&
d gs cats Texas
HOUSTON
February 2014
LOW PAGES ADVERTISEMENT
opy of your Yellow Page Ad does not reflect the quality as it will appear in the directory)
FRFiErstE
geographical location for accuracy.
no corrections. um Account Team
We Love to Pamper Your Pets
5. DEADLINE - artwork needs to be returned no later than the due date listed. There is no guarantee that publisher will accept revisions past the due date.
Exam*
Complete Wellness Care
n
Diagnostic & Medical Care
n
Dentistry & Surgery
n
Highly Skilled & Caring Professionals
n
Evening & Weekend Hours
Your Pet’s Health – Our Priority
* For new clients only. Not to be combined with any other offer. Not good for emergency examinations. Up to 2 pets per household. Expires 09-30-2013.
pports Shelters nwide
Count on us to care for your pet. We provide a people friendly environment with dedicated, caring professionals.
Call us to schedule your FREE first exam*
Wellness and early disease Houston Cypress detection & prevention VCA spRing VCA Telge RoAd State of the art medical,BRAnCH dentistry AnimAl HospiTAl First AnimAl HospiTAl and surgical equipment 10109 Long Point Road Exam! * 11430 Telge Road Extended evening andTXweekend Houston, 77043 hours Cypress, TX 77429
FREE
ritos
n
281-671-0776
713-428-2200
Walk-ins welcome Vaccinations & Radiology Spring Lake Ultrasound Jackson VCA lAKe JACKson hours VCA spRing Convenient AnimAl HospiTAl AnimAl HospiTAl Boarding & Grooming 210 That Way 1811 Spring Cypress Doggie day care & Training La Mirada) Lake Jackson, TX 77566 Spring, TX(VCA 77388 979-316-2796
832-510-6196
All backed by theVCAspringbranch.com nation’s largest and mostVCAlakejackson.com trusted animal healthcare VCAspring.com network, VCAtelgeroad.com giving you access to over 275 board certified specialists for complex cases.
Houston Katy Pasadena * For new clients only. Offer good only for general veterinary services. Excludes emergency and specialized services. VCA AsHfoRd VCA Kelliwood VCA AnimAl mediCAl AnimAl HospiTAl AnimAl HospiTAl CenTeR of pAsAdenA 12633 Whittington 960 S. Fry Road 5018A Fairmont Parkway Houston, TX 77077 Katy, TX 77450 Pasadena, TX 77505
281-749-1174
281-944-7901
VCAashford.com
VCAkelliwood.com
Houston
Kingwood VCA Kingwood AnimAl HospiTAl 2526 Green Oak Drive Kingwood, TX 77339
VCA CounTRyside A LAKEWOOD
01 South AnimAl St. HospiTAl
1960 EastAve.) ner of South2211 St. &FMPalo Verde Houston, TX 77073
2-239-4433 281-301-0619
.vcalakewoodca.com VCAcountryside.com our Emergency (Open 7 Days a Week) ctor on Premises
281-973-2852
VCAkingwood.com
281-560-3268
VCApasadena.com Sugar Land VCA souTHwesT fReewAy AnimAl HospiTAl 15575 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 www.VCAhospitals.com
832-500-8443
Texas City, VCA mAinlAnd AnimAl HospiTAl 3015 Palmer Highway Texas City, TX 77590
409-359-4784
VCAmainland.com
Spring/Woodlands VCA woodlAnds AnimAl HospiTAl 428 Rayford Road Spring, TX 77386
Tomball VCA TomBAll VeTeRinARy HospiTAl 28800 Tomball Pkwy Tomball, TX 77375
832-510-6197
281-305-9518
VCAwoodlands.com
VCAtomball.com
www.Facebook.com/VCAAnimalHospitals www.twitter.com/vcapethealth
VCAswfreeway.com
AAHA ACCREDITATION
Management Services Provided by VCA Animal Hospitals. • Animal Healthcare of Texas, PC. - Rocky McKelvey, DVM - owner.
