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June 2014
Pets In The City Magazine
Pets In The City Magazine
June 2014
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• • • June Calendar of Events • • • Wasatch Front Farmer’s Market Enjoy vendors and local shopping each Sunday from 9 am - 2 pm through October 28 at historic Wheeler Farm.
Ching Farm Animal Sanctuary 6th Annual Day in the Park at Olympus Pavillion in Sugarhouse Park - Activities, vegan food, and more benefiting the farm - June 2 - All day, rain or shine.
People’s Market/9th West Farmer’s Market Vendors and local shopping with your pet International Peace Gardens/Jordan Park - 1000 S 900 W, SLC - Sundays May - October, 9 am - 2 pm
Dog Fair & Show - A day of 4-legged fun for the community, residents & their families - Shop tables and see a canine unit demonstration - June 27 at Atria Senior Living in Sandy - 10970 S 700 E
Downtown Farmer’s Market Opens June 14 Bring your pets to do some local shopping every Saturday through October from 8 am - 2 pm at Pioneer Park.
Stand Up for Pits with Rebecca Corry - A comedy fundraiser to benefit the Stand Up for Pits organization - June 29th at 4 pm at Wiseguys comedy club in West Valley. Tickets $30.
Send in your events for next month now! Please email info@petsinthecitymagazine.com PUBLISHER PICM Publishing, LLC
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Dickinson
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Genevieve Campbell
CIRCULATION Shane Myers, Circulation Manager City Weekly Smith’s Grocery Store Racks
4 CALENDAR OF EVENTS 5 LETTER FROM THE STAFF 6 EXPERT ADVICE Don’t Bait Your Dog: The Dangers of Slug & Snail Pellets - Jess Anderson, DVM 8 First Aid for Your Dog - Shawn Bybee, DVM 10 SUMMER DAYS (AND NIGHTS) WITH YOUR DOG IN UTAH - Sarah Tyler 12 ANIMALS IN THE NEWS - Chanté McCoy 14 RESCUE ME 16 SUMMER FUN PET PARTY IDEAS - Sean Wing 17 WHAT’S TRENDING: HOUNDS OF HOLLYWOOD - Eric Wing 18 THE RIGHT VET FOR YOUR PET - Megan Lopez 19 SALT LAKE CITY’S FIRST OUTDOOR SPLASH PAD FOR DOGS OPENS 20 PUPPY LOVE - Sarah Tyler 21 A TICKET TO RIDE: TRAVELING WITH PETS - Kim Justen 22 EARL: THE DOG WHO STOLE HIS FOSTER FAMILY’S HEARTS - Kim Justen 23 ASK STETSON Q & A - Tonya Landon 24 RULES FOR GOOD PARROT PARENTING - RonaLeigh Wheelwright 26 SAVING LIVES IN THE CITY Fredrick - Mike Sartain 28 FAMILY FUN - Here Kitty, Kitty Crossword Puzzle - Caption Contest Winner - Mystery Celebrity Dot-to-Dot Coloring Contest - Book Review 30 YOUR PETS IN THE CITY PHOTOS 31 MADAME TABU’S PET HOROSCOPE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Chanté McCoy MANAGING EDITOR Deborah Myers COPY EDITORS Jennifter Martin Mona Mistric
Pets In The City Magazine
PUBLIC RELATIONS / SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR Jennafer Martin STAFF WRITERS Jennafer Martin Kim Justen Megan Lopez Mona Mistric Sarah Tyler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jess Anderson, DVM Shawn Bybee, DVM Tonya Landon
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GUEST WRITERS Eric Wing Sean Wing Mike Sartain RonaLeigh Wheelwright
BOOKSMARTS ACCOUNTING Jenny Groberg Lindsay Kirby GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michelle Bellinger All illustrations created by Mashiara Graphics. Copyrighted 2014.
SALES & ADVERTISING DIRECTORS Beverly Egleston 801.661.7142 Deborah Myers 801.702.1171 debbiepetsinthecitymagazine@ gmail.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.
Cover photo by Chris Dickinson
TABLE of CONTENTS
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.
Last Month’s Issue
Pets In The City Magazine © 2012 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.
We celebrate special occasions all summer long, and now more and more people are including their pets on vacations and on their dinner outings. Pet-focused parties are all the vogue in Hollywood. In this issue, we present some pet party ideas straight from California. The sky is the limit and no holes barred when it comes to living vicariously through our dogs. A small amount of care allows for a lifetime of fun. This issue includes first aid kit ideas and warnings of slug bait that can endanger your dog in the summer months.
June 2014
Enjoy the warm weather. Be safe. Have fun. And take your pets along for the ride.
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Chris Dickinson Photography
Pets In The City Magazine
2014 is the SUMMER OF FUN for Pets
EXPERT ADVICE
Don’t Bait Your Dog:
Jess Anderson, DVM
T
he warmer spring months are the ideal time to prepare and plant a garden. In my urban Salt Lake neighborhood where yards are small, many people are converting their entire front yards into raised bed garden areas. For those who garden for the first time in our beautiful state, they soon find out that snails quickly move in to feed on and live among our growing vegetables.
Pets In The City Magazine
Slugs and snails can quickly do a lot of damage to tender young garden shoots. One of the most effective ways of dealing with slugs and snails is to use a commercial slug and snail bait containing metaldehyde. Although effective, this pesticide should not be used in any area where pets or children may come across it. It tastes good to dogs, they readily eat it, and it is highly toxic.
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Metaldehyde-containing slug and snail bait most commonly comes in the form of brown or gray pellets. Once the bait is ingested, it acts on the nerves and muscles and quickly causes twitches, muscle spasms, and tremors. The affected animal has no voluntary control over this muscular activity. The increased muscle activity elevates the core body temperature. Whereas a normal body temperature for a dog is around 100° F, muscle tremors from metaldehyde toxicity can result in core body temperatures that exceed 108° F. Core temperatures over 106° F put pets at high risk of brain and organ damage. The poison can also cause rapid heart rate, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle rigidity, and respiratory failure. In some cases, liver failure develops 2-3 days after ingestion of the toxin.
