Pghpetconnections September 2013 by Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine

Pittsburgh

September 2013 • Vol. 2, Issue 1

PetConnections Magazine

Take One!

PPC Celebrates its First Year of Honoring the Human-Animal Bond

er v i n n a

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The HumanAnimal Bond Our Pets As Spiritual Teachers? Page 4 Family House Polo Match Page 8 The Body Can Heal Itself Page 14 Photo: Nicole Begley Photography

September 2013 • Vol. 2, Issue 1

Serving the Greater Pittsburgh Area

Take One!

ANGEL RIDGE AD GENEROUSLY SPONSORED BY J&D HOME IMPROVEMENTS From decks and fencing to bathroom remodeling, J&D has done it all!

Third Generation Sale! Offer expires 9/30/13

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FULL SERVICE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

NOW OPEN!

• Preventive Care Focused • Offering Surgery, Radiology, Laboratory, Pharmacy and much more • Monthly Educational Events

“Your Pet, Our Priority” What’s going on at BCAH… Wellness Wednesdays:

Puppy classes:

At BelaCoop Animal Hospital your pet’s overall wellness is very important to us! Here at BCAH we believe in preventative care. This can become very expensive so we have dedicated Wednesdays to WELLNESS. On Wellness Wednesdays we will be offering three different types of wellness plans for both cats and dogs. These wellness plans will be discounted and include standard toe nail trims and standard ear cleanings. Please visit our Facebook page or call us to learn more. Call today to schedule your pet’s wellness exam.

Starting September 10, 2013 BCAH will be offering basic puppy classes. Classes will be held once a week on Tuesday evenings at 6:15pm and will run for a 4 week period.

The BelaCoop Special: (any day, now through September 30, 2013) • Physical Exam • Complete bloodwork, urinalysis and thyroid check • Fecal examination • Standard toe nail trim

Puppies 12 weeks to 6 months of age are welcome. However, they must be current on vaccines. For more information please visit us on Facebook or call us today! Hours: Monday: 8am-6pm Tuesday: 8am-6pm Wednesday: 10am-7pm Thursday: 8am-6pm Friday: 8am-5:30pm Saturday: 8am-12pm Sunday: CLOSED

Call today to schedule your pet’s appointment for savings over $120.00.

724-939-7062 |

www.belacoopanimalhospital.com

2232 West Hardies Road | Gibsonia, PA 15044 September 2013

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www

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

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

Health & Wellness for Guardians . . . . . . . . .26

Our Pets As Spiritual Teachers?

Cold and Flu Season

Event Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5

Special Feature . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-29

Upcoming Pet Events

Press Release . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 30th Annual Family House Polo Match

Animal Health & Wellness . . . . . . . . . . . .10-11

Hellbender Salamanders in Our Streams?

In Remembrance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30-31 Pet Memorial Sunday Ceremony

Featured Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32

Veterinary Anesthesia

Rockin’ Horse Stables

Holistic Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-15

Equine Affairs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33-36

The Body Can Heal Itself; I Want To Go Home

Out of Balance, part 2; Using a Half Halt to ‘rebalance’ a forward horse

Animal Behavior . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16, 21 Q & A with Judith Levy; Grab Your Leash…Let’s Go to the Western PA Humane Society Dog Training

Cat Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22-23

Advertiser Locator Map . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-19

Cat Grooming Myths; Never Enough Time, But Time Enough to Love

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

September 2013

FROM THE PUBLISHER WELCOME TO OUR FIRST ANNIVERSARY VOLUME 2 ISSUE 1!! PPC Magazine September News: I would like to extend a very warm thank you to all who contributed to making it a very successful first year! The PPC Magazine staff, Patti Sutkowski, Bernadette Kazmarski, Kara Jones, and Savannah Fleming have put in many hours of hard work, dedication and heart. I am especially grateful to this exceptional team! Our writers, advertising sponsors and animal organizations also deserve special thanks for their contributions to PPC Magazine and recognition for the special work that they do for people as well as animals. PPC Magazine is dedicated to our mission of educating people on the benefits of The Human-Animal Bond. Our animals teach us love, compassion, and trust. They enrich our daily lives and share in our trials and tribulations. PPC Magazine looks forward to offering expanded coverage of local news, events, and also featuring special editions as some of our readers suggested. We’ll continue to provide outstanding informative articles. We’ll also continue to assist our Pittsburgh area non-profit organizations as a media partner, through our featured directories and feature ads and articles and sponsoring events. PPC Magazine really enjoys sponsoring and attending every event we can, small and large. I am always very pleased to meet readers and their pets and animal organizations. I am honored when I hear that we are making a positive difference in their lives with PPC Magazine. Our August events included Paws for the Cause with the Western PA Police Benevolent Foundation and joining Angel Ridge Animal Rescue at the Washington County Fair and their Lucky Dog Days Bingo event. This Issue: Our September issue features many more local pet events! Please see the event calendar page in this issue on page 5. 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. 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 thank you for picking up PPC Magazine. Take care of yourself, as well as your animals and be well! Warmly, Carla Mader CEO & Publisher Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC.

Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.pghpetconnections.com Follow @ PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine Disclaimer: “The views expressed in PPC Magazine are those of the authors and do not 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 Artist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Patricia Sutkowski Photographer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Kara Jones Photography Contributing Writers: Our contributing writers have many years of combined experience and expertise in the fields of veterinary medicine and the Human-Animal Bond.

September 2013

Angel Ridge Animal Rescue at Washington County Fair

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. 12 L: IA EC P S N scribe/ SUBSCRIPTIO ctions.com/Sub ne on tc pe gh .p to www sue! To subscribe go Don’t miss an is

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THE HUMAN-ANIMAL BOND S

pirituality — how do you define it? I see it as a way of living that requires a search for who we really are, for the meaning of our lives, and that honors our connection to a higher power and all that is. Humans are not the only ones with a spiritual nature. Nature has a spiritual nature. Every indigenous culture understands that there is a consciousness and spiritual connection that flows through animals and the earth, just as it does with humans.

Our Pets As Spiritual Teachers? by Dr. Susan Wagner

Many of us don’t think of our pets as being part of our spiritual path, but I believe they are. They are of a divine essence, and they are also a reflection of who we are. If we want to learn more about ourselves, we need only observe our pets. They will show us the joy we can bring to life and the unconditional love all humans are instinctively capable of. They can also exhibit our weaknesses, so that we may gain clarity and overcome them. If you see an issue with your pet, look in the mirror. Not with judgment and shame, but with gratitude for the awareness and opportunity to heal. This is one of the most amazing ways animals are of service to humans. I’m not speaking of domination, or an entitlement that we have with animals. Being of service to us is instinctive to them and part of their consciousness. And isn’t that the highest spiritual state a human can aspire to? When one is completely of service to another, he is living a truly spiritual life. People must awaken to this state. Animals are born there. Jesus wasn’t born in a manger because there was no room at the inn. There was no room at the inn because Jesus had to be born in a manger — humble yet sacred surroundings.

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.

Downtown Beaver 637 3rd Street Beaver, PA 15009 724-774-1731 www.vibrant-images.com

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

September 2013

September 2013 Pittsburgh Pet Event Calendar Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday 4 5

Friday

Family House Polo – see page 8 Fix ‘Ur Cat Mini Golf – see website for details

WearWoof Fall Fashion Drive Event runs through September 30! – see website for details

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation Pet Memorial – see pages 30-31

Saturday Seminar 7 CARMAA – see page 27

14 Chartiers TWP

Bark in the Park The Invisible Cat – see website for details Seminar – see website for details Foster Cat Benefit – see website for details

21 Walk for Farm Animals – see page 29

Visit www.pghpetconnections.com for more information. 22

Longwood at Oakmont Pet Appreciation Affair – see website for details

Wildbird Recovery Fall Migration Festival – see website for details

Oct 1

Oct 2

Oct 3

Oct 4

Beaver Co. H.S. Tails on Trails – see below

Oct 5 Kopy Kat Benefit Dinner – see website for details

Tails on the Trails Pet Walk Sunday, September 29, 2013 11 am until 3 pm Rain or Shine Brady’s Run Park Shelter #7

Guest Master of Ceremonies DAVE CRAWLEY from KDKA Food, Games, Contests, Vendors and a whole lotta fun! Come out, join us and help the animals. For more information and to register online visit www.tailsonthetrails.org September 2013

