March/April 2012 Issue of Pet Me! Magazine

Mar/Apr 2012

Your Guide To All Things Pets

The

Fast And The FURRY-OUS PLUS: A Humane Easter Henry Gets a Prosthetic Leg Pet Therapy & Much More!

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To adopt one of these pets please contact Castaic Animal Shelter at 661.257.3191 or visit our website at www.PetMeMag.com Please visit our remodeled Cat Habitat. Interact with the cats and kittens in an open environment.

Callie

3 years old

2 years old Poor Callie was so scared at first nobody saw her, she would hide under the bed. However, now she realises that we all love her and she has found some 4-legged buddies, well this little cutie has really blossomed! She is a very pretty tan and white Corgi/ Chihuahua mix, watch out for those ears!! Callie is still a little shy but give her a moment and soon this sweetie will be climbing on to your lap for a cuddle. A quieter home without small children will suit Callie, somewhere she can feel secure and soon she will become the perfect little companion!

What a doll! Barley is a Beagle on Dachsund legs, and all the cuter for it! Barley loves his walks, yes, even on those little legs. He loves all the attention he gets from the staff and volunteers, he’s very friendly and gets on well with everyone he meets, 2-legged or 4! Although a confirmed shelter favourite Barley needs a family of his own so please come and meet this handsome little guy, he’s sure to steal your heart!

Abby

Around 7 years old Who is ready for 110 lbs of love?! This handsome guy was found trapped in the wash in Canyon Country and was such a good boy as 2 gals lifted him over a 6 ft fence to rescue! He loves people and just cannot get enough attention from staff and volunteers! He is busy honing his leash skills and he listens well. He would love a family of his own and if there is a “Rottie experienced” family out there who has a heart as big as this boy then please come and meet this big teddy bear, maybe he will find his own person to love.

Roc

Barley

Around 5 years old Amazing eyes, one blue one brown, amazing manners, it will be a very lucky family that gets to adopt this sweet Husky/ German shepherd mix. Sweet Abby is calm and mellow and already knows “sit” and “down” and she walks very nicely on leash. Abby loves everyone she meets and would love a new family prepared to give her lots of tummy rubs!

4 years old Around 3 years old Peggy has a heart as big as her entire body!

We often hear potential adopters stop at her kennel and exclaim at what a sweet gal she is!

Peggy is just a LOVE, there is no other way to describe her. She loves everyone and has many friends both 2-legged and 4-legged. Her best friend at the shelter was a handsome Australian Shepherd, she was caught giving him a kiss!

However he has been adopted and now Peggy needs a new love, a new family would be perfect! Peggy loves to play and so will need lots of toys to fetch and chew! This adorable Pitbull mix has had more than one litter of pups and now she needs to be fixed before she can be adopted, but if the right family is out there they won’t mind waiting a little while for this adorable dog!

Peggy

Love animals?

California’s fiscal mess could have an unwelcome impact on shelter animals. Governor Jerry Brown has proposed a repeal of Hayden’s Law to reduce the budget. Doing so would endanger the lives of any animal entering California’s municipal shelter system, since shelters would no longer be required to provide prompt or necessary veterinary care or hold animals for an extended period to increase chances of adoption, being rescued or returned to their owners.

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Voice your opposition to repealing the Hayden Act!

Tens of thousands of homeless pets’ lives are at stake.

Please make a call to the following and tell them you are opposed to repealing the Hayden Act: Senator Mark Leno, Chair, Senate Budget & Fiscal Review Committee: (916) 651-4003 Assembly member Bob Blumenfield, Chair, Assembly Budget Committee: (916) 319-2040 Governor Jerry Brown: (916) 445-2841

This is one very handsome boy, a white and light tan long haired Dachsund mix, Leche is a sweet and kind little boy. He may have short legs but he still loves to get out and about and then would like a lap on which to curl up on. Leche is mellow and loving and any family would be lucky to have this little guy as their new 4-legged friend.

Lola

Leche

This cute little tan Chihuahua is just a bundle of love and fun. She has energy to spare so please be ready to walk this little cutie and play with her! She has long legs, maybe she has some Italian Greyhound in there too! Lola loves people and would love her very own family to love and cuddle with. Please come to see Lola and you will fall for this little gals charms too!

MARCH/APRIL

Contents 4 A Humane Easter

Why bunnies aren’t toys and tips on proper bunny care

8 The Fast and the Furry-ous

How Roxy the Chihuahua helps her owner survive and thrive

12 Henry Gets a Prosthetic Leg

A rescued South African Boerbol gets a new lease on life

14 Awesome Aviaries

Easy to follow tips on building that perfect bird enclosure

16 Shelter Stroll Virtually Saving Lives

18 Transfusions for Pets

The latest info on this vital medical service

20 Pet Therapy

Bringing unconditional love to those who need it most

26 Tribute to Boo and Lana

Saying goodbye to two very special friends

27 Riley’s Tail Waggin’ Tummy Ticklin’ Treats 28 Is a Trip to the ER in Order?

A situation every pet parent dreads

30 Directory for All Things Pets Advertising Information Direct: 661.255.9979 Fax: 866.259.9201 29743 Seco Cyn. Rd. #518, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

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

Please Contact Us For A Subscription – Annual Subscription By Mail: $12 PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Bridget Alves Managing Editor Michelle Sathe ART DIRECTOR Doug Conboy COVER PHOTO Roxy photo courtesy of Michael Glockner

Springtime used to mean smelling the flowers and saying goodbye to the cool winter. These days it represents kitten, puppy and bunny season. For people in rescue, that means a whole lot of work is coming our way. Easter really steps up the game with people not only trying to make a buck selling bunnies, but the huge number of new bunny owners that have no idea how to care for their new pet. I prefer a humane Easter, with everyone sharing bunnies covered in chocolate rather than fur. Learn more about bunnies with Andrea Vigo of 2nd Chance Bunny Rescue in this issue.

