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May 2015
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Articles 5 Breed of the Month 6 Any Day Can Be a Memorial Day 9 Creature Feature 10 Talking with Dogs 14 Puppy Socialization - Part 3
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18 Safe Travels 22 Reading Education Assistance Dog 26 Found a Wandering Dog?
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28 The Next Adventures of Chip 30 Pawzzle 32 MetroPet Resource Column 34 Pet Services Directory
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Dear Readers: It is May, so be sure to keep an eye out for the May flowers that those April showers brought us. And, don’t forget to pause and smell them when walking with your best friend.
We continue our series on puppy socialization with part 2 on page14.
This issue is filled with interesting and informative articles.
We all enjoy having our pet along with us on a drive to the store, or even on a longer car trip. The article about safe travels on page 18 should make us all think about traveling safely with our fourlegged friends.
We start off with Meet the Breed on page 5. This month’s breed is the energetic Basenji.
If you’ve ever seen a lost dog and wondered how to help, the story on page 26 should help.
Memorial Day is a holiday at the end of the month, so it is appropriate that the article on page 6 tells us about ways to remember our departed best friends all year round.
The May issue is rounded out with a MetroPet Resource, Chip’s next adventure, the Pawzzle, and an interesting article about a program using dogs to assist in reading education.
The creature feature on page 9 this month, is a feathered friend – the Budgerigar, also known as the
Enjoy the warmer weather!
Chip — Our Founder
Budgie or parakeet.
Dogs are communicating constantly. For some insight to what they are trying to say to us, read the article, Talking with Dogs on page 10.
P.S. Please remember to support our advertisers —Tell them, “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine.”
Publisher MetroPet Magazine info@metropetmag.com
Advertising Sales Mike Deathe 913.269.7595 Dan O’Leary 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 Mike Deathe Geoff Hall Pat Hennessy Patty Homer Pawlean Journe Heddie Leger Nancy Bush Piper Mary Sellaro
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. © 2015 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 the Breed
May Pet of the Month
The Basenji Legends abound regarding this breed. It is said and believed that tribal chiefs made gifts of hunting dogs to the pharaoh. The Basenji breed is an ancient breed known to have lived with Pharoah in Eqypt. It can actually be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt and nearly did not survive the collapse of that civilization. The breed miraculously thrived and endured and later was revived in Africa as an extremely skilled hunting dog. It became known as the “Congo Dog.” They are directly related to the Dingo. They are known for their characteristic “non-bark” and called the “barkless dog. Rather than bark they create a yodel type sound. The sound they make can be mistaken for a sound like human laughter or crying. This is a very keen and intelligent breed. Their courage makes the Basenji useful in his native land for hunting the reed rat, a vicious, large, long-toothed creature. The Basenji is a proud, alert little dog. His attitude is one of poise and grace. Their body type is one that is lithe and muscular making them very athletic. Folks who would like to work with their dog in agility are attracted to this breed. They are considered small to medium in size. Males should be 17 inches in height and 24 pounds in weight. Females should be 16 inches tall and 22 pounds. Basenji’s have endless energy, and are very playful. While they are curious, they tend to be aloof with strangers. They are affectionate, but very independent. They can be a challenge to train due to their tendency towards independence. This breed is a perfect blend of energy and size for a family with children as they are also very tolerant. As far as care and grooming, the Basenji has a smooth, short coat requires very little grooming. They actually clean themselves - much like a cat. The www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City - May 2015
Basenji also one of those breeds that may be considered hypoallergenic, as it barely sheds at all. In addition, for some reason the typical “doggy odor” is not usually apparent in this breed. When it comes to health issues the Basenji does have a few things to consider. These health issues include: Fanconi’s Syndrome, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Hip Dysplasia. However, this breed tends to be very healthy as a whole. Basenjis are without a doubt very loyal, and affectionate towards their owners. Their propensity to be alert and active make them best suited to a home where they can get adequate exercise, and plenty of personal attention. It is extremely important to provide proper socialization and obedience training at a young age. This breed has an independent personality and sometimes has a mischievous nature and/or rebellious streak. Socialization is required, especially when a dog is to be around children or other pets. Due to their hunting nature, small pets are not encouraged to live with this breed unless they are introduced at a young age and raised together. All in all, the Basenji can be the perfect companion animal for an active family that loves outdoor activities that will involve their dog.
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Any Day Can Be Memorial Day by Nancy Bush Piper
Most of us were brought up with rituals which follow the death of a human – visitations, funeral services or memorial services, perhaps burial in a cemetery. When our beloved pets die, we do not have rituals to fall back on. So often we do nothing. However, rituals help us heal, by helping us accept the reality of death, but acknowledging the loved one’s existence and meaning in our lives. You do not have to wait until Memorial Day or a special day to memorialize your pet. It doesn’t matter when you have a ceremony, a celebration, an event to honor your loved one who has passed. It can be months or even years later. The significant part is to do something to recognize the importance of your pet in your life, to help you in your journey through grief. The ceremony could be something formal in a chapel; 6
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it could be in your living room, on your patio, around a fire pit, or anywhere that is meaningful to you. Gather friends who knew your beloved companion. Tell stories, read poems, play music, do whatever that is right for you to express your grief. It doesn’t matter how long your pet has been gone from you, this is something that will help you with your grief.
Other ideas for memorializing your pet:
Plant a tree, bush or flower in one of your pet’s favorite places or where you can see it from a window in your house. Invite friends to attend the planting event. This can be a time to share stories. Have a candle-lighting ceremony. Place a lit candle in the middle of a table. Each person attending would take turns, lighting his/her candle from the center candle and sharing a memory of the departed pet. End with a song,
a prayer or a poem. Write your pet’s name and an endearment or remembrance on a balloon, then release the balloon, perhaps with a favorite song playing.
Set up a memorial area in your home, with pictures, the pet’s urn (if applicable), hair clippings, paw prints, toys, collar and leash, awards won, favorite treats, anything meaningful to you to memorialize your pet.
Use your artistic abilities to create something in memory of your pet; a sculpture, a painting or drawing; a piece of handwork like needlepoint or embroidery.
Create a memory book, shadow box, or wall hanging from special mementos of your pet. Make a photo album, scrapbook, or a collage of your pet’s pictures.
