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Pets In The City Magazine
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Calendar of EVENTS NOVEMBER 12 What COMPASSIONATE THANKSGIVING When Doors open at 5 p.m., Dinner at 6 p.m. Where Wasatch Presbyterian, 1626 S. 1700 E., SLC Info See ad on page 21. BrownPaperTickets.com
NOVEMBER 12 What 4th ANNUAL HOWLIDAY BAZAAR When From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where Family Dog Training Cntr. 4048 S. 2700 E., Holladay Info Contact Peg 801.915.3647 peggy@UFBH.org
NOVEMBER 18 What SPAY-GHETTI & NO BALLS When From 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Where Caputo’s 314 W. 300 S., Downtown, SLC Info See ad on page 9.
NOVEMBER 20 What HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS When From 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Where On FOX 13 Television Info Ad on back cover. UtahHumane.org/Hope
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR It all started with a drip.
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GET READY FOR BLACK FRIDAY AND DON’T FORGET SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY! Expert Advice: ALGAE BLOOMS A THREAT TO ANIMALS IN UTAH – Heather McIlvenna, DVM THANKSGIVING SAFETY TIPS / BEST FRIENDS SAYS THANKS – Temma Martin ANIMALS IN THE NEWS – Mona Mistric RESCUE ME ASK STETSON Q & A – Tonya Landon HOW MEETING ONE DOG SAVED MANY OTHERS – Kim Justen and Deborah Myers COURTHOUSE FACILITY DOGS PROVIDE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT – Mona Mistric KEEPING COMMUNITY CATS HEALTHY – Ginny Naylor BEST OFF-LEASH PARKS FOR WINTER FUN – Sarah Tyler MADAME TABU’S PET HOROSCOPE THE INEVITABLE BIRD BITE – Emily Strong, CPBC, CPBT-KA WHY A SHELTER PET IS YOUR BEST BET! – Richard Beamer FAMILY FUN – Halloween Hat Photo Winner – Color the turkey – 2016 Cover Photo Contest YOUR PETS IN THE CITY PHOTOS
Pets In The City Magazine
One drip of water from my sloppy drinking dog, and I’m laid up in bed for weeks with an injured knee. During all that time, the cats wanted nothing to do with me unless it was 6 a.m., in which case they cared nothing about my knee, only about their kibble.
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The dog… I think she felt guilty for dripping water through the house. She stayed with the kids while I was on crutches. She may have feared the crutches (I don’t blame her). Unless it was dinner time. Then, “Hello, mama. Feed me?”
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One thing is clear: my pets know I’m sick. And they’ve taken it upon themselves to be my furry nurses. Since coming home from surgery, my room has not been my own. As I write this, the cats have been banished for a few hours, so Cassie is my sole caretaker. She’s laying on the floor, prepared to do who knows what if I whimper. Get one of my kids, I guess.
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It’s funny how pets stick close when we’re sick, mothering us in their own ways. This Thanksgiving, I’m thankful not just for the prospect of being back on my feet again, pain-free, but also for all the love my furry clan has given me as I recouperate.
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 Temma Martin Heather McIlvenna, DVM Ginny Naylor Emily Strong, CPBC, CPBT-KA GUEST WRITER Richard Beamer COVER PHOTO CREDIT Michelle Bellinger CIRCULATION Deborah Myers, Circulation Manager City Weekly Distribution Smith’s Grocery Store Racks GRAPHIC DESIGNER / SOCIAL MEDIA / WEB MAINTENANCE Michelle Bellinger
SALES & ADVERTISING Sharon Stephenson Deborah Myers 801.702.1171 info@petsinthecitymagazine.com
This week I had surgery. And suddenly there are two cats smashed against me, making sure I don’t roll over in bed onto the bad knee. If I shift in my sleep, they’re there, purring and tucking themselves closer against me, as if they want to make sure I don’t try to get out of bed without help. Cassie, having completely gotten over the fact that she caused this mess, comes up to the bed once an hour and noses my hand away from the book I’ve fallen asleep reading. I don’t know if she’s checking for a pulse or a half-eaten tidbit.
PUBLISHER PICM Publishing, LLC
www.petsinthecitymagazine.com
Pets in the City strives to provide accurate information in all our articles. Unfortunately, sometimes we make mistakes. In the October Animals in the News article, we said the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah rescued Phoenix, on July 12, 2012. He was actually rescued on July 4, 2012. Also Phoenix was found to be nonreleasable because of his burns from the fire. This is the only reason Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Northern Utah petitioned to keep Phoenix.
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.
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Pets In The City Magazine
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Algae Blooms a THREAT TO ANIMALS in Utah Heather McIlvenna, DVM
Pets In The City Magazine
he hot and dry Utah summer this year has produced a new type of danger lurking in our local lakes that can be potentially fatal to our pets. You may have seen news coverage about a blue-green algae overgrowth occurring along the shores of Utah Lake, as well as the Jordan River. This blue-green algae is also known as cyanobacteria and is an algae overgrowth that turns fresh water bluish green in color, and may produce toxins harmful to pets and even people. The bloom of this algae typically occurs in hot weather with steady winds that concentrate the algae on the shoreline. Increased fertilizer from local runoff has also been shown to increase the risk of this bloom occurring. In late August, the Department of Environmental Quality in Utah issued danger warnings for several areas around Utah Lake and along some shores of the Jordan River.
