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The Scoop on Poop benefits of litter box training your rabbit
What’s for Dinner?
Seven categories of pet food
Yapping ti Up! at Yappy Hour
Flying with Fido
things to consider when flying with your pet MAY 2018 | VOL. 6 NO. 9 | PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
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escues. I’ve got three of them. I grew up in a house that always had a mix of rescue animals and pure breds purchased from reputable breeders.
How do I know they were reputable? We visited them. We played with the mothers, saw the facilities (which were never row after row of cages), played with the puppies, spent time there. I’ll never judge someone for buying a pet over rescuing one, but do your research first. Don’t buy from a pet store or a puppy mill. I digress and I’ll step off my soap box. My current menagerie of rescues is... special. I’d like it noted that I’m well beyond my level of patience with life, and my not-so-empty nest to have three special needs pets. And yet, I find myself with a dog who lived on the streets for four years and is terrified of everything.
Last Month’s Issue
After six months together, I’m happy to report that our dog is behaving more like a dog every day. I wish he hadn’t discovered his voice, but the rest I can deal with. Then there’s Sophie. I swear that cat is part rabid dog. She’s crazy, but with daily medicine, she is also able to live a better life. Finally, there’s Rex. He’s my true special needs cat, coming to us with only three legs. I mention this, because I know what it’s like to consider the additional work special needs animals have. All of ours have medicine they need daily, and Rex needs furniture in places that allow him to climb, and give him safe zones. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. So this month, as you read about adopting a special needs cat, or look at all the rescue animals available that have spent way too much time in a shelter, I ask that you consider what you can take on, and know the benefits far outweigh the work these animals bring with them. Dawn McBride is the photographer behind the business Fuzzy Love Photography. Named for her original fuzzy love and muse, Milo the mutt. 50% border collie, 50% husky, 100% heart thief. Specializing in pet photography, she can be found at fuzzylovephoto.com
Cover: Luna by Dawn McBride
MAY 2019 | VOL. 6 NO. 9 PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
04 Flying with Fido
14
Salt Lake Cat Show Rides into Town
06 Breed All About It: Greyhounds By Sarah Tyler
16
Adopting Special Needs Cats
Scoop on Poop 08 The the benefits of litter box training your rabbit
18
Volunteering with Best Friends Animal Society
By Kathy Staveley, DVM
By Shannon Hines, DVM
By Temma Martin
By Cynthia Alex
10 Is it Legal?
20
Ask Stetson By Tonya Landon
22
Yapping It Up!
24
Rescue Me
28
Your Pets in the City Photos
What can you do about a chained dog? By Pamela Hart
12 What’s for Dinner? By Aspen Anderson
2 | PETS IN THE CITY
By Foxi LeFierce
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Deborah Myers EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Justen STAFF WRITERS Cynthia Alex | Aspen Anderson Tonya Landon Foxi LeFierce | April A. Northstrom Sarah Tyler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Pamela Hart Shannon Hines, DVM Temma Martin Kathy Staveley, DVM DESIGNER Kim Justen PHOTOGRAPHER Dawn McBride WEB DESIGNER Toni Manolov CIRCULATION Lane Pellinger, Circulation Manager Available at Smith’s Grocery Store racks & all Beans and Brews locations. SALES & ADVERTISING Deborah Myers
801.702.1171
debbiepetsinthecitymagazine@gmail.com
ACCOUNTING Richard Beamer
PICM Disclaimer: All reader submissions and photos are voluntarily submitted without expectation of compensation. All opinions of the authors in this Magazine are those of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. The publisher has not confirmed the accuracy of information contained in the articles. PICM reserves the right to edit, alter, or modify the submitted article to the extent in which we deem necessary. A RESCUE PLEA: Pets In The City Magazine is dedicated to and encourages rescuing companion animals of all types. There are thousands of animals in Utah and across our nation needing a forever home. If you are interested in rescuing a companion animal, there are over 100 animal rescues in Utah. A good resource is petfinder.com, a nationwide database for companion animals of all types. A rescued animal can be rewarding and lead to a forever grateful love. Pets In The City Magazine © 2017 is an independent, free monthly magazine published by PICM Publishing. For information regarding Pets in the City Magazine, visit www.petsinthecitymagazine.com Any and all articles in Pets in the City Magazine are submitted for reading enjoyment only. Please consult a professional and make wise personal decisions regarding health and safety issues of pets and family.
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Flying with Fido By Kathy Staveley, DVM
T
raveling with pets can be stressful – for both you and your pet. Luckily there are some ways to help plan and prepare ahead of time to help reduce the stress level, improve safety, and have a positive outcome when it comes to flying with your pet.
Preparation for pet travel starts well before the plane tickets are even booked. Once you decide where you’re going, it’s important to look up the requirements for bringing your pet there. Many locations only require that animals are current on their rabies vaccine; however, there are several locations, such as Hawaii, with very strict health requirements. Preparation can sometimes start as early as four to six months in advance!
