July/August 2015 Issue of Pet Me! Magazine by Pet Me! Magazine

July/August 2015

Your Guide To All Things Pets

Carousel Ranch

PLUS: Raw Food or No Raw Food? Why Do Cats Urinate in the House? Home Remedies for Dog Hair Loss & Much More!

Carousel Ranch staff assists student, Kiran, as he rides therapy horse, Banner.

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Contents 4 Carousel Ranch 10 Raw Food or No Raw Food? That is the Question 14 Why Do Cats Urinate in the House? 16 How To Stop Your Dog From Digging 19 Feeding Aggression in Dogs 20 Home Remedies for Dog Hair Loss 22 Cat Adoptables 23 Directory for All Things Pets

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email: petadv@petmemag.com Web: www.petmemag.com PUBLISHER Bridget Alves EDITOR Caroline Squires ART DIRECTOR Doug Conboy COVER PHOTO Caroline Squires PUBLISHED BY Pet Me! Publications Find Us On Facebook and Twitter Pet Me! Magazine

Summer offers new activities and plenty of outdoor time with our pets! However, it’s difficult when the temperature soars into the triple digits to engage in any kind of physical activity unless it’s swimming in the pool or running through the sprinklers. Much like us, our pets are also lazier during the day but enjoy being outside once it cools off a bit and more shade is available to escape the heat. People are often reminded on the news and on social media sites to not leave pets in cars or outside, or to walk them on the hot ground when temperatures rise. Despite common sense and a myriad of reminders, we will still hear heartbreaking stories of people who weren’t cautious with their pets. Please continue to share information with pet owners and educate whenever and wherever you can in order to stop the senseless suffering of pets that depend on us for their safety and wellbeing. With so many pet-minded people in SCV who strive to support and care for the animals in our community, it was challenging to focus on just one group for this issue. However, we found a group who not only cares about animals but they also work to build the bond between animals and people as well.The founders of Carousel Ranch, a therapeutic equestrian program based in SCV for disabled children, were interviewed for our feature article in order to tell us about their horses and about their long-standing work in our valley.The horses discussed in the article are truly amazing creatures that demonstrate the level of patience and care a horse can have when working with kids with special needs.The experience being at Carousel Ranch was inspirational and left a lasting impression. As a PetMe! reader, you understand the importance of pet safety and maintaining the health of your pet. This issue features an article about the benefits and risks of feeding your pet a raw food diet. This is a topic that sparks interest in pet owners because many are not familiar with it and are curious about what a raw food diet means as well as if it could be an option for their pet. As always, thank you for your wonderful emails and kind support. Please continue sending your input as it assists us in providing you with the information you want. We appreciate the privilege of bringing you Pet Me! Magazine. Have a safe and fun summer!

Bridget Alves Publisher

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Pet Me! Magazineâ&#x201E;˘ JULY/AUGUST 2015

Carousel By Caroline Squires

Ranch

Carousel Ranch student kneels while keeping balance on therapy horse, Gus. 4 Pet Me! Magazineâ&#x201E;˘

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Therapy horse, Mo.

estled in the hills off of Sierra Highway is Carousel Ranch, a place where horses help children. These special horses possess an amazing gift that not all horses have. “Once he’s tacked, he knows his job…he’ll drop his head all the way down to the kid in the wheelchair,” said Denise Redmond, Executive Director of Carousel Ranch and also one of its founders, as she described how Banner, one of her long-time therapy horses, will display unique behaviors when he is working with kids with disabilities. Banner is a retired Sheriff ’s horse and former reigning and roping horse that, at 26 years old, is living his third career as a therapy horse. He has been a therapy horse at Carousel Ranch for 18 years and is a favorite among staff and students. “It takes a really special horse to do this job,” she explained. “We get calls every week from people who want to give us horses, but they need to come to us with that special disposition. It’s not something you can train into them.” That special disposition allows therapy horses to work with kids and provide a safe environment in which to nurture growth and progress. Redmond explained, “When a horse comes in, we take

