Pittsburgh PetConnections Summer 2023 Vol. 10 Iss. 4

Black Cat Art LLC was founded by Becky Frazier who has been creating pet portraits, murals, and fine art paintings in Pittsburgh, PA and beyond.

10% of her portrait proceeds to the Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care PAWS Fund to help pets with a life-threatening emergency receive the care they need as well as other Non-Profit organizations in the Pittsburgh area.

Becky’s pet portrait artwork is dependent on realistic and photographic like detail. She also strives to be able to capture the personality traits that need to be portrayed for the portraits to fully show the soul and personality of the pet or animal. By using the highest quality pastels and the ease of blending and texture she is able to capture fine details.

Besides pet portraits, Becky has started creating abstract and contemporary animal paintings in acrylics and murals for residents and business in and around Pittsburgh. Black Cat Art LLC was founded by Becky Frazier who has been creating pet portraits, murals, and fine art paintings in Pittsburgh, PA and beyond. Whether you are looking to add a custom mural to your home or business, have a pet portrait commissioned, or just adding some art to a wall, Becky can help bring your vision to life. FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

Cat pet and of the Veterinary pets care like be able the the animal. the and and animal paintings Cat looking a a pet help your vision FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT

Old Dogs and Bucket Lists

When Annie, a 19-year-old black Labrador retriever mix was brought to the shelter, she wasn’t in the best shape. She had trouble walking and not much of an appetite, common signs of stress for senior animals in a new and often scary environment for them. The medical assessment at the time said she likely had only one month to live.

Her life changed when she was taken in by a local senior rescue and placed in a foster home with best friends and roommates Lauren Siler and Lisa Flores.

Annie went from only expecting to live for one month to blossoming and taking a golden journey for whatever time she has left.

Lauren saw Annie’s photo on the Dallas Animal Services Instagram page and knew that Annie deserved more.

By the time she reached out to the municipal animal shelter, the nonprofit The Pawerful Rescue had taken her in. It was the start of a beautiful friendship.

When she saw Annie’s age and situation, it reminded her of the death of her own dog, Bear, in 2022. “I knew I was strong enough to do it because I just had to do it... I couldn’t have imagined not being there with my dog and it just made me feel like, if all I get is Annie for a week, then at least she will die with somebody that she knew loves them.”

“It would have broken my heart more for her to have been put down in the shelter surrounded by nobody that she knew than it would have for us to have to go through that grief when that time comes,” she said.

The rescue wanted to make sure about setting the expectations of taking care of an elderly dog and how much time they might get with her.

“In the beginning, we were just excited to love on her and have her,” Lisa said. “So we didn’t really think much about how hard it would be to let her go. I think we are just really focusing on the joy that she was bringing us at the time and just us enjoying loving on her and giving her all of these great experiences.”

Annie is bringing joy to not only her family but also to some newly found fans. Trying to make the most out of Annie’s golden years, Siler and Flores decided to share her story on Instagram (and create a bucket list for her.

Over the last few months, Annie has had a birthday party - with a date that was chosen for her - painted a picture, had Christmas in July, been on a hamburger tour, and had a professional photoshoot.

“As people started following the Instagram page, they were really just loving watching these pictures and these little videos of the bucket list,” Flores said. “And that’s when the suggestions started coming in. And so we were like, ‘Oh, this is great! Like, now we have more ideas,’ because it seems like Annie’s gonna be sticking around for a while. So we have more things to do.”

“And people want to be a part of it,” Siler added. She said it’s amazing to see people connect with Annie even though they have never met her. And it also raises awareness for the need to foster elderly animals.

Unfortunately, many senior dogs or those with severe medical cases are surrendered everyday. A lot of the time, the reasons (like what was listed for Annie) tug at the heartstrings. She’s old, she can’t walk, she can’t eat or she’s too much to care for.

For whatever reason, owners often think that’s the best they could do. Also, the emotional toll of seeing their pets die is people surrender them to shelters. Lauren and Lisa explain that’s not that’s not even a concept. “We love our animals so much and they’ve given us so much, in Annie’s case 19 years, how could you not be there with her in her f inal moments?”

Annie, meanwhile, is thriving. Next on her bucket list includes a chicken nugget tour, being a chef for a day and even serving as principal for a day. She also has a new roommate.

This month, her owners added a new roommate, offering that a new boyfriend might be on her wish list.

In Siler’s IG post introducing Tippy, she wrote, “You have landed right where you are supposed to be… where old dogs come to fulfill bucket lists, live life extravagantly, and be spoiled rotten.”

Annie’s caregivers stress how important it is to shine a light on how rewarding it is to love older dogs and animals. There are many animals out there that are just like Annie dropped off at shelters to spend their final days alone. They added that they dogs like her prefer to be in quieter homes, filled with love and to be able to do bucket lists while being “spoiled silly.”

Local Rescues can provide tips to share with people who are looking to foster elderly dogs or ones with medical needs. Siler offers that it doesn’t take special training: “It just takes somebody that’s willing to spend a little bit of time with an animal, somebody who’s going to commit to it for the rest of its life, especially for these seniors,” Siler said. “They’ve given so much joy to somebody out there. Don’t be another person that lets them down, just open your home and be committed to them.”

Some local rescues that focus on caring for older dogs include Gray Paws, Senior Hearts Rescue and Renewal, and Senior Pet and Animal Rescue. Larger shelters often have seniors as well, as senior dog advocate Becky DiLucia can share. She adopted a 12 yr old Golden Retriever named Ethel from Animal Friends and loved her for the last 2.5 months of her life. “We didn’t have her for very long, but I’d do it again.”

You can visit Stella’s Instagram page read more about Stella in the Today article by Liz Calvario

www.greypaws.org

www.seniorhearts.org

www.seniorpetandanimalrescue.org

JUNE 9TH – Homewood Vaccine Clinic

More events and Dog Social dates at: https://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/getinvolved/events/

Humane Animal Rescue

JUNE 12TH - AUGUST 18TH Camp Rescue

AUGUST 26TH Wags Whiskers & Wings

More events on page 12 and here: https://humaneanimalrescue.org/events/

Other events:

JULY 16TH Pugmania – see page 7

JULY 22ND Ride for Team Valor

Team Valor Puppies on a Mission

ByDianaSvoboda

Army Veteran Omar Brooks and his wife Nicole Malesic began fostering dogs after their dog Lotus passed away. Omar saw very quickly how working with dogs helped his mood and PTSD. He wanted fellow veterans to feel the way he felt following his five years of service in the Army, where he was deployed

with the 3rd Infantry Division at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom and completed a tour in Iraq. Soon after he realized how he could help, he and Nicole formed PA VetPets, a nonprofit organization out of Washington, PA to create awareness and raise money to release grants to assist veterans and first responders suffering from work related trauma. Rescuing as many dogs from shelters as possible, they also select dogs for training that are offspring of current therapy or service dogs. Working with therapy and service dog organizations, along with the Department of Veteran Affairs, they provide these dogs to as many veterans as possible in and around Pittsburgh.

Valor is the son of two current service dogs (his father’s handler was wounded during a deployment to Iraq). He is the first of several pups to be trained as therapy dogs to comprise Team Valor. Team Valor represents PA VetPets’ pursuit to provide more therapy dogs for veterans and first responders in need of PTSD recovery help. Valor and his teammates will provide emotional support for veterans at local veterans’ and children’s hospitals and homes, and will attend events promoting their services. Training these dogs takes time and money and is an intensive process. Requests come in frequently to help veterans who have been on waiting lists for two years or longer. PA VetPets has a goal to grow their program so that they can one day reduce the number of people on waiting lists by assisting them with hands-on training locally. They also run a program called Warrier Wellness (think AA with dogs) to offer goal setting, nutrition advice and alternative therapies.

The American Legion’s overall mission is to enhance the well-being of America’s veterans, their families, the military, and communities through devotion to mutual helpfulness.

