Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine May-June 2017 Vol. 3 Issue 3

PetConnections

CENTRAL OHIO

FRE E

May/June 2017 Volume 3 Issue 3

wellness through the human-animal bond

PROTECTING Against Rabies PREVENTING Pet Emergencies LOCAL Upcoming Events STARFISH & KITTENS

SEPT. 8-10 Ohio Expo Center

CREATIVE FOUNDATIONS-

ART WITH A PURPOSE

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

Valid at all US Pet Valu Dog Wash locations. Limit one per customer. Gift card purchases excluded.

Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires August 30th, 2017.

5 OFF

$

any purchase of $30 or more

Valid all Pet Valu US locations. Limit one per customer. Gift card purchases excluded. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Offer expires August 30th, 2017.

www.petconnections.pet 1

Table of Contents May/June 2017

4

HumanAnimal Bond Getting Through Animal Anxiety

12

14

Holistic Pet Care Energy Healing

6 Events 8 Featured Organizations 10 Advertiser

Locator Map

11 Directories 13 Pet Health & Wellness Preventing Animal Emergencies 2 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | MAY/JUNE 2017

20

Pet Health & Wellness Protecting Against Rabies

Equine Affairs Fork To Your Mouth

16 Wellness for

Guardians Summer Fun Reading Selection

18 Kitty Korner Of Starfish and Kittens

19 Wildlife

Scrap the Trap!

21 In Remembrance

From The Publisher Welcome to our Central Ohio PetConnections Bi-Monthly May/June 2017 Vol. 3 Issue 3

News & Events

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 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

Our May PETCON Pet & Equine Expo in Pittsburgh was a big success! We announced last issue that we are collaborating with The Columbus Dispatch and their FALL HOME SHOW to add our second big Ohio event, PETCON Pet Expo inside the same venue with their event! The dates are September 8-10, 2017 and it is being held at the Ohio Expo Center. We will be featuring adoptable pets from local shelter and rescue organizations, symposium with local veterinarians, dog agility demos from area clubs, bird show - see & learn about a colorful variety of species. We will have pet vendors from all industry categories for the latest and greatest in services and products for our furry friends! We will be announcing home show celebrity guest appearance, on July 1st!

Please see our event page for upcoming summer events!

This Issue Our cover feature and story is about Creative Foundations and their amazing work! They attended our PetConnections Pet Expo this past October and presented me with an awesome painting of our logo! Read about the Getting Through Anxiety with your Pet, Preventing Pet Emergencies, and Rabies. The Ohio Wildlife writes about Scrap the Trap, in our Wildlife section. Enjoy the rest of our articles in this issue!

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 this winter season and be well this spring season!

Warmly, The cover stars: Ashley Banbury and the dog’s name is Molly Photo credit: Tom Crabtree and Jason Rhinebolt

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 GETTING THROUGH THE RUMBLE

of Fireworks & Thunderstorms

By Susan Wagner DVM, MS, ACVIM

W

e may love the 4th of July, but it can be a nightmare for our canine companions. The rumbles and booms of fireworks often elicit mild to severe anxiety, causing signs such as drooling, pacing, panting and hiding. The Humane Society of the United States has offered great safety tips for the 4th. I’d like to add advice on easing the fear associated with all the noise and hoopla. Each individual tip may be enough for your pet, but in severe cases of anxiety, several may be necessary. They all work well together.

1. Allow your dog to go where he feels safe. This may be in the basement or under a table. Stay with him if you can.

2. Put one drop of therapeutic grade lavender essential oil in the palm of your hand, then rub it down your dog’s spine. Start at the top of the head and go all the way to the tail. Be sure to use pure lavender, not the perfume quality found at most bath and beauty stores. If he doesn’t completely calm in 3 to 4 minutes, repeat the application. You can re-apply a third time if he is still fearful. Young Living’s Peace & Calming is an effective blend that can be diffused in the pet’s living space. It has even been used effectively with domestic and wild large animals.

3. Play calming music at a low volume. There’s no need to overcome the loud fireworks — that will over stimulate your dog.

I was proud to be the research coordinator for Through A Dog’s Ear: Music to Calm Your Canine Companion, so I stand by its effectiveness. This mu-sic has a physiologic calming effect. You can also play it in between anxiety events, when you and your dog are in a peaceful state. This will add a classical conditioning effect to the calming properties.

4. Some dogs respond to snug fitting jackets called Thundershirts. The tight fit gives them a sense of comfort.

Calming caps gently cover their eyes, and help many pets.

5. Calm My Stress, Calm My Dog and Calm My Cat are sprays that can be applied directly to your pet.

They have no odor, so pets don’t mind them a bit. They were developed by veterinarian Pamela Fisher. (www.

CalmMyPet.com) 6. Flower Essences can be rubbed on the inside of the ear flap or given orally. Bach Rescue Remedy is the most

4 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | MAY/JUNE 2017

commonly used. I also find Perelandra ETS (Emergency Trauma Solution) very effective. (www.Perelandra-ltd.com) 7. Pheromone based products can also be helpful.

Ever watch your cat rub their face against something? They are depositing pheromones that communicate safety and reduce fear. Pheromones can be used as a spray that is placed near your pet, diffuser, or as a long acting collar. Feliway and DAP (Dog Appeasing Pheromone) are supported by quality scientific research.

8. Stay calm! I know some pets exhibit destructive behaviors during these events, but don’t become angry. The fear associated with punishment will only worsen an already difficult situation.

9. Energy therapies are also extremely effective in calming animals.

You may want to consider taking a course in Healing Touch for Animals, animal Reiki, or massage so that you can assist your own pet.

