November/December 2013 Issue of Pet Me! Magazine by Pet Me! Magazine

November/December 2013

Your Guide To All Things Pets

When

Life Lemons Gives You

PLUS: Two Cats Are Better Than One! The Importance of Walking Your Dog Ouch!!! Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Touch My Ear! & Much More!

Pet Me! is always

FREE

to good homes

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

Awesome

Adoptables

To meet any of these adorable adoptables call (661) 255-9979 or email castaiccats@aol.com

My name is Callie! I’m playful and very friendly! I love all cats and dogs. I’m one year old, in excellent health, up to date on my shots and spayed. I would love to find a family of my own. Please watch my video. http://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=jTP3SiwgrbM

Callie

My name is Amelia! I am 1 yr. old and I am a fireball! I love to have fun and play all the time. I like other kitties too. I’m was saved from the shelter and would love to find my forever home. . I am in excellent health, up to date on my shots and spayed.

AMELIA

Tennessee My name is Tennessee! I was a princess in another life and so that is how I behave. I like to sleep on comfy couches and in bed with you. I get bursts of energy and run around and play with my mouse to keep my weight down. I love to spend time together. I am 5 yrs. old, in excellent health, up to date on my shots and spayed. I would love to find a family of my own.

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rocky My name is Rocky! I am the NICEST cat you will ever meet….no seriously, that’s what my foster mom says. I am sweet, gentle and kind. I get along with everyone. I am sensitive and a really good boy. I am declawed in the front and back so I must be an indoor kitty. I cannot wait to find my forever human. I am 7 yrs. old, in excellent health, up to date on my shots and neutered and micro-chipped.

pumpkin My name is Pumpkin. I am very sweet and lovable. I would be the ideal companion for someone looking to have only one pet. If you work all day and want someone to watch TV with at night and snuggle in bed, I’m your guy. I do not like to share my human with other felines or canines…and that is because I am all you need :) . I am 11 yrs. old, in excellent health, up to date on my shots and neutered.

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

Contents

4 When Life Gives You Lemons 6 The Importance of Walking Your Dog 8 Community Cats: Changing Minds to Change Their Lives 12 Two Cats Are Better Than One! The Story of Tinkerbelle and Teela… 16 NKLA Adoption Weekend Gives L.A. Shelter Pets Opportunity to Shine, Find New Homes 18 Ouch!!! Don’t Touch My Ear! 20 A Perception of Time 22 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 ART DIRECTOR Doug Conboy

The end of the year is already here and you can feel the seasons change with the temperature. It’s time for flannel sheets and sweaters, and cuddle time with our furry friends. In this issue, we take a look at life with a Chihuahua and learn about the tiny canine’s history, we ponder the perception of time and our pets; we discuss the importance of walking and what to watch for with ear infections. We also catch up with a pair of cats who found each other, along with their forever home, thanks to a lot of patience, time and understanding. This issue includes an article about community cats and changing minds to change their lives. I found this perspective enlightening. Prior to moving to the Santa Clarita Valley, my cats had always been indoor/outdoor. With the number of fosters here, I have found that allowing them some outside time has helped with weight issues, marking and increased happiness for my cats. Fortunately, they choose to stay in my fenced in yard. We hope you enjoy reading about the amazing animals and special stories featured in this issue of Pet Me! Magazine. Happy Holidays!

Bridget Alves Publisher & Editor

Pet Me! Magazine

COVER PHOTO By Lumel Photography www.LumelPhoto.com PUBLISHED BY Pet Me! Publications Find Us On Facebook and Twitter Pet Me! Magazine

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Life Lemons Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

When

By Kim Schumann

’ve always been a big dog person. You can take a big dog to the beach. You can take a big dog jogging or hiking in the woods. You can give big dogs giant bear hugs and rough house with them. Big dogs are substantial. Six years ago my perspective changed…drastically. It was like getting hit in the head with a brick. There I was, minding my own business, walking through the animal shelter on my daily rounds. There he was, in a cage full of small, mix breed dogs, getting picked on. About fifteen or so other little menaces had him cornered, he was vomiting and shaking. I unlocked the kennel and swooped in to rescue him. Scooping him up and into my arms, he looked into my eyes and at that very moment, for me, it was all over. My heart had been stolen, by a Chihuahua. Chis, Chi hoos, Chi wow wows, fatty little bug eyed beasts that they are…I was now his. At this point I still had no idea that my fate had already been mapped out in his little mind. I took him to the clinic and placed him into a cage. I told the vet tech that he had been vomiting, it was probably just stress,

