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Pets In The City Magazine
Pets In The City Magazine |
November 2015
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LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Event Calendar Now – December 15 What When Where Info
Photography of Chris Dickinson/Utah’s Ranch Life Now Showing through Dec. 15 Main Library Downtown, Lower Level, 810 400 S., SLC See ad on page 11.
November 14 Thanksgiving has become my favorite holiday. Not just because it’s National Mashed Potato Day (hey, the turkey is there just to make the gravy), although that’s definitely part of it. Growing up, my mom would invite everyone we knew who lived far away from family to our house for Thanksgiving. Every year, while the turkey roasted, an interesting collection of people would yell at the football game on TV, and provide their favorite side dish that made the holiday personal for them. Now, I find myself the person without local family. But working under the idea that you choose your family, every year, I drive four hours to spend the holiday weekend with my best friend and her family. This started the first year after I got divorced and my ex had the kids for Thanksgiving. I couldn’t face sitting in the house on my own, and certainly wasn’t cooking a turkey for one. What started as a two-day getaway, has grown into a fiveday escape with all of our kids coming home from college. We do annual holiday crafts, yell at the TV (if there’s football, sides must be chosen), and bake like lunatics.
Pets In The City Magazine
But part of what makes Thanksgiving so special for me is that from that first weekend on, it has always been assumed that Cassie would come with me. It takes special friends to invite not just me, but my Doberman, over for a holiday. After all, it upsets the household routine for all her pets. I’m sure in the beginning it was confusing to them all, given this is a household that fosters, so guest pets are expected to stay longer than 48 hours. Now, if they mention Cassie around Bandit, their Greyhound, he gets excited. I’m not sure what would happen if I showed up without her these days. Thankfully, I won’t have to find out any time soon. Each Thanksgiving, I take a minute to think of how thankful I am for all the animals in my life (the people too), and remember those who came before them. I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without my furry family members. So as I’m mashing potatoes and baking pumpkin cheesecake this year, I wish you and yours the best of Thanksgiving celebrations.
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Kim
Cover photo: Chris Dickinson
Last Month’s Issue
What When Where Info
17th Annual Vegan Thanksgiving Fundraiser Sat, Nov. 14. Doors open at 5 p.m. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. Wasatch Presbyterian Church 1626 S. 1700 E., SLC Tickets: brownpapertickets.com. See ad on page 11.
November 14 What When Where Info
UTAH GRIZZLIES Pooch on the Pond Saturday Nov. 14, vs. Rapid City Rush at 7 p.m. Maverick Center 3200 Decker Lake Drive, WVC Tickets: Call James at (801) 988-8045. See ad on page 11.
November 29 What When Where Info
Hope for the Holidays Humane Society Telethon Sun. Nov. 29th. 2:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. In the comfort of your own home on FOX 13 TV. UtahHumane.org. See ad on page 10 and the back cover.
TABLE of CONTENTS 4 EVENT CALENDAR 6 KEEP YOUR PET SLIM: Save on Medical and Food Bills – Mona Mistric 8 EXPERT ADVICE Food Allergy in Pets – Lynn McCarron, DVM A Guide to Canine Hot Spots – Avery Young, DVM 12 ANIMALS IN THE NEWS – Mona Mistric 14 SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR An Excerpt From Blind Faith Expanded – Yvonne Harper 16 GIVE THANKS FOR THANKSGIVING FOOD – Sarah Tyler 18 GET READY FOR PAWPARAZZI Tips for Filming with Pets – April A. Northstrom 20 ASK STETSON Q & A – Tonya Landon 20 PROACTIVE PET PARENTS ARE HELPING IN THE FIGHT AGAINST DENTAL DISEASE – Animal Dental Care 22 RESCUE ME 24 TRAVEL’S FOR THE BIRDS Finding Bird Care Over the Holidays – Chase Kimball 26 SAYING GOODBYE – Adena Stern 28 FAMILY FUN – Chatty Catty Holiday Service Project – Homemade Dog Treats 30 YOUR PETS IN THE CITY PHOTOS 31 MADAME TABU’S PET HOROSCOPE
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 Lynn McCarron, DVM Avery Young, DVM Animal Dental Care Chase Kimball GUEST WRITERS Yvonne Harper Adena Stern STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Chris Dickinson CIRCULATION Shane Myers, Circulation Manager, City Weekly Distribution Smith’s Grocery Store Racks GRAPHIC DESIGNER Michelle Bellinger All illustrations created by Mashiara Graphics. Copyrighted 2015.
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.
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Keep Your Pet Slim: Save on Medical and Food Bills Mona Mistric Most of us think of our companion pets as part of the family. They play with us, sit with us while we watch TV, and some even sleep with us. It only seems natural to want to include them in our mealtimes by feeding them table scraps. Unfortunately, as with people, extra pounds can lead to physical problems, such as joint problems, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Most indoor cats and many dogs do not receive adequate daily physical activity. According to the Center for Disease Control and the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention: • approximately 68% of US households own at least one pet, • 64% of adult Americans are overweight or obese, • 57.9% of cats and 52.7% of dogs are overweight or obese. How can you tell if your companion is overweight? Take a good, hard look at her and see which of the following categories match her body type. Ideal Weight: Her ribs and spine are easily felt, but not necessarily seen. Her waist is visible when viewed from above. Her abdomen should be raised, not sagging, when viewed from the side. Overweight: Her ribs and spine are hard to feel underneath the fat. Her waist is distended or pear-shaped when viewed from above. Her abdomen sags when seen from the side.
Pets In The City Magazine
Obese: She has large fat deposits over her chest, back, tail base and hindquarters. Her abdomen sags prominently, and there is no waist when viewed from above.
Americans purchase over 8 million tons of companion food every year. We spent an all-time high of $55.7 billion in 2014 and spending is predicted to reach $60 billion this year. Free choice feeding is one of the top contributors to obesity, which is why you should keep pets on a feeding schedule. Most veterinarians recommend feeding your cat or dog twice a day.
