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Letter from the Editor
1. My kids, Kaia and Stian, at a rescue fundraiser ages 4 and 6. They've been helping mom out for a long time!
2. Years later, they are still being dragged to events, in this case a Astros game.
3. Kaia with Jeda, who was 17 mths. old (and just turned 11), at the Houston Dog Show.
4. Both kids helping me at Doggy Party. This was Stian's biggest sacrifice over the years - wearing that bunny costume in 95 degree heat!
5. My biggest supporter, Mark Silberman. He has endured countless events with me and I return the favor by going to Aggie games with him (an easy sacrifice!).
6. Desiree Lonsway and I receive a city proclamtion...she has helped me in so many ways!
7. Supporting me often means crazy things. My horse and dog adorned for photos; Mark doing a fecal on my horse...now that's true love. Kaia pretending to have tea with a llama for one of my hairbrained ideas LOL!
8. CAP Gala, 2018 where I received an award (so honored!) - my kids Stian and Kaia are still supporting me after all these years.
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL!
HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE
14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079
info@HoustonPetTalk.com
Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL
Ihave always wanted to find a reason to use the word gobsmacked and I have found it–PetTalk reaching the milestone of 25 years in circulation definitely leaves me gobsmacked! What a ride it has been! The experience of publishing and editing an animal-focused resource has opened up a world of interesting characters to me, both two-leggers and four-leggers (and winged, and scaled). I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with accomplished people, amazing animals and most of all, I’ve had the opportunity to further my passion of animal welfare.
As with many things in life, PetTalk just “happened to me” rather than me planning it. I am truly self-taught in all things to do with the magazine including editing, writing, publishing, marketing, etc. I can definitely say PetTalk was an unexpected departure from my planned course, leaving me to wonder if I’m the captain of my ship or just a passenger with little control, but either way, I could not be more grateful for the detour! Over two decades ago, I was working on another business when the opportunity to publish PetTalk came along. I actually thought it would be a “side business”, which in hindsight is so funny and naive. Not only does it require the hours of a full-time job, it requires even more! But when you love what you do, it is totally worth it. I enjoy planning editorial, writing and meeting a variety of people and getting to play with so many animals. That’s not to say when it’s late at night and we are struggling to get the publication finished and to the printer (preferably with no mistakes but that’s easier said than done), that I have to remind myself of the awesome payoff. This is when I think to myself, if the magazine’s content can keep just one owner from turning their pet into a shelter or convince one person to adopt a rescue dog and not support puppy
mills, then it’s all worth it. I’ve even had a reader tell me the issue on the humane treatment of farm animals made her decide to go vegan for her entire family. That’s when I know my work makes a difference for the greater good.
In the early 2000’s, the magazine was just 16 pages printed on newspaper print and today, it’s 60 glossy pages filled with a variety of content including local news, events, tips on caring for one’s pet, veterinary advice, adoptable animals, human interest stories, shopping guides, local celebrity stories and wildlife conservation. All animals matter and I have thoroughly enjoyed bringing topics to the readers that include conservation of endangered species and educational topics on how we as humans can help protect animals and our planet. The continued success of the publication is a testament to the many people that have supported PetTalk’s mission as well as supporting me in the grueling schedule of publishing monthly. I have so many people to THANK!
First, I want to say how much I appreciate our readers, followers and friends. Without our readers supporting our sponsors, attending events, engaging with us on social media, and providing us feedback, PetTalk would have ceased to exist long ago. Twenty-five years of publishing is quite a milestone in the print world so I am very grateful to still remain on the stands and in digital format every month.
Next, I truly have to get on my knees to thank the loyal sponsors. Without advertising dollars, the public wouldn’t receive this FREE resource every month that hopefully helps the community and the animals within it. From pet resorts to groomers, pet sitters, retail products and pet-friendly communities, our sponsors make this publication possible. Although it may be tempting to
purchase online from a national business with no ties to Houston, I strongly encourage you to shop with our sponsors because not only do they make PetTalk possible, they in many cases support the local pet charities and rescues (who have also been great PetTalk supporters) They are ESSENTIAL to our pet community so please show them your love and appreciation by shopping with them!
The next group that is so important to me and the success of PetTalk is our “team”. Andrew Burwell, our designer, has created so many beautiful issues over they years, while Desiree Lonsway has also added her creative talents to our illustrations, along with Jim Tweedy’s Henrietta illustrations, to make our pages so fun and professional. Photographer Allison Wilkins always steps up to any challenge to capture the moments for our cover and feature stories (and I definitely test her at times!). I also owe a shout-out to Michael
Locatelli who has been consistently delivering PetTalk to over 1000 locations for many years and always doing a special favor for me when asked. And new to the team this year is Co-Publisher Tonia Whilden. Tonia brings a strong background of experience in the animal community and I am happy to have a work partner. Thank you to all of you for your hard work!
Finally, the group that has the thankless job of being my biggest supporter in the worst of times, my family. I have to thank them for the laundry list of wonderful things they have done over the years to help me meet the demands of my job. To Stian, Kaia and Mark–you have endured carrying countless boxes of magazines through tough situations, handed out magazines in the hot sun, stuffed giveaway bags, and attended events. Plus, for so many years, you helped set up and take down the PetTalk booth at the dog show and even waited patiently (somewhat) while I watched the only chance I had each year to see the Best In Show winner late on Sunday evening after we had been there for 4 days. I can’t count how many questions you answered about ideas I wanted to run by
2 3 4 5 7 6
you for editorial, or what photo I should select, or what I should wear, or what color the cover should be and so on. You endured my “momentary monster” outbursts from stressful deadlines. And very importantly, you covered for me at home with the daily duties of the household when I was too busy or off at photoshoots (especially Mark, now that we have horses and llamas). But most of all, you let me know I had your support when the road was “ruff” and offered the best compliment of all…you believed my work to save animals was valuable. That acknowledgement is a true gift and I thank you all so much for your time, support and love. Stian and Kaia have moved into “adulthood” and have their own careers, but they still help me on occasion and I smile at these photos of them as youngsters at events and with our own animals.
This 25th anniversary issue was a ball of emotions to put together. Looking back through photos, videos and past issues was quite a journey. Some things made me laugh, others made me cry; I saw faces I haven’t seen in a long time, and faces that are no longer with us. It’s fair to say that PetTalk has not been just a job for me, it has been an integral part of my life through creating new friendships, learning new skills, stretching my comfort zone, and meeting some
of the most amazing people and animals in the world. I also Thank GOD for the blessing of getting to pursue my passion, for without him, nothing is possible.
My hope is that you enjoy this walk down memory lane and that you continue to engage with PetTalk and support our goal to make Houston’s pet community the best it can be. Tonia and I look forward to continuing the PetTalk brand and impacting the lives of animals and people, together with you, for many years to come!
12145 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079
energycorridor@k9resorts.com | 281-231-2601
1380 W Grand Parkway S, Katy, TX 77494 katy@k9resorts.com | 713-955-2025
1619 N Shepherd Dr Houston TX 77008 heights@k9resorts.com | 713-769-0850
5-Star Experience, Love & Fun Included!
A Look Back at
One of the coolest traditions of PetTalk is reader submissions highlighting their travels around the globe. Where In The World Is PetTalk started back in April of 2010 when my friend, Hershey Grace, sent a photo of her reading PetTalk at a cafe in Paris. That photo lit a spark to ask read ers to start sending in their photos reading the magazine from anywhere, be it globally or right in their own back yard. This fun tradition took off and over the years, we have had hundreds of submissions from literally every corner of the world! It has been amazing to get photos from
Where In The World Is PetTalk
iconic places such the Eiffel Tower, Korean DMZ, Notre Dame Cathedral, Antarctica, Machu Picchu, Stone Henge, Mongolia, Havana, Cuba, and even Angkor Wat. We have loved all of the images and have been so impressed with how many readers take their PetTalk all over the world! Plus, we love the creative submissions including skydiving and pets reading the magazine. Our readers have very smart pets! Thank you to everyone who has sent a photo and please keep them coming in the future…we love it!
Biarritz, France
Australia
Bora Bora Cochin India
Washington D.C.
Costa Rica Dubai Ecuador
Egypt
South Africa
Greece
Guatemala
Havana, Cuba
Iceland
Ireland
Jerusalem
Mongolia
South Korea
Peru
Martha's Vineyard
Milano, Italy
Mt. Rushmore Longyearbyen Norway Paris, France
Russia Sky Diving in Houston
St. Martin Stonehenge
PetTalk’s 3 Contests
To Celebrate Our 25th Annivesary
25 Reasons My Pet Is Adorable Contest Sponsored by Wright Pawn & Jewelry Co.
It’s time to throw some confetti and celebrate your favorite Pet Magazine...and we have just the contest to help you show off your pet! Let all of Houston know 25 Reasons your furry, feathered or scaley pet is the apple of your eye! Entry for this contest will be in September, so start that list, and keep an eye out for details!
