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May 2016
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Pets In The City Magazine
Pets In The City Magazine |
May 2016
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
CALENDAR of Events
It’s Kitten Season, which always depresses me. Please, don’t get me wrong. I love kittens. They’re adorable, and fluffy, and fun, and purr just because they can… Basically, they’re everything my cat is not. Which is fine, I could see her attitude when she found me at the shelter.
Where
Sophia Parker (named for the characters from Leverage) looked sweet and innocent in her Petfinder photo. A co-worker kept bringing up another kitten on the site, telling me I needed it. It was… meek. I knew better. No meek cat was going to survive teenagers and my dogs. But two photos up from Meekness and Light (the name has been changed to protect the innocent), sat Sophie. She called to me, even though one look in her eyes told you she had evil plans. She’s lived up to her namesake characters, a grifter and a thief who lives to jump off buildings. Sophie has been known (more than once) to jump from the second story balcony onto the couch on the first floor.
Pets In The City Magazine
I got Sophie during Kitten Season five years ago. Stumpasaurus Rex joined us during Kitten Season three years ago. As Temma Martin attests in her article on the Best Friends’ Kitten Nursery in this issue, we see a lot of kitten this time of year. So I’m sending out the call to all of you to find a way to help. Adopt if you can. Whether it’s a young or old pet – cat, dog or exotic – see if you can find your friend at a shelter. You’ll be surprised who’s there, waiting.
What When
Info What When Where Info What When Where Info
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SPRING FLING May 21, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Healthy Pets Mountain West 2352 East Fort Union Blvd. See ad on page 19.
June 18 What When Where Info
WAGS TO WISHES 4TH ANNUAL GALA June 18, Beginning at 6 p.m. Humane Society of Utah 4242 S. 300 W., Murray, UT 84107 Tickets available at UtahHumane.org
TABLE of CONTENTS 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20
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Last Month’s Issue
17TH ANNIVERSARY CLIENT APPRECIATION OPEN HOUSE May 21 Animal Care Center 698 W. 500 S., West Bountiful, UT 84087 801.294.5960
May 21
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Cover Photo: Michelle Bellinger
NKUT SUPER ADOPTION May 13, Noon – 7 p.m. May 14, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Utah State Fairpark North Temple 1000 West, SLC See ad on back cover. NKUT.org/events
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If you have old towels you’re about to replace, consider dropping them off at a shelter where they can still be used. If you have time, volunteer at your shelter, socializing the animals. And please, as Bob Barker would tell us daily at the end of The Price is Right, get your pets spayed and neutered.
May 13 & 14
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The Plott Hound – Mona Mistric EXPERT ADVICE Cats and Heartworm Disease – Rachel Walton, DVM EXPERT ADVICE The African Pygmy Hedgehog – Neil Moss, DVM ASK STETSON Q&A – Tonya Landon RESCUES FIND NATIONAL RECOGNITION DOCK DIVING – Cassie Swift and Kim Justen EVERYTHING’S COMING UP KITTENS AT BEST FRIENDS’ KITTEN NURSERY – Temma Martin RESCUE ME CREATING A PET-FRIENDLY VACATION WITH A UNIQUE RETREAT – April A. Northstrom IT’S SUMMER TIME IN THE CITY CHAMELEONS: Crazy Eyes, Extensive Tongue and Rainbow of Colors – Lance Weeks ANIMALS IN THE NEWS – Mona Mistric UNUSUAL (and wonderful) PARROT HABITATS – Chase Kimball MADAME TABU’S PET HOROSCOPE YOUR PETS IN THE CITY PHOTOS
PUBLISHER PICM Publishing, LLC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Genevieve Campbell EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Justen MANAGING EDITOR Deborah Myers STAFF WRITERS Tonya Landon | Jennafer Martin Mona Mistric | April A. Northstrom Sarah Tyler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rachel Walton, DVM Neil Moss, DVM Chase Kimball | Temma Martin Cassie Swift | Lance Weeks STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Dickinson CIRCULATION Deb Myers, Circulation Manager City Weekly Distribution Smith’s Grocery Store Racks GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michelle Bellinger
SALES & ADVERTISING Beverly Egleston Sharon Stephenson Deborah Myers 801.702.1171 info@petsinthecitymagazine.com
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 © 2015 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.
Pets In The City Magazine |
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The Plott Hound Mona Mistric
Plotts are medium-sized and streamlined. Male Plotts stand 20-27 inches at
The Plott Hound is one of the least known breeds the shoulder and weigh 50-75 pounds; females stand 20-25 inches and weigh
of dog in the United States, even though it has been registered by the United Kennel Club since 1946 and has been the state dog of North Carolina since 1989.
40-65 pounds. Their smooth, glossy coat can be any shade of brindle, solid black, brindle with black saddle, black with brindle trim, and rare buckskin. There may be some white around the chest and feet. They have prominent brown or hazel eyes with black rims. Their hanging ears are broad-set and medium-length. Their tail is long and set below their topline and their strong feet have webbed toes.
