Houston PetTalk April 2021 by houstonpettalk10

April 2021

ALL ABOUT

CATS & DOGS

Wildflower Photo Contest | Say No To On-Leash Greetings | Feline Life Stages

Water-Based Pet Cremation and Memorial Services Earth-Conscious. Compassionate. Loving. Innovative. Clean. Green. Warm Water

Senior Paws

Gentle. Better.

Learn More At: https://seniorpaws.vet/gentlewater-based-cremation Founder/Owner Christie Cornelius, DVM CHPV Serving the Greater Houston Area Email Us at: wecare@seniorpaws.vet Call Us: 713-452-0474

Water-Based Cremation Memorial Services Witness Services Memorial Garden Stepping Stones Earthy Urns Clay Paw Prints Paw Print Paintings Ink Nose & Paw Prints

Our Promise to You No plastic bags. No freezers. Gentle handling & transport. Trust. Peace of mind. Empathy. Respect. Love. Honor. Time.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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GRA

ESS

P. A

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join our pack

You can join our pack in a few ways: Raise awareness for the PAW Grant. Share it with your friends, family, and coworkers Donate to the PAW Grant In-person. Ask our client care team to round up your bill to the nearest dollar when checking out. SLVS24EC saw almost 20,000 new pets in 2019. If every pet owner rounded up to the nearest dollar, those pennies would have generated more than $10,000 On-line. You can donate to the PAW Grant through the bit.ly link, then join our online Facebook Group for PAWtners to get updates on when grants are released, what the PAW Grant is doing, and insider information to all of SLVS24EC

A pack is an extended family group that you get to choose. When a pet is brought to SLVS24EC, we know it's one of the darkest days of their lives. When you choose SLVS24EC to help you at that time, you become part of our pack - part of our extended family group. Our goal is to get your pet well or to extend the time that your pet feels well until it’s time to say goodbye. For all of our diagnostic capabilities, talented specialists and emergency doctors, advanced veterinary nurses and support staff, we cannot achieve wellness for pets on our own. There are times that the cost to achieve wellness is higher than some pet parents who come to SLVS24EC can afford. In those cases, we offer payment plans through Scratch Pay and Care Credit, accept every single major credit or debit card, and take donations from family or friends over the phone to help cover the cost to achieve wellness. Sometimes, that’s still not enough and pet parents need additional help. Our dedicated team, tired of having their hands tied by these situations outside of their control, wanted to do more. They wanted to be a different kind of veterinary specialty and emergency hospital. That’s how the PAW (Packs Achieve Wellness) Grant was created, from our dedicated teams burning desire to do more- to be more. But we can’t do it alone.

Join our pack and donate to the PAW Grant by going here:

OUR PASSION IS

EMERGENCY MEDICINE

THE TRUSTED CHOICE Emergency Care Services Offered: • Trained doctors & veterinary assistants • Blood pressure monitoring • Cardiovascular monitoring & ECG • Emergency surgery • Emergency examinations • Advanced diagnostics • In-house labwork

• Oxygen therapy • Blood transfusions • Pain management • Traumatic wound care • Pulse oximetry • Digital radiography • Ultrasound, Endoscopy

EMERGENCY CARE 713-941-8460

Exit 35

Sam Houston Tollway

Pkwy ity eC

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

FM 5

VCA ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL SOUTHEAST CALDER ROAD

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Hobbs Rd

Le a g u

Edgebrook Dr

Calder Dr

FM 5

Gul

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

Landi n g lvd B

VCA Animal Emergency Hospital Southeast Calder Road

VCA ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL SOUTHEAST

610

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

Fwy L a Porte

45 288

Clearwood

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

10 610

South Fwy

VCA Animal Emergency Hospital Southeast

10331 GULF FREEWAY HOUSTON, TX 77034 VCAemergencyse.com

Link Rd

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

ON THE COVER

CATS & DOGS

CATS & DOGS ARE THE PILLAR OF DOMESTIC PETS AND THE CENTER OF EVERYTHING FROM AGE-OLD DEBATES OF WHICH SPECIES IS THE BETTER PET TO VILLAINS AND HEROS IN MOVIES. THIS MONTH, WE TAKE A LOOK AT CATS AND DOGS FROM MANY ASPECTS INCLUDING A HUMOROUS DEBATE BY TWO CLEVER WRITERS. OUR COVER AND FEATURE IS ILLUSTRATED BY THE TALENTED DESIREE WALTON LONSWAY OF BIG IDEAS CREATIVE SERVICES, WWW.BIGIDEASCS.COM.

HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL

re you a dog lover? Or a cat aficionado? Are you one of those pet owners that declares that dogs are better than cats or vice versa? For as long as there have been domesticated dogs and cats, there has been an age-old debate over which species reigns supreme. Of course there are those altruistic animal lovers that see the beauty and positive attributes of both, but for those that do confide their affinity for a feline or canine, their convictions can be very strong. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard sentiments like: “I don’t like cats, they don’t do anything” or “Dogs are too much trouble and too needy." I myself have morphed into a dog person and as of late, a horse person now that I have an equine buddy in my life. As a child, I was very into cats but the karma between felines and me just wasn’t good. All of my cats but one died of something other than natural causes. After much heartbreak, I gave up on them in college, determining that I was just destined to appreciate their special talents from afar. Whatever you are...a cat person, dog person, or both, I hope you find our feature entertaining and educational. It's mixed with fun facts, valuable health information on caring for your pet as well as a little humor. A Mucho Mucho thank you to Desiree Lonsway for once again spinning her pen to give us fab illustrations for the cover and feature story. You rock Des and as always, I owe you! April is one of my favorite times of year because the Texas Wildflowers are in bloom

and they represent the renewal and growth of Spring, which is something we all need in our souls. After a disastrous year of COVID and the political/ideological controversy, I'm enjoying getting out of the city and taking a drive to soak in the Texas landscape. If you are also inclined to seek out the wildflower beauty, be sure to take your pet along and snap a photo to enter in our annual Pets in the Wildflower Contest, generously sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. See details on page 22. I'm also excited that pet-centric events are coming back and we are MORE than happy to promote them. Our news section offers several events that we know you'll want to participate in! Also, our doghouse one the web (houstonpettalk.com,) just got a "makeover" so check it out and you'll find our digital issue, great articles on many topics and a special shopping section where we highlight great products for pet owners and where we also promote shopping local! Connect with us through PetTalkGoFetch.com for events and business listings as well as our social media (Facebook and Instagram), where we offer our readers more avenues to communicate, learn, share, laugh, help and even shed a few tears together while making Houston a great pet city. Upload photos to our Instagram page and you may just see your pet in PetTalk, plus be sure to take a pic of your travels while reading PetTalk for our Where in the World is PetTalk column (see page 10). Get out and enjoy the beautiful Spring air and we hope to see you at upcoming events!

© Copyright 2020. 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

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS PETTALK? SEND YOUR TRAVEL PHOTOS FEATURING PETTALK

You never know where on this planet you might find a PetTalk reader enjoying their copy! If you’ve snapped a travel pic of one of our readers, send your photo to info@ houstonpettalk.com.

UNDISCLOSED UNDERGROUND BUNKER

Mucho Gracias to TICO, who shared this pic showing us that he loves PetTalk so much that it makes him drool to read all the great content and look at all the cool doggy photos. For some reason, TICO cannot disclose his location, only to say he is currently in an underground bunker somewhere in Texas. He must have really made some Rottweiler very mad but we're glad he has PetTalk to keep him occupied!

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LOOKING FOR THE BEST CARE

FOR YOUR FAMILY PET

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My skills as a dog are amazing and vast For in several movies I have been cast If you’ve seen K-9’s Who Love Wine or Doggies By The Tree, Then you’ve had the pleasure of watching me

I’m not just here to brag on me (Although it’s a great topic, certainly!) No, this little diddy is about something more It’s to bring canine value to the fore

Just a gossip hound you thought? In that trap don’t get caught Not only am I a reporter extraordinaire I can sing, dance and fly through the air

Yes, dogs can play ball, fetch and kiss But we have many more talents you shouldn’t miss We are soldiers at war and eyes for the blind We can sniff out bombs and drugs no matter what they’re behind

My skills of reporting and performing are not all I can catch, fetch and annihilate a ball I can smell a macho Rottweiler a mile away And I can strut in high heels, giving my tail a sway

Avalanche victims and troubled swimmers we save We can track down criminals hiding in a cave On stage we are the compliment to an entertaining dancer Our sniffers are so strong we even detect cancer Need some livestock herded and protected? Not a problem, we’re self-directed We eradicate vermin and fetch downed birds We can pull a sleigh based on our master’s words So next time you give thought to dogs and our worth Remember that we’re one of the most diverse species on earth We give of ourselves without asking much in return Please support our perils and help others learn Show the world that puppy mills are bad And adopting from shelters is just the launching pad For ending dog fighting, homelessness, cruelty and pain Keep teaching humanity so we don’t die in vain Many people are rebels for our cause For you there’s a high-five right from our paws Keep fighting our fight and don’t be afraid to defend And we will never stop loving you, right on to the end. So to all pups of the world, I raise my glass To offer a toast to my brethren en masse Keep marking your spot and standing your ground And the world will know there’s nothing better than a good ‘ol hound!

www.houstonpettalk.com

Illustration by Jim Tweedy, colorized by Desiree Walton

Henrietta

ON THE VALUE OF CANINES

Ten Locations Proudly Serving the Greater Houston Area!

• Full-Service Grooming • Healthy Pet Foods • Gourmet Baked Treats

• Stylish Essentials • Plush & Tough Toys • Collars & Leashes

College Park • Conroe • Katy • Richmond Sienna • Spring • Sugar Land Tanglewood • The Woodlands • West U

A Treat of a Franchise Opportunity!

