FREE - TAKE ONE!
Ronald McDonald House Charities® Chief PAWSitivity Officer and friend of Suba Bleu
Expert Advice: Behavior Problems in Birds
A Bunny Success Story
Received a Rabbit... Now What?
Extreme Homes for Cats
Dog Park Etiquette
Summer Competitions for Dogs
MAY 2017 | VOL. 5 NO. 9 PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
CL ASS OF 2017
FFECTIONATE A T S O M This May, adopt a pet 5 years or older for just $10.
Best Friends Pet Adoption Center 2005 S. 1100 E., Salt Lake City bestfriendsutah.org
T
oday, as I sit here thinking happy thoughts about white sandy beaches (that happens most days), I have one cat laying as close to me as possible without actually being on the keyboard. If I get up right now, she will be on the keyboard. I’m not sure what her love of it is. She wasn’t always this way, but apparently she believes if I love the computer enough to always have my hands on it instead of her, maybe she should try it. The results are terrifying, and have me hitting Save every time before I stand up. I have a Doberman at my feet. I’ve been blessed for the last few years with having responsible teenagers with responsible friends, so I haven’t had to board my pets for quite a while. But now they’re all getting ready to go to college, which means my empty nest isn’t all that empty (as their pets will remain at home), and my weekend getaways will require planning. If you find yourself in a similar situation, check out Sarah Tyler’s story on boarding options in the area. And if you’ve been thinking your cats need a more cat-friendly environment, April Northstrom’s article on extreme cat homes will plant all sorts of ideas for you. The previous owner of this house had a small dog, and while the dog door to the screened-in porch is too small for my dog, it’s the perfect size for the cats. They love spending time on the porch, and I love them being safe while they do it. It would be so easy to add a climbing area… Finally, with the sun and the warmer temperatures, I’m pointing all our dog lovers to Tonya Landon’s article on dog sports. A few years ago, I think my dog would have loved dock diving. Now she’d be more interested in obedience classes for the retired pet. Whatever fits your family and your furry friends, let’s all get ready to have a happy, active, and safe, summer. Because it’s just around the corner!
TABLE OF CONTENTS 06 08
VACATION BOARDINGS by Sarah Tyler EXPERT’S ADVICE: BIRDS BEHAVIOR by Douglas W Folland, DVM, Diplomate ABVP-Avian Specialty
10
EXPERT’S ADVICE: THE TRUTH ABOUT GRAIN FREE PET FOODS By Jessica Zelnik, DVM
12 14
EXTREME HOMES FOR CATS by April Northstrom MEET OLLIE! RMHC CHIEF PAWSITIVITY OFFICER AND FRIEND OF SUBA BLEU by Vickie Moschetti
16
ANIMAL NEWS by Mona Mistric
17
RECEIVED A RABBIT? NOW WHAT?
18
BEST FRIENDS CELEBRATES YEAR THREE RESULTS OF NO-KILL UTAH INITIATIVE
by Cynthia Alex
by Temma Martin
19
SAYING GOODBYE
20 24 26
DOG PARK ETIQUETTE by Mona Mistric ASK STETSON by Tonya Landon A BUNNY SUCCESS STORY by David Miller
28
SUMMER COMPETITION FOR DOGS
29
RESCUE ME! YOUR PETS IN THE CITY PHOTOS
30
by Tonya Landon
MAY 2017 | VOL. 5 NO. 9 PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE
LAST MONTH’S ISSUE
PUBLISHER PICM Publishing, LLC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Deborah Myers EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Justen STAFF WRITERS Tonya Landon | Mona Mistric April A. Northstrom Sarah Tyler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Douglas W Folland, DVM Temma Martin | David Miller Jessica Zelnik, DVM MANAGING DIRECTOR / ART DESIGNER Mark Salgado CIRCULATION Lane Pellinger, Circulation Manager City Weekly Distribution Available at Smith’s Grocery Store racks & all Beans and Brews locations. SALES & ADVERTISING Sharon Stephenson Deborah Myers
801.702.1171
debbiepetsinthecitymagazine@ gmail.com ACCOUNTING Richard Beamer www.petsinthecitymagazine.com PICM Disclaimer: All reader submissions and photos are voluntarily submitted without expectation of compensation. All opinions of the authors in this Magazine are those of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. The publisher has not confirmed the accuracy of information contained in the articles. PICM reserves the right to edit, alter, or modify the submitted article to the extent in which we deem necessary. A RESCUE PLEA: Pets In The City Magazine is dedicated to and encourages rescuing companion animals of all types. There are thousands of animals in Utah and across our nation needing a forever home. If you are interested in rescuing a companion animal, there are over 100 animal rescues in Utah. A good resource is petfinder.com, a nationwide database for companion animals of all types. A rescued animal can be rewarding and lead to a forever grateful love. Pets In The City Magazine © 2017 is an independent, free monthly magazine published by PICM Publishing. For information regarding Pets in the City Magazine, visit www.petsinthecitymagazine.com Any and all articles in Pets in the City Magazine are submitted for reading enjoyment only. Please consult a professional and make wise personal decisions regarding health and safety issues of pets and family.
IN COLLABORATION WITH
PRESENT
SUBA BLEUÕS
PUPPY
For the safety and wellbeing of pets, only service animals are allowed at the Utah Pride Festival. All other pets are invited to join Suba Bleu Miller, Mark Miller SubaruÕs Love Promise Ambassador, for Puppy Pride at the Utah Dog Park May 31 Ð June 4th. Enjoy discounted admission and daycare for pets all Pride weekend long.
MAY 31
TO
JUNE 4
VISIT WWW.UTAHPRIDECENTER.COM/SUBABLEU FOR MORE INFORMATION!
