Purrfect Pets Magazine MAY-JUL 2017

purrFect purr Fect pets MAY - JUNE 2017

all creatures… great and small

magazine

What To Look For In A Pet Sitter Norma Quintanilla

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House Training 101 Shauna Fackler

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FIN-TASTIK TROPICAL FISH 18

purrfect pets magazine

“If you smell pee, think of me!”

• Carpet Cleaning • Upholstry Cleaning • Rug Cleaning • Tile & Grout Cleaning • Hard Surface Cleaning • Carpet Repair

Capital

Carpet Cleaning & Repairs “You get the most thorough cleaning ever seen or its FREE!”

Travis Moorer

925.238.0025 or 510.703.0931 tmoorer@capitalcarpetcleaningpro.com www.capitalcarpetcleaningpro.com

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May – June 2017

www.deltalivingmagazine.com

Don’t throw your pets out with the carpets – call Travis first

By Glenda Kugler

glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com Photo by Milestonesfoto

B

efore you find a new home for your pets or consider ripping out your carpets in favor of hardwood floors, call Travis Moorer, owner of Capital Carpet Cleaning and Repairs – he will bring your carpets, upholstery and bedding back to life – and your pets can stay put!

Travis is no stranger to the East Bay. He’s dedicated more than 20 years to his profession and is certified in carpet cleaning and floor repair. With his expertise and knowledge, he educates his customers on how to maintain and sustain your carpets, floors and upholstery. His company has the friendliest technicians and the latest technologies available, making them number one in the Bay Area.

Did you know that by not cleaning your carpet and upholstery regularly could contribute to other health concerns? They collect dirt, allergens, mites and pollutants. Like an air filter that traps debris and needs changing www.deltalivingmagazine.com

frequently, your carpet and upholstery do the same thing, and should be cleaned by a professional every 6-8 months.

Capital Carpet Cleaning and Repair specializes in pet stain and odor removal as well. The cleaning agents used are environmentally safe for your family and pets, and are especially beneficial to allergy sufferers.

Travis Moorer can also repair your carpets and is one of the few, REAL carpet professionals trained to do this.

So don’t think your carpet is ever ruined for good and needs to be replaced. Travis will come to your rescue and save you money in the end.

Visit www.capitalcarpetcleaningpro.com and download the Consumer Guide to Carpet Cleaning. Read it before you choose a “too good to be true” carpet cleaning company.

If a carpet special is too good to be true, it probably is. Your Purrfect Pets will thank you as well.

Like Travis always says, “You will get the most thorough cleaning ever seen or it’s FREE!” dlm

Email Travis at Travis.moorer@gmail.com or visit www.capitalcarpetcleaningpro.com for more information and customer reviews. Serving Pittsburg, Antioch, Brentwood, Discovery Bay and surrounding cities, call 510.703.0931 or 925.238.0025 for your free quote today!

May – June 2017

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in this issue…

Photo by chaoss

Antioch Animal Services

Fin-Tastik Tropical Fish

by Charleen Earley

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03 Carpet Cleaning by Glenda Kugler 10 Lori Abreu helps her clients by Charleen Earley 12 Penny's Paws by Glenda Kugler 14 Probiotics for pets by Wendy Turner 20 House Training 101 by Shauna Fackler 4

May – June 2017

The Girls, Their Eggs, My rewards

by Maura Torkildson

24 22 Bear's Beat by Glenda Kugler 28 What to look for in a pet sitter

by Norma Quintanilla

Laurie Huffman with Ling Ling – Photo by Charleen Earley

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www.deltalivingmagazine.com

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May – June 2017

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letter from the publisher...

deltalivingmagazine.com

purrfect pets magazine

CONTACT US 505 W. 2nd St. Ste. B Antioch, Ca 94509

Welcome pet lovers to our third edition of Purrfect Pets. I would like to thank everyone for their patience while we were diligently putting together this fabulous issue. I am so excited to share with everyone my passion for all creatures.

I have been doing rescue work for over fifteen years and we have some awesome stories and pictures to share the journey with you in some upcoming issues. If you cannot wait each quarter to pick up an issue at one of our high profile locations and all our advertisers, I encourage you to subscribe to get your issue each quarter via mail. We will be donating ten percent of the subscriptions each quarter, among the rescues that appear in our magazine for that quarter issue. On that note I would like to give a big shout out and THANK YOU to our advertisers who make it possible for the rescues to advertise for free. Enjoy my first issue as publisher and tell us how you like it. Follow us on our social media pages as well for our events we will be attending or sponsoring.