In our hospital, pets come in with metaldehyde toxicity, even when owners thought they had no access to the poison. The smell of the bait is appealing to dogs, and they will generally find it and eat if they can. If you think your pet may have ingested slug/snail bait or shows signs of twitching or muscle tremors, bring him immediately to your veterinarian. When the toxicity is treated early on, the prognosis is generally favorable. If untreated, it can be fatal. The mainstay of treatment consists of controlling muscle activity. Diazepam (a tranquilizer commonly known as Valium) and methocarbamol (muscle relaxer) are usually effective in controlling the tremors in cases where small to moderate amounts of the toxin were ingested and absorbed. In cases where large amounts of toxin were absorbed, sometimes prolonged sedation or anesthesia must be used to control tremors; this treatment may be needed for one or more days. With many toxicities, inducing vomiting helps eliminate the toxin from the body before it can be absorbed. Inducing vomiting in patients who are actively tremoring from metaldehyde toxicity is usually unsuccessful, and puts the patient at risk for aspirating vomit into the trachea (windpipe) as a result of the involuntary tremors. In cases where it is suspected that large amounts of the toxin have been ingested, general anesthesia and gastric lavage (pumping the stomach) may be considered as well as repeated enemas to try to eliminate the toxin from the gastrointestinal tract. In most cases, if the muscle tremors can be controlled, the patient will recover. A small percentage of patients will suffer enough liver damage that liver failure may result. Monitoring liver values in labwork is an important part of treatment for some pets. So, what should you do about your slug and snail problem in the garden? Fortunately, there are many safer alternatives to baits that do not contain metaldehyde. Egg shells, beer or vinegar traps (be careful, most dogs will also go for the beer), wood chips, snail-repelling plants, and adjusting watering schedules are all methods that can help prevent slugs and snails from getting the best of your garden. For more detailed instructions on alternate methods of slug and snail control, take to the internet. Many gardening websites (such as www.weekendgardener.net) detail pet and environment friendly methods of slug and snail control.
Dr. Anderson is a veterinarian at Cottonwood Animal Hospital. His professional interests include dentistry, surgery, and internal medicine. He lives in Salt Lake City with his lovely wife, two young children, two dogs, and one cat.
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EXPERT ADVICE
FIRST AID for Your Dog Shawn Bybee, DVM The season has finally arrived where we all spend more time outdoors with our dogs. Whether you enjoy hiking, mountain-biking, camping, or just throwing a ball or Frisbee at the park, your dog could sustain minor injuries or develop serious ailments requiring prompt veterinary care. Being adequately prepared with a first aid kit and knowledgeable about the common injuries and ailments is important to keep your pet happy and healthy to enjoy more outdoor adventures. Let’s discuss what to include in a “Canine First Aid Kit” as well as some common conditions we see in our canine companions.
CANINE FIRST AID KIT For a basic first aid kit for your dog, include the following:
Pets In The City Magazine
• Nail clippers • Quick-Stop (blood clotting and local anesthesia powder available at pet stores) • Bandage materials (gauze, compression wrap, bandage scissors) • Thermometer • Collapsible water bowl • Canine booties • Muzzle
COMMON CONDITIONS/ACCIDENTS 1) Torn Nail – Energetic dogs often tear nails while playing rough with
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other dogs, chasing balls or Frisbees, or running free in open spaces. The torn nail usually exposes the quick, which is the sensitive part and blood supply for the nail. This results in bleeding and a very sensitive nail. Nails that are long are more likely to tear than those that are kept short. The dewclaw (the small nail on the inside of the front and sometimes rear legs) is also at greater risk because it often grows the longest. Keeping your dog’s nails short is the best prevention. If you can hear your dog’s nails while walking on hard floors, it may be time for a nail trim!
2) Paw Pad Sores – Early season hiking or running, after a winter hibernation, can cause sores on the paw pads. Easing your dog into summer hiking/running season is the best prevention. If they get sores, appropriate first aid includes a protective bootie for the foot. 3) Laceration – Often affecting the paw pads, cuts can occur after running over glass or sharp metal. Lacerations affecting the paw pads can bleed profusely. If your dog sustains a laceration, cover it and apply gentle pressure with a soft bandage. Every laceration should be also be examined by a veterinarian. 4) Rattlesnake Bites – Often sustained on the muzzle, neck, or legs of inquisitive canines, rattlesnake bites cause severe tissue inflammation and red blood cell destruction. If your dog is bitten by a snake, urgent veterinary medical care is required. Until you can reach your vet, keep your pet as calm and quiet as possible. If you are able, you can apply a soft bandage to the area. DO NOT apply tourniquets or try to suck the venom from the bite. Not only could you get injured by your terrified dog, but worse tissue destruction could result. To prevent snake bites, there are various “Snake-Safe” training opportunities for you and your dog. 5) Heat Stroke – This potentially fatal condition is most common in
the short-faced breeds of dogs, such as English Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, or Shih Tzu’s. Dogs rely on panting and increasing their breathing rate to control their body temperature. Short-faced dogs who have narrow nostrils and airways therefore have a very difficult time controlling their body temperature during exercise. However, it can happen in any dog – particularly if they are overweight, geriatric, or have a long or dark hair coat. Obesity is a major risk factor for heat stroke. Heat stroke can cause excessive panting, weakness or staggering, vomiting, collapse, hyperthermia (elevated body temperature) and, in severe cases, organ failure, brain swelling, and death. Even moderate temperatures (80’s) can elicit heat stroke in an unlucky dog. If you suspect your canine to have heat stroke, it is very important to seek shade and take your pet’s temperature. Normal temperature in a dog is 100–103º F. A temperature greater than 103º should trigger you to call your veterinarian. First aide can include providing water, resting your pet, or submersing/bathing your pet with lukewarm water. Heat stroke can occur from outdoor exposure and exercise, but also from leaving your pet in an unattended car. In the warmer months, pets should never be left in an unattended car, even for only a few minutes, as the temperature in a car can rise rapidly. Remember, you should always contact your veterinarian if your pet sustains an injury, so they may recommend the appropriate therapy. But following these instructions can help your canine until you can obtain veterinary attention. So this summer: go out, have fun, and be safe!
