Pet Companion Magazine, Fall 2016

THE LOCAL MAGAZINE FOR PET LOVERS

COMPLIMENTARY

Please Take A Copy!

FALL 2016

Can My Dog Get

MRSA? FUN!

Products

for Dogs & Cats

Pigment Changes in Dogs and Cats

DANGERS

EVENT Calendar

of Nicotine & e-Cigarettes

Must Have Halloween Outfits GROOMING, DAYCARE & BOARDING SERVICES & More!

Meet

BOOGIE SHOES

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. EASILY ADMINISTERED MEDICATION (FOR EVEN THE PICKIEST PET)

TOWN CENTER COMPOUNDING PHARMACY can formulate your pet’s medicine into a paste, pill, capsule, or liquid for easier dosing.

For palatability, flavoring can be added to many compounds to match your pet’s favorite flavors.

We can work with your veterinarian to provide customized medications based on your pet’s individual needs.

MORT FARINA, RPH

RON PARTAIN, RPH, C.C.N.

STEVE POMERANCE, RPH

CHRISTIANNE CLAUDE, PHARM.D.

TOWN CENTER COMPOUNDING PHARMACY 72-624 El Paseo, Suite A1, Palm Desert, CA 92260 Phone: 760-341-3984 Fax: 760-341-4954

Pet Oasis Healthy Pet Center Great Prices - Superior Nutrition

n Best Pricing on Natural Balance in the Valley n Nutrition, Toys, Apparel n Raw and Freeze-Dried Diets n Supplements & Dietary Solutions n Pet Grooming Supplies n Collars, Harnesses & Leashes n Travel Accessories

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760-345-3199

Rancho Mirage 72877 Dinah Shore Dr. (Across from Clark’s Nutrition)

760-324-0980 www.ThePetOasis.com

inside Features 34: Exotic Animals Need Specialized Care

54: Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy

36: Pet Rescue Center, Inc.

64: A peek at Venus de Fido

20: Cover Story: Boogie Shoes

57-69: Resources for Pet Grooming, Boarding, Sitting Daycare & Spas

76: Events!

88: Local Resources

Health 8: Can My Dog Get MRSA?

By Lillian Roberts, DVM

28: Dangers of Nicotine & e-cigarettes

By Gail Cutler, DVM

40: Hot Spots on Cats Reviewed by Rebecca Diaz, DVM

48: Pigment Changes in Dogs and Cats

By Robert Reed, DVM MSES, MPA

www.petcompanionmag.com facebook/petcompanionmagazine instagram: petcompanionmagazine twitter: PetCompMagz

Lifestyle 14: For Cats!

53: For Dogs!

24: CAT-tober Facts

70: Halloween

26: The Nose Knows

72: Mayor Max

New products for cats

Did you know?

Using scent tracking to find lost people.

New products for dogs

Costumes for your furry companions

Idyllwild updates from the desk of Mayor Max

Training 16: Taming the Tooth Monster

By Lori Carmen, VSPDT

30: 3 Keys to Having a Good Dog

By Valerie Masi

Wecome!

Thank you for picking up a copy of the Fall issue. If you are already familiar with Desert Pet Companion Magazine, you might notice some changes and additions to the publication.

Due to reader response, we are expanding our coverage to include more of Southern California’s pet-friendly areas. In this issue, pages 72 highlight Idyllwild as told by the canine mayor of the city, Mayor Max. The Lake Arrowhead area resources are also included on page 75. The Events section now includes events throughout Southern California, not just the Coachella Valley. If there is a city or area you would like us to add, please let us know.

To include more of Southern California, we have changed the magazine’s name to Pet Companion Magazine. We’ve migrated our website and have greatly expanded our social media coverage so you not only can follow us on Facebook, but Twitter and Instagram, too!

Throughout the (print) version you’ll see “WIN ONE!” icons. We product test all sorts of pet related items throughout the year and those we like are spot-lighted in the magazine. If you want to win one of the products spotlighted, visit our website or Facebook through-out the quarter. We will be randomly giving one of each product away. The rules and details will be posted with the online giveaways.

Don’t forget, we are always looking for good stories and animal models for our cover. Email your story and a small photo of your furry companion to editor@petcompanionmag.com for consideration. Thank you, and we hope you enjoy the Fall magazine!

Miriam Wiegel Publisher

bones-n-scones Your Pet’s Nutrition Center Great, Knowledgeable Service Since 1999.

We Guarantee it!

What’s the Special this Month?

Check our Facebook Page for Monthly & Sunday Specials and our ad on the Pet’s Page of the Saturday Desert Sun

Published quarterly.

Fall (Sept.-Nov.) Winter (Dec.-Feb.) Spring (Mar.-May) Summer (June-Aug.) Publisher: Miriam Wiegel mwiegel@PetCompanionMag.com Editor: Geoff Winstead editor@PetCompanionMag.com Advertising Sales: sales@petcompanionmag.com Distribution: Magazines are available at our advertisers’ locations or please visit our website or call the editorial office for a list of other locations. The magazine is also online as a complimentary digital download.

Cover photo courtesy Alicia Bailey Please see article on page 20.

FOLLOW US ON Editorial photos © fotolia.com unless otherwise noted.

www.bonesnscones.com PALM SPRINGS: 577 E. Sunny Dunes Road 760.864.1133 PALM DESERT: 73-910 Hwy 111, Ste. C 760.340.2663

Desert Pet Companion (DPC) and its publisher assume no responsibility for changes, omissions or errors contained in this publication. Advertising in Desert Pet Companion does not indicate an endorsement by Desert Pet Companion or its publisher. DPC assumes no responsibility for opinions of contributors nor do the opinions expressed by contributors necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the publisher. DPC is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photos, which must be accompanied by return postage and envelope. No part of Desert Pet Companion may be reprinted or copied without express, written permission. ©2016 www.PetCompanionMag.co www.Desert PetCompanion.com Pet Companion Magazine is published by Desert Pet Companion Editorial Office: 760-835-0369

Desert Pet Companion, P.O. Box 378 Palm Springs, CA 92263

For Advertising Information call: 760-835-0369

bones-n-scones Your Pet’s Nutrition Center

How do you find your way through all the information out there about foods for our beloved dogs and cats?

Where do you check for up-to-date information about recalls and other safety alerts?

Who do you trust, since there is so much conflicting information available?

We’ve been answering questions like these since 1999.

Stop by one of our stores and we’ll be happy to answer some of yours and work with you to identify the best diet, treats and toys for your furry friends.

www.bonesnscones.com PALM SPRINGS: 577 E. Sunny Dunes Road 760.864.1133 PALM DESERT: 73-910 Hwy 111, Ste. C 760.340.2663

Can My Dog Get MRSA?

Staph Infections and Other Skin Care Conundrums

by Lillian Roberts, DVM Country Club Animal Clinic

M

RSA has been in the news a lot in the past several years, and pet owner sometimes ask if their animals can catch it or carry it.

The answer, unfortunately, is… “Sort of.”

MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. S. aureus is the most common bacteria that people (and pets) carry on our skin.

Most of the time, it lives there in happy oblivion, causing no trouble at all. But given the opportunity to move into a wound and grow, it takes quick advantage. If you’ve ever scratched at, say, a mosquito bite until it became infected, that’s S. aureus behaving normally.

The condition is called “Pyoderma” – ‘pyo’ for ‘pus/ infection’ ‘derma’ for ‘skin.’ A normal immune system will make quick work of it, typically resolving minor skin infections in a few days without medication or treatment. But as we all know, if you keep even a minor wound clean and protected, it will 8

heal faster than if you leave it open and exposed.

For people who have compromised or depressed immune systems – whether because of medication, organ transplants, spleen removal, or illness – Staph can be life-threatening.

It doesn’t just stop at infecting the top layer of the skin; it can burrow deeper and infect other tissues as well. For this reason, as soon as antibiotics first became available in the 1940’s, Staph was considered a minor problem easily killed off with Penicillin. Unfortunately, these miracle drugs were prescribed for all kinds of things, including many situations where bacteria were unlikely to be involved at all. Over time they have been incorporated into animal foods, where they improve meat production by protecting livestock such as cattle, pigs and chickens from low level infections that slow their growth.

Antibiotics work by interfering with the relatively simple metabolism or life

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FALL 2016

FALL 2016

PHOTOS COURTESY COUNTRY CLUB ANIMAL CLINIC

processes of bacteria. Some cause the outer lining of bacterial cells to break up, others get inside and prevent the bacteria from making new copies of itself, and still others stop the bacteria from accessing or utilizing fuel it needs to grow and multiply. The more we learn about how bacteria work, the more ways we have to interfere with them.

Meanwhile, however, bacteria weren’t taking this new development lying down! Because they are very primitive, simple organisms with only one cell, their DNA changes all the time. This process is called mutation.

As bacteria mutated over the years, some developed genes that made them able to bypass whichever process the various antibiotics used to kill them.

So antibiotics would then kill only the “unmutated” bacteria, leaving the resistant ones behind to continue causing trouble. Not only that, but bacteria actually pass snippets of DNA back and forth, so if one bug becomes resistant, it can “teach” others how to avoid the drugs as well. Because different antibiotics work through different means, sometimes one would stop working but another would still be effective.

This led doctors to hold back certain newer drugs, trying not to prescribe them unless other options had proved not to work.

MRSA refers to S. aureus that has become resistant to what at one time

Dogs with “wrinkles” are prone to skin fold dermatitis/pyoderma

was considered a “last resort” antibiotic. (Methicillin actually isn’t used anymore, but a cousin, Oxacillin, is used to screen for resistance.) Unfortunately – but not really surprisingly – the most common place for resistant bacteria to proliferate is where antibiotics are most used and sick people are readily available to be infected – namely, hospitals. A recent study showed that about 3% of humans carry MRSA at any given time. But it’s important to realize that while you may have millions of S. aureus organisms on your skin, only a small percentage of them might be MRSA. So the more time that

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So while dogs don’t get MRSA per se, they occasionally can be infected with their own version, which is abbreviated MRSP – which of course stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Pseudointermedius.

Which dogs are at risk?

Pictured here is a dog with a common form of pyoderma

passes without taking antibiotics, the smaller the MRSA population relative to other bacteria on our skin.

Dogs, meanwhile, sleep with us, hang out on our laps, and if allowed, will lick our wounds. They develop infections and are treated with antibiotics. They eat food from other animals that were treated with antibiotics.

Wouldn’t they also be expected to carry MRSA? As I implied, the answer is “sort of.” In fact, S. aureus doesn’t really like living on dogs. Most of the bacteria on dog skin are a cousin called Staph pseudointermedius. We’ll abbreviate that as S. ps. Conversely, S. ps doesn’t do real well on human skin. So while they may move back and forth a little bit, the two mostly stay on their preferred species. But when they do come into contact with each other, they can easily trade snippets of DNA back and forth – including genes for resistance to antibiotics.

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Tests show that dogs with allergies have significantly more staph on their skin than dogs with no allergy symptoms, and are much more likely to suffer from pyoderma as a result. In addition, dogs suffering a compromised immune system, severe stress, or recently having surgery, may also be at risk. What all these cases have in common is that the body’s immune system is not able to combat the bacteria and as a result, relatively minor breaks in the skin become infected, and the infection may become severe or chronic.

In fact, Staph infections are so common in dogs with active allergies that we tend to think of them as almost interchangeable. This is why allergic dogs and cats are so often put on antibiotics.

But antibiotics are only one small part of the fight.

For reasons that are only partly understood, allergies are on the rise in dogs, cats, humans, and other species.

This is undoubtedly related to changes in our lifestyles and exposure to artificial compounds in all aspects of life – the air, food, bedding, furniture, etc.

Ironically, recent studies show that our modern obsession with cleanliness may actually have made things worse!

Nevertheless, bathing and topical cleansers are an important part of both

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FALL 2016

prevention and treatment of Staph infections in dogs.

Treating dogs with pyoderma involves a number of factors. It’s very important to follow your veterinarian’s recommendations, including finishing antibiotic prescriptions and scheduling follow up visits if indicated.

Pyoderma may be mild, moderate or severe, and may be acute/short-lived or chronic, self-limiting or stubborn and hard to treat. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to tell just by looking, so sometimes first-line treatments don’t work. In addition, be sure to mention to the vet if someone living in the home or in frequent contact with the pet (including other pets) may be at increased risk of serious infection, or has been diagnosed with MRSA themselves. The approach to treating an affected pet may be different in these cases! In most cases, Staph is diagnosed just by its appearance, or by cytology (microscopic appearance).

But in chronic cases, or if MRSA is known to exist in the home, laboratory

A dog with acute moist dermatitis , a common manifestation of staph infection 12

culture may be indicated.  Unsurprisingly, oral antibiotics are a mainstay of treatment for pyoderma. Veterinary dermatologists often recommend treating for several weeks, or until an entire new layer of skin has grown.  Systemic anti-inflammatories have long been used and recommended to reduce the itching and inflammation associated with pyoderma.

Ironically, corticosteroids, which are known to decreased the body’s natural immune response, are very commonly used. They are inexpensive and readily available, and tend to suppress the allergic symptoms that often lead to pyoderma. However, the potential side effects can be troublesome, so newer medications are considered safer and better for long-term/ chronic conditions.  Strict flea elimination is essential.

While we’re fortunate not to have severe flea problems here in the Coachella Valley, pets that travel can bring fleas home from other regions, and then share their fleas with other pets they meet! Because we don’t see them very often, they are easy to overlook.  Because Staph can live for up to six months on many surfaces, it’s important to clean the environment as well. This includes thorough washing of pet bedding; if a pet has had recurring infections, consider discarding old bedding and replacing it with fresh.  Topical therapy is an obvious, but often underutilized, approach to

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FALL 2016

treating skin conditions. Shampoos containing antimicrobials such as chlorhexidine are readily available through veterinarians and other sources. Leave-on conditioners containing colloidal oatmeal, antihistamines, and even cortisone provide relief that can last days. And more recently, a number of products have been introduced that contain ceramides, which actively help restore the skin’s natural lipid barrier and reduce the ability of Staph and other bacteria to cause infection. Contact time with these products is of paramount importance, however – there are important strategies in something as apparently simple as giving your dog a bath!  To work best, at least initially, shampoos need to be used at least twice weekly. In between baths – or sometimes instead – we offer sprays, norinse mousse products, foot soaks, and even wipes (great for feet and skin folds). Be sure to tell your vet if you just can’t possibly bathe your dog as often as needed!  Staph immunotherapy is an area where much research is and has been focused. Current therapies show inconsistent results but may hold promise for some dogs. New therapies are expected within the next year or two, so check with your vet for new products as time goes by!  Long-term allergy therapy is essential for prevention of future infections. Allergy testing (blood or skin tests), followed by desensitizing antigens (injections or sublingual/ FALL 2016

oral administration) have shown excellent results in some patients but seem ineffective in many cases.