If you kept your pet’s tags, use them on your key ring, hang them from your car’s review mirror or your bathroom mirror so your memory of your loved one will be
Write a story, poem or song about your pet. A home memorial to a pet.
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near. Place a bench in your yard, patio, or special place with an inscription dedicated to your pet. Create an announcement of your pet’s death to hand to people who inquire about your pet. You can let them read the announcement if you are not up to actually telling them. Donate a book to the local library in honor of your pet.
Buy a memorial stone to put in your yard or flower bed or under a tree close to where he played. You can personalize it as you wish, with name and dates of birth and death and/or an endearment as well as perhaps an emblem such as a paw print or doggie bone. Have items imprinted with your pet’s photo: a t-shirt, sweatshirt, mug, note cards, pillowcase, or sweater to mention a few.
Write your pet’s name on the bookplate inside the front cover of the book.
Use your imagination to come up with other special ways to memorialize your special pet.
Have a professional artist create a painting of your pet from a favorite photo.
Any number of these suggestions can be done as you travel through your grief. The memories of your beloved pet and the love you shared will always be a part of you. Your pet will always be memorialized in your heart.
If you have a fur clipping or a whisker, place them in a locket to wear.
Nancy Bush Piper owns Rolling Acres Pet Memorial Center in Kansas City, MO, along with her husband Gary. Nancy and Gary are also co-owners of Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services in St. Louis County, MO. Nancy has a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology and sociology from Northwest Missouri State University. She is a Certified Grief Recovery Specialist and a charter Certified Pet Loss Professional as well as having a Pet Loss Companioning Certification. Nancy and Gary are blessed with many animals in their lives. For fun, she studies horsemanship and plays with her horses and mules. May 31, 2015
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Creature Feature Budgerigar (Budgie) or Parakeet Melopsittacus undulatus by Geoff Hall Summary: Budgerigars are pint-sized parrots that are worthy of your love and attention provided you commit to a lifetime of care for this colorful and charming bird. Sex Differences/Size/Lifespan: The cere (area of skin around the nostrils) of male budgies is blue while females are brownish. They grow to a length of eight inches long with an eight-inch wingspan and can live up to 15 years. Natural Habitat: Budgies are native to the dry interior of Australia and are found wherever suitable food and water is available. Costs: Several color variants from the wild green and yellow parakeet have been selectively bred and prices reflect the rarity of various color mutations, usually from $15-$50. Medical Care: Locate a local veterinarian experienced in avian medicine prior to acquisition of your pet and seek their expertise if you are concerned about the health of your pet budgie. Care: Budgies are social birds in nature and frequently occur in large flocks up to several thousand individuals. Unless you are able to spend much of your day at home interacting with your pet, please consider keeping two together as companions. Provide the largest wire cage or aviary you can afford and keep your birds away from drafts. Offer perches of different sizes and materials and cover their cage at night to prevent night panic. Diet: The dietary needs of budgies can be easily met through a high-quality pellet diet from a good pet store www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City - May 2015
supplemented with small seeds and, occasionally, a spray of millet. Where to Buy: Budgerigars are readily available through reputable pet stores and private bird breeders. Please consider adopting a couple of budgies from local bird rescue groups. Other: Unfortunately, some people view parakeets as a “starter” pet bird and more disposable. They are, in fact, a very intelligent and often humorous bird that can make a delightful pet for the dedicated and informed owner. Fun Fact: Budgies can often be trained to mimic human voices and a budgie named Puck holds the record for the largest vocabulary of any bird in the world with an astonishing 1,728 words!
Geoff Hall is President of Wayside Waifs, KC’s largest no kill pet adoption campus. Geoff brings to Wayside more than 20 years of experience in the animal welfare community. This includes serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Kansas City Zoo, General Curator of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and as Executive Vice President/General Curator of the Phoenix Zoo. He is the proud owner of dogs, cats, birds and other pets! You may contact Geoff via email at CreatureFeature@ WaysideWaifs.org. 9
Talking with Dogs by Patty Homer
When people ask me what I do for a living, I say “I am a dog trainer.” That is not completely accurate. I should actually say “I am a dog/human communication educator,” but dog trainer is the publicly accepted term and easier to say. In 100% of cases I take on, the most important thing I do is teach people to communicate effectively with their dogs and to interpret what their dogs are communicating to them.
Dogs Communicate with Us Dogs communicate with us constantly, but many times the communication is so quick or subtle that it is missed. Every dog trainer I know, even the most experienced ones can still miss important communications from dogs, which in our profession can be a physically painful mistake. So…if a dog trainer with 20 years of experience working with dogs can miss important signals, just think how difficult it is for novice or even experienced dog owners to pick up on those tiny, quick, subtle signals. We humans tend to assume that everybody thinks like us, whether it is another human or another animal. Attributing human characteristics to your dog is called anthropomorphism. This can be harmful to the relationship you have with your dog creating unwanted, inappropriate and sometimes dangerous behaviors. Dogs have emotions; they think in pictures but don’t have complex thoughts or the ability to plot revenge. In order to communicate with your dog you have to simplify the way you interact with him.
A Dog’s Way of Thinking I hear clients say, “he knows he did something wrong because as soon as I came home, he was hiding or hanging his head” or “he chewed up the remote because he 10
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was mad that I left him alone.” In order for your dog to punish, deceive or act out of revenge, he would have to understand that you have a particular point of view and then consciously work to manipulate or stop that point of view. This requires a thought process that dogs just don’t possess. Since dogs don’t have complex thought processes the explanation is different. The reason he is hiding or hanging his head when you get home is because he has learned that when you come home, you sometimes get angry and he is conflicted because he likes for you to be home, but he knows that many times when you come in you are angry. He chewed on the remote because he was bored, dogs love to chew and it was within his reach.
language is so complex that to fully define it would take many hundreds of pages, illustrations and video. I’m going to touch on just the extreme basics, but if you want a more in-depth guide, an excellent reference guide is Canine Body Language: A Photographic Guide Interpreting the Native Language of the Domestic Dog by Brenda Aloff.
