Precious Pets Vol 1, Issue 10 by PreciousPets

Precious Pets The ultimate monthly paper for pets and their owners

LIKE US ON

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca #33ccff logo (web color)

additional Twitter web colors:

In this issue:

4 Friend or foe?

Introducing new columnist Buffie

10 Ride for the Love of Wolves

Two pet peas in a pod? Unlikely bedfellows prove that it’s possible

o, after several issues of NON-dog-related covers, we are back to dogs again… cats, too. I have really tried to illustrate that pets come in many shapes, sizes and colours and that anything from a snake to a horse can be considered a pet. If you love it and care for it, it’s a pet. One thing that I have always found fascinating, however, is the mechanism that allows dogs and cats to settle down in each other’s presence and cohabitate. In the wild, as you know, a dog sees a cat and it may as well be a squirrel… the dog will go bonkers. And cats? Hiss, hiss, hiss is about all they will do when they encounter a canine on a city street. More and more, though, I hear of and witness dogs and cats living in the same home. It got me thinking: If dogs can live with cats, there may still be hope for two other solitudes to get along. Pick any two groups: Man-woman; Arab-Jew; Irish Catholic-Protestant; Francophone-Anglophone; Liberal-Conservative. See how this works? It’s easy. Take two unlikely bedfellows and toss them together into the salad. Mix them up and see what results. It may take a while, as you will soon see, but the outcome may actually surprise you, as it did me. Take a read, everyone, and enjoy! Not only the cover story, but an informative column by Doggy Do col-

umnist and trainer Meira Frankl, examines this important issue. If you subsequently have any cuddly dog-cat stories to share with us, please send them in and we might publish some.

They adopt out horses, don’t they? An astute reader noted, after reading our last issue’s cover story, that I could not find a place nearby that arranged equine adoptions. She passed along some valuable information. Turns out that RefugeRR, located in Alexandria, Ontario, a mere hop, skip and jump away, does that very thing. If you would like more information, check out their website at www.refugerr. org or call volunteer Lisa at 1-613674-1461. I am also pleased to tell you that they have all kinds of animals available for adoption. More to come on Refuge RR in the future. Their e-mail addy is refugerr@ xplornet.ca

Mufflers far from carbon-based life forms, but… Yeah, I know they aren’t animals. But we need mufflers, too, and we need them to be kind to us if we

Barking Bram with Bram D. Eisenthal

want to get around to places like RefugeRR…. And the pet food store. So, rather than allowing yourself to be the victim of “thugs” like Mister Muffler, who once wanted to charge me $950 (“do it today and I will give you a deal… $900!” the service manager told me, as I was clearly in shock) for a muffler job, I drove to Kiko Muffler (now called Kino Muffler, at 8657 8th Avenue, Montreal, Tel:514-7215191). I have to tell you that the work done here is nothing short of miraculous, as the young men engaged by former owner and wellknown Montreal Spanish radio celebrity Frankiko, will replace only the parts that need replacing, simply and quickly. So, the proffered “deal” at highway robbery franchise Mister Muffler in NDG ended up costing me $50 at the then-namedKiko. I almost started to cry when he told me. When I asked him why he charged so little, he told me in French (he spoke no English) that “it’s what Jesus would do.” Hard to argue with logic that brings you to tears. By the way, no appointment is necessary here. Just drive there and they will fit you in. You might have to wait 10-15 minutes, but the Cantor’s Bakery head office and flagship store is about 150 feet away, so use your waiting time to pick up something tasty and…. historic!

Facebook often goes too far Okay, so when someone told me that there is now an “I hate dogs” page on Facebook, I thought they were joking. Then I saw with my own eyes that it is not only a fact, but that there are almost 5,000 Likes here! Precious Pets’s page has about 340 Likes. What sort of twisted Bizarro world are we living in? And, as I mentioned on a message on their wall, this is akin to starting a “I hate Jews” or “I hate Blacks” or “I want babies murdered” page. How is this permitted by Facebook? Anyone?

Go Nilan Go! So, whether the Price-less Habs are out of the playoffs in a week or two or they make it to the Stanley Cup finals, there’s no doubt that former Habs forward and fan fave Chris Nilan still has the heart of a champion and a warrior. He makes his home on the West Island now and you can hear him weekdays on The Team 690 (A.M.). And if you want something special autographed by him, made out to you or another fan, it’s easy to arrange: Go to his website at www.knucklesnilan.com and choose your favourite from among many action pics, his excellent DVD The Last Gladiatorsand other items. Nilan was always one of my favourite Habs and still is. I challenge anyone to find another player, present or past, with as much gusto and sheer courage.

LIKE US ON:

http://www.facebook.com/PreciousPetsPaper

http://twitter.com/PreciousPetNews

#33ccff logo (web color)

Precious Pets The ultimate monthly paper for pets and their owners

Precious Pets is a publication of Precious Pets Group Inc. Volume 1, Issue 3, October 2013. Copyright 2013. Precious Pets does not accept responsibility for errors, misprints or inaccuracies published within. The opinions and statements of our columnists are not presumed to be the opinions and statements of Precious Pets Group Inc.

VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014

additional Twitter web colors:

OUR CONTACT INFORMATION:

ADVERTISING AND CLASSIFIEDS: ............................................... 438 E-MAIL: ..... info@preciouspetscanada.com EDITORIAL: .............. 514

www.preciouspets.ca

821-6769 975-7745

MAILING ADDRESS: ... P.O. Box 66521, Cavendish Mall, Côte Saint-Luc, QC H4W 3J6 PUBLISHER AND EDITOR: ................................................... Bram D. Eisenthal SALES MANAGER: .................................................................. Tina Di Salvia James McCafferty CREATIVE DESIGN: ................................................................. Mark Lehberg ONTARIO DIRECTOR & DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA: .......................Janet Janet Boiangiu Boiangiu

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Bzzzzzzzzz!!!!!

rtie loves bees. Actually, he loves anything that flies and buzzes. And by “loves,” I mean that he loves to try to catch them. With his mouth. What? He has no thumbs – he can’t hold a net. He’s lucky, though, because he’s not very coordinated. He’s never once caught a bee. That may be because my FLAILING! and SCREAMING! distracted him. Maybe so, but he’s also not the most agile dog in the pack. Yes, he’s caught field mice and chipmunks (I know! I know! I was not amused either), but he’s also the same dog who always veers left when the ball that I throw is clearly going right. The Canine MLB will never scout him. Anyway. Back to bees. Summer

is coming and so are the bees. And if your dog is more dexterous than Artie is, he might get stung. One of the most common signs of a bee sting is a swollen muzzle, but dogs step on bees just like we do. So, if your pup gets stung, what should you do? If you see the stinger, remove it with tweezers or slide it out from the same direction that it went in. Bathe the area with a mixture of baking soda and water. Apply an ice pack (a bag of frozen peas works great) for a few minutes every half an hour. You can also give v your dog an oral dose of children’s Benadryl. The dosage is by your dog’s weight and you can find the correct amount online. However, it’s best to contact

Dogged Pursuits with Dawn Mirsky

your vet if you’ve never given your dog an antihistamine before. Major swelling, disorientation, vomiting, and difficulty breathing or moving are clinical signs of a serious allergic reaction, though, and

immediate veterinary care should be sought. Enjoy the summer and “bee” prepared. Artie just told me that wasn’t very punny.

Messengers from the other side: Mom, the crow and the Tabbies

t is not unusual for a new animal to come into our lives around the time a loved one (two or four-legged) is about to pass on or within three months after the death. These companions, I believe, are messengers from the “Other Side,” sent to make sure that everything is in order for the transition, or to become a new friend to those who are grieving. I’ve adopted two animals who have made an unexpected appearance shortly after the loss of a loved one and I have no doubt that a greater force sent them to fill the void of the loss. My latest experience with the “Other Side” was truly an extraordinary one involving my mother, a huge crow and two Tabby cats. I brought my mother and her cat to live with me following a stroke that left her bedridden. Her bed on the main floor of my home faced the double patio doors which looked onto a large wooded area. Her shorthaired Tabby (named Martini) - who came into our lives out of nowhere when she appeared at the front door of my Mom’s 7th floor apartment three months after my Dad passed on - gave up her role as my mother’s companion and my long-haired Tabby, Merlin, took over. A few weeks before my Mom passed over an extremely large crow came to visit. Each day without making a sound, it would sit on the fence of the backyard, stare directly at her for several minutes as she lay in bed and then fly way. It appeared dayafter-day, sat in the same spot, said nothing, and then left. This continued until one day the crow returned, screamed an unearthly sound three times and vanished. My mother passed on three days later.

I didn’t see the crow again until it returned several months later and perched on the opposite side of the fence, this time directly in front of the place Merlin would sleep. I wondered who it had come back for this time and my answer came too quickly. My beautiful Merlin, who had become my Mom’s loving companion, became ill very quickly and died within a few months. I haven’t seen the crow since. Martini remains in excellent health upstairs and is wise enough to stay away from the windows. Barbara Etcovitch is a Classical Homeopath, Interfaith Minister, freelance writer, and lecturer. She has a B.A. from Sir George Williams Uni-

Pet Healer with Barbara Etcovitch

versity, an M.A. in Literature from the University of Ottawa and a diploma in Classical Homeopathy from the School of Homeopathy in Devon, England. She was ordained by the All Faiths Seminary International in New

York City in 2004. She offers naming and funeral services for animals, grief counselling for guardians and includes the treatment of animals in her homeopathic practices in Quebec and Ontario.

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Canine, feline not always great together, but this can be accomplished by Bram D. Eisenthal Exclusive to Precious Pets

ats. Dogs. The unlikeliest of bedfellows. Just like merging people of unique cultures, or interaction involving a duality of the sexes, very different. They may share some traits, or react intuitively to various situations, but why is it that some cats and dogs get along so famously and others do not? I have experienced both sides of the coin and I was interested in exploring what I know for Precious Pets… and inviting an expert or two to do the same. I know two families where the cat and dog introductions were a bit different, but the end-result was the same: Relative peace and harmony. In one family, a young Tabby street cat had been introduced to an older dog (a Shepherd/Lab mix that had been with the family for some eight years, from puppyhood onward) and a new, older Chartreux cat was brought into the home. The first few weeks were uncertain, as the dog was curious and playful, but the street cat was very upset. The new cat freaked a bit, but took it all in stride. Today, about six months later, all three get along with nary a hissy fit. They even congregate regularly on their Master’s bed together to sleep. Then, in another scenario, two older cats, not related but almost like sisters, were forced to welcome a rambunctious, somewhat hostile male Boston Terrier into their living space. Initially, the cats stalked the dog and routinely attacked him, even though he had his own fenced-off room. Several years later, however, they have learned to get along. I went to veteran expert Gaby Dufresne-Cyr, of The Dogue Shop (129 Mount Royal West, Montreal, 514842-6160, to see how she best integrates the two species. “I’ve been an animal behaviour consultant and animal trainer for 28 years, she told me. “Many of my clients have cats and

