Texas dogs and cats sa jan 2014final

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SAN ANTONIO’S PREMIER PET MAGAZINE

COMPLIMENTARY

January 2014


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COVER PHOTOGRAPHED BY LARRY WADSWORTH

{contents}

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Pet Friendly Directory

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Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine

Share a Resolution with Your Dog

12 Spotlight Group 14 Ask the Vet Case 18 Veterinarian Histories 4

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19 Tips from the Trainer 20 Texas A&M Special Section 26 Diabetes Mellitus in Pets 28 A Pet Sitter’s Hero Story 30 Book Look 31 Kitty Makeover 34 Pupperazzi

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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

DESIGNER

Fran Sherman 314.275.2208 fran@shermanstudios.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

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

CONTRIBUTING PARTNERS

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Seamus Nelson Shannan Parker Mikael Persson Andrea Yanase

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Dr. Robert Ball, Dr. Courtney Bridgeman, Allen Bryne, Sara Carney, Angela Clendenin, Ashley Cristiano, Toni Draper, Steve Fontenot, Sharon Griswald, Dr. Dan Kirby, Dr. Stephanie Lisciandro, Seamus Nelson, Dr. James Peterson, Shannon Pigott, Michelle Popilek, Alexandra Pruett, Andi Ramsey, Ken Rodriguez, Christina Sumners, Christina Wilcox, Tom Zurn

39 Rescue Organizations 40 Financing Veterinary Care Golden Retrievers 42 & Canine Cancer 44 Doggie Makeover 46 Matsumoto’s Rescue 48 Pet Puzzlers 50 Getting In Shape with Pets {January 2014}

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ADVERTISE WITH US!

Dana.texasdogsandcats@gmail.com or 210-436-9009 Next Issue: February 2014

5 find us on

and at www.texasdogsandcats.com/sa


LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER It is a known fact that a majority of our local veterinarians here in South Texas are graduates of the Texas A&M Vet School. For the benefit of pet owners here, we wanted to inform pet care consumers on the level of training their providers have. Texas A&M has one of the highest reputations of any vet school in the nation and we felt it was important to showcase this vital institution to the entire pet community in San Antonio. We start off the new year with our spotlight group, The Texas Alaskan Malamute Rescue Group (TAMR). These dogs are a very hardy and tough breed, yet extremely gentle with people. So gentle, in fact, that in the 1950’s TV series, Sgt. Preston of the Yukon, they needed to place meat on the “villain” in order for Sgt. Preston’s Malamute side kick Yukon King to attack the offender. We also feature two stories of people saving lives of dogs. One involves a pet sitter saving her charge and the other, a member of the San Antonio Rampage saving street dogs. Happy New Year from all of us at Texas Dogs & Cats San Antonio.

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.

contributing partners SEAMUS NELSON is the Director of Communication for the San Antonio Humane Society. In addition to working with the great pets at the shelter, he serves as a public affairs officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. He also enjoys spending time with his wife Mary. 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. SHANNAN PARKER has been publishing Texas Dogs and Cats in Houston for the past four years. She and her husband Jeff have four rescued dogs and two cats, as well as two teenage children among them.

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PET FRIENDLY DIRECTORY S

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PET FRIENDLY APARTMENT COMPLEXES

PECAN SPRING LUXURY APARTMENTS 5511 Pecan Springs Road San Antonio, TX 78249 210-694-5511 PecanSpringApts.com

BANDANA COURTESY OF THE POOCH HOUSE

SUNSET RIDGE APARTMENTS 116 Vanderheck St. San Antonio, TX 78209 210-826-2369 Sunsetridgeapartments.com

POISON HOTLINE ASPCA ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER 888-426-4435 aspca.org/apcc

PET FRIENDLY HOTELS

ALOFT SAN ANTONIO AIRPORT 838 NW Loop 410 San Antonio, TX 78216 210-541-8881 Aloftsanantonioairport.com OMNI SAN ANTONIO HOTEL AT THE COLONNADE 9821 Colonnade Blvd. San Antonio, TX 78230 (210) 691-8888 Omnihotels.com

IF YOU ARE A PET FRIENDLY APARTMENT, HOTEL, OR RESTAURANT AND WOULD LIKE TO BE INCLUDED IN THIS LISTING, PLEASE CONTACT US AT DANA. TEXASDOGSANDCATS@GMAIL.COM OR AT (210) 436-9009.

{January 2014}

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I O

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GRAND HYATT SAN ANTONIO 600 E Market St. San Antonio, TX 78205 210-224-1234 grandsanantonio.hyatt.com

PET FRIENDLY BAKERIES NOTHING BUNDT CAKES 700 E Sonterra Blvd, #1105 San Antonio, TX 78258 210-495-2253 www.nothingbundtcakes.com

PET FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS

CANYON CAFÉ 255 E Basse Road San Antonio, TX 78209 210-821-3738 CHARLIE WANTS A BURGER 223 Losoya St, San Antonio, TX 210-227-0864 www.charliewantsaburger.com 10% of all merchandise sales benefit the San Antonio Humane Society

DOG PARKS

CHRIS DOG PARK 111 Camp Street PHIL HARDBERGER PARK EAST 13203 Blanco Road PHIL HARDBERGER PARK WEST 8400 NW Military Highway MADISON SQUARE PARK 400 Lexington Ave. MCALLISTER PARK DOG PARK 13102 Jones-Maltsberger Road PEARSALL PARK DOG PARK 4700 Old Pearshall Road STONE OAK DOG PARK 20395 Stone Oak Parkway TOM SLICK DOG PARK 7400 HIghway 151 UNIVERSAL CITY DOG PARK 134B Athenian Dr. Universal City, TX 7


BY SEAMUS NELSON

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share a resolution with your dog for this new year

he San Antonio Humane Society has just the idea for you and your dog: In 2014, you and your dog should strive for the title of El Rey Fido. It wraps all that is great into one neat package. Think about it, you can take your pooch on TV, meet other cool dogs (and people), raise money for homeless pets in San Antonio, and be a part of royalty!

2014 marks the 12th year of the El Rey Fido competition at the San Antonio Humane Society. Winning is easy, you just have to raise more money than the competition. This year is extra exciting because not only will the winner be named El Rey Fido XII, but Patrick McDonnell, the artist of the Mutts comic strip will draw a custom sketch for the winner. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Even if you are not named the winner, your dog has a shot at being part of the royal court. 100% of the proceeds from this fundraising competition benefit the pets of the San Antonio Humane Society. SA Humane is a non-profit, no-kill organization that finds homes for about 5,000 dogs and cats every year. Without the support of our community, the shelter would not be able to have the impact it does. To put things into perspective, it costs about $25 per pet, per day to run the organization. This includes costs like the electric bill and the food bill. Every single dollar makes a difference. El Rey Fido is one of the more fun ways to raise money. Who doesn’t love a little friendly competition? It is especially fun when

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it helps a local shelter. Signing up is easy, just visit SAhumane.org/ERF where the rules and registration are all available. Here are some important rules to keep in mind: • Your dog must be spayed or neutered • Your dog must be current on his/her rabies vaccine • Your dog must have a current license with the City of San Antonio • Your dog must be 6 months of age or older by the fundraising deadline (March 13th) You can visit SAhumane.org/ERF for a full set of rules. The Grand Hyatt will be graciously hosting the royal coronation on April 5th Fiesta to kick off. The San Antonio Humane Society would like to thank their sponsors for their generous support: the Grand Hyatt, Furry Tail Fashion, and VCA Hospitals. They are the ones who make the whole thing possible. The only thing missing from this competition right now is you and your dog! Make it your resolution for 2014 - go online and sign up today!

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TEXAS A&M

the

BY DR. COURTNEY H. BRIDGEMAN, CHIEF VETERINARIAN, SAN ANTONIO HUMANE SOCIETY

only school of veterinary medicine in texas T

exas A&M University – College Station is one of the most renowned schools in Texas, that much is undeniable, but what may be less well known is it is the ONLY school of Veterinary Medicine in the Lone star State.

