November 2017

The Definitive Source for Houston Pet Lovers | November 2017

COACH MIKE D’ANTONI & PLAYERS TEAM UP TO HELP ADOPTABLE PETS FROM HURRICANE HARVEY

ROCKETS TO THE RESCUE

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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NOVEMBER 2017

Editorial

I

t’s been on my bucket list to get the Houston Rockets in PetTalk for years. We’ve had Texans and Astros in the publication, but never the Rockets. Happily, I get to mark this wish off my list thanks to an interesting connection - my mother back in West Virginia! Here’s how the dots got connected: I’m a Marshall University Alumni and, unbeknownst to me at the time, so is Rockets Coach D’Antoni. In addition, Coach D"Antoni's brother Dan is the current head basketball coach at Marshall and he and my mother (a sports fanatic and former Athletic Director) are friends.

During the playoffs last season, the Rockets were playing and my mom called to tell me our head coach went to Marshall and not only that, he was from a very small town in southern West Virginia just a few miles from my mother’s hometown. I jokingly said, “Well, get me his phone number and I’ll ask him to be on the PetTalk cover.” Famous last words. She did it!

The Friday that Hurricane Harvey was approaching, my mom sent me Coach D’Antoni’s phone number, which she had gotten from his brother. I stared it and thought “I can’t possibly just call

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the coach of the Houston Rockets out of the blue on his cell phone.” So I did what all chickens do…I texted him. His lovely wife Laurel wrote me back and proclaimed what pet lovers they were and how they would be happy to help Houston's homeless animals. It was game on! By the time we worked out the details, Harvey had destroyed so much and moved on, leaving many abandoned animals in his wake. It just made sense to have the players promote adoption of these sweet, innocent little beings that had the misfortune of being caught up in the effects of the storm.

A major THANK YOU to Coach D’Antoni, his wife Laurel, and the players for taking the time and heart to show Houston that rescuing animals is a valiant and worthy cause. Plus, thank you to Citizens for Animal Protection for bringing the pets to the photoshoot at Toyota Center and managing the process beautifully. Robyn Arouty once again nailed it with her keen eye for just the right shot and kudos to her for taking on the project and lending her talent to animal rescue. And, a shout out to the Rockets Media Relations team for their

Rockets To The Rescue Big hearts for little souls - that's what the Houston Rockets Coach D'Antoni and Players were all about in this issue! The Rockets were gracious to lend their time, big smiles (and very tall bodies!) to the cause of bringing awareness to the many animals that are still in need of rescue from Hurricane Harvey. Ryan Anderson and Editor Michelle Mantor pose with an adoptable kitten from Citizen's for Animal Protection. See the other players in our feature! Photos by Robyn Arouty.

prompt and accomodating handling of the details. I hope you enjoy this feature as much as I enjoyed meeting the Coach and Players. They were very gracious…and very tall! Of course I have to give a shout out to my mom - thanks mom for never backing down from a dare LOL! In addition to our Clutch City team and rescue pets, I also hope you will check out our annual Holiday Gift Guide.

We’re featuring some unique gifts and we hope that you will find something cool for the pet or pet lover on your shopping list and as always, shop with our sponsors and support our local economy when possible.

It’s been a rough time in Houston of late but we are Houston Strong and we have much to appreciate this holiday, especially our unbreakable spirit, our ability to help one another in times of need and our vibrant, loving pet community that is deeply committed to giving animals a humane and respectful life…for that I am ever so thankful!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving with your two-legged and four-legged family!

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

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Albania Barbara Zern enjoys PetTalk while overlooking the beautiful city of GjirokastĂŤr in Southern Albania.

Cedar Creek, Texas The Jersey boys, A.K.A., Maxie, Avi, and Eli Kutten vacation at the dinosaur park, reading the latest PetTalk.

Henrietta On: The Cajun Navy for helping my compadres escape the Harvey flood waters Big Girl sizes are finally IN

Rednecks have made Turducken an acceptable Thanksgiving staple

The marshmallows on top of the sweet potato casserole

Our military for their bravery & courage Lip gloss God

Toilet lids that are left open BACON (Again)

Cat videos - proves I’m right

Dragon Lady’s extended vacation coming up in December

Open bar

Vegan leather boots

Finding out it was “only gas” Mud puddles

Henrietta Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorizing by Desiree Lonsway

And as always…that I’m not a Turkey!

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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

Unleashed MUTTS, MEOWS, AND MARGARITAS

A good time was had by all at the 10th Annual Mutts, Meows and Margaritas held at the Marriott West Loop. The event benefited Friends of BARC, who walk the dogs at BARC on weekends, help with adoptions, and pay for supplies and medical needs. The stuffed animal "giving" was once again a crowd favorite along with emcee Casey Curry who always makes this party fun!

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HURRICANE HARVEY FUNDRAISER

Famed pet stylist John Andrews of John Andrews Pet Salon teamed up with LifeSmiles by Dr. Randy Mitchmere to have a fun social hour and solicit food donations for Harvey rescue pets.

