H BdD 5

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 20092

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Julie Mannis Hoisington

DESIGN DIRECTOR

Casey Dean

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nicole Sours Larson

Sindi Somers

Judith Pierce

Dani Dodge

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Nicole Sours Larson

PRODUCTION ARTISTS

Casey Dean

Chris Baker

d Davidson

David Ramsey

Anna Magulac

ADVERTISING SALE S MANAGER

Heather Snyder

heather@sdnews.com

(858) 270-3103 X115

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Anne Terhune

San Diego Pets Magazine is published bi-monthly by Mannis Com-munications, Inc. and The San Diego Community Newspaper Group,P.O. Box 9550, San Diego, CA 92169. No part of this publication maybe duplicated or reprinted without express consent from the publisher.Editors reserve the right to edit all content. Submissions are welcome,and will be edited for content and clarity. Please forward all unsolicitedmaterial to the editor. Views and opinions expressedherein are not necessarily those of the publishers. Pub-lishers reserve the right to approve or accept advertisingorders and content. All contents are copyright 2009. Allrights reserved.

san diego pets NOVEMBER–DECEMBER 2009Inside This Issue

Helen Woodward spokesman John Van Zante.SEE STORIES PAGES 4-6.

On the Cover

P.O. Box 95504645 Cass StreetSan Diego, Calif. 92109858.270.3103858.713.0095 [fax]sdnews.comsandiegopetsmagazine.com

4. Home 4 the holidays5. Q & A with John Van Zante8. Fish & reptiles9. Birds10. Exotics11. Noah and his Seacats

12. Zoo News13. Scoops16. Gift Guide18. Health Q & A20. Holiday safety tips22. Winter events

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Thank you, SD Pets! I read in your magazine about the American Humane Society’s photocontest. I entered a photo I snapped in Ocean Beach, and ended up winning the People & Petscategory! And Debbie Hall of Escondido won the Pets category. The winning photos are onamericanhumane.org. Thanks for the useful information!

Jan Rieger, San Diego

• Get Low and Close. Get on your pet’s eyelevel and as close to them as possible. Try to fill up the frame with their image.

• Pay Attention to Background. Try to mini-mize the amount of clutter in the back-ground to ensure your pet is the sole subjectof the photo.

• Avoid Flash Photography. Animals have ahighly reflective membrane behind theirretina that helps them see well at night butmakes it impossible to take flash pictures ofthem without their eyes glowing.

• Monitor Lighting. Try to photograph out-doors if possible. When indoors, try to usenatural light and have the light behind youor to the side.

• Be Engaging. It’s important to capture yourpet’s attention when photographing them.

Cats respond to things fluttering or moving.Dogs respond to sounds such as clicking,squeaking or tapping noises. And don’t for-get the treats!

• Take Lots of Photos. The more photos youtake, the better chance you’ll have a reallygood picture.

• Exercise Your Pet Beforehand. Exercise willtire out your pet so that it’s calmer before aphoto shoot.

• Go Professional. It’s important to treat ouranimals as members of the family. A profes-sional photograph of your beloved pet canbe displayed alongside your other specialfamily photos.

For more information, please visit us onlineat www.suttonstudios.com.

The holidays are a wonderful time to create memories with friends, familyand the family pets! Here are a few tips for capturing those endearing mo-ments on camera! And remember, giving the gift of life by adopting a fam-

ily pet will bring joy to many for years to come. But be responsible and committedin your adoption choices. Happy Holidays from all of us at San Diego Pets.

Julie HoisingtonPublisher/editor, San Diego Pets

These tips will help any budding photographer get good photosof their beloved pet just in time for holiday card season!

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Coupon Expires 12/31/09 Coupon Expires 12/31/09

Coupon redeemable at any of theabove listed independent retailers.

Coupon redeemable at any of theabove listed independent retailers.

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 20094

B y N I C O L E S O U R S L A R S O N | S A N D I E G O P E T S

If you or your family are contemplating bringing home a cat,dog, bird, tortoise, rabbit, guinea pig, rat, duck, chicken, horse orother pet this holiday season, there’s an orphaned animal waitingimpatiently for you at one of the 25 San Diego County shelters andrescue groups participating in this year’s Iams Home 4 The Holi-days (H4TH) adoption campaign.

Best of all, you can give yourself the gift of unconditional lovewhile saving a life. Who wants to contemplate an orphaned petwaking up behind bars on Thanksgiving or Christmas morning?Or perhaps not waking up at all?

Now marking its 11th year, H4TH has ambitious goals for theseason: to reach 4,000 participating shelters and rescues, up fromlast year’s 3,550-plus shelters in 17 countries, and 1.5 million petsplaced in loving homes. Last year’s holiday placements exceededby nearly 203,000 the original goal of 1 million pet adoptions be-tween October and early January.

While the now-international holiday program boasts almost 3.3million adoptions in its first 10 years, the program started small.

Helen Woodward Animal Center (HWAC) President Mike Armsand spokesman John Van Zante, both newcomers in 1999, werefrustrated at seeing 40,000 pets euthanized annually in San DiegoCounty and 5 million nationwide. They noted that, according toHumane Society of the United States statistics, about 83 percent ofpets were reaching families through puppy and kitten mills, back-yard breeders and professional breeders, and only 17 percentthrough shelters and rescues, prompting the high euthanasia rate.

“More families invite pets into their homes at the holidays. Fora long time, shelters and rescues didn’t do adoptions in December

because they felt it was an emotional decision,” Van Zante explains. They decided to change their practice, making sure the holiday

adoption is an informed commitment.If parents had promised their children a puppy or kitten for

Christmas and couldn’t adopt from a shelter or rescue, they wouldbuy one at a mall pet store or parking lot from a vendor hawkingappealing babies.

What it comes down to, Van Zante says, is do you want to sup-port puppy mills raising sick animals in squalid conditions or doyou want to save an orphaned pet’s life?

“If you’re buying from a pet shop, then the pet came from apuppy or kitten mill. A reputable breeder doesn’t load up a vanwith six- or seven-week-old puppies or kittens and drop them offat the mall,” he says.

Many are trucked in from the two biggest puppy mill states,Missouri and Arkansas, and in San Diego, from Kern County andMexico. Many puppy and kitten mill pets wind up critically ill ordying within days of purchase.

Sheltering organizations and mall shops approach placementdifferently.

“We’re looking to make a match. They’re looking to make aprofit,” Van Zante says.

The first year, 1999, H4TH’s goals were modest: increase adop-tions, lower the euthanasia rate and deprive pet shops and theirpuppy mill suppliers of their holiday bonanza. The 14 participat-ing San Diego shelters were delighted to find homes for 2,563 or-phans. All departed with food gift packs from Iams, which becamethe program’s biggest booster and named sponsor.

It’s time to bring an orphaned petHome 4 The Holidays

This year’s H4TH ambassador is Oscar-

winning actress Hilary Swank

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com 5

H BdD 5HOME 4 THE HOLIDAYS

By the third year, with the program operating nationally underHWAC’s guidance, they were seeing remarkable results.

“We had one shelter call and say ‘what do we do? We ran out ofpets!’” Van Zante says.

They advised transfering pets between shelters to meet demand.A woman called in tears from a Texas shelter to report their

adoption figures. When pressed, she said her shelter normally hasto euthanize dogs and cats every day. But because of H4TH, theyhadn’t had to euthanize a pet in two weeks.

Since 2001, celebrity spokesperson Diane Keaton, a HWACboard member, and animal-loving “ambassadors” including ac-tresses Felicity Huffman and Kristin Bell have boosted their pub-licity successes.

This year’s H4TH ambassador is Oscar-winning actress HilarySwank, who volunteered in animal shelters as a teen and now ismom to two rescue dogs: Karoo, whom she saved from the streetsof South Africa, and Rumi, whom she adopted from a Los Angelesshelter participating in H4TH.

Susan Reeves, volunteer executive director of Westie Rescue ofCalifornia, which serves eight Western states and has 500 to 600volunteers, has participated in H4TH since its inception and is de-lighted with the results. This year, because of the economy, fore-closures and evictions, her rescue is over-capacity with 29 WestHighland terriers in their rescue and rehab program and eightmore owner surrenders awaiting foster homes. She has at least sixWesties, including some rescued from a desert puppy mill, avail-able for adoption through H4TH and expects to place all availabledogs.

Friends of Cats, based in El Cajon, has about 100 to 120 adoptablecats available.

San Diego Turtle and Tortoise Society has participated for aboutfour years and found it helpful in re-homing some of the 600 to 700animals they rescue annually. They adopt out only to approvedhomes, including many red-eared sliders to people with outdoorponds.

“Turtles and tortoises make great adoptable pets for kids withallergies who can’t have dogs or cats,” explains Ginny Teigen, So-ciety president.

For more information about Iams Home 4 The Holidays aswell as participating shelters, visit Helen Woodward AnimalCenter’s special Website, www.animalcenter.org/events/h4th,or call (858) 756-4117.

Among Home 4 The Holidays’ unexpected first-year benefici-aries was Helen Woodward spokesman John Van Zante himself.He had been looking for “his dog,” whom he envisaged as an 80-to 100-pound black Lab or black Lab mix who enjoyed running,hiking and swimming. But he hadn’t yet met his right match.

At a December 1999 adoption event at Escondido Humane So-ciety, a shy, scrawny stray black dog, about 35 pounds, so skinnyhis shelter name was “Bones,” ventured out of his crate and ap-proached him, putting his paw on Van Zante’s knee.

“He was a little impatient with me, as if to say, ‘Where haveyou been? I’ve been waiting all day.’ He had his paws on me butwouldn’t look at me. Hemoved closer and satdown. The adoption coun-selor said, ‘He likes you.He’s been here a long time.His time is running out.’ Ikept saying, ‘He’s not mydog,’” he explained, as hefilled out the paperwork.She congratulated him on his new dog and handed him the leash.

Ten years later, the dog, renamed Howie, goes to work dailyand shares quarters with Van Zante and his “best bud” Cat VanZante, a long-haired grey tiger cat rescued from a crack house,whom the cat-allergic Van Zante agreed to foster for two weeks —nine years ago.

— Nicole Sours Larson

Helen Woodward spokesmanfinds his perfect match

Q&A with Helen Woodward’s John Van ZanteQ: Can you tell us a little history about yourself, and how you

ended up where you are today? I’m probably the only person youknow who was born in Oskaloosa, Iowa. After high school inMonroe, Iowa, I went to college in Minneapolis, then began a 26-year career in broadcasting...mostly radio but also some time infront of the camera. The HWAC had an opening for a public re-lations manager. A few weeks later, I started my new job. Thatwas March of 1999.

