April/May 2016
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Articles 5 Creature Feature 6 The Mutual Benefits of Dog Walking 8 Hero to the Rescue 10 Are You Ready For Another Pet
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12 STL Chip’s Adventure 14 National Hairball Day 16 Replacement Behaviors
18 Dog Waste Removal
20 Calm During The Storm 24 Meet the Breed — Shiba Inu 26
26 Pet First Aid Kit 28 Pawzzle 30 KC Chip’s Adventure 32 KC Pet Services Directory 34 STL Pet Services Directory
Dear Readers: Flowers are blooming, trees are showing their leaves, and the grass is growing. Yes, nature, including the weather has become much more hospitable for outdoor Chip — Our Founder activities. We can now do a lot of things that we’ve been waiting months to do. Like: wear more comfortable clothing, go for longer walks with our best friend, open the windows to let caged birds and de-clawed cats experience the outdoors, and , in general, enjoy more fresh air and sunshine. Speaking of cats, be prepared to receive some surprise “gifts” from outdoor felines. On another cat note, April 25th is National Hairball Day, The article on page 14 will tell you everything you ever wanted to know about hairballs (or, didn’t want to know). Since nicer weather allows us to get outside more, be sure to read the article about the mutual benefits of walking a dog on page 6. You will learn how a walk can enhance the understanding between dog and human. If your dog has developed some unwanted habits like digging, barking, chewing, etc. The article on
Publisher MetroPet Magazine info@metropetmag.com Editor/Production Manager Dan O’Leary editor@metropetmag.com Magazine Layout ROI Marketing 816.942.1600 • roi@kc.rr.com
replacement behaviors should help you correct these practices. Can a rat make a good pet? This issue’s Creature Feature has the answers. If you have suffered the loss of a dear pet companion and are wondering about getting another, be sure to read, “Are You Ready For Another pet” on page 10. Not all animals are susceptible to storm phobia, but the article on page 20 offers some help to keep pets calm during a storm. Chip’s adventures in both KC and STL provide some exciting moments and Meet the breed story and the Pawzzle about the Shiba Inu, provide both information and an entertaining challenge. Finally in this issue, consider creating a pet first aid kit using the article on page 26 as a guide.
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Contributing Authors
Mike Deathe Geoff Hall Pat Hennessy Pauline Journe Heddie Leger Mary Sellaro Nancy Bush Piper
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. © 2016 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.
Creature Feature Domestic Rat Rattus norvegicus by Geoff Hall
Summary: Domestic rats can be exceptional pets that frequently display affection towards their owners. Sex Differences/Size/Lifespan: Males are typically larger than females with adults weighing between 9-12 ounces. The domestic rat’s life expectancy is between 2-3 years with proper care. Natural Habitat: Pet rats were domesticated from wild brown or Norway rats in the mid 19th Century in England. Brown rats are thought to have evolved in northern China before being spread by humans to every continent on Earth with the exception of Antarctica. Brown rats have largely become dependent on people by living in close proximity to our species and eating our stored grain. Costs/Where to Buy: Although they are frequently encountered in pet stores, please consider adopting your pet domestic rat from a local animal shelter. Medical Care: Rats typically require little veterinary care if maintained properly. Ensure your pet has some hard wood to gnaw on to prevent their incisor teeth from becoming overgrown. Visit you local veterinarian with experience in small mammal veterinary medicine if you are concerned about the health of your pet. Care: Rats are very social and prefer to live with other rats, so plan on keeping same sex pairs together to prevent unwanted offspring. A large well-ventilated wire cage with climbing opportunities will be greatly appreciated by your pet. Provide a snug wooden or
plastic box as a hiding place and ensure fresh water is always available. Diet: Feed your pet rat a high quality pelleted food formulated specifically for rats and supplement their diet with the occasional small offering of fresh fruits and vegetables. Fun Fact: Rats are very smart and can be taught numerous tricks with a little patience from you and a small treat as a reward Geoff Hall is President of Wayside Waifs, KC’s largest no kill pet adoption campus. Geoff brings to Wayside more than 20 years of experience in the animal welfare community. This includes serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Kansas City Zoo, General Curator of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and as Executive Vice President/General Curator of the Phoenix Zoo. He is the proud owner of dogs, cats, birds and other pets! You may contact Geoff via email at CreatureFeature@WaysideWaifs.org.
The Mutual Benefits of Walking the Dog! by Mary Sellaro
Taking your dog for a walk seems like a simple endeavor, right? Grab the dog, put the leash on and head out the door. For some, a walk is a way to exercise their dog or provide a needed bathroom break. However, a walk can and should be something deeper-a way to define and clarify the relationship between a dog and their human. Dogs are social creatures and getting out and having the chance to use their senses and experience life outside of their homes and yards plays a vital part in creating a well-balanced dog. A well-socialized dog is not afraid of common, everyday environmental stimulus and more importantly does not feel the need to be fearful of or react aggressively to these things. 6
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - April/May 2016
The leash is fundamentally a “connection� to the dog. There are a myriad of reasons to use a leash, and probably the most important is safety. Beyond safety, the leash allows a person to be in constant contact with the dog and to effectively teach what is expected. The following tips will help break down and give understanding to the relevance of using a walk to create an enhanced understanding between dog and human. 1. The mindset of leaving the house needs to be calm and will help set the tone for a low-keyed, but energy burning walk. Some dogs begin getting very excited upon hearing the word which means an outing is in the immediate
future. Manners begin at home-the leash does not go on until the dog is sitting and staying. Be consistent and insist on this prior to leaving the house, every time. In a dog’s mind, if hyperactivity prefaces attention or activity, this becomes the key in getting what they want. 2. Desensitize the dog to the sight of the leashbreak the association of every time the leash is picked up, the dog is going somewhere. The leash is a useful training tool inside of the house-practicing greeting manners when someone comes over or during any training exercise to eliminate the dog from being able to physically walk away. The desired response to the dog seeing the leash to be to sit and wait to see what is coming next-not over the top anticipation. Keep the leashes hanging in plain view and practice picking it up and putting it back, without ever putting it on the dog. Walk
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - April/May 2016
the dog around the house on the leash, cue the dog into a sit and practice putting the leash on and taking it off until it becomes routine. 3. The dog will burn off more mental and physical energy if he or she is kept by your side, isn’t allowed to pull, cross over in front of you, randomly change sides, or lag behind. The leash should be loose and the human should set the pace and decide the direction. The dog is the follower-stand up straight, walk with a purpose and be the focus of the dog’s attention. While walking keep the dog by your side, within touching distance, on a relaxed but controlled leash and out of other people’s way. 4. Keep the dog’s focus on the walk-teach a verbal release cue which gives the go ahead to the dog to sniff, explore or go to the bathroom. 5. Teach and expect a mannerly approach and greeting of other dogs and people. Do not allow
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is not fair to the dog to be allowed to do this with some people and not others). Dog to dog meetings on leash need to be kept short, calm and with enough distance for a comfortable interaction. Ask before approaching-never let your dog run up to another dog regardless how friendly they appear. (Observe the other dog’s behavior, if the dog is out of control or appears aggressive or fearful, say no thanks and move on.) 6. Practice walking by people and other dogs-he doesn’t need to meet every dog or person he encounters. your dog to approach or greet people uninvited. If someone expresses a desire to meet your dog, the dog should stay calm and sit to be petted. (Jumping up, licking or pawing must be discouraged, even if the person says they don’t mind. It
7. Keep dog’s nose off the ground to prevent ingesting potentially dangerous objects. 8. Use common sense: • Stay off the cell phone • Pick up after your dog • Don’t use a retractable leash • Keep your dog on leash unless the area is specifically zoned for off leash use. • Respect neighbor’s lawns and flower beds. In the simplest of terms, it is essential for the dog to have trust and confidence in their human’s ability to lead them through life.