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Gives You

but we should keep an eye on him for a day or two. She agreed and I went on my way. I left for my weekend and returned three days later to inquiries as to what I had planned to do with “the piranha” I had left in the clinic. It turned out that while I was away my little friend was less than amicable and would not allow anyone to pick him up. My coworkers had to clean his cage while wearing welding gloves. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing; surely that little doe eyed creature was not capable of such horrid behavior. Boy was I wrong. Well, he was fine with me. I opened up the door and he walked to the front of his cage wagging his tail. I picked him up and held him close to me; his tail was wagging a mile a minute. I named him “Lemons” after a childhood legend, a badass kid from another neighborhood that we only heard stories about. He hates everyone. He adores me. That was six years ago and we have been together ever since. He sleeps next to me every night and if he had his way would be attached to me every waking moment. A friend and coworker told me “You know, he thinks he’s your husband.” She was right. Chihuahuas come in different shapes, sizes and colors. There is the standard Appleheaded Chihuahua with their dome like, broad forehead and small jaw line and the Deerheaded Chihuahua with its, sloped forehead and slender deer like paws and legs. Chihuahuas can come with shorthair or long hair and in a variety of colors. The history of the Chihuahua is very difficult to trace and is based largely on speculation and theory. However, there is sufficient evidence to prove that they are an ancient breed originating from Pre-Columbian Mexico, and they are believed to predate any other breed of dog found in the Americas. The most com-

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

mon theory is that Chihuahuas are descended from the Techichi, a companion dog favored by the Toltecs. In terms of size, the present day Chihuahua is much smaller than its ancestors, a change thought to be due to the introduction of miniature Chinese dogs, such as the Chinese Crested Dog, into South America by the Spanish. Much later, in a letter to the King of Spain, Christopher Columbus made reference to a tiny dog fitting the description of a Chihuahua, which suggests that the breed’s immigration to Europe may have been Columbus’ doing. After the Toltecs were conquered by the Aztecs, it is believed that the Techichi-Chinese Crested hybrid was adopted as a symbol of the upper classes and it has been suggested that they were used in religious ceremonies for the absolution of sins and to guide the spirits of the dead. It was believed that not only could the little dog be a companion in the next world, he served his owner in a much greater way. The sins of the owner were transferred to the dog so that the human could gain safe passage to the other world. Writing of the spiritual assistance, Franciscan Friar Bernardino de Sahagun said “The deceased were burnt, encircled by all their clothing and belongings, but he who had nothing among his wretched belongings went bare, and underwent much pain and suffered much in order to pass the place of the obsidianbladed winds. And also they caused him to carry a little dog, a yellow one, and they fixed about its neck a loose cotton cord. It was said that he (the dog) bore the dead one across the place of the nine rivers in the land of the dead.” If you have ever experienced utter devotion of a Chihuahua, it is easy to understand how the Aztecs could believe that such a dog would gladly assume the sins of its beloved person. There was no doubt whatsoever that incredibly loyal little dog would faithfully await the arrival of its master, and then guide his loved one to the Aztec vision of Heaven. Perhaps these Chihuahuas of yore were indeed noble, minicompanions but I’ve never known a Chihuahua to take the initiative to guide anyone anywhere; they like to be carried, thank you very much. Then there is the theory that they were bred for food. I’ve read that domesticated dogs were farmed and used for food by the Spanish Conquistadors that conquered and enslaved the Aztecs. I never read anything that stated that it was specifically the Chihuahua that was bred for food. I think the people who like to say to Chihuahua owners “You know, they were bred for food” took this one to heart and share it whenever they can. The more feasible theories are that they were merely bred for companionship and often given as gifts to visiting Kings and Queens. While in bed they were used to keep body parts warm, neck, legs, torso etc. and royal families were also known to have multitude of Chihuahuas that would travel along with their entourage.

The modern day Chihuahua is a constant companion, television star, a movie star and in some unfortunate circumstances an accessory to a celebrity’s ensemble. Chihuahuas are portable. While working in the Stanislaus County Animal Shelter, I encountered many cross country truck drivers who would come in looking for a Chihuahua companion to take on the road with them. It’s not unusual to see a Chihuahua being toted around town in a high end, name brand bag or wrapped in a blanket and riding shotgun in a shopping cart. You can dress your Chihuahua. Americans spend an average of $370 million dollars a year on just Halloween costumes for their dogs! Somehow I can imagine that Chis have been tolerating playing “dress up” for many, many years. Being a companion dog for a King or a Queen had to come with a certain amount of wardrobe changes depending in the event at hand. Ruffled collars, bejeweled capes and tiny tiaras, it had to start somewhere. I did buy Lemons a sweater and he hates it but on cool winter days he appreciates it. He is not a dress up Chihuahua by any means. The one thing I know that my Lemons would do is fight to the death for me. He has proven that to me time and time again. I don’t think it has ever occurred to him that he is as small as he is. He has the heart and soul of a lion in an 8lb body. Having him in my life has kept me sane and kept me on track when things were spinning out of control. I had him to take care of and come home to when I had lost everything. He makes me laugh and he never listens to me. He wants nothing more in life than to be next to me but if I push him too far he’ll try to bite. He takes up most of our queen size bed and lies right next to me, often kicking me through the night with his skinny little chicken legs. I think a Chihuahua’s bond with their owner runs deeper because of their size and their portability. We keep them closer to us and with an average life span of up to fifteen plus years we get to have them longer. I still consider myself a big dog person but now I am owned by a Chihuahua and I cannot imagine what my life would be like without him.

Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

g n i k l a W

The Importance of

Your Dog

By Tami Cox, Dog Gone Happy

Some people think leaving their dog in the backyard is more than enough exercise for their pooch. However truth be told, most dogs lie around in the sun sleeping off the trouble they got into the night before or they are busy digging a whole to China under your favorite shrub. They don’t jump-up and run around the yard five times, doing laps around the trees. Many dog trainers will tell you the best and cheapest solution to many unwanted dog behaviors is exercise, exercise, exercise. It is the number one solution that I recommend to help prevent unwanted behaviors like excessive boredom barking, or the needless destruction of your favorite patio furniture, couch, golf clubs, children’s toys and your expensive shoes. It is also helpful with housebreaking (potty training).

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Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

I am sure many of you are thinking, how could walking my dog make such a difference. Well, when you walk your dog the right way, your dog should sniff the ground. He should listen and follow your commands and walk at your pace. Your dog should walk until he is tired and panting heavily. This usually takes a half an hour to an hour depending on the dog. It is very important for your dog to sniff and smell the ground because when dogs do their business (poop and pee) their body secretes pheromones and in these pheromones there is a large amount of information. For example, what breed they are, male, female spay or neutered, in heat, leader of their pack, new to the neighborhood and so on. So, when you walk your dog and let them sniff the ground you are allowing them to read the local doggy newspaper. This is very important because: 1. Most dogs will pee or poop on top of other dog’s pee or poop, this will help with potty issues because on a walk they will pee and poop until they are empty. 2. It is a mental exercise as well as physical exercise. (Mental excise, like a tough math test that can make you tired). 3. It is physically excusing. 4. Leadership issues can be practiced. 5. Obedience behaviors can be practiced. 6. You are helping your dog to live longer and stay healthier. 7. A tired dog is a dog less likely to get into trouble.

Some reasons why dogs don’t get walked 1. Dogs pull the owner down the street hurting the owner making it a painful chore. 2. The dog has embarrassing behaviors, for example, barking and lunging at other dogs, people, and cars. 3. Because the owner feels that the dog gets enough exercise just hanging out in the backyard. If any or all of these reasons sound like you or someone you know, please give me a call. I can show you how walking your dog can be a fun for everyone.

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Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

COMMUNITY CATS CHANGING MINDS TO CHANGE THEIR LIVES

By Feline Underground Network A California Non-Profit Organization www.felineundergroundnetwork.com

omewhere along the line, in the past fifty years, the role of the cat has undergone a drastic transformation. The transformation has not been of benefit to the cat. Once upon a time, not so long ago, in a place not very far away, cats shared their lives with the humans they chose to. It was a free, symbiotic, relationship. The cat would go out during the day, and keep vermin at bay, and return home in the evening to be a companion. A cat’s day would be filled with running, jumping, chasing, hunting, playing, napping, sunbathing, and, occasionally, fighting. It was a good life. A healthy life. A cat’s life. Then things changed for the cat. We, humans, decided that going outside was no longer in the cat’s best interest. We convinced ourselves, and others, that in order to safeguard our domestic cats we needed to hold them prisoners in our homes. We decided that the risk of our cat en-

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countering a car, a coyote, or a psychopath, justified keeping them confined to a 1500 sq foot, enclosed, location, for their entire lives. We took one of the most agile, fast, strong, intuitive, animals on the planet, endowed with the keenest, most sophisticated, senses, designed to detect the most subtle changes in their environment, and locked them up in our homes. We demanded they eat the same diet from a can or a bag, day in, and day out. That they not mark their territory. That they not use the claws that are hardwired to their dopamine receptors to trigger “feel good” hormones when they scratch surfaces. We deprived them of the life of a cat, and imposed on them the life of a prisoner. The “indoor only” cat was born. The “indoor only” cat is a very recent, very American, and very unique, phenomenon. In the majority of the world, cats still live as they have lived for thousands of years- as willing companions to people, but not confined to an indoor life. People in other countries look at us with puzzlement when they hear that, in our country, a great number of people choose to never let their cat go outside. This seems to them quite an unnatural thing to

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

do to such an animal, bordering on the cruel. The transformation to an “indoor only” animal has also affected the cat’s health. Many veterinarians believe that, the unnatural lifestyle we have imposed on our cats, has a huge detrimental effect on their health. Obesity, diabetes, and lower urinary tract disease alone constitute a large part of the medical problems often seen in their feline patients. Sedentary lifestyles, inappropriate diet, and stress, are huge factors in the development of those diseases. In addition, veterinarians are constantly involved in treatment of undesirable behaviors in our feline friends- urine and fecal marking, scratching, aggression, vocalization, etc. It is not uncommon for our domestic cats to be prescribed Prozac, and other antidepressants, to treat their “problem behaviors”, which we believe stem from subjecting them to highly unnatural and restrictive lifestyles they were not designed for. Unfortunately, a lot of the time, the “indoor only” expectation imposed on a cat, ends up in that animal being surrendered to the pound when its behavior is no longer acceptable in its home. At the pound (the use of that word is deliberate, as animals are impounded there- not “sheltered”), ninety percent plus of all cats taken in will never see another week. Impounded cats are killed at the end of their 4-5 day hold period.

