Pets in The City Magazine:February 2016 by Pets in the City Magazine

February 2016

Pets In The City Magazine

Pets In The City Magazine |

February 2016

TABLE of CONTENTS 6 8 10 12 14 16 20

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR Valentine’s Day. Wine. Chocolate. Skunks. Yes, while everyone else is getting cards, flowers, romantic dinners and chocolate, for three years in a row, Cassie gave me…skunks. Because, apparently in the world of Dobermans, nothing says “I love you” like a recently-killed skunk from the back yard. I could understand one. I mean, I live in the country, so it’s not like we don’t have skunks. And thanks to underground fencing, Cassie has plenty of hunting ground to patrol. What amazes me, is that for three years – THREE!!! – on the actual day, the dog managed to find a skunk and bring it home. Not the day before. Not the day after. On. Valentine’s Day. There were two years where I received an opossum on my birthday, so apparently Cassie can read the calendar.

Pets In The City Magazine

We’ve gone several years now without a dog gift, which I choose to believe is a true sign of love. But now I live in fear every Valentine’s Day of what I’ll find when I let her in from her morning constitutional. Because I love washing the dog with one of those homemade anti-skunk recipes first thing in the morning. It’s so romantic! This year, someone should feel free to take my dog to Godiva so she can hunt down some truﬄes for me. Or the florist. I’m really pretty easy when it comes to Valentine’s Day. Just no skunks.

February 2016

Stay tuned to find out how that goes! And may your Valentine’s Day be filled with love, roses and wine. Or whatever says love to you!

Cover Photo: Chris Dickinson

Last Month’s Issue

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EXPERT ADVICE Feline Chronic Kidney Disease – Avery Young, DVM EXPERT ADVICE Your First Vet Visit – Heather Mcilvenna, DVM H.B. 187 WILL BAN ANIMAL GAS CHAMBERS IN UTAH – Collette Gillian ANIMALS IN THE NEWS – Mona Mistric ASK STETSON Q & A – Tonya Landon RESCUE ME - SINGLE AND SEEKING LOVE HEMP DOG BISCUITS A Safe and Legal Way to Improve Canine Health – April A. Northstrom MADAME TABU’S PET HOROSCOPE BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY HELPS YOU ENSURE YOUR NEW PET IS A SUCCESSFUL PART OF YOUR FAMILY – Temma Martin PUPPY LOVE What’s in a Name? – Mona Mistric FAMILY FUN – Beggar Dog’s Love Your Dog Contest Winners! – Name the PICM Pets & Coloring Contest Winners! YOUR PETS IN THE CITY PHOTOS

SHANE MYERS

1/23/1954 - 1/8/2016 Pets in the City Magazine lost a trusted and devoted member of our family January 8, 2016. Shane Myers, (husband of Deborah Myers and co-founder of PICM), best friend to Genevieve and Chis Campbell, (PICM co-publishers), passed away from lung cancer. Shane and Debbie shared an amazing love of animals and together they worked hard to help educate and create awareness for animal protection in Utah. Shane joined in the project, delivering the magazines each month, helping network and build our readership. Everyone in this community of pet lovers looked forward to seeing Shane with a twinkle in his eye and a joke or two. He also gave hugs and treats to the shop animals and remembered their names. Shane left a legacy with the Pawparazzi Film Festival, a fundraiser for animals and rescue groups. Shane had a special dream: to one day open an animal sanctuary. We lost Shane before we should have, and his humor, compassion and faith are sorely missed by all of us, but we hope to someday build on his dream. In the meantime, we’ll work to improve the lives of animals in Utah, one day, one home, and one law, at a time. Shane was a devoted father of five, grandfather of 8 and great-grandfather of 3, beloved brother, uncle and friend.

PUBLISHER PICM Publishing, LLC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Genevieve Campbell EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Justen MANAGING EDITOR Deborah Myers STAFF WRITERS Tonya Landon Jennafer Martin Mona Mistric April A. Northstrom Sarah Tyler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Avery Young, DVM Heather Mcilvenna, DVM Collette Gillian Temma Martin STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Dickinson CIRCULATION Shane Myers, Circulation Manager, City Weekly Distribution Smith’s Grocery Store Racks GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michelle Bellinger

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

www.petsinthecitymagazine.com PICM Disclaimer: All reader submissions and photos are voluntarily submitted without expectation of compensation. All opinions of the authors in this Magazine are those of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. The publisher has not confirmed the accuracy of information contained in the articles. PICM reserves the right to edit, alter, or modify the submitted article to the extent in which we deem necessary. A RESCUE PLEA: Pets In The City Magazine is dedicated to and encourages rescuing companion animals of all types. There are thousands of animals in Utah and across our nation needing a forever home. If you are interested in rescuing a companion animal, there are over 100 animal rescues in Utah. A good resource is petfinder.com, a nationwide database for companion animals of all types. A rescued animal can be rewarding and lead to a forever grateful love. Pets In The City Magazine © 2015 is an independent, free monthly magazine published by PICM Publishing. For information regarding Pets in the City Magazine, visit www.petsinthecitymagazine.com Any and all articles in Pets in the City Magazine are submitted for reading enjoyment only. Please consult a professional and make wise personal decisions regarding health and safety issues of pets and family.

Pets In The City Magazine |

February 2016

EXPERT ADVICE

reversed and the cat can start to show signs of renal disease. Chronic renal failure occurs gradually, extending over many months. The exact causes of chronic kidney disease still remain unknown. Advanced dental disease has been shown to be one cause.

