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FEBRUARY 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Guest Column
February is Love Month, so act accordingly! PUBLISHER/EDITOR Casey Dean
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Claire Harlin Kendra Hartmann Mariko Lamb Nichole Shell McDowell Martin Jones Westlin
GUEST WRITERS Mark Carlson K.R. Johnson Tina M. Martinez Arden Moore Judith Pierce Dr. Stefanie Schwartz Dr. Karen Seibold Dr. Avi Shaprut COVER ART Tamandra Michaels Heart Dog Studios http://heartdogstudios.com
CARTOONIST Barbara Fuscsick Puppy Paws Productions www.puppypawsproductions.com
ADVERTISING Casey Dean (619) 573-5615 Casey@SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com Marjorie “Kirby” (858) 775-4432 mkirbykirby@gmail.com San Diego Pets Magazine is published by Dean Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 601081, San Diego, Ca 92160-1081. No part of this publication may be duplicated or reprinted without express consent from the publisher. Editors reserve the right to edit all content. Submissions are welcome, and may be edited for content and clarity. Please forward all unsolicited material to the editor. Views and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to approve or accept advertising orders and content. All contents are copyrighted 2011. All rights reserved.
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By KR JOHNSON | SAN DIEGO PETS
his month, San Diego Pets features stories about health—feeding your pets the best of foods, brushing them, playing with them, providing them plenty of fresh, clean water and regular grooming. But what ingredient is the most important thing for a happy and healthy pet? Love. And I mean that in the capital-L sense of the word. All of us who love our pets know how incredibly loving they are in return, and so they deserve the best of everything. Since this just happens to be February, the Love Month, I started thinking: What do we San Diegans love? Apple pie… baseball… and our dogs! So I thought, what would make the perfect Valentine’s Day for that favorite dog in your life? Well, since the essence of gift-giving is finding something the receiver will enjoy, I tried to put myself in the dog’s mind. Here’s the perfect canine Valentine’s Day: Begin the day with a nice, brisk walk around the neighborhood, followed by a hearty breakfast and a long drink of water. Then, it’s lying in front of the fireplace for a belly-rub (because what’s life without a good belly-rub?) and a snooze. Then it’s into the car—windows down, please—for a trip to a leash-free dog park to romp and play and sniff and maybe catch a Frisbee or fetch a stick. After that, it’s home for another belly-rub and a then curling up on a cushy cushion with a heart-shaped chewy bone! Ahh, four paws up for this day.
To commemorate the day further, here’s a little ditty (to be sung to the tune of Take Me Out to the Ball Game): Let’s all head out for Dog Beach. Let me run in the sand! I want to chase balls and eat seaweed, And then have a romp through the waves! For it’s woof-woof-woof at the seagulls, And then back home for a treat. For it’s one, two, three hours of fun At my favorite doggie beach!
So, all you San Diego doggie friends out there: Enjoy! The love you get back and will continue to get back from your furry canine friend is a million times more than you give! Happy Love Day, everyone!
/SanDiegoPets San Diego Pets Magazine P.O. BOX 601081 San Diego, ca 92160-1081 (619) 573-5615 SanDieGOPeTSMaGazine.cOM www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2012
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animal behavior expert names faux “paws” in bringing home a new pet By MARIKO LAMB | SAN DIEGO PETS
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Dr. Petra Mertens, now the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA’s director of animal behavior, never dreamed of having any other career.
he began studying veterinary medicine right out of high school in Germany, took her first mandatory animal behavior course at the University of Munich, and was hooked. She immediately switched from a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) to a dual DVM PhD program and never turned back. Mertens unwaveringly pursued her passion in academic environments, serving as assistant professor and director of the behavior clinic at the University of Minnesota’s College of Veterinary Medicine, until she landed an important role at the San Diego Humane Society last fall coordinating and directing all programs related to animal behavior. In addition to programs for animals in the Humane Society’s 4
FEBRUARY 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
care, Mertens’ team offers dog training classes for the public. Classes focus on puppy socialization, intermediate Head Start classes and Canine Good Citizen programs, which allow participants to obtain a certification that is recognized by an increasing number of landlords and insurance providers. Through her expertise in the field and years of work in academia focusing on clinical animal behavior, Mertens recognized a few faux pas that can be detrimental to the success of a pet-owner relationship, which are easily prevented for those who do their homework. With her tips and tricks, any new pet can become a successful member of the family.
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Get ready.
Mertens emphasized the importance of readying the entire family for the entrance of a new addition to their family, as it is a responsibility for many years to come. “Before you make a dog or cat or any other animal your family member, think about what your needs are,” she said. She urged family members to run through a checklist to determine what is in the family’s best interests. Questions such as what the family likes to do, how active the family members are, whether a cat or dog is best for that particular family, how large the animal can be, and whether or not the family wants a long or shorthaired animal are important basics to cover with the entire family. “Really think about it systematically and then find out what you’re looking for. Go into it with a very clear idea of what you can do and what you cannot or do not want to do,” she said. “It would be bad if you really would like a very active dog and go running with it everyday and come home with a dog that just might not be an athlete or vice versa.” Planning ahead and making conscious decisions with the entire family includes avoiding spontaneous decisions, such as gifting pets for the holidays or a birthday, she said. “It’s a wonderful surprise, but it can be very problematic,” she said. “As a family, after the holidays are over – not with the drama of the holidays with visitors over – very calmly approach it, and look for the perfect pet that works for everybody.”
Get set.
Once the initial planning period is completed and the family has carefully selected the right pet for them, the orientation stage – including introductions to a variety of humans and other pets – becomes crucial. “Sometimes people isolate young dogs initially when they come home for fear of infectious disease,” she said. “That’s a tragic mistake because the socialization period of a dog is very short – really only between three weeks of age and 16 weeks of age.” Socialization should take place among a healthy population of dogs – those that are vaccinated and have healthy play habits – she said. “Dogs really learn from each other,” she said. “A lot of dogs that are not socialized during that period of time will have issues later on when they encounter dogs, and it’s not efficient just to have them hang around one or two, but you really have
Why can’t we be friends? Mertens said it is a common misperception that cats and dogs cannot get along. Again, it all has to do with socialization. “They can get along. The only determining factor is what they encountered when they were in that socialization period, so for cats
Dr. Petra Mertens.
Photo by Tamandra Michaels, Heart Dog Studios
to have that variety.” New pets must also be introduced to all varietals of the human kind as well. “Issues with children are amongst the number one reasons why dogs that are family dogs fail,” she said. “In an ideal world, they should encounter a few of each age group, not only one, because each kid looks different [and] behaves differently.” Dogs with exposure to a variety of children are more likely to understand that when a child screams or falls on top of them, that it is not an attack. “The most important thing is that they learn that that’s normal – that there is indeed a range of what humans look like,” she said. “They know then that this is not a danger. They will maybe avoid a little child, but they won’t react aggressively.”