2ND ANNUAL PRIDE GALA | 5K AND HEALTH DAY | YOUTH PRIDE DANCE | MARCH & RALLY | PRIDE PARADE
E By Sarah Tyler
PAGE 6
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very time I consider taking a vacation, I worry about my pets. I don’t want them to be lonely without me, or think I’ve abandoned them. This is especially concerning as some of my animals were rescues and had to work through separation anxiety after being adopted. Having my pets stay with friends they know and pets they like is always my first choice, but that’s not always an option. When I can’t find someone to take care of my fur family, I have to find somewhere to board them. That brings up lots of extra concerns: how much cage time does my animal have to suffer through? What do I need to provide? How many animals does the boarding facility shelter at one time, and what type of rates do these companies charge? What type of socialization is offered and what safety precautions are in place? I’ve looked into some of the local boarding companies to get a handle on the different approaches out there in an attempt to make an educated choice about where to board my animals. My first consideration tends to be toward local animal hospitals and veterinarian offices. Many of these
facilities offer boarding services. Willow Creek Pet Center, Amor Animal Hospital and Parrish Creek Veterinary Clinic all offer overnight boarding. The onsite care is a plus if there is a pet emergency or if your pet has health issues. In general, I tend to have a hard time finding boarding options for pets who aren’t dogs. In addition to my dog, I’ve got a bunny and a cat (yes, I know, this is an odd combination), which is an expert level of difficulty when trying to get them placements. Both Amor Animal Hospital and Parrish Creek Pet Center will watch exotic pets. Amor Animal Hospital offers spacious, themed dog suites, off-leash areas for wellbehaved pets, and towers and toys for cats to keep them well entertained. Parrish Creek Veterinary Clinic is Utah’s only Avian Specialists ABVP Board Certified facility and has over 50 years’ experience in caring for reptiles. Parrish Creek offers a more traditional setup for the pets, with cages and scheduled exercise time. Fetch, an all-inclusive pet service company, offers a lot of direct attention and affection for your pet while you’re away. Tori Saylor, owner and operator, cares for the dogs she boards on a personal level. She keeps them unkenneled during the day, with constant access to inside or outside play. In the evening, the dogs each get spacious 4 feet by 9 feet sleeping enclosures with a dog bed (you can bring your own or they will
provide one for you). They are also capable of providing food if you don’t send it with your pup. At Fetch, they get cuddle time, pack playtime, and one on one attention. With reasonable rates between $28 and $33 per day, Fetch is a great option for a more free-spirited, social animal. Doginhaus offers a luxury experience for your pets with climate controlled suites, on site, 24-hour/day care and five to six hours of active play time in a cage-free boarding setup. You can board pets in small suites that house one or two dogs, small family suites holding a few pets, or in the penthouse, featuring a spacious, home-like setting with couches for lounging and a flat screen TV. Old Farm Pet Resort offers cagefree boarding as well, with climate controlled sleeping quarters and buildings, 18,000 square feet of outdoor space for day play, sheltered outdoor areas, ample play structures for your pets to entertain themselves and four separate play areas. Animal boarding has come a long way from the days of basic animal care with daily feedings and simple walks. As people’s relationships have developed with their pets, and more and more people choose to opt out of children and embrace a life with fur babies, boarding amenities have followed suit. So, whatever your boarding needs, there’s an option out there that fits the bill.
With summer vacation just around the corner, it’s time to book your pet’s boarding facility now. We’d like to thank our advertisers for their continued support of Pets in the City Magazine. Please consider using one of them for your boarding needs this summer. • The Old Farm Pet Resort – No cage day care boarding and grooming (dogs, cats, and exotics)
• • • • • • • • • •
801-266-9016 Little Dogs Resort & Salon – for dogs 30 pounds and under 801-261-0150 Auggie’s Doggie Adventures – hiking, training, and boarding 801-512-6661 Utah Dog Park – Airport location and Woods Cross 801-294-5960 Amor Animal Hospital – boarding for cats, dogs, and exotics 801-561-9595 Ronie’s for the Love of Birds – boarding for birds 801-561-8083 Merry Pets – keep your pets in the comfort of their own homes with pet and house sitting, private dog walks, and hiking 801-897-8022 Aarf House – like a doggy bed and breakfast. Home-style doggy lodging, overnight stays, dog walking, and hiking 801-647-8249 Doginhaus – luxury dog and cat lodging in Park City 435-649-9222 Fetch – daycare, overnight, washes, dog hiking in South Salt Lake 435-218-8375 Parrish Creek Animal Hospital – boarding, cats, dogs, and exotics 801-298-2014
MAY 2017
PAGE 7
EXPERT’S ADVICE
Behavior Problems in Birds By Douglas W Folland, DVM, Diplomate ABVP-Avian Specialty
S
ometimes, when someone does something that seems idiotic, we refer to them as “bird brained.” In actuality, that may not be such a negative label. Studies over the past several years indicate birds are very intelligent. Alex, the African Grey parrot, showed that some parrot species are on par with primates in brain capacity. Researchers even suggest a parrot’s intelligence may be similar to a two or three year-old child. Consider having a pet with the intelligence of a two year-old that may be with you for 50 years or more. That sounds like a recipe for some challenges, especially with the larger parrots, such as African Greys, Amazon parrots, Macaws and Cockatoos. Combine that brain capacity with the fact that most parrot species in the pet trade are at most two to three generations removed from their wild environment and you have the potential for serious behavioral problems. Many pet owners have learned having these animals is akin to having a child that never grows up! I am not suggesting people should not have birds as pets, but careful evaluation and consideration is needed before making the commitment to invite them into your life. What are some of the behavioral issues we see? The most common ones include excessive screaming, biting, exaggerated fear responses, and inappropriate sexual, destructive, or stereotypical behaviors. Some of these problem behaviors arise from normal responses birds use to try and communicate their wants and needs, such as screaming for food and attention, or biting to prevent an event they don’t like or want. Others are a result of boredom, such as chewing a piece of furniture. Stress can be another underlying cause. PAGE 8
PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
Stereotypical behaviors are defined as repetitive movements or actions that serve no apparent meaningful purpose. These are commonly seen in captive wild animals in zoos and may manifest in pet birds by behaviors such as feather damaging or repetitive movements on a perch. Inappropriate sexual behaviors are common in the captive environment. Some triggers may include an abundance of high fat foods, altered day/night light cycles, the presence of dark, enclosed places provided for sleep or play which the bird interprets as a potential nesting spot. Additionally, inappropriate interactions with the owner, such as excessive petting and stroking, can stimulate sexual behaviors. Many of the discussed behaviors can make it difficult to enjoy your relationship with your bird and may put your bird’s health at risk. Before getting a bird, learn everything you can about preventing unwanted behaviors. If you already own a bird and are experiencing problems, I recommend you have a consultation with an experienced avian veterinarian to get professional help. Dr. Folland is the chief veterinarian at Parrish Creek Veterinary Clinic, serving Davis County. He is board certified as an avian specialist by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. At home, his family lives with chickens and a dog. His pet snake, Bob, and bird, Buckwheat, live at the clinic.
