Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine December 2013 Vol. 2 Issue 4

Pittsburgh

Free!

PetConnections Magazine December 2013 • Vol. 2, Issue 4

Honoring the Homeless

Page 4.

T hanks for Paws Contest Winners page

7.

Cat Rescue

Resource Guide

December 2013 • Vol. 2, Issue 4

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Page 26.

Here are a few “Angels” that you will be helping:

Lulu and Lacy are two Bichons in bad health after many years in a puppy mill.

Angel Ridge Animal Rescue is a shelter and sanctuary for abused, aged, handicapped and abandoned dogs, cats and horses. We are funded entirely by private donations.

This holiday season, remember or honor a loved one – human or animal -- through a donation to our Angel’s Tree of Hope. Donations to the Tree of Hope are used for our veterinary expenses, which are substantial.

The Angel’s Tree of Hope will be adorned with a heart, with a name inscribed, for each of the loved ones you remember in this very special way. A card indicating that a donation has been made will be sent to your loved one or you.

From decks, fencing to Charlie and Ronnie are bathroom arthritic senior dogs that have beenremodeling, at our sanctuary J&D for over has8 years. done it all!

Image Courtesy: Faye Klein

Cami is a Draft horse with inoperable cancer in both eyes.

390 Old Hickory Ridge Road | Washington, PA 15301 | www.angelridgeanimalrescue.org | 724-229-7053

Angel Ridge ad generously sponsored by J&D Home Improvements From decks and fencing to bathroom remodeling, J&D has done it all!

Offer expires 12/31/13

J & D Home Improvements www.jdwaterproofing.com

Cat litter is just Cat litter, right?

Not at all! Here are a few questions to ask yourself when choosing a litter:

• Is it free of chemicals, perfumes and dyes?

• Is it flushable?

• Is it relatively odor-free?

• Does it produce a minimal amount of dust and/or tracking?

• Is it safe for you, your cat, and the environment?

• Is it biodegradable?

• Does it have a texture that appeals to your cat?

90% of cat litter is made from clay. The problem with clay litters, which are made from sodium bentonite, is that it produces a lot of dust which contain silicon particles.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer has proven that silicon is a known carcinogen in humans. Since this type of litter is dusty your cats are breathing it in and also licking it off of their fur. Breathing this in can lead to respiratory infections. But when cats lick themselves clean and ingest the clay, it Toni and Meg

can prevent nutrient absorption and cause intestinal blockage as it swells when exposed to intestinal liquids. And if you care about the environment sodium bentonite is heavily strip mined.

Fortunately, there are many alternatives to clay litter. There is litter made from recycled newspaper, plant based and wood shavings or sawdust.

The first being recycled newspaper has no added chemicals perfumes or dyes. Therefore making it biodegradable, flushable, dust free and safe. Simple as that.

Second is plant based litters which we are seeing a lot more of these coming onto the market. These are environmentally friendly because they are made from renewable, biodegradable resources. The most popular and effective plant based litters are made from corn and wheat. Litter made from corn are naturally absorbent, clumping and safe. Cats convert well to it because of its similarities to clay based. Although you will find that it is more expensive it will last longer than clay litter. The only negative to corn based litter is you do have to scoop on a regular basis because mold could grow in moist dark environments on corn, like the litter box.

Wheat is another plant based option you have to choose from. Wheat has a naturally pleasant smell which helps with the odor control. It’s clumpable, flushable in small quantities and natural and safe. The only negative is scooping daily to help with odor control.

Thirdly is litter made from pine or cedar wood shavings or sawdust. Also natural, biodegradable and environmentally friendly which also makes it safe. It is not

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Is your current cat litter safe for you, your cat and the environment?

dusty and odor control is excellent in this category but clumpability is minimal. You may have to look for a different type of scooper for this litter. Frequent changing of the box is necessary.

If you’d like to switch from clay litter to something more natural, safe and healthy I recommend doing it slowly. I’d first try one that fits into your budget and add 25% new litter to 75% old for a few days and see the response. If the cat refuses the box this is not the right litter. However, if your cat continues using the box as normal bump up to 50/50 for a few days. If use continues go to 75% new with 25% old and then bingo you should have your cat using the new litter.

I realize cats are reluctant to change but it I highly advise at least attempting to switch from clay based for the long term health and wellness of your cat.

Specializing in Raw Feeding!

www.healthypetproducts.net ©Pittsburgh PetConnections

SOUTH HILLS: Crossgates Plaza 1742 Washington Rd. Upper St. Clair, PA 15241 (Next to Model Cleaners)

412.831.3700

NORTH HILLS: 9600 Perry Highway McCandless, PA 15237

412.366.0700

Monday-Thurs: 9am - 8pm Friday-Saturday: 9am - 6pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Find us on

In This Issue: The Human-Animal Bond.............................4 Honoring the Homeless

Holistic Care...........................................20-21

Event Calendar..............................................6

Kitty Korner............................................24-26

Feasting with Fido; How Do I Know?

Upcoming Pet Events

Animal Health & Wellness.........................8-9 Seizures in Dogs and Cats

Featured Rescue.......................................10-11 The Grey Muzzle Organization

Animal Behavior.....................................14-15 Thoughtful Gifts for Dogs and their Guardians

Letter to Santa........................................16-17

Tail Vaccines for Cats Could Save Lives; Cat Writers’ Association Awards for PPC Editor; Cat Rescue Resource Guide

Wellness for Guardians............................28-29 Happy Holidays

Equine Affairs..........................................30-33 Pheochromocytoma: A Rare Tumor in the Horse; The Best Gift of All...A Second Chance; Lungeing 101

In Remembrance..........................................36 In Memory of Lucy

Irwin the Porcupine requests your help

Advertiser Locator Map................................18

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ŠPittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

F ROM THE PUBLISHER Welcome to our December Volume 2 Issue 4!

PPC Magazine wishes you and your families a happy and abundant holiday season!

We are very thankful for a great year and will continue to honor the Human-Animal Bond through the magazine.

PPC Magazine is proud to announce winning the nomination for Best Special Interest Magazine by the Dog Writers Association of America!

Our First Annual Thanks for Paws contest co-sponsored

by Paws n Claws Eyewear was a great success! We received many touching submissions! Read the stories and see the winners on page 7. Thank you to everyone who entered and know that we were sorry we couldn’t have at least 20 winners!

Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine Disclaimer: ”The views expressed in PPC Magazine are those of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the position or policies of Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine. All viewpoints are welcome...”

Pittsburgh PetConnections Monthly

Published By: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC.

This Issue: Read about honoring our homeless by Dr. Wagner, thoughtful gifts by Tena Parker, rare adrenal tumor in the horse by Dr. Burks, feasting with your animals during the holiday by Dr. Doug and seizures in dogs by Dr. Mikoloski.

Also, this month’s feature rescue articles, Second Chance Equine Association, The Grey Muzzle and many more informative enlightening articles this month!

Thank you for picking up PPC Magazine. Take care of yourself, as well as your animals and be well this holiday season!

Warmly, Carla Mader CEO & Publisher Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC.

Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.pghpetconnections.com.

Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine

www.pghpetconnections.com Subscribe, Submit, Upload!

Submit your business or rescue organization’s info for a FREE listing on our directory.

Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. was formed in 2012.

Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative and Human-Animal Bond focused publication.

We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Pittsburgh communities.

No website for your small home-based pet or wellness business?

Add a Featured Listing on the PPC online Directory for a small yearly fee and upload photos and detailed info about your business!

Magazine Publication Staff Managing Editor.........................................................Carla Mader Chief Editor...........................................Bernadette E. Kazmarski Sales..........................................Carla Mader, Savannah Fleming Distribution...............................................................Martin Mader Graphic Designer.......................................Flatboy Productions Photographer......................................Kara Jones 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.

Advertising: info@pghpetconnections.com 724-503-8695 Contact: info@pghpetconnections.com All Rights Reserved Copyright 2013 December 2013

Become a Media Partner with PPC Magazine!

A Media Partnership with PPC includes: • Ad in print or online (free design) • A Free Featured directory page on our website with your business info, photos and link to your website • Your logo in our monthly newsletter • PPC promotes your business at our events

www.pghpetconnections.com

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The Human-Animal Bond “I minister to the underbelly of society” was the

response I received when I recently asked a woman what she did for a living. She leads a church in one of the toughest communities in central Ohio,

By Susan Wagner and many of the people who attend are homeless. I was a bit surprised by the comment, because I believe she is caring for some of the most spiritual humans on the planet.

When we help someone else, we become better people. It is they who heal us each time we buy them a cup of coffee on a cold morning, serve them a meal, or donate to an organization

Honoring the Homeless

And they are equaled in grace by the pets that stay by their side, day and night. I marvel at the way these animals watch over their human companions who have fallen on extremely hard times, or who are unable to accept help. It is the canine who is the guardian in the relationship.

The homeless person and pet take the humananimal bond to an entirely different dimension.

Why do I believe homeless people and animals are spiritually advanced? The entire answer is beyond the scope of this writing, but a few reasons come to mind. They have endurance that I can’t imagine. They require that we look beyond our own needs, and open up our hearts.

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dedicated to relieving their suffering. In fact, it may not be about helping them at all, but about honoring and respecting them.

This year, try and slow down a bit and look around you. When you can’t see the suffering of others this holiday season, or ignore the ringing bell and red bucket, know that it is really you who is being hurt by closing your heart.

Thank goodness people in need are being looked after by a higher power, and sometimes that higher power has four legs and fur.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

2014

The Human-Animal Bond

Penguins & Paws Calendar!

Calendar will feature members of the Pittsburgh Penguins® organization with some adoptable animals from the Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center.

Don’t wait! Send in the order form below, order online at www.animalrescue.org or contact Ann Yeager at 412-345-0346 or ayeager@animalrescue.org.

$2

Only

0 each

Proceeds from the calendar benefit the Animal Rescue League Shelter and Wildlife Center.

I will pick up my calendar order at the Animal Rescue League once I am notified that my order is ready.

Please ship my calendar order to me.

I understand that a $5.95 shipping charge will be added to the total cost of my order.

