Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine December 2012

Pittsburgh

December 2012

Vol. I, Issue 4

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PetConnections Magazine

Pet Proofing for the Holidays Pages 6-7 Find us on

Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area

I n T hi s I s su e: The Case for Raw Pet Food Page 10

Top 10 Pet Emergencies Page 8

Winter Tips for Your Horse Pages 18-19

The Human-Animal BondPage 4 “So That Others May Live”

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I n T h i s Issu e: The Human-Animal Bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Animal Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22

“So That Others May Live”

Free Dog Aggression Classes

Animal Health & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . .6-8

Short Stories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23

Pet-Proofing for the Holidays; Top Ten Pet Emergencies

Christmas with Sebastian; Someday Champion

Holistic Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11, 14

Forever Home Needed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

The Case for Raw Pet Food; Mirror Mirror On The Wall; Who is Dr. Michael G. Savko?

Sweet Pea Needs a Home!

In Remembrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24

Tanks & Terrariums . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Check Your Bulbs…Save Your Pet!

Health & Wellness For Guardians . . . . . .16-17 One Hour Wellness Clinics

Equine Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-21 Winter Tips for Your Horse; Are We Stereotyping Hooves?

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

FROM THE PUBLISHERS DESK THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR FEEDBACK FROM OUR SURVEY’S, EMAILS AND SUBSCRIBERS! December is a time of giving. It is also time to reflect on the past year, as well as planning for the new year to come. With all the madness of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday finally past, it's now on to the last minute shopping spree in the rush to give for the holidays. We hope PPC Magazine inspires you to reach out and pay it forward any way you can, through shopping local, donations or volunteering! We are working with sponsors from all types of businesses to help support the mission and events of local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Please see our center map spread for our Advertiser Locator for gift giving ideas, for your family, animals and don't forget to take care of yourself to be well this season!

Check out our PPC Magazine Revista website at www.pghpetconnections.com. We are building our pet and wellness related business directories. You can also subscribe, take our survey and sign up for our Newsletters!

For non-profit organizations and businesses, claim your directory page for a Featured listing or request a free directory page for your business. Upload your event on our calendar or request to add your community calendar.

Find out how you can become a Media Partner on our Advertise page. We offer a target audience for businesses like no other local publication. Our Media Partnership packages are an exceptional value. We support local small businesses to promote their products and services, our goal is to share educational information, as well as resources on wellness for pets and people.

My background of over 25 years as a veterinary technician, veterinary hospital administrator and non-profit founder, has led me to create Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine. My goal is lead, share and heal through the Human-Animal Bond (HAB). I would like to personally thank all of our contributing writers, readers and our sponsors for making this magazine possible.

Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Warmly, Carla Mader Managing Editor Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine

Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.pghpetconnections.com Also, “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine Disclaimer: “The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine.” Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine ©

Pittsburgh PetConnections Monthly Published By: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. 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.

MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF Sales Manager . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carla Mader Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Martin Mader Graphic Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patricia Sutkowski 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.

Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carla Mader

ADVERTISING: info@pghpetconnections.com 724-503-8695 Contact: info@pghpetconnections.com All Rights Reserved Copyright 2012

December 2012

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THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND W

hen a hiker or hunter is missing, an older person with dementia walks away from home, or a natural or man-made disaster strikes, a volunteer K-9 Search and Rescue (SAR) team is often called to help find the missing. We often see them in the news when such

carried on air currents. Air scent dogs, as their name implies, are trained to search for and follow human scent carried on air currents in order to locate the missing person. Some are trained to be non-scent specific; in other words, they are trained to locate any person in the search area.

Others are trained to be scent specific. Because everyone smells different to a dog, if the scent specific air scent dog is allowed to sniff something with the missing person’s odor on it, they will search for only that person. This

“So That Others May Live”

by Carol Thompson

an event occurs, but few people other than those involved in the search and rescue efforts understand the search process and what it takes to become a skilled K-9 SAR team.

The volunteer SAR dog and its handler work as a team. Handlers choose their own dogs, train them, work with them, and live with them. As a result, a strong bond is formed between the two.

The hundreds of hours spent in training creates a unique communication, both visual and verbal, between them. The dog communicates to the handler through its body language as it is working. The handler must learn to “read” this communication in order to know when the dog has scent and when it doesn’t. The dog, in turn, must learn to take direction from its handler. When the dog is working scent, it is “in charge” of the work; the handler K-9 Jessie is only 30% of the team. When the dog loses the scent, which happens for a number of reasons when working, the handler takes The intensity of a high-drive working dog in scent is a thing of beauty. over as the 70% partner and helps the dog reacquire it. Once the dog type of air scent dog can work efficiently in areas where there are is back on scent, it takes over as the 70% partner. The bond of other people such as ground searchers or local residents, because they communication and trust that develops between the dog and its concentrate on the missing subject. handler is an essential part of an effective K-9 SAR team.

There are two basic types of SAR dogs that are used by civilian teams; the air scent dog and the trailing/tracking dog. Once a dog is reliable in one of these areas, it can be trained in other more specialized disciplines, such as cadaver search (locating human remains), disaster work (locating people missing after hurricanes, tornadoes, terrorist attacks, etc), or avalanche search (locating someone buried under snow).

An air scent dog works by ranging off lead ahead of its handler. They are valuable resources to use to search large areas where there is no “point last seen” or “last known position” of the missing person.

Humans are constantly giving off scent where ever we go and where ever we are. Some scent falls to the ground as we walk and some is Carol Thompson is a K-9 handler and K-9 Strike Team Captain on the Bedford County Wilderness Search Team in central Pennsylvania. She has been involved in search and rescue for 15 years and is in the process of training her third SAR dog, Spencer. Her first SAR dog, Burke, was an air scent dog, and her current working dog, Jessie, trails. They are all yellow Labrador retrievers.

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Although the descriptions “tracking” and “trailing” dogs are often used interchangeably, they are not the same. Both are scent specific and usually work on lead; the difference is in the way they work. Tracking dogs, such as bloodhounds, are trained to follow the subject’s exact track by moving from footstep to footstep in a methodical fashion.

They follow the scent given off by the vegetation as it is crushed under the subject’s feet as he walks, as well as the scent of the subject himself.

In contrast, trailing dogs follow the scent of the person, not the footsteps.

They work in a more flowing fashion, following the scent of the subject as it is moved by the breezes into the vegetation to the sides of the “track.” They are trained to work in areas “contaminated” with the odors of other people and animals, so they can be called on to search more populated areas. The trailing dog is a valuable resource to use in situations where the subject’s last known position is available. The dog can start at this point to determine the person’s direction of travel, and search management can use this information to decide where to put other searchers to increase the chances of finding the missing person more quickly.

Careful consideration goes into selecting a potential SAR dog.

Medium-sized working breeds (such as Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, English Shepherds, Belgian Malinois, Border Collies or German Shepherds), either purebred or mixed, are preferable because of the physical demands of SAR work, although there are many other types of dogs involved in SAR. There are no guarantees when choosing a K-9 SAR prospect, but handlers look for certain traits. Whether starting with a puppy or a more mature dog, the most important characteristic handlers look for is the drive to work for a toy or food

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

reward. A dog with high drive will be more capable of searching for long periods without quitting. The dog should have a stable, even temperament when exposed to strange environments and people. With proper handling and training, traits such as shyness can be overcome; other traits such as aggressiveness K-9 Clancy toward people are not acceptable.

SAR teams must be able to not only respond to search calls where they K-9 Jekyll are exposed to the public, but also participate in many different types of Training doesn’t stop after the K-9 team is certified in community outreach programs and their discipline. In addition, handlers must train in public events. Most genetic problems search skills other than those specific to working a aren’t evident until the dog is at least SAR dog: map and navigation skills, search strategy, two years old, so when choosing a clue awareness, survival skills, crime scene preservation, puppy it is important to research the lost person behavior, communications, command health of the parents. Handlers who structure, first aid/CPR, etc. Anyone thinking about decide to start a more mature dog becoming a SAR dog handler should contact a local instead of a puppy need to consider Getting geared up to work. search team and volunteer to be a “victim” at their the working life of the dog. It often takes several years of K-9 trainings. In addition to being fun, this is a great way to meet training before the dog is ready for certification testing. A dog that is handlers that can become mentors and trainers in both general SAR started when it is 4 or 5 years old might only have a few years after it skills and K-9 work. It was once said: “Train to be a good searcher becomes certified before it has to be retired from SAR work. A younger first. Then you can learn to become a good handler.” dog (2 years or younger) would be a better choice. Above all, remember that you will be working with your K-9 partner for many years, so choose Pittsburgh is fortunate to have many excellent opportunities to get a breed that fits your lifestyle and experience. involved with Search and Rescue. Some local teams with working K-9 units are Pennsylvania Wilderness Search and Rescue (PaWSAR), Becoming a SAR dog handler requires a huge time commitment.