Q: What do you enjoy most about your position? The thingsthat I like most about my job at HWAC are the same things thatI liked about broadcasting. I never do the same thing two daysin a row. And in radio you’re only as good as your last show andyour last ratings book...so I have to keep getting better at what Ido. For some people that’s a lot of stress, but for me it’s an op-portunity to stretch my imagination and creativity.

I also love it that my dog, Howie, comes to work with meevery day. Let’s be honest. It’s the people in the kennels and thestables and the vet hospitals who do the hard work. It’s the vol-unteers who visit the convalescent homes with animals, theteachers who show kids how to meet a dog or hold a cat, and thepeople who deliver pet food that allows senior citizens to keeptheir best friends. I have coworkers whose jobs are to care for

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 20096

H BdD 5 Q&A with Helen Woodward’s John Van Zanteother people’s pets when they’reout of town. I’m so blessed to evenknow these people.

Q: Is there any one thing thatstands out as your proudest mo-ment, and/or greatest accomplish-ment? There are two things that Iconsider the greatest accomplish-ments and one that is my proudest.

Iams Home 4 the Holidaysbegan when HWAC PresidentMike Arms, operations directorRita Truderung, adoptions man-

ager LaBeth Thompson and I met to discuss Mike’s idea about aholiday adoption drive to help San Diego County increase adop-tions, lower euthanasia and take business away from puppy millsduring the holiday season. We started with 14 shelters complet-ing 2,563 adoptions. This year we’re leading 3,500 shelters andrescue groups in 18 countries.

Our Surf Dog Surf A Thon originated in 2006 at Dog Beach inDel Mar. Families could teach their dogs to surf during Surf DogClinics, then come back the next month and compete for prizes.We work with the best people available, including Pat Weberfrom San Diego Surfing Academy, Rob Kuty from San Diego PetTraining, and the amazing Guy Takayama...a quality personwho also happened to be a world champion tandem surfer, aswell as designer and manufacturer of GT and Surfah Dog surfboards. In September we held our fourth Surf Dog event. It’s thelargest dog-surfing event in the world. Thousands of people at-tended including people from Japan, France, Spain, and Korea.More than 100 million people worldwide saw the photos,watched videos, heard about it on the radio or read the printedstories about Surf Dog 2009.

My proudest moment “began” in late 2004 (during Home 4 theHolidays) when we learned about a U.S. Marine lieutenantcolonel from La Jolla who wanted to bring home a puppy fromFallujah, Iraq. Jay Kopelman had given up his job as a stockbro-ker after September 11, 2001 to go back into the Marine Corps.During the battle of Fallujah, some Marines from Hawaii (the“Lava Dogs”) found a puppy in an abandoned house. Jay met thepup and fell in love. Working with my friend Kris Parlett fromthe Iams company offices in Dayton, Ohio, we thought, “Howhard can it be to fly a puppy to San Diego?” Little did we know!Finally, four months later, bending a few rules and working withIraqis, American radio and TV networks and a private companythat trains bomb-sniffing dogs, we flew the puppy, “Lava,” to SanDiego and reunited him with Jay. The story spread worldwide.Jay’s book, “From Baghdad...with Love,” hit the New York TimesBestseller List. Since then others have brought dogs to Americafrom Iraq. Some called me before starting their projects to askhow much they could make on book and movie deals. That’s sowrong! I’m proud of this because we were able to do a good thingfor Jay and Lava and because our motives were pure. I’m so un-deserving to have been a part of this, but I’m proud that I was.

Q: I understand the famous dog actor “Benji” and his humanJoe Camp sit on the board of directors at HWC. How is it work-ing with them? Joe is very much of a Southern gentleman and

Benji will do almost anything for a tummy rub! The current Benjiis the fourth dog that dog that Joe rescued from an animal shel-ter and turned into a star. When I met Benji I was a bit star-struck.I nervously asked, “Can I pet Benji?” Joe drawled, “She’ll be dis-appointed if you don’t.” That, in a nutshell, describes who theyare. Nice, decent, down-to-earth “people” who do what they canto make this a better world. When Joe and Benji joined our boardof directors, Joe brought along his business sense and his love ofanimals.

Also on our board is Academy Award-winning actress DianeKeaton. We met her through mutual friends in 2001, and shedrove down from Los Angeles to HWAC. She and Mike talkedabout Home 4 the Holidays. As Mike walked Diane to her car, heasked if she would be our international H4TH spokesperson. Shereplied, “Of course!“ She joined our board of directors a fewyears ago.

Q: I would imagine you’ve attended some pretty “swanky”events over the years and have rubbed elbows with many VIPS,and famous actors and actresses. Can you name just a few andtell who has been your favorite(s) and why? At HWAC we neverknow who will walk in. As far as the animals are concerned, itdoesn’t make any difference if a person is rich or famous.

Betty White received our Humane Award in 1999. She was asamazing and wonderful as you would expect. Other recipientswere Tippi Hedren, Kristen Bell and Linda Blair. They’re all won-derful! (Forget the rumors you’ve read about how her role in“The Exorcist” messed up Linda Blair. She’s a super sweet andabsolutely beautiful woman who runs her own pet rescue or-ganization!) Most recently we’ve been working with HilarySwank as the 2009 Iams Home 4 the Holidays spokesperson. She,like Kristen Bell, began as a teenage animal shelter volunteer. Hi-lary’s a great talent and a nice lady. She loves animals!

Again this year, the great Chargers running back Darren Spro-les helped us to kick off our San Diego Iams Home 4 the Holi-days drive. Darren is as amazing off the field as he is on the field.

Q: How do you enjoy your spare time? I’m a runner, so thatmeans getting up around 4:30 or 5 four times per week to runbefore work. This past summer I bought a surf board and beganteaching Howie to surf. I also like to kayak (Howie goes on thekayak with me) and boogie board. There are also visits to the dogpark almost every day.

I have a really unattractive, 30-year-old motor home that I taketo Fiesta Island, Balboa Park, the beach, the zoo, etcetera It’s agreat place to hang out, read, or take a nap.

Q: We all have a “bucket” list, what is yours? Right now I’mtraining to run my first full marathon in February.

I’ve completed a short Triathlon but would like to do more ofthem. (I have a friend who is trying to convince me to do an IronMan Triathlon). Maybe a leisurely cross country motor home trip(but with a newer motor home). More time with God. He’s al-ways there and steady. I’m the one who strays or drags my heels.He doesn’t seem to mind carrying me when he has to.

Q: If you could be remembered for one thing, what would thatbe? Wow. Tough one. I would like to be remembered as someonewho lived a good life and tried to make the world better, whonever intentionally hurt anyone else and was there to supportthe people close to him.

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 20098

H BdD 5 FISH & REPTILES

Step into Pet Kingdom, located at 3191Sports Arena Blvd. in the Midway Dis-trict, and you know you’ve stepped intoanother world.

It’s not a zoo, it’s not a jungle, but thereare hints of each as you find yourself sur-rounded by representations of plants,rocks and other natural elements pluscages, bowls and other paraphernalia de-signed to create a comfortable home oran appropriate environment for the ex-otic fish, reptiles, amphibians and evensmall furry animals offered for sale in thespecialty shop, which caters to commit-ted hobbyists.

One of the first things that strikes a vis-itor is the immaculate condition of theanimal enclosures, whether for guinea

pigs, tropical fish or sulcata tortoises, andhow friendly, knowledgeable and in-formative the staff members are, answer-ing questions as they continue to cleanand scrub glass cases, aquaria and animalpens.

Meesha, a 7-year-old talkative cat whocame in once with kittens and stayed tobecome the store’s resident cat and mas-cot, pops out from behind a display, in-forming her staff that it’s now time fordinner.

While you will find for sale a selectionof rats, mice, chinchillas, rabbits andeven occasional kittens (all with theirfirst round of shots, feline leukemia test-ing, flea treatment and a certificate for afree veterinary visit), you will also find a

prominently posted statement warningparents about rabbit adoptions.

“So your child wants a rabbit? Askyourself these questions,” reads the post-ing, which also discourages rabbits aspets for children under age 8.

“Our main focus here in the animals.We want to make sure we’re providinghealthy animals,” explains manager AnnAncibor, who has worked at Pet King-dom for 18 years and purchases the kit-tens and small animals only from local,small hobbyist breeders with whom thestore has had a relationship for manyyears.

President Bill Bennett, who with hiswife Diane has owned the shop since

Pet Kingdom provides alternativefamily pets for the holidays

B y N I C O L E S O U R S L A R S O N | S A N D I E G O P E T S

SEE PET KINGDOM, Page 10

(Clockwise from top left) Manager Ann Ancibor with kitten. Stacks of aquaria at Pet Kingdom. African sulcata tortoises in their pen. Guinea pigs in hutch.

H BdD 5BIRDS

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com 9

B y N I C O L E S O U R S L A R S O N | S A N D I E G O P E T S

Whether you’re looking for a “starter bird” like a cockatiel oran endangered Hyacinth Macaw, or just a new toy, perch or cageto keep your best feathered friend happy and entertained, BirdCrazy has something for you.

Located at 8878 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.in Kearny Mesa, Bird Crazy is one of thefew bird stores that raise different speciestogether, leaving many to sit on openperches in the shop’s showroom, ex-plains Lenny LaRiccia, president of BirdCrazy. He opened the store in 1986 afterloving birds since a sickly childhood,when birds became his favorite compan-ions and his passion. Now he keepsabout 20 pairs of varied species in hishome aviary.

“My father always said that if therewas a bird with a broken wing, thenLenny would bring it home,” LaRicciasays with a laugh.

Bird Crazy’s mission is not just to sellbirds but to educate customers about thecare and conditions required by thesehighly intelligent, sensitive creatures,many of which, LaRiccia says, have in-telligence equivalent to that of a chim-panzee or dolphin. He points out thatmany birds can live to be 70 to 100 yearsold and are likely to outlive theirguardians. He and his staff actively dis-courage and even refuse to sell certainbirds into inappropriate situations, hesays. They also offer a one-year trade-into protect both birds and buyers.

“For a lot of birds, you have no busi-ness having a family,” since some birdsare wrong to keep around children, hesays, while others like cockatoos makegreat family pets. Some may becomeone-person birds, difficult for others tohandle.