Foreground: left, Blackie; right, Angel - Background: Sevin

once they decide to adopt a dog, this can pose a problem.” “The most common problem between resident cat and newcomer dog, for instance, relates to space and boundaries. Cats are very territorial and will not concede their space easily. They will hiss, scratch, attack and bite the dog. The opposite is also true. Some dogs will attack resident cats because of a high ‘prey drive.’ When this occurs, the cat will start to live in isolation or try to run away from the home.” So, Gaby, if you are looking for a happy ending, what’s a person to do? “The best way to introduce a cat-to-dog and dog-to-cat (depending on who was the first resident) would be to have the newcomer placed in a crate in an isolated room and let the resident animal investigate,” Gaby replied. “This will give owner an idea of what to expect. “Once the animal has finished investigating the newcomer, open the crate door, but place a baby gate between the two. In other words, the dog and cat are in different rooms separated by a baby gate. This way they each have their space and can escape should a conflict at the gate occur. Furthermore,

QUALITY PET CARE in a COUNTRY SETTING BOARDING • GROOMING DAYCARE • PET TAXI

15%

OFF

1st Booking

450.451.8868

CountryMeadowsBoarding.com

STAY 7 NIGHTS

GET 1 NIGHT FREE STAY 14 NIGHTS

GET FREE PICK-UP & DELIVERY 15% OFF GROOMING WITH 7 NIGHT STAY NEW CLIENTS WITH RESCUE PETS:

STAY 2 NIGHTS FREE CERTAIN CONDITONS APPLY. OFFERS CANNOT BE COMBINED

(Photo Sierra Van Biello)

this will allow the new animal to explore and roam free in the designated room without any risks of injury to himself of the other.” She stated that “no one knows” how long this assimilation process will take. “It can take hours, days, weeks, and sometimes never, especially if the resident animal is an adult and the newcomer a baby. The best introduction (but this is without guarantee) would be to introduce a new puppy to resident adult cat.” Older animals, more set in their ways, might also take longer to settle into their new situations. But, again, every situation is different. “Regarding older animals, most times yes. Let me explain: A peaceful collaboration depends almost exclusively on socialisation. If puppies have grown up with cats, and vice versa, during their critical period of socialisation, they are more likely to get along with a member the other species once adults. Problems occur when this was not done. Dogs and cats not socialised to one another tend to fear or hate each other and this is where it all falls apart.” Jacqueline Treminio is no stranger to readers of my previous paper, The Local Herald (which started as The Local Seeker West End Montreal Edition). When living with her parents, she was in the enviable position of looking after two older female cats (Juliana and Chikis, who was the paper’s official mascot) when, suddenly, a rambunctious, angry dog – Boston Terrier Chico – was thrust upon them as a rescue-type case. The initial outcome was not very favourable. As Jackie related it: “Chico previously belonged to my older brother. With the arrival of a new baby boy and Chico feeling territorial, my brother decided it was best to give Chico away to avoid an incident with the baby. My mother kindly offered to take Chico even though our home already had two

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

older cats and five budgies. Talk about a full house! “It wasn’t a pretty scene…Chico wasn’t used to mingling with cats and the cats, Juliana (Hoolie) and Chikis, who are house cats, felt uneasy in the presence of a foreign visitor. They got into fights (bites, scratches, etc). We had to keep them in separate rooms. Each one had an allocated time to walk around freely, sort of like a prison schedule. After many warnings, I think Chico, Juliana and Chikis finally understood this was permanent living situation. Either they learn to get along or no more treats or belly scratches. It took a good three – four months for them to all be in the same room. What an accomplishment that was! It’s been three years now and I’m happy to say Chico allows the cats to give him the occasional cat shower (licks). Hard to believe! Jackie recalled how her mother managed to get the animals used to one another. “Chico was put in isolation for a half hour, nothing too drastic but enough for him to understand his actions. He would self-punish himself and retreat to his bed, drag it inside my mother’s closet and hide there. It was a funny sight! He knew very well that my mother was upset. Chikis and Juliana would go hide under my parents bed to sleep and be isolated. The cats would forget much quicker than Chico.” Following this experience, Jackie believes that cats and dogs “can live together but in a bigger space. Another issue is that animals are territorial and possessive of their owners. This jealousy creates frictions between pets. I think it depends on the cat or dog: They have to be exposed to other animals at an early start. As they get older, it’s more difficult. I admit that Chico can be a stubborn dog, so if he adapted, I think all dogs have a chance.” Gaby Dufresne-Cyr has worked with domestic and exotic animals since 1986. The essence of her practice is to help animals with behavioural problems. She also teaches animal behaviour at the Dogue Shop and, more recently, she has started to teach animal training at La Pocatière CEGEP. Her mission statement best describes what she does: “Educate, through positive reinforcement, enrichment, behavioural management, and behaviour modification, animals and the people who care for them.” ED. NOTE: For a related theme, see my Editorial on p. 8, as well as this issue’s Doogy Do column by Meira Frankl.

