Petconnectionsoctober2013 final

Pittsburgh

October 2013 • Vol. 2, Issue 2

PetConnections Magazine

Take One!

CARMAA presents Victoria Stilwell on Oct. 27 page 21

The HumanAnimal Bond The Healing of Unconditional Love Page 4

What’s so Natural about “Natural”?

Page 14

October 2013 • Vol. 2, Issue 2

Special Pittsburgh Pet Expo Issue!

See pages 17-20 for Official Show Program November 1, 2 & 3 2013 David L. Lawrence Convention Center, Downtown Friday 5 pm - 9 pm • Saturday 10 am - 8 pm • Sunday 10 am - 5 pm

www.petexpopgh.com

Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area

Take One!

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I n This I s s u e : The Human-Animal Bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4

Health & Wellness for Guardians . . . . . . .30-31

The Healing of Unconditional Love

Healthy Outside and In; Thought Field Therapy…

A Meridian Tapping Technique, How It Can Help You

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Upcoming Pet Events

Equine Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32-35

Animal Health & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8-9 The Enigmatic Role of the Veterinary Internist

When Abscess Goes Untreated – the Sequestrum; Is your horse balanced longitudinally and laterally with four way stretch?

Animal Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10

In Remembrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36

Puppy School is Prevention!

In Memory of Franklin Hegadorn

Holistic Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-15 What’s so Natural about “Natural”?; Meet Dr. Dina LiVolsi

Pet Expo Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17-20

Advertiser Locator Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23

Schedule of Events; Grooming Competition

Cat Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 The Invisible Cat

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

October 2013

FROM THE PUBLISHER WELCOME TO OUR SPECIAL PITTSBURGH PET EXPO ISSUE OCTOBER, VOLUME 2 ISSUE 2!!

PPC Magazine October News: We are proud to be the official print media sponsor of the Pittsburgh Pet Expo! This is Pittsburgh’s biggest pet event of the year! We are looking forward to seeing everyone there November 1 through 3 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center downtown!

This year’s Expo features Friday night free admission sponsored by Healthy Pet Products. Other sponsors include Pittsburgh’s First Grooming Championship, Three Rivers Dock Dogs, Classic K9 Show and Adoption opportunities! See the official show program on pages 17–20 of this issue for detailed information for the schedule of events, vendors and sponsors. Visit our booth, as well as our advertisers’ and join in on the fun! Visit booths for Healthy Pet Products, VCA, Zelda’s Song, Nagrobek Memorials, Fancy Creations, and more and tell them you saw them in PPC Magazine! Thank you to Hampton Inn, Eat ’n Park and VCA for sponsoring this wonderful event!

This Issue: Happy Halloween! Don’t miss out on the season’s events including, Dogtoberfest, Pugtoberfest, Barktoberfest and the Petrifying Pet Walk! Westminster Presbyterian Church is presenting several events, including Until Tuesday (see page 12). Meet Victoria Stilwell at the CARMAA event (see page 21). Our event calendar on page 5 has even more events this month! Our website www.pghpetconnection.com/calendar also has an event calendar and additional event listings. We welcome you to upload an event for your organization at no cost and submit your directory listing.

PPC Magazine is proud to present Dr. Dina LiVolsi – see her article on page 15, the Gateway at Summerset on page 11 and also Camp Bow Wow on page 11!

Cyndie & Angie Mader; Photo: Kara Jones Photography 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 to lead, share and heal through the Human-Animal Bond (HAB). I would like to personally thank all of you for picking up PPC Magazine. Take care of yourself, as well as your animals and be well!

Warmly, 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!

Carla Mader http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine CEO & Publisher Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine Disclaimer: “The views expressed in PPC Magazine are those of the authors and do not Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC. necessarily reflect the position or policies of Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine. All view points are welcome.”

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 Managing Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carla Mader Chief Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bernadette E. Kazmarski Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Carla Mader, Savannah Fleming Distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Martin Mader Graphic Designer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .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.

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

October 2013

First Annual ‘Thanks for Paws’ Contest Sponsored by PPC Magazine & Paws N Claws Eyewear

CONTEST RULES: In 100 words or less tell us why you are thankful for your pet or the shelter where you adopted your pet.

Include a photo of your pet or of you and your pet along with your entry.

PRIZES: First, Second and Third place winners will receive either a Paws N Claws Eyeglass or Sunglass.

Fourth and Fifth Place winners will receive a paw print chain necklace.

Submission details in the November issue of Pittsburgh PetConnections!

www.pghpetconnections.com

Contest Runs Nov. 1-15.

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THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND R

esearching and co-writing Through A Dog’s Ear: Using Sound to Improve the Health & Behavior of Your Canine Companion was a true gift. I now understand the benefit of a healthy sonic environment for my patients and pets. The most exciting piece of this work, however, was the revelation that psychoacoustically arranged music is a tool that helps both humans and animals. The story of George and Gracie illustrates how music can help canines and their guardians through difficult times.

I then remembered that Music to Calm Your Canine Companion had been so helpful in my previous work with Gracie. Perhaps it could now help both of them. His rest and healing would play a role in reducing her stress, and her return to a happy nature would help him on his road to recovery. How wonderful it was to have a tool that really supported the human-animal bond. To me, this was what the music study was really all about — animal and person healing together.

The most important point to this story, however, is that the restoration of George and Gracie’s relationship was essential for each of their recoveries. Gracie needed to know her human companion was safe, and George needed his beloved canine companion watching over him.

The Healing of Unconditional Love

by Dr. Susan Wagner

Gracie is a beautiful Akita with a huge heart. Her first year of life, however, was filled with abuse. She was rescued by a wonderful, caring family that had given her a fabulous home. Unfortunately, the previous abuse took its toll, and Gracie was left with fear aggression.

Her family did everything they could from a conventional veterinary and behavioral perspective, but she still retained some aggressive tendencies. Since I had taken care of other canine members of this family for years, I asked if I could try energy therapy with Gracie.

They were open minded and open hearted enough to try it. The energy sessions did wonders for Gracie — she acted like a puppy again.

George’s wife, Tina, became the healing angel for both of them. She didn’t banish Gracie from the home — she understood how important it was for George and Gracie to stay together. Her caring and calm nature kept it all from falling apart. Through some intensive work by all involved, George and Gracie soon were helping each other heal. The entire family got through the difficult time together.

Whether it goes from person to animal, or animal to person, nothing heals like unconditional love.

Say goodnight Gracie. Woof Adapted from Through A Dog’s Ear: Using Sound to Improve the Health & Behavior of Your Canine Companion, by Joshua Leeds and Susan Wagner, Sounds True Publishing

Many months later, George (Gracie’s guardian) underwent surgery, and he suffered complications. He was in tremendous pain and was very ill. Gracie had never seen George like this, and the stress brought back her previous fear aggression. George couldn’t understand why Gracie didn’t want to lay by his side, and he was crushed when she growled at him. To make matters worse, his post-surgical pain was preventing him from sleeping. It was a very stressful time for the household.

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.

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Vibrant Images “A Nature & Artsy Store.”

Eco-friendly birdhouses, windchimes, jewelry from Seattle and Hawaiian artists, landscape and wildlife photography.

Professional Pet Photography Sessions 4

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

October 2013

October 2013 Pittsburgh Pet Event Calendar Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

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Wednesday Thursday 2 3

Friday

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Visit www.pghpetconnections.com for more information.

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Komen Paws for Cure – see website for details Pet Therapy Training Classes every Monday Blessing of the Pets – see website for details – see website for details

13 Until Tuesday Book Talk/Signing – see page 12

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9

10

11

15

16

17

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Victoria Stillwell – see page 21

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Pet Therapy Training Classes every Monday MGA Pooch Parade – see website for details – see website for details

October 2013

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19 Barktoberfest – see inside front cover

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Pet Therapy Training Classes every Monday – see website for details

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– see website for details Dogtoberfest – see website for details Howl-A-Ween – see website for details Pugtoberfest – see page 7

Pet Therapy Training Classes every Monday – see website for details

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Saturday 5 Kopy Kat Benefit

26 One Spooky Saturday – see page 6

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30

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The Truth Behind Pet Food Myths – see website for details

www.pghpetconnections.com

Nov 1

Nov 2

Pet Expo Weekend Nov 1-3 – see pages 17-20 Friday Night FREE Admission!

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ANIMAL HEALTH WELLNESS The Enigmatic Role of the Veterinary Internist elative to other veterinary specialties, considerable confusion exists – sometimes even within the veterinary community itself – regarding the role of a specialist in veterinary internal medicine, a.k.a., a veterinary internist. Dr. Bagley eloquently introduced us to the role of a veterinary ophthalmologist in the January, 2013, issue. (Spoiler alert: they preserve and restore animals’ vision, but do not fit them for eyeglasses.) However, the role of a veterinary internist often seems more poorly-defined. After all, veterinary general practitioners (GPs) practice medicine, too. Adding to the confusion, many human internists work as GPs in family practice – a scenario that is far less common in veterinary medicine.

By A. Sherwood Johnson, DVM, DACVIM (Internal Medicine)

So what is a specialist in veterinary internal medicine, and what do they do? It is tempting to simply differentiate veterinary internists from GPs by defining their education … or by the diseases they treat … or by the diagnostic technology they utilize. Veterinary internists diagnose and treat a wide variety of diseases involving the internal organs (hence the name internist), including disorders of the urinary, gastrointestinal, hepatic, endocrine, pulmonary, and other systems. But this does little to differentiate internists from GPs, who also see a wide range of medical diseases - albeit on a less frequent basis. However, the real benefit a veterinary internist provides is the knowledge and experience that comes from seeing nothing but the most difficult, uncommon, or unresponsive illnesses on an everyday basis.

• First, the GP often is in the best position to assess whether a patient should be referred, as well as the most appropriate specialty to which it should be referred. (In a multi-specialty practice such as PVSEC, the latter is less of a concern, since numerous other specialists are available in one location for consultation regarding diseases that cross the line between various specialties.)

