September/October 2016 of Pet Me! Magazine

September/October 2016

Your Guide To All Things Pets

Woof Raise the

Guide Dogs of America Puppy Raisers

PLUS: How Much is that Puppy in the Window?

Business Spotlight: Canine Country Club 16th Annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair & Much More!

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Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Awesome

Adoptables

Meet Your New Best Friend at the Best Friends Pet Adoption & Spay/Neuter Center.

The Best Friends Pet Adoption & Spay/Neuter Center is located at 15321 Brand Boulevard in Mission Hills and is open daily from 12 noon to 8 p.m. Dog adoption fees range from $10 to $50. All dogs are fixed, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to go home immediately.

For more information, visit http://www.bestfriendsla.org/ or call (818) 643-3989.

DUKE

Zerkseies

Bleu

Handsome Duke, 7, is looking for a kingdom to reign over. This noble Shepherd/Chow Chow mix is wellmannered and super smart. In true royal fashion, he likes to keep his possessions all to himself and sometimes tries to escape the yard to explore other kingdoms, so a fenced yard is a must. But don’t let his noble demeanor fool you – he spends his down time running around, playing, hoping for ear scratches and napping in his very own fashion: upside down, feet straight up to the sky!

Zerkseies – or Zerk, for short – is a staff/volunteer favorite for his fun personality and soft, plush fur. Pet Zerk and he freezes into a Greek statue out of sheer delight. He gets along well with most other dogs of similar size and temperament, too. Zerk, 7, would thrive in an active home with a big dog-savvy adopter.

Sound like you? Come meet Zerk today.

Bleu, 4, is one cool canine! This fun, active boy is very smart and loves to learn. Bleu already knows commands such as sit and stay, plus he has inhome experience. Bleu would make the best exercise buddy ever and get you outdoors more, as he loves to go for walks or hikes. If you’re looking for a loyal companion, make sure to meet Bleu! He wants to be your one and only.

Pancho

Biscuit

Sailor

Adorable Pancho is 5 years old and 6 pounds of pure love! Pancho loves other little dogs, but adores people even more. He is a quintessential lap dog and loves to snuggle. Pancho has the cutest underbite and a beautiful heart. He’d make a wonderful best friend for any small dog lover.

Sweet little Biscuit is 3 but looks like a perpetual puppy! She loves to play with toys, especially those that squeak, and will keep herself entertained for hours. Biscuit is good with other little dogs and a lot of fun to have around. She’d love to be in a home and is guaranteed to make you smile every day!

Sailor may be 10, but he’s still got spunk! This handsome boy enjoys going for walks and play time with his little dog pals, but most of all, he loves spending time with his favorite person...you! Sailor will take any opportunity to sit in your lap and show you love or hang out for a Netflix binge session. He’s so waiting to be your best friend...come meet this special boy today!

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Contents 2 Dog Adoptables

4 Raise the Woof – Guide Dogs of America Puppy Raisers 8 National Feral Cat Day is October 16 Pets give us so much – love, warmth, caring, loyalty and protection. It’s even

14 How Much is that Puppy in the Window?

more impressive when we find animals that go further than that. We recently spoke to Louise Henderson of Guide Dogs of America, located in Sylmar.

We’re all aware that these smart, faithful canines take on the responsibility

16 Business Spotlight: Canine Country Club

of individuals who are visually impaired. But, did you know that we have the opportunity to be a part of their training? GDA is always looking for more puppy raisers, which you can read about inside this issue.

18 16th Annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair

This month we’re celebrating the 2nd anniversary of Furever Purr Rescue! Our mission is to save the lives of unwanted and abandoned cats and kittens that end up left at shelters and dumped on the streets. I’m thankful for the foster

20 Cat Adoptables

volunteers and veterinarians who have been helping us care for these little furry ones for the last two years.

22 Directory for All Things Pets

Did you know that October 16th is National Feral Cat Day? Drawing more attention to the needs of wild and unsocialized cats can contribute to getting these special felines the care and medical attention they deserve. Learn more

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 COVER PHOTO Courtesy of Guide Dogs of America PUBLISHED BY Pet Me! Publications

about them in our interview with Cathy Hosford of Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue in Palmdale.

