Pittsburgh PetConnections Spring 2023 Vol. 10 Issue 3

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

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

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

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

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

CORRESPONDENCE

pghpetconnections@gmail.com

412-738-4233

All Rights Reserved | ©2023 www.petconnections.pet

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Welcome to our SPRING Edition 23 Volume 10 Issue 3

NEWS & EVENTS: PetConnections is in our 11th Year!

Welcome

There are many spring pet events listed on our event page, for Animal Friends, Humane Animal Rescue and Beaver County Humane Society. Please check our Cat Resource Page for spay and neuter events.

We are planning DogtoberFEST 2023 at the Waterfront on Saturday, October 7th, 2023. We will have announcements in the summer issue on DogtoberFEST 2023 schedule of events.

CORRESPONDENCE info@pghpetconnections.com

PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTION

QUARTERLY

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All Rights Reserved | © 2019

Published by All Life Media, LLC. Pittsburgh PetConnections was created in 2012. Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative publication focused on the Human-Animal Bond. We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Pittsburgh communities.

News

Welcome to our Winter 2019 issue!

We welcome Ease Animal Massage, Buzzy Photography, and O2 Derm Pet Topical Gel to our supporting advertisers!

Introducing our new sister publications coming out in March, Integrative Healing magazine for people (and, of course, a pet section!)

We are also pleased to announce some fun new things that we have in the works for PetConnections!

THIS ISSUE: We are featuring a variety of educational and fun articles, on birds, fish, dogs, cats and horses for training and care. We have added Aquarium Adventures and Feathered Friends sections, as Edward R. Moats is our expert on Avian Nutrition, and also chairs the Greater Pittsburgh Aquarium Society. We welcome Ed’s expertise and contributing articles in these sections for PetConnections! We hope you enjoy this issue, as we highlight all of the amazing and hard work that our local animal shelters, organizations, and veterinarians are doing to assist pets, people and veterinary professionals, in our Pittsburgh Area. Blue Pearl highlights their Blood Bank program and how you and your pet can help save the lives of dogs!

PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS QUARTERLY

Published by: Pittsburgh PetConnections, LLC.

OUR SAP PARTNER: We are working with our licensing partner dvm360TM magazine to pair great content! The partnership will mean online national and global exposure for PetConnections magazine!

MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF

Pittsburgh PetConnections LLC. was formed in 2012. Our mission is to publish a high quality, informative publication focused on the Human-Animal Bond. We support local businesses and also assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, to give back to our great Pittsburgh communities.

Carla Mader, Publisher

Buzzy Photography, Photography

Fran Sherman, Creative Director

Barbara Negron, Graphic Designer

ADVERTISING SALES

Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales

412.780.2254

MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF

Events

“dvm360 TM is the veterinary profession’s No. 1 print resource for news, product resources, tools, and practice solutions. dvm360TM captures the voice of the profession and delivers relevant, real-world coverage while meeting the everyday clinical needs of small animal and equine veterinarians.”

Carla Mader, Managing Editor

Kara Jones Photography, Photography

Kelli Koladish, Graphic Designer

Edward R. Moats, Content Editor

Carla Mader, Sales & Distribution Manager

Edward R. Moats, Media Account Manager

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Lilian Akin, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA

Kristin Hermann

Edward R. Moats

Dr. Becky Morrow, DVM

Paula Shimko, KPACTP

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation’s Healing Hearts Pet Loss Grief Seminar, Animal Friends’ and CARMAA’s highlighted in our event section.

This Issue

PetConnections is published quarterly as follows: March, June, September, and special Holiday issue in early December! Our print copy distribution sites will be replenished every 6 weeks. Our online presence has always been much greater than in print with now over 400,000 impressions! To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, please contact us below.

Our cover features Manon Farm’s Princess Showcase riding show! See the Equine Affairs section article inside, April Minech! Also, a reader, Ruth Maloy-Carter submitted her heart-warming story, “Great to be Ginger”, Animal Bond section! Edward Moats continues his avian nutrition articles, with more great tips, in Feathered Also, we are revisiting Integrative Healing for Pets with Dr. Doug, in our Pet Holistic section.

Our rescue section features Nate’s reptile Rescue. PVSEC/BluePearl’s article about winter safety for pets. Our Korner has Homeless Cat Management Team has spay and neuter info, by Bernadette Kazmarski. Equine Hermann writes about Learning from Source.

ADVERTISING SALES

Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales, Pittsburgh 412-780-2254 | rrcd@aol.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Did you know? PetConnections has evolved into a full-service specialized pet media company, providing services for advertising in print and digital marketing platforms to help our sponsors grow their businesses. Contact us below for information on advertising or sponsoring!

PetConnections is published quarterly as follows: Early February, May, August, and November. Our distribution sites will be replenished every 6 weeks. Our online presence has always been much greater print with now over 350,000 impressions this year. To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, please contact us below.

Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center

Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections. Be well and we wish you a safe and joyful spring season with your family and pets!

Kristin Hermann

April Minech

Bernadette Kazmarski

Edward R. Moats

Cover Photo: Hayden and Harper Stewart

Did you know? PetConnections has evolved into a full-service specialized pet media company, providing services for advertising in print and digital marketing platforms to help our sponsors grow their businesses. Contact us below for information on advertising or sponsoring!

Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections.

Warmly, Carla Mader Publisher

Warmly, Carla Mader Publisher Pittsburgh | Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine PetCon Expos

Please submit any correspondence to: pghpetconnections@gmail.com

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From The Publisher

Kids & Dogs – Good Sense Tips

ByLilianAkin,FamilyDogTrainingProfessional

We all know the great relationships that people form with their dogs, and many had their start when we were just kids. Doesn’t everyone have a memory of their first dog, playing in the yard together or sneaking them into bed? Watching TV on the floor, trying to feed vegetables under the table or long summer walk are some of the sweet reminders of the bond between us and our first childhood fur-friend. As today’s lifestyles have changed, so has the advice and information we have about our furry friends and how to build the best relationships.

There are things parents can do to help get things off on the right foot. For example, “The dogs should be exposed to changes coming before they happen,” says Lilian Akin, local family dog trainer. You can push a stroller around, play sounds of babies crying and let the dog smell or experience what’s going to be happening in their world before the actual baby comes home. Many shelters offer a “Baby Ready Pets” course which goes over a list of situations and how to handle them that new parents might not have thought of. And there are online resources such as www.FamilyPaws.com that offer a lot of information and suggestions.

Little babies should always have a person between them and the dog, as they are at the most risk for damage from even a small incident because of their size. “Dogs should never come in direct contact with small babies” says Lilian. “You can sit on the couch with your baby on one side and your dog on your other. Or let the dog smell the baby through a baby gate. It’s also important to see things from the dog’s point of view.” Most dogs are going to be interested in a new baby, but you want to avoid encouraging bad behavior from the dog when doing the introductions. “Some people hold the baby down to the dog’s level, then pick them up and away in their arms, which can encourage the dog to jump or try to get at the baby as if it were a toy,” Akin explains.

Along with general manners, dogs can be taught extra commands such as “back-up” or “go” so they have a cue to escape or leave the situation if it becomes uncomfortable for them. Lilian teaches other baby specific things such as not stepping on the baby blanket so your pet can know what is expected of them. You can also teach the dog to lay down and be calm when the baby is on the floor, so

they can share that special time together.

“And even small children can be taught to be gentle and respectful of animals. Teaching children not to lay on the dog’s bed or go in its crate shows them how to be respectful of the dog’s space,” encourages Lilian. Most people know not to let the child go near the dog when its eating, as that makes some dogs uncomfortable, but don’t always extend that courtesy to other things the dog might view as theirs. And toddles can be scary to dogs. They walk funny, more quickly and fall and dogs don’t understand what’s going on. One of the ways to help them understand kids are good is to throw treats to the dog while the toddle is coming towards them. Or teaching the dog to lay by the highchair and reap the food that falls from the sky.

Lilian states that the number one thing people usually do that she would change is holding or trapping the dog while the child comes close to it. “Some people hold the dog by the collar or pin it down in an effort to restrain it while kids come close, and that can be very frightening experience for the dog. If it is afraid, that feeling of not being able to escape could make the dog react in a fearful way, as he has no choice. Yelling at the dog or swatting at the dog may make the dog resent the child, rather than teach him how he should act or what is good manners,” she says. And don’t punish the dog if it growls! Those growls are the dog’s way of saying “Hey, I’m uncomfortable here!” Listen to the dog and be thankful he was able to let you know so you can make good choices about how to handle things. Dogs want to be our friends and we can help show them the way with a little preparation.

