MetroPet st. Louis jan14

Articles Inside Silent

but

Stinky Disease

What Happened

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Fluffy

Changing Your Pets Food

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Canine Signs Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18) The Friend

The happiest Aquarius Dog is one who has been given as much freedom as possible for this dog adores to be allowed off the leash. Social interaction is where the Aquarius Dog really comes into his or her own. The home of this dog is likely to be full of his or her friends and acquaintances, not all of whom will necessarily be of the canine persuasion.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) The Interpreter If an owner does not live by the sea or have a pond in the garden, then it will be necessary to fill the tub for the Pisces Dog. Ideally, this dog would like to live on a floating home, anything from an ocean liner to a narrow boat. Marooned on dry land in an ordinary house, they will make the most of anything wet that can be found.

Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19) Leader of the Pack This dog will never be a yes dog, not even after months of training. The battle for independence begins the moment this little pup arrives in the home. It is futile for an owner to attempt to assert superiority over the Aries Dog. They will stop at nothing to undermine an owner’s position.

Taurus (Apr. 20 - May 20) The Strong Silent Type Everything this dog surveys is considered to be a personal possession, from his or her feeding bowl, to visitors in the home. It would be best not to allow this canine to actually see any guests depart, since the Taurus Dog perceives new people as personal possessions and may put up quite a fuss before letting them go.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) The Yapper With fleet-footed Mercury as his or her Ruling Planet, the Gemini Dog is one of the Zodiac’s fastest runners and, not surprisingly, any Greyhound born under the influence of this sign is likely to enjoy much success at the race track. It is important to note that the only time an owner will be absolutely sure of the whereabouts of the Gemini Dog is when they are attached by a leash.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) The Home Lover The Cancer Dog can settle almost anywhere. Taken to a new home, they will immediately view it as the place in which life will be lived out.

Possessing a true nesting instinct, this canine will establish their corner and then set about filling it with treasures which will be protected.

Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22)

The Boss

Dog The Leo Dog is a charming and rewarding dog, much easier to live with than might be expected. The Leo Dog has a deep-set faith in humanity.

Dogs which have been honored for bravery or those pampered by royalty are often governed by the Sign of Leo. Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) The Helper The Virgo Dog will never be found sleeping on a hard floor and is sensitive to discomfort in much the same way as the fairytale Princess was to the irritating pea. The Virgo Dog tends to spend a great deal of time in the garden, communing with nature as he or she weeds, digs and generally makes a mess.

Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) The Shop-Steward Usually, other dog owners consider the Libra Dog a pleasant and well-controlled animal who is never connected with any misfortunes that may beset their own pets. The female Libra Dog may be so afraid of offending any male that shows an interest in her that she will not know how to say No. Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) The Paragon In the midst of a rant and rave this canine will most probably simply fall asleep. Both genders of this canine possess a deep interest in mating. Unfortunately, neutering or spaying does not seem to help much, particularly in the female.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) The Problem Dog This canine needs fresh air as other dogs might need constant de-fleaing. Cooped-up or confined, the Sagittarius Dog (much like the archer which is symbolic of the sign) will know exactly where to aim so that he or she causes the most discomfort to others with the least personal inconvenience.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan. 20) The Social Climber Many of the world’s most handsome dogs have been born under this Sign and almost every Capricorn Dog approaches perfection in form and build, regardless of breed. The one flaw of this canine might be an overly-long nose coupled with an underslung jaw.

January 2014

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Articles 6

MetroPet Pet Photo Contest

8 The Silent but Stinky Disease That’s Affecting Your Pet 11 Cold Winter Care Tips 14

12 Things To Know About Changing Your Pet’s Food 14 Bringing Home Baby?

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17 January National Train Your Dog Month 18 50 First Dates 20 Chip’s Adventure 22 Breed of the Month 25 What Happened To Fluffy?

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28 Moving With a Pet? 30 Dog Waste Removal 32 Pawzzle

Happy New Year!

Dear Readers: Welcome to the first edition of MetroPet St. Louis! We are pleased to become a partner with the proud pet parents in the St. Louis area.

MetroPet magazine was started in Kansas City in the summer of 2008. We are a content-driven magazine. This means you will find quality, educational articles in our magazines.

Pick up your FREE copy! Pick-up locations are

listed on our website — metropetmag.com. Share the magazine with your family and friends. Then, remember to support our advertisers — they are the reason we can publish this magazine!

The articles published in MetroPet are written by professionals in the pet industry, including veterinarians, dog trainers, pet food experts, groomers, and more. Readers in Kansas City consistently keep MetroPet magazines for reference — we hope that you will do the same.

You will also find humorous and heart-warming stories in our magazine written by pet parents and readers. We invite you to send us their favorite story and/or photos. We look forward to hearing from you!

Publisher Barbara Riedel barbara@metropetmag.com Editor/Production Manager Dan O’Leary editor@metropetmag.com Magazine Layout ROI Marketing 816.942.1600 • roi@kc.rr.com

This issue is filled with quality articles, including, “50 First Dates,” “Moving With a Pet,’” and, “Bringing Home Baby.” Did you know that January is National Train Your Dog Month? We wouldn’t dream of having children and not sending them to school, so why have pets and not train them? January is a perfect month to start with a new training session, see article on page 17.

Don’t miss the educational articles on the silent but stinky disease that may be affecting your pet, page 6, and how to changing your pet’s food, page 12, this is really important for a variety of reasons. And, please check out the cold weather tips on page 11. If you have ever lost a pet, take time to read the article on “What Happened to Fluffy?” on page 25.

Have ever thought about fostering a pet? Take just a moment to review the “Have You Ever Wondered” poem on page 5. If fostering doesn’t work for you, consider donating time or supplies to a shelter or rescue group. January is a great time to start giving back to a local animal group.

We have a wonderful series called Chip’s Adventure.

This series appears in each issue and is great reading for children and parents. Then, learn more about the Pug breed and challenge yourself with the Pawzlle. It is fun and educational!

Happy New Year – we are looking forward to an

awesome year!

Barbara Riedel, Publisher

Advertising Sales Ad Sales: 913.548.1433 Deals of the Week deals@metropetmag.com Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313

Contributing Authors Mike Deathe Heddie Leger Teresa Miller Nancy Bush Piper Lori Stiles Erin Quigley, DVM

Publishing Policy: Articles printed in the MetroPet Magazine express the opinions of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the formal position of MetroPet Magazine. Acceptance of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement by MetroPet Magazine. Articles: Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration for publication to editor@metropetmag.com. All materials are subject to editorial review. © 2014 MetroPet Magazine. All rights reserved. Request reprint permissions at info@metropetmag.com. MetroPet Magazine is owned and published by ROI Marketing Services, all rights reserved.

Have You Ever Wondered

By Belle Wead

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you...

Exercised more.

Drank less.

Learned something new every day.

Had a better work/life balance.

Volunteered.

Saved more money.

Were better organized.

Read more.

Finish to-do lists.

Have you ever wondered what life would be like if you…

Indulged in yourself.

Went after what you want.

Found something new to love.

Sent love someone else’s way.

Figured out what you wanted out of love.

Have you ever wondered what it would feel like to save a life?

That’s what fostering a pet feels like.

There are volunteers to help you find a pet that’s right for you in your home.

You can do all of the things on the lists above when you foster the right pet.

Belle Wead is the owner of Best Friends Pets 13008 State Line Rd • Leawood, KS 66209 • 913.498.1397 Peculiar, MO 64078 • 816.984.5481

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

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PET PHOTO CONTEST WINNERS Congratulations to our first pet photo contest winners!

