January/February 2017 Issue of Pet Me Magazine

January/February 2017

Your Guide To All Things Pets

d e v Sa

r e t h g u Sla From

PLUS: Guardian Animal Aftercare Pet Hospice: A Compassionate Option Pet Food Particulars

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to good homes

Pet Me! Magazine™ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Awesome

Adoptables

To give these pets a forever home please contact Nini at 818-400-2082 or go to our web page Tailstothewind.org. You can also find us on Facebook and Instagram.

billy the kid

oreo

casper

My name is Billy the kid. I am a 3 1/2-pound Maltese that has been living in the closet for the past eight years of my life. I am extremely shy and don’t know how to act in the real world. I’m looking for a family to call my own that’s willing to be patient until I come out of my shell and learn to trust humans. I would be better for a retired couple or a stay-at-home family with no young children.

My name is Oreo. I am a year and a half old. I was used as a breeder and then discarded. I’m learning to go potty outside and have a lot of energy. But I also love to be a lapdog. I’m in search of my forever family.

My name is Casper. I’m a year and a half old Samoyed mix. I was stolen off the back of a meat market truck in South Korea and brought to America for a second chance at life. I’ve gone through extensive training and learned how to be a dog. I’m great with all other animals and humans.

TABS

cookie

sara

My name is Tabs and I am a 12-week-old cocker spaniel-terrier mix. I will grow up to be approximately 12 pounds. I get along with all other animals and I’m very eager to learn what this world is about. I love to play with other dogs and I’m learning how to go potty outside.

My name is Cookie and I’m an 11-month-old HuskyShepherd mix. I need an experienced large-dog owner because I’m already 71 pounds and still growing. I love to run and know a lot of tricks, but I do like to chew on your shoes, so I know how to go to sleep in a crate. I would be a better fit in a home with no cats or tiny dogs, because I’m still clumsy with my paws.

My name is Sara and I’m a purebred Pekingese. A nice lady brought me here from South Korea. I was stolen the day I was to be killed for food. I am 100% potty trained and ready to make any family happy. I get along with all other animals and I think I’m human.

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Contents 2 Dog Adoptables 4 Saved From Slaughter 8 Business Spotlight: Guardian Animal Aftercare 10 Pet Hospice: A Compassionate Option

While you’re looking through recipes to figure out what’s for dinner, you may want to consider what your pets are eating too. Local veterinarian Dr. Evelyn Vega offers a number of guidelines in an article about pet food. Just like humans, she says, food allergies and calories come into play when planning

12 Knick-Knack Paddy-Wack, Give The Dog A Bone 14 Pet Food Particulars

healthy nutrition for your dogs and cats.

Do your dogs ever get treated to bones? In this issue you’ll learn a little bit about the health problems associated with giving Fido the wrong size or type of bone to chew.

20 Cat Adoptables

On the serious side of animal health and safety, we bring you news about

21 Santa Clarita Area Low Cost Vaccination Clinics

overseas: Dogs are being slaughtered for food. Nareenea Muradian of Tails to

an alarming practice, most common in Korean communities, both here and

22 Directory for All Things Pets

the Wind All Animal Rescue discusses, at length, the effort to free dogs who are being led away to become a food source for humans.There are operatives in Korea and in downtown L.A. who keep watch and rescue every canine they can from this shocking practice.

If you’ve owned a pet you’ve inevitably faced the sad experience of losing your dog to disease or old age. We spoke with Steve MacCorkle of Guardian Animal

Advertising Information Direct: 661.255.9979 Fax: 866.259.9201 29743 Seco Cyn. Rd. #518, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

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

Aftercare, a San Fernando Valley company dedicated to making the death of your pet a meaningful experience. He has staff members helping with the grieving process, as well as offering you choices when it comes to cremation and burial.

As always, we bring you some of the many animals awaiting a new home. See their photos and read their bios to see if you can provide them with a forever family. Maybe this time next year we won’t need to find any more homes for orphaned pets. Let’s make 2017 the year we eradicate the mistreatment and abandonment of all animals.

Happy New Year from the Pet Me! family to yours!

