Pittsburgh PetConnections Holiday 2017 Digital Edition

PetConnections

PITTSBURGH

FRE E

November/December HOLIDAY 2017 Volume 6 Issue 2

wellness through the human-animal bond Holiday Hazards for Pets Animal Elegance

ROXY & GREYSON

Fundraise for National Mill Dog Rescue

Adopt a Senior Pet Month

Pittsburgh’s #1 Resource for Everything Pets

We Also all ry Car Bird & Sm ! d o fo al Anim

From The Publisher Welcome to our Pittsburgh PetConnections Bi-monthly Magazine’s Magazine’s Holiday Edition!

November-December 2017, Volume 6 Issue 2

News & Events Merry Christmas & Happy Hanukkah! From all of us at PetConnections, we wish you and your pets the happiest, healthiest and most prosperous holiday season you can have!

CORRESPONDENCE info@pghpetconnections.com 724 -292-7387 All Rights Reserved | Copyright 2017

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

M A G A Z I N E P U B L I C AT I O N S TA F F Carla Mader, Managing Editor Kara Jones Photography, Photography Kelli Koladish, Graphic Designer Carla Mader, Sales & Distribution Manager

A D V E RT I S I N G S A L E S Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales, Pittsburgh 412-780-2254 | rrcd@aol.com Denise Iamurri Bartman, Marketing Director, Pittsburgh & Central OH

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Wagner, DVM, MS, ACVIM Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center Kristin Hermann April Minech Bernadette Kazmarski

We are announcing the change in our publishing cycle to quarterly beginning in 2018. Our publishing schedule will be 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, and with rising print costs (even on the recycled paper we use), we want to keep our ad rates as low as possible, so that our sponsors may continue to support us. We will be increasing the digital magazine presence online with social media and many new websites and national outlets, and will be announcing those locations soon. To subscribe to your own personal copy of PetConnections, please contact us below.

Please see our event page for all the many upcoming holiday events, including the shelter gift wrapping locations!

This Issue Cover story: Jason Dunkle with Foxy Roxy & Greyson, the Italian Greyhounds. Read about their work to support National Mill Dog Rescue. Our featured business is Animal Elegance, Professional Pet Grooming.

Read about Adopt a Senior Pet Month in our Human-Animal Bond section. PVSEC also writes about Holiday Hazards for Your Pets.

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

Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections.

Take care of yourself and your animals this holiday season, and be well!

Warmly,

Carla Mader Publisher Pittsburgh & Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine Cover: Roxy, Greyson Photography by: Snapshot Photography

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 Disclaimer: The views expressed in our content does not necessarily reἀect that of PetConnections Magazine. PetConnections shall be indemniḀed against damages from content including ads and articles, false advertising libel, trademark infringement, etc.

2 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Table of Contents November/December 2017

4 8 12 14 16

HumanAnimal Bond Adopt a Senior Pet

Featured Organization

• Our low moisture system leaves

your carpet clean and dry- usually within one to two hours!

• Our cleaning products are non-toxic, biodegradable, and safe for children and pets!

• Local franchise proudly serving the region since 2006

412-781-4110 www.oxypgh.com

Roxy & Greyson, the Italian Greyhounds

• For Dogs, Cats, Birds, & Any Pet! • Short & Long Term Boarding • Daily Doggy Daycare Program • Full Grooming Salon & Pet Taxi • Kennel & Stress Free in our Home

Pet Health & Wellness Holiday Hazards

10% OFF 7 day of any boarding* 412-856-8505 • PetConcierge.org 227 Loretta Dr., Monroeville, PA 15146

New Clients Only - One time use. Licensed by the PA Dept. of Agriculture FULLY INSURED

Our Home Is Your Pet’s Vacation Spot!

Featured Business Animal Elegance

Holistic Pet Care Holidays from their perspective

32

Equine Affairs Using a Trampoline

6 Events

24 Directories

10 Rescue &

26 Feathered

Shelter Give a Home for the Holidays

18 Advertiser

Locator Map

22 Kitty Korner Cat Resource

Dig It’s collars come with two different patent designs of buckles and include our innovative patented threefunction d-ring that makes it easy to secure your dog’s ID-tag.

Handcrafted in the USA.

Friends Parrot Rescue

30 Wellness for

Guardians Diabetic Alert Dog

34 Remembrance

dig-it-store.com www.petconnections.pet 3

Human-Animal Bond

Find a Senior Pet to love during Adopt a Senior Pet Month

By: Bernadette Kazmarski

Our pets’ lives are shorter than ours, and once their age is in the double digits the fear of their seemingly imminent loss can often outweigh the joy of their potential unconditional love. But we never have a guarantee at how long a pet will live even if we adopt it at just a few months old. We are able to give our pets assistance and support as they age so our sweet seniors can surprise us with their intelligence, sensitivity and longevity and live happily and in good health far more years than we expected. A pet whose age is in the double digits may still have a decade or more left to share with you.

It’s not unusual that a senior pet is relinquished by a senior human either from the person’s illness or infirmity or even death. Losing their longtime person and home, often the only one they’ve ever known, can be a trauma, but older pets can weather this with surprising patience and grace. Still, senior pets often languish in shelters, even longer than other adults, and in some shelters are not given a chance at adoption at all.

November is Adopt a Senior Pet Month, brought to you by Petfinder.com and celebrated by the ASPCA and Adopt-a-Pet.com along with hundreds of shelters and rescues around the country. Senior pets deserve homes just as much as younger pets, and I am here to tell you that adopting a senior pet is one of the best things you’ll ever do. A senior or even geriatric pet remembers a lifetime of having a home or homes and while sitting in a shelter waiting to be adopted knows what they are missing in those final years. Our pets deserve to live as

long as their natural lifespan allows. If any pet needs the loving support of a human, it’s a senior pet.

I think of all the cats who spent their lives with me into their late teens and early twenties—Stanley, Moses, Sophie, Peaches, Cookie, Kelly, and even my fosters Lakota and Emeraude—and I think of them being homeless at that age and I know those older pets looking for homes right now are no different from the cats I loved. For all the kittens and playful juveniles and lovely adult cats whose photos I see every day looking for homes, it’s those seniors I’m the most moved to rescue and I wish I could do more. Aside from taking them all in, the best thing I can do is take what I can and encourage others.

What we expect when we adopt a pet When we consider adopting a pet we usually think about what we expect from that pet, and that’s a good thing to go into this important relationship with a clear idea of what we expect. Often our ideal pet is one who is full of unconditional love and loyal to us, likes to cuddle and spend time with us, a pet we can spoil a little and they’ll really appreciate it.

Often younger pets have another agenda and take years to settle down to where we feel they are truly a companion, so no pet fits this description of what most people are looking for in a pet better than a senior who is ready to just have a nice life for whatever time is left.

But we may forget adopting a pet is not all about us and what we want. While we want a pet, who will spend a lifetime with us, senior pets are looking for a human to spend the rest of their lifetime, and will be no less loyal and loving for the brevity. And if we think we will be sad when we lose them sooner than we want to and therefore won’t consider a senior pet, imagine how sad that pet is right now, at their age in a shelter with no home, and an uncertain future. Surely we can set aside our fear of loss to make an older pet very happy.

4 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Senior kitties I’ve rescued, fostered and loved Peaches and her sister Cream came to me at 15.

We enjoyed life with Creamy for ten months and I’m glad she had the time to adjust to having lost her human before passing. Peaches lived five years that were as complete and fulfilling as if she’d lived with me all of her 20 years—my portfolio of art and photos would be incomplete without her petite dilute calico sweetness, and I simply couldn’t imagine my household of felines without her.

Emeraude and Lakota came to me at age 19 and 20. While Lakota’s time was only measured in weeks, they were six great weeks wherein he had the chance to totally charm and conquer one more human in his lifetime. Emeraude was with us for only months but it was enough time for her to relax and really join our household, enjoy the company of other cats and know that she was special to me. They had the chance to live out their lives to their natural end.

The age considered “senior” for a cat was, and still is in some cases, only seven years old. More recently, though, other authorities and perhaps even your own veterinarian, differ in opinion, especially for cats, varying from eight to twelve years of age. But when you consider adopting, no matter the age, consider welcoming a senior cat into your home.

Can’t adopt? Foster! Can’t foster?

Donate or volunteer There are so many ways you can help pets who need homes and care. You may not have room to adopt another pet, but can foster for a few weeks, volunteer at a shelter or with a rescue, or donate to a shelter’s wish list. No matter which of these actions you take, you help to save a life, and make life better for all pets.

YOUR PET NOT FEELING THEIR BEST?

Let Pittsburgh Premier Pet Care and Rehabilitation fix that!

Comprehensive Health Care Services & Integrative Veterinary Medical, Surgical and Dentistry Care Physiotherapy Modalities

A combination of physiotherapy techniques are used in order to achieve greatest outcomes.

We are proud to offer the most complete and latest physiotherapy modalities.

