San Diego Pets Magazine, September 2012 by San Diego Pets Magazine

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE D PUBLISHER/EDITOR Casey Dean COVER PHOTO Cindy Lowe Orange Turtle Photography www.orangeturtleblog.com in collabration with Julie Cruz of Lot116 photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Claire Harlin Kendra Hartmann K.R. Johnson Martin Jones Westlin

GUEST WRITERS Sarah Bates Mark Carlson Arden Moore Brook Niemiec, DVM Judith Pierce Stefanie Schwartz, DVM

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Hop to it: Getting to the bottom of the bunny conundrum. Interview with House Rabbit Society’s Judieth Pierce. Bunnyfest! Sept. 16, 10 am – 4 pm at Balboa Park. SEE PAGE 6 Mila Goes Hollywood: Dachshund racing veteran Mila Miesner chose to temporarily hang up the old racing cleats in lieu of another career path – acting. SEE PAGE 18

Sweet Retirement: This working dog sets his sights on a new life as a couch tater tot or furry speed bump. SEE PAGE 21

CARTOONIST Barbara Fuscsick Puppy Paws Productions www.puppypawsproductions.com

ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Casey Dean (619) 573-5615 Casey@SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com San Diego Pets Magazine is published by Dean Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 601081, San Diego, Ca 921601081. 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 2012. 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 2012

Down the rabbit hole:

getting to the bottom of the bunny conundrum

One group’s challenge to define the role of rabbits as companions Photos taken by Cindy Lowe from Orange Turtle Photography in collabration with Julie Cruz of Lot116 photography.

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The first thing Judith Pierce wants the public to know about rabbits is that they make great pets. The second thing she wants them to know is they don’t make the kind of pets most people think they do. Pierce, the adoptions director and cochapter manager for the San Diego House Rabbit Society, is passionate about getting the word out about house rabbits. Like most who work or volunteer in animal welfare, she labors tirelessly trying to get pets out of shelters and into homes, with a certain amount of success (though, of course, never as much as she would like). Pierce’s challenge, however, is arguably more difficult than it would be with perhaps dogs or cats. Rabbits face added obstacles to being 6

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adopted as a companion pet. Considered an exotic animal when it comes to veterinary care, rabbits are not — contrary to a widely held belief — lower maintenance and less costly than other pets. “Rabbits are actually one of the more expensive pets out there,” Pierce said. “An average spay is about $350. They take special anesthesia and medication, special handling and extra care. They can be very delicate. “People tend to think of them as cuddly, something you can pick up and play with. But most rabbits hate that,” she said. “Rabbits are a prey animal and they’re ground dwelling, so that kind of handling makes them uncomfortable. To them, it’s the same feeling as being caught by predator.”

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Often, Pierce said, ads are to blame for this ill-conceived public image. “When you see advertisements, you often see a child holding a rabbit,” Pierce said. “That’s another misconception: that they’re good for 2-year-olds. Two-year-olds can’t even really appreciate rabbits as pets. They’re very subtle, and you have to be mature to understand that subtlety. Little children just want to pull on them, pat them or poke them. We really try to educate the parents because that’s who we adopt to. We want to know: will they take responsibility for the rabbit? Because they can live up to 15 years, and when that toddler has moved out of the house, you’ll be stuck with the rabbit.” Part of the reason for Pierce’s difficulty in getting the public to under-

stand the nuances of keeping rabbits as pets comes from the animal’s varied roles in western society. Unlike dogs and cats — who have a hard enough time getting out of the shelter circuit — rabbits are up against any number of challenges, in the form of the non-pet lobby. Rabbits aren’t bred only to become companions — they face futures as test subjects for science, a high-priced hat or coat, or on a platter in the middle of table for dinner. It is this ambiguous characterization that presents problems for rabbits. Are they pets, food, fur or science subjects? The difficulty in settling the argument of commodity vs. companion is what Pierce is up against. “According to the pet products industry, rabbits are the third-most popular pet. They’re also the third-most relinquished pet in shelters,” Pierce said. “But they still don’t have the exposure and public knowledge we need.” Given the multi-purpose definition of what rabbits mean to our society, Pierce said some rabbit enthusiasts have tried to enact legislation changing that definition to companion. One group on the East Coast was able to make inroads on a state level, but it’s no small task, she said, due to the might of the opposition. “Rabbits don’t even have the same rights as chickens. There are no humane

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slaughter laws, nothing like the freerange rights [of chickens],” she said. “It’s really tough, because you have breeders and farmers who are against changing that.” While legislation could take years to come through, Pierce and the other volunteers at the House Rabbit Society are doing their best to combat the situation at home, through efforts to educate the public and by helping get rabbits out of area shelters — most of which weren’t equipped to handle them prior to the founding of the society’s local chapter in 1992. The society has helped train shelter staff in proper rabbit care, provided materials like cages and hay, and has taken on much of the financial burden for vet visits. “Most shelters don’t have a budget for rabbits’ medical attention or for spaying and neutering,” Pierce said. “They’re required to follow the laws requiring spaying and neutering [of shelter animals], but those laws don’t extend to rabbits because they’re still considered livestock. The society does major fundraising and arranges spaying and neutering for a lot of the shelters around the county.” Taking on that responsibility adds up to more than 300 spaying or neutering procedures every year. To fund such an

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endeavor, the society created a boxed hay program, providing boxes of hay for $12 (a highly discounted rate over pet stores), with all sales going toward veterinary care for rabbits in shelters. And at this time of year, Pierce said, the shelters are getting overwhelmed. “We’re in the post-Easter dumping season right now — that time of year when the Easter bunnies reach puberty and the kids either get tired of them or it gets tough to care for them,” she said. That makes this the perfect time, it turns out, for Bunnyfest, the society’s annual fundraiser. Held this year in Balboa Park, the event will feature artists, craftspeople, services and supplies — all rabbit-related in some way. Rabbit owners will bring their pets to socialize as they participate in contests and games, like tunnel races, bunny jeopardy and bunny bowling (whichever rabbit can knock down the carrot-shaped pins first, wins). “It’s really fun, kind of like an open-air fair,” Pierce said. “Everybody brings their rabbit. We’ll have rabbits on harnesses, in pet strollers, on the shoulders of their owners. People will be there just checking out each other’s bunnies. And we get people from all walks of life — even some bikers with their bunnies. It’s so fun to see.” The free festival will also include educational components and adoptable rabbits (though any potential adopters won’t be able to take home a rabbit that day). The rabbits in attendance can even have a spa-like experience at “Lagomorph Lounge,” where they can be groomed and have their nails trimmed. The funds raised, meanwhile, will go right back into the society’s various efforts — to assist shelters with veterinary bills, as well as helping cash-strapped rabbit owners get their pets spayed or neutered. Through the society’s spay and neuter rebate program, owners can have their pets fixed for just a fraction of the price. Just like the species that procreates at a rapid-fire rate, determined to stay in the evolutionary game, the House Rabbit Society continues to persevere, sometimes drawing on ingenuity in the absence of resources. “We’re very proud of the work our little organization does,”

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Pierce said. “With our rebate program, our fostering and our assistance to the shelters, as well as our program that assists rabbit owners in crisis with donations of food or supplies, we really do a lot in the community and we’re very proud of that. “We also do a lot of networking. We’ve worked really closely with the shelters, and now they do a much better job of caring for rabbits and they don’t have to send us as many. We have a hard time with finding enough foster homes, and it’s tough finding people that can take on that responsibility, but with networking and knowing the shelters in and out of the county, we work deals and network a lot. We do a lot of wheeling and dealing, but that’s what you have to do to save lives.” The San Diego chapter of the House Rabbit Society will host the 20th annual Bunnyfest on Sept. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the corner of Park Boulevard and Presidents Way in Balboa Park. For more information on the festival or to learn more about the society, including how to become a foster home, visit sandiegorabbits.org.

