October 2014
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Articles 5 Meet Nancy Hayes 6 Dog Waste Removal 8 Grooming — Why and How Often?
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10 Why Are you Hiding Your Cat? 14 Jim the Wonder Dog 17 Meet Our Advertisers 18
18 The Bridge Between 22 Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s Fight Against HD 25 Breed of the Month 26 Speak Up for your Dog
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29 Meet Our Advertisers 30 Pawzzle 32 Adventures of Chip 34 Pet Services Directory
Fall Has Arrived! The calendar says it, the trees say it and now our pets are saying it. What do we do now? Go explore — take our pets outside, sniff the air, go for a walk, have some fun. Why? Because it is a great time to get out and about with our furry friends. What to do? Where to go? What to see? Well there are dog parks to discover, multiple pet events and the St. Louis Pet Expo. There are also some great events with our advertisers. Come out and play — bring your well-behaved animals, ready to be polite and social. We are pleased to introduce Nancy Hayes as a member of the MetroPet team. Nancy is a huge animal lover, and has been a tremendous supporter of rescue and animal groups in St. Louis. She is a true professional and we feel very honored that she is willing to work with MetroPet to support the pet education efforts in St. Louis. Please let us help your business or group reach thousands of MetroPet readers. October is also the month where humans celebrate Halloween. While this might be fun for some dogs and cats, others simply aren’t interested. So understand your pet’s personality and let him/her choose the right level of participation — follow his/her lead.
This month, we are pleased to feature the second place winner from our Facebook Contest — Huntington’s Disease Society of America. Please read the educational article on page 22 and consider attending the dog walk on October 19. There are several great articles in this issue including Dog Waste Removal, Grooming — Why and How Often; Jim the Wonder Dog and Speak up for your Dog. This issue also includes a great insight into the world of dog rescue, and all the steps that go with it. See the insightful article on page 18. The bridge between in the form of foster homes — can make the difference between a pet finding the right home. If you can, please consider becoming a foster. Finally, take a moment to learn more about our advertisers, pages 17 and 29. It is because of these advertisers that we can publish MetroPet magazine. Please tell them thank you and support their businesses. Tell them that you saw their ad in MetroPet magazine.
Happy Fall!
Barbara P.S. Are you interested in becoming a MetroPet advertiser? If yes, please contact Nancy Hayes at 314-650-7959, nancy@metropetmag.com or nutz4mutts@gmail.com. Thanks for supporting MetroPet magazine.
Publisher Barbara Riedel barbara@metropetmag.com
Advertising Sales Nancy Hayes 314-650-7959 Barbara Riedel 913.548.1433
Editor/Production Manager Dan O’Leary editor@metropetmag.com
Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313
Magazine Layout ROI Marketing 816.942.1600 • roi@kc.rr.com
Contributing Authors Amy Roberts Clerkin Jessica Cooke Mike Deathe Nancy Hayes Pat Hennessy Pawlean Journe Stephanie Meacham Diane Saltzman Mary Sellaro Heddie Leger 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.
Meet Nancy Hayes! As long as I can remember, I have had an undeniable passion for animals. From dogs and cats to snakes and rats, my love has never discriminated. Growing up in St. Louis, my family always had several pets. I was also known to bring home strays in the hope of making them my own.
making the world a better place for animals. Over the years I have expanded my reach to other organizations for networking, volunteering, and occasionally transporting dogs to their new life.
I am so fortunate to be married to a wonderful man who supports my animal crazy endeavors. We have two children who attend Marquette High School as well as three dogs and a cat. There is never a dull moment in our house, nor a hair free spot, but I wouldn’t have it any other way!
I am very excited to be partnering with MetroPet Magazine. The teacher in me is happy to have the opportunity to help MetroPet educate pet lovers about responsible pet parenting, while the rescuer in me is excited about helping shelters and rescues get the word out about their programs and events.
After ten years of teaching, and the birth of my two children, I was fortunate enough to pursue my passion by volunteering my time to animal rescue. In 2010 I began volunteering at Stray Rescue of St. Louis. After several months I brought home our first foster, a 12-week old puppy named Pledge. I am proud to say that we have fostered 11 dogs and two kittens, finding amazing homes for all.
I am also looking forward to developing partnerships to the many wonderful St. Louis businesses that advertise in MetroPet Magazine. I am excited to build lasting relationships in my hometown with great people who have the same vision and mindset when it comes to companion animals.
I am now involved in a program where volunteers are paired with a new dog each month to help the dog become acclimated to real life situations, which in turn makes them more adoptable. Through volunteering for this organization I have met the most amazing people. This group ranges in age from their 20’s all the way to 70’s and beyond. We are bound by our common goal of
www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - October 2014
If you are interested in learning more about advertising with MetroPet magazine, please call Nancy at 314-6507959, or email her at nancy@metropetmag.com or nutz4mutts@gmail.com. We want to help you grow your business and support the St. Louis pet marketplace.
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Dog Waste Removal: Our Responsibility to the Environment In the ever increasing world of environmental issues, we are learning that in order to help our ecosystem there is an increasing need to live like we have to; not like we want to. Deep rooted in this mindset is an uncomfortable feeling of change for some people, while others embrace the opportunity to “give back” to the environment that has been available for us to enjoy.
How Dog Waste Affects Our Environment
Every time your dog poops in your yard, it should be picked up and disposed of properly. If not, then every time it rains, thousands of pounds of pet waste wash down storm drains and into streams, rivers and lakes. The promotion of additional bacteria in our waterways harms the health of wildlife, fish, and humans. In addition, pet waste flows directly into nearby streams and creeks. It ends up in wastewater treatment facilities. The proper way to dispose of pet waste is in the trash. How Dog Waste Affects Our Health Human contact with harmful bacteria and parasites normally occur with activities such as children playing outside, gardening and dogs walking in their own waste. The chance of coming in contact with harmful bacteria increases when excess dog waste contaminates our yards. The waste and bacteria from your dog’s daily routine can easily be transmitted from their paws onto you and your family. Most common of these bacterial infections promotes illnesses with symptoms very similar to the flu 6
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that includes fevers, muscle aches, headache, vomiting and diarrhea.
Pet Waste and Water in St. Louis
Is there a problem with pet waste in the St. Louis area? YES!! Water sampling of streams in all of the St. Louis area watersheds has found elevated bacteria in 100% of the wet weather samples! 100%!!!1 Significant sources of bacteria are from pets, humans and wildlife. Studies have found that urban storm water contains significant quantities of bacteria from nonhuman sources. Dog and cat feces must be handled carefully because it contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites that can infect humans and cause serious illness Always wash your hands after handling pet waste. Do NOT place pet waste in compost piles or around vegetable gardens where the pathogens can contaminate the food products.
Acceptable pet waste management options for pet owners include: • Put waste in a sealed bag and place in the trash. •F lush down the toilet. (Do not flush plastic bags or kitty litter). •B ury waste in soil at least 6 inches deep, but do not bury it in your garden!
• Minimize pollution by having pets defecate in tall grass (greater than 4 inches) located away from storm inlets since the grass acts as a filter and allows for natural decomposition. • Make sure you comply with village and county regulations.
A few more facts....
