Central Ohio PetConnections Sept-Oct 2017 Volume 3 Issue 5 Digital Edition

CENTRAL OHIO

PetConnections

FRE E

September/October 2017 Volume 3 Issue 5

wellness through the human-animal bond

Planning on adding a Furry Friend to the family?

Dog Walking Tips for Fall Aging Eyes of Pets “Bananaering” A Horse

Central Ohio’s #1 Resource for Everything Pets

Stop by Pet Valu today and talk to one of our Pet Experts about our great selection of premium, holistic, and organic food, treats, and supplies.

Visit one of these nearby Pet Valu locations: MILL RUN

EAST BROAD

CANAL WINCHESTER

6334 Gender Road • 614-548-0090

6992 East Broad Street • 614-322-9018

DUBLIN

3718 Fishinger Boulevard • 614-527-8571

GRACELAND

7705 Sawmill Road • 614-553-7072

SHORT NORTH

147 Graceland Boulevard • 614-888-6768

EASTON

1004 North High St • 614-549-6183

LEWIS CENTER

3868 Morse Road • 614-476-5233

WESTERVILLE

9015 Columbus Pike • 740-548-6600

71 Westerville Plaza • 614-392-2720

WEST BROAD

3558 Soldano Boulevard • 614-278-2255

for more locations visit us.petvalu.com |

FREE self-service dog wash

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www.petconnections.pet 1

Table of Contents September/October 2017

Pet Gift Baskets - Pet Supplies - Pet Sitting wwwbasketsofnature.com Phone: 724.831.9437 Email: contact@basketsofnature.com

16 20

4

HumanAnimal Bond

8

Pet Health & Wellness

Adding A Furry Friend To The Family?

Aging Eyes Of Pets

Holistic Pet Care Vitamin D For Pets

Equine Affairs Bananaering A Horse

6 Events 9 Pet Health &

Wellness Dog Walking Tips

10 Advertiser

14 Kitty Korner

Alley Cat Allies Assist Hurricane Recover

15 Wildlife

Chipmunks: The Hole Story

Locator Map

11 Directories 12 Pet Health &

Wellness Things To Know About Grooming

2 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

18 Wellness for Guardians Hope For Chronic Pain

21 In Remembrance

From The Publisher Welcome to our Central Ohio PetConnections Bi-Monthly September/October 2017 Vol. 3 Issue 5

News & Events

Thank you for joining us, whether you attended or participated, at The Columbus Dispatch FALL HOME SHOW with PetConnections Pet Alley last month at the Ohio Expo Center!

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES PLEASE SUBMIT ANY CORRESPONDENCE TO: info@pghpetconnections.com 724 -292-7387

CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS BI-MONTHLY Published by: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. Pittsburgh PetConnections LLC. was formed in 2012. Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative publication focused on the Human-Animal Bond. We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Central Ohio communities.

M A G A Z I N E P U B L I C AT I O N S TA F F Carla Mader, Managing Editor Susan Wagner, DVM, Content Editor Jean Cassan, Central Ohio Sales Director Kelli Koladish, Graphic Designer Carla Mader, Sales & Distribution Manager Ken Holton, Distribution Kara Jones Photography, Photography

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Our contributing writers have many years of combined experience and expertise in the fields of veterinary medicine and the Human-Animal Bond.

All Rights Reserved | Copyright 2017

The Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center, was our Veterinary sponsor. We had a variety of pet exhibitors, including Mutts & Co., Pet Valu, MedVet, Schoedinger Pet Services, and many more! We featured adoptable pets from local shelter and rescue organizations like Cozy Cat Cottage and the Capital Area Humane Society. Our symposium with veterinarians and pet experts was very educational and we thank them all! We would also like to thank SkyDogs for their amazing agility demos. Emi Pet Salon & Boutique sponsored the Nash Academy of Grooming demo area, with grooming and pet care seminars! Karrie Noterman with OHPA Bird Fairs exhibited her Natural Inspiration bird cages, and spoke about a colorful variety of species. The Creative Foundations booth had live painting demos. Our exhibitors showed us the latest and greatest in home and pet services and products for our furry friends! Our last cover feature, Guy Fieri, was the show celebrity guest on Saturday, September 9th.

Please see our event page for our listed upcoming fall events!

This Issue

This issue is packed full of good info for you and your furry friend!

Read about “Planning on Adding a Furry Friend to the Family” with tips from Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center. Also, “Vitamin D in Pets by Dr. Doug, “Dog Walking Tips for Fall” by ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, “Aging Eyes of Pets” by Terah Webb, DVM, Diplomate American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, and much more!

See how PetConnections can help you market and advertise your pet or non-pet related business, with content which supports your message with our multi-media partnership packages! We also offer laser targeted digital marketing and advertising campaigns to our sponsors for Central Ohio.

For PetConnections Advertising inquiries contact: 724-292-7387 info@pghpetconnections.com PetConnections is also looking to grow our team with additional sales account manager professionals!

Subscribe today for your own VIP MEMBERSHIP and personal bi-monthly copy of PetConnections, and become part of the Petconnections Community! www.petconnections.pet/subscribe PetConnections supports local organizations and small business and we have established a community network of readers & members, writers, advertising sponsors and distribution points. Please support our advertising sponsors! See their locations on the map page. Check out our PetConnections Resource Directories for categorized listings.

Please submit your photos and stories, as well as remembrances to be featured online and in future issues to: info@pghpetconnections.com.

Thank you for picking up PetConnections.

Take care of yourself and your pets and be well this fall season!

Warmly, Carla Mader Publisher Pittsburgh & Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine Copyright 2017 All Rights Reserved www.petconnections.pet 3

Human-Animal Bond

Planning on adding a furry friend to the family?

By: Denise Blough | Dispatch Media Group

When a family is expecting a new child, there are immediately myriad appointments to book, materials to gather and plans to make.

“Certainly use your veterinarian as a resource; look at universities for information from their behavior or wellness services,” she added.

