CincyPet Magazine Issue 2: Howl-o-ween Issue

Pets in need: Helping low-income families keep their pets

YOur official lifestyle magazine for the modern pet parent SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 | issue No. 2

HOWL-O-WEEN ISSUE!

SUPER

COSTUMEs for Your Super Pet NO TRICKS, JUST TREATS! FOR YOUR PUPPY PAWTY

Keep Your Pets Safe on the Spookiest Night of The Year

PLUS

COYOTE PET SAFETY KITTY BREW CAFE AND MORE!

ContentS FEATURES

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Pets In Need of Greater Cincinnati Keeping pets with their people by offering low-cost care.

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Unleash your Pup’s inner star

22

spooky Safety

26

Coffee for a cause

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Costumes and contests let yours strut his stuff!

Tips to keep your pet safe from potentially scary situations this Halloween.

Southwestern Ohio’s first and only cat café is saving lives, one cup of coffee at a time.

columns 3 FROM THE PUBLISHER 4 LOCAL EVENTS 6 LIFESTYLE: Halloween Treats 8 TRAINING: Pets and Children 10 VET CORNER: Coyote Safety 28 RESCUE SPOTLIGHT

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Pets in need: Helping low-income families keep their pets

YOur official lifestyle magazine for the modern pet parent SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 | issue No. 2

HOWL-O-WEEN ISSUE!

SUPER

COSTUMEs for Your Super Pet NO TRICKS, JUST TREATS! FOR YOUR PUPPY PAWTY

Keep Your Pets Safe

ON THE COVER: Mr. Bojangles, a rescue chihuahua/Cairn terrier, is the Director of Everyone at CincyPet Magazine.

He’s also the official spokesdog model for Pet Love Photography.

You can follow him on Instagram @official_mr_bojangles.

on the Spookiest Night of The Year

PLUS

COYOTE PET SAFETY KITTY BREW CAFE AND MORE!

CINCYPET.COM 1

online 2 1

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1 DOG BRUNCH AT KEYSTONE – HYDE PARK Keystone Bar & Grill in Hyde Park hosted a doggy brunch on their patio with Melinda Stenger from I Love PetCakes.

2 rescue pet of the week Sweet Polli has been looking for a forever home.

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4 3 DOG CAR SAFETY 101 Traveling with your dog in the car can be a great time, but always consider the safety of everyone in the vehicle, including your fur baby.

4 Resource guarding Visit our Trainer’s Corner to learn how to deal with dogs that just want to protect their stuff.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 VOLUME 1, ISSUE 2 CincyPet.com PUBLISHER & FOUNDER Susannah Maynard EDITOR Stefanie Laufersweiler CONTRIBUTORS Emily Begley-Eilers Sarah Laubacher TRAVEL CONTRIBUTOR Shae Pepper, No Home Just Roam LIFESTYLE EXPERT Melinda Kirk Stenger PetCakes by Lucky Paws LLC TRAINING EXPERT Lisa Desatnik, So Much PETential CREATIVE DIRECTOR Wendy Dunning DIRECTOR OF SALES Jason Kenney CONTACT CincyPet Magazine PO Box 428686 Cincinnati, OH 45242

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elcome to the second issue of CincyPet Magazine; we hope you’ve been enjoying our premiere issue and our online content. Since CincyPet Magazine is all about pets, I wanted to introduce you to a couple of key canine staff members.

By now you may recognize Mr. Bojangles, the cover model for our first two issues. Mr. Bojangles is officially Director of Everyone at CincyPet. He even eats his meals out of a bowl that says “The Boss.” Our other key canine staff member is Lola, Director of Pub-lick Relations. You can find Lola featured in our Halloween costume article. We did have a third member of our canine staff, our Director of Happiness, Paco, but he unexpectedly passed away at the end of August. Paco can also be seen in our Halloween costume article. Paco’s loss has left a chihuahua-sized hole in our hearts.

With this issue of the magazine, we’ve added the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County as distribution locations. You can find a number of library programs listed in our events calendar, including their Tales to Tails therapy dog reading program. If you or your family likes books, make sure to attend the Books by the Banks: Cincinnati Regional Book Festival at the Duke Energy Center on Saturday, October 26. I’ll be there signing copies of my books: Rescue Dogs: Portraits and Stories, Rescue Cats: Portraits and Stories, and Rescue Rabbits: Portraits and Stories of Bunnies Finding Happy Homes.

Phone: (513) 448-1724 Email: editor@cincypet.com We are Greater Cincinnati’s only dedicated pet magazine. We publish a print magazine distributed for free at locations around the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. Our magazine is published six times a year.

Our website content is updated weekly.

Susannah Maynard Publisher

For advertising information and rates please email us at sales@cincypet.com or call us at (513) 448-1724.

Copyright © 2019 by CincyPet Magazine.

All rights reserved.

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local events CATOBERFEST 2019 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 | 5:00pm–9:00pm UAW LOCAL 863 10708 READING RD., CINCINNATI, OH 45241 Join us for an evening of fun, food, and shopping while you support The Scratching Post, a nonprofit cat shelter and adoption center located in Silverton. Reservations are $25 in advance or $30 at the door. For more information, visit thescratchingpost.org.

CARE CENTER BLOOD DRIVE & CANINE DONOR SCREENING SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 | 10am–4pm 6995 E. KEMPER RD.

Donate blood to Hoxworth Blood Center and get your dog a free screening to be a canine blood donor! Dog crafts, canine vendors, raffle baskets, free food & drinks, and a goodie bag for your dog. Dog sitters available during your donation. Visit hoxworth.org/groups/carecenter to schedule appointment and carecenterbloodbank.com for more on canine blood donation.

TAILS ON THE TRAIL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 | 9:00am–11:30am FRANCIS RECREACRES PARK Make a statement for those who don’t have a voice – Register today to walk and fund-raise on behalf of the animals! Costumes welcome and encouraged! Cost is $10–$35. Contact SPCA Cincinnati for more information at spcacincinnati.org.

WAGS, WAFFLES & WINE 2019 SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 | 12:00pm–4:00pm SHARON WOODS PARK Grab your BFF (furry and human) and join us for a run, walk, or stroll through beautiful Sharon Woods Park.