In 1750, Jonathan Plott left Germany bound for America with five Hanoverian Hounds, previously used for boar hunting. He settled in North Carolina where he raised a family and bred his dogs. For the next 200 years the dogs were bred by generations of Plott family members and were referred Plotts are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and to as Plott’s hounds. A mix of bloodhounds and curs comprised the original eager-to-please nature. They make a fine companion. Loyal stock. The dogs worked at hunting bear and and intelligent, they are quick to love and quick to learn. They are protective of the family, the home, and raccoon in the Appalachian, Blue Ridge, and Great the property–an excellent watchdog. They are loyal to Smoky Mountains of the eastern United States. the family and somewhat wary of strangers; however, they are also affectionate enough to be friendly and A neighbor of the Plott family, G.P. Ferguson, was quickly warm-up to others in your social circle. They influential in adding to the Plott breed. He made do well in homes with children, although they’re best a careful study of the Blevins and Cable hounds of suited to living with older children who understand that era. No one knows to what extent they used how to interact with dogs. It is important to keep these bloodlines in the Plott breeding program. them on a leash when going for walks, because their They carefully crossed the breed, looking for traits great scenting talent may cause them to wander off, to make the Plotts stronger and more persistent. following an interesting smell. They do have the The result was excellent pack hunters, additional distinctive hound bark some neighbors may not scenting talent, as well as the black-saddled brindle appreciate – woof-woof-howl. pattern.
The Plott is bright, kind, confident, and courageous.
Good with Kids: a suitable breed for kids – playful, energetic, and affectionate.
Minimal Shedding: sheds a negligible amount.
Great Watchdog: will bark and alert you when an intruder is present, exhibits protective behavior, acts fearless toward any aggressor, and will do what it takes to guard and protect the family.
May 2016
Low Maintenance: Grooming is only necessary once in a while to maintain upkeep. No trimming or stripping needed.
Easy to Train: inclined to listen to commands and requires fewer repetitions to obey specific instructions, pleasing owners who like to see quick results. Fairly Active: needs regular exercise to maintain fitness – think trips to the dog park and lots of walks.
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Plotts do well in homes with multiple dogs and even multiple pets, including cats, if they are introduced at a young age. They are a pack dog and enjoy the comforts and companionship that living in a pack offers. They generally have an even disposition, and given a fenced yard and plenty of exercise – an hour a day, or broken up into two or three walks or playtimes throughout the day – they are quite happy being one of the family.
Considering A Plott Hound?
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Pets In The City Magazine
The Plott is a hunting dog that specializes in big game and whatever you want him to do – guarding, hunting, and/ or tracking. They proved to be very effective in the search for coyotes, wolves, wildcats, and even mountain lions. They are intelligent, alert and confident – noted for endurance, agility, determination, and aggressiveness. Combining their courage with athletic ability, they have the endurance and stamina to work all day and well into the night.
Adaptability: needs regular exercise and is best with a small to average-size yard and is able to handle most types of hot and cold weather.
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EXPERT ADVICE
Cats and Heartworm Disease
Rachel Walton, DVM Heartworm disease is best known for infecting dogs, but it can be a problem for cats too. As in dogs, heartworms are transmitted by feeding mosquitoes. Heartworm larvae mature in the pet’s body and migrate to the right side of the heart and the large vessels of the lungs. While there are some similarities between dogs and cats, there are also many important differences.
ALL ABOUT FELINE HEARTWORMS Infection rates in cats are lower than in dogs, but the disease may be more common than previously estimated. Studies have shown that up to 10 – 14 percent of shelter cats are infected. Because mosquitoes transmit the disease, being an indoor only cat does not prevent a cat from getting infected. For cats, the likelihood of infection is directly related to the number of infected dogs in the area.
HOW IS HEARTWORM DISEASE DIAGNOSED? Diagnosing heartworm in cats can be challenging. In dogs, a blood sample is tested for proteins that can only be found in the body of the adult female heartworm. In cats, adult female worms are not always present, so this test has limited value. A combination of a physical exam, blood tests, x-rays, and an ultrasound of the heart may all be needed to determine whether or not a cat has been infected with heartworms.
IS FELINE HEARTWORM TREATABLE?
May 2016
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Pets In The City Magazine
Unfortunately, there is no approved drug therapy for eliminating adult heartworms from infected cats. The medication used to treat the disease in dogs is not safe for cats. Nevertheless, cats with heartworm disease can still be helped with good veterinary care. The symptoms of the disease can be managed using anti-inflammatory medications. Severe cases may need supportive care in the hospital. Some infections can resolve on their own Cats are not a natural host for heartworm, which means that very few worms as the cat’s immune system kills the worms; however, these cats can still be are able to develop to adults. A dog can have 50 or more worms when left with lasting respiratory system damage requiring management. Because infected; cats typically have less than six worms. But because the feline heart there is not a safe or effective treatment, prevention is the best strategy. is so small, even a single worm can cause major problems. While it is the same parasite in both species, feline heartworms are smaller in size and have Multiple types of heartworm preventatives are available for cats. These a shorter life span than canine heartworms. In cats, heartworm disease is a medications are safe and effective and come in both spot-on and pill form. result of the inflammation caused by the worms. For this reason, cats can Preventatives work by eliminating the larval stages of the heartworm have the disease in the absence of adult heartworms. Even the small larvae parasite and are given once a month. It is important not to give your cat the can create enough inflammation to wreak havoc for a cat, while in dogs, the same medicine your dog gets, as their needs are different. Talk with your disease is mostly a result of the physical obstruction of blood flow through veterinarian about your cat’s risk of heartworm disease and other parasites the heart and lungs by the presence of the worms. and the type of prevention that is best for your situation. Many heartworm medications have the added benefit of preventing other parasites, including WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? fleas, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites.
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Heartworm disease in cats is primarily a respiratory disease. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, lethargy, weight loss, or vomiting. The disease is often misdiagnosed as feline asthma, because the symptoms can be similar. Some cats have few or mild symptoms, while others have severe signs or even sudden death.
Rachel Walton is a small animal veterinarian at University Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Center in Salt Lake City. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from Colorado State University in 2007. She is the owner of 3 cats and 1 dog, 2 human children, and 1 husband.