them in on a trial for 30 days. During that time, we conduct a series of tests like rustling plastic bags next to them, making loud noises near them, and bouncing balls off them.” She explained that the staff will ride the potential therapy horses and will observe how they react to the disposition tests. She continued, “The majority of horses aren’t going to make it because they might decide it’s scary to see a wheelchair or walker. So the horses we have are really truly special. They are irreplaceable. Without these phenomenal animals that are extremely hard to find, we can’t do what we do. They are the tools that make it all work.” These therapy horses are proven, solid horses that are reliable and understand they have an important job to do. “The basis behind [the program] is these kids spend every day in therapy like speech, behavior, physical, and occupational therapy, so we try to work on those exact same things. We talk to the parents about what he is working on, what his goals are, how we can help to accomplish those same things, and work in tandem in order to ensure he’s never going to think of it as therapy…he’s just having fun; he’s on a horse and having a good time,” said the founder.

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Kiran plays peek-a-boo with Program Director, Becky Graham.

continued from page 5 Not only do the kids get a lot out of the program, but Becky Graham, Program Director and co-founder, said, “The horses also love the attention.” She explained that after riding the kids say ‘thank you’ to their horse, and Graham commented that the horse will look for the praise and the ‘thank you’ from the child. The staff helps about 85 kids a week, and they have had some students for 18 years. With only a few programs like Carousel Ranch in Southern California, there are more kids

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Student balances on Gus during lesson.

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continued from page 6 in need than they can accommodate. Carousel Ranch supports their students for as long as they want to stay by changing the type of therapy and adjusting it as the child grows and matures. With such a dedicated commitment, there is a waiting list to get in, which is why they have plans to expand in order to reduce the wait time. However, with such plans, comes the question: how to fund the expansion? Luckily, Carousel Ranch receives a lot of help from the community such as donations of tack and equipment. They are also very grateful to the volunteers who come out to the ranch to maintain the grounds. Their stadium seating area for parents was built because of an Eagle Scout project, and the Girl Scouts have contributed as well by creating and building a sign on the property. Even though Carousel Ranch receives in-kind donations and support from the community, they still spend about $500,000 a year to maintain the program. With plans for expansion, their budget will also need to grow and growing requires more fundraising.

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Redmond mentioned they are always fundraising, but a few times a year they have major fundraising events. Their next large event is on August 9th, and it’s called Heart of the West, which is a dinner, auction, and children’s demonstration. Five hundred people are expected to attend, which generates about $200,000. The money they raise helps kids in need like Kiran, a 4-yearold boy, who attends therapy once a week to develop muscle tone, core strength, and motor skills. His dad explained to me that Kiran has built a lot of confidence and is more willing to try new things since starting therapy at Carousel Ranch. His dad explained that for his son, Kiran, “therapy has become a highlight of his week. It’s his motivation, and he is actually more motivated to do his other therapies because he knows he gets to come and ride and be with Miss Becky. He jumps up and down when he hears it’s time to go. We never have to convince him to come; he just says, ‘I gotta ride.’” The therapy horses that share their special gift are changing the lives of the students and families that visit them on a weekly basis, but it all wouldn’t be possible without the caring and dedicated staff that works tirelessly to bring the program to life. Redmond explained that Carousel Ranch has its name because “hope goes round and round.” It seems that belief will continue to inspire and help kids for years to come.

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Raw Food or No Raw Food? That is the Question By Caroline Squires