A healthy, active 8-pound adult cat requires about 30 calories per pound a day, which calculates to about 240 calories a day. Most dry food contains about 300 calories per cup, and wet food contains about 250 calories in each 6-ounce can. Therefore, she would need 4/5 of a cup of dry food or a little less than a 6-ounce can of wet food each day. You can adjust the portions based on her activity level and her body category.
Typical Costs for Your Feline Companion’s Food • Basic dry food costs $5 – $8 for a four-pound bag. • Premium or holistic dry food is $8 – $16 for a four-pound bag. • Wet food costs $16 – $43 for about two cases of 3-ounce cans. • According to a survey by the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, the average expense is $188 per year.
CALORIES IN DOG FOOD Your veterinarian can tell you how many calories your canine companion needs to consume based on her breed, age, and activity level. Some dog food brands provide caloric content on the package and on their product websites, or will provide it if you call or write them. Dry food contains roughly 97 calories per ounce; semi-moist dog food is about 85 calories per ounce; and wet food is around 25 calories per ounce. Fat contains roughly 8.5 calories per gram. Carbohydrates and proteins are about 3.5 calories per gram. • Multiply the fat percentage listed on the package by 8.5. • Multiply the carbohydrate and protein percentages listed on the package by 3.5. • Add the numbers. The final sum is about the number of calories per gram in the dry food.
Typical Costs for Your Canine Companion’s Food Adult Dog Ideal Weight
Dry Food
Cost/Week
Up to 10 pounds 10-25 pounds 25-50 pounds 50-75 pounds Over 75 pounds
1/4 – 3/4 cup 3/4 – 1 cup 1 – 2 cups 2 – 2 ½ cups 2 – 4 cups
$1.22 – $3.68 $3.68 – $7.35 $7.35 – $14.70 $14.70 – $18.38 $14.70 – $29.40
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We also give our companions treats every time they do a trick or make a cute face, not thinking about the health problems we are creating. Some of the health risks are osteoarthritis, insulin resistance and diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and respiratory disease, ligament injuries, kidney disease, many forms of cancer, and decreased life expectancy. Besides the fact that your companion is miserable and sickly, the cost of medications and surgeries can be prohibitively expensive. If your companion is overweight or obese, how do you choose the right diet for her? The first and best resource is your veterinarian, who knows your companion’s health and what she needs. It is also important to choose a brand of food that: • has a veterinarian nutritionist on staff with a consumer phone number, • has an AAFCO* statement that the product provides the minimum daily nutrition, • and a company that conducts feeding trials.
CALORIES IN CAT FOOD
If you plan to feed your dog a mixture of wet and dry foods, cut the amount of dry food in half and substitute it with the same volume of wet food.
Portioning out the food will keep your companion from overeating. Keeping your companion slim will provide a longer and better quality of life for her and you will save money too. *The American Association of Feed Control Officials (AFFCO) have food guidelines manufacturers must adhere to in order to use words like “Light,” “Low Calorie,” “Reduced Calories,” “Low Fat,” etc.
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EXPERT ADVICE
FOOD ALLERGY IN PETS Lynn McCarron, DVM There are five known types of allergies in dogs and cats: contact, flea, food, bacterial, and inhalant. In the allergic state, the animal’s immune system overreacts to foreign substances it is exposed to. These overreactions can be manifested in a number of ways, but most commonly, itching is prominent. Your pet may itch, lick, and chew paws, flank, groin, neck, and ears. Itchy skin in dogs and cats is often more troublesome than just a minor annoyance. Red, oozing bald patches, rashes, and large expanses of hair loss are unfortunate markers of very real discomfort and need treatment. Surprisingly, food allergies are one of the itchiest conditions known to cats and dogs. Signs may also include gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting or diarrhea, and less commonly coughing, sneezing, or wheezing. A food allergy is a condition in which the body’s immune system reacts adversely to a food or an ingredient in a food. Any food/ingredient can cause an allergy, however, protein, usually from the food’s meat source, is the most likely offender. Proteins commonly found in dog foods are derived from beef, chicken, lamb, and eggs.
Pets In The City Magazine
We recommend testing for food allergies when the clinical signs have been present for several months, when the dog has a poor response to cortisone, or when a very young dog itches without other apparent causes. Prior to evaluating for a food allergy, your vet needs to rule out other causes of itchiness, such as potential skin infections, skin parasites, and other allergies. There is no specific test for food allergies; they are diagnosed by response to a food trial.
Commercial diets sold over the counter may claim to be “hypoallergenic” or “good for sensitive skin.” These claims have no official meaning as pet food companies do not have to list every ingredient on the label. Close inspection of the label can identify inappropriate proteins and the manufacturer can substitute other ingredients as long as they meet the guaranteed analysis. To produce a truly hypoallergenic diet, food manufacturers need pure, high quality ingredients, and need to have dedicated equipment processing the food to prevent cross contamination from another protein that may have been handled earlier. Unfortunately, the best foods for food trials are often significantly more costly than other diets. But they are worth the investment if they bring relief to your pet. Pets failing to improve after a food trial may truly have a food allergy, but are not responding to the trial due to exposure to a minor amount of protein still present in the diet. It is best to use the diet your veterinarian has selected for a proper food allergy test. A very significant factor in food trial accuracy is the avoidance of any amount of protein from any other source. Common sources which are often overlooked include flavored medications including monthly heart worm prevention, treats, rawhides, vitamins, and joint supplements. If they have a food allergy, most pets will show a significant reduction in their itching, and skin improvement after four weeks of a food trial, but it’s recommended to continue for up to 12 weeks as some pets may take longer to improve.
