PUBLISHER/EDITOR Casey Dean
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Claire Harlin Kendra Hartmann Martin Jones Westlin Sindi Somers
GUEST WRITERS Dr. Stefanie Schwartz K.R. Johnson
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Casey Dean Claire Harlin
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.
/SanDiegoPets San Diego Pets Magazine P.O. BOX 601081 San Diego, Ca 92160-1081 (619) 573-5615 SANDIEGOPETSMAGAZINE.COM www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2011
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Alfred's journey Encinitas family one of many changed by Canine Companions for Independence By CLAIRE HARLIN | SAN DIEGO PETS
LEFT: Alfredo Iglesias and his wife Michelle pose for a photo during their honeymoon in Mexico. RIGHT: Alfredo Iglesias with Jobin, his family’s new service dog trained by CCI. ON THE FRONT COVER: Alfredo and Michelle spend their first day with Jobin. Photos by Claire Harlin
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n the blink of an eye, one's life can change forever. That's what Alfredo and Michelle Iglesias learned the hard way nearly three years ago while on their honeymoon in Mexico. As the young couple waded side-by-side in the ocean, Alfredo dove out into the water, bottoming out and instantaneously suffering a major spinal cord injury that left him paralyzed from the neck down. "The bottom must have gotten shallower instead of deeper as it went out," said Alfredo, now 31. "I rolled my head and instantly ruptured my C-4 vertebrae." In the following months, Alfredo regained limited movement in his arms and was confined to a wheelchair. "I was forced to rely on Michelle for even the simplest things, like brushing my teeth." he said. Alfredo and Michelle have since relocated from Miami to Encinitas to be part of the Carlsbad-based Project Walk rehabilitation program, which focuses specifically on those who have been paralyzed by spinal cord injuries. And as of last month, their loving little family gained a member — who will help both Alfredo and Michelle gain independence. The two were united with Jobin, a black Labrador/golden 6
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retriever mix, on Aug. 12 at the Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) service dog graduation at the organization's Oceanside facility. Alfredo was one of about 20 other people in need who were carefully match by the CCI staff with dogs who posses compatible traits and have been specifically trained to provide a service to their owner. For example, if Alfredo falls forward out of his wheelchair, Jobin is trained to jump into his lap, lifting him back into the chair. Alfredo's fear that he will drop his phone, not being able to call anyone in case of emergency, has also been solved by Jobin's ability to retrieve objects. Michelle has been by Alfredo's side all day every day to help with daily activities such as dressing and eating, but now Jobin will be able to accompany Alfredo, allowing Michelle the opportunity to work or run errands. "Jobin is not only giving him independence, so he won't have to rely on me as much, but I will get some independence too," said 27-year-old Michelle. Before being handed the leash, the couple underwent an extensive two-week program in which they were taught how to properly handle the dog, train and care for the dog,
COVER STORY D as well as how to work together in public. Also during that time, said CCI spokeswoman Katie Malatino, Jobin learned commands that were customized specifically for Alfredo. "Having owned a dog before, I went into the program believing I knew what there was to know," said Alfredo. "But boy was I wrong. I learned a lot and built a lot of respect for these service dogs and trainers. All these dogs go through an extensive program in which only 30 percent of dogs make it through. All the dogs I met during the training were brilliant and well-behaved. They each had a unique person-
ality, but also a common desire to help." Alfredo said Jobin is "one of, if not the smartest dog" he's ever met. The two have become a loving team, and Alfredo said he is extremely thankful for CCI. "They have given me a greater opportunity to regain my independence without asking for anything in return," said Alfredo. "They are an amazing group of people who have gone above and beyond in every aspect." To learn more about CCI, visit www.cci.org. For information about a foundation set up to help Alfredo in his recovery, visit www.alfrediglesias.blogspot.com.
JOHN AND GABY
stant companion for John. "John can't do a lot, but he can care for Gaby," said Candy. "It gives him a sense of accomplishment and, of course, unconditional love." CCI spokeswoman Katie Malatino said she got to know John and Candy with their previous assistance dog while working a CCI event in Palm Springs — John and Candy are very passionate about and active with the organization. "My immediate reaction when I found out they were getting a new assistance dog was 'What a lucky dog!'" said Malatino. "Gaby will be so loved, and I know how much John appreciates having a 24/7 companion by his side."
A service dog trainer hands Gaby over to John and Candy Kieley at Canine Companions for Independence's (CCI) graduation on Aug. 12. Photo by Claire Harlin
John Kieley lost his mobility 22 years ago, and Gaby joined him on Aug. 12 following the extremely difficult loss of his previous service dog of many years, Gobi. Gaby picks things up and opens doors for John, especially using the handicap push plates at the mall, said Candy, John's wife. The two have already developed an unbreakable bond. "The first new command she learned was 'Go to John,'" Candy said. For John, having a canine companion is especially helpful in that the dog draws attention away from John's disability and helps in social situations. "We often encounter that the dog is a great icebreaker and helps people feel more comfortable," said Candy. "When the dog is around it breaks that barrier." More importantly, Gaby will be a con-
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MATT AND BYRD
Matt Cleland is all smiles on Aug. 12 at CCI's canine graduation, where he was united with Byrd, his new service dog. Cleland, 16, has been on waiting
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COVER STORY closely with the Wounded Veterans Initiative, which places assistance dogs with disabled veterans.
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lists with various organizations for three years and was finally placed with a CCI dog to help him with day-to-day difficulties that come with having muscular dystrophy. Byrd was trained by Jan Ford in Santee, Calif. and will help Cleland open and close doors, pick up dropped objects and serve as a companion for many years.