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A board-certified specialist in veterinary internal medicine has spent at least three additional years of training in a standardized, ACVIMapproved (American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine) residency training program, diagnosing and treating the most difficult cases under the mentorship of board-certified specialists, and has passed rigorous specialty board exams. This standardized training and testing guarantees a certain level of proficiency in diagnosing and treating such patients. By contrast, a GP’s comfort with such cases may vary with their clinical experience. As the first line of defense for veterinary concerns of all types, GPs need a more fundamental knowledge of a very broad spectrum of veterinary care … which, arguably, can be more challenging than being a specialist with extensive experience in just one field!

Perhaps what veterinary internists do not do is just as illustrating. Most specialists in veterinary internal medicine don’t practice preventative medicine, such as vaccinations, deworming, flea and tick control, or routine surgery such as neutering. In fact, veterinary surgeons like to joke that veterinary internists should not be allowed to handle sharp objects at all! This simply is not what they were trained to do. In fact, as a veterinary specialist, even I take my pets to a GP for routine preventative care! In addition, most veterinary internists prefer not to be located in the same facility as a general practice. The reason for this is simple: veterinary specialists want to be regarded correctly as a complimentary extension of referring general practices, rather than viewed as their competition.

Finally, a veterinary internist is not the same as a veterinary intern.

PVSEC has both, so we frequently have to clarify this point. The former is a board-certified specialist in veterinary internal medicine.

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Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center (PVSEC) The latter is generally a new graduate from veterinary school that is interested in pursuing an additional year of mentored clinical experience prior to pursuing employment as a GP or additional training in a residency program to become a board-certified specialist, themselves.

Most veterinary specialists require that patients be referred to them by a GP. The reasons for this are simple:

• Secondly, along with the owner and the veterinary specialist, the GP is a critical member of a pet’s veterinary care team. Specialists rely heavily on knowing every detail of a patient’s prior diagnostic and treatment history, which is vital to obtaining an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment in as rapid and cost-effective a manner as possible.

• Lastly, because the GP continues to provide routine veterinary care for the patient, it is crucial that bi-directional communication exist between the GP and specialist so that everyone is moving in the same direction with the singular goal of improving a pet’s care.

When seeing a specialist in veterinary internal medicine, pet owners often note that the recommended diagnostics and treatment can be expensive. Given the complexity of these cases, the need for 24-hour intensive care, and the advanced technology involved – such as ultrasound, endoscopy, MRI, and CT – this often can be the case.

However, it is important to recognize that veterinary internists are trained to identify the ideal comprehensive diagnostic and treatment plan for your pet in an attempt to obtain an optimal outcome. You would not accept anything less from your physician, nor should you from your veterinarian. As long as treatment is in the patient’s best interest, it should be the pet owners’ choice – not the veterinarian’s – whether their pet’s care needs to be limited by financial, philosophical, or other practical considerations.

Of course, we also recognize that not all owners can afford such care for their pets. Veterinary specialists are happy to discuss less costly options, their pros and cons, and other financial options through third parties such as Care Credit. In addition, most specialists accept pet insurance and encourage pet owners to investigate this option before their pets become ill, since preexisting conditions generally are not covered. It is professionally gratifying to be able to offer these tools to provide optimal care for patients whose owners could not otherwise afford it – a situation that veterinarians of all types struggle with on a daily basis. (After all, we went to veterinary school because we want to

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

October 2013

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ANIMAL HEALTH WELLNESS help animals, not to deal with financial issues.) In short, we recommend optimal medical care, as if our patients were our own pets, and then tailor these recommendations to balance the medical, financial, and philosophical needs of each individual patient and its owners.

Many pet owners also note that, in retrospect, earlier referral could have resulted in a more rapid diagnosis and treatment, saving both money and precious time. Whenever possible, veterinary internists focus on obtaining a diagnosis first, and subsequently develop a treatment plan based on that information, rather than pursue a trialand-error approach based on presumptive diagnoses. The result often is more diagnostic expenses, but lower overall cost because the appropriate treatment is identified more quickly and is more effective.

At minimum, referral should be pursued prior to waiting for all other options to fail, or for a beloved pet’s health to decline further. This is not ideal for your pet, and often limits our ability to treat successfully or in a cost-effective manner.

experience in the diagnosis and treatment of complicated medical diseases, and subsequently returns the patient to the GP for more routine concerns and preventative care that are best handled in that venue.

With any luck, your pet will never require referral to a board-certified veterinary internist. However, as a pet owner myself, it is comforting to know that Pittsburgh is blessed with access to a large number of veterinary specialists in a wide variety of fields that can function as part of your pet’s medical team if needed. If you think referral to a specialist in internal medicine might be in your pet’s best interest, you should discuss this option with your pet’s regular veterinarian.

Dr. Johnson is a board-certified specialist in small animal internal medicine, and is the founder of the internal medicine service at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center on Camp Horne Road in the North Hills. His wife is a veterinary general practitioner, so both are acutely aware of the role good communication between GP and specialist play in providing optimal patient care.

Thank you, and congratulations to PPC for its first year of serving the Pittsburgh pet community!

Hopefully, this helps clarify the role of a veterinary internist and what they can offer pets, their owners, and their referring veterinarian as a part of the medical team. Through partnership with referring general practices, a specialist in veterinary internal medicine expands the diagnostic capabilities and technologies a GP can offer their patients, serves as vital source of knowledge and

A. Sherwood Johnson, DVM Diplomate ACVIM (Internal Medicine) 807 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 Ph: (412) 366-3400 Fax: (412) 366-3489 www.pvs-ec.com

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 temperament • 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 aboutThe 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 October 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOR Puppy School Is Prevention!

By Tena Parker of Success Just Clicks Dog Training

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f I told you there was a way to help prevent your new puppy from having behavior problems like aggression, fearful responses to the world, barking and lunging at dogs or people when on leash, hatred of nail trims, and bad manners as an adult, would you

Above: Puppy socialization is not just about other dogs or people, but also new and potentially scary objects like a tunnel, which Loki (14 weeks old) learned was fun!

Instructors may bring in inflatable holiday decorations, novel items from the world (vacuum, balloons, walkers, wheelchairs, etc.), use tunnels and create obstacles to gain confidence on uneven footing, play CDs of various life sounds, and use tarps, gates, or bubble wrap for strange flooring. Instructors (and students) may wear wild hats, uniforms or costumes and they introduce a wide range of handling exercises. These exercises help create positive associations with necessary procedures like nail trimming and vet visits. These may seem silly, but socializing to the world and what the puppy will experience as an adult can prevent future behavior problems.

Unfortunately, not all puppy classes are created equal and not all puppy classes are good. Puppy school can either be a breeding ground for fear, bad habits, and bullying or it can be a place of learning good life skills and socialization skills. Doing your homework to find a positive puppy class is important.

Right: Wildman Loki learned a more mature way to interact with Valentina, an adult pit bull, who wouldn’t play until he stopped being a rude puppy. jump at the chance to do it? Most people would absolutely say yes! Who wouldn’t want to help try and prevent problem behaviors before they start?

Well, thankfully there is a way to help increase your odds of avoiding behavior problems in adulthood – puppy school!

Most people know about puppy school, but did you know that your new pooch can start class as early as 8 or 9 weeks old and should start sooner rather than later? Puppy brains are primed to accept new things and situations between the age of 4 weeks and 16 weeks old. After 16 weeks, there is a large decrease in the puppy’s natural sociability and willingness to easily accept new things and situations as safe. So, important socialization needs to happen early (this isn’t to say you can do remedial socialization with an adult dog). Your puppy should experience as many things as possible that you want him to be comfortable with as an adult, before he hits 16 weeks old.

Although some veterinarians suggest waiting until a puppy is fully vaccinated (which is often after the prime socialization period ends), the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior has published a very clear position statement on puppy socialization and in it they conclude that, “it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated.”

A good puppy school provides a place where a puppy can continue to socialize with other dogs and people with minimal risk of illness. The more puppies learn how to feel comfortable around and communicate with their own species, the more likely it will be for them to remain at least tolerant of other dogs as they mature. Puppy schools that have sound adult dogs visit class are a huge bonus – puppies also need to learn how to act around adults.

Another big benefit of puppy school is that it provides a new group of people of varying size, shape, race and age to interact with, which is very important for a developing puppy. Puppies should meet and have positive experiences with many types of people so they learn to accept all sorts of people as routine and normal.

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Although socializing with other puppies and people is seen as the main reason for puppy school, it isn’t the only reason. There are many other aspects of training and socialization that puppy school should be addressing.

Puppies should enjoy learning foundation skills like name recognition, sit, target, trading items, and impulse control. As with all training, puppy school should focus on teaching puppies by using treats, toys, or play to reward behavior. The best puppy classes will attend to these training needs while expanding the realm of socialization.

Asking to observe a class before signing up can give you a feel for the class and the training instructor before committing, which can help you make a good choice in puppy school. Here are some things to look for or to avoid in a puppy class.

PUPPY CLASS GREEN LIGHTS • New novel objects presented each week for puppies to explore instead of a blank space where puppies get involved in high arousal and often inappropriate play.

• Off-leash sessions are short and well moderated – pauses and breaks in the play, and timeouts for over arousal. Bonus if there are stable adult dogs teaching puppies mature behavior.

• If the class is large, puppies are grouped by play style/confidence level during off-leash time to allow shy dogs to gain confidence.

• Positive reinforcement training techniques (treats, toys, play) are used to teach new skills.

• Emphasis is on overall socialization to people, dogs (of all ages not just puppies), objects, flooring, sounds, handling, etc.

PUPPY CLASS RED LIGHTS • Off-leash session is chaotic with little moderation from the instructor.

• Puppies practicing inappropriate play or bullying are allowed to continue to bully.

• Puppies wearing any type of correction collar (choke, prong, or shock collars) or being pulled/pushed into positions during training.

• Trainer promotes dominance, the use of alpha roles, corrections, or force in training puppies.

• No modifications made for shy puppies to help build confidence.

It’s important to remember that it is absolutely okay to remove yourself and your puppy from a class that makes you feel uncomfortable or encourages you do things to your puppy that makes you feel uncomfortable. Be your puppy’s advocate!

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

October 2013

6 years running!

BELACOOP ANIMAL HOSPITAL OF NORTH PARK’S FALL FESTIVAL Bring the whole family (including your dog(s) with updated vaccines) out to BCAH to join in the family fun of celebrating Fall & Halloween!