• Dogs are major contributors to pet waste in our environment. However, all pets contribute to the problem. • The estimated number of dogs and cats in the St. Louis area is 700,000. The amount of feces produced by these pets is estimated to be equivalent to the sewage produced by a large municipality. • Studies from other cities have indicated that only ONE THIRD of people who walk their dogs pick up after them. YIKES!
What you can do:
• Pick up pet waste from your yard. It is not fertilizer, it’s pollution. • If you don’t have time to keep your yard clean, hire a professional pooper scooper to help. It is your responsibility to keep your yard clean. • Carry disposable bags while walking your dog to pick up and dispose of waste properly. When you dispose of pet waste in the trash, wrap it carefully to avoid spilling during collection. • Bury pet waste in your yard, at least 12 inches deep and cover with at least eight inches of soil to let it decompose slowly. • Bury the waste in several different locations and keep it away from vegetable gardens. • Contact your local parks department to inquire about providing pet waste stations in area parks, along trails and in public places where people frequently walk their dogs.
City Ordinances and Homeowners Associations
National organizations, cities, and even Homeowner Associations are beginning to enforce rules and ordinances for dog owners to pick up after their pet.2 www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - October 2014
The majority of cities in the United States are implementing Ordinances that require regular cleaning of your yard or impose a fine anywhere from $50 - $600 for offenders. However, one city (Englewood, New Jersey) has a “Poop and Scoop Law” that requires homeowners to pick up pet waste immediately from all property or face a fine ranging from $250 to $1,000.2 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.
Sources:
1. www.villageofmarlborough.com/Pages/ MSDPhaseIIStormWaterProgram.aspx 2. www.cityofenglewood.org/ content/1441/1468/2265/1487/1576/2853.aspx
Who can you call? Yucko’s Pooper Scooper Service and More! Scooping St. Louis and St. Charles Since 1990. Yucko’s Will Be Celebrating its 25th Anniversary in September, 2015. A Big Heartfelt Thank You to all Who Made it Possible. For Pick-up Services visit www.yuckos.com or call 314-291-POOP (7667). Check out the Got Poop Boutique Too! We sell Dogipot Products, Pet Oxygen Mask Kits, Fake Fire Hydrants and More - www.yuckos.com or call 314-770-1500.
Local Family Owned Businesses
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Grooming –
Why and How Often? by Jessica Cooke
We share our homes with our fur babies. The ancestors of many dogs were wolves. These creatures lived their entire lives outside, which meant they had a protective fur to keep them warm in winter and a shedding system for the summer to keep them cool. When we keep our pets inside, the temperate air plays havoc on this natural cycle.
The Seasons and Fur
Why do our pets get hot in the summer? Because pets kept inside are experiencing cold weather or winter due to air conditioning. Their coat is in a full growth stage! Imagine wearing a parka to go outside. Once outside, many dogs will roll around in the grass to get cool. If these dogs have an allergic reaction to grass, they will be both hot and miserable. In the wintertime, pets grow a coat to protect them from 8
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the cold. When they stay inside where it is warm, they shed. Their skin becomes dry from a loss of hair and the lack of humidity caused by the heat. This makes them itch and scratch, making them shed even more hair. In addition, cracked skin is a breeding ground for bacteria and possible skin infection. When they go outside to go potty, they are cold and their skin hurts. Regardless of the season, the end result is the same. Our pet’s bodies are creating excessive oil to counteract all the changes. Oil attracts and holds odor. When your pet lives in your house, your home begins to smell like your pet. If this odor is healthy, that is great. If it is not, it is our responsibility to make it better. Regular trips to the groomer for a trim will keep a pet’s coat at a healthy length to live indoors with us in our artificial environment.
Other Grooming Areas
A wolf digs out food with its claws. They will deliberately scratch and tear at tree bark to mark their territory. This keeps a wolf ’s feet healthy. Our fur babies don’t use these options. They need to have their nails trimmed. This protects the floors, especially wood floors, in your home. Long untrimmed toenails can cause also arthritis. The wolf expresses his anal glands away from his den, and outside. Your pet may be expressing his anal glands when it barks at the door. Now your carpet and sofa smells like your pet. Not necessarily a good smell!!
Keeping Your Pet Healthy
Grooming your pet isn’t just a nicety; it makes your pet healthier. The first inch of hair on your pet is what buffers and helps protect your pet year round. Pet hair grows about 1 inch a month. So a regular schedule is important. Your pet should be bathed with a PH balanced pet shampoo.. Since hair dryers are bad for their skin, pets should be allowed to air dry or dried with a gentle breeze from a fan. Heat makes your pets’ oil glands shift into overdrive and an oily skin is not healthy.
Jessica Cooke is the owner of Yuppy Puppy Pet spa. Yuppy Puppy is a full service luxury grooming spa, playcamp, and boarding facility with all the comforts of home. Our professionally trained staff is kept up to date with the latest pet care knowledge. Yuppy Puppy accepts all breeds of dogs and cats. Yuppy Puppy takes caring for your fur babies as an honor and takes each individual pets needs into consideration. Yuppy Puppy is celebrating 11 years in business. Visit www. yuppypuppyspa.com, call 636-625-0030. Please like us on Facebook.
Boarding & Daycare
Depending on You!
Your pet should have a bath, toe nail trim, anal glands expressed, ears cleaned and haircut on a regular basis, year round. Depending on the breed, the scheduled grooms might need to be once a month, or once every six months. Ask your groomer, or your vet, about the best schedule. If you have a regular maintenance schedule, your pet will feel so much better. Whether you opt to do this yourself, utilize your local grooming salon or call in a mobile groomer, it is important. Cheers to a healthier pet and a clean home environment!
www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - October 2014
Pet Sitting
Welcome to the The Yuppy Puppy Pet Spa. Grooming The Spa and Resort for spoiled rotten pooches and kitties too! • Staffed 24/7 • VIP suites with flat screen • 11 years in business — family-owned! Vi • Monitored security and sprinkler system at the sit Us Pet St. Lou • Large and small doggie play groups Exp i o! s • Large beautiful indoor park courtyard
3022 Winghaven Blvd, O’Fallon, MO 63368 636-625-0030 • www.yuppypuppyspa.com
Like us
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Why are you Hiding Your Cat?
I can’t count the times where I have been treating a pet parent’s dog for an extended period of time and then out of the blue I find out they have a cat. What? Why has this not come up before? Are you ashamed of this family member? When I try to investigate why they have never brought their cat to see me the common response is that he or she lives inside and has never had a problem. Now while it may be true that cat has lived a healthy life, what is a myth is that anything that lives indoors does not experience disease or is not at risk for infection.