EXPERT’S ADVICE
The Truth about Grain Free Pet Foods By Jessica Zelnik, DVM
M
any pet owners feel overwhelmed by the numerous available dog or cat food options. How do they know which food is the right choice? Sometimes they ask a pet store employee, friend, family, or their veterinarian for a recommendation. Sometimes they pick a food based upon their gut feeling or the bag design. Grain-free diets are very popular choices right now for dog and cats. But why? Are grain-free diets healthier? Do they treat or prevent diseases? Every day I make food recommendations for my patients. It could be for a healthy puppy, obese cat, a dog with diarrhea, or an elderly cat with chronic kidney disease. I have never recommended a grainfree specific diet. There is nothing wrong with feeding a grain-free diet to a normal, healthy adult pet, but when I discuss a specific diet change for a problem, I am met with resistance that the food I am recommending is not grain-free, even if the animal’s problem is due to allergies. There are several misperceptions about pet diets that include grains. The first misperception is that grain-free means carbohydratefree. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy and are a basic nutrient component all dogs require. Grain-free diets usually substitute other carbohydrate sources such as potatoes, peas or beans, which may lead to gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea) or which result in less fiber in the diet. Veterinary nutritionists feel these options are not good choices for our pets, and are less digestible The second misconception is that grains cause food allergies. Food allergies occur in less than 10% of all pets with allergies. Grain-specific allergies such as gluten intolerance are even more uncommon. Pets are more likely to have an allergy to the protein source. To determine if your pet is suffering from a food allergy, a very specific diet trial is required. A diet trial for food allergies begins with a 6 – 12 week course of a hydrolyzed diet to verify if the dog or cat will respond. Hydrolyzed diets are only available through a veterinarian. If the patient responds favorably to the diet, it is then challenged by the introduction of a novel protein source, such as rabbit, duck or kangaroo. A lot of people will select a diet from the pet store shelf that appears to be a novel protein source first, with out even trying a hydrolyzed diet. The downfall to this method is that the pet store diets are not tightly regulated and contaminants from other proteins may be present. Gluten intolerance in dogs and cats is extremely rare and gluten-free diets are not recommended. Feeding a grain-free diet to prevent a problem, such as allergies, is unnecessary PAGE 10
PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
and only leads to added expense financially and at the cost of the pet. Veterinary prescription diets were created to meet specific nutritional needs for chronic or acute conditions. These diets contain grains and are nutritionally balanced to meet the needs of the patient it is designed to help. If your veterinarian is recommending a prescription diet it is because the research dedicated to these diets have proven to be effective in treating acute conditions and aid in managing chronic diseases. The pet food market is advertising to appeal to human food trends and niches. A grain-free diet is not unhealthy to feed your healthy adult dog or cat, as long as you are not under the assumption the diet is carbohydrate free or will treat food allergies. As with all diets, make sure the one you choose is certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to meet the basic nutrient requirements. I also recommend feeding slightly less than what is recommended on the bag to avoid weight gain, as these diets tend to have a higher percentage of fat and protein. Please consult your veterinarian if you have questions regarding the diet you choose to feed your pet. Dr. Zelnik has been a practicing veterinarian in the Salt Lake valley since 2009. She practices at the University Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Center. She has received advanced training in dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and pain management. Dr. Zelnik enjoys running and hiking with her dogs: Kami, a Boxer, and Jake, a Schnauzer mix.
“Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” George Elliot
Pioneering Fun & Healthy stuff for Canines & Felines in Utah since 1996 SLC: 801-468-0700
2047 E 3300 S SLC, UT 84109 Follow us on Twitter:
dogsmeowutah
Draper: 801-501-0818
866 E 12300 S Draper, UT 84020 NEW ADDRESS! Like us on:
www.Dogsmeow.com
®
EXPERT’S ADVICE
The Truth about Grain Free Pet Foods By Jessica Zelnik, DVM
M
any pet owners feel overwhelmed by the numerous available dog or cat food options. How do they know which food is the right choice? Sometimes they ask a pet store employee, friend, family, or their veterinarian for a recommendation. Sometimes they pick a food based upon their gut feeling or the bag design. Grain-free diets are very popular choices right now for dog and cats. But why? Are grain-free diets healthier? Do they treat or prevent diseases? Every day I make food recommendations for my patients. It could be for a healthy puppy, obese cat, a dog with diarrhea, or an elderly cat with chronic kidney disease. I have never recommended a grainfree specific diet. There is nothing wrong with feeding a grain-free diet to a normal, healthy adult pet, but when I discuss a specific diet change for a problem, I am met with resistance that the food I am recommending is not grain-free, even if the animal’s problem is due to allergies. There are several misperceptions about pet diets that include grains. The first misperception is that grain-free means carbohydratefree. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy and are a basic nutrient component all dogs require. Grain-free diets usually substitute other carbohydrate sources such as potatoes, peas or beans, which may lead to gastrointestinal upset (vomiting or diarrhea) or which result in less fiber in the diet. Veterinary nutritionists feel these options are not good choices for our pets, and are less digestible The second misconception is that grains cause food allergies. Food allergies occur in less than 10% of all pets with allergies. Grain-specific allergies such as gluten intolerance are even more uncommon. Pets are more likely to have an allergy to the protein source. To determine if your pet is suffering from a food allergy, a very specific diet trial is required. A diet trial for food allergies begins with a 6 – 12 week course of a hydrolyzed diet to verify if the dog or cat will respond. Hydrolyzed diets are only available through a veterinarian. If the patient responds favorably to the diet, it is then challenged by the introduction of a novel protein source, such as rabbit, duck or kangaroo. A lot of people will select a diet from the pet store shelf that appears to be a novel protein source first, with out even trying a hydrolyzed diet. The downfall to this method is that the pet store diets are not tightly regulated and contaminants from other proteins may be present. Gluten intolerance in dogs and cats is extremely rare and gluten-free diets are not recommended. Feeding a grain-free diet to prevent a problem, such as allergies, is unnecessary PAGE 10
PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
and only leads to added expense financially and at the cost of the pet. Veterinary prescription diets were created to meet specific nutritional needs for chronic or acute conditions. These diets contain grains and are nutritionally balanced to meet the needs of the patient it is designed to help. If your veterinarian is recommending a prescription diet it is because the research dedicated to these diets have proven to be effective in treating acute conditions and aid in managing chronic diseases. The pet food market is advertising to appeal to human food trends and niches. A grain-free diet is not unhealthy to feed your healthy adult dog or cat, as long as you are not under the assumption the diet is carbohydrate free or will treat food allergies. As with all diets, make sure the one you choose is certified by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to meet the basic nutrient requirements. I also recommend feeding slightly less than what is recommended on the bag to avoid weight gain, as these diets tend to have a higher percentage of fat and protein. Please consult your veterinarian if you have questions regarding the diet you choose to feed your pet. Dr. Zelnik has been a practicing veterinarian in the Salt Lake valley since 2009. She practices at the University Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Center. She has received advanced training in dentistry, soft tissue surgery, and pain management. Dr. Zelnik enjoys running and hiking with her dogs: Kami, a Boxer, and Jake, a Schnauzer mix.
“Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” George Elliot
Pioneering Fun & Healthy stuff for Canines & Felines in Utah since 1996 SLC: 801-468-0700
2047 E 3300 S SLC, UT 84109 Follow us on Twitter:
dogsmeowutah
Draper: 801-501-0818
866 E 12300 S Draper, UT 84020 NEW ADDRESS! Like us on:
www.Dogsmeow.com
®
Extreme Homes for Cats By April Northstrom
S
pring has sprung and remodeling, redecorating and reorganizing are in the air! For most of us, this means preparing garden beds, donating unused household items and tackling a spare bedroom or unfinished basement. All much needed refreshers after a long winter. But, have you ever considered including your furry felines in your spring cleaning? Extreme Petitecture is really a thing, and it’s all the rage. Below are some of the hottest trends in the feline remodeling world. Many cats spend time both indoors and outdoors. Outdoor cat houses can be built in a weekend or purchased from several online retailers. They have all the amenities of a chicken coop, but for cats – stairs, shelter, windows. Japanese architecture lends itself to Zen design and functionality. Japanese cat house designs are no different. Many Japanese treat their pets like children, and some Japanese house builders are now designing homes with special features for pets. This includes built-in cat steps, Zen gardens, window watching platforms and water features. Some designs even go as far as building tunnels between rooms and into the baseboard for entertainment. For those looking for inspiration, Animal Planet’s show, The Cat’s House, reveals how one family has remodeled their home with catwalks (literally), play areas, and colorful window seating for their feline companions. Jungle-like contraptions and platforms are found all over the home to cater to their cats’ needs. The humans are guests in this feline fantasyland. Further searching on Pinterest for “cat play rooms” reveals thousands of ways you can use basic products to spruce up your digs for feline fun. Simple IKEA planters filled with catnip can be hung at “cat-level” for playtime and entire spare bedrooms are turned into indoor playrooms like the ones kids can find at their favorite fast-food restaurant. Cat swings, hammocks, tunnels, tents and rope bridges all exist for reinventing your old spaces. Toys meant for babies and toddlers are often repurposed to give cats the run of the roost. Even outdoor/indoor walkways connect playsets PAGE 12
PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
in the backyard to indoor cat rooms – safe from predators or escape artists. The newest craze? The catio. Yes, a patio for your cats. Complete with calming foliage and bird-watching areas. Some have even placed bird feeders on the opposite side of a glass window for the up-closeand-personal experience. It’s easier than you might think to go from patio to catio and your cats will love it! If you’re in the mood to give your kitties an upgraded play area and willing to try your hand at extreme petitecture, then you’re in luck. There is an endless supply of inspiration from other cat lovers to help give your furry ones a home they’ll truly love and stay busy in all day. Whether you’re the clean-lined Zentype or more of a commercial, bright-colored cat parent, there is something for every paw. Extreme cat homes is one trend that isn’t going away anytime soon! Not sure how to get started? Start small and find ways to incorporate playtime activities around your home. Can you add a hammock to your current cat tree? Or try adding a hide-andseek toy from Amazon to your current play area. You don’t need to dedicate an entire room to keep your felines happy. Small tents, tunnels and cat walkways are simple projects that can be purchased fully assembled. Local pet stores often carry all the supplies you need for a basic cat house. Websites such as Etsy or Amazon offer cardboard playhouses and custom-made pet teepees for outside play. Creating a playground for your cats can be costly, but adding pieces little by little will keep your finances in check. From cat climbers to condos, the world can truly be their oyster!