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EXPERT ADVICE
The African Pygmy Hedgehog a great exotic pet for teens
Neil Moss, DVM
Hedgehogs made a reappearance in Utah in the last few years and make cute pets. Naturally solitary and nocturnal, they are a low maintenance pet and are ideal for your teenager allowing for the fact that they are not cuddly!
Pets In The City Magazine
They originate from Central Africa and grow to about five to seven inches long, are covered in numerous spines which average ¼” to ¾” long. They will roll up in a ball if threatened and hiss and jump, which makes a formidable challenge for the veterinarian when they have to go to the vet! They are loyal to their human and can only recognize their handler by smell because their eyesight is quite poor.
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Being opportunistic omnivores they will eat insects, small snakes, amphibians, bird eggs, snails, worms, fruit, and grass roots. They
require a diet high in protein, low in fat, and must also consume chitin, found only in the exoskeletons of insects. At home you can feed an insectivore diet (which supplies the chitin), supplemented with fruit, hard boiled eggs, vegetables, and mealworms. The low fat part of the diet is important because a lot of pet hedgehogs become obese. The reason for the obesity problem is that in the wild they can travel miles every night just looking for food, whereas in a home they may be stuck in their cages for weeks or months on end without exercising. For this reason their calorie intake should be carefully regulated.
no known effective treatment, but there are many supplemental medications that may help extend the life of your hedgehog. It is a nonpainful condition and life is only limited by the ability to forage.
What are some common problems seen in hedgehogs?
In conclusion, hedgehogs are fun to own and very loyal to their keepers. Keep the calories down and the protein up and play with them often. A yearly visit to the vet will help detect problems early and keep your prickly friend healthy for years.
I have already mentioned obesity. The second most common condition I see is mites. They become exposed to mites soon after birth by being infected from their mother. It can take years for the infestation to reach the point where they are itchy, sleep deprived and loosing quills. Mites are diagnosed microscopically and will be best treated using Ivermectin (although this may need to be used with caution). Sometimes as they age they become very unsteady on their legs, which most often starts in the back end. Wobbly hedgehog syndrome is a neurological condition that is a form of creeping paralysis. Sadly there is
Sadly, hedgehogs are very prone to cancer especially as they age. Any visible swelling should be assessed by the veterinarian. Remember that not all swellings are cancer and often they can be treated effectively. Cancer of the bladder may lead to blood in the urine. This is another symptom that should be investigated early on.
Dr. Neil Moss graduated from the Royal Veterinary College, London, and has worked in England; Newfoundland, Canada and Utah. Owner of the Kaysville Veterinary Hospital, he works with dogs, cats, exotic mammals, reptiles and birds. He is a former President of the Utah Veterinary Medical Association; Utah Veterinarian of the Year for 2012; serves on the Educational Commission for Foreign Veterinary Graduates and currently serves as the Utah delegate to the American Veterinary Medical Association.
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n o s t e t S
Tonya Landon
Q. I have two dogs who have never been around cats. My kids want to adopt a kitten, but I am unsure how to introduce the kitten to the dogs. – Janet A. Oh boy, I love cats! I get my feelings hurt when one doesn’t want to be my friend. Remember that a slow introduction over a few days to a few weeks is better than a fast introduction that goes wrong and the kitten gets hurt or becomes terrified of your dogs. Home Base. Set up a home base area in a bathroom or a room with a door for the kitten. Include the kitten’s food and water, a bed or blanket, toys, scratching post and a litterbox. Keep the kitten in her home base for a day or more until she adjusts to her new home. Once the kitten is calm, she should only be let out when she can be supervised. Place a baby gate up if your dogs harass the kitten under the door.
After the kitten and dogs seem fine through the baby gate, you can introduce them elsewhere in the house. Either crate or leash your dogs and allow the kitten to explore supervised. Never force the kitten to say hello to your dogs. Once the kitten is calm and the dogs are fine with her, you can have the dogs and the kitten in the same room off leash/out of the crate but supervised. Reward calm non-aggressive behavior from your dogs towards your kitten. During these times, it is important the kitten has an escape route to get away from the dogs if she feels like she needs to. Placing a tall cat condo in the room is a great way for her to get to higher ground if she feels threatened, or use a baby gate. Place the baby gate just high enough off the ground so the kitten can get under it but the dogs can’t.
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Until you are sure the dogs won’t hurt the kitten it is important to allow them together supervised only. If you have to be gone for a few hours put the kitten back in its home base with the door closed. Slow and steady will win this race of dogs getting along with cats. 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.
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Pets In The City Magazine
Baby Gate. Once your kitten has calmed down, open the door and install a baby gate. Leash up one dog at a time and take it to the baby gate. Praise calm behavior towards the kitten from each dog. If the dog or kitten becomes aggressive or frightened, end the introduction and try again in a few hours. When the introduction is over make sure to close the door.
If you have questions for Stetson, please send them to askstetson@gmail.com.
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RESCUES FIND NATIONAL RECOGNITION IN DOCK DIVING Cassie Swift and Kim Justen Two years ago, we met Team Hawaiian Chaos, a family who trains and competes with dock diving dogs. At the time, they’d just found out Kona had been invited to the Extreme Vertical Top Gun competition, an invitation he turned down because he was training for the Iron Dog. Today, Cassie, Ryan and Gabe Swift continue to train their family of dogs. While you might think water dogs take to the sport naturally, that’s not always the case. Nor does your dog have to be a traditional water breed to compete. With basic dock diving, a dog sits somewhere on a 40-foot dock. His trainer throws a toy into the air, over a body of water, and the dog jumps to get it. In the Big Air® class, dogs are aiming for the longest jump (measured using video equipment); in Extreme Vertical™, the dog is doing the high jump, and in Speed Retrieve™, the dog is timed on how long it takes him to jump off the dock and remove a toy from a clamp suspended slightly over the water.
