Houston PetTalk June 2022 by houstonpettalk10

June 2022

Meet KHOU's DAVE FROEHLICH ...along with other media personalities and their pets

Media Hounds

ANNUAL ISSUE

PLUS: Summer Safety Tips Pet Hospice Father’s Day Gifts

The right kind of care for the best rest of life Senior Paws is now BluePearl Pet Hospice We’ve become 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. Julia Spade, DVM, CHPV, CVMA Erica Sandberg, DVM, CHPV 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

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

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

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Same-day shipping when you order online at: www.DogTalkTV.com/PatBecker–Books/

ABOUT

BLOG

Pat Becker of Dog Talk TV

BOOKS

EPISODES CONTACT

Pat’s Summer Reading Pix for Dog Lovers of All Ages These well-illustrated books are autographed by author Pat Becker and are available in audiobook (audio version indicated ). Pat is author and hostess of DogTalkTV.com, where these books can be found.

With DVD

FREE Shipping with orders of 2 or more of any of these books!

Find an entertaining book for you or a family member at:

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Letter from the Editor On the cover

WE LOVE OUR HOUNDS!

Yes, we love our Hound Dogs, and we also love our Media Hounds! In this fun annual issue, we highlight a crosssection of local media, photographed with their pet (plus we give you a little insight into their lives with our Q&A). Houston also extends a big welcome to our cover models, Dave Froehlich, Anchor, KHOU 11 Morning News and his pup Luke, shown here with photographer extraordinaire, Allison McPhail, working to get a great shot. Dave came back to his hometown of Houston after working in Austin, so check him out in the mornings on KHOU Ch. 11! Cover image by Allison Wilkins McPhail of Evin Thayer Studios. HOUSTON PETTALK MAGAZINE 14781 Memorial Drive, Ste. 510, Houston, Texas 77079 281-556-6560 Art Director: ANDREW BURWELL

or us animal lovers, one of the reasons we feel compelled to help them is because they can't help themselves. With forlorn eyes and a disposition of unconditional love, we inherently understand that we need to protect them, be their voice, be their stewards. It's in the spirit of helping animal causes that many of Houston's media devote their time and resources to supporting the Bayou City's vibrant animal rescue scene. From television to print to radio and digital formats, Houston media offer their time and celebrity, for FREE, to apprise the public of pets in need, lost animals, cruelty cases, pets looking for forever homes and more. From a reporter working a pet adoption telethon to TV personalities offering their emcee talents for animal charity events, we have many media to thank for their generosity. It's that spirit of giving that prompted me to start our annual Media Hounds issue 10 years ago and it's now one our reader's favorite issues of the year! I hope you enjoy reading their Q&A's and seeing what furry kids they hug every day (and night)! June is also our reveal of the winner, finalists, and ALL entries in our Annual Pets In The Wildflowers Contest, generously sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. Because the photos are so fun and so "Texas", it's the only contest that we commit to publishing all entries, no matter how many. After 14 years of the contest, we have a 4-page spread! Congrats to "Ellie" for snagging the first place prize of a $200 certificate to Sunset. Check out all entries on page 38. Junewinner also offers two notorious happenEllie, of Wildflower ings. First, we celebrate all the wonderful Photo Contes dads out there on Father's Day. To be sure

you have just the right gift, we've curated some unique gifts for the pet Dad on your shopping list. Second, the Texas heat hits full throttle! And with the heat, comes summer safety concerns. Check out the articles in our health section addressing how to keep pets cool in the hot temps by Dr. Shonda Wesson and safety reminders on everything from a variety of water hazards to snakes, ticks (yuck!), and dehydration, offered up by the awesome team at VERGI Emergency Hospital. I would also like to give a shoutout to the Houston Zoo for once again allowing me an amazing opportunity to be in the presence of beautiful animals...this time the RARE Blue-Throated Macaw. Check out the wildlife conservation section starting on page 56 to learn more about the Houston Zoo's sea turtle initiative and our photoshoot with these gorgeous birds. Enjoy!

Zookeeper Stephanie Gonzalez shares facts about the Blue-Throated Macaw.

© Copyright 2020. Reproduction or use without written permission of articles, editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited. Houston PetTalk does not knowingly accept false or misleading advertising or editorial, nor do the publishers assume responsibility should such advertising or editorial appear. Houston PetTalk does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible. All photos ©copyright depositphotos unless otherwise stated.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

Where in the World is PetTalk? Send your Travel photos featuring PetTalk

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

DESTIN, FLORIDA

West Virginia natives Harlee and Andrew Britton, with daughter Layla, brought their copy of PetTalk along to the art festival at Grand BLVD in Destin, Florida. Thanks for sharing...and Go Mountaineers!

MWD BButler (RET JAPAN)

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On The Joys Of A Staycation

ome things in life are very simple. Discerning between a good and bad wine is quite easy. Recognizing a good looking Hunk O’ Male when he trots by is a breeze. Understanding the pleasure of a masseuse over a vibrating, neckkneading massage chair is a cinch. Now, here’s another simple fact of life: I was born to travel. It’s true that my skills as a gossip hound, rover-ing reporter, food critic, beverage consumer and bling fanatic are all certifiable, but it’s also a well-documented fact that I’m a travel connoisseur. However, there is one small problem: flying is not my gig (maybe you read my column last month?). For starters, I’m afraid to fly. I’ve recorded an impressive 5 Bloody Marys before boarding a 6am flight; I can’t seem to get all of my fashion-self into a bag weighing less than the prerequisite 50 lb. limit; I always trigger the security alarm at the airport (it’s usually my b.b. simon belt) and the smallest sign of turbulence has me tucking my tail between my legs and leaving claw marks in any arm within reach. Although I love to travel to far away places in search of my ancestry…Nova Scotia to see the Labradors, Mexico to see the Chihuahuas, Alaska to see the Malamutes, England to see the Sheepdogs, and I once even tried to go to a place called Cardigan to see Welsh Corgis but it was just a bunch of two-leggers in sweaters. Point being that worldly travel is appealing, but when contemplating the hassle of flying…not so much. You know how I’m inclined to consternate and this dilemma has caused much consternation! My solution? I’ve figured out that I can have just as much fun without leaving the state of Texas, or even Houston for that matter. For this issue, I was sent on the “beat” to Galveston to check out some pet-friendly