Kittens
Let’s start with kittens and various disease that your new pet should be screened for and protected against. Two things that a kitten may contract from its mother that is not easy to detect is 1. Feline Leukemia Virus and 2. Roundworms. Feline Leukemia virus is passed from mother to kitten in the womb. It is a virus that can cause
by Erin Quigley, DVM
a compromised immune system (similar to HIV in people) and due to this weak immune system may significantly shorten the life of the cat. This virus is also contagious to other cats. Particularly over time if they live in the same household. There is a screening test that can be performed at the kitten’s first visit to determine if this infection is present. Roundworms are intestinal parasites the mother passes to the kitten in the womb. These intestinal parasites eggs (microscopic) are consistently shed in the kittens feces and can infect others that are exposed (cats, dogs, children). Most people believe that if worms are present they will visually detect them in their pets stool, but in actuality 90% of the time when parasites are present you cannot see them in stool. It requires a fecal exam (fecal centrifugation and flotation) that your vet can perform at the kitten’s first visit. Due to the fact that both of these infections could be present in your new kitten, I recommend that the kitten have a separate litter box that other cats in the home and that children and canine family members do not have access. I would also recommend separating the new kitten from your current feline family members until after your first vet visit. Other conditions that we look for at your kitten’s first visit: ear mites/ ear infections, upper respiratory infections, coccidian, fleas, heart murmurs, and many congenital
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abnormalities. It is common to see a couple of these ailments at the first visit but they can be easily cleared up to give your new pet relief from discomfort. We recommend a series (3 vaccines, 2-3 weeks apart) of Feline Distemper vaccines to prevent common upper respiratory tract infections. Once the kitten tests negative for Feline Leukemia there is a vaccine to prevent exposure to it; one vaccine and a booster is given during the kitten series. A rabies vaccine, yes cats get rabies vaccines, is given at the last visit usually around 16 weeks of age.
Adults - Outdoor
A cat companion that spends time outdoors is at increased risk for certain conditions. When consistently exposed to other cats they could contract feline leukemia virus, and that is why your veterinarian will recommend vaccinating if your cat spends time outside. Another virus that your cat could be exposed to is Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (very similar HIV). It is transmitted by bites and scratches by an infected cat. It your cat comes indoors with evidence of a cat fight, first have him or her treated for the wounds and infection associated and in 6 months your cat can be tested for FIV. Unfortunately there is not an effective vaccine or treatment for FIV.
Outdoor cats also have an increased risk for parasite exposure; fleas, intestinal parasites and heartworms. Yes cats do get heartworm. It is not commonly known because it is difficult to detect and if clinical signs are present it resembles asthma. For any outdoor cat I recommend a topical preventative that protects against fleas, heartworms and intestinal parasites in one.
Indoor
Indoor cats still have risk of much of the above if they have exposure to stray cats. For example if they are nose to nose with cats through an open window they can be exposed to
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respiratory viruses. I have many clients that tell me they only go out in the yard. The exposure to fleas and intestinal parasites can occur. Also if you have a family dog, fleas can be carried on the dog into the house and transferred to the cat. It
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is not uncommon that I will see a completely indoor cat that has tapeworms which are from ingesting an adult flea. Also dogs and cats share intestinal parasites such as roundworms and hookworms. In order to protect your cat and give you peace of mind I would still recommend the same preventative as we discussed above. When it comes to preventative care and vaccines all cats are legally required to have a rabies vaccine. I realize your cat may have limited to no exposure to wildlife but your county sets the law to protect not just your pet but your family. The County I practice
in does require both dogs and cats to have up to date rabies vaccines. If a family member or visitor would be bitten by your family cat or dog, it is reportable and your pet would be put under quarantine restrictions set by the county, also you could be put at legal risk. Due to common exposure of feline respiratory viruses, indoor cats are vaccinated yearly. More importantly while providing yearly protection from viruses and screening for intestinal parasites your vet can give a full physical exam and gain important history that may help him or her catch disease processes early. Common diseases that can affect your feline companion in adulthood include but are not limited to: Dental disease, Urinary tract disease, inflammatory bowel disease, skin allergies, obesity, Hyperthyroidism and Diabetes. 12
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Your veterinarian with exam, history and screening tests can detect many of these diseases early and help minimize or eliminate discomfort in your pet.
Seniors
When your cat reaches or exceeds the age of seven years old they are considered seniors. Diet changes and regular veterinary exams can aid in helping your cat live to lifetime expectations of 15 years plus. An important fact to know about your cat is as a species they instinctually hide disease. Regularly I see cats that have severe gum/teeth infections that give no indication to the owner, or kidney disease is caught too late to make any difference when it comes to comfort and longevity. Additional conditions that should be routinely screened in older cats are hypertension (high blood pressure), kidney disease, cancers, and increasing thyroid hormones. At their yearly visit a blood panel and blood pressure can be performed by your veterinarian. Many of these conditions can be minimized with diet and medications that can help you cat live many more years if caught early.
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.
So although cats are relatively low key and independent (aka they don’t want to be bothered) their health is important and many things can be going on internally that they will not give you any indication of, in contrast to our ever in our face canine friends. They are different and can be afflicted by different diseases that your veterinarian can help you prevent or manage. So although it gives us anxiety just like it gives our cat to put them in a box and drive them to the vet, in the long run it is for their good and the longevity of our relationship with them. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - October 2014
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Jim
the Wonder Dog by Diane Saltzman AKC Museum of the Dog
In the 1930’s in the state of Missouri, the most famous celebrity wasn’t a person. That title belonged to Jim the Wonder Dog, a resident of the Ruff Hotel in Marshall MO. Jim, a purebred Llewellyn setter, was born in Louisiana, an “ungainly looking” pup the breeder had trouble selling. A friend, knowing that Sam VanArsdale was in the market for a hunting dog, purchased the pup at a discounted price and passed him along to VanArsdale. The dog had overly-large feet and eyes that seemed more knowing than other dogs and Sam determined to make a hunter of him despite others doubts. He sent him to Ira Irvine, one of the best dog trainers around, to learn hunting. The dog, by now named Jim, observed the classes but refused to participate. When Irvine took the dogs he was training to a field to flush game birds, Jim curled up under a shady tree and watched. After hearing the story, Sam considered giving Jim away but decided to give him one more chance. On his first hunting trip, Jim almost immediately went 14
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on point upon being let into the field and held point until the bird was downed. When Sam commanded Jim to retrieve the bird, Jim did so without damaging it. Soon, his hunting prowess was renowned. At 5000 birds, Sam stopped counting. Jim was named “Hunting Dog of the Century” by both Missouri Life and Missouri Conservationist magazines. It was on a hunting trip like any other that Sam opened the door on Jim’s other, more surprising talent. After a hot afternoon of hunting, Sam said, “Jim, let’s go sit under that hickory for a while.” And Jim trotted straight to the hickory tree and sat down. It struck Sam as surprising that the dog both seemed to understand what he’d said and know what a hickory tree was. He decided to test Jim’s knowledge a little more. “Jim, go find an oak tree,” he said. And Jim did. “Where’s the cedar tree?” Jim put his paw on the nearest cedar tree. Every tree or object Sam VanArsdale named, Jim identified. Sam could not wait to share the news with his wife, Pearl. Pearl was enchanted, as she was with
everything Jim did. The couple had no children and Jim was their “furbaby” as we would say today. She did caution Jim on mentioning Jim’s talent to others for fear anyone else would think the man crazy. Sam could not keep such a wonder to himself and that very evening when he and Jim visited the courthouse lawn and met up with a group of Sam’s cronies, he showed them what Jim could do. “What would I do,” Sam asked, “if I had a stomachache?” Jim wagged his tail, apparently in sympathy, then trotted over to where Dr. Savage, the town physician, was standing. He nudged the doctor gently. The crowd gasped its astonishment, for this was Jim’s first visit to the town and he had no way of knowing one person from another — no visible way, that is. Sam patted Jim on the head. “What made Henry Ford rich?” he asked next. The dog walked over and stood looking at a Model-T Ford.
reached into an inside coat pocket and produced a small Testament. Everyone was properly impressed. Sam managed a hotel with many visitors and it wasn’t long before Jim was performing every evening, showing salesmen, families, and visitors from all over the country and world what he could do. Word of this amazing dog traveled and soon people were arriving just to see Jim. As more people viewed Jim’s “tricks,” they became more involved. One evening, a doubting salesman from Iowa demanded Sam prove that he wasn’t giving Jim a sign that led him to make his choices. Sam told the visitor to write his license plate on a piece of paper and show it to the dog. The man did and Sam told Jim to find the visitor’s out of state car. Jim wandered momentarily then walked up to the car and placed his paw on the fender.