As a Veterinarian, and especially as the Chief Veterinarian at the San Antonio Humane Society, I am often approached both to teach and describe what it takes to become a veterinarian. It is a topic I describe with some detail and passion as it was a lifelong dream for me that took a monumental effort to achieve. So what does it take to get into the illustrious School of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University? A lot of hard work that’s what! First let me tell you about my personal journey to vet school and then we can talk 10

PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY

about some helpful tips to getting in yourself. I never had a doubt that veterinary medicine was the career I wanted to have. Though the specialty I was interested in changed from year to year, my determination on becoming a veterinarian never did. I was the kind of student parents and teachers love to have. Self-driven, perfectionist, over achiever. A personality test would label most veterinarians as “Type A” and list the descriptive terms above, so I was on the right track. I worked hard in high school to get into a good college and picked

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the best one in Texas (Texas A&M University – College Station of course). I worked hard in undergrad to get into vet school. Get in, I did, on the first try, not an altogether common thing. Then the realities of vet school set in. As a good student, used to getting straight A’s and being one of the teacher’s favorites, vet school was a real eye opener. I was suddenly in a class full of students just like me and BETTER than me in classes that were no longer cake walks, but truly difficult. Studying, cramming, struggling, succeeding, failing, all these were a very real part of the vet school experience. I made friendships that have lasted and lost friends I thought I would keep. Vet school is hard. REALLY hard. It tests not only your intelligence, but also your dedication, your self-worth and your commitment. So when you take your beloved pet to see your veterinarian, really see what they endured to be there in front of you. See their passion and their adoration of your family member. That’s what got them through vet school. That’s why they finished. So, now that I’ve made you examine why you want to go and you are still in the game. You have looked within and still feel that becoming a veterinarian is worth all that turmoil , let’s see what it takes to get you in the door.

that keeps you going. Not to mention, veterinarians are often leaders in their community and seeing that early is helpful for looking forward into success in vet school itself. 4. Texas resident. Wait? Pardon me? Yes. Texas A&M is one of a very few vet schools that puts a lot of emphasis on students from their own state. Out of 132 students who will be accepted into the class, only 10 or so will come from outside the confines of the state. If you are reading this article, you more than likely have this one under your belt. 5. Communication. Communication. Communication. If you have all of the above in your resume, have completed and succeeded in obtaining a good score on your GRE and have completed all the pre-requisites (about 2-3yrs of undergrad classes), you may get scheduled for the final round. Interviews. A&M does a battery of “mini-interviews” instead of one large one. They use these interviews to evaluate students’ characteristics such as communication skills, critical thinking, problem solving, empathy, and ethics. Approximately 225 students will have interviews. Of those, only 130 some-odd will be granted admission. 6. Try, try again. It is definitely not the norm for a student to be granted admission on the first time through the application process. Many students will complete the process 2 or 3 times before being granted admission. Some successful veterinarians completed the process more than 7 times before getting to enter the veterinary curriculum. Remember, you should have a solid “Plan B” anyway as the veterinary selections committee likes to know that you have long range goals and have thought ahead. So if you end up on the “not this year” list, keep pushing forward into your plan B, regardless of what that is.

1. Good grades. Yes, absolutely. Good grades are a must. As I described above, this should begin as early as high school if possible, but definitely in undergrad. Having a solid GPA is a must in the application process. While it doesn’t have to be a 4.0, you should really focus on the sciences and math classes and keep those classes as high as possible or be able to sufficiently explain why the grade was not an A. 2. Veterinary experience. That’s right. Simply thinking you want to be a vet is not enough. You must find a veterinarian who will take you in and work for them. Be a kennel tech, a receptionist, a technician. Show them you are willing to learn and your enthusiasm Becoming a veterinarian is a dream many of us have for the job and that relationship will become invalushared. Completing the process, though difficult and harable. Not just because of the experience you will gain, rowing, is the first step in living that dream. the mark on your resume, but Dr. Courtney Bridgeman attended also because that vet will be the Texas A&M school of Veterinary one you call on for a letter of Medicine (‘07) as well as College recommendation. of Animal Sciences (‘02). She 3. A well rounded resume. While joined the San Antonio Humane the selection committee wants Society as their first full-time to see a predominance of animal veterinarian 5 years ago and has activity, they also want to see an worked to create a healthy and individual who will be grounded happy environment for all the in their community. They want animals there. Dr. Bridgeman to see charity activities, church enjoys her small ranch of race bred activities, clubs, committees, etc. Quarter Horses and raising her And they want to see ACTIVE DR. COURTNEY H. BRIDGEMAN, CHIEF membership. Your life outside of VETERNARIAN FOR SAN ANTONIO HUMANE 1yr old twin daughters, Evellyn and Jaedyn. vet school will sometimes be all SOCIETY, AND FRIEND {January 2014}

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TAMR is a statewide, fosterbased rescue network of volunteer’s dedicated to preservation, protection and education on behalf of the Alaskan Malamute. As the only active rescue in the State of Texas purely dedicated to the rescue & re-homing of these magnificent companions, our volunteers dedicate a lot of heart in the pursuit of our goal, “to find every Malamute a good home”. You will find TAMR participating or hosting a wide variety of rescue and activity based events all over Texas. From weight pull demonstrations in Big Bend, to the Arctic Games, an exhibition of urban dog sports, in Houston; the malamutes will draw crowds wherever they go. But the most rewarding work is when TAMR enters the classrooms of San Antonio and Houston for educational discussions for children reading “Call of the Wild” by Jack London or studying the great Iditarod sled race. With upcoming events there is always an opportunity to come out and learn more about the Alaskan Malamute. San Antonio - Pucks & Paws, SA Pet Expo, Fiesta Pooch Parade. Houston - The Arctic Games: MUSH! Sat., Jan. 18, 2014. A demonstration for

PHOTO COURTESY OF SA HUMANE SOCIETY

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or over 10 years, TAMR, Texas Alaskan Malamute Rescue, a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit, has been standing the line and fighting the myth, all for the protection for North America’s oldest, most distinguished and most misunderstood dog breed.

BY STEVE FONTENOT

{spotlightrescue}

TexasAlaskan MalamuteRescue

outdoor sporting activities such as biking, backpacking, urban sledding and much more. Alaskan Malamutes need active homes with interactive people. Being the ultimate working dog, the malamute wants to share their life with yours and thrive on routine. To find out if an Alaskan Malamute is right for you or if you want to find out how you can help protect and preserve North America’s oldest and most distinguished dog breed; please visit our website, www. texalmal.org or follow Texas Alaskan Malamute Rescue on facebook. Volunteer * Foster * Donate * Today.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TAMR AND VOLUNTEERS

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Alaskan Malamute: W

e are not Wolves. We are not wolf-hybrids or even them. Once a dog gets labeled as a wolf-dogs. We are the ALASKAN MALAMUTE and wolf-hybrid it is almost impossible to get them re-classified and rescued we are one of the most periled dog breeds.

Domesticated over 5,000 years ago, the Alaskan Malamute’s record of service and dedication to mankind is second to none. Malamutes are known as the “Gentle Giants” of the sled dog lines. Bred to serve mankind in both work and companionship these dogs are big, strong, willful and live to serve their masters. They never quit until the job is done. They are cargo carriers of heavy loads built for journeys of extreme distance through extreme weather. The breed’s list of accomplishments includes service in both World Wars, humanitarian relief efforts such as the Great Serum Run that is celebrated every year with the running of the Iditarod, and exploration of the polar regions. Their worth was legend, during the Klondike Gold Rush of the late 1800’s, miners coined the term “Worth Their Weight in Gold” to describe the value of the Malamute. They are still in use today for service and scientific use. Man has not always been as good to Malamutes in return. Perhaps the single most abusive act occurred at the end of World War II and the

{January 2014}

great Antarctic Exploration , in a scene that is only comparable to the great horse slaughters that resulted during the decommissioning of the U.S. Cavalry. These faithful serving hero dogs were chained to an ice floe and destroyed by explosive charges. This bureaucratic decision nearly incited mutiny among the Navy servicemen involved and major damage was done to the breed lines. The Malamute’s popularity would rise again when Hollywood started to use them in T.V. and film. With the perceived “wolfish” looks they would be used to play this part and the “Wolf-Myth” began to spiral out of control. This has led to gross misidentification by individuals and animal shelters. More than any other breed, shelters will list Malamutes as wolf-dogs or hybrids; increasing the difficulty in finding and rescuing

as a dog. This has led to way too many Malamutes being destroyed instead of being reunited with their owners or at having a chance to find a new home. This myth has now become intertwined with wolf hunters. In November 2013, a Montana man was skiing with his 3 Malamutes when a hunter shot one of his dogs, 6 times. The hunter had a wolf license and the police, citing it as a simple mistake, refused to press any charges even though the Malamute was with his owner, who risked being shot himself for rushing to his dog’s side and yelling at the man to stop shooting. The Malamute “Little Dave” died on the spot. He was wearing a lighted activity harness. The danger is real. Malamutes are in need. Foster • Donate • Volunteer • Today. Texas Alaskan Malamute Rescue

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BY STEVE FONTENOT

• HISTORY • MYTH • RESCUE


{askthevet}

WITH DR. KIRBY OF ALAMO HEIGHTS PET CLINIC Q: My dog has been urinating frequently lately. How can I tell if it is a urinary tract infection or kidney stone issue? Thanks— Augie A: When a dog is urinating frequently I usually ask the following questions of their owner: 1. Is your dog drinking more water than usual 2. Is your dog straining when he/she urinates 3. How old is your pet 4. Is your pet on any medication 5. What kind of food and treats are you feeding your pet

Regardless of the reason, enjoy your loyal Siamese because as you know, cats tend to act like our masters. 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.