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was during this sojourn to the Gulf Coast that I realized how easy it is to have a staycation without the hassle of body searches, luggage limits, and hours sitting next to a drooling, snoring stranger. What an AHA moment! I checked out the Hotel Galvez and was instantly attracted to its history and architecture. I could definitely see myself lounging on a velvet settee in the lobby, sipping champagne and enjoying the fact that dogs are much preferred over cats at these fancy establishments. Next, I trotted over to the Hilton where I was promptly turned away due to a No Pets Policy. Hmf. I can’t say I understand these rules. They allow kids, and they most definitely pee in the pool and we only pee on the bushes. But whatever, there are plenty of other choices of accommodations on the island that are not so bone-headed. After a quick jog through the Whataburger drivethru (all this lounging was making me hungry!), I headed to the Treemont Hotel where I heard 4-leggers were welcome (and I just made it under the weight limit even after the Double Meat Whataburger). The place was like going back in time...in a good way. Maybe not the best location for finding some good green grass to sniff and do a little “landscaping” but still very charming. Did I stop there? Do you think I’m crazy? I’m on an expense account. So off I went to stay in a beautiful beachfront home, made available by my pals at Sand N’ Sea Properties. Score! They were not only welcoming, but actually offered me a gift basket full of doggie delicacies. Once settled, I mixed up my favorite puparani martini, kicked back, put my paws up and enjoyed the sea air. Ahh…if DL could see me now. She thinks this assignment was ruff and is giving me hazard pay for staying overnight. I’m still smiling about that one! lodging and evaluate the canine comforts.

It It

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n partnership with the Puppies for Breakfast Dog Festival, held at Market Square Park in Downtown Houston April 30th, PetTalk Magazine brought you the biggest doggy Instagram costume contest. We were looking for the cutest, most adorable pup in the city, any size, any breed, with the most amazing costume. Congrats to Cosmo, Teddy, and Miles, who were chosen as the winners by Houston PetTalk & Dogpophtx. Even though Teddy isn’t a dog, the panel determined he was so cool that he deserved a spot in the winner’s circle! A big THANK YOU to all that participated…there were some super cute, creative entries that made the choice very difficult! Be sure to check them out on our IG Page.

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atch on the beach, lazy naps on the deck, and long walks at sunset are the best! Submit a photo of your pup enjoying a Galveston Island getaway and you could win a fabulous prize from our sponsor, Sand `N Sea Properties! » Upload entries July 1 - 14 via the contest link on our Facebook page or HoustonPetTalk.com. » Public voting will be open from July 15 - 25.

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Sand `N Sea will determine the grand prize winner. » Winning photos will be published in the September issue of Houston PetTalk. » Photo submissions must be high resolution (1 MB or larger) and must be taken at a Galveston Island beach or beach house deck. Sand N Sea reserves the rights to publish any photo entries. »

Harley - Winner 2021

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Houston PetTalk Magazine

NEWS & EVENTS

Honotsu Wodlr Seseir fO Dog Shswo snruteR n I ! y lu J

oted “Show of the Year” in 2014 and 2019 by Purina Pro Plan and Dogs in Review magazine, the Houston World Series of Dog Shows is returning to their pre-Covid show from July 20-24 at the NRG Center. Spectators can enjoy Conformation (Breed) judging, Obedience, Rally, Flyball, Barn Hunt, Canine Freestyle, Canine Frisbee Exhibi-

tion and lots of vendors catering to the dog fancy. To learn more and find show information as it is made available, visit HoustonDogShows. com. Be sure to plan a visit to the PetTalk booth where we will have plenty of current and past issues of our publication, along with our famous spinning wheel, t-shirts for sale and more!

Photo by Allison Wilkins McPhail of Evin Thayer Studios

GCHS High Ridge He’s So Full Of Himself - AKA “Donald"

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NEWS & EVENTS

Woof a G ng Bakery & rG ooming Opens t41 h Houston Area Store

PHOTO BY: SpringWoods Village Photography

oof Gang Bakery & Grooming hit another milestone in May with the opening of their 30th Texas neighborhood pet store in Spring, TX. Long-time Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming customers, and now new owners, Amith and Divya Patel will be opening two area Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming pet stores in 2022 in Springwoods Village in May and in Woodson’s Reserve this summer. The first Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming

store opened May 7 in Springwoods Village with a week-long Grand Opening Celebration showcasing a wide range of all-natural and healthy pet foods, gourmet baked treats, toys, accessories, and pet supplies, as well professional pet grooming in the North Houston suburb of Spring. The store is located at 2015 Spring Stuebner Rd., Suite 600, Spring, Texas 77388 in the Springwoods Village Shopping Center.

Got a

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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 Houston PetTalk Magazine

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ANIMAL WELLNESS CLINIC

NATIONAL PET PREPAREDNESS MONTH June Microchip & Vaccine Event

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TRAINING

#ShareWithUs! FUN AROUND TOWN 1. @sirwinstonfrenchie Introducing Chester aka Fleet Admiral Chester Nimitz, Commander in Chief, Pawcific Fleet #minime Credit: Austin Powers

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!

2. @latte.bella Happy Easter to all my furry and non-furry friends! May today bring you love and joy!

3. @adventureswithmilliejane HOPPY EASTER i hope everyone has a great easter! 4. @thortherubycavalier Do I wish Thor were gleefully looking at the camera? Yes. Did I perfectly capture his thoughts and feels RE Penelope cuddling with him? Also yes. 5. @bailey_and_gracie_the_ tzus Happy Thursday…who’s ready for a barbecue? We are!! Because we are on our way to celebrate the 4️th birthday of our dear friend Toffee @pascalehouvenaghel_toffee and he’s having a barbecue party!! We woof you and your sweet momma so much Toffee and we hope you have the best day ever! 6. @texas_tessie High score.. what does that mean?

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7. @jackson_the_dalmatian The sweetest cake for the sweetest boy. Scroll through to see Jackson’s first taste!

8. @cosmo_lovesbacon Your mail has been delivered by @ cosmo_lovesbacon 9. @gulliver_the_bulldog Monday magic with Neville the Devil

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ANNUAL ISSUE

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Media

s d n u Ho

BY MICHELLE MANTOR PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLISON WILKINS MCPHAIL OF EVIN THAYER STUDIOS

ave you ever stopped to think about how much information we receive from local media regarding petrelated information? If there is an animal abuse case or puppy mill raid, our news media shares the story and even tells us where we can adopt the survivors. Many of these media outlets also highlight adoptable animals weekly. Plus, many of our news media and TV

personalities volunteer their time and talent to emcee pet events throughout the year. These are just a few examples of how the communication reach of television, radio, print and online media can impact our pet community. With our stray and homeless pet problem in the Bayou City, it is important to have a connection with local media to get the word out when needed and support

our many animal welfare causes. In our 10th annual Media Hounds issue, once again we want to showcase a cross-section of media personalities and thank them for using their "gift of word" to help animals. Plus, we want to gve our readers the opportunity to get to know them better through our Q&A as well as meeting the fur kids they share their life with!