Join us at BCAH's 1st Annual Fall Festival

See you there!

Where: 2232 West Hardies Rd. When: Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013 Time: 11AM to 4PM $15.00 per family – All proceedings will go to our donation fund, Two Angels!

• Doggie Halloween Costume • Contest -Best Owner & Pet Costume Contest!

• Games – Pumpkin Painting With Your Pet – Bobbing for Bones – Picture Photo Cut Outs With Your Pet! • BelaCoop Staff Chili Cook Off – Corn Bread – Nachos – Apple Sundaes – Kettle Corn – Hot Cider & Hot Cocoa!

• Receive a free Thank You bag with lots of Goodies including a free dose of Frontline Plus!

• Local Vendors & Microchip Clinic!

724-939-7062 |

www.belacoopanimalhospital.com

2232 West Hardies Road | Gibsonia, PA 15044 October 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

www

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HOLISTIC CARE The word natural can be defined as something relating to or derived from nature. This word is often thought of as the opposite of “synthetic.” Something is synthetic if it has been removed from nature and chemically manipulated by man. So we consider grain which is grown in Mother Nature’s soil to be natural while plastic is synthetic. Of course, who eats corn on the cob without first cooking it or subjecting it to some other, more extreme processing? Since we’ve changed the corn from its natural state, is it still

by Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH natural? And what of plastic? It is made from petroleum products which come from dead dinosaurs. What could be more natural than that?

When acupuncture needles are placed in specific spots on the body, they send signals to the brain to release innate healing chemicals.

So there seems to be a spectrum of naturalness. While we would all Because natural therapies such as these work with the body, we see agree that an ear of corn is natural and a plastic cup is synthetic, where fewer side effects and more robust wellness than is seen with conventional do we draw the line between the two? Is corn always natural no matter veterinary care. So natural is good, right? how it has been processed? The naturalness of corn ranges from an ear of corn, to ground corn, to corn flakes, to high fructose corn syrup, to It does seem that the farther we stray away from Mother Nature, the “corn plastic” used in biodegradable packaging. I would suggest that more trouble we get ourselves and our pets into. For example, the somewhere in that progression, the corn has ceased to be natural. unnaturally sedentary lifestyle of Americans not only negatively affects their health, it also leads to canine obesity and behavior problems.

The same thing can be said for natural pet foods. Sure, grain, potatoes, Feeding cats dry food goes against their nature to eat high-moisture, or any source of starch could be considered as natural ingredients. They low-carb prey animals and contributes may even be organic. But, after the high-heat processing and extrusion, to obesity, diabetes, urinary their naturalness has been corrupted. Even more importantly, it is crystals, and kidney disease. extremely unnatural for dogs or cats to eat large amounts of starch in Yes, natural is better. any form. As far as I’m concerned, calling any processed kibble “natural” is extremely misleading.

Unfortunately the word “natural,” especially The natural ingredients in natural pet foods often include natural when applied to all flavors. Chemicals used as natural flavors are derived from more natural things related to sources than are artificial flavors. However, the processing of the raw pet diet and health, materials into the flavor chemicals results in unnatural end products has become a bit that resemble MSG in character. If the natural flavors are so natural of a buzzword. why doesn’t the label just come right out and say exactly what they We have natural are? In my view, natural flavors are not natural at all. pet foods with natural ingredients Some natural pet foods are proud that there are no preservatives in like natural flavors. their ingredient lists. Unfortunately, that can be another deceptive ploy.

There are also natural If a pet food manufacturer buys a raw material like fat, and then adds supplements, natural a preservative like ethoxyquin, then ethoxyquin must be listed as an shampoos and even ingredient. On the other hand, if the company buys fat that is already natural pet magazines. preserved with ethoxyquin, then the ingredient list does not need to It leads one to wonder include that chemical. Just one more way that even the ingredient lists what it really means to on pet food labels can be misleading. be natural.

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olistic therapies are said to be natural because they work with the body’s natural mechanisms. For example, chiropractic adjustments gently realign the spine so the animal’s nervous and musculoskeletal systems can return to normal function. Herbs can modulate organ and tissue metabolism back to their healthy state.

What’s so Natural about “Natural”?

Pet foods are usually not as natural as the packaging would have us believe. Processed kibble and canned foods are certainly not what pets evolved eating and are by their very nature unnatural. I think that balanced, raw pet foods are the best choice when feeding pets and that natural, holistic medical care and lifestyle are ideal.

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

October 2013

HOLISTIC CARE When selecting a practitioner to perform “chiropractic” on your animal, please ask for their education and credentials. Animal chiropractic is not taught in any regular chiropractic or veterinary school currently – it is a post-graduate course. Please be cautious if selecting a practitioner who took a weekend seminar and who is not certified through the AVCA. Please visit www.avcadoctors.com to learn about education and certification and to find a certified doctor in your area. This site identifies those professionals who have met high, specific standards of knowledge and experience.

Dr. Dina LiVolsi is dedicated to helping you achieve your pet’s wellness objective. By combining skill and expertise that spans the entire chiropractic spectrum, Dr. LiVolsi is committed to bringing your pet better health and increased quality of life.

Dr. Dina LiVolsi Animals and their owners Certified Animal Chiropractor who seek treatment from WHY ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC? Dr. LiVolsi can be assured • Neck, back, leg pain of receiving only the finest • Injuries from slips, falls, accidents, sports quality care. Working • Muscle spasms successfully with animals • Post-surgical care since 1998, Dr. LiVolsi is a • Maintenance of joints and spinal health care highly regarded practitioner • Older pets needing comfort care in this wellness field.

“Dr. Dina” is Allegheny HOW DO I KNOW IF MY PET NEEDS County’s first and only TREATMENT FROM DR. LIVOLSI? A m e r i c a n Ve t e r i n a r y • Lameness, trouble getting up, jumping, stairs Chiropractic Association • Mood or behavioral changes (AVCA) certified animal • Chronic health problems that are not c h i ro p ra c t o r. T h i s i s responding important as the AVCA is the only nationally recognized certification body in the country for animal chiropractors.

Dr. Dina served on the AVCA’s Practice Standards Committee and helped to write and then administer the AVCA’s first national board, and has been an examiner on subsequent exams. Dr. Dina has also been a licensed chiropractor for humans since 1991.

Dr. Dina is a leader in the legitimate field of animal chiropractic, both locally and nationally. She developed and has subsequently taught her own technique “ENERGYWORKS CHIROPRACTIC” to other certified veterinarians and chiropractors across the country for professional continuing education hours as well as the “INTENSE REVIEW PLUS” and “DOGS, DOGS, DOGS!” seminars. All of these seminars have been approved by the AVCA for re-certification hours necessary for doctors to keep their standing within the Association and the profession. Several years ago, she also was primarily responsible for creating and teaching the successful “INTRODUCTION TO COMPLEMENTARY CARE FOR THE VETERINARIAN” seminars.

Dr. Dina traveled regularly to Cairo, Egypt, where she adjusted high-level competition horses (and yes, often their owners as well).

The experience greatly enhanced her understanding and continuing appreciation for animal owners and lovers.

A nationally recognized lecturer in the field of animal chiropractic, she has presented her own discoveries at the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, the Midwest Veterinary Conference and has been a keynote speaker several times at the annual American Veterinary Chiropractic Association’s annual conference. The well-received “Canine Massage for Your Dog” classes are always a sell-out! “I wanted to give owners something that they could do at home with their dog.

This time is bonding, healing and rewarding for both dog and owner,” said Dr. LiVolsi.

October 2013

In Pennsylvania, chiropractors who work with animals fall under the jurisdiction of the Pennsylvania Board of Veterinary Medicine. The board states that a chiropractor must have a veterinary referral from a vet who is on site and work under supervision. Dr. LiVolsi works exclusively at Point 2 for Healthy Pets, Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic’s well-patient office located at 415 Gettysburg Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15206.

Dr. LiVolsi speaks regularly to local clubs – contact her today to check availability to have her speak at your group’s next meeting or event! Come visit her at the upcoming PetExpo!

Visit www.drdinalivolsi.com for further information and to contact Dr. LiVolsi directly.

Dr. Dina LiVolsi, Doctor of Chiropractic Gentle chiropractic care for your dogs and cats under veterinary referral and supervision.

Certified by the AVCA since 1998.

Allegheny County's first and only AVCA certified animal chiropractor!

th at the Visit our boo t Expo!

Pittsburgh Pe Point 2 For Healthy Pets The Pet Wellness Office for Point Breeze Veterinary Clinic 415 Gettysburg Street, Pittsburgh PA 15206

Contact Dr. LiVolsi on her direct line at 412-824-6276 www.drdinalivolsi.com

www.pghpetconnections.com

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Don’t give up yet, call DrChiroVet! 2.5 WEEKS UNABLE TO PUT WEIGHT ON HIND LEG! Mr. Coop is a 7.5-year-old boxer. He came to me in mid July 2013 with a history of right hind leg problems. He would lift the leg, he was tentative on the leg. At one point and for a good while he would not even put pressure on the leg but just hold it up in the air. He was, “on threes.” Because of this he had trouble playing and running, which he totally loves to do. The condition was even affecting basic walks. Mom was bummed.

We got our first results just after one visit, he “slept better all week, and there was less limping”, but his quality of life was still sub par. After two visits he was 50% improved, he was able to run uphill and had much more energy, but came up limping significantly after any increased activity. By visit three he had “No limping at all!”

As of yesterday’s visit, a one month follow up, he continued to have no limp after a full month’s worth of running and playing like a maniac. Mr. Coop is now back to Mr. Cool! And that’s a fact Jack!

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

FALLS, MISSES STEPS, LIMPS, LOW ENERGY… Meet Kaylee! She is 14! She doesn’t look 14 though does she? She did when I first started seeing her about two months ago. Mom’s initial worries were that Kaylee was limping on her left front leg, noticed more when she was getting up. She also fell a lot and was missing steps. She had been gradually slowing down for a year. Well she is 14, right? That is just old age. What can you do about that?