Mary Sellaro has been training dogs since 1990. She has taught group and private lessons from puppy through advanced. Mary has also worked with dog owners on behavioral issues, including aggression. She developed and implemented a training class program for Retired Greyhounds as Pets. Mary has been the temperament test evaluator for the Children’s Mercy Hospital’s Pet Pal Program since 1997. Mary is now the Director of Training for Pooches Paradise Daycare and Resort. Mary is a certified AKC Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She can be reached at 816361-3388. 8
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - April/May 2016
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When Hero was born, he wasn’t breathing. The vet brought him back with puppy CPR. Hero’s first owner died after an extended battle with cancer. Six months later Hero met Heddie Leger and her family and was adopted into their family. Hero missed his first owner and needed a new role. Because he had a gentle spirit and was calm and confident, Hero was trained as a therapy dog and passed the therapydog evaluations for four different organizations. He was also certified by the Dog Scouts of America™ and had other titles as well. Heddie wanted people to trust Hero, to feel at ease with him, and not to fear him. That’s why she got so many credentials for him. She wanted people to know that Rottweilers can be great dogs when they’re trained properly.
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Time and again, Heddie and Hero used their animal-assisted therapy skills to help others who needed them. They taught children to read in schools, libraries, and other places. They provided therapy in domesticviolence shelters. They also provided therapy for children battling cancer and their families in hospitals and in a Ronald McDonald House. Hero never failed to offer hope, encouragement, support, comfort, and inspiration. Hero and Heddie were active and well known in their community and appeared in parades, at events, at organizations, and at local stores. Unfortunately, Hero contracted cancer of the spleen at the age of eight years. He survived surgery, 26 weeks of chemotherapy, and remission. He survived 18 months longer than expected. During that time, he and Heddie continued to do all types of
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - April/May 2016
therapy. Everything they did during the remission time mattered to Hero. He never gave up. Hero traded his earthly body for a heavenly one on June 11, 2011. Hero to the Rescue—The Memoir of an Unlikely Hero is an inspirational, nonfiction book for children. Courage in the face of obstacles, survival no matter what life throws at us, and loving to be around people—especially children—are resounding themes on every page. Readers will find themselves drawn to this gentle-giant, people-loving teddy bear of a dog that will live on in the memories of all he touched. This book is available from the following distributors online: BarnesandNoble.com and Amazon. com.
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IS THERE ARE YOU ANOTHER READY FOR PLACE IN ANOTHER PET? YOUR HEART? by Nancy Bush Piper
Having been in the pet death industry for over 30 years, I have been asked many variations of the question “should I get a new pet?”, after someone’s pet has died. I have also heard many stories from people about their venture into life with a new pet. Simply stated, there is not a standard answer. Each person needs to do what is right for himself. I advise people to look inside of themselves, to pay attention to the emotions there, and see what their inner self tells them. What does your heart say? Do you still have grieving to do before you can accept another pet into your heart? Do you need another pet to help you with the grieving? Are you recovering from your grief and are ready to bring another pet into your life and your heart? I have been blessed with many pets over the years. Therefore I have grieved the death of many pets. I have had a variety of experiences with pets becoming new members of my family. I will relate some of my stories in hopes one or more will touch a chord in you, and help you in your decision. I was heartbroken after one of my cats died as the result of an accident. After a few months, I thought I was ready to bring another cat into my heart and my home. I made a trip to a veterinary clinic that had several cats up for adoption. They were perfectly nice cats, but my heart was not ready to take another one in. Fortunately, I recognized that and came back home without a new cat. Years ago, Jake, one of our dogs, died. Then his sister Jill was diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on her foot. Next, one of our mules died. All this happened within a month. 10
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - April/May 2016
Our household was pretty glum. The two remaining dogs, Jill and Piper (the miniature schnauzer), were grieving horribly for Jake. They were not doing any of the things they normally did, like barking at the critters in the woods or baying at the moon. They were not playing with each other. Everyone, human and animal, was grieving. So we got a new puppy, Dolly. It just made sense to us and was a very good decision on our part. Jill immediately perked up. She had someone to groom and to play with. Piper took a few weeks. She kept asking “you mean she’s staying?” She eventually decided Dolly was okay, and that she made a good play toy. Gary and I cheered up, as well. Dolly brings laughter and joy into our hearts every day. It is often a good idea to give yourself time to work through your grief and loss, to come to terms with the death of your pet, before you bring a new pet into your home. Otherwise, you might find yourself resenting the new pet simply for being there. You might make unfair comparisons between the new pet and the pet who has passed on. Some people simply need to have another pet immediately. Some people don’t. One lady told me “When my husband died, I didn’t go get a new husband. My dog has died and I won’t go get a new dog.” There is no right or wrong thing to do. A person must simply do what is right for him/her. Sometimes the deciding factor is to have a companion for a pet still at home. Sometimes the house is too empty and it needs a pet in it, someone to greet you when you come home from work, and cuddle up with you at night. A person must realize that he cannot replace a pet who has died; he can only find a
new place in his heart which will bloom with love and joy. Some people get a different breed than they had before, just to help them not compare between the pet who died and the new family member. One couple I know adopted not one, but two of the same breed. That was the right thing to do for them. If you do get a new pet and find out it is a mistake; that you weren’t ready; that you and the pet are not a good fit; please do yourself and the pet both a favor and return the pet to where you got him, or find him a new home. Sometimes getting a new pet may seem like a betrayal of the previous pet’s memory; but it is often a tribute. Famed playwright Eugene O’Neill wrote a book about his dog, Silverdene Emblem O’Neill, known as “Blemie”, entitled The Last Will and Testament of an Extremely Distinguished Dog. Having heard his mistress say “When Blemie dies we must never have another dog. I love him so much I could never love another.” Blemie has one last request. “Now I would ask her, for love of me, to have another. It would be a poor tribute to my memory never to have a dog again.”