A Special Thank You to The Sterling at Regent Square for the use of their beautiful property to photograph our Media Hounds. This luxurious, cosmopolitan residence is located at 13515 W. Dallas St., 77019. The amenities include a world-class restaurant and retail area anchored by James Beard award-winning chefs, as well as lush tree-lined sidewalks and lawns. And the best part...The Sterling is very pet-welcoming with a dog park and dog wash! Houston PetTalk Magazine

DAVE FROEHLICH

ANCHOR, KHOU 11 MORNING NEWS with Luke

Tell us how Luke came into your family. We adopted Luke, who is an 8 yr. old German Shepherd-Cattle Dog mix from Austin Animal Center in May 2014. Did you have pets growing up? I’m a lifelong animal lover - I’ve had many pets! My main pet was my dog, who I got when I was 7, and who lived for 15 years until I was a senior in college. His name was Paul, after Paul Stanley from KISS! If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be? I think it would be pretty amazing to have a bear as a pet. I’m pretty big on snuggling with my pets, and a bear looks like the most snuggly thing ever. (I’m aware that might not be the reality of the situation!). How do you spend your free time? I work on a morning show, so my main hobby is napping! I’m also a massive football fan, plus I enjoy playing golf (badly) when I can.

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Are you involved in the rescue community? In addition to Luke, we have another rescue dog and two rescue cats. Rescue pets will always be a part of our family. We also donate to shelters and I’ve enjoyed doing “pet of the week” segments when I can. What is your biggest Pet Peeve in life? I have a hard time getting anywhere with someone with a fake personality-got to be real, warts and all! What is your favorite Houston restaurant? I haven’t been back in town long enough to give you a favorite restaurant here, but you can bet it’ll be a pizza place! What is Luke’s favorite thing to do? Luke LOVES to fetch. He can’t have a ball in sight unless we’re about to throw it. He’ll also roll around and get frisky most nights about 15 minutes after dinner, which is pretty adorable.

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know or would find surprising. People might be surprised to know I was a huge night owl growing up - never would have thought I’d have a job where the alarm goes off at 1:30AM! If Luke starred in a movie, what would it be? I think Luke could have been Forrest (Furrest??) Gump. He loveably bumbles his way through life and things just work out for him! If Luke could talk to you, what would he say? He’d say “get off the couch - we need to fetch RIGHT NOW!!” What do you love most about H-Town? Other than the fact that it’s home, I love that it’s a place where you can do anything-all major sports, every major concert comes through town, any and all types of food…and that’s just for starters!

ANAVID REYES TRAFFIC EXPERT KPRC 2 NEWS with Koba and Koko

Tell us about Koba and Koko. With Koba, I worked in Austin as a Traffic Anchor for the local ABC affiliate before returning home to Houston. While there, I had the opportunity to emcee an event for The Texas Humane Heroes, a no kill, pet rescue organization. I was asked to pick and hold a puppy from a litter they had just rescued the week prior to the event, from a terrible hoarding situation. Koba was part of that litter. It was fall and chilly out – so he was wearing the cutest little silver, metallic jacket and immediately caught my eye. We’ve been inseparable since. My husband and I feel so grateful for his unconditional love. My sweet little Yorkie, KoKo was given to me by my mother. He’s a spunky, rebellious, energetic, ball of fun. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be? I can honestly say – I have my dream fur babies. They complete me. But if you were a genie and granted me a wish, I’d wish for a bunch of land in the hill country where I could move away from all the noise in the city and build a ranch, fill it with horses, baby goats, and all the dogs… I really want big babies like St. Bernards, Great Danes, German Shepherds, Italian Mastiffs. A girl can dream… What are your hobbies? I recently picked up a love for gardening. Mostly plant succulents because they’re resilient and thrive off neglect. My perfect plant LOL! I also love to take LONG walks with my dogs. It helps clear my mind, and allows me to be more present and grateful. I’ll just look up at the sky, take in mother nature, close my eyes and take deep breaths – and say: Thank you God for this beautiful day and this life. So many people are just fighting to get through the day, are sick in the hospital, or simply away from family and are feeling alone… so taking time to be fully present and grateful for where I’m at in life, my health, the ups and downs is really important to me. Do you support any animal causes? I continuously donate to PETA, have volunteered time at different pet charity events in different Texas cities. In addition, my friend has a small pet rescue organization “Three Little Pitties” and on occasion they’ll take in fur babies that need a lot of medical attention. Happy to say I’ve been able to help out in some of those instances. When I’m able, I like to collect items dogs need, (food, potty pads, bowls) and donate them to HoustonPetsAlive. I recently signed up to be a foster home for Cypress Lucky Mutt Rescue. What are your dog's favorite thing to do? - Koba: Zoomies in the backyard and eating chicken with his grandma (aka his best friend). - Koko: Fetch and hide and seek with whatever “toy” he claims as his. This could be his squeekie or dad’s socks.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

SHARRON MELTON

MORNING ANCHOR CW39 HOUSTON with Omorede and Idrissa

Tell us how you got your kitties. 2016 Tax Day Storm! A feral cat sought shelter under my patio and few weeks later, 5 tiny little kittens started peeking their heads out. I didn’t know what to do, so I contacted the Feral Feline Retreat. They told me to put food out for their mother. When they started eating hard kibble, I was supplied with humane ways to catch them and care for them until they were old enough to get fixed. I was able to TSR both the momma and daddy cat and hey are living their best lives roaming around the neighborhood. Weeks later, when the 5 kittens were old enough, I had them spayed and neutered, and found homes for 3 and kept 2. And 6 years later, it’s been great ever since! What do you do in your free time? When I’m not on TV, I love volunteering and helping others.

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I’m an Interview Coach at Miss Academy in Houston abd I volunteer with the Miss USA pageant. I emcee events for numerous organizations and I’m involved with Girl Scouts of San Jancinto Council and many other organizations. I also love traveling, working on my podcast “ Sharing the Sugar with Sharron” and bellydancing. What type of things do you do to support animal welfare causes or events? I donate to several animal charities like Emancipet; I have previously been a judge for Animeals on Wheels events; I work to bring awareness to with my platforms to TWRC Wildlife Center. What do your cats love to do most? They Play Cat Soccer! I roll little stress balls at them on the floor and they run and block them and hit them with their legs or heads back in my direction. It’s really cool to watch!

Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know or would find surprising. I was actually allergic to cats when I rescued these little ones! Over time and with allergy meds, I’m doing great! If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be? I already have them! And I love dogs too, so you never know! HAHA! If your kitties could talk, what would they say? “Let’s play, Let’s play!…..Ok, now rub my back, feed me, and let’s take a nap! NO that’s my human lap to sit on. Go get your own!” What do you love most about H-Town? Well, that most people love pets! And, the city and surrounding communities are doing more to create spaces that are pet friendly, and help keep all fur-babies safe!