UNLEASHED

LOVE STINKS

Photography by Mikey Dylan, The Phodografur

awzUp DogFest made their 2021 return on February 6 with LOVE STINKS: A VALENTINES DOG FESTIVAL. Held at CityPlace Springwoods and sponsored by local business A Couple of Vets, the event attracted hundreds of local dogs and their people for shopping, food, music from DJ Nando One, drinks, and fun! See page 20 for their upcoming April event in Katy. Pictures courtesy of @thephodografur.

www.houstonpettalk.com

UNLEASHED

HHS FUNDRAISER

L Photography by Mibi M Photography

oveable adoptables were “on tap" at Nett Bar, as Houston Humane Society hosted a fundraiser and adoption event. Held on March 13 with a Luck of the Irish theme, the event featured Tito’s Vodka as a sponsor, who offered not only yummy vodka, but gifts for raffles as well. Learn more about Houston Humane Society and the deserving animals in their care by visiting HoustonHumane.org.

HHS with Nettbar owner John

HHS adoptable FERN

Event Guest with pup

HHS Adoptable BARBIE

LEAGUE CITY BIRTHDAY “PAWTY” APRIL 24

eague City Animal Care is hosting a birthday “paw-ty” on Saturday, April 24 to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the city’s new Adoption Center located at 755 West Walker Street. Guests are invited to bring a “present” for the dogs and cats awaiting adoption and to bring out their own pet to take part in activities at the League City Pet Fest. The event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will feature $10 adoptions, pet related vendors, prizes, demonstrations, food trucks, and reduced price microchipping and vaccinations. Guests, both human and canine, will enjoy birthday cake and receive a League City bandana and reflective pet tag while supplies last. For more information and a registry of what guests can bring to the “paw-ty” visit leaguecity.com/petfest.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

NEWS

HOUSTON SPCA EQUINE TEAM EARNS TOP HONORS IN EXCELLENCE

he all-female equine and farm animal team at the Houston SPCA was named a top finalist among 50 other organizations after demonstrating their skills in rehabilitating and training rescue horses, a task they are challenged with daily. There are 85 horses

currently in their care with most rescued by the Houston SPCA’s 10-member animal cruelty investigations team. “Rehabilitating a horse who has never been around people and lacked proper veterinary care, can be a challenge. It’s our goal to get these animals healthy and

teach them basic skills so we can find them the loving home they deserve,” said Kaycie McCarthy, Equine and Farm Animal Manager for Houston SPCA. The Equine Excellence Award recognizes organizations with an exemplary implementation of the Forever Foundation training program and their efforts to prepare equines for successful adoption. The Forever Foundation named Houston SPCA as a finalist in the Equine Excellence Awards which earned them a $250 travel stipend to attend the Forever Foundation clinic in 2021, where leading rescues from across the country gather to learn new skills and collaborate on initiatives to improve the lives of equines in every region. Houston SPCA has been a part of the Forever Foundation since 2018. “Houston SPCA is a role model for other organizations. Their efforts not only make a difference in the lives of equines in Harris County, but also helping thousands of horses across the country through their involvement in the program,” says Cindy Gendron of the Humane Society of the United States, and founder of Forever Foundation.

The Houston SPCA is the leading animal rescue and protection organization in the gulf coast region with the ability to care for a vast array of animal species including companion animals, small pets, horses and farm animals, native wildlife and exotics, all on one campus. If you would like to adopt a new family member, foster or donate, visit HoustonSPCA.org Report Cruelty: 713-869-SPCA (7722) The Houston SPCA Call Center is open every day from 8 am to 5:30 pm. 24-Hour Injured Animal Rescue Ambulance 713-880-HELP (4357)

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PRESENTS

vendors food drinks live dj dogs costume contest april 24, 2021 | 10AM-2PM ILUCKY DOG PET CAMPUS 21725 CLAY ROAD kATY, TEXAS

Houston PetTalk Magazine

NEWS

BARRIO DOGS BIKE RIDE FUNDRAISER

E M gifts! Make great

njoy the scenes of the East End while helping local charity, Barrio Dogs, raise funds for their valuable charity. Bike ride though one of Houston's oldest communities to discover murals, landmarks and some hidden gems! The funds raised will benefit Barrio Dogs in hopes that EVERY pet in need will receive free spay/neuter, vaccina-

tions and a microchip. In addition, due to COVID, many pet owners have struggled without basic pet essentials like pet food, collars, leashes and bedding. With your support we can create a better future for our animals and our community. To join or create a team, visit: https://my.reason2race. com/cause/barriodogs/PedalForPaws2021

CANINE COUNTRY CLUB SHOPPING EVENT APRIL 30

DOGGIE H

WALKS

Insured & Bonded,

Professional In-Home

PET SITTER & DOG WALKER Servicing Central West Houston from Memorial City to the Heights

832.229.8095 WWW.DOGGIEWALKSHOUSTON.COM CONTACT@DOGGIEWALKSHOUSTON.COM

www.houstonpettalk.com

ooking for some Re-Tail therapy? Join Canine Country Club, one of Houston’s premier pet resorts, at the Houston Racquet Club Pop Up Shopping Day on April 30 from 10 am-6pm held in the HRC Ballroom. In addition to some fun shopping items for your pooch, take advantage of training tips offered by owner Jeff

Murphrey from 12pm-1pm at their booth. Plus, Canine Country Club will have some giveaways, so don’t miss your chance to win! HRC is located at 10709 Memorial Drive, 777024. Learn more about Canine Country Club at mycaninecountryclub.com.

Pet Fest

and Birthday Paw-ty! Saturday, April 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. League City Animal Care and Adoption Center 755 West Walker Street, League City 77573 Human and canine-safe birthday cake $10 adoptions Pet vendors

Microchipping Reduced price-vaccinations Demonstrations, prizes, and more!

Pet-related vendors interested in participating can email Lynette.Bodmer@LeagueCityTX.gov

Sunday, April 18, 2021 12:00 Noon Meet at Bohemeo's 708 Telephone Road Houston, TX 77023

For more information, contact info@barriodogs.org Houston PetTalk Magazine

NEWS

EASTER EGG HUNT

ome-Bunny wants you to join in the fun for Doggie Easter Egg Hunt at Bar East End Hardware…and that would be A Dog’s Life HTX, a local dog walking and pet sitting company. Festivities for this annual event will include food, beer, music, raffles and of course the premier event, the Doggie Egg hunt, where your dog doesn’t only get as many treats as it can find but also can win you some freebees hidden in the eggs. This year’s egg-strava-

ganza happens to land on the famous HOLLER Brewing Co Embassadog announcement, so the winner will be announced during the event, which will also benefit an additional rescue this year, Three Little Pitties Rescue. Don’t miss the fun, April 4th from 12pm-4pm at Holler Brewing Co., 2206 Edwards St. 77007. Learn more about A Dog’s Life TX at adogslifehtx.com.

WOOFSTOCK IS BACK!

awzUp DogFest will bring its next huge Dog Festival to Katy,Texas on April 24, 2021, from 10am to 2pm. WOOFSTOCK: PEACE LOVE DOGS is a summer celebration of community and dogs of all shapes and sizes. Vendors, Food, Drinks, and a DJ spinning a great mix of music from that special summer of 1969 and beyond, are all in store for you and your dogs. Plus, this fun festival will feature games and a special doggie Costume Contest, with prizes donated from Vendors.

www.houstonpettalk.com

WOOFSTOCK: PEACE LOVE DOGS will be hosted by iLuckyDog Pet Campus, an allinclusive, resort-style dog boarding and daycare with a full grooming salon. Located at 21725 Clay Road, they are open 24 hours, 7 days a week, so there is always staff there ready to take care of your pet's needs. WOOFSTOCK: PEACE LOVE DOGS is proud to also partner with Titanium Tequila, Houston PetTalk Magazine, and K9 Health Center to bring you a fun-filled festival. For WOOFSTOCK updates you can follow on Instagram @pawzuphtx.

31ST ANNUAL PAR FORE PETS GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFITING THOUSANDS OF ANIMALS SERVED BY THE HOUSTON HUMANE SOCIETY

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APRIL 20, 2021 8AM SHOTGUN |QUAIL VALLEY CLUB For information on registration or sponsorship, email GOLF@HoustonHumane.org

Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals on Galveston Island sandnsea.com |

409.797.5500

LOCAL & TRUSTED SINCE 1974

Houston PetTalk Magazine

HIT US WITH YOUR

BEST SHOT!

ANNUAL WILDFLOWER PHOTO CONTEST ENTRY: APRIL 1-15 VOTING: APRIL 16-23

hat is a better keepsake than your pet's photo in the beautiful Texas wildflowers? Entry is now open from April 1 to April 15 for our annual Pets in the Wildflowers Photo Contest sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. In early March, we began promoting the contest as flowers started blooming and at the time of print, flowers were beautifully taking over fields in Texas! If the flowers are still around and you didn't take a photo, you still have time to Take Your Best Shot and enter the contest. Every year we are always impressed with the creative, cute and funny photos our loyal readers submit of their pets! To enter your photo (pets in photos only please, no humans) visit houstonpettalk. com or on our FACEBOOK page, facebook. com/houstonpettalk and click the link and upload your photo. Be sure to include

your pet's name. If you are a professional photographer, please note your entry as Professional Division. Readers will VOTE for the top 10 finalists and then winners will be selected by Sunset Animal Hospital and the winner will receive a $200 Gift Certificate. The winning photo and ALL entries will be published in PetTalk's June issue!