• Wellness & Sick Visits • Acupuncture • Land and Water Treadmill Training • VOM Certified Chiropractor • Low Level Laser • Manual Therapy Techniques • Therapeutic Ultrasound • Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) • Tens Unit • Cold Therapy • Stem Cell/PrP Therapy

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Pet Gift Baskets - Pet Supplies - Pet Sitting wwwbasketsofnature.com Phone: 724.831.9437 Email: contact@basketsofnature.com www.petconnections.pet 5

Events Animal Friends

Holiday Gift Wrapping Ross Park Mall

December 10-24 Crafting with Cats

Friday, Dec. 15 Home for the Holidays

Saturday, Dec 16th & Sunday, Dec. 17th Cookie Walk

Friday, Dec. 22 | 4-7 p.m.

Thinkingoutsidethecage.org

Steel City Kitties

Annual Cat Show

Saturday, Feb 10th & Sunday, Feb. 11th SteelCityKitties.com

6 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

CFA CAT SHOW Sixth Annual Show Sponsored By Steel City Kitties, Inc.

WHEN

Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018 9 AM TO 4 PM

Sunday, Feb 11, 2018 9 AM TO 4 PM

WHERE

Monroeville Convention Center 101 Mall Plaza Boulevard Monroeville, Pa 15146 412.373.7300

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, TICKETS AT THE DOOR (CASH ONLY) $8.00 ADULTS, $7.00 SENIORS, $6.00 CHILDREN, 5 years old and under are FREE

Enter your Household Pet by Tuesday, February 6, 2018 Visit steelcitycitties.com for more informatino on how to enter.

STEEL CITY KITTIES, INC CAT CLUB, a NONPRIFIT CFA REGISTERED CAT CLUB. Our club was established in June of 2011. Our club members encourage the breeding of pedigreed cats to the CFA standard while also encouraging the adoption of shelter cats. Steel City Kitties welcomes household pets to enter our shows which are always the second weekend in February in the Pittsburgh area. It is the practice of Steel City Kitties to allow for a vendor space for a shelter at each of our cat shows.

V I SI T U S AT S T E E L C I T Y K I T T I E S . C OM

Sixth Annual Show

$1.00 OFF

Sponsored By Steel City Kitties, Inc.

Admission

Saturday, Feb. 10, 2018, 9 AM TO 4 PM Sunday, Feb 11, 2018, 9 AM TO 4 PM

Monroeville Convention Center 101 Mall Plaza Boulevard, Monroeville, PA 15146

CFA CAT SHOW

Featured Organization

Foxy Roxy & Greyson, the Italian Greyhounds By: April Minech Photo credits: Christine Erin Photography

Jason Dunkle and his fiancé Mona Gray know what it’s like to have models in the family. It’s a busy life, with photoshoots, lots of clothing changes and exotic locations. But it’s worth it, because not only do the models love the attention, they donate all the money they earn from selling their photos to the National Mill Dog Rescue to help dogs. Because they’re Italian greyhounds.

8 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Roxy, 8, and Greyson, 3 both enjoy the spotlight. Roxy has had quite a career already; she even has her own Facebook Page - “Foxy Roxy the Italian Greyhound” with 7,687 followers. She was named one of the most famous dogs on Facebook by American Dog Magazine in the Fall Issue of 2013. Roxy has participated in in 2 calendars already, and together with Greyson amassed quite a few contest wins. They include both a pet costume contest and a Halloween costume contest that resulted in $750 in prize money, which was donated to the National Mill Dog Rescue. And the two share several other wins, including the 2016 Petco, 2017 PETCON, and 2017 University Veterinary Specialists Costume Contests.

For 2018, they are starring in their 3rd charity calendar, which has a beach theme (photos

by Christine Erin Photography) and was shot at Presque Isle in Erie, PA. Their photo shoot and story made the front page of the October 2018 Erie Times, and they were also featured in the Observer Reporter. When not working to bring awareness to puppy mills, the pair live a relatively quiet life in Washington, PA. Through talking to other of his favorite breed’s owners and his own research efforts, Jason became aware of how many Italian Greyhounds - along with many other breeds - were from puppy mills, and he felt compelled to do something.

Through their calendar sales and photo contest wins, they’ve donated over $1,000 so far.

According to sources from HSUS and ASPCA, an estimated 167,388 breeding dogs are currently living in United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-licensed commercial facilities for breeding purposes at this very moment. Over 2 million puppies are bred in mills each year, while an estimated 1.2 million dogs are euthanized in shelters every year.

Puppy mills are dog breeding operations that put profit over the health and well-

being of dogs. The operations can be small or large, including thousands of dogs. Most breeding parents spend their lives in 24-hour confinement to cages, and it is common to see wire cages stacked on top of each other. They generally do not have protection from heat, cold, or inclement weather, living in dirty and unsanitary conditions. Dogs living in puppy mills receive little to no veterinary care, and puppy mill owners often provide what care without they do get without anesthesia or veterinary training. Mothers are bred every heat cycle and are usually killed when they can no longer produce. And puppies are taken from their mothers way too early, causing stress, health and behavioral problems later in life.

Some breeding facilities are licensed by the USDA, but others are not. In Pennsylvania, breeders that sell to pet stores must be licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture, and while some are not in direct violation of the laws, they can still operate under terrible conditions. You can visit the PA Department of Agriculture at the following link, to do your own research when looking for a puppy, by checking to see if the seller is licensed and whether the kennel has any citations: www.padogs.state.pa.us/ PublicKennels/SearchKennelInspections.aspx Shipping conditions are often inhumane as well.

Dogs can be forced to go up to 12 hours without food or water, and are confined in a small space where diseases can be easily transmitted. Many puppies do not survive the trip.

The bottom line is that puppy mills are all about profits. Any money spent on veterinary care, quality food, shelter, or staff to care for the dogs cuts into the profit margin.

Act 119 is the PA dog law signed into action

by Governor Rendell on October 8, 2008. This legislation is meant to help Pennsylvania to rid its reputation as the ‘Puppy Mill Capitol

of the East.’ The updated law is designed to improve the treatment dogs receive while in commercial kennels. Under the old law, dogs could spend their entire lives in cramped, stacked cages with no opportunity to exercise and very little care. While there has been a dramatic increase in the number of states considering and enacting bills to regulate the commercial breeding industry, it is important to remember that these laws hinge on enforcement. Strong standards of care are meaningless if there is not enough staff to conduct inspections and punish violators. Therefore, in addition to pushing for stronger state laws, it is important to work with enforcing agencies to make sure laws are being followed. Pennsylvania has come a long way, but buyers need to do their share of independent research when getting a puppy.

If you would like to support Roxy and Greyson, see the information below about purchasing a calendar.

Calendar Ordering Info: The cost of a calendar is $35, including shipping.

They can be purchased by mailing a check or money order payable to: Jason Dunkle P.O. Box 443 Washington, PA 15301 Once check is received, the calendar is mailed out the following day.

All proceeds, minus shipping costs, will be donated to National Mill Dog Rescue.

Rescue & Shelter

Give a Home for the Holidays!

By Lauren Leffakis, Director of Placement Services

We all know that the holidays are a great time of year… lots of joyful gatherings, friends, family and everyone is in the holiday spirit. It’s also a great time of year to adopt a homeless animal! You and your family will be spending more time at home and will be able to acclimate your newest addition.

When bringing your new pet home, you’ll want to make the transition as stress-free as possible (for everyone!).

Whether you’re considering adding a cat, dog or rabbit to your family, keep these helpful tips in mind…

Dogs

Cats

Rabbits

We recommend separating your new feline in one room of your home until she’s acclimated to her new environment. This should be the smallest room in your home with the least amount of clutter. Cats can be overwhelmed easily, so it’s best to take your time building a relationship.

Spend some time in the room with your new cat each and every day.

Dogs are a constant source of fun and entertainment, but you’ll need to take steps to keep your new canine family member (and your house!) out of trouble. Your dog will need a dog-proof space to rest and chew appropriate items when you’re not around – a crate or small room is ideal.

Rabbits are social creatures who want companionship just as much as you do. Using an exercise pen indoors is the best option as opposed to a cage or hutch because it gives you the option of making your bunny’s area any size you’d like. Her new area should be at least four times the length of her body or large enough for her to stretch out comfortably – while fitting a litterbox and food and water bowls.

When she greets you at the door and is no longer hiding, it’s probably time for more space and freedom!

From day one, start teaching your pooch the rules of the house through positive reinforcement. Eventually, he’ll learn to be trustworthy in your absence and will excel at following the rules of his new home.

Follow these tips and you and your new family will be well on your way to happily ever after. Patience is the key to building a strong relationship with your pet, it’s always better to take your time and be sure than to rush it!

10 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

AnimalFriends’

Dec. 16-17

Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Animal Friends (562 Camp Horne Road) We made our list...we checked it twice. And, what we’d like to have this holiday season is to find a home for each and every one of our resident dogs, cats and rabbits. So, this weekend, we’re offering priceless adoptions* for all of our residents *Standard adoption applications still apply.

