March 2010
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10 Feature Articles 6
Myths and Realities: About Pet Rabbits
In Every Issue 4
Happy Spring!
Before you purchase or adopt a pet rabbit, check out these facts.
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Dog Agility
Spring is here! I am more than ready - are you?
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Dog Horoscopes
Ready to try something new?
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Choosing the Right Lifestyle for Your Puppy Food options — which ones are best for your puppy?
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Dogs Don’t Speak English!
How well do you really know your dog?
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How well do you know your cat?
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32 Ask the Vet
Diaries of a Dog and Cat
How do I select the correct external parasite control?
Excerpts from a Dog and Cat diary!
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Communication and Preparation The keys to your pet’s vacation.
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33 How Cute is Your Pet?
Four Leaf Clover for Rover Changing behavior is tied to reward and consistency.
Two Cats or One?
Chip’s Corner Complete this pawzelle and have some fun!
Tips on how to train your dog.
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Cat Horoscopes
This winners of this month’s contest.
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Upcoming Events Check out these upcoming events.
Do you need one cat or two?
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Raising Puppies Puppy training for KSDS — guide dogs, service dogs, social dogs.
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Over the River and Through the Woods What do you do when Grandma can no longer take care of her pet? M ARCH 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Publisher’s Message
SPRING IS HERE! While the official calendar may say Spring isn’t here until March 20, 2010, I say it is here! Even with bitter cold temperatures outside and snow on the ground, I can hear birds singing! If I listen closely, I hear them saying — “Spring is Here!” We are all ready for Spring this year. After many cold nights, lots of snow and ice, everyone is ready for some nice weather. And, I think the economy is even ready for Spring. It is ready to break loose too!
EXCITING EVENTS March and April bring some great pet related events. On March 14, the Kansas City Pet Telethon will be held on TV on channel 38 the Spot. The event will be hosted by Holly Starr and Gary Lezak. Tune in to watch and donate from 6:30-9:30 pm. The major benefactor of this event is the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City. See the ad inside the front cover for details! The 2010 Pet Expo will be held at the American Royal Center on April 17 & 18, 2010. This year, the expo will feature close to 200 exhibitors, including many local businesses which specialize in providing services to pets and local animal rescue organizations. More details will be in the next issue of MetroPet Magazine. May 8 is the annual Wayside Waifs FurBall Gala or “Caturday Night Fever.” Later in May will be the Dog Day of Summer at the Wizards — details coming.
EXCITING NEWS! MetroPet is excited to announce that it was a finalist in the Annual Dog Writers Association of America contest. The Dog Writers Association began in 1935. The best known aspect of the DWAA is its annual writing competition, which is meant to encourage quality writing about dogs in all aspects of companionship plus the dog sport. MetroPet was one of the five finalists in the category Magazine — Special Interest Dog or All Animal Magazine. While it is encouraging to see a well-established, national organization recognize MetroPet — it really is a huge compliment to the writers who have contributed articles to MetroPet Magazine. We thank you for your time and effort.
HAPPY SPRING!
Staff & Contacts Publisher Barbara Riedel barbara@metropetmag.com
Editor/Production Manager Dan O’Leary editor@metropetmag.com
Magazine Layout ROI Marketing 816.942.1600 • roi@kc.rr.com
Advertising Sales Eric Novak Ad Sales: 913.579.3815 eric@metropetmag.com
Contributing Authors Pat Bates Becka Cremer Jenny Dean Mike Deathe Pat Hennessy Dr. Warren Jones, DVM Heddie Leger Robin Rysavy Cassie Schmidt Jayne Sikyta Dr. Townshend, DVM
Photographers Eric Novak Dan O’Leary
Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Ad Sales: 913.579.3815 Fax: 816.941.4655
Barbara Riedel, Editor
P.S. If you are looking for a great resource — groomer, trainer, pet food store, day care/boarding facility, veterinarian, etc. check out the great advertisers in our magazine — you won’t be disappointed!
Publishing Policy: Articles printed in the MetroPet Magazine express the opinions of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the formal position of MetroPet Magazine. Acceptance of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement by MetroPet Magazine. Articles: Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration for publication to editor@metropetmag.com. All materials are subject to editorial review. © 2010 MetroPet Magazine. All rights reserved. Request reprint permissions at info@metropetmag.com. MetroPet Magazine is owned and published by ROI Marketing Services, all rights reserved.
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Myths and Realities:
About Pet Rabbits by Robin Rysavy, Chapter Manager & Pat Bates, Volunteer Missouri House Rabbit Society
O
ur long, cold winter is finally behind us, and as Spring approaches, bunny rabbits and their likeneses are everywhere. And what could be more appealing than an adorable, soft and fuzzy baby bunny in a pet shop window? No wonder pet rabbit purchases hit their annual peak in the Spring months. Unfortunately, as those Easter bunnies grow from cute little babies to active and sometimes temperamental adolescents in three to six months, a large percentage of them will end up without homes. Some will be taken to shelters and others will be released outdoors, facing almost certain death from predators, traffic, disease or starvation.
Before you add a pet bunny to your household, be sure you know the realities, rather than the longstanding myths, about these misunderstood creatures. If you and your family are considering adding a pet bunny to your household, be sure you know the realities, rather than the longstanding myths, about these misunderstood creatures.
Myth: Rabbits are great, low-maintenance pets that only live a year or two. It’s fine to leave them alone for a day or two when the owner travels. Reality: Although they can be lots of fun, rabbits are far from low-maintenance. They need a diet that includes a variety of fresh, dark green vegetables and fresh water daily, as well as timothy hay and timothy pellets. Like other pets, they need regular exercise, socialization and clean quarters. Well cared-for, indoor rabbits can live 7-10 years, and some live into their teens. This is the same life span as breeds of dogs, and requires the same level of commitment. Because health problems can crop up suddenly and become life-threatening quickly, they need daily monitoring. 6
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Myth: Rabbits are dirty and strong-smelling, so are best kept in an outdoor hutch. Reality: Rabbits are immaculately clean, often grooming themselves and each other (like cats), and most will readily use a litter box. Provided they have been spayed/neutered and their litter box is changed daily, odor is not a problem. Pet bunnies kept outdoors often are neglected once the novelty wears off, and these highly social animals are happiest with companions—people, another bunny, or even a cat or dog (following proper, supervised introductions, of course!) Myth: A bowl of rabbit chow and some carrots are all a rabbit needs for food, and they do not need to be seen by a veterinarian, as dogs and cats do. Reality: The single most important part of a rabbit’s diet is good, green grass hay, which should be offered in large amounts each day; pellets should be given in limited amounts to ward off obesity and related health problems. Pet rabbits that have not been spayed or neutered often display aggressive behavior, even toward their favorite people, and females will be at great risk for uterine cancer. Only veterinarians experienced in rabbit care should do the surgery. Although rabbits do not need annual vaccinations, as do cats and dogs, their health depends on regular monitoring by both their owners and an experienced rabbit veterinarian performing regular health exams.
