D
5 d H B
2
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
PUBLISHER/EDITOR Casey Dean
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Kendra Hartmann Sindi Somers Martin Jones Westlin Nicole Sours Larson
GUEST WRITERS Dr. Ann Middleton Claire Yezbak Fadden Judith Pierce K.R. Johnson Nichole Shell MacDowell Dr. Stefanie Schwartz COVER IMAGE BY: Jennifer Petit Photgraphy
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Alison Giese Karen Hamlet
CARTOONIST Barbara Fuscsick Puppy Paws Productions www.puppypawsproductions.com
ADVERTISING Casey Dean Casey@sandiegopetsmagazine.com (619) 573-5615
Marjorie “Kirby” mkirbykirby@gmail.com (858) 775-4432 San Diego Pets Magazine is published by Dean Publishing, Inc. P.O. Box 601081, San Diego, Ca 92160-1081. No part of this publication may be duplicated or reprinted without express consent from the publisher. Editors reserve the right to edit all content. Submissions are welcome, and may be edited for content and clarity. Please forward all unsolicited material to the editor. Views and opinions expressed herein are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to approve or accept advertising orders and content. All contents are copyrighted 2011. All rights reserved.
/SanDiegoPets San Diego Pets Magazine P.O. BOX 601081 San Diego, Ca 92160-1081 (619) 573-5615 SANDIEGOPETSMAGAZINE.COM www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2011
3
Arden Moore wants you and your pet to laugh, love and learn B y M A RT I N J O N E S W E S T L I N | S A N D I E G O P E T S
F
amed comedian and character actor Tim Conway, formerly of television's The Carol Burnett Show, six-time Emmy Award winner and beloved by three generations of fans, is also a dog owner—and amid his background, he's got a unique way with animal stories. Pet expert Arden Moore recently launched into one of 'em on her international radio show when she breezily asked the entertainer the name of his pooch. “I don't know,” Conway said. “I've never talked to him. He doesn't say a word. We keep saying 'What is your name,' and he just looks at us.” When Moore reminded Conway that most dogs think their name is No, her guest had a ready reply. “We've never said 'no' to him,” he deadpanned, “because he has his own teeth.” Turns out the dog's name is Leo, a bichon frise and, according to Conway, the cutest thing on four legs. It's true that bichons are absolutely adorable animals—but in seriousness, Moore is on to something when she jokes about the No part. The command is legendary in the dog owner's glossary of terms, and too often, she said, it's thrown around without a lot of thought to its effect on its target.
Arden, Chipper and Cleo Photos by Jennifer Petit Photography 4
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Arden and Murphy
Enter Moore,
Arden interviewing Zeki
a tireless advocate for pets, pet owners and the very special bond between both. “Oh Behave,” the Oceanside resident's weekly radio show (carried by PetLifeRadio, the world’s leading pet podcast network) is only one entry in a litany of efforts in this behalf—she's written more than 20 books on pet behavior; is a frequent guest on the likes of Today, CNN, Fox News Channel and Martha Stewart Living; travels the continent helping millions understand their pets; edits several pet-centric publications; and is a certified pet first aid, CPR and safety instructor with Pet Tech, the international firm based in Carlsbad. Pet Tech holds instructor training classes in first aid, dental care, caring for the older animal and techniques to apply before seeking emergency vet care. Moore instructs throughout the West Coast, but focuses her teaching in San Diego County and Coachella Valley. Pet Tech even offers an app that contains your pet's health information. For more on Pet Tech, go to pettech.net. Moore shares her home with her “furry fab four” plus one—two dogs, two cats and, according to her website, “an overworked vacuum cleaner.” And just as her joy lay deep in the animal kingdom, she understands our profound responsibility to and within it. To Conway, Leo's a super dog and a loyal companion. To Moore, he's a fellow traveler, an indispensable link in her quest “to help people laugh, love and learn about their pets” and to help the pet do the same with you. “Zeki,” Moore said of her Turkish Van mix cat, “should be the angriest
Arden Moore, known as America's Pet Edu-tainer, happily wears many "collars" in the pet world: radio show host, magazine editor, pet first aid certified instructor, author, behaviorist and media consultant. As founder of Four Legged Life, she travels all over North America to help millions better understand why cats and dogs do what they do. Her "Oh Behave" show on Pet Life Radio is a 3-time finalist in the International Podcast Awards and draws more than 750,000-plus listeners each month.
animal on the planet and shouldn't like anybody” amid a life of abuse (which included a brutal knife attack). “But here she is, going up to people, so good with other cats and dogs. She's a totally spunky personality. She goes out in public with me, and she just wants to love you and get to know you and who you are.” There's an invaluable lesson for humans in there, Moore said, about second chances and self-empowerment, as was evident at SuperZoo, a major pet trade show in Las Vegas. Zeki, of course, was the hit of the day, even scoring an autographed baseball by Hall of Fame pitcher Orel Hershiser and tolerating a butt sniff from Tillman, the famous skateboard-riding Bulldog. Most recently, Zeki and Moore were seen at last month's San Diego Pet Expo, with Zeki acting as a visual accompaniment in a first aid demonstration—without so much as a hiss or a nasty glare, Zeki let Moore apply a head hood that works as a safety muzzle. The rest of the family includes Chipper, Moore's golden retriever-Husky mix named for Moore's love of golf; Cleo, a
miniature breed of poodle and Basset hound and an avid surfer (Moore and Chipper are members of SoCal Surf Dogs, a group of dog owners who hang ten with their pets aboard); and Murphy, a molly cat that likes to cackle at birds. All are females, and all have escaped the mean streets in one way or another, thanks to Moore, whose early life in her hometown of Crown Point, Ind. included teaching her cat Corky to swim but certainly carried no hint of a career involving animals. An education at Purdue University and newspaper gigs in Indiana and Florida would keep her out of the typical office environment for more than 20 years; one stint as an investigative reporter found her working a few desks away from John Grogan, author of the debut bestseller Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog. Grogan wrote the foreword in Moore’s best-selling book, The Dog Behavior Answer Book. An excerpt reads: “Had I followed Arden’s wise advice in this book, Marley might have been so good
SEE MOORE, Page 6
“People with pets feel better when they know that their pet’s groomer, dog walker, trainer or other pet professional has been trained in first aid and knows what to do in a pet emergency when minutes count,” said Moore. “I am making it my mission to train pet professionals in San Diego County to make this a safer place for our pets.” Pet Tech Certified instructor Arden Moore relies on her creative, hands-on teaching style and pet behavioral knowledge in her classes that cover pet first aid, CPR, safety and wellness. For starters, she often solicits the aid of her dog Chipper and cat Zeki who patiently permit students to practice some of their new-found skills on them. And, she can customize classes to meet the specific needs of her students, offering classes tailored for pet sitters, groomers, dog trainers, boarding facility staff, shelter volunteers and breed-specific groups. And, yes, she has delivered first aid and wellness classes catering strictly to the needs of cats. For details, visit her just-launched site: www.PetsFirstAid4U.
Moore requires a minimum of four students in a class and can schedule times convenient for students.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2011
5
“I've been coast to coast, and this is pet heaven.”
Arden is also the creator of National Dog Party Day with the mission to 'party with a purpose" and raise awareness for shelter adoptions.
