Texas Dogs and Cats Magazine

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Houston

January 2013

easy steps to a healthier pet for 2013.

when is it time?

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{contents}

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cover photo: sonya sellers

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6 Adopt a Senior Pet Euthanasia: 10 Humane When Is It Time?

12 New Year’s Resolutions Easy Steps to a 14 5Healthier Pet in 2013 16 Centerstage

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publisheR

Shannan Parker Tel: 281.781.4727 info@texascatsanddogs.com

editor

Tiffany Robinson tiffanyrobinson99@gmail.com

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Jeff Parker Tel: 281.781.4727

DESIGNER

Fran Sherman 314.275.2208 fran@shermanstudios.com

Contributing Writers

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18 Preventative Care for Your Pet 20 Project Dog Deogi, 22 Dougie Rescue Reporter 24 Pet Puzzlers By the 26 Spotted Pupperazzi 28 Marketplace

{January 2013}

Tricia Fagan Nadine Joli-coeur Monica Schmidt Dougie Deogie William Given Charlotte Wier Dr. Christie Cornelius Janet Arter

photographer Sonya Sellers

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281.781.4727 • Houston@TexasDogsAndCats.com Next Issue: February 2013 Advertiser’s Deadline:January 15th 2013

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adopt a

seniorpet

By William Given

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New Year’s resolution is a pledge an individual makes to himself or herself to achieve some worthwhile goal or to give up a bad habit. The New Year’s resolution is nothing new. Men and women have been making and breaking them for millennia. The Romans started each new year by making promises to one of their many deities, Janus, for whom the month of January is named. Long before the Romans the ancient Babylonians made promises to their gods at the beginning of each year.

The most popular New Year’s resolutions here in Texas, and the rest of the United States for that matter include: exercise more, lose weight, eat healthier, drink less liquor and quit smoking. A study conducted by the University of Bristol in 2007 concluded that 88% of New Year’s resolutions are unsuccessful. Now it is that time of year to make your New Year’s resolution for 2013.

Make your New Year’s resolution one of the 12% that is successful. Resolve to open your heart and your home to a new four-legged roommate. Resolve to adopt a dog from your municipal animal shelter or from a local breed rescue organization. There are so many benefits you will receive. No longer will you have to come home to an empty house, he will be there to cheerfully greet you. Nor will you have to wake up to the dreaded sound of the alarm clock, he will let you know it is time to get up to go outside. You won’t have to exercise by yourself, he will be excited to walk or run with you as far as you want to go. Never again will you have to go to bed alone, he will gladly find a warm and cozy spot at the foot of the bed.

Not all animal shelters are the same. There are three types of animal adoption organizations: municipal animal shelters, private humane societies and rescue groups. Most rescue groups feature one particular breed.

These dogs usually live in foster homes with members of the organization, so they tend to know the dogs very well. The foster parents can provide you a great deal of information about the individual characteristics of the dog

{January 2013}

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A smart New Year’s resolution: Adopt a Senior. I would like to t ake this opportunity to ask you to seriously consider adopting an older dog. They will bring you all the comfort of an old friend.

you are interested in. They know the dog’s strengths and weaknesses, his likes and dislikes and how he or she might fit into your home and living situation.

A smart New Year’s resolution: Adopt a Senior. I would like to take this opportunity to ask you to seriously consider adopting an older dog. They will bring you all the comfort of an old friend. They will save you many of the challenges of a puppy, like potty training and chewing on your favorite pair of shoes.

Also, remember that older dogs usually spend a greater amount of time in a shelter or foster home because so many adopters tend to prefer puppies. But you can do yourself a favor by taking an older, more relaxed companion. Nearly every shelter or rescue group has seniors patiently waiting for a loving, forever home. Ask about them when you visit your municipal animal shelter or contact a breed rescue organization.

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dog daycare & bakery • Cage-Free Boarding • Open 7 Days Per Week

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when do I become willing to

start my own suffering to end theirs?

a guide for pet owners in choosing humane euthanasia

by dr. christie cornelius

C

oming to the decision to euthanize a beloved ailing pet can be very difficult. Pets are now considered by most as part of their family. I have two cats and two dogs myself, and I would be heartbroken if I lost any of them to an illness. They each represent a different personality, and each fit into “the pack� in their own way. One day, the time will come when I will be faced with making the decision of whether or not and when to end their lives.

photos courtesy kent bryant

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The only time it becomes easy to make this decision is when they are in a medical crisis. Even those families who are planning on supporting their pet through a natural death must have a plan in place for euthanasia. Those who are blessed enough to have a pet pass away quietly in their sleep are more fortunate. Sadly, for most of our beloved companions, it doesn’t happen this way. Witnessing death can be very distressing, as many will suffer until the end. This can take seconds, minutes, or even several hours. The longer it takes, the more suffering an animal endures. Pets depend on us for their safety and well-being.

