September/October 2012 Issue of Pet Me! Magazine

September/October 2012

Your Guide To All Things Pets

The Long and Winding Road PLUS: Cats & Their Color Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair What Kind of Dog Walker Are You? Shelter Hope Pet Shop & Much More!

Pet Me! is always

FREE

to good homes

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

KITTY

WILLOW

KS BLAC My Name is Blacks. I am 11yrs. old. I am declawed so I am furniture safe. I have many more years to live. One thing you should know about me is that I like to talk. I am also extremely affectionate. I have large canines, though I would never use them to harm anyone, they do make me resemble a panther. I have extremely soft fur. I am living in a cage and would like a home again. My previous parents had to move and chose to leave me behind. Please consider me for your house. I also get along well with other cats! If you would like to learn more about me please call 661-255-9979 or email castaiccats@aol.com.

Hi My name is Willow. I am described as the PURRRRFECT cat. I am friendly. I get along with everyone. I am a ham and will make you laugh.

I do funny things and am told I am quite the character! I would make an exceptional addition to any household. I like to be held and like a lot of interaction. I am only 3 yrs. old, spayed, healthy and have all my shots. If you would like to learn more about me please call 661-255-9979 or email castaiccats@aol.com.

Awesome

My name is Kitty and I am 5 years old. I was brought to the shelter because my owner had dementia and was no longer able to care for me. He had to move away and no one in the family could keep me. I am a petite, friendly lap cat, I am a little shy at first. I really miss having a warm lap to curl up on. I would do best in a quieter home and would make an ideal companion for a senior or single person home. I’m healthy and very sweet. I have tested negative for feline leukemia. I am microchipped, and ready to start my life over again with my new forever human. If you would like to learn more about me please call 661-255-9979 or email castaiccats@aol.com.

Adoptables

To adopt one of these pets please email castaiccats@aol.com or call 661-255-9979 or visit our website at www.PetMeMag.com We were rescued from the shelter ♥ we need forever homes ♥ please consider adopting a shelter or rescue pet

EMILY Meet Emily. Emily is a petite sweet girl who was rescued from the Castaic Shelter. Emily’s was dumped because her family had too many cats.

Emily has overcome any fears from the neglect and is open and ready to starting her life over again. She is a chatty, petite girl, who loves to play. She gets along well with other cats and has tested negative for feline leukemia. Emily would love to find a new best friend and a warm lap to curl up on.

2 Pet Me! Magazine™

LUKE My name is Luke, I am a Maine Coon and I am 3 months old. I am a very friendly and SUPER cuddly kitten. What is most special about me is that I love to be held and cradled more than anything…even eating! I am going to be a big boy and am rapidly growing as you read this. I have tested negative for feline leukemia. I am healthy and my purr will wake you from a sound sleep. If you think I am the perfect cuddly boy for you please come meet me.

Call 661-255-9979 or email castaiccats@aol.com.

SARA

My name is Sara. I am 3 months old. I am a beautiful petite torti-calico. I am very lovable. I like to give kisses and play. I also like to snuggle. I am full of life. I am healthy, happy and have tested negative for feline leukemia. You will fall in love when my paws touch your cheeks and I nibble on your nose. If you’re interested in a snuggly little nose kisser such as myself, please come meet me Please call 661255-9979 or email castaiccats@aol.com to learn more about me.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

Contents

4 The Long And Winding Road To St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary 10 Cats & Their Color 12 Animal Rights 14 What Kind of Dog Walker Are You? 16 1 2th Annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair Returns

17 Canyon Pet Center Now Open 18 Heartworm Disease Prevention 19 Bark in the Park 20 Reiki and Cancer 22 How Cats Express Emotion 24 Shelter Hope Pet Shop Coming to Santa Clarita 26 Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in Dogs 28 Your Pet and Rabies 30 Directory for All Things Pets Advertising Information Direct: 661.255.9979 Fax: 866.259.9201 29743 Seco Cyn. Rd. #518, Santa Clarita, CA 91350

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

Please Contact Us For A Subscription – Annual Subscription By Mail: $12 PUBLISHER AND EDITOR Bridget Alves ART DIRECTOR Doug Conboy COVER PHOTO Yoti Telio, Santa Clarita Photographic Studio PUBLISHED BY Pet Me! Publications

If you think about it, most everyone you know has a pet, had a pet or wants a pet. There’s just something special about the companionship a furry friend can bring to your life.You may have had the worst day at work, but the stress quickly fades away the moment your pet greets you at the door. They have a unique quality that calms your nerves and warms your heart.

We were recently given the opportunity to visit St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary and meet the founder Gillian Lange and Sanctuary Manager Lisa Lambert. This sanctuary is truly amazing and the selfless work brought about by these individuals, staff and volunteers is heartwarming. My canine friends Jack and Jill, both adopted from St. Bonnie’s, are our cover photo celebrities!

We promote and encourage adoption in every issue. Mark your calendar for the annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair, which hosts all 6 county shelters and unlimited opportunities for finding the perfect canine or feline companion for your family. We couldn’t be more proud to be part of this incredible fair and we hope you will stop by our booth to meet us in person. Bark For Life is coming back to Bridgeport Park! Come support these courageous canines and their humans for a compassionate fundraiser honoring the contribution of canine caregivers. And something very exciting is in the works... There are plans to open a Shelter Hope Pet Shop right here in the SCV! I can’t wait to pitch in and volunteer to support them in any way I can.

Whoo Hoo. All of these fun pet events, fundraisers and a Shelter Hope Pet Shop right here in my own backyard... it just doesn’t get any better!

Bridget Alves Publisher & Editor

Pet Me! Magazine

Find Us On Facebook Pet Me! Magazine

Pet Me! Magazine™

3

The

Long and

Pet Me! Magazine™ JULY/AUGUST 2012

Win

4 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

By Kim Shumann The long and winding road that leads to your door Will never disappear I’ve seen that road before it always leads me here Leads me to your door ……..

O

ak Spring Canyon Rd. is a mile and a half of rough, unpaved, desert road. The dust, the divots and the rocks can be tough on any vehicle and are cause to think twice about embarking on a journey down this type of terrain. The choice is yours to make, no one can force you. To some, however, this stretch of rough, nasty road will be the last in their journey to a much better life.

danger of euthanasia.” Lisa’s concern for the animals she rescues is blaringly evident. She gives 200%, 24/7 to the animals in her care. Arranging spays, neuters, overseeing adoptions, managing the staff and the volunteers all while living on the grounds of the sanctuary. She oversees a group of dogs that will never leave the sanctuary due to behavior issues. They don’t live their lives in cages; they live at home with Lisa. This is her life, not her

nding Road to St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary is a 4.5 acre property in Canyon Country that sits approximately one and a half miles in on Oak Spring Canyon Rd. The residents of St. Bonnies are all used to rough roads, so the journey in was a welcomed one.

It was in fact, a lifesaving event. Their choice was made for them the day Sanctuary Manager, Lisa Lambert walked into the overcrowded, under staffed Los Angeles County Animal Shelter and said “We’ll take this one with us”.

Approximately once every two weeks or when space allows, Lisa travels to the Lancaster Shelter and chooses ten to twelve dogs and cats to make the trip back to St. Bonnie’s with her, while volunteer Julie Joseph handles pulling the Cal City Shelter animals. “We don’t take the cream of the crop, the highly adoptable ones stay. We take the ones that may need surgery, rehabilitation or have been there too long and are in

job and if her smile is any indication of the compassion that lies within, the futures of the animals at St. Bonnie’s are in very capable hands.

Founder of Lange Foundation, Gillian Lange started her vision of St Bonnie’s (named for her beloved, late, St. Bernard “Bonnie”) in 2007. Her vision: to create a sanctuary, a safe haven for the county’s discarded strays and unwanted or abandoned pets. “The state of the art kennel will be a healing place for all the animals rescued. At St. Bonnie’s, the dogs and cats will receive the best possible care, rehabilitation and love. Once the animals are healthy, our adoption team will begin the work of finding new loving homes for each one of them. St. Bonnie’s Kennel will be the first stop on the journey to health and eventually, to a forever home for these abandoned or neglected pets. It is

continued on page 6 Pet Me! Magazine™

5

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

continued from page 5 our hope that St. Bonnie’s Kennel will greatly increase Lange Foundation’s ability to save more and more animals from euthanasia due to lack of space at the shelters” states Lange.

