Paws & Their Pets

April 2021 VOLUMN I

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Paw

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Their Pets

Contents Pet Parents

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Safety

Pg 4

probiotics

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5 ways to keep your pet happy

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Budgeting for your pet

Pg 9 Dogs make better people

Pg 16

Lost and found Meet Tank

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APRIL SELFIES

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Pg 12

PAW PRINTS

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PAWS

their pets

LAKEWOOD PRESIDENT

Derrick Maldonado VICE PRESIDENT Caleb Brooks

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

PUBLISHER GGK MEDIA EDITOR Charlene Alvarez ART DIRECTORPhotography (At Large ) Contributor Writers Brandpoint FEE.org SALES Charlene Alvarez Aaron G (At large)

On the cover: Tank Maldonado Paws & Their Pets is published 12 times a year

by GGK Media, 580 SE 13th Street, Dania Beach, Florida. All rights reserved. Nothing in the publication may be reproduced without written permission or the publisher. Paws & Their Pets assumes no responsibility for the return of unsolicited materials; include return postage for any material to be returned; photos, samples, etc. Call 954-548-1291 for any back issue information. Send corrections or address changes to: GGK Media. Not responsible nor held liable for copyrights, content, or photos submitted by unsolicited or contributor writers.

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Pet parents are looking for more than just a reward for their furry friends (BPT) - As many pet owners have spent more time at home during the pandemic, there has been an

opportunity for dog lovers to enhance their relationship with their pet, like they never have had before. Thanks to newfound work-life balance and more quality time together, the bond between dog owners and their furry friends has strengthened over the past year, and many dogs have found their forever homes. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the number of pet adoptions as a percentage of intake rose more than 13% from 2019 to 2020.

With the abundance of time spent at home, pet owners are spoiling their four-legged companions.

Consumers are counting on treats to keep their pets occupied and ease the guilt when they are too busy to give their dog attention. In a Cargill survey conducted last April, 18% of dog owners said they were giving their dog more treats, and 12% said they were giving their dog more chews and bones.

What are pet owners looking for when purchasing treats? Research from Packaged Facts points toward four main motivators: function, entertainment, training and bonding. Consumers want treats that are healthy, transparent with their ingredients and can serve multiple usage occasions and purposes, such as rewards and long-lasting entertainment.

To address these trends and the needs of dog owners, Cargill recently launched The Chompery, a new brand of butcher-quality dog treats. The products are all natural, single-ingredient, sourced and produced in the U.S., and span an expansive portfolio consisting of bully sticks, pig ears, slowroasted bones, organs, jerkies and more.

Pet treat buyers are particularly concerned with pet health and treat origin. More than half of dog owners seek out pet treats that are made in the USA. Consumer research revealed that the most important product claims for American treat buyers include easily digestible, made in the USA and natural, demonstrating that pet owners want only the best for their four-legged friends.

Consumers are also seeking bones and chews that provide dental hygiene bene ts. The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends daily teeth brushing for pets but says brushing several times a week can also be e ective. Busy schedules can make it hard for pet owners to brush that often, so they look to products that can help decrease plaque accumulation.

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While humans keep in mind what is best for their dog's health, dogs are returning the favor. During the pandemic, people have counted on their pets for emotional support, daily interaction, comfort and companionship. Some dogs even help their owners with physical health by accompanying them on walks and routine exercise.

Of course, there is nothing a dog loves more than hearing "do you want a treat?" after a long walk.

Whether you're o ering your pup a treat following good behavior, exercise, the completion of a learned trick or just because, seeing the immense joy on your pooch's face can ease stress and be a bright spot each day.

Fortunately for pets, nancial concerns are not curbing owners' willingness to bring home tasty treats. In a survey conducted last July, 90% of dog owners reported spending the same or more on their pet as they did before the pandemic.

Pet treat purchases are also frequent and often spur of the moment, commonly picked up in the midst of a routine grocery store run. Nielsen data revealed that 72% of dog owners said they purchased treats in the past 30 days, and 65% of dog treat purchases are unplanned. To provide consumers with a new dog treat option outside the pet aisle, The Chompery products will be available in the meat aisle at grocery stores.

As many organizations continue to encourage a work-from-home policy, it looks like life will continue to be anything but ru - and lled with tasty treats - for our favorite furry companions.

