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Destination, Activities and Travel
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Where pop culture and cat culture collide
Wellness care for dogs and cats 4 Legislative bills that could impact Utah animals
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s you will read in this March edition of Pets in the City magazine, there are currently many animal/ pet related bills under consideration during the 2019 General Session of the Utah State Legislature. Some look to be great for animals and pet owners; however others look to be quite troubling.
To find out what bills are under consideration - https:// le.utah.gov/
We often encourage you to get involved and volunteer your time helping animals in Utah. Life can get busy, and many of us just don’t have time to spend an entire Saturday volunteering, and we understand that. So, here is an easy and less time-consuming way you can get involved.
Of course, you can also reach out to your local city and county governments as well to give opinions on city ordinances. Please do what you can today to let our government officials know your opinions on any bills or laws they are considering.
Spend a short amount of time calling, emailing, or sending letters to your local and even national legislators with your thoughts, feelings or concerns about legislation being considered in Utah.
As always, Pet’s in the City is a much better publication when we have submissions from you, our readers. We encourage you to participate in the creation of this monthly magazine. Send us your submission ideas each month:
Find your local Utah Senator - https://senate.utah.gov/
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Deborah Myers
Find your local Utah House representative - https://house. utah.gov/
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF RJ Graham
This year’s General Session runs from January 28th to March 14th, 219. Even though you can contact your representatives’ offices year-round with your concerns, you still have time to have your opinion heard by our legislature during the current General Session:
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Arctic Rescue EO
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Dog Friendly
MOAB
Destination, Activities and Travel
What to do with the Canine flu
2019
Where pop culture and cat culture collide
Wellness care for dogs and cats
Jinx-Floofy Therapy to the rescue
Find
A New Day for cruelty-free Cosmetics
Lasting
Babe in Arms: Actor James Cromwell Lends his voice to Animal Activists
Adopt a Pet
4 Legislative bills that could impact Utah animals
You can send us anything pet related that you feel other readers would be interested in reading. Not every submission can be chosen every month as we don’t think you would read a pet magazine the length of “War and Peace” or “Gone with the Wind.” We will, however, use your submissions as we can, it just may take a couple of months. Send your submissions to info@Petsinthecity.com
What No Kill Really Means for Homeless Pets in Utah ROLL WITH IT The True Story of Memphis a Dog on Wheels
February 2019 | Vol 7 No 6 | PetsintheCityMagazine.com
February Issue
March 2019 | Vol 7 No 7 | PetsintheCityMagazine.com
Thanks for reading Pets in the City and thanks for being a lover of animals!
March Issue MARCH 2019 | VOL. 7 NO. 7 PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
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What is the maximum penalty someone can get for animal cruelty? By Elizabeth Holtz, Animal Legal Defense Fund
08
Wellness care for dogs and cats
10
Dog friendly Moab
By Shawn Bybee, DVM
Destination, Activities and Travel By Chanté McCoy
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By April Northstrom
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What No Kill Really Means for Homeless Pets in Utah By Temma Martin - Best Friends Animal Society
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My friend on the porch
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Roll with it
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4 | PETS IN THE CITY
The True Story of Memphis the Dog on Wheels
Pet Rabbit? Make mine Chocolate. By Cynthia Alex
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STAFF WRITERS Cynthia Alex | Aspen Anderson Tonya Landon | Sarah Tyler April A. Northstrom Deborah Myers | Chanté McCoy CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Elizabeth Holtz,ADLF Temma Martin Shawn Bybee, DVM GUEST WRITER Melissa Rutigliano | Beth Webber DESIGNER Toni Manolov PHOTOGRAPHER Toni Manolov WEB DESIGNER Toni Manolov CIRCULATION Toni Manolov Circulation Manager Available at Smith’s Grocery Store racks & all Beans and Brews locations. SALES & ADVERTISING Deborah Myers
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Special Needs Pets Still Need Love! 30 By Sarah Tyler
4 Legislative bills that could impact Utah animals. By Chanté McCoy
Cat Con 2019 Where pop culture and cat culture collide
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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 © 2019 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. PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
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What is the maximum penalty someone can get for animal cruelty? By Elizabeth Holtz, Animal Legal Defense Fund
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any of us care deeply about protecting animals, and after an animal is hurt or killed, we want justice. When we think about punishment for these crimes, most of us think in terms of jail sentences and maybe fines. However, because the vast majority of animal cruelty crimes are handled at the state level, there’s not a single penalty that we can point to. Instead, we must look at the animal cruelty laws across the 50 states. Advocates have made significant strides in improving cruelty laws over the last thirty years. Today, there are felony provisions for intentionally killing a cat or dog in every state and the District of Columbia. However, laws still vary widely — in some states, the maximum penalty for killing a dog might be two years in jail. In another state, the same act could result in ten years in jail. To make sense of these laws and encourage advocates to fight for better protections in their states, the Animal Legal Defense Fund releases a report ranking the animal protection laws by state every year. Find it at aldf.org/rankings.
Last year, the Animal Legal Defense Fund worked to enact the Animal Welfare and Violence Intervention Act in California. The bill would have required abusers convicted of certain crimes against animals to undergo a mandatory mental health evaluation and possibly ongoing counseling in order to stop future abuse. Though the bill didn’t pass, we’re already gearing up for 2019. Another often overlooked element is a possession ban. Possession bans mandate that a person who has been convicted of their state animal protection laws be prohibited from possessing or having contact with animals for a certain period of time (sometimes for a few years, sometimes for the rest of their life). Unfortunately, many states do not have possession bans, even in cases where it’s very likely the person will re-offend, such as with animal hoarding. Finally, “cost of animal care” laws are a critical component in the fight against animal cruelty. It’s extremely expensive to care for abused animals while a criminal case proceeds, and in cases involving hoarding or puppy mills, dozens, even hundreds of animals, may be involved. It can take years for cases to wind through the court system, and the financial burden usually falls to the government. A cost of care law allows the state to hold a hearing where the person, whose animals were seized, may either post a bond to pay for the seized animals’ care or relinquish custody of the animals. This benefits the animals as well because they can be adopted into loving homes instead of languishing at a shelter. As you can see, many elements make up strong animal cruelty laws. You can find out where your state stands by checking the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s State Animal Protection Laws Ranking Report and finding the gaps in your state’s statutes. Our model animal protection laws also include language for possession bans and “cost of animal care” laws. Identify a missing component in your state’s law and ask your state representative to sponsor a bill to address the issue. Together, we can make every single state safer for animals.