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After getting answers to all of the questions, your veterinarian may want to begin with these tests: 1. Bloodwork 2. Urinalysis 3. Ultrasound abdomen (bladder)

Q: Why do Siamese cats seem to bond exclusively with one human being? Thanks—Robert A: Many animals bond with only one individual but it does seem to be a particular characteristic of Siamese cats. No one knows why this occurs but some of the causes include: 1. Who the cat plays with the most 2. Who feeds the cat 3. Genetics 4. Prior history, if it is a stray or a rescue

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Pet Waste Cleanup. Pooblem Solved ✔... PooBagger ®

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he job of cleaning up your lawn after your pets doesn’t need to be a dreaded task. As I was cleaning up the land mines left by Wilson, our Tibetan Terrier, I stumbled on an idea. Or maybe I stepped in it. A way to accomplish this task in a single step. The one-step solution is appropriately named PooBagger. The most convenient system yet for cleaning up after pets. Always looking for better way, it occurred to me that, living in the suburbs as we do, that all of the animal waste I pick up has to go into a bag and then into the trash. If I don’t put it into a bag, it will smell of poo in the garage or wherever the trash can happens to reside. How does everyone else do it? Some use a small shovel or rake or other multi-step pooper scoopers. They scoop it up, transfer it to a bag and put the bag in the trash can or they use a bag turned inside out. The latter method does not allow for picking up a volume of waste and I have yet to meet someone who admits to enjoying it. Transferring it to the bag might be the worst part of the job especially with a little wind or loose “product”. Whatever people decide to use, it has to end up in a bag in a trash can. Why not scoop it directly into a bag! One step. So all I have to do is scoop it up and unsnap the bag into trash container. No Pooblem.

I drew up some possibilities that might work. BY TOM ZURN Simple scoopers with an attached bag. It needed teeth and contoured edges for “extreme” conditions. The real trick is how to fasten and unfasten the bag. It has to be simple, reliable and durable. I designed a bevelled slot to hold the bag with a ring made of super-strong polyvinyl chloride. Bag and ring snap tightly into place. No need to remove ring from device. I determined that I would never buy a device that requires proprietary bags so I’m not going to make one that does. I want to be able to use any existing bags. I designed it around newspaper bags knowing that I could then use bread bags and all common poo-bags. PooBagger can be used as easy while standing up. I tilted the handle-grip and devised an extension option for the handle. The extension screws into the end of the handle and uses standard ACME threads so any extension can be used. Hanger loop on the extension and hanger hole on the device for storage options. Thumb grip stabiliser and comfortable grip. After a couple of cardboard models and clay models, it was time to get a CAD drawing made. The job required something exact and organic in shape so I had the drawing done in SolidWorks. With help from my friends at RedEye here in Minnesota, we did five revisions of 3D prototypes and got it just the way we want it. PooBagger is designed to be used with one hand and one-step operation. Scoop it up, unsnap into the trash. Comfortable handle grip and ergonomically correct, PooBagger uses any plastic bag and is convenient, simple and built to last. There is no comparable unit on the market today. PooBagger is Made in the U.S.A. in Delano, Minnesota. www.poobagger.com 952-994-5252

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Veterinarian Case Histories “Below” and Beyond the Call of Duty BY DR. BALL OF BRACKEN EQUINE CLINIC

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ne hot, humid August morning I was on my way to a client’s breeding farm. I arrived at the farm manager’s home and we began discussing the day’s agenda. As we were talking, we were surprised by a broodmare running towards us from one of the lower pastures.

She nickered, quickly turned and began running back. We returned to our discussion of the day’s events only to be interrupted again by the mare running anxiously towards us a second time. It was then that we remembered the mare had a two month old colt at side and it was nowhere in sight. We jumped in my truck and followed her back to the pasture expecting to find an injured or sick foal. We arrive instead to find her foal stuck in the bottom of an abandoned cistern. The owners were unaware of the cisterns existence and tall grass had completely camouflaged its opening. Apparently the foal had unknowingly walked across the opening of the cistern and plummeted approximately ten feet to the bottom. He was alive but unable to move as he was wedged awkwardly into this very narrow, dark, damp hole. After discussing the dilemma, the barn manager and I concluded that the best option would be to obtain the services of a tow truck equipped with a boom and wench. We devised a make shift sling from a stall guard webbing to place around the colt. We then secured a long ladder to the bumper of

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sling proved difficult even with a heavily sedated patient. The hoist was lowered and the colt and I began our ascent. We must have been quite a sight based on the repugnant looks we received from surrounding bystanders. I was both thankful and relieved that the foal had sustained only minor injuries and that the mare and foal had been successfully reunited. I left the farm desperate for a bath and as I drove away, I remember hoping that the day’s events would indeed be a once in a lifetime experience!

the tow truck and dropped it down the hole just above where the colt was lodged. The foal hadn’t been halter broke and would need to be sedated to tolerate the placement of the sling and subseDr. Ball has been in practice quent extraction for over 25 years. He attended from the cistern. Texas A&M University where Once given, the sehe earned a Bachelor’s degree in dation would take at Biomedical Science and graduleast fifteen minutes ated as a Doctor of Veterinary to be fully effective. Medicine in 1981. He is a That meant not one member of the American Assobut two trips down ciation of Equine Practitioners, the cistern! As I the Texas Veterinary Medimade my way down cal Association and the International Society of Equine the ladder, I tried Locomotor Pathology. hard not to think Although he enjoys all aspects of equine medicine, his about what I was special interest lie in lameness, imaging, and ultrasonogdescending into. raphy. He enjoys fly fishing, backpacking, and golf when Placement of the not practicing veterinary medicine.

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WITH SHARON GRISWALD, DOG TRAINER AND ANIMAL BEHAVIORALIST

Helpful suggestions: • Put more food in his bowl just before bedtime, if early morning hunger is his problem. He will be able to eat. • Have a litter box available for him to use. • Put out a couple of toys so that he can amuse himself before you get up. • Do not acknowledge his crying. The more “Be Quiets” he hears, the more attention he receives. If you talk to him, your 4a.m. wake up call will continue. • Cats sleep up to sixteen hours per day. Try keeping him awake during the day so he sleeps longer at night. Q: I have a one year old spayed female dog, named Monster and she definitely lives up to it! If I leave her unattended in the house, she will jump up on my bed and pee in the

middle of it. I have one other male dog whom she adores, and 2 foster puppies. She was doing this before I got the foster puppies, so I don’t think it is jealousy of them. Any ideas of why she is doing this? I am tired of changing my sheets.—Sherry P. A: When urinating is a problem, I always like to rule out health issues by having a urine sample checked by your veterinarian. For this discussion, we will assume she is healthy. This sounds like a dominance issue. It is a big insult to urinate on someone’s bed. The first thing you should do is not give her full run of the house. She can be confined in a large crate or a room with a baby gate when you cannot watch her. Confining her will break the cycle of running to your room and urinating on the bed Secondly, doing a couple of basic obedience commands such as “Sit” and “Watch Me” will establish you as the pack leader in a calm yet competent manner. The alpha female role is up for grabs at your house and it is time for you to take control. Sharon Griswold has been a dog trainer and obedience instructor for forty years. She graduated from the University of Connecticut, in 1975 with a degree in animal science. Currently, Sharon owns Woofing Camp Canine Suites, a boarding facility where educational or leisure vacation packages are offered to her four legged clients. She also owns Rover Misbehavin?, which is her training and behavior consultation business. Her clients love and respect her for her expert knowledge and innate sensibility in both training dogs and canine behavior and her unique training style.

Please support our advertisers. They make our magazine possible. Tell them you saw them in Texas Dogs & Cats. Any good ideas or suggestions? Contact us at dana.texasdogs andcats@gmail.com

{tipsfromthetrainer}

SHARON GRISWALD WITH HER BORDER COLLIE BUDDY

Q: I have a cat that screams at the top of his lungs starting around 4:00am every night! I know he wants out, but not a good idea since we are rural and coyotes abound. Please HELP! — Patricia Z. A: Cats are crepuscular, meaning they are very active at twilight, i.e. dusk and dawn. Prey animals are most active at this time as well, so it is the time your cat wants to hunt.


WRITTEN BY CRISTINA SUMNERS & ANGELA CLENDENIN

PHOTO BY LARRY WADSWORTH

texasa&m spe c i al sec t ion

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eveille, the first lady of Aggieland, is the official mascot of Texas A&M University, and the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) is her primary healthcare provider. The current Reveille, Reveille VIII, was officially introduced on August 30, 2008. Reveille is the most revered dog on campus and the highest-ranking member of the Corps of Cadets, who address her “Miss Rev, ma’am.” According to tradition, if she is in class and barks while the professor is teaching, the class is to be immediately dismissed. Faculty members from the Small Animal Hospital at the CVM have been involved in helping to select and evaluate potential canine candidates for this coveted position. Within the next year, Reveille will be on hand to break ground on a new Veterinary Medical Education Building with plans to renovate the Small Animal Hospital, which will provide new educational and clinical space to better serve faculty, staff, students, clients, and of course, Reveille.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS A&M

“We acquire a puppy, and all the joy of that requires that we think about and help that animal at the end of its life.”