Feline Chronic Kidney Disease: A Common Disease In Domestic Cats Avery Young, DVM Chronic kidney disease affects approximately 1% – 3% of all cats. Its prevalence increases with age, with geriatric cats being the most at risk. Chronic renal disease is one of the most frequently observed illnesses seen in our geriatric cats. Older cats aren’t the only ones at risk for developing renal disease. Kittens can be born with congenital or inherited kidney problems, and trauma and infection to the kidneys are also causes. Your cat’s kidneys play a central role in regulating a wide array of bodily functions. They help control blood pressure, produce a variety of needed hormones and enzymes, and they contribute to the production of a substance called erythropoietin, which is vital to making circulating red blood cells. They also remove metabolic waste products, such as urea, from the blood stream.

There are two categories of kidney disease: acute and chronic. Acute renal failure is a severe condition with a sudden onset whose clinical signs become apparent over a week or month, whereas chronic renal failure has been present for months or years. Acute renal failure usually involves interference with the blood flow to the kidneys or flow of urine from it. The most common cause of acute renal failure is ingestion of toxic substances such as antifreeze, pesticides, certain human medications like ibuprofen, and cleaning products. If treated immediately, kidney damage is potentially reversible in such cases of acute renal insult. The same cannot be said for chronic kidney disease. After 75% of the nephrons are destroyed, the kidney damage cannot be

Blood work and urinalysis will usually be first performed in cases where kidney disease is suspected. Elevations in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine indicate that the kidneys are not adequately filtering these particular waste products. Urinalysis, a test looking at the urine, will be able to show how the kidneys are concentrating the urine (urine specific gravity) and whether there is presence of bacteria or protein in the urine. Treating chronic kidney disease is usually addressed with conservative medical therapy, the mainstay being trying to slow the progression of kidney damage. Hospitalization with intravenous fluid therapy and dietary modification are both measures commonly used to help slow, but not stop, the progression of loss of kidney function. A kidney specific diet, which is low in phosphorus and protein, is recommended for cats in chronic renal failure. Sometimes electrolyte supplementation such as potassium is warranted in certain cases. Managing feline chronic kidney disease can be expensive, worrisome, and time-consuming for owners, but your local veterinarian will be able to help you better understand these challenges if your cat is ever diagnosed with this challenging disease.

February 2016

Pets In The City Magazine

Kidneys function by nephrons, which are the filtration units of the kidney. Each kidney contains thousands of nephrons that work in conjunction to filter waste products. As the cat ages or if the kidneys are damaged, some nephrons die and the remaining nephrons take over the workload until all remaining nephrons are working at full capacity. This stepwise

loss of nephrons allows the kidneys to “hide” the fact they are damaged until the damage is severe. When the kidneys and their complex filtering system start to break down, toxic waste products can start to accumulate in the bloodstream.

Early signs of failing kidneys in a cat can include an increase in drinking and urination, weight loss, anorexia, and occasional vomiting. If any of these signs are observed, veterinary examination should be considered at once.

Dr. Avery Young is the new associate veterinarian at Salt Lake Veterinary Services and the newly owned Mountain Vale Veterinary Clinic in Taylorsville. When not in the clinic, she enjoys biking and hiking in the mountains with her two dogs, Nutmeg and the three-legged Suki. Dr. Young is excited to be back in Utah serving the Salt Lake valley pet population.

Pets In The City Magazine |

February 2016

EXPERT ADVICE

Your First Vet Visit what to expect at your puppy’s or kitten’s first exam Heather Mcilvenna, DVM Finally, it’s the exciting day you’ve been anticipating! Your new puppy or kitten is ready to come home with you. You’ve gotten your house all set for the new arrival and you’re ready to start an amazing adventure with a little ball of fluff who is going to become your best friend. While you’re getting ready for your new life with your adorable friend, you have many things to prepare for: new toys, litter boxes, food and other supplies. One of the most important things to consider towards ensuring a healthy and happy life with your pet is your first trip to the vet. A good first puppy and kitten visit will address much more than just shots. To raise a healthy animal there are many other things to consider. Your veterinarian will perform a very thorough physical exam and discuss parasite concerns, behavioral issues including potty training, and the importance of good socialization. An important part of any step towards health in baby animals is getting them started on the path towards good immunity and protection with their first vaccines.

Why do baby animals need shots and how many do they need?

Pets In The City Magazine

When a baby kitten or puppy is born, its immune system is not yet mature; the baby is wide open to infection. Fortunately, the mother produces a certain kind of milk in the first few days after giving birth called colostrum which is rich in all the antibodies the mother has to offer. As the babies drink this milk, they take in their mother’s immunity. After the first couple of days, regular milk is produced and the baby’s intestines are no longer able to take externally produced antibodies into their systems. These first two days are critical to determining what kind of immunity the baby will receive until its own system can take over.

February 2016

How long this maternal antibody lasts in a given puppy or kitten is totally individual. Maternal antibodies against different diseases wear off after different times. We definitely know that

by 14 – 20 weeks of age, maternal antibodies are gone and the baby must be able to continue on its own immune system. While maternal immunity is in the puppy’s system, any vaccines given will be inactivated. Vaccines will not be able to "take" until maternal antibody has sufficiently dropped. Since we can’t predict exactly when this will occur, puppies and kittens receive a series of vaccines ending at a time when we know the baby’s own immune system should be able to respond. We could simply wait until the baby is old enough to definitely respond, as we do with the rabies vaccination, but this could leave a large window of vulnerability if the maternal antibody wanes early. To give babies the best chance of responding to vaccination, we vaccinate every 3 – 4 weeks during this period. When a vaccine against a specific disease is started for the first time, even in an adult animal, it is best to give at least two vaccinations because the second vaccination will produce a much greater response if it is following a vaccine given 3 – 4 weeks prior.

