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SAN ANTONIO’S PREMIER PET MAGAZINE
F I E S T A !
COMPLIMENTARY
April 2015
with your pets
SCAN FOR APP
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VIVA Pawderosa Ranch!
HAPPY FIESTA 2015!
Make your reservation ahead of time on our website or call either of our locations! Schertz (210) 566-4222
| Airport (210) 404-9941
weloveyourdog.net
hedule Full Sc On Our Found Site! Web
hedule Full Sc On Our Found Site! Web
Indoor/Outdoor Climate Control Boarding Kitty Kennels • Doggie Day Care Beach Club • Rental Facilities Award Winning Training in: Agility, Obedience, and Herding
31305 Oak View, Bulverde | (830) 980-8476 • www.k9countryclub.net (830) 980-8476 • www.k9countryclub.net 31305 Oak View, Bulverde
31305 Oak View, Bulverde | (830) 980-8476 • www.k9countryclub.net
Indoor/Outdoor Climate Control Boarding Kitty Kennels • Doggie Day Care Beach Club • Rental Facilities Award Winning Training in: Agility, Obedience, and Herding We are a complete boutique, but also
provide the best in• foods, treats & supplements ( 830 ) 980-8476 www.k9countryclub.net to keep your pet beautiful inside and out! 31305 Oak View, Bulverde
210.822.2525 www.fifiandfidos.com
5120 Broadway San Antonio, TX 78209
Luxury Boarding and Doggie Daycare Lucky Dog is the top dog- groomer, boarding and daycare facility in San Antonio. We love our doggie clients and make sure that their time in our care is a fun filled positive experience. Contact us today 2267 NW Military Highway • Suite 115 Castle Hills, TX 78213 (210) 592-7648 • www.petgroomerssanantonio.com
Two Locations To Serve You and Your Pets!
24200 IH-10 West
701 South Main Boerne, Texas
210-687-1122
830-331-BONE
(Five minutes outside 1604 next to Willie’s in Leon Springs. Exit 550)
(2663)
Every doggone thing you need under one ruff. Open Every Day. Shop with your pets.
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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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{contents}
COVER PHOTOGRAPHED BY RENEE SPADE COVER MODEL MILLIE (SEE PAGE 26)
14 20 22 08 A Story of Rescue 09 Calendar of Events 10 Rescue Organizations 11 Advertiser Spotlight 12 Dog Door Advertorial 14 Pets Celebrating Fiesta! 16 Myths about Dog Care
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17 Pet Friendly San Antonio 18 Respiratory Disorders 20 Trainers Tips - Playcare 22 Pet Fashionista 24 Kitty Lingo 26 About Our Cover Model 28 Viva El Rey Fido!
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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
DESIGNER Eric Null
PHOTOGRAPHER
Renee Spade Photography Tel: 210-254-4255 renee@reneespadephotography.com
CONTRIBUTING PARTNERS Emeline Lakrout Seamus Nelson Mikael Persson Andrea Yanase
2 26 29 29 Party With Pooches 30 Doggie Makeover 31 Ask the Vet 32 Pet Puzzlers 34 Heartworm Disease 35 Pet Ad Directory
{April 2015}
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Irma Bice Marie Crabb Dr. Annette Davis Eileen Gaughran Savannah Giese Whitney Hale Dr. Olga Jaimez Dr. Dan Kirby Lyndi Lange Dr. Amelia Mellett-Keith John Moya Felicia Ni単o Shannan Lamb Parker Art & Janet Thompson Dr. Mina Youssef
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
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ADVERTISE WITH US!
Dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com or 210-436-9009 Next Issue: May 2015: 2nd Anniversary Edition
5 find us on
and at www.texasdogsandcatssa.com
LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER April in San Antonio means Fiesta time is here. Over the last few years, more and more events have sprung up that cater to our furry family members. Foremost among these events is the El Rey Fido Contest. Now in its 13th year, it is one of San Antonio Humane Society’s biggest fund raisers of the year. The 2015 event raised nearly $90,000, making it one of the most successful campaigns that the SAHS has ever had. You can read all about it in Felicia NiÑo’s article. High on the list of pet events this Fiesta season is the Pooch Parade, sponsored by The Therapy Animals of San Antonio. The corporate sponsor is North Park Subaru with other supporters including, but not limited to, Frost Bank, Alamo Heights Pet Clinic, Woof Gang Bakery, The Palms Pet Resort and Spa, PAWSitive Solutions Dog & Puppy Training and Fifi & Fidos Pet Botique. Eileen Gaughran explains it all in her informative discussion. Dr. Olga Jaimez recounts the history of the growth of pet Fiesta in San Antonio in her article. We hope you and your pets can have an opportunity to get out and enjoy this festive season. iViva la Fiesta!
Sincerely,
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 confirmed the accuracy of information contained in articles. 6
contributors 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. COURTNEY BRIDGEMAN joined the San Antonio Humane Society as their first fulltime veterinarian 5 years ago and has worked to create a healthy and happy environment for all the animals there. FELICIA NIÑO is the Communication Associate for the San Antonio Humane Society. She has been with the SAHS for over 7 years and absolutely loves spending time with her 2 Dachshund Chihuahua mixes, Browny and Duke, and 2 Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Sherlock and Brutus Beefcake “Beefy”, all SAHS Alumni.
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Natalie Duran • Comfort care for terminally ill pets • In home euthanasia • Pick up and transport 10730 Potranco Road to crematory Suite 122-212• Grief support Memorial services San Antonio, TX •78251 • Specializing 1-830-538-3PET (3738)in pet sitting for elderly and special needs pets. info@pawsitive-memories.com
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astoryofrescue E
very year, people surrender their pets to Animal Care Services (ACS) on account of losing their home, being evicted or moving to a property that won’t allow pets. This is the story of Johnny, who faced that decision and decided to keep his 12 year old cat with him, in spite of the adversity of homelessness.
BY MARIE CRABB, GRI
A friend in rescue called me one day after having visited an apartment complex where there were numerous strays. A very mangy cat needed immediate help. Saddened by the cat’s condition, she tried to reach out to pet it, without luck. Johnny, the on-site maintenance person for the apartments, picked the cat up, took it to my friend, and expressed his concern about the cat’s declining health. He wished he could somehow get help for the cat. He also voiced his concern for the safety of the other cats at these apartments due to how nearby residents treated them. Luckily, this cat was taken in, rehabbed and adopted out by Wayward Whiskers Cat Rescue. This one meeting triggered a series of rescue missions where Johnny helped us get 9 cats out of these apartments for spay/neuter surgeries and adoption. Although that is great, it’s not the most important part of what occurred there. The most important thing was what I learned about the man who reached out for help on behalf of these cats. Johnny fed and cared for all the cats in and near the apartments he works at on a daily basis. If a cat was missing, he would know. If a cat didn’t come for feeding time, he would know. If a cat was injured, he would know - because he cared and paid attention. The cats recognized the jingle of his keys when he would walk through the apartments and would come running for food when they heard that familiar noise. As we were on rescue trip #2 at these apart8
ments, Johnny mentioned that he couldn’t believe how cruel people could be to animals. He recounted how he kept his own cat with him through an extremely challenging situation and how his cat helped him maintain his humanity throughout the tough times. At one point, Johnny became homeless. He was faced with a decision on what to do with his cat since he was losing his place to live. Rather than give his cat up, he decided to put it in a harness and trained him to walk on a leash. Johnny now has stability and he still has his cat. One must give credit where credit is due - I give that credit to Johnny. Johnny affected change in his immediate environment just by caring. By caring, he saved 9 + cats. And it is by caring that we came to know Johnny’s story. In life and in rescue, it is important to know the stories of those who will make these types of decisions in the face of adversity. It gives us hope. Marie Crabb is a San Antonio native and animal rescue advocate with 8 furkids of her own, plus numerous rescue fosters. She is a Realtor with Exquisite Properties, has a Master’s Degree in International Relations from St. Mary’s University and is a trained Mediator.
