Texas Dogs & Cats – March 2019 – Tribute to Those That Crossed the Rainbow Bridge

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Tribute to those that Crossed the Rainbow Bridge

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THE BLUEBONNET BUNK’N BISCUIT is the realization of a decade long dream to provide quality, pet supportive boarding, exercise and interaction for the San Antonio community. We believe that the human-pet bond is one that should be nurtured to maximize the benefits to both human and pet.

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Advanced Allergy, Asthma, & Immunology Center Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger (210) 499-4824 (ITCH)

Dr. Patricia Gomez Dinger is a Board Certified Allergist/ Immunologist specializing in allergy care for the entire family.

Dr. Dinger is committed to decreasing the number of pets that are surrendered to local shelters by offering medical treatment and education to families who think they may be dealing with a pet allergy.

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COVER PHOTOGRAPHED BY RENEE SPADE COVER MODELS: SALTY BACON & SLOANE WENDELL (SEE PAGE 7)

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About Our Cover Models Private Pet Euthanasia In Remembrance Calendar of Events Chronic Kidney Disease in Dogs & Cats

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Memorializing Your Pet Adoptables Pet Puzzlers

Dog Door Advertorial Somewhere Over the Rainbow

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PUBLISHER/EDITOR Dana Raimondi Tel: 210-436-9009 dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE advertising inquiries to Dan Greenhouse (630) 220-2911 or dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Fran Sherman 314.275.2208 fran@shermanstudios.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Barbara Negron

PHOTOGRAPHER Renee Spade Photography Tel: 210-254-4255 renee@reneespadephotography.com

CONTRIBUTING PARTNERS

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24 25 26 27 28

Veronica Araiza Dr. Leslie Hopes Dr. Lauren Severns

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Coleen Ellis Dr. Dan Kirby John Moya Corin Pearson Phil Whisnand Hilary Sandoval San Antonio Humane Society Scholastic.com Texas A&M

Dealing with the Loss of a Pet Dog Treats Recipe Pet Directory Ask the Vet Doggy Makeover

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ADVERTISE WITH US!

Dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com or 210-436-9009 Next Issue: April 2019 find us on and at www.texasdogsandcatssa.com

{March 2019}

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contributors LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER The focus of our March issue deals with the most difficult aspect of pet ownership, the last stage of life. We all dread the time when we must say goodbye to our furry loved ones. We hope our articles this month will help ameliorate the pain we all experience with their passing over the Rainblow Bridge. The Texas A&M Vet School's article emphazies the five stages of grief we go through when dealing with the loss of a pet.

The San Antonio Humane Society presents options on memoralizing your loved one through bricks, tags and other tangible items with your donations.

This months pictorial pays tribute to our reader's pets that have recently crossed the Rainbow Bridge with the dedication they deserve.

Remember, to dress your furry children in green for St. Patty's day March 17th!

Dana Raimondi

Tell our advertisers you heard about them in Texas Dogs & Cats– San Antonio!

The opinions of authors of articles in this Magazine are those of the writer or contributor and are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher, and the publisher has not conf irmed the accuracy of information contained in articles.

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DANA RAIMONDI is the publisher of Texas Dogs & Cats Magazine. She is a recent transplant to San Antonio from “the Windy City” but has become an admirer of the San Antonio cultural scene. Although a CPA, her true passion in life is the caring and welfare of animals.

FRAN SHERMAN has been a freelance creative director/graphic designer since 1985. Throughout these years, she has designed a myriad of materials for a staggering number of companies, and she has won numerous graphic design awards for her work, many of them for magazine/publication design.

RENEE SPADE is the owner of Renee Spade Photography. She has been spreading furry joy to pet parents with her photography/graphic design services and super-fun pet product line, The Jack & Spade Collection since 2005.

DR. DAN KIRBY, DVM, graduated Cum Laude from Texas A&M with a degree in Biomedical Science in 1979 and earned his DVM in 1984. Dr. Kirby has been the owner and director of Alamo Heights Pet Clinic since 1997. He uses both a conventional and a holistic approach to medicine.

DAN GREENHOUSE , Sales Director, graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism and has been in magazine advertising sales his entire career. He currently is the “daddy” of two Bearded Collies and “grandpa” to an Italian Greyhound.

contributing partners

DR. LESLIE HOPES joined the San Antonio Humane Society in October of 2017. She is proud to call Baton Rouge, Louisiana her home. She attended LSU for her undergraduate and veterinary school where she received her DVM in May 2015. Dr. Hopes completed her internship in shelter medicine in Madison, WI. VERONICA PEREZ is the PR Associate for the San Antonio Humane Society and has been with the organization since 2016. She is UTSA alumni and a native to San Antonio. She currently lives under a full roof with her husband, son, two dogs, and cat, Chewie.