The US department of agriculture APHIS website is a great tool for owners to look up step by step requirements for various destinations: www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel. A health certificate issued by your veterinarian about one to two weeks in advance is required by most airlines and destinations, so ensure you book an exam prior to your trip. Another consideration is where your pet is going travel in the plane. Most airlines that allow animals will only allow small dogs and cats in the cabin, and usually require larger animals travel as cargo. Service animals are typically allowed in the cabin to accompany their owner. It is important to consider details in regards to the environment the animal will be traveling in. For instance, the cargo hold may get very warm in the summer – which could pose health and safety risks, especially if the plane is sitting on the tarmac for an extended period of time. In particular, certain breeds carry higher risks for travel and have a statistically higher incidence of death while traveling as cargo. Brachycephalic breeds, or smashed-faced breeds such as bull dogs, have unique anatomical considerations that make them more susceptible to respiratory distress, heat stroke, or even death when over-heated or stressed. In addition to breed considerations, one must consider the ability of the animal to tolerate periods of isolation in a crate. If a dog is not accustomed to crating for instance, they may break out, or injure themselves trying. Animals that are traveling as cargo should never be sedated for several reasons, including lack of supervision and lack of temperature regulation. Some people may consider sedating their animal if traveling in the cabin. It is difficult to predict how an animal will react when traveling in a 4 | PETS IN THE CITY
plane, since it is a new and potentially scary experience. In fact, there have been instances of dogs biting other passengers or defecating in the plane – unusual behavior that was prompted due to extreme stress in an unfamiliar situation. Discuss sedative options with your veterinarian and practice using them at home BEFORE the big day to ensure it has the desired effect in a controlled environment. Keep in mind that the efficacy of sedatives can be drastically reduced if the animal is already stressed when it is used. On the day of travel, it is important to remember that you are your pet’s advocate. Therefore it is important notify airline staff if you have a pet on the plane. Make sure to check in and ensure the pet is loaded into the correct plane. If there is a delay, ensure your animal is not sitting inside a cold or hot cargo hold for prolonged periods of time. At the end of the day, you know the needs of your pet best – and need to assert yourself to make sure those needs are being met. An airline staffer has many things to think about from human safety to on-time departures. It is up to you to ensure the safety of your pet on travel day. Check with your veterinarian to discuss any concerns you, or they, may have regarding the safety of your pet when traveling. Your pet should have a complete physical exam to ensure she’s healthy enough to withstand the stress of flying. If you have any concerns about the health or safety of your pet, consider leaving her behind with a pet sitter or boarding facility. Believe it or not, this may be less stressful and safer for your pet, and you! Dr. Staveley obtained her undergraduate degree in Animal Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. She attended Western University of Health Sciences Veterinary School in Pomona, California. She then worked a rotating internship with specialists in a variety of fields including emergency/critical care, surgery and internal medicine. Her professional interests include emergency medicine, soft tissue surgery and preventative medicine. PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
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BREED ALL ABOUT IT
s d n u o h y gre By Sarah Tyler
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reyhounds are an extremely recognizable dog breed, with a distinctive s-shaped torso. Their long rib cages and narrow waists pair with a delicate, muscular frame. If these were their only distinctive traits, it would be enough to identify the breed. However, Greyhounds are so much more than just their appearance. All of their physical features align with their true gift: speed. The breed’s shape and flexible spine help create a gait that propels the greyhound forward and takes all of their feet off the ground simultaneously, both when their legs are extended and all together. They are the fastest dog breed, able to accelerate to 45 mph in just 30 feet, though they lack endurance. This incredible speed led to Greyhound racing. It is a controversial subject and is only legal in 10 states, with active race tracks in only six states. The issue hangs around the inhumane standards of practice you’ll find in dog racing, like 20 hours of daily confinement for the dogs, drugging (including cocaine and anabolic steroids), and injuries surrounding the “sport.” Due to this, many organizations rescue greyhounds from racing and help place retired dogs into loving homes.
Though Greyhounds may be the fastest breed, this doesn’t mean they are the most energetic or require a lot of exercise. In fact, Greyhounds are pretty lazy and laid back, requiring only 20 to 40 minutes of high-level activity each day. The rest of the day, they are happy to be couch potatoes. And the key detail to note there is the need for a couch, or a soft, cushiony sleeping surface as Greyhounds are prone to getting pressure sores on their body. The breed is a fairly good sized dog, ranging from 55 to 75 pounds and are very tall, standing 28 to 30 inches at the withers (the space between the shoulder blades). In general, Greyhounds make great pets and family dogs, even though they might seem too delicate or high maintenance. This is just a misconception, as Greyhounds are great with children. They are patient, gentle, even tempered and tend to lack aggression in general so when provoked they’ll flee versus fight. This makes them exceptional with other pets as well (except for traditional prey animals, like rabbits or mice, etc. because of a very high predatory instinct). They are moderate to light shedders, with short fur which makes grooming easy, as the breed requires only occasional baths. Greyhounds are also easy to train, tend to be very quiet, avoid digging, and don’t drool. One of the oldest dog breeds, Greyhounds can be found in cave drawings, Egyptian paintings, and are mentioned in the Bible. The breed dates back over 8,000 years and was originally bred for coursing hares, and was brought to America and Spain by farmers for this purpose. However, over the centuries, Greyhounds have often been associated with royalty and status. From the 11th century through the 14th century, English law actually decreed that it was illegal for a “mean person” or commoner to own a greyhound. Greyhounds have a large fan base and have had many notable owners throughout history, including General Custard, President George Washington, and most recently, J.K. Rowling, who by many is viewed as literary royalty. A remarkable breed in design, and an excellent and easy pet to care for, Greyhounds are well worth the time commitment for the ten to thirteen years that they will likely live and make a great addition to most homes.
6 | PETS IN THE CITY
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The Scoop on Poop the benefits of litter box training your rabbit By Cynthia Alex
I
f you have a pet rabbit, why would you want her to be outside where you only “go visit” her once or twice a day. Domestic rabbits have evolved from colonies of 100 or more rabbits, and therefore crave company and social interaction. House rabbits are becoming increasingly popular, and you can find plenty of information on how to live successfully with a house rabbit, including litter box training. Taking notice of your rabbit’s poop in a litter box daily tells you a lot about their health, and may save you a trip to the veterinarian. Older rabbits are easier to train. Rabbits, like any baby animal, take time to develop bladder control and the attention span needed to establish bathroom habits. As animals mature and hormones become active, they begin “marking” their territory. Rabbits show hormonal behavior between four and six months, and good bathroom habits suddenly disappear. This is why spaying or neutering your rabbit is the most important factor for litter box training, and a happier, healthier, calmer rabbit.