Prior to selection, each one of St. Bonnie’s resident’s lives faced uncertainty, a road far rougher than the trip down Oak Spring Canyon Rd. Neglect, abandonment, health issues and victims of a plummeting economy are some of the reasons why animals end up in government subsidized shelters. People are losing their homes to foreclosure and being forced to down size to apartments or rental homes that are not pet friendly. The places that do allow pets require a sizeable pet security deposit that makes it difficult for people to keep their pets. It’s cheaper to surrender them to a shelter.

Shelters are also being inundated with animals being surrendered due to medical issues their owners cannot afford to treat. Most veterinarians will not euthanize an animal if they deem their condition to be treatable, leaving the owners of their patients little choice. It’s beyond heartbreaking how many animals are dumped each year through no fault of their own. Since the beginning of 2012 St. Bonnies has stepped up and changed the lives of twenty seven animals that required surgery. An average of two animals (a month) lives are changed

when the Lange Foundation Shelter Surgery Fund provides them with the surgery necessary to lead a happier, pain free life.

The Shelter Surgery Fund welcomes any financial donations to help assist in getting these animals vetted and on their way to a forever home. Details of where you can send your donations will be listed at the conclusion of this story.

Valencia resident Charles Figueroa was well aware of the need to adopt from a shelter or rescue. He was educated about the high euthanasia rates and overcrowding at county/city shelters do to irresponsible pet ownership and backyard breeding. In an effort to be part of the solution and not the problem, he combed

Charlie looks like a huge Jack Russell Terrier and is just about as energetic... at least at first. Once he’s had a nice long walk or plays a good game of fetch, Charlie is ready for love, rolling over for belly rubs. He’d make an ideal jogging or hiking companion, and you’d be the talk of the town with this handsome charmer by your side. Charlie must be placed as an only pet in a household with no small children.

Lucky Charlie has a benefactor who has committed to helping an adoptive family pay for his food and medical care for the rest of his life!

To adopt Charlie and fill out an application or to make a donation, please send a check to The Brittany Foundation, P.O. Box 738, Acton, CA 93510 or visit their website and learn more about him at http://brittanyfoundationonline.org/ 6 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

the shelter websites and petfinder.com for weeks before finding a litter of pups at St. Bonnies. He wanted to adopt two dogs, preferably siblings. His work schedule dictated that he be away from home for long stretches during the day and he did not want to leave a new puppy at home without company. He called St Bonnies and spoke to manager Lisa Lambert, giving her the details of his schedule and the type of dogs he was looking for.

Armed with his information, Lisa chose a pair of border collieterrier puppies (siblings) from a litter that had been tossed in a dumpster, along with their mother, in Lancaster. Charles had to go through the application process and a home check before he was able to take the pair, “Jack” and “Jill” home. “I cannot tell you how happy and wonderful it was to work with Lisa. It was clear to me that she took her job seriously and was dedicated to the well-being of her innocent clients who have no voice of their own” states Charles.

It’s been over a year now and Charles is ecstatic with his decision. “I absolutely love my dogs. I could not be happier.

Jack is the drama king. He, by far needs the most attention. He wakes me up every morning at 6:45 and talks to me from his dog den near the kitchen. He doesn’t cry, he just lets me know that he is ready for his walk. He sighs, it sounds like a person.

If I pet him and I stop, he punches me; it’s his way of letting me know to keep going. In pubic, he is extremely shy. He is a

great dog, I know exactly what to expect from him. I can read him like a book. Jill, she is the alpha and not as needy. She is very protective of me and Jack. As a puppy, when Jack would get nervous, Jill would lick his ear until he relaxed, she watches over him and protects him. She is extremely smart and knows how to unlock her dog crate doors. She is very affectionate and likes to meet new people, she has tons of energy. Both are a mix of terrier and border collie, she has more border collier in her.

Her favorite activity is to beat up Jack at the park. I am very proud to be their owner. They get many compliments on walks and are well behaved. They get three walks a day and are very happy puppies.” Charles said.

From being tossed into a dumpster like trash, to gracing the cover of this magazine. Jack and Jill are safe now and loved more than they could possibly imagine. Without a rescue like St Bonnies, Jack, Jill, their mother and siblings (who also found homes) would have perished in that dumpster.

The sprawling 4.5 acre property was a perfect setting for Gillian Lange’s vision. She had St Bonnie’s built from the ground up to her specifications. The rescue kennel has 23 spacious indoor/outdoor dog runs, a huge indoor/enclosed outdoor cat enclosure that will hold 50 cats, two large ISO rooms for the sick to recover in comfort, a grooming area, a kitchen, and areas to work with all the animals safely. The kennel is equipped with all the modern animal care amenities and much needed fire protection systems. The air system inside the facility is state of the art and no expense was spared. Each wing has its own separate air system, which is essential when you are housing groups of animals and want to keep them healthy.

Not all of St. Bonnie’s residents are cats and dogs. At this time they are housing nineteen horses and one donkey, nine of

continued on page 8

Pet Me! Magazine™

7

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

After and Before photos of the dogs on the cover... continued from page 7

the horses found their way to the sanctuary the night before Easter of this year. They were left over at an auction in Ontario when Gillian commandeered Lisa to round up the trailers and have them brought to St Bonnies. They, like the dogs and cats, will receive the medical attention, care and rehabilitation they need until they are adopted. The horses have large, spacious corrals under several shade trees to spend their days until they find a forever home.

The adoption process for cats, dogs and horses is the same.

There is the application, an interview and the home check. No one under the age of 16 can visit the animals inside the kennel.

If you are interested in meeting a dog or cat with your young children, they can introduce him/her to you in their meet and greet room. Unfortunately, they are unable to adopt to families with children 6 and under in the household. Repeat adopters are considered on a case-by-case basis.

The guidelines are strict but with good reason. The staff at St Bonnies has seen to the well-being and care of these animals.

They have plucked them from the depths of despair and 8 Pet Me! Magazine™

provided them with a second chance at life. They have the right to choose the home they will spend the rest of their lives in, to ensure that they will never again have to endure the neglect that landed them in a shelter in the first place. There will be no more rough roads traveled for the animals of St. Bonnies Sanctuary.

Oak Spring Canyon was the last in a life of uncertainty, neglect and pain.

To date, Lange Foundation/St. Bonnies has helped rescue and place over 20,000 cats and dogs that would have otherwise been destroyed in shelters. Their ultimate goal is to become obsolete. Until that day arrives when animal shelters can be what they were intended to be: safe places of refuge, they will strive to give a future to as many impounded pets as possible.

How you can help: If you would like to make a contribution...

Your contribution to Lange Foundation/St Bonnies goes straight to work, helping all of the animals both at the kennel and the sanctuary. Rescuing dogs, cats, and horses; as well as providing medical care for those in need...your gift makes these things possible. Donations may be made online, by phone or by mail.

Kennel Hours are: 11am - 5pm, 7 days a week and their phone number is 310-473-5585. For more information on sponsoring, volunteering or giving a gift of life you can go to their website: info@langefoundation.org.

Now that you know who may be waiting for you at the other end of Oak Spring Canyon Rd and what they went through to get there, a mile and a half of rough desert road does not seem so daunting. ….But still they lead me back to the long and winding road You left me standing here a long, long time ago Don’t keep me waiting here, lead me to your door...

The Long And Winding Road lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Birds • Supplies • Grooming • Cages • Fresh Food • Boarding Under New Ownership

Mon - Sat 11 AM - 7 PM Sun 11 AM - 5PM Grooming Hours Fri - Sun 12PM - 4PM

661-284-6200 21021 Soledad Canyon Rd. #101 Santa Clarita TheBirdBungalow@aol.com www.BirdBungalow.com

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

CASTAIC

CANINE CAMP Castaic Canine Camp is literally a home away from home for dogs

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 Castaic Lakea. 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 inter-action with other dogs or separate accommodations according to your pet’s special needs...and yyour needs for them.

Castaic Canine Cam Camp O Offers: ers Boarding Daycare Pet Sittitng D lki Dog W Walking

Pet Taxi Training Pet Parties And Much More

Pet Taxi P taxi is for those of you who know your pet Pet iis well to stay at home while you're gone for the dday. But you know you can't make it on time to ttatake your pet out where they need to go. We pprprovide transportation to vet's office, ggrgroomer's, friend or relative's house, and even tththe airport. Wherever your pet may need to go oor be picked up we can transport him. This sseservice is not only for dogs, we also provide tra transportation for livestock. Also we can pipick-up and deliver any supply you may need ffor your livestock and house pets. Rates depend on mileage, please call for more details.