MetroPet magazine was delighted to receive 79 photos for our first photo contest!

These photos were posted on our Facebook page for viewers to like! We were so excited to see all the votes and new likes. We are pleased to showcase the top seven photos — such adorable pets.

We will be announcing another contest - look for the details in the next issue!

Makaveli – 1st Place

Makaveli (Mak for short) is a full-blooded, 1 year old pitbull. I got him through a friend back in July 2012 at only 6 weeks old. He has always been so loving since the day I brought him home. I’ve never seen a dog learn tricks faster and listen as well as Makaveli does. He loves to go to the park to chase the ball around, swim, go on walks, and just rest his head on your lap and just be lazy for a day (I love those days the most).

Mak always seems to be looking at me for approval before he does anything. He loves being in the company of others and is always ready for playtime no matter what! This Christmas, my parents set up the tree downstairs. Several minutes after Makaveli walked over to the tree, sniffed, then hiked his leg! I couldn’t stop laughing! We all couldn’t.

It’s so hard to get angry at that gorgeous face!! I entered in this contest with low expectations, as there were so many good looking dogs in the contest. I’m so grateful Makaveli was crowned the winner! Thank you again to all the voters!

Submitted by Andrew

A Special Thanks!

To these advertisers who provide prizes to the winner! Please support them — Thanks!

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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - January 2014

lovingheartspet.com

treats-unleashed.com

Hondo – 2nd Place

3rd Place - Kaiser

Hondo is a red Australian Shepherd who was adopted at the age of four. He had been dropped off at a shelter by his owner. They told us he had been an outside dog on some sort of farm and they brought him in because he had been chasing their horses. He had never been housebroken and he was in terrible shape – worms, ticks, matted hair, broken teeth. My daughters immediately fell in love with his picture.

He was fostered by Ellen who runs St. Louis Senior rescue. He had been adopted out twice before we found him but ran away from both homes and was returned to Ellen. When we decided to adopt him Ellen did a home visit and asked us for 3 references. She called all of them. She said she has never done this before. She was particularly fond of Hondo and I’m surprised she gave him up. He is the best dog we could have asked for. He has a great personality and is a good-natured dog. He loves to hug and snuggle. He also loves to talk, sing and howl, like most Aussies do.

He has truly been a gift for our family.

Submitted by Mary

4th Place - Cheyenne

6th Place - Sheldon

5th Place – Lil Max and Mia

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

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The silent, but

STINKY disease that is affecting your pet

by Erin Quigley, DVM If you asked most pet owners what the most common disease in dogs and cats was they would probably say allergies, cancer, diabetes etc. We are surprised to learn the most common disease afflicting our pets is dental disease, also called periodontal disease.

Most people would see their pet’s bad breath as an annoyance, but a disease?? Yes the bad breath you smell when your dog is giving you slobbery kisses can be a sign of serious problems to come.

Dental Disease

Dogs and cats build a film on their teeth, just as people do, called plaque. Plaque is actually a film of bacteria that sticks to the surface of the teeth over time from normal daily eating without daily brushing. At first it’s invisible and you may not notice, except a little stinky breath. Over time the plaque calcifies and thickens into a hard, dark colored substance called tarter. This you may notice if your pet allows you to look at his/her teeth or you may notice an increased potency in your pet’s breath.

This is usually the stage when pet owners notice a problem and may head to their favorite pet store in desperation to improve the breath by popular treats or even sprays that claim to dissolve the tarter on your dog and cats teeth. Although these products may help slow down the progression of the dental disease and help temporarily with your pet’s breath, it often leaves pet owners dissatisfied.

What you didn’t realize, because your pet wasn’t talking, is that dental sprays and chew bones can make a big difference in preventing this yucky tarter and bad breath, but they needed to be started when the invisible plaque was there. Unfair, I know.

Don’t feel guilty, remember your pet wasn’t

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talking and the bacteria film was invisible. And most dogs and cats aren’t opening up and saying “ahh” so you can look at their teeth.

Who can help?

Your caring and knowledgeable veterinarian. Your pet’s doctor will during your pet’s routine yearly or bi-yearly exam evaluate your pet’s dental stage. And advice you on whether it is just time to increase those dental treats, or time for a dental procedure/cleaning.

What about teeth brushing? My groomer brushes my dog’s teeth every 6 weeks? Do I really need my dogs teeth cleaned at the vet, it doesn’t sound very important? So what my pet has tarter, it doesn’t seem to be bothering them? But I give my dog chew bones?

I know you have more questions, let’s address the common questions, myths and concerns and give you more insight on how keeping up with your pet’s dental health can help them live longer healthier lives.

Teeth brushing

Brushing your dog or cats teeth can be possible and commendable.

Everyone will agree that is the best method to prevent your pet’s teeth from accumulating tarter and helping prevent bad breath. There are many

types of tooth brushes (hand held, or finger brushes) and toothpaste flavors specific to your dog or cat that can aid to help you in this challenging task. Your veterinarian or pet nurse can aid you in where to start. What

you need to know ahead of time…. this practice will be most successful if you start when they are young puppies and kittens. That way the get used to you sticking your fingers in their mouths. Your 7 year old dog or cat may look at you like your crazy if you are coming at them with a foreign object, not to mention they probably already have inflamed and painful gums they are not telling you about, so may not be a successful venture.

The other more important fact is, brushing your dog or cats teeth a few times a year, probably not going to do too much. Think about it, if us humans brushed our teeth every other month…ok stop thinking, that’s gross. Let’s just say not too many smiling faces. So although

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I commend your efforts or your groomer’s efforts, unless it’s a daily routine, we are most likely not going to make much difference in the progression of tooth decay. All joking aside they have done scientific studies that proved if the tooth brushing wasn’t done daily it did not make a significant difference to your pet’s health.

Don’t feel bad, the vast majority of pet’s especially if started later in life are not going to tolerate this.

Let’s be honest. I as a veterinarian would never condemn you if you don’t brush your pet’s teeth daily.

Good news is we can still prevent the disease.

Chew bones

Chew bones can be a helpful aid in

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preventing dental tarter accumulation. And yes dry food accumulates tarter and a lot slower rate than canned/ wet food. So you are doing well. But just remember not all chew bones are the same. Be very cautious in choosing one for your pet because they can lead to more serious problems, such as intestinal obstructions and gastrointestinal upset. Not worth it, ask your veterinarian for their recommendation. Again they are only affective if you start early when you are only at the invisible plaque stage, and unfortunately not an option for our furry feline friends.

Dental disease and the progression

So why is preventing this disease important other than stinking breath? I know I left you in suspense. So what happens after this stinking brown thick tarter is on my pet’s teeth….First step infection of the gum tissue adjacent to the tarter called gingivitis. Yes infection, gingivitis may sound like a catchy word we hear on toothpaste commercials, but the reality is there are harmful bacteria residing in your pets’ mouths. The gums are red and inflamed and painful. My dog or cat doesn’t seem painful? He is not yelping? I believe you. But here is the thing about dogs and cats. We baby them, and make them part of the family, guilty as charged here. But in reality they are instinctual survival driven animals. What does that mean? They hide pain. They are not going to tell you, they are not going to show you, or let you look.

Most will not yelp. But you may see other behaviors such as a hesitancy to drink colder water, or chewing their dry kibble slower. But if they eat can food or the inhale their food you may not notice any pain…yet. Just remember if you have ever had a sore tooth or inflamed gums, it feels the same for them.

Next step tooth decay. Not far after the gingivitis, or gum infection begins the tooth starts to decay this leads to more pain when it reaches the nerve of the tooth and could lead to bone loss where the jaw meets the tooth roots. No one wants their pet’s teeth pulled.