RCF
{contents}
COVER BY SHANNAN PARKER
16 20 06 4
06 Fostering for Thought 12 Pet Dental Health 14 Puppy 101 The First 48
16 Centerstage Belle Joli
18 Margaret’s Paintings
&
d gs cats Texas
PUBLISHER Shannan Parker Tel: 281.781.4727 info@texascatsanddogs.com
EDITOR Tiffany Robinson tiffanyrobinson99@gmail.com
DESIGNER Fran Sherman 314.275.2208 fran@shermanstudios.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
0 22 24 20 Pet Dental Month May Be Better 22 Pets Than Boyfriends
24 K-9 Fun Run & Walk 26 Marketplace 28 Pet Puzzlers {February 2014}
Tricia Fagan Monica Schmidt Texas A&M Nadine Joli- Coeur Connie Geodecke Gabby Salinas Margaret Menchaca Alvarez
PHOTOGRAPHER Shannan Parker
26
ADVERTISE WITH US!
281.781.4727 • Houston@TexasDogsAndCats.com Next Issue: March 2014 Advertiser’s Deadline: February 15th 2014
5
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM TEXAS A&M
fostering thought for
E
ver have a soft spot for that starry-eyed cat or dog behind the caged door at an animal shelter? But maybe you are not sure if you can take on the responsibilities that come with being a pet owner for whatever reason just yet? Fostering could be a good option that allows you to feed your personal wants while also keeping the best interest of the animal in mind.
6
&
d gs cats Texas
“Many animals are fostered. Most are dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens. Sometimes reptiles and pocket pets are fostered until a permanent home can be found,” Dr. M.A. Crist, clinical assistant professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences explains. In the Brazos Valley area especially, there are many young adults and college students who are in a transition stage in their life due to school or other reasons. Because of this, some of us are more hesitant when it comes to making big decisions such as adopting a pet. “Some young adults volunteer to foster an animal before adoption, especially if they provide volunteer work to a shelter or rescue organization. Many young adults or college students who graciously provide their volunteer services do go on and adopt the animal they are providing fostering services for. I believe this could allow the foster parent time to “bond” with the pet
{February 2014}
before making a lifetime commitment” explains Crist. Of course there are also people who foster animals without the intention of adopting. “If the relationship does not work out for a permanent home then the pet was housed for some time period and had human contact until new owners could be found. Pet fostering does allow some young people to enjoy the company of a pet but yet not have a lifetime commitment if they help find a permanent home for the foster pet” said Crist. The process leading up to fostering a pet usually consist of filling out an application and maybe attending a short orientation session. Most shelters provide the food, crate, and everything else to meet the specific needs of your animal. Some pets that need to be fostered also have special needs due to them being young, old, or sick. “Older pets come with an established character, whereas, usually young pets
are developing their character. Older pets may have been abused in a previous environment and need extra time and care to get acquainted with the foster parent and foster household. It is helpful to know the history of the foster pet if possible to provide the best care possible” explains Crist. When introducing a new pet into your home there are some things to always consider. Some animals are timid or anxious before they become fully adjusted which can concern some new parents if they are unsure of this being a permanent personality trauma or problem. “If the foster pet has not responded to the new foster home or parent within a timely period and is displaying unusual behavior or unacceptable behavior, then the foster pet needs to have a complete physical examination by their veterinarian. The foster pet may need to be referred to a board certified animal behaviorist for further treatment. Occasionally, the pet may need medications for their behavior which can be prescribed by the animal behaviorist” said Crist. “The foster parent needs to decide if the foster pet is going to coincide with the existing household pet or will they be kept separate
7
until the foster pet gets a permanent home. Some things to consider is if the foster pet is young or old and will it get along with the household pet. Also, does the household pet have a dominant or passive character and will it get along with the foster pet? Introductions need to be made slowly, over a period of days to weeks. The trick with kitty harmony is to introduce the felines slowly,” said Crist. Take your new foster cat to your veterinarian for a complete physical examination for a healthy pet check. Have a prepared room with food, water bowls, a bed, and a litter box which will be your new cat’s home until the two cats’ get used to each other. Do not put the food so close to the door in the beginning that the cats are too upset at each other’s presence to eat. Gradually move the food dishes to feed 8