Name Order online at www.animalrescue.org/ penguins-paws-calendar or complete this form & mail to: Animal Rescue League Penguins and Paws 6000 Verona Road Verona, PA 15147

Street Address City

State

Phone Number Email Payment Method

Check

Credit Card

Amount to be charged ($20 per calendar)

$

Credit Card Number Name as it appears on card Signature Expiration date WWW.ANIMALRESCUE.ORG • 412.345.7300

Three digit code on back of card

Zip

Pittsburgh Pet Expo 2013

O

100 ADAMS SHOPPES • MARS PA. 16046 724-553-5212 2339 EAST CARSON ST • PITTSBURGH, PA 15203 412-390-1111

join us for

saturday & SUNDAY 10am-2PM VEGAN & VEGGIE FEATURING A variety of

ur premier November event was the Pittsburgh Pet Expo. The turnout was excellent this year, making it a great event!

We enjoyed meeting our readers and received excellent feedback.

Many area shelter dogs received a thorough grooming at The Rescue Rodeo Round up Grooming Competition. Kelly Means from Nemacolin Wooflands won first place as Best Creative in Show.

Also exciting were the jump relays of the Nicrotra Rats.

Our own Kara Jones Photography offered pet pictures and Bernadette Kazmarski displayed her animal artwork at our booth.

OPTIONS

breakfast specialties!

DOUBLE

WIDE GRILL

.com

December 2013 Pittsburgh Pet Event Calendar Sunday

1

2

3

Wednesday Thursday 4 5

8

9

10

11

15

WROC Pet Remembrance Service - see page 35

Monday

16

Tuesday

17

18

12

19

AC&W Low-Cost Cat Spay and Neuter Clinic -see page 25

Animal Rescue League - Home for the Holidays December 15th through the 23rd Camp BowWow to deliver newly adopted pets on Christmas morning!

Bark N Go Pet Photos with Santa 1-4pm in Wexford

22 23 Animal Rescue League

24

29

31

25

26

Friday

6

13

7

Animal Rescue League Adopt a pet with black fur free!

20

14

Animal Rescue League Pack an Outback!

-see page 27

Animal Friends Share the Love Adoption Event Day Apollo Subaru 10-5

Animal Friends Cookie Walk -see website Animal Rescue League Gift Wrapping Galleria in Mt Lebanon

27

Saturday

21

Animal Rescue League Gift Wrapping Galleria in Mt Lebanon

28

Gift Wrapping Galleria in Mt Lebanon

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30

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

First Annual “THANKS FOR PAWS” Contest

Winners!

Sponsored by:

® www.pawsnclawseyewear.com

First Place--------Lea & Super Dog Spanky to the Rescue There is no doubt that “Spanky” Von Edelman Lester is a “super” dog. He seemed to know from the first time that his eyes met Lea’s that he had an important job to do. The dog that was rescued from euthanasia at the eleventh hour, by Angel Ridge Animal Rescue in Washington, PA, has become the ultimate rescuer. Lea spent all of last winter in the Manor Care Nursing Home in McMurray. Spanky was in high demand during every visit and the requests for his charming presence was overwhelming among all the patients.

For Mom, Lea, though, he acquired yet another valuable skill. Spanky learned how to carry Lea’s oxygen tank, enabling her to have better mobility.

Lea sometimes used a wheelchair in the nursing home, but she found herself too weak to move from place to place in it. Spanky quickly came to the rescue, pulling her wheelchair up and down the hall in dog sled fashion. He assisted Lea in transferring from her bed to her wheelchair and walked closely beside her to keep her balanced when she became able to walk on her own again. Four years ago, Spanky was diagnosed with lymphoma and nearly died. The cancer has been in remission for the last few years. Lea cannot imagine her life without her incredible companion.

second Place-----------One Eye When my other half of 30 years passed away, I found myself quite alone.

I went to my sister’s and fell in love with a beautiful furry friend . In spite of her own issues of being blind in one eye due to a vicious fight, “One Eye” knew I needed her. She would listen intently and “talked” to me when I cried. made me smile when she sat in my lap and purred, and slept with me at night.

I didn’t realize how empty my heart was until I brought “One Eye” home. We still have long conversations. She has brought joy into my world and I am truly blessed to have “ One Eye “ in my life. – Susan Link

third Place--------------------Danielle & Sissy I am so thankful for my dog Sissy. She came from a no-kill shelter that rescued her from a kill shelter.

After having the strength to leave my abusive spouse, she was the one who comforted me, loved me unconditionally, slept with me and protected me. She is the one who allowed me to love again and help my heart heal. She is truly my godsend and I am thankful for her everyday.

Danielle M.

Fourth Place--------------------Adora I am thankful to the Western PA Humane Society for many things but the best gift that they ever

gave my was my girl Adora. Adora is a six year old Pit Bull/American Bulldog Mix with a beautiful white fur coat and a soft little pink and tan spotted nose that loves to give little kisses. Adora’s life wasn’t always rainbows and sparkles. She was surrendered to the Western PA Humane Society on a chilly day in December. When Adora came into the shelter, she had a horrible skin infection and it was also discovered that she had an autoimmune disease. I fell madly in love with her and adopted her but it was the Western PA Humane Society who truly saved her life so that she could become mine. Adora is now a Certified Therapy Dog and we work together daily to melt hearts and change minds! She is the light of my life and I’m so glad that I can share her with the world! You can see Adora’s full story at: http://imnotamonster.org/work/adora-pittsburgh-pa/#sthash.hLl3ZzmD.dpuf Sarah Shively

Fifth Place-----------------------Haylee & Lacey Hi my name is Haylee and I’m 12, my dog is a really important part of my life. Her name is Lacey and

she’s about four years old. She’s the friendliest golden retriever I’ve ever met. I love her to the moon and back! I have a stress disorder, and when I’m worried sometimes she comes in and cuddles with me! She’s the sweetest little thing. Even though she is scared of a lot of things like bubble wrap, vacuums and our attic door she is a really good protector dog. One time a guy walked into our house, and Lacey started barking. If it wasn’t for my dog Lacey that guy could have robbed us. It’s also a really cute story how my mom and dad adopted her! They told me to stay at my grandma’s house for a night. Little did I know the next day a little puppy was going to be at our house! I came home the next day and there was a dog in our backyard. I was super shocked! They picked her out of all the dogs because she she kept jumping on my dad’s lap. I was so happy I started crying. Back then, the day after we got her, I had a bunk bed so I was really upset my dog couldn’t sleep in the bed with me, and she was just a puppy so she could not sleep in my room in case she had an accident. And that’s the story of my awesome dog Lacey!

-Haylee Thornberg, age 12

Animal Health&Wellness Seizures in Dogs and Cats

epilepsy may be the most likely cause for seizures.

Treatment is focused on management of the condition with antiseizure medications.

Seizures are one of the most common neurologic disorders

Seizures caused by primary brain disorders are the direct result of an abnormal brain structure, including developmental brain disorders, birth defects, infectious or inflammatory processes in the brain, tumors, stroke, etc. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and in some cases a spinal tap for the evaluation of cerebrospinal fluid will help to detect these causes. Treatment is dependent on the underlying cause.

Kendra R. Mikoloski, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)

affecting dogs and cats.

Approximately 1-2% of dogs and 0.5-3.5% of cats suffer from seizures. A seizure is a clinical sign of excessive, disorganized activity in the brain. Seizures tell us that there is a problem in the brain, but not the cause. The goals of testing are to determine the underlying cause, evaluate the chance for recurrence, and establish what will be the best treatment. There are four major groups of causes for seizures: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Metabolic disorders and toxins Idiopathic epilepsy Primary brain disorders Cryptogenic disorder

Metabolic disorders can be evaluated by performing blood work such as complete blood count (CBC), chemistry profile and bile acids to evaluate for metabolic disorders. Problems such as liver or kidney disorders, low blood sugar, or electrolyte imbalances can cause seizures in some dogs. Toxins are a relatively infrequent cause of seizures, and will often cause many other abnormalities besides the seizures such as gastrointestinal upset, hyperexcitability, anxiety, muscle spasms and twitching between the seizures, dilated pupils, and other signs depending on the toxin. Treatment for a toxin depends on what is ingested. Treatment in pets with a metabolic or toxic cause of seizures includes removing the toxin or correcting the metabolic disorder as well as management of the seizures with antiseizure medications.

Seizures caused by unknown origin, also called idiopathic epilepsy, are diagnosed if no other underlying cause of the seizures can be identified.

In some dog breeds, there may be a genetic component to this disease. Idiopathic epilepsy is less common in cats than dogs, but can also occur.

The common age at which we typically see the first seizure is about 1 to 5 years of age. The way to diagnose idiopathic epilepsy is to rule out all other metabolic or primary brain disorders. If the pet has a normal physical and neurologic examination, normal blood work, and is 1-5 years old, idiopathic

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Cryptogenic epilepsy is diagnosed in older dogs with no underlying causes identified. Cryptogenic epilepsy means that, while there is likely no genetic component to the disease, there is also no identifiable cause. It is a diagnosis of exclusion, which requires ruling out all other causes of seizures with blood work, MRI and spinal tap.

Treatment is focused on management of the condition with antiseizure medications.

Parts of a seizure: • Preictal period - Seizures are sometimes preceded by unusual behavior or a mood change that can last for minutes to days.

• Aura - Lasts for several seconds or minutes immediately before the seizure; characterized by a period of visible behavior change that may include hiding, attention-seeking, restlessness, whining, or howling.

• Ictus - The actual seizure is known as the ictus and can last from a few seconds to several minutes. The most common appearance includes altered consciousness or unconsciousness, falling to the ground and lying on the side of the body, rhythmic muscle contractions such as paddling or jerking of the legs and/or “chewing gum” motions with the jaws, salivation, urination, or defecation. There is often no responsiveness during the seizure.

• Postictal period - Some dogs and cats continue to lie on their side for a few minutes. Most are disoriented and may wander around aimlessly and restlessly.

They may appear transiently blind. Can last from minutes to hours.

Living with an epileptic pet Seizures can be a manageable condition in most pets; however lifelong medications will be required. Seizures are rarely life-threatening,

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

Animal Health& Wellness

however the pet should be taken to a veterinarian immediately if this is the first seizure, they have 3 or more seizures in 24 hours, if the seizure is lasting longer than 5 minutes and not stopping, or if they are not recovering as “normal” from the seizure. Pets should not be allowed unsupervised access to swimming pools or stairs so that they cannot injure themselves during a seizure. Dogs cannot “swallow their tongue” during a seizure – in fact they can inadvertently hurt you because they are unaware of their actions. Do not place your fingers in their mouth during the seizure. Talking calmly and softly to your dog or cat may help ease their recovery from the seizure. Descriptions of the seizure may be helpful in diagnosing cause.

