July 2014
11
Articles 6
Mosquito Alert!
8
The Benefits of A Group Training Class
11 Rescued!
12
12 Children & Pets 14 Zoonotic Diseases 17 The Pastor’s Cat 21
18 Greetings & Salutations 21 Dog Park Etiquette 22 Home Staging with Buddy & Bella 24 Meet the Breed 26 Pawzzle 28 The Adventures of Chip 30 The Myths about Ice Cubes & Dogs 33 Helping Your Pet with Disturbing Grooming Noises
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34 Facebook Contest
Dear Readers:
The article on page 11 recounts the story of Angel. While life started out well, Angel endured four hellish years, before a rescue group saved her. Now, Angel is in a loving forever home. Most rescue groups are supported and funded by average income individuals. If you have the time, money, or a love of animals, consider supporting one of these groups.
It is summertime! The temperature is going up and this means you need to take extra care of your fur-babies. Make sure you provide them with plenty of water and shade. Check out the article about ice cubes and pets on page 30. What about dog parks? They are a great place to play, for the right pet. Check out the articles beginning on page 18 and 21 for more information. Did you know that mosquitoes are the world’s deadliest animals? If you, your children or pets are going outside — protect them! For tips, see the article starting on page 6. What do you know about zoonotic diseases? Do you know what they are? Do you know how to avoid? Read the article on page 14 for important information about these dieases. Children and pets — they can be wonderful and adorable. Pets can also offer children a huge learning opportunity. However, adults need to be aware and watch for rough play between children and pets. The article on page 12 provides some insight into when rough is too rough. 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
For those of you thinking about selling or buying a home, check out the informative article on page 22 about how to stage a house when you have pets. And, don’t forget Chip’s Adventure, getting to know your breed, and the Pawzlle. Enjoy the summer with your pets. See you in August!
Barbara Riedel, Publisher P.S. Can you help us grow? Yes. Please support the advertisers in this issue and tell them “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine. Please like us at www.facebook.com/stlmetropetmag. AND, please encourage other pet friendly businesses to advertise with us. Thank you!
FACEBOOK Conest for Your Favorite Rescue Group, Shelter or Animal Related Agency — details page 33
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 Teresa Bradley Bays, DVM Mike Deathe Diana Engeszer Pawleen Journe Heddie Leger Cathy Perry Mary Sellaro Robin Steele Lori Styles 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.
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Mosquito
Alert! As posted to mosquitosquad.com blog
by Robin Steele
Mosquitoes cannot exist without water, and I don’t mean just to serve as to keep them hydrated. Female mosquitoes need water in order to lay their eggs and carry on the cycle of life, and thus preserve the nature of the mosquito species itself. Many folks think that it takes a large amount of water for mosquitoes to lay eggs in. This is a common misconception. The truth is it takes very little water at all for a female mosquito to lay hundreds and even thousands of eggs to nurture her blood-thirsty offspring. Many sources of water that are commonplace in any yard, on any street and around every house and business can be a source for concern. Mosquitoes are known vectors of illnesses and diseases such as West Nile Virus, Malaria, Meningitis and Encephalitis just to name a few, therefore citizens should become educated in the manner and locations that could potentially serve as a Petri dish for disease. Storm drains, road ditches, flower pots, mud puddles, discarded soda bottles, children’s outdoor toys and even crevices in trees that can hold water make perfect nurseries for Mrs. Mosquito to carry on her legacy of irritation, pain and disease. All around the US, record rainfalls this season have produced swollen rivers, lakes 6
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - July 2014
and creeks that can boost the population of mosquitoes across the country. There are over 3,500 species of mosquitoes around the world all looking for a place to carry on the family name, so here are some ways to reduce the chances of making your property attractive to expectant female mosquitoes. • Inspect the areas around your home and property often and discard any items that are collecting moisture. • Tip, toss, turn over and throw out any items not in use or that serve no purpose other than as water reservoirs. • Make sure to keep your property trimmed of overgrowth and free of debris. • Keep gutters and storm drains free of brush and debris that can cause water to accumulate. • Empty and change water in bird baths and wading pools at least once per week. • Inspect screens on windows and doors to make certain mosquitoes don’t find their way indoors. • Have your property treated by a licensed professional.
Martha and Carson Baur are the owners of Mosquito Squad of Greater Saint Louis. Martha is a landscape designer who hated seeing her clients’ outdoor experiences ruined by annoying mosquitoes. Mosquito Squad is a perfect solution that helps families enjoy their yards to the fullest. Carson grew up in St. Louis and enjoys spending time outdoors with his family. He knows Mosquito Squad offers a much-needed service in St. Louis. As he likes to say, “Mosquito Squad is so good, our customers can grill naked!” For more details, contact them at 314-569-2483 or visit www.stlmosquitocontrol.com. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - July 2014
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The Benefits of a
Group Dog Training Class by Mary Sellaro
So, you are considering taking a group obedience class with your dog? This is a good option for owners looking to combine socialization and learning in one environment. Classes provide a great opportunity to strengthen the bond between you and your dog, to learn how dogs think and get a better understanding of dog behavior. The group dynamic offers people a chance to receive hands on instruction in an environment of structured distractions. The dogs learn to focus on their handlers in the presence of other dogs and interact appropriately as the situation allows.
