Houston PetTalk December 2022

Letter from the Editor

On the cover

THROWBACK TO 2016

Our cover this year with Pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. is EXTRA special, given the Houston Astros won the World Se ries! In the photo above, Lance posed for our cover in 2016 with photogra pher Evin Thayer, who passed in 2020, and I felt compelled to send Evin love by publishing this throwback photo in our annual Notable Houstonians issue. Always a proponent of animals, Lance shares his Food For Thought in our feature story, along with our "lineup" of other Notables. His pup Riggins was a great sport and helped us get an awesome cover shot! Enjoy the essays and more in our holiday edition.

It seems so cliche to say “I can’t believe how fast time flies” but it truly seems mind boggling to me that it's December. Maybe it’s post-covid syndrome where ev erything seems as if it’s going at a faster rate because 2020 was a SLOG staying at home. Or, it may be that I crammed an unbelievable amount of life into 2022 LOL! You may recall at this time last year, I moved out of Houston to acreage, then moved my rescue horse to the property after having boarded him for years. Next, I had to find him a buddy so I rescued another horse in October. I piled on even more and got two llamas in December. That was a stressful 2021! This year has been filled with learning how to care for them, feeding options, setting up a paddock and training system and teaching myself how to clicker train. We are also building a new barn and moving the animals to another section of the property. And that is just the horses and llamas, not to mention I have a full time job, family…and oh yeah, a dog! She is so offended I didn’t mention how important she is in the scheme of things...my bad Jeda… you are the best dog ever and I would move heaven and earth for you! So yeah, just a few things going on. No wonder I can’t believe 2022 is coming to an end!

With all of this “commotion”, I still want to take a deep breath and enjoy all that December brings…family get-togethers, shar ing of traditional foods, parties with friends, memorable music, shopping adventures, opportunities to give and for me, it’s also a time that reinforces spirituality and turning to GOD for joy and a sense of purpose. And, I also love the tradition of our Annual Holiday Values issue, which we started in 2006!

This annual tradition showcases a cross-

section of notable Houstonians who are photographed with their pet or in one case, rescued wildlife, and they also write an essay on a Value that is meaningful to them. It is of course an absolute HOME RUN that Lance McCullers Jr. of the Houston Astros agreed to be our cover model with his bestie Riggins. We know that Lance has a "few things on his plate" so we are grateful he took time out to participate with us. In the feature, you will also see AMAZING holiday decor, all gener ously provided by Regina Gust of Regina Gust Designs. You can also meet Regina in our feature story. We are so appreciative of the beautiful venue!

For my part in the feature, it was an adventure once again creating a vignette on my property so that I could be photographed with one of my llamas, while still “in keeping” with the holiday decor in the other 7 images. It takes a village to make my life go so I owe a big thank you to my family (Mark and Kaia), and my besties, Adair Spinks and photogra pher Prudence Allwein who is so patient with all of my crazy requests. I hope you enjoy the feature story as much as I enjoyed producing it this year!

As 2022 rolls to a close, I am thankful for our sponsors that make PetTalk possible and for our loyal readers. Please continue to support our sponsors so that we can offer PetTalk as a FREE resource to Houstonians. I am continually inspired by the fact that PetTalk has been in circulation for 22 years! I love bringing information to the public that may help even just one critter, so thank you for allowing me this opportunity and I will continue to do my best to provide a valuable resource for our animal community.

Happy Holidays!

Cover photo by Allison 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.

GLACIER NATIONAL PARK

Kaia Mantor is all smiles as she vacations in beautiful Glacier National Park in Montana. As a certified cat lover and crazy cat mom, she of course has a copy of our annual cat issue...great pic Kaia!

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

The Robinetts and their pals know some things stay in Vegas but what doesn't stay in Houston is PetTalk...it's everywhere! Love seeing everyone so happy!

Henrietta's Christmas Wish List

And

I also want...a llama night light, a belt buckle with a cup holder, a ride with the KHOU weather helicopter, my own panda bear, a squirrel feeder so I don’t have to run so far (since you didn’t get it for me last year), a scorpion for Penelope, a pillow that talks to me when I have insomnia, the title “Your Heiness”, an Aggie football team that lives up to pre-season rankings, a machine that makes money, house slippers made from the grass on Augusta National golf course (don’t forget I need 4), a lip zipper for DL, world peace, anything (literally anything) from Tiffany's...

Illustration by Jim Tweedy, colorized by Desiree Walton

Houston Pets Alive!’s Barktoberfest

Houston Pets Alive!’s 2022 Bark toberfest celebration was the organization’s largest and one of its most successful events yet! Over 1,200 people and hundreds of pups came out to Powder Keg to enjoy all of the fun wearing many adorable costumes and showing their support. Between the Costume Contest, which saw 16 incred

ible winning pups, vendor market, food truck park, silent auction, and tennis-ball-filled dog park, there was plenty of action that attendees enjoyed, all while helping support HPA!’s mis sion to save the lives of at-risk cats and dogs and find them loving homes. HPA!’s incred ible supporters helped raise over $35,000 of lifesaving funds and one lucky pup even found

her furever home!

Missed Barktoberfest and want to attend the next big event in the Houston animal world? Follow Houston Pets Alive! on Face book (@HoustonPetsAlive14) or Instagram (@ houstonpetsalive).

Photos courtesy of Houston Pets Alive!

Over $900K Raised At Houston SPCA Gala

Giving ghouls enjoyed a spooky evening of dinner, dancing and donating at Houston SPCA’s HowlO-Ween Ball, raising $915,000 to help support the rescue and protection organization’s lifesaving work. Held at their Campus for All Animals’ open-air Equine Rescue Arena to a sold-out crowd, the event was co-chaired by Zane Carruth, along with Cheryl Byington.

The elegantly decorated soiree was filled with gauzy ghosts, candelabras and pumpkins for the cocktail hour where elegantly-costumed guests enjoyed bidding on items including a

$3,000 shopping spree at Neiman Marcus and a “Paws Up” live auction that included a rare opportunity to witness one of their rehabilitat ed bald eagles released back into the wild.

All of the fun continued during the After Party with dancing, as well as desserts, coffee, cocktails and puppy cuddles in the adjacent Adoption Center that included three pet adop tions. Congratulations to Houston SPCA for such a successful event! Learn more about the Houston SPCA and their mission at Houston SPCA.org.