For more information, visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org

Please come in and give the best gift of all to a homeless pet.

Pet Health & Wellness

Home for the Holidays Hazards for Pets Around the House

By Rebecca Floring

It’s that time of year again! That time of year when you display all the little knick-knacks you inherited from your grandparents; that time of year when you constantly have all kinds of goodies sitting out on the table for everyone to snack on; that time of year that makes you happy-go-lucky just to see your house decorated and full of family and friends. However, sometimes we forget one little thing. . . . our wonderful, loving, curious, sometimes incredibly mischievous furry little friends!

Some of you may have gotten lucky and have one of those perfect little animals that never toes the line or does anything wrong. Some of you may have the exact opposite. Neither one of you should ever think that holiday hazards are completely out of reach for your little ones! You may also think that your house is completely ‘pet friendly’ and there isn’t anything they could possibly get in to.

Just to be on the safe side, let’s name a few.

Who doesn’t like getting a little nostalgic about their decorations during the holidays?

Whether it’s something shiny or sparkly or dangly or mobile, all of these look and sound appealing to our pets. Keep an eye on where you put those little turkey statues or your Santa figurines or window clings or even tinsel on the tree. If your little guys get a hold of any of these and actually swallow them, there is a very good chance that you will have to visit your local veterinary emergency service and your pet may need surgery and a few days hospital stay as well!

These days, not many people celebrate the holidays without that glorious thing we call alcohol! Whether it’s beer, the least toxic or hard liquor, which can be the most toxic, most of the time it all smells good to our pets. Alcohol is actually toxic to pets and especially over the holidays, there are fruity drinks everywhere and all it takes is a few little licks for your pet to become susceptible

to symptoms. It could be a taste from your drinking glass or from when you are cooking your holiday meal or even mouthwash or certain medicines, such as cough syrup that sits around because of the winter colds everyone gets!

Something else that is incredibly common for them to get a hold of over the holidays is a woman’s best friend, chocolate! Believe it or not, white chocolate doesn’t do much of anything to dogs and cats except upset tummy and you will possibly have a mess to clean up. Milk chocolate will affect them enough that they will need medical attention, and if it’s dark chocolate, just know that you will be spending some more holiday cash at the veterinarian’s office because that is the worst and most lethal to the animal world.

Chocolate is usually something that harms the canine population the most but it can also have negative effects on our feline friends as well. Chocolate isn’t the only edible morsel out there that can affect our pets. Thanksgiving and Christmas are times full of fruit cakes, candies and cooking in general.

If cats and dogs get their paws on grapes or raisins, whether it’s just one or twenty, this is definitely a bad situation and plan on seeking some veterinarian attention because it will be their kidneys or hearts that are affected!

I know that I like having

12 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

www.pvs-ec.com some aromatic and colorful foliage around the house to impress the family! Did you know that the simplest of these holiday plants can be harmful and/or toxic to pets?

Red poinsettias for example, will definitely cause your cats to have some stomach issues but would take a whole lot to actually poison them. However, especially for the little puppies or kittens, if your plant was treated with anything it can result in much more brutal reactions. Anyone want a kiss under the mistletoe? If you are someone who likes the real thing, mistletoe that is, be wary with your pets. These leaves and berries can have much harsher reactions and may actually lead to death if they eat enough.

Leaving the best for last, the Christmas tree!

This plant may not exactly be toxic itself, but it’s more about what is hung on the tree that makes it so dangerous to pets. This means all those cute little bite sized ornaments, the tinsel, the strings of lights, all of these are very dangerous if ingested! Pay attention to your animals and make sure that they aren’t feeling adventuresome when it comes to the tree’s décor.

Another holiday hazard that is often overlooked is something I’m sure no one thinks about, a lit candle. Some people don’t actually light candles until the holidays come around and this is a prime opportunity to allow a cat or dog to get curious about the flame and get burned before it’s too late. If this happens to be a rare time for them to become acquainted with fire, they may react poorly, knock your candle over and

even start a fire somewhere in the house. An additional fragrant holiday favorite is liquid potpourri that some households put in a pot and let simmer all day to help fill the air with those lovely fall or winter smells. If your pets have their chance to get close enough to lap some up, this may cause obvious mouth burns but also throat damage and possibly kidney problems.

I know that some of these may sound so simple to you and some may be that one something you learned new today. Please just remember that even though we may be the ones that enjoy this time of year and everything that comes with it, to please not ignore how interested your little furry friends are about all of it as well! They want to be in your family photo next year!

WORKS CITED Le Mon, Gary. “How Harmful is Alcohol to Dogs and Cats?” Natural-Wonder-Pets.com.

2006-2017. Date accessed: 10 November 2017. <http://www.natural-wonder-pets.com/howharmful-is-alcohol-to-dogs-and-cats.html> “Dangerous Winter Holiday Plants for Pets.” www.petmd.com. 1999-2017. Date accessed: 10 November 2017. http://www.petmd.com/ dog/seasonal/evr_multi_dangerous_winter_ holiday_plants “Holiday Safety Tips.” www.aspca.org. 2017.

Date accessed: 10 November 2017. https:// www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/ holiday-safety-tips

Featured Business and will likely come to enjoy it. And when your cat is used to being handled, a trip to the groomer is much less stressful!

Animal Elegance is used to handling all types of cat personalities, so if you’d rather leave it all to the professionals, they can certainly do that.

For those that would like to be more involved in their cat’s care between grooms, here are some quick tips:

By April Minech

Animal Elegance is the perfect place to spruce up your pet for the holidays! They offer a variety of services from nail painting to bath and blow dry to full haircuts and on trend styles for pets. Owner Amanda Elder-McGrath practically grew up in the pet salon business, and has been helping to groom animals since she was 10. “The shop has been open for about 20 years before I took over, from two different owners that I grew up with. I want people to know that I love animals; they have been my passion from when I was very young, and animals have always loved me. I feel like I’m taking care of them and getting too know them in a way when I’m grooming them” explains Amanda. She has a natural talent for grooming, and always puts in her best work, striving to make the animals feel happy and calm when they are being groomed. “I always want people to feel comfortable when they bring their pets to us. I know it can be stressful for the pet and the owner. They are like people’s children, so I understand”. Her shop has an intimate setting in Highland Park that people can feel comfortable bringing their pets to, even if they are difficult.

Amanda says “I will always try to groom them if possible. I want people to know I am always happy to make new pet friends and will love making them and their pets happy. It seems like the animals feel comfortable with me, like they sense me being calm and sensitive with them, so they don’t feel too anxious. I have been working and learning animal behavior over the years, so I have a strong sense of how to approach them.”

many grooming needs of the felines, except maybe that cats like to be neat and clean.

If you’re a cat owner, you know firsthand that cats take pride in being well groomed, but sometimes they could use a little help.

Grooming is about more than just keeping your cat looking picture purr-fect. Caring for your cat on a regular basis will also help you to keep an eye on its health. And keeping an eye on your cat through basic brushing can even help to prevent feline health issues such as digestive problems caused by hairballs. Regular brushing offers benefits such as dead hair and dirt, and removing or preventing mats and tangles.

Regular grooming can also help to improve the health of your cat’s skin and coat. For those not sure about how to begin, Amanda can provide full care, and help get you started. She worked for several years at Animal Elegance as a groomer, and when the opportunity to become the owner came by, she naturally took on the role.

If you are interested in helping your cat get accustomed to a trip to the groomer, there are some things you can work on at home.

Obviously, your cat will not like being snatched and groomed if it’s never experienced it before.

The outcome is likely to be unpleasant for the both of you. Instead, slowly accustom the cat to the process of grooming. Pick a time when the cat is relaxed and content – after eating, perhaps. Then start with short grooming sessions of maybe 5 to 10 minutes. Always Mary, the bather/groomer that works with Amanda, has been working with animals for about brush in the direction that the hair naturally lays, never against the ‘grain.’ And be extra 8 years and also has a strong passion for pets. gentle around the belly and chest. Pet and “We always keep each other updated with the praise the cat as you’re grooming, and maybe new trends and safe products for people’s pets”, even offer a treat at the end of the session. And Amanda says. if the cat begins to show signs that it’s none too happy about what’s happening, stop for While the salon offers services for both dogs and now. You can try it again later. With time, the cats (they groom about 110 dogs a month and cat will become accustomed to the process, around 20 cats) not everyone knows about the 14 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

For shorthaired cats: • Start with a fine-toothed metal comb. Run it through the cat’s fur from head to tail tip.

Watch for small pepper-like specks that could indicate the presence of cat fleas.

• Use a bristle or soft rubber brush next to remove loose hair.

For longhaired cats: • Start with a wide-toothed comb to remove debris that may be caught in the cat’s coat.

Carefully untangle any knots.

• Next use a wire brush or a bristle brush to remove loose hair.