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Dr. Bybee grew up in Bountiful, Utah and attended veterinary school at Colorado State University, where he graduated cum laude. Dr. Bybee’s If a torn nail happens to your dog, apply Quick-Stop and a soft bandage until professional interests include internal medicine (particularly endocrinology and minimally invasive procedures), ophthalmology, and pain relief. He is you can see your veterinarian. Most broken nails need to be clipped and an associate veterinarian at University Veterinary Hospital. bandaged (sometimes with a mild sedation) for 3-4 days.
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Summer Days (and Nights) With Your Dog in Utah
Sarah Tyler
With the start of summer, you might feel the itch to get back outside. Utah has great outdoor excursions for you and your dog, like going to Mill Creek Canyon or the Uintas. Even for those of us who are less physically inclined, these areas sport some easy trails that we can all enjoy. Dog Lake, a local favorite, boasts a gorgeous hike with wonderful treetop covered trails, keeping the heat of the day at bay. The total round-trip comes in at roughly six miles. Streams crisscross your path on the way in, and no inclines are so steep that kids or the elderly couldn’t make this hike. The crowning jewel of the climb is the lake atop the mountain. Surrounded on all sides by trees, the location has a natural barrier, keeping wandering pets relatively contained. So, feel free to let your dog loose to enjoy the water!
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Looking for a fun daytime activity that isn’t just another walk in the park? Try some agility training courses! Willow Creek Pet Center is a standout facility, with experienced trainers who partner with you to teach your dog how to maneuver about the course. Jumping through hoops, weaving in and out of poles, and leaping over hurdles won’t feel like work for your pup — it will be a stimulating new way to learn and play. Plus, the staff of Willow
Creek Pet Center stay current on all of the latest techniques, so you get to work with experts. During the day, take your dog to lunch, Lots of local restaurants and cafes are jumping on the pet-friendly band wagon. Here are four of my favorite local places and what they have to offer you and yours: • Este Pizza Sugarhouse has patio seating available. The servers bring bowls of water for the dogs and shower your furry friend with affection. • Lugano offers delicious Northern Italian fare and pet-friendly patio seating. • Em’s serves American in a fun and cozy environment, dishing out pet-friendly patio seating as well. • Log Haven features an amazing venue, location and view with pet-friendly patio seating and live music for the summer — a treat for all the senses! However, if the summer heat is just KILLING you and you’ve got to go somewhere inside, try heading over to Hotel Monaco in downtown SLC. Hotel Monaco hosts Wine Hour every evening from 5-6. The wine is served in the lobby of the pet-friendly hotel, and your companion is more than welcome to join. They even have treats around for the pups. Feel the need to stay the night? Go for it! You’ll be glad you did. You and your pet are welcomed into your room with wonderful amenities. A plush dog bed, chew toy, treats and a water bowl makes your stay beyond enjoyable for your dog, and they don’t forget about you either! A yoga mat, animal print bathrobes, and in-room spa services are just a few of the wonders in store for you at Hotel Monaco. The icing on the cake: you can have a goldfish brought to your room to make your stay even more homey. So, before you go out for a hike or a night on the town this summer, consider involving your pet by going to petfriendly places. They’ll thank you for it.
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Animals In The News Chanté McCoy
UTAH FINALLY MAKES COCK FIGHTING A FELONY According to a Utah poll from February 2013, 70 percent of Utahns supported making cock fighting a felony. However, in the 2013 session, the Utah House of Representatives failed to pass S.B. 52, “Game Fowl Fighting Amendment” (sponsored by Sen. Gene Davis), thus making Utah the only western state that treated this so-called “entertainment” as a misdemeanor and thus drew event organizers to the state, where the profits outweigh the misdemeanor fines.
snacks. He sleeps in the tractor trailer with them. Ultimately, he pulls into stops where adopting and foster families await him and his canine cargo. For each trip, he logs 4,200 miles. Adoption fees cover his costs, allowing Mahle to make these trips twice a month.
Despite 7000 faxes flooding Governor Herbert’s office in less than 24 hours, the state and Bureau of Land Management are still planning a roundup of Utah mustangs. Under pressure from ranchers, Herbert issued a statement, saying that the round-up of hundreds of wild horses will “keep ranges open for livestock grazing.” Ranchers are currently being compelled to reduce grazing on public lands. Ranchers claim that the horses are the problem, destroying vegetation. However, others say the bigger issue is heavy grazing by livestock and drought.
ONE MAN HELPS SAVE THOUSANDS OF DOGS
Pets In The City Magazine June 2014
Mahle leaves his home in Ohio to travel to Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana, where spaying and neutering are not common practice, backyard breeders contribute to the population of unwanted dogs, and many dogs fend for themselves. When the dogs end up in shelters, the kill rate is as high as 9 out of 10.
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Along the route, Mahle’s transport service, Rescue Road Trips, meets volunteers at designated spots for potty breaks, walks, and
Nestlé, the parent company, has since canceled the contract with the farm. A petition at SliceofCruelty.com is also asking Nestlé to implement animal welfare guidelines for its suppliers. Guidelines include zero tolerance for kicking, punching, and shocking; prohibition of painful and unnecessary mutilations, such as cutting off of tails; and safe and sanitary housing. UTAH MUSTANGS TO BE ROUNDED UP
Sen. Davis again sponsored the bill (now dubbed S.B. 112) in the 2014 session, and it successfully passed both the House and Senate. The bill states “that game fowl fighting and specified acts related to game fowl fighting are class A misdemeanors on the first offense, and…third degree felonies on second and subsequent offenses [and]… that being present at a game fowl fight is a class B misdemeanor.”
