SPRING 2021
VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 1
MEET
UNO COVER
OUR
MODEL
PAGE 2
Dogs SUPPORT CHILD VICTIMS PAGE 4
1
No.
City Cats for
PAGE 19
P U B L I S H E R ’ S
A
s life slowly returns to “normal,” Mother Nature begins to come to life as spring is here. It’s a reminder to me of why I enjoy living in Alabama so much... getting outside for a good hike, throwing the tennis ball with my dogs at the park, or enjoying dinner with friends on the deck, the weather this time of year makes it so enjoyable. This spring issue of Bham Pets has largely gone to the CATS! Our cover photo contest was a cats-only affair, and we had some wonderful contestants. Uno, the handsome guy on our cover, was this issue’s winner, and you can read more about him on page 2. And, did you know that Birmingham has earned the distinction of being the most cat-friendly city in America? Read why on page 19.
NOT E
A Fultondale resident has written a book about a hero dog, and he is giving proceeds from the sale of the book to local Veterans organizations and Veterans and their families in need. Learn more about his book and where he gathered inspiration on page 4. We are constantly looking for great stories to tell, and you are our greatest source of information. Email me at matthew@jbmcmedia.com with your ideas, and as always, thanks so much for being a reader.
Matthew Allen Publisher and Chief Animal Lover
MEET OUR COVER MODEL Uno came into his humans’ lives at 3 months old as a foster. At just 5 months old, he underwent a triple surgery which included the removal of his eye and a hip reconstruction. He has the most gentle soul and has become the ambassador of his household. He never meets a stranger, whether it is another cat, dog, or human. Uno rocks his signature look of a bow tie and loves napping with his human.
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WHO WE ARE
One thing is true about the Magic City: we LOVE our pets! And because of this love of pets we have in Birmingham, there are some truly awesome businesses who help us love our pets even more. Be sure to check out our advertising sponsors and do business with them! A Well Behaved Dog Brookwood Baptist Health Bug Cowboys Pest Solutions
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ABOUT US Bham Pets is published quarterly by JBMC Media, LLC, P.O. Box 26432, Birmingham AL 35260. 10,000 copies are printed and distributed at locations throughout Jefferson and Shelby Counties where pet owners frequent. All content in this magazine remains property of JBMC Media, LLC, and may not be reproduced without express written consent from JBMC Media, LLC. DISTRIBUTION If your business would like to make copies of this magazine available to customers each month, please email matthew@jbmcmedia. com and provide the business name, address, point of contact, and how many copies you would like each month. SUSTAINABILITY After you’ve read the stories in this magazine several times, don’t throw it away! Please recycle it responsibly.
BHAM PETS BHAMPETS.COM
I N S I D E Hero Dogs
Ditch the Shock
Adding to the Family
Four-legged support for victims going through the justice system. 4
Why this correction approach doesn’t work for pets. 13
How to properly socialize your new puppy. 17
Tail-Wagging Story
Support Paws
Cats Welcome
Veteran writes book about brave dog. 8
Couple finds pets homes across the country. 14
Birmingham named most cat-friendly city. 19
Ask a Vet
Music for Pets
Photo Contest
Why dental health is so important for pets. 10
Create a custom playlist for your furry friend. 16
See which pets won over our readers. 20
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F E AT U R E S TO R Y
HERO DOGS Four-legged support for victims navigating the justice system By Lauren H. Dowdle Photos Courtesy of HERO program On a rough day, a wet kiss, furry snuggle, or simply looking into the dark brown eyes of a dog can be enough to turn it around. That extra support from a four-legged friend is especially important for victims going through traumatic experiences, which is what the HERO program looks to provide. Tamara Martin oversees the HERO (help, empower, restore, overcome) program and is also the handler for one of the facility dogs, Willow. She worked in criminal justice for more than 35 years, seeing many difficult cases where the victims struggled and had their lives altered because of a crime. People, especially children, who have been victims of a crime or have witnessed a violent crime are often traumatized. They might be reluctant to talk about the events, especially in front of a courtroom audience. After doing some research, Martin wondered if these victims had been given the ability to cope and see themselves as survivors if that would have made a difference. She decided she wanted to find a way to help these victims navigate the criminal justice system, while creating a comfortable atmosphere for them. “I wanted to start a program to give the victim extra support, a better foundation for recovery, and help them overcome what they had experienced,” Martin says. So, in 2014, Martin and Willow got to work. As a result of what they were able to achieve, Alabama’s Office of Prosecution Services (OPS) submitted a grant application to the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) to fund the work of facility dogs and their handlers. Then in 2017, the Alabama Legislature