LANCE AND AUGGIE Lance Weir, 39, was recently paired by CCI with Auggie, Lance's second service dog. After Weir, a marine reserve, was injured in a diving accident
BREN AND STEFANO
years ago, he was given his first service dog, which recently retired. Lance's life was impacted so much that he became an employee for CCI after receiving his first dog, and he still serves as a board member for the organization, working
Bren Denney, of Alpine, was paired by CCI with Stefano, who is trained to pull a wheelchair and help his owner in and out of a wheelchair. Last fall, Denney, a Navy serviceman of 22 years, fell and broke both ankles, later losing one leg to an infection. He wears an external fixator to limit movement in his other foot, which he hopes to use again in its full capacity. In the past three years, he has undergone 11 surgeries, and Stefano will help him in more ways than one. The Labrador will keep his owner from having to bend down to pick things up, but Denney said "the biggest thing is happiness and joy." "I can't just sit around all day and feel sorry for myself with him there," he said, adding that he is not the only one who benefits from Stefano. "I take him to church and all the older ladies just love him," said Denney. "He kisses them all and brings a smile to everyone's face. More people can benefit from him than just me."
For more information about CCI, visit their website: www.cci.org
Or call toll free: (800) 572-BARK (2275) 8
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Paws’itiveTeams
Baylee
Barry
Stanley
Autumn
Sachi
Left to Right: Lynne Hiatt, Chris Marckese, Charli King, Alesha Thomas, Rhiannon Ward, Carol Davis and Marcy Piasecki. Carol Davis and her team of volunteer service dog trainers have a tight-knit group. Because they are small and locally focused, they often get together with people who have received a service dog for them, and they organize regular group outings — both for socializing and for continuing to help train Photo by Casey Dean the dogs as a person’s needs change.
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arolyn Peters is fairly aware of what it’s like to live with a disability. She knows how it feels when people stare at her when she brings a service dog into a public place. She knows how it is to have to teach that dog to retrieve things for her and perform tasks based on specific needs. She also knows how things may change as that dog gets older and how she would deal with being responsible for another living creature. She is not, however, disabled. Peters has been volunteering as a service dog trainer with Paws’itive Teams, a local nonprofit service and therapy dog center, for eight years. She has made the minimum two-year commitment to train dogs three separate times, and shows no signs of stopping. “Working with dogs is a wonderful gift,” Peters said. “It has taught me a lot of patience and positive reinforcement in my everyday life.” The commitment to volunteer as a service dog trainer is not one to be taken lightly. Trainers receive the puppies when they 10
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are about seven weeks old, and not until they are at least two years old do they get placed with a person with limited mobility. During those two years, the trainer goes everywhere with the dog. Peters, an athletic trainer at San Diego State University, has taken each of her trainees to work on a regular basis — where they easily make friends with the student athletes that come to her for physical therapy. Peters attempts to show her dogs how to behave in any situation. She takes her dogs-in-training not only to the office and back, but pretty much everywhere she goes, especially places they might go with their future partner. She takes them to the movies, to dinner with friends, to places that offer plenty of distractions (Seaport Village, she said, is a personal favorite — she calls it “the mecca of distraction”). “We try to acclimate the dog as best we can so the applicant can become more comfortable in those environments,” she said. “Because they’re not only dealing with a disability — they suddenly have this animal that depends on them for all their needs.”
PAWS’ITIVE TEAMS D Carol Davis, cofounder of Paws’itive Teams, started the organization as an alternative to big, nationwide training groups. When she and her partner conceived the idea for the organization, they decided they would work with a team of all-volunteer trainers, as opposed to paid trainers. They also decided that they would place the dogs only within San Diego County and that, unlike other groups that use the method of a “puppy trainer” (who works with the puppy for the first few months of its life), they would place a dog with a volunteer from the get-go, so the trainer could get to know the animal from its infancy. “Our volunteers devote so much time, they want to start off right away and build a foundation with the puppy,” Davis said. Once the puppy is placed with a trainer, they take on the responsibility for teaching the animal the necessary behavior for a life led largely in public. Though volunteers set out to train dogs to go into service for people with limited mobility, the dogs may have a different idea. Paws’itive Teams, which offers different opportunities for canines to make use of their skills, can usually find a place for dogs that display behaviors not ideal for service (such as a desire to run or chase small animals). No two dogs Peters has trained have been alike — and all have gone on to serve in equally unique ways. Her first dog, Annie, was a golden doodle (a cross between a golden retriever and a standard poodle). Annie turned out to be the perfect candidate for becoming a
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On Aug. 20, the group met at a UTC bus stop and practiced appropriate public behavior with their Photo by Casey Dean dogs as they rode the bus to UCSD and toured the campus.