Pets In The City Magazine
It takes trust for a dog to jump into an unknown body of water, especially when he’s being trained to jump as far (or as high) as he can. It takes time and commitment to train the dogs. And a lot of trust.
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Team Hawaiian Chaos is in their fifth season of dock diving and during that time, they’ve had some great accomplishments. “We’ve been invited and competed at the DockDogs® World Championships four years in a row,”
says team captain, Cassie Swift. “And we’re hoping for invites again this season. We’ve also been invited and competed at the Splash Dogs National Championships two years in a row and are hoping to earn an invite again this year.” Perhaps the most amazing part of the Team Hawaiian Chaos story is that three of their six dogs are rescues. Maleki, Kona, Luna, Maui, Bear and Midnight make up the team, with four of them actively competing. Anyone who’s ever rescued a dog knows there are trust issues from the get go. After all, these dogs have had a hard life already, whether it’s because an owner died and they ended up at a shelter or because they’ve lived a portion of their lives on the streets. “Bear was a rescue who wanted nothing to do with the water,” Swift says. “Ryan and I never gave up on him; we also never pushed him and let him work at his own pace.” Bear is now 11 years old, and the once water-hating dog has been to the World Championship and National Championship. He is a great example of why you never give up. Luna is a rescue who will probably never be a dock diver, but she still comes to events and helps the team raise money for their favorite charities: Chase Away K9 Cancer, Kiters 4 Communities and Ruff Patch Rescue. Maui is a rescue from Ruff Patch Rescue which is how the team became involved
with helping them. Ruff Patch saved Maui, and then Cassie found her on their site and fell in love. They took her to her first event where she jumped right in, and that’s when they realized she’s probably the craziest dog of the team. The dog once left behind has been to the World Championship and National Championship with the team and has done well. Kona (not a rescue) was the original team member and has made finals at the DockDogs® World Championship four years running, and in 2013 became the DockDogs® Iron Dog Warrior World Champion. In 2014, he jumped to second place in Iron Dog Titan and this past November he competed with the best dogs in the world to finish sixth in the Iron Dog Spartan finals. He comes from humble dock diving beginnings. “In his first event, he only jumped nine feet, but we didn’t give up,” says Swift. “We started to travel and had a lot of fun while learning the sport. We were all hooked, and the team’s just grown from there!” In October, Maleki became the Splash Dogs Junior Champion at the Splash Dogs National Event. He’s the youngest member of the team, still learning his sport and holds a national title and received an invitation to compete at the World Championship this year. Interested in seeing dock diving in action? Think it’s something you might want to try with your dog? Come check out the upcoming local event, held at The Maverik Center, May 20 – 21. Visit
dockdogs.com for more information about the sport and the event, and Swift welcomes your questions if you reach out to the team at teamhawaiianchaos@ gmail.com, or check them out at http:// teamhawaiianchaos.weebly.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ teamhawaiianchaos. “We love to answer questions and help people get into the sport.”
How high can a dock diving dog jump? Here are the personal bests for the dogs who make up Team Hawaiian Chaos.
Bear • Big Air: 12ʼ 9" • Speed Retrieve: 15.802 sec Kona • Big Air: 26ʼ 11" • Extreme Vertical: 6ʼ 10" • Speed Retrieve: 5.982 sec • Iron Dog: 3015.04 Maui • Big Air: 20ʼ 7" • Extreme Vertical: 5ʼ 4" • Speed Retrieve: 8.285 sec. • Iron Dog: 2622.32 Maleki • Big Air: 17ʼ7" • Extreme Vertical: 5ʼ 4"
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Everything’s Coming Up Kittens at Best Friends’ Kitten Nursery Temma Martin Best Friends Animal Society’s Kitten Nursery is up and purring for its third season, with the goal of saving 1,500 baby kittens in the coming months. As adorable as that sounds, this time of year is proof there really can be too much of a cute thing. There are many ways our community can participate and help save this year’s kittens. In 2015, more than 1,400 kittens were saved by Best Friends’ kitten nursery, thanks to hundreds of wonderful volunteers and the kitten nursery staff.
Pets In The City Magazine
Among the most at-risk animals entering local shelters today are newborn kittens, sometimes called “bottle babies.”
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Unfortunately, without additional support, newborn kittens are the animals most likely to be killed in shelters. Municipal shelters do not have the staff, facilities, volunteers and other resources required to offer around the clock care orphaned kittens require. To help save these little lives, Best Friends’ Kitten Nursery is open nine months of the year to provide a safe haven until these kittens are old enough to be adopted.
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Once the kittens reach two pounds or two months and can be spayed or neutered, kittens are highly adoptable and find homes quickly through the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Sugar House, at 1100 E. 2005 S.
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During kitten season — March through November in Utah — a dedicated team of staff
and volunteers at the kitten nursery take care of more than a thousand fragile orphaned kittens, as well as nursing mothers and their litters. Because orphaned baby kittens are very fragile and need lots of love and care, the facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Volunteers work in two-hour shifts and are responsible for bottle-feeding, cage cleaning, socializing kittens, preparing food, laundry and general cleaning.
McMillan explained that with the duration of pregnancy being approximately two months, kittens are born in large numbers around the beginning of summer, with large influxes of young kittens into shelters between May and July.
