May 2017

The Definitive Source for Houston Pet Lovers | May 2017

ALSO INSIDE:

PET INSURANCE WHY IT COULD BE IMPORTANT TO YOU HEATSTROKE DETECTING THE DANGER

JOEL LAMBERT

Star of Discovery Channel's Lone Target Helps Houston’s K9s4COPs

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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MAY 2017

Editorial

T

here are many reasons to love my job - I get to play with all types of animals, participate in the advancement of Houston’s robust pet community and when I’m lucky enough, I get to help save some furry creatures too. As if that is not enough, I also get opportunities to meet interesting people like First Lady Barbara Bush, Secretary of State James Baker, Jack Hanna, Jeff Corwin, John Paul DeJoria, Lance McCullers and many more. Adding to the list of intriguing interviews I’ve done is Joel Lambert, this month’s cover. Joel leads an astoundingly adventurous life which I thoroughly enjoyed learning about.

And, let’s just say he’s pretty easy on the eyes too!

Joel is a former Navy Seal and the star of Discovery Channel show, Lone Target: Manhunt, where Joel attempts to evade mock manhunts organized by various law enforcement and military units around the world. So you better believe he has some great stories and dangerous encounters! Not only is he a superman, he is also a nice guy who loves animals. What more could you ask for LOL?? I got the opportunity to meet and interview Joel while he was in town supporting one of Houston’s finest charities, K9s4Cops. Check out

Issue 4: Volume 17 www.houstonpettalk.com

the feature story to learn more and see photos of local K9 cops that help law enforcement keep Houstonians safe.

May is not only the month of flowers after April showers, but it’s also Mother’s Day. From human mothers to furry ones, we celebrate all mothers so take a peek at our Mother’s Day products that we LOVE for the mother in your life on page 42.

Also in this issue, enjoy the photos from PetTalk’s signature event, Doggy Party on the Plaza held April 1 at CityCentre. It was a dog celebration to remember with over 70 vendors, contests and our one-of-a-kind Rescue Me Parade featuring Grand Marshal, former NFL player, Travis Johnson. Nature Dog Photography took some great pics, see page 18-21.

Next up we also have some interesting conservation and wildlife articles this issue. I am passionate about both domestic and wild animal humane treatment and conservation so I consider it my honor to provide space in our publication for educational articles.

This month we have a story by the Houston Zoo about the very important topic of pollination plus we have a story from the Texas Wildlife Center about Vultures. Did you know that vultures help eradicate the spread of disease?

These creatures that some consider “creepy” or “dirty” because they eat carcasses are actually doing us a big favor! Learn more on page 60.

Another article this month that I think you will find valuable is the informative information from Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists regarding pet insurance. Is it for you? How does it work? Find out more on page 48-50.

Finally, we hope you are loving our new FREE App and website, www. pettalkgofetch.com. For a little fun, we are featuring some of our user’s pets in our full page ad each issue of Houston PetTalk (see page 57). If you would like to see your furbaby’s smiling face in our ad, just create a user account and upload your pet’s photo as your profile image. It’s easy to do and while you are at it, send us some feedback to info@ houstonpettalk.com and give us your thoughts about PetTalk GoFetch - we want this FREE resource to make your life as a pet owner as easy as a few finger clicks on your phone!

Enjoy this issue and give all of the moms in your life, both two-legged and four-legged, an extra big hug on May 14.

Joel Lambert Helps Cops

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 www.HoustonPetTalk.com

Not only is this ex-Navy Seal turned TV reality show star talented and handsome but he also loves animals. Pretty good package we think! Joel was in Houston helping K9s4COPS charity fundraiser and PetTalk got an opportunity to hear about his crazily dangerous adventures (including animal encounters) as he traveled the world. Find out more in our feature.

Shown here: Joel Lambert and PetTalk editor, Michelle Mantor.

Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL © Copyright 2017. 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?

Catch someone reading their PetTalk as they travel the globe? Snap a pic and send to: info@houstonpettalk.com.

Anchorage, Alaska

Linda Smith chills out in 6° temperatures, braving the cold with her Houston PetTalk issue. Linda was a guest of Dr. Bill Liska, a Houston Board Certified Veterinary Surgeon who has been a veterinary volunteer at this legendary event for 14 years.

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Sunset

ANIM

Sunset Boulevard ANIMAL CLINIC

Sunset Boulevard ANIMAL CLINIC

Suns

AN

Henrietta On:

m

any of my commpadres are sports fanatics. Henry loves the grit of the gridiron and has J.J. Watt posters all over his dog house. Hortense loves soccer (a sport I truly don't get...it's like two countries go to war yet neither of them has enough ammunition to actually do any damage.

You nearly have a heart attack if there is even a CHANCE of someone scoring. Very frustrating!). Penelope wouldn't dare miss an Astros game and Fifi is obsessed with Golf (but we all know she just wants to be seen at a country club. She wouldn't know a divot from a whole in the ground. Hmm... maybe I need to rethink that one).

Anyway, May begins an onslaught of the sports season for baseball fans, soccer fans, tennis fans, etc., so I decided to write about sports in my column. Apparently to a ball watching freak (we have those in my species too), sports season is equivalent to a tsunami of sweet tarts engulfing a five year old - given all that, I figured why not analyze this sports thing.

Essentially, I have a lovehate relationship with sports.

Sometimes I find watching sports a diversion from the fact our world is going to hell in a militant handbasket and other times I see sports as a frivolous spectacle that takes away too much money and attention from things that actually matter. If I am the

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spectator, I prefer fast-paced sports with plenty of action but laced with an elegant pretentiousness. Fast-paced leaves out bowling, baseball, marathons, curling, fishing, poker, synchronized swimming and cross country skiing. Yawn. As for sophisticated and refined, that of course leaves out mud wrestling, monster trucks, boxing, football, hockey, Nascar, hot dog eating, bull fighting and shin

kicking (yes, that's a sport in the 400 yr. old Cotswold Games in England. Now, if you change the "n" to a "t", that wouldn't make it anymore refined but it sure would be funny).

Here's how I see it: If I am going to take time out of my busy schedule to sit and watch other people sweat, I don't want to be bored and I definitely don't want some

fool next to me drooling on my clothes, yelling in my ear, showering me with saliva when they do yell in my ear, spilling beer on my shoes and making me get up every 15 minutes so they can take a whiz and get another beer.

Nada gonna do that.

Rather, I prefer to spectate where I can get champagne not beer, cruditĂŠ not popcorn,

an individual seat not a bench, valet service not a tram and I can wear my Ralph Lauren ensemble rather than an ill-fitting jersey. Do I sound like a sports snob?

Good because I'm pretty sure that I am.

You may be wondering what sports I actually like to attend. Well, I love the Kentucky Derby with its Mint Juleps, fantastically gawkish hats and of course the parties. I also love polo where champagne flows, the rich don't pretend to not be rich, the food is catered and you sit in a "box". Are you seeing a pattern here of champagne and horses? Me too. If frequenting a spa and being pampered were a sport, I would definitely add that to

my list. And, my all time most desired sporting event to attend - Wimbledon of course!

I love the tradition of tennis "whites", a crowd that is genteel and court-eous...and of course they serve champagne with strawberries and cream at this annual event held at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club since 1877.

As for participating in sports, I'm not motivated by the act of running. Things bounce and I can't say that feels particularly graceful. I do have a number of desirable attributes but let's just say that my athleticism pales to my ability to sniff out a good sale. Case in point, I recently had a "face to face" meeting with a parking meter while text-walking so simultaneously running and throwing or hitting a moving projectile is not my forte.

However, a few of you may have seen me at the tennis club and have heard I'm quite an ace on the court. I confess that the junk in my trunk being propelled forward does result in a bullet-fire serve and I always pick a winner for a partner who can run, jump, swing, attack and even keep score so there's not much left for me to do other than look dazzling in my Lucky In Love tennis dress with matching Fancy Pants. And naturally I never lose...I just sometimes run out of time.

Henrietta Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorizing by Desiree Lonsway

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Title SPONSOR: Houston Dog Ranch

Premium SPONSOR:

Arne’s Warehouse Pet Supply Store

Specialty SPONSORS:

The Best Doggy Party In Town - Paws Down!