Pooches were treated to a spa experience in a mobile grooming salon while humans enjoyed libations and tasty bites. Thank you John for your continuted generosity to Houston's pets!

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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The Dish

H

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

Photos by Daniel Ortiz

Head to: pettalkgofetch.com/event

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

Gregg and Jo Lynn Falgout with Bruiser

2016 Cap Gala: Brian Teichman, Pamela Wright and Andy Cordes

Events

come, first serve, no reservations necessary. Learn more at www.facebook.com/ RoverOaksPetResort.

11.4.2017

11.18.2017

DogPop

CAP Celebrity Paws Gala

5pm to 10pm Steel City Pops & Birds Barber E. 20th St. the Heights Join Neue Creative and their sponsors for the Fall version of their popular DogPop event series. Bring your pooch to play, sip on libations and enjoy food and entertainment. For more information, visit www. houstondogpop.com.

Royal Sonesta Hotel 7pm to 11pm Celebrating their 31st gala anniversary, Citizen’s for Animal Protection will host the hottest animal gala in town featuring the theme The Stars Come Out At Night.

The gala boasts live and silent auctions, entertainment, displays from each of the Top 10 Honorees with the top fundraiser taking home the honors for another year, and the exciting raffle of a Subaru donated by West Houston Subaru. Don’t miss the great food, fundraising for a worthy cause, dancing and mingling with other pet lovers. Get tickets or learn more at www.cap4pets.org.

11.4.2017 Doggie Pictures with Santa Rover Oaks Houston 2550 West Bellfort 11am to 3pm Get your pup's photo with the big jolly fellow for just a $20 donation benefiting Shaggy Dog Rescue of Houston. First

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Jett and Officer Krause

SAVE THE DATE: 12.2.2017 Jingle Bell Bark and Brew Kirby Ice House 3333 Eastside St. Join Greater Houston German Shepherd Dog Rescue for their annual fundraiser including a raffle, silent auction, Santa photos and fun treats for both humans and dogs. Learn about their rescue and the event at www.ghgsdr.org.

News

ANIMEALS ON WHEELS

C

ANIMAL CRIBS

elebrating their 10th anniversary, aniMeals on Wheels thanked supporters for their amazing commitment to this great program, which was founded so that homebound clients on Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston’s Meals on Wheels program would not feel compelled to share their limited food and resources with their four-legged friends. Learn more about how you can also help at mgh. org/meals-wheels-greater-houston. animeals-on-wheels.

D

esigner and animal enthusiast Antonio Ballatore, winner of HGTV’s Design Star and lead on HGTV’s The Antonio Treatment, has returned in partnership with Animal Planet to bring his visionary and innovative design aesthetic to pet lovers everywhere in an all-new series, ANIMAL CRIBS, which premieres Friday, November 3 at 9 PM ET/PT.

Antonio and his team along with his right hand-dog, Chewie the bulldog, will transform drab, cramped homes and outside areas into functional, high-style spaces for both pets and the people they love. The newly designed spaces feature design elements that alter homes to become creative and purposeful spaces for all to enjoy.

Free Microchips Offered by Michelson Found Animals Foundation

R Photos by: Sam Hashemi

escues, rebuilding and reuniting are all top of mind as communities begin to repair and heal in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. One thing that stood out to those in the animal welfare world, was the fact that microchips help to reunite pets and their owners especially during disaster. Michelson Found Animals stepped up to send 20k chips to local shelters. In turn, the local shelters who received the microchips are offering free microchipping. This effort will help protect pets in future situations where they get separated from their

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owners. If you’re interested in a free pet microchip visit foundanimals.org/ harvey-support.

DON’T LET OSTEOARTHRITIS PAIN

KEEP YOUR DOG DOWN HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY OF THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR DOG? Easily gets tired or lags behind on walks

Has trouble getting up from a resting position

Is reluctant to run, play or climb stairs

Has gained weight in the past year

Limps or appears stiff after exercise

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Ask your veterinarian to evaluate your dog’s joints today.

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AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS, WE CARE

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ROCKETS TO THE RESCUE

By Michelle Mantor Photos By Robyn Arouty/robynarouty.com

I

t’s time for Rocket Ball! Whether you are a die hard member of the Red Rowdies or a loyal fan of all things Clutch City, mixing our hometown players with Hurricane Harvey rescues for a photo op is a winning ticket! Coach Mike D’Antoni and a few of his pet-loving players stepped up to help Houston PetTalk bring attention to the many animals abandoned or lost when Harvey stormed into our city. These lovable creatures all come from Citizens for Animal Protection Shelter, often known as CAP, and each is looking for a forever home. Although some of these cuties will have been adopted between the time of our photo session and print, there are many, many more pets across Houston in shelters and foster programs looking for a relationship with you…find a list of shelters at www.pettalkgofetch.com.

A special thank you to the Houston Rockets Media Relations team for assisting us with this fun project!

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COACH MIKE D'ANTONI WITH WIFE

LAUREL

N

amed 2017 NBA Coach of the Year, Rockets head coach Mike D'Antoni not only loves the game of basketball, he's also a feline enthusiast! He and his wife Laurel have two rescue cats that according to them, "rule the house". We pet lovers totally understand!