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Not all blue-green algae blooms produce toxic substances, but there are two types of toxins that can be produced which can be fatal to our pets. It is impossible to tell just by looking at the water whether a bloom is toxic or not, so all bluish green and still water should be considered toxic until further testing has been performed. The two toxic substances produced are: • Microcystins which can be harmful to an animal’s liver, and • Anatoxins which can cause severe damage to the nervous system.
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These toxins enter into the system after an animal swims in –
and drinks – the contaminated water, or licks the water off of her body after leaving the water. The main threat to our pets is to our dogs; the risk to cats remains unknown, in general because most cats tend to avoid swimming. It is not just large bodies of water that can be affected with these toxins. These blooms can occur even in backyard ponds and stagnant smaller bodies of water. The clinical signs associated with these toxins occur within hours of swimming in a lake or pond, and vary depending on the type of toxin (either microcystins or anatoxin). They can include: vomiting, weakness, pale mucous membranes and possible muscle tremors or seizures. If you suspect your pet has been exposed to these toxins, it is important to seek medical treatment immediately, as these are very rapidly progressing toxins that become fatal within hours of exposure. Unfortunately, treatment is limited due to the rapid onset of signs, and early intervention with aggressive supportive care is necessary. The best course of action is prevention. If you have any suspicion about a local pond, fence the area off if possible, and keep your dog out of the water. You can also get updated reports regarding local blue green algae blooms from the Utah Department of Environmental Quality.
Dr. Heather McIlvenna, an associate veterinarian at University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center, specializes in geriatric care and pain management, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and behavior. A native of Hawaii, she is an avid canyoneer and rock climber. She loves gardening and hiking and snowshoeing with her dog, Marigold.
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Photos: Best Friends Animal Society
Thanksgiving Safety Tips Temma Martin
their four-footed family members, they should plan ahead and have delicious dog and cat treats on hand, like canned pet food, a tasty pet treat or a fun toy.
Thanksgiving is generally a wonderful time for friends and family, but it’s There are also many great recipes online for homemade also a time to take special precautions to protect our pets. Those soulful eyes dog and cat treats that are fun to make and extra special may tempt pet owners to give in to their begging critters, but sharing the for our pets. fabulous feast can lead to trouble for pets. To make this a happy holiday for all, here are a few things to keep in mind:
Pets In The City Magazine
A final note to consider is that many common decorative plants and flowers can be toxic for curious cats and dogs, so before buying plants Too much rich, fatty food, or simply new, unfamiliar foods or creating the centerpiece, it’s wise to check to ensure you’re not using can upset a pet’s stomach – and even cause pancreatitis – so owners anything that could poison your pets. should go easy on the tidbits. Poultry bones can splinter in a pet’s stomach Thanksgiving is often one of the busiest evenings for emergency vet clinics, and be deadly, so dogs and cats should never be allowed to gnaw on them. so it’s an important time to be extra careful with our animal friends. That Instead, bones should go outside to the trash immediately. Other foodflavored items like plastic wrap, or a pop-up timer can smell tempting to way the holiday can be happy and healthy for curious pets, but can hurt their stomachs if stolen and ingested, so dispose of everyone, and maybe your veterinarian can them quickly and in a way your pet can’t find them. have the night off too. Chocolate, especially that used for baking, is toxic for dogs, so it should be kept out of reach.
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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 It’s a good idea to review these rules with guests as well, since well-meaning holiday visitors might not know the potential harm caused by slipping treats the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as to the pets under the table. If pet owners want to make the holiday special for programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters.
Best Friends Says Thanks Best Friends Animal Society
would like to thank everyone who came out to Strut Your Mutt! Roughly 2,500 people participated in the Oct. 20 event, along with about 1,000 dogs. As of the end of the day, Best Friends had raised $240,000 of the $290,000 goal. They hope to reach their goal through online donations, which are being accepted at strutyourmutt.org through Oct. 31.
“It was a beautiful day and an amazing event, and everyone seemed to have a great time,” said Temma Martin, public relations specialist for Best Friends Animal Society. “It was still very crowded between 1 - 2 p.m., the last hour of the festival! We saw so many wonderful dogs of every breed, age, color and size! Many of them were in costumes. It’s always incredible to see all the dogs out with their loving owners, and so many of them are adopted!”
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Animals In The News Mona Mistric ASCPA AWARDS PIT BULL: KIAH
Animal experts believe the dog’s reputation is unfounded and the blame for aggressive behavior should point to the handler. They would like to see the city of Montreal work with veterinarians and the SPCA to find a solution that does not include discriminating against the dog’s breed.