I

t’s possible that we are a little biased but PetTalk’s 8th Annual Doggy Party on the Plaza, with Title Sponsor Houston Dog Ranch, is the coolest doggy celebration in Houston! Held April 1 at CityCentre, the day began with KHOU Anchor Mia Gradney kicking off the party for Houston dog lovers and their pets, followed by the K9 costume contest sponsored by PetTalk GoFetch and lots of prize giveaways to the crowd (think $10 gift cards to The Yard House, $25 Gift Cards to Seasons 52, Free Appetizers at Eddie V’s and many more…yeah, you

Ready to Party: Angel Pets owner, Tiffany Cady.

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shouldn’t have missed this party!). Next up, was KHOU Anchor Lisa Hernandez who emceed the One-Of-A-Kind Rescue Me Parade sponsored by North Freeway and Humble Hyundai where rescue groups strutted their pups and floats to win prizes. Adding to the fun was a Relaxing Doggy Lounge sponsored by Straits Restaurant, Rescue Row sponsored by VERGI 24/7, Free Photos sponsored by The Fritz Kennel and Nature Dog Photography, entertainment plus shopping. Enjoy these photos by Nature Dog Photography that truly captured the spirit of the day!

Costume Contest: PetTalk GoFetch Parade: North Freeway Hyundai and Humble Hyundai Doggy Lounge: Straits Restaurant Rescue Row: Vergi 24/7 Photo Booth: The Fritz Kennel T-Shirt Sponsor: Rover’s Romphouse Special Thanks to Nature Dog Photography for Photo Booth and Event Photos and Poo The Rescue for keeping the party clean!

Major In-Kind SPONSORS: Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists

Parade Rescues:

Congratulations to Vals Pals GSD and Large Paws Rescue as the winner of the Rescue Me Parade and runner up, Westie and Scottie Rescue of Houston.

HOUSTON DOG RANCH

Everything is always fun at "The Ranc

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to events, everyone is all smiles...in

ry Specialists lf Coast Veterina Thank you to Gu ues! sc Re to 0 for donating $100

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All smiles at Ro

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PetTalk Headquarters Houston PetTalk Magazine

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EMCEES AND JUDGES ON THE JOB

KRBE's Freddy Cruz, Michelle Mantor and KHOU's Lisa He rnandez

emcee!

Former Texan Chester Pitts pumps

up the crowd

KHOU Anchor Lisa Hernandez kicks off the Parade

Mrs. Peacock and her dog were not in the library, they were at Doggy Party!

Parade Judges: KRBE's Freddy Cruz, Kim Padgett, Sunny 99,1 Dana Tyson, KHOU Lisa Hernandez and BCM Director, Bruce Padilla

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Photos By: Nature Dog Photography

KHOU's Mia Gradney is a pro as the

THE BEST DOGGY FUN IN HOUSTON!

Even the Easter Bunny hopped in for a visit, showing he's not afraid of dogs.

Another COOL Parade Entry

Did you say party???

Doggy airbrushing was popular!

Local Rescue Groups showed their

Poo The Rescue

creativity and love for their animals as they competed for prizes in the Rescue Me parade.

r"

Mascot: "Scoope

We love CAP Shelter!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

21

The Dish

H

ey Party Animals...Did you know you can add your own pet related event to our event calendar online?

Head to: pettalkgofetch.com/event

FOR A FULL LIST OF EVENTS, DOWNLOAD THE FREE APP OR VISIT: WWW.PETTALKGOFETCH.COM

News CAP Doghouse Competition: Enter Your Design Do you love dogs and want to help homeless animals? If so, pick up your hammer and explore your creative side by building a one-of-a-kind doghouse for entry into the "Best Little Doghouse in Texas" Designer Doghouse Competition and silent auction benefiting Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP) at the Houston World Series of Dog Shows July 19-23, 2017, at NRG Center. Any individual, business or group can enter - it makes a great team building project!

Thousands of people attend the show to view, vote or bid on their favorite Puppy Palace. Prizes will be awarded: People’s Choice, Kid’s Choice and Dixie’s Choice.

Be a part of something unique that benefits animals seeking a forever home.

Click here for Rules & Regulations and Entry Form. Send questions to: royaldixie@sbcglobal.net.

2016 Winner TAMMIE HO, "KARL BARX"

PETTALK’S ANNUAL SAND `N SEA BEACH BUM PHOTO CONTEST

S

ummer is here and we're ready to hit the beach!

Submit a photo of your pet on a Galveston beach, and you could win a BIG BAG full of fun beach toys and a PetSmart giftcard for your pet! ❖

❖

❖

❖

Photo entries accepted from June 1st to June 24th Public voting begins June 25th & ends June 30th Sand 'N Sea will determine the winner Winning photos will be published

❖

in the July issue of Houston PetTalk Magazine.

Photo submissions must be high resolution (1 MB or larger) and all photos must be taken at a Galveston beach. No stock photos please.

G A LV E S T O N I S L A N D VA C AT I O N R E N TA L S 409.797.5500 I sandnsea.com

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SINCE 1974

Events 5.6.2017 Bark for BARC Pet Walk Rice University Join in the support of Houston’s animal shelter BARC, along with the BARC Foundation and Honorary Chair, Astros Pitcher Lance McCullers at Rice University for a walk to support the shelter animals. Registration 8:30am, Walk begins at 9:30am. Learn more at www. houstonbarcfoundation.org.

5.6.2017 Fort Bend Shelter Pet Expo Sugar Land Town Square 11am to 2pm.

Join Fort Bend Pets Alive Rescue as they showcase adoptable animals looking for forever homes, 11am to 2pm at the beautiful Sugar Land Town Square venue. Learn more at www.fortbendpetsalive.org.

5.6.2017 & 5.7.2017 Houston Backyard Pond and Water Garden Tour Various Locations 10am to 6pm A self-guided tour showcasing backyard ponds and water gardens, water lilies and

other aquatic plants, goldfish and koi, waterfalls, along with beautifully landscaped gardens. The pond owners will be on hand to talk with visitors about water gardening, landscaping, pond construction, water quality and filtration, fish health, koi competitions, and more. Half the ponds are open Saturday and half are open Sunday; check the website to plan your route at www.houstonpondsociety. org or www.lonestarkoi.com.

5.13.2017 Puppies For Breakfast Market Square Park 10am Suggested Donation $5 Join Neue Creative for this fun doggy festival where your dog can play and you can shop the many vendors and enjoy various food truck goodies. The event is FREE to the public with a suggested $5 donation to help The Animal Justice League Rescue in Houston.

5.20.2017 VIP PetCare Microchipping and Vaccinations Katy Tractor Supply 444 FM 1463, Katy 77494 9:30am to 11am Low cost services provided

by VIP PetCare. Learn more at www.pettalkgofetch.com/ event. These valuable community clinics are offered many weekends in Houston so check out the calendar for other locations and dates.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Unleashed

Phoebe

FICTIONAL FAHSIONISTA

H

ouston-based celebrity photographer, Debbie Porter aims to empower children through her fictional fashionista, Fabulous Phebe. Created to inspire children, Porter is taking the Phebe brand to new heights as she moves into the world of film and television.

The premise of the show will teach children that it is fashionable to do good things and this theme will be incorporated into the pilot with the help of partners such as the Houston Humane Society and other local pet adoption agencies. The team will be collectively shopping

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the Fabulous Phebe pilot around to major Hollywood studios like Disney, Nickelodeon and modern media providers like YouTube.

Phebe is not only a fictional fashionista she is also a role model for kids who demonstrates compassion and inclusion through community service, aimed at helping abused or homeless animals. Her sidekick is a grumpy cat named Tino who teaches her patience as she learns to accept him for who he is, while living out her love for animals.

Phebe’s character was launched in 2014 and has been the foundation for a children’s books, a fashion line,

Unleashed

featuring prints of illustrations from the books and now an animated, interactive film. For this new venture, Rival Studios is collaborating with Debbie and Emmy award-winning team to record the pilot. Each component of this project is a result of locals who have brought their talents together for a worthy cause, including a cast of star quality children actors who are helping bring Phebe to life.

“I’m constantly reminded that it’s important to allow life to take its course,” said Porter.