From the Trainer’s Point of View
The instructor must perform a wide range of functions when teaching classes. The old saying “those who can, do; those who can’t, teach”, cannot apply to a professional dog trainer, as they must have the ability to train both people and dogs. The biggest challenge often lies in training people and not the dogs. A trainer must instill 8
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - July 2014
confidence in their clients through how dogs are handled, the advice which is given and their capacity to motivate students. The class instructor should provide practical advice and clear direction which can be applied to everyday life. It is essential for the instructor’s demonstration or “demo” dog to be a good role model for the dogs in class. The trainer will give guidelines on being prepared for class, practicing at home in between classes, appropriate exercise and week to week expectations. The training curriculum will include advice and solutions on basic behavioral problems. The trainer may require a private lesson for behavioral problems which cannot be resolved in a class environment. The class time should be well organized and flow at a comfortable pace. There are several different phases of learning which need to be taught in order to be
successful. The foundation of all training is teaching the dog to focus on their human in all situations and environments. The first step is to teach the owner to introduce new exercises to the dog in an area with controlled or minimal interruptions. The training expands to gain reliability from the dog when the surroundings include distractions, starting at a low level and moving upward as the dog progresses. It is important to remember; the dog must understand and perform the exercise consistently before adding distractions. The final goal is for the dog to consistently look to their human for guidance and for the training to help instill a calm state of mind under any circumstances.
familiar with the written material, have any supplies ready to bring and turn off the cell phones. • Leave any bad vibes or attitudes at the door. Negative thoughts will travel down your arm, through the leash and onto your dog and class will not be productive. • Don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand the directions. • Contact the instructor in between classes if there is a question or a behavior escalates in the wrong direction • Don’t make excuses-do the work.
For the Human Part of the Training Team
Group class is often an enlightening experience when it is learned the human part of the training team will need to modify their behavior before the dog can be expected to change. The tools needed to effectively teach the dog are consistency and patience. If these measures are implemented, the dog learns there is reward when a behavior is willingly given and consequences when there is no follow through. The dog becomes predictable and easier to handle.
• Exercise the dog properly so training will be effective. • Let the instructor know if you are going to miss a class and find out make-up options. • If you miss a class unexpectedly, contact the instructor as soon as possible.
SUMMER FUN FOR PETS!
The following tips will help make the most out of your training class experience:
Sidewalk Sale - Saturday, July 12th, 9-3pm Ice Cream Social - Saturday, July 26th, 11-2pm
• Make the class a priority and practice with your dog every day between classes. • Any situation can be a training opportunity-apply what you are learning. • Be prepared for class every week-read and become
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Visit www.treats-unleashed.com for more details & events! Chesterfield 636-536-5900 1677 Clarkson Road
Des Peres 314-835-9339 13325 Manchester Road
Ladue 314-726-2330 8861B Ladue Road
Mid Rivers 636-970-7730 306 Mid Rivers Center
Oakville 314-845-2000 5654 Telegraph Road
Taubman 636-489-3776 7033 North Outer Forty 170A 9
A few things to consider:
• Th e class size should be large enough so the dogs can learn to work around distractionsbut small enough to receive personal attention • Th e training space is conducive to all phases of learning –minimal, controlled distractions.
In Conclusion
The experience and outcome you have with a group class is based for the most part on the effort you put into it. That being said, it is important to find a class and instructor which you are comfortable with and fits your needs and expectations.
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•P rice should not be the decision maker. • Th e ultimate compliment for a dog trainer is to receive referrals from clients, so if the experience has been a good one-pass it on.
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 in the Waldo area of Kansas City. Mary is a certified American Kennel Club Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. She can be reached at 816-361-3388.
Rescued!
A Special Thanks to the Volunteers! by Diana Engeszer
Angel had a great start in life with an owner who loved her and cared for her. Tragically, her owner was killed and Angel embarked on a hellish four-year journey. (Keep reading – there is a happy ending!)
St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue volunteers pulled Angel from an abandoned mobile home in Southeast Missouri that had no electricity or water. Angel managed to survive in temperatures in excess of 100 degrees for two months. Her “owners” would come by a couple of times a week and toss her table scraps and beat her for relieving herself inside. Angel had no way to get outside and no one to give her the care she so urgently required.
and is enjoying love and care in her forever home. St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue rescues and rehomes hundreds of English Bulldogs each year. The organization is run and operated by volunteers, and relies on donations to continue to help these most vulnerable Bulldogs. Please visit www.STLbulldogrescue.org and make a donation – large or small – today.
The Rescue volunteer took Angel straight to Dr. Ron’s for evaluation. Angel was covered in fleas, flea bite dermatitis and skin rashes, and was grossly underweight. Her toenails were severely overgrown and her whole rear end from rectum to vagina was grotesquely swollen. Fortunately, she was heartworm negative and a great breather. Her eyes, ears, heart and lungs were in great shape. She had no bone or joint problems. She had a big tail pocket, but we could not find the tail! Fast-forward to today…Angel is crate trained, loves to ride in the car and is excellent on the leash. After a long recovery, Angel was adopted 11
Children & Pets Recognizing and Intervening when Rough is Too Rough
by Teresa Bradley Bays You often hear the sayings “Boys will be boys!” or “Girls will be girls!” or “He’s too young to know any better.” When this applies to pets that are being mishandled, care should be taken to assess the situation to make sure that the pet is safe, that your children understand what proper handling looks like, and that adult supervision is available when pets are being handled by young children. Children learn empathy, the ability to understand how another being feels and that the person or animal has feelings and emotions like their own, at a young age. Babies experience empathy by the way parents respond to them when they are cranky, fussy or scared. Learning to be empathetic happens gradually between the ages of three and five, but is not fully developed until ages five or six. It is often modeled by parents and older siblings and can be reinforced by naming emotions as they occur and by allowing children to see your honest emotions instead of hiding them. If a two or a three year old toddler pulls a cat’s tail as it walks by, tugs on a dog’s ear, or grabs a bunch of skin and fur in an effort to stand themselves up, then this is a good opportunity to teach them that animals have feelings, too. 12
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Helping a child to see that animals have feelings can be done by asking questions and gently guiding them as they answer. “How do you feel when that happens to you?” “How do think the kitty may be feeling?” “How do you think you could help the kitty?” If, however, a five or six-yearold (or a child who is even older) is doing these things and being overly aggressive in other ways with pets, then counseling by a professional may be needed. For some children the development of empathy is challenged or stunted by early traumas such as abuse, neglect and/or the witnessing of abuse and violence. Children in violent homes may witness animal abuse as a means to coerce family members. Children affected by abuse and violence outside of their homes may also act out by hurting or abusing their own pets, other people’s pets, and/or wildlife as a means of acting out. Research has shown that, when not detected early, this can escalate to other forms of violence, including bullying, fire setting and violent crimes against people.
