1 D
5 d H B
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | OCTOBER 2012
5
INSIDE THIS ISSUE D
5 d H B
DEL MAR PET EXPO Join us for two fun-filled days at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, October 13 and 14. This year wellbehaved pets are welcome! SanDiegoPetExpo.net.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Casey Dean
(Find SDPM’s booth #351) SEE THEIR AD ON PAGE 5
COVER PHOTO
BEHAVIOR BYTES Dr. Schwartz’s favorite things about cats.
John Lennon
GUEST PHOTOGRAPHER
FUN FALL FAN PHOTOS (PULL-OUT POSTER) We asked our Facebook fans to post their fun fall pet photos on our fan-page. PAGE 16-17
Susan Weingartner animalsandtheirhumans.com
www.facebook.com/SanDiegoPets
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Arden Moore Martin Jones Westlin
Mark Carlson
MONKEY BUSINESS: Casey Dean , publisher of San Diego Pets Magazine, poses with Crystal, a trained female capuchin monkey who has become beloved for her countless hollywood roles.
K.R. Johnson
FULL STORY PAGE 27
GUEST WRITERS
PAGE 15
IAMS HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS The annual event kicks of its 13th year.
PAGE 18
ANIMAL COMMUNICATION Become one with your dog.
PAGE 20
ANIMAL SUPERSTITIONS Black cats and seven toed dogs.
PAGE 22
Arden Moore Stefanie Schwartz, DVM Richard Silverwood
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 | OCTOBER 2012
7
Jackson Galaxy with his cat Velouria, a domestic long hair brown tabby, age 19.
Photo by Susan Weingartner (animalsandtheirhumans.com)
8
OCTOBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
“Cat Daddy” Jackson Galaxy J
— a feline favorite —
The host of Animal Planet’s My Cat from Hell meets Zeki, An Angel of a Cat B y
A R D E N
ackson Galaxy conveys a masterful blend of contrasts. He is large in stature, but speaks with a calming tone. He sports a bald head offset by a black Pharaoh goatee and manicured sideburns that jet out into his cheekbones. He is a gifted musician, but his guitar case is filled with catwrangling toys. And, he not only digs cats, but he really, really understands them and has dedicated his life to making this planet a more perfect place for felines. Meet the man with true cat mojo, a guy who happily answers to the nickname, Cat Daddy ² -DFNVRQ *DOD[\ On the eve of him beginning to tape Season Three of his popular “My Cat From Hell” show on Animal Planet, we spent the day with him at his office in Redondo Beach. By we, I mean me and my cat, Zeki, a Turkish Van mix. Perhaps you’ve seen her at my booth during pet expos in San Diego – she’s the cat purring and eating her favorite treat – deli turkey – and never rattled by the steady stream of dogs in attendance. Or, you’ve taken one of my pet first aid classes where Zeki calmly lets students wrap her in a bath towel, check her pulse and brush her teeth as the only feline in the entire Pet Tech program. I’ve known and admired Galaxy for many years and have had him as a guest on my Oh Behave Show on Pet Life Radio a few times, but this was our first face-to-face get together. For Zeki,
M O O R E
|
S A N
D I E G O
a spunky, up-for-adventure cat who survived a brutal knife attack as a young stray, this was a play date with the No. 1 guy on this planet who knows what makes cats tick. After giving Zeki time to thoroughly explore Galaxy’s office, I carefully put her on his lap. She instantly sat, relaxed her body and delivered soft eye winks and purrs as he gently scratched her chin and cheeks. “Zeki is wonderful. She adapts easily and she’s a joy to be around,” assesses Galaxy. “Cats fall into two play categories. Scaredy cats are more about following ground prey like mice, so they do best when you play with one of my favorite cat toys, called Da Bird that you can move across the floor, around corners in a slow, predictable pattern.
Galaxy shares his home with felines Velouria, Chips and Caroline plus a dog named Rudy. Chips & Rudy seen here. Photo by Susan Weingartner
P E T S
Zeki, however, falls into the second category of ambitious, confident cats who are more attracted to air prey. These cats like for you to move the Da Bird in the air, making erratic movements that mimic the flapping wings of birds.” Play is important, especially for indoor cats, declares Galaxy, who shares his home with felines Velouria, Chips and Caroline plus a dog named Rudy. “I’d say 99 percent of my consultants involve me teaching people how to best play with their cats,” he says. “Tap into what makes a cat tick. What do they want? They want to kill things, so you have to mimic that. That’s why you
SEE CAT DADDY, Page 10 www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | OCTOBER 2012
9
D
5 d H
r COVER STORY
CAT DADDY
9 Surprising Facts
CONTINUED FROM Page 9
need an interactive toy. Cats are all about this sequence: hunt-catch-kill-eat. So, after your cat has played, give him a high-quality, high-protein snack. Do this every day, and I guarantee many of your problems will disappear.” Resist relying on a laser pointer. Galaxy explains, “To me, the laser point serves one purpose only. It should only be used for redirection. It is to redirect your bully cat from pouncing on your [more frightened, unsure] cat. Cats can’t catch a laser, so it is a frustrating toy for a true hunter.” After play, Zeki napped for the rest of our visit on a comfy pet bed. She did lift her head when Galaxy presented her with an autographed photo and a signed copy of his newest book called Cat Daddy: What the World’s Most Incorrigible Cat Taught Me About Life, Love, and Coming Clean. I suspect Zeki more enjoyed interactions with Galaxy and turkey treats, but I have framed the photo in my office
About Jackson Galaxy
1. 2.