Arden Moore,

ACCBC, ADCBC Pet trend, behavior and safety expert Arden@FourLeggedLife.com

Photo courtesy Jake Romero, Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation.

an Diego is home to several V.I.P.s – that’s Very Important Pooches. We have a dedicated donation dog in a Golden Retriever named Ricochet (aka Surf-Ice Dog), who has earned many national accolades. We have the only dog who can drive a motorcycle past police without being arrested in the leather-jacket-wearing Boston terrier named Chopper. Then there’s Spike, a Facebook fan favorite, who overcame a rough beginning to symbolize canine kindness at its finest. And let’s not forget Nani, a beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog, who tames waves and hangs 20 as one of the original So Cal Surf Dogs. Certainly all of the above have earned the right to take welldeserved (play) bows, but the credit for sparking San Diego’s reputation as a pet-welcoming place belongs to a 19th century mutt affectionately named Bum. Homeless, but far from hopeless, this Saint Bernard-Spaniel mix snuck aboard a steamship in San Francisco and stepped his paw for the first time in San Diego way back in 1886. Sniffing out the city’s beckoning climate and sensing the friendliness of its residents, it didn’t take this dog long to realize that San Diego was a better place to call home than the city on the bay. Now, that’s a smart dog. Bum’s tale is one of the latest now being spotlighted by renowned historian, in-demand speaker and bestselling author Kate Kelly, creator of the beckoning website: America Comes Alive. 10

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“Bum chose San Diego and he was happy to go from one establishment to the next and never showed any interest in belonging to one owner,” recalls Kelly, who resides in Los Angeles. “Bum wanted to be a dog of the people and everybody watched out for him.” Kelly travels all over the country, blogs weekly on The Huffington Post, has written more than 30 books and can easily discuss the Detroit electric car, famous dads in comic strips and even Cracker Jack and baseball. But her favorite topic by far is telling the tales of dogs and other headline-making pets. She’s shared the stories of Dorsey, a dog who delivered mail in San Bernardino County in the 1880s; the pack of dogs who roamed the White House when owner Teddy Roosevelt became president in 1901; and explained how Dalmatians became the favorite of fire fighters. And she feels Bum’s story, while embraced locally, deserves more national attention. And what a life he lived. During his 12 years, he ‘bummed’ food from local eateries, guarded children, led parades, hitched rides on streetcars and even learned to get around on three legs after losing his right paw and part of his tail to an oncoming train. Near the end of his life, the City Council enacted a law requiring all dogs to have licenses – with the exception of Bum. When he died on Nov. 10, 1898, school children collected pennies to give him a memory-making funeral. The City Council placed his picture on the first dog licenses issued. And, if you venture to the Gaslamp District by the

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Bum lived during a time when there were no leash laws and a dog could take charge of himself. William Heath Davis House museum, you will spot a life-size bronze statute honoring Bum. “What makes Bum’s story special is that his adventures were chronicled at the time by a newspaper reporter named James Edward Friend,” says Kelly. “Bum lived during a time when there were no leash laws and a dog could take charge of himself. If he lived today, most likely Bum would have been taken off the streets by a rescue group and placed in a home.” Kelly, who proudly has a pair of rescued dogs answering to the names Boo and Lucy, has visited San Diego and made a special point of visiting Bum’s memorial statute. “Everyone in San Diego knew Bum and looked out for him,” she says. “Bum’s story is not well-known nationally and it deserves more prominence. I’m doing my part to share his story.” What draws her most about Bum? “His tale is that life isn’t always easy, but if you keep going, that’s what makes America great,” she says. We are fortunate to live in a county with many famous canines as well as ordinary dogs bringing out the extraordinary in all of us. The next time you‘re in the Gaslamp District, please take a few moments to head over to the Bum statute. He deserves our appreciation for getting San Diego off on the right paw when it comes to being advocates of dogs and other pets. Founder of Four Legged Life.com and creator of National Dog Party Day, Arden Moore is an animal behavior consultant, best-selling author, professional speaker and certified pet first aid instructor. Tune into her Oh Behave! Show on Pet Life Radio and enroll in her pet first aid classes. For more information, please visit www.fourleggedlife.com, www.petfirstaid4u.com and www.petliferadio.com.

www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2012

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Dr. Schwartz’s Do’s & Don’ts Behavior Don’t Bytes walks on a consistent schedule will help to prevent many behavior problems!

Stefanie Schwartz,

DVM, MSc, DACVB Veterinary Behavior Medicine drstef@petbehavior.org

Dr. Schwartz’s Top Five Do’s and Don’ts for Dog Owners

get a pet when you are ready to accept the emotional, logistic and financial responsibility that is part of loving and caring for another living creature who has emotional and physical needs very much like our own.

1. Do

give anyone a pet just because it’s related to a holiday (chicks or bunnies at Easter) or because they once had a pet. Statistics show that pets given as gifts are not as special to their new owners and are more likely to end up in shelters or not cared for as well.

Don’t

begin basic obedience from the moment you add a new dog into your life. Even young puppies can learn to ‘sit’ and ‘come,’ and older dogs definitely can learn new skills.

2. Do

wait until your young dog has had all its vaccines before taking it for walks or starting puppy obedience class. Your puppy only needs 2 of the distemper series and any other vaccines your primary care veterinarian recommends; don’t wait until your dog is 6 months old to begin training. That’s kind of like waiting until your child is ten years old before starting kindergarten!

skip walks for toy or miniature breeds. They are real dogs, too! Little guys need to get out and see the world, spend time with you, get exercise and maintain housetraining.

use reward based training! Give your dog praise, occasional tasty treats, and every opportunity to show you that there is not much you won’t do for each other! Praise your pet’s desirable behaviors even if they weren’t your idea!

4. Do

just say ‘No!’ or ‘Stop that!’ Tell your dog immediately what else you want him to do and reward the alternative behavior: sit/stay and/or down/stay are always good options to replace something you don’t like. And remember please, no shock collars.

Don’t

remember that your dog can only see the world from a dog’s perspective. They are not people (that’s not really a bad thing) and although we have lots in common, dog culture and human culture do sometimes clash. Any dog can and will bite if the situation is right.

