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Friday, August 16, 2019 | The Examiner | 2019 Cutest Pets Contest

plus 5 SIGNS THAT YOUR DOG IS

CUTEST PET

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THE 2019

WINNERS SEE PAGE 8 & 9

WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE GETTING A

CAT Section C

Friday, August 16, 2019

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2019 Cutest Pets Contest | The Examiner | Friday, August 16, 2019

Friday, August 16, 2019 | The Examiner | 2019 Cutest Pets Contest

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Common reasons pet owners go to the vet

By TailsandToys.com

V CONTACT US Phone: 816-254-8600 ADVERTISING displayads@examiner.net

2019 Cutest Pets Contest is created annually by GateHouse Media LLC and distributed with various newspapers across the country and by King Features. Reproduction in whole or in part without prior written permission is strictly prohibited.

Opinions expressed in the publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of the management of the publication.

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eterinary visits, while necessary, are no fun for pets, many of whom find the experience stressful. They can also be a bummer for owners when they find themselves spending a lot of money on medical bills.

But that doesn’t mean trips to the vet should be avoided. It’s better to nip smaller health problems in the bud before they turn into much bigger issues.

“Pet owners are encouraged to schedule regular medical checkups as recommended by their veterinarians to prevent many common yet problematic medical conditions,” said Carol McConnell, DVM, MBA, vice president and chief veterinary officer at pet health insurance provider Nationwide, in a recent press release.

Nationwide analyzed its database

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of more than 725,000 insured pets to determine the top medical conditions that prompted vet visits for dogs and cats.

“Early detection can be key. The majority of medical conditions on the top 10 list can be successfully managed if treated promptly by a veterinarian,” McConnell said.

Dogs

Cats

1. Skin allergies 2. Ear infection 3. Non-cancerous skin mass 4. Diarrhea/intestinal upset 5. Skin infection 6. Vomiting/upset stomach 7. Arthritis 8. Dental disease 9. Anal gland inflammation 10. Bladder/urinary tract disease

1. Bladder/urinary tract disease 2. Dental disease 3. Chronic kidney disease 4. Vomiting/upset stomach 5. Diarrhea/intestinal upset 6. Excessive thyroid hormone 7. Upper respiratory infection 8. Skin allergies 9. Diabetes 10. Heart valve malfunction

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TABLE OF CONT ENT S Common Reasons to go to the Vet.............................PAGE 3 ASPCA Kittens for adoption...........................................PAGE 6 What to know before getting a CAT...........................PAGE 7 2019 Cutest Pets Winners.................................PAGE 8 & 9 Signs your dog is happy................................................. PAGE 10 A Second Chance............................................................... PAGE 11 Grooming Tips..................................................................... PAGE 12 Products to Remember Your Pet.............................. PAGE 13 5 Pets for Beginners......................................................... PAGE 14

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2019 Cutest Pets Contest | The Examiner | Friday, August 16, 2019

ASPCA

seeks kitten fosters

By TailsandToys.com

S

pring is the start of feline breeding season, a time of year when thousands of homeless kittens inundate animal shelters around the U.S. These facilities need help properly caring for such an overabundance of baby cats, especially those that are so young they require bottle-feeding. And that’s where the good deed of kitten fostering comes in.

To assist, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recently launched the second edition of its national campaign Meow for Now, which recruits kitten fosters and bolsters shelter foster programs throughout the country.

“In 2017, the ASPCA did a big push to recruit kitten fosters for our Los Angeles Feline Foster Program in order to help one of the most vulnerable populations in the L.A. shelters — tiny kittens,” Tina Reddington, the ASPCA’s director for Los Angeles Volunteer & Kitten Programs, told TAiLS & toys. “We were so inspired by the program’s success that we wanted to impart our learnings to other shelters

around the country while driving the general public to consider fostering kittens.

“Meow for Now aims to raise awareness about the critical need for kitten fosters nationwide and recruit cat lovers to consider fostering kittens in their local communities. The campaign comes in two parts — we’re asking the public to pledge to foster kittens this summer and we’re also working to help shelters across the country elevate their own foster programs.

We have nearly 700 shelters and rescues around the country participating, and we expect to engage tens of thousands of prospective foster parents across the nation.”