Neither Sam nor anyone else could explain how Jim did what he did. The Then someone in the crowd veterinary school at the Jim and Sam VanArsdale spoke a few words in French. University of Missouri asked to examine him. After the head doctor and his VanArsdale looked puzzled since he did not understand assistants had examined the dog from head to toe a the language. Not so, Jim. He slipped through the crowd number of professors joined Jim and the veterinaries to its outer fringe and began nudging an interested on the quadrangle. Each one wrote a task on a paper, spectator. It was our Methodist minister. many in foreign languages, and laid it before the dog. VanArsdale turned to the questioner. “What did you say Jim performed each task in turn until the last one to Jim?” he asked. from a professor of Greek. After looking at the paper and looking around, Jim just sat. Sam apologized and “I asked if there was a Bible in the crowd,” replied the explained that had never happened before. The professor French-speaking spectator. laughed and admitted all he had written on the paper The pastor had a quizzical look on his face as he was the Greek alphabet. After all the examinations and www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - October 2014
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tests, the veterinarians had no explanations for Jim’s talents. Jim could identify colors, even though dogs are thought to be color-blind. He could predict future events. He picked the winners of the Kentucky Derby seven years in a row. Sam wrote the names of the racing horses on pieces of paper. Jim picked the winner and it was marked with an “x,” placed in an envelope, placed in a safe, and left unopened until the race was run. Seven years in a row. Jim was offered roles in movies but Sam declined any offers. It was a visiting journalist who gave Jim the moniker “Wonder Dog.” Even though Jim sired several litters of pups, none showed the talents their father possessed. One afternoon when Jim was 12 years old, he and Sam traveled to a nearby lake to fish. When Jim jumped out of the car, he collapsed. Before Sam could get him to the vet, he died. Sam and Pearl wished to bury Jim in the local cemetery,
but dogs were not allowed. They buried him outside the fence in a specially made casket. As time passed, the graveyard expanded and today, Jim is buried in Ridge Park Cemetery in Marshall. The Ruff Hotel no longer exists. In its place is the Jim the Wonder Dog Memorial Garden featuring a statue of Jim, patterned after a painting by Pearl VanArsdale. There is also a museum commemorating Jim’s life and times.
On Sunday, November 2,
the AKC Museum of the Dog will host Jim the Wonder Dog Day! We will feature a talk by Larry Arrowood, president of Friends of Jim. There will also be a Jim the Wonder Dog display at the Museum. Admission is $5 for adults, $2.50 for seniors, and $1 for children. The admission will include access to the entire museum, as well as the talk. 16
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GET TO KNOW OUR ADVERTISERS
Treats Unleashed was founded in 2002 when Teresa and Ian Miller, along with Teresa’s sister Gayle, opened a small kiosk in the Galleria shopping center. The dog treats were a hit! A second kiosk was opened in West County Mall and the following grew. A short time later, Teresa opened the first store in 2003. The focus was to offer custom baked dog and cat treats, highquality pet food, treats, toys and much more. Today, Treats Unleashed is a thriving company with more than 45 employees and seven retail locations. But Treats offers something more — they play an active role in our communities. They provide support for shelter and rescue groups, pet parent education, and a range of products to keep your pets healthy. This summer, Treats Unleashed was honored as the 2014-2015 Retailer of the Year — Outstanding Consumer Education Award by Pet Product News International. This award recognizes Treats Unleashed’s ongoing efforts to provide pet parents with the information they need to make educated choices about their pet’s health. Pet Product News International presented the award at SuperZoo 2014, the national show for pet retailers. www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - October 2014
With a dedicated, caring and knowledgeable staff, Treats Unleashed continues to differentiate itself as a comfortable, memorable and fun place for pets and their parents to congregate and connect with one another. Offering a ‘community within a community’ experience, our team calls customers and their pets by name, makes thoughtful suggestions of new items to try and always strives to make the experience special. Each month Treats Unleashed hosts adoption events, fund raisers, and in-store meet & greets for a variety of rescue groups. It also spotlights an organization each month that is making a positive impact both in the community and in the lives of area animals. Between our in-store events and Treat-of-theMonth treats, Treats Unleashed has donated over $50,000 to area non-profit organizations! Treats Unleashed sincerely appreciates your support and enjoys being a part of your community. Come into one of their wonderful locations and meet their incredible staff!
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The Bridge Between
by Stephanie Meacham
There has been a tremendous boom in the animal rescue community over the last several years. This has resulted in a huge group of animal lovers being united in helping pets. These individuals want to get involved — but may not know the best way to help. While there are countless ways in which one can contribute to the saving or assistance of animals in need, the challenge is to find the best option that meets the skills and talents of the volunteer. Without guidance, knowledge and support, it can be difficult for the volunteer to find the best niche. It could take a “how to� video to explain how the rescue community works and to understand all the dynamics that are involved. In reality, it takes a team of committed volunteers to save each and every life.
It Takes a Team! Rescue is more than simply finding a dog on the street and taking it immediately to its new home. It includes 18
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vet exams and treatment, boarding, rehabilitation and training, mountains of paperwork, and making sure the dogs get exposure to potential adopters. The more help an organization receives, the more lives it can save. The first step in becoming an active rescue volunteer is to choose an organization. Ask around, and find a local shelter or rescue group whom you feel comfortable with, and who has the same beliefs as you have regarding animals. Do your homework. Many groups and shelters have different beliefs and missions. They also have different requirements, protocol, and qualifications.
The Right Fit Once you have chosen the organization, then you can decide the best way to help. Some people make monetary donations because of physical limitations. Others may walk dogs for groups or at shelters because they cannot afford to give financial donations. There are those who have the capability and flexibility to use the Internet and social networking to promote adoptable animals and
provide exposure to the animals and the groups. There are also those who are able to help by transporting dogs to safety, helping with adoption events, collecting supplies such as toys, treats, food, newspaper, plastic bags, etc., and even taking animals in as foster pets.
Foster Homes
Foster homes can be one of the most important and imperative roles in these animals’ lives. While my focus is helping dogs in need, the rescue community also extends itself to cats, rabbits, ferrets, livestock and more. A foster home is crucial as it is the bridge between a homeless animals transforming into a beloved pet. An ideal foster home is one who takes an animal in need and provides it with a loving and nurturing environment, while doing what is necessary to help them become their most “adoptable” selves.