STOP BY AND SEE US AT THE PET FAIR! ((661)) 257-0957 • (661) ( ) 257-1870 36975 Ridge Route Rd. • Castaic, Ca 91384 www.castaiccaninecamp.com • email: ossaonyx@aol.com

Low Cost Vaccines Everyday!

VETERINARY • Spay/ Neuter • Vaccines • Dentistry • Laser Therapy

Ask ab Puppy out our Care P & Kitten ackage s!

HOSPITAL

• Orthopedic Surgeries • Ophthalmology • Microchipping • Neurology/ Spinal Surgery Walk-Ins Welcome

• Ultrasound • Dermatology • Emergency Services

18840 Soledad Canyon Rd Canyon Country CA 91351

661-424-9900

www.canyoncountryvet.com Hours: Mon - Fri 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sat 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

FREE

EX AM

.

services valid for emergency First time clients, not r 31st, 2012.

Valid through Octobe

Pet Me! Magazine™

9

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Cats & Their Color T

he idea that a cat’s color reflects its personality is an ongoing subject of debate. However, careful examination of feline genetics reveals a strong link between a cat’s fur color and his personality.

Gray Tabby Cats Domestic house-cats ultimately descend from one, small group of African wildcats, who self-domesticated about 10,000 years ago. The cats that spawned our current palette of colors were all gray tabby cats, closely resembling the African wildcats of today. Rural feral cats in the U.S. and Europe also generally display this fur pattern.

Cats that resemble their primitive ancestors in appearance are also more likely to have a wild edge to them, and may be inclined toward hunting and aggressive play. They may be more solitary, but also opportunistic. Because they crave the great outdoors, these genetic throwbacks may be difficult to keep contained.

Black-and-White or Gray-and-White Cats A number of geneticists and cat fanciers have noticed that a disproportionate number of city-dwelling alley-cats are bicolored.

While feral cats in rural areas are generally gray tabbies, feral cats in cities are almost always white with black or gray patches, or they have tuxedo-style prints. It was actually a colony of such cats that led to T.S. Elliot’s famous poetry about alley cats, which in turn gave way to the Broadway musical, Cats.

Cats with black-and-white or gray-and-white markings are generally resourceful and clever. They tend to be excellent mousers, very active, and somewhat less affectionate than other cats. Like strays, these patchwork felines are likely to be friends with many humans, as well as other cats, but these friendships may be fleeting.

Solid White Cats Cats that are completely white, with no other markings, are at a very high risk for congenital deafness. Blue-eyed white cats are almost always completely deaf from birth, even though their owners often have no idea. Solid white cats are also more likely to have poor vision and skin disorders.

Because of the discomforts and impaired understanding that are associated with poor vision and poor hearing, white cats tend to be at once both irritable and clingy. The world can be a very frightening place if you are unable to hear and see well, and the behavior of a cat will reflect his fears and uncertainties.

10 Pet Me! Magazine™

Chocolate Cats Chocolate cats are uncommon, because the gene that is associated with their lush mahogany coats is seen only in a small, select gene pool. All chocolate cats are descended directly from a single individual, a Havana Brown cat. The Havana Brown breed was created by crossing a black, blue, and color-point cats.

Because of their specific and verifiable ancestry, chocolate cats of all shapes and sizes hold their personalities in common.They are often surprisingly intelligent, very friendly, and quite playful. They tend to be communicative, often extending paws and swatting at their owners to gain attention.

Cream, Gray, Lilac, and Blue Cats All cats that have pale-colored coats carry the same gene, known to cat breeders as the dilution gene. Red cats with the dilution gene appear cream, black cats with the dilution gene appear blue or gray, and chocolate cats with the dilution gene appear lilac. In addition to having the personality traits associated with each of the base colors (red, black, or chocolate), dilute cats carry their own special set of personality traits.

The owners of pale-colored cats often describe them as playful or even mischievous. They tend to be curious and alert, often to the point that they may annoy their owners or other housecats. A cat that is cream, lilac, or blue in color needs constant attention, and might be seen running frantically from one end of the house to another, as if chasing something invisible.

Color-Point and Seal-Point Cats All cats with colored points (darkened markings on the muzzle, feet, and tip of tail) are descended from the Siamese breed.

Officially recognized breeds including the Birman, Himalayan, Color-point Shorthair, and Color-point Persian, all have Siamese ancestry. As a result, any cat with these markings will display behaviors associated with the Siamese breed.

Cats with color-points, including tabby-style markings as well as seal-points, are generally vocal, assertive, and quirky. Like their Siamese ancestors, they tend to be extremely affectionate, often attaching themselves to a specific individual, but they are also capable of being surprisingly independent. Color-point cats are often described as “dog-like” by their owners, and enjoy walking on leashes. They may also have the personality traits associated with the colors of their point-markings.

Calico and Tortoiseshell Cats Cats that have both black and red patches are almost always female. The red and black color-coat genes are carried on the X chromosome, and to have more than one color in addition to white, a cat must have two X chromosomes, or, in other words, be

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

female. A calico cat will display the tendencies typically associated with being a female cat, along with a tendency to be a bit more moody and somewhat unpredictable (“toritude”). They can be affectionate but only on their terms.

Male calicos are rare, but they do occur on occasion. For this to happen, a male calico must have an extra X chromosome, which renders him feminized and, usually, sterile. A male calico cat will have an unusual personality, and may display traits associated with both male and female cats. He may also have health problems associated with having an additional chromosome, so it is important to get him regular veterinary care.

Red Cats (Also Called Ginger or Orange) Tabby cats with orange fur (“red” to breeders) are usually male, with females only accounting for about 1 out of every 5 red cats.

Naturally, then, an orange male cat will display behaviors that are indicative of his gender. He may be vocal, assertive, and somewhat gregarious. Red cats are affectionate and can be the dominate cat in a multi cat household.

Female red cats are not nearly as rare as male calicos, and are not genetically mutated in any way. If a female cat has orange tabby markings, it simply indicates that her secondary X chromosome is not carrying any other colors. Her temperament is without the influences of any other color-gene related behaviors, and she will behave in a manner that is consistent with the male.

Solid Black Cats Cats that are solid black carry similar genetic traits to blackand-gray tabbies. As a result, their behavior may be similar to the behaviors of their striped cousins. Black cats are very closely related to their wild ancestors. It is believed, based on the fact that many other feline species have melanistic mutations, that black cats were seen in the wild even before they were domesticated by humans.

Black cats have a reputation for being wilder and less predictable than most other cats. They are often at once both friendly and stubborn. They are sociable, both with people and other cats, but insist upon maintaining independence. If allowed outside, black cats tend to roam, often staking large territories that may span several miles.

arland Dr. Tracy McF

The Cat Doctor

Dr. Rebecca Palmer

What a Difference a Half Hour Can Make!

& Friends

(661) 259-5288 www.catdoctor.com We are an AAFP certified cat-friendly practice.

Cats deserve yearly check ups, even if they live exclusively indoors.

Our half hour annual physical exam consultation will delve into all aspects of maintaining your cat’s health and happiness.

26055 Bouquet Canyon Rd. • Santa Clarita, CA 91350 Fo l l ow u s o n F a c e b o o k . c o m / T h e C a t D o c t o r A n d F r i e n d s

Save the Date:

ppeaceofmindforpets.com eaceofmindfo forpets. orpets o com

Our Famous Open House is Saturday, November 10 Pet Me! Magazine™

11

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

ANIMAL

Rights

By Larry Weiss

T

he animal rights movement is often considered to have been an outgrowth of the environmental movement, but it actually preceded the environmental movement by about 100 years. It was part of a movement that began just after the Civil War, both in England and in the United States, for the protection of children and animals.

The children’s rights movement kept growing. Laws were passed in every state criminalizing cruelty against children, prohibiting child labor, and requiring that children attend school.

Social agencies were created and funded to enforce these new laws protecting children.

But an odd thing happened to the animal protection movement: it stopped abruptly after the passage of anti-cruelty laws, which all 50 states have in place. Those laws read pretty much the same today as they did in the 1880s and 1890s when most of them were passed.

Why did protection for animals stop there? Because animals were considered property. Children were not property, but animals were and the movement could never get over this barrier.