KEVIN QUINN

AFTERNOON HOST (3PM-7PM) 104.1 KRBE with Ralphie & “pup”: The Furnados

Tell us how you got your cute Frenchies. We adopted Ralphie when he was little, and we just added the puppy to our family the day before this photo shoot! In fact… we are still looking for a name. Any suggestions? If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be? I absolutely love my Frenchies, but my wife and I often talk about how amazing it would be to have pet pigs. To be honest, with the way they snorch, and look… Our French Bulldogs are the closest pup equivalents! We are very grateful that for the most part they do not like to roll around in mud. What are your hobbies? When I’m not on the air at KRBE, you will find me walking my Frenchies around Cane Island, working out at Orange Theory, and chasing down a great patio for brunch.

Do you support any animal welfare causes? We love to support causes and organizations that actively make life better for animals in the Houston area. Bringing awareness to the great work of people like BARC, CAP, Dream Dachshund Rescue, by showcasing these organizations on the air is something I look forward to doing regularly! What is your favorite patio to visit with your pups? Since we recently moved to Cane Island, we love bringing our pups to The Oaks Kitchen. It’s our neighborhood bar and grill and features and incredible menu, cocktail list and patio. Lots of outdoor seating and a pet friendly vibe. Do the boys have any funny habits? Ralphie is a toy collector. He has a vast array of squeaky toys, balls, bones, frisbees and other tossable and chewable items that he keeps

in a big basket in the living room. His favorite activities involve tipping over the basket and indiscriminately scattering these items around the house. What movie could you see your dogs starring in? Twister – The 1996 movie about an apocalyptic tornado. Our dogs are small, but they are also high energy, mighty forces of nature. I call them my little ‘furnados.’ If your pups could talk to you, what would they say? If they COULD talk, we would probably chat about their feelings on inflation, the socioeconomic implications of consumerism, and quantum mechanics, that is when we weren’t discussing the tastiness of Greenies versus Beggin Strips.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

Tell us how Bella came into your life. Two years ago, my husband Christian and I decided it was the perfect time to welcome a dog into our lives and after searching in various shelters we visited Houston Humane Society and found wonderful Bella, who is a senior dog. As soon as I entered the room where our beloved Bella was, I knew she was coming home with us. Did you have pets you had growing up? We always lived in apartments and had dogs growing up. First Dandy who was a Beagle and then Benji, a Shih-tzu. He still lives with my parents and he means the world to them. What do you do when you aren’t working? I have a one year old baby, Leon, who keeps me pretty busy! I love spending time with my family, playing at home and cuddling with the four of us in bed. I also love a good TV series, more than movies actually. I also like coloring mandalas, exercise and reading, especially thrillers and historic novels. What is your biggest Pet Peeve in life? Animal cruelty. I cannot stand watching an animal being hurt. What is your favorite restaurant? Rodeo goat! I have a weakness for burgers. And the best part? They are dog friendly so our sweet Bella can join us. What is Bellas favorite thing to do? Snack time!! Fun fact: I have mentioned that she is an older dog, she is 9 years old. The last two years she has been in our family home. My sister came to visit us and was totally determined to teach her how to roll on the floor. At the beginning, Bella did not understand what that meant but with patience and practice she finally did it! Thus proving that an older dog can still learn some new tricks. Bella also loves following me around the house and just really enjoys our company. She does this cute thing where she extends her front legs and stretches them while looking up and moving her tail when she wants attention. Another thing she loves to do is run after my husband and chase him around while he exercises. Tell us something about yourself that most people do not know or would find surprising. I like to watch ASMR before I go to sleep. It makes feel relaxed and helps me unwind after I get home from work late at night. Another thing about me that some find uncommon is that scotch is my drink of preference. And, I love red beets. If Bella could star in a movie, what would it be? CinderBella!!! The story about a little dog who was given for adoption and found a loving family that cares and loves her so much. What do you love most about H-Town? It’s the city I call home. It has given me everything I love. I met my husband here, my son was born here and we found Bella here. I have lived in about 7 other cities around the world, and Houston has conquered my heart. The weather reminds me of my hometown Barranquilla. And there is so much to do and a LOT of places to eat.

www.houstonpettalk.com

MARCELA PEREZ BARROS

NEWS ANCHOR UNIVISION 45 HOUSTON with Bella

ANDY CEROTA

KPRC 2 ANCHOR/REPORTER with Maxwell & Theo

Did you have pets growing up? My parents were huge dog lovers. We always had a dog growing up. Venus, a boxer when I was very little and Rocky, a boxer during my elementary, middle and part of my high school years. Being a pet owner is one of life's greatest gifts and privileges. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be? An Orangutan, hands down! They're fascinating! In fact, my new found "guilty pleasure"...any Instagram Reels featuring them LOL1 I'm addicted! There's a page, in particular ...meky993...I probably look at it a hundred times a day! What do you do in your free time? I enjoy spending time at home, plus I thrive on being outdoors, practically year-round in Houston. I'm an explorer at heart so I love to travel. I'm also a fitness enthusiast and when I'm not pressed for time, I enjoy cooking. I'm still discovering the value in rest. Do you support animal welfare causes? Truth be told, I'd like to be more involved. I've done many stories throughout my career in Houston addressing animal welfare causes, including the multi-layered struggles and issues of animal overpopulation across our area. It's a privilege being able to work with the various animal rescue groups whose mission is to raise awareness and money for resources to address the critical needs of the homeless animals. KPRC 2 does a tremendous job by working with different groups, showcasing the issues and providing solutions while highlighting the importance of animal adoptions and galvanizing the community to take action. What is your biggest Pet Peeve in life? Ha, ha, ha...pet peeve, I see what you did there! LOL As a journalist, I'm a stickler for making sure I ALWAYS pronounce a person's name correctly. It just tears me up inside if I don't get it right. What is your favorite Houston restaurant? Do I have to pick just one? There are so many wonderful places in Houston. Restaurant patio would have to be Barnaby's! What do Maxwell and Theo like to do? Maxwell & Theo love their walks! Like clockwork, they know exactly when it's time for their walks. They never skip a beat. Maxwell is a huge clown. He loves to chase the pool cleaner and and give lots of kisses! Theo loves his chew toys, he is also a big daddy's boy and loves snuggling up with me for naps. If the boys could talk to you, what would they say? "More butt scratches Dad, please?!" What do you love most about H-Town? Ahhh...H-town. Our city is dynamic, has so much heart & soul and its rich diversity is deeply woven into the fabric of our community. It's a great place to plant roots, settle down and feel like you're part of a true community. This time next year, I'll be celebrating my 20th anniversary as a Houstonian. I couldn't be more proud. Houston PetTalk Magazine