Bridget Alves Publisher

Pet Me! Magazine

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d e v a S From

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r e t h g u a l S

By Martha Michael

A

s animal lovers, we spend a lot of time concerning ourselves with the brands we feed our dogs. Is it grain free?

What meat is included in this brand or that one?

We care about saving dogs from the unhealthy contents in dog food, but do we ever think about delivering dogs from becoming food themselves?

There is an active underworld involving a food source that many know nothing about. That is the dog meat industry.

Nareenea Muradian is the owner and founder of Tails to the Wind All Animal Rescue and she receives dogs that are, literally, taken off of trucks that are headed for slaughter. She says they come from both North and South Korea.

“I have multiples that we had just shipped over,” Muradian explains. “We had a Pekingese that was purchased from the meat market and a Samoyed/Jindo mix stolen off the back of a truck. We call him Casper because he loves to play, but if you go to touch his collar or go to walk him on a leash, he disappears. He’s hand shy. All he’s ever seen is in the truck, when they’d pull them out and slaughter them right in front of his eyes.”

When it comes to dogs that are saved from, quite literally, becoming dog meat, she says it’s a different ballgame than training your average domesticated animal.

“Here you have to work on them because they think you’re going to kill them,” Muradian says.

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There is an active underworld involving a food source that many know nothing about. That is the dog meat industry.

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The Tails to the Wind founder has plenty of experience training dogs and is knowledgeable about their habits and behaviors. Not only has she been personally rescuing every animal that comes down the pike for a decade and a half, she works for a boarding facility, plus owns 2 1/2 acres of property in Lancaster where she houses rescue animals.

Through Tails to the Wind, which she began three years ago and is pending approval as a 501(c)(3), Muradian supports the rescue of dogs heading for slaughter – both in Korea and in the United States.

“It’s not easy. I just started fundraising,” she says. “(In Korea) there are multiple trucks and as many girls as possible go out there and they try to pull them off the trucks … and take them to a safe city shelter away from the location where they were. They get them as healthy as possible to fly them here. It’s about $2,000 just to fly them here.”

Individuals help the cause by smuggling dogs out of the meat markets, then take them by taxi to see a veterinarian.

Unfortunately, not every story has a happy ending. They purchased a Great Dane from a meat market just prior to a Korean festival where they slaughter dogs, but he was too weak and didn’t make it. She has plenty of happy surprises, however, like the purebred Border collie who Muradian adopted out, now named “Daisy.”

“We worked with her for three months and she started chasing after my horse – nature took over,” Muradian says.

“Now she’s a California state service dog.”

The mission to rescue meat market dogs sort of fell into her lap, Muradian says. It began when she met Aileen Hahn.

“She kept bringing dogs over,” Muradian explains. “Now we’re trying to get the money to bring more over. Money talks in this industry. Before I knew what people were doing, one time I saw three dogs tied up outside a building and some in cages. They gave me five dogs for $250. A couple of years later I find out this is what they were doing.”

The problem is not just overseas – some cases are closer to home. Muradian says she has heard of one case in Santa Clarita. It was a restaurant that was shut down and re-opened by a different owner.

“It is against the law to use them as food,” she says. “There was a huge investigation going on in downtown L.A. because they’re doing the same thing in stores in downtown. We were trying to get people in under cover. And we try to pull from shelters as close to Koreatown as possible.”

Muradian has always rescued animals, even as a young girl.

“I used to chase lizards and take them home and take care of them. As far back as I can remember, I’ve had an animal,” she says.

Pet Me! Magazine™ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

According to Muradian’s mother, even when she was a baby, animals played a very important role, including the time her cocker spaniel saw Nareenea in her crib, almost suffocating. The dog compelled her mother to come and pick her up.

“If (the dog) hadn’t heard me calling for her from my crib I would’ve died,” Nareenea says.

On her property she has dogs, horses, pigs, geese – and has had plenty of others. She has had rescues that include macaws, ferrets and wolf hybrids. The largest number of dogs she’s had is about 40 in her possession. She can house up to 20 horses and farm animals at a time.

“I don’t say no to anything,” Muradian says.

Her favorite animals are horses. When she’s in Lancaster she rides one of two horses she owns that she says were “foster failures.”