The movement to improve the lives of animals began again in the 1970s. It is usually called the “modern animal rights movement” to distinguish it from what occurred in the 1870s. It has elements of both animal welfare and animal rights but a new element has been added, that of animal law.

When I went to law school in the mid 60s there was no such thing as animal law. Issues relating to animals were taught, piecemeal, in property law, criminal law, and administrative law classes.

But in the 1970s a few people (notably Joyce Tischler of the Animal Legal Defense Fund) began to conceive of animal law as a unity, a field with a center and interrelated parts that could be taught as such. Due to this new unified conception the various parts began to interweave with one another and to be taught as a single unit. As a result of this, cross-referencing between laws in different codes became more common. For example, changes in the cruelty laws were incorporated into the agricultural codes so that animals raised for food would be treated more humanely.

An important distinction needs to be made between animal 12 Pet Me! Magazine™

law and animal rights. Animal law concerns any legal issues relating to animals, for example the writing of a contract for the transport of cows or pigs to a slaughterhouse. But that is not the kind of law I do. I will not take a case if it does not help the condition of animals. My goal is to eventually reach a place where animals are not regarded as property, but rather as feeling beings, such as ourselves, deserving of rights and protection. I am striving for a legal system that protects animals by a system of guardianship similar to that applicable to children. I believe that when we are considered as their guardians, not their owners, the world will be a better place for us all. That is animal rights.

Larry Weiss is a retired attorney who currently lives in Denver

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

PET SUPPLY SANTA CLARITA $ 00 Any Dog Check Out Our Prices!

2 or Cat Food 661-296-2654 OFF

www.dermatologyforanimals.com

DERMATOLOGY FOR ANIMALS

●Intradermal Allergy Testing ●Dermatohistopathology Service ●Otitis and Video-Otoscopy ●Carbon Dioxide Laser Therapy ●Dermatology at the Multi Specialty Facilities*

26831 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. Santa Clarita, CA 91350 At Bouquet and Seco

All Varieties 30lb. Ultra $44 99

1 99

$

All Cans! 13oz.

Santa Clarita’s Premier Dog Lodge & Spa

24 hr. In House Care Dog Limo Dog Swimming All Breed Boarding

DERMATOLOGY FOR ANIMALS

Amy Shumaker, DVM, DACVD Valencia Veterinary Center 23928 Summerhill Lane Valencia, CA 91354 Phone: (661) 855-4870

661-618-6628

Last minute reservations welcome! www.hasshaus.com • honestgalpal@att.net

Pet Me! Magazine™

13

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

r e k l a W g are you? o D

What kind of

W

alking your beloved, four footed friend is a labor of love. It’s a time for the two of you to bond, to clear your head after a busy day and spend quality time with a friend who wants nothing more than to be with you.

Not only are the two of you bonding, you are both getting much needed exercise and you are providing your dog with the opportunity to socialize. When we expose our dogs to a multitude of social situations we’re desensitizing them to stimuli that may otherwise cause anxiety. Anxiety in dogs can lead to a bevy of behavior problems i.e.; barking, chewing, digging, whining etc.

A well socialized dog is a happy dog and happy dogs make happy owners.

Before you embark on your journey there a few things you are going to need. A leash: make sure it’s sturdy enough to handle your dog and does not exceed six feet in length. A collar: it’s important that the collar is not going to slip off your dog’s head if he/she decides to do an about face. You should be able to slip three finger tips under the collar for comfort and control. Name tags and license: A name tag with your current phone number and your dog’s current license must be present at all times on your dog’s collar. If he/she should get 14 Pet Me! Magazine™

away from you and run off having these items will increase the chances of a safe, swift return.

Despite the dozen or so dogs you may see running off leash on a daily basis, Los Angeles County does have leash laws. The owners who are allowing their dogs to run off leash in an undesignated dog park /beach are breaking the law and it is a citable offense: 10.32.010 Dogs--Running at large prohibited No person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of any dog shall cause, permit or allow the same to be or to run at large upon any highway, street, lane, alley, court or other public place, or upon any private property or premises other than those of the person owning or having charge, care, custody or control of such dog, in the unincorporated area of the county of Los Angeles, unless such dog be restrained by a substantial chain or *leash not exceeding six feet in length and is in the charge, care, custody or control of a competent person.

The Joggers: These two are on a mission. Often the jogger and his companion have a set course and rarely stop unless it’s to hydrate or cool down. They aren’t very social but that’s okay, they’ve set a pace and are getting the ultimate work out. Have respect for the jogger and his companion, if you see them coming just step aside. If you are walking your dog,

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

pull them in close to you. Don’t allow them to interfere, an interruption in their pace could cause a trip or a fall.

The Social Butterfly: Generally under the misguided notion that all dogs get along and that they all want to meet the Butterfly’s dog. The Social Butterfly allows their dog to run up to strangers and their pets. Most times they are on a retractable leash that is at its length capacity*. It’s the Butterfly’s dog that will get tangled up with another dog, cause a fight or someone to trip. If you encounter The Butterfly make sure you have control over your dog. Pull him/her in and make them sit.

Do not be afraid to tell the Butterfly that your dog does not appreciate unwelcome sniffs and needs their space. Odds are the Butterfly will think you are rude and unappreciative of their dog’s loving cuteness. Unfortunately it may take a tragedy for the Butterfly to learn the hard way that not all dogs get along.

The Minor: The law states a dog must be in the “charge, care, custody or control of a competent person”. It’s not uncommon for parents to hand the leash over to a child of only twelve or thirteen and tell them to take the dog for a walk. This may get the child and the dog out of the house for a bit of exercise but it may also be putting them in danger. Will your child know what to do if they’re approached by an aggressive stray dog?

Are they physically able to control your dog? Children should not be put in to this position. There are a number of ways

the situation could go horribly wrong and someone could be seriously injured.

The Lawbreaker: These are the people who allow their dogs to run loose in undesignated dog parks and beaches. You’ve seen them, they are the ones who reassure you that their dog “is harmless and loves everyone” as it runs up to you and buries its nose in your crotch and upsets your legally leashed dog. For whatever the reason, they feel they are exempt from posted leash laws and will put up the biggest fight if caught and cited.

They will tell the officer that they are in complete control over their dog at all times and will recite the obedience certificates they have achieved…and all of that is fabulous, just put your dog on a leash.

Leash laws were put in place to ensure your safety and the safety of your dog. There are several designated dog parks and beaches if you want to give your dog that experience of (legally) running free. You should be considerate of your fellow pet owners/dog walkers. Give people and their pets’ space. Ask first before you allow your dog to approach another dog. If your child wants to walk the dog, go with them. It’s an excellent bonding opportunity for everyone and you can instruct your child on the proper way to walk your dog.

Se Habla Españ

V.I.P. Veterinary Services

Dr. Ped ro Ci Is Retu sneros rning To VIP!

Se Habla Español We Carry Eukanuba & Science Diet

Keep Your Pet Summer Safe!

Come in for the rattlesnake vaccination TODAY! CAT HOTEL • DOG BOARDING • Internal Medicine • Intensive Care • Orthopedics • Animal Dentistry

OPEN: M-F 8 to 6

• In-House -House Lab accinations • Vaccinations • Spay & Neuter • Surgery

• Flea Control • Emergency Care • Rattlesnake Vaccine • Private Cremation • Microchip Low Cost Spay/Neuter Thursdays • Ultrasound Call for Appt.

SAT. 8 to 1 Appts Preferred

222-PETS(7387)

26111 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. • Suite D-5 • Saugus (Just South of Cinema Dr. by IHOP)

www.VIPpethospital.com

HOUSE CALLS AVAILABLE

50 % OFF Physical Exam New Clients Only. Good w/coupon only.

Expires 10/31/12

Pet Me! Magazine™

15

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

12th ANNUAL BOW-WOWS & MEOWS PET FAIR RETURNS TO HART PARK IN NEWHALL ON OCT. 14

P

et adoptions and free family fun are the focus of the 12th Annual Bow-Wows and Meows Pet Fair taking place at Newhall’s William S. Hart Park on Sunday, October 14.

The popular fair will feature an exciting lineup of entertainment, pet-related vendors and dogs and cats from Los Angeles County shelters with low adoption fees of just $30. All pets are spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccinations, and licensed at time of adoption.