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aw food diets seem to be gaining popularity as owners struggle with food recalls, and pets that are picky eaters, have allergies, or require a diet other than kibble. For owners who are searching for the “right” food to give their pet, many consider a raw food diet. However, there also seems to be some potential risks associated with feeding raw meat and bones. According to a NY blog by Anahad O’Connor, makers of raw pet foods say their products allow cats and dogs to eat a more natural diet, similar to the way animals in the wild hunt prey and eat it raw. Cooking pet foods, they claim, kills a wide assortment of vitamins and enzymes. And pet digestive systems, advocates say, did not evolve to handle the corn, grains, flour, and other fillers often added to highly processed pet foods. “What’s more, many people are under the mistaken belief that a raw diet means plopping uncooked chicken breasts in a bowl for their dog or cat,” said Dr. Tony Buffington, a professor of veterinary clinical sciences at the Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. In reality, cats and dogs in the wild get their nutrients by eating the entire animal. “What people confuse is that ‘carnivore’ really means animal eater, not muscle-meat eater,” said Dr. Buffington. “In nature, they’re eating all the guts and the bones and the rest of the animal, all of which supplies their nutrient needs.” A raw food diet typically consists of: • Muscle meat, often still on the bone • Bones, either whole or ground • Organ meats such as livers and kidneys • Raw eggs • Vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and celery • Apples or other fruit • Some dairy, such as yogurt WebMD Pet Health writer, Elizabeth Lee, states that the cost of a raw dog food diet varies with the ingredients used and how it is prepared. For a 30-pound dog, a one-day supply of one variety of a frozen, commercially available raw chicken diet costs about $2.50; others may range up to $5 a day. A super-premium, commercial dry dog food costs about $1. Despite the cost, supporters of feeding raw food cite the potential benefits of the diet, which include: • Shinier coats • Healthier skin • Cleaner teeth • Higher energy levels • Smaller stools When responding to a Facebook post asking raw food feeders why they chose the diet, Gina Nelmar of SCV posted, “I use raw for my boys. It’s amazing! Their allergies are gone. They’re 100 lbs each and nine years old and act like they’re a

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continued from page 11 year old. They won’t even eat kibble or can anymore.” Kristine Marotta of SCV posted, “Benefits would be active and healthy lifestyle, no sickness, no vet bills, nice healthy skin, no teeth/gum issues. Overall, very happy (and cheaper for us too).” Even though there are many supporters, many mainstream veterinarians and the FDA don’t agree with feeding raw food to pets. The risks of raw diets have been documented in several studies published in veterinary journals. Studies of raw pet food have shown bacterial contamination. The FDA issued suggestions in 2004 for manufacturing raw pet food more safely, citing concern about the possibility of health risks to owners from handling the meat. A 2006 study of 20 commercially available raw meat diets found that 7.1% contained a type of salmonella. E. coli bacteria was found in 59.6% of raw meat diets. These bacteria can also be shed in the feces, leading to a potential source of human exposure and infection. However, some veterinarians believe the concern about bad bacteria is overblown. Doug Knueven, DVM, says, “When people are feeding a raw diet they know it’s not sterile, and

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they’re more careful about washing their hands. Feeding a raw meat diet is no different than cooking chicken for the family ... you have to clean up the counter and your knife.” Upon research, other potential risks include: • An unbalanced diet that may damage the health of dogs if given for an extended period • Potential for whole bones to choke an animal, break teeth, or cause an internal puncture Studies have shown that raw food diets are most commonly deficient in calcium and phosphorus even if bone is included because calcium can be poorly absorbed from whole bone. Due to this, some pet owners will grind the bone, which greatly improves the calcium and phosphorus imbalances, but it doesn’t solve the other nutritional problems, such as a lack of essential fatty acids. Pet owners can add supplements in order to help balance their pet’s diet, but often times raw food diets also lack sources for vitamins and frequently contain no source of trace metals such as zinc, iron, and copper. Without these, the pet will develop anemia, which might be noticed as a slight decline in athletic performance but would only be discovered by doing blood work.

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It is strongly recommended that if a pet owner is considering switching their pet from kibble to raw food, they should consult their veterinarian and research products in order to determine the best course of action. Anytime an owner changes their pet’s food, it must be done gradually and with careful monitoring. If switched over too quickly or not done properly, pets can develop diarrhea and become dehydrated. Raw dog food recipes and meal suggestions are readily found online and in books for people considering the change. Pet owners can also join online forums and groups to learn more. Regardless of the type of meal an owner gives their pet, it is important they have regular conversations with their veterinarian about diet in order to maintain the health of their pet.