Myth: Rabbits, especially dwarf breeds, do not require much living space. Reality: All rabbits have powerful legs designed for running and jumping. They need living space that allows ample freedom of movement even when confined, such as in a cage. The rule of thumb for rabbit housing is 4’ by 4’ by 2’. Smaller bunnies actually need relatively more space, as they tend to be more active than the larger breeds. Myth:
Rabbits love to be cuddled, do not scratch and are perfect pets for small children. Reality: Although some pet rabbits become great cuddlers, they are prey animals whose instincts tell them to avoid being picked up (“Uh-oh, I’m about to be eaten!”). They often kick and scratch when picked up incorrectly, and will defend their territory if approached too quickly. In general, children aged ten and older can learn to be patient and gentle enough for rabbit companions. In truth, adults have the ultimate responsibility for the care of any household pet. M ARCH 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Please, before getting a bunny — or abandoning one visit www.rabbit.org READY TO MAKE A DECISION? Once you have decided a bunny is the right pet for you, consider contacting the Missouri House Rabbit Society www.mohrs.org about adopting a rabbit in need of a forever home, or even becoming a foster home to a bunny in need. Our all-volunteer organization of rabbit enthusiasts will be happy to help you find the perfect companion rabbit. Please, before getting a bunny — or abandoning one — visit www.rabbit.org
Facts: • Domestic rabbits lack the survival instincts wild rabbits use to fend for themselves. • Domestic rabbits when released outdoors, become food for everything from raccoons and dogs, to crows and hawks. • The “lucky” domestic rabbits released outdoors who don’t get eaten or run over by cars, can die from heat or disease.
Information provided courtesy of the House Rabbit Society, an international nonprofit rescue and education group.
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Canine Signs Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) The Interpreter. Walks have a tendency to turn into swimming galas as this dog rolls in every puddle and will run for miles to find a stream.
Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19) Leader of the Pack. The relationship between the Aries Dog and their human will largely be one of compromise...usually on the part of the owner...but can be most enjoyable once the owner is “trained.”
Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20) The Strong Silent Type It is not unusual for the Taurus Dog to dig holes and lay away a goodly supply of kibble for a rainy day.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21) The Yapper. Much like the “Elephant’s Child,” who always wanted to know more, this canine will be inquisitive and enquiring.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22) The Home-Lover. In the eyes of this canine, possession is nine-tenths of the law. It will literally hang on to anything that it feels is its personal belonging.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) The Boss-Dog. The Leo Dog cannot bear to be ignored. The vanity of this canine knows no limit and he or she adores being the center of attraction.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) The Helper. This dog is never happier than when they are doing something for their owner. However, as a creature of routine and habit, they expect to be fed and walked at the same time every day.
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) The Shop-Steward The Libra Dog will refuse to be banished to an outside kennel, unless the owner is also willing to take up residence with it.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) The Paragon. It will be important for any owner of a Scorpio Dog to remember that, as the human, you will always be bigger than this canine.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) The Problem Dog. This dog is an independent creature, preferring to make a personal choice regarding who their living companions will be.
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) The Social Climber. Problems arise with a Capricorn Dog if their living standards fail to improve.
Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18) The Friend. The most humane of the species, people are most assuredly this dog’s “thing” and they will get on brilliantly with an owner. M ARCH 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Dog Agility – The Sport
Ready to Try Something New? by Cassie Schmidt mine a strategy to guide their dogs through it as smoothly and quickly as possible while avoiding faults such knocked bars and offcourse obstacles. Then each dog/handler team runs the sequence off-leash. An average course consists of 16-20 obstacles and takes less than a minute to run. The team that incurs the least faults with the fastest time in their class wins.
MY JOURNEY
Cassie Schmidt and her Australian Labradoodle, Roxy, were introduced to agility in December 2005. Roxy was the 2009 USDAA South Central Regional 16” Performance Grand Prix Champion and the 2009 USDAA National 16” Performance Speedjumping Champion. Along with pairs partners, Patti Brown and Bailey, they were also finalists in Versatility Pairs at the 2009 USDAA Championships.
My personal agility journey began four years ago when my little labradoodle, Roxy, was about a year old. We had been taking obedience classes since she was just a few months old. After we had basic obedience skills under control, our instructor suggested we try agility. At the time, I’d never heard of it, but I loved teaching Roxy new skills and I wanted to continue training.
Love spending time with your dog? Enjoy training new skills?
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o you love spending time with your dog? Do you enjoy training new skills? Would you like an exciting and challenging hobby? If your answer to these questions is yes, then take a look at the sport of dog agility. Whether you just want to have some fun, or you think you might want to compete some day, agility is an exciting way to challenge yourself and your dog mentally and physically. In dog agility, a human handler guides her canine teammate around a numbered course consisting of jumps, tunnels, weave poles, a teeter and other obstacles. When competing, handlers don’t find out the order of the obstacles or the configuration of the course until they arrive at the trial. Just prior to running, handlers have about 10 minutes to “walk” the course to deter10
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Looking for an exciting and challenging hobby? If your answer is yes, then take a look at the sport of dog agility! We never looked back. Once we found how fun and challenging agility was, we couldn’t help ourselves! We took lots of classes and my husband helped me set up a little agility field in our backyard. Then, after several months of classes and practice, we started competing. I was so nervous! I had never done anything competitive in my life and here I was in public with my
crazy little dog, lots of jumps, weave poles and tunnels, and no leash! But I was absolutely determined that we would do the best we could. After all, what could be better than participating in a sport with your best friend as your teammate?
TREMENDOUS BENEFITS Besides just being fun, agility also has tremendous benefits for both dog and handler, including physical and mental exercise. Coordination and memorization are two skills that I’ve found agility has really helped me improve (and who couldn’t use a little help with those). But in my opinion, the biggest benefit of agility is how it has strengthened the bond between my dog and me. Both of us have learned the importance of trust and teamwork on and off the agility field. Don’t be put off if you think you aren’t physically fit enough to handle a dog – most handlers don’t, and probably can’t, sprint. However, agility has been known to motivate a few determined handlers to start a fitness program. Personally, participating in agility has transformed my running form from penguin-like (as described by my dear son), to almost human. For those who choose to go on to compete in agility, there are even more benefits. Our agility travels have taken Roxy and me all over the country, meeting lots of wonderful new friends along the way. Agility folk are some of the nicest people on the planet. Another cool thing about our sport is that it allows a middle-aged woman with no previous athletic experience to be quite competitive against younger, physically-fit opponents. The game is all about how well you’ve trained your dog and how closely the two of you function as a team.