Many cats are also frightened of fireworks, and will retreat to their own safe places. Cats are lucky enough to fit into tiny corners in far away closets! You can also use the above products for them. With lavender, use one drop one time only. If they are really excitable — frothing, shaking, hair standing on end (gee, that sounds like a trip to the vet) — you can apply another drop. NOTE: Some essential oils are not safe for cats, so please use only pure lavender.

These tips are helpful for any type of anxiety, whether it be thunderstorms, separation anxiety, veterinary visits or strangers coming into the home. The most important piece of advise I can give you, however, is to understand the energetics of animal anxiety.

Animals naturally reflect our energy fields, so if we have a pet with anxiety, we must look at what we are anxious about. If it weren’t significantly affecting our lives, our pets wouldn’t be reflecting it. This doesn’t have to be the same type of anxiety. It may be a reflection of something that happened long ago, but the energy persists and continues to affect our lives in some way. Once the cause is identified, faced and overcome, the energy can dissipate.

The 4th is about independence, so why not face your fears and declare independence from them? Fear of any kind increases all fear.

It often leads to self-absorption and judgement of ourselves and others. If each of us does our own work by choosing to overcome what we are afraid of, we can truly become One Nation, Undivided.

Happy 4th of July!

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Events

Mingle With Our Mutts 12-2pm, 1st & 3rd Sunday Monthly Franklin Co Dog Shelter, off Morse Rd, behind Menards Visit with 15 rescues & shelters as well the dogs in the Franklin Co Dog Shelter

6 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | MAY/JUNE 2017

Love your pets?

Love your home?

Then you’ll PRESENTED BY

this show!

INTRODUCING...

PRESENTED BY

For the pet-lover in you, you’ll find...

• Exhibitors from across the region with the latest and greatest toys, tech and wellness tools for your buddies • A stage-area with pet-related presentations • Pet agility demonstrations and much more!

For the homeowner in you, we’ll have...

• Experts, craftsmen and pros for every home project you can imagine — from rooftop to basement, and from front curb to back yard • Cooking demonstrations, home-improvement DIY sessions live on stage, and more

SEPT. 8-10

Ohio Expo Center Bricker Building

dispatchhomeandgardenshow.com

NO PETS

ADMITTED NO EXCEPTIONS. Your pets are good little boys and girls (yes they are!) but please leave them at home while you visit show. You can surprise them with all of the goodies you’ll find!

Featured Organization

CREATIVE FOUNDATIONS-

ART WITH A PURPOSE

S

tep inside any of the Creative Foundations studio locations and you will find artists exploring many types of mediums, from fabric to wood to painting and drawing. Our artists have created bird houses, candles, business logos, journals, custom pet portraits, endangered animal art, and much more.

The studios are filled with light, color, and artistic energy that spills over into the art and other creative products that are made in the spaces.

By Katie Hofacker and Amy O’Reilly

The artists creating at the four studio locations love what they do, and their enthusiasm and passion are evident in the art that is produced. When asked what she enjoyed most about working as an artist at Creative Foundations, Shayne responded that she enjoys having the chance to create art around other artists and have access to a resident artist that she can turn to for artistic guidance.

Juskie says that she enjoys being given the chance to expand her style of art and has loved being an artist at Creative Foundations for the past five years. Juskie’s art is bright, full of energy, and detail oriented (see picture 1).

Creative Foundations has also created an event that both supports its artists and animals in need. The second

Opened in 2001, Creative Foundations provides support to individuals with Developmental Disabilities. One aspect of the program includes a paid artist position.

Creative Foundations artists work under the direction of a resident artist or art coordinator and are able to earn an income while exploring and expressing their creative side.

Creative Foundations now has four Ohio studio locations found in Knox, Delaware, Union, and Champaign counties. Each space is open from 10:00 to 3:00 pm and visitors are always welcome, so if you find yourself in the area please consider stopping by.

8 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | MAY/JUNE 2017

Pet Connections logo to Carla Mader, publisher of Pet Connections Magazine. (see picture 4) All that is needed to create a custom pet portrait is a clear photo of the pet and the pet’s name.

If you’d like to see more of our products and art, please come see us at one of our shops in Delaware or Marysville.

The Delaware shop and studio is located at 57 N Sandusky St, Delaware Ohio. The studio and shop in Marysville can be found at 104 South Main Street, Marysville, Ohio. Both studios are open from 10:00 to 3:00 pm. The artists at Creative Foundations love meeting people and sharing their creative stories in person, so stop in and say hi. Creative Foundations can also be found at several upcoming festivals such as Columbus’ ComFest and Marysville’s Festifair. If you’re in need of a custom logo created for your business, a custom pet portrait, or any other commissioned art please contact “Uncle” Mike Hite at mike@creativefoundations.org. He will provide you with all the necessary information on how to order a commissioned work from a Creative foundations artist that is guaranteed to be one of the most unique pieces of art you’ll own. annual Wild Art exhibit will be held at the Delaware studio space on Sunday June 25th, from 2:30 to 5 pm at 57 North Sandusky St, Delaware Ohio. This exhibit focuses on endangered animals and part of the proceeds from each painting sold will be donated to the Columbus Zoo’s endangered animal fund. Last year, artists from Creative Foundations were able to personally present the zoo with a check to be donated to the fund. (See picture 2). Please consider coming out to see over 50 pieces of original art and meeting some of the talented and passionate artists who created the body of work. Original art, prints, notecards and more will be available for purchase.

Find and follow Creative Foundations at creativefoundations.org, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CFIntegration, and also on Instagram and Twitter @cfintegration.