Allegheny Mountain Rescue Group (AMRG), White Oaks Search and Training is ongoing throughout the working life of the dog, Rescue (WOSAR), K9-SOS, Air Search and Rescue, Lower Kiski individually with other handlers as well as at seminars held by Search and Rescue, and Fayette Co. Sheriffs Tactical Search and Rescue. professional trainers. Most teams train at least once or twice a week.

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ANIMAL HEALTH WELLNESS I

t’s kind of like wondering how those of us of a certain age survived our childhoods without seatbelts and bicycle helmets. How did our pets survive before we knew all these cautions about which foods and plants were truly toxic and exactly what a length of curling ribbon could do to their intestines?

Well, a certain number of them didn’t, just as a certain number of children suffered serious or fatal injuries in cars and on bicycles, but we don’t often talk about it.

in plans will have an effect on them and they may not behave in their usual manner, either, making them much less predictable than we are accustomed to.

They can only get into what we leave available for them, so keep them in mind as you prepare. I have links to articles for more information about toxic plants, foods and other dangers at the end of this post.

Pet-Proofing for the

Holidays

by Bernadette E. Kazmarski Before covering the basic warnings, here are a few key points to remember: 1. Animals are not little people. Animals are simply a fraction of our size, so the effect of anything on them will be multiplied in their smaller bodies which don’t metabolize things the same as we do. Consider chocolate and raisins, both of which can be toxic in dogs and cats in smaller amounts than we would eat for fun. Consider aspirin, which a cat’s small body doesn’t metabolize quickly enough to avoid a possible overdose and can be fatal, but can safely be used in reasonable dosages in a dog as a pain reliever.

2. Animals don’t make reasoned decisions in the same way we do.

They make decisions based on their own sensibilities as cats and dogs, and because we presume they can’t read or understand warnings about dangers to themselves, these decisions are based on curiosity and adventure and are not always in their own best interest.

3. Don’t ever think your cat or dog “wouldn’t eat that”. They would.

Plan on it. Cats are a little more discerning than dogs in choosing what to eat, and even with that, in all the years I’ve had cats they’ve eaten, or attempted to eat, just about anything they could chew and swallow, including such foods as hot peppers, cookies and raw green beans — who would think?!

4. Don’t think your cat or dog “can’t get to it”. They can. They have nothing better to do than to stalk and kill your cheese plate, or the box with the curling ribbon. Confine them if they won’t stay out of something, or get it out of your house.

5. And a special one for the holiday season: Your change in routine will change your pet. Don’t presume you can predict what they will do.

Animals are creatures of habit, but this is the one time of the year we intentionally break habits including daily schedules, entertaining guests, and arranging and decorating our space. Our pets may run the spectrum from happily helping to totally freaking out, but the change

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BEHAVIOR Because we’re all a little extra-busy this time of year with social engagements, shopping, cooking, kids home from school and visitors, it’s most important to just keep an eye on your furry companions for any changes in behavior and personality. Some cats are fine with chaos, but Puff doesn’t handle changes in daily schedule very well, and Spot is upset because he just isn’t getting enough attention, including regularly scheduled walks. They’re considering leaving their “opinions” on the carpet in the dining room.

Before it gets to this, try to spend a little “quality time” with them at the same time every day, just to reassure them of their exalted position in the household.

This daily visit with your animal companions also serves a purpose for you, as their caregiver. While their behavior may be simply a reaction to the changes in their world, it may also be an oncoming illness or evidence that they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t have.

This would be easy to miss while you are otherwise occupied. If it seems Puff isn’t eating right or Spot is a little lethargic or aggressive, take some time to observe for other symptoms, such as vomiting or diarrhea, irregular breathing, obvious discomfort, salivating, or straining in the box, any of which could signal that the problem isn’t all in their head. A persistence of any of these symptoms would call for an immediate trip to the veterinarian.

UNUSUAL TOYS On any given day, anything can become a toy.

Under the pressure of stress, however, any seemingly inedible and unappetizing object can become a toy and/or a food item. Puff loves string-like objects like tinsel and garlands, ribbon scraps from your gift wrapping or yarn from craft projects, but they can be deadly if they wrap around her tongue or bunch up in the stomach or intestines,

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

often requiring surgery. Spot may begin snacking on the polyester batting you’ve carefully arranged under the tree to mimic snow, and it’s obvious what a big ball of this indigestible substance in the stomach would do, likely beginning with a trip to the emergency clinic.

The abundance of new extension cords to accommodate lights on the tree and otherwise can likewise be a temptation to a bored cat lacking human attention. The tree itself, apparently meant to be climbed, chewed and knocked over after it’s decorated, can become a team effort. Puff can swat decorations to the floor, and Spot can eat them.

Observe their behavior as you decorate the tree and elsewhere in the house. If they are irresistibly drawn to something don’t assume you can dissuade their interest, especially when you’re away. If they persist, just take the thing away.

PLANTS BITE BACK Several plants traditionally displayed at the holidays range from unpleasant to toxic depending on the plant and size and age of the animal, but most deadly to cats are plants in the lily family which often enter the house in cut flower arrangements. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure. It doesn’t affect dogs.

Puff and Spot consider any greenery fair game for a lunchtime green salad, and the sudden arrival of poinsettias, mistletoe and holly can cause great excitement, sure to invite a taste of leaf or stem. These three cause varying levels of gastrointestinal distress, which can be a mess to clean up in the least, but can quickly become very serious. And while an adult animal in good health can often nibble these plants to no obvious ill effect it’s not wise to take chances. For a kitten, puppy or senior animal or one that may have a compromised immune system the experience can be fatal.

LET’S GO OFF OUR DIET Of all things, food is the greatest temptation, and the well-behaved animal who would never jump on the table, ever, might be irresistibly tempted and end up in the punch bowl.

My cats will eat as much of a new and exciting food as I will give them, so I have to be careful not to give them too much and careful what I give them. Plain old roast turkey is something their digestive systems are capable of handling – in normal amounts. And while I do get food for them that constitutes a human-grade turkey dinner in a can, it’s in an amount and spiced and flavored appropriate for cats, not for me.

But turkey isn’t the only thing we’ve got on the table, and never underestimate the cunning of an animal who knows it has to sneak. I had a cat who would hide on one of the chairs under the table and would reach just his paw up onto the table to steal whatever was there nearly undetected, except that guests hadn’t arrived yet and I hadn’t eaten the stuffed celery sticks.

And it’s true that animals in the wild eat lots of things that we are told not to feed them, including animal bones, but the difference here is that animal bones tend to become brittle when cooked, especially avian bones, but fresh raw bones, while they can still splinter, are more flexible though still not appropriate for our pets. Turkey bones are out, even if they’re darned cute dragging around a leg bone like a prehistoric pet.

While we can treat our swollen stomach and raging bowels with various medications, our pets have limited options, and overeating can develop into a life-threatening condition if persistent diarrhea or vomiting develop and the animal becomes dehydrated. Be reasonable December 2012

with your handouts, whether they be treats or some forbidden human food.

Be especially aware of alcohol, chocolate, macadamia nuts and walnuts, caffeinated beverages, onions, raisins and seeds and pits from many fruits. These contain compounds or cause reactions which can affect organ function or slowly poison a cat or dog.

MEDICATIONS Because of the general disorder in the household during the holidays and Puff’s propensity to play with any small portable object that’s fallen on the floor, be especially careful of even over-the-counter medications.

Cats don’t metabolize medications like most other animals, even dogs, and a small white pill dropped on the floor or swatted off of a counter can become a deadly session of feline hockey or a fatal treat for Spot.

SOMEBODY’S SLEEPING IN MY BED Now that Puff and Spot are totally fed up with your antics and being told “no” all the time, your loud, obnoxious great-aunt and uncle arrive to spend the holidays with you. Aunt Millie just LOVES kitties and puppies and wants to HUG and SQUEEZE Puff and Spot while Uncle Harold yells at them to SCAT whenever he sees so much as a whisker of one of them. Puff and Spot are now considering moving their “complaint” site from the dining room to Millie and Harold’s bed, or perhaps their suitcases, and they’re sharpening their claws for an encounter. It just may be time for the final solution.

A ROOM OF OUR OWN For indoor cats with formerly no intention to go outside and work for a living, everything has changed. It looks like a really silent night out there, not like this madhouse, and no one may notice if they scoot out the door as a guest arrives or you come in the door loaded with packages. The dog who normally asks to go outside may also bolt out the door into the night with your dinner about to go on the table.