Can cats and dogs get along together?

pring time is the time of plenty and everyone seems to be getting a new puppy, or a new kitten! Sometimes we get them together, but often, we end up introducing one to the already in home resident. So, what is the best way to introduce a new dog to a resident cat? Or how to coerce the resident dog into accepting a new cat into the home? This is something I get called upon to help with quite frequently. I would usually advise people to carefully choose the new pet with the resident pets’ personality in mind, but more often than not, I am only called once the new pet is in the home. There usually isn’t much of a problem if the cat doesn’t like the dog, especially if it’s the cat that has lived there first. The cat usually knows the house well, including good escape routes, and high places to

escape and hide from the pesky pooch! So long as the cat is eating regularly, and is using the litter box as usual, then it’s a good sign. If there are problems, it’s often due to the dog chasing the cat, be it a new cat in the home, or a new dog in the home of the cat. Curiosity on the part of the dog is completely normal. Watching and following the cat is also very normal. But what we need to watch out for is if the dog chases the cat and then either pins the cat down, or actually bites the cat. We also need to watch if the dog becomes very rigid or stiff while watching the cat. If the dog gives the cat a very hard stare and if it becomes difficult to get the attention of the dog when it is in the same room as the cat. Management is key here. It will be important to keep each animal confined, one at a time, to let the other get used to the new scent and new presence. Keep the dog in a crate when letting the cat investigate. Cats generally only come close when comfortable. When the cat is free, the dog should always be contained on a leash, behind a gate, or in a crate until the dog starts to completely ignore the cat. If there are any aggressive tendencies, then you should call in a qualified professional for help. If the cat becomes stressed and stops using the litter box like normal, then you may use a calming agent such as Feliway, that you can get from your vet. Rescue Remedy can also be used to help calm both animals as well, but make sure to use the one that is specific for pets, and not

Doggie Do with Meira Frankl

for people. Oftentimes, cats and dogs that live together become quite bonded, developing their own special relationship.

ED. NOTE: - Thanks to Meira for sticking to our cover theme and offering some helpful advice. In a world where there are grotesque Facebook pages like “I hate dogs,” dogs and cats certainly need to stick together!

Coming in the Up Next! New Year

FRIDAY, FRIDAY. JUNE 2724 JANUARY DEADLINE DEADLINE: FRIDAY, JUNE 1817 JANUARY info@preciouspetscanada.com info@preciouspets.ca

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

ear Diaree, Just wanted to give you news on how my “first day as a pet” went. After driving for what seem liked hours (and me voicing my displeasure every 1/10th mile) we finally arrived in Montreal! I got out of the car and went into this Magic Box that whisked us up into the heavens. When the door to the magic box opened I was in a totally different place! I had to wait in the hallway while this lady (I shall refer to her as The Commandant from now on, because she seems to give the orders) went in through a door. I waited and waited with this nice person I will refer to as “Daddy”… Finally The Commandant came out with three other greyhounds, all muzzled up!! After a few minutes of butt-sniffing and appropriate greetings, The Commandant declared “all was well” and our Hannibal Lecter masks came off!! Then I had to pee, so I found a nice soft spot on the carpet and started to tinkle. Boy! The Commandant’s face got all red and I got WHISKED out of the house, back into the magic box and out into the bitter cold (50F). We walked and walked but, of course, I had already peed and didn’t have to go again - (I think this Commandant is very dumb and not up to houndie ways).

Then suppertime came around. The Commandant said I could have a “little something,” so I had some kibbles - at least they feed me here!!! After the kibbles, I got leashed up and got taken out again. I walked and walked for like almost a minute!! Don’t know why I was outside as I was waiting for that nice soft carpet back in the apartment! Ahhhhhhhh , sweet relief! ACK - the commandant’s face got even redder than before and, yes you guessed it - away we went back outside (Doesn’t this lady know when a houndie is empty?? sheesh!)!!! Then some people came over to meet me and I was my charming, yet shy self. Then everybody got ready to leave and, yes once again, I had to go “outside.” Then we went back upstairs - thank goodness, because I had an urgent need to go poopy! Poopy, it seems, gets done on the kitchen floor NOT on the carpet. Ahhhhhh, more sweet relief. OOPS - I thought the Commandant was going to burst a blood vessel!!!! Yes.... whisked downstairs again! Finally it was time for bed. I got into my crate to dream of the day to come! “BARK! Bark bark!” Yes, that was me - waking up at the “butt-crack of dark” as The Commandant said. So I got leashed up and away we went downstairs. I do NOT understand why I have to be attached

Buffie’s Blog with Donna Deskin

to The Commandant by a rope so she can watch me do my business. It’s embarrassing!! So again I did nothing! Up we went for breakfast. Numnumnum… ahhhhhhhh! After breakfast - oh oh poopy cramps!! But The Commandant was IN the kitchen - so I found a nice spot in the dining room. Gah - you’d have thought world war three had broken out! Whisked downstairs again!!! But this time I could not hold it in so I HAD to pee outside on some leaves. WOW! You would have thought I had produced a masterpiece - not a “masterpee”!! I got all kinds of lovies from The Commandant! Maybe there IS something to this peeing outside thing. I might have to try it with poopy as well... Then about a few hours

later we all went for a long walk and I showed Daddy my new trick of peeing outside! MORE lovies! Then we came in and the Commandant and Daddy had what they called breakfast. I tried to show them my best side - I even put my two front feet on the table to investigate Daddy’s plate but to no avail. I got no snacks! I’ll have to try to be even more endearing at their next meal. All seems to be good. Love and licks, Buffie ED. NOTE: After trying several rookie houndie writers, we are pleased to welcome Buffy to the fold. No poopies inside Precious Pets Central, ok, girl?