Willow, a cross between a golden retriever and Labrador, was the first facility dog in the HERO program. recognized the importance of certified facility dogs, passing Willow’s Law, Senate Bill 273. The HERO program — also referred to as Alabama’s courthouse facility dog program — officially launched in the fall of 2018 and now includes 11 dogs. The HERO program is a statewide program that provides service-trained facility dogs to victims or witnesses in need, with no charge to them. Each dog is accompanied by a handler with knowledge of the legal and criminal justice process. All of the dogs live with their handlers — including Martin’s dog, Willow, which is a cross between a golden retriever and Labrador. “She is really sweet, very quiet, and calm,” Martin says. “She’s just a good dog all around.” Social agencies, law enforcement, or others
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in the system can reach out if there’s a child or adult who would benefit from a dog. Once a victim is paired with a dog, the dog accompanies them to forensic interviews, exams, therapy sessions, court hearings, or any place the dog is needed. The dog stays by their feet when they talk to the court or investigators about their painful experiences, providing a calming presence. “The dog works with them the entire time they are going through the criminal justice process, and even after that, we make the dog available,” Martin says. “Some people get really attached to the dog, so they can come by and visit them after.” The dogs know more than 40 specific commands and help mitigate stress and anxiety as victims navigate through the court system. They can close doors, pick up items, shake hands, give high-fives, play musical chairs, paint with their noses, play cards, play games on tablets, remain still and quiet during proceedings, provide support, and much more. Training for each dog is valued at about $50,000, but the HERO program received them for free from Canine Companions for Independence. The dogs’ skills can help engage
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victims, especially children who might not talk to officials otherwise. Martin recalls one case where Willow was called in to assist with a young girl who wouldn’t even look at the prosecutor, much less talk with them. “When Willow and I got there, the girl turned around and started talking and playing with Willow,” Martin says. “Before we left, she went over her trial testimony, and she was fine with it. We got to see the complete turnaround from not even looking at the prosecutor to actually getting in the witness box and talking into the microphone. It was definitely a win for justice.” The HERO program works with about 600 victims a year, and Martin says she’d love to see the program grow into areas where they don’t normally receive requests. Everyone from the victims to those in the justice system have appreciated having the furry companions during a difficult time. “When we walk in there with the dog, they get excited,” Martin says. “The minute Willow or any of the dogs get involved, it’s completely different.” For more information on the HERO program, visit Opsheroinfo.org.
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F E AT U R E S TO R Y
MAN’S BEST FRIEND Veteran writes book about courageous dog James Jernigan sits with his dog, Beaudreaux, who shares a name with the dog in his book.
By Lauren H. Dowdle Families can enjoy a book that will not only leave them smiling, but will also help support local veterans when they read James Jernigan’s “The Little Brown Hero Dog.” Jernigan currently lives in Fultondale with his wife and two Boykin spaniels, Bella and Beaudreaux. “They’re loyal, loving, and just want to be right beside you,” he says. But it was the first dog he knew named Beaudreaux that inspired his book, “The Little Brown Hero Dog,” which is part fact and fiction. His beautifully crafted picture book shares the story of Jernigan’s childhood, why he enlisted in the Air Force during Vietnam, and how friends of his in Vietnam met a little brown dog at their base camp. The pup was a Boykin spaniel who had gotten lost from an officer, and the soldiers decided to take him in and name him Beaudreaux. This little brown dog wasn’t only fun to have around, but he also alerted them to trouble when outside forces planned to overrun their camp. Beaudreaux was wounded during the attack and later awarded the purple heart and a medal for valor and bravery by their commanding officer. The dog was allowed to come home to the
states after his service. About a year later, Beaudreaux was invited to Washington, DC, and awarded the Medal of Honor by the president. Those are only a few of the stories recounted in his book. After Jernigan let his nieces read it, one called crying, telling him he should make a movie out of the story. So, Jernigan began looking for a publisher, and now his book is printed and available for everyone to read. “The book shows loyalty, courage, and the love for animals,” Jernigan says. “It will give you a good, heartwarming feeling.” The book’s impact doesn’t stop after someone finishes reading. It also helps veterans and their families, with all of the book’s proceeds going to veterans. Jernigan donates to different veteran groups, as well as veteran families in need. His last check went to a woman raising her five grandchildren after her daughter, who served in the military, died. “I encourage everyone to get it, especially in these times of staying home, to read to their kids. It goes to a good cause,” he says. “The book is also dedicated to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice — their lives — so we have the freedom that is so dear to us all.” “The Little Brown Hero Dog” is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and anywhere books are sold.