“Our mission is to celebrate pets, encourage animal awareness and promote pet adoption. We‘re happy that thousands of people agree and join us each year to participate,” said founder Yvonne Allbee. “Of course, our biggest thrill is when these wonderful pets find homes. Last year, we adopted out more than 160 dogs and cats and we’re hoping to increase that number in 2012.”

The festivities kick off at 11 a.m. with a delicious array of food (including vegetarian options) and awesome entertainment from Bob Singer’s Border Collies at 11:30 and 2:30 p.m. The Famous Fun Dog Show, with categories ranging from best vocalist to mystery mutt to pet-owner look alike, will take place at 1:30 p.m.

“Bow-Wows & Meows remains a great free event for families in our community and beyond, which is a real bonus in these tough economic times,” Allbee said.

Personalized ID tags and children’s bracelets, pet photographers and a special $8 day pass to the Kids Zone ride area are just some of the fair’s highlights. Shopping opportunities range from premium pet food to fantastic pet accessories, while DJ Mark Fortier of What a Party! will spin festive tunes throughout the day. Leashed, well-behaved, socialized dogs are welcome to attend the fair with their owners.

Bow-Wows & Meows will

16 Pet Me! Magazine™

also feature low-cost vaccines from TAGS and a free rabies and micro-chipping clinic from AngelDogs Foundation; county license renewals will also be available on site for pet owners.

Since it began in 2001, the Valencia-based Bow-Wows & Meows, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has adopted out more than 1,200 shelter animals at their annual pet fairs.

“Not only is adoption cost-effective, it saves shelter animals and reduces the overpopulation problem created by breeders and pet stores, which usually purchase their puppies from puppy mills,” Allbee said. “Our goal is for every pet that came to the fair that day to be sleeping in their new home that night.”

Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair, Sunday, October 14 at William S. Hart Park, 24151 Newhall Avenue, Newhall.

11 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. For more information, visit www. bowwowsandmeows.org or call (661) 297-5961. Hart Park will offer shuttled parking for people and pets at just $3 and free parking remains available in the surrounding areas.

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Canyon Pet Center Now Open

P

et Me! Magazine was excited to hear about a new store coming to Canyon Country! We spoke to the owner of Canyon Pet Center, Karen Henderson, and asked her to describe her new pet supply store...

Karen explains the store is a family operation. Her family has been in the pet industry for 38 years and they understand pets are members of your family too. Canyon Pet Center will certainly maintain a family feel with members of the Henderson clan ready to help you with all of your pet-related questions.

All employees are thoroughly trained on 100% of the products you will find at Canyon Pet Center.

Karen points out that having her employees attend seminars and brand specific training ensures customers will receive exceptional service and educated answers to their questions.

Does your dog suffer from allergies? Maybe you need to change your cat’s diet, but don’t know where to start? Or perhaps you need a new moisturizing shampoo for your horse?

The knowledgable staff at Canyon Pet Center can help!

If you were familiar with the old Pet Adventure location, you will quickly notice the fish are gone! In the back room, you will now find a wide range of equestrian products, from fly masks to ointments... horse lovers will love Canyon Pet Center! And if you don’t see a certain product you need, not to worry...

Special order is always available and quick!

Birds, rats, mice, feeders and reptiles will be available for sale, and soon rescued rabbits and guinea pigs will be available for adoption!

Canyon Pet Center is located at 19154 Soledad Canyon Road in Canyon Country. Store hours are from 10:00am to 8:00pm Monday through Saturday and 10:00am to 6:00pm Sundays.

The Grand Opening is scheduled for September 22 and 23, 2012. Karen and her family look forward to helping with all of your pet needs!

Pet Me! Magazine™

17

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Dr. Aaron has been practicing small animal medicine in San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys since 1987. A UC Davis graduate, her special interests are orthopedic and soft tissue surgery and internal medicine.

She has three beautiful black labs and two amazing Siamese mix cats that keep her smiling when she’s not at work.

Dr. Aaron was raised in Los Angeles and has a BS in Biology from Cal State LA. Her 22 year old son is currently serving our country in the Air Force, and when he is in town they both enjoy the beach, wake boarding and snowboarding.

She is very happy to be part of the Valencia Vet family and looks forward to continuing to provide quality care for all of Santa Clarita’s furry patients.

18 Pet Me! Magazine™

Heartworm Disease Prevention

H

eartworm disease is a life threatening illness spread by mosquitos throughout the country. Unfortunately, most people in Southern California are not giving their dogs (and cats) heartworm preventative because the incidence of heartworm disease is low in this area and until recently two different products had to be purchased to control both fleas and heartworm.

I have personally documented two cases of heartworm positive dogs that never left this immediate area. Dogs become infested by a mosquito injecting tiny heartworm larvae into the dog’s bloodstream. These larvae develop into adults that usually ‘nest’ in the right ventricle of the heart. This leads to heart enlargement and heart failure.

Treating the disease usually involves killing these adult worms in the heart that can be as large as an earthworm. Now the patient has dead worms in the heart- not a safe condition! The very best way to treat heartworm disease is to prevent it by giving monthly heartworm medication.

New products such as Revolution, Advantage multi (topical) and Trifexis (a tablet) include heartworm prevention with flea treatment. They can also control mange, ear mites, and intestinal parasites. Why not get a product that manages all these very common (and sometimes life threatening) problems with one simple treatment once a month.

Courtesy of Dr. Joy Aaron, Valencia’s Veterinary Center

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

BARK

in the

PARK

All over Santa Clarita dog parks the talk is about the American Cancer Society Bark For Life. This fun event is coming back to Bridgeport Park on October 20th. Last year 90 dogs and their human companions raised just over $12,000.

The American Cancer Society Bark For Life is a fundraising event honoring the life-long contributions of our canine caregivers. It represents an opportunity for people to

be empowered through their canine companion partnerships and contribute to cancer cures through the mission of the American Cancer Society.

Canine companions demonstrate unconditional love, joy, security, compassion, and no judgments of cancer survivors’ abilities or appearances. This event is an irresistible way to partner with your canine best fried, smile, and make new friends – canine and human.

We will begin our event with a blessing of the animals, followed by a one-mile walk led by cancer survivors and their canine companion. After the walk there will be Best in Show contests; Halloween costume contest; music, and even a “dancing with your dog” demonstration by Appawse.

Sign up now at www.SCVBark.org and join us as we “take a bite out of cancer.”

ER: (818) 244-7977

C

M

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

Our doors are always open ... and our dedicated team of emergency veterinarians is here to help your pets when they are sick or injured, 24/7. As Southern California’s premier, multi-specialty animal hospital, our highly trained ER doctors are here to provide advanced veterinary care with integrity and compassion. With 7-specialties under one roof, your pet couldn’t be in better hands (and neither could you).

REFERRALS: Surgery | Neurology | Internal Medicine | Diagnostic Imaging | Oncology | ER & Critical Care | Physical Rehab & Alternative Medicine

Animal Specialty Group 4641 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles

/ASGvets www.ASGvets.com Pet Me! Magazine™

19

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Reiki and Cancer

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

W

henever a furry companion is diagnosed with cancer it fractures your whole world. Every time you look into their trusting eyes, your heart breaks. It all seems so unfair. You wonder what you did wrong... what you didn’t do right. And what you’re going to do now.

You talk to your veterinarian and consider your options; the risks, the side effects, the costs, the time ... You worry. Why him? Why her? Why me? Why now? And somehow, amid the confusion and the heartache you chart a course of action; a plan you can accept in hope of helping your companion. And you hope

20 Pet Me! Magazine™

for a cure. You don’t want them to suffer but you know that some treatments are unpleasant. Unending dilemma. So unfair.

It is here that Reiki can help both/all of you. Reiki (pronounced: ray-key) is already recognized in major hospitals Nationwide as it benefits people. The American Hospital Association (in 2007) reported 15% (800) hospitals offered Reiki; including: John Hopkins, Beth Israel, Columbia Presbyterian, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Duke Integrative Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (Harvard), Yale-New Haven Hospital, Children’s Hospital (Boston). It is most commonly designated as a bio-field therapy; which is superficially correct.

Reiki came to us from Japan through the work of Mikao Usui in the late 1920’s. The actual energy source likely has roots in ancient Tibet. Energy is all around us. There are at least dozens of energy therapies. What sets Reiki apart is that it is an intelligent energy that operates independent of the practitioner (who mainly strives to maintain a strong and clear channel for it). The ability to channel Reiki energy is formally passed from Master/Teacher to

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Aspirant in a ceremony called an attunement.There are three main levels which progressively allow greater breadth in practice. The only thing(s) actually taught are hand positions and histories. A simple way to understand all that is to think of yourself as a radio.