Unfortunately what we are seeing in veterinary hospitals is by the time we are performing dental procedures on your pet’s, tooth extractions are necessarily due to decay and to prevent pain. On the bright side once the tarter is removed by ultrasonic scaling and decayed teeth are removed by extraction under sedation, the infection

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can be eliminated. This is important not only to prevent further tooth decay and pain but to prevent the bacteria in your pet’s mouth from traveling through the blood stream and causing disease in heart valves, kidney and liver tissue which have been clinically proven. The truth is these diseases not only shorten and decrease quality of life in our pets but at these advance stages of periodontal disease and organ involvement the risk of complications from anesthesia to eliminate the primary cause is high.

Take home message: Don’t wait that long. Schedule a dental procedure/prophy at the onset of plaque/gingivitis so the procedure is short, simple and extractions aren’t necessary and the risk of anesthesia is very minimal due to healthy heart, liver and kidneys.

So now that you are informed to how important your pet’s dental health is to the longevity and quality of his/her life feel empowered not overwhelmed. Your veterinarian is your partner to help give you reassurance and your pet comfort and the proper individualized dental care for your family pet. Schedule a dental exam today so you can prevent bad breath from becoming a bad heart, and enjoy a long healthy life with your beloved furry family member.

Erin Quigley, DVM, Member of AVMA, MVMA, grew up in Florissant, MO, and received a Bachelor’s degree in Biology at Missouri State University. After college I worked as a receptionist at Rock Road Animal Hospital, a zookeeper at the St. Louis Zoo and a veterinary assistant at Howdershell Animal Hospital until attending Veterinary School at University of Missouri-Columbia. I graduated with my Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine and have lived in O’Fallon, Missouri since I graduated. I have worked as a veterinarian in Troy, Wentzville, and Florissant, MO, until purchasing Animal Medical Center of Wentzville in 2010. I married in 2011 and live with my husband Ryan and boxer dog Finnegan in Lake St. Louis/O’Fallon.

When my husband and I have free time from the clinic we enjoy spending time with our dog, family and friends. Our hobbies include attending Cardinal baseball and Mizzou football games. We also enjoy the outdoors biking, boating and horseback riding.

Cold Winter Care Tips Brrrr—it’s cold outside! The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips.

1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors, felines can freeze,

become lost or be stolen, become injured, or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.

2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep

under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If here are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape.

3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice,

especially during a snowstorm. Dogs can lose their scent and can easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season;so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach

when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice.

He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter,

as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk.

Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.

6. Never leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well

as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

8. Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in

outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him, and his fur, in tiptop shape.

9. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs

and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.

10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm

place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts.

A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

More pet care information can be found on the ASPCA website at www.aspca.org

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Things to Know About Changing Your Pet’s Food

by Teresa Miller

As pet parents, sometimes we need to change our pets’ food. The reasons vary, but include nutritional or caloric reasons, a change in health, or just because we want to introduce a new brand of food.

Transition Time Most pets can transition successfully to a new dry or canned food within 7-10 days. If your pet has a sensitive system, consider increasing the transition time to as much as four weeks to reduce the chance of digestive upset. If at any time your pet experiences loose stool, upset stomach or constipation, return to the last balance at which your pet’s stool was normal and increase length of transition.

Follow these day-by-day steps for an easy transition.

DAY 1: Without reducing the amount of food you feed your pet, add a small amount of the new food to the current food; a teaspoon to a tablespoon at most.

DAY 2: If your pet had no difficulty with the first day’s portion, reduce current food by 25% and replace with new food.

DAYS 3-4: Gradually increase new food to 50% of diet.

DAYS 5-6: Gradually increase new food to 75% of diet.

DAYS 7-10: Gradually increase new food to 100% of diet.

Recognize the Differences The nutritional and caloric content of pet food differs from brand to brand, and recipe to recipe. Be sure to adjust the amount of food you are feeding to your pet to avoid over- or underfeeding. Pet obesity is a huge problem, so attention to portion size is critical. One cup of Brand Z may have just as many calories as two cups of Brand X, so it is very important to feed only what is needed. Your pet will “feel” just as full on a smaller quantity of nutrient/calorie dense food.

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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - January 2014

Check the Return Policy Protect your pocketbook by checking the return policy on the new food you purchase.

Quality pet foods have a 100% satisfaction/ money back guarantee that will allow you to try a new food risk free. If your pet is really picky, ask your local pet supply shop for a sample of the food. The sample will allow your pet to try the food before you buy it.

Eliminating the concerns about whether your pet will like the food and if you can get your money back if it doesn’t like it, will allow you to focus on making the transition easy for you and your pet!

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

Teresa Miller is founder and president of Treats Unleashed, a natural pet supplies store with a focus of providing healthy choices for pets.

While living in New York City, Teresa had grown accustomed to feeding high-quality, all-natural pet food to their two dachshunds, Max and Mickey. After moving back to her hometown of St. Louis, Teresa was unable to find the healthcentric products that she knew had contributed to her pets’ good health. Teresa and her husband, Ian, started Treats Unleashed, the natural place for pets, a brick-and-mortar shop for pet parents to learn about holistic choices and alternatives. Started in 2001, Treats Unleashed has grown from a small kiosk in a local mall to a thriving company with eight retail locations with more than 45 employees and an active wholesale and online treat business. She and Ian have since adopted other dachshunds, Cooper, and a dachshund’s mix, Gretchen.

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Bringing Home Baby?

Are You Really Ready?

National Dogs&Storks Program

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 800,000 Americans seek medical help each year because of dog-bite injuries, and half of those injured are children. Worse, 66% of dog bites in children aged four and younger are to the head and neck. Many expectant couples worry about how they can safely bring their new baby into a family that already includes fourlegged ‘kids.” But with a little preparation, mixed-species families can become stronger, rather than becoming statistics. Dogs&Storks is here to help.

The national Dogs&Storks program provides practical education during pregnancy by teaching expectant families to understand canine body language and to cope with their dogs’ sensitivities and attention-seeking behaviors. Dogs&Storks educators, all of whom are professional dog trainers, are also trained to provide continued support after baby arrives.

“Dogs are members of our families — not just pets — and they deserve to be treated with respect for all the love they give us.”

Dog’s-Eye View

I have been replaced. I don’t understand why. Not long ago, we were a happy family, my people and me. Ever since I can remember — my whole life long, and maybe even longer — we played and took sunshine walks and snuggled together on cold winter evenings. They fed me and cared for me and called me friend; and in return I listened to their secrets, shared their joys, and licked away their tears.

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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - January 2014

Now it’s over, and I am confused and scared. That new wriggling thing in the room that I can no longer enter takes my people away from me more and more. Is it a person, too?

I don’t think so. It doesn’t look much like a person. It smells strange — though I am not to get too close. And the noise it makes sounds nothing like the sweet, gentle murmurs of my people when they talk to me.

Except they don’t talk to me anymore.

Now if they notice me, they speak sharply and sometimes they yell. And the way they say my name — I cringe when I hear it, and it used to fill me with such excitement. There are no more games, no more adventures, no more cuddles. Sure, they feed me — mostly on time — but do they really care? The secrets, the joys, the tears — these are shared now with that new wriggling thing in the room that I can no longer enter. I am not their friend.

Was it because I jumped up to see the wriggling thing when they came home? (Usually they share new things with me.) Or was it because I pawed and nosed and whined when they were resting? (They’ve always invited me to burrow in before.) Was it my commiseration when the new thing was howling? (I couldn’t see the moon — but I’m sure it was there.) Or was it because my curiosity finally got the better of me and I sniffed my way into that room? (I was so close to understanding — wouldn’t you have growled too, with the answers right there, just under your nose?)