It is helpful to write down in detail what you saw, or even obtain a video. Include the length of time, specific behaviors, time of day, and possible precipitating events.

Phenobarbital, Potassium Bromide, Zonisamide, Keppra, Topomax, Gabapentin, Pregabalin, and others. An educated discussion of which medications are best for your pet is recommended.

Some pets (about 2/3 of idiopathic epileptic dogs) are able to be managed with just one medication, while other pets require two or more medications to control their seizures. Most dogs do not have an inciting cause for their seizures, and diet changes rarely influence seizure control.

Treatment of seizures is a lifelong commitment.

Most dogs do not become completely free of seizures. Our goal for treatment is to reduce frequency of seizures to less than one per month while minimizing side effects of the medications, however this can be a delicate balance and one that is not achieved in every pet. Depending on the medication, frequent monitoring of blood levels and routine blood work will be Treatment of idiopathic epilepsy recommended to ensure that the pet is not having Seizures are managed with antiseizure any complications from the medication. Most medications. Choice of medication depends on of the medications need to be given at specific mechanism of action of the medication, efficacy, times every day for the rest of the pet’s life, adverse effects, potential for interaction with other making management of idiopathic epilepsy a big medications, cost, and frequency of administration. commitment. Even one missed or late dose can There are many antiseizure medications available: precipitate seizures in some pets.

The Rogan Rexford Animal Blood Bank

“Pets Giving Pets the Gift of Life”

Please volunteer your dog to be a “Blood Donor Hero” Dog Donor Eligibility • Between 1 and 7 years of age • Weight: 50 lbs. or more • Healthy with a gentle temperment • Current with vaccinations • Never had a blood transfusion

• Tested negative for blood-borne diseases (free testing by blood bank) • Must be on heartworm, flea and tick preventative • Not pregnant or currently nursing

Read more about The Rogan Rexford Blood Bank at: www.animalcarefund.org For questions, or to make an appointment call: 412-348-2588 or e-mail: AnimalBloodBank@pvs-ec.com December 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

9

FEATURED RESCUE F

or some of us who have been privileged to share our lives with cherished senior dogs, it’s inconceivable that once-treasured members of a family could be tossed away when the signs of old age appear, but it happens all too often in today’s throwaway world. Banished outside or to the garage, abandoned at shelters, turned loose or left behind, these confused and frightened old dogs often must face, through no fault of their own, the physical and mental challenges of aging without the familiar love and comfort of the families to whom they’ve given their lives. And in today’s economy, sometimes people who love their old dogs are forced to give them up due to hardship. No matter the reason, it’s sad to imagine, and heartbreaking to see.

There are very few rescue groups in the United States specializing in helping homeless senior dogs, and equally few programs dedicated to their needs. Enter The Grey Muzzle Organization.

The Grey Muzzle Organization was founded as a national nonprofit corporation, gaining 501(c)(3) taxexempt status in July 2008. Its all-volunteer Board of Directors and Advisory Board include veterinarians, animal welfare organization executives, nonprofit experts, animal trainers, pet nutritionists, naturopaths and others who share a common love of senior dogs.

Their goal is to provide nonprofit animal shelters, rescues, sanctuaries and other nonprofit groups with the resources to care for, comfort and find loving homes for at-risk old dogs.

Through programs such as Adoptable Dog Medical Care, Hospice and Long-Term Foster Care, Senior Therapy Dogs, Seniors for Seniors, and Community Programs designed to keep senior dogs in their homes, plus the wealth of information on caring for senior dogs available on their website, this dedicated group of volunteers is making a real difference for a long-overlooked segment of the canine community. Volunteers across the country attend events to raise donations and promote The Grey Muzzle Organization’s beliefs that old dogs contribute positively to our life, teaching patience, respect, responsibility, loyalty and unconditional love. They want people to know that senior dogs are not disposable, and that every senior dog deserves to live out its golden years, months, weeks or even days in a place of love, security, and peace.

While developing this article for Pittsburgh PetConnections, I was granted an online interview with the recently-elected president of The Grey Muzzle

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Organization’s Board of Directors, Jennifer Kachnic, CCMT, CRP. A Grey Muzzle volunteer and member of the Advisory Board since 2011, Jenny developed the majority of the content on the Resources section of the organization’s website, addressing topics from Adopting a Senior Dog and Senior Dog Care, to Training, Trust Planning, advice on Helping Your Dog Cross The Bridge, Coping with Grief and a series of webinars. Certified in several alternative therapy techniques, Jenny expresses her passion by training and assisting senior dogs at her business, Canine Wellness LLC in Colorado. She is a regular contributor to dog blogs, The Denver Dog Examiner, pet magazines including Bark, Mile High Dog and Animal Wellness, and has written a book, Your Dog’s Golden Years.

ENVISIONING A WORLD WHERE NO OLD DOG DIES ALONE AND AFRAID Here’s what Jenny had to say: What would you like people to know about The Grey Muzzle Organization’s missions and programs?

“The Grey Muzzle Organization’s goal is to help animal welfare organizations who share our commitment to improve their ability to provide care, comfort and find loving homes for old dogs. We do this by raising money that is distributed annually, via grants. All of our funds are raised through public donations. We are not a privately endowed foundation.

“By providing support, we help build programs around the country that meet the special needs of senior dogs. We only support programs run by nonprofit animal welfare organizations. We personally evaluate each organization and program, and require accountability from all grantees.

“Programs we fund are: medical care, foster and long-term foster, hospice, “seniors for seniors” adoption programs matching senior dogs with senior people, senior therapy dog training programs, Animeals – providing dog food through Meals on Wheels, and providing medical and other assistance to keep dogs from being turned over to shelters. We also have a Bed Fund, providing orthopedic dog beds to shelters and rescues because concrete floors can be painful and stressful for older dogs. In the first year, we provided over $13,000 in dog beds.”

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

How can people who share your passion for helping senior dogs become involved in your mission?

“We rely solely on donations so we can award the grants, so donations are always welcome. And we have a small online store on our website. Other ways of helping Grey Muzzle are to spread the word about the work we do through social media, becoming an Ambassador, or writing articles about us like you are doing.

“We have many resources on our website not only for rescues and shelters, but for pet parents. We provide educational webinars on senior dog topics, as well as articles and other resources.

“Also, we are all volunteers and can always use more help and talents. Currently, we are a group of just over 100 dedicated senior dog lovers from all around the country.”

What would you tell potential adopters about the benefits of bringing a senior dog into their lives?

“The benefits of adopting a senior dog are numerous.

First, what you see is what you get. Their size and disposition are set. Second, they are past the chewing phase. Third, most senior dogs have been trained.

Fourth, senior dogs usually don’t require as much exercise as some younger dogs. People should really consider the time commitment of adopting a dog: a small young dog could be a 20 year commitment; maybe a five to seven year commitment to a senior dog would be a better fit.

“Pet parents should be aware of all the health options, traditional and otherwise, available for their aging pets now. More and more integrative veterinarians are available around the country to provide traditional, alternative and natural therapies, including laser, homeopathy, acupuncture, acupressure, canine massage, energy healing, hydrotherapy, chiropractic care, aroma therapy and essential oils. All of these can help heal and manage pain in our dogs just as they do for us.”

You’ve written a book, Your Dog’s Golden Years. Tell is a little about it.

“My book includes information from 20 canine experts from around the country. It provides everything a senior pet parent needs to know for this stage of life: general nutritional needs, signs and signals of pain, information on alternative therapies and how they work, end of life decision making, euthanasia and grief.

The book is full of resources for pet owners to guide and support them through this wonderful stage of their pet’s life.”

December 2013

FEATURED RESCUE

How can we get a copy of Your Dog’s Golden Years?

“The book is available on Amazon.com as a paperback, and also Kindle and Nook versions. It can be purchased on www.SeniorDogBooks.com, which also provides more information about the authors and book excerpts.

I dedicated the book to The Grey Muzzle Organization, and proceeds go to them.”

Are there any events or additional resources we should know about?

“We just provided a wonderful webinar on “Planning For the Possibility that Your Pets Might Outlive You.” It includes information on trust planning and making sure pets will be taken care of in that situation. Here is the link: http://www.greymuzzle.org/Resources/Webinars.aspx.

“We will be starting our end of year fundraising campaign at the end of November 2013. Our website has more information about how people can help.

They can also join our Facebook page (23,000) – GreyMuzzleOrg, Twitter – GreyMuzzleOrg, or subscribe to our newsletters at http://www.greymuzzle-signup.org/home page.”

In conclusion, any other thoughts or comments you’d like to share?

“Thanks for doing this!!!”

I’d like to thank Jenny again for taking the time to answer my questions and share her knowledge of senior dogs and The Grey Muzzle Organization. Having been the proud and grateful pet parent to numerous old dogs over my lifetime, I am especially thankful to The Grey Muzzle Organization for shining their light on the plight of homeless senior dogs and promoting their ultimate potential as wonderful companions.

Please check out their website for a list of organizations they support, to give a donation or a gift in memory, shop in their store, learn about the volunteers, or simply to see and read about some of the dogs The Grey Muzzle Organization has been able to help. And if at all possible, consider bringing a deserving senior dog into your life. They will contribute as much to the quality of your life as you do to theirs, and we’ll all be closer to “a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid.”

Trinette Kern November, 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOR

Thoughtful Gifts For Dogs and Their Guardians

By Tena Parker of Success Just Clicks Dog Training

N

ot sure what to get the person who has everything, including a dog? Is this person a proverbial “dog person” or has a dog who needs them to be a “dog person”? How about gifting some cool new dog gear?

The nice thing about dog gear is that there is such a huge range of products that there is something for every budget! If you know a little bit about the person and their activities with their dog, you can hit a homerun with not only a cool gift, but an obviously thoughtful one as well! Or of course, you can always gift yourself or your dogs with some of these fantastic items as well.

Gifts for the Human Partner Dog Training Gift Certificate or Lessons—Private

training, a basic training class, or a fun sports class can be an awesome gift for dog guardians! Either purchasing a class/ lesson or gift certificates towards a trainer or a class is a gift that keeps on giving because both the handler and the dog can benefit from a fun experience.

