PetConnections
WHOGETSTHEFLY?
Did you know???
Did you know???
Bats can eat up to 1,200 insects per hour! Many bats can eat nearly 70% of their body weight in disease carrying insects each night. That means your mosquito problem goes away once the bats start arriving! Have you considered adding a bat house to your land?
Pets After Dark Eliminates Unnecessary ER Clinic Visits
Pets After Dark is the new after-hours veterinary tele-health service that connects Pittsburgh pet parents with their regular veterinarian or a local veterinarian, and guarantees subscribers a follow-up appointment with their regular veterinarian the next office day. Service hours are: Monday-Friday 7PM-Midnight, Saturday & Sunday 8AM-Midnight.
said Pets After Dark Co-Founder and CEO Howard Swimmer. “Most issues can instead be easily handled in the regular veterinarian’s office the next office day, with much less stress and cost.” Co-Founder and Medical Director Dr. Caroline Simard-Swimmer, DVM, added, “Pet parents often needlessly subject themselves to the stress, expense and wait times of an after-hours visit to an ER clinic because they need answers now and their veterinarian is unavailable or their office is closed. We founded Pets After Dark to give Pittsburgh pet parents an effective after-hours veterinary tele-health alternative.”
Call Pets After Dark and describe your pet’s issue. The Pets After Dark on-call veterinarian will perform a thorough audio or video evaluation and make an overnight or weekend care recommendation. On those rare occasions when the on-call vet believes an immediate visit to an ER clinic is warranted they will call ahead for you, and with your permission will share their observations and forward your pet’s medical summary. Pets After Dark subscribers are also guaranteed an appointment with their regular veterinarian the next office day.
Pet parenthood means questions don’t stop coming on nights and weekends. Subscribers rely on Pets After Dark for after-hours answers to their questions on pet diet, exercise, behavioral issues, pre-surgery prep, post surgery support, new puppy and kitten care and more. “We’re an after-hours resource that’s always here for pet parents,” said Howard Swimmer.
A Pets After Dark annual subscription costs only $100 per month, with a minimum 12-month commitment. If you pay upfront the subscription cost is $1100 – a savings of $100. Single consultations are also available, for $150 per consultation. However, the single consultation does not include a guaranteed appointment with your regular vet the next office day.
Visit www.mypetsafterdark.com
After-Hours Veterinary Care
Co-Founder & Medical Director Dr. Caroline Simard-Swimmer, DVM; Co-Founder & CEO Howard Swimmer, and their beloved pets Dixie Ray and Mabel Z
Photography: Matt Shuck
From The Publisher
Welcome to Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine’s!
Winter 2019, Volume 7 Issue 1
News
from the publisher 13th year anniversary!
Thank you for picking up a copy of this special 13th anniversary issue of PetConnections!
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 have some exciting news, as we are partnering with a larger publisher and have some nice enhancements coming to PetConnections magazine. This partnership, along with strong digital marketing platforms will also allow us to combine target online marketing with our print publications to spread the word about PetConnections and our sponsors! Stay tuned for additional announcements on our Facebook page!
We are also pleased to announce some fun new things that we have in the works for PetConnections!
Also, if you haven’t visited our new website, please do at www.petconnections.pet. Please share, like our Facebook, and Instagram page, @petconnectionsmagazine for daily posts for tips, articles and events in real time!
We will be publishing pictures of your pet from winners of our new weekly social media photo contests! Also new, our membership sign-up button on our Facebook page, where you can receive news about events and contests, special discounts from our advertisers, discount event tickets, join our PetConnections Birthday Club for Pets, submit your story to be published in our Human-Animal Bond section or Remembrance, and more!
Events
We can feature events on our website, featured directory listings, your pet remembrance submissions, contests, and more! Please email submissions to pghpetconnections@gmail.com to have them published on line and in print.
Small ad budget? Highlight a new service, product or business, affordably! We have you covered with our directory listings for your business starting at $99 per year and featured directories $299, and these are both in print and on our website directories. Contact our sales team or email us for more information on directories and advertising.
Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation’s Healing Hearts Pet Loss Grief Seminar, Animal Friends’ and CARMAA’s events are highlighted in our event section.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
This Issue
Fall events are here!
Check out our event page this issue for this season’s fall events you will not want to miss!
Our cover features Manon Farm’s Princess Showcase riding show! See the Equine Affairs section article inside, written by April Minech! Also, a reader, Ruth Maloy-Carter submitted her heart-warming story, “Great to be Ginger”, in the HumanAnimal Bond section! Edward Moats continues his avian nutrition articles, with more great tips, in Feathered Friends. Also, we are revisiting Integrative Healing for Pets with Dr. Doug, in our Pet Holistic section.
THIS ISSUE:
Read about the amazing work that Greyson: Star K-9 of VetPets 2025 Calendar is doing!
CORRESPONDENCE
pghpetconnections@gmail.com
412-738-4233
All Rights Reserved | ©2024
PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS QUARTERLY
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.
MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF
Carla Mader, Publisher
Buzzy Photography, Photography
Angela Romig, Graphic Designer
Our rescue section features Nate’s reptile Rescue. PVSEC/BluePearl’s article about winter safety for pets. Our Kitty Korner has Homeless Cat Management Team has spay and neuter info, by Bernadette Kazmarski. Equine affairs, Kristin Hermann writes about Learning from Source.
Discover Humane Animal Rescue’s Wildlife Rehab Center and helpful tips if you find a wild animal in need of help.
Animal Friends features all of their amazing programs form veterinary care, Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank, and behavioral help with your pets!
PetConnections is published quarterly as follows: Early February, May, August, and November. 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 350,000 impressions this year. To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, please contact us below.
Beaver County Humane Society needs volunteer to help. This issue also features informative articles on , the Silent Language of Dogs, Tips on Medicating Your Cat, safety in veterinary anesthesia, Training the Free Walk for your horse, and more.
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!
I am also featuring a tribute to my late horse, Bailey, in the Remembrance section. We hope you enjoy these, and all of the articles this issue in our fall issue!
Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections.
Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections.
We wish you a safe and fun fall season!
Warmly,
Warmly,
Carla Mader Publisher
Pittsburgh | Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine
Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com
Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet
Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! http://www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine
Did you know? PetConnections has evolved into a fullservice 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: 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 600,000 impressions! To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, please contact us below.
Please submit any correspondence to: pghpetconnections@gmail.com
Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet
Follow and “Like” us on Facebook!
http://www.facebook.com/PetconnectionsMagazinePA
ADVERTISING SALES
Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales 412.780.2254
MARKETING DIRECTOR AND SALES
Candace Curphey 512.554.7573
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Jason Dunkle
Kristin Hermann
Diana Svoboda
April Minech
Bernadette Kazmarski
Rachel McMichael CBCC-KA
Blue Pearl Pet Hospitals
Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center
Photo By Brittany Evelyn Photography
Photo Credits
Erica Rae Photography
Greyson HUMAN-ANIMAL
Star K-9 of VetPets 2025 Calendar
Regular followers of PetConnections Magazine may remember seeing Greyson before. In December 2017, he and our other Italian Greyhound, Roxy, were on the Christmas/Holiday 2017 cover together. Roxy was also on the cover of the Spring 2022 issue, three months after she passed away. I have continued to share her photos and videos on her Facebook page—Foxy Roxy the Italian Greyhound. Roxy’s fans still love and miss her very much, and they are happy that I’ve kept her memory alive. They are also happy that Greyson is carrying on Roxy’s legacy. From 2015-2021, Roxy and Greyson starred in four calendars together that I sold worldwide to help raise money for animal rescues. They also won many contests, including online pet photo contests and Halloween costume contests. In total, they raised $3,500 for animal rescues.
Ever since we lost our beloved Roxy, Greyson has become a huge star on his own. In 2023, he won four costume contests, including Carnegie Dogapalooza and Washington PA’s Woofstock Festival while dressed as a hippie dog. Greyson also won both the DogtoberFEST, and the Pittsburgh Pet Expo, for his Michael Myers costume. The Observer Reporter featured him on the front page for winning the Woofstock costume contest and again a few months later for winning the prestigious Pittsburgh Pet Expo costume contest. Although I still actively post pictures and videos of Greyson on Roxy’s Facebook page, I wanted Greyson to have his own online space. You can now find him on Instagram and TikTok under the account name @jasonandgreyson. His growing community of fans love to follow his fun adventures.