YoucancontactLiliandirectlyforadviceby email: laakin@verizon.net or call 412-977-7690

LilianAkin,3510GerberAvenue,Pittsburgh,Pennsylvania15212 CPDT-KA,CBCC-KAgotherstarttraining dogsbyvolunteeringatshelters.Shehasworked, volunteeredand/ortaughtclassesinallthreeofthe majorPittsburghshelters,AnimalFriends,theWestern Pa.HumaneSociety,andtheAnimalRescueLeague. Shestartedoutbyworkingwithshelterdogsunderthe guidanceofvolunteertrainers.

https://www.thinkingoutsidethecage. org/get-involved/events/

March 31st PBTA Red

Carpet Gala

April 15th Bow Wow Bingo

May 7th Pittsburgh Marathon

Humane Animal Rescue

https://humaneanimalrescue.org/ events/

April 29th Barks and Brews

Beaver County Humane Society

https://www.gogophotocontest.com/ beavercountyhumanesociety

Through May 26th 2023 Pixel Pets

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SPRING

Sunday, April 30, 2023 11a-5p

Garden City Banquet Hall

600 Garden City Drive

Monroeville, Pa. 15146

SWAP

Saturday, June 3, 2023 12p-4p

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ByPaulaShimkoKPACTP

Training the mind of a dog, and his body position are equally important. Training should always be fun, think about how little people learn. Why would a dog that has the cognitive ability as that of a 2-3-year-old toddler not learn the same way? After all they are both mammals, just different species. If one thinks about their dogs in this context it will take the pressure off both the dog and the human as they are learning together as a team.

Here are some simple rules to follow to train a healthy animal. Your dog’s emotional wellbeing is crucial to your dog’s feeling of safety. The hierarchy of your dog’s needs starts with safety and then food and water. In other words, if one doesn’t start training behaviors that the animal feels safe doing, then one can poison the dogs desire to learn. Training with fear and force free methods will help the dog to become a happy and wellstructured dog.

1. Positive Reinforcement is reinforcing a desired behavior with a value. The dog’s value not yours.

2. A dog is likely to repeat behaviors that are rewarded.

3. Learning does not occur if the dog does not feel safe.

4. A simple rule is that behaviors resulting in pleasant consequences will be repeated. A consequence drives behavior. Humans and dogs learn the same way. Association.

5. Rewards can be toys, food or praise. What does your dog value above all else?

6. Plan to set your dog up for success. Fear stops the learning process in both animals and people.

7. Ask yourself, what relationship do you have with your learner, what is your history of reinforcement?

8. Set your dog up for success by using management (crates, leashes, tethering to door knobs, mats or beds).

9. You are your dog’s advocate, be alert to your dogs’ body language. Your dog communicates with his body. When your dog is nervous, he will hold his breath. Be aware of your dog’s stress signals. If it doesn’t feel right, then it is not right. A good handler always keeps their dog’s wellbeing in mind.

10. When training behaviors use a happy voice, smile. Keep your body language soft. Keep your body still. Talk less, talking less allows the dog to think about what he needs to offer to earn a reward. Try not to disrupt patterns of thought.

11. Keep your dog’s arousal level as low as possible. Teach go to mat and settle games, be creative.

12. Teach your dog to relax, rub their ears softly, body and face. Massages may help to settle your dog.

13. A conditioned reinforcer is any signal an animal can perceive. The most popular are a clicker or a verbal marker such as” YES”. Mark the behavior as it is occurring. Do not rush to get the food in the dog’s mouth after the mark. Using the marker gives the handler

time to get the reward to the dog. 1-2 seconds is longer than you think. Keep the clicker hand and the reward hand separate motions. These signals can be more powerful than the delivery of the value. The dog gets a hormonal rush with the mark. The mark creates the anticipation for the delivery of the value. It means to the dog “yes, you are correct give me a second and I will give you your reinforcement”.

14. A behavior an animal learns by way of shaping, (teaching in very small steps) is a very powerful way of teaching a behavior. These behaviors stick forever.

15. Always make sure you have your dog’s attention before you give a cue. Use a kissy sound to help the dog focus on you. It is important that the dog is connected to the handler before giving a cue.

16. What happens when a dog doesn’t perform a behavior when cued…nothing… This is a phrase you may want to use. “Try again”. This is called a “no reward marker”. You are saying to the dog “that’s not right try again, and you can earn that reward.” Keep in mind the behavior may not be strong enough.

17. How to get rid of unwanted behaviors is tough. For example, turning your back on a jumping dog causes frustration. Giving a cue for an alternate behavior such as sit, gets a reward. The behavior jump gets nothing (no verbalization please!) Be careful, make sure you pause in between behaviors so as not to teach a jump/sit.

18. Keep verbal cues one syllable (dogs are not VERBAL). Keep the cue as simple as possible. A cue is a green light for the dog to earn a reward.

19. Call your dog and reinforce him for a full 60 seconds for coming to you. This may be the most important behavior you will ever train. The dog that comes on recall is a safe dog.

20. The clicker is used to teach a behavior and then once the behavior is learned we attach a verbal cue. We then put the cue on a variable reinforcement schedule. Sometimes the dog is rewarded when cued and sometimes not. Maintaining behavior needs rewarded every now and then.

Training and modifying behavior are like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. It is our job to help the animal put the pieces together. When I am training an animal, I am watching everything about him. Through training I am having a conversation with the dog in front of me. Many times, they will tell me immediately what they are all about. Other times the animal makes me work harder to establish a conversation. The most important message I hope you have received from this article is that kindness goes a very long way. Keep these three things in mind when teaching your dog. Be kind, be consistent, and be patient. You are doing one of the hardest things there is, communicating with your dog.

Happy Training

Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care, where wellness and urgent care meet.

We provide high quality emergency medicine, surgery, and preventative care for pets in the Pittsburgh area and surrounding communities. We are proud to offer walk-in hours Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri, and Sat 9am-6pm; you do not need to make an appointment. Appointments only on Wednesday s 9am-6pm

Our goal is to provide affordable emergency services along with convenient wellness and preventative care. In addition, we are one of the few veterinary practices that offer alternative medicine, such as acupuncture, to help your pet have a comprehensive medical treatment plan. Our goal is to treat your pet the way we would treat our own.

We are taking both new clients and patients and welcome any appointment type. Our veterinarians have extensive experience in emergency medicine, critical care, surgery, preventative care, geriatric care and alternative medicine. Our well-trained staff has been chosen selectively to emphasize the experience needed for high quality care and to embody the core values we want to portray.

HOURS

Monday: Walk-ins 9am-6pm

Tuesday: Walk-ins 9am-6pm

Wednesday: Appointments only | 9am-6pm

Thursday: Walk-ins 9am-6pm

Friday: 9am-6pm

Saturday: 9am-6pm

Sunday: Closed

AnimalFriends Celebrates 80 Years of Saving Lives

Since 1943, Animal Friends has served as a center of hope and healing for homeless animals in Pittsburgh and the surrounding region. Over the past 80 years, Animal Friends has supported millions of pets and people and has grown from “the shelter in the Strip District” to a full-service companion animal resource community located on a 75-acre campus in Ohio Township, just north of downtown Pittsburgh.

Each day, Animal Friends provides rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming for pets in crisis – but these lifesaving efforts only scratch the surface of Animal Friends’ progressive initiatives and humane programming. A diverse collection of educational, therapeutic and outreach programs offer support and promote the bond that people share with their pets, while free and affordable pet retention resources are available to animal lovers in crisis or who are struggling and simply need a helping hand to provide their beloved pets with the care they need.

Simply put, Animal Friends has been saving lives for 80 years … and so much more.

What started in 1943 as a foster resource for the pets of soldiers leaving for World War II has grown into a vision of a humane and compassionate future for every animal friend – two- and four-legged alike. Today, this vision is about so much more than providing adoption services for homeless animals.

Outreach Programs

Animal Friends’ approach to supporting the pets and people of the region has long been rooted in promoting the animal-human bond through outreach, education and therapeutic programs. These programs include Humane Education opportunities that engage the next generation of animal lovers, Therapets certified pet therapy teams that offer compassionate support to those in need, Animal Friends for Veterans which continues the organization’s longstanding commitment to the brave individuals of our military and so much more.

