2021 All About Pets by Messenger-Inquirer

All About Pets 2021

A special publication of the Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, February 21, 2021

2 ALL ABOUT PETS 2021

Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, February 21, 2021

Adventures in petsitting BY JODI KEEN

senior yellow lab who moved slowly but transformed into a puppy when bout two years ago, I decided to you produced a tennis ball. His eyes start petsitting. I was interested would light up, his paws would tip-tap in earning a little extra income the ground, and a spring would pop in to put toward travel plans and home his step as he chased that tennis ball projects, and I’ve loved and owned pets down the yard over and over again. since childhood, so I thought petsitting You had to convince him to stop and would make the perfect weekend gig catch his breath. He loved playing with for me. And after 595 petsitting visits in a ball so much, he sometimes insisted the 21 months since, I can tell you my on carrying it in his mouth on our walk initial sentiments were correct. What I around the neighborhood. He was a wasn’t expecting were the voluminous loving, spry old dog who lived life to stories I’d gain and the many furry the fullest, enjoyed ear rubs and was friends I’d make. blessed with an adoring owner. It was Take Ares and Apollo. Adopted a really tough loss last fall when Buddy “brothers,” they’re a German shepherd finally earned his wings. and a husky mix, respectively, with Perhaps the most enlightening opposite personalities: While Ares pet I’ve visited is Rawry, a 150-pound is confident, dominant and fearless, tortoise who has the run of his home’s Apollo is timid and hesitant. But they’re back yard each summer. He loves both goofy, gentle and very loving, and meal time and will turtle run to me they pair well together. Ares is a born when I walk up with his food. Because leader, and Apollo is more comfortable of his giant circumference and my following. Ares shows Apollo the inexperience with reptiles, I was very ropes of being a dog and helps build hesitant to approach him at first; I his brother’s self-esteem, while imagined he might bite my ankles Apollo teaches Ares to share his toys. while I cleaned up the yard. But Rawry They’re a complementary pair, and I’m is well tempered, friendly and gentle privileged to see their bond deepen — you can hand-feed him — and he with each visit. enjoys back scratches as much as any Poppi is an older English bulldog dog I know. with a litany of allergies and a famous As someone who grew up helping pout. She’s not a fan of her many care for house dogs, police K9s, guinea medications, but she can be bribed into pigs and hamsters, I quickly realized compliance with a tiny marshmallow when I started petsitting that there is and a ton of patience. Poppi is a a startling amount I still have to learn surprising spitfire who loves toys and about pets. is used to getting her way, but I’ve I’ve also learned some surprising learned creative ways to direct her things about pets, such as: attention where it’s needed. • How to give insulin to a cat. This past Super Bowl Sunday, I I’ve no experience administering cat encountered by first canine linebacker: meds, and certainly not shots, so this a giant Italian mastiff named Rocco. was intimidating. It didn’t help that Easily over 130 pounds and towering the recipient growled at me when he as tall as my torso, Rocco was very caught sight of the needle in my hand. disappointed that it was far too icy to But I followed the owner’s instructions safely traipse around the neighborhood — toss a towel over the cat’s head, find — he’s a social butterfly — so we the injection spot on the back of his played tag in the back yard. As he came neck, and give him his shot — and it charging around the swing set at me, I was far less involved than I’d expected. wondered if he’d actually tackle me into • Pet personalities are as complex the frozen snow, and for the first time as human personalities. Some animals during our game, I thought I may have are confident, outgoing and energetic; made a very big mistake. others are anxious, withdrawn and Another favorite customer was one prefer relaxation to exercise. Some pets of my first goodbyes. Buddy was a will lavish me with kisses the minute MESSENGER-INQUIRER

I walk in; some prefer their space. There are even times when a favorite among other petsitters doesn’t take to me, or I surprisingly hit it off with a hard-to-please pet. Regardless of a pet’s reaction, I’ve learned that it’s important I adapt my behavior to it each time so the visit goes smoothly. • Pets overwhelmingly crave companionship. The majority of pets I visit greet me immediately and interact with me the entire visit. They want to play, cuddle, get belly rubs, take a walk together — anything that gives them undivided attention. Their eyes sparkle with joy and comfort at having someone with them, and the interaction boosts their overall health. Just like a hug or a laugh with a friend provides people with a morale boost, so does interaction for a pet. And really, companionship is the entire reason I adopted a dog for myself. There’s no feeling like walking

in the door and being smothered in unconditional love from a pet. In my case, it’s a 10-year-old German Shepherd named Hailey. A shelter find, she has adapted to our shared life remarkably well, and I in turn finally have the first pet who is truly mine. I’ve experienced her joys and fears, adventures and ailments, and she’s been by my side through all of mine the past four years. As I write, she’s soundly napping near my feet after a full day of playing in the snow. Soon we’ll head off to bed. I always give her a good-night kiss on the nose before turning in; each morning, she returns the favor by licking my cheek before her pre-breakfast stretches. We share a comfortable ease in each other’s presence, and often, returning home to her joyful yelps is the best part of my day. I couldn’t ask for a better companion, and with a pet, we’re blessed not to have to.

