Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine, Sept/Oct Issue

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Sept/Oct 2011

Dedicated To Las Vegas Pets And The People Who Love Them

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Emergency

Be Prepared

s Valley

Fever

s Exotic

Pets

“The Great Imposter”

Hundreds Of Choices Saving America’s

s MUSTANGS

Nevada’s Wild Horse Eco-Preserve Gilcrease Nature

s SANCTUARY A Fun Place To Visit

Check Out The “Kids Scene Page” For Upcoming Events Registered Therapy Dog

DARBY Against All Odds A Dog’s Will To Live

If you don’t train ‘em, don’t blame ‘em…

From poms poms to timber wolves,

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in home or in kennel training.

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Pet Scene

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Dogs ◆ Cats ◆ Birds ◆ Reptiles ◆ Horses ◆ Exotics

Dedicated To Las Vegas Pets And The People Who Love Them

Against All Odds A Dog’s Will To Live

September/October 2011

Publisher

SHASTA Media Connection, LLC

Contributing Writers

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Linda Fredericks Donald Levesque, DVM, DACVIM Kathy Schreur Ryan Gershenson, DVM Ken Foose

Valley Fever “The Great Imposter”

LAS VEGAS PET SCENE MAGAZINE is published bi-monthly by Shasta Media Connection, LLC. All rights reserved. Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine assumes no responsibility or endorsement of the products or services advertised or featured. No portion of the Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the Publisher.

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What Is An Exotic Pet?

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine is distributed throughout the Las Vegas area at pet stores, animal shelters, grooming salons, veterinary clinics, health food stores and pet events with no cover price.

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Emergency What Would You Do?

We welcome reader correspondence and editorial submissions. Please send all letters, inquiries, submissions, photos, pet stories and correspondence: Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine 5785 W. Tropicana Ave., Suite 5 Las Vegas, NV 89103 or LVPetScene@speakeasy.net

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine 5785 W. Tropicana Ave., Suite 5 Las Vegas, NV 89103 (702) 367-4997 www.LVPetScene.com

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Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary A Fun Place To Visit

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Mustang Monument The Wild West 6 9 12 13 15

Las Vegas Pets And Their Family Kids Scene Off Leash Dog Parks Adopt A Pet – House The Homeless Quick & Easy Treats - A Favorite!

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

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Scene

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WELCOME

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to our “Premier Issue” of Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine! We are excited to offer fellow pet owners a FREE, quality publication with so much valuable informative, and entertaining reading. ency merg Pet E SHASTA Media Connection, publisher of Homes er y Fev Valle Illustrated, Las Vegas’ oldest real estate magazine, is proud c Pets Exoti to provide the Las Vegas community with a high-quality NGS MUSTA publication that we believe will be a valuable asset to pet RY A U T owners in so many ways. We look forward to providing SANC our readers with a variety of information on ALL types of pets –– not just dogs and cats, but all of those wonderful, loving pets that are so dear to us.

Our readers will enjoy a variety of professionally written articles, new briefs, expert columns, a popular directory, a Pet Adoption page, and even a fun kid’s page. We will feature stories on everything from pet care and training to pet-friendly travel, dietary alternatives, and veterinary tips.

It is our goal to provide the Las Vegas pet community with an interesting, educational resource in an easy-to-read, fun format –– a magazine that is easily accessible to the public in a variety of vet clinics, grooming salons, pet supply shops, book stores, libraries, cafes and more.

We hope you enjoy our magazine as much as we have enjoyed creating it. We look forward to accomplishing our goals and experiences we will enjoy along the way. s g a v e

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

Against All Odds, Darby Survives ~ By Linda Fredericks

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his is the story of a remarkable dog named Darby, who has endured the most challenging health crisis and through it all remained her loyal, loving, smart, courageous self.

A picture of Darby appears on the cover of this inaugural issue of Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine and shows her loving, inquisitive nature which is still intact. This is also the story of two loving individuals who, because of their devotion and commitment to their beloved dog spared no expense to see her well again. Through their experience with Darby they have become advocates for animal health. This dedication to their message and the importance of having access to accurate information about the health issues of animals and making that information accessible to the public is evidenced through this new and important local magazine.