facility dog, and she now works with at-risk teens at a high school. Her second dog, Sunny, a golden retriever, displayed signs of stress when doing difficult tasks, so she found her calling helping out a woman who works with disabled primary-age children. The woman, it turns out, also has a daughter who is autistic, so Sunny will play a dual role of facility dog for the disabled children and service dog for her boss’ daughter. She will help create space for the girl, something people with autism often need more of. “We could tell Sunny was stressing when doing difficult tasks,” Peters said. “So, keeping her quality of life in
mind, we didn’t want to force her to become something she wasn’t comfortable with.” Davis said about 60 percent of dogs in training to become service animals actually get placed in that capacity. About 20 or 30 percent of them go on to become facility dogs, where their work is determined by the professional they get placed with. Only about 10 percent, Davis said, get released from the program to become house pets. Those dogs might display behaviors that will not be beneficial in a service capacity. “In a way, it’s like choosing a spouse,”
SEE PAWS’ITIVE, Page 12
Paws’itive Teams trains dogs for service at three different levels: therapy, facility or service dogs The biggest difference — between therapy and service dogs — is the legal right to have access to public places. • THERAPY DOGS DON’T HAVE PUBLIC ACCESS RIGHTS. They are usually personal pets whose owners wish to train to provide a service. They can provide comfort in hospices and hospitals, work in schools with children to help them develop confidence and social skills, or brighten the day of someone living in a nursing home. Paws’itive Teams offers a “Therapy Dog Prep School,” wherein owners and their dogs can learn about different ways they can be of service and will receive training skills to figure out where a particular dog — and its human — might make
the best use of his or her skills. Davis said the prep school doesn’t provide any certification, since different places where therapy dogs are needed often have different standards and needs, and should be contacted directly for certification requirements. • FACILITY DOGS ARE PLACED WITH A PROFESSIONAL AND HELP FACILITATE THAT PROFESSIONAL’S JOB. They may help calm children who have to testify in court, provide comfort and confidence to wounded soldiers and work with speech therapists and counsellors. Paws’itive Teams
certifies dogs to be facility dogs, usually when it becomes clear the dog will not be comfortable as a service dog. Facility dogs have access to the professional settings in which they work. • SERVICE DOGS MEET THE NEEDS OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. Paws’itive Team trains dogs only for people who have limited mobility, and the dogs can perform tasks such as retrieving items dropped out of reach, pulling a wheelchair, opening doors and cupboards, turning lights on and off and helping with balance. Service dogs have full access to all public places.
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PAWS’ITIVE TEAMS
Alesha Thomas, a student at UC San Diego, works with her soon to be Photo by Casey Dean service dog Autumn on campus.
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Davis said. “You have to match the skills and personality of the dog with the lifestyle and needs of the individual. Finding that right match that will maximize what the dog has to offer is very important.” As for Peters, her third dog is taking a different route from her first two. Autumn, a golden retriever/black lab mix, will actually go on to be a service dog. She’ll be placed with Alesha Thomas, a student at UC San Diego who has cerebral palsy. An ideal situation, Peters said, since she’s already comfortable on college campuses due to Peters’ job at SDSU. “That’s the nice thing about Paws’itive Teams,” Peters said. “They’re very active and selective in choosing placement.” Davis confirmed that the organization takes great pains to make sure the partnership between human and service dog will be a successful one. Once an applicant expresses interest in a dog from her team, Davis puts them through several rounds of interviews to make sure the match is good. After a
phone interview, every member of the household must visit Paws’itive Teams’ facilities for a face-to-face interview. Davis then conducts a home visit, where she can decide if the dog’s future environment will be sufficient. The organization is so selective, in fact, they only place about two dogs per year. “One home we visited was too cluttered for a large dog. Another had a roommate that didn’t like dogs,” she said. “We rule people out at all different stages of the process.” Once the dog finally finds its match, the trainer spends about five months working with both dog and person during what is called the “transition training.” Peters is currently in this phase of her training with Autumn, working with Thomas. Once that period is complete, the trainer hands over the leash. Their work, however, is not done. What starts out as a minimum two-year commitment is actually a commitment for the life of the dog (and no trainer, it seems, would have it any differently). Peters is still active in the lives of her first two trainees, working with them and their current human partners to make sure they’re still comfortable with the work they perform. Annie, her first dog, has been diagnosed with bone cancer, and Peters and Davis have both been involved in decisions regarding her treatment and care. With Autumn, Peters suspects she’ll be active in helping Thomas — who is pre-med — equip Autumn with new skills to help her maneuver around labs and other places. “The applicants are very reliant on us for support,” Peters said. “And we’re happy to do it, of course, because of the bond we develop with the dogs.” That bond makes the successful placement of a dog with an applicant a somewhat bittersweet moment. Peters said watching the two develop a bond and grow to love each other still causes her to get “teary eyed.” “There are many people who approach me and say they could never do this because they would get too attached to the dog,” she said. “We definitely bond with them — I mean, they’re this little soul we have with us for 24 hours a day for two or two-and-a-half years. You have to have the mindset of a foster parent. You know it’s not permanent.”
World-class guide dog school has Buddy to thank Sixteen-year-old Morris Frank lost more than his sight in a fight at school in Nashville in 1923—lack of independence, and wholesale frustration, would mark his life for the next four years. He'd eventually hear of dog trainer Dorothy Eustis, who had conducted several successful experiments in Switzerland on the abilities of German Shepherds to act as assistance dogs for blinded World War I veterans. Eventually, he would enlist her help—and in 1927, he and dog Buddy crossed a busy New York street on their own. That marked the beginning of what's known as the largest and best guide-dog school in the world. Since 1929, The Seeing Eye has matched shepherds, retrievers and boxers with more than 15,000 clients, at a cost that has12
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n't increased since 1934. Students pay $150 for a first visit and $50 for each subsequent visit to the Morristown, N.J. facility; the fee includes the price of the dog, the instruction, room and board during the 20 to 27 days the student spends at the school, round-trip transportation from anywhere in the United States or Canada and lifetime follow-up services. No one has ever been turned away for lack of funds. The New York Times ran a lengthy obituary on Buddy upon his death in 1938, citing his place as history's first Seeing Eye dog. His legacy has meant independence for the thousands of owners who have taken their places as members of an ever more demanding society. — Martin Jones Westlin
SUMMER FUN D
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PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS: We asked our Facebook fans to post photos of how they were spending the summer with their pets. Winners recieved the most “likes.” Thanks for your participation!
We love taking our corgi, Liberty, to the beach! She is a true water baby!