Vendors, food, drink, music, and tons of fun! Plus, Marty’s Waffles! Yum! Cost is $30/adult, $15/child. Contact Paw Joggers Animal Community Fund at pawjoggersacf.org for more information.

Check our calendar on CincyPet.com for more events and information. See page 20 for more Halloween-related events.

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Pet and animal programs

at the Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County MYSTERIES OF THE OWL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 | 2:00pm–4:00pm NORWOOD BRANCH Rangers from the Great Parks of Hamilton County will be at the Norwood Branch Library to showcase several species of local owls living right here in our backyards. Patrons of all ages are invited to join us as we gain some insight on these fascinating creatures. No registration required.

ZOO ON THE MOVE

TALES TO TAILS Read a story to a friendly certified therapy dog. A fun way for children to practice reading out loud and improve their reading skills! Times and branches below.

Visit the Events & News page at www.cincinnatilibrary.org for more information.

MIAMI TOWNSHIP BRANCH | 6:30pm–7:30pm TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29 No registration required.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 | 1:30pm–2:15pm LOVELAND BRANCH Cincinnati Zoo staff bring some animal friends to visit the Loveland Branch. Learn about these animals’ awesome abilities and get to see them up close. Registration required.

BATS! WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 | 3:00pm–4:00pm COLLEGE HILL BRANCH Walk like a bat! Fly like a bat! Meet a native bat and explore echolocation to understand how it works and hear what it sounds like. Presented by the Cincinnati Museum Center. No registration required.

CORRYVILLE BRANCH | 4:00pm–5:00pm WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2, 16 & 30 AND NOVEMBER 6 & 20 No registration required.

HARRISON BRANCH | 10:30am–11:30am SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 AND NOVEMBER 30 Registration required; please call the branch at (513) 369-4442 to sign up for a 10-minute session.

MT. HEALTHY BRANCH | 4:00pm–5:00pm THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7

MEET CINCY HERPS SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 | 2:00pm–3:00pm READING BRANCH

No registration required.

Learn about reptiles and meet some cold-blooded creatures at this fun event presented by the Greater Cincinnati Herpetological Society. All ages welcome. No registration required.

REcurring events around town DACHSHUND CLUB OF SOUTHWESTERN OHIO

CINCINNATI CHIHUAHUAS MEETUP

EVERY 2ND SUNDAY 1:00pm–3:00pm BEST FRIENDS PET HOTEL

EVERY 3RD SUNDAY 12:00pm–1:30pm BEST FRIENDS PET HOTEL

Get together with other Doxies for up to two hours of play and socialization.

There is an indoor room and a fenced-in outdoor yard area at Best Friends Pet Care with plenty of seating and toys for the dogs. Cost is $1.

Join the fun and meet up with other Chihuahuas for at least 90 minutes of playtime! Indoor and outdoor spaces.

Cost is $2.

DOG-FRIENDLY NIGHT EVERY WEDNESDAY 4:00pm–11:00pm WEST SIDE BREWING Every Wednesday night is Dog-Friendly Night in the Taproom. Bring your four-legged furry friend with you while you have a pint or two of our latest beer releases!

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LIFESTYLE

Host a howling good pawty Complete with tasty treats for all your dog’s best friends

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all is absolutely my favorite time of the year. The leaves turning colors, a sunny start to the day mixed with the crisp evening air, and thoughts of the upcoming holidays always get my tail wagging. Truth be told, I was not a fan of Halloween, until I had dogs. I love, love, love looking at dogs in costumes on Facebook, Instagram, and, especially, Pinterest. There seem to be more pet events during this time of the year, which means more opportunities to show off your fur babies.

However, these events can be very stressful for your canine kids, so why not host your own costume party this year with a few of your BFFs and their best furry friends? Hosting your next HowlO-Ween pet party will be super easy with these pet party tips and of course a few treats for tricks!

Keep It Simple is the number-one rule. You will thank me later because this means less mess and stress for you and your pups.

1. Invite 3–4 friends and their fourlegged children (or less depending on the size of your home) only if they have already met before and get along. Do not use this time to introduce new four-legged friends. Use an Evite or paper invitations so everyone is on the same page with the details.

2. Create a small menu for both people and pet guests. On the opposite page are a few healthy and fun menu items that you can make. The pups will enjoy Chilly Canine Candy Corn, which is made with low-fat cream cheese, canned pumpkin, and bananas to recreate the white,

Gluten-Free Iced Halloween Cookies orange, and yellow colors of candy corn. Gluten-Free Iced Halloween Cookies are a must for everyone, and with their all-natural ingredients (oats, canned pumpkin, and eggs) even the humans can eat them!

3. Entertainment and games that keep the dogs busy are a must. My favorites for Halloween are a costume contest with “Best Duo” and “Most Original” as top prizes, and a few games like “Sniff It to Win It” and “Dunking for Dogs” are always fun. “Sniff It to Win It” is my version of the shell game in which you have three fake pumpkin heads and hide a dog treat inside of one them. The dogs take turns finding the hidden treat and get rewarded with another treat (leave the same treat in the fake pumpkin).

“Dunking for Dogs” is like bobbing for apples. You fill a large wide-mouth container or bucket with water and a small piece of a cut-up hot dog (not the whole hot dog) then each dog gets a chance to dip their head into the bucket to retrieve and eat the hot dog.

Make sure you have some old towels available for drying off.

4. Finally, create doggy gift bags ahead of time for all your guests, because all of our canine kids are winners.

Decorate a brown paper bag and fill it with dog treats and a toy. Present them on a tray as all the guests leave.

Take lots of pictures and remember to share them with all of your guests. By the way, we would LOVE to see your photos too!

MELINDA KIRK STENGER is CEO of Lucky Paws, LLC and creator of the award-winning PetCakes & YumYum Bones, healthy cake and ice cream for dogs and cats. Melinda has been cooking for over 20 years for her fur babies and sells thousands of dog and cat birthday kits a month on Amazon. com and Chewy.com.

