August 2016

ASTROS'

LANCE McCULLERS

The Definitive Source for Houston Pet Lovers | August 2016

PITCHING FOR ANIMALS YARD DANGER HAZARD ALERT DR. GOOGLE IS HE RIGHT OR WRONG?

Meet Other Charities Supporting Houston’s Pet Population

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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AUGUST 2016

Editorial

I

n today’s world of what seems to be chaos, evil and a breakdown of morality, I find myself being cynical about humans. Just one look at the news and it’s enough to make you want to hide in a hole. It’s then when I often think about why I love animals so much. They are pure.

They don’t have any hidden agendas. But it’s also in those moments of doubt about humans that I inevitably encounter people right here in Houston doing good things. Helping others, giving back, working tirelessly for those with less, whether it be people or animals.

Their dedication and kindness should be supported and rewarded and for that reason, I like to highlight those people or organizations in PetTalk that are focused on making a positive impact. In this issue, I chose four charitable organizations that are all helping animals, and in some cases, people too. The four groups, Houston Pets Alive, aniMeals on Wheels, Pets for Vets and Barrio Dogs are all distinctly different in their mission but all have the goal of doing good. I thought

Issue 7: Volume 17 www.houstonpettalk.com

the diversity of their organizations would be interesting and once I began to look around for groups to highlight that were all very different from one another, it took no time at all. And that’s the exciting news!

There are so many charities in our city that work as advocates for pets and people that I could feature four every month for years. It’s this fact that makes me smile and remember that there are still MANY good people in this world and that ultimately good will defeat evil - we just have to keep pushing forward.

On our cover is a dashing spokesman for Houston Pets Alive, Astros pitcher Lance McCullers. I was thrilled to learn he was so deeply involved with this local charity and that he was willing to take time from his busy schedule to support such a worthy cause. He could not have been nicer or more accommodating at the photoshoot. It was easy to see that he truly loves animals and wants to genuinely promote their welfare. I hope you enjoy learning more about these four groups and that if you can, please support them

Pitching For Pets For the love of animals, Astros Pitcher Lance McCullers steps up to help local rescue charity, Houston Pets Alive, bring awareness to the plight of homeless pets.

McCullers is not only a great athlete but he also has a great heart!

Shown here with Michelle Mantor, Evin Thayer and “Belle” the cute pup from the owners of Peaches Pet Shop Online Boutique. See the feature story on page 26.

in their endeavors.

Although not a part of our feature, we also have a heartwarming story of a local war veteran and his canine companion who helps him with PTSD. Learn about their relationship and how this Belgian Malinois provides comfort and support to his human, Justin, on page 54.

You might have heard on the streets that PetTalk recently launched a new online pet business directory and event calendar, complete with a FREE App for iPhone and Android, called PetTalk GoFetch. We are happy to report that we have many new businesses that have joined the network and users can enjoy searching businesses by zip code or category, find deals, post reviews, search events by category or date, plus more. If you haven’t already, check out the website, www. pettalkgofetch.com or download the App and start enjoying the ease of finding anything pet in Greater Houston right at your fingertips!

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 www.HoustonPetTalk.com Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL Editor's Assistant: REBECCA BURWELL-BOTELLO © Copyright 2016. Reproduction or use without written permission of articles, editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited. Houston PetTalk does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Houston PetTalk does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible. All photos ©copyright depositphotos unless otherwise stated.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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WHERE

IN THE

WORLD

IS PETTALK? You never know where on this planet you might find a PetTalk reader enjoying their copy!

Snap a picture of one of our readers and send it to info@houstonpettalk.com.

Baltimore, Maryland Jeanise Ryser, Jean Blair and Tina Mikes at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, MD. Everyone is all smiles including the stingray!

Mario Beach Airport in St. Martin, Caribbean Captain Charlie Payne flying high with PetTalk!

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Henrietta On:

I

am a true sports fanatic. Well, actually I love watching, analyzing, cheering and socializing while the event is taking place. I don’t actually participate. Too much effort. So watching the Olympics for me is like being a sugar addict working in a donut factory.

I can breathe it, smell it, live it almost around the clock for several weeks. Pure unadulterated JOY! The Olympics trump all other sporting events because of the traditions, ceremonies, international pawlitics, the amazing athletic prowess and of course the opportunity to watch for hours at the Salty Dog with my muttley crew of compadres. The only downside that I can think of to the Olympic level of TV Watching of the Olympics that we do is (you know this if you know me)….yes, Bob Costas! When he starts his pompous, patronizing diatribes about how much he knows and that we need to know that he knows, we tune him out and order up. So you can imagine how many libations we consume if we partake whenever Bob’s mouth is moving.

When Bob becomes too

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much for us to bear, we move on and hold our own sporting event called “down the hatch” in which we all jump on the bar and lap up bowls of beverages that originate from the host country (we are

thankful this year we can drink Mojitos, Caipirinhas and Porradinhas…just imagine if the Olympics were in Argentina and we had to drink Fernet!). The thirstacious event is judged

by Bocephus, our Coon Hound Bartender (yes, he is a Red Neck).

After the winner takes a Victory Lap, which consists of him or her

finishing everyone else’s beverage, we are usually in fine “spirits” and the conversation takes a turn for the worse (or better depending on your point of view). Here is some insight into our scholarly, profound analysis and creative ideas.

First, “Sally” Stutters offered, “I think the Bobsleigh event is discrimination at its worst.

Why don’t they have a Bettysleigh event?” Do I even have to tell you that we just totally ignored Ms. Feminism Fatale? Next, “Goober” Grisham offered this highly intellectual observation: “I really don’t see the point in archery.”

To which I replied, “You would if one of the arrows flew towards you.”

Moving on, “Ammo” Ainsworth, a hunky Boxer that would come the closest to being an actual athlete in the entire room, brought up the sport of "Modern Pentathlon".

What, I ask you, could be more modern than an event comprising pistol shooting, epee fencing, 200-meter freestyle swimming, show jumping and a 3-kilometer crosscountry run? I can't for the life of me think of a more 3D Cloud Storage Augmented Reality set of things to do, one after the other. Yes, very modern. After the uproarious

laughter subsided, “Ammo” realized he might not be addressing the most studied group in the world.

Proven by the response of “Constance” Crawford, a constipated version of a Chinese Crested, “Well, I can’t understand why people do dangerous, dim-witted stunts just to earn five thousand dollars.”

Now you see why I imbibe when I’m with this group.

I know what you’re thinking. And you’re right…I am too smart, sophisticated, irreverent and charming to be with this group of anti-savants.

As uncle Harry says, “It don't take a genius to spot a goat in a flock of sheep.”

But even though I recognize the imminent danger of laying down with dogs and getting up with fleas, I’m willing to take the chance for the pleasure of being entertained.

So that’s a gander into our Olympic watching experience. The final idea we closed the night on was an analysis of what sport we would create if there were to be a Canine Olympics.

We discussed the merits of Hot Dog Eating, Hydrant Sniffing and Bone Digging and we ultimately settled on a Triathlon incorporating all three…And I’m not going to tell you what Goober had to say about that!

Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorized by Desiree Lonsway

The Olympic Games

Help Out

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TWO PAW-SOME LOCATIONS: CALL TODAY!

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711 W. GRAY ST. 77019

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Choosing the right food is one of the most important decisions you can make for your pet.

Talk to your veterinarian today, and together, we can develop a nutritional plan that’s a great fit for you and your pet!

Have your pet’s food conveniently delivered straight to your door with VCA Home Delivery

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Spring/The Woodlands VCA WOODLANDS ANIMAL HOSPITAL 428 Rayford Road Spring, TX 77386 281-367-7553 VCAwoodlands.com Shop

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Spring VCA SPRING ANIMAL HOSPITAL 1811 Spring Cypress Spring, TX 77388 281-353-5167 VCAspring.com Shop

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Management Services Provided by VCA Animal Hospitals • Animal Healthcare of Texas, P.C. Rocky McKelvey, DVM - owner

Texas City VCA MAINLAND ANIMAL HOSPITAL 3015 Palmer Highway Texas City, TX 77590 409-948-8401 VCAmainland.com Shop

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Tomball VCA TOMBALL VETERINARY HOSPITAL 28800 Tomball Pkwy Tomball, TX 77375 281-351-5441 VCAtomball.com Shop

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AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS, WE NOURISH HEALTHY LIVES

August 2016

Houston Humane Society Companion Camp

For the full list of events and news: www.houstonpettalk.com

Select August Dates, $295 per week Houston Humane Society 14700 Almeda Rd, 77053 Companion Camp is a great opportunity for kids to work hands-on with animals at Houston Humane Society.

Camp includes education, workshops from animal experts, crafts, and animal activities. Cost is $295 per week.

Visit HoustonHumane.org for available dates throughout the summer. www.houstonhumane.org

H

ey Party Animals...Did you know you can add your own pet related event to our event calendar online? Go to www.pettalkgofetch.com/event.

over 3 years of age and all VIP cats and dogs will be completely waived.

VIP's are animals who have been at the shelter for more than a month.

Adopters must complete the adoption application and be approved through CAP's regular adoption process. www.cap4pets.org

TXU Presents "Chill Out" At Houston Zoo Through 8.5.16, 5pm-8pm Adult $13, Child $9 The Houston Zoo 6200 Hermann Park Dr., Houston, TX 77030 Thanks to TXU Energy, the Houston Zoo is once again staying open late until 8:30 p.m., last entry in at 7:30 p.m., so you can enjoy the animals in the cooler evening weather. Join us for Cool Nights every Friday evening through August 5. From 5 to 8 p.m., guests can enjoy added music and fun family activities that are sure to entertain

Photo provided by Meadowlake Pet Resort and Training Center

The Dish

Announcements "Summer Lovin'" Tell Me More, Tell Me More Citizens for Animal Protection 17555 Katy Fwy, 77094 Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) is holding a summer long adoption promotion to help place hundreds of animals who are turned into the shelter during the summer months. Now through August 31st, all adoption fees for cats/ kittens/dogs/puppies will be discounted 50%. Plus, adoption fees for all cats

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Coming Soon In July, Swarovski company, Chamilia, released a new sterling charm whose purchase will benefit the Humane Society International (HSI). The delicately sculpted sterling silver charm created for this initiative highlights an artistic rendering of a paw print in black enamel.

The charm is framed with Chamilia’s signature millegrain pattern and fits any Chamilia bracelet or neck chain. Each charm is sold with a keepsake charm card, and $4 from each purchase will be donated to Humane Society International. www.chamilia.com

Don't miss Astros Bark in the Park August 28.

Photo provided by the Astros

Chamilia Swawrovski Charm to Benefit HSI

kids and adults alike! All activities are included in Zoo admission and are free for Zoo Members. www.houstonzoo.org

Events 8.6.16 George Hermann's 173Rd Birthday Party 10am-2pm, $1.73 Kinder Station 6102 Hermann Park Dr., 77030 Join the Hermann Park Conservancy as they celebrate the 173rd birthday of our Park’s namesake.

In honor of his 173rd birthday, children 12 and under can ride the Hermann Park Railroad for $1.73. Kids' activities include arts and crafts, coloring, and complimentary face painting.

Stop by Pinewood Cafe from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. to enjoy a slice of birthday cake, while supplies last.

Vanilla soft serve cups will be discounted to $1.73, as well. Friendly pets are welcome in public outdoor park areas on leash. www.hermannpark.org

8.26.16 SIRE Casino Night 6pm-10pm, Starting at $125 Hotel Sorella 800 Sorella Ct., 77024 A fun night of poker, blackjack, craps, bingo,

music, and a light buffet at Hotel Sorella City Centre. Enter the Texas Hold'em Tournament for a chance to win two round-trip airline tickets. Live and silent auction, saloon pull, and prizes for all. Benefits SIRE Therapeutic Horsemanship. www.sire-htec.org

8.28.16 Houston Astros Bark in the Park 11am, Tickets Starting at $8 Minute Maid Park 01 Crawford St., 77002 Bark at the Park presented by AvoDerm, Nylabone, and PetSmart - bring your dog on leash to the park. Come early for pre-game festivities, costume contest, demonstrations and shopping with vendors. Astros vs. Tampa Rays. Game time 1pm. Festivities start at 11am. www.mlb.com

9.17.16 BCO Presents: Picasso’s by Paws Painting Party & Fundraiser 2pm-4:30pm, Donations Accepted Urban Tails 1618 Webster St., 77003 Calling all Houston Dog Lovers & their canines!

Bark and you shall receive, Picasso's by Paws Painting Party & Fundraiser is back by

many popular tail wags!

Bring your 4-leggers, grab the 2-leggers and definitely bring the cameras because you are going to want to capture this for posterity! Join Bayou City Outdoors, SNAP, PetTalk & Urban Tails for Picasso's by Paws, a fundraiser for Houston SNAP (SpayNeuter Assistance Program). Bring out your dog's inner Picasso with safe, water based paints and canvases.

Every dog paints their own masterpiece and then for a small donation ($10 - $20 suggested donation) you take it home.

Put it up on the fridge or hang it in the living room, this is barking good art! After painting, there will be a rinse and wading pool station.

Don't forget your leash and bling out as much as your pooch wants-this is the dog bash of the fall season.

This annual fundraiser for SNAP will be held indoors at the Urban Tails facility and is cosponsored by PetTalk magazine. You'll go home with a doggy bag of goodies and there will be some doggone good door prizes to be won!

RSVP at bit.ly/1OdvJEW Additional info call 713.524.3567 or email info@bayoucityoutdoors. com. www.bayoucityoutdoors.com

ASK THE

VET

Jennifer Hennessey, DVM, CVJ Animal ER of NW Houston, Owner www.animalERnwh.com

Our 7 year old Yorkie hurts her back leg every few days and will not walk on it until it gets better. Is this an emergency?

-David Many small breed dogs can have joint or muscle injury and she may be having symptoms of discomfort related to a syndrome called luxating patella.

Small breeds dogs can commonly have issues with their patella, the knee cap, shifting out of place which leads them to hold up or favor that hind leg.