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The purpose of a food trial is to feed your pet food they have never been fed before, and see if the itching resolves. Basic diets used for allergy trials contain one protein and one carbohydrate source, and neither can be something the pet has had before. Venison, fish, rabbit, and even kangaroo have been used recently. Unfortunately, many commercial diets containing these ingredients are now easily available, which can make it more challenging to find unique proteins for food trials now.
a conventional protein source is used but the protein is broken down into molecules too small to excite the immune system. Hydrolyzed diets are often recommended for pets who have eaten many food types in their past.
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Recently, a new approach has been introduced using therapeutic diets made from hydrolyzed proteins. This means
To confirm a food allergy, return to the original food. Itching will generally resume within 14 days, if a food allergy is to blame. Many people do
not want to take a chance of returning to itching if the patient is doing well. So, it is not unreasonable to simply stay with the test diet if the pet remains free of symptoms. But, often it is difficult to remember 10 to 12 weeks later how itchy the dog used to be before the diet trial. The diet challenge helps make it more obvious whether the diet trial has worked or not. It is possible to more specifically determine the identity of the offending foods after the pet is well. To do this, a pure protein source (such as cooked chicken, beef, wheat flour or any other single food) is added to the test diet with each feeding. If the pet begins to itch within 2 weeks, then that protein source represents one of the pet’s allergens. Returning to the test diet until the itching stops and then trying another pure protein source is the next step. If no itching results after two weeks of feeding a test protein, the pet is not allergic to this protein. Food allergies can be very troubling for both owner and pet. The length of time involved in conducting a food trial, while avoiding all other proteins, plus the additional time associated with specific determination of the offending protein(s) can be arduous for pet owners. But being patient, diligent and methodical can be highly rewarding for both pet and owner, alike. Your veterinarian will be only happy to help!
Dr. McCarron is the owner of University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center in Salt Lake City. She is board certified, specializing in canine and feline practice, and a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Dr. McCarron has enjoyed serving Wasatch Front pets for more than twenty years.
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EXPERT ADVICE
A GUIDE TO CANINE HOT SPOTS Avery Young, DVM November means plummeting temperatures, but your dog could still be at risk of developing hot spots. This condition can be frustrating for both the dog and owner in terms of control and treatment! Hot spots, also known as acute moist dermatitis or moist eczema, are red, itchy, and inflamed skin lesions that can pop up on a dog’s skin. It usually begins as a simple irritation that causes the dog to lick, chew, and scratch at the initial spot, thus irritating the skin even more and causing the skin lesion. They are usually circular lesions found over the head, hip, or along the chest area. These areas can be painful, especially if the animal has traumatized the skin.
WHAT CAUSES HOT SPOTS? It can be hard to pinpoint what can cause hot spots in your dog. Any factor that initiates an “itch/scratch” cycle may predispose the dog to developing this condition. Underlying allergies seem to be the biggest proponent when it comes to developing hot spots. It is often caused by a local allergic reaction to a specific antigen. Insect or flea bites, inhalant, environmental, or food allergies may lead to scratching and trauma to the skin, thus increasing the risk of developing hot spots. They seem to be more common in dense-coated, longhaired breeds due to moisture entrapment close to the skin.
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Pets In The City Magazine
HOW DO WE TREAT HOT SPOTS?
If your dog has an irritated area on the skin, it is always advisable to seek the recommendation and guidance of a veterinarian before treating it yourself. Some home remedies can actually irritate the affected skin even worse and delay your dog’s healing time. Your vet will most likely do a skin scraping to look for secondary bacterial or yeast infections. They will also look for external parasites that could potentially be causing the skin irritation. Next, they will usually clip away the hair and examine the affected skin area. Once the area is clipped, the skin will be cleaned with a disinfecting agent such as a chlorhexidine solution. It is recommended to keep the clipped area clean and dry so as to allow the skin to heal properly. Oral antibiotics will be prescribed if a bacterial skin infection is present. Your dog may also be given oral corticosteroids to control the itching and decrease the inflammation seen on the skin. They may be required to wear a hard plastic cone called an Elizabethan Collar around their neck to prevent further licking and scratching at the affected area while healing occurs. Hot spots tend to grow and worsen if left untreated so don’t delay in helping your pet if you see a hot spot forming on their skin. 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
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Animals In The News Mona Mistric
encourages incorporated cities outside of Salt Lake County to adopt this ordinance in order to decrease pet overpopulation problems in Utah.
DRUG RAID TURNS INTO DOG RESCUE
SPECIAL DELIVERY: DEATH ROW DOGS
A Davis County undercover task force recently served a search warrant for drugs on the homeowners of a home near 28th and Lincoln Avenue in Ogden. They found a meth lab; however, to their dismay, there was a terrible smell and feces scattered throughout the inside of the home. They discovered twenty-nine scared and timid Chihuahuas.
In New Mexico, many people are not aware of the importance of spaying and neutering their pets and strays, causing a steady influx that is overwhelming their animal shelters. The pets have only three days to be saved, before sending them to death row to be euthanized and tossed into the landfill like garbage. Three days is nowhere near enough time to network them into a new home.
Several were injured or sick and needed medical treatment. Ogden Animal Control placed the ones that didn’t require medical attention into the Weber County Animal Shelter where they will be under observation for a while before beginning the adoption process. The unsanitary conditions prompted the Weber County Health Department to place a sign on the door, declaring the home uninhabitable.
When Christina Owens heard about this travesty, she knew she had to do something. Owens runs Utah Lost and Found Pets, an organization that helps place animals in foster homes. She decided to take action and arranged for a small plane from South Valley Regional Airport to go to New Mexico and do a mass rescue, saving the lives of fifty dogs. By the way, these dogs aren’t going to shelters. Instead, they’re going into foster homes — where they will have a wonderful future and eventually move into their forever home.