“Having begun my career as a fashion designer, and being able to encounter so many different people with their own, unique challenges, I

realized that Phebe could be a vehicle to fulfill my dream of combining fashion, education, style and confidence-building among children. This project is also serving as a vehicle for an array of talented locals to publish quality productions, right here, deep in the heart of Texas.”

Debbie is one of the cities most sought after, commercial veteran photographers, having spent the past 30 years capturing portraits of global influencers like Beyonce, Deborah Duncan, host of Great Day Houston and she’s had assignments for the Oprah network and Vogue magazine.

For more information visit www.fabulousphebe.com.

www.petandpalette.com peale@sbcglobal.net 713 467-0312 Houston PetTalk Magazine

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JOEL LAMBERT

STAR OF DISCOVERY CHANNEL'S LONE TARGET HELPS HOUSTON’S K9S4COPS

By Michelle Mantor, Photos of Joel by Evin Thayer

T

he first thing you notice when you meet Discovery Channel star and former Navy SEAL Joel Lambert is his quick genuine smile and his ease of living in his own skin. With an ultramasculine resume that includes heavy weapons training, stinger missile systems qualified, resistance and escape training, close quarters defense battle training and expertise in survival and evasion, I must admit I was expecting someone who would be arrogantly confident, especially given his handsome good looks (you know, that kinda guy that is so good at everything and knows it but underneath is an insecure person who NEEDS you to KNOW he is good at everything). Refreshingly, Joel was quite the opposite. He is definitely confident but it comes more from a faith in himself than

from a desire to impress others.

How do I know this? Because Joel is genuine about his deep respect for animals and their purpose and benefit to our world. I can’t say I’ve ever met anyone who is genuinely respectful of animals that is not also aware that they as an individual are no more than that…just an individual.

Joel seems to embody this concept of humility. He’s traveled the globe, encountered some crazily dangerous situations and yet his attitude is not one of conquering as much as it is of awe and recognizing how small each one of us is in this complex and ancient universe.

From Navy SEAL to Reality Star, Joel has remained constant in his quest for learning, testing, changing and giving. It’s the giving that brought him to Houston where he graciously offered his time and

celebrity to help one of Houston’s most notable animal-related charities, K9s4COPs. Joel accepted the invitation of Founder, Kristi Schiller, to support the fundraising gala and when offered a chance to help law enforcement, you’ll get a resounding yes from this accomplished military veteran. “Providing K9 officers to assist police officers is truly a valuable cause and I’m happy to support Kristi in her mission”, says Joel. “Plus, I love dogs”, he says with a grin and notes what a true friend his dog Rosie is, his Rhodesian Ridgeback hanging out back home in L.A..

Trailblazing through life, beginning in a small logging town in the Northwest, then joining the Navy and on to Hollywood, Joel has become a reality show star via Discovery Channel’s show

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Officer Shawn Brown with "Bret", Joel Lambert, Michelle Mantor and photographer Evin Thayer during Houston photoshoot.

Scenes from 'Predators Up Close With Joel Lambert'

Predator photos: Brendan McGinty

Lone Target (marketed internationally as Manhunt). The evasion-type reality show pits Joel against the world’s most elite military and law enforcement tracking teams (hunter forces) in a real game of evasion and escape. Joel is dropped at a secret starting point, from places as far as South Africa to the Philippines in each episode, where he gets a small head start to evade capture and reach a designated end point in less than two days. He uses diversionary tactics and survival techniques while being afforded only a basic survival kit and a canteen of water. Some of the pursuers of Joel include the Maori warriors in New Zealand, nomadic Mongolian hunters in Mongolia, a backwoods survivalist group in Florida, the PGJE Mexican State Police Force on the U.S.-Mexico border, Ghillies in Scotland, and the Aiken County Sheriff’s Bloodhound Tracking Team in South Carolina.

Lone Target is one of those attentioncapturing, adrenaline-pumping shows that would lead some to binge-watch all episodes in one weekend. Go ahead and check it out and you’ll see what I mean.

Joel’s skills are impressive to the point that you find yourself wondering if this is scripted, along with the fact that he is a natural on TV. But the answer is no, it’s not scripted which makes the drama even more engaging. When I sat down to talk with Joel, he shared some of his adventures and dangerous predicaments.

He told me about a show filmed in South Africa where a pride of lions were on the hunt and he and his cameraman were right in the path of danger. Joel explains, “The hunter force spotted us so I took off with the camera guy into the direction where there are lions and hippos roaming around. The hunter force pulled out and I heard them yelling at me to 'stop there are lions in the area', but I thought they were trying to trick me. Next, I heard my producer yelling that I had to get out of there.

I was about 1km away from a checkpoint and I thought it’s better to finish and die than quit and lose, so I went ahead and finished it.” Spoken like a true warrior and

that’s what makes our military the best - courage and valor.

Joel also shared stories of large snakes, dangerous cliff slides, typhoons, nearly impenetrable jungle, menacing rhinos and more. I sat there thinking, wow, my life is a big snooze LOL! But I also know that not all of us are made up of the same “stuff” so although people that invite danger are intriguing, I’m ok with just writing about them.

The stories Joel relayed were fascinating but because it’s TV, one wonders how the production takes place. My first question was, “What cameraman in the world could possibly keep up with you physically and mentally while also being skilled at evasion and not getting you caught?"

I could see immediately that I hit upon a key point which had caused some frustration, to say the least. Joel gave me a bit of background on various problems caused by the cameramen. Let’s just say he went through a lot of them.

Listening to Joel’s escapades and opinions as well as his advice on things like how to avoid detection, how to survive with very few resources and so forth was really fascinating.

But most of all, I was drawn to his passion for life. He spoke of gritty things like never giving up, fighting your best fight, seeing the raw and painful realities of our world when one animal kills another or even a human kills another human - he seems to breathe all that in and use it as a force for good, not an excuse to back down, give up or run scared. Read his AFRICA essay printed here and you'll experience his sense of evolutionary time and humanity for yourself.

I truly could have interviewed him for hours but being the polite journalist that I am, I respected his time and knew I had taken up enough of it.

However, I had one last question that had been plaguing my mind during our couple of hours together and I finally had to ask it. “You’ve handled large snakes that would terrify most,

AFRICA Africa feels like home. Not my place of birth, or where I was born again, hard, in the sand and waters of the Naval Special Warfare Center in Coronado, but like the home of my Humanity. Where we really live, and lived, and struggle and die and are part of the existence of this planet and where we feed off the soil; and feed the soil, and the layers, the filters, the insulations that you didn't know were wrapped around you make their existences known suddenly by their absence.

I first experienced Africa, the real Africa, when I was here for Manhunt. I fell then, not in love but in awe of this place that was and is bigger than I, than we, than our machinations, our skyscrapers and cable television and internet and politicians and vegans and Christians and Muslims and unbelievers.

Just once, see the African sun, which is somehow bigger

you’ve come upon the biggest, baddest of all animals in Africa, you’ve slid down cliffs, crawled through bugs, jumped from helicopters and that’s just a sampling. So, what actually scares you?” With just a twinkle in his eye he replied, “Marriage”. Aha, yes that is a different kind of animal we agreed with a laugh.

With Lone Target no longer in production, Joel is currently working on two shows in Africa as well as a scripted show that is still under wraps for the public. For the animal lovers, you can also catch Joel in Discovery Channel’s Predators Up Close With Joel Lambert where Joel travels with a team of researchers from the four corners of the world to study the most powerful predators known to mankind. Using a speciallybuilt, transparent pod made from the strongest jet glass, the team spends 24 hours living among the animals including lions, hyenas, polar bears and sharks.

By Joel Lambert and more god-like rule the sky, the acacia spread out serene across the savannah, the herds of antelope and wildebeest and that which takes from those, life-for-life, as part of one immutable fabric and know that you are and always have been a thread in that cloth and you are poorer for not understanding it.

I first felt the delicate rootlets of our soul in me questing into the red soil then, and each time I return, summoned and grateful, that rootlet grows and grips, and I feel the wildness and power growing.

This is a dangerous place, to both your physical body and your contentment, your safety and your assumptions.

Existences built on progressive ideals suddenly find the foundation missing, and the chasm that yawns below has teeth.

Yet it is not evil; nor gentle; nor understanding nor blind.

It just is.