Your veterinarian can palpate your pet's knee during an exam and perform x-rays. Seek a vet exam to be sure that your little one isn't in continued pain.

Why does your dog pant? And why the wet puppy nose? Ask your pet questions for Dr Jennifer Hennessey at Facebook/AnimalERnwh to see if answers you have been curious about appear in our column each month!

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We Have A Winner!

BEACH BUM PHOTO CONTEST

SPONSORED BY SAND 'N SEA PROPERTIES

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ongratulations to the winners of the Beach Bum Photo Contest, sponsored again this year by Sand 'N Sea Properties, providers of Galveston's pet friendly vacation rental properties.

Tammie Ho and handsome "Karl Barx" took first place, Jacob Wood and his best pals "Jelly and Realow" took second place , and third place was claimed by beach loving duo Jeanette Dorman and her happy pup, "Cooper".

Happy canines frolicking in the Galveston beaches brings out some great entries and the decision was a tough one! Readers voted for finalists and the winning photos were selected

by Sand 'N Sea's panel of judges.

Look for this fun contest again next summer, and remember to take photos next time you pack your pup up for the beach!

About Sand`N Sea: Sand 'N Sea Properties loves to welcome canine friends – along with their owners - to Galveston Island!

A Sand`N Sea beach house is the perfect place to spend quality time with family and four-legged friends. With over 45 pet friendly vacation homes on the beach and bay, there is plenty to choose from. Relax on the deck, explore miles of sun drenched beaches, or play in the waves outside your door. Sand `N Sea provides all their doggie guests tips for vacationing at the beach and a list of pet friendly Galveston restaurants.

To reserve your Sand `N Sea beachfront, beachside, or bay front (pet friendly!) home, visit sandnsea. com or call 409.797.5500.

Reservationists are available every day from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

1 TAMMIE HO, "KARL BARX" 2

JACOB WOOD, "JELLY & REALOW"

3 JEANETTE DORMAN, "COOPER"

August is

NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION MONTH

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Unleashed Citizens for Animal Protection

Clowning Around

C Nicolas & Yanira Huntington enjoy the circus atmosphere with their pooches.

Ring Masters Shelby Kibodeaux & Bruce Padilla with Casey Curry, Carl Hahn

Andy Cordes and Carolyn St. Clair love on Carolyn's cute Cavaliers.

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AP shelter never fails to throw a great bash! This year's annual Mr. MaGoo Fashion Extravaganza, themed "Under The Big Top" was replete with shopping, live and silent auction, a runway show and great food and drink.

The Ring Master Chairmen, Bruce Padilla & Shelby Kibodeaux did a

Triple Trouble: Roy Hunt, John Moritz & Ed McMahon clowninaround.

fabulous job putting together a fun and profitable evening for helping the many animals at CAP's shelter in West Houston. Circus Coordinator, Hershey Grace reminds everyone to save the date each June for this notto-be-missed event!

Photos provided by Kim Coffman Photography.

Cat behaviorist Catlanna shares her kitty wisdom with party goers.

Alex Martinez and his "cowboy" wowed the crowd on the runway.

KEANU FANS UNITE

CAT CONTEST

Alamo Drafthouse

A

Lamo Drafthouse is known for having unique showings at their dinner theaters, and they had great success with their recent cat photo contest. To win a private showing of the movie Keanu, entrants shared photos of their cat dressed as a Keanu Reeves character or other movie character. These cute entries prove there are some creative kitty owners out there!

Photos provided by Alamo Drafhouse.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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“Animals are more than ever a test of our character, of mankind’s capacity for empathy and for decent, honorable conduct and faithful stewardship. We are called to treat them with kindness, not because they have rights or power or some claim to equality, but in a sense because they don’t; because they all stand unequal and powerless before us.”

– Matthew Scully

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LANCE McCULLERS PITCHING FOR ANIMALS

By Michelle Mantor

I

t's no secret that animals need our help.

They don't have voices, they don't have resources, they don't have agendas but they do have goodness in their heart, soulful eyes and a way of making life more fulfilling by just having them near us. As such, it's my opinion (and happily that of many others) that humans need to provide a humane life for animals and act as their stewards on earth.

Houston answers this call in spades. We have so many charitable organizations that make life better for pets in our city and for that I am thankful. These noteworthy organizations not only help animals but also help humans with the

Photo By Evin Thayer

aid of animals - doubly cool! We at PetTalk often focus on groups that provide adoption services, which is an incredible asset to our community and the animals within it, but there are also groups that provide other types of support that deserve attention too.

We chose a cross-section of groups with unique missions to show the great diversity of ways in which animals and people come together to help one another. In this feature, we highlight four local charities that are worthy of your attention.

Plus, just to add one more exciting element to a feature story I am already passionate about, Astros pitcher Lance McCullers

has stepped up his game to become the pitch man for one of the groups we are showcasing, Houston Pets Alive. Lance agreed to pose for our cover and we are thrilled with the outcome!

I am confident you will find each of these groups interesting, valuable and I daresay even energizing in the sense of renewed optimism about the good deeds and innovative programs in our midst. Who knows, you may even feel inclined to step up your game and volunteer or help one of these organizations as they work to improve the fabric of our community.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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HOUSTON PETS ALIVE PITCHING FOR ANIMALS

By Diana Buccafurni-Huber

Photo By Evin Thayer

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Andrea Keller Birkelbach, the founder of Houston Pets Alive, has been independently saving companion animals for over sixteen years. In 2014, she acquired the financial and volunteer resources necessary to create HPA. Since then, Andrea has overseen the rapid growth and multifaceted development of Houston Pets Alive.

Among the largest American cities, Houston is unfortunately notable for the shear number of cats

Photos By Hershey Juneja Photography

A

lthough only in operation for less than two years, Houston Pets Alive (HPA) has become one of the Houston area’s premier “no-kill” rescue and advocacy organizations. Our primary goals include preventing cats and dogs from entering euthanasia shelters; placing shelter animals in pet-loving homes; advocating trap-neuterreturn programs; encouraging Houston-area pet owners to spay and neuter their pets; and transforming Houston into a “nokill” city.

and dogs annually euthanized. However, Austin and other cities have come a long way towards solving the crisis of companion animal homelessness and their almost inevitable euthanasia. Austin Pets Alive and similar animal welfare organizations have devised effective protocols to encourage high volume adoptions, spay and neuter efforts, and pet retention.

As a sister organization,

"It is estimated that 17 million people per year are looking for a pet from a shelter, yet shelters are still euthanizing 3 million animals every year. We all need to spread the word that adorable, healthy, loving, talented, smart and well-behaved animals are waiting for their forever home at a shelter or rescue group."

Houston Pets Alive applies these models to the Houston area.