A newer medication called Apoquel is a first-in-its-class medication that works on a molecular level to reduce itching and other symptoms of allergies in dogs, substantially reducing secondary skin (and ear) infections in many dogs.  Diets that are developed to either prevent exposure to food allergens, or to directly treat the symptoms are widely available. While some overthe-counter options exist, and the development of hydrolyzed proteinbased diets (available through your veterinarian) have made successful management of food allergies more practical , many veterinary dermatologists still start out by having the owner of an allergic dog cook a very limited-ingredient diet at home.

A future article will go into greater detail about allergies in pets.

Dr. Lillian Roberts, DVM, is the owner of Country Club Animal Clinic which is located at 36869 Cook Street, in Palm Desert.

760-776-7555 www.countryclubdvm.com.

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FOR

Cats!

WIN ONE!

Cats Incredible Cat Litter Lucy Pet Products introduces another innovative product as part of its “Products with a Cause” program. Cats Incredible is a superpremium clay clumping litter with a revolutionary new “Smell Squasher” technology (exclusive to Lucy Pet products) that stops ammonia from forming inside the litter

box. So there is NO SMELL! In addition to this breakthrough technology, all profits from the sale of Cats Incredible are donated to the Lucy Pet Foundation to help reduce pet overpopulation through mobile spay and neuter clinics and other animal

the CAT TONGUE® by My Pet

Designs™ is a ceramic cat feeding bowl, handmade and imported from Japan.

An innovative, custom design increases efficiency in eating with ergonomics in mind, which works especially well with senior cats and messy eaters. A wide entry and low (0.3”) entry height provide easy access and avoid whisker and chin contact. The main Pocket’s slopes and angles gather food back to the middle.

Specially placed 14 Bumps hold food that comes out of the Pocket, to assist in easy pickup. Two slopes on the back wall assist a cat to easily pick up its food without its nose getting in the way. Elongated edges prevent food from falling outside of the bowl. 1/4 & 1/8 cup measurements assist for specific food servings and weight management.

The CAT TONGUE® is difficult to flip over. Cats can eat lying down, due to its ideal entry height; great for handicapped cats. For owners, the bowl is stackable, easy 14

related welfare causes.

The litter comes in both Lavender and Unscented formulas plus it comes in a bag with an easy pour handle and spout. Visit lucypetproducts.com

WIN ONE!

to hold and carry, easy to clean and dishwasher safe. By lessening unnecessary head movement and creating stress-fee and efficient eating, test results show the CAT TONGUE® reduces feeding time by 30% compared to other bowls on the market. The custom ceramic and glaze are bacteria resilient, tested for Lead and Cadmium, FDA approved, and BPA/phthalate free.

The concept of the CAT TONGUE® was created when Yuko, our designer, rescued ten feral cats and found feeding difficult for her new feline friends.

Our mission is to create the perfect bowl for all cats and promote efficient eating. Visit www.mypetd.com

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FALL 2016

KATRIS Lynks cat scratchers are only slightly bigger than most regular cat scratchers, but more powerful in durability, shred-resistant material, and functionality. They are made from heavy-duty paper with stronger flutes and liners (which make up the cardboard structure) than any other cat scratcher brand on the market. In tests, KATRIS Lynks were able to withstand more weight (easily holding over 200 pounds), more “scratchingforce,” and produced significantly less amounts of shredding, which will help keep pet owners’ homes cleaner.

KATRIS Lynks are modular, so they can be placed and rearranged in many different combinations and builds – either on their own, or in combination with other KATRIS blocks,

FALL 2016

WIN ONE!

which increases options for play and fun for cats and their owners (or vice versa). KATRIS Lynks’ superior material and craftsmanship allows them to last longer than other cat scratchers, thereby eliminating pet owners’ needs to purchase a multitude of replacement pads. KATRIS Lynks come equipped with real Teak wood covers on their sides, making them look stylish in homes, as well as protecting the pads from wear and tear. Visit www.katriscat.com

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15

Taming the Tooth Monster

by Lori Carman, VSPDT Dream Dogs

D

oes your dog take its treats too seriously? In other words, does it manage to scrape your hands painfully when it grabs the goody? In most cases dogs aren’t taught as puppies what is an acceptable amount of pressure from their big pearly canines on 16

human skin. They are not trying to hurt us; they just never learned to regulate jaw pressure. Sometimes this tendency is exacerbated by excitement (Ooh! my favorite treat!) or stress (Yikes, another dog is close by and she might also be interested in my favorite treat.).

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offered at Classes also alm Desert and o in P Venus de Fid in Palm Springs! k ar P e Hyd LICENSED BY:

Obedience AGILITY BEHAVIOR MODIFICATION PUPPY SOCIALIZATION RALLY TRICKS NOSE WORK SILVER PAWS POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT CERTIFIED TRAINERS DAY TRAINING PRIVATE & Group LESSONS EVENING PROGRAMS FACILITY RENTALS

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45090 GOLF CENTER PARKWAY, UNIT B, INDIO, CALIFORNIA

What to do about it Stop letting go. Get a good hold on a treat before you offer it and only release the treat if your dog uses a soft mouth, i.e., light pressure or, preferably, all lips and no teeth. If your dog grabs too hard, say, “Too bad” or “Bummer” in an oh-whata-shame tone of voice and pull the treat away. As long as your dog isn’t grabbing for the treat, try offering it again. Release the treat if she is gentle or repeat the pull-away maneuver if not. Repeat until she gets it right.

(If your dog is taking treats so hard that it hurts or even breaks skin, hold the treat in your closed fist instead of the tips of your fingers to protect yourself.)

Once you and your dog have practiced this to the point that she takes her treats gently most of the 18

time, you can up the ante. From now on, if you offer a treat and your dog grabs too hard, she loses the treat for good—no more second or third chances to be gentle. Switch to a zero tolerance policy.

Remember: consistency is key

To really soften your dog’s mouth for good, you must insist on a gentle mouth every time you offer something. Dogs may revert to rough grabbing at moments of excitement or stress. Just stick to your guns in these situations and don’t release the treat until your dog remembers to be gentle.

Lori Wainio-Carman, VSPDT, professional dog trainer and owner of Dream Dogs, has been successfully training for over 20 years.

760-899-7272, www.dreamdogs.com, www.Positively.com

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FALL 2016

Canine Freestyle R

eady to tango with your terrier?

Do the mambo with your mutt?

Canine Freestyle is, in essence, dog training set to music—with a heaping helping of artistry thrown in. The first rule to learn is: Have fun! The idea is that you and your dog carry out a choreographed sequence of moves to music, mixing positive dog training with fun, exercise, and showmanship.

Freestyle combines a variety of common training moves like Heel and Sit-Stay with show-stopping tricks like Take a Bow, Weave, Twirl, Jump, and Back Up. Teaching your dog all these cues and timing the moves to music challenges your training chops, creativity, and patience. Freestyle is open to anyone and can be enjoyed at all levels— from your living room to national competitions where you and your dog will don elaborate costumes and perform in front of adoring crowds. You get to develop your own routine to showcase your dog’s strengths; the only prerequisite is that you work with your own dog (no hired handlers). So, put on FALL 2016

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your glad rags, queue up your favorite tune, and start shaking some bootie.

Learn more at worldcaninefreestyle.org or www. canine-freestyle.org.

Dream Dogs offers Trick training classes. Come join the fun.

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Meet

Boogie Shoes

Big things come in small packages Article and photographs

by Alicia Bailey

20 Desert Pet Companion

www.PetCompanionMag.com

Fall 2016

O

ne year ago, during the nationwide adoption event, “Clear the Shelters,” a 7-week old Chihuahua, weighing just 12 ounces, was turned into the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. The person who dropped him off said they found him as a stray, but it was clear this little guy had health issues that would prevent him from getting very far in the 100+ degree heat.

He had a very distinct “wobble” that made it difficult for him to keep his balance—even to take a few steps. He could barely hold up his head and his little ears were filled with dirt. At the shelter, he was given intravenous fluids and tucked into a little “blanket fort” in the Adoption Office so he could be monitored around the clock. The shelter staff named him Peanut, because of his size and brown fur.

Alicia Bailey was working at the shelter that day when adoption coordinator Rosemary Ramsay introduced

her to Peanut, explaining that he may or may not pull through and he needed to be in a foster home. Alicia picked him up, his little body settled into her hands, his head began to bobble, and she said yes to fostering. “I don’t typically swoon over puppies,” Alicia said, “but he looked like he was just clinging to life as hard as he could, and I knew I had to help the shelter give him his second chance.”

Alicia and her husband Matt had fostered many dogs before, but never a puppy in such critical condition.

Bringing Peanut to their home was like bringing home a new infant. “We were so nervous and couldn’t sleep because we just wanted to watch him and make sure he was okay. We just didn’t know what to expect, and we certainly didn’t want to let him down.” They changed his name to Boogie Shoes because whether he was sitting, standing, walking or running, he would wobble and bobble, and it looked like he was boo-

Alicia meets Boogie Shoes for the first time at PSAS

At 7-weeks old, Boogie Shoes weighed just 12 ounces

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gying down to his own tune.

The shelter scheduled an appointment for Boogie at the Veterinary Neurological Center in Palm Desert. During that visit he was diagnosed with cerebellar hypoplasia, a neurological condition caused by an underdeveloped cerebellum.

There are many causes that can lead to this disorder including infection, malnutrition, poisoning or injury in utero, and impacts coordination and motor skills.

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The Baileys weren’t planning on adding another pet to their family, but had fallen head over heels in love with tiny Boogie Shoes and officially adopted him. Boogie Shoes is now one year old, weighs just two pounds and is proof positive that second chances save lives. Boogie has learned to adapt to his condition, and spends his days running and playing the best he can with his big brother (and best friend), Sesame. He does require a few VIP services because of his size.

His meals must be in very tiny pieces to avoid choking and drinking water from a bowl is hard – like bobbing for apples – so Boogie gets plenty of water throughout the day through a syringe.

Other than that, Boogie is just a regular guy, with a not so pint sized personality!

Matt created a Facebook page for him, and he quickly gained quite a following, which they hope will shine a little more light on special needs pets and pet adoption. Matt concluded, “Boogie Shoes brings everyone he meets so much joy and we have met so many wonderful, compassionate people through his Facebook page. Too often pets with disabilities or health issues are overlooked simply because they need a little extra attention and care. We hope Boogie Shoes will inspire people to adopt from their shelter, and maybe give a special needs pet the second chance they deserve.”

Learn more about Boogie Shoes on his website www.littleboogieshoes. com and follow him on Facebook and Instagram @littleboogieshoes.

FALL 2016

We provide veterinary services for every stage in your pet’s life, from her first shots to a lifetime of preventive care to keep her happy and healthy.

• Primary & Advanced Care • Preventive Care • Alternative Medicine We provide comprehensive veterinary care for your: Cats • Dogs • Pocket Pets Exotics • Rabbits • Reptiles

Pet Boarding & Grooming Available!

78-267 Highway 111, La Quinta (The Building In Front of Vons)

www.vcahospitals.com/all-creatures-ca

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CAT-tober Facts  Cats are the more popular pet in the United States: There are approximately 88 million pet cats and 74 million dogs.  A group of cats is called a clowder.  The frequency of a cat’s purr is the same frequency at which muscles and bones repair themselves.  Adult cats only meow to communicate with humans. 

 One of a cat’s strongest senses is hearing. They can hear sounds as high as 64 kHz (humans hear only as high as 20 kHz).  Cats can rotate their ears 180 degrees.  Cats can move their ears separately.  Cats have over 20 muscles that control their ears.  Cats sweat through their foot pads.  Cats sleep up to 70% of their lives.  The technical term for “hairball” is “bezoar.”

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 Cats can make more than 100 different sounds (dogs make around 10).  The first cat in space was French. She was named Felicette, or “Astrocat.” She survived the trip.  A cat’s cerebral cortex has 300 million neurons (a dog has 160 million).  A cat has four toes on his back paws, and five on the front, unless he’s a polydactyl.  Polydactyl cats are also called “Hemingway cats” because the author was so fond of them.

 The middle of a cat’s tongue is covered in backward-pointing spines, used for breaking off and gripping meat.



 Cats can use their whiskers to detect if they can fit through a space.  Cats have free-floating clavicle bones that attach their shoulders to their forelimbs, that’s how they can squeeze through very small spaces.  Kitty litter was originally made out of sand but it was replaced by more absorbent clay in 1948.  Cats have scent glands along their tail, their chin, lips, forehead, and the underside of their front paws.  Cats can’t taste sweetness.  Many cats are lactose intolerant.  A cat can jump up to six times its length.

Village Park Animal Hospital is located at 51-230 Eisenhower Dr., La Quinta. 760-564-3833 villageparkanimalhospital.com www.PetCompanionMag.com

FALL 2016

m

The Nose Knows

Your dog has more than 220 million scent cells per square inch

Scent.

Every individual has their own unique scent that is as different from person to person as fingerprints. Humans can’t distinguish individual scents.

We are aware of odors, good and bad, from dirt and sweat to too much perfume or cologne. But dogs, particularly hounds, know you by your scent well before they recognize you by sight.

Bloodhounds are the best at scent

detection and are usually the ones we see on TV participating in rescue or missing person operations.