I always love meeting people who go the extra mile for their pets and Henry’s parents certainly fit the bill. I met Henry, a gorgeous South African Boerboel, at a veterinary office last month. It was love at first kiss. Henry was visiting the clinic for a check on his prosthetic leg. Unlike years ago, we can now make such a difference in the quality of life for our pets and we’re proud to feature Henry’s story here.

Pet therapy is being recognized more than ever as an accepted means to healing almost anything that ails us, from a broken leg to a broken heart. We were able to catch up with several wonderful volunteers helping to make a difference training therapy dogs and visiting people in need of unconditional love.

Last month, with a heavy heart, I said goodbye to two best friends: my cat Boo Boo Bear and my dog Lana. Both had been by my side for more than a decade. They were an incredible inspiration for the magazine. It was hard to work on this issue, the first without Boo and Lana to inspire me. I love them and miss them so deeply. Inside I share a bit about their lives and the enormous difference they made in mine.

Thank you for reading and sharing Pet Me! Your comments, suggestions and wonderful emails are always welcome. We appreciate your support.

Peace and happiness.

PUBLISHED BY Pet Me! Publications

Bridget Alves

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Humane Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

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By Michelle Sathe

Bunnies aren’t toys. Yet, every Easter, some people choose to give out baby bunnies as a novelty to their children.

This can end disastrously for the animal, said Andrea Vigo, director of 2nd Chance Bunny Rescue.

“It’s an impulse buy. They’re not going to stay babies forever. When the reality sets in that bunnies grow bigger and take work to be fed and cared for, people get tired of them and dump these pets at shelters,” Vigo said. “We want people to get rabbits only if they’re going to be part of a loving family, not an Easter item.”

Vigo suggested families visit a bunny rescue or animal shelter that has bunnies and spend some time volunteering to determine if a rabbit makes sense as a pet. Not only will potential bunny owners see what’s involved in caring for the pet, they will be able to make a perfect match.

“Volunteers are going to know the rabbits’ personalities and will work with you to find exactly what you’re looking for,” Vigo said. “It’s always better to take in a pair. Bunnies are very social, and if you can’t be there with them 24 hours a day, they need a mate.”

Most rescues will have bonded pairs that have already been tested for compatibility, Vigo noted. “It’s a process.

You can’t just throw any rabbits together.

Some might mate, others may fight.

They also have to be spayed or neutered,” she said.

Just like a dog or cat, bunnies have individual personalities and special 4 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

Easter

needs. Since they are highly sensitive and don’t always like being picked up for petting, Vigo said families should consider a child’s temperament before adopting a bunny.

“Prey animals like bunnies don’t like to be restrained, but if your kid is very gentle and slow with them and has a peaceful nature, bunnies can make for a nice family pet, as long as the parents are involved with its care,” she said. “Owners have to be in it for long haul, since bunnies can live 8 to 10 years.”

When adding a bunny to your household, Vigo advised to also consider the following: • Rabbits are delicate creatures that need to be sheltered from the heat. Anything over 80 degrees is dangerous, since bunnies are prone to heatstroke, which causes their organs to shut down.

• Living outdoors is also dangerous for the exposure to wildlife, which can knock over enclosures and kill bunnies, which are such sensitive creatures that they often die of fright alone from such a situation.

• Ideally, bunnies should be kept inside the family home.

An accordion type exercise pen, usually used for puppies, plus a little box or cubby they can hide in works well for bunnies.

• Bunnies respond very well to litter box training.

• For bunnies to really blossom, they should be taken out of the pen every day and allowed to interact with their people several times a day.

• Bunnies love toys, such as wood blocks or cubes and toilet paper rolls, to keep entertained.

• The healthiest bunny diet consists of non-alfalfa hay, such as Timothy grass and oat mix, as well as a handful of fresh greens like romaine, parsley, dandelions and a small amount of carrots or apples as a treat. Fresh water should be available at all times.

Take proper care of this pet and the rewards can be great.

“In reality, bunnies have great personalities, like cats or dogs. If you take them out and play with them, you’ll be so surprised how much personality each one has,” Vigo said.

“They’ll learn their name and run up to you.”

For more information on adopting a bunny, contact Andrea Vigo at (818) 903-2382.

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The

Fast And The FURRY-OUS Michael felt so badly for the heartbroken little girls, he decided to take both dogs, giving one to Dorian and keeping Roxy for himself. “As I was holding Roxy, she looked up at Helmet: check. Goggles: check. Pink feather boa: check.

If a girl’s gonna ride, she should do it in style. Roxy me...and it was the way she looked at me. It was a bonding Glockner was the belle of Ortega Highway when her dad, experience I’d never had with any other dog,” he recalled.

Adopting Roxy gave Michael an idea. When he was 14, motorcycle enthusiast Michael Glockner, would dress her up and take her riding with him. “I have had many dogs in my his grandmother had bought him a squirrel monkey from Sears in Santa Fe Springs. “Yes, this was back in the day when life but I’ve only had one Roxy in my life,” he said.

It was November of 2008 when Michael saw an ad on you could buy exotic pets,” Michael laughed. “I named her Anaheim’s Craigslist that read “Chihuahua $60.” He had Tina and I taught her to ride on my dirt bike, a Honda 100. been looking for a small dog for his partner Cole’s mother, My father made a special piece of carpet that fit on the gas tank, Tina would stand and hold onto the cross bar of the Dorian.

“I drove to the house in Anaheim and when I walked in the handlebars. We would ride for hours, we had a blast!”

Shortly after Roxy came into his life, Michael took her on door I saw two little girls, one six and one about eight years their first ride. It was on a Aprilia 150cc Mojito scooter. They old. They were both crying. Their father told me that they had lost their home and had to move to an apartment that didn’t soon graduated to a Aprilia 500 Scarabeo scooter and then on accept dogs. They actually had two five month old Chihuahua to a DR650 Suzuki Supermoto.