Sprinkler Time.
Alely Wright
Jessica Lynette Pritchett
Fostering through the Chula Vista Animal Shelter.
Wendy Mastin Grebbien
Sunbathing FrogDog.
Rebecca Starr
HALLOWEEN PHOTO CONTEST: Post your Halloween themed photos (we know you have them) on our Facebook. Those that can get the most “likes” by September 26 will be published in the October issue. Start by going to www.facebook.com/SanDiegoPets. Please tag your submission(s) with, “#CONTEST.” www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2011
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SEARCH & RESCUE
A dog’s life: working canines hustle to serve 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 Dogs enjoy such a sweet life most of the time in this day and age. They get invited to sleep on owners’ beds or are provided with a plush mattress all to themselves. They get pampered at pet salons, taken on walks by humans hired just for that purpose and often have their own designer wardrobe. In this era of canine overindulgence, it sometimes seems strange to think there are still some dogs out there who earn an honest living—one that requires more than just being cute. San Diego—though not lacking in the pooch-pampering department— has plenty of these hard-working dogs. They come in all shapes, sizes and breeds and they provide any number of services that, while sometimes unnoticed, are ultimately essential. Take Fletch. A black lab/hound dog mix, Fletch works with his human partner, Brent Brainard, for the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department conducting search-and-rescue missions. Fletch and Brainard, a second-generation firefighter and paramedic, use up most of their free time training for various scenarios that might arise. Brainard takes Fletch out at least twice a week for training, during which they may travel all over San Diego and Los Angeles counties practicing rescue efforts in different situations, including locating a person in a pile of rock or wood rubble or in a deep canyon. The job, he said, is not an easy one. “It is such a time commitment to be a part of this,” he said. “Just the training takes so much. I can stop Fletch from 200 yards away and tell him where to go with just hand movements. We get a lot of people who say they want to be a handler, but when they come out and see what it is, they realize it’s not for them.” The training starts with the human partner acting as a victim—an important part, Brainard said, of the process. “In order to learn to be a good handler, you have to learn to be a good victim first,” he said. “When you’re a victim, you start to get a feel for how the dog 14
L-R: Elsie, Tessa and Murphy pose in front of a search helicopter. Elsie is certified as a trailing dog, or one that searches for live bodies. Murphy is certified in both area certification (where the dog searches a wide region and off-leash) and in human remains detection (cadaver retrieval). Tessa, a German shepard, is currently being trained for certification. She showed signs that she wasn’t comCourtesy Photo fortable trailing, and is now being trained for human remains detection. moves, how he alerts. You start to get a mental picture of how they move.” Brainard worked with trainers from the National Disaster Search Dog Foundation for a year and a half before Fletch—who is trained to detect live bodies, not cadavers—was officially placed with him. The pair go almost everywhere together. If Brainard, who also works with Task Force 8, an urban search and rescue team that can be deployed at any time to disasters anywhere in the world, goes on vacation, Fletch usually does too. This is because they both
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have to be prepared to deploy at any time should a disaster occur. Fletch and other working dogs like him don’t always lead lives similar to the ones led by regular pets. Training is of utmost importance and, as Brainard said, it’s imperative the dogs understand what their job is. “We put so much weight on these dogs,” he said. “In the aftermath of 9/11, when dogs went in and didn’t detect any live bodies, the search teams stopped looking. That’s how much of a burden they have on them. We have to make sure their entire focus is on the
SEARCH & RESCUE D search. We can’t risk that they might think, ‘playing with this toy is more fun than searching.’” That said, Brainard pointed out that every dog is different. One canine in the fire-rescue department runs free through the stations and has no problem focusing when it comes time to work. Others, he said, need strict kennelling and other limitations in order to do their job efficiently. Other working dogs have a bit less pressure on them. Dalece Carson, a volunteer with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue (SAR) Unit, has worked with canine partners in rescue efforts for 14 years. Her commitment to train her dogs (she currently has three— Murphy, Elsie and Tessa) is also an impressive undertaking. Those who choose to join the team in the K9 unit must train with their dogs for two years before they can be certified for duty. After that, they go out—much like Brainard and his team—for regular weekly training sessions to continue the learning process.
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When you see those families that are hurting so much, and you see how much they appreciate the work you’re doing, it’s all worth it” The difference between Fletch and Carson’s dogs (apart from public access rights—Fletch has full access rights, while volunteer dogs like Carson’s only have certain rights and only when they’re on official business) is that Murphy, Elsie and Tessa aren’t making or breaking a career with their rescue efforts. Though Carson’s training involves many of the same tasks as Fletch’s does, and though she takes their training quite seriously, they— simply put—don’t have the added pressure of being part of a team that gets paid for a job in which the sole focus is on what they might do in a disaster. For Carson, the payoff is in the looks
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she sees on the faces of family members when she’s out searching for one of their loved ones. “When you see those families that are hurting so much, and you see how much they appreciate the work you’re doing, it’s all worth it,” she said. “You realize you’re really helping someone.” Brainard, whose father also had a K9 partner in the fire department and who grew up with a working dog in the household, has similar reasons for doing what he does. “All of us handlers love doing what we do,” he said. “We’re not in it for the money. We’re a close-knit group that loves helping people. We demand a lot from each other.” The kicker, he said, is that the learning never stops. “I still learn something new every time I go out to train with Fletch,” he said. “One of our running jokes is that you don’t train the dog, the dog trains you. When the dog’s behavior changes slightly, we don’t look to the dog. The first question we ask is what we changed.”
