September 2014
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Articles 5 Keeping Your Back-to-School Cool 8 Remember Pets with Busy Schedules 10 Picking A New Dog
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12 Only the Nose Knows for Sure 14 Pet Photo Booth 15 Surgical Options for Your Pet 18
18 Bassets Abound! 22 Keeping Your Pet Safe this Summer 24 Breed of the Month 26 Pawzzle
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28 What Would Your Pet Do? 30 Newshound September 2014 32 Adventures of Chip 34 What Happens to My Pet if....?
Dear Readers: First of all – THANK YOU to all the fans who liked the MetroPet magazine Facebook page and voted on their favorite rescue group(s). We are pleased to feature the first place winner Guardian Angels Basset Rescue in this issue, see the article beginning on page 18. The second place winner: Huntington’s Disease Society of America will be featured in the October issue. All of the groups nominated for this contest are listed on page 21. If you are looking for a new family member, please consider adoption and contact one of these groups. Each of these groups are looking for foster families and financial support. There are some great article in this issue including the “What happens to my pet if?” There is no doubt we love our pets, but what if something happens to us? Have you made arrangements? Take Action and BE Prepared. Write down your wishes on a note card and put the card in a safe place, see the article on page 34. It is Back-to-School and a change of routine can be upsetting to family pets. The article on page 5 provides tips to help you through the process. And, don’t forget to keep your pets safe from the many pests in our yard, see the article on page 22. 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
Are you thinking of adding a pet to your family? Take just a minute and read the article on page 10. While there are hundreds of pets waiting for adoption, please make sure you bring home the best fit for your family. Does your pet need surgery? What do you know about the process? Please take a minute to educate yourself by reading the article beginning on page 15, your knowledge will help you take better care of your pet. Fall will be here soon and there are some great outside pet events! Check out the Tails for Trails on September 7, the Bully Meetup at Treats Unleashed on September 20, and the Six-Legged Fun Day walk on October 5. Lastly, don’t miss the latest chapter in Chip’s Adventure, check out the know the breed, and the Pawzlle. Have a great Fall!
Barbara
P.S. Don’t forget to tell our advertisers “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine!” They won’t know you saw the ad, unless you tell them. Thanks for reading MetroPet magazine.
Advertising Sales Ad Sales: 913.548.1433 Deals of the Week deals@metropetmag.com Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313
Contributing Authors Jane Campbell Mike Deathe Diane Engeszer Pat Hennessy Susan Hurt, MD Pawlean Journe Suzeanne Law Heddie Leger Nancy Soucek Erin Quigley, DVM
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.
Keeping Your Back-to-School COOL
by Suezanne Law
As summertime and its freewheeling splendor gives way to the cool orderliness of fall, and our natural nesting instincts pull us into patterns of sheltering and taking care, the rigors and routines of back-to-school fall into place as leaves settling onto pavement. Dick and Jane skip off to school and Spot waits patiently, loyally, by the door for their hop-scotch return. It’s an idyllic picture. It is nothing at all like what happens at my house. At my house, the first day of school swoops down like an end-of-season tornado, leaving us all disheveled and quite breathless. First there’s the shopping: for school supplies, school clothes, school shoes; then the scheduling: of work around carpool, homework around activities, sleep around life; and finally, the ubiquitous “three-weeks-ago-my-teacher-told-me-I-had-to-havethis-tomorrow-or-I-will-flunk” frenzies. Before I know it, it’s Christmas, my husband no longer recognizes me or our children, and I have forgotten that I even have a dog. Oh, yeah! The dog!
Spot On Scheduling time for the dog may seem like the least of a busy family’s worries when the school bell begins to ring, but schedule-change anxiety, coupled with the boredom that comes with suddenly spending long stretches of time alone can negatively impact Spot’s behavior. You see, behavior is not static: even behaviors that have been taught and reinforced during, say, those eight weeks of www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
puppy school you attended together five years ago will go away if they are not actively maintained. You’ve heard the saying “Use it or lose it”? When it comes to dogs, it is oh-so-very true. But how — how? — you ask, can I possibly cram another thirty-minute block of time into my already 27-hour day so that Spot continues to think his name is Good-boy and not Bad-dog? You can’t. And the good news is you don’t have to.
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Sesame Street, Not 60-Minutes Dog training need not be an endurance sport. Neither must it be carried out with military precision and to the steady tattoo of a drum-and-bugle corps. Rather, like muppets singing about happy cooperation — and not Andy Rooney’s curmudgeonly exhortations of duty — living well with dogs is about symbiosis: a mutually beneficial relationship between two dissimilar organisms. And the key word here is relationship. For, in every interaction that you have with your dog, he is learning something from you: either what you expect or what he can get away with. Every interaction: from the moment he nudges you awake, through the rush of walking and breakfast and saying good-bye, returning and dinner and saying goodnight; and each of those interactions, each of those moments is an opportunity to build the relationship you want. It only takes a moment here, a moment there; sound-bites of training strung together throughout the day to form a coherent message: I deserve respect; I will respect you, too.
can get by. So here’s an inch-by-inch training schedule that fits into the busiest of lives and focuses on the most important interactions we have with our dogs to make living well together a cinch. 6:00 am: Ask Spot to sit by the back door while you unlock and open the door. Reinforce his good behavior by giving him access to his outside potty-area. 6:15 am: Provide Spot with a comfy mat on which to practice a downstay while you prepare his breakfast. Reinforce his impulse-control by putting his food bowl within his reach and releasing him to eat. 6:30 am: Cue Spot to wait in the kitchen while you head to the front door to retrieve your shoes and his leash. Reinforce his patience by calling him to you, clipping the leash to his collar, and taking him for a walk. On
Inch by Inch Life is a Cinch As a wise woman once told me, taken by the yard, life is hard, but in small increments, we
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the walk, practice sits and downs at every corner, and throw in some eye-contact just for fun. And remember: if the leash is tight, stop walking! Only move forward again to reinforce him for coming back to your side. 7:15 am: Practice your kennel-up cue (or “go to your bed”) as you complete your preparations to leave for school and work. Provide Spot with a long-term chew like a hollow toy stuffed with goodies or a marrowbone to reinforce his compliance. 12:00 pm: Work on appropriate greetings (four-on-the-floor or sit) when you come home to give Spot a mid-day break. Reinforce his polite behavior with a short walk or playtime before heading back out to finish your workday. 5:30 pm: Greet your dog again, but this time, throw in a high-five or shake to celebrate the end of a long day. Then, ask him to sit-stay in the living room while you head to the back door, prop it open, and disappear outside. Reinforce his trust in you by calling him out for a potty break and pre-dinner romp. 6:00 pm: Practice a settle with your dog while you prepare dinner — both his and yours. Time in your company, along with tidbits of healthy food will make this long, relaxed down-stay even more fun.