Strong animal cruelty laws and enforcement of those laws are crucial in keeping both animals and humans safe. Numerous studies have documented the link between animal cruelty and violence towards humans. Two decades ago, a landmark study by the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and Northeastern University concluded that animal abusers are five times more likely to harm humans. However, there are a variety of ways to address animal cruelty, and more importantly, prevent animal cruelty. Innovative laws that address the link between various forms of violence as well as stop the escalation of violent behavior keep everyone safe. For example, laws that allow for court-ordered psychological evaluations address the roots of animal cruelty and provide a path for rehabilitation. However, only 20 states authorize courts to order evaluations and treatment. 6 | PETS IN THE CITY
Elizabeth Holtz is Campaigns Manager at Animal Legal Defense Fund. Joining the Animal Legal Defense Fund is the fulfillment of a long-time dream for Elizabeth, who went to law school for the sole purpose of protecting animals through the legal system. PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
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EXPERT ADVICE
Wellness Care for Dogs and Cats Dr. Shawn Bybee, DVM
W
hen was the most recent time you had a routine checkup for your furry companion? If your answer is greater than twelve months ago, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Although your pet may seem healthy, dogs and cats are exceptionally good at hiding illnesses or injuries. With any condition, early diagnosis and prompt treatment can provide the best outcome. By having your veterinarian perform a complete physical examination of all body systems, they can guide you to keep a healthy, happy and long-living pet. However, what does your vet check on your dog or cat and why are these important? What are the common problems identified in these wellness examinations? Let’s try to answer these questions so that your pet can stay happy and healthy for as long as possible.
diabetes, urinary tract problems, kidney disease, and liver disease. A study of overweight Labradors showed that they live almost two years less than their lean companions. In other words, if your dog or cat is kept lean, they will live longer! Dental problems are the most common physical exam abnormality identified in dogs and cats. This can include plaque, gingivitis, tartar and tooth fracture, resorption, mobility or infection. If left untreated, these problems can progress to painful conditions which may require extraction. A growing body of knowledge is linking dental diseases to problems with other organ systems such as the heart and kidneys. Small breed dogs are more prone to dental disease and may need their teeth cleaned under general anesthesia every 9-12 months. Non-anesthetic dental cleanings are never recommended, and their performance is considered by some to be malpractice. Mobility gradually reduces with age. This is due to a variety of problems of which some can be addressed with appropriate diet, nutritional supplements, and anti-inflammatory or pain medications. The signs of chronic pain can be obvious such as limping or stiffness but also subtle and include restlessness, panting and an inability to jump to favorite areas (specifically for cats) or get comfortable. There are many options for the treatment of pets with chronic pain. Your veterinarian can discuss which options are appropriate and available. In summary, every dog and cat should receive a wellness examination every twelve months. Although some check-ups will result in a good bill of health, many can result in the identification of a condition that if left untreated can affect your pet’s quality of life. As stated, the early diagnosis and treatment of any conditions provides the best prognosis for a long and happy life in your family.
There are nearly 77 million dogs and 74 million cats in the United States. In 2016, approximately 20% of dogs did not go to their veterinarian to receive wellness care (AVMA). This percentage is even higher in cats, likely because of stress in transporting and stressors at their veterinarian. If your pet experiences stress during transport or while at the clinic, please call your veterinarian because there are ways to help them. In addition to these pets missing out on important preventative care, a reduced vaccination frequency can also pose a risk to all dogs and cats by reducing herd immunity. During a complete physical examination, your veterinarian will evaluate your pet’s eyes, ears, oral cavity, nose, heart, lungs, abdomen, lymph nodes, skin/coat, urinary and defecation habits, rectum, mobility, and weight. Your veterinarian may also recommend preventative care lab work such as serum biochemistry, complete blood count, heartworm test and stool sample in dogs or virus testing in cats. They may also recommend flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention. The recommendations are specific to your pet’s lifestyle, age, and presence of concurrent diseases. It is uncommon that a dog or cat is 100% healthy. Common abnormalities discussed at a wellness physical exam include weight, dental disease and mobility and comfort concerns in older pets. Obesity in dogs and cats, similar to humans, is becoming more common. In addition to the effects on reducing mobility, obesity has also been associated with arthritis, heart disease, increased response to pain, 8 | PETS IN THE CITY
Dr. Bybee grew up in Bountiful, Utah and attended veterinary school at Colorado State University, where he graduated cum laude. Dr. Bybee’s professional interests include internal medicine (particularly endocrinology and minimally invasive procedures), ophthalmology, and pain relief. He is an associate veterinarian at University Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Center. PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
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DOG FRIENDLY MOAB: DESTINATIONS, ACTIVITIES AND TRAVEL By Chanté McCoy