So when the decision is made to bring home a four-legged friend — who, like young children, rely on their caretakers for physical, mental and social needs — there should also be some level of planning involved, said Dr. Meghan Herron, veterinary behaviorist at The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center.

And to foster and maintain a rewarding bond with an animal, the owner must be able to provide exercise, enrichment and socialization in addition to basic needs, said Joelle Nielsen, social worker at Ohio State’s Veterinary Medical Center. Nielsen heads a program called Honoring the Bond, which assists pet owners in difficult situations such as end-of-life decisions.

“The human-animal bond can be a delicate thing in the early stages of pet ownership, and the time and financial commitments are often larger than most people expect,” Herron said.

So how does one make sure they’re prepared?

Herron recommends the following: • What type of animal will fit into your lifestyle • Who your veterinarian will be • Where you’ll take the animal in the event of a medical emergency • What you are willing and able to pay in an emergency • Who your pet sitters will be, and • What instructions you will provide to them.

“There are lots of special things about owning a pet, and many people consider their pets a family member,” she said.

So whether it’s through a separate savings account or a monthly payment toward pet insurance, there should be some level of financial preparedness. In the case of chronic disease, acute disease or emergencies such as injury or accidental poisoning, bills can add up fast.

“In the last five years you’ve seen a lot more companies offer pet insurance, so it’s pretty competitive and rates are reasonable,” said Herron, adding that there are plans that cost only $6 to $10 a month, “just to get that catastrophe coverage.”

And a lot of the times, problems can be prevented if a pet is brought in for annual checkups.

“The benefit of a physical exam once per year is really underappreciated, because there are a lot of things that can be detected very early to prevent potential harm,” Herron said.

There will almost always come a time when an animal faces some type of medical condition. But in the end, being prepared for all situations can really improve our relationship with a pet, Nielsen said. “It’s all about the human-animal bond.”

“One of the biggest draws to having a pet is the companionship, and in most cases it’s unconditional,” Herron said. “They’re happy to be with us, play with us and see us come home regardless of our day, our mood or our schedule ... it’s hard to find that in a human companion.”

Animals need medical specialists, too.

From heart disease to cancer, joint replacements to skin conditions, eyes and ears to behavioral problems, the board-certified specialists at the Ohio State Veterinary Medical Center can help.

We partner with your family veterinarian when next-level care is needed.

2016

24/7 Emergency and Critical Care Columbus

614-292-3551 (dogs & cats) 614-292-6661 (farm & equine) 601 Vernon Tharp Street Columbus, OH 43210

vet.osu.edu/vmc

Dublin

614-889-8070 (dogs & cats) 5020 Bradenton Avenue Dublin, OH 43017

vet.osu.edu/vmc/dublin

Events Sky Dogs Paint Your Pet

October 13th 6pm-8pm

Byers Airport Subaru 4th Annual Pet Adoption Event

October 14th 10am-2pm

Adventure Unleashed Dog Training Halloween Puppy Party

October 28th

6 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Pet Health & Wellness

Aging Eyes of Pets

By Terah Webb, DVM Diplomate American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists When I meet people, the most common situation I am asked to learn more about is the appearance of their older pet’s eyes. Here I will present the most common questions as they relate to geriatric ocular health of animals.

Question 1: My dog is 10 and his eyes are starting to look gray. He must have cataracts, right?

Answer 1: As we age, regardless of species, our eyes age too. The center and major focusing structures of the eye, the lens, becomes hardened in all of us; something called nuclear sclerosis. This is why starting at 40 years of age we as humans often need bifocals. In our pets, this starts at around 6 years of age and continues throughout life. As our pets age, it becomes more obvious and results in a “graying” discoloration of the lens (Figure 1).

Nuclear sclerosis will cause glare in bright light and diminished vision in dim light, but will not cause diminished vision or blindness in most situations. Cataracts, in comparison, are white in color through the pupil (Figure 2). Cataracts can be seen in very young dogs under 5 when they are inherited, can occur quickly in diabetic dogs, and can be seen in the aging population of dogs and people. Cataracts will cause vision impairment and as they progress, blindness.

of the cataract with an artificial lens being placed to fit the eye of the patient. It is a very successful surgery helping pets regain and maintain vision for many years, and for most, lifelong. Your family veterinarian would refer you to an ophthalmologist for surgery, as it requires highly specialized equipment and years of training in performing the procedure for the best outcome. Cataracts in dogs and cats are not as benign as they can be in people. Cataracts can cause inflammation and glaucoma, both of which are painful. Even if a patient is not a candidate for cataract surgery, or owners choose not to pursue surgery, their pet should still be monitored for secondary consequences of cataracts to keep them pain-free.

Question 3: My 12 year old pet has cataracts but I’m concerned about putting him under anesthesia for surgery. Is it safe?

Answer 3: Thankfully age alone is not a disease. As pets and people age, there is a higher incidence of geriatric disease involving the heart, lungs, liver, etc. which in some situations can make anesthesia risky, but not commonly. Your family vet, in combination with an ophthalmologist, can perform bloodwork and other non-invasive testing such as chest radiographs and an abdominal ultrasound to rule out significant geriatric diseases that may help an owner decide whether to pursue elective surgeries like cataract surgery. If a heart murmur is present they can also involve a cardiologist in a pre-surgical evaluation to determine if the heart murmur is a serious condition that would increase the risk of complications related to anesthesia.

Question 4: My older dog has a mass on his eyelid. Does this need removed?

Nuclear Sclerosis

Question 2: My dog has been diagnosed with cataracts. Is there treatment for them?

Answer 2: Unfortunately, just like in people, there are no drops to dissolve cataracts.

The only treatment for cataracts in people and animals involves surgery, called phacoemulsification. The procedure in animals is the same as people and involves removal

Answer 4: There are many types of masses involving the eyelids, but meibomian gland adenomas are the most common. These masses arise from glands within the eyelid and extend to involve the eyelid margin. In some situations, they will grow enough to bother the pet and/ or the eye. If the eye has symptoms of being irritated with the pet rubbing, having ocular discharge, or corneal changes, then removal of the mass is recommended with a “v-plasty” for complete mass removal.