Because of our hard work and transparency, we have earned the trust of our community. Houston Pets Alive unites dozens of animal loving volunteers who are passionate about saving the lives of cats and dogs. Our volunteers come from virtually every background: stay-at-home parents, lawyers, retirees,

CONTACT Houston Pets Alive www.houstonpetsalive.org facebook.com/HoustonPetsAlive14

HOW TO ADOPT

1. Find the right dog or cat and fill out the application form online. You will be contacted within 24 hours.

2. Meet your potential family member at an adoption event or at a meet-and-greet with the foster family.

3. Sign the adoption contract and pay the $150 adoption donation.

students, veterinarians, and many others. Our chief spokesperson, Lance McCullers Jr., pitcher for the Houston Astros, leads us in raising community awareness about these wonderful animals who need homes.

HPA has changed peoples’ lives. For example, we helped inspire a student at the University of Houston-Downtown, a long-time dog owner

who was unaware of the massive euthanasia other loving dogs suffered, to become a leader in recruiting volunteers for HPA, and in founding an animal rescue club at his university. Houston Pets Alive also attracts generous financial donations. Just last week, one donor paid for heartworm treatment for twenty-five dogs.

Through adoptions from our cat shelter,

located at PetSmart, 8380 Westheimer, partnering with Ready Pet who sponsors the vetting for the animals in the foster program and other adoption events we have organized, HPA has so far provided over 500 cats and dogs with happy homes, saving them from euthanasia.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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BARRIO DOGS

Children’s Museum, usually with a rescued therapy dog, to teach children about proper animal care and the importance of spay neuter. Through our Barrio Watchdog program, we encourage and empower residents to report animal abuse or neglect to the police or other agencies. Finally, while not a

EDUCATION IS KEY

B

arrio Dogs’ mission is premised on the belief that with more education and awareness, conditions can improve for the animals in our Houston East End community. To that end, we provide information and resources to help residents become responsible pet owners. We also teach children and others the importance of always spaying and neutering pets, properly caring for all animals, and reporting abuse and neglect when they see it.

Barrio Dogs began when native Houstonian Gloria Medina Zenteno returned to the East End after years away and was horrified to see so many homeless, neglected and mistreated animals. She first worked with rescue groups but quickly realized that the most effective way to address the situation was through a solution focusing on the root of the problem.

Barrio Dogs is an all-volunteer, community-based organization that since 2010, has been working to

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create a long term solution to the animal welfare crisis we face around us. Our message focuses on three points: 1) pets are a lifelong commitment and must receive proper care and treatment, 2) education and spay neuter are the most humane and effective methods of controlling animal overpopulation, and 3) zero tolerance for animal mistreatment and neglect will create safer, healthier, higher property value communities.

Our community work takes place at local parks, businesses and community events. On our outreach days, residents sign up their pets for free spay neuter and to date, we have fixed almost 3,000 animals and vetted many pets for low income residents. In exchange, we ask pet owners to help by sharing our message with others.

Since educating young people is critical to our mission, the Youth & Paws and Tales to Tails programs regularly visit schools, libraries and the Houston

Photo by Paul Carrizales

By Lynn Rodriguez

"To date, we have fixed almost 3,000 animals and vetted many pets for low income residents.

In exchange, we ask pet owners to help by sharing our message with others."

rescue group, we have rescued many street dogs that were in especially bad physical condition, nursed them back to health and found them forever homes; several of them now serve as therapy dogs for educational activities.

Despite popular belief, Barrio Dogs doesn’t have a physical location or fulltime staff. Our core team is comprised of a handful of

Photo by Marjorie Angela Jackson

Community outreach and education are key to Barrio Dogs' mission. These photos tell the story of their commitment to the animals.

CONTACT Barrio Dogs www.barriodogs.org Email: info@barriodogs.org

Photo by Paul Carrizales

Photo by Marjorie Angela Jackson

Follow on Twitter: twitter.com/barriodogs Find them on Facebook: facebook.com/barriodogs Follow on Instagram: instagram.com/barriodogsinc

volunteers, most of us concerned residents with fulltime jobs, who dedicate our free time to the organization. We do not receive city or state funding and rely solely on fundraising activities and private donations to fund our work.

Over time, we have developed good relationships with elected officials, community leaders and residents. We’ve reached many residents, engaged

them with our message and believe that as a result, they are better pet owners.

However, we realize that animal overpopulation, neglect and mistreatment are still big problems in the East End and in other parts of Houston and that much remains to be done. That’s why in 2013, we partnered with Corridor Rescue and Forgotten Dogs of the 5th Ward to form Unity for a Solution, a collaborative

effort to increase awareness and create solutions.

Since then, Unity has expanded to over 40 partners including small businesses, civic organizations and animal welfare groups. A priority for Unity has been to raise awareness about Houston’s animal welfare crisis and to work with city officials to create more spay neuter options in low income areas. Unity for a Solution is proud to have

a strong steering committee that includes members from Adore Houston, Barrio Dogs, Houston Street Dogs, Houston Pet Set, Crime Stoppers and Texas Humane Legislation Network. In the future, Unity plans to partner with the city of Houston and others on educational and spay neuter outreach activities.

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PETS FOR VETS HELPING & HEALING

P

ets for Vets Houston is a nonprofit organization that provides companion dogs to military veterans to help them with post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, anxiety, and depression. The dogs are adopted from area shelters and trained by Pets for Vets Houston. Both the dogs and the vets have been through traumatic events in their lives: together they help each other heal.

Pets for Vets founder Clarissa Black was volunteering at a Veterans Affairs hospital in California when she noticed that her Malamute-mix, Bear, had a calming effect on veterans experiencing PTSD and other conditions whenever she brought him. So many veterans asked her if they could take Bear home that Clarissa decided to start Pets for Vets to give each veteran their own dog.

The founder and president of Pets for Vets Houston, Jessica Nelson, knew that as many as 20 percent of our military

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return from with physical and emotional injuries that have make civilian life difficult. As a dog lover, she also knew that studies show that a good companion dog alleviates a veteran’s anxiety and helps them find comfort, strength and a renewed sense of purpose.

Pets for Vets Houston selects dogs utilizing the same testing and criteria used to select service dogs.

However, the training period is much shorter for companion dogs, since the goal is to provide emotional support rather than physical assistance. All dogs selected for the Pets for Vets Houston program have a temperament that induces calmness in their veteran owners, alleviating symptoms such as sleeplessness and general anxiety. If needed, dogs can be trained to interrupt anxiety or panic attacks, or to wake veterans out of night terrors.

The group concentrates its searches within shelters that house more

Photos provided by Pets for Vets

By Mara Soloway

than 400 dogs, such as the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. “The staff there know the kind of dog we’re looking for, and sometimes recommend dogs. In every case, our professional dog trainers search the kennels looking for the right type of dog,” Nelson said. “In order to be a companion for a veteran, the dog has to be confident, very social, and not easily disconcerted. It

CONTACT Pets for Vets

www.petsforvets.com/houston-tx-1/ (Houston Chapter) "A lucky black Lab named Duke was rescued from an area kill shelter by Adore Houston just before he was to be euthanized. Duke passed the Pets for Vets evaluation, and after completing foster-homing and training, was presented to Richard, who is finally sleep-

Find Them On Facebook www.facebook.com/PetsForVetsHouston To Donate: http://houston-tx.petsforvets.com/donate Location: 941 Katy Freeway 175 Houston, TX 713.364.6235

ing through the night because Duke is there with him."

cannot exhibit any type of anxiety or aggression.”

