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How to Catch a Leprechaun Beg, Borrow or Steal

protecting your pet from theft

The Abandoned Great Danes know what you’re getting into

Your Raw Food Questions Answered

The Cat Paradox

the Yin and Yang aspect of cats

Mast Cell Tumors

Animal Protections how Utah stacks up

MARCH 2018 | VOL. 6 NO. 7 | PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM

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ne minute I’m petting Sophie and she’s purring up a storm, anxious to be held.

Ten seconds later, she’s biting my hand, desperate to escape. Ah... cats. They are quite the paradox, as new contributing writer Dr. Shannon Hines shares with us this month.

immediately obvious. If she wanted your attention, she either bit your hand (gently), or she jumped on you.

What was cute when she was 10 pounds had clearly gotten old when she got up over 50. Within a week of having her, Trish was trained, and we had a fantastic dog. Because we knew what we were getting into.

From the small, we then jump up to the large, looking at the often abandoned Great Danes in a firsthand article by Sarah Tyler. It’s a must read if you’re considering this – or any other – large breed.

Not into dogs or cats? How about chocolate rabbits?

Who doesn’t love chocolate rabbits? This month, Cynthia Alex talks about the perfect rabbit for Easter.

And before you ask, no bunnies ate chocolate in that photo – it’s plastic.

As someone who grew up with large dogs, although not that large, I know how hard it can be to live with them. The amount of love they give in return is typically just as big, but you have to be serious about training from day one.

Ten years ago, we adopted an 18 month-old German Shepherd/Lab mix. She was a sweetie, but while we were at the shelter, the reason she’d been turned in became

Rounding this month out, we have several health articles from our experts, the answers to all your raw food questions, and a better understanding of the differences between emotional support animals, therapy animals and service animals.

Enjoy!

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Creating a Mixed Species Home An Evolutionary Perspective on Cat Nutrition Custody Battle determining who gets the pets when a marriage ends FEB 2018 | VOL. 6 NO. 6 | PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM

Last Month’s Issue

Cover photo of Shiloh & Winston

by Dawn McBride

Dawn McBride is the photographer behind the business Fuzzy Love Photography.

Named for her original fuzzy love and muse, Milo the mutt. 50% border collie, 50% husky, 100% heart thief. Specializing in pet photography, she can be found at fuzzylovephoto.com MARCH 2018 | VOL. 6 NO. 7 PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM

04 06

08

10 12

The Cat Paradox

the Yin and Yang aspects of cats

By Shannon Hines, DVM

14

The Abandoned Great Danes know what you’re getting into

By Sarah Tyler

Mast Cell Tumors

18

Ask Stetson By Tonya Landon

Advanced Veterinary Care

20

Make Mine Chocolate

22

Saying Goodbye

By Lynn McCarron, DVM

By Cynthia Alex

expanding life saving care for the animal community

By April Northstrom

Animal Protections how Utah stacks up

By Pamela Hart

Emotional, Service and Therapy Animals

By Foxi LeFierce

24 26 28

2 | PETS IN THE CITY

Beg, Borrow or Steal

protecting your pet from theft

By Temma Martin

Raw Pet Food

your questions answered

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Deborah Myers EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Kim Justen STAFF WRITERS Cynthia Alex | Aspen Anderson Tonya Landon Foxi LeFierce | April A. Northstrom Sarah Tyler CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Pamela Hart Shannon Hines, DVM Temma Martin Lynn McCarron, DVM DESIGNER Kim Justen PHOTOGRAPHER Dawn McBride CIRCULATION Lane Pellinger, Circulation Manager Available at Smith’s Grocery Store racks & all Beans and Brews locations.

SALES & ADVERTISING Deborah Myers

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ACCOUNTING Richard Beamer

PICM Disclaimer: All reader submissions and photos are voluntarily submitted without expectation of compensation.

All opinions of the authors in this Magazine are those of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher. The publisher has not confirmed the accuracy of information contained in the articles. PICM reserves the right to edit, alter, or modify the submitted article to the extent in which we deem necessary.

A RESCUE PLEA: Pets In The City Magazine is dedicated to and encourages rescuing companion animals of all types. There are thousands of animals in Utah and across our nation needing a forever home. If you are interested in rescuing a companion animal, there are over 100 animal rescues in Utah. A good resource is petfinder.com, a nationwide database for companion animals of all types.

A rescued animal can be rewarding and lead to a forever grateful love.

Pets In The City Magazine © 2017 is an independent, free monthly magazine published by PICM Publishing. For information regarding Pets in the City Magazine, visit www.petsinthecitymagazine.com Any and all articles in Pets in the City Magazine are submitted for reading enjoyment only. Please consult a professional and make wise personal decisions regarding health and safety issues of pets and family.

By Aspen Anderson

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EXPERT’S ADVICE

The Cat Paradox

By Shannon Hines, DVM

C

ats are an enigma and are viewed with a certain duality. They can be cuddly or aloof, clingy or contrary, calm or crazed.

Historically, they have been worshipped as well as demonized.

They have been honored members of households or shunned as harbingers of bad luck.

It is thought cats were first domesticated as guardians of grain stores.

But the role of cats was less one of domestication than opportunity and symbiosis. The collection of grain attracted rodents, the readily available prey attracted cats. Fewer rodents meant more grain for people. It was a mutually beneficial relationship. One that has continued to the present day.

Although cats are currently valued for their companionship, they do retain the ancestral traits and instincts that made them useful to people in the first place, in addition to appearance. Many cats resemble their wild cousins as well. It can be fascinating to watch as a playful purring kitten can transform itself into a wild-eyed stealthy predator, stalking and getting ready to pounce on some unsuspecting prey, real or imaginary.

This yin and yang aspect of the cat is what endears them to most cat lovers.

So one has to ask, why are there so many homeless cats?

It all boils down to the inherent polarity of domestication, the relationship between people and animals, or lack of relationship.

On the cat side, there are the amazing survival instincts, carried over from their ancestry. They are natural predators, nocturnal by nature and opportunistic feeders. They are surprisingly social, forming colonies as they gather near food sources, find shelter, and mate.