925.322.1936 glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com www.DeltaLivingMagazine.com

PUBLISHER Glenda Kugler - glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com 925.322.1936 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Charleen Earley - charleenbearley@gmail.com 925.383.3072 GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Conrad Borba - borbacreative@gmail.com Jody Hanson - jvbphotography@gmail.com Karri Reiser - littleowldesignca@gmail.com WRITERS Glenda Kugler • Norma Quintanilla • Shauna Fakler Maura Torkildson • Wendy Lou Turner • Charleen Earley

“To the world you are just one person, but to a rescued pet you are the world” NEBRASKA BOSTON TERRIER RESCUE

PHOTOGRAPHERS JVB Photography • Carol Young Casey Quist • Charleen Earley COPY EDITORS Tammy Borba • Walter Ruehlig DISTRIBUTION Walter Ruehlig

Glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com

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SALES & ADVERTISING Glenda (White) Kugler glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com 925.322.1936

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HAS PENNY CH, COA travel will

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$6 each issue or $20 annual (4 issues a year) Mail check to: 505 W. 2nd St. Ste. B Antioch, CA 94509 Make check payable to: Delta Living Magazine

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SUBSCRIPTIONS

Photo by JVB Photography Sailfin Blue Diamond, one of the many beautiful fish sold by Rick Mileski in his Fin-Tastik Tropical Fish store located on G Street in downtown Antioch, CA.

Glenda Kugler | Publisher

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Advertise with Us

Call Glenda @ 925.322.1936 glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com www.deltalivingmagazine.com Affordable Rates with Proven Results!

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Delta Living Magazine is published quarterly on recycled paper. Copyright© 2012. Single copy price $5 in U.S.A. on 100% recycled paper. $15 for annual subscription. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher is strictly prohibited. Printed in the U.S.A. E-zine version available. Contact glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com, 925.322.1936 or visit www.deltalivingmagazine.com.

All rights reserved. No part of any issue of Delta Living Magazine, be it editorial content, photographs or advertising design, may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means; electronic, mechanical, photocopy, or any other format, without the prior permission of the publisher. All facts, opinions and statements appearing within this publication are those of the writers and editors themselves and are in no way to be construed as statements, positions, views or endorsements by the publisher of Delta Living Magazine. Accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed. Due to uncertain nature of U.S. Postal Service and third party freight services, Delta Living Magazine does not guarantee delivery of said publication by any specific date.

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YOU DO E K I L S T E P R U O Y G N LOVI

An Extraordinary Veterinary Experience

FREE

bag of treats with New Patient’s first exam 925.240.PETS(7387) m www.brentwoodfamilypetcare.co

4421-A Balfour Rd. Brentwood, CA 94513 www.deltalivingmagazine.com

Where the Smar

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May – June 2017

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contributors

Glenda Kugler | Publisher | Owner Glenda purchased Purrfect Pets Magazine and Delta Living Magazine in 2017. She’s from the Midwest and has been in sales and marketing for 16 years. Taking pride in building lasting relationships with her clients, she networks to help their businesses be successful. Professional and caring in all aspects of her life, she is an advocate of animal rescue work, enjoys cooking, ghost hunting and travel. Reach her at glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com or 925.322.1936.

Jody Hanson | Photographer | Graphic Designer Jody’s a small town Colorado native who loves the outdoors. Whether it’s the Rocky Mountains or the California coast, she is drawn to the visual stimulation of nature.

Jody found her zest for life behind the lens of a camera while attending Brooks Institute of Photography. She loves photographing people and capturing the variety and beauty this world has to offer. Visit her at 925.667.5200 or www.JVBPhotography.com.

Maura McCarley Torkildson | Writer

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Maura McCarley Torkildson is an author, intuition coach, artist and animal lover. She is The Inner Tree Cultivator, helping women trust their bodies, their emotions and their intuition for a better life. Her first novel, The Curious Magic of Buckeye Groves, can be found on Amazon. You can find out more about Maura and read her blog at www.mauratorkildsoncoaching.com.

Conrad Borba | Graphic Designer Conrad is a graphic and web designer, who spent much time in his youth drawing and creating, with his earliest memories of working on a computer as a kindergartner. He studied graphic and web design at Modesto Junior College and the Institute of Technology of Modesto. With over 10 years experience in graphic design and six years as a freelancer, Borba stays abreast industry standards in order to provide his clients with fresh and new ideas. Reach him at conradborba@gmail.com.