On November 17, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) will present the ASPCA Public Service Award to Kiah, a Pit Bull detection dog at the Poughkeepsie City Police Department. Kiah is the first Pit Bull police dog in the state of New York and is making history, proving Pit Bull dogs can perform the same work traditionally reserved for purebreds. The Animal Farm Foundation, a non-profit securing equal treatment and opportunities for Pit Bull dogs, partnered with Universal K9 to train Kiah to work in law enforcement. Kiah is doing an exemplary job and forging a new path for other police departments and Pit Bull dogs all across the country. The ASPCA Annual Humane Awards Luncheon showcases the strong human-animal bond, recognizing animal heroes who have demonstrated extraordinary efforts, as well as individuals who have shown a great commitment to animal welfare. For more information go to http://www. aspca.org/about-us/aspca-events/aspca-annual-humane-awards-luncheon BREED SPECIFIC LEGISLATION BATTLE
HONEY BEES ON THE U.S. ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST
For the first time in the history of the United States, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service placed bees on the endangered-species list. Seven species of yellow-faced honey bees, all native to Hawaii, are now protected under the Endangered Species Act. The six-millimeter-long bees with black, shiny bodies (without that classic bee fuzz) were named for the golden yellow It seems like whenever there is news of a dog injury, the assumption is – a Pit mark between the males’ eyes. They once populated the island in great Bull did it. Some Montreal citizens went into a panic, calling for strict breed numbers, ranging from the coastlines to the mountains– but that’s no longer true. specific legislation (BSL) against Pit Bulls. Others are saying the public is misinformed and have created a stigma against Pit Bulls. People are enraged The loss would be devastating. Bees are very important to the food chain – animal owners and non-animal owners are divided. and play a vital role in the health of the overall ecosystem. They provide FREE pollination services – many plants would not survive without the bees. According to a new law, by December 31, 2016 it will be illegal in Montreal If the plants die, this could lead to severe food shortages for people and other and the 19 boroughs to own a Pit Bull-type dog (American Staffordshire animals. Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Pit Bull Terriers and the American Bully), any Pit Bull mixed breed dog, or a dog with similar Why is there a bee population decline? physical characteristics, unless the dog is registered with a special permit. • Predators, such as feral pigs, invasive alien ants, and diseases transmitted Those applying for a permit must prove they do not have a criminal record by non-native bees. and prove the dog is sterilized, microchipped, and has had the rabies shot. • Hives destroyed by rising seas and intense storm surges. Also, owners must keep a muzzle on the dogs when they go outside—even • Human development, especially along the coastal areas. in fenced backyards. Failure to comply will result in the revocation of the • Farmers’ crop-dust the bees to death when eliminating insects – bees are permit and euthanization of the dog. insects too.
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Pets In The City Magazine
In June, a 55-year-old Montreal woman was bitten and killed by a dog in her backyard. The police shot and killed the dog because it was too aggressive to approach. They didn’t know the breed of the dog at the time; however, later it was discovered the dog was registered as a Bulldog.
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A judge temporarily suspended the laws and more court dates will be forthcoming. The debate rages on, as public officials are unsure what laws, if any, should be enforced.
The protection from the federal government will make it easier for the state to implement recovery programs, access funding, and limit harm from outside sources.
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~RESCUE ME~ Wagner
Male / Adult / Catahoula Mix I can seem nervous at first, but once I get to know you, I’m a love. I’m not aggressive but I may get nervous and want to protect my space. I am loveable, playful, and get along with dogs of all sizes. I have a little separation/crate anxiety. I need a home willing to give me some additional training. For more information, contact CAWS at info@caws.org.
Buddy
Male / Senior / Chihuahua I’m an 11-pound senior with an amazing zest for life. I am very playful, have good manners and get along well with other dogs and cats. I love daily walks and lounging on the couch. I am housetrained and in very good health. I do well around dog savvy children who know to respect my space. For more information, contact CAWS at info@caws.org.
Pogo and Kiki
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Pets In The City Magazine
Females / Adult / Domestic Shorthair Pogo will find her way into anyone’s heart. She is affectionate and playful. She is very content and well adjusted. She loves to play, be held, petted, and kissed. She would do well with other cats and children. I am KiKi, the most awesome cat! I’m very affectionate and great with other cats. I even love dogs! We’ve been together for several years and are very bonded; we need to be adopted together. For more information, contact CAWS at info@caws.org.
Suki
Female / 2 Years Old / Australian Shepherd Terrier I came to the shelter as a sweet but neglected dog. I may have been a wild child, but that was just because I never had anyone exercise me. Which I love! I’m a sweet and loving girl who prefers dogs that are bigger than me, but I don’ t like cats. I love hikes, runs and the great outdoors. Meet me by contacting Paws for Life at pflu.org.
Baxter
Male / 4 Years Old / American Bulldog Mix If you love huge American Bulldogs, I’m the strong, gorgeous boy for you. I’m great with all humans, but quite a puller so I need someone who can teach me some manners on the lead. I love to play, am great in the home, but am not a big fan of other dogs or cats. You can meet me by contacting Paws for Life at pflu.org.
Princess Liath
Female / 4 months Old / Tabby Domestic Shorthair I was found in a trailer with three siblings. We went to a wonderful foster home with cats and dogs of all sizes to grow and learn. I’m the last one looking for my forever home. I’m very social, and love everyone I meet, furry and non-furry. You can meet me by contacting Paws for Life at pflu.org.
