Pittsburgh PetConnections Magazine March April 2017

March / April Issue 2017 Vol. 5 Issue 4

PITTSBURGH

PetConnections wellness through the human-animal bond

FREE

PETCON PET & EQUINE EXPO May 13th & 14th Washington County Fairgrounds

HEARTWORM AWARENESS MONTH PUPPY TRAINING THE RIDER’S PIT STOP Pittsburgh’s #1 Resource for Everything Pets

VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital

24 HOUR EMERGENCY CARE

24/7 • • • • • • •

Complete wellness services: Vaccines, Annual Exams, etc.

Emergency and Critical Care Services Dentistry & Surgery Therapeutic Laser Therapy Acupuncture and Holistic medicine Exotics and Pocket pets Over 70 years of trusted, compassionate care

REGULAR HOURS MON-FRI 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM SAT 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

3610 Library Rd., Pittsburgh, PA 15234

412-885-2500

VCAcastleshannon.com

Emergency 24/7/365 Sunday wellness hours ( 9:00 AM -12:00 PM last Sunday of every month)

y h t l He a y a D t Pe

A Way To Say ‘Thanks’

Our pets can survive on anything but don’t we want them to thrive?

North hills: 9805 McKnight rd., McCandless 412.366.0700 Mon - Fri 9am-8pm | sat 9am-6pm sun 10am-5pm

south hills: 3043 Washington rd., McMurray 412.831.3700

Mon - thur 9am-8pm | Fri-sat 9am-6pm sun 10am-5pm

www.healthypetproducts.net

“Pittsburgh’s original & most exclusiv exclusivee Pet Hotel!”

Table of Contents | March / April 2017 Vol. 5 Issue 4

K UP WE PICIVER! & DEL

DOG BOARDING DOG DAYCARE DOG GROOMING PET SUPPLIES

Calm, Balanced Homestyle Days 4-6 Daily Outdoor Breaks Supervised, Selected Playgroups Continuous Contact with Staff Clean, Dry Indoor Rooms www.countrylanepethotel.com info@countrylanepethotel.com

412-824-7991

12

Rescue & Shelter

20

Holistic Pet Care

32

quine E Affairs

Download our mobile app!

Search for Country Lane

Trust your dog to the folks that started the social boarding trend!

Family owned since 1979

Imagine a World Where No Dog Dies Alone and Afraid

14

Pet Health & Wellness Heartworm Awareness Month

Massage Therapy

1075 3rd St N. Versailles PA 15137

The “Rider’s Pit Stop”

Human-Animal 4 Bond

Offering: • in store & mobile grooming • full & self service washing • healthy pet foods and supplies

What are Therapy Animals and How Are They Beneficial?

6 Events 10 R escue & Shelter Why You Should Vaccinate and Microchip Your Indoor Cat

13 F eatured Business Larry’s Laundromutt 201 Ohio River Blvd.

Sewickley, PA 15143 412-534-4052 www.larryslaundromutt.com

2 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

Gentle Journey

15 P et Health & Wellness Low-Cost Animal Wellness Clinics.

18 A dvertiser Locator Map 22 B ehavior & Training Puppy Training

24 K itty Korner Cat Rescue Resource Guide

26 Directories 28 W ellness For Guardians

Regenerative Medicine

30 P et Friendly Living 34 In Remembrance

From the Publisher Welcome to our Pittsburgh PetConnections bi-monthly March_April PETCON Issue 2017 Vol. 5 Issue 4 News & Events

The PETCON Pet & Equine Expo – is PetConnections in 3D! Our mission of the show, as in alignment with our magazines, is community and education. We are inviting attendees and exhibitors from Western PA and surrounding states to join us at the Washington County Fairgrounds & EXPO CENTER May 13th & 14th for this premier indoor/outdoor event.

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, assist local non-profit businesses for pets and people, and give back to our great Pittsburgh communities.

MAGAZINE PUBLICATION STAFF Carla Mader, Managing Editor Kara Jones Photography, Photography Jaimee D. Greenawalt, Art Director Carla Mader, Sales & Distribution Manager ADVERTISING SALES Robin Reinfeld, Director of Sales, Pittsburgh 412-780-2254 | rrcd@aol.com Denise Iamurri Bartman, Marketing Director, Pittsburgh & Central OH Jaime Chesney, VP of Media Sales CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Wagner, DVM, MS, ACVIM Doug Knueven, DVM, CVA, CVC, CVCH Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Center April Minech Kristin Hermann Cover: Goblin Korchok is sporting his Liberty Bridge and Tunnel costume. Goblin has won Pittsburgh Pet Expo - 1st Place Dogtoberfest - Most Creative Pet Walk of the Living Dead - Most Creative Photo by: Lori Korchok

Sponsored by Steel City Media, Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Centers, Southpointe Chamber, SydMor Equestrian Center & Jefferson Memorial Cemetery, we invite you to bring your well-behaved pets, family, and friends! Enjoy dog shows, dog agility, tack swap, seminars, horse demonstrations and featured performances, “Riding to the music of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast” by The Pittsburgh Belairs.

Manon’s Farm and “The Red Scarf” with George & Amaera Felder. Also, our HAAWC Gala to fundraise for local organizations, Enjoy shopping with Pet, Equine & Home Exhibitors, Kids Events, Contests, Prizes & Giveaways, Crafts, and entertainment with local music talent, The Pittsburgh Belairs Motown and MooseTracks Classic Rock! Go to www.petconnections.pet for updates and ticket info.

This Issue

April is Heartworm Awareness Month! Read about protecting your pet on page 14. We also have Gentle Journey Veterinary Hospice in our Featured Business section. Our Rescue & Shelter section features articles on senior pet adoption, “Vaccinating your Indoor Cat” by Animal Friends, and “Low-cost Animal Wellness Clinics” offered by the Animal Rescue League & Western PA Humane Society. Read more inside about Puppy Training, Pet Massage Therapy by Dr. Doug, “The Riders Pit Stop” by Kristin Hermann in the Equine Affairs section, and “Regenerative Medicine” by Dr. Andre Zielke, MD. We also welcome Southpointe Chamber, SydMor Equestrian Center and Pittsburgh Dog Fence to our PetConnections family of advertisers!

Become part of the PetConnections community with a VIP Individual or Business Membership!

There are special VIP benefits and offers to our Business and Non-Profit Organization memberships. Visit http://www.petconnections.pet/Subscribe/ to read about what having a VIP PetConnections Membership is all about.

Submit your photos and stories, as well as remembrances to be featured online and in future issues to: info@pghpetconnections.com.

Thank you for picking up this copy of PetConnections. Please take care of yourselves and your animals. Be well this Spring season!

Warmly,

Carla Mader Publisher Pittsburgh | Central Ohio PetConnections Magazine

Please submit any correspondence to: info@pghpetconnections.com Please check us out on the web & subscribe at: www.petconnections.pet. Follow PghPetMag on Twitter and “Like” us on Facebook! www.facebook.com/PghPetconnectionsMagazine. Disclaimer: The views expressed in our content does not necessarily reflect that of PetConnections Magazine. PetConnections shall be indemnified against damages from content including ads and articles, false advertising libel, trademark infringement, etc. www.petconnections.pet

3

Human-Animal Bond What are Therapy Animals and How Are They Beneficial?

By Brad Herman

It is proven that simply stroking a pet can lower blood pressure and reduce emotional or physical stress.

Therapy animals play an extraordinary role in offering affection to individuals in a retirement home, nursing home, hospital, schools, or other situations. They provide love and support needed by individuals seeking emotional assistance. Those who have come to rely on these type of emotional support pets have come to realize the profound impact these animals can make on their everyday lives.

There are three classifications of therapy animals: 1. Facility Therapy Animals: The animals play an important role in the lives of people who work in assisted living facilities or nursing homes. These therapy animals are helpful in treating people with dementia, Alzheimer’s or other mental illnesses and have to be cared for by the facility.

2. Animal Assisted Therapy Animals: These therapy animals work well with occupational and physical therapists in a rehab setting to help people to reach their recovery goals.

3. Therapeutic Visitation Animals: These animals are household pets and are trained for helping people who live in rehabilitation facilities, nursing homes, hospitals and other locations. Therapy animals provide joy to people who are far from home due to any physical or mental illness.

4 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

How Does An Animal Become a Therapy Animal?

