December 2014
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Articles 5 Cold Weather Tips 6 Winter Grooming 8 Heartworm Information 12
11 Needy Paws Rescue 12 Happy & Healthy: Holiday Tips for Pet Owners 14 Feline Nutrition & Proper Food Storage
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18 Search and Rescue 21 Holiday Dangers for Pets 24 Adventures of Chip 26 Post Surgical Care 28 Stray Rescue 24
31 Breed of the Month 32 Pawzzle 34 Pet Services Directory
The Holidays Are Here! The holiday season has arrived — lights and decorations are appearing inside and out! My twelve-yearold twins have made their gift lists. Murphy, my pup, knows that something is up!
Holiday Pet Dangers
Another idea might be to purchase pet supplies or pay for veterinary expenses for an elderly friend or relative.
Need a Gift Suggestion?
Don’t just buy another holiday knick-knack, use your money wisely and support our advertisers by purchasing products and services that you can use. This is also a great way to say Thank You to them for making this magazine possible!
As you start your holiday shopping, please remember your four-legged friends. Include them in your traditions and take care to protect them from seasonal dangers. This issue contains two articles about pets and holiday dangers, take a moment and check them out.
New Changes Coming in 2015
Year-End Contributions
Thank you
Thinking about making a year-end contribution? Consider a local rescue group or shelter. You donation can make a huge difference for a small rescue group. MetroPet has featured four in the last few several issues and there is a detailed list on our website at www.stl.metropetmag.com Or, if you can’t make a monetary donation, clean out your closets and bring them usable items from their wish list. Items might include towels, newspapers, paper towels, and office supplies. Another great option is to become a volunteer. Take time out of your week to volunteer time to a local group. With just a few hours a week, you can make a big difference. What a wonderful way to recognize the good works of these groups.
MetroPet magazine is working on some exciting new ideas to make the magazine even more interesting in 2015. They will offer you an opportunity to grow with us and support our advertisers!
As always, this issue includes some terrific articles. Thank you to our wonderful writers. Thank you to our advertisers — without them, this magazine would not be possible. And, finally thank you to our readers. Please support our advertisers and tell them, “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine!” Thank you!
Happy Holidays! Sincerely,
Barbara Riedel Publisher
Publisher Barbara Riedel barbara@metropetmag.com
Advertising Sales Nancy Hayes 314-650-7959 Barbara Riedel 913.548.1433
Editor/Production Manager Dan O’Leary editor@metropetmag.com
Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313
Magazine Layout ROI Marketing 816.942.1600 • roi@kc.rr.com
Contributing Authors Kim Byerly Jessica Cooke Shannon Latzke Heddie Leger Pat Matreci Kate Sidun Erin Quigley, DVM Caroline Zuschek
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. © 2014 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.
COLD WEATHER TIPS from the Humane Society of Missouri With cold weather here and continuing, the Humane Society of Missouri urges all pet owners to bring their pets inside and exercise the utmost caution when exposing pets to the cold. Pets rely on their owners to help stay warm during cold weather. As a general rule: If it’s too cold for you, it’s too cold for your pets.
BRING YOUR PET INSIDE: Don’t leave your pet outside in the cold for prolonged periods of time. Remember — thermometers might show one temperature, but wind chills can make it feel much, much colder. Limit time outdoors and be mindful of frostbite on ears, tail and paws. If you run with your dog, pay attention to cold paws and, if it gets too cold, leave your pup at home. Cats should always be left indoors — it’s the law in the City of St. Louis. “Outdoor” cats are often victims of road traffic, wilds animals, dogs and cruel people and freezing or starving to death in severely cold weather. ACCLIMATE YOUR PET TO COLD WEATHER:
If your pets spend a lot of time outdoors, make sure to introduce them gradually to dropping temperatures, rather than exposing them to the extreme cold all at once.
PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELTER:
Adequate shelter is mandated by law. If your dog lives outdoors, you must provide a well-insulated and draftfree doghouse. The opening should face south with a sturdy, flexible covering to prevent icy winds from entering. Line the floors of the shelter with straw, not hay. Towels and blankets can become damp or freeze, making the space colder.
BEWARE OF ANTIFREEZE AND ROCK SALT: Antifreeze often collects on driveways and roadways. Although it smells and tastes sweet to www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
your pet, it is lethally poisonous. If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately! Deicing products like rock salt can irritate footpads. Be sure to rinse and dry your pet’s feet after being outside. Pet stores often carry pet-safe ice melts that do the job and won’t harm your pets. DRY OFF WET PETS:
A wet pet is a cold pet. Towel or blow-dry your pet if he gets wet from rain or snow. Also, it is important to clean and dry paws to prevent tiny cuts and cracked pads.
PROVIDE PLENTY OF FOOD AND WATER:
It takes more energy in the winter to properly regulate body temperature, so your pet may need additional calories if he spends a lot of time playing or working outdoors. Your pet is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer, so be sure to provide plenty of fresh water. Snow is not a substitute for water. Refill outside bowls often to prevent freezing.
CAREFULLY KEEP PETS WARM INSIDE:
Keep your pets warm, dry and away from drafts while inside. Space heaters and other supplemental heat sources can burn your pet. Keep portable heaters out of reach and make sure all fireplaces have adequate screening. And, of course, never leave your pet alone with an unattended fire.
GROOM REGULARLY:
Your pet needs a well-groomed coat to keep him properly insulated. Short- or coarse-haired dogs might get extra cold so consider a sweater or a coat. Longhaired dogs should have their paw hair trimmed to ease in cleaning and snow removal. 5
Winter Grooming by Jessica Cooke
Grooming your pet year round is important, but even more important during the winter months. A big, heavy, thick dog coat just looks hot. But, think again. Unlike that fleece or down jacket you wear in the winter, a dog’s coat is more like a temperature regulator than a heat insulator. It not only keeps your dog warmer in winter, but also keeps him cooler in summer. You wouldn’t want to go naked in the desert or the snow. You’d want a layer of clothing to protect your skin. That’s just what your dog’s coat does.
Brushing Your Pet’s Coat Brushing your pet’s coat keeps it healthy by helping distribute natural skin oils, which make the fur shiny and strong. Grooming your dog this way is important to do year-round, but it’s particularly useful during winter, when the harsh weather conditions can have an extra drying effect on skin and fur. It’s also a good idea to brush your dog’s coat before putting on, and after taking off, its sweater. This will help prevent tangles, knots and mats that wearing a sweater can cause. Of course, if you aren’t willing to keep up with good grooming, go ahead and shave your dog down. A clipped coat is better than an unkempt, matted long coat, in any weather. 6
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It’s important to trim long-haired dogs’ fur during the winter. It may seem counterintuitive at first to make your dog’s coat shorter in colder weather, but the key word here is “trim,” not “cut,” and certainly not “shave.” You don’t want to make the fur significantly shorter; your goal is simply to trim it in strategic areas to prevent buildup of snow, ice, salt and de-icing chemicals that dogs pick up during walks. Pay particular attention to fur around the tummy and legs.
emember to Maintain the Hair R Around the Feet and Toes When grooming your dog’s coat for winter, it’s especially important to trim and maintain the hair around the feet and toes. During walks in snow and ice, hairy feet can contribute to forming ice balls in fur and between the paw pads. Excess fur will also absorb more water from snow and that makes matting easier.