In February 2024, I came across a Facebook post from Shari Lynn Fine Art Portraits, in Claysville, PA, which announced she was going to hold an online pet calendar contest benefiting VetPets. VetPets helps assist veterans heal through therapy dogs, service dogs, and faith-based wellness groups. As soon as the contest started, I immediately entered Greyson. In order to vote for your favorite dog, you had to buy votes, which cost one dollar per vote. After six weeks of voting, Greyson had 1,412 votes and won first place, which meant that he got to be on the cover. Part of winning the contest included having a photo taken for the calendar at Shari Lynn’s studio. The photo that Shari took of Greyson for the cover is absolutely gorgeous. So far, the photo contest alone has raised $8,020 for VetPets. If you would like to order a calendar and help support VetPets, please visit www.pavetpets.org.
On October 23, 2024, Greyson will be ten years old. He has accomplished so much in his life, and I couldn’t be prouder of him. If you’d like to send him a card or letter, you can send one to:
Jason and Greyson
P.O. Box 443
Washington, PA 15301
By Jason Dunkle
Photo by Shari Lynn Fine Art Portraits
HUMAN ANIMAL BOND
One of the challenges that Mary Ellen faces with Colleen is the size of the breed when walking on leash. Although she had a large dog named Elsa recently until her passing, walking with a gentle older dog is different than walking with a gentle puppy. “I’m hoping we’ll get to the point where I’m not afraid to take her places, but right now her strength is greater than my strength so we’re starting out small. So far, we just walk between houses and she’s learning how to heel,” Mary Ellen explains. Puppies can learn leash manners with practice, and it’s important to consider the things that are new to them and proceed at a pace that’s comfortable for the dog. Seeing other dogs, meeting strangers, getting in cars and exploring places are all part of a new world. Helping them with support and encouragement is a great way to build a connection.
Building the Bond
The connection between owners and their pets is a beautiful thing; ask anyone who shares their life with an animal (or several). It starts with love, then takes effort and commitment to grow.
Ask Mary Ellen Voelker-Brown, who just adopted Colleen from the Great Pyrenees Club of Western Pennsylvania a few weeks ago. “It’s been 11 years since I got my last dog at 8 weeks of age, so I’m re-learning what I need to do with a puppy, especially with a big one”. Most dogs go through the same normal dog behaviors such as chewing, barking and digging, and Colleen is no different. What’s important at this stage is how it’s handled and can be the first steps in building a healthy relationship with your pet. Much like raising a toddler, there are plenty of opportunities to teach what’s expected and curb behavior that’s undesirable. “She has such a great temperament. And loves to cuddle. At night, if she hasn’t had enough exercise, she thinks I’m a chew toy,” laughs Mary Ellen. I move away a bit and give her something that’s better for her to chew on.” She believes dogs do some things because they’re bored, or not sure how to entertain themselves.
Another thing that Colleen likes to do is dig in the yard. Mary Ellen noticed the extent of that when her new fur baby dug up several shrubs she had just planted and then laid in the dirt pile. “We’re still working on that one,” she laughs. Mary Ellen gathered the bare rooted victims and put them in a bucket before transferring to a new spot outside of her fence. Sometimes management of an unwanted behavior is the answer, especially when it’s part of the dog’s nature. Colleen, for her part, ran through the yard blissfully unaware that landscaping should be left to humans and was not punished. Thinking her dog might like laying in a cool spot she put out a kiddie pool for Colleen. While the dog enjoyed it, the digging continued. While they were working together to find a way to fill Colleen’s need to dig, it rained. Seems that the 70lb white dog enjoyed rolling in mud as much as dirt. Mary Ellen washed Colleen’s paws and fur and giggled when she told the story. Colleen thought it was another cuddle session.
Considering what a young dog needs – and not just the end game –is paramount to reaching the goal of a good relationship. Sometimes owners get frustrated and raise their voice with a “No!” which can rattle the dog into compliance, but that does little to help the bond. Finding a positive way to work together is key.
The human/animal bond has proven health benefits for both parties. Dogs with a strong bond with their humans have better heath, according to research done by the Human Animal Bond Research Center. “HAI has been shown to influence levels of blood pressure, heart rate, hormones correlated with well-being including cortisol, oxytocin, b-endorphin, prolactin, phenylacetic acid and dopamine” (https://habri.org). The benefit for humans is well documented, as people are happier and healthier in the presence of animals. Some benefits of the human-animal bond include decreased blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and enhanced feelings of well-being. “And I’m praying that I lose some weight. Maybe I’ve lost a few pounds already,” Mary Ellen laughs, referring to the new opportunities to get active caring for Colleen. “She makes me feel safer.” Colleen has a big bark that she’s not afraid to use, though it’s directed at the deer and other wildlife beyond the fence that was installed for her.
“I love dogs. And especially one that’s perfect!” she beams and understands what it takes to be a good partner with Colleen. ”You have to give of your time for things to work out. I have friends who think I’m crazy for making this commitment.” Several have told her she’s missing an opportunity to extend her social life, having to make plans if she wants to spend the day somewhere or go visiting for a weekend. But there’s a responsibility to care for her dog that Mary Ellen enjoys more. It’s the companionship she gets from their relationship that makes it worthwhile. “It’s a bonding thing,” she explains.
Figuring out all the ways to build a bond is something that is part of the journey. The rescue offered that she could play music for Colleen at night, “But I’ve got to watch my Perry Mason!” she concludes.
Learn more about The Great Pyrenees Club of Western PA on their web site at swpapyr.org which includes information about fostering and history of the breed.
Beaver County Humane Society
BEASTLY HAUNTED TRAIL!
September 27 through November 1 @ 8am to 5pm
TAILS ON THE PETWALK!
September 15 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm
Bradys Run Park Shelter #7 & The Lodge
Animal Friends
BLACK TIE AND TAILS 2024 – It’s a Pittsburgh Thing
Saturday, Sep 28 @ 6:30pm - 10:00pm
Washington County Humane Society WOOFSTOCK – A PET PARTY IN THE PARK September 21 @ 11 am-4 pm Wild Things Park
Humane Animal Rescue YAPPY HOUR
September 24 @ 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Coop De Ville 2305 Smallman St, Pittsburgh
2024 DIAMOND RUN GOLF CLUB CHARITY CLASSIC
September 30 @ 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Diamond Run Golf Club 132 Laurel Oak Dr., Sewickley
BEHAVIOR AND TRAINING
The Silent Language OF DOGS
Fall colors and crisp air brings warmth despite cooler temperatures, inviting both us and our canine companions to embrace the outdoors. Yet, amidst the crunching leaves, hot pumpkin spice lattes, and spooky décor, it’s easy to overlook some of the subtle cues our dogs use to communicate their feelings.
As this fall season moves forward, take yourself ‘back to school’ to learn a second language: Dog!
In order to be your dog’s best advocate, we invite you to learn more about their body language.
The Tale-Tell Tail
A raised, enthusiastic wag that wiggles the whole body speaks volumes of pure joy. Not all wags are created equally though! Stiff high tails that are wagging fast and rigidly could indicate a warning, called ‘flagging.’ Always look at the whole dog to see if they’re soft in body or if they appear stiff in posture. A wagging tail is not always happy.
A low, tucked, or hesitant wag might indicate uncertainty, especially in new surroundings or with unfamiliar people or other animals.
A tail tucked tightly signals potential fear or stress. It’s your cue then to step in and offer comfort or a change of scenery. Even if the tip of the tail is wagging, the tail being tucked is a potential sign of discomfort.
Ear-resistible Expressions
Relaxed, forward-facing ears generally reflect a content dog.
Anxiety, fear, or worry are likely at play when you see ears tightly pinned back against the head. Give them space and gentle reassurance at this time. Contrary to old beliefs, you actually cannot reinforce an emotion like fear, it’s absolutely okay to comfort nervous dogs!
Perky, upright ears signal alertness and focus. Your dog may be tuned in and ready for action. Always look at the whole body, seeing if the body is relaxed or if there is stiffness.
