High Desert Pet Services,Crossword and Word Search

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HIGH DESERT PETSis published and copyrighted 2013

by the Daily Press, 13891 Park Ave., Victorville, Calif. 92392

and the Desert Dispatch,130 Coolwater Lane, Barstow, Calif. 92311

Freedom Communications Inc. newspapers.

Publisher: Al FratturaEditor and Page Layout: Micki Brown, Special Sections Editor

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Do you have a pet with an interesting story, history or special talent and would like it to be featured in a future issue of High Desert Pets? If so, please send a photo and brief description

of the pet and its story, plus a contact phone number to mbrown@vvdailypress.comIf selected, Daily Press Special Sections

will write a story and take photos of the pet to be featured

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Apple Valley, Town of ........................................................ 16

First Safety Home Inspection ......................................... 14

Hesperia Animal Hospital ..................................................5

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DOGS

DHPP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00Corona . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00Bordetella . . . . . . . . . . . . $10.00Lyme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $30.00Rabies. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5.00

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If you are welcoming a new dog to the family but have yet to pick a name, you might want to consider “Max.”

Max has been a popular name for male dogs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia on and off for years, many times topping the list as the most popular male dog name.

Although names that described dog’s traits, such as Spotty or Dusty, were popular more than 50 years ago, today’s dogs (and cats) have decidedly human names.

Dogs named Max have starred in movies (think Max in “The Grinch Who Stole Christ-mas,”) and have also broken records.

A dog named Max lived to be the oldest dog at age 26.

Max has been a name given to pampered Yorkies as well as rough-and-tumble mutts.

If Max is not the name for you, Buddy, Jake and Rocky are a few of the other popular dog names.

— Metro

trong storms can barrel through a location with tremendous force, obliterating homes in the process.

The prospect of a natural disaster often forces people to take inventory of their lives and make decisions about what items to protect and how to prepare for the inevitability of an approaching threat. When making disaster prepared-ness plans, pet owners need to factor in care of their companion animals.

Many people refuse to leave pets be-hind. However, faced with the prospect of an impending storm or other calamity, pet owners may not know where to turn when it comes to caring for pets. Some inevitably stay behind after disaster evacuations have been issued with the fear pets may not be allowed in shelters or could be turned away from hotels. This can put homeowners, pets and res-cue workers at risk for greater injury. Knowing how to behave during a disas-ter, and caring for a pet in the process, can assist with keeping everyone safe.

• Know your options. People who live in particularly vulnerable areas, like

those prone to wildfires or coastal flood-ing, should map out a disaster plan. This plan will spell out what everyone in the home will do in the event an evacuation is needed or if you need to stay put with the potential for utility interruption. While some shelters are not pet-friendly, many are. The Red Cross has a network of Pet Disaster Shelters where pet own-ers can turn. Finding one may require a bit more travel, but it could offer peace of mind.

• Keep medical records handy. Have an extra copy of pets’ veterinary records in case of disaster. Keep important pa-pers in a waterproof container. Should you need to go to a shelter, staff may request proof of vaccinations. Dogs usu-ally need to be up-to-date on distemper/parovirus, rabies and bordetella (kennel cough) vaccines. Cats will need distem-per, feline leukemia and rabies shots in most cases.

• Create an emergency supply kit. Have extra food and water on hand for pets just in case you are stranded at home or need to go to a shelter. Store

he end-of-the-year holiday sea-son — parties, celebrations, family visits and groaning-

boards of food crammed into the weeks from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Eve — can be rough, even dangerous for pets.

Everything from different foods in the house, to candles, decorations and snak-ing electrical cords put animals at risk. Many vets and animal ERs report they see a spike in animal intestinal distress, injuries from accidents, ingestions of po-tentially life-threatening substances and dog-bites-dog cases from visiting-animal altercations.

Some of the dangers are fairly well-known but even such obvious risks as tails swatting candles must be kept con-stantly in mind, experts say.

Other potential perils are less well known. For example:

• Dogs that snack on macadamia nuts can develop profound rear-leg paralysis in 24 to 48 hours. Their owners, unaware of the phenomenon, assume the dog has had a massive stroke and have them eu-thanized. In fact, the condition resolves itself in two days and the dog walks nor-mally again, according to the ASPCA Poison Control Center.