In memory of, in honour of and because we love our

Precious Pets Penny Lane

OBITS

We at Precious Pets treasure every life and believe that an animal’s soul lives on and should be memorialized just as respectfully as a human’s. We therefore wish to acknowledge the passing of:

This two month old Tabby is “outrageously spunky, precious, independent, goofy and absolutely gorgeous,” according to owner Vanessa (and us… she is pretty gorgeous, we think), who resides in Montreal’s West End. She’s the “sista” of young Pitbull Lily and Columbian Boa Demon, who have both appeared in these pages previously. So now we can boast that we have an actual family affair happening!

BELLE

Penny Lane

Belle was a Doggo Argentino that was 7-years old at her time of passing. She was as human as they get. She came to us abandoned by someone who attributed no value to human life, much less to the life of dogs. It’s for that reason we felt that she appreciated everything we did for her. She was patient, caring, loving, respectful… she even appreciated the little things like going for a jog or just a walk to get the mail. She knew she was loved and cared for. She also knew she was the most valuable possession that our family had in the house. No monetary item will ever replace what that baby meant to our family. She was a big part of our family and will forever be remembered and missed. She is now in Heaven beside my sister and has promised to save me a seat for the time when God decides it is my turn. We miss you Belley Welley and when I see you I will give you those belly rubs you loved so much. Obits in Precious Pets are $40, which includes up to 150 words of text and a photo. For the obit minus a photo, the cost is just $25. If you are interested, contact

Belle

(submitted by her loving family)

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

editor Bram Eisenthal, at 514-975-7745 or via e-mail at info@preciouspetscanada.com And please remember that we have organized (sponsored by Little Bear of Westmount and in conjunction with Pet Friends of Vaudreuil) live grief sessions for those who have lost an animal companion and wish to share their feelings. These sessions, which are facilitated by professionals and are proving invaluable, are advertised on our Facebook pages: Precious Pets Media Group Inc. and Precious Pets Grief Group. This month’s session will be held at the Cote Saint-Luc ACC (Aquatic and Community Centre) the last Thursday of May (the 29th), from 7 – 8 p.m. Precious Pets is now a member of the CSL Cats Committee and will take an increasingly larger role in the months to come. Please RSVP with Bram at 514-9757745or by e-mail at info@preciouspetscanada.com. The cost is $10 per person and includes refreshments.

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

EDITORIAL

A case of a cat, a dog and our perception of them When working on this issue, featuring the theme of cats and dogs living together, hopefully in harmony, a related memory resurfaced and I had to share. Once upon a time, I had a very close friend who had a dog and cat for many years, both living in the same home. They appeared to live together peacefully, but the dog was always searching for the cat, that would generally manage to run and hide before she (the dog) found him (the cat). It appeared rather funny to we human observers, but when the dog managed to catch the cat, she would pounce on him. She didn’t really seem to hurt her small friend, but who knows? Then the dog got very sick. Right before her demise, the family had her virtually shaved, in order to create a cooler environment for her in her final days. And a strange thing happened: The roles were totally reversed! The cat started stalking the dog and

when he found her, he would literally terrorize her. The dog was not able to move very far or very quickly and she was clearly in fear of her old friend, who appears to be acting out of revenge. We had no idea whether the cat recognized the dog at all… it is possible, I suppose, that he was merely attacking this apparent “stranger” in the family’s midst. Whatever the reason, the dog passed away not too much later. I am not in touch with this family anymore, but as far as I know, the cat lives on.

I wonder whether he sees her ghost? Food for thought, because in the human world, we often seem to naturally dislike people who are different than we are…. And we sometimes go to great extremes to exhibit our dislike. So, are animals that different, after all? Bram D. Eisenthal Publisher and Editor

CSL City Councilor Michael J. Cohen (far left) shakes hands with newly-elected MNA (D’Arcy McGee) David Birnbaum. To their right are Shelley Schecter, chairman of the CSL Cats Committee, and Precious Pets Publisher and Editor Bram D. Eisenthal.

Cote Saint-Luc City Councilor Michael J. Cohen is truly one of THE most remarkable municipal politicians anywhere and his efforts in CSL to champion a Cats Committee and help to organize a Dogs Committee as well must be applauded. Precious Pets is also proud to be supporting such initiatives and we will do so increasingly in the future. On Monday evening, May 5, 2014, I (Bram) participated in the first Animal Protection Forum at the CSL Public Library and I, CSL Cats Committee Chairman Shelley Schecter and Councilor Cohen discussed the issues with some 25 diehard supporters. Newly-elected MNA David Birnbaum was also on hand to show his support for animal rights. More to come on this amazing initiative… kudos, all! ED. NOTE: I, along with our May 2014 issue, will be at the CSL Cats Committee table when CSL’s Community Garage Sale will be held at Trudeau Park (off Mackle Rd., near Cavendish) on Sunday, May 25. Stop by and say hello as you check out some very affordable and interesting deals located throughout this stunning park. Trudeau Park is arguably (in my opinion) the most beautiful community park on the island.

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

JUST CALL ME DR. W So it’s Heartworm season again… or should

I say Lyme season?