Everyone receives (channels) AM frequencies. The ‘attunement’ gives you the ability to channel FM frequencies (so to speak). You can’t control the programming but you can control the quality of the receiver.

Reiki treatments are done fully-clothed and can be hands-on, hands-off (body), or both. (They can also be done distantly.) Reiki can help animals in the same way it helps people. By easing nausea, dizziness, headache; decreasing pain, stress, drug & radiation side effects; increasing appetite and permitting sleep; it promotes healing. It works along side of and can actually enhance anything and everything else you may be doing. Treatments typically take from 20 to 60 minutes, with frequency and/or number to be determined when the issues are addressed between practitioner and subject.

Reiki is unique in the energy arena. It goes deeper than biofield therapies; working in the mind/body realm. It also has the very pleasant side benefit of seeming to fill the whole room and helping more than the patient alone. Most common side effect: tranquility. (And who couldn’t use a little more of that ?!)

Pet Me! Magazine™

21

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

How Cats Express

By Dr. Tracy McFarland, The Cat Doctor & Friends

H

ave you ever wondered how cats really feel? Their inscrutable eyes seldom give anything away, unless you see the huge dark pupils of sudden fear or anger. As a cat doctor, it’s my job to figure out how a cat is feeling physically and emotionally, especially since my personal safety can depend on it!

We’ll start with an easy example. If you have a cat, you hopefully know what a happy, relaxed , secure cat looks like. Purring, kneading toes and even drooling in extreme relaxation are common ways cats show their positive feelings. If they’re looking at you, they may blink both eyes slowly at the same time. Their body feels heavier than usual, without their usual muscle tension and their tail is still or moving very slowly side to side. They might bump their head or cheek against you. Purrs can range from silent( felt rather than heard) to a rumble that sounds like a jet takeoff.

Purring can be deceptive, in some circumstances. When a cat starts purring on my exam table, I wish I could say he or she is feeling blissful. It’s more likely that my patient is feeling anxious and is trying to make himself feel better by purring. It’s similar to a human whistling in the dark.

Emotion

How else does a cat manifest anxiety or indecision? Watch the tail for a true tale of your cat’s feelings. A rapidly switching tail tells you that a cat is feeling irritated, anxious or indecisive about what to do next. If you’re petting your cat, take a break, in case your cat is feeling overstimulated.

Moving from tails to ears, what can a glance at your cat’s ears tell you? Ears that are perked forward indicate a curious, alert attitude. Ears that are laid back indicate a cat who is feeling fearful and perhaps angry. Definitely time to back off and give your cat time to calm down.

Avoid eye contact, since that can further agitate your kitty.

While cats tend to express their emotions similarly, there is lots of room for individual variation, just as with people. Some cats seem to have more intense feelings, and others are more mellow and laid back. Generally, more intense breeds are Siamese and Abbyssinians. Mellower breeds include Persians and British Shorthairs. Take a look at your kitty as he or she jumps onto your bed or lap and see if you can get a sense of your cat’s emotion.

Hope he or she is feeling happy and relaxed!

& Stop By e t A Th See Us

Me o ws & s w o B o w-W Fa i r Pet

22 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

We treat each pet as if they were our own!

Here at Seco Canyon Animal Clinic, we offer a full range of high quality medical services including physical examination, veterinary X-ray facilities, dental treatment, veterinary surgical procedures, chiropractics and diagnostic analysis. We also offer Orthopedic Surgical services as well. At Seco Canyon Animal Clinic we are dedicated to keeping your pets happy and healthy.

Pet Wellness Dental Special Cats & Medium Large Special Dogs Small Dogs Dogs

Yearly exam with Mini Blood Chemistry Panel and CBC to check Kidneys, Liver, Diabetes and Anemia

Only

$95 Expires 10/31/12

$250 $275 $300

Price includes: Exam, Surgical Fluids, Pre-anesthetic Profile, Anesthesia, Flouride Treatment, Ultrasonic Cleaning & Polishing

Extractions and Medication Additional Not good with any other offers Expires 10/31/12

Up To

$256

Savings

Seco Canyon Animal Clinic 27935 Seco Cyn. Rd. • Saugus, CA 91350

661-296-8848

www.secocanyonanimalclinic.biz

Hours: Mon.-Fri. 10am to 6pm • Sat. 9am to 1pm (closed Sundays) • se habla espanol • Accepting Care Credit Pet Me! Magazine™

23

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Shelter Hope Pet Shop Coming to

Santa Clarita

24 Pet Me! Magazine™

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

T

he Shelter Hope Pet Shop concept was created in 2011 as a new way to aid pet adoptions, decrease shelter overpopulation issues and provide education and outreach. The new model of pet shop provides a fun, friendly environment to showcase shelter pets inside busy mall locations, such as Valencia Town Center. Places like Shelter Hope Pet Shop provide rescue animals with an additional opportunity as it increases their exposure, and their chances of finding the perfect home.

Shelter Hope is a vital part of that process, and so is the community. These pet shops rely greatly on volunteer staff and support from the surrounding neighborhoods. Pet overpopulation is a problem and Shelter Hope Pet Shops present a humane, community-based solution.

There are plans in place to open the next Shelter Hope Pet Shop right here in the heart of Santa Clarita! Valencia Town Center will become the stomping ground for paws of all sizes, as volunteers and staff work to move highly adoptable pets out of the local shelters and into loving forever homes.

“Partnerships like this one are important for several reasons.

It provides a boutique style showcase to show off the wonderful dogs that shelters have in their care and also illustrates how completely unnecessary it is to buy a dog when you can adopt one.” Rene Ruston of S.P.A.R.C., the organization supporting Shelter Hope Pet Shop added, “There is a particular sense of satisfaction knowing you’ve saved a life, instead of buying and contributing to the overpopulation currently plaguing our shelters.”

The first Shelter Hope Pet Shop, which opened in Thousand Oaks at the Janss Marketplace last November, has already adopted over 300 pets. Kim Sill, Founder of Shelter Hope Pet Shop and animal activist stated, “We make it easy for people to do the right thing and adopt. Some people have a hard time going in to a shelter… here they come in and have fun, shopping, meeting the animals, and making new friends.”

Along with pet adoptions, Shelter Hope

Pet Shop will also offer pet supplies and services, with all proceeds going directly back to pet rescue. Classes on training tips, nutrition and more will also be available. Plus watch for fun community events each month!

Shelter Hope Pet Shop is a volunteer-run nonprofit, relying on the community for support, donations and volunteers, including fosters. Fostering a dog in need can be one of the most rewarding acts that you can do. With each new foster home, Shelter Hope is able to save more lives. Using foster homes helps these wonderful rescues blossom into highly adoptable pets. Shelter Hope Pet Shop covers food and medical expenses, while you provide a safe comfortable place to stay. You get the joy and satisfaction of saving a dog and the dog has a nice place to stay while waiting for their forever family. It’s a win, win for everyone involved!

Shelter Hope Pet Shop is part of the Shelter Hope Project, an organization which strives to make this the business model for all shopping mall pet shops. Dani Caouette, Director of Marketing noted, “We hope to abolish all puppy-mill pet shops, help find homes for the countless pets in our shelters that face being euthanized, and educate the public on how we can all help reduce future shelter population, such as adoption, spay and neuter and training.”

If you would like to make a donation to Shelter Hope Pet Shop, you can go to http://tinyurl.com/ShelterHope. If you would like to know more about what’s involved with volunteering or fostering, contact Dani Caouette at gotdani@gmail.com. Visit their website at www.ShelterHopePetShop.org.

Pet Me! Magazine™

25

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) in Dogs

By Balpal S. Sandhu, DVM

I

f you are the owner of a medium to large breed canine, there is a possibility that your pet has or will rupture his/ her Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL. You may be familiar with the term ACL, which refers to the same structure, but in humans. In canine patients, the ACL is properly called a CrCL, or Cranial Cruciate Ligament. We as veterinarians may refer to it as an ACL because most people have heard of athletes with torn ACL’s and understand what part of the anatomy we are speaking of. From here on out, I’ll be using the correct term, Cranial Cruciate Ligament or CrCL. Canine CrCL rupture represents the most common orthopedic problem seen in most veterinary practices.