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about our

covermodels Salty Bacon & Sloane Wendell

S

ay hello to mascot Salty Bacon and his owner Sloane Wendell of iSofloat, a full-service float therapy spa, here in San Antonio, Texas. Salty Bacon quickly became the mascot of this healing organization because he is Ms. Sloane’s Certified Service Dog, in real life.

{March 2019}

sitting for too long, I need to go make her move.” “This patient is in a lot of pain, I can tell.

They need some extra love today.” “I think I need a nap.” “Where’s mom?” “Oh, that was a good belly rub!” “Mom, can we go home yet?”

“Ok, mom is packing up—it’s time to go home.” Ultimately, he is concerned with helping anyone who happens to run into him during the day.

Ms. Sloane said that she often looks at him in awe because of how helpful he truly is. She knew the moment she met him that there was an emotional connection between the two of them.

What she didn’t know was how life changing he was going to be. With his cheery disposition and constant smiles, he can make anyone’s day.

Because of his endearing charm, he has become an icon at iSofloat. Patients often look for him when they go in for an appointment. He will greet you at the door. He will come sit in your lap if he senses you are anxious or in pain. He symbolizes what iSofloat is. iSofloat not only captures the human body's needs with floating and deep tissue massages, but they can one-up the competition hands down; they have Salty Bacon.

COVER AND INTERIOR PHOTOS BY RENEE SPADE

BY CORI PEARSON

iSofloat has a variety of patients including all levels of athletes, PTSD Veterans and Wounded Warriors, chronic pain sufferers, and more. Patients go to float in water saturated with Epsom salt that is as dense as the dead sea — bringing health, wellness, peace, healing, and relaxation throughout the entire body. Which is exactly what Salty does for anyone who encounters him. Also, hence the name, Salty Bacon!

Salty Bacon, a Black Brindle French Bulldog, is more than just the mascot. As a Certified Service Dog for Ms. Sloane, he is able to detect when she is in pain or has increased amounts of inflammation after sitting for long periods of time. He is trained to apply pressure or nudge her enough to make her get up and get active. Not only does he help Ms. Sloane with her pain, he is a key factor in helping her battle her anxiety. In large crowds, Salty Bacon can provide a sense of calmness and ease that she would not have if he weren’t around.

A day in the life of Salty Bacon’s mind, probably goes something like this; “That was a good sleep, where is mom? Did she sleep good too?.” “Off to the Jeep now, time to go get lots of pets.” “Mom has been

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privatepeteuthanasia P IN-HOM E P E T EU T H A NA S I A /E ND - O F- L I F E C A R E

BY PHILIP WHISNAND, DVM

et Loss At Home is a network of mobile veterinarians focused on end-of-life care for pets in the comfort of their own home. We simply started with the request from an older lady stating, "I just want to be in the comfort of home for the end of my cat's life. She does not travel, I can't drive at night if I needed help, and she has only known 'home' her whole life."

From that point, Pet Loss At Home has grown to encompass a network across the U.S. with our first compassionate veterinarian beginning in San Antonio.

Pet Loss At Home - Texas has a team of vets covering San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and the entire Dallas - Fort Worth area 8am 8pm, 7 days a week. We know it's one of the most difficult times to help your pet since your pet does not want you to see their "signs of suffering" and their "quality of life" declining.

Observing and keeping an accurate record of your pet in their daily activities can help you to decide. By talking or emailing with our veterinarians on staff, you can receive a 'free' opinion and guidance. There is no simple answer and once medicine cannot assist any longer, euthanasia in the home can be a solution.

Your furry friend is cherished by the family. Our Team at Pet Loss At Home takes a difficult situation and helps to give

a better solution. Please allow us to help if you or if you know of someone's pet facing end-of-life and assistance is needed.

Dr. Phil Whisnand was raised in and practiced veterinary medicine in west Texas for many years and moved to central Texas (San Antonio) to be near family. After meeting Dr. Karen & Rob Twyning and hearing about Pet Loss At Home, Dr. Whisnand realized this needed service was something special. Through Pet Loss At Home, Dr. Whisnand now offers pet owners direct support and understanding during difficult endof-life decisions, and does so with great sensitivity.