5. Do

treat all your dogs the same. There is no democracy in dogs and they each have to have a clear

Don’t

take your dog for walks at least twice a day for its lifetime. The morning walk is particularly important to start the day off right! Daily

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rank in your pack based on each individual’s physical and social advantages. High-ranking dogs deserve the first of everything to maintain stability and keep the peace!

Dr. Schwartz’s Top Five Do’s and Don’ts for Cat Owners

1. Do

give anyone a cat just because they seem lonely or they once had a pet. Statistics show that pets given as gifts are not as special to their new owners and are more likely to end up in shelters or not cared for as well.

Don’t

keep your cat indoors! Cats are not native to North America and wildlife is being dessimated, some species nearing extinction, because of domestic cats. Indoor cats live longer, healthier lives.

2. Do

think keeping your cat indoors is cruel. Indoor cats are protected from fatal diseases including some like rabies and parasites that they can bring home to share with you and your family!

Don’t

Noodles & Buddy practice their Do’s and Don’ts!

place scratching posts in every room of your home and especially near your cat’s favorite resting places. This will help prevent destructive scratching and encourage them to mark their territory in a positive way.

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3. Do

declaw your cat unnecessarily or let your cat out if it has already been declawed. However, if your cat is very destructive or scratches (even unintentionally) a family member who is immunosuppressed, I would rather see your cat declawed than deceased.

Don’t

keep litter boxes clean and dry. They should be appropriate for the size and agility of your cat.

4. Do

use heavy chemicals or highly perfumed products in or around the box. You might like the scent (remember some of these products can be harmful to people over time) but it might repel your cat!

Don’t

get 2 compatible cats instead of just one. Cats are social animals and benefit from the company of their own kind. Besides, you’ll be saving double the lives!

5. Do

introduce cats abruptly in your living room! Seclude the newcomer out of sight in her own safe room (with daily visits from you and time to explore with your other cat tucked away) for at least 4 weeks before allowing them to meet face to face.

Don’t

Finally, DO call Dr. Schwartz if you have any kind of problem with your pet’s behavior and DON’T wait until you have fallen out of love with your pet to get the help you need. Dr. Stefanie Schwartz is a board certified veterinary behaviorist based in Southern California. She sees patients at California Veterinary Specialists in Carlsbad and at The Veterinary Neurology Center in Tustin, CA. For more information, please call (949) 3426644 or visit http://petbehavior.org/.

www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2012

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K9 Nose Work: Letting dogs be dogs

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awn Danielson's German Shepherd, Dusty, is what she calls "dog reactive," meaning he doesn't get along well with other dogs. So, she's limited in where she can take him — and especially limited in finding activities that can help him overcome his social anxiety. "He's a dog that needs a job, and he is happiest when engaged in some activity, preferably with me," said Danielson, who is also San Diego County's director of animal control. "I have to find tasks or games where we can work alone, absent other canines." Luckily, Danielson came across an activity that stimulates and entertains Dusty using his most basic of instincts — scent. The sport, referred to officially as K9 Nose Work, has grown nationwide under the competitive framework founded in 2006 by three Los Angeles nose work experts: Jill Marie O'Brien, Amy Herot and Ron Gaunt. The trio set out to design a sport that requires no previous training or special ability, and that virtually every dog and person can do to increase confidence, stimulate the mind and build relationships between dogs and their people. For Danielson, K9 Nose Work is the "perfect sport," leaving Dusty mentally exhausted and sleeping for hours after a training session — "a major accomplishment," she said, adding that he's incredibly enthusiastic about it, too. "On the drive over when we get off the freeway he knows where we are going and he can barely contain his excitement," she said. Under the umbrella of the National Association of Canine Scent Work (NACSW), K9 Nose Work has almost 2,000 current members in 42 states and three Canadian provinces, and it's growing faster than the association can hold competitions, more commonly referred to as trials. "It's growing by leaps and bounds, and it's only been around for four or five years," said Jamie Bozzi, who this month became the first certified K9 Nose Work 14

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Mickey, K9 Nose Work instructor Christy Hill's Belgian Malinois, gets excited after sniffing out a scent Photo by Claire Harlin container in a vehicle search exercise.

instructor in San Diego. "The trials are expanding and there are requests for trials in areas where there's not even a framework yet." Bozzi is one of three instructors in San Diego. Anita Cheesman (www.wholedogtraining.com) and Christy Hill (coachingcreativecanines.com) also teach under the title of associate instructor. The training is extensive, and follows very specific sport guidelines creates by the founders. In the trials, which have three levels of mastery, dogs use their senses to search for hidden scents and then alert their handlers. A beginner searches for food hidden in boxes, and progresses to recognize the scents of three specific essential oils, which are placed on cotton swabs and hidden. The scents — birch, anise and clove — were chosen by the founders because they are not commonly found in most dogs' natural environments and therefore won't be confused. As dogs progress in the sport, they may conduct searches on vehicles,

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buildings or in grassy areas. Bozzi has been a dog trainer for 15 years, specializing in puppy preschool, agility and behavior modification under www.SMRTDOG.com. When she found out about K9 Nose Work at a workshop a year and a half ago, she was so impressed that she immediately enrolled in the instructor program. "I was impressed that any dog could do it, whether small or large, fearful or reactive, old or young, blind or deaf," said Bozzi, whose fox terrier, Emi, is a first-place vehicle-searcher. "What appealed to me is that you can let your dog be a dog and we just get out of the way. A lot of people say, 'My dog can't do that. He's a couch potato, too old or reactive,' but I say, 'Bring him to class.'" She said she's seen some miracles come out of her K9 Nose Work classes. One dog, for example, was afraid of his own shadow and would start barking even at the sound of a door opening. "In about four weeks — four weekly, one-hour sessions — he could leave his

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DENTAL CARE FOR YOUR PETS

Dusty, Dawn Danielson's German Shepherd paws when he finds the right scent box during a K9 Nose Work course. Photo by Claire Harlin

owner and do the search," said Bozzi. "He built up the confidence and seemed to develop the coping skills to be able to deal with the environment better … He has tried agility and obedience training, but saw the most progress with nose work." Hill said K9 Nose Work is a great sport for keeping blind dogs alert, active and engaged with the world. "If you set up the environment for them to feel secure, I've seen them find the odors faster than sighted dogs because they are focused so much on their nose," said Hill. "Dogs come genetically packaged with a great nose and they want to use that nose. It's so part of a dog to want to sniff; that's how they connect with their world. To give them a focus, that is an awesome thing." For more information, visit www.k9nosework.com.