Photos by Wilson Parish and Jason Power

Ball Co-chairs Zane Carruth and Cheryl Byington

Evelyn Griffin, Robert Clark and Carol Bardon

Houston SPCA Wildlife Center Ambassador Owl with Brooke Yahney

Carmen Thompson and Mark Anawate

Giselle and John Greenwood

TUTS Student Performers

A Place For Peanut Fundraiser

The Arrangement on Post Oak Blvd. graciously hosted a fundraiser for local charity, A Place For Peanut, which raised over $5000 from generous donations. The event was chaired by Shelby Kibadeaux and Bruce Padilla. The charity's mission is to educate the public and bring joy to children, veterans in hospitals, and special

programs through equine therapy with their miniature horses that have been rescued from the slaughter pipeline. Founded in 2016 by Megan Cardet, the inspiration was a mini horse named Peanut that Megan saved from a kill pen. Learn more about Peanut's insprirng story and A Place for Peanut at: Facebook.com/ aplaceforpeanut.

Bruce Padilla, Karen Turner Smith, Shelby Kibodeaux

Nicole Scarborough, Jackie Leone-Stephen, Sherry Beaudraux, Regina Gust

Megan Cardet, Bruce Padilla, Michelle Rice, Freddy Cruz

Mehrnaz Gill, Reda Martin

Photos provided by A Place For Peanut

Emancipet's Pulling For Pets

Emancipet’s Pulling for Pets (Howl-aWeen edition) was a one-day event at Saint Arnold Brewing Company featuring teams competing to pull a truck over 30 feet in the fastest time, all while raising funds to support Emancipet's mission to make veterinary care affordable and accessible for everyone.

The fire truck pull was followed by a pet costume contest, pupcake eating contest, pet

tarot card readings (for entertainment pur poses only), along with a pet-friendly vendor market.

The event was made possible thanks to the support of sponsors: Valero Energy, Union Pacific Railroad, Tito’s Vodka + Vodka for Dog People, and Merck Animal Health. Media Sponsor: Houston PetTalk Magazine, Venue Sponsor: Saint Arnold Brewing Company, and In-kind Sponsor: All About Marketing.

Photo credit: Paul Carrizales of American Prestige Photography

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.

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!

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 Houston Author’s Book Collection: DogTalesCollection.com

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.

Henrietta’s Frightfully Fun Halloween Photo Contest Winner

Congratulations to Shelby Howell and "Meowster" for grabbing 1st place in Henrietta's Annual Halloween Photo Contest, sponsored by Sunset Animal

Hospital. Meowster snagged a $200 certificate to Sunset for veterinary ser vices with his fabulous Top Gun themed costume! The finalists were selected by public voting and the winner was cho sen by a panel of judges from Sunset. We LOVED all of the creative par ticipants! Thanks to all the little goblins that entered and stay tuned to PetTalk's Facebook and Instagram for more fun contests.

ABOUT SUNSET:

Sunset Animal Hospital is a 24/7 full service veterinary hospital located at 2959 SW Freeway Service Rd, 77098. Open at all hours to serve pets in need of health care, their professional team aspires to excellence in medical quality and client service. Sunset utilizes the most state of the art knowledge, equipment, and techniques that are available to care for your pets. For a list of the many services offered at Sunset, visit their website: SunsetAnytime.com.

PHOTO CONTEST WINNER: Meowster

Finalist: Jimenez

Finalist: Nyxie

Sponsored by Sunset Animal Hospital

Finalist: Olive

Finalist: Princess Pauline

Finalist: Penelope Poppyseed

Finalist: Rorschach

Neiman Marcus & Houston SPCA

Team Up for the 34th Annual Homes for the Holidays Adoption Event

The 34th annual Homes for the Holidays pet adoption event hosted by Neiman Marcus and the Houston SPCA will bring back adoptable puppies, small dogs and kittens to the luxury retail brand’s magical storefront windows every Friday, Sat urday and Sunday through December 18; daily from December 19 until December 23. Shop pers will once again enjoy the thrill of viewing available pets as the little felines and canines frolic inside the notable Neiman Marcus’ holi day windows.  Neiman Marcus will open their doors at 9AM to welcome all, from the young to young-at-heart, at what has become one of Houston’s most cherished holiday traditions.

A countless number of animal lovers have made the Homes for the Holidays pet adoption event part of their annual holiday tradition for

more than three decades.  Each season, Nei man Marcus’ eye-catching storefront windows has helped connect hundreds of animals with loving homes, just in time for the holidays.

Each pet adoption package at the Houston SPCA is valued at around $500 and includes:

» The pet’s microchip

» Spay or neuter surgery

» Age-appropriate vaccinations

» A free wellness veterinary exam at any VCA Animal Hospital

» Free sample-sized bag of Hill’s Pet Nutrition dog or cat food

Neiman Marcus will donate $5 for every Houston SPCA pet adoption between through December 23. While the available pets will vary at Neiman Marcus, all available pets can be found HoustonSPCA.org.

Photos courtesy of Houston SPCA

Love Raising Puppies? America’s VetDogs Needs Your Help!

America’s VetDogs, a national nonprofit that provides speciallytrained guide and service dogs to veterans and first responders with disabilities, has puppy raising groups in major cities across the country including Atlanta, GA, Houston, TX, Miami, FL, New York City, NY and many more. The organization is in urgent need of volunteer puppy raisers who will open their hearts and welcome a puppy into their homes at around eight weeks of age and help teach the pup ba sic obedience, such as how to walk on a leash, sit and stay, down, and to come when called.

Puppy raisers are encouraged to provide vital socialization experiences for the pup including visiting the mall or restaurants, at tending sporting events and traveling by car or public transportation. No prior dog training experience or handling is needed. America’s VetDogs regional Puppy Advisors will sup port each volunteer raiser through the pup's upbringing and training milestones. America’s VetDogs will cover the cost of all necessities for each pup, including veterinary care. The volunteer raiser is solely responsible for pur chasing the pup's food.

Once the puppy is between 14-16 months of age, they will return to the America’s VetDogs campus in Smithtown, New York to begin

formal service dog training and soon after, be matched with a veteran or first responder with disabilities.

Anyone interested in becoming a puppy raiser can apply directly online at: vetdogs.org.

About America’s VetDogs:

Since 2003, America’s VetDogs $has trained and placed guide and service dogs to provide independence, enhanced mobility, and companionship to veterans with disabilities from all eras. In 2015, VetDogs opened its pro grams to first responders, including fire, police, and emergency medical personnel. America’s VetDogs is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organiza tion founded by the Guide Dog Foundation and serves clients from across the United States. VetDogs relies on contributions from generous individuals, corporations, service clubs, and foundations to fund its mission to help those who have served our country live with dignity and independence. It costs over $50,000 to breed, raise, train, and place one assistance dog, but America’s VetDogs provides its services completely free of charge to the individual. America’s VetDogs has been accredited by both the International Guide Dog Federation and Assistance Dogs International.