MOORE
CONTINUED FROM Page 5
I never would have been tempted to write a book about him.” Moore moved to California in 1999. A reporter's insight and a spirit's soul took over, opening the path to the pet field and the animal's unrivaled place in human affairs. “When I was growing up,” Moore explained, “I always had animals. But I didn't realize I had a connection with them until I was older. I saw the need to tell everyone what pets can bring us. They teach us to live in the moment and to be up front with people around us. “Animals don't have to speak in English or Spanish or Swahili. They speak in their own languages and are probably better multi-linguists than we two-leggers. All our dogs and cats and companion animals have to adapt to the one that's the benevolent leader. In order to get their meals and playtime, they have to amend some of their ways to fit into the people world. If I can help people understand their motivations, the people are happy, and the pets get to stay in the home.” Moore, a member of the International Association of Animal Behavioral Consultants, must complete a certain level of continuing education to maintain her membership. Meanwhile, she said, she feels most comfortable resolving “mild to moderate” issues of pet behavior “interwoven with a medical condition. Between the pet owner and the vet, maybe care can be done a little faster
and less expensively.” Moore tells of a caller in New Hampshire who was at her wits' end—her cat was refusing to use its litter box, fueling the owner's thoughts about giving him away amid a lifelong relationship. Turns out it was simply becoming too difficult for this feline (then 12) to navigate downstairs to the box. A box at each level of the house (and treatment for a urinary tract infection) did the trick, and what could have been a tragic parting morphed into a resurgent relationship. “Sometimes,” Moore said, “people will call you and say, 'If you don't help me, I'm going to have to put this animal down.' That’s hard. I can hear their frustration. I do my best to offer some solutions or refer them to professionals in their area”. “Our companion animals read our energies. They're looking for a lot of clues, because they don't speak English, but they communicate very consistently and very candidly. They don't care if you're Bill Gates or Joe Schmoe. All they want to know is if you're gonna love them. They don't care about anything but you.” Locally, their questions are answered and then some. “People love their pets here in San Diego,” Moore said. “They like doing things for their pets and with their pets. Yappy hours, pet parades, dog surfing, cat shows, the [San Diego County] Humane Society, [the Helen] Woodward [Animal Center in Rancho Santa Fe], PETCO, great vets, two Oceanside clinics that in the past two years have
Fetch more information on Arden by visiting her three websites: Four Legged Life, National Dog Party Day and Pet First Aid 4 U. 6
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
quadrupled in size: There's a lot going on if you happen to be a pet owner. This isn't just a place where people have a pet and pet them on the head. I've been coast to coast, and this is pet heaven.” Still, extremism rears itself every so often. “People mean well,” Moore explained, “but there are still those who handle their companions like trophies, like the Chihuahuas that don't get to walk a day in their lives because people pick them up. That's sad. I want to be the voice of moderation. I'm more about showing you every day how you can sneak in manners. Have your dog say 'please' [like with a sit] before you give a treat. They learn to earn.” Meanwhile, Moore is the creator of silly pet songs, PawPoint presentations (her version of the PowerPoint show), “Paws up!,” her signature catch phrase, and she has become the expert of the three Ps—pee, poop and puke. On top of it all, she launched National Dog Party Day™ last June as a shout-out to everybody's best friend, complete with doggie disco, doggie games, doggie treats and celebrity bakers. She's behind it all as a celebration of the animalhuman connection. Pet owners go with the flow by the millions, with Moore listening intently for the one signal that heralds their understanding. “If they're laughing,” she said, “they're learning.” For much more on Moore's books, radio show, classes and other pet-centric activities, go to FourLeggedLife.com.
PAWS UP!
Reducing Miss Amy Caring for our beloved companions includes watching their weight By NICOLE SOURS LARSON | SAN DIEGO PETS
H
ow do you put one cat on a diet when the second cat is lean? My husband and I discovered that Amy, our gray and white cat, had gained another pound and a half after we started mixing probiotics and plant enzymes into their meals to help Alexander, our gray tiger, keep his food down. Both cats are 8. The enzymes radically reduced Alexander’s vomiting, but also stimulated Amy’s appetite. While the always-lean, 11-pound Alexander could now keep most of his food down, our once-muscular, athletic Amy, previously 13 ½ pounds, had ballooned to 15 and then 16 pounds. With so many health risks associated with feline obesity, including diabetes, we wanted to address this problem quickly. After the 2007 pet food recalls, I changed their diet, switching to more nutritious, grain-free foods, without the substandard ingredients such as corn, animal by-products and animal digest that many pet food manufacturers use
to increase profitability. While many vets now consider kibble – dry food -- less healthful because of low moisture and poor nutrition, our cats so loved their crunchies that I hesitated to eliminate them. Instead I upgraded their quality and started limiting their quantity. With Amy’s weight gain, I began reconsidering feeding any crunchies. Cats are obligate carnivores and need to eat animal proteins, not corn, vegetables, grain or rice. In selecting cat food, I learned how to read pet food labels and look for muscle meats as the first ingredients. From examining “light” cat food labels, both canned and dry, I discovered that “regular” foods offered better nutrition, including more muscle meat, and were often less fattening than “light” foods containing more carbohydrates. One “weight management” dry food contained over 100 calories
Amy rests among some of her active toys.
SEE AMY, Page 9 Alexander (left) and Amy share a meal at their feeding station in the kitchen.
Online feline nutrition and obesity resources www.catinfo.org (includes tips on transitioning cats from kibble diets) www.catnutrition.org (diets for cats with digestive disorders and special needs) www.felineoutreach.org/Education (multiple resources) www.PetMD.com (general information on feline diets)
Amy displays her lush belly as she naps. 8
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
binkyspage.tripod.com/canfood.html (cat food nutritional information and calorie counts)
HEALTH & WELLNESS D
AMY
CONTINUED FROM Page 8
more per cup than a competing “regular” grain-free kibble. How much should you feed your cats? First, consult your veterinarian and then check out several Internet resources, including Dr. Lisa Pierson’s website Catinfo.org and Catnutrition.org. Pierson recommends feeding about 4-6 ounces of canned food per cat per day, divided into two or three meals, or about 150 to 250 calories per cat per day, depending on the cat’s size and metabolism. These sites provide formulas for figuring out how much food to provide, plus recipes for homemade diets. Many cats, Pierson explains, lose weight naturally when switched from a kibble diet to canned or raw cat food. She advises limiting weight loss to a maximum of a half pound a month to avoid risking hepatic lipidosis, a potentially fatal fatty liver disease caused by rapid weight loss and failure to eat for over 24 hours.
5 d H B
On the advice of our veterinarian, Dr. Ann Middleton of Cheshire Cat Feline Health Center, we increased our cats’ canned food and cut their crunchy serving in half, then halved it again while moving to phase it out. Now Amy and Alexander are down to a quarter cup a day between them, in addition to one and a half to two 5 ½ ounce cans of wet food. Since both like to “graze,” my last resort will be feeding them in separate rooms. To increase their activity level, we now stuff their crunchies into two SlimCat feeder balls, making them “hunt” for their food and offering the added benefit of slowing Alexander’s consumption to a more digestible rate. In addition to reducing Amy’s calorie intake (while sneaking Alexander extra food and treats) we’re encouraging both cats to exercise more by playing with their favorite active toys, including the laser pointer, fishing pole and Cat Dancer. Our Amy is in the early stages of her weight loss program. We know she’s up to the challenge, but can we resist her demands?
FACEBOOK FRIENDS “You mean Cesar says I'm not the leader?"
Thumper is amazed at what the magazine explains on a beautiful afternoon, at the park.
“BOL, You can clickertrain rabbits?” Matilda & Mastadon Photo by Wesley Christensen
Photo by Dana Labastida
Suki
OPPS! Our apologies to Christina Ruiz, Suki and friends. We left poor Suki out of our Halloween photo spread. Suki came in 4th place...Congratulations!
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2011
9
D
5 d H B
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Feline Diabetes By ANN MIDDLETON, DVM GUEST COLUMN
F
eline Diabetes is one of the most common and treatable conditions seen in cats today. In the normally functioning cat, the pancreas produces a hormone called insulin. Insulin travels throughout the body and unlocks the cells (very basic building blocks of the body) to let glucose (sugar) inside so that it can be used for energy. Diabetes is a disease where there is too much sugar in the body. This is usually from not enough insulin. If there is not enough insulin, then sugar can’t get into the cell. The sugar stays in the blood stream and pulls water from the body to dilute it. The sugar and excess
Yahtzee has polyneuropathy (a sequelae of diabetes). Notice how he walks on his "ankles".
water is then processed by the kidneys causing an increase in urine being made, which makes the cat become a little dehydrated. The cat then ends up drinking more water because it gets thirstier. The cat may also act hungry because its body isn’t processing sugar for energy. Instead, the body will break down fat for energy and the cat loses weight.
Cats that become diabetic are typically overweight, middle-aged and male. Their bodies just can’t make enough insulin when they become obese. Often, owners notice their cat drinking more or producing more urine. Owners may also notice weight loss in face of a normal or increased appetite. The veterinarian will perform an examination and take a full history then recommend a comprehensive blood and urine test and look for high blood sugar and sugar in the urine. Treatment for diabetes should include a diet change to encourage careful weight loss under a veterinarian’s supervision. Reducing the cat’s sugar intake by feeding it a very low carbohydrate diet can be helpful in most cases. Canned food is even lower in carbohydrates than dry food. Insulin is usually started at a low dose and carefully monitored. The owner will be taught how to give insulin shots and check the cat’s blood sugar at home. A glucometer, which measures blood sugar, should be used to monitor the blood sugar is keep it within a safe range. Many cats can be taken off of insulin after a few weeks to months of insulin on top of feeding a very low carbohydrate diet and weight loss. If untreated, cats may develop diabetic ketoacidosis, which is where they burn so much fat for energy that their body becomes acidic and they also become dehydrated. This becomes life-
SEE DIABETES, Page 12 10
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
The Best of Buddies By CLAIRE YEZBAK FADDEN | GUEST COLUMN
My family is standing near the avocado trees in a corner of our back yard. There’s whispered conversation, muffled sniffles. Lots of eyes stare at the ground. Occasionally, a finger moves to wipe away tears trailing down a cheek. My husband Nick stands off to the side holding a shovel.