n o s t e t S
Tonya Landon
Q. I am a new puppy owner wondering how I can keep my dog healthy in-between her veterinarian checkups. – Brenda A. Did you know there are some simple things you can do at home with your dog to catch early signs of illness or disease? First. Take a good look at your dog and observe her breathing, general appearance, energy level and her mental awareness. This will be a good base level of normal for your dog. Handling. All dogs need to learn to be handled by people. This will help your veterinarian when he has to examine her. And if she ever becomes injured, she will be more willing to allow people to help her. Touch her all over her body daily to get her used to being touched. Eyes. Her eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge. The whites of the eyes should be white with a few red blood vessels. Watch for eyes that are sunken in, appear bloodshot, eyes that aren’t centered, and pupils unequal in size. Also watch for discharge or excessive tearing of the eyes, or cloudy or torn pupils. Ears. Ears should be clean, dry, almost odor free, a light pink in color and pain-free when you massage them at their base. Watch for dogs who shake their heads a lot, have ears that are dirty, oily, have scabs or a rash, or have a strong odor or discharge. Nose. Her nose should be soft and clean. Watch out for a nose that has colored nasal discharge, is excessively dry, cracked or is bleeding. Mouth. Her teeth should be white and clean and her gums should feel moist to the touch. Watch for teeth that are cracked, have tartar or have gums that are bleeding or inflamed. Skin. Her skin should be pliable and soft. Her coat should be shiny and have minimal odor. Watch out for skin that has a strong odor to it, dander, cuts or bruises, rashes or lumps or bumps. Watch for a coat that is dull, dry, and/or patchy and falls out easily. Musculoskeletal. Your dog should be able to get up from a laying down position, go up and down stairs and run and walk freely with no limps or signs of pain. Watch for lameness, swelling of the joints, loss of function or paralysis, stiffness upon rising, or reluctance to jump or go up or down stairs. 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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HOW MEETING ONE DOG SAVED MANY OTHERS
Kim Justen and Deborah Myers
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Pets In The City Magazine
Eric Weyer is the co-owner of Hoots Roller Bar and Beer Company in Winston-Salem, N.C. Upon seeing a man with a tattooed sleeve, long beard, and beanie, one’s first impression of him might be that of an unapproachable, tough-guy business owner, someone whose conversation would revolve around beer. Quite wrong! In fact, one only has to say words like “Ava” and “animal rescue” to discover Weyer’s tender heart and life’s mission for saving animals.
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It’s exhausting to watch Weyer dealing with his never-ending, daily routine of responsibilities – the hustle and bustle of the bar, attending to loyal customers, delivering beer kegs to business clients, and, in addition to all this, saving animals. When Weyer was looking for
a dog to adopt, he had no way of knowing that when he met Ava, she’d lead him to his passion, and he in turn would save not only Ava, but numerous animals as well. Just before Weyer opened the doors of his new business, Hoots, he went to AARF, a local animal rescue, where he met the dog that was about to change his world. “I fell in love with Ava; she was great, a sweet puppy,” says Weyer. (One of the ladies who worked at AARF found Ava running down a street by her house). Weyer was one of seven people wanting to adopt Ava. Following a home visit, AARF felt he was the best fit for a very active diva of a dog. Soon after adopting Ava, Weyer found two dogs tied up at an abandoned house. He reached out to AARF, which helped him rescue the dogs. Those two were the first in
what would become a long list of animals he has helped save and place in forever homes.
“I’ve been vegetarian for twenty-five years, almost vegan. I grew up having a compassion for all animals; it’s natural for me. I’ve always been passionate about animal rescue, but I didn’t really know how to do it,” he says. “I’d find animals tied up at abandoned houses, just left there, and I’d take them home. But I didn’t really know how to do a legitimate rescue. We can all make a difference, take part, and do what we feel in our hearts.” Today, Weyer volunteers a lot of time with the local county animal shelter (a kill facility), and AARF. In helping at the shelter, he works closely with some of the staff, learning which animals are running out of time, then posting their information on social media. “Finding Ava led me to the right animal rescue organization,” he says. “I re-home animals
from the county shelter into AARF. Since I started working with AARF, I’ve probably pulled and found homes for forty to fifty dogs.” But he hasn’t stopped there. Weyer hosts two fund-raising events each year at his bar: “Hoots for Hounds” and “Mardi Paws.” “I like to use whatever connections I have to raise money by throwing events, to create awareness. We need volunteers. We need more of the community to be involved.” Ironically, Weyer recently purchased a home on the street where Ava had been found. Ava has come full circle. Who would have known that in giving Ava a forever home, Eric would end up providing homes for so many more? Weyer suggests others should visit the
The Political Scene for Animal Advocacy— You Can Make a Difference in Your Community Here’s how to get started, informed, and involved: The Humane Party (USA) This is a new political party in the United States of America, founded in 2009, with chapters forming in all fifty states including a nation-wide volunteer campaign. It’s the first political party in the USA committed to representing both humans and animals. For more information, see thehumaneparty.org. Political Advocacy IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) IFAW uses political advocacy for improving policy and legislation at the local, national, and international levels to protect animals. For more information, see ifaw.org.
a settlement agreement with the organizer of an annual coyote killing contest. The grand prize for killing the most coyotes was a $500 rifle. The settlement puts an end to the animal protection group’s lawsuit filed in early August, 2016. The victory marks the first time wildlife advocates have stopped a predator derby in Kansas. “Animals can’t vote but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t have a voice in the political process,” says the Animal Legal Defense Fund. For more information, see aldf. org.
Pets In The City Magazine
NIFAA: National Institute for Animal Advocacy The National Institute for Animal Advocacy is a lobbying organization for animals, providing donation forms, legislators’ scorecards, and political endorsements. NIFAA gives instructions on how to establish state and local laws for animals. Don’t waste time pursuing wrong avenues. This organization provides education and information to make it easier in getting political legislation passed. For information, see nifaa.org.