“The foster parent needs to decide if the foster pet is going to coincide with the existing household pet or will they be kept separate until the foster pet gets a permanent home.” your resident kitty and your new cat on each side of the door to this room and this will encourage them to get used to each other’s smells and eat calmly. Once this is accomplished, prop the door open enough just to allow the cats to see each other and repeat the whole procedure. It is good to switch out the sleeping bed or blankets between to have them get comfortable with each other’s scent. When the new cat is using the litter box and eating regularly, it is also good to let your new cat have some free time in the house while the resident cat
is confined to the new cat’s room. This switch allows each to cat to experience each other’s scents and the new kitty to become familiar with its new house without being frightened. It is better to introduce your pets to each other gradually so that neither pet becomes frightened or aggressive. “Do not force the cats to be together and do not allow interactions that fearful or aggressive because if this is allowed it can become habit and it is difficult to change. Eventually, you can encourage them to play with a cat “fishing pole” or cat toys on a string. Remember a litter
&
d gs cats Texas
Doggie Daycare, Boarding, Grooming and Obedience Training 6434 Washington Avenue Houston, TX 77007 713-868-7555 deogi@deogidogspa.com
DOG DAYCARE & BAKERY • Cage-Free Boarding • Open 7 Days Per Week
www.houstondogdaycare.com • Don’t forget to visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/jacksons.place
“Once the new cat and dog have explored each other’s scents and are comfortable eating on each side of the door, a controlled face to face meeting is allowed.”
box for each cat plus one,” Crist adds, “Introducing a cat to a dog can be quite tricky as well. Some dogs have such high prey drive that they should never be left alone with a cat. Usually dogs want to chase and play with cats and they become defensive, afraid and sometimes injured or worse.” Using the separate room technique as described above helps the introduction. Once the new cat and dog have explored each other’s scents and are comfortable eating on each side of the door, a controlled face to face meeting is allowed. The dog is placed on a leash, on a “down stay” on one side of the room and a person on the opposite side of the room will sit quietly next to 10
the cat and offer food or catnip to keep the cat around them without physically restraining the cat. Repeat this with lots of short visits rather than long visits until the dog and cat are tolerating each other’s presence without fear or undesirable behavior. The next step is to allow the cat to investigate the dog with the dog on a leash on a “down stay” and praising good behavior. It is best to keep the dog on a leash and with you whenever the cat is free in the house during the introduction phase. Allow the cat an escape route and hiding place and always keep the dog and cat separated when you are not present until you are quite certain that your cat will be safe.
“Be mindful that kittens are much smaller and can be easily injured or killed by a young energetic dog,” said Crist, “or high prey drive dog as well as our senior cats. Sometimes it is best to allow the kitten to become fully grown.” At the end of the day, we want always do what is best for the animal. Fostering an animal can help people decide if they have the time, energy, or accommodations needed for a pet. “The only negative would be if the young adult or college student over commits themselves,” explains Crist. “Sometimes the foster parent gets emotionally attached to the foster pet and it can be hard knowing they have to give up the pet at the end. For most, the foster parent is eager to find a great family who can make a lifelong commitment to the pet.”
&
d gs cats Texas
advertisehere
281.781.4727 • sales@TexasCatsAndDogs.com
Certified Professional Training “The Best Your Dog Can Be”
dogS gone good
Private In-Home Training Dog Boarding School Dog Obedience Classes Puppy Training Classes
713.557.1949 dogSgonegood.com
REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM TEXAS A&M
pet dental health W e all know that our teeth are important. We even visit our dentist regularly to have teeth cleanings and oral exams. Keeping our teeth clean is vital to our health and well-being, and that is no different for our pets.