SPONSORED BY

Last Year’s Winner

Stabler

www.houstonpettalk.com

Angel

Jasper

Jesse

MWD BButler (RET JAPAN)

CARING PET PROFESSIONALS THAT TREAT YOUR PETS LIKE FAMILY

YUMMY BARKERY INSIDE THE STORE!

Pet Boutique For Pets and People • Healthy Pet Products On-site Nutritional Consulting • Local Pet Food Delivery Monthly Nail Trims • Online Shopping T-F 10:30am to 5:30pm Sat 10am to 2 pm Closed Sun/Mon 7710 Cherry Park Dr Suite Q, Houston, TX 77095 www.purrsnbarkstx.com

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

IS THERE ANYTHING CUTER THAN YOUR PET? OF COURSE NOT! WE AGREE, SO WE MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU TO PROVE IT...PLAY WITH US ON INSTAGRAM AND LOOK FOR OUR THEMED CONTESTS. YOU SHARE WITH US, WE SHARE WITH OUR READERS. EVERYBODY WINS!

#SHAREWITHUS! CASE OF MONDAY BLUES

1. @The_good.Boy_gang but mom, i don’t want to get up and do the monday 2. @1big1small monday can we not?? #Charlie_the_chihuahua #chihuahua #chihuahuasofinstagram #dogsofinstagram #smalldogsofinstagram #squintyeyes #longhairchihuahua #seniordog #boop #boopthesnoot #snoot 3. @Mrteddyspaniel this is my resting bark face.

HELLO SPRING….

4. @Red_thegoldendoodle bye snow! Hello springtime #Houston #texas #bluebonnets #spring #dogsofinstagram #dogs #goldendoodle #dogtreat #barkbox #hiking #outdoortherapy #atx #socialdistancing #dogmom #houstonweather #minigoldendoodle 5. @Thedoodle_arya hello march! So excited for all the fun adventure this month will bring! Besides women’s history month & st. Patrick’s day, do you know what else is in march? 6. @Parkerthecharmer sticks on a sunday?! You know it!

1 4

WE ARE FAMILY…

7. @Jackson_the_dalmatian the jackson 5 #boyband 8. @Lesfrenchiefilles ғaмιly ѕnow pιcтυreѕ 9. @Themaniacmutts the cold never bothered me anyway...

5 7

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8 9

MARCH 24 - APRIL 11

2021

GREAT SOUTHWEST EQUESTRIAN CENTER K A T Y, T E X A S

g e n e r a l a d m i s s i o n i s a lw a y s f r e e ! class sponsorships $250+ show sponsorships $2,500+ ringside gala ticket $250 ringside gala table $1,000+

SATURDAY, MARCH 27 $30,000 GRAND PRIX and

denim & diamonds ringside gala FRIDAY, APRIL 2 $50,000 HILDEBRAND FUND GRAND PRIX and

avalon advisors white sapphire ringside gala

FRIDAY, APRIL 9 $30,000 USHJA INTERNATIONAL HUNTER DERBY and

bourbon, bow ties & big hats derby party hosted by modern luxury

SATURDAY, APRIL 10 $100,000 WELLS FARGO GRAND PRIX and

abbot downing diamond jubilee ringside gala

the 2021 pin oak painted horses life-size works of art by texas’ top mural artists will be auctioned during the ringside galas

By: Michelle Mantor Illustrations by: Desiree Lonsway 26

www.houstonpettalk.com

re you a dog aficionado? A feline fancier? Or maybe you straddle the two and are equally happy owning both species? Either way, whether you’re a cat lover, dog lover or both, you probably know that canines and felines are equally interesting but very different from one another! The world of dogs and cats has historically been “at odds”, most likely born of their natural antagonistic (distrusting) relationship. From Hollywood movies pitting dogs against cats to humorous t-shirt monikers, the world leaves no doubt that our beloved domestic pets can be the source of discord or even fun-spirited competition. We decided to take this long standing debate about dogs and cats by the tail and give our readers perhaps a different view by presenting some useful information you may not know as well as a bit of humor thrown in for fun!

PHYSICAL DIFFERENCES 1.

2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8. 9.

THE FRUSTRATED VETERINARIAN

Since Veterinarian’s are supposed to be sensitive, kind, reverent and so forth, they usually have no platform for complaining about their pesky customers (the two-leggers), so on their behalf, I’ll “let the cat out of the bag”.

NEWSFLASH: CATS ARE NOT SMALL DOGS.

There. It’s done. This bit of knowledge that all veterinarians know but seems to allude many pet owners is a source of frustration to our animal doctors because basically, the two species have very little in common physiologically other than they have four legs and they have trained humans to feed them! So remember, your cat's health needs, diet, etc. are unique to them and we applaud vets for having a wide range of knowledge to treat so many varied species.

Cats are carnivores (hunts on demand) versus dogs that are omnivorous. Several items are important about this distinction: carnivores tend to have lower intestinal length to body size ratios than omnivores therefore allowing dogs more time for digestion of vegetative foods by their longer intestines. This distinction makes a cat’s diet take on a more important role because their needs are more specific. Cats eat their “kill” slowly, throughout the day; dogs eat their meal quickly in a matter of minutes. Cats and dogs have the same number of incisors and canines, but the differences in their dentitions are most evident by the lack of grinding molars in the cat, consistent with that of a true carnivore. Dogs have more molars and premolars than the cat, with 42 permanent teeth, whereas the cat only has 30. Cat eyes are well adapted to hunting. Their visual acuity is greater than that of dogs because of their larger optic cortex. The high protein requirement of cats is due to the high activity of hepatic enzymes responsible for ureagenesis (conversion of ammonia to urea in the liver). The cat cannot decrease the activity of these enzymes when it is fed a low protein diet, thereby continually breaking down proteins for shunting through the urea cycle regardless of the levels of dietary protein. Cats have the ability to digest and utilize high levels of dietary fat (as is present in animal tissue). They have a special need for arachidonic acid since they cannot synthesize it from linoleic acid as can the dog. A deficiency of arachidonic acid can produce poor growth, a starting coat, skin lesions, fatty liver and congenital defects. Dogs are less flexible than cats; one reason is because the cat’s kidneys are “suspended” (dangle) while a dogs kidneys are like humans, secured under layers of tissue, therefore inhibiting the dog’s flexibility. Cats have retractable claws used to catch prey that are not used when they are walking. Rather, they use their phalynx (the second knuckle) to walk on. Cats have a rough tongue allowing for better preening but it also catches more hair when self-grooming and creates the problem of hairballs. Medicating dogs and cats is quite different. The liver, which is responsible for breaking down drugs and excreting them in the kidneys, does not work the same in both species. For example, Tylenol will kill a cat but not a dog in the same dosage (however, Tylenol is not recommended for dogs).

10.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

SOCIAL DIFFERENCES Dogs being pack animals, the members of their pack or family are critical to them. They look for a leader, and may try to take the leadership role if they don’t perceive that another member of their pack is the leader. If a person does not take the leadership role, dogs often experience behavior problems. This is quite different than the way cats interact. Cats are not pack animals, and don’t look for a human leader to follow. While they are more independent than dogs, they aren’t solitary animals as some perceive them. Relationships they form are based more on behavior, treatment, and territorial/survival concerns. A cat that is treated badly will rarely stick around, where a dog that is treated badly will often return as they are connected to those people regardless of their treatment.

Many a person makes their living on “dog training” while it’s not exactly easy to find a cat trainer or behaviorist for several reasons. The basic nature of cats is to hunt prey while dogs are bred for a multitude of capabilities including weight pulling, guarding, herding, tracking, killing vermin, retrieving, water rescue and more. Because of the many activities dogs are bred to do, their energy level is often high and if not properly channeled, can result in re-landscaped yards and demolished baseboards. Dogs are wired to need leadership and if not provided, will take matters into their own paws. These behaviors drive the need for training in dogs while cats are happy to relax, have no jobs and hunt for “fun” since domestic cats don’t need to find their own food.

WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?

We’ve all heard the sayings, colloquialisms, folklore and more that incorporate dogs and cats. Have you ever wondered where some of these sayings come from? Here are a few popular ones: Hair Of The Dog That Bit You - It comes from the old wives’ tale that the hair of a dog that bites someone could be used as an antidote against the effects of the bite. By extension, another drink (or three) on the heels of an alcohol binge is said to cure a hangover. Just ask Henrietta. Raining Cats & Dogs – There are several explanations but the most plausible is that in 19th century England, dead dogs and cats would wash down the streets in floods, thus making the residents believe they fell from the sky but actually they were just the dead animals from the streets being carried in the flooding rains. Letting The Cat Out Of The Bag - There are several possible derivations. The most likely comes from the old practice of selling piglets in sacks (a pig in a poke - poke being an old word for sack); fraudulent farmers sometimes put a cat in the sack and claimed it was a lively piglet.

ORIGINS OF DOGS AND CATS Researchers have traced the origin of the dog to the domestication of wolves in China between 11,500 and 16,300 years ago. However, they suggest that dogs were probably used as food sources rather than companions initially (Pang et al., 2009).

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Cats were first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent at least 9,500 years ago, most likely because their rodent-catching abilities were beneficial in protecting stored food (Driscoll et al., 2007).

TWO-LEGGED CATS

A “catfight” is a dirty fight with claws out, usually between women since women are more likely to scratch and kick while men are more likely to punch. As well as catfights, nasty women are said to be “catty” and unruly women are “hellcats” and while some women may be as lithe or graceful as a cat, others resemble “something the cat brought in” - comparing them to the badly mauled, half-eaten offerings a hunting cat might leave on your doorstep.

WHO'S LISTENING? Dogs and cats use their ears to express emotions, and both have remarkable hearing. While dogs are renowned for detecting highpitched whistles far beyond human hearing, cats actually hear much higher frequencies than canines and are only slightly inferior at the low end of the frequency scale. Dogs have 18 muscles in their ears allowing them to move each ear independently to better detect where a sound is coming from. They can hear frequencies up to around 45,000 hertz.