In its third year, the group has made approximately 24 matches; the placement rate is increasing. Eight dogs were presented to veterans in the first six months of 2016.

The ninth placement of the year took place in July.

Some of its many success stories with happy endings include: Richard and Duke: In the

aftermath of Oklahoma City bombing in 1995, Richard was dispatched as an EMT as part of the search and rescue effort. The emotional task of recovering the remains of the children in the daycare center, together with his Army experiences during the Cold War, had left him feeling at a loss in daily life. A lucky black Lab named Duke was rescued from an area kill shelter by Adore Houston just before

he was to be euthanized.

Duke passed the Pets for Vets evaluation, and after completing foster-homing and training, was presented to Richard, who is finally sleeping through the night because Duke is there with him.

Daniel and Bear: Although Daniel has been back from Iraq since 2009, he was still dealing with emotional and physical conditions related to

his service. Bear was a stray dog living at the Montgomery County Animal Shelter. Pets for Vets’ evaluation showed Bear to be smart, sweet and loyal. Daniel says Bear has changed his life, allowing him to attend family events, and his anxiety and depression have significantly improved. Daniel’s wife, Jennifer, said Bear has made their whole family closer.

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ANIMEALS ON WHEELS INTERFAITH MINISTRIES

A

s a demonstration of our shared beliefs, Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston brings people of diverse faith traditions together for dialogue, collaboration and service. One of Interfaith Ministries’ main services, Meals on Wheels for Greater Houston, includes a program to help feed the pets of Meals on Wheels seniors.

IM founded aniMeals on Wheels 10 years ago after Meals on Wheels drivers began noticing seniors were sharing their delivered meals with their dogs and cats. “I don’t want my pet to go hungry,” was a common refrain given by seniors, who are homebound and often frail.

Despite best intentions, sharing their meals is neither good for the seniors, nor for their pets.

Meals on Wheels client, Jewel, 77, lives in Northeast Houston. She never had children and has very few family members left to look out for her. Her days are long and would be lonely if

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not for the companionship of her dog, Lily.

Because of her mobility limitations, Jewel is not able to buy dog food for Lily and depends on aniMeals on Wheels to help feed her.

“I like having Lily with me all day,” she says. “I’d be really lonely without her.”

Jewel is one of 600 seniors enrolled in the aniMeals on Wheels program, which provides homebound seniors with food for their beloved dogs and cats. Each month, a dedicated corps of 170 volunteers deliver donated pet rations to 800 dogs and 400 cats in Harris and Galveston Counties.

That equates to more than 10,000 pounds of kibble per month, not including the biscuits, treats and toys that volunteers also pack for their deliveries.

For homebound seniors, this food goes a long way toward helping them keep their dogs and cats. These pets not only provide valued companionship, they also improve the quality

Photos provided by Interfaith Ministries Greater Houston

By Raequel Roberts

of life and health of their owners. Pets for the Elderly Foundation found pets can reduce seniors’ risk of heart disease and fight mental deterioration. One study by the Mayo Clinic, for example, found that seniors with pets have 21 percent fewer physician visits.

Today, 15 percent of Meals on Wheels clients are enrolled in the aniMeals program. With an aging population and

The love you see in these Seniors' eyes for their pets is the reason aniMeals on Wheels exists–so that limited financial resources doesn't prohibit their chance for animal companionship.

CONTACT

Interfaith Ministries www.imgh.org To donate or volunteer: Contact Heather Mann at 713.533.4936 or email: hmann@imgh.org.

SAVE THE DATE Interfaith Ministries hosts its annual aniMeals benefit, “Best Friends Brunch” in February. The Brunch is a great way to help the organization, have a fun time and find out more about IMGH. Details can be found on their website.

"Each month, a dedicated corps of 170 volunteers deliver donated pet rations to 800 dogs and 400 cats in Harris and Galveston Counties. That equates to more than 10,000 pounds of kibble per month, not including the biscuits, treats and toys that volunteers also pack for their deliveries." the popularity of pets, Interfaith Ministries expects the number of

seniors who enrol in aniMeals to continue growing.

Interfaith Ministries receives government funding for its senior meals program, but it supports the aniMeals program entirely through donations of pet food and funds.

“When you are distributing 10,000 pounds of pet food a month, it would be difficult to keep the shelves stocked without the strong support we get from the community,” said Warren Wenner, director of Meals

on Wheels for Greater Houston. “We are grateful for all the donations, particularly as we work to help more seniors care for their pets.”

Alice, another Meals on Wheels senior adores her sidekicks, Scotty and Pobello. “My dogs bring so much joy and happiness to my life, “she says. “They are the reason I keep living. aniMeals is a blessing and such a huge help to me.”

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Lifestyle Matching Collar and Bracelet from Friendship Collar Puppy lovers rejoice! Celebrate friendship with your pet by sporting this matching bracelet and collar set. Cat sets available too! www.friendshipcollar.com, $35

A Whale of a Time Summer is still here, and it's time to head to the beach before school starts again! These coordinated outfits will impress even the most judgemental PTA moms.

Zak & Zoey Whaley Tales Dress www.baxterboo.com, $25 Bateua Striped T-shirt www.tootsa.com, $46

Treat Yourself Show how sweet your dog is with this dessert themed outfit and matching cupcake purse. Fabulous!

Kate Spade Magnolia Bakery Purse www.katespade.com, $278-348 Cupcake Pet Costume

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Best Friends Forever Perfect Pawdicures Painting your pet's toenails is made easy with pet safe paint pens just for toes. Use the quick dry paint to color in solids, or add your own artistic flair. Available in 13 colors, it's simply a must to match with your favorite human polishes from OPI. Pawdicue Polish Pens www.warrenlondon.com, $8

Classic Hues Leather and Gold

OPI Nail Polish www.ulta.com, $5-10

When you and your pet strut the town in these duds, all the ladies will be drooling. The details on these oxfords have us going gaga, particularly when paired with this gorgeous collar.

Statten Brown Oxford Shoes www.jjmonroe.com, $52 Belmont Buckskin and Gold Collar www.hartmanandrose.com, $70

Babawowo The designer of these amazing clothing sets, Vina Lam Lillvis, had searched high and low for matching baby and dog outfits. Finding nothing available, she took the first steps to develop her fun and fantastic fashion for 2 and 4-legged babies. www.babawowo.com, $20-24

Even When We Sleep Michael Heltzer developed Henry Dog to combine his two great loves in life: design and dogs. These beautiful reeded glass bedroom and office pieces will accent your relationship and lifestyle perfectly. www.henrydogdesign.com $495-695

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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is a cairn terrier/schnauzer a 7 month old lhasa/ mix with a lot of personality, wheaten mix. Bradley is a he is aChihuahua/Terrier big lap dog and avery little sweet boy that loves mix approximately 2.5also loves getting sitting up on thepetted, and years 7couch lbs. He likes toold rideand inHe your lap watching tv. is very in is just the sweetest little the Heeveryone getsbehaved, on and great dog, loves laidcar!!! back, well with dogs and romps gets along great with theon quietother playful, and gets other rescues. seems and plays theBart yard, he is great within the other dogs. to be pretty well house approx.