o you know that your pets suffer from the same dental problems that you do? In fact, dogs and cats feel dental pain just as we do, and yet it is far more common for them to have significant dental problems since they are not getting regular dental care. The biggest reason that pets often do not receive proper dental care is because they rarely show obvious signs of pain or infection, which means they suffer in silence. Oral/dental disease is by far the number one medical problem in dogs and cats. It is estimated that more than 70% of dogs & cats have periodontal (gum) disease by 2 years of age. To find out if your pet has periodontal disease, lift his/her lip and look for the presence of tartar, or redness and swelling of the gums. Also, if your pet’s breath smells, it is a sure sign of an oral infection. Periodontal disease in both humans and animals has been linked to many systemic problems including kidney and liver disease, heart disease, cancers, and complications of diabetes. On a positive note, many of these conditions improve with proper dental treatment! In addition to systemic diseases, periodontal infection leads to local problems such as: tooth abscesses, nasal infection, eye loss, jaw fractures, and oral cancers. The bottom line is that dental disease can actually shorten the lifespan of both humans and animals. In addition to the serious problems associated with periodontal disease, there are numerous other painful and/or infectious oral conditions such as: broken teeth, cavities, orthodontic disease, and oral cancers. This means that virtually every pet has some type of oral disease. Treatment and prevention of dental disease in our pets is very similar to taking care of our teeth; homecare and professional cleanings. Professional cleanings are very important for the health of our pets and are generally

Dental care is important, even for puppies. Dr. Brook Niemiec is examining Sierra, a 11 week old Labrador Retriever puppy, for a possible broken puppy tooth at Southern California Veterinary Dental Specialties in Kearny Mesa, CA.

recommended annually, but the frequency varies amongst breeds and individuals. In general, the smaller the breed of dog, the more often dental cleanings are necessary. It is important to note that proper veterinary dental care requires general anesthesia. “Anesthesia-free” dentistry is not only ineffective; it is stressful to the pet and it is dangerous to have sharp instruments in their mouths while they are awake. For these reasons, this practice is illegal in the state of California. Anesthesia is very safe when performed correctly and at current standards. It also allows your veterinarian to properly clean the teeth (getting below the gumline where it really matters!) and to accomplish a thorough oral exam and treatment of any dental problems. If you would like to know more about veterinary dentistry, please visit our website at www.dogbeachdentistry.com, which features educational articles and videos about periodontal disease as well as other common oral conditions in dogs and cats.

www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2012

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PART TWO

“Outside the wire”

Sarah Bates

Twenty-One Steps of Courage is a military action novel about a Soldier’s mission to honor his father. Written by author Sarah Bates, it recounts the Soldier’s journey from his home in Oceanside, California to Afghanistan and back. Becoming a Sentinel Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington Cemetery is his objective, but when the Army learns of his dog handling abilities, an unexpected deployment to a war zone disrupts the Soldier’s plans. The following is the Second of Three Excerpts depicting this event.

PART TWO OF THREE » “As he stepped onto the tarmac from the aircraft into a howling wind blowing sand across the airfield, a Soldier in battle dress approached. "You Specialist Rod Strong?" he asked, pausing to cuff at the dust coating his goggles. "That's me," Rod replied. "Get in," the man ordered, gesturing to the idling cattle truck nearby. Two other troops already sat on the long benches in the bed of the truck. Rod pulled himself up and nodded to the men, covering his face against the thick dust swirling around the vehicle. As the driver barreled down a gravel road away from the landing strip, a convoy of Humvees closed in around the truck with gunners poised in their turrets. Through the murky beam of the truck's headlights Rod could see the Military Police sentries and concertina wire that protected Bagram Air Base. Outside the wire, the rubble of abandoned cars and walls destroyed by IEDs left him with the certain feeling he wasn't safe. Finally, the truck skidded to a stop. "This is it, guys," the driver called back over his shoulder. "FOB Miracle, your home away from home.” Someone sneezed. "You'll get used to the dust," a voice said. "Then it snows. It's worse." A man laughed. "In there," the driver said to Rod, pointing to a tent. "Y'all report to 16

Lieutenant King." Rod pushed the tent flap open and stepped inside. The burly lieutenant sitting at a long brown folding table looked up. "Specialist Rod Strong reporting for duty Sir," Rod said, saluting then offering his packet. "Ah, been waiting for you!" the lieutenant said. "Dogs got here yesterday from Lackland, they're pacing back and forth; uneasy. You're my first handler to arrive," he said. "Let's get you billeted, then at 0600, report to the kennels and pick out your dog.” “Yes, Sir,” Rod said. "Sergeant Black, show this troop where we've set up the dog handlers," the lieutenant shouted. A small, wiry soldier separated himself from the group of men clustered around a map nearby. He caught Rod's eye and motioned to him. Rod followed the sergeant down a narrow dirt path to a large barracks tent. "In here," Black said, gesturing at the empty cots. "Take your pick. Chow's at 0500. Lights out in about an hour." Rod threw his gear on the ground and slumped down on a bunk near the doorway. As he drifted off to sleep he heard a single bark. For a moment he thought he recognized Tango's voice and he was in Oceanside beneath the soft goose down comforter on his bed with his black Lab snuggled against

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his back. Then the noise of grinding gears outside the thin tent wall reminded him Afghanistan was far from home. Do I have the stomach to search for dead people?” Read the Final Excerpt in the November issue. Excerpt One appeared in the July issue and is now online. Visit www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com and search for, “Part one: You some kind of dog trainer” or “Sarah Bates.”

Twenty-One Steps of Courage is available in paperback or for e-readers. Buy it online at amazon.com or barnesandnoble.com or at your favorite bookstore. Find out more about this book and the author at http://www.sarahbatesauthor.com.

Encinitas-based vet provides the care for the homeless’ most prized possessions

usan Grove took a bunch of friends to lunch the other day as a gesture of thanks from a clientèle that can’t speak for itself. Grove, an Encinitas-based veterinarian and owner of Vet2You mobile pet care, volunteers her services the first Monday morning of every month at the Neil Good Day Center in Downtown San Diego’s East Village, providing free exams and preventive care for the pets of the homeless. Her lunch companions are also the people who volunteer along with her—and even as word about Grove’s clinic has brought a parade of owners from areas outside Downtown, the core group of 10 helpers are key to the project’s smooth operation. But somewhere amid the free manpower, word of mouth, good wishes and donations (which Grove said are always in demand) lies a deeper question about the animals’ welfare. The Alpha Project, a San Diego human services organization that has operated the Good facility for nearly 18 years, says that the homeless will often assume ownership of abandoned animals. How can the homeless care for their pets if they haven’t enough for themselves? “The bottom line,” Grove told San Diego Pets, “is that these creatures mean more than anything to them. The owners aren’t in the best [circumstance], but their pets are really well cared for. We need very little medicine, because the owners will do whatever they can to care for the animals. “There’ll be a puppy sitting on a guy’s shoulder,” the 12-year San Diego resident continued, “and he won’t move while I’m treating him; he stays calm and stays with the owner. And the cats, same thing. They sit there in their owners’ arms, because they’re so loyal. My cat would run away.” Figures from the local Regional Task Force on the Homeless reflect that as of late April this year, nearly 10,000 homeless reside in San Diego County. The majority moves to San Diego in search of services, congregating in East Village near facilities like the Good center, which has showers and restrooms. Caring for the animals, Grove said, empowers their owners, whose situations aren’t necessarily all their own creation. There are many forces at work in their lives, she asserted, with their pets grounding them in their search for new directions. “I know some people say why should they have animals

Susan Grove, an Encinitas-based veterinarian and owner of Vet2You mobile pet care.