• What vaccines are recommended to an individual pet depend on many factors: • What kind of exposure to disease the animal has, • What diseases are common in the area, • What kind of stress factors are present, etc. When you consider the multitudes of vaccine types and combinations and the many different situations dogs and cats live in, the best advice is to work with a veterinarian you trust and go with their recommendation. A puppy exam is one of the best parts of a veterinarian’s job, and your vet should work to keep it fun for the puppy as well. Your vet wants to set up a relationship where your puppy accommodates being handled without fear or aggression and you feel comfortable bringing your pet in to be examined. There are a lot of very important things that will be covered at your visits and it is important to realize that you, as the caretaker for your pet, are an important part of this process towards health. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and make a list of any questions or concerns you may have. Most of all, enjoy your time with your pet while you build a lasting relationship!

Dr. Heather McIlvenna, an associate veterinarian at University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center, specializes in geriatric care and pain management, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and behavior. A native of Hawaii, she is an avid canyoneer and rock climber. She loves gardening and hiking and snowshoeing with her dog, Marigold.

Pets In The City Magazine |

February 2016

H.B. 187 will ban animal gas chambers in Utah. Collette Gillian She was the cat that refused to die… Andrea, a long-haired black cat was scheduled to die in the gas chamber after she had been at the shelter for 30 days without getting adopted. Andrea had other ideas, however, because when shelter workers went to remove the bodies of Andrea and her fellow felines, they discovered Andrea very much alive and well. The shelter decided to try again and put Andrea back in the gas chamber for a second round of gassing. This time, it appeared they had succeeded as Andrea’s body seemed to be lifeless. Forty-five minutes later, as shelter workers were putting the body of a dog into the freezer they heard a meow. Then another louder meow. It was Andrea. Terrified and filthy (she had defecated all over herself) the grateful cat immediately started purring and rubbing against her rescuers.

Pets In The City Magazine

Andrea’s story ends happily – she was later adopted – but her story sparked a revolution in the animal shelter and rescue community. This year, if animal advocates get their way, a new bill in the Utah Legislature, House Bill 187 (H.B.187) will require animal shelters in seven Utah cities or districts to get rid of their gas chambers. H.B. 187 will ban gassing of cats and dogs across the state and require that a shelter must euthanize animals in its care using a sodium pentobarbital injection.

February 2016

The issue is not new. For years, every major animal welfare organization including the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, the National Animal Control Association, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), the Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, and the Humane Society of the United States has stood against the use of gas chambers.

But according to information from Ban the Gas (www.banthegas.wix.com/ saveourpets), Utah is one of the last eight states in the nation to still use gas chambers. Even so, of the 57 shelters tracked in Utah, 50 have already made the switch to exclusively use the more humane euthanasia by injection (also known as “EBI”) instead of a gas chamber. Shelters that make the switch get community support when they do so. In 2013, Heber City smashed their gas chamber in a public ceremony attended by cheering residents, and in September, 2015, the Sandy City Council voted unanimously to remove the gas chamber from their animal shelter. Under H.B.187, shelters would have until August 1, 2016 to make the switch. The remaining city or county shelters with operable gas chambers are Carbon County, Draper, South Jordan, North Utah County (NUVAS), South Utah County (SUVAS), Weber County, and West Valley City. A similar bill last year was deferred for additional study after some animal control agencies said it would be difficult, if not impossible to euthanize feral cats and wild animals (such as raccoons and skunks) without using a gas chamber. However, Clint Thacker, Director of Davis County Animal Services says their shelter has not found this to be a problem. In a statement, Thacker said, “We euthanized 244 sick and or feral cats and 89 sick and or fractious dogs in 2015. We did all of that without a gas chamber… The gas chamber no longer belongs as a tool in shelters.”

Gene Baierschmidt, executive director of the Humane Society of Utah (HSU) agrees with Thacker. “As we learn more about animal physiology and psychology, we need to update and change our approach to euthanasia” he said. “We want to pay attention to the research and recommendations from national veterinary, animal welfare and animal control organizations when they state that euthanasia by injection is the preferred method.” Supporters of using gas chambers say the chambers are efficient and effective, killing an animal quickly and painlessly. But, as Andrea’s experience showed, gas chambers don’t always work the way their supporters claim they do. Opponents say gas chambers are inhumane. There are several documented instances of animals surviving one or more attempts of gassing. Other accounts tell of panicked, terrified animals thrashing, clawing, and vocalizing for up to thirty minutes in desperate attempts to escape their death trap. In contrast, EBI is both quick (the animal loses consciousness in less than 30 seconds) and much less traumatic. Gas chambers not regularly maintained pose a significant health and safety risk for shelter personnel. And EBI is cheaper – data collected by the American Humane Society shows EBI to be significantly less expensive to euthanize dogs and cats than the gas chamber. Rep. Johnny Anderson (R), the legislative sponsor of H.B.187, looked into all possible aspects of the issue and concluded “Our companion animals are a critical part of the human experience and treating them humanely in all aspects of life and death is important to me as a law maker. It has become clear to me as I have studied the issue that gas chambers are no longer a necessary option for animal euthanasia.” HSU and the HSUS both strongly support H.B. 187. “The HSUS believes that Utah’s pets deserve better, and we are committed to passing legislation that will ensure no Utah pet faces death in a gas chamber”, said Sundays Hunt, Utah State Director of the Humane Society of the United States. Animal advocates will be joining the HSU and HSUS on February 11, 2016 for a Lobby Day, which includes a personal meeting with their legislators (www. utahhumane.org/get-involved/advocacy)