An animal must be certified as an emotional support animal. All therapy animals are clean, obedient, tempered and well groomed. They behave appropriately in the presence of other animals. They are current on all vaccines and are at least one year old. Therapy animals must be able to socialize as they help people living in different backgrounds and settings.

An animal cannot be certified as a therapy animal if it does not pass an examination that tests its temperament. Most therapy animals are dogs and various therapy groups require that the animal passes the American Kennel Club’s Canine Good Citizen (CGC) test.

How Do Therapy Animals Help?

Taking care of a pet induces a strong sense of routine. This is something that many patients dealing with emotional and mental challenges need for functioning normally. That is why people who are prone to get depressed easily and lose track of their daily routine can greatly benefit from a therapy animal. The needs of all therapy animals can vary. It can either be a cat or a dog or any other animal that can be groomed for offering support. Since animals must be treated well, it is imperative that handlers are committed to keep them safe and healthy

It is proven that simply stroking a pet can lower blood pressure and reduce emotional or physical stress. Many people who are mentally and physically fit also keep rabbits, goats, cats and dogs. Again, every animal requires a different level of commitment to provide joy and support to its handler. Therapy animals give patients a feeling of calmness and a positive energy that helps them overcome unpleasant life situations.

Therapy Animals for Organizations Residential services for medically unwell people frequently utilize therapy animals to have a soothing effect on patients. Rabbits are also a popular choice in nursing homes, as they are less allergenic as compared to cats and dogs. Rabbits are often chosen as the therapy animal of choice in nursing homes because they are often times friendly, small, and light enough to be easily portable to allow the elderly residents to have them on their laps.

Effect of Therapy Animals on Patients Medical science has investigated the influence of therapy animals on patients and has discovered positive effects on people who come in contact with them. Patients or general people who kept therapy animals showed reduced anxiety and blood pressure levels and made fewer trips to their GP. According to a study, breast cancer patients showed positive recovery results owing to the support provided by their pets or therapy animals.

Keeping a fluffy and feathery animal demands commitments and compassion by the handler, whether it is an individual or a rehab/medical facility. However, they return the love by providing healing benefits and companionship to people who have special needs or dealing with harsh life events. You can get in touch with your local therapy dog organization to know more about the specific certification requirements of utilizing a therapy animal. PC

WHERE PETS ARE TREATED LIKE ROYALTY

At Nemacolin Wooflands Pet Resort & Spa in Farmington, PA and Nemacolin Wooflands Pet Care Center in McMurray, PA, we pride ourselves in offering the best in luxury dog boarding. From plush bedding, to daily maid service, our welcoming associates will make sure your pet is treated like royalty. nemacolinwoof.com

Events May 13th

Animal Care & Assistance Fund

April 27

HEALTHY PET DAY

PAINTING WITH A TWIST

healthypetproducts.net

paintingwithatwist.com/pittsburgh-north

Animal Rescue League & Western Pa Humane Society

May 7th

Animal Friends

May 20th

LAWRENCEVILLE CAT CRAWL thinkingoutsidethecage.org

PITTSBURGH MARATHON PAWS OVER PITTSBURGH animalrescue.org

Pet & Equine Expo Symposium & Gala!

May 13th & 14th

May 20th

Saturday 9AM to 8PM & Sunday 9AM to 6PM

exploresewickley.com/sewickley-unleashed

Washington County Fairgrounds & EXPO CENTER Drawing from Western PA, West Virginia & Ohio!

Your Well-Behaved Pets are Welcome!

SEWICKLEY UNLEASHED

May 7th

PETCON 2017

CHASE AWAY CANINE CANCER EXPO www.chaseawayk9cancer.org

Working with Animals is My Dream Career...

Thanks PCI.

store hours:

M-Sa: 10am-8pm Su: 11am-4pm

check out our twitter, facebook, & instagram

Petagogy Shadyside 5880 Ellsworth Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15232 412-362-7387

Petagogy Greensburg Forest Lake Center 6150 Rte. 30 Greensburg, PA 15601 724-691-0325

www.petagogy.com 6 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

In just 18 months, you could earn an Associates Degree in Veterinary Technology with hands-on training from PCI. Take the first step toward your new career and call today: 412.281.2600

or visit pci.edu.

Accredited Member, ACICS, CVTEA. Financial Aid is available to those who qualify.

PCI cannot guarantee employment or salary.

421 Seventh Ave. w Pittsburgh, PA 15219 Ph: 412.281.2600 w 800.333.6607 www.pci.edu w Facebook.com/PCIschool

PRESENTING EQUINE EXPO SPONSOR

2017 PETCON Pet & Equine Expo

Join us for a weekend of fun with friends and family!

Produced by: PetConnections magazine

Washington County Fairgrounds & Expo Center

May 13th & 14th Saturday 9am-8pm & Sunday 9am-6pm

Kids 12 & Under: FREE Military & Veteran: FREE General Admission: $10 - Seniors 65+: $8

Your well-behaved pets are welcome! Donating 10% of ticket and concession sales to participating organizations!

FEATURING:

Adoptable Pets Costume Contest Pony Rides Seminars Giveaways Craft Fair Tack Swap Dog Agility Demos Horse Demos HAAWC Fundraising Gala Pet, Horse and Home Exhibitors

A Special Thank you to all our Sponsors!

www.petconnections.pet

info@pghpetconnections.com

724.292.7387

N L L WE

C I N I L C ESS

! s t a C and s g o ’s D h g r u t sb t i P g in Ser vic

The Western PA Humane Society and the Animal Rescue League Shelter have low cost wellness clinics that are open to the public! We take care of your routine exams, flea and tick prevention, vaccines, and more.

North Shore

1101 Western Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15233 wpahumane.org 412-321-4625 x2

East End

6926 Hamilton Ave. Pittsburgh, PA 15208 animalrescue.org 412-345-7300 x211

Mention this ad to receive $10 OFF your first office visit at either location!

A Day of Fun for Pets & Their People in the Village of Sewickley Presented By

Saturday, May 20th 2017 8:30am

The (People-Only) Unleashed 5K Run/Walk Registration Open Now!

9:00am - 1:00pm

A Street Fair & Vendor Booths Featuring a live broadcast from 100.7 STAR

10:30am

Strut your stuff in the Pet Parade.

Local Celebrity Judges • Great Prizes • Free!

Produced By

Sponsored By

For more details & 5K registration, visit www.ExploreSewickley.com/sewickley-unleashed.

Rescue & Shelter

WHY YOU SHOULD VACCINATE AND MICROCHIP YOUR INDOOR CAT

By Melanie Lippert, Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Program Assistant

kitty safe and protected against dangerous diseases – giving her a longer, healthier life.

Providing identification for indoor cats is also often overlooked. While Animal Friends encourages you to keep your cat indoors we recognize that may not always be possible. Or your cat can be tempted outdoors by a strange noise, enticing bug or an open door. Unfortunately, many indoor cats can’t find their way home once they’ve gotten out.

“

But my cat stays inside,” is something we often hear when we recommend vaccinating and microchipping your feline. We know that cats who stay indoors live longer and healthier lives than those who venture outdoors. But despite living in the comfort of your home, your cat can still be at risk for contracting various diseases or slipping out of your home and becoming lost.

By microchipping your cat, she’ll always have a permanent form of identification that won’t fade and will always be with her. One study found that 38% of lost cats with microchips were returned home while, sadly, less than 2% of cats without one were reunited with their owners. So, a microchip could quite literally save your cat’s life.

Many states, including Pennsylvania, have laws that require all dogs and cats to be current on their rabies vaccinations. And, this isn’t without good reason. Rabies is fatal and it only takes one incident with an infected animal to spread this devastating disease.

Another important vaccination for indoor cats is for FVRCP. This vaccination protects against several feline viruses that can cause chronic respiratory issues, painful mouth sores and intestinal and immune system issues – which can be fatal. These viruses can innocently be brought into your 10 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

home by visitors (two- and four-legged!) and transmitted to your cat if she is not protected.

Vaccinating is a safer and less expensive alternative to treatment. It can keep your

Vaccinating and microchipping are two small steps that will significantly improve the life of your cat. And, Animal Friends proudly offers low-cost vaccine and microchip clinics on a first-come, first-served basis – no reservation required! PC

For more information, visit ThinkingOutsideTheCage.org/ Vaccine.

AnimalFriends presents ...

LAWRENCEVILLE

Cat Crawl

Sat., May 20 from 10

a.m.-5 p.m.

