April 2011 Feature Articles
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Traveling through Grief Losing a pet is difficult. Here is an explanation of the grieving process.
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You Get What You Give You can’t train away from what you want, but you can train toward what it.
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Kitty Cat Corner There are many different varieties of cats. Learn more about the benefit of cat companionship.
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Inappropriate Urination What do you do with a cat who doesn’t use the litter box?
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A Funny Little Look... at the insides of a dog trainer’s brain!
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So Many Options How does a dog owner pick the right trainer?
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Ebenezer the Donkey This donkey has became a legend in South Kansas City.
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The Price of Love This owner has accepted some pretty unacceptable behavior from her four legged friends.
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The Great KC Pet Expo The Overland Park convention center will be filled with pets on April 16-17!
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Disposable Pets Adding a pet to your family is a lifelong commitment.
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Happy Spring! We are all ready for a great Spring!
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Chip’s Corner — Complete this pawzzle about cats and have some fun!
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Cat Horoscopes — How well do you know your cat?
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Dog Horoscopes — How well do you know your dog?
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A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
In Every Issue
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Publisher’s Message
It Is Springtime! Spring is here! I think everyone is ready to get outside to breathe warm air and spend time with their pets! I also think we are ready for some springtime events. So, get ready, because April is when the events start! If you want details on upcoming events, just go to metropetmag.com. We update events on a regular basis. While you are there, sign up for our News N’ Deals email newsletter. This weekly newsletter includes information, events and a weekly deal. If you are a social butterfly, follow us on Twitter and Facebook.! Come by and see us at the Great KC Pet Expo, April 16-17 at the Overland Park Convention Center. See the article on page 31 for more details.
Pet of the Week Contest! MetroPet is thrilled to announce its new Pet of the Week winners! We have received hundreds of photos since the contest started. This makes it very difficult to choose the winners _ but we have some great photos. And, it’s not to late. If you have the cutest pet in Kansas City, make sure you enter your photo at metropetmag.com. Prizes for April will include a Family four Pack (4 tickets) to the Great KC Pet Expo, daycare at Camp Bow Wow in Olathe, a free bag of dog food from American Midwest Distributors, and more. See details on page 5.
Training, Training and More Training This issue of MetroPet is filled with training articles. Why? Because to really have a great relationship with your animal companion, you need to understand what is expected from each other. This understanding is built on communication and mutual trust. If a new pet has just joined your family, these articles provide tips on how to choose a trainer and what to expect from training.
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
Support our Advertisers
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The companies who advertise with MetroPet pay for the costs to of publishing this magazine. Without them, we couldn’t deliver this quality publication. So when you need a pet related product (pet food, training, grooming, or boarding) or a non-pet related product (insurance, a new car, a fence) call our advertisers first. Make sure you say “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine.” Then they will know their advertising is working, and they will continue to help us to publish this magazine.
Barbara Riedel, Publisher
P.S. Send in your favorite pet photo to win great prizes!
Staff and Contacts Publisher Barbara Riedel info@metropetmag.com
Editor Dan O’Leary editor@metropetmag.com
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Deals of the Week deals@metropetmag.com
Contributing Authors Mike Deathe Joe Dimino Cathy Erickson Christa Grunzinger Pat Hennessy Patty Homer Heddie Leger Cynthia Smith Nancy Piper Cheryl Waterman
Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Ad Sales: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313
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. © 2011 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.
Check it Out! Visit www.metropetmag.com • Read the issue online • Check out upcoming events • Sign up for the News N’ Deals newsletter • Enter the Pet of the Week contest • Locate advertisers
Pet of the Week
Winner Prizes for April www.greatpetkcexpo.com
www.americanmidwestkc.com
New Web Design New email newsletter
Olathe
www.campbowwow.com/us/ks/olathe/ Details in the email newsletter Sign up today!
Pet of the Week
Winner
Aazoyah, Paris, Max
Won a $25 Gift Certificate Whiskers and Wags the gift shop at Wayside Waifs www.waysidewaifs.org
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
These three little guys are our “kids.” My wife is disabled so she is home all the time and these are her companions. Aazoyah is 4 1/2 lbs, almost 5 years old, Paris and Max (we call them the twins), are 7 lbs and 6 lbs respectively, they are about a month apart in age (3 years). Submitted by LeRoy S.
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Traveling through
Grief by Nancy Piper
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MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
rief hurts. Ignoring your grief, hiding your grief from yourself and others, just hoping it will go away doesn’t help. Grief is a process, a journey, not an event. You have to experience the emotion, go through the process, work through the pain even a little bit at a time, in order to come out the other side and be healed. If you actively work through your grief, you will eventually successfully navigate your grief journey. There is not a set time frame for this. You will eventually arrive at a new “normal” because life will never be the same.
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Grief is a process, a journey, not an event. You have to experience the emotion, go through the process, work through the pain even a little bit at a time, in order to come out the other side and be healed.
STAGES OF GRIEF Elizabeth Kubler-Ross first identified the stages of grief in her book On Death and Dying. John James and Russell Friedman of the Grief Recovery Institute believe there aren’t any stages. However, it is helpful to realize grievers pass through several emotions on their grief journey. These emotions may appear in a different order than listed. A person may also revisit the different emotions. It is helpful for you, as well as the people around you, to know what you are experiencing is normal. It helps us all to be understanding.
what we feel is right, given the knowledge we have at the time. Please forgive yourself for not knowing more or for not doing something else. We always wish the result had been different.
DENIAL The third stop on the grief journey is commonly denial, and is normally brief. Denial is easily confused with shock and disbelief. You know the death has occurred but at the same time want it not to be true. Surely you will wake up from this bad dream. Surely your beloved pet will be there when you go home and open the front door. You desperately wish everything will be okay again. But your pet isn’t there. Your pet really is dead.
SHOCK AND DISBELIEF The first place you go to is usually shock and disbelief. When you are in shock, you are unable to concentrate or take in information. You are in emotional overload; you experience mental or physical numbness which is your mind’s way of protecting itself. It is not a time to make important decisions. If you are asked to make a decision and your mind isn’t prepared to do that, ask for time to make that decision.
