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GIVING UP IS NOT AN OPTION: Saving Nalu’s Life Horse Haven: Where Farm Animals Find A Second Chance CARING FOR YOUR ELDERLY DOG
Saving Homeless Animals from Navajo Reservation JULY 2017 | VOL. 5 NO. 11 PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
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very month, part of my job as editor is to format and edit the Rescue Me entries. Dogs. Cats. Rabbits. It’s like seeing that Girl Scout standing outside the grocery store. “Would you like to buy some cookies?” Duh. Of course, I want to buy cookies. About $40 worth. I lack self-control. That’s how, when I got my first house and some land to go with it, I ended up with seven pets. You know the road where everyone drops off kittens because it’s in the country and there are farms and of course the kittens will survive there? Yeah. I lived on that road. And the basic rule was this: show up on my doorstep and you get fed. Keep coming back, you get spayed/neutered, annual shots, food and as much love as you want. We had a barn, so the cats who had no interest in becoming house cats had a warm, safe place to stay. Seven. Pets. See what I mean about no self-control? So let’s talk for a minute about the insanity involved with me being the person who edits the Rescue Me section. It’s really insane. There are all those little, furry faces in need of homes. Luckily, there’s a smidgeon of self-control because to date, I have not fallen victim. It helps that I now rent, and most rentals won’t let you have more than two pets, so I’ve already hit the limit of recues. Not surprisingly, we’ve learned that if we put one of those adoptable faces on the cover, magic happens. So, when we heard about Nuzzles & Co. working with Mark Miller Subaru to rescue over sixty pets from the Navajo Reservation (see April Northstrom’s article), we had a great idea: start incorporating rescues regularly on our covers! So you can expect to see more pets like Libby (her bio’s in Rescue Me) in the coming months. Today, while getting ready to go to press, we learned police K-9 hero Dingo gave his life in the line of duty. We dedicate this issue to him. His loss will be felt throughout the community.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
JULY 2017 | VOL. 5 NO. 11 PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM
PUBLISHER PICM Publishing, LLC
“Animals are such agreeable friends - they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms.” George Elliot
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Deborah Myers EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Justen STAFF WRITERS Tonya Landon | Mona Mistric April A. Northstrom Sarah Tyler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Mary Holmes Jennifer Lesser Temma Martin Heather McIlvenna, DVM ART DESIGNER Mark Salgado PHOTOGRAPHER Candi Wong
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Giving Up Is Not An Option
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LAST MONTH’S ISSUE
By Mary Holmes
Love Goes The Distance
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By April Northstorm
Caring For Your Elderly Dog By Mona Mistric
Horse Haven By Temma Martin & The Best Friends Staff
8 Things Every Cat Owner Can Relate To By Sara Tyler
MEET CHESTER THE SEAFARING CAT TIPS FOR MAKING SUMMER ROAD TRIPS SAFE WITH PETS
Animals In The News By Mona Mistric
6 Ways To Get Rid Of Stinky Dog Breath By Jennifer Lesser
FAMILY PET FACING DEATH UNDER ARCHAIC UTAH LAW
BREAK THE LEASH:
DON’T TETHER YOUR DOG
Ask Stetson By Tonya Landon
Rattlesnake Hazards and Vaccination By Heather McIlvenna, DVM
RESCUE ME! YOUR PETS IN THE CITY PHOTOS COVER PHOTO BY: CANDI WONG -Modern Pet Photographer, based in Salt Lake City. I love helping my clients create memories for their furbabies at Wildside Design & Pet Photography. It really melts my heart to see the bond between the client and their pets. I am always thankful to be trusted to help create these memories for them. I’d love to meet you and your furry ones!
RESCUE A NEW FRIEND!
SALES & ADVERTISING Deborah Myers
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debbiepetsinthecitymagazine@ gmail.com ACCOUNTING Richard Beamer
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PICM Disclaimer: All reader submissions and photos are voluntarily submitted without expectation of compensation. All opinions of the authors in this Magazine are those of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. The publisher has not confirmed the accuracy of information contained in the articles. PICM reserves the right to edit, alter, or modify the submitted article to the extent in which we deem necessary. A RESCUE PLEA: Pets In The City Magazine is dedicated to and encourages rescuing companion animals of all types. There are thousands of animals in Utah and across our nation needing a forever home. If you are interested in rescuing a companion animal, there are over 100 animal rescues in Utah. A good resource is petfinder.com, a nationwide database for companion animals of all types. A rescued animal can be rewarding and lead to a forever grateful love. Pets In The City Magazine © 2017 is an independent, free monthly magazine published by PICM Publishing. For information regarding Pets in the City Magazine, visit www.petsinthecitymagazine.com Any and all articles in Pets in the City Magazine are submitted for reading enjoyment only. Please consult a professional and make wise personal decisions regarding health and safety issues of pets and family.