Tell us how these “pack” came into you life. All four of our pets are seniors and came into our lives at different times. I’ve had Bun-Bun the longest, after adopting her mother who passed in 2017. Taco is the oldest, and he came from a woman outside of a Hobby Lobby in the Woodlands. Chuy is the newest addition to the family, by way of my brother-in-law. Rosita was our happy accident in February this year – we rescued her from the Humane Society after seeing her at a booth set up at the Houston Home & Garden Show. We take pride in our senior citizen home for dogs. Did you grow up with pets? It all started with Jalapeno, the Cocker Spaniel. He was my childhood pet and taught me the feeling of unconditional love that comes with forming that special bond with a pet. Wubba joined the family shortly after and he was anything but ordinary. He was a mix of a German Shepherd and Border Collie and lived to be 21 years old. I took in a terrier mix and called her Lola, Bun’s mom, not knowing how far along she was in her pregnancy. A week after Lola made herself at home, she gave birth to her litter and the rest is history. If you could have any animal as a pet, what would it be? I wish I could have Wubba back – like I said he, wasn’t your average dog. If we’re talking exotic animals, I’d love to have a sloth. Tell us what you do in your free time. I spend most of my time with my girlfriend, Lauren. We take the dogs for walks, usually in shifts because there are four of them and they can be a handful. I like visiting breweries all throughout Texas and spending time outdoors. What is your favorite restaurant patio that you enjoy with your pups? I love Buffalo Bayou Brewery and it has a great pet patio area. Truckyard is another favorite with a good energy and dog-friendly. 8th Wonder Brewery has to also rank at the top – I even threw Bun’s birthday party there. Tell us some funny quirks about your dogs. Bun loves dressing up. She lives for the fashion and can’t pass up a photo op (Cue Madonna’s “Vogue”). She’s quickly passing that trait on to her sister, Rosita. Chuy is a sensitive soul and will definitely let you know when he wants a taste of what you’re eating with his sweet whining. Taco… let’s just say we call him Taco the Grouch. Think Oscar in the trash can, same energy. Tell us something about yourself that most people don’t know or would find surprising. I’m not one to speak about myself, so handing this off to Lauren. LAUREN: Adrian has such a talent for creative writing. He can make up songs on the spot, any topic to any tune. He has the most active imagination of anyone I’ve ever met. It definitely comes in handy, given the nature of his job, but he will always have another idea brewing or a story up his sleeve.

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ADRIAN PEREZ “PRODUCER HOSS” EXECUTIVE PRODUCER MORNINGS ON 93Q HOUSTON’S COUNTRY LEADER with Bun-Bun, Taco, Chuy & Rosita

KATELYN MAIDA

MORNING SHOW HOST ON 93Q HOUSTON with Fred

Tell us how Fred came into your life. I adopted Fred when I moved to Dallas from Houston for work in 2015. I made the move after being born and raised in Houston my whole life so for the first time ever, I felt really alone. I was away from my huge family in a city I wasn’t yet familiar with. I knew I needed some extra sunshine and a big guy that would help me feel safe at my new home away from home. I found Fred when he was just over a year old, and his previous owner was moving. I truly believe it was fate. We found a new home within each other, and we’ve been family ever since. He’s 8 years old now. Did you have pets growing up? My mom was a first-grade teacher, so we always had the most diverse pets growing up that lived with us on the weekends away from her classroom. From ferrets, to iguanas, a snake, hedgehogs, guinea pigs and all the in-between, we grew up in a home surrounded by love from animals. On top of that we always had our family dogs. Tell us what you do when you are not working. I actually spend a lot of time with Fred and my husband. We like to spend time outdoors and we like to try out new food and drinks around town. We’re both explorers at heart and Fred is just the perfect companion for our lifestyle. Do you support any animal welfare causes? I’ve been working for several years now with both the SPCA and local Humane societies. I started my weekly pet feature on air and on social media about 7 years ago and haven’t stopped doing it since, no matter where I am. What is your Fred’s favorite thing to do? TALK. Hahaha Fred is a talker, and he will let you know exactly how he’s feeling. If he’s upset with us or impatient, he’ll give us some grunts and sighs. If he’s excited or meeting new dog friends for the first time, he’ll loudly start squealing and snorting. Sometimes he just walks around the house and talks while he plays with his toys. If your pet starred in a movie, what would it be? Imagine if Rex from Toy Story was the lead in Horton Hears A Who. That’s who Fred would play. We always call Fred “everyone’s friend.” He’s a little goofy and clumsy but he has such a loyal heart. If your Fred could talk to you, what would he/she say? “Soooo what time do you guys think you’ll be home?” What do you love most about H-Town? EVERYTHING. There is truly nowhere like Houston. The love, the hustle mentality and the acceptance in this city is unmatched. I’m a die-hard Houstonian forever. You complain about the potholes, I’m going to find a way to defend it.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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JULY 20-24 C O M E. S I T. S T A Y.

NRG PARK

A RARE BREED OF FAMILY FUN! MEET THE BREEDS CANINE MUSICAL FREEST YL E MCSCOTTY MARKET AKC’s My Dog Can Do That! DESIGNER DOGHOUSE COMPETITION & AUCTION Conformation/Breed Judging CANINE FRISBEE™ Creative/BREED STANDARD Grooming FLYBALL SCENT TRIAL Barn Hunt SPONSORS:

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1st

Place Winner!

Ellie

Wildflower Photo Contest

ongratulations to this year's winner "Ellie", who clearly shows how happy a romp in the Bluebonnets make her! We know our readers love seeing ALL of the adorable entries and that is why we commit every year to publish every single one...and they definitely will make you smile! Our 14th Annual Pets in the Wildflowers Photo Contest

Finalist

Finn

is generously sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. Finalists were chosen by public voting and the winner was chosen by Sunset's staff. Sunset Animal Hospital, located at 2959 SW Frwy, is open 24/7 offering top quality medical treatment for your pet. Thank you Sunset for your generous sponsorship! Learn more about them at SunsetAnytime.com.