I’ll never know why. With no preparation, no reason, and with scarcely a word of regret, you see, I am being

sent away. I used to be their friend.

Now I have been replaced.

People’s-Eye View — Meggin’s Story

In September of 1996 I brought home my first baby. She was 85 pounds, black and white with ice blue eyes, and two years old. I was working as an adoption counselor at our local shelter when Nikko found me. She was to be euthanized that day and I couldn’t stand to see that happen to such a beautiful, intelligent, loving dog — so I adopted her. I brought her home and after many trials and tribulations (and much destruction of property) we became inseparable. She went everywhere with me, slept with me, was my best friend.

I met my husband and was married in 2001. We had our first son in October 2002. When the baby was about 10 months old and starting to crawl Nikko became very territorial.

She began making me nervous when he would crawl near her, sometimes baring her teeth at him. I had no idea what to do and prayed that she would just adjust to him. We had paid littleto-no attention to helping her adjust to our new family member.

One evening while my husband was at work, my son crawled over by her and grabbed her ear. Nikko turned and snapped, and barely missed his face. I immediately knew that something had to change quickly. I called my mom in tears, as I couldn’t bear the thought of losing Nikko.

How can you just “give away” your best friend? Nikko had already been abandoned once and landed at the shelter, how could I abandon her

again? But my mom had always referred to Nikko as her “grand-dog,” and she agreed to take Nikko for me.

The following weekend, I put Nikko in the car and drove the two hours to my mom’s house. Pulling out of her

changes to midnight feedings to naps in the afternoon — and teaching the dogs what is expected of them in the process helps to decrease their insecurity and to short-circuit the trial and error process by which dogs

driveway and leaving my baby was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

learn. And practicing these new skills before Baby arrives helps both parents and dogs gain the foresight and confidence necessary to handle most anything to come.

Seeing Eye-to-Eye

For some people, the addition of a new human family-member marks the first time that they see their four-legged “kids” in their true light — as animals. Their claws seem unexpectedly sharper, their teeth more keen, and their demeanor alien and suddenly invasive to our newly human-centric view of life. For, the danger is very real, and that is frightening.

But preparation and training go a long way towards creating a peaceful coexistence between the two-legged kids and the four-legged. Introducing dogs early-on to all of the new sights, smells, and sounds a baby brings can help to lessen their intense curiosity and slow their drive to investigate.

Living new routines — from diaper

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“I was lucky enough to have the option of sending Nikko to my mother’s,” says Meggin, “But looking back I wish I would have worked with her more. Dogs are members of our families — not just pets — and they deserve to be treated with respect for all the love they give us.”

She continues, “I make it a point on the first night of childbirth and parent education classes to make sure that expecting parents include the conditioning of their animals in their preparations for bringing home Baby. Including pets and making the transition easy for them is less stressful for everyone involved.”

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The Program

Dogs & Storks® is an international program that helps expecting families with dogs get ready for life with baby. We offer positive, practical, and fun solutions to challenges that often arise when a family with a dog adds a new baby to the household.

What We Offer

• Answers to your questions about babies and safety • Must-know information for expecting parents with dogs • Practical solutions, from do-it-yourself techniques to hands-on help • Thorough preparation, because prevention is the best cure • Ongoing support through your baby’s first year • The Dogs & Storks® program was created by a certified dog behavior consultant and mother of four.

For additional details about this program visit www.familypaws.com Local Resources

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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - January 2014

January is National Train Your Dog Month

~ Please Join the APDT in Celebrating National Train Your Dog Month! Find a Trainer Located Near You ~ Increase the Bond Between You and Your Dog

by Heddie Leger The Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT) promotes the caring bond and relationships between people and their dogs. The organization works to increase public awareness of dog-friendly training techniques. Unfortunately, there are many thousands of dogs that are relinquished to animal shelters due to lack of training or due to owners not knowing how to deal with behavior issues.

Where to Find Trainers?

Often owners are at a loss as to finding a reliable resource to help them. The APDT has designated the month of January as National Train Your Dog Month to bring awareness to the importance of socialization and training. More importantly than all, the goal is to inform the public that training your dog can be simple and enjoyable!

National Train Your Dog Month!

January has been selected as National Train Your Dog Month due to the fact that so many dogs and puppies are adopted and brought home during the winter holidays. Within a few weeks, the adorable new addition to the family becomes a challenge to live with and the shelters begin to fill. The goal of National Your Dog Month is to help these new pet parents start off the New Year with their newest family member in the best way possible.

training can be. “It is the APDT’s belief that a better understanding of dog behavior can lead to happier, healthier and more harmonious households for humans and canines.”

For information about National Train Your Dog Month or the Association of Pet Dog Trainers: Mychelle Blake, President and CEO MBlake@apdt.com For more information, visit www.apdt.com Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator and member of APDT, APLB, APHE and NHES sharing a lifelong passion of helping children and the elderly learn manners reinforcement with their pets through the PawZone In-Home PetSitting and The DogSpot Training Center.

Happier, Healthier Lives

The APDT hopes that the dog owners, shelters, and professionals in the pet care community will visit the event website (www.trainyourdogmonth. com), to learn more about how easy and fun

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

17

50 First Dates

by Mike Deathe

OK, so you have a puppy and you want your little ball of fur to grow up and be the perfect pet dog, right? You have already picked out your veterinarian, bought all of the supplies, and even lined up a trainer for a puppy class.

Well, good for you! You have made a great start. Now, I am going to let you in on a little known secret. I call it “50 first dates,” which are absolutely critical to do with your pup before the age of 20-25 weeks.

Why 20-25 weeks? Well, that is the age when puppies leave the social development stage of their short little lives. After that they become less apt to accept new things, and to associate them in a positive way. This is not to say that a dog past 20 to 25 weeks cannot be taught, but from the age of, let’s say eight weeks to 20 weeks, a dog is a complete and total sponge, and you should use that time to your advantage.

In the last several years, there has been an increase in dogs that are shy, anxious, and even a little fearful of strange people. It has actually led to an increase in aggression, and in some cases dog bites. So this article is not only an explanation of a possible reason for this trend, but a common sense approach to training puppies that anyone one can utilize to teach dogs that strangers are awesome and they even bring presents!

Back to “50 first dates.” Well, it is pretty much what it sounds like. Your dog must meet at least 50 new people every week during this critical socialization period, and there is a specific way to meet these folks, But the bigger question is, how on God’s green earth are you going to find 50 people a week? The answer is simple. Go to a PetSmart or Petco and just walk your pup into the store.

Let’s face it, puppies are adorable and everyone is going want to say “hello” to your little ball of fur. Practice 30 minutes a day two to three days a week and, trust me, 50 people will not be a hard number to hit.

Now, what about the argument that until your pup is 100% vaccinated you should not take the dog out in 18

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public?

Well, I am going to give you my opinion, and then you should go directly to your vet with this article in your hand and let your vet’s be the deciding vote. This is really outdated thinking.

The social developmental period in dogs is so small that waiting until the dog is four to six months old (finished with all rounds of shots) to begin socializing is just crazy.

Now understand me. A couple of things do need to happen before the “50 first dates” game begins: 1. The first round of shots need to be given.

2. You need to take the pup somewhere that is cleaned regularly. This negates the dog park and other places where lots of dogs poop and pee, and never get a good thorough cleaning.

3. Considering the younger the dog and the fewer the rounds of vaccines it’s received, you might just put the dog in the shopping cart to keep it off the ground.

