Metropet april14STLweb by ROI Marketing

April 2014

Articles 5

Create a Pet First Aid Kit

6 Top 10 Most Frequent Dog & Cat Toxins 8

Homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Insurance for Dog Lovers

11 Hairball Awareness Day 12 Why Should I Talk to my Dog? 14 Pets & Photographs

16 Your Dog is a Furry Person! 20 The Final Responsibility 23 Meet the Breed

24 Heartworm Disease 28 On the Road with the Treat Truck! 30 Pawzzle 32 The Adventures of Chip

Dear Readers: The calendar actually says it is Spring! I think everyone in St. Louis is glad to feel warmer weather and leave behind the snow! When you get outside take your four-legged friends and please remember to be a responsible pet owner. Make sure your pet is well behaved and that you pick up after your pet. Make sure your pet is up to date on shots. This will make outside adventures lots more fun! This is an exciting issue and contains some great information. MetroPet is pleased to be one of the sponsors of the upcoming Bark in the Park event on May 17 in Forest Park. There are several other wonderful pet events this Spring including the Doggie Easter Egg Hunt on April 19, Bowling for Bulldogs on April 19, and Uncorked on Sunday, May 18. We encourage you to support these events! Did you know that April is Pet First Aid Month? Start this spring off right by creating a Pet First Aid Kit. It is easy and doesn’t have to be expensive, tips are on page 5. Please also read the list of the 10 Most Frequent Dog and Cat Toxins, the article is on page 6-7.

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

April is Heartworm awareness month. Please take time to read the very informative article about heartworm on pages 24-27. Please talk with your veterinarian about heartworm and take steps to prevent this disease in your pet – both dogs and cats. It only costs a few dollars every month to protect your pet. This issue also includes other awesome articles, including homeowners insurance and pets, tips for taking great pet photos, hairball awareness day, and On The Road with the Treat Truck! Plus two great articles on training. Finally, take just a moment to read the article Final Responsibility, on page 20 - 21. Most pet parents will face the day when their fur baby dies. It will be a hard day. Before that day comes, take time to learn about the end-oflife choices. Finally, enjoy this month’s edition of Chip’s Adventure and learning about the Dandie Dinmont Terrier! Happy Spring!

Barbara Riedel, Publisher P.S. Please remember to support our advertisers — please tell them you “I saw you ad in 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 Mike Deathe Pawlean Journe Heddie Leger Cathy Perry Nancy Piper Teresa Miller Shana Watkins Steve Vossenkemper Erin Quigley, DVM Cheryl Waterman, CVPM

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.

Create a Pet First Aid Kit In the event of an emergency, keeping a properly stocked Pet First Aid Kit can help you treat a poisoned or injured animal.

First Step — phone numbers!

Where to Store Kit for Injured Pets

Phone numbers: Keep your veterinarian’s and local emergency veterinarian’s number listed, or log them into your cell phone.

Store all the items in a plastic or other waterproof container, and in a location out of the reach of pets.

For Poisoned Pets • Hydrogen peroxide — 3 percent used to induce vomiting in dogs — check expiration date • Oral dosing syringe or turkey baster — for administering hydrogen peroxide • Teaspoon/tablespoon set — for measuring appropriate amount of hydrogen peroxide • Liquid hand dish-washing detergent, such as Dawn or Palmolive • Rubber or latex gloves • Triple antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin™ • Vitamin E (a small container of oil or several gel caps) • Diphenhydramine tablets 25mg — with NO other combination ingredients • Ophthalmic saline solution or artificial tears • Can of tuna packed in water or tasty canned pet food • Sweet electrolyte-containing beverage • Corn syrup (1/4 cup) • Vegetable oil (1/2 cup)

If poisoning is suspected, call your veterinarian’s office during regular business hours FIRST. If it is after hours, call the emergency vet clinic or the national Pet Poison Hotline. They should be able to help you determine if the item ingested was poisonous, and will then recommend treatment and whether or not inducing vomiting is recommended. If your pet has been seriously injured, call your veterinarian’s office FIRST. The staff can provide you with recommendations on how to move your pet to the clinic or the emergency room. Making the phone call immediately is very important.

For Injured Pets • Gauze roll and pads • Medical tape • Ruler or other rigid material for splint • Scissors and tweezers • Thermometer and sterile lubricant, such as KY™ jelly • Rubber or latex gloves • Towel or blanket • Muzzle (for dogs) • Cone collar (for cats) • Triple antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin™ • Ophthalmic saline solution — make sure it doesn’t contain any cleaners or soaps www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - April 2014

at C d n a t Dog

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Top 10

Keeping our pets safe from toxins is important to all pet lovers. The best thing concerned pet owners can do is to be educated on the most common pet toxins (see list on these two pages) and pet-proof their homes.

However, accidents can and do happen. If your pet has ingested something toxic, take action immediately. The sooner your pet’s poisoning is diagnosed, the easier, less expensive, and safer it is to treat your pet. In the case of a poisoning or emergency, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately.

DOGS: TOP 10 TOXINS OF 2013 1. Chocolate: Dark equals dangerous! Bakers and dark chocolate are the most toxic, and milk chocolate is if ingested in large amounts. 2. Xylitol: This sweetener, found in sugarless chewing gum and candy, and in medications and 6

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nasal sprays, causes a rapid drop in blood sugar and liver failure only in dogs (not cats). 3. NSAIDs: Ibuprofen, naproxen, etc., are found in products such as Advil, Motrin, and Aleve. Dogs don’t metabolize these drugs well; ingestions result in stomach ulcers and kidney failure. 4. Over the counter cough, cold and allergy medications: Those that contain acetaminophen or decongestants, such as pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine, are particularly toxic. 5. Rodenticides (mouse poisons): These may cause internal bleeding (brodifacoum, bromadiolone, etc.) or brain swelling (bromethalin), even in small amounts. 6. Grapes and raisins: These harmless human foods cause kidney damage in dogs. 7. Insect bait stations: These rarely cause poisoning in dogs – the bigger risk is bowel obstruction when dogs swallow the plastic casing. 8. Prescription ADD/ADHD medications: These amphetamines such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems, and death in pets. 9. Glucosamine joint supplements: An overdose of these products typically will only cause diarrhea; however, in rare cases, liver failure can develop. 10. Silica gel packets and oxygen absorbers: Silica gel packs, found in new shoes, purses or backpacks, are rarely a concern. The real threats are the iron-containing oxygen absorbers found in food packages like beef jerky or pet treats, which can cause iron poisoning.