The second place you visit is usually anger, guilt and regret. You are frustrated and outraged because you have lost control of the situation. There is nothing you can do about what has happened. You are likely to lash out at people. Then you experience the “What ifs” and “If onlys.” “What if I had noticed sooner he didn’t feel good?” “If only I had taken him to the vet the night before.” We can come up with any number of “What ifs” and “If onlys.” The anger needs to be identified and released to allow yourself to let go and go on. Physical activities can help — punching a pillow, running, working out in the gym, cleaning house. These are short term energy relieving behaviors. Anger turned inward becomes guilt. The definition of guilt implies intent to harm. You had no intent to harm, so you should not feel guilty. Often, you are actually feeling regret instead of guilt. We always do
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
GUILT AND REGRET
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DEPRESSION Another place on the grief journey is depression. Sometimes depression is along for the whole journey. This type of depression is commonly a lowered state of feeling or energy. You are very sad. You painfully remember the good times. Everything is overwhelming and you just need to detach. All you care about is the way you feel. This is actually a time of healing. Your mind is giving you a chance to heal. This gives you time to arrive at your new “normal”. For the first time it is possible to think you might survive the pain.
You are frustrated and outraged because you have lost control of the situation. There is nothing you can do about what has happened.
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
RESOLUTION
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The fifth place is resolution. This is a time of spiritual inner healing. You become stronger. You release the pain and keep the beloved memories close. You look for a lesson to be learned from your pet’s life with you. You become accustomed to carrying your grief around – it makes you stronger and more capable. There will always be a scar, even though the emotional wounds heal. The special love you had with your companion animal is always with you.
WRITE YOUR STORY Part of grief recovery is discovering what is unfinished for you in your relationships and completing it. To help yourself find out what is incomplete is to ask yourself
“What do I wish had been different, better, or more?” One of the best recovery techniques during your grief journey is to write a letter to your pet, writing down how you feel about what happened, telling your pet all the things you wish you would have told him or things you wish you would have done. Pour out your heart in this letter. You should close it with something like “I love you. I miss you. Good-bye, Mom.” You could also close with “I have to go now, and I have to let go of the pain. Good-bye, Dad.” Then read your letter out loud to your pet. There will be strong emotion, both in the writing and in the reading, but that is okay. Have a box of tissues at hand. Another similar technique is to write the story of your life together; tell your pet’s story. Write how your pet came into your life; write both of the good and no-so-good times; write about the favorite things you did together, your favorite memories as well as your not-so-favorite memories. It is almost impossible to complete your grief journey without looking at everything about the relationship, both good and bad. One of life’s ironies is that you have to feel the pain in order to heal the pain.
There will be strong emotion, both in the writing and in the reading, but that is okay. Have a box of tissues at hand.
TELL YOUR STORY
Nancy Bush Piper has owned Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens for Pets, a pet cemetery, crematorium, and funeral home in Kansas City for over 32 years. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology. Piper continued her education in the cemetery industry, attending the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association University for two years, where she also taught a course one year. She was certified as a Grief Recovery Specialist in 1999 by the Grief Recovery Institute. Piper worked in the human cemetery and funeral industry before, and after she became involved with the after-life care of pets. Nancy and her husband, Gary, are blessed with many animals. For fun, she studies horsemanship and plays with her horses and mules.
Next month’s MetroPet Magazine will include an article on Tributes to Your Pet.
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
Find a person or people who will listen to your story. You need to tell and retell your story in order to make sense of it and to reconcile with your loss. A non-judgmental friend is good for this. If you don’t have anyone you can trust with your feelings, find a pet grief recovery group. There are also online email groups or chat rooms where you can tell your story and share with other people who can relate to your loss. You will know you are not alone in the way you feel. “Our grief lives with us as long as we live. Grief changes. It has rhythms. Sometimes it is present in its absence and sometimes it is absence that makes our grief present. Sometimes we are strong and fearless in the face of our grief and sometimes we are frightened and vulnerable. It is all part of the tapestry of our lives and by the very act of weaving our losses into that tapestry we ensure that our losses are part of our wholeness. And so we heal.” (Deborah Morris Coryell, Healing Through the Shadow of Loss)
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You Get What You
Give by Pat Hennessy
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
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our companion animal’s behavior is directly proportional to the time and training that you put into the relationship. What you give is what you get. When you give training you get desired behavior, if you don’t give training you get whatever the animal wants to do and that behavior (wanted or unwanted) gets reinforced. The longer it gets reinforced, the more ingrained it becomes and the more difficult it is to modify.
DETERMINE YOUR GOALS If there is an area where your dog needs improvement, you first need to determine your goals. You can’t train away from what you don’t want, but you can train toward what you do want. You need to choose an alternate behavior and teach a “cue” (aka command) to get that behavior. Preferably you want
You can’t train away from what you don’t want, but you can train toward what you do want. to choose an opposing behavior, one that would allow the dog to do something appropriate while not being able to do something inappropriate. For example, if your dog jumps on guests when they come over then you might teach your dog to “sit” or “down” when people arrive. If the dog is sitting then he can’t be jumping. It is more
difficult to get from the sitting or lying down position into a jump than from the standing position.
TRAINING INCENTIVES
painful or fearful just a “marker” (a word such as “uh-oh” or a gesture such as turning your head away), to indicate that it was incorrect and let her try again. When she gets it right she will be rewarded. Training with positive reinforcement is fun. It is all a matter of repetition, reward, and consistency. We have all seen programs on TV where they make a disclaimer “Don’t try this at home,” and you should heed that advice. In the case of positive dog training, the phrase should be “Do try this at home, over and over again, until your dog gets it!”
POSITIVE REWARDS
TRAINING TAKES TIME
When using positive training you reward the behavior you want and provide feedback if you get an undesired behavior. The non-reward feedback should not be
In our current culture we have busy lives and hectic schedules; however, you won’t modify your dog’s behavior unless you put some training into it. It doesn’t have to be a chore
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
In the case of positive dog training, the phrase should be “Do try this at home, over and over again, until your dog gets it!”
Your dog will reinforce an unwanted behavior until she is motivated to change it. Training incentives come in two forms — positive or negative. It is important to use positive reinforcement when training, because it not only motivates your dog it asks her to think, creating a learning experience for stronger reinforcement vs. her just reacting to avoid punishment. Positive reinforcement also builds a healthy relationship — one that is based on trust vs. fear. When harmful or fearful punishment is used you may get your desired behavior at the time, but that behavior may be inconsistent and the fear may cause other unwanted behaviors (some of which may pop up unexpectedly). For example, if you punish your dog for growling then you may suppress the growl but if your dog is in a situation where he feels threatened he will not give the growl (warning), and may go straight into the bite.