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calendarofevents SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH SA Urban Pet Market at Travis Park (301 E Travis St) from 10AM-2PM. Shopping, adoptions, and food to help benefit local SA rescue groups and organizations. Apdotion events at Fetch & Friskers Boerne (701 South Main) from 11AM-4 PM with Fetching Fur-Ever Families. THURSDAY, APRIL 9TH Shopping at SAPA! at Elizabeth's Botique 5-8PM. 20% of proceeds go to SAPA!. SATURDAY, APRIL 11TH Spring Adoption Event with AAPAW hosted by Mission Veterinary Specialists and Mission Pet Emergency at 8202 N Loop 1604 W from 11AM-3PM.
SATURDAY, APRIL 18TH CASI's Spring Fling Event at CASI (9634 Schaefer Rd, Converse) from 9AM-2PM! Adoptions, bake sale, rummage sale, low cost vaccines and a special raffle of a handmade doll house, plus a gift certificate to Hobby Lobby. Tickets are on sale at CASI at all times before the raffle. Apdotion events at Fetch & Friskers Boerne (701 South Main) from 11AM-4 PM with Fetching Fur-Ever Families. Apdotion events at Fetch & Friskers Leon Springs (24200 IH-10 West) from 11AM-3PM with SA Rocks. 10th Annual Fiesta 4 Paws Pet Pageant at 4 Paws Animal Hospital (3630 SE Military Dr. #100) from 12-2PM. Prizes for best Fiesta costume with celebrity hosts and celebrity judges.
Pet Wellness Clinic at the San Antonio Humane Society (4804 Fredericksburg Road) from 8am-12pm. First-come, first-serve basis as time allows. Various vaccinations, microchipping, nail trim, heartworm test (dogs), Advantage Multi, and much more will be available. Visit SAhumane.org for more info.
Meet San Antonio canine royalty at the El Rey Fido XIII Coronation (an official Fiesta® event) from 10 am-11am! The San Antonio Humane Society will crown the 2015 El Rey Fido and celebrate the Royal Court at the Grand Hyatt SA (600 E Market St, 78205). Visit SAhumane.org/erf for more details!
SAPA! Adopt a Pet Drive at the Reserve at Lone Park Apartments.
SATURDAY, APRIL 25TH FIESTA Pooch Parade is presented by The Therapy Animals of San Antonio and is at the Alamo Heights Swimming Pool. Parade starts at 9:15AM but exhibits and presentations begin at 8AM, including the canine costume contest. Pre-register by April 24th at therapyanimalssa.org. Registration costs are $20 per human and pooch or $25 per family which includes all the family dogs. All proceeds benefit The Therapy Animals of San Antonio.
Apdotion events at Fetch & Friskers Boerne (701 South Main) from 11AM-4 PM with Fetching Fur-Ever Families. Schertz Pet Fiesta at Friendship Pet Hospital (17244 IH-35 North, Schertz) from 10AM-2PM. There will be pet adoptions, including CASI participating as well as items for sale and free family fun. SA Farmers BARKet at Random (11 Upper Cibolo Creek Rd., Boerne, TX) from 3-9PM. There will be many vendors, farm to market, arts and crafts and plenty of pet centric vendors. There will also be a costume contest. Mission City Cat Club Show at Garden Ridge Comm. Ctr. SUNDAY, APRIL 12TH SA Farmers BARKet at Luther's Café (1442 N Main) from 12-5PM. There will be many vendors, farm to market, arts and crafts and plenty of pet centric vendors. Costume contest and raffle benefiting the attending rescues: German Shorthaired Pointer and Izabella's Canine Rescue. Mission City Cat Club Show at Garden Ridge Comm. Ctr. THURSDAY, APRIL 16TH The San Antonio Humane Society will be at Fiesta Fiesta at the Alamo (300 Alamo Plaza, 78205) between 5pm-9pm. We’d love for you and yours to stop by and help shelter pets by purchasing our beautiful 2015 El Rey Fido (ERF) medal, vintage ERF medals, and other SAHS merchandise during Pin Pandemonium. Visit SAhumane.org/erf for El Rey Fido details!
Pet Wellness Clinic at the San Antonio Humane Society (4804 Fredericksburg Road) from 8am-12pm. First-come, first-serve basis as time allows. Various vaccinations, microchipping, nail trim, heartworm test (dogs), Advantage Multi, and much more will be available. Visit SAhumane.org for more info. Join the San Antonio Humane Society at the Lung Force Walk. Visit our info booth at Sea World (10500 Sea World Drive, 78251) from 7am-10am and get some cool SAHS gear! Visit SAhumane.org/events for more details! Apdotion events at Fetch & Friskers Boerne (701 South Main) from 11AM-4 PM with Fetching Fur-Ever Families. Fetch & Friskers Picture day with Renee Spade Photography. Call Fetch & Friskers to book your appointment (830) 331-2663. TUESDAY, APRIL 28TH Pet Loss and Grief support hosted by S.A.P.P.Y. at the English Tea Shoppe at 6877 Bandera Rd. The gatherings are free to the public and meant for support. They are held every 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:30-8PM.
