Houston PetTalk October 2022

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.

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.

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 SERVICES

• Pain management consultation

• Pet hospice consultation

• Pet hospice and palliative care

• 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 DVM s

Our mission is to make every pet’s end-of-life experience as meaningful as the life they’ve lived.

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

A NOTE FROM

FROM KELLIE

“Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened.” ― ~ Anatole France

I have always been so grateful to have grown up with all types of animals. Horses, goats, cats, dogs, hamsters, and birds… just to mention a few. I grew up in a small, east Texas town so we were never short on animals.

I have a great connection with them, almost like an understanding of their souls. The joy they brought to my family when they would welcome each of my children, lovingly, and watch over and protect them until they were grown, was incredible.

I felt very drawn to working with CAP to protect animals in need. The efforts are challenging for the organization and its volunteers, yet I see their work as a gift to help animals find a new permanent home. My hope is that by showcasing them through my platform, these beautiful animals will find a family, a loving home. I have helped so many people find the perfect house to call home, so I certainly felt like I could do the same for all of these amazing animals.

Please stop by and visit the facility when you have time. Any donations, food, blankets, toys, pillows, or just spending time with them at the facility is very much appreciated. And please watch my social media for posts of animals new to CAP, as well as a few who have been there a while.

I would greatly appreciate any and all help you can offer.

Letter from the Editor

On the cover

Hello to the SPOOKTACULAR month of October! My personal favorite, October feels…well… frisky to me! It’s the change to cooler weath er, college football is in full swing (my family are Aggies so I love going to the games in College Station), Fall festivals abound, and there is an anticipation of celebrations to come - Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. All in all, it’s a time of fun and joy and for us pet lovers, there is ample opportunity to include our furry friends in the festivities. From photo sessions for fam ily holiday cards, to playing dress up and attending festivals, our pets can have some fun too!

DEVILISHLY FABULOUS FELINE

A spooktacular time of year to have fun with our pets is upon us! From parties, to decorating, to costuming our pets, October is a ghoulishly fun opportunity to let go of stress and have some laughs and good times...including turning our lil' pumpkins into witches, ghosts, monsters and devils, as Tommy our cover model so purr-fectly portrays for our Halloween BOO Issue. Tommy's mom Cindy brought several fun cos tumes for him to model as you'll see in our feature (it only took a little coaxing with some tuna treats!). Enjoy pages of ghostly good information, starting on page 26.

14781

Halloween is of course the traditional opportunity to dress our pets in costumes, enter them in costume contests, and gener ally have some laughs. Speaking of laughs, I don’t think I have ever giggled so hard as I did during the photoshoot for our feature. Wait until you see Maximus on page 29. Our winner of the 2021 Costume Photo Contest, Maximus didn’t disappoint when we asked him to participate in this Halloween issue. His “Captain America” costume was the best. As he pranced with his front legs up and down to get treats from mom Candice, it literally looked like a person marching, probably because of the shoes, but it was incredibly funny! I also want to give a big shout out to Tommy, our cover cat. To be honest, I have had so many photoshoots with cats that have been anywhere from dif ficult (the cat runs and hides) to disastrous (the cat got away from the owner outdoors, but was luckily found) that I shy away from even contemplating a photoshoot with a cat.

However, Tommy and his “brother” Teddy have entered a number of our costume contests and I reached out to mom Cindy to see if she thought one of the boys would be OK with an “in studio” photoshoot. She felt confident Tommy was up for the challenge and she was right! He wore his costumes with a laissez-faire attitude and was cool with the whole process...and look at our awesome cover captured by photographer, Allison McPhail! You can see Tommy in two more costumes in our feature. Plus, don’t miss your opportunity to take your best shot of your lil’ pumpkin all dressed up and enter Henrietta’s Annual Frighteningly Fun Photo Contest, sponsored by Sunset Animal Hos pital. Find the de-TAILS in the feature story.

Additionally, we showcase where to buy costumes, toys, and treats that belie the ghoulishly fun nature of Halloween, as well as events to attend and safety tips. Pay close attention to your pets to ensure everyone has a wickedly safe and awesome All Hallows' Eve!

I would like to take this opportunity to correct an error from last issue. The article on dog park etiquette was credited incor rectly. The article credit should have been Stephanie Bennett of Believe in Dog. Our apologies for the error.

And finally, I have to say that my photo shoot with Okapis at the Houston Zoo for this issue was thrilling as always to be so close to such a rare animal, but to make it even more exciting, I had a bird present me with some droppings on my head during our video segment so be sure to check out our YouTube channel and view the video to have a good laugh with me!

© 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.

Photo by Allison Wilkins McPhail of Evin Thayer Studios.

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

What could be a better place to enjoy your copy of PetTalk than watching the sunrise on the white sandy beaches of Destin? Nathan Villemain caught the sunrise, with a cup of java. What a great start to the day!

HOUSTON WORLD SERIES OF DOG SHOWS

Kira, the beautiful Dobie pup, is not only cute, but smart! She took time out of her training with Keith of USA Pet Resorts to read the dog show issue of PetTalk. Thanks for the great photo Kira!

Henrietta

Spooky creatures, devilish be ings, and monsters abound, In this macabre month, it’s tricky to be a hound

“Why” you might ask “is the hound-life so bad?" It’s because our two-leggers have all gone mad!

It all started in Celtic traditions for the dead, When pagan beliefs were widely spread

As the season turned mild to cold, Crops were put safely away from winter’s hold

Festivals ensued to celebrate spirits and ghouls, People drank and laughed and dressed like fools

Fast forward to modern days and the meaning has changed, It’s seen as a time to dress your dog...now that is deranged!

There’s no limit to the things we are forced to become, Witches, pumpkins, devils, and even a Catholic nun

We’re also made to wear flash ing lights and a wig, My poor cousin Hortense was turned into a Pig

Our parents laugh and crow about how cute we are, But in our doggy minds, we find this bizarre

We’d rather run and chase squir rels and pee on things, Not be photographed and pa raded around in butterfly wings

As much as we deplore the things we have to wear, The joy it brings our two-leggers is unusually rare

They seem so happy to see us in costumed attire, Taking photos and speaking an octave higher

So my compadres and I decided it’s OK, If dressing us up really makes their day

We gave it some thought and decided to think of it this way, We could have some fun with this…a veritable field day!

We’ll get treats and hugs and ooh’s and ahh’s, Simply for strutting around on all four paws

But there is a reward much loftier than food, One that ignites a centuries-old feud

As a costumed creature I can easily become a rat, Then my nemesis (Princess) will be one sorry cat!

I will tease her endlessly until she develops a vendetta, And I can’t wait to hear her say, “Drats, it’s you Henrietta!”

I’ll smile my best 100-watt smile for the Princess who thinks she’s a Queen, “Yes, Princess it’s me…Happy Halloween!”

Henrietta Illustration by Jim Tweedy, Colorizing by Desiree Lonsway

Astros Dog Day A Successful Launch!