The stifle or knee joint in dogs is composed of three major bones; the femur, the tibia, and the patella. The ends of these bones are surrounded by cartilage, the slippery stuff that allows for movement. They sit together in a fluid called joint fluid, and there is a seal around the joint called a joint capsule.

Inside the joint sits the CrCL (cranial cruciate ligament) and another ligament called the Caudle Cruciate Ligament.They form a cross, hence the name cruciate (meaning cross). These ligaments prevent the ends of the femur and tibia from moving back and forth across each other. Two cartilage pads called menisci (medial and lateral meniscus) are also found within each stifle joint. This is important when I explain joint function.

Typically when the CrCL is torn or ruptures, the femur rides backwards on the tibia, and the tibia wants to come forward. This produces an abnormal movement called cranial tibial sub­lux­ation or ‘drawer sign.’ The bottom line is that it hurts!

Many clients that bring their pets with a CrCL rupture say that it occurred during running, fetching, slipping on a slippery surface, or when playing with other pets. To the client, it may appear as an acute (or quick onset) injury, but this is not the case. This is a chronic disease in dogs.

In contrast to humans, where ACL rupture is almost always caused by trauma, most dogs suffer from a slowly progressive CrCL degeneration. The resulting weakened CrCL can rupture with minimal trauma.

Lameness is the most common symptom seen with CrCL rupture. I have seen it vary from mild, intermittent to a non-

26 Pet Me! Magazine™

weight bearing lameness. There may be some swelling of the stifle joint. Some patients will sit off to the side with one leg extended. Also, some patients will have a clicking or popping noise in the stifle during walking.

CrCl rupture is diagnosed by radiographs (x-rays) and observing abnormal movement of the joint. Your pets’ veterinarian will place one hand around the femur and one hand around the tibia. By applying pressure on the stifle, the veterinarian will feel the bones move abnormally in what is called a ‘drawer sign.’ Pets that are tense or those having chronic or a partial rupture may have little ‘drawer sign’ detected.

Radiographs (x-rays) are helpful in diagnosing these pets and often show osteoarthritis and swelling of the stifle joint.

If your pet is diagnosed with a ruptured CrCL (Cranial Cruciate Ligament) then most likely your veterinarian has suggested some form of surgery to correct this problem. Your veterinarian has probably informed you that you have surgical options and may have referred you to an orthopedic surgeon to have the surgery performed. There are several methods currently used in veterinary medicine to correct the stifle joint when the CrCl (Cranial Cruciate Ligament) in ruptured.

Treatment of CrCl (Cranial Cruciate Ligament) ruptures has always been changing and opionated. Virtually all veterinary surgeons agree CrCL ruptures become debilitating if left untreated but the technique of choice has been an ongoing debate.

More recently, a special type of suture material, passed through bone tunnels, has been very successful for a significant number of my patients. This new technique is called the ‘Tightrope’ procedure. The suture material is stronger than any other material available and the placement using tunnels in the patient’s bone, positions the material in the most ideal position. The suture extends from the inside lower portion of the femur to the inside upper portion of the tibia.

Another method of surgery performed is the Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy or (TPLO). In this surgical procedure, a portion of the tibia is cut, rotated, and reattached to a different portion of the tibia using special designed plates and screws. By changing the conformation of the tibia, the stifle joint is stabilized.

Still another surgical procedure currently being used is the Tibial Tuberosity Advancement or (TTA). This is another surgery in which a different portion of the tibia is surgically cut, and allowed to heal at a different angle to reduce mechanical stresses on the stifle joint. As with the TPLO, this surgery is more complex and requires special equipment and training.

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

The pet’s weight, breed and the angle of the tibia are all contributing factors to assist in selecting the option which will facilitate a favorable prognosis, and a speedy and uneventful recovery for the patient. You should consult with your pet’s veterinarian to review which option is best.

If left untreated, a pet with a ruptured cranial cruciate ligament will develop severe degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Due to the biomechanical wearing, 40% of dogs that tear one CrCL will someday tear the other.

Dr. Balpal S. Sandhu has a vast knowledge and experience in critical care and surgery in his 12 years as a practicing veterinarian.

Dr. Sandhu completed a surgical residency under the supervision of Dr. Allen Schulman, a surgical diplomat at the Animal Medical Center of Southern California West Los Angeles.

Dr. Sandhu is available to address any and all questions.

Please feel free to contact him at any one of his three locations; All Creatures Emergency Center in Newhall (661) 291-1121, AV Animal ER and Critical Care in Lancaster (661) 729-1500, and Canyon Country Animal Hospital, located in Canyon Country (661) 424-9900.

661-729-1500

011 2011

1055 W. Columbia Wy, #103, Lancaster, CA 93534 www.avanimaler.com

661-291-1121

22722 Lyons Ave #5, Newhall, CA 91321 www.allcreatureser.com

Mon-Thurs 6pm-8am • Weekends & Holidays 24 Hours • Endoscopy & Ultrasound • Emergency & Critical Care • Emergency Surgeries • Trauma Management & Referral Surgeries

• Digital Radiology (X-Rays) • Complete in-house Laboratory • Intensive Care Units • Transfer & Referral Cases

We Welcome Transfers From All Local Veterinarians For Overnight Monitoring & Observation

Your Afterhours Pet Hospital Tour Our State-of-the-Art Facilities

Quality Emergency Care When You Need It Most!

10% Senior, Military & Law Enforcement Discount

s r

r

TM

Pet Me! Magazine™

27

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Your pet and rabies

By Dr. Johnson, Happy Pets Veterinary Center

S

eptember 28th is World Rabies Day. Rabies is a disease that can be readily controlled with vaccination, but in many parts of the world, rabies is still an important disease killing thousands of humans and animals every year. The World Health Organization estimates that 55,000 people die of rabies every year.

To prevent rabies, make sure your cats and dogs are up to date on their rabies vaccinations. Pets can be vaccinated for rabies at 16 weeks of age, and depending on the vaccine used by your veterinarian, rabies vaccines are generally updated every 1-3 years.

Pets and people can be infected with rabies if they are bitten by a wild mammal with rabies, such as a bat, fox, raccoon, or skunk. Bats are the most common carriers of rabies in southern California. If you find a bat on the ground, you should leave it where it is and alert animal control, as bats found on the ground in the daytime may have a 10% chance of having rabies. Bat bites are very small and it can be difficult to tell that someone has been bitten by a bat, so it is safest to leave bats alone if you find one.

28 Pet Me! Magazine™

The symptoms of rabies in animals include unusual aggression, personality changes in pets, boldness in wild animals, increased drooling, lethargy, and neurologic problems. Once symptoms develop the disease is almost always fatal. A handful of human beings have survived rabies in the past decade, but the vast majority of victims die from the disease.

If your pet has been exposed to a possibly rabid animal, contact your veterinarian immediately. If your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, the pet can receive a booster shot and will be monitored for the next 10-30 days for signs of rabies. However, if your pet has never been vaccinated before, putting your pet to sleep may be the safest option to prevent the disease spreading further. To avoid this heartbreak, keep your pets’ vaccines current! Check with your veterinarian to develop a vaccine schedule for your pet.

If you or a family member are exposed to an animal that may be rabid, wash any wounds with soap and water and contact your physician immediately. Post-exposure vaccinations can be given in the arm by your doctor to prevent the disease.

Help prevent rabies in southern California. Keep your pets protected, and stay safe around wild animals.

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Here at Happy Pets Veterinary, we offer many different services to keep your animals healthy & happy.