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Advocating for Animals–Animal Legal Defense Fund The Animal Legal Defense Fund marks their first successful effort to halt a Kansas predator derby. On October 17, 2016, the ALDF posted
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community councils in their areas. Talk with local leaders to determine their views on animal protection. Any high-kill shelter needs immediate help; they have limited time frames in finding homes for at-risk dogs and cats. “Do whatever you can,” he urges. “Use social media… be active in adoption fairs. If you’ve got five minutes a day, go pet some animals. Anything you can do is going to help improve their lives.”
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COURTHOUSE FACILITY DOGS
PROVIDE EMOTIONAL SUPPORT Mona Mistric
Testifying in court, sitting in front of a judge with a room full of strangers, is not something anyone chooses to do – it’s scary and anxiety levels can be very high. The successful prosecution of a criminal court case often depends on the ability of the victim to give a deposition, provide forensic evidence and then testify about the details. With victims – especially if they have been traumatized – this can be extremely difficult. Having to retell what happened often causes the victim to relive the horror all over again. A lot of cases never make it to court and are closed because victims – especially children – can’t, or won’t, talk. How can the prosecutor do his job and seek justice when victims are too afraid to speak?
Pets In The City Magazine
Pediatricians, therapists, sociologists and psychologists have devoted years to researching the physiological benefits of human-animal interactions. These studies have provided overwhelming evidence animals, especially dogs, provide a calming effect on both the physical and psychological states of humans. Dogs have a natural ability to calm humans, which decreases anxiety and lessens the nervous arousal system.
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The dog’s non-judgmental, silent acceptance reduces blood pressure, lowers heart rate, decreases depression, improves feelings of selfworth, increases speech and memory functions, and heightens mental clarity. Scientific research has shown that a dog’s gaze or physical contact increases oxytocin in the human brain; increasing trust, evoking feelings of contentment, reducing anxiety, and replacing those feelings with calmness and security.
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Dogs brighten the spirits of children and adults. Victims and witnesses are much more at ease and more willing to reveal what happened when a dog is present. The rhythmic action of stroking the dog’s fur is calming and helps facilitate the victim’s ability to engage in conversation. Petting the dog during questioning makes everyone (including jurors) feel as though they are having a conversation instead of grilling the victim. This is especially important when the victim is a child.
The human–animal bond is strong and evidence of its power is now being seen in the courtrooms with the aid of the courthouse facility dog. In many cases, the legal process is improved by the presence of a dog because it improves the victim’s testimony by: 1. Redirecting focus on meeting the dog instead of being apprehensive about the interview. 2. Being a source of comfort during a forensic interview. 3. Reducing anxiety levels during the defense interview (testing a witness for weaknesses or inconsistencies before making a decision whether or not to take a case to trial). 4. Reducing the anxiety levels associated with the fear of the court proceedings. 5. Decreasing tension while waiting for a hearing (which can take hours). 6. Bridging the gap in the chasm between an uncommunicative victim and prosecutors. 7. Easing the person’s nerves to be better able to describe the abuse. 8. Dissipating the feeling of shame for participants struggling with substance abuse treatment court. 9. Soothing sufferers of anxiety attacks and other mental health issues. 10. Calming anxious witnesses testifying in the courtroom.
11. Lowering the stress when facing the defendant at sentencing. Since 2003, the use of courthouse facility dogs has been spreading throughout the United States. As of September 16, 2016, there were 127 courthouse facility dogs in 34 states. Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Hawaii, Illinois, and Oklahoma have statutes concerning the special training required for a dog to be able to provide emotional support to witnesses testifying in judicial proceedings. Assistance Dogs International; American Kennel Club; Therapy Dogs Inc.; Courthouse Dogs, Inc. and equivalent organizations (whose main purpose concerns training, placement, and use of assistance dogs) are registered according to national standards. Assistance Dogs International has a webpage devoted to training standards for courthouse facility dogs and the American Humane Society has posted on their website a manual on animalassisted therapy in the courtroom, “Therapy Animals Supporting Kids.”
The use of courthouse facility dogs in prosecutor’s offices – and particularly in courtrooms – is still in its infancy; however, the benefits are obvious and the trend is growing. We can all hope that someday soon, this setting will be the comforting norm for all vulnerable victims and witnesses.
Courthouse Facility Dogs’ Work Comforts All and Includes: • Greeting the general public coming in and out of the courthouse. • Greeting children and parents who have come to initiate an investigation of child sexual abuse. • Accompanying a child during a forensic interview, where the child explains the details of an incident of sexual abuse or a crime of violence. • Accompanying a child during a defense interview, a competency hearing, and a courtroom trial. • Accompanying vulnerable adult crime victims, including rape victims, developmentally delayed adults and the elderly during court proceedings. • Accompanying witnesses afraid to speak up about what they saw. • Providing emotional comfort to family members of homicide victims during the trial and sentencing of the offender. • Attending drug court to calm individuals in drug withdrawal. • Attending mental health court, and other restorative justice proceedings to provide an element of calm to people with disabilities. • Exhibiting calm to judges, lawyers, victim advocates, and court staff – who deal with the horrible consequences of crime daily – to boost morale.
