Pet Me Magazine Winter Edition 2017

Fall 2017

Your Guide To All Things Pets

PLUS: Pet Dish or Petri Dish?

17th Annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair The Changing Animus for Cannabis & Much More!

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to good homes

Pet Me! Magazine™ FALL 2017

Awesome

Adoptables

Meet six incredible dogs at Best Friends Pet Adoption Center. Throughout October, adoptions are just $25 for any dog six months or older.

All dogs are fixed, vaccinated, micro-chipped and ready to go home with you immediately!

Located at 15321 Brand Boulevard, Mission Hills. Open daily from noon to 8 p.m.

For more information, visit www.bestfriendsla.org or call (818) 643-3989.

HUCK

WONDER WOMAN

GOOBER

Handsome Huck is a happy-go-lucky guy who loves everyone he meets! He’s also an active and energetic fella that’s always up for a long walk or play time in the yard, but can also lounge around at home. Huck is smart and enjoys learning new things, especially when praise and treats are involved, plus he’s a world class snuggle buddy.

Huck has been waiting a long time to find his special someone. Would that be you?

Wonder Woman has superhero powers. She’s so cute, she’ll melt the hardest of hearts. She’s so spunky, she’ll get you into great shape. She’s so cuddly, she’ll have you wrapped around her little paw in no time. Wonder Woman is a great companion for any small dog lover and at just 15 pounds, would make a great pet for a small apartment or condo.

Look at this guy! Goober’s uniquely adorable face and silly antics are guaranteed to make you grin. He’s an exuberant youngster that adores people. Goober would love to be part of an active home where he can have lots of exercise, play time, and learn new tricks (he’s very smart). This dog is the definition of a good time...if you need a little more fun in your life, Goober is your guy!

TRAVIS

CHAMPION

AXEL

Travis is a friendly, fun-loving guy (just look at that smile)! He is a fabulous running/walking/hiking buddy and enjoys meeting new people. Travis is also very smart and food motivated - he loves to learn and picks up commands quickly. Travis has in-home experience and very nice manners. He’d be a fantastic best friend for an active person or family!

This handsome dog has the heart of a champion, he just needs a chance to show it. Champion can be a bit shy at first, but spend a few minutes with him and you’ll see his sweet side. Champion walks great on a leash and has good manners.

Please ask to see him outside of his kennel, where Champion really shines. Better yet, take Champion home and watch him blossom. He’d make a fabulous best friend for an experienced big dog lover.

Axel is a stocky sweetheart who thinks he’s a lap dog! He loves people and will get very wiggly when excited, which is super cute (plus, look at that adorable eyebrow!). Axel also enjoys rope toys, Kongs and play time, but most of all, he loves to snuggle and hang out. Axel would really thrive with an adopter who will give him TLC and structure. Do you fit the bill?

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2 Pet Me! Magazine™

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FALL 2017

Contents 2 Dog Adoptables 4 Master During Disaster 8 Emergency Checklists 10 Pet Dish or Petri Dish?

12 Physical Rehabilitation Treatment for Animals 14 17th Annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair 15 Therapy Dogs 16 The Changing Animus for Cannabis 19 Business Spotlight: The Animal Oracle 20-21 Cat Adoptables 20 Low Cost Vaccination Clinics 22 Directory for All Things Pets

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Natural disasters occur all over the world, and here in Southern California we’re threatened by fires year after year. While they’re terrifying for people, animals are suffering too. In this issue, we looked at some of the experiences horse owners had during last year’s Sand Fire, plus we have checklists you can refer to when handling pets during the next emergency.

For animals that are battling cancer or other pain symptoms, some veterinarians are recommending cannabis products, specifically CBD oil, for patients. We talked to the founder of VetCBD about his products and the changing world of medicinal marijuana.

Every year, Bow-Wows & Meows brings together animal lovers to find forever homes for numerous pets. I’m sure this year is no different! And if you haven’t found a furry friend to take home, be sure to check our pages for adoptables in this issue.

Our next issue will come off the press in January, so in the meantime, have a terrific holiday season. We hope your four-legged family members have a great time too!

Bridget Alves Publisher

Pet Me! Magazine

email: petadv@petmemag.com Web: www.petmemag.com PUBLISHER Bridget Alves EDITOR Martha Michael ART DIRECTOR Doug Conboy Find Us On Facebook and Twitter Pet Me! Magazine

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Pet Owner’s Emergency Guide

By Martha Michael

W

hen disaster strikes, it’s natural for people to look to their own safety. But for animals, who are powerless to aid in the effort to find their own shelter, it’s only fair for us to create a plan for their safety, as much as is humanly possible.

The American Veterinary Medical Association says that if your situation is dangerous to humans, then it’s dangerous to animals also. Do you have to evacuate with dogs, cats, snakes, or other family members? Find out, in advance, if you’re going somewhere that allows animals. Is it a pet-friendly hotel?