The boarding facility manager also works in La Crescenta at Hillcrest Pet Hospital for veterinarian Dr. Edward Fries part-time. Her rescuing efforts began with pit bulls. “Then I started rescuing anything that crossed my path,” she says.

The biggest problem Muradian sees on a regular basis is the cycle of over-breeding, which results from owners not having their pets spayed and neutered.

“Some people take care of themselves more than their puppies,” she says. “On a daily basis I meet people who bring a dog into the home and once the puppy’s cuteness wears off, they want to get rid of it. I have a $5,000 Pomeranian at my house right now.”

She repeats how important it is that everyone spays and neuters their pets. “I want to be out of a job. I want to be able to one day say, ‘I don’t have to rescue anymore,’” Muradian explains. “I have to do what I’m doing because people are irresponsible. If they ask for help, there are avenues on every corner. I offer to pay for it as long as they just get them fixed.”

Contact Nareenea Muradian at Tails to the Wind All Animal Rescue by calling (818) 400-2082. Visit http://www. tailstothewind.org/rescue-me.

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M

Business Spotlight

any would agree that the hardest day in your life as a pet owner is when your animal dies.

One cannot overestimate the significance of it, the fact that a family member is gone.

What Steve MacCorkle of Guardian Animal Aftercare offers is more than just pet cremation services. He aims to enable individuals to grieve in the way they choose.

“It never gets easier. It’s always a tough go,” MacCorkle says. “People don’t know where to turn, so we try to give them the answers.”

Educating the public is a large part of what he does, MacCorkle says.

“A lot of people don’t know how to handle the grieving process,” he says. “Losing unconditional love is much different than losing somebody else, another person in your life.”

That is the reason Guardian Animal Aftercare offers grief counseling. And it’s free of charge for every client.

“We have Dr. Kathleen Ayl on staff. She focuses on compassionate pet loss and compassion fatigue in the veterinary industry,” MacCorkle says.

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rate of any profession, says the business owner, a fact most of us haven’t pondered. “When you think about it, they’re dealing with such accelerated life cycles,” he says. “They may have a client for 20 years, which means they’ve met three or four different puppies, and had to put down that many puppies. When an animal dies in a hospital, all those techs know that animal.”

Guardian Animal Aftercare was built on the premise that pet owners need a way to say goodbye to their animals in a meaningful and dignified fashion.

“In 2003 when we started the company, in L.A. there were two options when your animal passed – a private cremation that came back in a pink can, or rendering, which is basically the glue factory. There weren’t many other options,” MacCorkle says. “It was started to raise the bar in animal aftercare.”

The new business became the first to have equipment and space large enough to cremate an animal the size of a horse.

With a new expansion, Guardian Animal Aftercare totals about 15,000 square feet, which makes it easier to offer their services, which include both individual and communal pet cremation.

“We’re doing everything we can to make it as welcoming as possible,” MacCorkle says. “This industry has had a reputation for being behind closed doors. You leave your animal at the vet and you don’t know where he’s going. Here you can be a part of the process, or if you want to spend a few extra moments with your pet.”

The goal with the recent upgrades to the company’s building is to continue to make it “more welcoming,” MacCorkle says. There is a new mural on the building and an “oasis” feeling to the backyard.

Guardian Animal Aftercare completes approximately 1,400 animal cremations per month, about half individual and half communal services. About 18 of those are horses. Dog owners make up the largest number of the company’s clientele, followed by cats, and then rabbits. But the range of cremation services offered at Guardian is as wide as the imagination.

They have cremated horses, gorillas, tigers, a lion, and a large number of pigs. If you need a pick-up service, they can make arrangements for a livestock hauler to go to your residence or ranch.

“This process is different for everybody,” MacCorkle says. “Some people are with their vet and say, ‘I’m done; I don’t need anything else.’ Other people want to make sure that their animal is handled

with the utmost dignity and respect.”

Guardian Aftercare has about 60 walk-ins each month.

Many of their clients also come from animal hospitals, some who want to be with their pets through every step of the process.

“We will allow that to take place, to make sure you’re getting exactly what you want out of our service,” MacCorkle says.