The American Legion’s vision statement is “The American Legion: Veterans Strengthening America”. American Legion Riders Chapter 701 is proud to implement this vision. On July

22, 2023, they will be hosting their annual ride to support PA VetPets and local veterans, hoping to provide a lifetime of training for Team Valor, which could amount to a cost of more than $10,000 per pup. The ride will be approximately two hours, including a comfort stop at the half-way point and a police escort (subject to availability).

Join the White Oak Legion Riders on July 22nd to ride for Team Valor! All riders, passengers and nonriders are welcome. Registration is $20 per person and includes a continental breakfast prior to the ride and a follow up luncheon, including free soft drinks and water. There will be a cash bar, a 50/50 raffle, an American Auction, and other games of chance. If you don’t ride, please join us for the after party and take the opportunity to meet members of Team Valor and support local veterans. In the event of severe weather, the luncheon and all planned games and festivities will still be held. All proceeds of the ride will be donated to PA VetPets and veterans. Members of Team Valor will be on hand at 1:00 pm, so come shake a hand (or a paw) of this wonderful new team!

Pre-registration is suggested. $20 per person can be sent to American Legion Post 701, Attn: Riders Treasurer, 2813 Capitol Street, White Oak, PA 15131. There will also be a pre-registration table at the legion beginning at 9:00 am the day of the ride. Kickstands up will be at 10:00 am and lunch will be served at approximately 1:00 pm following the ride. If you are unable to attend the ride, or are from out of town, please consider a donation to the American Legion Riders Chapter 701 Charity Event Go Fund Me online forum: https://gofund.me/4d1552db

If one team of puppies can make a difference in the lives of our local veterans, let’s come together to help Valor and the rest of his team succeed in their mission – to enhance the well-being of fellow brother and sister veterans. Be a part of Legion 701 Riders’ mission of hope and join them on July 22nd at 10:00 am to ride for Team Valor!

PUGMANIA in PA 2023 Pug Rescue Fundraising Festival

Sunday, July 16th - 12:00 noon – 5:00 pm

Gates open at 12:00 noon. Activities begin at 12:30 pm

NEW LOCATION: South Park Fairgrounds

Museum Bldg. (with clock), Brownsville Rd., South Park, PA

CONTESTS

Including Curliest Tail, Best Trick, and many more, plus the always anticipated & creative Costume Contests.

VENDORS FOOD BASKET RAFFLE

Suggested $5.00 donation per person to attend, children under 12 are free.

Proceeds benefit Southwest PA Pugs with Special Needs to pay for medical & ongoing expenses for our rescued pugs.

Come celebrate our 15 year anniversary of rescue with us.

ALL DOGS ATTENDING MUST BE UP TO DATE ON SHOTS, LEASHED AND UNDER OWNER CONTROL AT ALL TIMES.

ALL DOG BREEDS WELCOME TO COME JOIN IN FOR A DAY OF DOGGIE FUN.

Southwest PA Pugs with Special Needs | PO Box 580, Donora, PA 15033

Nonprofit IRS 501(c)3 tax exempt organization | 724-823-0784

How I’ll spend my summer

We all know that time off is better spent with friends. Here’s how to entertain using items from around the house by simply spending time together.

Scent Games

Dogs are great at detecting smells! Scent games allow a dog to use their instinctive skills. Using their nose makes your dog think and requires them to concentrate. Scent games are fun for a dog but do not over stimulate them. A few minutes of a calming scent game can help a dog relax. Each game only takes a few minutes. Try a game while you are on a walk with your dog.

•Seek and Find Randomly toss treats or kibble into grass, snow, leaves, a room or onto a blanket on the dog’s bed and let the dog sniff and search. The challenge is greater when the treats are not easily visible requiring them to use their nose.

•Scent Trail Lay out a trail of tiny treats, Hansel and Gretel style. This game may be played inside or outside and in any size space. Some treats may be placed on a bench, around a tree, up on a branch, on the bumper of your car, around the perimeter of a room or under a couch cushion. Use your imagination. A jackpot (a small pile of treats) should be placed at the end of the trail.

Bring the Outside In for Rabbits and Cats

Introducing a little of the outdoors inside for enrichment can be very intriguing for your pet. Wheat grass is beneficial for both cats and rabbits, and it’s easy to grow. Here’s how:

•Soak the grass seeds for 8 hours or overnight.

•Fill the containers with potting soil.

•Plant the seeds in the soil and water well.

•Place in a warm, dark location and keep the soil damp, not soggy.

•When the grass sprouts, place the containers in a sunny window. When the grass reaches an inch or two, give it to your pet to enjoy.

The enrichment grass will introduce something new to investigate and provide the opportunity to graze for pets who choose to indulge!

Treat Puzzle Game

A puzzle activity can provide enrichment by stimulating your pet’s mind.

Supplies

•Muffin tin or cardboard beverage or egg carton

•Tennis, ping-pong balls

•Treats

Place a few visible treats in the individual compartments and let your pet find them. When they are easily getting the treats out of the cups, cover a couple treats with a tennis or ping-pong ball to provide extra challenge.

summer vacation ...

Wading Pool Enrichment

Anything new and interesting in the surroundings is beneficial to your pet. An assortment of objects to discover can give them an opportunity to think, explore, use their senses, stimulate the brain, and provide fun.

The Wading Pool Enrichment Activity features different discoveries each day. A child’s wading pool can be filled with different items to explore each day, with or without water, and placed where they can discover it in their area or in the yard.

•Herbs Animals are great at detecting smells! The nose is the #1 sense for most animals touching the most important part of their brain. Allow them to sniff the pet-safe herbs in the pool. The herbs may include basil, parsley, rosemary, mint, oregano, sage and thyme.

•Ball Pit Balls are irresistible. Toss some species-specific treats in the pool and let them search through the balls to discover the treats.

•Ice Bar The coolest thing to do in the ‘burgh is to check out the sensory excitement of the ice.

Don’t Forget Dog-Friendly Establishments

From pet stores, restaurants and even a night at the ballpark, more and more places are welcoming Pittsburgh pups! Most restaurants and breweries need to have a patio, but don’t forget bakeries and ice cream shops. Some only cater to dogs! We’ve even seen people training their pups in home-improvement stores. Always be aware of your pet’s body language to be sure your best friend is enjoying themselves.

Why Use a Clicker to Train a Dog?

Paula Shimko KPACTP

WHY USE A CLICKER TO TRAIN A DOG?

Why use a clicker to train a dog? The most important reason is communication. How does one communicate with a nonverbal mammal, not to mention a totally different species than oneself? Sometimes it seems as if our dogs understand what we are saying to them. Some dogs do understand their humans, but that is because the dog has been trained to associate cues with the body movement. Behavior is body movement. Here is where the clicker comes into the picture. Using a clicker enables the animal to understand exactly what body move has earned the reinforcement value. Any organism that can eat can learn body movement using a clicker and a value, provided they hear sound. A bonus of using clicker is that the learner learns the behavior 45% faster using a signal.

The most important part about clicker training is to have fun and be creative! If something is not working for you or the dog, try something new. Take a break, its ok, sessions need to be short and sweet anyway. Over training can cause confusion, which may result in anxiety. The most important aspect of positive reinforcement training is dogs should be having fun and engaged with their handlers while they are learning. If you are just getting started with clicker training, or if you are not getting the results, you hoped for from clicker training, the following tips can help:

1. CLICK EQUALS A TREAT

When you click your clicker to mark a behavior, you must give your dog a treat. You need to teach your dog that the sound of the click is an extremely reliable predictor that he is about to get a treat. If you don’t always give a treat after you click, the clicker begins to lose some of its effectiveness. You don’t always have to use a clicker when you train your dog, but if you click, you must give a treat.

2. GIVE THE TREAT AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE AFTER YOU CLICK

If you click your clicker and then take more than a second or two to give your dog a treat, your dog may not understand that there is any connection between

the sound of the click and getting a treat. When this happens, the click loses its meaning, and your dog can become confused about what you are asking him to do.