Don’t forget Bow Wow & Meows Pet Fair October 9th! There are plenty of low-cost opportunities to vaccinate, micro-chip and adopt a pet, plus entertainment by agility dogs, food trucks and other activities.

I’ll see you there!

Bridget Alves Publisher

Pet Me! Magazine On the Cover: Puppy in Training, courtesy of Guide Dogs of America.

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Woof

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Raise the

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Guide Dogs of America Puppy Raisers

By Martha Michael

T

here are dog lovers who, literally, work around the clock to raise puppies to be positive role models. No matter where they go, these pups go with them, and they are always training, shaping the little canines to grow up to become extremely responsible.

They are Guide Dog Puppy Raisers.

Finding trainers who can accomplish that is not an easy task, says Louise Henderson, puppy program manager for Guide Dogs of America.

“At eight weeks the puppies go to homes for socialization, house manners and basic obedience,” Henderson says. “And to socialize the dogs they take them everywhere with them.”

The puppies stay with the individuals, couples or families who have signed on to train them for the very important next step: formal guide dog training with a licensed certified instructor. The secondary training takes about 4-6 months. Then each of the guide dogs are matched to a visually impaired recipient.

“Formal guide dog training is when we have California licensed instructors, where they learn to handle obstacles, stopping at curbs, etc.,” Henderson explains, adding that California is the only state with a board of licensing for guide dogs.

Guide Dogs of America is a non-profit program providing guide dogs and instruction in their use – free of charge – to blind and visually impaired men and women from the United States and Canada. A GDA Visitor and Education Center is located in Sylmar, Calif. on a 7.5-acre campus.

Guide Dogs of America starts them all as puppies, and puppy trainers have them from eight weeks to 18 months.

“We are always looking for puppy raisers,” says Henderson, who adds that her program covers the areas all the way from San Diego up to San Luis Obispo.

If a puppy doesn’t make it through the program – for medical reasons or just temperament – the puppy trainer has the option of keeping the dog. Almost all of Henderson’s puppy training volunteers enjoy the program so much, they take on new puppies over and over again.

“We have a 70 percent return on our puppy raisers,” she says. “We have retired couples, individuals, and if it’s a teenager, it’s a family affair. The whole family has to be involved.”

Puppy raisers bring the dogs to work with them, literally not leaving their side. Sometimes they have to take time off work, especially in the beginning when the pups are just babies, according to Henderson. If they’re at work and have meetings, their co-workers often help out.

“It’s pretty much at the beginning that it’s harder,” says

Henderson. “As the dogs get older, they know they go to work.

If they work in an office, they go lay on their bed – they know that’s the routine. That’s what we need.”

Among the circumstances involved with puppy raising are some surprises.

“We have different groups in different areas, but we have a lot of puppy raisers who make lifelong friendships,” Henderson says. “We had some couples who had RVs and they’d do trips together. We have puppy raisers who have been doing this for 25 years.”

Guide Dogs of America has its own breeding program.

They mostly use Laborador retrievers, golden retrievers and German shepherds for the guide dog program. Some of their dogs are Laborador-golden retriever cross-mixes.

The qualities they look for in a puppy raiser include the ability to socialize the dog, to be able to take it to work, teach the dog basic obedience and nice house manners.

For more information, or to volunteer to be a puppy raiser, visit www.guidedogsofamerica.org.

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Our Featured Adoptable

n o s k c a J

W

Watch my video at http://www.hometownstation.com/santa-clarita-latest-news/ khts-adoptable-pet-of-the-week-jackson-175625

inter is coming! We all know what that means - lots of snuggling and fireside chats. It’s a good thing that I LOVE to snuggle, because who or what else would keep you warmer than a sweet tabby? Even though I’m still pretty young (about a year or so), I have perfected the art of cuddling and showing affection to those who feed and play with me. After all, they say you should treat others the way you want them to treat you! I told you I’m smart :) I’m also super grateful to those who saved me from kitty jail. I didn’t have a home before and kitty jail ended up being “home.”

Unfortunately, because I was so young, I got the sniffles and we all know what that means. Then, the Furever Purr ladies, aka wonder women, swooped in and the rest is history! I show my humans how much I’m happy to be alive by making sure they never get bored – I mean, why be a couch potato when you could be helping me perfect my red dot hunting skills? Now that these wonder women know how thankful I am, I think it’s time for me to entertain my furever parent(s). To make things easier on you, I can’t help populate the cat world, I got all my shots (and didn’t even flinch!), tested negative for felv/fiv, and you’ll never lose me because I have one of those microchips. The only thing I’m missing is permanent contact information. Can I use yours?