For cat lovers who can dedicate the time to kitten fostering, there are many benefits.

“Fostering allows underage kittens to grow up protected from disease and excess stress they may face in shelters, and gives kittens too young to enter shelters another chance at life,” said Reddington.

“In addition, fostering gives people the opportunity to single-handedly change an animal’s life for the better. Fostering has a direct, positive impact on the animal,

and is a hugely rewarding and fun experience for those who choose to become caregivers. By giving kittens a little TLC, fosters will receive an immense amount of love, cuddles and purrs in return as a thank you.”

Kitten fostering, which includes such care and support as feeding, cleaning and socializing, can last for as little as a few weeks.

“Many foster programs give all the supplies needed and cover medical costs,” said Reddington. “Young kittens don’t require a lot of space and they can thrive in a small room or a small enclosure like a bathroom, so fosters should not worry about the size of their home or apartment.

“The fostering process can look different depending on the age. For kittens ages 4 to 8 weeks, they are already eating on their own, so they require fewer feedings. For kittens under 4 weeks old, they must be bottle-fed every few hours.”

The ASPCA operates two feline foster programs across the country: one in New York City and another in Los Angeles. Potential fosters are asked to fill out an application and attend an orientation session (either online or in-person, depending on the location). Every program is different, so interested applicants should reach out to their local shelters to see what is required.

“Just one foster home could potentially help 20 kittens each kitten season,” said Reddington. Ultimately, the goal is to help these young cats develop and thrive in a home environment so they can go on to find their forever homes.

Find out more abut Meow for Now at secure.aspca.org/take-action/ meow-for-now-2019.

Friday, August 16, 2019 | The Examiner | 2019 Cutest Pets Contest

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Do you really want a cat?

This may seem like a silly question, but it’s important to ask before you take the steps to getting any pet, especially if you have never had a pet before. Cats are not like dogs, and they have their own personalities and needs. So if you are not keen on potentially receiving a dead mouse, having cat fur on your furniture or sharing your lap with a cuddly feline, consider another pet.

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Type of cat Hairless, lots of hair or something in between?

Male or female? Meows a lot or rarely meows? These are just some of the questions to consider when deciding on a type of cat. There is a wide range of cat breeds, and the personality of each breed is unique.

Look into the different breeds to see which one matches what you are looking for in a pet, from fur coat to personality and more.

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Indoor or outdoor?

It is recommended to be open-minded to the benefits and risks of both options. For outdoor, be prepared for the potential risks your cat could be exposed to (nearby traffic, predators, pests) and learn the ways to keep your feline as safe as possible. If you choose indoor-only, be prepared to offer your cat more activities and attention to pique their curiosity and help fulfill their adventurous tendencies.

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Where to get your cat Shelter or breeder? Many would lean towards adoption, especially with how many cats are in shelters looking for homes. But this may not be the best option for a first-time cat owner who is looking for a particular feline that fits their lifestyle and needs. If you choose to go with a cat from a breeder, there will be more steps and costs to getting your pedigreed cat, but a breeder will be able to provide you with plenty of information about the type of cat you

are looking for. If you want to adopt, you may not have as much information as you might like on the cat’s origin, but you will have plenty of cats to choose from, with many shelters offering discounts and benefits.

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First day at home Your home will be totally new to your new cat. Before you bring it home, you will have to make your space cat-proof (cords encased or secured, heavy books moved). Additionally, get in the habit of checking all appliances before you use them, as cats can squeeze themselves in places you didn’t think possible. It’s also recommended to bring home a cat on a day when someone can be home to supervise. Get cats started in a quiet, enclosed space, show them to their litter box and let them get acclimated to the members of the household before you bring guests over. This process doesn’t take long, but remember that this will be their home as much as it is yours, so do everything you can to make it

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comfortable and safe for them.

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Cat behaviors If you have never had a cat before, you may not be familiar with their typical behaviors. For example, cats like to scratch and claw, so if you don’t want to have your furniture experience an undesired makeover, be sure to provide products like scratching posts. There are also the “midnight zoomies” and “making biscuits” behaviors, where cats run around the house late at night and knead their paws on certain surfaces.

Familiarize yourself with these and other cat behaviors so you know what is expected and what is abnormal and potentially a sign of distress.