Serving as greeter in chief when thiswriter visited was a five-month-oldGreenwing Macaw, elegantly clad in scarlet feathers.

Inside the main room are numerous perches populated by dif-ferent bird species, including large Greenwing and Blue andGold Macaws, the rare Queen of Bavaria or Golden Conure andthe rosy Leadbeater’s Cockatoo, chattering and playing togetherand enjoying attention from customers who wander from perchto perch admiring the birds.

Not all birds on display are for sale, since LaRiccia encourageshis staff to bring in their own birds and dogs to socialize with the

store’s flock. Perched at the side of the store are four of managerDarcy Houser’s birds. Her female Triton cockatoo, Andy, enjoystwirling on a wire with her pale yellow crest unfurled and wings

spread. Andy, an affectionate bird,jumped back onto her perch and theninto LaRiccia’s arms, rubbing his facewith her beak.

Birds are social creatures, he pointsout, and benefit from interaction withpeople, other birds and even dogs.

“Many of our bird owners have dogs.Why not let the birds get accustomed tothem as early as possible?” he says.

Almost all birds talk nowadays, sincethey’re raised by hand in captivity. Evensome of their finches, a species notknown for talking, have learned to talkin Bird Crazy’s bird-talking environment,he explains.

When customers come in looking for afirst bird, LaRiccia and his staff steerthem toward a cockatiel because it’s rel-atively hardy, easy to care for and lovingif adopted young. Bird Crazy hand-feedsall its young birds a special mash byspoon, safer than a syringe for birds.

“When you hand-feed them they’reallysweet. Then we start them with millet,which is a sweet fat treat. It’s importantthat a just-weaned baby bird gets morefat,” explains Jessica Ambriz as she feedsfive-week-old cockatiels.

Bird Crazy also boards birds and,every few months, offers classes onteaching birds new tricks and on stop-ping birds from screaming.

Over the last year LaRiccia found him-self taking in, often as donations, allkinds of birds, including ducks, chickensand even an East African crowned cranethat people could no longer keep. He’sproud that he and his staff were able torescue and find homes for the suddenly

homeless and sometimes sick birds. They work with a local cou-ple who take in distressed birds and rehabilitate them.

While the basic items required for bird care are relatively sim-ple — a cage, perch, food, toys and calcium source — the mostimportant are intangible.

“You need time, attention and love. And you have to adjustthe animal to the life it will live,” LaRiccia explains.

For more information, visit their Website at www.birdcrazy.com, or call(858) 576-9858 or toll-free (888) 576-9858.

Still crazy for birds after all these years

Bird Crazy owner Lenny LaRiccia cuddles affectionate Andy, a Triton cockatoo, a species nativeto New Guinea (top). A trio of black-headed caique

parrots, native to northern South America, share aperch and seed bowl at Bird Crazy.

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 200910

H BdD 5 EXOTICS

Panther chameleons are small, tree-dwelling reptiles that are only found inone place in the world, Madagascar.They are best known for being mastersof camouflage that can change their bril-liant colors in the flash of an eye. Theyhave long, sticky tongues to catch theirprey, binocular eyes that can see in twodifferent directions at the same time, andprehensile monkey-like tails that theyuse for climbing and hanging from vines.With their many unique features and ex-otic color patterns, it’s no wonder theyare considered one of the most beautifulreptiles on the planet.

Panther chameleons make great pets,too, and are perfect for someone whowants to take that step up into exotic rep-tiles but doesn’t want to spend a smallfortune. They are relatively easy to carefor and only require a screened cageabout the size as a 20-gallon aquarium.They are guaranteed to be the talk of anyparty and will be a unique focal point ofa living room where everyone will enjoytheir amazing colors and peaceful move-ments. They also can help you relax dur-ing your busy days at the office and are

great for families with children, too. Chameleons are fun to feed and like to

snatch up crickets, flies, roaches, giantgreen horned worms and other insectswith their long, sticky tongues. Theirfood sources are inexpensive and easy toget at your local pet store or they can beshipped right to your doorstep. Being ar-boreal, chameleons like to drink waterdroplets that drip down onto the leavesof a plant below, simulating raindropshitting the leaves of trees in the rain for-est. They require a special, inexpensiveflorescent light that simulates the sun’sUV rays and they enjoy soaking up thewarm San Diego sunshine, too!

We hope you enjoy caring for pantherchameleons as much as we do. We alsoare happy to help with any questionsyou may have about purchasing or car-ing for the chameleon you may alreadyhave. We look forward to writing futurearticles about these amazing little guysand to teaching you some of the secretswe’ve learned over the years for caringfor and breeding them, too!

For more information, call (619)-822-0093 orvisit their Website at www.exoticpanthers.com.

1981, has twice enlarged the premises tospotlight more freshwater and saltwaterfish, reptiles and amphibians.

He notes that they’re located betweentwo big box pet stores, but by focusing ontheir niche market they’ve survived andmostly thrived.

“We carry animals and products thatare labor-intensive,” he says, noting thatthey require specialized knowledge andcare. Some of his staff are themselvesbreeders of rare fish and reptiles thathave been bred successfully in captivitynowhere else.

“Keeping animals is an art and a science.You have to have people who are inter-ested and knowledgeable about whatthey’re doing,” he says.

When you have about 1,000 animals of

so many species, he explains, you have tobe cleaning constantly, as well as demon-strating how the animals should be setup and cared for at home.

He and his staff also make a point ofeducating customers about animal care.If a customer wants to buy an animal butis not prepared to learn about it and putit in its correct environment, they have re-fused to sell the animal.

“We want people to have a good expe-rience with animals and stay in thehobby,” Bennett says.

They purchase some animals from cus-tomers. When people have to give up an-imals, in some cases they will acceptthem as donations if they have room forthem, especially fish or small snakes.They then provide them to teachers fortheir classrooms or to breeders for theirbreeding programs.

Pet Kingdom also has a “full disclo-sure” policy of informing customers that

a fish or reptile will grow and will requirelarger accommodations. They do not sellBurmese pythons because they becometoo big and difficult to handle.

They’ve seen a decline in sales of thenumber of fish that grow large, Bennettsays. One of the most popular fishspecies now is the African cichlid, a col-orful freshwater species that remainssmall.

For a child or parent seeking a friendlypet that’s easy to care for and will hap-pily ride on a child’s shoulder, Bennettrecommends a bearded dragon, which ismellow and likes people.

Pet Kingdom offers school tours forteachers with groups of up to 25 or 30students, and will arrange for staff to es-cort children and explain the animals’habitat and behavior.

For more information, visit their Website atwww.petkingdom.com or call (619) 224-2841.

These panthers eat bugs

PET KINGDOMCONTINUED FROM Page 8

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com 11

H BdD 5ADVENTURES

Capt. Marty Fogel is a natural-bornstoryteller, teacher and student of theseas. In his recently published novel,“The Adventures of Noah and His Sea-cats,” he uses all of these talents, com-bined with a wealth of nauticalexperience, keen eye for observation andclear love of animals and nature to craftan engaging yarn about a young boy’sexploits with his two “seacats” as theymature together on his family’s sailboat.

Through the young Noah we learnabout sea lions, whales, sailing, scubadiving and, of course, cats who readilyadapt to a life at sea. Together we experi-ence the challenges that Noah must over-come, all the while protecting hismischievous and spunky seacats. If youenjoy boats, cats and the marine environ-ment, you’ll appreciate this book with itsenvironmental and educational themes,no matter your age. It’s pleasurable read-ing and a great gift for both middleschool age children and adults.

Fogel, 60, a Coast Guard-certified cap-tain with a 100-ton license and a profes-sional photographer, lives with his wifeJeannine and recently adopted rescuepoodle (who survived two months alonewithout food or water in the backyard ofa foreclosed home in Chula Vista) aboardtheir 38-foot Panda sailboat at a ShelterIsland marina. While he skippers sailingand whale-watch cruises for Sail SanDiego and handles yacht deliveries alongthe West Coast, his real love is teachingboat owners, both sail and power, how touse and enjoy their boats while appreci-ating the marine environment.

Fogel’s love of the sea, sea creatures,cats and the seafaring life comes throughin the characters who inhabit Noah’sworld on the sailing vessel Landfall,which his parents use for marine re-search.

Ten-year-old Noah’s two “seacats,”Zephyr and Kiri, whom he rescues fromthe sea as kittens, are based on Fogel’sown much-loved cats, also named

Zephyr and Kiri, who shared many oftheir attributes and antics. Both the realand the fictional cats were “liveaboards”who could swim and get back aboard theboat by climbing burlap “ladders” hungover the side of the boat, Fogel explains.

All of the cats in the book, includingthe cats of “Catland,” as the marina be-came after dark when the cats came out,were named and modeled after real catswho had lived with friends or at marinaswhere he and his wife resided.

Fogel wrote the upbeat book partly asa tribute to his seacats after their passing,but also to convey a flavor of the marineworld most people never experience.

“It’s also about bringing out the best ineverybody. We spend so little time re-minding them of the good things they areas people,” Fogel says.

While “The Adventures of Noah and HisSeacats” is available from online vendors in-cluding Amazon.com, signed and inscribedcopies are available only through Fogel’s Web-site, www.oceanharmony.net, where they re-tail for $16.95, including shipping. You canalso order by e-mail at captmarty@oceanhar-mony.net, or phone at (619) 459-9642.

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Experience a world afloatwith Noah and his ‘seacats’

B y N I C O L E S O U R S L A R S O N | S A N D I E G O P E T S

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 200912

H BdD 5 ZOO NEWS

As they creep into their enclosure at the San Diego Zoo’s WildAnimal Park, the lions definitely know something is different.Then, they spot it — a couple of cardboard boxes painted brightholiday colors. The lions sniff cautiously, then crouch and stalkthe boxes like prey. In an instant, they hit a full run and pounce.

Soon all that’s left is shreds of red and green cardboard. Andthat’s the point.

“Enrichment such as the boxes for the lions or gift bags for thegorillas give our animals the chance to engage in natural behav-iors, to encourage exploration and investigation,” says AutumnNelson, animal care supervisor at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild An-imal Park. “With 12 Days of Enrichment, we are inviting ourguests to have a hand in the fun.”

Last year was the final time the San Diego Zoo’s Wild AnimalPark celebrated the holidays with Festival of Lights. This year,the park is taking a page from the annals of Christmas carols byfeaturing 12 Days of Enrichment during Wild Holidays.

While the park’s animals regularly get enrichment items from animalkeepers, this will be the first time the items will be presented at scheduledtimes, and that guests will have so many opportunities to help.