Over the past nine years, Greg Mahle and his 12-wheel rig have transported tens of thousands of dogs from high-kill shelters in the South to northern states where there is a higher demand for shelter dogs. Mahle works with local rescue groups in both the North and South, to pick up the dogs and deliver them to their new homes.
In April, two of the employees pled no contest to three counts of animal cruelty and were charged with fines totaling $2,000.
Greg Mahle with some rescued dogs DAIRY WORKERS CHARGED WITH ANIMAL CRUELTY In February, Wisconsin local law enforcement charged four workers at a DiGiorno cheese supplier with 11 counts of animal cruelty. According to Mercy for Animals, hidden camera footage showed the dairy workers “viciously kicking, beating, whipping, dragging and stabbing cows” at a dairy. Each count of criminal animal cruelty is punishable by up to nine months in jail and $10,000 in fines.
According to Suzanne Roy, director of the American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign (AWHPC), a national coalition, “Ranchers and their allies must stop the scapegoating of wild horses for damage to the public rangelands caused by livestock grazing. Cattle and sheep graze on ten times more public land in Utah than do wild horses. Privately-owned livestock vastly outnumber federally-protected wild horses, even on the small amount of land that has been designated as mustang habitat.” KUER reports “Governor Herbert told reporters that managing wild horses is one area where the BLM should let the state take responsibility. And he mentioned euthanasia as one strategy for reducing the number of mustangs in Iron County.”
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Rescue Me Princess
Spayed Female 8 years old Brown Tabby Domestic Long Hair “I am a sweet girl who is looking for the perfect place to call home. I enjoy the company of other cats and might even do alright around some dogs as well. I love lounging in the sun and getting affection from my human friends. I know I could be a wonderful addition to your family.” Please email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org or call 801-574-2440.
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Spunky
Neutered Male 3 years old Black and White Domestic Long Hair “I know what you are thinking, I have seen that face before? I’m somewhat of a local celebrity as the face of NKUT! I love people and am always very curious about the other cats I hang out with. With my easy going personality, I could also do well in a home with dogs. You can often times find me lounging in a cat bed or making you smile with my daily play time.” Please email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org or call 801-574-2440.
Suzie
Spayed Female 4 years old Lynx Point Domestic Medium Hair “Hi, my name is Suzie! Although I may appear a little shy at first, I know I would flourish in the perfect home. If you are in search of a companion cat that isn’t too needy, I’m your girl! I know that a cozy cat bed and a quiet corner in your home is the ideal place for me.” Please email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org or call 801-574-2440.
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Summer Fun Pet Party Ideas Sean Wing - Actor, Hollywood California Want to initiate a special play day for well-mannered dogs and your human friends? Here are some ideas trending in Hollywood, believe it or not. The goal is to get the dogs plenty of exercise and attention. (However, it may not a good idea to invite human children as they may be at risk when the play time gets fun.) Choose a location with a secure backyard and themed table settings. Include kiddie swimming pools for cooling off and trash cans for clean-up. Whatever arrangements you wish to make, the most important is to provide plenty of balls and treats for the canines.
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PET WEDDINGS You will need: • A Master of Ceremonies to perform the union with a canine document and ink for paw prints • Canine “Thank you” gift bags for souvenirs • Chairs set up with an aisle for the bride to walk down • Favorite music for the wedding couple • Ice sculptures made from Jell-O molds for licking • Homemade dog cupcakes • Caterer for the humans and drinks or full bar PET BIRTHDAY PARTIES You will need: • Doggy gift bags (bandana ball and treats) • Party hats and squeaky toys for noise makers • Pet-themed yard and table settings • Pet Swimming Pools for cooling off • Balls, Frisbees, and rope toys
PET SUMMER BBQ’S You will need: • Food and drinks for the humans. Assign a potluck. • Music • Supplies for games, such as treasure hunt, relay races, paw printing, and obstacle courses • Entertainment, such a hiring a dog trainer and canine to perform a few tricks
Chris Dickinson Photography
What’s Trending: Hounds of Hollywood Throughout cinema history, many four-legged legends have graced the silver screen. Here is a look at a few of the most memorable. Eric Wing - Hollywood California
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THE RIGHT VET FOR YOUR PET Megan Lopez
their residency in exotic animals or is board certified in an exotic specialty area.
One of the most important issues in caring for your pets is picking the right veterinarian for routine care, as well as emergencies. Read on for tips on finding the right vet for your pet.
Any animal that is not a dog, cat, horse, or fish is considered an exotic pet. Some of the most common exotic pets include:
The search • Word of Mouth: Start your search by talking to friends, family, and/or neighbors with your same type of pet. Shelters, trainers, pet sitters, breeders, and groomers are also a good resource for recommendations. • Internet/Phone Book Search: A good place to start an internet search is by visiting the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). This organization evaluates veterinary practices in your area. Yelp and Angie’s List are provide reviews. For an online search, enter “veterinarian” or “animal hospital” as search terms. • Plan a Visit: Once you have compiled a list of possible veterinary practices, plan some visits without your pet. Any good veterinary practice will welcome potential new clients, answer questions, and provide a tour of the facility. While visiting, come prepared with a list of questions and set criteria you are looking for in a veterinary practice.