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oab, one of Utah’s favorite destinations, beckons visitors year-roundwith its gorgeous red rock, meandering Colorado River, and stunningnearby parks.Particularly for those who enjoy the outdoors, Moab is a playground for river rafting, mountain and road biking, off-roading, hiking, horseback riding, petroglyph hunting, and photographing all that beauty.However,what about those traveling with their dogs?Fortunately, Moab has become increasingly dog-friendly too, with welcoming hotels and campgrounds, restaurant patios, boarding kennels, and a dog park.Outside the little town, dogs are welcome on many trails too, and some outfitters now invite dogs along on their adventures. Getting Ready to Go General advice for traveling Doggy Packing List with a dog is universal, regardlessof destination.Plan for the worst, hope Proof of vaccinations for the best, right? The worst in my mind is losing one’s pet in a strange Current tags and chip info areaor having herget injured or sick. To prepare, make sure your dog’s Crate up to date on vaccinations to keep her“legal” in whatever jurisdiction. Harness and leash Take proof of vaccinations with you. Also,make sure her identification tags Food and treats and chips (highly recommended; they don’t get lost like tags!) are current Water bowls and with your contact information. 1 gallon of water If you’re planning on hiking and Medicines any rock scrambling, consider taking a comfortable harness for your dog. Favorite bedding (preferably Harnesses can’t be slipped, and you not washed to keep its familiar smells) can lift her up and down with a 2-3 beloved toys harness, if necessary.Also,take along kibble, treats, meds, favorite bedding, Doggy bags for poo pick-up a few beloved toys, food and water bowls, and a gallon of water for the If hiking and expecting road. above 75-degree weather: In the vehicle, make sure your dog Dog Booties is contained to improve herodds of survival in an auto accident.A crate, lined with her favorite bedding, isideal for the road andyour hotel stay. Stop to stretch everyone’s legs every couple of hours, have doggy bags on hand for pick up,and make sure your dog is well hydrated, especially if she’sstressed by the road trip. 10 | PETS IN THE CITY
Lodging or Camping with Your Dog Whether you are traveling with a suitcase or a tent, you’ll find a choice of hotels and campgrounds that are happy to accommodate your dog. Dogs are welcome in BLM and National Forest campgrounds. Some popular destinations are Sand Flats Recreation Area(home of the famous Slickrock and Porcupine Rim bike trails)and along the Colorado River at Williams Bottom, Gold Bar, Goose Island, Big Bend, Hittle Bottom, Dewey Creek, and Kane Creek Road campgrounds.Additional dogfriendly sites can be foundat Cowboy or Horsethiefnear Dead Horse State Park, Lone Mesa(on Hwy 313), and Warner Lake campgrounds.They are also welcome in the national park campgrounds. If you prefer the comforts of a hotel, Moab offers many pet-friendly hotelsfor every budget.Be sure to check the small print forsize limitations or extra fees for your pet’s stay. Read traveler reviews on TripAdvisor and BringFido.com which has a bone-rating system for how dog-friendly hotels are. Also consider Airbnb, which had over 160 pet-friendly options as of mid-February. Pet-Welcoming Hotels in Moab
• Moab Rustic Inn
• Apache Motel
• Motel 6
• Big Horn Lodge
• Quality Inn
• Desert Inn
• Quality Suites
• Expedition Lodge
• Red Stone Inn
• Gonzo Inn
• Red Cliffs Lodge and Castle Creek Winery
• Hilton Moab
• Silver Sage Inn
• Hyatt Place
• Sorrel River Ranch Resort and Spa
• Kokopelli100 West
• The Virginian
PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
Eating Out In Moab In Utah, dogs may be allowed on restaurant patios and café sidewalks, if the restaurant management meets minimal guidelines and welcomes our canine dining companions.
Dog-Friendly Eateries in Moab • The Atomic Grill & Lounge • The Blu Pig
Getting Out and About in Town While in town, Moab asks that you keep your dog on a leash. A few places have additional restrictions. Leashed dogs are allowed on the Millcreek Pathway but prohibited at the Rotary Park.No dogs are allowedin Swanny Park and tickets will be issued to violators. No dogs are allowed in the Scott M. Matheson Wetlands Preserve. That being said, a few places in Moab hope you will visit with your dog.The Moab Barkery sells food supplies and outdoor gear. It also provides a self-serve dog wash for $12. Also, Moab’s fenced Bark Park is an off-leash dog park.
• Eklecticafe
Visiting the Nearby National Parks Many visit the area to see the world-renown Arches and Canyonlands National Parks.
• Moab Coffee Roasters
Yes, they’re gorgeous. However, they’re NOT dog-friendlyand for a goodreason,because they’re protecting our nation’s treasures while accommodatinghundreds of thousands of visitors from around the world. In the national parks, dogs are allowed outside a vehicle on the roadside, in parking lots, or campgrounds. So, if you want to explore the arches and trails, you will need to find other accommodations for your dog.Moab offers day boarding, freeing youup to visit Delicate Arch: •Karen’s Canine Campground •K-9 Taxi and Boarding •Tracey's Bed & Biscuit Kennel •Moab Veterinary Clinic •Rover.com
Do NOT leave her in the car, even for “a short hike.” On a sunny, warm day, you’ll return to a dead petor a broken window and a ticket. Even with cracked windows, cars quickly heat up inside to deadly temperatures. Stay in the caryourself for a half-hour, if you don’t believe me. On a 70-degree day, the interior will heat up to 104 inside your metal-and-glass car.
• Eddie McStiff’ s
• Giliberto's Mexican Taco Shop • Milt’s Stop and Eat
• Moab Garage Co. • Peach Tree Juice Café • Sunset Grill Plenty of trails are also open to dogs, offering amazings cenery along the way. A few notes of caution in the high desert—part of the Colorado Plateau, the Moab area experiences wildly fluctuating temperatures. Sometimes the range is as much as 40 degrees in a day. Winter lows average 0-20 degrees • Corona Arch and Bowtie Arch and summer highs • Dead Horse Point State Park over 100 degrees: • Faux Falls dangerous if not properly dressed • Fisher Towers and prepared. The • Hidden Valley high altitude (4,025 • Hunter Canyon ft in Moab and over • Jeep Arch 12,000 in the nearby • Millcreek Falls La Sal Mountains) • Morning Glory Natural Bridge can also cause • Poison Spider Dinosaur Tracks altitude sickness and dehydration. and Petroglyphs
Bring at least two liters of water foreach of you, and more if you will be out for more than four hours or it’s a hot day. When you stop for water, share some with your pup, they have been working up a thirst too.
Having Fun with Fido Many dog-friendly adventures await you too. Moab Rafting & Canoe Company welcome dogs on their river trips. Barlow Adventures willingly rents jeeps to folks with dogs,and Pinnacle Helicopters has taken up dogs on their scenic flights.
If going out on a hot day, outfit your dog with booties as the baking sand and rock will scorch her paws. Keep your pet nearby, preferably on a leashto keep them safe from cliffs andother Moab Vet dangers, and to protect wildlife from harassment erinarian s and the sensitive, living cryptobiotic soil from •Mill Cre ek Animal Hospital –(435) 25 being trampled. 9-2733 Most importantly, be safe and have a greattime. Moreover, while you’re photographing the scenery, be sure to catch a few shots of your dog against that mouth-dropping backdrop.