• Consider using a toothbrush to brush around the cat’s face.

And if you encounter matting in the cat’s fur, don’t try to cut it out; one or both of you may end up getting hurt. Save that part for the professionals. Brushing twice a week should be plenty for most shorthaired cats, while a longhaired cat may need brushing every day.

Finally, getting your cat to accept having its nails trimmed can be a challenge. You can help prepare your cat by desensitizing through a routine. Practice touching and holding each paw for a second or two, so kitty can get used to feeling comfortable. You can massage each leg and foot daily when you are petting, and soon it will be ok with being touched on the paw. This will make it less stressful when taking your cat in to have its claws trimmed.

Amanda is used to handling lots of cats, and they seem to be comfortable around her; makes a trip to the groomer like a spa day!

Compared to certain other pets, cats are relatively low maintenance – a nice perk for cat lovers. But like all of us, your cat could use a professional helping hand now and then. Amanda offers all the care you need at Animal Elegance, whether your cat needs a little or a lot!

Call or stop by for more info!

7315 Butler Street Pittsburgh, PA 15206 412-361-1177 www.animalelegance.com

www.petconnections.pet 15

Holistic Pet Care

The Holidays from Your Pet’s Perspective

By Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH

As we gather for holiday celebrations and join in our traditions, it behooves us to be aware of the dangers this time of year brings for our four-legged friends.

The concern is that we can become so distracted by decorating and entertaining that we forget the many ways our holiday festivities may adversely affect our pets.

For example, many young or curious pets like to experience new things in their environment by chewing on them. This can be a real problem when it comes to decorative plants. The beautiful Poinsettia is mildly toxic and may cause vomiting when ingested, but is not deadly. Mistletoe and Holly are more dangerous. Besides causing severe vomiting and diarrhea, if enough of their leaves or berries are eaten, seizures and death may result. Lilies of all varieties are highly toxic for our feline friends.

Consuming even small amounts can lead to death from renal failure.

Even the Christmas tree itself is considered mildly toxic. Fir tree oils irritate the mouth and stomach causing drooling and vomiting in both dogs and cats.

Holiday decorations can sometimes appear to be tempting play things for dogs and cats alike. Be sure to read the warning labels on products like sprayon snow. Also, never put ribbons around your pet’s neck or allow it to play with plastic or foil wrappings. Icicle type tinsel and ribbons are especially dangerous for cats because in the course of playing with them, the feline will often swallow the decoration, which can lodge in the intestine causing a blockage. Even the electrical cords we run everywhere this time of year are very hazardous, especially to puppies and kittens who like to chew on things.

Their sharp teeth can easily puncture the insulation causing electrocution.

Be aware that some foods and treats that are safe for people can harm your pet.

Chocolate contains both theobromine and caffeine which can cause hyperactivity, tremors, and potentially death. Baker’s and dark chocolate are the most toxic, but milk chocolate can be dangerous if large amounts are eaten. It takes 8 ounces of milk chocolate to sicken a fifty-pound dog but just 1 once of baker’s chocolate will have the same effect.

Another toxin from the food category is xylitol. This artificial sweetener is commonly found in sugar-free candies and gums. It might also be hidden in unexpected places like peanut butter and tooth paste. If eaten by your pet, xylitol

can lower the blood glucose to dangerously low levels and damage the liver. Be sure to keep all candy out of the reach of your dogs and cats. Also, remember that there are other foods that are good for us but can cause problems for pets. For example, grapes, raisins, garlic, onions, and macadamia nuts can be toxic to dogs and cats.

Do not feed your dog fatty table scraps or cooked bones. This practice can be life-threatening and often leads to severe

16 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

vomiting and diarrhea. GI upset is the most common reason for emergency veterinary visits around the holidays. In fact, the lower intestinal eruptions caused by such dietary indiscretion has led veterinarians to rename the day after Thanksgiving “Brown Friday.”

If your pet does manage to get into something harmful, call your veterinarian or poison control right away to find out what you can do to help. It is a good policy to keep these numbers readily available since the best time to plan for an emergency is before something bad happens.

As you entertain guests for holiday fun, realize that visitors, especially children, may not understand how to best interact with your pet.

Also, be responsive to the possibility that your animal companion may not appreciate dealing with strangers in the house. If you mix these ingredients together and add a dash of adult distraction, you have a perfect recipe for holiday disaster. (And that’s a dish best left unserved).

In some cases, it is better to keep the pet in another room, away from guests.

Don’t get me wrong, I do not mean to be “Dr. Doug Downer.” It is wonderful to include your pet in holiday traditions as an important part of the family. Many people these days even give their dogs and cats presents to unwrap with everyone else. However, a word to the wise is sufficient. Before the celebration begins, I invite you to take time to consider the holidays from your pet’s perspective. Understanding your fourlegged friends and taking a few precautions will lead to a safe and joyful holiday season for everyone in the family.

Integrative Holistic Medicine Integrative: combining the best of conventional and alternative medicine Holistic: providing more options for therapy • Acupuncture • Herbal Medicine • Spinal Manipulation • Supplements

• Natural Nutrition • Vaccine Counseling • Massage Therapy • Healing Touch

Dr. Doug has been practicing integrative veterinary medicine since 1993. He is certified in acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and chiropractic. With over 30 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Doug has treated thousands of challenging cases.

For complete care for your animal companion, see Dr. Doug. Call Beaver Animal Clinic today to set up a holistic exam for your pet.

Dr. Doug | The Holistic Vet

357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009 | 724.774.8047

beaveranimalclinic.com

“Dr. Savko is a miracle worker!”

Tigger the cat could not sit comfortably or even sleep yet he improved in just one session! Read what mom has to say: My 2 year old fluffy orange boy Tigger randomly started having a tail twitch about every 30 secs to every couple of minutes. It was to the point where he could not sit down comfortably or sleep cause he had no control over his tail. I was so nervous about his condition and even more concerned that it came on after a fall while playing. Then someone told me about Animal Healing NOW! I am so happy I found Dr. Savko. After the first visit the tail twitch was noticeably better and he could sit comfortably for about 30 mins without being disturbed.

The doctor was great with Tigger when he was very nervous not being at home. At first we went in for visits

every couple of weeks then down to every several weeks. After about 5-6 months Tigger’s tail is back to normal.

It seems he jammed it/maybe irritated some discs above the base of his tail due to a bad fall he had when jumping straight up in the air after a wand toy and didn’t gracefully land; he fell right on his back. So happy my boy is comfortable and happy now. He was pretty miserable until we took him to Dr. Savko. Thanks so much!”

This case was helped, along with the supervision of a licensed veterinarian at the one of our several area locations. Take a look at our website and FB page for locations, testimonials, and more!

Healing, not just treating.

www.animalhealingnow.com

®

Veterinary approved and supervised services provided at the following locations: Holiday Park Animal Hospital, Plum Greenfield Veterinary Hospital, Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Premier Pet Care and Rehab, Penn Hills Donovan Veterinary Hospital, Ligonier Fox Run Equine Center, Apollo

20 Years Experience Certified VOM Chiropractor Veterinary Affiliation Certified ThetaHealer® “miracle worker” “a very supporting and caring doctor” “wish I would have known about you sooner” “best time/money we ever spent” “you have given us hope”

724.261.7915 www.petconnections.pet 17

Advertiser Locator

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Page 20- A All About Pets Veterinary Hospitals Page 15 - B Animal Elegance Page 9 - M Animal Friends Page 11 - C Animal Rescue League Page 21 - D Beaver Animal Clinic Page 19 - Best Breed Pet Food Inside Front Cover S VCA Castle Shannon Page 34 - F Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation Page 18 - Q Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center Page 19 - Pet Portraits P Page 15 - W Country Lane Pet Hotel Page 28- Costa Real Estate M Page 32 - G Coventry Stables Page IBC - Dog Guard Pittsburgh Dog Fence Page IBC - Dog Stop Page 19 - H Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa Page 5 - Gentle Journey Veterinary Hospice Page 1 - I Healthy Pet Products Page 36 - J Jefferson Memorial Page 6 - P Larry’s Laundromutt Page 31 - Manning Chiropractor Page 21 - K Murray Avenue Apothecary Page 3 - Oxymagic Carpet Cleaning Page 15 - Paws Here Awhile F Page 19 - Pampered Paw Resort Washington A Page 15 - Petagogy G Page 18 - Pets at Home Page 19 - Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming Page 29 - Pinch’s Property Services Page 31 - Pittsburgh Career Institute A Page 19 - Y Pittsburgh East Nissan Back Cover - N Pittsburgh Veterinary H Specialty and Emergency Center Page 5 - Baskets of Nature Page 29 - Sam’s Painting Page 31 - O Rockin Horse Stables Page 3 - Pittsburgh Pet Concierge Page 17 - Dr. Michael Savko Page 19 - V Woody’s Dog Wash & Boutique Page 23 - U Washington Area Humane Society Page 5 - Pittsburgh Premier Pet Care & Rehab Page 3 - Dig It

18 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

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www.petconnections.pet 19

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• Available in 50mg and 250mg sizes www.petconnections.pet 21

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

TNR and Low-cost Spay and Neuter Organizations and Programs Homeless Cat Management Team http://www.homelesscat.org City of Pittsburgh Free Spay and Neuter for City Residents City of Pittsburgh offers five free spays/neuters to all city residents www.pittsburghpa.gov/animalcontrol/spay_neuter.htm

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Programs at Shelters in Allegheny and surrounding counties Shelter Programs PENNSYLVANIA Animal Friends www.thingkingoutsidethecage.org Humane Animal Rescue Please call each branch while the two shelters continue their merger.