3. TIMING IS EVERYTHING.

It’s important that you click the clicker at the exact moment your dog performs a behavior. If you aren’t precise with your clicker, you might end up reinforcing the wrong behavior. For instance, if you ask your dog to sit, and he does it, you should click the minute his rear end hits the floor. If you wait even a few seconds too long, your dog might start getting up, and the behavior you mark is him raising his bottom a few inches from the floor. You are not reinforcing the behavior you want. Be sure that you are clicking to mark the exact behavior you want.

4. KEEP YOUR CLICKER HANDY TO CAPTURE BEHAVIORS

Capturing behaviors is a great way to teach your dog new behaviors with very little effort on your part. Keep your clicker and a handful of treats handy, and whenever you catch your dog doing something you like, simply click, and treat. You will be amazed at how quickly your dog can learn new behaviors this way.

5. TAKE A STEP BACK.

It can be frustrating when your dog seems to know a command, and then begins to make repeated mistakes. Your dog is not misbehaving. You probably moved ahead a little too quickly, and now your dog is confused about what you want him to do. Instead of scolding him, go back a step or two in the training process, and then begin to move ahead more slowly. For example, if you are teaching your dog to stay, he may do fine when you have him hold the stay for 5 seconds, but when you try to get him to stay for 20 seconds, he just can’t do it. Try going back to having him hold the stay for 5 seconds, and then click and treat. Practice a few times, and then add a few more seconds to the stay. If your dog is making mistakes, chances are you moved ahead too quickly for him.

6. KEEP CLICKER TRAINING POSITIVE

Remember that clicker training is supposed to be fun for you and your dog. If you find yourself getting frustrated, end the training sessions. You can go back later and start fresh. Keep training sessions short (no more than 10 minutes) and try to end each one on a positive note!

For videos on how to clicker train behaviors, you can these on my YouTube channel Paulas Dog Services

Paula Shimko KPACTP paulasdogservices@hotmail.

Unwanted Litters, Fix Your Feline Critters Unwanted Litters, Fix Your Feline Critters

Help us keep the cat population under control as Help us keep the cat population under control as we wade through the tides of Kitten Season, we wade through the tides of Kitten Season, bring your feline friends to get Spayed/Neutered at BCHS. bring your feline friends to get Spayed/Neutered at BCHS.

Here at BCHS we offer a low-cost spay/neuter program. Here at BCHS we offer a low-cost spay/neuter program. Appointments are available weekly for feline surgeries. Appointments are available weekly for feline surgeries. Our packages range from $50 for a Feral Cat Surgery to Our packages range from $50 for a Feral Cat Surgery to a $150 package for an Owned Cat Surgery with all the a $150 package for an Owned Cat Surgery with all the additional add-ons. additional add-ons.

Here at BCHS we offer a low-cost spay/neuter program. Here at BCHS we offer a low-cost spay/neuter program. Appointments are available weekly for feline surgeries. Appointments are available weekly for feline surgeries. Our packages range from $50 for a Feral Cat Surgery to Our packages range from $50 for a Feral Cat Surgery to a $150 package for an Owned Cat Surgery with all the a $150 package for an Owned Cat Surgery with all the additional add-ons. additional add-ons.

All packages include the cost of the spay/neuter surgery

All packages include the cost of the spay/neuter surgery and a one year Rabies Vaccination. and a one year Rabies Vaccination.

All packages include the cost of the spay/neuter surgery and a one year Rabies Vaccination. and a one year Rabies Vaccination.

All packages include the cost of the spay/neuter surgery

If you are interested in learning more about our about our Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program please scan the QR code. please scan the QR code.

If you are interested in learning more

If you are interested in learning more If you are interested in learning more about our about our Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program please scan the QR code. please scan the QR code.

Youth Summer Programs Return to HARP!

Camp Rescue

Calling all campers! Camp Rescue is back this summer at Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh! Join us for camp in-person at our Wildlife Center or Domestic Shelter to meet animal ambassadors, learn about fun topics, and have a truly wild time. All camps include age-specific hands-on activities, themed-lessons, animal guests, games, and more!

Each week of camp offers full day camp option, from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. from Monday-Friday. We offer camps for grades 1st-2nd, 3rd-4th, and 5th-6th. (The grades associated for each camp are the grades that the camper will be entering into this fall of 2023.)

DATES | TIMES | AGE GROUPS

June 12 – 16 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

1st – 2nd grade “Wild Sleuths” | Wildlife Center

June 19 – 23 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

3rd – 4th grade “Forest Friends” | Wildlife Center | SOLD OUT

June 26 – 30 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

5th – 6th grade “Planet Protectors” | Wildlife Center

Juy 31 – Aug. 4 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

1st – 2nd grade “Purrfect Pets” | East Side Domestic Shelter

Aug. 7 – 11 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

3rd – 4th grade “Jr. Vet Camp” | East Side Domestic Shelter | SOLD OUT

Aug. 14 – 18 | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.

5th – 6th grade “Sr. Vet Camp” | East Side Domestic Shelter | SOLD OUT

Junior Rehabber Corps

For teens ages 13 – 17 years old interested in exploring a career working with animals or helping protect wildlife, HARP offers our Junior Rehabber Corps (JRC).

Come and Get Your L ve

This hands-on teen career exploration program focuses on topics such as wildlife rehabilitation, conservation, animal husbandry, careers, research, wildlife biology, and more!

Classes include animal ambassador appearances, guest speakers from professionals in the field, hands-on activities, digital resources, interconnected lessons, and more.

There are two different sessions to choose from, both having their own unique topics. Both sessions will hold class Monday-Friday, from 9:30 a.m.- 2:30 p.m. at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center.

JRC: Animal Husbandry Focus (July 10 -14) is a hands-on opportunity that focuses on the work that goes into a career working with or caring for animals. This experience explores topics such as enclosure design, animal needs, training, diet prep, and other aspects that go into an animal care occupation, like at a sanctuary, zoological setting, or right here at our wildlife rehabilitation clinic! Students will even have the chance to design an enrichment project for an animal.

JRC: Citizen Science Focus (July 17 – 21) is a hands-on program designed to inspire teens to take conservation into their own hands! We will spend the week exploring the world around us and contributing to real world science as we do it. You can expect special guests, interactive projects, and activities inside and outside the classroom. You provide the curiosity, and we’ll provide the rest!

Cost for each summer program is $250 per camper with discounts available for additional siblings as well as referral discounts.

Go to humaneanimalrescue.org/camp for details, camp descriptions, and to register. Through the support of generous donors, a limited number of full scholarships are being offered for students attending a Title 1 school. Other financial aid options are also available.

Email education@humaneanimalrescue.org for more information.

American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Annual Service Animal Eye Exam Event

The ophthalmologists and staff at BluePeal Pittsburgh are excited to again be participating the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists Annual Service Animal Eye Exam Event taking place in May 2023. Now in its 14th year, this event has provided over 80,000 free examinations in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico.

This effort is due to the donation of time, staff and service to provide free screening ocular examinations to qualified service, therapy, and working animals. Registration opened through the month of April. Once registered, owners/handlers were then asked to contact the participating ophthalmologist in their area with their registration information to schedule an examination during the month of May. During the eye exam, the ophthalmologist will be looking for any abnormalities of the eye. As stated on the

“The aim is to identify problems early. Some abnormalities might need to be treated to prevent or delay progression. Other sight-threatening problems such as retinal disease, cataracts, or glaucoma can be identified.” BluePearl Pittsburgh ophthalmologists will be performing this eye examinations at both BluePearl Pittsburgh North and BluePearl Pittsburgh South.

Our ophthalmology group and some of the great animals who benefit from this event have been features in the Pittsburgh Post Gazette in the past. (https://www.postgazette. com/ pets/pet-tales/2017/05/13/Free-eye-exams-servicetherapy-dogs-PVSEC/stories/201705130012) Information about this great program can be found at https://www. acvoeyeexam.org/.