When we love our pets, we commit to protecting them from harm.

Euthanasia refers to the practice of intentionally ending a life in order to relieve pain and suffering. Humane euthanasia is a way of giving your pet a peaceful, painless goodbye. In-home euthanasia allows this to happen in a loving, familiar environment, surrounded by family members and friends.

A more complicated situation occurs when family members do not agree on when to euthanize their pet. Feelings of resentment and guilt can arise and cause deep rifts between family members. In some cases, family members who do not want to euthanize or want to wait to euthanize are in denial about their pet’s condition. Communication between each family member and the veterinarian is very important. I will usually try to talk to each member separately before addressing the family as a whole. Educating the family about the pain and suffering their pet is or is about to endure is paramount to the decision-making process.

When determining whether or not it is time to euthanize a loved pet, there are several factors to consider, such as: Is your pet ready for death? Has a terminal illness or age related change become so unbear{January 2013}

able for your pet that death would be welcomed? Is the family finding it difficult to provide supportive care? Has euthanasia become the kindest thing for everyone involved?

What causes suffering in animals? Most pain causes some level of suffering. Pain can be physical hurt as well as emotional suffering.

The Association for the Study of Pain (1979) defines human pain as “An unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage or described in terms of such damage”.

Although animals may perceive some painful conditions differently, the internal pain pathways are very similar to human pathways, and thus, I feel it is likely that they experience pain and suffering as we do.

Examples of conditions that cause physical and emotional pain in domestic animals include musculoskeletal disorders, neuropathies, cancer, injury, inflammation or necrosis of internal organs, surgery, eye disorders, lithiasis, periodontal disease, and headaches from hypertension.

Most of us have felt the emotional and physical pain of nausea It is not unusual for pets to become nauseas with any terminal disease.

Signs of nausea include inappetance, vomiting, drooling, and/or smelling, but turning away from food.

The inability to feed the gut and resultant dehydration from both decreased intake and loss from vomiting and/or diarrhea causes a degree of suffering. Many pet owners use their pet’s appetite as a gauge to determine whether or not they are suffering. The problem in some cases is, even though the pet is suffering in other ways that significantly affect the quality of life, they will eat until the very end. Incontinence causes anxiety and emotional suffering, as well as respiratory distress and seizures. Cognitive disorders cause emotional anguish in some pets. Pets with cognitive disorders can’t sleep normally, they pace,

they bark, they wander aimlessly, and become emotionally detached, which can sometimes weaken the human-animal bond. Alone and confused and sometimes isolated to one area of the house away from everyone else, the pet suffers. When we recognize that supportive medical and emotional care for the pet will not be provided and suffering is eminent, all veterinarians support the choice to euthanize.

How is suffering measured? One way is to assess your pet’s quality of life in a quantitative way. You can find canine and feline quality of life scales online at http://www. pawspice.com/qualityoflifescale. html. The HHHHHMM scale represents a measurable way to determine whether or not your pet may be suffering. Criterions including Hurt, Hunger, Hydration, Hygeine, Happiness, Mobility and More Good Days than Bad are considered. Pain scales for cats and dogs are available at http://www.petslastwishes.com/felinepainscaleCSU.pdf and http://www.petslastwishes.com/ caninepainscaleCSU-4.pdf.

As your pet’s caretaker, you are the one who will ultimately decide upon humane euthanasia for your companion. It is our responsibility as veterinarians to help guide decision making, to educate, and to eliminate fear at such a critical time.

I urge you to ask your veterinarian if you have questions regarding your pet’s quality of life or if you want more information on euthanasia, anticipatory grief, and/or pet loss.