when they can’t care for them,” Grove said, “but you know what? Honestly, I could be homeless tomorrow. Anyone could be homeless. All I can say is that these pets are really important to them. If they’re not, that’s a different issue.” Meanwhile, Grove concluded, “That pet doesn’t know it doesn’t have a home. It knows it has an owner with a big heart.” The Neil Good Day Center is located at 299 17th St. For more information on Alpha Project and Grove’s work, see alphaproject.org. For more about Vet2You, see sandiegvet2you.com. —Martin Jones Westlin

www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2012

Local racing dog goes to Hollywood

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he 2012 Olympics may have come to an end, but another sporting competition is just beginning to surface in San Diego – and this one is a whole different animal. The 16th annual Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals kicked off with a fun – but fierce – dachshund racing competition at Qualcomm Stadium on Aug. 4. The event brought 330 dachshunds to the field to vie for just 16 coveted spots at the final race in Del Mar on Sept. 3. Typically, many of the same veteran names populate the finals, making for a close race that is often distinguished by just a nose. One such dachshund racing veteran, six-yearold Mila Miesner, has made it to the finals the past three years in a row. This year, however, Mila chose to temporarily hang up the old racing cleats in lieu of another career path – acting. When Point Loma-based owners Denise and Chris Miesner responded to an ad for the upcoming movie, “Wiener Dog Nationals,” they never imagined Mila would take on Hollywood and land the movie’s lead role. “We just hoped Mila would get a little cameo. Now she’s the main dog,” said Chris. In the film, Mila plays the role of Shelley, an abandoned runt dachshund who was chosen from the shelter by the Jack family, who unites to cheer on their newly adopted wiener dog as she races for the national title. Although Mila is a natural at racing – just like Shelley – the trainers use stunt doubles for the racing portion of the movie. “They don’t want to wear them out because its 90 degrees up there where they’re filming,” said Denise. Instead, Mila learned new tricks like taking a hat off on queue, hitting specific place markers for a scene and faking a limp – and all with unspoken signals from her on-set trainer. “She picks up tricks quickly because she’s got a lot of the basics down already,” said Denise. “She loves to show off, she loves to ad lib and she loves to act.” Denise, who has trained dogs her entire life, gauges and embraces each dog’s individual personality when she teaches new tricks. “I try to see what they are naturally good at doing, and that’s the easiest way to train tricks quickly. A lot of people, like her [on set] trainer can get her to go beyond that,” she said. “She’ll usually try whatever is put in front of her. I even had her skateboarding and had her sitting up on the skateboard. She just trusts me.” 18

SEPTEMBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com

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The Miesners first realized Mila had exceptional talent and agility when she was less than one year old. “One of the reasons we got Mila into so many things is that she had so much energy as a puppy. Denise just had to channel that. She did a lot of exercise, dog obedience, long walks – all sorts of stuff. Then we started realizing all of the stuff that she could do,” said Chris. “We just did the dog racing because we had [brother] Biscuit trying to do it, and Mila just turned out to be really good at it.” Despite their size, dachshunds – a member of the hound family – are actually hunting dogs. They were originally bred and trained to scent, chase and flush out prey in burrows. For that reason, activities such as Earth Dog – a complex obedience, agility and skill test in a maze of tunnels – turned out to be a perfect fit for Mila. Owner Denise Miesner designs custom outfits for her dachshunds, “She didn’t fail one test. Courtesy photo. Mila and Biscuit. For the master one, you have to pass five times, and she’s passed four. Just one more to go,” said Chris. “For the master test, they start out about 500 yards from where the rat is, and then they scent the trail, so the dogs have to go along and follow the scent.” Throughout the test, obstacles such as false dens, blocked exits and dead ends are just a few challenges the dog has to

The top 16 finalists from the qualifier race at Qualcomm Stadium will advance to the finals at Del Mar Racetrack on Sept. 3. Photo courtesy of Jen Jacques Photography.

contend with. “She does so many other things too like the Hunt Hound, work horsing and now the movie,” he said. Mila started off channeling her agility with lure coursing, an activity where dogs – typically sight-hounds – chase an operated lure, like a bag in a field. “We took her to Wags for Wishes and they had this. We tried her at it when she was under a year old, and she just loved it. Doing that, she built up her running speed and her endurance,” said Denise. Although Mila might not be the biggest dog on the racetrack, she is certainly not one to underestimate. “She does very well. She always makes it to the finals, and she’s won at various little events,” said Chris. “At the races, a lot of the other dogs start out turned around and calm, but Mila is ready to go. She just runs straight. She knows what to do.” At larger venues, however, the competition is often bigger and – at times – more cut throat. “When you get to Del Mar, they’re all focused. None of them are going to turn around and go back to their owner. You’re going to see 16 dogs that know what they’re doing,” said Chris. “You typically know which ones are going to go. Every year, at least eight of the 16 [finalists] I’m very familiar with.” At last year’s Wiener Dog Nationals at the Los Alamitos racecourse, Mila won her preliminary race and advanced to the finals. In the finals – true to form – Mila set the pace by taking the lead. Halfway along the 50-yard track, however, Mila got bumped by one of her racing friends, which sent her tumbling into the soft dirt. Despite the unfortunate circumstance, she got right back up and continued on her way, even surpassing several other racers before crossing the finish line. Although Mila would undoubtedly want to bounce back this year, she was forced to take a temporary racing hiatus due to her busy schedule in Hollywood. “She’s done the race every year, but this year, she just came back and was really kind of tired,” said Denise. “Plus, they got her weight down because they wanted all the dogs to look the same,

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and she was sort of on the bigger side, so she needs to get her weight back up and build her muscles back up before she races.” After a humble start in Dog Beach 16 years ago, the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals has really hit the ground

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running, with hundreds of participants flocking to the racing event at Qualcomm stadium year after year. “We hope to continue both racing and acting, but probably more just acting because she’s getting older. I really like racing her, but I guess it depends on what happens. There have been dogs that have raced until they were pretty old,” said Denise. Only time will tell for the little racing dachshund from Point Loma-turnedHollywood star. “Wiener Dog Nationals” has completed filming and is currently in postproduction. The movie is slated to debut early next year. For more information about Mila, visit www.milamiesner.com or “like” her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MilaMiesner.

www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2012

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RABBITS

JoysofaBouncingBunny

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’m trying to work on the computer but Blondie gets my attention by jumping onto my lap to beg for a treat. It’s hard enough to ignore the stare of her liquid brown eyes, but when she’s thrusting her nose in front of mine it’s impossible to resist. I reach over and get a little “cookie” from the treat jar, which she quickly snatches from me and begins to crunch. If you think of rabbits as timid creatures that sit in a cage and do nothing, you’ve got a surprise in store. Not only are they masters at begging, like Blondie, they’ll entertain you with their antics while digging in a cardboard box, running in circles excited over their dinner salad, and bouncing with joy during play time. People often ask me “Is a rabbit like a dog or more like a cat?” Well, yes, no and none of the above. Rabbits are like rabbits. They can follow you around like a puppy and ignore you like a cat until they want something from you. They can be very subtle companions and you really have to pay attention to see what they are telling you. At other times they are completely transparent. “You want out?” I ask Walter as he shakes his pen and shoves it back and forth. He’s probably thinking in his little bunny brain, “No kidding. You just figured it out?” I let him out and he starts his usual routine of shuffling around the house, nose down, butt up and ears dragging the floor, looking more like a blood hound sniffing out a lost soul than a bunny on the prowl. He’s so funny I can’t help laughing at his goofy behavior. Rosie and Daisy are like young puppies; bounding back and forth, tripping over each other, begging for attention, and gamboling about the house during playtime. Earlier this week they jumped out of their pen, came galloping into my bedroom and jumped onto the bed, trampling me in the process. If it hadn’t been so funny, I’d have been mad at being wakened before my alarm. As I reached out to pet them they 20

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Toni is looking for a new home.