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CATS
The real master of the house By K.R. JOHNSON | GUEST COLUMN I laughed out loud when my friend Brian said, “We adopted two kittens at the shelter, and now we’re training them.” “You’ve never had cats before, have you?” I replied. “No… .” The eyebrow raised quizzically, and Brian’s blue eyes reflected something between curiosity and dread. “Well, you are about to discover that you and Melanie are the ones being trained.” “They’re only 8 weeks old!” I just smiled. Again. Thus began Brian’s dissertation on why I was wrong. “No, they aren’t allowed on the furniture. They have to sleep in the laundry room. And I’m the boss of the house.” (Me—laughing out loud.) As a lifetime cat person (not “cat owner”; any cat person will tell you that we do not own our cats), I’m here to tell you that cats are extremely good at training. My Coco came to me after she appeared on the doorstep of my friend Shondra in Big Bear, apparently lost or dumped by some schmuck. Shondra took
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her in but couldn’t keep her due to the behavior of her two Jack Russell terriers, which didn’t want to share their person with a cat. So I got a phone call, and then, one summer evening, I got Coco. The cat training began at first light. Coco
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walks on me until I wake up and get out of bed. She escorts me downstairs to the slider door so I can let her out for her morning constitutional /patio patrol. Then I get a break of, oh, about 30 seconds until she meows to come in. She escorts me to the kitchen for her breakfast. After that, she wants to be brushed (a must for all longhaired cats to guard against matted fur), and then my little Coconut wants to play/frisk/race around the house. Then she settles in for her morning bath/nap. Woe to me if I dare pet her during her bath! It took about one week for Coco to train me to this routine. She gave me a C+ and called me a slow learner. And Brian? I ran into him a couple weeks ago at the pet store. “How’s the cat training going?” I asked. “I have the flu, but I had to come here to get cat food,” he grumbled. Training complete. KR Johnson is an author,speaker, and Improv performer. Check out her website at www.LivingCreativity.com and send her an email !
Behavior Bytes Stefanie Schwartz, DVM Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists California Veterinary Specialists Carlsbad, CA (760) 431-2273
Dear Dr. Schwartz, My late sister had a service dog who helped her when she had an impending seizure. Glory is a five year old Australian Sheepdog who came to live with me when my sister died this past spring. Her epilepsy was barely controlled with many medications and she died of a heart attack, we assume during a seizure. Neighbors called me when they heard Glory barking and howling for over an hour; we arrived as soon as we could and found Glory trembling uncontrollably by my sister’s body. It was horrible. Since then, Glory seems to be withdrawn. She eats fairly well with coaxing, but she has lost her spark. She paces up and down, and seems to startle at little noises that never bothered her before. She is not sleeping well either, and whimpers a lot during her dreams. Please help my sister’s best friend recover… Glory Days
Dear Glory Days, Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a possible consequence in people and dogs who experience traumatic, life altering events. Glory was witness to your sister’s final seizure, from which she never returned. Service dogs are uniquely bonded and attentive to their owners. They cue in on their predictable routine, facial expressions and motion, and body chemistry, too. All of these things change in a serious seizure event, but body chemistry changes dramatically in death. Glory must have known that was not just another seizure. We can only imagine Glory’s horror. She was not only traumatized by this final departure but is also suffering from your sister’s absence. People ex-
perience grief when a loved one dies; so do our pets. They don’t need to understand the concept of death to react emotionally to the absence of someone they love. Glory is stuck in a pathological form of grief, complicated with PTSD. She is in pain, and deserves immediate relief. Please call me so that we can talk about improving her quality of life. Psychoactive medications are often helpful to chemically recalibrate the brain’s biochemistry so that she will emerge from the shadows of bad memories and enjoy her new life with you. Your sister would have taken great comfort in knowing that Glory will see better days.
Dear Dr. Schwartz, I am wheelchair bound since suffering spinal cord injury in a car crash when I was seventeen years old. I have limited movement in my arms and live at home with my parents, who both work. My cat Sparkie is great company, but he is a rascal. He races around the house like a tornado and hurls himself off the furniture. He sleeps curled up in my lap in the afternoon and stays next to me in bed when I sleep. Before my folks come home, I like to watch TV and that’s when it happens. Sparkie goes on the prowl and I’m his prey. He will slink steadily toward me and then pounce on my legs or jump on me and nip. He’s biting harder these days and I’m really afraid my parents will make me give him up. I love this cat; he makes me smile even on bad days. Please help? Sparkie’s Pal
Dear Sparkie’s Pal, From what you tell me, Sparkie is a smart, playful boy looking to rumble. Because you are confined to your wheelchair, you are an easy target for his mischief and his only playmate as well. Solitary young male cats are more frequently associated with rough play that can evolve into territorial and dominance aggression that can cause injuries. We know that he will begin his play attacks at predictable times in his daily routine, so let’s shake it up a bit. Before you settle in to watch TV, play with him first. He’s an action boy that needs action toys. You can hang stuffed toys with string from your wheelchair to entice him to chase these objects while you move or even reach down to swing them around for him while you remain stationary. Keep a laser pointer around your neck or in an easy to reach place so that you get him to chase it at a safe distance. Keep him going for as long as you can and he won’t need to use you for target practice! 