Houston PetTalk Cover Contest Sponsored by Peace Love Dogs and VERGI 24/7
Capture the Cuteness—Your Pet Could Be Houston’s Next Cover Star!
Have you dreamed about seeing your pet on the cover of PetTalk? Of course you have! To celebrate our 25th Anniversary, we’re going to make one lucky pet’s dream come true. Entry for this coveted contest will be in the summer. Sign up for our newsletter and follow us on social media to learn more.
Video Celebration Contest Sponsored By West Houston Subaru
Lights, camera, action…it’s time for you to be a star! Show us the love in a short video to celebrate this momentous 25th Anniversary milestone. Get creative - break out the costumes, decorations, tricks or anything else you can think of. Entry for your movie debut is in June. We can’t wait to see who the Oscar goes to…
Henrietta
H's History
PetTalk’s mascot Henrietta first hit the scene as a “Rovering” Reporter in 2004, dishing on everything from H-Town gossip, shopping excursions, and interviews to her ongoing love/hate relationship with her mother, the editor, also known as The Dragon Lady, or DL for short. Her illustrated character was born out of a litter of famed pups created by artist Jim Tweedy known as the “Friendly Doggies”. Jim created the first Henrietta series in which she was ALWAYS carrying her purse, but she later was depicted in a multitude of situations and the illustrations took on a whole new style, with some being digitally colorized by Desiree Lonsway.
Henrietta definitely challenges the team to depict her in ALL SORTS of crazy situations. To understand her character, there are a few basic principles to know:
1.
She is overweight, constantly striving to have “less junk in the trunk” but her love of food is legendary and of course precludes her from ever becoming that elusive size 4. In particular, she is fond of chocolate eclairs, hot dogs, french fries with lots of ketchup, meaty bones, marshmallows, funions, puppy lattes, donuts, chocolate cake, chocolate cookies, and anything chocolate.
2. Her love of food might only be eclipsed by her love of adult libations. She spends many of her days, or nights, or anytime she is upset, happy, sad, contemplating a decision or just looking for a place to escape DL, at the local watering hole, The Salty Dog, owned by Max, a drooling, not-so-smart Rottweiler.
3. The neighborhood dogs make up Henrietta’s social sphere, for better or
worse. Her nemesis are three-fold: Penelope the over-indulged, snooty, self-adoring Poodle and Lolita, the prancy, size 2, know-it-all, Chihuahua. She also has a strong dislike for Felicity Farnsworth, whose breed we don’t know but she is best friends with Penelope and the two are a walking (or trotting) billboard for designer handbags and haute couture. Henrietta of course has no interest in these flashy luxury items that belie one’s need to show off to the world (perhaps because she can’t afford them but she will have No One know that she is just a tad bit jealous). Beyond the characters that make the hair raise on her neck, Henrietta is surrounded by her friends which are essentially her cousins. The extensive number of cousins is due to her mother’s side of the family being prone to indiscriminate breeding habits and all of the cousins have names beginning with “H”. To date, the cousins that have been introduced include: Harriet, Henri, Harold, Helen, Hank, Harry, Harvey, Hazel and her absolute best friend and cohort in crime, Hortense. Cousin Hortense is given the lot in life of trying to prop up Henrietta’s ego, listening to her ramblings and being dragged into crazy schemes that often end with precarious outcomes. In 2017, Henrietta revealed a SECRET cousin, Helmut, who embarrassed her by singing a Rap song about Trump at the Salty Dog. For fun, we will re-run that column in May; to listen to the Rap song, go to HoustonPetTalk.com and search Helmut. The SECRET voice who recorded the song will also be REVEALED.
champagne and caviar, talking pawlitics, saving her brethren at the local shelter, colloquialisms and idioms, being thought of as important, tennis, country music and diamonds. Her list of things she hates is rather extensive but the top tier in order of most hated would be: Cats, Penelope & Felicity, exercise, dieting, squirrels, getting up in the morning and being on time for work, disrespecting Texas, lack of imagination, dead-beats and no private toilets for her “kind”.
5. The final point of note regarding the life and history of Henrietta would be a glimpse at a few of the “predicaments” she has gotten herself into which include: trying her paw at stand-up comedy at The Improv, entering a contest in which she thought the prize was a Kiss From Seal (as in the singer) all to find when she won that she had read it incorrectly and it was a Kiss From A Seal, the time her cousin Harriet invited her to London for what she thought was in invitation to William and Kate’s wedding, all to find out it was something quite different indeed and she wound up disguising herself as a Buckingham Palace guard and sneaking into the Queen’s quarters, her attempt to run for President of the U.S. with a slogan: "Who Do You Want For President, The One Who TAKES A Poop or The One Who PICKS It Up?", and her attempt to try out for the Texas A&M mascot Reveille, are just a few of her antics.
4. In addition to loving food and drink, Henrietta loves shopping, being adored by her selfdescribed “fans”, hunky guys,
With that glimpse into the make-up of the grey matter in Henrietta’s head, one can see that she is quite a colorful, entertaining gal and if you would like to read her extensive number of monthly columns she has written over the years, they are archived in PetTalk’s digital issues, typically located on page 10.
It would not be a complete tribute to Henrietta and the many hours she has devoted to her column if we did not give her a chance to offer her musings in this most special of PetTalk issues, so without further ado, here she is!
Musings & Best Of
HENRIETTA ON 25 Years
I calculate that I have been PetTalk's mascot for 147 dog years, filled with fun times, late night writings, an “abundance” of time with DL, hundreds of events wearing shoes that don’t fit, more time with DL, plenty of Salty Dog “conferences”, tons of late night dumpster dives with Hortense, more time with DL, an immeasur able amount of photoshoots that resulted in “a lesson learned”, and way too much time with DL. Oh and, way too much time in the office with DL with me in THE CHAIR (if you aren’t familiar with THE CHAIR, read my September 2020 column).
I have to say that my experience as the Rovering Reporter for PetTalk, a position which I secured through a modicum of knowledge and a ton of nepotism, has been an incredible journey that has taken me, at times, to the depths of despair while at other times taken me to the pinnacle of joy. I guess that is why they call life “a ride”. As you know, I am prone to musings and pontifications (as well as a few hair-brained schemes) so when Mom and I sat down to share a glass of bubbly in celebration of my spokesdog role with PetTalk (Dragon Lady can be fun at times), I couldn’t help but take a little jaunt down memory lane. I figured I should stop and smell the roses (and the trees, and the fire hydrants) and appreciate the amazing job I have and share a few of the highlights.
that he just thought she was a horse’s ass. Not a wise choice of words.
What I’ve learned: Don’t let people wear stripes for photos, don’t laugh when people dye their poodle’s hair, always pee before getting in mom’s car, take Valium before photoshoots with cats, use tape to secure the mouth of an alligator before photographing, don’t imbibe and write your column at midnight, and last but not least, arrive at the event BEFORE it’s over.
Most challenging photoPaws down First Lady Barbara Bush. Now, don't get me wrong, it was nothing the First Lady did to make it challenging. The challenge was getting DL through it. Think smelling salts, lots of pep talks and maybe there was wine involved.
Biggest moment of my career: Meeting Jack Hanna, the titan of the animal world. He actually patted me on the head! Also getting to try on Houston Texans mascot Toro's head. It was way too big, didn't smell great but was still kinda cool.
Biggest shocker: People say they love their pets but won't even spend the money for a teeth cleaning. And oh, that Jeff Corwin was not taller than me.
ironing magazines that had been boxed incorrectly, leaving an “unfortunate” crease across the face of a well known socialite. That was so whacked. I actually felt sorry for her as she fervently tried the impossible.
Most gratifying moment: Watching DL sacrifice her lifestyle to save an abused horse. I have to admit I am proud of her animal saving mission. However, if she decides to save a Donkey, that's it. I'm out.
Celeb I still think about: This is a tough one because I've met some hunky guys but I think it would be Justin Reid, cover of DEC. 2019 when he was a Houston Texan (now a Chief). He was nice and HOT and best of all, he brought a suitcase of diamonds to wear...and y'all know how I feel about diamonds!
Most scared I've been: During a photoshoot, a VERY, VERY rich Houstonian took me by the paw and asked me to come to her bedroom. I've heard rich people can be weird so I was more than frightened at what she was about to do. But alas, she just wanted to show me a portrait of herself and her cat. Only time I've ever been happy to see a cat!
Most bizarre photo shoot: A family that had a miniature horse living in their suburban backyard. It swam in the pool, came in the house and also bit my mom on the butt. I made a joke
Weirdest Celeb: Robert F. Kennedy. Now that he's a "big guy in government", I can't tell you why.
Strangest thing I’ve ever seen DL do: Take the iron out and begin
12TH ANNUAL Wags and Whiskers Luncheon Unleashed
More than 225 animal lovers donned their best Western wear on Saturday, February 8 at Hotel ZaZa, Museum District for the 12th Annual Wags and Whiskers Luncheon.
