Control very pregnant. She is the sweetest girl, who loves being with people, is good with children and cats, and above all, loves being a part of a family. We suspect she was an outside dog, although she is getting much better on a lead and has learned to use a doggy door! We estimate her age at about 2 years, and she has won the hearts of everyone she meets. On September 11, 2016 she gave birth to seven little bundles of joy. But sadly, one was very small and weak, so she didn’t make it. Maisy adores her six thriving children and dotes on them constantly as they get up to their hilarious puppy antics. Each baby looks different, so we have no idea who “Daddy” was. None of them have the dachshund looks of Mom – well, maybe they have short legs! Due to their birth date, these gorgeous, gregarious, happy, playful and healthy babies have been named after some of the 9/11 rescue dogs that made such heroic efforts on that terrible day in 2001. Mommy Maisy and her babies would love to find their perfect homes while they are still in foster care (they will be available to take home in early December when they are fixed, vaccinated and micro-chipped). You can find out more about them by calling their Foster Mom at (661) 993-1029.

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Contents 2 Dog Adoptables

4 Canines in Combat: Dogs Serving in the Military 10 4th Annual Pet Food Collection for SCV Food Pantry and Senior Center

You know that dogs are a man’s and a woman’s best friend.

12 Pet Peeves from the Rescue Perspective

In honor of Veterans Day, November 11, 2016, we want to offer thanks to the

14 Traveling With a Pet: A Few Tips to Help You Along 16 Ho Ho Hold the Table Scraps! 18 Essential Oils For Our Pets

But did you know they’re just as loyal on the battlefield? That’s right!

fine men and women who have served us in the military, but we don’t want to forget another breed of soldier: war dogs. In this issue you get to see what they do to aid us in the time of war, plus how they help service men and women after they get home. Next month is Christmas, and with the holiday season comes a lot of excess food. Do you feed your pets scraps from the table? One of our articles discusses a list of common “people foods” we “share” with our pets and why that practice isn’t such a good idea. Have you heard about the healing power of essential oils? Local veterinarian

20 Cat Adoptables

Jeanette Lee Yamamoto is very knowledgeable about holistic treatments and

22 Directory for All Things Pets

discusses how effective the use of essential oils can be. For everything from seizures to stomachaches, utilizing an organic form of treatment can tackle your pet’s issues.

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

Have a wonderful holiday season. Hug your pets and spend time playing with them while you’re home. See you next year!

Bridget Alves Publisher

Pet Me! Magazine

EDITOR Martha Michael ART DIRECTOR Doug Conboy COVER PHOTO Jessica Wettstein, Courtesy of Dogs on Deployment PUBLISHED BY Pet Me! Publications Find Us On Facebook and Twitter Pet Me! Magazine

On the Cover: Honorary Staff Sgt. Belle is the 2016 Military Pet of the Year and Dogs on Deployment mascot. She sits at the foot of her handler, Sgt. Sam Wettstein, United States Marine Corps. She served as an IED Detection Dog for seven months in Afghanistan. Photo by Jessica Wettstein, courtesy of Dogs on Deployment.

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Canines in Combat Dogs Serving in the Military By Martha Michael

oes your Yorkie have what it takes to be a war dog? She sure does, says Lynn M. Hayner in an article posted by The United States War Dogs Association, Inc., a non-profit group promoting the work of military service dogs. The support provided by canines for U.S. troops is so wide-ranging, you may be surprised by some of the breeds that partner with men and women in uniform. Some of the best breeds for the business include: Doberman pinschers, bulldogs, German shepherds, boxers, and even Yorkshire terriers. What do they do?

