Fall 2015 and the Older pets should be the The Old Beautifulloves of our lives—so why do so many end up dying alone in shelters? Page 15 A The Perfect The golden years shine for senior citizens pairedMatch with shelter pets in Newfoundland Landseer DACHS’ “Pets for Seniors” program. Big“Z” proves that “ goodZ things” can come in big packages! Page 21 Page 19 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 1 PLUS. Doggie Diving in Big Sky Country . Walter’s Recipes for Senior Pets . The Origin of the Cosmo . and More! $10.00 OFF (regular price) On the large bag of Lamb & Sweet Potato Expires 12-15-15 Not to be used in conjunction with other coupons or deals. ADULTLamb DOG & FOOD Sweet Potato Recipe - New AvoDerm Natural® Revolving Menu® dog food was created when a chance encounter with a local farmer produced the idea of combining healthy dog food with the avocado super fruit. The result is history as thousands of pet parents have marveled at the difference AvoDerm Natural® has made for their pets. 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The right nutrients in the right proportions are indispensable to keeping your dog’s skin healthy. Avocado and avocado oil can help support the skin and coat from the inside out for the protection your pet needs. 365 Avenida de Mesilla 315 Telshor Ste. C Las Cruces, NM Las Cruces, NM 575.527.9265 575.556.9117 2 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 The Autumn of Their Lives lder dogs feature prominantly in this These past few months I’ve spent a lot more I think about my senior Goldens, and I know issue of Dog’Cruces, and it has forced time than usual up at the Animal Services it’s my responsibility—and my privledge—to O me to face the uncomfortable reality Center. I pick up unwanted Golden Retriev- make sure these truly are their golden years. I that my three Golden Girls are getting up ers for the Golden Retriever Rescue of El wish everyone felt this way, but, sadly, that’s in age—9, 10 and 11 years old. I know the Paso so they can be placed in foster homes just not the case. I know there are people out time will come—much sooner than I’ll ever until adopted. Most of the time I leave there who could welcome an older dog back be prepared—for each of them to leave heartbroken because of the sheer number of into a loving home—maybe you already us and head over Rainbow Bridge to the unwanted animals I see at the shelter. I will have an adult dog who would thrive with a greener pastures beyond. never understand how people can just drop buddy around his own age, or perhaps you their pets off and drive away. know a senior citizen for whom an older dog This kills me. Why can’t they live as long as would be a perfect companion. Good people we do? What would have been so wrong The saddest cases are those of the older dogs doing good things can change the world. with giving humans and dogs similar lifes- who’ve been abandoned, because they stand pans? As most of us know, the time between little chance of ever finding a new home. I read (or maybe heard) somewhere that falling in love with a furry new acquaintaince They’re usually left with no collars, no toys, “dogs die because their work here is done.” and saying goodbye to a treasured old friend no names—nothing to acknowledge their I’d like to think that’s true. But far too many is waaaay too brief—even if it spans 15 or 16 years of unconditional love and loyalty to the dogs die who could have had lots of good years! And to go through this cycle again and very people who’ve left them for dead. years ahead of them, and our work on their again and again can feel like torture. behalf will never be done. But maybe it’s not such a bad thing. As much Sometimes I’m not so crazy about humans. as I miss Zimba, Coda and Zoe, if they were still here I would never have gotten to know Of course, I know I’m ranting to the choir— Ruby, Star and Lucy. And when my current Vic Villalobos Dog’Cruces readers are avid and responsible Mayor of Dog’Cruces girls pass on, I’ll get the opportunity to give dog-people, and we consider our pets to more animals a wonderful