Photos courtesy of America’s VetDogs

#ShareWithUs!

HOWL-O-WEEN FUN

@turc.bulldogs These Go tham City Sirens and Superhoero are bringing you this week's dose of FrenchieFriday PI:"Admit it, darling, you didn't think two women were capable of bring ing you down." BMAN—"Man or woman, a sick mind is capable of anything."

@ jillgarrettphotography Dammit, Janet. #janet #cosplay #yesthatsadog

@porz_a_roni Thank you @petbarsa for capturing this amazing picture of me! Happy Halloween!

@sophie_and_a_moose A couple of cute corns today was fun! Thank you @whatsupdoghtx for taking these awesome pictures!

@winniethepooxch Happy Halloweenie from your fav wiener!

@bailey_and_gracie_the_ tzus Wishing you a Beary Happy Halloween

@mili.bane.freyja Had a great time at @emancipet #Pullingfor Pets event. Thank you @sweet paws2022 and @prettypawz_ pastries for the treats! And @ texas.pines for my cool hat!!! now I get to match with mom jiji

HolidayValues

Join us once again this Holiday season as we present FOOD FOR THOUGHT from notable Houstonians. This annual tradition began in 2006 and through the years we have been delighted to share words of wisdom on Values that are important from some of Houston's best. We are honored to have such a diverse and worthy group writing about meaningful values including Family, Discipline, Love, Resilience, Gratitude, Persis-

tence, Kindness, and Trust. This year, photos were taken at Regina Gust De signs (with the exception of the llama) which provided a beautiful and festive backdrop.

I hope you enjoy reading these inspiring essays "from the heart". May your holidays be filled with blessings of friendship and joy and as always, if you have a place in your home for one more furry heart, consider making the season of giving the "gift of life".

Intro By Michelle Mantor

Photos By Allison McPhail of Evin Thayer Studios

Photo of Michelle Mantor by Photography By Prudence

LANCE MCCULLERS JR.

Asense of family is a crucial element in staying grounded and feeling supported in life. As I look back on this incredible year of winning the World Series with the Houston Astros and even beyond at the career I have been blessed to enjoy, I recognize that the accomplishments and the journey would not have been possible without the love and support of those closest to me.

By dictionary definition, a family is a group of people united by the ties of blood, marriage or adoption, but the true meaning of family is much broader. For me, first is my family at home; my wife, daughter and my three dogs Minka, Riggins, and Finn. They are my center, my bedrock and the thing that makes me the most happy. Playing with our daughter or roughhousing with the dogs in the backyard are both mine and my wife’s joy. Knowing they are there for me gives me the strength and confidence to excel in other areas.

Family also extends to brotherhood, which is what I am grateful to have with my Astros teammates. Each time we practice or experience the ins and outs of games, we have each other’s back. We are united in a common goal, understanding of one another’s differences, and respectful that we are on a journey together, as a family.

And finally, the family that provides the framework for resilience and hope is community. I’ve been privileged to call Houston home for six years where the fans have been overwhelmingly loyal. Because of their continued spirit of faith, we as Astros were thrilled to bring the trophy “home to our family”.

With Christmas approaching, it’s the perfect time of year to offer good cheer, help those in need - both human and animal, and celebrate the joy of family.

Pitcher for the Houston Astros World Series Champions with “Riggins”

MATT BRICE

Staying disciplined is a mindset, but it’s one of the most important things you can do to be successful. People have asked me how I stay disciplined on the days I don’t feel motivated. There are many days, I don’t care who you are, where you struggle. But those are the days when you strive the most.

You have to stick to your routine, get up early – and create time. If you start getting up two hours earlier each day, and you multiply that by seven days, that’s 14 hours a week. It really starts to add up. At the end of the year, you’ve created a whole extra month of life. You have to look at these things – they’re real. You can create that time by just getting up earlier in the morning and being more productive. Imagine how much more you can do with that extra time!

Part of my daily routine is working out first thing in the morning. I’ll be honest, I don’t want to work out every day, but some of my best workouts have come on the days when I woke up groggy. It’s just about changing your mindset to adjust your actions. Once you do that and the blood starts flowing, it’s pretty awesome. And the same goes with your work day. Sometimes I walk into the office, and I look at my board full of to do’s, and I don’t know what to do first. Some times you just have to clear your head and start picking one at a time and just going after it. It’s not always easy, but you just got to keep moving forward. I try to hold myself to this standard in everything I do – it benefits not only me, but my family (including Boss) and all of our Federal American Grill employees.

Entrepreneur, Husband, Father and Founder/CEO of The Federal American Grill with "Boss"

JESSICA PHILLIPS

Faith, Hope and Love but the greatest of these is Love!

I never truly understood the im mense and profound depths of love until my five year old daughter Brooke battled leukemia. As her mom, I walked beside my girl every step of the way for two years as she endured countless surgeries, chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant, and I held her in my arms until she passed away on September 29, 2006.  Her cour age and faith challenged my heart and life, but it was her extraordinary BIG Love that changed me forever.

Early in treatment, Brooke had become ex tremely ill with an aggressive lung infection. One day, as we were sitting in the radiology depart ment awaiting our scans, we could hear the child next to us crying and struggling in pain. Without hesitation, Brooke reached over and grabbed my hand and with eyes of love, she said, “Momma, we need to pray for that baby right now.”  In this moment, I felt emotionally exhausted, but as we prayed I began to realize the magnitude of what just happened. My little girl was able to set aside her own pain and her own suffering to see the needs of others. From this day forward, Brooke was on a mission. If she heard a child crying, she would want to help. She shared her food, her toys, her smiles. Everyone on Brooke’s journey felt her incredible love - her nurses, her family and especially her four legged friends, Ally, JohnBoy, Miley, Girlfriend and Baxter!

B.I.G. (Brooke’s Incredible Gift) Love Cancer Care was established in 2007 in Brooke’s memory to continue her extraordinary legacy of love. Fifteen years later, B.I.G. Love is now pro viding care to over 100,000 cancer kids and their families each year, serving eight Texas Hospitals. My daughter may have only lived for five short years but her love changed the course of my life forever and has impacted thousands of others.  I can still hear her little voice inside my heart saying, “Go help them, Mom. Let’s pray for them, Mom. Let’s take them some food.”

Until a cure is found, I will work hard to LOVE BIG - just like you taught me!