How can you help? •B ecome a gentle, kind and empathetic role model with pets, with people, and with all animals. • I f you lash out in anger in front of your children,
apologize to them and explain to them that your emotions got out of hand. • If you are crying because you are sad, let your children know that you are sad and thank them for trying to help you feel better. • If you think your child is hurting your pets, don’t wait to see if they will outgrow it, instead talk to your family doctor about your child’s behavior - or consult with a licensed professional counselor. • If you suspect a child outside of your family is abusing animals, show empathy not anger towards that child and report him or her to the school guidance counselor, animal control officer or police so that he or she can get the help that they need. • If you are a licensed therapist consider seeking out training in the AnicareChild program that helps children who abuse animals or have witnessed animal abuse to recover and to learn to be more empathetic. A similar program is available for adults. • See what you can do locally to help to spread more information about this topic so, as a community, we can decrease violence and abuse of people and animals by intervening early. In the Kansas City area, for instance, there is a group called KC-CAN (Caring For All Network), what can you do to help them? They need help setting up a website. They can give www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - July 2014
informational talks to interested groups. They can help therapists access specialized training and parents to find licensed therapists who are trained in this area. Let them know how you can help them or if they can help you by contacting them at teresa@ animalsandsociety.org or midge@ animalsandsociety.org. • Learn more about the Link between animal abuse and domestic violence (and other forms of interpersonal violence) at The National Link Coalition – The National Resource Center on The Link between Animal Abuse and Human Violence www. nationallinkcoalition.org
Dr. Teresa Bradley Bays has been a veterinarian at Belton Animal Clinic & Exotic Care Center since 1993 and has been an owner in the practice since 1997. She is also a certified veterinary acupuncturist. In addition to caring for the dogs and cats of Belton, she is an internationally-acclaimed author and lecturer on exotic pet species, and recently earned Board Certification as a specialist in Exotic Companion Mammals, a designation held by less than 20 veterinarians worldwide. She is passionate about pets, helping children and preventing abuse. She can be reached at 816-331-3120. 13
Zoonotic D i se ases What is your risk? by Lori Stiles
A Zoonotic disease is the transfer of illnesses from animals to humans; and anyone in contact with animals (domestic or wild) is at risk. Prospective ways we can become infected is through viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungus that can be found in animal feces, saliva, blood, urine and fur. Oddly enough we can simply become infected by casual contact. Zoonotic diseases can hitch a ride on your hands, cling to clothing, jump on you through fleas or ticks or simply float through the air. When it rains, water that is not absorbed (also known as “runoff ”), travels down driveways, yards and streets into stormdrains, picking up pollutants like automotive fluids, lawn chemicals and pet waste along its way. After travelling through the storm sewer, it all flows directly into lakes , streams, rivers – untreated.
High Risk
It is extremely important to make sure your newly adopted pet has a complete examination by a veterinarian of their fur, feces, urine and blood. This procedure is critical for determining if your pet has any zoonotic diseases. People who are at the highest risk of contracting zoonotic illness are young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. Even if you do not fit in the high-risk categories, the importance of a full examination of your new pet should not be overlooked. Yearly examinations of your pet(s) are extremely critical for their continued health and yours.
Symptoms in Animals and Humans
Most viruses, bacteria, and parasites are contracted through animal feces, saliva and fur. Fecal matter has a high risk of transferring various diseases such as Giardia, Roundworm, and Hookworm to humans.
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Giardia is a parasite that finds its way to dogs and cats through contaminated food or drinking water. This is why it is important to not let your dogs drink out of puddles of water, lakes, streams and rivers. The symptom (diarrhea) for pets and humans are comparative. Cleaning your back yard of dog waste and frequent cleaning of your cat litter can help you detect this problem early. Giardia is contagious and can spread easily from animals to humans.
larvae moves through their skin. Some of the symptoms in dogs are weight loss, pot-bellied appearance, coughing, low energy level, diarrhea and vomiting.
Prevention
•A fter contact with animals fur, skin or dog waste, wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap.
Roundworms are 3-5 inches in length, reside in the intestines of a dog and is transmitted through dog waste. Young children are most susceptible of obtaining roundworms since they stick their hands in their mouth quite often. Another way it can be transmitted to humans is by your dog stepping in dog waste and then jumping up on you or others. The fecal matter can be transferred onto your hands, clothes or skin. Symptoms in dogs are potbelly, diarrhea, gas, and vomiting. Most infections in humans are mild and cause no symptoms at all. Some symptoms (but not limited to) are diarrhea, vomiting, cough, cramping, fever and itching. However, there have been some cases where roundworms have migrated to the liver, brain, and eyes in humans. Please remember to take all symptoms and illnesses seriously.
Photo credit: Jason
• I f your dog or cat has diarrhea two days in a row, take your pet to your veterinarian.
10th Annual Brighten the Days of Our Strays Dinner & Silent Auction
Hookworms are easily transmitted through dog waste to other pets and humans. Animals that are infected pass hookworm eggs in their stools. In favorable conditions (moisture and warmth) the eggs hatch within 12 to 18 hours and a tiny new hookworm emerges. These free-living organisms can penetrate the skin of pets or humans and continue to thrive. So be careful not to walk barefoot in grass that is not clean of dog waste. People can get painful and itchy skin infections when hookworm www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - July 2014
Sunday, August 24th 2014 5:30 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. At Spazio’s Grand Ballroom 12031 Lackland Road St. Louis, MO 63146 $70 Regular or VIP table for eight $1,000 Visit www.odas.org to reserve your ticket or contact us at 636-671-3643 Open Door Animal Sanctuary is a no-kill shelter. We provide homeless cats and dogs with the hightest quality of life and a forever family. Since our founding in 1975, we have offered hope, help and healing to more than 100,000 precious lives.