• Dishes of liquid potpourri can be fa-tal to cats that sample from them

• The water in Christmas-tree stands quickly grows bacteria and may also contain traces of fire-retardant or pre-servatives. Pets often drink from those stands, often with severe reactions; the toxic liquid can be especially harmful to cats. You can buy a cover for the stand, or rig up one. Just make sure your dog or cat can’t pry into it.

The list goes on and on. Forthwith: a primer on keeping dogs, cats and other housebound pets safe, compiled with as-sistance from Marilyn Krieger, a certified cat behavior consultant (www.thecat-coach.com) from California who’s an ex-

pert for thecatchannel.com, and Darlene Arden, a Boston-area certified dog be-havior consultant and author of several books on dogs (www.darlenearden.com).

• Even the most sociable pets can come unglued when people descend for a big dinner or party. Close pets into a room so they can’t escape through open doors or get too close to candles or sam-ple food. Visitors can enter the room to say hello to them, but monitor those in-teractions each time, since the pets are probably already somewhat stressed and may react uncharacteristically, es-pecially to strangers and children.

• Don’t feed pets foods they don’t or-dinarily eat. A big chunk of turkey skin for the cat (way too fatty) or prime rib gravy over the dog’s food (same thing) will probably generate gastro turmoil that could require medical treatment.

• Pets often find ornaments and deco-rations fascinating and can get into trou-ble chewing on them. Cords to the tree lights can also be dangerous, especially to chew-happy kittens and puppies (and bunnies and ferrets) so figure out a sup-ply route that minimizes the risk. And use only pet-safe ornaments low on the tree.

There are some things that may be particular issues with cats and some with dogs (but some dogs may get into trouble with the cat-specific risks and vice versa, so read both of the follow-ing lists even if you have only one or the other).

First, cats tips, from Krieger:• Let the cat get used to the tree be-

fore it’s decorated. And spray it with pet repellant. You can buy a commer-cial spray like bitter apple, or mix some lemon juice with water and spray that. Reapply every couple of days.

• Secure the tree, just in case. You can attach it to the ceiling or to the wall.

• Many plants are dangerous for cats. Devoted cat owners often take the arti-ficial-greenery route instead. Pine, holly,

Call Jennifer (760) 963-7602Licensed, Bonded and Insured

“Loving At-Home CareWhen You Can’t Be There”

The High Desert Pet Nanny

Not a boarding facility

any people consider pets great holiday gifts. But in spite of their popularity as presents, pets do

not always make the most appropriate holiday gift.

Giving a pet as a present seems like a great idea, but shoppers might want to give it more consideration before giving a gift that is such a considerable respon-sibility. A puppy at Christmas or a bunny at Easter may be given with good inten-tions, but that well-meaning sentiment can easily backfire, ending with the pet being given up for adoption when recipi-ents don’t feel up to the task of raising a pet. In such instances, the companion animal pays the steepest price.

Though it often is, buying a pet should not be an impulse purchase. You see sad eyes looking back at you from behind a cage door and want to give that animal a new home. However, introducing an animal into a family is not a decision to take lightly. You must factor how well the pet will fit in with the family dynamic. Do schedules allow for quality time spent with the animal? Is it a financially good time to care for an animal that will cost money? Are you aware of how long the pet will live? Making those big decisions for a person on the receiving end of your well-intentioned gift may be crossing a line. Would you want to have such a life-changing decision made for you?

Furthermore, the holiday season is not one ideally suited for making careful decisions. People are often swept up in emotions and even stress, and shoppers may not be thinking rationally.

The hectic nature of the holiday sea-son can be a difficult time for a pet to grow acclimated to its new environment. He or she may be frightened to assimi-late or take longer to settle down. Pets often need several weeks of quiet and constant care to become comfortable in

their new environments. Here are some other reasons why the holidays are not a good time for new pets:

• Holiday visitors may frighten the new pet, and he or she may become wary of strangers at the outset.

• The activities in the household may pose safety hazards for the young animal. An abundance of rich foods and various decorations could be ingested, potentially causing illness.