East Liberty Shelter (formerly Animal Rescue League) http://www.animalrescue.org/ North Shore Shelter (formerly Western Pennsylvania Humane Society) www.wpahumane.org Clarion Paws Serves Clarion, Forest and Jefferson County Low Cost Spay / Neuter Clinic: spayneuterclinic@clarionpaws.org Trap-Neuter-Return: tnr@clarionpaws.org http://www.clarionpaws.org/ PET & OUTDOOR OR FERAL CATS Beaver County Humane Society http://www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Butler County Humane Society http://www.butlercountyhs.org/FelineSpayNeuter.asp Washington Area Humane Society http://washingtonpashelter.org/services/ EASTERN OHIO Angels for Animals http://www.angelsforanimals.org/snWhy.asp

Low-cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny and surrounding counties These are organizations which are not day-to-day clinics but organize, host, sponsor or otherwise provide access to spay and neuter services.

Catnip Acres (Greene County) http://www.catnip-acres.org/clinics.html

Fluffy Jean Fund (Washington County) http://fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com/ Fund for Feral Cats of Pittsburgh Reimburses partial funds to help spay/neuter feral cats (funds not always available) 412-521-5352 Lawrence County Animal Relief Fund (LCARF) http://www.lcarf.com/ Operation Spay/Neuter Butler, PA (for Butler County residents only) http://operationspayneuter.com/ Pet Search http://www.petsearchpa.org/ SNIPP: Spay and Neuter Indiana PA Pets Westmoreland/Indiana Counties, Alle-Kiski Valley (Leechburg) http://www.snippindianapa.org/

Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinics These are independent clinics that offer services on site during regular business hours.

Fix â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Ur Pet http://fixurpet.org/ Frankieâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Friends http://www.FrankiesFriendsCatRescue.org/ Penn Hills Spay/Neuter Clinic http://www.spayaz.com/Pittsburgh.html Wexford Spay/Neuter Clinic http://www.spayaz.com/wexford-pa/

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

Low-cost Neuter and Spay (search by zip) http://neuterspay.org/ Love That Cat (online search) http://www.lovethatcat.com/spayneuter.html Spay USA http://www.spayusa.org/search.php Spay and Neuter Early, a Humane Alliance Campaign http://www.whentospay.org/get-your-pet-fixed Get Your Fix.org http://getyourfix.org/ ASPCA searchable map of low-cost clinics in US & Canada https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/ low-cost-spayneuter-programs

Emergency and After-hours Care

Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center (PVSEC) http://www.pvs-ec.com/ VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital http://www.vcahospitals.com/castle-shannon

22 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center http://www.vcahospitals.com/northview A-VETS http://www.avets.us/

Pet-friendly Rentals

In the Pittsburgh area, visit this list on the FosterCat website: http://www.fostercat.org/friendly.html Nationwide (United States only) http://www.rent.com/pet-friendly-apartments

Shelters and Shelter Services

Adoption, surrender, low-cost clinics, pet food pantries, referrals, etc.

Humane Animal Rescue, North Shore (Western PA Humane Society) www.wpahumane.org Humane Animal Rescue, East Liberty (Animal Rescue League) www.animalrescue.org Animal Friends (AFI) www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Advocates animaladvocates.net Washington Area Humane Society www.washingtonpashelter.org Butler County Humane Society www.butlercountyhs.org Beaver County Humane Society www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org

Animal Cruelty Laws by State (United States) Animal Legal & Historical Center www.animallaw.info/articles/armpstatecruelty.htm

Cat Rescue Resouce Guide

Jingle Paws Bingo

South Franklin Firehall | Dec 8th

2018 WAHS Membership Consider becoming a member of the Washington Area Humane Society. Being a member gives you a unique opportunity to get involved with the shelter and attend our yearly membership meeting.

See website for details!

Directories Animal Educational Exhibits

Dog Training

Holistic Practitioners for Guardians

North: The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium pittsburghzoo.org The National Aviary nationalaviary.org

North: AKIN Family Dog Training (Lilian Akin) 412-732-8091 | akinfdt.net Greater Pittsburgh Area: Happy Pets Training/Christine Flint 412-373-9583 | www.happypetstraining.com Success Just Clicks successjustclicks.com North Shore: Western PA Humane Society 412-321-4265 | wpahumane.org South: Paula’s Professional Dog Services 412-818-2482

East End: Judith Levy Wellness Coaching/Energy Modalities 412-726-2659 | www.judithlevywellness.com

Animal Communication Greater Pittsburgh Area: Renee Takacs, M.A. intuitguide.com

Visit our online directory at pghpetconnections.com/Dog-Cat-Directory

Animal-Related Art, Photography & Retail April Minech Custom Portraits | Pet Inspired Art www.ladybugdelightz.etsy.com Pet Portraits 412-407-2590 www.PittsburghPainting.com/portraits North: Nicole Begley Photography nicolebegleyphotography.com Vibrant Images 724-774-1731 | www.vibrantimages.photography South: Kara Jones Photography kjones.smugmug.com Paws ‘n Claws Eyewear PawsnClawsEyewear.com

Animal Rescue Organizations North: Animal Friends 412-847-7000 | thinkingoutsidethecage.org Beaver County Humane Society 724-775-5801 | www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Pennsylvania Great Dane Rescue 724-869-9185 Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary 412-366-1187 | hopehavenfarm.org Western Pa Humane Society 412-321-4625 | wpahumane.org South: Animal Care & Welfare 412-244-1372 | animalcareandwelfare.org Droopy’s Basset Rescue 888-9 GET DROOL | www.droopysbassetrescue.com Washington Area Humane Society 724-222-7387 | washingtonpashelter.org Animals Against the Odds Rescue/Rehab www.aato.rescueme.org East: Animal Rescue League 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org ARL Wildlife Center 412-345-7300 | animalrescue.org SW PA Pugs with Special Needs 724-763-2790 | swpapug.org West: CARMAA 412-780-4983 | carmaa-petadoption.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: SPAAR www.seniorpetandanimalrescue.org

Bird & Supplies Natural Inspirations Parrot Cages www.naturalinspirationsparrotcages.com

Dog Training Clubs South: Dogworks Training Center at The Canine Club Phone: (412) 220-8100 | www.thecanineclub.com Golden Triangle Obedience Training Club 412-653-6880 | gtotc.com Keystone Canine Training 412-833-2211 | keystonecanine.com Xcel Canine Training Center 412-833-2504 | xcelcaninetraining.com

Equine Boarding, Lessons & Training Facilities North: Rockin’ Horse Stables 724-601-4706 | rockinhorsestables.com South: Coventry Equestrian Center 724-206-9902 Manon’s Farm 724-705-7912 | 724-621-0260 SydMor Equestrian Center 724-969-0510 | www.sydmorstables.com

Equine Holistic Care Greater Pittsburgh Area: Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com

Equine Tack Stores North: Shady Acres Saddlery 412-963-9454 | www.shadyacressaddlery.biz South: Lowry’s Western Store 724-228-1225 | lowryswesternshop.com

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

Holistic Pet Practitioners Pet Chiropractor North: Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Greater Pittsburgh: Dr. Michael Savko, DC, CCSP, CVCP 724-261-7915 | drchirovet.com South: Manning Chiropractic & Wellness Center 412-341-2505 | drastridmanning.com

24 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

Holistic Veterinarians Dr. Doug Knueven, DVM Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Dr. Qiang Li VCA Castle Shannon 412-885-2500

Pet Burial, Memorial & Cremation Services South: Chartiers Custom Pet Cremation 412-220-7800 | ccpc.ws Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home 412-655-4500 | jeffersonmemorial.biz East End: Precious Pets Memorial Center & Crematorium 412-351-PETS (7387) | preciouspetspgh.com Greater Pittsburgh: Carved Stone by Serena 724-941-2664 | www.carvedstonebyserena.com Thousand Hills Pet Crematory 724-355-8296 | www.thousandhillspetcrematory.com

Pet Fencing Greater Pittsburgh Area: Dog Guard Pittsburgh Dog Fence 412-287-5820 | Pghdogfence.com