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Keeping Community Cats Healthy
Ginny Naylor
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roaming cat population on the University of About five years ago, I worked for a company on the west side of Salt Lake. Central Florida campus, There was a warehouse and the back wall bordered a construction yard. her research found that Unbeknownst to me, a well-meaning employee was secretly feeding a group when a TNR program of community cats. She hadn’t made any efforts to get them fixed and over was implemented and the years their population increased to over 30 cats. We didn’t know what maintained throughout the was happening until she quit her job. Overnight, the cats lined up at the back years 1991 – 1995, the cat door, wondering what happened to their regularly scheduled meals! population was successfully reduced from 155 cats down to only The business owners of the company quickly became aware of the cats. At that 23. Living on the street, a community time, I wasn’t aware of the many resources available to help community cats. I cat’s life span can be significantly shorter than watched animal control arrive, set up traps and whisk the cats off to an unknown your average housecat as they are exposed to dangers such as cars, dogs, people fate. Having always been an advocate for the underdog, I attempted to calm the who would harm them, illness, etc. If you see a cat with its left ear tipped, it has nerves of my employers by helping them understand this situation could be been part of a TNR program and has been fixed, vaccinated and released. successfully handled without harm to the cats or their property by allowing the cats to be fixed and returned to the construction yard. They’d stop multiplying, I’ve made up for my past lack of knowledge regarding community cats and while at the same time allowing them to happily live out their lives. want everyone to know about the Best Friends TNR program available to Utah residents. If you see stray cats in your neighborhood, please consider visiting Regrettably, they were not willing to compromise – despite attempts to advocate the Best Friends Sugarhouse location during their community cat assistance for the cats. Knowing the cats were at risk of being euthanized because they hours. You can learn about TNR, borrow humane traps, get free vouchers to were not adoptable gave me serious anxiety. Luckily, Salt Lake County Animal have community cats spayed or neutered, and receive help with food donations Services has implemented a Trap-Neuter-Return program (TNR), and I can only to support community cat colonies. You can also purchase inexpensive winter hope these cats were a part of it. shelters to protect cats and keep them comfortable throughout the colder months. Additionally, there are many online resources for those wanting to learn This was my first experience with how big a situation can be when “just one” more regarding community cats. animal is left unaltered. Cats are domesticated and need the care of humans despite being able to survive quite well on their own. Feral doesn’t mean they Before, when I would see community cats I would think, “Someone should reverted to wild animal status; it simply means they haven’t been socialized to do something about that.” Then I realized I’m someone. It’s empowering. humans. Many community cats actually are quickly tamed once they learn to TNR must be a team effort, and through community participation we can trust their caretakers. help reduce the homeless pet population, end suffering and the euthanasia of healthy animals in our state. One of the most amazing things about TNR – besides the fact that cats naturally keep rodent populations in check – is it actually helps reduce For more information on community cat programs, visit: the number of cats brought to animal shelters. In a study done in San Jose, http://utah.bestfriends.org/our-programs/communitycats California, over a four-year period implementing TNR, the number of cat http://www.alleycat.org/ and kitten impounds in the shelter was reduced by 29%, and euthanasia Facebook group: Community Cats and Caretakers decreased from over 70% of intakes in 2009, to 23% in 2014. Best Friends Community Cat Assistance and Food Pantry Hours: Tuesdays 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 2005 S. 1100 E. TNR helps community cats be healthier, reduce unwanted litters, and ultimately Thursdays 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. 801-574-2413 is a humane way to control a free-roaming cat population. In a study published Saturdays 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. utahtnr@betstfriends.org by Dr. Julie K. Levy DVM et. al, on the evaluation of a TNR program on a free-
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Best Off-Leash Parks for Winter Fun Sarah Tyler
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As the winter air sets in, we often find ourselves trying to get motivated to leave the comfort of our warm blankets to give our furry friends the exercise they so need and desire. Though winter looks beautiful, it’s tough to go out and walk down the cold streets as dirty slush splashes up onto flannel pajamas tucked into boots. Luckily, there are a few winter wonderlands with off-leash policies to allow your pet to run free and get all of their wiggles out while you enjoy the beauty of nature. It’s a perfect temptation to pull you out of your winter hibernation for some quality time with your fur family.
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First on the list is a new park to Salt Lake City, West Jordan Off-Leash Dog Park, 5982 New Bingham Hwy, West Jordan. This fully enclosed park allows for peace of mind while your pup plays. There is no chance they can dart off into danger! The interior of the park is divided into three separate areas: one area for smaller dogs and two areas for larger dogs, helping to reduce the overall intensity of having one super park with hordes of animals running amuck. The park
is on 3.77 acres and has a walking trail in each of the designated dog areas. This park has no bathrooms and no water source in the winter so plan accordingly! Next up, Sandy Dog Park, located at 10200 South 300 East. It’s a relatively new park with lots of grass, fun boulders for climbing, the fresh scent of wood chips, and plenty of room to run. The one acre park is fenced in so you’ll have no safety issues at this park. Millrace Park, 5400 South 1150 West, Taylorsville, is not a completely off-leash dog park, but offers a fenced-in area for safe off-leash play. The rest of the park includes such offerings as a bass fishing pond, covered pavilions, baseball fields, playgrounds, pickle ball courts and on-site restrooms, so you don’t need to worry if nature calls while you’re out adventuring. Parley’s Historic Nature Park, 2740 South 2700 East, is a personal favorite of mine. This unfenced nature trail really delivers for both a beautiful hike of relative ease for people and lots of room to run and things to explore for pups.