(4101 Butler Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15201)

We invite you to a “cat crawl” through Lawrenceville to visit our adorable adoptable cats and kittens, who will be spending their day at the unique shops and eateries along Butler Street.

Purchase a shopping pass to get access to specials at each participating business with all proceeds benefitting Animal Friends!

Shop, eat, cuddle – a purr-fect Saturday in Pittsburgh!

Register today at ThinkingOutside

TheCage.org/CatCrawl!

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

Rescue & Shelter Imagine a World Where No Dog Dies Alone and Afraid

By Lynn Ready Aspiotes Earlier this month in the Washington Post, the title of one article was, “More people are adopting old, sick dogs to keep them from dying alone and afraid.” As a senior pet adopter myself, I was thrilled to read about the growing number of kind adopters opening their hearts to a senior in need of a good, forever home. Sadly, when some dogs get old, they sometimes get surrendered to shelters when they need their family the most and unfortunately, some people are just no longer able to take care of their dog.

One national organization that provided over $225,000 to senior dogs in 2016 in the form of grants is the Grey Muzzle Organization (GMO).

Since 2008, they have raised and provided over $750,000 in grants for senior dogs. Their mission is this: We envision a world where no old dog dies alone and afraid. According to their website, “The Grey Muzzle Organization improves the lives of at-risk senior dogs by providing funding and resources to animal shelters, rescue organizations, sanctuaries, and other non-profit groups nationwide.”

Meet One of the Dogs This is Almond. Almond was one of about 200 evacuated pets from shelters in South Carolina during disastrous flooding last fall. Brother Wolf Animal Rescue (BWAR) located in Ashville, North Carolina, rescued her when they saw how desperately she needed care and quickly realized she had a host of health problems. The disheveled senior seemed to have pretty much given up after a life of being severely neglected having lived at the end of a chain. She was diagnosed with heart worms and Cushing’s disease and that was only the beginning. She had advanced

tumors on her mammary glands the size of grapefruits. With a grant made possible by the Grey Muzzle Organization, Almond was able to have her heart worms treated, put on medicine for Cushing’s disease, and found her tumors to be benign! This sweet girl now lives much more comfortably and happily with her foster mom whom she warms up to more and more each day. Almond is one of hundreds of senior dogs around the country who have benefited greatly from treatments, surgeries, and medicine to be able to live out their lives in comfort, whether with a rescue organization or in a new home.

Grants have been awarded to organizations such as Blind Dog Rescue Alliance, Bob’s House for Dogs, Arizona Beagle Rescue, Almost Home Dog Rescue in Ohio, and many others carefully selected by GMO. (A complete list is on the website.) By having medical procedures such as costly dental surgeries done with the rescues eliminates some of the potential high costs to adopters, making dogs more adoptable.

Eleven year old Coco with The Shade Tree, a shelter for homeless and abused women and children in Nevada, the recipient of a medical expense grant

How Do I Donate?

Anyone can make a tax-deductible donation to the Grey Muzzle Organization in a few different ways. You can donate directly on the website or you can purchase an orthopedic bed for a dog in a shelter. Over $40,000 in beds have been donated so far in the past six years with the help from generous people. Older dogs tend to get arthritis and sitting on a cold, hard floor can add to their discomfort.

Another way you can help is by purchasing items such as t-shirts, hoodies, and tote bags from their Café Press store, which can also be found on their website.

One third grade class at Discovery Elementary School in Ashburn, VA, helped to raise almost $500 during a school-wide donation drive with the help of their teacher. The money helped to purchase much needed beds for senior dogs in shelters.

How Else Can I Help?

Aside from monetary donations, GMO gear, and beds, there are many additional ways you can

12 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

9 year old Faith with Saving Pets One at a Time (SPOT), no longer wanted for breeding and surrendered to a shelter.

help senior dogs in shelters and the Grey Muzzle Organization. On the website is a place to sign up for the GMO newsletter which is full of great resources and tips for seniors. There is also a place to read about volunteer needs-some opportunities you can even do from home. Join one of the webinars or events listed on the website. One thing you can do today is download the printable flyer which can be hung at your veterinarian’s office and local pet supply store to help spread the word.

How Do I Know if Adopting a Senior Dog is Right for Me? Of course one of the best things you can do is to check shelters and rescue organizations and adopt a senior dog yourself! Petfinder.com is a great source. What are some of the benefits of adopting a senior? Typically they are calmer, require less exercise than a puppy or a young dog, oftentimes they are already housebroken, and seniors are unbelievably grateful to have a home and a warm bed to sleep on. If you’re not a high energy, active person, or if you’re a senior yourself, an older dog would probably fit your lifestyle. If you’re thinking about giving a senior dog a home, the Grey Muzzle website offers many articles by veterinarians and other expert contributors on everything from basic wellness care to adopting a blind dog.

About the Author: Even though I’m only forty years old, I always have and always will adopt only senior pets.

Speaking from personal experience of adopting or fostering twenty seniors over the past several years, I can say that while my heart has been broken many times, there’s never a day that it’s not full. As I look at my wall with their grey muzzles staring back at me, some who lived around 5 or more years, and some who lived less than one month, I am so happy that I can say that they all died with dignity. I wish every senior had that.

Please help us become a world where no dog dies alone and afraid.

“As cherished companions, the old dogs in our lives enrich our days for as long as we are privileged to have them.” (www.greymuzzle.org) To see the complete Washington Post article, read more here: http://www.newsobserver.com/news/ nation-world/national/article136605678. html#storylink=cpy PC

Featured Business

Gentle Journey

Veterinary Hospice Care

By Nancy A. Ruffing, DVM Your beloved greyhound has been diagnosed with a chronic debilitating condition or a terminal illness. What are your choices? Should you attempt heroic measures hoping for a miracle? With pets, euthanasia is always an option. Should you euthanize her now before she loses any more weight or begins to suffer? How does one assess suffering in animals? She still seems happy to you most of the time. Isn’t it premature to consider euthanasia? Are there any alternatives to euthanasia? The answer is yes – veterinary hospice care.

Veterinary hospice care has evolved dramatically over the past twenty years due in large part to the efforts of Dr. Alice Villalobos, a veterinary oncologist based in California who developed the Pawspice program. Thanks to veterinary hospice care, loving pet owners can choose to provide compassionate, high-quality veterinary care that supports their pet’s medical, physical, and emotional needs in the familiarity of their own home.

The quality of the pet’s life is the priority so euthanasia may still need to be considered at some point, but pet owners choosing hospice care have the opportunity for a more extended and intimate farewell.

How does it work? Hospice care begins with a thorough evaluation of the pet’s medical, physical, and emotional needs by the hospice veterinarian and the pet owners.

Many terminal illnesses such as cancer are painful so preemptive pain management is essential. Illness may also affect the appetite or cause digestive problems which need to be addressed either with special diets, nutritional supplements, or medications.

Incontinence or other hygiene issues are addressed to maximize comfort and ease of care. As many animals with terminal illnesses are elderly, strategies may also need to be developed to maintain the animal’s freedom of motion. Special bedding, appropriate flooring, physical therapy, slings, ramps, or carts may all be considered. Happiness cannot be neglected. The favorite activities of the pet may need to be modified so that enjoyment is still possible. Lastly, the medical treatments must be provided in such a

way that the human-animal bond does not suffer. For example, new technologies should be considered to ease the administration of medications.

The ability of the owner to provide the needs of the pet must also be considered, including time and financial constraints as well as the owner’s comfort level in providing care. Hospice care can require a significant time commitment to meet the needs of the pet. The veterinary hospice team will educate the owner how to monitor and assess the pet’s quality of life. Instruction will also be provided in how to administer medical care.

The level of care provided at home can range from oral nutritional support and medications to more sophisticated technologies such as feeding tubes, injections, fluid therapy, and oxygen support depending upon the comfort level of the pet owner. Some owners may elect to have the veterinary hospice team visit daily to provide treatments. In any event, regular veterinary visits are essential to assist in monitoring the pet’s quality of life and to maximize the ability of the pet to outlive their initial prognosis comfortably. Hospice plans are made based on the perceived needs of the pet and the ability of the owner, but are highly flexible based on the results and the changing needs of the pet and owner.

every step of the way, they will draw on their veterinary expertise and discuss the options in the privacy of your own home and help you decide what is best for you and your pet.