Be sure to select the adequate size litter box for your rabbit. For a larger rabbit, you may want a deep box, or one with a higher side to prevent urine going over the edge. Start with one or two litter boxes in your rabbit’s space. Rabbits can be choosy, and may pick their own space to go to the bathroom. If this happens, move the litter box to that space, or if you’d like it in another space, slowly move it to desired location and reward her with a treat when she is in the box. Sometimes, it’s easier to let her pick her spot than deal with a determined rabbit! A handful of hay in the box makes it a more welcoming space. Once trained in her area, you can increase her space and include more litter boxes. Rabbits are very habitual, and once a routine is established prefer to stick with it. She will go in the place where the litter box was, even if the box has been removed. Using the correct litter is very important to your rabbit’s health. Recommended litters are those made from alfalfa, oat, citrus or paper. Never use litter made of clay! The dust, deodorant crystals and clumping elements in clay litter can cause serious problems and lead to death. Compressed sawdust pellets are safe, and good for rabbits with long fur. Rabbits are fastidious animals with sensitive noses and don’t like a smelly litter box. For good litter box habits, always provide clean litter and hay. Cleaning the litter box with a mixture of white vinegar and water neutralizes bunny odors and dissolves urine build up. A clean litter box also helps you monitor your rabbit’s poop. Paying close attention to your rabbit’s “outcome” as well as “input” will help them stay healthy. Abnormalities in your rabbit’s droppings can indicate improper diet and hidden health problems. Rabbits who are ill, suffering emotional stress or pain from digestive upset, or have serious health conditions will stop producing droppings, or have runny stool. Most conditions are related to an improper diet. If you don’t see normal poop after providing the right foods, your rabbit should be diagnosed and treated by a rabbit-experienced veterinarian. Once the underlying source is treated, the poop should return to normal. If irregular poops go unnoticed and the cause of the problem isn’t resolved, it can progress and eventually result in a potentially life-threatening condition.
8 | PETS IN THE CITY
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Rabbits produce two types of droppings. The droppings you see in litter boxes are fecal pellets and should be brown, round and crumbly. A healthy rabbit with constant access to hay, produces these pellets within an hour of eating. If your rabbit’s droppings are getting smaller and/or stop altogether, your rabbit may have a stomach impaction due to a lack of greens or hay in their diet. Many times a pile of leafy greens, good quality hay and removing pellets will take care of this condition, but if your rabbit won’t eat, it will need immediate veterinary care. Other abnormally sized poop can be the result of lack of hay in the diet. Droppings connected with hair or fibers suggest your rabbit needs fresh greens and hay to help the digestive process. Soft, semi-formed feces often indicate a lack of fiber, and by increasing hay and removing pellets from the diet, poop should return to normal. The other type of droppings rabbits produce are cecotropes. These are not feces but small, soft, clusters that are nutrient-packed dietary items essential to your rabbit’s health. Your rabbit will ingest these and you should generally not see them. Overweight rabbits aren’t able to reach their backsides, and leave cecotropes behind. This is a situation where your rabbit’s diet is comprised of high sugar, starches and low-quality pellets. Reduce your rabbit’s weight by giving them higher quality pellets, and increase hay and exercise. A common complaint regarding rabbit health is the problem of unformed cecotropes that result in mushy stools and create a nasty mess on a rabbit’s back end. This happens when the beneficial bacteria are outnumbered by harmful bacteria. Again, this could be a result of unhealthy diet, or a disorder in the rabbit’s system. If improving your rabbit’s diet and increasing hay consumption doesn’t clear up the problem, your rabbit should be seen by a veterinarian to evaluate the underlying cause. If you see diarrhea, or don’t get normal poop by adjusting your rabbit’s diet, get your rabbit to a rabbit-experienced veterinarian right away. Now you know most of the scoop on poop! The success to litter box training is to be consistent. And the not-so-hidden benefit of your rabbit using a litter box is that you’ll likely see evidence of health issues with your fuzzy friend there first! 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, Ziggy, Lucy, Cooper and Lily.