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Klein further added, “There is some kind of connection, in my belief, that helps get things moving, if that makes sense. So, I think she played a critical role in his survival by being a believer and being there.” All the while, Billy Fernando, wedding photographer and parttime Uber driver, was taking photos. He happened to be driving by, saw the commotion, signed off Uber, and began shooting this amazing rescue. Another unnamed passerby volunteered to take Nalu to a veterinarian who had an oxygen cage. All of this was going on through Los Angeles rush hour traffic. She dropped Lamirande and Nalu off, and he spent 24 hours in the oxygen cage. Lamirande said she was told Nalu’s carbon monoxide level at admission was 27. Normal runs from 0 to 7. After time in the oxygen cage, his dropped to a high normal of 7. She was warned he could possibly have brain damage, or suffer convulsions, but none of that has come to pass. Lamirande and Klein have kept in touch since the fire. She has visited the fire station with Nalu and she states without hesitation about Klein, “He’s a real hero.” Klein for his part, simply responds, “We don’t have an option to give up. It’s not in our nature as firemen, or in our job description, to call it quits when things are tough or when it’s rainy outside.” For him, it seems, it’s all in a day’s work. Editor’s Note: While we try to keep the majority of our stories Utah-centric, the story of a firefighter who saved a dog in California touched our hearts, so today, we share it with you to remind us all that there are people who will go above and beyond for our furry friends.
By Mary Holmes
PHOTOS COURTESY OF @BILLYFERNANDOPHOTOGRAPHY
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his is the story of Nalu, Andrew and Crystal. Nalu is the dog miraculously saved by Santa Monica firefighter Andrew Klein. After the smoke cleared, we took the time to talk to Klein and Nalu’s animal guardian Crystal Lamirande. Like Klein, Lamirande has also dedicated her life to helping others. She is a radiology nurse at St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica. Lamirande left Nalu at home one day to go to Starbucks and read a book. Normally, Nalu went everywhere with her, but it was a rainy day, and she decided he’d be better off at home. He’s a sweet little dog, and seemingly very well-behaved. Apparently, he felt in danger in the apartment in question, as Lamirande recounted in retrospect. Over the years, he had destroyed no less than 20 sets of window blinds, scratched all the doors badly, and one day even pushed his way out of a screened window. This is a tale of synchronicity. Lamirande arrived home minutes after her neighbor noticed Lamirande’s apartment was on fire and called 911. The firefighters arrived minutes later. Finding out there was a dog inside, Klein’s captain gave him the goahead to affect a rescue. It took two tries to find Nalu, and when Klein brought him out of the apartment he was totally lifeless. As Klein tells it, Lamirande was there
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when he brought Nalu out. “She was in tears, crying, and saying, ‘My dog’s dead! My dog’s dead!’ My motivation is to turn that around and focus on my job because we have to organize the chaos. We have to bring everything we learn through our training, through our experience, our intuition, bring it to that moment to make something of that situation.” Klein started by putting an oxygen mask on Nalu, which was not effective. Then he began doing chest compressions. And finally, he went to, as he put it “mouth-to-snout.” Nalu was lucky, Klein was certified in animal first aid and CPR, a course he took of his own volition. He was even luckier because of the Department’s mission. “As far as doing the job like with Nalu, our crew, we treat an animal like a kid. Just because it’s an animal doesn’t mean that the animal is any less of a life worth saving. It’s a life, and that’s what our department is. We’re all in when it comes to a life.” Lamirande remained by the side of the firefighter and Nalu. He slowly started coming around, and she kept saying his name. Of that moment she says, “I swear that he heard my voice and he came back. Because he wasn’t totally gone but he was almost gone. Like he was about to go.”