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HOWL-O-Ween Recipes Gluten-Free Iced Halloween Cookies

Chilly Canine Candy Corn (makes about 8 frozen mini treats)

(makes 13–16 small-medium cookies) Ingredients for Cookies 2 cups Quaker Gluten Free Instant Oats (if you use regular oatmeal you will need to blend it into flour first using a blender) 1 egg ¼ cup + 2 tablespoons of canned pumpkin ¼ teaspoon cinnamon ¼ teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon baking powder Pumpkin Icing Thoroughly blend 2 tablespoons of cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin and place in a small zip-lock plastic bag.

You will need: • Parchment paper (I use pre-cut sheets so they lay flat) • Mixer • Baking sheet • Rolling pin • Seasonal or dog-related cookie cutters • Small zip-lock plastic bag Instructions Preheat oven to 350˚.

1. Blend all cookie ingredients using your mixer and form the dough into 2 balls.

2. Place one of the balls in between layers of parchment paper. Using a rolling pin, roll the dough flat.

3. Use the cookie cutters to press out shapes.

4. Place cookies on the cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.

5. Repeat steps 2–4 for the second ball of dough.

6. Bake for 15 minutes.

7. Let cool, then ice the cookies by snipping a tiny corner off the end of the icing-filled bag and spread with a frosting knife. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Ingredients 7 tablespoons cream cheese 1 tablespoon canned pumpkin 2 tablespoons mashed banana 1 dash turmeric You will need: • Freezer molds (I use paw prints and pumpkins, but you can use mini ice cube trays) • 3 small bowls and 3 spoons for mixing • Small zip-lock plastic bags (I use the snack-size bags) Instructions 1. Create the 3 different colors of candy corn by blending the following in separate bowls: White = 3 tablespoons of cream cheese; Orange = 2 tablespoons of cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin; Yellow = 2 tablespoons of cream cheese with 1 tablespoon of mashed banana and turmeric 2. Separate each color into separate zip-lock bags and close.

3. Snip the corner end of each sealed bag and squeeze each mixture into the molds (remember to leave enough room for all 3 colors). I start with white, then orange and finally yellow.

4. Place the filled molds in a freezersafe container and freeze overnight or for at least 3 hours.

5. Pop out and place in snack-size bags to give to guests as they arrive. Serve them frozen and outside or on a dish. CP

Tag us and WIN! Tag us on Facebook and Instagram with your pet party pictures and your pampered pets could win a $50 PetCakes gift basket! @iLovePetCakes or #iLovePetCakes AND @cincypetmag or #cincypetmag

CINCYPET.COM 7

TRAINING

pets and children: WHAT BODY LANGUAGE SAYS

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be able to recognize trouble.

Below are a few tips to help you be a better, more effective active supervisor.

• Know how a dog shows he is content. Generally, your dog’s muscles will be loose and relaxed. His mouth may be open, he may be panting with a regular tempo, his tail and ears will be held in their natural positions, and his tail may wag from side to side or in a circular motion. He may be engaged with and or nudging up to your child.

• Know how a dog shows he is uncomfortable with your child. Some of the signs to watch for include that your dog may step back, turn away, shake, lick his lips, yawn, have a closed and tense mouth, have ears pinned back, hold his tail down, roll over on his back in a sign of submission, or show a half moon of white in his eyes.

• Know how a dog escalates his body language. If you do not recognize and intervene, your dog may have a raised and rigid tail, he may bark and move backward (or position himself over his

forelegs, ready to lunge), stare at your child, show his teeth or growl. This escalation can occur within seconds, especially if there is a history of your dog not having his early warning signs recognized.

• Know when your dog is beginning to become aroused. A few signs to watch for include a low and deliberate tail wag (or tail held high), tense body muscles, and standing with his weight on his front legs. Also, your dog may begin jumping and chasing your child.

If your dog is exhibiting any of the signs that I have listed, it is time to intervene.

Please do not punish your dog for communicating in his language how he feels.

Instead, redirect your child or your dog or both and allow your dog the temporary distance that he wants.

Additionally, you should intervene if your child pulls your dog’s ears, tail or other body part; pokes your dog; or jumps, chases, lays on, or holds your dog in a headlock. CP

LISA DESATNIK, CPDT-KA, CPBC, is a certified dog trainer (and certified parrot behavior consultant) with So Much PETential who uses and teaches the most positive strategies for changing pet behaviors. She offers individualized dog and puppy training for manners and problem issues. Learn more about her at SoMuchPETential.com.

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PHOTO � Picsea, Unsplash.com

y family had a poodle growing up.

Her name was Jolie. And for many years, she was so much more than simply the family pet. She was a very dear friend to me. I loved her so very much.

And so, I know firsthand how special that relationship can be between pet and child. It is why I have a special place in my heart for wanting to see those relationships succeed.

As a trainer, however, it is not terribly uncommon for me to see family dogs back away from children, show calming signals around kids, and avoid coming when kids call. I hear about dogs even growling or worse at children.

As adults we need to remember that although kids may adore their family pet, they often do not know ‘how’ to be a good dog friend. Kids may move quickly, yell and scream, lean over dogs, grab for dogs, or do any number of other things that can make dogs uncomfortable. Kids are also generally not good at reading AND responding appropriately to dog body language.

As a parent, caregiver and/or other adult role model, you have a very important job to do—to help that relationship between your child or children and your dog (and other dogs) succeed.

Active supervision is a big part of that.

Advice is given often to parents that dogs and young kids should never be left in a room alone together, but passive supervision (meaning the adult is in the same room, yet focused on other things) can also have the potential of being unsafe.

It can take a split second for an incident to escalate.

Active supervision is when you are watching your kids and your dog, and are able to intervene if necessary. Taking that one step further, in order to know when intervention is needed, it is important to

New customers only. Not valid with any other offer. No cash value. Mention code CINCYPET.

Your & Your Dog’s Training Coach Lisa Desatnik, CPDT-KA, CPBC

513-262-4062 SoMuchPETential@gmail.com www.SoMuchPETential.com

CINCYPET.COM 9

VET CORNER

protect youself and your pet from

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iving in the woods, suburbs, or even the city provides residents with a trove of natural treasures: wooded lots, gorgeous landscaping, beautiful birds, bounding deer, and diverse flora and fauna among them. But like any beautiful rose, there are hidden thorns, and this includes coyotes. Last night, coyotes prowled near my house. I heard them when I let my dogs out and was reminded of my friend’s close encounter last summer, when coyotes were hiding behind a tree and watching her daughter play in the driveway. Luckily, her large Labrador Retriever alerted her of the danger to her child and they went inside.