IF YOU HAVE A PET EVENT IN SAN ANTONIO, THAT YOU WOULD LIKE ADDED TO THE CALENDAR AND/OR ON OUR WEBSITE, PLEASE EMAIL DANA.TEXASDOGSANDCATS@GMAIL.COM FOR CONSIDERATION
{April 2015}
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RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS/NON-PROFITS O F
S A N
ALAMO AREA PARTNERS FOR ANIMAL WELFARE (AAPAW) aapaw.org ALAMO RESCUE FRIENDS alamorescuefriends.org ANIMAL DEFENSE LEAGUE 210-655-1481 adltexas.org ANIMAL FRIENDS HUMANE SOCIETY 830-981-2300 animalfriends4ever.org ANIMAL RESCUE CONNECTIONS 830-438-0398 animalrescueconnections.org APPLICATIONS 4 RESCUE www.gsdrescuectx.com BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY 210-306-6126 BULVERDE AREA HUMANE SOCIETY 830-980-2247 bulverdeareahumanesociety.com CANYON LAKE ANIMAL SHELTER SOCIETY (CLASS) 830-899-2527 canyonlakeanimalshelter.com CITY OF SAN ANTONIO ANIMAL CARE SERVICES 210-207-4738 saacs.net CONVERSE ANIMAL SHELTER 210-658-4821 casi.petfinder.com CRESSIE ANIMAL REFUGE AND ENRICHMENT (C.A.R.E.) 210-313-3600 caretx.org CUTE AND CUDDLIE ANIMAL WELFARE SOCIETY 210-647-3529 DELTA PET PARTNERS OF SA (210) 858-8351 www.deltappsa.org FRIENDS OF ANIMAL CARE SERVICES 210-826-4831 friendsofanimalcare.org GOD’S DOGS’ RESCUE (210) 916-1332 www.godsdogsrescue.weebly.com HANDS4PAWS hands4pawsrescue.org HELOTES HUMANE SOCIETY 210-422-6242 hhsanimals.org HILL COUNTRY ANIMAL LEAGUE 830-249-2341 hcaltx.com
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A N T O N I O
HOMES FOR PETS/SCHERTZ HUMANE SOCIETY homesforpets.org
SAN ANTONIO FERAL CAT COALITION 210-877-9067 www.sanantonioferalcats.org
HOTK9RESCUE 830-981-2300 animalfriends4ever.org
SAN ANTONIO GUARDIAN ANGELS 210-379-9034 sanantonioguardianangels.com
HUMANE SOCIETY OF KERRVILLE 830-367-7722 humanesocietyofkerrville.com
SAN ANTONIO HUMANE SOCIETY 210-226-7461 SAhumane.org
HUMANE SOCIETY OF LIVE OAK See Humane Society of Live Oak on Facebook
SAN ANTONIO PETS ALIVE (SAPA) sanantoniopetsalive.org
HUMANE SOCIETY OF NEW BRAUNFELS 830-629-5287 hsnba.com IN DOG WE TRUST www.in-dog-we-trust.com JUST ADD LOVE DOG RESCUE justaddlovedogrescue.com KATIE’S ROADSIDE RESCUE www.krrtx.org LAS LOMOS K9 RESCUE & ADOPTION FOUNDATION dogsrus.org LOST PAW PATROL 865-742-1151 lostpawpatrol.com LOVE FOR PAWS RESCUE 210-639-4039 loveforpawsrescue.com MISSY’S HAVEN CANINE RESCUE 210-788-7420 missyshaven.org ORDINARY MIRACLES CANINE RESCUE www.omcr.org PAUSE FOR PAWS, INC. 210-378-5373 pfpsd.org PAWS FOR SERVICE Therapy Dog Organization www.pawsforservice.org PAWS 4 HEARTS WORKING THERAPY DOGS 210-325-3019 www.paws4hearts.net PAWS N CLAWS RESCUE 210-360-9933 PawsNClawsRescueSATX.com RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS ALLIANCE 210-822-6763 responsiblepetowners.org SA K9’S SERVICE DOG CLUB 210-214-0182
SAN ANTONIO R.O.C.K.S. (REAL OPTION FOR CHANGING KILL SHELTERS) sarocks.org SCHERTZ ANIMAL SERVICES 210-658-5321 SOUTH TEXAS ANGEL PAWS RESCUE 210-632-9111 SouthTexasAngelPawsRescue.com SOUTHERN ANIMAL RESCUE ASSOCIATION 830-401-0280 SPAY-NEUTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) 713-862-3863 snapus.org SPAYSA 210-351-7729 spaysa.org SPAY-NEUTER-INJECT-PROJECT OF SAN ANTONIO (SNIPSA) 210-576-3497 snipsa.org TALK ABOUT IT! SA 210-242-4720 talkaboutitsa.org TEJAS RESCUED PET ADOPTIONS 210-416-3947 tejasrescues.org TEXAS GSP RESCUE texasgsp.org THERAPY ANIMALS OF SAN ANTONIO 210-614-6734 therapyanimalssa.org WAGS Across Texas Therapy Dogs wagsacrosstexas.com/ Please email dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com if you are a rescue organization or a Non Profit Pet Organization of San Antonio that would like to be added to this list. All breed specific rescue groups are listed on our website.
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A D V E R T I S E R
S P O T L I G H T
Four Paws Inn of Converse
I
was an animal magnet as a child. If there was a stray within sight or sound, I tried to bring it home. We had cats, dogs, rabbits, horses, turtles, fish, etc. Consequently, it was inevitable that I end up in the animal care business on some level.
Four Paws Inn of Converse
Four Paws In
less, but mostly with BOARDING dogs, cats, and the people that DOG AND CAT love them. That’s how my endeavor
I worked for a major airline after high school and shortly after September 11, I ended my career and decided to go back to school. Why not vet school you might wonder? Math and science were not exactly my forte’. Soon after finishing a degree, I realized there was no way I could sit behind a desk forty hours a week. I started working for different veterinarians to gain some knowledge in the industry and then realized I was barely making ends meet. (Vet techs don’t do that job for the money). I had to find a way to incorporate a business degree with something that included animals, gave me the opportunity be outside inside a little DOGtoAND CATa bit, BOARDING
with Four Paws Inn of Converse started. The initial owners did an impressive job designing the property, services and extensive customer and community relationships. It also afforded me the opportunity to move back to Texas to be closer to family. In the end, I took the long way but the trip was worth it!
DOG AND CA
Four PawsCAT Inn of Converse DOG AND BOARDING
BY LYNDI LANGE
our Paws Inn of Converse
Four Paws Inn of C
DOG AND CAT BOA Four Paws Inn of Converse
Four Pawsof InnConverse of Converse Four Paws InnCAT of Converse DOG AND BOARDING Four Paws Inn DOG AND CAT BOARDING DOG AND CAT BOARDING
DOG AND CAT BOARDING
{April 2015}
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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.
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.