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HOUSTON CHARITY K9S4COPS: PROVIDING 4-LEGGED CRIME STOPPERS

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orn with an instinct to protect and serve the pack, police K9s are invaluable assets to public safety. They keep drugs out of schools, illegal munitions off the streets, and have an amazing sense of smell detection. Most important, they help our law enforcement officers go home to their loved ones.

K9s4COPs was created by Houstonian Kristi Schiller after she watched a news story on the loss of Deputy Constable Ted Dahlin’s K9 partner Blek in the line of duty.

She wanted to give him a new K9 partner, but all the government rules and red tape became a frustrating roadblock. After doing a plethora of research—Schiller discovered that the typical cost of a trained K9 is between $15,000 and $45,000, depending on its specialty, and with budgets being cut in law enforcement offices across the country—K9s are not often replaced when they are injured, retired or killed in the line of duty. In addition— she learned that there

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were no charitable organizations providing this type of support to law enforcement officers anywhere in the world. Schiller then drew on a lifetime of civic volunteerism and created K9s4COPs, a charitable organization that provides highly trained K9s to law enforcement agencies, school districts and college campuses. K9s4COPs promotes the needs of law enforcement within communities and shares the value of the gallant four-legged crime stopper.

Since its inception in 2011—K9s4COPs has gifted 147 K9s to 82 law enforcement agencies and 14 schools in 31 states, as well as 1 K9 to the French National Police after the Paris terrorist bombing in 2015. In addition, K9s4COPs gifted K9s have taken over $150 million dollars worth of contraband off the streets. These important K9s fight crime by helping make arrests and detecting narcotics, explosives, electronic devices, arson and cash. Not only do their detection skills merit their service, but also because of these highly skilled K9s, their

officer partners make it home safely to their families after their shifts.

“K9s would, could and do give their lives, not only for their handlers and other officers¸ but also the public in general,” says Harris County Sherriff’s Deputy Ted Dahlin, who credits K9 Blek with saving his life. “There is no machine yet invented that does what these selfless animals are asked to do. K9s in police work are force multipliers. Much like we will never know exactly how much crime is prevented by the presence of a police officer in a marked car, we can never be sure of the number of times the presence of a trained police dog has prevented something bad from happening or kept a bad situation from becoming worse.” Today, Deputy Dahlin happily works the streets with his new partner K94COPS gifted K9 Kyra, a feisty Belgian Malinois.

“So many people want to show their support of police on a larger scale, but don’t know how,” Schiller explains. “People have embraced this avenue to show their unbridled support of law enforcement.

K9s4COPs provides a trusted way for individuals, corporations, professional athletes

Officer Davis and “Tuko”

Photo by Joe Albert

Photo courtesy of K9s4COPs

Founder of K9s4COPs Kristi Schiller with Johnny Cash and Daisy

and foundations to foster a relationship with those in uniform who keep our community a safer place. Alas, even more important, we have educated and informed so many people about the great work K9s do and have raised the awareness of community law enforcement.”

K9s4COPs doesn’t just give stop at supporting our law enforcement officers, but through its K9s4KIDs initiative, also supports our nation’s schools and college campuses by providing K9s trained and ready for action to protect students and providing outreach through crime safety prevention presentations. For more information on K9s4KIDs see accompanying story.

In addition to making our neighborhoods and schools safer— K9s4COPs gifted dogs recently helped make Super Bowl LI and Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo’s venues safe for millions of attendees. In fact, if you have been to any sporting or entertainment event in Houston, you can be rest assured that a K9s4COPs gifted dog was there protecting you on the sidelines.

“I’m eternally grateful to the corporations, individuals and foundations that

K9s4COPs gifted dogs recently helped make Super Bowl LI a safe event.

have supported K9s4COPs,” says Schiller.

“Our mission wouldn’t be possible without them. We are hopeful that through continual awareness K9s4COPs will be able to continue to provide these gallant animals

to help keep our communities and schools safe.”

To help support K9s4COPs, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, please visit K9s4COPs.org, call 713-523-2677 or email info@k9s4cops.org.

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K9S4COPS DONATES K9 TO HARRIS COUNTY CONSTABLE’S OFFICE PRECINCT 1 AND ITS FIRST FEMALE K9 HANDLER MADISON SPERRY

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Photo by Daniel Ortiz

A

crowd of more than 75 gathered at Valobra Jewelry for a very special graduation party and the chance to meet the newest members of Harris County Constable’s Office Precinct One’s K9 Unit. K9 Officer LeMans is a dual-purpose (patrolling and narcotics) two-year old Belgian Malinois funded by K9s4COPs and will join Precinct One’s first certified female K9 Handler Deputy Madison Sperry as they patrol the streets of Harris County.

K9 LeMans was generously sponsored by longtime K9s4COPs supporters Tracy and Laurie Krohn, who also serves as K9s4COPS Executive Vice President of the Board, and Krohn Racing. K9 LeMans is named by the Krohns in honor of the Prestigious 24 Hours of LeMans sports car race of which Tracy and his co-driver Nic Jonsson, will enter for the 12th consecutive year this June in LeMans, France.

The Krohns, in collaboration with Valobra, coordinated the party, which also featured Krohn Racing race cars on display. Laurie noted ” When K9s4cops gave us an opportunity to name our gifted K9, LeMans was a perfect fit—It honors my husband’s favorite car race of which he has been on the podium three times.”

Deputy Sperry completed her Dual Purpose Handler Course at Houston K9 Academy and graduated in late March 2017. Sperry is the first certified female K9 handler for Precinct One, and one of the few female handlers in Harris County.

The Krohns welcomed special guests in attendance including K9s4COPs

Founding Director Kristi Schiller, K9s4COPs Executive Director Pam Mahoney, Precinct One Constable Alan Rosen, Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez, Franco Valobra, Beatrice Bornibus, as well as, K9s4COPs board members Sara Kinney, K9s4COPs inspiration Deputy Ted Dahlin, Sergeant Christopher Moore and Sergeant Stuart Red. Laurie explained how inspired they

were by Deputy Sperry, “ Tracy and I met a hard working, tough, young woman who showed a passion for law enforcement and her own personal protection dog.

Her heart was in law enforcement despite the negative attention. After joining Constable Rosen and team at Precinct One, it didn’t take long for Deputy Sperry to be promoted to a K9 officer. 24 Hours of LeMans describes the characteristics

Photo by Laurie Krohn

of Deputy Sperry and K9 LeMans—who clocks in running at 31 mph. Together, they graduated from Houston K9 Academy after eight weeks of intense training.”

Deputy Sperry says that Schiller provided the inspiration for her wanting to become a K9 Handler, “ Kristi is the one who opened my eyes to what really set my soul on fire. After finishing the

academy, I was fortunate to be hired on

by Constable Rosen and Precinct One. When Constable Rosen offered the opportunity to become a K9 handler, I knew dreams really do come true. And as if this fairytale could get any better, in a blink of an eye, I had the most handsome, strong, and fearless K9 partner I could have ever dreamed of having. All because of the generosity of Laurie and

Tracy Krohn, the incredible organization K9s4COPS.org, the support from John and Kristi Schiller, who opened more doors and opportunities than I can thank them enough for, and to Jaz and Jason Stanze, owners of Houston K9 Academy, who trained K9 LeMans, I am now living my dream!”

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K9S4KIDS: PROTECTING THE FUTURE

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he tragedy of the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting hit too close to home for Schiller, who has a school age daughter, and it prompted her to launch the K9s4KIDs initiative in 2013. The K9s4KIDs initiative provides K9s to schools making them a safer place for students, faculty, staff and visitors.

“K9s4KIDs was created to sustain an

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alternative, kinder and gentler approach to keeping our school children safe,” says Schiller. “Statistics show that a trained K9 on campus serves as a double deterrent, keeping narcotics from being distributed and serving as a personal protection barrier between potential harm to our innocent students. These K9s are extremely social, yet highly qualified warriors that are accustomed to going straight to the source of the dilemma—the shooter or threat—and disengaging the suspect.”

To date there are 14 schools with a K9s4KIDs gifted dog. In Houston—Aldine

Independent School District was one of the first recipients of two K9s4KIDs dogs with K9 Smafu and K9 Ace. These exceptional K9s, along with their handlers, sweep thousands of lockers and cars each school year and meet and greet with the students they keep safe each day.