ByRachelMcMichaelCBCC-KA
Mouth Matters
Eyes are the Windows to the Soul
Soft, relaxed eyes with gently blinking lids often signify trust and contentment. Chances are your pup is feeling okay!
A hard, unwavering stare can be a sign of uncertainty or even aggression. Avoid eye contact if hard stares occur.
The “whale eye” – whites of the eyes showing – is a plea for space. Your dog is feeling uneasy and absolutely needs a break. This can be coupled with other distance increasing behaviors.
Slightly open or relaxed with a relaxed jaw could mean contentment and that the dog feels okay.
Panting heavily, with tight commissures often indicates stress – while some dogs appear to be ‘smiling’ when in this state, they are usually not entirely happy and the tight face is evident of such. This is often mistaken for a happy dog.
Lip licking, yawning, or a tightly closed mouth can all indicate stress, anxiety and fear. However, the body processes good stress and bad stress physiologically the same – so always look at context, the situation, and the whole body.
Showing teeth or snarling is often a warning to back away and that the dog is requesting space. Some dogs do smile or have a ‘submissive grin’ but this expression is different. Again, look at the rest of the dog to see how to decipher this expression.
The
Complete Picture
Consider the entire body, not just isolated signals. Does the body look rigid and uneasy? Are they lifting a paw intermittently, or ducking or crouching, are their feet sweating? (yes, dogs paws sweat when they are nervous!) – these are all signs of stress and potential fear and looking to increase distance.
The hair on the back will stand up when a dog is aroused – this is simply a sign of an excited dog. Depending on the individual dog, this can look different for each and can indicate a state of arousal where the dog could be okay, or they could also go over threshold and react poorly.
Interpret body language within a specific situation – a yawn when going to the park may be vastly different than a yawn when waiting in a vet’s office. While both are yawns and are generally calming signals due to stress, the context matters greatly.
Always respect your dog’s boundaries. If your dog communicates discomfort, provide space and reassurance – never force an interaction. Please comfort your dog when they need a little extra help.
Growls matter – remember to never punish a growl. It is a warning for us and should be heeded appropriately. If you are struggling with your dog, please contact a qualified behavior professional to help you through it. We are here for you!
Mastering the art of reading your dog’s body language deepens your bond and creates a more harmonious relationship. By tuning in to your dog’s requests, you’ll unlock a deeper understanding of their needs and emotions. This fall, let’s celebrate the season with our canine companions, ensuring they feel safe, loved, and heard every step of the way.
Lend a hand for the animals in need
We Need: Dog Walkers, Cat Cuddlers, Dish Washers, Laundry Folders, Grass Mowers, Paper Shredders, and more!
Sign up for a Talk & Tour
AD SPACE
Animal Friends ..................................... 8, M
Asgard Raw Pet Food............................ 7, A
Bartman Plumbing....................................17
Beaver County Humane Society ....... 11, C
BluePearl Pittsburgh
Animal Blood Bank ............................ 17, D
Buzzy Photography ............................. 19, E
Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation .... 28, F
Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center ............................... 15, Q
Coventry Stables ................................ 27, G
helloLogo....................................................15
Denise Marasco Howard Hanna ............ 15
Fix Ur Cat .................................................... 4
Frankie’s Friends HQHVSN Clinic and Training............21, K
Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa ........................... 15, H
Humane Animal Rescue ..................... 12, R
Jefferson Memorial Cemetery & Funeral Home .................................. ..29, J
Kenny Ross Subaru....................................6,
Larry’s Laundromutt ........................... 15, P
Pets After Dark .......................................... 2
BluePearl Pet Hospitals .... back cover, U
Portraits of Animals ........................... 19, V
Rebound Pet Rehabilitation ............ 19, W
Salty Paws Doggie Ice Cream
Upswing Canine Behavioral Services ... 17
Woof Gang Bakery and Grooming ........ 3
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 for information on advertising or sponsoring! 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 600,000 impressions! To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, please contact us.
Pleaseseelistedpagesforcompleteaddresses.
Jack just wanted a place to hang, nap and oversee his Kingdom. Jack is now in his happy place.
Mama sitting pretty on her custom made folding window perch.
Portal Sami asked for an Inter-Dimensional Portal but, the portal only leads to the dining room. She watches too much Dr. Strange.
For 38 years Alexandra performed Restoration, Renovation and Preservation on old wooden mission, victorian, craftsman and eastlake style homes throughout Pittsburgh. Instead of retiring, Alexandra decided it was time to find a new venture which would make use of her carpentry talents, as well as to play with cats at the same time. Thus, Pittsburgh KittyCat Parkour was conceived. Pittsburgh’s First of its Kind.
Slumber Jack Portal Sami Perching Mama
Optimizing Animal Care with High Quality, High Volume Spay/Neuter Techniques
TOGETHER WE CAN RESCUE AND SHELTER HQVSN
I’ve had the pleasure of attending three national conferences this summer and presenting on High Quality High Volume Spay/Neuter (HQHVSN). Even though it was a whirlwind of activity and both Emmy, my feline travel companion, and I were a little jet lagged, I feel inspired and rejuvenated after connecting with so many people who are passionate about helping animals. The first conference, called the Animal Care Expo, had over 2,500 people in attendance. What stood out the most at this conference was the amazing diversity of people who were not only from the United States, but from all over the world. This is partially due to the organizers of the conference – the Humane Society of the United States and the International Humane Society. I was fortunate that a colleague who was part of the organization, gave me advanced notice and asked me to consider that some attendees would not have access to all the resources that we do. I met people from Asia, Australia, South America, Africa, and Europe and the resources available for dog and cat spay/neuter varied greatly. What was a constant though, was their passion for helping animals and finding ways to make the most out of what was available to them.
A couple of weeks later was the American Veterinary Medical Association conference, with over 7,300 people in attendance. While the Animal Care Expo also had diversity of people based on the roles they played in animal welfare, the AVMA primarily hosted veterinarians from the U.S. I worried that my four sessions were not going to be well attended since they were the very last sessions of the conference. I was also a bit concerned that there would be HQHVSN skeptics, since it is very different from what we were taught in veterinary school. I, myself, was initially one of these skeptics. I did not believe that spaying and neutering 50 animals in a day was even possible, let alone good medicine. But my eyes were opened when I witnessed it myself. I started teaching techniques and offering well-vetted (no pun intended) protocols – to help others build their skills and become more efficient while providing excellent patient care. I was thrilled to have over 80 vets attend the sessions. Several attendees even stayed for over an hour to keep talking and practicing the specialized surgical ties.
The last conference hosted by Best Friends had over 1,500 attendees and was focused on actionable ways to save pet lives. Even though progress is being made, over 600,000 dogs and cats are still euthanized each year due to the lack of homes. I thought about how we can save more lives when putting together a proposal. Many times, shelters and rescues are trying to be everything to everyone – providing shelter and finding homes for animals, providing resources to the community, helping to keep pets in homes. But those of us in shelter medicine cannot spay and neuter our way into ending pet homelessness alone. We need all veterinarians and their teams to step up and help. I titled my session, “Just add five to save more lives.” We know that HQHVSN techniques are good for the patients, with smaller incisions, less pain, and faster recoveries. HQHVSN is also good for the pet’s family because lower prices come with greater efficiency. By embracing the HQHVSN “philosophy,” all veterinarians and practices can help save even more animals’ lives. If ten clinics added five cats per day to the surgery schedule (possible because it takes under five minutes to spay and under a minute to neuter), that would mean 13,000 additional cats would be sterilized each year! Considering that most kittens entering shelters come from the community cat population, the lifesaving would be huge.
I was absolutely energized again by the passion I saw in those who attended the session and from all the conferences. All those people traveling across the globe to come and learn how to improve the lives of our companion animals. There are so many hurdles to helping animals – money, time, burnout, emotional trauma. The more we can come together to support one another as animal loving humans, the more we can sustain our efforts in animal welfare. What is the take home message? Shelters and rescues need everyone in the community to step up and help in any way that they can. As Helen Keller said, “Alone we can do so little. Together we can do so much.” Together we can do so much for animals.