ADVERTORIAL
{April 2015}
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SAN ANTONIO
PETS CELEBRATING FIESTA! Fiesta runs from April 16th-April 26th
14
HUNNIE
WEEZER
YOKO
JOLENE
CHLOE
MUFFY CHANEL
HILARY & KHALEESI
ELVIS
LILLY
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$ 1 Special Offer "Nose to Tail" Exam
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HOURS OF OPERATION: MONDAY - SATURDAY 10AM - 6PM | SUNDAY - NOON - 4PM Website: www.pawbasics.com | Facebook: facebook.com/pawbasics 2602 North Loop 1604 West, Suite 104 San Antonio, TX 210-479-1545
commonmyths About Dog Care
BY DR. MINA YOUSSEF
M
an’s Best Friend has stood by our side for thousands of years. While we’ve gotten to know our canine friends pretty well in that time, there are still a lot of misconceptions about our canine pals. In this article, your North Central San Antonio veterinarian discusses some of the most common myths about dog care. DOGS LOVE BONES Technically, this may be correct, but bones can be very dangerous for our canine friends! Cooked bones and chicken or turkey bones are especially dangerous, because they can splinter, which can really hurt poor Fido. Use rawhide treats or chew toys to satisfy your canine pal’s chewing habits. DOGS ARE HAPPY LIVING OUTSIDE A dog that lives entirely outdoors is bound to suffer from loneliness and depression, not to mention the discomfort of always dealing with weather elements. A dog-friendly yard is great, and in many cases a must, but Man’s Best Friend will be much happier living indoors with the family. FIDO GETS ENOUGH EXERCISE IN THE YARD Sure, your pooch may happily amuse himself chasing squirrels and butterflies out of the yard, but everyone needs a change of scenery now and then. Take time to bring your canine buddy to a dog-friendly park or beach on occasion, or take him hiking with you. A CHUBBY DOG IS A HEALTHY DOG Carrying extra pounds can be very bad for your dog’s health! Obesity can contribute or lead to many serious health issues in our canine friends, such as diabetes and heart trouble. ALL DOG FOODS ARE THE SAME Learning how to read the labels on pet foods can be tricky, but it’s definitely worth your while. High-qual-
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ity pet foods will have much higher meat content and fewer fillers, while lower quality products may contain more fillers, some of which are actually bad for dogs! Feed your pooch the best quality food you can afford. Ask us for recommendations: we’re happy to assist. BEGGING IS CUTE Begging is bad ‘petiquette’, which, when done successfully, often results in Fido happily chomping on fatty treats that aren’t good for him. Our canine buddies love and deserve special treats, but stick to the ones that are made for them. Does your canine pal need veterinary care? Contact us, your North Central San Antonio vet clinic, any time. We are here to assist with all your veterinary care needs. Dr. Mina Youssef, is the owner and the chief veterinarian at North Star Animal Hospital. He gradated from the University of Missouri in 2007; his dream to become a veterinarian was the most fulfilling achievement of his life. North Star Animal Hospital opened on 02/14/2014 and our mission is excellent service with passionate care to every pet as a family member. Educate pet owners on the health of their pets as well as their own and apply extraordinary care in a professional, affordable and timely manner.
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PET FRIENDLY DIRECTORY S A N A N T O N I O PET FRIENDLY APARTMENT COMPLEXES SUNSET RIDGE APARTMENTS Sunsetridgeapartments.com
PET FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS RITA'S ON THE RIVER THE HANGAR
*PANTHER SPRINGS PARK (Opened March 2015) 22635 Wilderness Oak PEARSALL PARK DOG PARK 4700 Old Pearshall Road
POISON HOTLINE
TYCOON FLATS
ASPCA ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER 888-426-4435 • aspca.org/apcc
DOG PARKS
STONE OAK DOG PARK 20395 Stone Oak Parkway
CHRIS DOG PARK 111 Camp Street
TOM SLICK DOG PARK 7400 HIghway 151
PHIL HARDBERGER PARK EAST 13203 Blanco Road
UNIVERSAL CITY DOG PARK 134B Athenian Dr. Universal City, TX
PET FRIENDLY HOTELS OMNI SAN ANTONIO HOTEL AT THE COLONNADE 9821 Colonnade Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 691-8888 • Omnihotels.com THE WYNDHAM SA RIVERWALK 111 E. Pecan Street San Antonio, TX 78205 210-354-2800 www.wyndham.com
PHIL HARDBERGER PARK WEST 8400 NW Military Highway MADISON SQUARE PARK 400 Lexington Ave. MCALLISTER PARK DOG PARK 13102 Jones-Maltsberger Road
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{healthbeat}
CANINE AND FELINE
respiratorydisorders R
espiratory disorders in our cats and dogs can be very frightening and life threatening, so it is important to understand why they might occur, when you should seek veterinary attention, and how you can monitor your pet.
CAUSES Common causes of respiratory distress in dogs and cats can include chronic bronchitis or asthma, tracheal collapse, heart disease, laryngeal paralysis, heat stroke, infections, or even lung cancer.
A LATERAL CHEST X-RAY OF A DOG LAYING ON HIS SIDE WITH EVIDENCE OF TRACHEAL COLLAPSE (THE BLACK WIND PIPE NARROWS).
BY AMELIA MELLETT-KEITH, DVM, DACVIM (INTERNAL MEDICINE)
SIGNS TO WATCH FOR Signs include cough, excessive panting (dogs) or wheezing, open mouth breathing (cats), excessive abdominal movement when breathing, blue tinged gums, restlessness, unable to rest comfortably, decreased appetite, weakness, collapse, or fainting. These are all signs that your pet should be checked immediately.
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ALERT YOUR VETERINARIAN Depending on your pet’s condition, it may require immediate evaluation and treatment prior to performing diagnostic testing or even obtaining a complete medical history. It is important to alert your veterinarian how long your pet has had trouble breathing, what type of medications it receives, if it’s been exposed to other animals recently, and if this is the first episode of respiratory distress. If it is more long standing, please share what diagnostics and therapeutics have been tried in the past. DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS Imaging is a commonly employed first diagnostic tool. Chest x-rays evaluate the heart and lungs. Ultrasound of the chest is performed to check for abnormal fluid, air accumulations, and cancerous masses. Blood pressure measurement, oxygenation ability, and general blood/urine testing are important to assess your pet’s overall health. More advanced imaging and testing can be required, depending on the severity of their condition.
THERAPY Therapy depends on the underlying cause, but could include intermittent or continuous administration of medications, sometimes for the remainder of your pet’s life. Avoiding inhaled irTHE YORKSHIRE TERRIER IS A COMMON ritants (like smoke, SMALL BREED DOG THAT IS AFFECTED BY perfumes, dusty RESPIRATORY DISEASE. clay cat litter), wearing a harness instead of a collar, and keeping a lean body weight are other important methods. KEEP A LOG If your pet has been diagnosed with a respiratory disorder, it is helpful to keep a log of its respiratory rate at home when resting. Your pet should normally achieve less than 30 breaths per minute. You may count the respiratory rate by watching its chest movement (movement up and down is equal to one breath) over 15 seconds and multiplying this number by 4 to equal the respirations per minute. Respiratory disease could be life threatening so it is important to know the signs and notify your veterinarian immediately, so that your pet can be treated timely and appropriately. Dr. Amelia Mellett-Keith is a board-certified internal medicine specialist at Mission Veterinary Specialists. She graduated with her DVM from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and completed a one-year rotating small animal internship at Red Bank Veterinary Hospital in Tinton Falls, NJ. She practiced as an emergency doctor there for one year before completing a three-year residency at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. She enjoys spending time with her husband, cats, and exploring the outdoors.