Minute Maid Park went to the “dogs” on August 28th, as Houston’s beloved Astros hosted their Annual Dog Day, sponsored by Tito’s Vodka. Dog owners and their pups ar rived early, dressed in festive Astros-themed costumes and attire, and visited with vendors who offered up lots of FREE goodies! The first 500 dogs received a special Orbit Dog Toy. Outside, the party offered up a costume contest with over 50 entries, judged by Pet

Talk’s Michelle Mantor, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys mascot Orion, and a Tito’s Vodka representative. The costumes were Out of This World, with winners receiving an awesome gift basket from Tito’s. Once the game against the Orioles was underway, the pups relaxed with their parents and enjoyed America’s pastime (and they enjoyed an Astros win!). Tickets sell out each year so be sure watch for next year’s event and get your tickets early at mlb.com/ astros/tickets/specials/dog-day.

Photos courtesy of Houston Astros

Mutts Gone Nuts Show Oct. 23

Imagine nine of the world’s most talented four-legged performers in an uproari ously funny, comedy dog spectacular that is leaving audiences everywhere howling for more! The all-star lineup includes the highest jumping dog in the universe, two Guinness World Record Champions, a hilarious sixpound Pomeranian Pikachu mix, and a host of previously discarded dogs that will dance, prance, flip, and skip their way right into your heart. Deemed “A must see!” by the Washing ton Post, Mutts Gone Nuts! is sure to win Best in Show.

Choose from TWO performances October 23, 1:00PM or 4:30PM at Cullen Theater, Wor than Center. Purchase tickets for this exciting show at PerformingArtsHouston.org/events.

A Place For Peanut Equine Therapy Fundraiser Oct. 17

APlace for Peanut Equine Rescue and Therapy works diligently to educate the public and bring joy to children, veterans in hospitals, and special programs through equine therapy with their miniature horses. These soulful horses are rescued from the slaughter pipeline and given a second chance at life from 501c3, A Place for Peanut. Join them, along with Co-Chairs Bruce Padilla and Shelby Kibodeaux, on October 17, 6PM to 8PM at The Arrangement, located at 1721 Post Oak Blvd. A $25 donation is suggested with all proceeds benefiting A Place for Peanut. You can shop the beautiful wares of The Ar rangement and enjoy lite bites and cocktails, all while helping these amazing equines help people in need. Learn more about them at Facebook.com/aplaceforpeanut.

Photography by Eric Forburger

The Doggie Express Opens In Garden Oaks

Doggie Express (DEX), a barkery that creates all-natural, healthy dog treats invites you to join them for their Grand Opening Saturday, October 1st from 1PM to 4PM as owners, Kelly Long, Marla Martinous, and Cindy Long celebrate their new store! Home-grown, local, and women owned, The Doggie Express barkery has moved to its new home at 1402 W. 34th St. in Garden Oaks. The barkery is excited to offer their delicious goodies, including organic, gluten-free, grainfree, and dairy-free decorated and undeco rated treats, dairy-free ice cream, cakes, and jerky. Every item is made, decorated, and

packed on site. Free delivery available to zip code 77018.

The DEX pack is looking forward to giving Houston area dog parents a place to shop and mingle! Their new “digs” is also complete with a dog park, making it the perfect location for hanging out with other dog parents, or hosting events and Doggie Parties. Marla notes, “We chose this space because of the potential and the versatility it offers as we grow and build our roots in the community. Dogs and their humans are going to love it.”

Join them October 1st to celebrate this fun new Houston jewel. Follow them @DEXtreats.

e Dog Tales Collection, developed by award winning author, Patricia A. Brill, Phd, is the first collection of books written to help parents start a conversation with their child regarding issues or concerns they may have with their pet. ese books not only speak to the issue’s children have relating to their pets, but can also teach children about issues of life, illness, or diversity within their own lives.

Houston Author’s Book Collection: DogTalesCollection.com

When a Virus Takes Over the World

is book helps children understand the impact a Covid-19 and teaches them preventive measures to stop the spread of the virus, such as hand washing, wearing a mask, and social distancing.

e Power of Kindness and Treats!

Knowing you have done a good deed for someone else is a rewarding feeling. Real happiness comes from not what you get but what you give.

Do Bad Dogs Get Cancer?

is book can provide a means for parents to have an open discussion regarding the varying e ects cancer can have on children, adults, or even family pets.

Dog Tales Collection Coloring Book

is book features 30 fun scenes to color from the Dog Tales Collection series. Suitable for kids of all ages.

Keep Chasing Your Dreams and You’ll Get Treats!

ere is nothing more rewarding than the feeling of working hard to achieve their dreams. is helps parents build their children’s confidence and optimism to overcome obstacles that may come into their path and lead to achievement.

Don’t Say Good Bye Just Say See You!

is book gives parents an opportunity to talk about death with their grieving child by addressing their feelings of sadness, anger, and guilt.

e Road to Recovery is Paved with Dog Treats!

is book helps children understand what happens when their pet has to have surgery and reassures them that their pet will be safe and protected.

Porsche Bella’s Forever Home

is book was written to help children see the importance of rescuing, fostering, and/or adopting animals, thus giving them a second chance.

No Treats for Bullies!

is book was written to explain the negative e ects bullying can have on others; and the di erence it can make to be kind.

Order at Amazon.com

IT'S UNITY'S 1OTH ANNIVERSARY PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING!

Are You Crazy? (As A Pet Parent)

Do you lavishly spoil your pets? Maybe you’ve built a lego maze for your hamster, purchased a luxury bed for your dog, or built an elaborate cattery for your felines? If you’ve done some CRAZY things for your pet, we want to hear from you as a submis sion for our November Issue.

Send us a short email describing your purchase, project, activity or any version of spoiling to info@houston pettalk.com, subject line SPOIL MY PET. We will share a selection with our readers. If appropriate, you may include a high resolution image.

Bridgeland’s 14th Annual Nature Fest

Mark your calendar for this year’s Nature Fest by Bridgeland, coming to Oak Meadow Park on October 29, 10am to 4pm. The headline act is Jungle Jordan, a renowned zookeeper and wildlife educator whose mission is to inspire younger generations and encourage diversity and inclusivity in conserving and repairing the animal world. He is known for using humor to engage and advocate for wildlife, making it fun to learn about the animal world.

Additional entertainment and activities:

» Variety of Stage Performances

» Inflatable Zone

» Outdoor Laser Tag

» Face Painting and Balloon Art

» Craft Area

» Pony Rides and Petting Zoo

» Nature Exhibitors

» Roaming Entertainment

Admission is free, but a few activities will require a small fee. All proceeds will be donated to Cy-Hope, a local organization dedicated to bringing hope and opportunity to every child in the Cy-Fair area.

Bridgeland is an award-winning master planned community with 3,000 acres of open space, 60 miles of trails, and 900 acres of lakes. Located at Hwy 99 & 290, you can learn more at Bridgeland.com.

Photo courtesy of Bridgeland

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

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

PETSUITES CYPRESS

13010 Wortham Center Dr Houston, TX 77065

Call 832.497.4135| Text 281.640.0053 cypress.petsuitesofamerica.com

PETSUITES WESTHEIMER

13440 Westheimer Rd Houston, TX 77077

Call 3462972663 | Text 3466463700 westheimer.petsuitesofamerica.com

PETSUITES MISSOURI CITY

8320 Copper Creek Lane Missouri City, TX 77459

Call 346.257.2807 | Text 346.245.5531 missouricity.petsuitesofamerica.com

#ShareWithUs!

