Pets in the City Magazine's December 2014 Issue by Pets in the City Magazine

December 2014

Pets In The City Magazine

December 2014

Event Calendar

Throughout December What Where

Throughout December What Where When Info

Have your picture taken with your pets in the Honest Kitchen Photo Booth! Healthy Pets Mountain West, 2852 E. Fort Union Blvd. During the month of December www.healthypetsmw.com

Throughout December

December 6 & 7 What Where When Info

When Info

Tracy Thomas Holiday Toy, Treat & Goodie Drive Urban Utah Homes & Estates, 200 S. 400 W. (15 minutes free parking in front) During the month of December Bring us a donation and receive a FREE dog rescue kit.

Picture Your Pet with Santa at the Humane Society Utah Humane Society Utah 4242 S. 300 W., Murray December 6 and 7 rachel@utahhumane.org or call 801-269-2919 x 212

What Where When Info

Visit Cowboy Santa! THE FARM Petting Zoo & Pony Rides in Gardner Village, 1100 W. 7800 S. During the month of December on Fridays & Saturdays from 12 - 6 p.m. 801-706-8189

Adopt a new family member at www.Petfinder.com

December 13 What Where When Info

Santa at the Utah Animal Adoption Center UAAC 1955 Redwood Road December 13, 1 - 4 p.m. 801-355-7387

Upcoming Events? Send them in now to be included in next month’s calendar!

New Year Resolutions What are your pets’ New Year resolutions? Post pics of them with their New Year hopes on our Facebook page by Dec. 18, and we’ll share some in January’s issue.

December 2014

Pets In The City Magazine

TABLE of CONTENTS 4 4 6

8 10

14 16

EVENT CALENDAR LETTER FROM THE STAFF EXPERT ADVICE Why Are My Dog’s Eyes Cloudy? Nuclear Sclerosis vs. Cataracts - Jess Anderson, DVM DO YOU SPEAK DOG? Paw & Order Teaches How - Kim Justen EXPERT ADVICE Listen Up: The In’s and Out’s of Ear Infections - Rachel Walton, DVM BREED ALL ABOUT IT Pit Bull Terrier: Loyal and Loving - Jennafter Martin RESCUE ME GOING NOSE-TO-NOSE WITH DERRICK FAVORS How Utah Jazz Power Forward Shares His Home with Two Canine Companions - April A. Northstrom DON’T HORSE AROUND Considerations When Getting A Horse - Mona Mistric PURRFECT GIFTS FOR YOUR FURRY — FEATHERED — FRIENDS - Kim Justen

25 26 28

30 31

! e e fr or f t n e v e r ou y We’ll announce Just email your event details to: info@petsinthecitymagazine.com

EXPERT ADVICE Eugene’s Tiny Tumor; Removing a Growth Common to Guinea Pigs - Lindsey Woods, DVM ASK STETSON - Tonya Landon CANINE MAYORAL RACE: The Results Are In! - Sarah Tyler FAMILY FUN - Famous Pit Bulls Matching Game - Caption Contest Winner - Read With Your Pet - Nyssa Fleig YOUR PETS IN THE CITY PHOTOS MADAME TABU’S PET HOROSCOPE

Cover photo: Chris Dickinson

Last Month’s Issue

PAWS TO REFLECT As the holidays approach, we pause to reflect on the passing year. With the final days of 2014, we want to express our immeasurable gratitude to our staff and writers for their many contributions. We also want to thank our executive director, Genevieve Campbell, and stalwart managing editor, Deborah Myers, for all they do. And, of course, a big shout out to our advertisers who enable us to provide this magazine for free to our loyal readers along the Wasatch Front, while letting patrons know about their pet-friendly products and services. We also thank you – our reader – for your care and concern for those furred, feathered, and finned. Pets in the City Magazine is dedicated to and encourages rescuing companion animals of all types. On that note and in light of December traditionally being a month of giving, we hope you can open your heart and give a home to a new family member. See our “Rescue Me” page and go to petfinder.com to find a loving animal looking for you.

Chanté McCoy, Editor-in-Chief

PUBLISHER PICM Publishing, LLC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Genevieve Campbell EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chanté McCoy MANAGING EDITOR Deborah Myers STAFF WRITERS April A. Northstrom Jennafer Martin / Kim Justen Mona Mistric / Sarah Tyler / Tonya Landon CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jess Anderson, DVM Lindsey Woods, DVM Rachel Walton, DVM GUEST WRITERS Nyssa Fleig STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Dickinson CIRCULATION Shane Myers, Circulation Manager, 801.455.7032 City Weekly Distribution Smith’s Grocery Store Racks

SALES & ADVERTISING Beverly Egleston Deborah Myers info@petsinthecitymagazine.com 801.702.1171

Pets In The City Magazine

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michelle Bellinger All illustrations created by Mashiara Graphics. Copyrighted 2014.

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.

December 2014

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.

EXPERT ADVICE

WHY

ARE MY DOG’S

EYES

CLOUDY?

NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS VS. CATARACTS Jess Anderson, DVM At about the age of seven, most dogs begin to develop a subtle change in the appearance of their eyes. The lens of the eye — what we see as the pupil — starts to take on a slightly blue or milky appearance. Owners often assume that this change indicates that their dog is developing cataracts. While dogs may certainly develop cataracts, they much more commonly develop a condition called nuclear sclerosis, sometimes called lenticlular sclerosis.

December 2014

Pets In The City Magazine

The eye is a very precise organ. Light first enters the eye through the cornea; it is then focused by the lens onto the retina. For vision to be perfectly clear, the cornea and lens must be perfectly transparent. Anything that affects the transparency of these structures affects the eye’s ability to generate a clean, clear image. While cataracts and nuclear sclerosis both have an effect on vision, the effect of cataracts is dramatic while that of nuclear sclerosis is less significant.