Dr. Claudia Barton

{January 2014}

WRITTEN BY SARA CARNEY

Dr. Claudia Barton has been educating and inspiring students since 1979 when she joined the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine &Biomedical Sciences (CVM). She was educated at the University of Missouri and practiced veterinary medicine for two years in Cincinnati, Ohio. After completing a combined residency in clinical pathology and anatomic pathology at Texas A&M, she returned to the University of Missouri to teach. In 1979, she saw the opportunity to apply her skills as a board-certified veterinarian in internal medicine and became the first oncologist at Texas A&M, which is now home to a state-of-the-art cancer treatment center. “There was no such thing as a specialty in oncology at

that point,” Barton recalled, “but there were a lot of people becoming interested in it. And because I had had all that background in pathology, my interest had gravitated toward oncology. So, I was hired in here at A&M and was very happy to come back to where it didn’t snow.” As a clinician, Barton sees patients who have been referred to the CVM’s teaching hospital by their primary care veterinarians, and is primarily interested in diagnosing cancer through cytology. She finds that there are both rewards and challenges associated with her work. Detection of cancer can often mean that the animal is treated earlier and has a greater chance of survival. Additionally, treatments that are effective for dogs can sometimes be applied to humans and vice versa. However, Barton sometimes finds herself acting as a counselor to owners who are mourning the loss of a pet to cancer. “As hard as it is, it’s something that goes with the territory,” she said. “We acquire a puppy, and all the joy of that requires that we think about and help that animal at the end of its life.” Barton enjoys passing her knowledge to future generations of veterinarians as professor at the CVM by teaching several courses, including ones on cytological diagnosis of cancer and small animal reproduction. She also teaches continuing education for practicing veterinarians. However, Barton noted that the lectures she gives on coping with the loss of a beloved companion and understanding the grieving process are the most rewarding. “I think those are the teaching lectures that are the most memorable to me every year,” Barton said, “and I think they mean the most to the students.” Barton also mentioned that she is pleased to see her students follow in her footsteps, “I am now seeing people who I taught, who went on to do residencies, who are now teaching in academic institutions, and that’s really, really meaningful to me.” 21


PHOTO BY LARRY WADSWORTH

WRITTEN BY ASHELY CRISTIANO

The Diagnostic Imaging and Cancer Treatment Center The Diagnostic Imaging and Cancer Treatment Center (DICTC), located between the small and large animal hospitals at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, houses three major machines. The first is a Tomotherapy unit, an amazing machine used to treat cancer. The college is lucky enough to house the only Tomotherapy unit in the nation big enough for use on large animals. It is also one of only two in the nation housed

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within an academic veterinary teaching hospital. Through the use of CT images and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), clinicians are able to map and plan the correct radiation treatment for each patient, administering a maximum dose of radiation to the cancer cells while preserving healthy cells. The next machine the DICTC houses is a CT scanner. With this machine, clinicians are able to image animals weighing from only a few ounces up to 2,000 pounds. The machine is very quick; technicians have taken a CT scan of a cat in about eight seconds. So if a clinician needs a quick answer about what may be wrong with the patient, this is the machine of choice! The last machine the DICTC houses is a 3-Tesla MRI unit. Unlike the CT scanner, the MRI unit does not use radiation and provides a greater contrast between soft tissues in the body. The MRI unit takes a lot longer than the CT scanner, but is often the machine of choice if the clinician and patient don’t need a quick answer and are looking at soft tissues. The magnet in the MRI stays on all the time and is two times stronger than the one used for humans (human hospitals normally use a 1.5 Tesla MRI unit). This means that the image quality produced is VERY good and it allows clinicians to more accurately pinpoint affected areas for surgical interventions.


PHOTO COURTESY OF TEXAS A&M

DR. KENT CARTER

The Large Animal Hospital at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) offers owners of horse, cattle, sheep and other large animal the services required to keep their animals healthy. “We have the state behind us and the university behind us, and we have the equipment and the facilities to do the work that we need to do,” said Dr. Kent Carter, a faculty member at the

WRITTEN BY CHRISTINA WILCOX

The Large Animal Hospital

CVM for more than 30 years and expert in equine lameness. “Because of that we are able to attract top-notch faculty that helps us remain top notch and helps us all be better.” Dr. Carter travels to give lectures around the world for various equine associations, including the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the world’s largest professional organization dedicated to equine veterinary medicine. Dr. Carter is currently the organization’s vice president and he will become president in December 2014. Dr. Carter attends meetings and gives presentations to students, veterinarians, and others in the field to share our knowledge, he said, and also keep up to date on current practices. At a meeting earlier this year, Dr. Carter visited with former students of all ages, from those who graduated in the 1980s to new graduates. “It gives you a lot of gratification to see them developing their careers,” Dr. Carter said. As one who enjoys working with and teaching soon-to-be veterinarians, Dr. Carter strives to help them become better veterinarians. “That’s what we are here for,” he said. At the large animal hospital, veterinary students, residents, and interns complete various rotations that include different aspects of equine care. “We recruit great students and we have a great place to train these students,” said Dr. Carter. “So it’s a win-win deal working here.”

Retama Equine Hospital Small Animal Division 17555 Old Evans Road Selma, Texas 78154 210-651-1384

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OTHER PARTNERS

Morris Animal Foundation

Hadley and Marion Stuart Foundation

About an hour and half drive northwest from Houston sits College Station and the college of veterinary Mars Veterinary medicine at Texas A&M University. A university rich with tradition and history both athletically and academically, the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine also boasts an enduring commitment to animal health research and a long-standing relationship with Morris Animal Foundation. The first Morris Animal Foundation funded study at Texas A&M took place in 1956 and was an examination of how canine skin disorders impacted diet. Since 1956, Morris Animal Foundation has funded 80 studies at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine, with 13 studies currently ongoing there. “The relationship has been wonderful for Texas A&M University. Over the years, various clinical researchers, faculty and students have been supported by Morris Animal Foundation, as well as faculty from Texas A&M University serving as Scientific Advisory Board members,” said Noah Cohen, VMD, MPH, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM. Dr. Cohen is also Professor and Associate Department Head for Research and Graduate Studies in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University and a former Morris Animal Foundation Large Animal Scientific Advisory Board member. Ranging from canine behavior studies to avian nutrition to infectious disease in foals, funding from Morris Animal Foundation has enabled research teams at Texas WRITTEN BY ALLEN BYRNE

RTNER

“Morris Animal Foundation offers valuable support to Texas A&M University by providing funds for research projects which use alternative and innovative techniques to address new angles of animal health research.”

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A&M University to make significant strides in the areas of animal health. “Morris Animal Foundation offers valuable support to Texas A&M University by providing funds for research projects which use alternative and innovative techniques to address new angles of animal health research,” said Dr. Donald Brightsmith, Assistant Professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology at Texas A&M. Texas A&M will also be receiving a big boost to large animal health via the Texas A&M Equine Initiative and the addition of the Equine Complex, a new $80 million dollar equine complex that will provide a home for equine science education, research and outreach. Approved through the Texas A&M Board of Regents, the Equine Initiative was conceived to build an equine program that will graduate tomorrow’s industry leaders and generate research and veterinary medical care that will improve the industry and the care and welfare of the horse. Construction of these new facilities will include an education and outreach center, facilities for the Texas A&M Equestrian Team, a cross country course in collaboration with Texas A&M Athletics, and new facilities for the Parsons Mounted Cavalry. In addition to current MAF-funded projects ongoing at Texas A&M University, Morris Animal Foundation has also begun further outreach to veterinary students. In November of 2012, the first in a series of “Lunch and Learns” was held, offering students a glimpse into Morris Animal Foundation and the projects currently being funded from Morris Animal Foundation at Texas A&M. Over 150 students and faculty were in attendance. More Lunch and Learns are scheduled for 2013 and will feature a wide range of presentations from current MAF-funded researchers at Texas A&M University.

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During my time as an undergraduate at Texas A&M, I had the opportunity to shadow two fourth year veterinary students during their externships at the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. Each year, these students help the veterinarians care for both the animal athletes that perform in the AT&T Center and the more than 25,000 animals that are part of the livestock show. Additionally, they help oversee

Alexandra Pruett is a first year veterinary student at Texas A&M.