An eighth of a dog’s brain is dedicated to smell, with an olfactory bulb that weighs about 6 grams as opposed to a human’s, which weighs about 1.5 grams. We have 50 million scent cells per square inch in our nose, which seems like a lot, but your dog has more than 220 million per square inch! Our entire olfactory area is ½ square inch, whereas a bloodhound’s is almost 20 square inches.

The Find Me Foundation is a nonprofit organization who’s mission is to help families or organizations collect scents from at-risk individuals and store it in their home to be used later for a dog to track their missing or lost love one should that ever occur.

PHOTO COURTESY OF FIND ME FOUNDATION

Who is at risk?

Dr. Coby Webb 26

Children with Autism or Aspergers. According to the National Autism Association, nearly half of children with autism engage in wandering or bolting behavior. Other children may live in “at-risk” neighborhoods where child abductions can happen.

Abductions can happen anywhere and a child goes missing every forty seconds!

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PHOTO COURTESY OF FIND ME FOUNDATION

Senior Citizens with Alzheimers or Dementia. Whether at home or in a senior living facility, six in ten people will dementia will wander away from their environment. A person with Alzheimer’s may not remember his or her name or address and become disoriented—even in familiar places.

Travis Shows

Hikers and Backpackers. In our valley, we have news almost weekly about lost or even deceased hikers on our local mountain trails. Because of severe weather, dangerous topography and rattlesnakes, those engaging in these activities are also at risk.

The Find Me Foundation was started by two police officers, Dr. Coby Webb and Travis Shows. Coby has an extensive background of raising and training bloodhounds for search and FALL 2016

rescue missions and is on the first call list for the FBI to provide tracking dogs. In their years of experience they come across the same problem—finding a specific item with that persons’ individual scent.

“It’s just like a snowflake or a fingerprint—there’s no two alike,” said Shows. “If you don’t have a good item to give the dog you can’t get that good start, and without a good start you’re not going to have success.” “I do the laundry in my house. My scent is on everything,” adds Webb. “So, if one of my children went missing, the dog wouldn’t know who to track and that would be the error.”

When a person disappears, there’s no time for error. The first three hours of the search are the most crucial. “We don’t have time as handlers to get the call, realize that somebody’s missing, go to the potential house or wherever that person’s missing from and then try to rule out what item we could possibly use for that dog team to get started,” said Shows.

So the pair came up with a way to avoid wasting that valuable time. They created the Find’em Scent Kit. It takes about five minutes to complete the kit and collect your scent. It then goes in the freezer, where it stays good for up to one year. In the event that one of your loved ones goes missing, your registered Find’em Scent Kit will provide a K9 team with a pure, uncontaminated article that will help them locate that loved one quickly.

For more information, visit The Find Me Foundation website at thefindmefoundation.org.

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Dangers of Nicotine and e-Cigarettes

By Gail Cutler, DVM VCA Desert Animal Hospital

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e are all told that ‘smoking is bad for you’. But for your pet, nicotine can be fatal. The trend in electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) has made this even more apparent.

E-cigarettes work by converting nicotine solution into a vapor instead of smoke. However, the cartridges may have high doses of nicotine. Depending on the type of e-cigarette, a 1 milliliter cartridge can contain from 0 to 36 mg of nicotine. A regular cigarette contains about 12 mg, so some cartridges would be equal to three cigarettes.

It takes a small amount of nicotine to poison a pet. Just 5 mg can be toxic to a small dog or cat. The bottles of liquid used to refill e-cigarette cartridges can range from 360 mg to 2160 mg which is more than enough to be fatal to even the largest dog.

Signs of nicotine toxicity include

excessive drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, agitation, and increased respiratory rate. These can progress to disorientation, tremors, seizures, heart abnormalities, paralysis, coma, and death.

If a pet eats a regular cigarette, it can take a few hours for signs of nicotine toxicity. However, e-cigarette liquid is rapidly absorbed through the gums and skin, so signs can start within 15 to 30 minutes of exposure.

Immediate veterinary treatment is needed for nicotine toxicity. Convulsions or seizures would be managed, as well as monitoring heart and respiratory issues. Intravenous fluids will also be essential to help eliminate nicotine from the system.

VCA Desert Animal Hospital located at 4299 E. Ramon Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264. Visit www.vcadesert.com 760-778-9999

Three Keys to Having a Good Dog

By Valerie Masi Best Paw Forward

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aising a good dog or rescuing a dog—it all starts on day one. It is important to set up the rules and boundaries right from the start. Many pet owners wait too long to put rules in place, and that makes them harder to enforce.

As a family, figure out what the rules will be for your dog ahead of time.

Is your dog going to be allowed on the furniture?

Where will the dog sleep?

Do you have a certain area you would like your dog to do its business? Are you allowing the dog to jump up on you as a puppy but are not going to be happy when the pup jumps on you when he’s grown? These are the type of questions you should talk about before you bring the dog home.

Consistency is the first key to success. Dogs thrive on structure, so create structure and stick to it. Everyone who lives with the dog must stick to the rules to ensure this consistency is maintained. Everyone should be involved in the care of the dog, even if it’s just taking the dog on one walk a week. A good feeding schedule is a key element in housebreaking a puppy.

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Daily structured walks help drain your pup’s energy in a productive way. Create a boundary at your front door, and teach the dog to stay behind that boundary when door is open.

If you practice this daily, your dog will never run out the door when people are coming and going. Teach your dog that calm behavior gets them attention, not excited behavior. Stay consistent, and your dog will approach you and your guests appropriately.

Exercise is another key element to training. Dogs need two kinds of exercise: structured and play. It is important to teach your dog to walk in a structured heel position, as this teaches a dog self-control. The dog is keep-

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ing himself in the proper position and, in doing so, is working his mind, which is far more draining than excited walks, where the dog is out front, crisscrossing in front of you and marking every tree it finds. People tend to feel bad if they don’t let their dogs, as they say, “be dogs.” A dog can smell all the scents it passes by without putting its nose to the actual scent, so don’t worry about your dog missing out on all those marvelous scents in the world. In fact, allowing the constant nose to the ground behavior causes the dog to stay in a very excited state of mind, which in turn distracts the dog from its connection with you. The best compromise is the sandwich technique: Always start your walks with structure. Then, find a halfway point or a special place the dog likes and release the dog from its heel position. Allow the dog to smell, potty,

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roll around … whatever the dog enjoys doing, as long as it does not pull on the leash. A dog should always respect the end of the leash for your safety and its own. After playtime is over, go back to structure for the walk back home.

Even when you play with your dog, add some structure. During a game of fetch, have your dog sit and stay, throw the toy, tell the dog to fetch, and then have your dog bring the toy to you and drop it. That is how you add structure to a game of fetch—and it’s still fun!

It’s the same with tug of war. Allow your dog to tug until its behavior escalates to a too-excited state. Then ask the dog to drop it. This teaches your dog to not escalate its behavior past a certain point and to listen to your command when it does. There are no bad games to play with your dog, as long as you include structure in them.

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Socialization is the third key to a well-behaved dog, so put your puppy in a well-structured puppy play class.

Puppies need to play with others to learn proper social behavior, very much like children do in preschool.

But socialization isn’t just for the puppy stage—it’s for life. A social pup can turn antisocial if it does not get out of the house or yard to play with others as an adult. Dogs are social creatures that were bred to perform certain behaviors, which means that some dogs need more socialization than others.

It’s never too late to socialize a dog. If you rescued an adult dog who exhibits antisocial or shy behavior, contact a reputable trainer who has a lot of experience with this particular problem before attempting to socialize your dog

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yourself. Walk your dog in different areas, exposing them to different sights, sounds and smells, as well as different types of people. The more things you expose your dog to, the more balanced he will be.

If you follow these three keys you will have a social, well-behaved and balanced dog that you can take everywhere, one that people will not be bothered by, and one you can be proud to have with you. And that means you and your dog will have a fuller life together!

Valerie Masi, owner of Best Paw Forward, can be reached at 760-885-9450 or visit www. bestpawforwarddogtraining.com.

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FALL 2016

Exotic Animals Need Specialized Care At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, wild animals stay wild

A

s tempting as it might be to adopt an exotic animal—one that is super cute or that you’ve never seen before— there is a long list of reasons why this isn’t a good idea, for you or the animal.

Why not get that rare African tortoise, the Serval cat with the beautiful coat, or that adorable Fennec fox you saw on the Internet, which seems to be part cat, part dog, and all ears?

Each of these unusual creatures exists in the wild and was never meant to live in your home. They all have specialized needs that most pet owners could never begin to accommodate.

Only professionals are equipped to properly care for them. It’s a problem that continues to grow as pet owners look for the rarest, cutest, or most unusual animal to take home—and it has the potential to threaten the very existence of some of these species.

This article is the first in a series about the drawbacks of owning an exotic, wild animal as a pet.

Keeping It Wild

The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert, throughout its 46 years, has housed many such animals on its 1,200 acres. A zoo and botanic 34

garden combination dedicated solely to the deserts of the world, its mission is desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation.

The programs there provide environmental education, native wildlife rehabilitation, plant propagation and habitat restoration, and captive breeding of African and Sonoran Desert species, including our area’s iconic desert bighorn sheep. The organization has participated in various species reintroduction programs, including returning Arabian oryx, an antelope, to Oman, located on the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia.

Desert Tortoises in Danger

Many species of endangered animals live at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, including warthogs, lions, jaguars, giraffes, zebra, gazelles, hummingbirds, and golden eagles.

But desert tortoises, California’s state reptile, represent one of the most threatened populations at the zoo, and it’s one that they are committed to educating the public about. Wild desert tortoises face two very serious threats: being captured and contracting deadly diseases from captive, domestic tor-

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PHOTOS COURTESY THE LIVING DESERT ZOO

toises that are released into the wild by irresponsible pet owners.

For thousands of years, the wild tortoise has played a vital role in the overall health of the California desert.

Removal of these creatures from their natural habitat disrupts the delicate balance of nature in the desert and can have a serious impact on the overall population. But the greatest threat to the wild tortoise is captive desert tortoises often carry contagious diseases that are fatal to wild tortoises, especially an upper respiratory tract disease that can prove deadly. Common in captive tortoises, the disease is one of the most deadly threats to wild tortoises today.

Educating the Public

In addition to its participation in species reintroduction programs, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is home to Living Desert University (LDU), an environmental learning center with programs for all ages. Offering fun learning experiences for just about everyone, the LDU sponsors programs of on-site instruction for students, families and adults, as well as trips to destinations both local and across the FALL 2016

globe, with Namibia on the schedule for early 2017.

Want to Help?

If you’re interested in getting handson, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has plenty of volunteer opportunities for both teens and adults. Whether it’s manning the petting zoo or conducting tours, volunteers are the primary link for helping educate guests about the zoo.

Don’t miss the next article in our series, where we’ll continue to examine the difficulties of adopting exotic animals—whose very lives depend on living in the wild—as pets. And meanwhile, consider a visit to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, where you can observe and learn about these unusual wild animals as they thrive in a safe and healthy environment.

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Pet Rescue Center, Inc Article and photographs by Geoff Winstead

I

f I were to mention The Pet Rescue Center to you, you’d probably ask “which one?” If I said, “The one in Coachella,” you’d probably say you’ve never heard of it. In spite of the rather generic name, fortunately, some people know about it, including actress Cindy Williams, and they have helped keep “The Pet Rescue Center, Inc.” in the business of sheltering dogs and cats through contributions or being volunteers for the past 19 years.

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Sitting on a large property on the corner of Avenue 51 and Calhoun Street, The Pet Rescue Center, under the direction of Christine Madruga, houses up to 25 dogs at a time, from weeks old puppies to one old codger named Snoop Dog, who’s a permanent resident because he’s a grump. From the outside, one would think this place was just a nice house on a large lot (well, except for the sign out front…), but as you approach the door, you can see that this is a special place with a

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well-kept garden and a sign on the door asking you to keep your horse outside.

As we arrived, there was a woman sitting in one of the fenced yards with three dogs. She had brought her two dogs (one which she had already adopted from here) in order for them to get use to their new family member before taking him home. 10,336.

Christine directed us over to another large enclosed tree-shaded lawn area that had been set up with an obstacle/ agility course. Here I was introduced to Jim Turcott and his Papillion, Jax, as well as a couple of folks and their dogs who were there to demonstrate what they have learned under Jim’s agility course instruction.

The course was set up with several jumps, a hoop, a tunnel, an A-frame ramp, wave poles, a teeter totter and a start/end platform. According to Jim, this is the only outdoor obstacle course in the valley and is not only used for teaching purposes, but teams use it as well in order to get ready for competitions. As the dogs and owners demonstrated the course, Jim

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explained, “Agility training is a great way for an owner and a dog to bond in an activity that is fun, recreational and requires teamwork and mental discipline.� Agility exercises are good for dogs, especially those with high energy. It keeps them mentally stimulated and in good shape. Owners

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Additio nal images of The Pet Res c Center a ue re on our web site.

can get a bit of a workout as well. They must learn how to get the dogs to work the course by offering encouragement and rewarding successes.

Jim is a volunteer who teaches 6-week “agility camps” throughout the year. The course is only $100 and all proceeds are donated to The Pet Rescue Center. Jim will also be conducting puppy socialization

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classes, which are six-week courses at Venus de Fido starting in September.

Jim is not the only volunteer here, but Christine could always use a few more to help her out.

After the agility demonstration, Christine brought us into the house with wall-to-wall kennels, each decked out with clean blankets and each animal’s name on every door. “When we bring them in at night, we’ve already placed a small piece of hot dog in each kennel. They all line up at their respective ‘houses’ and can’t wait to jump in for bed time,” says Christine. When new animals arrive, they are put into a “receiving area” with other new arrivals. As they acclimate and learn to socialize, they are added to the main population in the larger fenced off area with a large patio, lawn and shaded area. Everything is well kept and clean, which is an ominous task with around 25 dogs to care for at any given time. At the time of our visit, almost all the dogs were smaller Chihuahua and terrier mixes, all wanting attention and someone to pick them and take them home.

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Back inside, I found my friend, Theo, on the floor, smitten with a huge Alaskan Malamute named Charr, who belongs to Christine’s “right hand guy,” Cole. Near the kitchen was a small enclosure on the floor with six adorable Chihuahua puppies that had been abandoned with no mother to be found. Under the care of Christine and her volunteers, these pups are healthy and starting on solid food.