CATS: TOP 10 TOXINS OF 2013 1. Lilies: Plants in the Lilium species, such as the Easter, Tiger and Asiatic lilies, cause kidney failure in cats. All cat owners must be aware of these highly toxic plants! 2. Household cleaners: Most general purpose cleaners (e.g., Windex, Formula 409) are fairly safe, but concentrated products like toilet bowl or drain cleaners can cause chemical burns. 3. Flea and tick spot-on products for dogs: Those that are pyrethroid based (e.g., Zodiac, K9 Advantix, Sergeant’s, etc.) cause tremors and seizures, and can be deadly to cats. 4. Antidepressants: Cymbalta and Effexor topped our antidepressant list in 2013. Cats seem strangely drawn to these medications. Beware — ingestion can cause severe neurologic and cardiac effects. 5. NSAIDs: Cats are even more sensitive than dogs to drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen. Even veterinary specific NSAIDs like Rimadyl and Meloxicam should be used with caution. 6. Prescription ADD/ADHD medications: These amphetamines such as Adderall, Concerta, Dexedrine, and Vyvanse can cause tremors, seizures, cardiac problems, and death. 7. Over the counter cough, cold and allergy medications: Those that contain acetaminophen (e.g., Tylenol) are particularly toxic, as they damage red blood cells and cause liver failure. 8. Plants containing insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: Common houseplants such as the Peace Lily, philodendron, and pothos can cause oral/ upper GI irritation, foaming at the mouth, and inflammation when ingested, but severe symptoms are uncommon. 9. Household insecticides: Thankfully, most household sprays and powders are fairly safe, but it’s best to keep curious kitties away until the products have dried or settled. 10. Glow sticks and glow jewelry: These irresistible “toys” contain a chemical called dibutyl phthalate. When it contacts the mouth, pain and excessive foaming occurs, but the signs quickly resolve when the cat eats food or drinks water. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - April 2014

WHO TO CALL? The best thing concerned pet owners can do is get educated on the most common pet toxins, which are listed above, and then pet-proof their homes. However, accidents happen. If a pet may has ingested something toxic, Pet Poison Helpline recommends taking action immediately. Contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680. Pet Poison Helpline also has a helpful iPhone application with an extensive database of over 200 poisons dangerous to cats and dogs. “Pet Poison Help” is available on iTunes for $1.99.

DO YOU HAVE A PET FIRST AID KIT? Source: www.petpoisonhelpline.com

Homeowners Insurance for Dog Lovers

– A Risky Business?

by Cathy Perry One of the most overlooked aspects of buying a home is purchasing homeowners insurance. The mortgage lender requires the home buyer to show evidence of a “hazard insurance” policy, which provides coverage for physical damage to the home from fire, storms, vandalism, etc., in order to make sure that there is proper protection for the home, the collateral for the mortgage. If the home buyer purchases hazard insurance to get through closing, and then drops the policy, and the lender discovers the home is without insurance, one of those many papers signed at closing gives the lender the ability to place insurance on the home at a much higher cost to the homeowner. The terms “hazard insurance” and “homeowners insurance” are sometimes used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Homeowners insurance typically includes hazard insurance along with personal property coverage and various levels of liability protection for the 8

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homeowner. But what is actually in that policy varies greatly from one insurance company to another; the new home buyer needs to understand exactly what is in the policy. This holds true for the rest of us, too, who may have purchased our policy years ago and have no memory (or maybe never knew) exactly what is covered. Liability insurance coverage is especially important for dog owners, most notably for those who have breeds found on the “dangerous dog breed lists, ” which varies by company but can include American Staffordshire and American Pit Bull Terriers, chows, German shepherds, dobermans, rottweilers, akitas, and more. Your dog may be the most loving dog in the neighborhood, but unfortunately, breed stigmas can hurt you in obtaining homeowners insurance. Most insurance agents will inquire about the presence of pets in the home, or note them during periodic random inspections. According to Brett Palazzolo, with

Shelter Insurance, when at the home, the agent will be cautious of comments from neighbors, the presence and behavior of the dogs in the house, and the shelter provided to them. Agents will use their judgment accordingly in making a coverage decision. The only dog that Shelter will not insure is a 100% pit bull; mixes are OK. Other companies will provide coverage for pit bulls and the other dogs on the “dangerous breed list”. Kirk Miller, with the Stegmann Agency of State Farm, tells me they will provide coverage, but they will ask about dogs in the home at their initial interview and may exclude coverage for a dog that has had a prior incident. Because insurance companies do pull a potential customer’s previous claim history prior to writing a new policy, it is best to be up front with your potential agent. Farmers Insurance in the Midwest will cover dogs on the list without additional cost to the policy. Per Elaine Mahr, insurance advisor and owner of the Mahr Agency, it is important that the homeowner makes sure the dog is noted in the system so no questions can arise at a later date should an incident occur. The agent should also be alerted when a new dog is brought into the home to make sure it is covered. Finally, Lindsay stressed that the homeowner should

check into additional liability coverage. Most people have $100,000 - $300,000 in coverage; an additional $200,000 in coverage can cost as little as $8 per year, so it is well worth the additional cost to have the extra peace of mind just in case. If you have a dog on the “list,” one with a previous incident, or are active in fostering or animal rescue, you might want to speak with an insurance broker who has access to a variety of coverage options from different companies. Alissa Moore, President of Spectrum Insurance Solutions and provider of insurance coverage to an area rescue, notes that every insurance company has their “breed list” and that as a rule of thumb, “any dog with a thick neck is a dog of concern” for insurers. Among the questions she will ask potential clients about their situation is whether their dogs are spayed or neutered and have been through training. She will ask potential clients if they have a fence, the age of children in the home, and how the pets interact with other dogs. Moore recommends that homeowners serving as foster parents provide full disclosure to their agent, and that rescues may need a special business policy specific to dog liability on top of their homeowners policies for adequate coverage.

www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - April 2014

My advice for homeowners who are also dog owners: 1. Know your coverages. If you are buying a home, don’t just assume that the company you use for car insurance will provide you with the best homeowners coverage. Interview several agents, and make sure the agents ask lots of questions to tailor the policy to your specific situation. 2. Be honest with your agent. Don’t hide the dog at a friend’s house or deny a prior incident. Your agent is likely to find out anyway, and you want to make sure you are covered in the event anything happens down the road. 3. If one insurance provider says they can’t insure your dog, don’t automatically give up your pet. Talk to a variety of providers; chances are there is a solution to meet your needs. 4. If you would like contact information for any of the highly competent insurance pros referenced in this article, call or email me and I will be happy to get you in touch with them.

Cathy Perry is a lifelong dog lover (who has discovered a love of cats along the way, too) with a passion for homes and design. She is a Real Estate Consultant with Keller Williams and an interior designer and home stager with her own company, Renovate and Redesign, LLC. Visit her real estate website at www.stlrealtyconcierge.com to learn more, or contact her at 636-236-5695. She would love to help you find or create the perfect space for your two- and four-legged family members!

MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - April 2014

April 25

National Hairball Awareness Day! by Cheryl Waterman, CVPM Although the title might make you laugh or smile, if you’ve�e ver had the misfortune of stepping on one of these when you get up during the night, you know that hairballs are no laughing matter! Besides being gross for cat owners who have to clean them up, hairballs can cause some serious discomfort for your favorite kitty, as well! What are Hairballs, Anyway? Most cat owners are familiar with the sound of their cat retching and gagging, and eventually producing this nasty by-product of feline hygiene. The vomit will contain visible matted hair and may be tubular in shape. During a cat’s daily grooming, he/she will inadvertently ingest loose hair, which generally passes through their system and into the stool. However, some hair may remain and collect in the stomach or lower intestine. This collection is what causes the cat to hack or gag until he/she vomits the offensive product, called a “hairball”. General Symptoms Primary symptoms include coughing, gagging or vomiting. Hairballs may also cause constipation and/ or a lack of appetite. Usually you will see accumulated hair in the vomit, however, sometimes it will just cause a very upset stomach, and the cat will vomit just food and mucous. What Can I Do About Hairballs? If your cat continues to cough or gag for more than a day, or if he/she seems uncomfortable, is constipated or has diarrhea, you should see your veterinarian. In some cases, hairballs get stuck in the esophagus or can cause intestinal blockages, which can require surgery to correct. These symptoms can also be signs of a more serious condition, so it’s always a good idea to see your veterinarian should you observe any of these abnormal signs. www.metropetmag.com | April 2014

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Are Some Cats More Prone to Hairballs Than Others? Long haired cats, those who shed excessively and cats who compulsively groom themselves are especially prone to developing hairballs. In rare cases, frequent vomiting of hairballs, can indicate an underlying issue, possibly irritable bowel disease or even cancer. Prevention If your veterinarian has determined that hairballs are causing your cat’s occasional vomiting, there are a few ways to decrease their formation. 1. Brush your cat regularly (long haired cats daily). Afterwards, wipe them down to remove loose hair. 2. Feed your cat a food specifically formulated to reduce hairballs. These foods usually improve skin and hair coat, reduce shedding, and add fiber to the diet, to help eliminate the hair through the system normally. 3. Have your cat eat a small amount of lubricant especially formulated to encourage the passage of hair through the intestine. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation, there are many on the market. Have a very happy Hairball Awareness Day! As a long-time animal lover, Cheryl Waterman has spent the past 16 years in veterinary practice management. In 2007, Cheryl received the Certification of Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) designation. She is a member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association, and has recently developed her own veterinary management consulting business, “Best Practice Consulting.” Questions may be directed to Cheryl at cherylwaterman.cvpm@bestpractice-consulting.com. 11

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Why Should I Talk to My Dog? by Mike Deathe

In Psychology/Learning Theory there is a term, “Learned Indifference,” and it has created a little bit of confusion in the dog training world! The definition of the word is: “Using a word over and over in conversation/communication thus the word losing it effectiveness due to the subject learning to ignore it…..” A real life example would be my 10 year old son standing next to me saying “Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad” and me ignoring him because I hear the word Dad 4,362 times a day and have just learned to tune it out.

Dog Training and Tone

In dog training, the concern is that if the owner repeats the same word every 6 seconds that eventually the dog will learn to be indifferent to the request thus causing issues in training. While I have no doubt that this is possible, and does in fact happen, I would like to offer a different way to think about and use of the spoken word with your dog, and that would be TONE! I personally believe and teach my clients that even though dogs do not speak English and they have absolutely no idea what we are saying, they most certainly understand our tone and if it is used correctly, it can be a huge help in dog training! Tone can be used in a couple of different ways, for example: • Do you remember when your Mom was mad at you? She would never raise her voice or even sound mad, but inevitably she would drop the bomb “I am so disappointed in you…” While she didn’t raise her voice in anger, or scream or yell, her tone left little mystery that you were in the proverbial dog house. • On the other hand there was Dad — he would most certainly dip into the volume and venom when he was mad. We learned to keep our head down, not interrupt, and before you know it he was done. You were grounded and life went on.

A Good Way To Use Tone

Hopefully you can see that there is a good way to use tone, and a not so good way when trying to let you pooch (or anyone else

MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - April 2014

for that matter) know that something wrong has occurred — all you need is the correct tone! Trust me Fido knows when he has made you upset but he also knows when he has done something right, or does he? Back to the examples: • Grade cards come out and you do really well. Mom sees the report card and smiles, takes a deep breath and says “I am so proud of you, well done.” She then takes you out to get some ice cream. Life is good! • On the other hand, you give Dad your report card. He is working on his laptop. He looks at it briefly and says “Not bad, definitely better than last one.” Then goes back to his laptop and continues to work. As we can see there is again a definitely a right way and wrong way to use tone, in regards to doing something right. There needs to be a smile, a happy voice, kind words and above all some form of positive reward (ice cream/ dog treat) If done right your pooch or your kids will have no problem letting you know they understand!

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 Book of Pee and Poop, and Forever Home — Dog 101 and How to be a Better Shelter Volunteer. Follow Deathe’s blog at @http:// muttzmembers.blogspot.com/ or the website @ www.kissdogtraining.com.

Check Your Tone at the Door

Now before anyone gets bent out of shape, not all Dads are like this example. I only picked that scenario to illustrate the example (and even make fun of myself) of how tone can be used to your benefit in dog training, or life in general, but keep in mind, even I would hassle you for saying the same word over and over when training your dog. If you are smart, instead you will begin having long conversations with your dog, as you are training. Concentrating way more about the tone you are using, than the word(s) you are saying. In fact those of you that know me understand this because half the time the words I speak to my dogs are complete gibberish, but my tone is always spot on, which keep my pooches paying attention to me and completely on the same page, whether they are giving me behaviors I want or behaviors I want to stop. So remember to check your tone at the door. As always, have fun and remember to Keep it Simple Stupid!

www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - April 2014

Pets and Photographs How do I get my pet to look at the camera?

You can use anything that normally attracts your pet’s attention. Making unusual noises, saying the pet’s name or phrases such as, “Do you want to go for a walk?” are not only good for getting their attention, they also encourage adorable expressions. Make sure you save the most effective attention-grabbers for last though, as these usually only work a few times before your pet will become too excited and impatient to participate anymore.

How do I get my pet to sit still?

This can be tricky and depends quite a bit on how well your pet stays after sitting, when you’re not photographing them. It’s tough to issue commands while being poised and ready for the perfect shot, so having someone to help you direct your pet can be essential. Be sure to reward and reassure your pet in between photographs to help keep him or her feeling comfortable and relaxed.

If I hire a photographer to take the photos, what should I bring to the session?

Treats and favorite toys are especially helpful toward the end of the session. Just don’t bring them out too quickly, or you may lose your pets attention completely.

MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - April 2014

Should I take photos inside or outside?

Inside usually means less distractions, so that is often the best choice, especially if you have good lighting. If you choose to photograph outdoors, try to find a location that is free of distractions, such as people walking by or other animals, to help keep your pet focused on you.