Co-founder, President of B.I.G. Love Cancer Care with "Baxter"

Hair by Urban Eve, Make-Up by Made You Blush, Grooming by The Paw Spa

Resilience

SHEA GROOM

Hard times are inevitable. As humans we face adversity every single day— at work, in our relationships and through all the ups and downs that life reveals. But resilience is not a coincidence, nor is it sim ply a by-product of enduring something difficult. To me, resilience is an intentional effort. It’s a willingness to not only endure hard times, but rather push for growth amidst them. It’s choos ing strength and fortitude rather than excuses or submission. Resilience measures our ability to continue forward and see just how far we can push ourselves beyond what we feel we are capable of. Resilience is within all of us.

As a professional soccer player for the Hous ton Dash, resilience has become one of my core values. Throughout my 8 seasons in the NWSL, I have learned that it’s not about the situation you are facing, but rather how you choose to re spond to it. Through major injuries, trades, hard losses and coaching changes—it’s your inner strength and developed resilience that helps you navigate those hard moments. And while I would like to take all the credit…it would not be pos sible without my dog, Bullet. He’s been on this soccer journey with me for 9 years now and re minds me daily of all the highs and lows we have been through together. He’s seen me through 4 surgeries, multiple trades that moved us across the country, NWSL championships, personal accomplishments and everything in between. He reminds me of all of life’s challenges and how each time it is my strength and resilience that have seen me through.

Midfielder for the Houston Dash, with "Bullet"

Gratitude

REGINA GUST

Founder of Regina Gust Designs with "Chance". Many thanks to Regina for gra ciously offering her design studio for our holiday photoshoot.

Gratitude has always been an important value to me because it’s easy for us to take things for granted. I think it’s paramount to remember how blessed we are to have everything we do.

Sometimes we forget to be thankful for the things we have because it is easier to focus on the things we do not. I believe we should all take time to pause and reflect on our blessings, such as the health and safety of our loved ones.

I am proud to work hard to make my commu nity a better and more beautiful place through my work in holiday décor and bring joy to those who might have lost their Christmas spirit. I always try to show my thanks and appreciation for everyone who has gone above and beyond for me. When I focus on gratitude, I instantly feel deeply grateful for the health and happiness of my family who mean everything to me. as well as the success and support I receive for my business through friends, family, clients, and my employees.

Through our actions, words, and support, we can show our thanks and appreciation for oth ers. I find that it's always appreciated when you let people know how much they mean to you, which is why I strive in my daily routine to let others know how truly grateful I am for them.

This holiday season, let's all show an attitude of gratitude...it will bring so much joy to both the giver and receiver!

Gown provided by Tootsies, Hair & MakeUp by Saint Rose

Persistence

MATHIEU JN BAPTISTE

When I reflect on my journey, past to present, I think about the “continued effort” poured into me by my family, mentors and community. A value I hold dear to my heart and daily life is PERSISTENCE. To be persistent is to be committed to a goal or purpose regardless of delayed gratification. Persistence is a value that not only humans innately understand but also our wildlife as they must be persistent in their ability to thrive in a challenging ecosystem. A major part of my success as an artist is me knowing I am commit ted to my end goal no matter the challenge or level of difficulty.

An artist attempting to create community in a new country is no easy feat. The community and support I found in Boston did not come as smoothly in Houston, but I refused to be discour aged or dismissed. Transitioning to Houston and its art community was definitely mentally and emotionally exhausting at times but I was persistent on bringing visibility to my body of work. Persistent on placing value on my work and seeking those collectors who valued my art. I had many delays in living my entrepreneurial art dream. I had the talent, but I didn’t have a pathway to entrepreneurship. I worked for other small businesses, corporate businesses in Houston for 5 years before I was able to work as an indepen dent contractor and then for myself. I was content with doing the work so I could have access to living my dream, persistence was the muscle I focused on, it is what carried me to the other side of the mountain.

My first year as an entrepreneur consisted of me learning time management, four years later, I’m managing a team, budget and projects for Mathieu Jeanbaptiste, LLC. It is my belief, there is no short- cut to achievement or triumph. My life experiences taught me that with each missed op portunity or failure I became more resilient. Per sistence breeds resiliency. Always be willing to bet on yourself and remember, “But the one who endures to the end will be saved”, Matthew 24:13. May we remember this in honor of all wildlife en during harsh environments in hopes that we can provide continued efforts to assist in supporting the elevation of their quality of life too.

Acclaimed International Visual Artist, Environmental Artivist, Artrepreneur with "Woody" a Wood Duck rescued by Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition (TWRC).

Kindness

CLUTCH THE BEAR

It’s often said to treat people with kind ness, I’d like to echo the same for us animals.  Whether it’s a pet, a free roam ing mammal of the wilderness, a beautiful creature of the sea, or a bear like myself living in Houston, Texas: we all appreciate the kind ness of others.  I’m kind to any and all fans who find themselves inside Toyota Center to watch our Houston Rockets play!  With about eighteen thousand fans showing up to our games, I try to visit and entertain as many as possible each night! Their kindness and sup port means the world to me.

Have you ever been going about your day and received an unsolicited compliment from a stranger?  Or even given one?  It’s amazing the power it has to improve your mood and inspire you to do the same.  Even a simple, “I like your shoes” or “your fur looks well groomed” (that one might be specific to me)  are compliments that can be infectious.  Little by little, it can spread like wildfire and change the world.

I am sure to show kindness to my dogs Rafa and Stella every day.  Sometimes that means evenings spent on a long walk through

the park or taking turns playing fetch (they bring back tennis balls and I bring back salmon).  Other times it means quality time laying on the couch watching our favorite shows or movies like Brother Bear, Padding ton, or Planet Earth.

Kindness is a key factor in order to im prove happiness and boost your health!  So with pets, animals, and other people; treat them with kindness.  You never know how much it will mean to them.

Mascot for the Houston Rockets, with "Rafa" and "Stella"

Trust

MICHELLE MANTOR

There is a lot of power in the simple five letter word T-R-U-S-T. Without trust, it is hard to navigate our lives, excel at work, create meaningful connections, or even grow as an individual. Essentially, trust is what I like to call and “anchor” value - it’s the foundational principle that holds all relationships. And, it's even in our national motto: In God We Trust.

Be it humans or animals, the cre ation of trust is equally important. I think most people recognize that building trust with other humans is paramount in our daily lives. We may not always get it right, but we get that it’s important to strive for.