• Moab V et Clinic –(435) 25 9-8710
2019
Where Pop Culture and Cat Culture Collide By April Northstrom
artwork and innovative [feline] items that are high on design.” CatCon’s celebration of all things cat is more than just a whimsical party. The importance of animal adoption, rescue, and proper care are all extensively highlighted over two days. By partnering with groups such as the Pasadena Humane Society and SPCA, hundreds of cats are given the opportunity to find forever homes with the humans who love them most. Over the past four years, Ticket Out, Inc. (parent company of CatCon and Cat Art Show) has donated funds to FixNation, Lil BUB’s Big Fund, Kitten Rescue, Milo’s Sanctuary, and the Ian Somerhalder Foundation, and has helped over 500 cats find their forever homes with onsite groups Best Friends, spcaLA, and Pasadena Humane Society & SPCA
CatCon 2019: The place where your love for all things feline and your vast knowledge of pop culture can come together into something resembling superhero. According to convention organizers, CatCon is the biggest cat-centric, pop culture event in the world dedicated to all things feline, with a community of cat lovers that spans the globe. Every year, people fly from all over the United States and the world to attend this oneof-a-kind event.
The 5th Annual CatCon 2019 will take place Saturday, June 29th – Sunday, June 30th, 2019 at the Pasadena Convention Center, in Pasadena, California (15 minutes from Downtown Los Angeles). The event has been featured in over 1,000 outlets around the world, including The New York Times, BuzzFeed, Reuters, Vanity Fair, and Glamour. If you do plan to attend, keep in the mind that the only cats allowed on-site are CatCon guest talent and the cats available for adoption.
Since it began in 2015, CatCon has welcomed 62,000 attendees and donated over $193,000 to catfocused organizations. The CatCon organization website notes that in 2018, the group facilitated 174 cat adoptions in the CatCon Adoption Village, presented in partnership with 9Lives® Cat Food and World’s Best Cat Litter™. Organizers expect approximately 16,000 attendees at this year’s event.
Tickets to the event include entrance into all CatCon seminars, all workshops, all interactive experiences put on by CatCon, and access to over 150 curated exhibitors from all over the world. Tickets range from $10.00 for children to $75.00 for all-inclusive meet and greet passes. More information about the event and links to ticket purchasing are available at www.catconworldwide.com.
The two-day event held in Pasadena, California, is part exposition, part educational discussion for felines and feline lovers. What makes it particularly unique is the numbers of celebrities and celebrity cat influencers who lend their voice to feline advocacy. Among the noted endorsements for the event are "America's Veterinarian," Dr. Marty Becker, DVM, and Sterling Davis & Adam Myatt, TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) advocates who are best known for their work as the TrapKing. Celebrity sighting will also include meet and greets with social media’s most popular felines themselves, such as Instagram’s @pudgethecat who has an impressive 664,000 followers.
While CatCon prides itself on being a fun, upbeat cat-advocacy event, it also has a strong mission to vigorously promote “adopt, don’t shop.” Each year, millions of adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States. At Pets in the City Magazine, we share in the CatCon vision that when you adopt instead of buying animals, you’re saving lives.
In the same tone as larger conventions like Comic-Con, the event also showcases animal lovers donning their best feline flair and cartoon-based cat costumes. The schedule for the show includes seminars, meet and greets, adoption tents and interactive experiences. Organizers believe they are working hard to “debunk the cat-lady myth and putting forward unique 12 | PETS IN THE CITY
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What No Kill Really Means for Homeless Pets in Utah
euthanize animals for certain reasons. What do you need to know when interacting with an animal shelter? When you find a lost or stray animal, in most (if not all) jurisdictions, the law requires that you bring the stray pet to the municipal animal shelter that serves that area. Many people automatically assume that any stray animal belongs to an irresponsible owner, and to avoid taking the animal to a shelter, they decide to keep it or find it a new home. While their intentions may be good, that course of action is not only illegal but also unfair to an owner who may be desperately searching for their beloved pet that got loose accidentally. When you take a stray pet to a shelter, you can ask them if they are no-kill, and if they are, under what circumstances an animal might be euthanized. Ask them how long their stray holding period is, and what happens to the animal if the owner doesn’t claim it. Many shelters allow the agent (the person who found the animal) the first right of refusal to adopt the pet if it is not claimed, so you could put your name on the animal if you’re interested in legally adopting him/her. You might also ask them how you could help the pet get adopted, if you don’t intend to adopt, especially if you know someone who is interested.
By Temma Martin – Best Friends Animal Society
T
here has been a great deal of discussion recently about what “no kill” means, as well as what it doesn’t mean. Internally, we at Best Friends Animal Society have realized that there is a lot of confusion surrounding this language, and we believe it’s important to clarify this to more effectively work together to achieve it. The No Kill Utah (NKUT) effort is a final push to make Utah a state that no longer kills cats and dogs in shelters, with the goal of making Utah a no-kill state by the end of 2019 NKUT is an initiative of Best Friends Animal Society and a coalition of 59 other Utah-based animal welfare organizations. Making Utah a nokill state means that animal shelters will have achieved a combined save rate of 90 percent — that is, at least 90 percent of the animals entering the Utah shelter system leave alive, either through adoption, return to their owners, or being pulled by another animal group. The remaining 10 percent, or less, typically are euthanized for severe medical or behavioral issues.
Not all members of the Coalition are currently no-kill shelters, but the shelters that are not yet no kill are working toward achieving this goal and receiving support and guidance from Best Friends. To understand what all this means, it is important to note how the terms “killing” and “euthanasia” are being used in this context. Euthanasia literally means that a pet who is incurably ill or injured or too dangerous to be safely adopted into a home is being put out of their suffering. Killing means ending the life of a healthy animal because of time or space in the shelter, or simply because it doesn’t have a home. It’s not euthanasia that the no-kill movement is trying to stop. Clearly, euthanasia is the kindest option when an animal is suffering irremediably. It’s killing that we’re trying to stop — killing animals just because there’s nowhere for them to go. So, knowing that all shelters in Utah have not achieved no-kill status. Also, Knowing that even those that are considered “no kill” may still 14 | PETS IN THE CITY
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Free-roaming community cats (sometimes called feral cats) are handled differently in different areas of Utah. Many progressive cities and counties support Trap/ Neuter/Return (TNR) where caring individuals trap community cats, have them spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and ear-tipped (to indicate that they’ve been fixed) and then release them back where they came from. They then live in managed colonies where people provide food and shelter and keep an eye on their well-being.
Charlie
Many shelters also have ReturnTo-Field (RTF) programs, where shelter clinics spay/neuter, vaccinate and ear tip feral cats that enter shelters, then officers release them back where they were found. Both programs save thousands of lives while rejecting the old-school catch-and-kill method of handling community cats that has proven over decades to be ineffective. Ask your local shelter what is allowed in your area, and how you can most humanely help community cats. You can also go to utah.bestfriends.org for support and advice.