Among the enrichment projects park guests will have an oppor-tunity to be involved with are painting boxes for the lions, creatingmazes for meerkats and making tacos out of hay and food pellets forthe elephants. Other animals enjoying guest creations during the 12Days of Enrichment include vultures, hornbills and cheetahs.

“With Wild Holidays, we are bringing the holiday focus back toour animals,” says Adam Ringler, director of operations. “As theysay, ‘’Tis better to give than to receive,’ and here at the San DiegoZoo’s Wild Animal Park, our guests will have an opportunity to cre-ate something for our animals.”

The Twelve Days of Enrichment are scheduled for Dec. 12, 13, 19,20, 26 through 31, and Jan. 1 and 2, 2010. During the first 10 Days ofEnrichment, the park’s hours will be extended to 7 p.m. On Jan. 1and 2, the park will close at 6 p.m.

The San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park is located at 15500 San PasqualRoad, Escondido. For more information, go to www.SanDiegoZoo.org.

‘Tis better to give than to receiveWild Holidays at the San Diego Zoo’sWild Animal Park will feature 12 daysof gifts for its animals

B y D A N I D O D G E | S A N D I E G O P E T S

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com 13

H BdD 5SCOOPSResident Honored in theField of Dog Training

The 2009 award winners were hon-ored at the Association of Pet Dog Train-ers' annual Educational Conference andTrade Show held in Oakland, Calif., inOctober. Recipients were selected basedupon criteria established by a committeecomposed of volunteer APDT members.

The Dr. Robert Curran NewTrix VideoAward is designed to honor the recipientwho creates a short video that describesa training concept or issue. This year'stheme was innovative ways to teachclients how to exercise their dogs. Thisyear's recipient is Emily Larlham of SanDiego.

Larlham began her career in dog train-ing at the San Diego Humane Society,taking care of the quarantined and un-adoptable dogs and rooms full of pup-pies. After teaching classes at theHumane Society and South Bark DogWash, she began her own dog trainingbusiness, Dogmantics Dog Training.

Larlham has combined her degree in

fine art media and her passion for train-ing dogs to create a free dog trainingchannel, "kikopup," on YouTube. Hereshe gives tutorials on teaching dogs com-plex tricks as well as modifying behav-ior. Larlham recently held seminars inMadrid and Barcelona on her clickertraining methods.

For more information visit the APDTWebsite, www.apdt.com.

Veterinary Cancer GroupOpens in San Diego

Dr. Mona Rosenberg, founder and chiefof staff at Veterinary Cancer Group, hasannounced that the firm has opened athird location in Southern California tobetter serve its referring veterinarians andcancer patients. This newest OutpatientOncology Facility in San Diego is headedby San Diego resident and VeterinaryCancer Group’s own Jarrod M. Vancil,DVM (practice limited to oncology). Thenew office is conveniently located in theKearney Mesa area of San Diego at 5040Convoy St., Suite B, San Diego, CA 92111.

Veterinary Cancer Group’s San DiegoOutpatient Oncology Facility will offer afull range of services, including the latestchemotherapy protocols, immune systemsupport and internationally recognizedclinical trials. The group’s goal is to bringthe same cutting-edge, progressive andcompassionate care that it has providedpatients in Los Angeles, Riverside and Or-ange County to cancer patients and theirfamilies in the San Diego community.

The San Diego office will be open forappointments from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. onWednesdays and Fridays. Appointmentswill be also available on Thursdays on anemergency basis. The office can bereached via phone at (619) 414-5056. Formore information on Veterinary CancerGroup or the San Diego office, visitwww.vetcancergroup.com.

New Club For Water- Loving Dogs

Do dogs swim naturally? Taking tothe surf or paddling like a duck seemsnatural for many breeds known for their

waterproof coatsand webbed feet.Other dogs cringeat the thought ofgetting their pawswet merely walk-ing on moist grass.

You don’t haveto own a specialbreed to be able toenjoy splashing

around. However, safety is key, as not alldogs are natural swimmers. If you lovewater and want to share the fun withyour pooch, San Diego’s year-roundtemperate weather is ideal.

Lara Schindler, trainer with Happy DogHappy Owner, has launched a new meetupgroup open to anyone with a dog that likeswater. The new Water Loving Dog MeetupGroup offers San Diego dog owners the op-portunity to socialize with others interestedin water-based activities as well as imple-menting positive training techniques withtheir four-legged family members.

To register, visit www.meetup.com/The-San-Diego-Water-Loving-Dog-Meetup-Group. Schindler is an ABC certified

dog trainer, honors graduate of Animal Be-havior College and is pet first aid certifiedthrough the American Red Cross. Asowner and founder of Happy Dog Happy

To learn more about Happy Dog HappyOwner's mission, training philosophies andservices, call Schindler at (619) 889-8606 orvisit www.happydoghappyowner.com.

Drsfostersmith.com Offers Shipping Deals

Check out our Website for our newshipping prices! Free shipping on thou-sands of new items, plus a new $5.99 flatshipping price on all other products, re-gardless of price or weight. Unprece-dented shipping rates within the petproduct industry. And our customersare responding… orders are flying in!drsfostersmith.com.

Select Dog Breeds Bannedfrom Marine Corps Base

The most decorated canine war heroin United States history was a pit bull,

but now this breed is no longer wel-come on Marine Corps installations.The rule, which was signed Aug. 11,2009, prohibits purebred and mixedbreed pit bulls, rottweilers andcanid/wolf hybrids aboard MarineCorps installations.

Residents who already own one ofthese breeds were given 60 days to applyfor and meet the guidelines of the “grand-father” clause waiver. The waiver is onlyopen to currently registered dogs andwould only apply until Sept. 30, 2012. Tomeet the waiver’s provisions, ownersmust receive approval for the waiverfrom the local installation commander,and the dog must pass a “nationally-rec-ognized temperament test, administeredand interpreted by individual(s) whohave been certified in technique and eval-uation of the test results, at the servicemember resident’s expense. Such tests in-clude Canine Good Citizen (AKC) andthe Delta Test (Delta Society).”

Local trainers are offering additionalclasses and discounted classes to helpdogs prepare for passing the CanineGood Citizen test, a 10-part test that in-cludes accepting a friendly stranger, sit-ting politely for petting, walking on aloose lead, walking through a crowd, sitand down on command and staying inplace, coming when called, reaction to an-other dog and to distraction.

Einhorn Insurance Combats Discrimination

Many dogs are discriminated againstregardless of their personal history andtemperament. A dog can be and often is“blacklisted” and its owners denied in-surance coverage based on their dog’sbreed. Akitas, Alaskan malamutes,chows, Dobermans, German shep-herds, Great Danes, huskies, pit bulls,rottweilers, Staffordshire terriers andother lineages are often labeled as dan-gerous and unable to receive coverageunder a homeowner or renter’s policy.

While running a successful dogwalking business, Dori Einhorn becameaware of this issue. Desiring to supportdog lovers further, she decided tochange careers. Einhorn, along with herhusband Eric, founded Einhorn Insur-ance specializing in helping clients ob-

H BdD 5 SCOOPS

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com 15

H BdD 5SCOOPStain insurance policies regardless oftheir dog’s breed.

As proud owners of a pit bull them-selves, the Einhorns understand theprevalence of breed discrimination.They found that most insurance com-panies would not consider giving ahomeowner or renter’s policy to them.Not having adequate insurance cover-age can be risky and potentially costly.Dori explains, “Thirty-three percent ofall home claims are dog related, so it’svery important for the dog to be cov-ered... These claims are not all from dogbites. You can have a super-friendlydog that jumps on someone just to sayhello and that person falls and injuresthemselves.”

Any dog can cause injury, so havingsufficient coverage that includes themin your policy is important.

Dori works with more than 30 res-cues in California, helping people thathave adopted a dog to obtain insurancepolicies. Loving dogs as they do andknowing the importance of insurance,the Einhorns provide coverage for dogsat no extra charge. They even offer autoinsurance policies that will pay some ofyour pet’s veterinary bills if they arehurt in a car accident.

Visit www.einhorninsurance.com tofind out how they can help you andyour dog be safe and insured.

Humane Groups WillMerge by End of Year

The North County Humane Societyand SPCA and San Diego HumaneSociety and SPCA have announcedplans to merge.

The merged organization will pool re-sources to increase life-saving programsand strengthen the human-animal bond

The board and management leader-ship of North County Humane Societyand SPCA (NCHS) and San Diego Hu-mane Society and SPCA (SDHS) have an-nounced that they have reached anagreement to merge and are now com-pleting the steps required to accomplishthis merger before the end of 2009.

Following a successful due diligenceprocess, NCHS will merge with SDHS,and the combined organization will be

called the “San Diego Humane Societyand SPCA.” NCHS's North County facil-ity on San Luis Rey Road in Oceansidewill operate under the name “San DiegoHumane Society and SPCA, North Cam-pus.”

"This merger will bring additional re-sources to advance animal welfare serv-ices provided by the two organizations,"said Julie Banks, NCHS executive director.

Other benefits of the merger include: • More treatable animals' lives will be

saved in our respective communitiesas a result of the merger.

• The merger will bring additional re-sources to bear on animal welfare serv-ices provided by the two organizations.

• Increased services for individual petowners when they are faced with thechallenges and difficulties of separat-ing from a beloved pet.

• Create a more compassionate commu-nity by bringing forward and enhanc-ing lifesaving education programs forboth children and adults.

• Work together to ensure that bothowner-relinquished animals and strayanimals receive the same standard ofveterinary medical care as owned petsin our community.

Dr. Mark Goldstein, DVM, CAWA, andpresident of SDHS, will serve as president ofthe new SDHS organization. The SDHS sen-ior management team will oversee the staffand operations of the new organization.Banks, executive director of the currentNCHS, will become part of the new SDHSfollowing the merger. In addition, two mem-bers who now serve on the NCHS board ofdirectors will be appointed to the board oftrustees of the new SDHS organization.

“Together, we can do more. Our sharedmissions of serving animals and the com-munity have brought us together for thegood of the animals and people in our com-munity in our work to strengthen thehuman-animal bond,” Goldstein said.

For more information about SDHS, visitwww.sdhumane.org; for NCHS,www.nchumane.org .