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2019 Cutest Pets Contest | The Examiner | Friday, August 16, 2019

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Friday, August 16, 2019 | The Examiner | 2019 Cutest Pets Contest

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2019 Cutest Pets Contest | The Examiner | Friday, August 16, 2019

By TailsandToys.com

T

here are some people who would argue that dogs don’t have the ability to feel joy because they are not on the same emotional level as humans.

But most pet parents would probably disagree — while we may not always be able to put our finger on exactly how we can tell, we are often able to perceive when Fido is in high spirits based on his body language.

According to the book “Making Dogs Happy” by Melissa Starling and Paul McGreevy, there are various physical signals that can help us confirm when our furry companions are feeling content. Some of their findings are also supported on petMD.com, with experts weighing in on canine bliss.

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Take note when your pup touches you with its tongue: “Most of the time when dogs lick us, it appears to be a sign of affection.”

happy Signs your dog is

Pay attention to your pooch’s rear end: “Loose tail wags indicate positive states.” petMD: “Happy dogs wag their tails in a manner that involves the whole body,” says Dr. Rachel Barrack of New York City’s Animal Acupuncture.

“If the tail wag is soft and loose and

typically held in a more neutral position on the body, this is likely a happy dog,” adds Tonya Wilhelm, dog training specialist and author of several training books.

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Keep track of your dog’s ear positioning: “Ears of dogs who are awake, but relaxed, sit at roughly 10 and 2 o’clock around the dog’s face and point forward and slightly out to the side.” petMD: “Ear shapes vary from breed to breed. In general, happy dogs wear their ears in a relaxed fashion,” says Beth Mullen, director of behavior and training at Washington Humane Society. “One ear may be cocked up, or both may be loose and floppy.”

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Gauge your pooch’s activty level: “Aroused dogs express their joy in expending energy.” petMD: “Happy dogs enjoy playtime and walks,” says Barrack. “While all dogs slow down with age, if your dog seems abnormally quiet or reluctant to engage, this may be a sign they’re not feeling well.”

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Observe how alert and eager your dog is: “Attentiveness to potentially rewarding signals is a good indication that your dog might be feeling optimistic.”

Friday, August 16, 2019 | The Examiner | 2019 Cutest Pets Contest

By TailsandToys.com

W

hen Lisa Miskella, owner of Connecticut-based Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, learned about a chicken wandering the streets of a small town in Maine, she knew that she had to help.

“In February of this year, I received a call from a woman in Maine who had found a chicken walking around the neighborhood,” Miskella told TAiLS & toys. “She eventually was able to catch it and bring it home. It was cold and starving. She named the chicken Cardi C. She kept the chicken warm and fed it but she knew she could not keep it. She looked online at different rescues and found us. She thought we would be a perfect fit.”

Miskella drove up to Maine in a snowstorm in order to bring Cardi home. When she first laid eyes on her, she could tell that Cardi was a battery hen, bred for the egg laying industry. Her beak was sliced and she had frostbite on her comb.

“I kept her in quarantine for 30 days and then she was introduced to the other chickens here at the sanctuary,” Miskella said. “Cardi fits in nicely. She is the sweetest little hen — so friendly. She follows me all around the farm.”

Cardi is just one of many types of farm animals that have been rescued by Miskella, who knows what it’s like to be given a second chance at life.

“In 2012, I was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and had to undergo a few operations,” she said. “After a year of treatment and recovery, I looked at life differently. I wanted to do something meaningful with my life. There was no doubt in my mind that it

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A second chance Connecticut sanctuary rescues mistreated livestock

“We feel our animals have been through enough trauma, pain and suffering. Once they arrive here, they will call this their forever home and will live out the rest of their lives free from pain, suffering and fear.”

Lisa Miskella

Cardi the chicken PHOTOS: TAILS & TOYS

would be working with animals in one way or another.”

After attending a livestock auction, Miskella realized that she wanted to help mistreated farm animals.

“I rescued six goats that night and have been rescuing animals ever since,” she said, adding that in 2018, she set up Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary, where animals are taken in, examined and given medical treatment as necessary. “They are quarantined for 30 days to make sure they are not contagious with any disease. We then begin to rehabilitate them. Some have never known human interaction or what a loving touch feels like.”

Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary does not put its rescues up for adoption.

“We feel our animals have been through enough trauma, pain and suffering,” said Miskella. “Once they arrive here,

they will call this their forever home and will live out the rest of their lives free from pain, suffering and fear.”

To raise awareness about farm animal abuse and neglect, Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary sets up tables at various events and asks veterinarians and pet supply stores to allow them to distribute information. It is also developing programs to educate children and adults on factory farming versus humane farming and what they can do to help. In addition, the sanctuary is planning to purchase land and expand the farm substantially.

“We are at full capacity right now; expanding to a larger facility would allow us to rescue hundreds of more animals,” said Miskella. “It takes a lot of money to feed and care for the animals and to build their new barns and shelters. We are hoping that people will hear our story and be willing to help.”

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2019 Cutest Pets Contest | The Examiner | Friday, August 16, 2019

By TailsandToys.com

W

hether you’re a pet groomer, a pet parent or both, it’s important to know how to properly groom your furry friends. Grooming is about much more than keeping up with your pet’s appearance – it’s a key factor in maintaining their overall health.

As a pet parent of five and the owner of five Puff & Fluff grooming locations in the Phoenix area, Liz Illg has learned a lot over the years about pet care. Now, she’s lending you a paw to ensure that all pets are receiving the proper grooming care.

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Ease your pet into grooming “One of the greatest tips I can give you is to start your felines and canines early when it comes to grooming.

Grooming can be a very stressful event for an animal who is not used to being handled — and this can be especially dangerous if your pet gets spooked near scissors or clippers. Work with your new pup or kitten to get them used to the idea of being held and having their limbs moved around. Bit by bit, get them used to water, combs, nail clippers, etc.”

conditioners and brushes to care for his or her coat. If you have multiple breeds in your household, keep in mind that not all products are fit for all types of cats or dogs. Be mindful of the products you’re using on your pets to preserve their coats.”

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Maintain a routine “One of the most important tips I give my clients is to brush between visits. Not only does regular brushing make your pet look and feel good, it’s a great activity to bond with your pet. Plus, it saves your groomer time in not havNot all coats ing to untangle a month or two are equal worth of knots. Without proper “From super short- upkeep, your four-legged friend haired breeds to those may need a radical shave to get with long, lustrous coats, under- rid of matted hair and knots.” standing your pet’s unique needs will be a great aid in the groomNot just ing process. Educating yourself about the hair on your pet’s needs will help “While braids, bows you to buy the right shampoos, and painted toes are

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pawesome, pet care and grooming involves way more than a sleek coat. Groomers and pet parents should pay careful attention to the paw pads, toenails, ears and eyes. If a pet’s nails are too long, it can affect their ability to walk, ru, and play. If you have a breed with particularly long ears, like a basset hound, you’ll want to keep them clean and free of infectants.”

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Communication is essential “Maintaining open and transparent communication between the pet parent and groomer is key.

For groomers, it’s important to let your client know if you spot anything of concern on their pet. And for pet parents, it’s crucial to let your groomer know if your pet has any allergies, sensitivities or fears when it comes to grooming.”

Friday, August 16, 2019 | The Examiner | 2019 Cutest Pets Contest

Crystal Rainbow Suncatcher

Peaceful Heart Pendant

MDF Urns

$19.99 petperennials.com This timeless keepsake begins with angel wings, followed by a cascade of crystals representing the colors of the rainbow to remind us of the Rainbow Bridge. At the end is a teardrop-shaped prism representing the tears that welled in our eyes the day we welcomed our pet into our lives and those shed when we made our final goodbyes. The prism catches the light and flashes beautiful colors throughout a room.

Finally, the heart-shaped charm gently reminds us that our cherished pets will always be in our hearts. The suncatcher comes with a leaflet that describes the significance of each element in the cascade, as well as the basic meaning of the Chakra system and corresponding energy centers in the human body.

Price varies baileyandbailey.com Bailey & Bailey offers a Peaceful Heart pendant, in ash-holding and non-ashholding styles, with your pet’s actual pawprint or noseprint, along with the option of adding a photo or other engraved options. Available in a wide range of metals: stainless steel, 925 sterling silver, gold-plated, solid gold and platinum.