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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Interesting Facts and Essential Care Tips for Bearded Dragon Caregivers By SINDI SOMERS | SAN DIEGO PETS “It takes a lot of time and there is a significant cost to care for a Beardie,“ according to Dr. Jeffrey R. Jenkins, DVM, founder of the Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital in San Diego. Jenkins is an exotic animal veterinarian, which he explains is one that practices on "non-conventional" pets. This includes lizards, snakes, turtles, birds, rabbits, mice, hamsters, guinea pigs, ferrets, arachnids, marsupials and primates. Although cold blooded Beardies can overheat, Dr. Jenkins has found that “most of their problems arise from being too cold.“ Because “their temperature always reflects their environmental temperature, owners must carefully monitor the environment’s temperature.” Besides harmful temperature imbalances, Dr. Jenkins said, “other common health problems include metabolic bone disease (MBD) from lack of heat, calcium in the diet and lack of exposure to UV-B/sun light, wounds from fighting with each other, dog and cat bites, intestinal parasites and pneumonia.” Beardies can also get viral diseases. “Lethargy and anorexia are the most common signs of illness the owner notices.“ Other symptoms include, “going too long without shedding, diarrhea, nasal discharge and regurgitation of food.“ Proper sanitation is helpful in reducing chance of illness. Dr. Jenkins says, “Sand should be scooped daily.” Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital veterinarian,
Dr. Jane Stout also recommends daily “spot cleaning,“ as well as a full cage cleaning a minimum of once per month.“ Handlers should wash their hands with soap and warm water after handling the lizard, cleaning the cage and feeding. Proper diet is essential. It includes varying amounts of plant materials and insects. Their specific menu changes depending on what age and stage of life the Beardie is in. Dr. Jenkins says that “the hard exoskeleton of many insects
fed to lizards are not digestible. This includes the large jumping legs and wings of adult crickets and the exoskeleton of meal worms.” Dr Jenkins also recommends having, “water in their bowl all the time and spray (Beardie) with water twice daily.” Christine Hancock, Senior Veterinary Technician (SVT) at the Avian & Exotic Animal Hospital has written several helpful articles that are available on their website, including one on Bearded Dragon care. www.drexotic.com
In addition to writing for San Diego Pets Magazine, Sindi is an animal communicator, energy healer and reader for people and pets. She also offers pet nutrition, behavior and training consultations and teaches meditation to people. Sindi welcomes your emails at sindi@wildtame.com and calls 619-384-0761. Visit her online at www.wildtame.com. Sindi will be offering readings for people and pets at the following public events. Please note that companion animals do not have to be present to receive a reading. Friends of Cats 82nd Open House 15587 Olde Hwy 80, El Cajon Saturday, Sept. 24, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to Friends of Cats. www.friendsofcats.org
Pugtober Fest 6977 Temple Terrace, San Diego Saturday, Sept. 24, 2 - 5 p.m. Proceeds will be donated to Pug Rescue San Diego www.pugsandiego.com
Doggie Café SDHS 5500 Gaines St., San Diego Friday, Sept. 30, 6 - 8 p.m. A reading is included with the $10 suggested donation for event. There are only 20 time slots for readings. www.sdhumane.org
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PET PRESS
Super smiley—therapy dog Super Smiley, the giant mutt who inspired The Super Smiley Flash Mob 4 Pet Adoption Tour, danced in San Diego at the National Dog Party Event, and his first official therapy dog visit revealed a healing energy not only for the people he visited, but also for his person, Megan Blake, actress and pet lifestyle coach. Megan's mother, Sarah, lived her last six months at Camden Place in NC
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with Megan by her side. Sarah was set to recover and return home, but in September, the tide turned and Sarah passed. After her passing, Smiley came to Camden Place to help. He comforted Sarah’s friends with his truly therapeutic giant mutt smile. A resident who never spoke whispered to him. Another who never moved slid a finger over to feel his velvet ear. Smiley also visited, Robert Harris (pictured here with Megan). Robert, who often accompanied Sarah to the ballet, is a veteran actor and played opposite Megan in the Sci-Fi film Eyeborgs and danced on stage with her in The Greensboro Ballet’s Nutcracker. Smiley’s gift was not only for the residents, but he also helped Megan. Taking Megan into this place where her mother had last lived, back into that world of Sarah’s friends began Megan's healing and closure. The pain was transmuted through the sharing of joy. Super Smiley is indeed super smiley - a healer and teacher as are all of the therapy and household pets we embrace.
SEPTEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Extra frosting helps Fido! What could be sweeter than “ Cupcakes for Critters?” On Saturday, September 17, 2011 join us as we combine our passion for creative confections with our commitment to our animal friends by kicking off the first “Cupcakes for Critters” campaign in the Helen Woodward Center’s Therapeutic Riding arena. Until December 8, 2011 friends and supporters can get involved in a couple of ways – they can log onto our animalcenter.org web site and order cupcakes from one of our retail partners or they can host their own cupcake bake sale and donate the proceeds to the Center. Either
PET PRESS D way your donations will support our efforts to help animals and people in need. This unique program allows everyone to get in on the act whether they like to bake or not. As Event and Sponsorship Manager, Nedra Abramson, explains “Maybe the best thing you make in the kitchen is reservations, then ordering cupcakes from one of our wonderfully delicious retail partners is the way to go.” Not only will you have a unique dessert that guests will be talking about for days to come, but you will be providing critical dollars to help orphaned animals in need. If you do like to bake then it is your lucky day! You have the opportunity to hold a special bake sale and your delicious wares will help us to provide loving homes for orphaned animals. In addition to generating valuable funds for orphaned animals, we also have special contests for those who want to show off their culinary expertise or their hard-driving sales techniques. Prizes for the most creative cupcake, the most “extreme” cupcake, and the person who sells the most cupcakes will be awarded. We will be announcing and honoring the winners at our closing event tentatively scheduled for Westfield’s North County Fair on December 8, 2011. Sign up to show-off your skills at animalcenter.org and go under Events and Cupcakes for Critters to link to our sign-up site at www.animalcenter.org.