Question 5: As my cat approaches it geriatric years, what eye problems should I watch for?

8 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Cataract

Answer 5: As cats age, their eyes can develop problems that result from other geriatric systemic diseases. The most common aging diseases of cats include renal (kidney) disease and hyperthyroidism. Both of these conditions can result in systemic hypertension (high blood pressure) that can cause blindness due to retinal detachments. The most common symptoms are trouble jumping onto objects as well as dilated pupils. Some patients will bleed into their eye(s) if the retinas detach and the eyes can appear red.

Diagnosed early with proper treatment of the underlying cause, most cats can regain at least some, if not all, vision.

Question 6: I would like to have my pet evaluated for a complete eye exam. How can I do that?

Answer 6: At MedVet we do not require referral from your family veterinarian, but we do encourage you to speak with them about any current ocular changes to help decide if any urgency in scheduling is needed.

Dr. Terah Webb is the Department Representative of MedVet Ophthalmology in Columbus, Ohio. Dr. Webb is a 2002 graduate of The Ohio State University and went on to specialize in Ophthalmology with training in North Carolina, MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets, and The Ohio State University from 2002-2006. Dr. Webb became Board Certified by The American College of Veterinary Ophthalmology in 2006 and has been practicing at MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets since. Dr. Webb’s special interests include cataract as well as glaucoma surgery. Ophthalmology and all other specialties at MedVet Columbus can be reached at 614-8465800 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about MedVet visit www.medvetforpets.com.

Dog Walking Tips for Fall

A

By Dr. Mary Beth Leininger and Gina Fortunato

h, that crisp, fresh air! And the beautiful colors of the leaves as they change from green to glorious reds, yellows, and browns!

Fall is a fabulous time to enjoy leisurely walks, trail hikes, and visits to the pumpkin patch with your dog. But if your pooch isn’t behaving on a leash, going out together can become a drag—quite literally! These tips can help you address three common dog walking problems, so you can enjoy autumn adventures with your best friend.

1. Pulling on the Leash Dogs often pull on the lead when something interesting grabs their attention. Some dogs also pull when you first head out the door because they’re just too excited to contain themselves. You can try these techniques to help stop your dog from pulling: • Walk faster. By picking up the pace, your dog will have less chance to notice things, like scampering squirrels or interesting scents, that can prompt pulling.

• Try a different route. Take your dog to places where there are fewer temptations. For instance, if your dog tends to pull when in the presence of other dogs, choose a quieter time of day or a path that isn’t too busy for your walks.

• Calm your dog down first. While most dogs are enthusiastic about going outside, a dog who is bouncing around the room before you even get the leash on may be more likely to pull. Teach your dog to stay calm before a walk by holding the leash quietly until all four paws are on the ground. Be patient and shower your dog with praise when they get it right.

• Talk to your dog. Keep your dog’s attention on you and away from distractions by talking as you go

along. You can chat about the scenery, the weather, your plans for the day, or (hopefully!) how nicely your dog is behaving.

It can also be helpful to put a few treats in your pocket to reward your dog for good walking manners.

2. Chewing on the Leash Like pulling, chewing is a natural behavior for dogs. It’s also a healthy one since it helps keep their teeth clean and jaws strong. But chewing on the leash before and during walks can become problematic, not to mention wear out your leash.

You can try switching to a chain leash, which isn’t as fun to chew on as the synthetic or leather kinds. You can also try distracting your dog with some of the tips mentioned to avoid pulling, like picking up the pace and offering treats when your dog walks without noshing on the leash.

3. Barking or Lunging It can be embarrassing when your typically friendly dog starts barking or lunging at other dogs or people while you’re out walking. If these kinds of behaviors come up suddenly, you might want to take your dog to the veterinarian. An illness or health condition, like arthritis or ligament damage, can make a dog irritable and more easily upset.

These behaviors can also start after an incident with another dog. If this is the case, you might need to gradually get your dog comfortable being around other fourlegged friends.

You can set up a supervised

play date with a familiar dog or visit the dog park when it’s not too busy. If you’re not sure how to help your dog, talk to a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT) or other professional for advice.

Dog Walking Safety As you go out and enjoy fall activities, remember to keep your dog’s safety in mind. All sorts of injuries can happen unexpectedly. Your dog can get scratched or bit by another dog or small animal, get tangled in the leash, or eat something toxic before you realize it.

Of course, you can’t always protect your dog, but you can help your best friend get the best medical care possible with coverage from an ASPCA Pet Health Insurance plan. You can cover your dog for accidents, illnesses, preventive care, and even behavioral issues that can prevent you from enjoying walks with your dog. Visit www.IsYourPetCovered. com to learn more today!

Pre-existing conditions are not covered.

Waiting periods, annual deductible, coinsurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. For all terms and conditions visit www.aspcapetinsurance.com/terms.

Plans are underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company, produced and administered by C&F Insurance Agency, Inc. (NPN # 3974227), a Crum & Forster company.

The ASPCA does not offer insurance. Through a licensing agreement, the ASPCA receives a royalty fee that is in exchange for use of the ASPCA’s marks and is not a charitable contribution.