Price varies newmemorials direct.com New Memorials Direct’s line of MDF urns are ideal for families in need of a more affordable option for their loved one without sacrificing a classic, elegant style. They feature a dark, sleek wood-grain finish that looks strikingly close to real hardwood. You can choose either a deep cherry color or the more modern look of black espresso. Available in medium size, which holds up to 42 cubic inches, and large, which holds up to 160 cubic inches. Both come with a built-in photo frame that can be personalized, and optional text engraving.

Furever Loved Memorial Candle $21.95 onefurallpets.com The Furever Loved Memorial Candle makes a thoughtful gift for someone who is grieving or can be used to honor a beloved pet. This special candle is made with 100 percent natural soy wax and features a light and comforting fragrance that combines an array of floral and citrus scents balanced with a hint of honey and golden vanilla. In addition to its pleasant and calming fragrance, the candle has a colorful and decorative design, making it visually appealing and a nice home accent.

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Paw Pods $9.99 to $89.99 pawpods.com Paw Pods are biodegradable urns that contain no artificial colors. They’re made with sustainable bamboo and rice husk, designed to degrade within three to five years of being introduced to the environment. They can help people of all ages say goodbye to pets in a healthy, sensible way. They are also a good teaching tool for children. All Pods have been designed so that they can be decorated with paint, marker or stickers to add a personalized touch. Options include the Heart Shaped Urn for pets that weighed up to 70 pounds, the Medium Paw Pod for small dogs, cats or rabbits, or the Fish Pod for small to medium fish.

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2019 Cutest Pets Contest | The Examiner | Friday, August 16, 2019

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great pets for beginners

By TailsandToys.com

I

f you are looking to get a pet for the first time — either for yourself or your kids — you might be surprised to know that not every animal is going to work. The appropriate care and products are as different as the animals that require them, and it may not be something you’re ready for, depending on your situation.

These pets are excellent options for first-timers, offering both convenience and adorableness.

Rodent Guinea pigs, gerbils and rats are all rodents that are perfect pets for beginners. Each of these critters is easy to care for and handle, which is an expected requirement for households with children. Guinea pigs are naturally healthy creatures that live long lives, which means you can build a lasting bond with them. And if you are not fond of animal odor, rats are habitually clean by nature, which means a less smelly cage. Gerbils, meanwhile, are the least likely rodent to bite. Additionally, all these critters are furry and entertaining to watch.

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Parakeet The term “parakeet” is broad and encompasses an array of small and medium bird types. Each bird has its own unique size, diet, personality and more. And because the type is so broad, you can choose one that fits what you are looking for in a first-time bird. For example, some parakeets are loud while others are quiet. A noisy bird may not work well if you live in an apartment, for example. The average lifespan of a parakeet ranges from 8 to 40 years.

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Gecko (leopard or crested) Like any reptile, geckos don’t require a ton of space, don’t need to be fed every day and have calm and quiet natures. These qualities make them terrific first-time pets, especially for young children. Geckos are especially

great because they are easy to handle and have unique, adorable faces and patterns (called morphs) that set them apart from other lizards. Geckos have a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years, so youngsters can grow with their pet lizard.

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Freshwater fish Wonderful freshwater starter fish include swordtails, goldfish, danios, guppies and tetras, to name a few. Goldfish and some tetras require a cold water aquarium, while the rest need heated aquariums. Both environments are easy to care for. Each fish type comes in a variety of colors and sizes, providing a beautiful spectacle. Freshwater fish are terrific options for first-timers who are children or even busy adults.

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Turtle The red-eared slider, painted turtle and box turtle are widely considered the best turtles for beginners. Because most turtle breeds generally live long lives (about 20 to 50 years) and require a large living space, they are perfect if you are a first-time pet owner who doesn’t want a pet in a little cage or tank but does want a pet that is a lifelong commitment. With their unique personalities, shell patterns and diets, turtles are fun companion pets.

PHOTOS: FREEPIK.COM

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Friday, August 16, 2019 | The Examiner | 2019 Cutest Pets Contest

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2019 Cutest Pets Contest | The Examiner | Friday, August 16, 2019

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