As we were leaving, I opened the front door to find a woman and her two daughters just about to ring the doorbell. They were there to finalize the adoption of Chewy, a Maltese who does resemble Chewbacca of Star Wars fame in a miniature way. 10,337.

What are those two numbers about?

In the time that we were there, The Pet Rescue Center, as of this writing, has saved 10,337 dogs (as well as over 8,000 cats). Chewy was number 10,337. If you are interested in adopting, their fee is nominal and includes all vaccinations, spay or neuter, a clean bill of health from a vet and micro-chipping. If you would like to volunteer a little time or donate to help keep this vital center open on the east side of the valley, I’m sure Christine would be thrilled to hear from you. Come by for a visit. Adoption hours are from 9 – 3 M-F and 10 – 2 on Saturday. They are located at 83-496 Avenue 51, Coachella, CA 92236. For more information on the dog agility program, contact Christine at (760) 398-7722 or talk to Jim directly at (206) 380-7776. If you would like to see some of the dogs that are available, as well as get some great general dogcare information, visit their website at coachellapetrescuecenter.org.

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Celebrating 18 years of life saving love!

Adoption.

Training.

Volunteer opportunities.

We provide a safe, clean, happy place for homeless or abandoned dogs and find them the best forever homes. Since we started, we have saved over 10,200 dogs!

coachellapetrescuecenter.org 83-496 Avenue 51 Coachella, CA 92236

(760) 398-7722

petrescuecenter@gmail.com

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Hot Spots on Cats Reviewed by Rebecca Diaz, DVM The Cat Clinic

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eline hot spots are also known as acute moist dermatitis. This is a painful condition which requires veterinary treatment. If your cat is excessively licking or biting at places on her body, it may have hot spots. There are several possible causes. Narrowing them down will determine the course of treatment.

What are Hot Spots?

A hot spot is the common term for an infected sore. These sores usually appear when a cat has been biting and scratching at a particular spot that irritates it. If the skin is accidentally broken at some point, bacteria have the opportunity to invade the spot and cause an infection. The area usually becomes quite red and warm, hence the name “hot spot.” As the infection progresses, the spot loses hair, seeps pus and eventually crusts over but continues to itch resulting in even more scratching and biting, making the sore even bigger.

Common Causes

Parasitic Infestations One of the most common causes of hot spots is fleas. Flea saliva acts like an allergen, setting off the reaction. You might compare the condi40

tion to getting a mosquito bite and the maddening itchy feeling it gives you. While fleas are a common cause, other insects, such as mites (ear mites, sarcoptic and demodectic), mosquitoes, flies and ant bites can create the same reaction.

Allergies Cats can be allergic to many things in their environment. Molds, pollens, grass, cleaning products and even the chemicals commonly found in carpeting can produce an allergic reaction in some felines that causes severe itching.

Other Causes

Another possible source of hot spots is ear infections. An ear infection is itchy, so your cat scratches at the ears and some of the skin below the ear. The self-trauma from scratching can lead to a hot spot just below the ear. Ringworm infections are sometimes itchy enough to cause a hot spot to develop. A few hot spots are related to painful conditions like hip arthritis. This could cause your cat to lick and chew at the skin above the hips, causing a hot spot to form on that area.

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Food Allergies If your cat’s hot spots are not caused by any of the other potential reasons, a food allergy may be the culprit. While your vet can perform allergy testing on a cat, a diet change to speed the diagnosis and treatment may be initiated.

The vet may put your cat on a diet of venison, duck, or rabbit only to identify a possible allergen. Beef and wheat often trigger food allergies in pets.

Lack of Proper Grooming Long-haired cats tend to experience hot spots more often than short-haired cats. A thick coat will interfere with air circulation around the wound, setting up an environment for bacterial growth. Likewise, matted fur can also aggravate hot spots.

Treatment

Treatment is a two-faceted process of doctoring the wound and eliminating the underlying cause once it has been identified.

Detecting Parasites and Ringworm Even if fleas are not present at the time of the exam, their presence can still be detected by the flea dirt on your pet’s coat. It will appear like pepper 42

flecks on your cat’s skin. Since fleas are one of the most common allergens, it is possible that this can be the cause of your cat’s hot spots. Your vet will treat your cat with a flea product that is safe for felines.

Mites are more difficult to detect, so it may be necessary for the vet to examine a skin scraping under a microscope to look for them. The vet can treat your pet with miticide, if necessary.

To rule out ringworm, your veterinarian will swab the wound and do a microscopic exam. Your veterinarian can diagnose ringworm using a specialized black light. The fungus will appear fluorescent under the lamp. If it’s present, your vet will likely shave the area and apply some antifungal cream.

Determining Allergies If there is no sign of a parasitic or fungal infection, your vet may decide to test for environment allergies or food allergies. If the allergen can be identified, the next step is limiting your pet’s exposure to it.

Cleaning the Wound In order to speed healing, your veterinarian will need to clip the fur around the hot spots. Since they can be quite painful, your vet will likely muzzle your cat or sedate it, depending upon her temperament. Topical ointments and oral antibiotics may both be used to heal the wound. Depending upon the severity of the issue, your cat may have to wear an Elizabethan collar to prevent it from getting to the wounds and risking reinfection. Cats

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react differently to the collar. Your cat may hide and appear less sociable while wearing it. Unfortunately, the collar is necessary in some cases.

Prevention

In general, hot spots are not contagious, but fleas, ringworm infections and some mites can be spread from one cat to another cat. So if you have multiple pets and one gets fleas, you must treat all the pets in your home with a flea product. Some of the newer prescription flea products can also control ear mites and skin mites.

Although you can’t prevent allergies, these can usually be controlled with cortisone injections, tablets or liquid suspension. In addition, your veterinarian can refer you to a veterinary dermatologist for allergy skin testing

and immunotherapy (allergy shots) to control the allergies.

Keeping fleas, mites and allergies under control will usually prevent a reoccurrence of a hot spot. Frequent grooming and brushing will also help; however, if you notice any problem with your cat’s skin, or if your cat is frequently licking and chewing at the skin, then it is time to take your cat to your veterinarian for treatment before the skin problem becomes worse.

Fortunately, hot spots can be easily treated and prevented once a cause has been identified. In this way, you can improve your pet’s quality of life and make it much more comfortable.

Rebecca Diaz, DVM is the owner of The Cat Clinic, a feline-only veterinary clinic located at 67870 Vista Chino, Cathedral City, CA, www.catcitycat.com, 760-325-3400

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“Scruffy” Waxman the “Paws & Hearts” co-founder has joined “Lucky” at the Rainbow Bridge

By Richard Waxman

“S

cruffy” was a 15 year-old Cairn Terrier-mix who, up until early June, was the official mascot of “Paws & Hearts” Animal Assisted Therapy. “Lucky” started the organization, and a few years later, Scruffy came along. For years, Lucky and Scruffy made three weekly visits to Eisenhower Medical Center together.

The “boys” also made presentations all over the valley to health care facilities, Rotaries, service clubs, pet clubs, library reading programs, and were always at health fairs and adoption events.

Lucky passed away five years ago.

Scruffy became the lead dog of the organization, visiting Eisenhower solo for well over a year while training all the incoming dogs. Soon, “Maddie” came along, and Scruffy trained her to become a therapy dog. Scruffy always had a very gentle and quiet demeanor.

Where Lucky would almost jump up on the patient and want to kiss them, Scruffy was always the Ethel Mertz of the group, a great co-star. He would hang back, settle in beside the patient and gently lick the top of the patient’s hand. This hand kissing really became Scruffy’s trademark over 10 years of visits. That was how Scruffy conveyed that he wanted the patient to feel better.

Scruffy was adopted at our second dog walk fundraiser. Christine, from Pet Rescue, used to bring dogs for adoption 44

to our events, and that year she brought Scruffy (that was the name she had given him). What a mess he was—literally! He was a little beaten up and very scared. Apparently, a woman driving to work one day in Indio found him tied up to some discarded furniture outside of an abandoned house. She got him into her car and took him to Pet Rescue.

Scruffy had been taken out for a walk with a few other dogs and broke away and went running down Highway 111 and the poor volunteer thought he was a goner. The next morning when Christine came to open the shelter at 6:30 am, there was Scruffy, asleep on the stoop. The poor guy had found his way back and slept outside all night. Christine put him in his kennel and she said that he slept for the next two days!

When Scruffy met Lucky, magic hap-

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pened. The two boys, as they became known, hit it off immediately, and for the next nine years were inseparable.

They complimented each other beautifully. Lucky taught Scruffy how to be a therapy dog; to pick up signs the patients were giving off and how to properly respond. Scruffy’s favorite visit days at Eisenhower were Tuesdays and Thursdays. He started off his rounds by visiting patients in the Mental Health department. They were usually just finishing breakfast in their small dining room and Scruffy was allowed off-leash to visit the folks. Some of them would purposefully drop a bit of scrambled egg on the floor for him, but his favorite thing was when a patient dipped their finger in the maple syrup and let him lick it off. This was reward enough for his visits!

As much as Scruffy loved visiting seniors, he was totally animated when visiting children. It didn’t matter the age, Scruffy just moved right up, face-to-face with a child. He actually gave kisses; he would play, and let the children pet him anywhere. He always elicited a ton of smiles and thank-you’s from children and adults alike!

At the ripe old age of 14, Scruffy was diagnosed with diabetes and a few months later, Cushing’s disease.

His visits at Eisenhower had to stop because he couldn’t do all the walking, but he took over the Wednesday morning visits at the Lucy Curci Cancer Center. There he could sit on the ottoman, visit with the patients, dispense kisses, and in that little body of his, continue to

make a huge difference.

Sadly, on June 9th it was time to say good-bye and Scruffy joined his brother Lucky at the Rainbow Bridge. The last couple of months without Scruffy at home, at the office, or on visits have been pretty tough. That Big Bear will be a tough act to follow.

“Miss ya, Big Bear! You were a onein-a-million dog, and you’ve made thousands of patients smile because of your visits! Dad was incredibly proud of you!”

Our 2016 Annual Dog Walk-Fundraiser will be held in memory of Scruffy and will take place on Saturday, November 26th at the Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa. For information please visit our website, www.pawsandhearts.org or call (760) 836-1406

Please see Walkathon ad on page 81.

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In Remembrance

“Scruffy”Waxman February 2001 ~ June 9, 2016

“Scruffy” the Cairn-terrier-mix therapy dog from “Paws & Hearts” joined his brother “Lucky”

at the Rainbow Bridge last week. For any of you who had been a patient at Eisenhower Medical Center over the last 13 years, and had two terriers on the bed with you, “Scruffy” the big boy, was the one who laid at your side and licked your hand.

After battling diabetes and Cushing’s disease, for 18 months, it was time to let Scruffy go to a better place. Never has a therapy dog been as amazing as Scruffy at very quietly making patients feel better with a visit. When Scruffy heard, ‘You made my day’ he always gave a big smile! Scruffy worked right up until last week, with Friday the 3rd of June being his last visit at Lucy Curci. How he loved to jump off that ottoman, hippidyhop over to a patient, say hello, and then make a bee-line for a treat.

After all, a hello was worth a Charlie Bear in Scruffy’s book! What a career, and how many thousands of patients he touched with his gentle disposition. He leaves behind Maddie, Samantha, and a very heart-broken Dad.

Please feel free to email a note to Scruffy at, pawsandhearts@aol.com and we will post them on his Memorial Page. If you’d like to send a card or a remembrance, please address it to, Scruffy Waxman, c/o Paws & Hearts, 74-854 Velie Way, Ste. 7 Palm Desert CA, 92260.

Rest in Peace Big Bear--Scruffy, Your work as a Canine Ambassador will never be forgotten.

“Once you have had a wonderful dog, a life without one, is a life diminished.”

—Dean Koontz

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Rest in peace beautiful companion.

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BioUrn

A bio-degradable urn that grows a memorial tree.

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isa Brambilla created My Eternal Family Tree after the loss of a beloved pet. “BioUrn was born from a desire to satisfy my need to celebrate the human - animal bond, with a living memorial tree that pays tribute to my beloved family members who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge.”

The BioUrn comes in a complete kit and is simple to prepare.

The kit includes a hand made, biodegradable urn, a cotton drawstring bag for your pet’s cremated remains, soil, a SeedBead™ (a variety of trees or flowering shrubs are available), and a stainless steel marker.

The BioUrn is planted and after a few weeks of watering, the seed begins to grow. “Within weeks there’s the beginning of a new life, a memorial tree that will serve as a living tribute to your beloved family member for many years to come.”

Visit biourn4pets.com.

Pigment Changes in Dogs and Cats

By Robert Reed DVM, MSES, MPA VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital

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re you seeing spots on your dog? Is your cat’s nose turning white? You may not be imagining it.

Cats’ and dogs’ skin color can change, and it may get lighter or darker. Is it a problem? Fortunately, it usually isn’t. With luck, this discussion will shed some light on the subject, but first, we should start with a clarification of terms.

There are several terms that describe the loss or gain of pigment (see sidebar, page 50 ).

We use the terms vitiligo 48

and lentigo to define syndromes that are associated with pigment change. In terms of color, they are opposite, and many of us have heard of them, but have trouble remembering which is which. For the record, vitiligo describes a condition where pigment is lost (white or pink patches), and lentigo describes a condition where pigment is gained (black spots). Both cats and dogs can have either, but their origin and presentation differ slightly between species. www.PetCompanionMag.com

Vitiligo In both dogs and cats vitiligo results when the skin’s melanocytes (pigment-producing cells) are damaged. The precise mechanism isn’t completely understood, but we believe most of the time it results from the immune system targeting and destroying them. Interestingly, although the impact may be immune-mediated, it is not inflammatory, painful, or itchy. In both species it is likely an inherited genetic anomaly that becomes

FALL 2016

VCA Animal Hospitals Count on us for your pet’s vaccinations, wellness checkups, disease prevention, and expert medical care.