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Why Do Cats Urinate in the House? By David Barratt Jackson, courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com

here are many reasons why your cat might be peeing in the house, anything from cleanliness, change of territory and the scent of another cat. Let’s look at why cats urinate in the house and what you can do to make it stop. Making your cat stop urinating on the carpet is easier than it seems. Many cat owners cannot keep an eye on their pet 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so it becomes difficult to see what they are doing, where and why they are doing it. I want to run through some real life situations that have happened to me, and how I stopped the constant urinating on carpets. Why do cats urinate in the house, and what you can do to make it stop? One of the many reasons cat owners find themselves in this predicament is down to health issues. A couple of years ago my male cat was starting to pee just outside his litter tray, and then over a few days, he spread to other rooms and before I knew it, the house was starting to smell of urine. He had never done this before; he was always clean and never missed the spot when it came 14 Pet Me! Magazine™

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to doing his business. Over the next couple of days, I made more of an attempt to follow him, only to find he wasn’t peeing as normal. The short story is, he had a urinary infection, and the vet mentioned that he might be associating the pain he felt when he urinated to his litter tray, and so he avoided going in. I don’t want to scare you, but if this sounds like something that could be happening to your cat, then either give your local vet a call, or take him in for an examination. If the above is not something you think is happening, then let’s run through another couple of reasons of why cats urinate in the house. A change of territory is also another reason for random urinating, as they are simply marking their new home with their smell. You may see this happen for only a couple of days, but if it continues, then there might be other issues to look at. Cleanliness is something I must mention, because it has happened to me in the past. If you have an indoor cat which uses only a litter tray, then having a dirty box is something of a no go area for many cats. Daily cleaning is essential, and the urinating in carpets will start to fade within days. Make sure your cat has easy access to his tray when it is cleaned. These simple steps above may sound obvious, but many people have busy lives and forget that the simple things are usually the problem. If you think your cat has health issues, then don’t waste any time in having the vet give him a health check. Stop your Cat Peeing on the Carpet. This easy to read book, has helped me and thousands more around the world, simply click on the link to get your copy now. You will also find cleaning tips, and how to tell if your Cat is trying to tell you something. About the Author: My name is David Barratt Jackson. I have been working with Cats for the past 10 years, on everything from training to cleaning. If you are having a problem with your cat Peeing on your Carpet and not using their Litter Tray, then I can help.

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How To Stop Your Dog From

Digging Courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com

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ogs have a natural inclination to dig holes. It is instinctive behavior, but can be extremely destructive and inappropriate for dogs that spend a great deal of time in yards. A digging dog can ruin a great landscaping job, creating both great annoyance and expense for his owner. If your dog is a problem digger, there are three effective means by which to combat this frustrating behavior. These three guidelines, used in concert, will often eliminate digging behavior in dogs. Address Your Dogs Comfort First, it is important to realize one of the most common motivations for digging. Dogs often dig holes as a means of personal climate control. On hot days a dog may dig himself a cooling well. His newly dug hole will be a place for him to rest on a surface that is cooler than the rest of the ground. If your dog’s digging habits seem to be related to heat, it is easy to solve the problem simply by addressing his needs. By providing a cool, shaded location in the yard, your dog may no longer feel a need to dig. Many have found that the use of a kiddy pool or other larger tub containing some water may also be of use in this endeavor. By making the dog’s surroundings cooler, you can easily eliminate his need to remove chunks of the yard to relax.

Likewise, dogs will sometimes dig to create a warm space during cold weather. By digging a small pit in which they can rest, the dog creates a space removed from brisk winds. Again, it is relatively easy to address the situation. Providing a warm space, such as a well-insulated doghouse can reduce the dog’s need to dig holes throughout your lawn. By tending to their comfort, one can reduce a prime motivator of digging behavior. Keeping a pet adequately cooled during the summer and sufficiently warm in the winter is one of the most simple, yet effective, means of eliminating digging. Exercise Your Dog Adequately Dogs will also dig when they are inadequately exercised or are overly confined. A dog with excess energy to burn may turn to digging as a means of release. A dog who feels confined in his yard and yearns to run free will be likewise attracted to the prospect of digging those annoying holes. This cause for digging can be addressed simply by making sure your dog is adequately exercised. Regular walks, play opportunities and other exercise outlets will leave your dog better rested and less inclined to dig. The value of exercising a dog is immeasurable. It produces a happier, calmer dog who is