How many photos should I take?

As many as you can! Most pets have a limited window of time where they will be still and attentive before they become bored, so you need to work quickly. It’s better to have too many options in the end than not enough.

What if the photo is great, but too much background?

Usually simple backgrounds are the best because they will keep the focus on your pet. If you can’t change the location, try to bring your pet as far forward from the background as possible to soften the focus of the background. And if you can’t do that, you can always try cropping out the background later.

What about lighting for a dark-colored pet? A light-colored pet?

Light-colored pets will reflect more light, while dark-colored pets will

absorb the light. If your pet’s coat is lighter, avoid lighting him or her too directly with a flash because it will eliminate the detail in your pet’s features and coat. On the other hand, you will need a strong flash to lighten a dark brown or black pet.

How can I avoid weird green flashes of light in my pet’s eyes? “Green eye” is the animal equivalent of “red eye” in photographs of people. If you change the direction of your flash to reflect light off of a wall or ceiling, you will be less likely to have green eye. You may be able to avoid using a flash indoors if you can position your pet in front of a door or window. This type of lighting is softer and will highlight his or her expressions in a more natural way.

Should I take color or black and white photos?

I would try both! You may want to photograph the entire session in color, so you can decide later. I’d suggest printing a few in color to highlight the unique coloring of your pet and then choose the images you feel best showcase your pet’s expressions and personality and print them in black and white to help you focus on the emotion of the portrait without being distracted by the competing elements within the photograph. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - April 2014

Shana Watkins creates classic portraits that are both timeless and breathtakingly beautiful. Based in St. Louis, she specializes in telling stories through her emotional, relationship-based imagery both in studio and on location. With more than 10 years of experience creating portraits for families locally and internationally, Shana masterfully highlights the beauty in everyone she photographs. Her love of art and design partnered with her degree in journalism have supported her passion for looking beyond the ordinary to find extraordinary connection. It is this talent that truly sets her work apart. When not at the studio, Shana enjoys spending time with her own family, which includes her husband Drew, three children and their two rescue dogs, Sadie and Hank. Shana loves to talk about the process of creating beautiful family portraits and welcomes families to visit her studio for a complimentary consultation. For more information, please call the studio at 314-644-1616 or visit Shana’s website, www. ShanaWatkins.com.

Your Dog is a Furry Person! By: Steve Vossenkemper

MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - April 2014

home and yell at your dog for tearing up your shoe, Anthropomorphism is attributing human the reality of what you’re doing is yelling at a loved qualities to animals or objects. In dog training, it is often thought of as a cardinal one for carrying around a picture of you, and kissing it before they go to sleep. sin to attribute human qualities to a dog. It is thought that anthropomorphism will Destructive Behavior Is Not OK! only confuse the dog and the owner, in Now, I want to be clear about where I stand. In no turn making the training process more way am I saying you should let your dog tear up all difficult. I take a different stand on this.

Applying the “Correct” Human Quality I believe the reason we have so many misbehaving dogs is because people don’t apply the correct human qualities to their dogs, thus creating very confused dogs, resulting in very angry owners. For example, let’s say your dog chews up your shoes whenever you leave the house. Many people would make the assumption that the dog is angry with them and punishing them for leaving; they attribute vengeful human qualities to the dog. However, another way to anthropomorphize this situation is to assume the dog missed the owners, and started to search for something that reminded the dog of its owners. Our shoes have a strong scent, and our feet and legs are often what dogs smell first and most often on us So, the dog goes in search of our foot and leg scent, and then, logically, finds our shoes. Humans are visual creatures. When we want to remember someone, we may look at a picture of the person. Dogs, on the other hand, are scent animals. Their equivalent to a human picture is an object with a human’s scent. You may be thinking that that sounds great, but why did my dog chew up the shoe once he found it? Doesn’t that prove how angry my dog is at me because he tore up my shoe with my scent on it? In short, the answer is “no.” Similar to how we may kiss a picture of a loved one, or draw a heart around a yearbook photo of a high school crush, your dog is playing with your scent. While playing dogs often destroy the object with which they’re playing, simply because that’s how dogs play. So, when you come www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - April 2014

your shoes because he or she loves you. Your dog absolutely needs to learn not tear up your shoes. It is important to remember how you would look at a person who draws a heart around a high school crush. You would not think, “That’s vandalism!” At this point, you might be wondering, “Well, how do I humanely teach my dog that its loving gesture is unwanted by me?” I’m going to break this down into four steps. It’s important to note that all dogs are different, and that these steps are a guideline for training, rather than hard and fast rules.

Guidelines for Training Step One: Do not give your dog the opportunity to chew up your shoes. This means that you should keep your shoes out of reach of your dog unless you’re working on training.

Step Two: I want you to have a nice juicy bone hidden from your dog. This could be hidden in a pocket, fanny pack, or another place other. Next, put a shoe of yours on the ground. Every time your dog goes for the shoe, pick it up. Set the shoe back on the ground when your dog has settled down and is not crowding your space or jumping for the shoe. Repeat until you can have the shoe on the ground and your dog is relaxed around it, or completely ignoring it. Then, surprise your dog with the juicy bone. We reward with a bone and not with a treat because we need to give the dog an informative and replacement reward. The dog wants to chew (hint: 17

your ruined shoes), so we give it a replacement chew toy as a reward. Additionally, this reward informs the dog about what we want it to chew on.

Step Three: In essence, this is the same as step two, but now you are going to leave the room (maybe get a glass of water during a commercial break in your TV show) with the

shoe on the ground. Upon your return to the room, you can give your dog the bone. This is assuming your dog hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attempted to use your shoes as a chew toy.

Step Four:

This is just an extension of step three. Leave the shoe out for longer periods of time and leave your dog alone with the shoe for longer periods of time until you have trained your dog to choose a bone for a chew toy

RESOURCE Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services, Inc.