1955 N Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City Phone: (801) 355-7387
WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEBODY LIKE YOU! FOR EVENTS, ADOPTIONS, TO DONATE OR VOLUNTEER VISIT UTAHANIMALS.ORG
SUBA BLEU’S BUDDIES RMHC® Chief PAWSitivity Officer and friend of Suba Bleu By Vickie Moschetti
O
llie, is one of the sweetest, most loveable staff members at Ronald McDonald House Charities® of the Intermountain Area (RMHC). As the Chief PAWSitivity Officer, he is furry, soft and gives oodles of love! He is always excited to go to work and make new friends! Ollie typically spends his day bringing joy, positivity, cuddles and hugs to families of hospitalized children. Even though he is still young – only 16 months old – the staff says he’s already a top employee! Ollie is a certified facility therapy dog, trained to offer therapeutic relief to guests and the smallest pediatric patients. Ollie knows commands that will help him interact with guests and work with – and around – medical equipment and special needs. This charming Labradoodle helps to continue the mission of RMHC providing love, comfort and support to families with pediatric patient children. As a Labradoodle, he makes a great therapy dog because he does not shed and is hypoallergenic, allowing children with pet allergies or suppressed immune systems to enjoy his company. Ollie helps to brighten a child’s day or ease a parent’s stress by offering a wag of the tail, a highfive, or a cuddle. He’s very loving and gentle with the kids and they respond. He brings a bit of normalcy to families who miss their own pets while they are staying at the hospital or at the Ronald McDonald House. As a working facility therapy dog, he is trained and certified to meet the needs of many by serving, comforting and assisting in the health of those he comes in contact with. Follow Ollie on Facebook and Instagram at Ollie_RMHC_Utah. To learn more about RMHC, visit www.ronaldmcdonaldhouseutah.org.
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ANIMAL IN THE NEWS By Mona Mistric
MAY IS NATIONAL PET MONTH
The United States celebrates National Pet Month in May. Animal lovers across the nation will be promoting all the joy furry friends bring into our lives and encouraging family, friends and co-workers to adopt. Several rescues and shelters across the nation are offering half-off on adoption fees and other specials this month. Animal welfare organizations are seeking volunteers to assist them with their adoption efforts and with fundraising events. They will be busy ramping-up their efforts to raise awareness of the benefits and value of working companion animals too. Celebrities will be posting pics of their furry friends on social media and donating to their favorite pet charities. This is also a good time to thank the dedicated professionals who work with animals – veterinarians, rescue and shelter organizations.
THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF UTAH IS OFFERING A $3,000 REWARD
Boo, an 8 year-old dog, was enjoying his backyard while his family was away, when a person or persons tried to break into the house. Naturally, he tried to protect his home; and sadly, he was brutally beaten by the intruder(s). Boo was apparently struck in the head several times with his food pan, water bucket and a metal broom; resulting in cuts all over his face, one eye totally destroyed and vision loss in the other eye. The Humane Society of Utah is offering a $3,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for this act of animal cruelty and alleged home invasion. If you have any information contact Ogden Police at (801) 395-8221. Tipsters can remain anonymous.
THE UNITED NATIONS’ THERAPY DOG
Chloe is officially the resident therapy dog at the United Nations. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms are prevalent among the staff due to their high-stress environments, especially those who work directly with people in poverty stricken and war torn areas. Chloe’s presence helps decrease distress and depressive symptoms. She has visited over 300 employees since February, waddling in with her tail wagging, creating smiles and putting people at ease. Her cheerful comportment is promoting world peace.
CAT ABUSE CASE
A male orange tabby cat found injured in Clearfield, UT near 500 East and Lynnwood Drive, is currently under veterinarian care. This is the same area Sage was beaten and abused last month. The police department doesn’t have any evidence that the same person or persons may be responsible, but they are not ruling out the possibility. If this cat is part of your family or you have evidence about the two cases, contact Davis County Animal Care & Control at (801) 444-2200.
PAWTERNITY LEAVE
BrewDog, a multi-national brewery and pub chain in Columbus, Ohio, has implemented Puppy Parental Leave for employees who get a new puppy or a dog. They feel a new arrival, whether a snuggly puppy or an apprehensive rescue dog, can be a stressful time for all. BrewDog is planning to open more locations in the near future – maybe near you. PAGE 16
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Received a Rabbit… Now What? By Cynthia Alex
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aster has passed, and it’s likely parents have impulsively bought a bunny as a gift for their child – or the family has received one as a gift – without consideration for her long-term care. Unfortunately, many think they are “low maintenance starter pets,” which is not the case. Rabbits require attention, exercise, high fiber diets, regular grooming, specialized veterinary care and live 8 – 12 years. Rabbits can be good pets, if you understand their needs from the beginning and strive to meet those needs. If you’ve received a rabbit and are now wondering how to make her a happy member of your family, read on. Rabbits are not good pets for young children. They are prey animals by nature, and easily frightened by the natural exuberance and decibel level of even the gentlest child. They typically don’t like to be picked up and carried around, and can become scared and kick, bite or scratch, injuring either the person trying to hold them or themselves. Further, children’s interests change, and your 10 year-old will likely be 20 by the time your rabbit lives out it’s lifespan. Rabbits are not passive animals. They are intelligent, curious, affectionate, enjoy being part of a family, and should live indoors. Cages sold for small animals are inadequate for rabbits. Exercise pens are a good option because they are easy to clean, move, and configure to different living spaces. They are large enough for your rabbit to hop around and include toys and a litter box. Having things in the pen your rabbit can get under, like a box, makes them feel safe. Even in a pen, rabbits need time out for daily exercise. Rabbits are full of energy and need space to run and play. They are amazing athletes, and may race around a room jumping, and kicking up their heels in a little dance known as binkies. Supervised outdoor play time on a fenced patio, porch or play pen is also good. Chewing is a natural tendency for rabbits, and “rabbit proofing” your house by protecting cords, moving toxic houseplants and keeping them out of certain rooms reduces both the dangers posed to rabbits, and damage to household items. Boredom can also be a cause of chewing so giving