Shauna Fackler | Writer Shauna’s been around animals her whole life. She was raised on a working cattle ranch in North Idaho. She has a love for animals, but dogs are her passion. Her mission is to promote positive relationships through positive training and education. As a professional trainer, she volunteers her time with a dog rescue, and she teaches dog bite prevention programs. Reach her at 925.478.9980.

Charleen Earley | Editor-in-Chief Charleen is a mom, comedienne, freelance writer, humor columnist, speaker, wedding planner and adjunct professor at Los Medanos College teaching mass communication courses. She received her MS Degree at SJSU in 2016 and is headed back for another Masters Degree, this one in speech communication. She’s founder of Delta Living Magazine and Purrfect Pets Magazine.

Reach her at charleenbearley@gmail.com or 925.383.3072.

Norma Quintanilla | Writer A long-time resident of Brentwood, Norma has a passion for animal rights and welfare. She started her own dog walking/pet sitting service and participates in pet-related fundraising events. She served as a volunteer in free spay/neuter clinics for Jaltemba Bay Animal Rescue (JBAR), located in Mexico. Norma likes to read, sew, dance, Zumba and walk shelter dogs. Reach her at 925.308.6278.

Wendy Lou Turner | Writer Wendy Lou Turner, CINHC, AADP is the owner of Glow Wellness and Herbs and has been helping people find their GLOW since 2011. She attended the Institute for Integrative Nutrition for her health coaching education and is certified through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. She is currently studying in the Naturopathic Doctor program at Trinity School of Natural Health. Wendy is passionate about natural health and helping people get their lives back naturally!

Photo by JVB Photography Red Checkerboard Dicus sold at Fin-Tastik Tropical Fish.

Purrfect Pets Magazine Vision Purrfect Pets Magazine is the product of Delta Living Magazine, which specifically focuses on all creatures great and small!

It features articles, photography and advertisers, all sharing information to promote improved lives and care for our pets, families and environment. It specifically focuses on inspiring, motivating and educating pet owners and lovers to encourage dialog, build unity and reach a bit higher in creating socially responsible lives for us and the pets we love.

May – June 2017

www.deltalivingmagazine.com

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advertorial

Rescuing her clients who M own rescues for animals

By Charleen Earley oving is one of the highest stressors in a person life, but what ranks even higher is moving your precious animals as well. While humans adjust much easier, fur-babies can have a more difficult time making the transition.

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May – June 2017

Owner and broker of Delta Ranches & Homes in Brentwood, CA, Lori Abreu is who you want to call when it comes to making that move. Two of Lori’s countless clients share their memorable experiences with Lori and how she made their move with their animals a seamless and loving journey. www.deltalivingmagazine.com

Carol and Dan Stone started Suomi’s Finnish Spitz in 1997 (www.suomisk9. com) while living in San Ramon, CA. They have been recognized by American Kennel Club as Breeders of Merit. Together they owned multi group champions both in the U.S. and overseas, yet by the year 2002, they knew city life was not for them. Looking for five to 10 acres in the country for their dogs, they contacted Lori.

“I think when we first started talking, Lori thought we were crazy, but she was very professional, and after hearing what we were involved in, the quest for a new house began,” said Carol Stone, owner of Stone’s K9 Boarding, Day Care, Grooming and Training, www.Stonesk9.com.

“Lori used her expertise to find us houses that would meet at least 95% of our requirements,” added Carol. “Plus, Lori also used her professional knowledge in staging our house, working with agents in the local area to get it sold. She absolutely took care of everything. All we had to do was wait for her to call and say she found us a house and ours is sold.”

Carol, who continues to breed and show Finnish Spitz all over the world, is currently CFO of My Buddy Dog Rescue, a non-profit that helps elderly people care for their animals’ expenses, medical attention and food. During disasters, resources are gathered, such as food, blankets, crates, medical supplies, water, and more, and brought to the locations, working in concert with other emergency evacuation response animal teams in the area.

Carol remembers the day Lori called with good news.

“She had this tone in her voice of excitement saying ‘I found it, I found your ranch!’ And she did. It had everything we had on our list,” said Carol. “Being from www.deltalivingmagazine.com

Carol Stone says Kota continues to hold the record of Top Winning Finnish Spitz Bitch in the United States and Europe for the past 15 years.

the city, we knew nothing about wells, septic tanks, propane, etc. Lori went that extra mile to explain all of it, step by step to us, and she continued to be there even on the day we received the keys and opened the door to the house.”