Gift certificates for training can make all the difference in the world to a family struggling with their dog or simply wanting to do more with their dog!

This can fit any budget with customizable gift certificates.

Rapid Rewards Treat Pouch —There is nothing more awesome for a dog person than a really nice training pouch! The Rapid Rewards Deluxe Treat Bag is one of, if not the, best treat pouches on the market. It has lots of great features like a strong magnetic closure, large deep main pocket, hidden pocket for different treats, a great belt clip and more. Normally retails for less than $20.

Tawzer Dog Gift Certificate or DVD or Book—www. tawzerdog.com has dog gear, books, and DVDs from some of the best trainers in the world. Any “dog person” would love to add a few DVDs or books to their collection. There are books and DVDs about aggression, basic manners, puppy raising, agility, obedience, body language, fear, and much more.

With the variety of products, you can spend whatever amount fits your budget to either buy a special DVD/ book or gift certificate.

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Membership Fee or Trial Fee—If you have a friend

who trials in a sport or is thinking about competing, a really awesome gift can be to either pay their yearly membership fee to the organization or buy them entries for a trial. Trialing can be expensive as it adds up over the year so having a trial, or part of a trial, or even just the membership fee gifted is such a thoughtful gift (I know this through personal experiences!). This is also budget friendly in that there are plenty of options available—most membership fees are around $20 and trials are priced by the number of runs so you can gift as many runs as you’d like.

Gifts for the Canine Partner Interactive Puzzle Toys—

Interactive puzzle toys are excellent gifts for nearly every dog! They are puzzles designed to help Fido flex his mental muscles while Hazel works at a Kyjen puzzle, the Paw Hide. working on a This is a great introductory puzzle! challenging toy with his human handler. There are many puzzle toys out there from several well-known brands. Kyjen brand sells a wide variety of inexpensive puzzle toys that can be found at many pet stores ($14-$20). Nina Ottosson brand toys are some of the top of the line puzzle toys. They are well made, well designed, and have different challenge levels, from easy to extremely challenging ($35-$55).

Kibble Dispensing Toys—Kibble dispensing toys should be a staple in every home—ditch the food bowl and let Fido work for his meals out of a fun toy! These are toys that are designed for Fido to use on his own (though I always suggest supervision) to get his meals or snacks.

Toys come in a range of sizes, shapes, and difficulty levels and have a wide price range, but are generally less than $20. Some of my most frequently suggested toys are: Kong Wobbler (easy), Hol-ee Treat Ball (easy), Atomic Treat Ball (medium), Buster Cube (hard), and I.Q. Treat Ball (medium to hard).

Flirt Pole toy—These are fantastic toys that are like big

cat toys for dogs—a sturdy stick-like handle, a section of rope, and toy tied to the end that you can drag around for your dog to vigorously chase. They allow you to practice some serious impulse control training while also giving your dog lots of exercise. It only takes a few minutes with a flirt pole to help tire out most dogs because they are working their bodies and their brains while chasing and strategizing how to catch the toy on the end of the rope ($25-$30).

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

Manners Minder/Treat N Train (re-branded name)—

This is one of the most sought after training tools on the market. It is an electronic remote controlled treat dispenser that has more uses than you can shake a stick at. It can be used for working on separation anxiety, jealousy issues, settling in a crate, learning to remain on a mat, send out to target, stay calm when visitors arrive, and much more! This is a bigger ticket item but is a fantastic option if it fits in your budget!

Avoid this gift-giving faux pas It’s important to remember that living animals should never be given as presents. All members of the family should be included in the decision-making process on whether or not to get a new pet and which pet to bring home. One of the best ways to tell children that a new pet will be coming home, is to give them the caretaking tools as presents. Wrap bowls, brushes, crates, toys, etc. and then after the holidays, when things settle down, the whole family can begin the journey of choosing the right pet for the family— perhaps with the guidance of a professional trainer.

6 years running!

Tena Parker M.S., has been working with dogs for over 10 years. She is the owner of Success Just Clicks Dog Training in Pittsburgh, PA, has a thriving daily dog blog online, is a member of the APDT (Association of Pet Dog Trainers) and is a Certified Mentor Trainer for Animal Behavior College. http://www.successjustclicks.com

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www.pghpetconnections.com

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Dear Santa,

I am not sure if you get many letters from wild animals, but I am hoping you can put in a good word to your busy elves. My name is Irwin, and I am a North American Porcupine. I live at the Animal Rescue League Wildlife Center in Verona, working as a Wildlife Ambassador. You see, Santa, I accompany the staff educator to teach people of all ages about my wild cousins and what people can do to help Pennsylvania’s wildlife. We reach out to thousands of people, helping them to understand wildlife, and in turn, they begin to understand their impact on the natural world. I have a very important job!

Over the last few years, I have seen thousands of animals come through our doors. Most of them were very sick, or orphans that were too young to survive without parents.

I have a special place in my heart for the orphans, Santa, because I was one when I arrived here. My mother was unable to care for me, and the staff took me in as a tiny, prickly baby, and raised me to be a big and healthy porcupine. The staff and volunteers work diligently, starting before sunrise, and sometimes they stay late into the night. I see once sick and debilitated animals, now healthy, leave on the journey to get released back into the wild.

Just this year alone, the Center has admitted and cared for over 2,700 animals. The number of animals brought in for care grows every single year.

I don’t know if you are aware, Santa, but the staff and volunteers have done some really great things this year. For example, they have successfully raised and released bats, such a needed and delicate part of the ecosystem. They worked with over 100 species of songbirds, some endangered.

They raised and released a fisher, a large mammal that is rare on this side of the state. The volunteers toil for hours over the incubators, feeding babies constantly, sometimes every 15 minutes!

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I watch them running back and forth with medicine, formula, and anything else needed to ensure the health and welfare of the patients. So many animals get a second chance at life in the wild thanks to the folks at the Wildlife Center.

Santa, I am not asking for anything for myself. I have a lovely large enclosure, I am warm, well-fed and cared for, and I get so much attention. I am asking for items that I know the other animals need to get strong and healthy. The list is very long, but I know the staff and volunteers use so many things to care for the animals.

I have included this list for you to look over, Santa, and I hope the animals get put on your “good” list this year! I also included some pictures for you to see and to help you understand what really happens at the Wildlife Center. And if you could, would you share this list with all the animal lovers you know? The Wildlife Center accepts donations seven days per week at the Verona Road location, and I know the staff will be very grateful to any “Santa’s Helper” that wants to help.

I should mention that all donations are tax deductible, so anyone that helps is able to get tax credit. We are located at 6000 Verona Road, in Verona PA. I also know that if anyone has anyone questions about donations, wildlife in need, education programs, or the volunteer program, they can call the Center at 412-345-7300 ext 500.

Thank You Santa!

Love, Irwin the Porcupine

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

Pet Supplies for Wildlife Center:

Food for Wildlife Center:

Freeze Dried Mealworms Freeze Dried Bloodworms KMR Powder (kitten formula) Cat/Kitten Food (dry or canned) Reptile Bedding Reptile Basking Lights (75 watt) Whole Dried Corn Rabbit Toys Parrot Toys Wild Bird Seed

Canned Carrots Canned Peaches Canned Pears Canned Peas Canned Mixed Fruit Applesauce Baby Food Sweet Potatoes Baby Food Carrots Baby Food Mixed Veggies Baby Food Garden Veggies Baby Food Broccoli Baby Food Green Beans Baby Food Squash Baby Food Peas Baby Food Chicken and Gravy Knox Blox Exact Unsalted nuts with or without shells Acorns

Household items for Wildlife Center: Neck or Boppy Pillows Paper Towels Toilet Paper Rubber or Latex Gloves Garbage Bags (39 & 55 gallon) Unscented Liquid Laundry Detergent Bleach Original Dawn Liquid Dish Soap Hand Soap Hand Sanitizer Rolls of Universal Roofing Membrane or “roof bladder”. Needed to line cages to protect the bird’s feet.

December 2013

Gift cards for Shelter or Wildlife Center: Grocery Stores Home Depot Pet Stores Target Walmart

www.pghpetconnections.com

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Advertiser Locator 1 Healthy Pet Products (see ad pg 1) 2 Woody’s Do-It-Yourself Dogwash (see pg 19) 3 WearWoof (see ad pg 13) 4 Animal Rescue League (see ads pg 5 & 27) 5 Oddball Pets & Aquariums (see ad pg 2) 6 Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation (see ad pg 36) 7 Beaver Animal Clinic (see ad inside back cover) 8 Double Wide Grill (see ad pg 6) 9 Western PA Humane Society (see ad pg 23) 10 P ittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center (see ad back cover) 11 Back To Basics (see ad pg 28) 12 Dr. Dina LiVolsi (see ad pg 21) 13 Rockin’ Horse Stables (see ad pg 34) 14 BelaCoop Animal Hospital (see ad page 15) 15 5th Avenue Fido (see ad pg 12) 16 Grooming With Care (see pg 19) 17 The English Horn Ltd (see ad pg 34) 18 Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming (see ad pg 19)

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Advertisers

All Natural Hoof Care (see ad pg 31) J & D Home Improvements (see ad on inside Angel Ridge Animal Rescue (see ads on inside front cover) front cover & 34) KS Jones Photography (see ads pg 34) Animal Care & Welfare (see ad pg 25) Nicole Begley Photography (see pg 22) 24 Answers Pet Food (see ad pg 12) 14 Paws Here Awhile (see ad pg 12) AVCF (see ad pg 32) Pet Afterlife (see ad pg 36) Camp Bow Wow (see ad pg 15) Pet and Home Portraits 26 (see ad pg 22) Chris’s Canine Club (see pg 19) The Rogan Rexford Blood Bank (see ad pg 9) 1 Coventry Equestrian Center (see ad pg 33) Success just Clicks (see pg 19) Creative Canine Cuts (see ad pg 19) The Working Paper Horse (see ad pg 32) Gentle Journey (see ad pg 36) Westminter Church (see ad pg 35) HAAWC (see ad pg 19) Your Critter Sitters (see ad pg 19) Holistic Care for Animals (see ad pg 22) Judith Levy (see ads pg 22 & 28)

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

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December 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

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Holistic Care Icaregivers have found that many pet are confused about

Feasting with Fido

by: Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

feeding their pets food from their own tables. Based on advice from their veterinarians to “Never feed people food,” some clients proudly inform me that their dog has eaten nothing but dog food.