The homeowner, Javier Florez, was arrested for operating a meth lab in the home and the task force seized ten pounds of meth. Police said he can expect to also receive a citation for having too many dogs. Authorities are conducting an investigation to determine if this was a puppy mill — a commercial dog breeding operation that placed profit over the well-being of the dogs.
IT’S RAINING CATS, AND DOGS, AND RABBITS!
Pets In The City Magazine
That’s how it seems to the people who volunteer their valuable time to rescue and shelter animals. The more animals they rescue and adopt out, the more there are to rescue and shelter. What is going on here? According to the Humane Society of Utah (HSU), there are irresponsible backyard breeders and puppy mills cranking out large numbers of animals to be sold at pet stores, which contributes to pet overpopulation since they are not spayed or neutered at the time of the sale.
Owens rescued fifty; unfortunately, fifty more entered the shelter the next day. Until the people in New Mexico become aware of the benefits of spaying and neutering, this will be a never-ending vicious cycle. In the meantime, Owens will continue to rescue as many as she can.
SMART PET HEALTH MONITOR
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To counteract this problem, the HSU is proposing an ordinance in Salt Lake County to make it unlawful to sell any cats, dogs, or rabbits at a commercial or retail establishment. If you ever visited a puppy mill, you would never again ask, “How much is that doggie in the window?” This ordinance will not affect responsible private breeders.
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There are plenty of great animals available for adoption through shelters and rescue organizations, including purebreds. Petco and PetSmart have successfully offered animals for adoption through shelters and rescue groups for many years. The HSU
Pets do not effectively communicate pain, sickness or discomfort; therefore, health problems often remain hidden. Being able to recognize and assess pain in cats and dogs is essential to their well-being. The PetPace wireless collar provides real-time continuous monitoring of your pet’s temperature, pulse, respiration, activity, positions, calories and more. It is fitted with an array of sensors that report abnormal vital signs and sends an immediate alert regarding any suspected condition via your phone app. It will send a text message, email or push notification concerning any abnormalities or suspicious trends relating to your pet’s health and well-being. The PetPace collar works in collaboration with your veterinarian to access your pet’s entire data, health related alerts, and medical history. This allows you and your veterinarian to take pre-emptive action to protect your pet’s health. It works great on cats and dogs weighing 8 pounds or more; plus, it is shockproof and water resistant.
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SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR an excerpt from Blind Faith Expanded Yvonne Harper Every Thanksgiving morning I wake up, the first thing I think of is Twinkle. Thanksgiving was the day I brought him home from the vet’s and it was the day he officially became my dog. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I had gone in to work for a few hours in the morning. Some of our regular clients knew most of the staff would be in at one time or another and had brought us in a feast. We had turkeys and all the fixings lined up in the surgery room as a thank you for working on a holiday. There was a fun, festive feeling in the air. I was especially excited because I knew after today Twinkle would know what it was like to be in a loving home and I would have my first ever dog. We carved up the turkey and shared it with all the dogs and cats. Anytime we could treat the homeless animals to something special was a good day for us. It was a thrill to watch them devour their Thanksgiving delicacy. The food was gone in seconds and then they spent the next 20 minutes licking their chops and paws. With my shift behind me, I walked to the back room. I took one last look at Twinkle in his cage. I went into my bag and pulled out the baby blanket I had purchased and asked him if he was ready. He rushed to the front of his cage and made the wee chirping noises he used to make. I opened the cage door and without a second thought, he blindly leaped right into my arms. I wrapped his wee bald body up in the fleecy goodness and took him outside for our first car ride together. I sat him in the passenger seat and blasted the heat to help melt the frost off the window. Twinkle quickly decided the passenger seat was not for him and made his way over onto my lap. I remember thinking, how could he do that so easily being blind? This was the beginning of me being amazed at what he could do.
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The drive home took almost an hour. He didn’t sleep a wink. When we turned into the drive it was as if he instinctively knew he was home. I turned the car off and said, “This is it, kid. Are you ready?” He popped up and started chirping. I wrapped him up again and carried him up to my mum’s condo. She wasn’t home so I had some time to help him get acclimatized. Again, he just sort of took off on his own and explored. He seemed relaxed and when I called his name his tail would wag. I took him to the kitchen to make a cup of tea, then sat on the couch with him and cuddled him tight. I couldn’t believe how lucky I was to have him. This to me is my most treasured Thanksgiving memory. Being Scottish, Thanksgiving is not a holiday I was raised celebrating. It was just another day off and an excuse to overeat. Now, it has a very special meaning and it’s a day I now celebrate wholeheartedly. That Thanksgiving, I truly had something to be thankful for and every year I am reminded of how something so small can make you so happy. Yvonne Harper is a Washington-based author who, through her books, Blind Faith and Blind Faith Expanded, helps raise awareness and celebrate the lives of special need rescue animals. Her books contain photographs and stories of special need rescue dogs and cats.
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Give Thanks for Thanksgiving Food!
Chris Dickinson Photography Sarah Tyler
Pets In The City Magazine
With the holiday season close at hand, you’re bound to be planning out what dishes you’ll serve at your family gathering, who to invite, and if you’re going to go shopping on Black Friday. But it’s doubtful you’ve taken a second to consider your dog’s holiday. If you were to ask her, I’m sure her agenda would look something like: 1) Eat the food spilled while cooking; 2) Sniff some visitors; 3) Eat the food spilled at dinner; 4) Steal food from children and babies; 5) Drink the eggnog; 6) Pass out on the floor.
You may have noticed that though you’re not cooking for your pets, you are in fact, feeding them. So, here are a few foods you should be careful don’t make it into your dog’s belly and a few you can share!
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Pumpkins This fall time favorite is safe for pups! As a good source of fiber and beta carotene, don’t hesitate in sharing this delight. Just make sure you don’t add any salt or sugar to the portion you give to her.