As an animal advocate, unfor tunately I can’t say the same is true for people and animals. Too often I see people that don’t understand (or don’t care) how to create a bond of trust with their pets. Perhaps they think they are building trust but go about it the wrong way or perhaps they don’t appreciate the value of a trusting relationship with an animal and therefore don’t want to invest the time and energy.

If we take a deeper dive into trust, we find that it is comprised of other essential values. Kind of like Matryoshka dolls ,also known as Russian nesting dolls, trust has a lot going on “inside” to create the sum of its parts. For trust to exist, there must be respect, patience, accountability, vulnerability and honesty. Respect is how we treat others. When you are respectful,

you give that person or being the ability to be themselves. Patience is allowing time for a relationship to develop and to meet others where they are, rather than pushing things along too quickly. Accountability is being willing to accept and admit your mistakes without blaming. The ability to say “my bad” definitely goes a long way in developing trust. Next, being vulnerable allows us to open our hearts for true communi cation that is not mired by pretense. Trust is built when vulnerability is not taken advantage of. And finally, honesty is the bedrock of trust. Being lied to, tricked or deceived will certainly bring out our ultimate sense of survival that tells us not to give information in the future because it may cause us harm. The result of dishonesty is having no relationship at all or a guarded relationship where information is strictly curated - the opposite of trust.

Who knew trust could be such a complicated virtue? Perhaps that is why it’s sometimes misun derstood and not a point of focus when it comes to our pets. As the steward and caregiver to animals, it is incumbent upon us to build the foundation for trust if we are to have a respectful, loyal relation ship. It is ultimately about making our companions feel safe through the consistency of exercising those 5 basic elements of trust. For ex ample, things that break trust with your dog include yelling at them

Editor & Publisher of Houston PetTalk Magazine, with "Warrior"

constantly, forcing them into situations they don’t want to be in, and not listen ing to their body language. Imagine if you are someone that doesn’t like to so cialize at parties and you find the idea of talking to a bunch of strangers scary, but yet your friend or spouse coerces you to do it anyway. This scenario is very similar to how some dogs feel about the dog park but far too many pet parents force their dogs into the situation. In these two examples, you can see how the bond of trust is eroded when the person or animal doesn’t feel safe and their needs are ignored.

I chose to write my essay this year about trust because it’s top of mind for me as I struggle to create a bond and training routine with my llama, Warrior. As you may know from my previous writings, I got two llamas last December, Warrior and PowWow, without having much knowledge about the species. I considered it a challenge. Well, a challenge is what I got! They are both different in their personalities. Warrior is a sensitive yet social soul and PowWow is an aloof, guarding llama who I’m still trying to figure out.

With Warrior, I know that creating trust is the foundation for how our relationship will develop and by nature, camelids are not very trusting of humans so I am already at a disadvantage. In studying resources about llamas and alpacas, I’ve learned that many camelid owners don’t treat their animals with respect, patience, or consistency and therefore have a heck of a time catching them for husbandry. The result, sadly, is that they have no meaningful bond with them, which is predictable because, as you can imagine, if someone came run ning at you with their arms wide trying to catch you and trap you in a corner to put on a halter, you probably would want to get as far away from them as possible.

Through my studies, I've learned how to use a respectful technique in halter ing both llamas, and along with the use of clicker training to mark the behaviors I want (and ignore, not yell, at the behaviors I don’t want), we have come a long way in our training. Warrior, being a bit more social, will allow me to walk up to him in the pasture and pet him… sometimes. I watch his body language, I literally ask him if I can pet him, and if he leans toward me, I know this is a yes and if he leans away, I know this is a no. I do

the thing that builds trust - I respect his answer. I don’t force him to be touched and guess what? The more I have listened to him and respected his space, the more often he lets me pet him! And the same goes for our training sessions.

I take my time, I show patience by not forcing anything or pushing them into scary situations. As an example, I knew this photoshoot would create anxiety with all the people, lights, decorations and so forth. I purposefully brought the decorations for him to sniff and check out a few hours ahead of time and then I came back later with my awesome help ers and constructed the decor. I haltered him, used treats and the clicker and slowly got him to come over to the spot where we wanted him to stand. If he re fused, I didn’t pull him or try to drag him, rather, I just waited and tried again with treats. After lots of cajoling, he became comfortable and TRUSTED me. Yes, the photo session took longer but in the end, it was worth it not to force him and break our bond of trust.

With animals, the ability to develop a trusting relationship is in some ways more difficult than with humans because the communication is so different. We are used to saying words and having other humans respond but with ani mals, it’s imperative that we learn their language and incorporate their needs, personalities, innate survival instinct and even breed disposition in creating an atmosphere of safety. Once an animal feels safe, they can learn much easier and if you are consistent in boundaries and expectations, you’ll be on your road to a better understanding of one another and a deeper connection.

As one year is ending and a new beginning is upon us, take time to build bridges of trust with people, with ani mals, and with the ultimate, our Creator. As your bridges expand and strengthen, so does your path to Peace, Love, and Joy!

A NOTE OF THANKS TO OUR FEATURE PARTICIPANTS

By Michelle Mantor

We would like to extend a special thank you to the following:

1.Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition brought us the amazingly beautiful wood duck, “WOODY” for a photoshoot with Mathieu Jn Baptiste, page 34. Woody is a permanent ambassador for TWRC and when we asked if they could provide an animal for our feature, we had no idea that such a cool little animal would steal our hearts at the photoshoot. Mathieu is a huge proponent of wildlife and we felt it was fitting to showcase something “unusual” with him. Truly, Woody’s markings are unbelievable - it’s as if he isn’t even real! Stay tuned for more with PetTalk and TWRC in 2023, plus read about how they have joined forces with Houston Humane Society on page 52.

BEHIND THE SCENES

2.We owe a debt of gratitude to REGINA GUST for allowing us to do 7 photo shoots in her studio, all while she and her amazing staff were busy with their holiday installations. We are so thankful for the beau tiful venue as a backdrop for our Notable Houstonians. Find out more about their work at ReginaGust.com.

3.Thank you to ALLISON MCPHAIL of Evin Thayer Studios for her great pho tography work and willingness to put up with all the behind the scenes machinations that it takes to put this feature together. Her talent and patience are much appreciated.

4.Given that my photo was with my llama, bringing him to the studio for a photo was not a good option! My friend and amazing photographer PRUDENCE ALL WEIN of Photography By Prudence came to my home and captured some great shots. It was difficult to pick just one! A big shout

out to Adair Spinks and Mark Silberman for their awesome job at decorating with festive holiday decor.

