May 2022
The Veterinary issue Trends, Specialists, Diagnostics + More
New name. Same remarkable care. Senior Paws is now BluePearl Pet Hospice We’re becoming part of the BluePearl family, who share our goals of providing compassionate specialized care for senior and geriatric pets.
OUR SERVICES
More resources to help more patients As BluePearl Pet Hospice, we will be able to support more patients in the North Houston area, working with the BluePearl Spring hospital.
• Pet Hospice and palliative care
Providing the right care for the best rest of life We are a full-service hospice practice staffed by credentialed professionals who can provide complex symptom management for geriatric and terminally ill pets in the Greater Houston area. We can also see older pets at our comfort center in Northwest Houston. Support for you and your pet We will help you make the most appropriate choices for your pet based on your goals, all while offering the best control of pain and symptoms.
Our mission is to make every pet’s end-of-life experience as meaningful as the life they’ve lived.
• Pain management consultation • Pet Hospice consultation
• Telehealth/virtual visits with a DVM or LVT • Pain management • Veterinary acupuncture • Class IV therapeutic laser • In-home euthanasia and in-center euthanasia • Environmentally friendly Aquamation services • Pet memorial keepsakes
OUR DVMs We will still have the same staff of dedicated doctors to help support families and pets. Christie Cornelius, DVM, CHPV Julie Spade, DVM, CHPV, CVMA Erica Sandberg, DVM, CHPV Elizabeth Rowlands, DVM Emma Brawn, DVM Jessica Dalton, DVM
For more information, contact us at 713.452.0474 or visit PetHospice.BluePearlVet.com For career opportunities visit Careers.BluePearlVet.com
Great oral care for your furry friend isn’t easy.
But it can be.
Your pet’s teeth and gums should be checked annually by your primary care veterinarian for early signs of a problem. But when your pet needs advanced care, count on Veterinary Dentistry Specialists to help them get their smile back. VDS is the only network of stand-alone dentistry practices in the nation dedicated to advanced care* where a boardcertified veterinary dentist and a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist are on staff full time to ensure the safest and most comfortable experience... and the best possible outcome. We put your pet’s comfort and safety at the forefront of everything we do. And at our new location in Katy, you’ll find a Texas-style warm and welcoming environment. Call us to learn more.
1437 FM 1463, Ste 120 | Katy, TX 77494 By appointment: Monday – Thursday: 7:30am – 7:00pm
(346) 257-6725
Chanda Miles, DVM, DAVDC
Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist™
katy@vdsvets.com | vdsvets.com | Locations: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas
*Endodontics | Extractions | Jaw Fracture Repair | Malocclusions | Oral Cancer | Orthodontics | Palate Surgery | Periodontics | Prosthodontics & Restoratives | Salivary Glands
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OUR PASSION IS
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
THE TRUSTED CHOICE Emergency Care Services Offered: • • • • • • •
T rained doctors & veterinary assistants Blood pressure monitoring Cardiovascular monitoring & ECG Emergency surgery Emergency examinations Advanced diagnostics In-house labwork
• • • • • • •
xygen therapy O 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.
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VCA ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL SOUTHEAST CALDER ROAD
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Calder Dr
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Mon-Thu 6:00 PM - 8:00 AM Fri 6:00 PM - Mon 8:00 AM 24 hours on Holidays
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VCA Animal Emergency Hospital Southeast Calder Road
VCA ANIMAL EMERGENCY HOSPITAL SOUTHEAST
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281-332-1678 1108 GULF FREEWAY S., #280 LEAGUE CITY, TX 77573 VCAcalderroad.com
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Mon-Thu 6:00 PM - 8:00 AM Fri 6:00 PM - Mon 8:00 AM 24 hours on Holidays
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VCA Animal Emergency Hospital Southeast
10331 GULF FREEWAY HOUSTON, TX 77034 VCAemergencyse.com
59
Link Rd
We specialize in the art of fine grooming Montrose 1417 Richmond Avenue Houston, Texas 77006
Memorial 1022 Wirt Road, Suite 312 Houston, Texas 77055
281-974-1313
713-393-7181 New Location
River Oaks 3641 Westheimer, Suite B Houston, Texas 77027 713-393-7181
info@thepetbarberhouston.com
ThePetBarberHouston.com
Houston PetTalk Magazine
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Featured adoption shelters CAP In 1972, a group of concerned Houstonians founded Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP), a non-profit organization, in response to the pervasive problem of thousands of neglected and abused animals in Harris County. The majority of animal shelters, including the city’s program, had few standards for animal care or adoption procedures and were in deplorable condition. These selfless volunteers had a vision of a community that cared for and protected homeless, helpless animals. That vision included pioneering programs such as the creation of the first comprehensive pet adoption screening system, pet facilitated therapy for patients at the VA hospital and the elderly in nursing homes and one of the first feral cat assistance programs in the state, FCAP, feral cat assistance program.
BARC BARC is the City of Houston’s Animal Shelter and Adoption Facility. BARC is the only city shelter in Houston required by law to accept every animal that comes through our doors regardless of breed, temperament, health conditions, and circumstance (from owner surrender, stray pickup, rescued or confiscated animals). We have built a best-in-class team that stewards our mission of professionalism, responsibility, compassion, commitment, integrity, and accountability. BARC is dedicated to pet adoption and a live release initiative. In addition to sheltering and providing veterinary care to all animals brought to the shelter, we work diligently to place these animals in new homes.
Kellie’s Yorkie, Emma Lee
Real estate isn’t her only passion. Having worked alongside Cibolo Creek Veterinary Hospital and donating to BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions, when Kellie isn’t finding homes for her human clientele she is helping those furry friends in need by fundraising for surgical cost coverage, fostering and finding safe loving forever homes. 713.213.2011 | Kellie.Geitner@sir.com KELLIEGEITNER.COM
Proven. Positive. Powerful.
There are so many amazing animals who would love to become a family member, and live in your home. Please consider adoption!
Letter from the Editor On the cover
PUPPY LOVE!
What is better than a puppy hug?? This adorable pup, Mia, an adoptable from Houston Humane Society, offers a wellreceived snuggle to editor Michelle Mantor during our cover shoot. Both animals on our cover are adoptables, joined by three of Houston's Top Vets: Dr. Christie Cornelius, Dr. Jennifer Hennessey and Dr. Shonda Wesson. Learn more about them and the field of veterinary medicine in our feature story. Cover photo by Allison Wilkins of Evin Thayer Studios. Thank you to Houston Humane Society for our cover pets! Find more pets for adoption at HoustonHumane.org.
HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL
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s an animal advocate, I see the profession of Veterinary Medicine as one that is noble, challenging, stressful, valuable, and dare I say underpaid by comparison to other professions, given their knowledge and life-saving skills. Through my years of publishing, I have met many veterinarians and edited a plethora of medical articles, which has given me a window into the life of animal doctors. Their challenges are greater than the average pet owner can possibly know. One of my favorite quotes that sums up veterinary medicine is by Will Rogers who once said, “Personally, I have always felt that the best doctor in the world is the Veterinarian. He can't ask his patients what is the matter...he's just got to know.” Amen! The challenge veterinarians face is the fact that the patient cannot talk and their nature is to hide any illness or injury, which makes diagnosis that much harder. Not only can the patient not talk, they are sometimes owned by people who don’t take them to the vet (possibly for financial reasons) at the first sign of illness or for regular check-ups where many illnesses can be caught early. One of my biggest pet peeves is when people complain about veterinarians “just wanting money” when they request to do bloodwork, x-rays, and other diagnostics. Seriously? Think about it. How else are they going to determine the problem if the pet can't talk or point to where it hurts? If you want to get my ire up, dismiss the need for work-ups to find the answer to a health issue. Adding to the challenge of diagnosis, veterinarians must also know many species. Human doctors need to know ONE. There is
very little that is similar between a dog, cat, bird, reptile, horse, goat, pig, etc. and vets are expected to know therm all. And, to add to the expectations, many of the questions posed from owners to veterinarians during exams are behavioral, such as “Why is my cat not using the litter box?” or “What can I do about my dog being fearful of the vacuum?” So yeah, they are expected to be behaviorists too! Unfortunately, the challenges don’t stop there. Veterinarians have the stress of life and death in their hands. From trauma cases of dogs hit by a car, to cruelty cases of a cat being shot or tortured, to providing euthanasia, veterinarians must absorb this emotional toll day after day. Many veterinarians also own their own business, which brings its own stress of managing financials, employees (including shortages of qualified workers), demanding clients all wanting to be called back ASAP, continuing education requirements (18 hours per year), adherence to legal guidelines, and more. After reading this, would it surprise you that veterinarians have one of the highest suicide rates? Or that they are leaving the profession in record numbers? Read about this reality and more in our feature. If this issue's glimpse into the veterinary world can help just a few people understand the profession and offer respect and kindness to their vet, then YAY! To give you perspective, we asked our sponsors to write about an array of topics focused on veterinary medicine and I hope you enjoy their contributions. And, the next time you visit your vet, help them feel valued by offering your thanks for the challenging and necessary work they do.
© 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.