Pets In The City Magazine |

February 2016

Animals In The News Mona Mistric CHRISTMAS MIRACLE A woman found a small Yorkshire Terrier wandering near her home and she was sure someone was missing this handsome fellow. She took him to be tested; and sure enough, the implanted microchip confirmed 4he had been reported missing by a family located in Columbus, Ohio more than three years ago. After being found almost 200 miles away from home, he was reunited with his family just in time for Christmas. His family always believed he would come home one day. They never stopped missing him and they never gave up hope.

volunteers this past Christmas. Ten of them ended up being adopted by their foster volunteer.

twenty-five miles away. Only Brodie knows what happened during the time he was gone.

LOST AND FOUND: BEST CHRISTMAS GIFT EVER

When Petersen received a call from Blue Pearl on Christmas Eve, telling him Brodie had been found, at first he couldn’t believe it. Then he realized they had identified Brodie through his microchip. He dropped everything and went rushing over to retrieve the family’s best Christmas gift ever.

In the summer of 2014, an 8-year old Labrador Retriever, named Brodie, saw something on the other side of his fenced-in-yard that he just had to investigate. With a lot of effort, he was able to force his way through the fence, losing his collar in the process.

The Humane Society of Utah’s Adoption Department staff work every day of the year cleaning and feeding the animals. On Thanksgiving and Christmas there is no possibility of adoption, so these are the only two days out of the entire year they are closed. How do they manage this, when the dogs still need care? Well, for the past five years they’ve had the most wonderful foster volunteers, who prefer to get the dogs out of the shelter and into their homes for the holidays. Thirtyseven adoptable dogs went home with volunteers for Thanksgiving and about thirty went home with

A year and a half later in Kansas City, Rodney Stean and Judy Purcell spotted a thin, tired Labrador Retriever near their home. It took a couple of weeks, but eventually, he accepted their kindness. He was hungry and had open wounds on his paws. They took him to the Blue Pearl Veterinary Partners, where he received excellent care, and then transferred him to Blue Pearl’s Overland Park hospital, where the staff discovered he had an implanted microchip and his name was Brodie. They were astonished to learn he had been missing so long, when his family lived only

February 2016

Pets In The City Magazine

SHELTER DOGS – HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Troy Petersen and his family immediately put up signs, spoke to animal rescue organizations, and searched everywhere they could think of for weeks. Unfortunately, Brodie was nowhere to be found.

TICKS THIS TIME OF YEAR! Pet owners are reporting the presence of ticks on their four-legged family members this winter. There’s been a lot of talk about El Niño in the news lately and the disruption of the ocean-atmospheric system in the Tropical Pacific, causing weather changes around the globe. In the past it has been uncommon to see ticks this time of the year. However, we’ve been having warmer weather than usual, triggering the existence of fleas and ticks, which are more common for the spring and summer seasons. If your dog is outside a lot, or you take her on adventures to dog parks or the woods, it’s probably a good idea to check her for ticks every day, keep plenty of topical medication on hand, use tick collars, and make sure her vaccines for Lyme disease are current.

Pets In The City Magazine |

February 2016

Stetson

Tonya Landon

I saw a litter of kittens in a field at my office with no mom around. What should I do? – Emilee

Did you know I love cats? I think they should all be my best friend. It sounds like the litter you found might be feral, or wild. It is best to observe them from a distance for a few hours to determine if mom will return. She could be out searching for food or hiding from you. If mom returns, you can place some water and food out for her. Please keep in mind that animal shelters and many animal rescues do not have the staff or means to raise bottle feeding kittens. If you remove kittens that need bottle feeding, their best advocate for raising them is you.

· Under one week: Eyes shut, ears flat to head, skin looks pinkish. · 7 to 10 days: Eyes beginning to open, ears still flat. Kitten is smaller than your hand. · 3 weeks: Eyes are fully open, ears are erect, and teeth are visible. Kittens start to walk, will be wobbly. · 4 – 5 weeks: Eyes have changed from blue to another color and/or kittens have begun to pounce and leap. Kittens this age will begin to eat gruel or canned food. Kitten raising. Unweaned kittens need round the clock monitoring and care. They will need to be kept warm and bottle fed every 2 – 5 hours (depending on age), including during the night. Young kittens under 3 weeks of age will need to be stimulated to use the bathroom. Do not feed cow, soy, nut or rice milk to kittens. Kitten milk replacement and nursing kits can be purchased at a pet store or at your veterinarians. Adoption. Once the kittens are between 8 – 12 weeks of age, spayed or neutered and current on vaccinations, they are ready for adoption.

Fix mom. It is really important to capture the mom and have her spayed. You can borrow a live trap from your animal control. Many places have discounted or free feral fix programs; ask your shelter or animal rescue group about these programs. 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.