Besides endangered animal art, another facet of Creative Foundations is the unique custom pet portraits that are available on a commission basis. No limits are placed on the type of pet portrait that artists at Creative Foundations can create. Dogs, cats, horses, snakes, birds- no pet is too exotic! Marysville artist Leslie is one of the artists that is extremely talented in the area of creating custom pet portraits (see picture 3). At last year’s Pet Expo in Columbus, Leslie (not pictured) donated her hand painted

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Advertiser Locator

D

10 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | MAY/JUNE 2017

Inside Front Cover ASPCA Page 1 Pet Valu Page 1 Creative Foundations Page 2 Real Big Puppy Page 2 Lucy Pet Products Page 2 Kobi Collars Page 5 K9 Grass Page 5 Mia Bella’s Page 7 Columbus Dispatch Home Show

Page 15 Best Breed Page 15 A Beaver Animal Clinic Page 15 B Canine Health Page 17 Hindu Temple 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 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

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

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

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

List your business today! info@pghpetconnections.com www.petconnections.pet www.petconnections.pet1111

Pet Health & Wellness

RABIES

Still a Threat Today

Rabies is a deadly disease that kills thousands of people worldwide every year.

In the United States, it is most prevalent in wild animals that can bite and infect our pets, who can then transmit the disease to us. It’s fatal once the symptoms begin and the symptoms are horrid. This makes vaccination of pets against rabies of the utmost importance.

The Danger of Rabies When you think of rabies, you probably think of terrifying images of rabid animals acting erratic and foaming at the mouth.

You might also think that rabies isn’t something that could affect you or your pet. However, this contagious, viral disease is a health issue that all pet parents need to take seriously. It is so serious that most states require rabies vaccination for pets.

The most common transmitters of rabies in the United States are wild animals— particularly raccoons, bats, and skunks.

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) tracks cases of rabies and reports that wild animals account for 92.6% of reported instances in the United States.

These animals can come into contact with your pet in your backyard, while walking on wooded pathways with your dog, or even inside of your home. Unlike healthy wildlife, rabid animals can be aggressive and often won’t hesitate to approach you or your pet.

Rabies and Cats You might be surprised to know that rabies is more prevalent among cats than dogs in the United States. According to the CDC, there were more than four times as many rabid cats than dogs reported in 2014. One explanation for this is that cats are less likely than dogs to be taken to the veterinarian for regular visits where rabies vaccinations can be kept up-to-date.

People who keep their cats inside might also think they don’t need to vaccinate for rabies, but this is not true. Indoor-only cats can slip outside, where they can come into contact with wild animals that carry deadly diseases like rabies. Also, bats have been known to enter homes, which can present another opportunity for rabies exposure.

12 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | MAY/JUNE 2017

By Wendy Hauser, DVM. AVP of Veterinary Relations, Crum & Forster Pet Insurance Group™, providers of ASPCA® Pet Health Insurance. www.aspcapetinsurance.com.

How Rabies is Transmitted The virus is transmitted through saliva, which most often enters the victim through a bite. It can also be passed through an open wound or membranes like the eyes or mouth.

The virus then travels through the nerves to the spinal cord and into the brain. After an incubation period of 1-3 months, the virus multiplies quickly and moves into the salivary glands. This is when the animal will start exhibiting signs of rabies and will usually die within two to 10 days.

When a person is exposed to the rabies virus, it can be treated as long as the appropriate care begins immediately. This treatment consists of a series of injections given in the upper arm.

Rabies Symptoms Rabies symptoms in humans are horrifying especially as the virus progresses. Initial symptoms can include headaches, fever, agitation, and weakness, but soon more serious symptoms will appear. Signs of rabies in animals include: • Aggression • Erratic behavior • Hallucinations • Excessive salivation • Inability to swallow due to paralysis of the throat muscles • Fear of water The end stages of the virus are paralysis, coma, and death. Unfortunately, an animal with rabies will die soon after the symptoms begin to appear.

Diagnosing Rabies The only way to definitively diagnose rabies is by testing the brain tissue for the virus after death. If an animal is suspected of having died from rabies, the CDC recommends sending the brain to a laboratory where it can be tested to confirm the diagnosis.

While the thought of this kind of testing can be horrifying to a pet parent, it is important to help determine any actions that might be needed to protect other animals and people from potential

exposure. It also enables researchers to define patterns of the disease that determine rabies prevention programs.

Rabies Prevention Vaccinating your pet is the absolute best form of rabies prevention, which is why it is required in most states. The schedule for this vaccine can vary depending on these state regulations, but it is typically given when dogs or cats are around 12 to 16 weeks old and then again when they are one year of age. Revaccination should occur at least every three years, with some areas requiring them more frequently. It’s important to visit your veterinarian annually to make sure your pet’s vaccines are kept up-to-date.

What should you do in case of a bite?

If an animal bites you, stay calm and wash the wound thoroughly with soap. Call your doctor as soon as possible for treatment recommendations. It is essential that you seek medical attention immediately. Don’t ignore the bite since the animal could have rabies or other diseases that may need treatment.

If you suspect a rabid animal bit your pet, contact your veterinarian right away and follow their instructions. Dogs who are up-to-date on their rabies vaccination will typically be given a booster shot and observed for 45 days. Keep in mind that the rabies virus can live on your pet’s skin for a couple of hours, so use gloves and protective clothing if you need to handle them.

Sadly, the CDC recommends euthanizing pets who are not vaccinated. If the pet parent is not amenable to this option, the pet must be quarantined for six months.

If rabies symptoms start to show, the pet will need to be euthanized. Pets who have expired vaccines should be evaluated on an individual basis by their veterinary team.

The consequences of rabies from the horrifying symptoms to death from the disease or euthanasia are heartbreaking.

Please be sure that your pet is up-to-date on this important vaccination.

This article originally appeared on the company’s Paw Prints blog. (https://www.aspcapetinsurance.com/blog).