6:30 pm: Ask Spot to wait while you set his food on the floor before him. Reinforce his tolerance by adding a tasty treat to the bowl as you release him to eat. 7:00 pm: Take your dog to watch your kids play in the big game, and practice polite greetings with everyone you meet. Reinforce calm sitting with access to the people
from whom Spot craves attention. Remember to practice leave-it anytime your dog becomes too interested in the excitement on the field. Make his self-control pay off by providing him with some sidelines fun in the form of a quick game of fetch or tug. 10:00 pm: Time to wind down! Cue one more settle and indulge
TRAINING TIPS • Create a schedule that works for you, your family and your pets. • Communicate with your pet – both with words and actions. • Give your pet options – if he can’t sit on your couch, where can he sit? • Give your pet lots of attention and affection. • Give your pet plenty of exercise – ask your vet for guidance if you have a question about the correct amount of exercise. • Find treats that your pet likes – every dog has different taste buds, just like people! • Have realistic expectations. • Reinforcement pays off – make sure you send the positive messages about what you expect of your pet. • Check the label on your food. Make sure it is the best quality you can afford. • Be consistent!!! www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
yourself (and your dog) in a little canine-cuddle-and-massage while you read or watch the news. Breathe in the scent of happy dog and allow yourself a contented smile: the fourlegged apple of your eye is just the prize for his Teacher. Sueaanne M. Thibodeau is a Certified Humane Education Specialist and accredited dog trainer. Using an interspecies approach to family counseling, she specializes in training and behavior modification for dogs and the people who love them.
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Remember Pets Amid Busy Schedules & HOT Temperatures Humane Society of Missouri offers tips to keep pets safe during hot weather. In the rush of back-to-school and new routines, pet safety still remains a priority. Pets should never be left in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. A heat indices of 100º and a high temperature, can be deadly for pets left without a cool, shady place to rest and plenty of water. • Never leave a pet unattended in a parked car when the temperature is more than 70º. When it’s 72º outside, a car’s temperature can rocket to 116º, even with the windows cracked. When it is 85º outside, the temperature inside a car can soar to 120º in minutes. Leaving a pet in a hot, unattended car is inhumane, illegal and can cause severe injury or even death within minutes. • Act immediately if you see a distressed animal in an unattended car. Call the local police and the Humane Society of Missouri ANIMAL CRUELTY HOTLINE 314-647-4400. A pet showing signs of distress such as heavy panting, unresponsive behavior, seizure or collapse needs IMMEDIATE attention. • Make certain outdoor pets have access to fresh, clean water at all times. Secure plastic water bowls, never metal, to the ground so your pet can’t accidentally tip them over. Dig a small round hole and place the water bowls inside. • Ensure that your pet has access to shade at all times of the day. Your dog might be in the shade
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when you leave for work, but the sunlight moves throughout the day. Don’t allow your pet to be stranded in the scorching sun. • I f you run or jog with your dog, take frequent water breaks for yourself and your dog. Remember that asphalt and concrete get hot quickly. You have rubber soles on your feet — your dog does not. On hot days, leave your dog at home. • D o not bicycle or rollerblade with a pet. Heat stroke and possible death can occur very quickly, particularly in hot weather. • W hen the weather is dangerously hot, keep pets inside. • I f your pet shows signs of heat exhaustion (excessive panting, vomiting, lethargic behavior), immediately apply cold water to your pet’s extremities. See your veterinarian promptly! • During warm weather, fleas, ticks and mosquitoes are prevalent. Make sure your pet is protected. It is important to have your pet tested by a veterinarian for heartworm disease (a mosquito-transmitted, often fatal disease) and use heartworm prevention medication.
Picking a New Dog
I got a text from a friend describing four dogs:
A Beagle mix A Dalmatian mix A Boxer mix A Shepherd Mix
And a simple question, “As a trainer, which one would you pick?” I understand what and why she was texting me. She wants to make sure she is getting the right dog for her family. Which, by the way, is a combined family of six kids and two adults with one dog already, a little male Shih Tzu. As we texted back and forth, I decided to start taking notes, thinking this information would be great for an article, and, well, here it is. In most cases shelters give the best educated guess as to the breed of the dog, but in the end it is just that, a guess, and many times they are not that accurate in guessing the breed. Let’s face it, in some cases mutts are so much a mutt that breed characteristics don’t really even show up. However, that being said: • Beagles can be barkers and love to sniff so they get a rap for not paying attention, • Dalmatians can be quirky dogs (lots of white dogs are) genetic recessive to get white coloration, but others can be sweet as can be, • Boxers can have insane energy and be a little over the top, 10
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by Mike Deathe
•A nd, yes, shepherds are bred to be guard dogs (she asked if GSDs can be aggressive) but like I told her this breed gets miss categorized a lot and again some GSDs are wonderfully loving.
This doesn’t even begin to discuss the characteristics of the other breeds in the mix you cannot see outwardly. And that is the problem with guessing at the breed (the shelters have to do it), but in many cases it just muddles people’s thoughts with pre-conceived notions of the dog that may or may not be true.
Specific suggestions I gave her:
• I recommended that she see each dog eat out of a bowl and watch someone interact with the dog. This is really important especially if there are six kids in the family! • I suggested taking their dog with them to see if the dogs got along. • Play with the dog’s feet, face, teeth and tail; these are typical hot spots that some dogs do not like being touched. Again, we want to know this up front with six kids at home. • Take some toys, or ask for toys to play with the dog. See how the dog plays, how the dog does reacts to toys and games. Watch how the game starts and ends. • Take the kids and allow them to play and run around. Are there any issues with chasing or getting out of control? I also suggested that the visit with the kids occur after the all of the other suggested ideas had been tested. I suggested the
following day. I really believe that allowing yourself several days to pick your new dog is important and eliminates the snap decisions. Last thing I suggested is somewhat controversial. Ask for and insist on a weekend test drive with the dog. Most shelters are not going to like the idea, but they should understand that it is in everyone’s of best interests to get a great fit so that there are no returns. With kids and dogs at home there is no way to know via a half-hour visit in the shelter how the dog is going to settle in at your home. I tell my clients to offer to pay the fee but to let the shelter know up front that you will call them on Monday and make your final decision. Good and reputable shelters should actually respect you for being an advocate, not only for your family, but for the dog as well. I also offered to go and observe the dog with the kids and dog and give my opinion. Many trainers offer this service, and it is rarely taken advantage of. Which is really frustrating to me and other trainers because we can be impartial in helping pick a dog that fits your family and lifestyle.
Mike Deathe is an avid pet lover who found his passion as a dog trainer. Since 2008 he has trained hundreds of pet parents on how to live with their companion animals. He writes the Keep It Simple Stupid dog blog (K.I.S.S). Deathe authored The Dog Owners Book of Pee and Poop, Five Steps to the Perfect Pet, Forever Home: Dog Training 101 and How to be a Better Shelter Volunteer and How to Make Your Dog Come Without Being a Butthead. Follow Deathe’s blog at @ http://muttzmembers.blogspot.com/ or the website @ www.kissdogtraining.com.