Adoptable dogs from Meacham’s Mutts
Most reputable rescue groups will require an individual(s) or family to have an approved foster application, which can include, but is not limited to: passing of veterinary references, personal references, home inspection, and resident animals to be current on vaccinations, preventatives and altered. There are other things that may be discussed, such as: landlord approval, breed specific legislation and other questions and concerns of the living space and surrounding area. The vetting costs of the animals are usually covered under the rescue group or agency. Food can also be provided, usually per request. While most animal rescues will do what they can to help one of their animals, it must be within reason and within their means, especially because funding can be hard to come by.
Helping the Animal Adjust Rescue animals can be a challenge at times, because the majority have belonged to someone before they were rescued, with the exception of www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - October 2014
More details available at www.meachamsmutts.org or by email at meachamsmutts@hotmail.com 19
times, behaviors that have no justification or explanation. The ability and desire to help these animals and make a difference in his/her life is a reward that cannot be compared or explained. If you are considering being a foster parent, please take into consideration that this is a big step.
feral animals, and some babies. Most of these animals have a history that we will never know. Especially with dogs, you may have one who is not housebroken, one who has separation anxiety, one who may have experienced abuse or neglect, and at
It is incredibly important that you do not become a foster based solely on impulse, or a bleeding heart. It is very unfortunate to the animal whose life is on the line, when a foster commitment is broken for one reason or another.
The Importance of Fostering
To break a foster commitment, could be the ultimate death sentence for a dog on death row, or it may leave the rescue in a bind, with nowhere for the animal to live. It is also important that one understands that letting go of an animal you love and cared for can be extremely difficult. Many people cannot handle that heartache. But in many cases it is for the greater good. By letting go, your foster will find a forever home, and may be ready to foster another that animal rescued off the streets. Being involved in rescue is one of the most rewarding experiences an animal lover can have. Every dime donated and every minute volunteered makes an impact. It is easy to get involved. You may find you are able to open your home to help aid in the transition from homeless animal to beloved pet. Once you have a successful placement,
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you might be ready to do it again, and be able to bring another lost and lonely soul into your home to prepare them for the world. It is then that most will realize that becoming a bridge or being a foster home is very rewarding.
Foster Mom for Meacham’s Mutts. If you want to be a foster parent, please contact us at meachamsmutts@hotmail.com
Stephanie Meacham became involved in the animal rescue volunteer community in January of 2007, when she began walking shelter dogs at Stray Rescue of St. Louis. While she continued to walk dogs on the weekends, she became involved in other parts of rescue, transport, walking dogs at the city pound, fundraising, assisting animal control facilities in placement of their urgent dogs, and more. Prior to the recent start of Meacham’s Mutts, Stephanie was working with a few other groups, and overseeing the veterinary care, and placement of a select group of “underdogs.” Her passion is helping the dogs most in need, which tends to be black dogs, pitbulls and bully breeds, and dogs with unfair labels. Stephanie hopes to create awareness for these overlooked dogs, by showcasing their wonderful personalities, and finding the best possible matches for forever homes.
Picking a New Dog by Mike Deathe
In the article Picking a New Dog published last month, there was some concern about the concept that all dogs in shelters are there because of problem behaviors. This topic is controversial. I think many dogs, not all dogs, are in shelters because of problem behaviors. The reality — it is usually a lack of training from the human that creates the problems! (In other words not the dog’s fault.) Yes, there are exceptions, but for the most part frustration with potty training, barking, pulling on leash, jumping up on people, anxiety or aggression are at the root of why owners give up on dogs. When a dog is returned to a shelter, many of the volunteers and fosters work hard to help the returned animal be ready for a new home. I believe there is a special place in heaven just for them because of all they do. But, potential adoptors must realize that adopting a dog from a shelter comes with work. They must be ready for, and educated about, how to train away these behaviors so the adoption can be successful. The only goal of the article is to help people choose the right pet for them, and find more dogs forever homes! Mike Deathe
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Huntington’s Disease Society of America’s by Amy Roberts Clerkin Fight Against HD The second place winner in the MetroPet Facebook contest was Hounds for Huntington’s Dog Event. This group is dedicated to raising money for this rare disease. On October 19, the group will host th Hounds for Huntington’s Dog Event at Wehner Park. For more details, visit www.hdsa.org/hounds4hdstl or see the form on page 24. Huntington’s disease is the quintessential family disease. It is a rare, genetic, neurological disease with no cure. Today, there are 30,000 Americans diagnosed with HD and 250,000 at-risk of inheriting the disease. Every child of a parent with HD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the expanded gene that causes the disease. If the child has not inherited this expanded gene, he or she will never develop the disease and cannot pass it on to their children. HD Symptoms usually evolve slowly vary from person to person, even within the same family. Some individuals may be affected first cognitively (depression, forgetfulness, impaired judgment). 22
Others suffer with motor skill impairment (dystonia or involuntary movements, unsteady gait). Eventually, every person afflicted by HD requires full-time care. Domains affected include: cognitive, motor and behavioral. Members of the same family may exhibit different symptoms. Some can show mild involuntary movements (chorea) and have more emotional/behavioral symptoms of HD or can have less emotional/behavioral symptoms with more difficulty with involuntary movements.
Some HD symptoms include:
•Anxiety •Aggressive outbursts •Mood swings •Social withdrawal •Motor •Fidgety behavior •Uncoordination • Involuntary movements (chorea, dystonia) • Difficulties with speech, swallowing, balance, walking •Cognitive • Problems with short-term memory, organizing, coping, concentrating In 1967, legendary folk singer Woody Guthrie lost his battle with HD when he was just 55
•Behavioral/emotional •Irritability To learn more about Huntington’s disease and to •Depression get involved with HDSA please call (800) 345-
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HDSA or visit www.hdsa.org.
years old. Soon after his death, his wife Marjorie vowed to do something about this silent killer. At the time, little was known about the disease, so Marjorie placed a small ad in a New York City newspaper and slowly gathered a determined handful of volunteers and HD families from across the United States. Marjorie and her dedicated volunteers formed the Committee to Combat Huntington’s Disease, which would later become the Huntington’s Disease Society of America. HDSA currently has 54 volunteer led Chapters and Affiliates across the United States with its headquarters in New York City. Chapters and Affiliates are tasked with organizing grassroots fundraising and awareness initiatives in their local communities to support HDSA’s mission. HDSA’s signature fundraising campaign is the Team Hope Walk program. Since its inception in 2007, Team Hope Walks have occurred in over 100 different cities and have raised over $4 million for HDSA. Celebration of Hope events are planned in over 20 communities along with nearly 300 annual fundraising and educational events raising millions of dollars across the country.
$18 million to fund research with the goal of finding effective treatments to slow Huntington’s disease. Our past research efforts have also helped increase the number of scientists working on HD and have shed light on many of the complex biological mechanisms involved in HD. HDSA’s research strategy has a strong patient-centric approach. The largest research program, called the HD Human Biology Project, was launched in 2013. The goal of the program is to foster innovative research at the HDSA Centers of Excellence to better understand the biology of Huntington’s disease as it occurs in humans. The reason for this is that the most relevant scientific observations that will guide the research community in the hunt for effective therapies for HD will be those that are recorded in HD patients. Research being done by HD scientists and the tools they are creating are of great value and being used by scientists looking for answers to Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, ALS and many other neurodegenerative and genetic diseases.
