July/Agust 2008 - Metro Pet Magazine

JULY/AUGUST 2008 • ISSUE 1

TAIL

OF TWO

CITIES

WORLDS APART 6

DOG DAYS

OF

STAYING

8

HEALTHY

SUMMER

PET HOROSCOPES DOG 10

CAT 23

Free to Readers

JULY/AUGUST 2008 • ISSUE 1

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6

12

Feature Articles

In Every Issue

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Get Prepared Stay safe during severe weather.

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A Tail In Two Cities Even separated by continents, pet owners have things in common.

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Dog Days of Summer Keeping your pet happy and healthy.

12

Pets on the Go Five tips for traveling with your pet.

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Motorcycle Diaries This dog has a passion for the road!

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Options for The Family Pet Gather the facts about facilities, before making a decision.

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Carpet Cleaning Tips

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Dog Horoscopes Do you know your dog?

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Online Photo Contest This month’s winners of the metropetmag.com pet contest.

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Cat Horoscopes How well do you know your cat?

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New Video Clips Check out video clips at metropetmag.com.

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Ad Index

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A Helping Hand Humane and rescue group — making a difference.

MetroPet Resources 14

Dog’s World Of Fun

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Tails R’ Waggin

Local area parks which offer off-lease areas.

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A Dog’s Fun Playce

Sit, Stay, While You’re Away

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Y Bar H

What to do with your pets while you are away.

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Brookside Pet Concierge

How to keep your carpets looking great!

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Welcome Pet Lovers A message from the editor and an introduction to MetroPet.

Ask The Groomer Tips from a professional groomer.

Off Leash Parks

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Publisher’s Message

Welcome Readers!

Welcome to the first issue of MetroPet Magazine! We hope you enjoy reading this issue.

WHO IS METROPET MAGAZINE? MetroPet Magazine was designed as a resource for pet owners. Where do you turn to find out important and timely information about your pet? MetroPet! This issue has some great articles and information. Future issues will continue to provide information so you can build the best relationship with your animal companion. And, don’t forget to check out the animal horoscopes and online photo contest winners.

CHECK OUT METROPETMAG.COM MetroPet Magazine has a terrific website — go to metropetmag.com. It offers: • video clips which highlight our advertisers, • links to our advertisers, • a monthly online photo contest — don’t forget to enter, • an information form to get your event listed on our site; and • links to humane and rescue organizations.

VIDEO CLIPS — WHAT ARE THEY? On metropetmag.com you will find video clips. What are they? They are short information segments about the MetroPet Resources. They give you details about resources in a short YouTube format — fabulous!

BUT THERE IS MORE! MetroPet Magazine is the proud sponsor of the pet pages on Channel 4 and Channel 5! Why is this important? Because MetroPet wants to be involved in the pet community and is committed to connecting pet owners to resources so you can build the best relationship possible with your animal companion!

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS! MetroPet Magazine is here to stay. We are looking for animal lovers to share with us their best stories and photos and events. Check out our website and support our advertisers. Our advertisers are the reason this publication is possible. When you need a resource, go to these advertisers.

Enjoy this issue and come back to metropetmag.com often. We are ready for a terrific relationship!

Staff and Contacts Publisher Barbara Riedel info@metropetmag.com

Editor/Production Manager Dan O'Leary editor@metropetmag.com

Layout/Graphic Design Alison Fieber info@metropetmag.com

Web Master Jon Dunn info@metropetmag.com

Advertising Sales Mary Thomas adsales@metropetmag.com

Contributing Authors Suezanne Law Michael Jones Pat Hennessy Cheryl Wyrick Liz Bartels Brendan Howard Margaret Sharkey

Photographers Mary Thomas Dan O'Leary

Contact Metro Pet 11826 Washington Street Kansas City, MO 64114 Phone: 913.548.1433 Fax: 816.941.4655 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.

Barbara Riedel Publisher 4

MetroPet Magazine J ULY / August 2008

© 2008 MetroPet Magazine. All rights reserved. Request reprint permissions at info@metropetmag.com.

MetroPet Magazine is owned by ROI Marketing Services, all rights reserved.

Get Prepared!

STAY INFORMED! by: Liz Bartels Severe weather can strike at any time. So let’s be prepared!

KEEP IN A SAFE PLACE

DISASTER SUPPLY KIT

Disaster kits should be kept in the “safe place” where you would go if there was bad weather. Kennels for each animal can A disaster supply kit is a necessity for welfare and safety of you be helpful.

Practice during thunderstorms to get your animals and your pet(s) during and after a disaster. Start by getting water into kennels. In the case of a fire, how will would you dog get proof containers that down to the ground from a second story window. are large enough to your pets in your household fire drills. Your hold all the supplies.

It is not as overwhelming if Include neighbors might look at you funny but it is amazing You will need to get you are prepared and know how quickly pets get accustomed to the process. one for you and your Remember, by planning ahead, family and another for what you are going to do in you will reduce the stress on your pet’s supplies. the event of a disaster. you, your family, and pets. Your Then start filling it. If efforts will pay off! you are now asking the question of “what do I fill it with?” start with the common sense items such as food and water. Then think of the specific items that you need for your pet.

At http://www.ready.gov/america/getakit/pets.html there is a list of what is recommended for the “average” pet. Even if your dog is the friendliest dog include a muzzle. The rescuers don’t want to quarantine a dog for rabies observation adding stress to an already stressful situation. Supplies should be for a minimum of three days.

Liz Bartels is a Leawood Animal Control Officer and Kansas Co-Chair of the Animal Disaster Assistance Coalition. She can be reached at c214@leawood.org.

HAVING A PLAN IS THE KEY The key to all this is having a plan. It is not as overwhelming if you are prepared and know what you are going to do in the event of a disaster. Evaluate your area for what types of disasters are the greatest risks. Remember that there are both natural and man-made disasters. Once you are prepared and have a plan, you need to pay attention to the weather forecast. You can best prepare for disasters when you have adequate warning. If you are informed then you can rationally react and handle the situation. I know… easier said than done! Refer to PrepareMetroKC.org to get information on the Risks in Kansas City Metropolitan area and how to be prepared.

Already this year, we have had tornados, flooding, high winds, and shock waves of a not so distant earthquake. It is not too early to get ready for the unthinkable. It can always be too late!

Budgets are tight with the current economy but a plan can be made for what you will purchase each week or month. If it is never started, it will never be finished. Something is better than nothing. Break down what you need and what is a priority for you and your pets. Purchase those items first and build on your kit. It needs to be able to be easily taken with you but substantial enough to be effective.

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Tail

in Two Cities

by Suezanne Law

I say tomato. They say toh-mah-toe. And though in print all seems well, if you know the song you understand. I spent part of June in England, a country which is, as Shaw so aptly put it, separated from my own by a common language. Born and raised in the colonies (my mother-in-law assures me that her countrymen bear us no ill will for our adolescent revolutionizing: “We’ve always been so thrilled for you!”), and of fine English stock on my mother’s side, still I feel like a species apart. Set adrift some centuries ago, My Kind has now evolved into a distant and nearly unrecognizable cousin: Americanus Turpis, the Ugly American.

And indeed there were moments I felt ugly; for time is measured differently in England, and no one seems to speak my language. Detours and delays describe plodding paths across the traveler’s itinerary. There are days that London’s Underground runs slowly if at all. Construction and renovation scar the roads as well as the skyline; and even the toilets cannot be trusted. It is as though the many billboards mock, “Sorry, mate: England is OUT OF ORDER this week. Isn’t it a bloody nuisance?” Add to this the fact that most of my queries and comments are greeted with either confused squinting (“Does she really want to bathe in Buckingham Palace?!”) or patronizing Bella & Friend smiles (“Oh, poor dear — she has no idea how to speak the Queen’s English. I shall instruct her…”), and I began to feel compelled to don plaid shorts and the loudest shirt I owned to barrel through the streets screaming, “Look y’all — ferriners! Ain’t they cute?”

At the same time, one must forgive an infrastructure bearing the weight of such history and culture. I spent my time wandering the What’s a 20streets searching out that minute delay familiar silhouette: tall-twocompared to 2000 years? legged-with-four-legged-in-tow.

And even I was richly rewarded. though we Americans invented the English language, shouldn’t we be tolerant of others who wish to borrow it from time to time? It was actually a lovely week. The days were glorious, the nights cool. Blossoms and foliage painted the landscape and perfumed the air, enticing the bees to dance. And there were dogs — dogs — everywhere!

I CAME TO SEE THE DOGS For it was for the dogs that I had truly come to see. Yes, there are the usual museums, palaces and memorials to visit; but somehow, steeped as they are in tradition, resplendent with times past, still they are dead. But the dogs of 6

MetroPet Magazine J ULY / August 2008

England are very much alive. I spent my time wandering the streets searching out that familiar silhouette: tall-two-legged-with-four-legged-intow. I was richly rewarded.

On the causeway separating the Tate Modern from the River Thames, a beggar sat in the sun.

