San Diego Pets Magazine | May 2011 by San Diego Pets Magazine

MAY 2011 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com

WELCOME D

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PUBLISHER Casey Dean

MANAGING EDITOR Martin Jones Westlin

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Claire Harlin Judith Pierce Kendra Hartmann Martin Jones Westlin Nicole Sours Larson Sindi Somers Dr. Stefanie Schwartz

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Casey Dean Claire Harlin Nicole Sours Larson

CARTOONIST Barbara Fuscsick Puppy Paws Productions www.puppypawsproductions.com

ADVERTISING Casey Dean Casey@sandiegopetsmagazine.com (619) 573-5615 Marjorie “Kirby” mkirbykirby@gmail.com (858) 775-4432 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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Lucky (left) and Haley (right), share the stage with Sam Zien at "Sam LIVE!" a presentation of videos, story-telling and cooking demonstrations that took Courtesy photo place at the Rolando area's Joan B. Kroc Theatre in February. 4

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COVER STORY D

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Sam Zien and his cuddly co-stars

HALEY

LUCKY

San Diego Pets spends an afternoon with The Cooking Guy and his two biggest fans By CLAIRE HARLIN | SAN DIEGO PETS

ith the recent release of his third book and with 12 Emmys under his belt for starring as "The Cooking Guy" in two TV series, San Diego's Sam Zien has become somewhat of a local celebrity over the last decade. But while Zien may be the namesake of his show, in which he cooks innovative, no-fuss food in his own Carmel Valley kitchen, he's not the only star of the series—his dogs, Lucky and Haley, have been sharing the spotlight. Haley, a 7-year-old golden retriever, and Lucky, a 4-yearold powder-puff Chinese crested, not only make regular appearances on the show—either meandering across the kitchen or helping themselves to a moment of affection or a rare floor scrap—but also have co-starred with Zien at events such as "Sam LIVE!," a presentation that drew hundreds to the Rolando area's Joan B. Kroc Theatre in February. The dogs sat politely on a loveseat onstage while Zien interacted

with the audience. The crowd loved them, Zien said. Haley is also featured on the TV show's introduction. And for those who have navigated to the "Cooking Guy" website to snag a recipe, the retriever's face is most likely a familiar one—the banners on several pages of the site feature a closeup photo of her Precious Moments eyes and golden snout.

Old friends If you ask Zien, he'll tell you his dogs—in addition to his wife Kelly and three teenage sons—are just as much a part of his TV show as he is. Simply put, Zien loves his dogs, and it shows. On his Facebook page, which will have likely surpassed 19,000 fans by the time this story prints, Zien has posted almost as many wall photos of Lucky and Haley as he has of himself. From shots of the two curled up together on the couch to a screenshot of Zien Skyping with the dogs, the shared moments almost always garner at least 100 "likes." "People really feel like fans when they can track everything about the show," said Zien during a recent interview at his home. "They really feel like they know the dogs." This interview began with a 3 p.m. arrival at the Zien house, nestled at the end of a neighborhood street that dead-

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Haley and the burrito

Haley leaps ahead of Sam and Lucky as they take a leisurely walk through Photo by Casey Dean the picturesque canyon just steps from their front door.

SAM

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ends at the Los Penasquitos Canyon, where he takes Lucky and Haley for daily walks. Zien answered the door in a black T and his signature black, rectangular glasses and offered a warm welcome, a tour of the kitchen and, of course, a walk with the dogs. The first thing he mentioned was that he had postponed the dogs' dinner, as to not have "messy" faces in the photos.

The 'Kool-aid house on the block' "They usually eat at 2:30 p.m.," he said. "And they don't understand Daylight Saving Time." (This interview happened to take place on DST weekend.) Zien's kitchen is bold and pristine, comprising zebra-wood veneer cabinetry and red glass-tiled walls. But given that Zien's home contains a celebrity kitchen with a signature sliding-door, frosted glass "skinny pantry" that's not very deep but covers a floor-to-ceiling area about the size of a garage door, the house itself is far from pretentious. Zien's neighborhood is peaceful, and he is friends with all the neighbors on his street. He said he looks forward to the summertime, when all the dogs and people on the block get together and hang out—he's referred to his place as the "Koolaid house on the block" a time or two. "I am so lucky that I get to work from home," Zien said. And Zien's workplace, of course, is dog-friendly. While Zien heads the kitchen, shooting episodes with his crew, the dogs are also on point. Haley sprawls out like a rug in the middle of the floor, right by the kitchen, and Lucky usually lies comfortably on top of the couch, with a perfect view of his Dad in the kitchen. Sometimes, though, Lucky can be a "lurker," Zien said. "He scopes out the kitchen and waits for food to drop," said Zien. He added that he doesn't make a habit of sharing cooking scraps but sympathizes with the dogs: "Imagine if you ate the same thing every day," he said. "You'd get bored." 6

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Whatever happens in real life also happens on the show, whether it be the dogs playing with a toy or someone ringing the doorbell. On one episode, in which Zien taught viewers how to make his healthful version of a chimichanga (a usually fried burrito that he baked instead), Haley sneaked half a burrito outside and ate it. While the incident was comical, Zien warned on camera, "Honey you can't have that. It's not good for you." The TV cook breaks barriers. He's been known to curse in the kitchen; he cooks freely with bacon even though he's Jewish; and he turned some heads in 2008 when he asked Kathie Lee Gifford to shut up when she was interrupting him during his cooking segment on the Today show. He makes crazy food like mashed-potato tacos, potato-chip sandwiches and Cap'n Crunch-seared tuna, and he's been called out for touching the dogs and continuing to handle food without washing his hands. "I even put the dog on the counter once," he said. "I'm sure that day we lost viewers but at the same time gained viewers too… Hey, we're dog people. It's not like were in here running a restaurant."

Groundbreaking photo shoot During the walk in the canyon, the dogs followed closely behind Zien, except for when they approached neighbor Peg to greet her and her pup when they happened to arrive for a walk too. Lucky answers to many a nickname—"Bunny," "Shortie," "Boo Boo"—and Zien calls Haley "Face," a name he said he doesn't have an explanation for. The dogs always come when he calls, and they sit on command. Even during the photo shoot for San Diego Pets, the dogs sat contentedly with their Dad—and surprisingly, Zien said that was his first photo session with the dogs. Between his books, TV shows, regular appearances on Today and photo shoots as the spokesman for Newcastle Brown Ale, Zien has gotten used to a demanding schedule over the years. But he has always made time for those twice-daily walks with Lucky and Haley. And despite the thousands who used to tune in to Just Cook This! with Sam the Cooking Guy on Discovery Health or ran out to buy Just Grill This! when it hit bookstores last month, it's obvious who Zien's two biggest fans are. Haley and Lucky truly worship the ground he walks on.

just grill this! features Sam's simple, delicious, and occasionally unconventional recipes for cooking anything on the grill. With his trademark irreverence and humor, Sam demystifies the age-old process of cooking with fire. With just grill this!, you may never see the inside of your kitchen again. Availible in stores now.

Animalplanet A look at a major cause of low-quality pet food is as close as your mirror 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

n March of 2007, Canadian pet food maker Menu Foods was quietly conducting a routine taste test of a new line for cats—but the upshot would raise a deafening hue and cry heard throughout the industry. Many of the animals soon developed kidney problems, some of them terminal and others exquisitely painful. More than 60 million containers from 100 brands would be recalled in North America, Europe and South Africa amid their contamination with melamine, an organic chemical used in the plastics industry and sometimes sold as a flame retardant, and aminopterin, a rat poison. The incident is one of the largest consumer product recalls in North American history.

“Pet food selection, seems to be based on trivia rather than nutritional data.” A flurry of actions by Congress and the Food and Drug Administration quelled some of the worry in this country, and a federal grand jury indicted two Chinese nationals and an American CEO for their roles in a scheme to import contaminated wheatgluten products for use in pet food. So much for the melamine scare—but a detailed look at several Internet entries shows a precipitous drop in efforts toward pet food regulation post 2007. It appears things are back to normal in an industry that commands nearly $13 billion of the American economy every year, even as the nation’s 130 million dogs and cats are at risk for sicknesses and diseases yet untold. And you may share a major portion of the blame.