Best Tools to CombatH1N1 in Pets

News out of Iowa reports that we’veseen the first confirmed case of H1N1 fluin a family’s cat. This is the first timeH1N1 has been reported in a cat, thoughit is well-known that other influenzastrains can be spread from humans to an-imals. Society for the Prevention of Cru-elty to Animals Los Angeles (spcaLA)reminds people to be vigilant in observ-ing their pets. If they show signs of ill-ness, such as a runny nose, sneezing orwheezing, loss of appetite, and lethargy,it is important to take them to a veteri-narian, no matter what the species.

“The current influenza vaccines for an-imals don’t prevent the contraction ofH1N1,” says spcaLA President MadelineBernstein. “However if an animal be-comes ill, antibiotics can be prescribed tocombat secondary infections,”

Luckily, the cat recovered. Remember,if someone in your home becomes sick,practice good hygiene, keep infected hu-mans away from pets, be vigilant anddon’t hesitate to seek veterinary treatmentif your pets are showing signs of illness.

For more info, please contact AnaBustilloz at abustilloz@spcaLA.com or323-730-5300 x252 or 323-707-1271.

Pet Hideaway open at Seaport Village

Longtime friends Mike Downey andNancy Clem join forces and passion toopen Pet Hideaway in Seaport Village thisJuly. Their shop specializes in dog and catproducts, including a full assortment oftrendy collars and leash sets, bowls, cuteclothing, activity toys and treats! Just intime for the holidays you'll find a won-derful selection of unique gift ideas for petlovers too! Open 7 days 10 a.m.- 9 p.m.Parking validated. (619) 338-0656

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 200916

"Puppy Love DVDFor PuppyLovers of AllAges! Cat lovers DVDalso available

www.earthvideo-works.com623-217-7784"

H BdD 5 GIFT GUIDE

365 Days ofDogs/CatsDaily CompanionGreat gift idea forpet owners with365 day of reading,from understandingbasic needs, breeds,grooming, health-care to bonding.

ISBN:10: 1-59253-528-3ISBN:10: 1-59253-591-7$19.95 hardcover

51 Puppy TricksStep-by-stepinstructions and photographs of activities to engage,challenge and bondwith your new puppy!

ISBN:978-1-59253-571-2$18.99 Paperback

Dogjoy: The HappiestDogs in theUniverseThere's no betterbook for doglovers to give or receive this holidayseason!

ISBN:978-1-60529-730-9$16.95 hardcover

Homer'sOdysseyA beautifully writtenstory of an extraordinary (blind)cat and his humancompanion. It celebrates the refusalto accept limits — onlove, ability or hopeagainst any odds.

ISBN: 978-0-35-34385-5$20.00 hardcover

The Organic Dog Bis-cuit Cookbook With over 100 of our best treatrecipes, this makes a great gift forall dog lovers. This beautiful 6.5" x9" hardcover book has 224 pagesand features rounded corners, acanvas cover and sewn in ribbonbookmark. It truly is a top-notchgift. A free cookie cutter is in-cluded with every purchase.

www.bubbarose.comPrice: $14.95 gift set

Nose Down,Eyes UpA howlingly funnystory about a manwho refuses togrow up, his con-fused relationshipswith women andhis four (talking)dogs.

ISBN:978-0-345-50020-S$24.00 hardcover

High-Energy Dogs:A Practical Guide to Living with Energetic and Driven CaninesPractical, easy-to-follow adviceand training techniques help owners understand the physicaland mental needs of highly driven dogs.

ISBN:978-0-7938-0670-6 $19.95 paperback

Dog HerosWho Save theDayBeautiful book forkids and the entirefamily! A story posterbook with takes ofdramatic rescues,courageous journeysand true-blue friend-ships.

ISBN:978-1-60342-116-4 $9.95 paper

Inside of a Dog: What Dogs See,Smell, and KnowBy Alexandra Horowitz This book is a fresh look at the world of dogs —from the dog's point of view. Alexandra Horowitzis a cognitive scientist who does research in thefield of dog cognition; she is also an unabasheddog person. "Inside of a Dog" is the synthesis ofthese two perspectives.

ISBN-13: 9781416583400$27 hardcover

Editor’sPick Editor’s

Pick Editor’sPick

Gingerbread Toys& Treats Dog GiftBasketGingerbread toys and treatsis the focus of this holidaygift basket! Dogs will turncircles of excitement whenthey receive this gift. Filledwith an assortment of gin-gerbread man gourmetdog cookie treats, a plushgingerbread house toy, andan assortment of gingerbread man plush toys. A wonderful gift idea for any dog ordog lover in your life! $56.50. www.DogLoverGiftBaskets.com. 866.514.2090

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com 17

CAT-OPOLY board gamefrom National Cat Protection SocietyCAT-OPOLY by Late for the Sky Companyis the purr-fect board game for cat fansages 8 and up. Adopt breeds from theAbyssinian to the Turkish Van, trade litterpans for fish bones and get Catnip cash!Don't be a scaredy cat – be ready to alsofall in water, catch fleas or face a CAT-AS-TROPHE (card). $25 All proceeds benefitthe cats and kittens of National Cat Protection Society, a non-profit, no-kill cat shelterdedicated to the protection and welfare of felines. www.natcat.org

Zoo Med Naturalistic Terrarium The Naturalistic Terrarium by Zoo Med adds a smallpiece of nature and tranquility to a home or office whileproviding reptile pets with a home of luxury. The terrar-ium features a full front glass opening door with a snapclosure, a full stainless steel screen top that does notcorrode and accommodates a Dome Clamp Lamp Fix-ture or the optional Light Bar. It is designed to allow for

natural air flow inside the terrarium and a water-tight base allows for a “water pool”on the inside of the terrarium. www.zoomed.com. Simalar products available at Pet Kingdom, 3191 Sports Arena, 619) 822-2317

EmeryCat EmeryCat tilizes a patented abrasive

coating that naturally files down cats’claws as they play, stretch or scratch.

The EmeryCat retails for $17.88 (MSRP)at select Walmart stores and $19.95 at

www.emerycat.com. For more informationabout the EmeryCat please visit EverydayEdisons online at ww.everydayedisons.com.

Cat Scratch PostWith two super comfortable v-shaped resting perches to whileaway the hours, and both a sisal anda carpeted post to satisfy your kitty'sneed to claw! Made of wood andhigh quality carpeting, this piecewill be your cat's favorite for years.$109.99 plus shipping. For all of C & D PetProducts great line of cat furniture and out-door enclosures check out their website atwww.cdpets.com or call 888-554-7387.

Gift basketAt Eternal Paw Prints we know that nothingis harder than losing the companionship ofa beloved pet. This wonderful gift basket ofcomfort and sympathy will show the recipi-ent just how much you care and under-stand their loss. We include a Lavender-Vanilla Soy Candle with choice of memoriallabels, a Rainbow Bridge poem note card, avelvet bag of Wild Flower seeds, and ahandwritten sympathy card. $25.50www.EternalPawPrints.net. 866.514.2090.

Springer dog exerciserWith the Springer dog exerciser, youcan take your dog on bike rides,safely. Used by 600,000+ bicyclists,the Springer absorbs up to 90% ofthe force of a dog’s unexpected tugs,so you keep your balance and yourdog is protected from traffic, pedalsand wheels. Available fromwww.springeramerica.com for $69.

GIFT GUIDE H BdD 5

Puppy Huggerpuppy hugger aims to liftthe spirits in these serioustimes with vibrant fabricchoices guaranteed tomake you smile. Also new this year, theCloud 9 beds in round,square and rectangle shapesmade from supersoft 100 per-cent polyester microfibers. Don'tforget to order a matching blanketto throw on the sofa or an even largerone for the kids or yourselves. The one thing about all the fabrics we use is thateveryone loves them — so think Christmas gifts for the whole family, not just thedog. www.puppyhugger.com

Fleece Snowmen Dog PJsKeep your pooch best dressed all hours of the day.Comfortable, adorable, easy-care apparel. A warm andcozy treat for any pup also includes a coordinatingsnowman squeaker toy. This is almost too good tobe true! $20-$26 Available at your local Muttropolislocations

Christmas Babble BallThis interactive toymakes animal soundswhen touched. It sings,talks, and interacts

with your pet for over 10 different soundsand jingles! $14 Available at your local Muttropolis locations

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 200918

H BdD 5 HEALTH Q & A

Jumping up is a natural behavior fordogs, so unlearning it can take time andpatience. The behaviors that we give themost attention to are the behaviors beingtrained, whether desired or not. If a dogjumps up and hears “no” or “down” oris pushed off, it is being acknowledgedfor jumping. Ignoring unwanted behav-iors and rewarding preferred ones expe-dites training.

Try this technique. When your puppyjumps up on you, turn your back to himand act like a tree! When you turn

around, stand completely still. If yourdog brushes up against you, licks yourhand or continues to jump, it must be ig-nored. Do not move your hands or bodyor look at your dog. Each time you inter-act with your dog and he jumps up, re-peat standing still like a tree.Consistency is important, so everyone inthe household practicing the tree exer-cise will greatly assist with the trainingprocess. You can even “hire” volunteersto participate.

Next it is important to consistently re-

ward desired non-jumping behaviors.When your puppy has all four paws onthe ground give him a treat, praise, patsor a toy. Reward with whatever is of highvalue to him.

When guests come to your house it canbe a whole new challenge, which is why“hiring” volunteers can be beneficial. Thekey is to be prepared and proactive.Bring treats or other rewards on walksand public outings. You can reward himbefore he jumps as a distraction, but alsoto acknowledge your preferred behavior.

Don’t be discouraged if your caninecompanion jumps up sometimes after allyour hard work. Learning is a process!

DEAR SINDI,Do you know of any homeo-

pathic treatments for gingivitisthat might help my cat Juji?

Not necessarily homeopathic, but nat-ural alternatives, yes. Gingivitis is an in-flammation of the gums caused byplaque buildup. It can advance into pe-riodontal disease, which is a more seri-ous condition. Having your catexamined by a holistic veterinarianknowledgeable about dental care maybe beneficial to determine the severity ofyour cat’s issue.

Regardless of this determination,good nutrition is essential for astrong immune system and healthiermouth. Administering a high-qualitymulti-vitamin with C, A, E and otherantioxidants is also beneficial.

Reading the ingredients label on yourpet’s food will help you to become your

Sindi and Ginger

Help for a Jumping Puppy and a Cat with Gingivitis

B y S I N D I S O M E R S | S A N D I E G O P E T S

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DEAR SINDI, I’m trying to teach my 10-month-old puppy Rigby not to jump on

people. He’s 22 pounds and I don’t mind it, but I have young chil-dren and when their friends come over his jumping on them canbe bothersome. Do you have any suggestions?