Cross-legged and serene, grizzled hands resting on knees, he watched coins slowly speckle the bottom of his basket. He asked nothing of the passersby.

Occasionally he reached to scratch the dog who shared his blanket and his fate. Her name was Bella meaning beautiful; and she was. A tiny mutt, runt of a litter who scrapped with her brothers for meager fare: “I knew she would die, so I took her,” he said quietly, “She doesn’t like other dogs.” “She loves you,” I answered. His eyes shown as he offered her the gnarled end of a bone.

We added coin to their cache.

My husband whispered as Dietrich & Friend we walked away, “She’s better fed than he.” “He loves her,” I said.

MAY I ASK ABOUT YOUR DOG? Mouth of an alley, cobbled with moss carpeting ancient stone: a gentleman reposed on a bench.

Around him buzzed his little dog. “May I ask you about your friend?” I queried as I stood outside the dog’s trajectory. The old man’s eyes glowed.

“He doesn’t like people,” he offered, Royal Marine heart proud of the fierce little beast. “I don’t bite,” I said, and perched on a wall out of reach. “What’s his name?” “We call him

Dietrich.” He chuckled. “He comes from a large litter. When they were tiny, the pups liked to pile together to rest — but not this one. He always lay apart.” Here the marine SEPARATED BY A COMMON LANGUAGE affected a thick accent: “I vant to be alone,” Two countries separated by a common language, yet he said, laughing. “So we called him Dietrich, England and America still at least share this: we do love after Marlene. Later, we realized it was Garbo. our dogs. And that love can span continents and revoBy then the name had stuck.” I smiled. The lutionize our interactions with not only our four-legged old gentleman marveled, “He seems to like companions, but with the two-legged as well. For you.” “He can smell my dogs,” I replied, as though Dickens’s great villain, the Marquis St. Dietrich rubbed his nose against my leg.

Evrémonde, gleefully expounds, In an East end, comfortable home, a 30“Repression is the only lasting philosophy. The dark something couple played with their pup. deference of fear and slavery, my friend, will keep the “Ten-weeks old,” the pilot said to me. His Scooter The Pug dogs obedient to the whip, as long as this roof shuts out partner, a law librarian, gushed, “We love him so much!” the sky…”

I smiled, offering my hand as the squish-faced little thing zoomed Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities past. “He’s showing you his toy,” said the first. The second asked 2000 years of history in London has shown us that though brightly, “What’s going through his mind when he parades around “the roof that shuts out the sky” will surely decay and fall so? Is he showing off?” “Hard to say,” I answered. “He could be away, the love that fills the voids between us offering to play; maybe he’s showing us he’s proud of a resource. lingers on.

At any rate, isn’t he fascinating to watch?” And we did. All evening long, we watched Scooter romp and play. I trained him too, of Suezanne M. Law is a canine-human relationship course; I can never resist. But mostly we enjoyed him. “Aren’t counselor and accredited dog trainer. She opened American dogs more pampered than English dogs?” one asked as Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC to better tailor her we parted. I answered, “I think they are treated quite the same.” training curriculum to the needs of her community.

Visit her at www.sympawtico.com.

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Dog Days of Summer

by Pat Hennessy

Do you know where the term “dog days of summer” originated?

During early civilization people took their beliefs from what they found in nature or in the skies. On a clear night when you gaze up at the stars you can see images. Of the two dog constellations, the brightest star is Sirius (aka the Dog Star). In the summer, Sirius rises and sets with the sun. It was believed that when Sirius was in alignment with the sun, it added to the heat of the sun. This period known as the dog days of summer, usually between July 3 and August 11, is considered to be the hottest, sultriest part of the season.

TAKE YOUR ANIMAL COMPANIONS WITH YOU! When spring rains subside and summer moves in with more daylight we find ourselves getting involved in extra activities. This turns out to be a disappointing time for our animal companions as they frequently are not part of those activities and are left home alone longer — bored and missing us. It is important to make an effort to incorporate your furry family members into more of your summer activities. Pick at least a couple of days a week to focus on activities with them. They can be simple activities, such as taking your dog for a ride, taking your cat out into the garden, or opening your mail or reading a magazine out on the patio with your 4-legged friend. You might consider including your canine partner in more involved activities, such as going for a boat ride, walking on a hiking trail or swimming. Perhaps, take up a dog sport such as tracking, dock diving or agility (but you will need to do that at the coolest time of the day).

While you are out enjoying the dog days of summer, be mindful of your furry companion’s time in the sun. To ensure that your companion stays cool, plan ahead for your outdoor activities. See tips on the next page.

NOT JUST FOR DOGS The dog days of summer aren’t just for dogs. You can actually take your cat or bird outside. If your cat is normally an inside-only cat, you can introduce her to the sights and sounds of the outside world by putting her in a harness and attaching a long lead. She may get so excited about the flowers and the butterflies that she will forget she has boundaries. If you take your bird out for a bit of fresh air, make sure his wings are clipped or buy a travel size cage to take him out. For the larger birds, harnesses are also an option and can give them an opportunity to stretch their wings.

There are many ways to beat the heat and enjoy the dog days of summer. Get Sirius and get out and have some fun!

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Pat Hennessy, is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides companion animal attunement through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a certified TTouch practitioner, CPDT and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@n2paws.com, phone 816-522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com.

TIPS TO KEEP ANIMAL COMPANIONS HEALTHY IN THE DOG DAYS OF SUMMER • Make sure you both have plenty of water for hydration, whether you are just sitting in your backyard or taking a walk in the park. Before you go out and about, throw an extra bottle of water in your cooler and carry along a travel bowl. Travel bowls come in several forms, including those that fold flat and could go in a pocket. If you find your dog slowing down or panting on your walk, find a nice shade tree and take a break.

• Before you leave home you probably put on sunscreen, but that is not an option for your buddy Max so you will need to limit his sun exposure.

Animals with dark or long fur can become overheated easily and those with very little or thin hair are more susceptible to sunburn. If they like to spend time outdoors, find a shady spot to place a bucket of water and add ice. For a fun and tasty treat: cut up some raw vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli or cauliflower and a handful of blueberries or chopped apple and toss it in a bowl of water. Put it in the freezer for a few hours, or overnight, until frozen. Run warm water over the bowl until the frozen chunk falls out. Put it on a tray and place it in a shady spot outside. This will encourage your canine companion to get out of the sun and enjoy the shade.

• If little Miss Sadie loves to go for a ride and you want to take her along while you run errands — never leave her in the car. If you need to go somewhere and you can’t take her in, then don’t take her with you or run that errand later. If you think you can run in, only for a minute, think twice. A closed car at 78°F can reach 90°F in five minutes and 110°F in 25 minutes. If you think that leaving the windows down will help, then you run the risk of losing your dog. Cracking the windows a little is not enough to prevent heatstroke and leaving the windows down all the way is asking for escape or theft. If you consider leaving her in the car with the air conditioning running, ask yourself if you would do that with a child. The best option is to divide your errands into pet friendly and non-pet friendly stops or to take Sadie on her own special ride

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Canine Signs Leo (July 23-August 22) The Boss-Dog

The Leo Dog is the monarch dog. In short, a domineering canine...if given half the chance. This dog sees himself or herself as a cut above all lesser species and will expect to be treated accordingly. However, this is not so bad as it might sound, for the Leo Dog has a knack of persuading people to treat him or her correctly without those individuals ever realizing they have been manipulated.

Gemini (May 21-June 21)

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22)

The Yapper The Gemini Dog will be restless, versatile, exuberant...and many other things as well...all at the same time. He or she is easily able to communicate feelings (whatever such feelings might be) and will soon have any owner welltrained. This split-personality dog is, in essence, an eternal puppy, quickly bored and requiring constant attention.

The Helper The Virgo Dog is a genuine domestic creature, more resigned than any other Sign of the Zodiac to play the role of pet. In fact, he or she will feel totally comfortable in this position and accept it without a single murmur.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) The Home-Lover The Cancer Dog is a contrary dog who has close links to the sea and the tides.

Thus, this canine is likely to jump into water at every given opportunity. The Cancer Dog is something of an “up and down” type of creature with a strong determination to “stay put.”

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Libra (Sept.23-Oct.22) The Shop-Steward The Libra Dog has one purpose and one purpose only... to improve the lot of the working or owned dog. This canine expects to start at the bottom but, within a year or two, will have ascended to a senior position in the household with quite a lot of “say” in things. The Libra Dog will stand for less obedience, more food and a shorter working week.

Scorpio (Oct.23-Nov.21) The Paragon There is a great strength of character hidden beneath the silky coat of the Scorpio Dog. On the outside, it will be necessary to watch out for the tail, which is capable of expressing much more feeling that that of any other canine.

The Scorpio Dog will be a formidable dog to live up to, since this canine considers himself or herself to be the perfect dog.

Sagittarius (Nov.22-Dec.21) The Problem-Dog The Sagittarius Dog is a complex character with a basic problem which belongs to this dog alone: to which of the two forces at work within does he or she truly belong... the canine or the equine? Most of the time, the Sagittarius Dog will not know whether to wag his or her tail or use it to keep the flies from an owner’s face.