Nancy Bush Piper owns Rolling Acres Pet Memorial Center in Kansas City, MO, along with her husband Gary. Nancy and Gary are also co-owners of Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services in St. Louis County, MO. 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.
OPEN HOUSE Memorial Day Weekend memorial gardens for pets a pet cemetery, crematorium and funeral home, since 1973 Serving those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, ethical and dignified after-life care for their pet Call Anytime 24/7 816-891-8888 • 888-891-0988 www.visitrollingacres.com 12200 N. Crooked Rd., Kansas City, MO 64152
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Repaying Loyalty, Honoring Memories
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St. Louis
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by Heddie Leger I was a nervous wreck. I did not want to be separated from Maw Maw; yet I knew in my heart that Todd’s family really needed her. I was really torn as I love both my Maw Maw and my human family. There is an old saying that Maw Maw always told me, “Don’t worry about things, as the things you worry about almost never happen.” I was trying to listen to my Maw Maw’s words, but my feelings and emotions kept getting in the way. I was losing sleep over the situation when I realized that I did not have any control over it anyway. So, I decided to be at peace over whatever was decided for Maw Maw and me. Little did I know that the two families were working out a compromise that was going to make everyone happy.
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Recap Feb/Mar 2016: Graduation day came, and we received our certificates, a special recognition for holding the highest scores on all the evaluations, and a great big treat. We had passed the AKC Canine Good Citizen, Advanced Community Citizen, the Canine Life and Social Skills (CLASS), and the Public Access Test with flying colors. The day of reckoning had arrived. Todd and his family, Stephanie, Allen, Robert, and Penelope were all there to cheer us on and celebrate. The television and radio stations were there, and we once again were celebrities. Actually, we were just doing what was expected of us. We did not want to disappoint those who loved us. It was a very proud and happy day. But, in the days to come, a hard decision still had to be made. Would Stephanie, Robert, Penelope, and Allen agree to sacrifice, and allow me and/or Maw Maw to live with Todd and his family?
Our family HONORABLE had become having or showing honesty very good and good moral character. friends with Todd and his family. Even though we did not live very close, we could drive a short time and be together. Both Maw Maw and I loved to ride in the car, and we were very well behaved. Honestly, Todd’s family’s needs were much greater than Stephanie’s and Allen’s. I was beginning to deal with the situation in my heart, and had decided that I would be okay with whatever the outcome would be. We all went to the beach together and had a great time. I absolutely LOVE the beach. Maw Maw just wanted to sit with Billie. I ran and played with all the kids. They made a sandcastle, and little tunnels for me to run through, up and down. I dug and dug in the sand to my heart’s content. A big hairy dog came along and wanted to play, and off we went chasing the waves and rolling in the water until we were exhausted. We ran up to everyone and shook the water from us, and everyone screamed, “ewwwww – wet dog,” and they scattered in all different directions. We thought that was so funny; we chased them even more. All the while,
“A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable but more useful than a life spent doing nothing.” George Bernard Shaw
“The purpose of life is not to be “It is more honorable to repair a happy. It is to be useful, to be wrong than to persist in it” honorable, to be compassionate, to Thomas Jefferson have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Maw Maw and Billie sat under a big colorful umbrella. Billie had a jar and he was filling it with the shells that Maw Maw had found for him. Together they had a grand time, but what they were doing looked very boring to me. Everyone sat down on a big blanket together, and we had a huge picnic. We did not even realize what time it was. All of a sudden a big wave came along and washed our picnic blanket with all the food into the ocean. Everyone started screaming again. This time it was not a fun scream, as the wave had also pulled little Billie into the ocean. He was very scared and crying. We chased after him, but Maw Maw was faster. She ran right past us, swam out to little Billie, grabbed onto his shirt, and pulled him back to the shore. He had managed to keep his head above water, and he was fine, just frightened — along with everyone else. Maw Maw had done the most honorable thing, by thinking of only Billie and putting herself in danger for his sake. She was always thinking of others. She really made a difference that day in the lives of Billie and everyone else. She had saved the day with her honorable actions. I guess you would say, there was no longer any decision to be made. Maw Maw had made the decision that day that she would never leave Billie, and as long as she had anything to do about it, she would never let anything bad happen to him. Maw Maw had shown that she would spend the rest of her life by Billie’s side. Since that decision had been made, there was nothing else left for me to worry about. Maw Maw was going to be Billie’s service dog. My nature makes me a better fit for therapy work and Stephanie, being a social worker, was the perfect fit for me to join her in situations in which different people would need comfort. I was going to be called a “comfort dog.” Stephanie decided that I would go to work with her at the home for abuse children, where the children needed unconditional love and acceptance. That was something I thought I could do with no problem, and I was beginning to feel better about our futures. But, there was just one thing that was bothering me. The children did not have love in their lives, at all. Could I live really up to their expectations and needs? I guessed that time would tell. www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - April/May 2016
HUMANE EDUCATION ACTIVITY The world of people who cannot hear is rich with other means of communication. Sign language is a special way of communicating with your hands and body to converse with people who cannot hear. Learn a few words in sign language. Dogs watch your body language more than you realize, and can read many things without you even speaking to them. Learn to communicate using hand signals with a dog.