And with all the hazards of decorations, scissors, tape, ribbons, cooking utensils and who knows what else, setting up personal quarters for Puff and Spot might be the best idea to keep them safe over the holiday season, at least for some periods during the day or during times when visitors are present, candles are lit, canapé trays are on every table and glasses of wine are poured.

For more information on plants toxic to cats and potentially toxic foods, visit the Humane Society of the United States for Keep Your Pets Safe and Happy During the Holiday Season and the ASPCA’s Holiday Safety Tips. Both have tips and links to information on toxic plants and “pet-safe floral arrangements”, and various potentially toxic foods. Also keep a link the the ASPCA’s Animal Poison Control Center for reference at the holidays and beyond.

www.pghpetconnections.com

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ANIMAL HEALTH WELLNESS o one wants to ever think about their beloved pet becoming ill or injured, but chances are, if you own a pet, you will visit an emergency room at least once.

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TOP TEN PET EMERGENCIES

Below is a list of the top ten pet emergencies and some tips on prevention, as well as what to do in a crisis.

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1. Fractures/orthopedic injuries – A few major causes of a fracture or orthopedic injury include being struck by a vehicle, a major fall, or blunt injury. Pets experiencing any one of these conditions may be limping or non-weight bearing on a particular limb. Many pet owners are inclined to administer over the counter human pain medications such as Tylenol, Ibuprofen, or Aleve, however, the use of these medications is not warranted in dogs and cats and can often be toxic.

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2. Lacerations – A laceration is a wound produced by the tearing of body tissue, often with jagged and irregular edges. They can range in severity from mild to life-threatening. The first two objectives in treating lacerations are always to stop the bleeding and prevent infection.

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3. Abscesses – An abscess is a localized area of infection that contains pus.

It is often inflamed and painful to the touch. Abscesses are less common in dogs than in cats. In dogs, they are often found in the oral cavity and anal glands. In cats, they are generally caused by a bite wound, typically from another cat. However, abscesses can form anywhere in the body.

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4. Allergic reaction – An allergic reaction is a highly individual inflammatory response to a foreign substance entering the body. These foreign substances can include pollens, food, vaccines, medications, insect venom, etc. Some reactions may be localized, where as others may involve multiple body systems. Signs of an allergic reaction can include one, some, or many of the following: • Hives, redness of skin, facial swelling, wheezing, coughing, vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur.

Treatment of an allergic reaction depends on the severity of the body’s response to the allergen.

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5. Seizures – A seizure takes place when there is a sudden and uncontrolled burst of neurologic activity. They can be very severe and result in convulsing of the whole body or be very mild and only affect a portion of the body. During a seizure, the pet may stiffen, stagger, and begin to paddle their legs. This is usually accompanied by a loss of awareness and unintentional urination and defecation. Seizures can be caused by a plethora of conditions, such as epilepsy, brain tumors, low blood sugar, toxin exposure, liver shunts, birth defects, and many other medical conditions. If you pet has a seizure, he/she should be taken to your veterinarian to determine the cause of the seizure, as well as to determine if medications are needed to control the seizures. In the event of a seizure, never put your hands near the pet’s mouth, as you run the risk of being bitten.

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6. Toxin Ingestion – Dogs and

by Jennifer Krantosky, Emergency Technician cats are naturally inquisitive, which

makes them more prone to eating toxic or poisonous products. Some common toxic agents are rodent poison, chocolate, human medications, plants, pesticides, and chewing gum containing Xylitol.

Pets that have ingested a toxin may develop symptoms such as drooling, vomiting, staggering, or seizures.

Some pets may exhibit no symptoms at all. If you have evidence of poisoning, or witness your pet consuming something that may be a toxin, you should immediately contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 as well as your veterinarian. Often, rapid response is very important because the longer it goes untreated, the less chance there is of a successful treatment.

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7. Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) Toxicity – Antifreeze can be very appealing to our pets because it has a pleasant taste. Unfortunately, it only takes a very small amount to be lethal. Ethylene glycol breaks down in the body to form very toxic by-products, which can cause irreversible damage to your pet’s kidneys. Preventing pets from antifreeze toxicity is simple. Soak up spills with cat litter, then wash the area with detergent. Check under your vehicle for leaks, and if a leak is found, have your mechanic fix the problem right away. In addition, there are other alternative car antifreezes available that contain propylene glycol, which is less toxic than ethylene glycol.

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8. Urinary Obstructions (FLUTD) – Urinary obstructions typically occur in male cats, but can occur in dogs as well. When urine can not flow out of the body, it backs up, the kidneys fail, and they stop making urine.

Waste products build up in the bloodstream, which causes the animal to act sluggish, lose their appetite, and vomit. One of the first signs of a urinary blockage is straining to urinate. This may also be accompanied by blood in the urine or inappropriate urination. A urinary obstruction is a life-threatening condition and needs to be addressed immediately.

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9. Gastric Dilatation (GDV or Bloat) – Often referred to as “the mother of all emergencies,” GDV is extremely painful and rapidly life-threatening.

It occurs when the stomach becomes distended and rotates, thus cutting off blood supply to itself and other major organs around it. Signs of bloat include excessive drooling, frequent retching and attempts to vomit, restlessness, and a distended abdomen. Generally, this condition occurs in large, deep-chested breeds. If you suspect your dog has GDV, transport him/her to the veterinarian immediately!

10. Foreign Bodies – A foreign body is any object or material that becomes lodged in the stomach or small intestine, thus creating an obstruction. Common foreign bodies include socks, underwear, toys, string, and plastic. Most pets with a foreign body obstruction will experience vomiting and a loss of appetite. Frequent vomiting can cause dehydration and an electrolyte imbalance so it is important to seek veterinary care if you suspect your pet has a foreign body.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

selection We have a larg-feree toys of safe, toxin

Toxic Pet Products? hose of you with children may remember the massive recall of 23 million toys after lead was discovered in toys made in China. The public outcry was tremendous because lead is associated with neurological damage. Hopefully those of you with pets began to wonder, “If there is lead in children’s toys then there has to be in our pets toys?” Well, the answer in most cases is yes! Other causes for concern are pthalates, chemical dyes, chromium, cadmium, mercury and BPA, just to mention a few, that could be found in toys, bedding and bowls.

T

After the 2007 recalls, Trace Laboratories tested Paws N’ Claws tennis balls and they found an astounding 27,200ppm lead levels in the ink on the balls. They also tested a ceramic food dish and found lead levels at 2,890 ppm. The lead levels in both these items far exceed the level set for human toys currently at 300 ppm. Pets chew long and hard on toys and lead comes off more readily after a pet’s saliva soaks the toy and begins to partially digest the surface allowing for toxic accumulation. Symptoms of lead poisoning are vague and mimic other conditions such as: anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, seizures, blindness, deafness and behavioral changes.

So you ask, what’s being done about this? Since the children’s toy recall a government agency “Consumer Product Safety Commission”

or CPSC has tightened regulations by imposing the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. The act reduces the limit of total lead content in children products from 600ppm (parts per million) to 300ppm effective 8/14/09. Other regulations include pthalates not to exceed .1%, mandatory testing and certification.

Unfortunately, (as you could probably guess) no action has been taken for the pet product industry and there are no regulations governing it either. Therefore, all we can continue to do is educate ourselves on what is safe for our pets and what isn’t. Here are some basic guidelines to follow:

• Use glass or stainless steel dishes.

• Use only sport tennis balls, not tennis balls made as pet toys.

• Visit websites that monitor and rate specific toys or brands for toxins.

Such as, www.healthystuff.org and www.goodguide.com • Avoid plastics containing polyvinyl chloride (PVC). PVC is brittle and is often augmented with pthalates and stabilizing heavy metals.

Photo: Gary Yon

the Chinese port and hides are commonly covered in mold and have to be bleached upon arrival. Then they go through a chemical processing to help preserve them and that’s just the beginning. It’s imperative to buy rawhide that is made in the USA! I chose to write on this topic now because we are approaching gift giving season. Knowledge is power my friends, so it’s my hope this article will make you think twice before grabbing that cute stuffed Santa Claus made in China to put in your pets stocking. Let’s think twice. Don’t be naughty…be nice to man’s best friend!

• Purchase products Made in the USA.

SOUTH HILLS: Crossgates Plaza 1742 Washington Rd. Upper St. Clair, PA. 15241

• Avoid toys made of synthetic latex.

• Contact the company and ask.

Pets chew long and hard on their toys – make sure they are safe!

December 2012

Lastly let’s look at the quality of rawhide…

According to Cattle Network. The U.S. exports more than $1 billion in cattle hides to China every year, and guess what they do with them? They make them into rawhide chews for pets and ship them right back to us!

