Pet Me MarchApril 2018 by Pet Me! Magazine

Lucky & Maverick Bjorkman & Family

also inside • Paw Butters • Medical MJ • Pet Boarding

March - April 2018

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Pet Me! Magazine

4/30/18

Letter from Publisher and Editor

elcome to our first edition of Pet Me! Magazine. We’re excited to continue the tradition that Bridget Alves started with a publication dedicated to all things pets! As avid pet lovers ourselves, currently the owners of 5 rescue dogs combined, we have rescued each of our pets over the past 32 years. Our dogs each came with their own unique health issues, which is often the reason pets end up in a rescue situation. But, we wouldn’t trade them for anything. Add a turtle, duck, birds and cats to the mix and it’s clear we love animals! Inside this issue you’ll find dogs from several local rescues available for YOU to adopt as well! You’ll also find a handy directory at the back of the magazine for all things pets. Included in this issue you get to meet local realtors, Mike and Ann-Marie Bjorkman through the eyes of their two rescue dogs, Maverick and Lucky. We hope you’ll continue to seek out Pet Me! Magazine - currently published six times per year! We’re sure you’ll enjoy our March/April Issue.

Publishers Doug and Jeannie Sutton pictured above with (L-R): Bane, Buddy and Gracie Managing Editor Martha Michael pictured above with (L-R) Rodger and Gandalf

Pet Me! Magazine

PUBLISHED BY:

SCV Publications PUBLISHERS Doug Sutton Doug@scfree.net Jean Sutton Jean@scfree.net MANAGING EDITOR Martha Michael editor@scfree.net CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Victoria Rubay Melissa Lampert-Abramovitch Maverick and Lucky Bjorkman

ADVERTISING SALES Barbara Ward MAILING ADDRESS 26330 Diamond Pl #100 Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Ph: (661) 298-5330 On the Cover : The Bjorkman Family with dogs Maverick and Lucky photo: Mel Carll

Inside this Issue 6

Paw Butters

Adopt, Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Shop

Why Choose Adoption?

The Bjorkman Dogs

Lost & Found Pets of SCV

Dog Trainer Mark Tipton

Vets Discuss Medical Marijuana

Olate Dogs Show

Pet Boarding Tips

Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

Pet Services Directory

Paw Butters

By Victoria Rubay

mericans spend millions of dollars on moisturizing hand lotions, A softening scrubs and cuticle butters for their own hands and feet. Few of us, however, give any thought to treatments for the paws of our fourlegged friends. During the winter months, it is important to keep your dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s paws moisturized with a type of paw butter. Just like human hands, dog paws tend to crack and get very dry when itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cold. Using the paw balms designed for pets helps protect your furry friend from extremely cold surfaces, which can lead to a condition known as hyperkeratosis. Symptoms include an abnormal layer of thickening that develops on the paw pads, which makes them feel rough to the touch. It sometimes looks like there are extra paw pads forming on the sides and the origins of these kinds of growths are unknown. By using paw butters, a pet owner can get rid of the extra tissues by melting them away. It is always the safest idea to get paw butters that are organic, made from all natural ingredients, since dogs do tend to lick their paws. For extra protection against the possibility your dog will lick off the paw butters, it may be helpful to put socks on your dog. All of the balms listed above are made from organic ingredients and made in facilities with standards that are fit for humans.

Pet Me! Magazine

You can find paw butters at many local pet stores. The following are some recommended brands: •

The Blissful Dog

•

Pet Head Oatmeal Paw Butter

•

Paw Nectar

•

Burt’s Bees Paw and Nose Lotion

•

Particular Paws Dog Healing Balm

•

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Adopt Don't Shop! Tommy (left) is a Corgi mix. He’s a darling boy who weighs 11 lbs. and is about 3.5 yrs old. He has an adorable personality and gives the best kisses! Great with everyone and other animals. A perfect family pet! Moe (left) is gorgeous! He knows how to sit, shake and fetch! He loves to hike, go for walks, and can’t wait until you wake up to play with him! He would thrive with an active couple or person! Moe is a bit shy with larger dogs. He is about 2 years old and weighs 16 lbs.

Zoe is a cheerful Chihuahua with little white & brown patches. She’s just 8 years young, a friendly little girl. She weighs 6 lbs. Zoe is great with everyone and other pets.