SUMMER MEMORIES

1. @Louiethebully2020 sunday funday @houstondogshows @ abenitez89 #englishbulldog #petsofinstagram #petsofhous ton #dogsofinstagram #dogsof houston

2. @Yoshiwigglebutt we had a pawfect time at the houston world series of dog shows and then the burger joint this past saturday

3. @Turc.Bulldogs day 205: selfie sunday courtesy of @pet talkmagazine at the world series of dog shows

4. @Dirtypawzselfservedogwash our groomers are advanc ing their skills at groomtexas!

5. @Sophie.Oes when you stop by the pettalk @pettalkmagazine booth

Check out the picture with our friends @maximus_the_palace_ pup and @duke_and_darla

6. @ Ty_girls just relaxing pool side in my new bikini

7. @Thatgoldendoodleteddy i love pup cups from @brcc_hous ton

8. @Noahplacelikehome_pets

wild ones…..I call them my puppies harnesses #rabbitgoo #rabbitgooharness #petsitter #petsitting

9. @Texas_tessie another weekend, another brewery got to celebrate opie’s 2nd barkday with all my houston ween family at @frosttownbrew and it was a blast! Thanks for the awesome pawty @thethreewieners !!

TRICK OR TREAT BOO!

By Michelle Mantor & Contributing Writers

Photos on pages 26-29 by Allison Wilkins McPhail of Evin Thayer Studios

As pets grow ever more prominent in the lives of us pet parents, we look for every opportunity to include our little ghouls and goblins in the festivities.

From Christmas to July 4th to Halloween and more, we

furry and scaly friends in family portraits, holiday cards, costume contests, festivals, shopping excursions and much more. Without a doubt, we not only love our lil’ pumpkins and the joy they bring, but we also get wicked fun out of costuming our tricksters that love treats! Each October, Houston is filled with Fall festivals and Howl-O-Ween themed pet events that give those that are so inclined a chance to get out and about and enjoy all the fang-tastic happenings.

In our feature, we curate some valuable information to help you have a bewitchingly fun and safe All Hallows' Eve. Looking for a costume for your scaredy-cat or devilish dog? We’ve got a local and online list for you as well as a few trendy ideas. And don’t miss the treat section…there are no tricks, just treats that are healthy and delicious. Once your critter is costumed and full of yummy treats, you’ll need somewhere to show off your spirited creation. Check out our list of local events where costume contests abound offering great prizes and photo ops for PetTalk’s Unleashed section (or share with us on our Instagram page).

And speaking of contests, see page 35 for the details on Henrietta’s Annual Frighteningly Fun Photo Contest sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital. Entry date goes through

Halloween so don’t forget to take your best shot and upload the photo for a chance to win a gift certificate to Sunset. Traditionally, the primary entries in our photo contests are dogs so we wanted to give cats their own unique opportunity to show how devilishly cute they are! We asked readers to submit photos of their costumed felines to share in this issue. See these spellbindingly fabulous felines on page 33.

Next up, we explore why the black cat is linked with Halloween. Unfairly associated with bad luck, black cats are beautiful and smart and we want to remind everyone you would be lucky to have a Noir feline in your home! And finally, we can’t forgo the opportunity when discussing Halloween to showcase pet safety tips. While trick or treating is in full swing, or perhaps you are hosting a party or simply left the candy on the table, there are too many opportunities for Halloween scares, so be sure to read the informative article by Dr. Jennifer Hennessey of Animal ER of Northwest Houston. As an ER doc, she has seen her share of avoidable maladies and she has some sage advice!

This Halloween season as you are contemplating if werewolves are FUR real, and Witch way to the candy, remember to be safe with your furry family and if they prefer to say BOO to festivities because they’re a bit weary or afraid, let your little monster stay in the calm of their own space. But if you have a party animal that likes a spooky good time, by all means, Eat, Drink & Be Scary!

We always encourage our readers to shop local at independent retailers and our sponsor's retail stores when possible. Check out these local options, plus large retailers and online stores. Although shopping online is convenient, returns (if needed) are more burdensome AND you can’t take your little monster on the shopping trip with you. So, go forth and have a bloody good time shopping and supporting your local community and city of H-Town!

ARNE’S PET SUPPLY STORE: Arne’s has been a staple of Houston for many years and they have a large supply of costumes and pet sup plies at great prices! Arne's is located at 2830 Hicks St, 77007, ArnesWarehouse.com.

CARTER’S PET MARKET: Carter’s offers cos tumes, as well as a full array of pet supplies and grooming services to keep your little devil from smelling like a corpse. Find them at 9333 Katy Frwy, Echo Lane Shopping Center.

PETCO: Houston has over 12 PETCO locations and a fun array of costumes; shop early for best selection or shop online at PETCO.com.

PARTY CITY: Probably needs no explanation! PartyCity.com

ONLINE: Chewy.com is a favorite of many pet parents if shopping local isn’t an option. They offer a wide selection and delivery is fairly speedy.

HalloweenCostumes.com is offering 20% off on first orders.

TRENDING DOG AND CAT COSTUMES FOR 2022

(Proverbial

(thanks to the 2022 Movie)

S ay hello to Maximus, a.k.a. Captain America, and our costume contest winner in 2021. Maximus never disappoints when asked to bring his best Halloween spirit for a costumed moment! Find a similar Captain America Dog Costume at OpenTip. com. Follow Maximus on Instagram @ Maximus_the_palace_pup

Enchanted Events

1. ZOO BOO: THROUGHOUT OCTOBER

Celebrate fall festivities at the Zoo dur ing Zoo Boo presented by LyondellBasell. Costumes are strongly encouraged, and you’ll have plenty of favorites to experience, includ ing visiting the Giant Pumpkin presented by LyondellBasell and the Carved Pumpkins sponsored by Frost Bank. Don’t miss the Pumpkin Lantern Tunnel between the lions and tiger exhibits, the spooktacular Scary-Go-Round sponsored by Texas Children’s Hospital, photo ops all over the Zoo, and much more!

Plus, every Friday night in October, the zoo is extending hours until 8:30 p.m. to give guests the opportunity to experience Zoo Boo after hours. This event is included with general admission and is FREE for members. Last entry at 7PM. Dates for Zoo Boo are October 1-31; Dates for Zoo Boo After Hours are October 7, 14, 21 and 28. To find out what other TREATS the zoo has to offer, visit HoustonZoo.org.

2. HPA! BARKTOBERFEST: OCTOBER 15

Join Houston Pets Alive! for Barktoberfest on Saturday, October 15th from 2PM to 6PM at Powder Keg, 1300 Brittmoore. Bring your friends, family, and pups and enjoy lots of local beer, food trucks, a dog costume contest judged by local celebrities, a vendor market, silent auction, dog adoptions, and more all while helping save the lives of Houston’s atrisk cats and dogs!