STORY DISCUSSION TIPS: 1. How was Chip feeling at the beginning of this story? 2. What is the saying that Maw Maw told him that helped? 3. How will Maw Maw assist Billie? 4. How did Maw Maw save Billie? 5. What will Chip help Stephanie do at work? Heddie is a Certified Humane Educational Specialist and Licensed Professional Coach of Canine LifeSkills. Her expertise in the area of the human/animal bond spans educational, home health, mental and physical health with people of all ages. Her programs have touched thousands of people in bringing them to a better understanding of the human/animal bond and the profound impact of a higher quality of life through those interactions. Heddie is an author/ public speaker and owner/founder of The PawZone, a canine coaching/pet care service. She on the educational committee that developed the APDT C.L.A.S.S. program and consultant to the Missouri Puppies for Parole Program. She can be reached by emailing pawzone@yahoo.com 13
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National Hairball Awareness Day! by Cheryl Waterman, CVPM
Although the title might make you laugh or smile, if you’ve ever 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!
Wash and
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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”.
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MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - April/May 2016
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.
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.
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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.
And, last but not least, have a very happy Hairball Awareness Day! As a long-time animal lover, Cheryl Waterman spent 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.
Bring your pet to us, Arrange residential pickup or Ask your veterinarian to use Loving Hearts for your beloved pet. Visit our Pet Memorial Center Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Sat 9am-2pm
Serving those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, ethical and dignified after-life care for their pet
Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services 1631 W. 5th St. , Eureka, MO 63025 636-587-8880 www.lovingheartspet.com
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Repaying Loyalty, Honoring Memories
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REPLACEMENT Behaviors by Mike Deathe
by Mike Deathe My challenge: write an article about breaking habits. Chewing, digging, barking, etc.… Well that is going to require some talk about replacement behaviors vs breaking habits. Think of breaking behaviors as saying NO and replacement behaviors as saying YES… Why on earth would I go to the effort and desire of getting a dog if all I am going to do is hunt for bad behavior so I can tell my dog NO?
Replacement Behaviors Instead, each time your dog does something you do not like I challenge you to not say NO, but rather ask yourself what you would rather your dog be doing? Hint, this is the replacement behavior, and if you take the time to teach it to your dog, you will now have a behavior that you can say YES to and reward. Now with practice, that replacement behavior becomes more rewarding than the original problem behavior, we have a solution to your problem without that nasty word NO (come on, saying YES, is more fun)
around the house, dog proof and redirect with appropriate chew items and in no time… Problem solved…
Digging Digging (in the back yard I assume) Well, again let’s start with management. Are you leaving your dog outside for hours on end with no direct supervision? Really? And you are shocked that the dog is getting bored and actually doing dog stuff like digging?
Ok, so let’s assume even with the sting of common sense, you do not plan to address managing your dog so they do not learn bad behaviors… You can still create a Let’s look at the specific behaviors of Chewing, Digging replacement behavior… Build a dig box! Actually give and Barking… your dog a space in the yard to get his dig on… A place you are OK with him digging! A couple of landscape Chewing timbers, some bags of sand and some cookies to bury (you Behavior - chewing on inappropriate item. Replacement- know buried treasure, to make it more fun that the regular redirect to appropriate items and management. First, the yard) and wha-la Fido is now digging an appropriate spot. more you allow the practice of chewing inappropriate Or just manage your dogs so they don’t learn bad habits items the better Fido becomes at trashing your house… from day one and you won’t have this problem… Again all So, redirect or trade your pup to an appropriate toy when it takes is redirection… At my house digging in the yard chewing the wrong thing… Now let’s also ask ourselves equals coming inside… Let’s face it, a dog left alone to why your pooch was able to find, get and chew on their own devices rarely choses what you would consider something inappropriate? The answer will not be popular appropriate behaviors when bored…. but it is because you allowed it (or at least were not actively managing Fido when he found it)… So clean up
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Barking Barking, again, what are you allowing your dog to practice and perfect? If you are letting your dog have tons of outside, alone time and just expect them to come up with something to do that is not dog-like (barking digging or chewing), you are nuts… Let’s face it, why do most folks put the dog in the backyard? Because the dogs are a pain inside and are hard to deal with, right? Then they start all the same behaviors just in the back yard… See a pattern? First, you have to manage your dog, period. Dogs are social animals and want to be around us, not by themselves, isolated to the back yard… So your first step is to actually spend time with the dog inside… If you are at work, then crated or doggy daycare, but if your dog is not trustworthy alone in the house then you might need to get the help of a trainer to help with rules and routine training. Again, Barking in my yard is on a 2 bark limit, meaning if you bark more than twice you have to come inside… That way my dogs are not allowed to practice bad behavior and drive my neighbors nuts. Not to mention if your dog was not bored out of his/her mind, they would not be barking. As the proof of this, my four dogs are all quietly snoozing in the sunshine sleeping around chair as I write this article.
Mike Deathe is an avid pet lover who found his passion as a dog trainer. Since 2008 he has trained thousands 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.
The moral of this story is simple - dog trainers cannot magically stop bad behaviors but we can with your help and assistance create replacement behaviors that are more rewarding or valuable to your dog than the bad ones driving you crazy. And, when given the choice, the dog will always pick the funner of the two behaviors (or at least the behavior that gets the better reward). That being said, life is not all about rewards either, and you as the doggy mommy or daddy will actually have to manage your dog so that they are not allowed to practice bad behaviors and create bad habits… If you need help, a good trainer is only a phone call away, and we love creating replacement behaviors.
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Dog Waste Removal: Our Responsibility to the Environment In the ever increasing world of environmental issues, we are learning that in order to help our ecosystem there is an increasing need to live like we have to; not like we want to. Deep rooted in this mindset is an uncomfortable feeling of change for some people, while others embrace the opportunity to “give back” to the environment that has been available for us to enjoy.
How Dog Waste Affects Our Environment
Every time your dog poops in your yard, it should be picked up and disposed of properly. If not, then every time it rains, thousands of pounds of pet waste wash down storm drains and into streams, rivers and lakes. The promotion of additional bacteria in our waterways harms the health of wildlife, fish, and humans. In addition, pet waste flows directly into nearby streams and creeks. It ends up in wastewater treatment facilities. The proper way to dispose of pet waste is in the trash. How Dog Waste Affects Our Health Human contact with harmful bacteria and parasites normally occur with activities such as children playing outside, gardening and dogs walking in their own waste. The chance of coming in contact with harmful bacteria increases when excess dog waste contaminates our yards. The waste and bacteria from your dog’s daily routine can easily be transmitted from their paws onto you and your family. Most common of these bacterial infections promotes illnesses with symptoms very similar to the flu that includes fevers, muscle aches, headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
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Is there a problem with pet waste in the St. Louis area? YES!! Water sampling of streams in all of the St. Louis area watersheds has found elevated bacteria in 100% of the wet weather samples! 100%!!!1 Significant sources of bacteria are from pets, humans and wildlife. Studies have found that urban storm water contains significant quantities of bacteria from nonhuman sources. Dog and cat feces must be handled carefully because it contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can infect humans and cause serious illness Always wash your hands after handling pet waste. Do NOT place pet waste in compost piles or around vegetable gardens where the pathogens can contaminate the food products.