continued on page 10

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Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

continued from page 9 The mindset of “indoor only” is best, has also extended not just to owned cats, but to outdoor, unowned, or loosely owned, community cats. We call these “strays”. Sometimes these cats are true ferals (cats born in the wild, not socialized, and not willing to interact with people), and sometimes they are just friendly, neighborhood cats, that don’t belong to anyone in particular, but who share our urban environment, and coexist with us, while keeping our rodent population under control, as cats have always done. With the onset of “indoor only”, we have become either intolerant, or absurdly protective, not just of our own personal cats, but of our community cats. When intolerance is the driving force, people trap, poison, or harm these animals, or take them to the pound to be killed. When misguided protection is the driving force we encounter hoarding situations, overwhelmed rescue organizations who can’t find enough foster, or permanent homes for their charges, and a ninety percent kill rate of cats impounded, since there simply aren’t enough “indoor only” homes for all these cats. This is not of benefit to the cat. I often hear “I don’t want to feed a coyote”, or “this cat couldn’t survive outside”. While the first is certainly a possibility, I would counter that the possibility of being eaten by a coy-

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ote is a real one, the certainty of 9 out 10 dying at the pound is a reality. I wouldn’t dare speak for another, but I would guess the cats being killed today at the pound would rather take their chance at getting away from a coyote. As far as cats not being able to survive outside, that certainly may apply to young, orphaned, kittens, or disabled cats, but it simply does not apply to nature’s ultimate survivalist. Finally, there are those that propose that the trapping, impounding, and killing of strays, ferals, and community cats, is necessary to control the cat population. Dr. Scarlett sums up this fallacy nicely: “A NUMBER of misguided beliefs and policies have kept the cat problem from being solved. Some people even think we need to kill cats in shelters to control their population -- that if shelters stopped killing healthy cats, we would be overrun. That’s untrue. California shelters see less than 4 percent of the total cat population. Euthanizing 3 percent of the total population has not and will not control population, even if it weren’t unconscionable. Lethal population control has failed with many other species (coyotes, for example) unless the goal is extinction. Moreover, the California state policy set forth in the Hayden bill is for animal shelters is to end the euthanasia of healthy, adoptable pets, not manage populations through lethal measures.”-Jennifer Scarlett. D.V.M., CO-PRESIDENT SF SPCA. While trapping, neutering, and releasing community cats

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

back to their communities will reduce the numbers of cats in that community over time, and prevent unwanted litters, decrease aggression, and mating behaviors, the trapping and impounding of cats considered to have unacceptable outdoor lifestyles only results in needless killing. The insistence on all cats needing to be “indoor only” will perpetuate the medical problems we see more and more frequently in our pet cats. The continued belief, particularly by some rescue organizations, that “indoor only” are the only acceptable homes for their animals, only results in less animals being adopted into good homes, and more cats dying in pounds. Let the cat be a cat, and save its life in the process.

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Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

By Dani Caouette

TWO CATS ARE

BETTER THAN ONE!

The story of Tinkerbelle and Teela…

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s two really better than one? We have all heard the saying before... but have you ever thought about it regarding our pets? Many animals benefit, or even require companionship. Dogs usually decide to be friends, or not, within a few hours or days. Cats can be a bit more complicated when becoming acquainted, but do enjoy the benefits of friendship. Though cats aren’t pack animals they do live in colonies in the wild. Some cats get lonely unless you are able to play with them every night and cuddle every day, which not everyone has time to do. It can be especially helpful to have cats in pairs if they are indoor only. This helps them not to be bored or too isolated. As playmates, they keep each busy. Two cats provide each other with exercise, social interaction and mental stimulation. One cat households tend to have a less socialized pet. Cats housed together have more opportunity to “be cats” by socializing and playing with each other, and this means they are less likely to be destructive or engage in other problematic behavior. Two cats are often better behaved than one, maybe because they feel more secure. Any change for a cat is stressful and having a buddy to help adjust to a new house is very helpful! SCV Residents, Madelyn and Rollin found this out for themselves. Originally, Rollin wanted to adopt a single cat. They saw a picture on the shelter website of a beautiful long