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PRESS RELEASE 30th ANNUAL FAMILY HOUSE POLO MATCH SEPTEMBER 7

PITTSBURGH, PA (July 24, 2013) – Dating back to 600 BC, polo is one of the world’s oldest sports. It’s a common game still played often in the U.K and other countries across the globe, however, a polo match isn’t typically experienced in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The local nonprofit Family House is proud to bring the “sport of kings” to Pittsburgh year after year as one of the largest charitable polo matches in the country. On September 7, Fifth Third Bank presents the 30th anniversary Family House Polo Match at Hartwood Acres. Family House is one of the nation’s largest hospital-affiliated hospitality houses. Since its inception in 1983, Family House has provided affordable and comfortable accommodations for patients and their families who are awaiting medical treatment at one of Pittsburgh’s hospitals. To date, more than 150,000 families from every state in the nation and from all points around the globe have stayed at Family House. The polo festivities begin at 11 am with tailgating, a silent auction and children’s activities. At noon the Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Virginia International Polo Club and their competitor, the #1 Cochran Potomac Polo Club, warm up and demonstrate polo shots for those

new to the sport. The opening ceremonies start at 1 pm followed by the match at 1:30 pm. At half-time, guests will be invited to come onto the field and stomp the divots to the playing of “Pretty Woman.” At the conclusion of the match, the Family House Cup, Best Playing Pony and the Most Valuable Player awards are handed out at the closing ceremonies. The day-long fun kicks off with the on-field vintage car display and activities in the Children’s Tent, such as face painting, finger casting and games. Spectators can look forward to purchasing wine and food in the new Sip, Savor & Shop tent featuring Narcisi Winery, Bacardi, Donato’s and SiBA, while browsing boutique shopping booths. Each year this Pittsburgh tradition attracts more than 2,000 spectators. Family House Polo is one of the most successful polo fundraisers in the world, raising more than $3 million. Family House and Fifth Third Bank invite all to join them for a fun day of sport, activities, entertainment and refreshments while raising funds for Pittsburgh’s “Home Away from Home.” For more information please call (412) 647-POLO or visit www.familyhouse.org.

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!

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

September 2013

OPTIONS FOR PETS THAT WILL NOT TAKE THEIR MEDICINE Many pet owners are able to dose their animalsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; medicine in the forms that are already available, and some are not so lucky. Finding the untouched tablet or capsule around the house or in the food dish is a common theme among many. One solution we are able to provide is making the oral dose a suspension and concentrating the liquid so that the smallest amount possible would need to be given at any one time. This works well for many drugs used to treat a variety of conditions, for example; methimazole for thyroid, prednisone/prednisolone, a steroid often used in dogs and cats, or enalapril for heart issues. We are able to flavor the liquids chicken, beef, tuna, or liver to make the medicines palatable for your animal. Another option we offer is the ability to make the medication a transdermal gel, meaning that the We now stock generic Rimadyl. prescription would be filled by putting the active ingredients in a topical cream/gel that would be rubbed Carprofen is available in 25mg, 75mg, into the front inner side of the ear and would be absorbed through the skin. We recommend wearing gloves and 100mg tablets. By choosing the or covering your hand with a plastic bag because the medicine could easily be absorbed into the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s skin as well. The amount applied is very small and alternating ears is best for absorption. This is generic you can save up to 25-30% per month based on a twice a day dosage. a great option for the cats that can easily get away. Some examples of medications that can be formulated this way are: methimazole, amitriptyline, Buspar, and tramadol. September 2013

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ANIMAL HEALTH WELLNESS I

am a veterinary anesthesiologist at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, the only residency trained veterinary anesthesiologist in Western Pennsylvania. Right now I am sure you are either asking yourself, “What in the world is a veterinary anesthesiologist? I had no idea that specialty existed.” or “Doesn’t every veterinary hospital have a veterinary anesthesiologist?”

veterinarian qualifies to take a board certification exam. Anesthesiologists can practice veterinary anesthesia while waiting to take a board certification. Once the board certification exam has been passed that veterinarian becomes a member/diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia (ACVAA).

Veterinary Anesthesia by Dr. Dianna Ovbey, DVM, MS, Practice Limited to Veterinary Anesthesia Before I entered the veterinary field, I didn’t think much about the process of surgery my beloved pets experienced at our local veterinary clinic in the small city of Dalton, Georgia. I knew that people had a doctor that performed the surgery and, I assumed, was also in charge of making sure the patient made it through anesthesia and surgery; that is generally how all the current and previously existing medical dramas portray surgery on television. In most veterinary clinics and hospitals around the country that is a true depiction of how surgery is performed, but did you ever wonder how those veterinarians learned to perform anesthesia? Every veterinary school in the United States has at least one and in most cases multiple veterinary anesthesiologists that teach veterinary students how to perform the safest and most ideal veterinary anesthesia in a variety of animal species. You may ask, “So does that mean, my veterinarian is a surgeon and an anesthesiologist?” The answer is that in general veterinary practice your veterinarian wears many hats and must have a general knowledge of all facets of medicine including surgery, anesthesia, dermatology, internal medicine, and practically any other division of medicine you can imagine. The difference between any specialist, including veterinary anesthesia, and general practitioners of veterinary medicine are the additional four years of training required for the opportunity to take an exam for board certification in any of the multiple veterinary specialties available. Veterinary anesthesiologists, like other veterinary specialists, have a veterinary degree along with a one-year internship and three years of residency. A one-year internship allows the veterinarian an opportunity to train with a variety of specialists in each department and a residency allows a veterinarian to train with one particular specialty for three years so that they may become an expert in their field of choice. At the completion of a three-year anesthesia residency the

The American College of Veterinary Anesthesia and Analgesia is still a relatively new entity as it was established in 1975. Since inception of the ACVAA the role of the anesthesiologist has continued to evolve due to an increased demand for more specialized veterinary services for pets by the general public. Historically veterinary anesthesiologists were employed strictly by veterinary teaching hospitals for the purposes of training veterinary students, veterinary interns, and veterinary residents. As more and more private veterinary referral centers open (hospitals in which multiple veterinary specialists such as surgeons, internists, ophthalmologists, etc. work together), the interest in adding veterinary anesthesiology to the list of services offered has and will continue to grow. A veterinary anesthesiologist’s role as a member of the referral center’s team includes but is not limited to: anesthetic planning for and management of all cases anesthetized, support and education for veterinary technicians performing anesthesia throughout the hospital, client education, training of visiting veterinary students, veterinary interns, and veterinary residents, continuing education for local veterinary general practitioners, and pain management consultation. I am sure now you are wondering what happens to your pet when he/she comes to the hospital for surgery. The morning of surgery when you drop your pet off you will be given a short history form to be filled out. I review your pet’s history starting with the history form, I will then review any bloodwork performed, and then do a physical exam on your pet. After reviewing the patient’s history, previous anesthetic episodes, blood work and physical exam, I sit down with the veterinary technician assigned to your pet’s case and we go over the drugs to be used and discuss any complications we expect to see

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

September 2013

ANIMAL HEALTH WELLNESS during surgery. The patient is given a medication to calm any anxiety and relieve any pain prior to surgery. A few minutes after the medication is given a veterinary technician will place an intravenous catheter; we will use this catheter to administer fluids and any medications needed for surgery. When your pet is ready for surgery we will give a drug to induce unconsciousness with a short acting intravenous anesthetic and place a breathing (endotracheal) tube into his/her throat so that we can administer oxygen and an inhalant anesthetic. During the period that your pet is anesthetized a veterinary technician is continuously monitoring his/her: heart rate, breathing rate, blood pressure, oxygenation, temperature, and depth of breathing. The veterinary technician assigned to the case records the vitals (the above described values) every five minutes on an anesthetic record. Much like other referral centers, several of these surgeries are occurring at one time and the anesthesiologist moves throughout the various surgeries checking the recorded vitals of each patient as surgery proceeds. If a problem such as low blood pressure (hypotension) occurs during surgery the veterinary technician assigned to the case will alert the anesthesiologist of the problem so that we may intervene to correct any issues. When surgery is finished

the inhalant anesthetic is stopped and the patient is allowed to recover with oxygen through the breathing tube for several minutes until they are awake. When the patient is awake, the breathing tube is removed and the patient is moved to a recovery ward for postoperative monitoring and pain management. Thank you for taking an interest in veterinary anesthesiology. Should your pet ever need surgery at Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center I will be happy to speak with you about his/her anesthesia. I am here to keep your pet safe and comfortable.