I
t’s not the first time this solemn-faced group has gathered like this. The seven of us (including family friends, Lisa and Rachel) stood in this same spot two years ago to say goodbye to Max, our soccer-ball chasing terrier-spaniel mix. He’d joined our family 16 years ago after my oldest son, Shawn and then toddler Seth, picked him out as a surprise for their brother Jake’s 7th birthday. My sons fell in love with the dogwho-thought-he-was-a-mid-fielder after watching a fourlegged black fur ball toss a soccer ball in the air with his nose, then chase after it. Today it’s Seth’s turn to say good-bye to Baylor, his childhood pet of nine years. Although he loved Max, Seth, when he was ten, mounted a campaign for a dog of his own. He argued a strong case, too, relying heavily on Max’s obsession to escape the confines of our home. Next to eating snails, plotting backyard breakouts was Max’s favorite pastime. “He’s here all day by himself,” Seth said, playing the loneliness angle. “Max wouldn’t try to get out of the backyard if he had a buddy.” To seal the deal, Seth pledged to feed, scoop and walk his future pet. So seven years after adopting Max, we returned from the animal shelter with another boy—a five-year-old beagle mix. There were many pets to choose from, but one stood out from the pack. As Seth approached, Baylor introduced himself by standing on his back legs and using his front ones, he hugged this potential owner-to-be around the waist. When Seth hugged back, I knew he was hooked. In truth, so was I. Our caramel-colored dog came equipped with chocolate brown eyes, a tire tread-marked broken tail (that we had docked) and bit of emotional baggage. He was skittish, submissive and in the beginning, sat with his back against a wall so nothing–or no one could sneak up from behind. Instead of chasing a kicked soccer ball, Baylor would run to get out of the way. He was a lover, not a sportsman. On lazy afternoons, he’d lay his head on your lap, waiting for a rub down. If you stopped too soon, Baylor nuzzled your hand as if to say, “Continue, please.” Max stopped burrowing for an exit and the pair became best friends. At 15 years old (that’s 105 for you and me), it was time for Baylor to join Max in doggie heaven. In the coolness of a Saturday morning, we wait for Seth who’s standing in the middle of the semi-circle, head tilted down, clutching a paving stone. Fighting to keep his composure, he reads the words he chose: Baylor. A big buddy with an even bigger heart. Seth uses his fingers to wipe the plaque clean then kneels down to lay the stone on the freshly turned soil. Inches away another marker reads:
Max, Seth and Baylor
Max. A wise friend and the best buddy. With the short ceremony over, the group turns around to see a duo of curious onlookers—Bandit and Jersey Girl, our newest pet members. About a year ago, we discovered Bandit, a rat terrier, at the same animal shelter as her two predecessors. Jersey Girl, a comical mixture of Yorkie and Chinese crested powderpuff, was adopted from a local rescue group a few months later. Not to be outdone by the memory of the senior boy dogs, these young girls swagger as they survey the grounds once ruled by Max and Baylor. I wonder how their personalities and peculiarities will unfold. So far, neither has demonstrated an aptitude for soccer or eating snails, but they are fans of snack time, a good belly rub and snarling at the mail carrier. Dog tags jingle as Bandit and Jersey Girl romp around the yard, chasing after a bee or a butterfly. I close my eyes and imagine that it’s Max or Baylor barking at the sound of the neighbor’s lawnmower. In between keeping the water bowls full and the leashes ready for a walk, I learned a lot about commitment, trust and love from a pair of pooches. Max and Baylor would be pleased that all those years of education won’t go to waste. Claire Yezbak Fadden, an award-winning columnist and freelance writer, is the mother of three sons. She lives in Chula Vista. Contact her at woman.at.heart@sbcglobal.net or @claireflaire
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2011
11
D
5 d H B
HEALTH & WELLNESS
DIABETES
CONTINUED FROM Page 10
threatening and requires fluid support, low doses of insulin frequently, and hospitalization. Another complication includes diabetic polyneuropathy, which means the nerves are affected by the high sugar and become weak. They don’t work properly and the muscles in the legs atrophy. The cats walk on their “ankles” (it affects the back legs more than the front.) Hypoglycemia is a condition often related to diabetes. This can happen when the cat doesn’t need insulin any more or the cat is sick, not eating enough food and still gets a full dose of insulin. Sometimes the owner may accidentally give 2 doses of insulin, especially when two caretakers miscommunicate. Too much insulin causes the blood sugar to become very low. This is called hypoglycemia. This condition is an emergency as death can result shortly if not treated. The cat will act sluggish, disoriented, may lie down and have tremors. The owner should apply Karo Syrup to the gums and take the cat to the veterinarian right away for an exam and potentially intravenous glucose. Many cats, when diagnosed and started on a low carbohydrate diet and insulin, will go into “diabetic remission” and not require insulin shots long term. Other cats might continue to require insulin shots. Cat owners need to understand when their cat is first diagnosed, the lab tests, insulin, syringes, diet, and glucometer may seem expensive. But after their cat has been “regulated”, then fewer blood tests are needed. In summary, diabetes is a preventable, treatable, and potentially curable disease but requires the owner to be dedicated to care and be willing to learn how to treat a diabetic cat at home with insulin shots and blood sugar testing. Cats can still live long, happy lives with diabetes! Dr. Ann Middleton is a veterinarian and owner of Clairemont’s Cheshire Cat Feline Health Center which is located at 4680 Clairemont Mesa Blvd. in Clairemont. For more info, visit www.cheshirecatclinic.com, or call 858-483-1573. 12
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Preparing for the Loss of a Pet By The San Diego Humane Society and SPCA
I
t’s something we never want to think about, but don’t know where to turn when the time comes. Losing a pet can be truly devastating. How do you cope when you have lost a member of your family? How do you know when it’s the appropriate time to make the difficult decision to have an ill pet euthanized? Where can you turn when the time comes? The San Diego Humane Society understands what a challenging time this can be for a family, and we have resources available to help you get through this difficult experience.
Making Tough Decisions Having the awareness to ask the questions “When is the right time?”, “How do I make this decision?” means that you are already considering what will be best for your pet. Much like when you first fell in love with your pet, you will “know” when the time is right. The most important factor in making this decision should be the pet’s ongoing quality of life. We provide our pets with a wonderful, fulfilling life – it’s just as important to meet their needs at the end of their life by not allowing them to suffer unnecessarily. Talk with
your veterinarian and your family to get a thorough understanding of your pet’s health, the treatment options that are available and how your pet’s quality of life will be impacted by the illness.
When it’s Time If you have made the decision to have your pet humanely euthanized but would prefer an alternative to a busy, clinical veterinary office setting, the San Diego Humane Society offers an owner-requested euthanasia service in the privacy of a tranquil Serenity Room, which provides a calming environment that is respectful and sensitive to you and your pet's needs. Owners can choose to be present, will be provided private parking, and can utilize a quiet garden to collect their thoughts. Specially trained staff are available throughout the visit for the comfort of you and your beloved pet.
Coping with Grief One of the wonderful programs that the San Diego Humane Society is able to offer is a Pet Loss Support Group, which provides an environment where emotions can be shared and feelings of grief are understood and validated. The
Pet Loss Support Group is facilitated by a licensed, clinical social worker and there is no cost to attend. Many members of the San Diego community have utilized these services and, although it can be difficult to discuss or plan for, when the moment arrives, the San Diego Humane Society wants to provide the care and comfort you and your pet deserve. A San Diego resident recently provided these comments: “Thank you San Diego Humane Society for your sensitivity and kindness with our dear Dalmatian, Kelly. We have had to say goodbye to several pets over the years at veterinarian’s facilities, and none have been as accommodating and thoughtful. Thank you.” – Cathy and Marc Zemlick, El Cajon The San Diego Humane Society is committed to the community for the entire lifespan of your pet, regardless of what stage or what difficult decisions need to be made. For more information about these services and the options available, please call us at (619) 299-7012 or visit www.sdhumane.org.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2011
13
D
5 d H B
RABBITS
Recognizing Your Rabbit’s Grief By JUDITH PIERCE | SAN DIEGO PETS
I
f you know rabbits, you’ll understand that they generally prefer a companion of their own species. Rabbits bond very strongly with their partners and do everything together. They are a joy to watch. When a rabbit loses his partner he grieves much the same as his humans do. It’s important that we help him to understand what has happened to his lost companion. If at all possible, always take both rabbits to the vet when one goes there for treatment. In the event the ill rabbit dies, her partner is there with her at the end. If this is not possible, ask your vet to keep the body of the deceased rabbit available and either bring it home to the surviving rabbit, or take the survivor there to spend time with his companion’s body. It’s important that we provide our rabbit the understanding that his partner has
passed away and not simply “disappeared.” With the loss of a companion rabbit, you certainly will be grieving too. While dealing with your grief, it’s important that you also monitor your rabbit to ensure he’s still eating and has not gone into a depression that can cause illness. Spend extra time with him and reassure him that he is not alone. Another way you can help him is to provide him with a stuffed animal that he can cuddle and groom. Your rabbit may ignore the stuffed toy at first, but eventually is likely to take advantage of the comfort it can provide. Each rabbit may react differently to the loss of his companion; some will mope and not eat much, others will act as if nothing has changed and seem normal. It’s important to pay close attention and ensure your rabbit is okay. You may notice him experiencing various stages of grief, including anger and loneliness. Allow your rabbit the time he needs to grieve for his partner and take advantage of this time to bond with him. Together, you can help each other heal from the loss. In time, you may want to consider adopting a new bunny as a companion for your remaining rabbit. Most males will accept a new partner willingly, though many females may prefer to stay single for a while. Contact your local shelter or rabbit rescue and work with them to bring your rabbit in to meet potential mates. This is the best way to learn if your rabbit is ready for
When a rabbit loses his partner he grieves much the same as his humans do.