12
&
d gs cats Texas
“For our pets gum disease means bad breath and painful, irritated gums that can lead to bleeding, loss of appetite, and the loss of teeth if the roots have been affected” “Ideally, you should brush your pet’s teeth daily,” states Dr. Johnathon Dodd, clinical professor at Texas A&M’s College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences. “Make sure you are using special toothpaste that is made for pets and is safe for them to swallow. They cannot spit or rinse like we do, so our pets need specific kinds of toothpaste that is not harmful if ingested.” Having your pet’s teeth inspected and cleaned is an important responsibility many owners overlook. This seemingly slight slip of your pet’s dental care could be causing serious problems in your pet’s mouth. Gum disease is the most common disease occurring in pets today. It results from the build-up of soft dental plaque on the surfaces of the teeth around the gums. The bacteria in dental plaque irritate the gum tissue if it accumulates, which leads to infection in the bone surrounding the teeth. After plaque has formed hard dental tartar, calcium salts from saliva that has been deposited on plaque, begins to grow. If the surface of the tooth does not stay clean, tartar begins to form within a few days. The un-brushed tooth provides a surface that boosts further plaque accumulation. If plague is allowed to accumulate, tartar is difficult to remove without dental instruments. For our pets gum disease means
{February 2014}
bad breath and painful, irritated gums that can lead to bleeding, loss of appetite, and the loss of teeth if the roots have been affected. There is also the possibility that the bacteria surrounding the root of the tooth gains access to the bloodstream, which can lead to microscopic damage of the heart, liver, and kidney. As the severity of the gum disease increases, so does the damage. The best way to ward off potential oral disease in your pet is by keeping your pet’s teeth clean and checkups regular. Your veterinarian and local pet retail stores should carry toothbrushes and toothpaste for your pets. Different flavors of toothpastes are available for dog and cats. “Your pet needs to get their teeth cleaned yearly,” said Dodd. “Most veterinary clinics should offer dental cleaning services, but if they do not they can refer you to someone who does.” To help ward off gum diseases and bad breath, there are products you can feed your pet that help improve and promote oral health. “There are certain dog treats that help promote good dental health,” said Dodd. “The right kind of treat should crumble, be easily crushed, and contain chlorhexadine or a hydrogen peroxide-type additive that can help with the bacteria count in the animal’s mouth. Balancing this bacteria count can help prevent and get rid of bad breath.” A helpful guide to go by when considering your pets’ oral health is the Veterinary Oral Health Council website. They have a compiled list of products that are intended to help reduce the buildup of plaque and tartar on the teeth of animals and have created the VOHC seal of approval. To see the full list of VOHC approved products visit www.vohc.org. Brushing your pet’s teeth, taking them for a yearly visit to the dentist, and giving them VOHC approved products are all ways that you can help make sure your pet has a clean and healthy mouth.!
13
{puppy101} BY TRICIA FAGAN
the first 48 I
have a new puppy! Her name is Zephyr. She is practically perfect in every way. She is urinating and defecating outside, sleeping in her crate, and playing with her toys. Sounds a bit too good to be true, doesn’t it?
I planned very carefully for my new four-legged baby. She was eight weeks and one day old when I got her. It is important to remember how very young she is! Puppies from seven to twelve weeks of age pee and poop with great frequency. If excited and playing, they can urinate as often as every ten to fifteen 14
minutes. Your very first thought with a new puppy should be when did she last pee or poop? Does she need to go now? (The answer is almost always yes!) The very first thing I did with my new puppy is take her to an appropriate urination spot – grass. She peed almost right away. A few minutes later, before
putting her into the car, we revisited the elimination spot and she pooped. Puppies need to eliminate as soon as they wake. If your puppy wakes from a nap or overnight sleep, take her outside a.s.a.p.! If you are playing with your puppy, and she moves away from you, she might need to eliminate.