According to the U.S. War Dogs website, canines have been employed in warfare for centuries. Even the soldiers of the Roman Empire had dogs with armor and spiked collars walking in columns alongside them. The British Army sent dogs ahead to attack the enemy’s cavalry. As early as 55 B.C., Britain used Mastiffs to fight Caesar’s armies, and later, Napoleon had dogs who could warn of an impending attack. Canines can sense the enemy’s location, as well as take messages back and forth from the frontlines. The United States military did not use war dogs much until about 1942.

continued on page 6 Photo of Belle and Sgt. Sam Wettstein by Jessica Wettstein, courtesy of Dogs on Deployment

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continued from page 5

Photo by Jessica Wettstein, courtesy of Dogs on Deployment

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The Nazis, however, were using dogs as scouts for the infantry by then. The littlest of them – a Yorkie named “Smoky” – served in the Philippines during WWII. He not only warned soldiers of incoming fire, he pulled telephone lines through an 8-inch pipe that was 70 feet underground so American commanders could communicate with troops. Today these military trained dogs are able to sniff out improvised explosive devices, or IED’s, weapons mostly employed by Taliban forces. They detect mortars, find drugs and protect troops. The U.S. Department of Defense says there are currently close to 2,700 working military dogs. Their training includes “drive building, grip development, and environmental and social stability,” according to the government agency. In 2006, the United States War Dogs Memorial was erected in Holmdel, New Jersey. It is a bronze statue of a Vietnam War veteran kneeling next to his dog. While the memorial represents war dog teams of the Vietnam War, it also honors all United States

continued on page 9

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Retired MWD Coba R592; photo by her owner, Louisa Kastner, co-founder of Mission K9 Rescue

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The U.S. Department of Defense says there are currently close to 2,700 working military dogs.

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continued from page 6 war dogs and their handlers – past, present and future. Since many service men and women have returned home, dogs have a new role to play. Non-profits like Mission K9 Rescue support these important canines in many ways. Mission K9 Rescue brings them home after service and reunites hero dogs with their military handlers, among other projects. 4 Paws 4 Patriots is a group providing service dogs to veterans for companionship. They partner with animal shelters and contract trainers to enable canines to meet Mission K9 Rescue reunited MA the psychological needs Chris Spears with MWD Rossi; photo courtesy of Mission K9 Rescue of former military men and women who return home and suffer disabilities such as PTSD. Patriots and Paws is an all-volunteer organization in Orange County providing veterans, active military, reservists and their families some basic home furnishings, plus match up these men

and women with a rescued animal for companionship. All the resources provided by the organization are free of charge to assist them as they transition into civilian life. Military dogs are employed as therapy dogs and police K-9s at home, while they continue to aid in combat out in the field. Many non-profit groups, including the U.S. War Dogs Association, assist in adopting out these brave ones upon retirement. UnitedStatesWarDogs.com 4Paws4Patriots.org Patriotsandpaws.org MissionK9Rescue.org DogsonDeployment.org

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4th Annual Pet Food Collection for SCV Food Pantry and Senior Center By Evelyn Vega, DVM, CCRT

or the month of December, Happy Pets Veterinary Center will collect food, treats, toys and cat litter for pets of low-income families, senior citizens and the homeless of SCV. What inspired me to do this was when, five years ago, 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 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.

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With the shelters so full and pets dying in the street, this cat was lucky to have a “home” with this gentleman. That was 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. Since 2013, Happy Pets has collected almost 1,000 cans of pet food and over 1,200 pounds of dry pet food that has been distributed to the SCV Food Pantry and the Meals on Wheels program at the SCV Senior Center. We also collected various pet supplies, treats and toys. Every year we are overwhelmed by the response from our community. We had the help and support of not only our customers, but also our local, privately owned pet stores such as Pet Supply, Canyon Pet Center and Pet Stop in Canyon Country. 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, our low-income families, and seniors of our hometown. Dr. Evelyn Vega is the owner of Happy Pets Veterinary Center in Valencia, California.