Dr. Dianna Ovbey, DVM, MS 807 Camp Horne Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237 412.366.3400 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 September 2013

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HOLISTIC CARE by Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

he body has an incredible ability to heal itself. If you cut your finger and do nothing but keep the wound clean, within a week or so that laceration will be perfectly mended, often without so much as a scar. Somehow the innate wisdom of the body is able to: first, flush debris out of the wound with blood, then clot the blood and call in white blood cells to fight infection, then set up a scaffold for the migration of skin cells over the defect, and finally complete the process and stop when everything is just right.

The Body Can Heal Itself

Holistic medicine takes into account the fact that the body is equipped with its own pharmacy. Evidence of this is seen in the placebo effect. According to medical statistics, on average 30% of patients will get better if they take a sugar pill no matter what their problem is. Pain, depression, high blood pressure, and low blood pressure can all be remedied with a placebo. In fact, placebo treatments have caused warts to disappear, healed stomach ulcers, increased the activity of white blood cells, and even caused bald men to grow hair. Of course, my patients are immune to the placebo effect. Face it, Fido does not believe that acupuncture is going to alleviate his arthritis pain and Missy does not think a supplement is going to settle her upset stomach. We consider the placebo effect to be a case of “mind over matter” but what does that really mean? To me it means that the body can heal itself if the right conditions are created. As a holistic vet, I try to create the right conditions for the body to heal itself. The placebo effect can be quite strong as seen in the case of Mr. Wright which is documented in medical texts. He had been diagnosed with advanced Lymphoma. He had lymph nodes the size of oranges and the nurses drained a gallon of milky, white fluid off his chest every day. He begged his doctor to give him a new miracle cancer cure called krebiozen. The drug was going through clinical trials and unfortunately Mr. Wright did not qualify because only patients who were expected to live for several more months were included in the study. Mr. Wright’s doctors though he’d be dead in a matter of days.

Two months later, Mr. Wright read a newspaper report that said krebiozen was not as good as first though and he started to lose weight and the tumors began to grow. Now this was back in the day when doctors could do things that today are considered unethical. Mr. Wright’s doctors thought that the placebo effect was involved in their patient’s cancer recovery. They gave him injections of sterile water and told him it was a new improved batch of krebiozen. Mr. Wright once again gained weight and his tumors shrank. Unfortunately, he didn’t learn his lesson the first time and two months later he read a news report that said “the AMA declares that krebiozen is worthless against cancer.” On cue, Mr. Wright’s tumors grew and he died two days later. It is amazing what an organism can do. How was Mr. Wright’s body able to cause end stage cancer to disappear for months at a time? Other evidence of the body’s ability for healing is found in the many documented cases of spontaneous remission. Spontaneous remission is defined as the disappearance, complete or incomplete, of a disease or cancer without medical treatment or treatment that is considered inadequate to produce the resulting disappearance of disease symptoms or tumor. The “Spontaneous Remission Project” is a collection of such data. It contains 3,500 references from 800 journals written in 20 languages. This compilation of information includes a person who was HIV positive who went negative, a woman with metastatic breast cancer which resolved without treatment, a person with a brain aneurysm that magically disappeared, and a man with a gunshot wound to his brain who recovered without treatment. This information on spontaneous remissions can be found at http://noetic.org/ library/publication-books/spontaneous-remissionannotated-bibliography/. The fact that the body can heal itself is well documented. My goal as a holistic veterinarian is to stimulate the animal’s innate healing potential. I always recommend natural nutrition and supplements to give the body the raw materials needed to create health. Sometimes I realign the spine with chiropractic adjustments to allow proper nerve function. Other times I tweak the animal’s energy system with acupuncture. And then there are times that I adjust the body chemistry with herbs. All of these methods gently coax the body’s systems back into a healthy balance.

Because of his persistence, Mr. Wright’s doctor acquiesced and gave him the drug on Friday, expecting to find that he had died by his Monday morning shift. Instead, Mr. Wright immediately gained weight and his tumors shrank. He left the hospital ten days after receiving the drug.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

September 2013

On a Wing and a Paw…

I Want to Go Home

Power…love…wisdom… when aligned within us, allow a

stream of energy and information that reveal honest insights. Trust, courage and a fortified self esteem must be the foundation when entering into the silence and asking for such insight, especially regarding a loved one. In April 2013 my kitty, Autumn, began experiencing noticeable health problems which prompted a particularly revealing communication. Autumn’s litter box habits were waffling. In the beginning there were various reasons uncovered. There were various remedies applied and changes made to address the situation. Eventually, a veterinarian diagnosed her with a hyperthyroid condition. I decided to ask Autumn three questions that I would ask any pet client: “What is most helpful for me to know about your condition?” “Has your purpose been fulfilled here on the Earth?” “Is there any way that I can help you?” Autumn’s matter-of-fact yet loving responses were: Stop your worrying. I’m eating when I’m hungry. I’m sleeping when I’m tired. Keep my routine. Don’t make me miserable with medicines and herbs. My ears feel a little

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

friends.

Renee Takacs, M.A.

HOLISTIC CARE irritated, and I feel a little weak. I got you over several major humps in your life. I plan to stay just a little longer. I plan to release out of my body near August to be free in spirit. I want to go home. Upon initial impact, this information felt neutral to me. Afterwards when I read my notes (I need to write notes so I can remember the conversation), my emotions started dancing in and out of the fear/trust mode. From that point on, I had to make a conscious practice of choosing to return to the trust mode when I mentally or emotionally fell out of it. A third vet visit in July 2013 provided evidence confirming Autumn’s communication. In addition to the thyroid condition, x-rays revealed a substantial, fast-growing mass near her liver and also nodules in her lungs. This finally clarified the liter box habits, weight loss and other uncomfortable symptoms that we had been observing. Honoring Autumn’s clear communication, with compassionate assistance on July 26, Autumn gently returned home to spirit. During the procedure, I saw my parents, both in spirit, lovingly, compassionately step forward to welcome Autumn home. Although I’ve been wading through a deeply saddened heart, it’s a matter of flow and acceptance, isn’t it? We are all invited to flow with the Creative Force through birth, sustenance, decline and transition. With Autumn’s help, serving as my friend and teacher, I have deepened my own ability to trust, especially when it comes to insight regarding a loved one. Thank you, my precious Autumn Girl, for your loving presence in our lives these past seven years. May we all remain open-hearted to new adventures unfolding for you with your returning home to spirit, and new adventures unfolding for us, who are still walking our path here on the Earth. Listening lightly, Renee

Intuitive for People and Pets

724-625-6693

www.intuitguide.com renee@intuitguide.com September 2013

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ANIMAL BEHAVIOR Q. Dear Judith, My neighbors have a part Beagle dog that barks constantly when they leave the apartment. They have tried closing the curtains and have put her in one of those special, tight fitting shirts, but neither have helped…she will bark for hours on end. It’s bothering all the neighbors and my cats get restless, yet we hate to tell the landlord because she’s so cute & friendly otherwise. Any other ideas?

There are several possible causes for a dog to bark all day and a behavioral evaluation is necessary to clarify the cause. It is likely though, that this little dog has a mild case of Separation Anxiety. I categorize the severity of SA in 3 levels; mild which for example, is when a dog barks incessantly while you are away or perhaps pants a great deal while you are gone. A dog with a moderate issue may urinate, defecate, bark or salivate so much that her chest is soaked when you get home. An extreme case usually involves the dog damaging your property. The dog is panicked and triggered using her mouth or paws to vent her extreme anxiety – I have worked with dogs who jumped through closed windows and who have torn off entire door frames. As always, I recommend you rule out any medical or organic cause of the problem by visiting your veterinarian. What are some signs that your dog may have separation anxiety? • Follows you everywhere in the house • Becomes anxious or agitated (barks, cries etc.) when you leave the house to get the mail • Barks, does damage, urinates or defecates within the first 30 minutes of you leaving the house • Seems to get “worried” or more watchful when you start your morning routine to leave the house • Urinates or defecates in the house only on Monday or only after you are home for several days Why might a dog have separation anxiety? • I feel that in most cases SA starts to develop in the fear imprint periods or sensitive periods (seven weeks to eight months and again at around 14 months). When a dog is either left alone too much or is always with someone and never alone during these periods – it sets them up to have a difficult time being alone. • A dog who has been in a shelter or has been extremely isolated can have a difficult time being alone once rescued. • When a resident dog passes away, the remaining canine can suffer from SA as well. Tips that may improve a mild case of separation anxiety. • Do not make a fuss over your dog when you leave the house or when you get home. Spend “close emotional time” away from coming and going. • Use Reiki, Bach Flower Remedies or a calming product from the pet store. • Don’t let your dog follow you everywhere or lay on top of you all evening. Close doors on his face for brief periods and move away if he is always touching you. • Exercise, exercise, exercise. • Feed a healthy diet. It is worth spending a bit extra to help your dog maintain balance. • Purchase interactive toys for stimulation during the day. • Have someone visit and exercise mid-day or come home at lunchtime to do so. • Ignore your dog’s demands for attention. If he can manipulate you and gets what he wants at any given moment, it will be more difficult for him when you leave.