The event is free to attend with beer and costume contest tickets available for pur chase. The first 350 beer/combo tickets sold will get a free commemorative glass and one free beer! All of the proceeds from the event will benefit HPA!, a leading animal rescue who 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.

All ages are welcome to this free event, but you must be 21+ to purchase beer tickets. Find full event details and secure your spot at HoustonPetsAlive.org/barktoberfest2022.

3. VERANDA CANINE PARK HOWL-O-WEEN FEST: OCTOBER 15

Costumed canines and their humans are invited to Veranda for a spooktacu lar “Howl-o-ween” event 4PM - 7PM, Oct. 15, to celebrate the grand opening of the com munity’s new dog park, located at 24225 Wildwood Park Rd, Rich mond, TX 77469.

Veranda Canine Park is the setting for the Fido-friendly event that will feature music, games, pet ven dors, a photo booth, food trucks and more. Well-dressed dogs can strut their stuff at the costume contest. Beverages will be available for purchase during “yappy hour.” Admission is free.

4. WICKED WEDNESDAY AT GENIUS PUP: OCTOBER 26

Get your costumes prepared to scare! Genius Pup is hosting Wicked Wednesday Doggie Style at Cottonwood, 3422 N. Shep herd Dr., 77018 from 6PM to 8PM, October 26.

Enter the Dog Costume Contest, shop with vendors, treat your pup to the 360 PHOTO BOOTH, bring goodies for the Har ris County Pets Shelter Do nations, and of course don’t miss the nibbles, drinks and music.

5. HOUSTON SPCA HOWL-O-WEEN BALL: OCTOBER 28

Houston SPCA presents its 2022 HowlO-Ween Ball, an evening that will feature costumes, exciting entertainment, one-of-akind auction experiences, cocktail hour, and a seated dinner by City Kitchen. Houston SPCA’s covered equine arena will be transformed into a grand ballroom with ghoulishly delightful décor by Bergner and Johnson Designs.  Don’t miss one of Houston’s BEST balls to support the animals in the care of Houston’s larg est shelter, the Houston SPCA, October 28, 6:30PM, Houston SPCA Equine Center, 7007 OLD KATY RD Houston, TX 77024. For tickets, email events@houstonspca.org.

6. CAP HOWL-O-WEEN PARADE: OCTOBER 28

CAP Shelter is hosting their 3rd Annual Howl-O-Ween Tricks & Treats Parade October 28th from 6PM - 7:30PM (or while supplies last) at the shelter located at 17555 Katy Freeway. In keeping with tradition, the event will consist of driving through the designated route in their parking lots where costumed canines (and their humans!) get to show their Halloween spirit while grabbing treats and goodies along the way. Visit Cap4Pets.org for details.

All Treats, No Tricks!

Including our pets in Halloween parties and traditions makes the festivities all the more devilishly fun! From dressing our furry ones in costumes to spoiling them with spellbinding treats, you can have a spine-tingling good time this year!

DIY PUMPKIN COOKIES

Day of the Dead Pumpkin Treats

The DIY approach to spoiling your witch es and goblins is always a great way to have some fun in the kitchen and end up with a healthy batch of goodies for your dog (or cat). For extra spooky Halloween treats to make your pup howl, purchase this Day of the Dead mold at Amazon. com.

Ingredients

» 1¾ cups rolled oats

» 15 oz. canned pumpkin

» ½ cup peanut butter

» Optional: whipped cream or icing for decorating the cookie. For icing, use 1/2 oz cup of yogurt blended with 8 oz of cream cheese. Once blended, add 1/2 cup unsweetened peanut butter (make sure there is no xylitol!). Blend to desired consistency. Add tapioca starch a little at a time if frosting needs to thicken.

Instructions

» 1 Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

» 2 Grind oats to fine dust in a blender or food processor.

MAKE IT PERSONAL

Your pooch will declare this adorable Halloween dog treat gift box boo-licious! The box includes letter treats of LICK OR TREAT & 1 PERSONALIZED dog bone. Just think of the photo op! All treats are handcrafted and baked at time of order. Get yours in time for All Hallows Eve at Etsy.com, Shop: YUMYUM4DOGS.

» 3 Add the canned pumpkin, peanut butter and ground rolled oats and mix until combined.

» 4 Roll the dough into balls and arrange about 1 inch apart on a parchment paperlined cookie sheet.

» 5 Bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes. Let cool on the baking sheet for 2 min utes before moving to a cooling rack or plate. If desired, decorate the cookies with creepy designs using whipped cream or melted carob.

SHOP LOCAL: DOGGIE EXPRESS

Doggie Express is known for their devil ishly yummy treats made from fresh ingredients that are also well-thoughtout for canine nutrition. With magically tasty, organic ingredients, your pup will be spellbound when you offer up one of these deadly delicious morsels! Shop online at TheDoggieExpress.com, or shop in the bakery located at 1402 W. 34th St.

A Cautionary "Tail"

KEEP YOUR PET SAFE DURING THESE 5 FUN

HOWL-O-WEEN TRADITIONS

By Dr. Jennifer Hennessey, Animal ER of Northwest Houston, CVJ, CCRP, CVAT

The veterinary emergency room can be the scariest place to visit with your pet on Halloween. Sadly, our furry friends are at risk of injury and accidental illness during a holiday season. Traditions are the center of family fun during Halloween, so have fun creating new tradi tions centered on celebrating while keeping your pet safe.

1. Tag and collar shopping! Halloween is a fun time to shop for fun and festive collars to spice up your pet’s ID wardrobe. Pets easily can exit homes and go missing during “candy passing” at the front door when little ghosts and goblins come trick-ortreating. Therefore, Halloween is a perfect time to stop and check your pet’s ID. Make sure collars fit well and ID tag details are current. If your pet has a microchip, verify chip registration with your current address and

without being restrictive, allowing freedom of movement. A safe costume should not have any decorations that could be chewed off and accidentally ingested. Always accompa ny your pet when your furry friend is dressed up to supervise their safety.

3. Party Time! Pick your pet’s Halloween

“party place” i.e. where your pet will stay during holiday festivities. If you’re host ing a spooktacular event, you’ll want to find a secure place away from activities, indoors, for your pet to rest. Pets can often become stressed by visitors and celebrations, and benefit from having their own place to relax away from the commotion. Keep in mind that Fido’s idea of fun also may not be the same as yours! If you have outdoor pets, particular ly black cats, it is best to secure them indoors during Halloween night.

4. Treat time! Candy and sweets are

Sharing human food could lead to illness including vomiting, diarrhea, pancreatitis, or worse… toxicity!

5. Let’s Celebrate! Find a Howl-O-Ween event as October often offers oppor tunities at local events and outdoor festivals for celebration time for both families and four-legged friends. If you have a properly socialized dog (good with people and other pets), these activities can be lots of fun and provide a yearly tradition that even your Fido will look forward to!

As Halloween approaches, consider your pet in every aspect of planning. Among your celebration traditions, include having your veterinarian’s information accessible for those accidents that can sneak up dur ing festivities. To learn more about risks of holiday toxins such as chocolate, contact the ASPCA Poi son Control at ASPCA.org.