SEE DR. MERTENS, Page 6
that’s around two to seven weeks of age,” she said. “If you socialize a dog or a cat with another species during that critical period of their development, chances are, they will be really good about that for the rest of their life. During that period, they learn what’s safe and what’s unsafe, so anything that they don’t encounter in that socialization period
will later be recognized as ‘unsafe’ and cause a fear response.” In any case – canine or feline or otherwise – introductions must be gradual and carefully take place under full supervision. Also, she advised owners to remove food, toys or anything that may become an issue that leads to competitive behaviors.
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COVER STORY
DR. MERTENS Go! CONTINUED FROM Page 5
Mertens suggests that new owners who are fully employed take some time off to ensure the animal’s proper adjustment to its new home and socialization through doggie playgroups or “Kitten Kindy” in cases where owners adopt a younger pet. After settling in for a day or two, however, she iterated that it is important and safe to leave animals alone for a short period. Extend the ‘alone time’ slowly until the dog is comfortable while at work, although while away, it is best to leave them in an environment that is conducive to safe activity and appropriate play. “What I do, for example, is I don’t feed my dog and cat out of a dish. They get all of their food out of a toy, so during the day when they are bored or a little hungry, they’ll toss around a ball or a couple toys that will vary all the time to keep them busy,” she said. “What would normally be vacuumed down in a few seconds lasts for an hour or so.” She also offered a tip to keep dogs at bay while people entertain at their house. “I’ll sometimes take a Kong toy and stuff it with some food with something yummy around it – maybe some peanut butter – and toss it in the freezer,” she said. “When people come over and I’m entertaining, and I don’t want the dog to jump up, I would have the dog lick on the toy to keep the dog entertained.” For cats, contraptions as simple as a birdfeeder outside of a window for visual stimulation or as complex as an automatic laser toy that travels the room at regular increments are good options to keep them active and playful when owners are not around. With tips and tricks from the best of the best, any new pet owner can establish trends that will set their new pet up for success. For additional animal behavior information or to sign up for classes, visit www.sdhumane.org or call (619) 299-7012 x2334.
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FEBRUARY 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Preparing Your Pet for a New Baby
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f you’re preparing for a new baby, chances are you’ve got so much on your plate that it’s easy to forget about getting your pet ready for the new arrival too. Especially if this is your first little one, it’s likely that your pet has been the “baby” of the family so far. The sudden decrease in attention and the addition of a new family member, not to mention new sights and smells, can be a lot for a pet to handle at once. Many of the preparations you can make are similar to how you would prepare siblings for a new baby, according to Dr. Patrick Melese, DVM DACVB. Melese is a board-certified veterinary behaviorist with a private practice in Kearny Mesa. “Your pet has been established; this is their way of being,” he says. “You’re shaking up their world.” One of the best things you can do is start early, according to John Rubin,
owner of John’s Natural Dog Training Company. Dogs thrive on a routine, so changing your pet’s schedule as soon as possible will make the transition easier for everyone. In addition, your pet will not associate any abrupt changes with the new baby and have extra incentive to act negatively toward the baby.
Before the Baby arrives
SwiTch iT uP nOw. If you know that you won’t have as much time to walk your pet or take it to the park, or if playtime will come later in the week or infrequently, start to make these changes as soon as you can anticipate them. “Drastic scheduling changes are stressful for dogs, and they can act out because of it,” says Rubin. The Humane Society says that cats can be especially sensitive to abrupt routine changes.
Play hOuSe. One of the preparation techniques that Rubin uses with his
clients are props. “We take the dog on a walk with an empty stroller before the baby arrives,” he says. That way the dog becomes comfortable walking with a stroller. Rubin also suggests setting up your baby furniture and gear, even running the baby swing with a sack of flour or doll in it, to desensitize pets to the new equipment and help them learn how to behave around it. Pets are very sensitive to scents, so applying baby lotion or powder to your skin can also help prepare your pet. Melese recommends introducing the new baby’s actual scent, if possible. Take a used receiving blanket home and place it in the pet’s bed or under its feeding bowls. This furthers the probability for affirmative response and allows the pet to become familiar with the actual biological smell of the baby. There are even CDs you can buy with the sounds of a baby crying, cooing and laughing. Playing baby noises in association with cuddle time or treats for your pet will help the introduction to be a positive one. “You’re selling the pet on the new sound,” Melese says.
TraininG refreSher. If your pet doesn’t always respond to “sit,” “stay,” “leave it” and “off” commands, you may want to look at hiring a certified dog behaviorist to help your pet brush up on its training. These commands will be extra important when you’re navigating your home with the new baby or have the baby in your lap and need your pet to stay put.
a TriP TO The veT. Make sure your pet is up-to-date on all its vaccinations, to prevent dealing with health issues when the baby arrives. You may also want to get your pet groomed and its nails trimmed regularly to help with cleanliness and accidental scratching.
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Off liMiTS. If certain areas of the house will be off limits to your pet after the baby arrives, restrict those areas as soon as possible. This can be done with gates or screen doors on rooms, which help to keep the room “open” to the rest of the house while still keeping the
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pet out. The Humane Society recommends that cats be kept out of nurseries and that no matter how well behaved your pet is, you do not allow the pet in the crib with the baby. Also make sure your pet knows which toys belong to it and which ones are off limits as baby toys. Make sure to remove any dolls or stuffed animals in your pet’s current toy collection that might resemble a baby. You don’t want to take any chances that your pet might think the baby is a toy.
Place Of refuGe. Lastly, make sure that your pet has a space all its own where it can retreat when it needs to get away. Rubin says this is very important for pets to help increase their feeling of safety and security. If you have a lap animal, your lap will no longer be their space exclusively; it will have to be shared with the baby. Creating a bed for the pet, possibly elevated or near where you will be sitting, is a comfort for them. “Sometimes dogs can have space issue,” says Rubin, “so giving them a space where they are safe, comfortable and happy and making it their own before the baby arrives can be very helpful.”
after the Baby arrives
hellO aGain. When you bring the baby home from the hospital, the Humane Society recommends taking time to greet your pet calmly and lovingly while your baby is still outside with the
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other parent. Your pet will be excited to see you after your stay in the hospital and will appreciate feeling as if it is still a special part of your life.
Make TiMe. Try to stick to your new walk and play schedule, and attempt to continue to make time for your pet. This can often be done while the baby is sleeping and will be a stress reliever for both you and your pet.
faMily TiMe. Try to plan activities that include both your pet and your baby. This will increase your pet’s ability to bond with the newest member of the family. The Humane Society cautions that while you may want your pet and the newest member of the family to form an attachment, never force your pet to be near the baby, especially if your pet is anxious.
keeP a waTchful eye. No matter how well behaved your pet is or how well the pet and your baby seem to get along, never leave them unattended. Melese suggests investing in a drag line for your dog—a long, lightweight nylon leash that will allow you to redirect behaviors and get control of the situation quickly. If your pet has difficulty transitioning to the new addition to your home or displays aggressive behaviors that you are worried about, Melese suggests getting professional help and getting it early. “There are very effective strategies to keep pets within the family and to also keep everyone safe,” he says.