November 2015
Sweet Potatoes As long as you’re not sharing sweet potato casserole, you can let your dog indulge in some sweet potatoes for a healthy portion of vitamins B6 and C, beta carotene and manganese. Green beans Green beans make a great dog food add-in if your dog is overweight. A naturally low caloric food, green beans also offer plant fiber, manganese, vitamin K and C.
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Eggs Cooked eggs are an easily digestible source of protein that contain selenium and riboflavin. Not to mention, dogs love them. Make sure to include the yolks, as egg whites can cause biotin deficiency when eaten alone.
Salmon Skins, cooked salmon, and salmon oil are all easy sources for omega 3 fatty acids. Don’t forget to remove the bones since they are both choking hazards and an intestinal danger. Chicken Cooked chicken (without added salt) is a tasty treat pets love, giving your animals a flavorful protein option. Pet owners should avoid feeding pets any of the following: Xylitol An ingredient often found in low-fat and fat-free items, this low-calorie sweetener is extremely hazardous to dogs. Possible ailments from xylitol include low blood sugar, seizures, liver failure and death. Symptoms can appear in as little as thirty minutes or up to twelve hours after ingestion, and only minimal amounts of xylitol can affect a pet. Onions and Garlic Any close member of the onion family (scallions, shallots, garlic, etc.) is toxic to dogs. In general, the stronger the onion, the more deadly. Onions affect dogs at the blood level, attacking and damaging the red blood cells. It takes gross quantities to do any damage though, unless your pet gets them in concentrated form, like with an onion soup mix, garlic powder or onion powder. Dehydrated onions and the like are also dangerous. An affected pet won’t show symptoms after two or three days but will appear weak, tire easily, and may have orange to red tinged urine. Dogs presenting with these symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian immediately and in worst case scenarios, a blood transfusion may be necessary. Raisins and Grapes A link between ingesting grapes and raisins in dogs and kidney failure has recently been discovered, though the exact cause isn’t clear. Many dogs have no issue, but eating even a few at a later occasion can have horrible outcomes. Until the link is better understood, not allowing your pet to eat them would be the safest choice. Even though we all try our best to take care of our pets and keep them safe, sometimes the unthinkable still manages to happen. If your pet eats any foods that have potential to be dangerous, be sure to call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center any time, day or night, 365 days a year. 888-426-4435.
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GET READY FOR PAWPARAZZI
tips for filming with pets April A. Northstrom The PAWPARAZZI Film Festival is less than three months away, are you ready? Short film submissions are due December 20, 2015 and you can submit anything from 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Now is your chance to make Fido a star! Stetson is waiting with a bowl of popcorn to watch the show! PAWPARAZZI is an international film festival, which means that we anticipate a variety of submissions from different viewpoints — drama, comedy, animation, documentary, and films by youth. Animals are captivating in movies because they are unpredictable and honest, but getting them on film can prove challenging. Whether you are a returning contender or entering for the first time, it’s helpful to seek out advice from the experts and other festival winners. One of the favorite standout animal films at the Cannes and Sundance Film Festivals in 2015 was “White God”, a Hungarian film centered on the story of a 13-year old girl whose father sets her dog free into the streets, where he must learn to live among the packs of wild dogs who roam the city, as he tries to find his way back to his best friend. Besides the magical storytelling, there is a true mastery of animal training and cinematography that allowed the filmmakers to capture hundreds of dogs on film. So, how did they get the perfect shot of hundreds of dogs when we struggle to get Fido to sit still for a family portrait?
More information about PAWPARAZZI can be found at: PawparazziFilmFestival.com
Pets In The City Magazine
The following are tried and true tips from film professionals to help even the most novice cinematographer get that perfect scene — whether on a family hike or while creating a PAWPARAZZI film.
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TOP TIPS FOR FILMING WITH PETS Study other animal movies and films: You can learn a lot from watching other animals in action. Films like “White God”, “The Incredible Adventure”, “Lassie” and even last year’s PetDance comedy winner, “Chihuahuatown” by Sean and Eric Wing, are perfect study material. Use a tripod: Set the camera steady and encourage your pet (dog, cat, alpaca, turtle, lizard, etc.) to perform on stage. This allows you to interact and engage with your companion without missing the shot. Use nature: Don’t limit yourself to being inside. It’s more interesting for animals to explore the outdoors and your composition will be more appealing to the viewer. Trade the scenery of your living room furniture for the great outdoors! Use natural light: In the same way you’ll find a better shot in nature, natural light captures the best of your pet without a big flash that might scare them or give them the red-eye that distorts their image. Use a trained animal: Depending on how seriously you want to take your filming, consider using a well-trained animal over your friend’s new puppy. It’s also wise to consider working with animal trainers and their critters if you want to shoot exotic birds, lizards or snakes.
Chris Dickinson Photography
Avoid distractions: If you want a scene to be perfect, then make sure to remove all other distractions for your pets. This includes other animals, loud noises, crowds, all things that make professional and non-professional animal actors nervous. Use more than one camera: Professional human actors say kids and animals are the most unpredictable to work with. Don’t miss your actor’s best work! Be sure to get the best shot by having two photographers filming at the same time. After the images are captured, you’ll have double the chances for the best scene. Get the close up: Focusing on your animal’s features like the face, eyes, fur or ears, will help convey their personality on film — still or video. Be Patient: Fido and Felix are the stars, and usually in charge too! Be patient with yourself and your animal friends as you work on your film. The best sequences will come naturally when the animals are comfortable and surrounded by low stress levels.
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Stetson
Tonya Landon
My 80 year-old grandpa wants a puppy. Is this a good idea? – Sherry
Did you know I am 7 years old this year and am considered a senior? Older dogs are great! Although many seniors’ lifestyles can be incompatible for a puppy, adding an adult or senior dog may just fit the bill.