Preventing Pet Emergencies

By Kenton D. Rexford, VMD | PVSEC Emergency Service

A

s pet owners we all hope and wish that our pet will never have an emergency medical problem. Pet emergencies are stressful for pets and owners alike. Although there is no way to prevent all emergency situations, it is really good practice to control the things that are controllable and prevent the things that are preventable.

Trauma Many of the trauma cases that present to our emergency service are pets that were outside unsupervised. Pet owners, myself included, enjoy allowing their cats to explore outside or their dogs to go for a walk in the woods. That being said, pets who are outside and unsupervised are at risk for vehicular trauma, lacerations, bites from other animals, and many other sources of trauma. So, my recommendations for preventing trauma are: 1. Keep dogs in a fenced yard 2. Keep dogs leashed while walking 3. Keep cats inside your house As a potentially unpopular addendum – also be leery of dog parks.

Multiple dogs off leash is a recipe for fights. Dog parks are a great concept and I love them and use them myself. Nonetheless, just to be safe, my dogs will not be in the park at high volume times and my dogs will probably leave with me when a “new kid” shows up for the first time.

Preventing Poisonings Most poisonings occur because a pet has access to something to which they should not have access. The most common substances that lead to pet poisonings are as follows: human medications, chocolate, grapes and raisins, pet medications, poisonous plants, illicit drugs, xylitol (an artificial sweetener), alcohol, antifreeze, and rodenticides. When any of these substances are ingested by a pet, this occurs because a human has allowed the pet to have access. It is our responsibility as pet owners to prevent access.

1. Keep all medications secure. Medications should be kept in a wall cabinet.

2. Take medications behind a closed door, then if you spill the medication your pet cannot access the pills that are on the floor.

3. Keep all sugarfree gum and candy out of reach. Sugarfree gum and candy should be in a wall cabinet. Purses, backpacks, etc… containing candy or gum must be placed in a secure location.

4. Keep all human food, alcohol and illicit drugs out of reach. And be sure to tell your friend, you know the one I mean, that it is not “funny” to see how the dog responds to alcohol or drugs.

www.pvs-ec.com

“The best way to manage an emergency is never to have an emergency.” - unknown Preventing Gastrointestinal (GI) Problems Not all GI problems are preventable, but certainly GI problems arising from ingesting things not meant to be ingested, are preventable.

1. Maintain a regular feeding schedule 2. Always allow free access to water 3. Be boring – feed the same, or similar, food all the time 4. Secure the garbage 5. Don’t feed human food 6. OK, you’re going to feed human food – so be smart about it: a. They love anything you give them. b. Avoid spicy or fatty food. c. Chicken meat (not skin) is tolerated by most pets. d. Mild cheeses are tolerated by most pets. e. Rice is well tolerated. f. Raw vegetables or fruit are often a good choice (except for grapes).

Preventing Environmental Stress Heat, humidity and extreme cold can all cause medical problems for animals. If it is hot and humid enough that you are uncomfortable with strenuous exercise, then it will also be uncomfortable and potentially dangerous for your pet. Similarly, if you have to wear winter boots and multiple layers due to cold, your pet will be uncomfortable as well.

1. During the summer always provide water and shade for your pet.

2. During the summer exercise your pet in the morning or evening because temperatures are usually milder at these times.

3. During the summer you may need to limit your pet’s exercise outside.

4. During the winter do not allow your pet to be outside for long periods of time.* 5. During the winter always provide insulated shelter.

6. During the winter be sure that water is changed frequently so it is not frozen.

7. Never leave your pet in a car. *some breeds, like Siberian Huskies, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and others are more tolerant of cold of course. They should still have shelter or be encouraged to come inside periodically.

It is not possible to prevent all emergencies, but hopefully we can prevent many of them by being mindful. www.petconnections.pet 13

Holistic Pet Care

THE SCIENTIFIC BASIS OF ENERGY HEALING

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

O

ur bodies and those of all animals are intricately wired and I’m not just talking about the nervous system.

There is a direct current (DC) system that sets up a complex pattern of electrical fields (EFs). Any time there is a movement of electrons, an electrical field is generated. It is the summation and interaction of all the electrical activity of the body and mind that results in the overall bioelectric field of an individual.

Much of the energy we consume in the form of food goes toward maintaining the electrical gradients across the cellular membranes of all the cells of the body. Scientists have long realized that cell membranes contain strong electric fields, but researchers have generally assumed that 99.9 percent of a cell’s volume was electrically dormant. However, a few years ago, a University of Michigan biophysical chemist used a tiny voltmeter to measure rat brain cells’ electrical potential and detected fields as strong as 15 million volts per meter throughout the cells. Assuming this translates to us, that means we all have the electrical power of a lightning bolt within us!

in the body. Certain genes in the genetic code can “turn on” and create a liver, other genes can “turn on” and make a brain. But one puzzle that DNA does not solve is what causes the brain to always form inside the skull and the liver to develop inside the abdomen? According to research, it is the body’s electrical field that dictates the turning on and off of genes related the appropriate development of the body

Incredibly, it has been found that changing the EF changes the outcome of amputation in regenerators (animals that grow back an amputated limb) like salamanders versus non-regenerators (animals that do not grow back an amputated limb) like frogs. If a salamander’s leg is amputated and the frog’s electrical field is mimicked at the stump, the leg does not grow back. But, if the frog’s leg is amputated the salamander’s EF is mimicked, the frog’s leg will grow back. In fact, this has also been proven to be the case in young laboratory rats as well.

In fact, we are much more electromagnetic than we are physical. According to Einstein, “We may therefore regard matter as being constituted by the regions of space in which the field is extremely intense … There is no place in this new kind of physics both for the field and matter, for the field is the only reality.”

Furthermore, it has also been shown that when an incision is made in the skin, there is a change in the local bioelectric field before there is a biological response to the injury.