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Safety first: Tips for petproofing your home

(BPT) - Welcoming a four-legged friend into your family is an exciting time for everyone, but puppies, kittens, dogs and cats can easily nd themselves in serious trouble while exploring their new surroundings. It is important to remember that pets are naturally curious and explore their worlds with their mouths, so they will want to interact with or consume anything left out at their level.

Because of this, your home is lled with potential risks, some obvious and others you might not expect. The good news is there are simple steps you can take to help keep your new pet safe.

Purina behavior scientist Dr. Ragen T.S. McGowan o ers these timely tips to help pet-proof your home and give you peace of mind that it is a safe place for your dog or cat to live and thrive.

How to Keep Your New Pet Safe

1. Put away the toxins

Many common household items are toxic for pets. Cleaning supplies, detergent, bleach, fertilizer, pest or rodent bait traps and paint can all cause serious harm if ingested. McGowan says, "Make sure to always store toxic items in a place where your pet cannot access them, either in a locked cabinet or on high shelves out of their reach. Even if you are vigilant about keeping these items out of reach, sometimes accidents happen. It is good to have the number for the Animal Poison Control Center handy or even saved in your phone, just in case: (888) 426-4435."

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2. Secure small hardware

Pets are attracted to small items that they can mouth, chew or bat around in play. In the home, small hardware items - from buttons, pins, batteries and magnets, to nails, staples, tacks and paper clips - may look appealing to pets, but could cause serious cuts or even damage internal organs if swallowed. "Before your new friend comes home, do a sweep to ensure small hardware items, batteries and magnets are securely stored or kept out of reach," shares McGowan. "This means getting down to their level and retrieving any items that may have fallen under or behind the furniture. Tacks, pins and magnets should also be moved up from low hanging bulletin boards or the front of the refrigerator, where they could attract the attention of cats, especially."

3. Beware of food bags ... and practice proper food storage

Almost every one of us is guilty of leaving a bag of chips or box of cereal open on the couch or kitchen table. This may seem harmless, but many food bags, including for pet food, are made from a strong material that helps keep food fresh. A curious pet can get stuck if it goes looking in the bag for leftover crumbs or an early dinner.

"Food packaging can be quite attractive to pets. Not only does it smell like food, but it makes a crinkling noise that pets associate with food, treats or play," shares McGowan. "Make sure to store food or treat bags up high out of your pet's reach, or inside cabinets or closets. We also recommend rolling the pet food bag closed and storing the entire item in a resealable hard container, so you can keep the label information handy," advises McGowan. "A pet of any age, size or strength can quickly nd themselves in a troubling, and potentially heartbreaking, situation when left unattended with a food bag. By using resealable containers, you limit the risk - and, as a bonus, your food will remain fresh." Similarly, remember to cut empty bags along the entire top, bottom and down at least one side before disposal, in case your curious pet rummages through the trash.

4. Conceal electronics

Electronics are ubiquitous in most homes, but the many wires and cords they come with can look like a fun toy to your pet. To keep your pet from chewing them or getting tangled, bundle loose cords behind furniture and store extra chargers and cables in a place that cannot be reached or opened with a paw or nose. For cords that must remain visible, McGowan suggests camou aging them with cable-coverings or tape, so they are less attractive to your pet. "It is also a good practice to store remote controls and video game controllers in a bin or a drawer where your pet does not have access to them," she adds. "These items often smell like food or lotions from our ngers which can attract pets to chew on them, but their electrical components and batteries are harmful if consumed."

5. Keep dangerous ingredients out of reach

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, many people are making more meals at home, including experimenting with new recipes. It's important to remember that some common ingredients can be harmful to your pets. "Before you make your grocery list, review recipes against a list of ingredients that could be toxic for dogs and cats," counsels McGowan. "Chocolate is well known, but you'll also want to avoid grapes, raisins and certain spices. Xylitol, a sugar alternative found in everything from cake mixes to yogurt, peanut butter and chewing gum, is another toxic ingredient." Best practice is to keep all food and ingredients stored in cupboards, pantries, drawers or on high shelves out of reach of your pet.

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How probiotics can support your pet's health BPT) - You've probably heard the buzz about probiotics helping to support gut health for humans - but did you know that p(robiotics can also help support the health of your pet? It turns out that both dogs and cats can bene t from probiotics as a regular part of their overall healthy, nutrientrich diet.

How do probiotics work?

The intestines contain billions of bacteria that are collectively called the "microbiome." When an imbalance exists in the microbiome, it can cause digestive upset, leading to unpleasant symptoms - including excess gas or loose stool.