ACVO Eye Exam website

Every donor is a hero.

Each blood donation saves 3 lives.

With increased demand and a national pet blood supply shortage, BluePearl Pet Blood Bank is dedicated to providing a safe and plentiful blood supply to animals in need. Please consider your pet becoming a hero to save another pet in need. The pets saved through our donor program may be your own.

Eligible dog blood donors are between ages 1-7, weigh 50 lbs or more, have a gentle temperament, are currently vaccinated, have never had a transfusion and are on heartworm, flea + tick meds. There is no cost to participate and donors receive free annual lab work.

Contact: pittbloodbank@bluepearlvet.com

Leo is a BluePearl pet hero.

CHARACODON audax The Black Prince

EdwardR.Moats,Smock,Pennsylvania GreaterPittsburghAquariumSociety

Of all the live-bearing fish available in the hobby, no other species is revered more than Characon audax. C. audax (also known as the Black Prince) is a species of splitfin goodeid endemic to isolated locations in the Upper San Pedro Mezquital Basin of Durango in North-Central Mexico. These fish can be found in shallow pools, ponds, and streams possessing fresh oxygen rich water with dense vegetation.

As with many species of fish from Mexico, C. audax is listed as a ciritcally endangered species. Their ennivroments continue to be threatened by invasive species, such as tilapia, and the on-going contribution of pollution and drying out of locations from farming and sourcing from nearby villages. In the late 1950’s approximately fifty locations were reported to contain C. audax. Today, nine or less of these locations are the existing refuge for this species.

Characodon audax is not a recommended species for the novice. They require specific water parameters in the aquarium and an understanding of their territorial behavior which is similar to cichlids. Water parameters include cool temperatures that range from 68-74 degrees fahrenheit and hard water with a pH reading from 7.8 and up. Optimal filtration and a high oxgen saturation ensure that these fish will thrive. C. audax is not a species that fares well in small aquaria . Therefore, aquariums no smaller than 20 gallons that contains a hard scape that can provide numerous crevices and areas that can be claimed by males and even an alpha female are best suited for housing this territorial species.

I currently have four aquariums set up for Characodon audax, El Toboso. Tanks range in size from 20-40 gallons. Each breeding colony consists of two males and up to four females. Tanks are heavily planted and hard-scaped with plenty of rocks and crevices to lessen terriorial aggression. As they mature, males tend to aggressively compete for the attention of the females. And sometimes the Alpha fish (male or female) will bully the other inhabitants. Providing areas of seclusion helps to alleviate aggression.

C. audax are sexually dimorphic. Males can easily be distinguished from females by their dark black finnage. Females tend to be slightly larger and drab in clolor. Courtship consists of a choreographed display by the male to entice the female. The gestation period for fry is six

weeks. Females can produce up to twenty fry. But usually produce ten or less. Fry are born with an umbilical cord which falls off after a few days. For the first twelve to twentyfour hours the fry are not very mobile. This is when they are at their most vulnerable. During this period, fry generally lay on the bottom. This is where a heavy planted aquarium can provide refuge for the fry while they gain stregnth and mobility. To increase the chances of fry surviving, I place the gravid female in a ten gallon planted tank so that she can drop fry without other tankmates preying on the newborns. Once the fry are born, I remove the female and allow her time to rest before placing her back into the breeding colony.

Fry can accept live baby brine on the first day. I also provide finely crushed spirulina flake. Fry are fed three to four times daily. To ensure water quality, twenty percent of the water is changed daily. C. audax grow relatively fast when fed quality foods frequently combined with frequent water changes. Distinguishing the sex of young generally happens between ten and twelve weeks of age. At this time, it is important to montior for aggession and modify the environment as needed.

Of all the species that I currently breed in my fish room, I find that Characodon audax displays some of the most interesting behaviors compared to other live-bering fish. Striking deep color and the personality of a cichlid all in a little two to three inch fish. If you are looking for a challenging fish to add to your breeding program, C. audax does not disappoint. After working with this fish over the last year, they truly have become one of my favorites. Hopefully by sharing this information, more hobbyists will find interest in breeding this species to ensure it’s future in aquaria for years to come.

Ed Moats

Ed’sAquaticExotics

Smock,Pennsylvania

GreaterPittsburghAquariumSociety

REFERENCES:

AmericanLiveBearerSociety;Profiles:Characodonaudax “ElToboso”;WWW.americanlivebearersociety.com; accessed 11/28/2022

TropicalFishHobbyistMagazine;www.tfhmagazine.com; “AQuestforGoodeidsinMexico:SearchingfortheBlack Prince”; Smith/Miller 1986; accessed 11/28/2022

TREATMENT For Injured, Post-Surgical, Geriatric, Neurological, and Overweight Dogs & Cats

For Working & Sport Dogs

Changing our Views on Free Roaming Cats Return to

Home for Better Feline Welfare

BeckyL.Morrow,DVM,MS,CAWA

It is no wonder that we are confused as to what the best action is to take if we find a “stray” cat outside. For over 70 years we got the message loud and clear – bring the “stray” cat to the shelter. And why wouldn’t we think this was the best thing for the cat? Sheltering, by definition, means protecting.

Unfortunately, the shelter system was not made for this purpose. You may have heard the term “dog pound” before. This more accurately reflects the original purpose of shelters, in that stray animals were impounded, held for a period of time, and released back to owners for a fee. People usually only reclaimed animals of monetary value and the impounded dogs were inhumanely killed. While shelters evolved and the methods to ending an animal’s life became humane, we can still recognize that this is not the outcome that we want. We want animals to be adopted into loving homes.

Over the years, the animal welfare community has done a great job increasing the live release rate and minimizing euthanasia due to lack of resources. Even so, there are still hundreds of thousands of healthy cats euthanized each year in animal shelters because there are not enough adopters. What those of us in this field have learned is that those deeply ingrained messages we have been sending about cats are based on antiquated sheltering methods. When we look at the data, we can see why it’s not working.

Most people that find a “stray” cat would take him to the shelter thinking that he is just lost, and the shelter will help him to find his way back to his family. What the data demonstrate however, is that only 5% of cats taken into the shelter make it back home. On the other hand, if this “stray” cat is taken into a shelter or rescue with a RTF/RTH (Return To Field/Home) program, he will have up to 50 times better chance of getting back to his family! What exactly is RTH? It is like TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) but is not limited to “feral” cats. All free-roaming cats, or community cats, are considered for the RTH program.

Shelters with RTH programs take in cats from the community and, if they have no microchip and are doing well in their outdoor home, return them after they are spayed/neutered and vaccinated. This, of course, does not apply to cats that are found in areas where they are not being fed or cared for by members of the community or are in places that are not safe. For instance, just the other day one of my students found a

cat in a park with no houses nearby. This cat appeared to be lost and was meowing and interacting with the student. The park obviously was not the cat’s home.

The cats we are returning are those that would be better served by the RTH program than by being kept in the shelter. This means most free roaming cats – those who are healthy and doing well. Cats get sick even in the best shelters due to stress and the ubiquitous nature of feline viruses. Getting cats out quickly keeps these cats healthy. Also, by returning healthy community cats to their outdoor homes, time and money is available to help other cats that would not otherwise get help. Cats who are sick or injured can now get treatment rather than being euthanized due to limited resources.

So, when you see that friendly “stray” cat in your neighborhood, think about why she is so friendly. She is likely to be getting care from one or more people. Take her to a TNR group or shelter with an RTF/RTH program. She will get spayed, vaccinated, and treated for any minor issues and sent back to her home where she can continue to live her life. Preventing our “stray” cat from having kittens allows for other kittens found outside to come into the shelters and find loving homes. Because she didn’t take up a space in the shelter, a sick or injured cat can get the medical care that he needs. Cats from hoarding cases can be rescued and treated because there are resources available. Let’s not accept the antiquated ways of the past. Let’s get cats back home.