“How do I know this is my animal? We have a computer tracking system … and we know exactly where that animal is at all times.”

After cremation you can receive a lock box with an engraved name plate, which is standard, or upgrades using blown glass or jewelry with ashes in it. MacCorkle says his staff keeps turnaround time as short as possible between receiving your pet and giving you the “cremains.”

But it’s the support system for Guardian’s human clients that MacCorkle believes is the standout in the industry.

“I believe for most crematories their grief support is maybe a phone number to a grief hotline,” he says. “But having Kathleen on staff is huge. We have eight different locations of grief support groups between Santa Barbara and Culver City.”

Client feedback has included the appreciation that Guardian Aftercare is so easily accessible.

“We’re here seven days a week and we’re always there for our customers. A lot of people are surprised by that,” MacCorkle says. “We love having people come in, and for a lot of people it’s a very important part of the process.”

Guardian Animal Aftercare is located at 11173 Tuxford in Sun Valley. For more information, email info@guardianaftercare.com or call (818) 768-6465.

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R

ecently the veterinary field has expanded to provide more services for pets as they reach the end of their lives. Pet owners may not yet be aware that there are now more options than ever to take care of our furry family members.

In the past, owners may have thought their only option was to take their pet to be euthanized at the family vet or at the shelter when they started to show signs of illness or aging. However, many conditions can be treated with medications. Even illnesses which cannot be cured, such as arthritis, can be greatly improved by pain medications or alternative treatments.

Pet hospice is starting to be utilized by more hospitals.

When a pet enters hospice, it is understood that the pet has an incurable condition that is terminal. Hospice focuses on treating the symptoms of the condition, as well as any of the pet’s other problems, so that he or she experiences as little pain and discomfort as possible. It allows the pet owner to work with the veterinarian and vet clinic to make an individual plan tailored to their pet. The goal is to provide a good quality of life for as long as possible.

Signs that a pet may be developing a serious condition can vary widely, but may include subtle signs like unexplained weight loss, lethargy, loss of appetite, or hiding. Changes in thirst and urination can also be the first sign something is wrong. More severe signs include growing masses, vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty walking, or difficulty breathing.

A common example is an old, large dog with inoperable cancer, such as a tumor of the spleen that has spread to other parts of the body. Hospice would focus on treating the dog on multiple levels. While specific treatments to stop the cancer may no longer be an option, a diet plan and supplements that help reduce the speed of cancer growth could be started. If the tumor is at risk for bleeding, certain herbs can reduce that possibility. If the tumor causes nausea, loss of appetite and vomiting, medications can stop the nausea, or a liquid diet could be attempted.

If that dog also struggles with other problems, like arthritis or incontinence, the veterinarian can work with the owner to make simple adjustments in the home. Padded beds can help arthritic dogs feel better, as can pain medicine. Frequent nail trims can help old dogs find their footing, as can caps that fit on the claws for traction, or using yoga mats on hardwood floors so dogs don’t slip. Medications can help reduce incontinence, and waterless shampoo can make it easier to clean a pet if an accident has occurred.

Cats can also benefit from hospice care. Some felines with chronic kidney issues can benefit from fluids being given in the home, as well as medicine to reduce nausea. If an old cat has trouble in the litterbox, puppy training pads are another option to keep the home clean. If a cat is difficult to give medication

Pet Hospice: A Compassionate Option

By Dr. Gina Johnson, Happy Pets Veterinary Center

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Pet Me! Magazine™ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

to, some medications can be liquefied, powdered to put in the food, or compounded into a gel that is rubbed on the skin.

The main goal of hospice is to allow pets their final days in dignity and comfort. An important part of this is the owner’s observations of the pet in the home environment, making sure that the animal remains comfortable. Your pet’s quality of life is determined by freedom from pain, discomfort, or fear; ability to perform normal behaviors; ability to eat and drink; and ability to urinate and defecate. Household pets should also be able to experience positive relationships with family members.

Owners can log in their pets’ behavior and habits in a journal and share this with the hospice team, allowing them to work together to target problems, or determine if the pet is beginning to decline.

If a pet is close to death, euthanasia (putting a pet to sleep) is an option. Euthanasia is a great kindness we can give our pets to prevent suffering; the word itself means “good death.”