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ALL ABOUT PETS 2021

Sunday, February 21, 2021 Messenger-Inquirer

Why is grooming your pet important? Regular pet grooming allows you to: • Properly — and safely — maintain your pet’s coat, nails, ears and even teeth. Any pet’s coat that hasn’t been routinely brushed or washed runs the risk of becoming tangled, overgrown or matted, sometimes to the point that the only recourse is to shave it down. Regular cleaning also helps your pet retain healthy teeth, gums and ears, and prevents expensive dental or auditory damage. Long or misshapen nails are also extremely painful to pets, who will often resort to chewing down problem nails on their own if you don’t tend to them. • Detect skin irritations, external ailments or negative physical changes on your pet. An overgrown coat can be not only painful for your pet, it can also camouflage dangers such as fleas, ticks, tumors, rashes and bites. If you build a routine with a pet grooming professional, they can help you spot irregularities and changes in your pet’s appearance. • Boost your pet’s overall wellbeing. Maintaining your pet’s appearance according to its species’ needs allows it to focus on enjoying life to the fullest.

VETERINARIANS AUDUBON ANIMAL HOSPITAL also offers boarding and grooming 2450 W. Parrish Ave., Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 684-7288 • audubonah.com BLUEGRASS VETERINARY SERVICES, PLLC 602 S. Main St., Beaver Dam, KY 42320 (270) 955-2090 EAST SIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL also offers boarding 3148 Alvey Park Drive East Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 685-0839 • eastsideanimalhospital.vet

MUHLENBERG COUNTY ANIMAL HOSPITAL 815 N. Second St., Central City, KY 42330 (270) 754-9459 OHIO COUNTY ANIMAL CLINIC PLLC 986 Oakwood Drive, Hartford, KY 42347 (270) 298-3109 OWENSBORO ANIMAL HOSPITAL 135 Salem Drive, Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 926-1888 ROUGH RIVER VETERINARY CLINIC 1445 U.S. 231, Hartford, KY 42347 (270) 298-7230

GREENVILLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL PSC 300 Dean Road, Greenville, KY 42345 (270) 338-0487

TOWNE SQUARE ANIMAL HOSPITAL also offers boarding and grooming 4804 Towne Square Court Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 685-1111 tsahvet.com

KENTUCKIANA ANIMAL CLINIC also offers microchipping, boarding, grooming, daycare, rehabilitation and laser therapy 1500 E. 18th St., Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 684-2949 • kentuckianaanimalclinic.com

WILLS ANIMAL HOSPITAL also offers boarding 3030 New Hartford Road Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 684-3201 willsanimal.com

3238 Kidron Valley Way, Suite 1 (270) 478-1057 Monday-Friday 7am-6pm Saturday 8am-3pm

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4 ALL ABOUT PETS 2021

PET SERVICES ALL ABOUT PAWS DOG WALKING AND CAT SITTING dog walking • cat sitting • lunchtime potty breaks Owensboro area allaboutpawsowensboro.com BEAUTIFUL BEAST GROOMING grooming • health and wellness checks (270) 315-1778 • beautifulbeastobky.com BIG PAW LITTLE PAW ‘THE PAW SPA’ mobile grooming Daviess County, KY and Perry, Spencer and Warrick counties, IN 1428 S. Old State Road 45, Rockport, IN 47635 (812) 549-5674 • bigpawlittlepawspa.com CANINE KINGDOM daycare • boarding 1071 Kentucky 2533, Greenville, KY 42345 (270) 543-9686 facebook.com/caninekingdom2533/ THE CLASSIC FUR grooming 237 Williamsburg Square Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 240-5799 facebook.com/The-Classic-Furllc-100145134933813/ THE DAPPER DOG, LLC grooming • daycare • training 3238 Kidron Valley Way, Suite 1 Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 478-1057 facebook.com/thedapperdoggrooming/

Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, February 21, 2021

DOGGIE BUSINESS pet waste removal service • (859) 396-3967 facebook.com/DoggieBusinessOwensboro EQUESTRIAN ENTERPRISES, INC. horse boarding • horse riding lessons • mobile petting zoo 965 Buford Road, Utica, KY 42376 (270) 929-4597 • poniesandzoos.com J. GREENLAND PET SITTING pet sitting • dog walking • house checks • pet taxi • farm/equine visits • hotel pet sitting • pet food and supply delivery Daviess County and surrounding area (270) 993-1980 • jgreenlandpetsitting.com KAREN’S PET GROOMING grooming • boarding 4906 Old Hartford Road, Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 926-0199 facebook.com/karenspetgroomingky/ LIFETIME COMPANION pet cremation services (part of Morris Family Services) 519 Locust St., Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 685-5111 lifetimecompanionpetservices.com/ MY FISH DOCTOR aquarium design, installation and service • retail store 1743 Daviess St., Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 684-3331 facebook.com/owensborofishdr NO PLACE LIKE HOME PET SITTING LLC pet sitting • overnight stays • dog walking • house checks Owensboro and surrounding area (270) 231-5184 • nplhpets.com

ON THE GO STUDIO, INC. mobile dog grooming Owensboro area • (270) 570-1033 owensborogrooming.com PAMPERED PAWS grooming • boarding 2779 Veach Road, Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 222-5794 facebook.com/pamperedpaws2779/ PAWS CLAWS & HOOVES LLC grooming • daycare • training • boarding 2803 W. Parrish Ave., Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 925-4558 • pawsclawshoovesllc.com PAWS TOWN, LLC boarding • daycare • grooming • training 3101 Alvey Park Drive W, Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 688-0908 • pawstownllc.com THE PET MANNY, LLC daycare • boarding • grooming 3990 Frederica St., Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 240-5101 petmanny.myonlineappointment.com

PET SUPPLIES PLUS grooming • retail store • visiting pet care clinic • dog wash stations 2500 Calumet Trace, Owensboro, KY 42303 (270) 231-8122 • petsuppliesplus.com PETSMART grooming • training • retail store 5241 Frederica St., Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 688-0412 • www.petsmart.com SHEBANG’S NATURAL SELECTION INC. pet food and supplements • nutritional counseling • dog training 914 N. State Route 161, Rockport, IN 47635 (812) 649-5000 • rawnaturaldiet.com TOWNE SQUARE PET RESORT boarding • grooming 1201 Nicholas Drive, Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 663-7387 • tspetresort.com WENDELLA’S CANINE CAFE artisan pet treats Owensboro area • (270) 316-5324 facebook.com/wendellascaninecafe

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Sunday, February 21, 2021 Messenger-Inquirer

GET SMART ABOUT H O M E F LO O R I N G CHOOSE MATERIALS THAT CAN WITHSTAND PETS It’s a fact of life: Wear and tear on your home’s flooring increases if you have pets, especially dogs. Dust, dander and debris can settle into cracks, and pet nails can significantly scratch surfaces and loosen carpet. Fortunately, advancements have been made to ensure flooring can stand up to pet traffic. For best results, Tom Salmon, owner of Floor Concepts Inc. in Owensboro, recommends installing luxury vinyl tile or luxury vinyl planks throughout your home. Tom says these options are scratch resistant, waterproof, very easy to clean, and overall low maintenance. Pricing ranges are wide, and vinyl flooring now comes in a variety of attractive colors and appearances. Utilizing a strong, durable finish and with a lifetime of 10-30 years, this flooring is worth the investment. For homeowners interested in laying down carpet, Tom recommends Shaw pet-friendly carpet. With extensive multi-layer backing, liquids and smudges remain on the surface and don’t penetrate the carpet’s protective layers, making the carpet easier to clean and keep new-looking.

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HELP YOUR FLOORING STAND UP AGAINST PET TRAFFIC WITH THESE TIPS FROM FLOOR CONCEPTS INC. CARPET — vacuum regularly, and have it professionally cleaned every 18 months VINYL — dry dust every day to remove dust and tidbits of debris, and invest in a vinyl flooring cleaner to get rid of any films or residues that settle on your flooring HARDWOOD — put down rugs in high-traffic areas

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ALL ABOUT PETS 2021

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Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, February 21, 2021

’A great learning experience’: Family describes foster journey BY JODI KEEN

MESSENGER-INQUIRER

Alan Warren, Messenger-Inquirer

Cece Hemingway plays with two kittens her family is fostering at their home. It’s a good family activity,” Sara says. “There are so many teachable moments for your children. … It’s a great learning experience.” The Hemingways advise people interested in fostering to “start small;” with kittens, the family recommends beginning with one or two. Cece says to budget enough time for daily activities, such as feeding, potty training,

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changing litter and water, and giving your foster animals attention. “It’s not like you have to do it 12 months out of the year,” Sara says, pointing out that their family fosters kittens once a year — usually over summer vacation — for 8-10 weeks each time. “We get to enjoy them for a small period of time, and then we move them onto the next phase of their life.”