No one likes the idea that pets are killed in shelters. However, many people are quick to blame shelters for what is a community problem. Some shelters are more innovative than others in adopting lifesaving programs. Find out more about the policies of your local shelter and learn how you can support them in helping them work toward no-kill status.
Avalon
Individuals are also key in helping reduce the number of animals killed in shelters. Each of us has the power to make good decisions about animals. Best Friends through the years has stressed the importance of personal responsibility in multiple areas of pet ownership: spaying and neutering, adopting from shelters or rescue groups instead of buying from pet stores, breeders or online retailers, fostering or volunteering for a shelter or rescue group, donating and spreading the word as a community advocate. Much progress has been made since the original coalition (formerly called the No More Homeless Pets in Utah Coalition) was formed in 2000. At that time nearly 38,000 healthy and adoptable animals were being killed in Utah every year. Today that number is down to around 2,000. In 1999 more than 103 animals were killed in Utah’s shelters every day. Today that has dropped to around six per day, a number of lives that is possible to save with community support. Photos courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society Temma Martin is a public relations specialist for Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America's shelters. Best Friends runs the nation's largest nokill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters.
Lola
Special Needs Pets Still Need Love By Sarah Tyler
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n our current culture, pets are no longer a hobby or thing you own, so much as members of the family, loved and cherished. Many people adopt from shelters or second chance organizations to help homeless pets find a fresh start and a forever home. However, one demographic of pets spends four times as long in a shelter before being adopted, if ever. What animal would warrant such a punishment? Special needs animals. Special needs animals includes a number of different cases, including chronic medical conditions, behavioral or emotional issues, physical deformity and limitations, mental disabilities, coming from a traumatic background or abuse, or simply being elderly. The saddest part of the situation is that all of these situations are beyond the animal’s control, and they still have the same love and loyalty to offer a family that any pet does. Unfortunately, when people see these animals, they’re often overwhelmed with the concept of having to care for these animals. What if I adopt an aggressive behavior dog and it bites someone? How will a blind cat navigate my home? How will I afford the medicine for a diabetic pet? Those are real concerns, and it stops people from adopting these wonderful animals in need of our support. Luckily there are organizations aimed at getting these animals placed with loving families.
nationwide with veterinary partners that share their values to find homes for pets and supporting veterans. They educate the military community and public about the plight and suffering of abandoned animals and promote adoption. Pets for Patriots financially supports their veterans by reducing the overall cost of pet guardianship to help keep the animals from being returned due to short term financial struggles. In addition, they offer moral and educational support to help foster the bonds between the veterans and their adopted companions. Choosing to bring an abandoned animal into your home to become a part of your family is a huge deal. Bringing in a special needs animal is even bigger and can seem like just too much to handle- but consider the love and appreciation they will have for you. In many cases, the obstacles aren’t really as large as they might seem. Giving it a chance and fostering a special needs animal may just be the correct first step to see how you handle it. This way, the animal has a comfy home to live in while waiting for placement, or who knows, you just might find your next best friend.
Best Friends offers a Special Needs Animal Workshop that focuses on how shelters can better care for special needs animals, and how we as pet owners can overcome our perfect pet bias to adopt them. The course also addresses helping to maximize a special needs animals’ quality of life, and how to manage their specific issues. Aimed at educating and training, this is a great workshop for anyone who is fostering or owns an animal with special needs. The ASPCA has a special needs animal fund, Lil’ Bub’s BIG Fund, which supports special needs cat and dogs across the country. They offer grants out to organizations committed to the care, fostering and placement of special needs animals. Pets for Patriots is one such organization. They team up with local shelters to place the most overlooked, and most needy of pets in forever homes with veterans. This includes adult, special needs, longterm homeless pets, and large breed dogs. This organization collaborates 16 | PETS IN THE CITY
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4 LEGISLATIVE BILLS THAT COULD IMPACT UTAH ANIMALS By Chanté McCoy During the 2019 legislative session, the Utah State House and Senate are considering four bills that, if passed, would affect: •
Pets in domestic violence situations
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Required shelter for dogs when outdoors
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Emotional support animals
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Shelters and public reporting
You can weigh in on these proposals with your representatives before the session ends March 14. To check on the status of these bills, visit https:// le.utah.gov/DynaBill/BillList?session=2019GS and search by the bill number. S.B. 45
- Domestic Violence Revisions
The Domestic Violence Revisions bill, S.B. 45, includes the addition of “aggravated cruelty to an animal…with the intent to harass or threaten the other cohabitant” as a domestic violence offense. According to Subsection 76-9-301(4) Ŝ, a person is guilty of aggravated cruelty to an animal if the person tortures an animal, poisons an animal, or kills an animal without having a legal privilege to do so. According to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Allen Christensen, R-Ogden, in an interview with the St. George News, “We simply want to take the existing animal code, animal torture, and move it …so you can call it domestic violence.” As a domestic violence offense, abuse victims could use an animal cruelty incident to request protective orders. Opponents argue that animal abuse is already covered by the law since animals are considered to be “tangible property.” Property destruction is recognized as domestic abuse. 18 | PETS IN THE CITY
S.B. 142 - Animal Welfare Amendments According to Utah law, owners must provide "necessary food, water, care, or shelter" for their dogs. However, “shelter” is not defined. S.B. 142 remedies that, defining shelter as a barn, dog house, or other structure that: • Is sufficiently sound to protect against extreme weather conditions •
Prevents penetration by moisture
• Includes, in an appropriate size for the dog, a roof, a door or entry portal, and sufficient space to allow for freedom of movement • Contains hay, straw, bedding, a floor with a solid surface, or a safe and artificial heat source, that allows the dog to maintain a normal body temperature Further, the dog must not be chained or otherwise prevented “from reaching shelter when the dog is exposed to extreme weather conditions.” The bill also defines what doesn’t qualify as shelter: • Crawl space • Space under a vehicle • An animal carrier or crate designed for temporary transport or temporary housing • A structure made of cardboard or another material that is easily degradable • A structure with a wire or chain link floor The Humane Society of Utah lobbied for the bill’s creation because animal control officers sought better guidance when investigating an animal’s living conditions. Pet owners would be subject to animal cruelty violations for failing to provide their animals with access to appropriate shelter. Opponents object that the bill is too specific and would punish homeowners for letting their dogs out to play in the snow. S.B. 155 - Animal Shelter Transparency Amendments S.B. 155 would require animal shelters to publicly publish certain information on a monthly basis about animals in their care. Utah shelters would also be required to maintain those records for three years. The information would include: •
Number of live animals in custody the previous month
• How they were received (surrendered, transferred from another shelter, confiscated, impounded for being at large) • How they were disposed of (reclaimed, adopted, sterilized and released as feral, naturally died, or euthanized) The Senate bill is designed to increase transparency. The bill’s sponsor, Sen. Karen Mayne, D-West Valley City, says she hopes the bill will help increase communication between shelters and the community on issues such as overpopulation.