5.Last but surely not least, a BIG thank you to LANCE MCCULLERS JR. of the Houston Astros for participating in this issue. Lance had generously agreed be our cover during the regular season. As we cheered through the post season, I honestly had to admit I began to worry that a World Series win would take so much of his time that he wouldn’t be able to do the photo session by our deadline. Lance kept his commitment (which I know many would not in the same situation), and we got a great cover, albeit literally on the day of our print deadline… but hey, I’m not complaining…it’s LANCE Mc CULLERS JR. for heaven’s sake LOL! Lance, we appreciate your integrity and work for the animals through your Lance McCullers Jr. Foundation.

Clutch shows us he can strike a pose.

Lance gives a kiss of encouragement to Riggins. Michelle having a funny moment with Warrior.

Woody decides he likes to eat bracelets!

During the holiday season, we are reminded of the magic of giving, the profound effects of helping those in need, and the importance of family and friends. With the message of Christmas forefront in our hearts, it’s a reminder to thank those that bravely serve our military so that we can have the ultimate gift…FREEDOM.

Houston is full of charming outdoor patios in our vibrant restaurant scene and bringing your pet along for the adventure is encouraged at many es tablishments. Resolve to visit one restaurant per month (or one per week if you are really hungry!) and try out new cuisines and perhaps meet fel low doggy lovers. Here are a few of our top-dog picks:

❖

❖

Kirby Ice House The Woodlands: 1700 Lake Robbins Dr.

Cottonwood: 3422 N Shepherd Dr.

❖ PUCCI Cafe in Katy: 23501 Cinco Ranch Blvd.

❖ NettBar: 4504 Nett St.

❖

East End Backyard: 1105 Sampson St.

Take at least one staycation during the year and feel like you have taken an exotic trip and landed in a really cool place that loves dogs. We sug gest several of Houston’s hottest hotels that are near tantalizing activities for people and pups.

❖ Hotel ZaZa Museum District: super pet-friendly and you can trot right out the door and walk through Hermann Park and enjoy the reflection pool.

❖ Hotel Granduca: Located in the Galleria area, the property is reminis cent of a private Italian villa...perfect for relaxing together!

Every pooch needs to let off a little steam. Sign your pup up for doggie daycare - just one day a week will do your dog wonders. Find a list of awesome daycare facilities at HoustonPetTalk.com/resources.

Make time for some pampering. Schedule a spa day in the Spring to get ready for summer fun. Pooches can be coiffed and groomed at many local groom shops. Treat yourself to a facial nearby and then when you reconnect with your yummy smelling furball, go strut your stuff at Memorial Park.

Looking for a fun yet healthy way to exercise together? Try a warm water swim at RummysBeachClub.com, take agility or dock jumping classes together at DogGoneFunAgility.com or buy a dog-specific frisbee and learn the art of disc - find training resources at SkyHoundz.com/ houston-canine-frisbee-disc-club.

A TREE FOR ME!

This Holiday season while you decorate your Christmas tree, your pup can stay busy chewing his durable nylon chew toy shaped like a Christ mas Tree.

The SodaPup Holiday Col lection offers a selection of dog chew toys for aggressive chewers. The nylon material is FDA compliant and non-toxic. Get one for your pup at SodaPup.com.

WARM & COZY

The ultimate pet gift is a comfy bed! Choose from many sizes and styles, all with exceptional fabric and quality con struction, at HollywoodFeed.com.

JingleAllTheWay

TIS' THE SEASON

Send clever, breed specific holi day messages with original artwork cards by artist Kristel Peale. 5 cards and 5 envelopes in a box. $15 per box. Find all 28 in Etsy Shop: KristelsColors.

SANTA PAWS IS COMING TO TOWN

Dear Santa: Please bring me lots of these delicious morsels made locally by barkery, The Doggie Express! Pet Parents can also shop for Christmas gift boxes (large and small), starting at $30. In addition to treats, cakes, jerky and more, clients can reserve The DEX Barkery and Boneyard for Holiday par ties! Visit them at 1402 W 34th St. in Houston or shop online at TheDoggieExpress.com.

TheWay

FELINE FA-LA-LA-LA

Feline loving fashionistas will be more than Merry when they find the Mercy Black Cat Clutch in their stocking Christmas morning. The wristlet clutch has three compart ments and a zipper closure to keep valuables safely tucked inside. Comes with detachable strap. Get yours at Triple-t-Studios.com.

FOR THE NICE ON YOUR LIST

Give your cat lover a MEOW-Y Christmas with a selection of original designed cat-themed bangle bracelets from Triple T Studios. Bracelets are Silver Plating with enamel and hinged for easy on and off. Find these and other purr-fectly awesome kitty jewelry at Triple-t-Studios.com.

DRINK & BE MERRY

Are you headed to an ugly sweater party this year? Don’t leave your pawesome plus one out of the fun - deck out your dog with a Tito’s Ugly Sweater for Dogs. Shop their collection online of sweaters, scarves and beanies…and of course, add a bottle of Tito’s Vodka to your shopping cart as the perfect hostess gift! Go forth and shop at Store.TitosVodka.com.

LET IT SNOW

Did someone say Santa and his reindeer are on their way? Furrever Doggies, a Houston custom design company, has unique holiday wear for the four-legged family members so they will be looking Bright and Merry for the Big Guy’s arrival!  Shop at FurreverDoggies.com.

Book Now.

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PETSUITES LONG MEADOW

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PETSUITES ATASCOCITA

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PETSUITES PEARLAND

3205 Kirby Dr, Pearland, TX 77584 Call 832.856.0353 | Text 832.856.0455 pearland.petsuitesofamerica.com

PETSUITES SPRING RAYFORD

2825 Canyon Ranch Dr Spring, TX 77386 Call 346.220.6310| Text 346.808.4548 springrayford.petsuitesofamerica.com

PETSUITES SUGAR LAND

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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

Raw Hide Chews

Understanding The Dangers

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

First, rawhide treats come from the inner layer of cow or horse hides. During manufacturing, the hides are cleaned and cut or ground. Next, they’re pressed into chewable dog treats of different shapes and sizes. To make them more appealing for dogs, some rawhide treats contain beef, chicken, or liver flavorings.

But here’s the problem. Rawhide chews start out hard, but as your dog works the

chew it becomes softer, and eventually they can unknot the ends and the chew takes on the consistency of a slimy piece of taffy. By that time it becomes addictive for your dog. Once the hide has turned soft and gooey, there’s no longer any den tal benefit to the chew and it has turned from a treat into a choking and intestinal obstruction hazard with potential choking risk. Plus, there are other risks associated with this treat.