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Some suggested questions to consider o Is it AAHA accredited? o How many veterinary doctor are on staff and do any specialize in your particular pet type with board certification? o Is the veterinary practice well-maintained and comfortable? o Are walk-ins allowed or is it by appointment only? o Are there licensed technicians and other staff members? o What emergency services are available? o Are different animal types separated? o Are the treatment costs within your budget? o Do they offer pet insurance or accept outside pet insurance? o Is the equipment up to date? o What is the process of a specialist referral, if there is not a particular specialist on staff ? o Is the location convenient for you? o Is the staff accommodating, calm, and show a genuine care for animals? What if my pet isn’t the typical dog or cat? In order for a veterinarian to be considered qualified (board certified) to work on animals other than dogs or cats, they must complete extensive training (sometimes two to four years) in veterinary school. When looking for a veterinary practice, ask if any of the clinic veterinarians completed
• Birds (Should be treated by Avian Veterinary Specialists) • Ferrets • Rodents, such as rabbits, gerbils, hamsters, guinea pigs, mice or rats • Snakes (Should be treated by Reptile and Amphibian Veterinary Specialists) • Lizards (Should be treated by Reptile and Amphibian Veterinary Specialists) • Spiders What if I’m not happy with my current veterinary practice or veterinarian? Misunderstandings and conflicts can occur with your veterinarian. Open communication can normally resolve any disputes. However, if you are not satisfied with your veterinarian or the practice, you can switch to a new one anytime you wish. If you do switch, ask for copies of all your pet’s medical records. If you have a more extreme situation that cannot be resolved and switching to a new veterinary practice does no resolve the problem either, consider other options. You can contact the state’s veterinary association, the state’s veterinary licensing board, or the American Veterinary Medical Association. There are also attorneys that specialize in veterinary malpractice that help a pet owner with legal counsel. Select a veterinarian early on when you adopt a pet. In an emergency, you don’t want to be trying to find the right veterinary practice for your pet. You need the peace of mind in knowing where to go and that you are working with someone who is qualified and has already established a caring relationship with your pet. Once you have found the right veterinarian, take your pet in for routine preventative visits. A healthy pet is a happy pet, which leads to a happy owner.
Salt Lake City’s First Outdoor Splash Pad for Dogs Opens
Central Park Pet Retreat’s newly landscaped outdoor splash pad and dog park is now open at 55 Miller Ave., one block north of 3300 South, between State and Main Street. Formally known as Central Valley Veterinary Hospital, Central Park Pet Retreat has been recently remodeled and re-opened with a chic new theme: New York! The large (1/4 acre) outdoor dog park contains Salt Lake City’s first and only splash pad just for dogs. It includes six grassy play areas that are designed with park benches, lamp posts, wading pools, paths and bridges.
Central Park Pet Retreat is a dog and cat boarding facility that focuses on providing animals with a safe and stimulating time away from home — all while ensuring pet owners can rest easy knowing their “kids” are in good hands.
Pets In The City Magazine
Central Park Pet Retreat also features a spacious, climate-controlled indoor facility. Dogs and cats can enjoy the vast exercise, socialization, training, playtime, and sleeping suits.
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Puppy Love Sarah Tyler
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“Puppy love” has long been thrown around as a term for the flippant, passing attachment between people too young to understand what real love is like. It’s never used to describe a serious, loyal commitment. Funny thing about that is it couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to actual dogs.
Have you ever seen puppy love? It is
quite possibly the purest affection in our world today. There are no gimmicks, no lies, no games: just two dogs with genuine tenderness for each other. My dog, Leonidas, has such an attachment. The first time he met our neighbor’s dog, Zoey, he threw himself at her without reservation.
When we finally reached her, the two stood nose to nose, a metal fence between them. His tail wagged at a furious pace as everything about her seemingly sent his dog heart whirling. Zoey, on the other hand, was less than enthused, keeping her tail stiff and hair raised. Confused by his unabashed joy to meet her, she was unwilling to let her guard down, but unable to break away from him at the fence. After seeking permission for the two to play together, I let Leonidas in through the gate and off his leash. He bounded over to her, and she nipped at him. He dodged her and ran his absolute fastest, circling around the enclosure. Zoey made chase and soon discovered that this lean, slightly smaller boy dog wasn’t half bad. In fact, after a few minutes, her growling had ceased and she too was wagging her tail as hard as she could. They played until both were entirely worn out.
His tail wagged at a furious pace as everything about her seemingly sent his dog heart whirling.
Zoey had recently been rescued from a local shelter and was adjusting to her new life. Scared and struggling with trust issues, Zoey was stand-offish to newcomers, and Leonidas was no exception.
Since that day, the two dogs keep a watchful eye for one another. Countless times I’ve been called to the window by the songs of two howling dogs, desperate to be reunited. They know each other’s names, hang out frequently, and play together as often as they can. They even share toys, and not just in the I’ll take this with me and bring it back another time sharing toy kind of way. They will chew on the same toy at the same time, holding onto one ball, carefully interlocking their mouths so that both can hold it. Zoey and Leonidas endured a brief lapse in their time together over the winter, where chance encounters dropped to zero. Six months passed without a single play date. When the warmer weather returned, we chanced a sighting of Zoey. She happened to be far away, so Leonidas and I ran after her, taking a shortcut in the hopes of cutting her off around the bend. He cried from the moment he saw her until after they sniffed each other for about thirty seconds. He hadn’t forgotten his lady, and she remembered him too. She barked when she saw us coming and jumped boisterously once they were together again.
The coolest part about puppy love is it’s recognizable for the same loyalty and unending love that our dogs give us. Beautiful, simple, and lasting.
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As he dragged me towards her with all his might, she growled loud warnings. He didn’t care; he knew there was something special about this girl, and he had to figure it out, no matter what.