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’m writing to you this month from an airplane. Or should I say a Large Metal Tube Previously Thought Luxurious Now Turned Low Cost, Terrorist Targeted, Overcrowded, Mask Mandated, Militantly Managed Machine? In these hard economic times with inflation higher than the crowd at a Snoop Dog concert and the bank account is bone dry, I took the bait and bought a No Frills Rate on SouthPaw Airlines. Perhaps a goat would have been a better choice for transportation. I typically prefer to view my water bowl half full rather than half empty. With the nightly news predicting we are all going to be nuked in the near future, I feel it’s ok to approach everything with reckless abandon and just go wild. I might even date a cat. Who Knows. Anyway, I’m trying to find the light in the darkness of this moment as I sit lodged between a 300 lb. human donut and something on the other side of me that resembles a human but smells like you might find it in a zoo. Ok, pawsitive….I’m trying to think pawsitive. Well, first I am thankful that the person next to me doesn’t weigh 400 lbs. Secondly, I am thankful my body was totally searched before entering the Large Metal Tube because that’s the most fun I’ve had in a long time. I’m
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also thankful the airplane is packed to the gills because I would hate think we left one square ft. of the plane empty, hence we would not be doing our environmental duty by maximizing the evil use of jet fuel. Speaking of fuel, I actually need some fuel in the form of a Bloody Mary. However, with one Drill Sargent on duty serving 127 “guests” who can only be allowed to drink one sip at a time and then said MASK must be replaced on said FACE, I am calculating my chance of this opportunity presenting itself as equal to the chances that I will ever fly this airline again. I digressed from thinking pawsitive. Sorry… I’m back on track. Hmm…still looking around for pawsitive. Oh…I’ve got one! I can always stand to lose a pound or two so I really must thank the airline for not feeding me anything during the six hour flight. I believe that will lead to at least a .005% loss in body weight and will contribute conversely to a 50% increase in a bad mood by the time I exit the plane’s stairs in the rain because there will be no concourse to the terminal. All of this pawsitive thought is giving me a headache. I thought about going to the “loo” but I would probably drop out the bottom and land in Kansas. Which brings me to where I’m
going. I was planning on being in L.A. for the annual Doga For Dummies Convention where I speak on “Staying In A Pawsitive Mindset While Being Told To Sit, Stay, Come, Roll Over and NO! Throughout The Day”. It’s a really inspiring speech but at this rate, I may be speaking at the 2023 convention as we stop to load and unload this flying trashcan in Detroit, Salt Lake City, Pheonix and Denver before arriving at promised destination (I didn’t read the fine print). That about wraps up the best parts of this experience and I hope it has brightened your view of the No Frills options made thoughtfully available by the airline industry. Oh yeah… one last word of advice. I decided to do a post mortem on this amazing travel experience and when I finally read the fine print, I realized I had paid and extra $30 for the “flotation device located under your seat”. My advice should you ever be insane enough to purchase one of these extraordinary tickets, is to decline the fee for the flotation device and use it toward bringing your own toilet paper, air freshner and perhaps a small pharmaceutical device designed to make you happy even when you are not.
Henrietta Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorizing by Desiree Lonsway
Henrietta
On Flying “No Frills” SouthPaw Airlines
Same-day shipping when you order online at:
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to go before the 007 Gala, you still have time to purchase an individual ticket or table to support Eamancipet's vision of making veterinary care affordable and accessible for everyone. Table sales start at $3,000. Please visit Emancipet. org/event/007-anniversary-gala/ for table sponsorship or message Angelita.Sampaio@ emancipet.org if you would like to purchase individual tickets. Learn more about Emancipet at Emancipet.org.
Angelita, Tracy Faulker, Council Member Amy Peck (Dist. A), & Josie
Tracy and Harry Faulkner
Angelita, Tracy Faulkner & Hector Villarreal
Victoria Ma, Dizhi Marlow, Tina Chen & Jenesis Alia
Catarina Gonzales, Sonia Soto & Sharron Melton (KIAH-TV CW39)
Gabriela Garcia (Houston PetTalk Magazine), Angelita & Ricky Garcia
Photos provided by Quy Tran Photography
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mancipet’s Toast for Tails occurred Friday, March 11th, at Houston’s downtown Ballroom at Bayou Place to rally support and table sales for their 7 Year Anniversary Gala (scheduled for Thursday, May 12th at The Bell Tower on 34th). The evening included a raffle full of animal-related items and services graciously donated by our Houston community partners. Toast for Tails was a private celebration with approximately 100 guests. With just 2 months
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he Pin Oak Charity Horse Show held each March into April in Katy, TX features three weeks of top equestrian competition and ringside gala events that together raise money for the Texas Children’s Hospital.
This year’s show and gala events including the Ringside Derby Party raised approximately $200,000 for Texas Children’s Hospital. Learn more or plan your visit next Spring at PinOak.org.
Gretchen & Ivy’s Pet Sitting 20 years experience. Bonded.
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Houston PetTalk Magazine
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First Boarding night FREE. Our TREAT! (Oops, probably shouldn’t say that word out loud.)
Book Now. PETSUITES THE WOODLANDS 8531 Hufsmith Rd, Tomball, TX 77375 Call 832.559.2957 | Text 832.559.0337 thewoodlands.petsuitesofamerica.com PETSUITES LONG MEADOW 5535 Meadow Ranch Pkwy Houston, Texas 77407 Call 346.439.1897 | Text 346.415.4500 longmeadow.petsuitesofamerica.com PETSUITES ATASCOCITA 17730 West Lake Houston Pkwy Humble, TX 77346 Call 346.415.4906 | Text 346.415.5100 atascocita.petsuitesofamerica.com
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PETSUITES PEARLAND 3205 Kirby Dr, Pearland, TX 77584 Call 832.856.0353 | Text 832.856.0455 pearland.petsuitesofamerica.com PETSUITES SPRING RAYFORD 2825 Canyon Ranch Dr Spring, TX 77386 Call 346.220.6310| Text 346.808.4548 springrayford.petsuitesofamerica.com PETSUITES SUGAR LAND 20430 SW Fwy, Richmond, TX 77469 Call 832.365.3159 | Text 832.945.1555 sugarland.petsuitesofamerica.com PETSUITES SPRING KLEIN 6525 Louetta Rd, Spring, TX 77379 Call 346.220.6310 | Text 346.808.4548 Klein.petsuitesofamerica.com
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TRAINING
NEWS & EVENTS
oma C eucs R floG Scelbmar Evtne
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oin Camo Rescue on May 13th to golf for the animals! The 4-Person Scramble format begins with a 9am shotgun start. Teams are $600 or $150 for individuals, with breakfast and lunch provided. This fun outing will take place at High Meadow Ranch Golf Club, located at 37300 Golf Club Trl, Magnolia, TX 77355. Learn more at CamoRescue.com. CAMO Rescue offers life, health and a forever home. They specialize in dogs that other rescues can’t or won’t take due to fearful nature or medical needs and they primarily rescue ‘euthanasia listed’ animals that are in immediate danger of death. CAMO Rescue provide shots, spay/neuter, microchip, foster homes, food, medical treatment and love to dogs that are abandoned, unwanted or otherwise in need. Learn more at CamoRescue.com.
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Photo provided by Emancipet
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mancipet nonprofit pet clinics is celebrating 7 years of serving Houston pet families in the best way they know how, by throwing a party for their pack! To commemorate the 7-year anniversary, the gala theme is 007 James Bond. The evening kicks off with a special VIP reception featuring specialty cocktails and party perks, followed by dinner, a pet fashion show, and an awards program where they will honor distinguished guests whose support have made their success possible. Guests of Honor include Tena Lundquist Faust & Tama Lundquist (Houston PetSet), Council Member Robert Gallegos (East End Leader Honoree) and Unity for a Solution (Community Partner Honoree). Gala Chairs are Tracy Faulkner & Angelita Sampaio (pictured with two of Tracy’s three rescue dogs, Boudreaux and Scotty). For sponsorship or ticket information, please contact Angelita Sampaio at Angelita.Sampaio@emancipet.org.
NEWS & EVENTS
Honotsu ste P Al:evi Dog tse F
Photos courtesy of ARG Photography
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ove animals? You don't want to miss out on Dog Fest powered by GoodCharlie! Join Houston Pets Alive! on May 14 from 2pm6pm with your family and friends of all ages (human and dog) at Powder Keg for local beer, food trucks, vendors, prizes, photo ops, and a "Goodest Dog" competition judged by local celebrities. It's a great way to have a fun-filled day (whether or not you have a pet) while also saving Houston’s homeless dogs and cats! To register, find event details, and secure your free spot and swag bag go to houstonpetsalive.org/ dogfest2022. Proceeds from Dog Fest will benefit Houston Pets Alive!, a leading local animal rescue that relies on the generosity of Houston's animal lovers to carry out its mission to save the lives of at-risk cats and dogs and find them loving homes. Plus, event presenter GoodCharlie will be announcing the winner of their free electricity for a year sweepstakes live at the event. Enter the sweepstakes to win free electricity for a year, free 24/7 Video Vet access, and $1,000 Emergency Fund at goodcharlie. me/hpadogfest.
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NEWS & EVENTS
REACTIVE R VER?
Help your pet live a life
without fear
Hilarious yet impactful connection of dots on changing you and your pets mindset for the better
available at PlayTallToday.com Amazon Kindle 18
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Honotsu Huenam Soyteic Surem pmaC
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ooking for the perfect Summer Camp for your little ones? The Houston Humane Society hosts Summer Camp Pawsome every year for children ages 7 – 13. The camp strives to create an environment where children can be themselves and be with animals they adore. Cat lovers can spend time cuddling with their favorite cats, Dog lovers can spend time teaching dogs new tricks. There is something for every young animal lover! The best part is the children and animals grow in confidence and learn the value of true companionship!