The last tip I gave, was to keep in mind the reason that most dogs are in a shelter is problem behaviors, and you might have to look hard to these issues. But, better to do your homework up front, and not later. Also, there is no coincidence that most dogs in shelters fall in the age range of six months to two years old. It is the juvenile developmental period and that in itself is tough to handle. So expect there to be some challenges. Be ready to set rules and routines, and warn everyone there is hard work on the horizon! But, if done right, the opportunity is there to have a new wonderful family member for years to come. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
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Only the
NOSE
Knows for Sure by Pat Hennessy
The autumn weather will soon be upon us; the hot summer days are a fading memory. Taking your dog to the lake (or the park) for a swim is no longer an option. You could certainly consider an indoor class like agility if you want something active, or Doga (doggie yoga) if you want to something less aerobic. But if you still want to enjoy nature and you are not ready to give up being outside, there is a sport that is calling your name. Your dog would be more than happy to sign you up. In fact, if you put her on leash and follow her, she will take you to it.
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There are a couple of sports that utilize your dog’s natural abilities and the only way you get to play is to give your dog a hint. The more common one is Tracking. A newer, less familiar sport is Canine Scent Work. Tracking is a team effort between a dog and her person (handler), to follow a scent trail (track), and find a missing item (article). Canine Scent Work is also a team effort between a dog and her person, to locate a specific scent hidden in a natural environment and disguised among many other odors in the surroundings.
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - September 2014
You can participate in these activities for fun or for sport. If you have a dog that is really shy or doesn’t play well with others then Tracking or Canine Scent Work would be good choices because they are non-competitive, meaning the dog/handler team works on their own for a judgment, not against other teams. You won’t be encountering problem situations and you will still be getting your dog out for some fun and stimulation. These events are also ideal for dogs (and people) that don’t do well under the physical pressures of other sports.
The sport of Tracking has 3 stages that vary in difficulty as you move through them. It starts with a simple track of 440-500 yards (on a vegetative surface, such as an open field), with 3-5 turns, is between 30 minutes and 2 hours old, and ends with an article to be found. You progress with more obstacles (such as a ditch, tree line, or road to cross), more turns, longer time limits, and several articles including one at the end. The final test of Tracking is on variable surfaces (i.e. blacktop, concrete, rocks, mulch, etc., and limited vegetation), has multiple turns, the same length of aging as the second level, and multiple articles including the one at the end of the track. It more closely resembles what you might see with search and rescue missions, presenting more challenges, but certainly showcasing the talent of your dog.
Tracking is an intense activity for your dog, taking information in through the nose and processing it through the brain. It is important to carry water with you and offer it to your dog periodically to help keep the membranes in the nasal passages hydrated. It is also essential to monitor your dog’s health for the ability to walk distance, duration, and surface challenges. You can see why this is not a summer sport. If the heat didn’t do you in, the mosquitoes and ticks would certainly be a deterrent. But come fall, what better way to watch the season change than to be out in it. And don’t give up in winter; don’t let the cold stop you. Put on your boots and a few layers and get on out there. Then when it snows, look out. Nothing is more fun than following a track in fresh snow.
To track you only need a few things to get started: a 20-40 foot line, a harness for your dog, and a few flags to mark your track. Grab a bandana (or piece of fabric) to place at the beginning, a glove to place at the end, find an open grassy area or a field, and get out there and start enjoying nature. If you ever wanted a friend (or your spouse) to go for a walk with you and you couldn’t get a willing participant, ask your dog. Not only will she jump at the opportunity, she will lead the way.
Canine Scent Work is a fairly new sport, and was started in California by a trio of trainers that had been involved in scent detection work. Since “scenting” is a natural instinct for dogs, enjoyed by dogs, and is stimulating for them, these trainers thought, “Why not offer classes for people to do this with their companion animals?”
It is easy to train and work with your dog independently, but once you get going it is more fun (and to your advantage) if you could partner with another (dog/handler) team. You can reciprocate by laying tracks for each other. It creates a better learning environment for you to “read” (or interpret) your dog as she is working, when you don’t know where the track or scent objects are placed. It allows your dog an opportunity to follow a human trail other than your own. It also provides you practice at laying tracks while improving your observation skills and helping you understand the overall process. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
Canine Scent Work (or Nose Work), also does not require much equipment: a harness and leash, essential oils, cotton swabs and small containers to use for target placement of the scent. You can start training by using toys in your own backyard to determine your dog’s interest and willingness to play “hide and seek”. Like Tracking, Canine Scent Work, has levels of difficulty when you get into it for sport. It starts out with one scent, four scenarios (boxes, building interior, building exterior 13
and vehicles), with a maximum time limit per scenario. The next stage includes two scents, distractions, and the locations are broader and scenarios more complex. The final level requires three possible scents, larger square footage, more vehicles and more complex scenarios (i.e. possible decoy set up). For more information about Canine Scent Work visit: www.nacsw.net.
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The stimulus factor and the bonding time with your canine companion are invaluable with activities like these. There is truly no feeling like the one you get from following your dog when she is on track or on scent, and having her find the article or object. You just beam with pride as if your child had won an Olympic gold medal. And what is even more amazing is how your dog performs. It is not only wonderful that our dogs are so loyal and devoted to us, but what talent they have to find something as obscure as an article in the middle of a field
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or as microscopic as a few cancer cells in a lymph node. What better way to celebrate the partnership between you and your canine companion, than doing something that comes natural to them and having fun at the same time. Happy trails make happy tails (happy tales indeed). 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 Level 2 TTouch® practitioner, CPDT, ACDBC, and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@n2paws.com, phone 816-522-7005, or visit the website www. n2paws.com.
Henry Rule the world. Start with coffee.
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We love MetroPet. Thank you for all the interesting articles and information. Our west, Bo Gator celebrating his 7th birthday. We are all big cardinals fans. — Betty
Surgical Options for Your
The well-being of your pet is important when undergoing anesthesia for any procedure. Although there is some risk to your pet regardless of age or complexity of the surgery, your veterinarian can use many tools to keep your pet safe. Prior to anesthesia, the doctor can review health history that may include information such as allergies, reactions to medications, or illness’ that will aid in making decisions regarding the safest drugs to choose for your pet. A physical exam will also be performed prior to the procedure to assess your pet’s current condition and eliminate any surprises that could affect the surgery. Other options your veterinarian may require or offer I will discuss below to help you make a well-informed decision for your pet.