Something else to think about is when hides are stripped from the animal they are perishable and should be kept cool till processing. Hides shipped to China are trucked to the west coast and loaded onto ships. It can take weeks to reach

(Next to Model Cleaners)

Gift cards make

great Gifts!

www.healthypetproducts.net www.pghpetconnections.com

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

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9

HOLISTIC CARE The Case for Raw Pet Food Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

V

eterinarians agree that nutrition is a major key to pet health. While we are all on board with the importance of healthy food, there is debate over what constitutes the ideal diet for pets. The controversy is heating up recently as the popularity of raw diets is on the rise.

When it comes to nutrition, the veterinary profession is guided by information that is spoon fed to them by the pet food industry. Many veterinary students are provided free pet food from the pet food industry. They learn at teaching hospitals that are given pet food from the pet food industry. Their nutrition text books are written by the pet food industry. The nutritionists who teach them often have had their education sponsored by the pet food industry. They are presented with nutrition research, 90% of which is sponsored by the pet food industry.

And after they graduate they will attend CE programs sponsored by the pet food industry. It seems to me that this strong pet food industry influence has led to tunnel vision when it comes to pet foods.

cats evolved over millions of years eating such diets.

Simply looking at our pet’s teeth indicates that they are carnivores in every sense of the word. If they had evolved significantly from their wild roots, and now required processed foods, their teeth and jaws would reflect the change.

There are many ways to provide a whole-foods diet. The “Bones and Raw Food” (BARF) movement has been gaining in popularity over the past 15 years. This philosophy provides “meaty bones” (raw chicken necks and backs) as part of the diet as well as shredded vegetables and organs. The bones help maintain the calcium to phosphorus ratio and also keep the teeth clean. It is said that bones are dangerous for pets to eat and that certainly is the case for cooked bones. However, small, raw bones, like chicken necks and backs, are much safer. Having said that, it is not impossible for raw bones to be a choking hazard.

Strong pet food industry influence has led to tunnel vision when it comes to pet foods.

The conventional view sees the ingredients of canine and feline foods as inconsequential. Rather, what is important is the nutrient content and perceived balance. Today’s pet diets contain such ingredients as starch and grain-based proteins, which dogs and cats were not meant to eat in abundance. The food is then processed at high Clancy enjoying a raw turkey neck. temperatures and pressures, denaturing it to a form that our canine and feline ancestors and their current wild counterparts, have never experienced. Finally, minerals, amino acids, and synthetic vitamins are added in an attempt to balance the diet, at least to our current, incomplete level of understanding. This kind of pet food has become the new normal.

An alternative view of pet nutrition looks to the sciences of comparative anatomy and evolution for guidance. For example, experts say that dogs are omnivores and in our society that is certainly true. But, since our pets have no choice over what they eat, how can we be sure that the diets we force on them are ideal?

A 1979 study provides such a method. The researchers reviewed wildlife literature that inventoried the stomach contents of the coyote, fox, wolf, bobcat, cougar, and lynx. The researchers’ justification for the comparison is that anatomically, the digestive tracts of these wild carnivores are similar to that of the domestic dog. The idea is that dogs should be fed the type of diet eaten by their wild counterparts.

The study concluded that “… the staple diet of carnivores living in a natural setting includes other animals, carrion, and occasionally fruits and grasses…carnivores in their natural environments consume diets high in animal protein, bulk, and roughage (not plant fiber, but indigestible or poorly digestible parts of animal carcasses…) and low in carbohydrates, and caloric density.” This nutrient balance does not match that of our current, conventional diets.

From my research and clinical experience, I have concluded that many pets benefit from being fed raw, evolution-based diets, since dogs and

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German Shepherd skull

Wolf skull One concern often cited with feeding raw food is the possible contamination of the food with disease-causing bacteria and/or parasites. Raw meat products for human or animal consumption are loaded with pathogenic bacteria that are killed when the meat is cooked.

Serving these meats raw would appear to pose a danger to pets and their human companions. In my experience this danger is overblown. In fact, studies show that conventional diets are frequently contaminated with bacteria. Also, healthy animals that are fed conventional diets often shed Salmonella in their stool. In my decades of recommending and feeding raw diets to pets, I have seen fewer problems than are commonly seen with commercial foods with their frequent recalls.

My preferred method of providing pets with raw diets is to refer clients to one of the many premade raw foods that are commercially available.

I do not believe that there is any one diet type that is ideal for every pet.

I also realize that not all pet owners are willing or able to provide the nutrition that I think is best. Some real food is better than none at all so I always encourage my clients to at least enhance their animal’s diet with raw or lightly cooked meats and vegetables, or whole food supplements. I am impressed by the amazing health benefits of feeding whole foods.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

HOLISTIC CARE

W

Mirror Mirror On The Wall

e’ve all seen pictures of people and their look-alike pets. We get a chuckle out of the resemblance. This visual reflects the Universal Law of like attracting like. Because of this attraction, however, our pets may resemble us in ways we may not find as endearing. Our pets are unconditional, loving healers. Because of this they become like sponges, soaking up our emotional stuff, both the uplifting and the draining. As we enter into wintertime’s gift of sparkling, mirror reflections, do you notice any correlations between your pet’s health and your own?

For years I have talked with pets who were stressed, only to discover their person was too. The person may have developed cancer and, subsequently, so did the pet. The person became incontinent and so did the pet. I found confirmation of my experience from a veterinarian, Martin Goldstein. He talks about this in his book, The Nature of Animal Healing. In the chapter on “The Spiritual Realm,” Dr. Goldstein elaborates on how a pet’s internal condition duplicates the person’s and vice versa.

When I am asked to assess a pet’s well being, I ask the pet, “Does anything hurt?” I’ll feel an empathic sensation in my own body. I may see in my mind’s eye a highlighted area in the pet’s body that needs attention. I’ll also get an impression of a helpful resource; a naturopath, chiropractor, acupuncturist, veterinarian or a combination. Thankfully, sometimes just a conversation can evoke a shift restoring harmony.

If a pet is experiencing an imbalance, during our chat I lovingly send

energy with the intention of holding the pet in a space of optimal light and well being.

Recently a friend called expressing concern about her Persian cat. I had only brief moments to assess the situation as I was leaving for an appointment. As I connected with her cat, I got an impression of the cat’s lower abdominal area feeling uncomfortable with some pressure and tendrils of pain. I felt some kind of obstruction in the lower portion of the body. It felt important for her to get the cat to the vet as soon as possible, and that everything was going to be alright. My friend called and left a voice mail with the vet visit results. The vet discovered an infected anal sac, needed to do surgery immediately, and the cat was going to be okay. Whew! What a relief.

Given the point I’m trying to make on correlations, am I suggesting that my friend also has an anal problem? Well, not really. But who knows? She might and hasn’t shared! We women really don’t share everything as some people may think! However, if her cat’s condition is an indication of some kind of energetic congestion, in the last stronghold of an area where we eliminate what is no longer useful, it certainly has been cleared for the cat and, possibly, for my friend as well.

Listening lightly, Renee

Offering illumination, comfort and clarity for both you and your animal friends.

Renée Takacs, M.A. Intuitive Healer for People and Pets

724-625-6693

www.intuitguide.com renee@intuitguide.com December 2012

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11

Because We Care PET SITTING The name says it all!

CYNTHIA MASON

Owner-Bonded-Insured Serving Robinson Area Daily Visits Holidays & Vacations

Est. in 2001

412-951-5136

WALKING, FEEDING, BRUSHING, PLAY TIME, PET TRANSPORT TO THE VET & MORE! WEEKDAYS, WEEKENDS OR EVENINGS

Serving South Hills

$10.00 per visit Don’t feel guilty about going on vacation!

I’ll take care of your furry friends like they’re my friends too!

412-563-0189

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All Natural Hoof Care (see ad pg 21) American Veterinary Charitable Fund (see ad pg 3) Angel Ridge Animal Rescue (see ad on inside front cover) Aunt Kimmy’s Mobile Paw-lor (see ad this page) Because We Care Petsitting (see ad this page) Bon Appetite Barkery (see ad pg 13) Cassie’s Pet Sitting Service (see ad this page) DogWatch (see ad pg 5) Holistic Care for Animals (see ad pg 14) Judith Levy (see ad pg 17) J & D Home Improvements (see ad on inside front cover) KS Jones Photography (see ad pg 2) Little Piggies Pet Sitting (see ad pg 2) L&L’s Furry Friends Pet Service (see ad pg 13) Pet Stop Pet Fence Systems (see ad pg 13) Portraits of Animals (see ad pg 11) Renée Takacs, M.A., Intuitive Healer (see ad pg 11)

1 Healthy Pet Products (see ad pg 9) 2 Grooming With Care, LLC (see ad this page) 3 Urban Dog Daycare & Day Spa (see ad pg 22) 4 Animal Rescue League (see ad pg 1 and back cover) 5 Oddball Pets & Aquariums (see ad pg 15) 6 Xcel Canine Training Center (see ad pg 5) 7 Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation (see ad pg 24) 8 Beaver Animal Clinic (see ad inside back cover) 9 SW PA Pugs with Special Needs (see ad pg 13) 10 Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming (see ad pg 13)

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

Serving the North Hills

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SW PA Pugs with Special Needs Please visit our website to see dogs available for adoption and foster, or to learn how you can help rescue pugs by donating your time or money.