Proceeds from the event benefit Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston (IM) Animeals program, which provides pet food, toys, and preventative vet care supplies to over 1,300 pets
of homebound seniors in IM’s Meals on Wheels program.
The “Lassos and Leashes” themed event raised more than $130,000 during the celebrity pet fashion show, a silent auction, and delicious lunch hosted by Brunch Co-Chairs Kristin Guthrie and Roberta Konicki along with Honorary Chair Ernie Manouse of Houston Public Media.
Emcee Casey Curry welcomed guests and four-legged furry
cowpokes to the rodeo chic event and inspiring program, which honored long-time animal lover, media personality and book author Frank Billingsley, who recently joined Houston Public Media as Executive Producer and Co-Host of Hello Houston. Pet Fashion Show Media Judges included Michelle Mantor with Houston PetTalk Magazine, Lara Bell with Swoon Magazine, Jeff Gremillion with Houston CityBook Magazine,
Sarah Leftwich with Houston Modern Luxury Magazine, Dawn Gunther with Spring Branch Plus Magazine, and Suzanne Schakett with River Oaks Lifestyle and Memorial Lifestyle Magazines.
To learn more about Animeals, visit IMGH.org/ meals-wheels-greater-houston/ animeals.
Photo by Dalton DeHart, all other photos by
Michael Costilla
Angela Hernandez, Frank Billingsley, Kevin Gilliard, and Kamisha Mickey
Buttercup the dog
Casey Curry, Roberta Konicki, and Kristin Guthrie
Diane Lee
Tonia Whilden
Saied Alavi, Dr. Kathy Flanagan, and Emma Chambers
Heartworm Treatment Capacity Doubles At Emancipet
Emancipet, the nation’s leading nonprofit provider of affordable and accessible veterinary healthcare, is pleased to announce it is expanding its heartworm treatment services in Houston. Starting this month, Emancipet will now offer heartworm treatment at its Monroe Clinic, in addition to its existing services at the Wayside Clinic. This expansion will double the number of dogs served with heartworm treatment annually in Houston, ensuring that more pets receive the life-saving care they need.
Heartworm disease is a life-threatening condition caused by a parasite spread through mosquito bites. Left untreated, it can lead to severe lung disease, heart failure, and organ damage in dogs. With treatment costs starting at $225, Emancipet continues to
HERMANN PARK
provide an affordable solution for pet owners facing this challenging diagnosis.
“Our goal is to remove barriers to veterinary care, and this expansion means that more Houston families will have access to life-saving heartworm treatment for their dogs,” said Cheryl Katon, CEO of Emancipet. “By continuing to expand our services at affordable prices, we are helping to ensure that pets receive the treatment they need while reducing the spread of this devastating disease.”
For more information on Emancipet’s heartworm treatment services, visit Emancipet.org/services/heartworm-treatment/. To schedule an evaluation appointment, call 713-321-2713.
THE GREAT ELEPHANT MIGRATION
Hermann Park Conservancy, with the support of a lead gift from the Dunwoody Foundation, presents The Great Elephant Migration - a month-long public art installation featuring 100 life-sized sculptures of Indian elephants made from dried lantana plants. On site throughout the month of April 2025, Houston is the fourth stop on this traveling installation's global journey, which will also feature the largest tusker the herd has ever had on display. As part of the Conservancy's Art in the Park initiative, the public art installation invites visitors to experience the beauty of wildlife conservation and sustainability.
From Tuesday, April 1, through Wednesday, April 30, The Great Elephant Migration can be experienced at Hermann Park for free during the Park’s operating hours of 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. The majority of herds will be located in the Park’s newest destination, the Commons, with additional herds at the Houston Museum
of Natural Science and in the Texas Medical Center.
“The Great Elephant Migration is more than an art installation—it is a call to action and a place to experience joy,” said Cara Lambright, president & CEO of Hermann Park Conservancy. “By bringing this breathtaking global effort to Hermann Park, we are inviting our community to be part of a worldwide movement to protect ecosystems, eradicate invasive species and inspire change. These are shared values that span continents.”
The Great Elephant Migration is the fundraising adventure of 100 life-size Indian elephants migrating across the US to amplify indigenous knowledge and inspire the human race to share space. Visit TheGreatElephantMigration.org to learn more about this initiative and see their previous stops.
HIT US WITH YOUR BEST SHOT!
WILDFLOWER
It's time for our longest running photo contest in celebration of the beautiful Texas Wildflowers, sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. As the flowers begin to bloom in March and continue through part of April, be sure to take your pet(s) on an outing and capture a fun photo and enter our 17th annual contest (no humans in photos please). Entry is from April 1 to April 15, public voting is April 16-23 to select Finalists. Sunset Animal Hospital will select the winner, who will receive a $200 certificate for services at Sunset. We are always impressed by the amazing entries and appreciate your creativity!
To enter visit HoustonPetTalk.com or our FACEBOOK page beginning April 1 and click the link to the entry page and upload your photo. Rules for contest are on the entry page. Be sure to include your pet's name. If you're a professional photographer, please note your entry as Professional Division. The winning photo and ALL entries will be published in the June issue! Sunset Animal Hospital is located at 2959 SW Freeway and is open 24/7 offering top quality medical treatment for your pet. Thank you Sunset for your generous sponsorship! Learn more about them at SunsetAnytime.com.
Koda
March is Pet Poison Prevention Awareness Month and is crucial for raising awareness about the hidden dangers that can harm our beloved pets. With poisoning being a leading cause of injury and death in companion animals, this month serves a s a vital reminder for pet owners to be viligent in protecting their furry friends.
SECURE HAZARDOUS ITEMS
Store medications, cleaning supplies and pesticides in locked cabinets.
BE CAUTIOUS WITH HUMAN FOODS
Avoid giving pets toxic foods like chocolate, grapes, onions and xylitol.
CHECK YOUR PLANTS
Keep toxic plants out of reach such as sago palms, pothos ivy and ficus trees.
USE PET SAFE PRODUCTS
Read the labels on pest control and lawn care products to ensure they are safe.
PREPARE FOR EMERGENCIES
Read the labels on pest control and lawn care products to ensure they are safe.
APRIL 12
Houston SPCA Hosts Annual Spring Open House
The Houston SPCA is gearing up for its annual Spring Open House on Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering a day of familyfriendly activities on their campus and a chance to meet all of their available pets until 6 p.m. The Houston SPCA is located at 7007 Old Katy Road, Houston, Texas 77024, located adjacent to Memorial Park and I-10, near the Galleria.
A highlight of the day will be a free Easter egg hunt for children through 2nd grade. Families are encouraged to bring their baskets for this festive spring tradition. Alongside the egg hunt, attendees can enjoy complimentary balloon animals and face painting;
prize wheel offering exciting giveaways and adoption bags courtesy of Hill’s Pet Nutrition, and more.
One of the key features of the event will be rescued equine demonstrations. Visitors will have the chance to learn about the special care and rehabilitation of horses rescued by the Houston SPCA. For those interested in wildlife, the event will also feature wildlife chats with experts who will discuss peaceful coexistence with wildlife and introduce some of the organization’s native wildlife ambassadors.
A particularly heartwarming experience will be the pop-up nursery, where visitors can observe neonatal kittens being bottle-fed.
These vulnerable kittens, often orphaned or abandoned, receive dedicated care before entering foster programs, and attendees can witness their journey up close.
The Spring Open House is free and open to the public, making it a great way for families to spend the day learning about the important work of the Houston SPCA while enjoying fun and
educational activities. With adoptions available until 6 p.m., it’s also a chance to give a loving home to an animal in need. Please visit HoustonSPCA.org for more information.
Celebrating 25 Years Of PetTalk
By Michelle Mantor, Editor & Publisher of Houston PetTalk
It’s the Silver Jubilee Anniversary and I am thrilled to say we are still going strong! In a world where digital information is here today and gone tomorrow, print is forever and also reigns supreme as the #1 most trusted form of advertising. Publishing a magazine for 25 years is a major milestone and, in an industry that has seen so many publications go away, PetTalk’s longevity is an achievement to celebrate. There are so many factors to success, but the primary factor is you, the reader. Without your readership and
very importantly, your patronage to our sponsors who make PetTalk possible, we would no longer be serving the animal community that I love so much.
From anecdotes to milestones to the evolution of Houston’s pet community, let’s journey down memory lane as we look at the highlights of meeting famous people, the growth of the PetTalk brand, the impact we’ve made on helping the animals of our community and simply, some fun moments through the years!
OUR PATH TO Success!
May 2000: Inaugural Issue of Houston PetTalk hits the stands.
September 2003: Michelle Mantor takes over as Publisher.
October 2003: Dominque Sachse, news anchor, appears as the very first notable Houstonian to grace the cover.