In addition to the safety of having a trained police dog on campus to protect our kids— these four-legged officers and their handlers provide outreach by visiting with students at school assemblies, events and participating in crime safety

feel comfortable to talk.

The presence of a K9 also keeps the students on the straight-and-narrow.

People not knowing what the dog does on campus gives you an added measure of security that a lot of people aren’t anticipating. It puts a lot of people on check.

Especially on the high-risk campuses, the students are little more conscious of their actions; they’re mellower, knowing they’ve got a German Shepherd or a

ing course with his new handler.

K9s4KIDs school police officers who have received a K9, from K9s4COPs, say that having a K9 on a school campus has been a game-changer in some of the most unexpected ways. It shows an entirely different side of working in K9--- there are kids that are withdrawn and insecure, and they’re drawn out when they see that dog and they want to talk. They start talking about things that are going on around campus. Officers would not have that connection with the students without that K9 to open up the lines of communication and make them

Belgian Malinois on campus. The dogs calm the environment and a calmer school adds to calmer, more relaxed students.

K9s4COPs is committed to being part of a solution that works to keep communities, schools and children safe. We do not believe that budget cuts should get in the way of our children’s safety. The goal of K9s4KIDs is for every school and college campus across the nation to have a K9 protecting it’s students, faculty, staff, and guests.

Photos by Josh Welsh

Jackie-- both being the first ever K9s protecting the University. These fast acting K9s provide security at sporting events and school venues and have protected over one million people from the threat of bombs and explosives this school year alone. In addition-- K9 Bah’le was presented to Hondo Independent School District and Brazosport Independent School District will welcome K9 Mickey this year as soon as he finishes his train-

prevention presentations. All K9s4COPs officers can serve as K9s4KIDs ambassadors and, those that aren’t specifically school officers, also make visits to schools in their respective cities to teach students about what it’s like to be a K9 officer, show them a K9 demonstration of the K9 in action and meet the K9 and officer that patrols their neighborhoods to help keep them safe. It is estimates that over 15,000 children have petted a K9s4KIDs granted K9.

Recently K9s4KIDs welcomed Texas A & M University Police as a K9 recipient with the donations of K9 Lena and K9

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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ear a hip shirt while helping to save animals too‌not a bad deal! This classic t-shirt features an over-sized relaxed fit, with reinforced double-stitching on all seams. A mid-weight, 100% cotton tee, hand-dyed and screen printed using water-based inks and dyes. After just one wash you won't know where the print ends and the shirt begins. A portion of revenue goes to animal shelters and rescues. Available at www.dogparkpublishing.com, $19.95.

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Mother's Day The Perfect Gift For a

Doggy Mom!

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other’s day is a special time to say thank you to mom’s of both two-leggers and 4-leggers! If you truly want to give them a gift that is extra special, original artwork is one of the best, timeless keepsakes you can give. From just a photo that captures the spirit of the pet, Kristel Peale can create any size painting and matching note cards. Kristel is talented at capturing the personality of pets and her prices are VERY reasonable. Check out her artwork at www.petandpalette.com or give her a call at 713 467-0312​.

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Another sweet and memorable gift for the doggy mom in your life is this adorable sterling silver charm necklace that can be customized to the breed of your choice, the birthstone of your choice, plus the heart charm and initial charm (optional), all for just $29.95, available at www.dogparkpublishing.com.

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Health

RECOGNIZING Heat Stroke DETECTING THE DANGERS

By Laura Noaker, DVM | VERGI Emergency and Critical Care Hospital | www.vergi247.com

A

s the dog days of summer approach Houston, we should be aware that it’s an especially dangerous time for dogs since they don’t sweat in the way humans do and they can quickly become overheated.

Overheating can lead to heat stroke and severe medical complications. As a pet owner, it is important to be aware and recognize these signs.

Heavy Panting A dog’s primary way to cool down is through panting, but did you know there are different degrees of how strenuously a dog pants? When exposed to warmer temperatures, dogs usually start with a slightly opened mouth and light panting. As they get warmer it will progress to a fully open-mouthed pant accompanied with a swollen tongue that hangs out to the side. If you notice your dog is panting heavily, get him to a cool and shady spot immediately, preferably somewhere with a fan or air conditioning.

Also, offer your dog fresh water.

Excessive Drooling Creating excess saliva helps your dog dissipate heat better than just panting alone. If your dog is drooling excessively while in hot temperatures, it

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can be a sign that they are having a hard time cooling off.

Frequent Breaks Lying Down During outdoor summer activities, you may notice your dog trying to take a break and lie down. This is a clear sign that he is feeling the effects of the heat and probably needs to cool down. Allow your pet time to recover and some water before going indoors. If your dog collapses from the heat, wet his coat with water and rush him to a veterinarian or animal emergency hospital.

Fast or Irregular Heart Beat A racing or irregular heart beat is a sign your dog could be overheating. The increased heart rate is the body’s attempt to pump as much overheated blood as possible to the extremities and away from vital organs, where it can cause damage.

If this happens to your dog, rush him to a veterinarian or animal hospital.

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If you notice any of the above

symptoms, there are a few things you can do at home to cool down your dog's body temperature while you contact your veterinarian. First, wet your dog with cool water (do not use iced water or ice) in order to bring the body temperature down.

Remember, prevention is best. Your dog should always have access to fresh water and shade when they are out playing, and most importantly, never leave your dog in a parked car.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Health

THE FINANCES of Pets PET INSURANCE ANALYSIS

By: Brian S. Beale DVM, DACVS and Kate Lawrence, www.gcvs.com

D

id you know that over 70% of American households have a pet of some kind? Not too surprising considering how amazing animals are! How can you resist the captivating blue eyes of a playful kitten? What brings a smile to your face more quickly than watching the carefree, full-of-life attitude of a Labrador retriever puppy playing tug-of-war with a rope toy? Whether you are an adult or a child, pets are important members of the family unit.

Before committing to the addition of a new family pet, however, many questions should be answered. Do I have the time to commit to a pet? Am I getting a pet based on an impulse or have I really thought through everything it takes to raise a pet? One of the most important questions to ask before adopting or purchasing a new furry friend is - can I afford to have a pet? Pet owners

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should be aware of the expected costs that will occur through a pet’s life to keep them healthy and happy.

These costs include things like food, grooming, boarding, preventative medications (intestinal worms, heartworms, fleas, ticks), vaccines and veterinary treatment when ill or injured. There are so many things to think about before taking this major step! It can feel overwhelming, but did you know that pet insurance is now available and affordable for many pet owners?

In this article we’ll focus on the ups and downs of the pet health insurance industry as a potential strategy for helping to pay for your

pet’s heath needs.

The Pet Insurance Industry Pet health insurance has been available in the United States for 30 years. Presently there are at least 10 companies to choose from to provide health insurance for your pet (Table 1). Pet owners, though, have been slow to buy insurance policies for their pets. In fact, it is estimated that only 1% of pets in the U.S. are covered by a health insurance policy. This pales in comparison to the over 25% of pets covered by insurance in the United Kingdom and over 80% of people covered by health insurance in the U.S. Even though relatively few pet owners currently own pet health insurance, the number

that do is rapidly increasing.

Technological advances, increased training and expertise, and new, more intricate procedures are allowing pet owners access to an unprecedented level of veterinary care for their pets, but these advances can often come with increased costs. These costs have given pet owners the incentive to consider pet health insurance as a means of being prepared for both routine and unexpected medical expenses.

North American Pet Health Insurance Association The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) is an organization founded in 2007 that provides services for both the pet owner and insurance companies. The NAPHIA is an independent organization that provides useful information for pet owners trying to make a decision on the type of insurance policy that best suits their needs.

The organization provides information on the various features of insurance policies and makes recommendations for options that may be important for your pet. The NAPHIA also offers membership to pet insurance companies that meet their professional and ethical standards. The hope is that organizations such as NAPHIA can

Health provide unbiased information to help pet owners wade through a confusing amount of insurance information and “legalese” as well as give companies the opportunity to be recognized for excellence and high quality service.

How Does Pet Health Insurance Work?