Jessica Cooke is the owner of Yuppy Puppy Pet spa. Yuppy Puppy is a full service luxury grooming spa, playcamp and boarding facility with all the comforts of home. Our professionally trained staff is kept up to date with the latest pet care knowledge. Yuppy Puppy accepts all breeds of dogs and cats. Yuppy Puppy takes caring for your fur babies as an honor and takes each individual pets needs into consideration. Yuppy Puppy is celebrating 11 years in business. Visit www.yuppypuppyspa.com or call 636-625-0030 and like us on Facebook.
Keep the Paws Clean and Moisturized When walking in and on snow, ice or freezing rain, your dog’s paws are going to suffer the worst of the elemental assault. Even if you’ve done a good job trimming and maintaining his or her foot fur, the paws could still collect a certain amount of dirt, snow, ice and even salt or chemicals. Not only can these elements dry, damage or otherwise irritate your dog’s paws, but they are also dangerous if your dog licks its own feet after a walk. Regular bathing in the winter will help reduce irritation. Some dog owners use plain petroleum jelly, while others opt for products specifically made for the canine paw.
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Heartworm Information by Kim Byerly
Did you know when a rescue group gets a new dog, one of the first things they do is take them to the vet to have them checked out. The vet will get them vaccinated, check their overall health and schedule them to be spayed or neutered. The vet will also run a heartworm test to see if the dog is positive or negative for heartworms. Until the results come in, rescues cross their fingers that the dog comes back negative. Not only is the heartworm treatment expensive, but the rescue will have to find a foster home or if they are lucky, an adopter, that can take a dog that will require heartworm treatments that will take 2-4 month to complete.
What are Heartworms? Heartworms are just what they sound like, worms that get in your pets heart and will silently and slowly kill them if not treated. Heartworms can easily be prevented by giving your pet an inexpensive heartworm preventative each month.
How do dogs get heartworm? Dogs get heartworms by being bit by a mosquito carrying a parasite. The parasite goes through stages and then becomes an adult heartworm. The adult heartworm travels to a chamber in the heart or lungs and multiples in size, sometimes as large as 10 times its original size.
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Can cats get heartworms? Yes, cats can get heartworms but it’s less likely than dogs for them to have adult heartworms. Cats should be tested before being put on prevention and re-tested as the veterinarian deems appropriate. Because there is no approved treatment for heartworm infection in cats, prevention is critical.
Warning Signs your Dog Has Heartworms The symptoms of heartworms do not appear right away and may take six months or even longer to appear. Dogs will not always have all these symptoms, sometimes they only have one or two symptoms and some dogs show no symptoms of heartworms. 1. Coughing — A soft, dry cough can be one of the red flags of heartworms in dogs. 2. I nactivity or Lethargy — Your pet suddenly seems tired more often, doesn’t want to go outside or avoids all physical activity.
8. Nosebleeds 9. Secondary pneumonia 10. Increased blood pressure 11. Excessive sleeping 12. Seizures 13. Blindness 14. Lameness Some of these symptoms can also be symptoms of other conditions, which makes it even more difficult to detect heartworms. The only way to determine if a dog has heartworms is through a test at your vet’s office.
Once my dog has heartworms, what’s the treatment? How much will it cost? The dog is given two or three injections of an arsenicbased product that will kill the adult heartworms in the blood vessels of the heart.
3. W eight Loss or Anorexia — Minor physical activities, even eating, can become difficult and exhausting for a dog with heartworms. 4. R apid or Difficult Breathing — Fluid can build around the blood vessels in the lungs, making it difficult to breath. 5. B ulging Chest — The ribs may seem to protrude and the chest has a bulging appearance as a result of adult heartworm infection. 6. A llergic Reaction — Allergic reaction is more common in cats but it is possible for dogs to show symptoms similar to an allergic reaction. 7. C ollapse — Large numbers of heartworms that invade the heart and cause blockage of blood flow can cause the dog to collapse. Death can follow within days. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
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The safest way to treat heartworms includes an extensive pre-treatment workup, including X-rays, blood work, and all the tests needed to establish how serious the infection is. Then, the dog is given the injections. With all the prep work, it can cost up to $1,000.
Why do I have to keep my dog quiet during the several months he’s being treated for heartworms?
heartworm treatment do so because the owners let them exercise, not from the drugs given during treatment.
How can I prevent my dogs from getting heartworms?
It’s easy to prevent your dog from getting heartworms.
After treatment, the worms begin to die. And as they die, they break up into pieces, which can cause a blockage of the pulmonary vessels and cause death. That’s why dogs have to be kept quiet during the treatment and then for several months afterward. Studies have shown that most of the dogs that die after
It’s easy to prevent your dog from getting heartworms. All it takes is a yearly trip to the vet’s office for an exam, heartworm test and a prescription for heartworm preventative. The preventative is given the same time ever month, year round.
A year’s supply of heartworm preventative will cost about $35 to $120, depending on a dog’s weight. The damage that’s done to the dog and the cost of the treatment is way more than the cost to prevent heartworm disease.
Kim Byerly is the Vice President of Needy Paws Rescue. She has been involved in animal rescue for four years including transporting, fostering, social media and web design. Kim retired from USDA, Rural Development, after 36 years of public service and enjoys spending time with friends and family, especially her two grandsons Jackson and Joshua. Kim and her husband Jerry, have four dogs, three Rottweilers and a Pit bull mix.
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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - December 2014
NEEDY PAWS RESCUE Needy Paws Rescue, located in St. Louis, MO. We are a 501(c)3 non-profit rescue run entirely on donations. Needy Paws is devoted to saving animals in need, whose lives are in danger at high kill animal shelters and animal controls, those who are strays, have been abandoned or owner surrenders, regardless of their size or breed. Our organization is made up of volunteers who have been involved in various animal rescues in the St. Louis area and we plan to use our knowledge and experience to make a difference. We believe spaying and neutering is a very important step in keeping pets healthy and happy, plus it helps decrease overpopulation. All of our rescued animals will be spayed or neutered, they will be micro-chipped to ensure they are identifiable if lost or stolen and they will be current on all of their vaccinations before going to their Forever Homes. We are Foster-Based and all pets stay in approved foster homes that have passed inspections, reference checks and are qualified to take care of our rescued animals while they wait for their Forever Family. We are dedicated to finding the best Forever Homes, and will be making home visits and conducting veterinarian checks and reference checks to ensure the pets will have a safe, loving, happy home. Forever Families will be taught how to care for their pet and learn how to get the most out of their relationship with their new family member. Needy Paws Rescue currently has 6 dogs going through heartworm treatment. We pay for the entire heartworm treatment, even if the dog is adopted. The funds we need to pay for these treatments, prevents us from saving additional dogs. Any donations, no matter the amount, will help us with the expense of treating these dogs in order to get them healthy and placed with their forever families. You can donate on our website, www.NeedyPaws. org, by clicking the Donate button. All donations are tax deductible since we are an approved 501(c)3 organization. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
You can find more information about us and a list of our Adoptable Dogs on our website at NeedyPaws.org or on Facebook at facebook.com/NeedyPawsRescue
Delilah was adopted and is still going through heartworm treatments
Captain was adopted by his foster family and is still going through heartworm treatments.
Pluto was found as an emaciated stray. He’s currently in a foster home, getting some much needed weight put on and going through heartworm treatments.