PO Box 185, Leechburg, PA 15656-0185

724-763-2790 • 412-771-1392

www.swpapug.org

December 2012

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13

HOLISTIC CARE WHO IS DR. MICHAEL G. SAVKO? Dr. Savko is a Board Certified Doctor of Chiropractic, a Certified Chiropractic Sports Physician, and an Internationally Certified Veterinary Chiropractitioner with over 14 years of experience working with both people and companion animals. He is a local Pittsburgher who was born, raised, and currently lives in Westmoreland County.

He graduated from the prestigious New York Chiropractic College in 1998.

Because of his extensive training in a variety of different techniques, patients and clients have noted their treatments as being extremely versatile and effective. His primary goal is to quickly restore optimum health and give recommendations to stay healthy for life.

Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (or VOM) is a healing technology developed in the early 80’s by veterinary surgeon Dr. William L. Inman after 8+ years of research on over 30,000 animals. Dr Savko studied directly with Dr. Inman during the spring of 2000 and then worked closely with a local veterinarian to receive his certification in the VOM technique. Inman originally used it on patients that had a poor prognosis of being helped by surgery. After many amazing results on these cases, the technique naturally expanded to encompass most problems and disorders that effect companion animals. It is used on injured, diseased, and healthy patients as well as animal athletes; for the maintenance of well being, the prevention of injury, and to aid or speed the healing process.

Dr. Savko retook the courses again in 2005 to remain up-to-date with technique enhancements and innovations. When working with animals he affiliates with veterinarians to be sure the patient is receiving the best possible care. Dr. Savko has been an animal advocate and friend for as long as he can remember and gives his all on each and every case.

Dr. Savko works at the following veterinary clinics: Meadowlands Veterinary Hospital 350 Meadowlands Blvd Washington, Pa 15301 724-745-7767 ~Saturday mornings

Suburban Animal Clinic 101 Thorncrest Drive Butler, Pa 16002 724-287-5289 ~Wednesday afternoons

Delmont Veterinary Hospital 2774 Rte 66 Delmont, Pa 15626 724-468-8000 ~Thursday afternoons

Fox Run Equine Center 798 Fox Run Road Apollo, Pa 15613 724-727-3481 ~By appointment

“Thank God we gave Dr. Michael Savko the chance he deserved to work with Cheyanne.”

We would like to take a moment and tell the story of our Daschund named Cheyanne. Back in July of 2010 we went on a small family trip and had our dog stay at family members house while we were away.

During our trip we received a phone call from them stating that there is something wrong with Cheyanne and they were noticing that she could not walk and was having problems controlling her bladder and bowel movements. In the meantime, Cheyanne was taken to the veterinarian for evaluation. The diagnosis came back that she had a possible ruptured disc in her back and that she would require surgery. We were told the MRI and surgery could cost upwards of $5000 with no guarantee for her to walk again. After further research we came across the name of Dr. Michael Savko, who is a Certified Veterinary Chiropractitioner in the Pittsburgh Area.

When we arrived at Dr. Savko’s office in the Delmont Veterinary Hospital he immediately evaluated Cheyanne and then fully explained everything in detail that he would do to start the recovery process. We asked the ultimate question of “should we put her down”. Dr Michael Savko looked each of us in the eye and said “absolutely not, please give me a chance to work with her”. This leads us to October (only 3 months later) and with the help of Dr. Savko our little Cheyanne has regained full control of her bladder and bowels, and is amazingly walking again without any help or assistance from us. This has brought great joy back into our lives as we see Cheyanne run around and play with her sister and our family!

We would like to express our deepest gratitude and thanks to Dr. Sakvo for changing a very depressing situation for our family into a new beginning for us and Cheyanne!

The Fusco Family – Plum Borough, Pennsylvania

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

TANKS AND TERRARIUMS Check Your Bulbs…

Save Your Pet!

by Stephanie Enedy

S

unlight is important to every living creature on our planet! It warms the earth, grows our plants and even gives you that great tan (or sunburn if you are like me) in the summer! But did you know that it also helps to keep your bones strong?

UVB rays react with pigments in our skin (and that of our animal friends) to create Vitamin D3. Without enough Vitamin D3, calcium cannot be broken down into the proper form to keep bones growing and strong. Fortunately for us, we have many sources of D3 in our diet.

Just take a look at milk cartons next time you go to the grocery store!

Our reptile (and even avian) friends are not so lucky! In the wild, they would roam around in the sun for 10-12 hours a day and eat a variety of bugs that supplement their diet. They cannot do this when they share their life with us! Cold weather outside and safety prevent us from allowing them to roam for countless hours during the day.

And it just isn't feasible to provide them with the exact diet they would have in their wild home.

Disease, such as Metabolic Bone Disease, are almost sure to be present without proper care. It is one of the most common killers of reptiles in captivity and is 100% avoidable.

So what can we do to prevent this?

• Check the UVB requirements for your specific pet and provide them with the proper bulb. This bulb should be changed every year!!! The bulb will probably not burn out but the UVB spectrum does reduce over time.

• Provide a varied diet when possible and also supplement with high quality calcium and vitamin supplements as appropriate for your specific reptile.

• Check the temperature and humidity in your habitat. This will make sure that your reptile is otherwise happy, eating and healthy.

Note: Putting your habitat in the window will NOT provide your pet with the UVB light that it needs. Most glass and plexiglass block UVB rays. Even a window screen will reduce it by up to 50%!

Tip: Date your bulbs using a Sharpie marker so that you will always know when it went into use! You can also register your bulb for replacement reminders at: http://zoomed.com/Join/UVBSignup.php

Mon-Sat: noon to 8 • Thursday: appt. only • Sun: noon to 6 December 2012

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&

HEALTH WELLNESS for GUARDIANS • Do you think it would it be great to have an affordable way to access a Master Level teacher’s expertise to help you solve your pet’s problem?

• Do you think your pet needs more stimulation but you don’t have much time to provide that?

• Are you concerned about a well-loved dog’s reaction to a new baby in the house?

• Are you suffering from the loss of a pet?

• Do you feel like your dog is running the show?

If you answer yes to any of these questions, Judith Levy’s One Hour Wellness Clinics™ are a perfect solution for you! Judith Levy M.Ed., principal of Judith Levy Wellness for Pets, has distilled her expertise from more than 1,400 one-on-one customized educational/ behavioral programs for dog and cat guardians into quick, practical and convenient One Hour Wellness Clinics™.

WHY CHOOSE A CLINIC BY JUDITH LEVY? Judith has studied extensively the works of Behavioral Veterinarians and has attended extensively, trainings given by prominent behavioral specialists. Judith is a Master level Teacher and has a BS in Behavioral Psychology and has worked behaviorally with children as a Special Education teacher. Her intuitive and practical understanding of Ethology (the scientific study of animal behavior) and behavioral methodology is well-developed. Judith has a private practice for people as well!

Please note: One Hour Wellness clinics are great for information gathering and educational purposes. If you have a full blown behavioral issue with your cat or dog, please contact Judith as you will benefit more from a private consultation.

One Hour Wellness Clinics ™

By Judith Levy M.Ed., CEHP, RMT better meet the needs of your pet when you have a very busy life style.

You will experience a deeper heart connection than you previously thought possible. This clinic is also great for people who are home bound and want to give their pet more. This experiential/informative workshop is fun, rewarding and will benefit both you and your pet!

Fee: $45 South Hills Location: Friday, January 18, 6-8 p.m.

Xcel Canine Training Center, 5400 Progress Blvd., Bethel Park PA 15102

East End Location: Monday, January 21, 6-8 p.m.

East End Location TO BE ANNOUNCED

2. BE THE LEADER: BE IN CONTROL WITH POSITIVE METHODS INSTEAD OF FORCE AND FRUSTRATION Do you experience your dog as running the show? Is your Canine listening only when it is convenient for him to listen or only when you have a treat in your hand? Do you find yourself giving in because you get frustrated when your dog does not listen?

This One Hour Clinic will change your relationship with your dog, leaving you feeling more in control and closer to your pet. AND, your dog will happier and calmer as well!