Darby was rescued at the age of twelve weeks from the Dewey Animal Shelter in Las Vegas, in 1998 by my brother and sister in-law. They had settled in Las Vegas, bought a home and were ready to bring a dog into their lives. Both Stacy and Harold are life-long animal lovers. They each possess a natural affinity for animals of all types and Stacy has also cared for horses all her life. So it made sense for them to get a dog they could care for and love. When they saw Darby at the shelter, it was love at first

sight. Darby’s expression on the cover, of this issue, is the same expression that captured Stacy’s and Harold’s heart those many years ago. It was an instant recognition for each of them, that indicated they were meant to be a family… and so it was.

Darby, a Shepherd/Akita mix went everywhere with her new parents. On numerous occasions they came to New Mexico to visit my family. She went to Flagstaff, and Salt Lake City, to go skiing, to Panguitch, for camping, to San Diego, to go to the beach and on one occasion to Tucson, to visit friends there. In Las Vegas, Darby went daily to the various and beautiful dog parks to visit her doggie friends. On weekends they headed out to places like, Mt. Charleston and Red Rock Canyon for day hikes. Stacy and Harold made sure that Darby received daily exercise, was always fed healthly food, and has had the best veterinarian care available anywhere.

Possibly in her travels Darby contracted an insidious fungus which would later be diagnosed as Valley Fever, a little known fungal infection that is actually quite prevalent in the southwestern United States. However, the connection between Darby’s symptoms of Valley Fever and its identification would be a long, arduous, life threatening process. It began with a droopy eye, lethargy and seizures that almost took her life. But Stacy and Harold were determined to discover what had happened to their Darby girl to cause her such pain and anguish. After six months, repeated trips to the emergency room and thousands of dollars later, they finally discovered the

culprit. The Valley Fever fungus had entered Darby’s body and gone directly to her brain causing excessive hemorrhaging and swelling.

To treat the brain swelling massive doses of prednisone were administered, which in turn led to diabetes and finally to a degenerative blindness, which Darby now lives with daily.

Throughout the entire ordeal Darby showed her great heart and a powerful will to live. Her resilience is a testament, not only to her character and drive, but to the love and devotion she bears for her wonderful caregivers, Stacy and Harold.

At almost 14 years old, Darby still gets her daily exercise, is a picky eater, and takes her daily insulin shots with a tilt of her head. She continues to bring great joy and love to all those she meets and although her sight has been taken, she remains the finest watch dog in the world.

For Detailed Information About Valley Fever, See Article

By Dr. Levesque on Page 7 Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

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Las Vegas Pets & Their Family 6

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

“Harley” & Ale xa

Send Us Your Photo: “Easter Bunny” & J ordy LVPetScene @speakeasy.net

Valley Fever

“THE GREAT IMPOSTER”

By Donald Levesque, DVM, DACVIM (neurology) Veterinary Neurological Center Las Vegas, NV

Being a veterinarian is a bit like being a pediatrician.

We rely not only on the patient’s signs (symptoms) but also rely heavily upon details received from the patient’s “Mom and Dad”. Especially important in the case of Valley Fever is information regarding recent, and sometimes not so recent, changes in environment.

If “Rascal” happens to live in the Southwest and develops a fever, cough, limp, seizures, balance problems, non-specific pain, or generalized malaise without an obvious cause, his veterinarian will very likely ask if he has been around any newly tilled soil, construction sites, or visited the open desert. The veterinarian may recommend a chest radiograph and a blood test for Coccidoides immitus aka “Valley Fever” because that fungal organism can infect the body and is endemic in the Southwest. If “Rascal’s” home is elsewhere and he has traveled to the Southwest within the past year, it is very important the veterinarian be told of “Rascal’s” travels otherwise Valley Fever may not be considered on the veterinarian’s list of possible diagnoses.