Christie Cornelius, DVM Owner of Last Wishes In-Home Pet Hospice and Euthanasia Houston, TX www.petslastwishes.com

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{puppy101}

by Tricia Fagan

new year’s

resolutions Walk your dog

Take your dog for a walk every day. It does not have to be an hour walk. Walk your dog around the block if you don’t have time for anything longer. Dogs can get cabin fever just like people. Relieve the cabin fever a bit. Take your dog for a walk every day!

It is good for you and good for your dog.

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Visit the Vet

Take your dog to the vet at least once a year for an annual health check. A thorough exam by your vet, including a blood sample sent to the lab, can tell you a lot about your dog’s health.

Maintain a good weight

Weigh your dog. Ask your vet about an appropriate weight for your dog. If he is overweight, feed him less, exercise him more. Read the

ingredient list on your dog’s food. Just like food labeled for people, the ingredients are listed from the heaviest to the lightest in weight. Dog food that lists grains, partial foods (for example brewer’s rice, oat hulls, wheat gluten), and digests (it is partially digested food from an animals’ intestine – which sounds like poop to me!) is a poor quality food.

Read the ingredient list of your dog’s food, and buy him a better quality food.

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Play with your dog

I know you are busy, but your dog is a social animal. Spend twenty to thirty minutes a day enjoying your dog. Let your dog enjoy you. Strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Increase your enjoyment and your dog’s enjoyment of each other’s company. Play fetch, or teach your dog to tug.

Have fun with your dog!

Fix irritating behavior

Ok, what is that one thing your dog does that drives you crazy. The one thing that “My dog would be perfect if he didn’t . . . .” Fix it! It can’t be too hard.

Read some of the old columns from this magazine, or hire a professional trainer.

Teach a trick

Training your dog can be a great way for the two of you to spend time together. Teaching a trick will improve the communication between you and your dog and give you something to show off to your friends. Teach your dog to leave it, beg, play dead or roll over. Easy, fun, and enjoyable for the dog and for you.

Take a Class

Taking a dog training class with your dog can be a great way to improve your relationship with your dog. A good dog training class is a great way to spend time together and improve your dog’s behavior. {January 2013}

Take your dog to the groomer – or groom him yourself.

Long-haired dogs need brushing. Dogs with allergies need bathing. All dogs need their toe nails trimmed regularly. Take your dog to the groomer regularly – every two to three weeks. On the other hand, you could groom him yourself.

Get your dog a food toy

Zoo keepers call this “enrichment”. Enrichment is providing captive animals with mentally and physically stimulating experiences. There are many food-dispensing toys for dogs. I prefer toys that can hold an entire meal for the dog.

The dog must paw, push with his nose, and otherwise move the toy around so that pieces of food or treat are released.

Have a wonderful new year!

Tricia Fagan Certified Professional Dog Trainer – Knowledge Assessed DogS Gone Good www.dogSgonegood.com trainer@dogSgonegood.com (713) 557-1949

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{pawz-itivelynatural}

5 easy steps to a

By Nadine Joli-Coeur

healthier pet in 2013

1. USE PET FRIENDLY CLEANERS/PESTICIDES/LOTIONS.

Although your pet may not directly ingest a solution, just small amounts affect them. If your pet rubs up against you or licks your hand, the floor or themselves after lying on the floor, they will ingest toxins.

Look for pet friendly products.

We use Eco-88 in our stores (works even on cat urine). I never use products such as Pinesol, Swift Jets, Clorox and Fabuloso. I don’t know how many cats and dogs I have heard stories of getting mysteriously sick after their houses were cleaned.

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2. DETOX.

This new year, why not take a step towards health by detoxing your pet. We live in a world where chemicals and toxins are not only on surfaces but in the air that we breathe. As many of you know, I am a big proponent of less processed diets and all natural solutions. One solution that is very affordable is the Herbsmith line of products.

Herbsmith is a U.S. based company that we started by a holistic vet. Dr. Bessent would see patients every day come in for a variety of aliments. Many of the ailments could have been reduced if only they had been taking products such as Probi-

otics (MicroFlora), Milk Thistle (Milk Thistle helps improve the functioning of the liver) or Bladder care.

3. IMPROVE ANY SPECIAL NEEDS.

Improve Digestive health by adding: • prebiotic/probiotics • unsweetened canned pumpkin • tripe Allergies – Be Proactive.

Start an allergy solution in May and Aug/Sept before seasonal allergies hit.

• add allergy solution (such as Herbsmith Allergy, Homeopet skin and Itch)

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• reduce any processed treats / foods • switch your pet to duck, rabbit or fish diet • keep coat / ears and eyes clean(takes allergens off and reduces issues.