Is veterinary hospice care for you? If so, hopefully, your regular veterinarian is willing and able to offer this service to you or can refer you to a veterinarian that does. I have been in veterinary hospice practice in the Pittsburgh area since 2007. You can reach me at nruffing@gmail.com.

Thank you in advance.

PC

Regular veterinary visits also provide emotional support for family members. Hospice care can be a lonely and difficult road to travel. Well-intentioned people may question your assessment of your pet’s quality of life. Others may question your utilization of time and resources. Others may not understand the grieving process triggered by the thought of losing a beloved pet. The veterinary hospice team strives to be there for you before, during, and after the final farewell. They have shared your experience and, at www.petconnections.pet

13

Pet Health & Wellness

By Eva Sikorska, DVM, DACVIM

Heartworm Awareness Month

A

pril is heartworm awareness month and in preparation for summer and the reappearance of the mosquito, this is a good time to discuss this dreaded and completely preventable disease and review the importance of making sure your pet is protected from contracting a heartworm infection. Heartworm infections have been reported in all 50 states and the incidence is rising and spreading to new areas of the country every year.

Heartworm disease is caused by long thin worms called Dirofilaria immitis that reside in the blood vessels in the lungs of infected animals and, if left untreated, can lead to irreparable damage to the lungs, heart, and other organs in the body. Although heartworms can reside in various mammalian species such as wolves, foxes, coyotes, and even cats, dogs are their natural and preferred hosts, and the most at risk. As the natural host, dogs provide the ideal environment for the heart worms to mature, reproduce, and become a source of infection for other unprotected dogs.

So just how does this transmission occur?

Heartworm disease is not spread by direct contact between infected animals but rather it requires the help of a mosquito for successful disease transmission. Mature female worms residing infected animals will begin to produce “baby” worms called micorfilaria which circulate throughout the bloodstream.

When a mosquito feeds on the infected animal it picks up the microfilaria which will then mature into the infective stage larvae inside the mosquito over a period of ~2 weeks. When the mosquito then bites another susceptible animal, the larvae enter via the mosquito bite and begin to mature over a period of about 6 months and the cycle begins again. The adult heartworms have a lifespan of approximated 5-7 years in the dog and with each mosquito season, unprotected and susceptible animals risk developing an increased worm burden with each new infection.

initial visit, again 6 months later, and then yearly. Dogs over 7 months of age that have not been receiving heart worm preventatives should be tested prior to beginning prevention and retested 6 and 12 months later.

What if the test is positive?

Don’t panic and remember that most infected dogs can be successfully treated and make a full recovery. Your veterinarian will first confirm the positive test with a different test to make sure that your pet is truly positive. If your pet has tested positive for a heartworm infection, your veterinarian will recommend exercise restriction and make sure your pet is

How do I know if my dog is infected?

Early signs of heartworm infection in dogs can go relatively undetected. A veterinarian will perform a yearly blood test to look for a heartworm infection. Due to changing weather patterns, heartier mosquitos, and various wild life carriers, the American Heartworm Society recommends dogs remain on heartworm preventative medications year round and have a heart worm test performed yearly by a veterinarian.

As the heartworms grow and mature, they begin to cause increasing damage to the host and signs such as coughing, listlessness, exercise intolerance, a decrease in appetite, and weight loss can occur. Dogs with very advanced disease can develop abdominal swelling caused by right sided congestive heart failure. In it’s severest form, heartworm disease can be fatal by causing cardiovascular collapse due blockages of large blood vessels.

The good news is that the earlier a heartworm infection is detected, the better chance the animal can be successfully treated and make a full recovery.

When should my dog be tested?

All dogs should be tested yearly, regardless of the type or frequency of preventative medication they are receiving. Puppies less than 7 months of age can begin heartworm preventative medications without a heartworm test but should be tested 6 months after their

14 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

www.pvs-ec.com

stable prior to treatment. Treatment for adult worms involves a series of injections and oral medication tailored to your pet’s condition as outlined by the American Heartworm Society.

Once your dog has been successfully treated for heartworm infection it will be important to continue your dog on year round heartworm preventatives as recommended by your family veterinarian. Unless your dog is protected, he can be reinfected because a prior infection does NOT mean your dog is immune to heartworms. There are many heartworm preventatives available for our pets and your family veterinarian will help guide you as to the best choice for your pet based on their individual needs. PC

Low-Cost Animal Wellness Clinics.

Did you know, in addition to all of the other services we provide, both our North Shore and East End locations offer low-cost animal wellness clinics? From microchipping and routine vaccinations to annual check-ups and spay/neuter surgical procedures, our Wellness Clinics are an affordable one stop shop for all of your best friend’s veterinary needs!

While we are not an emergency animal hospital, our highlytrained licensed veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians provide a wide array of services via appointment Tuesday through Friday from 10am until 7pm & Saturday from 8am until 4pm at both locations. And, if you’re just in need of the basics, we also offer a walk-in vaccination clinic at our North Shore facility Tuesday through Friday from 8am until 10am!

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 412-321-4625 ext. 2 for our North Shore Clinic and 412-345-7300 ext. 223 for our East End Clinic, or visit our website www.animalrescue.org. Please note, for the safety of animals and people alike, all animals brought to our clinics must be kept on a leash or in a carrier. PC

www.petconnections.pet

15

www.aapvet.com 724-745-5503 155 East Pike Street Canonsburg, PA 15317

829 Jefferson Aven ue Washington, PA 15301 724-503-4887 Now Scheduling Appointments

Advertiser Locator D

O

Page 17 - A All About Pets Veterinary Hospitals Page 36 - B Animal Elegance Page 11 - M Animal Friends Page 8 - 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 2 -Q Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness and Surgical Center Page 29 - Close 2 Ur Heart Jewelry P Page 2 - W Country Lane Pet Hotel Page 31 - Costa Real Estate Page 33 - G Coventry Stables Page 36 - Dog Guard Pittsburgh Dog Fence Inside Back Cover - Dog Stop Page 19 - H Fuzzy Paws Pet Villa Page 13 - Gentle Journey Veterinary Hospice Page 19 - Happy Pets Training Page 19 - Happy Tailz Spa Page 1 - I Healthy Pet Products Page 35 - J Jefferson Memorial Page 2 - P Larry’s Laundromutt Page 29 - Medical Frontiers Page 30 - Mia Bella’s F Washington Page 23 - K Murray Avenue Apothecary A Page 5 - Nemacolin Wooflands G Page 36 - Paws Here Awhile Page 19 - Pampered Paw Resort Page 6 - Petagogy Page 18 - Pets at Home A Page 19 - Petsburgh Dog & Cat Grooming H Page 30 - Pinch’s Place Page 5 - Pittsburgh Career Institute Page 19 - Y Pittsburgh East Nissan Back Cover - N Pittsburgh Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Center Page 29 - Sam’s Painting Page 35 - Precious Pets Memorial Page 25 - Southpointe Chamber & Cremation Page 33 - SydMor Equestrian Center Page 33 - O Rockin Horse Stables Page 35 - Thousand Hills Pet Crematory Page 21 - Dr. Michael Savko Page 16 - U Washington Area Humane Society

Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center 3028 Brownsville Rd Pittsburgh, PA 15227 412-884-3162 Brand new veterinary hospital in the South Hills offering wellness and surgical care at affordable prices.

Many payment options available.

18 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

I M N U R

B

C K

Q

Y

S

W I V J

Page 25 - U Western PA Humane Society Page 19 - V Woody’s Dog Wash & Boutique

www.petconnections.pet

19

Holistic Pet Care

MASSAGE THERAPY

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

M

assage can be defined as the manipulation, usually by hand, of the soft tissues of the body in order to normalize them. It involves a system of stroking, kneading, percussion, and moving the skin, muscles, and joints. Over 80 forms of massage are used today including Swedish, acupressure, shiatsu, sports, and rolfing, just to name a few.

Massage can be used simply for the relaxation and rejuvenation of a pet. It can also be applied therapeutically to aid in the recovery of an injury or in preparation for a sporting event.

I consider massage for animals to be “petting with a purpose.”

Massage therapy can benefit the body in many ways. A major outcome of massage is that the gentle strokes increase blood circulation which aids the flow of nutrients into the tissue. You can demonstrate this effect on yourself by conducting this simple experiment. Grasp your right earlobe with your right thumb and forefinger. Now, firmly squeeze and rub, first your earlobe and then continue the motion to thoroughly cover your entire ear. The whole process can take as little as 15 seconds. Now, feel the heat and tingling in your right ear. Look in a mirror and see its redness compared to your left ear. What an astonishing result from just a 15 second rub.