Capricorn (Dec.22-Jan 20) The Social Climber The Capricorn Dog is driven by ambition and the ability to scale heights. The interest of this canine in...and the understanding of...class and social standing will be totally politically incorrect.

Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 18) The Friend The Aquarius Dog is determined (albeit in a quiet and inoffensive way) to unearth the truth

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about everything and everyone. To this canine, knowing a little about anything is tantamount to knowing nothing at all. Thus, he or she can easily be demanding when it comes to sought-after knowledge, but can be aggravatingly slow if an owner is trying to get from Point “A” to Point “B” in a hurry.

Pisces (Feb.19-Mar. 20) The Interpreter The Pisces Dog is yet another split-personality canine, pulled in two directions at the same time. When this is coupled with a slight lack of intelligence and deep sensitivity, then the end result is a very complicated dog.

Aries (Mar.21-Apr. 19) Leader of the Pack Aries is the first Sign of the Zodiac. The Aries Dog will live by the motto “Me First” and there will be no “please” about it. Life to this canine is an exciting, all-consuming challenge.

This is a quick-tempered dog and, in extreme case, downright selfish.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) The Strong Silent Type The Taurus Dog is a plodding dog... strong, silent and determined. This canine may be led, but never driven. However, if allowed to move at a slow pace, the Taurus Dog has no problem in doing what is asked of him or her.

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Pets on the Go 5 Tips for Traveling With Your Pet by: Deborah C. Mandell, VMD, DACVECC, Pet Medical Advisor for the American Red Cross

Many times your pet will be happier if allowed to travel with you. However, you must always balance this desire with your pet’s overall health and safety.

Each year millions of Americans hit the road or hop a plane in search of relaxation, adventure, or just some peaceful time with distant relatives. And many of those travelers opt to bring Fido or Fluffy with them.

While there are no exact figures available for the number of pets that travel with their human companions each year, with more and more hotels and lodges becoming pet friendly, it’s evident that bringing the family pet along is gaining popularity.

Those who do opt to travel with their pet reveal that their biggest fear of doing so is that their pet will get sick, hurt, or lost during the trip. When you’re hundreds of miles away from your veterinarian or other animal caregivers, the thought of searching an unfamiliar town for pet care help can be daunting. But with some careful planning and preparation, you can minimize your fears and make traveling with your pet an enjoyable experience. Use the following guidelines to help plan your next trip with your favorite fourlegged friend.

CONSIDER ALL YOUR OPTIONS Many times your pet will be happier if allowed to travel with you. However, you must always balance this desire with your pet’s overall health and safety.

Obviously if you’re moving to a new area, whether across town or across the country, you will need to take your pet with you and choose the safest mode of travel. But if you’re thinking about taking your pet with you on vacation, consider the pet’s health, age, whether your pet likes to travel, where you’ll be staying, and the time of year. For example, perhaps your pet does fine on short day or weekend trips, but longer trips cause the pet to feel undo anxiety and stress. Or maybe your older pet who suffers from arthritis wouldn’t enjoy a long car trip to Maine in the dead of winter. Always do what’s best for your pet.

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And if you decide not to bring your animal companion with you, investigate local kennels and pet sitting services (they may have requirements for vaccinations), and talk to friends, family, and neighbors about possibly watching your pet while you’re away. You really do have options for your furry friends.

KNOW WHAT TO PACK If you’ve decided that bringing your pet is indeed the best option, you need to pack for your pet, just as you pack for yourself. The essentials to pack include medications and medical records, food and bowls, a pet first aid kit, bedding, leash, collar and tags, grooming supplies, current pet photo (in case your pet gets lost), a favorite toy or two, a sturdy and well ventilated carrier, litter and a litter box (for cats). To make things easier for yourself, have one bag or small suitcase just for your pet’s supplies.

This will eliminate you needing to look through numerous bags to find a particular item.

GET YOUR PET’S PAPERS AND MEDICATIONS IN ORDER Before any trip, have your pet examined by your veterinarian. Get any required legal travel documents (for air travel, contact the airlines for specifics that you’ll need), make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, and get any medications your pet might need during the trip. If you’re giving your pet medication specifically for travel, such

as to reduce anxiety or travel sickness symptoms, test them on your pet several days in advance to ensure that your pet doesn’t suffer any adverse side effects. You don’t want to be several hours away from home only to realize that your pet is allergic to a new medication or has a negative reaction to one. Find out in advance so your veterinarian can modify the prescription as necessary.

If you are traveling overseas there are very strict and detailed regulations for transporting pets. Be sure that vaccination steps are taken in the appropriate order. If these are not done according to the country’s requirements, your pet could be quarantined abroad for a lengthy period of time.

KNOW THE RULES OF THE ROAD With today’s heightened airline security and long airport wait times, car travel is definitely popular. Build extra time for stops into the trip so that your pet will be able to take frequent breaks, getting out to stretch his

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legs and have a drink of water. But before you simply put your dog in the car and go, you need to understand some basic car safety guidelines that will keep your pet safe. First, all cats should be in a crate or carrier. Dogs can be either in crate or carrier, or restrained in a special harness that attaches to the seat belt. If you use a pet barrier in the back seat or deck of your SUV, be sure it is sturdy and firmly attached so it does not collapse on your pet.

Also, never allow your pet to ride in the front passenger seat (especially one that is airbag equipped), and never let your pet out of the car without proper restraint. And although most dogs love to ride with their head out the window, don’t allow it; they could get hurt from flying debris. Finally, never leave your pet alone in a parked car. He or she will be vulnerable to heat distress or theft.

METROPET RESOURCE WHO? Dog’s World of Fun

WHERE? 1220 West 31st Street, Kansas City, MO • 816-931-5822 • www.dogsworldoffun.com

HOW LONG? In business for 12 years

WHY ARE YOU DIFFERENT? Personalization! We are all about personal service. “As a pet owner myself, I understand how each pet has its own unique personality. At Dog’s World of Fun, we make a special effort to learn the personality of each animal that has been entrusted to our care,” says Steve, the owner.

BENEFITS OF A DOG’S WORLD Full service facility offering Daycare, Boarding, Grooming and Training. “We fit all sizes!” A Dog’s World of Fun routinely cares for 50 to 75 animals per day.

REASONS CUSTOMERS COME BACK! Dog’s World of Fun believes in customer satisfaction. We accommodate life’s hectic schedules by having early drop off hours beginning at 6:30 am and you can pick-up as late as 5:30 pm. Easy to find, Dog’s World of Fun is just minutes off of SW Trafficway at 31st Street.

See our ad — Page 9 14

MetroPet Magazine J ULY / August 2008

MAKE THE SKIES PET FRIENDLY Although thousands of pets fly on airlines without problems, there are definitely some risks. Therefore, don’t fly your pet unless it’s absolutely necessary. If you decide that air travel is necessary, make your travel arrangements well in advance and ask about all regulations, including any quarantine requirements at your destination. If your pet is small, you may be able to carry him or her onboard with you (in a carrier — check airline rules). If your pet must travel in the luggage or cargo With today’s heightened area, use a direct flight, travel on the same airline security and long flight as your pet, don’t airport wait times, car travel when temperatures are above 85 travel is definitely popular. degrees Fahrenheit or below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, and ask to watch your pet being loaded and unloaded.

Additionally, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is in the cargo area. If the plane has to taxi for a longer than normal time, ask that a temperature check be taken on the cargo area. Pets have been harmed because cargo area temperatures got too hot or too cold while the airplane taxied.

FAMILY FUN FOR ALL Pets are definitely an important part of the family. In order to include them during your next trip or family vacation and make the experience enjoyable for all, be sure to take the time to plan and prepare for their travels. By knowing what to pack, what to expect, and what to do each step of the way, you minimize their chance of injury and ensure that your pet has a safe and stress-free trip.

For more information on keeping your pets safe during travel, check with your local American Red Cross chapter or visit www.redcross.org. For additional information on pet safety, you can order a copy of the American Red Cross book/DVD on Dog First Aid or Cat First Aid by phone at (800) 667-2968 or online at www.redcrossstore.org.

Motorcycle Diaries A Passion For The Road General is a 3 year old Papillion that was born on Elvis’s 70th birthday 1-8-2005.

He started riding the motorcycle at 3 months. His first motorcycle was a 2002 BMW K1200lt, which we still have.

He wanted to become one of the “noisy General boys” so I bought him a 2007 Harley Davidson Ultra Classic last year. We put 20,000 miles on it in the first 8 months. General earned a saddle-sore 1000 certificate from the Iron Butt Association at the young age of 6 months. He rode 1087 in under 24 hours. He rides in and supports many area charities. i.e. City Union Mission Ride, Ride for Kids, Bikers for Babies, Gail’s 911 Ride, etc. General has been to Sturgis twice. He has been to Bikes, Blues and BBQ in Fayetteville, Arkansas the last two years. He has ridden the Dragontail, which consists of 318 curves in 11 miles in North Carolina. General rode the full length of the Blue Ridge Parkway in 2006.