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make regular visits each year to make sure your dog or cat is in good health. •C heck your pet often for flees and ticks.
•D o not allow your dog to drink water out of lakes, streams, lakes or puddles that may be contaminated with infected organisms. •R efrain from having animals lick you, especially in the face. •D isinfect dog waste removal tools after each use. • C lean litter boxes and dog waste from your yard frequently. • Do not walk barefoot or contact the soil with bare hands in areas there is likely to be dog waste in the soil or sand.
• Make sure your pets are de-wormed when you adopt and
• I f you have a professional pooper scooper that cleans your yard, please make sure they disinfect their tools and the bottom of their shoes after each yard they clean. If not, zoonotic diseases can be easily transmitted to your yard and infect your pets, you and your family. In actuality, humans and pets are much alike when transferring illnesses or germs on to others. We pass our germs through coughing, kissing, human contact with our hands, and not washing hands after going to the bathroom. Being very aware of our own personal hygiene and the well being of our pets can prevent most, if not all, zoonotic diseases that can threaten our health. In the meantime, enjoy your furry pets and keep them healthy with a lot of love and attention. Lori and Alan Stiles founded Scoopy the Poo TM in 2005. Scoopy the Poo provides professional dog waste removal services and is the leader in the United States that designs equipment used by Professional Pooper Scoopers and is now available for sale to the public. For additional information about services and equipment go to www.scoopythepoo. com or contact Lori or Alan at 816-4129000
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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - July 2014
The
Pastor’s Cat Dwight recently told a true story about the pastor of his church. He had a kitten that climbed up a tree in his backyard and then was afraid to come down. The pastor coaxed, offered warm milk, etc. The kitty would not come down. The tree was not sturdy enough to climb, so the pastor decided that if he tied a rope to his car and pulled it until the tree bent down, he could then reach up and get the kitten. That’s what he did. All the while checking his progress in the car. He then figured if he went just a little bit further, the tree would be bent sufficiently for him to reach the kitten. But as he moved the car a little further forward, the rope broke. The tree went ‘boing!’ and the kitten instantly sailed through the air — out of sight! The pastor felt terrible. He walked all over the neighborhood asking people if they’d seen a little kitten. No. Nobody had seen a stray kitten. So he prayed, ‘Lord, I just commit this kitten to your keeping,’ and went on about his business. A few days later he was at the grocery store, and met one of his church members. He happened to look into her shopping cart and was amazed to see cat food. This woman was a cat hater and everyone knew it, so he asked her, ‘Why are you buying cat food when you hate cats so much?’
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She replied, ‘You won’t believe this,’ and then told him how her little girl had been begging her for a cat, but she kept refusing. Then a few days later, the child was begging again, so the Mom finally told her little girl, “Well, if God gives you a cat, I’ll let you keep it.” She told the pastor, “I watched my child go out in the yard, get on her knees, and ask God for a cat. And really, Pastor, you won’t believe this, but I saw it with my own eyes. A kitten suddenly came flying out of the blue sky, with its paws outspread, and landed right in front of her.”
Never underestimate the Power of God and His unique sense of humor.
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Greetings and
Salutations
by Pat Hennessy
We were all beginning to wonder if spring was ever going to bring us warmer days. Now that we are past that hurdle, it is time to venture out and enjoy the season. Getting out and about is good for the body and soul. Feeling the breeze in your face and the “sunshine on your shoulders” will make you happy (thanks Mr. Denver for the reminder). So why not take the little sunshine of your life with you? Your animal companion finds the same benefit as you — fresh air (there are more pollutants inside your home than outside), and sunlight (purest source of vitamin D). Decisions, decisions – you may want to try a new place so your canine companion can experience the smells and sensations that only she can revel in, while you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. Our dogs assess everything muzzle-first, and brilliant noses they have indeed. Trees, lampposts and fire hydrants are an olfactory banquet to our dogs. It is the equivalent of reading People magazine. They know who came by and left their mark, by sex and status. For all we know they may even tell all the other dogs in the neighborhood. A comedian summed it up
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with, “My dog is half pit-bull, half poodle. Not much of a watchdog, but a vicious gossip.” Ok, so you and Greta hop in the car and take off. There is a lovely walking trail that takes you down by the creek and ends at the park. What a beautiful day. You are walking along and you see a man and his large breed dog walking toward you. His dog is pulling and excited as he sees you and Greta coming their way. The question of the day is — to greet or not to greet? You may know that your dog is good around other dogs, but you don’t know the social skills of the oncoming dog. You don’t want to put your dog in harm’s way. It is important that you show leadership, giving the other dog plenty of space, standing in front of your own dog (to body block if necessary), and being prepared to move your dog out of the situation if it looks threatening. As the other dog approaches, observe the body language – looking at head and tail carriage (relaxed and up or forward and stern), eye contact (soft or hard stare), posture (relaxed or stiff). Ask the person, before the dog approaches, if the dog is good with other dogs (the term friendly can www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - July 2014
be interpreted too many ways). If you choose to let them greet, never let your guard down and keep an eye on their body language the entire time because the situation could change in an instant. As the leader it is your responsibility to protect your dog. The other person may think their dog is “friendly”, but often a dog on leash may become intimidated and the
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normal response would be fight or flight. For a dog on leash, flight is no longer an option so he may feel that fight is the only alternative. The greeting went just fine and you work your way along the trail. You stop at the park bench to give Greta a drink and rest for a moment. Hydration is always an important part of exercise, especially during warmer weather. Moving right along as you pass the old statue and turn the corner, you encounter a couple of Canadian geese. Greta has a heyday with that, and it gives you the opportunity to test her cues (“leave it”), and reward her for not only responding to you but obeying the law, “those geese are protected little girl; let’s keep going”. Next thing you know, you have made your way to the park. “Oh wow”, Greta says with her ears up and tail wagging. “Can I run and play, Mommy? Can I?”