OLDER DOGS AND SENIORS. Many people are quick to adopt puppies and younger dogs and overlook dogs that are five years or older. Shelters are overcrowded, and unfortunately, the older dogs are among the first to be euthanized. There are many benefits of adopting an older dog. One of the best is that what you see is what you get with an older dog. You will know the dog’s full size, grooming requirements, energy level, their likes and dislikes, if they like kids, cats, other dogs, their temperament and personality. Adult dogs don’t require constant monitoring and training like puppies do, which allows the person to have more free time. You will most likely not have to worry about housebreaking and chewing with an adult or senior dog. Many older dogs are already trained and understand how to live in a house and how to deal with people. WHY ARE OLDER DOGS GIVEN UP? Older dogs lose their home for many different reasons such as: death of an owner, not enough time for the dog, change in work/school schedule, moving, owner wanting to travel, allergies, a new baby, new spouse doesn’t like the dog, and owner bought a puppy and is tired of older dog.
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WHERE TO FIND? You can find adult and senior dogs through your animal shelter, animal rescue group, classifieds or inquiring at the veterinarian, dog trainer or groomer. Websites such as adoptapet.com or petfinder.com will also show you adult or senior dogs in your area waiting for adoption.
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.
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PUPPIES AND SENIORS. Many seniors may have forgotten what it’s like to raise a puppy (they are a lot of work). A senior may not have the ability, energy or active lifestyle to properly raise, socialize and exercise a puppy. Many seniors find raising a puppy too daunting and eventually find a new home for the puppy or turn it over to animal control because the puppy is “too much to handle.” An adult or senior dog may be a better choice.
If you have questions for Stetson, please send them to askstetson@gmail.com.
Proactive Pet Parents are Helping in the Fight Against Dental Disease Animal Dental Care Every day, more and more pet parents realize those stinky kisses are just not normal, and in fact, could be a sign of more serious problems. So what is being done to go from stinky kisses to healthy ones? The only way to truly fight dental disease in your pet is frequent attention and care. This proactive approach begins through conversations with local veterinarians who are able to provide anesthetized oral surgeries and an array of home care options. It also involves asking your local veterinary hospitals to provide preventive maintenance cleanings and screenings for conscious patients. These preventive teeth cleanings without the use of anesthesia can be a terrific option to help keep dog and cat teeth clean in conjunction with regular home care, and as part of a complete oral treatment plan including veterinary examinations, anesthetized treatments and diagnostics.
Pet parents should be mindful that teeth cleanings without anesthesia should be provided by professionals inside of veterinary hospitals. Only your veterinarian can diagnose the condition of your pet’s oral cavity providing guidance toward proper care. This may or may not include a teeth cleaning without anesthesia as a first step. It must be understood there are limitations to these types of cleanings and they are used to help maintain teeth and gums free of disease. Think about when we go to the dentist for our routine cleanings. If a more serious problem is found, it is not solved by the cleaning alone. We are directed by our dentist for further care. Our pets need to have thorough care involving anesthesia eradicating the disease first before a cleaning without anesthesia can be effective. Happily, we are finding that pet parents are actively engaging in meaningful conversations with their veterinarians regarding all of the steps they can take in order to come up with an individual plan for their pet’s oral care. As a result, every day less and less dogs and cats are suffering needlessly due to the efforts of these wonderful proactive pet parents! Animal Dental Care has been the industry leader in preventive dental cleanings and assessments for the past 20 years. They have had the pleasure of working alongside numerous partner veterinary practices in the Salt Lake City area. You can find one of these practices at www.animaldental.care.
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~RESCUE ME~ BUNNY
Female / 3 Years Old / Siamese I am a beautiful Siamese, turned into the shelter when my owner was unable to take care of me. I love attention and having my back scratched, but don’t seem to be a big fan of other animals. I’d do best as an only cat. Are you looking for a cat that needs a home and some love? I could be the one! Paws for Life (435) 640–4752
BO
Male / 1 Years Old / Shepard Mix I was just hanging around town, sleeping outside a local restaurant and making new friends. I was rescued when people figured out I didn’t have a home. I’m an amazing dog, but can be over-protective of women. Are you looking for a sweet dog who will also make you feel safe? Paws for Life (435) 640–4752
NIKO
Male / 4 Years Old / Terrier I’m very shy and need time to warm up, but I’m good with other dogs. I love to play, but am not a fan of kids. Once I know I can trust you, I’m very loyal and your biggest fan and the best lapdog ever! Are you a patient person willing to take the time to earn my trust? Paws for Life (435) 640–4752
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DARVA
Female / 2 Years Old / Pit Bull Mix I’m really a sweet girl. I love people, especially kids, but I should be in a house without other pets. I’m housebroken, and crate-trained. I love a daily walk, but need a 6-foot fence in the backyard because I can jump a shorter one and will to chase a squirrel. I’m a cuddler, and would love to join your family. Apply to adopt me today at rescuerovers.org.
COKA
Female / 2 Years Old / German Shepard Mix I’m a sweet girl who just wants to be loved. I get along with dogs big and small, but not cats. I’m shy with strangers and take a minute to warm up. I’m good in my kennel and on a leash. I love toys including a ball but sometimes I don’t bring it back! If your looking for a friend I could be your gal! Apply to adopt me today at rescuerovers.org.
COWBOY
Male / 2 Years Old / Pit Bull Mix Howdy Y’all! They call me Cowboy because of my cute, bowed back legs. No worries – I still run like the wind. I’m housebroken and love to play with kids and other dogs. I’m crate-trained, but I want to stay with my people as much as possible. My foster takes me running every day and I’d love it if I could continue to jog or do something similar to keep me active. Would you like to give me a forever home and make me feel loved? Apply to adopt me today at rescuerovers.org.
PEPPER
Female / 2 Years Old / Chihuahua Mix Finally! I’m ready to move on. I have raised the kids and now it’s my turn to be the center of the universe. My favorite thing in the world is to go on walks and then come home and nap on the couch with my human. I would love to have another dog in the house to play with, and speaking of yards, that would also be great. I am not sure how I feel about children but I know I would do better in a home without cats. Apply to adopt me today at rescuerovers.org.