a new companion. Let your rabbit move at a pace that’s comfortable for him; rushing an introduction can result in fighting and hurt feelings. You don’t want him to suffer stress or injury from introducing a new companion too soon. Don’t forget that rabbits like to choose their own companions; working with an experienced rabbit rescuer can make the process much easier for you both. The loss of an animal companion is a difficult situation for everyone involved. Ensuring your rabbit’s surviving companion is handling the loss and working through his grief is just another part of the process of loss. With patience and compassion, you can make this process easier for you both.
ADOPT US! Zippity & Zinger Two fun boys looking for a great new home. San Diego House Rabbit Society 858-356-4286 www.sandiegorabbits.org
14
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Behavior Bytes
Stefanie Schwartz, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Behaviorists California Veterinary Specialists Carlsbad, CA (760) 431-2273
Dear Dr. Schwartz, My cat Sophie is 19 years old. She is sleeping more and seems to be less active overall. Sometimes she forgets to come into bed with me at night, and just stays curled up in her cozy fleece bed. She is eating but seems to have lost some weight; nothing shows up on her blood tests and her vet says she’s just getting old. Over the last couple of years she occasionally defecated outside the box, but now it’s happening almost every day. What is happening to my Sophie? Is it time to put her down? I don’t want her to suffer… Sophie’s Choice
Dear Sophie’s Choice, Aging is a normal process that affects the body and mind to varying degrees. It is normal to become less active, tire more easily and to need more rest as we age. Our senses fade, beginning with the sense of smell, then vision and hearing follow over the years. From what you describe, I don’t think that Sophie is in pain, but I do think that she is a little old lady. Regarding her litter box habits, it’s possible she is a bit confused about what goes where; she may also have arthritic hips. It’s possible that her discomfort has affected her ability to get in or out of the box and that the stance of defecating has deterred her further. It might be helpful to introduce a new box with lower sides (a lasagna pan might do) so the box is easier to maneuver. As long as she is eating and drinking fairly normally, happy to be near you, grooming herself, responsive to the world around her (most of the time) and her health remains stable, I think we can say that it is still Sophie’s choice to stay with you. Sometimes the quality of life is more important than how long it is. Sophie is one of the lucky ones; she’s had both.
Dear Dr. Schwartz, Last month, my beautiful Golden Retriever Joey died at the age of 13. I know that no matter how long he would have lived, it would never have been enough for me. I am trying to be grateful for our time together, but I’m just so very sad. Joey’s little sister Sarah is an 8 year old Golden; I think she has a broken heart, too. She doesn’t seem to have the pep she used to on walks. At first, she walked around the house as if she was looking for him but she’s stopped doing that. She is eating less, but she will eat for me if I add tablescraps to her food. Do dogs grieve like we do? Joey’s Pal
Dear Joey’s Pal, There is good reason to think of grief as a form of separation anxiety. With this perspective, it doesn’t matter if a dog understands the concept of death, or ‘knows’ that a missing friend is never coming back. What really matters is that a close companion is gone… and that is hard enough. Yes, I believe that dogs, cats, primates, elephants and other animals grieve. Most recover within hours, some days or weeks. Others become quite depressed and require professional care from a veterinary behaviorist like me; we are the psychiatrists of the veterinary profession. I don’t think we can say for sure that they grieve ‘the way we do’, meaning that nonhumans experience five stages of grief; however, I believe that social animals are capable of recognizing the absence of someone
they love, become depressed because of their loss, feeling anxiety because their world has changed, and ultimately adjusting to the void and accepting their new reality. Remember, it is not uncommon for our pets to be sensitive to our mood changes. You are still sad; I’m sure that Sarah feels your sadness, too. Try to play with her more. Play time is such a great way to relieve anxiety, and forget about our troubles and sadness. Reconnect with Sarah during play in the yard. Brush her soft coat on your front patio while she eats a rawhide treat. Take her to a dog park to make new friends or reconnect with others. Spend positive, quality time with her and you will both feel uplifted. If a pet’s appetite and attitude have changed and persist beyond just a few days, it is really important to make sure there is no underlying medical problem. Sarah should be seen by your primary care veterinarian to be sure she is well. If Sarah is still feeling low in a week from now and her health is not an issue, let’s talk about how we can help her move forward without her pal. Dr. Stefanie Schwartz is a board certified veterinary behaviorist based at California Veterinary Specialists in Carlsbad, CA. She also sees patients at the Veterinary Neurology Center in Tustin, CA. For more information, please call (760) 431-2273 and visit www.californiaveterinaryspecialists.com and www.veterinarybehavior.org.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2011
15
D
5 d H B
IN MEMORIAM
Hercules Lew (March 1997 - September 26, 2011) By VICTOR TORRES
Hercules Lew left us and journeyed to heaven to be with his friend Xena on Monday, September 26, 2011. Even though Hercules had various ailments over the last few years, he passed away peacefully by drifting off to sleep with his loved ones present. The loyal pet that he was everyday of his life, he was brave and followed all of the instructions his caretaker and beloved owner Gail Lew gave him. There has never been a more couragious cat. Whether it was taking his twice daily insulin injections or various medicines and remedies, Gail was there for him and Hercules made the best of it by pleasantly complying. We will all miss his gentle and loving presence; from his sweet vocalizations to his companionship while watching football, figure skating and cooking programs, to his head-butting which let you know that you were part of his "In Crowd". His highly developed gourmet palate for all of the tasty treats Gail prepared for him with just the right amount of "tender loving care" is legendary. Gail can tell you which ones were his favorites. All of these wonderful meals resulted in what started out in life for Hercules as the runt of the litter, to the gentle giant that we all came to know. Even though he was shy even by cat standards, once he got to know you, he was generous with his affection and playfulness. He could recognize the sound of YOUR car from a long distance as he would prepare a couple of exhibitions on his scratching pole for you as you entered his castle. Hercules was by no means interested in anything fancy or excessive. A Q-tip, cardboard box or light from a lazar pointer
Einhorn Insurance Provides Dog Liability Insurance Many dog breeds are discriminated against, regardless of their personal history and temperament. Most insurance companies have a list of “blacklisted” or “dangerous” breeds listed in the Exclusions section of the policy. If you are the responsible owner of a “blacklisted” breed, these insurance companies will either deny you home 16
would satisfy him for hours. If Hercules could direct a message to all of us, it would be that he is ok and that he wants all of us to be ok. He was well taken care of and enjoyed his life everyday without exception. He appreciated the get-togethers over the years where he met everyone and now he is reunited and enjoying spending time with his buddy Xena. Resting is also an activity he is spending his time partaking in and on that note, he wants everyone to know that he is not and did not suffer... Because of all of the love and care he received from everyone throughout his life, he was able to go to sleep and proceed to the afterlife with no regrets, no bad feelings and a heart full of warmth, dignity and respect. What a great example his life and friendship has stood for. From his personality to his name... "HERCULES", a symbol of strength, leadership and loyalty. Let us all strive to live our lives as full and complete as our friend Hercules did.
or renter ’s insurance or exclude the actions of your dog(s) from the policy. While running a successful dog walking business, Dori Einhorn became aware of this insurance issue. Desiring to support dog lovers further, she decided to change careers. Dori founded Einhorn Insurance which specializes in helping clients obtain insurance policies regardless of their dog’s breed. Even if your dog has a bite history or has been deemed dangerous, she can help. As proud Pit Bull owners, the Einhorns understand the prevalence of breed discrimination when looking for insurance. Not having adequate insurance coverage can be risky and potentially costly. Dori explains, “33%
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
of all home claims are dog related, so it’s very important for dogs to be covered.” She continues, “claims are not just dog bites. You can have a super friendly dog that jumps on someone to say hello and that person can fall backwards and injure themselves.” Any dog can cause injury, so having sufficient coverage that includes them in your policy is very important. Dori works with over 40 rescues in California and helps people that adopt dogs to obtain insurance policies. She acts as a resource so people can keep their beloved four-legged family members. Visit www.EinhornInsurance.com to find out how they can help you and your dog get insured.