&
d gs cats Texas
Take her outside right away! After feeding your puppy, take her outside (yes, again!) to go. During the first forty eight hours Zephyr urinated about a thousand times, and defecated about a hundred times. Ok, maybe, possibly, that is a slight exaggeration -- very slight. When in doubt, take the puppy out to eliminate. When not in doubt, take the puppy out to eliminate. The conditions in which the puppy was raised from birth to arriving at your home will influence the puppy’s ability to learn an appropriate elimination habit. The next concern with a new puppy is her new family. Zephyr slept in a pile of ten other puppies for her entire previous life. Now she needs to learn to sleep in a crate by herself. It is a tough transition for many puppies. Many people choose an area unfamiliar to the puppy and away from the people – such as the laundry room. A puppy left alone will cry and holler. A puppy left alone in a strange place will scream for hours. To make things easier for my puppy, and to ensure that I am {February 2014}
able to sleep at night, I chose to have Zephyr’s crate in my bedroom. Zephyr can see me sleeping from her crate. In addition to carefully choosing a location for her crate, I chose some toys for her crate. Remember, I am attempting to replace ten brothers and sisters. A fluffy crate pad, a “heartbeat” toy, a big fluffy toy with squeakers, and a tough toy pig work to replace Zephyr’s brothers and sisters. The “heartbeat” toy has a noise maker that sounds like a heartbeat, as well as an artificial heat source. These two features make the fluffy toy that holds them more puppy-like. The other toys give her something to bite or play with. Does it work? Yes! When Zephyr is placed in her crate she whines for a bit – right after she finishes screaming! Ok, she only screams for a short amount of time (But you may discover that two minutes of screaming can sound like forever! ) Zephyr calms and quiets within two to three minutes of being placed in her crate. For the first couple of days, I was
always visible when she was placed in her crate. Now I can be out of the room when she is crated. One last critical thing to plan: what is the puppy going to bite? Puppy is going to put her teeth on everything. Everything includes you, your spouse, your children. Have a toy available at all times. Play with the puppy and the toy every chance you get. Teach your puppy toys are fun to bite! Any biting toy should be thin enough that puppy can get her mouth around it, yet long enough that your hands are far away from incredibly sharp puppy teeth. Everyone in the family should have a toy with them all the time. Wiggle the toy, make the toy fun. Puppy will learn to bite the toy, not the people. Happy Puppy Raising! Tricia Fagan Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed DogS Gone Good www.dogSgonegood.com trainer@dogSgonegood.com (713) 557-1949 15
{centerstage} 16
&
d gs cats Texas
joli belle
I
t was love at first lick...Joli is a 3-4 year old French Bulldog who was found wandering the streets and brought into Special Pals for safety. While Texas Dogs & Cats was at the Shelter taking pictures of adoptable cats, we had a chance to meet her and offered to foster her. Joli immediately wormed her way into our heart and now spends her days and nights snuggling with her human family and playing with her new furry brothers and sisters! Our lives are truly blessed with her!
Special Pals is a No-Kill shelter in Katy, Texas that has been operating in Houston for the past 20 years. They are situated on 3 1/2 wooded acres and provide shelter and care to approximately 70 dogs and cats. Their mission is to make a measurable and sustainable difference in the Houston area by offering affordable veterinary services, rescuing and rehabilitating homeless pets and providing education about responsible pet ownership. Many of the animals at Special Pals are long term residents who would love nothing more then to have a movie night snuggle and warm bed to call their own. By adopting your forever friend at Special Pals not only will you open your heart to a new family member who will give you a life time of unconditional love, but you will also save a life by allowing your pets spot at the shelter to be used for another deserving pet in need. Currently Walgreens and Kuranda Dog & Cat beds have teamed together to make the pets comfortable and dry off the cold, hard floor. Kuranda beds has offered special discount pricing for this fundraiser. If you would like to help by donating a bed directly to Special Pals, please visit www. http://kuranda.com/donate/9344. {February 2014}
17
BY MARGARET MENCHACA ALVAREZ
margaret’s paintings
M 18
argaret Menchaca Alvarez is an artist and a full-time art teacher looking to expand her work and her audience. Born and raised in Houston, Texas she attended the High School for the Performing and Visual Arts where she graduated in 1999