OK, so you are at the store and your first person walks up and says, “Oh, what an adorable dog, can I say ‘hello’?”

This is where the magic happens. You say, “Absolutely, but I need your help.” Give the stranger a treat (maybe some tiny cut up hot dog or cheese), and ask the stranger to do three things.

1. Ask the dog for a sit. (You will have teach this command at home.)

2. Give the pup the treat.

3. Then, pet the dog.

Voila! You have just completed your first of “50 First Dates.” Now just repeat 49 more times and keep doing it until the dog reaches approximately 20 weeks of age.

I actually include this as homework for all my puppy clients, and you would be blown away by how it changes a dog’s perspective on those people they meet daily, but don’t live with. Let’s face it, you are teaching your dog three very important things.

1. To meet anyone my butt has to be on the ground.

(This keeps us from learning to jump up on people.)

2. Strangers bring presents, and I love people.

3. Human touch is a good thing and is always rewarded.

Aren’t these things you already wanted your pooch to learn? It also gets you and Fido out of the house together.

I love this exercise, and I think if you give it a chance, you will, too. It is not a guarantee that your dog will be perfect, but as with all things, the more you work with your dog the better the dog will be around people. So go out and start to setting up some blind dates!

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

Mike Deathe is an avid pet lover who found his passion as a dog trainer. Since 2008 he has trained hundreds of pet parents on how to live with their companion animals. He writes the Keep It Simple Stupid dog blog (K.I.S.S).

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

19

The Adventures

of CHIP

by Heddie Leger

Welcome to our New Series We are pleased to announce the launch of a special BowWow-WIN Series in which readers can share with children and help them learn basic tenets of the values of responsible ownership of pets. The series includes a word of the month that readers can explore along and a discussion guide. In this series, a puppy named Chip, the MetroPet Magazine mascot, is the main character and will bring a learning experience regarding Character Traits each month through this year.

Chapter 1 He sat wet and shivering in the dark box not knowing here he was. His MawMaw had taught him not to bark as it made most humans mad. He always listened to his MawMaw as the others in the barn called her the “wise one.” Who was he to doubt the “wise one?” They never really had lived in a home, but did have a nice barn that was warm and smelled sweet from hay. He loved the smell of the horses and cows, but now all he could smell was things he did not even know how to describe. “Where am I,” Chip said to himself, curling up in a little ball to keep warm. “Where is my MawMaw” and why didn’t she come back,” he wondered to himself.

We selected January to introduce this He did not like being all alone in the dark with nothing to eat series and invite you to join us each month or drink and no one to keep him warm and dry. He missed his to experience the Adventures of Chip as he brothers and sisters. He was hungry and thirsty, but the little learns how to live in the world of humans. It bit of food and water that had been left in the box was all gone. is a Win-Win for children that learn how to His MawMaw had taught him that if he remained calm and did have fun reading and experience the valuable not panic, even when he was scared that eventually something skill that will help them good would navigate life and increase their happen. He ability to succeed at school, PERSEVERANCE — Continuing to give your best effort, did not doubt their chosen extra-curricular that her words even when faced with obstacles or rejection. activities and eventual careers. were true. He Enjoy BowWow-WIN for could hear books with the Adventures her voice in of Chip as you meet his friends and people the darkness that surrounded him and it made him feel safe inside, who help him along the way. (Although these “Don’t be discouraged. It’s often the last key in the bunch that stories are geared towards children, they are opens the lock. When the world says, “Give up,” Hope whispers, beneficial for adults as well.)

“Try it one more time.” MawMaw had told him this the time he fell down into a big ditch and could not get out. He eventually did Each issue of MetroPet Magazine will have get out, but not after many hours of trying over and over again. He a new chapter of Chip’s Adventure. We hope never gave up hope and persevered in his effort to get out of that you enjoy this journey! ditch.

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All of a sudden there was this loud bang sound that shook the ground, then a puff of black, putrid smoke wafted into his box making him cough and choke. That brought him back to the reality of where he was. He could not breathe and wanted to run away, but did not know where to run. So he tucked his head under his tail, closed his eyes and hoped this was all just a bad dream. He fell asleep whimpering, shivering, but hopeful that when he woke up his MawMaw would return and he could get out of the box. He remembered her words once more “When the world says, ‘give up,’ Hope whispers, ‘try it one more time.” He went to sleep peacefully with thinking that he could persevere and survive.

Tune in next month to see what happens to Chip!

ACTIVITY What three actions can you take if you find you cannot keep your pet?

Millions of pets are abandoned every year.

Many if not most meet with a sad ending.

Please be responsible and if you cannot keep your pet, or do not want it, call a local rescue or shelter. Someone is always willing to help if you will ask. Do not abandon your pets and leave them helpless to fend for themselves.

Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator and member of APDT, APLB, APHE and NHES sharing a lifelong passion of helping children and the elderly learn manners reinforcement with their pets through the PawZone In-Home PetSitting. You can reach her at 816.820.5829.

STORY DISCUSSION TIPS 1) What are your favorite smells? What do you think some of the smells were Chip could not describe while he was stuck in the box in paragraph one?

2) How do you think Chip felt when his MawMaw did not come back?

3) What do you do when you are scared?

4) Do you have someone who has given you wise words to help you when you are scared? What did that person say that helped you when you were scared?

5) Can you remember a time when you did not give up when you wanted to?

How did it feel?

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Meet the Breed January Pet of the Month The Pug is a delightful addition to most any family. However, finding the right dog takes an investment of time including reading, planning, research, and a taking a close look at your family living style and daily routine. It is important to realize that a young puppy will require more time at the outset for housetraining, obedience training, socializialization, and puppy booster vaccinations.

Many people think they want to include a young puppy in their families without even considering the benefits of an older dog. There are many older Pugs that would love to be a part of your family, if a young pup is not a good fit for you right now.

The Pug is a Member of the Toy Group If you are not familiar with this group of dogs, it is important for you to know that although they may be small in size, they are prone to large personalities and tough attitudes that many people desire and adore.

Dogs in the toy group as a whole make great companions and are well suited for apartment dwellers or those living in the city without much space, inside or outside. Due to their smaller size and manageability, they make great lap warmers, and can be easier to handle and train than larger dogs. Families with small children under the age of three should be warned that a smaller dog might not be the best option because the unpredictable behavior and quick actions of excited children can be too much for a smaller dog. However, this is not a rule of thumb. There are many smaller dogs that live 22

The PUG

very well with children. It is important to be objective about the individual dog’s personality and temperament when making a decision, as smaller dogs can become aggressive towards children due to fear of their actions.

Origin of the Pug The Pug is thought to have its origin in East China. Their history goes back centuries, with their root beginning to be believed to be around 400 years BCE. They are believed to have been originally bred during the Shang dynasty. Their sole purpose was to be the lap dogs of wealthy rulers. One of the earliest documented reference to Pugs is dated in the year 551 BCE, when, Confucius, a famous philosopher described them as short-mouthed, shortlegged, short-coated dogs.

Compatibility and Care.

The Pug in general is good with dogs, cats and children. However, as with any other breed, it is best if they are raised with them although they are very adaptable. Pugs are larger in bone structure and hardier than many toy-dog breeds. They can withstand and even enjoy rough play, as long as it’s supervised and doesn’t get out of control. However, the Pug is not designed to be a jogging companion. Due to their compact and well-muscled physic, they are not fond of running long distances.

They have a tendency towards gaining weight, but are usually solid, active little dogs. Their little twisted

MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - January 2014

tails make them very unique and endearing. The ideal weight of a Pug is no more than 20 pounds.