{March 2019}

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In Remembrance

THERAINBOWBRIDGE

This month we pay special tribute to the beloved pets of San Antonio that have passed away.

CAJUN, OUR SPICY TEXAS RESCUE GIRL WHO LOVED LIVING IN HAWAII.

HERCULES, THE UNADOPTABLE MONSTER CAT PASSED AWAY SEPT 2018.

GONE TOO QUICKLY. LOVE YOU BETSEY!

CHRIS CROSSED THE RAINBOW BRIDGE IN 2013 AFTER 13 YEARS WITH US.

MY TITUS THAT CROSSED THE RAINBOW BRIDGE AUGUST 12, 2018.

MY SWEET BEAGLE, NEMO - 5/07/04 - 07/15/13.

THIS IS MY BABY GIRL POOKA. SHE WAS VERY LOVING AND FULL OF ENERGY.

MY BABY GIRL ELEE MAE AND MY WORLD! I LOST YOU TO SOON, I ALWAYS CARRY A PART OF YOU WITH ME.

CABO WAS SUCH A SWEET LOVING BOY. HE BLESSED SO MANY PEOPLE WHEN THEY MET HIM.

In Remembrance

THERAINBOWBRIDGE

This month we pay special tribute to the beloved pets of San Antonio that have passed away.

RIP REX, PASSED AWAY DECEMBER 20, 2018.

L-R OUR JOUJOU CROSSED IN 2012. HER PUPPY NEXT TO HER IS BUSTER, WHO CROSSED IN 2005. JJ CROSSED THE RAINBOW BRIDGE IN 2010.

L-R FLUFFY CROSSED IN 2001 AFTER 14 WONDERFUL YEARS AND CHIQUITA IN 2000 AFTER 16 WONDERFUL YEARS.

BAILEY WAS A LOYAL, LOVING DOG THAT CROSSED THE RAINBOW BRIDGE OCTOBER, 2018 AT ALMOST 15.

SAM OLIVER, EL REY FIDO DUKE OF THE FIRE HYDRANT, 2018 IN MEMORY OF A LOAF WITH LEGS.

PANZER, OUR SWEET AND HANDSOME COVER MODEL OF PAWDEROSA RANCH.

ZACCHAEUS (4/21/2011-3/19/2013), FOREVER MISSED.

AMOS (4/30/2004-11/9/2018), MISSED MORE THAN WORDS COULD ARTICULATE.

JJ CROSSED THE RAINBOW BRIDGE IN 2010, 13 GREAT YEARS WITH US.

In Remembrance

THERAINBOWBRIDGE

This month we pay special tribute to the beloved pets of San Antonio that have passed away.

HARRY, JULY, 2013 - JUNE 19, 2018, FOREVER MY BIG BOY.

ELLIE MAE, JUNE, 2004 – DECEMBER 13, 2018, FOREVER MY SMELLY ELLIE.

HAD TO SAY GOODBYE TO OUR LITTLE EINSTEIN, BUT HE BEAT AN INSULINOMA FOR 3 YEARS JUST TO BE WITH US ON OUR ONE-YEAR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY.

calendarofevents Penny Paws Clinic and Times Penny Paws offers affordable cat and dog vaccinations, microchipping services, heartworm testing and prevention, flea and tick prevention and toenail trimming. They have a licensed veterinarian on site at each location. For more information, and additional locations, visit their website at https://pennypaws.com/sanantonio/ Every Saturday in March from 10AM-4PM 99 Cent Store 2942 Thousand Oaks, San Antonio, TX 78247 Saturday, March 2nd, 9th, 23rd and 30th from 9:30AM-2:30PM. Low Cost Pet Wellness Clinic at the Brooks/Spay Neuter Clinic (8034 City Base Landing). Help your pet stay healthy with preventative low-cost wellness clinics provided by the San Antonio Humane Society! Services are offered on a firstcome, first served basis as time allows and include vaccinations, microchipping, nail trim, wormer, heartworm test and prevention (dogs), and flea prevention. Find pricing and more at SAhumane. org/wellness-clinic.

Saturday, March 9th from 10:30AM12:00PM Dog Rodeo at Fischer Park (1935 Hilltop Summit Rd, New Braunfels, TX). Bring your favorite dog on a leash for some canine capers, contests and costume walk. Activities include dog training tips, agility trials and small dog race. Registration is from 10-10:30AM.

allows and include vaccinations, microchipping, nail trim, wormer, heartworm test and prevention (dogs), and flea prevention. Find pricing and more at SAhumane.org/wellness-clinic.

