Pet & Animal Enthusiast's December 2012 Issue

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NEBRASKA/IOWA DEC 2012 /JAN 2013 • PAEMagazine.com

“yappy holidays” from all of us

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1. Beg-als: Now available in a larger size and in a 2 pound resealable bag! These are great for dogs that like to gobble treats up in seconds. They are extra crunchy and avaialble in peanut butter or carob chip.

2. New Raised Feeders: Paw-fect for big dogs. Easier on them so they don’t have to bend down so far to eat and helps promote better digestion.!

3. Hanukkah Party Collars: We have great items for Hanukkah like our festive party collars. We also have Hanukkah toys and treats!

4. Cat toys: We have purrrrrfect cat toys. These seasonal toys are made with recycled felt and filled with cat nip.

They are made in the USA.

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5. Holidog Treats: Three new seasonal specials for this holiday season. The Beg Nog Latte with vanilla wafers and spiced with cinnamon. Dog House Tri with cranberry star cookies, peanutty paws and carob pooch smooches. Mini Snickerdoodle biscuits.

2 | pet & ANIMAL enthusiast

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Dear Animal L

vers:

It is hard to believe that it has been one year since we launched Pet & Animal Enthusiast Magazine.

The response from the community has been overwhelming. As many of you know I have had a lifelong passion for animals of all kinds. I truly believe that pets, wildlife and all living creatures play an important role in our lives and that they have much to teach us as well.

We we begin the 2nd year of our journey with Pet & Animal Enthusiast Magazine I continue to realize the importance of our mission, which is to serve as a local source of information, Andrea & Sophie, adopted 6-25-2010 education and inspiration for pet guardians, animal welfare advocates and animal lovers.

All of us here at PAEMagazine and those who share our commitment to animals are dedicated to being a positive influence for the pets & animals in our community by encouraging responsible pet guardianship and serving as a reliable and convenient pet & animal information resource. We will continue to strive to better connect and unite our community of animal lovers, promote animal friendly events through the greater Omaha & Lincoln areas and support local rescue, adoption, wildlife and animal welfare efforts.

We welcome you story suggestions and ideas. Visit www.PAEMagazine.com and let us know what you would like to read about in future editions of Pet & Animal Enthusiast Magazine! Wishing you and your animal companions a very Happy, Healthy and SAFE Holiday Season!

ANDREA L. HOIG Publisher

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

10 pet & ANIMAL enthusiast

DEC 2012/JAN 2013

IN THIS issue

10

FEATURE STORY: three dog bakery

WOW FACTOR!

FEATURE STORY 10 BOW•WOW FACTOR! Three Dog Bakery

FEATURES 6 HOLIDAY PET SAFETY TIPS 8 HOLIDAY RECIPE Tasty Treat for your Dog

9 BOOK REVIEW: “Woofs to the Wise”

14 PET LOSS: Letting go during the holidays

PETABULOUS EVENTS! 12 Growl-O-Ween Nebraska Humane Society Three Dog Bakery

12 Doggy Day: Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm & Pumpkin Patch

13 Pug-O-Ween Pug Partners of Nebraska

13 Meow & Chow: Soup Supper and Bingo Fundraiser

9

BOOK REVIEW

12

PET-ABULOUS EVENTS!

DEC2012/JAN2013 VOL. 2 NO. 12/1 www.PAEMagazine.com PUBLISHER/EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Andrea L. Hoig

CONTACT PET & ANIMAL ENTHUSIAST P.O. BOX 241611 • OMAHA, NE 68124 402-932-3522

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Robert P. Killmer

ADVERTISING/SALES INQUIRIES sales@PAEMag.SpiritofOmaha.com

PHOTOGRAPHERS Andrea Hoig Dan Flanigan

PRESS RELEASES/GENERAL INQUIRES info@PAEMag.SpiritofOmaha.com Contents of this magazine are copyrighted by Pet & Animal Enthusiast Magazine in their entirety. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means – electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise – without the prior consent of the publisher. ©Copyright 2011,2012 Pet & Animal Enthusiast Magazine All rights reserved.

4 | pet & ANIMAL enthusiast

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DEC/JAN HOUSE & HOME

holiday safety: holly, jolly and…

OF COURSE YOU WANT TO INCLUDE YOUR FURRY COMPANIONS IN THE FESTIVITIES, PET PARENTS, but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet’s eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible. And be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:

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O Christmas tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water– which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset– from spilling.

Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should he imbibe. tinsel-less tOwn Kitties love this sparkly, lightcatching “toy” that’s easy to bat around and carry in their mouths.

But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery.

It’s best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel. nO Feasting FOr the Furries By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy?

Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

6 | pet & ANIMAL enthusiast

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tOy JOy Looking to stuff your pet’s stockings? Choose gifts that are safe.

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Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines.

Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible.

Long, stringy things are a feline’s dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that’s too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer– and tons of play sessions together.

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FOrget the mistletOe & hOlly Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a petsafe bouquet.

6 leave the leFtOvers Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won’t lead to costly medical bills.

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that hOliday glOw Don’t leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out! wired up Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws’ reach.

A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet’s mouth.

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hOuse rules If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you’re busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

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put the meds away Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

CareFul with COCktails If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

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PRESENTED COURTESY OF WWW.ASPCA.ORG

oh-so-safe!

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a rOOm OF their Own Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to– complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub. new year’s nOise As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat’s intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears.

Feb 23-24 /DQFDVWHU (YHQW &HQWHU / DQFDVWHU (YHQW &HQWHU

ZZZ LORYHP\GRJH[SR FRP Z ZZ LORYHP\GRJH[SR FRP pet & ANIMAL enthusiast | 7

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DEC/JAN HAPPY HOLIDAYS

COURTESY OF WWW.BEST-DOG-TREAT-RECIPES.COM

holiday recipe: •••Christmas Dog Treats INGREDIENTS

DIRECTIONS

• 1½ cups whole wheat flour • 1 cup unbleached flour • 1/2 cup oats • 1/3 cup bran • 2 tablespoons dry milk • 1 ½ teaspoons dry yeast • 2 tablespoons Spearmint Leaves or 1 teaspoon peppermint extract • 1/2 cup applesauce • 2 teaspoons green food coloring or Spinach Powder (to get the color desired) • 7/8 cup water

With all of these recipes, you can use a mixer with a dough hook or a bread machine. We prefer the bread machine, as it's so much easier. If you use a mixer, simply adjust the directions for making bread with your mixer.

Turn off the oven and let the mini dog bones dry completely in the oven– This works best overnight.

Place everything in the bread machine on the dough cycle.

These Christmas dog treats will keep for at least a month, so you can make them well ahead of the holidays.

Each week PAEMag selects a cute, cuddly companion as our Pet of the Week!

Winners are announced on PET & ANIMAL ENTHUSIAST Facebook page & our website.

To enter visit www.PAEMagazine.com LIKE US ON FACEBOOK 8 | pet & ANIMAL enthusiast

When the dough is ready, roll it to1/4” thick with a rolling pin.

Cut into mini dog bone shapes and bake at 250 degrees F for about an hour. Check to make sure that they don't get too brown.

If you'd like to dress up your dog bones, why not try a little dog treat icing?

Dogs love the mint flavor, and mint is helpful to dogs with digestive problems or sensitive stomachs. Mint will also help to freshen your dog’s breath!

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PET & ANIMAL ENTHUSIAST

book

review:

•••What can we learn from a French bulldog about manners? surprisingly, quite a lOt. In a series of email exchanges between author Mary M. Mitchell’s French bulldog, ZsaZsa LaPooch, and her longtime friend and “sister-of-choice,” Nessa Forman, the two strive to share life lessons about manners, civility, and common social interactions. ZsaZsa explains to Forman why she needs to play more, while Forman instructs ZsaZsa on how to be a diva, a subject she prides herself on being an expert in after a lifetime of practice.

In the foreword, Letitia Baldrige (who died in October), the White House social secretary during the Kennedy Administration, an expert on manners herself, vouches for the soundness of the advice Mitchell and Forman offer.

Mitchell has also already established her credibility on the topic as author of a hundreds of columns and ten books, most notably The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Etiquette and her forthcoming book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Modern Manners, Fast-Track.

The idea for the unusual correspondence was borne out of a moment of tension that could have potentially led to friction among the friends. Forman, who lived in Philadelphia, was anticipating a visit to see Mitchell and her husband in Seattle.