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Daisy & Henry are a bonded pair that must be adopted together. They are about 11 years old. Daisy is a Pomeranian and Henry is believed to be a Maltese poodle mix.

Sky is a small breed Chihuahua mix that we rescued from Lancaster Animal Shelter. Sky is about 5 months old and weighs about 7lbs.

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Alani is a super sweet female, she will do ok in a household with other cats that will keep to themselves but she would prefer to be the only cat. Almost 3 years old.

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continued on page 10

Free exam Santa Clarita Animal Hospital Inc. if brought 24899 Railroad Ave. to us within 7 days Santa Clarita CA 91321 of adoption

Meet Pearl #A5150617 a 3-year-old female Anatolian Shepherd. She came into the shelter as a stray on Feb. 12. Pearl is very tall and skinny. Vet has her on a feeding schedule to help her put on weight. She barely ﬁts in the kennel because of her height but has a calm, sweet demeanor and is such a love. She is under medical care at the shelter, but is available now for adop on or rescue.

This precious, no name li le guy could use an angel on earth or a rescue angel to help him get out of the shelter. He is a 10-yearold Shih Tzu male who came into the shelter as a stray. Already neutered. No one has come forward for him and he seems a bit confused at the shelter. He came in completely ma ed and has recently been shaved. He is housebroken and staﬀ have been taking him out to do his "business." Just a cute li le senior needing some TLC and a warm home to spend his golden years.

Meet Rudy!! He is wai ng to be someone’s lucky charm. Rudy #A5149263 is a 3-year-old handsome Pitbull mix that will melt your heart. Rudy was brought in with another li le peanut named Lilly #A5149265 He passed his temp test and is so gentle. Rudy gets along well with other dogs, walks well on leash and is working on other obedience skills. He is available now.

Meet Toby who came to Castaic Animal Care Center with his siblings because their owner’s living situa on changed. Both siblings have been adopted and now Toby is hoping it’s his turn. His owner says that he is a friendly social cat, is very well li er box trained, aﬀec onate and well behaved. He is also good with small dogs. He has been neutered and vaccinated microchipped and is available to adopt FREE.

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Champion will dazzle you with his fabulous tricks (sit, stay & more) and nice leash manners. He’d love to be the champion of your heart and home.

Claire is good with dogs and cats. Most of all, Claire just loves to be with her favorite person ... you! She’s ready to be your best girlfriend now!

Huck adores people, is house trained, plus he knows sit, stay and more! What are you waiting for?

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Four 12-week-old non-deaf purebred border collie pups that are available for adoption Deaf Dog Rescue www.deafdogrescueofamerica.com brought to you by:

Arial is adorable too. She’s deaf, about nine months old, and is an Australian Shepherd mix

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Asha - Chiweenie (Chihuahua/Doxi) mix approximately 1 year

Bigelow - Basset Hound mix approximately 4 years

Prancer is a 2-year-old deaf Catahoula Leopard/Treeing Walker Coon Hound mix. He’s stunning in person and very sweet

Rhys - Collie mix approximately 2 years

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More about adopting on page 12

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Why Choose Adoption? A look at the lifesaving impact of pet adoption from the perspective of a longtime animal rescuer By Melissa Lampert-Abramovitch

When someone asks me why they should choose to adopt a pet over going to a breeder or pet store that sells commercially bred animals, my answer is simple: Adoption saves lives. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) tells us that almost 1 in 4 pets who enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide are killed every year – that’s more than 1.5 million animals, or 670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats. The numbers are staggering, but all hope is not lost. With an ever-increasing number of no-kill rescues joining the battle against the pet overpopulation problem alongside shelters across the country, euthanasia rates are slowly, but surely, going down, and public awareness has gone up. Which brings me back to my original point: Adoption saves lives. But how? One of my favorite things to tell people is, when you adopt an animal from a shelter or rescue, you’re actually saving two lives: the life of your new best friend, and the life of the animal that will take its place. Shelters are constantly euthanizing animals to make space for new ones coming in, and rescues simply can’t bring in new animals unless they have an empty kennel or foster home. Something else to consider is where those cute pet store puppies came from, which is usually an inhumane puppy mill with horrendous living conditions for both the dogs they breed and their babies. These animals are treated like nothing more than a product that must be constantly bred and sold, bred and sold. The combination of unsanitary living conditions, inadequate care, and poor breeding practices often results in birth defects

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Former MAPS kitten, Charlie, came to the shelter from a hoarding situation at just 3 weeks old with his litter. The shelter didn’t have the resources to provide the unweaned kittens with the around-the-clock care they needed to survive, so MAPS stepped in to rescue them.