Coach D'Antoni's roots are in West Virgina, my home state, and we both are Marshall Universtiy Alumni. My kinda guy – a West Virgina native, cat loving, fantastic BBall coach!

MEET WOODY

This little furry creature is full of charisma and eyes that can see into your soul, basically calling you to take him home and make him a snuggle bunny!

Woody is only one of the precious kittens for adoption at CAP and if you have room for more than one, kittens enjoy other kittens...just sayin'.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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NENÊ

H

ailing from Brazil, Nenê grew up with dogs and is currently owned by 2 Labs.

When not scoring points for the Rockets, Nenê loves music, strums the guitar and enjoys video games. When asked if he would share a secret about himself, Nenê gave me his big signature smile and replied, “If I did that, it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.” Touché!

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#42

MEET WILLOW

Soft spoken and charming, Willow handled the photoshoot like a pro. She knew just when to charm the camera and just when to charm Nenê! Perhaps a Catahoula Leopard Dog mix, Willow has beautiful markings and she is less than one yr. old‌and looking for a place to call home!

#15

CLINT CAPELA T

his super Rocket admits to an affinity for German Shepherd dogs and enjoys watching good shows when all 6' 10" of him is not shooting hoops.

With a fabulous smile and a gentle demeanor, Clint is a great ambassador for helping the community recover from Hurricane Harvey, including the animals. A little secret that we got Clint to admit – he loves playing video games.

MEET MIA

Mia and her littermate, Gigi, not only look alike but they are both heart stealers! Clint and Mia were instant mutual fans. Mia has lots of future fun to offer including cuddling on the couch to watch Clint play BBall!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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ERIC GORDON #10

K

nown as “Mr. Basketball” at his high school in Indiana, Eric looks like he could quickly become “Mr. Pet Lover” as he enjoys playing with this cute, scruffy puppy during our photoshoot. Eric confesses to loving Surf & Turf as his favorite food and when looking for a way to relax, he enjoys fishing and ping pong. A little secret about Eric - “I’m actually a funny guy." We believe him…who wouldn’t love that big smile?

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MEET AVA

Ever so expressive, Ava's eyes say it all...please take me home and care for me and I will give you unconditional love forever in return!

#4

PJ TUCKER

D

efinitely a dog lover, PJ is owned by two SharPeis and a Cockerpoodle. It definitely shows that PJ enjoys pets as he plays with Casia. A self proclaimed "sneakerhead" with hundreds of pairs of sneakers, PJ enjoys family time and loves Italian food.

MEET CASIA

Most likely a Dachshund-Chiahuahua mix, Casia will always be short on legs and big on heart! Brought into the shelter as an abandoned puppy during Hurricane Havey, Casia’s sweet, expressive face will make some family happy for many years to come!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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RYAN ANDERSON #33 N

ow here is a guy after my own heart…Ryan has a rescue dog and loves my favorite food, sushi! He also confesses to loving both dogs and cats and seemed super comfy with this precious little kitty. When not scoring points for Space City, he relaxes by watching movies, listening to music as well as playing music. What instrument is his favorite?

He admits to enjoying the challenge of playing multiple instruments. Talented guy!

When asked to share a little secret about himself, Ryan replied, “I can dance!” There's even more to love about this guy!

MEET KEY

Key and her sibling Peele, named after the comedy duo, knew just how to dazzle Ryan with their feline wiles, prompting him to ask, "Wonder what my wife would do if I brought home two kitties?" We're sure she wouldn't mind...because who can resist this level of cuteness?

TREVOR ARIZA

W

ith two German Shepherd dogs that are protection trained and a French Bulldog, Trevor and his family definitely appreciate the canine species. When not playing hoops, Trevor likes to chow on his fave food, spaghetti.

And here is a little secret about Trevor – he enjoys extreme sports and jet skiing.

Yes, our #1 Rocket boy loves a thrill!

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#1

MEET GIGI

Look at that puppy belly... irresistible! Gigi sports a cute, scruffy face with a lineage that is most likely Dachshund-Terrier mix. She was happy being cuddled like a baby by Trevor, displaying her sweet disposition that's ready to LOVE her new doggy mom or dad!

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2017 HOLIDAY

GIFT GUIDE 'Tis the Season!

T

he holidays are a time of giving as we celebrate with family and friends, both two-legged and four-legged. Sharing the holiday festivities and gift giving with pets is often part of the joy we receive in the yuletide season. We show that we care about them by carefully selecting the perfect gift, something they will enjoy.

Each year, we present our Annual Holiday Gift Guide to inspire you to find the perfect gift for the pet or pet lover on your list. We feature unique, artistic,

MASSAGE-A-DOG

We know how much your pet means to you and that's why we selected Pet Well's line of massagers for our gift guide. They’re thoughtfully designed, so you can easily give your pet a little extra touch of love.

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useful, and fun products, some of which are sold by our sponsors. We encourage you to shop with them because they make our publication possible and provide valuable products to our pet community. Please keep them in mind during your shopping adventure!