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

hair Maine Coon mix, named Tinkerbelle (Belle), who was desperate to escape the shelter and find a loving home... The image stuck in their mind and in their heart… They knew they were going to adopt Belle. They contacted the shelter to find out that Bridget (Pet Me! Magazine) had rescued Tinkerbelle and was currently fostering her. When they called Bridget, she explained that Tinkerbelle was very shy and would require a lot of time and attention. Without hesitation, Madelyn and Rollin assured Bridget they were up for the challenge and wanted to adopt the beautiful mysterious cat. They made arrangements to meet. The first visit didn’t even consist of a formal greeting. Belle was hiding and refused to come out to even meet Madelyn. After a few more visits during the month, they brought her home, where she hid, terrified in the closet for a week, only sneaking out at night to eat. She wasn’t using the litter box; instead she urinated under the bed in fear. Madelyn and Rollin felt she needed a longer period to adjust and they asked Bridget for help. Belle came back to stay with Bridget and her other foster mates, where she felt comfortable. Madelyn and Rollin would spend the next two months visiting constantly, to introduce themselves and get to know Belle. It was during one visit while they were discussing the best way to socialize Belle, when they saw Teela for the first time. Bridget suggested two cats as a solution… Teela could help Belle! Rollin sat down to meet Teela and he knew

immediately that their family would now include two cats. ”It was a no brainer decision...” noted Rollin, who received a kiss immediately from his wife. Belle came home for the 2nd time on November 5th, 2011. It’s been a year, and they have been watching her emotional growth. At first, she wouldn’t vocalize at all. It took her several weeks at least, maybe a month, until one morning she began with barely a squeak... Brave enough to make a sound, and gaining trust in her humans, she finally began vocalizing regularly. Over a period of a few more weeks, she finally owns a happy strong meow… Her cat spirit is coming out! Now Rollin declares he would never think of having only one cat. “Not only can you have a cat for yourself, but you can have a mate for your pet. I think it’s important to know it’s all about patience and not rushing it. It’s a lesson people need to learn anyway and why not learn it from an animal?” Madelyn explains, “These two cats have done so much for each other and also for Rollin... they just make him happy!!! Animals live in the moment and if you allow it, they will bring you to live in the moment with them. They are just naturally funny too.” Playtime is a common scene in their household. Teela will be sitting as Belle approaches, doing a somersault over Teela, and flopping over on her back. They exchange licks, then friendly paw swatting and a good wrestle. Belle is a blue flash, like a sling shot around the house, having a blast chasing one other. Belle has agility... Teela has muscle. Belle has been a blessing for Teela in return; she was meant to play and needed someone to play with, so the two have really helped each other. Belle is starting to adjust more and more as time goes by. She has just started to hint at purring. Belle gets envious of Teela’s daily combing and has started to allow grooming as well. Teela shows Belle what to do, like a big sister, and Belle is warming up. Now they sleep together... In the last month or so Belle has started sleeping on the bed. Teela allows Belle to eat first, and will not eat until she is done... Maybe because of her past hoarding situation, Belle has an old pattern of eating very quickly. They like to watch outside the bedroom window

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Belle today (above) and scared at the shelter hiding in a feral box.

continued from page 13 at night together and even hang out in the bathroom while Rollin takes his morning shower. Obviously, both Belle and Teela are feeling, finally, at home. Rollin and Madelyn did a lot of research online to prepare for Belle and Teela. They put a great deal of effort into preparing the house with proper scratch posts, cat tree, fountain dish and space to play. Cats also need to have spots for hiding so they can be alone and undisturbed. Rollin even vacuumed the entire house thoroughly before their arrival, so he wouldn’t have to run the noisy vacuum for a while. Their efforts paid off! Belle loves to perch on her cat tree and watches the vacuum go by without even a budge. Madelyn and Rollin wanted to let people know, if you work or travel... get pets in pairs! So they have each other!! Madelyn notes, “She is beautiful... that’s why she is here.” Reflecting on the very first image she ever saw of Belle. But the journey has become so much more for the entire family. Rollin stated it very eloquently, “People need to be educated on what they need to do for their pet. People get pets to fill a void in their own life, but the pet has needs too. If you can have a give and take relationship with each other, you will both benefit. These cats are here to slow me down... when the cat wants to be pet, he knows he needs to slow down. Be here and in the now. Just allow the animals to be an integral part of your

life. They will tell you if you are doing something wrong. People need to know it’s part of the deal with pet ownership. You need to know what the pet needs, and you need patience. If it’s not working, it’s probably your fault. You are missing something your pet needs. We have to be willing to change; Treat animals as beings... listen to them... find out what they need. An animal isn’t a commodity, a procession or a decoration... If the pet is enriching your life, enrich the life of your pet!” There are benefits to having two cats, but they apply only when the two cats are well matched and have enough physical space to live together comfortably. It’s also important to be aware that cats can take a LONG time to learn to like each other. It’s always best to be super-cautious when introducing cats to each other. Individual cats differ in activity level and sociability, primarily because of age differences and previous experience and exposure to other cats. These differences must be considered when making a match. Kittens, adolescents, and young adults can satisfy each other’s need to play by engaging in stalk-chase and wrestling games. Other suit-