“Roxy did well until about 60 MPH without the windshield, pups, sisters,” Michael said. “I was holding one of the pups when another daughter came out of the bedroom, also crying. so I went out and bought her a Kawasaki 650KLR with a big windshield and she loved it,” Michael said. “As I taught her She was carrying Roxy and asked me to hold her.”

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from her. Roxy is there for me when I cry, she licks my tears as if to say ‘I’m here, Dad. I understand.’”

Michael shared, “Sometimes Roxy is the reason I get off the couch or out of bed, because she needs to go outside. We take care of one another. When Roxy looks at me, I can tell her love for me is real and she gives me hope on the days I might have given up if she wasn’t here. I don’t have to tell dog lovers about the total unconditional love that I’ve received from Roxy. It’s what keeps me going on a daily basis. Roxy sensed I was ill and our bond grew deeper. Roxy became my best friend, she never judges me or my actions. She gives me purpose.”

As his health worsens, Michael is no longer able to ride a motorcycle or drive a car. His oldest daughter Gina provided a mobility scooter for her father, which has become his new mode of transportation. Roxy rides on his lap wherever he goes and has been certified as Michael’s service dog.

“Some people may think the bond that Roxy and I have is a little strange but I don’t. Roxy plays a huge part in my life when it comes to battling my illness. Roxy gives me a reason to continue fighting, she helps me believe in myself and keeps me thinking positively,” he said. “When Roxy looks at me with those eyes, it just makes me want to try that much harder. There is no better feeling than unconditional love. I know now that

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how to ride with me, I realized how much Roxy trusted me. I would rip through Ortega Highway, with Roxy secured on the front of me wearing her helmet and goggles. When we would pass other people on motorcycles and they would do double takes! They couldn’t believe that they just got smoked by some old guy riding with a dog.”

“If I started to ride a little too wild, Roxy would turn around with her helmet and goggles on and look up at me like ‘REALLY?’ When she looked at me like that I knew she just needed more time to get to the next level. Roxy’s trust in me was no different than when child learns to trust their parents,” Michael said.

Working her way up to 110 MPH, Roxy really impressed her dad. “She was more than a dog at that point, she was my brave little Roxy girl. A kick ass Chihuahua,” he said proudly.

“Six weeks after Roxy came into my life, I found out that I was HIV positive. The diagnosis was hard enough but there is also the stigma to contend with. If you have this disease, it’s like you die twice. First the loneliness and discrimination kills you. Your neighbors, coworkers, even your own family treat you differently. The second, of course, is the actual death,” Michael said. “Roxy is the reason I can keep my emotions in check. She is in tune with my emotions, I can’t hide them

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continued from page 9 it was God’s plan for me to answer that ad on Craigslist.”

Roxy has her own page on a very popular social network, but a word of caution: Roxy’s humor isn’t for everyone. Michael’s daughters, Jessica and Gina ask him to clarify that Roxy is actually his dog and not their morally compromised younger sister. Roxy posts several times a day, she is quite opinionated and well versed on many subjects. She’s political. She’s satirical.

She wears a pink feather boa.

Michael’s illness is progressing but he is brave and he is upbeat. He is not giving up. Not with his family and his kickass Chihuahua, his Roxy girl, by his side.

“When she looked at me like that I knew she just needed more time to get to the next level. Roxy’s trust in me was no different than when child learns to trust their parents,” Michael said.

Working her way up to 110 MPH, Roxy really impressed her owner. “She was more than a dog at that point, she was my brave little Roxy girl. A kick ass Chihuahua,” Michael said proudly.

Six weeks after he brought Roxy home, Michael found out he was HIV positive. The diagnosis was hard enough, there was also the stigma to contend with, as Michael illustrated. “If

10 Pet Me! Magazine™

you have this disease, it’s like you die twice. First the loneliness and discrimination kills you. Your neighbors, coworkers, even your own family treat you differently. The second, of course, is the actual death,” he said. “Roxy is the reason I can keep my emotions in check. She is in tune with my emotions, I can’t hide them from her. Roxy is there for me when I cry, she licks my tears as if to say ‘I’m here Dad. I understand.’”

Michael cited Roxy as the reason to get off the couch or out of bed, because she needed to go outside, and that the two took care of one another. “When Roxy looks at me, I can tell her love for me is real and she gives me hope on the days I might have given up if she wasn’t here,” he said. “I don’t have to tell dog lovers about the total unconditional love that I’ve received from Roxy. It’s what keeps me going on a daily basis. Roxy sensed I was ill and our bond grew deeper. Roxy became my best friend, she never judged me or my actions. She gave me purpose.”

As his health worsens, Michael

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

is no longer able to ride a motorcycle or drive a car. His oldest daughter Gina provided a mobility scooter for Michael, which has become his new mode of transportation. Roxy rides on his lap wherever he goes and has been certified as Michael’s service dog.

“Some people may think the bond that Roxy and I have is a little strange but I don’t. Roxy plays a huge part in my life when it comes to battling my illness. Roxy gives me a reason to continue fighting, she helps me believe in myself and keeps me thinking positively,” he said. “When Roxy looks at me with those eyes, it just makes me want to try that much harder. There is no better feeling than unconditional love. I know now that it was God’s plan for me to answer that ad on Craigslist.”

Roxy has her own page on a very popular social network, but a word of caution: Roxy’s humor isn’t for everyone.

Michael’s daughters, Jessica and Gina ask him to clarify that Roxy is actually his dog and not their morally compromised younger sister. Roxy posts several times a day, she is quite opinionated and well versed on many subjects. She’s political.

She’s satirical. She wears a pink feather boa.

Michael’s illness is progressing but he is brave and he is upbeat. He is not giving up. Not with his family and his kickass Chihuahua by his side.

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Henry Gets

By Michelle Sathe With his massive frame and unique looks, Henry the South African Boerboel, always drew a crowd. Now, with a prosthetic leg, the gentle giant really gets attention.

“People always say, ‘Aww, what happened?’ I tell them, don’t feel sorry for Henry. He went through hell, but now he gets what he needs: good food, exercise, and medical care,” said his owner Susan Foley of Canyon Country. “With the prosthesis, Henry has as normal of a life as possible. We celebrate that he’s walking on four legs.”