Here are 3 of the most common raw hide risks:

1. Contamination.

As with pet toys, rawhide chews can contain trace amounts of toxic chemicals. And, as with other pet (or human) foods, Salmonella or E. coli contamination is pos sible. Even humans can be at risk when coming into contact with these bacteria on rawhide treats.

problems, including diarrhea.

3. Choking or blockages.

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

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

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

byline

By: Dr. Laura Noaker, VERGI 24/7 Animal Emergency and Critical Care Hospital, VERGI247.com

2. Digestive irritation.

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

No matter if your dog has problems with rawhide chews or not, you might want to try a variety of other chewing treats or toys, including natural marrow bones or hard rubber toys, like a Kong stuffed with a healthy treat, to fully satisfy your dog’s chewing needs.

Holiday Gift Ideas For Pets

Consider the "Non-Traditional"

As the holiday season approach es, families may be thinking about what to get their beloved pets this year. We have listed some gift ideas perfect for senior pets (and which younger pets may also enjoy)!

A pet massage from a certified small animal massage practitioner is a great way for your pet to relax. These massages are great for older pets who have built up muscle tension due to arthritis, stress, or overexertion. Like people, pet massages allow for the tension in the pet's muscles to relax, resulting in less pain. There are practitioners who offer these massages in your home or in a clinic. In the Houston area, many can be found via an internet search. In our experience, the majority of pets respond well to these massages,

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

even if they do not love being touched by a veterinarian. Most pets will relax, stretch, and take a nap, waking with more energy the next day.

Special treats and snacks are another great way to surprise your pet. Many local pet stores have a great selection of tasty treats. Their staff are also very knowledgeable about what is healthy and appropriate for your pet if they have any medical conditions. However, if you are ever unsure if something is suitable for your pet, check with your veterinarian. Another option is to make homemade pet cookies. You can find many recipes online and this is a great option for making and sharing with friends. If you are having a holiday party, consider making doggie bags for your guests containing treats for their pets at home.

As our pets age, arthritis plays a part in many of their lives. A brand new orthope dic or soft padded bed can offer a large amount of comfort for their joints and allow

a perfect night’s sleep. Dogs and cats alike LOVE having a new place to make their own. Some cats love the largest dog beds and large dogs may prefer to get cozy in smaller spaces than expected. Crib mattresses make great beds for large or giant breed dogs. Surprising them with a new comfy place to relax works as a gift while also improving their quality of life.

Finally, a great gift can be a day es pecially dedicated to them. Whether this be a trip to the beach, a trip to the park, or an outing for a puppuccino, dedicating time to your pet away from the stresses of everyday life can be fulfilling for the entire family. This may be directed more towards our dog family members, but some cats may enjoy the fresh air and a change of scenery.

As another hectic year comes to an end, remember to celebrate with the entire family including your senior pets. Happy holidays to your furry family members!

Bladder Stones in Cats

Diagnosis & Treatment

Bladder stones (uroliths) are rock-like structures that form in the urinary bladder. Comprised of minerals, they can take many shapes from a single large stone to multiple lobulated stones to sand-like grit.

Cats with bladder stones show the typi cal signs of a urinary tract infection. They strain to urinate, produce small amounts of urine and experience an increase in frequency of urination (perhaps outside of

Dr. Mark Silberman BenRose Veterinary Services

the litter box).

There are several different types of uroliths. It is important to determine the mineral type when analyzing the stones. Stress, diet, water intake, urinary tract infections and urine pH all are contributing factors to stone formation.

Diagnosis requires a urinalysis, radiographs and manual palpation of the bladder. Most stones will show up on a radiograph but some will not.

There are two options for treatment. The fastest way to treat the problem is with surgery. The stones are removed and analyzed by a laboratory for mineral

composition allowing for a more accurate treatment.

The second option is to dissolve the stone over time with a special diet. This is easier and less expensive; however, it takes a long time and does not always work. Many times it is not possible to analyze the stone so the choice of special diet is hit or miss. Even if the diet is cor rect, unfortunately, cats can be finicky and some may not eat it.

If you have any questions, consult your veterinarian.

Cypress

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

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©2016 VCA Inc. VCA logo is registered trademarks of VCA Inc. or its affiliated entities.

Houston Humane Society Expands into Wildlife Services

... with Eye on Conservation Education

The Houston Humane Society has joined forces with Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition (TWRC), officially forming The Houston Humane Society TWRC Wildlife Center. Wildlife operations will remain at 10801 Hammerly Blvd. while a fund drive is underway to build a new wildlife center. All TWRC staff, programs and facilities now operate under Houston Humane Society.

“We are excited to welcome TWRC to the Houston Humane Society family as our organizations share a dedication to animal wellbeing and the belief that all animals should be free from suffering and hu manely treated,” said Gary Poon, president and CEO of Houston Humane Society. “Both organizations are also dedicated to educating our community on the humane treatment of animals, whether domestic pets or wildlife.”

As Greater Houston continues to expand, more wildlife is being displaced

from its natural habitat, with encounters between wildlife and people becoming more commonplace. Poon said that part of Houston Humane Society’s mission with this expansion into wildlife services is to not only care for injured animals, but also to educate the Greater Houston commu nity about environmental conservation. He said it is important for everyone to learn how to peacefully coexist with the wildlife that is constantly present in our area and plays an important role in our natural world.

For TWRC, working with Houston Humane Society is nothing new, accord ing to wildlife director Mary Warwick. “We have been collaborating with Houston Humane Society on various animal welfare initiatives over the past three years, so this is a natural extension of our work and shared mission. We are excited by the op portunity to expand the reach and impact of our wildlife rehabilitation, conservation and education programs as part of one of the premier animal welfare organizations in Texas.”

Since 1979, TWRC Wildlife Center has provided quality emergency care and

rehabilitation for injured, ill, and orphaned wildlife brought in by the public. Admit ting approximately 4,000 animals per year across 157 species, TWRC cares for native Texas wildlife found in and around the Houston area, with a specialty in small mammals, migratory songbirds, small raptors and reptiles. TWRC’s goal is to rehabilitate with the intent to release animals back into the wild. They also oper ate a specialized in-home care program that is provided by permitted rehabilitation volunteers.

Donors are encouraged to support the Houston Humane Society’s ongoing wildlife rehabilitation programs and the group’s efforts to raise funding for a new state-of-the-art wildlife center.

With its headquarters located at 14700 Almeda Rd., Houston Humane Society offers adoption, low-cost pet care services and resources, cruelty investigations, and is the only regional shelter with a fullservice veterinary clinic open to the public. To learn more, visit HoustonHumane.org.