(by Dr. Wybranowski, B.SC. DVM CCRT)

ike every spring, it is time to have your dog tested for heartworm disease. For about 20 years now this disease has been imported from the south and has become established in Quebec. It will never be eradicated since foxes, coyotes and untreated dogs will serve as a reservoir to infect new generations of mosquitoes every summer. Mosquitoes, while feeding on dogs (and cats too), inject a tiny larva into the bloodstream that grows as it travels to the heart and becomes a foot-long worm. The disease is deadly but easily preventable by the administration of a once-a-month medication. Since its introduction into Quebec, there have been 35 - 70 reported cases of heartworm disease in dogs per year. More threatening to dogs, but especially to people, are tick borne diseases like Lyme, Erhlichia or Anaplasma. Due to global warming these diseases have traveled north and are now present in Quebec. Ticks feed on mammals and birds by perching on shrubs or tall grasses and wait for their blood meal to pass by. When they sense a warm-blooded animal, they drop onto the host, attach and suck blood. You do not feel their bite because they secrete a potent analgesic. After a few days they drop off and lay eggs. About 10 -25 percent of ticks found in Quebec are infected with the bacteria causing Lyme disease. Lyme Disease is dangerous to dogs but much more so to people. People are much more sensitive to developing Lyme Disease than dogs. The disease causes arthritis and joint pain, it can be devastating in people and, in dogs, it can lead to kidney failure and death. For several years, we at Animal 911 have been using a heartworm test (4DX) that detects not just Heartworm but also tick-borne diseases. Last year in Quebec, for every dog testing positive for Heartworm, there were 15 dogs positive for Lyme Disease. These Lyme-positive dogs had no clinical signs of disease yet and the treatment they received prevented its development. You cannot catch Lyme from your dog but you can catch it from ticks when you both go for a walk. Since it is 15 times more likely to find Lyme Disease in your dog than Heartworm, make sure you test your dog with the complete test: The 4DX test. Further Reading: Lyme Disease on the rise in Canada, linked to ticks by Adriana Barton, (The

Globe and Mail, April 27, 2014). http://www.theglobeandmail. com/life/health-and-fitness/

health/lyme-disease-on-the-risein-canada-linked-to-ticks/article18232442/

ED. NOTE: Doctor W, we may wish to know the signs of Lyme in humans and Heartworm in dogs… more on this next issue, maybe?

Dr. Wybranowski and Willow

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Louise Chênevert -

Ride for the LOVE of WOLVES 2014 Montreal West’s Louise Chênevert is an Environmental Educator, Herbalist, Horticultural Gardener, Organic Gardener and beekeeper. She has been involved with numerous non-profit groups and causes over the years. She has been an avid cyclist all her life, a member of the Club Vélo Dorval as of 2011. In 2013 she was searching for a cause to keep her motivated and she chose to focus her intent on the protection

of wolves, inspired by her late, beloved dog Chinook. She gave herself the goal of riding to Yellowstone National Park, the first US Park to reintroduce the wolf species after a 50-year absence. She accomplished this goal in 2013, in a virtual way, by riding 3220 kilometres, or 2000 miles. This achievement gave her the momentum to plan a ride dedicated to the cause. This past September 2013, Louise visited the Wolf Conservation

Centre in New York State, where she gained a greater understanding of the plight of the wolf in North America, a state where there is actually a war on wolves. Wolves have been perceived as evil, as vermin, and should (according to certain individuals ) be banished from the landscape via trapping, poisoning, aerial shooting and torture. The Myth of the “Big Bad WOLF” has also been very detrimental to their survival. They have

been extirpated in most of their historical ranges around the world. Recently, scientists have made a breakthrough discovery, in fact the greatest in the last 50 years, that of the “Trophic Cascade” where top predators have been proven to rebalance ecosystems which have been degraded by various herds. These predators, therefore, have great ecological value and are essential to the health of the planet. Louise has previously written an article, Where is the Big Bad Wolf? for Precious Pets newspaper, which ran in the December 2013 issue. She has also spoken during the December 1, 2013, “Paws and Pray” church service for dogs at Christ Church Beaurepaire, on Montreal’s West Island. She is planning a ride closer to home, to advocate on be-

half of wolves and to raise funds to safeguard their habitat. She plans to host fund-raising film screenings and to make presentations this spring and summer. Stay tuned for their dates and locations. ED. NOTE: Precious Pets is an active supporter of Louise and her valiant efforts. Good luck, Louise! The above was submitted by Louise and we thank her for her concern and dedication. Should you wish to contact Louise, you may do so by emailing her at lrchenevert@gmail.com

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Fat cats are no laughing matter Chatty Catty with Samantha Havill

t wasn’t too long ago that I actually took one of my cats to the vet because I thought he was too skinny. My vet laughed at me and made comment that Dimitri was actually the perfect size! Could it have been the over-protective catmom in me that forced a vet visit? Or was it just the fact that I was no longer used to a healthy sized cat? Do you know what a healthy cat should weigh, and at what point are they considered overweight or even obese? The answer might surprise you! According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, the ideal domestic cat should weigh somewhere in the range of 8-10lbs! An overweight cat starts at 11lbs, and obesity starts around 13 lbs. So if your cat weighs 11 lbs, he is roughly 10% overweight, that’s the equivalent to woman being 15 lbs overweight, or a man being 17 lbs overweight. Shocking isn’t it! What’s even more shocking is that from a survey taken in 2013, 30% of cats were overweight and another 27% were considered obese. Some of you might be think-

ing…..”ahhhh, one extra pound of weight won’t do any harm,” however, when a cat is overweight , the question is no longer “will this cause my cat to develop a condition secondary to excess weight?” but “how many conditions, and how soon?” Some of the conditions can include; Diabetes, heart and respiratory disease; osteoarthritis; high blood pressure; and many forms of cancer…..and the list goes on from there. Simple fact is, a cat that is overweight has increased potential for disease. Now if we are going to get to the bare bones of chubbier cats, we first have to ask the question, why are these cats chubby? There are two very simple answers; Too much food and; Not enough exercise. Managing a cat’s weight can be tricky and I would advise you not to do it on your own. My vet offers a weight management program for overweight cats. They weigh your cat, set short and long term goals and then prescribe you a daily food allotment to feed your feline friend. There are frequent weigh-ins and recalculations of food portions and, again, you go your merry way.