March 2004: Distribution expands to 400 locations and circulation expands to 7000.
July 2004: PetTalk becomes the Official Show Guide to the Reliant World Series of Dog Shows and circulation increases to 10,000.
April 2006: Cesar Millan is the first national celebrity to appear on the cover.
August 2006: Major milestone! PetTalk says a thankful good-bye to newspaper print and says a happy hello to glossy paper! Sonya Fitzpatrick, the internationally known pet communicator, appears on the cover. The creative talent, Andrew Burwell, joins as designer.
September 2006: Circulation
increases to 15,000; page count increases to 32 and PetTalk participates in over 25 events.
Joanne
October 2007: International icon Joanne King Herring appears on the cover. Circulation increases to 20,000.
January 2008: Our first Notable Houstonians issue featuring Secretary of State James Baker.
December 2009: First Lady Barbara Bush appears on the cover with her dogs, Mini and Bibi. To celebrate this major accomplishment,
the 4 page cover is upgraded to high quality cover stock. Circulation and page count increases.
October 2010: PetTalk publishes a 10th Anniversary issue!
APRIL 2011: Mayor Parker appears on the cover for a story on The Transformation of BARC, an overhaul of Houston’s City Shelter.
January 2013: Pop culture icon Lee Majors appears on the cover.
April 2013: The first Media Hounds issue featuring local media
with their pets. David Paul of KHOU was our first cover. Media Hounds becomes an annual issue.
September 2013: Texas A&M Mascot Reveille VIII appears on our cover, marking the second appearance of Reveille (first was 2008).
August 2014: A homeless man appears on the cover with his puppy in a photo by talented photographer Robyn Arouty that went viral. This issue got a lot of “buzz”!
September 2015: First illustrated cover of candidates running for Houston Mayor. All candidates
answered questions regarding their platform.
October 2015: Wildlife advocate, Jack Hanna, appears on our cover with a cute baby kangaroo. Distribution increases to 1100 locations.
October 2016: First issue tackling the humane treatment of food/ farm animals.
November 2017: Houston Rockets coach D'Antoni appears on our cover and numerous Rockets players pose with animals up for adoption, just two months after Hurricane Harvey.
December 2017: Famed rocker Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top appears on cover of our annual Notable Houstonians issue.
Jan/Feb 2018: Freedom, my rescue horse, is introduced to our readers and the feature story details our journey together. PetTalk launched our YouTube channel and featured an accompanying video of
Freedom's story which has gotten over 700,000 views!
March 2020: Corona virus pandemic strikes and creates a major challenge for Houston's pet community including pet businesses, charitable donations, rescue animal housing and more. PetTalk experiences some loss of advertisers but we survived!
November 2020: 20th Anniversary Issue!
December 2020: Iconic ac tor Chuck Norris appears on the Notable Houstonian cover.
2021: PetTalk expands our contest offerings giving our read ers more chances to enter and win. Popular contests include Pets In the Wildflowers, Beach Bum, Halloween, and Happy Howlidays.
Jan/Feb 2022: First llama appears on the cover.
December 2022: Favorite
Jr. appears as Notable Houstonian cover and PetTalk celebrates his commitment to rescue.
Astros Pitcher, Lance McCullers,
FAMOUS Encounters!
The mission of helping animals is number one in my heart but and unforeseen bonus of publishing PetTalk has been the opportunity to meet a plethora of celebrities, notables and famous people who also love and respect animals. Meeting these people was an exciting prospect and, as you’ll see, a learning experience too!
The Pliner Principle
The first “famous” person I met oddly enough was footwear designer Donald Pliner in 2004. His Highland Village store was having a fundraiser for SNAP and I was invited to meet Donald and his cute dog, Baby Doll, for a story. I had no idea who Donald Pliner was so I showed up with my 2002 Salt Lake Olympic’s derby cap on (backwards no less). Of course, had I known of his fame in the fashion world, I would have fretted and undoubtedly chose different attire. Lesson learned: Sometimes it’s better to be ignorant about who you're interviewing so you can just be yourself.
The Millan Moment
In 2006, Cesar Millan was speaking in Austin and I scored a personal interview with him. This time I knew who I was meeting! I expected to have a few minutes with him
in some nondescript corner of the conference hall, but to my surprise, I was granted 30 minutes with him in a luxury RV. I was not AT ALL prepared for 30 minutes with those dark, piercing eyes patiently waiting for me to ask brilliant questions. I winged it and was not thrown out of the RV so I guess I managed to conceal my nonchalant prep for the interview. Lesson learned: Never assume your subject is too busy for you.
Composed For Corwin
In 2007, I had an opportunity to meet and feature Jeff Corwin on our cover. Fresh off my laissez-faire prep for Cesar Millan, I diligently studied Jeff Corwin’s background, and prepared questions that I thought rivaled Barbara Walters probing interview style. Jeff was speaking at the Houston SPCA’s annual Spring Luncheon. After his speech, I was ushered into the VIP area where Jeff was mingling with guests. I was quickly offered a photograph with him and that was it. Nada. Not a single question did I ask. I was left to my own volition to write an entire feature story on a handshake and a photo. Lesson learned: Never assume your subject has time for you.
The Joy Of Joanne
I first met Joanne King Herring, the beautiful movie-star-quality icon of Houston’s social and philanthropic world, in 2007. Once again, I had no idea who she was until I saw her on the cover of Icon Magazine. I read the story and something about Joanne's glamour ignited my curiosity. I learned about her worldly life as Honorary Consul to Pakistan, her efforts to help the people of Afghanistan and her legendary parties for dignitaries. She was incredibly fascinating and I thought meeting someone like her would be an amazing experience, but only something I could dream about.
A few months later, I was at a CAP event and there she stood, just a few feet away from me. I couldn’t even remember her name but I remembered that china doll face and my fascination with the life she'd lived. Intimidated but undaunted, I approached her and introduced myself. She was absolutely charming and lovely. We hit it off instantly and she agreed to pose for a PetTalk cover. She appeared on our cover in October of 2007 (and again in 2013). The photo session was relaxed, fun and she spent several hours sharing her stories with me, exactly as I had imagined the year before.
Since that time, she’s become one of my dear friends and I count my lucky stars for all of her warm hugs and sage advice. Lesson learned: If you want something, go for it!
Finding Friedman
I had the good fortune of meeting Kinky Friedman, the enigmatic musician-writerpolitician-animal savior on several occasions. Not a single time was he without his signature cigar and cowboy hat. Kinky was one of those people who had the ability to make you nervous and relaxed at the same time. It’s kind of a weird feeling to be on guard but feel like you can go astray from protocol and it would be completely acceptable. He was typically expected to be a rough and tough cowboy but he was really a sensitive, animal loving guy with a huge soft spot for downtrodden animals. Lesson learned: Don’t judge a cowboy by his hat.
The Bush Blessing
I can’t think of words to describe meeting First Lady Barbara Bush, who graciously agreed to appear on our cover in December of 2009. My close friends will tell you that Barbara Bush was the number one person in the world I most wanted for a cover since the moment I began publishing.
I had written several times to request her participation in the magazine but each time, I received a very respectful “no”. In July of 2009, inspired by a close friend that encouraged me to try again, I
decided to give my titanic-sized goal one more chance. The day her assistant called to accept the invitation, my kids thought something terrible had happened based on the sounds emanating from my office!
I don’t think I had a total of 50 hours of sleep over the next two months before the interview and photo session was to take place at her home. I would wake up thinking, “What if President Bush comes in the room, do I curtsy? Do I ask him to join in the photo? What do I say? Am I allowed to pet their dogs? All silly thoughts but everything in the middle of the night is unreasonable. Red blotches on my neck and all, I survived the day and Mrs. Bush could not have been more engaging. She shared her home, her dogs and some great stories with us. It was truly an experience of a lifetime and I’m so grateful to her for giving me the opportunity to realize a major goal in my life. Lesson learned: Never underestimate the ability to make your goals or dreams come true.
The DeJoria Difference
In May of 2011, photographer Evin Thayer and I traveled to Austin to photograph and interview John Paul DeJoria for the cover of PetTalk. “JP” is famous for co-founding the Paul Mitchell line of hair products for people and pets, as well as the Patron Spirits Company. Although I was aware of who he was, I didn’t quite know the extent of his far-
reaching fortune. I had decided in advance not to “over-study” for the interview and let the conversation flow however seemed natural. His Austin estate was very Californiastyle ranch with an L.A. vibe, just like JP, who emerged with his signature ponytail and bare feet. He was warm and hospitable while showing us around his property and posing for photos with his beautiful Golden Retriever. We chatted for quite some time about everything from his product line to his role in working to feed the poor in Appalachia (my stomping grounds). He is quite fascinating given that he once lived out of his car and now he is a billionaire! We ended the day with him giving us a large shot of chilled Platinum Patron and a bag of pecans from his yard. Once I got home, I realized I hadn’t written ONE WORD from the interview. But it didn’t end up making a difference because he was so interesting that I hadn't forgotten any of the details. I did however have to look up a couple of facts and that’s when I discovered that he was a BILLIONAIRE. If I had known, I would have been more nervous to interview such a business titan! Lesson learned: Once again, ignorance can be bliss!