And if you’re using a crate, it’s best if your four-legged friend is used to traveling in a carrier before an emergency occurs.

Riders from Oak Creek Corral brought horses to safety during the Sand Fire.

Photo courtesy of Tracy Boldroff

You want to have at least one week’s supply of food and water for all of your pets, says the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Also, bring copies of your animals’ vaccination and other medical records. For a list of preparations see our checklists on pages 8-9.

Anyone who breathed a sigh of relief at the rainfall Southern California received in winter may be surprised 4 Pet Me! Magazine™

to know it may make wildfire season worse this year. Dry drought conditions are an obvious threat, but this year the rain brought up a bumper crop of green grassland, which provides fuel for fires.

Canyon Country resident Tracy Boldroff lives in Sand Canyon, an area hit with fires every few years. As a member of the Fire Safety Council and a participant in the local Safe Haven program, residents with large animals turned to Boldroff during the Sand Fire last year.

“Each and every fire or emergency situation is different, and the best laid plans aren’t always possible,” said Boldroff, owner of Oak Creek Corral, a Sand Canyon ranch with horses, goats, alpacas, and other animals. “With the Sand Fire, I happened to be visiting a friend on Live Oak Canyon when it first began. The first thing I did was let them know I had seen a fire and advised them to keep an eye on it. Then I headed to my ranch to begin monitoring the walkie-talkie issued by the Fire Safety Council.”

Within an hour, Boldroff and her daughter, Kim, received a call from her neighbor, Tita Brown, who is her first point of contact. She was asking them to help evacuate St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary, a pet adoption service in Sand Canyon.

“We spent several hours there and then returned home to continue to monitor the fire,” Tracy Boldroff said. “My

continued on page 6

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continued from page 4 daughter spent the entire night helping Tita evacuate other ranches as the fire continued to burn.”

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By the next morning, the fire was out of control, so Boldroff called a meeting of all Oak Creek Corral boarders and clients.

“We went over which horses can and cannot be ridden out of the canyon if needed,” she said. “We made sure each horse had a halter and lead rope on their stall, with the horse’s name and our phone number and address.”

The Sand Fire moved very quickly, and not long after their meeting the sheriff ’s deputies were at the gate issuing evacuation orders.

“Since we have a large number of livestock, not only horses, evacuating is a huge task,” Boldroff said. “It’s important not to use up manpower and trailers until they are clearly needed, so you do not jeopardize someone closer to danger not being able to get the resources they need. So that’s why we keep in touch with Tita, as she is usually aware of who needs what.”

Since the evacuation orders were given to the entire canyon at the same time, the roads were blocked in both directions and they wouldn’t allow any trailers into the canyon.

“That is when the equestrian community is at its best — they all come together to help one another,” Boldroff described. “With one post and one phone call, my daughter had enough riders at our ranch within 30 minutes to ride our rideable horses out of the canyon.”

Boldroff called other resources and had trailers waiting at nearby Vons Market to take the horses away from immediate

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danger. They were taken to four different locations, where you had to, then, locate hay.

“We assign one person to oversee each location and make sure we are good guests and the horses are not a burden to the gracious hosts,” she said.

Like Boldroff said, things don’t always go exactly as planned. “We did have a couple of bumps in the road; three of our horses ended up in the wrong trailer and we found them through social media,” she said. “Two of our horses were stalled together and one kicked the (expletive) out of the other, which required stitches, so that was another issue — getting a vet out to another location.”

Tracy and Kim Boldroff stayed at their ranch during the crisis to watch over the animals that couldn’t be loaded into trailers. They also made several trips to transport horses out of the canyon as the fire continued, and they checked on homes of friends who were evacuated and worried about livestock or belongings left behind.

“We also had to arrange for some of our horses to be moved three times, as the fire kept changing directions, ” Tracy Boldroff said. “Once the fire started down Ravenhill Road we were advised to leave, so we got the dogs and spent the night at our friends on Lost Canyon Road.”

Once the fire was contained, the task of bringing everyone back began.

“Going home is a bit hard, because everyone is past tired by now and the horses are uptight also,” Boldroff said. “And few people are able to take time off work to help. The days are long. But, again, the equestrian community pulls together and helps each other.”

Whether it’s a Category 5 hurricane or a Magnitude 8 earthquake, there is a potential for disaster, no matter where you live. As you plan for the safety and well-being of you and your family during these trying circumstances, remember to create a survival plan that includes your pets.