your rabbit safe alternatives like hay, hay cubes, paper, and toys to chew will help prevent this. Most spayed or neutered rabbits are easily litter box trained. By nature, they choose one, or a few places, to eliminate, usually a corner. Start with a box in their housing area, and add extras as they have more freedom to roam. Never scold a rabbit for an accident; instead, reward your rabbit when using the litter box and make them want to go there by keeping it clean and including fresh hay in the box. Pine or cedar shavings, or cat litter can be deadly to your rabbit, so use only recycled paper products. Rabbits living outdoors face many dangers like predators and diseases spread by flies and mosquitos. They are often forgotten about and live a depressing, stressful life. If temperatures are over 85 degrees, rabbits need ample shade and ventilation. They are unable to pant to release heat like cats and dogs, and will die within minutes. Freezing temperatures can cause metal tips of water bottles to freeze, blocking access to water, and exposure to wind, rain and snow, can all cause a rabbit to become seriously ill. Proper nutrition is vital for a rabbit’s digestive system. Good quality hay, limited pellets and fresh greens daily are necessary to keep them healthy. Digestive disruptions can cause a variety of problems causing a rabbit to
experience a lot of pain, and become very sick. Being a prey species, rabbits hide their illnesses, often until it’s too late. Regularly check a rabbit’s eyes and nose for discharge, ears for mites, and teeth to ensure they are straight and even. In addition, watching for changes in appetite or droppings, and frequent grooming helps to detect a health problem before it develops. By having your rabbit live inside and spending time with your rabbit, you are better able to notice behavior changes that may indicate an illness. Rabbits need to be seen by a qualified veterinarian immediately if something is wrong. Spayed and neutered rabbits are healthier and live longer. Unspayed female rabbits have a high risk of developing reproductive cancers, and unneutered males can become destructive and aggressive. It’s important to have an experienced exotic veterinarian to perform the surgery, or adopt from a rescue or humane society, where all animals are spayed and neutered before adoption. Rabbits are social and need as much time and attention as a dog or cat. They are happier and healthier with a companion. They can be friends with a dog, cat or rabbit. Regardless of the gender, both animals should be spayed or neutered. Rabbits are very territorial, and should be introduced slowly. Sadly, every year, unwanted rabbits are “set free” outdoors to face a certain death, and over one million are euthanized in shelters every year. If a companion rabbit is right for you, adopt from a local shelter where healthy, wonderful rabbits wait for loving homes, and may already be spayed or neutered. Rabbits are intelligent, inquisitive, and affectionate. Their personalities range from bold to timid, gentle to rambunctious and all points in between. Time spent with a rabbit builds trust, and you will find they are wonderful companions. Helpful resources include The House Rabbit Handbook by Marinell Harriman, and www. rabbit.org. Cynthia Alex has been a volunteer for the Humane Society of Utah for 23 years as an advocate for ending pet overpopulation. During that time she learned more, and became passionate about rabbits, adoptiong her first pair 22 years ago. She is married with two grown children, and would be an empty nester, except for their precious house rabbits, Ziggy, Lucy, Cooper and Lily.
MAY 2017
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Best Friends Animal Society Celebrates Year Three Results of No-Kill Utah Initiative By Temma Martin
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est Friends Animal Society is celebrating the good news from the third year of the statewide No-Kill Utah (NKUT) initiative. The NKUT effort is a final push to make Utah a state that no longer kills cats and dogs in shelters, with the goal of making Utah a no-kill state by 2019. NKUT is an initiative of Best Friends Animal Society working together with a coalition of 57 other Utah animal welfare organizations. Making Utah a no-kill state means that animal shelters will have achieved a combined save rate of 90 percent — that is, at least 90 percent of the animals entering the shelter system leave alive. (The remaining 10 percent or less are typically euthanized for severe medical or behavioral issues.) Achieving this goal would make Utah the nation’s second no-kill state, following New Hampshire. At the end of 2016, the collective save rate for all shelters in the PAGE 18
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state was 85.8 percent, up from 84.4 percent in 2015. Around 8,000 dogs and cats were killed in the Utah shelter system out of a total population of just over 56,500 animals. Cats represented more than 6,300 of these deaths, or around 79 percent. According to Best Friends, around 2,400 dogs and cats died in Utah simply because they did not have homes. The 2016 save rate for dogs in Utah has been maintained at the threshold of no-kill status for two straight years, and is currently 94.3 percent, but for cats it was significantly lower at 76.4. “The goal of NKUT is to ensure that every healthy, treatable animal that enters a shelter in Utah is saved, and we are so close to accomplishing that,” said Arlyn Bradshaw, Best Friends – Utah executive director. “In 2016 we again saw a record high save rate with nearly 86% of shelter animals either being returned home, adopted, or transferred to a rescue organization. While that achievement is something to celebrate, we still estimate nearly 2,400 more animals could have been saved. We are asking all Utahans to help us close that gap by adopting from a shelter or rescue, ensuring all of their pets are spayed or neutered, and by contributing to the NKUT Coalition member of their choice.” Temma Martin is a public relations specialist for Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. Best Friends runs the nation’s largest nokill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters.
SEBASTIAN HOUDINI DODSON 9/20/2000 – 4/8/2017 Sebastian “C-Bass” was the most loyal dog anyone could ever ask for. He was a great hugger, he always knew just when you needed one too. In his youth, he would do backflips for balls. He loved to play ball. You could not wear him out; he would wear you out first. Sebastian fulfilled his dreams of being a model for the Pawparazzi Film Festival in 2015. He touched many lives. He was loved by all. You will be forever missed, my special little guy. We know you are playing with Chance, Piper and Buster, and smiling that big smile. We will see you again on the other side of the rainbow bridge. All dogs go to heaven R.I.P., son. Love Mom, Dad, Cody, Tristan Copper and Zeus
D Proper Etiqutte at the Dog Park
og parks have become very popular over the past few years. Many pet parents believe this is a good way to socialize and exercise their dogs. Some people and their dogs love the experience; others find it terrifying. Either way, we humans are responsible for our dogs’ behavior in the park. We don’t want to be too sensitive to how our dog is playing; however, we don’t want to be negligent either.