Acceptable pet waste management options for pet owners include:
• Put waste in a sealed bag and place in the trash. •F lush down the toilet. (Do not flush plastic bags or kitty litter). •B ury waste in soil at least 6 inches deep, but do not bury it in your garden! •M inimize pollution by having pets defecate in tall grass (greater than 4 inches) located away from storm inlets since the grass acts as a filter and allows for natural decomposition. • M ake sure you comply with village and county regulations.
A few more facts....
• Dogs are major contributors to pet waste in our environment. However, all pets contribute to the problem. • The estimated number of dogs and cats in the St. Louis area is 700,000. The amount of feces produced by these pets is estimated to be equivalent to the sewage produced by a large municipality. • Studies from other cities have indicated that only ONE THIRD of people who walk their dogs pick up after them. YIKES!
What you can do:
• Pick up pet waste from your yard. It is not fertilizer, it’s pollution. • If you don’t have time to keep your yard clean, hire a professional pooper scooper to help. It is your responsibility to keep your yard clean. • Carry disposable bags while walking your dog to pick up and dispose of waste properly. When you dispose of pet waste in the trash, wrap it carefully to avoid spilling during collection. • Bury pet waste in your yard, at least 12 inches deep and cover with at least eight inches of soil to let it decompose slowly. • Bury the waste in several different locations and keep it away from vegetable gardens. • Contact your local parks department to inquire about providing pet waste stations in area parks, along trails and in public places where people frequently walk their dogs.
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - April/May 2016
Who can you call? Yucko’s Pooper Scooper Service and More! Scooping St. Louis and St. Charles Since 1990. Yucko’s Will Be Celebrating its 26th Anniversary in September, 2016. A Big Heartfelt Thank You to all Who Made it Possible. For Pickup Services visit www. yuckos.com or call 314-291-POOP (7667). Check out the Got Poop Boutique Too! We sell Dogipot Products, Pet Oxygen Mask Kits, Fake Fire Hydrants and More — www. yuckos.com or call 314-770-1500.
Local Family Owned Businesses
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Calm during the Storm by Pat Hennessy
Thunder Can be Scary!
basement and not think anything of it unless you hear a noise, then your fear response will kick in. The moment you turn on the light and look around to see nothing is wrong, you recover quickly, your heart rate goes down and your breathing slows down. What we would like to do for our animals is give them the experience of feeling “ok” during a storm and let that “ok” feeling build up over time. Then if they have a moment occasionally that startles them, they will recover quickly as well.
Why is it scary for Sophie when the thunder rolls in, but Max is oblivious to it? Storm phobia can be a tricky item to deal with, but each dog is different. It is the same reason one person loves to ride roller coasters, while another can’t bear it. Or some people aren’t bothered by the sight of blood, but others will faint. We all have ways in which we cope with things. Life experiences, whether good or bad, develop learned responses. And lack of experience can create vailable ptions a fear of the unknown. Sometimes our responses are genetic, which may explain why the dog you have It is a plus if you can find a way to learn to calm that had since she was a tiny puppy ended up having fears, does not involve drugs. Drugs provide an artificial even though you socialized her and she was never reaction to a stimulus and what you want is to build traumatized. a long term solution vs. something you have to use Whether a fear response is based on environmental each time. Often times, depending on the drug, the animal may or may not really be calm but rather less or genetic factors you can still help your animal companion cope with a fearful situation. When faced reactive, and therefore appear to be calm. Some drugs just relax the muscles but not the mind. When you with fear, the body automatically goes into a “fightcan provide an influence over the nervous system or-flight” pattern. Heart rate increases, adrenalin that will build memory for the mind. levels go up, digestion shuts down and breathing
A
O
becomes rapid. When exposed to that same situation There are several non-pharmaceutical tools and again, your body will react the same way. If you can techniques that you can use to assist with storm find a way to calm the body during a fearful situation, phobia in animals. You could introduce your dog and offer that same calming technique again for the to one of these tools and see if you get a calmer same fearful situation, then your body will adjust and become less sensitive to that stimulus. Over time your body will retain the calm response but it doesn’t mean you have forgotten what once frightened you; it means you have learned to cope and reduced or extinguished the fear response. When you were a child there was probably something that frightened you, like going down in a dark basement. Once you went down to the basement with your parents or an older sibling and realized nothing was going to happen, you got used to it and it no longer frightened you. As an adult you can go down into a dark
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response. If it works then you will use it repeatedly to reduce the anxiety; if it doesn’t work you might try a different approach. Some techniques that have been successful with storm anxiety are: • TTouch™: a method of very light gentle touch (much lighter than massage) that influences the nervous system and calms animals • Wraps: Body Wraps (another TTouch™ technique of applying stretch wraps in a crisscross configuration), Anxiety Wrap™ or Thundershirt™, are tools that apply consistent pressure and work like swaddling a baby • Adaptil® (dog appeasing pheromone): they come as a plug-in units, collars, or as a spray which can be used on bedding, added to a scarf around the neck, or spritzed on a body wrap. • Aromatherapy: is the practice of using plant material to enhance psychological and physical well-being.
4 Flower Essences: a blend of flowers infused with water – used to help restore balance (such as Bach’s Rescue Remedy)
4 Essential oils: a natural oil typically obtained
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by distillation and having the characteristic fragrance of the plant or other source from which it is extracted – also used to help restore balance. Lavender, Vanilla, some of the citrus oils are good for calming. • Supplements (non-pharmaceutical):
4 Calming supplements: such as ProQuiet® made with L-tryptophan, Chamomile and Ginger or Calmazon™ a blend of Chamomile and Passion Flower from the Amazon Rainforest. Pat Hennessy, is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides companion animal attunement through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a certified TTouch practitioner 2, CPDT and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@n2paws.com, phone 816522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com.
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S N I X O T T E P p o T 5 1 0 The 2
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 and pet-proof their homes.
This 2015 list came from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center. For the first time ever, over-the-counter medications and supplements surpassed prescription medications to take the top spot.