The Major Million Dollar Moment
In 2013, one of the most famous actors from my era graced the cover of PetTalk, Lee Majors. I grew up watching Lee every Sunday night playing the role of Colonel Steve Austin, The Six Million Dollar Man (an ex-astronaut with bionic implants for you youngsters that may not be aware of the show). He was the consummate Hollywood star and the chance of me, sitting in West Virginia in the 70’s watching this STAR on TV ever meeting was of course laughable. Fast forward decades later and I was literally using a lint-roller on his leg to remove cat hair for the photo. Who would’ve thought??? Lesson learned: Never underestimate yourself and always carry a lint roller.
Calvin The Character
2013 proved to be a fun year at PetTalk and in December, I had the pleasure of meeting Calvin Murphy, the colorful Hall of Fame NBA Player and Analyst of Houston Rockets games. Anyone that watches the NBA knows who Calvin is and they certainly know his penchant for Over-The-Top suits. His personality is bigger than his 5-foot-9 inch frame and he is all smiles when you meet him. He posed with an adorable Maltese adoptable and we had a fun chat about our shared talent, baton twirling, although I was not in the same skill level as Calvin! About a year later, I was at a Rockets game and Calvin was walking up the stairs and I called to him. Once he recognized me, his face lit up, he gave me a big hug and said, “You have no idea how happy you made my Momma when she saw me on that cover! Thank you so much for that. She was just telling everyone 'Look at my baby'!" He was so excited it made me giggle! Lesson learned: If you make a boy's Momma happy, you’ll make him happy!
Jokin’ With Jack
Growing up, I was always fascinated by the critters Jack Hanna brought to the stage of the late night talk shows. He’s one of the best pet ambassadors in the world and someone I was always fascinated by...I wanted his job LOL! Unexpectedly, I was given an invitation to photograph and interview Jack for the September 2105 PetTalk cover during his visit to Houston. I was SO excited to meet him but of course, a bit nervous. By this point, I had learned you NEVER KNOW what you are going to get with celebs, like the proverbial box of chocolates.
Well, he turned out to be a milk chocolate covered caramel - my favorite! He was so squarely focused on the animals that he was borderline obsessive but in a good way. He knew every detail about every animal and there was NO mistake that it was his passion! We photographed him with a baby kangaroo and definitely had a few laughs during our time together. He has a fun sense of humor but after the laugh, it’s back to business. He talks fast, stays on task and basically, you are just challenged to keep up! Lesson learned: When photographing an animal that has strong back feet, don’t assume one of the top animal ambassadors in the world can hold it. Always travel with a blanket.
Lance’s Love For Animals
When a well-known athlete is willing to lend their fame and name to animal causes, you know they are the real deal! In August of 2016, Astros Pitcher Lance McCullers, Jr. appeared on our cover with the cutest little Chihuahua. Lance and his wife are both very involved in the Houston rescue community. Lance was very nice, easy to talk to and in addition to his handsome looks, he also sports really awesome socks! Lesson learned: Men who dress with class are fun to look at!
Roots With The Rockets
As many of you know, I’m from West Virginia, meaning my “roots” are the same as Mike D’Antoni, head coach of the Houston Rockets,
2016-2020. His brother Dan was the head coach of my Alma Mater, Marshall University, and my mother knew him through the athletic world of WV. I joked with her that she should help me get Mike D’Antoni for a PetTalk cover. I was sitting in an auditorium awaiting jury duty on the Friday Hurricane Harvey was arriving, when I got a text message from my mom giving me Coach D’Antoni’s cell phone number and told me to contact him. What??? I couldn’t just call up the coach of the Houston Rockets! So, I did what most cowards would do, I texted him. Very soon thereafter, his wife Laurel texted me back and said she would help me make this work...and she did! Not only was the coach on our November 2017 cover, but many of the Rockets agreed to be photographed with animals that were up for adoption from Houston Humane Society. Lesson learned: Very big guys can be afraid of kittens. Seriously, several players refused to hold a kitten due to fear. I had to giggle at that but not to their face of course.
Gaga For Gibbons
Getting a yes from ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons to appear on our December 2017 cover was definitely one of my top moments of excitement in terms of meeting a celeb. To put this in perspective, I had ZZ Top’s Deguello album as an 8-track tape in my 65 Mustang convertible in 1980, so clearly this was going to be an iconic moment. ZZ Top was in town performing at Stafford Center and we were given a time slot and a room with 4 blank walls for the photoshoot. Not exactly a great backdrop for photographing ANYTHING, much less a cover, but when God gives you
a celebrity of ZZ Top proportions, you don’t complain! Evin Thayer (R.I.P. my friend) did a great job improvising. I will say that if ever there was a man whose voice did not fit his body, it might be Billy. He is very thin but when he speaks he sounds like God with a deep resonating voice. He was very cordial and happy to do whatever he could to bring awareness to the plight of animals after Hurricane Harvey. I knew it might be a bit of an “over ask” to bring along my son’s guitar and my Tres Embres album to get his autograph but a girl has to try! He was so gracious that not only did he sign it with the silver metallic sharpie I brought along, he drew an elaborate graphic on the guitar to boot. Very cool dude! After the shoot, about two months later, I needed to meet up with Billy to get his autograph on a bottle of Pura Vida Tequila that had been won by a PetTalk reader in our photo contest. Billy is an investor in Pura Vida Tequila and he agreed to autograph a bottle “the next time he was in town.” My house had flooded during the hurricane and I was living temporarily in West U. I got a call from Billy’s business partner one day as I sat at the kitchen table working, still in my “morning clothes” and what happened next was just short of a miracle. He said he and Billy were just finishing lunch at Escalante’s in CityCentre and they were only gong to be there for 20 more minutes if I could make it there in time. Holy #@$! was my main thought. I looked awful and of course was a 25-minute drive away. I ran through the house tearing off my “morning clothes”, pulling on whatever I could find given that I only had a very slim selection at my temporary living quarters. The one thing I did have of most importance was my favorite hat. I grabbed the hat, ran out the door, applied make-up while driving way too fast and made it in time. Once I arrived, we got the bottle signed (while everyone in Escalantes stared at us…weird feeling!) and I asked Billy how many
copies of the magazine he wanted and he quietly held up 4 fingers. Why 4 I will never know but that’s what I gave him and in his mild-mannered way he said, “You know, I’ve had a lot of people call me and say they saw me on this cover.” I took that as a great compliment! Lesson learned: Where do I begin? Keep your old albums, be prepared to get the photo with zilch as a background, buy Pura Vida Tequila (and drink it), always have a hat on hand and be skilled at driving with your knee while applying make-up.
Dan Loves dogs
I first met Rep. Dan Crenshaw at the 2019 Houston Dog Show where he and I were contest judges. Dan even brought his own dog with him, which impressed me. (He is already impressive as a former U. S. Navy SEAL and U.S. Congressman, but men that love animals are my kind!). I gathered the courage to ask him to be our Notable Houstonian for the December 2019 issue and he said yes. When the day came for his photoshoot, his rep.
Nervous For Norris
called me at 7am to say there had been a misunderstanding and his wife thought she was going to be part of the photoshoot and had her “gold gown ready to go." Never one to get on the wrong side of a good man’s woman, I said bring it on, we’ll make a space for her. And so we did! Lesson learned: Always have an open spot for another Notable in the December issue.
What an American icon! Chuck Norris agreed to pose for our December 2020 cover in the height of covid, which was quite a big deal because he had said no to all other appearances given his age of 80 at the time and seriousness of the pandemic. However, he really wanted his dogs on the cover and I thought that was so sweet! That year our notables were all photographed in studio with some cool looking Edison bulbs for design. Given the pandemic, Chuck was not traveling and we needed to go to his home Navasota to photograph him. The trick was how could we make his photo “gel” with the others in the feature? Kudos to photographer Allison Wilkins who lugged the entire Edison bulb display in her car and set it up in the Norris’ living room. We were so frazzled and nervous but Chuck and his wife were incredibly gracious and relaxed that it all ended up fine. However, I will say that we followed that up with some wine! Lesson Learned: Work with a flexible photographer.
Major Faux-Paw With Majors
The adventure of photographing Faith Majors and her two cats that she shares with husband Lee Majors was one for the record books. The August 2024 cover shoot took
place in a two-bedroom suite at Hotel ZaZa. Everything was going well - Faith looked beautiful, the cats were cooperating (as much as you can expect a cat to cooperate) but I should have known nothing goes smoothly with a camera and cat involved! After a few outfit and background changes we wrapped things up and noticed one cat, Pixie, was missing. There were a total of 5 women in this suite and we all began calling and looking for the Pixie, knowing she had to be there somewhere. After the initial "where is she", we were STUMPED. We knew there was no way she got out…no one came in and no one left. Things got desperate, when after about 45 minutes, we could not find Pixie. We took the bed apart including the frame, we turned over sofas, looked up the fireplace chimney...no cat.