H BdD 5HEALTH Q & A

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com 19

cat’s personal nutritionist.Corn, soy and wheat can leadto digestive problems, allergicreactions and contribute todental illness in cats and dogs.Cats are carnivores, and unlessthere is some medical reason tofeed them otherwise, they ac-tually don’t need grains. How-ever, some felines do OK withsmall amounts.

Along with corn, soy andwheat, rice, oatmeal, millet andbarley are some of the grainsfound in pet foods. Eatinggrains and other starchy carbo-hydrates that turn into sugarmay be aiding Juji’s gingivitis.

Chewing on raw chickennecks can add an abundance ofnutrients, enzymes and natu-rally occurring glucosamineand taurine to her diet whilehelping to clean her teeth. Isuggest initially giving her theraw necks in short periods offive to fifteen minutes to allowher system to adjust. If thechicken neck is frozen, thaw itin the fridge. If she doesn’t gofor the thawed raw immedi-ately, sit it on the counter to bebrought closer to room temper-ature. You may wish to pourroom temperature or slightlywarm water over the meatybone for Juji. Never cook or mi-crowave the chicken necks.

I also recommend brushingyour cat’s teeth. Start by gentlytouching Juji’s teeth and gumswith your fingers. Over time,progress to light massage. Thentry using a small, soft-bristledtoothbrush found at pet storesand veterinarian offices. Pettoothpaste is also available, butcheck the ingredients as manyinclude a sugar derivative.Sugar substitutes aren’t a bene-fit to their diet either.

E-mail Sindi with your nutrition,behavior, health or other pet ques-tions and energy healing, psychicreading and animal communicationrequests at sindi@sdnews.com.

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 200920

H BdD 5 HOLIDAY SAFTEY TIPS

It’s the holiday season again, and every-one knows what that means: colorful dec-orations, family gatherings, out-of-towntrips, baked goodies, succulent holidaymeals and presents, presents, presents. Butwhat you may not know is that the seem-ingly benign trappings of holiday celebra-tion can be dangerous, and even deadly, toyour pet. So take these note of these pre-cautions whether your pet is feline, canine,rabbit, rodent or feathered!

As reported by local veterinarians, of theholiday ailments that pets sustain, themost frequent are stomach problemsbrought on by overeating or consumingthings not on the regular menu. Sure, itmay seem harmless to slip the dog a fewscraps from the Thanksgiving table or treatthe cat to a bit of gravy sprinkled on herfood, but in truth these seemingly innocu-ous treats can cause digestive upset. Whilenot especially hazardous, this conditioncan be uncomfortable and upsetting forboth the pet and owner. And watch thoseopen alcoholic drinks, as some breeds ofparrot have been known to sneak a drinkfrom an untended glass. Variations in dietcan also give your pet pancreatis. Fortu-nately, these pitfalls are easy to avoid. Keepfood out of reach, and stick to your pet’susual diet. If you have guests over, politelyremind them to avoid give your pet that“harmless” extra snack. And be sure tomaintain a regular exercise regimen. Peo-ple aren’t the only ones susceptible topacking on a few additional pounds overthe holidays.

Holiday decorations, on the other hand,can be a more serious threat. While deco-rations constructed from edible materials(such as candy canes and gingerbreadhouses) have their obvious attractions, aninquisitive pet may make an impromptusnack from low-hanging Christmas treeornaments or take the bones from a plasticHalloween skeleton. The broken edges ofglass and plastic can cause serious internalinjury, and the chemicals used in creatingdecorative products, such as flocking, spi-der webbing, angel hair and tinsel, may betoxic if consumed. Even if the item isn’tovertly dangerous, it can cause gastroin-

testinal blockage, another injury com-monly reported by local veterinarians.

The electrical cords associated withChristmas lights and other decorationsthat require power can be a deadly hazard.Exotic pets such as rabbits, ferrets andchinchillas can be aggressive chewers, aswell as some breeds of dogs, and the cordmay be too inviting a temptation to resist.Even if this is not the case, loose or unse-cured cords still pose a threat; animals mayincur broken or dislocated limbs, burns oreven strangulation should they becomeentangled. Keep your Christmas lights se-cured properly, and make sure electricalcords are kept out of the way, taped to thewalls or covered with plastic tubing. Ifyour pet is a chewer, your veterinarian orpet supply store can provide you with achew deterrent that can be used to coat thecords. And for extra safety, turn off or un-plug any items requiring electricity whennot in use.

The Christmas tree itself can be trouble-some for your pet. Imagine how a catwould feel: stuck indoors all day long, andsuddenly there’s this fresh, fun tree in thehouse to climb. Except there’s no rootstructure holding the tree into the ground,and the sudden addition of weight sends ittoppling over, posing a danger not only tothe cat but anything else that might be inthe way. Keep your tree firmly secured.Use a wide-legged stand and, if possible,anchor the tree to the wall or ceiling. Asrule of thumb, don’t water your tree withanything you wouldn’t use to water yourpet. Your pet may steal a drink from thetree stand when you’re not looking, sowhen keeping your tree green, rememberto only use the same clean, safe wateryou’d give your pet... or yourself, for thatmatter. You may choose to forgo the liveChristmas tree in favor of an artificial one.It has its upsides: no need to water, nodead pine needles littering the floor, and atthe end of the season you can just pack itup and put it away for next year. Butplease remember that artificial trees posetheir own hazards. The plastics and alu-minum used their construction may beharmless to the touch, but if swallowed

can lead to intestinal blockage, internalbleeding and irritation of the mouth.When assembling your tree, check it care-fully for any loose bits and keep a sharpeye out for anything that may have subse-quently broken off.

As a pet owner, you should be awarethat the various plants used in holiday dec-orations could be toxic to your pet if eaten.While the exact level of danger posed bythe stems and leaves of poinsettias is still amatter of debate, the plant does possess alevel of toxicity, and can in the very leastcause your pet serious gastrointestinal dis-comfort. Mistletoe, on the other hand, ishighly toxic. If you chose to hang it, be sureto do so securely. Even a minimal amountcan prove fatal to your pet.

Other decorations can be dangerous toyour animals as well. It only takes onetipped-over candle to burn a house down.Factor in a curious cat or mischievous fer-ret, and your odds of having a candle tipincrease astronomically. Remember that adomesticated pet will not necessarily rec-ognize fire as a threat, and may find thesoft glowing warmth of a candle interest-ing. Keep that lit wreath or menorah out ofreach of pets, and be sure to extinguish theflames when no one is around to super-vise. Bear in mind that while the candleflames may not pose a threat, certainspecies of pets are vulnerable to smoke in-halation; most breeds of domesticatedbirds are especially susceptible. Keep cagesaway from any source of flame, includingthe kitchen, as the fumes given off by non-stick cookware and self-cleaning ovenshave proven deadly to birds.

Like people, animals are vulnerable toailments caused by stress. If you have petsin the house and are planning a large get-together this holiday season, keep your petfirmly in mind. Sudden changes in the en-vironment that a gathering can bring, suchas unfamiliar people, smells or loud noises,can provoke negative or antisocial behav-ior in an otherwise docile animal. De-pending on your pet’s individualtemperament, it may be wise to designatea separate part of the house as a “pet-friendly” zone, setting it up with the toys,

The Best Gift For Your Pet This Holiday SeasonS A N D I E G O P E T S

bedding and other items that signal“home.” If your pet is socially agreeablewith crowds, you should still be consciousof his well-being. An animal runningaround underfoot at a gathering is an ani-mal at risk of being stepped on. And sadly,a high percentage of pets go missing dur-ing this time of the year. As people comeand go, the door is constantly opening,providing ample opportunity for your petto go exploring outdoors. Make sure yourpet is wearing its tags at all times. After all,won’t your other guests be dressing up?And speaking of “dressing up,” it can betempting to dress your pet in one of thenovelty costumes routinely sold by storesduring the holiday period. Please thinktwice before doing so. As the CaliforniaVeterinary Medical Association (CVMA)advises, “Don’t dress up your dog or catunless you know it likes to be dressed up.If you decide to do so, make sure the cos-tume isn’t annoying or unsafe, and doesn’trestrict movement. Avoid costumes withsmall or dangling accessories.”

Though it may seem generous and lov-ing to give a pet as a gift, please don’t. Thechaos of the holiday season makes it a ter-rible time to attempt to bond with a newcompanion, especially if the intended re-cipient is an inexperienced pet owner. Sta-tistics have shown that a higher percentageof animals given as gifts during the holi-days wind up at rescue shelters than dur-ing other parts of the year.

If you decide to travel, you should stillbe conscious of the stress your pet incurs.

Crate your animal properly and comfort-ably, and if at all possible avoid flyingyour pet in the plane’s cargo area. Mostairlines provide specific accommodationsfor traveling pets. Given the difficulties inbringing a pet on a long trip, it is under-standable if you choose to leave yours athome during your holiday travels. If youdo so, a boarding service or pet sitter canprove to be an invaluable asset. A pet leftalone in the house for lengthy periods canbe endangered by its own sense of bore-dom. Seeking to entertain itself, a pet mayact out or engage in destructive behavior.A bored, lonely dog, for instance, mayhowl and cry or tear up the furniture. Andthough cats may be more self-sufficientthan dogs, when isolated for long periodsof time they will also turn the furnitureinto an impromptu scratching post, not tomention find new and interesting locationsto designate as the litter box. Deprived ofthe contact to which they’re accustomed,birds will often excessively pluck theirfeathers, leaving ugly bald patches. And aswell-intentioned as they may be, yourneighbor or family volunteer just mightnot have the time to give your pet the loveand attention it needs. “Don’t rely on aneighbor,” the Bonita Pet Hospital recom-mends. “Use a pet sitter or home sitter.”Their opinion is seconded by the SpringValley Veterinary Clinic, which warns thatwhatever your plans, you “use a pet sitteror trusted friend at least once a day, [keep-ing] TV or music on as it helps with anxi-ety.” A sitter or service will dedicate

full-time attention to your pet’s well-being, leaving you free to enjoy your tripwithout worry.

When selecting a pet sitter or boardingservice, apply the same criteria you wouldwhen selecting a sitter for your child. Besure to check their credentials and refer-ences. If your first choice doesn’t fit yourneeds, simply select another. It’s importantthat both you and your pet feel comfort-able with your chosen service provider.Remember, though, that as a pet owner itis your responsibility to keep your sitter orboarding service informed as to your pet’sneeds and proclivities. Like their owners,each pet is a unique individual with aunique personality, and the more informa-tion you give your sitter, the better off allaround the relationship between the threeof you will be.