Oscar was adopted from Animal Control and then a few months later taken back. Oscar is now safe and living in a foster home. He’s also going through heartworm treatment. Ginny and Nikki are 2 of our newest dogs. They were dumped in rural Missouri and taken care of by some nice people until we could get them into our rescue. They are together in a foster home. Both girls are heartworm positive and will be starting treatment soon. 11
Happy & Healthy:
Holiday Tips for Pet Owners by Caroline Zuschek
Nothing is more adorable than a family holiday picture where Fido is trying to ditch his matching sweater, or the first steps of a puppy joining her new family on Christmas morning toddling through discarded wrapping paper and snuggling in a giant stocking abandoned on the floor. The holidays are a wonderful time to celebrate the ones you love — including your pets! Here are some dos and don’ts for a safe holiday season with your furry family members.
before you. For example, my father gets a box of dark chocolate every year from my uncle. It is his favorite holiday gift. One year, we didn’t know which gift contained the chocolate, so we put it under the tree with all of our other gifts. Fast forward to Christmas Eve, and our tiny Bichon Frise, Sugar, lying unmoving next to the box — now unwrapped and completely devoured. Spoiler: Sugar was fine after a few days at the vet. Spoiler: A 20 lb. dog can eat 2 lbs. of chocolate.
Food:
But fear not, there are still things you can share with your pet to make their holidays special. For dogs, sweet potatoes and pumpkin are wonderful and nutritious. In moderation, these foods can ease overfull bellies and make a normal bowl of dog food a treat. Just add a couple of spoonfuls onto your dog’s normal dinner and watch him eat with renewed gusto. However, be sure to share these with your dog before adding nutmeg or cinnamon.
Some holiday foods can be extremely dangerous to your pets. Everyone knows that it’s dangerous to feed a cat or dog chocolate, but did you know it is also dangerous to feed them garlic, onions, nutmeg, turkey or ham bones, beer, macadamia nuts, walnuts, and turkey skin? All of these common holiday items can lead to upset stomachs, lethargy, and may require a costly vet visit. Also beware of gifts for you that your dog may discover 12
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - December 2014
For cats and dogs, combine 1 cup minced turkey, ½ cup cooked pumpkin, 1 tablespoon of oil, and 1 tablespoon of kelp in a large bowl and mix together well. Then, roll the mixture into balls and serve to your pets as a special treat!
Gifts:
I admit it. I am one of those people who shops and hides toys for my pets in the days leading up to the holidays. Imagine my surprise when I learned my pets—like kids across the country—snoop to find their gifts. Picture me returning from work to see my cat, Cash, chewing through a plastic bag to retrieve a catnip mouse, the tattered ends of the bag hanging from his whiskers. When I left for work, the PetsMart bag was on the top shelf of my closet. It was beyond cute. But it was also scary. What if he had ingested a part of the bag? If you buy for your pets, immediately remove any excess wrap or binding from them and either give the gifts immediately or store them somewhere your pets can’t reach like in a cabinet or trunk. Keep in mind; they can smell their treats, even when you cannot.
Don’t be me. Don’t let them ruin the surprise before it is time. Also, investigate safe pet toys before purchasing. Though no toy is 100% safe, some toys are better than others. After talking with my vet, for dogs I’d recommend the plastic Nylabones. Your dog can’t eat these too quickly and obstruct his bowels and they don’t leave a gooey trail of uneaten, slobber-softened bone mess for you to clean up. If your dog likes a rope toy and enjoys a hearty game of tug-of-war, consider a toy made from blanket fleece as opposed to one made from easily ingestible string. For cats, consider a laser light that you can shine on the floor for them to chase after, or some good old-fashioned cat nip that you can sprinkle on their favorite scratching mat or post. And don’t worry if your cat seems to be addicted; I went through this with our cat, Kitten, and launched a house-wide justsay-no campaign. It didn’t work, and my vet told me the occasional over indulgence in cat nip is not cause for concern. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
Decorations:
Avoid Holly, tinsel, and if you have Mistletoe, hang it high. Holly and Mistletoe are highly toxic to pets and contribute to the 10% increase the Pet Poison Hotline sees in calls around the holidays. Tinsel, while not toxic, is simply too irresistible for most feline family members to avoid and can be easily ingested, which can result in a cat in need of holiday surgery. On the plus side, don’t worry too much about Poinsettias. Though these plants are mildly toxic to pets, unless your pet eats the entire potted plant, medical intervention is seldom required. If you like to have a Christmas tree, be sure to firmly plant it in its stand to avoid the all too familiar experience of having it knocked over by a climbing cat or a rambunctious dog. If you prefer a live tree, beware of your pet drinking from the water. The water can gather bacteria, and fertilizers are often toxic to pets. If you change the water often and avoid harsh plant foods, however, you can minimize many its potential dangers. If you fear your pet has become ill from ingesting something forbidden, don’t hesitate to call your vet or a local 24-hour emergency vet clinic. Usually, these places are great about answering questions without charging a fee and will let you know if your pet needs to be seen immediately. If you want to honor your pet this Christmas, you can do so by making a money or gift donation to a local rescue.
Caroline Zuschek is an attorney and writer by day and an animal rescuer with The Rescue Project, in Kansas City by night. She lives in Kansas with her husband, Brandon, and their rescue pets: Josie, Chopin, Cash, Dot, and Jasper.
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Feline Nutrition & Proper Food Storage by Shannon Latzke
What is the best diet for my cat?
Cats are obligate carnivores, and as such, require meat proteins as their main source of nutrition. The best, most nutritionally complete diet is a raw food diet or a canned food diet. However, not all budgets or lifestyles can accommodate this type of diet. Cat owners should feed their cats the highest quality food (wet or dry) that their budget will allow.
What do cats need in their diets?
• Protein (from a recognizable meat source) • Taurine (an amino acid naturally present in meat) vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and fatty acids • Water
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What should I look for when selecting a cat food?
Pet food labels follow the same basic rules as human food labels, meaning that the list of ingredients descends from the largest to the smallest amount. A whole protein (muscle meat) should be the first ingredient (ideally, the first two or three ingredients would be proteins). Examples: chicken, turkey, lamb, beef, salmon, rabbit, duck, etc. The word “meal” after an identified protein is okay, but the word “byproduct” is not. Byproducts can be comprised of heads, feet, viscera and other animal parts. Unidentified protein meal (“meat meal”) can
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - December 2014
contain rendered euthanized pets from shelters and vet clinics, 4D meat (dead, diseased, dying, disabled), road kill, and zoo animals. Avoid carbohydrate fillers such as corn (corn meal, ground whole corn, ground yellow corn, corn gluten meal, maize, etc.), wheat, and soy (especially if high on the ingredient list or if several of these are listed). In combination, they could constitute a higher percentage of the food’s makeup than the first ingredient! Avoid chemical preservatives such as BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin, and propyl gallate. Many fish meals are preserved with ethoxyquin, but this is not indicated on the label.
Avoid foods containing dyes, as these can be harmful to your cat. Cats don’t care what color the food is; naturally brown foods are best. Canned foods follow the same basic rules above, except that the first or second ingredient is typically water or broth. Cats require a lot of water, and canned food is an excellent source of moisture. Avoid carrageenan if possible; it is a possible human carcinogen and has been linked to serious disease.
What are the benefits of feeding my cat a better quality food?
• Decrease in or elimination of hairballs and/or vomiting • Shinier, healthier coat • Less volume and odor of stool • It is more protein dense, so cats tend to eat less of it than cheaper foods made with fillers (which helps offset the cost) • A healthier diet equals a healthier pet (lower vet bills and longer life)Why is water so important? How can I get more water into my cat’s diet?