This has led researchers to conclude that it is the change in electrical field that initiates the body’s healing response.

The bioelectric fields of both amphibian and chick embryos have been analyzed and found to be quite similar. According to several studies, changing the EFs of chick and amphibian embryos causes changes in their development. Further research has revealed that the body’s bioelectric field guides morphogenesis (the biological process that causes an organism to develop its shape).

A recent study sums up the importance of the bioelectric field nicely when the researchers state, “Endogenous DC electric fields (EFs) are important, fundamental components of development, regeneration, and wound healing.”

The DNA codes for the building materials but the body’s electric field is the template for the structure of the body.

Let me explain what this means.

We think we know everything because we’ve figured out the genetic code.

We often think of the DNA as being the blueprint for the body, but this is not exactly right.

It is true that the DNA codes for the protein building blocks for every cell

14 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | MAY/JUNE 2017

The EF of the body appears to be related to the acupuncture meridian system and points. It has been known since the 1950s that acupuncture points and meridians have high electrical conductance. In other words, electricity flows more freely at these areas than other spots on the surface of the body. Perhaps bioelectricity is related the Chinese concept of Qi. Qi is the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We sometimes think of Qi as being “life force energy.”

While this is true, the ancient Chinese had a deeper understanding of the concept. They see Qi as being matter on the verge of becoming energy and energy on the threshold

of materializing.

This sounds strange until we take a closer look at Einstein’s famous equation: E=Mc2. The ultimate meaning of this equation is that matter can be converted into energy and energy can be converted into matter. In other words, matter and energy are two different forms of the same substance; that substance is Qi. Qi is the substance from which the body is formed.

It also is the energy that flows through the meridians of the body which allows the organism to function properly. According to the Chinese, disease is a result of an abnormal flow of Qi and health is an expression of a smooth, balanced flow of energy.

The acupuncture meridians are the conduits for the flow of Qi in the body. They are bilaterally symmetrical and they link the exterior of the body to the internal organs. There is a complex cross linking of the channels and they are named for their corresponding organs.

The acupuncture points are discrete spots on the skin where the Qi in the meridians can be accessed. They are like dimmer switches in an electrical system. These places are where a veterinary acupuncturist can tap into the energy system of the animal he is treating. Acupuncture changes the bioelectric field of the body and this may explain some of its amazing effects.

The body’s energy system can also be affected by the hands of an energy worker. Healing Touch for Animals (HTA) consists of energy field therapy that supports the body and encourages self-healing mechanisms. The techniques used will help balance the body’s energy systems allowing for optimal physiological responses.

This stress-relieving energy work supports the organ systems and rids the body of unhealthy patterns to improve the animal’s overall well-being. It is gentle, noninvasive, painless, and stress-free. Animals can control their participation in the treatment, thus becoming leaders in their own process of healing.

Acupuncture and Healing Touch for Animals are two integrative veterinary medicine techniques for tapping into the body’s bioelectric field in order to aid in healing.

Dr. Doug

The Holistic Vet Healing Touch for AnimalsÂŽ

Holistic and Conventional Care

By Jody Benedict Appointments available

357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009

724-774-8047

beaveranimalclinic.com www.petconnections.pet 15

Wellness For Guardians

SUMMER FUN with a

By Robin Yocum & Susan Wagner

A Welcome Murder

A

fter a long, cold, wet spring, summer is finally here! While we humans are supposed to slow down and enjoy outdoor activities with our pets, we often find ourselves juggling child care, work, and family visits. How many of us need a vacation from our vacation?

One answer to a stressful summer involves murder. Yes, murder! We at PetConnections would like to introduce you to Robin Yocum, a very gifted Central Ohio writer. Who doesn’t like curling up with a good murder mystery to escape the hectic dog days of summer? So, grab your favorite beverage and a few of Robin’s books. With his unforgettable characters and fantastic plot twists, you’ll be glad you did!

We asked Robin to tell us a bit about himself and what makes his work stand out from other authors.

Robin Yocum:

I have long lived in Central Ohio, but I am a river rat at heart. I grew up in the eastern Ohio village of Brilliant, about seven miles south of Steubenville. My novels are primarily set in this colorful Upper Ohio River Valley region.

Many of my stories and characters are drawn from my time as the crime reporter for The Columbus Dispatch.

During my time at the Dispatch, I covered more than 1,000 deaths - murders, suicides, traffic fatalities, plane crashes, drownings, electrocutions, construction accidents, and any of the other various and sundry ways people found to leave this earth. If an article had my byline on it, you didn’t want your name anywhere in it because you were most likely either dead or in jail.

16 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | MAY/JUNE 2017

I try to portray the impact death has on families and communities. Sometimes, a death has a powerful impact on a community. Other times, as in A WELCOME MURDER, the passing of a local drug dealer and thug hardly drew a single mourner. You can see these clear differences in my writing in the three suspense books where a corpse plays a prominent role.

Favorite Sons - The victim in this book was Petey Sanchez, which I described as a troubled human being, a stewpot of mental, emotional, and psychological problems manifested in the body of a wildeyed seventeen-year-old. Every mother in Crystalton feared for the safety of their children when Petey was around. Thus, when his body was found on Chestnut Ridge with his skull caved in, most people were secretly relieved that the threat was gone. They were not going to jump up and down and celebrate the death of a teenager, but their concern was for their own children. While no one mourned Petey, they felt sorry for his mother, who had spent years answering for the actions of her troubled son. Parents did fear that his death may have been the result of a random attack and a killer might be stalking their town, but beyond that, it was adios, Petey.