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though, as you can build training into many activities. Your dog will love positive training because it involves reward (which could be food, praise, or play). You can turn play into a training session (fetch, come, drop it). You can use feeding time as a training session (sit, stay, release). In general when you see your dog doing something that is good, reward him! Never pass up an opportunity for praise.
THERE IS NO PERFECT DOG!
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
Even those of us who train dogs may not have “perfect dogs.” Training does take time so we may pick and choose what is important for us to train. Something that bothers you might not bother me. A behavior is not a problem if you don’t mind it, as long as it doesn’t disrupt your household or create a dangerous situation. There are many things you may be comfortable living with, such as barking when the doorbell rings. But if you have a dog that tears up everything when you leave, soils in the house, or guards the food dish, those would be behaviors you would want to fix.
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Even those of us who train dogs may not have “perfect dogs.” Training does take time so we may pick and choose what is important for us to train. You can avoid many of your dog’s issues by providing him the training (skills) and leadership (communication) he needs. Of course, all of that takes time, but in the end it will be worth it. You can spend $800 joining a gym to lose weight or tone muscles, but you won’t meet your goals unless you go and put in the time and effort. The same goes for training your dog. There is no such thing as a bad dog, only an uninformed or reluctant owner. You wouldn’t let your child play in the street or swear at his teacher and you don’t want your dog to get into danger or act obnoxious either. The more cues that you teach your dog, the bigger his vocabulary and the more options you have in any given situation. Now that you know who is in control, you can choose to be the trainer or be satisfied to be the trainee. Grab a handful of liver treats and see how many words your dog can learn. Make it fun. Practice in different places and scenarios – mix it up. The more he learns the better off both of you are, and you never know when that one little word might save his life or win a prize. 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 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.
ROVER’S TOP TEN WAYS TO SPEND YOUR TAX REFUND* 1. Anything with a squeaker – and lots of them
2. Liver treats*
- and lot’s of them too
3. Kong or Squirrel ®
Dude™
4. Going for long rides in the car 5. A new softer, bigger, bed 6. BULLY STICKS* 7. A laser pointer and plenty of batteries (but beware it can cause me to go OCD
8. A bubble making machine or an automatic ball thrower
9. A fun class (like Doga* or Agility) And... the number one way to spend your tax return,
10. Take time off work to
Myla Pet of the Week
(aka Miss Moo)
Winner
A Great Dane, is the happiest and goofiest dog on the planet. We fell in love with her ears the moment we met her and she has made us laugh every day since. Submitted by Theresa
Won a custom collar and leash from dogIDcollar
* Contact N2paws for more information about product and service recommendations, usage, and availability.
Go to www.metropetmag.com for upcoming events
www.dogidcollar.com Submit your photo at metropetmag.com.
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
play hooky with me!!!!!!
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Kitty Cat Corner What Do You Know? by Heddie Leger Categorically speaking not many people realize there are so many different varieties of cats. This brings up a host of challenges in finding homes for cats. If people don’t know what they want or like, how can they select the cat that will best suit their personality or lifestyle.
BETTER EDUCATION When looking for a pet dog, people are becoming better educated regarding consideration of these simple facts when looking to add a four-footed family member, but those looking to add a cat have not yet come to realize some may fit their life better than others. As always, when it comes to bringing a pet into our lives, it is important to have the mindset of making a lifelong commitment to that animal and thinking in advance to take into consideration what would happen with the pet, in the event of an unfortunate turn of events in your life. We are featuring cats in the hope of increasing awareness of the joys and drawbacks of adding a cat to your family unit.
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
BENEFITS OF CATS
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Cats often make great companions for people who are house bound, travel frequently, do not have or do not want to be locked into a schedule of having to take a dog for a walk several times a day. For those who like to keep life simple, a cat is a wonderful addition being generally self-sufficient and able to self potty in a litter box. There are a few simple rules of cleanliness that all cats must have, and their needs must be respected in order to have a healthy relationship.
TWO MAJOR BREED ORGANIZATIONS There are two major established breed organizations for cat fanciers interested in showing cats. These groups keep records and breeding registration. These groups are the Cat Fanciers Association, Inc., and the American Cat Fanciers Association. Both hold shows where up to 1,000 cats may be entered for competition. In any case, whether a cat is kept for show or a companion animal, responsible ownership of cats involves making sure the pet is spayed or neutered to diminish unwanted litters. There are never enough homes for cats and each spring untold numbers end up on the streets, only the lucky few find their way to a shelter, rescue or wonderful home.
There are two major established breed organizations for cat fanciers for those interested in showing cats... Just for fun, here are some real and fictional factoids about cats that are interesting and amusing. Next month, we will feature a special breed cat and its history. • Mohammed so loved his cat Muezzo that, according to tradition, he cut off his robe rather than disturb the cat, which was sleeping on it. • The cat, Tobermory, whose ability to speak devastated the guests at a house party in the story “Tobermory” from The Chronicles of Clovis’, by Saki. • A gray cat with six toes, Slippers, favored by President Theodore Roosevelt, who is said to have allowed the cat to appear at diplomatic dinners. • The Cheshire cat is a cat that can slowly disappear, leaving only its grin behind, as described in Lewis Carroll’s novel “Alice in Wonderland.” • One of the first great stars of the animated cartoon and the hero of Pat Sullivan’s cartoon strip series was Felix the Cat. • The inscrutable cat, Mehitabel, that tells of her former life as Cleopatra in Don Marquis’ novel ‘the lives and times of archy and mehitabel’. • The favorite cat of Dr. Samuel Johnson, named Hodge, who is reputed to have bought fresh oysters personally each day and fed them to his pet. • Lucifer was a black angora, one of many cats that belonged to Cardinal Richelieu of France. • A real cat that belonged to Horace Walpole called Selima was immortalized by Thomas Gray in the poem Ode on the Death of a Favorite Cat Drowned in a Tub of Goldfish. Join us next month and learn more about Chip’s Kitty-Corner friends.