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Pet Peeves from the Rescue Perspective Courtesy of Furever Purr Rescue

here are areas where cats can be indoor/outdoor pets and have a long healthy life. Santa Clarita is not one of those places. Almost daily I encounter someone who claims they are unable to keep their cat indoors. Because the cat is insistent on going outdoors, they accept that it’s a given – and the cat is allowed outdoors. Inevitably, these same people will call asking for assistance to find their cat. When I get that call, my first inclination is to be brutally honest. I want to tell them, “Forget it, your cat’s not coming home. Your cat was eaten by a predator, probably taken by an owl or eaten by a coyote. It was a painful death and extremely frightening for your cat.” But I don’t. Instead, I make helpful suggestions, such as putting food out, and leaving their garage open just a crack so the kitty can come back in. I also educate them, telling them that most cats will come back in the wee hours of the night and if there is not a way in, they will

return to hiding again. It’s helpful to set an alarm clock and get up every hour on the hour. All of this agony is easily avoided by keeping your cat indoors and it’s really not that difficult. If your feline has a hankering to breathe fresh air and bask in the sun, why not set up a catio or an enclosure off your balcony or one of your windows? This will give your pet a safe place to play and rest. How many times do we have to hear stories about how the neighbor saw a coyote run off with a cat in its mouth? How often do we have to hear the sad tales from parents who leave the house with their kids and see kitty lying dead in the street after being hit by a car or torn apart on the lawn from a predator? There are solutions. People often say, “He was feral as a kitten, he has that instinct so I just can’t keep him inside.” That is just absolute nonsense. A truly

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feral kitten is not able to be held and cuddled. This takes, if it is ever to happen, a long time. I’ve heard story after story from people who found kittens and took them in, kittens that slept with them and cuddled with them. Two years later they can’t keep the cat in the house. It’s nonsensical to say that the cat’s insistence to want to go outdoors is because he was once feral and can’t be kept in. The cat is not the problem. The human became weak, instead of putting forth some effort and discipline like they would with their own child. Instead, they decided to just open the door and allow the cat to go out and return at his leisure. Most pet owners know about the dangers of time outside. To validate the choice to put their pet in danger we often hear, “He goes outside, but he always comes home at night.” Yes, until that one time he doesn’t, and that is when he has become a meal for a predator. We have a responsibility to keep our pets safe and to protect them, just as we would our children. We are their caregivers and they are dependent upon us for safety and all of their necessities. Find solutions and be a responsible pet owner. Possibly the worst thing I hear people say after finding out that their cat fell victim to a predator is that the cat had a great life and was loved and loved being outdoors, and that the cat just couldn’t be kept in. When people say that, I want to beg them not to adopt again. A stuffed animal might be a better choice.

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Traveling With a Pet: A Few Tips to Help You Along By Pet Me! Magazine

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magine you are going on a major vacafor your pet, Fido may not be able to travel tion. You need to make sure you get to with you. The level of ease the airport early, go through invasive • Don’t forget their papers! If your globesecurity, then get to the gate, only to trotting with “Gracie” includes leaving or difficulty you be crammed onto an airplane that, as time the country, or if you plan to have her fly goes on, seems to provide less and less room in the cargo hold, you will need a certifiencounter when for its passengers. Now, imagine doing all cate from your vet that details the pet’s that with a pet in tow. health and vaccinations. traveling with Are you stressed out yet?! • Check with your vet about medicaIf you’re headed on holiday with “Hartions. Sometimes, sedatives and antiyour pet will be ley,” fasten your seatbelt, because it may be nausea medications can be a wise opa rough ride. For your best odds, PLAN tion for traveling with pets. Asking the determined by how AHEAD. vet which medications, if any, as well as Here are a few tips to consider if you well you’re prepared. the proper dosage and procedures, can plan to travel with your animal: help keep crazy “Coco” calm and cool • Carefully choose your timing. Some during travel. airlines won’t allow pets to travel if the temperature outUltimately, the level of ease or difficulty you encounter side is too hot or too cold. Additionally, traveling during when traveling with your pet will be determined by how well busy periods, like holidays, can make things rough. Not you’re prepared. Just like when you travel alone, do as much only will the airports be full of people, but the staff will as you can beforehand so that when the time to travel comes, likely be overwhelmed and find it difficult, if not impos- it will go as smoothly as possible. sible, to assist you, should you require it. Whether it’s an excursion by car or around the world in • Make sure to tell the airline ahead of time. Only a certain 80 days, bringing your best furry friend along for the ride number of pets can be taken onboard or travel in the cargo means navigating more complicated waters. But, don’t worry hold at once, and if you don’t make sure you reserve a place – people fly with “Fifi” successfully every day.