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We’ll restore that spring in their step! Surgery ● Neurology & Neurosurgery ● Internal Medicine ● Diagnostic Imaging ● Cardiology ● Dentistry & Oral Surgery
8202 N Loop 1604 W | San Antonio, TX 78249 P: 210-737-7373 | F: 210-737-7372 MissionVetSpecialists.com {April 2015}
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{petsafety}
doggieplaycare a trainer’s tips on
W
hen I first began training 20 years ago, doggie playcare wasn’t a popular service in this part of the country. Now, we understand the significance of properly socializing our dogs.
BY IRMA BICE
As owners, we have complete control over what we expose our pets to. How can we expect them to know how to interact in situations they are unfamiliar with? Dogs are very capable of adapting their behaviors when given the right guidance in the right environment – which is just what doggie playcare offers. It’s not uncommon to hear, “My dog doesn’t know how to play with other dogs.” Social behaviors are learned behaviors. When puppies play together they let each other know when a playful bite turns into: “Hey, that doesn’t feel good!” In that social situation, something useful has been learned – Bite inhibition. Supervised group play is also useful in teaching things like impulse control and how to regulate emotions (much like children acquire these skills in daycare or play groups). For wary dogs, a controlled environment is a great place for confidence building. It provides the opportunity to feel secure in their surroundings and encourages them to step out of their comfort zone. Playcare is practical too. It’s a great place for a dog to get exercise and burn off excess energy! We realize that every dog has a different personality. Some dogs are highly social and active. Others, would rather spend their day lounging with a human pal (which is perfectly acceptable). To create the most constructive playcare environment, dogs should be separated by both size and play style. Playcare personnel should be able to read body language and know 20
how to interrupt and redirect undesirable behaviors. To promote a safe setting, they should provide an appropriate dog to person ratio – this also encourages more one-on-one human interaction. The staff should work on basic obedience commands and reinforce good behaviors in a variety of circumstances. Personally, the most gratifying part of the doggie playcare experience is ending up with dogs that are calm and tired and owners who are happy to go home with their dogs. Irma Bice is the Training and Playcare Director for the Palms Pet Resort & Spa. She has over 20 years of experience working with dogs as: a breeder, an obedience competitor, conformation exhibitor and trainer. Throughout her eight years of teaching obedience and behavioral classes she has worked with all breeds and temperaments including aggression. Irma is a CPDT-KA, an AKC CGC evaluator, a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers, a member of the American Treibball Association and a founding member of San Antonio Pet Trainers Alliance.
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DEFINING QUALITY PET CARE THROUGH FOCUSED EFFORTS WITH AN ATTITUDE OF EXCELLENCE.
Mission Pet Emergency Formerly I-10 Pet Emergency
Our Mission is to be your Premier Emergency Care Provider • Urgent/Critical Care • Major and minor injury and illness treated • Caring and experienced staff
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Boarding Certified staff around the clock every day of the year. We focus on nurturing our guests by maintaining their physical, emotional, and behavioral health. Grooming 5 professional groomers available to pamper your dog or cat, from basic bathing to specialized groom and the latest styling techniques. Doggie PlayCare Exercising the mind and body of your social animal with consistent direction and correction from our certified staff. Training Basic skill classes for young puppies, advance skill classes, private lessons, board and train, and interactive “fun” groups for you and your dogs.
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the
fiestapetfashionista O
ver the last 10 years, Fiesta has been increasingly going to the dogs! During Fiesta, you can now find several different events to attend with your pet from the grand, royal scale of the El Rey Fido Coronation, to the intimate, but quirky Southside’s Fiesta 4 Paws Pet Pageant. There are so many things to do, that even the die-hard Fiesta pet fashionista will need a siesta or two!
BY DR. OLGA JAIMEZ
When did all the doggie fashion trend start?? In 2001, Bruiser, a Chihuahua dressed in a designer outfit was seen on the big screen, carried in the arms of the fictional character Elle Woods. In the blockbuster movie “Legally Blonde”, Bruiser became the initiator for the pet fashion trend. But the most notable doggie fashionista of current times— has to be Tinkerbell. In 2002, Paris Hilton’s trendy little Chihuahua was always seen wearing the latest in doggie couture. Tinkerbell, made every designers A-list, and every pet owner wanted to have a matching a purse w/ small dog, wearing a matching attire…I know, I did. Even though, Tinkerbell was possibly the first to start the doggie wear explosion, our fabulous Fiesta wearing pets can out sparkle any designer doggie model! So what should your pet wear to their upcoming Fiesta Pawty? The rule is anything goes during Fiesta. The bigger the better and the more confetti and glitter, the brighter. In order to have those pupparrazi cameras flickering, your pet’s outfit should have a theme or represent a Royal Court of an outrageous make believe doggie treat, toy, drink or whatever you think of. The ideas are endless and the theme of your pet’s Fiesta wear is unlimited! Here are a few ideas—The Royal Court of Fiesta Chili Dogs, El Chihuahua de Cascarone, Viva El Gato en los Zapatos, and Las Pug-a-ritas. Don’t forget the accessories! Flowers, Fiesta medals, and sombreros are a must for every Fiesta outfit. A colorfully decorated cart or wagon is the perfect accessory for the smaller or older dog that cannot walk the long distances required for some of the Fiesta events. Your pet will love being pulled around like royalty in their own personally decorated Fiesta float! For your fur-challenged pet, you can use colorful
wigs or hair barrette extensions, to create that rocking Doogie-do. To design hairstyles that would make any beauty queen jealous, use a ponytail or a bun hair extension with glue applied to a ribbon or soft elastic to tie around your pet’s head. Attach a small crown, and now your pet is the Royal King or Queen of their court! Viva Fiesta! Viva Perritos! Viva Gatitos! And Viva to the wonderful organizations who put on these unique events for our pets to attend! To find more information on Fiesta pet events that are available for your pet, check out the events page on page 9 of this magazine. Dr. Olga Jaimez graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 1992. She has over 20 years of experience in small animal medicine and surgery. Dr. Jaimez opened 4 Paws Animal Hospital in 2005. In addition, to her clinical practice, Dr. Jaimez is a full time instructor @ Palo Alto College, Veterinary Technology Program. She enjoys giving back to the community by sponsoring family fun events like the 4 Paws Howl-o-ween Costume Contest and the Fiesta 4 Paws Pet Pageant.
PHOTOS COURSTESY OF MARI CASTANO, ANDREA PUENTE AND CARLOS HERRERA
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Pet Pageant Maria Deosdade Gonzales, DVM Teresa Sanders, DVM Heather H. Wright, DVM Holly Pappas, DVM
Phone: 210.349.9393 1806 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78213 www.petsfirstvet.com
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kittylingo I
t’s late at night and you hear scratching and meowing from your front door. Butterscotch, your indoor kitty, peers curiously out the window. Your curiosity is peaked as well, so you open the door to find a beautiful sleek black and white cat with no collar. He immediately brushes his way inside and begins rubbing against your legs and seeking attention. You are quite surprised by his boldness and comfort in your home- Could he have been previously owned? Where are his people? Did he run away or was he abandoned? So many questions for 2am.