ASK AN ANIMAL LAWYER
Is it Legal? What can you do about a chained dog? By Pamela Hart, Animal Legal Defense Fund Someone in my neighborhood has a dog chained in the backyard. Is that legal? Those of us who share our lives with dogs know they are social creatures who crave companionship, affection, and to be part of the “pack.” This makes it all the more heartbreaking to see a dog who has been left to languish at the end of a chain, lonely, bored, and frustrated. As a neighbor, we may feel helpless and wonder how – or if – we should intervene. Whether or not a law is being broken, if you feel comfortable, talk to the owner and offer to walk the dog and/or rehome her. Some volunteer groups (like national nonprofit Dogs Deserve Better, or Fences for Fido in Oregon and Washington) will donate time and labor to build a fence so the dog can come off the chain and have more room to move. Some people may gladly accept your offer to help. Others may become defensive or even hostile. If you are not comfortable speaking the owner directly, Dogs Deserve Better has resources like a help request form, printable door hanger, and informational letter they will mail to the residence so you can remain anonymous. Chained dogs suffer psychologically from being deprived of social and mental stimulation, and are likely to bark excessively out of boredom. They are also at risk of physical injury or death from a tether. They often have no protection from the elements and are vulnerable to attacks by other animals or people. With no way to escape potential harms or relieve their boredom, chained dogs often become fearful, anxious, and aggressive. In addition to the toll it takes on a dog’s physical and mental well-being, tethering is also a community safety issue because chained dogs are more likely to bite. But is it illegal? It depends where you are. 10 | PETS IN THE CITY
Laws that address chained dogs, often called “anti-tethering” laws, typically refer to fastening a dog to a stationary object unattended for prolonged periods of time with a rope, chain, or other restraint. About 22 state laws address anti-tethering, and a growing number of communities have passed ordinances that either prohibit tethering or impose restrictions, such as the length of time a dog can be tied up. Your first step is to find out what your laws are. If you believe someone is in violation of your state or local law, contact your local humane society, animal control, or law enforcement. As always, if you see an animal who appears to be in immediate danger or distress, call 911. If you are in a state, such as Utah, without laws addressing tethering, or if the law is vague, contact your state or local representative and ask them to create a new law or improve the existing law. In Utah, a bill was introduced in February 2018 to amend the state’s animal protection law to make “it a crime to leave an animal tethered or unattended, under certain conditions, in a manner that prevents the animal from reaching shelter.” If there is a pending bill, contact your representatives and urge them to vote for it. A quick phone call is all it takes. Even if your area does not have a specific anti-tethering law, all 50 states have a general animal cruelty and neglect law, which could potentially be interpreted to cover a tethering situation depending on the circumstances. However, it is much easier for animal control and law enforcement to take action when there is a clear anti-tethering law on the books. For this reason, one of the best things you can do to help is work to pass stronger legislation in the form of a clear and specific prohibition on tethering. Lobbying might seem daunting, but it is not complicated and can have a huge payoff. The website www.UnchainYourDog.org has great resources, including steps for improving the law in your city or state. Getting involved at the local level can be very rewarding. You could make a real difference for dogs in your community! Your voice may be the only hope for a chained dog living a miserable life. Thank you for seeing her, for caring, and for taking action! Pamela Hart oversees the Animal Legal Defense Fund Animal Law Program, which supports the next generation of animal lawyers and fosters the growth of animal law in legal practice. The program collaborates with students, faculty, and school administrations to develop animal law courses and assist in forming Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) chapters. PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
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What’s for Dinner? By Aspen Anderson
D
id you know the pet food industry brings in almost $70 billion a year in the U.S.? That means we love our pets. It also means there are a lot of choices out there for us as pet parents, and it is up to us to understand our options so we can make the best decision for our pets. Especially when it comes to food. This decision can have long-term consequences, so it’s good to know what the differences are, and their benefits and risks. Pet food can be roughly divided into seven categories: dry, wet, refrigerated, dehydrated, air dried, raw, and freeze-dried. Let’s look at the pros and cons of each: Dry pet food is essentially any kibble that is shelf stable, dry, and bitesized. It is easy to transport and store, affordable and quick and easy to feed. The cons are that it can also be low quality, the lack of moisture can leave your pet dehydrated, and it can be difficult to digest. Wet food comes in cans. It is shelf stable, easy to feed, and usually tasty. You can buy in bulk and stock up for years at a time, but it can be more expensive and is cooked to a higher heat, which leads to more nutrient loss. But it has that important moisture dry food lacks. Refrigerated food can be found in the cooler (not freezer) of your local grocery or pet store. It usually is slightly better quality than your average dry or wet food, is easy to store, and the moisture content is good for your pet. The drawback is that it has preservatives to make it last for months in the refrigerator, and the few brands that sell this type of food are fraught with recalls due to mold, so I would caution against it. Dehydrated foods combine the benefits of dry and wet foods. By cooking the food to a low heat (which helps preserve nutrients and reduces the need for synthetic vitamins and minerals) the products can be shelf stable, but you add water back in before feeding, allowing you the best of both worlds. Dehydrated brands are often smaller, use human-grade ingredients, and less fillers. The drawback is they can be more expensive and less convenient since 12 | PETS IN THE CITY
you have to take that few minutes to add the water back in. Air-dried food is food that has been slowly dried to be shelf-stable without high levels of heat. Commercial brands of air-dried are usually mostly meat and very bioavailable, allowing you to feed less while getting the same nutrition for your pet. It can be a very healthy option. The drawbacks are that it is slightly more expensive (though this is balanced when considering you feed less at a time), the best brands are from New Zealand so you have a higher carbon footprint, and it lacks moisture. The raw category references food that is mostly meat, has never had any heat or pasteurization applied to it. It meets both AAFCO nutritional requirements and a generally accepted ratio of meat, organs, bones, and veggies and supplements. Commercially prepared raw comes in the freezer, and many people see much healthier pets because the food is so easy for pets to digest. The drawback is that it takes up room in the freezer, is definitely more expensive than kibble, and you have to take the time to practice safe raw-meat practices such as thoroughly washing your hands and cleaning bowls and surface areas it comes into contact with. Freeze-dried is food that is raw but has taken the extra step of freezedrying to make it shelf stable. It has all the benefits of raw food, but is light and excellent for traveling or camping. However, the freeze-drying machines are expensive, making this raw option even more expensive than freezer raw. It is crucial to rehydrate the food before feeding, or it can cause more dehydration than even dry food can. But as a quick option to keep for travel or if you run out of your regular food, it can’t be beaten. With all of these options, literally anyone can find the right fit for their lifestyle, budget, and the health of their pet. Aspen Anderson is the owner of Desert Raw Holistic Pet. Her mission is to improve the lives and health of pets through nutrition. Find her at desertraw.com. PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
1955 N Redwood Rd, Salt Lake City Phone: (801) 355-7387
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Salt Lake Cat Show Rides into Town
Y
© Helmi Flick Cat Photography
ou’ve probably seen the Westminster Dog Show or the National Dog Show on Thanksgiving Day each year. These are the culmination of many smaller dog shows around the country. But did you know that the Cat Fancy organizations have a similar system of shows and competitions?