Cats are incredibly prolific breeders, having litters as often as twice a year in order to guarantee offspring. All of this, combined with toughness and tenacity, contributes to their survival with or without people.

Whether called alley cats, strays, ferals or community cats, they were all once – or have descended from – domestic house cats. They have had

4 | PETS IN THE CITY

to resort to the wild type in order to survive. Some are truly feral, unable to be handled safely by people, yet the vast majority are still tame but forced into desperate circumstances through no fault of their own.

Which brings us to the other side: people.

Abandonment, not getting cats altered, allowing them to roam, fight, breed and have litter after litter, intentionally or not, are all examples of a lack of responsibility on the part of people.

Some are left behind when people move, some turned out because of behavioral problems such as marking, normal in an unaltered cat, or possibly the result of a medical problem that needed to be addressed, as well as scratching new furniture, suddenly causing allergies, or a new living arrangement in which one person disapproves of the cat. Society today tends to have an “everything is disposable” attitude that extends to pets in general.

The truth is, all cats are adoptable. They may not all fit into cozy house cat niches, but due to their remarkable adaptability, there are always options.

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So what can be done?

Education and accepting responsibility are the keys.

There are numerous options available for no- or low-cost spays and neuters. We must stop adding to the already unacceptable numbers. We must stop abandoning cats, assuming someone else will take them in or that the shelter will find them a good home. Sadly, many of the cats entering shelters do not leave alive. We must educate the public about available options for veterinary care in the case of illness or injury.

We must raise and teach children to be respectful and kind to animals, instilling a sense of compassion and empathy. When children witness a parent responding cruelly to an animal, even one considered a pest, they will often emulate the behavior.

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And most of all, accept a cat for what it is: a cat. A living, breathing, feeling being, deserving of our respect and compassion.

Shannon Hines DVM is the owner of Orchard Animal Clinic, specializing in TNR, low cost cat spays, neuters, dentals, feral/community cat care and acupuncture, as well as Orchard Animal Outreach, a nonprofit dedicated to providing veterinary care for homeless animals, sick or injured shelter animals and hospice services. Orchardanimaloutreach.org.

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EXPERT’S ADVICE

Mast Cell Tumors

By Lynn McCarron, DVM

M

ast cells originate in the bone marrow and live in connective tissues, especially the skin, respiratory tract and digestive tract. Mast cells produce chemicals which can cause strong reactions in the body, including histamine, heparin and prostaglandin. They are therefore important in allergic responses, tissue remodelling, wound healing and non-allergic skin diseases. Mast cell tumors are clumps of malignant mast cells that produce abnormal amounts of these chemicals.

These tumors are quite common and are amongst the most common skin tumors seen in dogs. They may also involve the liver and spleen, and can be multiple.

Certain breeds such as Boxers, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, and Weimaraners have an increased incidence of these tumors. The average age of a dog with a mast cell tumor is about 8 – 9 years old, but they are common in all ages.

Mast cell tumors of the skin can be quite varied in appearance. They are often raised, firm, hairless, and ulcerated in appearance, but can also be soft and beneath the skin, and can mimic lipomas (fat cell tumors).

They can be present for years with recent growth or change. Most mast cell tumors show minimal to mild symptoms.

Tumors involving the skin may be itchy due to the histamine, or bleed easily due to the heparin.

Serious symptoms with widespread disease may include vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding or ulcers, decreased wound healing, heart disturbances, shock, collapse, and even death.

6 | PETS IN THE CITY

All mast cell tumors should be considered malignant due to their potential behavior and the chemicals they can secrete. Cancer specialists have worked to develop a measurement to help determine how aggressive a mast cell tumor may behave, and what the best treatment options are for a particular tumor. Tumors may be Grade I (quite benign with a good prognosis), Grade III (very aggressive with a poor prognosis), and Grade II (which may be very unpredictable). Further categorizing these tumors as low-grade or high-grade helps your veterinarian guide you in treatment options.

A simple procedure called a fine-needle aspirate or cytology involves collecting a sample of cells from a growth. Distinctive purple granules make for a relatively easy diagnosis in most cases. Grading of the tumor however, requires a tissue biopsy to help determine the behavior and aggressiveness of the growth.

The prognosis for mast cell tumors depends on the location and aggressiveness of the tumor, and the potential for metastasis. If your pet is diagnosed with a high-grade mast cell tumor, your veterinarian may recommend further tests to determine extent of metastasis, which may include aspiration of adjacent lymph nodes, ultrasonography and aspiration of spleen and liver, chest x-rays, and bone marrow analysis.

An additional test can detect a gene mutation of the tumor (c-KIT expression), which can make it more susceptible to a certain type of medication, but also make the tumor more aggressive.

For all mast cell tumors, wide surgical excision is the best therapy. If the tumor cannot be completely removed, or if metastasis is suspected, follow-up therapy consisting of radiation or chemotherapy may improve survival times. Chemotherapy is a good option for many pets. Recent studies have shown that approximately 45 – 50% of pets with incomplete tumor removal had complete or partial remission with this protocol, with only 5% having side effects requiring cessation of therapy. Other medications may include prednisone and anti-histamines such as Benadryl and/or Pepcid. Mast cell tumors are very sensitive to radiation therapy, and this is a great treatment for non-surgical mast cell tumors.

Localized delivery of radiation therapy is now available in Utah at VetMed Consultants, which is showing good promise for long term disease control from a single treatment.

Cats may also develop mast cell tumors. More than 90% of these involve the skin, and usually behave in a benign manner. Surgical removal usually results in a cure. In less than 10% of cases, cats may develop numerous skin tumors, which have spread from an internal tumor, and these cases may have a poor prognosis.

Dr. McCarron is the owner of University Veterinary Hospital & Diagnostic Center in Salt Lake City. She is board certified, specializing in canine and feline practice, and a member of the American Association of Feline Practitioners. Dr. McCarron has enjoyed serving Wasatch Front pets for more than twenty years.

PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM

Advanced Veterinary Care expanding lifesaving care for the animal community

By April Northstrom

T

aking your beloved animal companion to an emergency veterinarian is never a welcomed activity. The experience can be unfamiliar and even a bit scary. It’s important to know the facilities close to you that specialize in emergency medical care in case you need to make a midnight visit or wind up with an unplanned weekend surgery. More importantly, it’s lifesaving to know the animal experts who can diagnose, treat and monitor diseases like cancer, heart disease, and liver disease, among many others.