Cats do not have a high thirst drive and can become dehydrated. Water is very important in keeping them from developing several diseases, especially those involving the kidneys and bladder. The best way to get water into a cat’s diet is with a raw food diet or a canned food diet (these contain around 75% moisture). Cats on a dry food diet (which contains about 10% moisture) only take in about half as much water as a cat on one of the other diets. Dry food diets can be supplement with canned food, and a pet fountain will entice most cats to drink more.
What is the best feeding method and frequency?
How much and how often you feed your cat depends on its age, health, size, what type of diet you choose, and your schedule. Free feeding – Leaving food out all of the time ensures your cat will never go hungry (especially if www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
you are gone for long periods of time), but can lead to obesity if not monitored. Canned food will spoil if left out for long periods of time (always refrigerate unused opened canned food). Scheduled feeding – Feeding once or twice a day (wet, dry, or a combination) ensures that your cat will not overeat and allows you to monitor their caloric intake, but may not always be convenient. There are electronic feeders on the market for both wet and dry food that will dispense food at programmed times if you choose scheduled feeding but aren’t home to do so.
Santa Paws Stops Here! ming groo ble la avai
Toys, gifts, treats for cats and dogs www.treats-unleashed.com Chesterfield • Des Peres • Ladue • Mid Rivers • Oakville
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What/how often should I feed my kitten?
Kittens have special dietary requirements and should generally be given foods that are specifically labeled for kittens until they reach one year of age. Kittens are not prone to overeating since they are growing so rapidly; therefore, constant access to food is encouraged.
How should I store my cat’s food?
Unopened cat food (canned or dry) should be stored in a cool, dry place (never in a garage or car; especially on a warm day). Opened canned food should be tightly covered
and stored in the refrigerator. Some cats prefer room temperature food, so warming up the leftovers may entice them to eat it. Opened dry food should be stored in its original bag inside an airtight container in a cool, dry place (most kitchens are warm and humid). If dry food is poured directly into a plastic container, the plastic can suck vitamins out of the food, and the plastic itself can leach into the food. Fats from the food can leach into the plastic and become rancid and contaminate new food poured into it. Once dry food is opened, the vitamins begin to break down, and it is susceptible to moisture (which causes mold and mycotoxins), light, oxygen (which oxidizes the fats), and storage mites and other pests (which are drawn to the grain). Making sure your food is fresh and storing it in the original bag inside an airtight container will help prevent these occurrences.
Shannon Latzke is the proud mother of four special needs cats and foster mom to many more. Her passions include feline nutrition, feline retrovirus testing, and feline urinary health. She has worked with several rescue groups and no-kill shelters and is the Director of Marketing and Media Communications for Stray Haven Rescue in St. Louis. For more information, please www.visitstrayhavenrescue. org or email Shannon at communications@ strayhavenrescue.org. © 2014 Stray Haven Rescue, Inc. 16
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The Poster
It must have been the 5th time that I sat in that corner café after search training, reading the same “Missing” girl poster as I ate. She started to look familiar, but I only realized it was because her face haunted me… it was everywhere I went in town, the grocery store, the fuel station and even on the back of T-Shirts. The teenage girl had gone missing in 2007 and the town has never given up hope of finding her.
Search And Rescue by Kate Sidun
Missing
The one term that no parent wants to hear when it is prefixed to their child’s name; “Missing.” Every day 2,185 children across the nation are reported “Missing”, or, in one calendar year 797,525 children under the age of 17 will be reported “Missing” according to the Center for Missing and Exploited Children. By the time they’re 16 years old, many children have threatened their parents with, “I’m going to run away.” Then they would pack a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, teddy bear and favorite book into a back pack. While some never made it past the end of the drive way, others wouldn’t have made it home without the help of a four-legged emergency responder, that has a nose that knows no boundaries: The Search & Rescue Dog.
Nationally Certified Trailing K9, Wolf. This picture was taken during a training, he was tracking a child that had been “abducted.” During this training he made 3 river crossings, 6 embankment climbs and 12 obstacle challenges. 18
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - December 2014
This Nose Knows, Trust in It
The number of children that have been recovered by search and rescue dogs is truly unknown for it continues to grow every day. These amazing lifesaving dogs are trained to detect human scent. Although the exact process is still a mystery, it may include skin rafts (scent-carrying skin cells that drop off living humans at a rate of about 40,000 cells per minute) respiratory gases, evaporated perspiration, or decomposition gases. As a Search and Rescue handler I have been asked many times, how does your dog pick out my scent from all the others? To try to answer that question, I sat down with Phantom K9’s Master Trainer and Instructor, Ron Barton.
with the help of his K9 partners. “About 35% of the dog’s brain is assigned to smell related operations, whereas a human’s brain is only assigned to 5% of smelling operations. The Dog’s nose actually extends from the nostrils to the back of its throat, housing about 300 million olfactory cells, about fifty times as many as a human’s. Dogs can afford to assign certain areas of their smell memory cells for specific odors,” Barton explains. “A human might be able to smell a teaspoon of sugar in a cup of coffee, but a dog could detect a teaspoon of sugar in 1,320,000 gallons (size of 2 Olympic swimming pools) of
Nationally Certified Wilderness Trailing K9, Gretchen coffee. The mechanics of a dog’s nose is astounding. When air
“The best way I can explain how a dog breaks up a scent,” says Barton, “is by using the “Spaghetti” analogy. Dogs smell components, whereas the handler smells items as a completed whole. For example, if someone is making spaghetti in the kitchen, when a K9 dog enters the kitchen, it can smell all the ingredients that are involved. The handler may be able to pick out a few potent ingredients, but still smells it as a completed whole.” Barton has trained hundreds of dogs during his career as a Military Working Dog Trainer at Lackland Air Force base, and has ensured the safety of some of our Nation’s highest ranking officials www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
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enters a dog’s nose it splits into man power. The use of a well trained two separate paths — one for certified handler and K9 prove to be breathing and one for smelling. effective time and again.” When a dog exhales, the air going Hug A Tree out exits through a series of slits Many Search and Rescue Team on the sides of the dog’s nose. This Members donate their time to help means the outgoing air doesn’t teach children as young as 3 years old interfere with the dog’s ability to what to do if they ever should become analyze incoming odors; in fact, lost. the outgoing air is even thought to help new odors enter. Even The program derives from its better, it allows dogs to smell primary message: If you’re lost – stay continuously over many breathing put and hug a tree until help arrives. cycles.” During his career Barton Nationally Certified Trailing K9, Team members show children how to has had the chance to work and Gretchen working in the Snow. survive using different items from trash study with many world renowned bags to stay dry to how to use compact disks to signal for animal behaviorists and psychologists. help. “An incident that I never forgot,” says Barton, “Was The Hug A Tree program has saved hundreds of lives when a Law Enforcement K9 team arrived at a two story and reached thousands of children since it was put into house where it was reported a 3-year-old girl had gone play in the 1980’s. Currently some search teams in city missing. When the K9 team arrived, several officers areas have teamed up with Law Enforcement, showing had already spent hours looking for the girl, and found children what to do if they should become lost in the nothing. The K9 officer asked for something the girl had shopping mall, city park or city itself. worn that had not yet been washed. His K9 smelled the article of clothing, and was given the command to find So whether you encourage your child’s teacher or talk the little girl. Within fifteen minutes of their arrival, the to other parents on the block, call your local Search and K9 found the little girl, asleep under a pile of clothes Rescue Team and schedule a Hug A Tree demonstration inside a closet on the second floor of the house.” Barton today and don’t let your child become a statistic. has used his K9s in many different situations and uses this incident to remind us that the nose knows and to trust in it. As we talk about trusting in the Search and Rescue dog’s nose and abilities I am reminded of an Interview that I had done with some of Law Enforcement’s finest. Officer Spears who is the Division Commander of the Belton Missouri Police Department has been involved in some of the most complex missing children cases in the area. With 35 years on the department Officer Spears has had to make that call for the four legged Emergency responders. “In the situations that we’ve had to use tracking or cadaver dogs, it has saved us time and 20
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - December 2014
Kate Sidun has been providing the services of her Search and Rescue dogs to Law Enforcement and other Emergency Agencies for over 10 years. Her dedication to the Search field has not halted or faltered, which has earned her the position of Vice President of North East Missouri Search and Rescue.