He has never owned a home– always rents.
3.
His favorite painting in his office was done by a pig from the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah.
4. 5.
He played in rock band called Pope of the Circus Gods.
6.
He had a short career as a cook until his bloody Bandaid ended up on a customer’s plate.
7. 8. .
His senior dog, Rudy recently had a pace maker implanted.
Arden Moore (right) and Zeki spent the day with Jackson Galaaxy at his office in Redondo Beach.
and read his book in one setting. In the pages, Galaxy opens up about his gypsy-like life until he found his true calling – thanks to a cat named Benny. And once again, he conveys his contrasting style. He candidly shares his struggles with addiction as well as confidently provides readers with specific tips to bring out the healthy best in their cats. This is Jackson Galaxy, a one-of-akind guy making this planet a more welcoming place for cats.
His tattoo on his upper right arm is in memory of his cat, Benny.
His apartment was “catified” earlier this year by Kate Benjamin of Moderncat and now features a “cat superhighway” of shelves and ramps at multiple levels on walls.
He prefers to wear sneakers without laces.
Instantly relaxed on his lap, Zeiki purrs as Jackson Galaxy gently scratched her Photo by Arden Moore chin and cheeks. 10
OCTOBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
WHAT
DOGS WANT Arden Moore,
ACCBC, ADCBC Pet trend, behavior and safety expert Arden@FourLeggedLife.com
E
ven though I’m the one with a bachelor’s degree in communication, the stellar communicators in my home are a pair of rescued mutts who answer to the names of Chipper and Cleo. Their “talk” is always clear and consistent – whether they are communicating with me, each other, their doggy pals or their feline housemates, Zeki and Murphy. Often, Chipper and Cleo convey effective messages without uttering a single sound. They “speak” by using postures, tail positions, tail movements, eyes and expressions. For example, when Cleo starts to pant and jumps in my lap, I know that she needs to reliever her bladder outside – and pronto. When Chipper turns her head and air snaps, then plops down with her rear end hoisted in the air, I know that she is ready for a friendly game of tug-of-war. 12
As a pet behavior consultant, I travel all over North America to help people better understand why their dogs – and cats – do what they do in order to restore harmony in households. I’ve learned to speak dog and yes, even cat. I guess that makes me tri-lingual. For the past dozen years, I’ve studied and interpreted communication from dogs of all ages, sizes, breeds and attitudes. It brought me to creating my latest pet book aptly called, What Dogs Want: A Visual Guide to Understanding Your Dog’s Every Move. The book is being distributed worldwide. It was unleashed in Australia earlier this summer and copies are just now available in the United States. In honor of this being my 24th pet book, I will award an autographed copy to the 24th person who emails me (Arden@fourleggedlife.com) with the code words, What Dogs Want. The book offers a visual guide that decodes 100 postures, expressions, sounds and actions exhibited by dogs. It also identifies some possible underlying medical reasons and provides the best ways to respond. Why some dogs tilt their heads. Dogs
A SAMPLING:
OCTOBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
tend to reserve head tilts for the person who is right in front of them, especially if that person says the magic word, treat. But some dogs also tilt their heads to attempt to tune into a strange sound or are suffering from medical issues such as ear infections or infestation of ear mites. For dogs who cock their head to garner attention, add this action in your dog’s repertoire of tricks to delight your friends. But persistent tilting and pawing of the ear may signal an infection that needs veterinary care. Why dogs expose their bellies. Most often, dogs strike this pose to garner love, attention and maybe a little help to scratch a hard-to-reach itch. But check the whole canine package first before bending down to offer a belly rub. Beware of dogs who make direct, hard stares and have tense bodies. They are not relaxed dogs waiting for TLC; they are purposely exposing their bellies to lure you closer and to demonstrate dominance by growling or snapping. For these dogs, I recommend re-schooling them in the basic cues of “sit” and “watch me” to demote their status below you and your family members. Why some dogs gut stuffed toys. Despite being pampered in homes, dogs have never lost their hunting instinct. Lacking access to real prey,
dogs stalk and “kill” pretend prey – plush toys. Terrier, sporting and hunting breeds lead the pack when it comes to gutting stuffed toys. But in a dog’s haste to gut a toy, he may swallow the squeaker or stuffing, which can cause stomach or small intestinal blockages and require surgery. Take your dog to a vet if he seems to have abdominal pain, drools, acts lethargic or is vomiting. You can make this plush toy last longer by wrapping it in an old T-shirt and tying the ends off. Or introduce your dog to more durable toys, such as hollow, hard rubber ones that you can fill with kibble or smear with peanut butter. My quest is to help bridge the communication gap between you and your dog. Paw through the pages of What Dogs Want, and you will not only learn why your dog is acting or vocalizing in a specific manner, but you will also discover what you can do in response to bring out his best behavior and health. Chipper and Cleo never earned a college degree in communication. They didn’t need one. They are born communicators who have joyfully helped me hone my communication skills to share with you.