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continued from page 17 more receptive to training and who is likely to be considerably more healthy than his under-exercised brethren. Thus, exercise should be pursued in all cases with all dogs. However, it brings with it the additional advantage of decreasing the level of interest the dog will show in digging. Keep Your Dog Entertained Digging can also be symptomatic of boredom. A dog with little to do may find the instinctive behavior of digging holes to be a great way to occupy his time. The bored dog is more likely to seek solace in the instinctive act of digging holes than is the appropriately engaged pet. As such, one can combat digging simply by making sure the dog has sufficient alternative sources of entertainment. As previously mentioned, regular exercise and activity offers hope in reducing digging behavior. Additionally, the presence of attractive and entertaining toys can provide a dog with other ways to spend his time and can reduce the likelihood that he will dig holes. Dogs who are simply left alone in a yard with little else to do are, not surprisingly, apt to invent their own diversions. As digging is an instinctive activity, it is often latched upon as something to do for an otherwise bored dog. By providing more attractive play activities, one can

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remove this frequent cause of destructive digging behavior. There are certainly other reasons why dogs dig and there are certainly problem dogs whose digging behavior will not immediately cease simply by following the three rules covered here. However, most dogs will curtail their destructive digging if their climate is appropriately managed, they are adequately exercised and they are provided with alternative diversions. Though instinctive, digging is not necessarily inevitable. By tending to needs of the dog, one can reduce instances of inappropriate digging.

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Feeding Aggression in Dogs

lot of dog owners really love feeding time. Dogs know when feeding time is, and they are very demonstrative about how happy they are when feeding time comes around. While all dogs are happy about the prospect of being fed though, some dogs tend to behave quite aggressively once their food has been served. Some dogs growl if someone is too near them while they eat, worse still, some dogs go to the extent of snapping at anyone they perceive as “too close” while they are feeding. This type of aggression in dogs is quite common, but it should not go uncurbed, as it could deteriorate into other forms of aggression if simply left unchecked. The key to checking such aggression early is in showing your dog who the boss is. You don’t need to actually punish your dog to get that message across. The best way to demonstrate you are the boss is by establishing a consistent feeding schedule. Feed your dog only at certain preset times, don’t deviate from your routine. Don’t feed your dog anything in between meals, and get the cooperation of other household members who interact with your dog. In the event that your dog is too full to eat during mealtime, don’t leave the food out, feed your pet again only at the next scheduled mealtime. Establishing a rigid schedule will give your dog a clear pic-

ture of who dictates when and how much he or she eats. This is essential if you want to curb your dog’s aggression while eating. A second important thing to establish is the order of importance; always feed your dog after your family and not before. If your dog begs at the table, don’t allow him or her to be fed. Feed your dog after your family is finished eating. That way, the dog will understand his or her rank in terms of superiority in the house. This again will go a long way towards toning down your dog’s aggression. Giving table scraps is never a good practice for many reasons: First of all, it’s unsanitary, your dog will probably end up taking the food away and trying to eat it somewhere else and wherever he or she does eat, it will be a mess after. Secondly, dog food is nutritionally balanced to be ideal for dogs, and scraps from the table will upset that balance. Third, it is disastrous from a behavioral standpoint, your dog will feel that you can be manipulated and this will upset your established schedule and undermine your credibility as the master. When feeding time does come around though, make sure that while training your dog, someone is there to watch him or her eat, this will also help drive home the point that people will not try to take away their food. With young dogs the tips we’ve given should be enough to eventually eliminate this sort of aggression early. If however, you are trying to train an older dog, you may need to use and additional method: that of not giving the food all at once. Let your dog have a small amount, and when he or she finishes, give more, repeat until your dog has eaten the correct amount as prescribed by your vet, or the packaging of your dog food; that way your dog is more likely to deduce that you are a giver of food, not somebody who takes it away. Aggression at feeding time is a primal instinct, after all, in the wild, dogs are largely predators, and their instinct is to defend their food against other predators. With patience and consistency though, your dog can be taught that he or she shouldn’t misbehave at feeding time.

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Home Remedies for Dog Hair Loss Courtesy of http://pet-articles.blogspot.com

Just like how we suffer from hair loss, dogs too have this problem! Hair loss in the course of shedding is usual for dogs. For example, German shepherds and Bernese mountain dogs will shed more hair than wheaten terriers and a few types of Spaniels. Also, all the dogs will shed more during the longer days beginning in the summer than they will during the shorter days starting in the winter. This is due to the seasonal shedding rotations related to variations in light. However, when extreme shedding occurs, especially to the point of baldness, dog hair loss can be a signal of deeper issues.