Here it is, 2017, and Lori is still there for Carol and Dan Stone.

“After all these years, she’s here for any questions or concerns anyone in my family have,” added Carol. “I absolutely recommend her to everyone. She will always be honest and go the extra mile for you.”

“It was the best decision we’ve made, signing a contract with Lori, but most important, we have continued to be best friends since 2002, working together on community projects and rescues,” said Carol.

Together Lori and Carol established

Adopt A Buddy, which reaches out to the community to help those in need.

When Laurie Wilkinson of Brentwood called Lori Abreu, she was going through a difficult and scary divorce. Laurie runs and operates Open Arms Animal Resources (https://www.facebook.com/ OpenArmsForAnimals/).

“The day I made the call to her, I knew she was a busy lady by all the sold and pending signs with her beautiful face all over town. I thought she was way too busy to deal with me, let alone a situation like mine,” said Laurie. “She called me back the same day. I told her about the court order and it was so complicated and she would have to work with attorneys.”

Laurie had a 5-acre ranch to list, where she housed and rescued dogs, cats and horses.

She said Lori had the patience of a saint.

“This says so much about who she is as a person. Lori is not the typical stereotype of what most people think of a Realtor,” said Laurie. “She put our home on the market, was at all the open houses and she communicated with me. Lori answered her phone, text messages and emails when I needed to ask her questions. She was professional, compassionate and she truly loves what she does.”

“I wish there were more people like her in the world,” added Laurie. “This world is definitely a better place with her in it.”

Lori Abreu

Delta Ranches and Homes 925.216.6317 www.DeltaRanches.com lori@deltaranches.com CA Broker 01336343 May – June 2017

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WTD is dedicated to making your life easier by taking care of your pets.

Whether you are busy working, on vacation or if you have an illness or injury, WTD is at your service.

• • • • •

www.walkingthedog.info norma@walkingthedog.info

today for a Call Norma n e consultatio FREE in-hom 78 925.308.62

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Penny's Paws In Memory of Pentelope (Penny) we dedicate this page to the pets we love and cherish

Bonded & Insured Member of Pet Sitters International (PSI) Affordable & Reliable Great References Local (Brentwood, Oakley, Discovery Bay & South Antioch) Some restrictions apply Offer Home Care & Vacation Services Pet Sitting (in your home) Dog Walking Pet Transportation Mention PPM to receive $10 OFF 3 or more drop-in visits

Koda submitted by Jessica Jones of Discover y Bay, CA

entwoo d, CA M ika yla of Br r fa vo rite he se nt in

(new customers only)

it ted by A J su b m e rez Ru b in o -P a n n a B re

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May – June 2017

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17th ANNUAL 17th ANNUAL

Fundraising Pet Walk & Free Community Festival Fundraising Pet Walk & Free Community Festival

Saturday, May 20 Saturday, 20Creek Broadway Plaza,May Walnut

Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek Community Festival

Fundraising Pet Walk Fundraising Pet am Walk 9:30 - 10

9:30 - 10 am

Community 10 am -Festival 4 pm

10 am - 4 pm

Adoptions c Rescue Groups c KOFY-TV Doggie Casting Call c Rescue Groups c KOFY-TV Doggie Casting Call Adoptions Pet Wellness Fair c Dog Wash c Best Dressed Pet Contest c Dog Wash c Best Dressed Pet Contest Pet Wellness Fair Prizes c Vendor Booths c and more!

KID ZONE c Raffle KID ZONE c Raffle Prizes c Vendor Booths c and more!

Walk Lives!

Walk to to Save Save Lives!

Join Walk!

Join the the Pet Pet Walk!

PutPut your paws toto the pavement PetWalk, Walk, your paws the pavementto tosave savelives lives at at the the fundraising fundraising Pet immediately preceding festival! immediately precedingthe theAnimals Animalson onBroadway Broadway community community festival!

Walk asas ananindividual, Walkto toreach reach Walk individual,team, team,or orset set up up a a Virtual Virtual Walk our goal of $90,000 to help even more homeless dogs and cats. our goal of $90,000 to help even more homeless dogs and cats.