Lack of regulation, oversight Protein byproducts can find their way into today’s pet foods as routinely as they did in World War II, when the industry was in its infancy; but pet owners know them by their less refined descriptors. Turkey feet, fish and chicken heads, animal intestines, duck bills, hides and slaughterhouse meat and hair are among the additives, and no controls exist that cite the relative health of the carcasses used in the food’s manufacture. Artificial coloring and cereals like corn, wheat and gluten (routinely used in agricultural feed) are known to decrease domestic pet food quality, yet they’re included in the foods as a chemical binder. Foxy Treats, a San Marcos manufacturer of organic pet snacks, assails the lack of regulation—and founder/chef Tasha Ardalan cites a bigger element underneath. “There isn’t enough regulation,” Ardalan said, “and another big issue is that there isn’t enough oversight. Even as complaints are filed into different departments of health throughout the country about food issues, a lot of times, the complaint doesn’t get addressed, and if it is addressed, it’s not done in a timely manner. So you end up with this big scare, like the melamine issue.” Ardalan added that no recall since 2007 has come close to the scale of the melamine effort. And Jane Bicks, a noted holistic veterinarian, author of three pet nutrition books and food chemist for the Life’s Abundance brand, said that the animals’ longevities are definitely affected in the meantime.

Foxy Treats founder, Tasha Ardalan’s companion likely enjoys a better diet than that of your animal. Courtesy photo

Cats should live to age 30 “An average-size dog should live to be 27 years of age, and the average cat, 30,” Bicks said. “It’s a tragedy that we’re losing our beloved pets long before they reach those golden years. None of you would ever do anything intentional to put them at risk... yet... you may in fact be doing that.” Nutrition, Bicks said, is equal only to genetics as the determining factor in a dog or cat’s lifespan and the size of the litter into which it was born. She

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FEATURE Menu Foods deserves credit

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added that lack of certain vitamins and minerals affects growth factors such as the animals’ brain size, immune system and tendency toward obesity. And while lawmakers are delinquent in their responsibilities, she said, neither are the pet owners taking up the slack. “Pet food selection,” she said, “seems to be based on trivia rather than nutritional data. Most pet owners buy a particular brand... based on attractive packaging, commercial advertising; it might look natural, hightech, ‘veterinarian quality,’ whatever. No matter what the marketing blend is, many foods just do not provide the type of nutrition your pet deserves.” “The bottom line,” Ardalan explained, “is often how much money you can charge for that food and how much money you have to put into it.”

Animals, Ardalan said, are exceptional actors (dogs in particular); they’re very good at hiding their ailments, often leaving their owners unaware of the issues surrounding poor-quality food. Such behavior may be one reason pet food recalls are so few and far between—which underscores the case for human vigilance in their choices. Meat, poultry, fish and egg whites top Bicks’ list of protein sources (the latter, in fact is often the standard by which other protein sources are measured). Meanwhile, cats are obligate carnivores, a fancy term for exclusive meat-eaters, and dogs aren’t far behind. The FDA has no authority to issue pet food recalls; the decisions for such actions rest with the manufacturers. To that extent, Menu Foods’ 2007 recall spelled a decided service to the industry. For the time being, Bicks would say, the rest is up to us.

Martin Jones Westlin is the managing editor of San Diego Pets.

EXPERT TIPS

Overcome pet obesity B y D R . M A RT Y B E C K E R In surveys about pet body types (ideal, overweight, obese), about half of pet lovers with obese pets said their pets were at an ideal body weight. Because we equate food with love, we’re killing our pets with kindness. We are putting too much food in our pets’ mouths and too few miles on their feet. Working dogs, once born to herd, guard or retrieve, are now born retired. The end result? About half of American pets are overweight or obese. This pet-health epidemic increases the risk of diabetes, heart and joint problems, and cancer and skin problems. Losing just 20 percent of excess weight results in 50 percent improvement in pet health. One long-term study showed pets at their ideal body weight living 15 percent longer, an average of two years. To reverse health problems and tap into the furry fountain of youth, help your dog lose weight in 2011 with these tips. Walk away the weight. Famed human-obesity expert Dr. Robert Kushner, working with Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Hill’s Nutrition, did a landmark study called “People and Pets Exercising Together,” which found that overweight people and their pets not only lost weight but also kept the weight off by dieting and exercising together. Consider a change in diet. Talk to your veterinarian about a diet pet food that has lower calories and fat, and special ingredients to help burn fat and maintain lean muscle mass. Split portions. Your dog may feel more satiated if you split his total daily allotment into three equal feedings. If your dog doesn’t eat right away, don’t worry. In the wild, it would be normal to skip a meal now and again. One cause of obesity is owners “doctoring up” food to be more tasty when dogs walk away from a meal. Healthy snacking. Everybody, even veterinarians, enjoy giving pets treats. Try healthier choices such as whole baby carrots, apple slices, green beans and so on. Play the slots. In Las Vegas, you don’t expect to win on every pull, hand or cast. It’s the anticipation that keeps you going. Instead of constantly handing treats to your dog, give intermittent treats to amp up the expectation of winning for your dog. Use food puzzles. By using food puzzles such a stuffed Kong or the Busy Buddy toys from Premier, you allow the dog to work for his food and feel more satisfied, both physically and emotionally. Dr. Marty Becker is the regular veterinarian for “Good Morning America” and a member of Core Team Oz for “The Dr. Oz Show.” His new book, “Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual: Hundreds of Secrets, Surprises, and Solutions for Raising a Happy, Healthy Dog” will be out in April.

MAY 2011 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com

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Five dog-friendly HOTSPOTS By CLAIRE HARLIN | SAN DIEGO PETS

There are many restrictions in San Diego when it comes to dogfriendly dining. Some establishments don’t allow dogs inside; some have a designated area for dogs, whether it be a deck, patio or porch. When there’s no food involved, there are fewer dog restrictions. When there are dog-designated areas (often outside), sometimes food or alcohol isn’t allowed. Or when drinks are allowed, sometimes the venue isn’t suitable for families with kids. After a thorough search of San Diego’s finest dog-friendly establishments, we’ve chosen five go-to venues based on versatility and quality. We hope the food- or drink-seeking dog owner should have to look no further than this list for dog-friendly dining.

La Jolla Brewhouse One of the most laid-back dining experiences for you and your dog in La Jolla, La Jolla Brewhouse offers a full menu not only for people but also for dogs. Where else can you order some sliced chicken, a bowl of kibble covered in warm beef gravy or a patty of beef for your special canine? On top of that, the Brewhouse’s large, heated patio is in a secluded area close to La Jolla Village’s entertainment district—and best of all, there’s parking (a rarity in La Jolla!). In addition to dog-friendly dining every day from 11 a.m. to midnight (2 a.m. on weekends), there are randomly planned “Yappy Hour” events that benefit organizations like Southern German Shepherd Rescue and offer raffle prizes, brewery tours and doggie

and you’ll be glad you did. This restaurant also has you covered with its ease in accommodation. The patio is heated and sizable, and the service is fast and on target. If you go from 4 to 6:30 p.m., you can enjoy $3.50 pints (try finding that price elsewhere in La Jolla), and your server will be pleased to let you taste all the brew-tastic choices. If you are shopping around La Jolla during the day or looking for an office lunch, you can be assured Karl Strauss can get you in and out.

Karl Strauss Brewing Company On the left, Simone Bittenbinder with Sydney and on the right, Ingrid Bittenbinder with Cooper enjoying a relaxing Saturday brunch Photo by Casey Dean at The La Jolla Brewhouse.

treats. Not to mention the place crafts some great brews and has something on the menu for everyone.