Faith had a plane to catch and we were literally ready to cry. I’d never experienced anything like this in all my years of PetTalk. We had left NOTHING unturned. While taking a moment to gather our minds, Faith and I started talking about Pixie’s habits at home and it suddenly occurred to her that Pixie used get in behind the baseboards of the kitchen cabinets until they blocked it. We ran to the kitchen, shined a light in a small hole in the kickboard and there she was. How that cat got in there I will never know but this photo session ALSO ended with drinking wine LOL! Lesson Learned: Don’t photograph a cat!
A NEW ADDITION
One Year of PetTalk: A Tail-Wagging Anniversary!
By Tonia Whilden, Co-Publisher, Houston PetTalk
Ayear ago, I dove headfirst (or should I say paws-first?) into the world of Houston PetTalk magazine as co-publisher and digital media director. April marks my one-year anniversary, and what a whirlwind of fur, feathers, and fabulous fashion it’s been!
Let’s start with my initiation into the world of canine couture—my first dog fashion show. Picture me, wide-eyed and mesmerized, as pups pranced down the runway at Hotel Zaza in Western themed couture. Who knew that Bulldogs in denim and Aussies in fringe would become my new normal?
Then there was Kirby, the adorable newborn Asian elephant at the Houston Zoo. Kirby stole my heart when I read about her birth, and I knew I just had to meet her. Let’s be real—most people meet new co-workers or networking contacts during their first year on the job. Me? I met a baby elephant. And don’t get me started on meeting George the Southern White Rhino! I guess I have a thing for pachyderms. Beat that, LinkedIn!
Of course, my time at PetTalk
has been about more than just dazzling doggy ensembles and zoo animal encounters. One of the most fulfilling parts of my role has been helping to spread the word about Houston’s incredible rescue organizations. Whether it’s shining a light on adoption success stories or rallying support for homeless pets, it’s been an honor to give these deserving animals a voice (even if some of them prefer barking or meowing).
Meeting our readers at events has been another highlight. Nothing beats chatting with fellow pet lovers and witnessing the pure joy their four-legged companions bring them. Through PetTalk’s news and information, we’ve worked hard to help Houston’s pets and their owners live happier, healthier lives.
And let’s not forget our Instagram adventures! Houston’s pets have kept me endlessly entertained, from sassy cats plotting world domination to goofy golden retrievers whose sole mission is to make humans smile. Getting to know these local furry celebrities has been a joy—and let’s be
honest, some of them have bigger social media followings than I do.
Alongside my fantastic copublisher, Michelle Mantor, I’ve navigated the ups and downs of magazine life—from deadlines that seemed impossible to pull off, to moments of triumph when we see
MILESTONES FOR THE HOUSTON PET COMMUNITY
2001: An estimated 20 animal rescue groups were formed in Houston. The number of rescue groups has grown to an estimated 150+ in 25 years.
2004: Radar, a terrier mixedbreed adopted from the Houston Humane Society, made his first onair appearance for local Channel 2 as the "weather dog".
2005: Hurricane Katrina resulted in the largest animal rescue operation in history. The American public donated more than $100 million to animal organizations to
assist with rescues.
2010: The number of pet resorts and daycare facilities tops 100!
2011: Mayor Parker and her administration embark on a focused program to transform BARC, Houston’s embattled, problem-ridden city shelter.
2015: BARC estimated that more than a million stray animals are roaming the city.
2018: In February, Constable Ted Heap, in conjunction with other law enforcement and animal protection agencies, unveiled
the new Animal Cruelty Hotline & Website: 832-927-PAWS, 927PAWS.org.
2020: The pandemic created challenges for everyone, including people and animals. The initial fear for what would happen to homeless pets in Houston and the rescues and shelters that work to care for them was high. Thankfully, the Houston community rallied and 2020 saw record adoptions! With so many people at home more, the love of animals once again proved that empathy and
the impact our work has on the pet community.
One year in, and I can safely say this journey has been pawsitively unforgettable. Here’s to another year of wagging tails, purring hearts, and making Houston a better place for pets and their people!
the search for connection of the human soul is strong.
2023: The Houston Humane Society took over the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition (TWRC) Wildlife Center, which became the Houston Humane Society TWRC Wildlife Center.
2024: Houston SPCA launches summer jobs program for students on career path in veterinary medicine.
Michelle Mantor and I celebrating our new partnership, March 2024.
Quoted From Our Loyal
Congratulations to Houston PetTalk and Michelle on 25 amazing years of putting a great magazine together. Your love for animals is evident in every issue that goes to print. Cheers to 25 more!
Carol Fellbaum, A Dog’s Life Pet Salon
Congratulations on 25 years of PetTalk! I feel so fortunate to be able to work with Michelle, her team and of course all the cute animals! It’s definitely the highlight of my month! Cheers!
Allison Wilkins, Owner and Lead Photographer, Allison Wilkins Photography
I have been working and advertising with Michelle and Houston PetTalk for over 15 years! Michelle has been a terrific friend, collaborator, and colleague through thick and thin. I have hilarious memories of photoshoots when I wanted to put cream cheese all over a dog’s face for a grooming issue, and when I wanted to teach a dog to sit on a toilet for the training issue. Michelle has always been supportive and up for the challenge, no matter how kooky the ideas were! I am forever grateful for her never ending and unbiased support for local pet businesses, as well as her tireless work that has benefited the entire Houston pet community. Congratulations & Happy 25th!
Stephanie Bennett, Believe in DOG
Thank you Houston PetTalk for providing the Houston pet community with such wonderful information. As we all know, Houston LOVES pets and it is amazing to see businesses, veterinarians and the community come together within this magazine to share this love. Thank you for supporting the community with events that highlight pets and provide valuable articles from the veterinary community.
Dr. Julia Spade, Blue Pearl, Pet Hospice
"Congratulations to PetTalk Magazine on 25 wonderful years of making a difference in the lives of pets and families throughout Houston! Your dedication to educating, supporting, and connecting the pet community is truly inspiring, and we are so grateful to be part of this incredible journey. You’ve been a beacon of love, compassion, and knowledge, not only promoting pet health but also strengthening the bond between pets and their families. Here’s to 25 years of impact, and to many more years of sharing love, education, and support with the entire community!”
Caroline
Vaughan, Bingle Vet
For the past decade, we have had the pleasure of working with PetTalk Houston through Nature Dog Photography and Paws All In Dog Training. This journey has been incredibly rewarding, and we eagerly anticipate the next ten years. We deeply admire the exceptional work PetTalk Houston does in promoting animal welfare throughout the greater Houston area, and we are honored to contribute to their mission.
Rick & Lorena Padron, Paws All In Dog Training
PetTalk has been a staple resource for Houston dog owners for over 25 years by creating a community not only for their advertisers but to the dog owning public. As advertisers, we have the ability to become highly visible to potential clients and pet owners can find resources they need. We truly appreciate all of your hard work and efforts. You've been invaluable, more than you know!!
Dean Miller, Club Canine
We love working with PetTalk Magazine. Michelle and Tonia are always supportive of our small business. By placing our ads in PetTalk, we were able to directly reach our target audience, passionate dog owners who prioritize the wellbeing and delight of their furry friends.
Marla and The DEX Pack, The Doggie Express
Having been with Houston Pet Talk, since it's days in newsprint (Priceless Take One), it has always been where pet lovers are likely to find and read it. A vital resource for businesses looking for new customers.
Gary Foster, Manager, Adventures in Birds & Pets, Inc.
Loyal Sponsors
Congratulations to PetTalk Magazine on 25 amazing years! Your dedication to pet lovers and passion for promoting animal welfare has made a lasting impact. Here's to many more years of success and making a difference!
- Houston SPCA
Congratulations to Michelle Mantor on 25 years of PetTalk Magazine! Thank you so much for providing such an amazing resource to the people of Houston; you are incredible!
Nicole Bruder, Lucy Goo Pet Sitting
Meadowlake Pet Resort has found Houston Pet Talk to be much more than "a magazine we have an ad in". While advertising with them has provided Meadowlake with an ROI that allowed us to continue our paid ads for 15 years, it is the relationship that we have built with such a positive and impactful leader in the community that is at the forefront of my mind when I think of Houston Pet Talk. From collaborating with fun events, to meeting new people in all areas of the industry and having the opportunity to highlight our business in unique ways, Houston Pet Talk has always been a strong partner willing to go the extra mile for their "customers". Though in the end, being their customer feels more like being a friend. Congratulations to Michelle and all the amazing people behind Houston Pet Talk for 25 wonderful years! Thank you for all you have done to bring this special industry, in this special community, closer together. Cheers to another 25!