WHAT IS A CATARACT?

A cataract occurs when the lens becomes opaque. The area of opacity can involve the entire lens or just part of the lens. The cataract scatters the

light as it passes through the lens, preventing the lens from focusing the light clearly onto the retina. If the cataract involves the entire lens, then that eye will only be able to see light and dark; if it involves just part of the lens, then that area becomes a blind spot in the visual field. When an ophthalmoscope is used to examine the eye of a dog with cataracts, the retina at the back of the eye cannot be seen clearly. A cataract obscures vision the same way a thick layer of ice obscures your ability to see out of a car’s windshield — you can look out the windshield and see light and shadows, but you can’t see much else. In dogs, cataracts have several causes. Diabetes is the most common cause of cataracts involving the entire lens, and nearly all diabetic dogs end up developing cataracts. Other causes of cataracts include hereditary causes, trauma to the eye, chronic inflammation in the eye, and age-related degenerative changes to the lens.

IS THERE A TREATMENT OR PREVENTIVE FOR CATARACTS? If an underlying disease that is known to cause cataracts is diagnosed (such as chronic inflammation of the anterior chamber of the eye, or anterior uveitis), effective treatment of the disease can prevent cataract formation. A medication is currently undergoing testing for the prevention of diabetic cataracts, but data on the efficacy of the medication is still being collected, and the medication is not available to the general public. Currently, no medication treats cataracts once they have formed. The only treatment for cataracts is to remove the lens. Cataract removal is a very technical surgery and is performed by veterinary ophthalmologists. Unfortunately, unlike with people, veterinary patients generally undergo cataract surgery after their cataracts have completely matured and they are totally blind.

Surgery is much more difficult and technical at this point and requires the expertise and experience of a specialist.

WHAT IS NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS? Nuclear sclerosis simply means hardening of the lens. The body of the lens is made up of carefully arranged protein fibers. As the lens ages, it produces more of these fibers. Since the lens expands very little, these fibers become more densely compacted with age. This changes the refractive properties of the lens that results in the pupil taking on a cloudy or milky appearance. These changes have a small effect on the transparency of the lens. When an ophthalmoscope is used to examine an eye affected with nuclear sclerosis, the back of the eye, the retina, can be clearly seen.

DOES NUCLEAR SCLEROSIS NEED TO BE TREATED? Nuclear sclerosis affects vision. Dogs may have a more difficult time focusing on small objects in low light. They may have a harder time finding a treat that has been dropped on the floor or negotiating a step down when going outside at night. This has little effect on a dog’s ability to perform daily tasks because dogs do not rely on precise visual acuity — they don’t need to be able to read a newspaper or drive a car. Since dogs function well with nuclear sclerosis, the condition does not generally need to be treated. If you are worried about your dog’s vision, have your veterinarian evaluate her eyes. Dr. Anderson is a veterinarian at Timpanogos Animal Hospital in Pleasant Grove, Utah. His professional interests include dentistry, surgery, and internal medicine. Besides dogs, cats, horses and cattle, Dr. Anderson has worked with sheep, goats, llamas, alpacas, and pigs and even had one run-in with a water buffalo.

Pets In The City Magazine

December 2014

DO YOU SPEAK DOG?

Amy Francis with her dog, Dantae

»» PAW AND ORDER TEACHES HOW Kim Justen

We’ve all seen the news stories. A dog has attacked. Many dog lovers scratch their heads and wonder how it happened and if it could have been avoided. “Most dog bites are because of fear aggression,” says Amy Francis, licensed dog trainer and owner of Paws Forward Dog Training. Breed and size do not enter into the equation. According to Francis, most bites are preventable if people read the body language of the dog. The problem is, most people — including those we call for help — don’t speak dog, so Francis created Paw and Order, a program that teaches police officers how to read the signals dogs send us. Paw and Order teaches officers about dog psychology, body language, and various types of aggression. In addition, they learn ways to calm an aggressive dog when the aggression is fear based. “Handling a situation with confidence can diffuse everything,” she says. Working closely with Heber Animal Control and the Utah Animal Control Officer’s Association, Francis recently taught her pilot program to the West Valley Police Department. The feedback she’s gotten has been positive, with participants feeling better prepared following the class.

Pets In The City Magazine

“We need to get more aware of dog body language,” she says. “The pilot had thirty officers, but, with the launch of the program, we’ll be teaching 60-100 officers at a time, beginning in 2015. The goal is to have the whole department trained. Even the K-9 unit took the class.”

Her first piece of advice applies to all new dogs. “Never trust a dog you don’t know. We don’t know if they’re sick or injured, or if they’ve been abused…we don’t know their backstory.” Rule number two: don’t rush the introduction. Remember when you were a kid and someone told you to hold your hand out and let the dog sniff it? “The dog needs to initiate the greeting,” says Francis. The dog needs to reach out to us, not the other way around. “If we rush it, we can rush a potential dangerous situation. The scariest thing I see is leaning a hand out to a dog. Done too quickly, that hand can become a chew toy. When I see kids do it, I freak out every time.”

December 2014

You also need to pay attention to how you look to the dog. To us, a smile is friendly. To a dog, it’s aggressive because you’re flashing your canines at them. So is leaning over them, hugging them, or touching them in vulnerable places, like the neck.

Like a traffic signal, Francis puts dogs into three categories: green, yellow, and red. When approaching a new dog, pay attention to the signs. It’s a green light situation if the dog has a relaxed demeanor, easy open-mouthed breathing, and her eyes aren’t laser beam-focused on anything. “Everything on the body, the tail, the ears: they’re centered.”