On our last visit Mom reported she is more active, more alive, she now runs and plays, and does flying leaps onto the couch…sure she misses sometimes, but she is able to get back up and try again! She had not done any of these things in a long while. Basically she was living to die… now she is vital and full of life. Fourteen, Schmorteen! Restoring vitality one life at a time.

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Over 13 years experience

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

October 2013

October 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

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ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE Friday 11/1 Animal Arena 5:00p-9:00p . . .Grooming Competition 5:30p-6:00p . . .Janet Jackson Animal Reiki/ Animal Communication 6:00p-6:30p . . .Classic K9 Show 6:30p-7:00p . . .Mr. O’s 7:00p-8:00p . . .Wildlife Defenders 8:00p-8:30p . . .Classic K9 Show

Saturday 11/2 Animal Arena 10:00a-5:00p . .Grooming Competition 10:15a-11:00a .Wildlife Defenders 11:00a-11:30a .Classic K9 Show 11:30-Noon . . .Mr. O’s Noon-12:30p . .Belle the Therapy Dog 12:30p-1:00p . .Dr. Dina Livolsi 1:00p-1:30p . . .Classic K9 Show 1:30p-2:15p . . .Baby Ready Pets 2:15p-3:00p . . .Wildlife Defenders 3:00p-3:30p . . .Classic K9 Show 3:30p-4:00p . . .Dr. Dina Livolsi 4:00p-5:00p . . .Baby Ready Pets 5:00p-5:30p . . .Classic K9 Show 5:30p-6:00p . . .Mr. O’s 6:00p-7:00p . . .Wildlife Defenders 7:00p-7:30p . . .Classic K9 Show Dock Dogs 11:00a-8:00p . .Big Air Qualifying Rounds

Sunday 11/3 Animal Arena 10:00a-5:00p . .Grooming Competition 10:15a-11:00a .Wildlife Defenders 11:00a-11:30a .Classic K9 Show 11:30p-Noon . .Mr. O’s Noon-12:30 . . .Belle the Therapy Dog 1:00p-1:30p . . .Classic K9 Show 1:30p-2:30p . . .Wildlife Defenders 2:30p-3:00p . . .Mr. O’s 3:00p-3:30p . . .Classic K9 Show 3:30p-5:00p . . .Grooming Grand Parade Dock Dogs 11:00a-4:00p . .Big Air Qualifying Rounds subject to change

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EXPO SPONSORS as of 9/20/13 2 Krew Systems 3D Photo Crystals by Looxis of Virginia 6 David Company/Nice Doggies & Pretty Kittys A Place for Paws Aivilas Pet Products Andis Company Angel Ridge Animal Rescue Animal Advocates Animal Care & Welfare Animal Elegence Animal Friends Animal Rescue League Anne’s Pet Products Annie’s Pooch Pop Answers Pet Food Arabian Rescue Mission Arks-N-Barks AVETS Bada Bing Pet Products Banfield Pet Hospital Bath Planet of Western PA Beaver County Humane Society BelaCoop Animal Hospital Beyond Body Pads Biggies Bullies Bio Groom Blue Buffalo BobbieGlue, Inc. Boulder Designs Bully Max Supplement’s Butler County Humane Society Camp Bow Wow Canada Pooch Cat Around Town Cat in the Bag Cat toys by Gallileo Cedar Creek Pet Century Insurance/VPI Champion Windows Chiara Fotographic Chrome Bones Clara’s Collars Coats n Totes Cold Nose Bakery Color Me Mine Contain a Pet of Western PA Creative Stitches by Dina Culligan Water Custom Dog Jackets by Jill Lee Custom Quality Pet Furniture Danne’s Gifts Dazzles Story Lockets Direct Buy Dog Italia DogPoopBags.com Dogs on Deployment Dozen Bake Shop Dr. Chiro Vet - Holistic Care for All Animals Large and Small

Dr. Dina Livolsi – Animal Chiropractor Duncan Homemade Dog Treats EarthBath Edward Jones Eternity Pet Memorial Everdry Waterproofing FlipFlop® Dogs, LLC Florida’s Best Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue Free Pet Rx Discount Card Giant Eagle Gift Cards Going Home Greyhounds Gold Key Resorts Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club Grandma Bowser’s Inc. Greater Pittsburgh Joint and Muscle Center Green Mountain Energy Greenfield Grooming Salon Greys Landing Greyhound Placement Groomer’s Helper Gutter Helmet Gutwein K-9 Healthy Pet Products Hello Bully In Care of Cats International Judges Association (IJA) for Pet Grooming Invisible Fence It Works!

J&D Waterproofing Klein Cutlery KRITTERKOOKS Kuranda Dog Beds LADS Pet Supplies/Carna4 Handcrafted Dog Food Larry’s Laundromutt Leaf Filter Leashlocket Legacy Remodeling Lifesavers Animal Rescue Mary Kay Merrick Pet Care Mid-Atlantic Waterproofing Midwest Beagle Rescue, Education and Welfare Mr. O’s – The Dog Training Place My Canine Kids / Binki + Boo MyDogPaws Nagrobek Memorials Nash Academy National Association of Professional Creative Groomers (NAPCG) Naturally Tearfree Canine L.L.C. Oak Crest Pet Crematory P&C Replacement Window Pampered Paws-N-Claws

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

Patnic Construction Paw Prints Photography Pawrate Treasures Paws Here Awhile Paws-itively Purr-fect Pet Care Pawsitively Purrfect Mobile Pet Spa and Sitting Peak Performance Chiropractic and Medical Center Pet Bakery of Oakmont Pet Land- Monroeville Pet PDC Pet Search Pittsburgh Petconnections, LLC. Pittsburgh Post Gazette Professor Amos Products Puplight Puppy Paws Purr-Fect Paws Kitty Adoptions PVSEC QuickSwitch Collars Renewal by Andersen Ringers Pet Dog Training Rollier’s Hardware Ryan’s Pet Supplies Satelitte Connections Savvy Pet Shop LLC Schmoopsie Couture Scrappy’s Closet Seacay Enterprises Seven Fields Veterinary Clinic Simply Sweet Shoppe Sit Means Sit Steel City Pet Sitters LLC Still Dreaming Sundance Vacations Sure fit Tearose Photo That Guy with the Birds The Cork Factory & Lot 24 The Dog Stop Travel Resorts of America Trib Total Media Upper Cervivcal Chiropractic Vacation Village Resorts Veronica’s Doggie Delights Vibrant Pets Wahl Washington Area Humane Society Wexford Farms Pet Food LLC Whisker Biscuits Wildlife Defenders Woofer’s Delight Zelda’s Song L.L.C.

October 2013

Rescue me, take me in your arms, Rescue me, I got paws not arms Rescue me, take me home, Rescue me, I don’t want to be alone

NASH AND IJA HOST GROOMING COMPETITION FOR RESCUED DOGS Nash Academy and the International Judges Association of Dog Groomers (IJA) will host The Rescue Rodeo Round UP competitions at the 7th Annual Pittsburgh Pet Expo to help find homes for rescue dogs through a series of 6 grooming competitions. NASH and IJA are proud to partner with the National Association of Professional Creative Groomers (NAPCG) to offer 3 creative styling competitions as well. NAPCG does much work to which educate and promote safe coat coloring and decorative coat art applications on man’s best friend.

THE NASH ACADEMY

At the Pittsburgh Pet Expo, IJA will judge six Rescue Rodeo Competitions from thirteen rescue groups including dogs of all sizes, breeds and coat types because “big or small; NASH loves them all”. IJA will also judge the three Creative Competitions..

Nash Academy is an international, innovative and creative training academy for animal arts founded in 1979. The academy’s international reputation and success is built on a genuine love and compassion for animals; treating dogs like members of the family. Since 1979, the academy prides itself on continuing to provide its students with the most up to date and professional cat, dog and horse grooming training that the pet industry has to offer.

In the United States and around the world Nash Academy proudly provides its graduates, internationally, a state of the art facility for training, online and onsite practical training, and qualified and certified instruction, all of which is delivered with the compassion and safety of the animals as a priority.

Training in cat, dog, and horse grooming is available through online and onsite education courses.

Graduates experience success at the highest levels through contact with celebrity groomers, competition grooming, salon owners, mobile groomers and international judges.

Visit www.nashacademy.com to learn more about the Nash Academy.

THE COMPETITIONS:

THE INTERNATIONAL JUDGES ASSOCIATION

6 RESCUE RODEO COMPETITIONS 3 THEMED for the love of dogs and getting them a home • Every Dog Has its Day, Is this my Day? • Rescue Me, I Want to Be in Your Arms • Dog Gone it, I Want a New Home 3 THEMED for the love of dogs – Short and Sassy Mini Mutt Makeovers (smooth coat dogs) • Dirty to Flirty in 30 minutes • Sexy and Shiny in 60 minutes • Neat and Nifty in 90 minutes 3 CREATIVE COMPETITIONS • Creative Coloring and Decorating Creations, • Salon Creative Coloring, Decorating and Styling • Extreme Sensational Creative Creations Nash Academy and IJA are both family owned and operated and treat their students, competitors and dogs like family. They try to always engage the audience and pet families, so this Pet Expo will be no exception.

• The competitions are also designed to be fun and exciting for pet families creating judging systems to allow pet lovers to become a part of the voting process awarding the Fan Favorite Award.

• Runway award ceremonies will feature competition dogs, judges, competitors and the pet owners. EX: The Mutt Strut – Dogs take to the Cat Walk • Special annual awards to be introduced such as the John Nash Memorial Scholarship Award – an opportunity for one pet lover to “Be All They Can Be, At Nash Academy” with a FREE enrollment into the Traditional Program for Dog Grooming at Nash Academy.

The winner to be announced at the EXPO, valued at $7950.

Visit us at Nash Academy for details on how to enter. www.nashacademy.com/Web/na.nsf/page/John_Nash_Memorial_ Scholarships.

October 2013

The founders of IJA, Vivian and the late John Nash, being pet lovers coupled with a genuine passion for the art of grooming, believe that equal opportunities and fairness must always exist for all competitors in the ring.

IJA is very proud of its mission to “Standardize and promote fair and equitable placement of contestants in professional dog grooming competitions, agreed upon and accepted by a panel of three or more IJA judges.”