Devilishly Cute Cats

At PetTalk, we always enjoy soliciting and sharing fun photos from our readers. We specifically asked our cat lovers to enter their costumed kitties in a photo contest for all their Fangtastic Tricksters to appear in our Halloween issue. Thanks to all the frighteningly fun, festive felines who posed for their photos!

Olivia

Cairo

Cairo

Norvin

Remy Fynn

Black Cats

THEIR LONG ASSOCIATION WITH ALL HALLOWS' EVE

Suspected of being the familiars of witches, black cats get a bad wrap! So where did this nonsense originate? For centuries, black cats have long served as objects of superstition. In Medieval France and Spain, black cats were considered bringers of bad luck and curses to any human they came near, as well as their association to witch craft. Medieval Germans believed themselves to be cursed if a black cat crossed their path from left to right. Black cats, however, have also served as symbols of good luck in numerous cultures. In the British Islands, black cats are often believed to bring affluence to any house they occupied. In Japan, they are also considered to bring good luck. In An cient

Egypt, black cats were worshipped as sacred. Here in the United States, black cats were thought to represent bad luck and spooki ness. How did this superstition come about? We have to go way back to the Pilgrims in the Plymouth colony. The Puritan Pilgrims dis trusted anything associated with witches and sorcery, including black cats. They actively persecuted black cats – it became a practice to burn black cats on Shrove Tuesday to protect the home from fire. After the antiwitch lunacy had subsided in the colonies, black cats had been thoroughly cemented in popular legend right alongside witches.

The real truth is that black cats are beauti ful, smart and make wonderful pets. Our cover boy Tommy is a prime example. He is the only cat we have ever known to be totally cool with dressing in a costume for an instudio photoshoot! If you’re really feeling the holiday spirit this Halloween, consider adopting a black cat from an animal shelter or res cue. Due to latent superstition, studies have shown that black cats are much less likely to be adopted compared with other fur colors. By adopting a black cat, you may rescue an animal who may otherwise not have found a loving owner. However, some shelters will not adopt out a black cat immediately before Halloween. Some owners have been known to use them as “living decorations” before abandoning them.

SpookyTreats

DEADLY SERIOUS FOR MAXIMUM FUN

Furry friends can take a bite out of Halloween with this campy squeaker toy. Grab yours for your lil’ goblin at HotelDoggy.com.

FRANKLY FANGTASTIC

If your pet is naturally a little mon ster, this adjustable, spooky fun Frankenstein Monster Collar will be a frighteningly fun addition to their Halloween style. Get yours at Etsy, Shop: TheseThreeMutts.

LET ME COUNT THE WAYS… Spootackularly festive, your kitty (or pup) will enjoy scaring all the other pets on the block as Count Dracula! Adjustable neck, available on Etsy.com, Shop: PetKingdomDesigns.

CAN YOU SAY BOO?

Do fright night right with this 100% acrylic spooktacular sweater that comes complete with a leash hole that makes this sweater easy to wear on a walk, or the perfect way to stay cozy while trick or treating! Grab one for your pet at HotelDoggy.com.

HAPPY HAUNTING

Featuring separate squeaker toys, this ghastly Haunted Hotel combo toy is both a dog trick and a dog treat that provides hours of fun. Available at HotelDoggy.com.

I WANT YODA HAVE THE BEST HALLOWEEN TOY!

That's right, we know you want your goblin to have as much fun during Halloween as you will, so why not give them a fun Yoda squeaky toy for ultimate enjoy ment! Find it at Amazon.com.

SAY BOO AND SCARY ON Don't forget your own Halloween spirit... be sure to adorn yourself in the magic of All Hallows' Eve during the season of SCARY. Get yours at Walmart.com.

Play It Safe Houston SPCA

It’s About Time….We’ve made it through Houston’s brutal summer and now it’s time to start enjoying pumpkin spice anything, and outdoor fall festivals with those cute pet costume contests. There are tons of great costume options on line, but it’s much more fun trying them in-store. A comfortable fit is key. Also make sure it doesn’t block their vision or have small parts they can eat. Can’t decide? No worries! More often than not, you won’t have to guess what your pet will (and won’t) wear. They will let you know.

If you’re planning a gathering where there will be lots of treats, your pet can avoid tummy troubles by keeping chocolate and other sweets out of the way, especially for those counter surfers. Bake some all-natural treats with canned pumpkin and have extra on hand for your pets’ BFFs as well. “Contact your veterinarian’s office right away if your pet ingests chocolate, since it can be very toxic to cats and dogs, and be prepared to share how much they consumed, the type of chocolate: milk, dark, or bakers along with their current weight,” said Dr. Roberta Westbrook, chief veterinarian and animal medical officer at the Houston SPCA.

Not all pets appreciate the sights and sounds from Halloween festivities that include the constant ringing of the doorbell. Always have a quiet and safe place for them to retreat that is away from the front and back doors, in case they are feeling stressed. Food puzzles and favorite toys can serve as great distractions as well.

To learn more about the Houston SPCA, adoption or volunteering, visit online at HoustonSPCA.org.

A renowned lecturer, Dr. Simon has published many journal articles, and has co-authored many book chapters on small animal anesthesia and pain management.

“Often, control of pain from dental or periodontal disease is one of the reasons pet owners seek care. As a specialist, my role is to provide the most modern, safe and appropriate pain-relieving therapies for your pet. Working at VDS provides me this opportunity.”

Outside of work, Dr. Simon enjoys spending time coaching the Texas A&M University Ice Hockey and Texas Outlaws Hockey teams. He lives an active lifestyle with his wife and three kids.

At VDS, we put your pet’s comfort and safety at the forefront of everything we do. Here in Katy, you’ll find a Texas-style warm and welcoming environment.

Dr. Bradley Simon and Dr. Chanda Miles

Explore Outdoors

Cats live longer, happier lives indoors, but that doesn’t mean they can’t experience the great outdoors safely. Some cats can be trained to walk outside with a harness and leash. For those cats who prefer a little more security or have a harder time getting around, such as senior cats or cats with health problems, a cat stroller can be the perfect solution. Designed to keep your cat securely enclosed, the 5-in-1 Combo EVA Pet Carrier/Stroller is a great way to take your cat, dog, or bunny traveling around safely and in style. This 5-in-1 Combo is a pet carrier with wheels (collapsible and detachable), small stroller, travel backpack, shoulder bag, and luxurious $booster car seat. Its multipurpose, all-around design will save you from lugging around both a carrier and a stroller, making it easy for everyday errands, trips to see the park or beach, or long road trips. Find yours at: Ibiyaya-usa. com.