Register Registertoday today at arflife.org arflife.org Pet (925)296-3156 296-3156 PetWalk WalkInfo: Info:petwalk@arflife.org petwalk@arflife.org cc (925) c c (925) 296-3118 Raffle donations, vendor/sponsor opportunities: khuls@arflife.org Raffle donations, vendor/sponsor opportunities: khuls@arflife.org (925) 296-3118 Sponsored Sponsored by by

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May – June 2017

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Probiotics are great for humans, but should I give them to my pets too? the intestinal system. These supplements work by bringing beneficial bacterial strains to the intestinal tract and lower intestinal pH levels. They are recognized as an important part of the overall immune astrointestinal disorders are system's health by helping the intestines to remove the second most common toxins from the body while aiding in absorption of health issue for dogs after skin con- beneficial nutrients. This helps to not only boost ditions. A good probiotic can quick- their own numbers, but to lower the numbers of ly correct loose stools and diarrhea. disease-causing bacteria in your pet's gut making it Whether your dog suffers from on- harder for potentially disease-causing pathogens to going food allergies or the occasional set up shop in the small intestine. Additionally, conupset stomach, probiotics are a natural sumer experience demonstrates that they may also and healthy way to readjust the digestive tract.

Your pet's digestive system, just like yours, is home to billions of bacteria that keep their gut running smoothly.

Probiotics are living microorganisms very similar to these resident bacteria.

“Probiotics,” a broad group of over 400 microorganisms that support a robust, disease-free body, are a longstanding favorite in the human supplement world. But are they suitable and safe for your pet’s constitution?

Although studies are ongoing, some research shows that when your dog experiences digestive problems, probiotics can be beneficial. 70% of your pet’s immune system resides in

By Wendy Turner

glowwellnessandherbs@gmail.com (see ad on page 15)

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alleviate many canine skin disorders as well.

I strongly believe that a probiotic should be a daily part of your pet’s diet. Combined with a high-quality pet food, probiotics help strengthen your pet’s immune system; therefore, they are less apt to develop intestinal and skin issues in the first place. Contact me at Glow Wellness and Herbs in Antioch for additional information. dlm

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We are a 501c3 non-profit horse rescue and farm animal sanctuary, offering therapy and training programs.

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First Generation Farmers First Generation Farmers

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May – June 2017

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http://www.harp-rescue.org.

Working to end pet overpopulation in East Contra Costa County through community education, spay & neuter programs, and adoptions.

925-431-8546

karenkops@yahoo.com tax-id #20-4706865

We are currently looking for foster familes for dogs and cats. We will provide food, veterinary care, leashes, collars, harnesses, toys and crates.

Adoption Service Animal Control Licensing

Lost & Found Volunteer Opportunities

Check us out on Facebook for our latest adoption specials & events

A telephone referral line has been established to assist East Contra Costa County residents with spay/neuter of free-roaming and pet cats.

The number is 925-473-5001 The hotline is not operated by H.A.R.P

See our Adorable Pets http://www.shelterme.com/AntiochAnimalServices

300 L. Street, Antioch, CA 94509

Tuesday - Thursday 10 am to 5 pm Friday - 10 am to 2 pm Saturday - 10 am to 5 pm http://www.ci.antioch.ca.us/CityGov/Police/AntiochAnimalSvcs/default.htm

From Shelter To Rescue To home

Dog Rescue since 1990 Pets for Vets Program

AN “AMBER ALERT” FOR PETS • FOR LOST, FOUND OR SIGHTING OF PETS www.deltalivingmagazine.com

info@wonderdogrescue.org Tel 415-621-3647 http://www.wonderdogrescue.org May – June 2017

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How to turn a stressful day into a Fin-Tastik one you probably know Rick Milescharleenbearley@gmail.com ki, owner of Fin-Tastik Tropical Photos by JVB Photography Fish in downtown Antioch on G St. between 2nd and 3rd – who t’s probably fair to say, you most likely typically runs out of black worms don’t know of one person who runs out by Saturday, sometimes Sunday. of selling live black worms by Saturday each “I started breeding angel fish in the week – unless you have tropical fish at home. 70s as a hobby,” said Rick, who, 80 years If you DO have tropical fish at home, then ago, was born and raised in South Boston, Massachusetts. “I started out selling small angel fish to small fish stores, until I discovered discus.”

Discus (photographed on the front cover of this issue by JVB Photography) originated in the mixed tropical waters of the Brazilian Amazon River of South America. They’re stunningly beautiful, but Rick sees another reason for filling your fish tank with them.