IJA’s founders are also the proud owners of the Nash Academy of Animal Arts. They designed the IJA System to create an excellent educational environment at all IJA Sanctioned Competitions. The system is designed to train new and existing show promoters, judges and competitors using the same policies and procedures to establish and maintain a standard in the art of judging grooming competitions worldwide.

John and Vivian Nash proudly adapted the Nash Academy philosophy “Be All You Can Be, At Nash Academy” to the IJA system, expanding it from not just students, but to show promoters and judges as well. All competitions are scored on: • Technical ability • Expression/profile • Degree of difficulty The professional objectives of Nash and IJA can be summed up: • Love of dogs/treat them like family • Fairness/equal opportunity for all competitors • Compassion for the dogs as well as the art • Fun events for everyone • Education – ongoing and up to date for all • Proven expertise and skills in the industry pet lovers These objectives are supported by the NAPCG; making Nash, IJA and NAPCG the “Terrific Trio” for these competitions.

NAPCG - The National Association of Professional Creative Groomers was founded in 2009 to provide groomers with the necessary information to understand and effectively utilize creative grooming techniques in the salon as well as the competition ring without compromising the comfort or safety of the animal involved. The association is always hosting educational webinars making it easy for pet lovers and professionals everywhere to stay informed. The 6 creative awards for each of the 3 creative competitions are tailored to a love of dogs and pet safe products are always used to help eliminate the stigma that some people have about creative dog styling.

NACPG prides itself on educating the public on the “safety of creative grooming”! Proving that when done right by professionals with the right products, “Color won’t hurt, but help them flirt in the park”. http://thenapcg.com.

www.pghpetconnections.com

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ŠPittsburgh PetConnections

October 2013

Please support our Advertisers who make this publication possible.

Tell them you saw them in PetConnections!

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ADVERTISER LOCATOR 1 Healthy Pet Products (see ad pg 25) 2 Woody’s Do-It-Yourself Dogwash (see pg 23) 3 Urban Dog Daycare & Day Spa (see ad pg 26) 4 Animal Rescue League (see ad pg 6) 5 Oddball Pets & Aquariums (see ad pg 2) 6 SW Pugs w/Special Needs (see ad pg 7) 7 Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation (see ad pg 36) 8 Beaver Animal Clinic (see ad inside back cover) 9 Grandma’s Dog Daycare (see ad pg 29) 9 Double Wide Grill (see ad pg 5) 10 The English Horn Ltd (see ad pg 33) 11 Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty &

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VISIT OUR ADVERTISERS INDICATED IN RED AT THE PET EXPO!

Emergency Center (see ad back cover)

12 Fur Ever Green Dog Spa (see pg 23) 13 Back To Basics (see ad pg 30) 14 Ringer’s Pet Dog Training (see pg 23) 15 Vibrant Images (see ad pg 4) 16 Rockin’ Horse Stables (see ad pg 35) 17 BelaCoop Animal Hospital (see ad page 11) 18 The Gateway at Summerset (see ad pg 11) 19 Grooming With Care (see pg 23) 21 Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming (see ad pg 29) 22 Westminster’s Pet Ministry (see ad pg 12) 23 Pittsburgh Pet Expo (see ad pg 1) 24 5th Avenue Fido (see ad pg 26) 25 Dr. Dina LiVolsi (see ad pg 15) 26 Western PA Humane Society (see ad pg 27) 26 Nagrobek Memorials (see ad pg 36) 27 Golden Triangle Obedience Club (see ad pg 29) 28 Victoria Stilwell Lecture (see ad pg 21)

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ADVERTISERS All Natural Hoof Care (see ad pg 33) American Veterinary Charitable Fund (see ad pg 28) Angel Ridge Animal Rescue (see ad on inside front cover) Answers Pet Food (see ad pg 16) Camp Bow Wow (see ad pg 11) Chris’s Canine Club (see pg 23) Coventry Equestrian Center (see ad pg 35) Howl-A-Ween (see ad pg 29) Fancy Creations (see ad pg 5) Gentle Journey (see ad pg 36) HAAWC (see ad pg 29) Holistic Care for Animals (see ad pg 16)

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

Judith Levy (see ad pg 31) J & D Home Improvements (see ad on inside front cover) KS Jones Photography (see ad pg 35) Molly’s Canine Academy (see pg 23) Nicole Begley Photography (see pg 23) Paws Here Awhile (see ad pg 26) Portraits of Animals (see ad pg 24) The Rogan Rexford Blood Bank (see ad pg 9) Success just Clicks (see pg 23) VCA Animal Hospital (see ad pg 20) The Working Paper Horse (see ad pg 33) Zelda’s Song (see ad pg 13) October 2013

Ringer’s Pet Dog Training Don’t Blame ’Em – Train ’Em! • Puppy Etiquette • Indoor/Outdoor Daycare • Basic Manners • Canine Nosework • Cage-free Boarding • Dog and Cat foods • CGC/TDI

405 E. 6th Ave., Tarentum, PA 15084

724-226-4822 www.ringerspetdogtraining.com

Do-It-Yourself Dog Bathing No mess to clean!

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With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior service.

Dog Wash, Pet Boutique & Healthy Pet Supplies

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now available by appointment!

Near South Bark! 5843 Brownsville Road

412-714-4644 www.woodysdogbath.com

“Taking steps to improve your pet’s well-being” gs “Walking the do of Washington County” Dog walking, with extended services of pet transport to vet and groomer, and occasional pet-sitting for established clients. Insured and bonded, and trained in pet CPR and first aid. Call to reserve your spot!

MOLLY’S CANINE ACADEMY We Make Bad Dogs Good and Good Dogs Better

In Home Dog Training • Established in 1991

(724) 914-3214 October 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

dogtrainingpittsburgh.com E-mail: shanda1@earthlink.net

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CAT CORNER I

The Invisible Cat

n mid-September Faith Bjalobok, PhD, with her graduate philosophy class at Duquesne University, “The Philosophy of Animals”, convened a seminar entitled “The Invisible Cat” to discuss the plight and treatment of cats who live in our midst but without human caretakers in a formal human-animal bond relationship. The seminar was the kick-off event of Pennsylvania’s Sixth Annual “Week for Animals”.

Speakers represented most of the organizations advocating specifically for affordable spay and neuter services for cats in the Pittsburgh area as one huge step toward reducing the populations of cats who live on the street. Ms. Bjalobok was a speaker on behalf of the Fluffyjean Fund for Felines, a Washington County low/ no-cost feline spay/neuter program of which she is the founder. Other speakers included Carol Whaley, coordinator of Animal Friends’ low-cost spay and neuter program; Michelle Bruce of Fix Ur Cat, the not-for-profit Washington County low-cost feline spay/neuter program; Becky Morrow, DVM, founder of Frankie’s Friends cat rescue and president of the Homeless Cat Management Team (HCMT), Allegheny County’s program providing high-quality low-cost sterilization; and Risé Chontos of In Care of Cats, the sanctuary in Elizabeth, PA for cats positive for FeLV. The cats discussed are referred to as strays or ferals, homeless cats or community cats, even as vermin to be eradicated, but in one way or another, they’ve come to live outside of human habitation without a human caretaker.

Shelters all over the country, and the world, struggle with the issue of pet overpopulation each day, especially with the millions of unintended kittens born each year. Unfortunately, many cats lose their lives in the struggle both in and outside of shelters and also suffer abandonment, abuse, starvation and injury while trying to live on the streets. How can a compassionate human kill, maim, neglect or starve another living creature? One way is to depersonalize it, take away its identity and turn it into a nameless, faceless object, and thereby make it invisible to the rights and privileges of society.

Abandoned and homeless cats are largely invisible in this way.Though they are the same species as the ones who sleep on our heads they are not seen as such, treated as such or legislated as such by most individuals and communities.

Most of the cats you see on the street are not “feral” as they are so often categorized, as if they are a different breed or even species of cat, somehow less deserving of humane treatment than a cat who has a responsible owner. Most cats who’ve spent even a short amount of time on the street become wary and defensive and stay that way until they feel safe again, even when a human tries to rescue them from their situation. Given a few days, weeks, even months, in gentle understanding hands, though, the hard shell they’ve developed will wear away and the housecat emerges once again.

And kittens born outside of human contact, even to a mother cat generations removed from human contact, if rescued young enough and handled by people, are immediately like any other cute, playful and friendly kittens we know. The “feral” isn’t “born into them”, it’s something created by their conditions, but their nature before “nurture” at a crucial time is truly always that of a domestic cat. And “feral” cats themselves, raised to adulthood without human contact, often learn to live with humans and even become affectionate and relaxed.

But how do those cats come to live outdoors, and should they be treated differently by law and by society?

In nearly all cases where cats are found on the street, they are there through the actions of humans – young cats found to be pregnant or with kittens taken off to some place they hopefully won’t return from, she and her kittens continuing to breed, or a cat who isn’t wanted put outside and simply not let back in. And though most people don’t seem to realize it, Pennsylvania humane statues are pretty clear on the point that the persons who do this have broken

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by Bernadette E. Kazmarski

the law. From Section 5511 what a human is responsible for in relation to the animal they have taken into their care: A person commits an offense if he wantonly or cruelly illtreats, overloads, beats, otherwise abuses any animal, or neglects any animal as to which he has a duty of care, whether belonging to himself or otherwise, or abandons any animal, or deprives any animal of necessary sustenance, drink, shelter or veterinary care, or access to clean and sanitary shelter which will protect the animal against inclement weather and preserve the animal’s body heat and keep it dry.

Those people who are abandoning these cats are indeed breaking the law and should be punished for it, but the laws are not enforced and in fact very few people even know they exist.

But instead of enforcing laws we already have to resolve the issue, communities all over the country are making new statutes to prevent the feeding of outdoor cats, to disband or defund TNR programs, even to trap and kill as many outdoor cats as possible to “get rid of the problem”, ostensibly for “public health and safety”.

Removing or killing cats does not solve the problem because it does not reduce the number of cats living outdoors – people continue abandoning cats because the laws we have to stop them are not enforced. It’s an irresponsible person who starts this chain of events, who adopted that cat then intentionally abandoned that cat, and yet cats are made to suffer for this as if they are the ones who had broken the law – and all cats suffer for it.