“With a yellow light situation, things are getting a little tense,” says Francis. “There’s tension around the eyebrows, muzzle, and ears, and you’ll see veins extending. They’re very fearful, and the tail is either up high or between their legs, and the ears are generally pushed back. They’re in fight-or-flight mode. This dog is deciding what to do, and you need to proceed with caution.” In a red situation, the dog is committed to protecting herself or her owner. “The hackles are up, and the dog is leaning towards whatever it’s threatened by. It will be moving forward, the ears will be forward… you’ll see growling or snarling, and maybe barking.” In her experience, Francis says the most aggressive dogs have been quiet, so you still need to pay attention to the other signs. When you meet a dog who’s in the red, Francis recommends one of two things. Most importantly, if you can get out, do. “If that’s not possible, get something between the two of you, like a garbage can or a barrier of some sort. Once the dog is committed to protecting themselves, they’re committed. Don’t challenge the dog, but don’t look away either.”

While Paw and Order was created for police officers, Francis hopes to roll it out to schools and the community to educate the public and help keep situations from falling into the red zone.

Pets In The City Magazine

December 2014

EXPERT ADVICE

LISTEN UP: THE IN’S AND OUT’S OF EAR INFECTIONS Rachel Walton, DVM Ear infections are a frequent reason for veterinary visits in small animals. Because they are so common, it is easy to think they must be simple to diagnose and treat, but this is not always the case. It can be tempting to pick up an over-thecounter cleaner or try a home remedy found online. However, the best course of action is to work with a veterinarian in order to increase the chances of success. WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS? Symptoms of an ear infection include shaking of the head and scratching at the ears. Affected pets will often hold their ears abnormally. Increased discharge, redness, pain, and a foul odor from the ear are also commonly noted. These symptoms are related to overgrowth of bacteria, yeast, or a combination of the two within the ear.

December 2014

Pets In The City Magazine

WHAT CAUSES EAR INFECTIONS? The majority of ear infections, especially chronic cases, have an underlying cause. Sometimes the cause is obvious, but, in many cases, it is more subtle. The most common cause is allergies — either food allergies, environmental allergies, or, rarely in our geographic area, fleas. Other causes include foreign material in the ear (such as grass awns) or parasites (such as ear mites). Some pets also have predisposing factors that increase their risk for ear infections. These factors do not cause an ear infection on their own but can make them more likely if an underlying cause is also present. These include conformation of the pet’s ears, such as narrow ear canals or hair in the ears; the pet’s lifestyle, including regular swimming, grooming, and excessive ear care; the presence of growths within the ear; or, other diseases that may affect the pet’s ability to fight infection. HOW ARE EAR INFECTIONS TREATED? If symptoms of an ear infection are noted, the first step is to visit a veterinarian to develop an

appropriate treatment plan. This plan will be based on treating the underlying cause, so the veterinarian will perform a complete examination of the ear. For example, if a foreign body is identified in the ear canal, this will need to be removed to resolve the problem. The health of the ear drum is also evaluated. If the ear drum is ruptured, this can affect the safety of medications applied to the ear. The veterinarian will discuss the pet’s prior medical history, especially regarding past ear problems and treatments. Many veterinarians also perform a diagnostic test called cytology, evaluating the ear debris under a microscope. This test allows the veterinarian to identify the type of organism causing the infection, such as bacteria or yeast, as well as look for other abnormalities, such as ear mites. Cytology helps to guide medication selection and monitor response to treatment. Initial treatment generally involves cleaning the ear to remove excess debris. This debris interferes with medications penetrating the ear. Sedation is required in some cases to accomplish a thorough cleaning. After the ear is cleaned, the infection is treated using medication, which is applied directly to the ear at home in most cases. Ear medications come in many forms, but the majority are combination products containing an antibiotic, an antifungal, and an anti-inflammatory. Significant infections may benefit from oral medications as well. It is important to understand the correct way to apply any ear medications dispensed by a veterinarian, so be sure to ask for proper instruction. WHY DO EAR INFECTIONS KEEP COMING BACK? After treatment, it is important to follow up with the veterinarian for a medical progress examination. This is the case whether it is the pet’s first or fifth ear infection. Too often the infection appears to be gone when disease is still present deep in the ear canal. Once again, the ear will be carefully examined, and cytology may be repeated. The real challenge is to diagnose and treat the underlying cause to prevent problems from recurring and minimize on-going ear inflammation, pain, and damage. It is important to continue to work with a veterinarian and to develop a plan for long-term prevention, such as weekly ear cleaning, once the acute infection is eliminated. Rachel Walton received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Colorado State University in 2007. She is an associate veterinarian at University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center in Salt Lake City.

Pets In The City Magazine

December 2014

Jennafer Martin

PIT BULL TERRIER: LOYAL AND LOVING WHAT IS A PIT BULL?

The term “Pit Bull” is often misused. It isn’t a single, recognized breed. According to the ASPCA, the term most accurately refers to American Pit Bull Terriers and American Staffordshire Terriers. However, it is often applied to other breeds and various mixes because of similar head shapes and body types. Can you identify a Pit Bull? Find out at pickthepit.com. It’s possible that no other dog breed in American history has experienced such a polarity in public perception as Pit Bulls. In the past 30 years, media reports of Pit Bull attacks have fueled reactions from fear to outrage, causing many to support their communities banning the breed. During the same time, Pit Bull owners and proponents have come together to tout the loving and loyal nature of Pit Bulls, working to help them beat the bad rep and improve their public image. But the Pit Bull hasn’t always had this polarized perception, and each dog’s history and temperament influence whether or not a Pit Bull is right for you.