There is even a rumor that turkey is toxic to dogs. As the holidays approach and the feasting is about to commence, I would like to take this opportunity to weigh in on these issues.

The first thing to understand is that there is a difference between table scraps and people food. Table scraps are the unwanted portions of our meals and often include skin and fat. These materials are just as unhealthy for pets as they are for us and eating a lot of these castoffs can make animals deathly ill. People food, on the other hand, consists of pieces of meat and vegetables from our plates. Replacing a portion of your pet’s food with some healthy foods like these can improve your pet’s health.

While feeding people food to pets can improve their nutrition, feeding your dog at the table is likely to lead to obnoxious begging behavior. No one likes a moochy poochy, so whatever food you provide, feed your dog out of his bowl, not off the table.

Nutrition studies in humans clearly indicate that eating unprocessed food is more beneficial to health than is a diet of strictly processed foods. This same principle holds true for pets. In fact, it has been found that Scottish Terriers, a breed that is prone to bladder cancer, who were fed vegetables at least three times a week had a 70% - 90% reduced risk of developing bladder cancer. If a few veggies can have that kind of impact on Scotties then they must be equally healthful for other pets as well.

Please be aware that what works for one animal, may not work for another. Many animals profit from eating real food off their caregiver’s plate. However, others may not tolerate certain foods. Be cautious when changing your pet’s diet for the first time.

Note that when I’m talking about people food, I mean healthy people food. If your diet consists of pizza, doughnuts, and chips, please do not inflict your junk food on your pet. Pets should not be fed sweets or starchy foods. They simply have not evolved to handle carbs and indulging pets with such foods quickly leads to obesity.

Also, realize that I am not promoting the idea of adding human food in addition to the usual amount of pet food you give. One downside of including people food in a pet’s diet is that because they tend to really like it, they may over-eat and get fat. Obesity in pets is a serious problem and predisposes animals to many diseases and an early death. If you choose to add some of your food to your pet’s diet, be sure to decrease the amount of pet food being fed.

Another consideration when feeding people food is that most likely, what you are eating is not balanced for the needs of your pet. For this reason, people food should be fed to pets sparingly. Do not replace more than 25% of your pet’s diet with your food. Over the long term feeding more could lead to nutrient deficiencies.

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Many dogs really like certain vegetables. While giving a dog a mini-carrot to chew on is much better than giving a dog a biscuit, you may notice that after eating such a snack, the dog will pass little pieces of carrot out the other end. Obviously Fido did not extract the full nutritional value out of that food.

Dogs and cats do not process raw veggies well. The digestive tract of the carnivore is shorter than that of the herbivore. For pets to get the most bang for the buck out of such food, the veggies need to either be lightly cooked or macerated in a food processor. This breaks down the cell walls and liberates the nutrients.

Finally, there are some people foods that can be toxic to pets. Cats are especially sensitive to garlic and onions while dogs can do well with small amounts. Do not feed your dog grapes or raisins as these are deadly to some canines. Other toxic foods include avocados, cherry, peach, and apricot pits, macadamia nuts, walnuts, chocolate, and anything containing the sweetener xylitol.

Oh, about the idea that turkey is toxic; that rumor is not true. Dogs and cats can thrive on foods containing turkey. I think that story originated due to the common practice of giving dogs loads of fatty turkey scraps. The day after Thanksgiving is notorious among emergency veterinarians for its plethora of serious digestive upset cases. Don’t give table scraps!

If your pet is on a strict diet of processed food, consider adding some of your healthy fare to her meals. Some real food is better than none at all and it may improve her overall health.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

Holistic Care

How Do I Know?

By Dina LiVolsi, D.C., Doctor of Chiropractic, Certified by American Veterinary Chiropractic Association

Probably the most frequent question asked of me by pet owners is, “How do I know if my cat/dog/horse needs chiropractic care?”

After all, they can’t tell us when they are in discomfort or pain. My response is always the same: Our animals most often tell us when they are in pain. We have to observe them.

They most often tell us by their most widely used communication tool – their body language. Obvious pain presentation is lameness (limping or gait just doesn’t look right), crying, pacing, panting, hunched back, abnormal posture, wanting to be left alone, wanting to be comforted, a look in their eyes and almost any other change in behavior, such as biting, may be related to pain or discomfort.

Aside from acute or chronic recurring traumas from injuries, the number one most mentioned change in behavior why owners seek my care is that their dog is not jumping on the furniture anymore! While this may seem surprising, an understanding of the biomechanics of your dog (or cat’s) locomotion system helps to explain this.

veterinary examination is given to rule out (or in!) medical issues that might preclude chiropractic care before any animal is referred to me. The wonderful benefit of combining both veterinary and appropriate, legitimate chiropractic care together is that animals receive safe, gentle treatment and many have remarkable results in short periods of time. Remember that an American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) certified animal chiropractor is always your best choice. Our education and experience are unsurpassed with stringent post-doctoral education, a national board and mandatory continuing education hour requirements. I was the first, and still am the only AVCA certified practitioner in Allegheny County!

The body has a remarkable ability to heal itself when the nervous, muscular and skeletal systems are working in harmonious health – unimpeded by nerve interference. This allows the magnificent brain and central nervous system to work at its optimum ability to heal the body. This is my job as a chiropractor: To remove nerve interference to allow the biomechanics of the body to be well, strong and vigorous.

Now you know!

Four-legged creatures are “rear wheel drive” which means they propel themselves from behind and steer with the front. If there is a problem in the “rear wheel”, your dog most likely will not be able to easily jump up on the bed or sofa as she needs to crouch down and propel herself onto the furniture. This is especially true of smaller dogs. While a great dane may be able to simply step up, most dogs need to jump up.

Another sign that your animal friend may have hind end issues is that although she is able to walk or run down a flight of stairs, she has trouble going up the stairs. She may hesitate at the bottom, appearing to be “thinking about it”, attempt a few stairs then return to the bottom, stop halfway up or simply refuse to climb the stairs at all. This type of behavior may be the result of a biomechanical issue in the low back, pelvis and/ or hips. Your dog may not be able to fully engage her “rear wheel drive” and may actually be using her front legs to pull herself up the stairs instead of pushing herself up from the rear. I have seen dogs who are extremely muscular in the neck, shoulder and chest area while their hind end is very weak and exhibits muscle loss. This is a typical presentation of long-term biomechanical dysfunction.

While there are many causes for hind end and pain issues, including genetic malformations (hip dysplasia), metabolic disease processes, fractures and other conditions, chiropractic issues must be included in this list. One of the terrific things about working one-on-one with the wonderful veterinarians at Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic is that veterinarians make the appropriate diagnosis to determine if your dog has a medical issue or a ‘chiropractic’ issue. A full December 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

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Vist my website for more AMAZING testimonials!

Months of holding the leg up and limping on left rear leg after not recovering well from knee surgery.

Abby had knee surgery to repair a torn ACL in June of 2013. Her mom Joanne stated, “she hasn’t recovered well after surgery.” She continued to limp significantly and just hold the leg up even after the surgery. She has been very depressed and clingy; unable to do what she wants to do. “She must be in pain,” mom exclaimed.

After only two visits she was “walking better, and holding the leg up less.”

And after three visits she is “running better and not limping as much.”

Today she “jumped into the car for the first time in months!”

There were basically NO results or even big changes of the original symptoms months after the surgical procedure. The client was left with a disabled and depressed pet and no options other than medications. After only a few VOM treatments that are non invasive, simple, and affordable WE GOT RESULTS! AND we continue to GET RESULTS! Removing the blocks to healing restores health.

NO JUMPING, DRAGS SELF AROUND, GETTING WORSE...

Zephyr is only 2. No jumping for a cat that is only 2, c’mon. I first saw Zephyr in May of 2013 and for the previous 6 plus months he would just lay around the house. His tail would just drag on the floor. His back legs would spread out when he tried to walk and he would just flop down, he had trouble with the litter box. If all this wasn’t bad enough the problems were all getting worse This case was a tough one but I am glad mom and dad stuck with me, and most importantly cared enough about Zephyr to follow my reccomendations. It took about 2 months of work but as of July 13 he was WALKING FINE, his litter box habits had improved, and he is more stable with walking and jumping. Oh yes and his stools have gone from brick hard to completely normal, another healthy “side effect”.

Healing, not just treating.

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DC, CCSP, CVCP

Dr. Savko works with the following veterinary clinics: Meadowlands Veterinary Hospital, Washington, PA Washington Animal Hospital, Washington, Pa Suburban Animal Clinic, Butler, PA, Delmont Veterinary Hospital, Delmont, PA, Fox Run Equine Center, Apollo, PA

ears Over 1r3ieYnce e Exp

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

kitty korner

Tail Vaccines for Cats Could Save Lives

A s many as 1 in 1,000 cats develops a cancerous growth or sarcoma at the site of a vaccination, and a recent study has found possibly the best way of preparing for the possibility of the sarcoma and its recommended treatment, which is radical surgery.

The debate has been on for years about whether or not vaccination-site sarcoma is caused by the vaccine itself or one of the additives that are considered to make the vaccine safer or more effective. Because cancers often develop at the site of an injury some conjecture it’s caused by the needle puncture itself, while others dismiss the vaccine-cancer connection entirely and see the incidence as part of the average rate of cancer in cats and that the cat was bound to develop the cancer through environmental or genetic causes even without the vaccine.

But while health studies for cats lie far behind those for dogs, organizations such as the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) and the Winn Feline Foundation (WFF) each accept that sarcomas at the site of vaccines are a reality and happen far too frequently to be ignored.

While studies of cause and effect are in process, saving lives affected by sarcomas is imperative.

have the chance to live many more years with a less complicated surgery.

Now a new study by researchers with Maddie’s® Shelter Medicine Program and the University of Florida shows that vaccinating in the tip of a cat’s tail is just as effective as in other areas of the cat’s body, and what’s more, they actually seem to tolerate it, at least as much as they tolerate vaccinations in general. Julie Levy, D.V.M., Ph.D., the Maddie’s Professor of Shelter Medicine at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine along with experts around the country took a poll of preferred vaccination sites with the thought of treatment and removal of vaccination-site sarcomas in mind, and the tail came up as a preferred site.