Foley, along with her husband Michael, owns and operates Global Animal Transport and has been rescuing Boerboels for years. A cousin to the bull mastiff, Boerboels range up to 140 pounds for females, with males generally topping the scales at 180 pounds.

Henry came to the Foleys’ attention through a shelter in Northern California last September. The dog had injuries, including a swollen rear left leg, and wasn’t eating.

“Most likely it was a bite from a brown recluse spider and the breeder turned him in because of it,” Foley said. “We take Boerboels, regardless, that’s what we do.

Ultimately, we wanted to make Henry a happy Boerboel boy. That was our goal.”

They picked Henry up from an urgent care vet clinic that the shelter had transferred 12 Pet Me! Magazine™

him to, where the dog received IV fluids and antibiotics. The Foleys brought Henry Down to Valencia Veterinary Hospital, where he continued treatment for two weeks. In addition to the spider bite, Henry was suffering from an enlarged spleen that had to be removed.

Unfortunately, Henry’s foot was necrotic, as well.

“His foot was dying, it was just really gross to look at. Once it was determined to be necrotic, we were told it would just go up the leg until it killed Henry,” Foley said. “Amputation was in his best interest.”

The surgery was performed at Seco Canyon Animal Clinic.

Originally, the Foleys were advised to remove Henry’s entire leg.

“We were told that animals adjust very well to a full amputation, but we thought, he’s young, he’s a Mastiff, he’s going to be like 130 pounds, we want to give him a shot as normal of a life as possible,” Foley said.

They opted instead for a partial amputation and a prosthesis, finding the prosthetic leg they felt would work best for Henry

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

a Prosthetic Leg through Animal Ortho Care in Virginia. Six weeks after his surgery, once the swelling went down, Henry was casted for his artificial leg. Three weeks later, the prosthetic came in and the Foleys brought Henry down to Seco Animal Clinic for a fitting.

“The first time we put the prosthesis on Henry, he just took to it. Henry got up, stamped his foot a couple times, took a few steps, then he started running when Michael took him outside,” Foley said. “Henry was running up and down the street. He was just in seventh heaven.”

The process hasn’t been without a few setbacks.The prosthesis had to be readjusted several times for a better fit and has needed a few repairs. Foley said it will most likely need to be replaced several times throughout Henry’s life, but that’s OK with her.

Henry is now part of the Foley family and shares his home with

Oliver, a puggle, and Cassius, another Boerboel.

“In these economic times, it’s hard enough to adopt a Mastiff out, let alone one you know is going to have issues with prosthesis and has no spleen,” she said.

Foley is happy with the choice she made for Henry and advises other pet owners to always consider a second opinion when dealing with a traumatic medical situation.

“Look at the options and do what you can for the quality of your canine’s life. If it is an option you can afford and it’s going to work for them, go for it,” she said. “I don’t think canine kids should be considered differently from yourself or your human kids. Animals have moods and personalities, they feel pain and struggle, so why wouldn’t you do everything you can do for them?”

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Aviaries Awesome

By Michelle Sathe

Looking for a beautiful way to display your birds and keep them happy, too? Consider an indoor or outdoor aviary.

According to Kelly Nilges, owner of the Bird Bungalow in Saugus, aviaries are becoming an increasingly popular choice for bird owners.

“With the economy being the way it is, people want to enjoy having birds, but don’t want to have to spend the time and expense of having large birds,” Nilges said. “Finches, cockatiels, and love birds are ideal in an outside aviary. They can go into the backyard, where everyone can enjoy the sounds.

It’s like an art piece.”

Whatever the home size, aviaries are very accommodating, especially if you build it yourself.

“I have a 15 foot x 15 foot aviary for macaws in my backyard, but for those that are downsizing from a large house to apartment or small condo, you can still have something nice and pretty and have it in a smaller space,” Nilges said. “Santa Clarita is a quirky place. Some people have small places, others have ranches and can do a large aviary. I suggest to beginners to always start small. You can always move up in size later.”

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According to Nilges, aviaries can start at 3 feet wide and one foot deep and go as tall as space will allow, keeping in mind additional space for accessories such as toys, plants and perches.

“I like to plant around my aviaries. Once you start growing in there, you don’t want as many birds as you could fit, you want to leave some space empty,” she said. “You should have at least two birds in aviary, to keep each other company.”

The Bird Bungalow carries pre-constructed flight aviaries that are 30 inches wide by 18 inches deep and 50 inches tall.

“It’s a great beginner aviary. You can have it in your house, it doesn’t have to be outside,” Nilges said. “A soft wire cage, is relatively inexpensive. The start up for everything is about $150.”

Building an aviary is fairly straightforward, as Nilges illustrated.

“You can purchase most of the items from a hardware store, keeping in mind the needs of each bird. Bigger birds can be wood destructive,” she said. “If you stay within the smaller bird range, such as finches, creating your own aviary is pretty

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

When Your Family Pet Deserves The Best!

Lisa A. Pope, D.V.M. Amber Wheelbarger, D.V.M. inexpensive using wire and wood.”

Both Nilges and the website www.avianweb.com recommended using non-toxic materials such as stainless steel mesh and untreated wood to build an aviary.

If the aviary will be outside, take into consideration what will be needed to keep wildlife out; it should be very sturdy.

Additionally, adequate shelter such as shade in the summer and protection from inclement weather should be carefully addressed.

Ideally, for ease of cleaning and your birds’ comfort level, the best cages would have two “bottoms.” The top tier allows droppings to fall through to a pull-out bottom level, which would keep birds from coming into contact with any droppings and spoiling food.

For more tips on how to build an aviary, visit www.http:// www.avianweb.com/buildingacage.html

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Shelter Stroll

Virtually Saving Lives

By Michelle Sathe As rescuer Laura Hites of Valencia walked through the Lancaster Animal Shelter five years ago, she saw past the crowded kennels and the sad faces to something more positive.