Finalist

Jameson Whiskey

Finalist

Justice

Finalist

Kimber

Maisie

Finalist

Mia

Pippin

Finalist

Mollie, Misty, Darwin, Zelda, Gamora, Nebula, Eva, Miles & Gwen Stacy

Poochie

Finalist

Shadow

Finalist

Tess Darcy

Honorable Mention

Lucille & Baby

Ace

Aelia Spyra

Bear

Bella

Belle

Charlie

Diamond

Elvira

Gabby

Goldeen

Journey

Juanita

Kirby Pemberton

Koda

Loki and his friends

Nico

Oreo Cookie

Oscar

Ozzie & Mac

Paris

Ruby

Rudy Mena

Rudy Warrick

Sam

Scout

Bentley

Bonnie

Briggs

Brylee

Gracey

Heidi

Hunter

Jeda

Jeri

Lucy Lulu

Magnus

Monster

Murphy

Parsons Pearl

Pepper

Dexter

Prize

Rizzo

Sofi

Sunny

Ted

Visa

NEW 290 & Tidwell Clinic

Monroe Clinic

Wayside Clinic

13830 NW Fwy Houston, TX 77040

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FANTASTIC FATHER'S DAY FOR DAD ON THE GO

Dad will love to drink his fave beverage at the dog park in this “Pawsome Dad” travel mug. Yappy.com has more than 450 dog and cat registered breeds (including mixed breeds). Simply find the pets’ breed icon, enter their name and start creating!

MORNINGS WITH DAD

Make your mornings with your favorite beverage even more special with a unique pet photo mug and show off your best friend or give the best gift this year to your fellow dog lover! Available at Etsy.com, Store: ModPawsUS.

LINKS OF LOVE

If he's a dapper dresser, then these custom cuff links are a perfect pick. Artist Erin Harris transfers a photo of the pet onto a rubber stamp, embosses it onto a pendant, then engraves it onto silver. The pet dad on your list will get to keep the custom stamp too! Available at Etsy.com, Store: Uncommon Goods.

A BREED OF HIS OWN

Pay tribute to Dad's favorite pedigree with these cozy socks. Choose from 17 dog breeds, (think French bulldogs to Beagles), to find the perfect match. Fetch yours at Etsy.com, Store: Uncommon Goods.

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'OF CATS AND MEN' BOOK

Stylishly illustrated and full of charming, witty profiles and quotes from history’s most notable “cat men,” Of Cats and Men pays tribute to 30 luminaries and visionaries, from Ernest Hemingway to Sir Isaac Newton, who have one thing in common: a pure and enduring love of cats. Available at Amazon.com.

RELAX DAD, WE GOT THIS! VA-ROOM!

The ultimate gift for the greatest pet DAD ever is a sporty new WRX Subaru to haul his precious furry cargo around! The Subaru brand is the #1 automobile for pet owners, offering a number of accessories to make Fido’s ride more comfy. So why not light up Dad’s eyes this Father’s day by surprising him with a new car! Buy yours at West Houston Subaru, WestHoustonSubaru.com.

Help Dad celebrate his Special Day with this Rescue Dog Candle that features "a grateful blend of love and devotion combined with pure appreciation for green grass and home sweet home." You can also shop Scripted Fragrance's breed-specific candles, as well as other pets like cats, horses and more. Get yours at Etsy.com, Store ScriptedFragrance.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

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

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

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HEALTH

Summer! It often signals the end of a school year, the start of vacations, lazing by the pool, sleeping in and…dangers for our pets.

n Houston, heat is a very real danger. At VERGI, we are already seeing heat strokes in dogs (cats can suffer heat stroke as well.) As the humidity rises along with the temperatures, our pets can suffer the effects of heat. Their inability to truly sweat and cool their bodies down can be miserable for them at best and deadly at worst. Here are a few tips to keep your pet safe. Never leave a pet in a car, even with the AC running. Be mindful of the temperature of the ground they are walking on and remember that animals can get sunburns, too. When it comes to heat, if you wouldn’t be out for a walk or run in a fur coat, neither should your pet. Be mindful, too, of something as simple as playtime in the yard when it is hot, especially for dogs

byline

By: Shana D Richardson, PhD VERGI 24/7 Animal Emergency and Critical Care Hospital

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who are not accustomed to the heat, are older, overweight, have health issues or are brachycephalic, meaning they have a short muzzle or “smushed” face. Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat exhaustion and save your pet from heat stroke. Along with the heat comes potential dehydration. Make sure your pet has clean, cool water and shade to retreat to. The beach also presents dangers like salt-water poisoning, strong tides, dangerous marine creatures and sometimes bacteria that can make your dog sick. A day at the beach is tons of fun, but please keep these dangers in mind. Not only is a beach day fun, but so is the backyard swimming pool! Unfortunately, the pool can offers up a variety of dangers as well. They are filled with chemicals, sometimes salt and even bacteria that can be dangerous. Provide fresh drinking water as an alternative to pool water and always keep your pets away from the pool when chemicals have just been added.

Never leave your pet unattended. According to the Pool Safety Network, around 5,000 family pets drown every year. Using a swim vest is an important safety step. Although most dogs can swim, they don't always know how to exit the pool if there is no one to help them. Next up, we have snakes that present a real hazard. Learn to recognize the venomous snakes in our area. We mostly have coral snakes, water moccasins and copperheads but rattlesnakes are prevalent in the dunes of Galveston and surrounding areas. Next, be sure to keep up with flea, tick and heartworm preventative. Fleas can lead to tapeworms for your pet and ticks carry a number of diseases, including Lyme. Mosquitoes can cause heartworms. Lastly, summer parties and cookouts present a tempting array of foods and drinks your pet should not indulge in. Remind guests to not feed your pet and lock gates if you are outside.

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.

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Chanda Miles, DVM, DAVDC

Board-Certified Veterinary Dentist™

katy@vdsvets.com | vdsvets.com | Locations: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Texas

We specialize in the art of fine grooming Montrose 1417 Richmond Avenue Houston, Texas 77006

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713-393-7181 New Location

River Oaks 3641 Westheimer, Suite B Houston, Texas 77027 713-393-7181

info@thepetbarberhouston.com

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HEALTH

Oral Melanoma patient, “Pip”.

Pet Hospice and Cancer Care Promoting Quality Of Life

alliative care is the management of all your pet’s symptoms to promote quality of life. The goal is to keep your pet comfortable so they can do more of the things they love to do with you and your family. As you’re planning the next steps for your pet with cancer, you may hear several terms that relate to palliative care like “hospice care” or “pain management.” We hope the information below will help you feel informed and empowered to make decisions that are best for your pet.

PALLIATIVE CARE

Palliative care is an umbrella term that encompasses the management of all types of symptoms, including pain, anxiety, decreased activity, loss of appetite, stomach upset, and any other complications caused by disease, injury, or aging. It focuses on supporting your pet’s entire wellbeing and relieving all symptoms that may be limiting quality of life. While palliative care is commonly associated with the later years of your pet’s life, you can elect palliative care at any point when they are experiencing illness or injury.

byline By: Erica Sandberg, DVM, CHPV, CAETACertified, PetHospice.BluePearlVet.com

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PAIN MANAGEMENT

Pain is a common symptom of agerelated ailments and many diseases, including cancer. Pain management aims to pinpoint your pet’s discomfort and find a resolution like medication, physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and more. Pain management will likely play a role in your pet’s palliative care plan. However, it’s important to be mindful of how your pet expresses pain, as it can often be disguised in behaviors like a change in eating or decreased activity. We’ll come back to this topic further in the article.