Former MAPS kitten, Einstein, came to the shelter from a hoarding situation at just 3 weeks old with his litter. The shelter didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the resources to provide the unweaned kittens with the aroundthe-clock care they needed to survive, so MAPS stepped in to rescue them.

Latte was scheduled to be euthanized at the shelter because of severe skin and ear infections. MAPS pulled Latte from the shelter and has spent the last four months treating her conditions and nursing her back to health, and she will be ready for adoption very soon. Former MAPS dog, Pixie, was adopted in April 2017 after being rescued from death row at the shelter.

continued on next page

continued from page 13

and other health issues that lead to the puppy being discarded like trash or hefty veterinary expenses by pet owners later in life. More and more cities have banned the sale of animals from puppy mills in pet stores, and for good reason. Would you want to support such a cruel business by buying a commercially bred pet from a pet store? I wouldn’t either. What’s known as a “backyard breeder” operates in much the same way as a puppy mill. They usually give little to no thought to the wellbeing of their animals, forcing mothers to spend their lives in filthy cages while they’re bred over and over again. Both breeding dogs and puppies typically have inadequate care and unsanitary living conditions, and again, breeding practices are poor, all of which often results in birth defects and health problems. These types of breeders may use social media groups and websites like Craigslist to sell their animals for a profit, and if prospective buyers pay close attention, there are usually a number of red flags that they aren’t a reputable breeder. Again, would you want to support someone who treats their animals this way?

microchipped. Many rescues will also have their cats tested for the incurable Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and can help find the best fit for your personality and lifestyle, giving you the best chance at a successful adoption. Adoption fees also go right back into helping save even more animals – no one from a reputable animal rescue does what they do to make money. The bottom line is, most shelter and rescue pets are not broken. They aren’t any less of a companion than a pure bred, and just might even show you an even greater sense of love and appreciation because, on some level, they seem to know you saved their life. I’ve seen the faces of dogs and cats – and even kittens and puppies – on death row at overcrowded shelters, just waiting for someone to give them the chance that will save their lives. And that chance is called adoption. About Melissa Lampert-Abramovitch Melissa Lampert-Abramovitch is the co-founder, president, and CEO of Madeline’s Angels Pet Sanctuary (MAPS) in Santa Clarita, and has volunteered and worked in the world of

As an animal lover, I wouldn’t object to someone buying their pet from a reputable breeder who treats their animals well and provides all the necessary veterinary care – if it weren’t for the pet overpopulation problem, that is. With so many healthy, adoptable animals dying in shelters every day, placing extra value on a dog for being pure bred is hard for me to understand. In my mind, every home with a pure-bred dog is a home that could have saved a life by choosing to adopt instead. Of course, there are a number of other perks when it comes to adopting from a shelter or reputable rescue, like having the pet already spayed or neutered, up to date on their vaccines, and

Melissa Lampert-Abramovitch co-founder of Madeline’s Angels Pet Sanctuary 14

Pet Me! Magazine

animal rescue for over 10 years. She got her start volunteering at weekly adoption days for a no-kill cat rescue inside a local PetSmart, and was hooked. Since then she’s worked as a kennel attendant at New Leash on Life Animal Rescue in Santa Clarita and a pet caregiver at Best Friends Animal Society’s NKLA (No-Kill Los Angeles) Pet Adoption Center in West L.A., along with several animal hospitals. Lampert-Abramovitch is the creator and coordinator of the “KHTS Adopt a Pet” video feature series on hometownstation.com, which has helped 66 featured pets from local rescues and shelters get adopted to date. She fulfilled her lifelong dream of co-founding her own animal rescue alongside her mother, Randi Lampert, and sister, Jennifer Lampert, in 2016. Since the rescue’s creation, MAPS has taken in 15 dogs and cats in need, and adopted out 11 of these animals into their forever homes so far. Former MAPS kitten, Hope, was adopted with her special needs foster sibling in June 2017. To find out more about Madeline’s Angels Pet Sanctuary or sign up to contribute to the bake sale fundraisers, email mapsanimalrescue@gmail.com or go to mapsanimalrescue. wordpress.com. Madeline’s Angels Pet Sanctuary (M.A.P.S.)