&
d gs cats Texas
After high school she attended the University of Houston and it was there she received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Studio Painting in 2007. Shortly after graduating Margaret started teaching art full-time at a private school and has been doing so ever since. In her second year as a teacher she received her M.A. in teaching from National University. In 2011 Margaret decided to try something a little different. She needed to make extra cash and so she came up with an idea. The idea started with a photo of her dog. He is a boston terrier with large ears that stand straight up and make him too adorable not to photograph. She took one of the many photos of her dog and created a black and white painting on canvas. Later she added a flat colorful background to make the painting pop. She decided that if others loved their pets as much as she did then they would love to have a lasting memory that she could create. This was the beginning of although painting has always been her medium of Margaret’s Paintings. choice she teaches and loves all types of art. Along Margaret has come to the realization that painting dogs brings her much joy. It is especially pleasing when she delivers with her pet portraits she creates live painting, face painting, and commissioned art which keep her a finished painting to her client and she can witness busy and help her to maintain a wide-rangtheir emotional response to her work. It is clear ing collection of work. She was recently that this isn’t just a way to make extra money featured in the Houston Press online. this is also an outlet for Margaret that You can check out some of her truly makes her happy. She is now able latest work on her website: to spread joy and share her talent with wwwmargaretspaintings.com anyone and everyone who is interested in You can get a16 x 20 inch painting her portraits. on canvas for $150.00. Her interest in art is extensive and {February 2014}
19
{pawz-itivelynatural} BY NADINE JOLI-COEUR
petdentalmonth D 20
id you know that February is Pet Dental Month? If you have been to your vet lately or driven by a vet clinic, I am sure they have signage about dental health
&
d gs cats Texas
It is true,your pet’s dental health can be the root of many current and future health issues. However, I believe the best way to keep your pet’s gums and teeth healthy is year long and not just in February. Many pets will show signs of gum disease before they hit the age of 5 and often many of use have had to due yearly dental cleanings (which can typically cost over #300). Why do our pet’s need teeth cleaning. Have you ever thought what is the difference between a wild animal’s teeth and your pet’s teeth? I would postulate that wild animals do not because they have healthy red gums and strong, white shiny teeth. So what is the difference between the two? You got it, their diet. Similar to humans, the introduction of a diet comprising of processed foods will affect their teeth.
{February 2014}
The primary difference is that your will often will hide the fact that they have pain in their mouth so it can go undetected and be a silent cause to a full range of serious conditions such as infections, heart, kidney and liver disease. As a pet owner, it is our duty to make sure to pay attention to any changes in our pet. If your pet has chronic bad breath, that is a sign of bacteria growing inside their mouth. Push back their gums and look for brownish tartar around gums lines. Other things to look for are problems picking up food, red gums, bleeding of the gums, tooth loss, bumps / lumps in the mouth and ropey bloody saliva. As plaque hardens into tartar it causes gingivitis, tooth loss. So what can you do? You are in control of what you
feed your pet. Look to feed a diet that is less processed. It could be kibble that is made with high quality meat, fruits and vegetables. As there is an increasing amount of companies focusing on delivering high quality, less processed diets, there is also an explosion of growth of mediocre to poor quality products. The term you get what you pay for is very true in the pet food world. When selecting a diet or treats for your pet stay excess carbs, sugars, food colorings and processed ingredients. In addition to considering teeth cleanings you can greatly reduce the frequency by adding natural chews, brushing teeth or adding a natural supplement to water that reduces the formation of plaque in your pets mouth.
21
BY CONNIE GOEDECKE, CLIENT SERVICE AND COMMUNICATIONS, KINGSLAND BLVD. ANIMAL CLINIC
10 reasons why
petsmay bebetterthan boyfriends on Valentine’s Day A 22
h, Valentine’s Day – that annual event celebrating all things heart-shaped and loveinspired. A day when thoughts turn to romance, and those not involved in a relationship may be intimidated into believing their lives are somehow incomplete.