1.5 years old and Also,leash he stilltrained, needs some and and leash 15 and just companion one happy andlbs house training. will be a great for guy! someone. little Shaggy Dog Rescue is a 501 (3)(c) non-

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Health It Itches!

Atopic Dermatitis By: Caitlyn Contreary, DVM, DACVD | www.gcvs.com

I

s your pet itchy? Does your pet scratch, lick, bite or chew his/her skin? If so, he or she may have allergies.

Environmental allergies (also called atopic dermatitis) affect dogs, cats, horses and many other species.

These animals can be allergic to dust, pollens and molds found

both inside and outside. Unlike people, who wheeze and sneeze from environmental allergies, pets with atopic dermatitis most often have itchy skin and itchy ears. It’s quite common for these episodes of itchiness to lead to hair loss and even skin or ear infections.

Some pets with atopic dermatitis are itchy year round, but others’ itchiness will vary depending

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upon the time of year (and what’s blooming). Many dogs with atopic dermatitis will lick their paws, scratch their ears, rub their

face and scratch at other parts of their body. Cats with atopic dermatitis can be itchy

anywhere they want; from their face all the way to their tail.

The only true way to diagnose atopic dermatitis is to rule out all other causes of hair loss or itchiness first: flea allergies, food allergies, ringworm, mange, etc. This is very important because there is no test that tells us with certainty that a pet has environmental allergies. Once

your veterinarian has ruled out all other reasonable causes of itchiness have been ruled out, it is time to consider allergy testing. Allergy testing can be performed in two ways: a blood test and a skin test. A blood test involves sending a blood sample to a laboratory where it is mixed with allergens such as pollens and molds and the laboratory measures any reactions that take place. A skin test involves shaving an area of hair and injecting allergens under the skin to see if the skin reacts.

These tests are used to determine what to put into the pet’s allergy serum.

The serum is a combination of allergens that is either injected under the skin or given by mouth on a regular basis. The idea behind this therapy is that by frequently exposing the immune system to small amounts of allergens, the pet won’t react as strongly

when he or she comes in contact with that allergen in the environment.

In essence, we are trying to “retrain” the immune system to ignore those allergens. This therapy benefits about 70% of pets and is usually quite safe as a long term treatment. Other treatment options include antihistamines, medications designed to dampen the immune system, and medicated baths.

If your pet is itchy or keeps getting skin or ear infections, ask your veterinarian about allergies.

It may take some time to determine if your pet has atopic dermatitis, but once that diagnosis is made you can work together to improve your pet’s quality of life.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

43

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Health

Summer Hazards

cases, death. Steer clear at all costs.

Lily of the Valley

Plants and Other Toxins that can be Poisonous to Dogs and Cats By: Dr. Laura Noaker – VERGI 24/7 Emergency and Critical Care Hospital, www.vergi247.com

T

things you should be aware of that could be avoidable dangers and you won’t need to make a summer emergency trip to the pet hospital.

Sago Palm This plant is considered

...

here are many potential problems for pets during the summer months, so it’s important as a pet owner to understand the dangers that certain flowers, plants and other substances can be to a pet’s health. Pet

The Convallaria majalis plant can cause vomiting, diarrhea, a drop in heart rate, severe cardiac arrhythmias, and possibly seizures. This plant contains cardiac glycosides, which are used in many human heart medications.

Pets with exposure should be examined and evaluated by a veterinarian and treated symptomatically.

Lilies Cat owners should be aware that ingesting small amounts, even from grooming the pollen off their fur, can cause major problems. Peace, Peruvian and Calla lilies may cause minor symptoms, but other, more deadly species (Tiger, Asiatic, Easter, Japanese Show and Day lilies), are extremely toxic. If they consume any part of these lilies, or even drink the water from the vase, they will need immediate care.

Soil Additives, Pesticides and Insecticides

problems occur primarily because pets use their sense of smell and taste to investigate. When they come across a new or interesting item, their first reaction is to smell it.

This often leads to tasting it. With these dangers in mind, here is a short list of

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one of the most deadly for dogs and long-term survival is poor if ingested. It includes all parts of the plant and ingesting just a small amount can cause severe vomiting, bloody stools, damage to the stomach lining, severe liver failure and in some

While most fertilizers are fairly safe for pets, those that contain blood meal, bone meal, feather meal and iron can be very dangerous to pets. Large ingestions of the meal-containing products can form a concretion in the stomach, potentially obstructing the gastrointestinal tract and causing severe pancreatitis. Most pesticides or insecticides

(typically those that come in a spray can) are irritants to pets but not a huge concern, however, some may contain an organophosphate which can be life threatening when consumed in large quantities. It is always best to speak to a trained medical professional if you use these products and have questions.

Slug and Snail Baits These baits come in a variety of forms (pellets, granular, powder, and liquid). The active ingredient is typically metaldehyde, and is toxic to all pets. Walking on the toxin then licking their paws is a common form of ingestion for pets. Within 1 to 2 hours of ingestion, clinical signs of salivation, restlessness, vomiting, and incoordination are seen, they progress to tremors, seizures, and secondary severe hyperthermia. Treatment should be quick and aggressively implemented.

Compost Gardeners love compost, however, it’s toxic to pets so keep it fenced off. As matter decomposes, molds grow, producing hazardous tremorgenic mycotoxins.

Being consumed can result in sickness in as little as 30 minutes. Symptoms include agitation, panting, drooling, vomiting, tremors and seizures. Prompt veterinary treatment is required.

If your pet may have ingested something harmful, take action immediately.

Contact VERGI Emergency and Critical Care Hospital by visiting www.vergi247.com.

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G N I DO R OU N OW NG I H T Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Health

Dr. Google What One Vet Really Thinks About Internet Searches By: Michaele M. Oberbroeckling, D.V.M. www.vitalpet.com

I

graduated from veterinary school in 1994, 3 years before Google. com was a registered domain, so I had a few years to practice before I became aware of Dr. Google. At first I was a little put out by this newcomer and frankly offended when pet owners seemed to put more stock in what Dr. Google had to say than what I did.

After all, this “doctor” had never laid hands on a pet or listened to a description of symptoms or observed clinical signs. Dr. Google had no knowledge of the complete medical history or lifestyle of an individual pet. Eventually, though, I

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came to terms with both the limitations and advantages of this ever-present practice partner. Then, my youngest daughter became mysteriously ill and Dr. Google and I became constant companions. I understood as never before the compulsion to perform search after search in a desperate attempt to help a loved one, whether that loved one is a pet or a person.

So, how can pet owners use Dr. Google responsibly in conjunction with their veterinarians? ❖ If internet searches make you anxious, STOP. Instead, ask your

❖

veterinarian to recommend trusted websites to browse or ask for a handout or pamphlet on the specific condition your pet has. You will not be a less caring owner if you don’t devote hours to internet research.

Invest the time you save into caring for your pet’s needs instead.

Consider the source.