Pet Retention

Animal Friends was among the first in our region to emphasize spay/neuter as the most progressive and humane way to reduce pet overpopulation. After launching the ABC (Animal Birth Control) program, evolving into Low-Cost Spay/Neuter and the expansion of a wide array of affordable clinic services with the opening of the Howard Ash Animal Wellness Center in 2017, Animal Friends is making veterinary care affordable and accessible for more pet owners than ever before.

The best place for a pet to be is in the comfort of a home with a family to call their own. That’s why Animal Friends believes in a holistic approach to pet retention that helps to keep companion animals out of shelters and in loving homes where they belong. Through initiatives like Friends for Life and the Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank, Animal Friends eliminates barriers and provides a safety net for struggling pet owners.

Each year, Animal Friends cares for thousands of animals in crisis who have nowhere else to turn. Their Humane Society Police Officers investigate reports from the community and offer safe haven to animals who are victims of abuse, cruelty and neglect. Animal Friends also partners with organizations on a local, regional and national level to give second chances through transport initiatives. And, Animal Friends serves as a resource for pet owners who have no choice but to surrender their beloved pets due to circumstances beyond their control. With experienced and credentialed medical and behavioral staff, each dog, cat and rabbit who comes through the doors receives individualized

After 80 years of thinking outside the cage and leading the way toward making our community a more humane and compassionate place, Animal Friends is more committed and making a greater impact in the lives of pets and people than ever before. To learn more about their countless progressive and lifesaving initiatives and to see Animal Friends’ impact by the numbers, visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/Impact.

Howard Ash Animal Wellness Center 562 Camp Horne Road | Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Who C.A.R.E.S.: An Introduction into Conservation

EdwardR.Moats,Smock,Pennsylvania GreaterPittsburghAquariumSociety

For many of us involved in aquarium societies, BAP, or Breeder’s Awards Program; is well-known for encouraging the proliferation of aquarium species to share with other hobbyists in our communities. However, many may not be familiar with an international program that encourages the participation of local aquarium clubs and their members.

Founded in 2004, CARES (CONSERVATION, AWARENESS, RECOGNITION, RESPONSIBILITY, ENCOURAGEMENT, EDUCATION, SUPPORT and SHARING) program focuses on the preservation of critically endangered aquatic life due to deforestation, pollution, and invasive species encroachment in ecosystems that are greatly compromised. The goal is to encourage hobbyists to devote an aquarium or two to fish that are critically endangered. Successful spawns are then shared among the community where, in turn; populations of these species are maintained for future generations and possible reintroduction back into natural habitats.

FRESHWATER FISH ARE AMONG THE MOST THREATENED GROUP OF VERTEBRATES ON EARTH, SCIENTISTS ESTIMATE THAT ONE IN THREE ARE THREATENED WITH EXTINCTION.

Dr. Paul V. Loiselle: “The hobbyists now play a critical role in the favorable outlook of conservation priority fishes. If each one of us dedicates at least one aquarium with the intent of devoting that tank space to a species at risk, the aquarium hobby as a whole has the opportunity to make a major impact in ensuring a positive future for these fishes.”

An example of reintroduction of a species would be the recent program initiated over the fall of 2022, when Skiffia francesae was reintroduced back into it’s native waters of the Teuchitlan River in Jalisco, Mexico. Skiffia francesae, also known as the Golden Skiffia; was declared extinct in the wild in 1996. However, captive populations continued to be available through the aquarium hobby. Through captive breeding programs and ten years of restoration work to remove threats to the ecosystem that would prevent successful reintroduction, Skiffia francesae has come home. It is the hopes of those who initiated this program that the outcome is as successful as the program regarding Zoogoneticus tequila.

Zoogoneticus tequila, the Tequila Splitfin; reintroduction project was initiated six years ago to reintroduce the species back to the Teuchitlan River. The Tequila Splitfin project was cited as an exemplary case study by the ICUN, the global

conservation authority. The Tequila Splitfin was declared critically endangered on the ICUN Red List in 2009. However, since the success of reintroduction, a reassessment of the species in 2018 now declares the species as endangered. These two projects exemplify why it is so important for the work of organizations such as C.A.R.E.S. and The Goodeid Working Group continue to thrive and educate our communities regarding the importance of maintaining these species.

Like many of you, I have enjoyed the aquarium hobby for years. I was taking care of my first ten gallon of tetras at four years old. For decades, I have enjoyed countless hours of watching my fish in an environment that I created. However, over the last few years, my direction has changed. I now find a new meaning and purpose to my hobby, CONSERVATION. I currently breed and maintain fourteen different species of threatened or critically endangered fish. (Most of which comprise the family Goodeidae.) I now find joy in sharing bloodlines of these fish with other hobbyists so that they can experience the fascinating behaviors of these wild fishes. The goal is to continue the maintenance of these fishes in our hobby for future generations and possible reintroduction projects.

I am certain that many of us can agree that our hobby has come under scrutiny over the last few years. Special interest groups continue to push for legislation that would significantly diminish the aquarium hobby as we know it. It is my contention that these forms of legislation will only hamper the potential outcomes of reintroduction programs such as those of Skiffia francesae and Zoogoneticus tequila. To those groups that feel that our hobby is cruel or that our hobby places ecosystems at risk, I submit the data from these two successful programs. Reintroduction programs that epitomize the work conservation.

If you found this article of interest, I encourage you to reach out to your local aquarium societies, such as GPASI; and register to participate in the C.A.R.E.S. program. For more information regarding the C.A.R.E.S program, visit their website : https://caresforfish.org

REFERENCES:

https://caresforfish.org ; accessed:2/9/23.

https: Mongabay.com:Amid Mexico’s Day of the Dead, a fish declared extinct comes back to life; Liz Kimbrough, 11/08/22; accessed: 2/9/23

You help save the lives of animals like him.

Hamlin

We help We help thousands of animals get off the streets and into thousands of animals get off the streets and into loving homes every year. loving homes every year.

We save We save animals from hoarding and other cruelty-related animals from hoarding and other cruelty-related situations. situations.

We provide We provide animals with life-saving medical care. animals with life-saving medical care.

BCHS BCHS Provides: Provides:

Adoption Services Adoption Services

Donate Here Donate Here

Senior 2 Senior Adoption Programs

Senior 2 Senior Adoption Programs

Humane Investigations Humane Investigations

Pet Food Pantry Pet Food Pantry

Thrift Store (Located in Beaver Falls) Thrift Store (Located in Beaver Falls)

TNR Services TNR Services

Volunteer Programs Volunteer Programs

Low Cost Vaccine & Microchip Clinics

Low Cost Vaccine & Microchip Clinics

Low Cost Feline Spay/Neuter Clinics

Low Cost Feline Spay/Neuter Clinics

And much more! And much more!

Adopt a pet and experience unconditional love and a lifetime of friendship. At Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP) you’ll find pets of all types and personalities awaiting adoption!

How can you Adopt?

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh’s adoption team works to match people with an adoptable animal.

To assist with making a match, an adoption counselor will learn more about the adopter and share information about the animals. Our adoptions are first come, first serve and we are unable to place a hold on specific animals.

Don’t fret, we always have new animals coming in that could be your purr-fect match! Visit humaneanimalrescue.org/adopt to learn more about our adoptable animals.

Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh is open to process adoptions on a walk-in basis Tuesday through Friday. Our doors open at 1 p.m. and the last adoption will be finished by 6 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, adoptions are from Noon to 4 p.m. For additional information, please call us at 412-345-7300 ext. 215 or email us at adopt@ humaneanimalrescue.org.

Not Ready for a Pet? Here's How You Can Help!

If you're looking to help homeless pets in need, but aren't ready to add another member to your household, there are lots of ways for you to help animals in our care. If you're able, fostering a pet can change a life, and prepare a shelter animal for a successful forever adoption.

By donating items from our wish list, you can provide essential supplies directly to shelter animals who need them. Monetary donations support the daily care and rehabilitation of animals in need.

Perhaps the best way to provide for animals in need is by joining HARP 365, a recurring donor membership that provides monthly support to HARP programs and the animals they care for.