Holiday
DANGERS
for Pets by Erin Quigley, DVM
The holidays are a festive time of year, but many of the items we use to celebrate may cause harm to our pets. Be aware of these dangers in order to keep your holiday activities from being interrupted by a visit to the Animal Emergency Clinic.
Decorations
Ornaments and tinsel for the tree are not poisonous but can cause serious health problems for your pets. Tinsel is a very attractive toy to cats. They are mesmerized by the shiny reflective surface and movement. If ingested, the tinsel will bunch in the intestinal tract and cause a blockage requiring expensive and invasive surgery. If left too long, it can even cause rupture of the intestines, which can be fatal. Dogs have been known to ingest ornaments, including the glass variety. Hard to imagine why, but not only can it cause intestinal blockage but the sharp glass can cause lacerations from the esophagus to the colon. The wire hooks can get caught in the throat of dogs and cats causing discomfort and a trip to your vet. Gift wrap ribbon is notorious for causing blockages in cats. As much as cats love to play with ribbon it causes severe intestinal blockage. The intestines www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
cannot move the long string so it bunches like an accordion and causes major inflammation and then slices through the intestinal wall, leaking fecal material into the abdomen which can cause a fatal abdominal infection. Avoid tinsel if you have feline companions, and keep glass ornaments up high and ribbons tucked away to protect your pets this and every holiday season. Holiday lighting and candles pose a different risk to pets. Electrical shock may occur when a pet chomps down on an electrical cord causing mouth lacerations and possible death. Check your holiday lights for evidence of chewing and use a grounded three-prong extension cord as a safety precaution. Place lit candles out of reach so that pets cannot burn themselves on the flame or on spilt wax.
Plants
• Th ey may be pretty, but some holiday plants may be toxic to your pets. •H olly can cause intense vomiting, diarrhea and 21
lethargy/depression. • Mistletoe when ingested can cause vomiting, diarrhea, difficulty breathing, changes in behavior, hallucinations, and even death. • Poinsettias can cause irritation to the mouth and stomach upset and vomiting. • Pine needles can produce oral irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, trembling and hind end weakness. Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which if ingested can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water may contain bacteria which can lead to vomiting and diarrhea.
Food Items
One of the best parts of the holidays is all the yummy food served. But many of these items can cause problems for your pets. Bones and fat from turkey should never be given to your pet. Turkey bones are a common cause of intestinal obstruction and the fat can cause a serious condition called Pancreatitis. Pancreatitis is a painful condition that involves severe inflammation of the pancreas, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and hospitalization. Chocolate treats are a must at holiday parties, however chocolate and cocoa that contains Theobromine, a toxic chemical to dogs and cats, can cause serious side effects. The toxicity of the chocolate depends on the amount and the type of chocolate ingested: Source
Potential toxic dose
(based on 44lb dog)
Unsweetened Cocoa Baking Chocolate Semi-sweet chocolate Milk Chocolate White Chocolate
3 oz 5 oz 7 oz 20 oz
Has such a tiny amount of theobromine – considered safe
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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - December 2014
Early clinical signs (within 1-4 hours of ingestion) include restlessness, hyperactivity, muscle spasms, and increased heart rate. Signs that may occur later depending on dose; increased thirst, urinary incontinence, vomiting, and diarrhea. Most serious complications may be seizures, coma, death from abnormal heart rhythm, or kidney failure a few days after ingestion. If you have questions regarding toxic amounts from your pet’s ingestion of chocolate please call your veterinarian or a poison hotline. (ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 1-888-426-4435). Common in many cookies and candies are nuts. Certain nuts should not be given to pets. Almonds, walnuts and pistachios can cause stomach upset, or in large volumes can cause obstruction of your dog’s throat or intestinal tract. Macadamia nuts can cause weakness in the hind limbs, pain, tremors and low grade fever all which resolve in 48 hours. Other holiday items like Fruit cakes which contain grapes and raisins can result in kidney failure in dogs. Casseroles that contain onions or garlic can cause damage to a dog or cat’s red blood cells which can cause severe anemia. Depending on dose, a blood transfusion may be required. Alcohol is commonly served at holiday house parties as a beverage or in baked items. Because alcohol is rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream, it affects pets quickly. Ingestion can cause vomiting, disorientation, along with dangerous drops in blood sugar, blood pressure and body temperature. Intoxicated animals can experience seizures and respiratory failure.
Other winter hazards
As we fight the cold and protect our automobiles, antifreeze can be a temptation to many pets as it has a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, very small amounts can be lethal. As little as one teaspoon can be fatal to cats, and less than four teaspoons can be dangerous to a small
dog. Antifreeze forms crystals in pet’s urine that causes severe damage to kidneys. Avoid this hazard by placing automotive products in areas pets do not have access to, cleaning up spills thoroughly, and purchasing ‘Low tox’ brands of antifreeze that contain propylene glycol which is safer for pets. Ice melting products can cause problems for pets depending on the actual ingredient and the quantity ingested. It can be irritating to the skin and mouth, and if ingested excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or electrolyte imbalances may occur. During this holiday season while you are celebrating or working to stay warm, be aware of these dangers for your pet, so that your entire family can have a happy and safe holiday season. If you have aconcern contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center 1-888-426-4435.