La Jolla Brewhouse 7536 Fay Ave., La Jolla 858-456-6279

Karl Strauss Brewing Company Karl Strauss makes the list not only because of its reliability in quality— with several locations, it’s got its recipes down-pat—but also because of its family-friendly nature (of course, Fido is part of the family too). A lot of San Diego hotspots can serve a great beer and cook a good burger, but for a night out with the kids—and dog—Karl Strauss is a best bet. It has a full kids menu and some grown-up foods, like macaroni and cheese with ham and bacon, that can make anyone feel like a kid again. Sub your fries for garlic fries,

1044 Wall St., Suite C, La Jolla 858-551-2739

Cafe Chloe Downtown full-service restaurants that allow dogs are few and far between, mainly because of the lack of patio space. But Cafe Chloe is one little East Village gem that absolutely loves dogs and will seat you and your special canine on its side porch for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The menu is small but wonderful. Its entries are a little more pricey than the other venues on the list—not to say that the food is overpriced. Quality rings in every inch and every dish of this quaint eatery. If you are looking for a peaceful, delicious outdoor brunch or a wine-and-dinner date spot where you can bring the dog, Cafe Chloe might just exceed your expectations. And if your “dates” are your dog and your homework (or the morning news, or Facebook), bring your laptop. Wifi is free.

Cafe Chloe 721 9th Ave., East Village 619-232-3242

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Hotel Indigo’s Level 9 Rooftop Bar Level 9 may not be an all-the-time destination for you and your dog, but it makes the list simply because it throws the best doggie party in town. About once a month, the place holds a “Canine Cocktail” event geared toward the dogs, allowing them to socialize on the deck while their owners mingle and enjoy views of Petco Park and the bay. The event features a live DJ who plays lounge-style house music, and drink specials come with the package: $4 drafts, wells and house wines. The place has also introduced a new menu of small items like calamari and a ballpark pretzel (you may want to eat before this party). The last event, on April 21, had a good turnout, and organizers are expecting the event to

grow as summer arrives. The next “Canine Cocktail” will be held on May 26 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. More information can be found through the dog wash City Dog’s website at citydogsd.com (the owner helps put together these events).

Hotel Indigo’s Level 9 Rooftop Bar 509 9th Ave., Gaslamp 619-727-4000

The Wine Pub What a little hidden treasure The Wine Pub is! It’s not a family place (21 and up only), but it sure is dogfriendly. A little community of dogs hang out on the patio while their owners sip wine and grub on super-tasty

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appetizers. Sliders are half off on Sundays, and your pup will be begging you to sneak a couple under the table. This venue makes the list because it’s a friendly, intimate place where you can enjoy good wine without a bunch of kids running around. It serves a flourless cake called “The Beast” worth saving room for, and on Wednesdays, the restaurant’s owner, Sandy, donates 10 percent of sales to pet adoption organizations. She is also the server and the person who answers the phones, and you can tell she loves dogs as much as she loves her guests—she not only greets pups with treats and water, but she’s hung a portrait of her beloved former pet, the late Clarence, on the wall.

The Wine Pub 2907 Shelter Island Dr., #108, Point Loma 619-758-9325

Q&A D

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Behavior Bytes Stefanie Schwartz, DVM Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists California Veterinary Specialists Carlsbad, CA (760) 431-2273

Dear Dr. Schwartz, My cat Roger Rabbit is such a sweet boy, but he becomes aggressive at mealtime toward Jessica, my other cat. They eat from the same bowl and have been together since they were kittens. Why does he do this? Toon Mom

Dear Toon Mom, Like many other animal species, cats can become possessive of their food. This is normal and has important adaptive significance; when competition over food is a matter of life and death, it can be a vital survivor behavior. The level of hunger also plays a role in possessive aggression (also referred to as resource guarding), as does food deprivation in early life. Still, some cats with no history of starvation simply do not like to be approached while they eat. I’d recommend you feed Roger and Jessica from separate bowls sitting at a comfortable distance from each other. You could feed them at opposite ends of the kitchen or even feed Roger on a countertop while Jessica’s bowl is on the floor. Offer two, even three meals a day so that he doesn’t get too hungry between meals. Let him enjoy his food without feeling threatened. That should take care of it.

Dear Dr. Schwartz, My blue tick coonhound is a counter surfer. If we leave any food on the countertop, even for a minute, he will

be on it. When we go to work, we have to make sure the counters are cleared or he’ll get whatever we leave: bananas, cake, steak knives, defrosting chicken… and at dinner, he’s under the table waiting for my kids to drop something. It’s becoming a real problem. Help! Coonhound Mom

Dear Coonhound Mom, Dogs are scavengers. Unguarded food is fair game! This is self-rewarding behavior, meaning that the free snack ensures he’ll look in the same area again and take advantage of free snacks elsewhere. This applies to the scraps at the dinner table; kids are messy eaters, and dogs really love that about them. Dogs will wait patiently for any tidbit because the reward is unpredictable and intermittent. They know it’s coming. They just don’t know when and how much of what they will get. It can also be helpful to block access to the kitchen while you are away. Close any doors or put up baby gates; some dogs will jump the gates or push through them, but many will accept the obstacle. As for dinnertime

scavenging, feed your dog at the same time as your kids while he is tethered on a leash and at a designated feeding spot until they’re done. He’ll get used to it if you continue to give commands such as “sit,” “down” and “stay.” If you like, you can save some scraps for him and give them to him in his spot after dinner. Please continue to clear your countertops and put food away. Dangerous items like steak knives must be put away immediately. Keeping your home pet-proofed is part of being a responsible pet owner. You know that he explores elevated surfaces, so keeping these areas clear is just part of keeping him safe.

Dr. Stefanie Schwartz is a board certified veterinary behaviorist based at California Veterinary Specialists in Carlsbad, CA. She also sees patients at the Veterinary Neurology Center in Tustin, CA. For more information, please call (760) 431-2273 and visit www.californiaveterinaryspecialists.com and www.veterinarybehavior.org.

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PET ART

Artist of the Month:

Ellary Branden

Ellary Branden’s love of nature and animals started while she was growing up on a Wisconsin farm with her artistically gifted family. Her interest in fashion led her to Dallas to study fashion and interior design. This led to a modeling and acting career. Twenty-five years ago, she started a plant business in San Diego. Fifteen years ago, she returned to art, her first love. “It was as though I had never stopped,” Ellary said. “I just sat down one day and started painting, and I haven’t stopped since.” Ellary works in all mediums and is always eager to try something experimental. She specializes in faces, human and animal, although animals are her favorite subjects. She also enjoys painting plants, landscapes and interiors, a throwback to her work as a designer and horticulturist. She is a member of East County Art Association and exhibits her art all over El Cajon, where she resides. Ellary will be happy to create a personal piece of artwork of your special animal friend.

Ellary Branden huntress888@cox.net 619-569-6700 http://www.facebook.com/ellaryb http://www.zazzle.com/ellary 12

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KITTEN SEASON

Spring and kittens are blooming and that’s not always good Kitten season is here, and it may bring an adorable addition to your home— what’s cuter, after all, than a baby cat? However, the season also brings its downside—the annual additions to the unwanted-kitten population. And unwanted kittens soon become stray cats, of which there are as many as 40 million in the United States.

How can you help?

Visit your local shelter and adopt a cat or kitten. Adoption frees food, funds and space for the many kittens that shelters get this time of year. Adoption of adult cats results in the same benefits. “Typically, adult cats are often overlooked by potential adopters when cute kittens are in

abundance,” remarked the Humane Society of the United States.

Spay or neuter your kitten to prevent overpopulation. “Every year, millions of cats and dogs of all ages and breeds are euthanized or suffer as strays,” according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Kittens can conceive at as early as five months—spaying or neutering before then also most effectively prevents heat cycles, urine infections, breast cancer in females and testicular cancer in males. Neutering may keep males from acting out in general.