&
d gs cats Texas
Fear not – our four-legged friends are more than capable of providing all the love and adoration a person could hope for, and when you have the unconditional love of a pet, is there anything you’re really missing? And so, for those who are not, and maybe even those who are, involved in the intensely amorous type of relationship raised to an art form by Valentine’s Day, we present the top ten reasons why a pet just might make a better date, anyway. 1. Pets like you exactly the way you are. They don’t comment if you wear comfortable shoes, forego makeup for the day, or gain a few pounds. To your pet, you’re perfect, no matter what. 2. Pets are great listeners. You can go on endlessly about your unappreciative boss, jealous girlfriend, or complaining mother and they give you their full and complete attention. No cell phones interrupting, or surreptitious glances at the football game on TV, just total involvement in YOU. 3. On a related note, pets don’t talk. ‘Nuff said. 4. Pets love your cooking. You can pretty much fix them anything and they’ll love you for it and look for more. And they never, ever tell you their mother made it better. {February 2014}
5. 6.
Pets love to cuddle. Just cuddle. At home, or in public. Your pet doesn’t mind if you’re late. In fact, the later you are, the happier they are to see you. “You’re here! Thank goodness! Now, sit down so I can get on your lap.” 7. Pets love your friends. Heck, pets even love your family. They don’t have to look cute, sound smart, or have the right political view – a skritch behind the ears or occasional ball-toss will win your pet’s immediate approval. 8. Pets are cute when they drool. Boyfriends, not so much. 9. Pets never care what you watch on TV. They may insist on sharing the couch, or the popcorn, but never the remote. 10. You can train a pet. So this Valentine’s Day, celebrate the love of your pet the rewards are great, and it won’t even require an evening at an expensive restaurant. 23
Houston Humane Society’s 33rd Annual
K-9 Fun Run & Walk I t’s time for the 33rd Annual Houston Humane Society’s K-9 Fun Run & Walk, Houston’s oldest dog walk. Participants can join in the 1 mile competitive run or the relaxed 1 mile non-competitive jog & walk.
BY MONICA SCHMIDT – HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY
The event will be at Sam Houston Park in Downtown Houston, 1100 Bagby St., Sunday, March 23, 2014. Race day registration begins at 8 a.m., and the race begins at 10 a.m. Post-race party in the park begins immediately following the run/ walk. To save time, register online at www.HoustonHumane.org. At the fun filled post-race party, dress to impress and compete in our doggie costume contest, join the Alumni Parade if your dog was adopted from HHS, or simply enjoy refreshments, a multitude of pet friendly vendors and activities for the whole family. Be sure to stop by the Houston Humane Society’s mobile adoption to meet adorable, 24
adoptable dogs looking for a new home. Your support and participation in the 33rd Annual K-9 Fun Run & Walk raises money and awareness for the many animals saved and cared for daily at the HHS shelter. Dog participation is encouraged, but not required. People participate for various reasons. Some walk in memory of a pet they lost, some run for abused animals, and some jog just to support HHS. It is special to see the community band together for a common cause and raise awareness for the animals. Race entry fee includes a limited edition April Murphy designed race shirt, bandanna for your dog, and race
goodie bag. Participants and supporters can also create a pledge page to help raise much needed funds for Houston Humane Society and earn great prizes. For more info or to sign up, go to www.HoustonHumane.org. Your participation in this event helps the nearly 50,000 animals cared for by Houston Humane Society each year. Houston Humane Society offers a low cost Animal Wellness Clinic, open to the public 7 days a week, as well as Houston’s only $30 spay/neuter clinic, a state of the art adoption facility, an animal cruelty investigation department, and extensive volunteer program.
&
d gs cats Texas
{marketplace}
fabfeb These heart shaped rope toys are 100% eco-friendly and the hand-tied frays also act like doggie dental floss! Available at Natural Pawz
Talk about tough love! This rope and rubber tug might be cute to look at, but it’s built extra tough for all day play.
This Red Velvet cake will have you surrounded by dogs licking their lips A safe and healthy snack for your Valentine!