This summer will open with just such an opportunity, and you are invited to witness it first hand as the Second Annual Rocky Mountain Roundup Cat Show comes to town, presented by Salt Lake’s own cat fancy, the Wild West Cat Fanciers, in cooperation with The International Cat Association (TICA), Saturday and Sunday, June 2 and 3, at the Hotel RL (formerly the Red Lion Hotel) in the Wasatch/Cascade Ballroom. Cats and kittens from around the region and North America will descend on Salt Lake City to compete for titles, earning points that are accumulated throughout the year at various cat shows to be recognized as the best of the best at the annual TICA International Cat Show, which will take place in Birmingham, Alabama over Labor Day weekend. The Wild West Cat Fanciers (WWCF) is one of TICA’s newest cat fancy clubs, started in 2016 by Tristan Anderson and Chase Long of AURYN Maine Coon cattery in Salt Lake City. The WWCF hosted their inaugural cat show last summer. Exhibitors and spectators expressed their accolades of the fledgling club’s freshman effort, and word has spread within the cat community that the Rocky Mountain Roundup is the place to be to start summer off right.
© Helmi Flick Cat Photography 14 | PETS IN THE CITY
The general public is invited to attend the festivities and watch the judging of all the cats attending this year’s show. They can mingle among the various exhibitors and see the different breeds featured at this year’s event. There will also be several vendors at the show who
specialize in cat products and paraphernalia, and the public is encouraged to take advantage of these purchasing opportunities. TICA is the world’s largest genetic registry © Helmi Flick Cat Photography of pedigreed cats, with cat fanciers and shows worldwide, and with exponential growth in places like England, Germany, Japan and even China. TICA recognizes over 70 different breeds of domestic cats for competitive and registry purposes. TICA also allows household pet adult cats and kittens (these are felines with no traceable pedigrees) to compete in separate classes during their shows. TICA encourages education in responsible pet ownership and the adoption of foster cats and kittens and supports many local rescue organizations around the world. The Wild West Cat Fanciers teamed up with Utah’s local Community Animal Welfare Society (CAWS) last year, and foster cats from CAWS participated in competition with other household pets on the judging stands. During last year’s show, CAWS was able to secure homes for several foster care cats, including a pair of felines that had been at CAWS for over 3 years! CAWS will once again join with the WWCF to place cats and kittens up for adoption at this year’s cat show. The public is encouraged to bring either 2 cans of cat food or 1 bag of cat litter to the show as a donation to CAWS for a $2.00 discount off the admission price. Tickets are $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for individual children (ages 4 – 17), $5.00 for seniors (60 and older), and families up to 6 people can attend for $20.00. (Only ONE $2.00 discount per ticket will be honored). You can also donate your $2.00 discount to CAWS at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the door, or online at SaltLakeCatShow.com. PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
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EXPERT’S ADVICE
Adopting Special Needs Cats By Shannon Hines, DVM
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pring is traditionally known for the appearance of ample numbers of kittens available for adoption. As the weather warms, so do the amorous adventures of cats. Sadly, there are still too many cats allowed to roam outside that are not spayed or neutered, resulting in “kitten season.” Actually, kitten season never really ends. Kittens are conceived and born in the middle of winter as well as throughout the year. The good news is, many of these kittens end up in the capable hands of great rescue groups who make sure they are spayed or neutered before going on to find forever homes. There are always just as many healthy adult cats available for adoption too. In addition, there is a third group of cats needing homes. These are cats with special needs. What is meant by special needs? These are cats that don’t meet the typical definition of a normal, healthy cat, ready for adoption. Most people desire to adopt a cat to be a cuddly companion, to easily fit into the family. And most cats make the adjustment seamlessly. Cats are quick learners and quite self-sufficient, able to take their place in the family. All they usually need is good food, fresh water, a clean litter box and a safe, secure loving environment. Special needs cats may need a little more. Some may have missing limbs, having undergone amputation due to deformity or injury. Some may have been born deaf, more likely in white, or mostly white cats with blue eyes. Some may be partially or totally blind, perhaps missing one or both eyes, due to injury or severe eye infections. Some may have chronic health conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure. Some may just be getting old and suffering from infirmaries common with advanced age. Although these cats may need a little 16 | PETS IN THE CITY
I'm a Special Needs cat DAHLIA
Female / 6 Months Old / Domestic Short Hair I couldn’t be any cuter, more playful or loving. I have special needs and have to find just the right home. I was injured and have trouble urinating on my own. I need an adopter willing to help with that a few times a day. Don’t worry, it’s actually pretty easy (and fast)! I’m the best snuggle buddy ever, I just need that special someone. Email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org to meet me. extra care and attention, depending on the infirmary, many of them, once they feel comfortable in the new surroundings, adapt and do quite well. I’ve often heard owners comment that if they didn’t know there was a problem, it would hardly be noticed. It may seem challenging at first, but all it really takes is owner education about the condition and how to accommodate for it. For instance, cats with mobility issues from missing or deformed limbs, may need stairs or ramps to access favorite sleeping spots. They would need to be kept free of overly frisky housemates. Blind cats would need to be able to accustom themselves to the home environment. Food, water and litter boxes would need to be readily accessible. And all family members, as well as visitors, would need to be aware and watch that these cats can’t get outside. Owners caring for chronically ill cats need to be diligent in providing necessary medications or treatments on schedule, and be aware and accepting of possible outcomes. It does take commitment, but no more so than the commitment to keeping any pet as a member of the family. These cats can teach us a lot about perseverance and acceptance. They do not sit around, wallowing in self-pity, or blaming others for their misfortune. They just go with what they have and give all they can, all the while not expecting or even asking for anything extra. Shannon Hines, DVM is the owner of Orchard Animal Clinic, specializing in TNR, low cost cat spays, neuters, dentals, feral/ community cat care and acupuncture, as well as Orchard Animal Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to providing veterinary care for homeless animals, sick or injured shelter animals and hospice services. Orchardanimaloutreach.org PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
Volunteering with Best Friends Animal Society By Temma Martin
D
o you love animals and wish there was more you could do to help? There probably is! There are a wide variety of volunteer opportunities regardless of where you live, or how busy your schedule is.