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H.B. 43 - Support Animals Amendments This House bill amends Section 62A-5b “Rights and Privileges of an Individual with a Disability” legislation, specifically in relation to animals that provide service and support. Service animals are those specifically trained to assist someone with disabilities, such as helping with navigation and physical support or alerting for seizures or allergens. They do not include “emotional support” or companion animals. Support animals are newly defined in the bill as “an animal, other than a service animal, that qualifies as a reasonable accommodation under federal law for an individual with a disability.” Under the federal Fair Housing Act, people who have a doctor-approved need for such animals cannot be denied housing on account of their service animal. H.B. 43 addresses “housing and criminal provisions relating to the use of a service animal or a support animal” on a state level. One change would prevent an owner or lessor of private housing from charging an extra security deposit for a service animal to live on the premises. This will help make housing more affordable for those with disabilities. However, reasonable costs can be charged to repair damage caused by the animal. H.B. 43 also targets those who misrepresent their pets as an emotional support animal. It would penalize people who lie about having a medical need and that a pet is required for emotional support. Such misrepresentation would be a Class C misdemeanor. (Those who misrepresent service animals would be guilty of a Class B misdemeanor.) Bill sponsor Rep. James Dunnigan, R-Taylorsville, believes such claims are becoming common. The bill has also been supported as a way to give landlords recourse in dealing with such situations. However, the Disability Law Center has spoken out in opposition to the bill. The Center’s experience is that such claims are “exceedingly rare” and believes the bill will escalate suspicion toward those asking for housing accommodation for legitimate emotional support animals, a problem that they already regularly address. Finally, the bill would allow for a dog in training to accompany its trainer wherever service dogs are allowed. For information on these bills, you can visit www.le.utah.gov; you can also find contact information forr the sponsors of these bills and your local legislator. If you would like to voice your opinion on any of these proposed bills, we encourage you to reach out to your local legislator.
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My Friend on the Porch By Beth Webber
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My name is Pandora, and I’d like to tell you my story. wo and a half years ago my humans moved away and didn’t take me with them. I was very confused because I didn’t think I had done anything wrong. One morning I went outside, and when I came home that evening, they were gone.
I saw another kitty in the window of a house near where I had lived. Every day I would go and sit on that kitty’s porch and talk to that big orange cat. He never talked back but he watched m, and it was something to do.
Over the next couple of weeks, the nice human who had brought me to this strange place came to visit all the other animals who stay there and me. I saw her learning how to give the same medicines to the other cats that had been given to me. She always came to see me before she left so we could have our friend time. One day when she got ready to leave, she came to my cage with a big box with a handle on it. I was confused, but I trusted my human friend. She put me in this box, and we went to her car. The next thing I knew I was back at the house with the porch I had sat on but this time I was living inside with my human friend and her big orange cat. Now I can lay in my human friend’s lap and get all the love and care I need knowing she still goes to the animal shelter to take care of the animals who are still waiting for their humans. 20 | PETS IN THE CITY
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I was beginning to gain weight and heard the orange cat’s human say I was pregnant. I’m not sure what that means but whatever it is it made me very hungry. The nice human and her husband took me to a strange place called the animal shelter. There were lots of barking dogs and other cats living in cages. I wasn’t sure about all this, but the nice human told me everything would be okay. I was put into a clean cage with food, water, and a comfy bed. The people at this animal shelter were very nice. They told me I had to have some medicine to make sure I didn’t get sick. I didn’t like that part at all, but they did their best to get it over with quickly. I had to be spayed (I’m not sure what that is, but I know it made my tummy sore.)
If you are a human and you are looking for a furry friend, please think of my friends who live at the animal shelter. They are there for different reasons, but they all want the same thing, a human friend to love.
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One day the big orange cat’s human saw me on the porch and came out to talk to me. I was a little scared, but she seemed nice, so I let her pet me. She smelled good when I rubbed on her, and she brought me food. I was very hungry because food had become hard to find. Now every day when I came to talk to my orange kitty friend there was food and water on the porch for me left by his human. If I got there at the right time, which I always tried to do, she would sit and visit with me for a while. We were beginning to become good friends.
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ROLL WITH IT
The True Story of Memphis a Dog on Wheels By Melissa Rutigliano “Wouldn’t it be better to put him down?” they’d ask.
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y dog, Memphis, had suddenly stopped walking, stopped standing, and nearly stopped moving. There was something terribly wrong. The slow, stormy, slippery drive to the vet through the heavy white blanket of winter mirrored my mood, then the doctor’s diagnosis froze me in my tracks. Memphis had Intervertebral Disc Disease, where his discs (the cushion in the space between the vertebrae in the neck, back, and tail) ruptured, damaging his spine. We could operate. Or not. We could take measures to get him better. Or not. I swallowed sobs and raised the swollen spectacle that was my face. I met the doctor’s eyes. “Save my dog.” My dog, my child, my best friend was about to undergo spinal surgery. Surgery followed by treatment; treatment followed by the unknown. At only five years old, he was suddenly still and in great pain. Though dogs can’t complain about pain, can they? They just look into your eyes and look away… hoping you will help, entrusting you with everything. I hope he knew I was going to fight for him. The ruptured disc material that was causing all of the painful pressure needed to be removed from his back. Opting out of surgery could mean prolonging the pain and risking never getting better. Performing surgery could mean a possible full recovery or risk partial paralysis, incontinence, and a completely different way of life for us both.