Check out these QR codes for more information on Community Cats and Return to Field/Home from HSUS:

The Found Kitten Decision Game

ByBernadetteKazmarski

The universal response to finding kittens is to presume they are abandoned and unable to care for themselves and to remove them, but not only is that rarely the right response, it’s not even the right presumption and can often be harmful to the kittens you want to help.

The found kitten decision game involves many skills, like determining the approximate age of the kittens and the presence, or lack, of a mother cat. It also involves the knowledge that kittens younger than eight weeks belong with their mother, even if she is feral, and that kittens are fragile, the younger they are the more intensive, expensive and specialized care they need.

Before you touch those kittens you need a plan that provides for the specific needs of all the cats and kittens involved at every stage of the rescue. One exception is to always help a kitten that’s in obvious distress. Here are specific situations and decisions.

NEONATAL KITTENS

No mother present: Unless she’s mortally wounded or no longer alive, she is near, and she will be back soon. Kittens at that age nurse every two to three hours and will typically begin to mew if they are not fed promptly. Mom stays in range while she’s hunting for food. If the kittens appear to be sleeping then the mother cat has fed them recently.

NOTE: Even if you find only one kitten, don’t presume it’s abandoned. Mother cats are determined but they can only carry one kitten at a time.

Mother cat returns: Observe her and let her feed her kittens. When she’s done and resting, show yourself and see how she reacts. Almost any cat would be skittish and defensive in this situation so don’t go walking in to pet them. If the cat acts unfriendly or seems feral, you have one situation. If she seems nervous but curious, you have another situation. Likely you will need to trap her and assess later, but if you can befriend her even trapping is easier.

NOTE: She may decide the area isn’t safe and move her kittens, so it’s best to prepare to rescue as soon as possible.

Mother cat does not return: Give the mother cat several hours or even overnight. If the kittens begin to mew and cry they should be fed and returned while you keep watching for their mother. If weather turns or the night is cold pack them up and take them home or to a foster who is skilled with bottle feeding kittens. Check back for the mother and bring the kittens back—if she’s able she’ll return.

If you find her later you would still trap her. If she’s still lactating you would put her with the kittens, making sure she accepts them. If not, the rest of the job of raising kittens is up to you. In any case she can be spayed and either returned or adopted.

Trapping: You can pick up the kittens but likely mom will need to be trapped. Mother cats are often reluctant to enter a trap or she may be full from a caretaker. If she won’t go into the trap because she’s eating elsewhere or is trapwise, you can use the kittens as bait. Tuck the kittens into a carrier with a blanket, keep the carrier locked but place the door end up against the back of a trap and cover both together so that the mother cat sees she can only get to her kittens by going into the trap. If the kittens are hungry and begin to cry she will be even more willing. You can also play sounds of kittens crying on your phone as a lure.

YOUNG KITTENS WHO ARE NOT WEANED

No mother present: As above, take time to see if the mother returns. Even at three or four weeks old the kittens may react to your presence and scatter if they have no experience with humans, so be certain not to startle them, just wait and watch, or even get a trail camera to observe their activities when you aren’t there.

Mother cat returns: Determine if she is friendly or feral and make a plan for the kittens. If they are three to four weeks they may not be heavy enough to set off a trap so you would either need to grab them by hand or net them with gloves and caution— kitten bites and scratches can be serious.

Mother cat does not return: If the mother cat does not return then trap the kittens as quickly as possible to keep them healthy and socialize them before the window of opportunity closes. Check back for mom to make sure she really hasn’t returned.

Trapping: You can still use kittens as bait to trap the mother as explained above, and also try kitten sounds on your phone as a lure. Mother cats respond to their kittens’ cries no matter the age.

WEANED KITTENS

No mother present: You still want to trap their mother so be patient and observe as long as possible. You can trap the kittens and come back to trap their mother if you see her later.

Mother cat returns: Determine if she is friendly or feral. If she’s feral, and the kittens are weaned, she can be spayed and returned. If she’s friendly you might as well bring her in and foster her with her kittens—any friendly cat deserves a chance at a home.

Mother cat does not return: If the mother cat does not return then, as above, trap the kittens as quickly as possible so that you can keep them healthy and socialize them before the window of opportunity closes.

Trapping: Use multiple traps, including kitten/squirrel traps, and try to trap them all at once so no kittens are left alone; keep returning until you have them al1.

2023 Homeless Cat Management Team Clinic Schedule Through June: FREE CLINICS (ferals only)

Our clinic is located at 207 Allegheny Street, Tarentum, PA 15084. All appointments include surgery, pain medicine, rabies vaccine and flea treatment.

CLINIC REGISTRATION

BY PHONE: call 412-321-4060 and leave a message. Please include your name and phone number in your message. Someone will return your call and complete your pre-registration. HCMT is all volunteer and this may take some time. Clinics fill up quickly and it’s best to call at least two weeks in advance of the clinic you want to attend.

BY EMAIL: Email cathomeless@gmail.com with your name, number of spots you need and which date you are registering for. You will receive a confirmation email ONLY if you are registered. NOTE: dates may be added and are subject to change.

2023 CLINIC DATES

FREE CLINICS (ferals only)

June 10 – Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

NOTE:datesaresetfortheclinics,butatpublicationit’snotyetdeterminedwhichclinicsareFreeorFastTrack. Checkwww.homelesscat.org/clinic-infoforthemostuptodateinformation.

More dates may be announced and dates are subject to change. Check www.homelesscat.org/clinic-info for the most up to date information.

Low-cost spay/neuter and animal services in and around Allegheny County

This is an ever-changing list of resources for pet owners in Pittsburgh and beyond including low-cost spay and neuter programs for pets as well as TNR for community cats, after-hours emergency care, help with veterinary bills, pet-friendly rentals in Pittsburgh and across the US and links to shelters for adoption and other services. This information is provided for reference only and subject to change without notice. Please contact the organization or agency before using their services.

Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs

TNR AND LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER PITTSBURGH AREA

Homeless Cat Management Team

207 Allegheny St., PO Box 100203, Tarentum, PA 15084, 412-321-4060 http://www.homelesscat.org/

FeralCatsandRescuedCats.Feralcatsmustarriveinahumanetrap.Check thewebsiteforclinicdates.Allappointmentsmustbemadebycallingthe phonenumber.Nowalk-ins.Ferals:$30.00FastTrack,no-chargeatfreeclinics. RescuedCats:Females$55.00,Males$40.00Bothincluderabies,earmiteandflea treatments.Otherservicesavailable.

City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents CityofPittsburghoffersfivefreespays/neuterstoallcityresidents http://www.pittsburghpa.gov/publicsafety/animal-control/spay-neuter.html

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs at Shelters in Allegheny and surrounding counties

SHELTER PROGRAMS

Animal Friends https://www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org/pet-care/spay-neuter/ Pet/friendlycats:$65spayorneuter,includespainmedication–vaccinesrequire areanadditionalfee.

Feral/OutdoorPackage:$50,includespainmedication,rabies,FVRCP,eartipand fleatreatment.Catsmustbeferalandinahumanetraptoreceivethisservice.

Humane Animal Rescue https://humaneanimalrescue.org/veterinary-care/spay-and-neuter-services/ EastEnd:66209HamiltonAve.,Pittsburgh,PA15206,412-661-6452 NorthShore:1101WesternAve.,PittsburghPA15233,412-321-4625

Pet/friendlycats:$70spay/neuter,rabies,FVRCP(distemper),microchip

Feral/OutdoorPackage:$50,includespainmedication,rabies,FVRCP,eartipand fleatreatment.Catsmustbeferalandinahumanetraptoreceivethisservice.

Beaver County Humane Society

3394 Brodhead Road, Center Township, PA 15001, 724-775-5801 https://beavercountyhumanesociety.org/tnr-and-owned-cat-surgery-prices Friendlycats:beginat$75.Feralcats:beginat$35 Visitwebsiteformoreinformation.