The Pug is a charming, fun-loving clown of a dog, that also takes well to training. They are lively little dogs with an undeniably lovable, affable personality, bred for their wonderful dispositions. They are happiest when with their familes. They are very good looking dogs with a smooth-coat that comes in shades of tan, gray and black. A black mask accents their cutely wrinkled faces. The Pug’s facial wrinkles, especially the deep nose roll, must be cleaned daily simply by wiping out the dried drainage and dirt around wrinkles and eyes with a dampened cosmetic sponge or baby wipe. You will need to make sure to thoroughly dry the wrinkles so

they don’t mildew, crack or become infected, a condition known as “swamp face.”

The Pug is an easy wash-and-wear care pet. Their short coat does shed, but grooming needs are minimal.

Brushing the smooth double coat on a weekly basis with a rubber curry brush to remove dead hair and daily brushing with a soft bristle brush will minimize your Pug’s shedding done year-round. Bathe as needed with a gentle dog shampoo. Please do not forget to trim the nails every week, and brush teeth daily -- with a vet-approved pet toothpaste. Many problems can be avoided by these simple daily care routine.

Health Conditions A common issue among Pugs and other breeds with short noses is eye prolapse. It can be caused by a trauma to the head or neck, or even a choke collar or tight leash.

A harness should always be used on these types of dogs.

Hip dysplasia, an abnormal formation of the hip socket, affects this breed to a high degree. The breed was ranked second worst-affected by this condition out of 157 breeds tested.

Pugs, like other short-snouted breeds, have elongated palates. They can be prone to what is called reverse sneezing that causes them to quickly (and seemingly laboriously) gasp and snort. These sneezing episodes are generally not harmful. A simple massage to help the dog relax, to the dog’s throat or covering its nose to help it breathe through its mouth can often shorten a sneezing fit.

Due to the fact that Pugs have big eyes that protrude from the face, they are prone to eye injuries. Pugs can develop corneal ulcers, pigmentary keratitis and distichia (extra eyelashes that cause irritation).

If you are interested in finding a well-balanced, healthy pug consider contacting a reputable breeder.

Reputable breeders will invest the time and money to check for genetic defects and do not breed animals that possess these traits. They also will socialize their puppies, know their www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - January 2014

puppies well, and can help you find the right personality to fit with your family and lifestyle.

Finding the Right Pug for You It is a great idea to start your search by checking the website of the Pug Dog Club of America. Clubs of this type maintain a code of ethics that requires members to never sell their puppies to or through pet stores, and it maintains a breeder referral service. It also maintains information and tips on finding a healthy, well-bred puppy.

A more reputable breeder will be active in the national breed club and/or a local club. The dogs should regularly participate in some form of organized canine activities, such as showing, obedience or therapy dog programs.

Any dog sold should always come with a written contract guaranteeing that the breeder will take the dog back if at any time during it’s life you cannot keep the pup.

Do not be afraid to ask a breeder to provide documentation that your prospective puppy’s parents were checked and cleared for hip and elbow dysplasia by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and for

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The PUG eye problems by the Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF), or for hip clearance by the University of Pennsylvania (PennHip).

A reputable breeder welcomes your questions about temperament, health clearances, and anything else about the dogs. They will also ask you with questions about what you’re looking for in a dog, what you are expecting, and what kind of life you will provide. A good breeder is knowledgeable about the breed history and can readily explain to you why one puppy is considered pet quality while another is not. A reputable breeder will also be open and discuss what health problems affect the breed and the steps taken to avoid those problems.

Warning: If any breeder tells you these tests are not important or does not think the tests are needed because there have never been problems in the lines, that her dogs have been vet checked, or any of the other excuses bad breeders have for skimping on the genetic testing of their

dogs, walk away and don’t look back. Don’t be charmed by those cute big eyes of the pup in your arms. It is very important to avoid any breeder who seems interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you, and whether your credit card will go through. Please keep in mind that purchasing from a website, sight unseen is never a good idea. It is entirely possible you may not receive exactly what you expected.

If you are wise and take your time, research the breed, consider your lifestyle, and not limit yourself to a particular age of dog, you will be rewarded with a charming companion for at least a decade or more. You have selected a wonderful breed of dog to add to your family that will bring many years of joy, comfort and companionship.

If you are wise and take your time, research the breed, consider your lifestyle and not limit yourself to a particular age of dog, you will be rewarded with a charming companion for at least a decade or more. You have selected a wonderful breed of dog to add to your family that will bring many years of joy, comfort and companionship.

Other Quick Facts • Th e Pug is among the largest of the Toy breeds.

•H e’s lively and loves everyone, and his alert nature makes him an excellent watchdog.

• Th is breed snores and snorts, a by-product of his flat face. Learn to think of the noise as a lullaby.

•A mong the Pug’s rich and famous admirers are King Louis XIV; Josephine, Empress to Napoleon; Queen Victoria; the Duke and Duchess of Windsor; and fashion designer Valentino.

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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - January 2014

What Happened to Fluffy?

by Nancy Piper

“My dearest companion and best friend Fluffy had been sick. I took her to the vet many times in attempts to get her well. Finally, the last thing I could do to help her was to have her euthanized, as there was no hope for recovery and she was in pain. I don’t remember what the veterinarian asked me about taking care of her body. I was in shock. That was six months ago. I still miss Fluffy tremendously. I don’t know what happened to her. I don’t know what the vet clinic told me and I’m afraid to call and ask. I wish I knew. I miss her so. I would like to honor her in some way.”

The above pet parent didn’t know she had the right to printed information on who was handling her pet’s body, and the service that had been selected for her beloved pet. She didn’t know the options available to her: burial in a pet cemetery, private cremation or communal cremation, or even freeze drying and taxidermy. She had the right to view her pet’s body again and say her goodbyes. She had the right to a visitation, a funeral service, and/or a memorial service for her beloved pet.

Wise to Plan for the Death of Your Pet

While the death of a pet is something we don’t like to think about, me included, it is an event that we are wise to plan for. A person who thinks about the options, decides what he wants, and arranges it before the time of need, is able to make financially sound decisions; is able to spend as much or as little as he wants with the process, and, more importantly, will get the type of afterlife care for his pet that he

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deems fitting. Then, when the pet dies, all the person has to do is to grieve, aside from contacting the service provider, instead of being forced to make an immediate decision regarding the afterlife care of his beloved pet.

At the time of death, the brain is foggy and it is hard to even think, let alone make such an important decision.

Afterlife Care Options

The options for the afterlife care of a pet include burial, cremation, freeze drying, and taxidermy; the most common method for the afterlife care of a pet being cremation. Burial arrangements involve several options, so it is best to contact the pet cemetery directly to discuss the options.

Typically, a pet cemetery will offer a visitation as well as a funeral or committal service. For cremation, two choices are usually offered: a Private

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Cremation or a Communal Cremation. A visitation can also be held before a pet is cremated, or a memorial service can be held after the cremation. Not all cremation providers have the same standards or definitions for the cremation of companion animals. When you call the cremation provider to inquire about the services offered, ask for what their definition of a Private Cremation is. A true Private or Individual Cremation involves having only your pet in the cremation chamber, regardless of your pet’s size. Then you are assured of receiving your pet back, all of your pet, and only your pet.

Preserve the Remains

A concern with the Communal (Simple or Mass) Cremation is what happens to the ashes (cremated remains) after the cremation. Frequently the ashes are placed in the dumpster, with the end result being your pet is sent to the landfill (the dump). If you don’t want your pet to end up in the dump, make sure your pet’s ashes are buried or scattered somewhere you can visit. Ask your prospective cremation provider what happens to the ashes, and be persistent in getting a real answer.