WRITTEN BY ALEXANDRA PRUETT

San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo

the secure collection of urine samples from winning animals to ensure that illegal drugs and hormones were not used. For more than fifteen years, the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo has provided two scholarships each year to students at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences who have a keen interest in large animal veterinary practice. These fourth year students who receive the scholarship spend two weeks at the show and rodeo, working with show veterinarians and often handling late night calls. One of their main responsibilities is to ensure that all animals that participate receive proper and humane care and treatment. The Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA), which runs the San Antonio Rodeo, is deeply committed to animal welfare. Furthermore, last year the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo increased their commitment to veterinary student scholarships by increasing both the number of scholarships (there are now two scholarships for third year students in addition to the two for the fourth year) and the amount for each recipient. Each student receives $25,000 per year, and more than 80% of those who receive the scholarship end up practicing large animal veterinary medicine.”

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{healthbeat} BY STEPHANIE LISCIANDRO, DVM, DACVIM

diabetesmellitus in dogs and cats

What is Diabetes Mellitus? Diabetes mellitus is a common disease in pets. It is usually caused by insufficient insulin in the body. Insulin is produced by the pancreas and is necessary to help the body control blood sugar (glucose). If insulin is not provided, it can lead to life threatening complications (diabetic ketoacidosis). What are the signs of diabetes? The most common signs are excessive thirst and urination or having accidents in the house. The pet may lose weight. You should see your veterinarian if you notice any of these signs. How is diabetes mellitus diagnosed? Your veterinarian will recommend obtaining blood and urine. The diagnosis is made on the basis of elevated blood glucose in the blood and urine. Ketoacidosis is a complication that results in the presence of ketones in the urine and is potentially life threatening. What is the treatment for diabetes mellitus? Most dogs and cats need therapy with insulin. If your pet is otherwise healthy and eating well, insulin therapy can be started on an outpatient basis. If your pet has complications associated with ketoacidosis, then your pet will need to be hospitalized. Insulin therapy is given by injection which you can be taught to do at home. Most pet owners find that injections are not difficult to administer and their pets tolerate injections without discomfort. Dietary therapy

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is also important and you will need to feed your pet a prescribed diet and avoid table scraps and excessive treats. It will likely take several weeks to establish the right dose of insulin for your pet. Your veterinarian will want to perform glucose curves initially on your pet to help determine the right dose of insulin. If your pet’s thirst and appetite are normal (not excessive), this is a sign that the insulin is working properly. It is very important that you work closely with your veterinarian and have regular monitoring performed to make sure your pet is on the right dose of insulin. Occasionally, it is difficult to establish good glucose control in a pet and this may indicate another underlying disease is causing interference with regulation. If this is the case, your veterinarian may refer you to a veterinary internal medicine specialist for additional evaluation. Will my pet be able to live a good quality of life with diabetes mellitus? Most pets are happy and healthy once they are receiving insulin. A close working relationship with your veterinarian will help ease your concerns and improve your chances of being successful in treating your pet. Dr. Stephanie Lisciandro is Board Certified by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Dr. Lisciandro graduated from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Texas A&M University in 1991. She completed her residency training at the Animal Medical Center in New York City. She has had an internal medicine consulting practice in San Antonio since 1997 and joined Mission Veterinary Specialists in 2012.

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WHEN SECONDS COUNT…ARE YOU PREPARED?

the importance of

pet first aid/CPR

BY ANDI RAMSEY

A

s pet parents, we rely on our veterinarians to keep our babies healthy through vaccines, regular exams, medicines, and other lifesaving procedures. But, as pet guardians, we play an equally important role in the lives of our precious fur babies. Our vets see our babies only when necessary. We, on the other hand, hold, massage, cuddle them and clean up after them on a daily basis. What better time to check for unusual lumps, scrapes, uncomfortable spots, or tender pads? Such joys as daily massage not only reinforces the bond between you and your baby, it will also allow you to check for lumps, fatty tumors, ticks, etc. We know everything that they get into and everything they eat. We brush 28

them, clean their ears and basically watch their every move. They depend on us as their pet parents to take care of them and give them the quality of life they deserve. I own and operate Happy at Home Pet Sitting Service in San Antonio, Texas. I spend my days stop-

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{January 2014}

I immediately began chest compressions on the fragile little baby. Mouth to Snout was the next step. After three rounds of CPR, I was about to give up. She had not responded. I was devastated. I tried one last time. With the last breath I gave her, she opened her eyes and immediately started gasping. At that point, I rushed her to the ER. Everything checked out with her and today, she is happy and is back to napping and being the center of her daddy’s world. Being a professional pet sitter for ten years now has allowed me to see some wild scenarios. But mostly, it has equipped me with the trained ears, eyes, and sense of smell that allows me to immediately assess the situation and make sure that the animals can be safely restrained and transported to the veterinarian for treatment. Pet parents are the frontline of defense in their fur babies lives. Their minds, mannerisms, and routines are so intimately tied to ours. Show your best friend that you are as much of a loyal protector of them as they are to you. We owe it to our furry family members to be their voices when they need medication attention. Check local rescue groups for dates and times for upcoming first aid/CPR courses. It could save a life!

There is nothing more important to us than the care and wellbeing of our pets. When we are unable to be home to provide this care we are comforted to know that our Happy at Home Pet Sitting Service representative, Andi Ramsey, is stepping in to manage the animals. We know our pets are getting the best professional care available. On a recent visit by Andi to care for the pets she found our Italian Greyhound, Dolcenea, unconscious and unresponsive. Andi’s visit became anything but routine when she found it necessary to administer CPR to revive and stabilize Dolcenea. Andi then transported Dolcenea to the emergency animal clinic for evaluation and treatment. Thanks to Andi’s knowledge, skill and training our beloved Dolcenea is fully recovered and doing quite well. We have once again been reminded of the valuable services provided by Happy at Home Pet Sitting Service and know that in a medical emergency our pets will receive the best emergency care possible. —Phil and Shelly Pascale

Andi Ramsey is the Pack Leader at Happy at Home Pet Sitting Service in San Antonio, Texas. She is Red Cross and Pet Tech certified in pet first aid/CPR and is a member of Pet Sitters International. andi@happyathome-sa.com

PHOTOS BY LIINA NOVY, WWW.LIINANOVYPHOTOGRAPHY.COM

ping by to see animals in the comfort of their own homes while their owners are working or out of town. One recent day, I was visiting my friend, a 14 year old Italian Greyhound named Dolcenea who happens to be deaf and blind. My daily routine involves giving her eye drops, and carrying her outside for potty time. However, when I approached her, she wasn’t breathing and her head was draped over her bed. Her eyes were rolled back, her gums were gray, and her tongue was hanging out and to the side of her mouth. My immediate thought was of the horrible call I would have to make to her parents telling them their baby girl was gone. Thankfully, I have attended pet first aid/CPR classes, the most recent being the Pet Tech course at a Pet Sitters International convention. I knew I was in the third situation that the course teaches: The true life-threatening emergency. Clinically, this patient is dead. However, the patient may not be dead at a biological level. In other words, its heart and brain cells are still living. The most delicate cells are the heart and brain cells. They can only go several minutes without a supply of oxygenated and nutrient-rich blood before irreparable cell damage occurs.

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cats & daughters by Helen Brown

BY BY TONI DRAPER

{booklook}

a review of

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hat a tough decision it was to settle on a book that – while it might not launch a thousand (reader-)ships – will serve as the kick-off for this column. Perhaps, because I have shared both my heart and home with one of each, at varying times in my own life, I went with my first instinct and choice – Helen Brown’s recent memoir: Cats & Daughters. A book about the trials and tribulations of writing a(nother) book - in this glimpse into her life, Brown paints a much more realistic than pretty picture of what it’s like for a woman to be challenged “emotionally, mentally, and spiritually,” after being diagnosed with “the Big C” – and subsequently and consequently slammed into an immediate confrontation with mortality while simultaneously doing battle with a very real fear of losing a beloved family member (a clue to whom can 30

be found in the book’s title ; ) Surprisingly, readers of Brown’s now very public private life will have to wait more than one-hundred pages before they are introduced to Jonah, the sapphire-eyed “hyperactive, neurotic, destructive, dysfunctional” Siamese cover-kitten – for it is not until then that the “feline tornado” pounces onto the scene and into the life of a woman who has repeatedly insisted to herself and others that she doesn’t want another cat – yet, can’t seem to resist the charms of the “funny, demented furball” that with a singular intense gaze, insisted – no, demanded! (they) become part of each other’s lives.” But, once he makes an appearance – neither Brown’s life, heart, nor home! – will ever be the same! And – so it is - that just as Brown goes under the knife, her overachieving 23yo daughter embarks on a journey in quest for perfection and follows in the footsteps of her teacher, a Sri Lankan monk in a maroon robe, who leads her away from her mother to a monastery more than halfway around the globe. As Brown recovers from surgery and heartbreak, she seeks and finds solace in the soft, fuzzy warmth and companionship of Jonah. It is then, amidst a multitude of tests and surgical procedures, a daughter’s repeated comings and goings, and a cat’s at-times persistent attention-clawing meowing that the writer, patient, and mother in her becomes increasingly aware that “cats step into people’s lives with a purpose,” – and – in her case, Jonah is just what the doctor

would have ordered! With the help of a cat behaviorist and animal activist, Brown learns how to cope with the resultant unpleasant and undesired behaviors of feline eating and anxiety disorders – and about the all-important-forfurniture-salvation placement and height requirements of scratching posts – while at the same time, comes to understand and formulates a plan for how to stay close to her daughter. By the book’s, the behavior’s, and the journey’s end, Brown’s refusal to give up on either of them leads to her discovery that cats are very much like daughters. Raised to be independent, strong-willed creatures – as much as you would like to keep them close – you must unleash the harness and “let them roam a little.” If you do, in The End, more often than not, you’ll find them content by your side, back where they started. Anyone who has – or has ever had – either a cat or a daughter, or both! will find something to relate to in this delightfully crafted memoir – which I give four paws up, a tail twitch, and a back arch! Toni Draper, a transplant from Maryland, graduated from Hood College with a degree in Spanish Language and Literature. She currently shares her “reading abode” with her partner and their six rescued dogs and a sassy Siamese cat in Helotes.