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Meet the Family of Lucky and Maverick Bjorkman By Maverick and Lucky Bjorkman

Lucky: My name is perfect for me, because I’m a very lucky little girl. I was dumped down the street by my previous owner and my mommy and daddy scooped me up and saved me! I’m pretty sure they thought they were in Oz (I’m a Cairn Terrier and look just like Toto). If you ask my mom she’ll tell you I’m “the love of her life.” Maverick: Well, I’m the baby! I was born in September of 2016, and I’m a pit bull mix. My family wanted to know exactly who I was, so they stuck a swab in my mouth and found out I’m: bull mastiff, pit bull, bull dog, white English pointer and Rottweiler. We had a hard time getting along at first. They would move their mouths and seem like they were mad, but I didn’t hear anything. Lucky and I would shoot each other glances – what was their problem?! Obviously, I was deaf! I couldn’t communicate with them and I had no idea what they wanted, until they finally got smart. They hired somebody to teach them sign language. I heard my mom telling somebody, “If you ever want to make a lot of money – become a deaf dog trainer. They’re worth their weight in gold.” We live on an acre and a half in Placerita Canyon and I use every square inch of the property. I love our big yard. But when I go inside, I want to touch my masters a lot. I lie down across their laps, because I love to feel close to them. One of the best things in the world is when my dad isn’t around and my mom lets me get on the couch – just like Lucky gets to do all the time. But if Dad comes home I have to hop down before he sees me. Of course, Lucky gets to do anything she wants. Lucky: No I don’t! Mom and Dad let me get on the couch because I’m so sweet … and superior. If you’re in my way, I ignore you. Basically, I just let Mommy carry me on her hip. I’ve lived here for nine years! Besides, I hunt snacks for them. I bring them gophers, rats, birds and anything else that moves. Just because I move around slowly, it doesn’t mean I’m not a master hunter! Meet our family, on the right: Mike Bjorkman, Ann-Marie Bjorkman (holding me, Lucky), Andy and Maximus with Maverick in front. We are a busy family! Mike and Ann-Marie are local realtors. Andy works with them and Maximus is a student at Hart High. Mike and AnnMarie are also involved in lots of community non-profits, even chairing events such as the Boys and Girls Club Auction. Photo by Mel Carll 16

Pet Me! Magazine

Furry Friends on Lost & Found Pets of SCV By Martha Michael

t was six years ago that Rochelle Dawn and Elizabeth Rose decided there needs to be a hub where owners with lost pets can connect with the individuals who find them. So, with the aim of increasing the odds that families could be reunited, they created the Facebook group Lost & Found Pets of SCV. There are currently more than 10,000 members of the group and it is growing daily. The vast majority of members are residents from all over Santa Clarita with a few from the Antelope Valley, the San Fernando Valley and other neighboring communities. Because of telecommuting, cross-posting and the occasional pet lost during a trip to the SCV, members are not exclusively from Santa Clarita. “The group has very strong community involvement for assisting other members in so many different areas of the process when

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a pet is lost or found,” Dawn said. “This can range from encouragement when an owner is feeling lost or helpless, education on the steps to take when a pet is lost or found, and even donating their time to look for the lost pet, post flyers or help transport a found pet.” As one of the administrators, she encourages members to reach out to each other, which includes locating owners when you find someone’s lost animal, or assistance when looking for your own lost pet. The conversation also covers tips for preventing the loss of your furry family members. This form of communication “has had a cascading effect,” Dawn explained. “The group educates them and they, in turn, educate their friends and neighbors, leading to both preventing lost pets, as well as reuniting pets with their families.”