By Becky Morrow
TREATMENT
For Injured, Post-Surgical, Geriatric, Neurological, and Overweight Dogs & Cats
CONDITIONING
For Working & Sport Dogs
PET HEALTH & WELLNESS
Surgical Safety Checklists
A Simple Solution to a Complex Problem
BluePearl Pet Hospital Pittsburgh
Over the past several decades, the field of medicine has become incredibly complex. With improvements in knowledge and technology, we have managed to make commonplace the treatment of diseases and injuries that were once thought to be untreatable. However, this increase in complexity can also predispose to errors in the fast-paced, high-stress setting of a hospital, be it human or veterinary.
A Harvard medical records query revealed that in daily practice, the average physician manages 250 primary diseases and conditions, must consider over 900 concurrent active medical problems, prescribes 300 different medications, orders 100 individual laboratory tests, and performs more than 40 unique procedures. The statistics are probably similar in the veterinary world, though one must also consider that we treat several different species and a constantly growing number of breeds of animal. Physicians and veterinarians in today’s world are some of the best and brightest and are also incredibly highly trained – consider that in the early 1900s, one needed just a high school diploma and a one-year medical degree to become a doctor; today, doctors must have a college degree and a four-year medical school education. Physicians and specialist veterinarians also receive 3 to 7 years of post-doctoral training in a specific area of practice. Nonetheless, medicine has become so complex that it can be difficult for humans – mere mortals – to handle. A 2006 study revealed that greater than 50% of patients suffering from a heart attack receive incomplete or inappropriate care. The same is true of over 30% of patients with strokes, 45% of patients with asthma, and 60% of patients with pneumonia. These numbers are both startling and sobering.
One way in which the medical field has attempted to manage the problem of increasing complexity is through specialization, and even sub-specialization. For example, clinicians may focus their practice on diseases of a single organ or body system, or potentially on a specific
Surgical Safety Checklist
Confirm the patient’s name, procedure, and where the incision will be made.
Has antibiotic prophylaxis been given within the last 60 minutes?
Yes
Not applicable
Anticipated Critical Events
To Surgeon:
What are the critical or non-routine steps?
How long will the case take?
What is the anticipated blood loss?
To Anaesthetist:
Are there any patient-specific concerns?
To Nursing Team:
Has sterility (including indicator results) been confirmed?
Are there equipment issues or any concerns?
Is essential imaging displayed?
Yes Not applicable
age group. Few disciplines are more subspecialized than surgery. Despite the attention to detail and the incredible skill of today’s surgeons, though, it is estimated that greater than 150,000 people suffer surgery-related deaths each year in the United States alone. Perhaps the most alarming statistic is that more than half of these deaths are considered preventable.
Preventable how, you ask? By limiting or eliminating human error. And how is that accomplished? To date, the best solution is one borrowed from the aviation industry – a simple checklist.
In the 1930s, as airplanes were becoming more and more complex, a group of US Army test pilots worked to develop a method to allow a single person to keep track of all of the various steps necessary to fly a plane safely. Ultimately, they developed a simple, to-thepoint checklist that could fit on an index card. There were checks to be performed at each critical step of the flight – takeoff, cruising, landing, and taxiing. By introduction of this checklist alone, pilots were able to fly complex aircraft 1.8 million miles without a single accident.
Checklists
made their way into the medical field in 2001, not in the operating room, but in the intensive care unit. Dr. Peter Pronovost, a critical care specialist at Johns Hopkins Hospital, recognized the risks that central IV line infections posed to ICU patients. He developed a simple checklist, written on a piece of plain paper, that reiterated the appropriate steps to be taken when placing and caring for IV lines. Over a year, infection rates dropped from 11% to practically zero. In 2003, the state of Michigan decided to test the central line checklist in its hospitals’ ICUs, which had some of the highest infection rates in the country. Known as the Keystone Initiative, the results of the testing were published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2006. The infection rate decreased by 66% in the first 3 months alone. The infection rate in most ICUs dropped to zero. Michigan’s ICUs outperformed 90% of the hospitals in the entire United States. Over the first 18 months, the initiative was estimated to have saved $175 million and over 1500 lives.
Nurse Verbally Confirms: The name of the procedure
Completion of instrument, sponge and needle counts
Specimen labelling (read specimen labels aloud, including patient name)
Whether there are any equipment problems to be addressed
To Surgeon, Anaesthetist and Nurse:
What are the key concerns for recovery and management of this patient?
In 2007, the World Health Organization convened a meeting of surgical professionals from the around the globe. The goal of the meeting was to determine ways in which surgery could be made safer for patients. The end result of the meeting was a first draft of a surgical checklist. The checks were arranged at 3 critical time points: prior to anesthesia, prior to surgical incision, and prior to leaving the operating room after the procedure. Ultimately, the final draft of the checklist contained 19 specific checks.
From 2007 to 2008, the surgical checklist was implemented in 8 hospitals from around the world. The results were breathtaking: major complications dropped by 36%, deaths fell by 47%, infections fell by almost 50%, and the number of patients having to return to the operating room due to bleeding or technical problems dropped by 25%. In all, the checklist was used in an estimated 4000 cases - it was estimated to have saved 150 people from harm and 27 from death.
Only 15 years after the introduction of the first surgical checklist, similar lists are used in human and veterinary hospitals throughout the country and the world, including ours. Just one example of our dedication to keeping your pet safe during his or her hospital stay.
If you are interested in reading more about the evolution of the surgical safety checklist, I highly recommend Dr. Atul Gawande’s “The Checklist Manifesto” (Metropolitan Books, 2009).
CHECK-IN Procedure preparation
ANESTHESIA TEAM
Patient ID band on and correct?
Consent form, estimate signed?
Procedure and surgical site confirmed?
Anesthesia machine and equipment check complete?
Special equipment, implants, or other devices needed for procedure?
PRE-ANESTHETIC ASSESSMENT
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
N/A
History, physical examination reviewed? ☐ Yes
Bloodwork, radiographs, other diagnostics reviewed? ☐ Yes
Estimated case duration ______
PATIENT RISK ASSESSMENT
Significant blood loss risk?
Yes
No Blood type (if yes) ______ Cardiac disease?
Yes
TIME-OUT Before procedure start
ENTIRE TEAM VERBALLY CONFIRMS
Team member names and roles? ☐ Yes
Patient name, procedure, and incision site? ☐ Yes
Patient-specific anesthetic concerns? ☐ Yes
DOCTOR STATES
Any critical/non-routine steps? ☐ Yes
Significant blood loss risk? ☐ Yes
ANESTHESIA TEAM
Antibiotic prophylaxis given within 60 minutes?
Necessary imaging displayed?
Any equipment concerns?
Pre-operative sponge, needle, instrument count complete?
Yes
Yes
Yes
SIGN-OUT Before procedure completion
ANESTHESIA TEAM
Post-op sponge, needle, instrument count complete?
Imaging, procedures needed post?
(Radiographs, NG tube, etc.)
Specimens labeled?
DOCTOR, ANESTHESIA TEAM STATE
Potential recovery complications and contingency plans
Pain management plan
RECOVERY
E-collar placed?
Round patient care team
Yes
No Airway risk?
Aspiration risk?
Yes
Yes
By Michael Kraun, DVM Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Surgeons – Small Animal
No
No
Every
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Variations on Administering Medication
See that little head tilt and relaxed squinty eyes? Mr. Sunshine is ready for his medication.
I’m so happy to have found the best way to give it to him because he needs several and is not a cat into whom I could force pills or liquids or much of anything else. Over the years, I’ve given my cats medication for both short-term treatments and long-term support, from a week or two of antibiotics to four years of four cardiac medications twice daily for Namir with cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure.
No matter how small the pill or syringe or treatment, it’s usually something they don’t like because the physical part can be uncomfortable and feel threatening, and the medication itself is often nasty stuff.
Start off on the right paw
Getting off on the wrong paw at the beginning of a course of medication can make the whole thing pretty close to a failure, so it’s clear that from the very first dose you need to have a plan for medicating in a way that’s comfortable for them, be aware of what you’re doing and how your cat is reacting, and be patient. You could even try practice sessions before your cat ever needs medication.
And keep yourself comfortable, relaxed, and confident. Your stress level will influence your cat’s, and they will react if you are fearful. You are not doing this to them. You are in this together.
Just putting medication in their mouth
I’ll try first to put medication into a cat’s mouth. I really like the security of knowing that I put it there and it didn’t come back out, they swallowed well, and the medication is in.