Medical literature from PubMed is highly reliable, as are professional veterinary medical association websites and their companion websites for pet owners, such as: www.avma. org, www.aaha.org, and www.veterinarypartner. com. If your veterinary hospital has a website, there will often be a pet health information library you can access.

Blogs, forums, and commercial websites may contain information that contradicts your veterinarian’s advice

– proceed with caution.

Ask questions, share information. If you’ve found something after researching the internet you’d like to discuss, bring a copy of the information to give your veterinarian during a scheduled appointment time. Understand that he or she may not have time to review the information immediately, and a follow-up conversation may need to take place. Ask about your veterinarian’s experience with the health conditions, diagnostics, or treatments you are concerned about. ❖ Cultivate the relationship. The better relationship you have with your veterinarian, the more likely you are to have productive discussions about your pet’s care, whether those discussions involve internet research or not. Mutual respect and trust ensure your pet’s best interests are always the top consideration, and a team approach recognizes that pet owners and veterinarians can always learn something from one another.

As for my daughter, it took many doctors, many tests, many months, and a trip across the country before she was diagnosed with dysautonomia. If you’ve never heard of it before, I invite you to ask Dr. Google – it’s a much more common condition than you might think. ❖

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Tail End Save A Bottle, Thrill A Dog! Creative Water Bottle Recycling

M

y mom always used to say “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” I found myself repeating those exact words the other day when my children were having the age-old sibling squabble “she hit me so I

hit her back.” Sounds fair, right? Well, it might justify some inherent need for justice but it does not do any good to the overall scheme of life. So when I discover two “rights” coming together, I believe it’s not only a “right” that is

Alarming Plastic Facts ❖

❖

❖

❖

❖

❖

❖

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Enough plastic is thrown away each year to circle the earth four times.

We currently recover only five percent of the plastics we produce.

The average American throws away approximately 185 pounds of plastic per year.

Plastic accounts for around 10 percent of the total waste we generate.

It takes 500-1,000 years for plastic to degrade.

Billions of pounds of plastic can be found in swirling convergences in the oceans making up about 40 percent of the world’s ocean surfaces.

80 percent of pollution enters the ocean from the land.

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is located in the

www.houstonpettalk.com

❖

❖

North Pacific Gyre off the coast of California and is the largest ocean garbage site in the world. This floating mass of plastic is twice the size of Texas, with plastic pieces outnumbering sea life six to one.

Plastic constitutes approximately 90 percent of all trash floating on the ocean’s surface, with 46,000 pieces of plastic per square mile.

Virtually every piece of plastic that

achieved but a synergistic effect of producing more value than either of the two parts could have achieved independently. One of the great examples is a pet owner who focuses on being environmentally aware.

And if you recycle pets by adopting from a shelter, all the better!

I have been a plastic water bottle drinker for many years and after learning the effect of my convenience-based behavior, I’m working on correcting my wrong and making it a right. First, I’m trying to

was ever made still exists in some shape or form (with the exception of the small amount that has been incinerated). ❖ Plastic chemicals can be absorbed by the body—93 percent of Americans age six or older test positive for BPA (a plastic chemical). ❖ Some of these compounds found in plastic have been found to alter hormones or have other potential human health effects.

consume less bottled water and find other solutions that work for my lifestyle but I’m also recycling the bottles I do consume. In my quest to “do the right thing”, I have found myself driving around for weeks at a time with bags full of plastic water bottles because there is no recycling in my neighborhood and there simply aren’t enough convenient recycling centers. Realizing my quest is going to take a little extra effort is just the way it is.

In addition to finding a good “death” for the bottles

Marine Life Saving Them From Plastic You may already be familiar with the fact that there is a lot of plastic pollution in our oceans. From a plastic bottle washing down a storm drain to a plastic bag washing ashore to the dumping of trash in our oceans by countries around the world, the plastic is creating great hazards.

Plastic doesn’t just accumulate in the ocean and make for an unsightly mess. It is hurting and killing a great deal of marine life all over the world.

Ingestion of plastic pollution can be downright deadly for marine animals.

From a deceased sea whale found in the Chesapeake Bay unable to feed due to a laceration in its stomach

I use, the other side of the equation is to support products that are made from recycled materials, thus giving them a healthier “new leash on life”.

Check out these pet products that are made from or use plastic water bottles in their design or construction. Plus, view the partial list of recycling centers and hoperully there is one near you and you will mark these locations in your GPS and visit them regularly (if you don't have the luxury of curbside pick-up).

caused by a plastic DVD case to a dead sperm whale’s death by intestinal blockage (59 pieces of plastic waste). Sea turtles are now ingesting twice the plastic they were 25 years ago. In total, it is estimated that ingestion of plastic kills 1 million marine birds and 100,000 marine animals each year.

Plastics can also entangle marine animals, making movement, feeding and growth difficult or even impossible. Plastic-based ropes, fishing nets, and even soda can holders can get wrapped around heads, flippers, and tails of marine animals.

For ideas on how to kick plastic to the curb in your life, visit www.onegreenplanet.org.

Eco-Luck Collars

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Eco-Luck collars are made with 100% post-consumer plastic bottles and each collar keeps the equivalent of 1.5 bottles out of landfills. www.dublindog.com

Dogs can’t resist the crunch and crackle of water bottles. Bottle Buddies uses recycled and replaceable water bottles. These plush-covered toys can be used over and over again. www.ihelppets.com

Recycling Centers City of Houston Recycling Center 10785 Southwest Freeway, Houston 77074

Harris County Multi Use HHW Collection Facility 6900 Hahl Road, Houston 77040

City of Houston Recycling Center 5900 Westpark Drive, Houston 77057

City of Houston Sommermeyer Recycling Center 14400 Sommermeyer Street, Houston 77040

CompuCycle, Inc. 7700 Kempwood Drive, Houston 77055 City of Houston Kingwood Recycling Center 3210 West Lake Houston Parkway, Houston 77044 Greenstar Recycling 1200 Brittmoore, Houston 77043

City of Houston Kirkpatrick Recycling Center 5565 Kirkpatrick Boulevard, Houston 77028 City of Houston Environmental Service Center North 5614 Neches Street, Houston 77026

City of Houston Environmental Service Center South 11500 South Post Oak Boulevard, Houston 77035

City of Houston North Main Recycling Center 9003 North Main Street, Houston 77022

City of Houston Sunbeam Recycling Center 5100 Sunbeam Street, Houston 77033

City of Houston Center Street Recycling Center 3602 Center Street, Houston 77007

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Houston Humane Society

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Tail End

PTSD Service Dog is Always on the Job

"Sarge" works hard for his human, Justin Marcum, Sr. By: Mara Soloway Photos By: Evin Thayer

O

ne of the patches on the vest worn by service dog Sarge America Marcum, Jr. says “Do Not Pet.” The highenergy Belgian Malinois is always on the job. To pet him is to distract him.

Sarge is a PTSD service dog for his owner, military veteran Justin Marcum, Sr., who is medically retired from the military after 18 and a half years spent in both the Army and Air Force. He received a traumatic brain injury from a battle in Iraq and was in a coma for a month and a half.