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y c n e g r Eme

Equine

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Checklists Dog & Cat (cont’d)

o Horse identification records

o Recent photographs for each

o Horse health certificate and

o Waterproof container for

o Halter and lead rope for each

o Microchip information (ex:

o Feed pans and haynets o Water buckets o Feed/hay (enough for 48 to 72

o Your contact information (phone

o Medications o Water (Consider adding a water

Water, Food, Medications

and photos

Coggins test results horse

hours)

tank to your horse trailer if you don’t already have one.)

o Hose o Broom o Apple picker/muck fork o Fly spray o Basic equine first-aid kit

Dog & Cat Documents

o Photocopied veterinary records o Vaccinations o Medical summary o Rabies certificate o Prescription for medications o Most recent FeLV/FIV test result (cats)

o Photocopied registration

information (ex: proof of ownership or adoption records)

o Pet description(s) (ex: breed, sex, color, weight)

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of your pets documents

microchip number, name and number of the microchip company) numbers and addresses for your family and friends or relatives you may be staying with)

o 2-week supply of food for each animal stored in waterproof containers

o 2-week supply of water for each animal

o Non-spill food and water dishes o Manual can opener o Feeding instructions for each animal

o 2-week supply of any medications (if applicable)

o Medication instructions (if applicable)

o One month supply of flea, tick, and heartworm preventative

Other Supplies

o Collar with ID o Litterbox and litter (cats) o Pet first-aid book and first-aid kit o Appropriate-sized pet carrier with bedding, blanket, or towel

o Toys

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Pocket Pets o Pet first-aid kit o Food o Water o Bowls o Extra collar o Extra leash o Medical records o Two-week supply of medications o Crate or sturdy carrier o Blanket o Recent photos of your pets (in case

you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)

o Toys o Disposable litter trays o Litter or paper toweling o Disposable bags for clean-up

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Pet Dish or Petri Dish?

Your Animal’s Most Harmful Foods

By Courtney M. Andrews

E

ver wonder what dangers are lurking in your home?

Common foods and additives can be dangerous for your pets. Check the list below and ensure you are keeping your precious pets safe!

Alcohol Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol.

Chocolate, Coffee and Caffeine These products all contain substances called methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee, and in the nuts of an extract used in some sodas. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death. Note that darker chocolate is more dangerous than milk chocolate.

Grapes and Raisins Although the toxic substance within grapes and raisins is unknown, these fruits can cause kidney failure. Until more information is known about the toxic substance, it is best to avoid feeding grapes and raisins to dogs.

Macadamia Nuts Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12-48 hours.

Onions, Garlic, Chives These vegetables and herbs can cause gastrointestinal irritation and could lead to red blood cell damage. Although cats are more susceptible, dogs are also at risk if a large enough amount is consumed. Toxicity is normally diagnosed through history, clinical signs and microscopic confirmation of Heinz bodies.

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Xylitol Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species, which can lead to liver failure. The increase in insulin leads to hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels). Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Raw/Undercooked Meat, Eggs and Bones Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans.

Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (a B vitamin), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Feeding your pet raw bones may seem like a natural and healthy option that might occur if your pet lived in the wild. However, this can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in, or puncture, your pet’s digestive tract.

Yeast Dough Yeast dough can rise and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. This can be painful and can cause the stomach to bloat, and potentially twist, becoming a lifethreatening emergency. The yeast produce ethanol as a byproduct and a dog ingesting raw bread dough can become drunk (see alcohol).

Courtney M. Andrews is the practice manager at Valencia Veterinary Center. You can contact the office 24 hours a day at 661-263-9000.

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Physical Rehabilitation

By Christy Leddy RVT, CCRA

A

nimal physical rehabilitation is continually growing in popularity within the veterinary community. With pet owners requesting more answers and options for their pets who are suffering from various health conditions, physical rehabilitation is opening the doorway for veterinarians to treat acute and chronic injuries.

I have worked in veterinary medicine for the last 15 years, in many areas of the field, from equine and shelter calls to emergency medicine, and now rehabilitation. I feel that veterinary medicine has made progress by leaps and bounds during that time, and many veterinary professionals are becoming more open to alternative treatments. I have fallen in love with rehabilitation medicine over the last five years, and continue to pursue that as the focus of my career.

Years ago, if your pet presented to your veterinarian with symptoms of a tendon, ligament, or muscle injury, it was 12 Pet Me! Magazine™

most likely labeled as “a soft tissue injury” and you were sent on your way with a prescription of anti-inflammatories and orders for kennel rest, in the hopes that the injury would resolve itself with time and rest. There are so many more options today in the world of rehabilitative medicine to truly treat these conditions and improve the overall health of our patients.

Over the last five years I have been working on educating the surrounding community regarding rehabilitative medicine for our pets, and our rehabilitation department here at AV Veterinary Center in Lancaster has grown tremendously.

So much so, that we are opening a brand new “rehab only” facility for the Antelope Valley and surrounding areas.