Presurgical/Preanesthetic bloodwork —
Doctors use blood analysis to assess the unseen processes that are going on inside your pet. For example you can look at a pet or a person and tell if they are anemic or if their organs are functioning properly. Your veterinarian needs to know if your pet is healthy enough for surgery and there are times that your pet may not be showing any external signs to indicate disease or if he or she is healthy enough to undergo surgery or process the anesthetic drugs. Blood screening would include: A complete blood count (CBC) is used to rule out blood-related conditions such as anemia, clotting problems, or inability to fight infection. It is very important to have a normal red blood cell count and the ability to clot when getting any surgical procedure in order to minimize blood loss. A healthy immune system is also important to eliminate risk of post op infection. Chemistry test to evaluate kidney and liver function which are organs that need to function optimally in order to process anesthetic drugs. Chemistry tests can also screen for other conditions such as diabetes that could be a hiding and that would need to be under www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
Pet by Erin Quigley, DVM
control before any elective procedure should take place. Electrolyte test to ensure your pet is not dehydrated or suffering from an electrolyte imbalance. If dehydration is present this could be corrected within the time prior to the start of surgery. Your pet’s doctor may perform a test that includes a few critical values or may include all of the above tests depending on your pet’s age, health history, or risk of surgery. Your veterinarian’s goal is to greatly minimize risk of surgery and make the best plan to keep your pet safe, and bloodwork plays a huge role in giving critical information regarding safety and can give much reassurance to your doctor and you regarding your pets health. Laser surgery — A surgical Laser is an advanced cutting tool that has been available in veterinary medicine for approximately 10 years. It is a device that uses a powerful and concentrated beam of light to incise skin and make surgical cuts in substitute of a surgical blade. It has been shown to greatly minimize bleeding and inflammation at the surgery site. This not only makes the surgical procedure a simpler one, but it usually minimizes surgical time and anesthetic required for your pet. The recovery for your pet is 15
vastly improved particularly in surgeries such as mass removals and feline declaws versus the traditional scalpel. Why? Less pain due to greatly reduced inflammation of tissue, this helps your pet return to his/her normal routine quicker. Less inflammation also helps to decrease irritation, which may eliminate your pet licking or chewing at the incision that usually leads to infection. Many veterinary clinics utilize this technology. Many will not give an option regarding usage for example in feline declaws because of the vast benefits. For other procedures they may offer it as an elective for usually a minimal fee. Post op pain medications — Pain meds after a surgical procedure sounds like a no brainer. But only in the last 15 -20 years has veterinary medicine acknowledged that animals suffer pain as humans do. Instinctually dogs and cats do a very good job at hiding their pain. But just because they hide their pain, does not mean they do not feel it. They have a very similar nervous system and pain receptors as humans. It is easy to forget that a dog who had a ‘spay’, which is an ovariohysterectomy (yes a procedure that women have) would desire pain medication after the procedure just as we would. Your veterinarian will include a pain injection with their surgical cost so that your pet recovers from surgery that day with little to no discomfort. What you may be offered for your pet is pain medicine for the few days following the procedure which is usually sufficient and comes at a minimal cost. Your veterinarian will prescribe pet specific pain medicine dosed safely for your pet’s size. Pain medication in animals is vastly different from human medications and even varies between dogs and cats. They are much more sensitive to anti-inflammatory drugs, but you can trust your veterinarian to make the right decision regarding your pet’s pain free recovery. There are a couple more options you may be asked when dropping off your pet for their surgical procedure that have more to do with safety then the actual procedure itself. Microchip — Microchips are identification implants about the size of a grain of rice that are used to help reunite a pet to their family when he/she has been lost. They are offered 16
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many times at the time of a puppy or kitten’s spay/neuter procedure. Although they can be given at any time of life, they are offered at this stage for convenience and so the growing pet can be asleep at the time of injection due to the large bore needle. Know that dogs and cats handle this simple procedure very well even when awake, but the option is there for you to choose the time of their elective procedure. E-Collar/Cone — Elizabethan Collars or commonly known as the cone of shame, may look silly but they come in handy at preventing your pet from causing infection to their incision or even worse chewing their incision open. Many clients are reluctant to put their pet through the humiliation but it will give peace of mind when it comes to opening up an incision and having to go to the emergency clinic at 2 am on a weekend. Most serious is abdominal incisions such as from a spay, could open up and cause the abdominal organs to herniate through. This is something no one wants to go through. My intention isn’t to scare you, just to inform you of the risks. At minimum I would recommend an E-Collar to be purchased and used at least when you cannot directly supervise your pet such as when you are asleep or not at home. Your veterinary staff can properly fit your pet with the right sized cone before leaving the hospital the day of the surgery. Other services that many veterinarians include in your pet’s surgery are: Constant surgical monitoring by a trained surgical nurse/technician — Your pet’s nurse will constantly monitor your pets breathing, heart rate, depth of anesthesia, blood perfusion, and hydration. Electronic monitoring — There are instruments your veterinarian may have to aid the surgical nurse in monitoring heart rate and rhythm, oxygenation, and blood pressure. IV catheterization — Your veterinary surgical team has venous access to your pet to administer anesthetic drugs or emergency drugs if needed for change in heart rate and fluids for maintenance of proper blood pressure. Intubation — This is a tube that is placed down your pet’s trachea that allows gas anesthetic to keep your pet
asleep during the procedure. It also supplies oxygen to your pet and can help the surgical nurse control the proper respiratory rate (breathing). In an emergency (if your pet would stop breathing) it is critical to have the breathing tube placed to maintain breathing and administer emergency drugs. Sterile surgical instruments/Antibiotic injection — sterile procedures are performed to prevent infection from surgery. Recovery — Even after the procedure is performed your pet is monitored to make sure they are recovering properly. Breathing, heart rate, temperature and comfort are all important factors and much care is given to your pet so all goes well before they go home. As you can see a spay is not just a spay and a neuter is not just a neuter. Much training, planning and care go into making sure you pet has the safest, pain free, successful procedure so he or she can get back to their happy home. Next time you have to make the decision in choosing to have a surgery performed on your pet, know that your veterinarian has the tools to keep your pet safe and now you have the knowledge to help them to do so. 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 - September 2014
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Bassets Abound! by Susan Hurt, MD
Ahrooo! The Bassets are coming! Best known to the general public as “The Hushpuppy Dog,” Basset Hounds evoke very different
Shakespeare says it best of course: “My hounds are bred out of the Spartan kind, So flewed, so sanded, and their heads are hung With ears that sweep away the morning dew, Crook-kneed, and dewlapped like Thessalian bulls, Slow in pursuit, but matched in mouth like bells, Each under each. A cry more tunable Was never hollaed to, nor cheered with horn, In Crete, in Sparta, nor in Thessaly.” Judge when you hear.
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images to their fond owners: clever counter cruisers, snoring speed bumps, howling ear trippers. Perhaps most of all, they are valued as affectionate couch buddies, always ready to watch a movie and share a bag of popcorn - with plenty of breaks for belly rubs! No matter how much you already know about these lovable hound dogs, your ability to find out more is now easier than ever! The Midwest’s largest single breed dog rescue organization, Guardian Angel Basset Rescue, is now very active in St. Louis and Southern Illinois. Basset advocates eagerly share the virtues of this long-eared, bigpawed, wrinkly breed. Is the Basset a distinguished gentleman or a goofy clown? A lazy loafer or a crazed bunny chaser? It is hard to know for sure, but Basset owners must respect their pets’ unique temperament along with their physical strengths and limitations.