“I realized how many fabulous animals they had there. There was a huge selection of puppies and purebreds and mixes, just really adorable dogs I hadn’t been aware of,” Hites said. “There were so many, I was stunned.”

Hites was also inspired. She envisioned a blog called Shelter Stroll, highlighting the many animals available in hopes of reaching a large audience of potential adopters.

“A lot of people buy purebreds and make the assumption that the shelter only has discards, but truly, there are so many dogs that are as adorable as any you’d find in a pet store, especially if you’re willing to try and visit other shelters or go outside the city,” Hites said.

Shelter Stroll launched in 2007 and has since featured thousands of animals from Lancaster and other Los Angeles County animal shelters.

“I’ve tried to broaden it over the years,” Hites said.

Since many find going to a shelter a stressful or depressing

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experience, offering a visit through Shelter Stroll, was, as Hites said, “Almost like a virtual stroll through the shelter.”

Over the last few years, Hites has expanded Shelter Stroll’s reach through a page on Facebook and by tweeting available shelter pets on Twitter.

“I’m trying to use multiple mediums to get the word out there,” Hites said. “It’s my way of doing something good, of giving back and putting something positive out in the world.”

Before starting Shelter Stroll, Hites was actively involved in Sheltie rescue, fostering dogs in need and finding them permanent homes.

She’s loved animals for as long as she can remember.

“I’ve always felt that animals bring a lot to humans. By bringing an animal into your life and doing something good, it not only helps the animal, it helps the person, too,” Hites said. “Our lives are enriched by caring for animals.”

For up to three hours a day, Hites networks shelter pets on the website and various social media outlets. By working with shelter volunteers, Hites gets additional background on as many animals as she can, as well as the best possible photos.

“I try to make it a little more interactive for the user, by giving a little history. It makes it more interesting,” Hites said. “The nice thing about Shelter Stroll is the idea of getting these pets out in

front of the general public, to get more people thinking about adoption first, whether it’s from a shelter or rescue.”

Sometimes Hites will be called upon to play pet/person matchmaker.

“It’s really neat, I’ll have people contact me and say, ‘I’m looking for a Yorkie.’ Since I’m good at searching, I’ll help them find where they can rescue or adopt a Yorkie,” Hites said.

The rewards of a successful match are great, as Hites, who designs and sells jewelry on Etsy.com to supplement her rescue efforts, illustrated.

“People will contact me later, and tell me, ‘I adopted that dog.’

I feel like I did a rescue without having to go to a shelter. It’s really neat, that dog doesn’t have to go through a middleman, it can go directly to a home. It almost makes the adopter a rescuer.”

Mostly anonymous through her role at Shelter Stroll, Hites finds the virtual world of volunteering very rewarding.

“Networking these dogs gives them a huge chance. It’s an easy way for anyone to make a difference by spreading that word, and getting people knowledgeable that otherwise may not be,” Hites said. “It’s amazing how with just a computer, someone can save an animal.”

For more information, visit http://shelterstroll.blogspot.com/ or like Shelter Stroll on Facebook.

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

Transfusions for Pets?

By Brian C. Young, VMD Many people are surprised to hear that blood transfusions are administered to dogs and cats on a routine basis. In fact, veterinary specialty hospitals and many general practices keep blood products on hand for use in emergency situations. The blood comes from veterinary blood banks, located throughout the country, and also from pets that are screened to become volunteer blood donors.

To become an appropriate blood donor, animals must be healthy adults. Additionally, laboratory work is submitted to screen for various infectious diseases, evaluate organ function, and determine the donor’s blood type. Cats have two major blood types: A and B. Feline patients must receive a transfusion of the same blood type to prevent serious and possibly life-threatening reactions. Dogs have more types than cats, and may receive “universal donor blood”. Often times a cross-match is performed in an attempt to prevent transfusion reactions. A cross-match is especially important if a pet has received a blood transfusion in the past that resulted in complications. Although transfusion

reactions are always a possibility, they are not usually dangerous.

Although blood may be transfused as fresh, whole blood, it is often separated into different components by veterinary blood banks. These include packed red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen to all the cells in the body, and plasma products.

Packed red blood cells are necessary to treat severe anemia, which can be caused by hemorrhage, red blood cell destruction (immune-mediated disease or ingestion of onions/other toxins) or decreased red cell production (kidney or bone marrow disease).

Plasma products are most often used for clotting abnormalities (hemophilia, severe critical illness or rodenticide toxicity).

Blood transfusions can be life saving but require careful monitoring in a hospital setting. Please remember to let your veterinarian know if your pet has ever received a transfusion in the past.

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18 Pet Me! Magazine™

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

Pet Therapy

By Kim A. Schumann

When I was a little girl I was shy. Painfully shy. I think I hid behind my mother’s leg until I was seven years old. Now, I have no doubt that my mother loved me very much but there were times when she needed a break from my clingy, antisocial behavior. It was during these times when she would tell me to “go hug your dog.”

My dog Peanut was a 25 pound, black and tan Cocker Spaniel mix. She was the runt of the litter and looked like she was made from spare dog parts. Her hind legs were longer than her front legs and her ears were twice the size of her head. I got her when I was eight years old and I loved her with all of my heart. So when my mother suggested to go and hug Peanut, I would do just that...and I always felt better. I eventually grew out of my shyness but by then I had become an awkward teenager. I hugged my little dog a lot during those years and she happily obliged. Peanut made me feel accepted and loved unconditionally.

I’m sure there is a scientific explanation for what is taking place in our bodies chemically when we hug our pets. I’m not really concerned what that explanation is. I just reap the benefits of the act. The feeling of being needed, accepted, understood and loved is what drives us to go on. It’s an emotional and 20 Pet Me! Magazine™

mental warm, fuzzy reboot. It’s therapeutic.