DOGGY LINGO D
5 d H B
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 | OCTOBER 2012
13
Behavior Bytes
A Few of My Favorite Things…About Cats!
Stefanie Schwartz, DVM, MSc, DACVB Veterinary Behavior Medicine drstef@petbehavior.org
Well, besides “whiskers on kittens,” my favorite cat behaviors include:
PURRING The purr is made by rapid vibration of the pharynx and not by the vocal chords. In my humble opinion, it is one of the most wonderful sounds on this planet. Some cats purr more than others. Some purr louder, and each cat has its own distinctive sound. Some drool while they purr and others knead with their front feet. ENTERTAINMENT Play is serious business in young animals and cats are no exception. From the moment they open their eyes and start to walk, they learn about who they are, who everyone else is, what they can get away with, how to get away from danger, and all the ins and outs of their environment. I love to watch kittens bouncing stiff-legged with back arched BOING BOING BOING and I really get a hoot when I see kittens of all ages ricocheting off the walls and furniture in a game of chase with a real or imaginary friend, don’t you? Just don’t forget to cat proof your home and get out of the way!
FREE FACIALS Some cats groom us almost as enthusiastically as they groom themselves. With their sandpapery tongues, they remove old hair and debris to leave their coats shiny and clean. The thing is that our skin is thinner and less hairy than theirs; after a few licks in the same place it can really become irritating. Make small adjustments in your position to rotate the contact surface. Before you know it, you’ll have been exfoliated for far less and with much more love than any esthetician or dermatologist!
ON THE OTHER HAND…
Although purring is most often associated with comfort and pleasure, it is also heard in cats who are in pain or dying. Monitor your pet’s health and behavior closely. If there are any changes in either physical appearance, appetite or behavior, bring these to the attention of your primary care veterinarian right away. Your veterinarian will know if your pet needs to be referred to a specialist. It’s always easier to treat problems when they first appear, and your cat will thank you for it.
Play can be an important measure of general health. Cats who lose their playfulness may be unwell. Are they not playing because they have pain? Do they have a fever? Are they anxious or depressed? A decrease or change in a cat’s playfulness can be an important indication that they need professional evaluation. Finally, licking behavior can become excessive in some cats. This can arise from anxiety (such as separation anxiety
syndrome) or compulsivity (psychogenic or compulsive licking). Cats are normally fastidious about hygiene, but if your cat grooms herself to the point of causing hair loss or skin lesions, there’s a problem. If your cat stops grooming itself and begins to look shabby and unkempt, there’s a problem that deserves immediate attention, too. Underlying health issues as well as psychosocial stressors can cause changes in normal grooming patterns. Always discuss any potential problems with your veterinarian or veterinary specialist. 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 | OCTOBER 2012
15
FUN FALL FA
Presen
SAN DIEGO PE
ENJOY!
16
We asked out Facebook fans to share their fall photos with us. Below are a few of our favorites. To see the complete album, please visit our Facebook fan page and click on the FUN FALL PHOTO album.
OCTOBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
SIGN UP FOR PET
Create a user on our site at ww
AN PHOTOS
nted by
ETS MAGAZINE
T PRESS UPDATES
JOIN IN ON THE FUN!
w.SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com
www.facebook.com/SanDiegoPets
P U L L O U T
P O S T E R
D
T
5 d H B
PET PRESS
Home 4 the Holidays founded on a lick and a promise
he Iams Home 4 the Holidays pet adoption drive was founded in 1999, but the bleak central event that fueled it unfolded more than 30 years before. Mike Arms, then a young accountant with New York’s American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, was severely beaten and stabbed as he came to the aid of an injured dog, awakened from unconsciousness only by the animal’s lick of his face. Emergency care came too late for the shepherd/terrier mix, whose back had been broken by a passing car—and it was then that Arms pledged his life to the field of animal welfare. Today, Arms is the president of Rancho Santa Fe’s Helen Woodward Animal Center and founder of Home 4 the Holidays, the country’s largest and most successful pet adoption campaign. Begun in 1999 with just the cooperation of a handful of county animal shelters, the 2011-12 drive, placed pets in more than 1.2 million homes nationwide. The number could probably be higher,
18
Arms indicated, citing the media’s role in the campaign. “We know,” Arms told San Diego Pets Magazine in an e-mail, “that in those rare occasions where a pet might hurt a human being, the incident is exploited throughout the media, and normally the last statement in that media exposé is that the pet is at ‘XYZ Animal Shelter.’ It does not encourage potential pet adopters to come to your facility if they think that you only have aggressive or dangerous pets. We need to do more to creatively promote and market the beautiful orphan pets that we do have.” Meanwhile, he added, the nation’s mindset isn’t helping.
OCTOBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
“In our country,” he wrote, “we do more to advertise for pizza, Coca Cola, and hamburgers than we do to advertise the beautiful orphan pets that we have. In order to have more footsteps come into your facility, you need to show the public the beautiful pets that you have.” Iams, the giant Ohio pet food manufacturer and Procter & Gamble subsidiary, co-founded the adoption drive and has helped place more than 7 million animals. Iams spokesman Jason Taylor cited the company’s participation in the campaign, noting that Iams provides shelters with a comprehensive marketing guide to help promote their presences in
PET PRESS D
5 d H B
5 Things to Consider Before Adopting a Pet APPEARANCES CAN BE DECEIVING. Take the time to talk to the people who work at a shelter or rescue and let them help you, they can teach you a lot.
TAKE YOUR TIME. Finding the right fit for your family may take a few visits. Don't expect to walk in and out in twenty minutes. ALWAYS DO WHAT'S BEST FOR THE ANIMAL! Don't feel obligated to take home 'just one more' if you already have a full house. Likewise if you are a first-time pet parent, try not to take on a “hard case,” you may find you don’t have the time, energy or experience.
BE REALISTIC. Pets of all shapes and sizes cost time and money. Be sure you are emotionally and financially prepared.
COMMUNICATE. Consult everyone in your household before adopting; everyone needs to be prepared to have a new pet. the drive. This year, he said, the company is launching its Digital Dish Drive, wherein followers can “like” or “share” specific posts on Iams’ Facebook page, leading to donations of meals for homeless animals. Arms indicated that the need for such campaigns is perpetual. In a report from last August, the American Humane Society said that of the 5 million companion animals taken into animal shelters nationwide every year, about 3.5 million are euthanized, with 15 percent of dogs and only 2 percent of cats eventually returned to their owners. “We all want to not have to euthanize pets,” Arms said. ”In limited access facilities, such as Helen Woodward Animal Center, we just take in the number of pets that we project we can adopt each week. We never have to overcrowd, so managing the pet inventory is much easier, versus those organizations that are county- or state-funded with taxpayer dollars. They must take in all pets, and unfortunately sometimes for them, they are overcrowded, and the only way they can make space is to euthanize these pets.” That’s where Home 4 the Holidays comes in. Once again, Arms vigorously calls attention to the drive, its beginning fueled by a damnable assault that, except for the quick thinking of one of the victims, may have cost him his life. This year’s campaign began Oct. 1 and runs through Jan. 2. For more, please visit adoptioncenter.org or call 858-756-4117. —Martin Jones Westlin
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | OCTOBER 2012
19
A nimal Communication:
BECOME ONE WITH YOUR DOG
H
B y
R I C H A R D
ave you ever wondered what your pooch is thinking? Do you see your loyal hound gazing out of the window and wish you knew what he was dreaming about? Well what if I was to tell you that there are people who can telepathically converse with dogs without even being in the same room as them? This is the claim that is being put forward by ‘pet psychics’- individuals who make their living from delving deep into the minds of troubled animals. The birth of the Internet has seen a boom in canine psychics, with clairvoyants offering everything from diagnoses of the causes of antisocial behavior to remote counseling for your dog. Many operate at a distance and require only a photo and a bit of background information in order to get inside a pooch’s head. According to San Diego-based pet psychic Aimee Johnson, dog communi20
S I LV E RW O O D
|
S A N
cation is simply a matter of rejecting conventionally held beliefs and tapping into a hidden skill that all human beings possess. ‘It really is a matter of where and Aimee Johnson how you choose to focus your awareness,’ she says. ‘Everything is available for everyone, as we live in an inclusive and expanding universe. If we decide to limit this inclusive expansion with thoughts of exclusion and non-possibility then this is our right. We are blessed with the freewill to create whatever it is we want, including limitations and fears. Not being able to hear is really not wanting to hear, mostly due to fear.’ Animal communicators may sound like something out of Doctor Doolittle but they are capable of achieving shockingly accurate results. In August 2009, a
OCTOBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
D I E G O
P E T S
skeptical reporter for the San Francisco Chronicle took her pet Chihuahua, Kai, to see a telepathist out of sheer curiosity. The psychic made a number of very specific observations, including the fact that Kai liked to eat noodles, occasionally wore a green sweater and had previously hurt his back. She also said that he wanted his picture taken with an abalone shell, which seemed a very random thing to say… until later that day when Kai unearthed this exact type of shell during a visit to the beach. The case of Canadian dog owner Josee Poulin and her three-year-old Shetland sheepdog Lady-Belle is equally impressive. Josee consulted psychic Maggie Carruthers after LadyBelle went missing. Carruthers said that she had seen an image of the dog on the meadow between the golf course and Wyman Road in her local town of Yarmouth. Incredibly, Lady-Belle was
“Communicating with a pet is no different to communicating with your own inner being”