On behalf of Houston PetTalk and PetTalk GoFetch, we wish you a safe and happy 2017 holiday season.

From relieving tension to improving flexibility and range of motion, the Pet Well line has several massager styles to accommodate your pet's specific needs. Check out the selection at gaiam.com.

KITTY LOVE

The Cat Enthusiast Necklace is an adorable gift for those who love their feline friends. Made entirely of Sterling Silver, it is a piece to treasure forever.

Arriving beautifully packaged, it’s an all-around delightful gifting experience. Find it at goodlookingobjects.com.

PAMPERED POOCH

Get your pup in the holiday spirit with a comfy cotton tee from Patti's Pet Depot. Many styles to choose from! Shop with Patti at 14618 Memorial Dr., 77079.

CAT IN A HAT

NATURE LOVER

Finally! A Christmas tree your cat won’t knock over.

The Himalayan wool used for these beds is not chemically cleansed, so it has a lot of lanolin in it. Lanolin oil conditions their paws and helps to keep their fur healthy and shiny. Find yours at Kuhl-Linscomb, 2424 W. Alabama.

PAW PRINTS

The Paw Print single strap bag is whimsical and fun or choose the Crossbody to protect tablets or e-readers. Lorena’s Imagerie handbags are the perfect match for every dog lover. Made locally, shop at www.lorenasimagerie.com.

Perfect for bird and animal lovers, this spring bird pillow cover is a chic accent piece for any room. Handmade from 100% natural gray linen, the bird is hand-painted using water-based dyes. Purchase yours at seven-smith.com.

HAVE A BALL IN BED

The Christmas Cat Ball® bed gives your kitty an excuse to nap under the Christmas tree! Inspired by Santa's costume, features a red panne velvet, calico cotton, and fluffy white fur to create this adorable cat bed. Fits pets to about 20 pounds. Purchase at thecatball.com.

FRIENDSHIP COLLAR

FriendshipCollar celebrates the love we have for our dog or cat with a stylish collar for the pet and a matching friendship bracelet for the owner. Several collections to choose from featuring fun prints and patterns.

Every set comes in a drawstring or faux leather pouch. Available at FriendshipCollar.com or Amazon.

PERSONALIZE IT Do your pets deserve their own line of cookie treats personalized with their name and made with love by you? Yes! The cutters are made from a heavy duty plastic that is dishwasher safe, very strong and reusable. Many breeds to choose from including designs for dogs, cats and horses.

Available at namethatcookie.com.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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SPENCER

meet

is a cairn terrier/schnauzer mix with a lot of personality, he is a big lap dog and she is the most precious loves getting petted, also puppy who is about 2 likes to ride in your lap in months old, not too sure the car!!! He gets on great of her mix, maybe terrier/ with other dogs and romps golden. Kiwi is just a doll and plays in the yard, he is and will be ready for a new approx.

1.5 years old had and her home after she has 15 lbs and just one 3 sets of shots andhappy been little guy! spayed.

Shaggy Dog Rescue is a 501 (3)(c) non-

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

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KITTY CAMP

Entertain the brain of your curious cat with Make Your Own Kitty Day Camp.

Cat training takes time, consistency and patience—but you can still have a good time while doing it! Test your furry friend's IQ with a rolling treat puzzle and the tricky treat scent game, construct your own climbable kitty maze

or a dangly doorknob play station. Kit includes training cups, treat ball, stickers, house templates, paint, feathers, bells and materials to sew a felt sardine, and the included guide gives training tips and fun facts. Pamper and impress at the same time with Make Your Own Kitty Day Camp! Available to purchase from mindware.com.

BUILT FOR YOUR MOST PRECIOUS CARGO

Subaru is a favorite brand of pet owners because this auto is built with pet ownership and safety in mind. Treat yourself and your pet to a new ride!

Find great deals at West Houston Subaru, 17109 Katy Freeway.

HUG ME

Indulge in the spirit of the holiday season with this whimsical pillow, perfect tossed on your sofa or settee and paired with a chunky knit throw for a cozy vignette.

JossandMain.com

HOLIDAY CARDS AND PORTRAITS

BY KRISTEL PEALE 44

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Send hugs & kisses this holiday season to your friends and family with your custom designed portrait and cards by artist Kristel Peale.

Such a meaningful gift, paintings and note cards are affordable and unique!

Contact Kristel at petandpalette.com.

SNOOZE TIME

MOUNTAIN CASE

The plaid plush pet bed is the perfect place for your furry friend to rest and relax. Finished with brown faux fur trim, it adds a touch of luxury to your pet’s life.

Available at HomeGoods, visit HomeGoods.com for store nearest you.

iPhone cases from The Mountain allow you to always have your pet alongside you in spirit. Available in 200 different designs and many phone sizes at themountain.com.

HORSNAMENT

Sanctioned by The Swarovski Brand, the ornaments now have the official Swarovski tag with Sarabella's own sanction number. These extraordinary collectibles are available at nataliesarabella.com.