BY WHITNEY HALE AND SAVANNAH GIESE
Your heart aches for him, but since you have a stronger responsibility towards Butterscotch you place him and a bowl of kibble and water back on your front porch. He is none-toopleased. It’s a wise decision, though, your brain tells your heart. Butterscotch is up to date on her vaccinations, but there are other potential pesky parasites and things which could pose a threat to her health. In the morning, Tuxedo, as you decide to call him, is not only still there but once again asking for food. He noted "soft-touch" scribbled on your forehead, for certain. He has declared you "his person" and you, with much chagrin, add him to your list of responsibilities: daily food, water, and cuddles, check! On a lovely afternoon, while doing some gardening, you strike up a conversation with the neighbors. They also mention having seen the black and white feral around, and have left food out for him as well (the cheat!). They were not comfortable enough to try to pet him as he seemed skittish and uncertain to them
(well, at least he likes you best!). You are secretly shocked that they call him that word "Feral". He's so sociable and friendly! You try to educate them a little. There IS a difference between Feral and Stray, namely that ferals are wild animals and scared of humans! They firmly register their disbelief that there is a difference. All unowned cats are feral to them. So that is that. It’s time to firmly establish Tuxedo as your kitty, you decide. You round him up and take him to your veterinarian. He is not microchipped. The vet informs you that you now have a decision to make. Are you keeping him? Or releasing him to a new home; either through your own efforts or by taking him to a local shelter or humane society. You smile at the vet and tell him you are in love with this fur ball and can't wait to make him a part of your home. You undergo the appropriate tests and steps to make sure he is safe to introduce to your beloved But-
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ANDREA YANASE
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terscotch. The vet warns to take the introduction slowly since cats can be picky about accepting others into their territory. A few months later, they are fast friends and inseparable! The scene above is one that happens frequently in today's world. It may even have happened to you. It is very important to understand the difference between the types of cats described by the professionals around you, for your safety as well as for the safety of the animals.
life. Tuxedo was a good example of a stray cat. b. A feral cat is used to describe a cat which keeps its distance from humans and avoids all direct contact at all cost. They are generally very scared and may become dangerous if trapped or cornered as they feel they are fighting for their lives. These cats are usually the offspring of stray cats which have never had interactions with humans or is a cat that has learned to live as a feral through circumstances such as abuse and abandonment (especially at a young age). Feral cats tend to live in groups called colonies. They live very similar lives to that of raccoons and react similarly. They typically have much shorter life spans than house cats due to trauma, predation, and disease. It is NOT recommended to try to tame a feral cat once it has reached the age of 3 to 4 months.
1. House cat is used to describe a domesticated cat which has been typically around people its whole life. This type of cat is very comfortable with human contact, litter box trained, has regular meals, and lives, typically, in a safe loving and nurturing home. They are usually well cared for by their owner and have regular health check-ups at the veterinarian, including vaccinations, a microchip, and are usually spayed or neutered. These cats tend to live much longer lives, sometimes even over 20 years! Butterscotch was our example above. 2. Community cat is a term which is used to describe Next time you see a kitty roaming your neighborany cat which is not officially owned. This term can hood or even your own backyard, don't be so quick to further be divided into two additional groups: Stray judge. Stop, think, and pay attention to the cat's behavand feral. ior and body language. Not all kitties are tame. a. A stray cat is typically a cat which shows signs of being Whitney Hale is a veterinary comfortable around humans. student from Ross University school This cat may be slightly aloof, of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts but enjoys rubbing itself on and is currently completing her final people's legs, purring, meowyear of clinical rotations at Louisiana ing, and seeks attention. It will State. Originally from Georgia, she is often allow itself to be pet and interested in small animal medicine. may even seek your lap. This She enjoys spending time with her type of cat is typically a lost kitty, Butterscotch. cat or cat that had a previSavannah Giese is completing her ous owner. Stray cats can be final year of veterinary school at the brought into animal shelters Royal Veterinary College in London. to become house cats, alShe is originally from Minnesota and though some may never be is interested in small animal medicine. content when relegated to a She enjoys walking and spending time completely indoor with her dogs, Bella and Frankie. WHITNEY HALE AND SAVANNAH GIESE {April 2015}
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about our
covermodel the San Antonio River. It offers visitors and locals a unique selection of art galleries, shops and fine dining experiences in a historical setting. This “little town” was one of San Antonio’s first neighborhoods in the 18th century. Today, La Villita’s shaded plazas and outdoor Arneson River Theatre host some of San Antonio’s best events, including festivals, concerts and celebrations yearround. For generations, it also has been a desired backdrop for weddings and other private events. Discover this little treasure in the heart of San Antonio! Visit www. getcreativesanantonio.com for more information.
BY ART & JANET THOMPSON
Millie was about 6 months old when she managed to squeeze under the fence at the corporate offices of Reliable Delivery & Moving. Little did she know she had picked the right place because the owner of the company, Curtis Scheh, has a big heart and cares for the stray dogs that come his way. Millie was trained by Marlene Ring of PAWSitive Solutions Dog & Puppy Training, LLC and graduated from her Board & Train Program. www.PAWSitiveSolutionsSite.com. Curtis is a dear friend of ours and when he heard that we had recently euthanized our beloved dog Henry, he gave us a call about this little puppy, a black lab mix, who had wormed her way into his office and his heart. We were so distraught over losing Henry that we decided to just go and take a look at this puppy and then we would think about bringing her home. No thinking was required as we fell in love with her and brought her home that day. Millie is now 2 ½ years old and an absolute delight. She managed to fill a deep hole in our hearts and is a wonderful companion full of fun and energy. When Curtis decided to advertise in Texas Dog and Cat Magazine, he asked if Millie could play a role in his advertising plans. Of course we said yes and that is how Millie came to be known as Millie the Mover, an advice columnist for dog owners preparing for a move. We will always be so grateful to Curtis for his caring ways and especially grateful to him for letting Millie come into our lives. Milles Photo shoot took place at La Villita Historic Arts Village which is nestled among the banks of
COVER AND ABOVE PHOTOS TAKEN BY RENEE SPADE PHOTOGRAPHY
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vivaelreyfido!
BY FELICIA NIÑO
I
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f you know anything about San Antonio, you know all about Fiesta®! And this April is a huge month for the San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS), as our El Rey Fido (ERF) Coronation is recognized as 1 out of 6 new Fiesta® events.