For more information about the pet sittingindustry, please visit Pet Sitters Internationalat www.petsit.com. For more information onusing a professional pet sitter and the bene-fits for your pets in San Diego County, aswell as how to find other Pet Safety resourcesand information, please visit www.petsitdog-walkbykat.com.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com 21

H BdD 5HOLIDAY SAFTEY TIPS

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November 2009ADOPT-A-SENIOR-PET-MONTHESCONDIDO HUMANE SOCIETY3450 East Valley Parkway Or call us at: (760) 888-BARK

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 11, 7:30 P.M.JEFF CORWIN - 100 HEARTBEATS: The Race to Save Earth’s Most Endangered Species Warwick’s - 7812 Girard Ave. - La Jolla, CAIn 100 Heartbeats, conservationist and televisionhost Jeff Corwin provides an urgent, palpable por-trait of the wildlife that is suffering in silence andteetering on the brink of extinction. From theforests slipping away beneath the stealthy pawsof the Florida panther to the giant panda’s plightclimbing ever higher in the mountains of China insearch of sustenance, Corwin takes readers on aglobal tour to witness firsthand the critical state ofour natural world. Along the way, he shares inspir-ing stories of battles being waged and won in de-fense of the earth’s most threatened creatures bythe conservationists on the front lines.

SATURDAY, NOV. 14HOPE TELETHON ON KUSI 9/51Helen Woodward Animal Center, 6461 El Apajo Road, Rancho Santa Fe, CAAgain this year we invite you to join some of San

Diego’s most popular animal lovers for the HOPETelethon benefiting HWAC. The four-hour show airson KUSI television. Meet animals. Learn about ourprograms. Laugh. Cry. Phone in your pledge.

SATURDAY NOV. 14, 10 A.M.HEALTHY PET FESTIVAL Petco - 1210 West Morena Blvd.Be a part of the celebration! It’s important for all of usto assure that our pets are in good health. Don’t missout on important information from our veterinarian,groomer, nutritionist, dog trainer and pet sitter.

SUNDAY, NOV. 15, DEC. 6 & DEC. 20HOUSE RABBIT SOCIETY ADOPTION DAYPlease complete our adoption application form avail-able from our Website www.sandiegorabbits.org, ore-mail hrs@sandiegorabbits.org if you are interestedin adopting. All potential adopters must be pre-screened well in advance of adoption days in order tobest match them with rabbits who are appropriatefor their home and family. Screening requires thecompletion of our adoption application and an inter-view to determine your level of rabbit experienceand your preferences and/or expectations of a rabbit.Our goal is to make the best match for the rabbit andthe home, ensuring a lifelong adoption for the rabbit.We do not hold adoption events that are “open to thepublic.” Please contact us in advance so we can matchyou to one of our foster rabbits and invite you to ouradoption day.

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 200922

H BdD 5 WINTER EVENTS

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NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com 23

H BdD 5WINTER EVENTSTHURSDAY, NOV. 19, 6:30-8 P.M.PET DISASTER PREP LECTURESAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY AND SPCAYou can never be too prepared in case of emergen-cies and neither can your pets! Come learn how toplan for emergencies, what supplies your pets willneed, what to do with your pets in case of evacua-tions and more from a representative from our Inves-tigations and Animal Rescue Reserve team. Cost is$12 per person and includes materials, light snacksand non-alcoholic refreshments. Please note allclasses are for people only — please leave your greatpets at home. Space is limited. Pre-register by calling(619) 243-3424 or RSVP online.

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25, 4 P.M.THANKSGIVING FEAST FOR DOGS78 Eastlake Parkway #1210 - Chula Vista, CAHave a seat at our decorated Thanksgiving table andenjoy lots of good food. Limited seating; thereforereservations are required. Each dog will receive agoodie bag to take home.

SATURDAY, NOV. 28, NOON- 3 P.M.SNAP PUPPY / DOG ADOPTION EVENTMuttropolis, 7755 Girard Ave. in La Jolla, CASNAP of San Diego will be hosting a puppy/dogadoption event Saturday, Nov. 28 from noon-3 p.m.Give thanks by rescuing a life!

December 2009SATURDAY, DEC. 5, 10 A.M.-4 P.M.POINT LOMA HOLIDAY HOME TOUR & MARKETPLACE3725 Oleander Drive, San Diego, CA 92106All proceeds benefit Best Friends Animal Society,www.bestfriends.org, which operates the nation’slargest sanctuary for abused and abandonedhomeless companion animals and also is knownfor its grassroots outreach to animal rescuegroups and shelters across the country.This event will include five home tours in the his-torically rich Point Loma neighborhoods, and aHoliday Marketplace featuring more than 20 localartists and designers offering unique holiday gifts,home accessories, jewelry and more. The HolidayHome Tour is open to the public. Tickets may bepurchased for $25 prior to Dec. 5 at Cottage An-tiques in Ocean Beach. Tickets will be $30 the dayof the event and will be sold at the Home Tour’sholiday marketplace at 3725 Oleander Drive, SanDiego, CA 92106, where maps will also be handedout to ticket holders. For more information ortickets: call (619) 518-8663.

FRIDAY DEC. 11, 7 P.M.HOLIDAY POTLUCK AT SAN DIEGO TURTLE & TORTOISE SOCIETYBalboa Park, Casa Del Prado Room 101

Bring a dish to share. Members can attend for free ( membership $25 per year). For more info: www.SDTurtle.org

SUNDAY DEC. 13, 1:30-5 P.M.PET CHRISTMAS COSTUME PARADE &PET EXPO – GASLAMP QUARTER ASSOCIATION$10 per pet/human duo. Fee will include participa-tion in the parade, collectable Gaslamp Holiday PetParade dog tags, a goodie bag featuring animaltreats, discounts, coupons and other pet-friendlygifts. There will also be a Pet Expo with local pet prod-uct and service vendors. Location – Hilton Park at thecorner of K Street and 4th across from ConventionCenter. For more info: www.gaslamp.org.

DIGGY and her human Grace love to gofor car rides!

sandiegopetsmagazine.com | NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 200924

H BdD 5 WINTER CALENDAR

Monthly CalendarDOGSGREYHOUNDS TO GO WALKING CLUBAll well behaved, leashed dogs welcome.EVERY Sat. 10:00am in front of the Hall of Championsin Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego.MORE INFO:http://greyhounds2go.org/sd_events.html

GREYHOUND WALKING CLUBAll well behaved, leashed dogs welcome.Generally the 1st & 3rd Saturdays at different loca-tions around the County.MORE INFO:http://www.gwcsdc.homestead.com/schedule.html

COCKER SPANIEL SOCIAL1st & 3rd SATURDAYs OF EVERY MONTH In Oceanside & La JollaMORE INFO: Email Peggy Mundell at SDDogRescue@cox.net Or Visit http://cockerspaniel.meetup.com/4/

FRENCH BULLDOG MEET-UP GROUPMeet 2nd & 4th Saturday each month at local parks & beachesMORE INFO: http://www.frenchbull-dog.meetup.com/41/ or e-mail Robert Goulet atRgoulet69@hotmail.com

DOGGIE HAPPY HOURW Hotel 421 West “B” Street, San Diego. 92101. LastTuesday 5-7pm - Bring your dog and socialize ontheir outside patio, Please call first at 619-231-8220 tomake sure they are still having it.

EDUCATION CLASSESPET FIRST AIDAmerican Red Cross ClassesHeld Monthly - Cost: $60.00 4-hour class includes Pet First AidHandbook. Mission Valley & Vista.MORE INFO: www.SDARC.org or call 858-309-1439

HAPPY HOUR LECTURE SERIESSan Diego Humane Society3rd Thursdays, Different classes and times.MORE INFO: http://www.sdhumane.org

ADULT EDUCATION COURSESEscondido Humane SocietyBi-monthly classesMORE INFO: click on “Education”, then “Upcom-ing Classes at http://www.escondidohumanesoci-ety.org/

DOGGIE CAFESan Diego Humane SocietyLast Friday 6-8pm - Have fun socializing with yourpets and trainers will be on hand for training tips.To reserve a space call 619-299-7012 extension2230MORE INFO: http://www.sdhumane.org

KIDSANIMAL TALESFREE story telling program for kids 4 to 8yrs. Sto-ries and crafts. 3rd Sunday, 1:00pmMORE INFO: Please call 619-299-7012 ext. 2251or visit http://www.sdhumane.org and navigateto “Just for Kids”.

TOTS TALESFREE story telling program for preschoolers or yourplaygroups. 4th Thursday, 10:30amMORE INFO: Please call 619-243-3432 or visithttp://www.sdhumane.org

PARROTSPARROT CLASSESMonthly classes held at the Marina Village Confer-ence Center, $10.00 Non-Members, $15.00 at thedoor.MORE INFO: To register go to web site athttp://www.peac.org/sem_by_site.shtml

RABBITSSDHRSVolunteer or find out more about San Diego HouseRabbit Society.MORE INFO: 619-718-7777 or visit web site atwww.sandiegorabbits.org

RADIO PROGRAMSTALKN’ ANIMALS WITH DR. DOGEvery Sun. 9-10am - 760AM KFMB MORE INFO: http://www.drdog.com

TO VIEW THE ENTIRE CALENDARS FOR:HELEN WOODWARDANIMAL CENTERPlease call (858) 756-4117www.animalcenter.org

SAN DIEGO HUMANE SOCIETY619-299-7012 ext 2230. www.sdhumane.org

SUPPORT LOCAL ANIMAL SHELTERSWITH PRESENTS 4 PETS DRIVEDrop off a pet present & attend “YappyHour” with your dog on Nov. 21

For the second year in a row, the Sheraton Carlsbad Re-sort & Spa is partnering with Dogs on the Run (www.dog-sontherun.com www.dogsontherun.com> ) and supportingthe nation-wide Presents 4 Pets collection drive nowthrough Nov. 21. By bringing in a pet supply item you willbe invited to a complimentary “Yappy Hour” Saturday, Nov.21 from 2 to 4 p.m. on the lawn of the resort. Items for petsare being collected in a bin in the lobby of the SheratonCarlsbad (5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA). Dogs ofcourse are the main attraction, so pet lovers are encouragedto leave the felines at home this time.