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VCA DESERT ANIMAL HOSPITAL 4299 E. Ramon Road, Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-778-9999 VCAdesert.com

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VCA RANCHO MIRAGE ANIMAL HOSPITAL PRINT CA 92270 71-075 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, 760-346-6103 VCAranchomirage.com

Business Hours Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Sat 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

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Credit: https://www.petbucket.com/blog/62789/does-your-pet-have-vitiligo.html

first apparent in young adulthood. In dogs (especially Belgian Tervurens, Rottweilers, and Dobermans), and some cats (most often Siamese) depigmentation begins around the eyes and nose, then expands over several months to cover much of the face and sometimes other parts of the body. Other symptoms are unlikely, but the cosmetic changes rarely go away. A less common,

more diffuse form of vitiligo sometimes appears in cats that creates variable patterns over the body of leukotrichia (white hair). An internet search can reveal photos of some of these unusual looking cats.

Another curious form of vitiligo can develop in dogs, where pigment disappears from skin that has been traumatized.

Weeks after recovering from a skin injury, for

Terms Used to Describe Pigment Change*

Achromothrichia Graying Hyperpigmentation Hypopigmentation Leukoderma Leukotrichia Melanoderma Melanotrichia Poliosis

instance, people may notice that their dog’s hair has grown back white in patches. Some researchers have speculated that damage to nerves or nerve endings plays a role in decreasing the function of melanocytes in these cases, but the exact cause of the change remains unknown. Again, the effect is only cosmetic, but unfortunately is often permanent.

Lentigo

Lentigo is the form of pigment change more of us are likely to encounter. Unlike vitiligo, it does not seem to involve any type of immune activity or trauma. In dogs, lentigo probably has some genetic basis, since some breeds (e.g., Dachshunds) seem more prone to it, but the origin is not fully understood.

loss of pigment in hair, which may affect only part of the hair shaft decreased pigment in the hair general increase in pigment general decrease in pigment lack of pigment in the skin lack of pigment in the hair increased pigment in the skin increased pigment in the hair premature graying or whitening of the hair

*adapted from Muller and Kirk’s Small Animal Dermatology

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Regardless of the breed, it tends to develop after maturity, in clusters or as individual black spots (lentigines) in the skin, often on the abdomen, but potentially anywhere. Vizslas and Weimeraners have a tendency to develop them around the nose.

The spots are likely to remain indefinitely, but are not likely to grow, although other spots may appear nearby. As with vitiligo, the effect is only cosmetic.

Cats have a particularly interesting form of lentigo that appears only in individuals with orange coat color (see Sidebar). Orange cat lentigines begin to form in early adulthood in the skin of the lips and eyelids, and occasionally on the ears or foot pads—essentially anywhere haired skin joins non-haired skin. At first they appear to be tiny freckles that then grow and increase in number over the life of the cat.

As an example, I once knew a 26 year-old orange tabby named Ross who had so many lentigines that his lips

Orange is the New Black:

Genetics and Coat Color in Cats.

A curious feature of cat genetics involves the determination of orange and black colors. Geneticists describe black and its various shades (black, brown, blue) as the ancestral coat color, with orange shades (red, orange, cream) developing as a mutation that was further enhanced through breeding. In cats, the gene that determines these colors is linked to x chromosomes and each x chromosome can express only one color. As a result, male cats, who have only one x chromosome, can be either orange or black, but not both (or one color mixed with white*).

Females, on the other hand, have two x chromosomes and can show both coat colors on the same individual, a trait described as tortoiseshell (or calico if mixed with white).

The hair color expressed by each skin cell is determined randomly, as one of the x chromosomes becomes inactivated during embryological development. Tortoiseshell cats, therefore, show a unique and permanent mixed distribution of color. Because of these genetic influences, orange cats are about three times as likely to be male as female, and virtually all tortoiseshell cats are female. For a male cat to express both orange and black colors it must either have a rare genetic variation (two x chromosomes and one y chromosome), or represent an anomaly of embryologic development, like a chimera, which occurs when two separate embryos fuse together. Only about one in three thousand tortoiseshell cats is male. *Piebaldism, showing patches of white, has a separate genetic influence.

Continued on page 52

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PS Dog Training

Training programs to meet the needs of your dog and satisfy your training goals, including: house breaking, obedience training (on or off leash), rally obedience, agility, and conformation training.

and eyelids were nearly completely black. It was a dramatic look.

No one knows for sure why this happens, but it is the only form of lentigo we see in cats, and it only occurs in orange ones, or in the orange haired areas of tortoiseshell or calico cats. One interesting theory suggests that the skin cells of the affected areas are prone to a mutation that causes a reversion back to the ancestral black color. It was mutation of the same gene that created the orange coat color in the first place.

Because the change occurs at a cellular level, lentigines start microscopically small and only grow as the altered cell replicates itself. Fortunately, the change has no medical consequences, and it provides a helpful indicator when estimating the age of orange cats.

Summary

Ellen Wade uses a combination of positive reinforcement, clicker training, and food/toy rewards to create an enjoyable learning atmosphere that works for your dog.

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It’s natural for pet owners to become concerned about spots (light or dark) developing on the skin, since many of us have familiarity with melanoma and other types of skin cancer. It is important to remember that vitiligo and lentigo reflect only changes in skin color. The tissue structure and appearance are otherwise the same; therefore, any evidence of thickening, bleeding, or crusting may signal another condition that warrants investigation. Check with a veterinarian if you are uncertain. A biopsy of the skin is usually the simplest way to learn if an underlying problem exists.

VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital located at 71-075 Highway 111, Rancho Mirage, CA. 760-346-6103. Visit www.vcaranchomirage.com

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FALL 2016

FOR

Dogs!

Hear Doggy! Flats

These sturdy toys are made with squeakers that are out of human hearing range but within your dog’s range. Toys are made with Chew Guard Technology™ a manufacturing process that adds a tough, durable liner to every toy. Many characters to choose from and all give your pet the same enjoyment of traditional squeaky toys but spare your ears from irritating noises! www.hear-doggy.com

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Dog Mocs

These extremely durable leather dog moccasins protect your dog’s paws against heat, cold and rough terrain.

Made with American deerskin leather, allowing your dog to “feel” the ground, so it can maintain use of that all-important sense of touch as it walks or runs. 100% made in USA. Multiple sizes available to fit most dog paws.

We product tested the Dog Mocs and our dog loved them. Putting them on was as easy as slipping on a sock. It took a couple of uses to adjust the tie perfectly, but once the correct tightness was achieved, they stayed on even when running. Seemed to protect his paws from the heat and he didn’t pick-up any stickers (a first in our rocky trail hikes). www.dogmocs.com FALL 2016

www.PetCompanionMag.com

AutoDogMug

Easy-to-use squeezable water dispenser for dogs on the go. Fill it with water and bring it along in the car or on hikes. It is made to fit in the car holder; has a non-spill top; and can be squeezed with one hand. The extra water drains back into the mug. It is leak tight and patented, food safe, BPA free, includes strap for bikes and hikes. It’s made in California, too! www.highwave.com/ AutoDogMug-p/a1600.htm 53

Golden Paws

Pet Styling Academy H

a real, academically accredited, state certified and licensed school. Just like cosmetology school, you have to take classes, study, train, get tested and put in the hours before you can graduate and become a licensed pro.

The Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy Pet Stylist Program is a 300 clock hours course designed for those who wish to enter the field of pet styling at the professional level. Students will first study canine anatomy, pet safety, handling skills and sanitation to better their grooming foundation skills.

The course continues with the study of proper bathing, ear cleaning and plucking, drying, brushing, de-matting, combing, nails, clipper and scissor finishing. Students spend the majority of

PHOTOS COURTESY GOLDEN PAWS PET STYLING ACADEMY

ave you ever thought you would like to become a pet stylist but didn’t know how to get into the business or what kind of training it takes to become one? Are you looking to change careers or begin your career in a lucrative business that keeps growing? Did you know we have one of the best pet grooming schools right here in the Coachella Valley? Well, there is and you can become a fully trained and licensed pet styling professional at Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy in Palm Desert.

Dog grooming is one of the few recession-proof careers, because no matter what the economy, people still need their dogs taken care of. The Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy is

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PHOTOS COURTESY GOLDEN PAWS PET STYLING ACADEMY

the course practicing in a real grooming environment, learning breed profiles and finishing and pattern techniques for specific breeds. After graduating, students will have the skills to enter the job market in salons, kennels, vet clinics, mobile vans or to open their own business.

Another option for students is to become a professional Pet Styling Assistant. This course requires fewer hours (80) and is designed for students who wish to enter the grooming field as bathers and assistants to Pet Stylists.

Students will develop a strong foundation of bathing and drying skills according to breeds. They are also taught correct handling skills, pet safety and sanitation. Proper bathing, drying, ear cleaning and plucking, brushing, de-matting, combing, nail clipping and FALL 2016

anal gland expulsion are studied along with the proper use of shampoos, conditioners and therapeutic products and how to apply them according to breeds and different coats.

Having a fully accredited grooming school has been a dream of Wendy Prestigiacomo‘s for a very long time. You may already know her as the owner of The Pet Spaw in Palm Desert. Wendy has always had a life long love of animals. At the age of 15 she took a summer job as a Pet Stylist Assistant in her mother’s first salon.

At the age of 18 she attended The PIC School of Pet Grooming in Las Vegas, NV. After graduating, she moved to Palm Desert and opened her first salon. She soon realized how difficult it was to find pet stylists to employ in her business. The need was so great

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that in 1988 she opened her first pet styling school with many successful graduates over the years.

Wendy became one of the Valley’s first certified groomers in 1989 through the W.W.P.G.A. in Long Beach, CA. She is a Master Stylist and has AKC Safety Certified Groomer, AKC Safety Certified School, Certified California Professional Pet Groomer Association, International Prof. Groomers Inc., and Southern California Groomers Assoc. Skin & Coat certifications. Ms. Prestigiacomo has received intensive training in the Golden Paws Instructional Method.

The Golden Paws Program has a proven record of thousands of successful graduates in its 50 year history giving students a strong foundation to

enter the job market as a Pet Stylist or Pet Stylist Assistant. Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy is an upscale modern pet styling facility. All of their students train in a real world environment.

Students will gain knowledge from the very beginning on how to work in and be part of a professional grooming salon.

Local pet professionals can also update and improve their skills and expand their knowledge of certain dog breeds by attending Wendy’s Specific Breed Seminars.

For more information on how to become part of one of the fastest growing industries in the country, call (760) 289-8217 or visit the Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy website at www.goldenpawsca.com.

Choose a career that is recession proof and one of the fastest growing industries in the nation!

Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy is an upscale, modern pet styling facility We offer an extensive educational experience which allows the students the opportunity to train in a real world setting.

Students gain the knowledge from the very beginning on how to work in and be part of a professional grooming salon.

JOB T EN P L AC E MA B L E AVA IL

Become a Pet Stylist or Pet Styling Assistant in a short period of time

73905 HIGHWAY 111, PALM DESERT, CA 92260 WWW.GOLDENPAWSCA.COM STATE LICENSED • UNDER THE BUREAU FOR POSTSECONDARY PRIVATE EDUCATION

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S IG N U P TO DAY!

Call Today!

(760) 289-8217

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FALL 2016

FALL 2016

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Pet Grooming, Boarding, Sitting & Spas Full Service Professional Bathing & Grooming

Dogs • Cats Rabbits • Birds All Breeds Large and Small

Pet Sitting & Late Pick-up ID Tags • Training FREE Cosultation

Professional Loving Dog & Cat Grooming “Rick”-still loving his work after all these years Come see the Beautiful new grooming shop Call or Email for an Appointment K9CatGroom@gmail.com www.k9clipperandcatamaran.com

760-770-7676

HOURS: Monday-Saturday: 7:30am-6pm

67-555 E. Palm Canyon Dr. (Hwy 111) Suite F110, Cathedral City, CA 92234

760-202-4494

4771 E Palm Canyon Dr. Ste. A Palm Springs

(Conveniently located on the Palm Springs/Cathedral City Border across from Trader Joes & Target)

Bring Out Your Dog’s True Beauty Barking Beauties, the difference between just a Groom and furry art.

We Offer: Asian Fusion Styling Color Tinting Breed Specific Cuts Mud Baths and Facials Puppy/New Dog Grooming Workshops Custom skin therapy (we will work with your vet)

acial Free fervice with sn you whe n this io ment d* a

Prefer to bathe your dog yourself?

We have a Private Do-It-Yourself wash room HOURS: Tues.-Sat. 8am - 4pm

At Barking Beauties we do what we love, and love what we do!

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72216 Hwy. 111, Ste. F1, Palm Desert

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760-851-4679

FALL 2016

FALL 2016

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Pet Grooming, Boarding, Sitting & Spas

The Original and Still the Best Pet Hotel & Grooming

Where Your Dog’s Vacation Might Just Be Better Than Your Own

Open Boarding

Your boarding fees contribute to the lifetime care of 23 dogs living in our sanctuary!

• Indoor fully air conditioned and heated • Outdoor 2-acre fenced play yard with pool • All dogs carefully screened before boarding • Dogs come home happy, healthy and tired

760-328-0876

Reasonable Rates!

www.TheCanineSpa.com

760-409-9226

68100 Louisan Rd., Desert Hot Springs (Convenient location-only 8 minutes from the Freeway)

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They leave it, We retrieve it!

STARTING AT $9.75 FOR ONE DOG

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FALL 2016

Your full-service Dog Day Care, Boarding & Training Center 24-hour supervision

Outdoor play & potty breaks

Cage-free romping

Day Care

Your four legged friend will enjoy a full day of cage-free care with both human and canine companions.

Boarding

After a full day of play, your dog will enjoy a stay in their own private K9 kennel.

Training

Group classes or private sessions either in home or in our center are available.

HOURS:

M-F 7:00 am - 6:00 pm, Sat. 7:00 am - 5:00 pm

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752 Vella Rd. S Palm Springs, CA 92264 Located just 1.2 miles from the Palm Springs International Airport!

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The Ultimate Feeding Experience

The Original Mine™ Pet Platter’s unique design makes mealtime fun. The ridges and peaks of the platter naturally slow down your pet as it eats and unleashes feeding instincts and makes mealtime fun. 100% designed, sourced, and manufactured in the USA. www.minepetplatter.com

FALL 2016

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WIN ONE!