Zen Den Animal Wellness and Rehabilitation, which opened its doors in August, offers a multimodal approach for the treatment of injuries, arthritis, weight loss and conditioning. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy, cold laser therapy,

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Treatment for Animals pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, underwater treadmill, individualized exercise and nutrition plans, and manual therapy techniques are all offered to ease pain, improve mobility and strength, and improve overall quality of life.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy increases plasma oxygen concentrations, in turn saturating tissues with oxygen to reduce swelling and pain, and promote healing. Cold laser therapy stimulates cell regeneration and circulation, and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy enhances healing from injuries and wounds. The underwater treadmill strengthens muscles using the resistance of water, and buoyancy to reduce strain on the joints. Manual therapies can ease overstressed muscles, improve range of motion, and stimulate the neurologic system.

If you are interested in rehabilitation for your pet, I would definitely encourage you to discuss this interest with your veterinarian or call us for more information.

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Wows w o B l a u n n A 17th Fair t e P s w o e M &

Free Fair with $30 Pet Adoptions

People who are looking to adopt a new four-legged family member or enjoy a day of free family fun can head to Hart Park in Newhall on Sunday, October 8, 2017. Hundreds of dogs, cats, kittens, and puppies will be available for adoption at the 17th Annual Bow-Wows & Meows Pet Fair. This year’s fair, sponsored by Animal Medical Center, Ingolstadt West German Auto Specialists and Valencia Veterinary Center, kicks off at 11 a.m.

Since it began in 2000, the Valencia-based non-profit Bow-Wows & Meows, Inc. has adopted out close to 2,300 pets at its annual fairs, which draw more than 10,000 people each year. All breeds of leashed, well-behaved dogs that are up to date on their vaccinations are welcome to attend with their humans — there is no breed

14 Pet Me! Magazine™

discrimination at the BowWows & Meows Pet Fair.

“Adoption is the most humane way to bring home a new best friend and it’s the most cost-effective too,” said Yvonne (Allbee) Hanson, founder of Bow-Wows & Meows, Inc. “Many of the adoptable dogs and cats at the fair were once part of a family, so they acclimate really well to being in a home again.”

All seven Los Angeles County Animal Shelters will be offering discounted adoption fees of just $30 and their veterinary team will be on hand to answer questions from new county adopters.

Every county pet is spayed or neutered, immunized and microchipped, and ready to go home immediately. Adopters receive a special, complimentary “I’ve Just Been Adopted” bag

for their new family member, compliments of Bow-Wows & Meows sponsors and vendors.

Additional adoptions will also be available from private rescues (adoption fees and policies vary).

In 2016, Bow-Wows & Meows adopted out more than 180 dogs and cats, and Hanson hopes the fair exceeds that number this year. “Our goal is to send all the shelter trucks back empty at the end of the day,” she said. “With the community’s help, we can make that happen.”

Entrance to the familyfriendly fair is free and activities include: • The Fun Dog Show, with categories ranging from “Best Vocalist” and “Mystery Mutt” to “Pet/Owner Lookalike” at 1:30 p.m.

• 70+ Pet-Related Vendors (items and services) • Huge “Super Raffle” with prizes, at just $1 per ticket • Food Truck Court with delicious dining options (including vegan and vegetarian)

• Shopping opportunities ranging from premium pet food to pet accessories • Low-cost vaccines from TAGS (free rabies shots) • County pet license renewals Free community parking will be available in the neighborhoods surrounding Hart Park (including the Metrolink parking lots located behind the train tracks).

Local pet lovers can help the fair succeed by spreading the word about Bow-Wows & Meows via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ BWMPetFair), Instagram (BowWowsPetFair), or Twitter (@BowWowsPetFair). Hart Park is located at 24151 Newhall Ave. in Newhall.

“Social media makes a big impact by bringing more adopters to the fair, helping us save as many lives as possible,” Hanson said.

For more information, visit www.BowWowsAndMeows. org or email info@ BowWowsandMeows.org.

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Therapy Dogs

By Martha Michael

T

racy Grant has a dog that spends a lot of time in hospitals. No, he’s not being treated for any medical conditions; in fact, it’s the other way around. Her 10-year-old Maltipoo, “Cosmo,” is the one actually offering the treatment to patients there.

“Cosmo is my therapy dog,” Grant said. “He has been volunteering since he was 2.”

The human-canine team of two visits both Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and Northridge Hospital on a regular basis.

“He loves going to the Physical Therapy Department to help people get their motor skills back,” she said. “They throw a tennis ball and he brings it back to them — he’s taught himself to put the ball on the foot rest of the wheelchair (That was a proud mom moment the first time I saw him do this).”

Grant doesn’t train dogs. She and Cosmo entered the Pet Smart Therapy Dog Training Program, followed by time with another trainer before testing to be a therapy dog team.

“The dogs need to be comfortable around loud noises as well as moving gurneys and wheelchairs,” she described. “They are not allowed to bark while in the hospital.”