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‘They’re going to be our last fosters.’” Like many animal foster families, the Hemingways have experienced what they call a ‘foster fail”: They fell in love with their very first foster kitten and kept her as a birthday gift for Cece’s older sister, who had become especially attached to the cat they now call Fluffy. Parting with any of their foster kittens has been tough, but Sara and Cece say it gets easier with time. “It’s hard, but I know they’re going to a good home, and they’re ready for a home, and they’re healthy,” Sara says, adding, “For the most part, we know the home they’re going to.” “It’s easier to part with them now, knowing they’re going to a happy home,” she adds. “The alternative is they may never leave the shelter, and they may not make it.” Cece and Sara agree that fostering kittens is an excellent way to learn responsibility and connect with your own family. “I’d recommend it to families.

REA

A self-declared “cat person,” Cece Hemingway has long loved fur r y felines. As a child, she joined her ailurophilia with philanthropy, but what began as occasional volunteering at a local animal shelter soon took on a new life. “I used to volunteer at the (Daviess County) animal shelter walking and playing with the dogs,” says Cece, a sophomore at Owensboro High School. About six years ago, she learned of an opportunity to foster kittens at her home, and the Hemingways jumped — too enthusiastically, perhaps — at the chance. “That first time, we went crazy and got a litter of five,” laughs Cece’s mother, Sara. “It was a lot of fun — we ended up keeping one of them. But we’ve kept one or two at a time ever since then.” The kittens are very young, usually 4-5 weeks, when they come into the Hemingways’ home. They remain there until they’re 12-14 weeks old, and the family helps the kittens through a critical stage in their development. “We work on litter training, and Cece holds them and cuddles them a lot, so they don’t become feral,” Sara says. “They’re so precious at that age. … They can’t keep the kittens at the animal shelter, because the kittens are so fragile and weak that they’d get sick, so that’s why they need a foster family.” After connecting with the animal shelter about its needs, animal fosters are set up with basic essentials for their fostering experience. “The shelter will start you out with some litter and kitten food,” Sara says. “We bought a litter box with a roof over it, and liners for the litter. … They give us a couple toys to have them play around with.” The shelter also covers medicine, vaccinations and procedures to spay or neuter a kitten. “One time, we had some kittens that were sick, and we had to give them eye drops. (The shelter) provided that,” Sara says. Cece is currently leading the care for a pair of affectionate kitten siblings, a male and a female. Sara describes them as “lots of fun and so well behaved.” “They have been so sweet and cuddly, the best we ever had,” she says, adding, “The joke in our family is,

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Sunday, February 21, 2021 Messenger-Inquirer

PET FOOD TIPS from Shebang’s Natural Selection Inc. • Raw meaty bones can provide amino acids/protein, antioxidants, enzymes, essential fatty acids, fiber, marrow, natural calcium, and a wide array of speciesappropriate minerals and vitamins. • Kibble and raw food are digested differently, so never feed them together in the same meal. • Most pets eat 2% to 10% of their body weight. The amount depends on your pet’s age, size, metabolism and breed, and if it is spayed or neutered. • Vegetables need to be pulped using a blender, juicer or food processor before feeding them to pets. Dogs can’t digest cellulose. Since plant cell walls are made of cellulose, they have to be crushed so dogs can get the nutrients out of them. • Supplemental use of probiotics can help re-establish normal intestinal function, as well as provide amino acids, minerals, predigested enzymes and vitamins.

ALL ABOUT PETS 2021

ANIMAL SHELTERS DAVIESS COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 2620 Kentucky 81, Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 685-8275 • daviessky.org/departments/ animal-control/ HANCOCK COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 305 Gene Hayden Road, Lewisport, KY 42351 (270) 927-8544 • hancockky.us/Events/AnimalRescueInfo.htm MCLEAN COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 1508 Kentucky 136 East, Calhoun, KY 42327 (270) 499-2556 MUHLENBERG COUNTY HUMANE SOCIETY 615 Muhlenberg Drive, Greenville, KY 42345 (270) 338-6940 • muhlpets.com OHIO COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER 1802 Country Club Lane, Hartford, KY 42347 (270) 298-4499 ohiocounty.ky.gov/departments-and-services/Pages/Animal-Shelter.aspx OWENSBORO HUMANE SOCIETY 3101 W. Second St., Owensboro, KY 42301 (270) 302-6813 • owensborohumane.org SPARKY (SAVING PAWS ANIMAL RESCUE OF KENTUCKY) (270) 684-4787 • sparkyrescue.com

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Messenger-Inquirer Sunday, February 21, 2021

ALL ABOUT PETS CUTEST PET CONTEST WINNER Congratulations to Maggie Owners: Rick & Cindy Holton WINNER of the $150 Gift Card to

MR. MIK