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Q UICK TIP S
Puppy Development Dr. Avi Shaprut of the Kearny Mesa Veterinary Center offers tips for new puppy parents
SOcial BuTTerfly: Socializing your new puppy early on will help them learn the proper behavior in responding to a new person or animal. If he feels up to it, try to introduce your dog to 10 – 20 new people and pets (of varying ages) during your first two weeks together. This will help them acclimate to different sizes and temperaments of pets, as well as a variety of human personalities.
reSTful niGhTS: As your puppy gets used to being in a new environment, you may hear crying and whining at night. Try to be patient; this behavior is natural and shouldn’t last longer than a few weeks. Additionally, try keeping them busy with quick training or play sessions during the early evening hours. A worn out puppy is a quiet puppy.
POTTy TraininG: Take your puppy out often and before you put them in their pen or kennel before bed. Removing the water bowl one hour before bed may also be helpful for some dogs. Frequency in routine is very important for house training and rewarding victories can be key.
check uPS: Your vet will help in scheduling vaccinations and explain the significance of preventative care for fleas, ticks, heartworm, and rabies among other diseases. Remember to bring a list of questions with you to the first appointment – from the beginning your vet will be an important part of your pet’s health.
Dr. Avi Shaprut is a veterinarian at the Kearny Mesa Veterinary Center on Ronson Rd. 10
FEBRUARY 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
www.kmvet.com
Behavior Bytes
Stefanie Schwartz,
DVM, MSc, DACVB Veterinary Behavior Medicine drstef@petbehavior.org
Dear Dr. Schwartz,
We just brought home a playful, friendly terrier cross from the pound. Our Golden Retriever seemed to like her just fine when we were there, but when we got home he started growling and barking at her as if he’d never seen her before. We are keeping them separated, but he is still upset. Thanks for your insight, Melissa
Dear Melissa,
Most of us forget that there’s a difference between meeting a new dog on neutral ground and then accepting a new dog into the territory and pack. Although some dogs have minimal territorial issues, they are the ones who are the exception. Would you open the door to a stranger and let them walk right in? The other issue is the integration of new members of the pack. This, too, takes time. It can take 6 to 12 months for any of us to adjust to a new home or new living situation, even a new job. It is wise to keep them separated, especially when you are not home. When you are home, keep your big boy on a leash just as a precaution and teach him calm behaviors (sit, stay) if he starts to get riled up. Give him a special treat for his good behavior. Take
them for walks together (each one handling one dog), and let him walk in front of her. Give him preferential treatment over your new dog so he knows that he still has top dog billing. Give it time. She’ll probably win him over with her charm before you know it!
Dear Dr. Schwartz,
We have 2 cats who are getting on in years; one is 14 and the other 15. We were thinking of adding another cat. Do you think that’s a good idea? Thanks, John
Dear John,
If you are willing to open your home and hearts to another cat who needs a home, I’m all for it. If you are thinking of getting a kitten or young adult, it would be best to get 2 who are compatible together so they can play together and save the older cats from being harassed unnecessarily. It’s al-
ways best to make introductions as gradual as possible. Keep the new cats confined for at least a month in a comfortable room with their own litter boxes and supplies, visiting them often. The resident cats will have time to get used to the idea. A step by step approach to introducing new pets is available as a handout on my web site. Please visit www.petbehavior.org for a list of many helpful handouts on the QuickFix page! Enjoy your new pets! Dr. Stefanie Schwartz is a board certified veterinary behaviorist based in Southern California. She sees patients at California Veterinary Specialists in Carlsbad and at The Veterinary Neurology Center in Tustin, CA. For more information, please call (949) 342-6644 or visit www.veterinarybehavior.org.
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No mission is impossible for Oceanside hospital
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By CLAIRE HARLIN | SAN DIEGO PETS
colorful, luxury boarding facility called "Bark Avenue" and a multipurpose room that serves as meeting space for Boy Scout Troops and homeowners associations are only a couple features of Mission Animal & Bird Hospital that earned it the designation of "Veterinary Hospital of the Year" in the national Veterinary Economics Hospital Design Competition. Owner and doctor Bob Cartin has been practicing veterinary medicine for more than 30 years and has seen numerous hospitals, so when he designed his new 11,000-square-foot facility at 655 Benet Road in Oceanside, he said he combined all the things he's learned over the years and rolled it into the perfect facility. "I take other people's ideas I like and I expand on them," he said, adding that the hospital was judged on its efficiency, cutting-edge qualities and good use of space. Cartin has not only invented some devices — such as a "lazy Susan" style shelf for treatment room utensils — but he has also bucked the trend and incorporated elements that challenge the norm. For example, he doesn't use the word "isolation," as most hospitals do, when referring to the area where contagious animals are hospitalized. "In most hospitals, the isolation room is far away," he said. "But those are the sickest animals in the hospital. They shouldn't be isolated." Instead, Cartin has created a system that allows his facility's hospitalization room to be kept close to the treatment area, where doctors and technicians can constantly monitor the sick animals. To prevent spread of illnesses to other animals, the room features a ventilation system that uses negative pressure to keep air in. Cartin also refers to the room where euthanasia procedures take place as the "comfort room," as he feels that's where one of the most crucial moments for pet owners takes place. "It can be one of the most bonding experiences for a hospital, or it can be something that can break the bond if not treated correctly," he said. Another priority for Cartin is to minimize smell. Let's face it — By virtue of being animal hospitals, animal hospitals have the potential to house unpleasant smells, and he's taken steps (such as epoxy flooring) in his design to minimize that. And his efforts are more about catering to the animals than the clients. "If we smell it, animals smell it a thousand times better than us," Cartin said. "They come in here and they are nervous and they are also smelling a thousand other animals. What we hear and see is just a fraction of their senses." That's also the reason the hospital utilizes solar tubes to provide light in the facility. "Studies show that people are less stressed with natural light, and we have to assume the same goes for animals," Cartin said. With animals being Cartin's No. 1 priority, kids come in a close second. Upon entering the spacious, bright hospital one will notice a large glass window that reveals cats playing or
Owner and doctor Bob Cartin has been practicing veterinary medicine for more than 30 years. Photo by Claire Harlin sleeping in the feline room. Several birds, who are part of the hospital family, are also in the waiting room and outside to greet clients. Cartin said he really wants the kids to see the animals and remember coming to the animal hospital as being a positive experience. "We really focus on the kids because in 15 years they are going to be pet parents," Cartin said. Mission Animal Hospital also offers a Junior Vet Academy that is free for kids ages 8 to 18, and Cartin said more than 70 volunteers ages 16 and over work at the hospital from time to time. With 50 staff members and eight doctors, Mission Animal & Bird Hospital is the biggest animal practice in North County, and it's truly state of the art. The exam rooms are all designed to be educational centers in which the clients can learn about their pets condition or animal medicine in general. Cartin stresses that "a picture is worth a thousand words" and that's why the rooms are equipped with video odoscopes, so the animal owner can see on a screen what the doctor is seeing in their pet's ear. The screens can also display their pet's x-rays or ultrasounds, so clients get more than just verbal explanations of often complicated medical conditions. He can also easily email a patients X-ray to a client directly from the exam room. Of all the features of the hospital, Cartin said his favorite part is the multipurpose room, that's used not only for community events, but for movie nights for boarding dogs. Dogs are also treated like royalty at at day camp, where they can enjoy "yappy hours" fit with Frosty Paws doggie ice cream. The room is also used for dog training and educational events for the hospital's staff. The multipurpose room is available for any group to use at any time, Cartin said. "It used to be that schools were places to meet," he said. "But since schools are being stretched so thin, we think it's good to offer a meeting place to the community … I love that we can do so much in this room." For more information, visit www.missionanimal.com.