Pets In The City Magazine

SOLID STANDARDS While Pit Bulls come in a variety of coat colors and patterns, their body shapes make them fairly easy to spot. They’re generally medium-sized dogs with short hair, and you can tell them from other similarly sized dogs because they are muscular and solidly built, with a broad head and wide muzzle. A Pit Bull’s body is slightly longer than it is tall, and their ears are medium length and set high on their heads. They are strong, athletic dogs. BREED BACKGROUND Contrary to recent perception, the Pit Bull used to be universally beloved in America. In the early 20th century, their image was one of the faithful companion, as Americans saw Pete, the Pit Bull companion to President Theodore Roosevelt, and Petey, the adorable Pit Bull sidekick to the Little Rascals.

December 2014

Whether they’ve been beloved or feared, their history is clear. According to the ASPCA, the modern American Pit Bull Terrier is “a descendent of the English bull-baiting dog — a dog that was bred to bite and hold bulls, bears and other large animals around the face and head.” This breed was large and slow but strong. When baiting large animals was outlawed in the 1800s, people began breeding English bull-baiting dogs with smaller, fast terriers to produce a strong but more agile dog to fight against other dogs.

Because they are muscular and look tough and sometimes imposing, Pit Bulls are still purchased as status symbols and guard dogs today.

TEMPERAMENT TALLIES But genetics aren’t everything. Despite being bred to fight originally, Pit Bulls are often described as sweet, gentle, loyal and loving — and even playful and silly. “Pit Bulls offer unconditional love, loyalty, and dedication to you,” says Kelly Lawson, owner of five Pit Bull Terriers, one of which is Kandie, a therapy dog. “Each dog has its own personality, and it’s tapping into those personalities that make and shape their temperament.” The ASPCA agrees with Kelly. “Genetics do not exist in a vacuum,” the organization says. “Rather, behavior develops through a complex interaction between environment and genetics. This is why there is such variation in behavior between individual dogs, even when they are of the same breed and bred for the same purpose. The Pit Bull specifically bred for generations to be aggressive may not fight with dogs and the Labrador Retriever bred to be a service dog may be aggressive toward people.” Due to their mixed public perception, however, people often approach Pit Bulls with fear, but Kelly encourages people to do the opposite. “Approach a Pit Bull with openness and get to know the individual dog,” she says, “Meet one before you judge.” Indeed, many people are surprised to know that Kandie isn’t the exception to the rule when it comes to Pit Bulls being therapy animals — Pit Bulls actually comprise a high percentage of the therapy animal population. So, they are very capable of being gentle, friendly, and comforting. Because they are energetic dogs, a Pit Bull wouldn’t be a good fit with a couch potato family. “They can act out and become destructive to your property, if they don’t get exercise and keep their minds active,” Kelly says. “Basic obedience classes help keep their energy focused too.” So, if you’re considering adding a Pit Bull as a family member, be prepared for their energetic natures. Pit Bulls can be amazing animal companions for your family, if you know how to meet their needs. Before adopting one into your family, visit the SL County Pit Crew, a division of Salt Lake County Animal Services that offers education and resources to promote responsible pet ownership.

AREN’T PIT BULLS DANGEROUS? No more so than any other breed. Studies by the Centers for Disease Control and the American Veterinary Medical Association found no consistent correlation between any breed and bite rates. Individual dogs from a variety of breeds have bitten. The factors that contribute to a biting dog — whether Pit Bull or Poodle — are inappropriate training, inhumane confinement, lack of supervision, little or no socialization, and no neutering (intact males are responsible for 70 to 76% of reported dog bites).

Pets In The City Magazine

December 2014

Rescue Me Bosch

Male - 3.5 years old - Pit Bull Terrier/Boxer Mix Are you looking for a loyal, smart, and active companion? Bosch is your guy! Bosch wants a strong pack leader who will continue his training and give him a structured life — which he craves. He is a people pleaser and would love to find his forever home! Please email dogs@caws.org for more information.

Spirit

Female - 10 months old- Pit mix Spirit is sweet with her family, but shy when she first meets people. She is quiet and gets along with dogs, cats, and children. She enjoys conversations with those that she feels comfortable with, like a Siamese cat. She can’t wait to meet you! Email info@packandpounce. com or call 801-710-6440 for more information.

December 2014

Pets In The City Magazine

Admiral

Male - 1 year old - Lab Mix Admiral’s hobbies include jogging on the treadmill, flying through the doggy door, and cuddling. He is potty and crate trained, and working on basic obedience. He loves people of all sizes and wants to be part of a family that can take him on outdoor adventures and relax at home. Email rescuerovers@ gmail.com for more information.

Ein

Female - 8 years old - Corgi/Heeler Mix Ein has had a pretty rough start in life and is a shy girl. Once she warms up, she will start “talking.” She has glaucoma and is blind in one eye. Ein is good with dogs, cats, and children that respect her. Ein enjoys going on walks and sleeping in sunny places. Email rescuerovers@gmail.com for more information.

Glowy

Female - 2 years old - Pit Glowy is mellow and loving. She would happily follow you everywhere. Car rides are her favorite! Once properly introduced to other dogs, she gets along well but tends to dominate. No cats. She is house trained, crate trained, and walks well on-leash. She will need additional training and, when outside, requires supervision as she can vault a fence. Email rescuerovers@gmail.com for more information.