A Dozen Tips for Your Dog Park Trip
By Mona Mistric
Bono Photo by Quincy Higbee
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• Your dog should be fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and in good health. Puppies under the age of four months are not fully immunized and are at high risk of contracting a disease. To avoid unwanted sexual behavior at the dog park, it’s best to have your dog spayed or neutered. • Your dog should be responsive to your commands: come, sit, stay, stop, etc. She will need to know your commands are important to her well-being. • You should know your dog’s personality. She should be friendly and outgoing in order to bring her to the dog park. Not all dogs enjoy playing with others. If she is young or timid, the dog park will only traumatize her. Also, if your dog tends to be aggressive – mounts other dogs or steals their toys – that’s not going to be fun for you or your dog. • You should obey all park rules, including removing your dog’s leash as soon as you reach the off-leash area. Keeping your dog leashed when others are free to run is stressful and may cause her to become aggressive. You should also take off any harnesses or other attachments that might cause the dogs to get tangled up or poked when they play. • You must scoop up your dog’s poop. You might win friends and influence people if you bring extra poop bags to share with other pet parents. • You should NOT bring treats or food into the park, not even in your pocket. Dogs have exceptional olfactory systems and you’ll have several crowding around you instead of playing with each other. Also, some of the dogs may be on special diets or have an allergy and cannot have certain treats or food. • You should NOT bring your dog to the park if she has a lot of pent-up energy from being cooped-up. Exercise her some first, so she won’t be overly exuberant, causing the other dogs to become overly excited, which could result in a scuffle. • You should either play with your dog or supervise her play. This is not the time to bury your nose in a book or spend all your time chatting with the other dog parents. It is not okay for dogs to bully each other, so pet parents need to let their dogs know what is socially appropriate. You must be prepared to interrupt inappropriate behavior, whether it’s your dog or someone else’s dog. • You should NOT discipline someone else’s dog. If the dog is playing too rough, politely alert the other pet parent to the situation. If they are not willing to intervene, call your dog away. If the park is
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big enough, you may be able to move to a different area. If not, leave and bring your dog back at a different time when that dog isn’t there. • What should you do if your dog is locked into a heated scuffle with another dog? Clap and yell or bang something to make a loud noise. If there is a hose nearby, you can spray them. If that doesn’t break up the fight, you and the other pet parent should each simultaneously grab your own dog by the hip area where the legs connect, and separate them. Do NOT grab your dog around the collar. You might accidently get bitten. Once separated, both parents need to redirect their dog’s attention away from the other dog. • You should keep the small dogs in the small play area. A large dog might think your small dog is prey, like a rabbit or a squirrel, which could end with disastrous results. • You should NOT bring small children to the dog park. When dogs are busy chasing each other, they may accidently run into adults or plow over children. Older children should be familiar with dog body language and able to move out of the way. The dog park might not be for every dog. However, if the dog is sociable, listens to commands and if pet parents apply the rules of dog park etiquette, it can be a terrific place. The bond between you and your dog will grow and strengthen once you know and understand your dog’s special personality and what is best to keep her happy and healthy.
By Tonya Landon
Q. I have a golden retriever that loves to go for car rides. She loves to stick her head out the window and sniff the air as we drive. Is this safe? – Danny
USU PET LOSS HOTLINE 435-757-4540 or email: petloss@usu.edu If you’re emotionally distraught because of the loss of a pet or have a terminally ill pet, you can call and talk to the warm and caring volunteers who answer the phones, or email the Pet Loss Hotline at the Utah State University. They will help you cope during this difficult time and provide resources to help you through the healing process. Volunteers are trained and supervised by Steven Lucero, PhD., a licensed psychologist with extensive experience in grief counseling, clinical supervision and assisting clients to mobilize resources in coping with distress.
Hours fall and spring semesters: Monday – Thursday, 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Mountain time holidays/when not in session: Monday – Thursday evenings
A. Being a dog, I love to smell things. Did you know that a dog’s sense of smell is over 1,000 times stronger than a human’s? No wonder dogs like to smell the passing air by sticking their heads out of the car window. Although this seems fun for your dog, it is not safe and can cause injury. • Sensitive body parts. Dog’s ears, eyes and nose are extremely sensitive. Flying debris or bugs can lodge into these body parts and cause major damage and pain. Also, the extreme wind in your dog’s ears could cause hearing damage. • Branches, signs and cars! Other concerns are tree branches, road signs and other cars that can hit your dog’s face while she sticks her head out of the window. • Long way down. Dogs who stick their heads out of the car window can fall out if you swerve or hit a bump. Dogs may jump out of the window if they see wildlife or another dog, even if the car is moving. • Window troubles. For some dogs just sticking their heads out of the window isn’t good enough. They have to stand up on the door’s armrest, where the window controls are located. A dog can accidently step on the window up button while his head is outside of the window, causing her head to be stuck or even have her airway cut off from the closed window. Options. Here are some suggestions for dogs who love to smell the outside air while you drive. • Only crack the window enough for the dog to stick the tip of her nose out the window. • Turn off the controls to the window of the door if your dog is one of those who steps on the armrest. If you cannot turn off the window control, think about restraining her in a driving harness as you drive. This way she can still smell out the cracked window, but not open or close the window with her feet. • Purchase dog googles to help protect your dog’s eyes if you feel you just have to risk allowing your dog to stick its head out of a car window. Tonya Landon is a professional dog trainer with Diamonds in the Ruff. She rescued and trained Stetson, a small terrier with aggression issues, to be cast in the title role of the 2012 Stetson, Street Dog of Park City, a short film adapted from the children’s book written by Jeanine Heil. If you have questions for Stetson, please send them to askstetson@gmail.com.