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HoHo Hold the Table Scraps! By Martha Michael

ith all the tasty holiday food and the time spent at the dinner table with family members, it can be tempting to give Rex and Lucy scraps and snacks, but it’s not a good Christmas tradition, according to experts. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, or the ASPCA as we know it, has posted a list of dangerous “people food” that are known to go down the hatch of a dog, cat or other pet, at times.

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Believe it or not, on the non-profit group’s web article alcohol tops the list (OK, it’s in alphabetical order). But it may surprise you to know that some individuals find it amusing to share their beverages with their furry friends. But if you can, you’ll want to put a stop to it. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death, says the ASPCA. The organization’s article is a veritable ABCs of no-no foods, from avocados to Xylitol, including citrus, onions and garlic, among others. The holidays will find many Americans practically bathing in chocolate, but what’s delicious to humans can be dangerous to dogs and cats. The ASPCA says that products like chocolate, coffee and caffeine contain methylxanthines from the cacao seeds. When pets consume this chemical, it can cause them to not just experience excessive thirst, panting, vomiting and diarrhea, but ultimately can cause tremors, seizures and death. If you want to “pick corn with the chickens,” white chocolate has the least methylxanthines and baking chocolate has the highest level of the chemical. Nuts are another holiday favorite, and many of us exchange macadamia nuts in Christmas baskets and baking projects. But don’t unwrap it for Fifi or Jack. Your dog may become weak and experience hyperthermia after ingesting macadamia nuts. Almonds, pecans and walnuts are high in fat, which can, in the short term, make your happy pet sick, with symptoms like

vomiting, but also the furry one could contract pancreatitis. When you are fixing dinner, are you ever tempted to drop a slice of bacon for the dog? Raw meat and raw eggs are both carriers of bacteria that may include Salmonella or E. coli, which we already know are harmful to humans. As for raw eggs, they have an enzyme that decreases absorption of biotin, which is a B vitamin. You may see the results of that in your kitty’s coat or your dog’s skin, for instance. And what’s the sugary sweetness of Christmas cookies without something salty to follow it up? Well, once again, you can wallow in the world of junk food, but don’t drag your pet into it. If dogs and cats ingest too much salt they can become extremely thirsty and have to urinate excessively. Some pets have come down with ion poisoning, says the ASPCA. They suggest you watch for such signs as elevated body temperature, depression, tremors and seizures. That pumpkin pie you’re baking will please a crowd, but not so for Buddy and Tiger. The article warns that yeast dough will rise in their stomachs, cause them to bloat and possibly twist, which is life-threatening. It’s nice to share holiday activities with the pets, but limit those to caroling and tree-trimming. A trip to the vet on Christmas won’t be a gift to anyone. For more information on the subject, visit http://www. aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control/people-foodsavoid-feeding-your-pets.

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Essential Oils Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