&

Blue Pearl Blood Bank Every Donor

is a Hero

ByDanKavanaugh

We all love our pets, and we only ever want the best for them. We treat our furry friends like family and we extend that consideration onto their medical care. Many of the treatments we provide to each other can also be prescribed for our pets as well. Have you ever wondered about the procedures we perform at the veterinary hospital? Have you ever donated blood, and wondered if dogs and cats also have a need for blood products? The answer is yes! You may often see commercials or hear ads for prospective blood donors, and I can assure you that the need for blood products is just as urgent for our animals. There are unfortunate times when our animal companions have illnesses and emergencies that present a critical need for blood products. Blood products may be used to treat ill patients with anemia, cancers, issues with blood clotting, internal parasites, heat stroke, or blood loss from trauma. With the growth of veterinary speciality services, the demand for transfusion therapy to treat many diseases and ailments has risen drastically. The BluePearl Animal Blood Bank in Pittsburgh allows veterinarians to treat their patients quickly and safely with blood collected from volunteer donors. Each year at BluePearl Pittsburgh, we provide over 600 units of blood products to pets in need.

Transfusion medicine is a fascinating subject, especially when you take animals into consideration. We often think of blood product therapy for humans but rarely as a treatment for our pets. As it turns out, we all aren’t so different, and many of

the life saving procedures that our own personal physicians can perform are also an option for animals at specialty and emergency facilities like BluePearl Pittsburgh. Dogs and cats have blood types just like us, they respond much in the same way as we do, and we take the same considerations and precautions for the donor and the recipient. Dogs have 13 different blood groups, and 8 specific types. We can safely narrow that down to designations of a Negative (Universal donor) blood Type and a Positive (Universal recipient) blood Type. Cats, as in most cases, are a little more discerning. Cats have 1 blood group and 4 specific types which we can also narrow down to Type A and Type B. Between 96-99% of domestic cats have Type A blood, and unfortunately there is no Universal type for cats.

You may then ask yourself, what is the process? How do these donations take place? What are the requirements or benefits? Firstly, the benefit of helping to save a life is incalculable. Knowing that your pet’s contribution has allowed a family to stay whole is truly rewarding. The BluePearl Blood Bank network stretches all over the country, with programs in Seattle, Tampa Bay, and even right in the middle of New York City! Our program in Pittsburgh has been operating for over 12 years, with hundreds of donors throughout that time. We offer free yearly comprehensive blood work at a value of nearly $500 for all donors, as well as an exam prior to every donation and a blood type tag for the pet’s collar.

Everything that we offer is completely free to donor families! The donations take place in a quiet area of BluePearl Pittsburgh where we can spend time with the donors, offer them lots of love and attention, some small treats and an environment where they can feel comforted. Just as in human donor programs, we always ask that the pets are fasted for 10-12 hours prior to the donation. We conduct our donations in the morning and always offer a snack after we are all done so that the donors don’t miss their breakfast too much!

We currently only accept dogs from the community due to the added considerations we must make for cats. If you’ve ever tried to hold a cat when it doesn’t want to be held, then you’ll understand what I mean! We have many employees at BluePearl Pittsburgh with eligible cats that can participate in the donor program. Unlike human donations, we actually use the jugular vein in the neck to collect the blood. This sounds scary but it’s actually very safe and very common in the veterinary field. When you go to your family veterinarian for yearly check-ups or wellness exams, there is a good chance that any required blood samples are collected in this way. To further ensure safety and to add an extra layer of comfort we also give our donors a small amount of a sedative. Prior to pick up, we administer a reversal agent for the sedative and your pup returns to you just as happy as you left them. We collect close to half of a liter of blood, which is about 10% of a donor dog’s total blood volume. The body begins to regenerate new blood cells almost immediately after the donation is complete. We only ask that while they are recuperating that

pets refrain from strenuous activity for 24 hours or so.

If you are reading this article and have an interest in making your pup a life saving donor hero, we do have a few criteria to keep all of our donors safe. All dogs should weigh at least 50 lbs, be between 1-7 years old, must be up to date on vaccinations and on flea and tick preventative. The pets should be in general good health, and animals who have received a donation in the past can not participate unfortunately. Maybe the most important criteria to us at our blood bank is that the donor is comfortable with nonfamily members and has a gentle temperament. We go above and beyond to provide a comfortable environment for the pups that come in and we understand the stresses of a new environment with new people. The first appointment that you would schedule is a screening, where we evaluate the prospective donor and they evaluate us as well! The truth is that not all dogs want to be donors, and we understand this, we understand that they cannot give consent other than through their behavior. It’s imperative that the procedure is a good, positive experience for everyone involved, the donor most of all.

We love getting to know our donors and watching them grow through the years. We are always accepting new applicants and if this sounds like an option for your family please contact us at pittbloodbank@bluepearlvet.com. Thank you for reading and considering our program, all questions and comments are welcome as we continue on this path of wellness for our companion animal community.

Every

donor is a hero.

Each blood donation saves 3 lives.

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

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

Contact: pittbloodbank@bluepearlvet.com

Leo is a BluePearl pet hero.

Unraveling Avian Nutrition

ByEdwardR.Moats

What are the best nutrient dense foods that I should feed my bird? A question that sparks much controversy in the Avian world. “Feed this.”, “ Don’t feed that.” It can confuse any pet parent searching for the best foods to feed their companion. In this article, I will discuss this perplexing controversy with simple, and factual, information that the pet parent can utilize to sustain the health of their feathered companions.

Before I go any further, I would like to address one common misconception regarding a bird’s diet. There are no processed and packaged diets that can truly claim complete nutrition. Only a varied diet that includes fresh vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and plant-based proteins encompass a well-rounded nutrient dense diet for your bird. All to often when I discuss nutrition with bird families, they say that they solely feed a manufactured food because it claims, “complete nutrition” on the package.

So, that is all they need to feed. Right? That concept could not be further from the truth. Birds are opportunistic scavengers. Meaning, they forage throughout the jungles and rainforests for foods that are available within their habitat. Therefore, a wild bird’s diet can vary considerably on a day to day basis. In our homes, birds are limited to what foods we offer. We essentially are the stewards to providing a healthy diet. However, it is possible to offer a well-balanced nutrient dense diet once you understand the fundamental principles of feeding your bird.

SELECTING THE PROPER DIET

When making decisions regarding what foods to feed your bird, you first need to identify what type of bird you are keeping as a companion. Not all birds eat the same foods. Over years of evolving and adapting to their environments, birds have developed digestive enzymes that are capable of absorbing the nutrients found in food sources from their native habitats. These digestive enzymes differ in each species. For instance, granivores are birds with a diet that consists, in large part, of grass and seeds.

Frugivores are birds that mostly eat fruits. Omnivore eat seed, insects, fruit, and invertebrates.

Florivore’s eat seeds, nuts, roots and bark. And then some bird diets comprise mostly of nectar from flowers. These birds are called Nectarvores. Although the birds grouped in these diets tend to gravitate toward the predominate foods in that classification, some are interchangeable. It is important to understand what your bird would eat in the wild before you decide the best diet to feed in your home.

FEEDING SEEDS: THE MYTHS AND FACTS

“Don’t feed Sunflower seed because it is high in fat and can cause fatty liver and heart disease that will shorten the life of your bird.” This is only a half truth. Let me explain the facts about offering seeds to your birds. When it comes to companion birds in our homes, there is one undeniable fact. Birds in our homes

do not get the exercise that they benefit from in the wild. The number one cause of avian illnesses in companion birds is a sedentary lifestyle and a nutrient deficient diet. On average, wild birds fly 50-75 miles per day. Companion birds in our homes cannot meet those distances. Even those of you that allow your birds free flight, your home cannot compare to the open air of the wild. Therefore, it can be said that companion birds that are kept in our homes are extremely limited to flight. Flight is the best form of exercise for a bird. Because of this lack of activity, muscles atrophy. But most important, birds are not able to burn off consumed calories. So, when someone says that feeding seeds is unhealthy due to the fat content, that is not a complete truth. It is the lack of exercise that causes these illnesses. Feeding foods that are high in fat in conjunction with lack of physical activity to burn the calories is the deciding factor in this equation.

Let’s discuss the nutrients that are contained in seeds. Sunflower seed, what many revere as the villain in the avian diet; is actually a nutrient dense resource. These seeds are good sources of vitamins and minerals such as, Vitamin B1, B6, Magnesium, Potassium, Phosphorus, Copper, Manganese, Selenium, Iron, and Zinc. They are also a good source for Vitamin E. These nutrients are essential in maintaining body physiology such as cardiovascular and circulatory health. Boosting the immune system to fight off infection and illness. Aiding the blood in defense against anemia and insuring healthy bones. They also are a deciding factor in fertility.