Whether you take a road trip to help at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, volunteer in your community, or help out from your home, you’ll make a difference in the lives of homeless pets, meet others who love animals, and make great memories. Last year, more than 11,600 people volunteered at the Sanctuary, putting in more than 160,000 hours of their time. People come from all over the world every year to work with our roughly 1,600 Sanctuary animals. From walking dogs, taking pets for a sleepover, cleaning rabbit runs, to just sitting and talking to a shy cat, there’s always plenty to do. To get started, please visit volunteers.bestfriends.org or contact the Sanctuary Volunteer Department at volunteers@bestfriends.org or 435-644-2001, ext. 4119. If you can’t make it to the Sanctuary in southern Utah, there are lots of
animal shelter volunteer opportunities and ways to help rescue pets Photos courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society throughout the state. There are 56 shelters and rescue groups across our state that are part of the No Kill Utah Coalition, so check with one near you to see how you can get involved in helping the animals in your local community. The Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in Sugar House appreciates volunteer help as well, for those who live in the Salt Lake City area. In general, our minimum age for volunteers is 12 years old, and volunteers under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. However, knowing how many kids love animals and want to help, there are off-site opportunities that do not have a minimum age requirement. Some ideas for off-site projects include: pet food pantry pet food and supplies drive, collecting and creating kitten toys, and making blankets for pets at our Spay/Neuter Clinics. For those over age 16 with a busy schedule, the kittens at the Best Friends Kitten Nursery need ‘round-the-clock care, and much of that TLC is provided by volunteers. The nursery is a medical facility, and volunteers are fully gowned and gloved to keep the kittens safe and healthy. You can help with bottle-feeding, food preparation, socialization, and more. We are currently recruiting new volunteers for the kitten nursery, as it recently opened for the 2018 kitten season. Volunteers wishing to do animal care at the Pet Adoption Center must be at least 18 years old if they would like to work with the dogs. Because the Center is small and the demand for these positions is high, the orientations and training classes for these shifts are only offered when we are looking for more animal care volunteers.
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If you love animals but can’t adopt, you can help by fostering a pet. Fosters are volunteers who provide an important function by helping get pets ready for adoption, often taking in kittens who have “graduated” from the kitten nursery, but need to grow a little more before they are big enough to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated for adoption. Best Friends Street Team volunteers must be at least 16 years old and enjoy talking to people and spreading the word about Best Friends Animal Society’s mission to Save Them All. Best Friends hosts community outreach booths at several events, such as festivals and farmer’s markets, throughout the year, and the Street Team partners with employees at these events to educate people about Best Friends work. Volunteers are needed to help the Community Cat team. Best Friends in Utah provides trap/neuter/return (TNR) assistance throughout the state so community cats can live safely in their neighborhoods and stay out of shelters. TNR is a humane and effective way to gradually decrease the number of these cats in our communities. Volunteers help with everything from education and outreach to trapping and caring for cats. Best Friends in Utah offers a unique opportunity to be a part of our life-saving mission “behind the scenes” at a real veterinary clinic. Our Spay/Neuter Clinics, located in Orem and South Ogden, provide between 50 – 100 low-cost or free spay and neuter surgeries every day, and are a vital part of the effort to make Utah a no-kill state. Volunteers who are at least 18 years old, can help prepare surgical packs and vaccines, set up the surgery suite, talk to clients, and more. Best Friends has three major events each year: Strut Your Mutt at Liberty Park in the fall, and NKUT Super Adoptions in both spring and fall, at the Legacy Event Center in Farmington. Hundreds of volunteers are needed for a variety of jobs to make these events run smoothly and successfully. And they’re a lot of fun at the same time. To sign up to volunteer in northern Utah, go to volunteers.bestfriends.org, and look for opportunities on the calendar marked BFAS-UT. Feel the pleasure and fulfillment that helping animals brings. And regardless of where you choose to volunteer, your efforts, no matter how big or small, help to Save Them All. Temma Martin is a public relations specialist for Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. Best Friends runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters. 20 | PETS IN THE CITY