Take in a motherless stray. If you’re certain a stray kitten’s mom is gone and not merely hiding or

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searching for food, then feel free to care for the kitten. Otherwise, contact your local feral cat rescue group for details on trapping a feral cat family. “If the mother does come back, keep in mind that her care is best for the kittens [and that] they should remain with her until they’re weaned,” according to Alley Cat Allies, the stray and feral cat advocate organization. Upon taking in the kitten, contact a local veterinarian for details on feeding, cleaning, warming, litterbox training, vaccinating and comforting him or her. Meanwhile, visit the National Cat Protection Society (NATCAT) office at 9031 Birch St. in Spring Valley. Open Tuesdays through Sundays from noon to 4:30, this resource provides low-cost spay and neuter referrals and can help with questions regarding cat overpopulation and adoption. NATCAT will hold an open house and fundraiser on Sunday, June 5, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. featuring facility tours, a silent auction, raffle prizes and food. Admission is free, and proceeds will go toward the animals’ care. For more information, e-mail springvalley@natcat.org or call 619-469-8771.

Croiss-omelette with spinach, leek, yellow pepper and mozPhoto by Claire Harlin zarella cheese. By CLAIRE HARLIN | SAN DIEGO PETS

Seems crazy, but eggs (in moderation) can be highly digestible and really good for cats, especially those who suffer from “fat cat syndrome” and need to add some protein to their diet to lose a little weight. According to a study by Washington State University college of veterinary medicine, proteins with high biologic value can be readily converted to body proteins with minimal waste production, and eggs have the highest biologic value of any other proteins—even vegetable proteins. On top of that, the numerous health benefits of olive oil have been coming to light (good olive oil, that is; a number of manufacturers claim their oil is extra-virgin when it is not!), and it can make a pet’s coat shinier. That being said, I’ve adapted one of my favorite original (as in I made it up myself) breakfast recipes to suit both kitty and his or her personal chef.

For person: The croiss-omelette What you’ll need: A croissant, three big eggs, diced veggies of your choice (optional), enough olive oil to coat the pan, your favorite cheese (also optional) and salt and pepper to taste. Heat oil in a medium-heat pan for no more than a minute and scramble the eggs in a separate bowl (some people add a tablespoon of milk, cream or sour cream per egg to make the mixture fuller). Sauté vegetable(s)— onions or leeks, tomatoes, broccoli, peppers, artichokes, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini—your choice. You can also throw in some bacon, sausage or ham. My personal favorite combination is leeks with mushrooms; however, I use whatever is in the fridge. Even left-over Tater Tots would be delicious in this recipe!

(Editor’s note: This is the first in a series of columns geared toward people who want to cook easy, tasty meals for themselves and, on occasion, add dietary excitement to the lives of their pet, whether it be a dog, cat or bird. For recipe ideas or feedback, please e-mail the writer at claireharlin@gmail.com.) Once your add-ins are cooked to your liking, put all the eggs except for a tiny bit (reserved for the cat) in the pan. For the first minute, stir the eggs around so that they start to cook evenly, but once they start to really harden through, leave them alone and let them get nice and done on the bottom. Add salt and pepper. Here’s what makes the omelette the croiss-omelette: Break up the croissant into quarter-size crumbs and spread on top of the eggs, covering every inch. Promptly flip the whole thing so that that the bread is on the bottom. This is tricky, and you may have to slice the eggs down the middle of the pan and make the flip in two parts. Also, make sure there is enough oil still on the bottom of the pan to slightly saturate the croissant, but you don’t need much, because croissants are inherently buttery. Once you’ve got all the bread on the bottom, it will form a nice crust. Put cheese on top, place a lid on the pan, turn the stove to low and cook until done. Make another half-flip or serve as is (cheese on top).

Tip No. 1: A little Sriracha added to some ketchup, a sprinkle of chives or a dollop of sour cream are some nice additions to this meal. Tip No. 2: Ever used a wok to make an omelette? When I was a kid, my dad always cooked eggs in an electric wok, and the small circular size of the pan’s base made a perfect omelette every time. Plus, it was a super-safe way for me (from as early as, age 5) to learn to cook.

Claires's neighbors' cat loves kitty eggs with tuna. Photo by Claire Harlin

For feline: Kitty eggs Throw the rest of the eggs in the pan, no salt or pepper, and cook them all the way through (no raw eggs for kitty!). If you have more than one cat, crack another egg and throw it in. An optional but highly recommended addition is a spoonful of canned tuna, liquid and all. Kitties don’t need cheese, of course, but if your cat is not overweight, then a little won’t hurt—and he or she will love you for it.

Tip No. 1: Dogs will love this recipe too—guaranteed—and eggs are good for canines. In any case, make sure the eggs are very done. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin, a B vitamin. Consumption of avidin can lead to skin and hair problems. Raw eggs may also contain Salmonella. Tip No. 2: This is only a treat to supplement a pet’s normal canned or dry vet-recommended diet. Certain health conditions may require a non-people food diet. Tip No. 3: If you are concerned about weight gain for you or your pet, just use egg whites!

Claire Harlin is the proud owner of a cat and a parrot, the daughter of a veterinarian and a total cooking addict. She is also a regular writer for San Diego Pets magazine and the editor of La Jolla Village News.

DINNER FUR TWO

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PET NUTRITION 101

Raw, home-cooked, canned or dry:

What to feed your pet? By SINDI SOMERS | SAN DIEGO PETS

e are our pets’ best advocates. It is therefore important to understand that those we believe to be pet experts aren’t always adequately trained in animal nutrition. This includes veterinarians educated solely in Western medicine. One of the best nutritional choices for your pet is the elimination of kibble. Due to intense cooking and overprocessing, dry kibble loses its nutrients. To remedy this and abide by the Association of American Feed Control Officials dietary requirements, pet food companies must manually replenish vitamins and minerals after processing. Besides diminished nutritional value, one potentially detrimental result from kibble is dehydration. Even if you are adding water to it, kibble is still dry food. It is especially crucial that cats never be fed kibble. Instinctively, felines obtain needed moisture from their food. Although cats may drink water from their bowl, it is likely they will not hydrate sufficiently. Feeding kibble can lead to severe health problems stemming from dehydration and malnutrition. 16

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One myth is that dogs and cats need kibble to maintain dental health. Gnawing on raw bones or other healthful chews is a more effective way to clean teeth. Regular brushing is also an option. If the condition is severe, teeth cleaning performed by a certified professional may be necessary. Our fast-paced society and its stressors can make kibble appealing. Pouring a ready-made meal from a bag is convenient and, depending on the brand, seemingly more affordable than other options. We are what we eat, and the same is true for our companion animals. What you choose to feed today will affect how many trips to the vet you take later on and the quality of life your pet has along the way. Convenience is simply that— convenient. It is not necessarily beneficial or healthy. So what are we supposed to feed if not kibble? Although the acronym may not sound desirable, a Biologically Appropriate Raw Food (BARF) diet is the most nutritious choice. Some may argue that a raw diet is more expensive, but you may even find it doesn’t cost as much as you think. Raw diets may also sound inconvenient. However, some companies produce raw diets that can be found in freezers at pet supply stores. This can not only make raw feeding easier but also take the guesswork out of how much to feed and what needs to be added to create complete meals. Not all commercial raw diets are complete, so as with any food, reading the label and educating yourself is essential. If you don’t go raw, the second in line for optimal nutrition is home cooking for your pet. As with any diet, you need to ensure that your animals are getting all the nutrients, vitamins and minerals they need for their bodies to function properly. It may be necessary to add supplements, including calcium, if bone is not included in the diet. Ranked far below raw and home-cooked meals is canned food. Although it is still highly processed, it is less so than dry food. It also has moisture and won’t be dehydrating, like kibble. If you do go for canned, choose those with the highest quality ingredients possible. Hard-to-digest wheat, soy and corn derivatives should be avoided. Unless there is a diagnosed medical need to feed otherwise, I recommend recipes in which a viable meat source is listed as the first ingredient. Cats are complete carnivores, and dogs are not far behind. Because of this, cats and dogs should never be raised as vegetarians or vegans regardless of your personal dietary preferences. It is harmful and, in my opinion, inhumane to deprive dogs and cats of a meat-based diet. It is important to educate yourself on what a species-appropriate diet consists of and use the information to help make the most beneficial choices for your pets. Sindi Somers, of Wild and Tame Wellness and Communications, encourages a holistic approach to pet care. In addition to pet nutrition, behavior and training consultations, Sindi is an animal communicator and offers psychic readings and energy healings for wild and tame animals as well as for people. She welcomes your e-mails at sindi@wildtame.com and can also be reached at 619384-0761. Visit Sindi online at wildtame.com.