JULY 2017
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Love Goes the Distance Mark Miller Subaru and Nuzzles & Co., Save Homeless Animals from Navajo Reservation By April Northstrom
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n a special partnership, Nuzzles & Co. Pet Rescue and Adoption, the Park City-based nonprofit, is working with Mark Miller Subaru’s Share the Love initiative to bring awareness to the plight of more than 100,000 homeless dogs on the Navajo Indian Reservation. It is an area that spans 27,000 miles across southeastern Utah, northwestern New Mexico and northeastern Arizona. About a year ago, Nuzzles & Co., first partnered with Soul Dog Rescue in New Mexico to bring rescued reservation dogs, lovingly known as Rez dogs, back to Utah to be adopted. Today, Nuzzles & Co. currently sends volunteers to the Kayenta, Arizona reservation, twice a month, to rescue handfuls, usually 25-30, of the more than 400,000 homeless animals living on the land. Yes, 400,000. The number is much larger than was previously thought. The animals are found, hungry and dirty, wandering the streets, scavenging behind dumpsters and living between buildings or under abandoned cars. When this situation hit a critical point in late May, Mark Miller Subaru partnered with Nuzzles & Co. to help find forever homes for these furry critters. Kathleen Weron, President and CEO for Nuzzles & Co. said their goal as an organization is to take these animals, give them the medical attention they need, and find them a family. The challenge of overpopulation on the reservation has been created by a lack of resources, medical care and the reservation’s geographic remote proximity to animal assistance groups. Veterinary care is expensive and not always convenient, therefore, the dogs and cats don’t get neutered or spayed – leading to more puppies and kittens than can be cared for safely. With an unemployment rate of 45 percent, many people who live on the reservation cannot afford veterinary care for their animals when food and shelter take immediate precedent. Right now, there are more homeless cats and dogs than people living on the reservation. In their largest rescue ever, Nuzzles & Co., coordinated with Mark Miller of Mark Miller Subaru, to transport 80 rescued animals on a plane to Salt Lake City in an operation named “Love Goes the Distance.” Miller lent his personal aircraft to the volunteers to help with transport. As a pilot, he even flew the aircraft himself to Salt Lake City. Most of the rescued animals needed to be immediately de-wormed, bathed, fed and vaccinated. The result of this large rescue operation has brought to light the importance of homeless pets and the societal value in finding new homes for rescue animals. Working in conjunction with Navajo Nation Animal Control and others, Nuzzles & Co., is educating the Navajo population about the importance of animal care and control. According to those who volunteer and rescue the animals, there is a long way to go, but the reservation is doing the best they can with the resources they have available. There are only five animal control officers on the Navajo Nation and only four active animal shelters in Tuba City, Fort Defiance, Many Farms, Ariz. and Shiprock, which serve the reservation. Spay and neuter clinics are constantly needed, as are qualified volunteers to make the 400+ mile journey twice a month. On January 14, 2017, for the very first time, Nuzzles & Co., travelled two hours east
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6pm August 12, 2017 - Waldorf Astoria Park City Get your tickets at www.nuzzlesandco.org
of Park City to the Ute Reservation in Northeastern Utah to set up a mobile spay/ neuter medical clinic. There they offered vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries and a pet food pantry for members of the Ute Tribe and their pets. The Ute Reservation is the second largest Native American Reservation in the U.S. and nearly 3,000 Ute Tribe members and their pets live there. In this remote area, there are few resources for animals. They brought help and hope to over 100 families and their pets. It is Nuzzle & Co.’s hope that this mobile clinic can be duplicated in other remote areas, including on the Navajo Reservation. Subaru and Nuzzles & Co. Pet Rescue and Adoption are now official partners in their shared love of animals and their commitment to rescuing stray dogs and cats. In the coming year, Nuzzles & Co. will be closely aligned with Mark Miller Subaru for many events including Love Utah, Give Utah, for which Mark Miller Subaru has been selected as the presenting sponsor. If you’d like to help donate to Nuzzles & Co. or volunteer, visit their website, nuzzlesandco.org.
CARING FOR YOUR ELDERLY DOG
Open Monday - Saturday 10am - 7:00pm Sundays 11am - 5pm
By Mona Mistric Often, we find out our dog is suffering from pain and a loss of physical activity, and we don’t know what to do. Dogs experience pain just the way we do. In fact, muscle and joint pain are as uncomfortable for dogs as they are for people. Medication helps, but there is more we can do. There are alternative therapies that are very helpful for pain management and there are ways to make the aging process less stressful.
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ere are some options to help your geriatric dog ease through some of the discomforts of old age. Acupuncture and Acupressure: Acupuncture involves inserting small needles just below the skin at certain points of the body. Acupressure involves using your fingers to apply pressure to those same points. Both of these therapies stimulate those points, creating a soothing energy flow throughout the body. Cold Laser Therapy: By directing highly concentrated light waves to the muscles, tissues and organs, cold laser therapy reduces inflammation and muscle spasms and is especially helpful for disk and spine issues. Low-level cold laser therapy is painless, non-invasive; and unlike most medications, it doesn’t have negative side effects. Energy Healing: This therapy is where you lay hands on your dog. It is based on the idea of an unseen life energy force that flows through all living animals and plants. It treats the body, emotions, mind and spirit creating many beneficial effects, including relaxation, a feeling of peace, security and wellbeing. Energy healing is also useful for stress reduction, which can promote healing. You can look online for Reiki and watch a video; or Healing Touch, which has online classes; or Telling Touch, which is based on circular movements of the fingers and hands all over the body. Massage Therapy: Physical contact has a calming effect and provides comfort. Massaging relaxes muscles and stimulates endorphins; which increases circulation, elevates oxygen levels, strengthens the immune system, reduces inflammation and accelerates healing. You can look online for Qi-Gong or other massage methods. A couple of more helpful ideas are to teach your senior dog to use portable stairs and ramps. These will help her get on and off elevated PAGE 10
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areas, including the couch, bed and when getting in and out of the car. Look for ones that fold up easily, have anti-skid surfaces, a gradual incline, and support the weight of your dog. There are a few organizations that have begun hospice care for pets. Some offer therapies and some will show you how to do therapy at home. If you’re not sure whether your furry loved one needs hospice care, this brief questionnaire might help. H A S YO U R L OV E D O N E . . .