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - September 2014
Basset Beginnings Basset hounds originate from from France, where the word “basset” means “low to the ground.” Medieval French monks bred them in order to hunt rabbits and other small game on foot. This is the reason that you do not see Basset Hounds in the ever-popular English hunting scenes of the 18th and 19th century: such paintings portray people on horseback. Basset Hounds are in fact dwarfed Bloodhounds, slow moving creatures that humans may easily accompany across the field - just follow the white-tipped tails! The Bassets’ adorable short, thick set legs and huge paws permit them to keep their large noses close to the ground for extended periods of time. Unlike their longer legged counterparts, the Basset’s neck muscles aren’t strained beyond endurance and the breed makes an excellent “slow trailer.” Other physical features that help
Bassets hunt are their generous wrinkles. These folds of skin concentrate scent toward the nose, as do their long, rich velvety ears. To top it off, a deep-throated, melodious howl alerts persons far and wide when a rascally bunny scent is detected.
Being Basset Knowing the reasons that Bassets were bred helps their owners understand and love them all the more. Today, Bassets are seldom used for hunting, but they make wonderfully affectionate and loyal pets at home. Let’s examine the laments of one particular individual who shares her life with Basset Hound Rosebud and try to ease her frustrations. 1) “Rosebud won’t do tricks!” Yes, Bassets are stubborn, and while they may learn the sit and stay commands, they will come in their own time, if they feel like it. Rosebud’s world is a world of smell, and your verbal commands are not a huge priority. 2) “Rosebud doesn’t stay in the yard!” No, and she won’t. When Rosebud detects an interesting smell, she will follow it, and don’t count on an invisible fence to contain her. Rosebud is ALL NOSE.
In summary, the Basset affords you big dog personality in a compact package, loyal companionship, and plenty of time to relax. What’s not to love?
Guardian Angel Basset Rescue Listen! Do you hear hound dogs howling? Why, yes you do — it’s Basset Hounds all over St. Louis and Southern Illinois celebrating their favorite organization, Guardian Angel Basset Rescue! Founded 17 years ago in Dwight, IL, GABR today operates in Illinois, Indiana, and St. Louis. It is the largest single breed rescue in the midwest with over 4500 hounds saved. Of special note, GABR has spent over $1 million on vet bills and has never had an overdue balance at any of its many vet clinics. It is a 501(c)3 organization approved by the Basset Hound Club of America. In addition, GuideStar Exchange lists GABR as a Gold Participant, the highest level of fiscal responsibility obtainable. Now that is something to howl about!
3) “Rosebud is lazy.” Bassets are extremely muscular and must carry their dense body mass on a dwarfed frame. They are terrible swimmers. When fatigued on a walk, they often lie down abruptly and refuse to move: the dreaded FLAT BASSET! 4) “Rosebud howls.” Bassets are supposed to howl when they scent their prey, and it is a beautiful, melodious sound. 5) “Rosebud drools and sheds.” That’s called character. And the virtues of the Basset Hound? Well, just look at them! They are adorable with their substantial knobby heads, luscious long ears, sad eyes, and huge wrinkly paws! In addition, they exude affection to adults and children alike. When you are in the mood for a snooze, they are champion nappers. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
GABR Bassets receive truly comprehensive vet care. In the St. Louis area, almost all Bassets are vetted through Creve Coeur Animal Hospital. Here they receive a general exam supervised by GABR Foster Home Coordinator Susan Hurt, MD. All dogs are spayed or neutered. They receive rabies, bordatella, and distemper/ parvo vaccines. Fecal, urine, and heart worm tests are provided; Bassets are treated for heart worm if necessary in the foster home. Flea treatment and heart worm preventative are administered. Dental cleanings are not unusual. 19
Don Hunt transports GABR Bassets throughout the Midwest in the GABR van. To date he has traversed 10 states (over 11,000 miles this year) to rescue Bassets and deliver them to their forever homes. Don serves as a foster home for GABR as well. He dedicates his vacation days from work to help the hounds he loves. Don Hunt, GABR Foster Home, GABR Transporter Following intake, Bassets are assigned to one of eight foster homes in the St. Louis area. The foster home system is indeed the key to GABR’s success. Since GABR does not run a shelter facility, every hound receives carefully supervised assessment in a home environment. The resources provided to foster homes are generous: the family provides a high quality dog food, and the Rescue pays for everything else, including crate, vet care, medications, grooming, and temporary boarding. Bassets transition from foster homes to their forever families only after GABR adoption coordinators have rigorously screened applicants and carefully matched qualifying adopters to the right hound. Transporters are another key element in GABR rescue. In St. Louis, Don Hunt generally drives the big yellow GABR van. He is part of a network of volunteers who Foster Homes are critical to the success of Guardian Angel Basset Rescue. Pictured here is Diesel with Foster Home Coordinator Susan Hurt, MD. Diesel was rescued early in life with evidence of abuse through another local organization. After a few happy years, his owner became very ill and unable to care for him. Diesel was accepted into a Guardian Angel Basset Rescue Foster home. He was successfully adopted after a couple weeks. He now has four GABR adopted basset brothers and sisters to play with! 20
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work with a transport coordinator. Together, they are responsible for Basset movements throughout the midwest.
Basset Celebrations Breed rescues love to party, and Basset owners are no exception! Every April in Morris, Illinois, Guardian Angel Basset Rescue hosts an outstanding Auction. It is professionally managed by Illinois Charity Auctions and attended by small charity groups around the country who wish to emulate GABR’s success. Guardian Angel enthusiastically welcomes newcomers to this unique and entertaining event!
September is the month of the famous Illinois Bash and Waddle! This year it is held Sept 20-21 in the beautiful gated grounds of GABR Memorial Park in Dwight, IL. Nearly 1,000 Bassets roam free in a picnic/party atmosphere with vendors, Basset games, and the famous Dollar Raffle on Saturday. On Sunday, Bassets lead the Dwight Harvest Day Parade. The streets of the small town are lined solid with local citizens, including innumerable small children with outstretched arms cheering on the Waddling Bassets. It is truly a unique spectacle guaranteed to make you laugh or cry — or both — and certainly one you will never forget! Here in St. Louis, Basset Hound events are increasing in number and popularity every year. Current activities include: • Breakfast with the Bassets at the Museum of the Dog
• GABR pictures with Santa Claus • GABR pictures with the Easter Bunny • Evening get togethers at the Forest Park Boathouse • Guest Dog of the Week at the Museum of the Dog • St. Louis Pet Expo Guardian Angel also hosts regular Basset Friends Forever (BFF) appreciation parties to honor their monthly donors. Subscriptions begin at only $10/month and help pay the Bassets’ veterinary bills.
Thank you to all the fans that voted in our recent Facebook Contest! We were pleased to announce the two winners: First Place — Guardian Angels Basset Rescue Second Place — H untington’s Disease Society of America. MetroPet would like to recognize all the groups nominated for the competition.
