DOGTOBER FEST

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS, VENDORS & PAWTICIPANTS! A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH!

7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS Announcing the pet costume contest winners!

Best Costume: Lady Gerger; Most Original: Alice In Wonderland; • East End • South Hills • Strip District • East End • South Hills • Strip District • East End • South Hills • Strip District • East End • South Hills • Strip District

Owner Look Alike; Roxy and Greyson; Honorable Mentions: Cruelly, Briella, Dog Banana, • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexfordand Ear Of Corn! Thank You To All Pawticipants!• Upper St. Clair NEW• Upper St. Clair NEW• Upper St. Clair NEW• Upper St. Clair NEW

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*Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19.

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A PetConnections Magazine production!

Supporting vets. Rescuing pets. Saving lives.

AnimalFriends is honored to serve our veterans and the brave individuals of our Armed Forces! Through our Animal Friends for Veterans program, we proudly offer: • Customized matchmaking services and underwritten adoption

donations for dogs, cats and rabbits. • Free, nutritious food through our Chow Wagon Pet Food Bank. • A 20% discount* on all wellness and vaccines at our Animal Wellness Center.

*Income qualification is required. • A 10% discount on spay/neuter surgery for any cat or dog living with a

veteran in need. *Income qualification is required for non-pit bull breeds. • Behavior consultation and training classes for owned or recently adopted

dogs, cats and rabbits. • Emergency boarding for dogs, cats or rabbits of veterans in crisis.

Animal Friends for Veterans is currently funded by the Maj. Ben Follansbee Memorial Fund, named for a highly decorated Airborne Ranger, who tragically took his own life in 2012.

To learn more about Animal Friends for Veterans visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/Veterans

AnimalFriends

562 Camp Horne Road | Pittsburgh, PA 15237 | ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org | 412.847.7000

PET HEALTH & WELLNESS

Surviving the Holiday Season After Losing a Beloved Pet

By Amanda Dugan- Veterinary Social Worker

As we all know, the holiday season is one of the busiest times of the year. The to-do lists are extensive, with cooking or baking, multiple family gatherings, shopping, and decorating being just a few items found on peoples’ lists. But what if the holiday season is challenging for you to get through? Whether it be from feeling stressed or overwhelmed by the holiday hustle and bustle, or perhaps the tragic loss of a family member or close friend. What about the loss of a beloved pet?

Pet loss is beginning to become more widely acknowledged; however, we still have a long way to go before it’s where it needs to be. Pet loss in general is hard, but pet loss around the holiday season is even tougher. Why, may you ask? Trying to grieve around the holidays while experiencing other usual stressors brought upon by the season, can make one’s grief complicated. Some people may feel that they are too busy to cry, or show emotion surrounding the loss, or that they just simply don’t have time. While others may not be able to function at all because their grief is just so debilitating. It’s important to remember that everyone grieves differently and that there is no “correct way” to grieve the loss of a beloved pet. The bonds that we have with our pets are unlike any other bond we have in our lives. They see us when we are at our lowest, most vulnerable points, through our successes and greatest victories, they love us unconditionally, and they rely on us. Most of us don’t step back to think about just how significant our bonds with our beloved pets are, and that for the most part, they’re more than just pets…they’re family. These are all factors that play into the significance of the grief and the emotion that we feel when they cross the Rainbow Bridge.

The holiday season is a busy one for most, and a lot of people feel that they must have “perfect” celebrations for the holidays to be considered successful. When you are grieving the loss of a beloved pet, it’s important to understand that grief is unforgiving and will hit at any time. Unfortunately, grief doesn’t take vacations or sick days. Pet owners who are grieving should be reminded that it’s okay to not be okay, especially around the holidays. When the emotional roller coaster hits, let yourself feel it. Give yourself time to break down or reflect when you

need to. There is nothing wrong with doing this. It is actually very beneficial in helping to process the emotion behind the grief. Some may feel that by doing this, they’re taking steps backwards in moving on, but processing that deep emotion allows for more progress to be made in the long run.

Another thing to keep in mind is to remember to be patient and kind to yourself. You are going through a significant loss, and you don’t have to always have it all together. It’s okay if you don’t bake all those cookies or attend every single event you’re invited too. It may be helpful to some, but others may find that taking it easy is what’s best for them. Whatever works for you, and whatever makes you most comfortable, is what you should do. When you start feeling like the dam is about to break, carve out some you-time. Do something for yourself, whether it be some deep breathing exercises, gratitude practices, reading your favorite book or watching your favorite movie or TV show. Taking this time to give yourself that space to not be okay will help with alleviating some of that emotion so that it doesn’t build and build until it’s overwhelming and pouring out of you in other avenues.

There are many self-care activities that the bereaved could do to help them through a very emotional time of year, such as the holiday season. A big self-care tip would be to plan ahead for what festivities you would like to participate in, and which ones you feel you need to pass on this year. Remember to do what you feel will be best for you, and what makes you the most comfortable. With that being said, it’s still important to stay connected somehow throughout the holidays. Even a card, or a simple phone call can help with eliminating the risk of isolation in these times.