GETTING INVOLVED D
5 d H B
Philanthropy is back – and it has a youthful glow B y K E N D R A H A RT M A N N | S A N D I E G O P E T S
T
he economic woes of the past few years have been tough on everyone. Every industry, every socio-economic class, every geographic region has suffered. The recession left no stone unturned as it tore across the country, and the nonprofit sector certainly hasn’t escaped its wrath. Nonprofits, in fact, have perhaps felt the pressure more than other sectors, as gifts from would-be donors dwindle in the face of more pressing financial obligations. Charitable contributions often go on the chopping block first. It is in the midst of this critical situation that some very unlikely philanthropic candidates have emerged: children. Beth Downing Chee, spokeswoman for the Helen Woodward Animal Center, described her surprise when, not long after she started working with the organization, two young girls stopped by to drop off some funds they had collected to donate to the shelter. “We expected they would hand us $40 or $50,” she said. “They had $600 to give us.” Chee immediately asked one of her superiors if it was common for youth to raise funds for donations. She was told there had always been some kids coming by to give what they had raised at their lemonade stands, but that it certainly seemed the phenomenon was becoming more and more frequent. “Suddenly, we’re seeing kids using their birthdays as a way to ask people to make a donation, or organizing bake sales or even creating calendars to sell with the proceeds going to Helen Woodward,” she said. Chee speculated that perhaps in light of the downtrodden economy, parents can’t make the traditional donations they would make – like writing a check. Instead, they’re working together as families to come up with projects that could help in other ways, like selling homemade goods. They’re also being creative in the ways they fundraise – especially the younger generations. “Kids are coming up with ways to use technology that you or I would never have thought of when we were that age,” she said. “They’re using things like social media to network and help get their friends on board.” One such example is Blake Dorvillier. At 14, Dorvillier’s claim to fame lies in his fundraising capabilities, realized through his efforts to raise money for Helen Woodward through the Surf Dog Surf-A-Thon in September. He raised $2,050 – second only to surf dog Ricochet. Dorvillier used email and networking to help his cause reach far and wide, and though he said he and dog Lucky did “pretty bad” in the surfing competition, the animals who benefitted from his charity probably wouldn’t care.
Dorvillier, who said he would embark on another fundraising endeavor if the right one came along, is just one example of what Chee has been observing recently – youth who seem to care about the greater picture, even if they wouldn’t define it like that. “When we see them at events and the kids see the dogs and puppies they’ve helped, it really brings it all together for them. They can see the work they did,” she said. “Our hope is that they’re being groomed to grow up with that philanthropic spirit in mind.” Chee - with good reason - hopes the trend will continue. “It’s refreshing,” she said. “People often think kids don’t care about anything, or that all they think of is ‘me, me me.’ Maybe all of that is changing.” The Helen Woodward Animal Center is currently hosting its Cupcakes for Critters fundraising campaign. Families can get involved in three ways: 1) Hold a bake sale and invite friends and neighbors . 2)Buy cupcakes at participating bakeries, who will donate a portion of proceeds to the center. 3) Host a corporate cupcake party. For information on resources to help you get started with an event or for a full list of retailers participating in the campaign, visit www.animalcenter.org.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2011
17
Petfinder.com (Free)
There’s a
Yapp for That
With the Petfinder app, you can search through more than 290,000 pets from over 13,000 shelters and rescue groups. You can also bookmark your favorite pets, share pet profiles and read uplifting adoption stories.
Pet Phone ($4.99) By NICHOLE SHELL MACDOWELL
Caring for your pet just got a little easier. Now your Smartphone can help you both look after and have fun with your pet. But with new apps added every day, it can be difficult to weed through the options to find the best. We’ve rounded up a selection of apps that are fun, entertaining, informational and helpful—plus, they’re rated highest by app users. If you love your pet, you’ll love these apps.
5,000 Pet Names (Free) This free app delivers just what the name promises: over 5,000 names that you can browse by key word, name popularity, or alphabetically. You can also view name meanings, similar names, add custom names and create a favorites list.
With Pet Phone, you store important information for each of your pets at the touch of a finger. The app helps you find vets near you and book appointments. You can also enter and keep track of medications, dosage information and allergens. What’s more, it allows you to track your pet’s weight fluctuations over time in graph form, and will alert you when your pet is over or under the ideal range.
MyPetED ($1.99)
even give your pet CPR. Pet First Aid also lets you store your pet’s medical info, and keep track of when it’s time for vet appointments or vaccinations.
Rate My Puppy (Free) This app lets you upload photos of your pet for others to rate, rate other peoples' pets, enter contests and more. You can also view weekly, monthly, and all-time top-rated photos, as well as save photos to a photo album.
PetSnap ($1.99) This app helps you take better photos of your pets. You can choose from 32 sounds designed to attract your pet before the picture is taken. It has seven different frames to complete your picture.
Off Leash (Free)
This universal app allows you to create a profile for your pet with all of its vital information, keep track of vet appointments and vaccinations, store your vet’s contact information, adopt a pet, find a vet, find a lost pet and more. You can also get articles about pets and pet health.
The Off Leash app uses your phone's GPS to show you the closest off-leash parks, with directions on how to get to each. The app currently lists more than 2,700 parks across the US. It also lists photos, reviews and info on each park. You can submit parks that are not listed.
Pet First Aid ($3.99)
The paid Off Leash app ($1.99) contains twice as many parks, including beaches and hikes. The results also update automatically when you move the map for continual searching. Each app purchased donates funds to Adopt-a-Pet.com.
This app features videos and illustrations to help you give your pet first aid. You can learn how to treat cuts and bruises, choking and
Petcentric (Free) This app helps you find pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and bars in your area. It also lists vets, dog parks, pet stores, animal shelters, pet sitters, kennels, groomers and more. You can add locations that are not already in the app. You can also view (and upload) pet photos and events, watch pet videos, and read pet articles.
Pet Acoustics ($1.99) Pet Acoustics features music specifically designed for your pet’s sensitive hearing, intended to calm and soothe. This app includes tunes to help relax your pet in the vet's office, during a storm, or whenever you pet needs a dose of calm.
iKibble (Free) This free is useful if you like to give your dog “people food,” or if you don’t, but your dog gets into people food anyway. You can search the database to find out which foods are OK for your dog to eat and which are not. Search by food or by health rating. You can even find recipes in for dishes you can share. This app is also available for $0.99 if you’d rather not deal with the ads that support the free edition. 18
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
R.I.P. Steve Jobs, 1955-2011
THANKFUL D
5 d H B
Holiday-season wellness for your pet and for you By K.R. JOHNSON | GUEST COLUMN This holiday season, remember that your pet will pick up on your stress and feel it every bit as acutely as you do. Taking extra-special care of them will do them a world of good, and you will reap enormous benefits. Take your dog on longer walks. Play with him, let him sniff to his little canine heart’s content, and use that opportunity
for yourself to detach and de-stress from the hectic activity that always seems to hit this time of year. Adding to your dog’s serenity only increases your own. For cat people, I highly recommend buying a brush and spending a little time every day brushing your cat, even shorthaired ones. I have experienced the joy of brushing my Coco’s fur every morning,
and the thunderous purring that she lavishes on me lowers my stress levels to a much more manageable level. It often leads to a playful frisk, and let me tell you, laughing at her antics is absolutely the best therapy! So, with that in mind, let’s take a moment and think about what our pets think about at Thanksgiving. Have fun!
HOW GREAT WOULD IT BE TO SIC BEES ON A BULLY? Or get a fly to
The top 10 things that dogs, cats and parrots are grateful for: Dogs 1. Chewy bones 2. A person to love 3. Treats 4. Dog Beach! 5. Warm baths 6. Big bowls of fresh water 7. Interesting smells 8. Belly rubs 9. Squirrels to chase 10. That I am a dog!
Cats
Parrots
Tuna fish A person to adore me Bugs My own backyard Self-cleaning fur Crinkly paper Sounds that make my ears twitch A soft lap Dogs that chase squirrels and not cats That I am not a dog!
Cuttlebones A person trying to speak parrot Crackers The Amazon rainforest Molting Toys with bells My majestic colors A sturdy branch That cool parrot in the mirror That I’m not a turkey!
What’s the Scoop? Send us your Pet Press. Our next issue will be out Nov. 4. San Diego Pets Magazine is happy to help get the word out. Email Casey@SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com
The Eleventh Sense, by KR Johnson Available now on amazon.com www.TheEleventhSense.com What bugs you?