Being a board-certified veterinary surgeon at MedVet, a specialty and emergency hospital, we see many coyote attacks. You might think our patients 10 CINCYPET MAGAZINE | ISSUE 2

only live in wooded areas, such as Mason, West Chester, Anderson, Indian Hill, Mt. Airy, and Milford. But that’s not the case.

They also live in Oakley, Hyde Park, and Colerain. Small dogs come in through our emergency department and are transferred quickly to surgery for wound care. I know there are many more dogs that are attacked that never make it home and just go “missing.” So, what can we do to keep our pets and families safe?

First, it’s important to understand a little about the coyote’s lifestyle, habits, and behavior. Coyotes are usually grayish brown to yellowish gray and often have a white or buff-colored chest. They can vary dramatically in size from twenty to fifty pounds. Coyotes often travel in packs of around six but hunt in pairs.

They live in burrows and are primarily

nocturnal; however, they can be spotted occasionally during daytime hours.

Coyotes are opportunistic, versatile feeders. While they are omnivorous, they are mostly carnivorous. They are wild creatures that feed primarily on small mammals (mice, rabbits, and squirrels), lizards, deer, insects, and birds. They are also known to eat fruits, vegetables, and human trash. Small dogs and cats are often targeted in more urban areas, and coyotes have been known to shadow human joggers or larger dogs. Coyotes will shift their hunting techniques depending on the prey they are hunting. Their techniques primarily include stalking and pouncing or running their prey into another pack member.

Attacks on humans are uncommon and rarely cause serious injury, but small children are at significantly greater risk.

PHOTO � Ross Sokolovski, Unsplash.com

Coyotes in the city

PHOTO ďż˝ Ray Hennessy, Unsplash.com

Adopt ten best practices to protect your pets and family.

Know what to do if you’re approached by a single coyote.

Be prepared should you be approached by a pack of coyotes.

1. Always accompany your small dog outside to use the restroom, especially at dusk, dawn, and night. Do not assume that a fence will keep a coyote out of your backyard.

2. Avoid walking near the edge of the woods at night and keep your pet on a short leash.

3. Carry a flashlight if you are walking at night.

4. Clean your grill to avoid attracting them to your yard.

5. Do not leave pet food sitting outside in bags or leave food in pet bowls.

6. If your yard is amenable, consider a six-foot fence, as coyotes will be slowed by needing to climb it. Dog doors and electric fences are wonderful but offer no protection from predators.

7. Keep your cats inside at night.

8. Secure garbage cans with locking lids or store in a garage or shed. Never feed coyotes.

9. Supervise small children while they are outside.

10. Turn the lights on. Ensure the area where you walk your dog is well lit.

1. Do not let a coyote get in between you and your pet or child. Keep children close to you at all times.

2. Do not look afraid or scared. Coyotes can read your body language indicating you are being submissive.

3. If you are with a small child, place them behind you as you back away and do not allow them to run away from you.

4. Know there is likely a second coyote lurking nearby and be wary.

5. Maintain eye contact while slowly backing away. Never turn your back on the coyote.

6. Make yourself look as large and imposing as possible and raise your arms or backpack above your head.

7. Shine the flashlight in their eyes if it is nighttime.

8. Shout or yell, clap your hands, or blow a whistle to frighten the coyote and make yourself look larger.

9. Throw sticks or rocks to scare away a coyote.

1. Do not act in a threatening manner or stare into their eyes. This is different than if approached by a single coyote.

2. Do not approach a pack of coyotes.

3. Shout or yell to frighten the coyotes.

4. Throw sticks or rocks to scare them away.

We hope these tips help keep you, your family and your pets safe.

If your dog or cat is attacked by a coyote and your family veterinarian is not available, you can bring your pet to MedVet Cincinnati, located at 3964 Red Bank Road, Cincinnati, OH 45227, for care. Our team of highly trained, compassionate experts are available 24 hours a day, every day. For more information, call our hospital directly at (513) 561-0069 or visit medvet.com. CP

ABOUT SUSANNA HINKLE SCHWARTZ, DVM, DIPLOMATE, ACVS-SA: Susanna Hinkle Schwartz, DVM, Diplomate, ACVS-SA, is a board-certified Veterinary Surgeon at MedVet Cincinnati, where she has been part of the medical team since 2011. Dr. Schwartz maintains an interest in all aspects of small animal surgery, with particular interests in spinal surgeries and fractures, complicated soft tissue surgeries, and arthroscopy. She is devoted to ensuring each patient receives the best care possible for the ideal long-term outcome.

In addition to her work at MedVet, Dr. Schwartz volunteers her time organizing and participating in the Annual Cincinnati Veterinary Medical Association Canine Corps Event to examine police and searchand-rescue dogs. She also participates in the Annual Guide Dog Clinic that performs ocular exams on service and guide dogs.

She is on the board of many local veterinary organizations dedicated to the local community and veterinary care. When not treating patients, Dr. Schwartz plays several sports and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.

CINCYPET.COM 11

Pets In Need

of Greater Cincinnati Keeping pets with their people by offering low-cost care

STORY AND PHOTOS

BY SARAH LAUBACHER

D

ealing with a difficult health diagnosis is one of the worst situations a pet owner may face, especially when financial constraints prohibit high-cost procedures, and euthanasia is presented as plan B. “You shouldn’t have to choose between emptying your bank account and losing your best friend,” says Lavender Cahill, manager at Pets In Need of Greater Cincinnati. Located in Lockland, at 520 W. Wyoming Avenue, the nonprofit veterinary clinic serves pet families whose household income is at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

The only clinic of its kind in the area, pet families from 15 counties in the tri-state area come to PIN for affordable, high-quality care.

Jamie Warner and her pup Simba sit in PIN’s spacious waiting room on a recent Friday afternoon. Warner began as Simba’s babysitter, but the relative who owned him eventually said, “You’re his momma more than I am,” and he ended up becoming her baby. “He won’t leave my side. He knows I’m feeling bad before I do,” she says.