For Our Pets By Jeanette Lee Yamamoto, DVM

s you may or may not have heard, essential oil usage is becoming very popular in today’s modern world, though they have historically been utilized for all types of ailments for thousands of years. Essential oils are naturally occurring, volatile, aromatic compounds found in the seeds, bark, stems, roots, flowers, and other parts of plants from all over the world. Essential oils are what give plants their distinctive smells, protect them from their natural enemies, and play a role in plant pollination. The ancient Greeks, Romans, Chinese and Indians used essential oils for rituals and religious practices, medicinal purposes, aromatherapy and massage. After substantial research in the 1990s, biologists began to more fully understand how chemical sensors in the body respond to the effects of scent. This research has opened many minds to a concept that ancient civilizations discovered long ago: Essential oils can be utilized in a number of important ways in the 21st century. The amazing thing about the popularity of essential oils – on the human side – is now we have started to incorporate essential oils into veterinary practice. A larger number of veterinarians practice what is commonly termed “Western medicine,” meaning that medical conditions are treated with medication, surgery, etc., based on scientific tradition. The counterpart to Western medicine is Eastern, or alternative, medicine. There are homeopathic and holistic modalities, where the goal is to utilize natural remedies that may include acupuncture and Chinese herbal remedies. Essential oils would fall under the latter category and offer medicine that is complementary to traditional medicine. Essential oils can be used three different ways – aromatically (inhaled), topically (on the skin/fur), and internally (via the digestive tract). • Diffusers are utilized for aromatic distribution of essential oils. The most common types used are atomized water diffusers, which allow for the combination of several 18 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

o ils at one time. When using diffusers for the benefit of pets, it is recommended to not use more than 3-4 drops of essential oil. You should also allow your pets the ability to leave the diffused room in case the aroma is too overwhelming for them. Think about this – dogs have an olfactory system (sense of smell) that is up to 100,000 times more sensitive than ours! • Topically, oils are applied to the skin and/or fur. To allow for a wider area of distribution or increased dilution of the oil, carrier oils, such as fractionated coconut oil, are combined with the essential oil. For small dogs and cats, only 1 drop of oil diluted with a carrier oil is typically needed for usage. In larger dogs, no more than 1-2 drops are needed. • Essential oils can be ingested by adding them to drinking water, mixing with food, or administering them in gel capsules. Certain oils can also be applied topically inside the lips and along the gum line. It is not recommended to give cats essential oils orally. Given pets’ varying sizes and sensitivity to oils, a small amount of essential oil goes a long way. When using essential oils in pets (and people), it is recommended to use ONLY 100 percent pure therapeutic grade oils. Not all essential oils are safe to use on dogs and cats, so please do your research prior to usage.

Here are a few examples of essential oils and their uses for dogs and cats: • Lavender oil is known for its calming properties, especially in times of stress or imbalances. Lavender helps minimize allergy issues and support the immune system. It can also be used topically to soothe dry skin, burns, bruises, and cuts. • Peppermint oil is helpful with indigestion, vomiting, diarrhea, respiratory congestion, fever and allergies. Peppermint can also be combined with other oils as a flea repellant. • Citrus oils (like orange, lemon and grapefruit) are uplifting and energizing. They are useful for stimulating appetite, immune system support, and relieving anxiety. Citrus oils CANNOT be used on cats!! Essential oils are an additional option when caring for ourselves and our pets. As with all modalities of medicine, both traditional and alternative, pets can have varied sensitivities, as well as different responses to the treatment options. It is recommended to discuss the use of essential oils for your pet with a knowledgeable veterinarian prior to usage. Dr. Jeanette Lee Yamamoto is a veterinarian at Golden State Veterinary Care in Castaic, Calif. and the founder of Peaceful Pets. You can reach her by emailing Peacefulpetsinhome@gmail.com or calling (661) 670-8773.

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Awesome

Adoptables

Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue • To adopt one of these pets please contact (661) 273-9822 Come meet us and say hello at our Annual Fall-In-Love Adoption Event • Sunday, November 13th Noon – 4pm 26055 Bouquet Canyon Rd. in Santa Clarita

Cally This beauty was adopted as a kitten 5 1/2 years ago and sadly, now that there is a new baby in the house that Cally doesn’t like, she has to go. This sweet, gorgeous girl was sequestered to the family garage for a week before she came to us, all the while craving attention and wanting her family to love her. She is timid at first, but she’ll warm right up with a loving touch and she loves to talk and tell you about her day. She gets along with other kitties, but she wouldn’t mind being an only kitty in her new home. She has never been around dogs. We are recommending older children that are respectful of kitties.