That's where probiotics come in. Probiotics are live, bene cial bacteria that help promote balance in the intestines - for humans and animals alike.

As senior research nutritionist at Purina, Dr. Gail Czarnecki-Maulden, PhD, explains, "Probiotics decrease the pH in the gut and help the good gut bacteria thrive."

What are all the bene ts of probiotics?

In addition to helping the good bacteria thrive to reduce digestive problems in dogs and cats, probiotics also o er other bene ts. One key bene t is that probiotics can support immune health.

"Most of our immune system is located in the digestive tract," says Czarnecki-Maulden. "This creates lots of opportunities for the good bacteria to interact with immune cells and support immune health.”

Another bene t is connected to dogs displaying anxious behavior. A speci c probiotic strain, found in Calming Care from Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Supplements, has been shown e ective in

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How can you choose the right probiotic for your pet?

There are several di erent options when it comes to probiotics for your animal companion. Some probiotics come in the form of a supplement, while others are added to pet food to provide their bene ts through your pet's diet. For example, nearly all Purina Pro Plan formulas for dogs and cats are now forti ed with probiotics for digestive and immune health. Pro Plan o ers a full spectrum of performance and specialized nutrition formulas, including options that support healthy aging, help with canine cognition and more. Every ingredient is carefully chosen for a speci c purpose, and the nutrition is backed by over 500 scientists including nutritionists, behaviorists and veterinarians.

Regardless of the form of the probiotic, "It's important to choose the right probiotic for your speci c need," Czarnecki-Maulden adds. "Some probiotics are good for digestive health or addressing digestive upset. Some help support the immune system."

Along with the right probiotic strain, the number of "live" bacteria also matters. Regardless of the probiotic selected and used, the product must contain an e cacious amount to exert its positive health bene ts for the pet.

While probiotics do o er numerous bene ts, they aren't suitable for every pet or for every situation. In some circumstances, like for animals with a signi cantly compromised GI tract or who may be undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, the decision to start probiotics should be made only with your veterinarian's advice.

"We're just beginning to scratch the surface of what probiotics can do for our pets, as well as the importance of the intestinal microbiome," says Czarnecki-Maulden. "It's an exciting area that is now getting a lot more attention. I am hopeful we will have even more understanding of what probiotics can do in the near future."

To make decisions about the best nutrition for your pet, you should always consult your veterinarian.

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5 fun ways to keep your cat entertained at hom (BPT) - Thanks to the pandemic, many people have gone from working in an o ce to working from home, giving cat owners a chance to spend more time with their furry friends. With all this extra time, you have the opportunity to strengthen the bond you share with your cat while helping them get active and stay healthy.

Fortunately, there are several enrichment activities you can set up indoors to give them some much needed mental stimulation and prevent destructive behaviors.

1. Plan a treasure hunt

One of the easiest ways to make a quick activity for your cat is to create a treasure hunt. All you have to do is hide small amounts of dry cat food in various spots around your house. Throughout the day, your cat can "hunt" for their food, which will keep them active in a fun and engaging way.

2. Play a game

Cats need mental stimulation just as much as humans - playing a game is a simple way to provide a stimulating, enriching experience. Friskies Cat Fishing 2, a free app available for iOS or Android, is a game designed speci cally for cats. The app plays special sounds and displays schools of sh, encouraging your cat to pounce like she would in the wild. The more sh your cat catches, the higher the score. You can even keep track of her score and share it on social media.

3. Make a puzzle feeder

The active pursuit of food is instinctive for cats. A puzzle feeder is a great way to appeal to your cat's desire for physical and mental stimulation. All you need is a plastic water or soda bottle and a utility knife. Use the knife to cut a few small holes in the sides of the clean, sanitized bottle.

Make sure the holes are big enough for pieces of kibble to pass through. Place some dry kibble into the bottle, screw on the cap and let your cat get to work.

4. Create your own cat toy

Cat toys don't have to be expensive or complicated. Get crafty to keep your cat busy with a DIY wand toy. Start with a wooden dowel (about three feet in length and half-inch diameter), a barrel swivel and some shing line. Then, gather materials to customize your wand - like colored pom poms, colored felt, feathers and jingle bells.

5. Go for a walk

It may seem unorthodox, but cats can be trained to walk on a leash. Many cats enjoy getting out to explore the neighborhood. Taking your cat for a walk lets them safely experience the great outdoors. It can also give them some necessary exercise.