The easiest position to dose is standing next to or behind your cat so that you can reach around from the back or side of their head into the back corner of the mouth, placing the dose in the cheek pouch or the back of the mouth. Follow the dose with a small syringe of water in the cheek pouch.
Coating the dose
I coat a partial or whole pill with a bit of butter or cream cheese, or tuna or maltflavored nutritional gel, something that surrounds the medication and helps isolate it from taste buds and helps it slide down. Alternatively I’ll place the dose in a small gel cap and coat that.
You can also crush the medication—not all medications can be crushed, so check with your veterinarian. If you do crush it you can knead the powder into the medium or fill the gel cap. You can give several medications together that way.
The medium you use to coat it helps it stick to your finger, you can quickly slip your finger into the corner of the cat’s mouth and hook it around to the back then slide your finger out while the dose stays in place, far enough back that it will slip down their throat aided by the slippery stuff you used to coat it.
When it seems things are going down well, follow that up with heaps of praise and love and treats.
But you need to get that medication into
them.
Pill pockets
These are soft treats with an indentation to tuck a pill into, and often they work fine just that way. Mr. Sunshine loved them but eventually he bit into the pill inside the pill pocket and it was almost all over. That’s when I decided to crush the medications and knead them into the soft treats, which worked for the two years he was getting medications.
Adding medication to food
I’m always skeptical of adding medication to food because, if illness is present, cats often don’t have an appetite, and if the medication is in the food what do you do if they don’t eat it? And most people will tell you that if you’ve added something to a cat’s food they just know, they look suspiciously at the food and
you and walk away. Worst of all the cat may develop an aversion to food or to mealtimes with one bad experience with meds in his food.
Some cats are fine with it, though, and some medications don’t have very strong flavors. It’s worth a try with cats who can’t be handled.
If you have other cats you need to be sure only the cat who needs the medication gets the food, and that may make this method stressful enough that the target cat may not eat the food. You can separate the medicated cat for that time, or give your other cats goodies too.
Use regular food or other tempting alternatives
You can add crushed medication into a small amount of food. You can also dose with foods they can’t resist and feed those foods only for the purpose of medicating. This would include things like baby food or squeeze-up treats, or even a bit of tuna, canned salmon, or mackerel.
Using dry food for medication
No, you don’t just toss the pill in with the kibble and hope they don’t notice it’s different. Morty was and still is a dry-foodonly cat. He had an antibiotic, antispasmodic and a urinary dilator, liquid, pill and granular in a capsule. I could get it into his mouth, but the fight would get worse each time, I knew. He had just come from a stressful situation where he’d been left behind in a house when his owner died. I didn’t want to risk stressing him after all the work we’d done to bring him back to his big sweet self.
I found crumbly urinary treats and crunchy dental treats that are okay with urinary conditions along with some freeze-dried chicken, turkey or salmon, crushed about three times as much in volume as the medications, then added his medications to the mixture, including the liquid. He licked the bowl clean every time. Then I could hug him and kiss him and watch him get better.
ByBernadetteKazmarski
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 for 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!
In-clinic trainings available for larger teams within a 60 mile radius.
12 RACE Approved CE Credits for Vets and Vet Techs!
Learn time-tested and scientifically-validated techniques to:
Make smaller incisions for greater patient comfort and faster recoveries.
Session 1 - Apr. 27-28
Session 2 - Jun. 8-9
January 11th &12th
Held at Frankie's Friends HQHVSN Clinic and Training Center In New Kensington, PA (17 miles from Pittsburgh)
Free Hands on Learning!
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.
For more information or to register scan, call, or email!
724-889-7011 clinic@frankiesfriends.org
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.
Frankie's Friends
730 5th Ave.
New Kensington, PA 15068
724-889-7011
www.frankies-friends.org
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.
Meet Your Instructor: Becky L. Morrow, DVM, MS, CAWA
CAT RESOURCE DIRECTORY
2024 Homeless Cat Management Team Clinic Schedule Through December: 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.
NOTE:datesaresetfortheclinics,butatpublicationit’snotyetdeterminedwhichclinicsareFreeorFastTrack. Checkwww.homelesscat.org/clinic-infoforthemostuptodateinformation.
Low-cost Spay and Neuter and Other Veterinary Resources
This information is provided for reference only and subject to change without notice. Please contact the organization or agency before using their services.
TNR And Low-Cost Spay/ Neuter Pittsburgh Area
Homeless Cat
Management Team
207 Allegheny St, PO Box 100203, Tarentum, PA 15084 (412) 321-4060 homelesscat.org/ Pre-registration is always required, no walk-ins.
Please see website for registration instructions.
2024 January to June Clinics
NOTE: dates may be added and are subject to change. Call 412-321-4060 for additional dates
NO-CHARGE CLINICS— FERALS ONLY
June 22: Paws Across Pittsburgh
FAST TRACK CLINICS—$50 PER FERAL
June 8
Check homelesscat.org/clinicinfo for the most up to date information.
Charges as of January 2024
Ferals including FVRCP $50
Females including rabies & flea treatment $65
Males including rabies & flea treatment $50
All surgeries include surgery, pain medicine, rabies vaccine and flea treatment.
Additional Services
Distemper (FVCRP) $12
Combo FIV/FeLV Test $30
FeLV vaccination $14
Dewormer (Profender) $12
Microchip $30
City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents
This program is temporarily paused. Visit website for more information: pittsburghpa.gov/ publicsafety/spay-neuter
Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs at Shelters in Allegheny and surrounding counties
Action for Animals
Humane Society
386 Route 217, Latrobe, Pennsylvania 15650 afashelter.org/low-cost-spayneuter/ Call the shelter at 724-539-2544 to schedule an appointment. Effective 8/1/22 prices are as follows:
Neuter Services for a Male Cat: $60
Spay Services for a Female Cat: $80 ($30 additional fee if pregnant)
Spay/Neuter Services for Dogs: price per weight (call 724-5392544 for rates)
Animal Friends
thinkingoutsidethecage.org/ pet-care/spay-neuter/ Cats: Female or Male $84 Includes brief exam, injectable pain medication and an e-collar – vaccines are an additional fee.
Feral/Outdoor Package | $75 Includes brief exam, injectable pain medication, rabies, FVRCP, ear tip and flea treatment. Cats must be feral and in a humane trap to receive this service. Trap rental is available through scheduling spay/neuter. Limited dog appointments are available.
Beaver County Humane Society
3394 Brodhead Road, Center Township, PA 15001, 724-775-5801 beavercountyhumanesociety. org/tnr-and-owned-cat-surgeryprices/
Owned Cat: Three packages range from $65.00 to $150.00, all include Surgery and 1yr Rabies Vaccination (must be 3 lbs. and 12 weeks of age), initial FVRCP vaccination, more with higher priced packages
Feral Cat: Three packages range from $50.00 to $115.00, all include Surgery and 1yr Rabies Vaccination, more with higher priced packages, eartip is mandatory.
Butler County Humane Society
1015 Evans City Road, Renfrew PA 16053
724-789-1150
butlercountyhs.org/clinic/ Free spay/neuter, *some specifications and limitations apply*, visit website for more information and application
Clarion Paws (Serves Clarion, Forest and Jefferson County)
Current Location: 11348 Route 322, Shippenville, PA clarionpaws.org/spay-and-neuter. html
Monthly clinics listed on website, submit an application
Pets: $75 surgery, rabies, flea/mite treatment, pain medication, extra services available.
TNR: email at clarionpawsinfo@ gmail.com
Humane Animal Rescue humaneanimalrescue.org/ veterinary-care/spay-and-neuterservices/
North Shore and East End facilities: 412-345-7300
Feline Spay/Neuter: $100
Includes rabies, FVRCP and microchip
TNR: $63
Includes rabies, FVRCP, Advantage Multi and ear-tip. Cats must be feral and in a humane trap to receive this service.
Humane Society of Westmoreland County
139 Humane Society Rd, PO Box 1552 Greensburg, PA 15601 (724) 837-3779 westmorelandhumanesociety. com/vet-services/
Indiana County Humane Society
191 Airport Road, Indiana, PA 15701 (724) 465-7387 incohumanesociety.com/ Spay-neuter voucher program provides vouchers to help offset the total cost of surgery for cats and dogs. Visit website for application.