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makeover

Meet Bama. For most of Bama’s life, her mom, Allison, called a mobile pet groomer who would park the van right outside the house. Eventually, however, they stopped answering Allison’s calls, and she was forced to look for someone who could groom Bama. She called the local vet, but he wanted to put the kitty under anesthesia as a matter of procedure, and Allison didn’t like the sound of that. She called every groomer around her, but none of them were willing to groom cats, especially one who weighs more than 20 pounds! So she called Carolyn’s Mobile AFTER: BAMA IN HER SISTER’S STROLLER BEFORE: CAROLYN & BAMA Cat Grooming and Carolyn came over. By the time Carolyn got there, Bama was covered in knots and matts; things weren’t looking too good under her tail, either! So Carolyn set Bama right on the kitchen counter, and brushed and shaved her, gave her a good bath in the kitchen sink, trimmed her feet and nails, a quick towel dry and then let her go. She was in and out in less than an hour. An hour after that, Bama was out of hiding, begging for her dinner. Bama’s owner tells Carolyn, “Bama is now so much happier and she struts around the house like the queen she is.” After nearly three years of Carolyn’s grooming, Bama is much more laid back kitty, and doesn’t seem to mind her groomings with Carolyn. Carolyn the Cat Groomer (817) 247-7292

{catmakeover}

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{spotted by the pupperazzi} 34

F

annual howlidayparty urr-tastic or flea infested! The Pupperazzi is on the scene and has your tail covered!

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exas Dogs & Cats annual Howliday Party “Applause for Santa Paws� was a huge success. We raised nearly $1,000 for the SA Humane Society and a special thanks to the Helotes Humane Society for playing Santa Paws. Another special thanks to Shelly Miles for being a Pawsome Hostess.

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Hill Country Animal League is a non profit 501(c)3 so all your donations are tax deductible. FOR A FREE CONSULTATION CALL

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Carrie Cunningham 210.710.1009 • carrie@aww-paws.com • www.aww-paws.com “full service at-home pet sitting for greater peace of mind”

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Callaghan Road Animal Hospital:

Exceptional Veterinary Care for Your Pets Here at Callaghan Road Animal Hospital we offer mobile equine veterinary services for your convenience in addition to caring for your dogs and cats. We provide a variety of services including: • Wellness physical exams • Lameness exams • Vaccinations • Coggins testing • Soft tissue surgery • Dentistry - both equine and small animal • Reproductive ultrasounds • Artificial insemination (equine) • Surgery (both equine and small animal) • Laser declaw for kittens as young as 3 months Additional services include • Boarding • Grooming

For those unexpected situations, we are proud to offer after hour equine emergency services. Dr. Evans and Dr. Guevara have combined experience of 15 years specializing in equine and small animal veterinary care.

5739 Callaghan Road, Suite 101 San Antonio, TX 78228 (210) 647-1101 info@callaghanroadanimalhospital.com

210-414-2788 sanantonio.sitmeanssit.com


RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS OF SAN ANTONIO 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

HOTK9RESCUE 830-981-2300 animalfriends4ever.org

SAN ANTONIO HUMANE SOCIETY 210-226-7461 SAhumane.org

HUMANE SOCIETY OF KERRVILLE 830-367-7722 humanesocietyofkerrville.com

SAN ANTONIO PETS ALIVE (SAPA) sanantoniopetsalive.org

HUMANE SOCIETY OF NEW BRAUNFELS 830-629-5287 hsnba.com

SAN ANTONIO R.O.C.K.S. (REAL OPTION FOR CHANGING KILL SHELTERS) sarocks.org

JUST ADD LOVE DOG RESCUE justaddlovedogrescue.com

SCHERTZ ANIMAL SERVICES 210-658-5321

KATIE’S ROADSIDE RESCUE www.krrtx.org

SOUTH TEXAS ANGEL PAWS RESCUE 210-632-9111 SouthTexasAngelPawsRescue.com

BEST FRIENDS ANIMAL SOCIETY 210-306-6126

LAS LOMOS K9 RESCUE & ADOPTION FOUNDATION dogsrus.org

BULVERDE AREA HUMANE SOCIETY 830-980-2247 bulverdeareahumanesociety.com

LOST PAW PATROL 865-742-1151 lostpawpatrol.com

CITY OF SAN ANTONIO ANIMAL CARE SERVICES 210-207-4738 saacs.net

LOVE FOR PAWS RESCUE 210-639-4039 loveforpawsrescue.com

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 FRIENDS OF ANIMAL CARE SERVICES (FACS) 210-826-4831 friendsofanimalcare.org HANDS4PAWS hands4pawsrescue.org HELOTES HUMANE SOCIETY 210-422-6242 hhsanimals.org HILL COUNTRY ANIMAL LEAGUE 830-249-2341 hcaltx.com HOMES FOR PETS/SCHERTZ HUMANE SOCIETY homesforpets.org

{January 2014}

MISSY’S HAVEN CANINE RESCUE 210-788-7420 missyshaven.org

SOUTHERN ANIMAL RESCUE ASSOCIATION 830-401-0280 SPAY-NEUTER ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (SNAP) 713-862-3863 snapus.org SpaySA 210-351-7729 spaysa.org

ORDINARY MIRACLES CANINE RESCUE www.omcr.org

SPAY-NEUTER-INJECT-PROJECT OF SAN ANTONIO (SNIPSA) 210-576-3497 snipsa.org

PAUSE FOR PAWS, INC. 210-494-1455 pfpsd.org

TALK ABOUT IT! SA 210-242-4720 talkaboutitsa.org

PAWS FOR SERVICE pawsforservice.org

TEJAS RESCUED PET ADOPTIONS 210-416-3947 tejasrescues.org

PAWS N CLAWS RESCUE 210-360-9933 PawsNClawsRescueSATX.com PROTECTING ANIMALS WITHIN SAN ANTONIO (P.A.W.S.) 210-445-8586 sapaws.weebly.com RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERS ALLIANCE 210-822-6763 responsiblepetowners.org SA K9’S SERVICE DOG CLUB 210-214-0182 SAN ANTONIO GUARDIAN ANGELS 210-379-9034 sanantonioguardianangels.com

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 or would like anything modified on this list. All breed specific rescue groups are listed on our website.

39


financing veterinarycare BY SHANNON PIGOTT, CVPM, ACC

A

s pet owners, we inherently understand that caring for our furry friends means being financially prepared to cover pet expenses related to food, toys and treats as well as veterinary care. From personal experience, I am sometimes surprised by the amount of money required to properly care for my own pets. The count of which is now at 10 – 3 dogs, 4 cats and 3 horses. I find it fascinating that a bag of dog treats can cost $15 or more at the local pet store and even a small stuffed toy can run upwards of $30. Of course, you will likely find me scanning the shelves looking for the perfect toy or treat to take home, despite the cost. I recently overheard a pet owner comment about a business that routinely charged $300 or more for each visit. I was worried she was talking about our hospital. With a little trepidation, I asked which business. Imagine my relief when she said, “Costco”. The short conversation sparked a roaring fire of thought about the perception of other pet owners on the prices for veterinary care as compared to other family expenses. After a search on the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS) website, I found some interesting highlights on common household expenditures. Notice below that veterinarian services are second to the last on the list. As a way to doublecheck the expenditures reported by BLS for pet care, the average medical invoice reported by the American Animal Hospital Association for veterinarian services is approximately $150. Annual Household Costs Transportation - $8,998 (2012) Grocery/Food –$6,599 (2012) Entertainment - $2,605 (2012) Apparel - $1,736 (2012) Pet Food - $183 (2011) Veterinarian Services -$143 (2011) Pet Supplies/medicine $141 (2011)

What is not reported and likely creates the most stress and anxiety for all pet owners is the unexpected, and therefore unplanned, bill for urgent care. When a pet is ill or injured, cost for treatment can escalate quickly, sending people without pet insurance scrambling for credit, payment plans or enough cash from a bank account to cover the bill. If urgent care is the financial stressor, three important considerations emerge: First, as pet owners we need to plan that our pet will likely become ill or injured each year and be prepared to pay twice the cost, or more, of the average annual wellness check-up. Second, pet insurance (Trupanion is my personal pick) is the best way to reduce financial stress when a pet requires urgent care. Third, if you find yourself in a financial jam, ask your veterinarian about payment plans. While most hospitals expect payment at the time services are rendered, some hospitals offer payment plans to help owners afford complete care. Shannon Pigott, CVPM, ACC – Owner of City Veterinary Hospital, Friendship Pet Hospital and Wellness Center, and creator of Genesis BreedSpecific Health Care™



{petsafety} BY DR. JAMES PETERSON

goldenretrievers May Hold the Answers in Canine Cancer

S

ince September 2012, Morris Animal Foundation has been busy recruiting 3,000 purebred Golden Retrievers for an amazing project, the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. About one-third of the necessary dogs have been enrolled, but more canine heroes are needed.