According to the Alliance of Therapy Dogs, the responsibilities and training of therapy dogs differs from those of service dogs, which work with disabled partners to help them attain safety and independence. Therapy dogs provide physical and psychological support to individuals in schools, hospitals, hospice situations, nursing homes and elsewhere. They interact more closely with others, whereas a service dog should not be touched and petted by passersby.

“A service dog is trained to help a specific person and a therapy dog is trained to interact with everybody,” Grant said.

Some of the practical applications for a trained therapy dog include giving children the confidence to read aloud and giving support to individuals in psychotherapy.

While almost anyone may train a therapy dog, there are standards they need to meet, as well as a registration process.

“I believe anyone can do this as long as you’re willing to put in the time to work with your dog,” Grant said. “We are always working on our skills — walking nicely on a leash, ignoring other dogs while on a walk, being social with people.”

Therapy dog owners say it’s a rewarding process, especially when they hear the responses of patients whose spirits are lifted from a visit.

“I recently received a card from a patient and her new baby thanking us for taking the time to visit while she was bedridden while pregnant,” Grant shared. “I also hear from a lot of people how their loved ones had dog visits and how thankful they were for them. People miss their pets while they are in the hospital.”

The work of therapy dogs reminds those around them that canines possess healing qualities that benefit humankind, whether they’re trained or not. That’s probably why they’re commonly referred to as man’s best friend.

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The

Animus g n i g n Cha for

By Martha Michael

W

herever you stand on the controversy surrounding the use of medical marijuana products, your pet can’t offer an opinion. What Fifi or Fido can do, however, is benefit from the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant.

How do you get a Schedule One drug for your pet, and why would you want to?

“We use this for tens of thousands of patients for pain, arthritis, and for anxiety – noise and separation anxiety,” said Dr. Tim Shu, founder and CEO of VetCBD. “And seizures in younger epileptic patients and older patients with brain tumors.”

Jennifer Oller, a veterinary technician at Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center had a 9-year-old black lab who was suffering from cancer. “She started limping on her front left paw and then I noticed a lot of swelling. I brought her in and she already had a tumor in her chest and on her leg,” she said.

She was able to treat her dog with CBD oil with positive results. She applied the oil, which comes in various flavors, on

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pieces of bread for her lab, which she lost last year.

“It really, really helped her be more comfortable,” Oller said. “She had osteocarcinoma, which is bone cancer, which is really painful. The CBD calmed her down and allowed her to live relatively pain free.”

CBD, or cannabidiol, is the oil that comes from the cannabis plant, which VetCBD sells in a concentrated liquid to accurately dose for relief from symptoms of serious diseases, such as cancer.

But there are many more applications as well, Dr. Shu said.

“You can’t just say I’m going to treat cancer with this,” he explained. “There are lots of different kinds of cancers. CBD has a lot of anti-inflammatory uses, such as skin allergies and autoimmune skin diseases.”

Many U.S. state legislatures have laws restricting the amount of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, in the source of the product.

It is the chemical compound in cannabis with psychoactive properties. The laws usually allow the use of CBD-infused oil from hemp plants, or from cannabis plants with less than .3 percent THC. The problem is, CBD with less THC can be far less effective; at least, it’s not ideal.

VetCBD sources the oil from the cannabis plant so it is only sold through dispensaries, at least for now. Pet owners actually have to have their own (human) medical marijuana recommendation, Dr. Shu said. But since California voters approved Proposition 64 last November, marijuana products are expected to be recreationally available to any adult in 2018.

“Laws have a way of lagging behind technology,” said Dr. Shu, who is a licensed veterinarian. “Fifty years ago you might’ve said, ‘We’re treating dogs with cannabis, huh? A highly addictive, Schedule 1 drug?’”

But, treating animals with cannabis is an idea that’s gaining a lot of traction, he said. Advocates in Nevada tried to pass a law allowing veterinarians to prescribe cannabis two years ago, but it was defeated.

“When it comes to pets, everyone’s thinking just dogs and cats, but we’ve had people use it for their pet pigs, birds (and) ferrets,” Dr. Shu said. “Animals and humans have endocannabinoid systems that interact with CBD and THC. There’s a recent

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discovery that animals and humans have this whole system that runs in their bodies.”

VetCBD formulates the oils specifically for the weight of the animal.

“It’s concentrated,” Dr. Shu explained. “It’s really easy to administer. An oral syringe can be dosed out to exactly what you want. It takes out the guess work for the owner.”

A lot of pets like the taste of the olive oil, he said. With olive oil, it’s a lot healthier than other oils and it’s also safe across species.

VetCBD also tests for pesticides and potency several times in the process of preparing the products.

“We make sure there’s no fungus, mold, yeast or pesticides,” Dr. Shu said, “to make sure this is a clean, safe product for your patients.”

Despite the fact that the veterinary medical board does not allow vets to prescribe or recommend any cannabis or CBD products, Dr. Shu is sold on the practice.