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Most of the Lost & Found Pets of SCV posts are dogs and cats, but the group also sees residents’ concerns about lost reptiles, birds, pocket pets and farm animals. “If you can own it, we probably have seen it posted to the group,” said the co-founder, adding that there are an average of 300 posts per month, including lost/found pets, loose pet sightings and lost pet prevention. “Most people who find lost pets are shocked to discover how many steps are required to look for the owners,” she said. “The old days of simply placing a few flyers isn’t enough anymore. It is also amazing and sometimes overwhelming how much information and community support there is to help an owner look for their lost pet or looking for the owner of a pet they have found. Just last year, the Lost & Found Pets of SCV community had a confirmed 70 percent reunited rate for pets posted to the group!” You can find the group at www.facebook.com/ groups/LostAndFoundPetsOfSCV.

Help! My dog...

Q & A With Dog Trainer Mark Tipton Q: My dog jumps on everyone. How do I get him to stop? A: Dogs jump to seek attention. Teach your dog something you DO want him to do, instead of an undesired behavior. Substitute the behavior by giving him something to do instead when he greets people. Q: Help! I’m having barking problems with my dog. He barks at everything when he’s in the backyard and my neighbors are complaining. A: You have to put the “Quiet” command on cue, so your dog knows what you are asking him to do. You can make the backyard more fun to be in by giving your dog a job to do, too. Try an electronic treat dispensing trainer such as a Pet Tutor, which will reward your dog with treats for being quiet. Q: Our dog ignores us whenever we call him. What can we do? A: Recall is the most important thing you can teach your dog. Make it a fun game so he wants to come when called. Basic obedience training is important, so that your dog will always come when called. It is especially critical when there is urgency, or to avoid a dangerous situation, to always have your dog respond to your commands. For help with each of these challenges, work with a certified professional positive reinforcement dog trainer. You can reach Mark Tipton at AngelDogs Training by calling 661-803-8461 or visit AngelDogsTraining.com. 20

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MEDICAL MARIJUANA FOR POST-PROP 64 PETS By Martha Michael

ith the passage of Proposition 64 in November 2016, many assume that the sale and use of marijuana is completely without restraints. That’s really not the case, but when it comes to medical marijuana for pets, its use is becoming broader, and more acceptable, than before January 1, 2018.

The veterinarian, who also has a mobile practice, has a regular client base where treatment involves wellness exams and routine lab work, but most of his patients are geriatric animals, so he does a lot of pain management. That’s where cannabis has proven effective.

“Basically, it’s more available to everyone now,” said Dr. Tim Shu, the founder and CEO of VetCBD, a company that manufactures non-psychoactive cannabis for animals. “Previously, the only people who could go into dispensaries were people who had medical recommendations for themselves. (The new law) really opens the market for us.”

“CBD oil makes a big difference when it’s in combination with western medicine. It’s another level of pain control,” Dr. Fox explained. “I also do acupuncture with holistic supplements like CBD oil. The pets do very well.”

Veterinarians cannot discuss or prescribe medical cannabis because it’s still considered a Schedule 1 drug, said Niklaus Fox, DVM, who works on Saturdays at Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center. It never stopped him from making it available to his patients, however. He has been prescribing hemp-based CBD oil, which has almost no THC, the chemical compound in cannabis that’s responsible for a euphoric “high.” “CBD oil derived from hemp is readily available anywhere – you can get it online,” Dr. Fox said. “It’s derived from a strain of marijuana with just trace amounts of THC. A lot of vets won’t talk to you about it for legal reasons.” Cannabis Treatment “We’ve had good luck treating behavioral issues (with cannabis),” said Dr. Fox, who became a veterinarian in 1997. “A couple of my clients really have had a profound reaction with it.” He described a canine patient of his that was attacking his owners, which Dr. Fox said was likely due to an anxiety disorder. The dog became far less aggressive after treatment with CBD oil. 22