STOCKINGS FOR THE FUR KIDS

Don't forget to hang a stocking for your furry family this year!

Classically styled stockings for BOTH dogs and cats available at dogchristmasstockings.com.

PUPPUCINO CAPPUCINO

This Pupkin Spice Latte dog toy will give your dog a grandé ol' time! Made perfect to your dog’s special order, this PSL has double the fluff and a squeaker buried inside. Available at barkshop.com as well as Target.

TRACK ME DOWN

No need to whine over your lost wine glass! Never lose your drink again with Jewels For Hope's charity dog wine charms.

Donating a portion of the profits to charity, these charms will make everyone look good while doing good! Purchase at jewelsforhope. etsy.com.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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any regular price dog or cat adoption fee expires 12/31/2017

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

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VCA ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL SOUTHEAST CALDER ROAD

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Hobbs Rd

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Mon-Thu 6:00 PM - 8:00 AM Fri 6:00 PM - Mon 8:00 AM 24 hours on Holidays

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VCA Animal Emergency Hospital Southeast Calder Road

VCA ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL SOUTHEAST

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281-332-1678 1108 GULF FREEWAY S., #280 LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573 VCAcalderroad.com

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Link Rd

Health

RAW Hide

DANGERS OF THESE DOGGY CHEWS

By Dr. Laura Noaker | www.vergi247.com

A

s a pet parent, you might have heard that rawhide is good for your dog’s teeth and helps with their natural instinct to chew. Most pet owners have given their dogs raw hide chews at some time or another simply because dogs seem to like them, it keeps them busy for hours and they tend to last forever. But there could be drawbacks to giving your dog these treats.

First, rawhide treats come from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. During manufacturing, the hides are cleaned

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and cut or ground. Next, they’re pressed into chewable dog treats of different shapes and sizes. To make them more appealing for dogs, some rawhide treats contain beef, chicken, or liver flavorings.

But here’s the problem.

Rawhide chews start out hard, but as your dog works the chew it becomes softer, and eventually they can un-knot the ends and the chew takes on the consistency of a slimy piece of taffy. By that time, it becomes addictive for your dog. When the hide has

turned soft and gooey, there’s no longer any dental benefit to the chew and it has turned from a treat into a choking and intestinal obstruction hazard with potential choking risk. Plus, there are additional risks associated with this treat.

TOP 3 RAWHIDE RISKS: 1. Contamination.

As with pet toys, rawhide chews can contain trace amounts of toxic chemicals.

And, as with other pet (or human) foods, Salmonella or E. coli contamination is

possible. Even humans can be at risk when coming into contact with these bacteria on rawhide treats.

2. Digestive irritation.

Some dogs are simply sensitive or allergic to rawhide or other substances used in their manufacture. This can cause problems, including diarrhea.

3. Choking or blockages.

Rawhide bones and other edible chews can pose a choking and blockage risk. In fact, this is a much bigger risk than contamination or digestive irritation. If your dog swallows large pieces of rawhide, the rawhide can get stuck in the esophagus or other parts of the digestive tract.

If you decide to offer your dog rawhide, you can take certain precautions to make them safer.

Ask your vet about how much is safe for your dog. The general rule is the smaller the dog, the fewer the chews. A great way to help protect your dog is by taking the rawhide away once it’s small enough to swallow whole.

No matter if your dog has problems with rawhide chews or not, you might want to try a variety of other chewing treats or toys – there are a number of new items on the market – to fully satisfy your dog’s chewing needs.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Health

BEWARE of Hazards

HAVING A SAFE HOLIDAY WITH YOUR PET

By Kate Lawrence | Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists | www.gcvs.com

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s veterinary specialists, we’ve seen a lot of unique and interesting cases. We are often asked what the craziest thing we’ve ever seen is, and in many cases, these “crazy” stories center around the holidays. Unfortunately the holiday season holds many hazardous situations for our furry family members. One of our surgeons, for example, had a patient once eat a carving knife off of the Christmas table! Most cases aren’t quite that extreme, thank goodness, but they can be just as serious.

An example of a more common holiday emergency

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would be a pet (we’re looking at you, dogs!) who either steals part of the holiday dinner or is fed table scraps.

Many people don’t realize that there are several emergency situations that could arise from eating the rich “people food” we serve around the holiday season. Pets can develop gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, food bloat, or have complications ingesting bones.

Gastroenteritis simply means inflammation of the stomach or intestines. In most cases, signs are limited to vomiting or diarrhea for a short period of time. However, some dogs get quite sick and need medical attention.

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), however, is a much more serious condition that can be fatal if not treated promptly.

Dogs with this condition are sicker than a dog with gastroenteritis.

Symptoms can include severe vomiting, abdominal

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY, CONTACT A VETERINARY EMERGENCY HOSPITAL IMMEDIATELY OR THE ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER AT (888) 426-4435. pain, lethargy, anorexia, diarrhea, fever, increased heart rate and labored breathing.

It’s very important for your pet to be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible if they begin to exhibit these signs during the holiday season. Remember to tell your veterinarian if your pet was fed or got into something they shouldn’t have!