GETTING STARTED If you want to learn more about agility, I recommend attending a local trial. You’ll see all levels of teams, from first-timers to seasoned competitors. In the Kansas City area, we are very lucky to have World Team members in our midst, so you may truly see some of the best handlers in the country at a local trial. You can also do a web search for “dog agility” and find videos to give you an idea of what the sports is about. After you’ve done some research, if you’re still interested in knowing more about agility, find a beginning agility class to attend with your dog. Don’t be disappointed if you aren’t doing weave poles and jumps in the first class though. The most important skills for a successful agility dog are self-control and handler focus. Teams must have good off-leash control before starting obstacle training. Remember, dog agility is a team sport, and the human should be the captain of the team, not the dog! If you commit to regular practice and are consistent in your training, you and your dog just may have a whole new adventure awaiting. Cassie Schmidt and fellow agility enthusiast, Amanda Mindham, co-own K-9s in Motion Dog Agility Center in Lee’s Summit. When they aren’t doing agility, Cassie and Roxy also manage the family’s Life is Good® Genuine Neighborhood Shoppes, Jake’s in The Village in Prairie Village and Jake’s Summit in Lee’s Summit. She can be reached at 816-824-5667. M ARCH 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Choosing the Right Lifestyle for Your Puppy
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by Dr Townshend
et parents take on a tremendous responsibility; the care and well-being of a very precious bundle of joy. When every effort is made to provide a superior environment and quality of life for the pet, the rewards for the pet and the pet parent are tremendous. Will Rogers once stated “dogs are put on this earth to please man, and they spend 24 hours a day doing just that.” Superior nutrition, exercise and regular veterinary check-ups are the keys to a pet’s long, happy and healthy life.
REGULAR EXAMS AND EXERCISE We all know that our pets age much faster than we humans and therefore subtle changes in behavior and/or physical appearance may signal the very beginning of a decline in health. It is essential that pets are scheduled for regular annual examinations by the trusted veterinarian. Pets can’t talk and the pet parent may not notice, or realize, that there are changes occurring in their pet that can only be detected by a trained expert. Your veterinarian is dedicated to providing your pet with the very best care possible and it is absolutely necessary for him to regularly examine your pet in order to maintain the highest level of care that your pet deserves. As with humans, exercise is also essential for a happy and long life for pets. Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous in order to be good. Regular exercise is the key. Every day we should set 12
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aside a brief period of time dedicated to providing activity for our pets. Doing this on a regular basis also gives our pet something to look forward to each day. It strengthens the bond between the pet and the pet parent, which is a very positive thing for both. In today’s society, we are much better educated about nutrition. We are demanding not only superior nutrition for ourselves but for our pets as well. Today nutrition means more than just the percent of protein and fat in the diet. We are looking closer at the quality and source of fat and protein and we realize that there are different requirements for each stage of life our pet goes through. As with humans, we now know that our pet’s nutrition can be enhanced by nutritional supplements in the diet. Not all pet food manufacturers provide supplements and some only provide a very few. There are companies that believe that in order to create the very best pet food possible we must not only include the best quality of protein, fats and carbohydrates, but all of the other natural ingredients found through modern research to be of benefit to your pet.
MATCH THE DIET WITH THE ANIMAL Ideal, optimum diets for all stages of life are essential for a long, happy and healthy existence. It begins with puppyhood and continues well into the senior years. An ideal diet for puppies depends on many factors, not the least of which is whether the pup is a large/giant breed or a small/mini breed. The nutritional needs are very different for each.
Smaller breeds, such as the Jack Russell Terrier, Yorkshire Terrier, Miniature Pinscher and others that weigh less than 20 pounds, require more calories per pound than larger breed puppies as they generally are much more active. Ideal Omega 3 fats such as Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), to enhance brain development and healthy skin and hair, are critical in these active small breeds. Because they are more active they can be susceptible to low blood sugar levels if not fed frequent smaller amounts of food high in energy with adequate levels of fiber to help maintain a steady blood sugar level. Large/giant breed dogs (Great Danes, Saint Bernards, Labrador Retrievers) that weigh more than 50 pounds at adulthood, require a far different diet.
CONTROLLED GROWTH IS ESSENTIAL Large breeds actually need fewer calories per pound than the small/mini breeds. With a potential growth of up to 100 times their birth weight, a large breed puppy’s energy intake must be regulated to ensure consistent, steady growth. If weight gain is too rapid, the result is stress on the developing bones which can lead to one of several severe developmental bone disorders. A slightly lean body condition throughout the first 10 to 12 months of life helps to maintain proper development and reduce the potential for problems. Optimum calcium and phosphorus levels, in the proper ratio to one another, are also critical for proper growth. As with the small/mini breeds, the large/giant breeds also need optimum levels of DHA in order to enhance brain development and a healthy skin and hair coat. All puppies need a diet that encourages an active immune system. The immunity received from the mother’s milk will not last forever. 80% of the immune system is in the digestive tract. Probiotics or direct fed microbials are an essential part of the digestive immune system. They need to acquire these “good bacteria” from the environment. By providing it in the daily diet, the immune system is enhanced much earlier and helps defend the body from all the toxins and stresses within the environment Choosing the right diet for your puppy also depends on the pet parent’s nutritional philosophy. If you believe in a natural and holistic way of life for your family, look for foods for your pets that contain high quality protein, fats and carbohydrates and are naturally preserved, do not contain soy, wheat or corn and that do not use by-products, artificial flavors or colors so your puppy grows and benefits from the same natural nutrition you have chosen for the rest of your family. Dr. Townshend graduated from the University of Georgia School of Veterinary Medicine in 1969. He has worked as a veterinarian in many practices and is now a consultant for a major pet food company. Dr. Townshend is a contributing author for Canine Sports Medicine and has received the coveted Golden Stethoscope Award from the Iditarod for contributions above and beyond the call of duty in bringing veterinary care to the dogs of the Iditarod. M ARCH 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Dogs Don’t Speak English by Mike Deathe
Markers are nothing more than how we let our dogs know when they have done something right or wrong. Let’s start off with the positive marker. Most people simply say “good dog” when the dog does something correct. I, on the other hand, use a clicker; a simple noise maker that when you depress a button it makes a clear and consistent noise (or mark) the dog can relate to. There are several reasons for this but the biggest is “DOGS DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH”! I know there are people out there that will argue this point with me, but dogs don’t really understand language the way humans do. Yes, they can, over a period of time, learn that Sit means put my rump on the ground, but they can also learn that Pineapple Sherbet means put my rump on the ground if I spend the same amount of time associating the word and the behavior!