PET PRESS D
Animal Safehouse Program A San Diego Safety Net Now Spreading Across the Country "The words 'Safe' and 'House' should be synonymous," says Rancho Coastal Humane Society President Jim Silveira. "But abusers come as husbands, wives, boyfriends, girlfriends, parents, children, and roommates. Rancho Coastal Humane Society created the Animal Safehouse Program in 1997. This month, we're launching ASP on a national level. By providing a safety net for the animal victims of domestic abuse we're giving human victims an escape route." Through ASP the victims of domestic violence can leave knowing that their pets will be cared for. When possible the pets are reunited with their owners. When that's not possible, the pets are matched with new families through the pet adoption program at Rancho Coastal Humane Society. The Animal Safehouse Program
help you cheat on a history test? Simon is a bug whisperer with a big problem and a secret that may lead him to his mother’s killer.
started by Rancho Coastal Humane Society is, literally, saving lives. When human victims enter shelters their dogs or cats can be cared for in the private homes of ASP volunteers. Silveira says, "For the first time since the first beating, the victims realize that they can escape without leaving their pets to pay the price." Do the animal victims of domestic violence recover? Silveira says they do. "When the pets arrive they've been beaten, abused, neglected, or starved. Once they realize they're safe their tails
5 d H B
wag. The happy purrs begin. Usually all it takes is someone who cares. Someone who will love them and tend to their needs without having to endure another beating." Silveira concludes, "When we take these animals into our homes we are making the same commitments that we make to the humans in our lives. We agree to provide for them and protect them. But when domestic violence threatens to harm this fiber of society, Animal Safehouse is here to help. And now Rancho Coastal Humane Society is spreading the ASP safety net across the country." For more information about the Animal Safehouse Program created by Rancho Coastal Humane Society or to learn how you can help start an ASP program anywhere in the United States log on to www.sdpets.org, call 760-753-6413, or visit RCHS at 389 Requeza Street in Encinitas, CA.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2011
19
D
5 d H B
PET PRESS
Dogs on Deployment A dual-military husband and wife both received orders; the husband was to be stationed in San Diego, California, and the wife was to be stationed in Quantico, Virginia. Neither spouse could keep their beloved dog. The couple had no idea what to do, but was finally lucky enough to meet a family that was willing to offer their dog a home until the couple’s orders were finished. This was the scenario that the founders of Dogs on Deployment found themselves in and gave them the inspiration to create an organization which would help other military members in similar situations. Dogs on Deployment is a militaryran non-profit founded by two San Diego residents in June 2011. Many military members are forced to relinquish their pets due to deployments because of the lack of other options. DoD aims to alleviate this by providing an online resource for deploying military members to search for volunteers who are willing to board their pets while they’re away. DoD operates nation-wide and is
open to all military members during deployments and training exercises. Dogs on Deployment relies on public support in order to achieve continued success. If you have the time, space and commitment to board a military member ’s pet while they’re deployed, visit our website to register as a DoD Boarder. If you cannot board but still want to help, we humbly accept donations which can be made on our website. Learn more about Dogs on Deployment by visiting our website: www.dogsondeployment.com Support your troops by boarding their pets! –Alisa Johnson, President
Attention San Diego Pet-Business Owners Pet expert Arden Moore is unleashing two opportunities for San Diego pet companies and organizations. FIRST, here’s your chance to reach more than 750,000 pet parents this holiday season. For $100 sponsorship, your product will be spotlighted in the 3rd annual Arden Moore Knows Pets Santa Paws Gift Guide – an online monthly e-newsletter. You will also be mentioned on Arden’s Oh Behave
Spicey is an 8-year-old Chihuahua who was in the San Diego Humane Society’s care for more than 3 months. Below is an email from his new petparents, who renamed him Buddy.
Dear San Diego Humane Society, We just wanted to send you some updated pictures of Buddy and let you know he has adjusted very well and quickly! Everyone in our family has fallen in love with him. He goes to my mom’s during the week while we are at work and she has fallen head over heels in love with him. They now play chase in her house and she takes him out on walks. He loves our daughter’s dogs, especially her Chihuahua, Peanut. They are best buds. Thank you so much for all your help in placing Buddy with us, we couldn’t be happier. My husband and I get home from work and can’t wait to just hold him and just sit back and pet him. He is a perfect fit for us and loves the house and backyard. He has brought smiles and hours of relaxation to us; he can’t sit unless he is on one of our laps. Sincerely, The O’Connor’s 20
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Show on Pet Life Radio, voted the No. 1 pet podcast for the third year in a row by the International Podcast Awards. SECOND, Arden is creator of National Dog Party Day – an annual event to raise awareness for pet adoptions and benefit non-profit groups. Sponsorships are now being accepted for the 2nd annual National Dog Party Day set for June 22, 2012 in four locations in the U.S., including San Diego. Each year, Arden partners with Pet Sitters International, founders of Take Your Dog to Work Day, to stage a “Double Dog Day” celebration in which participants work like a dog by day and party like a pup at night. In 2011, the event drew national media coverage and included donations from pet celebrities, including Dr. Marty Becker, known as America’s Family Veterinarian. For details on the holiday gift guide and the dog party sponsorship, please contact Dana Humphrey, president of Whitegate PR at 619-414-9307 or dana@whitegatepr.com. Learn more about Arden’s efforts in the pet world by visiting her Four Legged Life website.
PET PRESS D Come Monkey Around
Paws’itive Teams Volunteer Service Dog Trainer Opportunity Paws’itive Teams, a San Diego County provider of service dogs for persons with mobility-limiting disabilities, is currently accepting applications for a volunteer position as Service Dog Assistant Trainer to join the Service Dog Training Team. Training a dog with Paws’itive Teams is very different from puppy raising as our trainers work with their pups for the full 2 year development period and teach all of the service dog skills in addition to basic obedience and socialization. The trainer is also involved with the partner selection process and becomes the lead instructor in transitioning the dog to the disabled partner. The trainer then becomes the follow-up contact for the team. We feel this approach, while more challenging, is very rewarding for both the future handler and for the trainer...not to mention the well being of the dog! Qualified applicants must have prior experience in training basic obedience skills using operant conditioning techniques, as well as experience in resolving basic behavioral problems with dogs. Applicants must be able to have a Paws’itive Teams pup live in her/his home for two years, after an initial 6 months as an Assistant Trainer and be able to attend weekly training classes and monthly outings. Paws’itive Teams pays for the cost of food and veterinary expenses for the pup during the training period. To submit an application, go to our website and complete the on-line form. pawsteams.org/service_dog_trainers.php You may also call Carol Davis, Service Dog Program Director at 858279-7297 for additional information.
Mostly Monkeys (MM) is a nonprofit animal sanctuary located in the greater San Diego county area. The sanctuary provides long term care and special one-on-one attention to each unique animal and their amazing personalities for a variety of exotic animals. Along with the care of these magnificent animals MM also focuses on creating public awareness on the plight of these exotic animals with an emphasis on educating the public on the animals' environment, feeding and care. They believe that all these animals are special and deserves to live out their lives in a wonderful space dedicated directly to them. In order to continue to do this they
5 d H B
rely on donations from the public. Recently, The Mostly Monkeys Sanctuary has opened up its doors to allow informative tours of the property and its animals. Private tours will consist of meeting the animals and learning about their stories. Join them in their first annual " Monkey Bells- Christmas for the Animals" event which will take place on December 3rd from 11am to 4pm. Come meet all the animals and Santa Claus. Delicious food donated by Urban Mos and Phils BBQ. Must purchase pre-sale tickets online. Enjoy a fun holiday outing and help give the monkeys an amazing Christmas. More info at www.mostlymonkeys.org or call (619) 933-5884.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2011
21
D
5 d H B
PET PRESS
Dogs and Their People Walk for Hope and Good Health July 16, 2011 marked the 1st Annual Labrador Harbor Hounds for Hope Walk, a Canine Cancer Awareness and Wellness Festival. Walking side by side to lead the march were Brandi and Tucker, two Labs and their humans who, until today, had never actually met. Brandi’s owners are the founders of Labrador Harbor, and Tucker’s mom was a grant recipient. In late 2009, Tucker tore a ligament in his hind leg and needed a costly surgery. His mom did everything she could to raise funds on her own, but she struggled to come up with the full $3,978 needed for Tucker's surgery. The answer, as it turns out, came from Labrador Harbor who assisted Tucker's mom with funds through grants and fundraising on their website. Tucker's mom could finally breathe a sigh of relief and focus on the important task of supporting Tucker through his recovery. Labrador Harbor’s mission statement is simple: help provide financial assistance and resources to families and supporters of Labrador Retrievers, giving a second chance to dogs who
22
might otherwise face euthanasia. Funds and resources are used to assist Labs that can benefit from medical treatment. Armed with a small arsenal of dedicated volunteers, Labrador Harbor has raised and distributed over $67,000 and assisted over 290 families. Current fundraising events include: An online auction which runs through November, and the 2012 Calendar of Hope featuring winning submissions from the group's yearly calendar contest. Photos with Santa promises to be a fun event again, providing beautiful pictures that many choose to use as holiday cards. To participate in the online auction, purchase a calendar, sign up for photos, or become a volunteer go to labradorharbor.org. Every Lab in Need is listed on the website with more information about each dog's unique story, including success stories and happy endings. Tax deductible donations can be made through Labrador Harbor's website. – Athena Davis
PETCO Opens San Antonio Satellite Support Facility San Diego-based PETCO Animal Supplies, Inc. opened its San Antonio satellite support center on Wednesday, Sept. 28, with 120 employees and a gift to the city—a mobile pet adoption van aimed at helping the city reach its nokill goal. The support center carries out the financial aspects of the company's operations, including accounting, human resources, administrative services, ethics/compliance and risk management. Employment at the center is expected to grow to about 175 workers by the end of this year. Of the 120 workers already at the center, 40 moved to San Antonio from San Diego. Company officials presented a $50,000 check from the PETCO Foundation to San Antonio Mayor Julián Castro. The city will use the money to operate a pet adoption van, starting by year's end. PETCO, which employs about 22,000, operates more than 1,100 pet supply and services stores in the United States, with about 90 in Texas.