More decisions – should I really let her off leash? There are pros and cons to the off leash dog parks. While your dog can exercise her body and her socialization skills, she can also get injured physically and/or emotionally. There are no life guards on duty. That means, once again, you have to show your leadership and monitor every move she makes as well as any moves made toward her. It may sound like an overprotective parent, but you wouldn’t let your child jump into the pool without watching or being in the pool with her. If you are going to attend off leash dog parks, it is best to go when there are fewer dogs (during off hours), and get to know the dogs that participate. It is not a time for you to socialize or relax, because if you are chatting or reading a book then you are not watching your dog. The ideal off leash dog park would be enclosed and have a set of rules which would include appropriate etiquette for both human and canine members. You and your dog want to have fun — so let the good times roll. Stay safe and have a great summer!
Pat Hennessy is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides a holistic approach to companion animal care through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a Level 2 TTouch® practitioner, CPDT, ACDBC, and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@n2paws. com, phone 816-522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com.
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Dog Park Etiquette Dogs • Must be healthy and current on vaccinations (or titers) • Should respond to basic cues, such as “come”, “sit”, “stay” and “leave it” • Should exhibit good manners (no excessive barking, jumping on people or other dogs, mouthing, bullying, etc.) • Should be relaxed and confident (fearful, reactive or aggressive dogs are not appropriate at off leash parks — consult an experienced animal behavior trainer to improve confidence)
People • Bring your dog the first time during off-peak hours to familiarize him with the park and always observe dogs in the play area before letting your dog loose
• Keep young puppies at home (under 4 months are not fully immunized, and some puppies are just too small or immature)
• Constantly monitor your dog’s behavior during visits and be ready to remove your dog from the park (if someone is concerned about your dog’s play or you are concerned for your dog’s safety)
• Be realistic about your dog’s personality as to whether she is a good dog park candidate, and if you observe your dog not getting along or not having fun she may just not like the off leash park experience
• Don’t bring small children into the dogs’ play area (they could easily get knocked down during normal dog play or get severely injured very quickly if play turned rough or they spooked a dog)
• Remove the leash as soon as your dog enters the play area (remember the fight or flight response — leashes inhibit the flight ability and can trigger a fight reaction)
• Make sure there are enough human “dog guards” on duty before allowing your dog entry to the dog play area (there should be at least one person for every 2-3 dogs) • Avoid the use of treats and toys while around multiple dogs (to prevent dog conflicts)
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• Be courteous to other people and their dogs (never discipline someone else’s dog, even if you have to break up a fight — remove your dog immediately for her safety and report any problems to park management) • Observe park rules and hours & clean up after your dog!
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by Cathy Perry
with Buddy and Bella
Home Staging
It can be a challenge to sell your home when you are a pet parent, when not every buyer feels the same way you do about having four-legged friends in the house. While all sellers need to take time to clean and declutter before the “for sale” sign goes up, pet parents have some additional tasks to keep in mind.
don’t underestimate the ability of St. Louis humidity to bring back a smell you thought was long gone in the winter. (If your upholstered furniture has lingering pet odors, you will need to have it cleaned as well, and put a blanket on your dog’s favorite lounging spots that can be easily removed before showings.)
The Sellers Disclosure requires you to note how many, and what types of animals have lived in the home during your ownership (I am going to need an extra page if we ever sell), but there is no reason to loudly broadcast your current and former pets’ presence to buyers.
If you have hardwood floors, which are a huge selling point today, look for damage from your dogs’ nails and have it touched up or refinished. Replace any boards in laminate flooring like Pergo that may have warped after pet accidents; there are some great “how to” tips online to help with the process. And while you are down there, check on the condition of your base molding and clean, paint or replace as needed.
Start with your flooring. Have your carpets professionally cleaned, and let your carpet cleaner know of particular problem areas for stains or odors. If your pet has repeatedly had accidents in a particular corner, it may be necessary to replace the carpeting and pad and apply Kilz to the subfloor;
Next, move up to the walls. My big dog slept for years in one spot in the bedroom, and over time, the oil from his coat turned the paint a different color. I never notice it, but a prospective buyer certainly will. If the wall can’t be scrubbed clean, it is time for a new coat of paint in a color attractive to today’s buyers. Now turn your attention to your furniture. Of course, home buyers shouldn’t be paying attention to your sofa, but you can bet they will notice teeth marks in a table leg or clumps of dog hair on the upholstery, which will tarnish their
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opinion of the home in general, or make for a lower-priced offer. So grab a wood marker in a matching color and make touch-ups, and, as noted above, make sure your upholstered furniture is free from hair and odor. Finally, think about all the stuff that comes with your four-legged family member. Have a basket with a lid available that your pets’ toys can be tossed into before a showing. Identify a place where food and water dishes, bags of food or litter, leashes and collars, etc. can be neatly stored out of sight during an Open House or buyer tour. If your dogs are crate-trained, figure out where the crate can be temporarily relocated. And don’t have your cat’s litter box, no matter how clean, in the kitchen, bathroom or bedroom closet.
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!