“Kitten season is the most vivid lesson as to why spaying and neutering pet animals is so important, and just what the consequences can be when this isn’t done,” Dr. McMillan said. Best Friends – Utah requests pet parents take advantage of the free and low-cost spay/neuter programs that Best Friends Animal Society — Utah has available at bestfriendsutah.org. Sometimes it’s the little things that have a big impact on our effort to make Utah a no-kill state by 2019.
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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 no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters.
May 2016
The kittens come to the nursery from South Salt Lake Animal Services, West Valley Animal Services, West Jordan Animal Services, Murray City Animal Services, Sandy Animal Services, Davis County Animal Care and Control, and Salt Lake County Animal Services. As much as staff would like to help, the nursery cannot accept kittens from the public because the Best
There are many ways to get involved and help the kittens. Hundreds of volunteers are needed each season to help the kittens. Foster homes are needed for kitten nursery graduates who are old enough to eat independently, but not quite big enough to be spayed or neutered before adoption. Donations of supplies are also welcome, and the kittens appreciate items such as blankets, toys, formula and bottles.
Pets In The City Magazine
“Kitten season is, as the name implies, the time of year when unspayed female cats have most of their kittens,” said Dr. Frank McMillan, DVM, director of wellbeing studies for Best Friends Animal Society. “The reproductive cycle in the cat typically aligns with seasonal changes, and female cats will begin to come into heat — when they become receptive to mating with males — when daylight hours become longer.”
Friends facility is solely a support resource for the organization’s shelter partners.
~RESCUE ME~ AXEL
Male / 10 Years Old / Black Lab Mix I had a mass growing on my abdomen that was 8 pounds. It was not cancer, just a fatty mass. I love to run, hike, play and sleep on the bed. I have some other masses (just need to watch them) and an enlarged heart, but I still have some nice years ahead of me. Contact CAWS at 801-328-4731.
TRUFFLES
Female / 5 Years Old / Pit Bull I love cuddles, walks, treats, laying around and I adore people. I’m house broken, and can be trusted in a room alone. I do well with dogs my size or bigger. No cats or smaller dogs. I will need to be on pain meds for my hips. For more information, contact CAWS at 801-328-4731.
Pets In The City Magazine |
Male / 6 Years Old / Black and White Domestic Longhair I’m a friendly cat who recently returned to Nuzzles & Co after my owners moved into a home where they couldn’t have pets. I enjoy naps, catnip, and snuggling with my people. I need a loving home that will be my forever home. Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441 for information!
ALASTOR
CHARLOTTE
CHARLIE DAY
May 2016
BUGSY
MOSES
Male / 2 Years Old / Labrador Mix I’m good with other dogs and good with cats, house trained and sweet as can be! I love my people and have some mild separation anxiety, but would do well with training. If you’d like to meet me, apply today at rescuerovers.org.
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Female| 2 Years Old | Schnauzer Terrier Mix I’m medium sized, so I’ll be able to keep up with hikes or jogs. I would do best with an active lifestyle. I am refining my potty training and will need some reinforcement. I am crate trained. I get along well with dogs of all sizes and I just want to play! Please apply for my adoption at rescuerovers.org.
MICHELLE & THERESA
Female / Domestic Shorthair We’re sisters and we must be adopted together because we are so bonded. We are good with kids and getting used to dogs. We’re very chatty, affectionate girls and like human attention, sleeping on the bed, and getting canned food treats. For more information, contact CAWS at 801-328-4731.
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Lavender Brown
Male / 1 Year Old / Rottweiler Dane Mix I’m still patiently waiting for the right home full of love and energy. I recently had ACL reconstruction surgery and will need to follow my rehab plan for next few weeks/months. I am a great snuggler and I am well behaved around kids. If you’d like to meet me, apply today at rescuerovers.org.
ENYA
Female / Mixed Breed I am crate and potty trained. I can be a bit timid at first, but I warm up quickly and I fall in love with my people. I do well with dogs as long as they are medium in size, or larger. You should also know that it’s probably best I’m not in a home with cats. Apply today at rescuerovers.org.
HAYDEE
Female / 1 Year Old / Collie Shepherd Mix At the park I have boundless energy, but at home I’m not hyper and love to chill with my people. I am a smart girl who’s eager to please! With the use of a dog door, I’ve never had an accident inside! If you think your home could be a good fit, apply to meet me today at rescuerovers.org
Lady Catherine de Burg
Female| 2 Years Old | Mixed Breed I am really well behved and good with other dogs. I know basic commands, and walk nicely on leash. I would do best with another mellow dog. Are you the family for me? Apply to meet me at rescuerovers.org.
Male / 5 Years Old / Black Domestic Longhair I’m an outgoing cat who loves attention and being near people. I have a bit of a limp, but that doesn’t slow me down. I would be a wonderful addition to any family. Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441 for more information!
Female / 3 Years Old / Orange Tabby Domestic Shorthair I’m a mellow and sweet girl looking for a peaceful forever home where I can relax with my family. I was very shy when I first arrived, but now that I’m comfortable, my wonderful personality shines through! Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-6081424 for more information!
ASTRO
Male / 1 1/2 Years Old / Brown and White Hound Mix I’m a silly and playful boy who is full of youthful energy. I’m a very smart dog, and am eager to please. I would be very happy with an active family who loves to go for hikes and play outside. Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-608-1424.
LILY
Female / 2 Years Old / Brindle and White Pit Bull Terrier I’m a beautiful dog with a calm and sweet demeanor. I do well with most dogs and even seem to enjoy the company of cats. I’m a smart girl who loves being outside and spending time with people. Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-608-1424 for more information!