Cats have an even greater range of movement with 32 muscles that allow them to rotate their ears 180 degrees, and they can hear at higher frequencies than dogs – up to 100,000 hertz. A cat up to 3 feet away from the origin of a sound can pinpoint its location to within a few inches in a mere six onehundredths of a second. Cats also can hear sounds at great distances, including four or five times farther away than humans.

ALARMING REPRODUCTION RATES: PLEASE SPAY AND NEUTER! An unspayed female cat, an unneutered male cat, and all of their subsequent unfixed offspring producing 2 litters per year at maturity, and 2.8 kittens from each litter survived and reproduced, this would

HOUSTON ANIMAL LAWS

Pet Licensing Rules From BARC Website: Licensing your pet is the law. The City of Houston Municipal Code requires that anyone who owns, keeps, possesses, or has control of a dog or cat four months of age or older must have his or her pet licensed and vaccinated against rabies every year. » If a cat or dog has been sterilized, the owner shall obtain a sterilized pet license for each animal at an annual fee of $20.00. » Unsterilized pet license is an annual fee of $60.00. » Senior citizens 60 years of age or older with sterilized dogs or cats shall obtain a sterilized pet license for each dog or cat for the fee of $2.

amount to 11,606,077 cats in 9 years. The Animal Services Division also notes that 2 dogs, along with all of their puppies (and their puppies’ puppies), could produce 67,000 dogs in 6 years.

SILLY STUFF

On the funny side of the cat and dog debate are some sayings that we can all find some truth in: Never feed your cat anything that doesn’t match the carpet. If your dog doesn’t like someone you probably shouldn’t either. Every dog has his day...but the nights are reserved for the cats. ❖

❖

THE DOG LOVER

aving a cat is basically an exercise in futility. You try, you try, you try some more, but NOTHING ever seems satisfactory. The ungrateful, hair-regurgitating furballs just turn their prissy noses at every attempt to please. Buy them the latest trend in cat litter and fill their litter boxes (that must be placed in just the right spot otherwise it WILL BE ignored), and what do you get in response for your thoughtfulness? Pee on the SIDE of the box. Back when I was uninformed about the senselessness of cat ownership and I owned a cat, I bought my cat a new bed and where do you think she chose to sleep? In the box it came in. I also tried enticing her with expensive wiggly toys with feathers on them and moving electronic mice. Did she play with them? Of course she didn’t. She played with an old, chewed up stuffed mouse for three straight days and then I found it floating in the toilet. You get my drift…ungrateful! The next deplorable trait attributed to cats is their mixed messages on physical touching. Have you ever petted a cat while it rubs up against your hand as if yearning for more and you continue as the cat purrs and you’re thinking, “He really likes this!” then BAM the cat turns and bites you and runs away?

WTH? Talk about schizophrenic. And oh, TRY TO GIVE THEM A BATH and you’d think you were trying to cut their foot off and stick it in their ear. Seriously, it’s just a little soap and water. Conversely, as a certified dog lover, I enjoy the greeting my dog offers whenever I come home (or pick her up from the groomer, or come back in from being gone 3 seconds to take out the trash, or sometimes I just enter the room from another room). It’s a true sense of joy to see exuberance in another being that is solely based on you just existing. When I had a cat and I would come home, not only did she not jump in my arms to greet me and offer a kiss (which I wouldn’t want from that sandpaper tongue anyway), I couldn’t even FIND her. It was as if I didn’t exist or matter at all. I would have to search for that weirdo and I would often find her stuffed into one of my shoes in the closet fast asleep. Does that make any sense at all? This brings me to my next

argument – dogs are just plain smarter. Dogs can be trained to act on a number of commands such as sit, roll over, stay, lie down and fetch. They can even be trained to pull carts, sniff out bombs, and find avalanche victims. The list is endless. Dogs are even used to provide disabled people with a companion trained

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to help them have a better quality of life. Have you ever heard of a Seeing Eye Cat? Didn’t think so. To sum things up, I would have to say felis catus is just downright gross. They poop in multiple boxes in the house (typically within smelling distance of eating your breakfast), they leave throw-up balls everywhere including on your bed and of course on your most expensive rug, they drink from the toilet, they kill mice and leave them for you at your feet as if they’ve just conquered Mt. Everest, and they spray urine on any fabric of their choice so it will stink so bad you have to burn it. I rest my case. Oh yeah, one more thing…don’t EVER plan on sleeping past

5:30AM when the demanding prima donna will insist you get up to serve her and then promptly sleep all day while you have to work.

BY: ALICIA GOODS Disclaimer: These Op-Eds Are Just For Fun!

THE CAT LOVER

I have tons of friends with dogs and when I say I am not a fan of the canine, they look at me as if I have some horrible disease. I get it that dogs are popular. So much so that I can’t even bare to look at Instagram ever again because it’s littered with content from obsessed dog parents. I once had someone ask me if I was human because I don’t like dogs and it was then that I realized the deep divide between the dog and cat lover. If not wanting a

smelly, loud, obnoxious, over-zealous, needy and sometimes aggressive and dangerous animal is bad, then yes, I guess I am a monster. But hear me out. I have had both cats and dogs in my life so I feel I have seen the good, bad and ugly of both species. And the dog is definitely uglier. Let’s start with smelly. My dog Maximo was the most PERVASIVE farter ever born with 4 legs (I clarify the number of legs only because my Uncle Reggie is the world champion of the

anal exhale). We tried changing his food from every brand and style sold at the pet supply store, all to no avail. The only strategy that worked was to never get down-wind from his behind. However, that strategy landed you in front of Max’s mouth where his foul breath was near fire-breathing dragon level…but it was still better than the butt bombs. And the time he rolled in skunk stink…there was no

smell that could be compared to the Eau de Skunké Cologne. Somehow dog people are willing to turn a blind eye (or nose) to their smelly companions but I truly don’t understand how they put up with some of the lunatic behaviors. Dogs chase their own tails, so that should tell you something about their intelligence level. They will repeatedly run after a ball and even run and look for a ball that wasn’t even thrown yet. They chase squirrels with no chance of catching them, they sleep sideways in the bed leaving no space for anyone else, they slop water all over the floor as they drink like they’ve been parched for days (but they just drank a bowl 5 minutes ago), they eat non-edible objects including stanky socks and then it costs $3000 at the vet to get it out, they eat poop, they hang their bodies out of moving vehicles, they steal steaks that are marinating on the counter if you so much as turn your back (oh yeah, and then they get diarrhea that YOU have to clean up), they dig huge holes for absolutely no reason, they shred furniture because they can’t stand being left alone for a few hours (while cats truly can’t wait for you to leave so they have the house to themselves), they bark at other dogs on TV, they chase cars, beg for food, hump other dogs, pull you

BY: STEVE HARWOOD

down the street on their leash…and on and on goes the madness. Opposingly, cats are quiet, eat with manners, don’t leave a mess wherever they go, are self-reliant (they haven’t even heard of separation anxiety), could care less what other animals are doing out the front window, they don’t need constant entertainment, and they don’t destroy every toy and bed ever purchased on their behalf. I think I’ve made my case but there is one final point that shines a bright light on the dim wits of the dog. The fiasco that ensues when the doorbell rings. Unlike dogs, cats do not go into a barking frenzy at the sound of “ding dong”. Dogs will bark uncontrollably at the door until it is opened and then either dash out or jump up on the poor unsuspecting visitor. The owner of this crazy beast now is either left profusely apologizing to the visitor while uselessly telling the dog over and over to get down OR running down the street chasing the dog and screaming at it to come back but the dog has suddenly forgot its name. See... they are dumb, they can’t even remember their own name.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

FROM THE MOUTH OF DOGS & CATS

Veterinary experts estimate that up to 75% of dogs and 60% of cats that do not receive proper oral and dental care will develop signs of dental disease before the age of three. • Some cats are more prone to plaque build up than others. While some cats never need their teeth cleaned, others may require annual cleaning. • Poor oral hygiene in a dog can result in bacteria entering the dog’s bloodstream, causing infection or damage to vital organs such as the kidneys, lungs, heart or liver. That’s why dog bad breath has been the called the Silent Killer of Pets. Proper pet oral health may extend the life of your dog by two to four years.

ACCORDING TO THE CAT FANCIERS ASSOCIATION, THE TOP 10 PEDIGREED (MEANING THE CAT’S PARENTS WERE THE SAME BREED) CATS ARE: 1. Ragdoll 2. Exotic (a.k.a. Shorthaired Persian) 3. British Shorthair 4. Persian 5. Maine Coon Cat 6. Devon Rex 7. American Shorthair 8. Abyssinian 9. Sphynx 10. Scottish Fold

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PET OBESITY

Approximately 59% of U.S. cats are overweight or obese. An estimated 54% of U.S. dogs are overweight or obese. pet obesity is on the rise for the seventh consecutive year, making weight the leading health threat to our nation’s companion animals today.

EXERCISING YOUR POOCH: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH?

s with people, the answer varies from dog to dog and is dependent on age, health, and

breed. 1. Puppies: Young pups are known for the “zoomies”, which are identified by madly racing around and then collapsing into a breathless pile. It’s what we love about puppies! They generally have more energy than adult dogs but require more exercise in short bursts. Offer short play times versus a long walk or run. 2. Adults: For adult dogs, breed heavily influences activity needs. For instance, a Chow Chow or Bulldog requires much less exercise than a super-active breed like a Border Collie or Labrador (remember to take this information into account when choosing a dog). Definitely keep your dog’s health in mind when considering exercise as well. Age, arthritic hips, respiratory issues, etc. are all factors in play when calculating activity requirements. Talk to your vet to determine a proper routine. 3. Seniors: As our dog’s progress in age, they too slow down in activity level. What used to be a run may need to be a walk. Your dog will provide you with valuable information if you pay attention. As their owner, you know their patterns of behavior and if your dog doesn’t seem to want to run, or jump on furniture, or has a hard time getting up and down from a lying position, these are all signs of aging and should be discussed with your vet to determine appropriate exercise amount and type.