Laura Koch, VP of Operations for Pet Resort Hospitality Group, Meadowlake Pet Resort
For the last two decades, Michelle Mantor has done an incredible job uniting the Houston pet community with heartfelt stories, excellent pet resources and details about all the exciting pet events around town. PetTalk is the readers’ choice with our employees, customers and our pet community.
Canine Country Club
Partnering with Houston PetTalk has been a truly winning experience for PUCCI Cafe. Michelle Mantor's vision and passion for the pet community have not only aligned perfectly with our mission but have also fostered an incredible collaboration. Together, we celebrate the joy of pets and their roles in our lives, making a difference in the community we cherish. Congratulations to the Houston PetTalk Team for a successful 25 years!
Maria Davidson, PUCCI Cafe
Congratulations, Michelle! You have made a difference in the lives of countless animals through your thoughtful articles and selfless devotion to Houston PetTalk. Warmest wished for a grand success in the coming years and beyond!
Pamela Wright, Wright Pawn & Jewelry
We are incredibly proud to have partnered with Houston PetTalk magazine for over 10 years. Our shared passion for improving the lives of pets and pet parents in the Houston community drives us to deliver the very best in care, resources, and support. Together, we are dedicated to creating a stronger, healthier, and more informed pet-loving community.
We love Houston PetTalk! We have literally been reading it since the beginning and have gotten to know and love Michelle over the years! From allowing us to judge the parades at Doggy Party on the Plaza, to having PetTalk at our charity events, they have been a huge part of the animal community in Houston, and have always been so supportive of all of our animal rescue efforts. We even got lucky enough to have our dalmatian Chase on the cover of the magazine. New issues of Houston PetTalk are always looked forward to. Michelle has a way of always filling the magazine with interesting and relevant articles, and the animal lovers of Houston are glad to have the magazine. Here's to another 25 years!
Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux
Michelle & PetTalk, Congratulations on 25 years of being a friend to the animals, reminding us that we have an obligation to nurture and care for them and giving us the information and resources necessary to do so. Patti Murphy - Photo: Kim Coffman
Congratulations Houston PetTalk on your 25th Anniversary! PetTalk has been the go-to information source for Houston area pet lovers in Houston for 25 years! KUDOS, barks & meows!
Susan Boggio (with Michelle Mantor at PetSet Gala, 2017). Photo: PWL Studio.
No dog-ma, you all are the real deal, cat-agorically speaking! Thanks for all you do!
Frank Billingsley, Houston Meteorologist & Executive Producer, Houston Public Media
Congratulations to Michelle Mantor and PetTalk for 25 years of excellence! PetTalk is simply the go-to information center for pet owners and animal lovers. Every issue is a beautiful and thoughtful combination of important health information, professional resources, editorials, community profiles and calendars skillfully compiled for the animal enthusiast. Michelle’s love of animals is evident as the magazine is always well-written, informative and inspiring. PetTalk is truly as comprehensive a guide for Houston animal lovers as you will find….and it’s easy to find as Michelle has them available around every corner! THANK YOU for blessing us all (and our critters) with your talent and compassion!
Paul-David Van Atta (at CAP's "Best Little Doghouse In Texas" gala, 2010). Photo: PWL Studio.
Besides being a great resource and highlighting critical needs, PetTalk magazine also does a great job of showing how much pets mean to us as individuals and to our community. Police dogs, service dogs, and personal pets have all been featured, and relationships between humans and animals have been celebrated. It's her fault that I am determined to get a llama one day. On second thought, her article on llama's convinced me that's too much work!
Deborah Duncan, Host of KHOU's Great Day Houston at "Bad To The Bone" CAP gala, 2014.
Bruce Padilla, Patty Murphy, Shelby Kibodeaux at CAP
“Bad To The Bone” Gala 2014
Frank on the cover with “Radar”, October 2004.
Photo by Kim Coffman
GIVING BACK
PetTalk has been a sponsor of many charitable events over the years and we LOVE supporting all of the animal welfare groups!
THROUGH THE YEARS
As I look back on so many photos and videos from the past 25 years, some make me laugh, some make me ponder, and some make me cry. What a journey this has been! I couldn’t have asked for a better path, albeit with some potholes, it always led to
my Emerald City - helping people and animals in whatever way I could. Making one animal’s life better or making a human’s life better because of their pet is my calling and I am so thankful for the opportunity and the support of Houston’s pet community!
No Mis-TREAT-ment Here!
PUCCI Café
PUCCI Cafe in LaCenterra at Cinco Ranch is a destination for those seeking stylish dog accessories and unique, whimsical products like these fun treat jars. Visit the boutique to see for yourself, and stay for a tasty third wave coffee, refreshing glass of Prosecco or delicious dessert, PUCCIcafe.com.
1. Bulldog: This sturdy little guy will guard your pup’s treats with the same determination he uses to
beg for them—just don’t expect him to share.
2. RV Camper: Perfect for the adventurous pup who believes every snack is a road trip snack—just be prepared for some serious tail-wagging traffic at the treat stop.
3. Fire Hydrant: A bold choice that says, “Yes, I keep treats in a potty landmark,” but don’t worry— your dog will only be drooling over the snacks inside!
The KEYS to Happiness at Kitty Bodega
Hello Kitty, would you like to hunt for treats and play too? Feline fun will ensue with the piano by My Intelligent Pet, named food puzzle of the year. Unlike flat board puzzles where the dog or cat moves tiles with its nose or paw to get the reward, the piano requires work vertically and horizontally to get the treats. The game trains concentration and dexterity. Get one for your maestro at one of Kitty Bodega’s two Houston locations: 2017 Yale Street or 106 Westheimer. Visit TheKittyBodega.com for more details about this pawesome boutique!
Health
Blocked Urethra In Male Cats How To Identify This Life-Threatening Emergency
By: Laura Noaker DVM, DACVIM | VERGI247.com
One of the most common emergencies we see with cats are urinary obstructions, also called blockages. “Your cat is blocked” means that there is something blocking the urethra, preventing your cat from urinating. This lifethreatening emergency occurs mostly in male cats due to their anatomy. While female cats can have urinary blockages, it is not common. Female cats develop urinary tract infections at times, and a UTI can mimic a urinary obstruction.
So what makes male and female cats different? Glad you asked! Male cats have a longer urethra that bends and narrows while female cats have a shorter urethra that does not bend or narrow. The urethra carries urine from the bladder to the external opening. Due to a variety of reasons, cats can develop stones, crystals, sediment that becomes “sludgy”, and/or mucus plugs along their urinary tract. When one or more of these things blocks the flow of urine through the urethra, a urinary obstruction occurs. This happens more easily in male cats due in part to the bend in their urethra but mostly due to the narrowing of the urethra that occurs before reaching the penis. Over a very short amount of time after the blockage occurs, the bladder becomes bigger and bigger and very painful, potassium begins to rise (a dangerous condition called hyperkalemia) and urinary toxins that are normally excreted via urination begin to rise. As the potassium
and toxins accumulate in the bloodstream, the blocked cat may develop vomiting, depression/lethargy, abnormal heartbeats and in severe cases, can enter a comatose state. Cats will not survive a blockage without emergency care.
If your cat is blocked, a veterinarian or veterinary technician will first flush the material out of the urethra that caused the blockage. A urinary catheter will then be placed, with both procedures performed under mild anesthesia. The cat will be immediately placed on IV fluids and hospitalized for generally 72 hours.
Urine output, as well as necessary bloodwork values, will be evaluated periodically during the hospitalization. These feline patients will be placed on medications that will be sent home upon discharge. It is important that
you continue the medications and monitor your cat’s urination at home.
If a cat repeatedly blocks, there is a surgical option called a perineal urethrostomy. This procedure basically removes the narrowing portion of the urethra, creating an anatomy more similar to a female cat.
If you notice your cat urinating outside the litter box, straining to urinate, urinating small amounts, straining unproductively, licking under their tail, vocalizing in pain, or if you see some blood with urination, take your cat to your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian immediately. Other symptoms of obstruction can include vomiting and lethargy.
Urinary obstructions can be scary for the humans who love their cats and painful for the cats themselves. It is an experience we hope you never have with your cat but if you do, we are here for you and your cats (and dogs!), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!
Helping Backyard Chickens Thrive
Various Herbs To Benefit Your Flock
By: Valerie Bisby, LVT; Senior Patient Care Training Coordinator
BluePearl Pet Hospital, Spring & Katy
If you’re looking for a sign to get some chickens, consider this the time! (Not without speaking to your significant other, though—I don’t want to be responsible for any potential arguments).