HDSA currently has 21 Centers of Excellence across the United States. The Centers of Excellence provide the team approach to Huntington’s disease care and research. There you will find expert neurologists, psychiatrists, speech and swallowing specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, genetic counselors and other professionals to help you plan the best care program. There are currently 40 HDSA Social Workers & 170 support groups across the United States working to provide valuable support to the HD community. HDSA social workers assist families with navigating HD by providing information, referrals, and by helping to start and maintain support groups. In 1983, after a ten year search that involved collaboration among the top HD researchers worldwide, the gene that causes HD was located. Since 1999, HDSA has committed more than www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - October 2014
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HOUNDS FOR HUNTINGTON’S DOG EVENT SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2014 
Meet “Vivian” — Owner Brittany Roberts 10:00 A.M. – 1:00 P.M. Wehner Park 7710 Hazel Shrewsbury, MO 63119
Join other animal lovers and their canine companions for a dog-gone good time! No dog? No problem! You don’t need to bring a dog to participate. We’ll have food, pet games, contests, children’s activities and more. Get out and start fundraising today! The dog and owner that raises the most money will become Top Dog Hounds for Huntington’s 2015! CONTESTS: Cutest dog • Most talented • Ice Cream Eating • Owner & Pet Look A Like
Day of Event Registration Fee — $25 (owner & dog) Individual Registration — $10 (without dog) DOGS MUST BE ON LEASHES AT ALL TIMES.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
REGISTER ONLINE & TO START FUNDRAISING: WWW.HDSA.ORG/HOUNDS4HDSTL
Check: Enclosed is my check made payable to HDSA in the amount of $___________ Credit Card: Please charge my credit card: Visa
AMEX
MasterCard Amount $_______
Credit Card Number____________________________________________ CVV #(on back of card) ________
Expiration Date_________ Name As It Appears on Card (Please Print)______________________________________________________________ Mailing Address ___________________________________________________________________________________ Email address ___________________________________________ Telephone_________________________________ I cannot attend but please accept my tax deductible donation in the amount of $__________ Checks should be made payable to HDSA and mailed to: Amy Clerkin 5358 Mirasol Manor Way Eureka, MO 63025 (314-954-4040)
All contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. HDSA operates under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. HDSA EIN #13-334987. All Proceeds from this event will support HDSA’s fight to improve the lives of people affect by Huntington’s disease and their families.
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Meet the Breed October Pet of the Month
Basset Hound The Basset Hound was originally bred to hunt. Their nose rules everything in their lives. They were originally worked in packs and are a friendly, amiable breed. This is a very old breed that is a direct descendant of the Bloodhound. The name is derived from the French word “bas” meaning low. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. They are skilled at hunting both in packs, or are happy hunting alone. It is used to hunt fox, hare, opossum and pheasant. While the dog’s reflexes are slow, it has an excellent sense of smell. The fact that it is relatively slow on its feet means it can be more convenient for hunters who are on foot. These dogs are relatively heavy for their size and height. Their head is large and well-proportioned with a rounded skull. Their soft brown eyes have a sad look to them. The skin hangs loose like elastic and falls in folds on the head. Their ears are velvety to the touch and set low. They are extremely long hanging toward the ground. They have a very deep chest and strong hindquarters which are full and well-muscled. Their paws are big considering the size of the dog. The coat is dense, short, hard and shiny. There are no rules concerning color, but it is usually black, tan, white, red, or white with chestnut or sand-colored marking. While the Basset Hound breed is considered to be a low maintenance type of dog, routine grooming is necessary to maintain excellent health. The Basset Hound is known to be sweet, gentle, devoted, peaceful and well-behaved. They make great family dogs. It has a wonderful friendly personality. Not known to be vicious, moody or harsh. This is not a timid breed. They are very affectionate with their master and generally friendly with children. This breed needs a firm confident, and consistent owner who displays natural leadership with the dog as they need to know the rules of the house. They have a deep musical bark. A trained, happy Basset is usually a pretty quiet dog. But of course like all dogs, Bassets do bark. The Basset has a loud, baying type of bark and he can also howl quite loudly. Unfortunately, for some reason, housetraining can be difficult. However, they do well with positive reinforcement and patient, gentle training. With proper training, they are obedient, but when they pick up an www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - October 2014
interesting smell, it’s sometimes hard to get their attention, as they like to follow their noses and may not even hear you calling them back. Please remember not to overfeed because extra weight places a strain on the legs and spine. A problem area is possible lameness and eventual paralysis because of short legs and a heavy, long body. Two or three small meals will suffice, as they are prone to bloat, rather than one large meal. If they should happen to eat a large meal keep an eye on them for several hours for any signs of bloat. They will be quite happy in an apartment and are known to be inactive indoors, however outdoors they will run and play for hours. The Basset Hound is a healthy breed that should receive a good deal of exercise each day, including a long walk. This will discourage bad behaviors like jumping, barking and digging, it should be given plenty of exercise, including a long daily walk to keep the dog mentally stable, but discourage it from jumping and stressing the front legs. This breed will run and play by the hour when given the chance. Because of their keen noses they tend to roam when they pick up a scent. Take care when off lead that the dog is in a safe area. When they pick up a scent they may not even hear you calling them back as their complete focus will be on finding the critter. With advanced training, you can enjoy many activities with the Basset Hound including field trials, conformation, tracking, and obedience trials. Basset Hounds make wonderful therapy dogs. Fact: Their height is usually: Males 12 - 15 inches; Females 11 - 14 inches and weight: Males 50 - 65 pounds; Females 45 - 60 pounds Fact: It is said that George Washington owned Basset Hounds that were given to him by Lafayette after the American Revolution. 25
SPEAK UP FOR YOUR
DOG by Mary Sellaro
What does it mean exactly, to “speak up” for your dog? It means you should never be hesitant or afraid to tell someone you are not comfortable with what they are encouraging or allowing your dog to do. Let’s look at a common example, jumping up. I have had countless encounters and conversations with people who ask to pet my dog; for the most part, my invariable response is yes, as long as the dog is calm and either sitting or has all four paws on the ground. The end result is about fifty percent of people will actually stop and listen to what I am saying. The other fifty push aside my words and continue to try and engage my dog, stare at me blankly or become offended. At this point, the next move is mine as my dog is the one caught in the middle, which is not a pleasant place to be. Do I insist my dog remain sitting or at least calm with all four feet planted? Or do I allow the dog to become springloaded just this one time to avoid an unpleasant situation or hurt someone’s feelings, because after all, they just want to pet my dog. The answer is no, you do 26
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not allow something because it is the easy way out or to avoid conflict. My dog is relying on me to be consistent and implement the greeting routine we have worked very hard on. So, when the latter fifty percent choose to ignore me, my answer is simply, no, you cannot pet my dog. No explanations, no apologies, even at the cost of being deemed socially disagreeable.