Here at PetTalk, we get the opportunity to see lots of great new products for pets and the parents who love them. We are especially enthralled with the Ibiyaya 5 in 1 EVA stroller because of its sleek design matched with its amazing versatility. For the real test of any prod uct, everyone knows the hardest approval to get is from a CAT! So we put the EVA 5 in 1 to the test with my grandcat, Cairo. Not one to particularly like “new things”, Cairo is a self-proclaimed “fraidy cat” when it comes to outdoors. My daughter has been working with him to alleviate fear, take him on car rides and outdoors so that when he needs to go out and about (to the vet), he will be comfortable. Given Cairo’s “story”, I thought he would be the purr-fect test cat for the stroller. And Voila! He loved it! As you can see, he is happy and relaxed, enjoying the sights and sounds outside. From my daughter Kaia’s perspective as the cat mom, she LOVES the stroller's ability to not only be a stroller, but the ease of use as a car seat or carrier and how easily the stroller collapses for storage. From Cairo the Cat, this product gets 10 Paws Up!

Kaia and “Cairo"

Blocked Urethra In Male Cats

How To Identify This Life-Threatening Emergency

One of the most common emer gencies we see with cats are urinary obstructions, also called blockages.  “Your cat is blocked” means that there is something blocking the urethra, preventing your cat from urinating. This life-threatening emergency occurs mostly in male cats due to their anatomy. While female cats can have urinary block ages, it is not common. Female cats de velop urinary tract infections at times, and a UTI can mimic a urinary obstruction.

So what makes male and female cats different? Glad you asked! Male cats have a longer urethra that bends and narrows while female cats have a shorter urethra that does not bend or narrow. The urethra carries urine from the bladder to the exter nal opening.  Due to a variety of reasons, cats can develop stones, crystals, sedi ment that becomes “sludgy”, and/or mucus plugs along their urinary tract.  When one

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

Hospital, VERGI247.com

or more of these things blocks the flow of urine through the urethra, a urinary obstruction occurs. This happens more easily in male cats due in part to the bend in their urethra but mostly due to the nar rowing of the urethra that occurs before reaching the penis. Over a very short amount of time after the blockage occurs, the bladder becomes bigger and bigger and very painful, potassium begins to rise (a dangerous condition called hyperkale mia) and urinary toxins that are normally excreted via urination begin to rise.  As the potassium and toxins accumulate in the bloodstream, the blocked cat may develop vomiting, depression/lethargy, abnormal heartbeats and in severe cases, can enter a comatose state.  Cats will not survive a blockage without emergency care.

If your cat is blocked, a veterinarian or veterinary technician will first flush the material out of the urethra that caused the blockage. A urinary catheter will then be placed, with both procedures performed under mild anesthesia.  The cat will be im mediately placed on IV fluids and hospital ized for generally 72 hours. Urine output, as well as necessary bloodwork values,

will be evaluated periodically during the hospitalization.  These feline patients will be placed on medications that will be sent home upon discharge.  It is important that you continue the medications and monitor your cat’s urination at home.

If a cat repeatedly blocks, there is a surgical option called a perineal urethros tomy. This procedure basically removes the narrowing portion of the urethra, creat ing an anatomy more similar to a female cat.

If you notice your cat urinating outside the litter box, straining to urinate, urinating small amounts, straining unproductively, licking under their tail, vocalizing in pain, or if you see some blood with urination, take your cat to your veterinarian or an emergency veterinarian immediately. Oth er symptoms of obstruction can include vomiting and lethargy.

Urinary obstructions can be scary for the humans who love their cats and painful for the cats themselves.  It is an experi ence we hope you never have with your cat but if you do, we are here for you and your cats (and dogs!), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!

Mobility Assistive Devices

Solutions To Help Your Pet Get Around

As our beloved canine compan ions age, we commonly see them decline in their ability to get around the house. This can affect all sizes of dogs, but families struggle the most with helping larger dogs get around due to their size and weight. Symptoms of mobility decline can include: difficulty get ting up from lying or sitting positions, paws slipping on the floor, falling, or difficulty going up stairs and/or jumping.  Listed below are some of the recommendations we make daily at BluePearl Pet Hospice to aid pets with mobility decline.

» Most houses have tile or wood floors so adding extra rugs throughout the house can help to increase traction for our pets. This can include runners, bathmats, full-sized rugs or even yoga mats (which are also easy to clean if ac cidents happen). Some newer brands of rugs even have a completely removable top portion that is machine washable, making it easy to clean up any mess left behind. And don’t forget about the stairs! An easy solution for extra traction on the stairs is to buy rug squares that have adhesive on the back. These are easily placed on each stair and can later

By: Julia Spade, DVM, cVMA, CHPV Blue Pearl Pet Hospice, PetHospice.BluePearlVet.com

be removed if needed.

» Another way to help with traction is to apply material directly to the paw pads. Baby socks with grippers on the bottom can be used if they will stay on your pet’s feet. There are also many differ ent styles and types of socks branded just for dogs. Dog shoes are avail able, but some of these are bulky, and many dogs do not like them. Paw pad stickers and anti-slip grips are applied directly to the paw pads to help with traction.  Since these are heavy duty stickers, they do not last as long as the socks and typically will fall off after 3-5 days. However, they can work well and are mostly well-tolerated.  Lastly, Toe Grips are placed directly on the nail and allow extra grip between the toe and the floor.

» Assistive devices such as harnesses can be life-changing for some larger dogs. Owners use these harnesses to transfer some of the weight for pets when getting up, going up or down stairs, walking, getting in the car, and using the restroom. There are many different brands of harnesses, but we prefer a whole-body harness to allow support of the front and the back ends. While there are many brands on the market, our favorite is the Help’EmUp Har ness™ and can be purchased through the company’s website or through a

distributor. Additionally, there are many sling devices that are used around the abdomen to help a dog get up from a seated position. While short-term usage works well, these slings can put exces sive pressure on the abdomen over time and can become uncomfortable for the back and/or belly.

» Wheelchairs are another option to help with some age-related mobility issues. These are solutions for certain disease processes and mobility concerns, but are definitely not appropriate for all dogs. Therefore, we recommend discussing with your veterinarian about whether a wheelchair is the right option for your pet.

» Lastly, if your pet has declined in their ability to get around but still enjoys be ing outside for enrichment or going on walks, using a wagon or pet friendly stroller can significantly improve their quality of life.   Depending on your dog's ability you can either take an entire walk while in a stroller or wagon or trans fer them once your pet tires.  While this list is not exhaustive, it can be a starting point for you and your family when you notice mobility decline in your pet.  If you need any further assistance in deciding what will be best, contact your veterinarian or our staff at BluePearl Pet Hospice for a consultation.

Tidwell Clinic

Monroe Clinic Wayside Clinic

Texas A&M-Corpus Christi

Training Dogs To Detect Crude Oil On Gulf Coast Beaches

Man’s best friend has long earned its keep in service to humans when it comes to hunting, herding, providing protection, or assisting in searches.

Now, a few visionary researchers at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi are interested in training canines to sniff out crude oil on Texas beaches. Poppy, an English Springer Spaniel, and Bin, a German Shorthaired Pointer, are part of the university’s new Oil Detection Canine study.

At the Center for Coastal Studies (CCS), housed within the College of Sci ence at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, a team is currently focused on training Bin to differentiate between naturally occurring weathered oil (tar balls) and fresher crude oils (example: oil spills) up to three feet

below the sand. As the control canine, Poppy is taught to detect any occurrence of oil. Poppy is handled by Paul Bunker of Chiron K9 while Bin is handled by citizen scientist Mike Price who adopted the dog from Chiron K9.