Massage not only improves blood circulation, it also helps to move lymphatic fluid which removes waste products and toxins. It can stimulate skin glands and soothe nerves.

Massage relaxes tight muscles and can be used to relieve muscle spasms and release trigger points. It can also break down adhesions, allowing damaged muscles to regain function and improve the range of motion of joints. After a chiropractic treatment, massaging the muscles along the spine can help them adapt to the new joint set-points caused by the adjustment. This makes it less likely for the muscles to pull the spine back out of place.

20 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

Massage can slow the heart rate, induce relaxation, and reduce stress.

Stress reduction sounds extravagant when it comes to our animal companions. What could they possibly be stressed about? Plenty! Many pets are isolated from social interaction all day while their caregivers are at work. For pack animals like dogs this alone is stressful. The stress hormones released in the body can have far reaching and devastating effects on a pet’s health.

Massage is a way of reducing this obstacle to your pet’s well-being.

Plus, massaging your own pet gives him pleasure and strengthens your bond. One less obvious benefit of massage is that by running your hands all over your pet, you are better able to detect tumors and other signs of disease.

MUSCLE PHYSIOLOGY To better understand the many benefits of massage, we need to have a basic understanding of the body’s musculature and biomechanics. Muscles work in pairs. Every joint has a muscle or group of muscles that contract to flex the joint and opposing group that extends it. These muscle pairs must work together in a coordinated manner for the normal function of the joint. When one group of muscles contracts, the other group must relax. If one muscle in the system does not function properly due to injury, fatigue, or other factors, then there are problems.

Tightening of a muscle can occur from trauma, disease, aging changes, or simply from being over-worked. Muscle tightening can lead to soreness and a restricted range of motion of the affected joint. Continued use of a tight muscle will lead to muscle spasm. When a particular muscle is tight or in spasm, it cannot function appropriately which throws off the muscular harmony required for proper motion of the joint. When things are not functioning up to par, the animal is prone to uncoordinated movements and further injury.

WHAT TO EXPECT Pet massage therapists come in many varieties.

Some are pet-loving, human massage therapists who have learned how to adapt their practice to help animals. Others are veterinary technicians who have expanded their knowledge and skill. Still others are non-professionals who have learned the art of canine massage.

Most of those practicing animal massage work independently and may see their furry clients in their own homes or may travel to where the pet lives. Some pet massage therapists work out of the offices of holistic veterinarians or animal rehabilitation centers. Whatever the arrangements, you can expect a peaceful treatment for your pet.

The astute therapist will first interview the pet owner to ascertain the purpose for the treatment. She will want to know the extent of any recent injuries as well as the history of any surgeries and medical treatments. She may require a signed release from the animal’s veterinarian to be sure that massage is an appropriate treatment. From this information, she can plan her treatment strategy.

For the treatment itself, the massage therapist sets a serene mood with muted lighting and calm surroundings. Soft music is usually played to enhance relaxation. The pet is allowed to lay comfortably on a blanket or pet bed on the floor or table and the massage therapist sits or kneels to apply her art.

Slow, gentle, rhythmic strokes introduce the animal to what is in store for him. As the pet relaxes, the therapist gains his trust and can then begin more therapeutic techniques to go beyond relaxation in into helping the pet heal.

The entire process should be a comfortable one for the animal. If the massage therapist moves beyond the pet’s pain threshold, she eases off and refocuses on relaxation. It may take a treatment or two for massage to begin helping the pet. Be sure to assess the outcome. If you do not see some improvement within the first two treatments, then either massage is not appropriate for the problem, or the therapist is not handling the issue suitably. PC

Dr. Doug

The Holistic Vet Welcome massage therapist Diana Powell, CVT and Certified in Pet Massage Therapy

Holistic and Conventional Care 357 State Avenue | Beaver, PA 15009

724-774-8047

beaveranimalclinic.com

“...the veterinary technicians were shocked to see him trot right out of the office.”

Diagnosed with FCE, Skip’s left leg was dangling dead for over a week. Mom Bethany was given limited choices: 1. Medicate and wait 2. euthanize.

That was not good enough so she started searching and found Dr. Savko. Skip had marked improvement after one visit and was almost fully functional after one month!

With a FCE somehow the material from the inner part of the vertebral disc enters the blood flow and is carried to the spinal cord where it causes a blood vessel obstruction. This area of the spinal cord can actually die. The process is not painful but complete recovery is not likely. Whatever neurologic loss has occurred within the first 24 hours is likely to be permanent.

Skip was seen 7 days afterwards and still recovered fully after seeing Dr. Savko.

“When I saw Skip his back left leg was barely functioning. His nails were worn down and bloody. We had significant improvements AFTER ONE VISIT! He was lifting his leg on his own that very first night. Ever since Skip has gradually regained more function, and after a month he is running, jumping, and walking more normally. His left leg is still mildly weak, and he has not been seen using it to scratch, but other than that he is back to normal. So much in fact the veterinary technicians were shocked to see him trot right out of the office, when he was such a mess just a few weeks ago.”

Explore the FB page or go to the website for testimonials, videos, articles, information, and MORE! 5 locations in prestigious veterinary hospitals all across the region.

Contact ANIMAL HEALING NOW today!

www. animalhealingnow.com

Am Heng NOW

®

Dr. Michael Savko DC CCSP CVCP

724.261.7915

www.animalhealingnow.com

Dr. Savko works with the following veterinary clinics: Holiday Park Animal Hospital, Plum PA Greenfield Veterinary Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA Suburban Animal Clinic, Butler, PA Donovan Veterinary Hospital, Ligonier, Pa Fox Run Equine Center, Apollo, PA

Healing animals since 2000 Chiropractor Certified VOM Therapy / Massage Acupressure / Reiki / Nutrition Magnetics / Essential Oils / ThetaHealing® Myofascial Release / Energy Medicine Chakra Balancing / Distance Healing Phone or email consultations

724.261.7915

www.petconnections.pet

21

Behavior & Training

By Paula Shimko KPA-CTP Certified Dog Trainer Raising puppies to be well behaved dogs is crucial. If a puppy is started out on the right paw, so to speak, this helps them understand how to best live in a sometimes, very confusing human world. When reaching their adult stage, they will be comfortable navigating the human world. The more comfortable with their environment and the outside world the better behaved they are. Socializing them to the human world before 14- 16 weeks is extremely important. Before the age of 14-16 weeks is the critical fear imprint period. In other words, all events that a puppy experiences prior to 14- 16 weeks is imprinted on their brains forever. Because adolescence is when dogs begin to become wary of unknown experiences, we want the puppy to have all positive associations to the human world before they hit the start of adolescence, which is around 5 months.

The primarily important start is rewards. What will you be using to reward your puppy to communicate the behaviors you are looking for? Some people think that praise is enough and I would argue that praise may work sometimes, but a high value reward will result in a much faster pace of learning. High value rewards are what the puppy considers a high value, in other words what does your puppy absolutely love? Is it a yummy treat or play?

Does your puppy love his specific ball? Will he just go crazy for piece of cheese? These are questions you must ask yourself. If one knows what the puppy will work for then one can, more than likely, get focus and attention from the puppy. If giving to many treats is a worry, then using the puppy’s daily meals laced with treats can be an option or removing that same number of treats given from the puppy’s daily meal. Also, it is important to know is that the size of the treat matters. Tiny little pieces should be given each time. It is not the size that matters to the puppy, but the fact that he is being rewarded.

I believe that teaching in a kind and gentle way based on the way dogs learn is the most effective way of training. Rewarding behaviors that a handler is looking for will most likely be repeated in the future. I do not correct while 22 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

UPPY

TRAINING training behaviors because I know the dog does not have enough information to give me what I am seeking from him. Think about when you were a child. Remember getting into line for the water fountain after gym class? Can you imagine the teacher yanking you into position? Maybe you didn’t hear, maybe you were not focused and your mind was wandering. Do I ever trust that teacher again? Dogs are no different. If I ask my puppy for a behavior and I get no response, I am not going to correct, I will just ask for it again. If I still don’t get the behavior, then I know my puppy does not have enough information to perform the behavior and I will do a little more training of that behavior.