If you are like many pet parents, you have lots of pictures of your fur-children on the walls or displayed on the grand piano. Just as you would with pictures of your human family, get a start on packing and tuck them safely away. Buyers are easily distracted; even those that love animals may spend time ogling your pet portrait above the mantel rather than focusing on what a great focal point the fireplace itself is. And while you are packing, tuck in the pet-related magnets from the fridge, too. It is not fun getting your home ready to sell, especially with pets in residence, but by making your home as neat and clean as possible, it won’t be long until Buddy is playing in his new backyard and Bella finds the perfect sunbeam on the new windowsill. Correction: In the June issue of MetroPet magazine, the credit for the tips section was not included. We appreciate the contributions by Drew Harris, Owner/Operator of Harris Pest Solutions LLC. Family Owned. Veteran Operated, 636-875-0305. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - July 2014
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Meet the Breed July Pet of the Month
Pomeranian by Heddie Leger This breed is a big dog personality in a little dog body. They are very versatile and energetic. The Pomeranian originated in the region of Pomerania, currently the area of Germany and Poland. The “Pom” was developed from the ancient Spitz breeds and original Pomeranians actually weighed close to 30 pounds. Marie Antoinette, Emile Zola, Mozart and Queen Victoria all owned Pomeranians. In 1870 the Kennel Club in England first recognized and accepted the Pomeranian as a registered breed. Queen Victoria, in 1888, began to show and breed Pomeranians. She began to breed them down in size, making the breed very popular in England. The Pom’s versatility makes them a very popular breed. They are talented in agility and performing tricks. Poms make superior circus performers. They are so smart, they can outsmart you. Early and consistent training is recommended. This breed is a Spitz type, classified as a toy dog breed because of its small size. They descended from the larger Spitz type dogs, specifically the German Spitz and are a true miniaturized version of Malamutes, Spitz and other sled dogs. They are not to be confused with the American Eskimo dog. The head is wedge-shaped and in proportion with the body. The short muzzle is straight and fine. The color of the nose varies with coat color. The almond-shaped eyes are dark and medium in size. The small, erect ears are set high. The feathered tail lies straight and flat over 24
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the back. The Pom has a thick, double coat. The outer coat is long, straight and harsh in texture, while the undercoat is soft, thick and short. They come in a variety of coat colors and patterns including red, orange, white, cream, blue, brown, black, black and tan, wolf sable, orange sable, brindle and parti-color, which is white with colored markings. They are generally 7 - 12 inches (18 - 30 cm) in height and 3 - 7 pounds (1 - 3 kg) in weight. The Pomeranian is prone to dislocated patella (kneecap), slipped stifle, heart problems, eye infections, skin irritations and tooth decay and early loss. It is recommended that they are fed dry dog food or crunchy Milk Bones daily to help keep the teeth and gums in good condition. The Pomeranian is a proud, lively little dog known to be very loyal to its handler and family. The breed’s docile temper and affectionate nature endear it to many. It is alert, inquisitive and active. However, they are one of the most independent of the toy breeds. The Pom needs a firm, gentle hand. They can be picky eaters. They should not have a problem getting along with other dogs or animals if they are properly introduced. They make pretty good little watchdogs, however, they need to be taught that they may bark a couple of times when the doorbell rings or when there are visitors, but then to keep quiet. Pomeranians need to see their owners as boss or they will become very demanding. Like many other breeds, if you allow your dog to tell you when and where to do things than you have a potential problem on your hands.
Pomeranians can become reserved with strangers, barking at them excessively, and sometimes growling, snapping and biting. Due to their size, they are not recommended for young children. Like most dogs, if a Pomeranian is provided clear, consistent rules to follow, limits as to what it is allowed to do, daily pack walks and a calm, self-assured owner that will display Did you know? confident assertive behavior towards the dog, this can be a well-rounded, Michelangelo painted the Sistine Chapel with a Pom by his side? mentally stable, trustworthy, The Pomeranian is one of only three canines to survive the Titanic? wonderful family companion. Due to http://www.animalplanet.com/tv-shows/dogs-101/videos/pomeranian. the Pom’s size, it is considered a good htm companion for an elderly person.
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Chip’s Corner
Pawzzle by Pawlean Journe
Answers to this Pawzzle can be found in the Breed of the Month story on page 24. 26
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - July 2014
Across 1. Due to their barking, they make good _____________.
21. Eyes should be _________________ shaped.
4. P oms have a big dog _________________ in a small
22. They should not have a problem with other pets or
dog body. 8. They can also suffer from skin _________________. 11. This breed is a ____________ type. 14. They are known to be the most _____________ of the toy breeds. 16. They can be _______________ with strangers.
animals if they are properly ___________________. 24. D ue to their small size, the are considered a good companion for an _____________ person. 25. Name one color this breed somes in. 26. F amous artist that painted the Sistine Chapel by his side?
18. They can be taught to just bark a few times when the ____________ rings and then to stop.
Down 2. They have a very ______________ nature. 3. Poms make superior _______________ performers. 5. N ame of the queen that showed and bred Poms in 1888. 6. They can be _____________ eaters.
7. This proud lively dog is very ______________ to its owner. 9. They are not recommended for young or ___________ children. 10. This breed is prone to a physicall ailment called
Answers to June Pawzzle
___________ patella (kneecap). 12. C runchy food is recommended to keep their gums and __________ in good condition. 13. The head is _______________________. 15. They are considered a __________ breed. 17. The Pom makes a wonderful ___________ companion. 19. They are very versatile and __________________. 20. They originaged in ____________________. 23. The Pom needs a ______________, firm hand in training.