During Camp Pawsome, the children will have the opportunity to experience a fun-filled week: » Hands-on play time with adoptable animals » Humane Education & Animal Welfare » Fun Games » Arts & Crafts for the animals » Interactive show-and-tells from animal experts » Observe a live animal surgery in our Wellness Clinic » Make tons of friends and great memories! Register today: HoustonHumane.org.
Photos provided by Houston Humane Society
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READ ALL ABOUT IT
THESE BOOKS FROM OUR SPONSOR MAKE GREAT GIFTS!
Books By Author Patsy Burdine
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atsy Burdine is a speaker, author, and trainer at Play Tall LLC. For over 25 years, Patsy has encouraged business women to embrace their uniqueness and power so they can live an extraordinary life. She now offers workshops and tips on how to Play Tall Not Small on her website, PlayTallToday.com.
STOP! LETTING YOUR TRIGGERS TERRORIZE YOU: LESSONS FROM A REACTIVE ROVER ON LIVING A LIFE WITHOUT FEAR AVAILABLE AT AMAZON KINDLE
Learn to live your life wide open - even if your fears and triggers send you reeling every day. Speaker, author and trainer, Patsy Burdine, brings us this hilarious yet impactful story about her dogs training that can help us all learn to live a life without fears. Growing six feet tall but somehow losing confidence with every inch, Patsy began her lifelong quest to discover the answers so many people are looking for, “what’s holding me back”. Whether personal or professional limitations are your issue, they are all self-imposed through the power of our mind. You’ll find all the answers you’ve been searching for and most importantly, the tools you’ll need to change habitual triggers from ruling your life forever. There are answers and the tools do work. User friendly, short, and entertaining, this delightful story about a dog named Stella teaches us how to manage our triggers and mindset mayhem to get a better result out of work and life. In this book, you’ll learn: The most important keys of neuroscience that run your brain and therefore your life; How to recognize your own reactive moments and what they look like; How to understand where these fears and triggers come from; How to change your core beliefs that drive your life negatively and create new thought patterns that serve you better; Patsy’s signature step-by-step process, Release, Retrain, Repeat© and how to put it into practice for yourself.
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MIRACLES OF MOE AVAILABLE AT AMAZON KINDLE
This short little story was written about a short little dog with a very big heart....literally. Moe has a heart defect called subaortic stenosis. It is severe enough that it cannot be fixed with surgery. Moe's heart has to work much harder to do the same job as other pets or people, so his heart becomes enlarged, leading to a much shorter life span. None of us know how many days we have and neither does Moe. He simply lives his best every day.
STELLA & MOE'S BIG ADVENTURE AVAILABLE AT AMAZON KINDLE
Meet Stella, Moe's big sister. Stella is curious and loves adventure but it sometimes leads to danger. Moe is reluctant to follow Stella's lead but he can't pass up a chance to explore the neighborhood... find out what happens when they wander too far and don't listen to mom!
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#ShareWithUs! HOUSTON FUN 1. @Azulelcorgi happy birthday to this cutie! Azul turns dos (2) i pawtied with my frens yesterday, more pics to come! Thank you for all my frens that joined me, i had a blast! #Birthdayboy #azulturnsdos 2. @Lida_rose_and_her_mom happy friday everyone. I want to introduce you to my good friend keiko. Keiko lives in my neighborhood and is also a pughearts alumni. Keiko was rescued from a meat market in china and is now living the good life in houston. Please give her a follow @keikotherescuepeke 3. @Lexi.Gsd_buster.Gd i swear these dogs will do anything for some treats from @monzters_treats! I mean, look at them both drool happy monday! I hope everyone has a great rest of the week! 4. @Frenchiequilla look at how smol i was #kissmeimfrench happy st. Patty’s day!!! 5. @Hi_my_name_is_copper happy birthday to copper the beagle! 1years old had a great park day with mom and dad! Found me a nice stick! 6. @Buellerthecatahoula_ morning sunrise 7. @Rescuesaintbelle frenz, i got in trouble. I was just helping the hooman clear the table when she got up and left the room…… the hooman said “drop it” but i didn’t want to… 8. @Shadowthehandsomemutt happy fourth birthday handsome! Forever thankful for you being born and somehow ending up in my life. May we have many many many more adventures and continue to learn together. Love you buba! 9. @Thatgoldendoodleteddy #mamaandmemondays
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!
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MWD BButler (RET JAPAN)
THE VETERINARY OATH “Being admitted to the profession of veterinary medicine, I solemnly swear to use my scientific knowledge and skills for the benefit of society through the protection of animal health and welfare, the prevention and relief of animal suffering, the conservation of animal resources, the promotion of public health, and the advancement of medical knowledge. I will practice my profession conscientiously, with dignity, and in keeping with the principles of veterinary medical ethics. I accept as a lifelong obligation the continual improvement of my professional knowledge and competence.”
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The Veterinary issue Trends, Specialists, Diagnostics + More F
ollowing commencement and prior to entrance into professional practice, each graduate veterinarian has traditionally taken the "Veterinarian's Oath”. In taking this oath, each veterinarian is essentially promising to take care of animals to the best of their ability. You notice it doesn’t say, “keep the pet’s owner happy” or “cut corners to help the owner out financially”. Now sure, in a practical world, veterinarians work with owners to provide good client service and they also understand financial situations and do their best to provide affordable care, but they (per their oath) cannot choose to practice poor medicine at the expense of the animal. I mention this conundrum that veterinarians find themselves in, given that the animals have no voice or wallet, because it is only ONE of MANY stresses faced by the veterinary industry. It is my humble opinion that one of the most undervalued, misunderstood professions is that of a Veterinarian. They begin by obtaining an undergraduate degree in sciences and face a serious challenge to be accepted to vet school, where they will spend another 4 years in challenging classes and field study (racking up a huge amount of debt in most cases). Once they achieve that big hurdle and begin practicing, the stress mounts rather than subsides. Here are just a few of those stresses: Vets are expected to know and understand many species. Vets are under pressure to save precious lives. Vets are expected to provide high quality medicine, which entails using equipment, diagnostics, lab work, etc. that is the same as human medicine, but they are questioned about why it “costs so much”. The truth is, the cost of veterinary medicine is very high and as pet owners, due to human health insurance, we don’t really understand how high these costs are.
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Intro By Michelle Mantor
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Vets are under constant pressure to help animals in need who have no one to pay the bill. It is not uncommon for people to bring in a stray hit by a car and ask the vet to care for it at no cost. Or, it is also not uncommon for people to drop litters of puppies or kittens at the door of a veterinary practice, presumably hoping that a vet of all people will take them in and save them. Every veterinarian I know provides some level of gratis work, but there is NO WAY they can absorb the cost of free care to large numbers of animals. Most vets also provide discounts to charities, further weakening their bottom line. They must deal with a shortage of workers to assist them (vet techs, vet assistants, administrators), which is a problem in many industries. In addition to a shortage of help, vets are also expected to see many clients a day. Why is this a problem? Because medicine is not exact. When you take your pet to the vet, depending on the reason, the appointment could take 20 minutes to give a vaccine, or it could take an hour to do the proper testing to determine the issue with a sick animal and the answer may still not be available. Perhaps it is a situation that needs referral to a specialist, or needs surgery, etc. All the while, the pet mom or dad is asking lots of questions (as they should) and the veterinarian is doing their best to work efficiently, as more pets and their parents are piling up in the waiting area. In some cases, the vet also owns the practice, which brings another level of work and worry to pay the bills, order supplies, hire workers, and so forth. Vets not only heal animals but also must euthanize them. No matter how many times a vet euthanizes an animal, they all say it is very difficult. They feel the emotional pain of loss as they also must be consoling to the pet parent (this is referred to as compassion fatigue)...and then leave the room and
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be expected to have a cheery attitude as they go to the next exam room to see a new patient. I could go on but hopefully this list provides a glimpse into the stress of the veterinary medical field and that perhaps next time you visit your vet, you will be more understanding if you are not seen right at the moment of your appointment, or you cannot just choose a pick-up time, or the vet is having a hard day and may have just euthanized an animal and the phone is ringing off the hook with clients wanting updates and probably one of the workers needed to make the day go smooth didn’t show up. As we are losing veterinarians at an unprecedented rate, I felt it was a valuable topic to bring to light, in hopes that we as clients, can understand and help relieve some of the stress so that we have enough veterinarians for the future. The rigors of being an animal doctor is taking a toll on the industry with veterinarians leaving the industry or retiring in droves. The main reason why vets are leaving the profession relates to poor work-life balance. An amazing 60.3% of professionals list this as the main reason why they want to leave. Did you know that suicide is a very real issue in the industry as well? A 2020 Merck study noted female veterinarians were 3.5 times as likely, and male veterinarians were 2.1 times as likely, to die from suicide as the general population. It is my sincere hope that this feature story will bring to light some of the challenges faced by our beloved vets and the knowledge required of them, so that we can try to understand their plight a little better and find ways to be patient and understanding. Enjoy the articles written by many of our sponsors about a myriad of topics relating to veterinary medicine and the next time you see your vet, take a moment to thank them for providing valuable care to your furry family members!
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Steps Towards A Rewarding Career in Veterinary Medicine Dr. Roberta Westbrook, Chief Animal Welfare & Medical Officer | Houston SPCA | HoustonSPCA.org
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f you have a passion for animals, science, and helping people - a career in veterinary medicine might be for you! Veterinary medicine is a rewarding career that allows professionals to serve the animals in their communities and make the world a better place. So, what’s the best way to get started in the field of veterinary medicine?