MARKING A POSITIVE BEHAVIOR I have also noticed that different people use a different tone of voice when marking a behavior either positive or negative and this can confuse a dog, since their main way of understanding is tone and body language. The other real reason for my preference for using a clicker is timing! We as humans very rarely mark a behavior with our voice with the correct timing. We are either early or late and that can make for a very confused dog. Let me give you a really oversimplified example that might shed some light on this. Let’s say we are working with Fido on Sit and we say SIT and presto Fido puts his rump on the ground, but we were not quite ready and we say “Good Dog” a little late. In those precious couple of seconds Fido has not only sat, but he has chewed a flea, seen a purple butterfly and smelled the poop in the neighbor’s backyard! Now in Fido’s world, he has to figure out which of these four behaviors got him the good dog. Yes, he will figure it out in time, but why not use a positive marker that can pinpoint the exact time the correct behavior happened, and take all the human inflections out of the picture? 14
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ENTER THE CLICKER! The idea is that at the exact moment Fido’s rump hits the ground we click and then reinforce with a reward, maybe a nice liver treat! Wow, would Pavlov and Skinner be proud of you. Yes, you already knew this from your high school or college Psychology 101 class; do you remember operant and classical conditioning?
NEGATIVE MARKERS? Now what about the negative marker? Well from my vantage point as a trainer, I am shocked that most dogs don’t think their name is “NO, NO BAD DOG” Because that is what most owners say when their dog has done something inappropriate or incorrect. Once again I will repeat, “DOGS DON’T SPEAK ENGLISH”, so yelling, pleading, explaining or discussing will not make a dog understand what in the world you want. Let’s say you want to be concise and clear and decide to use just the word NO to mark a bad behavior for your dog? Well you are back to being human and forgetting to think like a dog! Does it mean NO or KNOW? If you live in a household like mine, where there are 6 and 10 year old boys running around, how many times is that word used daily? Next thing you know you dog will have a nervous twitch and hide in the corner because he has no idea who is getting the mark. This also brings up the idea of learned indifference. Let me give you an example. I am a Dad to the afore mentioned boys, and I hear the word Dad 4,362 times a day. You honestly think I don’t tune out that word from time to time? “Dad, Dad, Dad, DAD!!!!!!!! Huh…were you talking to me?” Sound familiar? The moral of this story…don’t be that dog owner saying a command over and over and over. The real message here, communicate with your dog like a dog not another person! So, what do I use as a negative mark? Just a simple sound, one syllable AAAGGGH! (Not sure of the spelling) but it is sounds like the word egg with out the hard G at the end, very guttural. Keep in mind that the negative mark is less about the dog doing something wrong and way more about getting the dog to stop the inappropriate behavior long enough for me to direct the dog to an appropriate behavior, so that I can then reward the good! Mike Deathe “retired” to become a stay-at-home Dad. After a while, Mike took a part-time job at a national pet supply chain, and before he knew it, he became a dog trainer. In 2009, he and his wife, Kate, founded Muttz-RUs, a t-shirt company with a philanthropic motto of “Adopt a Pet, Save A Life.” Visit him at www.muttzrus.com. M ARCH 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Diary E
of a Dog
xcerpts from a Dog's Diary......
8:00 am
Dog fo od! My favorite thing!
9:30 am
A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am
A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am
Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm
Lunch! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm
Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm
Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm
Milk Bones! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm
Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
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8:00 pm
Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm
Sle eping on the bed! My favorite thing!
Diary of a Cat Day 983 of My Captivity My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nugget's. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength. The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates Photo by Tim Yeaglin, Yeaglin what I am capable Photography, Copyright 2009 of. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a ‘good little hunter’ I am. There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of ‘allergies.’ I must learn what this means and how to use it to my advantage. Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow — but at the top of the stairs. I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches... the dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released — and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded..
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Four Leaf Clover for Rover by Pat Hennessy
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arch may bring to mind the luck of the Irish, but is your dog a lucky dog? You may think that a roof over his head and food in his belly makes him a lucky dog (and that would make him more fortunate than those on the streets or chained up outside), but our pets need more than the basics, especially if you want to encourage good behavior and harmony in your home. If your dog has a behavior issue that you would like to change, then you need to decide what you would like your dog to do instead. You can’t train away from what you don’t want, but you can train toward what you do want. It is useful to choose a behavior that is incompatible with the behavior you are trying to eliminate. For example, if your dog likes to jump on people, then you could teach her to sit when people approach. If her rear end is on the ground then it can’t be in the air. If your dog likes to run to the door and bark when the doorbell rings, then you could teach her to go to a rug and wait until you open the door. If she is lying on a rug, then she can’t be running toward the door. If your dog does some excessive licking, then you might redirect that energy to have him chew on a bully stick. If you can offer rewarding alternatives to an undesired behavior you can easily turn it around.
CHANGING BEHAVIOR The keys to changing behavior are to provide a high enough value reward and to be consistent. If you spent $800 on a gym membership and your goal was to lose weight or tone up, you wouldn’t achieve that goal if you didn’t go and work out. However, if you got tired of it and the money spent on the membership wasn’t enough of a motivator, then you might not continue. If you didn’t continue 18
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then you might find yourself falling into old habits and not meeting your goal. The same rule applies when working with your dog. If you are not consistent in training your dog, then you will get inconsistent results (i.e. inconsistent behavior). It is important that all family members use the same training methods, or again you will get inconsistent results. It is also important to use positive reinforcement when you train. When you are training a new behavior or activity, you should make it fun. That will keep your dog motivated and encouraged to perform the behavior or activity. We all learn better in the absence of fear or pain. Imagine if you were trying to learn to play the piano and every time you hit the wrong key someone smacked you on the head. You would quickly become nervous and agitated that you were going to make a mistake and eventually you would become discouraged altogether and want to give up. Not only do you want to make training fun, but you want to offer your dog a high value reward. If you are tying to teach something new and are using every day treats, then he won’t be as motivated to learn as he would be with something fancy like hot dog, chicken or liver. It is best to keep some special treats on hand that you only use for training. When you pull out those special treats you will have your dog’s full attention for the training session.
MANAGE YOUR PET One of the other ways you can improve your dog’s behavior is to provide good management. Many behavior issues can be corrected with a bit of observation and management. If your
dog is constantly getting in the trash, then make sure he doesn’t have access to the trash when you are not there to supervise. It could mean simply putting the trash can in a closet or the garage. It could also mean containing your dog to a smaller portion of the house (e.g. blocking off the upstairs or putting a gate If you were told to stay in across the kitchen/utility room). It is also impor- one area for several hours only); and our avian friends are tant to make sure that your dog has enough envino exception (for the exercise or with nothing to do, you ronment enrichment to keep him occupied. That environment enrichment rules). would mean having enough toys/chews for enterwould get frustrated. Having exercise time and an outtainment and maybe playing a TV or radio for let for your species and breed’s dynamics is a main some background noise). You will want to change out the toys periodicalingredient to the recipe for a happy home and a good ly so he doesn’t get bored. Dogs that get bored can get into trouble, jumprelationship with your pet. ing up or chewing on things that are not appropriate, knocking things Your dog doesn’t have to be a wolfhound or a setter to over, barking, etc. Environment enrichment goes for cats, birds, and other have the luck of the Irish. So this St. Patrick’s Day when animals as well. If you were told to stay in one area for several hours with you are wearing green, consider using some green to nothing to do, you would get frustrated. Think about the times you have buy a toy or special treat to show your furry or feathered been stuck in bed when you are sick and you can’t wait to feel better and companions how lucky you are to share your life with get up out of bed and start doing something. them.