Before the age of 14-16 weeks is the critical fear imprint period. In other words, all events that a puppy experiences prior to 14- 16 weeks is imprinted on their brains forever.

Training with a clicker or a happy toned marker word while training a behavior such as sit, is the fastest and most efficient way to train behaviors. Trainers call this training with a mark. There are three ways to train a puppy.

Luring into a position, capturing a spontaneous behavior, or shaping a behavior. Luring is putting the treat under the puppy’s nose and luring into a position. This works to jump start a behavior, but the lure must be faded

out quickly or the puppy learns to only do the behavior if a treat is involved. Capturing is marking and reinforcing a natural spontaneous behavior. The puppy naturally sits, I capture the behavior by clicking and rewarding exactly when the puppy’s hind end hits the floor.

Shaping is training in small steps to acquire a goal behavior. I visualize a stair case in my mind and then start at step one. For instance, the puppy looks at a mat and I click and treat, step two, the puppy puts a paw on the mat I click-treat and so forth, soon the puppy is lying on the mat. I have jumped and bounced on all the different steps to shape my puppy’s behaviors in tiny bits of information towards my goal behavior.

Rewarding behavior is about changing behavior. Many can misunderstand puppy behavior. Often people view a natural dog behavior as the dog is just being bad. This is not the case; the dog is simply not trained with enough information to perform the behavior the handler requires. There are many behaviors dogs exhibit that can be very annoying to people. Such as barking, jumping on us, nipping and many others. For one to stop unwanted behavior an alternative behavior must be trained. For example, if I want the puppy not to jump on me, I am first not going to allow the jumping by stepping out of the way and then asking for an already trained sit. I will click and reward the sit. If I ignore the jumping and reward the sit then my pup will offer the sit instead of jumping.

Reinforced behaviors will more than likely be repeated in the future. Ignored unwanted behavior will go away because they are not reinforced. Dogs do what works. In this case, the sit works because it is rewarded, the jump gets nothing. Be careful when rewarding after asking the puppy to sit instead of jumping, pause a couple of seconds before clicking the sit and then reward. If one reinforces to quickly the puppy may think the behavior that you are seeking is a jump, and then a sit. In other words, now you have trained a jump-sit instead of just the sit. Timing of the click is important. What you click is what you get!

Remember this puppy is a baby and it has only been a few weeks since he has arrived on earth. Be kind, be gentle. Teach as if you were teaching a human toddler and you will have a happy well-structured dog. PC

Murray Avenue Apothecary

PET CORNER PittsburghsPetPharmacy.com

Susan Merenstein, RPh/Owner 4227 Murray Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15217 | 412.421.4996

We take the “bite” out of animal dosing!

Custom Compounds & Flavored Medication Topical Dosage Forms Acetyl-Glutathione Formulas Pet Supplements Our medications are compounded in our on-site lab with stringent quality controls and third party testing of our compounds.

We provide high quality supplements and treatments, and put the utmost care and compassion into what we do to ensure the happiness and longevity of our life-long companions.

Digestive Difficulties? Try Our Animal Digest Formula!

Includes: Improves: •Probiotics •Digestive Enzymes •Colostrum •Glutamine (optional for IBD)

•Gut Health/IBD •Antibiotic Diarrhea •Digestion •Nutrient Absorption •Immunity •Bad Breath •Gas

Ralph’s Immunity & Inflammation Formula Contains Acetyl-Glutathione Pha rma Exclusive to Murray Avenue Apothecary! & Pe cist Fav t Inflammation Arthritis orite Available in !

Asthma Aging capsules and liquid

Kitty Korner

Cat Rescue Resource Guide

Cat Rescue Resource Guide

Low-Cost Spay & Neuter Organizations & Programs This is an ever-changing list of resources for cat owners in Pittsburgh and beyond. Though many of the listings, like the shelters, apply to dogs and other pets as well, it includes low-cost spay and neuter programs. Other listings include TNR for community cats, pet-friendly rentals in Pittsburgh and across the United States, and links to shelters for adoption and other services. In the future, we will also list clinic dates with the organizations below when they are available.

TNR & Low-Cost Spay/Neuter for the Pittsburgh Area

Low-cost Spay/Neuter and Veterinary Clinic

Homeless Cat Management Team: www.homelesscat.org

Spay Neuter Clinic | Penn Hills | 412-244-1202: www.spayaz.com/pittsburgh-pa

City of Pittsburgh Free Spay & Neuter for City Residents

Find Local Low-Cost Spay, Neuter & Veterinary Care on the Internet

City of Pittsburgh free spay/neuter: www.pittsburghpa.gov/animalcontrol/spay_neuter.htm City of Pittsburgh residents can apply for free spay or neuter vouchers for up to five pets, including stray/ feral cats.

Low-Cost Spay & Neuter (search by zip): http://neuterspay.org Love That Cat: www.neuterspay.org Spay USA: www.neuterspay.org

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter & TNR Programs at Allegheny & Surrounding County Shelters Animal Friends: www.thingkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Rescue League: www.animalrescue.org Beaver County Humane Society: www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Washington Area Humane Society: www.washingtonpashelter.org - Colony Cat Project: faith.b2@verizon.net Western Pennsylvania Humane Society: www.wpahumane.org

Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Organizations in Allegheny & Surrounding Counties Frankie’s Friends Cat Rescue | Allegheny & Westmoreland: www.sites.google.com/site/ frankiesfriendsnatronaheights Fluffyjean Fund for Felines | Allegheny and Washington Counties: www.fluffyjeanfund.weebly.com Fix Ur Cat | Washington County: www.fixurcat.org Catnip Acres | Greene County: www.catnip-acres.org Snip-It! | Westmoreland/Indiana Counties | Alle-Kiski Valley (Leechburg): www.snip-it.org

24 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

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

Shelters & Shelter Services Allegheny County: Animal Friends (AFI): www.thinkingoutsidethecage.org Animal Rescue League (ARL): www.animalrescue.org Western Pennsylvania Humane Society (WPHS): www.wpahumane.org Surrounding Counties: Beaver County Humane Society: www.beavercountyhumanesociety.org Butler County Humane Society: www.butlercountyhs.org Humane Society of Westmoreland County: http://members.petfinder.com/~PA83/about.html Washington Area Humane Society: www.washingtonpashelter.org

Non-Shelter Feline Adoption FosterCat: www.fostercat.org Kopy Kat Sanctuary | Westmoreland County (Delmont): www.kopykatsanctuary.org

www.southpointe.net • (724) 873-7777

Proud media sponsor of the 2017 PETCON Pet & Equine Expo About the Southpointe Chamber The Southpointe Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1992 for the purpose of promoting the business park and provides the greater Pittsburgh region opportunities to network in and around Southpointe. The high tech park is located in Cecil, Pennsylvania, just 17 miles South of Pittsburgh. It is home to large corporations including CONSOL Energy, Ansys, Range Resources, Halliburton, Rice Energy, and Mylan Labs. The high tech complex stretches over 3 miles adjacent to interstate 79 and is home to over 300 businesses. If you are interested in chamber events check out their website at www.southpointe.net or call 724-873-7777.

For more info and membership visit www.southpointe.net

Directories Animal Educational Exhibits

Dog Training

Holistic Veterinarians

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

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

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 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

26 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

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

Equine Tack Stores 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

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

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 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 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

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 feifish.etsy.com

Veterinary Hospice & Mobile Services Greater Pittsburgh Area: Nancy A. Ruffing, DVM 412-801-1071 | gentlejourneyvet.com

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

Veterinary Hospitals North: Beaver Animal Clinic 724-774-8047 | beaveranimalclinic.com Cheyenne Veterinary Wellness & Surgical Center 412-884-3162 | www.cheyennevet1.com 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 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

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

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 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 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

The Dog Stop - Banksville Rd. 412-343-1171 | www.thedogstop.net Pinch’s Place 412-445-8550 | pinchsplace.com 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

Pet Sitters North Furry Family Pet Sitting 412-999-9524 | www.furryfamilypetsitting.com Western PA No Boarders Pet and Animal Care Home & Farm Sitting 724-219-7801 Noboarders-petcare.com South: Your Critter Sitters (Raylene Hoover) 724-448-7330 | yourcrittersitters.com East: Pittsburgh Pet Concierge 412-856-8505 | petconcierge.org

List your business today! info@pghpetconnections.com

www.petconnections.pet

27

Wellness For Guardians Andrzej Zielke, MD

Regenerative Medicine Regenerative medicine or anti-aging medicine have been increasingly gaining interest in the public eye. Rightly so, who would not like to stop the clock for some time or even change its direction.