Risé Chontos of In Care of Cats reminded us that, “We domesticated dogs and cats first, we took them out of the woods and made them dependent on us, and now we have failed them.”

Becky Morrow, DVM, of Frankies’ Friends and the HCMT remarked that though spay/neuter clinics had always before been focused on only cats living on the streets to keep them from reproducing, they are now expanding their mission to include all cats so that providing low-cost spay and neuter will help to reduce the numbers of cats who end up on the streets. “Now we target any cat in the community that is not spayed,” she said. And no matter the status of the cat, whether a pet or unowned or living in a managed colony outdoors, “We do whatever it takes to make life better for the kitty.” And at every clinic, all kittens and as many friendly cats as possible are not returned to the streets but are pulled from the ranks and put in foster homes, and found permanent homes.

All speakers and those attending agreed that spaying and neutering cats is key to reducing populations on the streets and in shelters, and that the cost of spay or neuter is often not affordable by people who are otherwise loving and compassionate cat owners. Aggressively spreading the word about low-cost spay and neuter programs is key to reducing populations on the streets and in shelters, and thereby elevating all cats from the status of “invisible”.

Each of the organizations listed under the speakers and each of Pittsburgh’s shelters has a low-cost spay and neuter clinic. Please look them up and spread the word.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

October 2013

Toni and Meg

Beware of Blogs E

very year, around $45 billion dollars is spent on dog and cat food. This big business leads to big efforts to corner a share of that market using anything from competitive ad campaigns to dogged sales reps. Pet food companies are trying everything to gain sales and retain customers, even if that means dabbling in deception.

Most pet parents take to the internet looking for advice on what to feed their pets. Pet food review sites have largely remained impartial in their rating, which has proved a thorn in the side of the pet food giants. Independent websites consistently rate them poorly.

VISIT OUR BOOTH AT THE PET EXPO!

This, unfortunately, means most reviews online are questionable. From message boards to social media sites, people are being paid to act like satisfied customers regardless of whether or not they actually use the food they’re promoting. The only way to get Companies that haven’t signed the Pledge to around this is to do your own research.

Quality and Origin can still make fantastic food. Check their website, contact their customer service departments, and dig into the company as much as you can. If the source of the ingredients isn’t on the website, a customer service rep should be able to get you the information. Good companies are usually happy to help, as they have nothing to hide.

When looking for the perfect food for your pet, bypass the pet food deception. Do your own research, and focus on what matters: quality.

Pet food companies responded by hiring armies of reviewers, bloggers, and promoters to make their products sound more favorable on the internet. Here are two job descriptions posted recently: “Nutrish is looking for 10 dog bloggers to help promote a Pinterest contest where one winner will win a year’s supply of dog food!”

“Diamond Naturals Grain Free is looking for 15 Dog Bloggers to work with and share information about Grain Free dog food. You do not need to feed Diamond Naturals Grain Free dog food, or any kind of Grain Free dog food to participate.”

Ingredients and where those ingredients come from are the only true indication of the quality of the food. Ingredient lists are required by law, but the sources of the ingredients can be a difficult thing to track down. Good companies know where they source from, and make this information accessible to consumers.

If you don’t have the time to do your own research we have already done it for you.

Stop in, we will gladly help you.

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

One easy place to start your research is Susan Thixton’s Pledge to Quality and Origin.

This pledge is a simple list of ingredients, their grade, and the country of origin, signed off by the CEO or President of the company.

It's a huge undertaking, but an important one in ensuring transparency and quality in an ever changing industry. You can also Specializing check www.dogfoodadvisor.com or in Raw www.petfoodratings.org.

Feeding!

www.healthypetproducts.net

(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

Doggie Daycare at

gets you a tired dog at home!

• Dog Boarding • Day Care • Training • Grooming

724-772-5511

www.5thavenuefido.com | fido@5thavenuefido.com 20634 Rte 19 in Cranberry Township

PAWS HERE AWHILE

Did you know

State-of-the-art facility • Themed vacation dog & cat rooms TV • Stereo • Patios • Air/Heated

that your business (including non-pet related) can sponsor an ad for a non-profit Rescue group?

We offer your dog the most comprehensive enrichment program while boarding with us. Our knowledgeable staff will provide activities and exercise that matches your dog’s drive.

Call us at 724-503-8695 to find out how you can support your favorite local ANIMAL charity!

PROFESSIONAL PET GROOMING Day and Evening Appointments

724-573-4665

www.pawshereawhile.com

It’s A Great Day to be a Dog!

EN !

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• We offer 8,000 sq ft of play • 15 years experience • Now offering Spa Services Hours: Mon - Fri 6:30am -7:30pm Sat & Sun 10am - 4pm

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$2.00 off any size bag food 1 Free Day Daycare

• www.urbandogusa.com 5601 Butler Street, Lawrenceville, Pittsburgh, PA 15201 1034 William Flynn Highway, Glenshaw, PA 15116

412-782-2200

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October 2013

CANINE VACCINES Rabies Vaccine-$8 DHPP -$13 DHLPP-$13 Bordetella-$10 Lyme disease-$20 Heartworm test-$20 1101 Western Ave., Pittsburgh FELINE VACCINES Rabies Vaccine-$8 FVRCP-$13 FeLV and FVRCP-$30 FeLV-$17 FeLV/FIV test-$25 Microchipping $15 CAT PACK : Rabies and FVRCP vaccine - $20 SUPER CAT PACK: Rabies, Felv/FIV test, FVRCP/FeLv vaccine - $50 DOG PACK: Rabies and DHLPP vaccine - $20 SUPER DOG PACK : Rabies, Heartworm test, DHLPP and Bordetella vaccines - $42 **$1 Medical Waste Fee on all vaccine packages** Sponsored by

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Sewickley, PA 15143 **$1 Medical Waste Fee on all 412-534-4052 vaccine packages**

STRAYER communications

Computer & Networking Solutions P.O. Box 795 l Bethel Park, PA 15102

Glen, pictured here, is an alumnus of WPHS.

Did you know that your business (including non-pet related) can sponsor an ad for a non-profit Rescue group?

Call us at 724-503-8695 to find out how you can support your favorite local ANIMAL charity!

AVCF provides veterinarians with a unique opportunity to join together under one charitable entity designed to assist them raise funds to support their generous giving.

Appreciative clients and caring individuals can now help veterinarians in their charitable endeavors by supporting an individual veterinary practice or the AVCF General Fund.

Donors can rest assured that 100% of their charitable giving to the AVCF goes directly to improving the quality of life of pets and their people.

email: info@avcfund.org For more information: www.avcfund.org

www.pghpetconnections.com Subscribe, Submit, Upload! Submit your business or rescue organization’s info for a 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 • Your logo in our monthly newsletter • PPC promotes your business at our events • A subscription to PPCMagazine 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)

00! months for $20.

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

October 2013

HAAWC is a 501(c)(3) organization that honors the Human Animal Bond as a source of wellness for individuals, families and communities.

Guided by the belief that animals are a gateway to human healing, HAAWC intends to develop both urban programs and rural sanctuaries designed to impact community health, safety and wellness.

HAAWC is raising funds for upcoming animal-related programming. www.haawc.com

• Puppy, Basic, Advanced, Open & Utility Classes • Rally Classes • Agility Classes • CGC & TDI Tests • Demonstrations • AKC Licensed • Founded in 1965

UPCOMING EVENTS: OBEDIENCE& RALLY TRIALS Saturday and Sunday, October 12 and 13, 2013 Pittsburgh Indoor Sports Arena (PISA), 22 Rich Hill Road, Cheswick, PA 15024

TRACKING TEST Sunday, November 3, 2013 Mingo Creek County Park by way of Finleyville/Sugar Run Road & Furda’s Rolling Green Acres Farm, located on Route 136, Eighty Four, PA.

For information regarding GTOTC's classes, schedules and class fees, please contact our Training Secretary at

gtotctrainingsecretary@yahoo.com or visit our website: www.gtotc.com

412-653-6880 91 Terence Drive, Pleasant Hills, PA 15236 October 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

29

&

HEALTH WELLNESS for GUARDIANS

Healthy Outside and In

By Sharon Satterfield, ND

M

any of you have heard me talk over the years about how important it is to keep ourselves healthy on the inside. However it is equally important to be wise about what you put on your body as well.TheTV shows us endless commercials on topical lotions, makeup, toothpaste, shampoos and conditioners, hair spray, hair colors and gels, even deodorants and the list goes on! Let me remind you our skin is our largest organ, many are not aware of that. So what ever you put on it WILL get into your system and other organs.

Think about that. We cannot do much about the air we breathe, but we can drink healthy water and we can put healthy things on our bodies. Cancer continues to be on the rise along with many auto-immune problems. I believe, as many other Natural Health care providers that the chemicals and dyes in all of our over the counter personal products are a part of the cause.

The Dentist tells us we need fluoride treatments and fluoride in our toothpaste to prevent cavities, they even put fluoride in our drinking water…if you have city water. Do you know how dangerous it is? It is the number one reason for Hypo-Thyroidism in this country. We won’t die from a cavity but fluoride DOES damage our body, so does the mercury filling they put in our teeth if we get a cavity. Ever read about mercury poisoning? Not a pretty picture.The list of health issues it causes is a mile long. Our immune systems are overwhelmed with chemicals day after day all day long. Sure the FDA approves all of these things, they say “Oh it is such a small amount it won’t hurt you”. Well think about how many products you use everyday 365 days a year and how many everyone else does that is around you that you are breathing in. It mounts up! The body was not designed to be able to handle all these toxins. We were given two glands that sit along the jaw line called the parotid glands which, in addition to adding saliva to moisten food before we swallow are also designed by God to filter out toxins. We wonder why so many have allergies to environmental chemicals, toxins and allergens. The poor things are worn out!! Now the good news is they can be repaired, but we have to stop using so many chemicals. That includes cleaning products! There are many aroma therapy oils that will clean and debug your home and they smell great too. For instance tea tree oil, oregano, neem, grapefruit seed extract, clove and peppermint to name a few. I even use them when I fly to prevent catching anything on the plane from those who travel sick. We carry many oils at the shoppe that can be used as perfume or added to any massage oil or lotion.