Pet Grooming North: All About Dogs 724-925-1577 | allaboutdogsgrooming.info Larry’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | larryslaundromutt.com Happy Tailz Pet Spa 412-759-7620 Happytailzpetspa.com Healthy Pet Grooming 724-759-7567 Larry’s Laundromutt 412-534-4052 | Larryslaundromutt.com South: Candelore’s Barking Beauties 412-872-5550 Creative Canine Cuts 724-223-9020 Grand Slam Grooming 412-221-5081 | grandslamgrooming.com Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming 412-885-4027 Pets at Home Dog Grooming 412-655-7297 (PAWS) The Pet Salon 412-279-5331 | petsalonusa.com Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com East: Animal Elegance 412-361-1177 | www.animal-elegance.com Candelore’s Barking Beauties Pet Grooming 412-872-5550 | candeloresbarkingbeauties.com Cat Around Town Cat Grooming 412-461-3700 | cataroundtown.com

West: Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: Zoom N Groom (Sonya Patterson) 724-225-4827

Pet Friendly Businesses & Organizations

Pet-Friendly Living Greater Pittsburgh Area: Pinch Property Services 412-445-8550 PinchPropertyServices.com East: The Gateway at Summerset 855-401-2700 | www.gatewayatsummerset.com Glen Highland Farm www.glenhighlandgetaway.com South: American Destiny Real Estate Services 412-983-2220 | www.adr-usa.com Amore 877-716-6840 | amoreapartments.com

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

Pet 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 North: Camp Bow Wow - Ross Township campbowwowpgh.com Dog stop - North 724-935-DOGS (3647) | www.thedogstop.net The Dog Stop - Sewickley 412-766-DOGS(3647) | www.thedogstop.net

Pet Retail/Supply North: Healthy Pet Products 412-366-0700 | healthypetproducts.net South: Healthy Pet Products 412-831-3700 | healthypetproducts.net Oddball Pets & Aquariums 412-884-2333 | oddballpets.com Woody’s Dog Wash & Pet Boutique 412-714-4644 | woodysdogbath.com East: Petagogy petagogy.com | 412-362-7387 Petland East Side Village 412-363-PETS | www.petlandvillageofeastside.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: Canine Health Supplements 614-937-8309 www.lifevantage.com/peggymills#canine Fan Reps 412-439-3063 | www.fanreps.com Pawdentify and Links-It Collar Tags www.pawdentify.com Paws in the Sand 814.434.4857 | www.pawsinthesandpettreats.com Close 2 Ur Heart Jewelry

Baskets of Nature 724-831-9437 | www.basketsofnature.com Dig It Collars dig-it-store.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: 412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com

Veterinary Pharmacies Greater Pittsburgh Area: Murray Avenue Apothecary 412-421-4996 | MAApgh.com

Veterinary Hospitals North: Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center 412-884-3162 | www.cheyennevet1.com VCA Northview Animal Hospital 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com South: All About Pets Veterinary Hospital 724-745-5503 | aapvet.com All About Pets Veterinary Hospital – Washington location 724-503-4887 | www.aapvet.com VCA Castle Shannon 412-885-2500 East: The Big Easy Animal Hospital 412-908-9301 | tbeah.com Monroeville Pet Hospital 412-372-1100 | www.monroevillepethospital.com Pittsburgh Premier Pet Care & Rehab 412-795-1215 | premierpetcareandrehab.com West: VCA MetVet West Animal Hospital 412-788-6400 vcahospitals.com/met-vet-west

Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Services Greater Pittsburgh Area: Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center, Inc. 412-366-3400 | pvs-ec.com VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center 412-364-5353 | vcanorthview.com East: AVETS - Allegheny Veterinary Emergency Trauma & Specialty 412-373-4200 | avets.com

Visit our online directory at pghpetconnections.com/Dog-Cat-Directory

Bactronix 412-375-7886 | www.bactronix.com Good Nature Organic Lawn Care 888-LAWNSAFER | whygoodnature.com Simple Sugars Scrub Simplesugarsscrub.com Greater Pittsburgh Area: Fragasso Financial Advisors 412-227-3200 | www.fragassoadvisors.com Fundvelopes 412-595-8641 | fundvelopes.com Matt Arch Foundation www.connectarian.com One Hour Heating & Air Conditioning 724-225-1644 | www.onehourair.com OxyMagic 412-781-4110 | www.oxypgh.com Susan G. Komen Pittsburgh 412-342-0500 | www.komenpittsburgh.org East Pittsburgh East Nissan 412-824-9020 | www.pittsburgheastnissan.com Unique Home Solutions www.uniquehomesolutions.com South: Southpointe Chamber www.southpointe.net

Lucky Paws Pet Resort 724-728-1484 | www.luckypawsresort.com South: Camp Bow Wow - Castle Shannon campbowwowpgh.com Grandma’s Dog Daycare 412-586-7094 | grandmasdogdaycare.com Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa 724-746-3899 | fuzzy-paws.com The Dog Stop - Banksville Rd. 412-343-1171 | www.thedogstop.net Pampered Paw Resort 724-413-3135 | pamperedpawresort.com East: Camp Bow Wow - Highland Park campbowwowpgh.com Pittsburgh Pet Concierge 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org The Dog Stop - Monroeville 412-373-3355 | www.thedogstop.net The Dog Stop - East End 412-361-0911 | www.thedogstop.net East: The Dog Stop - East: Strip District 412-315-7050 | www.thedogstop.net Country Lane Pet Hotel 412-824-7991 | www.countrylanepethotel.com West: Camp Bow Wow - Greentree campbowwowpgh.com Paws Here Awhile Pet Resort 724-573-4665 | pawshereawhile.com

Veterinary Technology Schools Greater Pittsburgh Area: Pittsburgh Career Institute 412-281-2600 | pci.edu

Pet Sitters North Furry Family Pet Sitting 412-999-9524 | www.furryfamilypetsitting.com

List your business today! info@pghpetconnections.com www.petconnections.pet 25

Feathered Friends

Parrot Rescue: The Trials and Tribulations of a Misunderstood Pet By Edward R. Moats

W

hen most of us hear the term “Pet Rescue”, we think of pets such as dogs and cats. However, there are other pet rescues that are as equally important as those that work with the popular aforementioned companion animals. Parrot rescues are quickly growing in numbers all over the country. In actuality, birds are the third most popular pet (under dogs and cats) kept by families here in the United States. But, there is one distinctive difference between these top three popular pets. Where dogs and cats are considered domestic animals, parrots are still considered wild. Many species of parrots have been bred in the United States for only a generation or two. And there are many that still make there homes with people that were wild caught. (It is now illegal to import wild caught birds into the the United States since the enactment of the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992.) Therefore, many of the bird families that are sharing their homes with these feathered creatures have animals that are only removed from their wild ancestry a few generations or less. They have not been “domestically” bred over many years. With the growing interest of parrots as pets, and also the fact that these animals still manifest many of the wild ancestry behavioral characteristics; parrot rescues are becoming commonplace.

Let’s break this down into terms that can be easily understood. Dogs and cats have been “domestically” bred for many generations as pets. Over centuries, these animals were carefully selected for their temperaments and other “pet” qualities. The selected animals were paired together in order to pass on the desired traits. And because of selective breeding over the years, these traits now comprise the behavioral characteristics of what is considered our domestic dogs and cats.

Now, let’s discuss breeding practices of parrots here in the United States. Where dogs and cats are selected for desired temperament, it is quite the opposite in regards to birds. Generally, a bird with a sweet and social disposition tends to be kept as a pet. Where as a bird that tends to be antisocial, and at even times aggressive, is used as a “breeding” bird. Therefore, people are pairing animals that display undesirable traits as pets. Over time, many of these birds begin to display behaviors that families may find difficult to handle such as excessive screaming and biting. Because of this, we are seeing an insurgence of unwanted parrots in our communities. It is estimated that 10 to 40 million parrots are kept as pets here in the United States. From those numbers, 85 percent of these birds are re-homed to new families or relinquished to rescues within the first two years

after purchase. This is the defining factor that confirms man’s failure to keep parrots as pets.

But, out of this failure comes groups of people that champion the well being of these creatures.

Thus, the growth of parrot rescues.

A Different Type of Parrot Rescue PEARL (Parrot Education Adoption and ReHoming League) is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that consists of a small group of

volunteers based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania that is focused on providing quality education to current and potential pet families in regards to parrot care. Unwanted birds that are relinquished into their care are placed with foster families while they await their forever homes. So what makes this parrot rescue different from most?

This group takes pride in the fact that during the fostering period, a custom designed wellness program is implemented in order to rehabilitate birds with physical, social, and dietary concerns.

Dawn Martine, the Executive Director of PEARL, is the founder of this organization. When another rescue disbanded in the community, Dawn recognized a need to continue the work of rehabilitating and re-homing parrots in Pittsburgh and the surrounding area. “There is a growing problem in our area regarding parrots.

Many people all drawn to the novelty of having a parrot as a pet; however, they do not understand what having them in their home entails. Parrots can be loud, messy, and at times stubborn.