Clarion Paws (Serves Clarion, Forest and Jefferson County)

Mailingaddress:P.O.Box804,Clarion,PA16214

CurrentLocation:11348Route322,Shippenville,PA

(ClarionRiverHill,betweenKronospanandClarionElectric) http://www.clarionpaws.org/programs/spay-neuter/ Monthlyclinicslistedonwebsite,submitanapplication.

Petsorferals:$65spay,$45neuter.Includesrabiesvaccine,earmitecheckand treatmentandfleatreatment. Optionalservicesatanupcharge.Trappingand financialassistancethroughSpayNeuterprogrammaybeavailabletoClarion, ForestandJeffersonCountyferal/straycatcaregiversonacasebycasebasis.

Butler County Humane Society

1015EvansCityRoad,Renfrew,PA16053

https://butlercountyhs.org/clinic/

Forcurrentpricingandscheduleinformationpleasegiveusacallat724-789-1150.

Washington Area Humane Society

1527Route136,EightyFour,PA15330

http://washingtonpashelter.org/ Currentlymovingintonewbuilding.

Low-cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties (alphabetical)

Theseareorganizationswhicharenotday-to-dayclinicsbutorganize,host, sponsororotherwiseprovideaccesstospayandneuterservices.

Catnip Acres (Greene County)

155DarkHollowRd,Waynesburg,PA15370

https://catnip-acres.com/

TheCatnipAcresclinicwasdestroyedinafire(noanimalswereharmed!)inJanuary2022 buttheyarerebuilding.Clinicsareonholduntiltheyhaveaspacefortheclinicagain.

Fix ‘Ur Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic

LowCostSpayNeuterWashingtonCounty,Inc.,DBAFix‘UrCat 18WestPikeStreet,Canonsburg,PA1531

Call724-405-7FIX(7349)foranappointment.Spay/neuterclinicsareby appointmentonly.Pets:$60forfemales,$50formalesFerals:$50 Downloadandcompleteapplication,mailinforappointment. https://www.fixurcat.org/spay-and-neuter/

Fluffy Jean Fund (Washington County) Packagesat$65and$85

CallFaithforAvailableDatesandAppointments (724)941-5683press1

E-Mail:faith.b2@verizon.net

http://fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com/

Frankie’s Friends

7305thAvenue,NewKensington,PA15068,724-889-7011

Spay/neuterforpet/feralcats:Neuter$50,Spay$65,includesrabies,ear mitetreatment,fleatreatment.Alsoofferslowcostvaccinationsandbasic medicaltreatments.

Byappointmentonly,nowalk-ins.Usewebsiteorcalltoschedule. http://www.frankies-friends.org/

Fund for Feral Cats of Pittsburgh Reimbursespartialfundstohelpspay/neuterferalcats (fundsnotalwaysavailable)

PoBox55135,Pittsburgh,PA15207-0135

Lawrence County Animal Relief Fund (LCARF) POBox8514,NewCastle,PA16107,724-510-4952

http://www.lcarf.com/

Monthlyclinics:$70Spay/NeuterforCatsandKittens!Includesa rabiesvaccine,FVRCPvaccine,(distemper)andfleaandearmitetreatment Operation Spay/Neuter Butler,PA(forButlerCountyresidentsonly)

Income-basedspaysandneutersfordogsandcats.Call724-287-SPAY(7729)or youcanemailfordetails

http://operationspayneuter.com/

Pet Search

P.O.Box1653,Washington,PA15301 Call724-228-7335forclinicinformation. http://www.petsearchpa.org/

SNIPP: Spay and Neuter Indiana PA Pets Westmoreland/IndianaCounties,Alle-KiskiValley (Leechburg)Monthlylowcostclinics,checkwebsitefordates andavailability.

http://www.snippindianapa.org/

Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinics Fix’N Wag’N Spay/neuter:$70.Visitthewebsiteforupcomingdatesandplaces. https://fixnwagn.com/

THESE ARE INDEPENDENT CLINICS THAT OFFER SERVICES ON SITE DURING REGULAR BUSINESS HOURS.

Frankie’s Friends 7305thAvenue,NewKensington,PA15068,724-889-7011 Spay/neuterforpet/feralcats:Neuter$40,Spay$55,includesRabies,Earmite treatment,FleaTreatment.Alsoofferslowcostvaccinationsandbasicmedical treatments.

http://www.frankies-friends.org/

Penn Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic

11644FrankstownRd,Pittsburgh,PA15235,412-244-1202

OpenMonday-Friday.Nolongerofferingwalk-inservicesforferals. Pet/TNR:Spay$56,Neuter$37,visitwebsitefordetailsandscheduling. Alsoofferslowcostvaccinationsandbasicmedicaltreatments. http://www.spayaz.com/Pittsburgh.html

North Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic

3967WilliamFlinnHwy,AllisonPark,PA15101,412-213-7353

OpenMonday-Friday.Nolongerofferingwalk-inservicesforferals. Pet/TNR:Spay$56,Neuter$37,visitwebsitefordetailsandscheduling. Alsoofferslowcostvaccinationsandbasicmedicaltreatments. https://spayaz.com/locations/pittsburgh-north-hills/

Find Local Low-cost Spay, Neuter and Veterinary Care on the Internet

Low-cost Neuter and Spay (search by zip) http://neuterspay.org/

Love That Cat (online search)

http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html

Spay USA

http://www.spayusa.org/search.php

Spay and Neuter Early, a Humane Alliance Campaign http://www.whentospay.org/get-your-pet-fixed

Get Your Fix.org

http://getyourfix.org/

ASPCA searchable map of low-cost clinics in US & Canada https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/ low-cost-spayneuter-programs

EMERGENCY AND AFTER-HOURS CARE

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC) http://www.pvs-ec.com/

Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care Walk-in,urgent,emergencycareaswellassurgeriesandregularwellness appointmentsduringdaytimehours.

560McNeillyRd.,PittsburghPA15226,Phone:412-998-9030,Fax:412-998-9034 https://riversvet.com/

VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital http://www.vcahospitals.com/castle-shannon

VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center http://www.vcahospitals.com/northview

A-VETS, http://www.avets.us/ PET-FRIENDLY RENTALS

InthePittsburgharea,visitthislistonthe

FosterCatwebsite: http://www.fostercat.org/friendly.html

Nationwide (United States only) http://www.rent.com/pet-friendly-apartments

SHELTERS AND SHELTER SERVICES

Adoption,surrender,low-costclinics,petfood pantries,referrals,etc.

Humane Animal Rescue, North Shore (Western PA Humane Society) www.wpahumane.org

Humane Animal Rescue, East Liberty (Animal Rescue League) www.animalrescue.org

Animal Friends (AFI), www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org

Animal Advocates, animaladvocates.net

Washington Area Humane Society, www.washingtonpashelter.org

Butler County Humane Society, www.butlercountyhs.org

Beaver County Humane Society, www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org

ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS BY STATE (UNITED STATES)

Animal Legal & Historical Center www.animallaw.info/articles/armpstatecruelty.htm

More dates may be announced and dates are subject to change. Check www.homelesscat.org/clinic-info for the most up to date information

ANIMAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

North:

Greater Pittsburgh Aquarium Society www.gpasi.org

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium pittsburghzoo.org

The National Aviary nationalaviary.org

ANIMAL-RELATED ART, PHOTOGRAPHY & RETAIL

April Minech Custom Portraits | Pet Inspired Art www.ladybugdelightz.etsy.com

Black Cat Art | Pet Portraits/Murals/Fine Art 412-983-5278 | www.blackcatartllc.com

North:

Kim Lenz, Behind the Lenz Photography 412-983-0981, https://www.facebook.com/ Behind-the-Lenz-127787624032093/

Buzzy Photography 412-371-5212 | anita@buzzyphoto.com

South:

Kara Jones Photography, kjones.smugmug.com

Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear, PawsnClawsEyewear.com

ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS

North:

Animal Friends 412-847-7000 | thinkingoutsidethecage.org

Beaver County Humane Society 724-775-5801 | www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org