YES
NO
1 ) B e e n t o t h e ve t e r i n a r i a n s eve ra l t i m e s i n t h e p a s t f ew m o n t h s ? 3) Started taking a lot of medication to l e s s e n p hy s i c a l p a i n ? 4 ) S t a r t e d s p e n d i n g m o s t o f t h e d ay s l e e p i n g o r l ay i n g a ro u n d ? 5 ) Fa l l e n s eve ra l t i m e s ove r t h e p a s t f ew months? 6 ) L o s t i n t e re s t i n e a t i n g ? 8 ) E x p e r i e n c e d we i g h t l o s s ? 9 ) E x p e r i e n c e d a s h o r t n e s s o f b re a t h , eve n wh e n re s t i n g ? 1 0 ) S e e n a ve t e r i n a r i a n , wh o s a i d h e r l i f e ex p e c t a n c y i s l i m i t e d
If you answered yes to three or more questions, your dog might need hospice care. Naturally, you’ll want to check with your dog’s veterinarian before starting any new routine. Through therapy, a few simple changes and possibly hospice care, you and your senior dog can still share lots of pleasant times during the geriatric years.
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Horse Haven Where farm animals find a second chance By Emma Martin & The Best Friends Staff
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t Best Friends Animal Society’s sanctuary in Kanab, Horse Haven is home to burros, mules, goats, sheep and, of course, horses! Sadly, many of these animals came to Best Friends because they were abused or neglected, and others were taken in because they became old, injured or unrideable and their families could no longer afford to keep them. At Horse Haven, the animals have access to outstanding medical and farrier care. They get good food, room to roam, love and attention, and a beautiful canyon to call their home-between-homes, as they heal both physically and emotionally. The horses and other pasture pals at Best Friends’ Horse Haven have had some extraordinary stories and journeys. Many have special needs, but their time at the Sanctuary has helped them heal and regain their confidence and calmness. Spending time with these horses is a real treat, both for visitors and the animals themselves. According to Jen Reid, Horse Haven manager, Best Friends takes in an average of about eight horses each year. The average population of horses is around 38 to 40, of which about five get adopted annually. “We specialize in special needs horses, so most of our population – nearly 90 percent – have some sort of challenge,” Reid says. “It may be physical or behavioral or both, which accounts for our slow adoption rate. About two thirds of our population are not able to be ridden and the remaining third are ridable, although not often suited to beginner riders.” One such special-needs horse is Felix, who, at 16, still has a few PAGE 12
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years before he becomes a geriatric horse. Although he won’t be considered a senior until he’s at least 20, the handsome bay quarter horse already eats like one. Due to an old injury, Felix has scar tissue in his esophagus, which causes him to choke on the solid foods that most horses enjoy, such as grass, hay and oats. Because Felix’s condition can be very painful or even fatal, it’s important that his feeding be managed carefully. At Horse Haven, he lives with other horses on special diets, and eats a mash made of hay pellets soaked in water with a few supplements added in to make sure the horses get all the
nutrition they need to stay healthy. Caregivers at the Sanctuary are constantly coming up with clever, creative ways to ensure that the animals get proper nutrition, exercise, and mental enrichment and stimulation. The horses benefit from Parelli Natural Horsemanship – a training philosophy which focuses on the relationship between the animal and the trainer, and builds trust and confidence. It is the opposite of dominance training, which, for a prey animal, is intimidating and often unsuccessful. Felix has been with Best Friends for more than seven years, largely because his special dietary needs really do make him a challenge for adoption. During his time at the sanctuary, he has become the star of Horse Haven’s weekly Parelli demonstrations, and his trainer, Ann Hepworth loves reflecting on the progress he’s made. “He’s knows he’s a star and sometimes gets sassy during the demos, but he also cuddles with me all the time I’m talking to the group and he’s obviously glad to be with me,” says Hepworth. “Everyone who sees our demos comments on how great our relationship is. He is a wonderful example of the kind of extraordinary results we can get with the Parelli Natural Horsemanship program. He is literally a different horse than the scared, reactive, explosive, sometimes dangerous guy he once was. “When I first started with him, he was so unconfident that he got scared any time I introduced him to a new concept. It seemed like it took forever to teach him something new because he was too worried to be in a learning frame of mind. Nowadays, he just soaks it up and really enjoys new and interesting tasks and ideas… proof that his confidence is through the roof. He can learn something new in literally a matter of seconds.” Felix is one of the many animals eligible for adoption, and the perfect situation may come along for him one of these days. But if not, he and all his other Horse Haven friends are very loved, cared-for and content where they are. Temma Martin is a public relations specialist for Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. Best Friends runs the nation’s largest nokill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters.