1631 W. 5th St., Eureka, MO 63025, 636-587-8880, www.lovingheartspet.com How Long Have You Been in Business: Loving Hearts was opened in the Fall, 2013 by two families, who currently provide the highest level of service in Kansas City and Chicago. The Piper family has owned and operated Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens for Pets in Kansas City, MO, for over 35 years. The Remkus family has owned and operated Hinsdale Animal Cemetery and Crematory in Willowbrook, IL, since 1950. Between the two families, we have over 100 hundred years assisting grieving pet owners. The St. Louis project began with friends and colleagues in St. Louis telling us that they felt the area would benefit from having after-death care services such as ours, and that they wished that the services we offered were available in St. Louis. We strongly believe that St. Louis families deserve the best care when their pets pass away. This includes gentle transportation at all times, digital tracking of each and every pet in our custody, pet loss resources, and last, but not least, cremation services with the highest possible ethical and professional standards in existence. We are committed to making sure that no pet ever ends up in the landfill, and that those pet owners who want their pets returned receive their pets, and only their pets. It is what pet families expect, and most importantly, deserve. 18

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Services your business offers: Pet cremation (both private or communal), urns, visitations, memorial services, and memorial products. What Makes Your Business Different? Our mission is to serve those who think of their pets as members of the family by providing compassionate, dignified and ethical after-life care for their pets. Loving Hearts has an open door policy. Please visit us anytime â&#x20AC;&#x201D; no appointment is necessary. We have a beautiful Pet Memorial Center. We offer private cremations, which is one pet cremated at a time, so the family receives its only its pets remains. We also perform communal cremations; communal remains are scattered on our memorial grounds. What Are the Benefits of Your Business? People have the right to grieve for their pets, and have a need to memorialize their pets. We are here to help people. Reasons Your Customers Come Back? We treat people, as well as, their pets, with compassion, dignity, and respect. We know that grieving is natural and normal, and we let pet parents know that. People appreciate us for how we help them, in making a hard thing easier. We care.

instead of your shoes for the entire eight hours a day your at work.

Take Time Training One last important thing is to make sure you take your time with the steps, and with leaving your dog alone with the shoe. Each dog is different and unique, so some dogs may learn within one day, while others may take a few weeks and need consistent training. Dog training is about bringing together the mind of a dog and the mind of a person, in order to create a happy healthy relationship. To create this relationship, being anthropomorphic in the correct way is the ideal way to interact and relate with your dog.

www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - April 2014

Steve Vossenkemper is a graduate of Animal Behavior College. He is a dog trainer who prides himself on taking the stress out of the dogowner relationship. Steve consistently works with foster groups and shelters in order to make their dogs more adoptable. Steve specializes in working with multiple dogs and household issues, as well as easing the transition for the dog from the shelter to your home. Steve is the founder and President of Here For The Dogs, LLC, and primarily works in St. Louis and surrounding areas. You can reach Steve at 314-655-8208 or steve@ hereforthedogs.com. Please like Steveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Facebook at www.facebook.com/hereforthedogs

The Final Responsibility

by Nancy Piper

There are people who won’t read this article because they don’t want to think about cherished pets dying. But many of us realize that we have responsibilities to make decisions about what happens to our beloved pets’ bodies after they die.

What Are My Options? Many people leave their pets’ bodies with their veterinarians. Then, they forever wonder what happened to the bodies. There is often a lot of grief and stress associated with a pet’s death. Many people don’t ask what is going to happen, because they are afraid of the answer. Many people don’t know that they have options to take care of a deceased pet’s body in a respectful and dignified manner. The people who take the responsibility of finding out which options are available are reassured, mostly because they are able to take control and have a proactive part in the care of the afterlives of their pets, and because they do know what happened to the bodies. None of us want our loved ones to die, but we know what is inevitable.

What is the Process? When my sister died, I didn’t leave her at the hospital and walk away, never to know what happened to her body. I took an active part in the care of her body. I called the funeral home and made arrangements for

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her body to be picked up at the hospital. I informed them that she was to be cremated, and told them who was going to handle the cremation, so we could have her ashes (cremated remains) returned. Her husband selected an urn for her. Then, we had both a memorial and funeral service for her, with a graveside committal service. We had discussed this before the time of need, as a family. Why should our beloved pets be different than our other family members? Why shouldn’t we have rituals for our deceased pets? Pet parents have the right to have visitations, memorial services, and funeral services designed the way they want them.

Learn About the Choices Why shouldn’t you be able to request burial or cremation? And, request which firm is going to provide the services you select for your beloved pet? Your pet is a member of your family. If you don’t know who provides after death services, ask your veterinarian, search on the Internet, or look in the yellow pages for pet cemeteries and crematories. Then make telephone calls. Ask questions. Ask lots of questions. Ask enough questions to ensure you are getting exactly what you want. For example, private cremation and individual cremation are not the same things. Go visit the facility to see if you like the people and feel comfortable with them handling the

final arrangements for your best friend and beloved companion.

Start Early The best time to start is early, before the time you absolutely need the services. Many people consider the options ahead of time. Hard as it is, I have been told by many people that they find it easier to make the arrangements before the time of need, so they do their research, make informed decisions, have the services they truly want provided by a company they approve of, and do not emotionally overspend. Many people feel better; much better, when they have done their research on the facility they are trusting with their pets, as well as having pre-arranged the final arrangements for their beloved pets. They know that then, when that day does come, all they have to do besides grieve, is make a telephone call and their treasured companions will be handled according to their wishes, and with compassion, dignity and respect.

Nancy Bush Piper owns Rolling Acres Pet Memorial Center in Kansas City, MO, along with her husband Gary. Gary and Nancy are also co-owners of Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services in St. Louis County, MO. At both Rolling Acres and Loving Hearts, their mission is “serving those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, dignified, and ethical after life care for their pet.” Nancy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology from Northwest Missouri State University. She is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist and a charter Certified Pet Loss Professional as well as having a Pet Loss Companioning Certification. Nancy and Gary are blessed with many animals in their lives. For fun, she studies horsemanship and plays with her horses and mules.

Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services 1631 W. 5th St. Eureka, MO 63025 636-587-8880 www.lovingheartspet.com

Serving those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, ethical and dignified after-life care for their pet      

Repaying loyalty, honoring memories Open door policy—visit anytime Private or Communal Cremation Communal Cremains scattered on memorial grounds Complete funeral or memorial services You may bring your pet to us, request pet pickup from your home, or ask your vet to use Loving Hearts

www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - April 2014

QUESTIONS TO ASK

a pet cemetery or pet crematory by Nancy Piper

• What care options do I have for my pet after it dies? • May I visit your facility without an appointment? • Do you offer home pick-up? May I bring my pet directly to you? Do you pick-up at the veterinarian? • May I see my pet again? May I have a funeral service? A memorial service? • If I want my pet cremated and returned to me, how do I know I am going to get my own pet back? And only my pet? Is my pet going to be cremated all by itself? Will my pet be the only pet in the cremation chamber? • What do you return the pet’s ashes in? Do you have decorative urns I can choose from? • On the Communal, or Group, or Mass Cremation, what is done with the cremated remains (ashes)? • Are the cremated remains (ashes) scattered or buried in a place I can visit?