home, correct any You can meet the beautiful animals featured on be full members of our families. We take blunders I’ve made in the past, and teach new this issue’s cover at the ASCMV, 3551 Bataan precautions like spaying/neutering our pets to dogs old tricks as I fall in love all over again. Memorial West, Las Cruces, 575-382-0018. avoid unwanted litters of pups, teaching our For now, and for all the remaining time we kids how to be good guardians of our animal have together, I will appreciate every moment friends, and—hopefully— acting as positive Write to us at: I share with my old girls—and make sure examples for our friends and neighbors who Dog’Cruces Magazine they know they are safe and loved. They’ll have pets under their care and protection. receive the best care I can provide, and in Many of us volunteer or donate to local 151 S. Solano, Suite E return I’ll continue to be rewarded with the animal organizations, or help others close Las Cruces, NM 88001 kind of devotion that is uniquely canine. My to home who may need a dogsitter or a bag dogs have, in a very real way, helped make of food or treats every now and then. It all or email us at : me the person I am today—a better person helps. It all makes a difference. Good people [email protected] than I otherwise would have been. doing good things can change the world. Dog‘Cruces Magazine 151 S. Solano • Suite E • Las Cruces, NM 88001 575-528-8505 Publisher Marla Honeycutt www. Managing Editor/Mayor of Dog’Cruces Vic Villalobos Senior Editors .com Charissa Paskowski, Jenifer Woods Contributing Editor Phyllis Wright Graphic Artists Local Resources for: John Connell, Andie Fierro, Jenifer Woods Advertising Health, Nutrition, Adoption, Larry Lytle, Charissa Paskowski, Wayne Sinclair, Michelle Sullivan, Vic Villalobos Lost & Found, Events Contributors Log on & join Margaret Dubbin, Kat Lacy, Kathy Lawitz, & Furry Fun! Charissa Paskowski, Dr. Scott Pirtle, Teressa Ray, the community today! Wayne Sinclair, Vic Villalobos, Jess Williams, Jenifer Woods Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 3 Thursday, Dec. 3 7PM - 10PM LC Convention Center Music by The Silent & Live Auctions Raffl es Derrick Dog Treat Buffet Harris Jazz A Pet & People Parade in Ballroom Band Christmas Caroling New Food Menu Well-behaved leashed dogs TICKETS: No- Host Bars $ are welcome! 40/PERSON No fl exi Call 575-621-4942 leashes please. for info. or to sponsor event. TABLES: 10 TOP $400 8 TOP $320 THANK YOU SPONSORS 4 Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 I-10 @ AVE de MESILLA 575.541.1440 or 866.789.7077 www.barnettslascruceshd.com PET ITEMS KIDS’ CLOTHING MEN’S CLOTHING WOMEN’S CLOTHING HOUSEWARES GLOVES JEWELRY WEDDING & ENGAGEMENT RINGS COFFEE CUPS WATCHES SUNGLASSES HELMETS VESTS PATCHES BOOTS STICKERS RUGS PLAYING CARDS POKER CHIPS DICE KEYCHAINS PURSES BACKPACKS LUGGAGE TOWELS FLAGS T-SHIRTS LANYARDS LICENSE PLATES BAR TABLES BATH ROBES RAIN SUITS...& MORE 575-523-7900 3225 S. MAIN LAS CRUCES, NM 88005 • Buy • Sell • Trade • Military Supplies • Customer Service • Shooting Supplies Stop by and meet Cano’s new buddy Kelba, • Quality Products • Layaway Available adopted from the Animal Services Center • Reloading Supplies • Ammunition University Ave. Bell St. S. Main St. Union Ave. N Dog‘ ,Cruces Fall 2015 5 OCTOBER home-made costumes. All participating dogs RECURRING & get a treat bag, and the top three finishers Saturday, October 24th in each category receive a ribbon. $2 entry ONGOING EVENTS Pet Adoption Event fee for each dog benefits the Dog Park. Also FALL 2015 Wild Birds Unlimited, 2001 E. Lohman Ave, celebrating Canine Birthdays of all dogs born #130, from 11am-3pm. Benefits Safe Haven during Summer and Fall with a treat bag and APA Adoption Events Animal Sanctuary. a gift. After the contest, humans top off the Every Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday day with a pot luck dinner just outside the ACTion Programs for Animals, 800 West Pit Bull Awareness Day Special Needs area of the park. Picacho Ave, from 12pm-5pm. Also by A day of appreciation and education designed appointment.