How amazing would it be for me to say that back in the 1960’s my mother was on the cutting edge of psychiatric medicine and developed animal assisted therapy? It would be completely awesome but very untrue. In fact my mother wasn’t even close. The first known therapeutic use of animals started in Gheel, Belgium in the ninth century. In this town, learning to care for farm animals was an important part of an assisted living program designed for the people of the town who had disabilities.

Some of the earliest uses of animal assisted therapy in the United States were for psychiatric patients. Working with the therapy animals had a positive effect on both children and adults with mental health issues. It is only in the last few decades that animal assisted therapy has been more officially implemented in a variety of therapeutic settings, including prisons, hospitals, hospices, convalescent homes, and outpatient care programs.

So, my mother was really on to something whether she realized it or not.

Marsha Glasgall, the pet therapy team coordinator for Kaiser Permanente in Woodland Hills sees firsthand the

continued on page 22

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

continued from page 20 effects therapy animals can have on patients. People who may be afraid to push themselves in physical therapy for fear of being in pain will bend over without thinking to pet a therapy dog. They’ll extend their arms and bend their wrists to pet, use their muscles to hug or a voice that may have been lost to say “hello” to a furry visitor.

“Patients forget that ‘it hurts’ or ‘they can’t’ when the dogs come into their rooms,” Glasgall said. “Even the patients who are unable to physically interact with the dogs due to the nature of their illness will still get a visit, even if it’s just a ten minute stop in their doorway. It can really make someone’s day.”

Kaiser Woodland Hills pet therapy program has 31 teams, each team consisting of one owner and their dog. Each dog is required to be properly vetted, licensed and to complete at least one year of basic obedience. Dogs must be able to heel on a loose lead, on the left side and show absolutely no aggression (regardless of the situation). The dogs must be also able to tolerate noises, distractions and crowded places. “Hospital environments can be very loud and very busy, so the dog needs to be able handle that,” Glasgall said.

22 Pet Me! Magazine™

Once the owner is trained and their dog is certified, the team wears matching blue vests and jackets. “The program is very organized. Each team is scheduled for a three hour block of time per week. The dogs function for one to two hours of that time and are often exhausted afterwards,” Glasgall said.

“They can meet over a hundred people in one day and it takes a lot out of them.”

Santa Clarita resident Tracy Grant is registered with the Delta Group and Therapy Dogs Inc. Grant and her five year old MaltiPoo, Cosmo, have been visiting patients at Northridge and Henry Mayo Hospitals for the past three years. “Cosmo is a cuddler and the patients really like that. He’ll snuggle up to them on their beds while they’re petting him. I’ve also taught him to bow to his new friends right before we leave the room.

It leaves everyone with a smile,” Grant said.

Grant told me something that I hadn’t even considered.

“The nurses need a break too, they love when Cosmo comes in. He’ll spend time in the nurses station and they’ll fuss over him.

He gets little body massages when we visit the physical therapy department. We also make sure to stop in the waiting rooms. They can be pretty tense places and even if it’s for a few

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

minutes, a visit from Cosmo helps them focus on something else,” she said.

Along with their involvment with the Delta Group and Therapy Dogs Inc., Grant and Cosmo are a part of K-9 Sunshine. “During the training and testing process I met some great people and we became friends. K-9 Sunshine is our own small group. We visit the Senior Center and the Adult Day Care Centers in Newhall. It’s amazing to see how people open up when they get a visit from Cosmo and the other dogs. They want to share their stories, to talk about dogs they or their loved ones have owned,” she said.

According to Glasgall, there isn’t any breed that is more predisposed to becoming a therapy dog. “We currently have 27 AKC registered dogs and eight mixed breed dogs all varying in size. There are Norwich Terriers, English Setters and my Standard Schnauzer. Some of the dogs are even rescues, each dog has their own business card with their picture on it,” she said. “The patients collect them like baseball cards!”

Were there any cats in the program? Glasgall chuckled, “No, no cats. It’s extremely important that the dogs respond to commands, even going to the bathroom on command. Cats generally don’t do well with commands.”

Both Glasgow and Grant have a passion for what they do and it’s evident in their voices. Working with their dogs and deepening the bond they already have with them. Bringing

comfort and smiles to the elderly and the sick. Brightening the days of the nurses and much needed relief to those who are left to wait. They get to see small miracles everyday where the animal/human interaction is concerned.

When I was 18 years old my beloved little Peanut passed away. I was crushed. Obliterated. I can still feel the heartache from having to say goodbye. Animals get into the places in our hearts that we never knew existed.

After her passing, I was standing on the edge of adulthood facing a new adversary - anxiety. No hiding behind my mother’s knee at this point. So I found another dog. A Siberian Husky I named Luna. She liked to eat money and loved being hugged.

Pet Therapy Program Looking for Participants

Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills PAWS OF LOVE Pet Therapy Program is actively recruiting new pet therapy teams. If you have a dog and would like to inquire about joining our Pet Therapy Program please email: Avi.E.Zaraya@kp.org or call (818) 719-4143 or (818) 881-2122. This is a volunteer program with activities and benefits.

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Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

24 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

Dogs Can’t Add, Cats Can’t Subtract Multiply But They Sure Can Multiply Multiply Multiply An unspayed female dog, her mate and all of their puppies, if none are ever neutered or spayed, Add up to:

1 year: 2 years: 3 years: 4 years: 5 years: 6 years:

16 128 512 2,048 12,228 67,000 dogs!!!!

There aren’t enough good homes for all of these dogs.

Be a responsible pet owner.

Spay or neuter your pet!

Inside the heart of every stray, is the desire to be loved.

Give an animal a 2nd chance, opt to adopt...

The shelters are overflowing with many beautiful, unwanted animals. Many are pure-breds. Visit the shelter and PLEASE save a life and adopt a dog or cat today!

Pet Me! Magazine™

25

Thank you...

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

for sharing your life with me Lana

By Bridget Alves, Publisher

Boo Boo Bear I met Boo Boo Bear in 1997 after he had suffered an injury that left him stranded in the parking lot of the Daily News.