Joint health.

• add a joint supplement that has Chondroitin/Glucosamine.

• Ask your vet, or excellent natural solutions are available at pet stores like Natural Pawz (do your research – one solution may be less effective than another).

Skin & Coat and heart health: • add Salmon oil, Coconut oil/chips or a Skin & Coat supplement Dental Health: • Next month I will cover more on dental health.

4. EAT RIGHT.

Shed those extra pounds on your pet. Overweight pets have more joint and heart issues. The best way to shed those pounds is to feed them less with a good quality diet and eliminate overpriced, over processed foods (they may seem cheaper but you are paying a lot for low quality).

If humans do not lose weight on an over-processed diet, why would your pet? Read the ingredients and do your homework.

5. STAY ACTIVE.

• Take your dog for a walk.

• Take time out of your day to play with your cat and/ or dog. Studies have shown that will reduce your stress and blood pressure, as well.

Let’s improve the health of our pets in 2013. It only takes a bit of planning and you will be on your way.

resources Homemade Pet friendly cleaning ideas: http://newenglandpethospice.blogspot.com/ 2011/01/top-5-natural-safe-pet-friendly.html Stay away from these cleaning supplies: http://www.dogster.com/cleaning/ cleaning-products-that-are-not-dog-safe How allergies work: http://science.howstuffworks.com/ life/human-biology/allergy.htm Good site for pet food info: www.truthaboutpetfood.com

{January 2013}

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{centerstage}

TGCBTR: (Texas Gulf Coast Bull Terrier Rescue)

bullies

“S

welcome by janet arter

puds MacKenzie”, “Target Dog”, “Frankenweenie”! A Bull Terrier owner can expect to hear any of these comments as they walk their bullie down the street. Unique in appearance and full of personality, these “clowns of the dog world” – as they are often described – are loyal, fun-loving, and joyful. “A three year old child in a dog suit” is also a pretty good description of a Bull Terrier – mischievous, demanding, trying and a handful – at least until they mature at around 5 years of age. Growing bullies need consistency, a firm but fair handler and ongoing training and socialization to help mould them into good canine citizens.

Henry needed an emergency blood transfusion and weeks of critical care in order to save his life when he joined the rescue program in October. He is now fully recovered and available for adoption.

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Bull Terriers like to be a part of the family and kept busy – left alone and unsupervised, they can become destructive and develop unpleasant habits like excessive barking, chewing, digging and tail chasing. They are not ‘outside dogs’, especially in the harsh Texas heat. They must never be left in the yard unsupervised. This can cause all sorts of health problems, particularly with their sensitive skin. They will become bored and destructive and look for ways to escape; not to mention that bullies are often regarded as ‘big money’ items by thieves.

Sadly, so many people are blinded by the cute little ‘piggy puppies’ for sale on the internet that it often ends up badly for the innocent Bull Terrier. Some folks are fooled by fancy websites, but this doesn’t guarantee a healthy, wellbred pup, or a supportive knowledgeable breeder. The sellers do not educate new owners on the special needs of their new family member, or what to expect when bringing a Bull Terrier into the family. They are only interested in making the sale, and are often not there to give help and support to the new owners in the future. The poorly bred pup may develop an abundance of health issues – allergies, deafness, demodectic mange, or a compromised immune system, among other things. So, when the owners don’t want to deal with these issues... the Bull Terrier finds himself on the street, or abandoned at a shelter.

That is why Texas Gulf Coast Bull Terrier Rescue takes well over 50 bullies each year into its program from own-

Rukus is a great 2 year old boy who needs a new home.

{January 2013}

ers and shelters across south Texas – with its sister rescue group, The Bull Terrier Club of Dallas, saving around the same number of lives annually across north Texas - quite an alarming number for such a rarely seen breed.

The TGCBTR is a 501c3 registered charity run by a group of dedicated volunteers, people whose passion for the breed drives them to go the extra mile to save a bullie in need.

TGCBTR dogs receive a full medical work-up and temperament evaluations and are housed in foster homes until they are emotionally and medically ready for their forever homes. The TGCBTR works very hard to make sure each bullie is placed into homes that are their perfect match – the adoption process may seem very stringent, but the group believes it is so important to try to get the rescue placed into the right home first time round.