Pets In The City Magazine

December 2014

Going Nose-To-Nose with

Derrick

Favors

How Utah Jazz Power Forward Shares His Home with Two Canine Companions

U o D

G t c w h G D

I t a h g c f g

“ g

D D h b r f l

Pets In The City Magazine

Derrick Favors: » Is originally from Atlanta » Was rated the top high school player in the country in 2010 » Played one season at Georgia Tech » Was traded by the Nets to the Jazz for Deron Williams in 2011 » Named to the NBA All-Rookie second team in 2011-12 » Averaged 13 points and 8 rebounds per game last season for the Jazz » Lives in Salt Lake City with his girlfriend and two dogs

December 2014

Source: Salt Lake Tribune

a y

D R t t

“ a r s

Chris Dickinson Photography W

h Malone, alike, and his contributions as a team leader have been recognized s w by his fellow players. R FOUR YEARS AGO, Derrick Favors was rated the top high school player in the country, and today he is a rising star for the Utah Jazz Derrick has achieved remarkable success during his first three years with the — both on and off the court. As a power forward for the Jazz, he has leaped NBA. While he dreamed of playing professionally, he couldn’t have imaginedB into the 2014-2015 basketball season with a bang. In October, he scored that four years after high school he would be a rookie player on one of the ( 32 points against the Phoenix Suns — a career high that led the Jazz to a most dynamic teams in the NBA, that he would buy his first house in Utah, G smashing 118-91 victory. His dedication to the Jazz and basketball have been and that he would share his home with two furry companion animals. After h applauded by current coach Quin Synder, former coach Ty Corbin, and Karl officially signing with the Jazz in 2013, 23-year-old Derrick decided to make c April A. Northstrom

Utah his permanent residence. In the spring of 2013, he welcomed the first of two loving dogs into the home he shares with longtime girlfriend, Shivolli Da Silva.

Gotti, a male blue Pit Bull, was the first to join the Favors family. According to Derrick, he is a still a growing puppy and has a lot of energy to spare. He chose Gotti’s name on the spur of the moment when his girlfriend was making a dog tag for him, but it was definitely the right fit. The name Gotti is strong and unique, and that is what Derrick liked about it.

In late 2013, Derrick welcomed Roxy, a female teacup Yorkshire Terrier, as a gift for Shivolli after her previous dog, Rocky, passed away from health complications. Teacup Yorkshire Terriers generally weigh less than four pounds — a sharp contrast to Derrick’s 6-foot 10-inch, 250-pound frame. Still, it’s the little one who unexpectedly grabs at his heartstrings.

“I didn’t think I’d ever have a small dog, but she grew on me,” says Derrick.

Derrick was raised in Atlanta by his mother, Deandra, and, as a child, wished for a dog of his own. His mother was not as fond of the idea because she knew how much care a dog really requires. She wanted Derrick and his siblings to focus on school and extracurricular activities, like basketball.

Derrick occasionally shares photos of Gotti and Roxy on his personal Twitter page and is proud to show off their activities — playtime, favorite toys, and meeting new friends.

“I was surprised at how well they play together and get along. They like each other and are really playful. Gotti is good with her [Roxy],” says Derrick.

Off the court, Derrick is known as the rookie with a big heart who lends his voice and talent to help those in need. As a way to honor Veterans Day in early November, Derrick and his fellow players spent time at the VA hospital in Salt Lake City, as part of the NBA’s “Commitment to Service” program that aims to support militaryrelated projects. Even after a late night game, Derrick and players, like Gordon Hayward and Trevor Booker, woke up early and spent the day working to clean the leaves from the VA courtyard and hang holiday lights on the trees. At home, Derrick goes nose-to-nose with Gotti and Roxy and relaxes into his private life. He and Shivolli involve the dogs in most of their activities and make sure that they are always cared for, especially when they travel away for games. When talking about his animals, Derrick seems happy to share a part of his life that many people don’t know about. “They [Gotti and Roxy] don’t care who you are. They just wanted to be taken care of and loved,” says Derrick. The former Georgia Tech standout has discovered that Utah is a great place to play basketball and a great place to live, even though good Southern food is hard to find in the Beehive State. Derrick and Shivolli have plans to stay in Utah for a long time, and the Utah Jazz are happy to have Derrick as part of the team. On the home front, Gotti and Roxy have made warm additions to the Favors family and remind us that big hearts can reveal themselves in the most surprising places.

dBoth dogs are still in the “puppy phase” and require a lot of time and energy (as Derrick’s mom told him they would), but it’s worth it to Derrick to have Gotti and Roxy in his life. Having canine companions seems to help balance his public and private lives, especially for someone who doesn’t like to go to clubs or party in his off-time.

On any given night during the basketball season, Derrick is up against some of the strongest, most talented basketball players in the world. Gotti doesn’t like to travel much and stays at home when Derrick is working, but he might catch the game if it’s on television.

December 2014

When asked what his mom thinks about him having two dogs in the house, he replied, “Oh, she was surprised, but she loves both dogs. She was most surprised that I had a little dog like Roxy.”

Even with his recent successes, Derrick remembers the value of family and has fully embraced his companion animals as part of his life. Derrick and Shivolli look forward to celebrating the holidays with their canine and human family members in the coming months. Derrick chuckles when he says that Roxy will probably get dressed up, but Gotti will just go along with the celebrations.

Pets In The City Magazine

“When I was younger, I always wanted a dog — a Pit Bull. They are good dogs, especially when you treat them right,” says Derrick.

Last year, after Derrick was officially signed to the Jazz, he bought a home in the hills above Salt Lake City. He likes to be part of the city life but also likes to have personal space and wanted a place where Gotti has room to play, inside and out. Derrick is learning more about Utah’s outdoor activities and likes to take Gotti on walks and to the dog park. He looks forward to finding more places where Gotti and Roxy can meet other dogs and get exercise.

Mona Mistric INTERESTED IN GETTING A HORSE? They are such magnificent animals, who hasn’t considered it? However, before jumping into that saddle, you should be aware of the responsibilities associated with having a horse and be prepared. Catherine Kirby, founder of Noble Horse Sanctuary, can attest to the fall-out for unprepared owners. “We receive calls every day from people who are unable to care for their horses. We are not able to take in every horse.” Consequently, at the horse sanctuary, she now has a program to educate families on how to care for their own horses. If you are thinking of getting a horse, don’t horse around. To ensure the best outcome for everyone and the horse, Kirby offers many factors to consider before getting a horse.