Wednesday, March 13th from 6:30-7:30 PM Yappy Hour at Confluence Park (310 W. Mitchell St.). Enjoy petting and playing with some darling dogs that are all adoptable or bring your own pooch for some quality time by the River. This event is free and by San Antonio Pets Alive and San Antonio River Foundation.

Saturday, March 16th-13th from 9AM-4PM Annual Fest of Tails Kite Festival and Dog Fair at McAllister Park (13102 Jones-Maltsberger). Dogs of all sizes and breeds, along with a sky full of kites, fill the park with a beautiful scene on this day of free community fun! All guests are encouraged to bring a blanket and lawn chair to watch the spectacular sky view and enjoy meeting new furry friends.

Competition is in full swing. It all leads to the crowning of this year’s top dog at the El Rey Fido Coronation in April. This annual celebration is the culmination of months of vigorous fundraising by local participants and their canine pets to raise the most for the dogs and cats in our community. With your support, this year will be another success for homeless dogs and cats! Visit SAhumane.org/ERF to donate and find more info.

Friday, March 22nd 6:30-11PM Tails & Two Steppin’ at Braun Hall from. A dance benefitting the Helotes Humane Society featuring the music of Jake Ward. $10 at the door. For more information visit hhsanimals.org or call 210-422-6242.

Low Cost Pet Wellness Clinic at the San Antonio Humane Society (4804 Fredericksburg Rd.) from 8AM-12PM. Help your pet stay healthy with preventative low-cost wellness clinics provided by the San Antonio Humane Society! Services are offered on a first-come, first served basis as time

Thursday, March 21st El Rey Fido Fundraising Competition Ends. Donate and decide who will be the next El Rey Fido! Your support will benefit homeless dogs and cats at the San Antonio Humane Society! The El Rey Fido Fundraising

Saturday, March 23rd from 8AM-12PM Low Cost Pet Wellness Clinic at the San Antonio Humane Society (4804 Fredericksburg Rd.). Help your pet stay healthy with preventative low-cost wellness clinics provided by the San Antonio Humane Society! Services are offered on a firstcome, first served basis as time allows and include vaccinations, microchipping, nail trim, wormer, heartworm test and prevention (dogs), and flea prevention. Find pricing and more at SAhumane. org/wellness-clinic.

KHALEESI

MELODY

CHERI – GROOMING BY GLORIA

{March 2019}

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chronickidneydiseaseindogs&cats can sneak up on us

T

he kidneys are incredibly important organs for our pets and ourselves that are often underappreciated. Their most important job is to eliminate toxins from blood through the production of urine.

BY GRANT RAMSEY, DVM

The kidneys are built to last and are very resilient, which is why chronic kidney disease often sneaks up on our pets. Chronic kidney disease refers to when the kidneys are no longer able to fulfill their most basic function of producing normal urine to eliminate toxins from the body. When chronic kidney disease sets in, the first sign is that the kidney can no longer produce concentrated urine. When our pets become dehydrated, the kidneys will produce concentrated urine to conserve water in their body instead of allowing it to go to waste in producing urine. As an owner, one of the most common signs you might notice as a result of this is that your pet will urinate more because they cannot concentrate their urine and that they will drink more to compensate for this loss of water. What is most surprising about this fact though, is that the kidneys lose the ability to concentrate urine when they have lost 66% of their normal function. That’s right- the kidneys must lose two-thirds of their normal function before they can’t concentrate urine anymore. Another way to look at it is the kidneys only have 33% remaining normal function once this occurs.

After urine concentrating ability is lost, the next stage of chronic kidney disease is that the kidneys can no longer keep normal kidney values, BUN and creatinine, on bloodwork. The ability to keep the kidney values within normal range on bloodwork is lost when the kidneys have lost 75% normal 14

function, or when they have only 25% normal function remaining. At this stage, beyond a pet having increased thirst and urination, they will often develop weight loss, lethargy, decreased appetite and vomiting.

These signs will worsen as the kidney function worsens.