Reading Your Dog’s Body Language Reading your dog’s body language can tell you whether he is happy, fearful, anxious or angry. A dog that is relaxed, wagging his tail and glancing at you
Dog Training is About Creating Associations Training a dog is all about creating associations. Dogs associate your words or actions with something he finds either enjoyable or unpleasant, and the association is immediate. For instance, your dog enjoys being petted, touched or talked to. When he jumps on you or a guest and you grab him, push him or yell at him you are actually rewarding him for jumping. You may know that you are not happy with him, but he doesn’t care, he is associating jumping with attention and excitement, therefore he will continue to jump because it works. However, if when he jumps you completely ignore him until he has 4 on the floor or sits, he will start to associate 4 on the floor or sitting with attention and he will start to ask for attention that way. In order for you to teach your dog “English as a second language,” you need to understand canine language first. Dogs communicate to us through body language and vocalization. Their body www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City - May 2015
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is probably a happy dog. If he is stiff, still and avoiding eye contact he is probably a little fearful or anxious. If he is stiff, still and looking directly at you, he is probably angry. Dogs give warning signs when they are uncomfortable such as a hard stare, lip lifting, teeth baring, growling, hackles raised, tail straight out and stiff, leaning forward, lunging, air snapping and biting. When you see these signals, you need to take the hint and leave him alone or if he is on a leash and you have put him in this situation, you need to remove him. Correcting your dog when he shows any of these signals is a dangerous practice. When you correct the warning signals, you can create a dog that no longer warns, but goes directly to the attack.
him or avoid conflict by showing the source of the threat that “I mean you no harm.” Dog trainers call this “calming signals.” These signals include repeated lip licking, sniffing the ground when there is nothing interesting there, averting the eyes and/ or head and yawning. There are many more and these signals vary depending on the rest of the dog’s body language and the
When a dog feels stress, anxiety or fear (threatened) he will display signals that are meant to either calm
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environment. A great resource to learn more about this is a book and/or video by Turid Rugaas On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals.
Signals Your Dog is Sending If you are working with your dog and you see he is avoiding eye contact or turning away from you — that is a strong signal that something is making him uncomfortable and it is time to take a break. During the break, think about what could have been making him feel this way — were you getting angry or frustrated? Were you asking him to do something he didn’t understand or leaning over him? Did you work too long or is there something in the environment that he is uncomfortable with (umbrella, strange dog, loud noise)? Since associations work so well with dogs, you will find that the most “untrained” or
“misbehaved” dogs live in a house with more than one person. That is because one person is usually pretty consistent with the message they give but when there are multiple family members in a household, the dog gets many mixed signals and becomes confused, therefore starts to live by his own rules which include barking, digging, chewing, jumping and biting. The more you stop interpreting your dog’s behavior as human, the easier it will be to train him. This also starts to alleviate a lot of frustration on you and your dog’s part. By consistently associating single syllable words with your dog’s actions and then rewarding that action, you can teach your dog the meaning of dozens of words.
Patty Homer is a Certified Pet Dog Trainer and a Pet First Aid instructor. She has been training dogs for over 20 years. Her certifications include CPDT-KA (certified through the Certification Counsel of Professional Dog Trainers); CDT certified through the International Association of Canine Professionals. She is the Founder and President of HEARTland Positive Dog Training Alliance.
Dogs Like Pleasure Dogs like pleasure. Using this to your benefit works wonders. Most species including canines and humans learn and respond better, quicker and retain the information longer when the learning process is positive. Be a teacher — not a disciplinarian, there is no need to hit, shock, jerk or hurt your dog in any way to train him. Dogs bring so much to our lives; they deserve to be trained with and surrounded by kindness, love and respect. www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City - May 2015
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Puppy Socialization How and Why! Part 3 of 3
by Mike Deathe OK so here we are… You started out with a fluffy little 8-10 week ball or fur and you socialized your pup like crazy. Men, women and kids … all shapes, sizes and varieties! You made sure all exposures were happy, healthy and positive and now your pup loves people. At about 13 weeks you started adding places, things not to mention sights and sounds! You even started having your pooch interact with the folks from the first part of the socialization check list. After all that work with the other places and things that were a part of the second checklist you now have a pup that is confident, and sure the world is a safe fun place. He or she is now about 20-25 weeks 14
old and is now starting to get into some mischief. So what on earth is Mikey going to ask for in Part 3? Simple. Establishment of Rules and Routines! This will be the last step before you sign up for your first group class. Yes, I hate to break it to you, but there are still steps even after you finish all this puppy socialization. So, with that being said, do not be surprised if next
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month’s article is how to choose a great beginner class for your pooch! Let’s start with a question. If I asked you to write down on a piece of paper every possible mistake that your little pup could make while living with you, how long would that list be? Well, the answer I get from clients every day, “That list is never ending!” And, if you consider all of the things Fido could, has, or will, get into, destroy, or do, well you begin to see my point! On the other hand if I asked you to make me a list of just the things you wanted Fido to do, I
would bet money you would find it hard to come up with 10 things to put on the Non-Negotiable Rules list. And that is your homework. You have to choose whether to chase an ever-growing and never ending list of bad behaviors to correct, or to simply create a master list of just 10 things you want your dog to actively do and then reward him or her when they get it right. So, which path are you gonna take?
1. I Sit at every door and wait to go out until released 2. I Sit and politely wait for meals 3. I Sit before the leash is put on and only move forward when released 4. I Ask permission by sitting and then be invited onto couches and beds 5. I walk with my owner vs pulling my owner… Pulling on the leash ends my walk 6. I Go to my crate or spot with the command “Go to your room” 7. The only way I get attention is to sit and patiently request it. Calm and quiet behavior gets me
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A dog that is “jumping up” is looking for attention that he receives from the owner who either:
So let’s get down to my top 10 things (or really, dogs’ Top 10 list of how to get what they want. Remember, this is about things that you want and will reward not things you don’t like and are going to try and correct.
Well, you are still reading, so I am guessing you chose the list of just 10 things to live by and reward . And, why not? You already instinctively understand that people or dogs only do things that work, right? Why would you or your dog engage in a behavior that doesn’t even work? Well, silly, the answer is, you wouldn’t!
attention, probably already has a dog that doesn’t jump. They just chose a behavior like ‘sit’ to be the way Fido learned to say, “Hello!”