Kona & Kahlua This brother and sister are desperate for a family to call their own! Their dad passed away about a year ago and when the family came to clean out the house, they cleaned out everything, including Kona & Kahlua. They didn’t want them so they threw them outside to fend for themselves. Thankfully, a neighbor took them in and is giving them a warm, safe place to be until we can help them find their new FOREVER HOME...

Leo Lee Lee, as he is affectionately called, is a super sweet boy! He gets so excited when you’re petting him that he drools and might even give a little love nip to show you how happy he is, and he’ll even squeak with excitement. Leo is SUPER playful and, in fact, anything that moves or anything he thinks is going to move is fair game. He is GREAT with other kitties, boys, girls – it doesn’t matter – and his BFF is an adorable Flame Pt. Siamese boy named London. He would do great with another very active kitty in his new home so that they can climb, chase and wear each other out. He’s also very curious about the small dog in his foster home, although the dog does not quite share his enthusiasm for being friends. If there’s an open cupboard or closet he will be the first one to check it out. When it’s night-night time, Leo is not opposed to snuggling up next to his human friends and he makes a great foot warmer... Leo would do best in a home without small children that might want to chase him or pick him up and carry him around. That is simply NOT his thing.

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London London and his sister Paris were rescued from a local HIGH KILL shelter just in time. They were alone and very frighted since they hadn’t had much human interaction before entering the shelter. Now that they’ve both learned about toys, petting, brushing and how cool humans really are, they are looking for their new families. London still likes to get to know a person before he’s willing to be petted but it doesn’t take him long to gain his confidence and then PURR ON. If you’re a quieter home without small children and can give a very sweet, very handsome boy time to settle into his new family, then London just might be the purrrfect boy for you.

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

Sneakers Is my family coming for me? Sneakers is a little love bug and she wants nothing more than a loving family to call her own. She has been waiting longer than any of our other kitties – 3 long years. You might be asking why she hasn’t been adopted and honestly nobody can say. At adoption events she’s rolling over for tummy rubs, talking to passersby and just doing her best to find a family. This little sweetie loves everyone and she will purr the minute she feels your gentle touch. She is a bit shy in new situations and she will take a few days to settle into her new home, but that doesn’t mean she won’t be purring and looking for love. Sneekie is not big on toys, she really doesn’t like other kitties and dogs; well, she really doesn’t have a need for them either. The perfect home would be a quieter home that wants a LAP CAT that just needs to know that she’s HOME and that she’s loved. Sneekie has been waiting a long time for the right family to come find her.

Sadie

Paris Meet Paris! Paris was rescued from the Castaic shelter. She was abandoned by her family of 5 years because of allergies. Paris has the typical Torti-Tude and will entertain endlessly. She can play rough if egged on and needs a very special cat savvy pet parent who can read her. She is spayed, up-to-date on shots, and has tested negative for FeLV/ FIV. She is a very friendly girl with her human, but does not like feline companions. Paris is ideal for someone looking to have only one cat. This delightful little girl will not only amuse you, but she will spoil you rotten. She is definitely one of a kind!

Sadie is a spitfire! She’s got personality times 10 and she will most certainly keep you entertained. She loves her sunny spot at the top of her 6-foot cat tree but she will always make time for her adult human friends if there is petting and a lap involved. Her foster mom has recently discovered that she doesn’t like to play with toys by herself; that is something that she enjoys with her human friends. A laser toy or feather toy are her favorites. She does not care for small children since her previous family members were allowed to pull her tail and chase her around the house. She does not care for other cats, not even a little, but when you’re this pretty, of course you want to be the QUEEN of your castle. This loving girl would love an adult family of her own.