Pet therapy volunteers needed at Elizabeth Hospice Do you have a certified pet therapy dog or cat that would like to bring joy to those in need? The Elizabeth Hospice is looking for certified pet therapy animals to join our volunteer team. You and your therapy animal would volunteer in your community to bring comfort to hospice patients. Please call The Elizabeth Hospice Volunteer Department for more information about the upcoming orientation at (760) 737-2050. The Elizabeth Hospice has a 33-year tradition as the premier provider of medical, emotional and spiritual support to the terminally ill and their families. Since opening its doors, The Elizabeth Hospice has provided services to more than 75,000 patients and families in northern San Diego County neighborhoods regardless of their ability to pay. To learn more about The Elizabeth Hospice, call (760) 737-2050 or visit www.elizabethhospice.org.
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BRING PUCK HOME
Retired decorated Search and Rescue Border Collie lost in Del Mar He is trained to not allow anyone touch him. So please do not approach and call if you see Puck. There is a $1000 reward for information leading to safe return. CONTACT: Paul (970) 445-0033 wiesterpaul@yahoo.com www.facebook.com/pages/Bring-Puck-Home
Bring Puck Home
MORE PET PRESS ONLINE www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Fur Ball success The 25th annual Fur Ball was attended by 550 people and more than 200 dogs! The event raised more than $250,000 that will be used directly in support of the animals and the programs and services of the San Diego Humane Society.
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Canine Parvovirus Disease on the Rise The San Diego Humane Society and The Escondido Humane Society Encourage the Community to Vaccinate Pets to Avoid Further Spread of the Disease do not receive the proper vaccinations for prevention, and the cost of treatment is beyond what most pet owners can afford” said Dr. Cynthia Mitchell, Sr. Veterinarian for the San Diego Humane Society. “The best thing you can do for your pet is keep their vaccinations current so that they can stay healthy.”
Tips for Prevention
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he San Diego Humane Society and the Escondido Humane Society have reported a recent increase in puppies and dogs that come to the shelters with parvovirus. Parvovirus is a highly contagious disease that is easily transmitted by unvaccinated animals. Keeping current on all animal vaccinations is vital to the animal’s health and safety and will help to prevent further spread of the disease. The San Diego Humane Society reports that they saw 24 cases of parvo from May – July of this year. The Escondido Humane Society saw 21 cases of parvo in the same time period. During the same three months in 2010, there were 11 cases at the Escondido Humane Society. Care for the animals that are affected requires isolation and treatment that can cost up to $2,000. “The disease spreads at a rapid rate when dogs and puppies
When Baby Kitty’s pet-parents could no longer care for her, she was brought to the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA on February 10, 2010. More than a year later, Laurie saw her resting in her habitat. Laurie was looking to give a cat in her golden years a very special life, and that’s exactly what she’s done for Baby Kitty, now named Sniffles. Laurie looks forward to coming home to Snif22
The most effective way of protecting your dog from parvo is to vaccinate them. “One round of shots for your puppy is not enough to keep them protected from disease,” said Mitchell. “Regular vaccinations are needed throughout the first year and they should be maintained throughout the life of your pet. Consult your family veterinarian to establish a vaccination schedule.” In addition to vaccinating your dog, the following tips can help to protect them from contracting parvo: Keep young puppies away from any public places for the first 22 weeks of their lives. It's a good idea to limit your puppy's contact with other dogs until he's had his first two vaccinations, to ensure that his immunity is adequate. The stability of the virus makes it important to properly disinfect any contaminated areas, even after your dog has been vaccinated. Always be sure to disinfect any food or water bowls, bedding, crates, or kennels with a 1:30 ratio of chlorine bleach and water solution.
More About Parvovirus Canine Parvovirus is highly contagious and often fatal disease that affects the lining of the intestinal wall. Parvo may affect dogs of all ages, but is most common in dogs less than one year of age. Young puppies less than five months of age are usually the most severely affected, and the most difficult to treat. Even though parvo can be prevented, there are still puppies that continue to contract the disease every day, because they have not been vaccinated.
fles every day and like clockwork, Sniffles asks for a long petting session the moment Laurie walks in the door. The two are “very close” and “very happy”. Laurie says that her personality seems to grow bigger with each day. While it took Sniffles about a week to warm up to her new environment, she now owns the place and has actually become very vocal around dinner time. Laurie feels so
SEPTEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
lucky to have found such a lovable cat. Laurie says, “Thank you San Diego Humane Society for never giving up on Baby Kitty/Sniffles and for caring for her so long until she found the home of her dreams.”
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IN HONOR OF PUDGY
The Bearded Dragon with a heart of gold By SINDI SOMERS | SAN DIEGO PETS
The July issue featured the heartwarming story of rescued Bearded Dragon and San Diego resident, Pudgy. We are sad to report that less than a month after that story ran, Pudgy passed away. Pudgy definitely helped make the world a brighter place, warming hearts and evoking smiles. She enjoyed outdoor adventures, including walking on a leash, playing with her rabbit friends in Balboa Park and cuddling up with her favorite dog, cat and people. She will be missed, but her legacy will live on thanks to Pudgy’s human, Heather Wilson. Wilson plans on continuing with her goal of publishing the educational book series, “Pudgy and Pals.” The first of several stories is currently in the illustration stage. She will be holding a coloring contest for children to help choose the colors for the “Pudgy and Pals” logo. Follow @pudgyandpals on Twitter and like PudgynPals on Facebook for updates. Donations can be made in honor of Pudgy to www.beardeddragon.org, an online community serving Beardie’s and their caregivers. Rest in peace sweet Pudgy and thank you for sharing your story with us.