Feeling overwhelmed by Forman’s need to plan every detail of their visit weeks in advance, Mitchell began to communicate with Forman through ZsaZsa, who encouraged her new friend to be more easy-going about the trip, and life in general. She urged Forman to learn to be “in the moment.”

The early interactions between ZsaZsa and Forman are amusing and functional. ZsaZsa inquires about Forman’s favorite breakfast foods, shampoo, and desired comforts of home, and through their humorous banter, Mitchell learns of her friend’s preferences and prepares for her visit.

Later email messages cover practical advice about how to be a good hostess and houseguest, and how to deal with the dreaded unannounced guest, as well as more serious subjects, such as how to maintain relationships, why it’s important to apologize, and the need to be tolerant of others’ faults.

The scenarios discussed are everyday, relatable events, which will appeal to a wide range of ages. The book is geared mostly to women, who often take on the role of organizing social activities among friends and family, but much of the advice can also apply to work settings and to any interactions between people of different age groups.

Kidder’s pencil sketches of the characters scattered throughout the book help to establish a playful tone.

And when it is revealed that the correspondence had actually served a very important function while one of the women faced a serious illness, earlier exchanges that had initially appeared to be carefree or trivial take on new and profound meaning.

Readers who are willing to go along with the premise of ZsaZsa participating in the discussions will find practical etiquette advice presented in a unique and heart-warming way.

Maria Siano, Foreword Reviews, September 2012

ZSA-ZSA LA POOCH

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“PET LOVERS” INNOVATIVE PET CARE

three dog

bow•WOW FACTOR! •••••••••••••••••

KRYSTAL FLEMING-TALHA innovator, visionary, “gourpet” chef, renaissance woman

A FORMER EMPLOYEE “I decided it was time to bring Three Dog AND STILL CurreNT, STeADFAST SuPPOrTer Bakery, a company I personally used and OF THe NeBrASKA HuMANe SOCIeTy, trusted, to Omaha so that not only my KrySTAL FLeMING-TALHA OPeNeD dogs, but all Omaha dogs, could be THREE DOG BAKERY FIve yeArS spoiled while still getting treats and AGO AND IT’S BeeN A BArKING SuCCeSS. products that are good for them,” Fleming-Talha explains.

Before Krystal Fleming-Talha opened Omaha’s first Three Dog Bakery in June She first set up shop in village Pointe, 2007, she and her family (admitted doggravitating to the open mall, dog-friendly lovers) would travel the three hours south aspect of the lifestyle center. Business was to Kansas City’s plaza to purchase brisk and grew steadily, enough so to premium treats for their dogs. When she warrant expansion to a second location in left the Nebraska Humane Society to Midtown Crossing in September 2010. pursue other career options, she knew her “Midtown Crossing seemed to be the career path would still entail dogs. perfect fit for our company since it has Introducing the gourmet pet franchise to pet-friendly condos and apartments right her hometown was a natural choice. there. Also, having Turner Park access has 10 | pet & ANIMAL enthusiast

proven to be a big hit for the Omaha dogs,” states Fleming-Talha.

Looking for ways to service her four legged friends further, Fleming-Talha added Spaw, what she describes as “a full-service, concierge-style grooming salon.”

A single groomer works on the canine client start to finish. “This is how we can make sure that we are offering the best services possible,” she asserts.

Spaw became such a hit, clients asked for a West Omaha branch. Thus, Fleming-Talha moved locations within village Pointe to accommodate the addition of a grooming salon, and Spaw joined Three Dog Bakery out west in September 2011.

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bakery

CHECK THIS OUT! STORY BY MOLLY GARRIOTT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANDREA HOIG

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• KRYSTAL FLEMING-TALHA’S BUSINESS HAS GONE TO THE DOGS. LITERALLY. TREATS AND MORE Come summer, Three Dog Bakery hosts “Dog’s Night Out” events. The evenings Krystal has two rescued Shih Tzus. take place on the patios of local, dogChuckles is six years old, and Maurice is three. They accompany her to work every friendly restaurants and provide pet day. In fact, they are “employees,” working owners the opportunity to dine out with their canine companions. Krystal and her as official taste testers and in quality executive pastry chef, Jake Thacker, control. Laughs the owner: “They must create a three-course feast for dogs to eat approve any and all new treats before alongside their owners. “We always try to they are sold. They have to earn their coordinate the meals with a specialty item keep somehow!” that the restaurant of the month may have.