(Compiled from news reports)

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Chula Vista’s Pet Physical Therapy Center:

good for what ails ‘em Physical therapy might not be the first thought that runs through a pet owner’s mind when the animal is in pain—the image of an animal running on an underwater treadmill or undergoing acupuncture treatments might seem laughable at the time. But the benefits pets receive from these modalities are real. Animal physical therapy is one of the fastest-growing fields in veterinary medicine. The Pet Physical Therapy Center in Chula Vista uses the most innovative equipment to help heal a variety of conditions. Kazmere, a beautiful Weimaraner, came to us suffering from joint pain; he was having trouble walking and could barely get around the house, let alone fetch or play. After the owner enrolled Kaz in the center’s healing program, he felt like a pup again. The under-

water treadmill offered Kaz a lowimpact, high-resistance workout to safely increase muscle strength and speed recovery. Today, owners treat their pets like family, and family members deserve the best treatment available to ease pain and end suffering. The center’s treatments include stretching and massage, hydrotherapy, rehabilitation and corrective exercises, heat and cryotherapy, acupuncture, lowlevel lasers, pulse magnetic field therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and weight management. The healing programs aren’t just for dogs like Kaz, either. Cats, rabbits and other animals are warmly welcomed. For more information, visit petphysicaltherapysandiego.com or call 619-482-5200.

Search warrant served in Lincoln Park poisoning San Diego Humane Society investigators served a search warrant Monday, April 25, at a mobile home in a trailer park in San Diego’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, where 10 dogs and one cat were fatally poisoned. No suspects have been named and no arrests have been made as authorities continue to gather evidence. On April 16, a woman was reportedly seen giving food or water to dogs in the area in the El Rey Trailer Plaza on 47th Street. Reports of dead or sick dogs surfaced over the next three days. Residents said many of the smaller dogs roam free in the fenced complex. The reward for information leading to an arrest in the case is $5,000. Anyone with information is asked to leave

an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477 or sdcrimestoppers.com.

Military dog memorial dedicated in Encinitas A memorial to military working dogs, said to be the only private working dog tribute site west of the Mississippi River, was unveiled and dedicated April 16 at Encinitas’ Cricket’s Corner Community Dog Park to acknowledge the efforts of the dogs and their handlers. It is the first such memorial in San Diego County and the only private working dog memorial west of the Mississippi River. “The San Diego community has such strong ties to our armed forces, and these magnificent animals sacrifice just

as their human counterparts do,” said Jim Silveira, president of Rancho Coastal Humane Society, which spearheaded the project. “They should be honored for their dedication and commitment to our freedom, and San Diegans should have a place to be able to show that appreciation.” Silveira and humane society supporter Madeleine Pickens came up with the idea after touring Arlington National Cemetery. The $25,000 statue features a lifesize depiction of Chyba, an 11-year-old German shepherd adopted by Pickens and her husband, American financier T. Boone Pickens, following its service with the 95th Military Police Battalion in Germany and Iraq. More information on the memorial can be found at rchumanesociety.org/.

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PET PRESS

CONTINUED FROM Page 17

Balboa Barks raises $32,000 for canine group A Day Of Peace, Love & Canine Companions, held on April 9 in Balboa Park, raised more than $32,000 for Canine Companions for Independence, a nonprofit organization that provides assistance dogs and ongoing support to people with disabilities. This year’s Balboa Barks installment, Canine Companions’ seventh such festival, featured assistance dog demonstrations, a K9 agility playground,

contests and shopping. More than 1,500 attended, along with hundreds of dogs of every size and breed. For more on Canine Companions for Independence, see caninecompanions.org.

Dog group nonprofit hits member milestone Fiesta Island Dog Owners (FIDO), a local nonprofit organization dedicated to the island’s preservation, has announced that its membership roster has topped 8,000. “FIDO began with a small group of dog owners who used Fiesta Island as a place to exercise and enjoy the out-

doors with their dogs,” said Jean Spengel, a local veterinarian leading the movement to maintain a part of the island as a recreational area for dogs and owners. “To see this group grow from a handful of passionate dog lovers to an organization with over 8,000 members is tremendous and indicative of widespread support for FIDO and our mission to preserve Fiesta Island.” FIDO volunteers visit Fiesta Island to speak with dog owners about the importance of protecting the island’s fenced, leash-free area, the only area of its kind in Southern California. Three times a year, FIDO sponsors Fiesta Island beach clean-ups, each drawing well over 100 volunteers. For more information, visit FIDO’s website at fidosd.org or find FIDO on Facebook at facebook.com/FIDOSD.

PETCO Certified Nutrition aids in food choices PETCO, the San Diego-based retailer of pet food and supplies, has launched PETCO Certified Nutrition, a program designed to facilitate choices in food for each pet’s individual needs, with solutions from weight management to allergy sensitivities. As part of PETCO Certified Nutrition, PETCO store associates receive extensive pet nutrition training on an ongoing basis to help assess a pet’s nutritional needs based on a variety of factors, including age, breed, weight, activity level and skin and coat issues. The program also breaks down pet food into three categories—essential, advanced and natural nutrition— after products have passed program checklists. The Association for Pet Obesity Prevention estimates that 89 million U.S. dogs and cats are overweight or obese. For more information on the PETCO Certified Nutrition Checklists and food categories visit petco.com/certified.

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(Send your news reports to Press@SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com)

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Olympic snowboarder urges Japan rescue support The reigning U.S. Open snowboarding champion has announced his support for a Japanese animal rescue group in the wake of earthquake and tsunami that hit East Japan last month. Kazuhiro Kokubo, who won his second consecutive halfpipe championship in March at the Burton, Vt. U.S. Open of Snowboarding, said he celebrated his victory by boarding down the center of the halfpipe while saying a prayer for his native country. Kokubo, 22, was born in Hokkaido, about 500 miles from the quake’s epicenter. About 15,000 quake-related deaths have been confirmed. “I was speechless,” Kokubo said of the disaster, “and for the first time since I was a kid, I sat and cried as we watched the news reports. I knew immediately that I wanted to help my country and, like so many people, didn’t know how. My main focus was not on winning or the competition itself at that point but just getting the day over with and being with my wife, who was flying to California from Japan.” Kokubo’s online search revealed information on the group Japanese Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support (JEARS). “JEARS is about action first, paperwork later, and that appealed to me,” he said.

Pictured is JEARS supporter and Olympic snowboarder Kazuhiro (Kazu) Kokubo, his wife, Tomoe, and their dogs, Paco and Gomao at their home in Ishikari, Japan on the northern island of Hokkaido.

“We are very pleased to welcome Kazu to the JEARS team, and we were inspired by the immediate action he took in finding a cause and wanting to immediately start helping,” David Wybenga, JEARS co-founder. “With his celebrity as a phenomenal athlete, unique spirit and determination, Kazu will be a tremendous asset to helping the animals and their owners affected by the disaster in Japan.” For more information, please visit jears.org or Facebook.com/AnimalRescueJapan.

Helping the animals of Japan Nearly everyone has seen the heartrending videos out of Japan showing earthquake and tsunami devastation, such as the YouTube entry (bit.ly/eHl18G) on the faithful dog refusing to leave its injured friend. More than a month after the disasters, animals still need our help. Rescue organizations are working overtime to save displaced animals, including many left starving in the restricted evacuation zone surrounding the Fukushima nuclear

Kazuhiro Kokubo, who won his second consecutive halfpipe championship in March at the Burton, Vt. U.S. Open of Snowboarding, said he celebrated his victory by boarding down the center of the halfpipe while saying a prayer for his native country.