A bit about the fungus and how it causes disease: Coccidioides immitus is a soil fungus of the Southwestern deserts. It was given the more commonly used name of “Valley Fever” because of its prevalence in the San Joaquin Valley of California. It is endemic in the deserts of northern Mexico and Arizona, California, parts of Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, and Texas. The fungus exists in two forms (dimorphic): a free-living soil form,

and a parasitic form. When in the desert soil the organism exists in a branching, mycelial form beneath the desert surface. After a rain it develops sprouts (hyphae) that penetrate the soil surface and release free arthrospores that can be inhaled by any animal, including humans. Since “Rascal” is a living “vacuum cleaner” he can snort up some arthrospores that may then develop into endospores that can grow and produce infective spherules within his lung tissue. If his immune system is strong, he may develop a slight cough but his body may fight off the infection without causing serious disease. If, however, his immune system is weakened or if he inhales an excessive number of arthrospores and cannot fight off the infection it may cause serious lung disease that will require treatment. In some instances the infectious spherules gain entrance to the blood stream and subsequently infect other tissues such as kidneys, reproductive organs, bone and nervous tissue. In such an instance the disease is now considered disseminated. So, you can see that “Valley Fever” can mimic many other bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases, even cancer.

Since I am a veterinary neurologist, I want to mention a bit about how

Valley Fever affects some of my patients. When Valley Fever infects the brain it causes a growth in the brain called a “granuloma” which, on CT or MRI scans looks like a tumor and such unfortunate patients can develop seizures, headaches, and balance problems. It does not generally cause meningitis as it does in humans. When the spherules infect the spine they cause inflammation, severe pain, bone erosion sometimes causing fractures and resultant weakness or paralysis. In rare instances the spinal cord itself can become infected.

Keep in mind that most pets, even if exposed to the Valley Fever organism do not develop signs of illness but, in those few susceptible animals, Valley Fever can be a serious disease, especially in patients with a weakened immune system. If diagnosed and treated before irreversible organ damage has occurred, many patients can recover, even patients with neurological disease. Treatment is with antifungal medication, rarely surgery, and may be prolonged, up to a year or more in cases of bone or nervous system involvement. Some patients may even need to stay on low doses of antifungal medication permanently.

Don’t let this article keep you from living in and visiting the beautiful Southwest. Nearly all parts of the country have their own endemic diseases and it is important that we be aware of them. Now you know a little more about the “Great Imposter”…. just let your veterinarian know where your “Rascal” has traveled.

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

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Cats…

? w o n k u o y Did

• The classic Greek word for cat is ailouros; ailurophilia is “love of cats”.

• A cat’s heart beats twice as fast as a human heart at 110 to 140 beats per minute.

• If it seems like your cat sleeps all the time, you are right! Cats spend 16 hours of each day sleeping. Humans need only 8 hours of sleep; cats need 8 hours of play.

• It is a common belief that cats are color blind. However, recent studies have shown that cats can see blue, green and red. How did they get them to reveal that tidbit?

• Yes, your cat can talk! Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds, while dogs only have about ten.

Darby’s Favorite Cat Quotes: 1. Dogs come when they are called; cats take a message and get back to you. ~ Mary Bly 2. Cats regard people as warmblooded furniture. ~ Jacquelyn Mitchard

3. No matter how much cats fight, there always seem to be plenty of kittens. ~ Abraham Lincoln 4. Dogs believe they are human, cats believe they are God. ~ Unknown 5. In a cat’s eye, all things belong to cats. ~ English Proverb

6. Some people say that cats are sneaky, evil and cruel. True, and they have many other fine qualities as well. ~ Missy Dizick 8

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

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Hi Kids!