I’m available through Furever Purr Rescue. Visit our website at fureverpurrrescue.org or email castaiccats@aol.com

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Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

CASTAIC

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Let’s face it, when it comes to your canine children, you want the best for them. A place where the love and attention they need and want is guaranteed.

Castaic Canine Camp sits on 17 pristine acres of land adjacent to Castaic Lake. Castaic Canine Camp offers boarding, daycare, training facilities, and services for all ages, breeds and sizes of canines.

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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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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Your Guide

July/August 2015

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Pets

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Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

National

Feral Cat Day is October 16

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Y

ou may have seen them over your lifetime, peering around corners or running from you down alleys or into drainage pipes. But every year, there is a day set aside to celebrate them: National Feral Cat Day. Pet Me! Magazine turned to Cathy Hosford of Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue in Palmdale to educate us about them.

What is a feral cat?

A feral cat is a cat that has never had human contact, or socialization with humans throughout their lifetime and it will avoid contact with humans at all costs. There are also cats that were once tame pets, but for whatever reason, found themselves homeless and on the streets, and over time became feral due to the lack of human contact.

city parks and back alleys, they exist in colonies (their families) and they live where there is a food supply and shelter.

Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue is contacted regularly by people who have feral cats and are looking for help.

What steps do you take when you find a feral cat?

Our organization works closely with “Fix Nation” for TrapNeuter-Return (TNR). When we receive a call about feral cats in need, one of our volunteers will go and assess the situation.

We need to know how many cats there are, how many kittens vs. adults, if there are any nursing moms or any cats that are sick or injured, etc. This information is important, because we

What’s the difference between an unsocialized cat and a feral cat?

A feral cat has never had human contact and an unsocialized cat may have either been born feral (unsocialized), or started out as someone’s pet, but strayed from home and became lost. Given the opportunity, an unsocialized cat may reacclimate to people, where an adult feral cat probably won’t.

Where do you find feral cats?

Due to the number of abandoned and un-altered cats and kittens in communities and neighborhoods, feral cats are found everywhere. From backyards and business complexes to

continued on page 10

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Is there ever a chance that a feral cat can become someone’s pet once it’s been trapped and altered?

Absolutely! Typically, kittens over 12 weeks are difficult, if not impossible, to socialize – the younger, the better. To try and socialize an adult feral is rarely successful, but not impossible. Generally, it is stressful for both you and the cat.

continued from page 9

don’t want to trap a nursing mom and put her young kittens in danger of not being able to nurse. If the kittens are of age to be trapped and socialized, we need to know exactly how many kittens there are so that none are left behind. If there are sick or injured cats, we need to act quickly and get them the care they need ASAP. And if there is a pregnant cat, she would need to be a priority, so she doesn’t produce yet another litter of kittens that may not survive. From there, we arrange spay/ neuter appointments, put foster homes on standby (if needed for kitten socialization), and then we start the TNR process.

10 Pet Me! Magazine™

How hard is it to trap a feral cat?

Trapping can be overwhelming if you have no experience. We encourage you to do your homework and a little research before you get started so the process is as stress-free as possible. A great resource would be Fix Nation. Their website, Fixnation.org, provides everything from trapping guidelines to the before and after care of the cats and kittens, and a list of supplies needed to successfully TNR. If planned and executed properly, TNR can be completed with minimal stress and complication. If a trapper has been trained well, the process WILL work.

What happens if you trap a kitty and it is too injured to be returned?

If there is nothing that can be done for that cat, then the humane approach would be to not let the cat suffer, and to

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

have the cat euthanized. We always work with a vet to explore all options to be considered. Being able to medicate or treat a feral cat for any injury is difficult, at best.

When did you first begin trapping?

When we discovered our first feral cat colony back in 2001, we didn’t have a clue about feral cats, or how to safely trap. We actually did the “befriend, grab, and get very injured” method.

We first learned about using a trap from a local rescue group.

We then began to learn the basics of trapping, and gained experience and knowledge about the proper way to safely trap through Cat Nippers, a wonderful free spay and neuter clinic.