With our pets only showing clinical signs of chronic kidney disease after significant loss of function, and some of these signs overlapping with other diseases (diabetes mellitus also famously causes increased thirst and urination like chronic kidney disease), it is vital that our pets be screened for normal kidney function routinely through bloodwork and urine testing. If you notice your pet experiencing signs of chronic kidney disease, take them for a veterinary visit ASAP! Dr. Grant Ramsey is the head of internal medicine at MissionVet Specialty & Emergency. He received his doctorate of veterinary medicine at Mississippi State University. He completed a small animal rotating internship at Coral Springs Animal Hospital and small animal internal medicine residency at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists. He enjoys meditating, playing video games, and exploring San Antonio in his free time.

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OPEN 24/7 FOR EMERGENCIES A true partner in your pet’s health, MissionVet is open 24/7 for walk-in emergencies, in addition to specialty care.

OUR COMPREHENSIVE SERVICES INCLUDE: Dermatology & Allergy | Emergency & Critical Care | General Surgery & Orthopedics Internal Medicine | Neurology & Neurosurgery | Oncology

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Saturday: 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.* Surgery, Internal Medicine and Neurology services only

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Text PETS to 31996 to have directions sent to your phone 8202 N Loop 1604 W | San Antonio, TX 78249 | (210) 737-7373 | www.mission.vet

memorializingyourpet

BY ​SAN ANTONIO HUMANE SOCIETY

Memorializing Your Pet Family. They live with us, grow with us, and pass with us. At the San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS), we know that “family member” is synonymous with “family pet” and we are happy to offer our community the opportunity to memorialize a pet’s life and legacy while also benefitting the homeless pets’ at the SAHS still looking for a family of their own.

Memorial Bricks Leading into our shelter and out towards our adoptable pets, a memorial brick path guides guests down a path of permanent memories. Each brick is flagstone and allows ample space to honor or remember a loved one.

Tribute Tags Placed picturesquely within our courtyard, two sculptures featuring beloved SAHS alumni contain hundreds of indentations to permanently affix tribute tags that may serve as honorariums and memorials.

Grumpy’s Garden Currently in the works, thanks to donations made by dedicated SAHS volunteers, Grumpy’s Garden is planned to be a memorial garden within our courtyard. It will house the ashes of a favorite feral who recently passed and will be laden with stones that may feature the name(s) of loved ones who have passed over the rainbow bridge. Completion date TBA.

For more information on these memorial and tribute opportunities, and for other ways to give, please visit us online at www.SAhumane.org.

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adoptablepets at the San Antonio Humane Society!

BELL A

This Belg wants a ian Malinois mix com never le panion who’ll ave her side.

A AUROR

DATA

mix is full This Shepherd loves of energy and . ks al w daily

TRUMAN

s to go ior love This sen and follows s for walk as the treats. h r e whoev

FAITH

She’s not re cuddler, b ally a ut she’ll play all da y!

NIGEL

This ver y active brindle pup is looking for his forever family!

inger cat Nigel the g g, ball, loves strin ys. and bell to

All pets adopted from the SAHS receive their spay/neuter surgery, microchip, first set of vaccinations, 30 days 24PetWatch Pet Insurance, and much more!

Visit SAhumane.org to see more adoptable pets!

SAHS is located at: 4804 Fredericksburg Rd, San Antonio, TX 78229 {March 2019}

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petpuzzlers

www.scholastic.com

Word Search Pet Puzzle Crossword Puzzle

Questions & Answers Q: When is an Irish potato not an Irish potato?

A: When it's a French fry!

Q: Why can't you iron a four-leaf clover?

A: Because you shouldn't press your luck!

Q: Where can you always find gold?

A: In the dictionary!

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Q: Why do frogs like St. Patrick's Day? A: Because they're already wearing green!

Q: Why did the elephant wear green sneakers?

A: Her red ones were in the wash!

Q: How can you tell if a leprechaun is having a good time?

A: He is Dublin over with laughter!

DROVER

FIND ANSWERS ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.TEXASDOGSANDCATSSA.COM

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HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

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www.PetGalaxyUSA. Call us about all day Doggie Daycare for $24.75 with door to door service directly from your home. {March 2019}

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Doggie Day Care Cat & Dog Lodging Dog Training Dog/Cat Grooming Retail All photos and cartoons Copyright of Pet Galaxy.

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13060 US Highway 281 N, Spring Branch TX 78070, Phone: 830-885-5335

They All Said I was Crazy for Getting a Pet Door, but Now I Have No Worries!

BY JOHN MOYA

W

hen I first started talking about getting a pet door, friends and family all said I was crazy.