My name is Harley and I am a 200 pound Giant Harlequin Great Dane. I am licensed therapy dog so I can be with children all the time. I do lots of special events at libraries, bookstores, schools, hospitals and private visits too. When my human mom got me, I was 4 months old, and since I was going to be a really big guy, she knew I would do therapy work. There is no shortage of children who need a special friend. Since 2008, I have personally met 4500 children and adults. When you come to Storytime, I sit in the middle and the kids and parents sit all around me and my mom reads us stories. We usually have 20-25 people. Our new home for Storytime is Barnes and Noble Booksellers at 567 N. Stephanie in Henderson. I will be there every 3rd Saturday at 3:00 pm.

I was at Borders in Town Square for 2 years, and also at Nellis Air Force Base.

In March and April my mom and I went to Prescott, Arizona and we did a TV show for children and I met lots of new friends.

Kids - check out my website… there are lots of photos and it tells you all about me and the things I have done. www.StorytimeWithHarley.com You can personally email me and I will email you back. You will always find my events there and in the Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine. Bring your friends and family and come and sit with me.

I can’t wait to meet you... See you there!

Harley

EVENTS

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STORYTIME WITH HARLEY! Saturday, September 17th @ 3pm Barnes & Noble Booksellers – 567 N. Stephanie, Henderson Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

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Pet News Around The World Doggie Beer Goes On Sale in europe

A new Dutch beer is about to go on sale in the UK, but it’s not a delicious new variety of Grolsch, this brew is for your dog. It may not sound like the most appetizing of tipples, but a new Beef flavoured non-alcoholic beer has been received with wagging tails across Europe.

Kwispelbier has been trialled in Pets At Home Derby store, and has been heralded as a resounding success. The pet store is set to launch the product nationwide and have commented on its many health benefits for your dog.

There is potassium, protein and fats in there. There is nothing in there to harm them, that is for sure, said a Pets at Home spokesperson. We have had quite a lot of repeat business - people coming back for more because their pets really enjoyed it. The refreshing beverage is made from malt barley and will be available in your local store this summer.

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

Guiness World Records have confirmed a record breaker, a very noisy cat!

Smokey’s purr is as loud as a lawn mower or a hairdryer, imagine having that on your lap as your watching TV. The 12-year-olds purr reaches 67.7 decibels, which is about 16 times louder than a normal cat. Her owner says she is very proud with the news from Guiness World Records.

TORTOISE BACK ON HER FEET AGAIN “Tuly the Tortoise” is now faster than all her friends! After loosing a leg, she is now fully mobile again thanks to a toy car wheel and some Velcro. A 64-year-old mans daughter runs a local Tortoise group who made the prosthetic limb. He said: “Tuly came to us after the vets operated to save her life last year. She was mobile but very off balance and slow.

He bought a toy tractor at a car boot sale and removed one of the wheels. Then made a brace out of metal and attached Velcro strips. “She clearly didn’t mind having it on and seemed delighted to scoot off to feed on the weeds. Shes now actually the fastest tortoise we have which is rather funny.”

What is An

Exotic Pet?

This is a very broad question that has no simple answer. Here at Exotic Pets, as an example, we carry everything but dogs, cats and fish.

To some, anything else is an exotic pet. To others, an exotic pet is something not native to where you happen to live. A prime example is Corn Snakes. Corn Snakes have been bred in captivity for decades, come in dozens of colors by selective breeding, and are a staple of the reptile hobby. They are native to North America. Are they exotic? In this case, to people who don’t normally keep snakes as pets, they would be.

To collectors of snakes, they are pretty run of the mill, and not exotic at all. However, to European collectors, they may indeed be exotic and rare.

The answer to what an exotic pet depends on whom you are and where you live. Local Gopher Snakes are certainly not exotic, but to non snake fanciers, they just might be anyway. Perhaps the best we can do is say that an exotic pet is a pet not traditionally kept in normal households.

But then, are birds exotic? Most birds are kept as pets in this country do indeed come from exotic locales, such as South America, Australia and Africa. But 99% of all birds sold in the United States are also domestically captive bred. Exotic? Perhaps. Once again, it just depends on who you are and where you live.