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Pet Grooming, Boarding, Sitting & Spas Tick Key

WIN ONE! Ewe-Grip Sheep Shampoo Soap Bar

Ewegurt’s hand-made sheep’s milk yogurt based shampoo soap bars are gentle, refreshing, and leave your furry companion smelling wonderful. The ingredients also include therapeutic essential oils that help itchy, dry skin heal naturally and act as a natural repellent for ticks and fleas. Ewegurt makes several different product lines including treats and essential oils. Visit ewegurt.com.

PHOTOS: WWW.GODDESSOFGADGETS.COM

WIN ONE!

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In the Summer issue, we had an article about ticks and tick removal products. We missed this great tick remover. The Tick Key is made from high-strength anodized aluminum and uses natural forward leverage to remove the entire tick, head and all, quickly and safely Tick Key is 99.9% effective on the safe removal of all sizes and types of ticks from people and pets. www.tickkey.com

WIN ONE!

Surfin’ Jack™ Leave-in Conditioning Spray

A blend of mild natural coconut oil cleansers with moisturizing sunflower seed oil plus rehydrating revitalizing coconut water add shine and suppleness to your dog’s coat. A great way to get your dog clean and smelling like summer all year round. Made in California. Lucy Pet Products support the Lucy Foundation (see ad pages 94/95). www.lucypetproducts.com

WIN ONE!

Bump it Off

Groom your cat or dog with this reusable silicone sleeve that fits on your hand in four different configurations, Fits on the palm of your hand or on your fingertips offering different positions for brushing. It has gentle silicone bristles on one side and smooth bumps on the other. Easy to clean, dishwasher safe (top rack). www. goddessofgadgets.com www.PetCompanionMag.com

FALL 2016

N E!

Expert Pet Grooming Boarding Too! Get your dog or cat looking and smelling great — pamper them with our professional grooming services! Your pet will be tenderly and professionally groomed to perfection.

Our hospitals offer boarding you can trust. It is sometimes difficult to find a boarding facility that will tend to the needs of your pet and give them the attention they deserve. Boarding at our facility is ideal, especially if your pet has certain medical conditions that require medication.

VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital

VCA Desert Animal Hospital

71-075 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage

4299 E. Ramon Road Palm Springs

760-346-6103

FALL 2016

760-778-9999

www.PetCompanionMag.com

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Shhhh!

Venus de Fido (“softly”)

By Geoff Winstead

A

“soft opening” is usually an understated, let’s see if we’re prepared and what do we need to do event that is spread by word of mouth to friends and family. But when the parking lot is full and all the streets around are packed with cars, you know that’s not the way they do it at Venus de Fido. Their soft opening was more like an epic event with local celebrities, dignitaries and even Mayor Max coming 64

all the way from Idyllwild!

While not entirely finished (mostly the outside areas at the time of this writing), this soft opening was no secret, with hundreds of people, some with their pooches, coming through the doors to explore on their own or get a personalized tour

by Lorie Loftis or Lindi Biggi. From the foyer with its lofty Italian-style hand painted dome to the unique salt cave that can

relieve so many physical problems by removing bodily toxins or private massage/physical therapy and personal salon/ grooming rooms in the back, guests were treated to something new around every corner.

Young men in togas delivered drinks from the soon to be completed café, and hors d’oeuvres stations were in abundance. At one point you could get a massage while receiving

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services information from the masseuse about Venus de Fido’s fitness programs that include large or small group exercise programs to personal trainers as well as mind and body classes such as meditation sessions, yoga and tai chi.

The very impressive village-like inside dog area is flanked by the resident dog groomer on one side and the exercise machine room and indoor squash court on the other. All can FALL 2016

be viewed from an upstairs observation area. The large interior dog area provides training classes from Dream Dogs, play groups and other events. The future outdoor dog park is designed for socialization for both pets and their owners, providing on and off leash training, educational workshops and more all under the watchful eyes of their trained dog guardians. The doggie daycare area wasn’t www.PetCompanionMag.com

quite finished, but when it is, Venus de Fido will be where your dog wants to visit every day. This will be a safe and fun way for your pet to get exercise and social stimulation while keeping it from being bored at home and getting into trouble or crying all day while you’re shopping or at work.

Both the men’s and women’s changing rooms exude a feeling of luxury with marble counters 65

and showers along with wood-faced lockers, seating areas and access to the outdoor spa and eating areas. The beautifully appointed boutique harbors unique merchandise that allows you to take the spa experience home with you.

All personnel at Venus de Fido, whether taking care of you or your pet companion, are trained and certified in their field.

Everyone who arrived that day seemed to gasp at the vastness and beauty that met their eyes the second they walked through the door. Loving All Animals presence was felt with several adoptable

66

small dogs stealing future doggie-parents’ hearts. There was a little something for everyone at this “soft” opening and everybody had a smile on their face.

As I was leaving, the concierge area seemed to be very busy with impressed guests already signing up to join this one of a kind spa for both dogs and their humans. There is so much to see and do at Venus de Fido, you really need to stop by and take a tour at 73600 Alessandro Drive in Palm Desert. For membership information, visit venusdefido.com or call 760-834-7070.

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B

arkingham has great activities available for your dog, including an agility course, a swimming pool and group training. Drop your furry companion off for a day or for overnight boarding (Palm Desert only).

Daycare

Offering social daycare or private accommodations for your pet. After a day of play, they come home content and relaxed.

Social daycare requires temperment testing before being able to play.

We have cat suites and bird boarding available too.

Boarding

Our luxury hotel and day care has been designed to carefully take our guests’ comfort into consideration. For overnight stays, our suites are beautifully laid out with plush elegance and relaxing amenities. We also offer the latest technology to keep you and your pet connected.

Grooming

We groom and pamper dogs of all sizes, coats and temperaments.

Our expert groomers will pamper your dog: message, mud baths, skin treatments, trim their nails and send them home looking like a show dog!

Pet Hotel at Barkingham Palace 34-550 Spyder Circle / Dinah Shore Dr., Palm Desert, CA 92260

760-537-1172 www.PetHotelCalifornia.com

Training, seasonal outdoor pool and agility course for your dog

Training

We offer many other programs to help you manage your dog easier.

A more obedient and well socialized dog is more fun to have around. These include on-site individual training (in our facility) and group classes. If you are experiencing any behavioral issues, please ask to speak to our training specialists and we will set up an appointment for a free consultation.

Nutrition and more!

Lori Weiner is now a certified Clinical Pet Nutritionist (CPN), and will be available to consult with clients on proper nutrition for their pet, in particular, pets with health issues. Call to schedule an appointment.

Certified Pet Nutritionist

Be sure to visit the website for California Paws Rescue (www.CaliforniaPawsRescue.org).

CPR is a 501c3 nonprofit rescue for dogs and cats. You may just see a photo of a furry friend you want to take home.

costumes I

WIN ONE! Event & Halloween costume contest see ad on page 79

Photos page 70 courtesy Spoiled Dog Designs

f you enjoy Halloween and dressing up your furry companions, there are many costumes to choose from.

Here’s a sampling of available costumes. Stop by the College of the Desert’s Street Fair and check out the selections at Desert Pampered Pets or Spoild Dog Designs. Of course, both businesses also carry a wide selection of every day wear and functional wear too!

HALLOWEEN HEADQUARTERS FOR YOUR PET.

Function To Fashion For Dogs 2 to 200 Pounds College of the Desert Street Fair Saturdays and Sundays www.spoileddogdesigns.com

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WIN ONE!

WIN ONE!

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Courtesy Desert Pampered Pets

AKC Pet Costumes has launched a line consisting of 7 terrifyingly cute costumes for canines this 2016 Halloween season.

Available in small, medium and large, there are seven costumes to choose from: Devil, Wonderdog, Shark, Monkey, Pumpkin, Elephant and Troll. Whether your pup is a mischievous devil or a playful wild monkey, there’s a costume to fit every dog’s personality best. Visit www.bhpetgear.com.

Courtesy Desert Pampered Pets

AKC Pet Costumes

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OM MAY O

VANT • NEW R E

special events in Idyllwild that you will want to attend in September, October and November.

To mention only a few, mark your calendars with these events:

R

X • IDYLL MA

IL D

’S P U BLI C

S

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W

Hello Everyone!

FR S I am Mayor Max, the official Mayor of Idyllwild. I happen to be a three-year-old Golden Retriever, and I am Idyllwild’s second Mayor. The first Mayor of Idyllwild was my uncle, Mayor Max The First.

As Idyllwild’s Mayor, I wanted to share with you some great information about Idyllwild and why it is such a remarkable place to visit and to live. There is always something wonderful going on in Idyllwild.

On any day you can experience the extraordinary beauty of Idyllwild’s pristine, clean outdoor mountain environment that refreshes your soul. We have world-class restaurants for the best dining experiences (breakfast, lunch and dinner), shopping at outstanding stores and galleries, as well as live musical entertainment at restaurants and other venues. Idyllwild has many popular sporting activities that include hiking, biking, mountain climbing, fishing, and more. On top of that, we have the most wonderful and friendly people that are genuinely delighted to be in communication with you. Plus, I am proud to say that we are very pet-friendly!

You can also visit with the Mayor (that’s me!) and my Deputy Mayors, Mitzi and Mikey, whenever you come to Idyllwild. To arrange a visit, simply call my office at 951-659-0283. We will come right out to greet you!

Also, as we turn toward the fall and holiday season, we have some very

19th Annual Art Walk and Wine Tasting—If

you love art and you love wine, this is the event for you.

On Saturday, October 8, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, The Art Alliance of Idyllwild is hosting 18 of Southern California’s favorite wineries at art galleries and other locations around Idyllwild. To get your tickets or find out more about this wonderful event, call 951-692-6135 or check out this link: www.artinidyllwild.org/ event-2284287

3rd Annual “HOWL & YOWL” Musical Benefit—If you love music and

want to support Living Free Animal Sanctuary, join them on September 24, from 11 a.m. to 4 pm. It is perfect for the whole family! World-class music, Big Dev’s BBQ, beer, wine, vendor booths, hayrides... and the many rescued, adoptable animals of Living Free. Featuring Honey County with Dani Rose, Leeann Skoda and Devon Jane, Black Swan with Don Reed, Jason Powers, and Michael Thomas. Tickets are $15. Children 12 and under are free! Visit www.living-free.org for more information.

Halloween, The Idyllwild Great Pumpkin Parade & Carnival—On

October 31, visit Idyllwild to celebrate

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FALL 2016

Halloween. Come in costume or just come to enjoy the very creative costumes you will see (for people and their pets) at this festive and spirited event. The Halloween Parade begins at 4:15 pm and is followed by a carnival from 5-8 pm with fun booths and activities for everyone. Many businesses stay open and have candy to share with everyone!

Idyllwild’s 56th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony—Idyllwild’s biggest

event of the year is our Tree Lighting event.

It is always held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. This year, the event is on November 26. It’s an all-day event that culminates with a one-hour musical performance that begins just before sundown. Our 100-foot-tall Sequoia is lit with over 5,000 lights. Special holiday

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booths are set up to provide fun activities and holiday shopping opportunities. All of the stores stay open to help you start and finish any holiday shopping needs you may have. Christmas carolers sing throughout the town, and Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire truck to meet individually with more than 400 children at Santa’s workshop.

It is a truly special event that takes you back in time. We call it “An Olde-Fashioned Christmas.”

Please join us for this wonderful and charming day.

There are many other events that take place in Idyllwild, daily.

By internet searching “Idyllwild California events 2016,” you will find information about these events. Take a look whenever you can. There will be the perfect event for you. Of this, I am certain!

Idyllwild is a beautiful, kind, and loving place. Please know that we are always happy to see you at any time. Should you ever have any questions about Idyllwild, please call the Mayor’s office at any time, again at 951659-0283. We can’t wait to hear from you and meet you on your next visit. Come soon! We will count the days.

Love always and with all my heart,

Mayor Max Your dear and devoted Public Servant of Idyllwild

www.PetCompanionMag.com

FALL 2016

Lake Arrowhead Area Resources Lake Gregory Regional Park

Boarding Double Dog Ranch, Crestline, CA www.DoubleDogRanch.com (909) 338-8383 Groomers Doggie Styles, Lake Dr, Crestline, CA 92325 (909) 338-5329 Head To Tail Pet Grooming, 23966 Springwater Rd., Crestline, CA 92325 (909) 338-5407 Lauren’s Grooming, 27219 Highway 189, Blue Jay, CA 92137 (909) 337-5077 Jeani’s Mobile Grooming (909) 522-0111 Retail & Pet Stores Three Dog Bakery, 28200 Highway 189, Suite T240, Lake Arrowhead, CA www.threedog.com/three-dog-bakerylake-arrowhead (909) 337-3157 Open 7 days

Veterinarians Rimforest Animal Hospital, 1299 Bear Springs Road, Rimforest, CA 92378 www.rimforestanimalhospital.com (909) 337-8589 Hours: M-Sat 8 am-5 pm Arrowhead Animal Hospital, 27244 Highway 189, Blue Jay, CA 92317 www.arrowheadanimalhospital.com (909) 336-6800 Hours: M-F 7:30 am-5 pm Sat 8 am-3 pm Hiking http://lakearrowheadchamber.com/ leads/hiking-guide/ Presents information on area hiking trails and rules and regulations.

Lake Gregory Regional Park/Dog Park, South Shore, Crestline, CA (909) 338-2233 2.7 mile fitness trail.

Dogs must be on a leash.

Tommy’s Pet Studio, 27177 Highway 189, Blue Jay, CA 92317 www.tommyspetstudio.com (909) 336-1061 Open 7 days

Dog Parks Cedar Glen Dog Park, 512 SR 173, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352 Fully fenced off-leash dog area with dog poop bags, surrounded by hiking trails.

Pet Shelters & Adoptions Mountains’ Humane Society, PO Box 452, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352 mountainshumanesociety@hotmail.com (909) 337-6422

Lake Gregory Regional Park/Dog Park, South Shore, Crestline, CA (909) 3382233 Half acre fenced off-leash area split for large and small dogs.