Owners may be present with their pets for the procedure, and sedatives are usually given to the animals so they experience no fear or discomfort. House call euthanasia is also available from many clinics, allowing pets to pass in a familiar environment with their families.

However, if a natural death is preferred, the hospice veterinarian can also discuss what to expect in the dying pro-

cess, and advise the owner about how to keep the pet free of pain or distress so that death is as peaceful as possible. Dying naturally can be painful, frightening, or disorienting, and there are options available from your veterinarian that can make the process easier.

One of the greatest challenges in pet ownership is in knowing that our pets do not live as long as we do. We can reduce the pain of having to say goodbye by working together to provide comfort and care until the very end. If you are interested in establishing a hospice program for your pet, consult with your veterinarian about the options available.

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Pet Me! Magazine™ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Knick-Knack Paddy-Wack,

Gi ve Th e Dog A

Bone

By Pet Me! Magazine Staff

I

t’s an indisputable fact that dogs like to chew bones (especially the ones that were recently on your plate).

The fact is so well-known and ingrained within human/ canine relationships that it’s spawned its own idioms.

When you give your dog a bone, it should be known that not just any bone will do; some of them can cause serious health problems in your four-legged friend. Here are a few things you should know about recreational bones: • If your dog chews aggressively, you may want to give him an edible bone instead of a regular one. When dogs chew aggressively, they’re prone to damaging their teeth, and require an expensive trip to a veterinary dentist. Edible bones are typically made of chicken wing bones and turkey necks that have been crushed and formed into a shape. These bones are made to be broken down and are far, far less likely to injure a dog who chews with purpose.

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• Size matters. While no bone can be too big, they can most certainly be too small. If you’re not sure whether or not a bone is too small for your dog, match it up with their head. If it seems like it could fit down her throat, it probably can. Also, some bones (such as the edible ones mentioned above) will start out large, but eventually be whittled down into smaller bits. If the bone gets too small – throw it out! If you’re not sure, throw it out anyway. Replacing a new bone is minor trauma compared to the heartache that results when you have to attempt to replace your dog.

• Safety first. There are many risks involved with rawhide bones. These bones can cause intestinal damage due to splintering and are extremely difficult to digest. Research at Purdue University says that “rawhide chews were only 70 percent digested after 6 hour gastric + 18 hour small intestinal digestion. Gastric digestion at 12 and 18 hours did not result in further improvement in rawhide. Additionally, there are chemicals used in the tanning process that can be dangerous to ingest. A bone from the butcher, dental chews, nylon bones or hooves are a safer bet.”

• Supervise your dog while he chews his bone. You don’t necessarily have to sit there and stare at him. Just give a

glance now and again. If a piece breaks off, make sure to pick it up and throw it away before your dog can swallow it. Rule of thumb: Never serve special treats unless you are there to supervise.

• Last, but not least: If you have more than one dog, it might be wise to separate them before giving them their bones (especially if you give them raw bones). Even the friendliest dogs can become territorial about their food when you put their favorite treat in front of them.

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Pet Food Particulars

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By Martha Michael

I

f your pet has champagne taste, but you’re on a beer budget, there is no cause for concern. Providing healthy food is the main issue, not cost, according to local veterinarian Evelyn Vega, DVM. “‘Specialized’ does not always mean automatically better.

Many premium diets are too rich for pets and cause stomach upset,” Dr. Vega says. “Others are surprisingly high in calories, resulting in an overweight pet when feeding what seems like a normal amount of food.”

Allergies can come into play with premium pet foods, also.

“Some pets with food allergies may do worse with a specialized diet if the organic lamb is really what they are allergic to,” Dr. Vega explains. “In general, look for a food with average calories per cup (400-500), protein sources as the first several ingredients, and few artificial ingredients.”

Expensive products are not really necessary, but foods on the lowest end of the spectrum are unlikely to be the healthiest choice.

“In general, staying away from the cheapest pet foods is a good idea,” says Dr. Vega, who owns Happy Pets Veterinary Center in Valencia. “Grocery store pet food often has high ash content and reduced protein levels.”