When shopping for an exotic pet, make sure that you take your time and take some care in your selection. Doing research on the pet you have decided to acquire is a great idea. This way you come into the store with at least a little idea of what you’re going to need to care for your new pet. Look for knowledgeable staff, and a large selection of supplies. Make sure that once you’ve gotten your pet, the store has a steady supply of food and other equipment you’ll need to keep it happy, healthy and safe.

Small exotic pets make great pets for a large number of people.

Snakes are easy to keep and take up very little room (except for the really large constrictors). Hedgehogs and Sugar Gliders are fun to have and easy to keep, and once again, take up little space. All of these and many more are perfect for apartment dwellers. There are hundreds of “exotic” pets to choose from. So, look beyond dogs and cats, and check out what’s out there just waiting for you.

By Ken Foose Exotic Pets, Las Vegas, NV www.ExoticPetsLV.com

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

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What Would You Do If Your Dog or Cat Had An Emergency?

By Ryan Gershenson, DVM Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (VE+CC) Likely “911” was the first phone number you were taught as a child and the one you are least likely to forget. While you know how to get help if you, or even a perfect stranger needs help, what do you do when your four-legged family member has an emergency?

BE PREPARED!

Knowing the phone number and location of your local veterinary emergency hospital should not be a task left for when your pet is in crisis. Ask your local veterinarian, go on Google or pick up the yellow pages and find your local veterinary emergency and critical care hospital. Keep in mind that your local veterinarian may be the perfect place to take your pet during their normal business hours, as they know your pet and have all of his or her medical records. If your pet is in crisis, make sure you call your regular veterinarian to ensure they are equipped to handle your pet’s current problem. It is important to know that not all emergency hospitals are open 24 hours per day. Many are open only on weekends or in the evening.

Knowing the hours of your regular veterinarian and your local emergency hospital is important.

WHAT CONSTITUTES A PET EMERGENCY?

An emergency can be very obvious, such as a pet being hit by a car, but other emergencies are much less specific, such as a pet just not acting normally.

If you are concerned your pet may be having an emergency, you should contact your primary care veterinarian or an emergency hospital. If you are unsure if the problem could be serious, it is never wrong to have your pet examined.

WHO IS VE+CC?

Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care (VE+CC) is Southern Nevada’s only 24 hour emergency and critical care hospital. Our state of the art facility is continuously staffed with skilled emergency veterinarians and veterinarians who have specialized training in critical care (completed residen cies). Because we are fully staffed 24/7, we able to hospitalize patients for multiple days in our critical care unit. In addition to seeing pets brought in by their owners, we also assist primary care veterinarians by accepting patients requiring our intense level of speciality care. While in the hospital your pet has access to veterinary surgeons, internists, cardiologists, ophthalmologists, oncologists and rehabilitation specialists, should your pet’s condition require. We work closely with your primary care veterinarian, providing them with updates, records and test results.

WHAT TO EXPECT?

All pets seen on emergency should have a thorough history taken and a complete physical exam. Most pets seen in the emergency room are treated as out-patients, meaning they are sent home without having to stay in the hospital. Some pets are sick or injured where they need to be admitted to the hospital for monitoring, supportive care and occasionally emergency surgery.

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

THE MESSAGE:

Whether you are at home or traveling with your pet, have the number for an emergency hospital programmed in your phone and readily available. This will help save time when minutes matter!

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

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Seeking Kind, Loving, Forever Homes For Rescued Animals Nevada SPCA

Nevada Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals No-Kill Sanctuary

4800 W. Dewey Drive Las Vegas, NV 89118

Onyx

is a well-behaved pup who adores kids! Her light-hearted and bubbly personality reveals a heart full of joy.

She is a Labrador Retriever & Bully mix, spayed girl, about 11 months of age.

She gets along well with dogs and she reportedly is house-trained & crate-trained.

Judy is very warm-hearted with those

she knows and trusts, and a calm lifestyle is best for her. She is a stunning Dilute Calico medium-hair feline, spayed girl, just 3 years of age. Please tell her you love her every single day.