GABR members enthusiastically welcome interest in their organization. They are also near fanatics about their goofy, sad-eyed, clumsy hound dogs. If you wish to learn more about Basset Hounds and the people who love them, please visit www. bassetrescue.org. Here in town, St. Louis Metro Bassets is a great Facebook page to hook up with local friends and find out about hound dog events. Ahrooo! say the Bassets! That’s enough for now. Time for a bite to eat, a cuddle, and a little nap. After all, reading articles is hard work and now it’s time for a break...zzzzz
Susan Hurt is a retired physician and lieutenant commander in the US Navy. She lives in Creve Coeur with her husband Mark and Basset Hounds Winston, Saffron, Mr. Jake, and Molly! She can be reached at susanhurtbasset@icloud.com. Join us on Facebook at St. Louis Metro Bassets www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
• 4Paws 4 Rescue • Act NOW! Rescue • All New Hope Rescue • Canines in Crisis, Inc. • CAPA Animal Rescue, NE Missouri • Doggy Doodles Adoptions and Animal Rescue • Five Acres Animal Shelter • Gateway Pet Guardians • Hooties Rescue Haven • Humane Society of Missouri • Missouri Alliance for Animals • Needy Paws Rescue • Not Time to Spare Animal Rescue • Open Door Animal Sanctuary • St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue • Stray Haven Rescue • Stray Rescue of Saint Louis • Tenth Life Cat Rescue Thank you again for your support of MetroPet Magazine! Remember to Adopt — Don’t Shop! Groups are listed in alpha order.
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by Jane Campbell
Keep your Pet Safe this Summer 22
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - September 2014
For many of us pet lovers, our pets become true members of our family. It’s nice to have them around us in the summer when the weather is nice, however, summer does bring with it some safety concerns for pets. Here are some safety tips to keep Fido safe this summer. Don’t forget the leash. If you are like me, you like to have your dog off leash as much as you can. In the summer, it’s always important to have a leash on hand, even if you are in a fenced in area. Dogs are naturally curious, which can be unsafe. They can easily fall into pools (not all dogs swim well) or get too close to the grill and food. Leashing your dog when he/she is beginning to wander into areas they shouldn’t is a great way to keep them safe. Clean up. Make sure to put away outdoor supplies when they aren’t being used. The charcoal you cook with, for instance, may make your food taste great, but it can also make your pet ill if they get into it. Make sure items like charcoal, matches, sprays, and other supplies are out of your pet’s reach. Keep them out of the heat. Dogs and cats can overheat easily when the weather is hot. Make sure your pet isn’t left alone outside (or worse, in a card) when the weather is warm. Even in shade, dogs can become dehydrated and overheat. Try getting up early to walk your dog in the morning before the heat begins. Water up! Dogs and cats can become dehydrated easily. Check and fill their
water dish more frequently in the summer months. If you are taking your dog to an outdoor event, make sure there is some fresh water available or pack some with you. Groom them! Proper grooming can provide dogs and cats with some reprieve from hot weather. While you should never shave a dog or cat, animals with long hair can be trimmed, or at least brushed more often to get rid of unneeded fur. Watch out for pests. It’s great to spend time outdoors with your pets in the summer, but it is also when outdoor pests are most active. Talk to your veterinarian about how you can protect your pet from fleas, ticks, mosquitoes and the dangerous diseases they carry. At Mosquito Squad, we help protect your furry friends by reducing your yard’s pest population. If you have questions or are interested in protecting your pet please call your local Mosquito Squad at 314-569-2483.
Martha and Carson Baur are the owners of Mosquito Squad of Greater Saint Louis. Martha is a landscape designer who hated seeing her clients’ outdoor experiences ruined by annoying mosquitoes. Mosquito Squad is a perfect solution that helps families enjoy their yards to the fullest. Carson grew up in St. Louis and enjoys spending time outdoors with his family. He knows Mosquito Squad offers a much-needed service in St. Louis. As he likes to say, “Mosquito Squad is so good, our customers can grill naked!” For more details, contact them at 314-569-2483 or visit www.stlmosquitocontrol.com. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
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Meet the Breed
September Pet of the Month
Bichon Frise by Heddie Leger
The Bichon Frise has an interesting beginning. During the 13th century this breed was a descendent of the Water Spaniel. Spanish sailors traded and transported them from across the seas from continent to continent. Eventually, in the 16th century, the French favored this special breed, especially those in the French royal courts. In the 19th century it became a popular circus performer. The Bichon Frise is now primarily a companion and show dog. The Bichon Frise was first recognized by the AKC in 1972. Right Breed for You? The Bichon loves activity and requires regular daily exercise. They are very gentle, yet playful They have a very happy, cheerful personality. They love learning tricks, are intelligent and easy to train. However, they can be headstrong. The Bichon is one of those breeds that folks consider hypo-allergenic as the hair grows continually and does not shed. Please be aware that due to this fact, this breed needs frequent, extensive grooming so they do not become matted. Those with allergies are attracted to his breed. The Bichon Frise is a small, sturdy dog making them a great companion dog for all ages and lifestyles. Their outer coat generally grows to 3 to 4 inches long and is coarser and curlier than the fluffy soft undercoat. Their colors can range from solid white, to cream, gray or apricot. The preferred color for the show ring is white. They are usually clipped in what is called a puppy cut where the coat is the same length all over the body giving 24
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them a rounded appearance. Their typical size is from 9.5 inches to 11.5 inches at the shoulder. They can vary from this standard however. If you like small dogs, and don’t mind some extra grooming this dog is a good fit for any home. They love human company and can live up to 15 years or longer. Some health issues they may have include watery eyes, cataracts, skin and ear ailments, epilepsy and dislocated kneecaps. They are also prone to sensitivity to chemicals, grass, pollen, and so on. Urinary problems and bladder stones are another concern in the breed, along with, ear infections, diabetes, heart disease, and more. To avoid these problems, you need to buy your Bichon Frise from a reputable breeder and stay away from puppy mills. A reliable and responsible breeder will conduct genetic screenings and not breed any dog with these physical or health traits. Like many dogs, they can be very sensitive to flea bites. Because they are very sociable, they are happiest when in a family that takes them everywhere. Much like many of the smaller breeds, the Bichon may be a challenge to housetrain. A regular schedule works well in the learning process as they need rules to follow, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do. Please beware not to allow your
dog to develop the small dog syndrome. Always be a calm, assertive leader using kindness and requiring respect. Some dogs can develop some behaviors such as obsessive barking, guarding, separation anxiety, snapping, and even biting. These are not the typical Bichon personality or temperament traits, but are behaviors that can develop by the way any dog is treated.
Top 10 Reasons Why Your Dog’s Grooming COSTS MORE THAN YOUR HAIRCUT 10. Your hairdresser doesn’t wash and clean your rear end. 9. You don’t go for 6-8 weeks without washing or brushing your hair. 8. Your hairdresser doesn’t have to give you a sanitary trim. 7. Your hairdresser doesn’t have to clean inside your ears. 6. Your hairdresser doesn’t have to clean boogies from your eyes. 5. You sit still for your hairdresser. 4. Your haircut doesn’t include a manicure or pedicure. 3. Your hairdresser only washes and cuts the hair on your head. 2. You don’t bite or scratch your hairdresser. (I hope not anyway)
and the Number 1 reason your dog’s haircut costs more than yours: 1. The likelihood of you pooping or peeing while your hair is being cut is extremely slim! www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
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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 24. 26
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ACROSS 1. Please do not allow this breed to develop small dog ________________. 2. If not groomed regularly they will become _________________. 3. A regular ____________ works well when training this and any breed. 6. This breed is happiest when with a family/owner that takes them _______________. 8. This breed can develop separation ___________ due
13. The part of the coat that is soft and fluffy. 16. To avoid many of the health issues always look for a __________________ breeder. 18. One color the breed can come in. 19. The most popular show color for this breed. 22. They are prone to _____________ of the eye. 23. This breed is very ______________. 24. This breed has a high need for extra _______ due to their type of coat that does not shed.
to its strong desire to be with humans.