A Brilliant Death - Amanda Baron was a young, beautiful and loving mother when she disappeared following a boating accident on the Ohio River. An entire town mourned her loss. Years later, people speculated about her disappearance. Had she been killed? Had she run away to escape an abusive marriage? The papers covered the story for years, tracking down reported sightings.

Amanda was a sympathetic characte r, and people wanted a happy ending. Conversely, years later, when her vindictive husband falls victim to a heart attack, the narrator states: Even my own mother, as charitable and forgiving a person as I’ve ever known,

said, “Well, the son of a bitch is God’s problem now.”

A Welcome Murder - In my most recent novel, the murder victim is town ne’er-do-well Rayce Daubner. Let’s be clear. Not one person cared that Rayce Daubner was dead. In fact, most people were glad he was gone. However, the murder is central to the book as it creates problems for all who knew him, but not because anyone is particularly interested in solving the case.

I once heard another mystery writer say the most important person in any murdermystery book is the victim. Not in mine.

I try to write stories about the human condition - right or wrong. In most cases, the corpse is simply the vehicle that helps move the narrative. As I have said many times about my books, they are not as much whodunits as they are we-know-whodunit, now-what-do-we-do-about-its.

I have always found the ramifications of a death on the living to be more interesting than trying to solve the mystery. This is true whether the victim was someone we mourn, or someone we’re glad is gone.

Very few issues in our world are black or white. They are usually some degree of gray, and that is where most of us live and work.

We know that death is supposed to be black and white. You mourn the dead. But, we also know that isn’t reality. We often drift from the black or the white into the gray. It is there where my stories find life.

Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple Ohio Celebrating Companion Animals from the Space of Advitha—Each One is Part of the Whole.

Inner Awakening The most profound inner journey to awaken who you really are

Inner Awakening® is a 21-day spiritual transformation program in India that awakens you to your natural intelligence through yoga at all levels of body and mind. Deriving various techniques and processes from the Vedic scriptures and teachings like Shiva Agamas, Inner Awakening® offers a powerful awakening of the Kundalini Shakti, one’s inner potential, through meditation, spiritual processes, yoga, pranayama, kriyas, and the powerful Shivoham process.

How will Inner Awakening enrich my life?

The Awakening of the Kundalini energy by the power of initiation by a rare living incarnation in just 21 days gives you access to a whole new realm of living. The program works on all the basic dimensions of your life, allowing you to experience deep healing at the physical, mental and emotional levels and the ultimate experience of enlightenment.

You gain a state of deep inner peace coupled with tremendous productivity and creativity.

Becoming constantly aware of every moment provides you with astonishing clarity to fully live the life you love!

For upcoming dates: www.innerawakening.org To register: http://tiny.cc/awakening-petc

Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple Ohio Aadheenam 820 Pollock Road • Delaware, OH 43015 614-571-8425 • meetup.com/Meditation-and-Yoga-for-Wellness youtube.com/lifeblissfoundation

Nithyanandeshwara Hindu Temple is a traditional Shiva temple and the spiritual center for the teachings of enlightened master Paramahamsa Nithyananda in the Ohio region. Located on the banks of the Olentangy River, the temple is a peaceful, serene energy field designed to elevate consciousness.

The temple offers free meditation, yoga, Sattvic cooking classes, and spiritual solutions for life.

Paramahamsa Nithyananda is revered, regarded, respected and worshipped as the Avatar (living incarnation) of superconsciousness by millions across the globe. He is also the spiritual head of Mahanirvani Peetha, the oldest and largest apex body of Hinduism.

He and his global spiritual community are serving humanity by reviving the science of completion, science of Enlightenment and manifesting various extraordinary spiritual powers as per the Vedic Agamic tradition of Sanatana Hindu Dharma. He is author of 350 books, which are translated and published in 500 titles and various international languages.

His Sangha has a strong presence worldwide through numerous Temples, Aadheenams (Temple monastery complex), Gurukuls (Vedic schools), universities and goshalas (cow shelters).

His live spiritual discourses can be viewed every evening online at nithyananda.tv at 9:30 pm EST. Recorded discourses can be viewed at youtube.com/ lifeblissfoundation. www.petconnections.pet 17

Wildlife

SCRAP THE TRAP

When Evicting Wildlife

By Linda Forte-Spearing | Volunteer at Ohio Wildlife Center

Urban sprawl, the expansion of human populations into rural areas, is both disruptive and destructive to wildlife. Sounds gloomy. And on one hand it is.

Loss of natural habitat has led to the extinction of plants and animals across the globe.

But there’s good news, as well. Not only are species adapting to urbanization, some are even thriving amongst it.

Take the raccoon, for example. These highly intelligent, curious creatures traditionally prefer heavily wooded areas, as they make their dens in tree hollows.

No dense tree foliage available? No problem for Ohio’s most adaptable mammal! An uncapped chimney or a comfy attic fits the bill. It’s a whole lot easier to attack the trashcan than it is to forage for food. And let’s face it. Drinking from the birdbath is way more convenient than trekking to the river’s edge.

“Animals are opportunistic,” explains Adam Turpen, Director, SCRAM! Wildlife Control. “And much like us, they’ll take the path of least resistance to get their paws on the essentials.”

Following said path, can lead straight to a trap, however. This is especially true for mischievous raccoons.

“People try to trap humanely,” says Logan Oates, Community Engagement Coordinator, at Ohio Wildlife Center. “But in reality, there’s no such thing. The traps themselves might 18 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | MAY/JUNE 2017

not inflict harm. But the eventual outcome of trapping wildlife is often a dead animal.”

First and foremost, Ohio law prohibits the relocation of raccoons, skunks, beavers, coyotes, foxes and opossums, whether by you or by somebody you hire. Trapped animals are considered a “nuisance.” And as such, they must either be released where they are caught or be euthanized, without exception.