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Canine Cancer—Learn More Before It’s Too Late
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Upcoming K9 Cancer Walk Educates Dog Owners About Cancer in Dogs B y T I N A M . M A RT I N E Z | G U E S T C O L U M N
ogs are part of our families, but our “best friends” can get sick, just like us. In February 2010, Magali Wright lost her dog, Teeka, to lymphoma just two days after Teeka’s eleventh birthday. Cancer took its toll on Teeka pretty quickly. It was only months between the moment she was diagnosed and the time she made her journey to the rainbow bridge. Before Teeka’s death, the thought of cancer affecting her dog had never crossed Wright’s mind. “I knew I was probably not the only one who found out too late,” said Wright. It became her mission to educate herself and other dog lovers about this deadly disease. That’s when she found Morris Animal Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to giving dogs longer, healthier, cancer-free lives. Wright learned that cancer is very
SEE CANCER WALK, Page 21
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Canine cancer Survivor
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Courtesy Photo
Hand in hand:
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Cancer walk an extension of corporate help
B y M A RT I N J O N E S W E S T L I N | S A N D I E G O P E T S
agali Wright’s heart is in the right place, and the event she launched in 2011 proved it. A simple idea for a tribute following the cancer death of her dog morphed into a walk through San Marcos’ Walnut Grove Park for dogs and their owners. It involved 400 participants and raised $28,000 for animal cancer research— and as she gears up for this year’s k9 Cancer Walk at the same venue on Saturday, Feb. 18, Wright estimates she’ll raise $50,000. With Teeka’s death two years ago, Wright learned that cancer in dogs is nothing if not a disease of opportunity. According to the Veterinary Oncology & Hematology Center, cancer accounts for nearly half of all disease-related pet deaths each year. The website dogtopics.com states that 50 percent of dogs over the age of 10 succumb to cancer. “Dogs are so in the moment,” the San Marcos resident said. “I just don’t think they worry the way we humans worry
about something that hurts them.” In the next 10 to 14 years, the Morris Animal Foundation, which has declared Wright’s walk an official cancer research event, hopes to alleviate the anxiety. The Denver foundation and Blue Buffalo Co., maker of several lines of natural pet food, are gearing up for a study of animal cancer and the diet’s place in its potential cure. David Petrie, president of the food manufacturer’s Foundation for Cancer Research, agrees cancer is aggressive in dogs, with owners powerless in the latter stages.
“They’ll go in to the oncologist’s,” Petrie said, “and tests are run, and cancer’s rampant throughout their body, and they die in three or four days. You’re scratching your head, going ‘Wait a second; how did we not see this or not know something that was wrong beforehand?’ Some 3,000 Golden Retrievers—hit hardest by cancer, with a 60 percent mortality rate—are slated as the study’s initial subject group.
SEE RESEARCH, Page 21
animal cancer warning signs Genetics, overvaccination and toxins have been linked to animal cancer. The Veterinary Cancer Society has identified several signs that may indicate cancer in your dog or cat:
D Persistent abnormal swelling D Sores that don’t heal D Loss of weight, appetite D Bleeding/discharge from any body opening
D Offensive odor D Difficulty eating, swallowing D Hesitation to exercise, loss of stamina D Persistent lameness, stiffness Difficulty breathing, urinating, D defecating If your pet has any of these warning signs, visit your veterinarian. www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2012
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Arden Moore,
ACCBC, ADCBC Pet trend, behavior and saftey expert Arden@FourLeggedLife.com
he drive home was a blur. I just adopted a two-time shelter reject named BJ from a Siberian husky rescue group. The 2-year-old just-spayed husky-golden retriever mix I was about to rename Chipper sat motionless in the back seat looking at me with weary eyes. I had quickly ushered her in the backseat during a rainstorm and I remember how much this dog’s matted coat stunk and how helpless I felt because I couldn’t open the windows for ventilation.
Am I crazy? Is this the right dog for me at this time in my life? What’s this dog going to do when we get home? Is she going to pee on my carpet? Will she listen to me? What have I done?
Do these questions sound familiar? They should. People speak of buyer’s remorse when making a major financial investment, such as purchasing a new car or a home. But one of the biggest emotional investments you will ever make is adopting a dog. The clock starts ticking on the longest 24 hours of your life the second you sign the adoption papers. For the next 24 hours, you will experience a crazy blend of euphoria and doubt. You may have trouble eating, concentrating. Your heart may race. Don’t worry – these are all normal emotions.
To set you – and your new dog – up for success and a lifetime of happiness, here are some pointers for the first 24 hours: Dog-proof your home before dashing out the door. Shut bedroom and bath-
room doors and install doggy gates. Introduce your dog into different parts of your home on your schedule.
n& Ardiepper Ch Take the day off from work. Or if you are adopting on a weekend, don’t schedule any other activity, such as catching a movie with a pal. Be with your dog for the first 24 hours and be there for him as he adjusts to a strange, new environment filled with new sounds, sights and smells. Buy the basics only. Skip the Fido fashion outfits and buy a buckle collar, six-foot leash and stainless steel food and water bowls.
Stick with his current chow. Feed the same food he has eaten at the shelter or rescue home and work with your veterinarian to gradually transition him to a diet that best meets his age, breed, health condition and activity level.
Don’t go overboard and shower him with treats or happy talk. Speak in a
calm, confident tone to ease his possible feelings of uneasiness or anxiety. Too many treats can upset his stomach.
Bond with a bath. Be patient and calm as you bathe your new dog to get rid of the shelter smells. He will feel better – and smell better, too.
Be selective on the meet-and-greet guest list. Pick one or two dog-savvy
friends to meet him on Day 1 and limit the distractions. Wait to host a big welcome party until after a few weeks pass.
Don’t expect a full night’s sleep. As your new dog snoozes in a crate or on your bed, your racing mind will record
Editor’s Note: This issue marks the debut of a monthly column from nationally renowned pet expert Arden Moore. Each issue, she will focus on ways to bring out the best in people and their pets. In this column, Arden addressed what people can expect the first 24 hours after adopting a dog.
every breathe he takes, every move he makes to reposition himself.
remember the only constant is change. And that holds true in the dog
world, too. It’s natural for newly adopted dogs to take a few weeks, even months to feel comfortable and secure enough to show you their true personalities. Why, it took Chipper a couple of weeks to sport her now trademark open-mouth grin and fullbody wiggle. But it was worth the wait.
And speaking of Chipper, let’s speed forward seven years. She surfs as a member of the So Cal Surf Dog team, joins me in a weekly workouts conducted by Leash Your Fitness and serves as my ‘demo dog’ for the pet first-aid classes I teach. She happily shares our Oceanside home with another rescue dog, Cleo and two dogsavvy cats, Zeki and Murphy. Sure, the first 24 hours with her made me an emotional wreck, but it was worth every second for the life we now share.