Leonidas & Zoey
Kim Justen Summer’s here, which means you may be hitting the road for a fun-filled vacation. With more pet-friendly accommodations out there, bringing your companion animals is more appealing than ever. But before you pack the water bowl, you need to do your homework. The first question to ask yourself is, will your pet be happier at home? PETA suggests injured, sick, or pregnant animals stay home. Add elderly animals and those who don’t like change to that list too. If moving your dog’s crate to a different corner of the room is traumatic for her, think of how she’ll feel in a strange hotel with people walking past the door all night. She may be happier at home with a trusted sitter. If everyone’s still on board for the vacation, verify pet policies everywhere you’ll be staying. Many hotels appear on pet-friendly websites, but the information can be out of date, or the hotel may be restrictive with size limitations, breed exclusions, or restrictions about leaving animals unattended in rooms. And almost all will have additional fees for bringing an animal. Is your animal up to date on her shots? Bring an up-to-date copy of the vaccination record, as well as plenty of any medications she takes in labeled bottles. Anyone can get sick on vacation, and having her records with you can save critical time at the emergency clinic.
In some ways, traveling with a pet is like traveling with a toddler. To make the trip less stressful, make sure you have familiar things. When I take my dog for weekends with friends, I bring her favorite blankets and the remains of her “stuffed” dragon. When I arrive, one blanket and the dragon immediately go to my room, so she has an area that smells familiar for sleeping. The other blanket stays downstairs with her, so she has “her” spot. Cesar Millan has great, detailed advice on traveling with your dog, including walking her before the trip and once you arrive at the hotel to burn off energy, so she’s more relaxed in the room. You can read more at www. cesarsway.com/tips/seasonal/cesars-travel-tips.
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Traveling with your companion animal can be rewarding and fun for everyone involved, as long as you plan ahead.
June 2014
If you’re planning on taking a road trip with your cat, www.tripswithpets.com has great advice for preparing her for road travel. Regardless of the type of companion animal you have, don’t feed her before a long car ride, as animals can be prone to motion sickness.
Pets In The City Magazine
When looking at your vacation destinations, make sure you know their vaccination requirements, and check with your vet. Additional vaccinations may be needed. For example, Hawaii has strict rules. While you’re checking that, also see how pet-friendly they are in general. If you’re planning a beach trip, are dogs allowed on the beach during peak season? Are there restaurants with outdoor seating that allow dogs? Are they allowed in the state/national parks you want to visit?
EARL: The Dog Who Stole His Foster Family’s Hearts Kim Justen When Martha Rehmeyer, president of Carolina Great Pyrenees Rescue, Inc., met Earl in October 2012, she never thought he’d find a home. Martha’d recieved a call from a man in Virginia. His father, a backyard breeder, had died, and the family wasn’t continuing the business. When volunteers met Earl, he walked with difficulty, one leg tucked up and hopping on the other. The breeder’s son said Earl broke his leg when he was four weeks old, and it was never treated. According to Rehmeyer, what they found is typical of puppy mills. In this case, the dogs were thin and their coats were matted. They’d never been groomed, let alone vaccinated or visited the vet. All the animals were kept in a barn, hadn’t been handled much, and had ear infections. Because he had good lines, the breeder kept Earl after his accident, planning to breed him.
“I thought we were going to have him forever,” says Rehmeyer, remembering how he looked that day. But Earl had other plans. When Rehmeyer took him to the vet, she learned his “good” leg was deformed from the way he walked. He needed surgery on that leg before addressing the other. The rescue raised the $10,000 needed for treatment, and Earl had his surgery.
Pets In The City Magazine
One year and many treatments later, Earl walked on the good leg, and there was a plan for the bad leg, including surgery and physical therapy, but realistically, he was a special needs dog. He’d also developed an antibioticresistant staph infection. For him to be adopted—and plenty of people were interested—he needed a one-story home and a family who probably faced lifelong physical therapy and potential surgeries with Earl.
Enter the foster family of Barb and Jay Hutcherson. Their companion Pyr died the year before, and their most recent foster had found his home. They specialized in older dogs and dogs with special needs. When Barb met Earl, she decided her own personal mission: let Earl be a dog. He’d never rolled in the grass or played in the snow. With the staph infection, nobody was sure how long Earl would even live, but Barb wanted whatever time he had to be happy.
“The decision to admit we were ‘failed’ fosters simply occurred by living with him,” she says. “He was a happy dog, he seemed happy with us. He brought out the best in us, and we couldn’t imagine him going someplace else. We just fell in love with him and had to keep him.” Falling in love with Earl meant committing to four-day-a-week physical therapy sessions, but Barb is happy to do it. Over the course of two years, Earl has gone from hopping like a bunny to walking with a limp. But he’s walking, rolling, and generally being a dog. And like so many unlikely rescues before him, he managed to steal someone’s heart. Photo courtesy of Ed Woodard
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Photo courtesy of Ed Woodard
Photo courtesy of Tracy Strassburg
Stetson
Tonya Landon
Our family wants to rescue a dog from the animal shelter. Suggestions? - Ashley There are many great dogs in our local animal shelters, including an estimated 25% that are purebreds. Keep in mind that adding a dog to your family is at least a ten-year commitment. Also consider the following: What type? Discuss with your family what type of dog you want and why before going to the shelter. What size, gender, coat type, age, and activity level do you want?
Breeds. There is no one-size-fits-all dog breed. It is very important to research any breed(s) of dog that will fit your lifestyle before going to the shelter. Are there any breeds you really don’t care to look at? Are any breed(s) of dog banned by your insurance company or rental property? Age. What age of dog will fit your lifestyle? Puppies usually take more time than adult dogs. Be realistic and discuss options with your family before going to the shelter. Money. Be realistic about the money you have to spend on a dog. Dogs are not inexpensive to own. Larger dogs tend to eat more than smaller dogs. Bring the family. It is important that the family comes to check out the dog(s), with the parents having the final say on which dog will be adopted. Many rescue groups have a 3-10 day compatibility time where you can try out the dog before finalizing the adoption.
Time. Plan on spending time with the dog(s) you are considering. Keep in mind that the longer the dog has been caged, the rowdier they may appear. If you need to, go home and talk to the family about the dog(s) you are considering. Personality. Only look at dogs that fit your family’s personality. If you have kids, stay clear of shy, overly submissive or aggressive dogs. Don’t pick a dog because you feel sorry for it.