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Pet Me! Magazine™ JULY/AUGUST 2015

Symptoms of Dog Hair Loss Hair loss in dogs is more often than not accompanied by other symptoms like itching and skin irritation. A dog’s hair loss indication can be the effect of numerous medical problems including mange, mites, ticks or dermatitis. Home remedies for treating dog hair loss are safe to try to provide momentary relief, but a definite opinion of the reasons should be taken from a vet. Mentioned below are some of the home remedies you can try to get rid of the problem of hair shedding. Tips of Home Remedies for Dog Hair Loss 1. One of the best ways to reduce excessive shedding in dogs is to start with a healthy diet. Feed your dog with a homemade mix of fully-cooked rice, cooked vegetables and boiled chicken. This home food remedy may reduce the allergies caused by food to your dog and helps in reducing the hair fall. 2. Goldenseal is an excellent natural treatment for dog hair loss as long as it is not overdone. Make a weak mixture of goldenseal tea and apply it to the affected area. Goldenseal is powerful, so be sure not to make the tea too strong.

3. Another home remedy for hair shedding in dogs is to mix a small amount of flaxseed oil in your dog’s food. Flaxseed oil contains high amounts of Omega 3, an excellent natural treatment for dog hair loss. After a few weeks you would see the change in your dog’s hair fall. It is good for other health benefits too. 4. Olive oil is a good home remedy to apply on dog’s coat and skin. It will help moisturize as well as pacify any pain caused by severe itching. Another benefit of olive oil is that it will choke mites, if those fleas are the cause of dog’s hair loss. Olive oil is said to give the dog a fine and healthy coat with an amazing shine. 5. Lemon juice has natural antibacterial properties that can be used to treat excessive hair shedding in dogs. Introduce a slice of lemon in warm water and leave for five hours. Strain afterward and apply the lemon juice mixture as a rinse or as a spot treatment. 6. A n additional home remedy to follow is to pat your dog in the backyard after the bath and then brush him down. By this way, all the unwanted hair on the dog’s coat is removed. Regular baths encourage loose hair to fall out in the tub (or outside) instead of on your furniture. However over-bathing can cause dry skin, which causes fur to fall out.

Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ JULY/AUGUST 2015

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.

Presley – I am a 2-year-

Henry – I’m 2-year-old

Dallas – I’m a 2-year-old

Sweetie Pie –I’m 1-yearold short hair Tabby. I am a love bug! I love spending time with my human, and I love to be held in your arms. I enjoy the company of other kitties and like to play. I am definitely a lap cat! I had babies in the shelter, but they didn’t make it out. I was rescued and I’m hoping for a second chance with someone who really loves me. My best feature: my pretty eyes.

old Lynx Point Siamese. I like playing with the other kitties in my foster home. I’m a very relaxed kind of guy, and I get along with everyone. I would do best in a home with other pets and family to shower me with attention. My best feature: my big blue eyes.

long hair Tuxedo. I’m very sweet and enjoy hanging out and relaxing. I’m pretty low maintenance, and I get along with other kitties. I would love a home with an enclosed patio where I could relax and soak up the sun. One of my favorite past times is bird watching. My best feature is my lush coat... EVERYONE comments on it!

Coconut – I’m 1.5 years old and was rescued from the shelter after being dumped there while I was pregnant. My babies were born in a cold, steel cage. I was alone and frightened and unfortunately, only one of my kittens survived. My kitten and I were eventually rescued and brought to safety. Despite having been through so much, I have a lot of love to give and a sweet disposition to share. 22 Pet Me! Magazine™

Russian Blue, and I love to play with toys! I’m very cuddly and like to be close. I have a lot of energy and like having a kitty friend to play with, which means I would do best in a home with other pets and family to shower me with attention. I’m known for the hugs I give.

Biggie – I am 5-year-old short hair Tabby. I am a BIG cat that loves to be with my human. I am extremely curious and have been known to open doors and cupboards when I get bored. I love being held and although I weigh about 15 lbs. I expect to sit on your lap just like a petite lap cat would. I love looking out the window and watching the birds.