Experts on biology of aging see current research so promising that some famous analysts of science, human events and geopolitics are predicting soon coming immortality.

If this is so, how this new science can benefit us in the practical terms? Can we really get younger or regenerate cells and tissues and restore lost functions of our organs?

Before discussing how we can tap to the fountain of youth, let’s define aging and look why we age in the first place and is it all that bad?

We can define aging is a progressive degenerative disease that eventually affects all our cells and organs.

With the passing of time, by products of metabolism, toxic load of heavy metals, chemicals, some pharmaceuticals that cannot be metabolized or removed will burden the cells. Oxidation of proteins and lipids, nutritional deficiencies (vitamin, minerals, essential aminoacids, fatty acids) make the situation even worse.

Consequently, cells make metabolic errors and synthesize defective proteins and lipids which lead to degenerative changes of cells, dysfunction of immune system, damage of connective tissue, brain and eventually all organs.

These toxic loads and metabolic or synthetic errors come from endless list of sources. Here are the common ones: • nutritional deficiencies • vitamins • minerals • essential amino-acids • essential fatty acids • toxicity • environmental • pesticides, herbicides - one example worth to mentioned is glyphosate (Roundup) which is heavily used in

GMO crops. Glyphosate is mistaken by cells for glycine a very common amino-acid a building block for many proteins in our bodies. Glyphosate become incorporated into these proteins instead of glycine making them dysfunctional • toxic radiation such as ultraviolet, x-rays, gamma radiation • some pharmaceuticals, such as anticancer medication which are designed to disrupt metabolism of cancer cells, however, they affect healthy cells as well especially immune system cells • food and beverages - one of the biggest problems in our society. Our food not only has been deprived of essential nutrients by leaching of the soil but is also toxic.

• cigarette smoking, alcohol, drug abuse • prolonged stress, lack of sleep To understand aging, we also need to look at our genome. The genetic code (DNA) is the book of life written in every cell of our bodies and contains entire library of information how human body is build and function.

This genetic code and the process of transcription (translation to a language that cells can understand) are so sophisticated that make even most devout evolutionists scratch their heads how this could have come about by chance.

One single error would turn the entire synthesis of protein into shambles.

To eliminate potential errors DNA is equipped in enzymatic repair mechanism that continuously survey and repair the errors. We were “perfectly made” indeed.

Nevertheless, the human race experiences about 60 mutations (genetic errors) per generation that will be inherited by posterity. As a result of these mutations the entire human race is slowly degenerating, becoming weaker, more prone to disease and less intelligent. Please notice that the progress in science what we are witnessing is an accumulation of knowledge and has nothing to do with intelligence. Modern genetics tells us just that. John Sanford eloquently said: “man is perishing in the dying world” in his book “Genetic Entropy and the mystery of genome” which I highly recommend.

28 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

There is another “catch” when it comes to aging - telomeres. Telomeres are little tails on both sides of every chromosome which are the stabilizers essential for proper transcription of genetic information. These telomeres must be long to work well, but with each cell division, they become progressively shorter and before we reach adulthood, their length is about half. Also, every disease, toxic load, bad diet, nutritional deficiencies, stress, anger, hostility, fear shorten the telomeres even more.

The good news is that telomeres may be lengthened by an enzyme called telomerase that becomes activated when we live healthy lifestyle: good diet, rest, positive states of mind such as happiness, gratitude, compassion, and kindness.

There are products on the market that supposed to activate telomerase and increase the length of telomeres if someone is willing to spend few hundred dollars per month. It may be some truth in it because some herbal extracts are telomerase activators, however, taking them will be futile without changing lifestyle, diet, and the state of mind.

Regeneration: In the center of the repair and regeneration processes are stem cells, the “omnipotent” cells that can take shape and function of any cells in the body.

Stem cells are present in all tissues and can replace any dying cell - at least when we are young and healthy.

When we age, the stem cells age also.

They are too subject to toxic load, metabolic errors, mutations, nutritional deficiencies and shortening of telomeres.

So, what is the answer to the question of longevity? First of all, we need to accept that we will have no immortality on this earth and genetic entropy (deterioration of human genome) tells us just that. We cannot save ourselves from death so let’s put this behind us. But by reversing the factors leading to fast aging which we have mentioned, we can get healthier and feel better, we can improve our cognition, regain energy and joy of life. This already will account into age reversal of about 10 years.

But if you belong the baby boomers like myself, do we really want to go back

to our 20s or even 30s? Not me, God forbid if I think about all the confusion of this age, because healthy aging brings pleasure in life. This is the time to gather fruits of life and enjoy experience we gained. Scientific research has shown that intelligence increases with age in healthy brain. Unfortunately, what we see most of the time is more sickness, pain, dementia, confusion, more doctors visits, more medications and fear of future.

How to obtain optimal health and mobilize regenerative mechanism of our bodies, that our Creator gracefully implanted in us I will write in next articles.

Platelets Rich Plasma (PRP).

One interesting use of stem cells is a procedure called PRP frequently done at Medical Frontiers. It requires drawing of blood from a patient’s vain and centrifuge it to extract plasma fraction that is rich in platelets. Subsequently this plasma (PRP) is injected into the tissue which doesn’t want to heal causing pain and dysfunction. Platelets are not just clotting factors, but also, they stimulate healing through release growth factors.

These platelets derived growth factors stimulate and attract stems cells to the site of injection to repair injury. The procedure is very effective.

It is very important after injection of PRP to use laser therapy. Laser therapy independently stimulates stem cells which enhances the effect of PRP injection. The therapeutic effect is very quick but depends on condition treated. For example, rotator cuff tear even chronic would typically require just one injection if used with laser therapy and full recovery is usually accomplished in three to six weeks. Knee arthritis would need more injections and more time.

Indications: • tendonitis/fasciitis - rotator cuff tear, tennis elbow • chronic bursitis - frozen shoulder, trochanteric bursitis • arthritis - knees • non-healing wounds • cosmetic applications - aging skin, wrinkles, stretch marks PC

Medical Frontiers Successful solutions for chronic pain problems

• • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Integrative approach Laser therapy in an effective way Platelets rich plasma (PRP) for pain and cosmetic Ozone prolo-therapy All types of nerve blocks Intravenous vitamins infusion Regenerative medicine (anti-aging) Spinal therapies The best diet for you Best nutritional supplements Laser smoking cessation Ozone sauna Effective treatments for headaches Arthritis

412-407-4790

5375 Route 8 (Richland Mall) Gibsonia, PA 15044 www.facebook.com/andrzejzielkemd

©STUDIO FEIFISH LLC

is a collection of jewelry and gifts for pet parents and pet lovers.

Visit feifish.etsy.com to find other unique collections that are near and dear to your heart • Hot Dogs • Show Dogs • Cool Cats • Home, Love & Faith • School Spirits • Birds Unlimited • Sea of Love 10% Discount • Endangered Species and many more for PetConnections Portion of all sales proceeds will be donated readers, enter to animal charity. promo code

PCP2016

feifish.etsy.com www.petconnections.pet

29

PET FRIENDLY LIVING

Pet Friendly

www.GoBellaChick.com 740-974-2407

We Can Help!

Call Us Today!

724-225-1644Â

www.OneHourWashingtonPa.com 30 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

PA015266

DENISE IAMURRI BARTMAN / 412-983-2220 www.Octanebuilders.com

Octane Builders are an energy efficient modular home builder customizing to your needs.

We are able to find you the perfect vacant lot and build your luxury dream home.

- Residential - Commercial - New Construction - Land Development

Equine Affairs

The “Rider’s Pit Stop”

By Kristin Hermann

The rider’s position is the most important aspect of communicating with the horse when mounted. A rider needs a correct position for the horse to understand the signals, and clarity between horse and rider is what makes for a unified partnership. Too often a rider’s signals are muddled because they are not in the correct position to signal the horse. I always use playing a musical instrument as an analogy. If you are learning how to play an instrument and your hands or feet are on the wrong keys, your instrument (or the horse) will always be played (or ridden) out of tune.