If you have questions for Stetson, please send them to askstetson@gmail.com.
June 2014
Places to adopt. There are many places where you can adopt a dog and save a life. Your local animal shelter, animal rescue groups, or breed-specific rescue groups are places to consider. The Petfinder website (www.petfinder. com) is a nationwide database of animals needing homes in all 50 states.
Pets In The City Magazine
Shelter/Rescue Staff. The shelter staff is there to help you and should know the dogs in their care. Ask about what information they have on the dog and if they have noticed any behavioral or health issues.
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Rules for Good Parrot Parenting RonaLeigh Wheelwright
Make sure your bird spends time with family and friends to get used to other people and learn to behave in groups.
When adopting a bird, understanding its physical and emotional needs is the best way to know if you can make Rule #5: Don’t Spoil Your Bird the commitment to be a good parrot parent. Above all, Teach your bird to be somewhat independent, so it can entertain itself when you’ll need patience to provide consistent guidance to you’re not there. help the parrot learn how to live in a human world, which presents various situations and dangers he would not face in the wild. Rule #6: Reward Good Behavior Praise a bird frequently for being good, quiet, beautiful, etc. Positive Keep these rules in mind to be the best parrot parent you can be. reinforcement of good behavior is the best method of getting the desired behavior. If your bird misbehaves, ignoring him or distracting him is the Rule #1: Spend Time Every Day with best way to discourage this. Never hit a bird, as even thumping its beak can Your Parrot cause great damage. Parrots are naturally social and need consistent attention. Plan to give him at least 15 minutes of attention in the morning before you leave for Rule #7: Set Up a Safe Environment work and 1-2 hours in the evening when you get home. Get a good, appropriately sized cage and set it up so it’s a place of rest Greet your parrot when you first come home and let and independent entertainment for your parrot. Limit your him out of his cage, if possible. bird’s exposure to contaminants, such as smoke (cigarette and cooking), non-stick cookware, carbon monoxide, Rule #2: Limit Shoulders aerosols, paint, solvents, and moth balls to keep and Fingers him healthy. Shoulders are comfortable perches for parrots, but they can develop behavioral problems if allowed to perch there. Give toys to chew instead of your fingers, which can become a painful habit as their beaks get stronger and they get older.
Pets In The City Magazine
Rule #3: Use the Step Up Command
Say “step up” each time you want your bird to step on your hand or arm, and say “down” or “step down” when you want your bird to step onto a perch or cage, so your bird learns these commands and know you’re the top bird.
For more info on parrot parenting, visit www.RoniesLoveofBirds. com or read Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot by Mattie Sue Athan.
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June 2014
Rule #4: Socialize Your Bird
Ralph’s Rescue
When you visit Ronie’s for the Love of Birds, a local store specializing in bird supplies and boarding, you may chance upon Ralph the parrot. Ralph was rescued from a store in California in 1983. The owner was blatantly abusive to Ralph and would flip him with a towel. Ronie couldn’t stand that this beautiful bird was being treated so badly, that she took out a loan for $2,500 and purchased Ralph. “On the way home, I told him I love him and he would never be treated badly again,” Ronie says. “He reached out and bit my finger. I had to pull over to tend to my wound, but it didn’t change the way I felt about him at all.”
Ralph is now 32 years old and is highly intelligent. He has starred in commercials and on stage where he really excels. He also auditioned for America’s Most Talented Pets, but didn’t make it because they were looking for a dog. Ralph loves to show off his tricks for applause. They include riding a bike, playing basketball, dropping coins in a treasure chest, rolling over to play dead when you say “bang, bang,” and many more. Ralph’s favorite words are: “Ronie,” “hello,” “goodbye,” “knock it off,” “Grandma,” and “arhhh” (like a pirate). He can also mimic a car starting, a turkey call, and an elk call.
Pets In The City Magazine
June 2014
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Saving Lives
Fredrick Mike Sartain
y wife, Lori, and I are the types of people that cannot live without having animals around. Lori has had birds, lizards, cats, rats, and dogs in the past. I am definitely a cat person. My handful of cats over the years were all wonderful companions. However, Charlie Tuna stands out as my favorite. Charlie Tuna was a 20-pound, beautiful, gentle black cat (think Sabrina, the Teenage Witch). Sometimes, he seemed more human than cat. He even could say a few words late at night, including “Hellllooo” and a very distinctive “No” when we attempted to remove him from his spot between us in the bed.
Pets In The City Magazine
After suddenly developing tumors around his neck, we sadly had to put an end to his suffering around a month and a half ago. Dr. Bodily, our long-time family veterinarian, was an amazing comfort throughout the entire process, and we can’t thank him enough. It was an extremely heartbreaking experience for both of us to lose a family member. Charlie Tuna’s big yellow eyes were waiting at the door for me about 10 years, and now they were gone.
June 2014
In the days following his passing, we decided to “just go look at the shelters,” surely not intending on taking an animal home. NICE TRY. IMPOSSIBLE. We looked around at a few shelters locally before stumbling upon a picture online of a tiny gray puff ball named Fredrick at Pack n’ Pounce in Ogden. His 8-week-old meeowww sounded like a tiny toy ray gun firing off in the car ride home.
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Fredrick has been an amazing addition to our home, and I am so proud that he is following in my footprints as a cover model for local print. Right now I am dusting off some invisible air
IN THE
CITY
from my shoulder with a proud smirk on my face. To end on a serious note, rescuing an animal is such an amazing feeling, and to live without an animal is no way to live. Lori and I look forward to many wonderful years with Fredrick and Millie (our other, lesser known cat). Follow Fredrick’s development into adulthood on Instagram #Fredricktain and check out Millie doing yoga #lilmamamillie. Mike Sartain is a member of Starmy (https:// starmy.bandcamp.com), a band regularly featured in City Weekly and voted SLC’s best Rock Band in 2002. His kitten, Fredrick, was featured on the cover of the May issue of Pets in the City Magazine.