Planning activities for your cat keeps them entertained, helps them stay healthy and can strengthen the bond you share. Try these activities for quick and easy ways to enrich your cat's life at home.

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Budgeting for pets: How to Prepare for ongoing and unexpected expenses (BPT) - Sixty-seven percent of U.S. households own a pet, or about 85 million families, according to the American Pet Products Association (APPA). This number is poised to increase because many households have added pets during the pandemic, helping aid in the physical and emotional well-being of families nationwide.

Caring for a pet requires time, love and a nancial commitment. The problem is COVID-19 has also brought economic stress and nancial uncertainty to many people, which may impact how they care for their pets. Fortunately, there are ways to be nancially prepared to care for your pet's needs, both planned and unexpected.

"A proactive approach helps you plan for your pet's care as well as how to pay for it, from veterinary to nutrition and beyond," says Boo Larsen, general manager, veterinary medicine for CareCredit. "While the cost of caring for a pet can add up to hundreds or thousands, there are many simple, budget-friendly options that help families manage the cost."

Larsen shares tips for planning nancially for pets:

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Nutrition and supplies

Seek advice from your veterinarian on the pet nutrition that would be best for your pet. Obesity in pets is a growing concern and proper feeding can keep your pet at an ideal weight that supports overall health. Ask if store-brand and generic supplies may be a good option, as these come at a fraction of the cost of name brands. Additionally, consider monthly subscriptions with home delivery or curbside pickup that are convenient plus may provide discounts that can help you save.

Planned and unexpected veterinary care

A relationship with a veterinarian is essential to your pet's health through every stage of life.

There are simple, budget-friendly solutions families can use to build a nancial safety net for both routine planned care as well as unexpected illness or injury:

Financing: CareCredit helps alleviate nancial stress before an urgent pet issue. Research shows four out of ve pets will experience a medical emergency in their lifetime. CareCredit is accepted at more than 85% of eligible veterinary care providers across the nation, and can be paid o fully or in monthly installments.

Pet insurance: A provider like Pets Best can help cover ongoing expenses like vet appointments, diagnostics, medications, dental treatments and more. You choose an insurance plan, pay a monthly premium and get reimbursed for covered veterinary expenses.

Wellness plans: Many veterinarians o er wellness plans that cover certain types of care for a monthly fee. Ask your veterinarian about suggestions for your pet's unique needs and available options that t within your budget.

Physical and mental care

Many pets require grooming, boarding, training and day care to stay physically and mentally well. If your pet has these needs, ask your friends with pets who they recommend and look at reviews of local service providers online. Many o er packages to help make care accessible. You can also shop around to try to stay within a certain price point.

"Pets provide a lifetime of love and they look to us to provide a lifetime of care," says Larsen. "These simple steps will help you save money while providing your pet with everything they need."

Pet insurance is administered by Pets Best Insurance Services, LLC and is underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company, a New York insurance company. Please visit www.americanpetinsurance.com to review all available pet health insurance products. Pets Best is a CareCredit Solution.

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Ariz a Idaho

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MEET TANK

PAW OF THE MONTH

Breed: American Bulldog NAME: Tank Maldonado

DOB: April 30

FAVORITE FOOD: Carrots

BEST MOVE: Shake Dancing

HOBBIES: Long Walks on the Beach

TALENTS: Paw Artist

LOVES: To Sleep

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303-xxx-xxxx 385-xxx-xxx

Reward $ Post flyers inn the neighborhood, grocery stores, and vet clinics.

If able offer a reward.

Charlene Alvarez

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Call animal control, shelters, rescues, and neighbors.

News e dog was in

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Advertise in newspapers, flyers, or on community websites and bulletin boards.

Thoroughly search your neighborhood before dark.

Search the yard and trees Put a baby monitor on your porch.

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How to Find lost Cats

Lost Cat

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http://www.justpetsco.com 8874 Maximus Drive Lone Tree, CO 80124 (Maximus & Yosemite) (303) 662-8900 Mon-Sat 11am – 7pm; Sun 11am – 5pm

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Why Dogs Often Make Us Better Peopl As humans, we’re smart—but not so smart that we can’t learn a thing or two from these creatures.

Lawerence W. Reed

Never expecting a tribute in print is one of the many adorable traits of a good pet dog. For a job well done, he (or she, they're being mercifully just two canine genders) is perfectly happy with nothing more than a biscuit, a pat on the head, or a scratch behind the ear. But a good dog deserves so much more.