“Think of the animals you will be letting in! Think of the thieves that will have easy access to your home. You will not be able to sleep at night knowing that someone could crawl in and do very bad things to you or your family!”

Between 3:30 AM and 5:00 AM, I could count on being licked in the face with the sound of whimpering in the background. Sebastian, my Golden, was telling me something…. he needed to go out! Being woken up from a good dream like this was not the way I wanted to spend the rest of Sebastian’s life. Sebastian was left inside in the nice comforts of my home while I was away at work. At that time, I worked at the airport and the daily commute was 35 minutes to my doorstep. This was before all the traffic lights and development on US 281. Upon arrival from work, he would run me over on his way to relieve himself. At times, I would find out that something did not agree with his stomach. An expensive call to Stanley Steamers usually occurred afterwards.

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I received a phone call at work, “Sebastian ate the carpet—the whole carpet!” I can’t believe that I lived like this for years. I replaced door jambs from him scratching at the door wanting out. I replaced carpet due to his destruction. I have caught him in Kitty’s litter box (Yuck!). I have tried crating him only to give in to his whimpering.

The loss of sleep was the last straw! Something had to be done! installed one of the best (if not the best) pet doors on the market that had dual security features and the maximum energy efficiency of any pet door on the market. Sleeping until I had to wake up for work was the biggest satisfaction that I got from it. Even Kitty got a pet door. Her litter box was moved to an empty closet and the poop eating contest was over for Sebastian. I never got an animal in the house that wasn’t supposed to be there.

I didn’t have to rush home from work to see if there was a gift waiting for me to clean up. A would be thief would also have to think twice prior to entering. Judging from the pet door size, a German Shepard, Pit Bull, or a Rottweiler could be waiting. My friend’s and family’s concerns never occurred.

If these events sound familiar, and you would like to stop the worries and stress over your pets, you may receive free information on the type of pet door that I installed. You may contact us directly at 210-464-8953 or by email at john@alamodogdoors.com. Some of your neighbors may alreadybe satisfied customers and I am sure that they would speak highly of their pet door and our installation services.

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d dgsgscats cats Texas

ADVERTORIAL

Texas

Mina Youssef, DVM Veterinarian SANANTONIOTXVET.COM

210-342-7387 (PETS) 7227 San Pedro Ave. San Antonio, TX 78216

somewhereover

The Rainbow

BY COLEEN ELLIS, PET LOSS CENTER

Somewhere… Over The Mysterious Rainbow.

Most every pet lover who’s experienced the death of a precious pet is familiar with the touching story Rainbow Bridge. This beautiful description is of a magical place animals go after they die, waiting on their human to join them, crossing Rainbow Bridge together to be in a paradise for an eternity.

If you’re reading this, possibly you have been one of those pet lovers whose world has been rocked by the death of an amazing creature. And, possibly you too are one of those who searches for words of hope or signs of comfort, to understand more deeply the aspect of loving and then losing such a perfect love.

Invariably a discussion on Rainbow Bridge and the hereafter of pets leads to a bigger question “Do pets go to heaven?” Everyone believes differently regarding this subject and everyone has a different source for their beliefs. Some of these beliefs have been taught, some are theological in nature, while some are longings for what they want to believe. Whatever the basis, everyone will have their own, and quite frankly everyone deserves to have their own.

The death of a pet can sometimes be met with resistance by those who don’t understand the humananimal bond. “It’s just a dog” or “you shouldn’t cry that hard” wreaks havoc on a grieving pet lover when all they want is support.

So, with that… as a pet lover, and one who has experienced the love, and possibly the heartbreak of a special animal, own your own Rainbow! For those that try to negate the hurt, the grief, and the subsequent beliefs of a hopeful type of story such as Rainbow Bridge, let’s face it, these same people didn’t understand how someone can love a dog, a cat, or any other creature while

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the pet was alive. Therefore, to understand the loss and the emotional journey when the pet dies will certainly be a mystery.

Therefore, own your own Rainbow!

• Honor your pet in the way that’s right for you.

• Grieve and mourn for that pet in the way your heart requires. While the internal emotion of grief will be real and big, the external expression of that grief, the mourning-journey, might be met with negativity and questions. Mourn that special love anyway.

Your special pet deserves every tear.

• Whatever you want to believe about the hereafter and pets, believe it. Trust in the mystery of what makes the most sense to you. You don’t need to explain it, and you certainly don’t need to justify it to anyone. Own you own Rainbow and travel your grief journey with signs of hope that make the most sense to you.