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Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

able matches include pairing a kitten with an experienced adult female, so the female can take on a “motherly” role, or pairing a “bratty” adolescent with an older, more experienced cat. In some cases, a calm mature adult with a history of maternal or social behavior can tolerate the inappropriate behavior of a younger cat with limited social skills, and in the process “teach” more socially acceptable behavior. Another benefit of two cats is that they are sometimes cleaner than a cat living by

Teela at the shelter (above) and now at home (left). itself. Cats will groom each other’s ears and coat, often getting at places the cat can’t reach on its own! Multiple litter boxes are advisable so the cats can feel safe while eliminating. If you are adopting a cat that has already lived in a group COLOR AD PRODUCED BY THE SIGNAL at the shelter, consider adopting ORDER NO.: 8376_4 CLIENT: 929 - ALL CREATURES EMERGENCY SIZE: 6 X one 6 of his/her friends. Introducing two friends to a new home can ease the transition, and SATURDAY • PUB DATE: 06-01-13 ARTIST: KP CRX: XX REP: MARIE you’ll be much more likely to have a successful merger. AUTOMATED PATH: 2012/DEC

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18840 Soledad Canyon Road 22722 Lyons Avenue Canyon Country, CA 91351 Newhall, CA 91321 661.424.9900 661.291.1121 Dr. P. Holland • Dr. R. Gill • Dr. J. Cull • Dr. Bonnie Stone • Dr. Balpal Sandhu 24 Hours/7 Days A Week/365 Days A Year

Members of CVMA, AVMA & AAHA, IVECCS • Internal Medicine

• Ultrasound

• Emergency & Critical care

• Endoscope & Laparoscopic Procedures

• Surgery - Soft Tissue - Orthopedic - Spinal • In House Laboratory

Surgery Residency

Exotic et k & Pocts e P

• Digital X-Rays • Low Cost Vaccines/Dental/ Spay/Neuter 24/7

Call now to schedule an

In-House Stemcell Therapy

CT Scan

Introducing Dr. Meriweather and her special interest in avian and exotic pets!

Hyd Rehab roth e Accu & rapy punc ture

www.wecarevets.com 8376_4.indd 1

5/31/2013 10:10:36 AM

Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

NKLA Adoption Weekend Gives L.A. Shelter Pets Opportunity to Shine, Find New Homes

hat do you get when you bring together dozens of animal shelters and rescue groups, more than 1,000 adoptable pets and a desire to help make L.A. into NKLA (No-Kill Los Angeles)? The NKLA Adoption Weekend, organized by Best Friends Animal Society, NKLA coalition partners and PetSmart Charities. The event will take place Saturday, Nov. 9, and Sunday, Nov. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at La Brea Tar Pits, 5801 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles. Several animal-loving celebrities and supporters of Best Friends Animal Society’s lifesaving work will entertain at the NKLA Adoption Weekend, while guests can enjoy tasty cuisine from LA’s hottest food trucks, including Yalla Truck, Del’s Lem-

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Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

onade, Mac-O-Licious, Son of a Bun, Mandoline Grill, and Waffles De Liege. But the real stars will be the adoptable pets from a variety of local shelters and rescues, including: LA Animal Services, Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Mission Hills, National Brittany Rescue & Adoption Network, Rescue Me Pups, Dogs Without Borders, Two Dog Farms, and many more. Free and family-friendly, adoption fees for pets will start as low as $25. All adoption fees include spaying/neutering, updated vaccinations and micro-chips.

Adopters at the NKLA Adoption Weekend will receive a starter kit with free dog/cat food and treats, collars and leashes, toys, coupons and more. In addition to PetSmart Charities® other generous sponsors of the event include Natural Balance Pet Foods, Mammoth Pet, and Dog for Dog. The NKLA Adoption Weekend is one of the largest of its kind in the nation, averaging hundreds of adoptions per event since it launched 14 years ago; in May 2013, more than 400 pets found homes in just three days. For more info, visit www.nkla.org.

Pet Me! Magazine™

Ouch!!! By Amy Shumaker, DVM, DACVD Dermatology for Animals

Ear infections are common dermatologic problems in our pets, and more commonly in our dogs. These can be very painful when they occur, even if your pet is not displaying obvious symptoms of pain. Pain can be expressed by whining, rubbing the affected ear(s), a droop in the ears or can be expressed by decreased appetite and lethargy. Although it is very important to treat the infection as soon as it is recognized, it is just as important to try to figure out what is causing the infection as majority of infections have a primary underlying cause (environmental or food allergies, endocrine disorders, foreign bodies, tumors, mites) and will recur until that cause is being adequately treated. Therefore, if an ear infection has been treated more than once, a work up should be performed to determine the cause. Once you bring in your pet to your vet, they will evaluate the ears with a handheld otoscope which allows visualization of the ear canal and ear drum. It allows assessment for amount of redness and swelling of the canal indicating inflammation as well as type of exudate (build up of wax and cellular debris), presence of foreign bodies such as foxtails, presence of tumors/ polyps and if the ear drum is normal. If the ear drum is abnormal or ruptured, this can indicate a middle ear infection. Often your vet will obtain a sample of the exudate to determine what type of organisms (bacteria or yeast) or parasites (mites) are present in order to determine the best medications to put your pet on. If infection does not seem to clear up with appropriate treatments, a culture may be needed to determine if the bacteria has become resistant to the antibiotics as bacterial infections in our pets are starting to become resistant to commonly used antibiotics, much like in people.