Sylvester Sylvester is all dressed up in his tuxedo and ready for a family of his own. He is playful, full of energy, VERY OUTGOING and just a great boy. He loves other kitties but won’t be shy about hogging all of the attention that he can. The minute he sees you he rolls over at your feet so that you’ll be sure to notice him... He loves to chit chat and tell you about the happenings of the day and he’ll continue until he has your attention, is in your lap being petted. He has seen the resident dog in his foster home and rubs against the screen whenever the dog comes by for a visit, so he would probably do well with a NICE dog in his new home.

Sophie Sophie has experienced more loss than any kitty should. She came to us as a teenager along with her mom and sister after her family moved away and left them to fend for themselves. Thankfully the perfect man came along looking for a sweet lap kitty to love and they spent the next 8 years together. They slept together and spent a lot of snuggle and playtime together until her dad passed away, leaving her alone again. Sophie is one of the sweetest kitties you will ever meet and from the very moment she meets you she’s willing to come for a loving pet and will give you a loving purr. She is wonderful with other kitties and doesn’t even seem to mind the small dog in her foster home. She seems to love everyone that she meets, and at 9 years old, we’d love for her to find her Forever Family.

Pet Me! Magazine™

Animal Aftercare

Cal Pet Crematory (310) 278-0633 (818) 983-2313 (323) 875-0633 www.calpet.com Guardian Animal Aftercare (818) 768-6465 www.guardianaftercare.com Pawpular Pet Suppliers Fox Feed 17028 Sierra Highway Canyon Country, 91387 (661) 252-9790 www.foxfeed.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 Rescue Organizations Visit our website for a complete list of rescue organizations Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce (661) 713-5240 www.brittanyfoundationonline.org Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue (661) 273-9822 www.forgottenangelsrescue.org Forgotten.Angels@hotmail.com 22 Pet Me! Magazine™

Furever Purr Rescue (818) 635-6473 castaiccats@aol.com www.fureverpurrrescue.org New Leash On Life Animal Rescue adopt@nlol.org (661) 255-0097 PetSave Foundation Bunny Rescue (661) 478-7360 www.petsave.org Ratz Nest Rat Rescue (661) 303-7872 www.ratznest.weebly.com Saffyre Sanctuary (Horse Rescue) Sylmar, CA www.saffyresanctuary.org Save A Kitty, Inc. (818) 825-3096 www.SaveaKittyCA.org Shelter Hope Pet Shop Santa Clarita 24201 Valencia Blvd. #1318 Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 885-4716 shelterhopepetshop.org/ santaclarita Southern California Siamese Rescue http://cs.siameserescue.org/ St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary/ Lange Foundation 27567 Oak Spring Canyon Rd. Canyon Country, CA 91387 (661) 251-5590 http://langefoundation.com Great Groomers Precious Pets 27737 Bouquet Canyon Road Suite 124 Saugus, CA 91350 (661) 296-2020

Trusted Vets In and Around SCV

All Creatures Veterinary Center 22722 Lyons Ave # 5 Newhall, 91321-2876 (661) 291-1121 www.wecarevets.com Canyon Country Veterinary Hospital 18840 Soledad Canyon Road Canyon Country, 91351-3772 (661) 424-9900 www.wecarevets.com Cinema Veterinary Centre 23460 Cinema Drive, Unit L Valencia, 91355 (661) 253-9300 www.cinemavet.com Golden State Veterinary Care 29629 The Old Road Castaic, 91384 (661) 670-8773 www.goldenstateveterinarycare.com Happy Pets Veterinary Center 27550 Newhall Ranch Road Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 295-9972 www.happypetsveterinary.com Peaceful Pets In-Home Euthanasia Services (661) 621-3750 peacefulpetsinhome@gmail.com www.peacefulpetsservices.com Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center 25832 Hemingway Ave. Santa Clarita, CA 91381 (661) 799-0655 www.srvc.com Valencia Veterinary Center 24036 Summerhill Ln. Santa Clarita, 91354 (661) 263-9000 www.bestvalenciavet.com Valley Lyons Pet Hospital 24882 Apple St., Newhall, CA (661) 254-6680

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