General also rides with and supports the efforts of the Kansas Patriot Guard. He helps to send off or welcome home our troops. He does not attend fallen soldier missions as I do not feel it is appropriate for him to do so.

General and I spent 15 days on the Harley this past May riding with the Run for the Wall group. We rode General and Mike from Weatherford, Texas to Washington DC. While traveling through Alabama we were hit with golf ball size hail and 65 mph winds with blinding rain. General’s riding pouch sustained some hail damage. On Memorial Day we headed for Skyline Drive (105 miles at 35 mph) in Shenandoah National Park, then picked up the Blue Ridge Parkway (469 miles at 45 mph) and on into Smokey Mountain National Park. We stayed in Gatlinburg, Tenn for three days riding around some of the most beautiful parts of the USA. We completed our trip with a run down Cherohala Skyway.

General and his Harley

General also rides with and supports the efforts of the Kansas Patriot Guard. He helps to send off or welcome home our troops. He does not attend fallen soldier missions as I do not feel it is appropriate for him to do so.

When Mike is not traveling around the country with General, he is a Structural Engineering Technician with Shafer, Kline & Warren in Lenexa, KS.

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While You’re Away On Vacation

Options For The Family Pet

It’s summer and time for the family vacation. What to do with the family pet? Some pet owners attempt to solve this problem by taking their pets with them, only to discover that hotel restrictions, travel-induced pet illness, and runaway pets can turn their trip into a disaster. Other pet owners turn over the care of their animals to well-meaning but untrained neighbors, or friends. Again, the results are often unsatisfactory. Pets entrusted to such part-time custodians frequently escape or become seriously ill because of a lack of reliable, frequent, and knowledgeable supervision.

One alternative is to hire a professional pet-sitter to perform these duties. Another solution is to board your pet at a reputable facility.

Prices and services for facilities vary, but whether you choose your vet’s office or a lavish “bed-and-biscuit” resort with complementary grooming and aromatherapy, keep these considerations in mind.

SELECTING THE RIGHT PET VACATION SPOT Trust your senses (as well as your common sense) when visiting a facility as a possible “vacation” spot for your dog. There are several ways of locating the facilities that are convenient to you.

• Yellow Pages: Search Yellow pages advertising either printed or on the web.

• Recommendations of friends: Satisfied customers are the best recommendation that a facility can receive. Ask your friends and neighbors about their experiences. Check with your veterinarian or ask the facility in question for references.

• Better Business Bureau: If your community has a better Business Bureau, a phone inquiry about your local facilities is appropriate.

DO YOUR RESEARCH After finding your local facilities, you can determine the best choice for you by following these guidelines.

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by Margaret Sharkey • Call to see if the facility can accommodate your pet.

During peak times such as the Christmas and summer vacations, many facilities are booked up and cannot accept your pet. Also, because some pets require special handling or accommodations (very young puppies, animals on special medication or feeding schedules, or giant breeds, etc.) all facilities may not accept them.

• Make a personal visit to the facility. A personal visit is essential to determine whether the facility will be satisfactory. During your visit, observe or ask the following.

Facility operators are proud of their facilities and like to show them off, but some of them do not permit visitors in areas where animals are housed. There are two key reasons for establishing a “No Visitors” policy. First, some dogs react unpredictably to strangers. (They become excessively fearful or aggressive.) As a result, the presence of strangers in the facility can cause such dogs to injure themselves or develop intestinal problems. Second, visitors do not follow the same stringent disinfecting procedures used by facility personnel, and can transport contagious agents (bacteria, viruses) into the facility. However, facilities with a “No Visitors” policy should provide you some type of viewing window, so that you can see where your pet will be staying.

In visiting your local facilities, you will observe that there are several types of facility designs currently in use.

Some facilities have indoor/outdoor runs; some have totally enclosed facilities; and some house pets inside, but utilize outside exercise areas. Each of these designs has its own advantages, and you should ask the facility operator to explain the advantages of the system in use at that facility.

PROTECT YOUR PET WHILE YOU ARE AWAY When you are away from home, your pet may decide to try to “find” you. Because of this tendency, and because very few homes are designed with pet security in mind, pets can escape from inexperienced individuals who might be asked to watch your pet. Boarding facilities, on the other hand, are designed to prevent this accident.

During your facility visit, look for sturdy, well-maintained fencing, gates and dividers between runs. If your dog is a climber, digger or some other type of “escape

artist” tell the facility operator so that extra precautions can be taken (wire covered runs, locks on gates, etc.). Cats always require covered facilities.

All areas where your pet will stay should be free of sharp objects, harmful chemicals and objects your pet might swallow. Primary enclosures should provide solid dividers between your pet and the other boarders, both for reasons of safety and so that your pet will be able to relax and sleep without feeling challenged by his or her neighbors. Exercise areas should include barriers between runs high enough to prevent male dogs from urinating into adjacent runs. Surfaces should offer good traction even when wet. Firefighting equipment should be readily available.

Proper supervision is the key to good boarding. Pets should be checked frequently during the day by someone who is trained to recognize the signs of illness and distress. Experience and practical knowledge are required to detect or interpret such symptoms as lethargy, severe intestinal disorders, urinary problems, loss of appetite, coughing, sneezing, or discharges from the eyes or nose. All of these signs can be significant. Competent facility personnel are trained to recognize and evaluate such signs and to seek veterinary assistance when needed. Therefore, you should try to evaluate the competence of the facility personnel.

The facility should be free of dirt, fecal accumulation, odors and parasite infestation (flies, fleas, ticks). There should be a strict schedule of disinfecting with effective chemicals.

HEALTH CARE ISSUES • Water: Individual containers filled with clean drinking water should be available for each animal.

Pets should be checked frequently during the day by someone who is trained to recognize the signs of illness and distress.

• Food: Feeding procedures vary by facility. Some facilities supply preferred brands of feed, which they serve to all boarders. However, they usually allow you to bring your pet’s favorite food, if you wish. Other facilities maintain a stock of the most popular brands, and feed whatever you request.

Still others require that you bring your pet’s food when you check in. Determine the facility’s policy, and if there are any additional charges for special feeding arrangements.

• Veterinary Services: Ask about the procedure for obtaining veterinary service, if required.

Some facilities retain a veterinarian on the premises. Others prefer to use your pet’s veterinarian so that there will be a continuity of care.

Remember that it is customary (and responsible)

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for you to be financially responsible for any veterinary care required for your pet while it is being boarded.

• Immunization Requirements: Dogs should be immunized against rabies, distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, parvovirus (DHLPP), and bordetella. Cats should be vaccinated against rabies, panleukopenia or distemper, feline rhinotracheitis, calici virus, and pneumonitis (FVRCPP).

• Medication Policies and Procedures: If your pet is taking medication, advise the facility operator of the nature of the problem and the type and frequency of medication. Many facilities will not accept animals requiring excessive

METROPET RESOURCE WHO? Tails R’ Waggin

WHERE? 6976 W. 152nd Terrace, Overland Park, KS • 913-685-9246 • www.tailsrwaggin.com

HOW LONG? Just opened in Spring, 2008!

WHY ARE YOU DIFFERENT? A brand new facility in South Johnson County, Tails R'Waggin offers a true indoor / outdoor play area. There are two indoor areas and the fenced, outdoor play yard offers K9 grass! Our facility offers a true play, romp and exercise facility! For overnight guests, it offers indoor suites for big or small! Tails R’ Waggin also offers grooming with the Hydro Surge Bathing System and the Shedless DeShedding treatment.

BENEFITS OF TAILS R’ WAGGIN To consistently exceed customers’ expectations by providing unequaled attention, service and loving care to every animal entrusted to us.

REASONS CUSTOMERS COME BACK! Tails R’ Waggin understands how special your pet is to you and we will treat them with the loving care that you would.

See coupon on our ad — Inside Back Cover!

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medication (more than three times per day, or nighttime medication, for example) or animals requiring potentially dangerous medication (diabetes shots, for example). Remember, it is essential that heartworm preventative medication be continued during boarding, if your dog is presently taking such medication. Inquire whether the facility provides such medication, or if you should bring a supply. Ask if there is an additional charge for medicating.

• Parasite Control: If you live in an area in which fleas and /or ticks are a problem, your facility should utilize procedures for controlling these parasites (pre-entry examinations for boarders, sprays, dips, etc.).

• Temperature Control: The facility should be able to maintain temperatures within healthful, comfortable limits for your pets. If you have an older pet, or a pet that requires warmer or cooler accommodations than are normally provided, determine if special arrangements can be made.

• Protection from the elements: Exercise areas should provide shelter from wind, rain, snow and direct sunlight.

• Ventilation: Good ventilation (no drafts) helps minimize the spread of airborne bacteria and viruses.

• Light: Lighting should be at comfortable levels during the day.