Fredrick, cover model for the May issue of Pets in the City Magazine.
The Humane Society of Utah’s Memorial Plaza
is a tribute to the four-legged and human loved ones who have touched our lives. Make a permanent mark for someone special by purchasing a tax-deductible personalized engraved brick at our Memorial Plaza. Bricks are a touching way to honor the passing of a pet, friend or family member. Bricks can also be beautiful gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and Christmas.
Visit www.utahhumane.org/bricks or call (801) 261-2919 ext. 207.
Pets In The City Magazine June 2014 27
y l m i Fu n Fa HERE KITTY, KITTY These distinctive cat breeds range from hairless to fur balls. They are often named after their place of origin. Can you identify them?
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June 2014
Pets In The City Magazine
Caption Contest Winner! Molly Hawkes
ACROSS 3. This long-haired cat has a round, flatter face and a laid-back, docile temperament. 6. This lean, short-haired cat originated in Egypt. The hairs of its “ticked” tabby coat are banded with different colors. 8. Considered a Colourpoint Persian in Europe, this long-haired cat has point colorations similar to a Siamese. 10. This long-haired gentle giant is a “state cat” hailing from New England and is known for its variety of vocalizations. 11. A cross between Siamese and domestic black cats, this cat has a deep solid-colored chocolate coat and green eyes. 12. This breed is the best known of the Oriental varieties, with a triangular head, elongated body, blue almond-shaped eyes, and point coloration on its ears, muzzle, tail, and legs. 13. This spotted “wild looking” cat is a hybrid of a domestic shorthair with an Asian leopard cat. DOWN 1. A yellow-eyed, social cat with a usually solidcolored, satiny coat, this breed is as vocal as Siamese but with softer meows. 2. Despite what its name would suggest, this hairless, wrinkled cat originated in Canada. 4. This relatively new breed has folded ears, giving it an owlish expression. 5. This stubby-tailed cat from Japan has a predominately white coat with calico patches. It is commonly portrayed in Japanese folklore and art. 7. This short-haired, bluish-gray cat has hairs tipped in silver and vivid green eyes. 9. This stubby or tailless cat originated on an island near Great Britain.
y l m i Fu n Fa Mystery Celebrity Dot-to-Dot Coloring Contest! Hi, readers! Enter to win a free book and stuffed animal from “Pets in the City Magazine” for ages 5 to 8. Color the do-to-dot, and he will appear right before your eyes. Here are a few hints about the Mystery Celebrity: He is brown and beige with brown eyes. He loves purple and yellow. He plays in a really cute back yard. There is a book written about him and his friend, Henry. Scan and email your finished picture to: debbiepetsinthecitymagazine@gmail.com Or Mail to: PICM 470 Mill Street Bountiful, Utah 84010
The contest closes on June 20, to be published in the July issue.
Love Me Gently is a kid’s guide to man’s best friend, specifically to having a dog at home. It’s a wonderful book for parents to read along with their children ages 3-8 as it serves as a helpful tool and a gentle reminder of the do’s and don’ts of owning a dog.
June 2014
Henry’s family just adopted a new puppy named Cooper. Together, Henry and Cooper learn about everyday challenges through a child’s eye about raising a puppy. Henry discovers patience and kindness and learns valuable lessons. Cooper becomes Henry’s best friend and a well-behaved member of the family.
Pets In The City Magazine
Book Review
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PHOTOS
YOUR PETS IN THE CITY
! e l i Sm
Caramel
Zing
Opie & Mya
MooMoo Milo
Blanche
Roofus
Mia Caramel & Pups Pumpkin Kitty
Sally
Bindhi & Bodhi
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June 2014
Pets In The City Magazine
Swirl Java
Want to share a photo of your pet? Email: info@petsinthecitymagazine.com
Daphne
Please include a high resolution photo of your pet and your pet’s name.
Madame Tabu’s
PET HOROSCOPE
FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21)
June 2014
If your pet seems to have trouble listening to you this month, don’t assume it’s all attitude —Mercury turns retrograde on the 7th, making communication doggone difficult.
Cancer (Jun 22 – July 22) When the sun enters your sign on the summer solstice (the 21st), celebrate the empowerment you feel and enjoy some water play with your pet.
Leo (July 23 – Aug 22) Use your characteristic determination, along with your positive nature, to work through any behavioral issues with your pet this month. You can do it!
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22) Pick your battles with your pet this month, using your keen, naturally discriminating nature.
Libra (Sept 23 - Oct 22) Pay attention to any concerns you have about your pet’s health or behavior this month, as Neptune turning retrograde can illuminate issues in order for you to nip them in the bud.
Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21) If you’re feeling more in tune with your pet’s emotions and needs this month (or vice versa), it’s the full moon energy on the 13th, magnifying your natural psychic abilities.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) Let your playful pet parent side shine as bright as the sun this month, making time to play and/or wrestle with your pet.
When things at work are tough (as they can get when Chiron turns retrograde on the 13th), enjoy a walk or hike with your pet to blow off steam.
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) You may be feeling more social than usual when Venus enters Gemini this month, so take your pet along to outdoor outings like barbeques and picnics to be social together.
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) Look no further than your sign when looking for the perfect pet. Fish make great companions, and aquariums are relaxing and inspiring.
Pets In The City Magazine
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19)
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20) Since your pet can sometimes be as stubborn as you can be, avoid a bone of contention by having a professional take over grooming duties this month.
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Madam Tabu’s horoscopes are translated through the human pet psychic Jennafer Martin, www.PetInsightsbyJennafer.com.
June 2014
If your quick temper starts to get the best of you this month, take a few deep breaths and play with your pet to get a quick calm-down.