PICARD
Male / 5 Years Old / Maine Coon I am in search of my new family. I know exactly what I’m looking for: a home where I get lots of attention and good food (chickenfree because I’m allergic) is a must. Since I’m rather large, plenty of room to roam and some perches are also required. I can probably live with others if they’re docile and submissive, but no dogs, please. Are you the family who will make my dreams come true? Paws for Life (435) 640–4752
MISS LUCY
Female / 12 Years Old / Domestic Shorthair I’m a senior, turned in to the shelter when my longtime owner could no longer care for me. I would love a home where I could live out my life in peace and quiet. I’m not sure how I’d do with other animals, but I probably don’t want to be surrounded by high energy youngsters (2- or 4-legged) that want to play with me! Paws for Life (435) 640–4752
OREO
Male / 1 1/2 Years Old / Lab Heeler Mix I’m very athletic, love everyone, and am good with most dogs. I love to go for runs, fetch and would make an amazing family dog for an active family with a fenced yard. I’m just waiting for my new family to come and find me soon. Is it you? Paws for Life (435) 640–4752
MISS PRISS
Female / 8 Years Old / Domestic Longhair I’m a princess and want to be treated like one! I am 8 years old and have lived here at the shelter for almost 4 years. I would love to be the only diva in your home. Contact the Utah Animal Adoption Center for more information about me. (801) 355-7387
ELMO
Male / Tabby Domestic Shorthair My name is Elmo. I love to snuggle and talk. Give me the chance to you tell you how much I love you. I am declawed and would never scratch you. Come get me! Utah Animal Adoption Center (801) 355-7387
YOYO & MINNIE
Male & Female / 5 Years Old / Chihuahua mix We’re lifelong friends and want a home together. We’ve waited a long time for a home with you. Won’t you come and meet us? Utah Animal Adoption Center (801) 355-7387
STARLA
Female / Rottweiller I ended up at the shelter because my owner could no longer take care of me. I love people and miss having a home. Please come see me at Utah Animal Adoption Center. (801) 355-7387
Lizzy
Female / 7.5 Years Old / Boxer Looking for a lap dog? Then I’m your new best friend! I love people, but I’m selective about my dog friends, so I’d do better in a home where I’m your only furry friend (definitely no cats). I’d love to be your walking, jogging, camping buddy. A home with a fenced back yard is a must, and I need to be with my humans, so no leaving me outside on my own or for long periods of time. I know basic commands and am house trained. For more information, visit CAWS.org.
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TRAVEL’S FOR THE BIRDS Finding bird care over the holidays Chase Kimball
The holiday season is here, and many of you will be travelling to see family and friends. For people with birds this can be a very difficult problem, because it can be awkward to get someone to care for them.
boarding for me. But I only had one bird at the time. I wouldn’t want to ask a friend to board more than one bird at a time. It’s just too much trouble because of all the work involved, especially if they have their own birds to care for as well.
Professional boarding can work well. You can get it done at a petshop if they specialize in birds, or at a veterinarian’s office. The best bird shop in the area is Ronie’s For The Love Of Birds, in Sandy. Ronie will board your birds, but you If you have a dog or a cat it is typically easy to get someone to look after them must supply a recent health certificate from an avian veterinarian or she will not since most of us have experience with them. Furthermore, dogs and cats can usually tolerate change easier than a bird. It is much more difficult to find someone accept them. She charges $14 a day for large birds, $12 for medium birds, and $10 for smaller birds. She will also provide the birds with treats and toys while she has to care for your birds, especially if you don’t belong to a social organization for them. She can be reached at 801-561-8083. parrot people like the Wasatch Avian Education Society. I know first hand how difficult this can be. From about 2000 until about 2005 I never went on a vacation unless I took my birds with me because I didn’t have a birdsitter I trusted. Fortunately, I eventually found someone good.
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For most people there are three options for having their birds cared for while they are out of town: a birdsitter, boarding privately, or boarding professionally. Because I belong to a bird society, I have friends I can ask to do simple private
Parrish Creek Veterinary Clinic (801-298-2014) in Centerville also boards. They require a recent avian veterinarian check, and with it they will board your birds for $26 a day. Wasatch Exotic Pet Care (801-943-3367) in Midvale boards birds for $17 – $20 per day depending on the size of the bird. They require a recent checkup of the bird before they will board. Because I care for foster birds, I typically have three with me. I prefer to leave my birds at home where things are familiar and they just have to deal with a new person, rather than both a new cage and a new person. I have used Cottonwood Critter Sitters for years, and Kaleen is very experienced. She can be reached at 801-631-1415. One big advantage to a professional bird sitter is that they regularly charge the same cost whether I have one bird or three, whereas boarding facilities charge per bird. One downside of using a petsitter is they often serve restricted areas, so you may need to call around. Get references for their skill with birds. Friends who have many birds, ten and up, usually hire someone to come live in their home and care for their birds while they are out of town. This is such an individual choice, both in whom you choose, and how much you pay, that it takes planning and trust, but I know people who do it successfully. This is another case where being a part of a bird owner society can be helpful, as can a referral from your avian vet. If you really want to take your birds with you, hotels are often more tolerant of birds than other pets, especially if you state your birds will stay in their travel cages and will therefore not be capable of leaving much of a mess. So even if the hotel theoretically has a “no pets” policy, it is worth checking to see if your caged birds will be welcome. Enjoy the holiday season, and don’t feel trapped at home by your birds. There are options available. The key is taking the time now to decide which choice is best for you and your birds, and then finding a provider that you and your birds like.
Chase Kimball, a local attorney and graduate of the U of U law school, acquired his first bird in 1994, and his parrot education began. Since then, he has been active in local parrot circles and was the first rescue director for the Wasatch Avian Education Society.