There is another group of nutrients that are found in seeds such as sunflower. These nutrients are called phytophenols. They are essentially “living” plant-based nutrients that aid in strengthening the physiology of the body such as the (immune) system, and aiding in fertility. There is one way to offer phytophenols from sunflower without the high fat content. These essential nutrients can be freely offered in sprouting seed. Seed that is sprouted utilizes the fat content as energy to sprout these life-sustaining nutrients.

Thus, eliminating the fat content that can be found in sunflower. However, when sprouting seed, care must be taken to monitor against spoilage and fungus. What is the best type of seed to offer? Quality of seeds differ just as any other foods or products. However, there is one deciding factor that can determine if you are feeding a quality “product.” The term is “viability.” Meaning, the seed contains living nutrients (phytophenols) that can be sprouted and fed as a nutrient resource.

Not all seeds offered in the marketplace are viable. Many seeds offered for the avian diet are what I like to term “dead seed.” These seeds usually have been improperly stored or have weathered a long shelf life. They appear dull in color and can be dusty. But, they also lack water. Water is the life source for phytophenols. The best way to confirm quality of seed is by sprouting. Dead seed cannot sprout. For the best quality

of seeds to sprout. I recommend “Human Consumption” grade. This insures that the seed has been stored properly and increases the sprouting potential of a viable product.

As you can see, there are benefits to adding seeds to a bird’s diet. However, an all seed diet can be detrimental. If you were paying attention, you may have noticed that I did not mention a vitamin found in sunflower and other seeds. One of the most important vitamins that cannot be found in seed is Vitamin A. Vitamin A is essential for vision. I have lost track of how many birds I have met over the years that were fed predominately an all seed diet throughout their lives that were now visually impaired or completely blind. So, in conclusion, seeds are a nutrient dense resource that should be offered sparingly due to high concentrations of fat. However, it is the lack of exercise and inability to burn off the calories from seed that is the true culprit when it comes to heart and liver disease. Offering sprouted seed can be an excellent alternative to feeding seed in its high fat content form.

PELLETS AS THE STAPLE DIET:

Since the introduction of pellets to pet parents in the mid 1980’s, a misconception offers a false sense of security regarding the avian diet. What do I mean? If a person approached you on the street and offered you a “vitamin capsule” and stated that you would never have to eat food again, just take this all-inclusive pill. Would you believe them? Is that not essentially what people are being led to believe regarding pelleted bird diets? Now consider this, pellets do not occur naturally. They are processed. What do physicians tell us about processed foods in the human diet? Are you starting to understand my concern?

HOW ARE PELLETS PROCESSED?

There are two forms of avian pellets, Extruded and Organic Cold Pressed. Extruded pellets are made by grinding ingredients (grains, seeds, etc.) into a powder and then adding water. The mixture is then heated over 300 degrees. And what happens to the nutrients once heated over this temperature? That’s right, they diminish. The heated mixture is then sent through a molding process that shapes the pellet.

While pellets dry, (also at high heat), they are fortified with nutrients chemically. Over the last few decades, studies have shown that digestive enzymes in the body react differently to natural occurring nutrients than chemically enhanced, or fortified, diets. The absorption rates of natural to processed nutrients differ. And overtime, can be detrimental to the health of your bird. Today, these processed food sources are encouraged as a staple in the avian diet. Mostly due to the practicality of feeding an “all-inclusive’ manufactured product. (I will explain the importance of the digestive tract below.)

There is one last point I would like for you to consider. There is one essential nutrient missing is Extruded pellets, WATER. Water is an essential nutrient that is the conduit in the absorption of all other nutrients. Without water, the absorption of nutrients is curtailed. Offering foods void of water will not insure quality absorption of necessary vitamins and minerals. Without water, “living” nutrients cannot exist. If a pet parent prefers to provide a pelleted diet to their feathered friend, consider Organic Cold Pressed pellets. Again, the process begins by grinding ingredients and adding water. However, Cold Pressed pellets are not heated. They are formed into pellets through a mechanical press. Therefore, the nutrients are not destroyed by heat. There are a

couple drawbacks to a Cold Pressed pellet. They are not as readily available as Extruded Pellets. And they tend to be a bit costlier. However, the benefits to feeding Cold Pressed pellets outweigh the disadvantages.

After discussing the pros and cons of a pelleted diet, I don’t want to give the impression that pellets do not have their place in the diet of some birds. However, I do not feel that feeding pellets solely ensures a well-balanced diet for our companions.

What do I recommend? A diet that consists of a variety of vegetables, limited fruits (unless a frugivore), whole grains (not corn), limited seeds, and a quality powder vitamin supplement offered over the fresh foods. Why offer a powdered vitamin? Even a diet that consists of the highest quality of nutrient dense foods requires vitamin supplementation to insure all necessary vitamins and minerals are being offered. In my home, fresh foods consist of the majority of my birds’ diet. I even prepare nutrient dense treats. Pellets consist of less than 20 percent of the diet I offer. I am a firm believer that offering a variety of naturally occurring nutrient dense foods is the best choice in providing a quality diet for a happy and long-lived life for our companion friends.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE DIGESTIVE TRACT

A few lines above, I mentioned how processed and naturally occurring foods differ in absorption rates in the digestive tract. Let me explain this even further. Approximately 75 percent of the immune system in an animal is supported through the digestive tract. In the tract is beneficial bacteria, or flora. These bacteria are known as pro-biotic or “Microbiomes.” These bacteria support the immune system and help fight off infection and disease.

Recent studies out of Italy substantiate the benefits of feeding a biodiverse diet to support immune health in dogs. However, this science can also transfer over to birds. In this study, animals were fed two types of diets. The first group was offered solely a manufactured or packaged product (kibble.) The other group was offered a bio-diverse diet that included a large variety of nutrient dense foods and naturally occurring pro-biotics to enhance the Microbiome flora. In conclusion, researchers found that the animals fed a nutrient dense and biodiverse diet had a higher number and variety of Microbiomes in their digestive tract. Whereas the animals fed a manufactured diet (kibble) possessed less variety and numbers of Microbiomes.

What does this mean? The animals that were fed a bio-diverse diet that possess the high number of Microbiomes have a stronger capacity to fight off infection and disease. Thus, enhancing the health and longevity of the animal. In the avian diet, feeding a bio-diverse diet that includes nutrient dense food and naturally occurring pro-biotics will boost the immune system and aid in fighting off infection and disease. This greatly increases the chances for an extended lifespan.

In closing, I hope this article opens your eyes to some of the myths and facts regarding avian nutrition.

Our birds rely solely on our care. When we decide to bring a feathered companion into our homes, we also take on the responsibility of maintaining their health. Understanding nutrition should be a priority when caring for these creatures that depend on their pet parents to keep them happy and healthy.

Safety With Cats in Art and Craft

ByBernadetteKazmarski

"No art project can begin until someone tastes the paint water."

With any species of pet in the house it's a good idea to avoid toxins in common household products, but we don't often consider other products we use in that assessment including items in our home employment or hobbies. Paints, finishes, adhesives, residue from cutting wood, glass, plastic and other materials all have impacts in their original state and also if they become airborne as fumes, dust or aerosols even after we are finished working with them.

WHAT WE DO AROUND THE HOUSE

I am a freelance commercial and fine artist, which means I design things and make things for a living. Off my

HQHVSN-

computer I paint with pastels, watercolors and acrylics and also use charcoal, pencils, oil pastels and more. I am also a crafter and use a variety of craft paints and finishes, adhesives, I cut, trim and shred vinyl, labels and papers, I sew and knit and crochet, and plenty more things.

My cats aren't likely to pick up and eat a pastel, but they do want to drink my paint water and chase yarns and threads as I work. They may, intentionally or not, walk through wet paint, dust from my pastels, brush up against modge podge or clear finish, or I may have it on my hands. And they certainly breathe the air where I'm using these things.

With the growth of entrepreneurs in creative endeavors either adding income with what they make and sell or

Bring the Team!

This course will provide didactic and hands-on learning focused on High Quality High Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN) techniques.

HQHVSN is based on optimizing the team, protocols, and workflow to provide safe and efficient spay/neuter of pets, shelter animals, and community cats. This is accomplished by creating simple protocols and procedures that maximize efficiency of the team while minimizing any potential f or oversights and developing skill through repetition.