“They’re peaceful and calming,” said Rick, a discus and angel fish breeder. “You can have a stressful day, but when you get home and watch the fish in your tank, it just calms you – it’s like a stress-reliever.”

Rick left home at age 19 to join the Marines, where he served for four years as a Military Police Office – an

Photos by JVB Photography

By Charleen Earley

I

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May – June 2017

MP as he called it. After service, he worked as a security officer for private firm on a two-year contract on Kwajalein Island in the South Pacific. It’s when he came across an article about wild discus by Jack Wattley.

“Jack was one of the pioneers of breeding discus, but when I read his article years ago I thought, he’s not the only one who can breed discus,” said Rick. “A few months later I bought some wild heckles and started breeding them and learning how to raise them.”

Today Rick not only sells discus and angel fish, but he also sells over 60 breeds of fresh water and salt water fish in his store, along with some tanks, fish food, medicine and accessories.While his store is limited on space, if there’s something he doesn’t have, he can order it for you. www.deltalivingmagazine.com

Rick, who finally after five years of working seven days a week, takes Mondays off to close his store and go bowling, with a 149-average, gives advice to new fish owners.

“The first thing is to have a tank with a running, cycled filter; you don’t want to put fish in a non-cycled tank,” he said. “Second, use a water conditioner every single water change, and third, daily water changes for small discus fish and once every two weeks for other fish.”

He’s a strong believer in going after your heart’s desire.

“If you want to do something, just

www.deltalivingmagazine.com

go ahead and do it!” said Rick. “Stop talking about it, just do it. And don’t listen to the ‘no’ people around you.

They are negative people.You want to be around people who can encourage you.”

And remember, live black worms sell out by Saturday – but he sells frozen black worms as well. dlm Open Tue – Sun, from 11 to 5 p.m., contact Fin-Tastik Tropical Fish at www.FintastikAntioch.com, www.facebook.com/FinTastikTropicalFish or 925.978.0880.

May – June 2017

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House Training 101-Teaching your dog how to do his business

By Shauna Fackler

kimberlyhorg@yahoo.com

Photos by Blackday

T

raining your pup is easy. It’s all about timing, praise and reward. You must remember, going outside is our social convention, not theirs. As long as they don’t go where they eat, sleep or drink, they are fine with it. We are a little bit more picky.

Timing is so important. Effective training depends on being able to predict when the puppy must go. lso, getting your puppy to the correct place for elimination is also key.

Young puppies usually urinate within half a minute from the time they wake up and defecate soon after.You need to put yourself on a schedule instead of waiting for your puppy to do it. Waking the puppy up is a much easier way instead of waiting for them to wake up.

Using the method of short-term confinement to a crate is a great way to keep you both on track. Confining a puppy to a small area will curb the want to eliminate.

Remember, they don’t want to go where they sleep.

Once every hour take your puppy to their toilet area and cue them, “Go Potty!” If you have a private yard or your puppy is old enough to go outside, this is where you go.

If your puppy isn’t old enough, you might want to use a training pad by the door you will go out to go potty. You should do this for about 3 to 5 minutes. As soon as they are finished going, give three treats along with lots of happy praise and love. Very quickly your puppy will learn that eliminating outside will give them what they want.

When you are too busy or not at home,

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provide a puppy play area with a potty area.

This is where training pads are very useful.

When you are home, keep your puppy in their crate or on leash with you. This way your pup can’t “sneak” off and do their business without you knowing.

Some of the other triggers to eliminate are eating and playing. The need to go happens anywhere, from right after they are finished to up to about 20 minutes later they should have to go. This is a good opportunity for you to learn your pup’s signal that they need to go. You should watch for circling, excessive sniffing or hunched back.

The reason you should take your puppy outside every hour is because at about three weeks of age they have a bladder capacity of about 45 minutes. At eight weeks old, 75 minutes and about a 90-minute capacity at 12 weeks. Asking your puppy to go every hour gives you an opportunity to reward your dog for going in the right place.

Why do we use treats instead of just praise? Honestly, not everyone, especially men, are always very good at giving praise.

Use a very high value treat, like boiled chicken, freeze dried liver or even a favorite vegetable. The treats only need to be about the size of a pea, so no, you won’t be spoiling your dog. Your dog will soon look forward to going potty when and where they are supposed to, because going on the couch or the middle of the carpet doesn’t get any reward.