Erin Quigley, DVM, Member of AVMA, MVMA, grew up in Florissant, MO, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Missouri State University. After college I worked as a receptionist at Rock Road Animal Hospital, a zookeeper at the St. Louis Zoo and a veterinary assistant at Howdershell Animal Hospital until attending Veterinary School at University of Missouri-Columbia. I graduated with my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and have lived in O’Fallon, Missouri since I graduated. I have worked as a veterinarian in Troy, Wentzville, and Florissant, MO, until purchasing Animal Medical Center of Wentzville in 2010. I married in 2011 and live with my husband Ryan and boxer dog Finnegan in Lake St. Louis/O’Fallon. When my husband and I have free time from the clinic we enjoy spending time with our dog, family and friends. Our hobbies include attending Cardinal baseball and Mizzou football games. We also enjoy the outdoors biking, boating and horseback riding. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
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The Adventures of Chip
QUI·ES·CENT (kwee-es-uhnt) by Heddie Leger
by Heddie Leger
Recap from Chapter 11: Stephanie said, “calm down” we have plenty of time, we have all day.” She just did not understand, I saw people in there and really wanted to know how they got there and what they were doing. It was a mystery to me. We got to the door and there was a waiting line. There was an ambulance that drove up, and someone said please step aside. Apparently, someone had a health problem, and they had shut down for an hour or so, I was disappointed, but Robert said we could wait til things got going again. Guess I will just be calm and wait. May be we can go up later, or if we have to wait til tomorrow that will be okay too. There is so much to do and see here. Well, the ambulance left and it took about thirty more minutes, before the line started to move again. They were letting people in, slowly but surely. “What is taking so long,” I wondered. I knew I was being impatient, but I was really tired of waiting. Funny how our mind plays tricks on us. It felt like it had been days we were waiting, when it was just a couple of hours. Actually, they had been quite nice. They brought around sandwiches and drinks at no cost to anyone. I thought to myself, “I really like these people in St. Louis, I think I could live here.” Finally we got to the door and went into the Arch. There was a museum that showed the history of the area and other things, but as you can imagine, we were not interested in that. Stephanie said we could take our time and look at it after we went up in the Arch. We walked down this hallway which was pretty small and a small door opened up for us to go in. I Quiescent – being at hesitated, it was rest; quiet; still; inactive or so small and motionless: a quiescent mind. dark inside. The guide said there 24
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were little chairs inside and lights and there was nothing to be afraid of. Hundreds of people go in the small seats every day. I was still not so sure, and went in with a bit of fear in my stomach. Stephanie did not want to go, she said she was claustrophobic. I did not know what that was, but I knew she was very scared, so she did not go in and did not want to go up to the top. It was actually a good thing as there were only four little seats in the elevator. She gave each of us a hug and said see you later, like she was afraid she would never see us again. I really was okay when the doors closed. I could hear the clicking noise of the elevator going up, it was kind of dark even with the light on. It seemed like an eternity but finally the doors opened and we stepped out. Robert assured us there was nothing to be afraid of. He was right and when we looked out the windows it was a beautiful view. We could see what seemed like forever and ever in the distance we were so high up. It was a crystal clear day, with just a few clouds in the sky. We felt like we could touch the clouds. All of a sudden, Penelope cried, “Oh, no, my head. It hurts so bad!!”….from past experience, we all knew that
“ True love is quiescent, except in the nascent moments of true humility.” ~ Bryant H McGill century AD) when Penelope got one of those headaches, she would get sick to her stomach. Allen tried to help her with some of the quiescent exercises to help the headache go away, but they were not working. She was beginning to get sick to her stomach. Allen was frantically looking for help to find a bathroom. He was told there was no bathroom up in the Arch. Penelope was trying not to panic. Then the wind started to blow outside and the entire Arch started to sway slowly, it was so very, very, slight that most people could not tell or feel it, but since I had four feet on the floor, no shoes, and I am very sensitive to movement, I could tell. I thought to myself, “oh, we are in real trouble now.” We rushed over to the elevator and yelled to let us down. The guide came over and did the best she could to get us in the elevator, but it was not easy. Phew !!!! we were finally on our way down, Penelope was starting to settle down due to the quiescent exercises Allen was doing with her. Her headache was under control, and she laid her head on his shoulder and took a deep breath while closing her eyes. Allen really loved Penelope and would do anything for his sister. You could tell they trusted each other and were very close. Then the unthinkable happened…..the clicking in the elevator stopped, the lights went out and the elevator jerked to a stop. We did not know what to think. Was someone getting on? Was someone getting out? Was the elevator broken? Did the electricity go out leaving us stranded in a small dark elevator, with little air and no light? We were all beginning to get scared when Robert reminded us of the
exercises that had helped Penelope calm down during her awful headache. We all were doing them now. Robert assured us we would not be there long. He tried his cell phone, but it did not work in the small channel where the elevator went up and down. To make matters even worse, due to the slope of the arch, we were almost sideways inside the elevator. The little seats were supposed to selfadjust as they went up and down to make up for the slope of the Arch, but since they were stuck, it did not work out that way. We did not know how many other little elevators were stuck along the way. Robert reminded us again to stay calm so he could think….what to do….what to do???
Story Discussion Tips • What type of exercises did Robert help Penelope with during hear headache to calm her? • Did the exercises help Penelope? • Have you ever been in a situation where you were really scared, but had to stay calm? And calm other people down? • How did you calm yourself down? How did you calm other people down?
Activity Read about and learn some deep breathing exercises. Practice quiescent behavior using your imagination. Example: You are afraid of snakes. In your mind, place a snake (or anything you are afraid of) in a balloon, release the balloon and watch the snake (fear object) float away, unable to harm you. Repeat: the snake (fear object) cannot hurt me. Read about snakes (fear object) and how to stay safe around them or gain a better understanding of your fear object. We can often fear things we do not understand. Once we understand them, they do not seem quite so scary. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator and member of APDT, APLB, APHE and NHES sharing a lifelong passion of helping children and the elderly learn manners reinforcement with their pets through the PawZone In-Home PetSitting. You can reach her at 816.820.5829. 25
Post Surgical Care by Stephanie Syberg
As a pet owner, one of the most important things to remember after you bring your pet home from a surgical procedure is their proper care and comfort. Always, pay close attention to your pet to make sure your pet is healing properly, looking for any redness, swelling or possible irritation surrounding that area. It is important to check your pet daily. If there is problem, always contact your veterinarian right away.
A decrease in appetite is usually not a concern the first day after surgery. Which most veterinarians will tell you not to feed right away but usually by the next day their appetite should increase and start eating as they normally would have before the procedure. Always offer your pet fresh water daily. If your pet is not eating and drinking within 24 hrs please, contact your veterinarian. Some pets may not have a bowel movement for the first 1-2 days following surgery. So don’t be alarmed. But after the second day if the pet still has not had a bowel movement contact your veterinarian. Some pups may even have some incontinence after a surgical procedure but this usually does not last long. Another thing to keep in mind is that pups may or may not always show discomfort. A lot of pet parents think if their pet is uncomfortable they will cry out, but most of the time this is not true. One of the ways we can tell if our pup is uncomfortable and in pain is by them not being able to settle down or relax, while our cat friends my
When giving your pet a prescribed medication such as an oral or topical form directed by your veterinarian, it is most important to give it in a timely fashion for pain or possible serious infection. Antibiotics should always be given until the prescribed dosage is completely finished, even if your pet seems to feel much better before the last dose. Keeping the surgical site clean and free, and protected from your pet licking or chewing is most important. (No bathing at this time until after the sutures are removed.)
run and hide somewhere quite.
If the incision becomes dirty you can always use saline, even if it is your own contact solution. Just keeping it clean and dry is most important. Sutures generally are removed between 7-14 days. Some sutures are not removed at all, they are absorbed or dissolved under the skin, but still given time to heal as traditional sutures.
In some cases, we have to restrict our pups activity, which can be difficult at times, especially for younger pups, or once they start to feel much better. However, it is most important if your veterinarian has instructed you to restrict them to follow those directions very carefully. The affect it can have on your pup or your pocket book can defiantly be affected by
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MetroPet Magazine Magazine || St. St. Louis Louis -- February December2014 2014 MetroPet
CORRECTION
not following the aftercare directions. With possible surgery once again…. Protecting the surgical site can be difficult at times but we have to do it! As pet parents, we have to make sure our loveable pet cannot get to the sutures because if they do, this can not only cause infection, but another surgery. In most cases you can use a postsurgical pet garment such as the Cover Me by Tui. This is a perfect way to cover and comfort your pet at the same time for quicker healing. For areas where the Cover Me by Tui does not cover, like the head or feet, the e-collar known AKA “Cone of Shame” or cotton booties, might be the right solution. Although these options might not always be the most pleasant solution, it may be the next best solution.
In the November issue article Get to Know our Advertisers — GEM Apartment, page 25, the name of one apartment complex was incorrectly listed. The correct name of the complex is Forest Woods. This complex is located only minutes from Highways I-270, I-44, I-40, and I-55. Please note: six complexes have dog parks inside the property, not next to them. For additional details about all these properties, please visit www.Gempm.com.