CHILDREN UP TO 16 YEARS OF AGE: »
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Start by owning a pet or two... or three! Understanding basic animal care, husbandry, and behavior will help you establish a great foundation for an exciting career. The time you spend with animals in a variety of ways will count toward your animal experience, which veterinary colleges love to see in qualified applicants. Read a book every week! There are books available to teach you everything from how to choose the perfect pet, to training your pet, and common animal diseases.
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Consider spending breaks from school in a camp or summer program for students interested in Veterinary Medicine. These programs exist for children as young as elementary school age, such as the Houston SPCA’s Critter Camp, all the way up to college-age, and for students from underrepresented backgrounds such as Michigan State’s Vetward Bound Enrichment Summer Program. Stay focused in school. Veterinarians typically have strong academic backgrounds in science and math. Good study habits will be important for success.
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Contact a local veterinary hospital or animal shelter, like the Houston SPCA, for full-time employment or volunteer work. It’s time to take your animal experience into the professional work environment and learn from experts who do this work every day. Don’t forget to continue your volunteer and/
or employment experience. Find a mentor in the profession by creating a relationship with someone who is doing the work you want to do in the future. They will give you added support, insider advice, and guidance on your next step. » Start researching colleges with Pre-Vet programs and begin to outline your top choices, as well as your best options for majors and minors. » After you obtain your bachelor’s degree, you can begin applying to veterinary school. It will take you approximately 8-10 years after high school to become a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, but it will be worth the hard work. Students in veterinary school are trained to work on most common species of companion animals, farm animals, equine, and more. Veterinarians also play a significant role in public health which helps keep us all safe. So, no matter whether its waggin’ tails or reptile scales, you are ready to begin your journey toward a career in Veterinary Medicine! »
What Is A Veterinary Specialist? Dr. Julia Spade, cVMA, CHPV, CAETA-Cert | BluePearl Pet Hospice | PetHospice.BluePearlVet.com
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hat is a veterinary specialist? Board certified veterinary specialists are veterinarians who have completed a certain number of additional hours of training within a certain discipline of veterinary medicine, meeting requirements set by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Currently, there are 22 recognized board-certified veterinary specialties in the United States. Here is a list of the specialties: analgesia and anesthesia, animal welfare, behavior, dentistry, dermatology, emergency and critical care, internal medicine (cardiology, internal medicine, oncology, neurology), laboratory animal medicine, microbiology, veterinary nutrition, ophthalmology, pathology, pharmacology, poultry, preventative medicine, radiology, sports medicine and rehabilitation, and surgery. Specialists complement the care given by a pet’s general doctor when advanced testing and treatment is needed. Most specialists require a referral from your veterinarian for a consultation. Specialists are involved in research and development within companies and at universities. Specialists also speak at continuing education events for veterinarians throughout the year to keep practitioners up to date for their patients. You can find more information about what specialists are in your area by searching their specific college online i.e., American Veterinary College of ophthalmology. A way to distinguish a specialist is by the letters behind their name such as ACVIM (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine). If you feel your pet needs to be seen by a specialist, discuss this with your general doctor so they can refer you to the appropriate doctor. What does it mean for a veterinarian to be certified in something? Veterinarians can become certified in many different niches or specialty services of veterinary medicine. An incomplete list of these includes chiropractic, acupuncture, herbal medicine, laser therapy, massage, fear free, hospice and palliative care, and rehabilitation. The difference between a certification program and a specialist is specialists are focused on one aspect of medicine and are board certified by the college of the specialty, versus any veterinarian can complete a certification program to become more skilled and/or practice a certain skill to treat patients. Certification programs often require hours of additional training, tests, and research papers, but are not governed by a “board.” You can
often find veterinarians in our area who have completed certification programs by searching on the internet, i.e., hospice and palliative care veterinarians in my area. Veterinarians who have completed these programs will often put letters behind their name such as cVMA (certified in veterinary medical acupuncture). If you wish to seek care from a veterinarian in a certain niche, always discuss with your primary doctor first.
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ABOUT EMANCIPET:
Emancipet is on a mission to make veterinary care affordable and accessible for everyone. They manage an expanding national network of highquality, low-cost clinics; offer customized training and consulting programs to animal welfare organizations nationwide; and advocate for strategies and public policy that improve the lives of pets in underserved communities. Since 1999, Emancipet has spayed or neutered more than 400,000 dogs and cats. In 2021, they provided more than 230,000 free and low-cost vet visits for pets.
Affordable Pet Care Dr. Holly Putnam, Chief Medical Officer | Emancipet | Emancipet.org
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ince the time that dogs and cats were first domesticated, pets have provided people with happiness through companionship and entertainment, as well as support through assistance and protection. This relationship is formally recognized as the human-animal bond and its benefits have been accepted as a factor of human health and well-being. Many pet owners have such a strong bond with their pet that they consider the pet part of their family. As with any family member, being able to provide care for pets can bring emotional and mental comfort and stability to pet owners. However, for many Americans, veterinary care is neither accessible nor affordable. A 2018 survey conducted by the Access to Veterinary Care Coalition (AVCC) indicated that, 1 out of 4 pet owners have experienced barriers to veterinary care. The most reported barrier, regardless of the pet owner’s age or the type of medical care the pet needed, was financial. This is not surprising when consider-
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ing that an estimated 29 million dogs and cats live with families participating in the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP). Other barriers included not knowing where to go for veterinary care, lack of transportation and not having the proper equipment such as leashes or carriers. The veterinary field has recognized the inability to access and afford veterinary care as significant problem. Of the veterinarians who responded to the AVCC survey, 94.9% agreed that all pets deserve some level of veterinary care. Further, 86.7% of veterinarian respondents agreed that not being able to access needed veterinary care affects owner’s emotional and mental health. Research, reports and guides within the veterinary field have further highlighted the extent of the problem, as well as methods to help address the issue with the goal of enabling all veterinary professionals to be able to implement some form of assistance to low-income pet owners. Some examples of successful
measures include strategically placed low cost or free services, reviewing a spectrum of care options with clients, offering payment plans, and employing staff members who are bilingual to help facilitate communication for non-English speaking clients. Additionally, several veterinary schools now offer some form of Access to Care didactic and clinical instruction. Although progress is being made within the veterinary field, much work remains to be done to ensure veterinary care is attainable for every pet within the US. Future efforts will need to focus on continued education and resources within the field, redefining the meaning of medical success for patients, formal support from veterinary medical associations and state veterinary boards, and involvement from professionals in human medicine and public health. Further recognition of the benefits of the human-animal bond within each sector will likely support a continued and collaborative effort to establish attainable veterinary care for every pet.
Why Diagnostic Tests are Important Dr. Willie Graham IV, | Houston Humane Society | HoustonHumane.org
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iagnostic tests assist veterinarians in confirming or rejecting certain diseases or illnesses our patients may be experiencing. Performing multiple diagnostics allows us to create a treatment plan that is more effective for the patient. The physical examination along with good history is the basis of each appointment. This may give us an initial idea of con-
ditions, but additional diagnostics will be beneficial for a more definitive diagnosis. Some common examples of useful diagnostic techniques include bloodwork, diagnostic imaging, and urinalysis. Bloodwork includes collecting a sample of blood from the patient and running it through a machine designed to produce results consisting of a complete blood count and chemistry panel. The complete blood count allows us to look at the red blood cells and white blood cells to determine if there is an anemia, infection or inflammation. The blood chemistry panel provides information about the kidney function, liver function, electrolytes, protein, and glucose levels. Diagnostic imaging includes radiographs, computerized tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and ultrasonography, with the most common being radiographs and ultrasonography. The radiograph, also known as x-ray, uses a small dose of radiation through the body to produce an image. Radiographs allow us to visualize broken bones, foreign bodies, and fluid. It also allows us to look at the shape and size of different organs such as, the heart, liver, kidneys, etc. Ultrasonography uses soundwaves to reflect a real time image
Becoming A Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist
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hen I was working in general practice, I performed dentistry procedures day in and day out. It became very apparent that maintaining oral health in companion animals was critical to their overall health. Following a thorough dental exam, cleaning, and taking care of any necessary treatment, the patient always felt better, which lead to a healthy and happy companion for the pet parent. Hearing how happy the pet parent was because their special buddy was feeling so good brought me joy, and so pursuing board certification in dentistry became my goal. It took me about a year to be accepted into a residency program at the University of Wisconsin Madison, as only a few are offered each year. My three-year residency was challenging but so rewarding. The days were long, and weekdays ran into weekends, and taking on-call duty was a regular task. Once I was finally credentialed (meaning I met all the requirements put forth by the American Veterinary Dental College), I could take my board
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on a monitor. Ultrasound is useful to evaluate the valves of the heart, urinary system (kidneys and bladder), and reproductive system. Other useful tests include a urinalysis, fecal float, or skin scrape. A urinalysis allows us to examine fresh urine which may indicate a disease process, injury and/or defect in the urinary system. This is done by examining components of the urine such as the color, pH, glucose and specific gravity of the urine. Fecal floatation is used to look for parasite eggs that may be living in the patients’ gastrointestinal tract and a skin scrape is used to look for ectoparasites such demodectic mange or sarcoptic mange. In conclusion, diagnostic tests are extremely important in the medical field. These tests provide pertinent information on what may be impacting the patient, causing them not to feel well. Without the proper test, it would be difficult to choose the most effective treatment plant for the patient.