• Bedding: Find out what arrangements are made for pet bedding. Some facilities provide resting platforms, bedding or newspaper. Others require that you bring bedding from home. Check if there are any restrictions on owner-provided bedding (wicker beds and feather pillows, for example, may not be accepted).

• Sleeping Quarters: As you know from observing your pet, most of his or her time is spent resting or sleeping. Your facility should provide a place for this purpose (a primary enclosure). It should be clean and dry, and roomy enough for your pet to stand up comfortably, turn around easily, and stretch out.

• Exercise Area: All animals require exercise, but the requirements for dogs and cats are different. Cats exercise isometrically (by stretching), and because they are not ‘pack animals’ that need, or enjoy, the company of other animals (as dogs do), they do not necessarily require separate exercise areas, but are content when housed in roomy enclosures. However, some facilities also provide ‘play areas’ for cats that appear to enjoy the

additional space. Whether or not your facility provides such play areas, your cat’s primary enclosure should be large enough to permit stretching and moving around, and should contain a regularly cleaned litter box.

PREPARING FOR BOARDING Make reservations early: Most facilities are booked on holidays and vacation times. If you wait until the last minute to make reservations, you may be disappointed. When you make reservations, verify the items you need to bring with you (immunization records, special food, medication, bedding, and toys). Make arrangements for any special services you want during the pet’s stay (grooming or training).

Prepare your pet: Remember pets, like people, can appreciate a vacation in new surroundings, with new friends. Dogs, once they become familiar with their new surroundings, have a marvelous, exciting time, almost like kids at summer camp. If your dog has never been boarded before, you might consider short, overnight stays at the facility prior to an extended boarding. Every time you return your dog is less likely to be affected by “separation anxiety” and can enjoy boarding more.

As a rule, kittens take to boarding easily and have a wonderful time.

Adult cats usually display a very nonchalant attitude towards boarding and prefer to sit quietly and observe the daily facility routine. They don’t seem inclined to make new feline friends or participate in group play, but seem content to rest, eat, make friends with the help and purr.

Make sure that all immunizations are current (and have immunization

records, if your facility requires them).

Don’t overfeed your pet right before going to the facility. The extra food is not really necessary and the result might be an upset stomach. Finally, because pets sense and reflect our emotions, DO NOT allow any member of the family to stage an emotional ‘farewell’ scene. Your pets can be made to feel unnecessarily anxious about the facility visit if they are subjected to this kind of dramatic display.

Check in during business hours: Bring all agreed upon medications, etc. Make sure that medications list the prescription number and name of the pharmacy so the facility can obtain a refill if your return is unexpectedly delayed. Allow enough time in the facility office to fill out the necessary paperwork. The facility needs to know such things as: name, address, phone number, return date, additional services requested, where you can be reached in case of an emergency, the name of a local contact, your veterinarian’s name and phone number, special feeding instructions (if any), medication instructions, etc. If your pet has any special problems which are not covered on the check-in forms, such as fear of thunder, epilepsy, or deafness, point them out to your facility

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METROPET RESOURCE

doorbell). For these reasons, many facilities assess an additional charge for after-hours pickup, to discourage the practice.

• Ask about your pet’s stay at the facility, Did your pet adapt well to facility food, routine and environment?

Did he or she display any unusual behavior or require any special handling? This information will be entered on the facility’s records, to assist facility personnel in caring for your pet during the next stay, but you should also be aware of it in the event that you move or use the services of another facility in the future.

• Do not feed or water your dog for at least four hours after returning home. Cats adapt to their return home with the same easy acceptance with which they adapt to boarding, but dogs can become very excited when you return. And, when dogs become excited, they tend to gulp food and water. Unfortunately, owners who allow their dogs unlimited access to either food or water immediately after returning home, frequently trigger vomiting and/or diarrhea. If your dog appears to be thirsty, provide a few ice cubes, rather than water. Let him or her calm down (about four hours) before offering food.

WHO?

Margaret Sharkey has been around pets since the age of seven and has traveled with pets extensively. Her current pet companion is a Boss.

operator. All of this information helps the facility take better care of your pet, especially if there is any type of emergency requiring special action.

PICKING UP YOUR ANIMAL COMPANION When you return from your trip, here are some things that can help you and your pet to have a happy homecoming.

• Pick up your pet during the facility’s normal business hours. Attempting to conduct business after hours is not only an imposition of the facility operator and a possible disruption of sleep for the boarding animals, but can also result in a wasted trip to the facility (because all personnel may be working in the facility area and unable to hear the

A Dog’s Fun Playce

WHERE? 7833 Wornall, Kansas City, MO 1-866-687-2780 or 1-816-361-7829 (STAY) www.adogsfunplayce.com

HOW LONG? In business since 2001.

WHO ARE WE? Located in mid-town, just south of Waldo, A Dog’s Fun Playce offers dog day care, boarding and training. It is like a “dog park” but only indoors! It provides the security and safety for your beloved family member.

BENEFITS OF A DOG’S FUN PLAYCE A Dog’s Fun Playce is a family run company. It understands that you want the best care for your animal companion and we treat each animal with the best care possible. Our clients know their pets are safe and secure with us!

WHY CALL A DOG’S FUN PLAYCE? Our clients come back because of our great care. When you need a resource in midtown, call A Dog’s Fun Playce and see why our clients keep coming back! We offer early drop off beginning at 6:30 am and pick-up until 5:30. Visit www.adogsfunplayce.com or call at 816-361-7829 today!

See our ad — Page 19 20

MetroPet Magazine J ULY / August 2008

FINAL THOUGHTS 1. Does your pet adapt well to new environments? If not you may consider using a house/pet sitter, of having a friend watch your pet in your home instead.

2. Are your pet’s vaccinations current? Boarded pets should have the following vaccinations: • Facility Cough (Bordetella) — repeated every 6 months • Corona Virus — repeated once per year • Distemper/parvo 6 in 1 — repeated once per year • Rabies — required by law in all states 3. Observe the facility.

Are the pets clean, or do they have urine or fecal stains?

Do the pets have clean food and water available?

Do the pets have adequate room for exercise?

Is the caretaker compassionate?

How are infectious animals segregated?

Ask others about the facility; have they had positive experiences for their pets?

• Ask your veterinarian for suggested facilities.

• • • • • •

4. Before taking your pet to the facility ask about: • Should you bring your pet’s regular food?

• Does your pet need proof of vaccination or examination?

• Can you bring along your dog’s bed or favorite toys? Ensure your dog will enjoy his “vacation” as much as you do yours.

Online Photo Contest ENTER THE ONLINE PHOTO CONTEST AT WWW.METROPETMAG.COM Emilee and Marley — Marley was a barn kitten that we found running around and because he had such unique markings and blue eyes, he stood out and we took him in as our new baby.

Cindy and Bella — This is Bella. As you can tell she is a playful St Bernard. She is very loving and sweet. She has those eyes that when she is in trouble it is hard to scold her. She enjoys playing, chewing on lots of rawhides and many treats. She has a wonderful personality and is a great companion!

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Ask The Groomer

by Cheryl Wyrick

Q

Why does my dog need to be “shaved” every time I take her to the Groomers? I brush her hair and give her baths all the time. I want her to look pretty not naked.

Most Professional Groomers will try to leave as much coat as you want, if the hair is in good condition. If there are matted (tangled) areas it has to be taken shorter. When you cut the hair with clippers you have to cut “under” the mats. We can only get perfection if the pet is perfectly maintained at home. Talk to your groomer about routine grooming to avoid short haircuts.

A

Q A

Why does my dog’s haircut cost so much compared to my own haircut?

Q A

Why does my dog have to stay at the groomer all day?

Groomers try to choose a length that helps the owner avoid daily work. About an inch all over is very popular with most breeds — some call it a “puppy cut”.

Your beautician only cuts the top of your head.

Groomers bathe and trim the hair all over the body, including private parts. Although most pets love it, some attempt to bite or may have an accident while at the groomers. It is a full body pampering compared to a simple haircut for humans.

Some groomers have a schedule where they have all the pets for that day drop off early and stay late. This is probably because he (or she) doesn’t have time to release dogs as they get finished. With a large salon there may be a receptionist to release the pets as they get done. Ask about this when you make your appointment. It is better for the pet to go home when done, if it is possible. Some places offer day care if you work all day, and have to leave them.

Q A

How do I find a good groomer? How do I know if they are qualified or safe?

Professional Groomers do not have to be certified or licensed here in Kansas or Missouri. As the owner, you have to use your best judgment & instincts. This is your precious pet and they deserve the best. See if they have a web site and call to ask questions. Drop by unannounced to see the salon. One important key is, if they do continued education or not. There are seminars all over the world. All quality groomers go at least once a year. Also, ask about the history and experience, maybe even why they got into 22

MetroPet Magazine J ULY / August 2008

this career. Then, if all seems positive, try it. Your dog’s reaction will tell you a lot.

Q A

What is the difference between a “show trim” and a “pet trim”?