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8 Things Every Cat Owner Can Relate To By Sarah Tyler
There has always been a certain camaraderie among pet owners to which outsiders can’t really relate. I’d say it’s closest to the immediate connection between moms at the grocery store when their kid is freaking out and they catch the eye of another mom, whose face says, “Yeah, I’ve been there. Kids are monsters but you can do this!” Even still, there is a strict categorical division between cat owners and dog owners. Even if a person owns both, they usually lean towards one side or the other. And for those special few who call cats their main squeezes, they experience a whole different kind of pet ownership. Cat owners are notorious for loving their cats more than life itself. With that in mind, here are eight things every cat owner cat relate to: • The most important question on a first date is always, “Do you own a cat?” because someone who has never owned a cat cannot understand what it’s like to scoop poop greedily out of a tiny sand box and the joy involved when none of it spills on the floor. The second most important question on a first date? “Are you a cat person?” Cat people do not mesh well with dog people in the dating world. Sure, they can be civil – heck, they can even be friends. But dating? No way. Let me put it to you this way... that means if the relationship goes anywhere, that significant other is going to have to be around an animal, and that typically falls into a level of distaste for someone of the opposite persuasion. And at that point, “It’s me or the cat” becomes “Bye bye lover!” Mr. Boots certainly cannot be given away. He’s family. • Your closet is missing a few colors… probably black or white depending on the color of your ever-shedding pet. You’ll find you never wear black because it’s just not worth it. Even still, you have enough lint rollers stashed PAGE 16
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away to service a small dry-cleaning company. • You leave the bathroom doors shut when not in use. Obvious reason? Toilets are gross. The cat owner reason? Your cat likes to drink water from the toilet. Your cat likes to unfurl the toilet paper while tearing it to shreds. Your cat likes to turn on the sink faucet and drink from it. Your cat likes to rub her fur against your toothbrush. Your cat likes to bat all your cups off the sink. Your cat. Your cat is the reason the door stays shut. • You always look at the ground when walking through an exterior door. Mr. Boots is sneaky as a night ninja and if you aren’t careful that little fella will ghost on you in a second. Why does Mr. Boots hate living here? WHY? • You have a cookie jar filled with cat treats. It’s set out proudly on a kitchen counter or hutch in the dining room. A few too many friends have reached into the beautifully adorned cookie jar only to come back with a handful of treats and a new best friend rubbing anxiously against their leg. Sorry guys, no chocolate chip cookies here! • Your phone is filled with photos of your cat. Your coworkers parade around videos of their new baby making gurgling sounds, their toddler cuddling up to them while they watch a movie, their kids kissing them on the cheek. BORING. “Look at my cat instead,” you say with swelling pride. You would show them something else, but there’s no other subject worth photographing and thus you have no other types of photos to share. Watch him lazily bat at that mouse toy. Watch him lick himself. Look at my cat child. Look at HIM! • If your cat doesn’t like someone, you can’t be friends with them anymore. I mean, they showed real promise. Good sense of humor, laid back, liked to pay for dinners out, didn’t smell. But Mr. Boots is not a fan. Hates him. Sorry friend, you’ve got to go! • The animals sit on the furniture – it’s their house. If you can’t handle that, then you should probably go. Yes, there is hair on the couch. No, you’re not going to clean it off before they sit there. Why? Because they know you have a cat. You’re wearing a shirt with your cat’s face, and a cartoon version of her tattooed on your arm. Plain and simple. If you came into their home and complained that you were allergic to their child, would they calmly clean the couch of grubby handprints and then lock them in the bathroom? No. No, they would not. And if one more person tells you about their cat allergy, you’ll lose it. Why would they even come to your place and complain about something like that? You can’t make Mr. Boots and all traces of him disappear with a wave of your hand. I guess they’ll just have to take a Benadryl® before coming in your house, or go somewhere else. There are no other options. Lucky for you, cat people tend to stick together!
JULY 2017
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ANIMAL IN THE NEWS By Mona Mistric
CAN DOGS SNIFF OUT CANCER?
We know dogs have a great sense of smell, but can they detect cancer? The answer is a resounding YES! Dogs have been trained to sniff gun powder, narcotics, missing persons, and now cancer. Trained scented dogs can detect skin cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, bowel cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer. Some cancers are detected by dogs sniffing lesions, some by sniffing urine, and some by sniffing someone’s breath. People can detect cancer at stage 3-4 by smelling someone’s breath, so of course, a dog can smell it much earlier. In fact, they can detect cancer at stage zero – carcinoma in situ. Scientists have been trying to invent a breathalyzer test that works as good as a dog’s nose. So far, the dog’s nose is the best detection system available today.