Three-minute cat spays can easily and safely be performed based on slight modifications in surgical technique. HQHVSN is a way to save more lives - preventing homelessness and euthanasia due to overpopulation.

It is not just for shelters anymore!

12 RACE Approved CE Credits for Vets and Vet Techs!

In-clinic trainings available for larger teams within a 60 mile radius.

Session 1 - Jan. 7-8

Session 2 - Mar. 4-5

Session May 20-21

Held at Frankie's Friends HQHVSN Clinic and Training Center

In New Kensington, PA (17 miles from Pittsburgh)

Free

turning it into a home-based business, I'm sure plenty of artists with cats experience the same thing.

ART

AND CRAFT MATERIALS

While art and craft materials come in various degrees of quality, they are basically made by a small number of manufacturers all using the same ingredients for consistency, There isn't as big a pool to choose from as, say, house paint or copy paper. In children's toys and in art and craft materials, dangerous amounts of toxins such as lead and ammonia have been found even though the product passed the testing for its intended use and quality.

ACMI, THE ART & CREATIVE MATERIALS INSTITUTE, INC.

I rely on this internationally-recognized certification organization. All materials I use in my house are "AP non-toxic", certified that kids can eat or drink them and not be hurt by them. Though there is no real testing for toxicity in animals for these products I use the guideline for using supplements and medications intended for humans, following the standard for pediatric use. The standards for testing are stated on their website:

ACMI has a consulting toxicology team at Duke University's Division of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, who review the complete formulas of products in the certification program. In this evaluation, the toxicology team take into account:

• Each ingredient and its quantity

• Possible adverse interaction with other ingredients

• The product's size and packaging

• Potential acute and chronic harm to any part of the human body

• Possible allergic reaction

• How a product is commonly used and misused

• U. S. national and state labeling regulations.

All products certified as non-toxic by ACMI are non-toxic for both children and adults because the Toxicologists base their evaluation on the use and misuse (such as ingesting a material) of the product by a small child.

Make smaller incisions for greater patient comfort and faster recoveries.

Maximize efficiency while obtaining excellent patient outcomes, allowing more surgeries in less time.

Enhance team morale and boost practice revenue by engaging the team to utilize their skills fully.

Nearly 1 million cats lose their lives each year due to overpopulation and lack of homes. A large part of the problem is the community cat population, the 40 million cats in the United States that are homeless and breeding. This “unowned” cat population is responsible for around 80% of the kittens born and brought into shelters, leading open door shelters to do what is unthinkable to us - euthanize cats that haven’t been adopted to make space for those suffering in the streets.

This is where we come in. Our mission is to end suffering and overpopulation by “turning off the faucet” rather than “bailing out the tub.” It means becoming proactive and getting these community cats spayed, neutered, and vaccinated so we don’t have to continue this cycle of reactivity and unnecessary killing. There is no need to "recreate the wheel," we have spayed and neutered tens of thousands of cats and as the commercial says, "learned a thing or two." We hope to have the opportunity to share what we've learned with you.

Meet Your Instructor: Becky L. Morrow, DVM, MS, CAWA

Dr. Morrow has extensive training and experience in Shelter Medicine, with a master’s degree, two graduate certificates, and over a decade in practice as a Shelter Medicine/HQHVSN Veterinarian.

Dr. Morrow taught HQHVSN (high quality high volume spay/neuter) techniques at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and is currently an Adjunct Professor at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and an Assistant Teaching Professor at Penn State University.

724-889-7011

www.frankies-friends.org

beckymorrow.dvm@frankies-friends.org

KITTY KORNER

ARTS, CRAFTS & THEATER SAFETY, INC.

Arts, Crafts & Theater Safety, Inc. (ACT) provided me with a comprehensive data and guide sheet for safe use of art and craft materials. This provides information on reading labels as well as alternate ways in which materials may be used, even unintentionally—like paint dripped and dried on a floor, which becomes a powder dispersed into the air to be inhaled when it's walked over.

SOME COMMON-SENSE CONSIDERATIONS

We've all been using art materials since we were babies, right? So we know all about how they should be used and kind of take them for granted—and that can be dangerous with any substance. The ACMI website also offers hints and guidelines about use and storage of art materials that we might be surprised to read.

For instance, we think of tempera paint and clay as wet substances, yet we often purchase them in a dry form to be mixed with water or another substance to activate them. Dusts of any sort can be irritating to asthmatics and people with respiratory issues, as well as the smaller sinuses and lungs of cats and small dogs.

And a habit we should have from other household materials: Fill a baby food jar with paint you've mixed and label it with what it is. It's a good idea to always label

substances you've moved to another container even if you think you'll always know what they are, and art materials are no exception.

Never presume your pet has common sense while curiously inspecting something new. Don't leave your projects and materials unattended, and if necessary, lock your pets out of the area where you are working—yes, they will complain, but they will be safer for it.

IN MY STUDIO

I let my cats inspect the closed jars of materials, brushes, water and other items. When they're done I give them boxes to play in and they bathe and nap while I work. I restrict my work to one area so the boundaries are clear.

I always ensure proper ventilation and also use scrap paper and cardboard on surfaces to catch drips and spills. I can simply remove the scrap and add it to the paper recycling bin when I'm done with one activity and move on to the next. That way I'm sure my cats aren't even walking through dried residue.

So be creative—safely!

References in this article

Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc. (ACMI)

Handprint

ACTS Labels: Reading Between the Lies (PDF)

Not Just for Ferals, HCMT Hosts 13 Free and Low-cost Spay/Neuter Clinics Through June 2023

Inflation has not affected the cost of a cat spay or neuter for feral and pet cats at a Homeless Cat Management Team clinic—the most you’ll pay is $60. You can still have a feral cat spayed or neutered FREE at one clinic each month, and at the seven other scheduled clinics ferals are only $35, pet male cat neuter is $45, pet female cat spayed is $60.

Costs have risen for many daily necessities, including cat food and litter, and the choice to spay or neuter cats may be put aside in order to pay bills or buy food. Others are feeding abandoned stray and feral cats and likewise can’t afford to take care of their colonies to prevent more homeless cats on the streets. No one wants to overburden our shelter and rescue systems with unwanted kittens who may otherwise end up abandoned.

Between January and June 2023, covering a large portion of time that contributes to “kitten season”, HCMT has 13 free and low-cost spay/neuter clinics scheduled for stray/feral and rescued/pet cats. All surgeries include a state-mandated rabies vaccine. “By the end of 2022 HCMT had spayed and neutered 29,556 cats since we started in 1998,” said Lisa Lendl-Lander, HCMT secretary. With the reproductive lives of that many cats effectively put to an end, imagine how many other kittens didn’t, and won’t, end up out on the streets or in shelters?

Clinics fill up fast and registration at least two weeks ahead of time is required.

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

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

CLINIC REGISTRATION

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

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

2023 CLINIC DATES

FREE CLINICS (ferals only)

January 21 – Biscuits Bingo sponsorship

February 18 – In loving memory of Milton Lendl

March 18 – Paws Across Pittsburgh

April 15 - ½ sponsorship in memory of Jeanne T. Richey, ½ sponsorship Barb Spelic

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

FAST TRACK CLINICSJanuary 7

February 4

May 13 – CATSA.co / Samantha Ginsburg sponsorship

June 10 – Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser

March 4

April 1

April 29

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

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

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

Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs

TNR AND LOW-COST SPAY/NEUTER PITTSBURGH AREA

Homeless Cat Management Team

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

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

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

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

SHELTER PROGRAMS

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

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

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

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

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

Beaver County Humane Society

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

Clarion Paws (Serves Clarion, Forest and Jefferson County)

Mailingaddress:P.O.Box804,Clarion,PA16214

CurrentLocation:11348Route322,Shippenville,PA

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

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

Butler County Humane Society

1015EvansCityRoad,Renfrew,PA16053

https://butlercountyhs.org/clinic/

Forcurrentpricingandscheduleinformationpleasegiveusacallat724-789-1150.

Washington Area Humane Society

1527Route136,EightyFour,PA15330

http://washingtonpashelter.org/ Currentlymovingintonewbuilding.

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

Theseareorganizationswhicharenotday-to-dayclinicsbutorganize,host, sponsororotherwiseprovideaccesstospayandneuterservices.

Catnip Acres (Greene County)

155DarkHollowRd,Waynesburg,PA15370

https://catnip-acres.com/

TheCatnipAcresclinicwasdestroyedinafire(noanimalswereharmed!)inJanuary2022 buttheyarerebuilding.Clinicsareonholduntiltheyhaveaspacefortheclinicagain.