How do genetics, diet and environment influence the incidence of cancer and other diseases in our pets? To answer that question, Morris Animal Foundation created the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, the most groundbreaking observational study ever undertaken to improve canine health. While the results will certainly improve the health of all dogs, the study itself focuses only on Golden Retrievers. This breed was chosen because they develop cancer at a higher rate when compared to other purebred dogs, often approaching 50 percent of the breed. Plus, their popularity offers researchers a large pool for recruitment. In order to achieve the most accurate results, the 3,000 dogs selected must be evenly distributed across five national regions and should consist of an equal number of intact females, spayed females, intact males and neutered males. The study is expected to take roughly 14 years to complete, making it the largest and longest veterinary study ever initiated to date. Each owner completes a detailed online questionnaire every year about their dog’s diet, travel, reproductive history, living environment, exercise and behavior. During the pet’s annual study physical exam, its veterinarian collects blood, urine and other samples. The exam results are then entered into an online database. The collected samples are sent to a laboratory for long-term storage where they will be available to researchers for future additional studies. Samples are also submitted for a wide range of tests and panels, such as a complete blood cell count, urinalysis and a heartworm antigen test, to analyze the dog’s internal health. The results of these tests are shared with owners through their veterinarians. Whenever a Golden Retriever experiences naturally occurring health issues while participating in the study, the veterinarian will notify Morris Animal Foundation

42

of the testing and results. If a dog develops cancer, the veterinarian will collect samples that are vital for evaluation. The findings of this study should shed light on the relationship between risk factors and the development of specific cancers, while also identifying genetic variants associated with common cancers in Golden Retrievers. Although finding the causes and frequencies of cancer is at the forefront of the study, researchers also hope to gain insights into a host of other canine medical problems, such as diabetes, skin disorders and hip dysplasia. Those interested in helping to cure canine cancer should visit www.MorrisAnimal Foundation.org/Golden. Eligible dogs must be a healthy purebred, with a verifiable three-generation pedigree, be between 6 and 24 months of age and reside in the contiguous United States. For each dog entered into the study, the owner will receive $75 annually to cover the costs of physical exams. Dr. James Peterson is a 1992 graduate of Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. He began his career in Emergency Veterinary Medicine in San Antonio, and has practiced both Emergency and Small Animal Medicine in San Antonio for over 20 years. He is currently a director of Mission Pet Emergency in Northwest San Antonio and owns Hill Country Animal Hospital & The Palms Pet Resort in Helotes, TX.

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Directed by veterinarian owner

DEFINING QUALITY PET CARE THROUGH FOCUSED EFFORTS WITH AN ATTITUDE OF EXCELLENCE.

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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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{dogmakeover}

FEATURED DOGGIE

BEFORE

makeover

AFTER

Meet Rocky. He is a 3 year old Miniature Schnauzer who has been coming to see Lisa at Happy Tails Pet Salon every 2 months since he was 4 months old! Rocky lives in the country with his humans David and Patricia. Rocky is a fun loving and adventurous guy who barks to the beat of his own drummer. Rocky is seen here sporting his “signature” Mohawk! Happy Tails Pet Salon, 9113 Timber Path (210) 647-1129

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PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS WENK/RAMPAGE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER

Matsumoto’s rescue

F

orward Jon Matsumoto was on his way home from a Rampage game, the AT&T Center in his rearview mirror, when his wife spotted two stray dogs near a tattoo parlor on Houston Street.

BY KEN RODRIGUEZ

One of them appeared pregnant. Jon stopped the car. Kristen Matsumoto, an animal lover, stepped out to check on the canine with a sagging belly. She noticed the dog was a male in distress. A mass the size of a cantaloupe hung from its stomach. A large scar covered the left side of its face. Teeth were missing. The second dog, a female, had less severe trauma: an open flesh wound on the back left side, random cuts on her legs. Jon and Kristen took the strays home for the night, then drove them to the Animal Defense League the following day. The dog with the stomach mass underwent surgery and survived. A hospital worker gave him the name, “Rampage.” Veterinarians treated the wounds of the second dog. The worker called her “Silver Star.” 46

“Both of them are doing great,” Jon says. The rescues inspired the Rampage to start a collection drive to address the stray dog population near the AT&T Center. The team is encouraging fans at all seven Sunday home games to bring pet food, towels, blankets, paper towels, pet shampoo and plastic grocery bags for the Animal Defense League, a no-kill shelter in San Antonio. “We are not asking fans for money,” says Jon, who will donate $20 to the Animal Defense League for every goal he scores this season. “We are asking them to bring things that might be around the house. Like old blankets, dog treats and plastic bags.” The growing number of strays near the AT&T Center mirrors a citywide problem. The city and local animal

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sists in 35 regular season games. He scored 13 points in the postseason, and helped the Rampage win their first playoff series in history. In the second overtime of Game 5 against Chicago, Jon assisted Roman Derlyuk for the game-winning goal. During the season, the girlfriend of former Rampage defenseman Tyson Strachan rescued several stray puppies. Jon and Kristen took a mixed breed and named it Rooney. “We fell in love with him and never gave him up,” says Jon, who is also fostering a Chihuahua. When Jon rejoined the Rampage in September, he and Kristen recognized the stray population around the AT&T Center had not improved. The Rampage already plays host to an annual event -- Pucks and Paws Night -- that benefits an animal welfare charity. So why not enhance that effort with a project that will benefit more strays? At every Sunday Rampage game, the Animal Defense League will

bring dogs ready for adoption to a “Matsumoto’s Rescues” table at the AT&T Center. Silver Star is ready for adoption but not Rampage. Though he has recovered from surgery, Rampage faces a new challenge: heartworms. Jon says he should recover and the Matsumoto’s hope for a perfect ending to this story. “Rampage and Silver Star have the same mother but are from different litters,” Jon says. “We don’t want them to be split. We are hoping someone will take both dogs.” Ken Rodriguez is a San Antonio native who covered his first Spurs game in 1981 for The Daily Texan, the University of Texas student newspaper. He spent 26 years in the newspaper business—21 of them covering sports—before joining the marketing department at Our Lady of the Lake University in 2009. His Spurs.com column will appear every Wednesday.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRIS WENK/RAMPAGE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTO COURTESY OF DARREN ABATE/RAMPAGE TEAM PHOTOGRAPHER

shelters take in more than 50,000 stray cats and dogs a year, says Hugo Vital, communications director for the Animal Defense League. “In addition to that, solid waste management picks up over 30,000 dead cats and dogs a year,” Vital adds. The series of Rampage collection drives—“Matsumoto’s Rescues”— will reinforce a message of responsible pet ownership. “If we spay and neuter our pets, they will not be able to reproduce, which will drastically reduce the stray population,” Vital says. “We couldn’t be happier here at the Animal Defense League to partner with such a responsible and well-known organization as the Rampage.” The Matsumoto’s own a rescue dog -- “Rooney” -- from Jon’s first stint with the Rampage. In January 2012, while the Rampage were playing .500 hockey, general manager Mike Santos acquired Jon from Charlotte in a three-player trade. Jon jump-started the team’s offense, scoring 10 goals and adding 16 as-

{January 2014}

47


petpuzzlers Fun Facts about Reveille, the dog: The official Mascot of Texas A&M University

• Reveille if officially cared for by the Corps of Cadets Company E-2 DEAN ELEANOR GREEN WITH REVEILLE AND PHOTO COURTSEY OF TEXAS A&M

A&M Word Scrabble eAgig lldyFeieK Rvlileee loSCoinaetltge nCoMrsereutyme Marono tieWh oCllei oohcSl coMast Cdaset lKeyl rnyretiVea lolobatF easCssl