& Stop By e t A Th See Us

Meet our new doctors Dr. Susie Osmundson and Dr. Gina Johnson!

ws o e M & o ws W w o B Pet Fa i r

We see exotics,birds, reptiles, & pocket pets • Quality veterinary medicine • Dental & surgical services • Digital x-rays/ultrasound • In-house lab work • Compassionate euthanasias • Vaccine clinic Weds. 9a-12p and Sat. 3p-5p • Laser therapy for pain control • House calls (call for availability) • Pet shuttle services (call for availability) • Homeopathy, Chiropractic, Chinese Herbs and Acupuncture

Se habla Espanol

Care Credit accepted

Pet Me! Magazine™

29

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

Guardian Animal Aftercare (818) 768-6465 www.guardianaftercare.com Great Groomers Chris’ K9 Clippery 19413 Soledad Cyn. Rd. Canyon Country (661) 251-0011 www.chrisk9clippery.com So Cal Grooming 28011 Seco Cyn. Rd. Santa Clarita, 91390 (661) 513-0778 www.socalgrooming.com Precious Pets 27737 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. #124 Saugus, CA (661) 296-2020 Pawpular Pet Suppliers Bird Bungalow 21021 Soledad Canyon Rd Canyon Country, CA 91351 (661) 284-6200 Canyon Pet Center GRAND OPENING September 22-23 19154 Soledad Cynd. Rd. Canyon Country, CA (661) 250-7356 Fox Feed 17028 Sierra Highway Canyon Country, 91387 (661) 252-9790 Pet Supply Santa Clarita 26831 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita, 91350-2372 (661) 296-2654 Dermatology for Pets Amy Shumaker, DVM, DACVD Valencia Veterinary Center 23928 Summerhill Lane Valencia, CA 91354 (661) 855-4870

30 Pet Me! Magazine™

Animal Control Centers Castaic Animal Shelter 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Rd. Castaic (661) 257-3191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Lancaster Animal Shelter 5210 W. Ave. I Lancaster, CA 93536 (661) 940-4191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Rescue Organizations Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce (661) 713-5240 Citizens for Sheltered Animals, Inc. 26893 Bouquet Canyon Rd. C-318 (661) 513-9288 www.citizensforshelteredanimals.com Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue (661) 273-9822 www.forgottenangelsrescue.org Ratz Nest Rescue (661) 303-7872 www.ratznest.weebly.com Save A Kitty, Inc. (818) 825-3096 www.SaveaKittyCA.org PetSave Foundation Bunny Rescue (661) 478-7360 www.petsave.org St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary/ Lange Foundation 27567 Oak Spring Canyon Rd. Canyon Country, CA 91387 (661) 251.5590 http://langefoundation.com Trusted Vets In and Around SCV All Creatures Emergency Center 22722 Lyons Ave # 5 Newhall, 91321-2876 (661) 291-1121 www.all-creatures-emergency.com

Pets

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

Animal Specialty Group 4641 Colorado Boulevard Los Angeles, 90039 (818) 244-7977 www.asgvets.com AV Animal ER & Critical Care 1055 W Columbia Way Lancaster, 90039-1105 (661) 729-1500 www.avanimaler.com Canyon Country Animal Hospital 18840 Soledad Canyon Road Canyon Country, 91351-3772 (661) 424-9900 www.canyoncountryvet.com Happy Pets Veterinary 27550 Newhall Ranch Road Valencia, 91355 (661) 295-9972 www.happypetsveterinary.com Seco Canyon Animal Clinic 27935 Seco Canyon Road Santa Clarita, 91350 (661) 296-8848 www.secocanyonanimalclinic.biz Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center 25832 Hemingway Ave. Stevenson Ranch, 91381 (661) 799-0655 www.srvc.com The Cat Doctor & Friends 26055 Bouquet Canyon Road Santa Clarita, 91355 (661) 259-5288 www.catdoctor.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.VIPpethospital.com

Best Boarding Facilities

Canine Country Club 20341 Blue Cloud Road Santa Clarita, 91390-1259 (661) 296-0566 cccofscv.com Castaic Canine Camp 36975 Ridge Route Road Castaic, 91384 (661) 257-0957 www.castaiccaninecamp.com Santa Clarita’s Premier Dog Lodge Trish Cohen (661) 618-6628 www.hasshaus.com Pampering Pet Sitters A-Z Critter Care (661) 524-6224 http://www.a-zcrittercare.com Kyle’s Custom Critter Care caninecommands@hotmail.com (661) 305-4981 kylescustomcrittercare.com Heirloom Pet Portraits Santa Clarita Photo Studio (661) 775-0890 www.scphotostudio.com Dog Trainers Dog Gone Happy Tami Cox (661) 310-4133 K9 Manners Matter Colleen Lange B.S., ABCDT (661) 993-2366 Training@k9mannersmatter.com Alternative Medicines & Healing Sylvia Hathaway Acupressurist & Reiki Master josephinesplace@msn.com

Clip & Save!

Animal Aftercare

!

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

MICKE Y

ROSIE

Honey

7 years young Chihuahua mix

7 years young! Chow Chow/German Shepherd mix We all know there are many good reasons to adopt a senior dog, well here’s another good reason and her name is Honey!! Honey came to the shelter as a stray and so we are guesstimating her age, she certainly is full of energy so we would call her a very active senior. Honey is very sweet and affectionate, she knows “Sit” and “Down “ and walks beautifully on leash. She gets on well with other dogs, she was playing with a 6lb Chihuahua yesterday! Honey confided to me yesterday that her new family must be proficient in giving tummy rubs, in return she will give endless kisses! Come and meet Honey, you are certain to fall in love with this gentle loving lady!

Just one look at Rosie and she’s sure to steal your heart! Rosie is only 7 which is no age for a tiny breed dog. She is housetrained and very doggy social. Rosie has her certificate for “snuggling “ excellence and is happy to demonstrate any time you’re on the sofa and your lap is empty. Rosie would love a new home to call her own where she can be loved and demonstrate her snuggling prowess!

Awesome

5 year young cream male Chihuahua Mickey is a 5 year young cream male Chihuahua who is wondering why he has been at the Castaic Shelter so long and keeps getting overlooked... He was brought to the Castaic Animal Care Center on 6/25 as a stray from San Fernando. Yes Folks Mickey has been at the shelter for 2 months!! If he had not been picked up by one of the Castaic Shelter officers I am afraid that he would not have survived very long on the streets of San Fernando. Mickey keeps seeing all of his kennel mates getting adopted and is wondering when is “My Turn” to find a happy family to love him. He is a little shy and loves to sit on your lap and snuggle. He would make the perfect indoor dog for an individual or family living in an apartment or condo and a wonderful companion for a senior citizen.

Adoptables

To adopt one of these pets please contact Castaic Animal Shelter at 661.257.3191 or visit our website at www.PetMeMag.com All dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and come with a free vet visit!

ER

BRUIS

1 year Chihuahua mix Bruiser is a bundle of fun and energy. He’s only small but his heart is huge and he’s looking to give it to his new family. This adorable little man loves to play and go for walks and like Rosie, Bruiser is an expert cuddler. If you are looking for a new furry friend come and hang out with Bruiser, he loves everyone but is looking for that special someone, could it be you?

ASHE 4 months American Staffordshire Terrier mix Are you ready for FUN and lots of affection? That is what is on the menu if you spend time with this adorable blue and white puppy!! Ashe is only 4 months old so bear in mind he still has 5 more months of growing to do, he’s going to be a big boy! Ashe needs a family who will commit to giving him the training and socialisation that he needs on an ongoing basis. Ashe is super sweet and friendly and will bring a huge amount of joy to one lucky family!

POPP Y 1 year American Staffordshire Terrier mix Poor Poppy had a horrible start to life in a neglectful situation, however she was rescued and then fostered by a shelter volunteer. In her foster home she has learned everything a young pup needs to in order to be the perfect doggy companion. Poppy is housetrained, crate trained, gets on well with both cats and dogs and has never met a person that does not deserve to be smothered in kisses!!! Like Rosie, Poppy also comes with a certificate, Poppy has her very own certificate for completing her obedience training so you would be adopting a very special young lady who is also super smart! For more information on adopting Poppy please Email Kyle at caninecommands@hotmail.com

Pet Me! Magazine™

31

Pet Me! Magazine™ SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2012

Valencia Veterinary Center “pets are people too!”

NEW

Board Certifiesdt Dermatorelmoisges.i On the P ent.

Call for Appointm

& Stop By e Th t A See Us

e o ws M & s ow B o w-W Fa i r Pet

$100

OFF

SENIOR PET VISIT

Incl. Physical, Complete Blood Test, Fecal Exam, X-rays, Urinalysis

SANTA CLARITA'S ONE AND ONLY 24 HOURS A DAY, 7 DAYS A WEEK, 365 DAYS A YEAR PET HOSPITAL A Full Service Pet Hospital, Emergency cy & CCritical FREE FIRST Care Facility Offering: OFFICE VIS IT • State-of-the-Art Facility New clients on with emerge ly. Not valid ncy services.

• Advanced Medical, Surgical & Emergency ergency Care • Latest Diagnostic Equipment • Quality Care at Affordable Prices All surgeries provided with pain medication & vital sign monitoring

(661)

263-9000

32 Pet Me! Magazine™

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

www.bestvalenciavet.com s r

r

TM