Dr. Chanda Miles, DAVDC | Veterinary Dentistry Specialists (VDS) | vdsvets.com
certification and practical (hands-on) exams that are offered only once a year. I studied for two months straight for 12 hours a day. I then packed up all of my equipment and traveled to Las Vegas, where the three-day exam was held. The exam consisted of a four-hour written
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test in the morning and a four-hour practical in the afternoon for the first two days. The third day was a four-hour practical. I was elated when I found out I had passed my exam, and I could call myself Chanda Miles, DVM, Diplomate AVDC!
The Overcast Days of Veterinary Medicine Dr. Jennifer Hennessey | Owner of Animal ER of Northwest Houston & Wonder Pet Rehab | AnimalERnwh.com
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ust like the detrimental effects of infectious or cancerous disease, stress is a real and increasing threat to the health and happiness of the veterinary profession. Days spent in veterinary medicine helping pets heal and thrive should be ideally comparable to a bright spring day, though the truth of the matter is that the profession currently hosts some bitter cold and gloomy days. The reality of darkness becomes apparent as news stories and statistics surface with increasing rates of suicide occurring among veterinary professionals. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), veterinarians are at an increased risk of suicide with female veterinarians at 3.5 times as likely, and males 2.1 times as likely, to die by suicide than the general population. Psychological stresses including depression and anxiety overcast the veterinary profession creating a dark cloud over our animal healthcare givers. Often unstated are the relentless factors compounding the dreary days in the veterinary world. Brutal work schedules, excessive student loan debt, and the moral dilemmas of euthanasia are just a few harsh realities for life as a veterinarian. More bolts from the blue are the unrealistic expectations for the veterinary pro-
fessional. Extreme expectations arise from clients expecting superhuman stamina from the veterinary team who are often too thin in number compared to the weight of work ahead of them. Burnout and emotional fatigue issues are not only adding to a workforce shortage but reducing availability of vet care as some hospitals reduce hours to accommodate a lack of staff, as veterinarians and vet nurses leave the profession. Unrealistic personal pressures each vet staff member places on themselves, such as pushing past exhaustion from all the extra work, forces compassion fatigue and more burnout, increasing the stress within the veterinary community. Post pandemic, the animal health industry is strained by both a deficient workforce and sparse medical resources, further compounded by the frustrations of clients. Sometimes becoming combative and even verbally abusive over appointment shortages and long wait times, clients expressing their own stormy stresses can often forget the value of
kindness when engaging with their pet’s medical team. Negativity dims the light on the tasks at hand as staff aim to provide valuable pet health information or deliver recommendations for treatments yet are left struggling to remain motivated and fulfilled, exacerbating depression among veterinary professionals. Research shows that a lack of sunshine is associated with darker moods and depression. Similarly, the lack of bright outlooks and encouragement can be debilitating to mental health and negatively affect anyone’s state of mind. The veterinary industry can thrive through grueling times though it needs continued nourishing support from its colleagues and clients in order to forecast clearer skies for a healthier, less stressed profession; even healthcare providers need help and healing care too! For information on how to support your veterinary team, check out Not One More Vet (NOMV), a nonprofit dedicated to offering resources and support for the mental wellness of the veterinary profession, NOMV.org.
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AAHA Accreditation Shana D Richardson, PhD | VERGI 24/7 Animal Emergency and Critical Care Hospital | VERGI247.com
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id you know that VERGI 24/7 is AAHA accredited? AAHA, or the American Animal Hospital Association, sets the standard of excellence in veterinary medicine with a total of 948 standards in 18 categories! These standards of care are at the heart of better care for pets and their people. AAHA was founded in 1993 with the goal of helping veterinary professionals provide exceptional care for companion animals. It is the only organization that accredits veterinary practices in the United States and Canada. AAHA-accredited practices are evaluated on stringent quality standards that encompass all aspects of veterinary medicine—from pain management and patient care to team training and medical record keeping. These standards are continuously updated to keep accredited practice teams at the forefront of the profession. Approximately 15% of veterinary practices in the US and Canada hold the “AAHA-accredited” designation. AAHA’s practice consultants visit veterinary hospitals striving to earn or maintain (already accredited practices are evaluated every three years) their AAHA accreditation and evaluate them based on the AAHA Standards of Accreditation. AAHA guidelines provide cutting-edge information and frequent updates that help veterinary professionals face the demands of a continually shifting industry to ensure pets receive the medical care that they deserve. Our industry is always changing, as all healthcare industries
do, and the AAHA guidelines assist veterinary professionals with developing current, evidence-based protocols for dogs and cats. AAHA is a powerful influencer of the veterinary profession. This organization provides peer reviewed research and articles, practice management training, blogs, e-newsletters, books…all seen by thousands of veterinarians and pet parents each month, and all written with the goals of 1) helping veterinary healthcare teams provide the best care for your pets and 2) educating the public on pet related healthcare subject matter. One way that they are helping the industry is by addressing rising numbers of death by suicide. Much of AAHA’s current focus is on improving the wellbeing of veterinary professionals and the workplace culture in veterinary practices. By decreasing burnout and compassion fatigue, and improving work-life balance and overall wellbeing, everyone wins, including pets. AAHA’s guidelines are interactive, mobile-friendly, and full of pet owner and staff education resources, customizable templates, calculators, and more. Check out their website at AAHA.org and trust that the pet information provided there is trustworthy and current. You can also learn more about AAHA and what it means for your pet to receive medical care from one of their member practices. VERGI 24/7 is proud to be AAHA accredited and to offer your pet the very best in veterinary care, to offer a staff who cares about your during a pet emergency, and to offer our hospital team a supportive and state of the art environment to practice medicine.
AAHA-accredited practices are evaluated on stringent quality standards that encompass all aspects of veterinary medicine—from pain management and patient care to team training and medical record keeping. 34
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MEET DR. LAURA NOAKER, OWNER OF VERGI 24/7 EMERGENCY HOSPITAL AND CRITICAL CARE VERGI247.COM
As a little girl, Laura realized she had a calling to help animals in need when she witnessed a neighborhood cat get run over. She ran to the cat but what could a 7-year old really do? As she stared at the dying cat and heard its cries, she knew that one day she would run to animals in need and know exactly what to do. After serving 9 years with the Houston Police Department and receiving multiple promotions and commendations, Dr. Noaker had other dreams to chase. She graduated from Texas A&M in 1994 and completed an Internship and an Internal Medicine Residency at the University of Pennsylvania by 1997. She is an ACVIM Board Certified Veterinary Internal Medicine Specialist. Laura worked as a relief veterinarian at VERGI for a few years prior to being asked to be Chief of Staff in 2000. For those who do not know, at the time, VERGI was owned by several local veterinarians and was only open overnights and weekends to care for pets who had been at the offices of these local veterinarians earlier that day. Laura felt a need to have continued care for the patients she saw overnight, as back and forth pet transportation between VERGI for nights and weekends, and the regular veterinarian during the weekdays, brought even more stress on an already sick animal. In 2006, VERGI became one of the first 24hour/7 days a week emergency centers (in our area) and in 2013, Dr. Noaker purchased VERGI 24/7.