• YELLS • SHOVES or • PETS THE DOG! The owner smart enough to ignore the behavior and make it not work to get www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City - May 2015
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attention… Crazy gets me nothing! 8. When called, I come to my owner, sit and wait for whatever is next 9. I can only bark twice in the backyard … If I bark more, I have to come inside. 10. When I hear ‘Leave It’ I know to move away and wait for what is next instead of grabbing stuff I should not have. I also know that if I mess this one up that ‘drop it’ means let go and wait for my reward or praise (no one is perfect) Dogs only do what works. So ask yourself just what are you actually rewarding and what are you doing to make your pooch think that their bad behavior is really working? And, while you are at it ask yourself if your dog only did these 10 things, how close to a perfect dog would you have? All your dog really wants to know is how to win the game of life. The question is, are you the one teaching him your rules, or did you just leave it up to him to figure it out on his own? I would bet the issue is what you think of as “working” and Fido’s ideas are totally different!
Good Luck Mike
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Mike Deathe is an avid pet lover who found his passion as a dog trainer. Since 2008 he has trained thousands of pet parents on how to live with their companion animals. He writes the Keep It Simple Stupid dog blog (K.I.S.S). Deathe authored The Book of Pee and Poop, and Forever Home — Dog 101 and How to be a Better Shelter Volunteer. Follow Deathe’s blog at @http:// muttzmembers.blogspot.com/ or the website @ www.kissdogtraining.com.
SAFE TRAVELS
by Mary Sellaro
The 18th of March, 2004 started out rather like any other day, except there was a slight feeling of foreboding I couldn’t explain. The outside looked dreary and gray, and I blamed the ominous vibe on the weather. As I was getting ready for work, I thought about which dog would be accompanying me on the ride. I looked at the various sleeping candidates and made my choice as a pair of dark brown eyes stared back at me with a certain expectation. At that point, I knew Jordan; a beautiful German shepherd would be filling the role of my cohort for the day. We walked to the car and I put Jordan in the back of my small SUV. My car had a metal safety barrier to keep the dogs in the cargo area and help prevent injury to themselves and passengers in case of an accident. We made the thirty minute drive to work and
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arrived without incident, despite the former feelings of apprehension. The morning seemed to have an element of commotion and lunch time couldn’t come soon enough. I left work to get something to eat and once again loaded Jordan in the back of my car. My food destination was located on a busy south Kansas City street and I put my turn signal on to enter the driveway to the restaurant. I went to make my turn as traffic cleared and literally seconds later, my car was slammed into by another car and as a result was lying on its side, glass shattered everywhere and I was staring at the sky through the front passenger window. I remember the stillness was surreal as the impact of what had just begun to sink in. I unbuckled my seat belt and started to stand up when a cry of pain came from the back of the car. Jordan!! He became my focus, adrenalin kicked in and I climbed out of the passenger window. The police and
paramedics arrived, and several people stopped to help. The hatchback door was jammed shut and it took what seemed like forever and the help of several people to finally get the door open and Jordan out. The next moment is as clear now as it was when it happened, I will never forget Jordan sliding slowly, out of the car, guided gently by what seemed like many hands, eyes glazed and in shock. Through the chaos, Jordan was taken to my veterinarian’s office by a friend, just a few blocks away. When my husband and I made it to the vet’s office, we were given the worst of news, Jordan had suffered significant injury and the prognosis was very poor. We made the heartbreaking decision to put him to sleep.
Travel Smart
•A dog riding loose or even restrained by a leash or tie-down in the back of a pickup truck is an accident waiting to happen. The dog could be thrown from the vehicle in the case of a sudden stop or accident and is also exposed to unfavorable weather conditions.
Product Safety and Testing
The Center for Pet Safety has conducted experiments using weighted dog dummies to establish product guidelines and promote consumer awareness. The following information has been compiled and further information may be found on their website-www. centerforpetsafety.org.
Whether your dog is traveling with you for a short ride across town or a trip across the country, being safely and comfortably restrained will help keep your travel experience safe and fun: • Provide a seatbelt or a crate for a secure ride. A dog riding loose in the car can cause serious harm or death to fellow passengers in the case of an accident or even a sudden stop. (A 25 pound dog, unrestrained in a car which sustains a collision while driving 40 miles per hour, becomes a 1,000 pound projectile, airborne, inside of the vehicle.) • Do not attach any type of restraint (leash or cord) directly to the dog’s collar. Use a safety approved seatbelt harness to circumvent injury. • Dogs seem to love riding with their heads out of the car window. Unfortunately, this is not a safe practice as dirt or debris can get into your dog’s ears, eyes, throat and nose and cause injury or a health concern.
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Distraction Prevention vs. Crash Protection Here’s what we’ve learned:
• Pet travel harnesses come in two forms, those that only prevent distraction and those that provide actual crash protection. Choose wisely! • Prevent driver distraction! Did you know that distracted driving can be caused by not only your cell phone, but by the family pet? It’s important to be safer together on the road and ensure that your pet is safely harnessed in the back seat of the vehicle.
But what about crash protection?
• We know from our research that all pet safety harnesses are not created equal. The Center for Pet Safety encourages pet parents to select a quality crash-tested harness to protect your pet and also protect your family if an accident occurs. CPS also warns against the use of long extension tethers and zip line style products during travel.
Securing Pet Carriers
• While it is intuitive for most people to “buckle up” their pet’s carrier – DON’T! - Unless the manufacturer provides you with crash test video to illustrate structural integrity. Using a seatbelt to secure a carrier can actually crush the carrier if you get into an accident. • Instead – put the small carrier on the floor of the vehicle behind the front passenger or driver seat.
Cargo Area Connection Advisory Limitations of Cargo Area Connections
• At Center for Pet Safety we routinely receive questions from pet owners about how to anchor a pet in the
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cargo area with a harness. While many harness brands recommend this as a viable option, at CPS we have serious concerns about the structural integrity of the cargo area platform and the connections therein. •C argo area anchors are not necessarily weight-rated to the requirements needed to properly anchor your pet. Additionally, the cargo area platform is not necessarily as solid as you think it may be. •B efore choosing to anchor your pet in the cargo area, we recommend that you reach out to your vehicle’s manufacturer and confirm the connection strength in the cargo area – to ensure it will hold up. • In some cases the anchors can be upgraded, speak to the vehicle manufacturer to see if this is possible for your specific automobile. • To do a quick check of the amount of force your dog can exert in an accident: Mass x Acceleration = Force (Mass = weight of your dog) • In many cases, a cargo area connection recommended by the harness manufacturer requires the use of an extension tether, and as a rule, CPS does not recommend extension tethers or zip line-style products because we have proven they increase the risk to you, your passengers and your pet in the case of a short stop or accident. • C PS recommends pet owners complete added due
diligence before considering a cargo area connection.