LADY
Female / 5 Years Old / Orange and White Pit Bull Terrier I’m an affectionate and happy girl who loves people. I’m up for pretty much anything – playing outside, going for hikes, snuggling – as long as it means I’m spending time with you! I deserve a loving family and a wonderful forever home. Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-608-1424 for more information!
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CREATING a PET-FRIENDLY Vacation with a unique retreat
LET
’S
GO!
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April A. Northstrom
or animal lovers, some of the greatest vacation memories are made when traveling with their furry companions. Road trips, scenic hikes, open waters, the wind in your face – all great adventures when your animal best friend is your copilot. However, finding lodging along the way can prove challenging and sometimes expensive. Bed and breakfasts are a popular choice when your pet joins you on a road trip. They typically have more personal amenities and can make accommodations for dogs and cats alike. Not to mention the comfort of feeling like home and usually happy proprietors who welcome fuzzy paws into their living quarters – if you can find one.
Pets In The City Magazine
Places like California and Arizona are catering to this particular tourist population. Boasting more than 70 qualified pet-friendly bed and breakfast inns and boutiques, the California Association of Boutique and Breakfast Inns lists accommodations by location and provides a description of the amenities and a link to online reservations. While we have a ways to go before we’re on par with these states, Utah is seeing an increase of petfriendly bed and breakfasts, especially in tourist areas.
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Moab and Grand County have a high number of pet-friendly lodging sites, so tourists who want to enjoy the red rock scenery and Colorado River areas can do so with their animal companions in tow. Some local B&Bs also provide a “doggy welcome bag” with a separate dog towel, treats and waste bags. Moab itself is dog-friendly with several local pet supply stores, an offleash dog park and leash hooks throughout town – a perfect place to start for those who want to take a summer road trip with Fido.
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However, even making specialized reservations for vacation travel with pets can be time-consuming, costly and not as easy as it sounds. Many pet-friendly hotels and motels have policies that won’t allow animals on the furniture, on the beds or to use the linens – a lot of work for families with big dogs. Noise, distractions and a change in routine can be stressful for the best dog traveler and should be taken into consideration with finding a place to stay.
If you are really looking for some quality bonding time with your pooch, a dog-friendly retreat might just be the thing for you. Camps and retreats that include you and your pet are an ideal place to socialize with your dog and meet other animal lovers. The popularity of “summer camps” for you and your dog is growing across the United States. Camps are typically designed by experts with specific training knowledge or veterinary know-how. Retreats or camps for you and your pooch can have a vacation feel with lots of relaxation time and informal interaction. Other camps have a specific focus on training proficiency such as obedience or agility skills or offer true vacation activities like “Barko Polo” and “Pawlates.” Most camps last about a week, but some offer extended weekend sessions or holiday specials. Nestled in the picturesque landscape of Vermont, Camp Gone to the Dogs, offers dogs and their human companions an inclusive vacation spot and itinerary that includes dog-focused training sessions, exercise activities and custom menu choices (all you can eat for everyone) along with guided hikes and leash making crafts. Cost is approximately $1,200-$1,600 for a one week stay for one dog and their companion. Closer to home, Camp Winnaribbun in Tahoe, Nevada, gives campers a variety of activity options such as agility training, herding, lure coursing, homeopathy, and first aid. Not unlike your childhood summer camp, they also offer games, crafts, photo sessions and everyone’s favorite – storytelling. Dogs and their humans will have the full camp experience for less than $1,000 per week. Bonding between dogs and their human companions is essential to establish trust, boundaries and a sense of security. Vacationing with your dog instead of away from them will no doubt create important memories and great stories to bring home. There is something for everyone in this niche retreat market, but registration fills up fast – don’t miss your chance for a vacation unlike any other!
IT’S SUMMER TIME IN THE CITY Patio Fun with your companion animals! We need your help to find Pet friendly restaurants and coffee shops in town! Please post your information on the Pets in the City Magazine Facebook page.
The New Aarf House
May 2016 |
New Veterinary clinic in Kaysville! Dr. Moss, owner of the new facility, will be writing for Pets in the City Magazine on a quarterly basis. We appreciate his contribution in this May issue.
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Kaysville Veterinary Clinic
Pets In The City Magazine
Aarf Pet Care – Salt Lake’s premier pet sitting and dog walking service – is excited to announce the grand opening of its new “doggy B & B”, Aarf House! Aarf House offers unique “homestyle” dog lodging for friendly and well-socialized dogs. Canine guests at Aarf House will never be caged, crated, or kenneled. Instead, these lucky dogs will have full access to the entire house and large, fully fenced yard under round-the-clock supervision and care by Aarf ’s friendly and professional staff. Better yet, as part of the daily rate guests receive VIP “taxi service” to and from Aarf House, and other amenities available include a daily dog hike. Summer vacation is around the corner — hurry and reserve your dog’s spot before it’s gone!