Q. I just adopted a 12 week-old puppy from my local shelter. I’ve never owned a dog. I want to teach her to be good, but I don’t know what “words” or commands to give her. – Amy A. Congratulations! I’m pleased you want to teach her to be a good dog. A trained dog is a happy dog who is allowed to do more things with the family and is a joy to have around. A trained dog also has a smaller chance of being rehomed or given to the shelter. It’s very important to teach your dog how to live in our human world. The more she understands our language, the more comfortable she will be with society. When teaching her new commands, make sure to use the same word for the command. Mixing up the words can confuse your dog. All dogs love to be trained, whether it is a 3-pound Yorkshire or a 200-pound Mastiff. This list of commands is a good start. Sit – Put your bottom on the ground. Down – Lie down with your belly and elbows touching the ground. Stay – Don’t move until told to do so. Come – Come to me, all the way to me, to the front of me. Heel – Stay by my left side no matter where I go. Leave it – Don’t touch it, don’t pay attention to it. Watch me – Look at my eyes, a focus command, pay attention to me. Off – Get your paws off of the person or counter or to get off the sofa or bed. Different than the command down. Let’s Go – You’re falling behind, catch up. This command is different from the word come. Kennel – Go into your kennel. Bed – Go to your bed. No – Stop what you are doing. Quiet – Hush, be silent, stop barking. Back – Move away from something such as the door. Okay – Release word. You are done, you can break your command. Go outside – Need to go outside and use the bathroom. Potty, do your business – Use the bathroom now. Go for a ride – Do you want to get into the car and go for a ride? Go for a walk – Let’s put your leash on and go for a walk. 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 PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
t i g n i p p Ya
! p U
join us at Yappy Hour By Foxi LeFierce
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hen the weather is nice, we often look for fun things to do with our pets. Or, for those animal lovers without pets among us, we look for events centered around animals and pet activities to get our pet fill. We’re happy to report that back again this summer, Salt Lake County will present the super fun and family-friendly interactive Yappy Hour. Hosted by Salt Lake City Corporation, sponsors include Pets in the City Magazine, Now 97.9, 103.1 The Wave, KLO1430 Radio, City Weekly, Proper Brewing Co, The Food Truck League, and Salt Lake County Animal Services. If you’ve never been to a Yappy Hour event, you’re in for a great time. Over the years, Yappy Hour has evolved into a multi-faceted event. This summer’s Yappy Hour brings with it pet-centric vendors, children’s games and activities, dog adoptions through Rescue Rovers, food and drinks from the food trucks of the Food Truck League, simulcast music, a beer garden by Proper Brewery, and more. Mark your calendars; Yappy Hour takes place one night a month, from June through September. The venue rotates between Liberty Park and Fairmont Park. With so much to do, the monthly event promises a little something for everyone! Tuesday, June 12, 6 – 9 p.m. in Liberty Park Wednesday, July 18, 6 p.m – 9 p.m. in Fairmont Park Wednesday, August 15, 6 p.m – 9 p.m. in Liberty Park Thursday, September 13, 5 p.m – 8 p.m. in Fairmont Park Leashed dogs are more than welcome to attend. There will also be a fenced play area where your dog can play while you walk around and enjoy the vendors. Don’t have a dog, but want to change that? Rescue Rovers will be onsite at each event, with adoptable dogs looking for their forever homes. But Yappy Hour is fun, with or without a pet, and is a great opportunity to come out with friends and family, visit all of the local businesses that 22 | PETS IN THE CITY
have come out, and to support local animal organizations. Need to renew or obtain a license for your dog? Well, Yappy Hour can help with that! Salt Lake County Animal Services will be on hand at each event with the capacity to issue a license or microchip on site. How convenient is that? Among the pet-centric vendors and businesses, you will find local animal advocacy and rescue groups, including Best Friends Animal Society, Rescue Rovers, Save Our Local Pets Utah and Fido’s Foundation. If you have ever wanted information on how to volunteer or join one of these organizations, there will be booths with representatives from various organizations there to answer your questions. This year’s Yappy Hour will be collecting donations for its selected charity, Salt Lake County’s, No More Injured Pets Fund. When you are at the event, please look for the donation boxes placed around the various vendors and event area. Capital Broadcasting is the media sponsor and music provider of the event. Gary Stanger, marketing director at Capital Broadcasting, says they are delighted to be on board again. “Last year was our first working with the city to present Yappy Hour and we were blown away. What a great event. We knew we had to be involved again. Two of our stations, NOW 97.9 and 103.1 The Wave, were at all of the events last year and we were overwhelmed by the support of the community to help with awareness and pet adoptions. This year we’re also taking donations to help homeless pets find forever homes and we are very excited for the summer!” So, whether you have a dog and are looking for a doggy date night, or you’re just looking for something fun to do in the park with great food, fun activities, local vendors, and music this summer, Yappy Hour is a must! PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
801-990-7422 • 9486 S. Union Square (700 East), Sandy (SW Corner of Intersection, SW Corner of Shopping Center)
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CINNA
NILES
JUSTIN & MICHAEL
PRINCESS PI & DOTTIE
THUMPER
HARRIET
LEROY JENKINS
HESTER
BUNNY
BLACKIE
Female / 2 Years Old / Lab Mix I enjoy car rides and would like an active family. Ideally I’d be the only pet, but I’m good with other dogs my size or larger. No small dogs or young kids for me. I love my people and can be a little wary of strangers. To meet me, contact CAWS at caws.org.
Males / Adult / Bonded Pair I’m Justin. I’m a very happy and playful boy who likes to be petted. I’m bonded to my brother, Michael; we must be adopted together. I like to give kisses and even lick your hand if you let me. Michael is playful and likes to be petted. To meet us, contact CAWS at caws.org.
Male / 7 Years Old / Saint Bernard/Lab Mix I weigh 100 pounds and am a mellow boy who enjoys nothing more than a good nap and a walk around the neighborhood. I’m great with other dogs and have never been around cats. I’m house and crate trained, though I’m trustworthy when left alone. To meet me, contact CAWS at caws.org.