February 2016

Pets In The City Magazine

Kittens ages. Try to figure out how old the kittens are. If you are able to commit, the kittens can be taken away from their mom around 4-6 weeks of age to be socialized by you. Listed below are some ways to tell the kittens age;

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

Pets In The City Magazine |

February 2016

SINGLE and seeking love CHATTY

Female / 3 Years Old / Brown Tabby Domestic Shorthair I’m the kind of cat who wants to be your constant companion. I would love to spend my days lounging and chit-chatting with my family. I’m sure to fill your home with joy and love! Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441 for more information.

lily

GRACE

tuffy

February 2016

Pets In The City Magazine

Female / 5 Years Old / Dilute Tortoisesshell Domestic Longhair I’m quiet and good-natured. I’m very affectionate once I feel comfortable around you. I like to spend my days relaxing. I get along well with other cats, too! Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441 for more information.

Male / 13 Years Old / Silver Poodle I’ll be the happiest old man you’ll ever meet! Although I’m deaf, I’m very social with other dogs and would make a perfect companion for a dog that likes to take it easy and a human who needs a cuddly lap dog! Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441 for more information.

ADELE

Female / 4 Years Old / Grey and White Domestic Longhair I’m a calm and friendly cat who is sociable and likes to be with people. I’m a sweetheart who deserves a forever family! Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441 for more information.

XAVIER

layne

Male / 1 ½ Years Old / Grey and White Domestic Shorthair I’m probably the sweetest cat on the planet! I’m playful and outgoing, and I love people. I also get along with other cats and don’t mind dogs. Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441 for more information.

Female / 2 Years Old / Brindle and White Pit Bull Terrier I’m a sweet dog with a calm demeanor, but I need a home with no other pets – I want all your attention to myself! I love to go for hikes, but also love to cuddle up and relax! Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441 for more information.

Male / 7 Years Old / Red Heeler I’m super smart, very loyal, and eager to please. I love playing outdoors, playing catch, and going for long hikes. I need to be an only pet. Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441 for more information.

LADY

Female / 5 Years Old / Orange and White Pit Bull Terrier I’m a total sweetheart and love affection and cuddling. I like playing outdoors, going for walks, playing with toys, and cuddling up with my favorite human friends. I would do best in a moderately active household with no cats. Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441.

MOSES

DOBBY

CORA

GRETA

Male / 6 Years Old / Black Domestic Shorthair I’m a gentle and friendly cat who loves to be near people, and will do whatever it takes to be near you and get some attention! I would make an excellent snuggle partner on any chilly or lazy evening! Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-6495441 for more information.

Female / 4 ½ Years Old / Black and White Pit Bull Terrier I’m an intelligent dog who would do best in an active household. I love going for walks and exploring the outdoors. I need to be the only animal in the house, but I have lots of love to give! Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441.

Male / 12 Years Old / Chihuahua I’m a sweetheart who seems to get along with dogs and cats alike. I’d do best in a mellow home where I can relax during my golden years. I love snuggles and would make the perfect companion for someone looking for a lapdog. To meet me, contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.

Female / 12 Years Old / Miniature Pinscher I would do well in a quiet, comfortable home with older children and animals that understand I need friends who will go slow with me. Contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.

Are you looking for the perfect companion? If so, we have just the match for you! These animals are single and looking for a loving forever future in your home. They can offer you companionship, laughter, and a lifetime of love.

MERCEDES

Female / 1.5 Years Old / Cattle Dog Mix I’m a young girl who is eager to learn and would make a great hiking buddy. I’m looking for a patient owner who can provide me with some training to help me be the perfect companion. To meet me, contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.

RYUU

Male / 1 Year Old / Pit Bull/Weimaraner Mix I’m looking for someone who will give me a ton of attention. I’m an affectionate boy and do great with other dogs. I’d love an active family or a home with a playful doggy friend. To meet me, contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.

VAL

Male / 2 Years Old / Pit Bull Terrier I’m a very smart boy who loves to play. People tell me I have the most adorable heart-shaped nose. I need a home where I’m the only furry companion. To meet me, contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.

Female / 2 Years Old / Tabby Domestic Shorthair I can usually be found snuggled up in a cushy bed. I would do well in most homes as long as my family understands that I give little love nibbles. To meet me, contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.

DR. STRANGE

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18...

Female / 5 Years Old / Tortoise Domestic Shorthair I need a family who understands that sometimes cats like me have “tortitude.” I’m looking for space to relax, but also for people that will help me achieve my weight loss goals. Contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.

February 2016

HARPER

Male / 4 Years Old / Black Domestic Shorthair Yes, I’m a black cat, but I’m not scary! I’m a bit shy until I get to know you, but once I’m comfortable with you, I enjoy affection. To meet me, contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.

Pets In The City Magazine

SQUEEK

SINGLE and seeking love MOE

ALICE AND RALPHIE

NONI

TIFFANY

Male / 9 Years Old / Black Domestic Longhair If you see a cat lounging around with his tongue sticking out, it’s most likely me. I’m a sweet boy who loves being brushed. To meet me, contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.

Female / 8 Years Old / Black and White Domestic Shorthair I’m a pretty girl with beautiful eyes. I’m confident with other calm cats, but also enjoy doing my own thing. To meet me, contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.

RHETT

February 2016

Pets In The City Magazine

Male / 10 Years Old / Medium-hair Chocolate Point Siamese One look at my baby blues and you’ll fall in love! I’m a sweet boy looking for a home with a family as kind and gentle as I am. To meet me, contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@bestfriends.org.