To find the pet cemeteries and crematories in your area, ask friends, search online,: or look in the yellow pages.

Then make phone calls. Ask questions. Ask detailed questions. You can call the facility more than once. As you come up with more questions, call back. For the utmost peace of mind, visit the facility that you are considering using. After all, they will be handling your beloved pet. Ask for a tour. Ask for an explanation of their procedures. Make sure you are comfortable with the people and the facility. If the staff at the facility won’t show you everything and explain what their procedures are, or if you are offended by anything you encounter there, then it probably isn’t the place to use for your loved one. Also, you should be able to just show up, without an appointment, if the facility has nothing to hide.

Mourning Your Pet

Know that you have the right to mourn your pet in the way that you want, in the way that serves your emotional needs. If you need to take your pet home with you and spend time with him before any afterlife care is

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

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

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

MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - January 2014

performed, that is perfectly okay. Some people like to bath and/or brush their pets after they have died. This can actually become a treasured memory. After all, in the olden days, the women bathed and dressed or shrouded the dead (human) body as an important part of their mourning. We can do the same thing for our pets. Also, a funeral service or memorial service is an important part of the mourning. This can be done at home, at any time; it doesn’t have to be immediately after the death of a pet. It can also be done in a chapel at a pet memorial center, with the staff assisting you with the preparation of the body and the funeral or memorial service. The funeral/memorial service can be as simple as people sitting around sharing favorite stories of the departed pet. Often time that will lead to laughter, as well as tears. Read poems or scriptures, play music, play videos or put on a slide show; in other words the family can do what feels right for them. A pet memorial center will have a structured service, but will also help you customize the service that you want.

Planning Ahead it Important

As hard as a pet death is to think about, it is much easier to plan the afterlife care of your pet ahead of time, to do your research and to make informed decisions, rather than make a decision at a time when you are not emotionally or mentally capable of making the decisions in a way you would otherwise. Plus you have eliminated the doubt that otherwise will haunt you for years “I wonder what happed to Fluffy.”

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

Nancy Bush Piper owns Rolling Acres Pet Memorial Center in Kansas City, MO, along with her husband Gary. Gary and Nancy are also co-owners of Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services in St. Louis County, MO. At both Rolling Acres and Loving Hearts, their mission is “serving those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, dignified, and ethical after life care for their pet.”

Nancy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology from Northwest Missouri State University.

She is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist and a charter Certified Pet Loss Professional as well as having a Pet Loss Companioning Certification.

Nancy and Gary are blessed with many animals in their lives. For fun, she studies horsemanship and plays with her horses and mules.

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Moving with a Pet? Know Your Restrictions

by Cathy Perry Thinking about moving? If you’re a pet parent, or planning to become one, it’s important to know the municipal, subdivision or landlord restrictions that could affect you and your four-legged family member.

Ask Before You Buy or Rent St. Charles native, major league pitcher, and pit bull owner Mark Buehrle experienced this first-hand when he was traded to the Miami Marlins, in Florida’s Dade County, which has a ban on pit bulls. So the family choose to live in neighboring Broward County, because of their American Staffordshire terrier mix, Slater. Then, when he was traded to the Blue Jays located in Ontario, which has a pit bull ban, the Buehrle family chose to remain In the United States with Slater during the baseball season. Ordinary families may not have the resources to pick up and move if their dog is not wanted, so knowing the rules before you buy or rent is important.

Research the Rules Start with researching any breed specific legislation (BLS) that applies in the municipality in which you want to live.

Although the city of Wentzville repealed their BSL in 2012 in favor of a law that tightens rules for owners of all dangerous dogs rather than focusing on a specific breed, many towns in the St. Louis area still have various pet restrictions on the books, and not just to pit bulls. The city code for Normandy bans Rottweilers and mixed breeds having the appearance of a pit bull. The website www. dogsbite.org (a site that is anti-pit bull and a proponent of BSL) contains a list of Missouri cities with various types of BSL in effect. However, laws can change. So it is definitely a good idea to check directly with the city in question.

Check Your Lease If you are renting, make sure your lease clearly specifies how many pets you may have and any size or other restrictions so you aren’t blindsided later. You probably won’t be able to disguise an 80 pound dog as a 40 pound 28

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one as many people try to do, thinking nobody will notice, or have six dogs when the limit is two. It only takes one disgruntled neighbor to complain, and generally the results don’t end well for the dog or the tenant.

Check Association Restrictions If you are buying a condo, you will want to know any association restrictions on pet ownership. You will want to look into these restrictions prior to making an offer to purchase, but as a safeguard, your real estate agent should attach a condo rider to the purchase contract, which requires the seller to have the association provide you with a number of pieces of information, including the most current condo restrictions and association financial data. You will have five days to review these documents. This will allow you to back out of the contract if there are pet (or other) restrictions that you aren’t comfortable with.

Buying a Home Finally, if you are purchasing a home, you will want to know any subdivision restrictions that pertain to pets, as well as to any limitations on building a fence or installing an electronic one to keep your four-legged friends safe and contained. Again, you will want to ask these questions up front, but your agent should also submit a “Review of Indentures/Restrictive Covenants Rider” to allow you to formally review them and back out of the accepted contract, if they prove to be unacceptable.

Make sure you know the number of pets you are allowed, and expect the subdivision homeowners’ association to enforce them. Years ago, my husband found an abandoned puppy over Labor Day weekend and brought him home to try to find the owner. That was back before Facebook or Craigslist. We didn’t even get a “found dog” ad in the Post Dispatch before we received a letter from the subdivision trustee saying we had exceeded our two-dog limit and one of them had to go.

(Fortunately,we found a place for the Dalmatian mix puppy with Spotsavers, and I later received a picture of him with Santa Claus from his new mom, showing he was clearly loved. Sadly, not all dogs are as fortunate).

Guidelines About Other Pets Keep in mind that the general guidelines apply mainly to the pet parents of dogs and cats. If you have other types of animals, such as pot-bellied pigs, chickens, or even, as a former design client of mine had – sheep, you will want to know any specific prohibitions against them as well. Keeping chickens has become quite trendy, but the municipal ordinances permitting them vary wildly. While Richmond Heights allows up to five chickens, neighboring Brentwood bans them, and University City has a permit fee and requires quarterly inspections — at a cost. Subdivision restrictions may ban any form of livestock.

If this is something you are interested in, make sure you know the laws and covenants, as they apply to your specific animal interests.

Buyer Beware!

So as with many things, the Latin expression “caveat emptor” — “let the buyer beware,” applies to moving with your pets.

Know the rules before you buy or rent, and you won’t need to worry about losing your beloved family member for violating one of them later.

Cathy Perry is a lifelong dog lover (who has discovered a love of cats along the way, too) with a passion for homes and design. She is a Real Estate Consultant with Keller Williams, and an interior designer and home stager with her own company, Renovate and Redesign, LLC. Visit her real estate website at www. stlrealtyconcierge.com to learn more, or contact her at 636-236-5695. She would love to help you find or create the perfect space for your two- and four-legged family members! www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - January 2014

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Dog Waste Removal

Our Responsibility to the Environment

By Lori Stiles

How Dog Waste Affects our Environment Leaving an accumulation of dog waste on the ground is a main contributor of water pollution. Each time snow melts or it rains the bacteria run-off from dog waste washes into storm drains. This water is untreated and moves directly from storm drains into our rivers, streams and lakes. The promotion of additional bacteria in our waterways harms the health of wildlife, fish and humans.