December 2014

Pets In The City Magazine

BEFORE YOU BUY OR ADOPT A HORSE: 1. Take an experienced person with you to help you pick a horse that suits your family. 2. Watch, observe, and learn from the horses. Pay particular attention to the horses’ body language and how they interact with one another. Their behavior will indicate the character of the horses.

3. Volunteer at your local horse sanctuary and learn about the proper care and attention horses require. 4. Every child should take riding lessons before purchasing a horse. 5. A good alternative to purchasing a horse is to lease one. You pay for board and sign a year lease; in exchange, you get experience riding and caring for the horse. Some people purchase the horse at the end of the lease. 6. Have a veterinarian do a prepurchase exam to make sure the horse is in good health. (If you cannot afford the exam, you probably cannot afford the horse.)

When you find your perfect horse, make sure you are able to cover her basic needs, such as feed and hay, to make sure the horse remains at optimum weight. Also consider seasonal requirements. You need more feed in the winter months because the ground is frozen and grass is sparse, if any grass is available at all. It is important to provide clean water every day. She will need adequate shelter to protect her from the heat and the cold. You don’t want your horse getting sun burned or suffering from heat exhaustion. She will need something to block the wind and the cold during the blustering Utah winters, and lots of nice bedding. You will also need to provide an adequate turn-out area where she can get plenty of exercise.

Kirby also advises vaccinating to protect the horse from various diseases. You can take fecal samples to check for worms, and Kirby recommends worming once a year, unless something shows up in the sample. Be sure to also schedule the farrier to come over every six weeks to keep your horse’s hooves in good shape. Once you bring your new horse companion home, the fun begins. Don’t immediately hop on the horse and go trotting around the pasture. Instead, Kirby suggests spend some time grooming her. This is a good time for bonding, as most horses enjoy being brushed and gently washed. Once the trust has been formed, it is time to begin training. Kirby says, “Some horses are easier to train than others, and it often takes months, and sometimes years, to get them broke well, with good manners, and safe to ride.” If you follow these helpful suggestions, you and your family will enjoy years of happiness with your healthy, fun-loving horse companion.

Pets In The City Magazine

December 2014

PURRFECT GIFTS FOR YOUR

Furry – Feathered – Friends

Kim Justen So, you’re ticking off the holiday gift list. Mom’s taken care of. Your brother? Done. But your four-legged friends haven’t been checked off. No problem: we’ve got you covered. Pamper a furry friend with a Bobbi Panter Pet Product gift basket. Whether you’re interested in the Let’s Make Dog Biscuits pumpkin biscuit mix and pan, the Gorgeous Dog Grooming Van with all its grooming goodies, or one of several other fun options, the pet in your life will thank you. Bobbi’s line of pet care products includes natural shampoos and conditioners that are salt free, pH balanced (so they’re tear free), concentrated for more washes per bottle, and designed to treat specific problems, from dry skin to a deodorizing shampoo which claims to even remove skunk scent. For more information, visit bobbipanter.com.

December 2014

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Smart dogs are a blessing and a curse. Left to their own devices, they’ll destroy your universe out of sheer boredom. Enter interactive dog toys like the Seek-A-Treat Shuffle Bone Dog Puzzle. The toy has ten compartments with six sliding disks. Hide a treat in a compartment, and let your dog go to work at finding the treat. Available at dog.com. Looking for something for the feline in your life? Look no further than the Kitty Connection Creative Play System. When your cat plays with one of the attached toys, a toy on the opposite side will move or make noise, grabbing your cat’s attention and keeping her interest. Whether you choose the four-toy Essentials Kit with one scratching post, or the Deluxe Kit with eight toys and two posts, cats are sure to keep themselves entertained. Both are available at Petco. Why should dogs and cats have all the fun when there are bird gifts like the Parrot Pinata Bird Toy? Made of natural materials perfect for keeping beaks conditioned and your bird engaged with her environment, it’s a great gift for your favorite feathered friend. Another option is the Booda Comfy Cross Bird Perch. Made out of braided cotton fabric rope, the perch can be shaped to fit any space in your bird cage, adjusted to different heights for various perching surfaces, and can even be shaped into a swing. The best part of this perch is it never looses its shape! Both are available at petsmart.com.

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If you’ve ever had a pet rodent, you’ve faced the problem of where to put her while you clean her cage. A shoebox is less than secure and can’t be any fun for your friend. And let’s face it. Sometimes you just want to let her run around. With the Kaytee Run-About Exercise Ball, your hamster or mouse can run through the house, all from the safety of a plastic ball. Available at Amazon.com in several sizes for mice to ferrets. Whomever you’re shopping for, any of these ideas are sure to be a winner. To make it extra safe, wrap your gift in pet-safe wrapping paper and let your pet share the joy of the gift-giving season.

Pets In The City Magazine

December 2014

EXPERT ADVICE

Eugene’s Tiny Tumor Removing a Growth Common to Guinea Pigs Lindsey Woods, DVM

Meet Eugene,

a three-year-old male guinea pig, who belongs to our senior veterinary technician, Brandi. During his daily head scratching, Brandi noticed that Eugene had a small round bump on his head close to his right ear. Eugene still ate and drank normally and didn’t flinch when she touched it, but Brandi wanted a veterinarian to check out the bump. She brought him to see me the very next day.

Pets In The City Magazine

After a brief physical examination, I palpated the bump on his head and made a list of things that may cause a bump like this. The list included multiple types of benign tumors, a fatty tumor called a lipoma, and rare metastatic tumors.

December 2014

Guinea pigs commonly have bumps like Eugene’s called trichofolliculomas. These masses are benign tumors of basal cell origin (meaning they do not metastasize), and they are the most common skin tumors of guinea pigs. They are typically round, can either be firm or soft, and can be closed (like Eugene’s), or can rupture and exude an oily sebaceous discharge. Luckily, these tumors are easily removed with a short surgical procedure. Occasionally, they can even be removed under sedation and a local block only and not require general anesthesia, depending on the location of the mass.