• New pets should be carefully super-vised around children to see how they behave. A child may not be accustomed to handling a puppy or kitten and could injure the animal. Similarly, the pet may be skittish and lash out at the child. Adults busy with holiday obligations may be easily distracted and miss how their child is interacting with the new pet.

• Once the glow of the holidays wear off, children may be disillusioned with the new responsibility that has fallen into their hands. They may not like the responsibility that comes with being a good pet owner.

Reputable pet breeders and animal shelters often discourage individuals from adopting or purchasing pets as holiday gifts. Many organizations and animal businesses require a careful vet-ting of potential pet parents to ensure the animal will be placed with a family and in a home that is suitable.

Animal welfare groups warn that an estimated 50 percent of pets adopted during the holidays end up right back at shelters. This can scar the pet. Avoid the temptation of giving a companion animal as a present. If it is your intention to gift an animal, talk to the gift recipient and discuss the pros and cons beforehand. Then you can work together and make the right decision for all parties involved, including the pet.

— Metro

"Sugar" T. of Hesperia

"Bentley” S. of Helendale

“Luke” and “Leia" H. of Oak Hills

"Wreckers” of Barstow

"Bruno" T. of Hesperia

"Bingo" S. of HesperiaHigh

Dese

rt Pe

ts Ga

llery

If you have a cute photo of your pet and would like it to be considered for the

gallery, please e-mail a medium file size (500 kb or larger) JPEG to

mbrown@vvdailypress.com — be sure to include High Desert Pets Gallery in the subject line.

Also include the pet's name and city in the body of the e-mail.

"Hannah" E. of Apple Valley

"KeeKee" K. of Spring Valley Lake

"Reiley" D. of Phelan

"Detour" H. of Apple Valley

"Buddy” D. of Phelan"Bruno" T. of Hesperia

"Bingo" S. of Hesperia

Animal & Plant Care Service

MRS. GREENJEANS

“Take ! e Worry Out Of Leaving Home”

760-964-2911Servicing the High Desert for 19 YearsLicensed and Bonded • References on Request

e train our dogs so we can con-trol them. Control, however, comes from things besides

training. Control comes from a fenced yard, leashes, and crates as well as the human-canine bond. If dogs see them-selves as part of a family group they will want to please the leader. Control is en-hanced by training and bonding.

In training we attempt to get the dog to behave as we wish so that they fit in to the family. We may also train our dogs to perform tricks or special behaviors. It is always better if the dog enjoys training. Fitting in becomes natural and tricks can become play. Dogs and their people should enjoy training.

For the most part, training should reinforce the behaviors we want to en-courage. Aversive training can be used to extinguish unwanted behaviors. Both positive and aversive training practices depend on linking the positive or aver-sive training technique to a particular behavior. Timing and an awareness of the dog’s understanding of connection between a behavior and reinforcement (positive or negative) make training suc-cessful. Training that lacks this connec-tion creates frustration.

Positive reinforcement can work quickly if techniques and timing lead to understanding of the behavior-reward connection. If reinforcement is not im-mediately understood, the dog may still feel positive about the training experi-ence since the aversion has not been used.

Aversive training, on the other hand, can achieve results but leave the dog thinking negatively and focusing on what it sees as punishment. It takes skill, com-bined with well timed rewards, for prop-er behavior to be achieved when training aversively. Otherwise, training becomes a series of punishments which are dif-ficult to connect to a specific behavior. The dog will more than likely eventually stumble onto to proper behavior to avoid punishment. In this case, training is not enjoyed. The training process involves avoidance and the desire to please is

based on avoiding punishment.Aversive training involves more activ-

ity on the part of the trainer. The trainer may believe that training is progressing because of the high activity level of the trainer. In truth, punishment results in confusion and stubbornness until the dog relates the absence if punishment to a particular behavior.

Positive training requires a reward of food or voice that once connected to a behavior encourages that dog to repeat the behavior in order to be rewarded again. Training becomes a pleasurable activity.

Patience and practice are necessary in all training. Behaviors are shaped. Sloppy behaviors can be made better through patience and practice. We can not expect perfection without patience and practice. Gradually shaping perfec-tion by properly using reinforcements achieves results.