EXERCISE CAN BE FUN! Hiking: Pups love the adventure of the great outdoors. Try one of the many hiking trails in the Houston area that are listed on AllTrails.com, which has 61 great hiking trails, trail running trails, mountain biking trails and more, with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers, and nature lovers Swimming: Swimming can be both great

exercise as well as therapeutic for various ailments. Check out therapeutic swimming opportunities at RummysBeachClub.com or K9HealthCenter.com. Dock Diving: Jump into some SUMMER FUN with the exhilarating sport of Dock Diving. Learn with your pup at Joasis.com. Draft Work: For certain breeds (like Siberian Huskies, St. Bernards) pulling a cart or

skijoring is right up their alley. Biking or Surfing: While not appropriate for all dogs, there are some pooches who enjoy running along beside their owners bike or going out in the ocean to ride the surf. Both activities can have safety hazards so do your research, but if you have a dog that has an affinity for these sports, you can have some great times together! Houston PetTalk Magazine

GIVE A HELPING HAND Volunteer Opportunities: Houston has many organizations in need. In addition to the animal shelters that always need dog walkers, cage cleaners, event helpers, pet foster parents or even retail store help, there are other organizations providing services to our community that need your helping hand too. Here are just a few, but please visit PetTalkGoFetch.com to learn about the many pet charities in our area. ❖ Barrio Dogs: Barrio Dogs has been working in Houston’s Greater East End since 2010 with the mission of raising awareness about proper

❖

animal care and the importance of spaying and neutering pets. Their work includes education, working with rescue groups to find homes for stray animals. They are always in need of volunteers, donations, and neighborhood advocates. BarrioDogs.org Great Dane Rescue: Great Dane Rescue is In need of fosters and volunteers; they work to save these majestic dogs and find them forever homes. SaveADane.org Save A Purrfect Cat Rescue: Save A Purrfect Cat Rescue is 501(c)3

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no-kill organization and an adoption network committed to finding permanent homes for cats and kittens. SaveACatRescue.org AniMeals On Wheels provides pet food for the cats and dogs of seniors in their Interfaith Ministries Meals on Wheels program. Drivers needed. IMGH.org

ADOPT A DOG OR CAT

Houston boasts many rescue groups and shelters, all working to find homeless animals a forever home. Please consider adopting from one of our major shelters or other rescue organizations. For a more complete list, visit PetTalkGoFetch.com. • BARC (Bureau of Animal Regulation and Care) – The “city pound” adopts dogs and cats form their location or check their event schedule at houstontx.gov/barc for off-site adoptions. • Citizens For Animal Protection (West Houston) Cap4pets.org • Houston SPCA (I-10/Washington area) HoustonSPCA.org • Houston Humane Society (South Houston) HoustonHumane.org • Montgomery County Animal Shelter, MCASPets.org • League City Animal Shelter LeagueCitytx.gov • Friends for Life Shelter (Heights) Friends4Life.org

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HOW MUCH WILL THAT KITTY COST YOU? According to the 2019-2020 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association, 42.7 million American households own a cat. And due to COVID-19, adoptions have increased as people look for companionship while staying mostly at home. However, just as with human children, the costs can add up beyond what you might expect. Cost varies based on each cat’s health and breed but you will need to consider vaccinations, food, litter and a host of other recurring and one-time expenses. Based on national research, here are some of the average costs. Houston is not known to be an “expensive” city so perhaps you will find some of these costs to be slightly less: » Spay/Neuter: Can cost up to $300; some organizations offer low-cost spay/neuter such

as Emancipet; Or, there are shelters, such as Houston Humane Society that offer a Free Neuter Day for male cats once per year, typically in February. One way to avoid this cost is to adopt from a shelter. The cat will already be spayed or neutered and vaccinated! You will pay an adoption fee but it will be much less than taking care of these costs on your own. Vaccinations: $50-$80 for kittens in their first year; drops to approximately $40 per year thereafter. Routine veterinary exams: On average, routing exams are around $55. Keeping your cat healthy, not overfeeding, etc. can reduce vet bills for illness. The cost of a cat eating something they shouldn’t or getting injured can range from hundreds of dollars to thousands of dollars in care. Dental: Depending on your cat’s age and the

» »

condition of its teeth and gums, you might spend $100-$400 for teeth cleaning. Food and Litter: These items can vary depending on your cat’s preferences and quality of product but the average expenditure nationally is around $700 per year. Grooming: Yes, cats need grooming, especially long-haired cats. Plan on spending $50$100, depending on if the cat is matted, etc. Toys: The sky is the limit..or you can make toys for your cat out of household items (no string please). Basically, they love things that move! Travel Crate: $30 Apartment Fees: Petfinder.com’s survey notes that renters pay approximately 30% to 80% of one month’s rent (may be refundable). The PRICE of this furry companion’s entertainment and joy it brings?…Priceless!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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r EDITOR's e t t i L e h t Pick of RUFF & TUFF FROM GORILLA DOG BEDS!

If you're tired of buying K9 gear that doesn’t hold up to your pup’s ruff and tuff style, then look no further than the new line of leashes, collars, crate covers and more from the brand known for durability, Gorilla Dog Beds. LOCALLY owned, all products from Gorilla Dog Beds are made in the USA with the toughest materials available. » Cordura® Tough crate pad covers are incredibly durable (the US armed forces use Cordura® in many different applications, due to its extreme durability, abrasion, and puncture resistance). Gorilla Tough Crate covers™ fit standard size crates perfectly, but can also be custom made for any size. They are easy to remove and are machine washable. » Alpha Elite leash features a KONG Frog Snap with a swivel to avoid tangles. » Gorilla K9 Gear’s Air Collar offers Duraflex® Mojave HD buckle with a 200lb break strength, Duraflex® D-Ring with a 400lb tensile strength, two-ply 1.5″ webbing, heavy-duty plastic adjuster, lightweight, no metal construction. Find this new line of K9 Gear at GorillaDogBeds. com along with their selection of gorilla-tuff beds, luxury beds and even orthopedic solutions for your best friend!

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Not only are Gorilla K9 Gear’s Air Collar's durable, you can also personalize your dog's collar with stitched monogramming!

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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

Inflammation in the joints causes pain and cartilage damage which can lead to stiffness and decreased mobility.

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

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AT VCA ANIMAL HOSPITALS, WE CARE

G N I SPR G N I FL GET PERSONAL

Personalized, whimsical key chains from Zoey & Rocket feature a laser engraved illustration of your pet that is then hand-painted with care and adorned with the tassel color of your choice. These, and many other customizable pet portrait items, are available from Etsy: Etsy.com/shop/zoeyandrocket

MOMMY & ME

Sassy Dogs U was created for the everyday ultimate dog moms and their fur babies. Protect yourself and your pooch from the Texas sun with matching hats in beautiful colors. Next up at Sassy Dogs U is one of our faves...the holographic acrylic pet ID tags. These tags are fashionable while also weather proofed, offering the valuable information brightly displayed of your pet's name and your phone number should your pet ever get lost. Find these pawesome products and more on Etsy: etsy.com/shop/sassydoguniversity OR Instagram @sassydogu.

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SUMMER IS COMING!

Whether you are headed to the beach or just chillin' in your own backyard, locally owned Furrever Doggies has a festive-wear collection that will put your pup in the party mood! Custom made designs, including matching outfits if you have a multiple pup family. Find yours at FurreverDoggies.com.

FLOWER POWER

READY FOR RAIN

A little rain won’t stop the daily walk, so why not walk in girly-girl style? The “Katie” raincoat is easy to clean, features a bow-detail on hood, D ring, and hook and loop closures. Cotton lining, 50% polyester, 50% cotton. Get yours at BowWowsBest.com.

Inspired by the soft spring colors of an English garden, the DAISY collection of collars and leashes from Diva-Dog offer the perfect style to kick off Spring. The flowers are finely embroidered against a verdant trellis detailing. Collar features all-metal buckles and you can choose from a silver, rose gold or gold finish. Find yours at Diva-Dog.com.

COZY WITH CATS

If your little two-legger has a love of felines, these cozy pj’s will be her favorite! Mommy Loves Meow…yes she does! Get yours at Macys.com.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

HEALTH

FELINE LIFE STAGES

Tailored Care

ats have special needs at every stage of their lives, and cats of all ages need regular veterinary care. The type of healthcare needed for our feline friends evolves as they age and can also vary based on whether the feline patient lives indoors or out. Veterinary professionals have a responsibility to educate clients regarding the need for routine care for feline patients at every stage of the cat’s life, empowering cat owners to have a significant impact on the health and well-being of their cats. It is that very care that can keep cats healthy, provide a longer life, and identify health issues early on, offering an opportunity to treat an illness or disease before it worsens.