Back to Basics

Deodorants and antiperspirants are another big invader to the body.

Especially antiperspirants. They may keep you dry but have you ever

We’re not just any vitamin store...

We carry all natural, food based, excipient-free vitamins, herbs and supplements & personal products.

We also have a variety of herbal teas and local honey from Bedillion Farms.

Our other services include: • Ion Detoxification Cleanse • Consultations with Sharon Satterfield, ND • Featuring the Zyto Select Biocommunication Scan • Consultations for the whole family and your pets!

412-343-8156 www.back2basicsinc.com

wondered how or why? They clog up our pours so our body does not sweat.

Not good!!! Sweating is a way for the body to cool down, it also helps us to detoxify. Ever gone to a sauna or sweat lodge or anything else that is designed to make us sweat for “health purposes”? It is good to sweat, we actually need to, it is the bodies way of eliminating toxins. So why stop the process and create the possibility of lymphatic cancer? We carry many all natural safe deodorants that are safe. My favorite is the crystal stone which is actually made up of minerals. Lasts a VERY long time, and prevents that under arm smell we all want to avoid. Avoid antiperspirants completely!

Body lotions and skin care products is another offender, many chemicals in there too. Why not just use coco butter or shea butter, olive oil, calendula and camomile, manuka honey lotion, wheat germ oil, Vitamin E and C, Na-PCA, Aloe, almond oil, grapeseed oil, or coconut butter. These are the best products ever for your skin and many help with various skin conditions.

Manuka honey actually kills mersa, did you know that? Calendula is great for eczema and psoriasis. Vitamin C oil actually helps promote your body to produce more collegen for the skin or to help replace what we have lost due to age to keep it healthy and toned. Now let me say age catches up with all of us due to the lack of hormones. So lets not fool ourselves into thinking we can look 20 at 60, but we can still have healthy, vibrant looking skin, even if we have a few wrinkles.:-) Also remember drink enough water for healthy skin, dehydration takes a toll on all our organs and glands!!

Tea tree oil is very good for acne and clears it up quickly! Neem is an antiseptic and also prevents fleas and ticks on your pet along with lavender oil and mosquito bites on humans. We have been given so many wonderful things from our creator and his natural pharmacy to take care of ourselves.

We need to use them! We also have many soaps made from aloe and olive oil and very soon goat milk, along with many of the aroma therapy oils.

They are very gentle to the skin and never drying. The same for all of our shampoos and conditioners.

Last but not least hair color! Now I know many color their hair. I did too for many years and I understand that need to do it. However think about using natural hair coloring.There are many salons that carry it now days due to the demand. Ask around or purchase your own color and take it to your salon or do it at home. Way too many chemicals in colorings. I read an article a couple years where some medical doctors believe hair coloring is a danger to women!! Also skin care products. Imagine my surprise! Who would have thought Dr’s would admit to that? Certainly not me!! LOL Well I believe I have covered everything on this subject. Please consider changing your mind on the products you use on your bodies. My philosophy has and always will be “if God made it, eat it, or use it…if not, DON’T. Man has made a lot of things out of natural plants etc..the problem is once they change the nutrients or compounds of that plant they become chemicals and chemicals hurt us! Just use the natural form or at least the least amount of processing as possible. I had dinner many years ago with a couple friends, one who owned a funeral home. I asked him “do you think all the chemicals we use in food and personal products effects us?” You know what his answer was? “Sharon if you could see what I do when I have to prepare these bodies for their loved ones, you would be shocked! Not to mention those who do autopsies, the damage to their brains and organs is amazing!! We actually would not have to use embalming fluid the bodies would not start the decaying process for quite some time because of so many preservatives in the foods these days.” My question was answered and I was left speechless for a moment. Something to think about, how about you?

God Bless, Sharon

Lebanon Shops | 300 Mt. Lebanon Blvd.

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October 2013

&

HEALTH WELLNESS for GUARDIANS Energy Methods is a collective term used to refer to a variety of energy healing techniques based on the use and modification of energy fields. Energy Methods are designed to assess where the mind/body’s energies are blocked or not in harmony and then correct and balance the flow of these energies thereby aligning the mind/ body’s energies to boost health and restore vitality.

Meridian Tapping Techniques is the name given to a variety of innovative energy oriented coaching and self-help methods. MTT uses the ancient Chinese meridian system to balance a client’s energy with a gentle touch and breathing procedure which stimulates the meridian holding the energy to be released.

WHAT IS THOUGHT FIELD THERAPY AND HOW CAN IT HELP YOU? Thought Field Therapy is a Meridian Tapping Technique and is used for energetic disturbances; It provides a code that when applied to self defeating beliefs, stress or blocks to personal growth and transformation, coupled with focused attention, will eliminate those disturbances in the Thought Field.

The Thought Field: Einstein demonstrated that everything is energy (E=mc2). Thought Field Therapy is based on the premise that even thought is energy. (Callahan, Tapping the Healer Within). The Thought Field is the electromagnetic field that is created when one

Judith Levy WELLNESS FOR PEOPLE

Energy Interventions An evidenced supported mind-body approach that goes beyond talk Transform self defeating negative beliefs Reach goals that have felt out of reach Feel better & accelerate healing www.judithlevywellness.com

Thought Field Therapy…

A Meridian Tapping Technique How It Can Help You

By Judith Levy M.Ed., CEHP, RMT thinks about a negative state. As you know we have sophisticated equipment such as an electroencephalogram to measure brain activity.

While we cannot yet measure thought energy it is nonetheless created in the “field” when we process mentally. When the Thought Field is out of balance or disturbed the mind/body connection does not function effectively and we then may not feel well or accomplish what we desire.

For example if you feel stressed and that stress interferes with forward movement or if you want to make a change in your life but feel blocked to having that success, Thought Field Therapy may help.

Thought Field Therapy uses algorithms or recipes to restore the body’s energy systems and to return harmony and boost mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. Putting these algorithms into practice to help you move into a more positive states looks something like this: • Focus on a painful memory, block to a goal or uncomfortable negative belief. Rate your discomfort from 1-10 intensity with 10 being the worst • Tap on the meridian points (same as acupuncture points) that have been established to be part of the meridians where the disturbance is stored. The practitioner uses Applied Kinesiology or Muscle Testing to identify location.

• You then continue to focus on the problem while tapping/ humming/counting and then doing eye rolls in both directions.

Clients may think this is all strange but there is a good reason for this process…This series stimulates and balances the energies in various parts of the brain and helps to decrease the intensity or the problem.

• You then go back to step one and two and repeat tapping the recipe or algorithm while continuing to think about the problem.

• This process is continued until the problem rates at a number zero or one intensity. At this point, the thought or memory that previously activated negative emotions now creates a neutral thought or emotion.

If you are having a current life difficulty or are facing challenges in your life, TFT along with the help of your internal resources may help you overcome obstacles.

Visit www.judithlevywellness.com for more information on energy modalities.

October 2013

www.pghpetconnections.com

31

EQUINE AFFAIRS

By Nancy Frishkorn CHCP, BA

When Abscess Goes Untreated – the Sequestrum

I

f you own horses, chances are good that at some point either you or someone you know spent many hours tending to an abscess. An abscess is collection of pus in an area of the body (in this case the hoof capsule) that causes severe pain and swelling due to the body’s immune system’s attempt to fight off the infection. This pus is actually excess white blood cells and tissue (living and dead), fluid, bacteria and other foreign substances. The white cells are the body’s natural defense to infection that releases destructive components after identifying and binding with bacteria. Their purpose is to “kill” the harmful bacteria, but in the process healthy tissues are also damaged. In the hoof, this damage most often occurs in the laminae and bony structure within; in other words, if not treated, the coffin bone itself begins to degenerate and weaken, causing small pieces to break away. As part of the inflammation response, more white cells are sent to the site to remove the damaged tissue (the clean-up crew) which actually creates even more inflammation and subsequently more pain.The pieces of broken and damaged tissue are not distinguished by the body and the natural immune system subsequently treats them as foreign objects; hence, the system treats the bone pieces as “foreign objects” – these are what are known as sequestrum.

This is the story of Colt, a beautiful gelding who had poor hoof care before Carla, Pittsburgh PetConnections CEO, found him. There are some individuals who believe the hooves can go months without trimming, and others who feel they can trim themselves despite the fact that they have had no training or poor training at best. Colt was one such victim of circumstance, and he came into Carla’s love and devotion in need of immediate attention. His hooves were long and imbalanced, and after two trims he was still experiencing intermittent lameness. Local vets were called and his abscessing was opened, but they continued to fester despite many hours of soaking, draining and treatments with drawing salve. After seeing no improvement, it was decided he needed to seek clinical attention for a second opinion and films.

picture shows the piece of bone being removed and just how small the piece of bone was; its removal was imperative for Colt’s recovery.

Before the surgery, Dr. Burks scraped out all the hard laminae from the bottom of the hoof to ensure there would be no residual bacterias invading the capsule that could potentially cause reinfection in the hoof.

His intuitions served him well when it was discovered that the very tip of P3 (coffin bone) was extremely brittle. He concluded that this was damaged a long time ago from old abscessing that had caused this area to weaken and nearly break away. By making another “window” in the hoof wall, Dr. Burks was able to preserve most of the wall structure and remove this weakened area as well. He commented to me that the tip “fell away” when he merely touched it with his forceps, so it too was removed and needed packing until it grew out.

This third picture shows the actual procedure during surgery when the forceps were inserted into the toe wall to remove the sequestrum.

Colt was sent to Fox Run Equine Center in Apollo, PA, where Dr. Brian Burks, DVM Dipl. ABVP (Equine) diagnosed a lateral sequestrum on Colt’s left front hoof. This first picture shows Colt’s tract on film; you can see some lines coming from the side of the hoof draining down by the back of the heel.

This is the site that had been opened from the outside bar (hoof wall beside the frog) but never drained out completely.