Reading the contents on the package will give you the information you need to make the wisest choice. “The main in-

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Middle-priced to premium foods tend to be higher quality.

Dr. Vega has a list of signs that your pet’s food may need to be gredient may be grain instead of a meat product. It is often changed, but warns that symptoms are not always diet-related: - Frequent vomiting, diarrhea, gas, or hairballs filled with artificial dyes and colors,” Dr. Vega adds. “Foods that - Reluctance to eat are promoted as being ‘in gravy,’ or that have ‘morsels,’ tend to - Unexplained weight loss or weight gain be less nutritious. Some grocery store or boutique foods may - Dry, constantly shedding coat also not be AAFCO-certified (Association of American Feed - Greasy coat Control Officials) for all stages of life.”

- Licking paws or itching and scratching Because dogs are omnivorous and cats are carnivores, own(signs of allergies) ers need to see that protein sources are the first ones listed on - Frequent ear infections (signs of allergies) the packaging. This includes meat by-products, which Dr. Vega The existence of prescription foods are there to treat condisays include nutritious organ meats.

“I suggest owners always check the ingredient labels, as tions not offset by over-the-counter pet foods, Dr. Vega says. well as how much protein, fiber and fat are in their pets’ diets,” For instance, a prescription diet can, in many cases, eliminate says the veterinarian. “Some pets require low-fat or low-pro- the need for bladder surgery to dissolve a stone. Likewise, overtein diets as they age, so getting used to checking this infor- the-counter diets are not able to get protein and phosphorous low enough to be safe for pets with kidney disease. mation is helpful.”

“And for some dogs with severe, painful, nonstop food alWeight is one method to tip you off that your pet may need lergies, the only diet that works is a hypoallergenic diet that a dietary change.

“Your pet should have a soft, shiny coat that sheds only has been hydrolyzed, meaning the protein in the food has been mildly or seasonally; your pet should have regular, well-formed altered so that the immune system no longer recognizes it as a bowel movements instead of diarrhea or constipation; and your threat,” the veterinarian explains. “While the vast majority of pet should be at a good weight with a normal energy level,” Dr. pets do not need a prescription diet, there are some things that ONLY a prescription diet can do. In other cases, a pet with Vega explains. “If your pet meets these criteria – great!”

There is no one food that is perfect for 100 percent of cats a medical condition may benefit from a prescription diet, but or dogs, she says, but warns owners to stay away from grocery adding supplements, changing to a home-cooked diet formustore dog and cat foods that can be bought for pennies a pound. lated by a veterinary nutritionist, or trying a different over-the-

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Castaic Canine Camp accepts furry guests for a day visit or extended stay, and offers interaction with other dogs or separate accommodations according to your pet’s special needs...and your needs for them.

Pet taxi is for those of you who know your pet

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Training

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is well enough to stay at home while you're g for the day, but you know you can't make gone iti on time to take your pet out where they need tot go. We provide transportation to vet's office, g groomer' s, friend or relative's house, and even t airport. Wherever your pet may need to go the o be picked up, we can transport him. This or s service is not only for dogs, we also provide t transportation for livestock. Also, we can pick up and deliver any supply you may need for your livestock and house pets. Rates depend on mileage; please call for more details.

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(661) 257-0957 57 • ((661)) 257 257-1870 1870 36975 Ridge Route Rd. • Castaic, Ca 91384 www.castaiccaninecamp.com • email: ossaonyx@aol.com

16 Pet Me! Magazine™

Novembe r/December 2016

To All Things

Pets

Deadlines: For The Mar./Apr. 2017 Issue Publishes Thursday, March 9: Advertorial, Space and Ad Copy must be submitted by

Thursday, Feb. 23, 4pm Camera-Ready Ads must be submitted by

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 5pm TRAINING when you ad animal controopt a dog from l or any rescue .

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Pet Me! Magazine™ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

counter diet could also be an option.”

Pet owners should consult with their veterinarian to find options to treat their animal’s particular condition.

What about a raw food diet? According to Dr. Vega, it is not necessarily superior to a good quality kibble or canned food.