FALL 2016

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Events!

Visit us on Facebook to see photos from events and event updates or additions. facebook.com/petcompanionmagazine

September:

3rd Annual “HOWL & YOWL” Musical Benefit – Saturday, September 24, 11am – 4pm. Benefits Living Free Animal Sanctuary, (951) 659-4687, living-free.org. Perfect for the whole family! World-class music, Big Dev’s BBQ, beer, wine, vendor booths, hayrides... and the many rescued, adoptable animals of Living Free. Featuring HONEY COUNTY with Dani Rose, Leeann Skoda and Devon Jane ~ BLACK SWAN with Don Reed ~ JASON POWERS ~ MICHAEL THOMAS. Tickets are $15. Children 12 and under are free! All proceeds help save dogs and cats whose time has run out at local kill shelters. Please see ad page 73 & 74.

October:

Spay-Ghetti & No Balls Event – 7th Annual Spay-Ghetti & No Balls Pasta Dinner and Silent Auction, Thursday, October 13, 2016, 4pm - 8pm at the BG Bird Gardens, 73179 Joshua Tree Street in Palm Desert. $25 pre-sale or $30 at the door, www. lovingallanimals.org. Please see ad page 78.

Faux Fur Ball III: The Art of Love – October 22, Palm Springs Animal Shelter, 4575 E Mesquite Ave, Palm Springs. Call for details (760) 416-5718. www.psanimalshelter.org.

Please see ad page 77.

GRAVEYARD 5K & Trick-or-Treat Dash – October 29, 2016. Race start 8am, dogfriendly. 332 West Alejo , Palm Springs, CA 92262, www.palmspringsmarathonrunners. org. Please see ad page 80.

Pet Adoption Event sponsored by the College of the Desert Alumni Association Street Fair, Sunday, October 30, 2016, 7am – 2pm. Pet adoption event and Halloween Costume Contest. Please see ad page 79.

November:

Heroes Strut Walkathon Fundraiser – Saturday, November 5, 2016, 8:30am – 11:30am, Crescent Bay Park, 2000 Ocean 76

Avenue, Santa Monica, CA. Benefits Guide Dogs of the Desert. For more information, visit www.guidedogsofthedesert.org Standard Poodle Club – Monthly walk, November 5, 8:30am. Meet in front of the Gardens on El Paseo. Visit www.spoodles.org for more information.

Running Wild Wild Turkey Trot 5k race, Thanksgiving morning, November 24, 2016.

Race starts 8am, dog-friendly. Please see ad page 80.

Paws & Hearts 16th Annual Dog Walk – Saturday, November 26th, 2016, Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa, Rancho Mirage.

Registration begins at 9am, Walk kicks off at 10am. Registration forms and information at www.pawsandhearts.org, or call (760)8361406. Please see ad page 81.

December:

Standard Poodle Club – Monthly walk, December 3, 8:30am. Meet in front of the Gardens on El Paseo. Visit www.spoodles.org for more information.

Men of the Desert Fashion Show and Charity Luncheon – December 4, 2016, Agua Caliente Casino Resort & Spa. Ticket prices are $125.00 per person. 11am – 2pm. Benefits Animal Samaritans, 760.343.3477, animalsamaritans.org. Please see ad page 82.

Santa Paws 5K Run/Walk – December 17, 2016. Race start 9am, American Legion Palm Springs. Benefits Guide Dogs of the Desert, dog-friendly, www. palmspringsmarathonrunners.org.

Did we miss your event? To add your event to our calendar, please email editor@petcompanionmag.com.

Events subject to change, please check event information prior to attending.

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FALL 2016

FALL 2016

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Please join us

for the 7th Annual

Thursday, October 13 from 4:00-8:00 PM

“Hey, where did the meat balls go?”

at the BG Bird Gardens 73179 Joshua Tree St. Palm Desert

$25 pre-sale or $30 at the Door Purchase Tickets at www.LovingAllAnimals.org or by calling 760-834-7000

Advertisement sponsored by Reliable Rooong. Mention this ad with your contract, and a donation will be made to a local pet rescue organization.

ROOF TILE EXPERT

CA Roofing Contractor C-39 Lic #764608

Todd Gregory Young Owner

www.reliableroofingbytgy.com

3

Save the Date For

The “Paws & Hearts” 16th Annual Dog Walk Saturday, November 26th, 2016

SAVE THE DATE

At The Westin Mission Hills Resort and Spa, Rancho Mirage th

For the “Paws & Hearts” 16 Annual Dog Walk-Fundraiser

Registration begins at 9am, Walk kicks off at 10am

All proceeds benefit the amazing therapy visits that our group of 40 + 2-legged and 4-legged volunteers provide to Coachella Valley hospitals, long-term care facilities, Cancer and Alzheimer facilities. __________ Please plan on attending our Thanksgiving Saturday walk and raise funds in your dog’s name.

Registration forms and information Date: Saturday, November 26th, 2016 Date:on our Saturday, December 6, 2008 can be found website, www.pawsandhearts.org, Time: Registration begins at 9am. Walk at 10am or call our office at (760)836-1406.

Time: Registration begins at 9am. Walk at 10am Place: The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa

Please onplease page Forarticle information call: (760) 836-1406 Place: see The Westin Mission Hills44-45 Resort

www.pawsandhearts.org https://www.facebook.com/pawsandheartsorg

palm springs Hiking

Retail & Pet Stores

Grooming

City Parks

Bones-n-Scones 577 E. Sunny Dunes Rd., Palm Springs, 760-864-1133 www.bonesnscones.com Yes, we’ll answer any questions about your pet’s diet! Raw, dehydrated, grain-free & fresh foods, also an on-site bakery offering treats & specialty cakes.

Please see ad on p 6/7.

Bath & Brush 4771 E. Palm Canyon Dr. Ste. A, Palm Springs 760-202-4494 Please see ad on p 58.

desertmountains.org

Baristo Park Located at Calle El Segundo DeMuth Park 4365 Mesquite Avenue Frances Stevens Park 555 N. Palm Canyon Drive Ruth Hardy Park 700 Tamarisk Sunrise Park Located at Sunrise Way between Ramon Road and E. Baristo Road Victoria Park 2744 N. Via Miraleste

Ongoing Activities Market Night Thursdays, year-round downtown Palm Springs

Cold Nose Warm Heart 189 S. Palm Canyon, Palm Springs, 760-327-7747 www.coldnosewarmheart. com Cold Nose Warm Heart is an upscale pet boutique in the heart of Palm Springs Village. We carry gifts, pet supplies, treats and food.

Where Locals Go The Corridor 515 N. Palm Canyon Dr. Palm Springs, CA palmspringscorridor.com

Visit our website for additional information about the businesses listed in the directory and other local pet businesses. To be included in this list, please contact mwiegel@ petcompanionmag.com.

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Barkingham Pet Hotel California www.pethotelcalifornia.com Please see ad on p 68/69.

Alex’s Pet Grooming (760) 327-5186 Dogs World (760) 832-7736 Petco Pet Store (760) 864-1393 PetSmart Palm Springs (760) 325-9711

Treat Buddy 4751 E. Palm Canyon, South Palm Springs, 760-202-3600, TreatBuddy.com Treat Buddy specializes in high quality food, gourmet treats, beautiful and functional toys and accessories, all chosen to make every moment of your pet’s life perfect.

Please see ad on p 33.

PetSmart Palm Springs (760) 325-9711

Puppy Luv Pet Salon (760) 322-7336

VCA - Desert Animal Hospital 4299 E. Ramon Road, Palm Springs, 760-778-9999 www.vcahospitals.com/ desert Please see ad on p 49.

Petco Pet Store (760) 864-1393 www.PetCompanionMag.com

FALL 2016

Veterinarians

VCA - Desert Animal Hospital 4299 E. Ramon Road, Palm Springs, 760-778-9999 www.vcahospitals.com/ desert Please see ad on p 49.

Palm Springs Animal Hospital (760) 324-0450 Banfield Pet Hospital (760) 778-2714

Doggie Daycare

Doggie’s Day Out of Palm Springs, 752 Vella Rd. S., Palm Springs, CA 92264 760-422-6259 Please see ad on p 61.

Elite Pet Care Palm Springs Elite Pet Care is locally owned & operated by Joan Demiany and her team of professional pet sitters. Doggie Daycare is located in the Movie Colony area of Palm Springs. 760-320-4710 Please see ad on p 63.

Guardian Pet and Home Care, 760-238-1612 www.guardianpetandhomecare.com.

Please see ad on p 61.

The Grand Paw 368 S. Palm Canyon Dr., Palm Springs, 760-327-8200 Please see ad on p 59.

See page 92 for a listing of local pet sitters, trainers and other pet service providers who serve multiple cities.

PHOTO ©KARIANDCAREY.COM

Palm Springs Dog Park

3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way (behind City Hall) Contact Public Works, (760) 323-8117 www.ci.palm-springs.ca.us/city-services/dog-park

Located directly behind Palm Springs City Hall, the Palm Springs Dog Park is a 1.6 acre park where dogs can run free and their owners can socialize in a beautiful environment.

Palm Springs Dog Park features grass, trees, awnings, a smaller fenced-off area for smaller dogs, recycled picnic benches & trash bins, pooper scoopers, 11 antique fire hydrants (canine bathroom facilities!) and dual-drinking fountains made to accommodate both the lowto-the-ground pooches and their taller owners!

Everyone is expected to clean up after their pet and see that their dogs exhibit appropriate behavior.

The park is open daily 6am–10pm & closed noon–3pm, Tuesdays and Fridays.

Resources

Palm Springs Animal Shelter 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Palm Springs, CA 92264 (760) 416-5718 Programs Pet Adoption & Transfers placement@psanimalshelter.org Pet Food Bank, Autumn Corrow petfoodbank@psanimalshelter.org Fix-A-Friend Spay & Neuter Clinic, info@psanimalshelter.org Animal Control can be reached at 760-323-8151.

FALL 2016

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cathedral city - rancho mirage City Parks

Retail & Pet Stores

Cathedral City

Pet Oasis

Century Park 69908 Century Park Drive Panorama Park 28905 Avenida Maravilla Second Street Park 68-752 Buddy Rogers Avenue Town Square 68-701 Avenida Lalo Guerrero Rancho Mirage Blixseth Mountain Park Located east of the Magnesia Storm Channel and the Rancho Mirage Elementary School off Mirage Road Magnesia Falls MiniPark Located north of Rancho Mirage Elementary School Michael S. Wolfson Park DaVall and Frank Sinatra Dr. (adjacent to the Whitewater wash) Rancho Mirage Community Park 71-560 San Jacinto Drive Currently closed to the public for renovations through January 2016.

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Pet Oasis 72877 Dinah Shore Dr. (across from Clark’s Nutrition), Rancho Mirage, 760-3240980. Our mission is to provide you with top-quality food and supplies for your pet companion.

Please see ad on p 3.

Grooming

K9 Clipper & Catamaran 67-555 E. Palm Canyon Dr. (Hwy 111), Ste. F110, Cathedral City, 760-770-7676, www. k9clipperandcatamaran. com. Ensure your pet always looks good at K-9 Clipper & CATamaran. 40-plus years of experience. New facility. Dog and cat grooming. Please see ad on p 58.

Grooming With Love 760-328-4523

The Canine Spa Pet Hotel & Grooming 760-328-0876 68766 Perez Rd, Cathedral City, CA 92234, www.

TheCanineSpa.com Since 1976, we’ve provided the finest individual care experience for your pets while you are away. Open 7 days.

Please see ad on p 60.

VCA - Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital 71-075 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, 760-346-6103 www.vcahospitals.com/ rancho-mirage Our hospital offers grooming services to keep your pets feeling and looking their best.

Please see ad on p 49.

Veterinarians Desert Pet Grooming PAWS DOWN, THE BEST AROUND!

67850 Vista Chino, Ste. 107

(in the Rio Vista/Stater Bros.

Shopping Center) Cathedral City, 760-322-8508 www.DesertPetGrooming.net New owners. Renovated and great new groomers. Bring your furry friends.

www.PetCompanionMag.com

The Cat Clinic 67870 Vista Chino, Cathedral City, 760-325-3400 www.catcitycat.com, A feline only veterinary clinic dedicated to keeping your cats and kittens healthy with quality care in a stress-free environment. Please see ad on p 43.

FALL 2016

Cathedral City Dog Park

68752 Buddy Rogers Ave., Cathedral City VCA - Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital 71-075 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, 760-346-6103 www.vcahospitals.com/ rancho-mirage. Your pet’s health is our top priority.

Please see ad on p 49.

Carter Animal Hospital 760-324-8811

Southwest Veterinary Clinic 760-770-3380

Pet Boarding & Daycare

VCA - Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital 71-075 Highway 111 Rancho Mirage, 760-346-6103 www.vcahospitals.com/ rancho-mirage Our hospital offers dog boarding you can trust. Our doggy day care keeps your dog well cared for and supervised throughout the day, while engaging them in playful and meaningful activity.

Please see ad on p 49.

The Cathedral City Dog Park has two sides, one for big dogs and the other for small dogs.

Both sides are spacious with plenty of room for dogs to run, play ball or catch a Frisbee.

Open everyday between dawn and dusk.

Resources

Animal Control for both Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage is a function of the Coachella Valley Animal Campus.

Animal Control Riverside County Animal Services, 72-050 Petland Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644 Cathedral City dog license information only, please contact: (760) 770-0353

Car Dealerships

Palm Springs Subaru 67925 E/ Palm Canyon Dr., Cathedral City, 760-318-4700 www.palmspringssubaru. com.com, Subaru loves pets and pets love Subaru, stop by and see why!

Please see ad on back cover.

Pet Friendly Resorts

The Westin Mission Hills Golf Resort & Spa 71333 Dinah Shore Dr. Rancho Mirage (760) 328-5955

The Canine Spa Pet Hotel & Grooming 760-328-0876 68766 Perez Rd, Cathedral City, CA 92234, www.

TheCanineSpa.com Please see ad on p 60.

FALL 2016

See page 92 for a listing of local pet sitters, trainers and other pet service providers who serve multiple cities.