EXERCISE IS ESSENTIAL Another essential aspect to balance and harmony for our animal companions is exercise. It is important that our dogs get enough exercise to burn off energy and to channel that energy in an appropriate way. Herding and retrieving breeds need to work and have activities that use those skills. Terriers need to chase (and sometimes dig). Hounds need to track and howl. Our dogs need to express themselves in ways that make sense for them. Cats need exercise as well (with plenty of options if they are indoor
Pat Hennessy is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides a holistic approach to companion animal care through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a TTouch Practitioner Level 2, CPDT and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@n2paws.com, phone 816-5227005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com
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Communication and Preparation Are Key to Your Pet’s Vacation by Jayne A. Sikyta
Y
ou provide your pet with the best care when you are around. Doesn’t your pet deserve the best when you are away? Choosing a caregiver for your pet is one of your most important decisions as a pet owner. Whether you choose to have a pet-sitter come into your home or take your pet to a kennel, communication is the key to optimal pet care.
WRITTEN COMMUNICATION The best communication, to protect you and the caregiver, is written communication. Some things that are helpful for the caregiver to know include:
What home owning pet owners need to keep in mind is that your home is your pets’ home. STAYING AT HOME • If the pet has been ill, gotten into the garbage, or eaten a different food. He/she can watch for vomiting or diarrhea. • If there are food restrictions due to allergies or health issues. • If pets in multiple pet households have difficulty “playing nice” or if your pet doesn’t do play well with others. • If the pet had a recent injury that might result in limping, tenderness, or other physical conditions. • If there should be exercise restrictions for any reason. • If the pet does not like to be touched in certain areas and reacts badly when touched in that area. • Where to find a coat or sweater for bad weather if the pet needs it. • If the pet has any fears or phobias. Knowing these up-front can reduce or prevent concerned telephone calls when you are away from home. 20
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THE BOARDING OPTION If you choose to board your pet, make sure you know what is and is not included in the cost of the service and any additional charges that you may incur. Walks/runs and playtime may be an extra charge. Feeding your pets the food they are used to may cost extra. It is also important to know the kennel’s policy on pick-up times. If you are unable to get your pet by a specified time, that may cause a delay in getting your pet home and an additional charge for your pet’s care. Once you know what time you plan to return, special arrangements may be made to pick-up your pet, depending on the kennel.
HIRING A PET SITTER If you have chosen to hire a pet-sitter, either someone who makes periodic visits to care for your pets or someone that stays with your pets while you are away, there are additional items you need to take care of before leaving. Special instructions for the care of your home: • Set thermostats or air conditioning units/fans at temperatures that will be comfortable for your pets. Leave operating instructions for adjustments. • If you have a security system, notify the company that there will be a pet-sitter coming to your home. Provide the pet-sitter with a code to arm and disarm the system as well as a password in case the alarm goes off. • Leave a flashlight out in case of power outage. Let the petsitter know where the circuit breaker/fuse box is. • Inform neighbors who may be looking out for your property that a pet-sitter will be making visits or staying at your home. • Let the pet-sitter know if anyone else has your permission to enter the home while you are away.
EXTRA SUPPLIES Special supplies for the care of your pets: • Stock up on enough paper towels, pet food, kitty litter, medication, and other supplies to last your entire trip. Consider leaving extra supplies in case you are delayed. • Clean the litter boxes and fill with fresh litter before leaving. • If food and treats are kept in a container other than the one you purchased them in, let the pet-sitter know of your preference in brand, flavor, and where you buy the supplies, in case he/she needs to purchase more.
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION • Update your personal information regularly, e.g., phone numbers, vet information, groomer, etc., so the pet-sitter has current information. • Provide your veterinarian and/or groomer with information about your pet-sitter. An authorization card should be kept in your file, informing them of the pet-sitter’s authority to seek care for your pet while you are away. • Leave your emergency contact numbers for the pet-sitter. Remember, sometimes cell phones don’t work when out M ARCH 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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of the country, so the contact information for where you are staying is very important. • Leave contact numbers for a friend or relative that can make decisions in case of an emergency with either your house or your pet.
• Let the pet-sitter know of someone who may take custody of your pet if your return is delayed indefinitely.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE • Count heads to make sure no pet has been shut in a room or closet, or left outside by accident. Count heads in the car to make sure no children are left behind. Pet-sitters charge extra for the care of children! • Take the pet-sitter’s phone number so you can contact him/her in case your return is delayed, or in case you want to call him/her to check on your pet. Information is the most important tool you have in making sure your pet is well cared for when you are not there. Communicating with those on your pet-care team can make vacation for both you and your pet enjoyable. Jayne A. Sikyta is the owner of Fidos & Felines, LLC, a pet-sitting company serving Lee’s Summit, MO and the surrounding community. Jayne and Larry, her husband, have been providing superior pet care for over five years.
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Feline Signs
Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20)
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22)
The Ship’s Cat. This feline is extraordinarily sensitive to those with whom he or she lives, sharing their innermost problems.
The Kitten Cat. This feline is fanatical about keeping clean and may spend more time preening than any other cat in the Zodiac.
Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)
The Stray Cat. When this cat decides to hang around, the owner will find shredded curtains, snagged clothing and upholstery, and dents in the cushions
The Copy-Cat. With a Libra Cat in an owner’s lap, there will be little or nothing an owner can get away with and privacy will be a thing of the past.
Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)
The Cat’s Pajamas. This feline is deeply intuitive of others where feelings are concerned, possessing the gift of empathy, and the ability to read emotions.
The Earth Mother. Laid-back, calm, tolerant and near impossible to ruffle, this feline could be described by some as boring and dogmatic.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21) Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. Problems often surface when this cat is expected to do something that they do not want to do... like staying in at night..
Cancer (June 22 - July 22) The Crazy Cat. the Cancer Cat can be a loving creature to anyone who is around long enough and up late enough to get to see him or her on occasion.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) The Top Cat. A born entertainer, the Leo Cat will charm company, wrapping around a favored person’s leg before leaping into their arms without warning.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) The Stable Cat. This feline be a mixture of fact and fantasy, unable to tell the difference between the two. He or she may be a cat today and a horse tomorrow!
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) The Cat Burglar. The Capricorn Cat is frequently frightened by things that do not normally bother other cats...shadows on the wall, the dark or high places...
Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18) The Hip Cat. The tendency to be aloof is a quality often associated with the Sign of Aquarius. Any owner should make the most of it when the Aquarius Cat comes down to play and amuse.