Founder of Four Legged Life.com and creator of National Dog Party Day, Arden Moore is an animal behavior consultant, bestselling author, professional speaker and certified pet first aid instructor. Tune into her Oh Behave! Show on Pet Life Radio and enroll in her pet first aid classes. For more information, please visit www.fourleggedlife.com, www.petfirstaid4u.com and www.petliferadio.com.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2012
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RABBITS
The Rabbit Friendly Child Teaching Children to Become “Rabbit People”
Whether you bring a baby home to your rabbit’s home or are bringing a bunny home to your child’s house, you must be mindful of the new dynamics this will create in your family. Children and rabbits are not always a great mix. Naturally exuberant children can be frightening to rabbits, as can the young child’s desire to hold, pull on ears, prod and poke, be a concern to your rabbit’s safety.
Quick tips to follow in teaching your young children about living with a rabbit: choose a time of day when your child is quieter teach him about the rabbit and for playing with your rabbit. Set both your child and the rabbit up for success by showing your child how to interact with bunny, and by giving your rabbit a place to hide away when she’s had enough.
Try to use positive words to change the child’s behavior with the rabbit. Redirect the child’s inappropriate activity to one that’s better, such as petting bunny gently with a flat hand. Offer choices for behavior so your child is not always getting into trouble for interacting with the rabbit. Praise your child when he acts kindly and gently towards the rabbit.
if your child refuses to stop a behavior that can be harmful to the rabbit, keep him away from the rabbit for a short time. Set up the rabbit’s living area so she has a “safe zone” that cannot be accessed by small children. Turn the door towards the wall so it cannot be easily opened. if your child has friends over and the atmosphere is noisy, place bunny in a closedoff room where she cannot be seen or accessed by playmates. It’s better they don’t even know the rabbit is there. refrain from introducing the rabbit to your children’s playmates for at least a week or two. Show your children’s friends where the rabbit lives and how to pet him, at times when only one or two children are visiting.
Some key “Bunny rules” will teach children that bunny is to be respected and treated with care. Bunny rule#1: Gentle petting only. Sit with your child on the floor and show him how to pet the bunny with a “soft hand.” Using the back of the hand is a good method. Bunny rule#2: Leave the rabbit alone when she hops away or goes into her “house.” Rabbits need private time and can become territorial over their space. Prevent your child getting bit by a rabbit feeling trespassed upon. Bunny rule#3: Don’t touch droppings or litter. A rabbit’s droppings are harmless, but you don’t want your child digging through the box. Bunny rule#4: We don’t pick up the
bunny. Teaching your children to interact with your rabbit on the floor, at her level, will promote trust and prevent bunny from being accidentally harmed. laSTly, your children will follow your
example so be sure you implement the rules above to ensure the happy co-existence of your rabbit and your children. 18
FEBRUARY 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
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The Tale Wagging the Dog By MARK CARLSON | SAN
I
love being a dog owner. Even though I’d never think of being mean or cruel to my dog, I admit I sometimes tease him. Just a teensy bit. At the end of his working day my Guide Dog Musket is asleep by 8:00. He often commandeers my side of the bed. We have a queen-size, but it might as well be a baby crib for all the space left when he sleeps on it. He stretches out all four paws to cover as much area as possible. If I have the temerity to lie down on an unoccupied space, he expels ‘The Sigh’ and shifts to block me. He’s still sound asleep. I’m not kidding. When I finally lie down he plants his feet on my back. Pushing. Musket: “Well, ex-cuuuse me! I’m asleep and not responsible for my actions. Besides I was there first. There’s plenty of room on the floor.” Sometimes I get there first, lying on the bed listening to a book. Musket jumps up and plods over to me with an accusing look on his face. Picture this big panting Labrador hovering there, demanding attention. “What?” I ask. He answers by planting his big paws on my chest, slobbering me with kisses. It’s impossible to ignore. Musket: “Hello? Anybody home? All
DIEGO PETS
Lassie had to do was bark and Timmy’s family instantly knew the dumb kid fell down a well or was abducted by aliens, but my daddy can’t figure out what I want?” Oh, I know what he wants. To go out and get a treat. But I usually play dumb because it drives him nuts. “What?” I say again with a straight face. “What do you want?” Musket: “You mean you do that on purpose?” Well, duh. It’s not easy to breathe with a 75pound dog standing on me but I like it. The only drawback is when he climbs down and accidentally steps on various delicate parts of my body. Oof. Musket: “What makes you think it’s accidental, Daddy?” I guess teasers sometimes get their just desserts, sooner or later.
Mark carlSOn, 51 lives in San Diego with his wife Jane and his Guide dog Musket. A docent at the San Diego Air & Space Museum and aviation historian, Mark writes for several national aviation magazines. He is a featured speaker for many local adult education programs. His first book, ‘Confessions of a Guide Dog – The Blonde Leading the Blind’ is a humorous memoir about the adventures of life with Musket. It is available in through Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com and iUniverse.com. You can reach Mark and Musket through www.musketmania.com.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2012
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Parvoviral Gastroenteritis “Parvo” Karen E. Seibold, DVM, DACVECC www.animalurgentcare.com
Parvovirus (Parvoviral Enteritis or "Parvo," for short) is a virus causing severe infection in puppies and dogs. This virus is the most common and serious viral disease that is seen in puppies. It invades and destroys rapidly growing cells in the intestine, bone marrow and lymphoid tissue resulting in nausea, vomiting and severe hemorrhagic (bloody) diarrhea. The invasion of the bone marrow cells causes a decrease in the white blood cell count leading to increased susceptibility to bacterial infections and sometimes to a shock-like condition called endotoxemia. The disease can vary from mild to fatal if not properly treated. Parvovirus is extremely contagious to other dogs. Infection is generally attributed to ingestion or sniffing of material contaminated by dog feces and can occur when a dog smells or licks the ground. Direct contact with another dog is not necessary for infection. Parvovirus is shed in the feces of infected dogs for approximately two weeks after initial ingestion and can live in the environment for years. The virus is species specific and is not contagious to
cats or humans. The virus is likely spread by flies between piles of feces and is most common during the spring and summer months of the year. Dogs at highest risk for infection are unvaccinated puppies or those who have not yet completed their vaccine series. It is most common in dogs less than 8 months old. I recommend that your puppy is not taken out of your home/yard until he or she has had her final puppy vaccine at 16-20 weeks of age. Unsanitary and/or overcrowded kennels may increase chance of infection and concurrent infection with parasites, other bacteria or viruses may also increase susceptibility to infection. Proper vaccination of your pet can best prevent the disease. Because it is spread via the stool if you clean up any feces right away you eliminate the risk of your puppy getting the virus. Dogs of all ages can be infected, but puppies and younger dogs are most susceptible. Rottweiler’s, Dobermans, German Shepherds, and Pit Bull breeds are more susceptible for some unknown reason.