By NICOLE SOURS LARSON | SAN DIEGO PETS

plant. These groups urgently need additional resources to help rescue and care for orphaned pets. Many rescuers are pooling resources for maximum impact. Three groups—Heart-Tokushima, Japan Cat Network and Animal Friends Niigata—have joined to form Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue and Support (JEARS). The website is jears.org, through which you can make a tax-deductible donation and track current rescue efforts. U.S.-based nonprofit World Vets

has had teams in Japan since soon after the April 7 disaster. The group is working with JEARS and offers updates through its website, worldvets.org (click on “Japan animal disaster relief”), where you can also donate. The International Fund for Animal Welfare, ifaw.org, offers current information and needs financial support for Japanese efforts. Visit lifewithdogs.tv and lifewithcats.tv for updates, video and links (search on “Japan”).

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PET PRESS

PETCOs Meet the critters event celebrates five unique companion animals For many people, the perfect addition to the family may not be a dog or a cat - allergies, time, space and care must always be kept in mind when choosing a pet. To help families make an educated and responsible decision about who the next addition should be, PETCO™ invites the public to their Meet the Critters event May 7-8 2011 from 1-2 pm. The free, family-friendly event will showcase five unique animals that are fun pet alternatives: chinchillas, red ear sliders, ball pythons, rats, and conures. The Meet the Critters meet-and-greet will educate guests on each animal’s behavior, diet, habitat and care. In addition, guests are invited to interact with the animals under the supervision of one of PETCO’s trained specialists. Attendees will learn fun facts about each animal including: Chinchilla: The chinchilla’s fur is considered the softest in the world; 30 times softer than human hair with double the hairs per follicle. Even though they bathe in dust they do not have dander so they are a great addition to a family who might be allergic to other small animals. Red Ear Sliders: Although this companion resides in a glass habitat or pond, these turtles are very social creatures and even come to the glass to greet you. These cold-blooded animals like to bask in the summer or burrow their heads and hibernate during winter months. Recognized by the red markings on the side of their heads, they can live more than 25 years and grow to over 10 inches. Ball Python: The Ball Python, also known as the “royal python”, gets its name because royalty used to wear them as jewelry. Their beautiful colors and exceptional patterns, such as spider and pinstripe, make then a quite a beautiful addition to a home ready for a pet that could grow to be 4-5 feet long. Rat: The highly intelligent and loyal animals are one of the most under-rated small pets. They come in a wide variety of types including hairless, dumbo (because of their large ears) and Siamese, which adds to their wide appeal for a family looking for a small animal pet. Conure: These birds make the perfect pet with their playful, affectionate and friendly personalities. They can also become longtime companions because some live for over 30 years. They thrive on human interaction and fun toys that will satiate their curiosity. For your nearest PETCO location or for more information you can visit: www.petco.com/critters 20

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PetSafe puts up $100,000 in dog park contest PetSafe, the Knoxville, Tenn. manufacturer of safety-oriented products for dogs and cats, has announced the launch of “Bark for Your Park,” a national contest through which one city will be awarded $100,000 for a local dog park. The announcement was made in March at the International Association of Canine Professionals conference and trade show in San Diego. PetSafe encourages community members to partner with local officials, animal shelters and welfare groups, animal professionals and pet owners to best demonstrate the city’s enthusiasm and dedication to its pet community. Portions of the contest involve visits to PetSafe’s Internet site and input on support for the park. Entires must be submitted online by June 1; the winning city will be announced August 8. For more information, visit barkforyourpark.com.

Embedded video marks educational breakthrough Joe Camp was reluctant to switch over. His wife hammered him for months. "I have the books I'm reading with me at all times on the Kindle app on my phone," she would say. Camp would counter, "I prefer turning pages." One day, Kathleen showed him a video embedded in the book she was reading, and Joe Camp became a believer. Camp, creator of the canine superstar Benji and director of the five Benji movies, has spent most of his life using his storytelling talent to teach us about animals, first dogs and then horses. "When the notion hit me that we could take our books about horse and dog behavior and embed videos

MAY 2011 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com

demonstrating and defining what the book is talking about, well, it snapped me to attention immediately. It's the best of both worlds!” Camp said. Camp is the author of the bestseller The Soul of a Horse—Life Lessons from the Herd. His two new releases, The Soul of a Horse Blogged—the Journey Continues and The Benji Method—Teach Your Dog to Do What Benji Does in the Movies, are full of embedded video and resource links. Every lesson in The Benji Method has a video of Benji and Camp demonstrating the lesson. The book features more than 90 minutes of video. For more on Joe Camp and his books and movies, visit thesoulofahorse.com

SD Dachshund Club marks 60 years’ service The San Diego Dachshund Club, a nonprofit organization of more than 400 members and the second largest dachshund club in the United States, has marked 60 years of events and service to dachshunds and their owners throughout Southern California. The club, founded in 1951, hosts dachshund specialty shows and offers monthly meetings that include talks and demonstrations on health, safety, training, competitions and the rescue and placement of dogs in need. The members donate money from fundraising events to dachshund rescue and local humane societies. Several times a year, the club offers Meet the Breed events and hosts two annual picnics, such as the Hallo-Wiener event in Balboa Park in October, which features a dachshund costume parade. For more information, visit sddc.us.

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Choosing the best diet for your rabbit companion If you have a rabbit then you know by now they have a ‘sweet tooth.’ Like children, rabbits will gravitate toward any food that’s sweet, and with their cute little faces begging for a treat, it’s easy to give in and reward their antics with a yogurt drop or piece of banana. Rabbits cannot make healthy food choices for themselves so it’s up to you to make sure they get a diet that will help them live their expected lifespan of 10 to 12 years. In the wild, rabbits pick and choose, browsing through leaves, shoots, grasses and barks, to make the best diet choices. In a domesticated environment, they depend solely on us to provide them with food; we need to make smart choices on their behalf. The best diet for a rabbit is a simple one. Unlimited fresh grass hays, a limited portion of high-quality plain rabbit pellets (no dried fruits, seeds or nuts) and a good portion of greens every day. This provides them with a well-rounded diet that should keep them at a good weight and ward off chronic problems of the digestive tract. Depending on your rabbit’s age and (normal) weight, a pelleted food can provide essential daily minerals and vitamins. However, if your rabbit is obese you will have to cut way back on pellets or eliminate them entirely. House Rabbit Society recommends, in general, the following guidelines on feeding pellets. Limit the quantity of pellets you give your rabbit; a young bunny, under 8 months of age, can eat an unlimited amount of alfalfa-based pellets as they grow into their normal weight and size. Once they reach this point, switch them over to a measured portion of timothy- based pellets to maintain a healthy weight. An adult rabbit at its full size (this will depend upon breed) can get the following daily amounts: 3 to 5lbs – 1/8 cup, 5 to 8 lbs – 1/4 cup, 8 to 12 lbs – 1/2 cup and over 12 lbs – 3/4 cup. These guidelines are meant to be just that; general guidelines. You should always work

with your vet to determine your rabbit’s individual needs based on his age, current weight, and any chronic health issues. So, what about that cute begging trick that little Hopper uses on you? You want to reward him with a treat but what is best? Treats should always be given in very small portions and infrequently throughout the week. Make sure that treats are not a regular part of your rabbit’s diet, but what they are intended to be; a special treat. Sticking to fresh items a sprig of mint, cilantro, or other herb is best. A small bit of fresh fruit is another option. Give a piece of apple, pear, or a cranberry (try the fresh ones when they come in season) or a blueberry. Steer clear of fruits with concentrated sweetness; dried fruits and those such as grapes or banana. You don’t want to have your rabbits get used to these very sweet items and eat them to the exclusion of healthy foods. Another healthier choice is a haybased cookie; a little, tiny, bunny

cookie hand-made with nutritious ingredients. My bunnies’ favorites are Tigertail Treats and Critter Cookies. You can find these healthier alternatives at the HRS Bunny Store, a great location to purchase supplies, pellets and healthy treats for your bunny friend. To be honest, if you’re browsing the Internet looking for diet advice you’re going to find a lot of conflicting information. But think of it like this. The House Rabbit Society’s goal is for your rabbit to live to the full capacity of his life – 10 to 12 years. For the past 25 years we’ve been studying rabbits closely, and have personally cared for nearly 30,000 rabbits. We’ve developed our feeding guidelines based on information we’ve learned from our vets, from nutritionists, and from the rabbits themselves. We’ve tinkered with diets to decrease obesity, and to help put on weight in older or ill rabbits. We don’t take this lightly and work very hard to make the best recommendations possible when we get diet questions from the public. You can learn more about healthy diets for house rabbits on HRS websites www.sandiegorabbits.org and www.rabbit.org. Be sure you share what you’ve learned with your vet so he or she can work with you to tailor the best diet for your bunny. ~ Judith Pierce, San Diego House Rabbit Society