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Two Cats or One? Whether you are a first time pet owner or if you have had multiple pets over the years, deciding whether or not to get two cats or to just have one is sometimes a question on many pet owners’ minds.
by Jenny Dean
MANY FACTORS Of course there are many factors involved when you are making this decision. The absolute first thing to mull over when considering adopting any cat is whether or not you are financially stable and ready for a cat for the next 16 years or more. The average life span of an indoor cat is 16 years, so you have to do your best to project whether or not you will be able to take care of that cat for the next 16 years. If not, you might want to look into an older cat or possibly not adopting a cat at all. Once you have determined if that you can afford the time commitment in having a cat, then you need to take into account the financial responsibilities of a cat. That includes vet visits, possible emergency room visits, food, litter, toys and so on. When you consider having two cats instead of one, then you have to take all the expenses and multiply them by two. You also need to take into account your own life. Are you married? Have children? Have other pets? Do you already have a resident kitty? All these factors should be considered before getting another cat or your first two cats. For example, if you think your current resident cat is content alone, then you might want to wait until that cat passes before you get two new kitties. At the same time, if that cat is an older cat, then getting two kittens that can play with each other and will not bug your older kitty, would be the best idea. Of course, you will 24
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The average life span of an indoor cat is 16 years...
• • • •
want to keep in mind the cost of a kitty as they get older as well as the cost of vaccines and what not of two kittens when you first get them. If after considering all the responsibilities in owning a cat or multiple cats, you are still alright with adopting two cats, then you have made the right choice. Having two cats instead of just one cat is not only advantageous to the cats but also the cat owner. Here are a few reasons why: Friends and Playmates Companions Sharing Entertainment during long working hours
FRIENDS AND PLAYMATES If you get two cats as kittens, no doubt they will be each other’s playmates, allowing you to have more time to get things done and be entertained by their playing. Also, as they will probably be chasing each other around, you will have a better chance of sleeping through the night, as they will be worn out and will sleep longer.
COMPANIONS You may have seen a photo or a video of cats grooming each other or sleeping together. The truth is cats enjoy other cats’ company (there are always exceptions) and also their owners’ company. Although they are sometimes tagged as “loners”, cats really do enjoy the company of another cat, especially if they were littermates.
SHARING If you are planning on getting a dog or another cat in the long run, starting out with multiple cats is always a wise idea because, just like children, they get used to sharing when there are two cats. For example,
as an owner, you usually love on one cat and the other one may be looking on. Therefore, they get used to sharing your attention and will not be as upset when you have another kitty in your home.
ENTERTAINMENT DURING LONG WORKING HOURS If you are a workaholic or simply enjoy working long hours, then you will definitely want to consider getting two cats because they will be able to entertain each other and also provide the social interaction they need in order not to be bored or feel alone. If you do have a resident kitty and are considering getting a kitten or another cat, be sure to talk with your vet about ways to introduce them. Cats are very particular and can be quite offended if they are introduced to a new kitty abruptly or overall too quickly. It will benefit you and your cat in the long run, if you make the introduction process a slow and patient one. No doubt, your vet will have ideas on how to make the transition from a one cat household to a two cat household much more pleasant for you and for your kitty. All in all, whether you have ten cats, two cats or just one, every single one of them is an awarding and life enriching experience. Jenny Dean is a writer for Floppycats.com, a website all about Ragdoll cats — specifics about their breed, other cats and much more!
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Raising
Puppies AFTER THE LETTER
by Becka Cremer
HEALTH TESTING First, the puppies are sent to Kansas State University where their eyes and hips are tested to make sure they don’t have any problems that will keep them from having a long career.
CAREER COUNSELING
I have traveled to 15 states with Trego. We’ve traveled by airplane, car and train. This is a picture of Trego in Sacramento, California.
“I couldn’t do that. I love my dog too much.” “Isn’t that hard? Giving your dog away?” Until this past January, I could brush off the questions and comments about my puppy’s future. I had packaged retorts ready. “I don’t love my dog at all,” I’d tell people, deadpan. “It’s easy! I never liked Trego loves working. She prefers to be out and her anyway.” about and wearing her vest to staying at home It was easy to joke about the day Trego, (even if there are other dogs to play with). my first puppy, would be called back to formal training at KSDS, Inc., because it always seemed so far away. This past December, though, I received .
The Letter
Capital T.
Capital L.
This letter told me that on January 15, 2010, I would have to return to Washington, Kan., and hand over the puppy that had lived with me for the past 15 months. 26
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The trainers at KSDS watch the puppies closely. They decide which track the dog will take — service dog, guide dog or social dog — based on what tasks the dog is good at performing and what it seems to enjoy doing, Debbie Tegethoff, puppy raiser coordinator at KSDS, says.
ADVANCED TRAINING AND PARTNER SELECTION After six to nine months of advanced training, each dog is paired with a person whose needs, personality and lifestyle are appropriate to the dog’s skills and personality.
TEAM TRAINING Then, the dogs and their partners go through team training, which lasts between one and three weeks, depending on what type of service the dog will be doing. The dogs and their partners are taught to work together before the dogs graduate.
GRADUATION At graduation, the puppy raisers present the dogs to their partners and the KSDS community celebrates the teams’ success.
VOLUNTEER PUPPY RAISERS I am one of about 100 active volunteer puppy raisers for KSDS, Inc., a non-profit organization that breeds and trains golden retrievers and Labrador retrievers as service dogs for people with disabilities. Someday my puppies (I’m on my second) will join the more than 400 working dogs placed by KSDS since 1991. They will work as guide dogs, assistance dogs or social dogs. But before that, they have to grow up. My job as a puppy raiser is to keep my puppies-in-training safe and happy and to teach them how to behave in public until they are ready for formal training. That’s why Trego went everywhere with me — to the movies, the mall and even out to eat. She needed to be exposed to as many different situations as possible, so that when she works with someone who is blind or in a wheelchair, she’ll be comfortable doing her job in public. So when I got ready to leave the house each day, I strapped Trego into her puppy-in-training vest and clipped a leash onto her collar. Then I’d grab my doggie diaper bag and check my pockets: Dog food. Puppy ID. Poop bag. Soon, I’ll complete this checklist with Beale, my second puppy-in-training. She will be allowed out in public after she has all of her puppy vaccinations. During our trips out, we puppy raisers must constantly correct our puppies. We ask them to walk nicely on a leash, to ignore bits of food and pieces of trash on the ground and, most importantly, to pay attention to us. We work on basic obedience — sit, stay, heel, etc. — but with the added distractions of new people,
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smells and sounds. It would be impossible to teach these things at home, because our surroundings are too controlled; these puppies need to know how to pay attention in any environment. Like me, Larry Braddy plans his day around his puppy. He takes Cadillac places that will help the puppy learn, such as restaurants, shopping centers and the bank. “We all get ‘the look,’” says Braddy, president of the KSDS puppy raiser advisory board. “Like, ‘What’s that dog doing here?’” These dogs are not pets, Braddy says. They are working dogs that need to be allowed to do their job, whether they’re at a restaurant or a bus stop. “They’re not here because we’re Paris Hilton showing off our fuzzy dog,” he says.
explain what we were doing and to reassure people that, yes, it’s legal to allow puppies-in-training in public places. And I’d make sure to tell them that no, they can’t just buy a vest for their dog. Fielding these questions gave me a chance to explain the importance of allowing puppies-in-training in public places and to explain Trego’s future as a working dog. I’d tell people about the day we’d receive The Letter. “It’s going to be easy. I don’t like her that much.” I knew I was joking, but I didn’t know exactly how wrong I was. I had considered how much I had made a difference in Trego’s life by being her puppy raiser, but it wasn’t until I left Trego at KSDS that I thought about how much she had changed mine. When I thought I was teaching Trego how to be a good dog, she was teaching me how to care more about another creature than I did about myself.