Cat Nippers began to guide us through the process of safely (for us and the cats) trap-neuter-return ALL of the ferals in our neighborhood. From there, that ignited our passion to help other feral cats and is the reason we became Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue: “In Memory of all the lives lost in the shelters and on the streets NEVER to be forgotten.”

How long have you been trapping? How many cats do you think you have trapped over the years?

We’ve been doing TNR for more than 15 years now. A few years ago we had a couple of great volunteers that took time off from work to do TNR, and transport cats to and from “Fix Nation” (a FREE Spay/Neuter Clinic). Each and every week

continued on page 12

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continued from page 11 they would trap and transport no fewer than 10-20 cats to the clinic. Thankfully, over the years, we have seen thousands of feral and homeless cats spayed or neutered.

Is there an organization in SCV that does TNR? Unfortunately, no. The closest free assistance for feral cats is FixNation in Burbank. With that said, we would love to see a reputable rescue group in SCV that would offer and promote TNR. Our organization would be glad to offer any assistance that we can to help them succeed.

Are there low-cost clinics to help?

There are a couple of free feral spay and neuter clinics.

Cat Nippers and Fix Nation are two wonderful clinics that offer free services to cats in L.A. County. Low cost veterinary options can be found by going to our website http://forgottenangelsrescue.org, as well as www.spaycalifornia.org and www.spayusa.org.

Is there a moment that stands out in your experience that was particularly heartwarming?

Every time we take a homeless or feral cat through our process it is rewarding to know that they won’t be mating and having more kittens and those cats can peacefully live

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out their lives. Every kitten that we find, socialize and adopt into a loving home, or when we rescue a cat that has been left behind in an abandoned home and is now safe and loved in a foster home awaiting a new family, it is a mission accomplished.

Is there a moment that stands out in your experience that was particularly frightening or challenging?

We got a call about feral cats in an alleyway between a business complex and apartment buildings in a very bad part of Palmdale. The first night, we had encounters with gang members and had to remove ourselves from the situation for our safety. The second night, we asked the Sheriff ’s Department to do periodic patrols so we could safely get the cats trapped and fixed. Thankfully, we had success and got nine cats from that location.

Is TNR necessary?

Without TNR, and its practice, you can imagine the number of cats and kittens that would be struggling to survive on our streets and adding to the number that is being turned into our local shelters by the thousands every year.

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communities. “Low income” should not be synonymous with “irresponsible.” Be responsible for your pets and get them fixed, especially outdoor cats. Those animals have access to roam and mate, and have likely just created yet another litter of kittens that will be homeless and on the streets. The second, and equally important, part of community involvement is to not abandon your animals. All too often they are dumped at shelters because of a move or a pet illness, and in some cases because they couldn’t find a pet sitter while they were on vacation, so the animal had to go to the shelter.

Volunteers are always needed for TNR projects.

Learn more about Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue at www.forgottenangelsrescue.org

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We offer an online customer portal, emails with notes after each visit, GPS check-in, and yes, we WILL sing “soft kitty” to your shy feline. Give us a try! certified • bonded • insured • background checked Pet Me! Magazine™

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How Much is that Puppy in the Window?

By Caroline Squires

14 Pet Me! Magazine™

T

hat too-cute-for-words puppy in the pet store window is hiding a terrible secret that it can’t tell you, and the store owners and employees won’t tell you either. Want to know the secret?

That puppy came from a puppy mill. Buying a “purebred” puppy from a pet store means you are contributing to the inhumane business of puppy mills.

Pet stores will tell customers that their puppies come from licensed breeders who are inspected by the United States Department of Agriculture in order to add credibility. Many of the pet stores I have visited will also go so far as to claim that the USDA wouldn’t grant licenses to bad breeders. However, what they don’t tell you, and what I have discovered, is that the inspection reports, which are available due to the Freedom of Information Act, document the breeders that run at substandard levels, those that put dogs and puppies at risk.

For example, at a pet store in Thousand Oaks, Calif., one USDA breeder’s inspection report states there were 64 dogs at a Midwest puppy mill with NO dog houses, and no bedding for at least 10 other dogs, when the prior morning’s temperature was in the 30s! This breeder was

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

issued a violation, because it is cruel to leave dogs outside when the temperature is below freezing. This breeder has received numerous violations under the Animal Welfare Act, which regulates and sets the minimum acceptable standard of treatment of animals in research, exhibition, transport, and by dealers. Therefore, breeders like the one mentioned are not even meeting the minimum acceptable standard of care.