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Chameleons: Crazy Eyes, Extensive Tongue and Rainbow of Colors
Photo Credit: Sean Kite
Lance Weeks
These old world lizards, all 160 species and counting, are one of the
Pets In The City Magazine
most misunderstood, yet amazing reptile species on the planet. Primarily found on the island of Madagascar, but also Asia, Africa and even the United States, their habitats range from tropical rain forests to west African deserts. They are a magnificent example of a species evolving to acclimate to their surroundings. Some of the more common names are veiled, panther (numerous types), Jackson’s (three horned), Parson’s (largest), Meller’s, and pygmy leaf. And many more are available to own and enjoy as household pets. However, only a few should be considered for pets, as most require specialized habitats or do not take to captivity well. The life expectancy ranges from three years to over 10 years in captivity, depending on the species and your commitment to meeting their needs. These wonderful creatures have personalities varying from quite shy to very personable. Those shy traits can be altered with proper time spent allowing your chameleon to trust you, using slow movements, quiet conversation and hand feeding.
setup, they can and will provide you with many hours and years of visual excitement and interaction. Placement of the cage in your home and type of cage are crucial to providing your chameleon with an environment best suited for each species. Due to the wide variety of chameleons needs, always obtain a care sheet which is specific for your pet and talk to a knowledgeable reptile specialist about the best addition to your family. Every chameleon wants plenty of foliage for security, a basking branch to thermoregulate, and a variety of food items supplemented with calcium and a quality multivitamin. A water source for humidity and hydration is a must. All chameleons, except the pygmy leaf require a screened cage habitat; without air movement they can develop respiratory problems. Veiled chameleons are the only species that eat plant matter. To best enjoy your new pet chameleon, take your time from a far to observe it, allowing her to learn that you are not a danger at the same time.
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Their independent eye movement allows them to see 360 degrees around their body, while their sticky, long tongue gives them the ability to land a lick on the most unsuspecting food items. Their color speaks volumes as to their mood, temperature, humidity and surroundings. They are solitary lizards and only do well without the stress of a cage mate as adults. The rocking motion that comes with their slow yet deliberate travel is designed to mimic leaf motion in a breeze.
Photo Credit: Sean Kite
We do not recommend
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chameleons as your first reptile experience. Depending on the species, they have a wide range of specific habitat needs. They can be a little temperamental, but with correct information and habitat
Photo Credit: Lance Weeks
Lance Weeks is the owner of Living Safari, a pet store in Sandy, UT that specializes in exotics. The store has a nocturnal room where you can see some of their nocturnal animals in a moonlit environment. Kahuna, his veiled chameleon, greets visitors at the door.
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Animals In The News Mona Mistric
THE HUMANE SOCIETY OF UTAH IS OFFERING A $3,000 REWARD Last month, Blackjack, a four-year-old black domestic shorthair cat, was shot in the face. He was found by family members, Lee and Carole Johnson, and rushed to the Utah Veterinary Center in Midvale, where they were able to save Blackjack’s life and insert a metal plate into his jaw bone. The Humane Society of Utah is offering a $3,000 reward for information assisting the Weber County Sheriff ’s Office in the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for this act of animal cruelty. If you have information about this shooting, please contact the Weber County Sheriff ’s Office at 801-6298221 or John Fox, HSU chief investigator, at 801261-2919 ext. 210. FIVE TIPS TO HELP KITTENS BY ALLEY CAT ALLIES
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Pets In The City Magazine
You come across a kitten outdoors and wonder what to do. Should I bring her home or leave her where she is? Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
Tip #1: Leave kittens with mom. Neonatal kittens, four weeks old or younger, need around the clock attention and depend on mom for 100 percent of their care. Kittens five to eight weeks old can begin to eat wet food but are still being weaned. If the mother is present, leave kittens with her. If the mother isn’t present, wait and observe up to four hours to see if she returns. She could just be out looking for food. If she doesn’t return, the kittens could be abandoned and should be taken in and fostered. Tip #2: Don’t bring neonatal kittens to animal shelters. Most shelters are not equipped or trained to provide the round-the-clock care necessary for neonatal kittens. It’s never a good idea to take any cat to a shelter, no matter the age or level of socialization, as nationally, more than 70 percent of them are killed. That number rises to virtually 100 percent for feral cats. Tip #3: Volunteer as a kitten foster parent. There are kitten foster parent programs across the country. Though it is an investment of time and requires training, volunteering to foster young kittens is lifesaving and rewarding. Tip #4: Support and practice Trap-NeuterReturn (TNR). In a TNR program, community cats are humanely trapped and brought to a veterinarian to be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and ear tipped (the universal symbol that a cat has been neutered and vaccinated) and then returned to their outdoor homes. Since cats as young as four months can have litters, spaying and neutering community cats prevents new litters. Apply the 2 Pound Spay/Neuter Rule – kittens can be safely spayed or neutered at two months of age or as soon as they weigh two pounds. Tip #5: Advocate for policies and programs that protect cats.
Support lifesaving policies for cats by letting your local shelter and public officials know that you approve of spay and neuter funding before adoption. Alley Cat Allies’ website is www.alleycat.org , and they are active on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube. CLONE YOUR PET After Jennifer Graham’s beloved Great Dane, Rufus, passed away, she missed cuddling with him. She decided to create a stuffed animal of Rufus and Cuddle Clones, Inc. was born. Graham feels the clone helped her with the grieving process and it can help others too. They clone all sorts of pets – such as cats, dogs, parrots, and hamsters – using life-like materials to match the original pet. If you would like a stuffed animal look-a-like of your pet, go to their website and submit a photo and fill out the questionnaire concerning details of eye color, ear positioning, and tail direction. By the way, a portion of the purchase price goes to support pet-related causes. http://www.cuddleclones.com/ RABBIT EDUCATION If you missed the Humane Society of Utah’s Rabbit Education Day Saturday, March 12, here are some pointers: • Rabbits are affectionate, intelligent, quiet companions that make good house pets. • Rabbits can live 8 - 12 years with the proper care and diet. • Make sure to get them spayed or neutered. • Rabbit teeth and nails grow continually and require trimming. • Bunny-proof a room before allowing a rabbit to run around because they chew on items like electrical cords and wood. • Rabbits may be trained to use a litter box. • Bunnies need regular affection and attention from their owners. If you would like to learn more and see a list of available rabbits in HSU’s Bunny Bungalows, visit http://www.utahhumane.org.