It’s fun,” says Fleming-Talha.

All treats are baked on site using highgrade ingredients. Perennial favorites include the Peanut Mutter Cookies and Pup Cakes, whose flavors and decorations change according to the season. Krystal says it is next to impossible to keep her birthday cakes in stock. She warns it is best to order ahead because they fly off the shelves. And during the holiday season, customers can order Beast Feasts: festive, three-course meals for dogs.

The erstwhile gourmet pet (or “gourpet”, if you like) chef employs 20 fellow dog lovers. And her employees’ dogs, along with Chuckles and Maurice, test every product sold in Three Dog Bakery.

“From toys, to treats, to the very select gourmet dog food brands we carry, we and our dogs try everything,” she assures.

Despite its name, Three Dog Bakery also caters to feline customers. We Pity the Kitties treats are bigger sellers than some variety of dog treats.

NHS LUV Fleming-Talha is an avid supporter of the Nebraska Humane Society and sponsors several events throughout the year to benefit the work it does in caring for the city’s animal population. Perhaps one of the most popular events is Growl-OWeen, a Holiday costume party for dogs and dog lovers. Held at Midtown Crossing, it is now in its sixth season and is getting bigger every year.

With Christmas right around the corner, she is busy setting dates for Santa Paws.

Dogs and their owners can snap a pic with St. Nick. As this is a smaller event, reservations are required.

This coming summer, Fleming-Talha will participate in the NHS Ales for Tails, an event that seeks to get the younger 20-40 crowd involved with the NHS. And she will continue to donate her time and products to other NHS events like Dining with Dogs because her commitment to both the NHS and its animals is so strong.

“Dogs are family, after all!”

I decided it was “time [for] Omaha dogs [to] be spoiled while still getting treats and products that are good for them.

”

~ KRYSTAL FLEMING-TALHA

I QUITE AGREE!

Growl-O-Ween’s spring counterpart is the Easter Begg Hunt at Turner Park.

The event has become so popular, Krystal plans on increasing the number of eggs they hide by 2000. pet & ANIMAL enthusiast | 11

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EVENT SCRAPBOOK

PET-astic Events:

Where Pets are...

Growl-O-Ween: Nebraska Humane Society Three Dog Bakery October 20, 2012

Photos by Andrea Hoig

Doggy Day: Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm & Pumpkin Patch On Saturday, October 6th, Terry & Teresa Lorensen, owners of Bloom Where You’re Planted Farm & Pumpkin Patch, invited dog lovers and their canine companions to a day of farm fun at the pumpkin patch. Twenty-two dogs attended this sixth-annual event, and proceeds from doggy admission plus donations made by the farm’s other visitors resulted in $125.00 being donated to Happy Paws Animal Advocacy Group which supports the Plattsmouth Animal Shelter. Dogs which attended enjoyed walking the nature trails, greeting the farm animals and other dogs, and could even take a hayride to the U-Pick pumpkin patch with their owners.

For more information on the farm and pumpkin patch, visit www.bloompumpkinpatch.com or call 402-267-4104.

Photos courtesy of Doggy Day organizers

12 | pet & ANIMAL enthusiast

Volunteers from Happy paWs pet adVocacy Group

Wilson

pet & ANIMAL enthusiast | 12

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...the Celebs!

PET-astic Events

Pug-O-Ween: Pug Partners of Nebraska Special Guests: Howard Kamish, Pam Wiese, Hope Wicken, Jenny Olive.

When it happened: Sunday October 28th from 12-4pm Where it happened: National Guard armory on 72nd and Mercy Why/How it happened: Annual fundraiser to raise funds to pay veterinary bills of the pugs rescued by Pug Partners of Nebraska.

Catered by: Cindy & Doug Jones About the Organization: Pug Partners of Nebraska is a 501(C)3, nonprofit organization comprised of dedicated volunteers who are committed to rescuing and re-homing pugs in need, believing that all pugs deserve a chance to be loved and to love a human companion, and striving to educate adopters and the public about the pug breed.

Honorary Chairs: Jessica Ellis, President, Jennifer Haines Foster Director, Whitney Kamish- Event CoChair, Kristi Jacobs- Adoption Director, Amy Wilde- Medical Director, Megan & Josiah Hollibaugh, plus many other volunteers who helped to make the event a success.