After puppy is “empty” then it’s time for a walk or play time. This will also teach your dog nothing fun happens until they have done their business.

They will soon learn to go potty quickly so fun may happen. If you take your dog for a

walk to go potty, they will learn that as soon as the poop hits the ground, it’s back inside the house.

Accidents happen, don’t worry too much about it. Please don’t discipline your dog. It’s your fault, not theirs.You should never punish your puppy when you catch them in the act. They may learn to eliminate in secret if you do punish them. Some dogs will even learn to eat poop to hide it. Eww! Don’t let a “full” puppy roam the house.

If you catch your puppy having an accident, tell them “Outside!” in an urgent tone.

Don’t yell and scare them; that can cause them to eliminate in secret too. If they finish outside, give praise and three treats. dlm

This is how things should go: 1. Open the crate door, put on the leash and walk quickly to the toilet area.

2. Say, “Go potty” several times.

3. Stand still and wait. No roaming further than the end of a 6-foot leash.

4. As soon as puppy finishes going pee or poop, praise.

5. Continue to praise and treat until all three treats are given.You could give a bonus treat for a job done quickly.

Shauna Fackler, APDT, AKC Evaluator, is owner of Wagging Tails Training. She’s been a professional trainer for over 30 years. Reach her at waggingtailstraining.ca@gmail.com. www.deltalivingmagazine.com

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bear's beat

How to shop for a pet insurance plan

By Glenda Kugler

glenda.deltalivingmag@gmail.com

A

ccording to the American Pet Products Association’s national survey, it estimated billions of dollars as to how much we pet parents in the United States will spend on our pets.

As advances in veterinary care progress, just like in the medical field, cost will continue to rise.

Over 15 years ago, when I began to rescue dogs and keep a lot of my foster failures, pet insurance was really never even heard of. Nowadays there are a lot of companies to choose from when you want to protect your precious pet from the high cost of veterinary bills.

Pet insurance is well worth the cost and most of the time it is very reasonably priced. As with any illness or accident, you will be able to treat your pet under most conditions and get reimbursed for the cost. You will no longer have to worry how or even what you are not going to pay, just so you can take care of

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May – June 2017

your pet; or worst case scenario, have to put them to sleep.

Not all plans are the same. Shop around as you would for your family’s health insurance. The following is a list to consider when comparing companies.

Premiums Costs Deductibles Reimbursements Pre-Existing Conditions Waiting Periods Dog or Cat Breed Age All of them are important when inquiring about pet insurance. Most companies offer a 30-day money back guarantee period, just to make sure you read your policy carefully.Then when an unexpected trip to the veterinarians’ comes up, you can relax and have peace of mind because you got this covered.

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The Girls, Their Eggs, My Rewards

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May – June 2017

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mtorkildson@att.net Photos by JVB Photography

I

f you haven’t ever had chickens, they are a lot of fun. Of course the biggest benefit of having chickens is eggs. It’s like Easter every day around here.

One has to be careful to collect the eggs when the appointed mama hen isn’t sitting. Now I don’t know if our hen appointed herself or if she was chosen by vote. I could ask, but I don’t speak chicken that well. It is one of our Rhode Island Reds that sits on the eggs throughout the day.

It’s her job.

Mama hen will come out of the box at feeding time – not to miss out on any potential goodies! We have two boxes for egg laying. The eggs for the day will be in one box or the other typically. I am not sure why they keep switching. Maybe because

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compost bin conveniently sits right next to the coop. Do you see what I have come to? I’m telling you, I have been well trained by all my animals, including the wild finches. And we humans think we are in charge! Not once did I ever imagine I would be picking grubs out of the compost to please a bunch of chickens. Sheesh!

Unfortunately (for the chickens anyway, but fortunately for me) there are no grubs this time of year. I found dried mealworms at the pet store and they like those almost as much. Since I am so good to them, they let me pet them.

I guess you could say our chickens are a little spoiled. My husband built a the eggs keep disappearing? We can bin and throw out some treats. While staircase for them. I like this so much, get into the boxes from the outside they are busy eating, I leave the coop that I would like him to build some of the coop. It is our tricksy way of and circle round and steal the eggs. in my house for the cats. It would be keeping The Girls unaware that we Lately The Girls have been getting cool to have stairs going up to a perch are the thieves. dried mealworms. They love their overlooking the living room.