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
FUN FACTOIDS
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Chip’s Corner
Pawzzle
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
by Heddie Leger
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Go to www.metropetmag.com for upcoming events
Down:
3. 5. 6. 8. 10. 14. Across: 1.
4. 6. 7. 9. 11. 12. 13. 15. 16. 17. 18. 20.
21.
When bringing a pet into a home the commitment should be __________. A cat’s tongue is _________ for grooming purposes. Another word for cat. Cats make great _______________. Otherwise known as Cleopatra. A box where the cat can relieve itself inside. Cat’s nails are referred to as __________. This cat could speak. Cat’s are fastidious about being ___________. Cats are generally self-__________. A male cat should be ____________ so it can not reproduce. Cats should always have lots of fresh _________. A female cat should be ____________ in order to cut down on unwanted litters of kittens. A pets needs must be met and respected in order to have a healthy _____________.
16.
19.
One organization is the American Cat ___________ Association This cat can disappear leaving only his smile. A cat is a good companion for someone who is ______________. Famous cartoon character cat. The name of Mohammed’s cat. Word for baby cat. President Theodore Roosevelt’s cat that had six toes. Name of cat in the poem Ode on the Death of a Favorite Cat Drowned in a Tub of Goldfish. How many established cat breeding/showing organizations are there?
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
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Inappropriate Urination by Cheryl Waterman
U
nfortunately, many people totally misunderstand this behavior. They think, the cat is “mad” about something or “acting out.” Urine marking or going outside the litter box can be caused by a “health” issue, like a UTI (urinary tract infection or crystals or stones in the bladder. Which, once tested for and confirmed, can be easily treated. Urination becomes extremely painful in these types of situations, and cats begin to associate the litter box with that pain. They begin trying different areas to urinate, seeking relief. There is often blood in the urine, and anyone who has ever experienced a bladder infection can testify to how uncomfortable it can be. It is the same for your cat.
The Number One Behavioral Reason for Cats Being Abused, Abandoned or Euthanized
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
COMMUNICATION
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Once a UTI is ruled out, it is probably simply a form of communication, i.e., your cat is trying to tell you something. Of course, this normal feline behavior is unacceptable in our homes. It is most often “secondary” to territorial issues or anxiety of some type. Most people understand territorial issues, but anxieties can be due to a variety of stressors (e.g. changes in household events or dynamics).
WHERE TO START Our first recommendation is that you bring your cat in for a physical exam and urinalysis. The urinalysis is a fairly simple procedure and can tell us right away if there is a “physical” reason for the inappropriate urination. Should the urinalysis prove negative for infection, we then begin the search for other causes.
CLEAN LITTER BOX A couple of things are good to know right off... one is that poor litter box hygiene is the No. 1 cause of house soiling. Would you choose to use a dirty toilet? Cats feel the same way. The litter box should be scooped at least once a day, and emptied and totally cleaned at least once per week. The litter depth should be 1.5” to 2.0” in most cases. If you have more than one cat in your household, then there should be one litter box per cat, plus one, as a rule of thumb. Another thing you’ll want to do is check the location of your cat’s litter box. Is it near a noisy washer/dryer or furnace? Is it near dog dishes, or can children harass your cat too easily? Is one of your other cats restricting
Another thing you’ll want to do is check the location of your cat’s litter box. access to the box? Any of these possibilities may require gradual relocation of the box. Also, cats may be able to see in the dark, but that doesn’t mean they like urinating in the dark. If the box is in a dark area, a small night light may be helpful. Likewise, hooded boxes are not recommended. People like them; however, most cats do not.
If you have recently changed brands of litter and then the inappropriate urination occurs, then return to the previous brand or type. In general, the finer the litter is, the better – and a better choice is usually unscented vs. scented. (Scents are for people, not cats.) If you have an older, possibly arthritic kitty, providing a lower sided box in an easily accessible area (don’t make them go up and down stairs to get to the box) may be the answer. Also, many times, if your cat happens to be long-haired, having the hair between their toes trimmed may be helpful, cats are very fastidious, and don’t like having litter stuck between their toes or anywhere else, for that matter. Once your cat has urinated in an inappropriate area, it is important that the area be thoroughly cleaned (all layers: carpet, pad, flooring) with an enzymatic cleaner. The area should be thoroughly saturated, then covered with plain plastic for 24 hours, allowed to dry and then assessed for remaining odor. If odor persists, then repeat the process. After cleaning the area, block access to the area if at all possible. If not, you might try covering the area with upside-down carpet protector, aluminum foil or even placing your cat’s food/water dish in the area.
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
THE SCOOP ON KITTY LITTER
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There are so many options, that it would be unrealistic to list them all here. However, if you are having this problem with your cat, please give your veterinarian a chance to help him or her. Your cat is looking to you for comfort and companionship, he or she is trying to communicate that something is just not right for them.
Pet of the Week
Winner
Cheryl Waterman is the Hospital Administrator at the Cat Clinic of Johnson County and a long-time cat lover. She has been with the Clinic for the past 13 years, and in 2007 received Certification in Veterinary Practice Management (CVPM) designation. She is a member of the Veterinary Hospital Managers Association and the American Animal Hospital Association. You can contact her directed at the Cat Clinic of Johnson County, (913) 541-0478.
Dr. Irene Schomacker at the Cat Clinic of Johnson County has 25 years of experience in feline medicine and behavioral issues. There isn’t much she hasn’t seen when it comes to issues such like inappropriate urination. As a result, we rarely euthanize a cat for inappropriate urination at the Cat Clinic of Johnson County. Call us at 913-941-0478 if you have questions about your cat. We are a feline exclusive clinic.
March Pawzzle Answers
Rocco (aka Bubba) At 8 months old, He has got the most awesome personality. He can and will turn your day around if it has gone bad which is why I love him so much. Submitted by Kelly
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
Won a t-shirt from Muttz R’ Us
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www.muttzrus.com Submit your photo at metropetmag.com.
Feline Signs
Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)
The Stray Cat. Basically a loner, if forcibly confined to the lap of one who feels the need for company, the Aries Cat will quickly convert from a feline to a writhing bundle of needle-ridden fur.
The Copy-Cat. An inherent urge for unity with others will make it natural for this cat to create an atmosphere of harmonious relationships with home companions.
Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)
The Cat’s Pajamas. The Scorpio Cat is always strangely drawn to those unfortunate humans who are not fond of cats.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21) Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. This feline will cavort endlessly, sliding down banisters and climbing up curtains, but hardly ever sits still long enough for a cuddle.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22) The Crazy Cat. The Cancer Cat has the uncanny ability to melt a human heart with its constant desire for affection.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) The Top Cat. This cat is intensely loyal (in its own way) and equally as faithful as it is self-opinionated. In fact, as cats go, this feline can be quite a friendly soul.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) The Kitten Cat. Outside, with nature at paw’s reach, this feline will forget all his or her problems and hang-ups.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) The Stable Cat. The Sagittarius Cat is fond of feline companionship and delighted to allow another cat (or even more than one) to share home and family!
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) The Cat Burglar. The Capricorn Cat prefers city life to country living. They will be house-trained almost overnight.
Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18) The Hip Cat. Contact with humans (albeit from a distance) is more important to an Aquarius Cat than the time spent with other felines.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) The Ship’s Cat. Cancer subjects possess a big enough sense of humor to actually enjoy this feline’s many quirks and peculiarities.
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
The Earth Mother. It will be necessary to vacuum, dust and step around this feline. This cat sleeps most of time and during slumber, nothing will awaken it.
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
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A Funny Little Look... at the insides of a dog trainer’s brain!
by Mike Deathe In a nutshell... management means paying attention to your dog, puppy, spouse or child. My mother used to say “Idle hands are the Devil’s play thing,” and nowhere is this more true than with a dog or puppy!
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
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ne of the most frustrating things about being a dog trainer is trying to explain, and illustrate the importance and idea of management. So, I am going to attempt to use humor as a way to teach just what trainers means when we say “management.” As you read this, it might leave you laughing, or it might just make you mad. Either way, I hope it will make you think about the myth of training and how at least half, if not more, of the answers to the riddle lies directly in the definition of the word management.
One of the most frustrating things about being a dog trainer is trying to explain and illustrate the importance and idea of management!
Let’s face it, a puppy will never get a chance to chew up your brand new red leather Manolo pumps unless you have conveniently “spaced out,” leaving them on the floor (unattended) after coming home from a hard day’s work. So with that being said, here are my Top 10 “management” customer comments and the corresponding internal thoughts of a trainer, upon hearing my customers’ lamentations.
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My dog keeps peeing and pooping on the comforter in the back bedroom.
If you would just pay attention to Fido the 5-6 times he tried to tell you he had to go, or keep him in his crate or x-pen when you are not able to watch him, this phone call would not be taking place. You might even try keeping the bedroom door shut till he learns the rules.
2 A
Can you believe the nerve of my dog? She keeps chewing my clothes!
3
I really need your help, my 16 week old lab puppy just ate our second couch while we were at work, and my wife says if we can’t get the behavior fixed, the dog has to go.”
Ever heard of a laundry hamper? Or maybe putting the “clean” clothes away instead of leaving them in the basket on the living room floor? Did Fido open up your drawer and get the clothes out himself? If you will remember to put them away, then Fido won’t have a chance to chew them.
I am really surprised — would you let your two-year old child loose in the den while you went to the grocery store? Probably not. So why would you expect a 16 week old puppy to “behave” all alone, while you are at work? Consider crate training and/or doggy daycare. It may take more effort and cost more in the short term, but in the end everyone will be happier!
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I am at my wits end. Fido jumps all over everyone who walks through the front door. Now he has broken my mom’s hip. I think it is okay for him to give me hugs, but how do I teach him he can’t greet guests this way?
If you know when or where your three year old son will throw a temper tantrum, you can “train” him not to throw it, and you can be prepared to handle it. With your dog, you have a few clues about when and where they will act up, so start training now.
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How do you teach a dog to quit begging at the table? It is getting really bad, our dog has even started taking food right out of our kid’s hands at the table!
If this is happening, then we all know that someone is feeding the dog at the table! Congratulations... you (or someone else in your family) have now become a slot machine for Fido. Your dog is
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now programmed to think if I just keep staring and/or stealing I will get human food. After all, it works most of the time!
6
Every time I open the front door the dog barrels through. It takes us 30 minutes to catch him! What do I do to stop this behavior?
Maybe you should watch to see where the dog is before you open the door. Or maybe you could just teach the dog to sit at the door? You probably want to teach a good solid recall before something bad happens. A training program of six sessions over several weeks. One other question — how often are you taking Fido for walks? Is this the only time he gets outside? Maybe that explains why he runs outside.
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7 A
Can you explain to me why my dog runs from me every time I call him after he gets loose?
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I am so tired of this. Every time my dog does something bad, I tell him very clearly he has been bad, but it is just getting worse. How long will it take before this dog outgrows this behavior?
From the dog’s perspective, he sees a crazy, unstable human at least 6-10 times his height, yelling and running towards him. Your dog may think it is a game or just want to get the heck gone!
You learned as a kid that this did not work with your pet rock, didn’t you? Is this question really serious or are you just making a “funny?”
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Just how long is it going to take before this dog can sleep through the night without waking me at 3:00 am to pee?
I will bet a hundred bucks this is the person who lets the dog tank up on water or eat within an hour of going to bed. Or this is a puppy that can’t yet hold it all night?
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Why is it every time I try to establish dominance with my dog he just squats down and pees on the damn floor?
How about teaching Fido the “house rules” before enforcing them. Try this first and see what happens.
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IN SUMMARY If dog trainers had the “secret,” we would have already published the book and we would be millionaires. Unfortunately, there is no “secret” unless you think that “dogs only do what is rewarded and what they are allowed to do” is the “secret.” I can save you money and time by saying “a behavior never tried is a habit never learned.” Focus on “mistake-free” training with Fido and be ready to redirect or eliminate opportunities for Fido to make mistakes. That is what dog trainers mean by management. If you don’t pay attention or actively train, then know something bad is going to happen. So put down the phone, car keys or computer keyboard and save yourself some money by not calling a dog trainer. Instead, go spend the time, pay attention and manage the behavior of that furry little ball of fur you love so much! Mike Deathe is a stay-at-home dad who found his passion as a dog trainer in 2008. The author of the Keep It Simple Stupid (K.I.S.S.) Pet Blog. Mike has had dogs since he was four years old! In 2009, he and his wife Kate founded Muttz “R” Us, a t-shirt and pet product company with a philanthropic motto of “Adopt a Pet, Save a Life.” In 2010 Muttz “R” Us also launched KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID DOG TRAINING. He is a charter member of Heartland Positive Dog Training Alliance and just earned his CPDT — KA credential! Visit him at facebook or twitter or follow the blog @http://muttzmembers.blogspot.com/ or check out the website muttzrus.com for details about shirts.