Most insurance companies in the U.S. provide policies that reimburse pet-owners for veterinary bills. This means that pet owners must pay for services up-front and then submit a claim to the insurance company for reimbursement on qualified expenses.

This is one of the biggest differences between the veterinary and human insurance industries. Reimbursement to pet owners may take several weeks, depending on the company. Another major difference between pet and human health insurance is that human insurance companies negotiate costs of services with providers. This is not the case in pet health insurance, where the veterinarian determines the cost of service. Pet owners do have the ability to choose whatever veterinarian they wish, however, unlike the human industry where patients must use only approved providers or be penalized by having to pay higher costs. Pet health insurance companies base reimbursements on either a percentage of the services provided or on a certain allowed amount for a particular service. No pet insurance company is exactly alike, though, and many differences can be found in the types of policies offered, cost,

exclusions, time of reimbursement and qualified benefits.

Choosing a Pet Health Insurance Company With so many options, how do you choose? Pet owners should consider many factors when choosing the best company for their pets and their pocketbook.

Important questions to ask before buying health insurance for your pet include: ❖ How long has the company been in business and will it be around when a claim is made? ❖ What is the time required to receive reimbursement of a claim? ❖ How is a claim paid and how is the amount if reimbursement determined? ❖ What types of premiums are available and what are the costs of premiums? ❖ Are congenital,

❖

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developmental or hereditary conditions covered? (this can be especially important for breeds that are prone to these types of conditions) What health conditions are excluded and not a candidate for reimbursement?

Is preventative health care included in the policy?

What types of riders are placed on pre-existing conditions?

If the treatment of a condition is initially unsuccessful, will I still get full coverage even if I choose to use another provider?

Is a second opinion covered?

What is your policy for using specialists to treat my pet?

Are their lifetime benefit limitations?

What is the policy for renewal?

❖

❖

How does age and breed affect my premium?

What is your policy on coverage of cranial cruciate ligament injuries? (very common in many large breeds)

The Optimal Pet Health Insurance Policy The optimal pet health insurance policy probably does not exist, but if it did it would include the following features: ❖ Affordable for most pet owners ❖ Allow choice of any veterinarian ❖ Cover expenses associated with specialty and emergency care. ❖ Include coverage for preventative care (vaccines, parasite prevention, dental, neuter, etc) ❖ Include coverage for congenital, developmental and hereditary disorders Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Health ❖

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❖

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❖

❖

Not place exclusions on pre-existing conditions Reimburse claims within 2 weeks Easy to understand reimbursement schedule Different levels of coverage available to suit the individual needs of a pet-owner Submission of a claim wouldn’t affect future insurability or premium Coverage of behavioral conditions Coverage of pregnancy problems Coverage of euthanasia, cremation, burial

Comparing the Pet Health Insurance Companies It is difficult to compare companies directly because of the great variation of policies available. A list of features for some of the Pet Health Insurance Companies in the U.S. has been included, but it is only a rough guide; pet owners should evaluate each company’s policies carefully using their website and speaking directly to a company representative. (Table 2). Many of these websites are very thorough and include examples of actual claims and how they were reimbursed.

Another good source for advice is your veterinarian.

DO’S AND DON’TS

DO: Get your pet insured as soon as possible.

When it comes to getting your pet insured, the sooner the better! Younger pets often have less expensive premium options, and are less likely to have pre-existing conditions that the insurance company can exclude.

DO: Read the fine print.

Some insurance companies have requirements that may invalidate your policy if they are not met, like having your pet up-to-date on vaccinations, or having a yearly dental check-up for dental coverage.

DON’T: Sign up for the first policy (or company) you find.

Just like with any major purchase, shop around to find a policy, premium, and company that works for you and your pet. Good deals are out there!

DON’T: Gloss over the details of your pet’s medical history on the application.

If your pet has had a spotty medical history, don’t give in to the temptation to tell a few white lies on your application. Insurance companies will require your pet’s complete medical history from your veterinarian, and can refuse to pay for treatment if discrepancies are found.

Veterinarians typically see many different patients with varying insurance coverage.

They often know problem areas for companies and can help you decide on a company and type of policy that may best suit the age, breed and condition of your pet. Policies must be evaluated carefully for exclusions of conditions that appear to be covered. Examples include a policy that includes coverage for pregnancy. In some policies, certain breeds known to have a frequent need for cesarean sections, such as the bulldog, are excluded. If hereditary conditions are covered, it is important to know if there are stipulations on qualifying for this benefit,

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such as breed, age at enrollment and pre-existing diagnosis. It is very important to evaluate exclusions and riders that may require a waiting period for coverage or may exclude some conditions entirely if they are pre-existing.

Should you Get Health Insurance for Your Pet? Pet health insurance is probably a good choice for most pet owners as long as they have a thorough understanding of the policy’s features. Emergencies and unexpected problems can lead to severe financial strain for many pet-owners. Pets can go untreated or, tragically, are euthanized due to inability to afford unexpected health costs. Pet health insurance is an affordable and practical way of meeting these unexpected healthcare costs.

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Health

PET Aquamation

HONORING YOUR PET WHILE HONORING THE PLANET By: Christie Cornelius, DVM | Last Wishes | www.lastwishes.com

T

his spring, Last Wishes, a local Houston-based pet hospice service, introduced a brand new earth-friendly option in aftercare for our client’s pets called Aquamation.

Also known as water-based cremation, green cremation, and flame-less cremation, the process of aquamation for pets uses 90% less energy than traditional flame-based cremation and releases ZERO toxic emissions and greenhouse gases into the environment. This accelerated natural process ends with 20% more ashes produced than with traditional flamebased cremation. The ashes can then be returned to families in an urn who desire this honored keepsake.

The staff at Last Wishes is proud to be the first private veterinary practice in the state of Texas to offer this gentler form of aftercare as a the ultimate way to honor the sacred human-animal bond.

The pet never leaves the trusted care of Last Wishes, as our aquamation unit is located in their new center in Oak Forest. Last Wishes is a service that provides fear-free comfort care, pain management, pet hospice, and gentle euthanasia to pets in the Greater Houston area. Most of our services are performed in the client’s home; however, with the recent addition of our comfort care center, Last

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Wishes provides a “homeaway-from-home” environment for clients and their pets.

The families that we serve have so far embraced the idea of aquamation. Greater than 90% of our clients have been choosing this option over traditional cremation when it comes to deciding how they want to honor their pet’s memory. They like that they remain in the care of Last Wishes and that the process is gentler on the environment.

Last Wishes offers beautifully unique aftercare packaging for those who choose to have their pet’s ashes returned to them. Home delivery of the ashes is also an added option.

If a family chooses not to have their pet’s ashes returned after aquamation, they are gently incorporated into a hand-made communal stepping stone by a local artist and placed in a pet memorial garden in Cypress, Texas.

If you’d like to learn more about aquamation, Last Wishes offers tours of the facility Monday - Saturday by appointment or walk ins between 8am - 6pm., 3036 Antoine Dr., Houston, TX 77092. Call or text 713.452.0474, or e-mail them at wecare@lastwishes.com.

Additional information is also available on our website www.lastwishes.com.

FACTS ABOUT AQUAMATION

Creates 1/10 the carbon footprint of traditional flame based cremation

20

%

MORE

20% more ashes are returned to the family than with traditional flame cremation

ZERO emissions are createdmeaning no harmful greenhouse gases

Because the ash needs to go through drying time, a day or two more is needed before ashes can be returned to families

play daycare • boarding • spa

1315 Waugh Drive Houston, TX 77019

713-522-8144 www.dogdaycare.com Houston PetTalk Magazine

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NATURE DOG Creating Memories CAPTURE THE MOMENT

By: Lorena Padron | Nature Dog Photography | www.naturedogphotography.com

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Photo by: Nature Dog Photography

D

ogs are man’s best friend they say.

For me and my husband, they go way beyond that. Dogs have been an inspiration and passion, not only to improve ourselves as photographers and trainers, but to make other’s happy through the memories we capture with their beloved companions.

Everyone that knows us knows a bit about our own pack and certainly about our senior 12-year-old girl Josephine. She had a lump growing on the left side of her face last year. We ended up going to Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists to remove it since it had gotten so big that she was biting it in her mouth.

The consequences of getting infected could make the scenario even worse.