Everyone in the family will sleep and rest more easily, including your pet Fido! While working as a technician in the veterinary field, I was asked by clients is there anything else they could use beside a plastic cone — the “Cone of Shame.” I would send them to the local department store for a baby onesie, but if the dog was any bigger than a Chihuahua, there wasn’t another option. So I created my own post-surgical pet garment, called the “Cover Me by Tui.” It is awhole LOT bigger to fit all sizes of pups from Chihuahua to Great Dane. For details contact Stephanie Syberg, Tulane’s Closet, at 636-447-1659 or visit www.tulanescloset.com. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
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Stray Rescue
by Pat Matreci
Randy Grim’s most fervent wish is that he never would have had to start Stray Rescue of St. Louis. There would be no abused, neglected and abandoned animals living — and dying on the streets. They would all know the warmth of a caring, loving home. Sadly, that wish may never be granted. And that’s why Stray Rescue, with its band of employees and network of volunteers and foster families, has made a significant impact and become a voice for stray animals everywhere. Stray Rescue came into being in 1998 as a full-fledged non-profit organization and shelter. Virtually all of the pets saved have been abused and neglected. They’ve been dumped on highways, or remote country roads, abandoned in empty houses and dark alleys. Daddy lab before They’ve been left chained up after their owners have moved away. Stray Rescue has received numerous accolades from the American Red Cross and also has received national media attention from Animal Planet, National Geographic, USA Today, the Weather Channel and Forbes 28
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magazine. But animal rescue is not about the glory. It’s about blood, sweat and tears. It’s about compassion, and perseverance. Because of space limitations, Grim and the rescue team many times must leave animals on the streets until it becomes a matter of life and death for them. Daddy Lab was a blonde lab who the rescue team fed for a few years on the streets. He was very feral, meaning he avoided human contact at all costs. Unseen for several months, rescue team members thought he may have died. But he was spotted one day, with an equally feral girlfriend who both were nearly hairless, crusty from mange and malnourishment — or as Grim calls them, “walking dead.” Daddy Lab was leashed and coaxed into the team’s vehicle by an assortment of Daddy lab after food. After vetting and a brief stay in foster care, Daddy Lab was adopted. His new guardians say, “We can’t imagine our lives without our beautiful baby boy.” Callaway, Daddy Lab’s girlfriend, was mangy, malnourished and had a deformed rear foot that looked
very much like the head of a golf club. Hence the name. She followed the car down the street as rescuers left with Daddy Lab, and refused to come along despite repeated stops. That next week rescuers Callaway before trapped her. Now in her forever home, Callaway immediately bonded with the other dogs in the household and now enjoys attention from her mom, who says Callaway “is a funny girl whose favorite pass time is to sit and observe.” Etta suffered from severe heartworms and congestive heart failure and, as a result, retained a huge amount of fluid. She was so large rescuers could not get their arms around her or underneath her to lift her into the car. They eventually got her into the car and back Etta before to the Stray Rescue Trauma Center. The veterinary staff drained an astonishing 30 pounds of fluid. Etta is another heartworm recovery miracle and proof of how important it is to keep your dogs on heartworm prevention. Her new dad says Etta greets him “with jumping kisses every time I walk in the door. It’s my favorite. She has forever changed my life for the better and I am just so excited that she found her way to me and my home.”
emerged crawling across the street, covered with fleas and mange, with parts of her body mutilated and disfigured. One of her feet had been cut off.
Callaway after
Upon rescue, Chill immediately was taken to Veterinary Specialty Services, where she endured weeks of surgeries and treatment. Today, Chill is part of Grim’s pack. “I look at Chill and her deformed legs and it always reminds me how strong the soul can be,” he said. “And just because you may look a little different, your life can be filled with joy and no pain.” Animal rescue also is about justice and change. Grim and his team have rescued dogs discarded and/ or left for dead in Etta after alley dumpsters. One horrific case involved siblings whose owner called St. Louis City officials to pick up her two dogs, who were dying in her basement. Fearing Grim would see the deplorable conditions in her basement, the woman tossed the barely alive male, whom Grim later named Our Little Boy, into a nearby dumpster. Our Little Boy did not survive, but Our Little Girl did and now in a loving home. Cases such as this led to the creation of Stray Rescue’s Abuse Hotline and passage of an animal abuse bill introduced by Alderman Lyda Krewson. The case against this abuser currently is in litigation.
Chill had the misfortune of living on the streets until space opened. Unseen for a period of time, Chill one day www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
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And then there is the story of Quentin, the Miracle Dog. An unwanted animal who was to be euthanized by carbon monoxide gas poisoning, Quentin survived a trip to the gas chamber in 2003, and became the “spokesdog” for In Defense of Animals’ campaign against the use of the gas chamber and support of no-kill shelters.
Chill before
Chill after
Stray Rescue’s efforts to seek justice for those responsible for chaining animals outside and abandoning them or leaving them chained outside during excessive heat or cold led to another aldermanic action, called UnChain St. Louis! This legislation limited the amount of time a dog or cat can be tethered and puts in place the humane conditions needed for these animals.
While animal rescue is extremely rewarding, it also is a hugely expensive undertaking. How can you help? Stray Rescue’s lifeline is donations. With the holidays fast approaching, volunteers have launched the annual Presents for Paws Drive for Stray Rescue. This goal of this project is to increase the exposure of dogs available for adoption while generating donations for the shelter. Patrons simply donate toys, treats, leashes, collars or money at participating establishments like Starbucks. Stray Rescue also seeks to raise $250,000 through Crowdfund, a new community-driven fundraising campaign whose goal is to have 10,000 friends of Stray Rescue donate monthly. But Stray Rescue also needs volunteers and foster families. For more information about all these opportunities, visit strayrescue.org.
Pat Matreci is a public information/ media relations professional as well as a freelance writer and editor. A lifelong dog lover, Pat has been a volunteer with Stray Rescue since 1999. She can be contacted at matrecip@netscape.net. 30
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Meet the Breed
December Pet of the Month
The Poodle The Poodle is considered to be one of the most versatile breeds in existence. There are three varieties with the Standard Poodle being recognized as the oldest and first of the breed. This special dog breed has achieved a high level fame as a water dog. Not only does this dog love water, but is a very reliable retriever. In addition, due to their remarkable scenting ability they have been used for Truffle hunting in Europe, where this edible fungus is a delicacy. The smaller version of the poodle is preferred for scenting and digging up the fungus, as they do less damage to the delicate truffles. The Poodle has long been regarded as the national dog of France. However, the English word “poodle” comes from the German pudel or pudelin, meaning to splash in the water. This breed supposedly originated in Germany, where they have been recognized as reliable retrievers and gun dogs. The “Poodle clip” was developed by hunters to help the dogs move through the water more efficiently. The longer areas of hair retained on the body were meant to protect vital organs and joints which would be susceptible to the cold. The poodle’s coat is considered hypoallergenic due to the fact they do not shed and have little to no dander, which may reduce allergic reactions, but this quality requires daily brushing and regular professional grooming. If the coat is left to grow long it will cord naturally.