HOSPICE CARE

Hospice care is typically prescribed for your pet’s final chapter if their condition is considered terminal or incurable. It offers the end-of-life care your pet needs to prepare for a more peaceful and comfortable transition across the rainbow bridge. With a cancer diagnosis, it’s a good idea to explore hospice care as soon as possible. Whether your pet is in the care of a hospice veterinarian for weeks, months or years, they’ll benefit from having a support plan that’s both personalized to their unique needs and aligned with your family’s wishes.

HOSPICE CARE FOR PETS WITH CANCER Cancer is a complex condition, and it often involves many challenging symp-

toms. Depending on what type of cancer your pet has, symptoms may be wideranging and include: » Pain and/or lack of mobility » Nausea and vomiting » Inflammation and swelling » Difficulty eating or breathing » Discomfort from lumps, wounds or surgeries » Diarrhea and digestive upset » Anxiety or fear Hospice care provides valuable support for pets with cancer because it takes your pet’s overall wellness into consideration. Your pet’s hospice care team will take the time to understand your pet’s condition and challenges and create a plan that’s tailored to their individual needs.

BENEFITS OF HOSPICE CARE

The benefits of hospice care for cats and dogs with cancer extend to your entire family. When your pet’s symptoms are managed, you’re able to: » Create more positive memories with your pet and their loved ones » Feel confident they have a better quality of life while living with cancer » Take action on your pet’s “bucket list” in their final chapters You can take comfort in knowing hospice care is a less-stress experience that is often managed at home, so your pet doesn’t experience any additional burden or anxiety during their cancer care journey.

HEALTH

Tips to Keep Your Pet from Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot! Summer Safety

ummer is a great time to get outside and have some fun in the sun with our furry friends but doing so without preparing your pet for the heat can be extremely dangerous for them. If you plan on spending the day outside with your pet this summer, make sure to take these precautions to have a safe and enjoyable time!

LOAD UP ON PET SPF (SUMMER PROTECTION FACTORS)

Pets often don’t wear sunscreen as we do, but you can do plenty of things as an owner to make sure they’re protected from anything harmful that the summer season may bring.

UNDERSTAND YOUR PET

When it comes to heat, it’s important to know what your pet can and can’t handle during these warmer months. Make sure you’re aware of these symptoms of dehydration and overheating in pets: » Excessive Panting or Difficulty Breathing » Increased Heart Rate » Drooling or Mild Weakness » Sunken Eyes and/or Dry Mouth/Nose » Vomiting and/or Diarrhea For dog owners, it’s also important to note that dogs cool by convection (evaporation), so they don’t sweat the way humans do to maintain body temperature. Their basal temperature is also higher than ours. As a result, this makes them more susceptible to heatstroke in hot, humid environments like the one we have here in Houston. Pets with flat faces are also more susceptible to heat strokes since they can’t pant as effectively. If you plan on going on walks, keep your pet healthy and their paws safe by

byline Dr. Shonda Wesson, Sunset Animal Hospital SunsetAnytime.com

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limiting walks to brief ones during the cooler morning and evening hours.

the season you want to catch yourself forgetting where you last left your fur baby!

HAVE H20 ON THE GO

NEVER LEAVE YOUR PET IN A CAR

We all know how hot and humid Houston can get during the summer. Pets can get dehydrated rather quickly, so keeping clean water available for them is extremely important. Whether you’re playing outside with them, just letting them out, or sunbathing, be sure to have some water ready to keep them hydrated and cool.

BRING YOUR PET IN FOR A SUMMER CHECK-UP

Though it’s not the only season they are around, summer is prime time for heartworm and parasites. If your pet isn’t already on year-round prevention or medication, come see Sunset Animal Hospital for a quick wellness exam and preventative care so your pet can enjoy a healthy and worry-free summer this year!

KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR PET

Anytime your pet is out of the house, it’s important to always keep an eye on them to make sure they are safe. Summer is definitely not

Parked cars are the last place you should ever leave your pet. Cars without A/C running heat up quickly during hot days and can lead to fatal heat strokes for your pets if they’re left unaccompanied. Not only is this dangerous, but it could also result in a criminal charge!

MIND YOUR FOOD

We all love a good summer barbecue or cookout! However, consuming the wrong food can make for a not-so-fun time for you and your pet. Alcohol, grapes, onions, and any product with xylitol can be toxic for your pet. Read those labels and make sure you know all the people foods you should avoid feeding your pets before hosting your next big cookout. We at Sunset Animal Hospital hope you and your furry friends enjoy a safe and fun-filled summer this year. Whether you’re going on trips together, getting fit together, or being homebodies together, our wish is that your pet gets to enjoy the longest, happiest life with the one they love the most: you. Make great memories, be safe, and we look forward to seeing you and your pet on your next visit!

Houston PetTalk Magazine

TAIL END

All About Dog Boarding With Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center

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Tell us about the boarding services offered at Meadowlake. When it comes to caring for pets, Meadowlake Pet Resort & Training Center facilities are one of the best and most affordable places in Houston! All levels of our accommodations provide dogs with the many comforts of home. Each pet will have his or her own climate-controlled room with comfy bedding and relaxing music. Our team performs daily comprehensive wellness checks and all dogs are taken outside up to three times to stretch and potty. Plus, pet parents can pick the combination of activities that best suits their pet’s personality including Group Play with other dogs, Private Play with the oneon-one attention of a staff member, fun Pet Portraits, treats, fun water play at our Splash Pad Play (288 South location only), Tuck-Ins or Story Times before bed, and Spa Treatments such as Lavender Facials and De-Shedding Treatments. What is the most requested service? By far our most popular service is social play, where pups have the opportunity to have fun with other dogs in a safe and supervised environment. Meadowlake