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.
1. Over-the-counter medications: These medications, including herbal and other natural supplements, attracted the most concern this year for the first time in the APCC’s history, with more than 28,500 cases reported. This category is exceptionally large, encompassing nearly 7,000 products.
In the case of a poisoning or emergency, call your veterinarian or local veterinary emergency clinic immediately.
2. Human prescription medications: Prescribed human medications fell to the second spot on the list, representing nearly 16% of all cases. The types of medication to which animals were most often exposed correlate with the most popular medications prescribed to humans. 3. Insecticides: Insect poisons accounted for nearly 9% of the calls to APCC (more than 15,000 cases). If label directions are not followed, these products can be very dangerous to pets. 4. H uman foods: Especially dogs, who ingest human foods more often than cats—can get into serious trouble by ingesting onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, alcohol and xylitol. More than 14,600 APCC cases in 2015 involved human foods. 5. H ousehold items: Products found around the home made up more than 14,000 cases in 2015. The most common items for this category include cleaning products, fire logs and paint. 6. V eterinary medications: Overdoses of medications prescribed by veterinarians represented more than 7% of total cases in 2015. Chewable medications are very appealing to pets, requiring extra caution.
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7. Chocolate: Chocolate continues be very problematic for pets, accounting for more than 7% of all APCC cases in 2015—averaging more than 30 cases a day. The darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it can be. 8. Plants: Indoor and outdoor plants represented nearly 5% of the calls to the APCC in 2015. Most of these calls involve cats and houseplants. Be sure to understand the toxicity of plants before putting them in or around your house. 9. Rodenticides: Rodent poisons can be just as toxic to pets as they are to the mice and rats these products are designed to kill. Last year, APCC handled more than 8,100 cases involving rodenticides. 10. Lawn and garden products: These products, including herbicides and fungicides, round out the top ten, accounting for 3% of all APCC calls. It’s incredibly important to store
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lawn and garden products out of the reach of pets.
WHO TO CALL? The best thing pet owners can do is be educated on the common pet toxins and pet-proof their homes. However, accidents happen. If a pet may has ingested something toxic, contact your veterinarian, the Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 (there is a fee for this service) or the APCC (affiliated with the ASPCA) at 1-888-426-4435. The 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? Sources: www.petpoisonhelpline.com and http://www.aspca.org/news/announcing-top-pettoxins-2015
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Meet the Breed April/May Pet of the Month
Shiba Inu Statistics of the Breed
The range in height: Males 14–17 inches Females 13–16 inches The range in weight: Males 18—24 pounds Females 15—20 pounds Hypoallergenic: No Life span: 12 – 15 years olors: Red Sesame, Red, C Black & Tan, Black Sesame, Sesame emperament: Charming, T Alert, Faithful, Confident, Keen, Fearless
If you are looking for a “big dog in a small body,” that is very high-spirited and considered bold, the Shiba Inu might be the dog to be your next family member. This breed was originally, intended for flushing birds and small game. The Shiba has a very interesting history which began approximately 7000 BC, making it an ancient breed. Their remains were found by archaeologists during excavations of the shell-mounds left by the Jomonjin, or Rope-Pattern People. Remains indicated there were small dogs in the 15 to 20 inch range at that time living with them. Sometime during 3 BC, immigrants brought their dogs to Japan which crossbred with the Jomonjin dogs, and produced offspring known to have pointed, erect ears and curly tails, a trait of the Shiba. These dogs were primarily kept as housepets, in Japan, but were occasionally used to hunt wild boar due to the dog’s bold nature. Japan has the highest number of Shiba Inu dogs in the world. 24
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During World War II, many breeds approached near extinction due to bombing and tight food rations. The Shiba Inu is no exception. Breeders revived many breeds we know and love today, including utilizing living specimens from various bloodlines that were combined to produce the breed as it is known today. The word Shiba means “brushwood” hence the name of the breed known to hunt in brushwood bushes and rough terrain. In addition, the main color of the Shiba is a fall shade of the brushwood leaves. The Shiba is known as the “little brushwood dog” in Japan, due to its bold temperament, color and small size. This breed must always be kept on-leash. The inherent high prey drive and lightning like reflexes allow the Shiba to outrun any animal and human. They will chase anything that moves.
Their independent nature and spirit creates the perfect running dog, so if you like to jog and run, this could be the dog for you, as long as you keep the Shiba on leash. Also, Shiba Inu owners should beware they will need to supply secure fences, including covered run as they are ingenious and agile jumping/climbing/digging under or over any ordinary fence. They are a regular houdini of dogs. The Shiba Inu is known to be healthy as a breed that can thrive in the outdoor world, as well as being an indoor household pet. They are easy to keep and due to not many health issues usually do not require any special diet. The most serious structural fault known at the current time is that of a luxating patella where they may have a hitch in their step as they move. It is not life threatening or crippling, but is a conformation fault. Structurally they are generally very sound making them the perfect companion for an active family.
cohabitate with small pets or caged animals, again, due to their high prey drive. It is a known fact that one must generally keep one step ahead of the Shiba Inu as they are not only dominant, but also very clever. This breed is known to manipulate through intimidation. When unhappy they have been known to vocalize with a loud, shrill scream which is difficult to prepare for in advance. Their strong, stubborn temperament and mischievous sense of humor, makes the Shiba Inu a candidate for owners who are firm, confident, and totally, without question consistent in their interactions with this breed.
Males and females are distinctly different in appearance. The Shiba Inu is the oldest and smallest of Japan’s breed of dogs. The males are considerably more stocky and masculine looking ranging in size from 14½ to 16½ inches at withers and weighing about 23 pounds. While the females are more fine featured ranging in size from 13½ to 15½ inches and usually around 17 pounds. Their facial features and coloring are striking and attractive. The fur on the face, ears, and legs is short. Their coat is called a double coated with the outer coat being stiff and straight. The undercoat should always be soft and thick. They require regular grooming due to the thick undercoat. If you don’t mind a constant sprinkling of soft undercoat coating clothes and you will find this breed both beautiful and endearing. Unfortunately, dog-to-dog aggression is a common trait with this breed. Due to their high prey drive, a cat in the house would not be recommended around many Shibas. The Shiba will usually not www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - April/May 2016
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+++++++++++++++
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!
Phone numbers: Keep your veterinarian’s and local emergency veterinarian’s number listed, or log them into your cell phone.