Additionally, my research has found that many of the breeders are only inspected once a year, and many receive repeat violations year after year, yet their licenses are not removed. So, when a pet store claims its breeders are “USDA inspected,” it does not necessarily mean they are operating under conditions that we would expect from a reputable breeder.

Per the website of the Humane Society of the United States, when cruelty exists at a puppy mill, the agency has assisted in shutting them down with the cooperation of local law enforcement. The HSUS has assisted in the rescue of almost 5,000 dogs from puppy mills that are frequently deemed inhumane and where dogs have to be rescued, so no further harm can come to them.

Sadly, puppies raised at mills are neglected and spend many years stuck in a cage with no chance to run around, no toys, hardly any vet care, and no name to call their own. A few lucky ones get rescued and placed into loving homes.

Harvey is one such dog. He is what you would call a puppy

mill survivor. Harvey’s owners posted his story on the website of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. The write-up said that Harvey, a fawn pug, lived eight years in a cramped wire cage in complete darkness. His owners said it took almost six months for Harvey to finally trust them and realize he had found his forever home. Harvey’s days are now filled with care: a warm bed, walks around his neighborhood, plenty of nutritious food and, above all, love.

Because puppies at puppy mills live in dirty and neglectful conditions, they are often sick or become sick once they are at the pet store. USDA inspectors report, time and time again, that puppy mills are dirty, which can ultimately lead to parasites and diseases for the dogs and puppies. Coccidia and giardia are two intestinal parasites dogs and puppies can receive due to living in a dirty environment. Puppy mill puppies are also prone to genetic abnormalities because of careless breeding. Genetic abnormalities that they can inherit include: patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, deafness, tracheal collapse, “cherry eye,” and skin allergies.

Additionally, puppies that are born at a mill live in cramped wire cages and do not have the freedom to run around. They eat, sleep, play, and potty all in the same area, which is not natural for a puppy. They often times become bored, restless, and develop bad habits. When a person buys a pet store puppy they will most likely have a difficult time house training the new pet,

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Business Spotlight

Canine Country Club

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W

hen we have to leave our kids for awhile – whether it’s a few hours or a weeklong camp – we like to know they’re in safe and loving hands. For dog and cat owners, it’s the same thing – we want a facility where our little ones can stay cool in the summer, warm in winter, have enough to eat and a place to play.

For 30 years, Santa Clarita has been depending on Canine Country Club for just those kinds of features. Since Sharon Rose opened the boarding facility in 1986, thousands of cats and dogs have had the chance to rest in their own indoor/ outdoor home-away-from-home while “moms and dads” have been out of town.

Canine Country Club had a record number of clients this summer, with a total of 101 pets one weekend, according to current owners Craig and Crystal Rose. Pet owners need to call to book an appointment ahead of time, as well as show proof of vaccinations, including rabies, bordetella and parvo/distemper.

“Once the kids are out of school, you need to get your appointment as early as possible. We get a wait list,” Crystal Rose said. “This year was so much busier – we filled up early.”

The kennel is seven acres on a 27-acre property off Bouquet Canyon Road. Dogs have air conditioning, plus a doggie door to an outside area. Each one is exercised from 20-40 minutes per day, depending on the age of the dog, the number of animals in the facility at the time, and the temperature outside.

For large dogs, the exercise areas are a third of an acre and a bit smaller for little dogs. Canine Country Club never combines pets from different families.

Felines are housed in a separate area from the dogs and each one has a three-tier cat post plus an opening to their own outdoor areas.

As you might expect, there are a lot more dogs at the boarding facility, because cats are more self-sufficient, Crystal said. Pets are boarded most often due to vacations, but sometimes because of emergencies.

Everything is included in one price – blankets, bowls, exercise time, and even the food. There is an additional $1 charge if pets need specific food or medication administered. Canine Country Club dogs eat Iams Eukanuba and Canidae, plus Iams biscuits. A caretaker lives on the premises and checks on the animals each night, offering a special treat.

“We just try and take care of them like you do at home,” Crystal said.