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

Don’t Touch My Ear!

In some dogs and cats, it is very difficult to fully evaluate the ear canal either because the pet is too painful or because there is too much exudate in the canal. In these cases, it may be recommended to sedate or anesthetize your pet so that an ear flush can be removed, allowing better visualization and assessment of the ears. A video-otoscopy is another procedure that can be performed in certain cases. This is a specialized fiber-optic instrument that has a camera attached, allowing significant magnification and superior ability to visualize what is going on in the ear. Additionally, catheters and instruments can be placed through the scope to aid in flushing or to allow a biopsy if a mass is noted. If the middle ear is affected and the ear drum is bulging, a myringotomy can be performed where a very small hole is created in the ear canal. This allows us to sample the middle ear for culture as well as to flush any infection or debris build up in the canal. Don’t worry…the holes will heal! As mentioned, if an ear infection becomes recurrent, additional measures should be taken to determine what is the primary cause of the infection. It is a common misconception

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Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

that swimming is the cause of ear infections in dogs. Generally speaking, these dogs are swimming during the warmer months when environmental allergies from pollens are at their highest, and, therefore, majority of these dogs actually have environmental allergies that are triggering the infections. If ear infections occur during specific times of the year (seasonally), then environmental allergies are to blame. If the problem occurs year round, then the primary cause will need to be determined based on ruling out problems one at a time. When the problem starts up in an older animal, blood work may first be recommended to rule out common endocrine problems such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. An elimination diet trial with a prescription diet may be recommended to be performed to rule out a food allergy. If, in a year-round affected animal, all other causes have been eliminated (food allergy, endocrine disorders, foreign bodies, mites, etc), then it is likely that your pet suffers from year-round environmental allergies. Once the underlying disease is identified and adequately treated/controlled, then recurrence of the ear infections is likely to be much reduced or eliminated. Unfortunately in some animals with chronic ear infections, changes of the ear canal can occur. The ear canal can start to thicken and develop fibrosis which can then calcify. Once calcification of the ear canal has occurred, there is often little that can be done medically to treat these ears. These “end stage” ears will likely need a surgical procedure called a total ear canal ab-

Video-otoscopy picture of a polyp in the ear canal prior to removal. lation, or TECA for short. This is a procedure that is generally performed by a surgeon where the ear canal is removed. This is a very cosmetic procedure, and once healing has occurred, all the discomfort of the chronic ear infections is resolved. If chronic infections are addressed and treated appropriately early on, this procedure can be avoided. In summary, it is just as important to identify the cause of ear infections as it is to treat them. With proper treatment, your pet can lead a comfortable, happy life!

Kittens! We’ve got them.

Adopt one kitten, adopt the second for free. Twice the fun! Best Friends Pet Adoption Center Conveniently located off the 5, 405, 118 freeways 15321 Brand Blvd., Mission Hills 91345 818.643.3989

bestfriends.org/kittens

Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

A Perception of

By Sylvia Hathaway, Acupressurist & Reiki Master josephinesplace@msn.com

Se Habla Españ

he pressure of time seems unavoidable. We are surrounded by calendars and clocks, by schedules and appointments. We may fantasize about the luxury to do nothing but then even crowd our vacations with yet more to-do’s, more going, more pressure. Many people say they envy their pets. Most often this is in reference to what they perceive as a life of leisure; particularly in the case of cats. But what is the true picture here? Surely it goes beyond having their meals provided. Consider for a moment that their life as a whole largely consists of waiting.

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Pet Me! Magazine™ NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2013

Think about it. All during your long workday they wait. For the most-part, they are uncommonly patient; dealing with their boredom by dozing a lot. Certainly, for some, especially younger ones, the strain can become unbearable, causing them to resort to (often) destructive behaviors to relieve their anxiety; like chewing a leg off the coffee table or nudging objects off a high shelf. Of course, arriving home to such a scene when you’re already tired is not good. Unfortunately they don’t realize this. As far as they’re concerned, they were merely passing time and are, as usual, happy to see you; a happiness which will quickly change to confusion when met by your anger with them. Remember, they don’t have cell phones or facebook; if they rarely (or never) go out, you are their world. They don’t reminisce about yesterdays or plan for tomorrow. The now is all that matters. The wait is all that exists. Your return is the most anticipated event of the day. How could you possibly not feel the same? (They may wonder.) Their view of life is simple; their needs very basic. As animals they are more in-tune with Nature; closer to the rhythm of the earth whence they draw their remarkable patience. It is this connection that our industrialized lifestyle has rended. It is this connection that we miss and envy them for; a connection that our animal companions invite us back to. Dogs have been cleverer in coercing us to take them out-