Canine Signs Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19)
Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22)
Leader of the Pack. Most Aries dogs are completely intolerant of other dogs, constantly getting into scraps and trying to dominate every other pet.
The Shop-Steward This canine is remarkably persuasive... some might say even manipulative. They can also be ridiculously stubborn.
Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20)
Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21)
The Strong Silent Type The owner must be prepared for the Taurus Dog to sit in front of the refrigerator and mournfully stare.
The Paragon. Owners who keep on top of things and will discover that the Scorpio Dog is basically an affectionate canine... beneath its prickly exterior.
Gemini (May 21 - June 21)
Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21)
The Yapper. Aquarius owners, being broad-minded enough to allow things to follow their natural course, will find the Gemini Dog to be a suitable pet.
The Problem Dog. The Sagittarius Dog will either take to an owner or not, based purely and solely on that owner’s merits as a person.
Cancer (June 22 - July 22)
Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20)
The Home-Lover. About once a month, the pull of the Moon will fill the Cancer Dog with a feeling of restlessness, urging him or her to spend the night in the garden, where he or she will howl until daybreak.
The Social Climber. Ideally, this canine would prefer to be in a favored position enjoyed by such dogs as the Queen of England’s Royal Corgis.
Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)
The Friend. The Aquarius canine must be calmed to some extent. Humans born under Gemini and Libra are a good match.
Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) The Helper. Sheep and working dogs governed by Virgo thrive very nicely, working from dusk until dawn and content in the productive nature of its employment.
Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) The Interpreter. Forceful and pushy one minute, this dog is gentle, retiring and loving the next.
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The Boss-Dog. Fiercely loyal, this canine would rather die while protecting an owner than allow that owner to come to any harm.
Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18)
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So Many Options... What’s a Dog Owner to Do?
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
by Patty Homer
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Dog training is not an exact science; there is not one way to teach a new behavior or one way to modify an unwanted behavior
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hen the need arises to hire a dog trainer, whether it is for simple obedience training or complex behavior solving, the vast number of trainers and techniques can be overwhelming and confusing. Dog training is not an exact science; there is not one way to teach a new behavior or one way to modify an unwant-
ed behavior. There are too many variables in dog training; just a few are: the dog’s environment, owner compliance, physical and mental health of the dog and the dog’s individual motivation. For these reasons alone, no dog trainer should ever give a guarantee to the outcome of training. Obedience training is different than behavior modification. Obedience training is teaching a dog to sit, lie down, come, stay, and walk nicely on a leash — for this you would hire a dog trainer. Behavior modification is modifying unacceptable behavior such as excessive barking, biting or jumping and aggressive, anxious or fearful behavior — for this you would hire either a behavior consultant or a veterinary behaviorist. There are two major training methods — traditional and positive. Most training options fall into one method or the other, but each method may include techniques that cross the line into the other method. Every dog trainer, regardless of what method they use, has different opinions and techniques.
on dogs that are by nature fearful, shy, sensitive and/or aggressive or if the trainer does not have impeccable timing, control, and skill.
POSITIVE TRAINING Over the years, methods have changed and morphed into gentler methods thanks to the scientific study of animal behavior and training results. Positive training started to become popular in the 1990’s and includes “lure and reward” and “clicker” training. Positive trainers believe that you can get better, longer lasting results using a combination of positive rewards for good behavior (food, toys, praise) and non-hurtful consequences (ignoring the bad, verbal corrections) for unwanted behavior. They also believe that pain-free methods create dogs that are eager to please, enjoy working and builds a stronger bond between you and your dog. Critics say that using food as a learning tool or reward system is just “bribing” the dog. Positive training when done correctly, however, uses food as a reward (not bribe) and those food rewards are replaced with life rewards (praise, play, affection, privileges) as soon as the dog understands what you want.
Formal dog training began during World War I when troops started using dogs in combat. Many dogs became casualties of war which created the need for the rapid training of new dogs to replace those who gave their lives. The method that was used to quickly train these dogs is known as “traditional” training. Traditional training is based on physical punishment and/or intimidation. Traditional training involves leash “jerks” and the use of choke, pinch and/or shock collars. This method creates a training atmosphere of pain and intimidation and is sometimes linked to ideas of dominance training, meaning the belief that it is impossible to train a dog unless you are the dominant animal. Traditional trainers believe that this method provides highly reliable results and that the aversive equipment (choke, pinch, shock collars) does not harm the dog when used correctly. Critics of traditional training believe that the method and tools are cruel and harmful even when used correctly. Lately, traditional training has become popular and made to look simple on television and while these methods may work for some dogs, it has a very undesirable effect
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
TRADITIONAL TRAINING
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TRAINER QUALIFICATIONS Dog trainers are not controlled by any governing agency. This means that anybody can hang out a shingle claiming to be a dog trainer; it is definitely “buyers beware.” There are only a few dog training associations that test and certify dog trainers’ knowledge and abilities: the Certification Counsel for Professional Dog Trainers (ccpdt.org), the International Association of Canine Professionals (IACP canineprofessionals.com) and the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants (IAABC iaabc.org). Many trainers advertise that they are certified, but before you hire them, ask who they are certified through! Since there are no legal regulations, it is up to the consumer to check out a trainer’s qualifications. Some companies hire employees, put them through a few weeks of training and declare them certified. There are also correspondence schools that consider a student certified upon completion of some coursework regardless if they have ever laid hands on a dog or not. Not all trainers offer behavior modification and not all behavior consultants offer obedience training, so it is important to ask how much experience a trainer has with whatever behavior issue your dog is having. You should check references and certifications. The certifying organizations listed above have a list of their certified trainers on their website.