There are three recognized sizes that are acceptable for the poodle. The Standard Poodle stands 15 inches at the top of the shoulder. Any Poodle which is 15 inches or less in height is not considered a Standard Poodle. The Miniature Poodle stands 15 inches or under at the top of the shoulders and no less than 10 inches. Any Poodle which is over 15 inches or 10 inches or less at the top of the shoulders is not considered a Miniature Poodle. The Toy Poodle stands 10 inches or under at the top of the shoulders. Any Poodle which is more than 10 inches at the top of the shoulders is not to be considered as a Toy Poodle. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
Each of these sizes is considered one breed which is known as the Poodle. Poodles are definitely not foofoo or sofa dogs. They are very eager-to-please, and are highly trainable. They are not only a “jack of all trades” that love to work closely with their human, they also are a master of tricks and all kinds of dog sports. They are highly athletic and intelligent. The Standard, with his greater size and strength, is the best athlete of the Poodle family; however, all Poodles can be trained with great success. The most common serious health issues of Standard Poodles includes Addison’s disease, gastric dilatation, thyroid issues (hyperthyroid and hypothyroid), epilepsy, sebaceous adenitis, juvenile renal disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer. The most common of minor issues is ear infections. Ear infections are a problem in all poodle varieties because their non-shedding coat grows into the ear canal, where it traps wax and dirt. Ear problems can be minimized by proper ear care, including regular cleaning and plucking of hair within the ear canal. If you feel a Poodle is in your future you are in for an exciting, joyful adventure. This breed is smart, active, athletic, loyal, fun-loving with a clown like personality, yet dignified and regal. A versatile companion that will share life with you for 12 or more years depending on the size variety. The smaller version generally will live a few years longer than the Standard size Poodle. Interesting Facts about the poodle: • Th e Toy Poodle achieved great popularity in France and was known worldwide as a “trick dog.” They were court favorites during the reign of Louis XVI and Queen Anne. •U nited States of America president Grover Cleveland owned a Poodle
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Chip’s Corner
PAWZZLE
by Pawlean Journe
Answers to this Pawzzle can be found in the Breed of the Month story on page 31. 32
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ACROSS 2. The largest size of poodle is known as the _____________. 7. They are not only known for their retrieving ability, but also as reliable _________ dogs. 10. This dog breed supposedly orginated in what country? 13. The poodle clip was actually developed by ________________. 14. Due to their energy, size and strength the poodle is considered to be a great ________________.
DOWN 1. They are not only a “jack of all trades� they also are ______ of many tricks and dog sports. 3. The smaller Poodle is often used for finding truffles due to causing less ___________ to the fungus. 4. Due to being eager to please, the poodle is highly
16. This is considered one of the most _______________ breeds in existence. 21. Lesser known fact is that the Poodle makes a great ____________. 23. The most common minor health issue with this breed is ____ infections. 24. If the coat is left long naturally is will _____. 25. This dog is highly trainable due to being highly ___________.
18. This breed gained worldwide attention as a ______ dog. 19. This breed needs regular daily ____________. 20. The name Poodle comes from the German word ____________. 22. In Europe, the Poodle is famed as a _______ dog.
____________. 5. The Truffle is an edible __________ considered to be
November Pawzzle Answers
a delicacy. 6. The Poodle has long been known as the National dog of what country? 8. Due to their remarkable sense of smell they are used for hunting ____________. 9. The Poodle coat is supposed to be ____________. 11. How many varieties are within the Poodle breed? 12. Pudel means to _____________ in water. 15. This breed can be prone to _______________ issues. 17. This breed does not _________.
www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - December 2014
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Pet Hospice Services
Pet Services Directory Adoption/Rescue St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue 314-381-2010
Pet Food Holistic Select
www.holisticselect.com
www.stlbulldogrescue.org St. Louis Bulldog Rescue, Inc. is a Federal Tax Exempt 501c3 organization that is an all volunteer group of bulldog lovers whose mission is to re-home bulldogs who are surrendered by their owners or find themselves otherwise without homes, landing in animal shelters or wandering the streets as strays.
For over 10 years, Holistic Select® has been creating natural, healthy pet food recipes for dogs and cats. We believe strongly that total body health begins with digestive health for everyone in the family, including pets. Your pet will look and feel healthy from the inside out – from head to tail. Exclusively Sold at Independent Pet Stores. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Or Your Money Back.
Apartment
Earthborn Holistic
GEM Property Management, LLC 3890 S. Lindbergh Blvd, Suite 250 Sunset Hills, Missouri
www.gempm.com GEM Property Management, LLC, manages seven apartment complexes in the greater St. Louis area. Each one is pet friendly, and six have dog parks next to the complexes. Please visit the website for complete details.
Pet Food, Supplies, Grooming Treats Unleashed
www.treats-unleashed. com Treats Unleashed is a holistic pet specialty store with an in-store bakery. Treats has five St. Louis locations. Each one offers a full line of holistic pet foods and treats. The stores also offer a full-line of pet products — toys, beds, collars, leashes, etc. Some locations offer a self-serve bath area and/ or grooming services.
www.earthborn
holisticpetfood.com Earthborn Holistic® offers a wholesome approach to nutrition with high-quality ingredients that nourish the whole pet, dogs and cats. Every holistic pet food formula is designed to offer balanced nutrients that support your pet’s overall health and physical well-being. Natural Food for Pets.100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Or Your Money Back.
Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services
1631 W. 5th St. Eureka, MO 636-587-8880 www.lovingheartspet.com Loving Hearts was started by two families to provide the highest level of pet cremation services possible. The owners bring over 100 years of assisting grieving pet owners. We are committed to treating each pet as if it were one of our own. In your time of need, we will be there for you.
Pet Waste Mgmt & Products
Yucko’s
Pet Friendly Car Dealership
Lou Fusz Subaru of Creve Couer
10329 Old Olive Street Rd St. Louis, MO 314-994-1500 www.subaru.fusz.com
At Lou Fusz Subaru - St Louis, it’s not just about buying a car. It’s about finding the right car for YOU. That means, we take the time to get to know you — your aesthetic preferences, your hobbies, your driving habits and your pets! Come visit our pet friendly dealership and dog park!
Showcase Your Company in the MetroPet Magazine Directory Listing! Your company can be in 12 print issues and online for a full year for about $2/day! Call Nancy 314-650-7959 or 913-548-1433 34
Pet Cremation Services
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - December 2014
www.yuckos.com
Weekly - Every Other Week - Once A Month One Times Or Just Because..!
314-291-POOP (7667) Service
Free Estimates - No Contracts - Fully Insured Dogipot Products - Pet Stations - Litter Bags Fake Fire Hydrants And More...!
314-770-1500 Sales
Are The First Responders In Your Area Equipped With Pet Oxygen Recovery Masks?
www.PetOxygenMask.com
Veterinarians
Animal Medical Center of Wentzville 1120 W. Pearce Blvd Wentzville, MO • 636-332-4411
www.animalmedicalcenterofwentzville.com We provide friendly, honest, compassionate care for your family pet! Service include vaccine packages and parasite prevention, routine surgery, dental care; advanced surgery; full service grooming and much more. Call us or come see us to meet our incredible team.
314-291-3647 happytailsinc.com
OPEN A D •E D ll
Ay EvEN
vEry Ay HOliDAys
Including Christmas & New Years
• Dog Boarding • Dog Day Care • Dog Grooming • Pet Training
24/7 365 • Open 24 hours a day, 7
days a week, and 365 days a year — EVEN Holidays!
• Pick-up and drop-off on
Christmas and New Years Days
Board One or More Night(s) in December
FREE
One Day of FREE Daycare in January
New Guests ONLY. One coupon per dog. Coupon must be presented.
314-291-3647 • 2920 N Lindbergh Blvd • St Louis, MO 63074