Cats are darned sensitive about those tails! Imagine trying to grab a tail and poke a tiny needle into it, much more difficult than holding a cat still to vaccinate into a leg. The team did a study of 60 cats brought in for spay and neuter services through the Operation Catnip TNR program at UF. Only tame and apparently healthy cats with a full-length tail were considered, and they also had to have a caregiver who committed to returning the cat in one or two months for further evaluation. At the moment this study has only been done on cats.

AAFP vaccine recommendations

Historically, while these sarcomas may not appear until years after the vaccination, they are highly aggressive and the best treatment is radical surgery, or removal of the entire area containing the sarcoma. When vaccines were given in the neck or lower back surgical cure was hopeless, but as studies have given those in veterinary medicine more insights vaccine site recommendations have changed in consideration of ease of surgical removal of an affected site. In 2006 studies through the WFF recommended using the legs for vaccinations because removing a limb is safer than surgically excising a section of the torso.

Beginning in 1998 the AAFP has provided vaccination guidelines for cats by examining the scientific literature available and providing a detailed review of that literature. They updated these guidelines in 2000 and 2006 and have published new guidelines in 2013. In 2006, along with recommending vaccination protocols, they also recommended that vaccines be given in the legs as did WFF, then the AAFP further recommended to use the lower legs, below the elbow or knee.

Often by the time the cancer is found it has spread, and even when the vaccine was in a limb the surgery and aftercare are often painful for the cat and far too expensive for many people. Even with plenty of “tripod” cats around many caregivers are concerned a cat will not adapt to life on three legs. Cats end up being euthanized when they might

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By Bernadette E. Kazmarski

The AAFP also recommends that at least once a year, as part of a routine health care program, the vaccination needs of all cats should be reassessed, in conjunction with a comprehensive physical examination and consultation with a veterinarian. Vaccines are divided into core vaccines necessary for all cats such as the familiar FVRCP including feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus and panleukopenia (distemper), and non-core vaccines such as rabies, FeLV, FIV and others given only when necessary. Cats should be vaccinated for rabies according to local law, but core vaccines, after the kitten/young adult protocol, should be annually assessed by a veterinarian according to the needs of the cat and can be maintained every three years instead of every year.

While the veterinary community generally accepts that blood titers can be used to assess the individual cat’s current state of immunity the AAFP does not recommend reliance on blood titers, but instead employing defined revaccination intervals to assure protection. You can discuss this with your veterinarian at your annual exam, and Pittsburgh PetConnections has published two articles regarding the recommended use of titers which you can find on the website.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

Cat Writers’ Association Awards for PPC Editor Bernadette E. Kazmarski

P

ittsburgh PetConnection Chief Editor Bernadette E. Kazmarski won a top award in the Cat Writers’ Association 2013 Communications contest as well as other awards for her writing and artwork, announced at the CWA conference on November 2, 2013.

The biggest winner is her series of illustrations entitled “Cats After van Gogh”, the oil pastel sketches inspired by a April 2012 visit to the “Van Gogh Up Close” exhibit, which won the CWA President’s Award as presented on her self-published garden flags.

kitty korner

This annual contest welcomes all types of writing from news articles to novels to public relations for feline-oriented businesses and organizations as well as images including photos, illustrations and fine art.

Entries can be self-published but have to be distributed in the general public, and they go through a series of judging by peers at one level for Certificates of Excellence within the category, then those certificates are judged by the organization’s judging panel for Muse Medallions representing best in the category. The President’s Award is chosen from among all the Muse Medallions by the organization’s president, and is sponsored by the Cat Fancier’s Association which maintains the CFA Foundation Museum entitled the “Feline Historical Museum” in Alliance, OH, so Bernadette will be submitting a sample of this as well as other art to the collection. This is the first time in the 15 years this award has been open that it has been given to a non-writing entry.

In addition to her Muse Medallion for this artwork, her daily blog, The Creative Cat, also won a Muse Medallion in the category of “Blog: Entertainment”; the site also won a Muse in 2011. The judges’ comment was, “An enjoyable entry. Very clever headlines.”

She also won Certificates of Excellence for an article and an illustrated book, and since joining the CWA in 2007 has won numerous awards for essays, articles, poetry, photographs and illustrations.

We financially help low-income families with low-cost spays, neuters and medical emergencies.

Help us help others by sending donations to:

AC&W, Inc., P.O. Box 8257, Pittsburgh, PA 15218.

We are a 501(c)(3) non-profit and have been in existence since 1970.

Look for our adoption animals at: www.animalcareandwelfare.org December 19, 2013 MOBILE LOW-COST SPAY AND NEUTER CLINIC - FELINES ONLY – LIMITED SPACE!

BY APPT. ONLY: 412-344-2294 (ACWI) 1/2 Price Holiday Special!!

2806 Banksville Ave. Pittsburgh PA 15216 December 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

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kitty korner Cat Rescue Resource Guide Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs This is an ever-changing list of resources for cat owners in Pittsburgh and beyond, and many of the listings, like the shelters, apply to dogs and other pets as well. It includes low-cost spay and neuter programs as well as TNR for community cats, pet-friendly rentals in Pittsburgh and across the US and links to shelters for adoption and other services. In the future, we will also list clinic dates with the organizations below when they are available.

TNR And Low-Cost Spay/Neuter For The Pittsburgh Area Homeless Cat Management Team: www.homelesscat.org City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents City of Pittsburgh free spay/neuter: www.pittsburghpa.gov/animalcontrol/spay_neuter.htm City of Pittsburgh residents qualify for up to five free spays and neuters, including cats in colonies.

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs at Shelters in Allegheny County Shelter Programs Animal Friends: www.thingkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Rescue League: www.animalrescue.org Western Pennsylvania Humane Society: www.wpahumane.org Low-cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue, Allegheny & Westmoreland Counties: www.sites.google.com/site/frankiesfriendsnatronaheights Fluffyjean Fund for Felines, Allegheny and Washington Counties: www.fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com Fix Ur Cat, Washington County: www.fixurcat.org Catnip Acres, Greene County: www.catnip-acres.org Snip-it.org, Westmoreland/Indiana Counties, Alle-Kiski Valley (Leechburg): www.snip-it.org Kopy Kat Sanctuary, Westmoreland County (Delmont): www.kopykatsanctuary.org Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinic Spay Neuter Clinic, Penn Hills, 412-244-1202: www.spayaz.com/pittsburgh-pa 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://neuterspay.org Spay USA: http://neuterspay.org Pet-friendly Rentals In the Pittsburgh area, visit this list on the FosterCat website: www.fostercat.org/friendly.html Nationwide (United States only): www.rent.com/pet-friendly-apartments Shelters and Shelter Services Adoption, surrender, low-cost clinics, pet food pantries, referrals, etc.

Western Pennsylvania Humane Society (WPHS): www.wpahumane.org Animal Rescue League (ARL): 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: members.petfinder.com/~PA345/index.html Angel Ridge Animal Rescue: www.angelridgeanimalrescue.org Non-shelter Feline Adoption FosterCat: www.fostercat.org

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ŠPittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

N A K C PA

K C A B T OU Saturday, December 14, 2013 10am - 5pm

With every donation from our wish list, monetary donation or pet related item received to “Help Us Pack an Outback,” you get to spin our prize wheel – www.animalrescue.org/ donation-wishlist FREE microchipping!

Have a holiday photo taken of your pet and receive a treat for your pet.

www.animalrescue.org/donation-wishlist

Enter to win two tickets to a Pittsburgh Penguins® game.

Purchase a 2014 Penguins and Paws calendar for $20.

Event taking place at: Kenny Ross Subaru 11331 U.S. 30 Irwin, PA 15642 (724) 864-5100 www.kennyross.com

Benefitting:

Wellness for Guardians It’s that time

Happy Holidays

year old is too much on a baby’s digestive tract. Milk is all we need for a year, just of year and more of it. If you must add in something, once again we

By Sharon Satterfield, ND start with green vegetables. The most are planning important nutrients we need early on is that big our antioxidants, folate (from greens), TURKEY day dinner with friends and family! As for me, prebiotics and probiotics, plus polyunsaturated fats and I am joining my parents this year along with one of my vitamin D. Our bodies really need Omega 6 for good brothers and his family. Hopefully my daughter and her health. Now, 3’s and 9’s are important too but 6 is best two sons can join us too. Kind of a nice break for me for our immune and digestive tract. from cooking, plus being at the family farm for a few days is always refreshing and down-right wonderful! I Now with all the GMO foods and babies being hope all of you have a wonderful holiday too! introduced to grains early on, this has brought on

an epidemic of great proportions in this country!!

Both Mary Beth and I recently went to an all-day Do not eat wheat....unless you know it has not been seminar with Standard Process. Great day, good GMO produced. The same for corn and soy. More than information, entertaining and informative speaker. It 50 million out-patient visits per year are because of is always exciting learning new things, not just for our digestive disorders. Think about that! That’s a heck of a benefit, but also to keep you all well informed. The lot of sick tummies!! field of natural health still fascinates me after all these years! There were many topics we covered but the one Here are just a few things we can do while eating that I am going to share with you is about the importance will cut down on belching and gas: of our gut and how it affects not just digestion, but also the immune 1) Eat slowly, chew each bite at least 25 times and with system, particularly allergies with mouth closed. food or food senstivity.

2) Avoid chewing gum, this only over activates stomach acid we don’t need.

Much of our problems 3) Avoid using straws, too much air gets swallowed. start from infancy.

4) Avoid high fat meals.

Many do not nurse 5) Sit in an upright position during and after their children but the meals; do not remain sedentary. Do not eat on the formulas out there are run or in the car. not really fit for babies 6) May need to limit lactose (milk), sugar, alcohols and neither is cow’s and high fructose corn syrup. milk. Goat milk formula 7) Never lie down after a meal for at least 3 hours. is the closest to human 8) Do not drink with a meal, this only dilutes your milk there is. The only gastric juices and enzymes. thing it lacks is iron and that can be easily subsituted.