Mothers Milk: The ultimate Protection
The mother’s milk contains the antibodies against parvovirus and other viruses that protect the puppy from birth to just after weaning. These antibodies are so effective they will inactivate vaccines that are given to very young puppies. A vaccine is a solution of inactivated virus, either live and weakened (attenuated or
modified) or killed. This virus is injected into the puppy. If the puppy still has adequate maternal antibodies, this vaccine virus will be destroyed just as if it were a real infection. There will be a period of about a week when there is not enough maternal antibody to protect the puppy but too much to allow a vaccine to work. (This period is called the window of vulnerability.) This period will depend on the age that the puppies stop nursing. Most pups are allowed to nurse to 4-6 weeks and start vaccines at 6-8 weeks of age. It is during the time that they stop nursing, and their immune system begins to make it’s own antibodies, that the pups are most susceptible to infection. After that period, vaccines can be effective. We vaccinate puppies in a series, giving a vaccine every 3 to 4 weeks until age 16 to 20 weeks. By age 16 weeks, we can be certain that maternal antibodies have waned and the vaccine should be able to take. It should be recognized that some individuals, especially those of well-vaccinated mothers, must be vaccinated out to 20 weeks (unless a high titer vaccine is used.) Parvovirus is an acute and serious disease, not a chronic condition. Virtually all cases need proper diagnosis and hospitalization. Early diagnosis and treatment results in the most success. Proper vaccination and being sure that feces are picked up is the very best way to protect your puppy. If your pet is having active symptoms, it is important to see your veterinarian. Parvovirus can be fatal if not properly treated.
karen e. SeiBOlD, DvM, Dacvecc A California native, Dr. Seibold graduated from the Bishop's School in La Jolla, California, and then moved to Colorado for her undergraduate and graduate training. In 1998 she became a Diplomatee of the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care and is currently the President of the San Diego County Veterinary Medical Association. Dr. Seibold has been a specialty practice owner since 1996, and has special interest in rattlesnake envenomations, pediatric emergencies, acupuncture, and trauma.
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FEBRUARY 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
K9 CANCER WALK D
CANCER WALK CONTINUED FROM Page 14
serious for dogs. It is the no. 1 cause of death in dogs over the age of 2. Half of all dogs will get cancer, and one in four will die of it. It amazed her that Morris Animal Foundation is leading the effort in finding a cure by funding canine cancer studies nationwide. Some of the cancers being studied are bladder cancer, lymphoma, bone cancer, mast cell tumors and soft-tissue sarcomas. Wright’s mission didn’t end there. That same February, she took her passion to fight cancer a step further by rallying her community together to
RESEARCH
CONTINUED FROM Page 15
American findings on human health through diet date to as early as 1906, with the federal government’s original Food and Drugs Act. Only recently, Petrie said, have modern societies taken up the same cause on behalf of their pets. Why so long? “We at Blue Buffalo and the Morris foundation have been asking that question for five or six years,” Petrie said. “A lot of it probably has to do with funding. A lot of it might have to do with prioritizing as far as what type of cancer studies we want done, the vets, the research.” This study, Petrie said, “is going to take a lot of things into account. It’s going to look at everything from people doing home cooking and feeding their animals home-cooked meals; are they feeding a raw diet, like Blue Buffalo versus a grocery store brand. And it’s not only nutrition. A very key thing is environmental factors—what are people cleaning their floors with, what are they fertilizing their laws with and so forth.” PETCO, the San Diego-based food distributor, teamed with Blue Buffalo last May (Pet Cancer Awareness Month) to raise more than $1 million for cancer research at the Morris foundation; the year before, both firms took
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raise more than $27,000 for Morris Animal Foundation’s Canine Cancer Campaign, an initiative that looks into preventives, treatments and ultimately cures for cancer in dogs. This year, Wright would like to invite all San Diego Pet Magazine readers to take a stand against canine cancer and participate in the Morris Animal Foundation K9 Cancer Walk on Saturday, February 18. Proceeds from the walk will help create a healthier tomorrow for your dog. To learn more or to sign up, simply visit www.K9CancerWalk.org. If you are unable to attend, all dog lovers are encouraged to participate virtually through the Foundation’s Sit and Stay Program.
If you would like to take a stand, learn more by visiting www.K9CancerWalk.org.
in $800,000 for the cause. Blue Buffalo has made a $2 million commitment to the Morris group as their share of the study. San Diego County’s pet community has long been perceived as an enlightened one, which may explain the success behind Wright’s inaugural k9 Cancer Walk. This time, she’s got the
Morris Animal Foundation at her back, with Blue Buffalo alongside. As grassroots involvement teams with the corporate realm, the rampant incidence of animal cancer may be facing its curtailment. More information at http://bluebuffalo.com/ and http://www.petcancerawareness.org/
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2012
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Spotlight on business: Adding a little ‘foxy’ to your pet’s diet
hen Tasha Ardalan learned her beloved Pembroke corgi, Foxy, suffered from severe allergies, she couldn’t simply sit back and lament her — and Foxy’s — bad luck. A woman of action, Ardalan immediately set to work researching ways to help Foxy and other dogs with similar conditions live comfortable lives. That was in 2007. At the time, Ardalan was a recent UC Santa Cruz graduate and was running a successful
B y K E N D R A H A RT M A N N SAN DIEGO PETS
delivery-only late night eatery. After 2 ½ years of ardent research and development into how best to care for and feed a pup with Foxy’s allergies (she had previously been feeding Foxy only homemade food), Foxy Treats was born. And Ardalan, for her part, had found a new calling. “I closed my other business … and moved back onto my parents’ farm to
BUSINESS LISTINGS Ark Animal Hospital Small animal veterinary hospital 6171 Balboa Avenue, SD, CA 92111 Open Mon–Sat • (858) 277-3665 http://www.arkahsd.com
Bark Avenue Resort and Kamp 655 Benet Road, Oceanside, CA. 92058 (760) 433-3763 Ext. 7 Email: info@barkforpets.com www.BarkForPets.com
California Veterinary Specialists 2310 Faraday Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008, (760) 431-2273 • 7 days 24 hrs. www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.com
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dedicate myself to Foxy Treats and animal welfare advocacy,” she said. The business specializes in organic and sustainable pet products designed to “improve the overall well being of our pets and planet.” The products, she said, are made without the use of preservatives, additives, genetically modified organisms, corn, wheat or soy. Furthermore, the company is licensed by the state to commercially produce food — unlike many other food compa-
List your Business, call (619) 573-5615 for rates.