DOWN 1.
Descended from the water ____________.
4. The Bishon is primarily a ___________ dog. 5. People with allergies like this breed due to them being _________________. 7.
20. ____________________ sailors transported these dogs in the 13th century. 21. Like other smaller breeds, the Bishon can be a challenge to ________________.
This breed loves ______________ company.
9. They can also be sensitive to grass and ____________________. 10. A responsible breeder will do what kind of screenings
August Pawzzle Answers
and tests. 11. They are a small _________________ dog. 12. This is not a typical Bishon behavior. 14. Negative behaviors can develop with any dog according to how they are _________________. 15. What is the most popular trim for this breed. 17. In the 19th century they became a popular performer in the _____________.
www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
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Why is MetroPet Magazine Important? Who Is MetroPet Magazine?
MetroPet magazine was created to be a “resource for pet owners.” MetroPet magazine is a quality magazine filled with well-written articles to help pet parents have a better relationship with the pets. We want to be a resource of information about a wide variety of topics, including local pet events, shelters, getting to know the breeds, picking the right pet for your family, etc.
Who Writes the Articles?
The articles are written by experts in the pet industry. This includes trainers, veterinarians, nutritionists, and much more. Some of our writers are foster parents who have lots of experience working with pets. Some are just pet parents who want to share a great story or experience. Do you have a story to share? Please send it to editor@metropetmag.com.
What are the Topics?
Topics might include nutrition and pet food. How to train your pet. How to handle problem behaviors. How to switch to a new pet food. What about moving with your pet. And, many other topics. Do you have a question for our experts? If yes, please send your question or topic area to editor@metropetmag.com.
Why Should I Read MetroPet Magazine?
Readers tell us that MetroPet articles provide great value
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MetroPet Magazine Magazine || St. St. Louis Louis -- February September 2014 MetroPet 2014
to them. Many of our readers hold onto the printed copies for years. They share the magazine with others. Some of the articles are timeless and can be used as a reference for many years.
How Can I Help MetroPet magazine?
Readers can help in many ways, here are just a few.
1
Support our advertisers — tell them “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine” and purchase their products and services. When they purchase ads that run in MetroPet magazine, they help us pay for printing and distribution costs. Without their support, MetroPet simply would not exist.
2
Encourage other businesses to advertise with MetroPet — when you see a pet friendly business, encourage them to advertise in MetroPet magazine, or send us the information and we will contact them. We have lots of different options and will be happy to work with them to find the best option for their budget.
3
Help us grow — share the magazine with friends who have pets, tell us about upcoming pet events, tell us about new pet businesses, like us on our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ stlmetropetmag Thanks to all our loyal readers — with your help we can grow and make a difference for many other pet parents!
What Would Your Pet Do? How Many Dogs Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb?
Greyhound: It isn’t moving. Who cares?
Golden Retriever: The sun is shining, the day is young, we’ve got our whole lives ahead of us, and you’re inside worrying about a stupid burned out bulb?
Australian Shepherd: First, I’ll put all the light bulbs in a little circle...
Border Collie: Just one. And then I’ll replace any wiring that’s not up to code.
Poodle: I’ll just blow in the Border Collie’s ear and he’ll do it. By the time he finishes rewiring the house, my nails will be dry.
Dachshund: You know I can’t reach that stupid lamp! Rottweiler: Make me. Boxer: Who cares? I can still play with my squeaky toys in the dark. Lab: Oh, me, me!!!!! Pleeeeeeeeeze let me change the light bulb! Can I? Can I? Huh? Huh? Huh? Can I? Pleeeeeeeeeze, please, please, please!
How Many Cats Does it Take to Change a Light Bulb? Cats do not change light bulbs. People change light bulbs. So, the real question is: “How long will it be before I can expect some light, some dinner, and a massage?” All of which proves, once again, that while dogs have masters, cats have staff!
German Shepherd: I’ll change it as soon as I’ve led these people from the dark, check to make sure I haven’t missed any, and make just one more perimeter patrol to see that no one has tried to take advantage of the situation. Jack Russell Terrier: I’ll just pop it in while I’m bouncing off the walls and furniture. Old English Sheep Dog: Light bulb? I’m sorry, but I don’t see a light bulb! Cocker Spaniel: Why change it? I can still pee on the carpet in the dark. Chihuahua: Yo quiero Taco Bulb. Or ‘We don’t need no stinking light bulb. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
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Newshound:
September 2014
Riley and Piper
Newshound searches the area, sniffing out leads on kids living well with their pets. Here’s this month’s top story: Who: Riley Toombs, 13, and Piper, a 7-year-old Cockatiel Where: Riley reports that Cockatiels originated in Australia and are miniature Cockatoos. Piper was hatched at a breeder’s home in the United States, however. When: 6 years ago, Riley’s mom, Linda, picked out Piper for him because of the wonderful experiences she had as a child raising a Cockatiel of her own. “I’m glad that she picked him because he has been so fun to be around,” says Riley. What: Riley likes to spend time teaching Piper to talk and whistle. “He says, ‘Who’s the pretty, pretty, pretty bird?’ and ‘Piper’s pretty!’” says Riley, “and he whistles a cat-call when my mom comes into the room.” Then he grins and adds, “She taught him to do that.” Riley also enjoys letting Piper out of his cage to fly around and explore in the house a bit. Why: “Cockatiels are usually sweet birds who like to 30
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interact with their human families,” Riley says. “It’s good to give him time out of the cage as long as the dogs aren’t around.” The family keeps Piper in a large, cozy cage that they cover at night with a sheet. Sometimes he stays in Riley’s room, sometimes in the living room, and sometimes in the computer room. “We like to move him around so that he doesn’t get bored,” reports Riley. “We also like to let him look out the window to see the birds outside – as long as the sun doesn’t shine directly on him.” Cockatiels like Piper can live for 15-20 years, so his family is committed to taking good care of him. They keep his cage very clean, and they clean his mirrors, too. “Cockatiels love to look at themselves in the mirror,” Riley reports. And they hand-feed Piper because, Riley says, “Hand-fed cockatiels are usually friendlier than those who don’t have human contact early on.” And what bird wouldn’t be friendly with a family like Piper’s? How: “Cockatiels do best when they are around the company of their human family,” says Riley. And being with humans is one of the ways birds like Piper can learn to talk and whistle. But if you would like for your bird to be able to practice learning words and phrases even when you’re not around, Riley says that’s possible, too! “One way to teach them words or phrases is to get a mirror with a special recording device that repeats words to them. After awhile, they will catch on and start speaking or singing the phrase.” Riley says that male Cockatiels are more vocal than females. As for Piper, Newshound suspects that the phrase Piper most wants to learn to say is, “Thanks, Riley, for being such a great friend!”