FELINE LIFE STAGES » » »

Kitten: Birth up to 1 year Young adult: 1 to 6 years Mature adult: 7 to 10 years

byline Shana D Richardson, PhD Vergi 24/7 Animal Emergency Hospital

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Senior: 10 years and older End-of-life: Any age The new guidelines combine felinefriendly care approaches with a lifelong healthcare plan to improve health and wellbeing. “A cat-friendly approach tailored to the individual patient creates a more positive experience for the patient, client, and care provider, and promotes more frequent visits and improved compliance,” stated Task Force Co-Chair, Jessica Quimby, DVM, PhD, DACVIM. “All cats of every life stage need full, thorough physical examinations at least annually for the best lifelong care; and we recommend checkups at a minimum of every six months for senior cats,” said AAHA Chief Medical Officer Heather Loenser, DVM. It is important for clients and their veterinarians to discuss medical history of the cat, oral health, mental and physical enrichment, vaccinations, claw care, changing needs of nutrition, any changes in behavior, and litter box management (as necessary). It is also important that each physical examination of the cat focus on life stage-specific needs. » »

While Vergi 24/7 does not offer routine care for cats (or dogs), we do have many cat patients and our hospital has a room dedicated specifically to cats. It is much quieter for them and safer as well because as we know, most cats do not love change. This room allows us to safely exam the patient and administer any treatments needed. The room has a full glass front that allows our doctors and technicians to always see the cats and allows them some peace, which can facilitate healing. TOXIC LILY REMINDER: One thing we are already seeing, and will continue to see in greater numbers as Easter approaches, is lily ingestion. The entire lily plant is toxic to cats – the stem, leaves, flowers, pollen. Eating just a small amount of a leaf or flower petal, grooming a few pollen grains off of fur, or even drinking some water from the vase can cause your cat to rapidly develop fatal kidney failure. If you think your cat has ingested any part of this plant, or the water, seek veterinary care immediately.

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HEALTH

HOSPICE CONSULTATION What To Expect

byline

ur veterinary associations are getting better about teaching veterinarians compassion, empathy and respecting family’s wishes at or near the completion of their companion’s lives. The realization that a pet has been diagnosed with a lifelimiting condition can cause a number of physical and emotional reactions in family members whom with they share a loving bond. A large number of veterinarians understand this feeling because we’ve experienced loss, too. Thankfully, due to the increase in the number of educational opportunities available for veterinarians in the fields of hospice and palliative care, we’ve been making great progress on knowing when to recognize and recommend a paradigm shift from one of curing to caring. STEP 1: If your pet has a general

Christie Cornelius, DVM seniorpaws.vet

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practitioner already, you may want to ask them if they feel your pet’s condition could be better managed in the comfort of home with the help of a hospice team, or a veterinarian with a special interest in home senior pet care. If you do not have a general practitioner for your pet, it’s encouraged that you contact a provider who can help manage your senior pet’s condition in the home. You may be surprised to learn that a significant number of cats and dogs never see a veterinarian once in their lives, let alone on a regular basis. Mobile veterinarians see pets all the time who needed someone’s help long before the day we arrive. Patients who benefit most from this increased level of care have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, cancer, chronic internal diseases, cognitive decline, and/ or any condition that causes chronic pain or suffering. STEP 2: Setting Up The Appointment. Most veterinarians and support staff who focus on pain management, palliative care, and hospice care are compassionate, empathetic, and non-judgmental. They

WANT to help you and your family make decisions in the best interest of you and your pet. Many services are set up to handle requests online, have email access, messaging capabilities on Facebook, and/or caring individuals who are a great help to worried individuals over the phone. STEP 3: The Home Visit. After reviewing all available previous medical records from your general practitioner, referring veterinarian, or veterinarian specialist; a detailed patient and family history is discussed. The patient’s and family’s needs, including values, beliefs, care-taking capabilities, and goals are revealed. This information is important for the recommended care plan that is tailored to each patient and family. The patient’s appetite, willingness to accept medications, and the family’s ability to remain committed to compliance are essential factors in determining the best course of action. A thorough physical examination is performed, including body/muscle condition scoring, and proper pain palpation and pain scoring. Fear free techniques are used to assess overall condition and

PATIENTS WHO BENEFIT MOST FROM THIS INCREASED LEVEL OF CARE HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH OSTEOARTHRITIS, CANCER, CHRONIC INTERNAL DISEASES, COGNITIVE DECLINE, AND/ OR ANY CONDITION THAT CAUSES CHRONIC PAIN OR SUFFERING. co-morbidities such as skin, ear, eye and dental disease that many older pets deal with on top of their primary life-limiting illness. Once an assessment is determined, we discuss options for care and monitoring of the patient with each family. Sometimes care is 100% in the home, and in some cases we work with the referring or speciality veterinarian to provide the most complete, interdisciplinary care possible. Our goal is to discuss ALL options and give each family choices. This means that if there is a part of care, diagnostics, or monitoring a home care practitioner or team cannot provide, a recommendation to a veterinary team that can provide the care needed at the moment should be discussed. Many home care veterinary teams carry most of the needed therapies with them and can likely start treatments immediately, which is very convenient to most families. STEP 4: Home Care and Follow-Up. A summary of your pet’s assessment, information on your pet’s disease processes, home care instructions, and how to contact the team in the event of an emergency is an important final step in an initial consultation. It should also be determined at this time when a follow-up over the phone or in-home recheck is recommended. Some patients need exams every few days, some a couple times a month, and some every 2-3 months depending on the diagnosis and associated symptoms each pet is experiencing and how quickly the team is able to stabilize them. The mission of a veterinary hospice team is to tend to the patient, the family, and the community; and to offer emotional, physical, spiritual, and social support as and wherever needed.

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eet our sponsor Nicole Bruder-Gillis, owner of Lucy Goo Pet Sitting. We wanted to find out more about what is happening in the industry and introduce our readers to her quality-driven, safety-minded services where all dog walkers and pet sitters are insured, bonded, and Pet CPR/ First Aid certified. Q: When did you start Lucy Goo Pet Sitting? What were your goals, and how have things changed over the years? A: I started Lucy Goo in 2009. The pet industry was definitely different then. People without pets would kind of grin at the term ‘pet sitter’ and visualize me walking a dozen dogs at once, like in the movies and say ‘that is an adorable thing to do, now let the grown-ups talk’. But, I kept at it. This is a serious business. When I started Lucy Goo, my goals were not

INSIDE THE PET SITTING BUSINESS with Lucy Goo Pet Sitting's Nicole Bruder-Gillis

only to provide the best quality and care for pets, along with the safest dog walking practices, it was to create work for other pet lovers just like me. The pet sitting industry really started booming in 2011, and the growth snowballed, and all the while I was also able to witness the enormous growth of people’s love and attention to their pets. It’s been an incredible journey! Q: Then along comes 2020 and Covid… A: Who could have seen that coming? Q: How has the pandemic affected your business? A: The pandemic has definitely affected pet sitting and dog walking businesses, including ours. There has been an incredible decrease in pet sitting needs because people have been home more. We have crafted different services in response to this, such as DoorSide Dog walks. This has been helpful for people while they are

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working from home. They may be involved in Zoom meetings and busy, or would just like help at exercising their pup. It’s a fun change-up in the day for our furry friends, and peace of mind for their humans to ensure their dogs aren’t getting bored while they work. Q: I’ve wondered how pets will react when their owners decide to take a trip, given that many have been working from home. Have you seen a difference in pets’ behavior? A: Pets have definitely become more attached to their parents this past year, and their routines have changed. They are experiencing separation anxiety which can be seen in chewing on themselves and objects they wouldn’t normally gnaw on, protest potties in the house, and depression. In order to make a smooth transition back to having a pet sitter, it’s good to recognize that, and discuss the plans/options they offer, and how to prepare. For

instance, we offer plans that range from solid round-the-clock care, to 24 hour ‘Flex’ care, to multiple visits. Q: Any quick closing advice to pet parents preparing to leave on a trip? A: Start to get your pet used to you being gone by leaving for outings that gradually get longer. Their reaction to this will help in choosing the best plan of care for them. Stay peaceful and calm as you plan and pack. Pets are very adept at reading body language and picking up on their human’s stress levels.

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SAY NO TO ON-LEASH GREETINGS

6 Reasons Why

ne of the very first things I teach every single client is to never allow their dog to greet other dogs while they are on a leash. This bit of advice is often met with looks of confusion because the idea is foreign to most dog owners. So, I say it again, “Never let your dog greet other dogs while on leash.” Most people really dislike the idea. After all, it seems perfectly natural and harmless to introduce your new dog to all the other dogs in the neighborhood. It’s so fun to watch dogs romp and play together! Besides, it seems rude to avoid your neighbors and not let their dog meet yours, right? To be clear, when I suggest no on-leash greetings, I’m not saying dogs shouldn’t play and socialize with other dogs. I’m just saying they shouldn’t do it while on a leash. It is important to keep in mind that

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By Stephanie Bennett, CPDT-KSA Believe in Dog Training believeindogtraining.com

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by no means are we expected to like and want to socialize with every person we see, so why do we expect our dogs to like and want to play with every dog they see? Too many owners think that having their dog engage with every dog they come How dogs should not meet on a leash.

across is an essential part of dog socialization. It is not. In fact, social distancing is really a blessing when it comes to walking your dog. 6. On-leash greetings always promote bad leash manners. Everybody