Canine Country Club is located at 20341 Blue Cloud Road in Santa Clarita. Call for appointments: (661) 296-0566. Visit CCCofSCV.com or find Canine Country Club on Facebook.

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$30 Pet Adoptions, Free Family Fun, and More at 16th Annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair

W

Entrance to the family-friendly fair is free

ith pet adoptions for just $30 each, hundreds of dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies will be available for adoption at the 16th Annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair on Sunday, October 9, 2016. This year’s fair, beginning at 11 a.m. at the William S. Hart Park in Newhall, is sponsored by Ingolstadt West German Auto Specialists, Animal Medical Center, Pets-Global, Valencia Veterinary Center, and Scorpion.

All six Los Angeles County Animal Shelters will be offering discounted adoption fees of just $30, and their veterinary team will be on hand to answer questions from new adopters. Additional adoptions will also be available from Best Friends Animal Society - Los Angeles, St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary, New Leash On Life, and Boxer Rescue Los Angeles. Each of their adoption fees and policies vary.

Every pet adopted from an L.A. County facility is spayed or neutered, immunized and microchipped, and ready to go home immediately. Adopters receive a special, complimentary goody bag for their new family members, compliments of Bow-Wows

Adorable kittens from Los Angeles County shelters are available at Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair for a low adoption fee. All are fixed, vaccinated, micro-chipped and ready to go home immediately.

& Meows sponsors and vendors.

“Adoption is the most humane way to bring home a new best friend and it’s the most cost-effective, too,” said Yvonne Allbee, founder of Bow-Wows & Meows, Inc. “Most of the dogs and cats at the fair were once part of a family, so they acclimate really well to being in a home again.”

Since it began in 2001, the Valencia-based Bow-Wows & Meows, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has adopted out close to 1,900 pets at its annual fairs.

In 2015, Bow-Wows & Meows had a record-breaking 200 adoptions and Allbee hopes the fair exceeds that number this year.

“Our goal is to send all the shelter trucks back empty at the end of the day,” Allbee said.

“With the community’s help, we can make that happen.”

Free parking on the grounds of Hart Park will be provided for the second consecutive year, thanks to parking sponsor Ingolstadt West German Auto Specialists in Canoga Park. Shuttles will transport guests to the fair entrance. Leashed, well-behaved dogs of all breeds are welcome to ride and attend with their owners.

Activities include:

• Agility entertainment from Disc Dogs at 11:30 and 2:30 p.m.

• The Famous Fun Dog Show, with categories ranging from best vocalist to mystery mutt and pet-owner look-alike at 1:30 p.m.

(Contestants can pre-register online via Facebook page at BWMPetFair) • Personalized ID tags and children’s bracelets • Huge “Super Raffle” with prizes at just $1 per ticket • Food Truck Court with dining options (including vegan and vegetarian) • Pet photographer and artists • Shopping opportunities ranging from premium pet food to fantastic pet accessories • Low-cost vaccines from TAGS (free Rabies shots) • County pet license renewals

An adopted dog proudly poses for a photo with his new family at the 2015 Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair.

Fair attendees can enter the Fun Dog Show for just $10, with categories such as Pet Owner Look Alike, Biggest, Smallest, and Best Smile. Registration is available on site or in advance on the Bow-Wows Meows Facebook page.

Local pet lovers can help the fair succeed by spreading the word about Bow-Wows & Meows via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/BWMPetFair), Instagram (bowwowspetfair), or Twitter (@BowWowsPetFair).

“Social media makes a big impact by bringing more adopters to the fair, helping us save as many lives as possible,” Allbee said.

Volunteers are also needed to help pass out posters and flyers in the community prior to the fair. For more information, visit www.BowWowsAndMeows.org or email info@bowwowsandmeows.org.

18 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 2016

FUREVER PURR RESCUE is

Celebrating

With your help this year we were able to save hundreds of cats and kittens that would have ended their lives in the shelter. We were so blessed to be able to help so many moms and nursing kittens, seniors

of saving lives

and special needs cats that found themselves victims of the shelter

It takes a

system. We are truly blessed to have you supporting us.