Food bloat occurs when a dog eats or drinks a large volume too quickly and the stomach distends to an abnormally large size. If you notice your dog has a very large painful stomach, discomfort laying down, restlessness, or retching without producing anything, emergency treatment should be sought immediately. A bloated stomach can become serious – even deadly – very quickly!

A dog eating a bone may not sound like it would necessitate an emergency vet visit – after all, dogs have been chewing on bones for thousands of years, right?

Unfortunately, in some cases ingesting a bone leads to an emergency situation. Dogs can get sick when the bone irritates the gastrointestinal

tract with the sharp bony material. Bones can also fail to digest and cause an obstruction if they are simply too large. Vomiting, poor appetite, nausea, and discomfort are important signs to look out for with this one.

Ingesting holiday decorations can lead to gastrointestinal blockage – a condition that requires emergency surgery. Cats in particular LOVE to play with, chew on, and eat many of our holiday decorations, such as tinsel, beads, ornament hooks, plants (Poinsettias are toxic!), and even a Christmas tree itself. These foreign objects can form a blockage in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, which can be a life threatening condition. Symptoms of a GI blockage can include lethargy, poor appetite, and vomiting.

During the holiday season, take extra precaution with your four-legged family members to try to prevent emergency situations wherever possible, and remember that if an emergency does happen, Gulf Veterinary Specialists is available 24/7 at 3800 Southwest Freeway!

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Tail End PEDI Sock

BREATHABLE NON SLIP TRACTION SOCKS

By Tanya Lawson

A

s owner of The Pet Pedi Sock, a local Houston company, I’m excited to introduce the first “Breathable” Non-Slip Traction Sock for pets with mobility issues. The idea for the sock came from my customers as they relayed stories about their pets that were so distressing I knew I needed to help with a solution.

As an example, older dogs with arthritis find it hard to get up from the floor, often times paws slipping on tile or wood surfaces. We know these poor babies are already in pain from illness and uncontrollable slipping and falling hurts them even more. Still other pets who are

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wearing back braces due to hind leg paralysis have a hard time standing as their hind legs slip while they are eating. And then there are dogs who have cancer which is causing mobility problems and pain. The list of dogs hurting because they can't grip slippery surfaces seemed to go on and on and I felt called to help them.

Starting with my pattern for the Pedi Sock, I increased the length but quickly realized these socks would have to accommodate the difference

in individual dog's paw width and leg length.

The design has a wide opening for ease in sliding up the leg, past the ankle and two inches over the elbow (hock). This is needed to allow the strap to hold it in place, while a soft stretch self-adhesive bandage (provided with each pair) holds the bottom of the sock in place, preventing it from twisting around on the paw – keeping the rubber to the ground.

The sock is made of a breathable rubber sole, which provides non-slip while preventing the sweat glands in the paws from being over heated as they would in a regular dog sock. Because the socks prevent hind

leg slippage, they are only needed for the hind legs.

An important factor in my

design was ease of use and care. The socks can be worn indoors and outdoors, they are easy to clean (just hand wash and air dry) and they can get wet while being worn, but wet socks should not be left for an extended time.

The final element I considered in my design is the concern many dog owners face... chewing. For all the great things traction sock is, it is not edible! These socks are NOT recommended for chewers as the rubber and fabric could cause intestinal blockage.

With the new design on the market, the feedback from the pet owners has been incredible! Once the dogs can get up and move around again, they don’t even realize the socks are there. Of everything I’ve made in my sewing career, this has given me the most satisfaction because it has allowed me to help the pets we all love so much.

To find more information or order a pair for a pet in need of slippage control, visit www.

ThePetPediSock. com where you'll find details on measuring so that your pet can get the best fit possible. The cost is only $15.00 per pair.

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Tail End

A HARVEY Story

GCVS UPDATE ON LOCATION & REBUILD PLANS

By Kate Lawrence, Alex Whitney, and Ryan Buck | Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists | www.gcvs.com

T

he Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists “Harvey Story� is similar to the many stories borne out of this historic flooding event: Houstonians rising up in the face of adversity and doing extraordinary things to help each other and our community. Our hospital flooded early Sunday, August 27, 2017, necessitating an emergency evacuation of staff and patients. Despite rising flood waters and dangerous conditions, the employees on duty were absolutely heroic in their efficiency, professionalism, and bravery as they evacuated the hospital and drove more than twenty patients to safety. Unfortunately, our main GCVS location at 1111

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West Loop South sustained significant damage from the water, which rose past the ceiling on our two main floors in a matter of minutes. This 54,000 square foot building backed up to Buffalo Bayou and was a multi-floor concept which housed 13 specialty and emergency services and employed 239 full-time employees.

As the record rainfall continued, however, the heart of the GCVS story began to unfold. Our staff members rallied around other veterinary hospitals that were in danger, utilizing a massive group text when our network servers failed. When pleas for help from flooding hospitals began to roll in, the

GCVS family responded with a wave of high-water trucks, boats, and even canoes to rescue trapped patients.