Q&A with Judith Levy By Judith Levy M.Ed.,CEHP, RMT

If you are not able to treat the problem, you can manage the situation. • Leaving your dog with a neighbor is a good management tool. • You can trade pet sitting with a friend. • Start a good leadership program with your dog. Sometimes right sizing the pack will give your dog the confidence he needs. • Using Bach Flower Essences and Reiki can be helpful for mild cases (especially in conjunction with a good exercise program. • Make sure you feed your dog a healthy diet. You can educate yourself about dog food on websites such as The Whole Dog Journal. • You can speak with your veterinarian about medication. It is always important to then combine a good holistic program if you choose medication.

The following WILL NOT help your dog get better. 1. Crating: If a dog is panicked, crating usually makes matters worse. Your dog can injure himself. Confining the dog in a small space can increase the anxiety response as well. If possible, it is better to leave him in a safe space that has some room to move. 2. Punishing: I have had clients tell me that their dog “knows” he did something wrong when they come home to a puddle of urine or worse. Your dog can feel your anger and is likely associating with a past unpleasant experience when he had the same such experience. 3. Getting another pet: I actually do feel that animals generally feel better when in the company of another animal. However, getting another pet for your dog when he is a full blown triggered condition will definitely not help. It will be more work for you! Schedule a behavioral consultation if you need help. Waiting is not advised as anxiety generalizes and the problem will get worse. Visit Judith Levy’s website @ www.judithlevywellness.com

Judith Levy WELLNESS FOR PEOPLE AND PETS

Holistic approach to behavior

Specializing in treating fear and trauma in cats and dogs

Judith Levy

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

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

412.521.5133

September 2013

Don’t give up yet, call DrChiroVet! “DO NOT..DO NOT TRY CHIROPRACTIC, ACUPUNCTURE OR ANY OTHER HOLISTIC METHODS!!!” “Toby injured his neck somehow. He was in pain, hunched over, holding his head down, and had difficulty moving around. He was seen by a vet three times in three weeks. Initially Toby was given medication to reduce swelling and manage his pain. We tried that for two weeks and he was still in pain and had to be carried out to the back yard to go to the bathroom multiple times a day. I took him back to the vet and had to ask for them to do X-rays to rule out tumors or anything else that might be causing these problems. The X-rays came back negative. That is when the vet proceeded to tell me he suspected a herniated disc. I myself have had two herniated discs at one time so I knew what he was talking about. In talking about the suspected problem I mentioned I had rehabbed with chiropractic work and Pilates. The vet instantly said, “DO NOT…DO NOT TRY CHIROPRACTIC, ACUPUNCTURE OR ANY OTHER HOLISTIC METHODS!!!” He told me he thought Toby’s only chance was surgery and if I could not afford it I could apply for a credit card to be used for the surgery. He would send a referral to the specialist and he knew her to be good. I left his office offended and upset with only two choices. One was surgery and the other was to put my Toby to sleep because no way would I let him suffer any more the way he was. That was until I found Dr. Michael! After one visit there was a pointed change in Toby, after the second visit I took Toby off of all his medications and saw even more changes. The third visit left me almost speechless. Toby now looks and acts like a puppy again and not the 8 1/2 year old he is. He is currently better than ever!” Toby most likely had just simply sprained his neck…good thing they didn’t kill him because of it. We did one visit at the Meadowlands Veterinary office and Toby was markedly better with no pain, no hunching, no holding head down, no surgery, no meds…just that horrible natural healing that never works. Whatever you do, DO NOT try anything that is simple, natural, has a long, long history of amazing and long standing results, has zero chance of causing harm or serious side effects, and is extremely cost effective. ;)

September 2013

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

Over 13 years experience

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September 2013

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September 2013

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR GRAB YOUR LEASH…LET’S GO TO THE WESTERN PA HUMANE SOCIETY DOG TRAINING CLASSES by Dara Krom unexpected loud noises. The strengths and preferences of you and your dog will be identified so that we may offer recommendations for placement in facilities that best ensure safe, enjoyable and successful animal assisted therapy experiences. Quarterly, we offer the Therapy Dog International test evaluation.

id you know that the Western PA Humane Society offers obedience training classes for dogs of all sizes, personalities and breeds? Classes are scheduled seven days a week – weekday evenings and all day weekends. Register for class today at www.wpahumane.org/training.html or contact the Western Pennsylvania Humane Training Department at 412-321-4625 extension 224. Training has been proven to be important for keeping a dog in the home and being included in family activities. Our goal is to provide the training options and tools needed for a successful and happy relationship between you and your dog. THE BASICS: Just brought a puppy home or adopted a dog? Start off on the right paw with foundation classes such as puppy preschool, teen time and adult basic. We offer beginner classes for specialized groups such as small dogs, greyhounds and bully- type breeds. MOVING BEYOND THE BASICS: After basic class graduation day, don’t stop now – you and your dog can sharpen your skills in advanced courses for puppies and adults. Your dog wants to be a Superdog so keep up the hard work in training. CONTINUED EDUCATION: The training and commitment in formal classes and practice at home is necessary before enrolling in accelerated class such as: Canine Good Citizen (CGC) Coaching Class: We offer classes that prepare you for the CGC testing. As you work with your dog to teach the skills, you’ll discover the benefits of doggie good manners. CGC is recommended by certain homeowner insurance companies, some rental agencies require resident dogs to obtain CGC status and is a prerequisite for selected therapy dog groups. CGC skills are the foundation for other activities such as therapy dog training, agility competition and other performance events. Our instructors are certified CGC evaluators and will administer the test after graduation day. Therapy Dog Prep Course: In this six week class, you and your dog practice test exercises that prepare the team for animal assisted therapy work. You and your dog will work in a group setting with emphasis on the importance of teamwork. In class, you will learn dog handling skills while exposing your dog to a variety of scenarios such as odd objects, medical equipment and

September 2013

Canine Life and Social Skills (C.L.A.S.S.): You and your dog can earn your Bachelor’s (B.A.), Master’s (M.A.), or Doctorate (Ph.D.) by registering and participating in a C.L.A.S.S. course and evaluation. Successfully completing each C.L.A.S.S. level is like earning an academic degree in real-life skills with your dog. Our instructors are certified C.L.A.S.S. evaluators and we offer the test at the end of each completed course. ALL WORK AND NO PLAY… Our organized classes use a playful and fun approach for enhancing your relationship, learning new skills and inspiring you to do more with your dog. We offer Rally-O (foundation and advanced) classes, Treiball (a dog version of soccer), Nosework Beginnings (scent detection games), Canine Enrichment Games, the Art of Retrieve and much more. NEED A REVIEW: Periodically, short session classes are available for brushing up on skills such as Four on the Floor (no jumping on people), Stay & Recall, Loose Leash Walking and others. TUTORING: Is your dog the perfect pooch at home but not when you are out walking? Our specialty class for reactive dog is coming this fall. The instructor will assist pet parents with learning calming techniques, improving handling skills, interpreting canine body language, decreasing stress, increasing confidence and teaching your dog to react appropriately when seeing another dog. This class is packed with valuable tips, techniques, materials and training equipment to promote positive interactions. In addition, specific behavior consultations are available upon request. Our instructors have many years of dog training experience, continued education learning and related degrees or certifications. In addition to creating the classroom curriculum, they can provide solutions for housetraining, crate training and other common behaviors. Our training facility is located on the second floor of the Northshore shelter at 1101 Western Avenue. Join us this fall – register at http://www.wpahumane.org/basicedu.html. In appreciation of our readers, you can receive a $5.00 discount on your class registration by entering the promotion code PghPet2013 at checkout. (Discount is limited to one per customer. Offer expires October 31, 2013.) For more information about classes or registration, call our training department at 412-321-4625 x224.