Washington Area Humane Society 1527 Route 136, Eighty Four, PA 15330
washingtonpashelter.org/
Owned Cats: $45 includes basic exam, spay or neuter, pain medication, rabies 1 year vaccine, nail trim, e-collar, ear mite treatment if needed.
Feral Cats: $45 includes basic exam, ear tip, spay or neuter, pain medication, rabies vaccine, nail trim, flea medication, ear mite treatment if needed. Extra services available.
Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinics
These are independent clinics that offer services on site during regular business hours.
Alleycat Spay & Neuter Clinic
15549 State Route 170, Suite 10, East Liverpool, OH 43920 330-892-8985
https://alleycatvet.com/spayneuter-services/ Owned or feral: Spay $60.00, Neuter $50.00 Owned cats by appointment Feral drop-off without appointment
Additional services available, dog surgeries also available.
Catnip Acres
1159 Morris St, Waynesburg, Pa 15370
https://catnip-acres.com/clinic Spay packages $65-$90, neuter $50-$75, owned, stray, feral All packages include rabies, distemper vaccines, flea and earmite treatments, $5 off with an eartip. Other services and dog surgery services also available.
Fix’N Wag’N
Mobile spay/neuter unit (724) 201-9413, email contact@fixnwagn.com
Visit: fixnwagn.com/ Spay/neuter package $85-100 (price varies by location)
Includes surgery, rabies pain medication, FVRCP vaccine, flea treatment (30 day dose), ear mite treatment if needed, and an ear tip for our outdoor community cats. Visit the website for upcoming mobile dates and places.
Feral walk-ins $90 Includes surgery, extended-release pain medication, rabies 1 year vaccine, FVRCP booster, flea and ear mite treatment, an ear tip, complimentary dose of Profender. Drop off 7:45 to 8:30 a.m. at 4284 William Flinn Hwy, Suite 103, Allison Park, PA 15101
Fix ‘Ur Cat Spay & Neuter Clinic
(Recently moved to Washington PA) 222 Hall Avenue, Washington, PA 15301 Call (724) 416-3265 for an appointment.
Female $70, male $60, Ferals: $65, rabies and pain medication included. Download and complete application, mail in for appointment. Other services and wellness clinic available.
Visit: furcat.org/spay-and-neuter/
Frankie’s Friends
740 5th Avenue, New Kensington, PA 15068 (724) 889-7011 clinic@frankies-friends.org
Spay/neuter for pet/feral cats: Neuter $65, Spay $75, includes rabies, ear mite and flea treatment,pain medication, antibiotic Other services and dog services also available.
Visit frankies-friends.org/veterinaryclinic
North Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic
3967 William Flinn Hwy, Allison Park, PA (412) 213-7353
Open Monday-Friday. No longer offering walk-in services for ferals Pet/TNR Spay $56, Neuter $37 Also offers low cost vaccinations and basic medical treatments. Visit website for details and scheduling: spayaz.com/locations/pittsburghnorth-hills/
Penn Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic
1644 Frankstown Rd. Pittsburgh, PA 15235, 412-244-1202
Open Monday-Friday. No longer offering walk-in services for ferals Pet/TNR: Spay $56, Neuter $37, visit website for details and scheduling. Also offers low cost vaccinations and basic medical treatments. Visit: spayaz.com/locations/ pittsburgh-penn-hills-pa/
Spay It Forward
533 Rugh St. Greensburg, PA 15601
Visit: spayitforwardclinic.com/ vet-services
Spay $105, Neuter $90 Includes surgery, pain medication, rabies & FVRCP vaccination, flea & ear mite treatment as needed. Additional services available.
Low-cost Spay/Neuter and TNR Assistance
Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties
These are organizations that do not have clinic services onsite but organize mobile clinics or transport to clinics.
Cat Crusaders
Alle-Kiski Valley TNR support, rescue/adoption
“Cat Crusaders” on Facebook. Visit we bsite for details and scheduling: facebook.com/ groups/721970658170977
Community Cat Network
Butler County Visit: facebook.com/ CommunityCatNetwork/ Mobile clinics, TNR support and rescue/adoption
Fixin’ Fayette
Transporting cats to Fix ‘Ur Cat for spay/neuter surgery 724-600-9570
“Fixin’ Fayette” on Facebook Visit: facebook.com/ groups/404758481158215/
Fluffy Jean Fund for Felines (Washington PA)
Packages at $65 and $85 female or male. Call Faith for available dates and appointments. (724) 941-5683 press 1
E-Mail: faith.b2@verizon.net Visit: fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com/
Operation Spay/Neuter
Butler, PA (for Butler County residents only).
Visit: operationspayneuter.com/ (724) 287-SPAY (7729)
E-mail: operationspayneuter@ gmail.com
Income-based spays and neuters for dogs and cats at participating veterinarians and mobile spay/ neuterunit.
Orphans of the Storm
PO Box 838, 11878 Route 85 East Kittanning, PA (724) 548-4520
Visit: orphansofthestorm-pa.org/ affordable-spay-programs
Monthly clinic dates, working with local veterinarians. Spay/neuter for pet/feral cats: Neuter $65, Spay $75. Includes rabies, ear mite, flea treatment, pain medication, and antibiotic. Other services and dog services also available.
Pet Search
P.O. Box 1653 Washington, PA 15301
Visit: petsearchpa.org/ Call (724) 228-7335 for clinic information
SNIPP: Spay and Neuter
Indiana PA Pets
Westmoreland/Indiana Counties, Alle-Kiski Valley
Low cost clinics, check Facebook “Snipp Indianapa” for dates and availability.
Visit: facebook.com/profile. php?id=61550868595306
Stray Solutions Animal Rescue Serving Butler County (724) 290-4933
Sunshine Farm Cat Rescue 125 Crolls Mill Rd., Slippery Rock, PA 16057 (724) 944-9822
Visit: sunshinefarmcatrescue.org/ Works with local shelters’ veterinarians to provide spay/neuter services.
Find Local Low-cost Spay, Neuter and Veterinary Care on the Internet
Searchable indexes by state or region
Alley Cat Rescue https://www.saveacat.org/statelow-cost-spayneuter.html
Alley Cat Allies
Visit:alleycat.org/resources-page/ low-cost-veterinary-care-directory/ ASPCA/PetSmart Charities Visit: petsmartcharities.org/adopt-apet/adoption-centers/locator
North Shore Animal League Visit: animalleague.org/getinvolved/spay-usa/
Spay USA Visit: spayusa.org/search.php
United Spay Alliance Visit: www.unitedspayalliance.org/ state-local/program-locator-map/
Emergency Veterinary Care 24/7
Avets Specialty & Emergency Trauma Center 2674 Monroeville Blvd, Monroeville, PA 15146 (412) 373-4200 Visit: avets.com/
Butler Veterinary Associates Inc. and Emergency Center 1761 North Main Street Ext, Butler, PA 16001 (724) 283-2345 Visit: butlervet.com/
Cheat Lake Animal Hospital 286 Fairchance Road, Morgantown, WV 26508 (304) 594-1124 https://www.cheatlakevets.com/
MedVet Pittsburgh
Emergency Veterinary & Specialty Care 2810 Washington Rd., McMurray, PA 15317 (724) 717-2273 Visit: medvet.com/location/ pittsburgh/
BluePearl Pet Hospital North/South/East: Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc 412-366-3400 724-809-2000 bluepearl..com
Blue Pearl Pet Hospital North 412-366-3400
BluePearl Pet Hospital South 724-809-2000
BluePearl Pet Hospital East 412-810-6732
Veterinary Emergency Group/VEG Pittsburgh East End 6244 Penn Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15206 (412) 690-0511
Visit: veterinaryemergencygroup. com/locations/pittsburgh-pa/
Daytime and After Hours
Urgent Veterinary Care
Animal Urgent Care Center 4201 Wood St #1 Wheeling, WV 26003 (304) 233-0002
Check website for hours. Visit: animalurgentcarecenter.net/
Geary Veterinary Services
308 Bessemer Rd. Suite 300, Mount Pleasant, PA, 15666 (724) 542-4954
Check website for hours. Visit: gearyveterinaryservices.com/
Kalyani Indiana Emergency Veterinary Hospital 1540 Indian Springs Road, Building B, Indiana, PA 15701 (724) 471-2575
Check website for hours. https:// kalyaniindianaemergencyvet.com/
Rivers Veterinary Urgent Care
560 McNeilly Rd, Pittsburgh PA 15226 (412) 998-9030 Monday-Saturday 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m..