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• If I can’t visit, what do you do with them? (If the answer is confusing, ask for an explanation.) Do you put them in the trash, and they go to the landfill? • For a pet cemetery, is the cemetery always going to be a cemetery? Is the land restricted as a cemetery on the deed? Or, how is the cemetery land protected? • Is the cemetery platted, so there are individual grave spaces? • Is the cemetery maintained year around? Is there an additional fee for maintenance? • What do I do if my pet dies during the night, on a weekend, or on a holiday? While these are hard questions to think about, we encourage you to ask them before your pet dies. If you want to talk with someone about these topics, please contact Loving Heart Pet Memorial Services at 636-587-8880 or visit their website at www.lovingheartspet.com

Meet the Breed

April Pet of the Month

The Dandie Dinmont Terrier Yes, this is a real breed. They are often mistaken for a soft Wheaten Terrier mix with short legs and a long back. This breed has a handsome history originating in Scotland and England. They were once used for hunting badgers and otters. This breed is best known for being independent, tough, yet friendly, and is good with children of all ages. As with most dogs, it is preferable for them to be raised with small children if they are expected to be reliable with and tolerant of them. The Dandie is considered to be the most docile of the terrier group. They are not prone to being hyperactive or to have high energy, yet they are always up to a romp in the park. They love to play. They are known to be a great companion dog, and often willingly guard their property. They are feisty little dogs, which can be subject to back ailments due to the length of their frame on short legs. Words to define the Dandie include: independent, determined, reserved, and intelligent. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier combines an affectionate and dignified nature, in a working situation, with tenacityÂ and boldness, according to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier Club of America. This breed is particularly known for its deep brown eyes, with an expression of soulful wisdom. The standard calls for one type of coat which is a double coat in colors of mustard (a soft yellow/wheat color) and pepper (much like a grey). The Dandie Dinmont, not very well-known is considered a rare breed. They can make great companion dogs, as they are www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - April 2014

affectionate and happy-go-lucky. Although due to the terrier-hunting instincts, it is not a good idea to leave them alone with pets such as hamsters, rabbits, mice, rats, or guinea pigs. They are most often okay with cats, if they are raised with them. Dandies are not hard to train because they are very intelligent, but you must be patient, firm and consistent. The Dandie Dinmont carefully and lovingly trained can be a wonderful, trustworthy family companion for anywhere between 12 to 15 years. Most live long healthy lives. However, cancer is somewhat common in this breed. The Dandie Dinmont is a good fit for apartment dwellers. A daily walk and romp in the park will keep them happy and healthy. The Dandie likes to chase, so care should be taken to ensure its safety if the dog is to be off leash. The Dandie Dinmont as most dogs, needs to be brushed regularly. Their cute little knot of hair on the top of their heads is very endearing and might need professional grooming. Dead hair should be plucked out once or twice a year. The Dandie Dinmont is a breed that sheds very little to no hair, making them easy keepers. If you are looking for an adventurous companion that is easy to live with, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier might just be the canine companion for you and your family. Use information in this story to complete the Pawzlle on pages 31 - 32. 23

HeartwormDisease

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal condition caused by worms living in the arteries of the lungs or the right side of the heart in dogs, cats and other species of mammals such as wolves, foxes and ferrets.

How does my pet get heartworms?

It begins with an infected animal that is carrying the baby heartworms called microfilariae, through its bloodstream. A mosquito bites an infected animal and takes a blood meal and the microfilariae with it. During the next 10-14 days, the microfilariae matures into the infective stage within the mosquito, so that when the mosquito bites a dog or cat, it injects the heartworm through the bite wound. Over the next six months the heartworms mature, without any external evidence or symptoms, into adult worms within the infected animal.

What are the signs of heartworm disease?

Heartworm disease in the early stages can be undetectable with no evidence of any symptoms. Your pet may appear to be healthy for months to years. In fact, not until significant damage has already been done to the heart and lungs will any symptoms appear, and they could be as insignificant as a cough or decreased desire to exercise. Most of us wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become too alarmed if our aging pet coughed from time to time or acted a little lazy. If the disease is allowed to progress to the later stage, then the dog may experience difficulty in breathing, syncope (fainting from lack of blood supply to the brain), heart arrhythmias, ascites (fluid accumulation in the belly), and sudden death. In cats, clinical signs of heartworms (for example, vomiting, lethargy, lack of appetite, weight loss) can be very nonspecific, as well, and can also mimic many other feline diseases such as asthma when cats exhibit difficulty in breathing. Diagnosing by clinical signs alone is nearly impossible. It is easy to misdiagnose a cat in the first stage of heartworm disease as having asthma or allergic bronchitis, when actually it is heartworm-associated respiratory disease (HARD).

If heartworms are so hard to find in early stages, how do we discover whether our pet is infected or not?

by Erin Quigley, DVM 24

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Since heartworm disease can be hidden and can cause damage without symptoms, it is very important to test your dog once a year. In fact, it may take six months or longer for the heartworms to first be detected because the infected bite occurred with current diagnostic testing. Your veterinarian will take as little as two drops of blood, and

use what is called an antigen test to detect evidence of adult worms in your dog. It takes as little as two to 10 minutes for results.

Currently, there is no treatment for heartworms in cats. If respiratory disease is present, supportive care can be provided.

Heartworm disease detection in cats is extremely difficult. The reason is that heartworms donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t multiply or reproduce in cats as they do in dogs. While a dog can have hundreds of heartworms circulating in its system, a cat may only have one to three total. This makes it difficult to discover the disease with the current antigen test. The diagnostic plan for heartworm disease in cats can include a combination of tests, such as X-rays, ultrasounds of the heart, and antigen testing all together, in an attempt to give a presumed diagnosis. Finding an actual worm is difficult due to the low number and the unique ability some cats have to rid themselves of infection.

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve personally never known a pet with heartworm disease? Is it common in my area?

What is the treatment if my pet does contract heartworms?

There is currently one drug approved for the treatment of the elimination of adult heartworms in dogs Immiticide is an arsenic-like compound. It is a very harsh chemical that is currently in short supply in the United States. Depending on what stage of heartworm disease your dog is in (i.e. how much damage has been done to the heart, lungs, kidneys, etc.), your veterinarian may require diagnostic testing (blood work, x-rays) prior to administration of this chemical to see if your pet is likely to withstand the effects of Immiticide. Not only will all this add up financially, but your pet will be required to be under strict and constant physical rest (no playful exertion) for one to two months. Your pet is at risk of sudden death from a blood clot that may form from the dying heartworms.

Heartworm disease has been reported in all 50 states. The map below reflects how many dogs are tested positively each year per veterinary clinic. Remember, this just refers to pets that have tested positively. There are many untested positive-dogs. Think about how many veterinary clinics are in your area. ďżź As you can see the prevalence of heartworms follows where mosquitos are most common. You can see that the Mississippi River Valley is a hot-bed for heartworm cases. The spread of the disease has been moving northward each year, and this map is seven-years old. According to the American Heartworm Society, the highest infection rates (up to 45%) in dogs (not maintained on heartworm preventatives) are observed within 150 miles from the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, from the Gulf of Mexico, to New Jersey, and along the Mississippi River and its major tributaries. The current 2014 statistics for Missouri, according to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, are that one out of 68 dogs will test positively for heartworms. Visit www. capcvet.com for current statistics by county. Since most feline heartworm cases go undiagnosed, recent data has shown that the distribution of feline heartworm infection in the United States seems to parallel that of dogs, but with lower total numbers. These findings were based on heartworms found within cats after death. A president of the American Heartworm 25

Society recently gave a lecture stating that one cat tests positively for every 10 positive dogs.