WIZARD

Female / 4 Years Old / Black Domestic Shorthair I may seem shy at first, but as soon as I settle in, I start to come out of my shell. I would prefer a home with a mellow kitty like myself or be adored on my own. To meet me, contact Best Friends of Utah at utahadoptions@ bestfriends.org.

DASHER AND VIXEN

Male and Female / 10 Years Old / Chihuahuas We are a 10 year couple. When our owner died, the family surrendered us to the shelter. We’re scared of big dogs. We’re great with kids, even small children! We’re sweet and very snuggly. For more information, contact Paws for Life Utah at 435-640-4752.

OSO AND PRECIOUS

Male and Female / 3 Years Old / Chihuahuas We’re only three, but our life hasn’t been easy. When we came to Paws for Life, we were practically feral. Since we moved in last spring, we’ve gotten better, but we’re still very scared. But cute. SO cute! Contact Paws for Life Utah at 435-640-4752.

Male and Female/ Domestic Shorthair That’s us, a bonded pair. Alice is a strong and independent girl. Alice is the leader, and as her brother, I would be lost without her! Together, we’ll make you smile, laugh, and fall in love – guaranteed! Contact CAWS at www.caws.org for more info.

Female / Tabby Domestic Shorthair I’m such a charming girl, I LOVE my people and want nothing more than to be with you. I’d prefer to not share my humans with other four-legged creatures and want to be your one and only true feline love. Contact CAWS at www.caws.org for more info.

DAISY

Female / Tabby Domestic Longhair I was born without one of the bones (radius) in my right forearm, so I walk a little different, but it doesn’t slow me down. I love attention from humans, and love to play with toys, feathers and strings. Contact CAWS at www.caws.org for more info.

PRIMROSE

Female / 8 Years Old / Labrador Retriever Mix I’ve lived with children and cats in my previous home, and am house and crate trained. I’m good with other dogs but would prefer a home with children and cats for company. Contact CAWS at www.caws.org for more info.

MEI

Female / 5 Years Old / Rottweiler Mix I’m very well behaved in the house and am fully house and crate trained. I’m still learning to share with other dogs but I love to play with them. I would do best in a home without cats and with kids over six. Contact CAWS at www.caws.org for more info.

KAYLA

Female / 2 Years Old / Labrador Retriever Mix I love everyone, but my favorite playmate is a kitten! I have a condition called megaesophagus. It’s managed by feeding me in a Bailey chair, and having a doggy door helps too. I’m full of love and life and ready for my new home! Go to www.caws.org.

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February 2016

HEMP DOG BISCUITS: A SAFE and LEGAL WAY TO IMPROVE CANINE HEALTH April A. Northstrom

The popularity of hemp and hemp-derived products has risen over the past decade as commercial production has increased and health benefits of hemp have been studied by medical, pharmaceutical and veterinary experts. One of the newest results of this progress is the creation of hemp biscuits and treats for dogs. But, is it safe and legal for your dog to consume these goodies? Hemp is a plant of the cannabis genus that does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive constituent of cannabis. Marijuana and hemp come from the same genus, but are used for different types of resources. Hemp is used for its fiber and marijuana for its narcotic potency. They look and smell similar, but are they are chemically and structurally different.

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Hemp oil is an excellent source of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, as well as crucial fat-soluble vitamins and minerals that are important for tissue repair. Industrial hemp is naturally abundant in beneficial compounds, including cannabidiols (CBD), terpenoids and flavonoids that interact with the nervous and immune systems of animals.

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Several companies, including Healthy Hemp Pet Company, based in Salt Lake City, manufacture and distribute a variety of hemp-based products, including biscuits, for dogs. The CBD-rich hemp oil in Healthy Hemp Biscuits comes from Whole Hemp Company, a Colorado-based company that grows industrial hemp and manufactures 100% caustic solvent-free hemp oil using CO2-extraction, the purest extraction process available.

“Our CBD hemp oil is derived from legal industrial hemp and grown in the USA,” says Dave Merrell, president and CEO of Healthy Hemp.

“Healthy Hemp Biscuits are rich in beneficial CBDs, but they will not get your dog ‘high’ because they do not contain THC,” says Merrell. “I started the company because I couldn’t find an effective veterinary supplement for my dogs.” Hemp and hemp oil have recently been hailed as a superfood for canine companions. Filled with essential fatty acids, it has been shown to reduce joint pain, aid in digestion and because of its unique properties, can help prevent cancer, if taken in appropriate quantities. Older animals have shown improvement after taking hemp oil to help with joint pain and chronic illness. According to the National Cancer Institute, animal studies have shown that cannabinoids:

• May have a protective effect against certain cancers, • May help to stimulate and regulate appetite, and • May contribute to pain modulation.

Twenty-three states and the District of Columbia have some kind of law legalizing marijuana use. While industrial hemp-based foods have been legal in the United States since 2004, there are not currently any federal or state provisions for the pet supplement industry. So, yes, using hemp-based products like dog biscuits and hemp oil for your pets is legal. Using marijuana for your pets is not and has yet to be fully explored or controlled by veterinary experts. Hemp-based veterinary medicine is beginning to make strides in how animals, especially dogs, are treated for common and life-threatening ailments. In the meantime, if you want to explore adding hemp to your dog’s diet, companies like Healthy Hemp Pet Company can offer safe, natural and legal products. If you have any concern about adding hemp to your dog’s food or treat routine, always consult with your veterinarian.