County of San Diego Department of Animal Services (619) 767-2675 • www.sddac.com
Dog Beach Dog Wash Do-It-Yourself•Service•Accessories 4933 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107 (619) 523-1700 http://www.dogwash.com
EasyTurf A Field Turf Company Request a FREE DESIGN consultation 2750 La Mirada Dr, Vista, CA 92081 1-800-550-7270 www.sdpets.easyturf.com
FEBRUARY 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Four Legged Life Pet event speaker Arden Moore Dog/cat behavior consults Host dog parties • (760) 433-3480 www.fourleggedlife.com
Fuzzy Wolf Canine Training Academy Cert. Trainer Program, Group & Private Pet Parent training. (831) 979-0303 fuzzywolfservices@gmail.com
Home Buddies by Camp BowWow Dog Walking, Pet Sitting & Dog Training Bonded and Insured (619) 889-7767 www.myhomebuddies.com/LaJolla
nies, Ardalan said. Foxy Treats has even been granted “San Diego Grown 365” certification by the San Diego County Farm Bureau. “Even the treat packaging is ecofriendly and compostable,” she said. “Foxy Treats is the culmination of my love and passion for dogs of all breeds.” The venture, indeed, has roots close to her heart. “I’m a native San Diegan who has been fortunate enough to grow up in Valley Center where some of the best organic farms exist,” she said. It’s really important to me to know who grows the produce I put into my products. Foxy Treats is proud to support sustainable and ethical farms such as JR Organics and Stehly Farms Organics.” Though going organic is not something unique to Southern California, Ardalan said Foxy Treats might enjoy particular success here because of the nature of our penchant in America’s Finest for stopping at nothing to give our pets the most comfortable existence possible. “San Diegans love to be social with their pets, especially if they can help other animals at the same time,” she said. “Plus, San Diego is home to some of the best animal shelters and non-
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profit organizations in the country.” Foxy Treats works with organizations like the Helen Woodward Animal Center, where the products can be purchased and 100 percent of the proceeds go to help orphaned animals. As for who typically treats their pet to Ardalan’s environmentally and socially conscious goodies, there doesn’t seem to be an archetypal customer. “It’s difficult to classify our clientele into any one category,” she said. “Our customers simply want the best for their pets regardless of age, address or income. They choose Foxy Treats because they appreciate how much labor and love go into hand-making each and every treat.” Ardalan is committed not only to Foxy’s health, but also to the ideals and values that go into the company. As part of her pet welfare and organic farming advocacy she has developed a cooking class that can be tailored to suit the goals of individual students called “Doggy & Me: An Organic Lifestyle for Pet and Owner.” Ardalan will visit students in their own home to discuss how they can make “ecologically sound choices” for both pet and owner.
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Coming up, Ardalan and Foxy will be making an appearance as part of Team Low Rider, an all-corgi fundraising team that will collect much-needed donations for the Escondido Humane Society and will walk on March 25 at EHS’ Paws in the Park. In anticipation for the event, Foxy Treats and Team Low Rider will host a fundraising party at Iron Fist Brewing Company’s tasting room in Vista. The party will coincide with a birthday celebration for Foxy, who will turn 5 years old. The date is tentatively set for Feb. 9. “Foxy thinks the greatest gift of all is the gift of a forever-family,” Ardalan said. “It’s her mission to make sure every four-legged friend has a loving family to cuddle up with at night.” For more information, visit www.foxytreats.com.
fOXy TreaTS will be offering a Valentine’s special on Give The Deal’s website starting Feb. 2, and the offer will run for one week. The offer includes a Doggy&Me Valentine’s Day Special for $149, complete with a four-course gourmet dinner for 2 + pet(s) made from local organic ingredients; complimentary bubbly included. Participants will enjoy a private dinner or cooking class in the comfort of their own home. The evening will be crafted to satisfy their specific tastes, dietary requirements and educational goals/interests.
BUSINESS LISTINGS Iceland Pure
The Clean Power of Nature Unscented pharmaceutical-grade salmon oil for your pets. http://www.icelandpure.com
Lu Meyer, Obedience Academy K-9 Family Matters, Only the best will do! Trusted, Experienced, Award Winning Obedience Training. (760) 436-3571 www.EncinitasObedience.com
Pet First Aid 4 U Dog and cat 1st aid, CPR classes Hands-on training. Earn certificate. Throughout S.D. • (760) 433-3480 www.petfirstaid4u.com
Leashes and Love
Mission Animal & Bird Hospital
PoopPac Dog Walkers Case
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Company
655 Benet Road, Oceanside, CA. 92058 (760) 433-3763 Email: info@missionanimal.com www.MissionAnimal.com
BAG IT – PAC IT – TRASH IT! Enjoy your walk in style No Odor - No Mess - It Works! www.pooppac.com
Serving San Diego and surrounding areas
(619) 296-4928 www.leashesandlove.com
Leash Your Fitness Fitness class for you and your DOG. Classes / events throughtout San Diego. 619-822-3296 http://www.LeashYourFitness.com
National Cat Protection Society
A shelter whose mission is dedicated to the protection and welfare of cats. 9031 Birch St. • Spring Valley (619) 469-8771 • http://natcat.org
Project Wildlife Wildlife rehabilitation and education 887 1/2 Sherman Street, SD, CA 92110 Wildlife Hotline 619-225-9453 www.projectwildlife.org
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2012
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RESOURCE GUIDE
rescue, adoption and Service Organizations a Passion for Paws (akita rescue) (818) 925-4827 www.APassionForPaws.org Baja Dog rescue (619) 407-9372 www.bajadogrescue.org Bat rescue (619) 225-9453 www.batrescue.org Boxers n Birds (all breeds rescue and adoption) Like us on Facebook. 3308 Mission Ave. Oceanside, CA 92058. (760) 433-3763 x224 www.petfinder.com/shelters/CA1647.html cat adoption Service (760) 550-2287 www.sdcats.org chihuahua rescue of San Diego www.ChihuahuaRescueofSanDiego.com German Shorthaired Pointer rescue (760) 726-4813 www.GSP-Rescue.org Greyhound connection (619) 286-4739 www.GreyhoundConnection.org independent Therapy Dogs, inc. A non-profit therapy dog organization providing therapy dog visits for anyone who would like one. e-mail: itdi-2010@att.net https://sites.google.com/site/idtdinc/ it’s The Pits Specializing in the Bully Breeds (858) 484-0985 list Srv 4 Therapy Dog Teams A listing service/electronic bulletin board. listsrv4therapydog@att.net Operation Greyhound (619) 588-6611 www.OperationGreyhound.com Paws of coronado (619) 522-7371 www.PawsOfCoronado.org Pit Bull rescue of San Diego (858) 693-7331 www.PitBullRescueSanDiego.com rescue house (760) 591-1211 www.rescuehouse.org San Diego house rabbit Society (858) 356-4286 www.SanDiegoRabbits.org S.D. Turtle & Tortoise Society (619) 593-2123 www.SDTurtle.org Second chance Dog rescue (619) 721-DOGS (3647) http://secondchancedogrescue.org westie rescue of california (619) 579-6395 www.WestieRescueCA.com 24
emergency hospitals BOniTa/chula viSTa Pet emergency & Specialtycenter of South county (619) 591-4802 885 Canarios Court, #108, Chula Vista, CA 91910 www.PESCSanDiego.com
carlSBaD california veterinary Specialists (760) 431-2273 2310 Faraday Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008, 7 days 24 hrs. www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.com
enciniTaS vca north coast veterinary & emergency (760) 632-1072 414 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024, www.VCANorthCoast.com
eScOnDiDO animal urgent care of escondido (760) 738-9600 2430-A S. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025, 7 Days 24 hrs. www.AUC.US.com
kearny MeSa/claireMOnT animal er of San Diego (858) 569-0600 5610 Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego, CA 92111 M-F 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sat. Sun. 24 hrs.