Competitors set aside differences and opened their doors wide to our patients, staff, and doctors. GCVS doctors and technicians showed up at shelters where hundreds of displaced pets were in need of medical care and identification. Donations for GCVS employees who lost their homes poured in from our family of hospitals around the country, and a make-shift donation center was set up in the garage of one of our medical directors. And without a second thought, CompassionFirst Pet Hospitals, owner of GCVS, put their namesake of compassion at the forefront of their efforts. Immediately, Compassion-First committed to pay the wages and benefits

of every single employee, whether or not they were able to work.

The GCVS story is also one of perseverance. While the waters continued to rise, Compassion-First announced plans to rebuild in Houston.

With the loss of our main hospital location, the GCVS team immediately rallied the staff and developed action plans to address the needs of area pets. This new plan had an immediate relocation of the emergency and critical care services to our other Houston hospital on the Southwest Freeway, which was previously dedicated to neurology and neurosurgery. Additional specialty services were then layered into this hospital, while in parallel, partnerships were formed with 9 of the over 50 local hospitals who reached out to offer space

Make a Difference

By Honoring A Wonderful Life!

HONOR A LOST PET by making a tax deductible donation to the Harris County Veterinary Medical Foundation in their name.

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

and resources to our displaced veterinary teams. While these circumstances are temporary, the incredible generosity of these hospitals is a testament to the remarkable spirit of the Houston veterinary community, and for that, we are forever grateful.

For us, GCVS is actually not a building at all – it’s a family. And the GCVS story is more than rebuilding after loss.

It’s a commitment to the GCVS employees and the people and pets of Houston.

It’s business colleagues and competitors alike coming together to ensure pets all over the city were cared for.

And it’s the determination of the amazing professionals at our hospital to not only ensure the safety of their own families, but to get out in cars, boats and canoes to help wherever they could, all over the city, and work with whatever was available to continue to serve Houston pets in need.

Thank you to the Houston veterinary community, our supporters, and most importantly, our incredible staff and doctors. We are rapidly moving through our rebuilding plan, and will be stronger than ever, before you know it!

To learn more about the status of GCVS, where our different departments are currently located, and how you can schedule an appointment, please visit our website at www.gcvs.com.

To Donate Please Visit

www.HCVMF.org

Make great gifts! www.petandpalette.com peale@sbcglobal.net 713 467-0312

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Tail End

DOUBLE Coat

CAN YOU DAMAGE YOUR PET'S COAT BY SHAVING?

By Carol Felbaum, A Dog's Life Pet Salon, www.adogslifepetsalon.com

A

double coat is a coat that has two layers. There is a thick, warm, short undercoat (or down) that is usually dense enough to resist penetration by water. This layer of the coat sheds heavily twice a year.

The outer layer is a stronger, rougher, weather-resistant outer coat (topcoat), also referred to as guard hairs.

EXAMPLES OF BREEDS WITH DOUBLE COATS: Poms, Huskies, Samoyeds, Collies, Shelties, Shepherds, and Akitas.

The undercoat lies closest to the dog's skin and grows in clusters from a single follicle.

The undercoat has a soft, downy appearance and works to protect the skin from cold weather. The guard hairs protect the skin from superficial injuries and form an additional layer of insulation to protect the dog from cold weather. A dog's coat is a natural insulator. It protects from cold, heat, environment, and sunburn.

Before you decide to shave your Double Coated Dog make sure you know some of the side effects.

SHAVING DOUBLE COATED DOGS DOESN'T STOP SHEDDING Shaving your DCD will not stop the shedding process.

Your dog will continue to shed; the hairs will just be smaller and harder to see.

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BEWARE OF THE SUN Depending on how short you shave your DCD and their coat type, they may be vulnerable to sunburn. Sunburn is extremely painful to your dog and can damage their skin.

Remember, the sun can still be strong in winter months.

PROTECT YOUR DOG FROM HEAT Your DCD's natural coat is protection from the sun as well as heat. It keeps cooler air close to the skin and protects your pet from overheating. The only time a double coat will cause over heating is if the under

coat becomes tangled and stuck in the guard coat. This stops proper air flow against the skin. A thick coat can be thinned out with a good brushing and the help of a thinning tool like the Coat King.

PERMANENT DAMAGE CAN RESULT Most importantly, your DCD's coat can be permanently damaged by shaving. Sometimes when a DCD is shaved, the hair does not grow back properly and sometimes it does not grow back at all. This is caused when the under coat, which usually sheds, no longer has the weight to fall out. When this happens,

the hair follicle becomes clogged (there are around 30 hairs to a follicle in DCDs) and no new hair can grow in. The older the dog, the less likely the guard hairs will grow back. The undercoat will grow back, but the upper hair sometimes does not. This gives the dog a patchy, scruffy appearance.

CONSULT WITH AN EXPERIENCED GROOMER Before making the decision to shave your DCD, ask a grooming professional so that you can make an informed choice.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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RESCUE

R

R

U O G N I SAV

S

aving Our Companion Animals – Fort Bend County (SOCA-FBC) is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization. SOCA-FBC is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of companion animals and promoting responsible pet ownership in Fort Bend County.