found exactly where this talented clairvoyant had predicted her to be. Remarkable as these cases might be, there are still those who believe that pet communication is simply make belief. Wilfredo Perez of the San Diego Colaition of Reason is outspoken in his criticism of animal telepathists. ‘Socalled “pet psychics” are nothing but conmen or women,’ he says. ‘There is absolutely no scientific evidence proving that humans can read the thoughts of animals and vice versa. People believe in pet psychics because they desperately want to believe in them but strongly believing in something doesn’t make it true.’ ‘Pet psychics are all about cold reading the human owners of the pets. Obviously the pets are entirely immune to these readings but it is not the pet that must be convinced but rather the owner so it is the owner that gets cold read by the pet psychic. My wife and I have four cats. If a so-called “pet psychic” ever visited our home and asked, “What are the names of your cats?” then I would respond, “You tell me.” Somehow, I seriously doubt that our cats could tell a pet psychic their names.’ The ‘cold calling’ explanation still fails to account for the results obtained by those who communicate with dogs from a distance. Aimee puts skepticism of animal telepaths down to the fact that people are hung up on what they believe to be ‘real’. ‘Communicating with a pet is no different to communicating with your own inner being,’ she says. ‘Folks who do not believe they have the power to communicate simply do not as a result of their decision not to believe. If they changed their belief and focused awareness, they too could hear what the animals are saying. You
GUEST FEATURE D
must always be willing to forget what you think you know in order to receive that which actually is. All we really need to do is love and trust ourselves enough to enjoy the realities of this existence and they are endless, limitless and always abundant.’ Do I personally believe in dog telepathy? I am yet to come to a conclusion. I do however believe that it should never be used in place of taking animals to the vet. Psychic communicators and healers may help to put an owner’s mind at rest but it is always advisable to seek the opinion of a health professional if your pet is ill or behaving strangely. Animal telepathists can provide a second opinion or offer additional guidance but should never be taken as the sole authority on a dog’s well being. After all, the fact that some of them are
5 d H B
accurate does not necessarily mean that they will all fall within this category. It is best to view them how you would view astrologers; it is interesting to see what they have got to say but probably not advisable to take their words as gospel. Richard Silverwood is an animal lover from Manchester, England. His first pet was a goldfish called Goldie and he is currently the proud owner of a lovable yet contrary black and white cat called Mitten. He has contributed to a range of different pet-related magazines including Equestrian Life, Tails and Bella Dog and ghost-writes non-fiction books.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | OCTOBER 2012
21
Black Cats and Seven-toed Dogs
I
Animal Superstitions B y
M A R K
n an age when we have long singe grown too sophisticated to believe in old superstitions its amusing how many of us still blame certain events on the full Moon or the number 13. Even the most urbane and educated people tend to glance at their horoscopes in the morning paper, ‘just in case.’ Many of the most enduring and macabre superstitions center around the animals in our world and particularly domesticated pets. There are more ‘old wives’ tales’ about dogs and cats than for elephants or even toads. This is because the most common of household pets were adopted by mankind as far back as prehistoric times, for hunting, guarding and companionship. Images of humans with dogs and cats appear on Egyptian tombs, Greek temples and even the cave paintings at Las-
22
C A R L S O N
|
S A N
D I E G O
caux, France. So it’s no wonder a great deal of lore, most of it negative and often contradictory center on the tabbies and pooches we feed, water and play with every day. For instance, the bugaboo of Medieval Europe, black cats and witches. How did that come about? Try this on for size: A Norse legend tells of the chariot of
OCTOBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
P E T S
the witch Freya pulled by black cats. They were possessed by the Devil and very fast. After serving Freya for seven years, the cats turned into witches, disguised as black cats. This is where the belief that black cats were familiars of witches began. After seven years they themselves became witches. Black cats were supposed to be bad luck. Oh-kay. Anyone who has Sheba purring on their lap on a cool winter evening knows this is pure rot. If a black cat crossed your path, it meant Satan was taking notice of you. Not a guy you want on your case. Ridiculous. But how many of us still jump a little in our step when we see a black cat walking past us? Some old sailors refused to step on board a ship if a black cat walked the decks. Yet cats have been the most efficient means of keeping a ship free of rats. However, in some parts of the world black cats are supposed to be good luck. In ancient England black cats were mummified and placed in tombs to deter evil from taking the spirit of the dead. Never mind what the cat thought about it. If a black cat jumped over the coffin of a dead person, the deceased would return as a ghost. A good thing to keep in mind at a lawyer’s funeral. Keep the cats away. OKAY, ON TO DOGS. Egyptians revered the jackal and Romans the hunting dog. Every culture in the world has domesti-
cated or trained dogs for specific duties. Dogs howl at the Moon, right? Not exactly. The Moon has nothing to do with it. They’re howling to communicate with other dogs. But for ages that portended either good or bad fortune, depending on where you lived. Here is one I’m sure dogs are very glad has been laid to rest. In the middle Ages, if a dog bit a person, the dog was killed, even if the animal had no rabies. This was because if it later got rabies, the person who was bitten, even years later, would be infected. In England and Scotland black dogs were believed to be the portents of evil events and death. Remember Harry Potter and the Grim? We know it was just his godfather Sirius looking out for him. But they were also thought to be the spirits of wicked persons who led you astray and into danger. OR, friendly guides to lost travelers. Talk about ambiguity. Bring a coin to flip if you encounter a big black dog some dark night on the Moors. Dogs have always been credited with being able to see supernatural things or
FEATURE D
sense geologic events like earthquakes. Personally my Labrador Musket sleeps through them. Be that as it may, here’s a useful tip. When a dog sits and stares at nothing, totally oblivious to everything around it, look right between the dog’s ears. You (provided you possess the ability) should see a ghost. Explains a lot, actually. I always thought they just ‘zoned out.’ Turns out Fido was really communicating with the ghost of Dr. Doolittle. And if you have a seven-toed dog, they can see ghosts. That should come in handy this Halloween. Get on your knees and start counting.