Balance Predictability with Exposure
Maybe you are afraid to speak up for your dog because their training isn’t reliable for the situation? Possibly you don’t feel comfortable that your dog will sit to be greeted or stay calm? The first step is to not expose your dog to situations he or she (or you) are not ready for. These situations can happen at home, as well as in public. Years ago, we had a large gathering at our house and my dogs were milling around with the company. I was keeping a close eye on everyone, (or so I thought) dogs and guests alike, I turned around and a guest was feeding one of dogs from their plate and fork. My dog was only too happy to oblige and did not refuse the salad from her new best friend. I calmly walked over and asked them to please not feed my dog without asking me first and specifically, salad dripping with ranch dressing or any human food. I don’t believe the intention was to defy me or hurt my dogs; we were simply
not on the same page when it comes to dog’s eating habits. The responsibility here is three-fold, meaning, I should have been more watchful and certain of my dog’s behavior in this situation, guests should always ask before feeding a dog which isn’t theirs anything and obviously, I need to spend more time training my dog before putting her in this situation. Did I punish the dog-no-it wasn’t her fault-it was mine. I spent time training and preparing my dogs for this type of situation and have modified both my behavior and theirs.
Intervention vs. Consequence
There are many consequences which could be avoided by the simple act of a person asking before acting. We have already covered a couple of scenarios-jumping up and feeding dogs without asking. A few other examples could be someone teasing your dog, playing rough or inappropriately, children or adults who do not ask before petting, or someone allowing their dog to run up to yours and get in their face without asking first and then saying“is this ok?” I have often wondered the psychological reasoning people use to presume their behavior is going to be received in a positive light. Are these people who do not react well to being told ‘no”, do they hold a place in the family or a professional position where being spoken to in such a manner would be considered disrespectful, do they believe they have more than basic knowledge when it comes to dog sense? Regardless of the answer, it is ok to say no, you may not or stop it. Not only is it ok, but in some situations it is mandatory. • To follow through with the models given, what could be some repercussions if you didn’t either interrupt or speak up for your dog? • Take the jumping up example-it is very easy for a dog to become excited or anxious when meeting a new person or an established friend, the result could be a paw in the face, ripped clothing or a scratch from a claw or nip from a tooth. • Some dogs have allergies or food sensitivities, so even being given www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - October 2014
“one little bite” can hurt and result in diarrhea or other gastric upset. (The person who gives the dog the food won’t have the emotional upset of a sick dog, a sleepless night from letting the dog out due to diarrhea or vomiting, cleaning floors, scrubbing rugs or a possible vet visit.) •A dog being teased, played with rough or inappropriately can respond accordingly with teeth, energy and the intent to win the game. Keep in mind, dogs learn through play and will repeat what works. • I f a person, child or adult chooses to pet or interact with a dog without permission, the dog may not receive good intentions with an appreciative response. •A dog that is given the choice to run up to another dog is being set up for a clash. The potential of missing a chunk of an ear, facial wounds, scratches or future anxiety or aggression when meeting new dogs can be a possibility. The most serious repercussion is your dog’s lack of trust in your handling abilities and faith in your judgment.
Go back a step-train for every situation
The first step is to have a plan and establish some rules for situations where you need to provide intervention for your dog. The answer comes down to training a few exercises and laying a foundation for your dog; which in turn will make their behavior more predictable and you more confident. The most important exercise to teach the dog is focused attention-or simply to check in with you and be prepared to follow your direction, especially around distractions, whether at home or in public. What motivates your dog to repeat desired behavior? The answer-praise-the recognition of a job well done. What motivates your dog? Treats, toys, a verbal “good job”; whatever it is, find the 27
motivator. The tools for success will also include the right choice of collar and leash for your dog. The choice to work with a professional trainer will not only help to train the dog, but more importantly, training you to train the dog. The dog will not be proficient until you are, teach effectively, practice daily and be consistent. All training starts in a distraction free environment so the dog can focus and truly learn the meaning of verbal commands and hand signals. As time progresses, the dog will become more trustworthy in paying attention and responding to you. The quantity of commands the dog has in their repertoire is not important-being solid and reliable in a few exercises is key. It will be necessary to balance training with not only communicating to the dog they have gotten it right, but also to correct when their response is not the desired one. There should be more praise than correction. When correction outweighs praise, there is a problem with the human part of the team.
•K eep in mind the following while introducing new training exercises: •P ractice at home-start out with no distractions. •B uild up to low level (predictable) distractions •G radually move up to higher level distractions and environments •W ork all over the house, in the backyard and front yard at various times •P ractice standing up, sitting down in a chair and sitting on the floor •E xpand the experience-take it outside in an area of controlled distractions-the neighborhood-dog friendly shops, walking trails, restaurant patios •P roof as you go if there are any problems or a lack of understanding, go back a step. In conclusion, it is your responsibility to be your dog’s voice, speak up, train; your dog is depending on you to communicate what he does not have the ability to.
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.
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MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - February 2014
GET TO KNOW OUR ADVERTISERS Animal Medical Center of Wentzville is more than just a veterinary clinic. We provide friendly, honest, compassionate care for your family pet! When you come to our clinic, we do our best to get to know you and your pets. We want to provide the services that best fit your needs and we treat every client (you and your pets) with individual care. We invite you to come see us. In addition, to the full range of veterinary services, Animal Medical Center of Wentzville also provides many other services including: • Vaccine packages and parasite prevention; • Routine surgery (spay, neuter, declaw) and dental care; • Advanced surgery including orthopedic surgery; • Full service grooming salon; • X-ray and in-house blood testing, micro-chipping, prescription diets, and flea/tick preventatives; • Ultrasounds; • Skin/allergy treatment; • Cancer diagnosis and treatment; • Rescue services; and • After hours Help Line.
www.metropetmag.com | St. Louis - October 2014
Erin Quigley, DVM, is the owner Animal Medical Center of Wentzville. She is a graduate of the University of MissouriColumbia, College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Quigley grew up in Florissant, MO, and moved to St. Charles County after veterinary school. She has over 16 years experience and her favorite part is building relationships with her clients and their pets for a lifetime. She enjoys working with rescues to help abandoned animals find homes. She is a big St. Louis Cardinal and Mizzou football fan. We invite you to come by and visit the hospital, call us at 636-332-4411, or visit our website at www animalmedicalcenterofwentzville. com so we can show you how “We treat you like family and your pets like our own.”
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Chip’s Corner 30
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PAWZZLE
by Pawlean Journe
Answers to this Pawzzle can be found in the Breed of the Month story on page 25.
ACROSS 1.
They can be used to work in ________________.
5.
They are very _______________ with children.
8.
With the Basset the __________ rules.
11. They are a direct descendant of the ___________________. 15. A sport the Basset Hound can compete in is _____________. 17. They can also be happy hunting _____________.
22. Please do not ______________ as this can lead to overweight which is not good for their health. 24. They can be happy in an __________________. 25. The Basset has a very deep ________________. 28. Acceptable color of eyes? 29. This can be difficult for this breed. 30. They also have strong _________________. 31. They are very __________________ towards their master.
20. These dogs are relatively ___________ for their size.
DOWN 2. Overweight can place a strain on their __________. 3. Their paws are considered to be ______________ for the size of their body. 4. Their bark sounds like a _____________. 6. The Basset is considered a low _______________ dog regarding care and grooming. 7. The ears are ___________ to the touch. 9. Their eyes have a __________ look to them. 10. Bassets can make wonderful ____________ dogs. 12. Ears are ___________ and set low. 13. Type of mammal the Basset is used to hunt? 14. Type of bird the Basset is used to hunt? 16. Training must be ______________ for this breed.
18. The Basset needs this every day. 19. A trial a Basset can compete in? 21. One word that describes a Basset would be? 23. Sometimes it is hard to keep their _____________, due to their desire to follow their nose. 26. The Basset was originally bred to ____________. 27. One severe health issue is ___________.