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CAT CORNER I

’m always met with raised eyebrows when I explain what I do for a living. It seems there are many “myths” being perpetuated about cat grooming that aren’t entirely true. I’d like to help dispel some of these myths for you. Cats groom themselves: Cats lick themselves. If you licked yourself all over, would you consider yourself clean? When cats “groom” themselves, they are performing multiple functions: removing dead hair, dandruff,

Cat Grooming Myths

dead hairs. If the area of matting is too large or tight, trying to de-matt the cat can also pull live hairs out by the roots, thus inhibiting hair re-growth. If a cat is matted, the most humane treatment is to shave the matted area and just to start fresh. Sometimes, this is just a small area; sometimes it’s the entire cat. Many think that the cat will be embarrassed by shaving, but I can’t tell you how many of my clients have called back to say “my cat has been acting 10 years younger since its haircut.”

by Justine Cosley

All cats need to be sedated for grooming: Every time an animal goes under sedation, there is a risk. In the right environment and in the hands of an experienced groomer, most cats can be groomed quite easily. Although some cats, and even some dogs, may have severe episodes

sebum (naturally occurring oils produced by sebaceous glands in a cats skin), and sometimes even feces. And we wonder why they throw up hairballs? Cats hate water: I’ve heard countless stories of owners being scratched and bitten while trying to put their feisty felines in the tub. I’ve even seen videos of it on YouTube. Most of them make me cringe. If introduced properly, either at an early age or in the right environment with the right techniques, most cats can adjust very well. I have groomed well over 400 cats in the last three years, and only one or two didn’t handle it well. Many of my clients’ phone calls start out with “my cat has never been bathed before,” to which I reply, “There is a first time for everything.” In my experience, I find that if the cat isn’t going to like part of the process, it’s going to be the drying. There are two options when it comes to drying a cat: cage drying or using a high velocity dryer. Think of this as a small leaf blower that uses pinpoint air pressure to force the dead hair from a cat’s skin. While this is the best option, it can be a little bit frightening because of the noise it can make. If this happens, I recommend a combination of the two types of drying techniques. Unless the cat is a singlecoated, Oriental-type breed, it must be dried properly and fully. The dead cat fur Dirty hair can actually form a type of tight bond when mixed with water – resulting in matting – if the cat has an excessive amount of dead hair, dandruff, or sebum.

Clean hair

Matting is not only unsightly; it can also be quite painful. The hair is tightly bonded and slowly pulls live hairs out of the skin along with

of aggression or anxiety that require sedation for grooming, this should be reserved for only the most severe cases and should only be administered under veterinary guidance. There are all sorts of reasons for cats to be professionally groomed. For cat lovers who also crave a meticulous house, grooming reduces shedding, dandruff, and hairballs. For older cats suffering from inflammation of the gums or arthritis, grooming substitutes for elderly cats’ decreasing ability to care for themselves. Obese cats may not be able to reach certain areas of their bodies to lick them. Some cats are just poor groomers and will not allow their owners to groom them. In my experience, a clean cat is a happy cat. Sometimes, cats just need a little help. Unless you have an extensive knowledge of cats, a multitude of costly cat grooming tools including specialized dryers, and a pair of chainmail gloves, you and your cat will both benefit from the services of a professional groomer. So, how do you find a cat groomer? The internet is a great place to start. Then, call and ask the groomer questions about their services and facilities. Some grooming shops will not groom cats. Others will groom cats right alongside dogs. Some grooming shops have “cat only” hours or days, while a few exclusively groom cats. You need to decide what environment would be the most comfortable for your cat and what services will benefit you and your cat the most.

©Pittsburgh PetConnections

September 2013

CAT CORNER

Photo: Bernadette E. Kazmarski

Never Enough Time, But Time Enough to Love by Bernadette E. Kazmarski

Adult cats are a known quantity. Geriatric cats are frightening. Their condition is unpredictable. They represent the immediate potential for loss and pain. They are walking in the face of death. But they are living, loving creatures and after a long life deserve to live that last time of life with love and dignity.

’ve rescued and fostered cats for just about 30 years, usually living with an average of nine cats including my “permanent collection”, those who were never adopted, and fosters, from bottle babies to senior citizens. In 2012 I lost Cookie, 20, and Kelly, 19, two of my first rescues in this house and the last of those old friends, and also the last in a long line of nearly yearly losses, especially of very old cats. I decided after losing Kelly in August I would take a break in fostering, vowing to stay with my family of five rescued black cats until I felt ready to rescue, foster or adopt again; my heart truly needed a break.

Stories of cats in need run past me all day long, every day, as I write and share my articles for my feline-centered blog, The Creative Cat. And even with all the pleas of people and cats in need I’ve been happy to live with only five cats with no health or behavior issues for the first time in decades. In place of fostering I do my best to help others who are fostering, posting rescue stories and cats for adoption on The Creative Cat as well as all the social media available to me, and providing as much support as I can to those who are out on the streets hands-on rescuing cats and kittens. But I heard about two cats, 19 and 20 years old, who were living in a cage and needed a new home, and for all the other cats and kittens and fosters and hard luck cases that run by me every single day I couldn’t see a 20-year-old and a 19-year-old being shuffled around in cages. I’ve lived with and provided care to far too many geriatric cats, I remember the delicate thinness of their skin, their fragile bones just beneath it, the sunken hips and cheeks as muscle wastes away, how I sensed they were compensating in so many little ways every day but with that fire of will burning in their eyes, and I would do anything they needed. I did not want to see these two older cats in this situation. I couldn’t imagine, for instance, Cookie and Kelly in this situation at just the same ages. I had taken in two 15-year-old cats from a situation like this and though younger they had struggled, and I’d lost one just months later. For all these reasons I knew I was better equipped than most to help these two. At their age most shelters would consider them unadoptable and either turn them away, or warn that they’d be put to sleep, and in fact their caretaker had been advised to just have them euthanized. But I said I’d take them, sight unseen. It didn’t matter what they looked like, they needed a home, and possibly more than other cats out there appealing to an internet full of humans who might take them in. Kittens are fun.

September 2013

Both were dehydrated and unsteady. I could see that the older cat’s eyes had faded from Siamese blue to a greenish gray, which might indicate jaundice related to renal failure and thought he might not have much time at all. But after a slow start both responded to a quiet, comfortable room, constant food and water, transitional flower essences, and love and affection. Lakota, the Siamese mix, evidenced a confident and friendly personality, while Jojo, the long-haired black female, was friendly but reserved. Lakota began exploring my second floor, managing to get up on my bed for a nap and supervising me in my studio. They weren’t coming face to face with my cats but close enough to have conversations, but even these grew civil. I began to plan on how to integrate the two. But after only four weeks, Lakota suddenly began to eat less, then be less active, and quickly declined in a matter of days. A veterinary visit showed end stage renal failure. We tried a week’s worth of treatments to bring back his appetite and provide comfort and he received an acupuncture treatment to help balance his Qi, but he didn’t respond at all. So was he slowly fading but perked up when he came here with a more stable environment and just the excitement of change? A new person to charm and manipulate? A new home to explore? A reason to live a little longer? Likely so. And we loved every minute of the time we shared. He left this earthly existence behind almost exactly six weeks after I’d carried him into my home. Lakota knew his end was near, yet he didn’t fear the new adventure and a new person to love, and why should I, or any of us? When we consider taking an animal companion into our home and our heart do we need the assurance of a full lifetime together before we’ll agree to it? Or can we simply love as long as love is there in the flesh, and continue on in memory? We should not forsake the joy of love for the fear of loss. Loss will always come. Not so with love unless we welcome it despite its risks. As a creative person I turn my emotions into art, design and writing, and for Lakota I designed a new animal sympathy card which reads, “Never enough time, but time enough to love.” His lifelong fur friend seems well, missing her friend, but easily affectionate. I changed her name from Jojo to Emeraude, befitting a lady of some dignified maturity with still-brilliant green eyes. I look forward to our time together.