FROM BEDRAGGLED MUTT TO SUPERSTAR
“Mark the Dog Guy” adopted a pit bull, who had mud caked all over his fur. Mark had quite a time cleaning him up and realized more dogs would be adopted from animal shelters if they looked more like superstars instead of bedraggled mutts. He took it upon himself to learn dog grooming from the American Academy of Pet Grooming and now provides the service to shelters. He grooms about 250 dogs a year and believes most, if not all, of them have been adopted. You can watch some of his videos and see amazing transformations on his Facebook page.
Services are as unique as the bond between you and your pet. • Positive ID Tracking • Same Day Services Available • Custom Urns & Memorials • All Cremations 100% Guaranteed • Private Placement Viewings • Grieving room on-site
A $275,000 SURPRISE DONATION
Since Daryl Mutz didn’t have any children, he decided to donate his estate to New Westminster Animal Shelter in New Westminster, British Columbia. You can imagine their surprise when they learned their small animal shelter would receive $275,000 to care for the animals. Mutz designated the funds be used accordingly: •$115,000 for animal enrichment, such as toys, treats and training. •$55,000 for veterinary care. •$55,000 to help low-income families with veterinarian fees and to neuter feral cats.
IS YOUR COMPANION A SAMURAI WARRIOR?
If your cat or dog enjoys wearing clothes, she will probably enjoy dressing up as a samurai warrior. The Japanese retailer Samurai Age makes 3D-printed pet armor in red, black, silver or gold and comes in a standard size to fit Fluffy and small Fidos. It’s made from lightweight foam and resin to allow freedom of movement, so your feline warrior can chase a toy and your canine warrior can chase a ball while suited up for battle. If you have a large critter, Samurai Age is willing to custom build a suit, so your companion can play samurai warrior too. They do not claim that it will transform your lazy big girl into a fearsome warrior; however, you might be able to have her audition to be an extra in one of Akira Kurosawa’s Japanese films.
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here’s no better feeling than walking through the front door and being greeted by your four-legged best friend…until she licks your face and you catch a whiff of her breath. Most pet owners assume stinky breath is just a natural part of their dog’s existence, but veterinarians say that isn’t necessarily the case. For starters, your dog’s halitosis can point to serious oral health problems. According to Dr. Scott Matheson of PETCARE Animal Hospital in South Jordan, common causes of bad dog breath can include gingivitis, periodontal disease, tumors, and foreign objects. “Some very mild mouth odor can be normal for many dogs,” he says, “but in many cases, the pet has gingivitis or periodontal disease. And that is definitely not normal.” If your dog’s teeth and gums are healthy – but her breath still leaves much to be desired – here are six ways to alleviate halitosis so you can fully enjoy those sloppy puppy kisses.
YEAR ROUND PETTING ZOO! - RIDE THE HORSES & PONYS - BOTTLE FEED THE COWS - MILK THE GOATS - PLAY WITH THE ALPACAS - COLLECT FRESH EGGS
Okay, we know this is an obvious one. But the majority of pet parents don’t realize just how often they should be brushing Fido’s chompers. “The truth of the matter is, you should be brushing your dog’s teeth just as often as you brush yours,” asserts Dr. Pam Nichols, owner of Animal Care Center in West Bountiful. “Dogs age much faster than we do, and that goes for their teeth and gums, too…so why wouldn’t you brush them every day?” Just be sure to use a toothpaste that’s formulated for dogs, as your furry friend can’t tolerate the ingredients in Crest or Colgate.
2. Don’t Let Them Eat Smelly Things
This also probably goes without saying, but if your dog is the type that considers animal feces a fine delicacy, they may be more likely to have a breath issue. “If your dog likes to eat poop, that habit can definitely contribute to bad breath over time,” says Dr. Eileen Hopper of Park City Animal Clinic in Park City.
3. Change Their Diet
If your dog doesn’t mind a little variety at mealtime, consider switching to a prescription dental diet (they feature large kibble that must be continue to the next page.
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bitten and chewed) or other specially-formulated dog foods designed to improve oral health, like Adult Oral Care by Science Diet. “These foods almost work like edible toothbrushes, so when dogs bite and chew it, the food helps remove plaque and prevent tartar build-up,” explains Dr. Lynette Sakellariou of the East Valley Veterinary Clinic in Salt Lake City.
4. Give Them Plenty of Chew Toys
Your dog’s natural tendency to chew can be an opportunity to improve their oral health and make their breath smell better. “Chewing on toys can help clean your dog’s teeth; just be sure to pick toys that have a little bit of give,” Dr. Sakellariou advises. “If you can’t stick your fingernail into a toy, then it’s too hard…and you dog can break a tooth.”