needs to be carried often (a win for a lap dog), he needs his bladder expressed (a win for me when it rains), and he needs wheels to walk. Guess what, walk with wheels he does…. right into everyone’s heart! Memphis walks a new way, but he rocks it. It puts a new spin on every day, but he rolls with it. He is the same old Memphis. Despite his special needs, his resiliency and peppy attitude is a doggone inspiration. Since his surgery, Memphis has strutted the streets of New York City, marched the iconic St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Boston, hobbled the harbor of Baltimore, and spun through the sand of the Jersey Shore. He has cart-climbed the ‘Rocky’ steps of Philadelphia and moved over mountains in Vermont. He wheels in walkathons, brightens classrooms and hospital halls, advocates for animal rights, gets his paws dirty, and I am along for the ride. Shortly before my beloved grandfather passed away, Grandpa struggled with the knowledge that he was not long for this life. He was sad, sick, and missed my grandmother. Memphis rolled into his hospital room. His fluff of fur warmed Grandpa’s cold, tired hands. He licked a smile across Grandpa’s face. His bark warmed Grandpa’s heart. When I brought Memphis to a kindergarten class, his exceptionality astonished the children. His presence promoted kindness and empathy and reminded the children to give others a chance despite differences. Memphis is different, but the same, however aren’t we all? When I was younger – pre-Memphis era – I loved to write. I studied it and took refuge in it. Years past, and other things took precedent. I hadn’t picked up a pen (or opened a Word Document) in years. Memphis’ new spin on life inspired me to start again. I wanted to write about him. I wanted the world to know him. I wanted to spread Memphis’ mission, how – unknowingly – he sprinkles kindness, inspires adventure, and encourages possibility. By just being alive, he promotes acceptance, empathy, and animal welfare. He shows children it’s OK to be different, and adults that special needs animals can still live happy lives. He encourages people to take a chance, to cherish what they have, to ignore what others might think, and to know all you need is a little love. So, I wrote. I wrote about Memphis and his resiliency. I wrote about our adventures together. I wrote about the unconditional love he gives; I wrote about how he changed my life. I wrote this. Now I write about all kinds of things. Writing has awakened my soul. It felt good to get that back. Memphis did that. The tracks Memphis’ wheels leave behind are permanent indentations through my life, but they also make great impressions on the lives of others. I know he will not be here forever, but his pawprints always will. After all, the tracks we leave behind are our mark on the world. “Wouldn’t it be better to put him down?” No, it wouldn’t.
And it is… However, together, we learned. We learned it was OK to take a chance- a chance on each other, even though neither of us really knew what would happen. A chance on life, even if it did change how we live it. Together, we adapted. Despite optimistic odds, physical therapy, and acupuncture, Memphis remains partially paralyzed in his tail end and legs. However, what does that mean to him? Nothing. So, what if he can’t walk like other four-legged dogs. He is alive, happy…and healthy. Memphis 22 | PETS IN THE CITY
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Q What are the differences between dogs and cats? Amberley
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Dogs and cats have their ownunique characteristics. Before adding any pet to your home, make sure you have time to properly take care of your new family member. Listed below are some of the differences between dogs and cats;
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Dogs can be trained quickly to obey commands while most cats can be difficult to train to obey commands.
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Dogs are pack animals and thrive on companionship while many cats are more solitary and don’t mind spending time alone.
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Dogs have 42 teeth, and cats have 30 teeth
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Dogs have on average 319 bones in their body while cats have on average 244
• Dogs can take time to housebreak while most cats instinctively use the litter box.
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Dogs are great protectors of territory while cats are a great enemy to rodents, bugs, and birds.
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Dogs in the wild catch their prey by running it down while cats creep up on their prey and catch it by surprise. Dogs can run longer distances to catch prey while cats are considered more sprinters.
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Dogs are primarily meat eaters and if necessary, can survive (but not thrive) on plant materials. Cats are obligate carnivores which means they need to eat meat to survive.
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Dogs have blunt claws that continue to grow if not cut or worn down by the ground. Cats have retractable claws that grow to a certain length and stay sharp inside its toes.
• Dogs and cats can jump and climb on things, but cats are better at it than dogs.
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Dogs bark, whine, growl, howl, and grunt while cat’s meow, purr, chirp, growl and hiss.
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Dogs are usually more active during the day while many cats tend to be more active at night.
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Dogs tend to need more exercise then cats.
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Dogs need you to bathe them while cats lick themselves clean.
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Many dogs love playing in water (as long as it isn’t bath water) while most cats dislike water.
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Dogs don’t mind being on the floor while cats like to sit up high on furniture and cupboards.
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Both dogs and cats are affectionate and love their owners.
It is a proven fact that dogs and cats bring joy and love into the lives of their owners.
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 email askstetson@gmail.com
COOPER’S CORNER
Pet Rabbit? Make Mine Chocolate.
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By Cynthia Alex
ext month, Easter will be celebrated with the popular activity of an Easter Bunny hiding colorful dyed eggs, chocolate eggs and sweet treats for children to find. However, dating back to medieval times eating eggs was not allowed during the Lenten fast. In the pre-refrigeration days, it would be difficult to preserve milk and meat products until Easter, but the same was not true of eggs. Eggs, unlike other foods do not perish quickly and became a natural way to break the fast on Easter Sunday. So, many eggs laid that week were saved and decorated to give to children as gifts. The story of the Easter Bunny is thought to have become common in the United States in the 19th century coinciding with springtime because cute little bunnies became a symbol of new life. Historical accounts of how, why and by whom the rabbit became associated with the egg vary. However, legend has it that the Easter Bunny lays, decorates and hides eggs for children to enjoy Easter egg hunts. Rabbits have become a familiar symbol of the Easter holiday appearing on television commercials, packages of candy and prominent store displays. The allure of a rabbit’s precious face, adorable ears with a cute cottontail sold as stuffed toys or real live pets can make almost anyone tempted to buy one. Rabbits as young as 4-6 weeks old are often available and seem easy to handle and just right for a small child. However, this picture of an adorable bunny being the perfect child's pet is often incorrect, You may not realize, but even small full-grown rabbits can still bite and kick. When this happens, the novelty quickly wears off, and the responsibility sets in. This turn of events makes you realize; a rabbit’s personality and needs are vastly different from that of a young child. Contrary to images seen at Easter, in children’s books, and movies, rabbits are not cuddly pets happy to be carried around. Rabbits are very social but are timid and like quiet surroundings, while children are naturally energetic, exuberant and loving. However, “loving” to a small child means holding, cuddling and carrying around an animal in whatever grip their tiny hands can manage. This is precisely the kinds of behavior that make most rabbits feel insecure and frightened causing them to kick or bite. Now your child and rabbit are afraid of each other, you don’t have time to care for them, yet your rabbit still needs daily care, interaction, and exercise.