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To Feed RAW or Not To Feed RAW??? I

first started feeding raw in 2001 and at that time I had to make it or have it shipped to me from Ohio. Upon telling people what I fed my dog they either looked at me as if I had three heads or they thought I cooked for my dog. Neither of which is the case. The raw category has grown significantly since then and continues to do so. Now you can walk into almost any pet store and find a freezer with many brands and choices. So, why is this topic still heavily debated? When talking to customers, I still hear “Won’t my dog or cat get sick from consuming uncooked meats?” This to me is the power of advertising clearly at work…. how is it possible to forget that cats are obligate carnivores and dogs are first carnivores and secondly omnivores. The next objection I typically hear is “But they have been domesticated.“ Ok so how does domestication or the introduction of kibble (less than 100 years ago) change the anatomy of a mammal? And a third common thought I hear is “it’s gross.” Well, unless you Toni and Meg

are a vegetarian I am here to tell you it is not gross and is no different than handling ground meat. The form in which most raw food is sold is already ground formulas, a complete and balanced combination of meat, bone and organs and even some fruits and veggies. So if you are picturing yourself handing a whole chicken carcass to your dog… get that picture out of your head! You can feed body parts if you choose to do so but you don’t have to. So, the question is still “What to feed?” A new customer walking into one of our stores will see the 5 different categories of pet food: • Raw • Freezedried Raw • Dehydrated Raw • Kibble • Canned After talking about each category, if a customer is still perplexed on what to feed, I suggest going home and doing some research on the pros and cons of each category and mulling it over… figure out what makes sense. If you choose to discuss this topic with your veterinarian you should know that the American Veterinary Medical Association has passed a policy to denounce raw feeding. In other words, your veterinarian will most likely not support your choice to feed raw food. If you like the idea of feeding raw but the bacteria is still worrying you, some of the raw brands are now pasteurized. The acronym for the process is HPP, High Pressure Pasteurization which eliminates the risk of various food-borne pathogens

DOG or WOLF? Both were

such as designed to eat Escherichia coli, a raw diet! Salmonella and Listeria. We not only have that choice to ease our minds but also the dehydrated foods as well. The temperature used in the dehydration process will kill bacteria. In my opinion, the best way to feed is raw and I honestly will never feed anything but raw. If it doesn’t work for you in one way or another the best approach is “The more whole foods they get the better.” A lot of times, a combination of 2 or 3 of the above works well. My main point here is you have options, many options and I encourage you to explore them and allow you pet to thrive and not just survive.

Specializing in Raw Feeding!

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

412.831.3700 NORTH HILLS: 9600 Perry Highway McCandless, PA 15237

412.366.0700 Monday-Thurs: 9am - 8pm Friday-Saturday: 9am - 6pm Sunday: 10am - 4pm

Find us on September 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

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.

Schedule an underground dog fence installation with us before December 31, 2013 and we will give you $100 off!

email: info@avcfund.org For more information: www.avcfund.org September 2013

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HEALTH WELLNESS for GUARDIANS

Cold and Flu Season

By Sharon Satterfield, ND

ooks like summer is winding down, fall is in the air and school is about to start for many. With that comes cold and flu season. So in preparation for the season I would like to discuss how to keep our immune systems strong.

Remember stress is a huge influence on our bodies, so maybe adding in something for the adrenals and/or a stress formula will be a good idea. With the children back to school and all their activities Mom and Dad are busier than ever. To any teachers out there we know you need support. We all know what you go through – believe me I do, my father and my stepmother were school teachers. They are retired now and enjoying life and have a whole lot less stress. Drink more water, eat fewer carbs, avoid white sugar, eat your greens or make yourself a green drink daily. If God made it, eat it, if man made it, don’t. Avoid: GMO foods, preservatives, food additives, food coloring, MSG, processed foods at all cost!! And make sure your bowels are moving … if not… all those toxins are staying in there. What goes in must come out… simple physics!!

One of my favorites is olive leaf extract, and elderberry is also good for children under 6 years of age and they love the taste of it. Personally, I do too – it reminds me of my youth and homemade elderberry jelly. Yummy!! Start increasing your Vitamin C, adding garlic capsules for adults and children. Oregano is another good choice and of course probiotics to keep the gut healthy. A new product I have a great interest in is EpiCor. This product is dried yeast fermentate which is a complex nutrient-rich ingredient comprising fiber proteins,vitamins,minerals,aminoacidsandantioxidants. It is available for both adults and children, and it helps support the immune system. It helps protect and balance the mucosal barrier or innate immune system by activating the Natural Killer cells which are an integral part of the immune system. It also activates B cells which support antibody production and contains antioxidants which further support a healthy body by scavenging free radicals. This product begins working in as little as two hours protecting your immune system. Follow the recommended dosages. One does not need to use everything I mentioned. Pick one that suits you or your budget, get started and stick with it through the winter season. Some like using a simple antioxidant formula like ACES by Carlson, One Daily by Premier Labs (though you can take more than one), Thai-Go by Nature’s Sunshine, Oxygenics by Metagenics or the ones I mentioned above. We have a pretty wide variety here at the shoppe.

Back to Basics

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!

Many of you know or may not know I see your family pet for FREE as they can take many of the same herbs and vitamins we do. If you want to support their immune systems give them a probiotic on a daily basis or at the very least a few times per week. Animals can get systemic yeast infections too, which can affect their sinuses, skin and digestive system. I recently treated a cat for a horrible rash that would not go away and the vet did not know what to do for it. So I put it on probiotics and garlic and the rash went away in 2 days. It was a yeast overgrowth. We also used neem cream to apply topically. Both kitty and parents are happy. Remember give fish oil to cats, dogs can have fish or flax. They can also take vitamins and minerals just like us. Extra can be added if necessary, or if you have adopted an animal who has been starved or neglected and has poor health. If they have an auto-immune problem like arthritis you can give them extra vitamin E, Glucosamine, Baxyl and Yucca. I hope you all enjoy what’s left of the summer! God Bless, Sharon

412-343-8156 www.back2basicsinc.com Lebanon Shops | 300 Mt. Lebanon Blvd.

September 2013

PGH ZOO & PPG AQUARIUM KEYSTONE RIVER EXHIBIT SPECIAL FEATURE THE

hat’s a good thing – a very good thing according to and Tom Hayes, aquarist of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium. It’s good news for our waterways that an elusive species native to our region, nearly absent from our stream ecology for decades, has returned to creep around under rocks and eat crayfish.

Hellbenders are the largest American salamander and have occupied the same habitats since prehistoric times. In captivity they have lived to be 30 years old, and biologists estimate they live to be 30 to 50 years old in the wild. They are primarily nocturnal and live most of their lives underwater. They are solitary except for the fall mating season when the male hollows out a saucer-shaped depression in the stream floor in a still area under a rock, guiding females to lay eggs there as he sprays the eggs with sperm. He then drives off any females and incubates the eggs for up to 75 days depending on the region.

Hellbender Salamanders in Our Streams?

by Bernadette E. Kazmarski “They are an indicator species, showing the health of a stream,” Hayes explained. “If this species can live there, then it means a lot of other species are living there as well.”

Baby hellbender. Photo: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium The “Allegheny Alligator” or Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, the Eastern hellbender salamander is unique among our native salamanders, much larger, growing to an average of 24 inches in length. Found only in the Appalachian corridor, the niche they fill is both as predator and prey, a sort of bridge species between smaller populous bottom-dwelling stream species, especially crayfish, and larger reptiles and amphibians such as snakes and turtles. They inhabit a very specific type of stream with cooler fast-moving water that contains a good bit of dissolved oxygen, especially with large rocks and riffles over an uneven bottom that keeps the water tossing and moving. That sounds a lot like our mountain streams in Western Pennsylvania, and Hayes has been part of studying and reintroducing this species in four areas in Western Pennsylvania along with the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy.