Following just some of these simple rules will make Another problem is most of us a huge difference on your digestion. The way we were introduced to food long before we could digest Americans eat is ridiculous. Always in a hurry, fast foods, it, especially grains, as early as 6 weeks. Foods such as 2 or 3 drinks with our meals, too much sugar too many grains, fruits, veggies and meat ALL before the age of a

info@judithlevywellness.com • phone 412.726.2659 www.judithlevywellness.com

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

fats, too big portions. We have no clue how to enjoy a meal. Go visit Italy for awhile and see how they enjoy a meal...it’s an afternoon event! Wonderful experience, no stress!

1. One of the best ways to set up our digestive tract and immune system for optimal health is to take a prebiotic known as” Inulin” by Standard Process. A prebiotic is food and shelter for good intestinal bacteria; a place to set up house and start a family if you will imagine that. Give them food and a place to live and they’re like little bunnies, they multiply quickly! Then we also need to take a probiotic.

Both are necessary. Many people will say, “Oh, yes, I take a probiotic, but it hasn’t made a difference”. The reason why is they have no home prepared for them. Not only do we have to provide our bodies with good bacteria, but we have to feed them. Inulin, being an insoluble fiber, is a perfect food for good bacteria.

2. Secondly, enzymes are very important. I see so many people with GERD, Gastritis, Barretts disease, etc. Funny thing is many times it is not enough HCL acid (stomach acid) in the body, not too much. However, the symptoms are often the same. A product that is nice to try out

DWAA Certificate of Excellence for Pittsburgh PetConnections

We are pleased to announce that Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine has won a Certificate of excellence in the Dog Writers Association of America’s 2013 Annual Writing Competition making us a finalist in the category “Magazines—Special Interest”. The Certificate makes the magazine a nominee for a Maxwell medallion in this category, the highest honor in this category for this year’s competition. We’ll need to wait until the Awards Banquet held in New York City Sunday evening, February 9, 2014, annual dinner held the night before the Westminster show.

The Dog Writers Association was founded on February 13, 1935, in the Westminster Kennel Club’s meeting room and from that beginning has been able to secure for dog writers the courtesies and amenities at dog shows so necessary for doing their jobs properly. But the best known aspect of the DWAA is its annual writing competition, which is meant to encourage quality writing about dogs in all aspects of companionship plus the dog sport. The competition is open to all writers, photographers, editors and publishers, with no distinction between amateurs and professionals.

The Maxwell medallion is named for Maxwell Riddle who worked for 35 years for the Cleveland Press as a feature writer and reporter, had a syndicated dog column and that ran December 2013

to is Zypan. If you take a couple with a meal and you get worse, yes you have too much HCL IF your symptoms improve the problem is you don’t have enough HCL. Another simple way to test at home if you have too much or not enough acid, is to take a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar when you are having reflux. If it improves you need HCL, if not you don’t, plain and simple. Finally if reflux is the problem, a different product is needed for the same symptom. The product you need is Proactazyme by Natures Sunshine, great for digesting all forms of food, but contains no HCL. I hope this has been helpful information, something some of you may need to try out. I want to thank everyone again for patronizing the shoppe and being such loyal customers, we appreciate your business along with the many bonds we have made with all of you.

Once again Happy Holidays from all of us here at Back to Basics.

God Bless, Sharon, Donna, Mary Beth and Jean for 30 years and wrote a column for Dog World for 50 years.

A Past President of the DWAA, he was an AKC Dog Judge and judged in Japan, South America, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Canada, Australia, and all over Europe. He was known in his day as the greatest authority on dogs and wrote many books on puppy training and various other dog subjects.

Writing about dogs encompasses all aspects of the world of dogs: showing, performance, behavior, training, health, and the human animal bond, and the organization recognizes many kinds of media besides journalism.

Artists and photographers, mystery and fiction writers, poets, historians and veterinarians are members, national radio show hosts, TV appearances, blogging, website production, social networking, and videography are among the professional activities of other members. We are honored be have earned this Certificate of Excellence during our first year of publication! You can read the list of all nominees at http://www.dwaa.org/writingcategory-nominees-regular-2013.php.

www.pghpetconnections.com

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Equine Affairs Pheochromocytoma (PCC) is a tumor

Pheochromocytoma: a rare tumor in the horse

of the adrenal gland - specifically

By Brian S. Burks, DVM, Dipl. ABVP (Equine) the adrenal medulla where the Board Certified in Equine Practice catecholamine producing cells reside.

PCC’s may be very small, measuring only a few Catecholamines include epinephrine millimeters, or can become quite large, >10 (adrenaline) and norepinephrine, are involved centimeters. Large tumors may invade the caudal in the ‘fight or flight’ response in horses and are vena cava, resulting in blood in the abdomen and responsible for increasing blood pressure and fatal hemorrhage. This tumor may also rupture heart rate during times of stress. This tumor is and bleed. They may also cause myocardial rarely malignant and is usually unilateral. Noninfarction (heart attack) which is noted on functional adrenal tumors may also be noted as necropsy examination. incidental findings on post mortem examination.

There is no breed or sex predilection in horses for this tumor, which can be benign or malignant, and may or may not produce excessive catecholamines.

Most commonly, horses present with agitation, sweating, rapid heart and respiratory rates, cardiac arrhythmias, and muscle tremors. They may also exhibit abdominal pain, diarrhea or neurologic signs such as ataxia. Poor growth or weight loss have also been reported.

These signs are non-specific and can be applied to many different abnormalities of horses, including colic, renal disease, neurologic disease, enteritis, colitis, and cardiopulmonary diseases. Likewise, routine blood work is also non-specific, but may include hyperglycemia, low calcium, hemo-concentration, and an inflammatory leukogram; elevated white blood cells and fibrinogen. Measurement of catecholamines is difficult, and the intermittent secretion of the hormones makes this even more difficult to measure accurately. Occasionally, an enlarged adrenal gland may be noted on ultrasound near the kidney and/or the caudal vena cava (CVC) - the largest vein in the body, delivering blood to the heart. Measurement of blood pressure can document high blood pressure.

Electrocardiography can be used to document cardiac arrhythmias.

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Treatment in any species is difficult, but in the horse, it is even more so as the treatment of choice is removal of the tumor. The surgical approach cannot be made in horses due to their size and rib cage. If the tumor involves the right adrenal gland, it may be intimately applied to the CVC and fatal hemorrhage may ensue during the surgical procedure. In humans and dogs, beta blocker medication may be used to control the clinical signs. Other hypotensive drugs may also be used or in lieu of the former. There have been no reports of successful treatment in horses, with most being euthanized within weeks or months.

In any case, strict rest is necessary, as is supportive medical therapy to combat hemoconcentration and renal dysfunction.

Dr. Brian Burks, Dipl. ABVP is the owner/veterinarian at Fox Run Equine Center, a 24-hour medical-surgical center near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

He is board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners (Equine Practice). This certifies him as an expert in all categories of equine practice. www.foxrunrequine.com, brianburksdvm@comcast.net

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

On November 12, 2013 a lone, emaciated horse was spotted walking down the streets of New Derry, Pa. utterly abandoned.

Westmoreland County humane officers contacted Dr. Burks of Fox Run Equine and the one organization they knew would do everything they could to save her and give her….

Equine Affairs

also make sure you have money set aside for vet bills, farrier and hoof care as well as incidentals should the animal become ill.

The Best Gift of All… A Second Chance

By Nancy Frishkorn BA, CHCP

A Se cond Chance.

It all began in December of 2005 when Elaine Gower contacted horse owners Bryce and Christina LeJeune about a four- year-old neglected and abused Morab (Morgan/Arab) gelding named Winston. The colt had been so badly abused that he outright feared any human, and the Humane Society had doubts that anyone would be able to foster him, much less rehabilitate his behavior so that he’d have a chance for a normal life.

Second Chance also has a program for fostering these animals in need, once they are returned to a healthy state that is, and sometimes this is a better option.

Fostering a rescue allows you to enjoy the animal without the long-term commitment that goes with ownership. Should you decide that the horse you are fostering just doesn’t meet your particular needs, or that the expense is greater than what you expected, you have the option of returning the animal or fostering

Humane Officer Elaine Gower’s persistence paid off and Chris broke through Winston’s fears and doubts with patience, love and trust. Chris understood the human-animal bond and knew that this case would not be her first; shortly thereafter Second Chance Equine Association was founded April 1st 2006 as a 501 C3 nonprofit organization in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania.

Second Chance Equine Association does more than just save the lives of these animals, they dedicate time and training to ensure they are physically and emotionally ready to relocate. Many rescued animals are listed as “free” or “to a good home” but not with Second Chance. They have a detailed protocol set up to make sure the horse and the new owner will be a good match (see their website for details at http://www.secondchanceequine.com/ ).

Often-times people want to adopt a rescue because they believe they will be saving their lives, or simply want to take in a horse “free of cost.” Well the old saying “there’s no such thing as a free horse” means just that, and you need to consider not only the cost of housing and feeding the animal, but December 2013

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Equine Affairs a different one to make sure there is “harmony within your herd.” Horses develop bonds with other horses just like we do, but sometimes they just don’t get along and no training can undo the horse’s personality. A rescue may not be adoptable due to physical or psychological damage too, but they still need to be cared for, and that takes funding. Funding comes in the form of grants if there is enough support, and Second Chance has a membership program to help raise this support --but they need your help!

If you want to help but just can’t afford another horse, or you don’t have the facilities to foster one, you can still do your part and become a member of Second Chance Equine Association.

“You don’t need to have a horse and you don’t need to have any extra time to be a member. All you need is a warm heart and $25.”

As part of your membership you will receive two free training DVD’s of a recue named Fancy by trainer Scott Downs.

In May of 2009, Second Chance was called about a neglected and abused filly named Fancy. Fancy was rescued and brought back to good health before her training began under the guidance of Scott, who employs his own natural horsemanship training. Scott has experience with Clinton Anderson’s work, and has ridden with some well-known trainers, but he has a unique understanding of the human-animal bond when it comes to horses.

Scott believes that every interaction with a horse is a lesson, and daily handling for feeding, and even hoof care, is a dance of energy and respect. When I first went to his barn to trim the hooves I was quite impressed at how well every one of the horses stood while permitting me to handle their hooves.

Often-times I’m called to rescue facilities and it’s a struggle just to get them to lift their feet, but not with Scott!

yourself and become a member today and Scott will ship you two FREE training DVD’s just for your support! Even if you don’t own a horse yourself, these would make a perfect Christmas gift for any horse lover in your life.

Rescue Rehab Relocate-a simple mission it would seem, but it takes a community to make it happen.