U0916-PC03 www.petconnections.pet 9

Advertiser Locator

D

10 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Inside Front Cover ASPCA Page 1 Pet Valu Page 1 Creative Foundations Page 2 Real Big Puppy Page 2 Baskets of Nature Page 5 Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center Page 7 Byers Airport Subaru

Page 13 K9 Grass Page 19 Mia Bella’s Back Cover MedVet Page 17 Best Breed Page 15 A Beaver Animal Clinic Page 17 B Canine Health Inside Back Cover C Crystal Remembrance for Pets Inside Back Cover Closure at Home

Directories Adoption, Rescue, & Shelters

Avian & Exotics

MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets (Hilliard) 614-870-0480 www.medvetforpets.com OHPA Bird Fairs www.ohpabirdfairs.com

Dog Parks

Alum Creek Dog Park www.alumcreekdogpark.com Companion Club Dog Park 740-881-2000 www.columbusdogpark.com Godown Road Dog Park www. worthingtondogpark.com Heritage Trail Dog Park www.hilliardohio.gov/play/heritage-trail-dog-park Pizzurro Park and “Dog Park” www.gahanna.gov/departments/parks/ communityParks.aspx

Equestrian

Central Ohio Riding Club 614-873-6644 www.centralohioridingclub.com Equus Now! 740-549-4959 www.Equusnow.com OSU Veterinary Medical Center 614-292-6661 www.vet.osu.edu/vmc/

Landscaping & Lawncare Forever Lawn 844.614.TURF(8873) www.foreverlawnohio.com Good Nature Organic Lawn Care 888-529-6723 www.whygoodnature.com

Pet Burial, Cremation & Memorial Services

Crystal Remembrance for Pets 888-930-7363 Day Manofsky Funeral Service 614-532-5012 www.Daymanofskyfuneralservice.com

Rutherford Funeral Homes 614-885-4006 www.Rutherfordfuneralhomes.com Schoedinger Pet Services 614-224-2691 swww.choedingerpetservices.com

Pet Fencing

Invisible Fence 614-888-3647 www.columbuseast.invisiblefence.com Pet Stop of Ohio www.Columbuspetfence.com

Pet-Friendly Auto Dealerships Central Ohio Area Byers Subaru 877-265-2083 www.columbussubaru.com Hatfield Subaru 877-371-2094 www.hatfieldsubaru.net

Pet Insurance

ASPCA Pet Health Insurance 888-716-1203 www.aspcapetinsurance.com

Pet Resorts- Boarding, Daycare, Grooming, Agility & Training ARF! Agility and Rally for Fun! www.arfagility.com Advanced Boarding & Grooming 740-549-9999 www.advancedboardingandgrooming.com K9 Connection 614-778-0431 www.k9connectiononline.com Park Your Paws Doggie Daycare 614-262-PAWS www.parkyourpaws.org Pet Palace Pet Boarding Resort www.petpalaceresort.com SkyDogs 614-648-3449 Skydogs.org The Dog Spaw Pet Grooming 614-245-4169 www.thedogspawsalon.com Willow Wood Pet Resort & Training Center 614-304-1921 www.petresortwillowwood.com

Pet Retail, Supply, & Accessories April Minech Custom Portraits/Pet Inspired Art www.LadybugDelightz.etsy.com Best Breed Holistic Pet Nutrition www.Bestbreed.com Canine Health Supplements www.peggymills.lifevantage.com Close 2 Ur Heart Jewelry www.feifish.etsy.com Collar Doos www.collardoos.com Fan Reps Legwarmers and More 412-439-3063 www.fanreps.com Kobi Collars www.kobicollars.com Lucy Pet Products 844-724-LUCY (5829) www.lucypetproducts.com

Moochie & Co. www.moochieandco.com Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages www.Naturalinspirationsparrotcages.com Pet People www.petpeoplestores.com Pawdentify and Links-It Collar Tags www.pawdentify.com Plexidor www.plexidors.com Timber Wolf Leather collars, leashes, harnesses 419-308-4118 Baskets of Nature www.basketsofnature.com

Pharmacies

Murray Avenue Apothecary www.maapgh.com/pet-supplements

Veterinary Medicine

Elemental Veterinary Center & Pet Spa 614-824-4036 www.elementalvetcenter.com Lifetime Pet Wellness Center 614-888-2100 www.lifetimepetwellness.com Health & Harmony Animal Hospital 614-360-3941 www.healthandharmonyanimalhospital.com The Animal Care Center at Granville 740-587-2229 www.animalcarecentergranville.com

Veterinary Specialty and Emergency MedVet Medical & Cancer Centers for Pets 614-846-5800 www.medvetforpets.com OSU Veterinary Medical Center 614-292-3551 www.vet.osu.edu/vmc/

Wellness for Guardians

The All Life Community for Integrative Well Being 740-201-8242 www.alllifecenter.org Creative Foundations 877-345-6733 www.creativefoundations.org Judith Levy Coaching www.judithlevycoaching.com Unique Home Solutions 614-845-0500 www.uniquehomesolutions.org

Visit our online directory at pghpetconnections.com/Dog-Cat-Directory

Almost Home Dog Rescue of OH 614-766-1001 www.almosthomeohio.org Canine Companions 1-800-572-BARK (2775) www.cci.org/northcentral Capital Area Humane Society 614-777-7387 www.cahs-pets.org CHA Animal Shelter 614-891-5280 www.chaanimalshelter.org Colony Cats Adoption Center 614-593-0055 www.Colonycats.org Columbus Dog Connection 614-471-9000 www.Columbusdogconnection.com Cozy Cat Cottage Adoption Center 614-336-8510 www.cozycatcottage.org Franklin County Dog Shelter & Adoption Center 614-525-3647 www.franklincountydogs.com Pets without Parents www.petswithoutparents.net

Wildlife

Columbus Zoo and Aquarium www.columbuszoo.org Ohio Wildlife Center 614-793-WILD www.ohiowildlifecenter.org SCRAM! Wildlife Control www.ohiowildlifecenter.org The Wilds www.thewilds.columbuszoo.org

List your business today! info@pghpetconnections.com www.petconnections.pet 11

Pet Health & Wellness

THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT

PROFESSIONAL GROOMING

as pet parents

By Emma Jin | Co-founder of Emi Pet Salon & Boutique

Every pet owner knows that grooming is something their pets will experience during their life time, but when it comes to how big of a role it plays in their pets’ life, people have a wide variety of ideas. To be specific, what will come to your mind when you think about your dog getting groomed? A quick bath? All different haircuts? A big pile of shedding hair? Your dog’s scared shaking before you have to leave him or her with the groomer for a full day? Struggling for nail trimming? Your dog got shaved bald when you expect long and fluffy? People have totally different perspectives due to their previous experience with grooming. I would like to reveal the fundamental of pet grooming and how to enhance your pet’s grooming experience.