Host: Pug Partners of Nebraska Attendance: Over 500 people and 300 pugs & their friends Funds Raised: $9,200 For more information: Visit pugpartners.com.

Photos by Blusys Photography

Meow & Chow: Soup Supper and Bingo Fundraiser The 3rd Annual Meow & Chow Soup Supper and Bingo Fundraiser was held on Sunday, October 28th at the Scottish Rite Temple in Lincoln, Nebraska raising over $7,500. Approximately 175 guests gathered to support and raise funds for the Lincoln Animal Ambassadors and The Cat House.

Participants enjoyed soup, bread and desserts donated by more than 22 different restaurants and venues in Lincoln. Bingo and raffle prizes were donated by over 120 companies and friends of the two organizations. The Lincoln Animal Ambassadors and The Cat House are 501( c)(3) nonprofits, volunteer run and funded entirely by donations and/or adoption fees.

For more information go to www.lincolnanimalambassadors.org or www.thecathouse.org.

Photos courtesy of Meow & Chow organizers

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DEC/JAN REMEMBRANCES

pet loss

•••Dealing with during the holidays COPING WITH THE LOSS of a beloved pet near the holidays is heartbreaking, and takes the joy out of the season. There are moments when you may feel overwhelmed with grief. If you’re mourning the death of your dog or cat at Christmas, you may find it difficult to get excited about Christmas preparations, parties, and presents.

These five tips may help you cope with pet loss at Christmas, and still have a peaceful, happy holiday.

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SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE who understand. If you talk about the death of your dog or cat at holiday parties or family functions, don’t spend time with people who can’t relate to your feelings of loss. You’ll feel worse if you feel you have to defend yourself, which will increase your feelings of grief. To cope with pet loss near the holiday season, find support in people who have experienced similar situations.

LET YOURSELF GRIEVE. If your dog or cat has died during the holidays, you need time to mourn. Give yourself permission to do less, because the last thing you need to worry about is

sending cards on time or baking your special gingerbread cookies.

Coping with pet loss during the holiday is about giving yourself more down time – and focusing on things that are really important.

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FIND A CREATIVE OUTLET FOR YOUR FEELINGS. To express your feelings of grief – which will help you grieve your pet loss during the holiday.

Journaling, painting, or creating a scrapbook memoir of your pet’s life can help you deal with their death.

LET YOURSELF GRIEVE IN YOUR OWN WAY. Tune in to how you grieve.

Do you withdraw to spend time alone? Do you talk about your pet and the circumstances surrounding the death? Would you prefer to listen to how others coped with pet loss? To cope with pet loss, figure out what your grief process is and accept it – without letting others tell you how you should cope with pet loss during the holidays.

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GET OUT OF THE HOUSE. Research has shown that volunteering improves your emotional and physical health, and it’ll take your mind off your loss. Consider spending time with adults with disabilities, seniors who need company, or kids who are hospitalized. If you want to be with animals, check with your local shelter – they may need extra help over the holidays.

Pets Break Our Hearts Only Once The death of a pet is heartbreaking.

In Loving Memory of Simba May 2001 - October 9, 2012

What can I do?

4 year volunteer at the Midlands Humane Society Enthusiastic WAGAGRAM Delivery Dog

We’ll know your needs and how to help.

On call 24/7.

First place winner: • Canines in Costumes 2010 • Petsmart Costume Contest 2010 • PETCO Best Costume 2011

q Forever in our Hearts, Terri Gach-Mils & Sean Mils 14 | pet & ANIMAL enthusiast

Nebraska’s Only Full Service Pet Loss Center

402-507-0585

www.pawstoangels.net

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Celebrating

Commitment to our Community...

P. O. Box 241611 • Omaha, NE 68124

thomas wilkins

dick holland FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

THE

NEBRASKA/IOWA DECEMBER 2011 PAEMagazine.com

vent BOOK G

2012

IVING GUIDE

The ‘Little Black Book’ of Culture and Charity

ROSE THEATER ROCKIN’ ROSIE

CHILD SAVING INSTITUTE CABARET

MOUNT MICHAEL NIGHT OF KNIGHTS

CELEBRATING THE

Spirit OF OUR NEBRASKA HUMANE SOCIETY DINING WITH DOGS

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ANIMAL

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FROM THE PUBLISHER OF

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