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PET RESOURCES
Featured
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 OCEAN BEACH
Dog Beach Dog Wash Do-It-Yourself•Service•Accessories 4933 Voltaire St., San Diego, CA 92107 (619) 523-1700 http://www.dogwash.com VISTA
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
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
We have a spot for you.
(619) 573-5615 Need a pet service? ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY From our homepage, click on Pet Business Directory. From there you can search for businesses by zip code, type or by name. If your a business owner, Claim your listing now. It’s simple, quick and FREE.
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 Scan with your smart phone, or visit SanDiego PetsMagazine.com
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Veterinary Specialty Hospital (858) 875-7500 10435 Sorrento Valley Road., San Diego, CA 92121 7 Days 24 hrs. www.VSHSD.com
SEPTEMBER 2011 | 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 9am 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.RCHumaneSociety.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
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SERVICE DOG PROGRAMS Canine Companions for Independence
www.cci.org • 760-901-4300 or 800-572-2275 Online application on their website. Canine Support Teams, Inc.
www.caninesupportteams.org Temecula, CA 951-301-3625 Online application on their website. Paws’itive Teams Service Dogs for San Diegans
www.pawsteams.org 858-279-7297 Online application on their website. San Diego County residents only. Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs, Inc.
www.tenderlovingcanines.org info@TLCAD.org 858-461-6827 or 800-385-1282 Online application on their website. San Diego County residents only. The Seeing Eye
www.seeingeye.org info@theseeingeye.org 973-539-4425 Online application on their website.
THERAPY ANIMAL PROGRAMS P.A.A.T. - Pawsitive Animal Assisted Therapy and Personal Paws Program Paws’itive Teams
www.pawsteams.org 858-279-7297 P.A.T. - Pet Assisted Therapy and Welcome Waggin’ San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
www.sdhumane.org
THERAPY AND SERVICE DOG CLASSES Cape-Able Canines
www.cape-able-canines.com aleita@cape-able-canines.com 619-463-3647
www.loveonaleash.org
Paws’itive Teams
Local dog trainers who are certified CGC Test Evaluators.
www.sandiegodogtrainers.org
www.pawsteams.org 858-279-7297
FREE DOG WALKING SERVICE FREE PET FOOD, SUPPLIES AND SERVICES
P.E.T. - Pet Encounter Therapy Helen Woodward Animal Center
www.animalcenter.org
www.pawssdc.org
858-756-4117 ext. 322
operations@pawssdc.org 619-297-7297 or toll free 1-866-348-7297
Read to Your Breed San Diego County Branch Libraries
www.sdcl.org Children practice reading to a trained therapy dog to build skills and confidence.
www.sdhumane.org
San Diego Dog Trainers Directory
P.A.W.S. - Pets Are Wonderful Support San Diego County, Inc. Geraldine De Silva
760-888-2261
San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
info@loveonaleash.org 760-740-2326
For chronically ill, disabled, elderly and low income individuals and familys
www.escondidohumanesociety.org
CGC Test sometimes required and often suggested for Therapy Dog Training.
619-299-7012 ext. 2334 Online registration is available for this class.
Love on a Leash
pat@sdhumane.org 619-299-7012 ext. 2271
Pet Therapy and Pet Education Programs Escondido Humane Society
CANINE GOOD CITIZEN (CGC) TEST
For volunteer opportunities email volunteers@pawssdc.org. Provide free services for chronically ill, disabled, elderly and low income people for up to two pets per client. Pet food, cat litter and other supplies, dog walking, litter maintenance, transportation for veterinary visits, vet vouchers, after care if a person or animal passes away while in the program.
Walks For Love • Anne Sardena
www.walksforlove.org walksforlove@gmail.com (858) 367-0505 This service includes, but is not limited to service dogs. Free dog walks provided for senior citizens, ill or disabled persons and anyone with challenged abilities, lack of free time or other situations that interfere with regular walks for their canine companions.
MORE PET RESOURCES ONLINE Scan with your smart phone, or visit SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2011
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MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon
Dog Yoga Yappy Hour Class
Dog Beach - Del Mar Sunday, September 11, 2011 www.surfdog.kintera.org
Meeting at Dog Beach Dog Wash Friday, October 7, 2011, 6–7 p.m. www.leashyourfitness.com
Cupcake for Critters
Kindred Spirit Animal Ministry Holistic Animal Fair
Saturday, September 17 2011 www.cupcakesforcritters.kintera.org
Bunnyfest 2011 San Dieguito Couty Park - Del Mar Sunday, September 18, 2011 www.sandiegorabbits.org
Pugtober Fest 6977 Temple Terrace Saturday, September 24, 2011, 2-5 p.m. www.pugbutts.com
Friends of Cats (82nd Open House) 15587 Olde Highway 80 - El Cajon Saturday, September 24, 2011, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. www.friendsofcats.org
Kayaking with the Dogs Sunday, September 25, 2011, 2–4 p.m. www.leashyourfitness.com 26
Full event listing are availible online. You can also add your event for free!
GO ONLINE FOR MORE COOL THINGS TO DO!
Corner of 6th and Laurel - Downtown Saturday, October 8, 2011
APDT Annual Educational Conference and Trade Show Town and Country Conference Center 500 Hotel Circle North - Mission Valley October 12-16, 2011 http://www.apdt.com/conf/
San Diego Pet Expo Del Mar Fairgrounds - Del Mar October 15 & 16, 1011 www.sandiegopetexpo.net
Tails at Twilight Escondido Humane Society October 22, 1011 www.escondidohumanesociety.org
SEPTEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
www.SanDiegoPetsMagazin.com/events
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Tell em’ San Diego Pets Magazine sent you!
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