“He had a slipped disk in his back and someone recommended Pets In Need. I had taken him to a regular vet, and when I couldn’t afford what they wanted to do, they suggested I put my baby to sleep—I said no.”

Cahill says this is a situation they see constantly.

“Our main focus is keeping pets with their people, essentially. Even an annual exam at a regular vet might be $160 to $180, which is hard if you’re on a fixed income, and you’ve got your own medications and health problems—it adds up,” she says.

“The longer we can keep pets out of the shelter and keep them with their owners is fantastic.”

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Jamie Warner has been bringing her pup Simba to Pets In Need of Greater Cincinnati for two years.

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Clinic services include: • • • • • • •

Preventative and wellness care Treatment of acute and chronic health conditions Diagnostic testing Vouchers for low-cost spay/neuter surgeries Referrals to partnering private practices Monthly flea/tick and heartworm prevention Compassionate end-of-life care

In 2018, the clinic provided: • • • • •

5,843 veterinary care appointments 5,070 vaccines 108 referrals for surgeries and dental procedures 672 spay/neuter vouchers 11,085 doses of flea/tick medication

Another common scenario is when a pet is dropped into someone’s life unexpectedly, whether or not they are financially prepared. This past summer Carman Stokes’ family lost everything in a fire around the same time she had to bury her beloved dog.

Still mourning the loss of her companion, while downsizing from a house to an apartment, it definitely wasn’t an ideal time to get a dog. But, pets have a funny way of popping into their intended owners’ lives, and that’s just what happened when her kids spotted an apparent stray outside her work.

She resisted growing attached at first, acting nonchalant with her first command: a stern “get in the car.” The pretty shepherd mix jumped right in. “I was like, ‘I’m not gonna keep this dog; this dog is huge!’ I kept looking at her paws and thinking, ‘She’s gonna get bigger.’”

Stokes had her scanned at at SPCA Cincinnati, attempted to find the owners, and stayed detached while she waited 72 hours until the stray legally became hers. “We got back in the car and I looked at her. ‘I guess you stuck with me, right? So, we gotta give you a name. How about Rosie?’ Since she’s so pretty. And 14 CINCYPET MAGAZINE | ISSUE 2

Corky takes a break from the waiting room outside of Pets In Need of Greater Cincinnati. she looked me in the eye. OK, she likes her name. So, she’s been Rosie,” Stokes says.

She printed the application from Pets In Need’s website (pincincinnati.org), filled it out, and brought it in, along with the fire report. The process only took about thirty minutes. The process is even faster for pet families already receiving Social Security or SNAP benefits.

“There are very few people who come in and don’t qualify,” Cahill says, adding that the first visit is $40 and covers an exam, basic vaccines, and medications for allergies or infections if they have them on hand. Visits are only $20 after that. PIN provides basic preventative care, vaccines, heartworm testing, feline leukemia testing, and they can check suspicious lumps and bumps.

If further care is needed, they grant referrals on a case-by-case basis, as they don’t perform surgery or complex procedures on site. (They refer to vets who discount their services, and Pets In Need subsidizes the cost.) Spay and neuter procedures are referred to UCAN Nonprofit Spay & Neuter Clinic, OAR Spay/ Neuter Clinic, and House Vets for House Pets.

Pets In Need of Greater Cincinnati actually began as an offshoot of UCAN, where PIN Executive Director Ann Hill was executive director at the time. In 2012 she recognized the need for PIN to become its own nonprofit, and in 2013 the organization converted a former bank into a clinic, where they have been operating ever since. In the coming months, PIN plans to remodel and expand their services to include dental procedures and X-rays.

“It’s wild to see how far this place has come, and all the good we can actually do,” Cahill says. “I’ve been here six years and we’ve been growing exponentially. When I started we had a clinic one or two days a week. Now it’s four to sometimes six days a week. It’s hard and it’s trying, but we see beautiful stories when animals and their people stay together, and so many people are grateful for the services we provide.”

Gratitude was evident from several pet owners in the waiting room that day. Elizabeth Kindle has been bringing her cat and her Golden Retriever/Bloodhound mix, Clyde, for six months. “I heard they had really good care,” she says. “We’d gone to what we thought was the lowest-priced place around, but we were getting mixed results for quality of care.” Kindle

For more about Pets in Need, go to cincypet.com/petsinneed says even though immediate appointments aren’t always available, the staff is helpful in determining whether an issue can wait for their availability, or would be best addressed by another clinic. They aren’t an emergency clinic, but are open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Wendy Anton has been bringing her little terrier mix, Corky, for two years. “This is affordable for me (being on a fixed income). Plus, I love everyone back there. They treat my little dog just like he’s at a high-end place,” she says. “If I won the lottery, what I would give them?”

PIN receives funding from grants, donations, and their annual benefit, Petcasso, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 16 at the Cincinnati Masonic Center, and set to include dinner by the bite, an open bar, live music, a travel raffle, and a bourbon pull. Early-bird tickets are available now and start at $50 for young professionals (35 and under) and $100 for regular admission. Visit pincincinnati.org for further details. CP

SARAH LAUBACHER is a pet-loving photographer and writer based in Cincinnati. During a break from journalism, she started her photography career covering live music in New York City a decade ago before resettling in Cincy to focus on portraits of people and pets.

CINCYPET.COM 15

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unleash your pup’s

inner star

Costumes and contests let yours strut his stuff!

BY SUSANNAH MAYNARD

Paco rocks the ‘50s biker look.

18 CINCYPET MAGAZINE | ISSUE 2

PUG-WITCH PHOTO � Sergii Chilikin, Dreamstime, ALL OTHER PHOTOS © Pet Love Photography

ABOVE: This dog pack is all Super Mario themed. LEFT: Wonder Woman to the rescue. BELOW: A pugwitch!

S

uperheroes. Prisoners. Bees. Flowers. Unicorns. October in Cincinnati is filled with fun events for your furry friends, and many of those events are related to Halloween costumes. We’ve scoured local stores and the internet to find the best costumes for your mutt to strut in this Halloween season!

CINCYPET.COM 19

Halloween Events Around Town CLIFTONFEST PET PARADE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 | PARADE AT 1:30pm CONTESTS FROM 2:00pm–2:30pm The parade will line up behind Immanuel Presbyterian Church on Bryant Avenue starting at 1:30. Judging for the costume contest will be from 2:00 to 2:30 p.m.