5 d H B
MARK CARLSON, 51 lives in San Diego with his wife Jane and his Guide dog Musket. A docent at the San Diego Air & Space Museum and aviation historian, Mark writes for several national aviation magazines. He is a featured speaker for many local adult education programs. His first book, ‘Confessions of a Guide Dog – The Blonde Leading the Blind’ is a humorous memoir about the adventures of life with Musket. It is available in through Amazon.com, Barnesandnoble.com and iUniverse.com. You can reach Mark and Musket through www.musketmania.com.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | OCTOBER 2012
23
The Viking warrior meets an old dude with a crop
W
B y
K R
J O H N S O N
S A N
D I E G O
P E T S
e were 13 years old that Steam coming from my ears, I stomped past the corral, year, my big bay horse Banand there was Bandit, being ridden by some old dude dit and I. I had a bond with with a crop. that horse that I’ve never felt since. It was I stared, open-mouthed. He wasn’t a Girl Scout! I’d so strong that I could ride him bareback been bamboozled! and with just a harness. When we My inner Viking warrior woman began to sing. walked, he stuck by my side. This was war! One day, Leo, the stable owner, asked I whistled. my permission to “donate” Bandit to a Bandit’s head whipped toward me, ears one-month program for Girl Scouts who pricked forward, which in horse language were learning to ride. means he was listening to me. Dude tried “Bandit is perfect,” he said, “because to regain control, but—ha-ha—too bad. he’s so gentle.” I whistled again. Bandit galloped full “That’s true, but no.” speed across the corral, with Dude hold“It’s only for the month of July. ing onto the saddle for dear life. He’ll be back in August.” Bandit dropped his head over the I very, very grudgingly acquiside of the corral, and I stroked his esced, and for one month, I did soft nose while simultaneously glarnot ride my bike up that hill to ing Viking eye-daggers at Dude. the ranch, did not smell horse on “Get off my horse!” my clothes, but did lie depressed in I growled. front of the television eating ice cream, Dude snorted. “This nag is yours?” like I’d just lost the love of my life. “Get off him, and take your saddle with Tick… tock… you!” August 1, I was up the hill on Dude slid off Bandit, unsaddled and unmy bike at dawn (well, more bridled him and made a very rude comlike 9 a.m., after I—ahem— ment at me. horsed down the breakfast my Bandit’s ears went back. He glared at mom forced on me). I slid my bike into Dude, stamping his rear feet into position, my usual rack space and intending to tattoo a horseraced to Bandit’s stable, an shoe print directly on his KR Johnson is an award-winning speaker, longtime educator and apple and a carrot in my forehead. advocate for kids and improvisational theater performer. She is the backpack… only to find the author of The Eleventh Sense, the hilarious journey of Simon, who Dude slunk away, and I must find his mother’s killer with the help of the most unusual, and stable empty. slipped Bandit a carrot. My annoying, bunch of friends ever, available on amazon.com. What? hero.
24
OCTOBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
BUSINESS LISTINGS List your Business, call (619) 573-5615 Ark Animal Hospital
Why do we keep doing this?