Is your pet at risk? Yes!

But my dog and cat are indoor? They only go outside to go to the bathroom? I hear this all the time. Even in this sentence, you stated that they go outside. Pardon me for just a second. Though we humans live in doors the majority of the time, we still spend time outdoors and our exposed to insects…Your pet shares a similar exposure. Unfortunately, your pets are not in a protective bubble when they exit your home. I wish they were. Mosquitos are everywhere! IF YOU GET BIT, SO WILL YOUR PETS, and your pets cannot tell you; you won’t know it. Also, insects of all types get indoors. Everyone opens their doors to go in and out of their houses. In a clinical study, greater than 25% of cats diagnosed with heartworm disease were confirmed by their owners to be indoor only cats. (See Atkins, C.E., DeFrancesco, T.C., Coats, J.R., Sidley, J.A., Keene, B.W., Heartworm Infection in Cats: 50 Cases, J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2000; 217(3):355358.) Those who have used this excuse for not protecting their pets should stop. It is not worth leaving your pet at risk. Okay, I have said my peace. I admit I am passionate about the topic of heartworm disease; mostly because this fatal disease is preventable. I hope now you will see how important prevention is for both your dog and cat.

How can I prevent heartworm disease in my dog and cat? Fortunately, these days there are many options to choose from. Twenty years ago the only option was a daily oral tablet. Can you imagine that? These days there are monthly oral chews/ tablets, monthly topical preventives, and sixmonth injectables. 26

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Oral preventatives

Most people are used to the chewable, yummy treat called Heartgard (dog/cat). Most dogs will take Heartgard very well, but it needs to be given every 30 days. Remember the heartworm lifecycle? Heartgard actually works backwards to kill the earliest infective stage (L3). If you go past the recommended 30-day dosing, you risk worms developing past the stage at which Heartgard will effectively kill the parasite. There are other effective generics, such as Iverheart and Triheart that work the same way, only they come in pill-form. These drugs also work to prevent against intestinal parasites (roundworms and hookworms) that are zoonotic (transmissible to people). We will discuss the dangers of these parasites next month. A newer class of drugs to kill the L3 larval stage of heartworms is Milbemycin, which is found in Sentinel and Trifexis, and includes prevention against roundworms, hookworms and an additional intestinal parasite called whipworms. Sentinel also has a flea birth control within the tablet that prevents flea infestations, whereas Trifexis kills adult fleas quickly and prevents infestations.

Topical preventatives

Just as flea and tick topical preventatives are applied on your dog’s or cat’s skin, so are the following two products. Revolution topical prevention for dogs and cats is my personal favorite for cats because it not only prevents against heartworm disease, but also against fleas, roundworms, hookworms, and ear mites, usually for the same cost as a flea and tick topical. Only now you are preventing them from getting intestinal parasites and fleas which they can get from the family dog, even if the family cat does not go outdoors. You are protecting your family from zoonotic disease from the intestinal parasites, as well. In dogs, Revolution protects against the same parasites as it does in cats, however it only kills one species of tick.

Advantage is a multi-topical for dogs and cats that prevents heartworm disease in dogs similar to the orals, and includes prevention against round, hook and whipworms. It also is a flea preventative. In cats, it prevents against the same parasites as Revolution.

Injectable

Last, but not least, there is an injectable heartworm preventative for dogs that lasts for six months. It is a great option for those of us who have a difficult time remembering to apply topically, or to give a preventative orally every 30 days. It is sustained release, so every day your dog is protected against heartworms, until the next dose is administered by your veterinarian or veterinary technician. As you can see there are many options which make it easier for you, and your lifestyle, to protect your pet from this awful disease. Contact your veterinarian today for heartworm testing and prevention.

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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.

On the Road with the Treat Truck! By Teresa Miller

The idea for the Treat Truck began as we were looking for a unique way to get more involved with our community. As an active supporter of animal rescue groups and organizations that improve the lives of pets in our community, we wanted a fun way to participate in all kinds of events from charity runs, to Food Truck Fridays, to education fairs.

We started with the shell of a 1960 Chevy truck that was found in an old warehouse in Illinois. From there, we came up with a plan to design, restore the truck, and wrap it a fun message. The entire process took about six months. Licenses and driving lessons followed. Now, we were ready to roll! On the Road with Treats! During 2013, the Treat Truck visited dozens of 28

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community events including: Bark in the Park, Trails for Tails, Strut Your Mutt, Dog-n-Jog, Pedals for Paws, and many more. The response was awesome. By participating in fundraisers, fun runs, and all kinds of events that support local groups, we believe we are having a positive effect on our community, as well as the national groups working to raise funds for causes such as breast cancer research. When the Treat Truck pulls up to an event, we pop open the window and hand out free samples of pet foods and treats. The Treat Truck is also filled with a wide variety of our award-winning, fresh baked treats (made in our shop daily) as well as toys and supplies for purchase that every pet parent may need for a fun day out.

questions to clarify. We listen carefully to these answers. Then, we help them find the best solution for their pets’ needs. We share information about selecting the best pet food for their pet; which treats are best for play time; what treats work best as training rewards or dental health; and which toys are best suited to puppies, heavy chewers and seniors alike.

A Focus on Education In addition to community involvement, the Treats Unleashed Treat Truck also serves as a rolling classroom. Our knowledgeable staff is available to answer questions from pet owners. The foundation of our shop is to help pet parents find the best products for their pets. Most pet parents have questions about nutrition, treats, toys, dental health and more. We listen to their questions. We ask

Treats Unleashed Treat Truck, a fully-stocked food truck for pets, kicked off the 2014 season at 4 Paws 4 Rescues’ First Annual Pup Crawl on March 1. We are gearing up for another busy spring, summer and fall. Look for us at this year’s Bark in the Park, MOEDA Fun Walk in Tilles Park, Strut Your Mutt, Food Truck Fridays, and wherever pet lovers gather for a fun time with their pets.

Teresa Miller is the founder of Treats Unleashed, a natural pet supplies store with a focus on providing healthy choices for pets. Feeding St. Louis’ pets the healthiest foods and treats since 2002! Watch for Treat’s Unleashed’s rolling ambassador - the Treat Truck - at upcoming events in the St. Louis area this year! Visit www.treatsunleashed.com for the Treat Truck’s schedule of events.

www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - April 2014

Chipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Corner

PAWZZLE

Answers to this Pawzzle can be found in the Breed of the Month story on page 23. 30

MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - April 2014

DOWN

ACROSS

1. C olor of the eyes?

2. Their personality is known as ______________________.

3. N ame one type of pocket pet

5. There is a certain ____________ about this breed.

this breed might not be good

7. One color this breed comes in?

with.