Now, she’s teaching me how to let go.
THE IMPORTANCE OF THIS PROGRAM
So, yes, it was hard to give up my puppy. But I remind myself every day of how much Trego loved going out in public. She wanted to work, and I didn’t need her help as much as she needed to help someone. Besides, I don’t have that much time to think about what Trego’s up to. I’m too busy potty training Beale and falling in love all over again.
People have a lot of reservations about any dog being anywhere, and Trego and I rarely went anywhere without being stopped every few feet. Some people just wanted to tell me how cute she was — and she was cute — but others wanted an explanation. “Where can I get a vest like that?” people asked. I’d
Rebecca Cremer is a writer and designer who just finished raising her first puppy for KSDS, Inc. She chronicles her successes and failures with her second KSDS puppy-intraining at failuresofapuppyraiser.com. For more information about KSDS, Inc., visit www.ksds.org.
These dogs are not pets, Braddy says. They are working dogs that need to be allowed to do their job, whether they’re at a restaurant or a bus stop.
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Chip’s Corner
Pawzzle by Heddie Leger
Across: 2 Bird that uses its beak as a hammer to find insects 5 Wild bird that mimics the sounds of other birds 6 Birds of prey are called ________ 8 Breed of dog used for hunting birds 9 Birds are ______ blooded 10 A group of geese is called a 12 What a bird does with its wings 13 How birds travel 15 Male Goose 18 The study of birds 20 A birds mouth is called a ________ 21 Birds have how many legs 22 Where bird lay eggs Down: 1 One food source for birds 3 A bird that can talk 4 Many birds eat these 7 What a bird uses to fly 10 Baby Goose 11 The national symbol is this bird of prey 14 A water bird that does not fly 16 Bird that flys and swims 17 The direction birds fly in the winter 19 One type of bird of prey is a ____________ 20 A bird in the hand is worth two in the _________
Did You Know? Wayside Waifs just unleashed its new dog adoption center! The brand new kennels and indoor living suites will provide a more relaxed and enriching environment for homeless dogs during their stay at Wayside Waifs. The renovation project also includes the addition of three large living suites, which will offer communal canine housing for up to five animals at a time. The public will get to watch the animals play with each other and experience a more homelike environment. The kennel renovation project was funded entirely by Wayside’s generous donors and has been in the works for several years. Wayside Waifs has donated the used galvanized steel kennels to other area shelters. Check it out at waysidewaifs.org. M ARCH 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Over The River and Through the Woods
…to Grandmother’s House We Go… Many of us remember that song and story. It brings back warm memories. “Over the river and through the woods, To Grandmother's house we go.....” but, what happens when grandmother can no longer live in her home?
WHAT ABOUT THE PET? Every day in every city across the country an elderly person is admitted to the hospital or nursing home for either temporary or permanent care. Once the immediate need has been addressed the owner’s mind turns to the beloved pet that has been a constant companion every day of the year. There is very little information available to address the owner’s need to care for their pet during this time. Often the pet is left for days until someone has the time to either find a temporary housing situation or place the dog in the local shelter. This dilemma creates untold stress not only for the patient, but also for the pet left behind wondering where the owner has gone and if or when they will return. The animal is helpless to fend for itself in this situation. One such individual that was recently affected by this situation is Jennifer Tiffany of Lee’s Summit and her family. Jennifer states, “during the last two years of my grandmother’s life; my mother had become the primary caretaker for my grandmother and her three dogs. My grandmother did not really even have to ask. She knew how much we loved her dogs and that we would take care
by Heddie Leger of them. On her deathbed, we reassured her that we would take care of her dogs. We are a very close-knit family and we loved the dogs as if they were our own. I already had two dogs and my mother had one, but the decision to take care of grandmother’s dogs was simple. A promise kept. There was no way we would allow them to go to a shelter or be separated. My grandmother’s dogs are older-ranging in age from 8 to 12.
A PROMISE KEPT Working with Furry Kids Refuge rescue group constantly reminds me that pets can outlive their owners and older pets can often be difficult to find new homes for. We just could not do that to grandmother’s three dogs. I agreed to take one of the dogs while my mother kept the other two. We wanted my grandmother’s passing to have the least negative effect possible on the dogs, so my mother agreed to keep all the dogs while I pay “dog support” for the one-providing all her expenses. A promise kept.” The key is planning ahead to avert a panic filled situation. Family members should discuss what will happen to the pets of their elderly parents before an emergency occurs. While there are many rescues and shelters that will take animals of all sorts, the companion of an elderly person presents a unique challenge
WHERE TO TURN? With an increasing aging population there is also an increase in this age group having pets as companions to decrease loneliness and increase health both physical and emotional. This positive situation unless monitored on a regular basis can quickly turn into a serious dilemma for both the elderly person’s family and the pet. There are few resources to guide families through these situations, however, the tide is beginning to turn. Should you find yourself in such a similar situation you can find helpful information at: http://assisted-living.aplaceformom.com/articles/pet-separation/ or www.petsfortheelderly.org/index.html Another resource is Between Pets and People (Alan Beck, Sc.D. and Aaron Katcher, M.D., G.P. Putnam’s Sons, New York) 30
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due to the fact they have been in constant direct interaction with a human being. These dogs often suffer severe health issues, anxiety, eating disorders and a variety of behavior disorders that cause them to be more difficult to adopt or rehome. One such dog was Hero, a 130 pound lumbering Rottweiler who had been his owner’s constant companion. Hero’s first owner, a woman in her 70’s, loved him dearly. He gave her a reason to live, but ultimately her body was taken by cancer. Then, Hero was among the millions of homeless dogs searching for a family. Large, black older dogs, especially a Rottweiler, are very difficult to place. Many are euthanized, never finding forever homes. Hero came to visit us, lay down in the middle of the living room and staked his claim. His big, deep, dark, brown eyes won our hearts instantly. He has that affect on everyone. Even those who fear dogs are won over by the eyes that reflect his heart and inner spirit. Hero went on to impact thousands of people through his participation at Veterans homes, “BowWowin” for Books, Care Alternatives Hospice and many other programs. Hero’s complete story can be read at www.thepawzone.com
ASSISTING IN RECOVERY Below is an example of how pets can assist the elderly in their journey with healthcare providers. It would behoove us to come up with creative ways to keep the elderly closely linked with their own pets or in this case any pet that is available. Animals and the elderly can be mutually beneficial to one another. “A frail, elderly man was brought to the nursing home from the local hospital. He had been discovered in a severely malnourished and confused state in a rural farmhouse, living alone in filth. Once his condition stabilized, he was brought in restraints to the nursing home, since he refused to eat but each day, he worked to free himself from the restraints and remove the feeding tube. The staff found the Center's three kittens in bed with him. When the cats were removed, he became agitated. A reward system was devised whereby the cats would be returned to him if he ate. He gained forty pounds, and interacted with other residents. The cats were the bridge that brought him back to reality. The director of nursing stated that, otherwise, she believes he would have died.” Heddie and Hero reside in Liberty, Missouri. Since Hero came into her life Heddie has spoken to thousands of people regarding the importance of responsible pet ownership, spay neuter, anti-bully and literacy using positive motivational messages. She and Hero have developed programs across the state. She can be reached at thepawzone.com or at 816-8205829 M ARCH 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Ask the Vet