First of all, as pet parents, you need to understand how professional grooming can benefit our beloved pets’ overall wellness. According to the breed of the pets, grooming needs may vary, but professional grooming is essential for most of the household dogs and cats. For example, curly coated and silky coated breeds such as Poodle, Maltese, Havanese and Shih Tzu need their hair trimmed to proper length in order to prevent matting and maintain overall hygiene; harsh coated terriers needs their coat to be hand stripped to keep their special coat texture and skin health; long, medium and short double coated breeds such as Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, German Shepherd, Husky and Collie need their undercoat removed with high pressure bathing, blow drying, brushing and de-shedding with proper tools. For those recently most popular mixed breeds like “doodles” and “Cockapoos”, frequent grooming is even more critical because their hair texture is a combination of two different type of coats which make them easier to get matted and harder to brush out. Secondly, having your pets professionally groomed on a regular basis plays such a significant role in how they become used to the process and how much stress it can reduce for each groom. Every four weeks is usually a good frequency to start with, and it can be adjusted after several trials according to the pet’s desired hair length, coat texture and behavior. I always describe the matting issue as a “ticking time bomb” that will explode every so often if the timer is not reset in time. By grooming them properly before their hair shafts all tangled up, we are basically resetting the timer of the bomb to prevent excessive brushing or shaving down completely.

Grooming is a very complicated practice involving quite amount of knowledge about different aspects of animals such as behavior, skin care, coat type, anatomy, breed standards, nutrition, etc. Equipped with all these knowledge, a professional groomer also needs to master bathing, drying, brushing, clipping, scissoring and handling skills in order to provide high quality grooming services to customers.

At this point, pet grooming industry is not regulated yet, so the standard of service and the condition of the business can vary a ton.

12 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

I would love to share some tips when looking for good grooming business to ensure a stressless and comfortable experience for both you and your pets: 1. Cleanness of the Facility. Check if the facility is cleaned and disinfected thoroughly every day.

2. Groomer’s Credibility. Check if the groomer obtained proper training with either a qualified experienced groomer or at a professional grooming academy.

Continuing education, certification, or competition experience is always a plus.

3. Customer Service. The way a service provider treats you will most likely indicate the way he or she will treat your pet. Profession, caring and honesty is always what you should look for.

Communication between pet owners and groomers is extremely important because the customer doesn’t speak our language.

Miscommunication is always the top reason for unsatisfied service.

4. Reviews and Reputation. It’s always helpful to hear what other people say about a business or service provider. But at the same time, everyone’s situation is different so someone else’s experience may not even be a concern for you. So please use reviews as reference while making your own judgement.

for more pet info visit

www.emipet.com

www.petconnections.pet 13

Kitty Korner

Alley Cat Allies Deploys Resources to Gulf Coast for Hurricane Recovery By: Peter Osborne, Media Contact

HOUSTON – Sept. 3, 2017 – Alley Cat Allies has deployed an expert, bilingual disaster response team (pictures below) and is sending additional resources to help Texas and Louisiana organizations rescue cats and other animals whose lives continue to be in peril because of Hurricane Harvey.

“Many people and animals have been displaced, shelters are overflowing and families were forced to make difficult decisions about what to do with their animals,” said Becky Robinson, president and founder of Alley Cat Allies. “There are many cats and other animals who haven’t eaten for days and may be lost from their homes. We are eager to help the courageous people who are finding and saving these animals.”

In many cases, community cats, sometimes called feral cats, were left on their own when their human caregivers evacuated as floodwaters rose. The Alley Cat Allies team will help shelters and caregivers throughout Texas and Louisiana to rebuild programs that were in place to help community cats, including Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). They will also be forming a network of people to check on colonies, resume feeding them and place new cat houses and shelters as necessary.

The Alley Cat Allies disaster response team is starting its work in Spring, a Houston suburb, by assisting the Texas Litter Control (TLC) organization. TLC requested help as a member of the Alley Cat Allies Feral Friends Network.

Alley Cat Allies has brought truckloads of traps, dens and cat carriers, which will all be in high demand. Additional supplies such as leashes, cat food, kitty litter, water, blankets and towels are also being delivered.

In Texas and Louisiana, Alley Cat Allies is offering emergency funds to overwhelmed shelters and organizations.

In one such case, the Humane Society of Louisiana (HSLA) has used these funds for two disaster-ready transportation vehicles that are facilitating the rescue of hundreds of animals stranded by floodwaters. Jeff Dorson, executive director of HSLA, thanked Alley Cat Allies

for helping in a second consecutive year, after the organization previously responded to extreme flooding in 2016.

“Once more, Alley Cat Allies has come to our aid in a time of need,” Dorson said.

“This critical support is helping us to save cats and other animals who need our help. The generosity, partnership and good-will are helping us to get through some very challenging days as we try to do as much good as we can.”

Alley Cat Allies will post updates about its hurricane relief efforts on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube, and donations to support its work can be made online at www.alleycat.org.

14 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

About Alley Cat Allies Alley Cat Allies, headquartered in Bethesda, Md., is the global engine of change for cats.

We protect and improve cats’ lives through our innovative, cutting-edge programs. We are seen around the world as a champion for the humane treatment of all cats. Founded in 1990, today Alley Cat Allies has more than 650,000 supporters and helps tens of thousands of individuals, communities and organizations save and improve the lives of millions of cats and kittens worldwide. Its website is www.alleycat.org, and Alley Cat Allies is on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and YouTube.

An Alley Cat Allies team member working in Spring, Texas.

Wildlife

CHIPMUNKS

By Linda Forte-Spearing | Volunteer at Ohio Wildlife Center

Whether Disney’s Chip ‘n’ Dale or Alvin and his cheeky friends, chipmunks have been an animation favorite since the 1940s. And it’s no wonder. Their faces alone can trigger a CUTENESS ALERT. Add their high-pitched shenanigans to the mix and it’s a full-blown CUTE EMERGENCY. Chipmunks are the smallest members of the squirrel family. And like their bushy-tailed cousins, they are both mammals and rodents.