Our 100% volunteer organization helps sick/injured animals, urgent or needy shelter pets, and community animals needing to be re-homed. We render assistance to our local shelters. We believe that becoming a community that cares for its pets starts with education, assistance and accountability. We rely 100% on contributions from the public in providing foster homes.

We partner with Petco and PetSmart for adoption events.

You can view our adoptables, donate, or apply to foster or volunteer at www.soca-fbc. org. Follow us on Facebook at SOCA-FBC.

Each issue, we highlight a local 501(c)3 animal charity in hopes that our readers will find their true love with one of these rescue groups!

Charities are chosen from PetTalk GoFetch, our pet directory website and free mobile App, www.pettalkgofetch.com. To be listed as a rescue group, please email info@houstonpettalk.com.

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)

OCA S ( S L MA

I

AN N O I N COMPA

Kimmy

Beautiful Kimmy is a 6 month old terrier mix looking for her forever home. When she is not snoozing on the couch, Kimmy's favorite thing to do is play in the garden with her doggie foster siblings.

Kimmy is crate trained and house trained, LOVES people, and does well with kids and cats. She is easily motivated to learn tricks, especially if treats are involved!

Bessie

Bessie is very much a lap kitty who will make a great addition to your family. She is approximately 1 yr. old, gets along with other animals and may be a little shy at first. She and her kittens were pulled from a local shelter and all her kittens have found homes. This super sweet girl is waiting for the purr-fect place to call home!

Kion

Kion is a 5 month old Lab/Mastiff mix. He loves to romp an play and he is quite affectionate.

And, after a good play session, he is down for some cuddling! Kion is crate trained and doing well on house training. He's learned sit and down commands, loves treats and just needs a patient, loving new mom or dad. Let Kion bring some joy to your life!

Website

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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 new babies at the zoo. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

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2

017 has been an exciting year at the Houston Zoo with numerous animal births, from baby red river hogs and warthog Gus to baby sea lion Max and elephant Joy. Since then, the zoo has grown even more with the birth of baby jaguars and the arrival of two cheetah cubs.

Two of the newest

By: Lauren St. Pierre

Photos, Stephanie Adams/Houston Zoo

BABY BOOM AT THE HOUSTON ZOO CONTINUES

members to the Houston Zoo family are jaguar cubs, Fitz and Emma. This male and female duo was born to first-time mother Maya on July 20, 2017. The cubs spent the first month behind-thescenes bonding with Maya and undergoing routine check-ups. Just like human kids, these cubs have very distinct personalities. Fitz is

a voracious eater, and can be found stuck to Maya’s side morning, noon and night, while Emma seems to be a little more curious about exploring her space.

In the wild, jaguars roam throughout Central and South America, particularly in a region known as the Pantanal. The Pantanal is the largest wetland in the

world, stretching through Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay.

Jaguars are the largest cats in the western hemisphere and live on a diet of mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish.

Unfortunately, jaguars are near threatened in the wild due to habitat encroachment.

The Houston Zoo is protecting jaguars in the wild by providing support to conservation partners in Brazil who work with the Brazilian government on saving the forested homes of these beautiful cats.

Baby jaguars aren’t the only carnivores new to the zoo this year. Two cheetah cubs, Dash and Dinari, arrived at the Houston Zoo from two different Association of Zoos and Aquariums-accredited zoos in July. Dash was born at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, on June 4. His mother did not show interest in him or his littermates so the decision was made to hand-rear the cubs. Dash was soon paired with a male cub, Dinari, from another litter that was also being hand-reared for the same reasons. Dinari was born at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center in Glen Rose, TX on June 11.

Upon arrival, the two-and-ahalf-month-old cheetah cubs spent a month behind-thescenes getting to know their zookeepers while zoo veterinarians ensured they were healthy and reaching milestones. Dash and Dinari are now animal ambassadors for their species living in the wild.

Cheetahs are the fastest land mammal, reaching speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. In fact, they can accelerate from zero to 60 miles per hour in just three

seconds! These cats live in savanna and grassland habitats, primarily in Sub-Saharan Africa, and they have distinguishing long black marks near their eyes to help reduce sunlight glare.

Much like jaguars, cheetahs are endangered in the

wild due to poaching and habitat loss. The Houston Zoo protects cheetahs in the wild by providing support for trained African anti-poaching scouts to walk around the areas where cheetahs live in Africa, to remove wire traps and arrest illegal hunters.

You can help save jaguars and cheetahs in the wild, too!

A portion of every admission ticket and membership is donated to conservation efforts around the world. Simply by visiting the zoo, you are protecting these species.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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We specialize in Roscoe and Bella

When you bring your pets to Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists, we see more than conditions—we see family members.

Our large team of experienced veterinarians ensures they’ll receive the most advanced treatment available. And our individual approach means it will be delivered with care.

3800 Southwest Freeway Houston, TX 77027 713-341-9520 • gcvs.com