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VET Q&A
Healthy Mouths, Happy Pets We wouldn’t go years without having our teeth checked out (hopefully), and neither should your pets. Ensuring their mouths stay healthy can have a positive effect on more than simply their teeth, as we find out from Dr. Jackie Burks of Pet Vet Express. Q: Why is a pet’s dental health important? A: It is important for pets to have healthy mouths with fresh breath and healthy gums so that they can keep all of their teeth. But even more important is how gum disease affects their overall health. Pets that have severe dental disease can have heart disease, liver disease, and kidney disease. Pets that have healthy mouths stay healthier and live longer.
Q: What are signs that your dog or cat may be having dental issues? A: One of the most common signs is bad breath. Bad breath is not normal for dogs and cats. It is always a sign of some degree of dental disease. Other signs can be pain when chewing or reluctance to eat. Severe dental disease can lead to abscessed teeth with swelling on the face or jaw.
Q: What types of dental services does your practice often? A: We always offer free dental exams. If your pet has bad breath or other signs of dental disease, we will do a
The Veterinarian Dr. Jackie Burks is the primary vet at Pet Vet Express, which has locations in Mountain Brook and Vestavia Hills. Pet Vet Express is a full-service veterinary hospital providing preventative care, medical care for illness, surgery, and dental care. They also provide bathing and grooming services. Dr. Burks has been in practice for 39 years and is a graduate of the Mississippi State University of Veterinary Medicine. His primary areas of interest are surgery, dentistry, and dermatology.
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free exam and let you know what is going on. We offer dental cleaning with safe anesthesia and thorough dental exams. If extractions are needed, we can perform the extractions. If more specialized treatment is needed, such as a root canal or complicated extraction, we have a board-certified dental specialist in the area to whom we can refer your pet. We strive to provide personal service to our clients and tender loving care to our patients.
Q: How often should cats and dogs have their teeth professionally cleaned? A: The national average for dogs is that a dog will first need to have his teeth cleaned at the age of 3.5 years. Once dogs or cats have reached the point that they have to have their teeth cleaned, they usually need to have their teeth cleaned yearly to every other year.
Q: What are common dental problems you see with pets? A: We see mostly tartar accumulation and gum disease ranging from mild to so severe that teeth are loose and must be extracted. We also see fractured teeth that need to be extracted.
Q: What are ways owners can keep their pets’ teeth healthy at home? A: They can feed dry crunchy food so that the abrasive action helps keep teeth clean. They can use dental chews such as our favorite Oravet dental chews on a daily basis. And most important of all, they can brush their pets’ teeth daily. I do have a toothbrush training handout that I would be glad to provide to anyone interested in training their pet to have his teeth cleaned. We also carry specialized pet toothbrushes and toothpaste.