Inside, there is a piece of broken bone that was damaged due the accumulation of pus for a long period of time. Dr. Burks used a dremel tool to drill a small hole into the quarter (side of the hoof wall) to remove this sequestrum. The second

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

I’ve worked with many vets over the years, but I’ve never met one quite as thorough and open minded as Dr. Burks. The traditional protocol for any respective procedure is hospital plates (wide aluminum shoes) that stay on for many months to support the hoof during healing. Because Burke took such care to make minimally invasive openings for removal, Colt was left with adequate hoof wall for support. Carla was adamant in keeping Colt as natural as possible, meaning she wantedhimtoremainbarefoot, and he respected her wishes.

I was called to meet with Burks about follow up hoof care and we mutually agreed he could remain in a hoof boot that would not only support his hoof, but also provide better coverage for the opened areas that needed daily treatments.

October 2013

EQUINE AFFAIRS This last picture shows Colt’s open toe area five days after surgery when he was taken out of wraps and placed in a hoof boot.

Treating a hoof injury is difficult on the owner as well as the horse. Carla was going to need a boot that would not only cover the entire hoof wall, but also one that could be easily removed and strong enough to withstand several months of continuous wear. Colt was rather stubborn about lifting the hoof for his daily treatment, so ease of application was an absolute necessity. I am familiar with several boots, but the best choice for this situation called for durability, full support and easy removal as well so that no further damage would occur. I could think of only one boot that would serve her purpose, and one that she would be able to keep for years to come in case she ever needed them again – the Easyboot RX.

back of the hoof before replacing the boot. This movement helped facilitate the healing process and by the end of May the entire wall had grown out completely with no further problems. Within a month Colt was even able to do short rides in his boots and today he is doing very well. He has not had an abscess in nearly a year and his soles are tough because he has relocated to a facility that enables full turnout and natural wear. Carla has since purchased a pair of Easyboot Trail boots for long rides, and we are grateful to not only Easycare for their supreme products, but also to Dr. Burks for his open-minded approach to natural horse keeping. Thanks to Carla, Colt has a wonderful life and his hoof issues are no longer…he is happy, healthy, and sound.

From March to mid-May Colt wore his boots day and night. He was sound at a walk almost immediately after the surgery and because he had a boot he was able to get turnout in the arena and a small paddock every day. We actually booted both front hooves to make sure he wasn’t off balance on the front and this kept him sounder while simultaneously avoiding any shoulder pressure or further injury. Carla made sure that his hooves were kept as dry as possible to avoid any rubbing due to excess moisture or sweat by removing them daily for treatments and drying the

The

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Nancy Frishkorn CHCP-Field Instructor

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

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Sun, Mon – Closed • Tues,Thurs – 10am-8pm • Wed, Fri, Sat – 10am-5pm

October 2013

724-255-6465

nancy@hooflady.org

www.pghpetconnections.com

33

EQUINE AFFAIRS IS YOUR HORSE BALANCED LONGITUDINALLY AND “Your horse needs to be balanced,” the trainer says, LATERALLY WITH FOUR WAY STRETCH? but what does the trainer mean? Balance for the horse comes

by Kristin Hermann

in two varieties: horizontal (from back to front) and lateral (from side to side). When we gymnastically train the horse, one of the goals is to train it to have balance both forward and back and on both sides of its body. The goal is to have a balanced and supple horse that will, by the rider’s command, stretch its back and neck forward and down and/or bend its body laterally around the rider’s leg. A well-trained horse that is both supple and balanced will have what I call, “four way stretch.”

Most riders may not think about the balance of the horse, and may assume that the horse is balanced by itself. Certainly, the horse is not falling over, that is for sure. But, when a more educated rider begins to train a horse, then horizontal or longitudinal and lateral balance within its body will become goals. Most horses may appear balanced on all four legs, but like people who are predominately right handed, horses are predominately bent to the right. That means they like to bend to the right and are slightly curved like a C, or banana shaped in that direction. Since a horse travels on four legs it certainly appears balanced. but if you walk or trot a horse and try to put it on a straight line you will see how its head and neck lean in a certain direction.

This photo shows how a balanced rider with her three natural aids can ride the horse forward and put straight. The horse is in horizontal and/or longitudinal balance. Its head is centered between the shoulders, the shoulders are in alignment with the haunches. As a result, the horse will track evenly from both hind legs.

A horse that is bent right will likely 'fall in' towards the right on a straight line because the inside hind leg does not come as far under

This rider is bending the horse laterally to the left. The horses head is off to the left side, which lengthens the right side of its body. Horses should be able to bend equally on both sides of the body, to the left and the right. There are certain gymnastic exercises too that help to bend the horse laterally such as shoulder in and haunches in. This is merely neck bending.

and carry the horse’s long body forward. The rider who gymnastically trains the horse to track straight would use an outside supporting rein to straighten the horse’s head and neck keeping it in alignment with the shoulders instead of allowing it to swing to the right. The outside leg may also have to become involved keeping the horse’s rib cage behind its shoulders. Ride your horse forward and put it straight to achieve balance!

Straightening a horse to put it in balance requires not only aligning the head and neck in the middle of the shoulders but also moving the shoulders to align with the horse’s hind end. Horses’ spines are horizontal: that is why it is called horizontal balance.

So, just like people who carry their head in the middle of the shoulders with a vertical spine, horses’ heads too should be in the middle of their shoulders and the shoulders aligned with the hips or haunches.

When the horse travels in alignment with its head centered, shoulders in front of the hips, and straight from tail to poll then it will work evenly on all four legs. Riding the horse straight and maintaining alignment both longitudinally and laterally and not allowing the horse only to bend in its comfortable direction will train the horse to use its hind end evenly instead of tracking shorter with one hind leg.

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©Pittsburgh PetConnections

October 2013

Lateral balance means that the horse bends evenly on both sides of its body to the right and to the left. If your horse prefers to bend right, like most horses, and you ask it to go straight with an outside rein and leg this helps to balance the horse’s body. In addition, laterally bending the horse to the left on a circle will also help to lengthen the horse’s shorter right side (that is why it bends to the right) and encourage it to be balanced equally on both sides or laterally, and less banana shaped to the right.

ON LOCATION PHOTOGRAPHY ANYWHERE IN THE

SOUTH HILLS AREA.

Will the horse ever not bend to the right? No! Because, this is how it was made. If I was born left handed and someone taught me to write with my right hand, I would still be predominately right handed.

Training horses is a process, and just because a rider can get a horse straight does not mean that the horse will stay forever straight. A rider needs to continue to interact with the horse by using the three natural aids to keep it in balance. Riding is a verb, an action word. Riding is something we do. Certainly, riding a horse can be a passive adventure too such as hacking in the woods and not caring if the horse is straight or in balance. But, to train the horse gymnastically to be straight and in balance from front to back, plus bend equally in both directions while on circles, will keep the horse supple and sound. At Coventry, we have horses in their mid-twenties still bending laterally and stretching longitudinally or horizontally like four-year-olds!

SENIOR PICTURES, ENGAGEMENT PHOTOS, FAMILY PORTRAITS, PET PHOTOGRAPHY AND MORE.

If you think your horse is stiff or not bending in one direction, try working it in balance. Every horse is different, but the majority like to bend to the right. So the next time you mount, figure out how to line up the horse’s shoulders with the hips while putting the horse’s head and neck straight on a straight line and on a circle. Bend it to the left when tracking left on a circle, put it straight with the outside rein when circling to the right. Riding your horse to put it straight results in balance, or the horse working evenly on both sides of its body and across the top line. By doing this, you will become a more adept rider and your horse will become more balanced both longitudinally from back to front and laterally from side to side. Or, four way stretch.

Rockin’ Horse Stables

kjonesphotography88@gmail.com www.kjones.smugmug.com

724-825-9025

Located just minutes from the heart of Cranberry Twp. Rockin’ Horse Stables is a hunter/jumper facility offering full care boarding, professional riding lessons, summer camps and quality horse sales.

• Freelance Riding Instructor - for lessons and clinics • Learn to train the horse gymnastically using simplified riding techniques to create a more athletic horse & rider communication • Improve your riding dialog for all disciplines

Call 724-206-9902, or visit www.CoventryEquestrianCenter.com October 2013

Whether you are introducing a child to riding, fulfilling a lifelong dream, renewing an old hobby or just looking for someplace new, we can help. Contact us and see how easy it is to get started!

724-601-4706 www.rockinhorsestables.com

www.pghpetconnections.com

35

IN REMEMBRANCE IN MEMORY OF: Franklin Hegadorn, Aug 2009 - May 2013 Franklin was a very special guy to my daughter Ciara and I. We found him on the street at 6 weeks old and adopted him. He made us laugh every day with his antics.

He loved playing

Franklin

with the other cats and dogs. He also was very vocal and “talked” to us constantly. Sadly, he died on mother’s day of this year from sudden onset kidney problems. He was only 4 and we miss him terribly. He is still with us in spirit.

Holly Hegadorn

Franklin CHARTIERS CUSTOM PET CREMATION Caring for families who love their pets.”

“

• Cremations Performed on Premises • Urns • Memorials • Transport

Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area

442 Washington Avenue, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Phone answers 24/7 for your convenience.

Hours are by appointment.

www.ccpc.ws (412) 220-7800 36

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

October 2013

Dr. Doug The Holistic Vet Holistic and Conventional Care: • Full Service Animal Clinic • Preventive Health Care • General Surgery • Radiology • Dentistry • Holistic Care • Acupuncture • Vaccine & Vaccine Counseling • Nutrition Counseling & Natural Raw Diets • Chiropractic • Chinese Herbal Medicine • Therapeutic Laser • Healing Touch & Massage Therapy

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.

Dr. Ingrid Rhinehart earned her

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

veterinary degree in 2011 from Cornell University. During her time in veterinary school, she focused on such things as bringing veterinary medicine to low-income families, helping people cope with the loss of a pet by volunteering on the Pet Loss Hotline, organizing community education events and helping to bring holistic and complementary medicine to the college and the veterinary students. She is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist and looks forward to expanding her training in integrative modalities.

She shares her life with her husband and their three fabulous Great Danes (Aurora, Lucky and Harry), one smart and sassy Doberman (Ace), and a very entertaining Hermann’s tortoise (Scooter).