A dog overworked with aversive training becomes lethargic and does not look forward to training. Keeping train-ing positive and upbeat helps a dog stay positive and upbeat.

Training is great for creating a bond between humans and dogs. The bond es-tablishes closeness and a willingness to please. The bond should also establish leadership. Dogs love to have a leader. They can look to the leader to take care of them. They can look to the leader to see if all is well or danger is imminent. A dog who relies on a leader is more re-laxed, more able to learn quickly, more willing to please, and more appropriate in its behavior.

Training improves control and adds to the human-canine bond. Positive train-ing does this, may be faster in achieving results, and leads to a happier dog that is more willing to continue training.

About the authorBill Bobrow has trained 12 different

breeds that have earned AKC titles. Bill and his dogs have earned over 200 AKC titles in conformation, obedience, rally, and agility. At present he owns Akitas and Shibas. Bill can be reached at (760) 964-5101 or billbobrow@rippa-na.com.

VACCINATIONCLINICEVERY

WEDNESDAY

DISCOUNTDENTALS

DAILY!

(760) 244-383311011 Santa Fe Ave. • Hesperia

(In the Hesperia Animal Control Bldg.)

SPAY • NEUTER • VACCINATION CLINICHESPERIA VETERINARY SERVICES

Dr. Bill Connelly

• Orthopedics• Tumor Surgeries

DISCOUNTED PET SURGERIES

SHELTERS

• Apple Valley AnimalControl & Shelter

22131 Powhatan Rd., Apple ValleyPh: 760-240-7000; Ext. 7555for animal control/licenses;Ext. 7510 for the shelter.View adoptable animals atWebsite: www.applevalley.org

• Barstow Humane Society2480 E. Main St., BarstowPh: 760-252-4800Adoptions at the shelterand on weekends at Victorville PetSmart.

• Hesperia Animal Control Shelter 11011 Santa Fe Avenue East, HesperiaPh: 760-947-1700View adoptable animals atWebsite: www.highdesertinsider.com

• Victor Valley Animal Protective League (VVAPL) (The original

Shelter on Zuni Road) 21779 Zuni Road, Apple ValleyPh: 760-247-2102View adoptable animals atWebsite: www.vvapl.com

• San Bernardino CountyDevore Shelter

19777 Shelter Way, DevorePh: 909-887-8055or 800-472-5609

• San Bernardino CountyShelter — High Desert

19575 Bear Valley Road,Apple Valley (next to Dog’s Day Inn boarding and grooming facility)Ph: 760-961-7535Website: www.sbcounty.gov/acc

ADOPTION/ RESCUE GROUPS

• German Shepherd Rescueof the High Desertwww.gsrhd.com

E-mail: gsrhd@hotmail.comPh: 760-565-8012.

• Mustang-Spirit Equine Rescue P.O. Box 290640Phelan, CA 92329E-mail: info@mustang-spirit.org Website: www.mustang-spirit.orgPh: 888-267-0196

• North Star Pet Assistance E-mail: lindee33@charter.net Website: www.localrescue.orgPh: 760-953-3557

• PAL Humane Society P.O. Box 3298,WrightwoodPh: 760-249-1237Fax: www.palhumanesociety.org

• Pets Forever Found Ph: 760-953-7140www.PetsForeverFound.orgAdoptions on Saturdays at Apple Valley PetSmart

• Tanya’s Adoption Network 4 Young Animals, Inc.

Ph: 909-522-3333P.O. Box 290254, Phelan, CA 92329

• Wee Bar None Ranch Pet Placement, Apple Valley Ph: 760-961-1859E-mail: wbnr@earthlink.net Website: www.wee-bar-none- ranch.petfinder.com

AFTER-HOURSEMERGENCY CLINICS

• Animal Emergency Clinic12180 Ridgecrest Road, Ste. 122, VictorvillePh: 760-962-1122Hours: Weekdays 6 p.m. to 8 a.m.; weekends noon Saturday through 8 a.m. Monday; holidays 24 hours

• Animal Medical Center15013 Main St., HesperiaPh: 760-947-6000Open seven days 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.