All About Animal Chiropractic Dr. Chelsey Michelsen | Veterinary Chiropractic & Rehab | VetChiroAndRehab.com
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nimal chiropractic adjustments do what human chiropractic adjustments do: correct subluxations to restore motion to the body and improve overall function. Animal chiropractors help restore the body’s ability to function as optimally as possible. The word “subluxation” refers primarily to a vertebra that is no longer in proper position in relation to the vertebrae before and after it, but not as severe as a luxation. A miniscule change in position can cause impingement of nerves, decreased circulation of blood and lymph, a restriction in motion, muscle tightness, inflammation, and pain, especially over time. A chiropractic adjustment realigns the vertebrae. Limb joints can also be adjusted if needed. Subluxations occur throughout life in every being with a spine, for a multitude of reasons, so chiropractic adjustments are most beneficial when done regularly. Adjusting pets early in life promotes proper musculoskeletal development, and adjusting pets throughout life can keep them healthier and moving better into their golden years, as well as help them recover faster from any injuries they incur along the way. Chiropractic adjustments result in better circulation to
tissues, better lymph circulation throughout the body with improved immune function, improved nerve conduction throughout the body (which can also improve respiratory, gastrointestinal, and reproductive function), better movement, and decreased pain and inflammation, so the pet feels and moves better. An animal chiropractor will work with pet owners to find the appropriate treatment frequency for each pet. To become certified in animal chiropractic, a licensed human chiropractor or veterinarian must complete an animal chiropractic course. There are several animal chiropractor programs offered around the United States, with two located in Texas. These programs take several months to complete, with a certificate issued upon completion. Once a practitioner has a certificate in animal chiropractic, they can choose to obtain additional certification through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA), or the International Veterinary Chiropractic Association (IVCA), depending on where they
are practicing professionally. The AVCA is the primary credentialing organization for North America, and offers a certification test once per year. Animal chiropractors seeking AVCA certification must pass both an extensive written and hands-on practical to become AVCA certified, and maintain their certification thereafter by meeting the AVCA continuing education requirements. Furthermore, in the state of Texas, licensed human chiropractors that are certified in animal chiropractic can only treat pets with a referral from a veterinarian. Which pets should receive chiropractic adjustments? Almost every pet! If your pet has a spine, they can benefit from chiropractic adjustments! (Fish, amphibians, reptiles, and some exotics may be a bit difficult to do). From the general well-being of pets and helping sport and working animals improve their performance, to facilitating recovery from illness and injury, chiropractic adjustments should be integrated into your pet’s health care plan. Houston PetTalk Magazine
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Advances In Certified Hospice and Palliative Care
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en years ago in 2012, I attended my first animal hospice conference in Denver., Colorado. At that time, I also left emergency medicine to start performing in-home care for geriatric pets in Houston. My first patient of my new mobile hospice practice was a Chow Chow named “Max”. I drove out to Max’s house on November 5, 2012 to help him pass peacefully. I can remember it like it was yesterday. Max’s parents were a sweet retired couple living in a modest home near Hobby Airport. I was so nervous to do this first visit, as starting off badly with a new company would be painful. I took my time throughout our visit and made sure all of Max’s and the family’s needs were met, and it went beautifully. I carried Max out wrapped in a blanket in my arms to my vehicle afterward. His family was so appreciative of the service I provided them and I was so grateful to give them this gift. I loved my new career and couldn’t wait to help more pets and families. A tremendous amount of change has taken place for Houston and for mobile pet hospice globally since that November day. When I started my mobile practice in 2012, there was only one large mobile veterinary practice in service, owned by a friend of mine. I started seeing appointments during lunch breaks and after-hours while still a full time associate at a general practice. I went from working out of my home office, to working out of a speciality practice, to my own brick-and-mortar and expansion into mobile acupuncture, therapeutic laser, medical massage, custom pain management plans, hospice care, compassionate euthanasia and water-based pet cremation. By 2018, the hospice team assembled in Houston was one of the largest in pet hospice and offered the most comprehensive hospice care as
Dr. Christie Cornelius, CHPV | Cornelius 2.0
a separate entity. Accessible, high-quality pet hospice care in Houston was here to stay. Like Houston, many large cities in the U.S. now have some level of mobile end-of-life pet care available to the community. There are several animal hospice organizations offering resources and educational programs for veterinarians and veterinary support staff. There now exists Medical Directors, Operations Managers, Project Managers, Hospice Team Supervisors, Care Coordinators, Cremation Operators, Funeral experts, Social Workers and Entrepreneurs. A friend and colleague of mine founded the Companion Animal
Euthanasia Training Academy in recent years and there are plans for educational expansion into animal shelters, military posts, colleges of veterinary medicine, professional veterinary organizations, and within existing veterinary practices worldwide. The national and global growth and expansion of pet hospice and in-home euthanasia over the last ten years has been staggering. There still remains gaps in care, but the future promises advanced technologies, better education, and more sustainable models of care. Real progress!
Mobile Veterinary Care Dr. Brittany Marvel | Chasing Tails Mobile Vet | ChasingTailsvet.com
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wo full time jobs, two kids, two cats, and four dogs. This is us. We try to savor every minute of this very full life. But to be honest, I can’t imagine finding time to get our pets into the veterinarian. Of course with older pets too, they need more and more care and it’s more difficult to get them into the car. We also have one 15 yr. old dog that is just a nervous nelly to top it off!
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In these situations, a Mobile Veterinary practices like ours is a great solution. At Chasing Tails Mobile Vet, we swoop in to save the day! We seek to ease the burden of finding time to take your pet in, whether for routine exams or sick pet visits that need to be seen sooner than later. With fully equipped vans including a full pharmacy, lab machines that allow us to do blood work and cytology exams,
X-rays, and ultrasound, we are able to treat your pet on the spot and provide any medications that they may need, all while you’re able to attend to your family, work from home, or just get the visit in during a lunch break. Mobile practices like Chasing Tails Mobile Vet allow you to get the care your pet needs when you can’t find the time or they are nervous or too big to transport to a clinic.
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Meet Our Cover Doctors Dr. Christie Cornelius
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eet Dr. Christie Cornelius, Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Veterinarian, CHPV, with “Pinky” Currently, Dr. Cornelius is transitioning her brand and can be followed on social media at Cornelius 2.0 for updates.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS & AWARDS »
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Founder of Last Wishes LLC, Senior Paws, and The Last Wishes Fund (501c) Certified Hospice & Palliative Care Veterinarian through the IAAHPC 2017 Pet Loss Grief Companioning Certificate 2022 Best Female Veterinarian, OutSmart Magazine
TELL US HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN VETERINARY MEDICINE?
I started my colorful career at Texas A&M's College of Veterinary Medicine in College Station. While in school, I helped build humane enclosures for the large exotic birds and provided husbandry for them at the Schubot Aviary. I helped fix an elephant's infected toe, assisted in a bladder stone removal in a camel, sheared an Alpaca, helped set a chicken's malformed leg and spayed a lion at the Austin Zoo. After graduating in 2004, I moved to Houston to start my career as a companion animal veterinarian.
WHAT LED YOU TO THE SPECIALITY OF VETERINARY HOSPICE & EUTHANSIA?
Working overnights with a local emergency group brought me closer to my passion for assisting heartbroken families with quality of life discussions and euthanasia. In 2012, I created Last Wishes, a mobile euthanasia and pet hospice service in Houston, eventually rebranding to Senior Paws and expanding it into an interdisciplinary team of over 20 mobile pet hospice professionals. In 2015, I started The Last Wishes Fund, a non-profit 501c3 organization to help struggling families afford end-oflife services in the Greater Houston area, and in the same year developed The Last Wishes Pet Loss Support Group, an online community for pet lovers grieving the loss of their companions.
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HOW DID YOU EXPAND YOUR VISION OF END-OFLIFE CARE?
In 2017, my team and I opened the first pet hospice center in Houston, and added pet aquamation services, offering the first complete mobile end-of-life experience to our community. We also developed an electronic tracking software for pet crematory services called Beloved Pet Software. In 2021, I sold my mobile veterinary hospice practice and aquamation service to BluePearl Veterinary Specialists and stayed on as a Medical Director for BluePearl Pet Hospice for one year.
WHAT'S AHEAD FOR YOU?
Determined that 2022 is "my year", I have decided to leave BluePearl Pet Hospice and organized veterinary medical practice in general to pursue an Executive MBA Degree from Rice University's Jones Graduate School of Business. While attending this program, I will be focusing on other projects and causes within and outside of veterinary hospice that are near and dear to my heart, including virtual veterinary consultations, fundraising for the Last Wishes Fund, helping pet crematories improve accountability, compliance, and end products, educating and mentoring other veterinary professionals about sustainable care models, and raising community awareness about the benefits of pet hospice. Always the entrepreneur, don't count me out for another pet-care related start-up sometime soon!
Dr. Jennifer Hennessey
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eet Dr. Jennifer Hennessey, CVJ, CCRP, CVAT, Fear Free® Certified, Owner of Animal ER of Northwest Houston and Wonder Pet Rehabilitation, with “Marvel”
LIST OF ACCOMPLISHMENTS AND AWARDS »
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2021 Best of the Best : Veterinarian, The Houston Chronicle 2022-2020 Cypress Business Award 2021-2014 CyFair Best Veterinarian Award 2019 DVM500 Top US Hospital 2019 Business Intelligence Group Woman of the Year Award 2019 NACA Diane Lane Memorial Service Award 2019 Stevie® International Business Award Community Relations 2018 SBDC Lone Star Business of the Year, Woman-owned 2017 CyFair Chamber Business of the Year 2022 crowned Mrs Alaska for the American Women of Service Pageant 2018 IFBB Professional (International Federation of Bodybuilding)
TELL US ABOUT YOUR CURRENT PRACTICE(S).
I am the proud owner of Animal ER of Northwest Houston and Wonder Pet Rehabilitation. I would consider myself fortunate to have found my calling and purpose in life. Though I first aspired to chase a career in engineering, an early job at a veterinary emergency clinic almost 30 years ago changed the direction of my focus to caring for pets with close regard for the humans who adore them. Licensed as a veterinarian in both Texas and Alaska, I graduated from Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine in 2005 after completing my undergraduate studies at the University
of Texas at Dallas. Following the quote “never stop learning because life never stops teaching,” I decided to pursue further avenues for promoting animal health outside of the examination room by becoming a certified veterinary journalist with the American Society of Veterinary Journalists, to learn the art of delivering information through various forms of media. I have most recently flexed my “study muscles” to obtain certifications in canine physical rehabilitation and veterinary acupuncture. In the state of Alaska, my veterinary time is spent volunteering at off-the-grid checkpoints on the trails of sled dog races overseeing the health and well-being of sled dogs, such as at the Iditarod and Willow race events. Temperatures such as minus twenty are no challenge when your hands are buried in the warm coats of incredible canine athletes while surrounded by Alaskan mountains with northern nights dancing overhead!
WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE MOST CHALLENGING ASPECT OF VETERINARY MEDICINE?
The most challenging aspect in this profession is serving not only your patient but also their family who cling for reassuring support and assistance when their pet is ill or injured. In emergency medicine, we see good people sometimes on their worst days which can require more from the veterinary professional than
good veterinary skills. Patience and ability to support, comfort, and connect with pet owners is a crucial aspect of a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine.
YOU ARE QUITE AN ACCOMPLISHED PROFESSIONAL! WHAT DO YOU ENJOY OUTSIDE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE?