10. Shape of the eyes?

4. The Dandie Dinmont has __________ legs. 6. What type of coat does this breed have? 8. C ountry this breed originated in? 9. The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is considered a _________ breed. 11. A good romp in the

12. This breed is a good fit for ______________ dwellers. 13. Their coat should be _______________ once or twice a year. 16. Body length of this breed. 17. Animal this breed was used to hunt? 18. The Dandie will willingly _______________ your property. 20. They should be brushed _________________. 21. What is their most distinctive feature? 22. I t is best to keep this breed on leash as they are prone to ___________. 23. This breed is ______________ in nature.

________________ will suffice for this little dog. 12. This breed makes an ________________ companion. 14. This trait can make them a bit challenging to train. 15. Their coat is prone to little to no ___________________. 19. E xpression of the eyes. 22. O ne ailment that this breed is prone to getting.

www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - April 2014

The Adventures

of CHIP by Heddie Leger

Recap from Episode 3: The police have taken Allen and Penelope away in a police car. I am worried I might not see them again. There was a BIG black and brown dog…I did not know if he was friendly and would want to share his yard with me, but I was about to find out as they opened the door to let the BIG dog in. I closed my eyes and turned my head away as I did not know what was going to happen next. I could feel his hot breath all over my body, he was panting and drooling all over me, but I dared not move. Oh my Goodness, Good Golly Miss Molly, I sat there shaking so hard my teeth were chattering, I could feel this little grumbling in my chest, that I could not stop and my hair started to stand up on end like a million little pins sticking out. The big black and brown dog kept sniffing me. My head was soaked with his drool. It seemed like forever, and then I felt him nudge me gently. I opened one eye just a slit so I could see what he was doing, I was sure he was going to eat me, but then he wiggled his whole butt, like he was trying to wag his tail (he did not have one which was odd) and he bowed down to me like I was some sort of prince or something. I did not know what to do, and then I remembered my sister had done this when she wanted to play. BUT……he was sooooooo big. I was petrified!!! I kept whispering to myself “don’t be afraid, have courage, don’t be afraid.” I wanted to run away, but there was no place to run. Then he did the most amazing thing, he made himself very, very small by lying down next to me and rolled over on his back and looked at me with a big old smile, eye ball to eye ball, I could see the cloudiness in his eyes and that he could not see me, but knew I was there. He rolled over on his back and did not move until I slowly sniffed him all over and he still was laying there without moving. I remembered my mom also doing this and thought, hmmmm maybe he wants me to 32

MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - February 2014

just nuzzle up to him, so I did. I sniffed his ears and then laid my head on his big old neck and fell asleep. In fact, we both fell asleep, just like that. I made my first friend that day. I was no longer afraid. I dreamed of my mom and brothers and sisters warm and safe in our barn filled with sweet smelling hay, but then I noticed other smells in my dream. They smelled like bacon cooking, and other yummy things, I could hear muffled voices talking and could not tell if I was dreaming or if this was real. Then the big dog got up, and shook himself off and my head dropped to floor with a thud!... waking me suddenly, I jumped up and yelped. What I found was that he had gone into the room where there really was bacon cooking and people talking. This was not a dream, it was real. He sat all nice and pretty by the feet of the lady cooking and she smiled at him. I wanted her to smile at me also, so I went over next to him and imitated what he was doing by sitting nice and pretty. The lady said, “well, look at that, this puppy is trained.” I did not know what she meant, but I sure liked the way she looked at me all warm, happy and smiley. Right then and there, I decided to do whatever it took for her to look at me like that again. She then reached over and stroked me on the side of the face, shoulder and back and said, “what a good

Word of the Month Courage Mental or moral strength to persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty. pup you are. I wonder if you have a name? I think I will call you Chip as you are a chip off the ole block like Horace here.” She looked over at the big black and brown dog and at that moment I realized what it must feel like to belong to a family and be loved and so wished for that. So the big guy had a name, Horace. The next day, the lady took me to visit Allen and Penelope at their new home. It was called a foster home and there were tons of children there jumping all over the place and making a mess. Allen and Penelope sat in the corner looking very scared and sad. We all went outside and they started talking about finding their parents. I wished someone would help me find my mom and brothers and sisters, but somehow deep inside I knew it was not going to happen. I figured that most people would spend more time trying to help a human child than a missing pup. Besides, I had it pretty good right now. Allen and Penelope started to cry. They missed their home and parents (I knew how they felt). I snuggled up next to them and it seemed to help them. All of them were petting me and talking about what their next steps would be to find Allen and Penelope’s parents. They got permission to take photos and they included me in the photo with them to help them feel better. The lady told Allen and Penelope to be brave and have courage. But, it seems to me they already had been as they had survived a horrible storm, found a way to stay safe and also save me in the process. Then they all talked again with the

Activities • Read a book about courage as a virtue. Suggested books about courage include The Little Engine That Could by Watty Piper; Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Polar Bear and the Brave Little Hare, by Hans de Beer. Pretend to be the Cowardly Lion in the Wizard of Oz story, or the engine in the Little Engine That Could. Discuss with someone how it would feel and why we need courage. • Create your own book about courage by writing and/or illustrating your own story about demonstrating courage, such as when faced by a bully in school. Search through magazines and/or newspapers for stories and pictures of brave men, women and children who exhibit courage. • View this video and discuss with family or friends: http://www. ehow.com/video_4435931_teaching-courage-kids.html

Sunday, April 27, 2014 at 9am Tower Grove Park Featuring a 5K Run & 1 Mile Walk! * Run or walk, with or without your dog! * $30 for registration by April 23; $35 after April 23. * FREE T-shirt & goody bag! (Register by 4/5 to ensure requested shirt size) Benefits the Animal Protective Association of MO

For more information, or to register, go to APAMO.ORG or call 314-645-4610. Online registration powered by Active.com:

Want to do more to help the animals at the APA?

police, and were told that there were people out in our neighborhood helping people find their belongings and look for loved ones. Surely someone would find Allen and Penelope’s parents. They all exchanged phone numbers and filled out some forms for what they called permission, whatever that means, and then the police left. Allen and Penelope started to cry again as they did not want to go back into the home with all the kids that were noisy, crazy and disrespectful, but they were told they had to go back inside. Then the lady started to cry also as she walked away and got into the car to go home, but at least she took me with her. She hugged me as she sat there crying, then put me in my seatbelt and started the car to drive home. I could hear her whisper to herself, “I am going to help those children, no matter what.” I thought she was the nicest, most beautiful lady I had ever met at that moment. She looked like an angel to me. 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.

Story Discussion Tips 1) How did the pup show courage in this episode? 2) Have you ever been so scared you wanted to run away, but could not? Share this experience with someone. 3) How do you calm yourself when you are very scared?

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