Fix ‘Ur Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic

LowCostSpayNeuterWashingtonCounty,Inc.,DBAFix‘UrCat 18WestPikeStreet,Canonsburg,PA 1531 Call724-405-7FIX(7349)foranappointment.Spay/neuterclinicsareby appointmentonly.Pets:$60forfemales,$50formalesFerals:$50 Downloadandcompleteapplication,mailinforappointment. https://www.fixurcat.org/spay-and-neuter/

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

CallFaithforAvailableDatesandAppointments (724)941-5683press1

E-Mail:faith.b2@verizon.net

http://fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com/

Frankie’s Friends

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

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

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

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

PoBox55135,Pittsburgh,PA15207-0135

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

http://www.lcarf.com/

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

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

http://operationspayneuter.com/

Pet Search

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

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

http://www.snippindianapa.org/

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

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

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

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

Penn Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic

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

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

North Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic

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

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

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

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

Love That Cat (online search)

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

Spay USA

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

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

Get Your Fix.org

http://getyourfix.org/

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

EMERGENCY AND AFTER-HOURS CARE

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

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

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

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

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

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

InthePittsburgharea,visitthislistonthe

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

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

SHELTERS AND SHELTER SERVICES

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

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

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

Animal Friends (AFI), www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org

Animal Advocates, animaladvocates.net

Washington Area Humane Society, www.washingtonpashelter.org

Butler County Humane Society, www.butlercountyhs.org

Beaver County Humane Society, www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org

ANIMAL CRUELTY LAWS BY STATE (UNITED STATES)

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

ANIMAL EDUCATIONAL EXHIBITS

North:

Greater Pittsburgh Aquarium Society www.gpasi.org

The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium pittsburghzoo.org

The National Aviary nationalaviary.org

ANIMAL-RELATED ART, PHOTOGRAPHY & RETAIL

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

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

North:

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

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

South:

Kara Jones Photography, kjones.smugmug.com

Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear, PawsnClawsEyewear.com

ANIMAL RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS

North:

Animal Friends 412-847-7000 | thinkingoutsidethecage.org

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

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

Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue, 724-869-9185

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

South:

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

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

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

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

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

East:

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

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

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

West:

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

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

SPAAR, www.seniorpetandanimalrescue.org

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

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

PEARL Parrot Rescue, www.pearlparrots.com

AQUARIUM SOCIETIES

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Greater Pittsburgh Aquarium Society www.gpasi.org

BIRD & SUPPLIES

Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages www.naturalinspirationsparrotcages.com

DOG TRAINING

North:

AKIN Family Dog Training (Lilian Akin)

412-732-8091 | akinfdt.net

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Happy Pets Training/Christine Flint

412-373-9583 | www.happypetstraining.com

Success Just Clicks, successjustclicks.com

North Shore:

South:

Paula’s Professional Dog Services, 412-818-2482

DOG TRAINING CLUBS

South:

Dogworks Training Center at The Canine Club 412-220-8100 | www.thecanineclub.com

Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club

412-653-6880 | gtotc.com

Keystone Canine Training

412-833-2211 | keystonecanine.com

Xcel Canine Training Center

412-833-2504 | xcelcaninetraining.com

EQUINE BOARDING, LESSONS & TRAINING FACILITIES

North:

Rockin’ Horse Stables

724-601-4706 | rockinhorsestables.com

South:

Coventry Equestrian Center, 724-206-9902

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

SydMor Equestrian Center

724-969-0510 | www.sydmorstables.com

EQUINE FEED & SUPPLY

AGWAY - SOUTHERN STATES

North:

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

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

Mars Agway, Mars PA | 724-625-2340

South:

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

East:

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

West:

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

EQUINE TACK STORES

North:

Shady Acres Saddlery

412-963-9454 | www.shadyacressaddlery.biz

South:

Lowry’s Western Store 724-228-1225 | lowryswesternshop.com

EQUINE VETERINARIANS

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

HOLISTIC PET PRACTITIONERS

Pet Chiropractor

North:

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Greater Pittsburgh:

Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com

EASE Animal Massage

412-447-8490 | www.easeanimalmassage.com

Wholestic Equine & Pet Services

205-492-1000

HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS FOR GUARDIANS

East End: Judith Levy, Coaching/Energy Modalities

412-726-2659 | www.judithlevycoaching.com

South:

HOLISTIC VETERINARIANS

Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Dr. Qiang Li VCA Castle Shannon

412-885-2500

PET BURIAL, MEMORIAL & CREMATION SERVICES

South:

Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation

412-220-7800 | ccpc.ws

Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home

412-655-4500 | jeffersonmemorial.biz

Greater Pittsburgh:

Thousand Hills Pet Crematory

724-355-8296 | www.thousandhillspetcrematory.com

Sunny Acres

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

PET GROOMING

North:

All About Dogs

724-925-1577 | allaboutdogsgrooming.info

South:

Aunt Kimmy’s Paw-Lor

724-299-3457

Keeta Mobile Pet Spa

412-545-3328 | Keetapetspa.com

Happy Tailz Pet Spa

412-759-7620 | Happytailzpetspa.com

Larry’s Laundromutt

412-534-4052 | Larryslaundromutt.com

East:

Animal Elegance

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

Cat Around Town Cat Grooming

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

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Zoom N Groom (Sonya Patterson), 724-225-4827

PET FRIENDLY BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS

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

Good Nature Organic Lawn Care 888-LAWNSAFER | whygoodnature.com

J & D Waterproofing

www.jdwaterproofing.com

Simple Sugars Scrub, Simplesugarsscrub.com

UBS Financial Services

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

Village Shoppes Scenery Hill

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

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Fragasso Financial Advisors

412-227-3200 | www.fragassoadvisors.com

J & D Waterproofing Home Improvement

724-746-8870 | www.jdwaterproofing.com

Matt Arch Foundation, www.connectarian.com

One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning

724-225-1644 | www.onehourair.com

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

Redford Photography

www.redfordphotography.com

Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh

412-342-0500 | www.komenpittsburgh.org

East

Pittsburgh East Nissan

412-824-9020 | www.pittsburgheastnissan.com

Unique Home Solutions www.uniquehomesolutions.com

South: Southpointe Chamber, www.southpointe.net

PET-FRIENDLY LIVING

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Judy Smith Team Realtor – Berkshire Hathaway

412-274- 7618 | www.thepreferredrealty.com/real-estate-agent/2242288/judy-smith-team/details/

Pinch Property Services

412-445-8550 | PinchPropertyServices.com

East:

The Getaway at Glen Highland Farm www.glenhighlandgetaway.com

South:

American Destiny Real Estate Services

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

Amore

877-716-6840 | amoreapartments.com

PET GROOMING SCHOOLS

North: Pa Academy of Pet Grooming, 412-759-7620

PET REHABILITATION

Rebound Pet Rehabilitation

4152-508-2285 www.reboundpetrehabilitation.com

PET MINISTRIES

South:

Christ United Methodist Church

412-277-1096 | christumc.net

Westminster Presbyterian Church

412-835-6630 | westminster-church.org

PET RESORTS - BOARDING, DAYCARE, GROOMING & TRAINING

Camp Bow Wow, www.CampBowWow.com

Locations:

Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh Southwest

710 Trumbull Dr., Pittsburgh, PA 15205

412-276-WAGS (9247)

Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh North

2327 Babcock Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15237

412-931-WAGS (9247)

Camp Bow Wow Highland Park

1325 Washington Blvd, Pittsburgh, PA 15206

412-362-PLAY (7529)

Camp Bow Wow Pittsburgh East

1610 McClure Rd, Pittsburgh, PA 15146

724-733-CAMP (2267)

North:

Dog stop - North

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

The Dog Stop - Sewickley

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

Lucky Paws Pet Resort

724-728-1484 | www.luckypawsresort.com

South:

Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa

724-746-3899 | fuzzy-paws.com

Hounds Town USA

412-232-5285

www..houndtownusa.com

The Dog Stop - Banksville Rd.