www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - July 2014
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The Adventures of Chip
Respect
by Heddie Leger
Recap from Episode 6: Sarah shared her harrowing experience with a shark and how Amber had saved her life. We were having a great time. For a second, I was so happy and excited, and then instantly a sharp pain went shooting through me and I could not move…and then I blacked out. All I could hear was crying and screaming and people saying, get him, get him….I was floating out on the waves faster than they could run or swim. I was limp and could not move. I could hear goofy dog and Amber barking excitedly and smelled goofy dog’s breath very close. The last thing that went through my mind was the smell of lunch on goofy dog’s breath….and I blacked out again. Turns out goofy dog had a name and I found it out that some sort of catastrophe himself. He had truly earned day I blacked out. His name is Hero. That day he saved the name Hero. I gained a new respect for him that day me, he jumped into the water and swam faster than he and have never referred to him as goofy dog since then. could have run, he was a very good swimmer. I had a harness on and he had grabbed the harness with his Funny thing, respect is something that no one can mouth and swam back to the shore with the harness in really make up or force, it is something that has to be his mouth dragging me along to safety. I checked to see earned. I guess I had never really known what that that all my limbs were still there and working and they meant and really had not had the opportunity to learn were, my tail was still in place too. I wagged it just to see about respect of myself or anyone else. It always made if it would still work and it did. So no great harm was me nervous when being challenged by a dog bigger or done. Everyone talked about how glad they were that faster than myself. I was not sure enough about myself Sarah had taken doggy CPR and what a good job she did around others of my species. Maybe that stems from my reviving me. All the while, Amber and Hero had stood bad experience as a young pup. Anyway, things were by my side never leaving for a second. The big black and about to change in a big way. Now I had a friend who brown dog I had thought was so goofy had another side was a Hero, named “Hero” and another friend that was to his personality. not only a Hero, but Apparently, he a survivor. In my Respect – To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem and had won an eyes they were both value of another, allowing them dignity to validate them. To award in the past amazing. Amber for saving a child’s could do anything avoid violation of or interference with another. An act of giving life and he had any dog with four particular attention to show consideration of another. actually survived legs could do. She 28
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could run, jump, swim, play catch and loved to play Frisbee. It was pretty amazing how she had learned to adjust to her life with one less leg. She was really an inspiration and I found I respected her too in another way. In the way, she carried herself, never gave up, and never thought less of herself just because she had lost a leg. In fact, it was almost something she was proud of. She definitely did not feel less than anyone else. And, you know what, Sarah, her owner was the same way. They were the perfect human-animal companion bonded pair. They both inspired others and gained respect where ever they went. My little experience turned out to be nothing more than tangling with what is called a JellyFish. It looked like something that would be fun to play with in the water. Boy, was I wrong. Nothing could have been farther from the truth. Turns out the jellyfish puts out a toxin when you touch it that will cause great pain and temporary paralysis. Well, guess who will NEVER go near another jellyfish. You guessed it, yours truly. Sarah and Amber had one more surprise for all of us. She had another dog. He was also a tripod, but he was not quite the same type of dog as Amber, who was missing a back leg. He had come from an abusive situation, been severely injured, and his front leg had to amputated. His personality was not as friendly and in fact, he was not very good at socializing with other dogs or people. Boy someone must have been really mean to him. Sarah said he was a “work in progress� and said he had improved greatly since coming to her place and
Story Discussion Tips 1. I n what ways did characters in this episode demonstrate respect towards one another? 2. How did Hero help in the story? 3. H ow would you feel if you became physically unable to function on your own?
being around Amber. He was a nervous type of dog and because of that, he made me nervous too. I decided I would not bother with him and would just focus on Amber and Hero as friends for now. He did not seem disappointed at all. In fact, it seemed he had never had a friend and did not really know how to make friends. We all decided that maybe he just needed to be around some nice dogs and people and watch us for a while until he became more comfortable and learn by watching us as we played and enjoyed each other. We all decided to show him respect and not try to force ourselves on him and give him the space and time he needed to heal, both mentally, emotionally and physically.
Activity Make a list of things people say who are respectful. Examples: Please, Thank you, May I hold the door, Sorry if I offended you. Make a list of things people do to show respect. Example: Listen without interrupting, Pick up after yourself, Hold a door open. What would you do if someone was disrespectful to you? www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - July 2014
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. 29
The Myths about
Ice Cubes & Dogs by Erin Quigley, DVM Many of you probably saw a story recently on Facebook regarding a dog that died from consuming ice cubes and cold water. This would be scary to see for any pet owner, especially since most of us have fed our pet ice cubes and even perhaps on a regular basis. The story definitely sounded factual and I am certain it had some facts to it, but let me help squelch your fears about ice cubes and help you understand the risk of the condition that was discussed called Bloat.
Are Ice Cubes Bad?
First of all feeding a dog a couple of ice cubes will not cause a dog to bloat, nor is it life threatening. In fact, regularly I recommended giving my patients an ice cube or two the same night after receiving anesthesia. Why? Well as many of us have experienced anesthesia can cause nausea. And even if your dog is not vomiting, and even though he or she hasn’t eaten all day because of their surgery, it is best to ease into feeding their normal diet. So I recommend an ice cube or two, kind of like when we are in the hospital and you are only allowed to eat ice chips, it’s easy on the stomach and does not overfill it. Kind of like when we have the stomach flu, your next day back you don’t eat a smorgasbord of a meal, you start with broth
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or a small amount of liquid. Now I wouldn’t give 20 of them, but a few won’t hurt and it can be helpful in such circumstances.
What is Bloat and How can I Avoid This In My Dog?
Bloat is a condition where your dog’s stomach swells to several times the size of normal, with air, food or liquid, and usually it is a combination, that causes discomfort, difficulty breathing and may lead to what is known as GDV (Gastric Dilatation Volvulus). GDV is a condition where after the stomach bloats and the treatment is not given within a few hours of it starting, the stomach can twist on itself or other organs (spleen or intestines) cutting off blood supply to most of the abdominal organs. This loss of blood supply and twisting of organs leads to severe pain, collapse, rupture of intestinal content into the abdomen, which can cause infection and death. Is this a scary condition, absolutely, so let’s discuss factors that can increase the risks, ways to decrease the risk and breeds that are considered high-risk.
Breeds at Higher Risk
Breeds that are classically affected are dogs that have a deep (V-shaped) or barrel shaped-chest, generally a chest that is deeper (spine to sternum) than it is wide. This allows a large enough space for the stomach to expand to an unhealthy size. Breeds affected: Setters, Retrievers, Weimaraner, Bassetts, Greyhounds, Boxers, Saint Bernards, Mastiffs, and Great Danes - in particular tend to be the poster child. Most breeds affected usually fall into the category of large breed or giant breed dogs, a few smaller breed dogs with deeper or larger chest are Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and some beagles.
So even though in theory any dog could bloat, if I had a Maltese, Yorkie or miniature poodle, or any dog with a tiny little chest, I would probably scratch bloat off the list of things I would stay up nights worrying about.
Symptoms
How can you tell if your dog is bloating? Usually the first thing you will notice is the massive increase in size of your dog’s stomach (aka abdomen) in a very short period of time. You may notice some rapid breathing or difficulty catching a breath. They may pace around anxiously or find it hard to settle in a comfortable position. Eventually you may see them drool excessively and wretch a.k.a. trying to vomit without producing anything. This wretching can seem confusing because it may resemble a hacking cough. If these symptoms are not caught and the stomach distention does not resolve on its own, your dog may collapse.