Life outside of the veterinary world includes a daily routine of health and fitness as I reach a decade of competing in bodybuilding; now as an IFBB Professional. Back in 2010, between being a mom of two, wife and emergency clinician, I faced the reality of work-life imbalance and reduced esteem as I neglected my own personal health, which threatened to hinder my confidence and effectiveness professionally and personally with such a 24/7 “full plate.” Today, I owe my stamina and endurance to power through long shifts and lead my hospital team to the benefits of a dedicated weight training and nutrition program which are orchestrated in detail for me from my sports medicine coaches and nutritionists.
AS A “CRITTER DOCTOR”, WHAT CRITTERS DO YOU HAVE?
Two horses, two cats and two dogs. I love to share my dog Marvel’s story of survival and inspiration. Her joy of life would never lead one to believe she was once a victim of animal cruelty. As a founding member of the Harris County Animal Cruelty Taskforce, I received Marvel as a cruelty patient at Animal ER for urgent care after officers rescued her from the side of the road injured inside of a trash bag; Marvel presented with a severe gunshot wound and injuries that kept her in my ICU for several days and lead to the need to have her front leg amputated. Thriving and healthy, Marvel proves daily that the past does not define you and that each day is a new chance to embrace the gift of life. Outside of having an incredible hospital team and loving what I do for a living, one of my greatest joys every day is sharing life with my husband Rob, as we split time between our homes in Texas and Alaska, as well as being a mother of two.
Dr. Shonda Gail Wesson
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eet Dr. Shonda Gail Wesson, Medical Director, Sunset Animal Hospital, SunsetAnytime.com, with “Bill” (a rescue who is blind but doesn’t know it!)
ACCOMPLISHMENTS & AWARDS »
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Volunteer Spay Neuter Veterinarian at Empty Shelter Project Medical Director Sunset Animal Hospital
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND.
I grew up on a small farm in El Paso, Texas and have always had a passion for animals and nature. Like most vets I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be an animal caretaker, and I accomplished that goal! I graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2013 and moved to Hallettsville, a small town in Texas. For 2 years I worked in a mixed animal practice which fed my love for cattle, horses, and the outdoors. This experience also laid the framework for my strengths and provided a lifelong mantra for the type of veterinarian I wanted to become: practicing high quality medicine, and limitless learning. I am passionate about volunteer work, surgery, and most importantly, thinking outside of the box when it comes to medicine.
HOW DID YOU END UP IN HOUSTON?
I was very driven to pay off my school debt so after meeting my husband in Hallettsville, I moved to Houston to pursue a career in small animal urgent care. I took a position at Sunset Animal Hospital and worked overnights, weekends, and any open shifts available to me for several years. It has been very fulfilling to make this dream a reality. Sunset Animal Hospital has always supported my passions and provided the ability to pursue specialized ultrasound, orthopedic, and soft tissue surgery training. In 2018, I was honored to become Sunset’s Medical Director and step into a new role where I could pass this knowledge on to other veterinary professionals and be a guide on their path to success. I have truly found a home here and cannot wait to see what the future brings.
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DO YOU HAVE ANY OTHER CRITTERS THAN “BILL”? Yes! I have a few… Starbuck: Quarter Horse (21 years old) Cholla: Australian Shepherd/Blue Heeler (15 years old) Harper: Standard Poodle (8 years old) Schmitty: Domestic Shorthair (10 years old)
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE VETERINARY MEDICINE AS YOUR PROFESSION?
I chose this career path because I had a drive to save and improve pet’s lives. As it turns out, by helping them, I bring smiles and happiness to their humans, which is a huge bonus.
WHAT IS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF BEING A VETERINARIAN? AND WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN YOUR PROFESSION? Hands down the hardest part about being a veterinarian is providing exceptional care while still managing client expectations. No one expects their pet to become ill or suffer an accident, but when it does occur, it often happens at the most inopportune time. Most people don’t realize that while veterinarians have such an enormous passion for animals, we also are running a business.
This ties in to the most exciting trend in veterinary medicine at the moment which is the rise and popularity of pet insurance. As humans we rely on insurance to ensure that we can afford care when we fall ill or encounter an unexpected injury. It only makes sense to have insurance for our furry family too.
We’re Always Open
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FOR A FREE PET EXAM
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Services include: $89 spay/neuter, $20 walk-in appointment, low-cost heartworm treatment, exams, microchipping & more!
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20% OFF Your Entire Purchase! Can’t make it to one of our locations? No worries! You can always depend on us to ship directly to your doorstep. Visit us at www.hollywoodfeed.com to shop online. PROMO CODE: HOUSTONPETTALK2 20% off your entire purchase. LIMIT ONE COUPON PER HOUSEHOLD. EXPIRES 5/31/2022. Valid IN-STORE & ONLINE. Good only in the U.S.; void where restricted or prohibited. Not valid on previous purchases, grooming, self-wash, gift cards, donations, taxes, shipping, or handling charges. Cannot be combined with other coupons or offers. Applicable to current stock only. No rain checks. Returns or exchanges may result in an adjusted refund amount. No cash value. No reproductions allowed, including by electronic means; void if copied, altered, transferred, purchased or sold. Any other use constitutes fraud. Offers are subject to change. Additional exclusions may apply. Redemption subject to review and verification.
Houston PetTalk Magazine
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Inside the Mind of a Veterinarian With Dr. Clara Scott
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eet entrepreneur Dr. Clara Scott! As a steward of My Family Vet, My Family Vet Montgomery, and Blessed Paws Luxury Pet Resort, her days are filled with loving animals. From 20 years of surgery and wellness to boarding and grooming, she knows a pet's needs. Dr. Scott prides herself in client education and giving clients informed choices when it comes to a pet's health. When not performing animal doctor duties, Dr. Scott is a mom to two beautiful children. Her love of animals extends to her home with a literal barnyard of pets including a cat, dogs, horses, chickens, ducks, goats, sheep, zebus, donkeys, a llama, and a pot belly pig!
1. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A VETERINARIAN? Jesus! When I was in middle school in Del Rio Texas, I had dreams of what I could do when I grew up. I narrowed it down to 3
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things, a weather woman, a mortician, or a veterinarian. As a weather woman in Texas, you are never wrong! The weather changes at any given moment. As a mortician, the idea of psychology, esthetician, and religion in one profession seemed like an interesting journey. Understandably, becoming a veterinarian would be the pinnacle of anyone's life…or so I thought. I wanted to practice medicine, but I also wanted to come home at night and have a family. My empathy for the animals created a bond where I could feel their needs. I studied body language, behavior, and the detailed movements of their eyes to help understand what they were feeling and going through.
2. WHAT DO YOU THINK IS THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE TO VETERINARIANS?
Humans. From trying to please the client, to human resource issues, people just are complicated. The needs of generations have
changed, and the way people communicate has changed. As a small business owner, trying to keep up with the emails, social media, and 24/7 accessibility is exhausting. I want to be the veterinarian for everybody, but my most important role on this earth is taking care of my two kids. Having a work life balance and being a small business owner is not for the weak. It takes a village and faith!
3. WHAT DO YOU FEEL IS THE BIGGEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT VETERINARY MEDICINE?
That we hug on puppies all day and that medicine doesn’t cost the veterinarian anything. I can’t tell you how often a veterinarian is put in a corner because of cost. The practice of medicine is often limited by finances. We want everyone to live happily ever after, but the reality is we have employees and bills to pay too. We wish we could sit
6. THERE SEEMS TO BE A WIDE RANGE OF COSTS IN VETERINARY MEDICINE FROM ONE PROVIDER TO ANOTHER; WHY IS THAT?
Not all veterinarians practice the same level of medicine. You have very progressive veterinarians where everything is digital, there are computers everywhere, and they have up to date diagnostic equipment. Some veterinarians have less overhead because they do not have all the bells and whistles. At the end of the day, there is a veterinarian for everyone. You need to go where you feel most confident in the veterinarian’s ability to diagnose and treat your loved one.
7. WHAT TRENDS IN VETERINARY MEDICINE EXCITE YOU MOST? WHAT DOES THE NEXT 5 YEARS LOOK LIKE?
Veterinary medicine is becoming incredibly progressive. Drug companies are inventing drugs every day to improve the quality of life in pets. Diagnostic labs are inventing new tests daily to find diseases. With that said, we all have a lot to learn. Ultimately the longevity of our pets is going to improve. We are blessed to be alive at this time. We have come a long way in the field just in my twenty plus years of practice. I am excited to see what comes next.
around and play with puppies and kittens all day. What joy that would be!!!
4. WHAT IS YOUR PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY ABOUT TREATING ANIMALS? I always approach a case with simplistic knowledge. For example, first, I listen to the owner. Second, I look at the dog's breed, age, sex, and history. Lastly, I examine the pet. By doing things this way I approach the case with as much information as I can get. My main goal is always to get more quality time together for the owner and their pet. If the quality of life for the patient is there, I will always keep trying.
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5. WHAT DO YOU SAY TO SKEPTICAL PET PARENTS WHO THINK VETERINARIANS ARE PUSHING FLEA MEDS, DIETS, AND PHARMACEUTICALS, "ONLY TO MAKE MONEY"? My job as a veterinarian is to protect my humans and animals. People forget how dangerous parasites can be. I do not argue with a client that opts out of preventative care. However, if they ever come in with illness, I must do more diagnostics to rule out parasites that could have been prevented.