• Reveille is considered a cadet general and the highest-ranking member of the Corps of Cadets • The first Reveille was a mixed breed dog in 1931 • Reveille has her own cell phone, operated by the Mascot Corporal • Reveille has her own student identification card • If Reveille barks in class, the session is cancelled • All Reveille’s to date have been female • The

current Reveille is a Rough Collie named Kelly

FIND ANSWERS ON OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.TEXASDOGSANDCATS.COM/SA


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you & your pet

gettinginshape BY MICHELLE POPILEK

T

he health benefits of running, jogging or walking can be almost endless. Getting active can not only get you into better physical shape but it can also boost your energy levels and fight depression. When you bring Fido along, your dog can experience the very same benefits! Did you know that over 40% of our nation’s pets are overweight? Sometimes we think our chunky pets are cute, but that extra pudge can increase serious health risks like diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and even a shorter life span. Getting more exercise can help your pet’s physical health and can also help alleviate some of the naughty boredom vices that your pet may resort too. Excessive barking, chewing furniture, digging at doors, jumping or rough housing can all be signs of pent up energy. We understand that getting started can be tough. City Veterinary Hospital ™ has partnered with Soler’s Sports™ to help you and your pet get started safely and to help you stick with it! Once a month we meet at various locations around San Antonio for a dog run / walk and social hour afterwards. Soler’s Sports™ has runners of every experience level and many experts to provide you with the advice and proper equipment to help you be successful. City Veterinary Hospital™ is on site as well to do the same for your pet! Our events are always free and family friendly. We maintain fun themes and have incentive freebies and raffles to reward you and Fido for getting active. Running with a pet can be very motivating! When 50

for the new year

When you combine your pup’s excitement with a supportive running group you are bound to be successful! your pal gets used to running with you she will start looking forward to getting out and about with you. When the couch is calling your name, those big eyes and wagging tail may be enough to convince you to get out even when you didn’t feel like it. When you combine your pup’s excitement with a supportive running group you are bound to be successful! It is always a good idea to check in with your doctor to be sure that you are healthy enough to engage in physical activity. The same is true of your pet, ask your Veterinarian at your next wellness visit. It is always a good idea to start slow especially if you or your pet is new to running or have otherwise lived a sedimentary lifestyle. Whether your New Year’s Goals include building a stronger bond with your four legged pal, improving your health or making new friends, our events can help! Find us online for more details for our next dog run/walk with Soler’s Sports TM in January at The Cove Restaurant, which offers an enticing menu of local and organic foods and is located at 606 W Cypress, SA, TX 78212. If you’re not ready to run, no pressure! Bring the family out for the dog friendly social hour and to enjoy the delicious menu and fun atmosphere!

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PET DIRECTORY OF SAN ANTONIO ANIMAL HOSPITALS &

VETERINARY SERVICES 4 Paws Animal Hospital........... 33 Bracken Equine Clinic................ 2 Callaghan Road Animal Hospital.................... 38 City Veterinary Hospital.......... IBC Deerfield Animal Hospital....... 22 Friendship Pet Hospital and Wellness Center.................. IBC Joshua Creek........................... 36 Penny Paws Animal Clinic......... 33 Retama Equine Hospital.......... 23 The Ark Pet Hospital................ 22 VCA Animal Hospitals................ 3 EMERGENCY Mission Pet Emergency............ 43 SPECIALTY Mission Veterinary Specialists.. 27 BOARDING KENNELS & DAYCARE FACILITIES Alamo Heights Kennel Club & Salon....................... 44 Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit....... 36 City Veterinary Hospital.......... IBC Four Paws Inn of Converse....... 45 Friendship Pet Hospital and Wellness Center........... IBC Grooming By Gloria................. 15 K9 Country Club & Training Academy................ 35 Mrs. Goodiecookie’s Pet Resort........................... 35 Pawderosa Ranch (2 Locations)......................... 1 Pawsitive Solutions.................. 32 Pet Galaxy......................... 49, BC Sharon Griswald...................... 19 Sunny Oaks Pet Resort............ 35 The Palms Pet Resort............... 43 CAR DEALERSHIPS Jennings Ford............................ 3 North Park Subaru...................IFC CLEANING SERVICES Maid Affordable...................... 33 GROOMING SERVICES {January 2014}

Alamo Heights Kennel Club & Salon....................... 44 Barbara’s Canine Clip “n Bows........................ 32 Carolyn’s Mobile Cat Grooming...................... 31 Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit....... 36 Boerne Grooming.................... 33 City Veterinary Hospital.......... IBC Designing Dogs....................... 33 Doggie Styles.......................... 37 Grooming By Gloria................. 15 Happy Tails Pet Salon.............. 44 K9 Country Club & Training Academy................ 35 K9 Klub Dog Grooming............ 15 Linda’s Pet Grooming.............. 32 Lucky Dog Pet Grooming......... 17 Pet Galaxy......................... 49, BC Suds Z Pup.............................. 44 The Palms Pet Resort & Spa.... 43 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming........................ 23 OBEDIENCE TRAINERS Bark Busters............................ 33 Bluebonnet Bunk n Biscuit....... 36 In Harmony with Dogs............. 37 K9 Kontrol............................... 22 K9 Country Club & Training Academy............ 35 Pawsitive Solutions.................. 32 Pet Galaxy......................... 49, BC Retama Equestrian Center....... 23 Sharon Griswald...................... 19 Sit Means Sit............................ 38 The Palms Pet Resort & Spa.... 43

Poo Bagger.............................. 32 The Pooch House.................... 15 True Drool............................... 19 Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming........................ 23 PET MORTUARY AND CREMATION SERVICES/HOSPICE Paws in Heaven........................ 14 Pawsitive Memories Hospice... 32 PET PHOTOGRAPHERS/ART Renee Spade Photography...... 41 PET SITTING AND WALKING SERVICES Aww Paws............................... 37 Bussho & Ranch Equine Pet Sitting................ 37 Happy at Home Pet Sitting...... 25 PET WASTE REMOVAL SERVICES Bark-Yard Bomb Squad Pooper Scooper.................. 44 REAL ESTATE SERVICES Lowe Selling Team................... 17 RETAIL STORES Walgreens (Multiple Locations)............. 15

NOT FOR PROFIT/RESCUE GROUPS Hill Country Animal League...... 37 Morris Foundation................... 52 San Antonio Humane Society.... 9 PET BOUTIQUES/PRODUCTS/ SPECIALTY/STORES/SUPPLIES Alamo Dog Doors.................... 17 Fetch & Friskers (2 Locations)....................... 33 Fifi & Fidos Pet Boutique......... 37 Locke Hill Feed........................ 25 Morales Feed & Supply........... 37 Paw Basics............................... 15 51


HERO FOR LIFE

THERE IS NOTHING CUTE ABOUT CANINE CANCER (EXCEPT FOR THOSE HELPING US FIGHT IT) We’re looking for a few good Goldens—3,000 to be exact—to be part of the world’s largest and most important study ever undertaken for canine health. Morris Animal Foundation’s Golden Retriever Lifetime Study tracks volunteer dogs’ health for life in order to help better prevent, diagnose and treat cancer and other canine diseases. Make your dog a hero for life.

Join the fight today at MorrisAnimalFoundation.org/Golden #3000Strong

FOUNDING PARTNER

The Mark and Bette Morris Family Foundation

PLATINUM PARTNERS

GOLD PARTNER

OTHER PARTNERS

Hadley and Marion Stuart Foundation Mars Veterinary


• Wellness Care (Vaccines, Spay, Neuter) • Internal Medicine/Surgery • Complete Dental Care • Full In-House Lab • Digital X-rays • Acupuncture & Laser Therapy • Genetic Testing • Online Pet Store

PAYMENT PLANS Guaranteed Approval with active bank account

210-651-0100

17244 IH 35 North Schertz, Texas 78154 3009 and I-35, in front of Lowes www.friendshippethospital.com

SERVING URBAN PETS SINCE 1945

• Comprehensive Veterinary Care • Boarding • Play Care • Grooming

RENOVATION UNDERWAY PAYMENT PLANS Guaranteed Approval with active bank account

210-225-6531

818 Austin Street San Antonio, Tx 78208 4 mins. from the Pearl Brewery

Find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/CityVeterinaryHospitalSA


HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM PET GALAXY!

There may be lots of reasons why your dog needs training

Wherever in the world you like to spend your own dream vacation ...

WE CAN HELP!

• Are you worried about coming home to torn up furniture? • Are you unable to walk your dog without a pinch collar? • Is your dog dragging you around the neighborhood instead of you walking your dog? • Is your dog jumping up to greet people, including jumping up on your small children? • Does your dog suffer from phobias or depression? • Is your dog aggressive towards other dogs or people? • Is your best friend simply too much dog for you or your family to handle?

Pet Galaxy offers dream vacations for your pets, because pets deserve vacations too!

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


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