• Believe in the mystery. One grieving pet parent shared she was so worried Rainbow Bridge wasn’t real and true. All she wanted was to believe, but people literally told her not to.

What do you want to believe? Whatever it is, it’s yours.

Your personal Over The Rainbow should have its own beauty and its own meaning, much like the unique relationship that was only yours, too.

Coleen Ellis

Pet Loss Pioneer The Pet Loss Center

317.966.0096

ThePetLossCenter.com 2215 West Pipeline Rd. Euless, TX 76040

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Dealing With The

lossofapet P

eople have a special bond with animals because animals provide unconditional love throughout their lifetime. Therefore it can be very hard to cope after the loss of a pet. It is very common for people to experience grief as a response, and everyone grieves in different ways.

ARTICLE BY TEXAS A&M

"Grief is as individual as those who experience it," explains Lucy Wendt, registered veterinary technician in the small animal clinic at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences at Texas A&M University (CVM). "Grief describes the reaction to a loss, including the emotional and physical process of fully understanding what has happened and coming to terms with it."

There are five stages to grief. Those stages include: denial/shock, anger, bargaining/guilt, depression, and acceptance/resolution. The order, length, and degree of the stages vary with each individual. Some stages may not even occur at all.

One should accept the stages of grief and let them pass naturally in order to let the initial mourning pass. However, coping with the loss of any significant companion is a lifelong battle.

"The affected individual needs to accept the reality of the loss, experience the pain of the loss, adjust to the environment without the pet, and withdraw emotional energy from the deceased pet to reinvest that energy in other relationships and activities," says Wendt. "You should remember that it is absolutely normal to grieve over the loss of a pet. You need to accept and know that you did everything you could to help your pet."

Pet psychologists are available to individuals who are not able to talk to anyone else about their loss.

There are also support groups and hotlines available.

For more information on supportive methods visit www.humananimalbondtrust.org, www.aplb.org, www. petloss.com, and www.pet-loss.net.

When one is ready to invest in another companion animal Wendt recommends that the new pet should not be adopted with the intention to replace the deceased pet.

"Your deceased pet is irreplaceable," declares Wendt.

"Never adopt with the purpose to replace an animal as you will be disappointed. I recommend adopting a different breed and a different sex so that you don't ever

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compare the two. It is not fair to your new pet nor is it fair to your deceased pet to have preconceived notions and expect them to be the same so that the void can be filled."

One has to go with their own instincts when deciding whether or not adopting a new pet is too soon.

Every person is different as some deal with grief more readily than others.

People have a hard time dealing with the loss of the pet, but some people have an even harder time deciding when it is the right time to euthanize a pet in pain.

"I always let the client know that their pets will tell them," said Wendt. "They will tell you with their eyes.

Like humans, their eyes are the windows to their soul."

It is up to individual to decide if they should be in the room with their pet during the euthanasia.

"I do not recommend small children being in the room, but it is up to the owner to decide if they should be in the room or not," explains Wendt. "Just remember this is a time that you need to be selfless for your pet.

You may want to be there until the end. Sometimes it is more important for the owner to be strong for the animal like the animal was strong for them."

Honesty is always the best policy when trying to explain to a child what has happened to the deceased animal.

"It is always best to tell the child the truth," said Wendt. "Children are more resilient than we think and they deserve the right to know the truth. Let them know that their pet died and that we are all going to miss him/her, but we will get through it together."

Animals grieve too. When dealing with other pets that bonded with the deceased pet, it is best to sit with them and talk to them. This process helps the animals as well as humans.

The biggest thing to remember is that grieving is a natural process and in order to alleviate some of the pain, one has to allow for that grieving process to naturally occur.

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OLIVE

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PAWSITIVE SOLUTIONS

PET DIRECTORY OF SAN ANTONIO ANIMAL HOSPITALS & VETERINARY SERVICES

CAR DEALERSHIPS

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North Park Subaru......................IFC

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Pawsitive Solutions..................... 12 Pet Galaxy............................ 19, BC

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Hill Country Pet Ranch.................. 3 K9 Country Club & Training.......... 2

BOARDING KENNELS & DAYCARE FACILITIES

North Star Animal Hospital..... 21

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PET MORTUARY AND CREMATION SERVICES/HOSPICE All Paws Great & Small.............. IBC Bluebonnet Pet Crematory......... 27 Pet Loss at Home......................... 8 Stepping Stone Veterinary Care... 3 The Pet Loss Center................... 23 Pet Photography Renee Spade Photography........ 12

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*ALL BUSINESSES IN OUR DIRECTORY/MAGAZINE ARE PET FRIENDLY AND HELP SUPPORT THE ANIMAL COMMUNITY OF SAN ANTONIO. PLEASE PATRONIZE THESE PET FRIENDLY SA ORGANIZATIONS.