Bitsy

Rio

Willy

Pearl is a sparkling gem with stunning

Harvard is a sophisticated, playful

Sonata is an adventurous, inquisitive

is a very cute and sweet ferret, a dark-eyed white, neutered boy, 2 years young. An adult-only home is best because of his love-bites (and he is getting better about this).

Please ask for him by name when you visit Nevada SPCA.

is a cheerful, good-natured youngster with a charming personality. He is a Minature Poodle mix, neutered boy, 2 years young, and he enjoys dogs and people. Adopt him for a lifetime of buoyant smiles!

young bunny with a gentle spirit. He is a handsome Lop, neutered boy, about 2 years of age. Please come meet and adopt him in Nevada’s SPCA Lovebugs Room.

Obsession

has been loving socialized in a nurturing foster home after being rescued as a newborn without a mother. She is now 3 months of age, spayed, and ready for adoption. Please kitten-proof your home for her safety and protection.

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702-873-SPCA (7722)

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

is a radiant, intelligent lady who has been waiting for a long time to be adopted into a loving, forever home. She is a beautiful Australian Cattle Dog mix, spayed girl, about 9 years of age. She is easy-going and joyful with those she trusts, and she may be best as the only dog in the home.

ocean-blue eyes. She is a gorgeous Snowshoe cat, spayed girl, about 7 years of age, and she has a very friendly nature. Please ask for Pearl by name in Nevada SPCA’s free-roaming Cat Condo playrooms.

youngster who delights in exploring.

She is a Dwarf Hamster, little girl, about 8 months of age. Please ask for her by name in Nevada SPCA’s Lovebugs Room.

Visit Us At… www.NevadaSPCA.org For More Adoptable Pets

Quick & Easy Treats!

Ingredients:

2-1/2 c. flour 1/2 c. milk 1 tsp. garlic powder 1 large egg, beaten 2 Tbsp. of flavoring (bacon drippings, chicken or beef stock or juice from a can of tuna)

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Directions: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and lightly grease a cookie sheet.

2. In a bowl, mix the dry ingredients together.

3. Add the flavoring you selected and the egg to the dry ingredients and mix well. The consistency will be stiff dough; you may need to add more stock.

4. Lightly flour a surface and roll the dough out to about a 1/4 inch thickness. Use a cookie cutter of your choice to cut the dough.

5. Bake for 30 minutes and let cool before treating your dog or cat to a delicious treat!!

MOVE IT!! need at Healthy adult dogs aerobic least 30 minutes of y. exercise twice a da d an g Jogging, swimmin park are playing at the dog rn excess all great ways to bu energy.

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

15

GILCREASE NATURE SANCTUARY:

A cause worth your time and support! ~ By Linda Fredericks

D

eveloping sustainable “green spaces” in a desert city like Las Vegas is an important endeavor and should become a community priority. As more and more space is consumed by rock and concrete, natural habitats for birds, wildlife and domestic animals, not to mention people, is quickly becoming a rare commodity.

Therefore, a new paradigm of thinking about developing, securing and maintaining spaces for passive recreation is upon us. The need for adequate areas for contemplative, reflective sanctuary remain at a premium and require inspired vision, and careful planning. Luckily, Las Vegas has just the place.

Gilcrease, the sanctuary board of directors, a new executive director as well as Las Vegas financial supports and community volunteers have engaged in rebuilding efforts. The sanctuary received about $6,000 in donations after the fire and some grant money for construction. However, the cost of improvements to the sanctuary, exceed current funding levels. Donations can come in many forms from manpower to monetary.

Boy Scout troops come in regularly to keep the areas neat and clean. Local food markets like Von’s, Albertson’s, Costco and Wal-Marts donate unused produce and bread for the sanctuary animals.

The Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary (GNS) established in 1970 is a non-profit organization dependent upon support from the general public for its survival. The 4-acre sanctuary offers a safe haven for animals of all types, but is in need of community support to keep both their vision and operation going.