How dogs should meet: off leash. wants to their dog to walk nicely on a loose leash. Since behavior is driven by reinforcement, if you don’t want your dog to pull you, you can’t reward them for pulling. If your dog is a social dog and sees their friend on a walk, how likely is it that you will be able to let your dog “say hi” without him pulling on the leash to get to the other dog? Probably not very likely. The bottom line is that if you allow your dog to pull you to greet his friend, you are rewarding him for pulling. 5. If on-leash time becomes all about social time for your dog, you will quickly become irrelevant. Relationships with other dogs should not be your dog’s favorite thing. You should be the center of your dog’s universe and not just something on the other end of the leash that he pulls around and ignores. The walk should be a time for relationship building and bonding for you and your dog. While walking on-leash, I want my dog to pay attention to me instead of constantly looking for dog friends to “say hi”. NOTE: Your relationship with your dog is about mutual respect. You must give him the same attention you expect from him. In other words, get off your phone! 4. Leashes prevent dogs from greeting each other properly. Dog greetings are a very intricate kind of dance full of subtle cues. Appropriate greetings usually begin with a kind of banana curved body, sniffing noses and booty sniff circles. One or both dogs may initiate play, one dog may feel the need to correct the other dog, they may have an argument, or just move on. Leashes provide a very small radius for the greeting and in an instant the leashes can get all tangled up. This throws a wrench into the dogs’ efficacy to communicate with each other. Furthermore, the leash is like an umbilical cord and owners tend to yank, pull, and send all kinds of tense energy through tight leashes, which

also majorly inhibits proper greetings. In other words, we mess it all up! 3. Don’t worry, he’s friendly! Don’t assume that every owner knows their dog well enough to know for sure that their dog will get along with your dog. Many people feel the need to force their dog to meet other dogs because they are desperate for their dogs to be social. Letting dogs approach stranger dogs is not a good way to test their socialization skills. Often, owners believe that if their dog has acted aggressively, or what they perceive to be as unfriendly towards other dogs in the past, their dogs will eventually get better if the they are forced to be social. Unfortunately, this technique never works, and it almost always damages the owner’s relationship with their dog since the dog typically gets punished for being a “bad dog”. 2. Be your dog’s advocate. There are so many dogs that shouldn’t or don’t want to meet other dogs. Perhaps they are ill or

have recently had a medical procedure. Maybe they have just been adopted from a shelter and have suffered traumatic experiences. There are also many fearful and anxious dogs that need space to build their confidence. And, of course there are dogs who are very happy with their people, thank you very much, and have no interest in other dogs! It is decidedly not rude to not allow your dog to greet other dogs. This is your dog and your relationship, and you must stick up for him. The easiest and most polite way to avoid other people who want your dog to meet theirs, is to keep your distance, keep walking and say “Sorry, we are in training!” 1. On-leash greetings create leash reactivity. All of the reasons listed above can result in leash reactivity. Leash Reactivity is when a dog that is on a leash sees another dog and goes berserk. For many dogs, on-leash greetings and being forced into close proximity with other dogs, can result in fear-based reactivity. They want to get away, but the leash makes them feel trapped and helpless. As a result, they will do things like bark, lung, and growl, which can often be mistaken for aggression. Leash reactivity is always progressive and requires serious behavior modification work. Do yourself and your dog a favor and avoid on-leash greetings. When your dog is walking nicely next to you, without pulling, and only showing mild interest in other dogs, you will be glad you did!

Dog paying proper attention to owner during walk.

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FRENCH BULLDOG REIGNS SUPREME

Houston Loves The Frenchie Breed!

ust in from the news desk of the American Kennel Club, once again, the French Bulldog took Houston’s top spot for a third consecutive year in the American Kennel Club’s (AKC®) 2020 ranking of the most popular AKCrecognized dog breeds in the U.S. The French Bulldog was also recognized as the #1 pup in New York, NY, Miami, FL and Chicago, IL. Securing the 2nd spot are Bulldogs, pushing down Labrador Retrievers to 3rd place. Pembroke Welsh Corgis have gradually moved up on the list in previous years, finally breaking into the top ten in 2020 and solidifying their 9th place ranking. With the debut of Pembroke Welsh Corgis, Doberman Pinschers have been kicked out of the top ten! “French Bulldogs continue to captivate the hearts of Houston residents as well as

byline Submitted by AKC.ORG

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dog lovers nationally,” shared AKC Executive Secretary Gina DiNardo. “Because of their affectionate and playful ways, this breed makes a great companion for individuals as well as families.”

HOUSTON’S TOP 5 BREEDS FOR 2020: 1. French Bulldog 2. Bulldog 3. Labrador Retriever 4. Golden Retriever 5. German Shepherd Dog

* Registration data pulled from Houston zip codes as specified by U.S. Postal Service The AKC also announced its nationwide rankings recently at the AKC Museum of the Dog in NYC. The Labrador Retriever celebrates a milestone! The loveable Lab remains the number one most popular breed in the United States for the 30th year.

While the Lab holds firmly to the top spot, the French Bulldog has continued to skyrocket in popularity. The Frenchie landed at number two in 2020, knocking the German Shepherd Dog down to third. The German Shepherd Dog had been the second most popular dog breed since 2009.

MOST POPULAR BREEDS NATIONWIDE 2020 1. Labrador Retriever 2. French Bulldog 3. German Shepherd Dog 4. Golden Retriever 5. Bulldog

To learn more from the AKC, find them online at akc.org or visit their booth during the Houston World Series of Dog Shows at Reliant Arena the third weekend in July.

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here was a time, not long ago, when if you saw someone walking with a dog say, through an airport, you could safely assume it was a professionally trained service dog. Today, not so much. So what are the differences among service dogs, therapy dogs and emotional support dogs and what are the legal ramifications of these classifications?

SERVICE DOGS

Service dogs are specifically defined by the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), which supersedes any countervailing state laws, as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability. The task(s) performed by the dog must be directly related to the person's disability. Which begs the question; What does "do work or perform tasks" mean? Simply put, it means the dog

help the person remain safe during the seizure. The critical elements are that: (1) the person has a disability recognized as such under the ADA, and (2) the dog is trained to perform a specific physical act that the person cannot perform as a result of their disability. What service dogs are not (and the list is long and varied) includes comfort, emotional support, therapy and companion dogs. So, if you suffer from, for example, anxiety and the presence of your pet dog relieves or lessons your anxiety - a very real and well documented phenomenon - your dog does not qualify as a service animal. It matters not that you purchased a vest emblazoned with the title “Service Dog”, or that you answered some questions, paid some money and obtained a service dog “certification”. Since your dog has not been trained to perform an act that assists you with your disability, under the legally applicable definition, it is

just so they can travel or enter a restaurant with their pet. Is it illegal? Depending on what state your in, yes. Is it unethical and wrong? Yes, irrespective of where you are. An enormous amount of time, talent, effort and money goes into the training of most service dogs and the virtual explosion of “fakes” makes utilizing qualified dogs progressively more difficult.

not a service dog. On the other hand, a dog trained to use a device that calls 911 or other assistance when you have a debilitating anxiety attack, could be properly classified as a service dog. The difference is that in the later situation it isn’t the dogs mere presence, but rather it’s specific training, that assist with the disability. This in no way diminishes how incredibly impactful a pet can be to our mental and physical well being. As a professional who trains service dogs, I have witnessed in recent years an ever increasing number of people taking liberties by presenting pet dogs as service animals. How do I know? The same way a dentist knows you haven’t been flossing despite your protestations to the contrary - it's our job and thus obvious though not necessarily something one can prove. It is disconcerting in the extreme to see someone claim their clearly untrained and sometimes ill mannered dog is a service animal

utilize their services, but this is not a legal requirement. Therapy dogs are not service dogs and thus are not allowed access to places open to the public that exclude pets like restaurants, movie theaters, etc.

THERAPY DOGS

A therapy dog is a dog trained to provide a calming, pleasing effect to people in settings such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools. Typically, their job is just to be petted and loved on and to return that love to those in need while exhibiting only the best of manners. Such dogs usually take and pass a test administered by one of the nationally recognized organizations that certify therapy dogs. Certification is almost always required by the hospitals or other institutions that

SERVICE, THERAPY, AND EMOTIONAL SUPPORT & COMPANION DOGS What’s the difference? must be trained to take a specific action when needed to assist the person with a disability. For example, a person with diabetes may have a dog that is trained to alert him when his blood sugar reaches high or low levels. Or, a person who has epilepsy may have a dog that is trained to detect the onset of a seizure and then

byline By: Jeff Murphrey, Canine Country Club, mycaninecountryclub.com

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EMOTIONAL SUPPORT AND COMPANION DOGS

This is a category created by the airline industry in an effort to accommodate customers who had psychological or emotional needs eased by the presence of pets that would not qualify as service animals. Unfortunately, the accommodation was abused by many who claimed that everything from snakes to chickens were “Support animals” and most airlines have now either vastly restricted or eliminated this category of pet from their cabins. Service dogs are, of course, still permitted to fly. Service dogs are special, devoted and highly trained animals that deserve our respect and admiration and whose work should not be diminished just because many of us (me included) would like our pets to be with us all the time.

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

Orangutans' arms stretch out longer than their bodies - over two metres from fingertip to fingertip - and are used to employ a "hookgrip". When on the ground, they walk on all fours, using their palms or their fists.