I stress that you should seek your veterinarian’s help if you want to try and manage your cat’s weight. Many factors have to be accounted for to make SURE your cat still gets his or her proper amount of vitamins, minerals and calories. Cats can develop a very serious condition known as hepatic lipidosis if she doesn’t eat for even two days. Don’t put her at risk, consult your veterinarian! As cat mommies and daddies, we must do our best for our little furry kids. We shower them with love, pet

them, play with them, brush them, clean up their….stuff… But we also need to make sure we keep them healthy! Remember, a healthy cat is a happy cat! N.B. The weights mentioned in this article are an average for domestic cats. Persian, Siamese and Maine Coons all have their own weight categories. Please consult your veterinarian with any questions regarding the specific weight criteria for your cat.

Ace Dog Training Montreal AFFIRMATIVE CANINE EDUCATION • Obedience, All Levels • Behavior Consultations • Temperament Evaluations

Jayne DeLuca DOG TRAINER

514-238-6119

C.D.T.A.REGISTERED TRAINER Member of Montreal Dog Trainers Network

acedogtrainingmontreal.com

OFF

YOUR FIRST BOOKING WITH THIS AD

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Communicating with Cricket the most intense conversation ever

Pet Whisperer with Rita Fert

y personal experience I realized that animals are all about higher intelligence. Some are even more intelligent and quicker in understanding than humans. Unlike many humans, animals are governed by love and therefore their intelligence is not scary. Animals are the greatest allies you can find. They can be your personal cops, bodyguards, psychologists, advisers, stewards, magicians and of course, friends. I discovered a whole new world when my telepathic abilities were initiated, as I started

to communicate with animals, insects, fish and plants. I realized these beings possess wisdom that can’t be matched. What can be very surprising is that animals can discuss any subject with you, after they take a few seconds to download from the collective consciousness everything that is related to it. Complex notions, such as “job”, “metallurgy”, “CIA” - animals can assimilate them in one go and discuss details related to the subject. My life was changed by several animals, especially a cat called Cricket.

Cricket is a very gentle cat that is handson when help is required. She even became my boyfriend’s business adviser. She communicates with the stars and with God and gains knowledge from them. She synchronises forces in the universe, so that I can have a good day. She says she understands synchronicity and can change my life for the better. I understand that cats communicate with pretty much everything. Cricket, for instance, talks to cardboard boxes, as the consciousness of the trees still remains in them. I gave her a cotton elastic to play with, and, apparently, the elastic gave her a lot of wisdom. She also talks to the pot pourri in the bathroom and also to my house plants. When I asked her what is she talking about, she told me “We tell each other stories and they

come true.” When I asked Cricket about what message she would personally tell the Precious Pets readers, she gave me the following content: “Talking about us, cats, we are not little bum-bums in the sun. We are angels rotting down on a teddy bear job. We are timeless ships from Heaven. We want you to be more intense about us and give us more content when you speak to us. We want you to be more understanding of what to do with yourself. You have to be more precise, more getsy and more in love with everything that surrounds you. We want you to be more microscopic about your actions and more in tune. Try to be more gentle with us and bring us all we want.” -(signed) Your cats in love.

Can you help? Three-year old Golden-Doodle female Mika Mika needs a very expensive operation to repair a torn ligament in one leg and a “moving kneecap” in the other. Her companion, Jenn, is a young student.

Bed and Biscuits Home care for small dogs If you can help, contact:

Jennifer Vink Phone:

Excellent references

BACK IN BUSINESS! Shari Bronstein

613-577-0395 E-mail:

jenn.vink@hotmail.com NOTE: Jenn, a resident of Vankleek Hill region, is quite well known to Precious Pets

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

438-880-9700

A birdhouse will educate and enthral you

ave you ever tried to imagine our world without birds? I certainly could not! What is great about observing our feathered friends in action is that everyone is able to watch birds. All you need is a good pair of eyes and a bit of patience. Spring is actually a great time to start observing birds. Their nesting activities are at a peak from May to August. If you want to be rewarded by the most fascinating of behaviours, try to hang a birdhouse in your yard. There are, however, a few things to keep in mind when choosing the perfect house for your potential avian tenants. The first thing to do before choosing the ideal home is to determine what type of bird you want to attract. The size of the opening will determine the type of bird that will nest inside your house. Avoid placing the house where it could easily be accessible to predators. Cats, raccoons and squirrels will

surprise you with their athletic abilities when it comes time to get their claws on a meal… so choose your place wisely and make sure the house is fixed solidly. If your house moves in the wind or is placed in full sun, chances are that birds will not choose or stay in it. As for the materials, select a good quality wood like cedar or pine and choose planks that are at least 2 cm. thick to ensure supreme isolation. If you don’t want your birds to sweat or shiver under their feathers, do not use metal or plastic because they are conductors of heat and cold. Also, avoid dark colours because they will make it too hot for the baby birds that may suffocate inside the house. Instead, try to choose pale and discrete colors and place the house in a shaded area. To increase durability, you can treat the outside of the house with water-resistant stain. Do not, however, paint the inside of the house and make sure there is at least one sufficient opening

Birds of a Feather with Chantal Gargano

to allow proper cleaning of the interior. The interior should also offer enough room for the birds and make sure there are no nails sticking out inside the house. Allow drainage at the bottom of the house and provide ventilation by making a few holes between the roof and the side of the house. It usually takes five to seven days for a small bird to build a nest and usually birds do not use the same nest twice during the same season (they

are quite picky dwellers!). Do not get discouraged if the birds do not adopt your new birdhouse right away: It might take a bit of time, but your patience will eventually be rewarded by the most fascinating sights! If you take the time to observe your new tenants daily from a distance, you might even witness some secret nesting behaviours that are usually rarely seen. Happy birdhouse watching!