There are small hills, walking trails, streams, boulders, trees, grass, beautiful views of the mountains – pretty much all the essentials, and in the winter the snow makes the area feel magical. This unleashed area backs up to Tanner Park and Parley’s Trail, both of which are only for leashed pets, so be mindful of your location. Another gorgeous location, Memory Grove, 300 North Canyon Rd., has extensive walking trails, with a large stream running the length of the park. The overhanging branches of the well-manicured trees and stunning architecture of the various and assorted memorials, archways, structures and fountains on the grounds create a peaceful, visually interesting backdrop to a fun space on nearly nine acres of land. It’s a great location for a picnic and its easy to moderate difficulty levels for walking make Memory Grove an accessible option. Parking can be difficult so carpooling is advantageous. Don’t let winter keep you cooped up! There are lots of great parks to enjoy all year round. Get out and explore some of these great areas this winter – your dog will thank you for it!
Madame Tabu’s Horoscope * *
FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS
NOVEMBER 2016
SCORPIO (Oct 23 – Nov 21)
Go all out in your characteristic fashion for Thanksgiving this month, inviting friends and their pets over for a fun, fabulous feast.
GEMINI (May 21 – Jun 21)
Treat you and your pet to some new duds for fall to spruce up your wardrobe this month.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 – Dec 21)
The new moon on October 30 starts a chain reaction of new projects for you and your pet this month. Use that momentum to get things done. CAPRICORN (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
It takes nothing away from your independent nature to ask for help from time to time. This month will find you seeking help from those you trust for you and your pet. AQUARIUS (Jan 20 – Feb 18)
Matters at home take priority over career this month, so make time to go over your expenses to retool your budget, curbing expenses for you and your pet.
LEO (July 23 – Aug 22)
Use your sharp leadership skills to organize a community thank you for National Animal Shelter Appreciation Week, November 6 – 12.
PISCES (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Love and passion are in the air this month, so this would be a good time to find a suitable mate for you or your pet. ARIES (March 21 – April 19)
All your extra efforts are literally paying off at work, so use some of your extra spending money to treat you and your pet to a new toy or even a massage.
LIBRA (Sept 23 – Oct 22)
Alleviate your restlessness this month by planning a road trip for you and your pet over the Thanksgiving weekend.
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Madam Tabu’s horoscopes are translated through the human pet psychic Jennafer Martin, www.PetInsightsbyJennafer.com.
November 2016
TAURUS (Apr 20 – May 20)
The full moon on November 14 is an excellent time to reorganize a room in your home to let go of clutter and make more room for you and your pet.
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It’s Adopt a Senior Pet Month so consider adding one to your family for an even more thankful Thanksgiving.
VIRGO (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Pets In The City Magazine
Get outdoors with your pet to enjoy the colorful fall foliage for National Take a Hike Day on November 17 – or any other day.
CANCER (Jun 22 – July 22)
THE INEVITABLE BIRD BITE Emily Strong, CPBC, CPBT-KA Do a cursory search on the Internet for information about parrot behavior, and one thing you will see over and over again is some variation of this theme: parrots bite, and if you’re going to own one, get used to getting bitten. It is inevitable. Whenever I see this information, I feel conflicted.
On one hand, it’s true: the overwhelming majority of parrots have learned that biting is the easiest and most efficient way to get their point across to humans. As a result, they do it frequently. I would much rather people understand that being bitten is inevitable and learn to accept it as part of parrot ownership than feel surprised, offended, and hurt, then taking retaliatory measures against their bird. Many people end up fearing, hating, or even rehoming their birds due to being repeatedly bitten. And who can blame them? Parrot bites hurt!
Pets In The City Magazine
On the other hand, implicit in that statement is the notion there is nothing we can do about the fact that parrots bite us. The assumption is that parrots bite because that’s just how they are. I am here to tell you it is not just how they are, and it is completely possible to live with and interact with a parrot without ever being bitten – even if the bird in question has a long and terrifying bite history.
and Dr. Susan Friedman’s website behaviorworks.org, which includes several articles about how to appropriately respond to what parrots are saying to us.