The Eastern chipmunk, native to Ohio, is one of 24 species found in North America. One additional species, the Siberian chipmunk, lives in Asia and Europe.

Eastern chipmunks live within and around deciduous forests. Though unlike other varieties, they dwell underground in an extensive system of tunnels and chambers called burrows.

These busy little builders are naturally designed to excavate. Using sharp tiny claws, they dig a maze of connected spaces: an entrance hole, a sleeping compartment, a room for food storage, and additional holes for coming and going. They

The Hole Story

to National Geographic. And while they do go to sleep for stretches of time, chipmunks don’t have fat reserves — like bears — to sustain them through the winter. They wake up, pay a visit to their food chamber, and scamper back to bed.

When spring arrives, they come up to the surface in search of food and a mate. Chipmunk babies, or pups, are born in the burrow and remain there with mom for up to six weeks. A mere two weeks later, the offspring head out to dig burrows of their own. Mom will then give birth to a second litter in late summer.

In addition to wooded areas, Eastern chipmunks will also dig burrows in close proximity to humans: around foundations, beneath patios and backyard sheds, under walkways, etc. The animals themselves are not destructive to this infrastructure. Over a long time, however, the tunneling can cause unintended consequences.

“Chipmunks excavate,” says Logan Oates, Community Engagement Coordinator for Ohio Wildlife Center in Powell. “And yes, it can be problematic. But poisoning them is not the solution.”

As Logan explains, chipmunks are good for breakfast, lunch and dinner when you’re a fox, coyote, raccoon, owl, hawk or snake. When a predator consumes poisoned prey, they too can be adversely affected. Reducing this abundant food source has negative implications, as well.

WHAT TO DO

then use their cheek pockets to take the dirt away, scattering it in different locations.

Their stretchy cheeks also come in handy when gathering their grub. They forage mostly on the ground — seeking nuts, seeds, fruit, mushrooms, and the like. They also eat insects, snails, worms, bird eggs, and the occasional nestling.

Autumn is a time for stockpiling nonperishables. Up to 165 acorns a day, according

Like countless other critters, chipmunks are motivated by shelter, food and water. And much like humans, they are bound to take the path of least resistance.

But when it comes to their tunnels, it’s best to get advice from professionals.

SCRAM! (Suburban Commercial and Residential Animal Management) Wildlife Control is a 100% non-lethal service of Ohio Wildlife Center.

An alternative to traditional animal control

companies that trap and euthanize, SCRAM! provides natural, humane and permanent solutions to prevent and resolve conflicts between people and Ohio’s wildlife.

For an $89 fee, SCRAM! will conduct a thorough property inspection, document animal evidence, identify structural compromises and safety concerns, and recommend a permanent solution.

SCRAM! can then mitigate the issue for an additional cost. If you’re handy, they are happy to provide the guidance you need to fix the problem.

All proceeds from SCRAM! services support Ohio Wildlife Center’s non-profit rehabilitation and conservation education efforts. For additional information about SCRAM! or Ohio Wildlife Center, visit www.ohiowildlifecenter.org. Please call the Center’s monitored information line at 614-793-WILD for help with common wildlife situations. You can reach SCRAM! Wildlife Control at (614) 763-0696.

“Chipmunks are opportunistic,” says Logan.

“Who can blame them? Digging a burrow is hard work. Collecting that many seeds has GOT to be exhausting.”

Plugging obvious holes around plumbing and electrical is a sure way to keep chipmunks from entering the house. Moving or removing birdfeeders will also dissuade them. www.petconnections.pet 15

Holistic Pet Care

Vitamin D for Pets

By Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

VITAMIN D is a critical nutrient. It acts as a hormone in the body and regulates calcium metabolism which is important in bone growth and maintenance. Vitamin D excess leads to too much calcium in the blood. This can cause calcification of body tissues and the formation of bladder stones.

Overt Vitamin D deficiency causes Rickets (poor bone development) in the young and osteomalacia (softening of the bones) in adults. Subtly low Vitamin D can cause many other problems mentioned below.

Vitamin D is nicknamed “The Sunshine Vitamin” because the skin of our bodies can manufacture it with the help of sunlight.

It is important to note however that dogs and cats do not have this ability. Pets must consume all the Vitamin D they need (and at the same time, not excessive amounts).

Many people do not get enough Vitamin D, probably due to our indoor lifestyles. A vast number of studies over the past three decades have linked Vitamin D deficiency to the development of many human diseases including autoimmune, infections, cardiovascular disorders, and, most especially, cancer. Even conventional human physicians have now realized the importance of this nutrient and are measuring blood levels and recommending supplementation as needed.

One problem with Vitamin D in dogs and cats is that the research in this area is just beginning. It was only a couple of years ago that a study established the desirable range of Vitamin D in the blood of pets to be 100120 ng/ml. Some experts think we should be shooting a little higher (120-150 ng/ml). At the same time, it is certain that blood levels above 300 lead to toxicity.

Vitamin D appears to act as an antiinflammatory agent. A recent study showed that low levels of Vitamin D cause an increase in inflammation in the body. Another study found that a low Vitamin D level is a risk factor for heart failure in dogs. Vitamin D protects the heart and helps it function better. Still another study found that the lower the level of vitamin D, the more severe the heart condition.

A very important study found a correlation between low Vitamin D and cancer in dogs.

It further found that Vitamin D has a potent positive effect on the immune system.

Researchers also found that Labradors with mast cell tumors had significantly lower Vitamin D levels than unaffected dogs.

Furthermore, vitamin D metabolites were found to have anti-proliferative effects on the growth of canine mastocytoma cells.

Multiple studies have shown that Vitamin D has anticancer effects on other canine cancer cell lines as well.