Advanced Veterinary Care (AVC) is located Millcreek, in the heart of Salt Lake City, and does all these things under one roof. They provide emergency and critical care for all life-threatening diseases with experts on staff who have intensive experience in their field. Their one-of-akind team uses advanced diagnostic tools and specialized monitoring equipment to keep animals safe and comfortable while in their care.

Unique to AVC’s offering is that they are certified as a Level I Trauma Facility by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, which is the highest level attainable. They do not provide ongoing veterinary care, but instead work directly with local veterinarians, around-the-clock, to ensure the best possible emergency care for your furry loved one.

AVC is expanding its current facility to provide new services for all animals. The expansion will be fully complete in 2018, with incremental improvements being made throughout the year. The need for AVC’s unique services is growing at 2 – 3 times the industry average – making it necessary to expand to meet the needs of the community. According to CEO, John Thompson, they have already installed a Toshiba CT machine, and are now state licensed to provide I-131 radioactive iodine therapy for cats with hypothyroidism.

“These [particular] cases will be treated by our board-certified internist. Also [as part of the expansion], the first floor will house the emergency, critical care and surgery departments while the non-urgent services, such as internal medicine, oncology and cardiology will be moved to the second floor. This move will provide additional exam rooms for emergencies and reduce the wait times,” notes Thompson.

When the expansion project is complete, visitors will notice shorter wait times than in the past – something the facility has taken note of as demand has increased. In addition, there will be extra exams rooms which provide added space to hire new veterinarians and specialists.

These new hires will be a significant addition in the areas of emergency and critical care – again reducing wait times and improving overall patient care.

With a host of other specialty and emergency facilities across Northern Utah, AVC sets itself apart by offering an inclusive referral facility with a complete medical team, including board-certified vets who are available 24 hours per day, 7 days per week. Since they don’t offer preventative medicine or services that pet owners can receive from their family veterinarian, they are able to focus on what they do best – emergency and specialty medical care for animals.

Finding a veterinary oncologist or a vet who is Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care is lifesaving for sick animals. What AVC offers is comprehensive, expert care all in one place. There is no need to go searching for the facility that can provide radiation treatment and another that can process and interpret blood work.

Whether your fuzzy companion has a weekend accident while out for a hike (porcupines anyone?), needs ongoing acute pain management or long-term cancer care, AVC welcomes everyone with emergency needs. If you would like to visit AVC and learn first-hand about their expansion, their staff is happy to provide tours and answer questions about their services. Information can be found at www.avcslc.net.

8 | PETS IN THE CITY

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ASK AN ANIMAL LAWYER

Animal Protections how Utah stacks up

By Pamela Hart, Animal Legal Defense Fund Are animals equally protected by the law nationwide or do their protections vary by state?

Great question! Although there are some federal laws about animal treatment, they have a very narrow scope and only apply to very specific animals and circumstances. State and local laws are animals’ main line of defense against abuse and neglect – but the level of legal protection they receive depends on where you live. Every state has animal cruelty laws, but they vary widely in strength and content.

Fortunately, there’s an easy way to compare state animal protection laws and to see how yours stacks up. Every year since 2006, the Animal Legal Defense Fund has published the “U.S. Animal Protection Laws Rankings Report,” which comprehensively surveys the animal protection laws of all U.S. states and then ranks all states by comparing their scores.

Readers in Utah may be disappointed to learn that the state landed in the bottom five at number 47. Joining Utah in the bottom five states were: 50. Kentucky, 49. Iowa, 48. Wyoming, 47. Utah, and 46. North Dakota.

The five states with the strongest animal protection laws this year were: 1. Illinois, 2. Oregon, 3. California, 4. Maine, and 5. Rhode Island.

A major reason for Utah’s low score is the “Ag-Gag” law it had on the books for most of the year. These laws “gag” would-be whistleblowers by making it a crime to record and disseminate footage of what goes on in factory farms and slaughterhouses. Other reasons for Utah’s ranking include lack of felony provisions for neglect or abandonment, failure to place any restrictions on future animal ownership following a cruelty conviction, and no statutory authority to allow protective orders to include animals.

10 | PETS IN THE CITY

That last issue – including animals in protective orders – is a good reminder of how a state’s animal protection laws help keep humans safe.

For example, nearly half of abuse victims stay in the home or delay their escape out of fear for what will happen to their companion animals. Higher-ranking states require veterinarians to report suspected animal abuse.

Identifying animal abuse early with mandatory reporting and offering protections to companion animals are key legislative elements of making animals and humans safer.

The good news is that Utah has improved since the Animal Legal Defense Fund released the first rankings report 12 years ago. During that time, Utah was among 10 states that added felony penalties – on the first offense – for cases involving extreme animal cruelty or torture. Utah also was among 22 states that instituted a statewide ban on breed-specific legislation (or “BSL”), which regulates or outlaws certain dogs based on breed alone without regard to the dog’s behavior.

Looking at the big picture, more than half of all states showed significant improvement in their animal protection laws over the last five years, and Utah was in this category, showing 2 – 10% improvement in its score. Some of the improvements made by states overall include expanding the range of protections for animals, providing stiffer penalties for abusers, granting civil immunity to veterinarians who report suspected animal abuse, strengthening legal standards of care for animals, requiring mental health evaluations and counseling for offenders, banning animal ownership after an animal cruelty conviction, and including animals in domestic violence protective orders.

If you are curious where each state landed and why, check out the full report on the Animal Legal Defense Fund’s website – aldf.org. The rankings report is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to help animals. You can use it not only to look up your state’s specific animal protection laws, but also as a starting point to talk to your elected officials about strengthening those laws. Even the top-ranked states have plenty of room for improvement. I encourage you to contact your elected officials about the importance of having strong, comprehensive animal protection laws, and remember to alert law enforcement should you ever witness animal abuse or neglect.

Pamela Hart oversees the Animal Legal Defense Fund Animal Law Program, which supports the next generation of animal lawyers and fosters the growth of animal law in legal practice.