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There is a growing number of pet owners turning to VetCBD products for aging and arthritic animals, as well as a lot of other conditions, Dr. Shu said. “People are seeing it for themselves. In the vet community we’ve seen a huge turnaround,” he said. “The reason why is because they have clients who have pets with chronic issues: limping, chronic nausea, loss of appetite, separation or noise anxiety. Some of them don’t do well with traditional medications. It sometimes causes lethargy, and sometimes pain meds can cause damage to the liver or the GI tract.” Dr. Shu mentioned CBD treatment for head trauma, and certain breeds that develop slipped discs in high numbers, such as dachshunds and pugs. He said it manages pain and increases mobility. Some seizure patients treated with CBD oil see a reduction in seizures from every day to about once a month, Dr. Shu said. “It’s a huge, huge change in their lives; then they talk to their veterinarians about it,” he added. “And when their cats start eating and gaining weight, that‘s a huge difference for the owner and they definitely bring that to their veterinarians’ attention.” He underscored the dual benefit of cannabis treatment. “They’re seeing improvement in the animal’s quality

of life. They can go for long walks, jump up and down,” Dr. Shu said. “The owners’ quality of life goes up also.” Products & Availability Before the passage of Proposition 64, many owners used medicines with hemp, because they could get them outside of a dispensary. VetCBD uses full spectrum cannabis. “The reason is, it contains multiple cannabinoids,” Dr. Shu explained, “which has a much more therapeutic benefit than if they use products that are hemp-based.” In other words, with hemp you get some benefits, but not the full potential, according to Dr. Shu. And an additional advantage to full spectrum cannabis is that manufacturers are forced to follow a range of testing requirements. “We’ve always abided by rules and regulations of the cannabis industry,” the company’s founder said. “January 1st came with a lot of changes. It’s business as usual for us, but we’ve always been in this space.” Patients who want to use VetCBD products still have to go to dispensaries to purchase them. And while the company will continue to abide by legal regulations, in terms of the general population, medical marijuana products will now be more available in California. “Veterinarians are kind of caught in a tricky position. In terms of the American Veterinary Medical Association, they’re not able to recommend or incorporate any sort of CBD in their practice,” Dr. Shu said. “It’s unfortunate. As health professionals, we

should be able to discuss options with our patients. … It’s forcing vets to do their patients a disservice.” According to Dr. Fox, before Prop. 64 you were limited to obtaining medical cannabis through dispensaries because of the stigma attached to it. “People had this misconception that it’s ‘druggies’ or whatever – it’s a shameful connotation. That’s completely not the case,” Dr. Fox said. “We’ve created this societal perception that it’s bad, (yet) we can use it to improve our health. We can see the trend in the nation, state after state, they’re changing their laws from medical use to recreational use.” Future With the obvious shift in perception, where is California going with cannabis treatment for pets? “A lot of it comes down to misunderstanding, which is why we focus so much on education,” Dr. Shu said. “That’ll be one of our top priorities is opening up that dialogue between healthcare professionals and pet owners and legislators. We’re going to be working on laws to enable vets to prescribe/recommend cannabis products.” Dr. Fox would like to see cannabis get rescheduled to promote research. There is scientific data, so far, on the medicinal benefits of cannabis with a wide range of animals, including rats, pigs and monkeys. Dr. Shu explained that all animals have endocannabinoid systems, so researchers can see the benefits. “We want to push for progress,” Dr. Shu said. “This is something that we’ve always been fighting for – for vets to be educated and for pet owners to have these resources. If it is a better option for them, we want that.”

f you’re amazed when people can get their dogs to simply sit, lie down and roll over, you’ve got a treat ahead of you at the College of the Canyons Performing Arts Center. The winning participants from Season 7 of “America’s Got Talent,” the Olate Dogs, will take the stage on May 19 – with two performances: at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Nicholas also believes it keeps other circus members from getting lazy.

Bringing multiple generations of circus experience, the Olate family performs a variety show including highenergy dog tricks, human acrobatics, comedy sketches, and music from emcee Nicholas Olate. In fact, it’s entertainment by a family for the family.

Most of the Olate family’s dogs are obtained through rescues and from shelters. Some have been pets that family members brought to them, or other individuals who could no longer care for them.

The four performers include Richard and Rebecca Olate, their son Nicholas, and his wife Yasmin, whose lives have largely been spent traveling with circuses. And in an interesting twist you might expect from acrobats, Nicholas and Yasmin met the same way his parents did: while working for the Royal Hanneford Circus – 24 years later. If your first thoughts go to the notorious reputation of circuses for their treatment of animals, there’s no cause for concern. This family of 10 dogs literally play onstage. The Olates don’t train their dogs with food, but positive reinforcement and lots of time developing loving, personal relationships with them, according to Nicholas Olate. “Honestly, I think the circus is better without big, exotic animals,” he said. “I grew up around elephants and tigers – it’s like being at the zoo. But at the same time, those are big animals and they need a really big space. They need big grass fields.” 24

Pet Me! Magazine

“Performers have to do a better act, step it up,” he said. “If people miss the elephants, in my opinion, it’s probably because their acts weren’t that good. If you’re entertained, you don’t miss things.”