“Vets are patient advocates,” he explained. “They can’t speak to us, they can’t communicate the way we communicate with each other. It is our duty as patient advocates to seek new therapies.”

While he has been busy with the company in the last few years, prior to that, Dr. Shu practiced veterinary medicine for eight years in the Los Angeles area. “I worked in emergency medicine, critical care, and I came across a lot of ailments across a lot of species,” he described. “The reality is, with a lot of medication there are side effects, like non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). They can cause liver and kidney injury or GI alteration. A real testament to CBD is it can be induced with a lot of other medications.”

Certain species, such as cats, are more prone to organ injuries from the use of NSAIDs, he added. And a lot of cats develop painful arthritis when they age, which is why you see them lie around a lot.

Veterinary nurses answer the phone lines and emails at VetCBD. “They’re talking to veterinary professionals who have been out in the field who know the cannabis industry,” Dr. Shu said.

Medical professionals and patients — of all species — will see a shift in the legal use of cannabis products next year. That will make data more available, which is likely to greatly step up the pace of research. Who knows? Maybe a cure for cancer is just around the corner.

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–ROGER CARAS • Inter nal Medicine and Critical Care • Emergency and Trauma • In-House Laboratory • Digital X-Rays and CT Scanner • Class 4 Laser Therapy • Ultrasound/Endoscope • A c u p u n c t u re a n d Alternative Medicine • B i rd s , P o c k e t P e t s & Reptiles • Low Cost Spay, Neuter and Dental

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Pet Me! Magazine™ FALL 2017

Business Spotlight

THE ANIMAL ORACLE

H

ave you ever wished you could talk to your pets?

Well, Heather Graham of The Animal Oracle is here for you!

Heather is an animal communicator, a form of psychic practice that specializes in talking to your pets. She can help you understand them when you just can’t figure out what’s going on in their heads. Dogs, cats, horses, birds, you name it — if they speak, she’ll listen. Best yet, she’s local!

Animal communication can help you gain insight into behavioral issues, answer questions about their health, their thoughts and emotions, or help rescue pets settle into new homes. She helps clients when they have sick or elderly animals that are ready to leave their bodies, or tell owners what’s on their pets’ bucket list before they go. It can even improve the performance of show animals. Heather can connect to both living and deceased animals, and also bring lost pets home.

Intrigued? See for yourself what it’s all about: TheAnimalOracle@gmail.com **Most animals love to have her visit in person, but phone sessions are also available for less welcoming animals. All you need is a good picture, so bring on those bigger behavior problems without fear! ** Heather Graham TheAnimalOracle.com 661-621-2588

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Pet Me! Magazine™ FALL 2017

Rattan Meet Rattan (named “Rat” by his former family, which we changed ASAP!). This darling senior was abandoned at the Lancaster shelter. His sweet face caught the attention of one of our volunteers. We were in for quite a surprise when he arrived into foster care. He is one of the most engaging cats we have ever met! He looks into your soul with his big eyes and melts anyone’s heart. He loves to be close and craves attention, so he would do best in a home where he has company all the time. He gets along well with other cats, but we don’t yet know how he is around dogs. He is a solid, sturdy boy and doesn’t miss a meal! You can watch his YouTube videos and see just how special this senior is. Two of our long-term resident cats have been picking on him and he deserves a home where he feels comfortable to walk about and can be spoiled while spoiling his human. He is 15 years young, up to date on his shots, neutered and has tested negative for FeLV and FIV. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtz_PIQN5PA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TfWiQP-REkY Rattan is in foster care with Furever Purr Rescue.

Please contact 818-635-6473 to schedule a meeting.

Fred Meet Fred! He was left at the Lancaster shelter when his family moved away and chose not to take him with them. He is a gorgeous Siamese mix and full of personality. His stunning blue eyes are guaranteed to melt your heart. He has a clean bill of health, with one small exception; he is a diabetic kitty and requires insulin twice a day. The insulin is extremely easy to give and he has no problem with it. He would love a home in a family where he could have more one-on-one time. He’s very low maintenance and enjoys lying in front of a window in the sun or sitting next to you, cuddled up, watching TV. Fred is 12 years old, neutered, up-to-date on shots and has tested negative for FeLV and FIV. He gets along well with other cats and has been around dogs.

Fred is in foster care with Furever Purr Rescue.

Please contact 818-635-6473 to schedule a meeting.