5. Treat Them to Fresher Breath
Reward your dog with dental chew treats that help remove plaque and make her breath fresher. “You can offer your dog dental chew products such as treated rawhide chew strips and Greenies,” says Dr. Lynn McCarron, founder of University Veterinary Hospital and Diagnostic Center in Salt Lake City. “Just be sure to supervise your pet at all times to keep them from biting and swallowing large chunks that could cause intestinal obstruction.” Veterinarans recommend dental treats that are approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), such as OraVet dental hygiene chews.
6. Try Doggy Mouthwash
Pet stores carry a variety of products aimed at targeting the ever-present dog breath issue, including additives you can add to their drinking water. “There’s a whole array of products out there to keep your pet’s teeth clean and their breath fresh, like oral rinses. And some of them do work…but there’s still no substitution for daily brushing,” Dr. Hopper concludes.
By Tonya Landon
Q. My fiancée doesn’t believe in training her puppy. She believes that training her will break her spirit and make her a robot. She wants the puppy to be able to express itself and be free. How can I convince her that training the puppy is important? – Joseph A. Did you know dogs love to learn? If you don’t train dogs about how to behave, how are they supposed to act correctly and be good dogs? A trained dog creates a better, safer, calmer, more secure and confident dog who is less of a nuisance to society and her family. A dog who is not trained can become aggressive, fearful, insecure, and become a nuisance to society and her family. Listed below are some things that training improves. A trained dog: • Has good manners, walks nicely on a leash, comes when called, knows how to sit, down and stay on command, and doesn’t jump on people or counters. She doesn’t need to be put away when company comes over. • Is a pleasure to be around and can accompany the family on walks and trips without hassles. She also has a stronger bond with her owners and gets into less trouble. • Can do fun dog sports like agility, rally or therapy work. She also will have less behavioral issues and will be happier. • Has less of a chance of being rehomed or turned over to an animal shelter. If a trained dog does end up at the animal shelter, or needs to be rehomed, they are adopted much faster than those who are not trained. Keep in mind that a dog doesn’t want to be untrained. She doesn’t want to try to guess what you want, or how she is supposed to behave. Dogs don’t want to be in trouble all the time and don’t want to cause stress to themselves or their families. We want boundaries, rules and direction. A dog wants to be with her people. We want to go with them on fun adventures, to meet new people and have confidence in our world. We want to form a strong bond and relationship with our families. We want to be the good dogs. The only way to help your dog reach her full potential is to teach and train her. Remember that a trained dog is a happy dog. Tonya Landon is a professional dog trainer with Diamonds in the Ruff. She rescued and trained Stetson, a small terrier with aggression issues, to be cast in the title role of the 2012 Stetson, Street Dog of Park City, a short film adapted from the children’s book written by Jeanine Heil. If you have questions for Stetson, please send them to askstetson@gmail.com.
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Rattlesnake Hazards and Vaccination
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By Heather McIlvenna, DVM
A
s the weather heats up and we enjoy hiking the trails with our dogs this summer, it is important to keep in mind the danger posed by rattlesnakes. According to the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources, there are eight rattlesnake subspecies that live in Utah. The most common is the Great Basin rattlesnake which is found throughout the state and along our foothills here in Salt Lake City. Rattlesnakes are most commonly found along rocky, talus slopes but can also be found along wetlands, desert environments and mountains. Some species of rattlesnakes can live at up to 11,000 feet of elevation. You have most likely encountered a rattlesnake during your hikes and never noticed them due to their natural camouflage and their fear of people and dogs. Most dogs get into trouble with rattlesnakes due to their curiosity about them (often leading to strikes on dogs’ faces and neck areas as they sniff a snake), or because they are oblivious to the snake’s presence and run or stand over them in a field or trail (leading to strikes on dogs’ bodies or leg areas). The venom of a rattlesnake is a very potent toxin that contains a complex mixture of proteins that spreads throughout your dog’s body after a strike and causes pain, swelling, bleeding and sometimes even permanent injury or death. Although it is true that a snake can strike with a “dry strike,” meaning they do not release venom, it is impossible to tell whether that is the case based on the history or appearance of the bite. And, even a dry strike can lead to serious infection and pain. The treatment for rattlesnake bites consists of hospitalization for treatment of shock, pain management, infection control with antibiotics and often a costly anti-venom serum to prevent the more serious systemic effects of rattlesnake toxins. The majority of animals survive rattlesnake strikes if they are treated appropriately, and in a timely matter. A vaccine has been developed to help prevent complications from rattlesnake bites. It was developed against the Western Diamondback rattlesnake venom, but the antibodies elicited by the vaccine are cross-protective against many other types of rattlesnakes. By inducing antibodies to the venom, it allows the immune system to immediately start neutralizing the toxins PAGE 26
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and therefore reduce the overall effects of a bite, reduce the pain and increase your dog’s chances to make a full recovery. Having the vaccine does not mean your dog does not need further treatment after a strike, it just increases the chance of survival. The vaccination is given in the early spring/summer, with a booster administered one month later. It needs to be repeated every year. You should talk with your veterinarian about side effects of the vaccine and if it is appropriate for your dog’s lifestyle. If you encounter a rattlesnake, whether on the trails or in your yard this summer, the most important thing to do is to respect the snake and give it plenty of space. Keeping your dog on a leash and watching where you step is the best way to avoid an issue. A snake will do all it can to avoid you and your dog, so preventing harassment of the snake is your best defense to keep both of you safe.