Male / 10 Years Old / Tuxedo Medium Hair Every senior deserves a loving companion, and that’s me! I’d love to be your new snuggle buddy. I’m an easygoing and mellow friend. I require a special diet. Email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org to meet me. Female / 3 Years Old / Short Hair Look at me! Can you believe I’m still looking for a loving family to adopt me? I’m sweet, but would be better with someone comfortable with rabbits. Call the Humane Society of Utah, 801-261-2919, ext. 295, for more information. 24 | PETS IN THE CITY
Male / 4 Years Old / Terrier Mix I came to the shelter with 2 very bad cherry eyes and 2 abscessed teeth and lots of attitude. After surgery for both, I’m happy and love to play fetch with a tennis ball and get belly rubs. For more information, visit Paws for Life Utah at pflu.org.
Females / Adult / Bonded Pair I’m Princess Pi because I have 3.14 legs! I’m still great at hoping and jumping around. I love to climb and play but I’m also very relaxed. I need to be adopted with Dottie because we have never been apart. She’s a sweet, playful girl with lots of beautiful fluffy hair. I have a very soft meow and love to explore. To meet us, contact CAWS at caws.org.
Female / 7 Years Old / Domestic Long Hair I like things my way. I’d be content being a companion to adult people in a mellow household, as I can get overstimulated. I have kidney disease and need to continue my special diet in my new home. Email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org to meet me.
Male / 3 Years Old / Domestic Short Hair I’m playful and confident. I can be very affectionate, but I also like my space. I don’t mind the company of other cats and should be okay with children. I’ve been waiting for my forever home since June 2017! Email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org to meet me.
Female / 3 Months Old / Long Hair No, I’m not having a bad hair day! I’m a beautiful Lion Head rabbit. I’d love a person who cuddles me, and brushes my wool mane to keep it from matting. Call the Humane Society of Utah, 801-261-2919, ext. 295, for more information. PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
Tested By 3 Independent Labs I found their dream home. Now let me find yours
es
hom iendly r f t e p Finding ce 2005 sin
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801-230-4724
SVETLANA
Female / 3 Years Old / Domestic Short Hair I’m a shy girl. I will approach you on my terms with a leg rub and purrs. Once I learn to trust you, my nervousness goes away and I would be perfect as an only pet. Email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org to meet me.
ALMOND JOY
Female / 3 Years Old / Lab/Bully Mix I’m great with people and love everyone! I live with little kids and am very sweet to them, although sometimes I’m exuberant enough to knock them over. I love to go on walks and am great on leash. Apply to meet me today at rescuerovers.org.
MARISOL
Female / 2 Years Old / Pit Bull Mix I’m a sweet dog and have a fun loving personality. One of my favorite things is cuddling next to my humans. I am crate trained and potty trained, and love humans, especially ones that let me cuddle next to them in bed and on the couch. I need to be an only dog. Apply to meet me today at rescuerovers.org.
ROLO
Male / 2 Years Old / Terrier/Bull Mix I’m like a little cartoon character with just as much personailty. I’m good with other dogs, and kids over 10 years old, and am housetrained. For more information, visit Paws for Life Utah at pflu.org.
LUCKY
Male / 4 Years Old / American Staffordshire Terrier Are you lonely and looking for a new best friend? Then I may be the boy for you! I was found during Hurricane Harvey and brought to Utah to find a forever home. I love my humans, my food, and my puzzles! Email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org to meet me.
INKIE
Male / 15 Years Old / Domestic Long Hair I came to the shelter in February when my owner got too sick to care for me. My front paws are declawed so I’m an indoor-only kitty. I’m ok with other cats, could care less about dogs, am fine with kids who don’t pick on me, and would be happy just cuddling all day. For more information, visit Paws for Life Utah at pflu.org. 26 | PETS IN THE CITY
FELICIA FAJITA
Female / 7 Years Old / Domestic Long Hair I’m a kooky girl with a big personality! When not snoozing, I’m paying attention to everything going on. I would do best in a home with adults who will play with me. Email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org to meet me.
MARILOU
Female / 9 Years Old / Domestic Short Hair I enjoy relaxing and snuggling with my favorite people. I’m always up for a good scratch behind the ears. I’d be happiest in a peaceful home where I can relax. Call Nuzzles & Co (435-649-5441) for more information.
BEETHOVEN
Male / 3 Years Old / Pit Bull Mix I’m a goofball, but I’m already crate & potty trained. I would love a family that is easy going and has a calm house. I don’t mind older children who have mellow energy & would like cuddles on the couch while watching movies. Apply to meet me today at rescuerovers.org.
SPIDEY
Male / 5 Years Old / Siamese Mix I’m the ultimate snuggler and love attention! I get along well with other cats. I’m a total lovebug, just looking for a loving forever family. I’m sure to be a loyal companion for years to come. Call Nuzzles & Co (435-649-5441) for more information.
LIESL
Female / 3 Years Old / Pit Bull Terrier I’m a friendly girl looking for an active home where I can let loose and just have fun. I’m a young, energetic girl who’s smart and very playful. I get along with some other dogs with proper introduction. Call Nuzzles & Co (435-649-5441) for more information.
WALNUT
Male / 2 Years Old / Shepherd Mix I’m a high-energy dog who loves to play and needs lots of exercise. I’m working on basic behavior training and am a fast learner. I’m dog-selective and need a home without cats, but love people. Call Nuzzles & Co (435-649-5441) for more information. PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
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Thor
Bambi
Jack
ll
Kimba
Bella
Romey and Winston
Elle &
Whiskey
Tayla oo
M Missy
Alfie
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Todd
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