The program collaborates with students, faculty, and school administrations to develop animal law courses and assist in forming Student Animal Legal Defense Fund (SALDF) chapters.

PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM

Emotional, Service and Therapy Animals

By Foxi LeFierce

O

ver the past few years, you may have noticed more animals identified as service or therapy dogs. The media is also covering stories on various airlines currently dealing with the influx of emotional support animals as passengers, and in some cases, denying the animals on flights as ESAs.

As the popularity of these animals has grown, questions also arise.

What is the difference between a therapy dog and a service dog? What is an emotional support animal? Are they all the same? Can any animal be one? Yes and no, but the important thing to remember is there are rules that are used to determine whether or not a person’s pet qualifies for special treatment as a service animal of some sort, or if it is, in fact, a pet.

Service Dog

The Americans with Disabilities Act essentially requires three things for a dog to be a service dog.

The person helped must have a life-limiting disability.

The dog must be trained to recognize and respond to the handler’s disability by doing either work or tasks.

The dog must not cause a disruption in public, otherwise the dog can be legally excluded. Service dogs must be both housebroken and leashed (except when the dog needs to be off-leash to provide disability-related work 12 | PETS IN THE CITY

or tasks).

Under this definition, ESAs and therapy animals do not qualify as service animals. It’s important to note that while they don’t qualify as service animals, and therefore do not have to be allowed into restaurants, etc., they do fall under the protections of the Fair Housing Act if all qualifications are met.

Therapy Dog

Unlike a service dog, a therapy dog is a pet trained to interact with many people other than its handler to make those people feel better. Therapy dogs are also trained to behave safely around all sorts of people, and are often certified. Two organizations in Utah offer therapy animal certification: Therapy Animals of Utah and Intermountain Therapy Animals. Their websites provide detailed information about the kinds of animals that may qualify for certification, as well as certification training and workshop information. Dogs, cats, birds, small animals, and even a miniature horse are current, local certified therapy teams.

A therapy dog handler is not given public access rights by any service dog laws to take the dog out everywhere like service dog users because the handler does not have a disability the dog is individually trained to mitigate. Unlike service dogs, therapy dogs are only allowed into places like hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, and libraries by prior agreement made between the facility and the therapy organization. Think of a therapy animal as the puppy in the park everyone wants to play with because it’s a puppy. Usually, it’s best not to have a dog train as both a service dog and therapy dog. This is both to ensure the dog has adequate downtime, preventing physical and mental burnout, and because service dogs are generally trained to ignore other people – the opposite of therapy dogs.

Emotional Support Animals

An emotional support animal is a companion animal who provides disability relieving emotional support to an individual, but is not necessarily trained to do so. Many of us can relate to the concept that our animals offer stress relief and emotional support. Unlike service dogs, emotional support animals do not have the same jurisdictions in public (for instance, a restaurant is not required to allow an ESA in the building), however, ESA owners do have certain legal rights in housing situations and in airline flying. A doctor or mental health professional is part of the ESA protocol, and the types of animals and travel requirements vary by airline.

If you have an ESA and plan on traveling, be sure to check with your carrier prior to travel so your ESA doesn’t have to be kenneled and fly in the baggage hold.

Both service animals and emotional support animals essentially require a prescription from your doctor or mental health provider to qualify for their status and in both cases, can be barred from places if their behavior is considered unsafe to those around them.Sadly, there are some pet owners trying to abuse the current protocols and regulations for all three categories of animals, making it much more difficult for those with true medical needs to live normal lives. In an effort to play the system, or avoid fees associated with traveling with their pet, they are negatively affecting those who require a animal counterpart.

Animals are truly wonderful and have so much to offer us whether it’s as a pet or in a working role. The next time you see a service animal or ESA, think of her as a wheelchair, rather than an animal. Because in many ways, while much more loving – and furry – than a wheelchair, they fulfill a medical need in the same way. And if you think you and your pet might be a good therapy team, do some research and take the training, so you can bring some furry love into your local nursing home or school.

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The Abandoned Great Danes know what you’re getting into

By Sarah Tyler

O

ver the summer, we adopted our first Great Dane, Lucy. She was the last of her litter and we took her home because she was not wanted by her current owner. The owner also wanted to make sure she went to a home where she’d be loved and cared for, and not given up to a shelter. There was a person in their family who wanted Lucy, but had on two previous occasions adopted a Great Dane only to drop it off at a shelter after it got to be a few months old, because it was too much dog for them to handle. Rightfully, the owner didn’t want that to happen to a third dog.

This whole concept baffled me. How could someone not know what they were getting into when they adopted a breed that ends up weighing well over a hundred pounds? I’d never had a dog of that size before, nor was I familiar with the breed. So, before we adopted Lucy, we did some research.

Surprisingly, Great Danes make great apartment dogs despite their size because they require minimal exercise. In fact, too much exercise affects them negatively and can overwork their hearts. They are also very sensitive creatures who tend to respond strongly to negative sounds, reprimands, or intense verbal commands. Typically a very docile dog, and often referred to as a gentle giant, this breed’s historical background of hunting wild boar came as a shock. In a word, Great Danes are an enigma.

But all the pieces started to fall together for me on how to interact with Lucy once I brought her home. Clearly distraught by being separated from her original home, she was terrified of even the slightest physical cue (like stepping too quickly, or grabbing her collar). Only a few months old, Lucy would scream in terror if you approached her too quickly, then run away, or urinate in fear. Her whole body would shake. The first night she was with us, she had an accident on the floor and then was so scared of what she had done that she wouldn’t come near me. When I opened the door for her, she tried to break out of our yard. I stopped her and grabbed her up in a bear hug, wrapping my whole body around her, softly reassuring

14 | PETS IN THE CITY

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her as she whimpered and yelped until she went silent.

My 2 year-old daughter came over and began stroking her neck, repeating over and over, “It’s okay Lucy, you don’t need to be scared.

You’re a part of our family now. It’s okay. You’re okay.” It broke my heart that this poor animal was so distraught. So, I continued my research to find the best way to interact with her. Speak softly, the internet recommended, be patient and keep your physical expression to any unwanted behavior slight and minimal as this breed reads between the lines and is keenly aware of their owner’s emotional state.