la MeSa Pet emergency & Specialty center (619) 462-4800 5232 Jackson Drive #105, La Mesa, CA 91942, 7 Days 24 hrs. www.PESCSanDiego.com
MiSSiOn valley vca emergency animal hospital & referral center (619) 229-2400 2317 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108,7 Days 24 hrs. www.VCAEmergency.com
MurrieTa california veterinary Specialists (951) 600-9803 25100 Hancock Ave. #116, Murrieta, CA 92562, 7 days 24 hrs. www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.com
POway animal emergency clinic (858) 748-7387 12775 Poway Road, Poway, CA 92064 M-F 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sat. Sun. 24 hrs. www.AnimalEmergencySD.com
San MarcOS veterinary Specialty hospital (760) 466-0600 2055 Montiel Road, Suite 104, San Marcos, CA 92069 www.vshsd.com
SOrrenTO valley veterinary Specialty hospital (858) 875-7500 10435 Sorrento Valley Road., San Diego, CA 92121 7 Days 24 hrs. www.VSHSD.com
FEBRUARY 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
animal Shelters & humane Societies accePT STrayS & have aDOPTiOn Bay Park/MiSSiOn valley county animal Services 5480 Gaines St., CA 92110 (619) 767-2675 www.sddac.com Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30am to 5:30pm
BOniTa county animal Services 5821 Sweetwater Road, CA 91902 (619) 767-2675 www.sddac.com Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30am to 5:30pm
caMP PenDleTOn camp Pendleton animal Shelter 4th St. Area 25 Bldg. 25132 CA 92054 (760) 725-8120
carlSBaD county animal Services 2481 Palomar Airport Road, CA 92011 (619) 767-2675 www.sddac.com Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30am to 5:30pm
chula viSTa city of chula vista animal Shelter 130 Beyer Way, CA 91911 (619) 691-5123 Hours: M-F 10am to 5pm Sat. 10am to 4pm
cOrOnaDO animal control facility 700 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 (619) 522-7371 Hours: 7 days 8:30am to 4:30am
el caJOn city of el cajon animal Shelter 1275 N. Marshall Ave., CA 92020 (619) 441-1580 Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5:30pm
eScOnDiDO escondido humane Society 3450 E. Valley Parkway, CA 92027 (760) 888-2275 www.EscondidoHumaneSociety.com Hours: 7 days 10am to 5pm
OceanSiDe San Diego humane Society-north (for dogs) 2905 San Luis Rey Road, CA 92058 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: 7 days 10am-4pm San Diego humane Society-north (for cats) 572 Airport Road, CA 92058 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: 7 days 10am-4pm
accePT Owner relinQuiSheD aniMalS Bay Park/MiSSiOn valley San Diego humane Society-San Diego campus 5500 Gaines Street, CA 92110 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
el caJOn friends of cats 15587 Olde Highway 80, CA, 92021 (619) 561-0361 www.FriendsofCats.org Hours: Tues-Sun 10am to 4pm
enciniTaS rancho coastal humane Society 389 Requeza Street, CA 92024 (760) 753-6413 www.sdpets.org Hours: 11am -5pm every day except Tues. 11:30am-5pm
ranchO SanTa fe helen woodward animal center 6461 El Apajo Road, CA 92067 (858) 756-4117 www.AnimalCenter.org Hours: 7 days 11am to 6pm
SPrinG valley national cat Protection Society 9031 Birch Street, CA 91977 (619) 469-8771 www.NatCat.org Hours: Tue.-Sat. Noon to 5pm
A
rats Cong! Bolt
fter being in the care of the San Diego Humane Society for more than a year, Bolt finally met the family he’d been dreaming of. This larger than life dog, found his larger than life family to make his dreams of ball chasing and belly rubs come true! Here is what the Orr family has to say about their new furry family member… “Bolt has done great getting acclimated to a home environment with no issues at all other than he thought the couch should be his bed! We are enjoying taking him out for walks and playing with him at home. He loves playing outside in our backyard with the big ball that he loves chasing or playing soccer with. He also loves playing tug with his toys. He can’t seem to get enough of either of these and has worn us all out before he seems ready to quit. He is happy to be outside with the kids and their friends and loves when they play with him. He is a super sweet dog, very energetic and playful. When not playing he enjoys hanging, either outside or in, and loves tummy rubs, which he gets quite often. His morning task is waking the kids up with doggy kisses. He is very excited to do that and they love it. Now I don’t have any trouble getting them out of bed. Bolt is a great dog and we are all very happy to have him a part of our family!” The Humane Society offers San Diegans a wide range of programs and services that strengthen the humananimal bond, prevent cruelty/neglect, provide medical care and educate the community on the humane treatment of animals. More informations at www.sdhumane.org
BUSINESS LISTINGS
List your Business, call (619) 573-5615 for rates.
The Total Dog, Swim & Gym
Puptown Doggie Daycare
Whole Dog Sports Center
205 16th Street. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 234-5778 www.puptown.net
Dog training agility sports. All levels. 6,000 sq ft indoor field. Classes available. Located in Carlsbad • (760) 931-2600 www.WholeDogSports.com
San Diego Humane Society & SPCA
Training Puppies and Adult Dogs “From the Moment They Arrive Home!” (760) 613-3175 www.silvasdogtraining.com
Comfort * Wellness * Mobility
Sophie Bella's Studio
TTouch for dogs, cats and rabbits
Silva’s Dog Training (619) 299-7012 www.sdhumane.org
SD House Rabbit Society (858) 356-4286 www.SanDiegoRabbits.org
Professional Photography Call Us for Your Holiday Photos 858-717-6200 www.sophiebellasstudio.com
Shelter Dogs To Dream Dogs
Star Grooming on Fifth
Learning With Love Dog Training Animal Behavioral Specialist (619) 813-1252, k9andk8@gmail.com www.shelterdogstodreamdogs.com
Professional Pet Stylist 1845 Fifth Ave (Between Elm & Fir) (619) 571-1795 www.stargroomingonfifth.com
3060 Industry St., Ste. 108 Oceanside, CA • 760-721-1DOG (1364) www.mytotaldog.com
TouchNpaws & MakeNscents Serving the North County area (Mira Mesa up)
(619) 405-4144 • www.TouchNpaws.com
By certified practitioner Mary E. Cannon 858-361-8038 www.crittertouch.com
VetDepot Discount Pet Meds & Supplies • Save up to 60% on all leading brands including: Frontline, Cosequin, Greenies & Heartgard www.vetdepot.com
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | FEBRUARY 2012
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La Jolla Brewhouse Sunday, February 12, 2012 5:30 p.m.–9 p.m.
Puppy love 5k run Helen Woodward Center Sunday, February 12, 2012 http://puppyloverun.kintera.org
k9 cancer walk San Marcos Saturday, February 18, 2012 www.K9CancerWalk.org
food, fun, and fundraising Iron Fist Brewing Co Friday, March 9, 2012 3pm-8pm
More events posted online: www.SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com/events
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Be-Mine canine yappy hour
Paws in the Park Sunday, March 25, 2012 8 a.m.–Noon (Kit Carson Park) escondidohumanesociety.org
FEBRUARY 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com/events
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Be Your Pet’s Health Ally!
Pet First Aid/CPR classes 760-433-3480 www.petfirstaid4u.com
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