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February 2016

Madame Tabu’s Horoscope * *

FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS FEBRUARY 2016 Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) With Mercury now direct, effective communication is your goal this month. Call a loved one you’ve not spoken to for a while, and teach your pet a new trick, phrase or command.

Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22) This month, concentrate not just on saying you love your pet and other family members but showing them. Do small kind acts or give little gifts to show you care.

Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) You may find yourself restless with the new moon in Aquarius this month, so plan a trip for you and your pet, perhaps to visit the nation’s capitol in time for President’s Day.

Aries (March 21 – April 19)

You’ll get an itch to join a club or group with similar interests this month. Search for those that are petfriendly or focus on helping animals.

Creative pursuits come to the forefront this month. Look into taking a class or starting a new project. Perhaps you can spruce up your pet’s habitat or collar?

Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21)

February 2016

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Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)

Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)

Unusual relationships come into focus as Venus enters Aquarius. Your pet may befriend a person or animal that you would have never expected.

The weather may still be cold, but don’t let that keep you and your pet cooped up indoors. Take your pet for a hike or drive to get out of the house.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) This is the month to accentuate the positive. Reinforce your pet’s positive behavior, keep a positive outlook and emphasize solutions, rather than problems.

Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21)

Cancer (Jun 22 – July 22)

If your significant other and your pet aren’t as close as you’d like, this is a good month to help them bond. Plan quality time for them to spend together both with and without you.

If you find yourself unattached with Valentine’s Day coming up, don’t be glum. Instead, plan a fun get together for friends and their pets to socialize and enjoy themselves.

Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)

Leo (July 23 – Aug 22) Shower your pet and loved ones with compliments this month, as your encouragement and kindness will brighten their days.

Use your natural leadership skills to help in a local humanitarian or activism project this month. Investing in this now will make the world a better place for you and your pet later.

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

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February 2016

Credit for Photos: Best Friends Animal Society

Best Friends Animal Society Helps You Ensure Your New Pet Is a Part of Your Family Temma Martin Many people welcomed a new pet into their homes over the holidays, and while everyone’s experience with a new pet is different, there are certain realities and responsibilities all pet parents face sooner or later. Whether your new furry friend was a carefully thought out choice made by your entire family, or a surprise gift to you, when the excitement and novelty wears off, it’s time to make sure you’re ready to commit to making your pet a perfect fit for your family.

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More people now recognize that choosing a pet is a very personal decision, so it seems it’s less common to surprise people with living gifts, but it does still happen. Anecdotal evidence does show some of these unexpected pets are unwelcome, and inevitably some of them end up in a shelter or in a new home. However, a 2013 study indicates that pets given as gifts are not necessarily more likely to be returned, nor are they any less loved than animals adopted through more traditional means. However the pet came into the new home, the new owners will need to do some things to prepare and make the effort required to help everything work out. If the new pet is a puppy or kitten, there are a variety of things to consider:

February 2016

• Puppies and kittens do best with consistent feeding and eating schedules; this also helps facilitate housebreaking and litter box training. • Choose age-and size-specific pet toys. Also, be watchful of objects or toys that might look interesting and tasty from your pet’s perspective, and that could be ingested and cause potential stomach and bowel problems. • Make sure they get enough quality time with you and the rest of your family. Discuss in advance which behaviors you want to reward and which behaviors you want to ignore, and make sure everyone in the home is consistent with training. Avoid very rough play, as this creates bad habits that are hard to reverse later. • Supervise puppies and kittens closely, especially in the first few weeks in a new home; consider placing a bell on your pet’s collar so he or she is easier to monitor when not in sight. • Know that puppies and kittens sleep a lot when they’re very young, so even if they’re not showing naughty baby behaviors yet, they might in a few months when they spend more time awake.

For older animals, if you’re noticing any training or health problems, it’s best to be proactive. Make an appointment to have the pet examined by a veterinarian, and plan to deal with any behavior issues. Remember, lots of quality time is very important during the first weeks a pet is in a new home, and consistency and routines make things easier for everyone. Adult animals should also be confined to a safe room or crate when unsupervised, particularly during the first few weeks. Even if your new dog or puppy seems perfect, all canines benefit from taking obedience classes with their new people. Taking positive-reinforcement training classes together improves communication in both directions and sets up realistic expectations. Frustrated families often blame pets for behavior problems that could have easily been solved or avoided with training. Obedience classes are also great for socialization, which is important throughout a dog’s lifetime, but especially when they’re young. Cats and kittens need to learn appropriate behaviors as well. House soiling, aggression and scratching are the most common cat behavioral problems. Expose your feline to a lot of different experiences and different ages, sizes and both genders of people. Enrich your cat’s life with plenty of playtime. Teach your cat to scratch in appropriate places, and reward them with treats or affection for doing so. Keep the litter box clean to avoid litter box issues. Teach your cat or kitten how to “play nice,” by offering toys to scratch and bite rather than hands, and saying “ouch” loudly if they do bite. Making a commitment to helping your new pet be a positive and successful member of the household is an important part of pet parenting. It’s tragic when a pet loses his or her home because the family who took him in wasn’t prepared to work through any issues or challenges. Our dogs and cats are loyal to us, so it’s only fair we show the same dedication to helping them become fabulous family members for their entire lives. 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.

Pets In The City Magazine |

February 2016

: e v o pp y L

Pu Mona Mistric Congratulations! Bringing home a puppy to be part of your family is so exciting! It’s a busy time for all concerned, with plenty of oohing and aahing over the little fur ball, lots of snuggling, and fun puppy shopping. Sometimes choosing a name can be a breeze, and at other times it can be really frustrating. After all, you want the perfect name that describes everything you love about your new baby. We don’t want your puppy to think her name is “Hey Pup,” so here are some ideas.