Boo had an enormous gash that was considered so severe doctors thought he may never have use of his leg. Within two months, after the very tiny eight week old underwent surgery, he decided to prove them wrong. The only reminder would be the scar on his leg. Boo grew up to big a big boy weighing in at 13 lbs. He was a kind kitty who made friends with neighbors and charmed visiting guests. Boo generously welcomed all new four-legged additions into our home, whether canine or feline.

He slept by my pillow and claimed his spot by my side on the couch every evening for 15 years. I miss him so much. RIP my little Boo Boo Bear

A writer, a homeless pit bull and the open road...

“Homeless pets need a voice and Michelle provides one in this great story of the human/canine connection.”

-BarkRadio.com

Get your signed copy today at www.pitstopsbook.com Makes A Great Gift!

26 Pet Me! Magazine™

For the past 13 years I have started every morning and wrapped up my days walking my faithful companion and best friend Lana. Lana has had Cushings disease for the past couple of years and a history of heart problems. In September 2011, a mass was discovered near her heart. With medication, none of these ailments seemed to slow Lana down much, or decreased her desire to run and play. February 1st, however, was different.

She trotted over to greet her favorite little friend and after visiting for a few minutes, Lana was not herself. I think she may have suffered a stroke or heart attack and had to be carried to my car. We went straight to the vet; Lana was in very critical condition and could hardly breathe. I knew this was one of the symptoms that would happen as the mass grew and pushed on her little heart, that this day would come, but I had no idea it would be so soon. I held Lana’s little paws and hugged her as she crossed over the rainbow bridge that morning. Everything in my world will be different without my sweet Lana. She was the best furry pup friend anyone could ask for. RIP Lana Lu.

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

Riley’s Tail Waggin’, Tummy Ticklin’ Treats!

Guaranteed to make your pup’s tail wag and tummy tickle!

You will need:

Steps:

3 cups of whole-wheat flour

1. Preheat the oven to 300ºF.

2 1/2 cups of oatmeal

2. Mix the dry ingredients in a

1/2 a cup of wheat germ 1/2 a cup of powdered milk 1/8 of a cup of corn oil margarine

large bowl.

3. Add the remaining ingredients to the same bowl and mix until everything is well blended.

1/8 of a cup of peanut oil

4. When the dough is stiff, refrigerate it.

2 ounces of melted carob chips

5. Roll the chilled dough until it is about half an inch thick.

1/4 cup of molasses

6. Cut out whatever shapes you want and place on a greased cookie pan.

1 tablespoon of brown sugar

7. Bake at 300ºF for one hour.

1 cup of water

8. Feel free to frost the cooled cookies with peanut butter!

*Carob chips can be found in the health section of the grocery store. Do not substitute chocolate for carob chips because chocolate may harm your dog.*

Pet Me! Magazine™

27

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

Is a Trip to

By Michelle Sathe

It’s the situation every pet parent dreads.

Your dog or cat appears seriously sick and it’s a weekend, late in the evening or your regular veterinarian is not available. Is a trip to the veterinary emergency room in order?

“The most common reasons we’ll see a dog in our E.R. is if they get into toxins, like antifreeze, snail baits, or some other insecticide. For cats, it’s usually a breathing problem, such as an asthma attack or sometimes congestive heart failure,” said Dr. Baljit Grewal of Valencia Veterinary Center, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

According to Dr. Grewal, the signs that your pet needs immediate attention can include: • Loss of appetite for more than 24 hours • Straining to urinate or defecate, which could be an obstruction • The inability to stand and use back legs, which normally happens due to disk rupture • Convulsions or seizures • Labored breathing or gasping for air, with open mouth breathing • Sustained lethargy • Pale mucous membranes - gums should be nice and pink, if they turn blue or white and pale, there’s a problem • Trauma, such as being hit by a car or some other accident • Acute vomiting It’s important for pet owners to remain calm and gather any information that may help a veterinarian diagnose their pet as fast 28 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

the ER in Order? as possible. That would include medical paperwork on your pet, as well as evidence of anything the pet could’ve possibly ingested.

“If the dog got into something toxic, such as household bleaches or detergent, it’s a good idea to bring the package along to the clinic,” he said. “The doctor can sometimes call poison control to find out the antidote.”

When vomiting is involved, bringing a sample along can be helpful. “Sometimes it can give us direction of what it could be, whether the food is undigested or more ingested,” Dr. Grewal said. “What’s more important, though, is the pet’s history.”

Besides proximity, there are there three things to take into consideration when choosing an emergency veterinary clinic, as Dr. Grewal illustrated. “The first is access/availability. Someone should be on the promises 24/7 so your pet can be monitored overnight. Second is equipment. You want to make sure the hospital is capable of handling all major emergencies. Lastly, the competence of doctors and staff.”

Pet insurance can be ideal to have in emergencies.

“That way you don’t have to cut corners, you can do all the extensive work ups necessary,”Dr. Grewal said.“I think it’s worth it, if you really care for your pet.”

Valencia Veterinary Center is located at 23928 Summerhill Lane, Valencia. For more information, call (661) 263-9000 or visit www.bestvalenciavet.com.