BARKTOBERFEST 2019 SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 | 2:00pm–6:00pm HARRY WHITING BROWN COMMUNITY CENTER 34 VILLAGE SQUARE, GLENDALE, OH Event will include a fun and learning-filled day for Glendale’s doggie residents and their owners, as well as for folks from outside of the community.

HOWL-O-WEEN POOCH PAGEANT SATURDAY, OCTOBER 12 | 9:00am–2:00pm MULBERRY STREET, LEBANON, OH We’ll have a costume contest, stage presentations from our Top Sponsor, questions for the vet, and Police Dog Handlers.

THE GREAT PUPKIN PARADE AND DOG COSTUME CONTEST SUNDAY, OCTOBER 13 | 11:00am–3:00pm PIERCE TOWNSHIP PARK 961 LOCUST CORNER ROAD, CINCINNATI, OH The Great Pupkin Parade and Dog Costume Contest is a family-friendly and tail-wagging great time.

HOWLOWEEN PET FEST SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 | 2:00pm–4:00pm ST. JOSEPH HEIGHTS, PARK HILLS, KENTUCKY

ABOVE: Lola can’t decide between bee or ladybug.

BELOW: Mr. BoJangles might get out early on good behavior.

Come join us for an afternoon of furry fun and spooky shenanigans to benefit Save Our Shelter Dogs Rescue.

HOWL-O-WINE DOG COSTUME CONTEST SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20 | ALL DAY VINOKLET WINERY & RESTAURANT 11069 COLERAIN AVENUE, CINCINNATI, OH Bring your well-behaved dog on a leash, sip some wine and socialize with other puppies and their humans.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 | 2:00pm–2:30pm GORMAN HERITAGE FARM 10052 READING RD, CINCINNATI, OH Dress your pet in their favorite costume and join us for a fun and friendly Halloween costume contest.

20 CINCYPET MAGAZINE | ISSUE 2

PHOTOS © Pet Love Photography

HALLOWEEN COSTUME CONTEST

FREDDY, UPS DOG AND UNIIGUINEA from Amazon.com PIRATE CAT PHOTO � Katrina Brown, Dreamstime HULA DOG PHOTO � Willeecole, Dreamstime

A very small selection of costumes available online.

You can even dress your guinea pig!

You can find quite a few Halloween costumes at T.J. Maxx, HomeGoods, and Marshalls. They have costumes for both small and large dogs, but items tend to go quickly and you may need to shop around at different locations to find something to fit your pup. Petco has quite a few great costume options but had them on sale early, so they may be picked over for sizes; however, you can always have them check another store or see if your size is available online. Pet Supplies Plus carries a small selection of costume options in store, from headgear to full outfits. PetSmart has costumes both in store and online for dogs, cats, and even guinea pigs. Target is also a great place to check out costumes for both dogs and cats.

Online, you can’t beat Amazon’s selection of costumes. If you can think of it, you can find it on Amazon.

From Freddy Krueger to the UPS man to Wonder Woman, Amazon has costumes of all kinds to fit all sizes of dogs. One of the Amazon vendors we found to have a an excellent assortment of creative costumes in a wide range of dog sizes was Rubies.

Whatever your pet’s Halloween pawsonality is, you are sure to find a costume to fit. CP

CincyPet Magazine publisher and founder, SUSANNAH MAYNARD, is a Cincinnati native. She is the owner of Pet Love Photography and the author of three books about rescue pets. She is the pet mom to her three rescue dogs and one rescue cat.

CINCYPET.COM 21

SPOOKY SAFETY

Tips for a harm-free Halloween Keep your pet safe from potentially scary situations.

BY STEFANIE LAUFERSWEILER

22 CINCYPET MAGAZINE | ISSUE 2

H

alloween can be a tricky time for pets tempted by bowlfuls of candy or confused by the steady stream of costumed strangers suddenly showing up at the door. We asked local experts what pet owners should consider as the jack o’lanterns come out, including hidden dangers that sometimes get overlooked.

CAT PHOTO � Marilyn Gould, Dreamstime CANDY CORN PHOTO © Dane Deaner, Unsplash.com

Candy, candy, candy “As far as accidents and emergencies go, there are frequent candy ingestions and also animals being hit by cars,” says Dr. Allison Rumboll, DVM, an emergency veterinarian at Grady Veterinary Hospital in Hamilton County, of the activity she sees around Halloween in their 24-hour facility. “But it’s not as busy as other holidays, like the Fourth of July, Christmas, or New Year’s.”

Halloween candy is a big culprit that causes problems for pets, as keeping it conveniently located for you yet out of reach for them can be a challenge, especially if you’ve got a climber.

“These problems depend heavily on the dose ingested and patient response,” says Rumboll. “Anything in large doses can cause an issue.”

Food tolerance can vary from species to species, Rumboll says, and “innate susceptibility” can differ in animals within a species, too. “This is why it’s very important to watch closely for any clinical signs of toxicity with any level of ingestion,” she says.

Chocolate is a well-known toxin for dogs, Rumboll says, and darker varieties are more harmful. “Symptoms of chocolate poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, rapid breathing, increased heart rate, and seizures,” says Dr. Sheri Kyle, DVM, head veterinarian at Kyle Veterinary Hospital in Sharonville.

“Halloween candies containing the artificial sweetener Xylitol can also be poisonous to pets,” says Kyle, noting that even small amounts of Xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar and subsequent loss of coordination, and seizures. “We also see problems with artificial sweeteners causing stomach upset or severe liver disease,” Rumboll says.

Choking is also a danger. “The size and shape of different candies can pose risks to pets,” says Brian Brezinski, an animal adoption counselor with the League of Animal Welfare in Batavia. “Wrappers and packaging can cause problems too, such as obstructions,” warns Rumboll. “Cats love playing with string and shiny things.”

Kyle suggests not taking any chances. “Call your veterinarian if your pet eats any candy or wrappers, or contact an emergency vet center for advice,” she says. And though it may be tempting to try home remedies to avoid the hassle of a call or visit to the vet on a holiday, Rumboll agrees it’s best to reach out. “I would recommend speaking to a veterinarian or a poison control hotline before taking any treatment measures at home.”