Eugene’s mass was located next to his ear, which can be a sensitive area. Brandi and I used a small amount of gas anesthesia along with sedation and a local block to prevent any pain and to allow for quick removal. A one centimeter, elliptical incision was made around the mass. Blunt dissection allowed complete removal of the mass, and the site was closed with intradermal (under the surface) sutures. We then placed Eugene on oxygen to recover, and he started waking almost immediately. He even ate his hay as soon as he woke up. Due to the small amount of skin that was removed, Eugene’s right ear stands up a little more than the left, giving him an inquisitive facial expression. This fits his curious personality perfectly! A veterinarian should evaluate any skin masses on guinea pigs as soon as they are noticed. Most cases are trichofolliculomas and can be easily removed with no serious complications. However, some other skin masses can become infected and cause life-threatening illness, can be malignant (cancerous) tumors, or can grow large enough to make surgical excision difficult. In the more serious cases, early diagnosis is the best way to prevent life-threatening situations. Dr. Lindsey Woods is a graduate of Oklahoma State University Center for Veterinary Health Sciences who completed two post-graduate specialty internships in avian, exotic pet, wildlife, and zoological medicine. Dr. Woods recently moved to Utah and started her Veterinary Associate position with Dr. Laurel Harris at Wasatch Exotic Pet Care.

Pets In The City Magazine

December 2014

Pets In The City Magazine

Stetson

Tonya Landon

I just found out that I am pregnant, and my friends say that I need to get rid of my dog. Is this true? – Jolene I am not sure why your friends would say that your dog has to go just because you are pregnant. Many people give up their dog when they have their first human child because they didn’t train and socialize her before the human baby came. It is very stressful trying to deal with a newborn child and an untrained dog that is poorly socialized. This doesn’t have to be the case. The new human baby and the resident dog can live happily together with some work from the soon-to-be parents. TRAINING. Your dog needs to understand and obey basic obedience commands, such as sit, lie down, stay, no, and leave it, before your baby comes home. If your dog has a behavioral issue, like jumping up, this is the time to work out these behaviors. Enrolling her in a basic obedience class or hiring a private trainer can be beneficial. NO PLAYING IN THE HOUSE. Teach your dog that playing in the house will not be accepted anymore. Your dog needs to learn to remain calm in the house as this will be important when you lay your baby on the ground and when your baby starts to crawl or walk.

JEALOUSY. If your dog is allowed on your lap, the bed, or the furniture, it is time to teach her to stay off until invited. You don’t want your dog accidentally jumping on your baby when your child is lying on the bed or couch or in your lap. Teaching your dog to wait to be invited on these shared places will also help ward off any jealously between the dog and the baby.

Tonya Landon is a professional dog trainer with Diamonds in the Ruff. She rescued and trained Stetson, a small terrier with aggression issues, to be cast in the title role of the 2012 Stetson, Street Dog of Park City, a short film adapted from the children’s book written by Jeanine Heil.

If you have questions for Stetson, please send them to askstetson@gmail.com.

December 2014

BABY DOLLS AND CRYING. A crying baby can make a dog nervous, if she isn’t used to the sound. You can purchase a CD or a baby doll that cries to accustom your dog to the noise. You can also carry around the baby doll to familiarize your dog with the new routine.

Pets In The City Magazine

ATTENTION. Having a new baby in the house is going to change the amount of attention your dog is used to getting. Prepare your dog. Throughout the day, go into another room and shut the door for a time without your dog to help her learn that not all of your attention will be directed to her anymore.

Canine Mayoral Race: The Results Are In! Sarah Tyler In a recent fundraising event for the Salt Lake County Animal Services, voters elected two charming “CANINEdates” into office. A loveable boxer by the name of Texas will take his rightful place as Canine Mayor, while mini Golden Doodle, CeCe, will fill the role of Deputy Canine Mayor. Both dogs had strong platforms that helped to make this endeavor a success. Tex’s key points included helping public servants to learn to communicate with bigger dogs, getting service dogs for all disabled vets, and shutting down shelter gas chambers. He also ran on the promise that, if elected, he would change his name from “Texas” to “Utah’s Texas,” although as his owner, Sundays Hunt, says, “He prefers being called Mr. Mayor.”

Pets In The City Magazine

CeCe’s campaign focused more on how to be a good adoptive parent to a pet by bringing up issues of spaying and neutering, microchipping, giving dogs a purpose by stimulating their brain through hiking or therapy work, and making sure pets receive the attention and lifestyle they deserve.

December 2014

The idea for a Canine Mayoral election became a reality when Salt Lake County Animal Services sought out a fresh new way to raise money for their Injured Animal Fund. Sandy Nelson, Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Salt Lake County Animal Shelter, says, “We are always looking for fun and creative ideas at the shelter. One of our employees heard about a canine mayor in Coronado, California. We thought it would be a great way to raise funds for our Injured Animal Fund, plus promote the great dogs in our community.”