Visit our website for a listing of pet-friendly lodging and dining.

Visit our website for additional information about the businesses listed in the directory and other local pet businesses.

To be included in this list, please contact mwiegel@ petcompanionmag.com.

www.PetCompanionMag.com

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palm desert Retail & Pet Stores 73-910 Hwy 111, Ste. C Palm Desert, 760-340-2663 www.bonesnscones.com Whether you are searching for dry or canned, raw, organic or freshly prepared items, we are your pet’s health food store!

Please see ad on p 6/7.

Cold Nose Warm Heart 77920 Country Club Drive, Suite 6-8, Palm Desert, (760) 345-8494, www.coldnosewarmheartspa.com

Desert Pampered Pets College of the Desert Street Fair, Lot 1 Space 208, Saturdays and Sundays, , 7am–2pm desertpamperedpets.com shari@dgpamperedpets.com 760 -760-341-1918 Fashion to Fun for Dogs of all sizes. Official Sports Apparel NFL, NBA, NCAA, MLB, NHL Toys and Treats Made in America. Harnesses, Leads, Clothing, Gifts and much more for your “Pampered Pet” Please see ad on p 71.

Spoiled Dog Designs College of the Desert Street Fair, Lot 2 Space 222, Saturdays and Sundays, 7am–2pm, 760-482-1877 www.spoileddogdesigns.com, customerservice@spoileddogdesigns.com Function to Fashion For Dogs 2 to 200 Pounds. Regular and Custom Sizing. Harnesses, Clothing, Carriers, Accessories, Travel Gear, Toys, Gifts and lots more.

Please see ad on p 70.

Grooming

Barking Beauties 72216 Hwy. 111, Ste. F1, Palm Desert, 760-851-4679.

Dog grooming and private DIY self-wash room.

Please see ad on p 58.

Venus De Fido 73600 Alessandro Drive Palm Desert, California 92260 (760) 834-7050, venusdefido. com. A health and wellness luxury spa for pets and their people.

Please see ad on p 64-67.

Creative Dog Grooming 760-674-3337 Ritzi Rover Pet Grooming 760-341-4133 Super Mutts 760-776-9201

Barkingham Pet Hotel California 34-550 Spyder Circle, Palm Desert, 760-537-1172 www.pethotelcalifornia.com Please see ad on p 68/69.

Cold Nose Warm Heart 77920 Country Club Drive, Suite 6-8, Palm Desert, (760) 345-8494, www.coldnosewarmheartspa.com 88

The Pet Spaw 73-911 Hwy 111, Palm Desert, 760-346-3461, www. thepetspawpalmdesert.com At the Pet Spaw, we love what we do and we’re passionate about dog grooming!

Please see ad on p 57.

www.PetCompanionMag.com

You Dirty Dog 760-779-5525

Veterinarians

Country Club Animal Clinic 36869 Cook St., Palm Desert 760-776-7555 www.countryclubdvm.com Independently owned by Dr. Lillian Roberts, Country Club Animal Clinic sets the pace for FALL 2016

exceptional care and service to our patients and their people.

Please see ad on p 11.

PHOTO ©KARIANDCAREY.COM

Animal Hospital Of Desert 760-568-5151 Palm Desert Pet Hospital 760-568-9377

Pet Boarding & Daycare

Palm Desert Dog Parks Barkingham Pet Hotel California 34-550 Spyder Circle, Palm Desert, 760-537-1172 www.pethotelcalifornia.com “Your pets ultimate vacation spot!”

Pet Taxi available from the Palm Springs area to our Palm Desert Facility. Please see ad on p 68/69.

Civic Center Park Northeast corner of Fred Waring Drive and San Pablo Avenue Freedom Park 77400 Country Club Drive Joe Mann Park 77810 California Drive adjacent to the Palm Desert Country Club Homeowners Association University Dog Park 74802 University Park Drive Cahuilla Hills Park 45825 Edgehill Drive

Venus De Fido 73600 Alessandro Drive Palm Desert, California 92260 (760) 834-7050, venusdefido.com Please see ad on p 64-67.

Compounding Pharmacy

Town Center Compounding Pharmacy 72-624 El Paseo, Ste. 1A, Palm Desert, 760-341-3984 Can formulate your pet’s medicine into a paste, pill, capsule or liquid for easier dosing.

Please see ad on p 2.

FALL 2016

Cap Homme / Ralph Adams Park 72500 Thrush Road Visit Palm Desert’s website for information about each park: www.cityofpalmdesert. org/Index.aspx?page=543

Resources

Animal Control and licensing for Palm Desert is a function of the Coachella Valley Animal Campus.

Animal Control Riverside County Animal Services, 72-050 Petland Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644

www.PetCompanionMag.com

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indian wells to indio Dog Training Facility Dream Dogs 45090 Golf Center Parkway Unit B, Indio, 760-899-7272, www.dreamdogs.com.

Scheduled classes and by appointment only A Positive Approach to Training Your Pet. We offer the highest level of professionalism, equipment and products.

Please see ad on p 17.

Desert Feed Bag 83558 Avenue 45 # 1, Indio (760) 342-6602 desertfeedbag.com

Grooming Paws & Reflect

(in Village Park Animal Hospital) 51-230 Eisenhower Dr., La Quinta, 760-564-3833 www.VillageParkAnimal Hospital.com Please see ad on p 25.

Veterinarians

Village Park Animal Hospital 51-230 Eisenhower Dr., La Quinta, 760-564-3833 www.VillageParkAnimalHospital.com, A full-service, small animal veterinary hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical and dental care for the life of your pet.

Please see ad on p 25.

Retail & Pet Stores

Pet Oasis Pet Oasis 42-220 Washington St., Bermuda Dunes (next to Home Goods), 760-345-3199 Our mission is to provide you with top-quality food and supplies for your pet companion.

Please see ad on p 3.

Paws & Reflect (in Village Park Animal Hospital) 51-230 Eisenhower Dr. La Quinta, 760-564-3833 www.VillageParkAnimal Hospital.com Please see ad on p 25.

The Grand Paw 51750 Jackson St., Indio, 760-398-9900. www.thegrandpaw.com Please see ad on p 59

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The Grand Paw 51750 Jackson St., Indio, 760-398-9900. www.thegrandpaw.com Please see ad on p 59.

VCA All Creatures Animal Hospital 78-267 Highway 111 La Quinta, 760-564-1154, www.vcahospitals.com/allcreatures-ca Please see ad on p 23.

VCA - Valley Animal Medical Center 46920 Jefferson St., Indio, 760-342-4711, www. vcavalleyemergency.com

www.PetCompanionMag.com

VCA All Creatures Animal Hospital 78-267 Highway 111 La Quinta, 760-564-1154, www.vcahospitals.com/ all-creatures-ca. We provide comprehensive veterinary care for all species of critter.

Please see ad on p 23.

VCA - Valley Animal Medical Center 46920 Jefferson St., Indio, 760-342-4711, www. vcavalleyemergency.com, We are a 24-hour, full-service veterinary hospital and emergency animal medical center in Indio.

Animal Samaritans 760-343-3477 Desert Dunes Animal Hospital 760-345-8227

FALL 2016

Pet Boarding & Daycare

desert hot springs Pet Boarding & Daycare

The Grand Paw 51750 Jackson St., Indio, 760-398-9900. www.thegrandpaw.com, Whether you’re looking for pet boarding or doggie day care, your precious pooch will receive the best in pet care at The Grand Paw. Please see ad on p 59.

VCA All Creatures Animal Hospital 78-267 Highway 111 La Quinta, 760-564-1154, www.vcahospitals.com/ all-creatures-ca. We provide comprehensive veterinary care for all species of critter.

Please see ad on p 23.

VCA - Valley Animal Medical Center 46920 Jefferson St., Indio, 760-342-4711, www. vcavalleyemergency.com, We offer boarding and daycare, call for information or to make a reservation.

Kats Hotel for Dogs & Cats www.dssbykat.com, 760-460-1047 Please see ad on p 60.

FALL 2016

Furrst and Furrmost 68100 Louisan Rd. Desert Hot Springs, 760-409-9226, www.furrstandfurrmost.com, Treat your best friend to a doggone great vacation. By boarding your dog with us, you’ll be provided extraordinary service at great rates. Your dog comes home happy, healthy, and tired!

Please see ad on page 60.

Veterinarian

Animal Hospital of Desert Hot Springs 13700 Palm Drive Desert Hot Springs 760-251-1400

Dog Parks Mulligan Dog Park - Indio 45355 Van Buren St., Indio Pioneer Dog Park - La Quinta 45-130 Seeley Dr., La Quinta Fritz Burns Park - La Quinta Corner of Calle Sinaloa (Ave. 52) and Avenida Bermudas near the tennis courts

Resources

Animal Control and licensing is a function of the Coachella Valley Animal Campus.

Animal Control Riverside County Animal Services, 72-050 Petland Place, Thousand Palms, (760) 343-3644

Pet Rescue Organizations The Pet Rescue Center 83-496 Avenue 51, Coachella, (760) 398-7722, coachellapetrescuecenter.org. ”Celebrating 16 years of life saving love!”

Please see ad on p 39. www.PetCompanionMag.com

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valleywide services

The list below includes businesses that do not necessarily have a brick & mortar location but provide services for the Coachella Valley.

Mobile Veterinarian Veterinarian on the Run Mobile veterinarian 760-898-2627 vetontherun.com

Pet Clubs

Kennel Club of Palm Springs kennelclubpalmsprings.org The Coachella Valley Dog Club www.cvdogclub.com Standard Poodle Club www.spoodles.org

Pet Sitters & Pet Waste Removal Service

Elite Pet Care Palm Springs Elite Pet Care is locally owned & operated by Joan Demiany and her team of professional pet sitters. Doggie Daycare is located in the Movie Colony area of Palm Springs. 760-320-4710 Please see ad on p 63.

Guardian Pet and Home Care, 760-238-1612 www.guardianpetandhomecare.com.

Please see ad on p 61.

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Got Dooky?

866-229-9289, www.gotdooky. com. Founded in 2007, Got Dooky? provides homeowners and their communities with year round professional pet waste removal service. Browse our site to learn more.

Please see ad on p 60.

Paws & Hearts, 760-836-1406 www.pawsandhearts.org Please see ad on p 81.

Pets at Rest, 818-388-8867 www.rabbisally.com Please see ad on p 47.

Trainers

Retail

Find ‘em Scent Kit 855-346-3368 findemscentkit.com Toni’s Animal Art tonisanimalart.weebly.com 505-690-3996 Please see ad on p 15.

Best Paw Forward Valerie Masi, 760-885-9450 www.BestPawForwardDogTraining.com Please see ad on p 32.

Grooming School

Dream Dogs Lori Wainio-Carman 45090 Golf Center Parkway Unit B, Indio, 760-899-7272 www.dreamdogs.com Please see ad on p 17.

Golden Paws Pet Styling Academy 760-289-8217 Please see ad on p 56.

PS Dog Training Ellen Wade, 760-365-2628. www.psdogtraining.com Please see ad on p 52.

Services

Resources

Paws for Reiki 802-780-7977, Ann Moureau, M.S. Please see ad on p 57.

Farmers Insurance 760-485-3320, Christina Gutierrez www.PetCompanionMag.com

Living Free Animal Sanctuary 54250 Keen Camp Road, PO Box 5, Mountain Center, CA 92561 (951) 659-4687 living-free.org Please see ad on p 73.

FALL 2016

yucca valley Boarding

Training

Blue Barn Ranch (Horse Boarding Stable) 3070 Yucca Mesa Rd, Yucca Valley, 760-965-6019, bluebarnranch.com

Dog Park

Joshua Tree Pet Resort 63381 Quail Springs Rd, Joshua Tree, 760-9740218, www.joshuatreepetboarding.com

Grooming

The Posh Pooch 56734 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, 760-369-0528, theposhpoochsalon.com Dirty Dog-O-Mat 7305 Apache Trail, Yucca Valley, 760-365-7985, dirtydogomat.com Sandy Paws Pet Grooming 7324 Pioneertown Rd, Yucca Valley, 760-2281233, sandypawsgrooming.org Doggie Style Pet Grooming 55595 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, 760-820-1240, doggroomingyv.com Josie’s Dog Grooming 56881 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, 760-228-2127 Petco Pet Store 58713 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, 760-228-3264

Veterinarian

Companion Animal Clinic 7332 Pioneertown Rd, Yucca Valley 760-228-1474 www.companionanimalclinicca.com VCA Yucca Valley Animal Hospital 57185 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, 760-365-0641 www.vcahospitals.com/yucca-valley

FALL 2016

PS Dog Training, Ellen Wade, 760-365-2628, Providing positive, individually tailored dog training services to California’s High and Low Desert areas. Please see ad on page p 52.

8490 Warren Vista Ave, Yucca Valley

Resources

Morongo Basin Humane Society 4646 Sunview Ave (760) 366-3786 www.mbhumanesociety.com Animal Action League 62762 Twentynine Palms Hwy. Joshua Tree, CA 92252 (760) 366-1100 Provides low cost, quality spay/neuter services for cats and dogs. Our mobile clinic travels throughout the Coachella Valley and Morongo Basin bringing services directly to the communities where pets most desperately need help.

Joshua Tree National Park Dogs in Parks Regulations: Although many national park visitors enjoy the companionship of their dog pets when on vacation, dogs are not a beneficial addition to natural ecosystems such as those found in Joshua Tree National Park.

While dogs, when accompanied by their owners, are allowed in the park, their activities are restricted by the Code of Federal Regulations: Pets must be restrained on a leash that does not exceed six feet in length, or otherwise be physically confined at all times.

36CFR 2.15 (b)(2): Leaving a pet unattended and tied to an object is prohibited.

36CFR 2.15 (b)(3): Pets are prohibited on trails and beyond 100 feet from legally open roads and campgrounds. Excerpted from: www.us-parks.com/joshua-tree-nationalpark/dogs-in-parks.html

www.PetCompanionMag.com

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Don’t Don’t Sit. Sit. Don’t Don’t Stay.

Stay.

Never Never Roll Roll Over.

Over.

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