She’s since progressed significantly, but it’s been an uphill battle. She doesn’t do well being left alone and becomes destructive – a typical breed trait – and is so strong, she broke her crate over ten times when we started crate training. Her breed is initially a handful in training because, now as a ten month-old puppy, Lucy weighs 120 pounds, stands taller than a toddler, and takes up the whole couch. She can’t comfortably lay on the floor because of her size and gets joint pain (another typical breed trait).

But she loves our family, is gentle with our cat, inquisitive but not aggressive towards our bunny, and hassles our mutt nonstop. She is a treasure. If I had been faint at heart, I may have thrown in the towel early on because of how tricky she was to manage and train. I would have been like the thousands of others who realized they were in over their heads and dropped their pets off to be dealt with by someone else. Which, apparently happens all the time.

Great Danes are frequent shelter pets.

People don’t realize how big a 150-pound dog really is, or that they need 20 pounds of dog food a week to feed them. Perhaps they didn’t consider that since this breed is the size of a tiny horse, their poops are also horse-sized. Or on a sadder note, that they are extremely prone to a fatal medical condition called gastric dilationvolvulus that can kill them in 24 hours if left untreated, and requires a costly surgery to solve (or prevent). All of these reasons have become commonplace for shelter workers to hear.

At the end of the day, Great Dane’s make great pets, but they take work, much like most pets and you should never go into a pet adoption lightly. Do your research up front and make sure you’re committed to your new fur-baby, as you are their whole world.

WALLE

POPCORN

Male / 2 Years Old / Cattle Dog

Female / 10 Years Old / Domestic Long Hair I am a HUGE lover! I really just want a lap I can lie on for most of the day. I am a huge talker and will always meow back at you. Soft fish flavored treats are my favorite! Visit me at Salt Lake County Animal Services or email Mallred@slco.org for more information.

I’m the wiggle butt cattle dog! I’m always so happy to see everyone.

I’m great with other dogs and very playful and affectionate. For more information, visit Paws for Life Utah at pflu.org.

FLUFF N STUFF

Female / 9 Years Old / Domestic Short Hair I’m a sweet and gentle cat, looking for a home and family to call my own. My previous owners had all my feet declawed, so a peaceful and serene indoor home is ideal for me. Call Nuzzles & Co (435-649-5441) for more information.

KING TUT

Male / 10 Years Old / Egyptian Mau I’m full of personality. I’m picky with my feline friends, and like any king, I like to be in charge.

I’m also very chatty and social, and I love people who will give me lots of attention. Call Nuzzles & Co (435-608-1424) for more information.

OREO

I’m looking for my special person for me to love and protect. I’m a very affectionate lap boy, and good with other dogs and cats, but I’d prefer all the attention.

I’m shy at first, but once I warm up to you, I’m a total love. I enjoy toys and sleeping at your feet. For more information, visit Paws for Life Utah at pflu.org.

Female / 10 Months Old / Short Hair

I’m shy but sweet, and am looking for some patience and gentle guidance while I build my confidence. I know my basic commands. Visit me at Salt Lake County Animal Services or email kpacker@slco.org for more information.

CASHEW

Male / 1 Year Old / Cattle Dog/Shepherd Mix I’m a fun-loving and highenergy boy who loves to play and be active. I don’t like cats and am selective with other dogs. I’m one happy guy, but I’ll be even happier when I find my forever home. Call Nuzzles & Co (435-649-5441) for more information.

Female / 5 Years Old / Short Hair I’m just showing off “my moves” so you can see that even though I’m five years old, I’m healthy and physically fit! Rabbits can live up to 12 years. I’m litter box trained, good with cats and dogs, and would do better with someone familiar with rabbit behavior.

Call the Humane Society of Utah, 801-261-2919, ext. 295, for more information.

PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM

ROSIE

Female/ 1 Year Old / Short Hair

If you are someone who is upset with the lack of snow this winter, a snowflake could fill your needs. I’m an affectionate rabbit who does well with kids, cats, and dogs, and will keep your lap warm on snowy days.

Call the Humane Society of Utah, 801-261-2919, ext. 295, for more information.

PETER BRADY

Female / 2 Years Old / Boxer/Mastiff

PENNY

Male / 5 Years Old / Rat Terrier

16 | PETS IN THE CITY

SHY

SNOWFLAKE

Male / 2 Years Old / Rottweiler/Hound Mix I still have that puppy playfulness about me, just in the adult size. I can get a little rough when I play, so a family who doesn’t mind my play-style and can work towards helping me with basic manners is best. I do awesome with other dogs of all sizes, as well as cats, and would prefer to go to a home with another confident dog or two who I can play with and will help me navigate the world. To meet me, contact Rescue Rovers at www.rescuerovers.org.

BEETHOVEN

Male / 3 Years Old / Staffordshire Terrier Mix I’m crate, and potty trained and walk well on leash. I like other dogs who are laid back and mellow like me. I thrive in a home that’s calm. I need a family who’s willing to help build my confidence in my surroundings, so going out on adventures and doing training classes is something I’m interested in. To meet me, contact Rescue Rovers at www.rescuerovers.org.

FRANNIE

Female / 2 Years Old / Dachshund Mix I’m an adorable girl who loves to snuggle. I’m great on a leash, don’t jump, and am a lap dog. I will play when the mood strikes, though. I’m good with other dogs but prefer a home without cats.

Call Nuzzles & Co (435-649-5441) for more information.

Rosie is a perfect name for me, because I’m hopeful that someone will notice what a fun and lively rabbit I am. And to top it off, I’m litter box trained, and get along with dogs, cats and children. Call the Humane Society of Utah, 801-261-2919, ext. 295, for more information.

REMY WITH A HEMI

Male / 8 Months Old / Domestic Short Hair I’m a very active and playful kitten.

I have the loudest purrs you’ve ever heard, like a Hemi engine!

I’m friendly toward people and other cats. I enjoy all types of cat toys, especially feather wand toys and would like a forever home with another cat to keep me company.

For more information, visit Paws for Life Utah at pflu.org.