But, at the same time, they can also be loving

26 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

and endearing creatures. It is our mission to provide the tools to assist the community in successfully having a parrot as a pet.” Over the last three years, PEARL has grown into a group of volunteers from all walks of life that bring their expertise in making the organization a success.

Along with the success comes challenges. These are challenges that many parrot rescues confront on a daily basis. I was recently discussing some of these concerns with the Marketing Director of PEARL, Laura Fickley. “Our volunteers are just amazing, they give everything they have to the organization, which, in turn, is helping the organization to grow dramatically.

However, as the organization grows, we’re seeing more and more parrots surrendered to us.” During our talk, it was clear that the intake of unwanted birds is a daily challenge.

Because this group does not have a facility and focuses more to one on one foster care, space is limited. PEARL is actively looking for qualified and capable foster families to assist in the transitioning of birds into their forever homes.

Foster families are required to attend various classes taught by PEARL volunteers in regards to bird care before they can actively foster parrots.

Many times the foster families decide to adopt their fosters. While many of the volunteers foster birds that are awaiting their forever homes, due to the lack of space and limited number of foster families, PEARL recently had to place a halt on accepting relinquished birds into their program for a period of time until space was available and more foster families are trained. This places the rescue in an uncomfortable spot. As a rescue, it is their mission to assist animals in need. No rescue wants to tell a family that they cannot accept an animal in need. Currently, there are numerous parrots waiting to be accepted into the PEARL program. I have been told this list continues to grow due to the aforementioned space and foster family issues.

How can you help?

There are various ways that you can aid this organization in finding loving homes for these sometimes misunderstood pets: (1) Monetary donations are welcome for the purchasing of quality food and veterinary care while these birds are in foster care (2) Volunteering as a foster family or assisting at special events within the community (3) If you are considering the option of adopting, PEARL will happily guide you through the process. For more information regarding PEARL, and to see adoptable parrots, log-on to their website: www.pearlparrots.com

TO CAGE OR NOT TO CAGE?

By Karrie Noterman

I

often hear people proudly exclaim that they “never cage their birds.”

They show pictures of a parrot happily sitting on the open door of a cage and feel that this open-door policy gives their bird a better quality of life than those closed within a cage. When asked if I cage my parrots, my reply is always the same – “I cage mine most of the time…

And so do you!”

Here’s why.

The first thing I’d like to discuss is what “caged” really means to us and what it means to our birds. “Caging” is the act of limiting space, choice, or area. This translates to our pet parrots as limiting freedom of movement, freedom of expressing behaviors, and the freedom of choice.

I often hear (which is fantastic by the way) “my bird has a whole room; he’s not caged.” Yes, he is. His cage is the size of the room in which he is kept. The cage bars are solid walls and windows.

Even if they are allowed to free range in your home (which is dangerous and usually quite unsanitary) the house is still a cage. A house is still much smaller than any parrots’ natural range and confines them in freedom, space, and area. If you put your parrot on a stand that he cannot get down from….he is caged on the stand – with or without bars. If your bird is too afraid to get down off of his cage and ‘stays out on top all the time.’ He is STILL caged.

His cage bars are just fear, or clipped wings, or some other physical barrier that is limiting him from descending to the floor and chewing something expensive of yours. These birds are every bit as caged or confined as ones who are kept inside an enclosure.

Many of you know my macaws live on an open play gym. But I seriously considered enclosing it many times.

When

birds are “out” of their cages, they lose all the bars – read ladders - to climb across, to hang from while playing with toys, and slide down like a fire pole! Not to mention hanging from the top of the cage (how many of your birds play like a bat?) You can attach a variety of toys and perches to make your enclosure a wonderful stimulating environment that far surpasses the barren top of an open cage.

in a social flock environment? Are there toys, foraging opportunities, or movement options in your bird’s habitat to keep them mentally and physically healthy? Is their environment clean? Do they have the space to fully extend and flap their wings? Do they have bathing opportunities? Are they safe from predators or harmful situations? Are there swings, ropes, boings, or nets? Are there different types, diameters, and orientations of perching options for optimal foot health or do they stand on a cold, square, metal door or cage top for most of the day? Do they have a possible change of elevation within their environment, can they climb high if they get scared or go down to floor level?

After looking at what restraint and caging translates to in a pet home, the REAL question truly becomes: Did I get a large enough “cage” that can allow this animal to have an exceptional quality of life with an enriching environment and freedom of movement to express its full range of motion? THAT is the question we should all ask ourselves, regardless of how we choose to ‘cage’ our birds.

Large cages or aviaries, bird rooms, outdoor aviaries, as well as large out-of-cage play areas can all provide wonderful enriching housing options giving our feathered friends a wide variety of toys to play with – leather ones, wood ones, ones that rattle or clang, foraging toys, shredding toys, toys with different textures, colors, and sounds. Both caged birds and birds ‘caged’ in non-traditional housing can and should enjoy enclosures large enough that they can choose to be in front of a window, or not.

They can and should offer your beloved birds room to climb, hop, play, fully extend their wings and vigorously flap them unencumbered. Both caged birds and birds who are “out all the time” can live enriched lives or suffer from a boring, desolate, lonely, and unhealthy environment – whether sitting on top or inside of their cage.

So the question is no longer “Should they be caged or not?” as captivity is in essence caging, but what quality of life do they have in their caging - whatever “caging” looks like in your home. Do they live with other birds

www.petconnections.pet 27

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Wellness For Guardians

“OSCAR”

THE DIABETIC ALERT DOG Assists in Managing Type 1 By: Rhesa Mae Bernal | Marketing Assistant at Newswire On July 15th Scott, a resident of Sewickley, PA, receives his Type 1 Diabetic Alert Dog delivered

by Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers. Scott’s dog, a Labrador Retriever named “Oscar,” has already received thousands of hours of training as a diabetic alert dog and it will continue to learn under the careful guidance of a certified trainer from Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers (SDWR) and through the rapport it develops with Scott. SDWR has a mission to provide specially-bred and trained dogs for adults and children with invisible disabilities like Autism, PTSD, Seizure Disorders, and Diabetes.

Scott has lived with Type 1 Diabetes much of his life and along with the diagnosis are the daily challenges of this life-threatening disease. Unlike Type 2 Diabetes that can often be controlled with a balanced diet and watching one’s weight, Type 1 is caused when a virus attacks and permanently shuts down a person’s pancreas causing them to need insulin 24 hours a day. Scott also faces a battle with Kidney Disease and weekly trips to receive dialysis. Scott’s diet must contain a careful balance of foods with a special focus on the amount and intake of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates have to be covered by insulin injection or through an insulin pump that is attached to the body delivering insulin through cannulas — similar to small IV catheters. Blood glucose levels have to be monitored several times each day and night, as well as after exercise or sleep. Common illnesses like a cold or flu are especially difficult for people with Type 1 as viruses and fevers almost always cause spikes in glucose levels. Blood glucose levels that are too high or too low are life-threatening events for people with Type 1 Diabetes. Now with the arrival of the Oscar, Scott will have yet another tool, a four-legged one, that has received foundational training to monitor and manage his Diabetes.

Dan Warren, Founder and President of Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers, indicates that the Organization’s Diabetes alert dogs are trained to recognize and alert on the scent of low and or high blood glucose levels. “When Scott’s blood glucose begins to fluctuate, his service dog will pick up the scent and give the alert for ‘high’ or ‘low’ blood glucose levels,” states Warren. Often diabetics don’t

“feel” their blood sugar fluctuation and their bodies are slow to react to how their insulin pumps have been programmed. These events can lead to dangerous lows, which can result in seizures, coma, and even death. Implanted glucose monitoring systems are often 20 minutes behind an alert dog’s sense of the glucose movement. Electronic systems measure parts per million while alert dogs have been shown to scent parts per trillion. Scott does experience hypo and hyperglycemic unawareness and that was a major factor in his decision to get an alert dog. A normal person’s glucose level is approximately 100. Scott has dropped to as low as 25 and as high as 1100 — these are not lifesupporting levels.

People may also sleep right through a glucose monitor’s alarm. A trained Diabetes alert dog is taught to be persistent to the point where it will go get another member of the household if the dog’s “person” does not respond. Scott copes, like so many Type 1 individuals do, with the anxiety and depression that comes along with a life-threatening disease. Oscar will help not only Scott with this Diabetes but will also provide comfort through anxiety and depression episodes. Oscar will be alongside Scott during his weekly dialysis trips. Because he is a service dog trained to assist just one person, Oscar is covered under all Americans with Disabilities laws. Oscar will not only accompany Scott to dialysis, doctor and hospital visits, but also to places like restaurants, shopping and movie theaters.

Additionally, these amazing dogs are trained to retrieve essentials needed such as Glucose tablets, Glucagon, insulin, juice boxes, testing meters or retrieve medication from a designated spot in the house. Alert dogs are further trained to dial out on K-9 equipped phones to summon emergency medical help if needed.

Oscar will also work with the SDWR trainers and Scott towards public access certification.