WILD ABOUT ANIMALS

By Michelle Mantor photographybyprudence.com

Wild About Animals is a monthly feature written by our Editor with the mission of educating the public on the value of all species.

he first time I visited a zoo, I was seven years old and my family was on vacation in Cincinnati. My sole memory of that trip was a lasting mental image of an orangutan who was sitting against a wall running a big plastic comb through her hair. The repugnant part of the story is that the ape had thrown up and was running the comb through the vomit, then combing her hair. Yes, I know as a human we think that’s gross but animals aren’t people and they do things we don’t always understand. But to me, that’s what makes them so interesting…they are not people! I was totally fascinated by that orangutan and to this day, it’s one of the top 3 animals I seek out as soon as I visit a zoo. (Confession: I also binge watch the Smithsonian Channel’s Orangutan Jungle School). In retrospect, I think what was compelling about the orangutan at the Cincinnati Zoo was that even at the age of seven, I intrinsically knew that this ape was mimicking human behavior and that their intelligence was well beyond most animals. Fast forward to the present and you can imagine my level of excitement the day of the photoshoot with orangutans at the Houston Zoo, which I have been waiting for almost a year as the zoo unveiled the enhanced orang-

utan habitat. The Houston Zoo is home to four orangutans: Rudi (43), Kelly (40), Cheyenne (48) and her daughter Aurora (9). For our photoshoot and encounter, we were treated to some fun with Rudi who cooperated beautifully (using treats to entice him also helped). According to Rudi’s keepers, “Rudi is an avid artist and very playful guy! He loves to have visitors so he can show off his intelligence and be admired. He can be pretty selective in who he chooses to interact with but if you are one of the lucky ones he will melt your heart with his constant games and general adorableness.” Well, I guess I was a lucky one because we literally were only separated by glass, staring at each other’s face. It was an amazing moment! The intelligence in his eyes was so apparent and then he lifted up his ball filled with juice for me to see, as if to say, “Look what I have." I swear I think he would have offered me a drink if he could but then again, I am probably just hoping he loved me back LOL! These great apes share 96.4% of our genes so it’s no wonder we are fascinated by their minds and behaviors. The name orangutan means "man of the forest" in the Malay language and they are the only great ape species that is primarily arboreal (tree dwelling). They feast on wild fruits like

Rudi showing me his ball filled with juice.

lychees, mangosteens, and figs, and drink water from holes in trees. They make their “beds” in trees of vegetation to sleep at night and rest during the day. Adult male orangutans can weigh up to 200 pounds. Flanged males have large cheek pads called flanges (Rudi’s flanges are quite prominent). An unflanged male looks like an adult female. In a biological phenomenon unique among primates, an unflanged male can change to a flanged male for reasons that are not yet fully understood. Of the four great apes (gorillas, orangutans, bonobos, and chimpanzees), only the orangutan comes from Asia. There are three separate species of orangutan – the Sumatran, the Bornean and the Tapanuli. In addition to flanges in males, they also have a throat sac used to make recognizable calls that echo through the forest. This is called the “Long Call” and is used to locate and advertise their presence to females or warn other males away. I know I mentioned that these fabulous creatures are smart but research shows just how smart they really are. Physical intelligence includes tool-making and use for problem-solving, as well as advanced planning. The social evidence of orangutan intelligence includes deception, alliances,

CHEYENNE 48 YRS OLD

"Do you want a treat?"

mediation, reconciliation, consoling, empathy, intentions, imitation, teaching, culture, and language. An orangutan’s lifespan is about 35-40 years in the wild, and sometimes into their late 50’s in captivity. Wild female orangutans reach puberty at about 8 years of age, but a female isn’t ready for her own baby until she’s in her teens. The orangutan has one of the longest childhood dependence on the mother of any animal in the world, because there is so much for a young orangutan to learn in order to survive. The babies nurse until they are about six years of age. As I referenced earlier, I love the Smithsonian Channel’s Orangutan Jungle School which chronicles the life of many orphaned babies and teens as they are going to “school” to learn the necessary skills for survival that they would have otherwise learned from mom. Sadly, as with many wild animals we write about in our conservation section, orangutans are critically endangered. The main threats to their existence are: » Loss of habitat through deforestation (they’ve lost over 80% of

Clearly the answer is YES! their habitat in the last 20 years) Palm oil plantations » Illegal hunting » Illegal pet trade Here’s how you can help. Each palm oil plantation destroys thousands of hectares and the product is used in nearly everything we buy it seems. Experts don’t recommend avoiding palm oil as much as they recommend purchasing from sustainable producers. To help you find the best products to purchase, the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo created an App you can find in the App store. Download the Sustainable Palm Oil Shopping Guide App that allows you to scan or search for products and see how their company is rated. With a bit of research, you can find many things you can do that will help orangutans survive for future generations to love and adore, just like I do! »

Cheyenne is a smart and strong-willed older orangutan. The oldest at the Houston Zoo, she is probably the youngest at heart. She has been an incredible foster mom to several young orangutans which has helped keep her playful and energetic. Currently, you will see her being dragged around by the equally strong-willed Aurora. They are often engaged in playful wrestling and chase sessions making it hard to believe that Cheyenne is in her 40s. Combined with her intelligence, she also has incredible patience and determination which enables her to figure out even the most complicated enrichment or task.

KELLY 40 YRS OLD

Kelly is a smart and observant orangutan. She has incredible patience and is very good at reading both people and orangutans. She knows what she wants and is willing to wait for the perfect opportunity to try to get it. She loves enrichment and can pick up new behaviors during training very quickly. She loves threading blankets, fire hose, paper, straw or anything she can find to decorate her home. She is not a fan of early mornings and often will pull a blanket over her head or make a fort of boxes to hide behind to get just a few more minutes of sleep.

AURORA 10 YRS OLD

Aurora is an energetic, strong-willed, and intelligent youngster. She is a combination of her biological and foster mothers, Kelly and Cheyenne. She quickly figures out enrichment and training. When she decides what she wants, she doesn’t let anything stand in her way. She loves organizing her home to fit her standards, whether it be stacking boxes or dragging all of her heavy props and toys up to the highest hammock or threading blankets and hoses around her behind-thescenes home! She also knows that she is adorable and is insistent that keepers and guests give her the attention she deserves.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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 the TWRC Wildlife Center. This issue, we highlight the zoo's support of Orangutans. Look for other up$coming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

www.houstonpettalk.com

few months ago, the Houston Zoo unveiled the final project in the Heart of the Zoo portion of its master plan,

By: Lauren Wappler, Houston Zoo

Photo credit, Jackelin Reyna /Houston Zoo

See Orangutans at the Zoo and Save Orangutans in the Wild

an updated orangutan habitat. This renovated space provides enhanced climbing structures and enrichment opportunities for the orangutans, as well as increased shaded areas for the animals.

The renovations also include an enlarged moat and a private beach for 25 endangered Asian turtles including yellow-headed temple turtles, Malaysian giant pond turtles, Fly River turtles, and painted terrapins. Guests can see the Zoo’s four orangutans – Rudi, Cheyenne, Kelly, and Aurora – in their new space in the Wortham World of Primates. Orangutans are the only great ape species that is primarily arboreal, meaning they spend most of their time in trees. They are semi-solitary animals by nature, so guests are likely to see one or two orangutans at one time enjoying their new space. Aurora, the youngest and most agile of the group, can be seen playing in all the higher area places most of the time. While visiting the orangutans at the Zoo, guests also learn how their visit is helping the Zoo protect these species in the wild. The Houston Zoo has been protecting wild orangutans in

Photo credit, HUTAN/KOCP

Borneo for more than 15 years. The Zoo provides support and training for local Bornean community members from conservation partner, Hutan to watch over wild orangutan families. Hutan staff trek into the forest daily to watch the orangutans move, interact with one another, and eat. They use this data to create government protection plans for wild orangutans. Many of these staff are also Wildlife Wardens. They patrol the areas where orangutans live to protect them from poaching and detect illegal wildlife activities. In 2020, the Zoo purchased a drone for the team to use to protect and monitor orangutan nests high in the trees and create 3D maps of the forested areas. In addition to the support for local wildlife protection and monitoring, the Zoo has also provided support for more than 150,000 trees to be planted in Borneo. Through a partnership with the Zoo, and Hutan, the

Sabah Wildlife Department and a palm oil plantation are replanting a forest corridor designed to protect orangutans and other wildlife. This vital forest corridor connects valuable wildlife populations together to increase reproduction opportunities and ensures a safe home and pathway for orangutans and other wildlife. The talented tree-planting team in Borneo is composed of 12

trained women from the local Kinabatangan, Borneo community. Very few women in Kinabatangan villages have permanent jobs, and the Houston Zoo is proud to support these women. This group is committed to ensure the best survival rates for the seedlings they plant, and they continue to provide intensive care for the seedlings for several years after they have been planted.

In 2020, a total of 7,000 tree seedlings of 14 native species were carefully planted. Guests to the Houston Zoo are also helping to save orangutans in Borneo. By visiting the Zoo to see orangutans, they save them in the wild. A portion of every Zoo admission ticket and membership supports wildlife-saving efforts around the world.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

If SomeBunny In Your Family Wants A Rabbit As A Pet...

aster is typically a time we think of bunnies and often a time when children see images of rabbits and start asking to have one as a pet. Rabbits can make excellent pets, however, there are things you should know before taking on the responsibility, which includes educating your child on the proper care for their pet. Rabbits are not short-term pets — they can live 8-12 years or more. Rabbits require plenty of space to stretch out and move around. In order for a family and a rabbit to get to know each other (and for the rabbit’s best health), the rabbit needs to be an indoor pet with as much out-of-cage time with the family as possible. Rabbits make good pets because they are quiet and can be litter-box trained. However, rabbits have individual personalities just like cats and dogs and owners need to get to know their rabbit. Some like to

1. 2. 3.

be held while others don’t; some like more play time than others, and so forth. Rabbits are very sensitive to changes to their feeding, cleaning, and exercise routines. Changes are stressful and may lead to illness so it’s imperative that an adult is responsible and committed to the rabbit’s care, even though it may be the “child’s pet”. You will need to bunny-proof the parts of your house where the rabbit is allowed to run, somewhat similar to tod-

4. 5.

dler-proofing. Adopt a rabbit from a rescue group or local shelter. A medium to large breed adult rabbit is usually better for a child and may already be spayed or neutered (which spares you that large expense). Young rabbits are very active, often nippy, and chew everything so an adult rabbit is easier and may be litter-trained already or would be easier to train than a youngster. Many rabbits enjoy being with people but your family must have patience and an acceptance of individual differences to earn their trust. As pets, rabbits can be adorable, funny, entertaining, intelligent and full of personality. Just be sure to do your research on what it REALLY takes to be a rabbit parent, including veterinary care, feeding and cleaning routines, socializing and play time, other household pets and age of children.

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