Adopt y a Bunn ! Today Toni is an adorable bunny girl who's been waiting a long time for a new home! She's shy and sweet and will do best in an adult home. Toni loves her playtime, dancing around the room and will delight you with her funny antics. Email: hrs@sandiegorabbits.org to get more information.

If you think of rabbits as timid creatures that sit in a cage and do nothing, you’ve got a surprise in store. both flattened out for a long session of stroking. They just love people, which is not all that common. Most rabbits prefer their own kind or occasional attention from their humans but these two would rather play with people than anything else. Rabbits have unique personalities; they are easily as smart as dogs, they know their names and will come when called. In turn, they’ll train you to deliver treats when they want them, de-

SEPTEMBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com

light you with bunny dances, and brighten your day. They are wonderful companions for humans who enjoy their more subtle natures. You have to pay close attention to rabbits to learn what they are telling you but it’s definitely worth it once you learn their language. If you live with a rabbit companion you’ll smile because you know what I mean. If you’ve been thinking of adopting one, you’re in for a treat.

Couch Tater Tot Or Furry Speed Bump

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kay, here’s the deal. I’ve been a working Guide Dog for just over ten years. In that time my Daddy and I have been all over the country for work and vacation, met thousands of people and even written a book. I’ve done a good job. My daddy knows of two times I saved his life by stopping him from walking in front of a speeding car. There were two other times but it’s better he doesn’t know. It’s been a wonderful feeling, being a Guide Dog. I took my responsibilities seriously and did it well. I’m 12 years old, now, that’s like Dick Clark for a Labrador Retriever. But I look good without cosmetic surgery. I’m not as fast and full of pep as I was in 2002. While I’m proud of being a Guide Dog my motivation is definitely on the wane. I’m less eager to get into the harness. It takes me longer to climb the stairs and the floor near the kitchen is looking better and better. In January Daddy decided it wasn’t

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fair to make me work any longer. It was time for me to retire. He applied to Guide Dogs to go back and get another dog. When I heard him and Mommy talking about ‘the new dog’ I was confused. And a little hurt. What was wrong with me? Why was Daddy abandoning me? Then it dawned on me. Retirement. What would it really mean? I won’t be going into stores or restaurants, on planes or buses, because that’s something only a working dog can do. When Daddy is out doing his public speaking it won’t be me snoring on the floor, bored out of my skull. Then again, I won’t have to deal with airport security or someone complaining that dogs shouldn’t be allowed in restaurants. I’ll never have to cram myself under a bus seat or stand in a long line at Starbuck’s. Hmm. Maybe retirement isn’t such a bad thing after all. I think I can cope with it.

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BUSINESS LISTINGS List your Business, call (619) 573-5615 Ark Animal Hospital Small animal veterinary hospital 6171 Balboa Avenue, SD, CA 92111 Open Mon–Sat • (858) 277-3665 http://www.arkahsd.com

Bark Avenue Resort and Kamp 655 Benet Road, Oceanside, CA. 92058 (760) 433-3763 Ext. 7 Email: info@barkforpets.com www.BarkForPets.com

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

California Veterinary Specialists 2310 Faraday Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008, (760) 431-2273 • 7 days 24 hrs. www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.com

Cheshire Cat Feline Health Center 4680 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. SD, CA 92117 Open Mon-Sat • (858) 483-1573 http://www.CheshireCatClinic.com

SEE RETIREMENT, Page 23 County of San Diego Department of Animal Services (619) 767-2675 • www.sddac.com

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

EasyTurf A Field Turf Company Request a FREE DESIGN consultation 2750 La Mirada Dr, Vista, CA 92081 1-800-550-7270 www.sdpets.easyturf.com www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2012

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FEATURE

Third rule for wranglers could save your bunny’s life B y

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pet-sit for friends who like to go to the river every summer, and although they take their dogs, the two bunnies refuse to go, as do the two cats and nine chickens. (The chickens are another story.) The bunnies live in a cushy hutch set up under a lovely shade tree, but they still need a frozen water bottle to lie on, which I have to replace several times a day in this heat. So I get there, armed with carrots and lettuce, but they look at me with their big bunny eyes, pleading with me to let them out into the small enclosed backyard for a romp. I am such a sucker. “Okay, but just for a half-hour or so,” I say, opening the door to the hutch. At first, it seemed fine. They hopped out, twitching their noses and ears, looking around like, “Shall we mosey around the patio or explore the gardens first?” Fred’s eye meets Ginger’s, and I swear this is true: He winked at her! And they split. Fred zigged, Ginger zagged, and I was left staring after them, holding the melting water bottle. Nuts! I eeny-meeny-miney-moed and went after Ginger first. I tracked her to the end of the walkway, where the bushes ended at a fence, and spotted her under a thick bush.

SEPTEMBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com

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RULE NO. 1 FOR BUNNY-WRANGLERS: Don’t shake the bush and scare the bunny! Twenty minutes later, I had her in my sights again, but luckily, her back was to me. I had learned my lesson, and I sneaked up behind her, channeling my inner stealthy tiger. With Ginger secure in the hatch, I set out after Fred, by far the Machiavellian of the two. RULE NO. 2 FOR BUNNY-WRANGLERS: Bunnies think it’s funny to make you sweat. An hour later, after a quick break in which I laid on my back holding the frozen water bottle to my red, overheated face, I caught a break in the form of Seymour the cat. Apparently, she wanted to settle on the patio for her afternoon nap, and I was disrupting the peace with all my yelling. After a glare that clearly conveyed what an imbecile I was, she simply pounced… not on Fred, but at him. Fred rocketed straight up and landed right on top of the hutch, begging me to let him in. Oh, sure, now he’s agreeable. Hmph. WHICH LEADS ME TO RULE NO. 3 FOR BUNNY-WRANGLERS: Make sure you alert the cat before attempting to wrangle bunnies. KR Johnson is an award-winning speaker, longtime educator and advocate for kids and improv performer. She is the author of The Eleventh Sense, the hilarious journey of Simon, a bug whisperer with a big secret. Available on amazon.com.