24 | PETS IN THE CITY
You see, people don’t realize, rabbits also need grooming at least one to two times per month. Rabbits shed, and molt (shed heavily) two to three times a year and require more brushing. The skin on a rabbit is thin, so extra care and proper brushes or combs are required. A rabbit’s nails need regular trimming, so they don’t snag on carpet or cage flooring causing them to bleed and possibly become infected. The easiest way to groom a rabbit is to have them on a towel in your lap, or safely on a chair. If a child can’t do this, it will become the adult’s responsibility. Does this make you think twice about bringing an adorable rabbit home for Easter? Well, if you still have your heart set on bringing home a rabbit, there are some things you can do to make owning a rabbit a little easier. Spaying or neutering your rabbit will reduce aggressive tendencies, and you’ll have a happier healthier pet. It also makes it easier to litter box train your rabbit. You will enjoy your rabbit companion more in these circumstances, but will you have the time and money for this? Veterinary care for a rabbit is more expensive than many realize. Although litter box training a spayed or neutered rabbit usually isn’t hard and grooming your rabbit is, a great family activity, do you have the time to groom them and clean the litter box often? If you have a child begging for a pet rabbit, check out the Make Mine Chocolate website, www.makeminechocolate.org, Interactive Learning Center. It is an entertaining website adults can use with their children to learn what is involved with having a pet rabbit. It has many interactive tools and games that provide important education about the responsibilities and care of companion rabbits. After reviewing the necessary time and costs required for a rabbit’s care, for their life span of up to 10 years, you may realize it’s not the pet for you and your child at this time. If in doubt, a soft toy rabbit is much cheaper and easier to care for and doesn’t suffer when the novelty wears off. With all the fun Easter traditions and celebrations, sadly it isn’t fun for a rabbit that doesn’t have the loving home it deserves. Before you run out and buy that cute little cotton ball with ears, make sure you have the time and money and are ready to take on the care of a pet rabbit.
Cynthia Alex has been a volunteer for the Humane Society of Utah for 23 years as an advocate for ending pet overpopulation. During that time she learned more, and became passionate about rabbits, adopting her first pair 22 years ago. She is married with two grown children, and would be an empty nester, except for their precious house rabbits, Cooper and Lily. PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
Leon, Female, 1 year 6 month, Short Hair Are you thinking of adding a house rabbit to your family? I had a few “battle wounds” from a rabbit that didn’t like me, but they’re all healed now, and would be a great companion for you, and a rabbit with a personality like mine.
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Noodles, Female, 4 years old, Short Hair I’m just chilling out waiting for the right person to adopt me. Rabbits can live up to 10 years old, so I’m still a young girl. Did I mention I have a great personality? I’d be best with a person who understands rabbit personalities.
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IRELAND IRISH LUCK
Possible Answers GREEN LUCKY
26 | PETS IN THE CITY
LEPRECHAUNS
SHAMROCK
B S A I N T J F L D O
E S I R I S H I W D P
S U N O R H C P K O X
D Q B Z E A G O L D Z
G P O T L M Q B U O U
POT GREEN SHAMROCK
M A W V A R Y V C H I
Z T H H N O U Z K T I
B R I B D C I Y D M S
W I W E I K G M K A L
RAINBOW CLOVER PATRICK
R C L O V E R K T R Z
R K C X B X E V N C Y
G W Y J D F E V H H J
C K N N Z X N T U P U
S X S E I A K G X T H
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FOR THE LOVE OF DOG Poem for Pets in the City Magazine By Melissa Rutigliano
What I ask of him,
responsibility,
a light in the darkest of hours.
he gives.
commitment.
A shadow behind me,
When I call for him,
He has rescued me more than I him,
the sun guiding my way.
he comes.
but acts like he doesn’t know it.
He is loyalty,
When I cry for him,
He is my Friday night
licks,
he tastes the salt of my hurt.
and my Monday morning.
treats,
When I laugh at life’s treasures,
He is my comfort,
and tricks.
he rejoices in the glory.
my cuddle,
He encourages,
He tells me every day that I am his hero,
my cover.
teaches,
his reason for being.
When I do wrong,
learns.
It is the way he looks at me,
he ignores it.
Together, he entertains and exercises my time.
the way he wags for me,
When I do right,
Apart, he laps across my mind.
the way he barks my name.
he worships it.
His only flaw –
It is the touch of his paw on my heart,
A living, breathing soul
he will not last.
the laying of his head in my bed.
incapable of lying,
The hunger he has for me when I leave.
cheating,
But his paws are forever printed across my memory.
And the greeting when I return.
or deceiving.
He has made me mother,
Obvious is his truth,
friend,
friendship his only needing.
leader.
He is the heartbeat at my feet,
He is child,
the life laid across my lap,
friend,
the spirit that has seeped into my soul.
follower.
Always willing to forgive.
He has taught me
Doing his best not to forget.
unconditional devotion,
A companion in the loneliest of times,
28 | PETS IN THE CITY
Nose to nose. Paw to palm. Heart to heart. He is love itself. And he makes me love. He is my dog. And I am his.
PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
SAYING GOODBYE DEDICATED TO HARRY by Rich Sattanni How do you say goodbye to a cat that brought his unconditional love to you? His memory is so vivid in my mind of our last moments together as he cradled in my arms and I believe he fought hard to stay alive. I could tell by the look in his eyes that he did not want to leave us. He knew how much we loved him. He is now resting in GODS' arms his illness gone -his spirit lives I'm sure. He may be taken from us, but his image remains in my broken heart forever. WITH LOVE FROM MOM AND DAD
Services are as unique as the bond between you and your pet. • Positive ID Tracking • Same Day Services Available • Custom Urns & Memorials • All Cremations 100% Guaranteed • Private Placement Viewings • Grieving room on-site
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www.FamilyAnimalServices.com
Contact Us:
(801) 561-3278
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Share your pet photos! Email your high-resolution photo & your pet’s name to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com.
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32 | PETS IN THE CITY
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