LEO

Male / 1 Year Old / Domestic Short Hair I’m a most agreeable kitten. I had to be confined for three months due to a broken leg, but rarely complained about it. Now that I’m recovered, I enjoy lounging in my kitty condo while keeping watch over my domain. I’m happy to cuddle with my people or play. I like other cats and will be happiest in a home with a cat companion and playmate. For more information, visit Paws for Life Utah at pflu.org.

CLIFFORD

Male / 2 Years Old / Greater Swiss Mountain/Golden Retriever Mix Are you an outdoor enthusiast?

Do you want a companion who can keep up and is just as excited to be outside? That’s me! I’d do best in a home with adults or older kids because at 85 pounds, I’m a big boy. To meet me, contact Utah Animal Adoption Center at (801) 355-PETS.

CAPPUCCINO

Male / Adult / Pit Bull Mix I’m a Hurricane Harvey survivor.

I’m smart and thrive on activity, whether it’s hiking in the hills, learning new tricks, playing a round of tug, or freeing my favorite treat from a particularly stubborn food puzzle. I prefer slow introductions, but once initial formalities are done, I’m all about hanging out together. Please email utahadoptions@ bestfriends.org to meet me.

MARISOL

Female / 2 Years Old / Pit Bull Mix I’m a sweet dog and have a fun loving personality. One of my favorite things is cuddling next to my humans. I am crate trained and potty trained, and love humans, especially ones that let me cuddle next to them in bed and on the couch. My Foster Mom says I need someone who can commit to training by enrolling me in group classes. I’d love to meet you! Apply today at rescuerovers.org.

JAZZY

Female / Senior / Domestic Medium Hair What really sets me apart is that I seriously can’t get enough of you.

Now maybe you’ve met friendly cats before and you’re used to a little feline affection. Oh honey, I’m way past that. We’re talking about an incurable personcrush turned up to eleven. I’m so irresistible I could make a baby panda jealous. Email utahadoptions@bestfriends.org to meet me.

AMBER

Female / Adult / Domestic Short Hair As you can see, I’m a stunner. And like so many great beauties, I’m a bit complicated. I like affection, but I’m not a lap cat. I enjoy playing with toys, but on my schedule.

The quiet life is what I truly adore.

Could I be a treasured member of your family? Email utahadoptions@ bestfriends.org to meet me.

18 | PETS IN THE CITY

There’s something in the air. You know, because your dog is pulling you from one bush to the next, sniffing everything. We all know dogs’ sense of smell is much stronger than ours, but what do they smell? In March, there’s only one thing: leprechans! In honor of their search, here’s some advice on how to help your dog catch a leprechaun.

• You will need a magnifying glass and some tweezers to help you find and pick up any clothing items you might find belonging to leprechauns.

Look for articles of clothing, such as a leprechaun’s jacket or handkerchief.

I hear they leave their jackets around a lot because they get very hot moving their pots of gold to different rainbows. They use their handkerchiefs to wipe the sweat off their foreheads and to polish their gold coins. Any other article of clothing the leprechaun has worn will work also. Once the items are found, don’t touch them with your bare hands as you don’t want to mix your smell with the leprechaun’s smell. Use the tweezers to carefully pick up and put the articles in a small bag.

• If you find it hard to find an article of clothing that was worn or used by a leprechaun, try looking for the leprechaun’s tiny foot prints (they are about 1 to 2 centimeters in length). Be careful that you don’t accidently step on the footprints as you are looking for them. Look for leprechauns next to four leaf clovers or heavily covered areas of greenery (that’s where they like to hide).

• Next, hire a dog trained to find leprechauns. The best breeds are those of Irish descent (since they are genetically proven to have a better nose for leprechauns) such as the Irish Terrier, Irish Wolfhound, Irish Setter or the Irish Glen of Imaal Terrier. Allow the dog to sniff the articles you have found or the tiny footprints and follow the dog to your leprechaun!

Some other ways that might help you find a leprechaun include; • Plant four leaf clovers and hope you are lucky enough to have leprechauns come by to admire them.

• Learn to make rainbows in your yard using water and light. Try to have the end of the homemade rainbow land in your yard and wait for a leprechaun to appear with his pot of gold.

• Study leprechaunese with Rosetta Stone for learning how to speak leprechaun. Once fluent, attend their next conference, “Fading Rainbows and Misplacing your Pot of Gold.”

• Dye yourself green and learn to dance the leprechaun jig and attend their next “Things that Shine” country dance.

Tonya Landon is a professional dog trainer with Diamonds in the Ruff. She rescued and trained Stetson, a small terrier with aggression issues, to be cast in the title role of the 2012 Stetson, Street Dog of Park City, a short film adapted from the children’s book written by Jeanine Heil.

If you have questions for Stetson, please email askstetson@gmail.com PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM

COOPER’S CORNER

Make Mine Chocolate

pets to be clasped and toted around by their young owners. A young child can easily terrify a rabbit resulting in injury to themselves or the rabbit from a bite or kick.

Rabbits are highly social and require daily interaction with their human family. They are happier with another rabbit or a wellmannered cat or dog, all spayed and neutered. Therefore, living in a home is best and will require some preparation. Being intelligent and curious animals, rabbits explore by chewing so planning for safe areas to play in and how to protect your belongings and your rabbit is crucial. A chewed wire, for instance, can cause a spark possibly killing your rabbit and causing a fire.

By Cynthia Alex

R

abbits are a familiar symbol of Easter appearing on television commercials, packages of candy and store displays. With their adorable faces, ears and twitchy noses, it’s not surprising children beg their parents for a rabbit of their own. Many parents will concede and bring home an “Easter bunny” only to find out bunnies can be challenging, live long lives, and children can lose interest. As a result, the rabbit lives a life of neglect, or ends up at animal shelters or rescue groups along with other discarded Easter rabbits.

Still others are released outside to fend for themselves, and are killed by predators, cars, or die from illness or starvation.

The Make Mine Chocolate campaign was established in 2002. The goal of the campaign is educating the public that live rabbits don’t make good Easter gifts for children, and to prevent impulse purchases.

MakeMineChocolate.org has an Interactive Bun section that is entertaining and informative. Visitors to the online Learning Center meet a rabbit named Watson in an animated setting, and select all the proper supplies he needs to be healthy and happy. It also has simple yes and no answers to questions that make you really consider if you are a rabbit person.