Fee: $45 South Hills Location: Friday, February 15, 6-8 p.m.

East End Location: Monday, February 18, 6-8 p.m.

3. LIVING WITH THE LOSS OF A PET Grief can be painful and positive at the same time.

This One Hour Wellness Clinic will give you a space to have your experience of loss without judgment. We will help you to feel that it is ok to have questions and to have the rest of your process in whatever way feels right to you! We will address the benefits of the use of a ritual and will help you create other ways to have peace around the loss of your beloved pet.

Fee: $45 South Hills Location: Friday, March 15, 6-8 p.m.

East End Location: Tuesday, March 19, 6-8 p.m.

4. HAVING A BABY? WHAT ABOUT THE DOG? 1. PEOPLE AND PET CONNECTION: IT’S DEEP, ITS LOVING AND IT FEELS GOOD! Do you sometimes feel guilty for not spending more time with your pet? Do you think your pet needs more stimulation but you don’t have much time to provide that? Or do you have the desire to deepen your connection with your pet? In this clinic Judith will teach you how to

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Nothing is more exciting than bringing a new baby home! Would you like to learn how to create an atmosphere of acceptance and avoiding unmanageable chaos? Attend this clinic to help your dog adjust to being a positive member of your newly expanded family. With the material and techniques you discover in this one-hour clinic, you’ll start preparing your dog for the baby two months before the birth. You’ll learn about wise practices to help create a safe environment for your baby as well as

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

PPC LAUNCHED OUR NEW REVISTA WEBSITE! how to manage time and space after your help goes back to work!

Please note: if your dog is exhibiting any type of aggression such as growling, snapping, lunging, or biting, please call to schedule a private consultation.

Fee: $45 South Hills Location: Friday, April 19, 6-8 p.m.

East End Location: Monday, April 22, 6-8 p.m.

What to Bring with You to the Clinics: While one-hour clinics are designed to solve problems and make living with your canine best friend or cat more enjoyable, please leave your dog or cat at home. These seminars are delivered in a lecture style. Do bring a tablet and pen for note taking and pictures of your pets.

There will be a 30 minute meet and greet with snacks 30 minutes prior to the Clinic. Stay and take advantage of a 20 minute Q & A section after the One Hour Clinic.

Come, have a snack and enjoy these One Hour Wellness Clinics!

We invite you to join us for the entire 2 hours!

For more information about One-Hour Wellness Clinics Contact Judith Levy at info@judithlevywellness.com.

To Register go to: http://judithlevywellness.com/pets/purchase

Judith Levy WELLNESS FOR PEOPLE AND PETS

Holistic approach to behavior Specializing in treating fear and trauma in cats and dogs

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

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!

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 ($50.00/year value) • Your logo in our monthly newsletter • PPC promotes your business at our events with your literature and product samples • A subscription to PPC Magazine and copies for your business • Community Calendar link to your website or MeetUp site • We accept content contributions (print or web articles promoting your business)

Judith Levy M,Ed., CEHP, RMT Feline and Canine Behavioral Consultant Educator Certified Energy Health Practitioner www.judithlevywellness.com info@judithlevywellness.com

412.521.5133 December 2012

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17

EQUINE AFFAIRS Winter Tips For Your Horse

By Brian S. Burks, D.V.M., Certified Equine Specialist

T

here are several factors to consider for winterizing your horses.

Food, blanketing, shelter, turn out, and exercise should be evaluated to ensure that your horse can thrive during the winter, as well as the warmer months.

Food is the most important factor. The process of roughage digestion creates heat. So keeping hay in front of them not only helps to prevent gastric ulceration, but generates heat to keep them warm in cold temperatures. Increasing caloric intake through roughage provides longer lasting heat from fermentation in the colon. Forage also does not increase the carbohydrate load that can lead to intestinal upsets or laminitis. Horses do handle lower temperatures better than humans since their body mass is much greater, but their skin is only 2.5 times that of ours – so they have less surface area to lose heat.

Well-fed horses often have a good layer of fat – this layer is more important than their coat. Fat is three times better at insulating compared to other tissues – i.e. skin and hair. So make sure that your horse is not underweight going into winter.

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A few words about clipping your horse are essential. If you intend to work your horse hard, you will probably need some sort of clip – mostly a trace clip, leaving hair on the limbs and neck. They will get too hot when worked. This means that your horse will need to be blanketed. Unclipped horses can tolerate temperatures down to 14F if unclipped.

Blankets, however, present some problems. First, remember to take the blanket off to check for any problems underneath, such as sores and mud. Second, be sure that the straps are used properly to help mitigate any danger of getting a limb stuck on the wrong side of the strap.

Horses raise their winter coat to stay warm, and blankets limit this response. So does being wet. By raising their hair, the trapped air provides extra insulation. If your horse is shivering, you can bet he is pretty cold. On the contrary, if the hair coat is flat, your horse is not cold.

When it is raining, snowing, and blowing, it is harder for a horse to stay warm; a blanket is advisable. Being wet and cold is obviously not a good thing. Your horse cannot take in enough roughage to generate enough heat to stay warm. You might think to feed extra grain, but remember that extra grain will predispose your horse to digestive disorders. If you are going to increase the grain ration, adding more times per day, i.e. 4 feedings instead of two, is advisable.

Shelter is something everyone wants for their horses. But is shelter bad?

Closing horses into a barn warms the air, but also creates humidity.

Ammonia levels may increase due to urine. This can damage the fragile epithelial lining of the respiratory tract. If you can smell ammonia, the

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

EQUINE AFFAIRS levels are too high. Getting horses out of direct drafts is helpful, but there needs to be enough air exchange – several times per hour – to keep down odors. Dry, cold, fresh air is comfortable for horses.

Hay should be stored separately, if possible, to minimize exposure to dust, and also to reduce fire hazards. Air exchange also decreases the number of pathogens, molds, and endotoxins; vaccination against influenza and rhinopneumonitis and strangles are advised. This, along with a well-ventilated barn can help reduce disorders of the respiratory tract.

While horses handle the out-of-doors very well, outdoor shelter should be provided as a wind break, and a way to get out of the rain and snow.

The solid side of the building should be toward the prevailing wind, with walls eight feet in height. Check to make sure your buildings are in good repair for the winter with a roof in good repair and no nails sticking out anywhere.

What about working your horse during the cold winter months? Due to the length of the upper airway, from the nostrils to the lungs, air gets warmed before it reaches the lungs. This means that very cold temperatures, below zero, can be tolerated much more readily than in humans where the cold temperature will damage the lung tissue.

Exercise during the winter keeps them in shape for the coming spring and summer months, and aids intestinal motility. You may want to consider using shoes with studs or borium when riding in the snow, as these will give more traction when ice is encountered. Snow pads to prevent ice-balls while turned out or being ridden can help. If you are not planning to ride, it may be best to remove the shoes to prevent ice/snow build up on the sole. Metal bits may also be cold in your horse’s mouth. When you are done riding, do not put your horse away wet. In the cold, sweat will make your horse colder; cover him up and walk until dry. Exercise also encourages water intake. Tepid water should be provided.

can present a fire risk, and are probably best confined to outside use.

Be sure that any water heating system is grounded; use of a ground fault interrupter is essential. Horses can detect low voltages and may refuse to drink. Loose wires should be covered with PVC pipe, or kept out of the stall to prevent your horse from chewing them.

Additionally, good dental care ensures that your horse can maximize nutrition gained from the hay and grain. Teeth should be checked at least annually; more if your horse is older or has dental issues.

Deworming is also important. Cyathostomes (small strongyles) imbed themselves in the intestinal wall during very cold or very hot weather.

Massive entrance or exit of these worms can cause severe colitis, or intestinal inflammation, and diarrhea. Consult with your veterinarian regarding a proper deworming program.

In general, horses do well when they can move about and have lots of fresh air. Moving keeps muscles limber and helps to keep the digestive tract moving. It also promotes respiratory health. Taking a few simple precautions can help your horse healthy during the cold winter months.

Dr. Brian Burks is the owner of Fox Run Equine Center, a 24-hour medical-surgical center near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Center has been in western PA since 1984, and remains the premier equine hospital serving the tri-state area. Dr. Burks was an intern and then a resident in equine internal medicine. He is a Board Certified Equine Specialist, by the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners. For additional information, please visit www.foxrunequine.com or find us on facebook.

www.foxrunequine.com www.facebook.com/foxrunequinecenter

Riding in deep snow can be exhilarating, but it is hard work for the horse and can be rough on the tendon and ligamentous structures.

Protect those structures by going easy through the snow; you do not want to cause a bowed tendon.