Hey, Kids!
If you have a good lead for Newshound, send an e-mail to: newshound@metropetmag.com
Is there an ROI on my pet’s food?
by Nancy Soucek
Most people check their investments to see what is working and what they hope will have a high ROI (return on investment) in the future. Have you ever considered your ROI for the money you spend on food for your pets? We’ve all heard the old saying, “We are what we eat.” While some of us would love to eat pizza every day, it’s not a healthy choice and eventually we would be making trips to our doctor with medical issues as result of this diet. The same goes for your pet - if they are not eating a good diet you may see an increase in trips to the vet, lower energy levels and more health issues. For our pets, the ROI for feeding a high-quality diet includes these benefits: • Reduce or eliminate common allergies; • Reduce joint inflammation; • Promote stronger/healthier digestive tracts; • Noticeably cleaner and healthier teeth; • Decrease in ear and mouth infections; • Less shedding = less vacuuming; • Smaller and firmer stools = less to clean up, fewer anal gland issues; and • Happier, healthier, and more energetic pets! Worried about what this investment will cost? There are many premium foods available with pricing to fit any budget. Treats Unleashed team members can help you find the best pet food for a good ROI and a healthier, happier pet. Nancy Soucek, communications coordinator for Treats Unleashed, has been an ardent pet lover her entire life. She enjoys reading, gardening (filling in the holes her LGD digs) and spoiling her pets and family. Nancy and her husband currently serve as live-in staff for two rescue dogs, an Akbash and a rough collie, and two rescue cats, at a home in the St. Louis area. You may contact her at nancy@treatsunleashed.com. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
Here are just a few things to look for when increasing your ROI on your pets’ food: • Higher in meat-based protein • Higher in natural fats and oils • Lower in carbohydrates • Formulated from a named (non-generic) animal source • Free of animal or vegetable by-products, such as feathers • Free of artificial flavoring, coloring or preservatives • Complete in all essential vitamins and minerals
Classes on Saturday morning, 10-11am. No class fee! Professors are local experts. Registration now open. Treats Unleashed Chesterfield 1677 Clarkson Road 636-536-5900 Class schedule online at treats-unleashed.com
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The Adventures of Chip
GRATITUDE
by Heddie Leger
Recap from Chapter 8: He suddenly We thought Howie might get up and try to eat the fish. Boy, were we wrong!!! Out of the blue a white and grey cat came streaking by and grabbed the fish. Howie saw that and jumped onto his three legs and started to chase the cat. We had barely recovered from being so worried about him and his drowning experience and now here he was running as fast as he could, chasing the cat. We have more to fear as the cat ran right out into the traffic and we thought Howie was going to chase the cat right into the traffic after it, but when he saw a big yellow bus approaching he stopped dead in his tracks giving us enough time to catch up to him. We were about to put a leash on him and breathed a huge sigh of relief that he was safe and sound once again. Boy, this dog had used up almost nine lives in the short time he had been around. Losing his leg, almost drowning, chasing a cat into traffic – you never know with this guy what will happen next. We all said a HUGE thank you to his guardian angel for keeping him safe. He gave that silly grin again and we all sat by the side of the road laughing and giving a huge sigh of thanks of relief. Seems if we have our health and people to care about us we have everything we need and much to be thankful for. My life so far has not been that bad. Sure I lost my home and original family in a horrible catastrophe, but I gained so much more. I gained another family, friends, and a safe place to live. I get a meal every day, get out to be exercised, visit with friends and travel to fun places. What more could I ask of life. Every day is a 32
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coughed up some water and started to whine. His eyes looked white and wild. We did not know what he was going to do next. He laid there for the longest time and finally started to wag his tail, and then he started to pant and smile. If you have never seen a dog smile, you are missing a treat. He was showing us that he was fine and actually looked very thankful although he did not try to get up, but we felt he was going to be fine, when all of a sudden a pelican dropped a fish by his side‌.. new adventure living with my family. They always seem to have something fun to do and always welcome people and animals into their life. They are very warm and caring people. They don’t worry about anything and seem to always find a positive solution for any situation that comes along. If more people could be this way dogs and cats would have much better lives. My new family knows the importance of responsible ownership and taking their pets to the doctor once a year to make sure they are healthy. They also spay and neuter their pets to help decrease the animal population hoping that someday there will be no more homeless pets. They also know the importance of taking their dogs to an obedience class so they can learn better manners. They also volunteer at the local shelter once a
Gratitude – The state of giving or expressing thanks. Being
week walking dogs for people who thankful or appreciative of someone or something and taking them bring donations on overnight sleep in to help them overs to help them get out of the shelter setting. I am care for the animals. The last- time they took a donation very thankful that I did not have to go to a shelter. I am to the shelter, I went on a road trip with them and saw all not sure I would have been able to survive that type of the shelter animals. I heard them say there are millions life. It is pretty scary living with hundreds of other dogs, of animals across the country that are in need of homes. I some of them not very nice dogs. There is barking all am very, very thankful for my new family and friends that the time and many scared and stressed dogs. Sometimes day and each and every day. a nice dog will come into the shelter, but within a month of living in these conditions they become stressed too, and develop antisocial behaviors that make them hard to Story Discussion Tips adopt. I am so happy to live with a family that has such a balanced view of life and looks to help others. They know they have much to be thankful for and show their gratitude in a multitude of ways like bringing donations to the shelter like blankets, treats, shampoo, clothes detergent and bleach. Shelters always have a need for these consumable things and are always very thankful
• What types of things are you thankful for in your life? • How can you show your gratitude? • How did Chip express his gratitude?
Activity Create a gratitude journal. List three things each day for the month of November that you are thankful for in your life.
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. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - September 2014
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What Happens to my pet if....? by Diane Engeszer We love our pets! We want to provide the best of everything for them. But we sometimes forget to do the emergency event planning for our pets if something should happen to us. Those of us who live in the Midwest are generally ready for what happens in the event of a tornado or flood. We have an emergency evacuation plan for our families and pets. We carry emergency supplies in the car. We are ready to grab the children and the pets and get to a safe place in case of a natural disaster. We have all of that under control. We are ready! But what happens to the pets if we have a really bad auto
accident? A stroke? A fall down the steps? What happens to your pets if you die? These are the times when family and friends are rushing to help, but do they know what to do with the pets? Most people have a conversation with family and close friends about who they want to care for their pet. That conversation is over dinner one day, and everyone nods and agrees, but then the conversation turns to other topics. But in times of emergency, who remembers the name and phone number of the designated caretaker? Who remembers the Vet’s name? Who can the person who is caring for the home and pets get in touch with quickly? Make it easy! Have an index card stuck to the refrigerator with the following information: •N ame, Address, Phone and Email of the designated caretaker •N ame, age, microchip number of the pet •V et contact info •B asic care info for the pet •F ood and how much •M edications, how often and where they are It is simple, easy and gives you peace of mind!
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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - September 2014