“Canines are extremely precise and can detect very small quantities of oil in austere conditions,” said Aaron Baxter, CCS Research Specialist II and the prin cipal investigator for the study. “They are fast, accurate, and cost-effective. A canine can process a 1-acre area in 3 minutes while a team of humans must dig pits every 10 meters to determine if there’s any oil.”

byline

Baxter adds that while canines have been used for this type of work in other areas/environments, this study specifically investigates the ability for Oil Detection canines to be trained to only respond of fresh (spilled) oil and ignore any naturally occurring samples (tar balls) that wash up on Texas Gulf beaches. The program works under the guidance of the TAMU-

CC Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee, which provides oversight and institutional reviews of research activities involving live vertebrates.

“The dogs wear a ‘working dog’ vest, anti-sand goggles to protect the eyes from high wind situations, and paw pads to protect against hot sand,” Baxter said. “If the conditions are not fit for a person to work in, they are not fit for the dogs either. They are also trained using positive reinforcement, so they are given treats or toys when they perform well.”

Baxter said the idea for an oil detection study is based on the pioneering work of Bunker and Dr. Nathaniel Hall at Texas Tech University.

Additional project partners include Jay Tarkington of CCS, Ed Owens of Owens Coastal Consultants, TAMU-CC environ mental science graduate student and National Spill Control School employee Erin Mueller, and the Texas General Land Office, with the latter as a funding source.

Richard Guerrero Communications Specialist Texas A&M University - Corpus Christi

Photos

By: TAMU-CC

Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi graduate student Erin Mueller is part of a research team conducting an oil detection canine study along with handler Paul Bunker, and Bin, a German Shorthaired Pointer.

Bin has been trained to differentiate between naturally oc curring weathered oil (tar balls) and fresher crude oils up to three feet below the sand.

As the control canine, Poppy is taught to detect any occur rence of oil. Poppy is handled by Paul Bunker of Chiron K9.

Poppy, an English Springer Spaniel, serves as the control canine in a new Oil Detection Canine study by a research team at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.

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

Cypress

VCA TELGE ROAD

ANIMAL HOSPITAL 11430 Telge Road Cypress, TX 77429 281-955-9797 VCAtelgeroad.com store.VCAtelgeroad.com

Houston

VCA ASHFORD

ANIMAL HOSPITAL 12633 Whittington Houston, TX 77077 281-497-3917

VCAashford.com store.VCAashford.com

Houston

VCA COUNTRYSIDE

ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2211 FM 1960 East Houston, TX 77073 281-443-7297

VCAcountryside.com store.VCAcountryside.com

©2016 VCA Inc. VCA logo is

Houston VCA SPRING BRANCH

ANIMAL HOSPITAL 10109 Long Point Road Houston, TX 77043 713-461-1121

VCAspringbranch.com store.VCAspringbranch.com

Katy

VCA KELLIWOOD

ANIMAL HOSPITAL 960 S. Fry Road Katy, TX 77450 281-492-2780

VCAkelliwood.com store.VCAkelliwood.com

Kingwood

VCA KINGWOOD

ANIMAL HOSPITAL 2526 Green Oak Drive Kingwood, TX 77339 281-358-3146 VCAkingwood.com store.VCAkingwood.com

trademarks of VCA Inc. or

Lake Jackson

VCA LAKE JACKSON

ANIMAL HOSPITAL 210 That Way Lake Jackson, TX 77566 979-297-3044 VCAlakejackson.com store.VCAlakejackson.com

Pasadena

VCA ANIMAL MEDICAL CENTER OF PASADENA 5018A Fairmont Parkway Pasadena, TX 77505 281-487-8233 VCApasadena.com store.VCApasadena.com

Spring

VCA SPRING

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

Spring/The Woodlands

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

Sugar Land VCA SOUTHWEST FREEWAY ANIMAL HOSPITAL 15575 SW Freeway Sugar Land, TX 77478 281-491-8387 VCAswfreeway.com store.VCAswfreeway.com

City

MAINLAND ANIMAL HOSPITAL 3015 Palmer Highway Texas City, TX 77590 409-948-8401 VCAmainland.com

affiliated entities.

CBD & Other Solutions

To Keep Pets Calm During The Upcoming Holiday Season

The holidays can be hectic and nerve-racking for everyone, including our pets. They get as excited as we do with all the sights, sounds, and smells. Additionally, they have to deal with strangers invading their territory. Here are five steps to ensure your pets have a safe and happy holiday season.

1. Give your pet a safe place to chill, away from the noise and chaos. Provide them with a closet or crate with familiar items like blankets, toys, food, and water. When the weather is stormy, or during New Year's fireworks, put your pet in a room without windows. If that is not pos sible, close all blinds and curtains so he/ she can retreat from flashes of light and noise. Your pet may have a spot already picked out; make sure it is clear of any dangers like plugs, wires, etc.

2. Make sure your pet’s collar has tags with current contact information. If your pet gets loose, this will help with a safe return home.

3. Be sure to give medications,

byline

Anthony Saglimbene Casper's Oil CBD Products CaspersOil.com

supplements, or natural products such as Casper's CBD oil early. Typically it takes 40 to 60 minutes or longer to take effect. When given too late, they may be of little to no help.

4. Leave the TV on or play music. A quiet environment is generally preferred in your pet’s safe place. However, some pets benefit from soft, calming music or TV to buffer outside noise.

5. Give them something to do. A favorite toy or treat can give your pets something to focus on other than what is stressing them out. Toys that encourage licking or chewing, or those that dispense treats, are excellent choices for stress reduction.

Put these tips to use for a safe and enjoyable holiday for you and your pets.

Casper's Oil - CBD products for pets and people are made from 100% US Grown Organic hemp certified by the USDA. Check us out at caspersoil.com to learn more or give us a call (800) 6836479 for a personalized consultation.

ABOUT CASPER'S OIL

Casper’s Oil is a pack of like-minded animalloving, dog rescuing first responders, with years of experience caring for our two, three, and four-legged friends. We have developed these product formulations rich in phytocannabinoids for you and your pets with the most excellent care.

Our products start from organically grown hemp from U.S. farms. They are free from Solvents, Pesti cides, Heavy Metals, and Biological contaminants. We test every batch for ev erything every time utilizing an ISO rated independent third party laboratory.

By: Michelle Mantor

WHY I LOVE ANIMALS

One of the rarest and most beautiful animals at the Houston Zoo is the okapi (oh-cop-ee) or forest giraffe. If you haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Kwame, Su kari, and Kivuli, you are missing an amazing opportunity to see a gorgeous animal that you most likely would never see otherwise. Actually, a good day to visit these "giraffe cousins" is October 18, World Okapi Day! Until a few years ago, I had never heard of an Okapi but one day when I was at the zoo on a photoshoot and one of the Okapi had just arrived, I got the opportunity to view him behind the scenes in his temporary enclosure. I remember my first thought was, “His fur looks like deep chocolate velvet." What an interesting creature!