High Desert Pet Services

mistletoe, kalanchoe and poinsettias can cause intestinal distress; sometimes plant ingestions are fatal.

• Tinsel can be lethal to cats, as it can cut intestines if swallowed. Other risks to cats: foam, angel hair, mylar. Keep them out of the house or use only in places where Kitty can’t climb (if there is such a place).

• Ribbons are interesting chew snacks for cats, and can cause gastro abrasions or blockages.

And here are some special concerns for dog owners from Arden:

• Don’t give him the bones from the standing rib or any other holiday roast. “That’s a really quick way to wind up with a dead dog,” because of punctures or blockages they can cause, says Ar-den.

• Be vigilant about foods brought into the house. Put it up where the dog can’t get at it, and if people bring or send you something gift-wrapped, place it up high

in case it contains chocolate or raisins (which can be fatal). “Don’t under-esti-mate a dog’s ability to counter-surf, even a small dog,” Arden warns.

• Keep the garbage sealed or outside the areas to which the dog has access. The delectability quotient of trash in-creases substantially with holiday fare.

• Even the most dog- and cat-friendly dog may behave poorly around unfa-miliar animals, in stressful conditions, or when there’s food around. Monitor them.

• Same’s true with kids. “Marauding children who aren’t familiar with how to behave around pets can run, yell, pull tails or poke fingers and do other things no reasonable dog can understand,” Ar-den says. Dogs may snap or bite. Further, tiny crawling infants make noises and moves that can prompt some dogs into a prey response. So never leave dogs alone with babies or young children.

• Tell guests to keep their suitcases closed and purses up high at all times so curious dogs can’t get into medicines or other items that could be harmful.

— CTW Features

Sponsored by:

Name________________

Grade________________Phone _______________

High Desert Pets Coloring PageThe Apple Valley Kennel Club is providing High Desert Pets with a regular coloring page sponsored by the Daily Press and Victor Valley Animal Protective League.

Students from Kindergarten through Grade 4 can submit colored pages for prizes by mailing them to Apple Valley Kennel Club, 8363 White Road, Phelan, CA 92371.

Winners will receive a variety of fun prizes. Contestants need to provide a contact phone number.

For more information contact Carol Parker at 818-259-9671.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Crossword Puzzle …

Word Search …

Answers for Puzzles on Page 15Hint: The words to these puzzles can be found in variousstories/features throughout this issue of High Desert Pets.

esearch indicates that there are around 400 different types of parrots. Although the larger macaws and Amazon species may get the most

fanfare because of their proclivity for human speech, there are several smaller species, including lovebirds, cockatoos and budgies, that are equally interesting.

Parrots are one of the more popular birds that peo-ple keep as pets. Parrots can be eye-catching compan-ions with dynamic personalities, and these wild animals are naturally curious, intellectual and playful. They can bond easily with people, but the same intriguing traits that make them attractive to some also can make them challenging pets. Before prospective pet owners bring home their first parrots, it’s best to get a grasp of what it’s like to own parrots.

Unlike some other caged companions, parrots as a whole are intelligent social animals that will demand mental stimulation. Parrots thrive when given lots of attention, and a properly cared for parrot can live up to 80 years or more. As a result, it’s imperative that prospective parrot owners recognize that owning a parrot is a life-long commitment. Ensuring the health of the bird and a good relationship between pet and pet owner takes work and dedication.

Getting a parrot is not a decision to be made on a whim. Here are some points to consider before bring-ing a parrot into a home.

SpaceParrots need a large amount of room in order to play

and feel content. The cage will need to allow the com-fort of moving around and also room for play. A parrot that does not have adequate cage room could develop nervous behaviors, like feather plucking or destructive measures, that can be detrimental to its health. Err on the side of caution when choosing a cage and go larger than what you may think you need.

EntertainmentA parrot will not be content to sit in an empty room

all day. Parrots are inherently social birds, and in the wild they tend to congregate. In a captivity setting,

you will serve as the bird’s main form of enter-tainment and interaction. It is impor-tant for you to help parrots to socialize with you early on. This helps mold a well-adjusted pet and can reduce the likelihood that the parrot will engage in destructive behavior resulting from boredom. A parrot is susceptible to feel-ings of depression and anger. Socialization helps to quell these feelings.