In conclusion
The feelings of guilt and sadness over Jordan’s loss were overwhelming. It would haunt me for years and it still hasn’t completely faded. I don’t think it ever will. Jordan’s passing created an outpouring of sympathy and awareness from the dog community. We received cards, letters and memorial gifts from friends and strangers who had heard the story. The most incredulous question in this situation was could Jordan’s injuries have been prevented or lessened? I thought I had taken necessary precaution with the cargo barrier-my vet suggested when asked that a crate
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or seatbelt could have had an impact on Jordan’s injuries. My car had been totaled in the accident and my new car was immediately outfitted with travel crates. I began telling anyone who would listen about Jordan in hopes
people would take the matter of car travel with their dog seriously. Jordan’s death was not in vain, over the years I have had cards, letters and phone calls from people whose dogs have been in car accidents and are still alive because the use of a crate or seatbelt.
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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Implementing a
Reading Education Assistance Dog Program by Heddie Leger Many people contact me asking about starting or participating in a READing Program with their dog. Although the premise seems simplistic, it is an interactive program which requires skill and discipline on the part of the human/ animal team. There are a few simple points to think about when considering a Reading Education Assistance Dog Program. While other species certainly become READ teams, the most popular by far are dogs. 1) Understand the training component. In R.E.A.D., the handlers are trained to work with their dogs and provide reading support to the children. Dogs for reading assistance are at a different training level than a service dog and are not to be confused with a service dog. There is a large difference in the interactions. A service dog serves 22
only one person – the owner; while a therapy dog serves a multitude of people and must enjoy being socially interactive with others in close proximity, and for prolonged periods of time. Therapy dogs need to be even tempered around adults, children, and other dogs. They must be accepting of people that have special needs or varying physical interactions. They also need to be graduates of advanced obedience training that teaches them to ignore distractions, adapt quickly to different situations, and respond reliably to commands. 2) Gain strong administrative
support and educate colleagues.
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City - May 2015
Begin by making it clear that this is not a request to bring an untrained family pet along into the facility as a diversion or part of a large-group presentation. Rather, R.E.A.D. is a carefully planned reading program that involves collaboration among, at the very least, reading professionals, registered and insured therapy dogs and handlers, school and/or local library and media specialists, and the families/community. (See www. therapyanimals.org for a printable brochure). 3) Address safety and liability
issues. The best protection is prevention of problems. Work exclusively with trained, registered, and regularly evaluated handler/dog teams. Most larger national and statewide run programs require that teams be rigorously evaluated prior to earning their registration; these dogs are taken on many visits to public places to ensure their behavior is reliable, steady, and predictable. In order to maintain membership most require either annual or bi-annual re-evaluations. Most also include liability insurance for their teams. 4) Consider the community. Before championing
an animal-assisted therapy program, consider what the community will support and adopt a culturally responsive approach to pursuing the project. In urban areas, some children may have been exposed to negative experiences with certain dogs or have no interactions with dogs in general. As a result, children in these settings may have been taught to fear dogs. In some cultures, dogs are viewed with disgust, as a nuisance, or as a food source. Identify some community organizations and agencies that might lend support. Participation in the program needs to be completely voluntary and attractive alternatives to participate must be provided.
the financial plans into a written budget that is shared with all responsible parties. 6) Determine which children are to participate. In
the case of a public library system you will need to determine your audience age group. Realize that there may not be enough do/handler teams to accommodate every child. Therapy dog programs often focus on children with reading difficulties. Therapy dog reading programs often focus on children with reading, social or emotional difficulties. Therapy dogs can also be used as an incentive in a summer reading program for children who need additional support in literacy learning. Realize also that animals, like people, have unique characteristics, so give careful consideration to the match between the children served and the dog. A child who is very distractable might benefit from an older, mellow dog, while a child who is disinterested may brighten at the antics of a livelier animal. 7) Secure parent/guardian permission. After obtaining
5) Plan a budget. Costs are minimal,
but you still need to plan. Generate a list of everything that will be necessary to deliver the program, and then determine who will be responsible for payment. Talk with others who have experience in this area. Usually, the dogs and their handlers work on a volunteer basis. Some handler/ therapy dog teams have financial support from multiple sources, such as grants, professional organizations, or private donations. Typically, the major expense is the consumables-the books, bookmarks, stickers, etc. that are given to the children. There are mini-grants through local businesses, schools or charitable organizations to help defray the cost of the books. It is best to put www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City - May 2015
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the support of supervisory personnel, obtain permission from the parent/guardian of every child to be involved in the program (if a school program). After securing permission from families, determine if the individual child wants to participate. Verify the child’s medical history so that children who are allergic to dogs or are afraid of dogs will not be included. All therapy dogs are bathed or well-groomed immediately before a visit and treated with an anti-dander spray; thus the most common source of allergic reactions is significantly reduced. It is strongly advised that the parent/guardian consult with the child’s doctor if the child has any medical condition that might prohibit participation in the program. 8) Address sanitation concerns. Although animals can spread disease and infection or carry parasites, all
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registered therapy animals have regular check-ups and are well cared for by their handlers. On rare occasions, even a highly trained dog will become suddenly sick and vomit, urinate or defecate in the building or on the property. Their handlers bear the responsibility for cleaning up after their animals and are prepared to do so. 9) Inform colleagues, staff, and families. Make
an attractive information board that highlights the purposes of the program. Take photographs of the handler/dog team(s) that will be visiting and post them on the bulletin board. Before the program begins, you may want to get permission to take digital photos to post on the website. Expect that such information will generate genuine excitement and animated conversations among staff and others and that they will know all the dogs’ names when they arrive. 10) Prepare staff and those participating or affected by the program. Before the program officially begins, plan an interactive group presentation. Children will be eager for the dogs to like the, so this is the time to reinforce being quiet, slow, and gentle with their reading buddies. Make this session open to parents/ families/staff, and provide multiple copies of the
presentation so that families who are unable to attend can learn about the project at their convenience. 11) Plan for the dogs’ safety and wellbeing. Adults responsible for the program must be vigilant in protecting therapy dogs from harm. It is never the case that dogs and children are simply thrown together while adults stand idly by on the sidelines. It is important for the adults to be interactive when necessary. This helps increase accuracy during independent practice, which improves comprehension and builds confidence in readers. The therapy animal serves as an intermediary as the handlers check the child’s understanding and even asks young readers to explain it to the dog. 12) Children can sometimes get excited and act unpredictably around the dogs, accidentally injuring them in the process. Attention must be paid to the dog’s health and stamina. It is unfair and unethical to over schedule therapy animals to the point of exhaustion. Dogs should not work more than one to two hours and have at least a 15 minute break in a designated area outdoors.