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)
For Injured Pets • Gauze roll and pads • Medical tape
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•R uler or other rigid material for splint • S cissors and tweezers • Th ermometer and sterile lubricant, such as KY™ jelly •R ubber or latex gloves •T owel or blanket •M uzzle (for dogs) •C one collar (for cats) •T riple antibiotic ointment, such as Neosporin™ •O phthalmic saline solution — make sure it doesn’t contain any cleaners or soaps
+++++++++++++++ Where to Store Kit for Injured Pets
Store all the items in a plastic or other waterproof container, and in a location out of the reach of pets.
Feb/Mar Pawzzle Answers
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.
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Chip’s Corner 28
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PAWZZLE
by Pawlean Journe
Down
1. They are escape artists making them the ___________ of dogs. 2. Excavations were of the shell-_____________ . 4. These small dogs are known for their bold __________________. 8. Due to being breed to hunt small birds and animals they have a very high __________ drive. 9. Sometime during 3BC _____________ brought their dogs to Japan. 10. Some variations of colors of the Shiba look like fall colored ________. 11. Due to their high energy and spirit they make a good _____________ companion. 14. Due to their bold nature they are also used to hunt wild _____.
Across
3. One structural fault is the luxating ____________. 5. It is encouraged to have this type of fenced area if you are going to leave your Shiba alone in the yard. 6. Another word for Rope Pattern People. 7. They are very high ____________ and bold. 12. The Shiba is known to be a big dog in a __________ body. 13. They were originally intended for ______________ birds and small game. 16. Remains were found by ________________. 18. They have lightning like _________________. 21. Due to origins tracing back to 7000 BC this is considered an _____________ breed. 22. They have a very __________________ nature.
15. The word Shiba means ___________________. 17. They are known to be a very _____________ breed. 19. During World War II, the breed almost went _____________. 20. Which country has the highest number of Shiba Inu
Answers to this Pawzzle can be found in the Breed of the Month story on page ??.
dogs.
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y t i C s a Kans
The Next Adventures of Chip
COMPASSION by Heddie Leger
Recap from Feb/Mar 2016: This experience helped me see that having the right attitude can make a great difference in any situation, and that we have a choice on which attitude to take...a good one or a bad, negative one. It seems like the person who was mad and complaining was yelling and bossing people around, he was kind of a bully and no one liked having him around. It made a bad situation worse. I hope I don’t have to see him ever again. I heard that awful voice again from the distance. I was hoping he would not come any closer. I did not want to have anything to do with that bully. He make the hair on my neck and back stand up. I could feel all my muscles beginning to get tight with just the sound of his voice. He was making fun of someone and I could hear the little girl saying leave me alone. I don’t like you. Ouch, that hurts. Stop, Stop!!! Help me, please somebody help me!!! I could not stand it anymore and raced off to see where the commotion was coming from. I could see the big burly bully guy towering over this little girl, and he was pulling her pony tail. My blood began to boil. I could hear Allen and Penelope yelling at me to stop and come back, I could hear their footsteps and voice behind me, but I could not stop myself. I ran up to the bully and started barking and pulling on his pants leg. He began yelling and swatting at me, kicking his leg and cursing, “you smelly, mangy, mutt let go of my pants.” Then he hit me and I lost my grip and rolled down the hill. I ran back up and grabbed at him again, hoping he would
Compassion: a feeling of wanting to help someone who is sick, hungry, in trouble, etc; to suffer together. If someone shows kindness, caring, and a willingness to help others; they’re showing compassion. 30
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leave the little girl alone. This time he picked up a stick and began to hit me. I actually bit his leg and could taste blood, then he hit me on the top of the head, and I could see blood, then I could not see anything. I could hear everyone yelling, screaming and crying, but I was more worried about the little girl. I could her telling everyone that I have saved her from the bully and showed compassion for her even in the face of a big burly bad bully. She said I was her hero and scooped me up blood and all and handed me to Allen and Penelope, they were wrapping me in a towel, washing the blood off my face and then I heard Penelope gasp. She started to cry and saying something about my eye. She was crying….his eye, where is his eye??? “My eye….what did she mean where was my eye?” Then I passed out. I could hear them say how brave and compassionate I was to help the little girl. But, I could also hear the bully saying what a mean dog I was and that I should be killed since I bit him. The police showed up and took his story, and the story of the little girl, and Allen and Penelope. Everyone was crying and upset. Finally, Stephanie and Robert showed up and took us home. No one was in trouble except for the bully. There had been enough witnesses that told their stories and they all said pretty much the same thing. The bully was picking on the little girl and the little brown and white dog had saved the little girl from her tormentor.
Humane Education Activity: I had to spend a couple of days at the doggy doctor. I had also hurt my back when the bully hurt me and I could not walk very Collect items for a local animal shelter and well. The doctor was very kind, and compassionate. He told delivery them. Visit with the animals, read Allen and Penelope I might have to walk with a wheelchair for a to them, or walk them if you can. If nothing while, and I definitely had lost my eye, but that my other eye was else just sit with them or play ball. They will fine and I appreciate your kindness and compassion. would not “Until he extends his circle of compassion to be blind. include all living things, man will not himself find peace.” Albert Schweitzer When I got hit in the head, it kind of messed up my hearing also, so they all sounded kind of muffled, but I could make “A moment of self-compassion can change your out some sounds. What I could hear is the doctor telling entire day. A string of such moments can change them, “He will be fine.” the course of your life.” Christopher Germer, “The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion”
“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.” Elisabeth KüblerRosscircumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ~ Viktor E. Frankl
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Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator and member of APDT, APLB, APHE and NHES. She has a lifelong passion of helping children and the elderly learn manners reinforcement with their pets. You can reach her through the PawZone In-Home PetSitting at 816.820.5829.
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Kansas City Pet Services Directory Adoption
Second Chance Pet Adoptions SCPAKC
913-814-7471
2ndchancepets.net
Boarding & Daycare Tails R’ Waggin 6976 W 152nd Terrace Overland Park, KS 913-685-9246
tailsrwaggin.com
Tails R’ Waggin provides the finest daycare, boarding, grooming and training for is a NO-Kill foster home adoption organiyour pet. We are your pet’s destination of zation dedicated to helping homeless anichoice to play, stay and be treated like one mals find loving, responsible, safe homes. of the family. Come by for a tour today!