Dedicated to fostering public awareness of responsible pet adoption and care the GNS offers onsite classes on animal wellness and thoughtful care for not only animals but for the environment as well. The GNS hopes to create a beautiful place within the city of Las Vegas to get away from the pressures of work, and the stresses of everyday life, a place to relax, see wildlife and birds, a place to get in touch with ones inner self.

The GNS is a perfect site for Clark County Schools to conduct service learning projects, in which students can learn about the animals and their habitats while helping to improve the sanctuary property. “It’s a great place for families to come,” offers Jessica Pigula, Board Member & Volunteer (pictured, at right).

Visitors can stroll through the grounds for a small donation, feed the ducks with pellets that cost 25 cents from available dispensers, tour the macaw enclosure and explore the various other areas that make up the sanctuary.

Gilcrease is home to exotic and domestic birds like macaws, peacocks, cockatiels, parakeets and domestic geese and ducks, which abound on the property pond. A petting zoo section has burros, goats, pigs, mini horses and a mule deer for kids to enjoy.

Separate pens house the more exotic llamas, emus and ostriches. A rain forest exhibit, a climate controlled aviary where the macaws can explore freely has recently opened. An outdoor amphitheatre sponsors educational events for the community as well as parties, weddings, picnics and family gatherings.

In March of 2010 the Gilcrease Nature Sanctuary suffered a major disaster. An electrical fire ripped through the sanctuary aviary, killing over 150 birds and one faithful guard dog. Since then, founder Bill 16

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

The GNS is located in northwest Las Vegas at 8103 Racel St. by 95 and Durango Dr. It is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Entry Donation: $5 for adults, $4 for seniors and $1 for children. Become a GNS supporter, have your picture taken with the wonderful animals and birds that call Gilcrease home. Visit the sanctuary soon, roll up your sleeves and help out, spread the word, make a small donation to grow an important “green space” in Las Vegas.

For additional information on how you can help restore and promote the GNS call 702-645-4224. I’m sending my donation today!

www.NatureSanctuaryGilcrease.org

Animal Rescues

Animal Shelters

PET DIRECTORY The Animal Foundation (702) 384-5268 655 N. Mojave Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101 www.animalfoundation.com Henderson Animal Shelter (702) 267-4970 300 E. Galleria, Henderson, NV 89011 www.cityofhenderson.com/animal_control Nevada SPCA - No Kill Animal Sanctuary (702) 873-7722 4800 W. Dewey Dr., Las Vegas, NV 89118 www.nevadaspca.org Adopt A Rescue Pet (702) 798-8663 www.adoptarescuepet.org All Fur Love Animal Society (702) 362-5617 www.allfurloveanimalsociety.org Best Friends (435) 644-2001 www.bestfriends.org Betty Honn’s Animal Adoptions (702) 361-2484 www.animaladoptionsltd.org Foreclosed Upon Pets (702) 272-0010 www.forecloseduponpets.org Happy Home Animal Sanctuary (702) 560-3875 www.happyhomeanimalsanctuary.org Heaven Can Wait (702) 227-5555 www.hcws.org Las Vegas Valley Humane Society (702) 434-2009 www.lvvhumane.org Noah’s Animal House (702) 385-0072 ext. 125 www.noahsanimalhouse.org Rescued Unwanted Furry Friends Foundation (702) 928-565-BARK www.rufffhouse.org Those Left Behind Foundation (702) 769-8523 www.thoseleftbehindfoundation.com We Care For Animals (702) 346-3326 www.wecareforanimals.org Bird Rescue (702) 856-3300 / www.snperrs.org (702) 635-7137 / www.lasvegasbirdrescue.com Ferret Rescue (702) 943-0848 / www.angelferret.com Horse Rescue (775) 513-0945 / www.dcrhorserescue.com (702) 452-5853 / www.nwha.us (702) 480-8906 / www.shilohhorserescue.com Rabbit Rescue www.bunnyrescuefund.org Retptile Rescue www.reptilerescue.com

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Gibson’s Canine Classroom Mark Gibson www.GibsonsCanine.com

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IFA Country Stores (702) 837-1755 3176 W. Martin Ave. Las Vegas, NV 89118 http://ifa-coop.com/country-store

Spencer Springs Animal Hospital (702) 896-9999 1855 E. Warm Springs Las Vegas, NV 89119 www.spencersprings.com

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Local Author

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Pet Scene a s v e g

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Sept/Oct 2011

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Cover Story Odds Against All y Survives

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Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

17

THE WILD WEST.