It may also be helpful to honor your beloved pet(s) by trying to incorporate them into some of the celebrations that you partake in. For example, lighting a candle by their picture(s) during special times over the season can help bring a sense of peace and connection to the beloved pet(s). Another way to incorporate their memory into your celebrations can be to hang photo ornaments on your tree, or have other customizable knick-knacks made to place around your home for decorations. These can serve as gratitude triggers that can help you reflect on special memories you’ve created in those moments or with the faces you see. It’s easy for the bereaved to dread the holiday season, especially if the loss just happened. However, it’s extremely important to check in on them and offer love and support. If you or a loved one is struggling, sometimes an empathic listener and a familiar presence could make all the difference. So, reach out this holiday season, and let them know that they are not alone and that someone out there loves and cares about them and what they’re going through. Take care of yourself this holiday season.

A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS • East End • South Hills • Strip District • East End • South Hills • Strip District • East End • South Hills • Strip District • East End • South Hills • Strip District • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Upper St. Clair NEW• Upper St. Clair NEW• Upper St. Clair NEW• Upper St. Clair NEW www.TheDogStop.com www.TheDogStop.com www.TheDogStop.com www.TheDogStop.com

*Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. Grooming Grooming Grooming Grooming Day Care Boarding Training Day Care Boarding Training Day Care Boarding Training Day Care Boarding Training Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail

HEROES WANTED

BluePearl Pittsburgh Animal Blood Bank

This is Henry and Keisel, two of our many dog donors!

New Ad Is your dog eligible? • Between 1-7 years old • Weight: 50 lbs + Blood Bank • Healthy with a gentle temperament • Current with vaccinations • Never had a blood transfusion • Tested negative for blood-borne diseases (free testing by blood bank) • Must be on heartworm, flea and tick preventative • Not pregnant or currently nursing

Volunteer your dog to give the gift of life!

For questions, or to make an appointment: pittbloodbank @bluepearlvet.com

Follow us

facebook.com/animalbloodbank Instagram: @pghanimalbloodbank

RESCUE & SHELTER

Operation Petsburgh

Operation Petsburgh is one of Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh (HARP)’s most critical and innovative programs. By transporting at-risk animals from areas where resources and medical care are limited to HARP’s East Side and North Side shelters, these dogs and cats are given a second chance at life. The animals then fulfill a great need for more four-legged family members in our community.

One of Operation Petsburgh’s most important elements is the skilled medical staff and expertise provided by Humane Animal Rescue of Pittsburgh. All animals arriving via transport undergo a complete medical evaluation and may receive other services, such as behavioral training, needed for a successful adoption. In some of the cases, more extensive medical treatment may be required.

PRESENT THIS AD FOR A FREE DAY OF DAYCARE* PRESENT THIS AD FOR A FREE DAY OF DAYCARE* PRESENT THIS AD FOR A FREE DAY OF DAYCARE* PRESENT THIS AD FOR A FREE DAY OF DAYCARE* One such case was Piglet, a four-year old pit bull, transported to HARP from a regional shelter partner in April 2020. Piglet had been brought to them from animal control after they believe she had been hit by a car. She had recently given birth and was still lactating, but no puppies were found. Piglet had abrasions all over her body and her injuries required FHO (Femoral Head Ostectomy), a surgical procedure aimed at restoring pain-free mobility to

A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f A -Inclusive, Clean, Safe Fun f a damaged hip by removing the head and neck of the femur. The surgery was performed at HARP DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! DOGS IN THE ‘BURGH! and Piglet went into a foster home to recover. Piglet made quite an impression on her foster family who decided to adopt her.

Piglet is one of the many animals whose lives were impacted by Operation Petsburgh.

Since the program launched in 2017, more than 5,000 lives have been saved. Operation

Petsburgh’s partnerships span 13 states, 49 regional animal rescue organizations and 3 national animal welfare groups, all with the same goal: saving lives. Operation Petsburgh has created a “win/win” situation; allowing partner shelters to place animals that they may not have the capacity to care for and enabling Humane Animal

Rescue of Pittsburgh to serve a larger community of animals and people. Additionally, HARP has supported shelter partners by providing needed vaccines, pet food, crates and blankets and sharing best practices.

To learn more or donate, please visit HumaneAnimalRescue.org

7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS 7 CONVENIENT LOCATIONS • East End • South Hills • Strip District • East End • South Hills • Strip District • East End • South Hills • Strip District • East End • South Hills • Strip District • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Sewickly • Monroeville • Wexford • Upper St. Clair NEW• Upper St. Clair NEW• Upper St. Clair NEW• Upper St. Clair NEW www.TheDogStop.com www.TheDogStop.com www.TheDogStop.com www.TheDogStop.com

*Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. *Offer only valid for new clients at participating locations. Limit one coupon per family. Offer expires 6/30/19. Grooming Grooming Grooming Grooming Day Care Boarding Training Day Care Boarding Training Day Care Boarding Training Day Care Boarding Training Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail Retail