by Warren B. Jones DVM
Q. A.
How do I select the correct external parasite control? It’s that time of year again when we are climbing out of the trenches of winter snow and ice and into the warm soothing months of summer. With that warmth, come those pesky little fleas and ticks to ravage our pets and homes. Fleas can be a great nuisance with our pets constantly scratching and licking keeping us up all night. The resultant dermatitis and a trip to the vet not only costs us money, but it’s not pleasant for our four legged friends. Ticks on the other hand carry potentially fatal zoonotic diseases. We are surrounded by advertisements and propaganda trying to convince us which flea and/or flea and tick control is the best one for our pet and where we can get it for the least amount of money. Making the decision on which product is right for your pet takes answering several questions.
QUESTION 1
What is the level of risk for my pet?
If your pet never leaves the inside of the house and you don’t have contact with other animals or pets in the yards that surround yours your pet is at low risk for fleas and ticks. If you and your pet go hiking every weekend or to the lake to run around your pet is at the highest risk. There are many levels in between including dog parks and boarding and grooming and possible contact while in those facilities.
QUESTION 2
Fleas, ticks, or both?
If you live in an area that doesn’t have a lot of trees or overgrowth, a lot of wild animals, and you’re not visiting these areas with your pet, tick control may not be necessary.
QUESTION 3
Preference to Topical or Oral Products
There are also multi-functional products that control intestinal parasites and heartworm disease. Your preferred veterinary will carry a variety of products for several reasons. These reasons include personal experience (use on both personal and client pets) effectiveness, ease of use, and comfort level with the product. Most of us won’t recommend a product for your pet that we wouldn’t use personally. I will take this opportunity to mention over the counter products that can be found at the local “mega-stores.” Purchasing these products will save you money in the short run. But when exposure occurs you will find yourself needing help in trying to control the outbreak and your veterinarian is you best resource. This means you will be spending more money on more products not only for your pets but their environment. Rest assured these products are of the highest quality and genuine. Counterfeit products do exist so buyer-beware when shopping on the Internet.
THE PRODUCTS There are two common commercially available oral products for flea control, Capstar and Comfortis. Capstar will kill any fleas on the dog or cat in thirty minutes, but has no residual activity. Comfortis does the same, but continues to kill any flea that gets on the dog within four hours for 32 days. Comfortis is not approved for use in cats. Both are very safe and highly effective. There are two benefits of note for oral products, first, no mess to get on the furniture or the kids to contact when petting and second it can’t be washed off. Topical products include Frontline, Advantage, Advantix, Vectra, Vectra 3D, and Promeris. Opinions will vary from veterinarian to veterinarian which is preferred. Products that add the benefit of heartworm control are Sentinel, Revolution and Advantage Multi, using these products ties you to year round use. Remember when you purchase these products, you’re not just buying product you are buying advice, experience, and a guarantee that you are purchasing the highest quality products available. Warren B. Jones DVM is a 1999 graduate of the University of Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine. He lives in Lee’s Summit with his wife Julie, four children, and a myriad of four legged family members. After practicing in Lee’s Summit and Blue Springs for the last 10 years, he opened Strothertowne Pet Hospital in 2009 with a focus on high quality care on an individual basis and client communication. He can be reached at 816-524-7200.
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Is Your Pet the in KC?
Cutest
Snap a photo of your pet and submit it at metropetmag.com.
Domino (dog) Trooper Jr (cat) — Two very spoiled house pets. Man’s best friend as long it’s OK with the cat. Submitted by Dolores Wilson
Winston — Winston is a stubborn, funloving 9 month old English bulldog. He has really enjoyed all the snow. However he did not like to go off the deck to use the bathroom, what is better than pure, white snow! Submitted by Morgan and Noah
Kelsey — Kelsey was the 2008 Johnson county arthritis representative. Her passion is sports and swimming, and she loves to dive in the river for rocks. She has a vocabulary of 100 plus words, and is ready to please and all times! Submitted by Mendy Smith
M ARCH 2010 • MetroPetMag.com
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Upcoming Events Chipotle Night for HSGKC 50% of all proceeds go to HSGKC Tues, March 9 • 5-8 pm Details: HSGKC.org for flier
KC Pet Telethon for HSGKC Sit. Stay. Watch. Adopt. Sun, March 14, 6:30-9:30 pm Details: KcPetTelethon.org
The Reality Magic Benefit for KSDS A Magical Night For Your Family Sun, March 21 • 3 pm • Folly Theater Details: ksds.org
Pet Photos with the Easter Bunny Sat & Sun, March 27 & 28 • 11am - 4pm at the Independence PetSmart Benefits: Animals Best Friends Details: animalsbestfriends.org
Big Dog Agility Fundraiser Sun, March 28 • 1 - 3 pm • at Benefits: Mastiff Hope Pet Rescue Details: tailsrwaggin.com
Northland Animal Welfare Society General Volunteer meeting Friday, March 5 • 6 pm • at Paul & Jack’s Details: pcnaws.org
Friends of Parkville Animal Shelter Pasta Dinner, Friday, March 5 • 6 - 8 pm at the Weatherby Lake Club House Details: parkvilleshelter.com
St. Pets Fundraiser Sun, March 13 • 7 - 10 pm • Boulevard Brewery Benefits: No More Homeless Pets Details: nmhpkc.org
January/February Pawzelle Answers
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MetroPet Magazine • M ARCH 2010