TGCBTR has an abundance of experience available and is always happy to help any bullie owner with health, temperament or training issues they may be experiencing.

New adopters automatically become members of the Texas Gulf Coast Bull Terrier Club and are encouraged to attend educational seminars and fun events with their new bullie.

To find out more about the Bull Terrier breed and TGCBTR’s adoption process, please visit www.texasbullterrier.org or look for Texas Gulf Coast Bull Terrier Club on Facebook.

Tori has spent most of her life outside, but is adjusting well to the home life and is ready for a home of her own.

Junior is an active one-year old bullie ready for his forever home.

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preventative by charlotte weir

care for your pet

A

wonderful new year is here! This years resolution should involve preventative care for our beloved four (and sometimes three.. and even two) legged friends.

Preventative medicine is the first important step in a lifelong commitment to your pets. With proper vaccinations, parasitic preventatives and routine visits your pets will lead long, happy, healthy lives. Let’s all take a moment to mark off some important dates on at least 3 of the 5 new calendars that we received as gifts this holiday season.

• Every 1st off the month commit to parasitic prevention, marking off a dose box for each pet to receive their flea/tick and heartworm prevention. Fleas and ticks are horrible little critters who cause your pet discomfort as well as lending them to many secondary problems such as intestinal worms and bacterial infections.

• Set an annual and semiannual exam date each and every year. Getting the date set and the appointment made will create a routine and keep your pet 18

up to date on vaccines and important bloodwork. Our pets are exposed to many communicable diseases every day. Its in the water they drink, the parks they play in and among the other furry friends that meet along the way. Routine vaccinations prevent 95% of these diseases. Our pets also age exponentially compared to us, annual bloodwork is the equivalent of a blood draw every 7 years for us. A lot can change in 7 years, equally true in a single year of your pets life. Our

golden girls (and boys alike) should consider semi annual bloodwork beyond 8 years old.

• Celebrate the human animal bond: April 2, 2002 is the day I saw a skinny, wide eyed black lab mix puppy moping around in a crowded TN shelter, and never again looked away.

Ten years with my lovely girl and hoping for 20 more.

Hope you all have an exciting, happy, healthy and furry New Year!.

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by Monica Schmidt – Houston Humane Society

project dog T

he Houston Humane Society is developing initiatives that help our animals find the very best homes.

Some of our pets take a little longer than others to find a new forever family. Recognizing a need, two dedicated volunteers stepped forward to re-vamp and re-charge the dog training efforts at HHS. Calling it the Project Dog Program, Adam and Alicia Day have successfully integrated a program to help educate and train other volunteers to be able to work with long term resident dogs that need a little helping hand to learn their manners.

Volunteers that have completed a minimum of 100 volunteer hours and completed an in-house training program at the shelter are able to train these special pups.

Dogs chosen to be part of the program are typically the longest residents at HHS, but any dog with behavioral issues or special needs can be added to the program if needed. The Project Dog Program focuses on creating the human/animal bonds with each of the dogs in training. The dogs also receive instruction on how to walk properly on a leash, how to sit on command, and not to jump on people. Some dogs learn so quickly that they move on to things like agility training, games, and more.

When visiting HHS, you can identify volunteer trainers by their bright green volunteer shirts. In addition,

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dogs in the program will have a green card on their kennel window. At www. houstonhumane.org there is a dedicated “Project Dog” page to highlight some of the special canines, and many of them have YouTube videos showing off the tricks and training they have learned.

The outside training area in Burnie’s Backyard has been expanded and upgraded to include multiple training areas, agility equipment, landscaped walking paths, and a large offleash training area.

The ultimate goal of the Project Dog Program at HHS is to help amazing, deserving dogs find permanent,

forever families. As qualified volunteers increase, more dogs are able to enter the program.

Once adopted, the trainers are available to the new adopter for advice and encouragement, and successful adoptions continue to increase for this special group of animals.

If you are planning to add a new pet to your family, please adopt from Houston Humane Society. Hundreds of wonderful pets are waiting to find their happily ever after. To see photos of pets for adoption, please visit www.houstonhumane.org/ adoptables.

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{dougiedeogi}

Dougie Deogi Rescue Reporter

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H

ello peeps, Dougie Deogi, Rescue Reporter coming at you live! What do you mean it’s not live when it’s in a magazine!?!? Well, I am alive, doesn’t that count?