In long haired breeds the difference is length of coat. Most pets get to behave in a manner that would not be acceptable with a show dog. Running in the yard with a long luxurious coat might be a groomer’s nightmare. High maintenance breeds like poodles & maltese do better in shorter styles for these reasons. We try to choose a length that helps the owner avoid daily work at home. About an inch all over is very popular with most breeds; some call it a “puppy cut”.

Q A

What is this new “SPA” treatment for dogs?

It is a fairly new line of all natural aromatherapy products including shampoos, conditioners, facial scrubs, paw treatments and more. They smell wonderful and are very relaxing. Why not give our pets what we do for ourselves?

Cheryl Wyrick has been working with pets for over 25 years, since 1988. She currently manages Pampered Paws Grooming Inc. Wyrick can be reached at 816-3332522, email: Pamperedinkc@sbcglobal.net or Pamperedpawsgroominginc.com.

Have a question for a groomer?

Submit them at info@metropetmag.com. MetroPet Magazine will do its best to answer questions.

Feline Signs Leo (July 23-August 22) The Top Cat The Leo Cat is a pretentious cat... one who is domineering and ostentatious, pumped-up with such an overwhelming opinion of superiority as to believe himself or herself ruler of all that is surveyed. Known to be a gregarious, extrovert and lucky character (nine lives are only the beginning for the Leo Cat), this feline is convinced that he or she possesses high intelligence and feels every ounce of suffering because it is necessary to live among fools.

Gemini (May 21-June 21) Cat On A Hot Tin Roof Gemini is the Sign of the kitten-cat...the exaggeratedly playful feline who is fickle and indecisive to the point of distraction. Blessed with the gift of eternal youth, this cat will fritter away his or her life in a muddled confusion of comings and goings...ditherings and datherings...for this is the born explorer of the cat world.

Cancer (June 22-July 22) The Crazy Cat The Cancer Cat is difficult to describe and difficult to know. This basically shy feline will be an emotional bottomless pit, alternately enveloped in happiness and despair for no apparent rhyme or reason.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) The Kitten Cat The Virgo Cat is the near-perfect domestic cat. Governed by the most malleable of all Zodiac Signs, this will be the creature closest to the ideal feline pet. Thorough and conscientious in everything this cat sets his or her mind to, the Virgo Cat is a joy to have around...except when he or she is being critical.

Libra (Sept.23-Oct.22) The Copy-Cat From the very start, the cute little Libra kitten will be so unsure of what is expected, that he or she will model a lifestyle on that of the owner, copying mannerisms and patterns of behavior, which can be somewhat disarming.Such studious dedication will be daunting in one so young, as this tiny feline devotes hours to careful observations and practice.

Scorpio (Oct.23-Nov.21) The Cat’s Pajamas The Scorpio Cat is a powerful cat with more than a mere sting in his or her tail. This resourceful and intelligent feline will delight in organizing things and people, finding the normal business of the domestic cat to be boring and mundane.

Sagittarius (Nov.22-Dec.21) The Stable Cat The Sagittarius Cat will be a cat of long voyages, dreams and visions, possessing the speed and power of a horse cou-

pled with the limited brain and wisdom of a cat.

Something of a split personality, this feline is driven by two forces which can combine to produce amazing behavior.

Capricorn (Dec.22-Jan 20) The Cat Burglar The Capricorn Cat is a serious and shy creature, rarely taking time out for fun. In addition, this feline is probably one of the most selfish Zodiac. A prudent soul from the start, the Capricorn Cat will work calmly and deliberately toward the achievement of his or her life’s ambition.

Aquarius (Jan. 21-Feb. 18) The Hip Cat Whether sitting in the rain or pouring cold water on an owner’s ideas, the Aquarius Cat will be an unconventional sort of soul, easily bored and constantly seeking change. Watery at times and elusive at others, this feline is an exceedingly kind and honest cat...when he or she happens to be in the vicinity.

Pisces (Feb.19-Mar. 20) The Ship’s Cat The Pisces Cat is double trouble, quite difficult to follow and impossible to understand. At one and the same time, this feline will be both stable and inconsistent...funloving and moody...friendly but uncommunicative. Often two-faced, the Pisces Cat will be adept at two-timing the most intelligent human.

Aries (Mar.21-Apr. 19) The Stray Cat A temperamental and active creature, the Aries Cat is the most exasperating of the Zodiac, whose impact is formidable as he or she rushes through life, leaving a trail of demented impressions behind.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) The Earth Mother The Taurus Cat is totally unflappable... most of the time. This feline is impossible to shock and well able to hold his or her own in the face of danger...usually due to the fact that he or she is far too idle to get up and move out of the way. This cat’s sraightforward approach to life will be easy to understand.

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Carpet Cleaning Tips

Clean Carpets Are Healthy Wood, laminate and tile flooring may be en vouge, but they will never replace the feel of soft plush carpet under your feet. Having a good quality carpet in your home creates a cozy, comfortable and even an elegant look. Your flooring investment will last years longer by regularly cleaning your carpet.

PART OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE There are many benefits to keeping carpets clean and in good condition.

The aesthetic aspect is important and regular cleaning will ensure that your carpets look good for as long as possible. Another important benefit is your health. Many people suffer from allergies and conditions such as asthma and eczema. A dusty, dirty carpet will throw up particles every time it is walked upon. By keeping your carpets clean and free from debris, your household can enjoy cleaner air as well as cleaner carpet!

There is more on our floors than the dirt from our shoes. The air that circulates in our homes contains a variety of chemicals, pollutants, pollen, and dust. Gravity pulls these substances into the carpet. Eventually they make their way down to the bottom of the carpet pile making it very difficult to remove.

Dirt is very abrasive and the longer it stays in your carpet, the more difficult it is to remove. Every time you step on your carpet, dirt pushes into the bottom third of the carpet pile. Your shoes and the weight of your body stress each individual carpet fiber.

Vacuuming helps remove dirt, but it only works on the upper parts of the carpet pile. The longer you wait to clean your carpets, the more damage is done and the shorter the lifespan of the carpet.

DEEP DOWN CLEANING For deep down cleaning, there are a number of methods to choose from. Carpet cleaning liquids and products are packed with chemicals. They should be used with caution, particularly with children and pets in the house.

Steam cleaning your carpets is believed to produce maximum results, and this can really bring a dull-looking carpet back to life. While steam cleaners can be purchased for home use, or are available to rent at an affordable price, many home-owners prefer to hire a professional carpet cleaner.

To clean carpet well, one must take specific steps to remove three kinds of soil: • Non-soluble-minerals dirt — hair (both human and animal), and vegetable fibers; 24

MetroPet Magazine J ULY / August 2008

• Water-soluble dirt — sugars, starches, salt, urine, and residues from foods and beverages; • Solvent-soluble grime — cooking oils, cosmetics, and ink.

One local carpet cleaner, US Clean, follows the guidelines of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification, and has cleaning tactics for each of the three kinds of soil in your carpet.

US Clean sprays a powerful cleaning solution over the carpet in each room. This solution breaks down both water-soluble and solvent-soluble soil. It also converts adhesive grime into something flaky and removable.

Then, the carpet is massaged with powerful counter-rotating brushes and vacuumed, with at least two passes over the area to be cleaned. The brushes help disperse the cleaning solution, while agitate the fibers, loosening and lifting the non-soluble soil to the surface. The brushes also lift the other two kinds of soil. The solution is pulled up from the carpet fiber. The solvent-soluble soil is now converted to a loose, liftable form and it rises to the surface too. All three types of soil are then vacuumed away.

Some stubborn stains may require additional passes by brushes and vacuums. The last pass makes the carpet fibers stand up, giving it a finished look. As a result of the low amount of moisture being used, the usual dry time is between 30 and 60 minutes.

CAN’T I CLEAN THEM MYSELF? While you may be able to save money and clean your carpets yourself, you may do more damage then good. There is a lot more to cleaning carpet then you may think. The normal train of thought is that, “if I put more soap and water on this stain, it will come out.” False! Depending on the type of stain and the type of cleaner you are using, you may be driving that stain deeper into the carpet pile and permanently imbedding it into the carpet fibers.

Further, you may drive a stain so deep into the carpet pile, that it actually gets into the padding, which could cause the stain to resurface, or cause the padding to rot and have mildew. Sure you may get the stain out, but you are permanently damaging your carpet due to the nature of the alkaline. This is where you may notice a white spot or a white ring on your carpet that just won't come out. This is why it is better to call a professional and spend the extra money to have your carpets cleaned right, the first time and to prevent any further damage being done to your carpets.

WHAT ABOUT THE COST? If you decide to hire a carpet cleaner, get a price quote. Look for a company that offers a high quality service at a very reasonable price. Ask about hidden charges.

US Clean can provide free estimates by phone. When you call, make sure you mention any stains or problem areas. Don’t wait until the cleaner arrives to talk about the mess Fido left in the corner. US Clean’s quote normally includes work for which many carpet cleaners charge extra, including stain removal, dry particulate soil removal, and cleaning of pet urine.