I would classify myself as an advanced beginner in the backyard chicken category, so I am by no means an expert. Although I’ve only had chickens for a short time, the amount of knowledge I’ve gained—and continue to learn—has been incredibly exciting. My favorite thing to share is herbal supplementation—the wonderful benefits as well as how cost-effective it is to keep a happy and healthy flock.
Herbs & Their
Benefits:
Parsley: Aids circulation and blood vessel growth while also
encouraging feather growth. Each year when my flock molts, I add a little extra parsley to their diet.
Basil: Acts as a natural insect repellent, helping keep chickens free of parasites. It also supports respiratory health and improves overall mucous membrane function.
Oregano: One of my favorites! Oregano is packed with antimicrobial and anti-anxiety properties, as well as antioxidants. It significantly boosts the immune system and reduces stress levels, resulting in excellent egg quality.
Rosemary: This herb
benefits chickens whether added to their feed or planted around their coop! It
serves as a natural deodorizer and provides excellent respiratory support. When included in their diet, rosemary acts as a mild pain reliever and helps prevent infections due to its antibacterial and antifungal properties. It also encourages nutrient absorption and digestion, keeping chickens healthier overall.
Marjoram: A high-quality herb that helps fight infections such as E. coli and Salmonella.
Red Pepper Flakes: Fun fact: Chickens don’t have capsaicin receptors, meaning they don’t taste spice! Red pepper flakes act as a natural dewormer and help combat gut bacteria. Additionally, they improve egg quality, leading to richer and brighter yolks. Because of the spice, red pepper flakes can also help deter potential predators.
Honey: I’ve never added honey directly to my chickens’ feed (though that might be amusing to watch). Instead, I routinely mix honey into their water. Honey is a natural antibiotic, aids in wound healing, improves egg quality, and helps chickens cope with heat stress—especially beneficial during the scorching Texas summers!
The list of herbs that are safe and beneficial for chickens is far more extensive than what I’ve included here. I’ve found it most convenient and costeffective to mix Italian seasoning into each bag of feed. Every few months, I also add red pepper flakes to help deworm my flock. I will always find it incredibly fascinating that some of the things we might already have in our backyard can provide so many benefits!
Meet Barb. This picture was taken shortly after a raccoon tried to get her, hence, her floppy comb. She's the oldest lady in the flock, but the best egg producer.
Conservation Corner
A Milestone Celebration
As appreciative supporters of nature and wildlife, we at Houston PetTalk want to promote education and conservation of the world’s animal population. Each month we bring you information on conservation efforts that are of special interest or have some connection to Houston through the Houston Zoo.
This month the zoo is celebrating our 25th milestone along with a special 25th birthday at the zoo, Ajari the gorilla. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.
By: Jessica Reyes
As PetTalk Magazine celebrates its 25th anniversary, the Houston Zoo is honored to share in this milestone with the cherished community of animal lovers. The partnership with PetTalk Magazine has been a natural fit, as our shared passion for wildlife, and conservation drives us to inform and inspire others to take action.
As the magazine celebrates 25
years of providing valuable information and fostering a love for animals, we encourage everyone to join in the mission to help protect animals. Together, we can ensure that future generations will have the privilege of experiencing majestic creatures.
This year, we are especially excited to highlight a very special birthday-- Ajari, the Houston Zoo’s beloved western lowland gorilla, is also turning 25! Ajari's milestone birthday is a perfect opportunity to reflect on the vital role Houston Zoo plays in wildlife conservation, and the profound impact it has on helping this species to thrive. As one of the Zoo’s treasured residents, Ajari is an ambassador for his species and helps bring awareness to the ongoing challenges facing western lowland gorillas. Some of those threats are habitat loss due to coltan mining, poaching, and the spread of human transmitted diseases like Ebola,
Photos provided by Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo
measles and respiratory diseases that are taking a devastating toll on gorilla populations in the wild.
Guests and readers can help save wild gorillas by visiting the Houston Zoo. A portion of each admission and membership helps support the Zoo’s conservation partners, Gorilla Doctors. The Zoo has been partners with Gorilla Doctors for more than ten years. Gorilla Doctors is a team of talented African veterinarians, and the only organization in the world dedicated to conserving mountain and eastern lowland (Grauer’s) gorillas through veterinary medicine and science. They provide life-saving veterinary care for ill or injured wild gorillas living in the national parks of Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
By sharing stories, research, and the impact of conservation efforts, the collaboration between the Houston Zoo and PetTalk
Magazine has played a significant role in driving awareness of endangered species and the importance of preserving biodiversity.
Over the years, PetTalk has served as a key outlet for the Zoo to educate the public on the challenges facing wildlife, while also providing readers with actionable steps they can take to contribute to conservation efforts—whether by supporting organizations like the Houston Zoo, adopting sustainable practices, or spreading the word about wildlife protection. Through partnerships, education, and collective action, we can make a lasting impact and help ensure that western lowland gorillas continue to have a future in the wild.
Happy 25th anniversary, PetTalk Magazine! We look forward to many more years of partnership and progress for wildlife conservation.
Wild about Animals A look back
By: Michelle Mantor
Photos: PhotographyByPrudence.com
I once said that if God was a mixologist and I was his cocktail, the ingredients in this libation would be some biologist, ethologist, and psychologist, mixed together with a shot of journalist, shaken not stirred, garnished with a
zest for education. Yes, that would be the perfect cocktail called ME and that quote still stands! Although my educational degree is an MBA rather than a degree in these studies, I would aspire to each of these professions if I could have multiple lives!
But alas, I don’t have multiple lives so I do my best to live this one to the fullest. Prior to publishing PetTalk, I had no experi-
ence in anything to do with animals, but as I progressed through the years, my passion for animals and conservation became crystal clear. Once I found my purpose, I haven’t doubted my work or my future endeavors for a moment. I have to say it’s a blessing to know your passion and be able to incorporate it into your work and life.
Throughout many of the years as publisher of PetTalk, I was primarily involved with creating content relating to domestic pets, always with a mission of educating the public about animal welfare. From fundraisers to adoption events to photoshoots and more, I had tons of fun with all sorts of creatures. And I learned a lot! By creating content or editing content, I was fortunate to be exposed to a great deal of information about various species
and sometimes I even got lucky enough to interview experts, which was another exciting opportunity to learn.
Eventually, I came to realize that my appreciation for animals was growing and I not only wanted to help domestic animals, I wanted to promote respect for wildlife as well. Through my work, I learned more and more about how incredible each of God’s creatures are… their design, instinct, adaptation, and intelligence are attributes that makes each species truly unique. I know many of you agree and understand that to keep these creatures in our ecosystem, we must educate others regarding their value and what steps are needed to ensure their longevity on the planet.
What I have come to know for sure is this: if people LOVE something, they will work to save it. This is a concept that many of the great
Photo by Gloria Meszaros
conservationists understand and it is this very concept that makes part of the argument for zoos to exist–if we don’t know anything about a gorilla and have never seen one, we might not care if it exists. I believe the same argument applies to factory farmed animals and that if people could witness the abuse, they would take a stand.
As a journalist, it’s my job to bring this information to the forefront. As I researched and created content, I knew I wanted to offer more information about wildlife and environmental conservation as part of PetTalk’s platform. Through the Houston Zoo, I’ve been incred-
ibly fortunate to have access to some of the top conservationists in the world and to have up-close encounters with some of the most amazing animals that inhabit our planet. From lions, cheetahs, elephants, and okapi to sloths, sea lions, rhinos and more, I've had the pleasure of meeting some great creatures!
It's one thing to have a civilized encounter with a species via the zoo, but quite another to save it. Protecting endangered species from extinction is one daunting task, as I discovered through some of my interviews with top conservationists. From two of the leading lion conservationists in the world who live “off-the-grid” lifestyles in Africa to do their work, to learning about life-saving collection of snare wire in the
African bush and turning it into artwork for sale to support the local community, it's all daunting but fascinating.
As I leaned that conservation is multi-faceted and difficult but can only prevail through knowledge, I decided to dedicate a column monthly to the subject. The issues at hand for saving endangered species, our oceans, and our planet are both considerable and arduous but not insurmountable. For the sake of our future, even if you are not an animal enthusiast, we must take steps to create a world we can live in together with respect for all sentient beings. Otherwise, our world will be forever tainted–possibly destroyed. We cannot ignore that oceanic wildlife is being harmed through our dumping of plastic or that the ecosystem is beautifully designed to be in balance between humans, plants and animals and if that balance is overwrought, we would face water shortages, lack of food (think honeybees), lack of oxygen and have infestations of species that cause harm in great numbers if left unchecked by other species that have been destroyed. This environmental phenomenon is known as "trophic cascade". For example, the changes in vegetation that occur when the herbivore population is allowed to rise unchecked can change the frequency and intensity of wildfires. And that's just one tiny example of the importance of keeping our planet healthy.
On this 25th anniversary, I remain steadfastly committed to sharing relevant conservation information in each issue so that we can work together for change.... because extinction is forever!