Proper warm up and cool down are essential. Walking 10-15 minutes is an effective warm up. Sweating horses, however, get their core heat pulled out due to evaporation, making them colder. Using a blanket or cooler until dry is recommended. Walking your horse until dry will allow a gradual cool down that prevents skin and muscle cramping.

Once your horse is dry, the blanket can be removed, unless the horse has been clipped.

Remember to monitor water consumption. Lack of access to water through frozen buckets is the number one cause of colic in the winter.

Some horses will not drink ice-cold water, so you may need to offer lukewarm water. Putting hot water into buckets seems to make the water freeze faster, so this is probably not a good idea. Lack of water consumption can lead to impaction colic. Heated buckets and tubs

December 2012

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EQUINE AFFAIRS D

o you know what a natural hoof looks like? Has your veterinarian or hoof care provider told you that your horse’s hooves are either too long, or too short, or recommended shoes to “get them off the ground?” Are you confused or concerned that your ‘old practices’ may not be optimally providing for your equine friend with the best possible care? If so, you are not alone…

There are many different schools of thought when it comes to hoof care, as well as varying opinions within the educational programs that offer training and/or certifications within this discipline. After doing

developed her own program as well. What is most important here is that there was finally some research being conducted on feral equines to determine the animal’s original genetic design and learn from the natural horse itself. Sadly, this did not occur until around the year 2000, some 40 years after man first walked on the moon.

ARE WE STEREOTYPING HOOVES?

AN ACETIC/AESTHETIC DEBATE

These three individuals never did agree, and so began the barefoot movement and the subsequent schools of thought on the matter. I chose to train under Jaime Jackson, and this is where I met Pete Ramey and Todd Jaynes, who latter developed their own schooling programs as well. I learned everything I could from each of them, respecting their experiences and dedication to their practices. Several years later, and a certified instructor myself, I attended a symposium held by the AANHCP, now known as the Association for the Advancement of Natural Hoof Care Practices being renamed by Dr. Bruce Nock, who decided this new name to be more accommodation to the spreading international direction of its teachings.

apprenticeship under a traditional farrier, I had the unique opportunity to study under many of the now directors of some of these programs.

I would like to share this knowledge with each and every one of you so that you may better understand how this division came to be.

I embarked on my ‘quest for the truth’ in 2005 with what was once called the American Association Of Natural Hoof Care Practitioners.

The founder of this organization was Jaime Jackson, who spent years doing observational research on the feral horses of the Great Basin.

There was another farrier also studying these wild horses by the name of Gene Ovnicek, and despite the fact that they developed different training programs, they collected correlational data. This data revealed that the average toe length was 3.25, the heels were relatively low, and the normal angle of the hooves had a range of variance of 45-65 degrees, with 50-60 being the most commonly observed. The Farrier Science book I was originally working from1 stated that the normal hoof angle was 50 degree; as you can see there is some discrepancy, even without the personal opinion of the individual practicing. There was yet another person involved in the research of these feral equines, a veterinarian by the name of Hiltrud Strasser. It was her professional opinion that the angle of the coronet was the most significant and that all horses should have a 45 degree angle from heel to toe, and she Nancy Frishkorn CHCP-Field Instructor Liberated Horsemanship Barefoot Trimming Services for the Tri-State Area PA, WV, OH 724-255-6465 nancy@hooflady.org

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This symposium had a unique opportunity to see feral hooves at a BLM in Sparks Nevada. I had already travelled to over ten states during my year of training, but this was unique to everything I had ever seen before. What I saw there would change my life forever. Several horses were sent into a holding area so that one at a time they could be run into a chute that allowed for the hooves to be observed. They veterinarian was of course present as the horses were tilted on their sides and their legs tied to metal bars that prevented injury to themselves, as well as those observing. We were permitted to take photos of the horses and their hooves in turn, and encouraged to take notes on what we observed. These photos are from my personal collection, and despite the varying size of the hooves, there were several specific points I would like to share with you.

Every hoof was balanced from the volar view, meaning if you look at the bottom of the hoof, the frog was DEAD center with equal size of sole on either side. Each hoof was peripheral loading, meaning there was a very small ridge of wall visible that would make ground contact first, followed by the bar and frog, and then the sensitive sole. It is important to remember that on natural surfaces, the entire hoof will load pressure, but it was the wall that made the deepest impact, then the frog. This can be seen in any hoof print found in these remote desert areas. The coronet, the organ seen just below the hairline that connect wall to skin tissue, was straight across in the front, tilting neither left nor right, but I did not see a 45 degree angle on every one. Some had more heel than other, but all had that relative short toe. Every hoof had its own unique angle, but none of them had a decisive 50 degrees or otherwise. They were all the same breed (obviously), which begs the question of what exactly IS the correct way to trim a hoof?

I have had clients hand me articles stating gaited horses need to be shod at a certain angle, and have heard stories of track horses needing

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

extra length in the toe to increase speed. I have had one vet say my toes were too long, and another in the same area say they were too short (same horse surprisingly)! Some vets will say the sole should load at the same time as the wall, and encourage the wall to be “rolled off” to permit this; others will throw a fit and say the horse needs shoes to “get them off the ground.” What do I think about all of this? I believe each horse is different, and its needs are unique. I do not believe you can leave more hoof to accommodate for your discipline, neither do I believe there is a set angle or heel height for any breed. I’ve seen registered Fox Trotters, for example, with hoof sizes from 0 to 3, and angles from 48 to 60. What’s important here?

What angle permits the horse to ‘gait’ naturally? What makes the horse the most comfortable? It depends upon the horse, the conformation, the saddle, the bit, the hands of the rider, the seat, the environment, and of course the diet. Let’s not forget about past practices and the sometimes irreversible damage that has occurred in the horses past due to any one of these factors. There’s one more thing I would like you to consider – the manufactures of horse shoes.

Over the years the shape of the hoof has often been determined by the shoes that are available. When I began over a decade ago, hooves were high heeled – this was the vogue thing to do. Many people had no idea what a natural hoof even looked like, and they considered any horse that did not have heels to be either “sheared” or defective in some manner. Wedge pads were used to compensate for the equine’s deficits, and the shoes were designed to accommodate this need. To add insult to injury, many farriers would not shape the shoe, but rather remove the part of the hoof that did not match what was considered to be the optimal shape. Now, with some credit to gene Ovnicek, we have natural balance shoes available that were designed to support the bony column itself from his observational research. There are a few vets that agree with this, and a few that do not. I would agree that in a case where the wall is so deviated, due to stretching of the lamellar tissues, this should be the only course of shoeing prescribed; shoeing the wall in a hoof with distorting only causes the sole to drop further and not only damages the sole, but can also cause the already weakened laminae to stretch even further, or worse the bone to chip or break at the tip due to the lack of support. The frog support provided with certain shoes and pads can prevent this, but it also prevents the hoof from any healing that could have resulted in a decrease in the rotation of the phalanges (bones) themselves. Personally, I would not put a nail through already sensitive laminae, but there are many who would disagree. So what does this all mean? WE all have an opinion.

Every vet, as well as every farrier or trimmer I have met in the last decade, has some preconceived notion of what a hoof should look like.

December 2012

This mental picture is the basis they or model they have in mind when they look at your horses hooves. If you have called them for an opinion, that is exactly what you will get, an opinion, but not every technique will work for your beloved equine. Some are correct, some are not, but ultimately it is up to you to decide if your horse does well and performs well under their prescription. Sometimes it takes a few months to make this determination, other times it’s a quick fix and that’s exactly what you were looking for. The AANHCP says “cause no harm” and we at Liberated horsemanship say the same. If you want pretty, and you want it now, well you may be disappointed. I have often said of horses with cracks, laminitis, or chronic abscessing, that it will take time to “look good,” after all, did you ever see ANYTHING that was going through a healing phase that LOOKED GOOD? What’s important is that they are FUNCTIONAL, and the aesthetics need to take a back seat. I have a moral obligation to each and every horse I serve, that I will not hinder any potential healing, and provide them with the best possible care that I can. Ann Corso has written a wonderful FREE article that you can download form www.liberatedhorsemanship.com called “Form Follows Function”…I could say it no better. Work with those who share your beliefs and do what is best by your horse, but remember, they were once all wild and had no need of human hoof care for thousands of years…so consider why it is that you have so many needs, and make the choice that’s right for you, and your horse.

1. Canfield, D., (1968). Elements of Farrier Science, Tennessee State Univ., Tennessee: Enderes Tool Co.

All Natural Hoof Care Nancy Frishkorn CHCP-Field Instructor

Liberated Horsemanship Barefoot Trimming Services for the Tri-State Area: PA, WV, OH

724-255-6465 nancy@hooflady.org

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOR Is your dog loving towards you, but aggressive towards others?