Keeping your carpets clean can improve your health and the indoor air quality of your home. Your carpet acts as a filter holding soil, debris and other contaminant’s and prevents them from polluting the air quality of your home. Regular vacuuming keep the dirt

METROPET IS THE PROUD SPONSOR OF THE PET PAGE AT KCTV5.COM from sinking into the carpet, and extends the lifespan of your carpet. But when you need a good carpet cleaning, call a reputable firm.

Customers continue to use US Clean because of the results, the quick drying time, quality employees, and the way it does business. It can help end the reappearing stains once and for all.

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Off Leash Parks In the Kansas City area there are a number of offleash dog parks and runs. The following tips provide part etiquette. This list may not be complete. Please contact the park for specific hours and availability. If you know of other parks or changes to this list, please email us at info@metropetmag.com.

Remember, a dog park is not a great place for small children — if children are with you, watch them closely.

TEN TIPS FOR DOG PARK ETIQUETTE

METROPET RESOURCE WHO? Y-Bar-H (formerly Lloyd’s Dog and Horse)

WHERE? 1030 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, KS • (913) 764-4626 • www.ybarh.com

HOW LONG? In business for over 20 years.

WHAT DO YOU OFFER? Y Bar H Outpost and Pet offers a complete line of dog, cat and horse feeds, including: • Purina • Red Flannel™ ™ • Exclusive • Horsemans Edge® • Nature’s Essentials® Supplements Y Bar H also has a large selection of: • Saddles, halters, headstalls & bits • Western wear, hats and boots • Pet accessories and toys

REASONS CUSTOMERS COME BACK! Y Bar H offers a huge selection!. Come to Y Bar H first for all your pet and horse needs. The Kansas City Zoo trusts us with their feed needs, so you can too! You will also enjoy our friendly, helpful service.

Come see us first!

See coupon on our ad — Inside Front Cover!

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MetroPet Magazine J ULY / August 2008

1. Know each dog park’s rules, and follow them.

2. Keep your dog leashed until you're inside the park's fenced area.

3. Don’t leave your dog unattended or let him wander to far away.

4. Maintain voice control over your dog at all times.

5. If your dog starts to play rough or be aggressive, leash him and leave the park immediately.

6. Don't bring toys that dogs could fight over to the dog park.

7. Keep your dog’s vaccinations up-to-date.

8. Never bring a female dog in heat to a dog park.

9. Always clean up after your dog.

10. Bring water for your dog.

KANSAS Desoto — Kill Creek Streamway Park Off-Leash Dog Area. Offers a one-half mile off leash trails next to Kill Creek Streamway. Located at W 95th St between Kill Creek Rd and Lexington Avenue.

Kansas City — Buck Fund Dog Park. Off leash dog park with agility courses. Located at 2920 West 24th Avenue.

Lawrence — Mutt Run Dog Park. Located at 1330 East 902 Road, below Clinton Lake Dam, north of spillway. Follow signs to the dog park.

Olathe — Heritage Park Off-Leash Dog Area. Heritage Park has about 10 acres and a pond. Located on 13765 West 159 Highway.

Olathe — Mutt Run. Off-leash Dog Park. Located at 1330 East 902 Rd. Overland Park — Thomas S. Stoll Memorial Park Off-Leash Dog Area. This park offers a open 6.84-acre area. Large completely fenced off leash dog area park. On 119th Street between Quivera and Pflumm Shawnee Mission — Shawnee Mission Park Off-Leash Dog Area. Dog area has a 1/2 mile walk-way leading to a lake. This park also has a swimming area for dogs. Located at I-435 at 87th Street. Park is on the right, after the baseball fields.

Wyandotte County Lake Park — There is a large leash free area on the west side of the lake. Take I-70 to I-435 N to Leavenworth Road (Exit 15). Travel east 1.7 miles to 91st Street Wyandotte County Park — 12600 State Avenue. There is a large leash free area by 126th Street, across from the Agriculture Hall of Fame.

MISSOURI Kansas City — Penn Valley Park Off-Leash Dog Park.

Located at Pershing Road and Main Street.

Blue Springs — RUFF (Responsible Unleashed Fun for Fido). Off I-70 and Adams Dairy Parkway. Not always open.

Grandview — Wayside Waifs Bark Park. A fenced OffLeashdog park at Wayside Waifs. This park has an entrance fee. It is located on Martha Truman Road between Hwy 71 and Holmes Road.

Kansas City — Longview Lake Park. The dog park and trail area is located on the west side of Raytown Road, just south of Longview Road Kansas City — Loose Park. 6 acres of hills, ponds, and a walkway. Located near the Country Club Plaza, on Wornall.

Kansas City — Penn Valley Dog Park. The 3 acre OffLeash dog park is fully fenced. Located south of Liberty Memorial between 29th & 31st Streets off Wyandotte.

Lee’s Summit — James A. Reed Memorial Wildlife Area. This area has 12 lakes. Located south of Hwy 50 on Ranson Road.

Lee’s Summit — Off-Lead Dog Training Area. Lake Jacomo and Fleming Park. Located east of I-470 on Woods Chapel Road.

PET FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS Aixois — 301 E 55th Street, Kansas City, MO. Blue Bird Bistro — 1700 Summit St ,Kansas City, MO. Classic Cup Cafe on the Plaza — 301 W 47th St, Kansas City, MO. Grand Street Cafe — 4740 Grand Ave, Kansas City, MO. Jasper’s — 1201 W 103rd Street, Kansas City, MO. Lill's — 815 West 17th Street, Kansas City, MO. O'Dowd's — 4742 Pennsylvania Ave, Kansas City, MO. Quiznos — 31 NW Barry Road, Kansas City, MO. Reverse on the Plaza — 616 Ward Parkway, Kansas City, MO. MetroPet is not afflicted with any business listed. Please contact the restaurant to verify it is still pet friendly before taking your pet to the establishment.

MetroPetMag.com

27

Sit! Stay!

While You’re Away

by Brendan Howard Summer is here and you’ve got tickets or a tank full of gas to your favorite vacation getaway. You’ve bought sunscreen, new swim trunks or a swimsuit (I gained weight over the winter, did you?), and you’re ready for some rest and relaxation. Your spouse and the kids can come along, but what do you do about your dog, your cat, or your parakeet?

If you’re traveling today in America, you have more and better options for pet care on the road and back at home than ever before.

Boarding facilities and kennels offer everything from functional, comfortable cages to plush pet suites. And if you’re taking your pet with you, there are pet-friendly motels and hotels across the country ready to give you the thumbs-up when you saunter into their lobby with a Labrador on a leash. My wife and I like our pet sitter.

Local sitters can feed, water, play with, and walk your pets who stay at home. Some are even comfortable administering medications and will grab your mail while you’re gone.

A pet sitter costs more than the neighbor-he’s free-but ours is worth it.

FOUR CATS! A pet sitter costs more than the neighbor — he’s free — but ours is worth it.

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My wife and I have four cats. The oldest is a blind, 15-year-old Maine Coon who gets around our house just fine but probably wouldn’t relish being whisked away to a kennel for a week or more.

That’s why we’ve used pet sitters for more than three years now. We found our latest by asking for references at a cat-only veterinary clinic in Lenexa. Our cat sitter used to work there as a veterinary assistant, so she was familiar with giving cats pills (never fun) and administering subcutaneous fluids every two days to that old blind Maine Coon who gets a little dehydrated. We pay our pet sitter to come twice a day while we’re away to clean the cat boxes and spend time with our quartet of felines.

Cats like to stay at home, but some dogs like it, too. A pet sitter can walk a dog as easily as he or she can deliver some petting attention to any at-home felines.

If you’d like to find a pet sitter, ask someone you trust with experience: your veterinarian, a local humane society, or a dog trainer.

National organizations are starting to maintain databases of affiliated pet sitters at petsitters.org or petsit.com.

Once you’ve found prospective sitters, ask them a few questions over the phone. This is someone you’ll trust with your beloved animals and a key to your home. You want to feel confident in their abilities and trustworthiness.

SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS Here are some suggestions adapted from the Humane Society of the United States for interview questions: • Can the pet sitter provide written proof that she has commercial liability insurance and is bonded? (Ours doesn’t, but you have to decide yourself what risks you’re willing to take with a pet sitter.)

• What training does the pet sitter have?

• Does the pet sitter take notes about your cat’s likes, dislikes, medical conditions, and other details?

• What veterinarian will the pet sitter take your animals to if there’s a medical emergency?

• What will happen if the pet sitter can’t get to the home, for example, if sick or stopped by a car that won’t start?

Does he or she have a backup?

• Will the pet sitter provide services other than checking up on the animals, feeding and cleaning up their mess-dog walking, playtime, grooming, training?

• Will the pet sitter provide you a written contract explaining all services and fees?

• Does the pet sitter provide live-in services? Some sitters will stay overnight for an additional charge, occupying what would otherwise be your empty house and keeping your pets company in the night-time hours.

• How does the pet sitter check to make sure you’re home?

(Ours calls and e-mails us.)

• Can the pet sitter provide you with contact information for other clients as references?