She was so happy that week when the lump was removed. Seeing her happy and her usual bossy self brought us light and comfort.

For that moment, it was just a lump that needed to be removed and nothing else.

Unfortunately, the news didn’t end there. It was official: Josephine has that horrible word...cancer.

After treatments and different pills, we discovered in our last vet check that her heart murmur has become

worse and that she’s in pain with arthritis in her spine. So, more daily pills for my girl to help with the pain. The tumor that we removed last year is slowly coming back and this time we don’t think we should put her through surgery again, but time will tell. Josephine is still bossy, barky and will get you to pet her and give her all

your attention no matter what you are doing. Of course, she returns the favors with unquestionable love and kisses.

What are we going to do now you may ask? The answer is easy...we are enjoying every moment with Josephine while we still have her with us. Besides her own bucket list, mom and dad

are making sure to get as many photo sessions as we can while she’s still spunky. I want to remember her as full of life as she is now, before this disease takes her away. I want those happy moments in my memories, not those with pain. She is and always will be our lovely baby girl.

Caring for Hearts... at Both Ends of the Leash!

Now You Can Make a Difference

By Honoring A Wonderful Life!

If you or someone you know lost a pet, you can honor their name by making a tax deductible donation to the Harris County Veterinary Medical Foundation.

Your gift helps provide valuable information on pet medical and humane issues to other pet parents.

To Donate, Please Visit

www.hcvmf.org

Emergency & Critical Care Services

Family Owned and Operated Nights • Weekends • Holidays

We are family owned and operated, so we understand how pets are a part of your family.

27104 HWY 290 WEST, STE 107 Cypress, Texas 77429

(281) 304-0039

animalERnwh.com Houston PetTalk Magazine

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PURPLE CAT Resale

SHOP TO SUPPORT NONPROFIT THE LOVE, MOLLY FUND By: Mara Soloway

J

ulia Long could be considered something of a concierge for independent animal rescue groups and individuals who have found stray animals and those with questions about finding the right pet or how to care for it. Her nonprofit organization, the Love, Molly Fund, supports the animal rescue and other non-profits with funds raised by her resale shop, The Purple Cat, located in Oak Forest, near The Heights.

The Purple Cat has very nice items donated to it, just about everything a resale shopper could want. It also has handouts about spaying and neutering, adoption opportunities and microchips.

“When people reach out to me to help them with the animals they find, I can provide them with resources about

how do it themselves,” Julia said.

Julia partners with other independent rescuers who help each other out and know each others dogs. “People reach out to me and say they have a specific situation in which they need just the right dog – such as having a three-year-old and a cat. I may not have that dog but I’m going to see if another small independent rescuer does,” she said. “We want people to keep the dog forever, so we have to match carefully.” Love, Molly also provides support afterward, including finding training.

Julia started the Love, Molly Fund in 2001 in memory of her late animal-loving sister.

Since she took over The Purple Cat almost a year and a half ago, she has been able to provide more funding

The Purple Cat Resale

2126 W 34th St, Houston, TX 77018 www.thepurplecatresale.com www.facebook.com/thepurplecatresaleandconsignment/

The Love, Molly Fund

www.facebook.com/groups/thelovemollyfund/

through the store’s profits.

But her compassionate efforts have been going on for many years while she fostered dogs for Corridor Rescue and then began rescuing independently. She says it began to snowball five years ago when she rescued her first mom dog, a pregnant one which she saw walking along the Highway 45 feeder. She still finds dogs as she drives around The Heights.

When she isn’t at the Purple Cat, Julia still gives her

"These pups were rescued with mom and dad out of Houston Heights by the Love, Molly Fund. The Purple Cat Resale helps us raise some of the funds to get them vetted and adopted.” - Julia Long. Photo: Robyn Arouty

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time, her home, her endless energy, and funds of her own to rescue animals and spread the message of rescue, foster, spay and neuter, and microchip. The core group of Purple Cat volunteers take pride in the store and are also involved in other rescueoriented activities. One of the volunteers, Melissa Graham O’Connell, donates her efforts to organizations such as the Harris County Animal Shelter and Tall Tails. She works at Cypress Falls High School, which has a student club called SPAA, Students Protecting America’s Animals.

“They organize fundraisers and donation drives for certain causes. Awareness should start young,” she said.

The Purple Cat and The Love, Molly Fund need volunteers, fosters and adopters, and corporate sponsors. Julia would like to ultimately find a larger space so more dollars could go to Love, Molly and the animals it serves.

Visit the websites for more on how to help and for available pets.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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THE CAT'S Meow

IMPORTANCE OF SPAY & NEUTER By: Shaune Stauffer Bagwell

T

he month of May brings us the joyous Mother's Day celebration, but as wonderful as motherhood can be for us, little Felix and Fluffy being fruitful and multiplying is not an ideal situation. The dawn of spring ushers in kitten season and more unwanted cats and kittens. There are an estimated 58 million stray cats living in the US. One unaltered male cat is capable of siring 2500 kittens in one year, similarly one queen and her offspring can

produce 420,000 kittens in her lifetime.

According to the ASPCA, 3.2 million cats enter shelters every year and 860,000 will be euthanized. Sadly, only one in nine cats born will find a home. Since there are simply not enough homes for all the kittens being born, the importance of spaying and neutering cannot be overemphasized.

What can you do?

If you see strays in your area, contact a local TNR group. The

About Shaune: Shaune Stauffer Bagwell is a model, lifetime "catvocate" and volunteer for animal causes.

volunteers are very experienced and will set traps, take the strays to be altered and vaccinated for rabies, and release them back where they were found. If they can be socialized and are adoptable, they will find them homes. Do not attempt to pick up a feral yourself.

If a tame stray wanders up to your porch, first make sure it isn't a lost pet. You can make signs and place them in your neighborhood, in local vet offices and in shelters. You can also place a notice online on lost pet webpages and Facebook

“ONE UNALTERED MALE CAT IS CAPABLE OF SIRING 2500 KITTENS IN ONE YEAR, SIMILARLY ONE QUEEN AND HER OFFSPRING CAN PRODUCE 420,000 KITTENS IN HER LIFETIME.”

groups. If you are unable to locate an owner, contact local rescue groups who will take the cat in, foster it out, and try to find it a home.

When considering a pet for yourself, instead of contacting a breeder or checking out a pet store, visit adoption events and local shelters.

Again, rescue groups can be a great resource. Also, consider adopting an adult cat rather than a kitten. Kittens can be adorable, but they also go through a rambunctious period that some people may find undesirable. An adult cat will have mellowed out to a degree and will be more of a companion.

Most of all, spay or neuter your cat. Many people don't realize that by doing so, you avoid many unwanted behaviors like spraying, howling and constantly trying to escape.

You pet will also be healthier, thus giving you many years together.

TNR Resources: ❖ www.homelesspets.net/ feral-cats ❖ www.cap4pets.org ❖ www.texaslittercontrol.org

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NATURE'S Clean-up Crew VULTURES

By: Cheryl Conley | TWRC Wildlife Center

Y

ou always know when an animal has met an untimely and unfortunate death when you see Black Vultures or Turkey Vultures. So how can you tell the difference? The Black Vulture has a featherless black-grey head while the Turkey Vulture has a featherless red head. In flight, the Black Vulture is distinguishable by white-tipped wings whereas the majority of the underside of the Turkey Vulture is pale in color.

Both species of vultures feed primarily on carrion.

Most of what vultures eat would make any other animal very sick but they are strong animals with an incredible digestive system and a very strong immune system. Their stomachs are extremely acidic. They can usually survive eating carcasses infected with botulism, anthrax, cholera and salmonella. Some believe that vultures spread disease because they eat dead meat.

Actually, the opposite is true.

They rid our environment of what could potentially cause the spread of diseases.

Turkey Vultures use their eyesight and keen sense of smell to find their food. By flying low, they are able to see dead animals and detect the gases produced when an animal begins to decay. They prefer to feed on animals that are recently dead. Black Vultures can’t smell but will

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often follow Turkey Vultures to find food.

The breeding season of the turkey vulture starts in March, peaks in April to May, and continues into June.