Just this spring, a woman brought two raccoons that had been living in her attic to Ohio Wildlife Center, thinking they could find the duo a new home. After considerable discussion, she was still unwilling to take them back. The Center operates under permits from the Division of Wildlife, and those permits outline what legally needs to happen with “nuisance” wild animals. The Center had no choice but to euthanize the adolescent raccoons, which is contradictory to the Center’s mission and purpose.

Even without the law, the relocation of wildlife is never a viable option. “It’s the equivalent of dumping a person in the middle of nowhere without directions,” says Logan. “Without access to shelter, food, and water.”

Troublesome raccoons are moneymakers for wildlife control companies. Though most will only trap such “unwanteds” versus resolving the underlying problem.

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

material, hair snags, etc.), identify structural compromises and safety concerns (chewed wires, latrines, etc.) 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.

Kitty Korner of

Starfish

and

S

Kittens

pring is the time for newborns. Even with short or mild winters, the lengthening days reach a point in February that send a signal to get ready for birth or to get about reproducing so youngsters can mature during the most plentiful and temperate time of year.

Now, in spring, the first wave of kittens is tumbling into window wells as newborns and toddling into animal shelters as unintended litters surrendered with their unwanted mothers. Kittens are found in boats parked in your driveway, in the eaves of an old garage, under a pile of debris in the back yard, on the cushion of your deck chair when you lift up the cover to clean your porch furniture.

Your neighbors found a litter in the dirt under their deck and someone who works with you said a cat snuck into their garage and had kittens on a shelf.

Every back yard has its own litter of kittens. And they are found in trailer parks, parking lots and abandoned buildings, parks and picnic areas and campgrounds. They are found confused along a road near their mother who’s been killed by a car as she tried to lead them to safety. They are found taped into boxes left outside the shelter door.

Yes, it starts out cute, oh, sweet little fluffballs with their Hello Kitty® ears, and the comical places these mom cats think are safe to give birth. But quickly the constant press of need, day after day, night after night, from people and cats is overwhelming. Cats and kittens need to be trapped. They need fos-ter homes. They need food.

They need formula. They need veterinary care.

Some of them struggle to live. Some of them die.

Some mother cats are hostile, the feral offspring of a female cat abandoned last year, or traumatized by abuse or life on the streets. Some people who find kittens are willing to help, many only want someone to come and “take care of it”. In the end, many cats will die, some because adoptable kittens filled the shelters and the adults had to move out of their cages into eternity, and some mothers and kittens failed their temperament tests for adoptability, some because people considered them pests and called animal control or

By: Bernadette Kazmarski

an exterminator which in many states are under no regulation to save them, some because the local pound doesn’t hold cats, some because there was no one who did anything at all. And somewhere in there, someone who already has more cats than they can feed and take care of is taking in yet more to be neglected and to inbreed and to starve because they think they can save them.

be impossible to do anything for them all and so they do nothing for any of them.

One thing is a constant in all this: abandoned, feral or unsocialized, these cats didn’t run off to the wilderness to have their kittens, they came to humans. In the wild, natural conditions and predators keep populations under control. The animals whose genetic shift removed them from the wild and brought them to share our lives are our responsibility, and socialized or not, they come to us for help.

You’ve probably heard the story of the starfish: one person is walking along the sunrise beach as the tide goes out tossing one starfish after another back into the sea because the starfish can’t make it back into the water on their own and will die in the sun, and another person who comes along and claims that action is pointless because there are hundreds of starfish along the beach and not all can be saved.

This overflow of kittens is preventable by something cats cannot do for themselves but we can easily do for them any day of the year: spay or neuter. Spay or neuter your own cats. Encourage people whose cats are not spayed or neutered to get them done. Encourage people whose cats have a litter of kittens to spay the mother and not give the kittens away to anyone without veterinary care. Find low-cost spay/neuter programs and offer to help people take advantage of it. Find the owners of cats you see outdoors or determine if they’ve been abandoned. Help rescue cats living outside and spay and neuter them too if they haven’t been, and help bring them in and find a new home if they are friendly. Work with a shelter or rescue, and create a network of people who can work together so it doesn’t all fall on a small group of people.

But some were saved, and that made all the difference to the starfish who found themselves back in the waves and floating back out with the tide. And if that person who had called it pointless had started tossing starfish back into the sea instead of arguing about the validity of trying to save any in the face of such volume, even more could have been saved.

More cats than dogs live in homes as pets in the US but cats still receive only half as much health care as dogs1, they are euthanized at a higher rate than dogs2, and are often abandoned when they go into heat or are found to be pregnant, which brings us back to all those kittens popping out of the earth like mushrooms. I firmly believe that cats are often considered of so little value that a portion of our society has always thought that when you didn’t want your cat anymore it was okay to put it outside and leave it and not care what happened to it, that cats receive less care and treatment when kept as a pet and sometimes none at all, that some animal shelters don’t even hold cats in cages to wait for an owner to show up but euthanize them immediately, because there are so many cats that people either see them as disposable or that there are so many cats it would

But some of those starfish are people, and part of rescuing these cats is their education. Hopefully the people we help take the idea of spaying and neutering seriously and will in their turn spread the word, thereby saving even more metaphorical starfish. And to make it even better, those kittens and cats you saved and sent off to good homes will not only not be on the street living dangerously and reproducing, they will be the beloved companions of someone who will cherish them.

All those cats and kittens needing rescue right now are the many starfish that litter the beach.

We can’t save them all, but we can save a lot of them if we work together. And those we save, who are spayed and neutered and sent to good homes where appropriate, won’t be out there next year, producing more kittens to be found under someone’s porch needing to be saved and starting the whole cycle all over.

Even saving one mom cat and litter prevents the potential birth of dozens next year. Go ahead and grab that starfish, toss it back in the ocean, and make a difference.