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MEET THE AUTHOR

‘America’s veterinarian’ dishes the dirt on your dog B y K E N D R A H A RT M A N N | S A N D I E G O P E T S

o to your nearest pet supply store and make your way to the library section. There, you’ll find everything from breed-specific guides to training manuals to how to get your dog to perform parlor tricks. The selection, in fact, can be a little overwhelming. That’s why, when Marty Becker decided to put out a new book about dogs and the people that own them, he wanted to make sure it didn’t get lost in the mix. “America’s veterinarian,” as Becker has been dubbed due to his regular appearances on ABC’s Good Morning America for almost 15 years and, more recently, on The Dr. Oz Show (seen locally on Ch. 5 at 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily), set out to create an easy, one-stop reference for new and existing pet owners, with his own familiar, down-home attitude thrown in. As a 30-year industry veteran, Becker said he is often asked the same questions over and over and has repeatedly encountered many of the same issues from different patients over the years. With that in mind, he said, he wanted to write a book that would answer basic questions, provide little-known tricks for pet health and happiness and offer simple solutions that, in general, would turn our beloved pets into “furry fountains of youth.” San Diego Pets had the chance to catch up with Becker between Dr. Oz tapings to chat about his new book, Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual, which he is promoting while on a bus tour of the country. Here’s what the good doctor had to say.

San Diego Pets: Why did you write this book? Marty Becker: Well, my own bookshelves are sagging, and looking at them, one would think, “What do you need another how-to book for?” So I wanted to approach it by asking, “What are the things that a lot of people don’t know about that can save you time or money by avoiding vet visits?” I started out with that in mind, and with the great team I had, we did a lot of research and found so many unique and heartwarming stories and ideas along the way. We came across a lot of things that even seasoned vets heard and said, “I didn’t know that!” In the end, we wanted to include specific recommendations about owning a pet that are easy to read and offer easy solutions, like daily dental care and other small acts that can help your pet live up to 30 percent longer. SDP: What would you say is the number one mistake pet owners make when they bring home a new addition to the household? MB: Just not addressing your pet’s needs from the get-go. For example, many people don’t know that a long-haired dog with short-clipped fur is actually the dog that’s going to shed the least. If shedding is one of your top concerns before you get a new dog, those are things you should look into.

Vets will work with clients SDP: What kind of advice do you give to people during tough economic times, when even the family pet is feeling the purse strings tighten? MB: I’ve heard many stories about people who diagnose their pets online. I actually want clients to look online and be informed, but the pet can often be wrongly diagnosed when that happens. That means we still need the experts. My philosophy is that you should be able to save money without short-changing the pet. I myself practice some cost-saving techniques. The thing about veterinary medicine is that there’s usually a period of grace where it’s much less expensive and easier to treat whatever your pet’s issue is. And there are things that can be done to avoid going to the vet quite so often, like more frequent bathing, for example. In the end, you have to keep [the] pet’s interest in the forefront, and if you talk to your vet about your budget, they’ll work with you. SDP: In cities like San Diego, though there are plenty of single-family homes, there are also a lot of apartments and apart-

MAY 2011 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com

ment-style living situations. What would you suggest for someone looking for a dog in that type of setting? MB: People always think that it’s better not to have a pet if they can’t be home with it all the time or have a huge yard. I always ask, “Would a dog rather be in a cage in a shelter 24 hours a day or in an apartment with someone for 7 hours a day?” There are simple solutions to leaving your pet at home, like professional dog walkers. Your pet is not going to be mad at you for doing what you have to do to make a living. You’re never going to come home and find the dog’s suitcase is packed. You will never lose the unconditional love of a pet.

Purebreds come recommended SDP: Do you have a favorite breed of dog? What pets do you have right now? MB: My favorite breed is a mixed breed. It’s like a mixed drink—and the great thing is you can actually find out what the cocktail is made of now with tests that are available. And I love that it doesn’t look like anyone else’s dog. I encourage people to get a purebred if they think it’s a good match for what they want in a dog, but I just warn people to never buy from a pet store or puppy mill. Work with a vet and find a good breeder. A good breeder will pour so much love into these dogs, and it will show. Right now, my wife and I have an adorable little cocktail dog named Quora, a golden retriever named Shakira, a lab/pitbull mix named Gracie, four barn cats and three quarterhorses. Dr. Marty Becker will be at the Petco outlet at 154 Encinitas Blvd. in Encinitas between 1 and 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 1, to sign and discuss Your Dog: The Owner’s Manual.

EVENTS D FIRS PLAC T E!

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MAY Saturday, May 7

Annual Pug Party From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Del Mar Fairgrounds Infield Pavilion area. Vendors, Unique Pug Boutique, food, prizes and the Annual Pug Contest. pugsandiego.com Saturday, May 7

Barkin’ Beach Bash

Hottest dog named at Harrah’s Mirror, Mirror on the Wall Who is the Hottest Dog of All? It was a dog’s world at Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort on April 17th as 26 dogs battled it out for the chance to be crowned San Diego County’s “Hottest Dog”. The contest took place as a charity fundraiser benefiting the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA, sponsored by Pink’s Hot Dogs (no pun intended). The contest consisted of three categories: Costume, Personality and Walk and there was no shortage of creativity when it came to costumes. A hot pink and purple Poodle named China, dyed by owner Holly Pharris, was a tribute of sorts to the sponsor Pink’s Hot Dogs. China took third place but Pharris’ second dog Tofu, a miniature white poodle dyed to resemble a panda, took home the “Hottest Dog” title and 1st Place honors. Tofu’s owner Holly Pharris was awarded an overnight stay at Harrah’s Rincon Casino & Resort, dinner for four at Pink’s Hot Dogs at Harrah’s Rincon, $100 in Petco gift cards, and a trophy to commemorate the victory. Also, strutting the runway in a banana costume with a stuffed monkey backpack, bulldog Buttercup and owner Genevieve Macaraeg, scored 5th Place.

Crown Point Shores, Mission Bay You and your furry friends will have a tail-waggin' good time as we walk to celebrate our love of animals and raise funds to ensure that pets throughout San Diego receive the care they so deserve. Festivities will include a three-quarter-mile walk, vendors, tasty food and more! sdhumane.org

SoCal Surf Doggies, Mark your calendars Sunday, May 8 9 a.m. to Noon at Dog Beach-Del Mar, SoCal Surf Dog Practice Sunday, May 15 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Dog Beach-Del Mar, SoCal Surf Dog Luau. It’s a casual get together to meet old and new friends, catch on the latest news and just have a good time before the crazy summer Dog Surfing season begins. Bring a dish to share! Bring your own Dog, Chair, Surfboard, Drinks, Umbrella. Saturday, May 28 9 a.m. to Noon at Dog Beach-Del Mar, SoCal Surf Dog Practice Both the practice and the Luau are open to any and everyone! See website for more details! socalsurfdogs.com

Saturday, May 14

11th Annual Pet Day on the Bay

JUNE

Presented by Hornblower Cruises & Events & Helen Woodward Animal Center. Bring a donation of a gently used towel or blanket, and then come aboard Adventure Hornblower, where dogs and their human friends will be treated to a refreshing boat ride, grand vistas, and giveaways guaranteed to get tails wagging. hornblower.com

Saturday June 4

More calendar events online SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com/events

Loews Surf Dog Competition Dunes Park/Beach, 700 Seacoast Drive, Imperial Beach, CA 91932 loewssurfdog.blogspot.com Friday June 10

The Purina Incredible Dog Surf Dog Competition Dog Beach in Ocean Beach. (This competition is by invitation only)

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | MAY 2011

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BOOK REVIEW

The Eleventh Sense: Working out the bugs Simon, one 11year-old schoolkid with a host of adult-size problems, has a special talent—a talent that will eventually aid him in finding his mother’s killer. He KR Johnson talks to bugs (and, for good measure, a dog and a bear); the funny thing is that the bugs talk back. Indeed, animals communicate with us as unceasingly as they do with each other—and in KR Johnson’s compelling tweens novel The Eleventh Sense, that trait is key in pointing Simon toward the life he was meant to live. El Cajon’s Johnson, an educator by trade and a psychology graduate of The University of Redlands, asserted that all living things communicate, adding that animals—who have no say in decisions affecting human enterprise—are disenfranchised by default. Johnson picked bugs as her protagonists “because they’re the lowest life forms in the animal kingdom” and because “I wanted to make the book fun.” So what’s fun about murder, that of Simon’s mom to boot?