Dog aggression can be responsible for the injury of other pets, family members or strangers. Letting your dog behave aggressively can lead to veterinary or physician expenses, lawsuits or even death.

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation (see our ad page 24) is partnering with Penny Layne to offer a FREE two hour course to help you not only understand aggressive behavior in dogs but to help you handle it either in your own pet or if you encounter it from a strange dog.

Have you ever encountered an aggressive dog during your dog’s walk?

Class will cover the types and signs of aggression and predicting aggression through body language, as well as how to prepare for a walk with your dog and what to do if you or your dog are attacked.

Class will be held: Bridgeville Public Library: Saturday, January 19, 1-3 pm Mt Lebanon Public Library: Tuesday, January 29, 7-9 pm Monroeville Public Library: Tuesday, February 12, 7-9 pm Bethel Park Public Library: Wednesday, March 27, 7-9 pm Although the class is free, preregistration is required to assure sufficient materials are available on the day of the class.

Please call Deb Chebatoris of Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation at 412-220-7800 to register.

Sponsor: Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation — www.ccpc.ws Instructor: Penny Layne — www.myauntpenny.com

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

SHORT STORIES

Christmas with Sebastian

by Susan Wagner

Three French hens, two turtledoves, and my cat in our Christmas tree…

I remember that Christmas well. Coming home exhausted from a long day at the clinic, I called out for our kitten, Sebastian. Sebastian was also known as Bud, Buddy, Lil Guy, and don’t think for a second that he won’t do it guy. He was the quintessential kitten – into everything. And I mean everything!

So when Sebastian didn’t show up right away, I knew he was up to something. I looked everywhere – under the beds, on top of shelves, in the manager. Yes, I said manger. My brother-in-law had made a beautiful ceramic manger for my husband and I. Of course Sebastian thought it was his, and proceeded to knock over camels, sheep, Mary and Joseph so that he could curl up in the straw next to baby Jesus. I think he felt slighted that no barn cats showed up in traditional nativity scenes. Point taken.

But there was the nativity, with no additional characters. I couldn’t imagine where he was. Then I had the feeling that someone, or something, was watching me. As I slowly turned, I saw two golden eyes staring at me from the middle of the Christmas tree. There sat Sebastian, happy as could be, perched on a branch deep in the tree. I’m sure he thought we had brought it home just for him.

As Sebastian got older, he chose to sleep under the tree with his new cat brother, Vinny. They spent so much time amongst the Christmas village that I had to remove sap from their fur. My husband and I later came to realize that cutting a tree down just didn’t seem appropriate anymore, so we switched to artificial ones. Sebastian and Vinny loved those trees, too.

But I was always tempted to put a little maple syrup on each of the heads for old times sake.

I also clearly remember the morning I walked into the kitchen, half asleep, heading straight for the coffee pot. Out of my peripheral vision I noticed the green carpet in our living room. Then I realized that we didn’t have green carpet. I turned and found our tree on its side – ornaments everywhere. Just like most cat brothers, Sebastian and Vinny enjoyed wrestling. They must have had a standoff turned pounce-fest in Christmas village. We had to buy a new tree topper that year.

Thank goodness he never knocked over my mother-in-law’s tree.

Sebastian loved riding in the car, so we took him home for the holidays.

He took full advantage of Italian Christmas at Nana’s house, and came back a little heavier every year. As soon as we would arrive, he would stalk the tree, pick one stuffed ornament off the bottom limbs, and hang on to it for the entire visit. I guess he figured it was his Christmas present.

Each Christmas, as my husband and I hang ornaments on our tree, we remember all of the friends and family who gave them to us. After 32 holidays, we have acquired quite a few. And one of us will always bring up the story of the day Sebastian discovered the joy of Christmas.

I hope that each year you and your human and animal companions will have a wonderful, cat-like Holiday Season. I do just that, and thank my lucky stars that I don’t have to write about the day Sebastian knocked over the burning Menorah.

Someday Champion

(An Unfinished Work)

I saw you on the hill and you saw me, A colt of two with thistled mane and knobby knee.

You trotted down to sniff at hand-held grain.

I saw in you an elegance so plain, A certain stride and look of eye That captured breath, then let it sigh.

Bones unmet, green-broke and mostly wild, We spent the fall, the boy and nature’s child, Hand-walking cobbled lane and grazing meadow grass.

I, too new to saddle, you too new to rider so, alas, We wintered the season from the ground Til spring, firm earth and courage could be found.

We taught each other, both at once the teacher and the learner, Rise to trot, leg-yield and muscles all the firmer, Then laughing flights in careless rush down wooded trail, With pounding hooves and hearts and flying, silken tail.

Books and breeches and bridles to be bought, Relief from falls and splints and wind-puffs to be sought, Though trials and test not yet ridden, I knew you well.

by Wayne Vanderaar

Dr. Susan Wagner is a board certified veterinary neurologist whose pioneering work acknowledges the bioenergetic interaction between people and animals.

She is an advocate for change in the area of interpersonal violence and animal cruelty, and works toward a greater understanding surrounding the health implications of the human-animal bond. Dr. Wagner is an Adjunct Assistant Professor at The Ohio State University Veterinary College, a Level IV Healing Touch for Animals practitioner and co-author of Through A Dog’s Ear.

December 2012

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IN REMEMBRANCE IN REMEMBRANCE OF: Alex “Moosie” Hubal, Jan 1997 – July 2010 Moosie was a lab/collie mix and our first family pet. Everyone absolutely loved him. He was very loyal and protective, and we felt a sense of security with him around. But aside from being a loyal guardian, he had such a personality. He’d be front and center for every Steeler party with his bandanna and occasional jersey. He also loved playing with bubbles and chasing after frisbees.

Some nights he’d keep going for hours on end. He certainly was a fast pooch!

What a great companion he was. We were extremely blessed to have him for almost 14 years. I believe he would have made it even longer had it not been for a stroke which sadly took him away from us. The vet always said he’s got such a strong heart. There isn’t a day that goes by that we don’t miss him. We have two labs now that have helped us with the loss of Alex, but there was only one Moosie.

Mo osie

Reprinted by permission. Please visit www.barsotti.com to learn more about the artist and to find out where to purchase his books, including “They Moved My Bowl”.

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Sweet Pea is a very good mare. She has had Uveitis in the left eye and now has a cataract in her left eye. She would have to be retrained to be ridden. She had been ridden up to Feb. of 2012. Sweet Pea can not be placed in crossed ties at all because of her eye. Sweet Pea will stand in an open area to be groomed. She wants a lot of love and attention! I had worked with her from 2010 till Feb of 2012. In the past she was a school horse, was trained to jump and show in English classes. She needs a good loving home where she will be retrained adapting to her new surroundings. Sweet Pea is the Granddaughter of Secretariet.

There are a couple of things that she must have: small dose of aspirin once a day for the rest of her life. The aspirin can be bought through Smart Pack in daily dosages given with the AM meal. Also she can go bare foot in the back, but has to have front bar shoes. She is very good about having her feet picked out.

Sweet Pea is currently boarding at a Washington County farm in PA. Call Vicki for more details 412- 721-2886.

www.ccpc.ws (412) 220-7800 24

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

December 2012

Dr. Doug The Holistic Vet

Holistic and Conventional Care: • Full Service Animal Clinic • Preventive Health Care • General Surgery • Radiology • Dentistry • Vaccine & Vaccine Counseling

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• Nutrition Counseling & Natural Raw Diets • Holistic Care • Acupuncture • Chiropractic • Chinese Herbal Medicine • Therapeutic Laser

Dr. Doug Knueven practices an 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.

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

BEAVER ANIMAL CLINIC OFFERS HEALING TOUCH FOR ANIMALS Level 3 HTA practitioner, Jody Benedict, has worked as a veterinary technician for over 20 years.

Jody has a natural way with animals as well as an innate healing presence. Her compassion for animals along with her skill and training make Jody the ideal Healing Touch for Animals practitioner.

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PAWS OVER PITTSBURGH ARLARL is a Partner Charity of the Dick’s Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon, Sunday, May 5, 2013. The 5k and Kid’s Marathon will be held on Saturday, May 4, 2013. For FREE Marathon, Half Marathon, Relay Team, 5K and Kid’s Marathon registration, JOIN our team of fundraising runners, walkers and virtual runners.

Learn more at www.animalrescue.org/marathon Register at www.animalrescue.org/pghmarathon2013 The sooner you register the smaller your fundraising minimum.

We will do an interactive training session followed by a run once a month.

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Please pass this on to anyone who might be interested!

Even if you do not want to run or walk, you can still be a part of the fun by being a virtual runner and raise money for our animals!