Frankie’s Friend Rescue 724-889-7011 | www.frankies-friends.org

Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue, 724-869-9185

Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary 412-366-1187 | hopehavenfarm.org

South:

Animal Care & Welfare 412-244-1372 | animalcareandwelfare.org

Droopy’s Basset Rescue 888-9 GET DROOL | www.droopysbassetrescue.com

Washington Area Humane Society 724-222-7387 | washingtonpashelter.org

Animals Against the Odds Rescue/Rehab www.aato.rescueme.org

South Hills Pet Rescue 724-622-0434 | www.southhillspetrescue.org

East:

Humane Animal Rescue 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org

HAR Wildlife Center 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org

SW PA Pugs with Special Needs 724-763-2790 | swpapug.org

West:

CARMAA, 412-780-4983 | carmaa-petadoption.com

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

SPAAR, www.seniorpetandanimalrescue.org

Guardian Angels Pug Rescue, 724-537-3466 www.facebook.com/guardianangelspugrescue

Humane Society of Greene County 724-627-9988 | greenepet.org

PEARL Parrot Rescue, www.pearlparrots.com

AQUARIUM SOCIETIES

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Greater Pittsburgh Aquarium Society www.gpasi.org

BIRD & SUPPLIES

Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages www.naturalinspirationsparrotcages.com

DOG TRAINING

North:

AKIN Family Dog Training (Lilian Akin)

412-732-8091 | akinfdt.net

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Happy Pets Training/Christine Flint

412-373-9583 | www.happypetstraining.com

Success Just Clicks, successjustclicks.com

DOG TRAINING CLUBS

South:

Dogworks Training Center at The Canine Club

412-220-8100 | www.thecanineclub.com

Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club

412-653-6880 | gtotc.com

Keystone Canine Training

412-833-2211 | keystonecanine.com

Xcel Canine Training Center

412-833-2504 | xcelcaninetraining.com

EQUINE BOARDING, LESSONS & TRAINING FACILITIES

North:

Rockin’ Horse Stables

724-601-4706 | rockinhorsestables.com

South:

Coventry Equestrian Center, 724-206-9902

Manon’s Farm, 724-705-7912 | 724-621-0260

SydMor Equestrian Center

724-969-0510 | www.sydmorstables.com

EQUINE FEED & SUPPLY

AGWAY - SOUTHERN STATES

North:

Mount Nebo Agway, Sewickley, PA | 412-364-4430

Beaver Agway, Beaver, PA | 724-775-0535

Mars Agway, Mars PA | 724-625-2340

South:

Eighty Four Agway, Eighty Four, PA | 724-222-0600

East:

Ligonier Agway, Ligonier, PA | 724-238-6207

West:

Imperial Agway, Imperial, PA | 724-695-7388

EQUINE TACK STORES

North:

Shady Acres Saddlery

412-963-9454 | www.shadyacressaddlery.biz

South:

Lowry’s Western Store

724-228-1225 | lowryswesternshop.com

EQUINE VETERINARIANS

Dr. Brian Burks, DVM - Fox Run Equine Center 724-727-3481 | foxrunequine.com

HOLISTIC PET PRACTITIONERS

Pet Chiropractor

North:

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, Beaver Animal Clinic

724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Greater Pittsburgh:

Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP

724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com

EASE Animal Massage

412-447-8490 | www.easeanimalmassage.com

Wholestic Equine & Pet Services

205-492-1000

HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS FOR GUARDIANS

East End:

Judith Levy, Coaching/Energy Modalities

412-726-2659 | www.judithlevycoaching.com

South:

HOLISTIC VETERINARIANS

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, Beaver Animal Clinic

724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Dr. Qiang Li VCA Castle Shannon

412-885-2500

PET BURIAL, MEMORIAL & CREMATION SERVICES

South:

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation

412-220-7800 | ccpc.ws

Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home 412-655-4500 | jeffersonmemorial.biz

Greater Pittsburgh: Thousand Hills Pet Crematory

724-355-8296 | www.thousandhillspetcrematory.com

Sunny Acres

412-292-6701 | sunnyacres.6@gmail.com

PET GROOMING

North:

All About Dogs

724-925-1577 | allaboutdogsgrooming.info

South:

Aunt Kimmy’s Paw-Lor 724-299-3457

Keeta Mobile Pet Spa

412-545-3328 | Keetapetspa.com

Happy Tailz Pet Spa

412-759-7620 | Happytailzpetspa.com

Larry’s Laundromutt

412-534-4052 | Larryslaundromutt.com

East:

Animal Elegance

412-361-1177 | www.animal-elegance.com

Cat Around Town Cat Grooming

412-466-7877 (PURR) | cataroundtown.com

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Zoom N Groom (Sonya Patterson), 724-225-4827

PET FRIENDLY BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS

Bactronix, 412-375-7886 | www.bactronix.com

Good Nature Organic Lawn Care

888-LAWNSAFER | whygoodnature.com

J & D Waterproofing

www.jdwaterproofing.com

Simple Sugars Scrub, Simplesugarsscrub.com

UBS Financial Services

412-665-1914 | lee.oleinick@ubs.com

Village Shoppes Scenery Hill

Elves Lair Christmas & Gifts, Jan’s Tea Shoppe - 2nd Street Coffee Roasters, Velvet Envelope, Westerwald Pottery, Two Old Crows, www.sceneryhillpa.com

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Fragasso Financial Advisors

412-227-3200 | www.fragassoadvisors.com

J & D Waterproofing Home Improvement

724-746-8870 | www.jdwaterproofing.com

Matt Arch Foundation, www.connectarian.com

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 724-225-1644 | www.onehourair.com

OxyMagic, 412-781-4110 | www.oxypgh.com

Redford Photography

www.redfordphotography.com

Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh

412-342-0500 | www.komenpittsburgh.org

East

Pittsburgh East Nissan 412-824-9020 | www.pittsburgheastnissan.com

Unique Home Solutions

www.uniquehomesolutions.com

South: Southpointe Chamber, www.southpointe.net

PET-FRIENDLY LIVING

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Judy Smith Team Realtor – Berkshire Hathaway 412-274- 7618 | www.thepreferredrealty.com/real-estate-agent/2242288/judy-smith-team/details/

Pinch Property Services

412-445-8550 | PinchPropertyServices.com

East:

The Getaway at Glen Highland Farm www.glenhighlandgetaway.com

South:

American Destiny Real Estate Services

412-983-2220 | www.adr-usa.com

Amore

877-716-6840 | amoreapartments.com

PET GROOMING SCHOOLS

North:

Pa Academy of Pet Grooming, 412-759-7620

PET REHABILITATION

Rebound Pet Rehabilitation

4152-508-2285

www.reboundpetrehabilitation.com

PET MINISTRIES

South:

Christ United Methodist Church

412-277-1096 | christumc.net

Westminster Presbyterian Church

412-835-6630 | westminster-church.org

PET RESORTS - BOARDING, DAYCARE, GROOMING & TRAINING

Camp Bow Wow, www.CampBowWow.com

Locations:

Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh Southwest

710 Trumbull Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205

412-276-WAGS (9247)

Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh North

2327 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

412-931-WAGS (9247)

Camp Bow Wow Highland Park

1325 Washington Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

412-362-PLAY (7529)

Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh East

1610 McClure Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15146

724-733-CAMP (2267)

North:

Dog stop - North

724-935-DOGS (3647) | www.thedogstop.net

The Dog Stop - Sewickley

412-766-DOGS (3647) | www.thedogstop.net

Lucky Paws Pet Resort

724-728-1484 | www.luckypawsresort.com

South:

Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa

724-746-3899 | fuzzy-paws.com

Hounds Town USA

412-232-5285 www..houndtownusa.com

The Dog Stop - Banksville Rd.