Interestingly, vultures don’t make nests. In most cases, females lay two eggs but have been known to lay one and rarely three. The eggs are whitish/cream colored and heavily marked with dark brown or lavender spots around the larger end. Eggs are generally laid on a bare surface in a protected location. TWRC receives many calls from the public reporting that a vulture took up residence in their atrium or on their front porch.

Both parents incubate, and the young hatch after 30 to 40 days. Chicks are altricial, or helpless at birth.

Both adults feed the chicks by regurgitating food for them, and care for them for 10 to 11 weeks. When adults are threatened while nesting, they may flee, or they may regurgitate on the intruder or feign death. If the chicks are threatened in the nest, they defend themselves by hissing and regurgitating. Family groups will remain together until fall.

Although not endangered, vultures have been impacted by the use of lead bullets and buckshot used by hunters. If the shot animal is not removed or covered, vultures

(Top) Black Vulture (Bottom) Turkey Vulture

will consume the contaminated meat and become ill or die.

Because of their eating habits and appearance, vultures would probably never win a “My Favorite Bird” contest or “Most Beautiful Bird” award but they play an important role in keeping our environment cleaner and definitely smelling better. Have you thanked a vulture today?

If you’d like to learn more about TWRC Wildlife Center,

what we do and how you can help, visit our website at www.twrcwildlifecenter. org. Opportunities are available at our wildlife center and include baby bird and opossum feeders. We also provide training for in-home rehabilitators. TWRC Wildlife Center, 10801 Hammerly Boulevard, Houston, TX 77043. 713-468-TWRC.

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www.SchnauzerRescueTexas.me Houston PetTalk Magazine

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AVIAN Education

CREATE A LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOUR BIRD By: Laura Koch | Meadowlake Pet Resort | www.meadowlakepetresort.com

B

irds are an extremely intelligent species that require specific activities and training to keep them healthy and happy. Below are a few training guidelines to help you create the optimal learning environment for your feathery friend: Teach husbandry behaviors before tricks.

Husbandry behaviors help you take care of your bird such as stepping onto your hand, willingly entering a crate, allowing you to touch their whole body, clipping their nails/wings, etc.

Consistency is key.

Whether you’re training your bird to talk or to not bite, you must pick a method that the whole family will use and stick to it.

Use positive methods.

When your bird does something that you are happy about, let him know by offering treats and attention.

Ignore, do not punish. If your bird does a negative behavior, use a soft stern voice to say “no”, put the bird in their cage and walk away. Treat it like you would a child whom you were giving a time out.

Mentally and physically challenge your bird by being creative. Provide a variety of colorful toys with different textures and shapes. Rotate these toys often to keep them exciting. Use your imagination to create new and safe activities for your bird. Birds love to shred paper, so drill a hole

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

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Purchasing Bird Supplies

The number one resource for all things bird in Houston, Adventures In Birds, welcomes you to stop by and look at their large selection of bird toys, cages, supplies and much more. The staff is very informative and can help you with anything from purchasing a bird to setting up a learning environment. They offer resources and educational materials for the care, husbandry and management of pet birds as wel as consservation efforts for exotic birds.

Stop by and visit them at 7414 Westview or follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/adventuresinbirds.

“BIRDS ARE AN EXTREMELY INTELLIGENT SPECIES THAT REQUIRE SPECIFIC ACTIVITIES AND TRAINING TO KEEP THEM HEALTHY AND HAPPY.”

through a phone book and hang with rope in their cage.

Place a nut in a small box and place that in a larger box and so on. They will have to chew through the boxes to get to the treat. Stimulating their mind will make them more likely to catch on to new behaviors.

Do not go too fast. Each bird will learn at his/her own pace. Start with one or two behaviors and wait until they are mastered before moving on to the next. Always repeat past behaviors so they are not forgotten.

Know your bird. Understand your bird and their species.

Provide a proper environment, nutrition and veterinary care to ensure the health and happiness of your long term friend.

6.

Wild Things!

Let's Shop!

FLIP FLOP FOR A GOOD CAUSE

This product helps protect wildlife in Kenya.

Discarded flip flops found on beaches in Kenya that might be consumed by wildlife are collected by local Kenyans and sculpted into African animals. Available at the Houston Zoo, www.houstonzoo.org.

JUMP FOR JOY CUSTOM JEWELRY

Esquivel and Fees Jewelers have a plethora of fun designs to choose from, or you can make your own one-of-a-kind piece.

Visit them online at www.efsterling.com or at their boutique, 2368 Rice Blvd.

...and jump for toys! This elephant balloon animal toy is tough and ready for some wild fun with your pup. Available at Arne’s Warehouse & Texas Sized Pet Supplies. www.arneswarehouse.com.

SO TUFF

Tuffy Toys are known for being resilient and functional. This large stuffed tiger toy is perfect for your large dog and will outlast many others. Available at Fondren 5 Star Pet Resort, www.fondren5starpetresort.com.

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(281) 835-4445 14420 Fondren Rd, Missouri City, 77489 One block south of Beltway 8 on Fondren.

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He great laid back, to play withwell him.behaved, Harris is with other dogs and romps quiet playful, and as happy as can be,gets veryon and plays the yard, is energetic, loveshe toys great withinruns, the other dogs. and with his approx. years oldbuddies. and Also,playing he1.5 still needs some leash Harris is going to be a great 15 and training. just one happy andlbshouse companion to take to the little dogguy! park.

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profit rescue group dedicated to saving Shaggy Dogs from B.A.R.C., and H.C.P.H.E.S restoring them to good health and readying them to go to new loving homes, all dogs are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped and fully socialized before adoption.

Please visit our web-site for adoption applications and information on other dogs available, and for donations!

Houstonshaggydogrescue.org Houston PetTalk Magazine

63

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 the zoo's efforts to protect the ever-so-important pollinator. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

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W

hen you pour maple syrup on pancakes, chow down on chocolate, devour ice cream, or use tasty spices for dinner, are you aware that all of these items exist thanks to pollinators? In fact, we have pollinators to thank for up to 30 percent of what we eat!

By: Lauren St. Pierre

Š Stephanie Adams/Houston Zoo

PROTECTING POLLINATORS IN OUR OWN BACKYARDS

Pollinators are animals that transport pollen from one plant to another, allowing the plants to make seeds that help create some of your favorite products. A wide variety of animals are pollinators, including insects such as butterflies, beetles, flies, and bees, birds, bats, and even a few lizards, slugs, and

lemurs.

Without pollinators, most plants would not be able to reproduce. And lately, pollinators have had a tough time keeping their populations up due to habitat loss, climate change, and the widespread use of pesticides. The Houston Zoo, and YOU, can help protect these important

pollinator populations.

One way the zoo helps protect pollinators is by participating in a monarch tagging program. This program involves carefully catching monarch butterflies and attaching small adhesive stickers with identification numbers on the butterfly’s wings before releasing them back into the wild. Tagging

tells you where and when the animal was tagged, providing information about how the animal travels. Tagging efforts are an important step in identifying migration “highways” and establishing protection plans to ensure the safety of these pollinators. To date, zoo staff and volunteers have tagged 23 monarchs in the zoo!

You can help save pollinators like butterflies by planting a pollinator-friendly garden in your backyard. The zoo has several pollinator gardens with local pollinator friendly plant species which are labeled so you can take a picture of your favorite plants. Once you’ve got your list, visit your local nursery and they can help you find native plants to add to your own garden.

Kids can get in on the fun, too! The Naturally Wild Swap Shop in the John P. McGovern Children’s Zoo has a unique program for kids to become Pollinator Pals.

They earn points in the Swap Shop by planting a pollinator garden and writing reports on the pollinators attracted by the plants. Kids can then spend those points on items found in nature like shells,

fossils, minerals, and more.

The Houston Zoo will be celebrating pollinators all summer long. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, the Nature Connects: Art with LEGO® Bricks Presented by Coca-Cola exhibit will feature more than a dozen animal sculptures, all made with tens of thousands of LEGO® bricks. Giant sculptures of a hummingbird and monarch butterfly will be a treat for all ages and teach guests the importance of saving these beautiful animals. Also, on June 24 and 25, the zoo will celebrate Pollinator Palooza, a two-day weekend event all about pollinators.

By visiting the zoo, planting a pollinator garden, or becoming a Pollinator Pal – you help save pollinators in a big way!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

65

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