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
“Keep Woofy Warm” Winter was approaching back in 2009 when Kelly Tomke came up with the idea to “Keep Woofy Warm”. Her adjacent neighborhood was home to many people living on the streets and many of them had canine companions. A dog-owner, herself, she knew that if she had unused dog sweaters that the homeless with dogs could use, others did, too. Her campaign was small at best, until she received some local newspaper and TV press. Soon her front porch was full of dog-related items donated by concerned animallovers. Food, clothing, blankets, toys, bowls, collars and leashes were just some of the items donated. Tomke realized that these pets of the homeless are sometimes their only family. Those not certified as “therapy” dogs are not allowed into winter shelters, and tents were not allowed on the streets of San Diego, so the concept to “Keep Woofy Warm” was a “nobrainer” as Tomke saw it, as it was to other pet lovers. Several simple dog capes can be made from one blanket or sweatshirt – all that’s needed is a pair of scissors, two safety pins and a template. Or, unused, manufactured dog sweaters, capes and coats often are still in good shape and can be a blessing to a cold dog who lives on the street. Tomke, again this fall and winter, is accepting donations of dog-related items at her grooming salon, Salty Dawg Salon & Boutique, which is located in the East Village at the corner of 15th Street and Island Avenue, Tomke suggests individuals could keep “woofie-wear” and bags of kibble in their car so that they are able to help on a moment’s notice when discovering homeless with pets that live near them. Tomke would love it if this concept took off in other cities across the USA and hopes you will help spread the word. She can be reached at the Salty Dawg Salon & Boutique at (619) 239-2571 or by email at ktomke@gmail.com.
MORE PET PRESS ONLINE www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com Send us your scoops! Casey@SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com
PET PRESS D
5 d H B
Animal instinct: New charity touts a pet project
T
his may come as a shock, and it's certainly not our intent to scare you—but in case you haven't noticed, today's rotten economy is tearing at everybody and everything from all directions. The irony is that, according to the Giving USA Foundation, the country's charitable giving in 2010 rose about $10 billion from the year before. That's an impressive backdrop for one fledgling local business—and even as charity is the name of its game, San Diego's animals stand to benefit from its sizable heart. It's called Give the Deal, and it's modeled after several websites that offer killer bargains on personal items for the benefit of a participating business. But unlike the others, Give the Deal includes pets in its target clientele. San Diego's pet community, after all, is massive—and Monica Zarrinn, the firm's public relations and sale coordinator, said that the firm saw an according need. “We seem to be the only site,” Zarrinn said, “that offers deals for pets. Right now, the pets are mostly dogs and cats. But there are so many businesses that deal with other animals, like birds, reptiles and horses. I am dying to get other pet businesses involved.”
Give the deal’s public relations and sales coordinator Monica Zarrinn
Here's how it works: The firm features a particular business (San Diego area only) on its site for one week in four categories—For Him, For Her, For You and For Pets. Subscribers receive an email and coupon featuring the details on that business' deal (recent bargains include half-price fare at Seaside Yogurt, a 50-percent reduction on a recording session at JCB Music and $25 for three 30-minute dog walks from Courtney's Furever Friends, normally priced at $51). After
the week, the business receives a majority of the proceeds from the sold deals—and Give the Deal then donates a share of its own profits to charity. Animal-related nonprofits such as Second Chance Dog Rescue and the San Diego County Humane Society are among Give the Deal's beneficiaries. Zarrinn said that pet-related businesses generate about half the firm's activity. Give the Deal, located in University Towne Centre, was founded about five months ago. This is a win-win situation that only stands to grow, as long as area charities and businesses heed Zarrinn's earnest pitch: “We are always in need of merchants to be featured,” she said. “We're all about giving back, and we think San Diego's businesses are too.” For more information, call 858-2256826 or see givethedeal.com. —Martin Jones Westlin
Give The Deal website gives back to pet community GiveTheDeal.com emails users coupons with up to 90% off pet deals including animal oil paintings, vet check-ups, groomers and pet supplies. The site also donates a portion of every deal sold to a different local non-profit every week, some of which include local animal charities FACE Foundation and FOCAS. Give The Deal’s mission is to reward caring-pet owners by saving them money, while supporting local businesses and giving back to the community. To receive the deals and help support the featured “charity of the week”, register your email address at www.givethedeal.com.
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER 2011
23
D
5 d H B
PET RESOURCES
Rescue, Adoption and Service Organizations A Passion For Paws (Akita Rescue) (818) 925-4827 www.APassionForPaws.org Baja Dog Rescue Hours: 10am-5pm. (619) 407-9372 www.bajadogrescue.org Bat Rescue (619) 225-9453 www.batrescue.org Boxers N Birds (all breeds rescue and adoption) Like us on Facebook. 3308 Mission Ave. Oceanside, CA 92058. (760) 433-3763 x224 www.petfinder.com/shelters/CA1647.html Cat Adoption Service (760) 550-2287 www.sdcats.org Chihuahua Rescue of San Diego www.ChihuahuaRescueofSanDiego.com German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue (760) 726-4813 www.GSP-Rescue.org Greyhound Connection (619) 286-4739 www.GreyhoundConnection.org Independent Therapy Dogs, Inc. A non-profit therapy dog organization providing therapy dog visits for anyone who would like one. e-mail: itdi-2010@att.net https://sites.google.com/site/idtdinc/ It’s The Pits Specializing in the Bully Breeds (858) 484-0985 List Srv 4 Therapy Dog Teams A listing service/electronic bulletin board. listsrv4therapydog@att.net Operation Greyhound (619) 588-6611 www.OperationGreyhound.com Paws of Coronado (619) 522-7371 www.PawsOfCoronado.org Pit Bull Rescue of San Diego (858) 693-7331 www.PitBullRescueSanDiego.com San Diego House Rabbit Society (858) 356-4286 www.SanDiegoRabbits.org S.D. Turtle & Tortoise Society (619) 593-2123 www.SDTurtle.org Second Chance Dog Rescue (619) 721-DOGS (3647) http://secondchancedogrescue.org Westie Rescue of California (619) 579-6395 www.WestieRescueCA.com E-mail us your organization’s information: Casey@SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com 24
Emergency Hospitals BONITA/CHULA VISTA Pet Emergency & SpecialtyCenter of South County (619) 591-4802 885 Canarios Court, #108, Chula Vista, CA 91910 www.PESCSanDiego.com
CARLSBAD California Veterinary Specialists (760) 431-2273 2310 Faraday Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008, 7 days 24 hrs. www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.com
ENCINITAS VCA North Coast Veterinary & Emergency (760) 632-1072 414 Encinitas Blvd., Encinitas, CA 92024, www.VCANorthCoast.com
ESCONDIDO Animal Urgent Care of Escondido (760) 738-9600 2430-A S. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025, 7 Days 24 hrs. www.AUC.US.com
KEARNY MESA/CLAIREMONT Animal ER of San Diego (858) 569-0600 5610 Kearny Mesa Road, San Diego, CA 92111 M-F 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sat. Sun. 24 hrs.