The symbol for the campaign is a ceramic pin in the shape of a chocolate bunny with a blue ribbon attached.

The pin, and other Make Mine Chocolate merchandise, can be purchased from the website and serves as a great conversation starter.

Along with the pin are downloadable materials with important facts to consider before bringing a rabbit home. As the name implies, the site encourages parents to purchase a chocolate rabbit or stuffed animal instead of a live rabbit.

Rabbits are wonderful pets but are commonly misunderstood. They aren’t low maintenance pets content to sit idly in their cages. Nor are they 20 | PETS IN THE CITY

Rabbits need daily exercise, regular grooming and an appropriate diet to keep them healthy. People associate rabbits and carrots, which is a good illustration because of their love for sweet foods. Knowing the proper foods – and healthy amounts of them – will keep your rabbit from becoming obese, causing other health problems. Rabbits are considered exotic pets, and veterinary care can be more expensive than a dog or cat. Go to the Interactive Bun section on Makeminechocolate.org to see if you can pick the right foods for a rabbit.

Lastly, rabbits can live as long as a large dog, so unless the parent is willing to take on a decade-long commitment, consider alternatives to a live rabbit as an Easter gift. Brightly packaged chocolate bunnies, realisticlooking toy bunnies, lavishly decorated Easter baskets, vibrant Easter eggs and colorful spring flowers are all great Easter gifts. All too often, a week after Easter, the candy will be forgotten, and sadly so will the rabbit.

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801-261-3655

Cynthia Alex has been a volunteer for the Humane Society of Utah for 23 years as an advocate for ending pet overpopulation. During that time she learned more, and became passionate about rabbits, adopting her first pair 22 years ago. She is married with two grown children, and would be an empty nester, except for their precious house rabbits, Ziggy, Lucy, Cooper and Lily.

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Avery Young, DVM In-clinic and Mobile Veterinary Medicine HOSPITAL • Dental • Radiography • Surgery • Hospitalization CARE

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SAYING GOODBYE

Kona: DockDog, World Champion, Friend 06/16/11 – 02/06/18

P

ets in the City Magazine readers fell in love with Kona a few years ago, when we first covered dock diving. Who couldn’t love the dog that brought dock diving to a family and Utah?

Kona joined the Swift family in September 2011. The four month-old puppy immediately and forever bonded with Cassie.

The following March, Kona attended his first DockDogs event. That weekend he ended up jumping around 9 feet. From that weekend on, both Kona and his family were hooked on the sport. Since then their other dogs have joined in the fun competition as well.

In May 2012, the family took off to Colorado for an event where Kona jumped about 15’. It was while they were there that it became obvious the events were more than just fun for the dogs.

Both dogs and humans were making friends and building an extended DockDog family. In June, Kona traveled to Missouri, where he jumped 24’.

It was clear he loved what he was doing, and that he had a blast with every event. Throughout the summer, there were more events, more friends made, more fun.

In 2012, Cassie took Kona to regionals in the hopes of getting a DockDogs World Championships invite. They were successful, and Kona earned a third place finish at the championship. Over the years, Kona has attended more Worlds, and became a DockDogs World Champion.

Kona was more than a jumper. He was Cassie’s best friend, and a beloved member of the family. They described him as the clown, always 22 | PETS IN THE CITY

trying to make people laugh. He was known for his smirk. Affable, he stole many hearts throughout his life.

This past August, Kona was diagnosed with cancer. Testing at Colorado State University gave grim news: the cancer couldn’t be treated. All they could do was use radiation to shrink it and buy the dog and his family some more time together.

Determined to live those last months to their fullest, the family brought Kona with them to attend one last DockDogs World Championship.

This time on the sidelines, Kona got to bask in love and attention from his DockDog family while other Team Hawaiian Chaos dogs competed. “We knew what his ending would be, but we choose to live life up instead of dwelling on how it would end,” says Swift. “He had a love for life that lasted to the end which is what we had hoped for.”

Following his diagnosis, Kona fought cancer for five months. He passed away in early February and is greatly missed by his family and friends.

The loss of this once in a lifetime dog has left a huge hole in Cassie’s heart. Never did they think when they started a fun sport together that Kona would end up so amazing, and competing strongly for years at Worlds and becoming the first, and so far only, DockDogs World Champion from Utah.

The Swift family requests donations be made in Kona’s name at www.chaseawayk9cancer.org, a fund held within the National Canine Cancer Foundation, a 501(c)3. #konahatescancer PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM

801-990-7422 • 9486 S. Union Square (700 East), Sandy (SW Corner of Intersection, SW Corner of Shopping Center)

www.PetWantsSandy.com • Like us on Facebook

Beg, Borrow or Steal protecting your pet from theft

By Temma Martin

I

t’s become a common sight outside coffee shops and grocery stores… Dogs tied to the bike rack, or even just in a sit-stay outside while their person is inside the business. Clearly, the pet is well behaved, and the owner trusts that he or she will wait patiently until they return. But can we always trust our fellow humans?

Sadly, pets are stolen from a variety of situations, so as pet parents, we need to take precautions.

What compels people to steal pets in the first place? Dogs, especially purebreds, can be resold quickly through online classified ads, in parking lots or from roadside stands, so they represent a fast source of hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in cash for the thief.

People also steal purebred pets that are not spayed or neutered to breed them and sell the puppies, or they sell them to someone else who will.

So how can you protect your pets from theft?

• Think twice about leaving a pet unattended outside a business. A friendly pet could quickly be untied and coaxed into a car. Pets just sitting unleashed could become distracted and wander off or be called away by a thief with a treat.

• Keep your yard secure and don’t leave your pet outside for long periods of time when you’re not home.

Consider locking your gate. Dogs who are easily visible in the yard are more vulnerable to being stolen.

• Don’t allow dogs to run loose, and keep them within view when you take them to public places like dog parks. Keep them on leash when taking them for a walk.

• Make sure pets wear current identification, and have them microchipped. If you move or change your phone number, update microchip information with the shelter or veterinarian who implanted the chip. Unless you register your chip with the microchip company, whoever implanted the chip maintains your contact info.