Santa Clarita Area

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Pet Me! Magazine™ FALL 2017

Sebastian Meet Sebastian. He was rescued when his family was unable to provide vet care. As an indoor/outdoor kitty he was likely chased or hit by a car. The family reached out for our recommendation to point them in the direction of a vet care facility. They realized they were unable to afford vet care, medication or x-rays to diagnose why Sebastian was unable to walk properly. We took Sebastian in and x-rays showed that he had been living with a broken hip for two weeks. Surgery was scheduled and today Sebastian is doing fantastic. The family felt it best to sign him over to the rescue to find a home that could care for him. He is such a sweet boy! All of the doctors and every person that came in contact with him commented on his wonderful disposition. This gorgeous Orange Tabby is ready for the next chapter of his life — one where he is treasured and cherished in a safe environment where he can spoil his human. Sebastian gets along well with other cats and has been around dogs.

Sebastian is in foster care with Furever Purr Rescue.

Please contact 818-635-6473 to schedule a meeting.

Paris After living with her original family for four years, this sweetie was dumped at a HIGH KILL Shelter after a new family member moved in that didn’t want to be around cats. When a rescuer saw her at the shelter and saw how sweet she was, the plan was to find her a home.

Unfortunately, Paris does not like other kitties so it was hard to find the right home for her, and when the rescuer herself had a change of living situation, Paris found herself back at the same HIGH KILL Shelter waiting for whatever was to come next. Paris is now safe and in a foster home that will love her until she finds that purrfect family that doesn’t have any other kitties and can give her the love she deserves. She does really well with people of all ages and she lights up when kids come to visit with her at adoption events. She’s playful, full of energy and she is always purring and ready to show you love. This very special and patient girl deserves an amazing family to call her own. IS IT YOU?

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Directory

Cal Pet Crematory (310) 278-0633 (818) 983-2313 (323) 875-0633 www.calpet.com Guardian Animal Aftercare (818) 768-6465 www.guardianaftercare.com Pawpular Pet Suppliers Fox Feed 17028 Sierra Highway Canyon Country, 91387 (661) 252-9790 www.foxfeed.com Pet Supply Santa Clarita 26831 Bouquet Canyon Rd Santa Clarita, CA 91350 (661) 296-2654 Animal Control Centers Castaic Animal Shelter 31044 N. Charlie Canyon Rd. Castaic (661) 257-3191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Lancaster Animal Shelter 5210 W. Ave. I Lancaster, CA 93536 (661) 940-4191 www.animalcare.lacounty.gov Palmdale Animal Care Center 38550 Sierra Highway Palmdale, CA 93550 Rescue Organizations Visit our website for a complete list of rescue organizations Brittany Foundation Agua Dulce (661) 713-5240 www.brittanyfoundationonline.org

Pets

for all things Forgotten Angels Cat Rescue (661) 273-9822 www.forgottenangelsrescue.org Forgotten.Angels@hotmail.com Furever Purr Rescue (818) 635-6473 castaiccats@aol.com www.fureverpurrrescue.org Ratz Nest Rat Rescue (661) 303-7872 www.ratznest.weebly.com Saffyre Sanctuary (Horse Rescue) Sylmar, CA www.saffyresanctuary.org Save A Kitty, Inc. (818) 825-3096 www.SaveaKittyCA.org Shelter Hope Pet Shop Santa Clarita 24201 Valencia Blvd. #1318 Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 885-4716 shelterhopepetshop.org/ santaclarita Southern California Siamese Rescue http://cs.siameserescue.org/ St. Bonnie’s Sanctuary/ Lange Foundation 27567 Oak Spring Canyon Rd. Canyon Country, CA 91387 (661) 251-5590 http://langefoundation.com Great Groomers

Precious Pets 27737 Bouquet Canyon Road Suite 124 Saugus, CA 91350 (661) 296-2020

Trusted Vets In and Around SCV

All Creatures Veterinary Center 22722 Lyons Ave # 5 Newhall, 91321-2876 (661) 291-1121 www.wecarevets.com Canyon Country Veterinary Hospital 18840 Soledad Canyon Road Canyon Country, 91351-3772 (661) 424-9900 www.wecarevets.com Cinema Veterinary Centre 23460 Cinema Drive, Unit L Valencia, 91355 (661) 253-9300 www.cinemavet.com Golden State Veterinary Care 29629 The Old Road Castaic, 91384 (661) 670-8773 www.goldenstateveterinarycare.com Happy Pets Veterinary Center 27550 Newhall Ranch Road Valencia, CA 91355 (661) 295-9972 www.happypetsveterinary.com

Canine Country Club 20341 Blue Cloud Road Santa Clarita, 91390-1259 (661) 296-0566 www.cccofscv.com Castaic Canine Camp 36975 Ridge Route Road Castaic, 91384 (661) 257-0957 www.castaiccaninecamp.com Cindy’s Pet Sitting (661) 618-1014 Dogone-it Marlee (661) 251-3873 Dogone-it@hotmail.com Pacific Pet Sitters (661) 505-6615 www.pacificpetsitters.com Santa Clarita’s Premier Dog Lodge (661) 618-6628 honestgalpal@att.net www.hasshaus.com