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SAYI N G GOO DBYE
Moshe Adena Stern When I first saw you, I couldn’t believe that you could only stand for a few seconds and then fall down. To myself I wondered how I could do this, but I have to do something, he is so injured. Even though you were in pain you were the happiest, loving dog I had ever met. I took you to the veterinarian and he assessed you with three abscessed teeth and he pulled twenty one altogether. This was just the beginning. I took you to six months of physical therapy, water therapy, Jacuzzi and laser treatments. A lifetime of love to be given and received in six months and two days. Your loving spirit filled our lives and broke our hearts. You attended our Shabbas dinners, listened to my prayers in Hebrew. You did your best to play in the dog park, every new experience seemed a wonderment. You wanted so much to live! Everyone at the therapy center loved you. You liked to go there. They really fussed over you.
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Nancy was your other mother. When I was away from home doing my hospice care,
she bought you a harness and fed you foods that you liked. Rob helped us and he loved you too. You were so smart, you would come and get me when you wanted something. I think you could communicate with your eyes. You followed my every step. We all admired your batwing ears. The long furry ears were endearing. Skippy, Lopita, and Benjamin accepted you as a part of our pack. No cross word was ever spoken; you received the foods, and had two groomings that you seemed to enjoy. I took lots of pictures because I knew our time together would be short and I wanted to see you. Moshe, you will be loved until my last breath. I hope to be reunited with you in the world to come. I never stop missing you or loving you. Love, Your Mama
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FAMILY FUN Hey kids, Chatty Catty here with a great idea for a Holiday family service project. Heating pads for animals recovering from surgery. It’s really easy! My friends Ivy and Jonah made 12 holiday gift pads for their favorite animal shelter. They cut theirs out of 4 different cotton fabrics with dog or cat related patterns.
Remember it must be COTTON ONLY. You can cut 2 warmers out of each ¼ yard. Fold the ¼ yard in half to cut the 2 pieces of cotton material. Then put the right sides together and sew.
Use (LONG GRAIN WHITE RICE ONLY), NO converted, brown or “minute” rice. Pour the rice in the bag leaving a little room to make it soft and moveable for cuddling. Then sew the opening closed and zigzag all the way around the edges to secure. The shelter will heat these in the microwave for 30 seconds until warm for the animals recovering from spay and neuter.
ingredients: 1/2 cup Natural Peanut Butter 1 cup 100% Pure Pumpkin Puree, canned 1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour Directions: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. 2. In a large bowl, stir together peanut butter and pumpkin. Stir in the flour 1/4 cup at a time just until dough is no longer sticky. 3. Roll the dough out between two sheets of parchment paper to 1/4” thick. Use a cookie cutter to cut out the dough, then place on the prepared pan. 4. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes. Let cool completely. Store in an airtight container or freeze for up to 3 months.
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Sew 3 sides and turn inside out, leaving one end open to make a little pillowcase to put the rice in.
3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Pumpkin Homemade Dog Treats
Disclaimer: Pets in the City Magazine is not responsible for the outcome of any recipe we provide. We are solely a provider of information, and in no event liable for any direct or indirect consequential damages, or damages of any other kind. Use recipes at your own discretion.
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PHOTOS
YOUR PETS IN THE CITY Sebastian
Do you want to share a photo of your pet? Email your highresolution photo & your pet’s name to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com.
Abby & Kina Paddy
Custom
Joe Arie Oreo
Patches
Maya
Tessa Robby
Bailey
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Magic
Prynce
Jack
Bear
Madame Tabu’s Horoscope * *
FOR YOU AND YOUR PETS NOVEMBER 2015 Scorpio (Oct 23 – Nov 21) Between Election Day (November 3) and Veteran’s Day (November 11), your patriotism swells, so fly a flag or dress your pet with a red, white and blue bandana to show your love of country.
Sagittarius (Nov 22 – Dec 21) The influence of Mercury in Scorpio this month gives you a need to address matters with those you love, so make sure to get a long-standing behavioral issue with your pet corrected.
Capricorn (Dec 22 – Jan 19) You’re always one for a bargain, so check out Black Friday coupons and deals ahead of time to plan economical holiday shopping for your pet and other loved ones.
Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21) If you’re looking for a new furry family, feathered or scaly family member this month, consider adopting a senior pet as part of National Senior Pet month.
Cancer (Jun 22 – July 22) The past five months have seen you and your pet feeling more sensitive than usual, but Neptune direct on November 18 will end that, helping you feel more stable overall.
Leo (July 23 – Aug 22)
November is both Pet Cancer Awareness and Pet Diabetes month, so contribute to a fundraiser and/or get your pet screened to contribute to these causes and keep your pet healthy.
A passionate desire to host a fabulous Thanksgiving for family and their pets is on your mind this month, fueled by the new moon in Scorpio on November 11, so go all out!
Pisces (Feb 19 – Mar 20) When Daylight Savings ends on November 1, you and your pet may be a bit tired and emotional, so plan to take it easy for a few days to let your body adjust.
Aries (March 21 – April 19)
Mercury in Sagittarius on the 20th means a tendency towards clutter, so don’t get too disturbed if your home requires more clean up than usual this month.
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Taurus (Apr 20 – May 20)
Libra (Sept 23 – Oct 22)
Consider letting someone else host Thanksgiving dinner this year to give you downtime to spend with your pet and other family members.
With both Mars and Venus in your sign this month, relationships with pets and humans are in focus. Make sure you let the people and pets important to you know they are.
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Madam Tabu’s horoscopes are translated through the human pet psychic Jennafer Martin, www.PetInsightsbyJennafer.com.
November 2015
Don’t let the cooling weather keep you and your pet indoors this month — bundle up and take a walk or hike outdoors among the crisp autumn leaves to stay active.
Virgo (Aug 23 – Sept 22)
Pets In The City Magazine
Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18)