Preventative Measures
Although we don’t completely understand all factors that cause bloat and GDV, there are some things you can do to avoid or decrease the risk in your deep chested canine. The most common story that is told by clients on presentation with their dog that has bloat is, “my dog ate a large meal and went outside and ran around and when he came back inside his belly was huge!,” or some similar version. In the Facebook story the pieces that stuck out, that were medically relevant were: 1) the dog had just walked off the show ring (exercised and excited) and 2) the dog was given a large bowl of water/ice. It had nothing to do with the temperature or the ice. It had to do with multiple factors of breed, physical exertion, excitement, and the large amount of liquid it consumed and the speed at which it was consumed. 31
Generally it is recommended not to feed your dog immediately before or after exercise. If they eat first and their stomach is full and they bounce around in the yard with a heavy stomach there is a risk of bloating and twisting. Or if your dog comes in exerted and panting (swallowing air) from a walk on a hot summer after noon and then eats a large meal very rapidly while still excited…. You get the picture.
Helpful Rules to Help Prevent GDV
• Feed your pet at least an hour before or after exercise and when in a calm relaxed state. • Multiple meals a day are preferred over one large meal a day. • Give an average amount of water for the size of the dog. • For rapid eaters/drinkers, slow down their consumption. They make special bowls to aid with this. • Do not elevate their bowls, (if you ever heard otherwise disregard it, the research has changed). • Contrary to popular belief, cereal ingredients such as soy, wheat or corn in the first four ingredients of the ingredient list does not increase the risk of bloat. However feeding a dry food with animal fat in the first four ingredients may increase risk. If you have one of the highest risk breeds, ex. Great Dane, and you know that close relatives of your dog (litter mates or parents) had bloat/GDV at one time, you may consider a surgery called Gastropexy to decrease the risk in your dog. Gastropexy is a procedure performed in high risk breeds typically at the time of their spay or neuter that attaches a portion of the stomach to the body wall with the goal that if the dog’s stomach bloats, it will decrease the risk of the life threatening volvulus (twisting) of the stomach with the 32
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surrounding organs. It is not a guarantee that your dog won’t bloat, but a viable option to decrease risk of serious injury to your pet and alleviate the worries of your family. Bottom-line knowing the signs, and being educated on this condition is key.
In Summary
As you can see the risks of Bloat and GDV are multifactorial. My advice, ask your veterinarian if your pet is a high risk breed, study the signsm and when in doubt call your vet. If these symptoms are occurring in your dog, don’t wait, drive to your nearest veterinary clinic or emergency hospital — it may save your pet’s life. Even if you misread the signs, your vet will confirm your pet is stable and alleviate your concerns. So now you know ice isn’t evil and hopefully you feel more empowered with knowledge that you will know how to act if a true emergency occurs.
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.
Helping Your Pet with Disturbing Grooming Noises
by Belle Wead
Sometimes, when you’re grooming your pet, you’ll notice they don’t particularly like the sound of clippers, or mechanical nail grinders or even the sound of the blow dryer. Here are a few tips that can help minimize their distress. • First, make sure they have had plenty of exercise so their excess energy is taken away. Their serotonin levels will be elevated calming them initially. A nice walk will also give them plenty of time to relieve themselves before the groom. • When you are blow drying your pet, place a little cotton in their ears, and swaddle them in a towel. This will make them feel calm and secure. • When using clippers, especially around your pet’s head and ears, just turn on the clippers about an inch away from their head or ears, and when they calm down and are no longer moving, turn off the clippers and tell them, “good puppy.” Repeat this as often as it takes for them to no longer be frightened. Then, you can finally put the clipper blade on them, for about 10-15 seconds and then give them a treat. Training your pet for grooming is very important and can be started as early as eight weeks of age. • Finally, desensitizing your pet for a toenail trim www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - July 2014
can require some persistence. When you are sitting together calmly, start by rubbing their toes and feet — a foot massage is a real treat. After they are accustomed to having their feet handled, you can lay the toenail grinder on the couch or chair and turn it on as you handle their feet. Remember to give them a treat. When they are comfortable with the massaging and the “noise” of the mechanical nail grinder, you can start to grind their nails. Start grinding the nails on just one foot. The next day handle the next foot, keep going until you have done all four. Your pet will look forward to their “foot rubs” in the future. Please keep your pet inside when there are loud noises (fireworks and thunder) can scare them! Belle Wead is the owner of Best Friends Pet with 2 locations: Peculiar Mo and Leawood KS. She is member of the IPG International Professional Groomers, Inc. Wead has over 30 years grooming experience, including grooming in an Overland Park, KS, veterinary practice for eight years. The grooming outgrew the practice so Wead expanded to Leawood. In addition to grooming, Best Friends Pet offers Pet Chiropractic, Pet Photography and the PetCab. For more information or to schedule an appointment call Leawood, KS 913-498-1397 or Peculiar, MO 816-984-5481. 33
It’s A Facebook Contest Help Your Favorite Rescue Group or Shelter Win a Promotional Package from MetroPet Magazine
Get Started — Enter Your Group! Send the group name or logo to info@metropetmag.com between Monday, July 7 and Thursday, July 17. Voting will take place on the MetroPet Facebook page between Friday, July 18 and Monday, July 28. Fans will be invited to “LIKE” the MetroPet Facebook page and then vote for their favorite group. The first place winner will be featured in the September issue of MetroPet magazine; the second place winner will be featured in October issue. Complete details on our Facebook page!
Two Lucky Winners — Enter Today! Eligible Groups •Rescue Group •Shelters • Animal Welfare Group
This contest is only for groups that are registered 5013c not-for-profit orgainzations.
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Key Dates: Entry dates:
July 7-17
Voting dates:
July 18-28
Announcements:
July 30