Alternative Medicines & Healing Animal Oracle – Animal Communicator (203) 947-4687 TheAnimalOracle@gmail.com Sylvia Nahale Hathaway Acupressurist & Reiki Master (661) 378-8612 josephinesplace@msn.com Canine Rehabilitation

Peaceful Pets In-Home Euthanasia Services (661) 621-3750 peacefulpetsinhome@gmail.com www.peacefulpetsservices.com

Happy Pets Veterinary Center 27550 Newhall Ranch Rd. Valencia, CA 91355

Stevenson Ranch Veterinary Center 25832 Hemingway Ave. Santa Clarita, CA 91381 (661) 799-0655 www.srvc.com

Puppy Raisers

Valencia Veterinary Center 24036 Summerhill Ln. Santa Clarita, 91354 (661) 263-9000 www.bestvalenciavet.com VIP Veterinary Services 26111 Bouquet Cyn. Rd. Suite D-5, Saugus, CA 91350 (661) 222-PETS www.VIPVeterinaryServices.com

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Best Boarding Facilities & Pampering Pet Sitters

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Animal Aftercare

Pet Me! Magazine™ FALL 2017

Valencia Veterinary Center 24036 Summerhill Ln. Valencia, CA 91354

Guide Dogs of America (818) 833-6441 www.guidedogsofamerica.org

When you purchase an ad we include you in our Directory for FREE

FUREVER PURR RESCUE We are a 501(c)(3) Non Profit rescue dedicated to saving the lives of abandoned and unwanted cats and kittens. We are committed to saving those most in need. We focus on cats and kittens that are sick, injured, pregnant, unweaned or senior and surrendered to the shelter system. Visit our Amazon wish list for a complete list of items that we need the most help with. Simply type amazon.com wish list in your URL and type in the name of our organization!

Ways to

Help Sponsor a Senior or Special Needs Cat

We have several senior and special needs cats in our care.

All were abandoned at the shelter because of medical needs or behavioral issues.

Senior and special needs cat care is one of our biggest challenges and we could use your help. Your tax-deductible monthly donation allows us to provide medical care, food and supplies.

We believe that every life is precious and we are committed to caring for these precious souls that deserve a second chance for as long as they are here with us.

Sponsor one of our Unadoptable Cats Nursing moms with their kittens are often trapped or dumped by families that don’t want to care for them. Many of the moms are not socialized and often euthanized after their kittens are weaned in the shelter system.

These are two of the four lucky moms that live in foster care and will be with us furever. While these precious gems love other cats they are fearful of humans. $1.00 a day can help with food, supplies and medical needs.

Become a monthly donor

This program allows us to care for our cats in foster care. The cats and kittens that come to us are here because they were too sick or injured to remain in the shelter system. Your tax-deductible monthly donation allows us to provide vet care, food and supplies that are needed to get them well before going to their furever home.

Sponsor one of our Special Seniors Tabitha—Tabitha has been in our care for 2 years. She was abandoned by her family after 14 years and left to sit in a cold shelter cage destitute and alone for more than a month. She was brought to our attention when her time had run out. She is an absolute love! She is so friendly and sweet and she would love to be a lap cat and constant companion for some special person.

She is showing some signs of early kidney disease and with proper monitoring we will keep those kidneys healthy for as long as we can. She is provided special supplements to help with kidney function. This petite little girl will need to have her meals monitored as she can tend to have a sensitive tummy.

Rattan—Dumped by his family at 15 years old because they were moving. This boy has beautiful big eyes that will look into your soul. He is very sweet and loves attention.

Fred—This gorgeous boy was dumped at the Lancaster shelter. He was abandoned because he was not using his litter pan.

After an exam and blood work, it was determined that Fred is diabetic and requires insulin twice a day and monitoring. A vet visit by his previous family could have saved Fred from nearly losing his life in the shelter system.

Pumpkin—Came to us five years ago from the Castaic shelter at 10 years old. He was a mess! He was surrendered by his family because they were expecting a baby and didn’t want cats around. Pumpkin was dumped with his brother Oreo, who was shy and never stood a chance. Pumpkin’s aggressive attitude got him into trouble and we were asked by a volunteer to help. We decided to take a chance on him. Initially he was angry and would spit and claw so severely that the shelter thought he had neurological damage. There was nothing physically wrong with him, he was just sad because his family had abandoned him. Today he can be cradled in our arms and is a favorite, enjoying time with other kitties in foster care.

When you sponsor one of our cats you will receive a monthly update with current photo and thank you from the lucky kitty you have chosen to help.

We rely solely on donations. Your generosity means so much.

All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for helping us care for the many unwanted and forgotten little souls that are left behind.

www.fureverpurrrescue.org Castaiccats@aol.com

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Valencia Veterinary Center Pet Me! Magazine™ FALL 2017

FREE FIRST OFFICE VISIT New clients only. Not valid with emergency services.

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