incarcerated individuals all can play a role in the selecting, training, and evaluating of therapy dogs. Accommodating children without reading difficulties may be best accomplished in a library-based program in which children sign up for read-aloud sessions with the handler and therapy dog.
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.
Decide how expansive the program will become. If a reading/therapy program is implemented with students with reading difficulties, do not be surprised if many other children and families wish to participate. Don’t forget about the home school population. They are a good source of participants in the public library system. Unlike other reading interventions that may inadvertently stigmatize children who lag behind peers in reading, one great advantage of R.E.A.D. and similar quality programs is that most children reading at or above grade level genuinely want to participate also. Meeting this demand may require involving quite a few more registered therapy dogs and handlers. Another level of community collaboration can be beneficial; in this case, as educators, humane organizations, animal shelters, dog trainers, AKC members, 4H, high school students, senior citizens, adults with special needs, and www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City - May 2015
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Found A Wandering Dog?
Do not leave the dog unattended in your backyard. Article provided by Missouri Lost & Found Paws
So, you have found a wandering dog. You feel it is a lost dog, but you’ re in a rush to get to your next appointment. Or, perhaps you can’t keep the pet at your home due to your personal pets who don’t welcome newcomers of the furry kind:) Please take a moment to reconsider leaving the dog in your backyard. Even though your property may be fenced, the dog could be a jumper and escape the confined area. •C all your local animal control. They will be able to come and retrieve the dog. If you’re in a rush, check with a neighbor or friend to see if they can secure the dog on a leash until animal control arrives. •H ave a local veterinarian in the area? Drop the dog off with them. Most clinics will
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MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City - May 2015
gladly help lost animals. If they do not have the means to keep the dog overnight, they will contact animal control to pick up the dog. Animals fare a good chance of being reunited if taken to the closest shelter to where the pet was found. The average owner will check their local shelter for their lost pet. Due to overcrowded shelters, it is not possible for shelter workers to keep up with details of all animals in its care. Please do not rely on verbal descriptions of pets to determine whether your lost loved one is in the shelter or animal control facility. One person may describe a dog as a lab mix. Another might refer to the same dog as a pitbull.
Lost pets do not travel by sidewalk or roads. They take shortcuts. As a result, they can end up in a neighboring community, which could have a different animal control or shelter associated with it. Check all shelters within your metropolitan community. Be sure to check the stray hold area of shelters and animal control facilities AS WELL AS the adoption floor. Leave a flyer of your lost pet with the facility. For your own pet’s protection make sure your pet has a collar with readable tags and current information. Be sure to put them back on as soon as possible after a bath. Also get your pet microchipped and make sure the microchip is registered and that the contact info is on file with the microchip company. Remenber: • Not all of us are abandoned • Not all of us are neglected • Not all of us are abused • Many of us are just lost, and we need your help to get home!
Missouri Lost & Found Paws
is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on reuniting lost and found pets
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The Next Adventures of Chip
CONSCIENTIOUS by Heddie Leger
Recap from April, 2015: Allen and Penelope were talking about Dog Scouts and how they were going to take me to camp. I wondered if I would be ready in three months, but they were sure I would be. Besides they had contacted the Director and made special arrangements for me and my wheelchair. So who was I to argue? The first badge we are going to achieve they said was called the Dog Scout Certification Badge. It sounded scary and hard to do, but they were confident we could do it. So who was I to argue? The Dog Scout Certification Badge is the first of many. You have to earn it first in order to qualify for other badges. The more they talked about it, the more excited and interested I became. Before I knew it our physical therapy session was over and I did not have one bit of pain or discomfort. I am beginning to believe….
The physical therapy sessions have been doing so well, the doctor is talking about fitting me for my wheelchair already. Everyone is all excited but me…..I am more scared about it than anything, mostly because it is an unknown. You know the feeling, I am sure. Whenever you do something that you have not done before, you get that tickly feeling in your stomach and your heart starts to beat real fast and almost pound in your chest. That is how I feel when they start to measure me for fitting the wheelchair, but it is nothing like when they actually 28
MetroPet Magazine Magazine || St. Kansas - May 2015 MetroPet LouisCity - February 2014
Conscientious – to do something in a careful and painstaking manner. fit it on me. They measure, my back, girth, shoulders, and chest as there are straps that go over my back and chest and they want it to fit correctly. There are two wheels that smell really funny and they are so close to me, how do I know they won’t roll over my legs that are just handing there? The staff and physical therapist are so conscientious about not startling me and doing things very slowly. They also take the time to explain what they are doing so the family can learn how to put the wheelchair on me too. Mostly Allen and Penelope will be responsible for my care, but everyone needs to know what to do. The wheels are a pretty blue color that match the straps, and it is a very lightweight plastic frame, so it is not heavy or hard to move. It is actually kind of cute. I think I might get used to it. It gets me extra special attention from everyone, I like that. So they strap this on me…and I don’t know what to do next. I just stand there and everyone kind of chuckles at me. I don’t know what is so funny. I don’t think this is funny at all. I guess it was the expression on my face.