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Unusual (and wonderful) Parrot Habitats Chase Kimball The editors asked me to write about a beautiful home habitat for parrots, and as soon as I heard their suggestion I knew who I would write about; my friend “Emily” and her dozens of parrots. She has more pet parrots than any other private citizen I know. I have known Emily for 20 years, starting when she lived in Salt Lake City and continuing through today. Because Emily’s collection is so valuable and contains so many rare birds, she is extremely private about it. She doesn’t want me to mention her first or last name or current city. Even photographs of her facility make her nervous because her flock of parrots is worth well into the six figures, and she treats them accordingly.
Pets In The City Magazine
She built an addition on her current home specifically for the birds. It is a custom aviary, about 450 square feet, two stories tall, with a tiled floor, freezer, sink, dishwasher, storage, and microwave, all for use with her birds. The aviary is filled with double-decker cages. Additionally, she has special “natural” lighting to simulate sunlight for the health of her flock.
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Emily also has an adjacent outdoor patio with several large cages. She has learned which birds get along, and every morning after breakfast, weather permitting, she spends upwards of an hour moving her birds from their indoor aviary to one of the large outdoor cages, carefully ensuring only birds who are compatible are housed together. Not all birds want to go out, so those preferring to stay inside get to fly loose indoors. Towards dinnertime, the process is reversed, and all the birds come back inside. Those that play well are allowed out loose in the aviary for the evening the others return to their cages.
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Some birds share cages if they want. A Derbyan Parakeet is housed with an Amazon. They are really fond of one another, and are an example of birds that are caged
together. But it’s up to the birds to prove this is what they want. She also has a same-sexed pair of cockatoos, a Goffin’s and an umbrella, living together in one cage where they get along famously. Additionally, she has a male greenwinged macaw and a female red-fronted macaw that live together in the same cage when they are not bickering. Sometimes Emily has to separate them when they indicate they have had enough of one another. But even when they are separated, they insist upon going outside together in the same cage. I asked Emily what attracted her to birds in the first place, and especially why she ended up with so many and was so willing to spend large sums of money on their care. She said she got her first budgie when she was six or seven, and she was always attracted to birds. She started getting really serious about more birds in 1998. Until then, she only had three or four. All her additional birds have come in the last 18 years. Many of the birds were offered to her when people were dying or no longer had time for them. Emily didn’t turn any away, even when she thought she should. I can attest to the fact that once people know you are good with birds they will offer you more; I have been offered upwards of 20 over the past 15 years just because it is known I am good with them. As it became clear her birds couldn’t be
accommodated in her home anymore, Emily decided to build an aviary. She built her first aviary when she still lived in Salt Lake City, an extension onto a detached garage for the 17 birds she had at the time. After she moved to her new city, she bought a house with plenty of setback that would accommodate her planned aviary, and after a few years she built it as her flock expanded. Based on long experience she knew exactly what she wanted, and spared no expense to get the best indoor aviary possible. I have visited Emily in her new home many times, and marvelled at her wonderful aviary. It truly is the best indoor habitat I have seen for a flock of parrots. All parrots should have it as good as Emily’s do.
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Madame Tabu’s Horoscope * *
FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS MAY 2016 Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20) Keep your stubbornness in check this month to avoid unnecessary conflicts with your pet and other loved ones, as Mercury in retrograde can make misunderstandings more intense.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) The full moon in your sign on May 21 may give you and your pet a renewed sense of adventure, so plan your summer vacation to fan the fire.
Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) Unexpected visitors come by this month, so get your home ready by tidying up, and your pet ready with a trip to the groomer.
Cancer (Jun 22 – July 22) Relaxing near the water is something you love, so plan a trip to a lake or river with your pet for the Memorial Day weekend.
This month, rather than taking the lead at work, take a more collaborative approach for better results. And at home, make extra time to spend playing with your pet.
To avoid feeling stuck in your routine, switch things up this month. Take a new walking route with your pet or change up your meal plan.
Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)
Celebrate National Pet Month in May by donating time to your local shelter or rescue, supporting other people’s chance to give animals a good home.
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It’s a good time to use your eye for beautification to help redecorate a room in your home or your pet’s house/habitat.
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
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They say April showers bring May flowers, and seeing those flowers – along with the warmer weather – is what’s making you long to get outside with your pet this month.
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) The influence of Venus in Gemini later this month makes you a bit chattier and more social, so make a pet-friendly picnic or BBQ part of your Memorial Day weekend plans.
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
May 2016
Pets In The City Magazine
Leo (July 23 – Aug 22)
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) Make time to take your pet into the vet for a microchip (or make sure the info on an existing one is up to date), as May is National Chip Your Pet month.
Aries (March 21 – April 19) Use your creative energy to celebrate the mothers of pets and humans in your life for Mother’s Day with a nice brunch or thoughtful gifts.
Madam Tabu’s horoscopes are translated through the human pet psychic Jennafer Martin, www.PetInsightsbyJennafer.com.
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PHOTOS
YOUR PETS IN THE CITY Do you want to share a photo of your pet?
Gene Simmons
Email your highresolution photo & your pet’s name to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com.
Henry Buford Rhett the Rat
Luna
Max
Nollie
Zelda Suri
Pets In The City Magazine
Molly
Tyke, Lily & Boston
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Jona
Petie
Louie
Billy
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