It goes like this: I go down, en- protein! In the summer, I pick grubs I watch My Cat from Hell on TV ter the coop, pour their feed in the out of the compost for them. The every once in a while and high perches were a remedy for the anxious disposition of one of the cats from Hell.

I am so glad my cats are from heaven!

Anyway, even though they are well adjusted, I think a perch for them would be cool. But I diverge, I can gush about my cats all day and this article is about The Girls.

So The Girls are laying three to four eggs a day right now, which is nice and I am well rewarded for spoiling them. Picking grubs for them makes for great tasting eggs. dlm Photo by Megan Torkildson Photos by JVB Photography

By Maura Torkildson

May – June 2017

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What to look for in a pet sitter

By Norma Quintanilla

for a reputable pet sitter. Craigslist, Rover.com, Thumbtack.com, Care.

Photos by Dick Ott com and Sittercity.com are just some of the online services where you can ow that the Christmas holidays find one. However, just about anyone are over, you are probably try- can put up a profile and call theming to fulfill some of those New Year’s selves a pet sitter. Not everyone has the resolutions you made. Maybe one of educational knowledge and training to your resolutions is to take a vacation care for a pet. Some people are hobbythis summer. But if you’re a pet owner, ists and some consider it a serious job, that may pose a dilemma. Most likely, a career even. That’s not to say that the as a pet owner you are unable to trav- sitters on these sites aren’t serious. You el with your furry family members. So just have to know what to look for. what do you do?

You want someone who is profesYou have several options: 1) Take sional, reliable, trustworthy, consciyour pet to the kennel, 2) Ask a friend, entious and detail-oriented. You can relative or trusted neighbor to look also try looking for pet sitters through after your pets, or 3) Hire a professional an organization, such as the National pet sitter.The latter has become a more Association of Professional Pet Sitters sought-after option.

(NAPPS) or Pet Sitters International More and more pet owners are seek- (PSI). That said, here are seven importing professional sitters for the conve- ant factors a serious, professional pet nience and because their pets get to sitter should have: stay in their own secure, familiar environment. If the pets remain home, then 1. Have a license/permit with the city they will follow their same diet and 2. Be bonded and insured exercise routines. Plus, they will be able 3. Have pet first aid training to avoid exposure to illness from other animals in a kennel. These are some of 4. Join a trade association (PSI) the advantages to keeping pets at home 5. Have a service agreement or contract 6. Be able to pass a criminal backwhen you travel.

But whom can you trust? And ground check where would you find such a person? 7. Have references Well, there are many places to look quintanillan80@gmail.com

N

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May – June 2017

And pet sitters provide other services besides coming over to * Won’t miss any visits feed and give fresh wa* Always keeps a calendar ter to your pets. They * Won’t be late (adhere’s to the window of time) * Always has a checklist also pick up the mail * Doesn’t take friends or family on visits and newspapers, take * Remembers to pick up the mail the trash cans to the * Takes out the trash cans curb, water the plants, * Waters the plants * Washes the pets’ food and water bowls etc. * Never eats any of their food (except produce; it might spoil) A pet sitter will re* Doesn’t use any of clients’ personal items quest a free consulta* Never takes pets off the property (unless given permission) tion in order to gather * Is aware of potential dangers to the home * Offers helpful tips for pet safety, especially during holidays pertinent information * Always leaves a note as to how the visits went regarding the care of your home and pets.

You may also notice other great The pet sitter will ask you questions about your pets’ feeding habits, aller- things about the pet sitter that will gies, medical history, behavior around restore your trust and put you at ease.

So as you can imagine, the pet sitter children and other pets, emergency does many things. Pet sitting is actually contacts, etc. It is also important for the animals to be up-to-date on flea hard work. The pet sitter, in fact, takes care of many things while you’re away. treatments and vaccinations.

Once hired, you may notice that a The pet sitter has a genuine love for pet sitter will go above and beyond the animals and strives to keep up-to-date call of duty. It may be cleaning up the on the latest trends in pet care. The pet yard that was full of dog waste. It may sitter wants to ensure that your pets be taking those clean dishes out of the remain safe, happy and healthy. So as a dishwasher. Or it may be folding those pet owner, if you should see some or clean towels and sheets that came out all of the qualities mentioned, then a lasting trusting bond will develop. dlm of the dryer.

A really good sitter

Norma Quintanilla is owner of Walking the Dog Pet Services. She’s bonded and insured.

Email her at quintanillan80@gmail.com or call her at 925.308.6278. www.deltalivingmagazine.com

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