Dr. Heather McIlvenna, an associate veterinarian at University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center, specializes in geriatric care and pain management, soft tissue surgery, internal medicine, and behavior. A native of Hawaii, she is an avid canyoneer and rock climber. She loves gardening and hiking and snowshoeing with her dog, Marigold.
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GROOVY
RUBEN
I’m a happy girl with a very calm and even temperament. I’m great on and off leash and know all my basic commands. I can live with other dogs, but don’t enjoy playing much with them. No cats for me. I currently have lick granulomas on my front legs, likely caused by stress from all the recent changes in my life; they are very manageable and will likely go away. To meet me, contact CAWS at caws.org.
I have the cutest knobby tail. I love people and will greet you at the door and flop over for attention and love. I enjoy playing with the other cats and really like it when a human plays with a feather or string toy. I would do best with a feline friend, possibly one of my siblings. I have been around a very mellow dog did ok. To meet me, contact CAWS at caws.org.
EMMA
Male / 6 Years Old / Miniature Pincher/Dachshund Mix
Female / 7 Years Old / Cattle Dog/Heeler
Female / 5 Years Old / Pit Bull I am shy in new situations, but warm up quickly once I realize I’m safe. I do very well with kids and like other dogs, but need proper introduction and time to decompress. No cats for me. I have some food allergies and will need to be on a high-quality food. I like to snuggle and am a great guard dog. To meet me, contact CAWS at caws.org.
Male / Adult / Domestic Short Hair
BRONN
I am full of energy and very playful. I’m great with other dogs and would do best in an active home without small children. I’m housebroken, and just an overall good time! Visit Paws for Life at www.pflu.org for more information about how to adopt me.
SASHA BEANO
Male / 2 Years Old / Chihuahua Mix I’m a super cute and friendly dude. I may be small, but I’ve got a big personality! I love to play with other dogs and don’t seem to mind cats. I like to play outside and go for walks. Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-6495441 for more information.
Female / 5 Years Old / Chihuahua Mix I am the sweetest little girl. I love other dogs and am very playful. I am housebroken and just a love. Visit Paws for Life at www.pflu.org for more information about how to adopt me.
MODAK
Male / 8 Years Old / German Shepherd/Husky Mix
PUMPKIN
Female / 10 Years Old / Domestic Short Hair I’m one of the sweetest senior kitties you’ll ever meet! I’m a gentle, mellow, and friendly cat, looking for a warm lap to curl up on and a family who will cherish me forever! Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441 for more information.
TOPAZ BEAUTY
LIBBY
Ever dream of having a beautiful girl in your life! Then you need to meet Topaz Beauty! This gemstone is so sweet and loves attention! She is a 5-6 year old chihuahua who weighs in at about 10 pounds and is looking for the family of her dreams that will love her all day long! Put in an application to meet me today at www.rescuerovers.org.
I’m a sweet and shy dog who would make a wonderful companion. I need a loving family to help me gain confidence. I like to go for walks and could possibly share a home with other pets. Call Nuzzles & Co at 435-649-5441 for more information.
Female / 6 Years Old / Domestic Short Hair
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I’m a sweet, laid back guy looking for a family to spend my golden years with. I came from a fairly rough situation which led to some much needed time getting to learn that people are full of love and they just want me to be safe. It didn’t take me very long to get to know my foster mom and although I still prefer to be my independent self, I also really love her company. I do well with other bigger dogs but I’d prefer to be around the older and more laid back. I’d prefer a home with older teenagers or adults that understand I like my space. Put in an application to meet me today at www.rescuerovers.org.
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Female / 9 Months Old / Cattle Dog Mix
JULY 2017
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KAYLUCK
LOVELY
JUNIOR
SUNNY
CHEWIE
KEVIN
ROXY
TONY
CANDY
ANTON
MAGGIE
CHI-CHI
ABBY
MALITIA
BEAN
MADI
Do you want to share a photo of your pet? Email your high-resolution photo & your pet’s name to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com.
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Take home TWO cats or kittens for just one adoption fee through September. Best Friends Pet Adoption Center 2005 South 1100 East, Salt Lake City, Utah Monday – Saturday, 11 am – 7 pm; Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm
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