1Catalyst Council FAQ. 2“Pet Statistics”, ASPCA®, http://www.aspca.org/ animal-homelessness/shelter-intake-and-surrender/ pet-statistics www.petconnections.pet 19

Equine Affairs

Bring The Fork To Your Mouth Not Your Mouth To The Fork

By Kristen Hermann

M

y Grandmother’s wisdom will live with me forever.

At the dining room table she would say, “Bring the fork to your mouth not your mouth to the fork.” Etiquette goes a long way at the dinner table and when riding horses.

You always hear the old timers talk about tradition, classical and old school. These are the qualities of equestrianism that we want to pass on to the new generation of riders. At this year’s PetCon Equine and Pet Symposium, we heard several of the equine speakers talk about the writings of the old masters. Yes, classical reading, classical riding, and table manners are all important and timeless!

Look at how a rider that looks down for that eye looses the balance and alignment of the seat. Head in the middle please to ride in balance with the horse.

Riding correctly is old school, and I don’t want to get into a history lesson here, but to talk about riding position. This is where we all begin as riders. If we have a good classical riding position, then the horse will better understand our aids. Our aids are our legs, seat, and hands: the three areas of our body that communicate to the horse.

20 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | MAY/JUNE 2017

In the “old days” riders spent hours on the lunge line before they were allowed to ride on their own, but in modern society, we don’t have time for that. So instead, most riding schools provide “school horses” or a trusted mount that won’t take off bucking. That’s fine. “The times they are a changing,” and evolution is ongoing.

At my Grandmother’s dinner table if your manners were not up to par you were asked to leave the table. I will never forget to going to a clinic, and a rider came into the arena with sawdust flakes in the horses tail. The European clinician asked them to leave the arena. Classical, old school and traditional. I would also think respect.

So what does any of this have to do with bringing the fork to your mouth not your mouth to fork? I have been teaching riding since 1899, no just kidding, but for over forty years. And I have all these catch phrases in my head that I apply to teaching riding, and that is one of the big ones. Why are riders told to look for the horse’s eye? So many riders I have coached over the years are leaning over their horses inside shoulder looking for the horse’s eye. Argh! Pet peeve number infinity! You do not lean over the horse’s shoulder and look for the eye any more than you lean over the dinner plate and bring your mouth to the fork. You sit up straight, and you bring the fork to your mouth, and or you sit up straight and position the horse to the inside without leaning in. You do not lean over and look for the eye; the eye is there. The rider brings the eye to her not you to the eye.

Leaning in is a bad habit for a rider, and a good way to break that is to learn to ride bareback. If you lean and look for that eye, you may just slide right off. The rider is to sit straight and if they are looking down or in, (where is that darn eye?), it unbalances the seat and a whole slither of basic riding position unravels. Keep your head balanced

Rider is sitting in the middle of the horse and looking through the horse’s ears. She may be concentrating a little too much, but she is not leaning or looking down. Because she is aligned with the horse she knows if the horse is straight.

in the middle of your shoulders just like you want your horse’s head. When the rider is balanced in the center of the horse, it is way easier to keep the horse balanced and between the aids.

So whether you are riding your horse or eating dinner at Grandma’s, remember to “bring the fork to your mouth, not your mouth to the fork.” Tradition, old school and classical learning can go a long way in this millennium world. Trust me that horse’s eye is there, you do not need to go leaning over the horse’s shoulder looking for it any more than you need to lean over your dinner plate.

A rider that was told to look for the eye, ends up looking down instead of over the horse’s ears.

“Anything good going on down there,” I ask?

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....

Distinctive, Rare, Extraordinary Priceless one-of-a-kind work of art Crafted by degreed glass artists in the USA Engrave as desired A small amount of your pet’s cremated remains are included in each memorial

1.888.930.7363

www.crystalremembranceforpets.com

If you love your home and love your pets,

you’ll

At Dispatch Shows, we’ve produced a fall version of our popular spring home & garden show every year since 2005. The fall show is the one place for every home improvement project... inside and out, so homeowners can get the projects on their checklist checked-off before winter. This year we searched for ideas that would make the fall show even more engaging for central Ohioans, and the answer was literally right under our noses. The furry, four-legged friends who share our homes with us.

And so the first Fall Home Show & Pet Expo is born!

The fall Home Show will continue to feature experts, craftsmen and pros for every home project from the rooftop to basement, and front curb to backyard fence. Everything a home needs will be at this show.

this show!

DID YOU KNOW... more homes have pets than children?

We checked... it’s true. And the loyal companies that participate in our Home Shows tell us that just about every home they visit has a pet. To us, pets is a super-sized opportunity closely linked to homes and the people who live in them... one that not even we could miss!

FUN PET FACTS...

and the loving things we do for them •

68% of households own a pet

• People will spend $70 billion on pets, $1200 a year per owner • More homes have dogs than cats, but the cat population is bigger

• • •

71% of pet owners let them sleep in their bed

70% buy gifts for their dogs

38% cook for their dog

• Pet insurance premiums grew 17% in just one year, 1 in 10 owners buying it

Sources: 2017 National Pet Owners Survey, APPA; The Harris Poll

Pet Expo Activities. Stay tuned for our full line up, which includes a pet agility demonstration area, and separate Pet Expo stage with information session every pet owner will want to know, and 75 exhibitors.

Visitors must leave their pets at home. In the first year at the Home Show & Pet Expo, visitors will not be permitted to bring their pets into the show. We checked around the nation and this is a fairly common practice in combined shows.

22 CENTRAL OHIO PETCONNECTIONS | MAY/JUNE 2017

SEPT. 8-10 • OHIO EXPO CENTER • BRICKER BUILDING