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

The Impact of Pet Waste in the St. Louis Metro Area Pet waste left in our yards comes into contact with stormwater when it rains. The stormwater then becomes contaminated from contact with pet waste and carries pollutants into the storm sewer system. The storm sewers quickly drain the water directly to our area streams without any treatment. Dogs are major contributors to pet waste in our environment, However, all pets can contribute to the problem.

What is the Solution?

Acceptable pet waste management options include: •P ut the 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 the soil at least six inches deep (do NOT bury in the garden).

•M inimize pollution by having pets defecate in tall grass located away from storm inlets. This acts as a filter and allows for natural decomposition.

•D o NOT place pet waste in compost piles or around vegetables gardens where pathogens can contaminate food products..

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.

City Ordinances and Homeowners Associations

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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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - January 2014

National organizations, cities, and even homeowner associations are beginning to enforce rules and ordinances for dog owners to pick up after their pets. The majority of cities in the United States are implementing ordinances that require regular cleaning of yards, or impose a fine anywhere from $50 to $600 for offenders. However, one city (Englewood, Colorado) has recently imposed an ordinance that requires

homeowners to pick up waste after 72 hours or face a $1,000 fine or a year in jail, or both! Most individuals believe this would be hard to police, but authorities said they can use this new ordinance to deal with people who don’t pick up after their dog for months “or ever.” Most offenders are turned in by their neighbors who are tired of seeing and smelling the offensive waste by undependable pet owners.

What Can You Do to Help?

The obvious solution is to pick up pet waste from your yard on a regular basis. It’s not fertilizer, and the lawn mower doesn’t make it magically disappear. There’s no excuse that can validate leaving pet waste in the yard especially when it comes to your health and our environment. If you do not have time for this task, search for a professional pooper scooper. If you choose to clean the yard yourself, professional dog waste removal equipment will make this responsibility much easier.

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

Lori and Alan Stiles founded Scoopy the PooTM in 2005. Scoopy the Poo provides professional dog waste removal services. Scoopy the Poo has also designed equipment used by professional pooper scoopers. This equipment is available for sale to the public. For additional information about this equipment, go to www. scoopythepoo.com.

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Chip’s Corner

PAWZZLE

Answers to this Pawzzle can be found in the Breed of the Month story on page 22.

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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - January 2014

ACROSS 1. S maller dogs in the toy group may not be good around small _____________.

3. When small children play with a dog, it should always be ___________________.

5. C ommon issue with short nosed dogs is eye ___________.

7. They can withstand some __________ play.

13. A reputable breeder will also check parent dogs for hip and elbow _________________.

14. Although small in size, they are known for their large ___________________.

15. I t is NEVER a good idea to purchase a pup through an online _____________.

18. As a whole dogs in the toy group, including the Pug make great _________________.

21. They are believed to have been bred during the ___________ dynasty.

22. A reputable breeder will screen and check for _____________ clearances.

24. Q ueen who owned Pugs.

25. F amous designer who owned Pugs.

26. They are also sometimes known for their tough __________.

28. What famous philosopher described Pugs as short-mouthed, short legged and short coated?

29. Always consider your ________ when adding any dog to your family.

DOWN 1. T he type of brush that works best on their smooth coats is a rubber _________ brush.

2. F ind the right dog takes an investment of ___________.

4. Their eyes can also develop corneal __________.

6. A skin condition Pugs can develop if not properly cleaned is called _______ face.

8. I mportant thing a puppy will need.

9. What type of behavior would make a small dog nervous or uncomfortable?

10. Another trait Pugs are prone to causing shortness of breath or gasping is called reverse ________________.

11. They make great lap ________________.

12. A reputable breeder will be able to tell you about the breeds ___________.

16. The Pug is thought to have originated in ____________.

17. D ue to their small size, their are well suited for _____________ dwellers.

19. I t is also important to have enough time to __________ your pup.

20. I t is very important to look for a _______ breeder.

23. P ugs are larger in _____ structure than most other breeds in the toy group.

24. What is needed to ensure the health of your pup?

27. P ugs have a smooth __________ coat.

30. What dog group is the Pug a member of?

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Feline Signs

Aquarius (Jan. 21 - Feb. 18) The Hip Cat This cat is driven by such a primitive urge for self-protection beyond the immediate environment that it is not unusual to hardly ever see him or her. The garden next door will always prove to be more exciting and the Aquarius Cat will launch from one frantic activity into the next glorious adventure...so much so that often the only sign of this feline may well be a glimpse of fur disappearing into the distance.

Pisces (Feb. 19 - Mar. 20) The Ship’s Cat The Pisces Cat would likely be the first to admit that he or she is not the be all and end all of the feline species, but is quite content to assume the position of a small cog in the larger family group. Filling in odd corners for people rather than trying to take over as so many other cats are inclined to do.

Aries (Mar. 21 - Apr. 19) The Stray Cat The occasional empty feeding bowl may well be the most anyone will see of the Aries Cat, or perhaps a tail disappearing through the cat-flap. The holidays will be the rare times when this cat chooses to remember they possess an owner and will decide to hang around for a moment or two.

Taurus (April 20 - May 20) The Earth Mother If it were not for the fact that this feline will spend most of his or her life dead to the world (rather like an inconveniently-placed ball of fur), the Taurus Cat would be the almost perfect cat.

Gemini (May 21 - June 21) Cat On A Hot Tin Roof The actions of this feline will always be erratic. He or she advances in short, quick flits which stop as suddenly as they started. Then, this feline will be off at a tangent from his or her original direction.

Cancer (June 22 - July 22) The Crazy Cat This feline uses the home as a place to sleep away the daylight hours. When night arrives, the Cancer Cat truly comes into their own, out on the prowl and singing to the neighbors when the Moon is full. Indeed, these felines do so love the sound of their own voices. This cat is no fighter and will usually back away timidly from any confrontation, much like the infamous Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz. Leo (July 23 - Aug. 22) The Top Cat To a Leo Cat, home is his or her castle, the place where minions are entertained and advisors are consulted. Home is where this feline performs to large

audiences and even hosts state banquets, all at the expense of his or her owner and, usually as an inconvenience. A houseful of other people's cats can be somewhat distressing (to say nothing of the smell).

Virgo (Aug. 23 - Sept. 22) The Kitten Cat It is essential that the Virgo Cat be served their meal in the same place, at the same time every day. They will also react in a negative fashion to any sudden change in diet, and harsh smells (such as air fresheners or cleaning agents) will often bother and offend the Virgo Cat. Libra (Sept. 23 - Oct. 22) The Copy-Cat If the owner is caring and sensible, drastic weight gain can be avoided and the Libra Cat can remain as hale and sylphlike as any of their feline cousins.

Libra Cat will invariably blend-in with their surroundings.

Therefore, an owner should not be surprised if their tabby Libra Cat appears to match the carpet.

Scorpio (Oct. 23 - Nov. 21) The Cat’s Pajamas If the owner offers food and not heat then, in the eyes of the Scorpio Cat, that owner has failed. This all comes about because the Scorpio Cat finds it impossible to express true feelings.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 - Dec. 21) The Stable Cat This cat will never be a very noticeable addition to the family, acting more as a passing guest who drops in occasionally and then drops out again almost before he or she has had time for a meal. The Sagittarius Cat can be a truly sincere cat, capable of bestowing a considerable amount of affection, when they are actually present to do so.

Capricorn (Dec. 22 - Jan 20) The Cat Burglar Possessed of a strong maternal/ paternal instinct, the Capricorn Cat will view all the world’s inhabitants as their children. This feline often enjoys doing things that are out of the ordinary, such as sleeping in the bathtub on hot days or drinking water directly from the faucet.