SCEA offers events throughout the year and your membership will include invitations to these activities and their newsletter should you wish to be placed on their e-mail list. Life is a gift, and this holiday season remember that you too can support life and give a horse A Second Chance.

References Malnourished horse rescued from side of road | Westmoreland Co. News - WTAE Home. November 12, 2013, http:// www.wtae.com/news/local/westmoreland/ malnourishedhorse-rescued-from-side-of-road/-/10932546/22937372//56ki5lz/-/index.html Second Chance Equine Association | Rescue • Rehab • Relocate. http://www.secondchanceequine.com/

The American Veterinary Charitable Fund is a not-for-profit organization created to support veterinary practices in their charitable work.

For more information visit: www.avcfund.org

He is so knowledgeable and the horses all have their ears forward and seem to enjoy just being held in his presence. Scott took the time to film Fancy from start to finish during her training and you can see her story in its entirety when you become a member. Fancy’s amazing journey starts with a terrified filly who became a trusting partner with just three short lessons.

Scott will show you how Fancy manages the obstacles for an Extreme Cowboy Challenge that even trained horses have difficulty with, but she completes with ease after only THREE DAYS under saddle! Sound too good to be true? Find out for

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http://stores.ebay.com/THE-WORKING-PAPER-HORSE

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

Equine Affairs

Lungeing 101 The ‘Home Schooling your Horse’ articles for Pittsburgh

PetConnections have explained and defined many aspects of training horses. Learning to lunge the horse is also another way for the rider to train the horse as well as learn to coordinate the aids to communicate with the horse.

To lunge, however, the trainer does not straddle the horse but manages the horse with a twenty five foot lunge line and a very long whip!

Lungeing requires immense coordination from the handler as he or she maneuvers the horse between the whip in one hand that says ‘move forward” and the rein or lunge line in the other hand that receives the horse’s forward motion and directs it onto the lunge circle. The person lungeing maintains a position that is parallel to where the saddle would sit on the horse but is instead standing about twenty feet away in the middle of the circle.

The photo shows how the lunger stands in line with the saddle and asks the horse to move away from the whip. The lunge whip is pointing toward the horse’s hocks, asking the horse to move forward.

The lunge line is attached over the poll of the horse to encourage the horse to stretch its head and neck down. However, from a safety perspective the handler in this photo should have had the lunge line organized by “butterflying” it into the hand. Holding the lunge line organized will prevent the line from tangling around the handler in case the horse may suddenly pull away. Another precaution is, never let the lunge line dangle on the ground when lungeing.

Correct lungeing is such an effortless way to train a horse. Lungeing can teach a horse relaxation, rhythm, develop a round top line, train straightness by keeping the shoulders in alignment and train a horse to maintain balance at the canter. Lunging is not just whiplashing your horse at the end of a rope until it lets off some steam! Turning the horse out in the pasture or allowing the horse to move at liberty is a good place for this.

An article I wrote entitled “The Qualities of a Good Lungeing Horse” that was published in 1992 in the United States Dressage Federations Bulletin Vol XIX, now called USDF Connection will give you more December 2013

detailed information on what to look for when lungeing. Here is a link by:Kristin Herman to that article:

http://blythdale.tripod.com/oventryequestriancenter/ id26.html

In the meantime, if your horse needs rhythm, or needs to develop balance at the canter or needs to learn how to stretch, learn how to lunge! Developing good lungeing skills will help to train any horse. It is recommended, however, before you start lungeing any horse that you develop these skills with a horse that already knows how to lunge and will respect the novice handler.

Often horses have a way of taking advantage of an inexperienced handler and no one wants to get hurt.

Once you have developed the ability to lunge a horse at the end of a twenty five foot lunge line with the whip in the other hand it is time to consider using additional training aids if needed. Many lungeing training aids exist to enhance the horse’s way of going.

Some basic training equipment consists of side reins to develop lateral balance and a rounded top line, sliding side reins or a chambone for longitudinal development and/or a neck stretcher. Never use any training aids unless you are proficient at lungeing and the horse remains relaxed at all three gaits. If you are not sure ask your trainer.

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Angel Ridge Farms welcomes trainer Elizabeth Goldberg.

Whether you want to compete or improve your horsemanship skills, beginner or advanced, we have the program for you!

Now offering lessons in: • hunt seat • hunters • dressage

h zabet o i l E t c t Conta 860.1136 . at 412 e today! ul sched

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

P et MINISTRY NEWS from WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

As our second year of Pet Ministry draws to a close, we’d like to share with you some of the highlights and thank you for your support, encouragement, and participation.

Pet Remembrance Service We think this service is important because our animal companions give us years of joy and are often regarded as members of the family. And when we lose them, the grief we experience can be as powerful as it is with the loss of any family member. So we gathered as a spiritual community on June 22 to acknowledge the loss and pay tribute to these cherished family members.

Blessing of the Pets On October 5, Rev. Dave Fetterman offered individual thanks—one by one—for the furry family members in our lives while he simultaneously blessed the people who care for them so deeply. If you missed it, mark your calendars for the first Sunday in October 2014!

Author Book Talk and Signing Capt. Luis Carlos Montalván, along with his service dog Tuesday, joined us for an author book talk

and signing on October 13. Luis, a 17 year veteran of the U.S. Army, is a vocal advocate for service members and veterans, and in particular Americans with disabilities. Tuesday is the golden retriever who saves Luis every day by helping him cope with the physical and mental wounds he sustained in combat.

Therapy Dog Training To date we’ve had three classes of up to eight dogs and their handlers train for Therapy Dog International (TDI) testing and certification. Our goal is to offer this training semi-annually so that members of our community, accompanied by their certified canines, can provide comfort, love, and happiness through visits made to hospital patients, nursing home and assisted living residents, and others.

Pet Nutrition Seminar Dr. Brad Carmichael, local veterinarian and WPC member, shared with us the truth behind pet food myths. Because with thousands to choose from, it’s hard to know which pet foods are the best for our furry loved ones. Dr. Brad discussed nutritional facts and revealed many of the secrets behind the pet food industry.

For more information about Pet Ministry events at Westminster visit www.westminster-church.org, email petministry@westminster-church.org, or call 412-835-6630.

Westminster Presbyterian Church 2040 Washington Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15241

Pet Remembrance Service Sunday, December 15 2:00 p.m. in the WROC

www.westminster-church.org

In Remembrance

July 20, 2007 Your petite silhouette lingers long, graceful legs tipped with soundless slender paws the waving tendril of a tail curls in a perfect circle as you pause in your eternal dance and enrich my life, awakening nascent creative visions and laughter at the silly joy of youth, yellow eyes illumining my world leaving rainbows in your wake; the images you inspired in your brief existence erase the sadness of your leaving and as I remember and render your antics I can share you with the world.

Lucy Personalized Glass Etching & Custom Urns Doggy Bandanas, Pet Blankets, Photography & Paintings

Do you have a special pet that you would like to honor?

Send submissions to info@pghpetconnections.com.

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ŠPittsburgh PetConnections

December 2013

Dr. Doug

The Holistic Vet Dr. Doug Knueven practices an

Beaver Animal Clinic

We at Beaver Animal Clinic believe in the power of caring.

Caring for our patients as our own pets.

Caring for our clients as our friends.

Caring for each other as our family.

Hours: Mon.–Thurs. 9-8; Fri. 9-5 Sat. 9-3; Sun. Closed 357 State Avenue Beaver, PA 15009 724-774-8047 www.facebook.com/BeaverAnimalClinic

integrative approach to pet care.

He is well versed in conventional veterinary medicine and has been licensed since 1987. He is also certified in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic.

He is a member of the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association and has advanced training in natural nutrition, massage therapy, homeopathy and a host of other alternative therapies.

At Beaver Animal Clinic, Dr. Doug offers a full range of options for the treatment of disease and the maintenance of health.

Western medicine tends to focus on fighting disease while holistic medicine strives to strengthen the body. These two goals are not necessarily mutually exclusive. An integrative practitioner works with the best of what these two philosophies have to offer, picking and choosing from the full menu of options to put together a treatment plan that is ideal for the individual pet and her caregiver.

With purchase of “The Holistic Health Guide” you get a free “Stand by Me.” That’s a $14.95 value.

To order call 724-774-8047 or email: info@BeaverAnimalClinic.com

Special Holiday Book Deal!

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Sandra Sargent, DVM, DACVD

EMERGENCY & CRITICAL CARE

Kenton D. Rexford, VMD Christine Guenther, DVM, DACVECC Christine Rutter, DVM, DACVECC Sarah J. Deitschel, DVM, DACVECC Amy Dickinson, DVM, DACVECC Kara Osterbur, DVM, DACVECC Rebecca A. Miller, DVM Joey Kallem, DVM Jennifer Wooderson, DVM Elissa Allen, VMD Stephanie V. Nelson, DVM Robin M. Dutra, DVM Lindsey Rademacher, DVM Kristen Krisulevicz, DVM RADIOLOGY Christopher Warrington, DVM, DACVR Tricia Tovar, DVM, Resident in Emergency and Critical Care

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Sherwood Johnson, DVM, DACVIM Tracey Peterson, DVM, DACVIM

PetsDx Veterinary Imaging www.petsdx.com Gerald Frye, VMD Edward MacKillop, DVM, DACVO Kendra Mikoloski, DVM, DACVIM

ONCOLOGY

Rebecca Newman, DVM, MS, DACVIM Todd M. Erfourth, DVM, DACVIM Bridget Urie, DVM, MS, DACVIM

OPHTHALMOLOGY

Lawrence Bagley, DVM, DACVO Rachel Keller, DVM, DACVO Michael Finn, DVM, MS, DACVO

RADIATION ONCOLOGY

Christine Anderson, DVM, MS, ACVIM, ACVR

RADIOLOGY

Christopher Warrington, DVM, DACVR

SURGERY

Anthony D. Pardo, MS, DVM, DACVS John T. Payne, DVM, MS, DACVS Julie L. Compton, DVM, MS, DACVS Jonathan Anderson, DVM, DACVS Michael Doornink, DVM, DACVS Jennifer Covey, DVM, DACVS Hope Chisnell, DVM, Resident in Surgery Kathyrn Campbell, DVM, Resident in Surgery

807 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412.366.3400 www.pvs-ec.com