The general idea was to encourage local Salt Lake County canines to throw their hat into the ring for a bid at mayor. The

“CANINEdates” submitted an entry fee, the first step in the fundraising process, and then voters from around the globe had twenty-one days to vote for their favorite pup for a small donation of $1. The fundraiser was a booming success, raising $23,080. Director of Salt Lake County Animal Services, Mike Reberg, says, “This is one of the most successful fundraisers ever held by our agency. The money raised for the Injured Animal Fund is going to help hundreds of injured and ill animals that find themselves in our care.” Tex and Cece will attend special events with Salt Lake County’s mayor, Ben McAdams, promoting responsible pet ownership. Neither dog should have any struggle completing their duties as Tex is a mild-mannered, patient dog, and CeCe is a registered therapy dog. Both are great ambassadors to the community. Like the human mayor, the pets will serve a two-year term. Sandy Nelson confirms that Salt Lake County Animal Services plans to hold this election bi-annually in conjunction with the human election. Carrying this tradition forward will land Salt Lake County’s quadruped mayors among the renowned pet mayoral ranks of the greats like Lucy Lou, the dog mayor of Rabbit Hash, Kentucky, and feline Mayor Stubbs, actual mayor of his ninehundred person hamlet in Talkeetna, Alaska for fifteen years running. Though no word yet if our furry “CANINEdates” will eventually try for the true title of “Mayor” in the future, I think it’s safe to say that Salt Lake County Animal Services is well on the way to a long-standing and beloved tradition that residents of Salt Lake County will enjoy participating in and celebrating for years to come, giving injured and sick animals hope for healing and a home.

Pets In The City Magazine

December 2014

y l m Fa i Fu n Famous Pit Bulls

Can you match these famous Pit Bull pictures with their descriptions? Sallie: comforted injured Civil War soldiers on the Gettysburg battlefield. A monument to the 11th Pennsylvania Infantry commemorates this beloved regiment member.

Sergeant Stubby: served with the 102nd Infantry, Yankee Division, in World War I, saving his regiment from surprise mustard gas attacks and capturing a German soldier. He was highly decorated and promoted as a non-commissioned officer.

December 2014

Pets In The City Magazine

Weela: saved a child from a rattlesnake bite and helped save 30 people, 29 dogs, 13 horses, and a cat in a 1993 flood.

Pal: acted as “Tige” in the Buster Brown movies and then as “Petey” in The Little Rascals/Our Gang films in the 1920s.

Caption Contest Winner! Did you know that Beagles make the best GOURD dogs?!!! John Michael Dilley

READ WITH YOUR PET Nyssa Fleig It’s the perfect time of year to cuddle up with your pet. And what better shared activity than to read a book together? Whether dog or cat, lizard or meerkat, animals make great listeners. A Bad Kitty Christmas Nick Bruel (Picture Book: Ages 0 and up) “A Bad Kitty Christmas” by Nick Bruel brings back Bad Kitty for some holiday cheer. Children will love the rhymes and Kitty’s naughtiness, while parents will enjoy the alphabet fun and Kitty’s lesson in the true meaning of Christmas. Although the focus is on Christmas, a respectful nod is made to other cultural traditions. A fun read-aloud for all ages. How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah? Jane Yolen and Mark Teague (Picture Book: Ages 0 and up) “How Do Dinosaurs Say Happy Chanukah?” by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague follows the format of the rest of the series. A simple introduction to Chanukah is offered alongside a demonstration of manners. Don’t miss the cameos of the family cats and dogs! The True Gift: A Christmas Story Patricia MacLachlan (Easy Chapter Book: Grades 1-4) “The True Gift: A Christmas Story” by Patricia MacLachlan introduces us to Lily and Liam, siblings spending Christmas on their grandparent’s farm. This year, Liam discovers a White Cow living alone in the field. Convinced that the White Cow is lonely, he makes it his mission to find her a companion. Themes of family, community, and selfless giving make this a great read alone or read together. Merry Meerkat Madness Ian Whybrow (Chapter Book: Grades 2-6) Looking for some holiday cheer? “Merry Meerkat Madness” by Ian Whybrow takes the reader on a madcap adventure across the Kalahari, full of high jinks and sparkles that will leave both boys and girls laughing out loud. Includes black and white illustrations. Nyssa Fleig is a librarian with Salt Lake County Library Services. All books reviewed here are available for checkout through the library.

Pets In The City Magazine

December 2014

PHOTOS

YOUR PETS IN THE CITY Do you want to share a photo of your pet?

Gino

Email your highresolution photo & your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com.

Millie Cruise Pete

Arlo

Nellie & Kele

Tucker

Rusty Mister

Salem Blaze Scout

December 2014

Pets In The City Magazine

ZaSu

Pepper

Pope Murphy

Mattie Lou

Madame Tabu’s Horoscope FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS

December 2014

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) Bring your pet along to holiday parties and activities this month, so you can spend time together on the go.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19) Switch up your characteristic seriousness and strike a silly pose with your pet for a fun photo holiday card this year.

Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) Donating time to charity is high on your holiday wish list — pick a cause that benefits animals to honor your love for your animal companion.

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) You may find yourself battling the blues when Venus enters Capricorn on the 10th, so plan time with your furry family members to cheer you up.

Aries (March 21 – April 19) Use your charismatic nature to organize friends and family to deck the halls of a homeless shelter this month.

Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20) Make your holiday gift to your pet be a microchip — it’s an important investment that’ll give you great peace of mind, if you find yourselves separated.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)

Cancer (Jun 22 – July 22) Your pet may seem a bit more independent this month due to Mars’ influence on Aquarius, so exercise a little extra patience if he/she pushes the boundaries.

Leo (July 23 – Aug 22) You’ll stay out of the doghouse with your pet, if you make your appearances at holiday parties a bit shorter to spend quality time with your pet.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22)

Pets In The City Magazine

The new moon on December 21 gets your mind making New Year’s resolutions earlier than usual. Be sure to think of resolutions for your pet as well!

Your reliability in keeping holiday traditions is admirable, but make room for some new ones this year for an even jollier holiday.

Keeping your promises becomes even more important when Mercury enters Capricorn on the 16th, so don’t skimp on those walks promised to your pooch, even when the weather is cold.

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21) Spread some holiday cheer by taking your pet to visit friends or relatives you haven’t seen in recent years.

Madam Tabu’s horoscopes are translated through the human pet psychic Jennafer Martin, www.PetInsightsbyJennafer.com.

December 2014

Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)