Hellbenders are “opportunistic” or “ambush” feeders, lying in wait under a rock until something shows up which they can quickly catch. Our local streams have been compromised with industrial and agricultural runoff and sedimentation polluting the streams as well as drainage from abandoned mines, much of which is so highly acidic that beautiful streams around Ligonier and Ohiopyle where species such as the hellbender should live are completely sterile with no life at all in the water. With sedimentation the water is literally muddied so that water-dwelling species can’t navigate to feed or breed, and often the floor of the stream and all that lives there is coated with pollutants or particulates, sealing it all off from nutrients and oxygen in the water. Waterways in general have also been warming and hellbenders need a cold environment. In these conditions a salamander the size and habits of a hellbender wouldn’t survive very long, not only disappearing in its own right, but also depriving species up the food chain of their ability to survive and reducing their populations as well. “They also tend to live in micro-habitats, such as a 500-yard stretch of a stream, not even the whole stream, because that’s the healthiest area for them,” Hayes continued, so when their habitat is damaged or destroyed they often can’t just move on. Not only are they subject to environmental degradation but for years they were considered vermin and blamed for eating stocked trout, and according to Hayes in the 1930s Pennsylvania aquatic wildlife authorities organized hellbender hunts. “They were compared to snakes, competing with those who wanted to fish, and because they had such specific habitat they were easy to find,” Tom said. “People would go out at night and flip over rocks and just pull them out and

SPECIAL FEATURE “Now we lift the rock just slightly to see if one is under there, and tap the hellbender’s tail to make it run into a net we’ve set up for it, and we handle it in the net,” he explained. They gather basic data such as weight, length and size, gather DNA samples from the tip of the tail and the slime, and get a GPS reading and document water quality and habitat. At one time they clipped one front toe to show the animal had already been counted, but now they microchip the salamander with the same microchips used for pets in shelters and can scan for a microchip with each animal they find, registering new data on the animal with the chip information. If a hellbender is found in a pet shop or kept by anyone without a permit, they can also scan for the chip to find out where it came from. And in order to further protect the species, biologists need a permit for each research trip. Microchipping a hellbender. Photo: Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium kill them.” A certain number of hellbenders, like many exotic species, are also still collected and sold as pets. It’s no wonder their populations were so depleted that a 2003 report of the hellbender in all its Appalachian ranges showed biologists chasing down reports of hellbenders in areas in over a half-dozen streams in counties in Pennsylvania, but not actually finding any animals there when arriving. In all areas the report covered, the populations were considered so imperiled that the names of the streams are actually blacked out to help protect the salamander from those intending to kill or collect them. Even today, Hayes wouldn’t betray where to find the hellbenders he is currently studying.

“I would say now that hellbenders are ‘locally abundant’, their populations are healthy,” said Hayes. And that name? Various sources in biological reports say it’s got to do with the creature’s unusual physique, that to early settlers it may have looked like a “creature from Hell” with its lumpy, undulating skin. Though it may be unattractive to us, it looks like the perfect biological adaptation for its habitat.

Now instead of pulling them out and killing them, biologists are visiting habitat areas yearly and tagging and microchipping them in the least disruptive way possible. “We used to go in there and lift up the rock and pull them out,” Hayes related. “Like most such species they are covered with slime and while it makes them hard to handle, the slime is also an important barrier from disease and pollutants for their own health.

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IN REMEMBRANCE Pet Memorial Sunday Ceremony Hosted by CCPC

he second Sunday of September is designated as Pet Memorial Sunday by the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories, and commemorating that day is important to Deb Chebatoris of Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation (CCPC). She has hosted a ceremony on this day since 2005 dedicated to remembering our animal companions for families who have lost a pet. “Our society does not normally have a ritual to help families transition through the loss of a pet. This event is an effort to meet that need,” said Chebatoris. Our animal companions have become more respected members of our society, from recognizing that people will not evacuate even a life-threatening situation if they can’t take their animals to realizing that a close bond with an animal can help people heal from both physical and emotional traumas. Our animal companions fill a deep place in our lives; for children they are sometimes the closest friend and confidant, for seniors they are often a singular daily companion. Grief after the loss of a cherished animal companion needs to be treated with respect.

“I am honored to continue hosting this ceremony,” Chebatoris says. “From past years’ thank you notes families have received healing from attending.”

This year’s ceremony The ceremony is on Sunday, September 8, 2013 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Melrose Cemetery in Bridgeville. As part of the ceremony, three speakers will discuss our relationships with our pets before, during and after their death. Dr. Brad Carmichael of Pleasant Valley Veterinary Hospital in McMurray PA, will speak on “Our Last Moments Together”, Elizabeth Babcock, LCSW, will speak on “Our Initial Grief Response”, and Bernadette E. Kazmarski, animal artist and writer, will speak on “The Joy of Pets”. These speakers are followed by a reading of “Words of Tribute” written by pet owners who attend. Chebatoris encourages participants to write a 50-word tribute to commemorate and remember the lives they shared with their special pets, and has tips and examples on her website for composition. “Keeping a tribute to your pet to only 50 words can be a challenge,” Chebatoris remarks, “but limiting your remembrance to 50 words helps you to focus on the essential elements that made your pet special.” Families are also encouraged to bring a photo or memento of their pet to be displayed during the ceremony.

September 2013

IN REMEMBRANCE After all the speakers and the readings and the candle-lighting ceremony, “we release a flock of white doves to symbolize our ability to let go of our precious companions,” Chebatoris explains. The gathering will be held under a tent in the cemetery with light refreshments served afterward as families are invited to share their experiences with each other and speak to the presenters.

The Tribute Scroll As a follow-up to the event, attendees are encouraged to offer a photo with their tribute to be included in the annual “Tribute Scroll”, a slideshow of photos and tributes with original musical accompaniment composed after each Pet Memorial Sunday since 2010. Each slideshow is added to her website for families to view as a memorial whenever they choose; to see these Tribute Scrolls, please visit www.ccpc.ws.

Please RSVP For more information or to RSVP, please visit www.ccpc.ws or call Deb at 412-220-7800 by Friday, September 6. If you wish to compose a tribute, please send that by Friday, September 6 as well. The Pet

Memorial Sunday page on the site includes an e-mail address and fax for Deb as well as instructions for composing and sending your Words of Tribute. Also, in order to provide a peaceful environment for all, it is not appropriate to bring live pets to this event. To read a write-up and see photos of the 2011 Pet Memorial Sunday celebration, visit the CCPC’s blog “Animus” and read “Pet Memorial Sunday 2011”. Photos: Bernadette E. Kazmarski

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FEATURED BUSINESS FAMILY BUSINESS ROCKIN’ FOR 20 YEARS by Bernadette E. Kazmarski

Rockin’ Horse Stables in Cranberry Township is family run and will be celebrating its twentieth year in business in 2014. The stables were founded and are owned by wife and husband Kimberly and Adam Giannamore and offer boarding, professional lessons, quality horse sales, training and summer camps. Aszia, Lexzy, Adam, Kim & Ainjel Kimberly Giannamore grew up on a Washington County horse camps but instead ‘horse-themed summer camps’,” Adam says. Their farm. After their first two daughters were born she and Adam decided unique games, learning activities and adventure activities combined that they wanted to bring up their daughters in the type of with the horse riding sets the Rockin’ Horse camps apart from any environment Kim had enjoyed, away from the city. Three stables and others. “The 10-year-old inside me assures me that each year there will 20 years later, Adam says, they are in a terrific location just a couple of be new fun activities for our kids and that is likely the reason we have miles from the heart of Cranberry Township. so many repeat campers each year,” Adam remarks. This year’s camps were the biggest camps ever. “Now those little girls are all grown Rockin’ Horse strives to offer a safe, clean, family-friendly environment up and teaching for both boarders and students. “The best thing about the barn is that here at the stable,” we are a family run business and Kim really cares a great deal about the hecontinues.Aszia, animals and would do anything for our boarders. She makes this a 26, and Ainjel, 24, special place,” Adam says. are accomplished equestrians and “I always tell people along with their that if you’re looking mother Kim they for something fun for enjoy passing their yourself or your kids knowledge along to the stable’s students, and seeing the riders advance give us a call and see is very rewarding for them, and while they want their students to work how easy it is to get hard they also remind them to enjoy what they are doing and have fun started.” with it. Their youngest daughter, Lexzy, 14, has already competed at the American Gold Cup and other top horse shows. She has a genuine love for riding and training the horses as well. “Now with the addition of our grandson, two-year-old Dom, the third generation of riders has begun,” remarks Adam, who handles building, maintenance and repair at the stables. Most of the 40 horses who live at the stables are boarders, lesson horses and leases. Most are hunters and jumpers but a few are accomplished eventers as well. Many of the boarders and students compete at equestrian competitions that the Giannamores travel to year round. “Our riders have enjoyed a great deal of success in everything from schooling shows to some of the biggest shows in the country,” Adam continues. “We are usually easy to find because we are the large group cheering on our riders and actually having fun, something I think far too many riders are missing.” Adam started the Rockin’ Horse summer camp program eight years ago and that has evolved into a fun-filled week of lasting memories for the campers. “I never call our camps riding

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EQUINE AFFAIRS Out of Balance (part 2) By Nancy Frishkorn CHCP, BA

n the last issue our topic was flares and balance from a conformational perspective, but there are many factors that contribute to hoof shape. One has to consider the environment, the overall usage and the genetic makeup of the equine as well. The idea that hooves should be perfectly “symmetrical” is rather ideological and a rarity at best. After dissecting hundreds of cadaver hooves during my workshop training years, I found that many of the boney structures within were anything but symmetrical. Years of wear, shoeing and trimming practices, injuries and a plethora of other factors yielded coffin bones that were often wider on one side, chipped or broken in areas, and more often than not asymmetrical in nature. Perhaps you’ve seen a horse that had a “flat side” on both front hooves, most likely medially, and wondered if maybe your farrier/practitioner could “fix” the hooves to make them more aesthetically pleasing? Chances are, if they tried, the horse experienced lameness and began loading in an unnatural way. So how does a horse load?