Hope you had a great Hanukkah, Christmas and New Years! I almost had a bad Christmas, so let me tell you this story.

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Look at her picture – if you live in the Washington/I-10 area you may know her. She either lives or works in the area otherwise she wouldn’t know to dump him in the street by my

doggie daycare!

Here’s hoping 2013 doesn’t bring so many heartless pet owners!

Dougie Deogi, over and out.

Dougie is the official spokesdog for Lone Star Shih Tzu & Lhasa Apso Rescue (www.facebook.com/LSSTLAR) and even has his own facebook page, www.facebook.com/AccordingtoDougie.

So, you know that I own a little doggie daycare, right?

Yes, indeed. It’s near Memorial Park.

Well, on December 11, during rush hour, when it was almost dark, this stupid lady dumped her little yorkie-mix puppy in the street in front of Deogi. We didn’t even know it until a couple of cars rushing by started to swerve to avoid hitting him. Thankfully, one of the motorists stopped and picked him up from the street and brought him to my crazy lady owner. He was walking funny, so she thought he had been hit by a car and rushed him to Gulf Coast ICU. We named him Davie.

Turns out, he was not hit, but he has a hereditary neu{January 2013}

rological issue that causes him to lose coordination when standing and walking. So, his owner must have dumped him because he wasn’t perfect!!

The news came out and did a story on Davie and we got a ton of applications to adopt him. And, on Christmas Eve, I was able to hand him over to his new parents.

So, what kind of monster was his former owner, who thought it was alright to dump a little dog who couldn’t walk well in the street during rush hour?

Absolutely ridiculous. We wonder if she wanted him to get killed to get rid of him.

HA! Thwarted her! He is now living the good life!

Doggie Daycare, Boarding, Grooming and Obedience Training 6434 Washington Avenue Houston, TX 77007 713-868-7555 deogi@deogidogspa.com

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IL A HY G A NM BPDASK NT TNBEAR OOCIRK W KZN CN NC RQ most MF S GR I U AO LEGRYY OW PVELEPHANT HWTLNB G SES EZ RY AS J P P J AB N MG V H CL IRR Z T FLAMINGO SW OHA WB Y Q E • Max is the most popular name for dogs in the U.S., U.K. and Australia.

L H A P S T O R GIANT K C N R FA G LU Q E YE WAW K N GIRAFFE SD EYR JA U U B BA M HALLIGATOR V S L RZ ZAW D H GORILLA WZ YBQ FE J E B • Dogs can in fact see in color, but not as well IGUANA BAT AK L NQ C E AK KND N Y JC UQU PB H C D as humans. However, they probably can’t see red or green.

A H BEAR S Z A D Z B LION F J E B Y V T B S Z Y S J P P J ORANGUTAN ELEPHANT K N C K N N C Q P H C D

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C Q W K A C L Q W L K I A R L L O I G R H O P G H D P G D

Pet Word Search

R O G Y V FLAMINGO T B S Z Y S OSTRICH J P P J

Fun Pet Facts

Kids Crossword Puzzles - Print your animals crossword puzzle.jpg puzzle at AllKidsNetwork.com

• Studies have shown that cats have better

PANDA GIANT memories than dogs, monkeys or orangutans.

PEACOCK GIRAFFE Kids Crossword Puzzles - Print your animals crossword puzzle.jpg puzzle at AllKidsNetwork.com 12/28/12 10:00 AM ALLIGATOR POLAR GORILLA • The world’s first space astronaut was a RusALLIGATOR BAT PUMA IGUANA BAT sian dog named Laikia.

BEAR PYTHON LION BEAR ELEPHANT ELEPHANT STORK ORANGUTAN • Nearly 94 percent of pet owners say their FLAMINGO FLAMINGO TIGER OSTRICH GIANT animal pal makes them smile more than once GIANT TORTOISE PANDA GIRAFFE nt your animals crossword puzzle.jpg puzzle at AllKidsNetwork.com a day. 12/28/12 10:00 AM GORILLA GIRAFFE ZEBRA PEACOCK IGUANA GORILLA POLAR LION IGUANA PUMA ORANGUTAN LION PYTHON OSTRICH PANDA ORANGUTAN STORK PEACOCK OSTRICH TIGER POLAR PANDA TORTOISE PUMA PYTHON PEACOCK ZEBRA STORK POLAR TIGER PUMA TORTOISE ZEBRA PYTHON STORK TIGER TORTOISE ZEBRA

Animals Puzzle

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Created by Puzzlemaker d gs catsat Dis Texas

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281.781.4727 • sales@TexasCatsAndDogs.com

Certified Professional Training “The Best Your Dog Can Be”

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Private In-Home Training Dog Boarding School Dog Obedience Classes Puppy Training Classes

713.557.1949 dogSgonegood.com

{spotted by the pupperazzi} 26

chilly’s

pet pals F

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

O

n December 9th, hockey fans flocked to the Toyota center to watch the Houston Aeros with their best furry friend!