The Rider’s Pit Stop is when the rider and horse take a break from training, but this is not time to slump and rest. Yes, the horse gets a break and gets to walk on a long rein, but the aspiring rider, not so much! During this Pit Stop, the rider does a checklist of his or her position. So instead of getting new tires, an oil change or a mechanical adjustment such as a vehicle would in a race car’s pit stop, the rider gets tweaked and adjusted. Checkpoints in the Rider’s Pit Stop would be: is the seat in the middle of the saddle? Is the rider sitting on the sitting bones and not on the lower spine or perching forward?

Are the legs correctly positioned with the inner thigh rotated in so the hip’s are open? Are the balls of the feet placed on the stirrup correctly?

Are the arms relaxed hanging by the sides with a soft bend in the elbow? Riding and communicating to the horse is challenging, so we need to take every moment we have in the saddle and check and fix our position so the horse can understand our signals.

Basic riding position begins with the rider sitting in a vertical alignment with the ears, shoulders, and hips in alignment. This rider’s position is the same whether one is riding in a balanced seat (such as dressage), hunt seat with a shorter stirrup or Western riding. It is the same vertical alignment required when mounted as it is when a rider is walking or standing on the ground.

However, one of the challenges for the rider is to keep this position while signaling the horse in motion. The rider needs to be able to maintain this vertical alignment and “go with the horse” at all three gaits.

Sounds easy, but as a riding instructor for many years, most of my lessons are spent correcting the rider’s position. My constant corrections are paramount, simply because a good riding position makes it easier for the horse to understand 32 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

Western Dressage trainer, Ingrid McNamara riding in good alignment.

EquestrianEden.com

The author showing a good riding position on her Spanish Norman horse. the rider. A rider in the correct riding position will signal the horse more fluidly.

I tell my students I cannot fix their position for them. They have to first know what the correct riding position is and then know how to get there by making the adjustments themselves.

However, throughout lessons we are constantly tweaking the rider’s position, because a rider who obtains the correct position will more clearly communicate to the horse and have better results. World champion rider Kyra Kirkland is quoted in her book Dressage with Kyra, “In tennis, for example, it can take up to 100,000 repetitions to learn to serve. If it has to be changed, up to 2,000 correct repetitions may be required just to break the old habit and, depending on how serious the mistake

The Rider’s Pits Stop Alignment Checklist 1 T he rider’s seat is in balance with an elongated spine.

2 The head is balanced in the middle of the shoulders and the eyes straight ahead.

3 The arms bending with a soft elastic elbow that will follow the forward and back nod of the horse’s head and neck.

4 The sides of the legs are positioned so the inner thigh is in contact with the horse while keeping the hips open.

5 The balls of the feet resting in the stirrups and the heels slightly down. The rider’s feet should be facing forward nearly parallel to the horse.

is, 100,000 more repetitions maybe necessary before the new pattern becomes a reflex.” I joke about this quote and how that study is good for my income because even if I tell a student one hundred times in one lesson to look between the horse’s ears, it will take 20 more lessons of me telling them one hundred times each lesson to get to 2,000. So with statistics like that, the rider best use the rider Pit Stop to make as many adjustments as possible.

Not only does the rider need to think about the vertical alignment required for riding when on the horse, but when they are in between riding sessions. A smart rider works every day to create more strength, flexibility and coordination by doing Pilates, Yoga or going to the gym. Having a constant awareness of how you use your body during the day will also make for better riding when mounted. When I drive my car, I have a back pillow so I maintain my posture. In a chair I make sure I am sitting on my seat bones and not my coccyx, or lower spine and when I am walking, I make sure my eyes are up and my toes are facing straight ahead. I go out of my way to be aware of how I use my body doing every day things. Correct harmonious riding is not just a journey, it is a pilgrimage!

At Coventry Equestrian Center, I use part of the indoor arena wall as a chalkboard for lessons, and there is a big note on the wall that says, “No slumping zone.” Don’t think you are going to ride on one of our horses and then during a walk break slump and “rest!” Nope, a walk break at Coventry means fix your seat, adjust your foot in the stirrup, rotate the thigh back, relax the shoulders and enjoy only five thousand more times to make those adjustments until you get to 100,000 because you have entered the Rider Pit Stop.

Suggested Reading Simplify Your Riding by Wendy Murdock Connected Riding Peggy Cummings PC

2017 Summer Camp Registration is Now Open!

Coventry Equestrian Center Dressage ~Gymnastic

Rockin’ Horse Stables

Training for all horses & riders Learn how to ride & train with clarity for Dressage, Hunt Seat, Eventing, Western, Pleasure

All horses & riders benefit utilizing simplified gymnastic training (dressage) Kristin Hermann blythedale@comcast.net www.CoventryEquestrianCenter.com 724-206-9902 Visit the “Home Schooling Your Horse” Facebook page for simplified training tips

Rockin’ Horse Stables is a full care Hunter & Jumper boarding and training facility offering beginner to advanced English riding lessons, summer camps and quality horse sales. Located just 2 1/2 miles from the heart of Cranberry Twp. At Rockin’ Horse Stables we offer beginner through advanced English riding lessons on quality school horses and ponies. We strive to offer a clean, safe, family friendly environment for our riders and guests.

Minutes From Rt. 19 Cranberry Twp. • Stalls & Lessons Available! visit our website at

724-601-4706

rockinhorsestables.com

www.petconnections.pet

33

In Remembrance

L remembrance text

Lilly

34 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

illy was a cool cat, would nip you during a pet once in a while, but otherwise sweet and got along with everyone. The best thing about Lilly was that she was a huge fan of song...but not just ANY song, she loved “Dixie”.

My husband is known to break in to a random tune out of nowhere and one day, he landed on “Dixie”... “Oh I wish I was in Dixie, away, away”....not positive on the lyrics but Lilly came running. It blew our minds how much she liked this song.

I always believed that maybe she thought his singing was a wounded animal (he embellishes the songs quite a bit to make them fun.) So, any time we needed to know where Lilly was, all he had to do was sing “Dixie”, and she came running every single time. Maybe she fought for the South in another life. She was brave and tough and even caught a mouse in her 16th year. She also loved her catnip mice and always put them in our shoes as gifts. She was loved and will be missed very much. Thanks for the good times Lillyschmeck.

“If you think of your pet as part of the family, think of us.”

Precious Pets Memorial Center & Crematory

Serving Pennsylvania and Surrounding States

LARGE ANIMAL CREMATORIUM & MEMORIAL

412-351-PETS (7387) • Truly private cremations done on site • Personalized pet urns • Caskets • Keepsake Jewelry • Memorial Celebrations

703 Sixth Street, Braddock, PA 15104 www.preciouspetspgh.com

Celebrate Your Pets Unconditional Love Providing Full-Service, Compassionate, Professional and Affordable Cremation for horses and other large animals

nd Thousa ills H

724-355-8296

Thousandhillspetcrematory@gmail.com www.Thousandhillspetcrematory.com Find us on

Veteran Owned and Operated

www.petconnections.pet

35

5

$ 00

OFF

Full Grooming

Themed vacation dog & cat ro oms.

nal Professio Pet g ro G omin a state-of-the-art facility

Professional Pet Grooming

We offer your dog the most comprehensive enrichment program while boarding with us. Our knowledgeable staff will provide activities and exerciese that matches your dog’s drive.

TV • Stereo • Patios • Air/Heated

20 minutes from Greater Pittsburgh Airport

PAWSHEREAWHILE.COM • 724-573-4665

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

Veterinarian Approved Lifetime Warranty Indoor Systems Made In The USA

SERVING ALL OF GREATER PITTSBURGH

ogs Over 384,873 D !

Can’t Be Wrong

Guaranteed To Contain Any Dog 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed

pghdogfence.com • 412-287-5820

36 PITTSBURGH PETCONNECTIONS | March/April 2017

The Most Comprehensive Multispecialty Referral and Emergency Veterinary Center in Western Pennsylvania

NOW 2 LOCATIONS! PVSEC North

807 Camp Horne Road Pittsburgh, PA 15237

Open Summer 2017!

PVSEC South 1535 Washington Road Washington, PA 15301

Emergency and Critical Care 24 hours a day/365 days a year • • • • • • • • • • •

Anesthesiology Cardiology Critical Care Dentistry Dermatology Emergency Internal Medicine MRI & CT Imaging Neurology Oncology Ophthalmology

• • • • •

Radiation Therapy Radiology Rehabilitation Surgery Stereotactic Radiosurgery

412.366.3400 • www.pvs-ec.com