Heel First Landing Forcing a horse to load “heel first” is unnatural. There are many organizations, individuals, and veterinarians alike who will insist this is not only beneficial, but optimal for the equine’s performance. I have even had a vet prescribe that I extend the shoe plate beyond the back of the bulbs to ensure the horse load heel first; respectfully I refused and walked away. Why? Because the equine does not load heel first – well not always. They may if they are ambling up the aisle of your barn at a relaxed walk for their trim, and they may during an extended trot reach for the level ground heel first, but more often than not the hoof loads flat. When they climb a hill, they load toe first, when they descend they load heel first, and when they passage they load the side first and roll the hoof; likewise when they are on uneven terrain they load whatever hits the ground first and accommodate to regain balance with each step. What is balance then?

Balance Defined Balance is defined as a state of equilibrium or equipoise, an even distribution of weight. Balance is having the right amount – not too much or too little – of any quality, which leads to harmony or evenness. Between horse and rider this balance must be earned through practice, discipline and repetition. Within the wild horse it can be observed through natural collected movements whereby the head can swing freely from side to side scanning the

environment as the body remains perfectly under itself. This too is earned, for the horse is naturally short on one side or the other (like being right or left handed) and disciplined riding of the domestic horse must replace what would naturally occur in the wild if they were permitted free movement over twenty plus miles a day. How does this apply to hooves? They are the source of the evenness – providing just the right amount of support where needed to balance the equine for movement. The hooves are rarely symmetrical. One may be larger or wider than the other (i.e. club foot) to compensate for structures above; likewise one side will extend farther out (flare) to accommodate the weight placed upon it to find balance. The heels are not always equal either, despite many claims; they are merely the same length. What I mean by this is when viewing the palmer capsule (back of the hoof), one side may be slightly higher than the other should you draw an imaginary line. In last month’s issue I provided a picture of a balanced hoof, and if you look closely you will see that even when I pushed my right thumb against the outside bulb to raise it the line (in yellow) was not perfectly horizontal. The picture below is of a feral basin mustang taken during my visit to the BLM in Sparks Nevada. As you can see, the there is a visible fare, or wider area, on the quarters (sides) of this hoof. This is what we call a “natural flare” and it should not be rasped away for aesthetic reasons for it has purpose; it provides balance to the hoof. The flare is “natural” because it is connected, not separated, from the lamellar junction and median stratum (white line and water line or inner “white” part of the hoof wall). The balance is determined by the center structure within, not by the visible appearance of symmetry from the outside. There is no “flat plane” visible on the capsule itself, because it is not weight bearing in this position and therefore has no forces applied to expand it as would occur during normal mechanical function. Similarly, the front hooves exhibit slightly more heel length, yet express a lower angle (toe angle) than the hinds. The coffin bone within the front hooves is more rounded due to its function – balance. The hinds express a more oval shape due to their propulsion function as well as balance. The hoof wall follows the shape of the bone within; given this knowledge it then makes sense that the bones themselves will remodel over time due to use, function, circumstance, and environmental forces. This is not to say that all hooves are perfectly symmetrical at birth, for genetics also play a significant part in determining shape and size of every structure within the body.

BLM mustang natural balance never trimmed.

September 2013

EQUINE AFFAIRS

Newborn foal has natural balance. This last photo is from a 14 year old paint that is “splay footed” or toes out on the front hooves. This hoof had a terrible crack in the coronet region due to imbalance and/or injury but was permitted remodeling through natural hoof care; interestingly the quarter crack closed and healed without the use of any shoeing device. As you can see, the outer heel (on your right side in this photo) is slightly Palmer view balanced natural trim. longer than the inside heel, yet the frog is centered in the capsule. The important thing to look for is that the heels are at the widest point of the frog (back of hoof) and they bear weight equally providing a perpendicular line to the center of the capsule up the bridge and frog apex. The entire story of this horse (my very own mother’s paint) can be found under the “cracks” tab on my website at www.hooflady.org.

Solar view toed out balanced trim.

References Balance - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com. (2013). Retrieved from https://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/balance

All Natural Hoof Care Nancy Frishkorn CHCP-Field Instructor

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

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EQUINE AFFAIRS by Kristin Hermann

n the previous articles, we discussed the value of training the horse to be relaxed, rhythmic, round in the top line, and straight when moving forward. A gymnastically trained horse will use its whole body while carrying a rider and maintain all of the above-mentioned qualities of training. The gymnastic training of the horse, or dressage, will enhance a horse’s way of moving

lots of half halts and circles to train them not to rush in the first place. Applying a half halt is done with the rider’s outside rein. As the rider’s inside active leg asks the horse to move more forward if need be, the outside rein then slows the horse. These aids are called the diagonal aids, meaning they work from the inside to the outside through the horse. The timing of the half halt for an English rider is on the up phase of the posting trot. When the rider is in the down phase of the posting trot, the inside active leg asks the horse to move forward.

Using a Half Halt to “rebalance” a forward horse

When a rider learns to half halt whether from the seat, leg or rein aid to contain the horse’s forward energy, a more uphill balance will develop. The gymnastically trained horse should be able to lengthen its top line (spine) as well as collect. This horse’s top line is coiled or collected but not constrained. and keep the horse balanced, athletic and sound. Training the horse to stretch its back, track straight and stay relaxed and happy throughout its workout is like yoga for the horse. The horse’s whole body is engaged in the training. Riders do yoga standing and sitting, but horses are trained primarily while moving forward.

This horse is taking a full stride and tracking up. As a result, he is using his top line under the rider’s seat. The rider’s seat or position is not inhibiting this horse in any way. To half halt this long stride she would take back a little with the outside rein. The horse would then step more under his body and up, as opposed to a longer stride. The result of a half halt develops the horse’s ability to carry more from behind instead of covering ground.

As discussed last month a horse moving forward does not mean rushing around. It means moving in a rhythmic forward motion that can be harnessed by the rider’s aids. Horses are naturally prone to move forward, and a trained horse learns to wait for the rider’s command. Riders do not just hop on and giddy up till the horse runs out of energy. Although, I am sure some riders think this is a correct and fun way to experience a horse. The gymnastically trained horse works willingly forward from the rider’s leg and then responds to either the rider’s seat or rein aid to slow down. The circle is the ‘training wheel of training’ whether in a round pen or a twenty meter circle in the arena. Riding on a circle will naturally slow a rushing horse down, but applying a half halt will accomplish the same objective more immediately and more effectively. The half halt slows the horse as compared to a full halt that asks the horse to stop completely or “whoa.” It is called a half of a halt, or half halt, because it is not a full halt. The half halt rebalances a horse that may have lost balance and is rushing. Trained horses rarely rush but do occasionally, and in this case would need a half halt. Of course, it took

A rider that is not posting, needs to feel with the seat when the horse’s inside leg moves forward and ask for more forward if needed, and then half halt as the leg moves back. A horse primarily carries its weight from its inside hind leg. Thus when the rider’s inside ‘active leg’ asks the horse to step more forward then the outside half halting or ‘supporting rein’ captures this forward moving horse.The energy is then transferred back to the hindquarter instead of sending it more forward. This cycle of signaling the horse is called the “ring of aids” and is why and how a half halt works.

Using the aids to apply a half halt to slow the horse is one way to rebalance a horse that rushes. A rider can circle till the horse finds a rhythm, but this could take a while. Learning to apply a half halt, like all riding, is done with trial and error, but once you feel your horse rebalance and slow from an effective half halt you will have learned how effective it is. With riding, if you feel it you learn it.

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September 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

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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).