412-343-1171 | www.thedogstop.net

Pampered Paw Resort

724-413-3135 | pamperedpawresort.com

East:

Pittsburgh Pet Concierge

412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org

Doggone Awesome Pet Services, 724-212-0427 www.doggoneawesomepetservices.com

The Dog Stop - Monroeville

412-373-3355 | www.thedogstop.net

The Dog Stop - East End

412-361-0911 | www.thedogstop.net

The Dog Stop - East: Strip District

412-315-7050 | www.thedogstop.net

Country Lane Pet Hotel

412-824-7991 | www.countrylanepethotel.com

Walkers Pet HoTail

724-327-7297 | www.WalkersPetHoTail.com

PET RETAIL/SUPPLY

East:

Petagogy, petagogy.com | 412-362-7387

Petland East Side Village

412-363-PETS | www.petlandvillageofeastside.com

Greater Pittsburgh Area:

Asgard Raw Dog and Cat Food

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

Baskets of Nature

724-831-9437 | www.basketsofnature.com

Dig It Collars, dig-it-store.com

Trixie’s Dog Fashions

www.trixiesdogfashions.com

O2 Derm Pet Topical Gel, www.O2Dermpet.com

PET SITTERS

North

Furry Family Pet Sitting

412-999-9524 | www.furryfamilypetsitting.com

Western PA No Boarders Pet and Animal Care

Home & Farm Sitting

724-219-7801 | Noboarders-petcare.com

South:

Your Critter Sitters (Raylene Hoover)

724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com

East: Pittsburgh Pet Concierge

412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org

VETERINARY HOSPICE & MOBILE SERVICES

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Nancy A. Ruffing, DVM 412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com

VETERINARY PHARMACIES

Greater Pittsburgh Area: Murray Avenue Apothecary

412-421-4996 | MAApgh.com

VETERINARY HOSPITALS

North:

Beaver Animal Clinic

724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com

Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center

412-884-3162 | www.cheyennevet1.com

Frankie Friends Veterinary Services

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

VCA Northview Animal Hospital

412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com

South:

All About Pets Veterinary Hospital

724-745-5503 | aapvet.com

All About Pets Veterinary Hospital – Washington location

724-503-4887 | www.aapvet.com

All Life Veterinary Clinics, 724-281-3446

Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care

412-998-9030 | riversvet.com

East:

The Big Easy Animal Hospital

412-908-9301 | tbeah.com

Monroeville Pet Hospital

412-372-1100 | www.monroevillepethospital.com

VETERINARY SPECIALTY & EMERGENCY SERVICES

North/South:

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc.

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

The Rider’s Seat

byKristinHermann

Riders communicate to the horse via three aids, the seat (pelvis and buttocks) the legs and the hands! The rider’s seat should envelop the horse’s back like an upside down U and allow the horse to move through the seat. A rider’s neutral seat learns to go with the movements of the horses and allows the horse to go forward by not interfering, and a more advanced seat will influence the horse’s gaits. The whole position of the rider is often referred to as the “the seat”. There is no doubt that a rider with a good seat whether basic or advance will be a complimentary rider!

If the seat is not balanced and does not go with the horse’s motion, if it leans or is not positioned correctly, the rest of the rider’s aids are compromised. A good seat is in balance: it does not fall off to one side. If the rider’s spine is aligned with the horse’s spine, then the seat is in balance. The best way to learn how to keep a seat balanced is to ride bareback.* Another way is to ride straight lines with the horse off the railing of the arena. A rider cannot put the horse straight if they are not sitting straight with a balanced seat!

Learning how to ride requires the rider to keep a balanced seat while using the other aids (legs and arms) to influence the horse. If a rider uses an opening rein she often leans and the seat loses balance. Or when a rider uses a leg aid and the muscles tighten and shorten this also causes the seat to become compromised. Having an independent

neutral seat means the other body parts of the rider are not being adversely affected when the other aids are used. Independent use of the aids are paramount for good riding.

A rider’s seat in addition to being balanced and not being compromised when the other aids are used is only correctly positioned if the rider is sitting on the seat bones! Many riders sit on the coccyx instead of the seat bones, and this rounds the rider’s back. This is called “pocket sitting” because the rider is sitting on the pockets of their pants! For the correct seat position, the rider should be sitting upright on the two sitting bones. Sitting on the two seat bones allows the rider’s spine to utilize the two natural curves of the back in the lumbar and neck. The pelvis should neither be tucked under ( pocket sitting ) or rotated forward, also called perching. Pocket sitters remove the natural curve of the lumbar area and this affects how the leg aids are used, and the rider wonders why the horse does not understand their signals! And the rider who over arches the lower back by perching causes the stiffening of the pelvis and will inhibit the rider’s seat from going with the horse’s motion and the other aids to be used fluently!

Once the rider has the pelvis (seat) correctly sitting on the horse in a neutral position not arched forward or rounded under, then she needs to be sure the head is balanced! The head is also part of the rider’s seat because it is connected

The rider is not sitting with a neutral seat but perching which stiffens the lower back and other two aids that signal the horse.

Tucking the pelvis under rounds the rider’s back and the two natural curves of the spine (seat) are compromised. Correct use of the other two rider aids, legs and hands are inhibited.

to the seat via the spine. If the head is not balanced on top of the spine the seat will be compromised, and the rider’s arm connection to the bit will be affected. Everything is connected! Leaning the head to one side causes the torso and or seat to lean, poking the head forward stiffens the spine, putting the chin down will round the spine, or putting the chin too high will tense the neck, shoulders, spine and pelvis of the rider.

The rider seat is to be in neutral balance with the rider sitting on the sitting bones. A neutral pelvis means the rider is not perched or hollow in the lower back, or tucked under as in a “pocket sitter.” The seat is also to be balanced: equally distributed on both sides of the saddle. Once a proper seat position is developed, and the rider can maintain a good position on the horse without tensing, then the rider learns how to apply the aids without interfering with the seat’s balance. All riding aids: the legs, seat and hands need to be able to communicate to the horse without tensing or losing their relative “position.” Good riding is no doubt a skill and just like the famous saying, “no hoof, no horse,” I think every rider would agree “no seat, no rider!”

*(SeePittsburghPetConnectionsarticle:http:// issuu.com/pghpetmag/docs/petconnections_may14_ web/35?e=6029391/7749457.)

Beautiful seat and vertical alignment of rider. The rider’s seat is in a “neutral” position not over arched or tucked under rounding the rider’s back.

ByRachelCrownB.S./FearFreeProfessionalCertified

Darwin was adopted in 2008 when he was about 5 months old. His name was Oreo but it didn’t fit; being a science major I called him Darwin, after Charles Darwin.

As a pup, he didn’t do well in the crate and ingested everything he could get his mouth on. Dog toys, small birds, couches and any plate or cup left unattended. He pulled socks & underwear out from laundry baskets and swallowed them. When he vomited up my underwear on the floor of the vet’s office, I was blushing from embarrassment. “I’ll get those,” I said. No matter how much I “Darwin proofed” my house, he was always one step ahead of me. He jumped on everyone, humped visitors, bit the leash on walks and broke through the 6ft fence panels in my yard. He developed a fear of veterinary care at home & at the vet, probably because of how many times he needed help to “return” all the things he had eaten.

At the time, I had no idea how to train a dog to help him. Like many other pet parents, I tried “doggie daycare”. While he loved other dogs & people, being enclosed in an area with a large crowd of dogs was just too overwhelming for him.

When I found myself in between jobs, we enrolled in training classes at an animal shelter and I learned how to incorporate training sessions and enrichment games into our home life. Our relationship and quality of life improved immensely! I

learned how to give this intelligent, problem-solving, energetic boy what he needed: lots of mental stimulation! We started a journey into scent work and our bond and teamwork grew stronger. Darwin brought home 21 ribbons over the years! One of the things we did together that I’m most proud of is our husbandry training to address his fear of handling for veterinary procedures. Nothing compares to the feeling of being able to give your pet the gift of not being scared for grooming & vet care.

Over the next 14 years his Dennis the Menace side still made random appearances, like when he stole a steak from the table, or stopped on his walk to eat cherry tomatoes from my neighbor’s garden. Once he even opened the refrigerator (including the drawers) and helped himself.

I learned so much from him about acceptance, patience and how dogs think. That they are not just here to just listen to us; we need to listen to them, too. That they are emotional beings who can thrive when given the right opportunities. Bringing Darwin into my life allowed me to be a better human being and the reason I became a dog trainer.

Darwin never slowed down. We were working on completing our Cooperative Care Certificate w/Fenzi Academy when he passed away at 15.5 years old.

Garden of Faithful Friends

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

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

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

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

Pet Removal

Pet Visitation

Pet Cremation Options

Pets & Family Burial Options

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

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

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