Village Our Foster Families Ann and David Johnson Anne Ross Caroline Squires Cathy Jerry Hosford Darcel Pertusati Kimberly Blankenship Larissa and Mark Barnes Linda Schulz Mia Fesmire and family Michelle Kuhn Clark and family Penny Riffel and family V and Rob Klein

Amanda Taylor Palmieri and family Debbie and Rod Rosato Andrea Morley Carrie Eubanks Leslie Rowen

Our Wheels To Safety Cindy Chubbs Bob Haymond Ann Johnson

Debbie Jones Mike Madrigal Linda Schulz

Thank you to these very special indivi­ duals that took time out to transport our rescues from the shelter to safety.

Our Trusted Veterinarians

Our Donors We often hear people say I don’t have time to help, but I can donate. Those donations allow us to do what we do. Thank you to those of you who generously donated to help us save so many little lives.

Our Animal Care and Control Centers The Los Angeles Animal Care and Control Centers have made every effort possible to help us save these hundreds of cats and kittens. Thank you, Chris Cirar, and the staff at the Lancaster Center, as well as Karen Stepp, and her team at the Castaic Center, for going the extra mile.

All Creatures Veterinary Center Canyon Country Veterinary Hospital Happy Pets Veterinary Center V.I.P. Veterinary Services Jeanette Yamamoto – Peaceful Pets In-Home Euthanasia Services Cinema Veterinary Centre Little Paws Dog and Cat Hospital Valencia Veterinary Center Without the help of our local veterinarians, who help care for our sick kitties and get them well, we would be lost. Thank you.

We are so lucky to have Tanya Will-Jundt who donates her time taking stunning photos to help our kitties find homes. Thank you Spunky Monkey Photography.

A special thank you to Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue, who has been an amazing ally in helping so many of our cats and kittens find homes. A heartfelt thank you from the kitties and team at Furever Purr Rescue.

Thank you, An Amlotte, for designing and keeping our website updated to keep our kitties in the public eye.

Pet Me! Magazine™

19

Awesome

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Adoptables

Awesome Adoptable Pets At Castaic Animal Care and Control, 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Rd. Castaic, CA. Hours: Mon-Thurs 12pm-7pm and Fri-Sun 10am-5pm. Gorgeous Cats and Kittens Looking For Purfect Homes!

All cats are vaccinated, microchipped and fixed and are FREE to adopt

Cotton

Ziggy

Cotton is a little princess who, although shy, loves to play and hang out with other animals. She will need a kind owner who is willing to spend time showing her love and affection – but trust us, when she loves you, you will be greeted with the sweetest purr. She is litter box trained, beautiful and healthy – just waiting to meet you! You can meet her in foster care by contacting her foster mom at 661.993.1029. She is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped.

Ziggy is the most affectionate, cuddly, playful kitten ever. He can’t wait to get into bed at night or chase you around the house. He likes dogs, cats and children and always has a little meow to greet you. He is litter box trained, full of love and healthy – just waiting to cuddle you! You can meet him in foster care by contacting his foster mom at 661.993.1029. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Zeus Zeus loves to play and chase toys. He snuggles up in bed with you and chases your feet as you walk. He is good with dogs and cats and children. He is litter box trained, so loving and healthy – just waiting to purr for you! You can meet him in foster care by contacting his foster mom at 661.993.1029. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Pez Pez (Candy’s son) is an energetic little boy who loves to play with his brother Starburst.

He only stops playing when he is sleeping! He can’t wait to get up to mischief, and you could watch his antics all day. He is litter box trained, full of fun and healthy – just waiting to entertain you! You can meet him in foster care by contacting his foster mom at 661.993.1029. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

20 Pet Me! Magazine™

Candy Candy is a stunning and affectionate girl who came into the shelter with four newborn babies. She has been a wonderful mommy and now her babies are old enough to find homes, so we would love for Candy to find a special home as well. She loves cuddles and kisses, is playful and enjoys the company of kids – she is even good with other cats and dogs. She is litter box trained, very special and healthy – just waiting to love you!

You can meet her in foster care by contacting her foster mom at 661.993.1029. She will be spayed and is vaccinated and microchipped.

Starburst Starburst (Candy’s son) is a cheeky, playful kitten who is always looking for an adventure.