“Raw food diets come with their own unique challenges, whether made from ingredients at the butcher counter or from a prepared mix,” she says. “If feeding solely raw human-grade meat, nutritional deficiencies of certain nutrients and minerals may occur over time if the pet does not also receive organ meat or vitamins. Raw diets carry an increased risk of food-borne disease, such as Listeria, Salmonella and Campylobacter.”

If a household has people or pets with suppressed immune systems, a raw food diet is not recommended, due to the risk of increased infection, Dr. Vega warns. And another downside of raw diets is the additional time and effort needed for daily feeding, especially because the preparations need an extremely sanitary setting.

You also have to calculate appropriate supplements and vitamins to prevent nutritional deficiency.

“Many pets thrive on raw food diets but it may not be a good fit for every pet, especially if the owner does not have the time, space and energy to adequately prepare a balanced diet,” says the veterinarian.

A number of pet owners and food companies are advocates

continued on page 19

Pet Me! Magazine™

17

Pet Me! Magazine™ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

18 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

continued from page 17 of grain-free diets these days. Dr. Vega discloses a common misconception with the popular practice.

“True food allergies are only to proteins, such as lamb, chicken, or beef. The immune system in an allergic dog reacts to large molecules, like proteins, by treating them as an enemy, triggering an allergic reaction, such as itchy skin or diarrhea,” she says.

“Grains, however, break down in the body to small sugar molecules that the immune system does not identify as a threat.”

In other words, while some pets truly do have digestive issues when eating corn or other grains, Dr. Vega does not eschew feeding grains to pets.

“While grain should never be the main ingredient in a pet food for a cat or dog, it can provide additional nutrition and shelf stability,” she says. “Some dogs may have more upset stomach on a grain-free diet due to their high protein content and richness.

While there are a small number of pets who react poorly to grains, the average dog does not have a problem with grain. If your pet has signs of food allergy or dietary intolerance, work with your veterinarian to determine what your pet’s triggers may be.”

Everyone who gets a puppy or kitten has to decide if their growing pet needs wet food or dry food.

“Wet food may increase tartar on teeth, as it does not provide a way to scrape the teeth when the pet eats. In dogs, especially those prone to dental problems, dry food is a good option,” Dr. Vega says. “However, wet food will not cause terrible dental

disease in a dog with naturally good teeth, and if a dog has a good dental care program, wet food’s effects on the teeth are negligible.”

She has a different caveat for cat owners.

“For those who are more prone to diabetes, urinary problems, and kidney problems, wet food is ideal because of the high water content and lower carbohydrate content,” Dr. Vega says. “Some conditions in cats can be greatly improved by switching from dry food to wet, and cats on wet food only are less likely to become obese.”

The bottom line for Dr. Vega is that you can observe the health of your dogs and cats to see if changes are necessary. And to pet owners who don’t see any of the aforementioned conditions, she says: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it!”

Pet Me! Magazine™

19

Pet Me! Magazine™ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Awesome

Adoptables

Save A Kitty has gorgeous kitties looking for their forever homes! Fixed, vaccinated and FIV/FELV negative.

For application please visit www.saveakittyca.org and click on cats for an application.

All of these kittens are simply wonderful with the most amazing dispositions.

Ramses

Pumpkin

Ramses is a stunning boy! He’s 8 months old and a Maine Coon mix. He is very affectionate and loving. Neutered, vaccinated and FIV/FELV negative.

Pumpkin is a sweet DSH Tortie girl, 8 months old. Like her brother, Ramses, she is very loving. Spayed, vaccinated and FIV/FELV negative.

Sonny

Chloe

Sonny is a black DSH boy of 8 months, an absolute sweetheart and another sibling of Pumpkin and Ramses. He is always ready for a cuddle! Neutered, vaccinated and FIV/ FELV negative.

Chloe is yet another sibling! This gorgeous 8-month-old girl is a long-haired Tortie! She is as sweet and as loving as she looks! Spayed, vaccinated and FIV/FELV negative.

Simba

Vivienne

Simba is a sweet, loving Bengal lookalike! He’s a boy of 8 months. Another sibling!

Neutered, vaccinated and FIV/FELV negative.

This sweet girl is Vivienne, looking like a Bombay with those gorgeous amber eyes!