Two other studies found that dogs with low Vitamin D levels are prone to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Similarly, cats with either IBD or intestinal lymphoma were found to have low Vitamin D levels.

Concentrations of Vitamin D were found to be lower in dogs with acute or chronic renal failure compared to healthy control dogs.

Another study found that, in dogs with allergies, the response to cortisone treatment was significantly better in animals with higher serum Vitamin D levels.

Yet, the importance of Vitamin D for pets is irrefutable. When you look at all the serious medical conditions (heart disease, IBD, kidney disease, cancer, etc.) that this nutrient affects, we need to be sure our animal companions are safe.

The only way to know that your pet is getting the right amount of Vitamin D is to check her blood levels. If you want to be sure your pet has a reduced risk of inflammation, cancer, and other serious diseases, get this important test today.

Then the appropriate amount of Vitamin D can be supplemented if needed.

A study published in 2015 found that the level of Vitamin D in the blood of hospitalized cats predicted their likelihood to survive. The lower the blood level of Vitamin D, the higher the risk of death from any disease. A previous study found that cats with tooth resorption (a painful disease of cats that causes their teeth to dissolve at the gum line) have significantly higher serum concentrations of Vitamin D than do cats without this condition. It is important to be sure the balance is just right by having a blood test.

Because dogs and cats are unable to make Vitamin D in their skin, they depend on getting the right amount from their food.

Unfortunately, many pet diets may be unbalanced when it comes to Vitamin D. One recent study looked at the blood levels of Vitamin D in 320 dogs. Most of the dogs (292) were being fed processed dog food from 40 different manufacturers, 18 were on homemade diets, and 10 were on a combination of the two. The blood levels of vitamin D ranged from 9.5-249.2 ng/ml. (The 9.5 level was from a dog on a homemade diet).

Another study looked at cat food and found that 41% of canned cat foods have more than 30 times the Vitamin D requirement of cats (which could explain the dental problems mentioned earlier). A veterinary nutritionist I spoke to told me that in her research she found that the Vitamin D levels in feline diets range from 98 – 1,305 IU/1,000 Kcal.

The AAFCO guidelines allow for levels of 125 – 2,500 IU/1,000 Kcal. Those are both quite wide ranges which makes me concerned about the reliability of pet foods regarding Vitamin D levels.

16 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Indy is and 8-year-old Bernese Mountain Dog who became very ill this past summer. In July, he was diagnosed with a very aggressive mast cell cancer that was attacking his spleen, liver, and lymph nodes.

He had surgery to remove his cancerous spleen and upon recovery, developed aspiration pneumonia.

But, Indy and his caregivers are fighters. His conventional veterinarians got him started on chemotherapy. When Indy saw me for an integrative approach, I added herbal medicine, a natural diet, probiotics, and acupuncture to his treatment regimen.

As part of his holistic workup I checked his blood level of Vitamin D. Indy’s level was 64.4 which is much lower than the ideal range of 100-150. Whether this was a factor in the development of his cancer, we will never know, but he is now on supplementation and we are hoping for the best in his recovery.

Integrative Holistic Medicine Integrative: combining the best of conventional and alternative medicine Holistic: providing more options for therapy • Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine • Spinal Manipulation • Supplements

• Natural Nutrition • Vaccine Counseling • Massage Therapy • Healing Touch

Dr. Doug has been practicing integrative veterinary medicine since 1993. He is certified in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic. With over 30 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Doug has treated thousands of challenging cases.

For complete care for your animal companion, see Dr. Doug. Call Beaver Animal Clinic today to set up a holistic exam for your pet.

Dr. Doug | The Holistic Vet

357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009 | 724.774.8047

beaveranimalclinic.com

www.petconnections.pet 17

5

Wellness For Guardians complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches that offer hope for those with chronic pain

By Sylvia Gonzalez

The ongoing Opioid crisis is spurring broad-based change in the way pain is treated in conventional medicine.

Our society is embroiled in a public health crisis of epic proportions.

The number of opioid prescriptions has quadrupled since 1999; though there is no accompanying overall change in the amount of pain reported by Americans. Visible government attempts at addressing prescribing practices are evident in efforts, like a recent letter sent by the Surgeon General and new CDC prescribing guidelines issued in March. While efforts like these (and more) are needed to combat the opioid crisis, but the needs of people who rely on pain management for everyday function must not be forgotten.

Changing trends in prescribing practices must account for the impact of chronic pain on millions of people.

Affecting about 100 million adults, chronic pain is described as pain which lasts longer than six months in duration. According to a report from the Institute of Medicine, chronic pain imposes a severe economic toll, costing $560 billion to $635 per year. Not to mention the cumulative societal costs, which span far beyond these dollar amounts. But the reality for individuals of living in pain has an even more personal impact, often having debilitating effects on one’s physical, social, emotional areas of life. Whatever the ultimate formula used, modified approaches to pain management must be formulated in a comprehensive, compassionate manner that addresses the needs of people to cope with daily suffering.

Alternative approaches to pain management offer hope to those suffering from chronic pain.

Ignoring a patient’s pain is not an option. Physical therapy and other conventional approaches are widely accepted ways of dealing with chronic pain. But patient-centered healthcare that addresses the needs of the whole person can also be addressed with various CAM approaches. While not an exhaustive list, here are five CAM approaches that offer hope to those:

A. Acupuncture has been shown to be an effective treatment for chronic pain, at times by more than 50%.

B. Spinal manipulation has been shown to have a positive effect on low back pain and has also been shown to be as effective as other treatments in improving function.

C. Meditation : Mindfulness meditation had a positive impact on people suffering from non-specified chronic pain, as well as improvements in depression, anxiety and mental well-being.

D. Exercise regimens of various sorts have been shown to affect chronic fatigue, tension, migraine and other types of chronic pain. Tai chi shown to affect pain levels in patients suffering from fibromyalgia.

E. Diet is a variable used by many to address chronic pain, like elimination diets that are often recommended for conditions resulting in chronic pain, like back and neck pain. etc.