I’m not sure where my love of dogs comes from, but it’s been a powerful impulse for as long as I can remember. Any time I see someone walking one, my eyes go straight to the canine after no more than a momentary glance at the owner. I feel immediate connection—to the dog.

FEE foundation f

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economic Foundation

At ages 12 and 14, my two rat terrier rescues are senior citizens. They’re still in reasonably good health, but I dread the day when they won’t be around to greet me when I come home or make sure I get my daily walks. Like all the dogs I’ve had before, I know I’ll never forget them—their loyalty, their quirks, or even their occasional annoyances that were often for my own good.

Every decent dog owner knows his dog is special, and in that, every dog owner is exactly right. The more you love a dog, the more he pays you back in ways nobody else sees or knows. You feel it deep down, and I think he does too. They’re called “man’s best friend” for good cause. I don’t doubt for a minute that I’m a better person because of what my dogs have done for me.

Unyielding Loyalt We naturally miss our canine friends when they’re gone, but stories abound of dogs that also miss the humans they love.

In Cadiz, Spain, there’s a street named for a dog named Canelo who walked regularly to a local hospital with his master, who received dialysis treatments there three times a week. When the owner died, Canelo was cared for by local residents, who watched him walk to that same hospital and wait outside three faithful times each week for the next 12 years.

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After the passing of his master, Hachiko returned every day for the following nine years at the same time to the same train station where he had always met his owner upon his return from work.

A statue in Tokyo honors an Akita named Hachiko.

After the passing of his master, Hachiko returned every day for the following nine years at the same time to the same train station where he had always met his owner upon his return from work. (Editor’s note: Hachiko was the inspiration for the 2009 lm Hachi, starring Richard Gere.)

On my last visit to Scotland a few years ago, I made a point to take a slight detour as I walked the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. I wanted to see the monument to “Greyfriars Bobby,” a little Skye Terrier who lived from 1855 to 1872. Though there is some dispute about certain details of the story, he apparently guarded and slept on his master’s grave for 14 years after his master’s untimely death. (You can read about him here.)

On my last visit to Scotland a few years ago, I made a point to take a slight detour as I walked the Royal Mile to Edinburgh Castle. I wanted to see the monument to “Greyfriars Bobby,” a little Skye Terrier who lived from 1855 to 1872. Though there is some dispute about certain details of the story, he apparently guarded and slept on his master’s grave for 14 years after his master’s untimely death. (You can read about him here.)

And who can forget the image of the retriever named Hawkeye who stayed for hours by the co n of his owner, a Navy Seal who was killed in Afghanistan in 2011 when the helicopter he was riding in was shot down?

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And don’t forget the indispensable work canines do as service dogs, guide dogs, rescue dogs, police dogs, and war dogs—all for the purpose of helping their human friends. Perhaps you think they’re just “dumb animals” who know nothing but what instinct and human training tell them to do. I can’t prove it, but I’ve always thought the bond I’ve had with my dogs was deeper than that.

A century and a half ago, a young lawyer and later US Senator named George Graham Vest delivered the best speech on dogs, ever. He said in part, “The one absolutely unsel sh friend that man can have in this sel sh world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous is his dog.”

Dogs Make Us Better

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Knowing that my two terriers won’t be with me much longer has prompted me to think about the e ect they and all my previous mutts have had on me. Because of these adorable and loyal critters, I believe I’m a more disciplined person. Like clockwork, they let me know when they need to go outside or for a walk or be fed. They’ve made me more fully appreciate unconditional love, commitment, and life itself. I have so many more reasons to smile and feel good, even inspired, when I’m around them. When I take them for an unleashed hike through the woods, their excitement and boundless energy remind me how important freedom is, even to our intelligent fourlegged friends.

They’ve made me more fully appreciate unconditional love, commitment, and life itself. I have so many more reasons to smile and feel good, even inspired, when I’m around them.

I could go on and on, but if you’re a long-time dog owner, you know what I’m talking about. I hope you’ll go out of your way, as I plan to do today, to let your dog(s) know how much you appreciate them

As humans, we’re smart—but not so smart that we can’t learn a thing or two from these creatures. Maybe dogs are God’s way of telling humankind, “You can do better.”

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April

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Paw Prints Feat ed Artist Tank Maldonado

April 30th

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Lakewood, Colorado

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