Visit: riversvet.com/
Safe Haven Veterinary Hospital Specialty and Urgent Care
13085 Perry Hwy, Wexford, PA 15090 (724) 591-8393
Urgent Care: Mon - Fri 8am to 6pm Visit: safehavenpethospital.com/ urgent-care/
PET RESOURCE DIRECTORY
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
North:
Kim Lenz, Behind the Lenz Photography 412-983-0981 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 beavercountyhumanesociety.org
Frankie’s Friend Rescue 724-889-7011 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 droopysbassetrescue.com
Washington Area Humane Society 724-222-7387 washingtonpashelter.org
Animals Against the Odds Rescue/Rehab aato.rescueme.org
South Hills Pet Rescue 724-622-0434 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
Greater Pittsburgh Area: SPAAR seniorpetandanimalrescue.org
Guardian Angels Pug Rescue
724-537-3466 facebook.com/guardianangelspugrescue
Humane Society of Greene County 724-627-9988 greenepet.org
PEARL Parrot Rescue pearlparrots.com
AQUARIUM SOCIETIES
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Greater Pittsburgh Aquarium Society gpasi.org
BIRD & SUPPLIES
Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages 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 happypetstraining.com
Success Just Clicks, successjustclicks.com
Greater Pgh Area: Upswing Canine Behavioral Services 724-213-2553 Upswingtpc.com
DOG TRAINING CLUBS
South:
Dogworks Training Center at The Canine Club 412-220-8100 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, 412-296-2130
Manon’s Farm 724-705-7912 | 724-621-0260
SydMor Equestrian Center 724-969-0510 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 | 724695-7388
EQUINE TACK STORES
North: Shady Acres Saddlery 412-963-9454 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 easeanimalmassage.com
Wholestic Equine & Pet Services 205-492-1000
HOLISTIC PRACTITIONERS FOR GUARDIANS
East End: Judith Levy, Coaching/Energy Modalities 412-726-2659 judithlevycoaching.com
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 Cemetery & Funeral Home 412-655-4500 jeffersonmemorial.biz
Greater Pittsburgh:
Thousand Hills Pet Crematory 724-355-8296 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
Happy Tailz Pet Spa 412-759-7620 Happytailzpetspa.com
Larry’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 Larryslaundromutt.com
East:
Cat Around Town Cat Grooming 412-466-7877 (PURR) cataroundtown.com
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Zoom N Groom (Sonya Patterson) 724-225-4827
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming (412) 815-8076 woofgangbakery.com
PET FRIENDLY BUSINESSES & ORGANIZATIONS
Bactronix 412-375-7886 bactronix.com
Good Nature Organic Lawn Care 888-LAWNSAFER whygoodnature.com
Giant Eagle Waterfront 420 E Waterfront Dr, Homestead, PA 15120 412-464-6600
J & D Waterproofing jdwaterproofing.com
Salty Paws Doggie Bar & Bakery 412-251-0294 saltypawspittsburgh.com
Village Shoppes Scenery Hill Elves Lair Christmas & Gifts, Jan’s Tea Shoppe, 2nd Street Coffee Roasters, Velvet Envelope, Westerwald Pottery, Two Old Crows sceneryhillpa.com
Wags and Wine wagsandwine.com
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Fragasso Financial Advisors 412-227-3200 fragassoadvisors.com
J & D Waterproofing Home Improvement 724-746-8870 jdwaterproofing.com
Matt Arch Foundation connectarian.com
Bartman Plumbing 724-258-9125
OxyMagic 412-781-4110 oxypgh.com
Redford Photography redfordphotography.com
Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh 412-342-0500 komenpittsburgh.org
East
Kenny Ross Subaru 724-864-5100 kennyross-subaru.com
Unique Home Solutions uniquehomesolutions.com
South:
Southpointe Chamber southpointe.net
PET-FRIENDLY LIVING
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Judy Smith Team Realtor –Berkshire Hathaway 412-274- 7618 thepreferredrealty.com/ real-estate-agent/2242288/judy-smithteam/details/
Pinch Property Services 412-445-8550
PinchPropertyServices.com
East:
The Getaway at Glen Highland Farm Glenhighlandgetaway.com
South:
American Destiny Real Estate Services 412-983-2220 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 412-508-2285 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 CampBowWow.com
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) thedogstop.net
The Dog Stop - Sewickley 412-766-DOGS (3647) thedogstop.net
Lucky Paws Pet Resort 724-728-1484 luckypawsresort.com
South: Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa 724-746-3899 fuzzy-paws.com
Hounds Town USA 412-232-5285 houndtownusa.com
The Dog Stop - Banksville Rd 412-343-1171 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 doggoneawesomepetservices.com
The Dog Stop - Monroeville 412-373-3355 thedogstop.net
The Dog Stop - East End 412-361-0911 thedogstop.net
The Dog Stop - East: Strip District 412-315-7050 thedogstop.net
Country Lane Pet Hotel 412-824-7991 countrylanepethotel.com
Walkers Pet HoTail 724-327-7297 WalkersPetHoTail.com
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming 412-891-6418 email eastlibertypa@ woofgangbakery.com
PET RETAIL/SUPPLY
East: Petagogy 412-362-7387 petagogy.com
Petland East Side Village 412-363-PETS petlandvillageofeastside.com
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Asgard Raw Dog and Cat Food 412-408-3355 asgard-raw.com
Baskets of Nature 724-831-9437 basketsofnature.com
Dig It Collars dig-it-store.com
Trixie’s Dog Fashions trixiesdogfashions.com
O2 Derm Pet Topical Gel O2Dermpet.com
Pittsburgh KittyCat Parkour 412-612-5016
PET SITTERS
North
Furry Family Pet Sitting 412-999-9524 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 |entlejourneyvet.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
Frankie Friends Veterinary Services 724-889-7011 frankies-friends.org/low-costveterinary-services 724-889-7011
VCA Northview Animal Hospital 412-364-5353 vcanorthview.com
South: Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center 412-884-3162 cheyennevets.com
Fix Ur Cat (724) 416-3265 fixurcat.org
VETERINARY SPECIALTY & EMERGENCY SERVICES
North/South/East: Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc 412-366-3400 724-809-2000 bluepearl..com
Blue Pearl Pet Hospital North 412-366-3400
BluePearl Pet Hospital South 724-809-2000
BluePearl Pet Hospital East 412-810-6732
Greater Pittsburgh Area: Pets After Dark mypetafterdark.com 855-AFTRDRK (238-7375)
Training the Free Walk in your Dressage Test and Stretchy Trot
The best way to get a good free walk and stretchy trot is to train the horse to chew the reins out of your hands. This teaches the horse to stretch and reach for the bit. When the horse learns to chew the bit and flex at the poll, it will try to reach downward by rebounding forward with the head and neck. The rider’s fingers open and allow this response. However, we do not want the horse to pull the reins out of our hands. The horse pulling is called rooting and is not the desired action. The rider learning the difference between the horse giving or flexing at the poll and allowing them to stretch down is complex. So here I will try to explain the process and share some videos.
Because it is a subtle feeling, I teach my students how to first chew the reins out of their hands at a halt, and from the ground to develop the skills of feeling for flexion at the poll. From the ground, the rider can see the action of their hands on the reins to the bit and the result of the horse chewing the bit and flexing.
By Kristin Hermann
arms, this hampers our ability to feel. That does not mean that if a horse has a tight or resistant jaw, we cannot massage and move the bit to encourage the horse to chew and soften. Moving the bit or “softening” with the rein is sometimes needed to get a reaction from the horse. I know we are not suppose to move our hands but sometimes we have to “soften” the horse in the jaw because they have become resistant to the bit and brace. Thus moving the bit encourages the horse to chew and soften. It is this chewing that gets the horse to soften its tongue and lips or jaw before reverberating to the poll. Once at a clinic, an Olympic judge told the riders to slide the bit in the horse’s mouth, so if it is good enough for an olympic judge it is okay for us when needed. :-)
Training this is biomechanics, as all horses will respond to the rein and hand asking it to flex at the poll. Here is short video of a student teaching her young horse for the first time to chew the reins out of the hands.