Those words conjure up campfires, spurs, saloons, gunfights, and, of course, horses.

Strong, fast, glorious horses. Horses that were once revered in our culture and made famous in film and television. Remember Roy Rogers and his high-rearing, gun-shooting, rescue you from tied ropes, golden, magnificent beauty Trigger? There was My Friend Flicka, Fury, Mister Ed. People crowded around their sets to hear “a fiery horse with the speed of light, a cloud of dust and a hearty Hi-Yo Silver . . ..”

Sadly, that was then.

~ By Kathy Schreur

Today, horses, specifically the wild Mustang, are no longer revered and are in need of protection. One hundred years ago, there was an estimated 2 million wild horses roaming free. However, in 1971, Congress took authority under the Wild Free-Roaming Hoses and Burro Act, 16 U.S.C §§ 1331, et seq., and assigned “the Secretary of the Interior when used in connection with public lands administered by him through the Bureau of Land Management and the Secretary of Agriculture in connection with public lands administered by him through the Forest Service” to oversee the fate of the wild horse.

The Act begins with: “Congress finds and declares that wild free-roaming horses and burros are living symbols of the historic and pioneer spirit of the West; that they contribute to the diversity of life forms within the Nation and enrich the lives of the American people; and that these horses and burros are fast disappearing from the American scene. It is the policy of Congress that wild free-roaming horses and burros shall be protected from capture, branding, harassment, or death; and to accomplish this they are to be considered in the area where presently found, as an integral part of the natural system of the public lands.”

Congress also included “the Secretary shall

18

Las Vegas Pet Scene Magazine • Sept/Oct 2011

cause additional excess wild free-roaming horses and burros for which an adoption demand by qualified individuals does not exist to be destroyed in the most humane and cost efficient manner possible.”

The number of wild horses today have fallen to approx. 30,000 roaming-free and over 41,000 being held in holding facilities under BLM’s care. There is a drive to euthanize the horses because it is costing the taxpayers about $70 million a year to feed and care for them. In 2007, Madeleine and T. Boone Pickens successfully lobbied Congress to bar horse slaughter in the United States; however, the BLM wants permission to override and slaughter the horses anyway.

That is when Madeleine Pickens decided to continue her fight by purchasing 28 square miles in northern Nevada, which gives her access to another 875 square miles of federal grazing land, believing she can look after the mustangs more cheaply and humanely.

However, water and grazing rights are tied up in a fight between Nevada’s legislature and the federal government and there is a continual blocking to the “adoption demand by qualified individuals.” Mrs. Pickens has gone on to organize Saving America’s Mustangs Foundation to aid her in her dream of providing a sanctuary for these symbols of America’s history, which have become pawns

in a struggle for land, water, and political might.

Currently under development, The Mustang Monument Wild Horse Eco-Preserve envisions a museum and lodging for visitors in teepee villages beside a creek where they can view the roaming mustangs. People will be able to see wild horses, native wildlife and desert landscape like they have never seen before. The vision includes guided hikes through the desert, camping, special campfires with musical storytelling and Native American legends, arts and crafts, creative writing, photography, internships and learning the science of the land and caring for the horses.

On June 12, 2011; five hundred lucky Paiute horses, rescued from slaughter, were released at Mustang Monument – an emotional moment for all.

Please visit their website at www.savingamericasmustangs.org for more information regarding this wonderful organization and how you can help.

Perhaps you can help make it possible to remember how it felt to hear the words “Return with us now, to those thrilling days of yesteryear. From out of the west, come the thundering hoof beats of the great horse Silver, the Lone Ranger rides again!”

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