Photos By Houston Humane Society

whole of nature and its beauty."

~Albert Einstein PhotographybyPrudence.com

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.

By: Michelle Mantor

WHY I LOVE ANIMALS

A FURRY, FEATHERY, SCALY YEAR IN REVIEW

Wow…what an awesome year meeting and interacting with so many different species at the Houston Zoo! Truly, the opportunity to learn and just experience animals that I would not otherwise have a chance to be up close and personal with is my favorite part of being the edi tor of PetTalk. What fun to feed veggies to rare Blue-Throated Macaws, get a kiss from Fiesta the Llama, feed lettuce to the ancient species, the Tortoise, feed browse to the extremely rare Okapi, witness the endangered Whooping Crane, pet the trunk of a baby Elephant, and the creme de la creme, having a painting made especially

for me by Cali the Sea Lion!

Coming in 2023 in our wildlife section, look for more fun stuff with the Houston Zoo, who will be opening their Galápagos Island Exhibit in the near future and we have a surprise cover for you to showcase that big event. We will also visit with Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition and bring you some local Texas wildlife stories.

As always, I am compelled to send a message of conservation. When you visit the zoo or other responsible wildlife encounters, there is a plethora of information they provide so that you can learn how you too can help save animals in the wild!

"Our task must be to free our selves by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the

Conservation Corner

A Look Back at Houston Zoo’s Successes in 2022

By: Jessica Reyes HoustonZoo.org

With the holiday season upon us, the Houston Zoo has a lot to be thankful for as we look back at the accomplishments in 2022. Whether they were planned or complete surprises, the Zoo has stayed true to its mission of connect ing communities with animals to inspire action to save wildlife.

The Zoo’s first accomplishment of the year caught primate keepers by surprise when they discovered a tiny Goeldi’s monkey hanging onto a branch in the night house. The team moved quickly to reintroduce her to her moth er. In doing so they stumbled onto another surprise—the infant was much smaller than a typical Goeldi’s newborn. Primates should be about 50 grams at birth but this one weighed 34 grams, making her the smallest Goeldi’s monkey born in an Association of Zoo’s and

Aquarium (AZA) organization in North America.

The monkey was named Betty, in honor of the late, beloved actress and animal lover Betty White. Mom, dad, and Betty stayed behind the scenes for several months while Betty’s keepers hand-raised her and encour aged parental bonding. Once Betty was healthy, the family moved back to their outdoor habitat and Betty has become the smallest Goeldi’s monkey to be successfully raised in an AZA organization.

Another historic milestone was celebrated as the Zoo turned 100 years old in April. The year-long centennial celebration kicked off with a large- scale birthday party where Mayor Sylvester Turner declared April 30, 2022 “Houston Zoo Day.” In the summer, the celebration turned to the arts by unveiling five Zoo murals around the city depicting the dif

ferent world regions where the Zoo is actively working on conservation work to save native wild animals. On the first Saturday of the month the Zoo hosts monthly Centennial Saturdays and the centennial celebration continues through April 2023 with the opening of the much-anticipated Galápagos Islands exhibit.

In July, the Houston Zoo became the first Zoo in the country to eliminate single-use plas tic packaging in all gift shops. Compostable hangtags, stickers or signs now provide pricing information, and snacks are in compostable plastic. Single-use plastic items can end up in waterways like bayous, lakes, and oceans. Animals like sea turtles may get entangled in a plastic item or mistake it for food causing illness or death.

Most recently, the Houston Zoo received a prestigious award during the Association

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 a look back at 2022. Look for other upcoming conservation stories so that you too can help save a species.

Photos By: Houston Zoo

of Zoos and Aquariums annual conference. The Top Honors for Exhibit Design was awarded to the Houston Zoo for South America’s Pantanal. The Zoo competed against 10 other major exhibits from across the United States. This is the second year in a row the Houston Zoo has won Top Honors for Exhibit Design, which has only been accomplished twice be fore in the history of the awards.

The Zoo’s successes this past year are a testament to the phenomenal work from staff, volunteers, and donors to continue to make the Houston Zoo a world-class cultural icon.

Holiday Treat Recipes

Cranberry Pumpkin Peanut Butter Treats

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups of Oatmeal flour - place 1 1/2 cups of regular oatmeal in the food processor and grind

1/2 cup of dried cranberries

1 cup of pure packed pumpkin; (Not pumpkin pie in a can)

2 large eggs

1/2 cup peanut butter of your choice (smooth, chunky, natural)

1/2 to 1 cup of dried cranberries; DO NOT USE RAISINS i- they are Poisonous to Dogs!

1 tablespoon of organic brown sugar (optional) it adds a little touch of sweetness and when distributed over 100 small treats does not present a problem.

Directions:

Use a standing mixer, crack your two eggs into the mixing bowl and beat for about 1 minute then add the packed pumpkin. Mix for a minute and then add your peanut butter and beat until everything is creamy.  Slowly add flours and the dried cranber ries until you get a nice thick (not too sticky, not too dry) dough that is perfect for rolling.  If the dough is a bit sticky, add a touch more flour and if it is too dry add peanut butter or milk.

Flour your work area; cut dough in half and roll the dough to approximately 1/4 thickness and then cut away with your favorite cookie cutter.  Line 2 cookie trays with parchment paper and load them up with the treats. You can place close together since they do not rise.  Bake at 350° for approximately 30 minutes.  You will get tons of kisses with this homemade batch of doggy baked goodness! Treats will last in a well sealed container for about 10 days or pack them up in freezer bags and place them in the freezer and just take them out as needed - they will last for 6 months in the freezer.

Homemade Frosty Paws Dog Ice Cream

Ingredients:

1 Banana 32 oz Plain Yogurt or Goats Milk Yogurt

2 tsp Peanut Butter

2 tsp Honey Ice Cube Trays or Muffin Tins

Directions:

Place the banana in a blender or food processor. Add yogurt, peanut butter and honey into the mix. Mix ingredients until well blended. Pour small amounts into ice cube trays or muffin tins.  Freeze the treats, then put them in a freezer bag for easy storage.

Options:

BERRY FROSTY PAWS Prepare the basic recipe as above and omit the honey and peanut butter. Add 1/4 cup strawber ries, cranberries or blueberries for an antioxidant boost for your pup. Mix and pour the mixture in the same manner as the basic recipe and freeze.

PUMPKIN FROSTY PAWS Add one can of pumpkin to the basic recipe and add 1/8 tsp. of carob powder. Mix and pour the mixture in the same manner as the basic recipe and freeze.

Illustration by Desiree Lonsway