This exciting made by the celebration will Mistress of the take place from Grr-robes, Cheryl 10am-11am at the Trevor and will Grand Hyatt San participate in an Antonio (600 East El Rey Fido photo Market Street, shoot with the of78205) and we’d ficial El Rey Fido love for you and photographer, your canine comRenee Spade. panion to attend. • An ERF CoronaRefreshments will tion will take place be available, parkto recognize and ing is FREE, and honor ERF and the SAHS staff 2015 EL REY FIDO COURT MEMBERS (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) DUKE OF THE IN-DESTRUCTIBLE the Royal Court. CHEW TOY – BELLIN, PRINCESS OF THE PERPETUAL FOOD BOWL – ETHEL, EL REY FIDO XIII • You can follow and volunteers 2015 – RUBY, KNIGHT OF THE ROYAL COURT - DAKOTA, DUCHESS OF THE EVER-PRESENT will be on hand ERF and the Royal FIRE HYDRANT – ARLEIGH in case you’re Court on their El interested in becoming more involved with our efforts Rey Fido In The City Tour where they will attend vari(volunteering, fostering, adopting, donating, etc.). In ous events and participate in numerous media appearaddition, you can meet other Fiesta® royalty and enjoy ances during their reign. the fantastic Mexican Folklorico dances performed by This year, with over $88,000 raised for pets at the Danzavida De San Antonio. You can also purchase your San Antonio Humane Society, we are absolutely oververy own 2015 El Rey Fido t-shirt ($15-$18), medal whelmed with the support from our community!!! In ($10), or you can get both for a special $20 cost. an effort for their pup to become canine royalty, many I’m sure you might be wondering about what exactly of the competitors planned several events and shared El Rey Fido is, so here’s a little history: info about their journey with their pet through a number of media outlets. We are so thankful to everyone • The SAHS’s El Rey Fido fundraising competition who participated and hope to see you and yours at the began in 2002. El Rey Fido Coronation for this historic celebration! • ERF fundraising takes place every year from October/ Viva El Rey Fido! November to March. For more El Rey Fido info and photos, visit SAhu• To become crowned El Rey Fido, a canine-and-human mane.org/ERF! team must collect more money for the pets at the Felicia Niño is the CommuSAHS than any other canine-and-human pair. nication Associate for the San • El Rey Fido will lead the next four top canineAntonio Humane Society. She and-human team fundraisers known as the Royal has been with the SAHS for Court (Titles include: Princess of the Perpetual over 7 years and absolutely Food Bowl, Duke of the In-Destructible Chew Toy, loves spending time with her 2 Duchess of the Ever-Present Fire Hydrant, and Dachshund Chihuahua mixes, Knight of the Royal Court). Browny and Duke, and 2 • ERF and the Royal Court serve as ambassadors for the Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Sherlock and Brutus Beefcake SAHS for 1 year. “Beefy”, all SAHS Alumni. • Each ERF Court member receives a Royal Grr-robe
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partywiththepooches C ome to a howling good time as Therapy Animals of San Antonio presents its 17th Annual Fiesta Pooch Parade on Saturday, April 25th. The Pooch Parade is an annual tradition for dogs, dog-lovers and anyone looking to enjoy a zany, family-friendly good time.
With canines and humans decked out in costume, the parade is a 5k walk (or run) that winds through the scenic neighborhood of Alamo Heights. The parade starts at 9:15AM, but be sure to come early—exhibits and presentations begin at 8AM, and you won’t want to miss the everpopular Canine Costume Contest! Leading the parade is NorthPark Subaru, the “Best In Show” sponsor for the third consecutive year. Follow their lead vehicle through the parade route and visit the additional vehicles and information they will have on display. Dress up your dog, costume your kids, decorate their wagon, wear your sombrero, or just come in comfy walking shoes and show your Fiesta Spirit! Pre-registration (by April 24th): $20 per human and pooch, or $25 per family includes all the family dogs. Registration the day of the event is $5 more. The parade begins and ends at Alamo Heights Swimming Pool, 250 Viesca. Please visit therapyanimalssa.org for more information. All proceeds benefit Therapy Animals of San Antonio, an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission of “bringing people and animals together for healing,” helps clients heal in area hospitals and nursing homes, children and family services, as well as Veteran-based organizations like Wounded Warriors. NorthPark Subaru is a proud supporter of this cause.
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{dogmakeover}
FEATURED DOGGIE
makeover
AFTER
BEFORE
This little charmer is "Max", a Pomeranian. He came for his spring makeover today to Linda's Pet Grooming. His shorter style shows off his beautiful spots and that smile says, "I'm ready for anything now!" Linda's Pet Grooming, 6505 Bandera, (210) 680-6265
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Q: As we are into the Spring season, is there a way, you can help avoid your dog from getting fleas? Is there any spray or anything you can put on them? —Thank You, Julie A: Flea control is very important in the springtime. Applying flea prevention to your pet is only one step in controlling a flea problem.
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.
l Home & Crem Funera ato t e P
N
IN HEAVE S W ry
P
1st – Treat your yard with beneficial nematodes. Nematodes can be purchased at any good garden center. Springtime is also the best time to apply them to your yard. 2nd – Apply or give a topical/oral flea prevention to your dog or cat as recommended by your veterinarian.
3rd - Treating the inside of your home is important as well. Consider a reputable pest control service that uses insecticides that are pet safe. There are sprays that can be purchased at your veterinarian’s office. Ovitrol® and Frontline Spray® can be applied directly to your pet. Ultracide® is a spray you can use in the home that is also pet safe. I typically do not recommend over the counter flea collars, however Bayer® makes a collar called Seresto®. It is prescription only, and it is effective preventing fleas and ticks for 8 months. Seresto® has worked well on pets that live in rural areas where flea control is difficult.
{askthevet}
WITH DR. KIRBY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS PET CLINIC
Serving South & Central Texas Since 1992
Individual/Private Cremation Memorial/Communal Cremation Distinctive Urns & Memorials “The final care for your faithful companion and family member... offering pet owners uncompromising service and choice.”
800-299-2210 www.pawsinheaven.com
{April 2015}
2106 Sattler Road | New Braunfels, Texas 78132. Mailing address: PO Box 2109 | Canyon Lake, Texas 78133
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petpuzzlers Word Search
By Shannan Lamb Parker, 635 North Magazine, Tramor Media
Pet Party Crossword Puzzle
Questions & Answers Q: Why was the glow worm unhappy? A: Because her children were not that bright!
Q: What do you call the story of The Three Little Pigs? A: A pigtail!
Q: What do Alexander the Great & Winnie the Pooh have in common? A: They both have 'the' as their middle names!
Q: What is a mosquito's favorite sport? A: Skin-diving!
Q: What happened when the dog went to the flea circus? A: He stole the show!
Q: What are spiders webs good for? A: Spiders!
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heartwormdisease disproving myths about
A
s I diagnosed another pet with heartworm disease last week, I am saddened that this 100% preventable disease still runs rampant in our community. Unfortunately, this is true due to several myths and misunderstanding about how the disease is transmitted. I like to tell my clients, “that a pet not on heartworm prevention is just a pet waiting to develop heartworm disease”. It is not a matter of “if”, but “when”. So let’s review the life cycle of the heartworm and tackle some of the myths I have heard over the years. LIFE CYCLE OF A HEARTWORM: The immature heartworm lives in the blood stream of an infected dog. A mosquito bites the infected dog and sucks up the immature worm with the blood. The worm then starts to mature inside the mosquito. The infected mosquito then bites your pet and the worm is deposited on to the skin where it then travels into the fresh hole, just left by the mosquito, and into your pet. The worm travels inside the tissues of your pet for about 2 months as it develops. Then the worm penetrates into the bloodstream and finds a home in your pet’s heart where it continues to grow into an adult heartworm for the next 4-5 months. It takes a total of 6-7 months for the worm to completely develop after a mosquito bite. It is important to remember that all mammals can become infected by heartworms including humans, however the worm does not survive to maturity in all mammals.