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Even though certified behavior consultants like myself work with animals At its core, the problem is, in fact, a language barrier issue. who have extreme or even dangerous behavior issues, we rarely get bitten. Parrots are by nature flight animals, and are therefore prone to avoiding This is not because we are “animal whisperers” with some kind of magical, conflict whenever possible. They use body language to first show signs of unattainable power special to us; it’s because we’re proficient at reading the discomfort and avoidance. Then, if that doesn’t work, they escalate to early body language of the species we work with, and respond both respectfully warning signs. If that doesn’t work, they escalate to more overt warning and appropriately to what they are telling us. This is a skill that anyone who signs, and finally they will escalate to a bite. After repeatedly having their wants to work with parrots can – and should – learn. When you learn their attempts to communicate via body language ignored – or sometimes even language, their world opens up to you. You can understand what they’re punished – they can learn to skip all of that useless communication nonsense feeling and empathize with them. You can collaborate with them as their and go straight for the bite. The only thing that seems to work is biting, so guide and partner, rather than engaging in a battle of wills. You can stop biting becomes the go-to behavior. getting into painful fights with them and start helping them to become the best possible version of themselves. It will be the In order to have a healthy relationship, we must have an open best thing you can do, both for yourself and your parrot. dialogue with both parties speaking and listening to the other. In order to have open dialogue, we must know each other’s language. Learning parrot body language is not necessarily intuitive. Much of their Emily Strong, CPBC, CPBT-KA, is a certified behavior consultant and body language differs significantly from mammalian body language, and as animal trainer with 26 years of experience in the field of animal welfare. a result it is often misinterpreted by humans. However, there are wonderful Through her company, From Beaks To Barks, she offers behavior consults, resources available, most notably Barbara Heidenreich’s website goodbirdinc. group classes, service/therapy/ESA training, and continuing education com, which includes a DVD called Understanding Parrot Body Language, classes and workshops.
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Why a Shelter Pet is Your Best Bet! Reader Submission Richard Beamer I’ve grown up around dogs my whole life. My father bought the best purebred dogs and sold the puppies from those dogs. When I was about 13, we had a Dachshund who had puppies. My dad and I were the only ones she would allow around the puppies. Whenever they started whining, my dad would have me check on them. Most of the time, they had wandered away from mom and could not find their way back. I would lie down on the floor and let them all crawl all over me. From the day we got her, the mother would play with me and sleep on my bed. I was her closest friend. I loved that dog and thought only dogs like her – purebred – were the best. I would never think about having a dog that was not. When I grew up and had a family of my own, I wanted a dog for my boys. A friend of the family had a German Shepherd who had puppies. The father was an Alaskan Malamute and one of the puppies was pure white and looked like a little polar bear. I feel in love with her the minute I saw her and took her home. The kids fell in love with her too. We named her Bear.
Over the next ten years, that dog followed me, sat with me on the couch, slept next to me, and gave me unconditional love. Every night when I came home, there she was, tail wagging and that look on her face. I taught her new tricks and she would show off to visitors. She loved my grandkids so much that she would play with them until she was worn out. At night, she guarded them.
After she died, I wasn’t sure I wanted another dog and put it off for about six months. Finally, it was time. I went online and found a shelter dog I liked. The foster parent called me and set up a meeting. I walked in, sat down, and the dog ran over, jumped up on the couch and sat next to me. We took her home. In the short few months I’ve had her, she has shown me the same love as all the other dogs I’ve had. She loves the grandkids, plays with them till she is worn out and guards them when they sleep. Each dog has been different and also the same. In every case, they’ve been good companions, showing me nothing but love and making my life better. They’ve given me much more than I have given them. So take it from me, if you want a real friend, adopt a shelter pet. You give them a home and love, and they give back without question. So again, I say, “A shelter pet is your best bet!”
Pets In The City Magazine
Once again in my life, I had found a new friend, and more importantly, I had This is the Reader Submission section of our magazine. If you would like to share your story, please send 500 words or less learned a lesson. A dog should not be judged by its breed, but by the love to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com. she gives. That dog became a member of our family, and we loved her and she loved us until she died.
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Many years later, I moved to Utah. My daughter had a cat and I did not want more than one animal at a time. When the cat died, my daughter asked for a dog. I was so happy, we went to the shelter that week. We found a puppy and a Dachshund, we liked them both. The puppy was spoken for, so we chose the other dog. Put in a room to get to know her, she crawled around, came up under my chair and after about 10 minutes, came out and let us pet her.
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We fell in love with her. She was such a loving dog. We took her home and soon discovered one of her previous owners had hit her with a stick. She was scared of brooms or mops. She ran and hid every time we got one out. It took about two years for her to understand we would never hit her. The problem was, once she knew that, every time I tried to sweep, she would get in the way. I think she was showing me it didn’t scare her anymore.
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FAMILY FUN! Halloween Hat Photo Winner! MISTY
2016 COVER PHOTO CONTEST! We’re ready to see your photos! There will be 2 WINNERS! Here’s your chance to have your photo featured on Pets in the City Magazine’s January or February cover!
Guidelines:
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Color the turkey!
January theme: New Year’s Resolution / New Beginnings February theme: Valentine’s Day / Love / Unusual Pet Friends Photo must be taken in vertical format. Final size will fit 8.75” wide x 10” tall, but leave space for adjustments and headline text. Bright colors are best. Staff picks will be chosen according to photo clarity, layout and relevance to the theme you choose. High-resolution iPhone photos are acceptable. This means make sure your subject is in focus and you have good lighting (sunlight is best).
That’s it. Have fun! You can photograph more than one pet, use props or clothes, etc. Get creative! We can’t wait to see what you come up with! Submissions close December 10th. Winners will be announced December 15th. Send your hi-res photo to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com. Please put “PHOTO CONTEST” in the subject line.
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YOUR PETS IN THE CITY Baxter
Do you want to share a photo of your pet?
PHOTOS Cleo
Email your highresolution photo & your pet’s name to
info@petsinthecitymagazine.com.
Sensi
Oliver Frank
Meeko & Lunah
Diamond Kitty
Tofu
Phil & Addie Jake
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Curtis
Magdalene
Samson
Buster
Gus, Otto & Hazel
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