The contrast warmed your heart...and broke your heart...at the same time. One of the families standing in the lobby at your Rancho Coastal Humane Society was so excited they probably weren't hearing half of what Adoption Counselor Christina Schacht was saying. They were getting a puppy! Life was never going to be the same. It was going to be way better! The other family stood nearby, remembering the day 14 years ago when they adopted their puppy from RCHS. But now they had lost the old dog that their puppy had become. They had watched it grow through adolescence and adulthood. Then one morning they woke up to find it was a gray-faced, senior citizen. Then a few days ago, it had crossed over the Rainbow Bridge where it would wait for them, forever young. They weren't sure why they came that day. They told RCHS care provider John Cavoulas that they weren't ready to adopt again. It was more of a pilgrimage to the place where it all began. A chance to remember how that tiny pup had reached its paw through the bars and whispered, "Please. Take me. I'm your new dog." So why do we keep doing this? Why do we invite these animals into our homes...into our hearts...knowing that one day we'll become that family trying to re-live the moment? I believe that we do it for the walks in the park. For the naps in the sunshine. For the looks that ask, "Can I please have a treat?" For the open mouth yawn that seems to say, "I may weigh 6 pounds but I'm still the king of this jungle." We do it for the warm cat napping on our lap on a cold night. For the muffled woofs during doggie dreams. We do it because, no matter how much we give them, they'll gladly give us more. Their hearts are pure and true. Their love is unconditional. We do it for the love. Your support or Rancho Coastal Humane Society makes this possible. For those who have no voice...Thank You. Jim Silveira
Jim Silveira, President Rancho Coastal Humane Society
Small animal veterinary hospital 6171 Balboa Avenue, SD, CA 92111 Open Mon–Sat • (858) 277-3665 http://www.arkahsd.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
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 Four Legged Life Pet event speaker Arden Moore Dog/cat behavior consults Host dog parties • (760) 433-3480 www.fourleggedlife.com
Fuzzy Wolf Canine Training Academy Cert. Trainer Program, Group & Private Pet Parent training. (831) 979-0303 fuzzywolfservices@gmail.com
Home Buddies by Camp BowWow Dog Walking, Pet Sitting & Dog Training Bonded and Insured (619) 889-7767 www.myhomebuddies.com/LaJolla
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
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | OCTOBER 2012
25
D
5 d H B
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
26
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
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
4th St. Area 25 Bldg. 25132 CA 92054 (760) 725-8120
Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego www.ChihuahuaRescueofSanDiego.com
CARLSBAD County Animal Services
Forgotten Paws Animal Rescue www.forgottenpaws.org
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 www.cvacf.org Hours: Sun & Mon Closed, Tue-Fri 9:30am-5pm Sat. 9:30am-4pm
CORONADO Animal Care Facility 1395 First Street, Coronado, CA 92118 (619) 522-7371 Hours: 7 days 9am-4:30pm
German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue www.GSP-Rescue.org Greyhound Connection www.GreyhoundConnection.org Independent Therapy Dogs, Inc. https://sites.google.com/site/idtdinc/ It’s The Pits (Specializing in the Bully Breeds) (858) 484-0985
EL CAJON City of El Cajon Animal Shelter
Last Chance at Life All Breed Animal Rescue (760) 433-3763 x224 (Schedule an appointment) www.lastchanceatlife.org
1275 N. Marshall Ave., CA 92020 (619) 441-1580 Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5:30pm
List Srv 4 Therapy Dog Teams listsrv4therapydog@att.net
ESCONDIDO Escondido Humane Society
Open Arms Rescue (760) 470-7643 www.openarmsrescue.org
3450 E. Valley Parkway, CA 92027 (760) 888-2275 www.EscondidoHumaneSociety.com Hours: 7 days 10am to 5pm
OCEANSIDE San Diego Humane Society-North (For dogs) 2905 San Luis Rey Road, CA 92058 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: 7 days 10am-4pm San Diego Humane Society-North (For cats) 572 Airport Road, CA 92058 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: 7 days 10am-4pm
ACCEPT OWNER RELINQUISHED ANIMALS BAY PARK/MISSION VALLEY San Diego Humane Society-San Diego Campus 5500 Gaines Street, CA 92110 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
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
EL CAJON
San Diego House Rabbit Society (858) 356-4286 www.SanDiegoRabbits.org
Friends of Cats 15587 Olde Highway 80, CA, 92021 (619) 561-0361 www.FriendsofCats.org Hours: Tues-Sun 10am to 4pm
San Diego Spaniel Rescue (619) 922-0545 www.sdsr.org
ENCINITAS
San Diego Turtle & Tortoise Society (619) 593-2123 www.SDTurtle.org
Rancho Coastal Humane Society 389 Requeza Street, CA 92024 (760) 753-6413 www.sdpets.org Hours: 11am -5pm every day except Tues. 11:30am-5pm
RANCHO SANTA FE Helen Woodward Animal Center 6461 El Apajo Road, CA 92067 (858) 756-4117 www.AnimalCenter.org Hours: 7 days 11am to 6pm
SPRING VALLEY National Cat Protection Society 9031 Birch Street, CA 91977 (619) 469-8771 www.NatCat.org Hours: Tue.-Sat. Noon to 5pm
OCTOBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Second Chance Dog Rescue (619) 721-DOGS (3647) http://secondchancedogrescue.org Westie Rescue of California (619) 579-6395 www.WestieRescueCA.com Wee Companions (619) 934-6007 http://WeeCompanions.org
MONKEY BUSINESS
BUSINESS LISTINGS List your Business, call (619) 573-5615 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
Project Wildlife Wildlife rehabilitation and education 887 1/2 Sherman Street, SD, CA 92110 Wildlife Hotline 619-225-9453 www.projectwildlife.org
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 (858) 356-4286 www.SanDiegoRabbits.org
T.V.'s newest comedy, Animal Practice, debuted September 26, 2012 on NBC and to help kick off Petco's National Adoption Reunion a few of the stars recently visited San Diego. Crystal the monkey and actor, Tyler Labine, who plays Dr. Doug Jackson, made a few special appearances to help raise awareness for shelter animals.