There are two kinds of artists in this world; those that work because the spirit is in them, and they cannot be silent if they would, and those that speak from a conscientious desire to make apparent to others the beauty that has awakened their own admiration. - Anna Katharine Green Then they put this really yummy treat in front of my nose….it smells so good, I forget about the straps and wheels, and move my front feet and stretch my neck to try to reach for the treat and they move it a bit more out of my reach…..and guess, what…..everyone started to cheer and clap, I guess I took two steps forward and did not even know it. So they went through the whole process again, and before you know it, I had walked across the room. Then they really cheered and had a party. I was ready to rock and roll, they said. Since arrangements had been made to attend camp this summer, Penelope and Allen were ready to teach me the first skill for the Dog Scout Certification. I was not as certain as they were that I was going to succeed, but I went along with them. Maybe their excitement and enthusiasm would rub off on me and it would be alright. I worked so hard, every day with them and they were very conscientious about doing the exercises right with me. I began to improve and gain confidence. The first skill we worked on was “sit” – sit in a wheelchair! Come on Now, really!
Well guess what, they held that treat over my nose a little bit, I wanted it so bad and the only way I could reach it was to put my bottom on the floor, even with the wheelchair on my back and GUESS WHAT…..it WORKED. The second my bottom touched the floor, they gave me the treat, said “Yes” and made a clicker sound. Those three things sealed it in my mind that I could do this. It was not easy, but we worked and worked until my brain connected with my body and I was sitting on cue for them. How do you like that?
Humane Education Activity: Do you have any friends that cannot use their arms, legs, eyes, or any other body part? How are you a good friend to them? People do not always want you to do things for them, but to help them become better at doing things themselves. Discuss or write how you can help someone that might need your help without making them feel helpless.
Story Discussion Tips 1) How does Chip feel about the new wheelchair? 2) What did they do to make sure the wheelchair fit Chip properly? 3) How did they help Chip learn how to walk and sit in the wheelchair? 4) Where will Chip be going this summer with Allen and Penelope? 5) What is the name of the certification that Chip will earn at summer camp? www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City - May 2015
Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator and member of APDT, APLB, APHE and NHES. She has a lifelong passion of helping children and the elderly learn manners reinforcement with their pets. You can reach her through the PawZone In-Home PetSitting at 816.820.5829. 29
Chip’s Corner 30
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City - May 2015
PAWZZLE
by Pawlean Journe
Answers to this Pawzzle can be found in the Breed of the Month story on page 5.
ACROSS 2. While they are very _________________, they can be aloof with strangers. 5.
It is referred to as the __________ dog.
6.
Their body type is very ___________ in nature.
9. This breed is known to clean itself much like a _____________. 10. Tribal chiefs would present this breed as a gift to the __________. 12. What type of vicious Rat are they known for hunting. 14. Although they are very athletic, they are also ____________. 15. This is a very keen and ________________ breed. 16. They can be prone to this syndrome. 17. What abounds regarding this breed? 19. The sound they make is called a ___________. 21. The breed is _________________. 22. They have a ____________, short coat. 23. They barely shed and are often referred to as _____________.
DOWN 1. This is a great dog for a family that loves ________ activities. 3. It is imperative this breed have early _________, especially with children and small animals. 4. They have a tendency towards ______________ which some people mistake for stubborn. 7. After almost going extinct the breed was revived in _________. 8. Their _____________ makes them very useful in hunting. 11. Folks who like to participate in _____________ will enjoy this breed. 13. It became known as the ___________.
April Pawzzle Answers
18. They have endless _____________. 20. The sound they make can be mistaken for human _______ or crying. 24. For some reason, they do not have the typical doggy _____. 25. This breed originated in ancient _______.
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RESOURCE Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens for Pets, Inc. 12200 N. Crooked Road • Kansas City, MO 64152 816-891-8888 • www.visitrollingacres.com How Long Have You Been in Business? We are in our 42nd year of service.
Services your business offers:
Rolling Acres offer private or communal cremation for all size pets, as well as burial. We also offer attended cremations, visitations, funeral or memorial services. We have an extensive selection of decorative urns and many memorialization offerings.
What Makes Your Business Different?
Our mission is to serve those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, dignified and ethical after-life care for their pet. Rolling Acres has an open door policy. Please visit us anytime – no appointment is necessary. We have a beautiful Pet Memorial Center, of which we will give you a complete tour, if you desire. We perform Private Cremations, which is one pet being cremated at a time, so the family receives their pet back, all of their pet, and only their pet. We also perform communal cremations, with the cremated remains scattered in our Prairie View Gardens in the cemetery and is a place families are welcome to visit.
What Are the Benefits of Your Business?
People have the right to grieve for their pets, and have a need to memorialize their beloved pets. We are here to help people with those things. Also, Rolling Acres does things right, the way things should always be done.
Reasons Your Customers Come Back?
We treat people as well as their pets with compassion, dignity and respect. People appreciate us for how we help them, in making a hard thing easier. We care.
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New Listing in Blue
Pet Services Directory
Adoption
Boarding & Daycare - Cont’d
Great Plains SPCA 913-742-7326
greatplainsspca.org
Great Plains SPCA’s mission is to save, protect and improve the lives of animals, while strengthening the relationship between pets and human companions. Locations in Merriam, KS, and Independence, MO, offer veterinary care, adoption, rescue and education programs.
Pooches in Paradise 7200 Wyandotte Kansas City, MO 816-361-3388
www.poochesparadise.com
Pooches Paradise was created with your dogs needs in mind. We are dedicated to offering the finest in boarding, daycare, obedience training and spa treatments. Visit us at our mid-town location one block Second Chance off Wornall, on 72nd Street.
Pet Adoptions SCPAKC
913-814-7471
2ndchancepets.net
Tails R’ Waggin
13008 State Line Road Leawood, KS • 913.498.1397 Peculiar, MO • 816.984.5481 bestfriendspet.us Best Friends Pet is a full service salon with professional, gentle, caring pet stylists. Call us today! Leawood: Tues open at 7:30 am, Wed-Sat open at 9:00. Peculiar: Sat 9-4 20614 W 47th Street Shawnee, KS 913-441-5026
broadmorekennels.com
Tails R’ Waggin provides the finest daycare, boarding, grooming and training for your pet found. We are your pet’s destination of choice to play, stay and be treated like one of the family. Come by for a tour today!