A PERSONAL MEETING If you like the pet sitter’s answers, invite him or her to your home to interact with your animals. If you We all know our love and and your pets care for our animals like the pet sitter, be sure to doesn’t stop when we try the arrangehead out the door. ment on a short vacation before running off on your month-long safari. Before heading to Africa on a two-month-long job, my wife trusted her cats to a friendly college student who said she’d stay in the apartment and watch them.

She didn’t, and only through the kind help of neighbors, who also had a key, did the cats survive.

Once you’ve found the right pet sitter, be sure to prepare for a trip beforehand. Visit the Web site of the National Association of

METROPET IS THE PROUD SPONSOR OF THE PET PAGE AT MYFOXKC.COM

METROPET RESOURCE WHO? Brookside Pet Concierge

WHERE? 816-694-9296 • www.BrooksidePetConcierge.com

HOW LONG? In business since 2004.

WHO ARE WE? Brookside Pet Concierge is a full-service pet care service in the Kansas City area serving Jackson County, Missouri, and Johnson County, Kansas as well as parts of Wyandotte and Cass Counties. It is licensed, bonded, and insured.

BENEFITS OF BROOKSIDE PET CONCIERGE Brookside Pet Concierge is a family run company. It can tailor services to fit your needs. The Brookside Pet Concierge mission is to provide help and support responsible pet ownership. It is a distributor of Flint River Ranch All-Natural Pet Food, which pets love.

WHY CALL BROOKSIDE PET CONCIERGE? Brookside Pet Concierge is here to help with the day to day needs of your family pet. Contact them at 816-694-9296 or email them at info@brooksidepetconcierge.com.

See our ad — Page 25 MetroPetMag.com

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TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET

Brendan Howard is Senior Editor at the national veterinary trade magazine Veterinary Economics based in Lenexa. He is also a freelance writer published locally and nationally. His e-mail is brendan.howard@gmail.com.

S P E C I A L T Y

C L E A N I N G

Are you flying, driving, or camping with your pet? The American Veterinary Medical Association (that organization your favorite veterinarian probably belongs to) has written a two-page pamphlet just for you. Visit avma.org, click on “Animal Health,” click on “For dog owners,” then click on “Traveling With Your Pet.”

PET FRIENDLY HOTELS Want to find pet-friendly hotels for you and your family? Here are some popular Web sites with hotel options. www.officalpethotels.com — pet friendly resorts and vacation packages www.dogfriendly.com — find dog friendly motels along with comparing rates www.tripswithpets.com — This web site has over 20,000 lodgings and bed and breakfast inns that are pet friendly. www.ResortQuest.com — ResortQuest provides the perfect vacations for you and your pet! www.petswelcome.com — this site lists travel tips, lodging options, and other timely information.

F O R

We take the pet out of carpet!

We can improve the experience of having animals living in your house. We can remove pet odor, visible pet urine, pet vomit, and pet hair. Our techniques are safer for pets.

Call for free estimate

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MetroPet Magazine J ULY / August 2008

Y O U R

H O M E

CARPET ORIENTAL RUGS PET ODOR REMOVAL UPHOLSTERY TILE & GROUT LEATHER FURNITURE MATTRESSES

usclean usclean.com

913-317-8100 816-763-7500

Proverbs 3:5

Professional Pet Sitters (petsitters.org) and click on “For Pet Owners” for advice on preparing your pets and your home for their stay with a sitter.

Pet sitting isn’t for everyone. Some pet owners aren’t comfortable with a stranger going in and out of their homes while they’re away. If you have dogs, they may like the action of a boarding facility: sniffing rear ends, playing with their buddies, napping with the pack. If your animal has a serious medical condition, you may want the roundthe-clock monitoring that a 24-hour veterinary or boarding facility can provide. And, last, maybe you want your beloved Fido or relaxed cat Princess on the road with you.

Whatever you choose, find out all you can about wherever your pet will be and who will be taking care of them. We all know our love and care for our animals doesn’t stop when we head out the door.

MetroPetMag.com

Website News

Check out our website and view these video clips!

A DOG’S FUN PLAYCE

BROOKSIDE PET CONCIERGE

DOG’S WORLD OF FUN

N2 PAWS

PAWZ AT PLAY

PETAUTOSAFETY.COM

PETE AND MAC’S

PRECIOUS PETS

TAILS R’ WAGGIN

US CLEAN

WOOF’S PLAY AND STAY

Y BAR H OUTPOST & PET

Advertiser Map — Kansas City Metro Area

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MetroPet Magazine J ULY / August 2008

A Special Thanks To Our First Time Advertisers!

ADVERTISER INDEX 1

A Dog’s Fun Playce

PetAutoSafety.com

7833 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO • 816.361.STAY (7829) www.adogsfunplayce.com • Pg. 19

www.petautosafety.com • Pg. 13

BeautiControl Tanya @ 913.461.9684 • Pg. 10

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Brookside Pet Concierge

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Pete And Mac’s

8809 Monrovia, Lenexa, KS • 913.888.8889 600 N.E. Pavestone, Lee’s Summit, MO • 816.246.1116 5860 N.W. Prairie View Rd., Kansas City, MO • 816.587.3900 www.petemac.com • Pg. Back Cover

816.694.9296 • www.brooksidepetconcierge.com • Pg. 25

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8 Dog’s World of Fun

6657 Woodland Drive, Shawnee, KS • 913.441.9800 www.petitepawsbnb.com • Pg. 11

1220 West 31st Street, Kansas City, MO • 816.931.5822 www.dogsworldoffun.com • Pg. 9

Glass Expressions 1250 SW Oakley, Topeka, KS • 1.877.966.0222 www.artglassexpressions.com • Pg. 11

KC Dog Trainers www.kcdogtrainers.com • Pg. 5

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Precious Pets Memorial Center

12639 Metcalf Avenue, Overland Park, Kansas 913.685.PETS (7387) • www.preciouspetsmemorialcenter.com • Pg. 21

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N2 Paws

Tails R’ Waggin

6976 W. 152nd Terrace, Overland Park, KS • 913.685.9246 www.tailsrwaggin.com • Pg. Inside Back Cover

The Pet Connection 5918 Broadmoor, Mission, KS • 913.671.PETS www.thepetconnection.net • Pg. 34

816.522.7005 • www.N2paws.com • Pg. 27

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Petite Paws Bed & Bark-Inn

Pampered Paws Grooming US Clean

7238 Wornall Rd, Kansas City, MO • 816.333.2522 www.pamperedpawsgroominginc.com • Pg. 15

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913.317.8100 • 816.763.7500 www.usclean.com • Pg. 30

Pawsitively Perfect

11800 Quivira Rd, Overland Park, KS • 913.345.8245 pawsitivelyperfect.com • Pg. 10

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Woof ’s Play and Stay

6465 E. Frontage Road, Merriam, KS • 913.403.WOOF (9663) www.woofsplaystay.com • Pg. 7

Pawz at Play

11200 Mastin, Overland Park, KS • 913.451.PAWZ (7299) www.pawzatplay.com • Pg. 17

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Y-Bar-H

(formerly Lloyd’s Dog and Horse) 1030 E. Santa Fe, Olathe, KS • 913.764.4626 www.ybarh.com • Inside Front Cover

HOW TO REACH OUR ADVERTISERS 1. CALL THEM

2. CHECK THE WEBSITE

3. USE THE MAP, AT LEFT MetroPetMag.com

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Humane Group Events Mastiff Hope Invites You To a Special Event July 27 Event Date: July 27, 2008 Event Location: Tails R’ Waggin, owners Dawn Johnson and Elise Bruce-Bush. Located at 6976 W. 152nd Terrace, Overland Park, KS. Event Trainers: Sharon Woodrum, Personable Pets Inc. Dog Training of Louisburg and Suezanne M. Law, owner of Sympawtico Dog Training, LLC. Event Details: Two workshops, each lasting for one hour and open to dogs who weigh over 100 pounds. Workshops start at 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. There will be time for socializing, question and answer sessions with the trainers, and tours of the Tails R’ Waggin facility.

Workshops are limited to 10 dogs and handlers. Tuition is $25 per dog. All proceeds go towards Theo’s care.

We’re looking for people whose hearts are bigger than their cars! $50 per ticket

Only 2000 Tickets will be Sold Details at www.nmhpkc.org

Online Donations: Pledges for his Theo’s care can be made at www.paypal.com and selecting MasitffHope@embarq.com as the payee or at Theo’s website by visiting http://www.mastiffhope.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=247498.

A FORMAL/SEMI-FORMAL SOCIAL FUNDRAISING EVENT FOR THE BELTON HUMANE SOCIETY September 13, 2008 www.helppets.org

ART UNLEASHED 2008 $25 ADVANCED TICKETS LIVE & SILENT AUCTION AT THE UPTOWN THEATER 913.596.1000 August 22, 2008 • www.hsgkc.org 5445 Parallel Parkway • Kansas City, KS 34

MetroPet Magazine J ULY / August 2008

913.596.1000