LA MESA Pet Emergency & Specialty Center (619) 462-4800 5232 Jackson Drive #105, La Mesa, CA 91942, 7 Days 24 hrs. www.PESCSanDiego.com
MISSION VALLEY VCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center (619) 229-2400 2317 Hotel Circle South, San Diego, CA 92108,7 Days 24 hrs. www.VCAEmergency.com
MURRIETA California Veterinary Specialists (951) 600-9803 25100 Hancock Ave. #116, Murrieta, CA 92562, 7 days 24 hrs. www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.com
POWAY Animal Emergency Clinic (858) 748-7387 12775 Poway Road, Poway, CA 92064 M-F 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Sat. Sun. 24 hrs. www.AnimalEmergencySD.com
SAN MARCOS Veterinary Specialty Hospital (760) 466-0600 2055 Montiel Road, Suite 104, San Marcos, CA 92069 www.vshsd.com
SORRENTO VALLEY Veterinary Specialty Hospital (858) 875-7500 10435 Sorrento Valley Road., San Diego, CA 92121 7 Days 24 hrs. www.VSHSD.com
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Animal Shelters & Humane Societies ACCEPT STRAYS & HAVE ADOPTION BAY PARK/MISSION VALLEY County Animal Services 5480 Gaines St., CA 92110 (619) 767-2675 www.sddac.com Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30am to 5:30pm
BONITA County Animal Services 5821 Sweetwater Road, CA 91902 (619) 767-2675 www.sddac.com Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30am to 5:30pm
CAMP PENDLETON Camp Pendleton Animal Shelter 4th St. Area 25 Bldg. 25132 CA 92054 (760) 725-8120
CARLSBAD County Animal Services 2481 Palomar Airport Road, CA 92011 (619) 767-2675 www.sddac.com Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30am to 5:30pm
CHULA VISTA City of Chula Vista Animal Shelter 130 Beyer Way, CA 91911 (619) 691-5123 Hours: M-F 10am to 5pm Sat. 10am to 4pm
CORONADO Animal Control Facility 700 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 (619) 522-7371 Hours: 7 days 8:30am to 4:30am
EL CAJON City of El Cajon Animal Shelter 1275 N. Marshall Ave., CA 92020 (619) 441-1580 Hours: Tues-Sat 10am to 5:30pm
ESCONDIDO Escondido Humane Society 3450 E. Valley Parkway, CA 92027 (760) 888-2275 www.EscondidoHumaneSociety.com Hours: 7 days 10am to 5pm
OCEANSIDE San Diego Humane Society-North (For dogs) 2905 San Luis Rey Road, CA 92058 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: 7 days 10am-4pm San Diego Humane Society-North (For cats) 572 Airport Road, CA 92058 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: 7 days 10am-4pm
ACCEPT OWNER RELINQUISHED ANIMALS BAY PARK/MISSION VALLEY San Diego Humane Society-San Diego Campus 5500 Gaines Street, CA 92110 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-6pm Sat-Sun 11am-5pm
EL CAJON Friends of Cats 15587 Olde Highway 80, CA, 92021 (619) 561-0361 www.FriendsofCats.org Hours: Tues-Sun 10am to 4pm
ENCINITAS Rancho Coastal Humane Society 389 Requeza Street, CA 92024 (760) 753-6413 www.sdpets.org Hours: 11am -5pm every day except Tues. 11:30am-5pm
RANCHO SANTA FE Helen Woodward Animal Center 6461 El Apajo Road, CA 92067 (858) 756-4117 www.AnimalCenter.org Hours: 7 days 11am to 6pm
SPRING VALLEY National Cat Protection Society 9031 Birch Street, CA 91977 (619) 469-8771 www.NatCat.org Hours: Tue.-Sat. Noon to 5pm
PET RESOURCES D 347 Barkers Place
Leashes and Love
The Most Creative Collection of Dog-Friendly Products Imaginable!
Pet Sitting and Dog Walking Company
20% OFF FIRST ORDER (CODE: SDPETSMAG)
(619) 296-4928 www.leashesandlove.com
www.347BarkersPlace.com
California Veterinary Specialists 2310 Faraday Ave., Carlsbad, CA 92008, (760) 431-2273 • 7 days 24 hrs. www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.com
Serving San Diego and surrounding areas
Leash Your Fitness Fitness class for you and your DOG. Classes / events throughtout San Diego. 619-822-3296 http://www.LeashYourFitness.com
5 d H B
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
Lu Meyer, Obedience Academy 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
K-9 Family Matters, Only the best will do! Trusted, Experienced, Award Winning Obedience Training. (760) 436-3571 www.EncinitasObedience.com
Sophie Bella's Studio Professional Photography Call Us for Your Holiday Photos 858-717-6200 www.sophiebellasstudio.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
Star Grooming on Fifth Professional Pet Stylist 1845 Fifth Ave (Between Elm & Fir) (619) 571-1795 www.stargroomingonfifth.com
PoopPac Dog Walkers Case 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
BAG IT – PAC IT – TRASH IT! Enjoy your walk in style No Odor - No Mess - It Works! www.pooppac.com
The Total Dog, Swim & Gym 3060 Industry St., Ste. 108 Oceanside, CA • 760-721-1DOG (1364) www.mytotaldog.com
Puptown Doggie Daycare 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
205 16th Street. San Diego, CA 92101 (619) 234-5778 www.puptown.net
TouchNpaws & MakeNscents Comfort * Wellness * Mobility Serving the North County area (Mira Mesa up)
San Diego Humane Society & SPCA
(619) 405-4144 • www.TouchNpaws.com
(619) 299-7012 www.sdhumane.org
TTouch for dogs, cats and rabbits
SD House Rabbit Society
By certified practitioner Mary E. Cannon 858-361-8038 www.crittertouch.com
(858) 356-4286 www.SanDiegoRabbits.org
Iceland Pure
The Screen Machine
The Clean Power of Nature Unscented pharmaceutical-grade salmon oil for your pets. http://www.icelandpure.com
1-800-700-TIGER (84437) Pet Proof Screen Guaranteed! Patio, Swing & French Doors, Window Screens
www.petproofscreendoors.com
VetDepot Discount Pet Meds & Supplies • Save up to 60% on all leading brands including: Frontline, Cosequin, Greenies & Heartgard www.vetdepot.com
Claim your Business! ONLINE BUSINESS DIRECTORY Start @ www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com, then click on Pet Business Directory. From there you can search for businesses by zip code, type or by name. If your a business owner, Claim your listing now. It’s simple, quick and FREE.
Scan with your smart phone, or visit SanDiego PetsMagazine.com
Tell em’ San Diego Pets Magazine sent you!
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | OCTOBER 2011
25
D
5 d H B
MARK YOUR CALENDAR
Jingle Paws Walk for Pets Presented by the ACES Foundation Saturday, November 19, 2011 El Cajon Animal Shelter
www.acesfoundation.org
Full moon hike up Cowles Mountain Meet at the corner of Golfcrest Drive and Navajo Road at the rest rooms. Saturday, November 12, 5 p.m.-7 p.m.
www.LeashYourFitness.com events calendar
Dog Yoga Fund Raising Class Meet at Camp Run-a-Mutt, 4030-A Sports Arena Blvd, Sunday, November 13, 2011
www.LeashYourFitness.com events calendar
Wagging Winterland Saturday, Nov 20, Noon-4 p.m. 155 Quail Gardens Dr, Encinitas 92024
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com/events
Monkey BellsChristmas for the Animals December 3, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Must purchase pre-sale tickets online
www.mostlymonkeys.org
All-Breed Adoption Event Saturday, December 10, 2011, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Hosted by Eastlake Veterinary Clinic in the front parking lot of the Clinic which is located in the Von’s shopping center in Eastlake. To register your orginization in this event or if you have questions, please contact Eastlake Vet Clinic at (619) 482-9100. RSVP by Nov 25, to reserve space for your organization.
Pet Food Drive Helen Woodward Animal Center AniMeals Program 6461 El Apajo Road, Rancho San Diego, CA 92061
www.animalcenter.org 858-756-4117 ext. 341 Bring unopened cans and bags of pet food to the Helen Woodward Center or place in specially marked bins at select San Diego County Petco, Vons and other locations listed on their website.
www.eastlakepets.com
National Pet Food Drive
Intro to K9 Nose WorkÂŽ
Through Sunday, November 13 Petco and Petco Foundation
A sport nearly any dog or human can do! January 28, 2012
www.petco.com www.petcofoundation.org
www.coachingcreativecanines.com Please note: There will not be a January 2012 issue of San Diego Pets Magazine. Regular monthly magazines will resume in February 2012.
You will find more events posted online: www.SanDiegoPetsMagazine.com/events 26
Full event listing are available online. You can also add your own events for free!
NOVEMBER 2011 | www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com
Purchase or bring from home unopened cans and bags of pet food and litter and place in specially marked bins in Petco and Petco Unleashed locations nationwide.
Next issue of San Diego Pets Magazine will be availible Dec. 6, 2011
MARKETPLACE D
Tell em’ San Diego Pets Magazine sent you!
5 d H B
www.sandiegopetsmagazine.com | OCTOBER 2011
27