The Presents 4 Pets collection drive helps local San Diegoanimal shelters and rescue groups. By donating a pet item,guests are given a complimentary dessert ticket in the re-

sort’s restaurant Twenty/20 and a invitation to “YappyHour,” which will feature live music, dog contests, treatsand a raffle, plus complimentary appetizers and beveragesfor humans. Pet lovers are encouraged to drop off pet pres-ents between now and Nov. 21, or they can bring them to“Yappy Hour” and the gift will allow guests to attend.

The nationwide Presents 4 Pets program assists in help-ing all shelter animals and local shelters in the greater SanDiego area, creating an awareness of community shelters.This year, items collected will be donated to the followingorganizations:

• The Barking Lot• Labradors & Friends Rescue• German Shepherd Rescue• Paws of Coronado

For further information on dropping off pet items or"Yappy Hour," contact April Alvillar, Dogs on the Run, at760.521.9444, or Nancy Hirsch, Sheraton Carlsbad Resort &Spa, 760.827.2603.

NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2009 | sandiegopetsmagazine.com 25

H BdD 5WINTER CALENDAR

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JANUARY 22 — FEBRUARY 21, 2010LOVE IS A DOGSan Diego Art Institute, in Balboa Park.Reception Jan.29, 2010, 6-8 p.m. "Love is a Dog" 50 paintings featuring man &woman's best friend. For more info contactdanadams888@gmail.com

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Animal Adoption OrganizationsA Passion For Paws Akita Rescue Cheryl Weatherford (858) 551-7511www.APassionForPaws.org

Angel Wings Cat Rescue Inc. Wilma Daubman (760) 744-0764www.AngelWingsCatRescue.comBat Rescue Richard Wilkins (858) 679-0211www.batrescue.orgChihuahua Rescue of San Diego Ann Pollack (858) 277-3557 www.ChihuahuaRescueofSanDiego.comGerman Shorthaired Pointer Rescue (760) 726-4813www.GSP-Rescue.orgGreyhound Adoption Center Toll Free 1-877-478-8364www.greyhoundog.orgGreyhound Connection (619) 286-4739www.GreyhoundConnection.orgOperation Greyhound Bruce or Bob (619) 588-6611www.OperationGreyhound.comPaws of Coronado Louise Shirey (619) 435-8247www.PawsOfCoronado.orgPit Bull Rescue of San Diego Kate John (858) 361-3592www.PitBullRescueSanDiego.comPug Rescue of San Diego Countywww.pugbutts.comSan Diego House Rabbit Society Judith Pierce (619) 718-7777www.SanDiegoRabbits.orgS.D. Turtle & Tortoise Society (619) 593-2123www.SDTurtle.orgSouthwestern Rottweiler Club San Diego Deanna Giller (619) 645-8800 www.SRCSD.netWestie Rescue of California (619) 579-6395www.WestieRescueCA.comSan Diego Bulldog Rescue Finding loving homes for bulldogs in need.You can help our program by visiting www.ralphs.com.Select "Community" and use our NPO number 90619. web: www.sdbr.org Phone: (619) 501-0219

Animal Welfare OrganizationsLabrador Harbor Sue Frounfelter (619) 892-0049www.LabradorHarbor.orgLions, Tigers & Bears Bobbi Brink (619) 659-8078www.LionsTigersandBears.orgProject Wildlife Caring for sick, injured & orphaned wildlife (619) 225-9202 www.ProjectWildlife.orgZoofari inc. - A partner in preservation Jackie Navarro (760) 630-9230www.Zoofari.net

Dog ClubsBREED SPECIFIC DOG CLUBSAztec Doberman Pinscher Club of San Diego Angie Monteleon(619) 443-8944 www.AztecDPC.com

Irish Setter Club of San Diego Madelon McGowen (619) 441-7339 Email - MadMac646@yahoo.comSan Diego Whippet Association Jo Rufing (619) 477-4222www.SanDiegoWhippets.com

DOG WALKING SOCIAL CLUBSSan Diego County French Bulldog meet-up Robert Goulet (760) 207-0332 www.FrenchBulldog.meetup.com/41

AGILITY/DISC/DOCK/FLYBALL/LURE COURSING/OBEDIENCE & SPORT DOG CLUBSAll Breed Obedience Club Inc. (619) 287-2211 www.aboci.comBallistic Racers Flyball Team B & J Matsumoto (619) 991-5267Catchers on the Fly Pamela Beane (760) 471-9087www.CatchersOnTheFly.orgLuratics Lure Coursing & Earth Dog Pat Bennett (619) 749-0724www.Luratics.comMartini’s Ranch – Agility Debby Wheeler (760) 294-4085www.MartinisRanch.com

HERDING CLUBSAction K9 Sports Terry Parrish (760) 739-8673www.actionk9sports.com

Services24/7 ON-CALL DOG WALKING SERVICE Downtown Walk A Pooch Call or e-mail us and we will help youand your best friend. Weekly and monthly rates available. Fullybonded. sdbag@rocketmail.com, San Diego, 619-645-5232Feral Cat Coalition (619) 758-9194www.feralcat.comPet Assistance Foundation Betty Brokaw (619) 469-5008www.orgsites.com/ca/pet-assistance/SNAP – Spay Neuter Action Project (619) 525-3047www.Snap-SanDiego.org

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H BdD 5 ANIMAL RESOURCESAnimal Shelters & Humane SocietiesSHELTERS THAT WILL ACCEPT STRAYS & HAVE ADOPTIONSBAY PARK/MISSION VALLEYCounty Animal Services – Central5480 Gaines St., CA 92110 (619) 236-4250www.sddac.com Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.BONITACounty Animal Services – South5821 Sweetwater Road, CA 91902 (619) 685-6309www.sddac.com Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.CAMP PENDLETONCamp Pendleton Animal Shelter4th St. Area 25 Bldg. 25132 CA 92054 (760) 725-8120CARLSBADCounty Animal Services – North2481 Palomar Airport Road, CA 92009 (760) 438-2312 or (760) 746-7307www.sddac.com Hours: Tues-Sat 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.CHULA VISTACity of Chula Vista Animal Shelter 130 Beyer Way, CA 91911 (619) 691-5123Hours: M-F 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.CORONADOAnimal Control Facility700 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 (619) 522-7371 Hours: 7 days 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 a.m.EL CAJONCity of El Cajon Animal Shelter 1275 N. Marshall Ave., CA 92020 (619) 441-1580Hours: Tues-Sat 10 am to 5:30 pmESCONDIDOEscondido Humane Society 3450 E. Valley Parkway, CA 92027 (760) 888-2275 www.EscondidoHumaneSociety.comHours: 7 days 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. OCEANSIDENorth County Humane Society 2905 San Luis Rey Road, CA 92054 (760) 757-4357 www.NCHumane.org Hours: 7 days 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

THESE SHELTERS ONLY ACCEPT OWNER RELINQUISHED ANIMALSBAY PARK/MISSION VALLEYSan Diego Humane Society & SPCA 5500 Gaines Street, CA 92110 (619) 299-7012 www.SDHumane.org Hours: Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-5 p.m.EL CAJONFriends of Cats15587 Olde Highway 80, CA, 92021 (619) 561-0361www.FriendsofCats.org Hours: Tues-Sun 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.ENCINITASRancho Coastal Humane Society389 Requeza Street, CA 92024 (760) 753-6413 www.RCHumaneSociety.orgHours: 11 a.m. -5 p.m. every day except Tues. 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.RANCHO SANTA FEHelen Woodward Animal Center 6461 El Apajo Road, CA 92067 (858) 756-4117 www.AnimalCenter.org Hours: 7 days 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.SPRING VALLEYNational Cat Protection Society9031 Birch Street, CA 91977 (619) 469-8771www.NatCat.org Hours: Tue.-Sat. Noon to 5 p.m.

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Emergency HospitalsBONITA/CHULA VISTASouth Co. Emergency Animal Clinic (619) 427-2881

3438 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA 91902 M-F 6 p.m.-8 a.m. Sat. Sun.Open 24 Hours

Pet Emergency & Specialty Center of South County (619) 591-4802

885 Canarios Court, #108, Chula Vista, CA 91910 M-F 6 p.m.-8 a.m. Sat. Sun.

3:30pm-8am www.PESCSanDiego.com

CARLSBADCalifornia Veterinary Specialists (760) 431-2272

2310 Faraday Ave. Carlsbad, CA 92008 7 days 24 hrs.

www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.com

ENCINITASVCA North Coast Veterinary & Emergency (760) 632-1072

414 Encinitas Blvd. Encinitas, CA 92024 7 Days 24 hrs.

www.VCANorthCoast.com

ESCONDIDOAnimal Urgent Care of Escondido (760) 738-9600

2430-A S. Escondido Blvd. Escondido, CA 92025 7 Days 24 hrs.

www.AUC.US.com

KEARNY MESA/CLAIREMONTAnimal ER of San Diego (858) 569-0600

5610 Kearny Mesa Road San Diego, CA 92111 M-F 6 p.m.-8 a.m. Sat. Sun. 24 hrs.

LA MESAPet Emergency & Specialty Center (619) 462-4800

5232 Jackson Drive #105 La Mesa, CA 91942 7 Days 24 hrs.

www.PESCSanDiego.com

MISSION VALLEYVCA Emergency Animal Hospital & Referral Center (619) 229-2400 2317 Hotel Circle South San Diego, CA 92108 7 Days 24 hrs.

www.VCAEmergency.com

MURRIETACalifornia Veterinary Specialists (951) 600-9803

25100 Hancock Ave. #116, Murrieta, CA 92562 7 days 24 hrs.www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.com

POWAYAnimal Emergency Clinic (858) 748-738712775 Poway Road Poway, CA 92064 M-F 6 p.m.-8 a.m. Sat. Sun. 24 hrs.www.AnimalEmergencySD.com

SAN MARCOSCalifornia Veterinary Specialists (760) 734-4433 100 N. Rancho Santa Fe Road #133 San Marcos, CA 92069 7 Days 24 hrs.www.CaliforniaVeterinarySpecialists.comVeterinary Specialty Hospital (760) 466-0600 2055 Montiel Road, Suite 104San Marcos, CA 92069www.vshsd.com

SORRENTO VALLEYVeterinary Specialty Hospital (858) 875-750010435 Sorrento Valley Rd. San Diego, CA 92121 7 Days 24 hrs.www.VSHSD.com

THERE’S LESS STRESS ON YOUR PET AND LESS HASSLE FOR YOU!

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THERE’S LESS STRESS ON YOUR PET AND LESS HASSLE FOR YOU!

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