Puzzles

SOLUTIONS FROM APRIL

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

A PRECIOUS PETS SERVICE...

Adopt-an-Angel

(If you are looking to earn Karma points, this is the place!)

Web Web is one of the most strikingly handsome greyhounds we have ever seen. His brindling is a mixture of caramel and chocolate. He is 3-years old and had an illustrious career of 10 races. As he is just being put into foster care we don’t have more of an idea of his temperament yet, but… stay tuned! Contact: The League of Extraordinary Greyhounds at donnad@t-legs.com

Blacky

Blacky Blacky is almost 4 and has got a sweet, sweet personality. He’s on the small side and as far as we’ve seen, quite the gentleman. As he is just being put into foster care we don’t yet have more of an idea of his temperament but… stay tuned! Contact: The League of Extraordinary Greyhounds at donnad@t-legs.com Prince and Ernie are two Great Dane pups, eight weeks old, rescued from a “puppy mill” in Val Limoges, Quebec. Of 14 pups in a litter where the mother died shortly after birth, they were separated and given way seven times in their first six weeks of life. They will therefore be looking for a good home as a unit. For more information, contact: Au répit de la montagne, Emergency animal shelter, 514-234-2668

Web

Mozart is a three year old cat rescued from a neglectful owner in Riviere Rouge, Quebec. Due to neglect his fur was all knotted up and he tore his skin, so he had to be shaven to relieve him from the pain. Since he was not cleaned for years, His ears were so infected and swollen that his eardrums were damaged, which is why he leans his head sideways and is almost deaf today. He is very affectionate and needs a lot of love and caresses. For more information, contact: Au répit de la montagne, Emergency animal shelter, 514-234-2668

Ernie (top) and Prince (Bottom)

Hansel & Gretel Nope, not the fairy tale, but a romantic budgie couple that are being housed at the Hôpital pour Oiseaux et Exotiques Mozart in Montreal’s NDG district. As you can see, the 2-year olds are quite smitten with each other, though they are a bit hand-shy with humans. They are, however, reportedly becoming more and more sociable as they adjust to being We at Precious Pets are looking for two commissioned sales reps, for around people. For more information, Montreal and also for the Ontario Region, basically the area from Ottawa to visit the Facebook page for Hôpital the Ontario-Quebec border. pour Oiseaux et Exotiques / Montreal This is a superb opportunity to help a very unique and exclusive pet paper Bird and Exotic Animal Hospital or visit grow and to make some good money, as well (the commission is far from them at 6090 Sherbrooke Street West, stingy). There is plenty of room for growth, so if you do well, you never Montreal, QC H4A 1Y1. know where this could lead. Join our exciting and fun team - We promise you’ll have a blast and prosED NOTE: From what I can tell, per at the same time. not many Greyhounds are anything If you are interested or you know someone who is, contact publisher and BUT sweet. Come on, Donna, admit it! editor Bram Eisenthal or sales manager Tina Di Salvia at info@preciouspetscanada.com.

Can you sell for us?

HANSEL and GRETEL

Lost in Montreal – CUDDLY KITTEN

Home and Petand Home and Pet HOME Sitting Service Sitting PETService SITTING

Areayou a vacationing snowbird? Are you vacationing snowbird? SERVICE

Myrna Park

514-486-5565 Experienced and fullymanor_minder@hotmail.com insured

514-486-5565

manor_minder@hotmail.com

SERVING: ST-LAURENT, TMR, COTE ST-LUC, HAMPSTEAD, MONTREAL WEST, NDG, WESTMOUNT, COTE DES NEIGES

06352579

We will:your Check your home regularly • Water yourplants plants We will: Check home regularly • Water your • Give it a lived-in look • CATS, Care for your pets (no dogs please) FOR YOUR BIRDS AND FISH • Give•itTLC a lived-in look • Care for your pets (no dogs please) Experienced and Fully insured Experienced Fully insured • PLANT CAREand AND HOME SECURITY

Anna Duncan (nee Pedicelli), a well-known local (West End Montreal) personal trainer and real estate agent, has lost her beloved pet kitten. This sweet Tabby is a house cat, was born in a closet and has never been outside before. Anna suspects foul play. If you have information, contact:

Myrna Park 514 486-5565 myrna@manorminder.com

www.manorminder.com

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

Bram Eisenthal, at Precious Pets Central. Tel: 514-975-7745 or via e-mail at info@preciouspetscanada.com lindakirkpatrick3@gmail.com

Funeral Arrangements and Cremation Services for Pets SINCE 1998

Private Cremation Services 7 DAYS A WEEK

Home Euthanasia Service BY ACCREDITED VETERINARIANS The crematorium is a member of I.A.O.P.C.C.

196 VALOIS

VAUDREUIL-DORION, QC J7V 1T4

www.petfriends.ca

514 947-0168 24 HRS PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca

PRECIOUS PETS • VOLUME 1 • ISSUE 10 • FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014 • www.preciouspets.ca