C
rystal the monkey stars in the show as Dr. Rizzo, Dr. Coleman's (Justin Kirk) "medical assistant." Crystal is a trained female capuchin monkey who has become beloved for her countless roles, appearing in over 20 films including "Night at the Museum" and "The Hangover Part II." Crystal and her handler and trainer, Tom Gunderson, appeared at a meet and greet at Petco's corporate headquarters where they met with members of the press (even taking time to pose with a certain local pet magazine) and Petco employees. Crystal the monkey concluded her night in San Diego with fellow co-star, Tyler Labine, who plays Dr. Doug Jackson by throwing out the honorary first pitch at the San Diego Padres game on September 27, 2012. Although Crystal may be cute, exotic animals should never be considered pets. Jennifer Henderson, Operations Manager at Birds and Animals Unlim-
ited where both Tom and Crystal work explained, "Exotic pets are non domesticated animals who should only be kept by professionals who understand the diverse needs of the animal including a unique social structure, a varied diet and behavioral needs that don't necessarily mimic our own family lives." Currently about 75 percent of animals that Birds and Animals sends to T.V. and movie sets are rescued. In addition to dogs and cats, parrots are very common animals that Birds and Animals Unlimited finds in shelters. "Parrots can live up to 125 years and are truly a lifetime commitment," says Henderson. "Many people don't realize this when bringing this type of animal into their home." Henderson adds, "We believe working with rescue pets is the right thing to do. A dog or cat that others would consider mischievous can oftentimes be the best animal to train. They are attentive and always looking for something to do."
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
TouchNpaws & MakeNscents Comfort * Wellness * Mobility Serving the North County area (Mira Mesa up)
(619) 405-4144 • www.TouchNpaws.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 | OCTOBER 2012
27
CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS 28
Saturday & Sunday, October 6 & 7
Tuesday, October 16
Petco’s Second Annual National Adoption Reunion
Sponsored by Alleycat Allies. Visit http://www.alleycat.org
Every Petco and Unleashed by Petco store nationwide will host adoption events to help find shelter pets loving homes.
Saturday, October 6, 8 am - 4:30 pm
Kindred Spirit Animal Ministry Event
National Ferrel Cat Day Sunday, October 21, 11:30 am - 2 pm
Hornblower Cruises Annual Bow Wow Brunch Cruise
Fifth Annual Holistic Animal Fair, Adopt-a-thon and Blessing. At Balboa Park, Sixth and Laurel, adjacent to dog park.
Hornblower Cruises & Events, 1800 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Event is aboard Adventure Hornblower, We will board at the site located across the street from the County Administration Building. http://www.hornblower.com/hce/port/overview/sd bowwowbrunch
Saturday & Sunday, October 13 & 14
Saturday, October 27, 10 am - 1 pm
http://www.blessouranimals.org
Del Mar Pet Expo http://sandiegopetexpo.net/ MORE INFO ON PAGE 5
COMe sAy HI SAN DIEGO PETS MAGAZINE Is At BOOTH # 351
Sunday, October 14, 8 am - 9:30
Burn Your Booty Challenge To raise money for the Susan G. Komen 3 day. Dogs are welcome!
www.leashyourfitness.com (See events page)
FACE Foundation iSweat4Pets Wellness Nature Walk Join the FACE Foundation for a “Wellness Nature Walk” through the lovely San Dieguito County Park. http://www.isweat4pets.org
POST YOUR EVENTS ONLINE FOR FREE
More events and details posted online: www.SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com/events
OCTOBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
D
5 d H B
BlackCatTalesThroughoutHistory • Black cats are considered to be very lucky in England and Japan. • If a black cat sneezed near a bride on her wedding day, her marriage was predicted to be a long and happy one.
Bubba (Central)
Tiki (APR)
Abigail (APR)
• Fishermen’s wives believed that black cats would keep their husbands safe while at sea. Black cats were considered do valuable that they were often stolen.
Aphrodite (APR)
Cindercol (Central)
“Black cats have unfairly suffered from negative reputations for too long. Unfortunately, potential adopters tend to overlook these beautiful cats because their dark color makes them less noticeable than their brightly-colored counterparts. It’s time for the black cat’s luck to change! We have so many in need of a loving home.” – Dr. Gary Weitzman, president and CEO of the San Diego Humane Society
About the San Diego Humane Society and SPCA The San Diego Humane Society offers San Diegans a wide range of programs and services that strengthen the human-animal bond, prevent animal cruelty/neglect, provide medical care and educate the community on the humane treatment of animals. More information can be found at: www.sdhumane.org.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | OCTOBER 2012
29
D
5 d H B
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS
Be Your Pet’s Health Ally!
Pet First Aid/CPR classes 760-433-3480 www.petfirstaid4u.com
30
OCTOBER 2012 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com