Different situations trigger Justin’s PTSD. When Sarge senses that Justin is mildly worked up, he will circle him to distract Justin from the trigger. If Justin is getting more worked up, Sarge pulls him away from the situation. “He’s 80 pounds of solid muscle.

When my legs go into a spasm, Sarge leans on me with enough force to keep me mobile and balanced,” Justin said.

“I got Sarge when he was three weeks old while I was still in the Army. He is trained to do multiple jobs but now performs PTSD and mobility tasks,” Justin

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said. Sarge is now three years old.

Sarge won Service Dog of the Year in 2015 from a service dog registration organization. “He blew away the competition,” said Justin. Being a service dog is vastly different than being a therapy dog, which people are invited to pet and draw comfort from.

Justin describes a service dog as a medical device.

“When people distract them with baby talk or by petting them, the dog is not paying attention. If the dog is a seizure dog and is momentarily not in tune with its person, he might miss a sign that a seizure has started. It only takes a short time.”

However, Sarge and Justin don’t just sit at home away from the public. They keep busy with veterans and other events.

Sometimes people try to pet him and he tolerates it well, looking to Justin to make sure it is okay. The two have been on a cruise with 3,000 other people and on airplanes. Sarge has even stayed with Justin in a hospital room.

“Anywhere I go, he goes.

He has become adapted to me,” Justin said. “Sarge

doesn’t like to get more than five feet away – he’s very protective of me.”

Justin admits he wasn’t really a dog person before he got Sarge. But the dog’s hard work and personality have changed that.

Justin says Sarge is really

great with his 13-year-old son and other children.

Additionally, as proof that Sarge is doing his job, Justin has not experienced an episode of severe PTSD since Sarge came into his life.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans

1.

As of September 2014, there are about 2.7 million American veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. It is estimated that at least 20% of those veterans have PTSD and/or Depression.

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19% of veterans may have traumatic brain injury.

7% of veterans have both PTSD and traumatic brain injury.

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In recent years, veterans are choosing psychiatric service dogs as an alternative therapy. Dogs trained for psychiatric service assist people in all areas of mental illness—from PTSD to anxiety disorder. These dogs are trained to recognize when their owners are becoming depressed or experiencing other anxieties. Dogs may curl up in their owner's lap offering comfort or give them a nudge for reassurance. This is enough of a stimulus to break the loop and bring the veteran back to reality before they can develop any harmful behavior.

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Clippy Claws Comes to Town What To Do About That Scratching By: Catlanna, www.catlanna.com

C

at claws are a hot topic. You see your cat’s claws when they are running down the hallway as they halt to a stop on your carpet, or when they use their favorite scratching spot, or as they defend their territory, or even when they lovingly knead on your body. Not only can their claws hurt our skin, but they can also damage our furniture.

Cats use their claws in many ways. They extend and retract their claws to communicate and ambulate. They use their claws to grab something in front of them or higher than them to pull back and stretch their bodies with.

They use their claws to climb. Their claws have an outer sheath that naturally sheds.

They

also use the act of scratching to share their scents on objects or people.

Solutions include: Claw Clip Manicure

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– This is the solution I most highly recommend, because it allows the cat to function most similar to their natural state. Your cat can continue with all of their regular activities.

You may consider hiring a cat groomer who utilizes the LIMA (Least Intrusive Minimally Aversive) approach or do it yourself.

There is a particular format to

follow when introducing your cat to the nail clip procedure. Desensitize your cat to the clipper first, then being touching your cat’s paws with your hand gently. Once your cat is comfortable here, you can introduce a single nail clip. Slowly increase the amount of nails you can clip in one session over time. Remember to add rewards throughout each session.

This process may take up to a few months.

Plastic Claw Caps – The stick on soft caps, such as Soft Paws, is an option for those who do not wish to clip their

cat’s claws or take them to the groomer.

Your vet or groomer can assist you in putting them on, or you can do it

yourself. The caps do fall off eventually. The downside is they do not allow the cat to retract their claws when at rest, which may be uncomfortable.

Declaw Surgery – Declawing is the removal of the last bone on each of the cat’s digits which also includes their claw. The cat uses their last digit for balance, and their claws for the aforementioned reasons. Some parts of the world have made this elective surgery illegal, however it is legal currently in Texas. Laser declaw and standard scalpel declaw both are painful for the cat, thus I do not recommend either. If you need assistance, contact a vet, cat groomer and behaviorist to get alternative opinions.

In conclusion, remember that it’s easy to add a claw clip manicure to your weekly routine and to add a vertical and horizontal scratcher to your cat’s environment for happy scratching.

Houston PetTalk Sponsor, The Pet Pedi Sock also has a solution for making nail trims safer and easier. See their ad on page 66.

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Conservation Corner 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 or other local organizers such as the TWRC Wildlife Center. This issue, we are highlighting efforts to protect the Tapir. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

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By: Jackie Wallace The Houston Zoo

Male Baird’s tapir, Noah, at the Houston Zoo

I

t’s August and that means two things. It’s hot in Houston, and we all have Olympic fever! As the world gets ready to tune into see our athletes compete their hearts out in Rio, we wanted to share a little bit

about an amazing species of animal that calls South America home – the tapir.

Tapirs are the largest land mammal in South America and females can weigh up to 700 pounds! These amazing animals live in rivers

and wetlands throughout Central and South America.

While there are three species of tapir in Latin America--Baird’s, lowland, and mountain, there is also another species of tapir that lives in Southeast Asia-the Malayan tapir. Guests will find a family of Baird’s tapirs living at the Houston Zoo. This endangered animal is native to Central America, from the southern tip of Mexico though Ecuador.

A unique feature that tapir possess is its fleshy prehensile nose that it uses to grab leaves and even use as a snorkel while swimming. Their hides are very tough but streamlined for easy maneuvering in the forest. Tapirs are also seed dispersers. They eat seeds

Photo credit, Stephanie Adams/Houston Zoo; Pati Medici/ Tapir Specialist Group

TAPIR: The Largest Land Mammal in South America

Pati Medici carrying the 2016 Rio Olympic Torch

that are then dispersed in their scat which helps the forest to regenerate.

At the Houston Zoo, we’ve been assisting with efforts to save tapirs in the wild for more than 10 years through a partnership with the IUCN/SSC Tapir Specialist Group in Brazil. Several of our staff

have assisted in work to track and monitor wild tapirs. Zoo staff also assists with the organization’s website creation and maintenance.

The Houston Zoo also supports them with an event called, Tapirs Helping Tapirs, which this October will also celebrate the 20th

anniversary of the organization. For the event, Houston Zoo tapirs paint canvases that are sent to Brazil to be sold in a huge art exhibit to raise funds for protecting wild tapirs. Our tapirs at the Houston Zoo help wild tapirs, just like the name suggests!

Since the upcoming

Olympic games are in Brazil, our partner Pati Medici recently participated in the Olympic torch route on June 26 through the city of Rio Brilhante!

To learn more tapirs, come see the family of tapirs at the Houston Zoo, or visit www.houstonzoo.org/ saving-wildlife.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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