Expect to give your parrot several hours of interac-tion time, both inside and outside of the cage. This will help acclimate him to socializing with humans.

Other housematesUnderstand that parrots can be large, intimidating

birds. They are territorial and dominating. Parrots may not get along well with other animals in the house. Conversely, other pets, such as dogs and cats, may not take well to parrots and aim to make them a play thing or a meal. These are considerations to make before bringing a parrot into a home.

Although parrots can be social animals, they also can be dangerous. A parrot’s beak can easily break twigs and even snap fingers of small children. It may be unadvisable to have a parrot in a home with young children.

CleanlinessParrots are messy birds, and they will spill seed,

throw food and cast feathers around the cage and else-where. During times of sexual maturity or arousal, a parrot also may mark its territory with feces.

Parrots have been known to shred paper and toys placed in their cages. An aversion to cleanliness makes parrots less than ideal companions for certain people, especially those who want to perform as little pet

maintenance as possible.

Bad habitsIn addition to vocal-

ization, parrots can learn some not-so-pleasant behav-iors. Parrots can scream and squawk to get attention. Cer-tain parrots become territorial of their cages. Parrots can mimic sounds around the house, such as smoke alarms or even yelling. These traits may not be endearing to every pet owner.

BitingBiting is something bird owners often fear. Certain

types of parrots have powerful beaks that can inflict painful bites. Biting is sometimes instinctual to parrots who merely want to inspect other birds or companions and may not always intend to be mean. Yet biting also can be a learned and aggressive way for parrots to get what they want. Parrots also can bite out of fear.

Building trust with a parrot and doling out discipline with firm biting limits and verbal commands can help break parrots of biting. Alleviating fears and helping

FOR A FAST & SAFE RETURN OFYOUR LOST PET USE A COLLAR WITH

A TAG SHOWING: Pet’s Name, Town, State & Best Contact Phone Number

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Crossword Puzzleand Word Search Answers

Robyn MorganRelocation Specialist

Call me at 760.954.3096

Century21Fairway.com

I can help relocate you and your family... Hire me and I will donate $50 at close of escrow to the animal charity of your choice.

Fairway Realty, Inc.

three to four days’ worth of food and water in sealed containers. Take stock of any medications that pets take on a routine basis. Pack comfort items, such as toys or blankets, that have a familiar smell so that pets will be less skittish. Place these items with your own emer-gency supplies.

• Find pet-friendly lodging options. Many hotels allow pets overnight stays for a nominal security fee. Know which hotels will accept companion animals and include their contact information in your preparedness kit. Should the moment arise when you need to vacate to a hotel, you will know which motels to call first.

• Ensure your pet’s identification is current. Dogs and cats should wear identification tags that include a mobile telephone number. Should the animal

become lost, anyone can reach you re-gardless of your current location. Also, update contact information on the on-line database that corresponds to a pet’s imbedded microchip if it has one.

• Take a first-aid class. It is impor-tant to know how to treat pet injuries during natural disasters. By learning CPR for a dog or cat, you may be able to save the life of your pet should disas-ter strike. Similarly, stock a first aid kit with necessary pet supplies.

• Have a contingency plan. Speak with friends and family members and make arrangements for someone to care for your pet if you will be displaced for quite some time. It can relieve stress for the animal and also give you peace of mind that your cherished companion is being well cared for.

More information is available at www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/pets.

— Metro

the bird to feel comfortable can reduce a parrot’s tendency to bite.

ExpenseLike all pets, parrots have costs asso-

ciated with their care and diets. These expenses can quickly add up, so people whose finances are already stretched thin may not be ready for a parrot at

this time.Parrots have been companion

animals for centuries. African Greys, macaws and cockatoos have brought happiness to homes around the world. Understanding the level of commitment required to have a parrot as a pet will ultimately separate those capable of the task from those who should look to other animals as companions.

— Metro

22131 Powhatan Rd. Apple Valley, CA 92308

(760) 240-7000 x 7555

Tuesday - Saturday 9:00am to 4:00pm

www.avanimals.org www.facebook.com/AVanimals

AdoptionsDogs: $75Cats: $35