412-343-1171 | www.thedogstop.net

Pampered Paw Resort

724-413-3135 | pamperedpawresort.com

East:

Pittsburgh Pet Concierge

412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org

Doggone Awesome Pet Services, 724-212-0427

www.doggoneawesomepetservices.com

The Dog Stop - Monroeville

412-373-3355 | www.thedogstop.net

The Dog Stop - East End

412-361-0911 | www.thedogstop.net

The Dog Stop - East: Strip District

412-315-7050 | www.thedogstop.net

Country Lane Pet Hotel

412-824-7991 | www.countrylanepethotel.com

Walkers Pet HoTail

724-327-7297 | www.WalkersPetHoTail.com

PET RETAIL/SUPPLY

East:

Petagogy, petagogy.com | 412-362-7387

Petland East Side Village

412-363-PETS | www.petlandvillageofeastside.com

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Asgard Raw Dog and Cat Food

412-408-3355 | www.asgard-raw.com

Baskets of Nature

724-831-9437 | www.basketsofnature.com

Dig It Collars, dig-it-store.com

Trixie’s Dog Fashions

www.trixiesdogfashions.com

O2 Derm Pet Topical Gel, www.O2Dermpet.com

PET SITTERS

North

Furry Family Pet Sitting

412-999-9524 | www.furryfamilypetsitting.com

Western PA No Boarders Pet and Animal Care Home & Farm Sitting

724-219-7801 | Noboarders-petcare.com

South:

Your Critter Sitters (Raylene Hoover)

724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com

East: Pittsburgh Pet Concierge

412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org

VETERINARY HOSPICE & MOBILE SERVICES

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Nancy A. Ruffing, DVM

412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com

VETERINARY PHARMACIES

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Murray Avenue Apothecary

412-421-4996 | MAApgh.com

VETERINARY HOSPITALS

North:

Beaver Animal Clinic

724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center

412-884-3162 | www.cheyennevet1.com

Frankie Friends Veterinary Services

724-889-7011 | www.frankies-friends.org/low-costveterinary-services 724-889-7011

VCA Northview Animal Hospital

412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com

South:

All About Pets Veterinary Hospital

724-745-5503 | aapvet.com

All About Pets Veterinary Hospital – Washington location

724-503-4887 | www.aapvet.com

All Life Veterinary Clinics, 724-281-3446

East:

The Big Easy Animal Hospital

412-908-9301 | tbeah.com

Monroeville Pet Hospital

412-372-1100 | www.monroevillepethospital.com

VETERINARY SPECIALTY & EMERGENCY SERVICES

North/South:

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc.

412-366-3400 | 724-809-2000 pvs-ec.com

Hands Out of the Pit to Get the Horse on the Bit

ByKristinHermann

I have been teaching since 1978 and have developed many rhythmic sayings because it is easier to remember a jingle when learning to ride. One of my favorites is, "Get your hands out of the pit to get your horse on the bit."* In this first photo, my hands are in the pit; they even look over the saddle. This is because the reins are too long. Because my hands are low and reins too long, I am leaning over my hands. As a result, it's challenging to use your contact or rein aids effectively with pressed-down hands. This is why we have been told to keep the hands above the withers and in front of the saddle. Undoubtedly, we need to have a correct riding position to not only ride the horse but influence it as well.

In the second photo, my hands are out of the pit, and I have a straight-line elbow to bit. Hands out of the pit to get the horse on the bit and a straight-line elbow to the bit! My hands are out front of me, where they belong. In the second picture, too, I look more in sync with the horse. The horse is cantering uphill and not downhill. A rider will be hard-pressed to get a horse to canter uphill with the hands in the pit.

Not too many riders think about the mechanics of riding; they do it. But that is what riding is, a mechanical interaction from human to horse and horse to human.

It never ends, and we try to make the communication between the two seamless.

If a rider has a straight-line elbow to bit, the elbow can mechanically follow the horse's forward back motion at both the walk and canter. Horses get longer and shorter as they move at a walk and canter. It is called longitudinal motion. The trot is up and down. So since we dressage riders ride on contact with the bit, our elastic elbows are to follow this motion. If our hands are pressed down, the elbows can't follow.

I mean, who thinks that the horse's neck stays stuck in one place? I hope no one but many riders try to pull the horse into contact and shorten its neck. The horse should stretch into the connection or contact, and the rider needs to allow the horse's top line to lengthen and shorten with each stride! I call this allowing the top line to breathe! However, in over 40 years of riding, no one ever told me about longitudinal motion. Instead, I read it in a book. Once, when I was giving a Home Schooling Your Horse seminar, a trainer told me, "I wish I were told about longitudinal motion when I was learning about contact with the bit."

When I came across these two photos, it was a great

example of hands out of the pit to get your horse on the bit. My horse is on the bit in both pictures. However, in the bottom image, the horse is in self-carriage. This is the holy grail of dressage, a horse staying around with very light contact! You can actually see a loop in the rein.

In addition, in the first picture, with my hands pressed down, my shoulders are pulled forward, rounding my back. In the second picture, my hands are up, and my shoulders are back. Because of my better upright seat, the horse is ridden through his whole body to my hands. Riding back to front is hard if you're rounded in the back with your hands pressed down.

When I learned how to ride, and now when I am teaching, it is always about the rider's correct position: Hands above the withers in front of the saddle so the elbows can be elastic and follow; side of the leg on the horse to open the hips with the stirrup on the balls of your feet and toes nearly parallel to the horse; sit in the middle with your head between the horse's ears; do not tuck your lower back under and sit on your coccyx which rounds your lower back. Correct riding position equals better communication between horse and rider. You first become a rider before you can positively influence the horse. Hands out of the pit to get the horse on the bit is one of my favorite sayings.

* On the bit is also called on the aids. It results from the rider asking the horse to step under or track up through their seat to their hands.

Lucy Deucy

ByHelenAllen

Lucy was a scruffy ball of cuddles since the day we got her. She was running in the streets, dirty and matted. She didn’t have any tags and we couldn’t find an owner so we kept her. My husband didn’t think he wanted a dog but he was wrong. He started sneaking her treats and I would hear him talking to her when he thought nobody was listening and they would watch sports together. She knew all about defense and kick off returns and why some teams stunk. She my baby too... and loved to cuddle under the covers when I read in bed at night. She was very diplomatic and shared her time equally with us, not coming to either of us when we both called her name. She loved walks and squeaky toys, and lived in our hearts from day one. One day she didn’t seem like herself and we took her to the vets. She had cancer and we couldn’t do anything for her. I love her so much and still cry when I think about her. I miss her and love her. There will never be another dog like our Lucy Deucy.

Caring For Families Who Love Their Pets.

Please, come in and feel at ease….

My goal and mission is to provide you with a comforting place during a very difficult time. I will personally ensure that your pet is treated with respect and dignity.

Garden of Faithful Friends

A most unique and modern garden for people and their beloved pets, Jefferson Memorial’s Garden of Faithful Friends allows your pet to stay by your side forever.

Many pet owners experience disenfranchised grief when their pet dies. Your pet was there for all the moments in your life, good or bad. As we got older, our pets did too. They loved you unconditionally. However, in the blink of an eye your animal companion is gone and you are left reeling from the loss.

For these situations, the Garden of Faithful Friends is a place where you can say farewell to your pet while never really saying goodbye. The Faithful Friends Mausoleum is an elegant visual feature that showcases artworks of people and pets, together forever.

Pet owners can purchase a single lot for their pet or purchase property within the garden for themselves to be buried with or near their beloved pet. The mausoleum houses crypt spaces for your pet, or you and your pet, to be together in eternity. In that same building are niche spaces for pet and human cremated remains. Our Pet Services include:

Pet Removal

Pet Visitation

Pet Cremation Options

Pets & Family Burial Options

Just as you can for yourself, you can prepurchase for your pet. If you have already purchased property at Jefferson Memorial and have no interments, you may transfer lots to the Garden of Faithful Friends.

A pet who gave love and loyalty in life deserves to be memorialized in a final resting place, just as you would your human counterpart, for they too are a part of the family.

For more information on how we can help you in your pet’s time of need, please reach out to our trained professional representatives.