Once the rider learns to feel for flexion at the poll from the ground, we try it mounted. As the horse takes the reins down, the rider opens the fingers and allows the reins to slip through. It is difficult to gauge how far the horse will stretch down because you only want to give as much rein as the horse will take.
At the halt, we ask the horse to flex at the poll with “direct flexion” or passive resistance. Direct flexion is just feeling both sides of the bit till the horse yields or “gives’ by flexing at the poll. Learning this requires a feeling with “educated hands,” and it is a particular touch or feel with the rein that first gets the horse to chew the bit which then causes it to flex. Often, I put my hands on my students’ hands to help them develop this feeling. Many rider’s clamp their fingers tight on the rein, and this tension in the rider’s hand prevents them from sensing what the horse is doing at the other end of the rein. How can a rider feel if a horse has softened at the jaw and poll if they have fists of steel? Riding with finesse and feel not strength creates harmonious riding or equestrian tact. Here is a video on asking the horse to wait and back off the bit, before we allow it to stretch.
Asking the horse to chew the bit to flex at the poll is ideally done with direct flexion or passive resistance (just feeling the bit) but sometimes we have to use active resistance! These terms sound like words from the sixties but I learned to use these words after reading The Calvary Manual of Horsemanship and Horsemastership.* If we have tension in our hands, wrists, or
After mastering chewing the reins out of the hands from the ground and then at a halt, we practice at the walk. I like my students to warm up asking the horse to flex at the poll at a halt and then ask them to stretch to lengthen the back and topline muscles connecting the horse back to front at a walk. Yet doing this at the walk is tricky because of the horse’s longitudinal motion. The horse’s what? Yes, the horse’s topline gets longer and shorter at the walk, and since we are riding on contact with the bit, our elastic elbows need to follow forward and back. At the same time, our hands ask for flexion at the poll. Here is a video showing the rider following the longitudinal motion at a walk.
Practicing chewing the reins out of the hands during a walk helps to educate the rider to master a free walk. If we can get some stretching and chewing the reins at a walk on a circle, then we try it on the straight line. On the straight line, you line the horse up to get it straight and then allow it to chew the reins out of your hands. However, we not only allow the horse to stretch by chewing the reins out of the hands, but also have to keep the horse’s shoulders straight plus maintain the head and neck’s balance while the walk marches from behind. The seat feels the rhythm of the hind legs as the reins and hands micromanage the front end. Yes, the rider is multitasking. You mean I have to feel the hind legs and allow the horse to chew the reins? Yes! Here are two videos of the freewalk.
Allowing the horse to stretch at the trot is easier! First, we achieve relaxed, rhythmic, and round on the circle in both directions with the horse backing off the bit or accepting the contact, then we allow the horse to stretch. Since the horse has learned to back off the bit at the halt, and walk, the horse seeks to stretch down at the trot when the rider opens their fingers. It is the same stretching we did at the halt, but now at the trot. Only at the trot, the rider must maintain the rhythm, shoulders, and straightness on the circle. Once again, the difficulty is gauging how far down the horse goes and keeping a connection or contact with a longer rein! Still in a frame just with a longer rein!
Standing by the horse asking for flexion from the ground.
Asking for flexion at the poll by the withers with a longer rein to develop the feel. Then we do it mounted.
Allowing the horse to stretch after giving at the poll.
Nice free walk horse stretching down and stepping under.
Elastic elbows are the key to connecting with the bit through the rein. Riders can cheat a little ( or a lot) by widening the hands to keep the contact. Oh my goodness, did you say move my hands and widen them? Yup! Remember, there is a score in the dressage tests for effective use of aids. The rider must be pliable or able to adjust when riding and not just sit like a statue, we have to interact with the horse. A quote I often share is, “The rider is proactive, not static.” When I teach, I often ask riders to lengthen and shorten the reins to learn it is okay to move their hands when they ride!
Teaching the horse and rider to stretch at the trot is like all training, done in small increments. The horse will seek the contact and go down, but initially, we may only want to let the reins out a few inches at a time and not two feet. Thus, as we develop the skills of allowing the reins to slip through our fingers a few inches at a time eventually we allow the horse to go all the way down. There are a lot of factors, and riding skills required. Some horses will speed up when you allow them to stretch, trying to catch their center of gravity, which has just moved forward. Or a horse may slow down if its topline muscles are tight. If the horse is tight, we allow the oscillations of the back muscles to loosen the back and eventually enable the head and neck to seek and reach down. We adjust our riding to each individual horse’s needs. Indeed, we do not want to lose rhythm, so we only allow the horse to stretch as far down as it will keep its balance and not rush. We train in little pieces until we accomplish our goal. Training is rarely black or white; there is a lot of gray! Eventually, allowing the horse to stretch “down and out,” as it was called when I learned it, is a goal. Being able to ride stretching at the
trot with a four-foot rein on contact is quite a feat!
The only complication with teaching a horse to stretch is not allowing it to pull the reins out of the hands. And they will try! Pulling is a big no no. The horse must soften at the poll before it is allowed to stretch! The horse has to give or flex at the poll and do what is called “back off the bit” before the rider opens the fingers and allows the horse to go down. Acquiring the feel of the horse giving at the poll and backing off the bit is difficult to discern but easily learned with practice.
Learning to keep contact as the horse is stretching is a skill every dressage rider should strive to achieve. Also, stretching and lifting the horse’s topline with a rider on its back is a wonderful way to keep your horse’s back elastic and supple. A healthy muscle can stretch and is not constricted and tight. In my lessons, riders stretch the horses before and after everything we do riding. Say we do a set of leg-yielding and ten-meter circles, then we stretch. Or we ride shoulder-ins and ten-meter circles, then we let the horse stretch. Because our training continually incorporates stretching at the walk and trot, our horses stay elastic and supple as they age.
In my opinion, maintaining and stretching a horse’s topline is the best thing you can do for it. If you have any questions, reach out or visit my Home School Your Horse Facebook page, which illustrates many of these training techniques.
* The Calvary manual of Horsemanship and Horsemastership Education of the Rider The official manual of the United States Calvary School at Fort Riley. Edited for todays civilian riders by Gorden Wright. A classic that is out of print and hard to find to purchase.
Custom
Nice stretchy trot with horse tracking up.
Bailey Mader 1994-2024
Bailey joined our family on Halloween day in 2017, thus he got the nickname “Bailey Boo”. He also tended to be a bit spooky at times!
Bailey was a Missouri Fox Trotter and retired trail horse, owned by my friend Rose for 19 years at the time we adopted him. Rose rode him almost daily in local parks, and took him on many out of state camping trips, as he was a solid trail horse.
My retired stallion, Colt, needed a buddy when we moved onto our own farm, and that was problematic, as he is very dominant. Bailey and Colt had been pasture mates in 2012, so I knew they would get along. When Bailey and Colt were reunited, it was tearful seeing how they instantly remembered each other after years and bonded again!
Bailey had the best retirement with us, living out his last 6 years pampered to the fullest extent. His first mama, Rose, would often come visit and bring treats for him.
Bailey was very well behaved and loved by all who met him. He will forever be remembered and missed by Colt, and all of us who knew and loved him!
Love, Carla
My goal and mission is to provide you with a comforting place during a very difficult time.
I will personally ensure that your pet is treated with respect and dignity. Transportation provided from your home or veterinarian’s office.
Cremations performed on premises at my Bridgeville location.
Large selection of urns and remembrances.
PET BURIAL & PET OBITUARIES
At Jefferson Memorial, we know that our pets are beloved family members. We are very honored to provide a digital obituary and legacy page for your beloved pet when arranging for burial or cremation services. Just as you do for any human loved one, these pages provide a space for an obituary, photos, condolences and service information that help memorialize sizes and species. We offer compassionate pet burial and cremation services, ensuring your loyal companions of all kinds receive the dignity they deserve. Let us help you celebrate the life of your cherished companion. Contact us 24/7.
401 Curry Hollow Road Pittsburgh, PA 15236 jeffersonmemorial com (412) 655-4500
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