18 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

The need for prescription medications, including opioids, remains a necessity for some with pain so acute that other modalities and treatments will not restore acceptable levels of functioning. But educated providers and empowered patients offer a recipe for success in addressing chronic pain for others. Whether in tandem with prescription pain relief or not, incorporating CAM practitioners in care planning for pain management can restore the promise of quality of life for people suffering from chronic pain.

References Opioids. Retrieved from http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/priorities/opioids/index.html#_edn4 . Last accessed Aug. 29, 2015.

Deborah Dowell, MD1; Tamara M. Haegerich, PhD; Roger Chou, MD1 , (March 15, 2016) CDC Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain — United States, 2016. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/65/ rr/rr6501e1.htm Pain: Hope Through Research. Retrieved from: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/ chronic_pain/detail_chronic_pain.htm. Last accessed Aug 29, 2015.

Vickers, DPhil, Andrew, et al. (Oct. 22, 2012) Acupuncture for Chronic Pain. Retrieved from http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1357513 Spinal Manipulation for Low Back Pain. Retrieved from https://nccih.nih.gov/health/ pain/spinemanipulation.htm. Last accessed Aug 29, 2015.

La Cour, P. (April 16, 2015) Effects of mindfulness meditation on chronic pain: a randomized controlled trial, http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25376753 Wang, C., et al. (Aug. 19, 2010) A randomized trial of tai chi for fibromyalgia. Retrieved from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25376753 Should You Switch to an Elimination Diet to Fight Chronic Pain? (April 14, 2016) Retrieved from https://health.clevelandclinic.org/2016/04/switch-elimination-diet-fight-chronicpain/ Disclaimer: The content in this post should not be construed as medical advice. Care needs are unique to each individual. Persons dealing with chronic pain should seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider.

Originally Published Aug. 30 2016 on www.camapproaches.com

www.petconnections.pet 19

Equine Affairs

“Bananaering”A Horse

By Kristen Hermann

Training horses require them to be capable of bending in both directions.

A horse has a horizontal spine back to front, and it has to be gymnastically trained going both left or right. I created a slideshow on understanding the biomechanics of training a horse, and I used a picture of a banana to show how the horse should bend.

Using a banana as a visual was effective because everyone knows how a banana is shaped. While giving the slideshow, however, many in the audience did not understand bending the horse, so the banana visual helped. Then recently in a lesson, I said to the student, “Is your horse banana-ed left?”

And we laughed because she knew what I was talking about and she understood when I said it that way. Using the word “bent” or “positioned” for training just doesn’t seem to create the same visual as is your horse “bananaed”!

Horses are very similar to humans in the fact that they are either left or right-sided. A more knowledgeable rider will know if their horse either likes to bend right or left and train it accordingly. The process of training the horse gets it to work or use itself equally in both directions. One of the ironies of training horses is that we want our horses to bend both right and left, but how many of us riders are ambidextrous and use ourselves equally on both sides? Yet, we expect our horses to be flexible both ways. In addition to asking my horse to bend both left and right, I also expect the horse to stretch both forward and back. I call this a four-way stretch: laterally (side to side on both sides) and longitudinal (back to front and front to back).

A rider needs to determine if the horse bent right, or it the horse positioned left. The average horse likes to bend right, just Cantering right, the horse is positioned or like the average person is bananaed to the direction of travel. right-handed. Only about ten percent of the horses are bent left as are only about ten percent of riders left-handed. So, since the majority of horses are bent right, and the majority of riders are right handed, many find it difficult to bend the horse left. But if the rider can see which direction the horse likes to bend, by having the awareness that the horse prefers a certain way, then it is easier to fix.

Why do we care if our horses are bent in either direction? Well, one good reason is to keep them sound and in alignment. It is like 20 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Yoga for Horses. If the horse moves efficiently and effectively in both directions carrying equal weight on all four limbs, then not one area of the horse’s body carries the burden of overuse.

Training the horse to use its body with balance both longitudinally and laterally is good training.

Shoulders falling in and out and side reins keeping the shoulders aligned so the horse travels straight.

When the rider understands that their horse is more than likely a bent right horse, then it becomes easier for them to know they have to banana their horse to the left. What happens with a horse that is allowed to be bent right when tracking left on the circle is that the shoulder falls in and the horse’s spine is not following the arc of the circle. Yes, it becomes a pretzeled banana, just kidding. In the visual to the right, you can see a horse popping its shoulder and how the side reins are used to keep that shoulder in alignment with the rest of the horse. So, we position or banana shape our horse so that it will move more effectively and efficiently in the direction it is traveling. Only with riding, we use the rider’s reins and legs and not side reins. Can you imagine driving a car on a circle with the front tires pointing in the opposite direction it is traveling? You would be buying tires regularly. It is the same with our horses, their spines need to be positioned, bent or banana-ed in the direction of travel.

So, the next time you mount your horse note which way it likes to look most often. If the horse nonchalantly keeps looking to the right very likely, that is the side it prefers to bend. Then put your horse on the circle to the opposite direction and see if it bends that direction. If not then you have to ask the horse to be bananaed in that direction. And how do you do that? By using your three natural aids to communicate to and signal the horse to be positioned or bananaed in that direction. The inside rein is called the “softening rein,” and it bends the horse in the neck from the shoulders to the poll. As the horse’s neck bends, its body too bends around the rider’s inside “active leg,” and the outside “supporting rein” keeps the horse from “falling in.”

A horse positioned or banana-ed right.

Yes, the secret to riding is the ability to use the aids in coordination and in timing with the horse’s three natural gaits. In my opinion, knowing when to do what and why is important. Why the horse should be looking where it is going by positioning, bending or bananaering them makes good training sense. I like looking where I am going! There is no doubt figuring out the nuances of riding is like a bowl of fruit, when you learn how to mix it up just right it is real tasty!

Remembrance

Legend of Rainbow Bridge From the book, Legend of Rainbow Bridge by William N. Britton Published and copyrighted in 1994. Reprinted with permission.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

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