Michelle Mantor

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offers FREE evaluations to ensure pups are placed in the proper play pack based on their size, breed, personality and play style. Because canines are so social, this type of interaction allows them to focus on their new doggie friends instead of missing home and leaves them tired and ready for those tuck ins and story times when they arrive back to their suites! How do you assure your clients that your facility is clean and safe? Industryleading safety and wellness systems keep all our guests healthy and protected. Pets are kept comfortable with year-round climate control and air filtration, while our facility and play yards are protected by 24/7 security and perimeter fencing. Additionally, our highly trained caregivers provide a comprehensive wellness check to our guests every day. Meadowlake provides endless training opportunities for staff, as well as attends industry conferences, lectures and more to stay up to date on the latest trends, equipment and scientific information. When selecting a boarding facility, what should clients look for? What questions should they ask? Before you decide to book a stay for your pup anywhere, look online for reviews, view posted pictures and visit the website to get many of your questions answered. Social media is also a great place to get

a feel for the facility. When calling, you should be greeted by someone friendly and full of information. If you are still unsure, visit the facility to meet staff and see the accommodations for yourself. It’s always a red flag if you have to make an appointment to tour! Ask questions about options for your pup to socialize or play one-on-one and if pups get their own room and a place to relax everyday. Ask to view the rooms, play areas and where they will be taken for potty breaks. Do you offer any special services, suites, etc. for anxious pups that might be wary of boarding? Yes we do! We understand that puppies and senior pets sometimes need a little extra care. Puppies enjoy extra playtimes and potty breaks among other fun perks, while senior pets appreciate mobility breaks, orthopedic beds, and more. We even have a Special Care Wing for pets who need extra amenities and privacy for the most comfortable stay. And for the pet who has never stayed anywhere overnight before, we recommend a short stay for the day or just one night so that they feel relaxed, have fun and realize that Mom and Dad will indeed be back to pick them up. This can make dropping off for a longer stay easier on the pet, and you!

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Conservation Corner Saving Sea Turtles

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 sea turtles. Look for other

Photos by Houston Zoo

upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

uring the month of June, as the community celebrates Sea Turtle Week, which kicks off with World Ocean Day and concludes with World Sea Day (June 8-16), the Houston Zoo veterinary staff works year-round to rescue and rehabilitate sea turtles found sick or injured on the Upper Texas Coast. There are five species of sea turtles inhabiting the Gulf of Mexico, all of which are either threatened or endangered. They

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include the Kemp’s ridley, green, leatherback, Atlantic hawksbill and loggerhead sea turtles. The Zoo is devoted to sea turtle survival and provides diagnostic and therapeutic services and conducts routine and nursing care to hospitalized animals that are brought to the Zoo. The veterinary staff offers medical care and treatments to sick or injured turtles found in the Galveston area. The Zoo also has two full-time sea turtle conservation staff

stationed in Galveston and partners with Texas A&M University at Galveston’s Gulf Center for Sea Turtle Research. In 2021, 101 wild green sea turtles, 42 wild Kemp’s ridley sea turtles, 10 wild Loggerheads received care from the Zoo’s veterinary clinic team. Threats to sea turtles occur year-round but, in the summer, as more people enjoy the beach and water activities, life-threatening risks for sea turtles increase. Common threats

include impact by boat propeller, ingestion of fishing hooks and entanglement in fishing line. The Zoo conducts wildlifesaving actions by collecting and recycling fishing line and trash from fishing areas that can cause harm to marine animals along the Texas Gulf coast. Since 2014 Zoo staff have made trips to Surfside Jetty in Galveston to clean up trash and recycle discarded fishing line. When recycled, fishing line can be melted down and repurposed into items like tackle boxes, sunglasses and portable camp chairs. So far, the Zoo has recycled more than 440 pounds of fishing line, collected over 1,800 pounds of recyclables and removed almost 3,500 pounds of trash from Galveston. Another grave threat is plastic trash in the ocean as it can often look like food to sea turtles. The Zoo is actively reducing its use of single-use plastics by becoming singleuse plastic straw, bag and bottle free. Zoo guests can also do their part to help save turtles in the wild by simply visiting the Zoo. A portion of each Zoo membership and admission goes towards helping with the life-saving care of wild sea turtles. Guests can also choose to limit their single-use plastics and switch to use reusable shopping bags and water bottles. And lastly, everyone is urged to call 1-866-TURTLE-5 if they see a wild sea turtle in distress or accidentally catch a sea turtle so an expert can assess the turtle and provide care if needed. Guests will be able to see sea turtles and learn more about the wildlife protection in the Zoo’s newest Galapagos exhibit, opening in 2023.

Houston PetTalk Magazine

WILD ABOUT ANIMALS

“If you truly love nature, you will find beauty everywhere.” — Vincent van Gogh

By: Michelle Mantor Photos: PhotographyByPrudence.com

any people see the zoo as a place to have a fun family day and look at animals that you would never have a chance to see in the wild. While it is true the zoo is educational and entertaining, what many people may not know is that the mission of the Houston Zoo is also very laser-focused on conservation. Actually, conservation efforts are primarily what we highlight in our wildlife section here in PetTalk an opportunity to showcase amazing creatures that are very vulnerable in the wild. However, with conservation efforts from zoos, charitable foundations, a network of conservationists on the ground where the species live, researchers and more, MANY species have been brought back from the brink of extinction due to the work of these groups. One such vulnerable animal is the BlueThroated Macaw, a rare species that was thought to have been lost from the wild until it was rediscovered in 1992. You can see from our photoshoot that they are brilliantly colored, gorgeous specimens that were truly fascinat-

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ing to observe up close and personal. I have to admit that although I am totally fascinated by large birds and their many abilities, I also find it a little unsettling when they flap those big, wide wings just above my head (see inset LOL!). While feeding them peanuts and veggies, it struck me how fortunate I am to be feeding this rare animal and what a shame it would be if they no longer flew the skies and inhabited the trees of their native Bolivia. Speaking of their scarcity, recent population and range estimates suggest that about 350–400 individuals remain in the wild. The shrinking number is a result of nesting competition, avian predation, and a small native range, and made worse by indigenous hunting and capture for the pet trade. There are plenty in captivity, however, they are critically endangered in the wild and are protected by trading prohibitions. While researching the Blue-Throated Macaw, I learned more about their rarity in the wild but I also learned about a ‘chick-raising” behavior that is quite interesting. According to

Wikipedia, “In the wild, within the palm groves of Bolivia, birds nest in tree hollows created in dead palm trunks, rotten knot-holes and dead limbs of trees. There is some evidence that parents maintain the third chick of a clutch with minimal food as an insurance against the loss of the older dominant chicks. If disaster should befall the larger chick, the parent can switch to feeding the youngest, and it will exhibit a constant growth curve from the day of active feeding. It is this physiological response that enables researchers to raise the third chick of a clutch in captivity and then return them to the wild nests when they are nearing fledge.” Wow..that is certainly a survivalistic strategy! With so many events going on at the zoo this year to celebrate their 100th birthday, you will want to plan numerous visits! Stay tuned to their social media for the event schedules and be sure to plan a stop at the Blue-Throated Macaw exhibit. The Houston Zoo is one of a few zoos in the U.S. that breed these critically endangered birds, so don’t miss your opportunity to view their brilliant colors in person!