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A Bunny Success Story By David Miller
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our years ago, my son went to a pet store to buy a present for his little sister. He saw this rabbit in the discount bin and bought it. The bunny was full grown, a Netherland Dwarf, although it looks just like the rabbits we see hopping around here in the hills of Bountiful. Although my daughter plays with it now and then, I’m the one who takes care of it. I figured it would be just a big hamster in a cage, but I was very wrong. This little guy has personality plus. He broke the latch on his cage, so he can get out whenever he wants. He went and potty trained himself and doesn’t chew on anything he’s not supposed to. So we let him run around on the
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top floor of our house. His name is Bun-Bun, and he doesn’t tolerate neglect. He is aggressively affectionate and sociable. He feels he is part of the family and uses his head to push open unlatched doors to join us in whatever we’re doing. He likes to lick our noses and hums when he is happy. He loves to be petted. He is cute, quiet, clean, and healthy. Bun-Bun is one bodacious bunny. While I’m vacuuming the house, he comes up and sniffs the nozzle while it’s running! All my other pets are terrified of the vacuum. He rates an A+ . Over the decades, I’ve owned about every kind of animal smaller than a goat, and he is one of the best pets I’ve ever had. I discovered early on, that with animals, people and machines, you get out of it what you put into it.
A Sporting Summer of Dog Fun! By Tonya Landon
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ost dogs are born athletes who love to explore, jump on things, climb things, chase things, etc. Do you have a high energy dog and don’t know how to help her release some of her energy in a constructive way? Maybe your dog is bored all day while you are at work and you want to do an activity together when you are together. There are a lot of different dog sports you and your dog can do together. It is a great way to help your dog use her natural instincts and intelligence to get rid of some excess energy. Below is a partial list of dog sports: Agility – In this sport, the handler sends the dog through an obstacle course. Running off-leash, the dog is judged on both time and accuracy. No treats or toys can be used, and you can’t touch your dog or the obstacles. Bikejoring – This is a non-snow mushing activity where a dog or dog team tows a cyclist. It’s related to skijoring, canicross, and dog scootering. Canicross – If you like running, consider canicross, where you run off-road with your dog. You wear a 6.5 foot bungee line which attaches to your dog’s padded harness. Then you give commands to your dog while running. Carting – Take a dog and add a cart filled with supplies, and you’ve got carting. The cart is filled with farm goods, camping equipment, groceries, firewood or people. Course a lure – If your dog loves to chase things, this is the sport for her. She’ll chase a motorized lure through an obstacle course. Disc Dog – Does she love to catch? In this sport, she can catch disks in distance and freestyle events for points. Dock Jumping – Dogs compete, jumping from a dock into a body of water. There are several competition options, including distance and height. Dog Parkour – also know as Urban Agility, teaches your dog to interact with her environment. It’s a combination of human parkour and dog agility, and doesn’t need a special course.. Flyball – Perfect for a dog that loves to work with others, this team relay race has your dog jumping and retrieving balls. Herding – You’ve likely seen this done at some point in your life. Directed by the handler, the dog is charged with moving sheep through a field, navigating obstacles. Nose Work – Dog’s have a much better sense of smell than we do, so let them use it to find specific scents and get rewards. Rally Obedience – Quickly lead your dog through a course, completing tasks along the way. Treibball – The handler directs the dog to push large balls around the playing field. Don’t feel like you have time to invest in a dog sport, but still want to do something fun with your dog? Check into getting your dog titled in dog tricks. domorewithyourdog.com/trickdog has the instructions and rules to help you get your dog titled by doing tricks.
Peaches
Female | 8 months | Domestic Medium Hair Tabby I’m just a young girl who’s full of energy! My playtime can sometimes get to be a little too much so I’ll do best in a home with older children. I have lived with a very small dog and loved to try to play with him! I would love a feline companion, but I am FeLV+, so a home without other cats that aren’t FeLV+ is needed. I am a very sweet girl who would love to have a family of my very own. If you’re interested in meeting me, contact Best Friends at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.
Nacho and Minky
Male / 2 years old / Chihuahua Female / 3 years old / Chihuahua Pekingese Mix Our love story began with a rough start, with a mean family. When they could no longer keep us, we ended up in our current foster home, where we’ve learned we love to love. We’re fully house- and crate-trained, although we’re so well behaved you don’t need to crate us. We both love to go for walks and are great on a leash. We’re great with other dogs of all sizes and would do best with dog-savvy kids. If you are willing to be patient and gentle with us, we will show you a lifetime of love and joy. If you would like to help write the next chapter of our love story, please apply now at www.rescuerovers.org.
Sabrina
5 years old | Female pit bull terrier | Black and white I’ve got lots of energy, am agile and a gold medal gymnast! I just love to play with toys, especially if they’re squeaky! I’m eager to please and can’t wait to learn more. What do you think? Should we play and find out? If you’re interested in meeting me, contact Best Friends at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.
Paisley
7 years old | Female pit bull terrier | Tan I’m a total lovebug and really laid back. I’m definitely BFF material, love naps on soft beds, yummy treats and cuddling! I may be slowing down a bit, but there are no limits for my love for you! If you’re interested in meeting me, contact Best Friends at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.
Orem
Male | 3 years old | Chihuahua Mix I was voted “Least Likely to get Adopted Based on Looks Alone” but that’s just a joke between me and my pack. I have quite the sense of humor so it’s all good. I am a funny, spunky guy who is learning that life isn’t too scary anymore. I’m a little insecure and prone to growling at new things but with time, correction, confidence and security, I’m learning that’s not nice and I shouldn’t do it. I am house- and crate-trained (though I’ll bark if there’s fun taking place that I’m not involved in). I enjoy going for walks, playing with my toys, and just being lazy on the couch. I’m not a huge fan of cats or kids so it’s best I go to a home without cats and small children. If you’d like to find out for yourself, apply for my adoption today at www. rescuerovers.org. MAY 2017
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OSCAR
MOLLY
MAX
HADLEY
MAHOGANY
DEBO
GIZZY LA MOE
THEODOR
DANDEE
VOODO
RHETT
TIBET
PHOOCHIE
GIZMO
JENNY
BRUNO
Do you want to share a photo of your pet? Email your high-resolution photo & your pet’s name to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com.
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