“Kids in today’s society,” Johnson explained, “deal with extreme situations all the time. There are gangs, drugs, abuse in the schools and in the homes, and they happen over and over again for so many kids. Kids don’t always see where their real love and support is coming from. They think it has to come from a certain source, like a parent, when there could be somebody else who’s really there for them.” In Simon’s case, that source takes the form of True, his roughhewn stepfather;

Hannah, his mysterious mentor; his spunky younger sister Kyra; and, of course, the animals themselves. All manner of insects and arachnids rally around Simon in his many hours of need, staving off the bullies, helping him discover who his friends are and channeling his energies. “Hannah is Simon’s mentor,” Johnson said, “but the animals are his guides.” There’s infinitely more back-and-forth taking place on Earth than either humans or animals realize. The Eleventh Sense, first entry in a trilogy, has a full set of subplots, well-drawn characters and a sprightly sense of itself in its illustration of this phenomenon, plus a young hero whose bravery takes interspecies communication to the next level. The 345-page novel costs $19.95 and is available through the Internet and from Living Creativity, 8697 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa, CA 91942. Further information is available at TheEleventhSense.com. At 10 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10, Johnson will be featured on Conscious Discussions, a worldwide blogradio program hosted by Lillian Brummet. See blogtalkradio.com/consciousdiscussions for more. —Martin Jones Westlin

Adoptable pets of the month Dolce is a 3-year-old neutered male domestic, short-haired feline, full of fun for everyone! He’s extra-talented with tricks—he can sit, shake paw and stay on command—plus he’s got full litterbox manners. The best part about him is he really lives up to his name—he’s got plenty of adoration and freely gives loving kisses. Adopt Dolce and kiss the good life hello! He is waiting patiently for you at Helen Woodward Animal Center! Dolce’s adoption fee: $75 (plus microchip registration fee) Watch Dolce’s video: youtube.com/watch?v=OlVLzAZyseo Shey is a 3-year-old spayed female Collie blend, a perfect running or hiking partner that will put some pep in your step. Shey knows some basic commands but (with a small refundable deposit) comes with free training by Rob Kuty, of San Diego Pet Training. Fully grown at 55 pounds and best in an active home with people ages 18 years and older, Shey is ready to make your day! Come adopt your new best friend from Helen Woodward Animal Center! Shey’s adoption fee: $100 (plus microchip registration fee) Watch Shey’s video: youtube.com/watch?v=vWiH4XZbkzk&feature=player_embedded

MAY 2011 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com

DOLCE

Helen Woodward Animal Center kennels and cattery OPEN Everyday: Mon-Fri 12 Noon - 6pm; Sat-Sun 11am – 6pm. (adoption applications accepted till 5:45pm)

SHEY

6461 El Apajo Road in Rancho Santa Fe. Call 858-756-4117, Option 1 log onto www.animalcenter.org

Back to

Nature How to walk your cockroach By KR JOHNSON used to live in San Francisco, near Golden Gate Park. I loved to walk through the park in the afternoons, with my long-haired black cat on his leash—yes, his leash. Felix liked it too, especially when we wandered down to the nearby beach and I let him run in the sand and chase seagulls, like some alien life form never before seen on the grass. People would glance at Felix, do a double-take and say to me, “That’s a cat!” So I thought, “What other kinds of critters would it surprise me to see in someone’s home, not to mention on a leash in the park?” Kinkajous, pot-bellied pigs and even foxes can fit the mold in today’s households—but here are some of the weirdest:

is great—they’re low maintenance and easy to feed and care for (some even glow in the dark!). I personally would not walk my cat on the same path with a scorpion, but, hey, to each his own.

The cockroach. A growing number of people keep roaches as pets. A favorite among cockroach keepers is the Madagascar hissing cockroach, which can grow to a whopping 4 and a half inches in length and more than an inch in width. Unlike common household roaches, this unassuming breed is clean and does not smell. It also does not bite, a fortunate quality in a household pet. And, like all roaches, it’s a survivor. I’m just not sure they make leashes that small.

The centipede. Many classrooms are keeping centipedes as classroom pets. “We had a centipede in my third grade classroom,” said Lillian Weiland, now a ninth-grader. “It was cool and different and interesting to watch. The way it moved and what it ate—I always wondered what it was thinking.”

The piranha. Ugh. Don’t you just get a vision of a crazed fish with a mouthful of sharp teeth? Well, the lower jaw does jut, giving this freshwater fish an odd appearance, but unless you are sticking your bare hands into the tank when it’s hungry, it’s just a fish in a tank. Not advisable to take for a walk unless you tote the entire aquarium on a wagon. The scorpion. A scorpion’s stinger cannot be removed without killing the scorpion—so what’s the appeal of having a dangerous and venomous critter crawling on your arm? Yet a bunch of arachnid lovers out there think having a scorpion

The octopus. Actually, octopi are highly intelligent, social and playful creatures and require companionship and toys to stave boredom and depression. So you have a saltwater aquarium big enough to accommodate an octopus? Good, but be sure the lid is securely sealed. Octopi can open almost anything and can survive out of the water for some time. In fact, octopus owners have reported arriving home to find their little eightarmed dickens roaming the house. Perhaps walking the octopus in the park is not that far out of the question after all…

As with cats, dogs, birds or horses, it is really important to make sure your little weirdo is fed a natural diet and has plenty of water and an abundance of living space. (I know my little weirdo rewards me with lots of purring and cuddles, even though she prefers to lounge on my patio. No walking this cat!) Meanwhile, check with local pet shops before making a decision on an exotic pet—some animals (like African lions, flying squirrels and even some frogs) are illegal to keep in California, and you might find out too late that others’ diets and daily habits are a little over the top once you get them home. But pets are pets—and as long as people want exotics, someone out there can likely supply them.

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | MAY 2011

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KIDS CORNER

Send in your coloring page for a chance to see it in our July print edition! Please include the artists name, age and a way to contact you (email or phone). Mail to: San Diego Pets Magazine, P.O. Box 601081, San Diego, CA 92160-1081

MAY 2011 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com

ANIMAL RESOURCES D SERVICES LA JOLLA

Home Buddies by Camp Bow Wow Dog Walking, Pet Sitting & Dog Training Bonded and Insured (619) 889-7767 www.myhomebuddies.com/LaJolla

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

OCEAN BEACH

Pet Emergency & Specialty Center (619) 462-4800 5232 Jackson Drive #105, La Mesa, CA 91942, 7 Days 24 hrs. www.PESCSanDiego.com

Dog Beach Dog Wash

MISSION VALLEY

Do-It-Yourself•Service•Accessories 4933 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107 (619) 523-1700 http://www.dogwash.com

Emergency hospitals BONITA/CHULA VISTA Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of South County (619) 591-4802 885 Canarios Court, #108, Chula Vista, CA 91910 M-F 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sat. Sun. 3:30 pm-8am 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

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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

LIST YOUR BUSINESS FOR AS LITTLE AS $55 A MONTH

We have a spot for you.

(619) 573-5615

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | MAY 2011