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GUEST COLUMNIST | REBECCA MASON
DITCH THE SHOCK Here’s why this correction approach doesn’t work
By Rebecca Mason CPDT-KA, CTDI, M.Ed. Adding aggression to aggression is a recipe for disaster. If you choose to correct your dog using aversives — like shock collars, prong collars, and even leash correction — this simply inhibits the outward expression of an emotion (the thing you hear, like a growl, or the thing you see, like a warning snap). However, even with corrections, the dog still feels the same way on the inside that he felt before the correction. You’ve just taught him he isn’t allowed to communicate that. You have removed the dog’s ability to warn others that he is uncomfortable, creating a dog who will bite without warning. This is one of the most dangerous and most unfair situations to place a dog in. If aversives aren’t the answer, what DO you do? As a dog trainer, my job is to educate and advocate. That means education for the pet parent — teaching them dog body language and signs of fear or stress (lip licking, yawning, turning the head away,
tucking the tail, wide eyes) — and advocating for the dog, since dogs need different things in different situations. The most important thing a dog needs to know, without a doubt, is that his owner will never harm him and will never put him in a situation where he feels that others might harm him. Use aversives, and you violate that trust, which teaches your dog that you won’t keep him safe and that he will have to take matters into his own paws. Advocating means not only being aware of your dog’s needs, but communicating them to others: He doesn’t like petting, but you can toss him a treat. He doesn’t like having his tail touched, but he would love it if you rubbed his ears. He’s a little overwhelmed. We’ll try this another time. Most of all, if you are seeing signs of fear or stress in your dog, consult a certified trainer who can help you maximize both your own learning and your dog’s joy.
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SPOTLIGHT ON RESCUES
SUPPORT PAWS Couple finds pets homes across the country
Support Paws fosters animals and transports them to find their forever homes. By Lauren H. Dowdle Photos Courtesy of Support Paws It can be difficult for an animal shelter to take care of and find forever homes for pets that are sick, injured, pregnant, or abused. To offer support to both the shelters and rescue animals, Support Paws helps foster these animals — and also transports them to find them homes. Chelsea couple Michael and Shannon Partain started Support Paws about five years. They had fostered animals from the Shelby County Humane Society in Columbiana, but they wanted to do more. So, they began transporting animals from the local shelters that were overcrowded to find them homes, and the nonprofit was born. “We’re the only people who would gut a 35foot RV to carry them up north,” Michael says.
They’ve travelled to states like Wisconsin, Connecticut, and New York where they know rescues will be able to find the pets forever homes. The couple also helps take care of puppies and other dogs in need of extra care at their home before they transport them to another rescue shelter — in addition to the pets they’ve decided to keep. Currently, they have nine puppies, seven elderly dogs, and five older cats. But, that number can change on any given day depending on the need. They have 15 acres surrounding their three-story home, giving the animals plenty of space to roam and enjoy life. “I have a thing for old people, and my wife has a thing for dogs. So, we bring those together,” Michael says with a laugh. While he enjoys working with all of the animals, Michael says his favorite part has to be the puppies.
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“You can’t have a bad day when you get to hold puppies every night,” he says. “They may make messes, but they’re completely adorable.” One puppy came to them after it was in a fire, burning a third of its body. They stayed up with the dog for weeks until she was able to find a home — and she found the perfect one. The pup, now named Clover, was adopted by the Madeira Beach fire department. They even have a Clover Day in town in her honor, and she demonstrates the “stop, drop, and roll” technique for children. There are plenty of other stories of dogs who have been through difficult situations, like being abandoned or having injuries. One of the best ways animal lovers can help these pets — besides adopting — is to foster them. “You’re saving a dog’s life if you foster,” Michael says. “The No. 1 reason dogs are put down is because they don’t have anyone to take care of them when they’re sick or need to be held back for a little while.” One of their first rescue dogs started out as a foster, and now Michael says he couldn’t live without it. “If you love animals, you can save one
instantly,” he says. “Just fostering or going to the shelter to volunteer doesn’t cost you anything.” Michael says they even have people who volunteer to hold puppies. While that might not seem like much, simply holding the adorable pups helps socialize them, which can prevent behavior issues. “If they play with them and get the puppies used to people, when the dog is picked up, they won’t growl. That’s an adoption right there,” he says. “It’s the little things no one thinks about.” In addition to fostering, Support Paws is always in need of donations, which help with things like vet bills, transportation, and supplies. People can also donate items like puppy training pads, pet food, litter, and other essentials. “We go through 50 pounds of dog food and 35 pounds of puppy food every week at minimum,” he says. Whether it’s taking care of an elderly dog or a litter of puppies, this couple has a passion for these furry friends. “We absolutely love what we do.” To learn more about Support Paws and find ways to help, visit Supportpaws.com.