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Visit our websites to book an appointment
80% of dogs
have some form of
Periodontal Disease
by age two American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) Dr. Renee Carlson
Is It Time for a Spring Cleaning? ENTER FOR
You could win a 12-month subscription of Bark Box when you follow these steps:
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1. Book a Dental Exam with one of the listed Veterinary Hospitals 2. After your appointment, fill out our online survey
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bit.ly/winbarkbox22 Chance to win closes May 31, 2022, at 11:59 PM (PST) © 2022 Lakefield Veterinary Group
The Essentials KEEP CALM & CARRY ON
Local retailer, Gorilla Dog Beds, is rolling out a new line of Pet Essentials. In addition to their world-class orthopedic and luxury beds, GDB's is now offering toys, treats, leashes, containment systems and more. Gorilla Dog Beds is expanding and we encourage you to shop LOCAL! Check out these new CBD Treats: Dog Daze CBD Calming Treats are specially formulated for dogs that suffer from anxious and nervous behaviors and are made with USDA organic ingredients infused with 4mg of USDA certified organic, full-spectrum CBD, and 4mg per treat. Every batch is third-party and lab-tested to ensure the highest quality, flavor, consistency, and safety. Find yours at GorillaDogBeds.com.
SAY YES TO GOOD NUTRITION
Paramount to a nice coat, healthy teeth, and overall vibrancy, is a quality diet for your pet. Get to know what are the best ingredients and feed your pet premium food. Check out a Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming near you (there are 14 locations in Greater Houston) where you’ll find a large selection of dry, canned, frozen and raw diets. You’ll also find knowledgeable staff that can help you navigate the many brands to choose the right one for your dog! Find locations near you at WoofGangBakery.com.
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ECO-FRIENDLY TINKLE TIME
If you have a pet that needs a tinkle pad, why not purchase one that is good for the environment too? WizSmart® combines absorbency and sustainability to create a better pee pad. WizSmart pads are twice as thick and two to three times as absorbent and dries even faster than the average pet pee pad of the same size. And WizSmart® is the most sustainable pee pad on the market. Over half of the thick fluff in WizSmart® pads is from repurposed materials, saving over 130 football fields of trees per year. Find yours at WizSmart.com.
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Mothers Day PAWS UP TO PET MOMS
Two paws all the way up for the dog and cat moms out there! From accessories, apparel, to gift cards, Hollywood Feed has THE BEST gifts for all the pet lovers in your life. Find yours at HollywoodFeed.com or at their local stores in Sugar Land, Katy, and The Woodlands.
FOR THE #1 DOG MOM
There's no better way to celebrate your favorite pup-parent than with hand-designed treats in this cute Cookie Box filled with sweet things to celebrate the amazing bond between dog and dog mom. Baked fresh, each gourmet dog biscuit is individually packaged for easy treating, sharing, and saving for later. Get the cutest photos ever, thanks to the cutest cookie props! Available at Wufers.com.
DON’T STRESS MEOWT
De-stress the cat mom on your Mother’s Day shopping list with this 16 ounce candle, baby powder scent, 100% Natural, Vegan Soy Wax. The purr-fect gift for sitting on the sofa, with said cat, relaxing. Get yours from WaxOnFire shop, Etsy.com.
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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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Conservation Corner Baby Elephants’ One-derful First Year at the Zoo
By: Jessica Reyes HoustonZoo.org
As appreciative supporters of nature and wildlife, we at Houston PetTalk want to promote education and conservation of the world’s animal population. Each month we bring you information on conservation efforts that are of special interest or have some connection to Houston through the Houston Zoo. This issue, we highlight baby elephants born at the zoo.
Photos by Houston Zoo
Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.
T
here’s a lot to celebrate at the Houston Zoo as the youngest pachyderms of the herd, Winnie and Teddy, turn one year old this year. Winnie’s birthday was March 10 and Teddy’s birthday is May 16. Teddy’s arrival brings the number of elephants at the Houston Zoo herd to 13—six males and seven females. During their first year, the elephant team and the veterinary staff have been watching and monitoring the
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dynamic duo closely to ensure they reach key developmental and medical milestones. Just before their first birthdays Winnie and Teddy tipped the scale and reached their 1,000-pound benchmark. As they continue to grow, the endangered baby Asian elephants are expected to weigh anywhere between 6,000 and 12,000 pounds once fully grown. During their first year it was crucial they learn training behaviors that will help them
participate in their own medical care. One important behavior is blood sample collection from the veins on the back of their ears. Since they’ve been four months old, elephant keepers have been getting the baby elephants comfortable with them manipulating their ears, holding off veins to improve blood collection chance and using faux needles behind their ears to help them get used to this process. Repetition and relationship building are key
to getting Winnie and Teddy comfortable. They are trained multiple times a day for blood draw, vaccination, blood pressure and more. While these majestic creatures are successfully reaching medical milestones at the Zoo, their wild counterparts are struggling to survive in the wild. The Houston Zoo partners with field conservation organizations including Dr. Farina Othman, the Zoo’s elephant conservation associate, to ensure elephants will exist for a long time to come. In 2021, the Zoo provided support for five wild Borneo elephants to be fitted with GPS tracking collars to follow and protect their herds. The elephants are monitored six days a week, three to five hours a day to observe the eating and movement patterns and behaviors. The data collected will be used to inform future protection plans for wild elephants. Your visit to the Zoo helps replant elephants’ forested homes in Borneo. The Zoo has replanted over 100,000 trees in forest corridors in Borneo to provide shelter and food for elephants and other wildlife. Guests can help save baby elephants and their families in the wild by visiting the Houston Zoo. A portion of each Zoo admission and membership goes to protecting and reducing threats for wild elephants in Asia.
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WILD ABOUT ANIMALS
MAY 28 IS WHOOPING CRANE DAY!
By: Michelle Mantor Photos: PhotographyByPrudence.com
A
lthough I have lived in Texas for over 30 years, only about 5 years ago did I learn that the Southeast Texas Coast has a rare animal that calls this area “home” during the winter and what a privilege to witness this…the migration of the Whooping Crane. The best place to find the Whooping Crane (other than these beautiful specimens at the Houston Zoo), is during winter at Aransas National Wildlife Refuge. In the summer, they migrate to Canada. I love this description I found on AllAboutBirds.org: “The Whooping Crane is the tallest bird in North America and one of the most awe-inspiring, with its snowy white plumage, crimson cap, bugling call, and graceful courtship dance. It's also among our rarest birds and a testament to the tenacity and creativity of conservation biologists. The species declined to around 20 birds in the 1940s but, through captive breeding, wetland management, and an innovative program that teaches young cranes how to migrate, numbers have risen to about 600 today.”
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It’s true these birds are graceful and during our photoshoot, I also learned they are quite shy. We tried to hand feed them for a photo but they would only come within about 10-15 feet so we basically launched their treats LOL!. They did come a tad closer for their keepers who they have learned to trust. A few facts that I find interesting about this really cool bird is that although they only weigh about 15 lbs., they have a wing span of nearly 7 ft. and they stand about 5 ft. tall. They are also famous for their courtship dance (they form monogamous pairs around 2 to 3 yrs. old), which consists of a spectacle of leaping, kicking, head-pumping, and wing-sweeping. I would love to see that! In 1941 there were only 21 Whooping Cranes left: 15 were migrants between Canada and Texas while the rest lived year-round in Louisiana. Thanks to conservation, the numbers are increasing. The only self-sustaining population of Whooping Cranes is the flock that breeds in Canada and winters in Texas. There are also 3 populations that exist with the
help of breeding programs. One in particular is quite interesting. This group is being taught by researchers, using ultralight aircraft, to migrate between Wisconsin breeding grounds and Florida wintering grounds. So you can see what a treat it would be to witness this rare population of bird just a few hours from Houston. Be sure to put that on your bucket list, but in the meantime, enjoy meeting this gorgeous pair, Heiden and Angel, at the Houston Zoo!
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Houston PetTalk Magazine
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TAIL END
The Animal Adoption Process How To Work With Adoption Organizations
I
have been involved in the rescue community for many years and have observed the transition from an adoption platform of “in person” visits to shelters, facilities and mobile adoption events, to one of frequent online “shopping”. The trends we have seen in animal placement parallel the general habits of consumers, in that everything is available with a series of clicks. Some of the large online retailers have upped the game even more with the promise of same day, 2-hour delivery. This system is great for many needs and has been a life saver during COVID. But the decision to adopt a pet should involve more than a picture, brief description, and a schedule for delivery. Adopters make a 10–15 year commitment when welcoming a new pet into the home. And
byline J. Smith Loving Arms Pet Placement
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placement groups are letting go of an animal they have come to love and are invested in. As our activities become even more remote, some gentle guidance may be in order. Below are a few suggestions to ensure that the adoption process will not be frustrating for either adopters or placement groups.
1.
Please fill out your application completely. If we are required to contact your landlord, please provide the information we ask for. Otherwise, the process will be delayed. If we advise you against a certain pet, due to age, energy level, compatibility, or health concerns, please respect that information. It is frustrating for everyone when a pet is returned, and further traumatizes the animal. We are trying to make successful matches! If you are working with several groups, and choose another pet, please let us know. We will not spend
2. 3.
time processing your application and will wish you and your new fur baby the very best. From our side, we will communicate the schedule, and let you know if we are encountering any delays. Adopters want their pets home as soon as possible. We will give you all the guidance we can, including food requirements, medical records, notes from the foster home, etc. Please remember that many of us are volunteers, with “for pay” jobs, families, and pets of our own.
4. 5.
6.
At the end of the adoption process, there is nothing more gratifying than to see a healthy animal welcomed into its forever home by an enthusiastic family. We all strive for the same outcome, so let’s keep talking and working together for that “happy ever after”!