Carpet Cleaning
Best Friends Pet
Broadmore Kennels
6976 W 152nd Terrace Overland Park, KS 913-685-9246
Second Chance Pet Adoptions tailsrwaggin.com
is a NO-Kill foster home adoption organization dedicated to helping homeless animals find loving, responsible, safe homes. Visit our center for adoptions and unique boutique items. We are open M, W, F, S. 9237 N Oak Kansas City, MO 64155 913-814-7471 • 2ndchancepets.net
Grooming
Broadmore Kennels now offers grooming! Groomer Cynthia Resig has been grooming for over six years and has extensive experience with different breeds. Call her today for 20% off your first groom! Call for details!
Bock’s Steam Star Insurance
Wayside Waifs 816-761-8151
waysidewaifs. org
Wayside Waifs is a charitable animal shelter whose purpose is to improve the quality of animal welfare in our community by providing humane treatment and advocating for companion animals. It offers rescue, adoption, education programs, and pet memorial services.
Boarding & Daycare
Camp Bow Wow, Lee’s Summit 1010 SE Hamblen Road Lee’s Summit, MO 816-246-7833
campbowwow.com/us/mo/ leessummit At Camp BowWow Lee’s Summit your pups reap the benefits of exercise and socialization while having lots of fun romping and playing with canine friends. 34
913-438-7767 • steamstar.net
Call today for a Free pet odor removal consultation/inspection. Bock’s Steam Star and their IICRC trained team of cleaning experts specialize in carpet, upholstery, tile/grout, area rugs, hard surface cleaning and pet odor removal.
Distribution - Pet and Garden American Midwest Distributors
110 W. 26th Ave, NKC, MO • americanmidwestkc.com • 816-842-1905 A local distributor which sells pet food (Earthborn Holistic and ProPac), bird seed and feeders, equine products, farm and feed supplies and fertilizers and garden supplies and many other products.
Scott & Sara Coffman
Auto Home Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency specializing in auto, home, business, workers compensation, life and health insurance. Our experienced staff members are always happy to help you with your insurance needs. 913.839.1478 • AutoHomeKC.com
Pet Food, Supplies, Grooming Treats Unleashed 4209 West 119th St. Leawood, KS 913-451-2000
treats-unleashed.com Treats Unleashed is a gourmet pet specialty store with an in-store bakery. It also offers a full line of pet supplies & food, a self-serve bath area & grooming services.
Pet Services
Midwest Pet Aquamation
Pet Fencing Options New Owners: Tim, Ann and Tyler Schoenfelder
A gentler eco-friendly alternative to pet cremation
23753 W. 83rd Terrace • Shawnee, KS 66227 913-292-0953 • midwestpetaquamation.com
Midwest Pet Aquamation understands that losing a pet companion is difficult. We want to help you through the process by providing professional, dependable, and eco-friendly pet cremation options. Our office is available 24/7 to all KC Metro area families and inhome pickup is available. Let us help you honor your pet with a peaceful cremation process. Please call us today.
Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens
Serving the Kansas City area since 1973 Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens for Pets is a full service pet cemetery, crematory, and funeral home where our compassionate staff is ready to serve the bereaved families and friends of cherished animal companions. Our mission is to serve those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, dignified and ethical cremation or burial services for their pet. Call us. We can help. 12200 N. Crooked Road • Kansas City, MO 816-891-8888 • www.visitrollingacres.com
913.345.2999 Established in 1988, Heart of America Invisible Fence is an authorized, full service Invisible Fence® Brand dealership serving Jackson and Johnson counties and surrounding areas. We offer solutions to many problems, both outside and inside. Learn more about how we can customize an Invisible Fence Brand solution for you and your pet. www.heartofamerica.invisiblefence.com New Store 13342 Pawnee Lane Leawood, KS 66209 New Owners: Kevin and Kim Clark 816-522-2195 Invisible Fence of Kansas City Recommended by vets and installed by professionals, our customizable solutions will keep your pet happy and out of harm’s way in your home and yard. Your pets are family to us. That’s why our pet specialists are certified in our renowned Perfect Start™ Plus Pet Training methods. We serve Kansas City north the river, Lawrence and St. Joseph. www.kansascity.invisiblefence.com
Real Estate Feel happy, centered, and productive in your space! Certified organizer Eliza Cantlay with Simplicana approaches clutter with humor and enthusiasm. Plus, she LOVES pets. The hardest part is getting started… Let Eliza Eliza Cantlay make it easy! www.simplicana.com P: 913-815-0008 • E: eliza@simplicana.com
Pet Sitting
Martin and Suzie Taggart Team REALExperience 913.667.9789
TeamREALExperience@gmail.com REALExperienceREALEstate.com
These full-time, pet-friendly real estate professionals (together with Sherman their rescue dog) enjoy helping pet-friendly people with their real estate experience! They understand selling a home with a pet & buying a home that is pet friendly can be challenging. Team REALExperience is here to help you & your pets with your move! Keller Williams Realty Legacy Partners, Inc.
Latchkey Pets In-home Pet Sitting and Dog Walking
816.529.8500 latchkeypets.net facebook.com/LatchkeyPetsKC Latchkey Pets provides daytime dog walking and vacation pet sitting services to Lee’s Summit and the surrounding areas. We have a team of Insured and Bonded professionals ready to assist with your individual pet care needs. Check out our reviews on Angie’s List, Facebook and Yelp. Call today for a free in-home consultation.
Veterinarians Arbor Creek Animal Hospital 15971 S. Bradley Rd Olathe, KS • 913-764-9000
acanimalhospital.com
We believe that every pet has a different set of healthcare needs. Utilizing a blend of traditional medicine and holistic veterinary gives everyone options!
Veterinarians - cont’d Aid Animal Hospital 8343 Wornall Rd Kansas City, MO 816-363-4922
aidanimalhospital.com For 37 years, Aid Animal Hospital has provided quality veterinary medical & surgical services to Waldo and entire Kansas City area. We pride ourselves on quality customer service in a family friendly atmosphere, where your family can always feel welcome. Cat Clinic of Johnson County 9421 Pflumm Road Lenexa, KS 913-541-0478
catclinicofjc.com
A feline exclusive clinic! Your cat is an important part of your family and you want the best medical care available. Our team is ready to provide cutting edge care.
Have Your Company Listed in this Directory
Dan 913.548.1433 OR Mike 913.269.7595