ON SALE NOW! Written by Fultondale resident James Jernigan Proceeds benefit Veterans organizations and Veterans in need Buy online through
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F E AT U R E S TO R Y
PUPS AT PLAY Create a music list your pet is sure to love
Create a personalized playlist for your pet on Spotify. By Lauren H. Dowdle Think your cat digs listening to jazz? Or that your dog gets extra excited when you crank up the radio? If that sounds like your furry friend, then you aren’t alone — and you might be right. Music and pets seem to go together according to a recent survey. The digital music service company Spotify surveyed pet owners and found that 71 percent played music for their pets. And that’s not all they found. The survey also discovered 80 percent of pet owners believe their pets like music, believing music helps relieve stress, boost their pet’s happiness, and keep them company. Here are a few more tail-wagging stats: • 55 think their pet likes the same type of music as them • 57 percent of owners dance with their pets • 69 percent of owners sing to their pets • Pets seem to prefer classical and soft rock
Maybe it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise then than nearly one in five pet owners named their pets after a music artist or group, with the Top 5 artist influenced pet names being Bob Marley, Elvis, Freddie Mercury, Bowie, and Ozzy. Ready to let your pet jam out? Spotify offers a playlist just for animals, with something for dogs, cats, iguanas, hamsters, and birds. You choose the type of pet you’re creating the list for, how relaxed/energetic they are, if they are shy/friendly, and how apathetic/curious they are. You can even add a photo of your pet to the playlist to truly make it theirs. The playlist also takes into account their furry personalities, as well as your musical preferences. You will need to have a Spotify account to create a pet playlist, but you can create an account for free if you haven’t already. Visit Pets.byspotify.com for more information.
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GUEST COLUMNIST
|
AMANDA SELF
SOCIALIZING YOUR PUPPY By Amanda Self, CPDT-KA The most important role you’ll have as a new puppy parent is socializing them. Learning from their mother and littermates is just the beginning for these sweet babies. They absorb the world around them, pairing every surface, sound, object, smell, person, and environment to either a pleasant or fearful memory. The crucial socialization period is between six and 16 weeks of age. It’s best to make sure all the new things they experience leave a pleasant memory association because in a moments time, they have decided whether something is good or scary. Properly socializing them means pairing new experiences together with yummy treats, fun toys, encouraging words, and
praise to make that experience a happy one. Harsh, loud words, pain, or fearful things experienced during this time may stick with them for a lifetime and become scary triggers causing more fear and even possibly turning into phobias or aggression later on. Puppies or adult dogs should never be pulled toward or exposed all of a sudden to anything new. If they put on the brakes, we stop there and try again later, luring closer with treats in small increments. Allowing them to observe from a distance with treats, reassuring words, and being lured slowly on their terms is best. Socialization classes with a trained professional help navigate you and the pup. Proper guidance now helps puppies grow up being loving companions for years to come.
Are you ready to have a WELL BEHAVED DOG? The journey starts here! • In-home lessons • Basic obedience group classes • Puppy socialization classes
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Photo CONTEST
Bham Pets wants to feature your furry family member on our next cover. Enter your pet’s photo, and he or she might be our next cover model. Here’s how to enter: 1. Share your photo. Visit bhampets.com and click on “Cover Photo Contest.” Follow the instructions to upload your photo. BE SURE to read the “Rules and Prizes” section to make certain your photo will work, in case it wins! You will need to create an account on our site in order to submit your photo. 2. Stay connected. We’ll add you to our email list so that you’ll receive updates on when voting has begun. 3. Be social. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more information on the contest, and to share details on the contest with your friends so they can vote for your little ball of cuteness. 4. Tell us more! If your pet is chosen as the winner, we’ll reach out to you to conduct a quick interview to learn more about your pet, and we’ll introduce your pet to our readers with a short article inside the magazine. 1st and 2nd runners up will also be recognized with a short paragraph. And, all photos submitted in our contest will be printed inside the magazine.