Dan Warren is quick to point out that “all the incredible services these dogs can provide are through progression, hard work and

dedication of the Organization and the family who must work together to build on training foundations and fundamentals. This is about an 18-month training program.”

What sets SDWR apart from other service dog organizations are the customized training methods and SDWR matches dogs to their “person.” According to Dan Warren, “that important bonding time between dog and person can begin to happen right away. For the over seven years we’ve been utilizing this method of dog placement, we’ve achieved amazing results. To date we have almost 600 dogs working across the country and around the globe.”

Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers is a non-profit organization based in Madison, Virginia, and relies on donations to help the Organization in its mission, “Until there’s a cure … there’s a dog.” To make a donation or learn more about how to get a diabetic service dog from SDWR, please visit the website, http://www.sdwr.org. To learn more about Diabetic Alert Service Dogs visit http://www. sdwr.org/service-dogs/diabetic-alert. To find out how you can volunteer or serve as a puppy raiser visit http://www.sdwr.org/volunteeropportunities.

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www.petconnections.pet 31

Equine Affairs

Utilizing A Trampoline To Develop Riding Skills

By Kristin Hermann

A recent clinic in Western Pennsylvania with Peggy Brown, the president of CenteredRiding.org brought many simplified concepts of riding biomechanics to the students and auditors. Peggy used tools such as a pocketbook to get riders to bend their elbow, Chapstick to see if a saddle was level, reins to teach following the longitudinal motion of the horse, a bowling ball so we could feel the weight of the average rider’s head and she rode wearing a “bone suit.” Riding while in the bone suit, riders could see how their bones and joints work to communicate to the horse. As if this was not fascinating enough, Peggy also arrived with a trampoline.

After demonstrating on the horse in a bone suit, Peggy then got on the trampoline and started riding again. For me, as a trainer/riding teacher, it was one of those, “Aha” moments. She trotted in rhythm on the trampoline and allowed it to bounce her back. This is what we have to do when we ride, learn to use our legs as springs and allow them to work as shock absorbers to go with the horse.

As a teacher of riders, I spend a lot of time asking riders to relax the joints and allow them to work as shock absorber like how a skier would use their legs to go over terrain. The hip, knee, and ankle have to be able to flex and absorb the motion of the horse as well as be able to influence the horse.

To get this concept across to the auditors and riders, Peggy used visualizations and the trampoline to get the riders to use their joints. “Imagine your legs as dancing knees,” she said. With this one visualization, many riders started to let go and not grip anymore while riding.

She “grounded” many riders’ feet in the stirrups and talked about the importance of placing the stirrup on the ball of the foot.

She put some of the riders on the trampoline with assistance, and it was fascinating watching my students trot on a trampoline learning how not only to trot and allow the leg joints to bend on the trampoline but to allow the trampoline to bounce them back, just like the horse would. The rider must absorb the motion of the horse, not just try to push their body into the horse. Riding needs to be a two-way street of feeling and listening and reacting and applying.

Utilizing a trampoline to develop a rider is genius! In forty years of teaching, no one ever mentioned a trampoline to me! However, riders did not just trot in rhythm on the trampoline they also cantered. What a great way to get riders to understand the horse’s rhythm and how to go with the horse. One of my newer students could only canter on the trampoline in one direction. Hmmm, I wonder how she will do cantering a real horse if she can only do it in one direction herself?

As one rider was trotting on the trampoline, Peggy took her hands and held her hands as if she was holding the reins. This was amazing to me!

It dawned on me again how useful the trampoline will be to assist riders in learning how to not only post with they’re dancing legs on the horse without gripping, keep their hands steady and effective when holding the reins, and not loose rhythm! Of course, steady hands do not mean with your elbows glued to your side. The rider’s arm joints, just like the rider’s leg joints need to be able to flex and go with the horse’s motion not be 32 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

clamped down and ineffective. The difficult part about riding is that the leg joints are moving up and down while the arm joints are moving forward and back, and we haven’t even touched on how the seat should be moving.

The seat (and or center) of the rider, as in “centered riding,” needs to be stable and not stiff as the rider’s limbs communicate to the horse. Keeping the torso and center of the rider balanced and centered on the trampoline while bouncing in rhythm and following the longitudinal motion was another challenge. There is no doubt, the secret to riding is the coordination of the rider’s three natural aids working in timing with the horse’s three natural gaits. So how incredible to be able to access a trampoline to assist in learning how to coordinate all the moving body parts required for riding.

Certainly, this training aid is underused; a trampoline should be in every riding riding school, as well as great school horses. I tell my riders all the time that the word riding is a verb it is an action word and that, “Riding is dynamic and not stagnate,” as Charles de Kunnffy is quoted as saying. I also use the analogy of music, your horse is an instrument, and you need to learn to play this instrument. You can’t play an instrument or even strum a guitar without moving.

My farm Coventry, now has a trampoline, so watch out riders! Your new coordinated skills to maneuver a horse are about to spring into a heighten level of communication with the horse.

Benefits Of A Trampoline To Improve Your Riding • Develop independent use of aids • Balance • Keep your center and rhythm and use rein aids • Canter equally on both leads and follow the longitudinal motion • Equal weight in both legs with no leaning if using a rein aid • Using rein aids independent of torso while keeping rhythm

Remembrance

Losing a Pet, Grieving a Loss or Palliative Care During the Holidays

By Bernadette Kazmarski

The holiday season, from Thanksgiving through the New Year, with all the extra social time and expectations can be a jumble of tears and anger if you are anticipating a loss or grieving a loss.

Caretaking is often sad and difficult work. Palliative care for a critically ill or terminally ill pet can be a lonely endeavor, made all the more difficult by a time of year when we are more social than usual, outside of our usual circle of friends, some of whom may not understand or accept, or even object to, your devotion. The expectation to spend more time away, or having to either cancel an obligation or leave your pet can tear you apart.

Grieving a loss, even if the loss is not recent, even if the loss was years ago whether or not it happened during the holidays,

34 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2017

this time of family, friends, socializing, choosing special gifts and making memories is a marker in our year. It’s natural to remember all the previous holidays as you decorate, prepare food, shop, and visit, and if a beloved part of those memories isn’t with you any more you just can’t get away from it. This is even worse if you lost a pet during the holiday season and memories of their decline and death are mixed with memories of the holiday time.

On top of the fact that your memories of previous years clearly remind you of the loss, the extra socializing can be a nightmare as you try to manage your grief when you don’t really feel like going to the office party or the grab bag gift exchange.

You stand a greater chance of encountering people who don’t understand your grief at losing a pet, and even if they do understand you may find yourself explaining over and over about the loss and that can be overwhelming.

Five Things You Can Do To Help Yourself: • Allow yourself to feel pain or sadness. Don’t hide from your sadness at your pet’s condition or your grief. Don’t push the feeling away, but recognize it, understand it, go ahead and cry, and let it pass on its own. Holding it off, holding it in, denying it, telling yourself you shouldn’t feel that way will only stress you and you may instead feel resentful, irritable or angry and hurt someone else or yourself, and it will sometimes come out in tears or anger at unexpected times.

• Plan your holiday time, especially social time, and prepare yourself for meeting the public and participating in social activities. If people knew your pet or know that you are giving palliative care, plan what you’ll tell them about your loss if they ask, and whether or not you might want to bring it up yourself. And, as you do at other times, avoid people who don’t understand your caretaking or grief at the loss of a pet. But it’s good to give yourself a break with friends who understand during caretaking and during grieving at any time of the year.

• Include your pet in your holidays. Your pet may not be well enough to meet guests but if they are, let them, or take those who are interested and loving see your pet. Share your caretaking. If you’re grieving a loss you probably feel your pet’s loss constantly but it may seem they’ll just get lost in the shuffle of activities and be forgotten,

and there is no more desolate feeling. Find ways to keep your pet present, for you and others who know you and remember your pet.

Include decorations that were part of your relationship with your pet, like a stocking with their name on it, or a personalized ornament. Do something extra to add their presence, like frame your favorite photo of your pet and feature it prominently in your holiday display, or have a gift made for yourself with their photo, like a throw or a pillow that you’ll see and use. When friends or family come over bring up a memory of your pet from earlier holidays and point out the special things you’ve added in their memory.

• Be kind to yourself, as you always should be while grieving. Make sure you really want to be part of social gatherings and limit your time if you feel you need to. Don’t overindulge but find some comfort foods and activities that make you feel happy.

• Make a memorial to your pet. Get a live tree that you can plant outside and then decorate each year. Make a holiday donation in your pet’s name at an animal shelter or rescue, or sponsor an adoption so that another pet will be sure to have a chance to know a life with a person like your pet had with you.

Be aware of how you feel, and accommodate where you are. Remember the good moments with your pet, and make sure you allow yourself some smiles and even laughs at your memories. Most of all, share the caretaking and the loss with others so that you don’t feel isolated, and that your experience and your pet’s will not be forgotten.

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