They are all poodle mixes, preferred by Richard Olate, who began performing with dogs in his native country of Peru with his brother, Jose. “They’re easy to train because they’re agile and light-framed,” Nicholas Olate said. And because poodles are hypoallergenic, it’s best for VIP ticketholders who get to meet the dogs after performances, he added. For audience members who see the Olate Dogs anywhere from a 25,000-seat arena to the PAC in Valencia, it’s more than just a dog act. The show includes bounce juggling, unicycling and much more. The Olate Dogs will perform on Saturday, May 19 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the COC Performing Arts Center, located at 26455 Rockwell Canyon Road in Santa Clarita. For tickets, visit http://www3.canyons.edu/ Offices/PIO/CanyonsPAC/olate.html.

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TIPS FOR

BOARDING YOUR BUDDIES DIES

f you’re planning a trip for Spring Break or a long summer vacation, get started now making plans for your animals. If you’ve never boarded a pet, you may not know what to look for, or the possible pitfalls involved. The first step is to give yourself enough time to visit potential boarding venues. “People should take the time to check the facility,” says Marlee Andrews of Dogone-It, whose petsitting service includes off-site care and boarding. “Some places put them in a crate 24 hours a day.”

At Castaic Canine Camp there is chain n link fencing and animals can see each other. Chisholm sayss she has to make sure there’s a spot available if placing a boarder rder side-by-side with others is going to cause an issue.

Andrews believes that dogs need boarding more than cats, because felines are often more comfortable with pet sitter visits in their own homes. But when it comes to dogs – especially small ones – she says, “They aren’t just a pet – they’re a member of the family.”

“Some dogss are more social when the parents aren’t around,” d,” Chisholm says. “We’ve had good experience socializing ializing dogs. If you’d like to o get your dog socialized, ask how.”

While she’s had better luck caring for cats in their own homes, dogs are a different story, Andrews says. “Most dogs will be fine, take them for a walk, talk to them, give them treats,” she says. “I have a ‘dog room’ that was a bedroom, and four doggie doors that go outside. And they’re free to go in and out when they want.”

At Castaic ic Canine Camp, Chisholm begins by placing the new client’s pet with her own dogs, not with other new dogs. They also do temperament testing.

Linda Chisholm, owner of Castaic Canine Camp, has a suggestion for new clients, especially for a dog that has never been boarded. Take ake the dog for day care or for a one-night stay in advance. vance. “It makes people feel more comfortable, mfortable, knowing that if they’re going to stay two weeks, to first do day care or an overnight,” Chisholm said. A strong consideration for families milies seeking pet boarding prospects is socialization. on. “You need to make sure you visit the place to see where the 26

dogs will be,” says Chisholm, “because somee dogs don’t get along with other her dogs.”

Pet Me! Magazine

When looking for the best boarding situation, you have to consider whether or not you want your dog to eat, play and sleep with other boarders. “If you are going to be boarding for awhile and you want them to be socialized, get them on a schedule,” Chisholm suggests. “We feed on a schedule.” Aside from the more usual one-night boarding u up to about four-week u stays, Chisholm says she’s st had a dog that stayed four

months because the owner had a new grandchild in Australia. Another client chose Canine Camp for boarding for six months because their house had to be renovated because of flooding. They spent weekends going to play with the dog and take him for walks. “I’ve had a couple of those,” she says. “They would come up and visit … once a week was fine. I haven’t had any issues with it.” Then there is the foster dog she housed for a year and a half, but when the owner found a living situation for him, she couldn’t part with the dog. “They found a rescue to move the dog to in San Francisco,” she says, adding that the dog is about 9 years old. “I adopted him. I didn’t want him to sit in a rescue.”

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Finally, don’t forget the details, such as specific pricing and what it covers. Ask, for instance, whether they charge extra to administer medication to your pet or if your animal needs a special diet.