Yes – the sixth sibling!

20 Pet Me! Magazine™

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Pet Me! Magazine™

21

Animal Aftercare

Cal Pet Crematory (310) 278-0633 (818) 983-2313 (323) 875-0633 www.calpet.com Guardian Animal Aftercare (818) 768-6465 www.guardianaftercare.com Pawpular Pet Suppliers Fox Feed 17028 Sierra Highway Canyon Country, 91387 (661) 252-9790 www.foxfeed.com Dermatology for Pets Amy Shumaker, DVM, DACVD Valencia Veterinary Center 23928 Summerhill Lane Valencia, CA 91354 (661) 855-4870 www.dermatologyforanimals.com Animal Control Centers Castaic Animal Shelter 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Rd. Castaic (661) 257-3191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Lancaster Animal Shelter 5210 W. Ave. I Lancaster, CA 93536 (661) 940-4191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Rescue Organizations Visit our website for a complete list of rescue organizations Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce (661) 713-5240 www.brittanyfoundationonline.org Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue (661) 273-9822 www.forgottenangelsrescue.org Forgotten.Angels@hotmail.com 22 Pet Me! Magazine™

Furever Purr Rescue (818) 635-6473 castaiccats@aol.com www.fureverpurrrescue.org New Leash On Life Animal Rescue adopt@nlol.org (661) 255-0097 Pets & Suds 27736 McBean Pkwy Santa Clarita, CA 91354 (661) 263-2424 PetSave Foundation Bunny Rescue (661) 478-7360 www.petsave.org Ratz Nest Rat Rescue (661) 303-7872 www.ratznest.weebly.com Saffyre Sanctuary (Horse Rescue) Sylmar, CA www.saffyresanctuary.org Save A Kitty, Inc. (818) 825-3096 www.SaveaKittyCA.org Shelter Hope Pet Shop Santa Clarita 24201 Valencia Blvd. #1318 Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 885-4716 shelterhopepetshop.org/ santaclarita Southern California Siamese Rescue http://cs.siameserescue.org/ St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary/ Lange Foundation 27567 Oak Spring Canyon Rd. Canyon Country, CA 91387 (661) 251-5590 http://langefoundation.com Great Groomers Precious Pets 27737 Bouquet Canyon Road Suite 124 Saugus, CA 91350 (661) 296-2020

Trusted Vets In and Around SCV

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

Best Boarding Facilities & Pampering Pet Sitters

Clip & Save!

Pets

for all things

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

!

Directory

Pet Me! Magazine™ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

Canine Country Club 20341 Blue Cloud Road Santa Clarita, 91390-1259 (661) 296-0566 www.cccofscv.com Castaic Canine Camp 36975 Ridge Route Road Castaic, 91384 (661) 257-0957 www.castaiccaninecamp.com Dogone-it Marlee (661) 251-3873 Dogone-it@hotmail.com Pacific Pet Sitters (661) 505-6615 www.pacificpetsitters.com Santa Clarita’s Premier Dog Lodge (661) 618-6628 honestgalpal@att.net www.hasshaus.com

Alternative Medicines & Healing Sylvia Nahale Hathaway Acupressurist & Reiki Master (661) 378-8612 josephinesplace@msn.com Lyons Pharmacy & Compounding Lab (661) 777-7770 www.MyLyonsPharmacy.com Canine Rehabilitation Happy Pets Veterinary Center 27550 Newhall Ranch Rd. Valencia, CA 91355 Valencia Veterinary Center 24036 Summerhill Ln. Valencia, CA 91354 Puppy Raisers Guide Dogs of America (818) 833-6441 www.guidedogsofamerica.org When you purchase an ad we include you in our Directory for FREE

Pet Me! Magazine™

23

Valencia Veterinary Center Pet Me! Magazine™ JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2017

“pets are people too!”

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Baljit Grewal, DVM Daniel Slaton, DVM Sehaj Grewal, DVM Harpreet Sekhon, DVM Daniel Slaton, DVM

23928 Summerhill Lane Valencia, CA 91354 On McBean Pkwy near Decoro, across from Ralphs

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24 Pet Me! Magazine™