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Q: As long as my dog doesn’t have any sodium restrictions, is softened water safe for him to drink?

Or, should I give him filtered water?

Thanks, Sue

A: The question about water for your pets is a good one.

Tap water is usually fine but I would consider testing it with a water quality kit. Soft water has additional salt and decreased amount of calcium so while it might be okay for most pets it would not be good for ornamental fish or pets with kidney or heart disease.

Another option and less expensive consider a good quality water filter for your faucet. I do not recommend your dogs or cats drink out of salt water pools.

Q: We just got a parrot and my 5 year old daughter is asking if our parrot is really understanding the words it is repeating. What are your thoughts on this? Thank you, Mary A: Parrots by far are wonderful talkers and can mimic us as well. However, a parrots understanding of language has been a matter of debate for many years. I believe that parrots grasp the concept of the words in different situations and they pick up on those nuances of time and occasion. They are smart pets, and can be enjoyable if they talk for you and are so much fun whether they completely understand us or not.

Dr. Kirby graduated Cum Laude from Texas A&M with a degree in Biomedical Science in 1979 and earned his DVM in 1984. Dr. Kirby has been the owner and director of Alamo Heights Pet Clinic since 1997. His veterinary interests are surgery, internal medicine, ultrasonography, and rehabilitation therapy. He uses both a conventional and a holistic approach to medicine. Dr. Kirby treats dogs, cats, birds and exotics. Alamo Heights Pet Clinic: (210) 821-5544. Please email all questions for Dr. Kirby to Dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com.

{askthevet}

WITH DR. KIRBY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS PET CLINIC

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FEATURED DOGGIE

BEFORE

makeover

AFTER

This is Bear. She is a five month old standard poodle with a very sweet personality. Bear is getting her first hair cut.

Barbara's Canine Clips 'n' Bows • 5259 McCullough, San Antonio, TX 78212 • (210) 826-5742

KNOWLEDGE AND RESPECT

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Clips 'n' Bows 7:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. • TUE. – FRI. 7:30 A.M. – 4 P.M. • SAT.

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ALL PAWS GREAT & SMALL CREMATORY IS THE LEADER IN PET CREMATIONS AND SERVICES IN SAN ANTONIO, TX.

P For most, household pets are more than just companions: they are family. And just like family, it is important to show

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For Our Human Friends:

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All dogs need plenty of exercise. If they don’t get it, they will develop bad habits such as chewing on furniture, socks and shoes, or dig up flowerbeds. They may even get depressed, and become really mischievous and unreliable.

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Spending 30 minutes to an hour walking to the park with a dog walker, although better than nothing, doesn’t provide much exercise for a pooch, and receiving a picture of where your baby pooped may make you feel better, but it doesn’t do much for your dog.

Introducing Pet Galaxy’s Doggieland® Daycare and Door to Door Service •

For roughly the same money you would spend on 30 minutes for a dog walker’s time, we will pick up your fur-babies from your home in the morning, transport them to Pet Galaxy’s large Doggieland® play park for the entire day, where they can enjoy the park and play with compatible, like-minded dogs. Once they have experienced enough play, they will come inside for an all-important nap before they go back out for more fun again. At the end of the day, we will bring your happy and satisfied babies back home.

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Prices start at $24.75 for all day daycare plus $5.00 each way for the bus ticket — flat rate. Our initial target areas are primarily neighborhoods north of Loop 1604 along the Hwy 281 corridor, including Stone Oak, Encino, Canyon Springs, Timberwood Park, Johnson Ranch and Bulverde/Spring Branch.

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On request — for an extra charge, we can even serve lunch and/or dinner, administer medications, provide Bath, Brush and Nails service and/or a full groom.

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And, of course, if needed — your pet is always welcome to spend the night (or longer stays) with us.

Call us today about Doggieland® Daycare and Door to Door Service!

13060 US Highway 281 N, Spring Branch, TX 78070

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830-885-5335 or 210-526-9680 www.PetGalaxyUSA.com www.facebook.com/PetGalaxyUSA