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

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Quail Run Ostrich Ranch

t started with a gift of two emu. But now the tenants at Quail Run, a working ranch in Lake Hughes, total more than 30 and include ostrich, emu and other species, such as cockatiels, chickens and a billy goat. The owners of Quail Run, Lou and Jacquie Royce and their daughter and son-in-law, Jessica and Josh Byers, were contacted by a friend about several ostrich that needed to be rescued. The owner, who had a herd of about 50 lacked the knowledge necessary and starved the herd until it only totaled eight birds, according to Jessica Byers. “We took all eight and nursed them back to health, including one female who had severely broken her wing,” Jessica said. “My dad is a bit of a genius when it comes to animal husbandry and hatching, so we became the go-to hatchers for many ranches throughout the West.” Of course, it is not always human error to explain the deaths of the birds at a ranch. During the year following the Powerhouse Fire of 2013, many of the Quail Run ostrich hens died, possibly the result of smoke and ash. Josh and Jessica were living in Montana at the time, but moved back to the Lake Hughes ranch property to help rebuild. Quail Run is the investment of a lot of the family’s money and hard work. “We also had no hatches during that time because of the ash that was in the air and water, lowering fertility to nil,” Jessica said. “Over the last several years, though, we have been building up our herd and we had more 28

Pet Me! Magazine

than a dozen babies that we hatched and sold this summer, in addition to a few who have stayed with us.” Quail Run works with a few ranches to trade bloodlines through chicks and eggs, hatching or trading. “But the really good ranchers who know their stuff and who are really honest-to-goodness animal lovers are few and far between,” Jessica said. Most of the birds sold by Quail Run have gone to ostrich ranchers, either just starting out or who had them in the past. The Royce and Byers families check on buyers to be sure the ostrich will have proper housing and care, Jessica said. “We occasionally get a person who gets a wild hair to buy one without knowing the work it will take; these are the birds we get calls on from the county as a listed ratite rescue.” (Ratite refers to a group of birds that are mostly large and flightless.) Quail Run is a working ranch, a no-kill rescue and a destination for anyone in greater Los Angeles who wants to see exotics. “These big birds really are amazing and win hearts, but need proper care and specific attention that some people aren’t prepared for,” Jessica said. One of their first male emus was left at the Castaic Animal Shelter. “We got the call, got the trailer hitched and went down to get him because they will simply destroy these big birds if we, or someone, doesn’t take them immediately,” Jessica explained. “We have helped re-home many ostriches and other ratites, specifically to

Ostrich or Emu?

hile related, the ostrich and emu are very different, according to the staff at Quail Run. They describe ostriches in this way: Ostriches range from 7.5 to 10 feet tall and weigh 350-600 pounds, depending on the breed. Males have black feathers and females are gray, both with white plumage. Females have gray beaks and skin, while male ostrich have pink beaks and shins, turning orange-red when in their season. They tend to have big eyes with long eyelashes colored with the same variations humans have. In fact, their eyes are not only the largest of any land or flying animal, they are also the closest in structure to our own. The Quail Run description of emus includes the following: Emus are all a darker gray color with very dark skin, black, pointy beaks and red eyes. The eggs are black. They are much friendlier than ostrich, which can have a temper. And with the friendliness they tend to also seem “ditzy.” Surprising facts: Ostrich actually don’t get “sick.” They have one of the strongest immune systems on the planet and are being studied to help us understand how to fight diseases. Their oil is very similar to our natural oils and seems to have anti-inflammatory properties. In a fight with a lion, it’s a 50-50 chance they walk away the winner.

An ostrich egg with chicken eggs

ostrich ranches that we knew were looking for older birds and had the appropriate facilities & knowledge.” While the men do a lot of the ranching, plus own a construction company, Jacquie and Jessica interface with clients who rent the property for weddings or other events. Jacquie also runs a store where you can buy fresh ostrich eggs, farm fresh chicken eggs and local raw honey. Jessica, a history professor who is currently homeschooling her two children, takes care of the other aspects of the business. For $5 you can take a 30-45 minute tour of Quail Run. For more information and to schedule a tour or rent the site for a special event, visit http://www. quailrunostrichranch.com/. 29