Dressing up Some pet owners like dressing their pets for trick-or-treat night, costume contests, or other special events around Halloween, but it’s important to consider whether your dog or cat really wants in on the action.

“I would discourage dressing up your pet if they aren’t comfortable wearing clothes or outfits,” says Rumboll. “This will only increase stress.” Kyle agrees. “Don’t dress your pet up unless they really enjoy it,” she says. Kyle suggests trying on the costume well before the holiday and slowly increasing the time your pet wears it, to test their tolerance of it. “This may help them get used to it, making it more enjoyable for everyone,” she says.

“Costumes should not restrict their movement, hearing, sight, or breathing.”

CINCYPET.COM 23

Stranger anxiety Increased exposure to people, whether your pet is out and about or staying in for the night, can be awfully stressful for them, and you in turn.

“It’s important to know your animal’s limits with how much social interaction they can tolerate,” says Rumboll. “Some dogs and cats don’t tire of interaction, while others avoid it entirely, and others become aggressive. Don’t push them to meet people or stay social when they’re showing signs of anxiety or stress.”

In fact, Halloween provides a chance to address social issues that may affect your pet on other occasions, too. “This is a good time to speak to your veterinarian about behavioral or medical intervention for this problem,” says Rumboll, adding that they’ve had some anxious and nervous dogs come into the hospital this time of year.

“There’s always the potential for certain costumes, masks, and accessories to cause fear and anxiety, especially with masks that prevent an animal from being able to see your eyes,” Brezinski says. “If you plan on having anyone inside the house, make sure they remove any mask or large parts of their costumes so your pet will not perceive them as a threat.” He also suggests taking your pet on a long walk or getting in a lot of playtime before festivities begin. “Getting their energy out before trick-or-treating starts can be very helpful,” he says.

Flight risks Trick-or-treat hours are prime time for escape artists. “We do worry about animals being struck by cars or running out of open doors due to the increased foot traffic during the holiday,” says Rumboll.

“If your pet is comfortable with strangers, have your pet on a leash inside,” Kyle suggests. “This way you can hold the 24 CINCYPET MAGAZINE | ISSUE 2

Superstition has it that a black cat crossing your path could bring you bad luck, but are black cats the ones who should be worried, especially at Halloween?

“There certainly is a bit of a stigma around black cats and other black pets that can make Halloween time potentially more dangerous for them,” says Brian Brezinski, animal adoption counselor at the League for Animal Welfare in Batavia (LFAW.org). “Movies, stories, and myths surrounding Halloween haven’t done black cats and black animals any favors.”

However, Brezinski says, at the League, a nonprofit focused on providing shelter and new homes for homeless cats and dogs, they don’t usually see an increase in black cat rescues coming in as the witching season approaches.

“But, we generally do have a good number of black cats throughout the year that are available for adoption,” he says. They also haven’t found that more people ask about adopting black cats around Halloween.

Brezinski says that generally, in shelters, black cats (and black dogs) aren’t sought after as much because of their standard, flat-colored coats. “They tend to be a little less popular than other cats, such as calicos or tabbies,” he says, “but they also tend to have the personality that can draw in their future adopters, even if their coat may not be as colorful or as patterned as others.”

The League doesn’t limit or restrict adoption of black cats around this time of year, Brezinski says. He believes that their thorough adoption process would eliminate anyone without the best interests of their potential pets at heart. “It starts with an adoption survey, followed by meeting with an animal adoption counselor, and then the cat,” says Brezinski. “We want to make sure the animals are adopted out to the best home for them, to be lifelong members of the family.”

TRICK/TREAT PHOTO � RawPixel.com, Pexels.com

Is this a scarier time for black cats?

leash while opening your door to pass out goodies.” Both Rumboll and Kyle recommend establishing a “safe room” inside your home where your pet can stay or retreat to that’s away from all the beggar’s night activity.

“Maybe play calming music or even turn the TV on Animal Planet to drown out some of the noise,” Kyle says. “Pets can be overstimulated by sights, noises, strangers, doorbells, and costumes.”

If you venture out with your pet for trick-or-treating, Kyle has several suggestions. “Make sure your pet is microchipped and has an ID tag on their collar.

Keep a tight hold of their leash in case your pet gets spooked. Leave plenty of space between your pet and the trickor-treaters. Have a flashlight handy and your pet’s own treats,” she says. “And if you feel your pet is uncomfortable, take them home.”

Other hazards Halloween pranksters and holiday decorations that have electrical cords pose additional risks for pets. “Some pets are chewers, and it can cause shock or burns,” says Kyle. “And, if pets are left outside during trick-or-treat time, pranksters may try to harm or even open gates to release pets.

Keeping pets inside is best.”

Rumboll also recommends keeping pets under close watch, considering the influx of people the holiday can bring.

“Unfortunately there are cases of abuse seen,” she says, “and we should all try and keep our pets safe.”

Animals who are especially sensitive to sound might get rattled. “There can be fireworks and loud noises,” says Rumboll, “and some cats and dogs will get anxiety with these occurrences.”

It’s possible your pet will be offered treats made for animals—or you may think you’d like to have some on hand for any furry trick-or-treaters who stop by.

“Hand pet treats to the owners, and they can decide if they want their pet to have it,” advises Kyle. Also, if you’re offered (or plan to offer) homemade treats, it’s best to ask for (or have ready) an ingredient list to check. “Many pets have food allergies,” says Kyle, “so it’s best to leave the decision to the owner.”

CAT PHOTO � Pet Love Photography

The tale of Frog-Dog Probably the best advice to remember is to expect the unexpected. “One Halloween, I had some owners in who had used green body paint to dress as frogs,” says Rumboll. Their Labrador got into the paint when the pair weren’t looking. “He had some vomiting afterward, so his owners—two ‘green frogs’—walked through our door with a green-speckled, green-tongued, bouncing Labrador,” Rumboll says. “It was quite the sight for Halloween! Luckily, the frog-dog responded well to treatment, and they all got home in time to hand out candy.” CP CincyPet Magazine editor STEFANIE LAUFERSWEILER is a freelance writer and editor living in Cincinnati. While she’s allergic to cats, her favorite dog breed is the Samoyed, and she misses hers (Maggie and Fozzie) every day.