BUSINESS LISTINGS List your Business, call (619) 573-5615 Four Legged Life Pet event speaker Arden Moore Dog/cat behavior consults Host dog parties • (760) 433-3480 www.fourleggedlife.com

Fuzzy Wolf Canine Training Academy Cert. Trainer Program, Group & Private Pet Parent training. (831) 979-0303 fuzzywolfservices@gmail.com

Home Buddies by Camp BowWow

RETIREMENT CONTINUED FROM Page 21

When some of our friends ask what I’m going to do when I retire, Daddy usually tells them “He gets to be a dog. He’s earned it.” Boy, you can say that again. So an era comes to an end. Musket the Guide Dog, the idol of dog lovers from coast to coast, co-author of ‘Confessions of a Guide Dog – The Blonde Leading the Blind’ is going to do what? Be a couch potato. Well, maybe a couch Tater Tot. I love Tater Tots. I’ve been practicing for months now, when Daddy wasn’t looking. Okay, I know, he’s NEVER looking but that’s beside the point. I lie around, sleeping, rolling over occasionally, and when I get a spurt of energy, get up to stretch. Then it’s back to the floor. Daddy started calling me a ‘furry speed bump.’ I haven’t mastered the TV remote yet, but Mommy helps me get ‘Animal Planet.’ I also like the Food Network. Yes, it’s a dirty job but somebody’s got to do it. In fact I learned most of this from Daddy. He could qualify for the Couch Potato Olympics. To him sleeping is an art form. I don’t mean that he’s lazy, far from it. He works very hard and is always writing, lecturing and promoting our book. So I think I’ll get used to it. I’ll still be Daddy's ‘Little Buddy.’ And Mommy and I still have a wonderful relationship based on unconditional love, adoration, belly rubs, kisses and treats.

Especially treats. She makes tasty healthy treats at home and they’re the best! Mommy takes care of her baby. As for the new dog, for a while when I see Daddy get the harness out I’ll go over to him, ready to do my job. But it won’t be my job any more. Old habits die hard. The new dog, whoever he or she is will guide and protect my daddy. Daddy has also had some concerns. He hopes I won’t resent the new dog, and we’ll get along. I’m sure we will, as long at the new kid does things my way. That’s reasonable, isn’t it? Maybe I’ll teach him some of my tricks, like how to beg effectively. The key is to suck in your cheeks so you look malnourished. Daddy knows the new dog won’t be me and that’s the hardest part to get used to. He said “Musket is a hard act to follow.” Ain't it the truth?

MARK CARLSON, 51 lives in San Diego with his wife Jane and his Guide dog Musket. A docent at the San Diego Air & Space Museum and aviation historian, Mark writes for several national aviation magazines. He is a featured speaker for many local adult education programs. His first book, ‘Confessions of a Guide Dog – The Blonde Leading the Blind’ is a humorous memoir about the adventures of life with Musket. It is available in through Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com and iUniverse.com. You can reach Mark and Musket through www.musketmania.com.

Dog Walking, Pet Sitting & Dog Training Bonded and Insured (619) 889-7767 www.myhomebuddies.com/LaJolla

Leashes and Love Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Company Serving San Diego and surrounding areas

(619) 296-4928 www.leashesandlove.com

Leash Your Fitness Fitness class for you and your DOG. Classes / events throughtout San Diego. 619-822-3296 http://www.LeashYourFitness.com

Lu Meyer, Obedience Academy K-9 Family Matters, Only the best will do! Trusted, Experienced, Award Winning Obedience Training. (760) 436-3571 www.EncinitasObedience.com

Mission Animal & Bird Hospital 655 Benet Road, Oceanside, CA. 92058 (760) 433-3763 Email: info@missionanimal.com www.MissionAnimal.com

National Cat Protection Society

A shelter whose mission is dedicated to the protection and welfare of cats. 9031 Birch St. • Spring Valley (619) 469-8771 • http://natcat.org

Pet First Aid 4 U Dog and cat 1st aid, CPR classes Hands-on training. Earn certificate. Throughout S.D. • (760) 433-3480 www.petfirstaid4u.com

PoopPac Dog Walkers Case BAG IT – PAC IT – TRASH IT! Enjoy your walk in style No Odor - No Mess - It Works! www.pooppac.com

Project Wildlife Wildlife rehabilitation and education 887 1/2 Sherman Street, SD, CA 92110 Wildlife Hotline 619-225-9453 www.projectwildlife.org

www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2012

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RESOURCE GUIDE

Emergency Hospitals BONITA/CHULA VISTA Pet Emergency & SpecialtyCenter of South County (619) 591-4802 885 Canarios Court, #108, Chula Vista, CA 91910 www.PESCSanDiego.com

CARLSBAD California Veterinary Specialists (760) 431-2273 2310 Faraday Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008, 7 days 24 hrs. www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.com

ENCINITAS VCA North Coast Veterinary & Emergency (760) 632-1072 414 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024, www.VCANorthCoast.com

ESCONDIDO Animal Urgent Care of Escondido (760) 738-9600 2430-A S. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025, 7 Days 24 hrs. www.AUC.US.com

KEARNY MESA/CLAIREMONT Animal ER of San Diego (858) 569-0600 5610 Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego, CA 92111 M-F 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sat. Sun. 24 hrs.

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

MISSION VALLEY VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center (619) 299-2400 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

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

Rescue, Adoption and Service Organizations A Passion For Paws (Akita Rescue) (818) 925-4827 www.APassionForPaws.org Baja Dog Rescue (619) 407-9372 www.bajadogrescue.org Cat Adoption Service (760) 550-2287 www.sdcats.org Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego www.ChihuahuaRescueofSanDiego.com Forgotten Paws Animal Rescue www.forgottenpaws.org German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue (760) 726-4813 www.GSP-Rescue.org

130 Beyer Way, CA 91911 (619) 691-5123 www.cvacf.org Hours: Sun & Mon Closed, Tue-Fri 9:30am-5pm Sat. 9:30am-4pm

Greyhound Connection www.GreyhoundConnection.org

CORONADO Animal Control Facility

Independent Therapy Dogs, Inc. https://sites.google.com/site/idtdinc/

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

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Pits Specializing in the Bully Breeds (858) 484-0985

ESCONDIDO Escondido Humane Society

Last Chance at Life All Breed Animal Rescue (760) 433-3763 x224 (Schedule an appointment) www.petfinder.com/shelters/CA1647.html www.lastchanceatlife.org

3450 E. Valley Parkway, CA 92027 (760) 888-2275 www.EscondidoHumaneSociety.com Hours: 7 days 10am to 5pm

List Srv 4 Therapy Dog Teams A listing service/electronic bulletin board. listsrv4therapydog@att.net

1275 N. Marshall Ave., CA 92020 (619) 441-1580 Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5:30pm

OCEANSIDE San Diego Humane Society-North (For dogs) 2905 San Luis Rey Road, CA 92058 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: 7 days 10am-4pm San Diego Humane Society-North (For cats) 572 Airport Road, CA 92058 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: 7 days 10am-4pm

ACCEPT OWNER RELINQUISHED ANIMALS BAY PARK/MISSION VALLEY San Diego Humane Society-San Diego Campus 5500 Gaines Street, CA 92110 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm Sat-Sun 11am-5pm

EL CAJON Friends of Cats 15587 Olde Highway 80, CA, 92021 (619) 561-0361 www.FriendsofCats.org Hours: Tues-Sun 10am to 4pm