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Directory for all things Cal Pet Crematory (310) 278-0633 (818) 983-2313 (323) 875-0633 www.calpet.com

Guardian Animal Aftercare (818) 768-6465 www.guardianaftercare.com Great Groomers Precious Pets 27737 Bouquet Canyon Rd # 124 Santa Clarita, 91350-3745 (661) 296-2020 So Cal Grooming 28011 Seco Cyn. Rd. Santa Clarita, 91390 (661) 513-0778 www.socalgrooming.com Pawpular Pet Suppliers Bird Bungalow 21021 Soledad Canyon Rd Canyon Country, CA 91351 (661) 284-6200 Fox Feed 17028 Sierra Highway Canyon Country, 91387 (661) 252-9792 Pet Supply Santa Clarita 26831 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita, 91350-2372 (661) 296-2654 Animal Shelters, Rescues & Ongoing Adoptions Petco Castaic Shelter Mobile Adoptions Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue Every 2nd & 4th Sunday 11am – 4pm Bunny Adoptions, 7 days a week Contact Wendy 661-478-7360 26501 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita PetSmart Cat & Kitten Rescue Stevenson Ranch Every Saturday & Sunday 11am-3pm 24945 Pico Canyon Rd. Stevenson Ranch 30 Pet Me! Magazine™

PetSmart Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue Every Saturday 11am – 4pm 39523 10th Street West West Palmdale 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 Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce (661) 713-5240 Citizens for Sheltered Animals, Inc. 26893 Bouquet Canyon Rd. C-318 (661) 513-9288 www.citizensforshelteredanimals.com Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue (661) 273-9822 www.forgottenangelsrescue.org Ratz Nest Rescue (661) 303-7872 www.ratznest.weebly.com Save A Kitty, Inc. (818) 825-3096 www.SaveaKittyCA.org PetSave Foundation Bunny Rescue (661) 478-7360 www.petsave.org Trusted Vets In and Around SCV All Creatures Emergency Center 22722 Lyons Ave # 5 Newhall, 91321-2876 (661) 291-1121 www.all-creatures-emergency.com

Pets

Animal Medical Center 25848 McBean Parkway Valencia, 91355 (661) 255-5555 www.AMCValencia.com

The Cat Doctor & Friends 26055 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita, 91355 (661) 259-5288 www.catdoctor.com

Animal Specialty Group 4641 Colorado Boulevard Los Angeles, 90039 (818) 244-7977 www.asgvets.com

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

AV Animal ER & Critical Care 1055 W Columbia Way Lancaster, 90039-1105 (661) 729-1500 www.avanimaler.com Canyon Country Animal Hospital 18840 Soledad Canyon Road Canyon Country, 91351-3772 (661) 252-9500 http://www. canyoncountryanimalhospital.com Happy Pets Veterinary 27550 Newhall Ranch Road Valencia, 91355 (661) 295-9972 www.happypetsveterinary.com Palmdale Veterinary Hospital 38568 6th Street East Palmdale, 93550-3716 (661) 273-1555 www.palmdalevet.com Palm Plaza Veterinary Hospital 2501 E Palmdale Blvd # D Palmdale, 93550-1346 (661) 272-4551 www.palmplazapet.com

Best Boarding Facilities Canine Country Club 20341 Blue Cloud Road Santa Clarita, 91390-1259 (661) 296-0566 cccofscv.com Castaic Canine Camp 36975 Ridge Route Road Castaic, 91384 (661) 257-0957 www.castaiccaninecamp.com Santa Clarita’s Premier Dog Lodge Trish Cohen (661) 618-6628 www.hasshaus.com Pampering Pet Sitters A-Z Critter Care (661) 524-6224 http://www.a-zcrittercare.com Kyle’s Custom Critter Care caninecommands@hotmail.com (661) 305-4981 kylescustomcrittercare.com

Seco Canyon Animal Clinic 27935 Seco Canyon Road Santa Clarita, 91350 (661) 296-8848 www.secocanyonanimalclinic.biz

Peace of Mind Pet Care Jennifer Bisbee, R.V.T. (661) 714-2839

Smith Veterinary Hospital 330 W Avenue I Lancaster, 93534 (661) 948-5065 www.smithveterinaryhospital.net

Santa Clarita Photo Studio (661) 775-0890 www.scphotostudio.com

Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Hospital 25832 Hemingway Avenue Stevenson Ranch, 91321 (661) 799-0655 www.srvc.com

Heirloom Pet Portraits

Dog Trainers Dog Gone Happy Tami Cox (661) 310-4133

Clip & Save!

Animal Aftercare

!

Pet Me! Magazine™ MARCH/APRIL 2012

To adopt one of these pets please contact Castaic Animal Shelter at 661.257.3191 or visit our website at www.PetMeMag.com Please visit our remodeled Cat Habitat. Interact with the cats and kittens in an open environment.

Domino

Domino has his tux on and is ready for a night on the town.

He’s a 1 year old neutered male. He doesn’t mind children and the occasional small dog.

Domino would love to show off his superior dancing skills but right now he’s stuck in a cage at the Castaic Shelter. You need to come and adopt him so he can dance the night away!

Jinx is a declawed (front only), neutered male. He is only 5 years old and is looking for a place to call home. Because Jinx is declawed he is a little leery of other cats and would love to be the only kitty in your life. He is affectionate and very much a gentlemen.

Jinx

Reggie Pinkie

Pinkie: she is dainty and demure, the Audrey Hepburn of kitties.

Pinkie is all of about 5 lbs and a little on the shy side. The hustle and bustle of the shelter is a bit overwhelming to her but with the right home she would blossom into a beautiful little princess. Come to the Castaic Shelter and take her to breakfast at Tiffany’s.

Angel is a 12 year old spayed female.

She is a sweet, affectionate, curvy senior.

She has needed some coaxing to eat while at the Castaic Shelter. Her owner could no longer care for her and had to leave her in our care. Angel still has many years to love someone and would love the chance to go home with someone. No dogs or lots of noise, an adult home would be best.

Angel

Reggie is orange and white, he knows that everyone wants and orange and white cat. That’s why he is so laid back in his cage at the Castaic Shelter. Reggie knows that it’s just a matter of time until someone comes to adopt him. He’s very confident (not arrogant) 1 year old neutered male. He is fine with other cats and smaller dogs. He’s wants you to know that he has fantastic orange eyes as well.

Toby is an amazing love bug, he talks in a low growl and just warms your heart. He would love to have a nice lap to curl up and watch TV. Toby is a 7yr. old neutered male.

Come meet Toby today.

Toby

Pet Me! Magazine™

31

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Dr. B. Grewal, al, DVM & Associates 23928 Su Summerhill Lane Valencia, ncia, CA 91354 On McBean Pkwy near Decoro, across from Ralphs

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