Choose a one-or two-syllable name. Since

spoken words are her second language, you want to make it simple for her to learn. If you do decide to give her a long complicated name, be sure that long string of syllables gets shortened down to a simple call name, like Alfie for Alfred the Great.

Make sure the name is NOT similar to a command. It would be confusing to ask Fletch to

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fetch. The name, Bo, sounds a lot like the negative command “No.” These types of names might slow down her learning process. Plus, some puppies hear the word “no” so often, they think their name is “No! No!”

Names that start with a hard consonant are

easier for children to learn. Also, the hard consonant sound can be heard better over distances, which comes in handy when using her name in training, at the dog park, and when going for walks.

February 2016

Make sure the name is a positive one. Puppies have egos, and she may not know the meaning of the word, but the emotional intent comes through loud and clear. Puppies tend to take on the characteristics of their name, so avoid names like Rascal, Trouble, Nippy, or similar names with negative connotations. A puppy named Rascal was one, one named Trouble turned out to be a lot of trouble, and one named Nippy liked to nip at everyone. Negative names all too often foster poor behavior, while a positive one promotes self-esteem, even in dogs.

Please DON’T name your dog something that others may find offensive or embarrassing. Do you really want to call out to

? e am

N a ’s in

t a Wh

your dog “Poopybutt” and have people at the dog park hear that? What will your vet’s office call your dog if her name is something they would not want to say out loud?

A word of warning – although all dogs start out as cute puppies, some of them grow into huge hulks capable of carrying small children around on their backs. Think about this before naming your cute English Boxer puppy, Sugar. On the other hand, if you have a Shih Tzu, a Pomeranian, a Chihuahua, or any of the other Toy companion breeds, don’t hold back on the sugar! You just know they’ll stay cutesy. How Puppies Are Named When you adopt a purebred puppy from a breeder, she will likely already have her name decided. The registered name is the official identification for the purebred puppy, and can be a very long tongue-twister describing her ancestry. However, you can give her a shorter name for everyday use. After all, who wants to say a mouthful on a regular basis? Sometimes the name comes from a flash of inspiration, and seems to be chosen by the pup. Sometimes the name matches the personality or perfectly describes her quirky ways, breed, size, or her interesting manners. For instance, my dog’s name—Bullet— speaks to how he zooms, like a speeding bullet, from one place to another. A descriptive name like Dottie for a Dalmatian, Shorty for a Dachshund, or Happy for a happy-go-lucky mutt could be the ideal name. On the other hand, it could be fun to pick a name that describes the opposite of your puppy, such as, Tiny for a Saint Bernard or Attila for a Terrier. Some puppies are named for appearance (Blackie), location where they were adopted (Depot), for a personality trait (Snuggly), and even after famous people (Elvis). Some puppies are given names from the Bible, such as, Eden – meaning pleasure, Glory – meaning praise, or Olive – meaning beauty. If he’s a boy puppy, he might be named Caesar – meaning dictator, Cyrus – meaning prince, or even Goliath – meaning a great giant. Some puppies are given names of movie star dogs, celebrity pets, or the dogs of former Presidents. Here are a few examples: • Movie Stars: Rin Tin Tin; Benjy; Frank, the Pug

from Men in Black; Marley, from Marley and Me; Apache, from Eight Below; Freddie, from three Back to the Future movies • Celebrities: Brittney Spears’ Maltese, Lacy Loo; Paris Hilton’s Chihuahua, Tinkerbell; Drew Barrymore’s Mixed Breed, Flossie; Tennis player Venus Williams’ Pitt Bull, Bambi • Presidents: Lucky, Ronald Reagan; Barney, George W. Bush; Buddy, Bill Clinton; Millie, George H.W. Bush; Bo (current First Dog), Barack Obama Some people like to name their dogs after historical figures or celebrities. For instance, a classical music lover might choose the name Mozart. Sports fans might pick the first or last names of their favorite players. Literature enthusiasts might name a dog after a favorite author or character. Some puppies are named after famous actors or the memorable characters they played, often based on current trending movies and sitcoms. Sometimes it’s not the name itself, but the dog that wears it, which makes it unique. There may be thousands of Max’s and Molly’s in the world, but yours is special. No matter what you name your dog, make sure you like it and your puppy responds well to it.

Top 10 Puppy Names 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

Male

Female

MAX JAKE CHARLIE JACK TOBY BUDDY BAILEY ROCKY SAM BUSTER

MOLLY LUCY DAISY MAGGIE BELLA CHLOE BONNIE SADIE SOPHIE BAILEY

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February 2016

F a m i ly F u n Love Your Dog Facebook Contest Winners!

February 2016

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If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re local, please go to Posh Paws (1005 E. 900 S., SLC) to pick up your Beggar Dog Treats or provide us with your mailing address by emailing info@petsinthecitymagazine.com.

Name the PICM Pets and Coloring Contest Winners!

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February 2016

PHOTOS

YOUR PETS IN THE CITY Do you want to share a photo of your pet? Email your highresolution photo & your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com.

Ua Loki

Uluaki Little Man

Archimedes Terra

Ozzie & Ziggy

Gizmo Miss Kan Sir Henry & Cisco Kid

Bambi Willie

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Rat

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February 2016