VETERINARIANS
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
Veterinarians are the only professionals allowed to prescribe and oversee behavior modifying medications. There are board certified veterinary specialists that work with pet owners and trainers to manage
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Dog trainers are not controlled by any governing agency. This means that anybody can hang out a shingle claiming to be a dog trainer. behavior problems. The governing agency for veterinary behaviorists is the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists (dacvb.org). All veterinarians are allowed by law to prescribe medications, but most vets are not qualified to counsel dog owners about behavior or training issues unless they have a special interest in behavior or are board certified. There are many choices to be made before choosing the right trainer. It’s important to start your dog’s training as early as possible, but don’t rush the decision on which trainer to use. Consider all of your choices and interview more than one trainer before deciding on which one is right for you. As in most things in life, having knowledge, skills and experience is ideal. Patty Homer is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and a Pet First Aid instructor. She has been training dogs for 20 years. She owns Good Pup dog training and boarding in South Kansas City. Her certifications include CPDT-KA (certified through the Certification Counsel of Professional Dog Trainers); CDT certified through the International Association of Canine Professionals. She is the Founder and President of HEARTland Positive Dog Training Alliance. For more information, visit her website at www.goodpupkc.com.
HEARTland Positive Dog Training Alliance (HEART) is a group of local positive rewards dog trainers, pet professionals and dog owners that are dedicated to educating others about the benefits of positive dog training. For more information visit the HEART website at www.trainerswithheart.com.
Ebenezer the Donkey by Joe Dimino
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rock star of the animal world resides in Grandview, Missouri. He is a 32-year old donkey named Ebenezer. His exact location is east of Main Street and the intersection of 129th Street. The 30-plus year old donkey is both a staple and the unofficial goodwill ambassador in the Grandview, Missouri area.
Ebenezer underwent an exhilarating and scary 2010. At the beginning of the year, he was diagnosed with white line disease in all of his hooves, badly diseased gums and a lung filled with fluid. Following articles in the Jackson County Advocate and the Kansas City Star, the generosity of the Kansas City metro poured forth. A total of $10,000 was raised to get Ebenezer back to health via an 83-day stay at Equine Health Solutions in Raymore, MO. Ebenezer was welcomed back home to a new barn, concrete floor and signage on the property. In present day 2011, Ebenezer is back in business for folks to visit him on a daily basis. His owners are Ben & Victoria Alvarado, while his regular caretakers are Shirley and Randy Phillips. Many visitors stop by on a daily basis to visit this simple donkey on the prairie that has done so much to make folks happy over the decades. Ebenezer will celebrate his 32nd birthday on April 10, 2011. The life span of a donkey is 30-50- years.
MORE ABOUT EBENEZER For all things Ebenezer, along with his life story, pictures, video, audio and surprises go to www.ebenezerthedonkey.com.
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
2010 — A SCARY YEAR
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The Price of Love by Cynthia Smith
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y house is filled with evidence that dogs have been a big part of my life. And it dawned on me recently, that through the years, I have accepted some pretty unacceptable behavior from my four-legged friends. Behavior, I would never accept from a human family member. In the late 70’s, I had a Basset Hound named Fonzi who ate all the “hidden” Easter candy and opened all the presents under the tree at Christmas. I was furious at the time but, looking back, it was pretty funny.
GNAWING ON TABLE LEGS I have a wonderful six-foot wooden Indian in my dining room whose feet were gnawed by English Bulldog sisters in the 80’s. I am sure it was their way of getting back at me for dressing them up in costumes every holiday.
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
EATING
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THE
GOLDFISH
In the 90’s, my son fell in love with a golden retriever who turned out to be the best dog a little boy could ask for. But Wishbone wasn’t perfect. As a puppy, he cut his tongue in half on a glass pot full of macaroni and cheese, he had knocked off the stove. By the time the crisis was over, he had eaten all the macaroni off the floor and blood was everywhere. A few weeks later he developed a taste for sushi and ate my son’s goldfish right out of the tank. I thought Wishbone’s head was wet because he drank from the toilet. My son was so distraught he had to spend time with the school Chaplain. The Chaplain looked sympathetic as my son sat there holding a stuffed animal, balling his eyes out and talking about how Sparky the fish was his best
I thought Wishbone’s head was wet because he drank from the toilet. But he had eaten the fish right out of the fishbowl!
My house is filled with evidence that dogs have been a big part of my life. I have accepted some pretty unacceptable behavior from my four-legged friends.
BLINDS
AS
CHEW TOYS?
Now in the 2000’s I am cleaning up remnants from window blinds that were used as chew toys for two very gregarious golden retrievers. As I was sweeping up the debris, I noticed that one of the legs on the rocker my mother bought during the Kennedy administration looked like it had been a satisfying meal for woodchucks. I’ve been wondering why I find this behavior amusing. If my son ate the blinds or peeled wallpaper off the wall, I would make him empty his piggy bank to pay for the repairs. If he ate his goldfish I would have taken him to see a therapist. But with animals, these antics become family lore. I am ashamed that I don’t demand the same standards of behavior from my dogs that I expect from my friends and family. My son hates this double standard and thinks I should sell the dog’s favorite treats on EBAY to pay for the damage, and ground them from going to the park. The truth is every pet comes with a price. For me, it’s been worth it to have animals in my life that have given me great memories, more than a few laughs, and unconditional love. Cynthia Smith is now President of Wayside Waifs, the largest no-kill Animal Adoption Center in Kansas City, MO. Smith has had many animals over the years. She recently wrote the book Dogs Get Cancer Too. She is a first time author, but a seasoned journalist. She is a two-time Emmy winner and a former news anchor for WDAF-TV in Kansas City. She also served as President and CEO of Sunflower House, a Child Abuse Prevention Center. She can be reached at Wayside Waifs at (816) 761-8151 or visit www.waysidewaifs.org.
Great KC Pet Expo
by Cathy Erickson
Pet lovers can shop, adopt, learn and compete at the new Great KC Pet Expo slated for April 16 & 17, 2011 in Overland Park at the Overland Park International Trade Center.
EXHIBITOR BOOTHS The Great KC Pet Expo features approximately 100 exhibitor booths showcasing everything new in the pet industry. It’s a pet lovers mall with products and services from fashionable collars, beds and tags to DNA kits, jewelry and bling for the proud pet owner. Premium pet foods, waste removal services, training and health tips are all available on the show floor.