And although some may mistake the Okapi as similar to zebra, they are not related to zebra but the stripes do help camouflage them in the wild.

The Okapi is found in only one rain forest in the Congo and was only discovered in 1901, which is much later than other mammal discoveries. The okapi live deep in the forest and it is very difficult to catch sight of them. They forage on trees and are mostly found in the Ituri Forest.

Due to its shy nature and remote forest habitat, it is not surprising that the Okapi eluded science longer than any other large mammal species in Africa. And part of the reason for the elu sive abilities of this cud-chewing, hoofed creature is the markings. The coat of the okapi is sleek and

deep brown, almost purple, with the sides of the face pale white, and the forehead and ears may have a dull reddish cast. The hind quarters are striped with black and white, and the lower parts of the legs are white with black rings above the hooves. This intricate design is perfect for hiding in the deep forest!

Physically, one of the out standing features of the Okapi is their tongue which reaches 18 inches long. Perfect for strip ping leaves from branches as they browse and forage. I can attest to the incredible abilities of that long tongue when I got the opportunity to feed a branch to Kwame! Other notable physi cal characteristics include the fact that males have short horns that are completely covered by

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

World Okapi Day: October 18

The Giraffe and Okapi Specialist Group of the IUCN Species Survival Commis sion recognizes World Okapi Day, which has been held on October 18 each year since 2016. Sounds like a great day to visit these rare creatures at the Houston Zoo this month!

PhotographybyPrudence.com

Hoofstock keeper, Kim Siegl, helps us get a good shot of Sukari.

I get the awesome opportunity to feed some branches and witness the 18 inch long tongue!

skin except at the tips. Most females do not possess horns, though they often display knobby bumps in their place.

From a conservation perspective, the spe cies is currently classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to threats across its range in the DR Congo which include illegal hunting, forest loss and human encroach ment. In doing my research, I found a wide variety of numbers in terms of how many wild Okapi exist today. The numbers ranged from a few thousand to 35,000. Quite a dif ference...which I suppose belies the fact they are truly elusive!

Territorially, the Okapi are most active during the day when they spend their time roaming the forest for food. They are mostly solitary but do sometimes feed for a short time with a small group. To claim territory or females, males use their necks to fight with one other. Okapis are known to also com municate with each other using quiet “chuff” sounds and rely heavily on their hearing in

the surrounding forest where they are not able to see very far.

The Houston Zoo is committed to helping save Okapis in the wild through conservation partnerships. Those partnerships include working with rangers to collect over 1800 snares and reaching thousands through edu cational messaging on World Okapi Day.

What can you do to help? You can recycle your old cell phones to protect the Okapi and other species. The Congo Basin, also a key habitat for gorillas and chimpanzees, is rich in minerals such as coltan, gold and tin that are used in electronics. Recycling helps re duce the demand and mining of their habitat. The zoo has a recycle box at the entrance.

As you can see, these rare beauties are fascinating, so don't miss your opportunity to meet them up close. They are located with the other hoofed animals along the Hermann Park Drive side of the zoo.

Conservation Corner

Colorful Rare Beetles At The Bug House

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 beetle conservation. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

For the first time in Zoo history, rainbow stag beetles successfully hatched in the Houston Zoo’s Bug House. The rare beetles are native to Australia and New Guinea and their name comes from their iridescent exoskeleton. It is believed the multiple shifting colors causes hesitation within predators in the wild. In fact, it has been demonstrated the rainbow stag beetle’s irides cence has caused instinctive hesitation on the part of predators.

This species of beetle has several color forms including the combination of pink and green, blues and purple. Stag beetles all have

modified jaws. Male rainbow stag beetles can reach a size of 70 mm and have long pin cers used to joust over females. Meanwhile, females are smaller, reaching a size of 46 mm and have a line down the middle of their head. Females also have much smaller pincers used to create holes in rotting wood in which to lay their eggs. Rainbow stag beetles are herbi vores. The diet of larvae consists of decaying wood. Adult beetles later fortify their diet by adding fruit, nectar and sap.

The time a beetle transforms into an adult is a complex and delicate system in which a lot of changes happen both internally and ex

ternally. The entire process takes place inside wood such as tree branches or trunks. Once the female lays eggs, the eggs will double in size and hatch 10-14 days later. The rainbow stag beetle spends at least six months as a larva feeding on the wood in which they were born and will molt three times before becom ing an adult by pupating. When they emerge, their wings are soft and white and can take up to a week to color up. This species is most visible when they fly, and birds are their natural predators.

While it’s unknown how many rainbow stag beetles are in the wild, invertebrate species

Photos By: Jackelin Reyna, Houston Zoo

all over the world are in decline due to habitat loss and, at times, invasive species. The Zoo uses recycled content toilet paper to protect bugs’ and other animals forested homes. Trees are not used in recycled content toilet paper. Every time guests visit the Zoo, they are protecting wildlife by using our recycled con tent toilet paper. Guests can also continue to protect wildlife by purchasing recycled content toilet paper at the grocery store.

The Zoo has successfully hatched four of these rare beetles and are optimistic there may be more on the way. Guests can see and learn more about the rare rainbow stag beetles by visiting them in the John P. McGovern Chil dren’s Zoo Bug House, next to the red panda habitat.

Blessing of the Animals

Celebrating Saint Francis of Assisi's Annual Feast Day

If one can quiet his mind and listen to his heart, some times a connectivity with the universe can be felt. That connectivity can extend to other humans, plants, and animals. To paraphrase Carl Sagan, we are all comprised of the same materials, and whether you call yourself religious, spiritual, or something else it is com mon to feel and recog nize that connectivity.

During the month of October an interesting event takes place across the world. People from all sects of Christianity come together at places of worship with their own pets and animal friends, to celebrate the connection between humans, animals, and nature. Collectively these events are called Blessings of the Animals. Although it is a practice per formed traditionally at Christian churches,

many of these churches happily welcome people from all walks of life to join together as a com munity.

The patron saint, Saint Francis, was a Catholic monk born in 1181. He was named patron saint of animals and the envi ronment just two years after he passed away in 1226. He was known for his work with animals, and for preaching in the forest to birds and other creatures. Francis believed that all beings could appreciate the love of God. The Blessing of the Animals is part of Saint Francis' Feast Day, which is a day dedicated to Saint Francis and what his name represents.

The celebrations usually take place in the first weekend of the month, but some places of worship will host events later in the month.

EVENTS

Kids Fall Festival: Blessing All God's Creatures Cypress Creek Christian Church 6823 Cypresswood Dr. cypresscreek.cc 10.01.22 at 10 AM

Blessing of the Animals

St. Paul's United Methodist Church 5501 Main St. stpaulshouston.org 10.02.22 at 4PM - 5:30PM

Blessing of Animals & Vendor's Market

Emmaus Spirituality Center 12211 Memorial Dr. emmausspiritualitycenter.com 10.08.22 at 9:30AM - 2PM

Pet Blessing Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr. unityhouston.org 10.08.22, 10AM - 12PM

Pet Blessing Christ The Good Shepherd 18511 Klein Church Road Spring, Tx cgsccdogh.org

All of October after 8:30 AM mass