Each year, in partnership with the Houston Humane Society, the Aeros host a ‘Chilly’s Pet Pals’ game to raise much needed funds for the Houston Humane Society while pets and their parents have a Howling good time!

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d gs cats Texas

{January 2013}

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{marketplace}

newyear This car seat is the ultimate in fine riding!

Featuring a washable faux lambskin cover, pincheck print and a safety strap that attaches to your pets harness. Get yours at Natural Pawz!

We use seatbelts- why shouldn’t our dogs be afforded the same safety? The EZdog car restraint is a perfect solution for keeping your pet safe while driving as well as reducing driver distraction. Available at Natural Pawz!

These organic bumper style beds are the perfect for those cold winter nights. Available at the Pawty Palace!

These cute stuffed toys are made with Hear Doggy™ Ultrasonic Technology that dogs can hear but people can’t!

Available in small and large sizes!

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d gs cats Texas

rnovelties Fun plush toys with recycled water bottles inside. Dogs love the cute toys, and the crinkle of the replaceable water bottle provides hours of fun! Available at Natural Pawz!

The Snoozer Pet Safety Harness and Adapter together are ideal for securing your smaller dogs! They have even been crash tested at the same standards of a child safety seat (30 lbs. at 30mph).

Entice all your cat’s senses with this interactive toy. With Kitty Lure tied to the end, your cat will spend hours batting and pawing its wispy feather body!

{January 2013}

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Fix Felix For Free

February 13th, 2013

600 free cat neuters, limit 5 per household By appointment only, no walk-ins Email fixfelix@houstonhumane.org or call 713-433-6421 for an appointment or more info

www.houstonhumane.org The surgery and office visit for Fix Felix is free. Please note: a current rabies vaccination is required by law. You will need Conveniently located to show proof of a valid rabies certificate or you will be required to purchase the vaccine at the time of surgery.

2 blocks south HHS is offering a special discounted rate of $5 for the Fix Felix event (includes rabies tag and certificate). of Beltway 8 Additional “optional� services offered at the time of surgery include: Feline Leukemia vaccine - $20; FVRCP - $15; pain medication (3 day oral regimen - $8 or injection at the time of surgery (lasts 24 hourse) - $10.

For the health and safety of all cats, as well as our staff, each feline must be in a plastic crate/carrier.

Due to the large volume of clients we will serve that day, we cannot accept patients in any other type of carrier or confinement.

14700 Almeda Rd, Please plan ahead accordingly. If you do not have a plastic crate/carrier you may purchase one at the door for $10.

Houston, TX 77053 Feral cats may be brought in an official humane cat trap.

OUT WITH THE OLD IN WITH THE NEW!

The #1 way to improve your pet’s health is to feed them a nutritious diet. Not only will your cats or dogs coat look better they will have more energy and shed those extra pounds (when is the last time we lost weight on a grain diet). Most pet owners see a difference with just one bag.

We will be happy to find a food that is best for your pet and that they will LOVE IT! Transitioning to a new pet food should be done over a 5-7 day period. Day 1 feed 75% old food: 25% new food. Day 2 and 3 feed 50% of both. Day 4 and 5 - 75% new:25% old. Also, add probiotics to improve the intestinal health.

With 10 stores in the greater-Houston area, the Natural Pawz team is ready to help you navigate through choosing the healthiest food for your companion cats and dogs. Free samples are available.

10% OFF PROBIOTICS . No cash value. Valid onlya at Natural Pawz Pet Stores. Expires 2/28/13. Cannot be combined with other offers

The Heights | West University | Galleria | Katy |River Oaks | Sugar Land | Vintage Park Cypress | The Woodlands - 2 locations

281.362.7299 | www.naturalpawz.com