BY ANETTE DAVIS - DVM
TESTING: Our current testing method tests for a protein found on the adult female heartworm. It takes 6-7 months before we can accurately test for the disease. MYTHS: 1. Indoor pets do not need heartworm prevention. FALSE – Anywhere a mosquito can be found heartworms can live, so unless your pet lives in a bubble it is at risk. CATS and FERRETS TOO! 2. I don’t need to use heartworm prevention in the winter. FALSE – Mosquitos live well throughout most of the United States. So the current recommendation by the American Heartworm 34
Association is YEAR ROUND TREATMENT. 3. My pet is too furry to get bit. FALSE – Mosquitos can and will bite on any piece of exposed skin around the nose, anus, belly or feet. 4. I pick up heartworm prevention at the store. FALSE – Heartworm penetratives require a prescription and cannot be legally purchased without one. When purchased through your veterinarian they are guaranteed by the manufacturer (not true in all cases when purchased by a third party like Petsmed, Costco, etc). In this day and age, there is NO reason for your pet not to be on some form of heartworm preventative. There are heartworm preventatives available at every price range and in chew, pill, topical or injectable forms. Most also include some amount of deworming and some include flea and/or tick prevention. For more information about heartworm disease, prevention or symptoms please talk to you veterinarian. Dr. Annette Davis, DVM received her doctorate of Veterinary Medicine from Texas A&M University in 2004. She practiced for 10 years in a small animal veterinary hospital in El Paso with an interest in exotics and ultrasound, prior to purchasing All Creatures Great and Small Veterinary Hospital in July 2014.
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PET DIRECTORY OF SAN ANTONIO ANIMAL HOSPITALS & VETERINARY SERVICES 4 Paws Animal Hospital................ 23 All Creatures Great and Small...... 36 Callaghan Road Animal Hospital.......................... 3 North Star Animal Hospital.......... 15 Penny Paws Animal Clinic............. 29 Perrin Beittel................................ 27 Pets First Veterinary Center.......... 23 Pleasonton Road Animal Hospital........................ 36 Towne North Animal Hospital........ 7 EMERGENCY Mission Pet Emergency................ 21 SPECIALTY Mission Veterinary Specialists................................ 19 BANKS Frost Bank.................................... 27 BOARDING KENNELS & DAYCARE FACILITIES All Creatures Great and Small...... 36 Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit.............. 3 Four Paws Inn of Converse........... 11 Grooming By Gloria..................... 36 Hill Country Pet Ranch.................. 15 Kara's K9 Retreat.......................... 15 K9 Country Club & Training Academy...................... 2 Lucky Dog Pet Grooming............... 2 North Star Animal Hospital.......... 15 Pawderosa Ranch (2 Locations)............................. 1 Pawsitive Solutions....................... 27 Pet Galaxy.............................. 33, BC Ryckman Kennels......................... 23 The Palms Pet Resort & Spa........ 21 CAR DEALERSHIPS North Park Subaru....................... IBC
CLEANING SERVICES Maid Affordable........................... 36 GROOMING SERVICES Barbara’s Canine Clip “n Bows...... 23 Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit.............. 3 Boerne Grooming........................ 23 Doggie Stylez............................... 15 Grooming By Gloria..................... 36 Hill Country Pet Ranch.................. 15 K9 Country Club & Training Academy...................... 2 Kara's K9 Retreat.......................... 15 Linda’s Pet Grooming................... 30 Lucky Dog Pet Grooming............... 2 North Star Animal Hospital.......... 15 Pet Galaxy.............................. 33, BC Pretty Pooch................................ 36 The Palms Pet Resort & Spa......... 21 Towne North Animal Hospital........ 7 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming............................. 29 MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS Dr. Patricia Dinger........................... 7 MOBILE GROOMING Bark N Bubblez............................ 36 MORTGAGE BROKERS The Coen Group............................. 2
Pet Galaxy.............................. 33, BC Ryckman Kennels......................... 23 The Palms Pet Resort & Spa......... 21 PET BOUTIQUES/PRODUCTS/ SPECIALTY/STORES/SUPPLIES Bo Jangles.................................... 23 Fetch & Friskers (2 Locations)........ 3 Fifi & Fidos Pet Boutique............... 2 Paw Basics.................................... 15 Tulane's Closet............................... 7 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming.............................. 29 PET MORTUARY AND CREMATION SERVICES/HOSPICE Bluebonnet Pet Crematory........... 36 Paws in Heaven............................ 31 PET PHOTOGRAPHERS/ART Renee Spade Photography.......... 17 PET WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES Bark-Yard Bomb Squad Pooper Scooper...................... 15 REALTORS Exquisite Properties, LLC.............IFC Natalie Duran-Realtor..................... 7 RETAIL SERVICES Alamo Pet Fences........................... 3
MOVING SERVICES Reliable Delivery & Moving.......... 27 NOT FOR PROFIT Converse Animal Shelter (CASI)..... 15 San Antonio Humane Society....... 13 OBEDIENCE TRAINERS Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit.............. 3 Hill Country Pet Ranch.................. 15 K9 Country Club & Training Academy................... 2 Pawsitive Solutions....................... 27
DUCHESS
*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.
{April 2015}
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The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has recognized Subaru with more 2014 Top Safety Picks than any other brand. In fact, Subaru is the only manufacturer with IIHS Top Safety Picks for all models for the last five years (2010-2014). Purchase or lease any new (previously untitled) Subaru and receive a complimentary factory scheduled maintenance plan for 2 years or 24,000 miles (whichever comes first.)See Subaru Added Security Maintenance Plan for intervals, coverages and limitations. Customer must take delivery before 12/31/15 and reside within the promotional area. At participating dealers only. See dealer for program details and eligibility.
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{April 2015}
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HAPPY FIESTA FROM PET GALAXY!
Socialization Training Obedience Training Behavior Modification We work with even the most difficult cases
Pets need (and deserve) vacations too — Whether it’s for daycare, or for a longer stay! Below are some samples of what our guests have been up to lately. Follow the fun through our daily updates on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/PetGalaxyUSA
www.PetGalaxyUSA.com
Large Grooming Department With Experienced Pet Stylists! (Available Mon-Sat)
Call us today for a free consultation with an expert dog trainer, or to customize your pet’s daycare schedule or perfect dream vacation!
& 13060 US Highway 281 N, Spring Branch TX 78070, Phone: 830-885-5335 38
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