September Pawzzle Answers
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The Adventures of Chip
GIVING
by Heddie Leger
Recap from Chapter 9: They know they have much to be thankful for and show their gratitude in a multitude of ways like bringing donations to the shelter like blankets, treats, shampoo, clothes detergent and bleach. Shelters always have a need for these consumable things and are always very thankful for people who bring donations in to help them care for the animals. The last-time they took a donation to the shelter, I went on a road trip with them and saw all the shelter animals. I heard them say there are millions of animals across the country in need of homes. I am very, very thankful for my new family and friends that day and each and every day. I have heard people say it is much better to give than receive, but what if you don’t have anything to give? I asked my friends and they all agreed that everyone has something to give. Some people give things like food, toys, beds, money and other items. Some people cook for others, clean for them, drive them places and help them with health care. I don’t happen to have any of these things in my life to be able to help others and am feeling quite blue right now. Then it occurred to me, the one thing I do have is time. Time is something that has great value and does not cost anything, so I decided to find a way to share some of my time. I walked down to the beach and noticed an old dog sitting all alone and went over to see if I could help him. Turns out he was lost and hungry. He was sure his family was going to come back for him and did not want to leave and miss them. I did not have any food on me, but invited him to come to my family’s house to get something to eat. He actually looked like he was starving. Although it technically is not my food, it seemed that since my family was so good and caring they would not mind. Since he would not come with me, I decided to run 32
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home and get him some food. I also decided to grab a bottle of water. I filled my backpack and carried it back to the beach to give him some food and water. To my horror, he was not sitting up any more; he was lying on his side panting very, very hard. His eyes looked all glazed over. I was very worried about him. I dropped my backpack and ran back to the house barking at the top of my lungs. No one was home, so I ran to the neighbor’s house. I barked and barked until someone opened the door. Since I was so upset, they called and got someone in our family. I do not know who they talked with but within a few minutes, I heard sirens and saw an ambulance going down to the beach. Apparently, they thought I was trying to get help for a human. I sure hope I was not in trouble. Here I was trying to give a little of my time to help someone and it could turn out to be a disaster. As I can after the ambulance, all kinds of thoughts passed my mind. My family being disappointed with me, putting me outside to live, or worse yet, finding me a new home for causing such a problem. I ran as fast as I could to get there and when I did, I was so surprised, I started to cry. The ambulance was driven by dad, and
Giving – The giving of gifts (including time) with or without the expectation of
receiving something in return has been a social tradition for thousands of years and is based on religious practices to honor a favored person or god.
he and his partner got out and had a special facemask for dogs, they were giving CPR to the old dog and had the oxygen mask on him. Turns out they were prepared for any problem whether it was a human or animal. I breathed a sigh of relief. They looked over at me with worry and relief on their faces all at the same time. They saw that I had given the gift of my time to get help for the old guy. They had given him the gift of life through their actions and as I watched them carefully lift him onto a gurney, I realized that no act of kindness no matter how small was wasted. Each and every positive action to help another living thing has a ripple effect to make life better in an exponential amount yet to be measured.
Activity Adopt a family for this upcoming holiday season and help them with items they might need. You can contact your local Salvation Army, Red Cross or other humanitarian group, or local pet group to see how you can help. Donate your time to help at a food bank, people shelter, or pet rescue group. Write about your experience.
I decided I was thankful and glad that I had given support to him. With the upcoming holiday season, think about ways you can give support to others — both four and two legged!
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 • What type gifts do you enjoy receiving? • What types of gifts do you enjoy giving? • What is the best gift you ever received? • Why did you like this gift the best?
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Pet Services Directory Pet Cremation Services
Adoption/Rescue
Pet Food
St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue 314-381-2010
Holistic Select
www.stlbulldogrescue.org St. Louis Bulldog Rescue, Inc. is a Federal Tax Exempt 501c3 organization that is an all volunteer group of bulldog lovers whose mission is to re-home bulldogs who are surrendered by their owners or find themselves otherwise without homes, landing in animal shelters or wandering the streets as strays.
For over 10 years, Holistic Select® has been creating natural, healthy pet food recipes for dogs and cats. We believe strongly that total body health begins with digestive health for everyone in the family, including pets. Your pet will look and feel healthy from the inside out – from head to tail. Exclusively Sold at Independent Pet Stores. 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Or Your Money Back.
1631 W. 5th St. Eureka, MO 636-587-8880 www.lovingheartspet.com Loving Hearts was started by two families to provide the highest level of pet cremation services possible. The owners bring over 100 years of assisting grieving pet owners. We are committed to treating each pet as if it were one of our own. In your time of need, we will be there for you.
Apartment
Earthborn Holistic
Pet Waste Mgmt & Products
GEM Property Management, LLC 3890 S. Lindbergh Blvd, Suite 250 Sunset Hills, Missouri
www.gempm.com GEM Property Management, LLC, manages seven apartment complexes in the greater St. Louis area. Each one is pet friendly, and six have dog parks next to the complexes. Please visit the website for complete details.
Pet Food, Supplies, Grooming Treats Unleashed
www.treats-unleashed. com Treats Unleashed is a holistic pet specialty store with an in-store bakery. Treats has five St. Louis locations. Each one offers a full line of holistic pet foods and treats. The stores also offer a full-line of pet products — toys, beds, collars, leashes, etc. Some locations offer a self-serve bath area and/ or grooming services.
www.holisticselect.com
www.earthborn
holisticpetfood.com Earthborn Holistic® offers a wholesome approach to nutrition with high-quality ingredients that nourish the whole pet, dogs and cats. Every holistic pet food formula is designed to offer balanced nutrients that support your pet’s overall health and physical well-being. Natural Food for Pets.100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Or Your Money Back.
Pet Friendly Car Dealership Lou Fusz Subaru of Creve Couer
10329 Old Olive Street Rd St. Louis, MO • 314-994-1500 www.subaru.fusz.com At Lou Fusz Subaru - St Louis, it’s not just about buying a car. It’s about finding the right car for YOU. That means, we take the time to get to know you — your aesthetic preferences, your hobbies, your driving habits and your pets! Come visit our pet friendly dealership and dog park!
Showcase your company with the MetroPet Magazine Directory Listing! Your company can be in 12 print issues and online for a full year for about $2/day! Call Nancy 314-650-7959 or 913-548-1433 34
MetroPet Magazine | St. Louis - October 2014
Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services
Yucko’s
www.yuckos.com
Weekly - Every Other Week - Once A Month One Times Or Just Because..!
314-291-POOP (7667) Service
Free Estimates - No Contracts - Fully Insured Dogipot Products - Pet Stations - Litter Bags Fake Fire Hydrants And More...!
314-770-1500 Sales
Are The First Responders In Your Area Equipped With Pet Oxygen Recovery Masks?
www.PetOxygenMask.com
Veterinarians Animal Medical Center of Wentzville 1120 W. Pearce Blvd Wentzville, MO • 636-332-4411
www.animalmedicalcenterofwentzville.com We provide friendly, honest, compassionate care for your family pet! Service include vaccine packages and parasite prevention, routine surgery, dental care; advanced surgery; full service grooming and much more. Call us or come see us to meet our incredible team.