He loves to play with his brother Pez and you can see them somersaulting, racing and wrestling all day long. He is litter box trained, a bundle of energy and healthy – just waiting to play with you! You can meet him in foster care by contacting his foster mom at 661.993.1029. He is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

continued from page 15 because the puppy has been used to going potty where it eats, sleeps, and plays. Kathleen Summers, an expert on puppy mills for the Humane Society of the United States, said that, typically, a puppy from a pet store has spent the first weeks of its life in crowded, unsanitary conditions with possibly hundreds of other dogs and improper veterinary care, another week packed into a crate on a truck, and another week or two in a cage at the pet store. As a result, these practices can cause sickness and behavioral problems with pet store puppies.

Unfortunately, when a person buys a puppy from a pet store they often spend hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars trying to get their puppy well. Melanie Hudson, a person who bought a puppy from a pet store, said, “I spent $500 for my Yorkshire terrier, and the employees told me she was healthy; but, after I brought her home she became very sick and I spent over $1,000 trying to get her well.” Likewise, Jenny Marsh bought her Maltese from a pet store and stated, “I paid $800 for my puppy and later spent another $500 to treat her for internal parasites and pneumonia.”

With puppy mill puppies flooding many pet stores, sometimes we forget that we have dogs and puppies in need of homes at our local shelters. According to the L.A. City Animal Services’ website, 29,129 dogs were brought into their shelters from 2014-2015. With so many of our local dogs in need of a home, it is of extreme importance that we don’t shop for a

dog, but rather, we adopt. A person can go online and preview the animals available for adoption. You might think you cannot find a purebred at the shelter; however, typically, 25 percent of dogs at the shelter are purebred. There are poodles, Yorkshire terriers, boxers, German shepherds, Labrador retrievers, beagles, and Shih Tzus, just to name a few. Shelters have the same dogs and puppies as pet stores, but for less money, and there are added benefits to adopting rather than shopping for a dog.

For example, the average price for a pet store puppy is $500$1,000, whereas, for a shelter dog the average price of adoption is $100 or less. When you adopt, the dog comes spayed or neutered, vaccinated, microchipped, and you receive a free vet exam! Above all, you are saving a life, which is priceless.

So, how much is that puppy in the window? Too much.

Purchasing a puppy from a pet store supports an inhumane business practice. The customer also risks bringing home a sick puppy. Lastly, local dogs and puppies are in need of homes, which means we should help our community animals first, before shipping in animals from out-of-state.

If every person who chose to buy a pet store puppy instead saved a life from their local shelter or informed someone they know about the truth behind those pet store pups, thousands of lives would be saved and perhaps puppy mills would vanish and dogs would be treated with the love and respect they deserve. Just remember, dogs don’t have a voice, but we do. Don’t shop – ADOPT!

“Y Our Featured Adoptable

ou know you’re a mom when all you want is some alone time, but miss it as soon as you get it.” I think that quote can describe me. At just a year and a half, I had my litter of kittens and let me tell you, they were an awesome handful. But like any mother, I put their needs above mine and made sure they were raised correctly.

Now that they’ve all found their furever families (and I definitely screened them), I think it’s my turn. My babies are gone and even though the peace and quiet is relaxing, I would love to have another playmate in the family – just so I don’t get too lonely missing them. I, for one, know how much work it takes to raise a family so I promise to not get in your way, but will always be there if you need any catastic advice! If you ever need to relax, I’ll be right there with you – because, who could ever turn down a glass of wine? Of course I can’t drink yours. But I’ve heard they have cat wines! And you’re not drinking alone if you’re drinking with your cat.

So, will you be the one to hand me mine?

We family raisers need to stick together!

a c n a l B

www.fureverpurrrescue.org castaiccats@aol.com

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 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

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™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

Best Boarding Facilities & Pampering Pet Sitters 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 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

Pet Me! Magazine™

23

Valencia Veterinary Center Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2016

“pets are people too!”

FREE FIRST OFFICE VISIT New clients only. Not valid with emergency services.

NEW

CANINE

REHABILITATION CENTER

A Full Service 24 hr. Pet Hospital Emergency & Critical Care Facility NEW

OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS A YEAR

Stem Cell Therapy for Chronic Arthritis

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Dog Aquatic Therapy Dog Acupuncture Temperature Therapy Dog Laser Therapy Electrical Stimulation Therapeutic Ultrasound Massage Therapy/ Manual Therapies Therapeutic Exercises

Baljit Grewal, DVM

Kimberly Caruso, DVM, DACVP, CCRT Amy Shumaker, DVM, DACVD Arsalan Liaghat, 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™