Color Pawz nail polish will take your pooch from Bow to WOW! Available at Jackson’s Place
Monkeying around has never been so much fun! This funny monkey has a soft, cuddly feel with a squeaker inside for play time! Available at Natural Pawz
26
&
d gs cats Texas
Who can resist a stuffed dog toy named Boogey? Unlike the Boogey monster this bright pink, fuzzy and completely adorable squeaky dog toy won’t hide under beds. Available at Natural Pawz
Don’t forget to spread a little love on your favorite kitty this Valentines day. Available at Natural Pawz
Spice up any party with this adorable antennae for your dog! It is a comfortable fit with adjustable straps.
Brighten your holiday parties with this adorable Plaid Dog Dress! This precious dress is made of rich plaid taffeta. Available at The Pawty Palace
When it’s time for bed let your silly monkey slip into these adorable pajamas. Available at The Pet Salon
27
petpuzzlers Pet Word Search V S D R A C B E C S K P T W S D A R V A O L R H E I F K C B E I L H W F E L O C S B X U S J M P E P N W O C N S R S J A X H E U N I T F O A E B T Z J W O E I C T E J L D S Z F Z N S P D A Y B I E A F A M I L Y Y E R Y R T V N T H L N G Y B H A I U B T S R E W O L F M F U U A D A N S R O S E S F D A H R G R D F R I E N D S H I P Y V R S N E D J P P G L Z O Y T O E I U B T X L N U O N U F W M V H T E F F I V S V P E E I E O P K C M R Z D L E Z D X
ARROW BOW CARDS CHOCOLATE CUPID DANCES DINNER
FAMILY FEBRUARY FLOWERS FRIENDSHIP FUN GIFTS HEARTS
HUGS KISSES LOVE RINGS ROSES TEDDIES VALENTINES
Fun Pet Facts • In the Middle Ages, young men and women drew names from a bowl to see who would be their Valentine. They would wear this name pinned onto their sleeves for one week for everyone to see. This was the origin of the expression “to wear your heart on your sleeve.” • Many believe the ‘X’ symbol became synonymous with the kiss in medieval times. People who couldn’t write their names signed in front of a witness with an ‘X.’ The ‘X’ was then kissed to show their sincerity. • Physicians of the 1800’s commonly advised their patients to eat chocolate to calm their pining for lost love. • Approximately 110 million roses, mostly red, will be sold and delivered within the three-day Valentine’s Day time period. • The most fantastic gift of love is the Taj Mahal in India. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan as a memorial to his wife. • 73% of people who buy flowers for Valentine’s Day are men, while only 27 percent are women. • In 1537, England’s King Henry VII officially declared February 14th the holiday of St. Valentine’s Day.
Valentine’s Day Puzzle ACROSS
1. ________ and kisses. 3. They smell pretty. 6. On Valentine’s Day you should hug and ______ with your loved ones. 8. Special treat loved by all. 10. Wrap it up and tie it with a bow
DOWN
2. Another word for kiss. 3. My best ________. 4. Delicate, red flowers (with thorns). 5. Valentine’s Day shape 7. I ______ you. 8. Sugary treat. 9. Sign it and give it to a friend.
713-574-6377 | 2525 SUNSET BLVD | HOUSTON, TX 77005
Sunday: 9am - 9 pm
February isn't just about
Valentine's Day it’s also
DENTAL MONTH at Natural Pawz
Check your pet's teeth and gums this month! Your pet’s gums and mouth are key health indicators for your pet. Poor dental habits can result in chronic pain, eroded gums and even tooth loss. Early signs that your pet’s teeth need attention: • Bad breath and brownish tartar around gums lines More severe signs include: • • • • • •
Problems picking up food Bleeding and/or red gums Tooth loss Very bad breath Bumps/lumps in the mouth Bloody saliva
10
% OFF
all Dental Products in February
NATURAL PAWZ | The Heights | West University | Galleria | Katy | River Oaks | Sugar Land | Vintage Park | Cypress | Woodway Kingwood | The Woodlands - 2 locations | MINI PAWZ | Rover Oaks Pet Resort | Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center