doors; insisting that they must be taken out to ‘do their business.’ If you can accept their ‘walks’ as a welcome break instead of a chore, you will both benefit. For cats, providing safe outdoor time is a much greater challenge. But the dividends to be gained are enormous for their health and well-being. Ideally the arrangement would be such that you can spend the time together. Sitting safely and peacefully outdoors with your little wild-one you can feel time expand. Watching their enjoyment, you can better appreciate the strain of the disconnect they must be so aware of. It may surprise you to realize the relief it will give you both. Spending a little time outdoors becomes even more important for those approaching the end of their life. The natural winding-down process is eased immeasurably when allowed to touch the earth. To re-connect with Nature at this time can instill a sense of continuity and of purpose (in them and in us) at a time when it is most needed... a sense of serenity and completion which is difficult to explain. This is not a time to hurry their departure. Rather, it is a time to celebrate life. Every day, as you sit with your (now-fading) companion, allow yourself the luxury to just be; to sense time at the pace of Nature. Time without pressure... endlessly flowing as it has for eons. Allow them to touch the earth; recognizing their connection to it, and thank them for bringing you here to share in their much grander perception of time.

Pet Me! Magazine™

Animal Aftercare

Cal Pet Crematory (310) 278-0633 (818) 983-2313 (323) 875-0633 www.calpet.com Guardian Animal Aftercare (818) 768-6465 www.guardianaftercare.com Great Groomers Kitty’s Spa In-home Grooming (661) 505-0397 www.kittysSpa.com Purrfect Paw Prints Mobile Pet Grooming (661) 313-2803 So Cal Grooming 28011 Seco Cyn. Rd. Santa Clarita, 91390 (661) 513-0778 www.socalgrooming.com Pawpular Pet Suppliers Fox Feed 17028 Sierra Highway Canyon Country, 91387 (661) 252-9790 www.foxfeed.com Pet Stop 26870 Sierra Highway Santa Clarita, CA (661) 251-3867 www.petstopsantaclarita.com Pet Supply Santa Clarita 26831 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita, 91350-2372 (661) 296-2654 www.petsupplysantaclarita.com Dermatology for Pets Amy Shumaker, DVM, DACVD Valencia Veterinary Center 23928 Summerhill Lane Valencia, CA 91354 (661) 855-4870 www.dermatologyforanimals.com Animal Control Centers Castaic Animal Shelter 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Rd. Castaic (661) 257-3191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov 22 Pet Me! Magazine™

Lancaster Animal Shelter 5210 W. Ave. I Lancaster, CA 93536 (661) 940-4191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Rescue Organizations

Trusted Vets In and Around SCV

Advanced Care Animal Hospital 19406 Soledad Canyon Road Santa Clarita, CA 91351 (661) 263-4334 www.advancedcareanimalhospital.com

Best Friends Pet Adoption Center 15321 Brand Blvd., Mission Hills, CA 91354 (818) 643-3989 Bestfriends.org

All Creatures Emergency Center 22722 Lyons Ave # 5 Newhall, 91321-2876 (661) 291-1121 www.wecarevets.com

Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce (661) 713-5240 www.brittanyfoundationonline.org

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

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 New Leash On Life Animal Rescue adopt@nlol.org (661) 255-0097 Ratz Nest Rescue (661) 303-7872 www.ratznest.weebly.com Saffyre Sanctuary (Horse Rescue) Sylmar, CA www.saffyresanctuary.org Save A Kitty, Inc. (818) 825-3096 www.SaveaKittyCA.org PetSave Foundation Bunny Rescue (661) 478-7360 www.petsave.org St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary/ Lange Foundation 27567 Oak Spring Canyon Rd. Canyon Country, CA 91387 (661) 251.5590 http://langefoundation.com www.PetConnect.us

Canyon Country Veterinary Hospital 18840 Soledad Canyon Road Canyon Country, 91351-3772 (661) 424-9900 www.wecarevets.com Cinema Veterinary Centre 23460 Cinema Drive, Unit L Valencia, 91355 (661) 253-9300 www.cinemavet.com Peaceful Pets In-Home Euthanasia Services (661) 621-3750 peacefulpetsinhome@gmail.com www.peacefulpetsservices.com Valencia Veterinary Center 24036 Summerhill Ln. Santa Clarita, 91354 (661) 263-9000 www.bestvalenciavet.com VIP Veterinary Services 26111 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. Suite D-5, Saugus, CA 91350 (661) 222-PETS www.VIPVeterinaryServices.com Best Boarding Facilities Canine Country Club 20341 Blue Cloud Road Santa Clarita, 91390-1259 (661) 296-0566 www.cccofscv.com

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