Second Chance Pet Adoptions
Visit our center for adoptions and unique boutique items. We are open M, W, F, S. 9237 N Oak, Kansas City, MO 64155 913-814-7471 • 2ndchancepets.net Wayside Waifs 816-761-8151
waysidewaifs. org
Wayside Waifs is a charitable animal shelter whose purpose is to improve the quality of animal welfare in our community by providing humane treatment and advocating for companion animals. It offers rescue, adoption, education programs, and pet memorial services.
Boarding & Daycare
Camp Bow Wow, Lee’s Summit 1010 SE Hamblen Road Lee’s Summit, MO 816-246-7833
campbowwow.com/us/mo/leessummit Camp Bow Wow, Olathe 1150 W 151st St Olathe, KS 66061
campbowwow.com/olathe Camp BowWow locations helps your pups reap the benefits of exercise and socialization while having lots of fun romping and playing with canine friends. Call for complete details!
Home Organization
Feel happy, centered, and productive in your space! Certified organizer Eliza Cantlay with Simplicana approaches clutter with humor and enthusiasm. Plus, she LOVES pets. The hardest part is getting started… Let Eliza Eliza Cantlay make it easy! www.simplicana.com P: 913-815-0008 • E: eliza@simplicana.com
Insurance
Pet Memorial Options
Midwest Pet Aquamation A gentler eco-friendly alternative to pet cremation
23753 W. 83rd Terrace • Shawnee, KS 66227 913-292-0953 • midwestpetaquamation.com
Midwest Pet Aquamation understands that losing a pet companion is difficult. We want to help you through the process by providing professional, dependable, and eco-friendly pet cremation options. Our office is available 24/7 to all KC Metro area families and inhome pickup is available. Let us help you honor your pet with a peaceful cremation process. Please call us today.
Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens
Serving the Kansas City area since 1973 Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens for Pets is a full service pet cemetery, crematory, and funeral home where our compassionate staff is ready to serve the bereaved families and friends of cherished animal companions. Our mission is to serve those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, dignified and ethical cremation or burial services for their pet. Call us. We can help. 12200 N. Crooked Road • Kansas City, MO 816-891-8888 • www.visitrollingacres.com
Pet Scarves Scott & Sara Coffman
Auto Home Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency specializing in auto, home, business, workers compensation, life and health insurance. Our experienced staff members are always happy to help you with your insurance needs. 913.839.1478 • AutoHomeKC.com
Carol’s Dog Scarves`
Kansas City, MO • 816-728-2480
etsy.com/shop/CarolsDogScarves The best dog scarf your dog will ever wear! Can’t be pulled off, torn off, chewed off or rolled off. Stylish, chic or just plain cute — let your dog make its own fashion statement! Order online at our Etsy Shop.
Pet and Garden Supplies
Pet Fencing Options New Owners: Tim, Ann and Tyler Schoenfelder
American Midwest Distributors
1 Design Drive N., Kansas City, MO 64116 • 816-842-1905 • americanmidwestkc.com A local distributor which sells pet food (HighStandard, Earthborn Holistic and ProPac), bird seed and feeders, equine products, farm and feed supplies and fertilizers and garden supplies and many other products.
Real Estate Martin and Suzie Taggart Team REALExperience 913.667.9789
TeamREALExperience@gmail.com REALExperienceREALEstate.com
These full-time, pet-friendly real estate professionals (together with Sherman their rescue dog) enjoy helping pet-friendly people with their real estate experience! They understand selling a home with a pet & buying a home that is pet friendly can be challenging. Team REALExperience is here to help you & your pets with your move! Keller Williams Realty Legacy Partners, Inc.
913.345.2999 Established in 1988, Heart of America Invisible Fence is an authorized, full service Invisible Fence® Brand dealership serving Jackson and Johnson counties and surrounding areas. We offer solutions to many problems, both outside and inside. Learn more about how we can customize an Invisible Fence Brand solution for you and your pet. www.heartofamerica.invisiblefence.com New Store 13342 Pawnee Lane Leawood, KS 66209 New Owners: Kevin and Kim Clark 816-522-2195 Invisible Fence of Kansas City Recommended by vets and installed by professionals, our customizable solutions will keep your pet happy and out of harm’s way in your home and yard. Your pets are family to us. That’s why our pet specialists are certified in our renowned Perfect Start™ Plus Pet Training methods. We serve Kansas City north the river, Lawrence and St. Joseph. www.kansascity.invisiblefence.com
Veterinarians Arbor Creek Animal Hospital 15971 S. Bradley Rd Olathe, KS • 913-7649000
acanimalhospital.com We believe that every pet has a different set of healthcare needs. Utilizing a blend of traditional medicine and holistic veterinary gives everyone options! Aid Animal Hospital 8343 Wornall Rd Kansas City, MO 816-363-4922
aidanimalhospital.com For 37 years, Aid Animal Hospital has provided quality veterinary medical and surgical services to Waldo and entire Kansas City area. We pride ourselves on quality customer service in a family friendly atmosphere, where your family can always feel welcome.
St. Louis Pet Services Directory Pet Hospice Services
Adoption/Rescue
Pet Food
St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue 314-381-2010
HiStandard
www.histandarddogfood. com
www.stlbulldogrescue.org St. Louis Bulldog Rescue, Inc. is a Federal Tax Exempt 501c3 organization that is an all volunteer group of bulldog lovers whose mission is to re-home bulldogs who are surrendered by their owners or find themselves otherwise without homes, landing in animal shelters or wandering the streets as strays.
Pet Health
Dog foods formulated with a precise balance of amino acids to support healthy muscle tissue; high levels of fat to support energy levels and stamina; highly digestible meat protein sources; and omega fatty acids for a healthy skin and coat. Available in both Kansas City and St. Louis.
Pet Waste Mgmt & Products
Yucko’s
www.yuckos.com
Weekly - Every Other Week - Once A Month One Times Or Just Because..!
314-291-POOP (7667) Service
Free Estimates - No Contracts - Fully Insured Dogipot Products - Pet Stations - Litter Bags Fake Fire Hydrants And More...!
314-770-1500 Sales
Are The First Responders In Your Area Equipped With Pet Oxygen Recovery Masks?
www.PetOxygenMask.com
The Weather is wonderful. Get outside!
Pet Cremation Services
Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services
1631 W. 5th St. Eureka, MO 636-587-8880 www.lovingheartspet.com Loving Hearts was started by two families to provide the highest level of pet cremation services possible. The owners bring over 100 years of assisting grieving pet owners. We are committed to treating each pet as if it were one of our own. In your time of need, we will be there for you.