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FELINES
GOING TO THE CATS Birmingham named most cat-friendly city in U.S. TOP CAT-FRIENDLY CITIES 1. Birmingham, Ala. 2. Portland, Ore. 3. Madison, Wis. 4. Richmond, Va. 5. Minneapolis, Minn. 6. St. Louis, Mo. 7. Tampa, Fla. 8. Orlando, Fla. 9. Greensboro, N.C. 10. Denver, Colo. Cats like mine love calling Birmingham home. By Lauren H. Dowdle Dog may be man’s best friend, but cats are stealing the local headlines lately. Birmingham was named the most catfriendly city in America for 2021, according to PetListed. The city scored high across every category they analyzed. To pick the best feline-friendly cities, PetListed analyzed metrics including the amount of cat-friendly housing, the number of AAFP certified cat veterinary practices, the abundance of local animal shelters and welfare groups, and number of pet stores selling cat products. After collecting all of that data for the 100 most populous cities in the country, they added up the comprehensive scoring system to rank the cities for cats. So, what helped Birmingham land the top spot? The city has an abundance of AAFP cat veterinary practices, animal shelters, and has the third highest concentration of pet stores per capita. The housing market is also ideal for cat owners, with 81 percent of all available rental properties in Birmingham allowing cats — which is the sixth highest in the nation.
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Photo CONTEST
The votes are in, and we hope you read about this issue’s Cover Photo Contest winner, Uno, on page 2. More than 50 animals were entered in the contest, and our readers have spoken! Congratulations to our winner and runnersup, and to all who entered, thank you!
FIRST RUNNER-UP Esperanza, Sylacauga Esperanza came into the Sylacauga Animal Shelter November 12, 2020 as a 6 week old kitten weighing only 3 ounces. She was taken home to be fostered as her human family got the call. She wasn’t expected to make it through that first night, but she did. Her road has been rocky with illnesses and vet appointments, but she has had a whole fan club rooting her on since Day 1! She’s famous (or maybe infamous!).
SECOND RUNNER-UP Strawberry, Vestavia Hills Strawberry was born in Birmingham and was adopted from the Birmingham Humane Society. He lives indoors with his cat and dog brothers and humans. Patient and sweet, he tries to make friends with his dog brothers more, but they still try to chase him. To pass the time, he enjoys looking out the window, playing with ribbons or strings, or napping under his human’s bed. Even though he does not like to be held, he loves sleeping near his humans and to be petted on his head and tooshie. He should have been a therapy cat, because he knows when someone is sick or sad and comes to sit beside you. His favorite food is tuna or chicken.
Abby Adamsville
Aly Birmingham
Arlo Bessemer
Blackbird Odenville
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COVER PHOTO CONTEST | SPRING 2021
Buckie Pinson
Charlie Birmingham
Coco Adamsville
Hope Birmingham
Katniss Montevallo
Dusty Montevallo
Jellybean Pelham
Klutch Alabaster
Charlie Columbiana
Harley Calera
Jiji Pelham
Ladybug Birmingham
Chulee Birmingham
Hazel Hoover
Joplin Alabaster
Leo Bessemer
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COVER PHOTO CONTEST | SPRING 2021
Lilith Eclectic
Louie Trussville
Mazda Birmingham
Mew Hoover
Niki Pell
Pearl Pelham
Peewee Moody
Prim Pelham
Shorty Hueytown
Soren Birmingham
Sundae Birmingham
Sunday Birmingham
Tinyhead Hoover
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FLEA AND TICK CONTROL VULCAN TERMITE AND PEST CONTROL 115 Commerce Drive, Pelham AL 35124 / 205.663.4200 / vulcantermite.com
TRAINING A WELL BEHAVED DOG 770.314.6018 / awellbehaveddog.com CREATIVE DOG TRAINING 2703 19th Place South, Homewood / 205.877.3130 381 Summit Blvd, Vestavia Hills / 205.967.2062 creativedogtraining.com
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Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com 23
24 Reach your market with us — (205) 617-9609 or matthew@jbmcmedia.com