• Have clear, recent photos of your pets, and note any unusual markings. Keep vet records handy, in case your pet is stolen and recovered, so you can prove he or she is yours.

• Have pets spayed or neutered, and for females, consider putting a tag on them that says, “I am spayed and microchipped.” Spayed or neutered pets are of less value to someone who would otherwise breed or resell them.

• Help reduce the demand for stolen pets by adopting from shelters or rescue groups, or buying only from established, reputable sources. People selling pets online, or in odd locations could be unloading stolen pets.

If your pet is ever stolen, report the theft to the police and local shelters, and post photos and descriptions on social media. Put up flyers in the neighborhood and in local veterinary clinics. This will increase the chances that someone might recognize your missing pet and get it back to you.

While no one knows exactly how prevalent pet theft is, we all know it happens, and it’s heartbreaking when it does. Taking precautions to protect pets, and refusing to purchase potentially stolen pets from questionable sources, can help you avoid the sad cycle of pet theft.

Temma Martin is a public relations specialist for Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. Best Friends runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, as well as programs in partnership with rescue groups and shelters.

24 | PETS IN THE CITY

PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM

Raw Pet Food your questions answered

By Aspen Anderson, owner, Desert Raw Holistic Pet

O

wning a raw pet food store, I answer a lot questions about why a raw food diet is superior to your average dry pet food.

So I was thrilled when Pets in the City Magazine asked me to write a Q&A about the most common raw pet food questions I get from day to day.

Q: What is a raw diet?

A raw diet is a diet for cats or dogs that is primarily raw meat, including muscle, organ, and bone, that is nutritionally balanced and species appropriate. It may or may not have additional vegetables, fruits, and supplements.

Q. How is raw different from kibble?

Dry food was only invented about sixty years ago, and it does not fit well with the way dogs and cats digest food. Because of how hard it is to digest, a lot of health problems can follow. A raw diet is rich in moisture, is biologically appropriate, and is easier to digest and has important nutrients and enzymes you can’t get naturally in dry food.

Q. Isn’t raw pet food filled with bacteria?

Not usually. If you are buying a commercially prepared raw diet, they have been tested thoroughly and are held to much higher standards than kibble or even the human meats you find at the grocery store. If you are mixing in your own raw meat, your pet’s extremely acidic digestive tract keeps them safe from bacteria. As long as you practice the same foodsafety techniques you would when handling raw meat for yourself, there is virtually no risk.

Q. My vet says raw diets aren’t balanced. Are they?

It is possible when doing a home-prepared raw diet that you can miss crucial nutrients that can lead to health problems. But if you are doing at least half of a commercial diet, the work is done for you. All commercial diets say on their packaging whether they meet AAFCO standards, just like a kibble you would buy at the grocery store.

Q. Dogs aren’t wolves. Why would I feed them based on the idea that they are?

It is true, your basset hound would make a pretty sad wolf. But dogs share 99.5% of the same DNA and their digestive tracts are still virtually identical, so imitating the way wolves eat makes sense. The same for cats and their larger wild counterparts like lions and jaguars.

Q. Don’t we need the kibble to clean pet’s teeth?

This is a common misconception. Actually, the high carbohydrate count in dry food is doing more damage than good, because dogs and cats don’t 26 | PETS IN THE CITY

produce amylase (the digestive enzyme that breaks down carbohydrates) in their mouths, which means dry food actually sticks to teeth more than a raw diet does.

A raw bone from the butcher will do more to keep your dog’s teeth clean than kibble. And dry food is why so many cats suffer from stomatitis and need expensive surgery to have their teeth removed. Cats on a raw diet have much lower rates of stomatitis (and renal failure, and cancer, and…)

Q. What differences will I see if I start feeding my pets a raw diet?

Many pet parents see weight loss, shinier, softer coats, cleaner teeth, smaller, less stinky poop, less diarrhea, more energy, lower rates of allergies, and less chronic illness.

Q. What illnesses can be avoided or improved with a raw diet?

Obesity, diabetes, allergies, pancreatitis, renal failure, cancer, IBD and gastric issues, and more can often be improved with a raw diet. I have seen dogs with severe allergies become healthy and happy, and fat, sick kitties lose half their body weight and start climbing trees. The number of things the right nutrition can help is simply staggering.

Q. What if I can’t afford a raw diet?

Cost is one of the main reasons people don’t do a raw diet, but there are things anyone can do to improve their pet’s diet. Adding water and a digestive enzyme supplement can go far in making kibble easier on your pet. Dehydrated brands are human-grade, rich in moisture, and better quality than most kibbles. They run about the same as higher-quality kibble brands and veterinary diets but are much healthier. There are mixes that allow you to balance a meal by just adding your own meat you can get cheaply from Sam’s Club or Costco. Even just mixing in a little ground beef to your kibble or raw chicken when you are cooking for your own family can help your dog or cat stay healthier. Another thing to consider is that many dogs and cats on raw diets avoid numerous health problems that can lead to expensive veterinary bills. So think about what you could save on vet bills by going to a raw diet. Many people do dry or dehydrated diets and mix in whatever raw they can afford with good results.

There is a reason I have made it my career to spread the word about raw diets. I saw my own terrier Baxter go from a little old man at six to a young pup again, and at 11, today his whitening hair is the only evidence of his advancing age. There is a reason raw pet food is the fastest-growing segment of the pet food industry. Because it really does make a difference.

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JAKE & NIKO

ZOEY

LUNA

GIZZY

OCHIE

BELFAGOR

BELLA & BIG BOY

INDIA & SCOUT

OPAL

HARRY

RIPTIDE

KIMCHI

Do you want to share a photo of your pet? Email your high-resolution photo & your pet’s name to info@petsinthecitymagazine.com.

PETSINTHECITYMAGAZINE.COM 28 | PETS IN THE CITY

DESERT RAW HOLISTIC PET REFER A FRIEND FOR $10 OFF YOUR NEXT PURCHASE OF $50 OR MORE! SEE STORE FOR DETAILS - 1330 FOOTHILL DRIVE - WWW.DESERTRAW.COM - 385-999-1330

30 | PETS IN THE CITY

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