ENCINITAS Rancho Coastal Humane Society 389 Requeza Street, CA 92024 (760) 753-6413 www.sdpets.org Hours: 11am -5pm every day except Tues. 11:30am-5pm

Operation Greyhound (619) 588-6611 www.OperationGreyhound.com Paws of Coronado (619) 522-7371 www.PawsOfCoronado.org Pit Bull Rescue of San Diego (858) 693-7331 www.PitBullRescueSanDiego.com Rescue House (760) 591-1211 www.rescuehouse.org San Diego House Rabbit Society (858) 356-4286 www.SanDiegoRabbits.org San Diego Spaniel Rescue (619) 922-0545 www.sdsr.org

RANCHO SANTA FE

San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society (619) 593-2123 www.SDTurtle.org

Helen Woodward Animal Center 6461 El Apajo Road, CA 92067 (858) 756-4117 www.AnimalCenter.org Hours: 7 days 11am to 6pm

Second Chance Dog Rescue (619) 721-DOGS (3647) http://secondchancedogrescue.org

SPRING VALLEY National Cat Protection Society 9031 Birch Street, CA 91977 (619) 469-8771 www.NatCat.org Hours: Tue.-Sat. Noon to 5pm

SEPTEMBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com

Westie Rescue of California (619) 579-6395 www.WestieRescueCA.com

BUSINESS LISTINGS List your Business, call (619) 573-5615 Puptown Doggy Daycare 205 16th Street. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 234-5278 www.puptown.net

San Diego Humane Society & SPCA (619) 299-7012 www.sdhumane.org

SD House Rabbit Society

Misty

(858) 356-4286 www.SanDiegoRabbits.org

Shelter Dogs To Dream Dogs Learning With Love Dog Training Animal Behavioral Specialist (619) 813-1252, k9andk8@gmail.com www.shelterdogstodreamdogs.com

Silva’s Dog Training Training Puppies and Adult Dogs “From the Moment They Arrive Home!” (760) 613-3175 www.silvasdogtraining.com

Sophie Bella's Studio Professional Photography Call Us for Your Holiday Photos 858-717-6200 www.sophiebellasstudio.com

Star Grooming on Fifth Professional Pet Stylist 1845 Fifth Ave (Between Elm & Fir) (619) 571-1795 www.stargroomingonfifth.com

HAPPILY

R E V E ADOPTED

STORIES

couple came to our North Campus in Oceanside looking for a young cat to complete their family, which also included two 12-year old Siamese cats. Misty, then named William, came to the San Diego

Humane Society after he was found abandoned and roaming around in Oceanside. After meeting Misty for the first time, they knew he would be the perfect addition to their family… “Misty has been such a beautiful addition to us, and could have not chosen a better kitten, thanks to you. Misty is a beautiful bundle of fur who loves to explore and never stops purring. He has such a beautiful personality and he is so affectionate, offering us so much love and happiness.”

About the San Diego Humane Society & SPCA The Humane Society offers San Diegans a wide range of programs and services that strengthen the human-animal bond, prevent cruelty/neglect, provide medical care and educate the community on the humane treatment of animals. More information at www.sdhumane.org

The Total Dog, Swim & Gym 3060 Industry St., Ste. 108 Oceanside, CA • 760-721-1DOG (1364) www.mytotaldog.com

TouchNpaws & MakeNscents Comfort * Wellness * Mobility Serving the North County area (Mira Mesa up)

(619) 405-4144 • www.TouchNpaws.com

TTouch for dogs, cats and rabbits By certified practitioner Mary E. Cannon 858-361-8038 www.crittertouch.com

VetDepot Discount Pet Meds & Supplies • Save up to 60% on all leading brands including: Frontline, Cosequin, Greenies & Heartgard www.vetdepot.com

www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | SEPTEMBER 2012

CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Sunday, September 9, 8 am - 2 pm

Saturday, September 22, 11 am - 3 pm

Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon

Whole Dog Sports X-Dog Sports Day

http://surfdog.kintera.org Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon is a great family day at the beach for surfers and dog lovers alike. Raising awareness and money for orphaned pets while promoting responsible pet ownership. The funds raised will be used to support all the programs at Helen Woodward Animal Center. Over 40 vendors, food and a Drawing!

Saturday, September 15, 1 - 3 pm

Mission Animal & Bird Hospital - Pet Fair www.missionanimal.com Come see the adoptable dogs and visit the vendor booths in the parking lot of Mission Animal & Bird Hospital at 655 Benet Rd in Oceanside. Meet the staff and take a tour of their state-of-the-art hospital too.

Sunday, September 16, 10 am - 4 pm

Bunnyfest 2012 https://www.facebook.com/SDHRS This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bunnyfest is in famed Balboa Park. The venue will be located at the corner of Park Blvd. and Presidents Way and feature craft vendors, specialty vets, animal services, games, gourmet food trucks and more. MORE INFO ON PAGE 2, 6-8.

http://www.wholedogsports.com/ X-Dog Sports Day and Grand Opening Celebration for Whole Dog Sports Center An action-packed dog sports extravaganza featuring exhibitions, freestyle demos, agility and fun activities for you and your four-legged best friends.

Saturday, September 29, 10 am - 4 pm

Grand Woofstock http://www.escondidoevents.net/ the-grand-woofstock.html Grand Woofstock is the ulti-Mutt dog/pet expo for pet lovers, featuring all things poochie. Check in for this FREE event at Acacia Animal Health Center Booth located on the corner of Maple & Grand to get some free goodies for your four-legged friends and an event map.

Saturday, September 29, 10 am - 1 pm

Friends of Cats Open House http://www.friendsofcats.org/ OPEN HOUSE at Friends of Cats non-profit no-kill shelter. Come enjoy the fun. There will be great food and games like the kitten races as well as boutique Items for sale and shelter tours. This year there are some

fabulous prizes to win in the raffle! $1 for a ticket or $5 for six! This event is free to the public. For more information, please visit their website at http://www.friendsofcats.org or call (619) 561-0361.

Saturday, October 6, 8 am - 4:30 pm

Kindred Spirit Animal Ministry Event http://www.blessouranimals.org Fifth Annual Holistic Animal Fair, Adopt-athon and Blessing. At Balboa Park, Sixth and Laurel, adjacent to dog park.

Saturday & Sunday, October 13 & 14

Del Mar Pet Expo http://sandiegopetexpo.net/ MORE INFO ON PAGE 3

Tuesday, October 16

National Ferrel Cat Day - Alleycat Allies http://www.alleycat.org

POST YOUR EVENTS ONLINE FOR FREE

More events and details posted online: www.SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com/events

SEPTEMBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com

MARKETPLACE D

5 d H B

Be Your Petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Health Ally!

Pet First Aid/CPR classes 760-433-3480 www.petfirstaid4u.com

Dog Beach Dog Wash Do-It-Yourself Service and Accessories

4933 Voltaire Street San Diego, CA 92107

619-523-1700 Open 7am to 9pm, 7 days a week www.dogwash.com Since 1993