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CINCYPET.COM 25

COFFEE FOR A CAUSE “H

ave a cup, save a life.” Jenni Barrett lives by this motto at Mason’s Kitty Brew Cat Café—the first and only cat café in Southwestern Ohio, which Jenni founded alongside her husband Ken in April 2017. Part coffee shop and part cat adoption site, Kitty Brew has placed more than 1,608 cats in their forever homes as of this publication date—all alongside steaming cups of organic, fair-trade coffee.

“I saw a cat café pitched on Shark Tank and fell in love with the idea,” Jenni says. “I had been doing rescue for a couple of years and it just seemed like a really cool idea.”

Jenni’s rescue journey initially began with a stray tomcat.

Then working as a probation officer, Jenni was supervising a program when a stray cat found his way inside, passing between men waiting in line to check in. Jenni saw the positive connection between the men and the cat and was inspired to pursue the relationship between humans and animals further.

Jenni and Ken did extensive research, and Jenni took a 10-week course about business planning to prepare to open the shop.

“After 18 months of being told ‘no’ by landlords, banks and zoning departments, we had everything fall together in Mason,” Jenni says. “I can’t say enough good things about Mason. Not once did I hear the word ‘no,’ and it has been an amazing journey.”

Kitty Brew partners with local shelters Animal Friends Humane Society, The Paws Cause, HART, His Hands Extended Sanctuary, and Clermont Animal CARE Humane Society.

26 CINCYPET MAGAZINE | ISSUE 2

Some of the over 1,000 cats that have been adopted through Kitty Brew.

Southwestern Ohio’s first and only cat café is saving lives, one cup of coffee at a time.

STORY BY EMILY BEGLEY-EILERS PHOTOS BY SUSANNAH MAYNARD Multiple cats call Kitty Brew home at any given time.

Although health regulations require the café area be separate from the Cat Lounge, customers are welcome to take their beverages into the cat room once they have been prepared. Entrance to the lounge is $10; reservations are encouraged, although walkins are accepted to capacity.

Potential adopters are required to fill out a three-page application in which Kitty Brew checks addresses, speaks to landlords and calls potential adopters’ veterinarians to make sure their current pets are both vaccinated and spayed or neutered. If that information checks out, the adoption is finalized.

Kitty Brew collects adoption fees (dependent on individual shelters) and forwards the money to them; they don’t keep any portion of the adoption fee themselves.

Drinks include fun feline themes like the Tuxedo, blended

For more about Kitty Brew Cat Café, go to cincypet.com/ kittybrewcatcafe

coffee with cookies and cream; El Gato Mocha, a spiced cayenne mocha; and Oh, Hello Kitty, a creamy blended drink with strawberry and vanilla bean. Options include offerings for caffeine fiends and non-coffee drinkers alike.

Snacks and sandwiches are also available, including cinnamon rolls, muffins, paninis, and grilled cheeses.

Several themed and seasonal events are also held at the café.

Jenni’s favorite of all time was a Game of Thrones season finale party. In addition to a screening of the show, the event featured adoptable cats named after the show’s characters, lots of food, an Iron Throne and, notably, cake pops in the shape of a certain main character’s head.

The café also holds cat yoga once a month. They hold several other yoga events throughout the year, including one specifically geared toward kids. Check Kitty Brew’s Facebook page for frequently added upcoming events.

The café also holds various canned cat food drives throughout the summer for rescue partners.

“The most rewarding part of the business is showing people that by helping animals, you are helping people as well,” Jenni says.

“Seeing a cat or kitten that was scheduled for euthanasia get a loving home is a wonderful feeling. This is truly life-saving work.” CP

info

TOP: The cafe and cat lounge have completely separate entrances. ABOVE: The photo trees adorning the wall hold pictures of all the cats adopted since the cafe opened.

Kitty Brew Cat Café is located at 6011 Tylersville Road, Mason, 45040. Can’t wait to make a trip to the café? Tune into Kitty Brew’s 24-hour live cat stream at kittybrew.com.

EMILY BEGLEY-EILERS manages EarthWise Pet/Harper’s Point and previously worked as Associate Editor of Cincinnati CityBeat. She is the pet mom of two rescue dogs, a rescue cat, a sun conure parrot, and two skinny (hairless) guinea pigs.

CINCYPET.COM 27

RESCUE PET SPOTLIGHT

Lexi & Jace from Save Our Shelter Dogs Rescue

J

Both dogs are up to date on vaccines, microchipped, spayed/neutered, tested negative for heartworm, and have been kept on Heartgard and Bravecto. If you are interested in adopting either Lexi or Jace, email Save Our Shelter Dogs Rescue at saveourshelterdogs4@ yahoo.com for an application.

28 CINCYPET MAGAZINE | ISSUE 2

LEXI & JACE PHOTO ďż˝ PetLove Photography

ace is a boxer/terrier mix and is around 6-7 years old. He was adopted from the shelter, but when the new owner found out he was heartworm positive, he was returned. We brought him out of the shelter and got him the treatment he needed. Jace was adopted once, but returned. He needs an experienced adopter who understands that he needs to have rules. While in his home, he ate a tennis ball and had to have part of his intestines removed, so you have to be very careful with toys. Jace is a happy boy who just needs a chance to prove what a great dog he is. We don’t recommend Jace for a home with children because of his strength and natural exuberance. He is house and crate trained and will make a wonderful new member of the family for the right person.

L

exi is an approximately 7-year-old pit bull terrier mix who was found alone on an abandoned property. She was microchipped and the original owner was contacted, but he didn’t want Lexi.

So, she has been looking for her someone who does want her for the last five years.

Don’t be fooled by her tough exterior, she is a super-sweet dog who loves to play.

She came to us with a lot of puppy energy, but has calmed down over time. She loves people! She does well with low-key dogs, but has not been tested with cats. Lexi wants very much to be part of a family.

She needs to know that she is loved and will never be abandoned again. She does have a food allergy and requires a certain type of food. Sweet Lexi is looking for that special person to love her so she doesn’t have to live her life waiting anymore. CP

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