PET CONTESTS Pet owners love to compete in the Ultimate Stay, Leave It, Tiny Dog and Costume Contests. Everyone gets a ribbon and the winners take home great prizes from our trade show exhibitors. Celebrity Trainer and Animal Planet alum Joel Silverman shares all the backstage scoop on training animals for TV and movies, plus he’ll use his own dog, Foster, to demo training tips and tricks.
TRAINING AND AGILITY Each day we’ll host training sessions, followed by testing, for the Good Canine Citizen Award. Anyone interested in knowing more about Agility can try the supervised Agility equipment on site. Rescue groups will be on hand with adoptable pets and one group is bringing the most unique fundraiser we’ve ever seen: the DeLorean car from Back To The Future will be on site for photo opportunities for you and your pet!
SEE YOU THERE! The Great KC Pet Expo Admission is $8.00 for adults, $4.00 for children 6 - 12, kids 5 & under admitted free. All event details available at www.GreatKCPetExpo.com.
Go to www.metropetmag.com for upcoming events
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
friend. I, on the other hand, was sitting in the corner trying desperately not to laugh.
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Disposable Pets by Christa Grunzinger
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
Have you ever thought of gifting an animal to someone you love?
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All you can imagine of is how precious it would be to cuddle with a fuzzy, brown puppy tied with a red, satin bow sitting under the tree on a crisp Christmas morning. Or how about a cuddly, soft bunny or a feisty, little kitten, all of which couldn’t be more exciting to receive during the Easter Holiday, right? Perhaps, that is, if you’re trying to instill the notion of disposable pets to your family, this is precisely the route you should take.
FAMILY MEMBER OR DISPOSABLE PET? Often, animals become disposable, as in, unnecessarily rehomed because of lack of preparation before being brought into a new home. Often, pet owners don’t consider their pets as any
We tell our potential adopters that not every pet is right for every family, and not every family is right for every pet other member of the family, but view them as more of an entertainment value. In the United States, for every one human, there are five homeless pets. Receiving a pet you didn’t choose yourself is never a safe bet. Deron Riley, an assistant director of a animal rescue organization said, “We tell our potential
adopters that not every pet is right for every family, and not every family is right for every pet.” Conners also expressed, “Most animals adopted by families who don’t involve all members of the family, such as the husband or the wife, are returned in less than two months because of a contradictive opinion about owning the pet. Most people look for specific details in an animal, such as breed, size and temperament. Reasons behind this contradiction will vary from person to person, such as the activity level of their household or the age(s) of their children. When families neglect to discuss the ownership of a new pet, these concerns fail to become known until it’s too late.” According to the Humane Society of the United States, animals are statistically proven to be less fortunate creatures, amongst the world of humans, in that only one in three pets will remain with the same owner their entire lifetime. Considering most animals only live about a decade, this is a very disturbing fact indeed. While our world consists of interests outside of our pets, their existence depends entirely on the love, companionship and socialization mankind provides.
Only one in three pets will remain with the same owner their entire lifetime.
The acquisition of a new pet shouldn’t be an impulsive purchase. However, if you’re truly set on giving a pet as a gift, perhaps a simple IOU or handcrafted certificate for the pet of their choice can be given instead. And when the time is right, all members of the family can participate in choosing the right pet for their family and lifestyle. There are internet sources, books and shelter organizations available, which are helpful in educating new pet owners with choosing the right pet. As an upcoming pet owner, be aware of the financial responsibilities, such as annual veterinary care, supplies and foods that are associated with pet ownership. Be sure everyone in the home is agreeable to the individual pet that’s chosen. Also, remember to ensure that no one in the home is affected by allergies caused from pets or pet dander. Preparing yourself before the arrival of your new pet allows you to spend more time with training, and getting to know and love your pet right from the start. From hamsters to rabbits, dogs and cats, and even birds and reptiles, animals
A PRIL 2011 • MetroPetMag.com
NOT AN IMPULSIVE PURCHASE
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have been considered a romantic and sentimental gift for centuries. Although having household pets is common, it’s best to educate yourself about responsible pet ownership and the significance of pet maintenance.
HOLIDAYS — NOT A GOOD TIME FOR A NEW PET Christmas isn’t the only traditional occasion when animals are given as gifts. The ASPCA reminds us that Easter holds the same destiny for rabbits. Rabbits are the third most common animal found in shelters, but are the most difficult to find adequate homes where they’re treated as companion animals. The ASPCA promotes the Make Mine Chocolate campaign, founded in 2002 by the Columbus House Rabbit Society. The campaign aims to educate the public about the challenges of owning a rabbit and encourages parents to give chocolate or toy bunnies as Easter gifts instead of live rabbits. More information can be found on the group’s website www.makeminechocolate.org.
OTHER HOLIDAYS IMPACT PETS Animals become disposable more often than just during gift giving holidays. For instance Halloween can be a disastrous time for pets, especially for black cats. Many people obtain them to use for decoration, demonstration, and the sport of satanic practices, only to discard them afterwards. In recent years, animal shelters take
measures to reduce or even eliminate the adoption of cats in the month of October in an attempt to protect them from the All Hallow’s Eve celebrations. Unfortunately, in today’s satanic cult practices, cats of nearly any color are used for sacrifice, mutilation and torture. Through the years, expansion of these practices has transitioned as far as teenagers using animals just for the spookiness of the occasion, then leaving them homeless when the night is over; that’s if the animals are even still alive. Remember to keep a close watch on your four-legged friends during the months of September and October to ensure their safety from the possible nightmares Halloween can bring. Our pets don’t appreciate the collage of noise shuffling, trick-or-treaters and party goers. Also, keep in mind that animals kept outdoors during this time become a target subject for theft and pranks, which can range from
No matter what the occasion, protect your pets by making the right decisions for your family and for the animals.
MetroPet Magazine • A PRIL 2011
comical to down-right cruel. No matter what the occasion, protect your pets by making the right decisions for your family and for the animals. More information about holiday hazards, general pet ownership and choosing the right pet can be found online at the Humane Society of the United States www.hsus.org.
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Christa Grunzinger is a freelance writer who loves dogs. She works with the Doggy Doodles Adoptions, an animal rescue, made up of volunteers who are dedicated to the rescue of St. Louis’ Homeless Pet Population. They focus on educating adopters and the community about spay and neuter. She can be contacted at admin@doggydoodles4paws.org.