Rocket City Pets Fall '14 by Rocket City Pets

Fall 14

Volume 2 | Issue 3

inside: Arthritis Care

Rocket City Pets magazine is a free quarterly publication for the Greater Huntsville region. It is supported by advertising from local pet related businesses and services.

Publisher & Editor Tia Wheeler Graphic Design & Layout Kalico Design www.kalicodesign.com Contributing Writers Maya Ballard, Julie Blair, Sarah Belanger, Betty Boyd, Tia Wheeler

… r e v o c e h t on

Tucker is the true definition of a Golden Retriever. He was rescued from the Montgomery Humane Society eight years ago when he was a year old. With a strong desire to please along with his loving personality, he is a very loyal member of the Berzett pack. The “pack” consists of Hannah—a VERY laid back Black Lab, Pete— a coonhound mix that is more glamorous than manly, and Tucker—a friend to any and all that walks through the door. Tucker’s favorite activity is attending outdoor concerts such as Huntsville’s Concerts in the Park and the Lowe Mill Concerts on the Dock series. Actually, he is happy to be anywhere his “pack” happens to be! Cover photo by Pat Patterson

Facebook.com/RocketCityPets VECTORBUTTONS.COM A published advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of products or services. Rocket City Pets reserves the right to refuse advertising at any time and for any reason. In particular, we do not accept advertising relating to the sale of animals; this is an affirmation of our commitment to pet adoption.

All content in Rocket City Pets is intended for informative and entertainment purposes. For issues relating to animal health and wellbeing, please consult your veterinarian. Information provided in this issue was obtained from sources deemed reliable, and should be considered accurate at time of publication.

Rocket City Pets P.O. Box 22254 | Huntsville AL 35814 256-6828362 | info@rocketcitypets.com RocketCityPets.com

2 Fall 2014 | Rocket City Pets Magazine

256-379-4166

In the spirit of living through our pets, Rocket City Pets has Partnered with Lowe Mill Arts and Entertainment to bring you a

Community Spotlight Meet the Breed: Golden Retriever Pet Arthritis DIY For Your Pet: Pet Flower Pot Pet Toxins Pet Technology Reader Photos Events Calendar Directory Listings Nutmeg’s World

new Fall pet tradition Howl-O-Ween. Bring your dog, and yourself if so desired, in costume to Lowe Mill on October 25 at 1pm for Doggy Trick or Treating. Some of the artists and businesses will be offering treats to the pups who can do a trick — any trick, even just looking cute. At 3pm we will have a costume contest with prizes for different categories. Finally, we want to know more about the pet people in the Huntsville area. Please go to our website and take a survey. You have a chance to win some great prizes — those on Nutmeg’s Holiday Shopping list (see page 26). By getting this information, we can better help local animal businesses met your needs. So please do take a few minutes to complete the survey found on our website, www.rocketcitypets.com. We hope to see you on October 25 at Lowe Mill. Happy Tails, Tia

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|contents |

Just a few generations ago, dogs and cats were most commonly viewed as part nuisance and part worker. They kept the mice at bay or herded sheep during the day. Table scraps were generally fed to the animals and medical care was minimal. Those days are long gone. Now pets are treasured members of our family. We give them presents at the holidays, celebrate their birthdays, and shower them with toys and treats. Both my dogs were rescues and we do not know their birthdays, so instead I celebrate “Gotcha Day,” the day that they entered my life and became my beloved girls. For many childless adults, like myself, our pets become our pseudo-children. I am certain that the number of photos I have taken of Nutmeg could rival the quantity taken by my friends of their children.

editor’s note

Editor’s Note

www.rocketcitypets.com | Fall 2014

community Spotlight

The Snuggles Project

|Julie Blair |

Abandoned dogs and cats often arrive at an animal shelter afraid and upset. They have endured abandonment, hunger, and homelessness. The new surroundings and unfamiliar animals at a shelter can overwhelm them. The Snuggle Project seeks to alleviate some of this stress by providing Snuggles (home-made security blankets) to comfort frightened shelter animals. A shelter animal with a Snuggle is a calmer animal, ready to cuddle. Much like Linus Van Pelt in Peanuts comics, the security blanket improves the mood of a scared animal. According to the Snuggles Project website, “After being given a Snuggle, a frightened and/or difficult to handle animal is able to become calm. This calming effect gives the animal and the caregiver time to learn how to handle the situation. We believe that this calming effect has saved the lives of newly-sheltered animals.” The blankets also make the shelter look more inviting and homey, setting a better mood for potential new owners. Many of the animals keep their blankets after they are adopted. The blankets also help comfort animals with special needs. Avid knitter and crocheter Rae French founded Hugs for Homeless Animals (H4HA) in 1996 with the goal of producing one million blankets. The Oregon based H4HA is now part of the Snuggles project and operates all over the world. Ms. French still runs the project and actively participates on their website and Facebook page. The site also features locations to donate Snuggles, no matter where you are. Creative types can find free knitting, crocheting, sewing, and no-sew patterns at snugglesproject. 4 Fall 2014 | Rocket City Pets Magazine

org. Crafters are free to create their own patterns. There are plenty of online sites with free knitting patterns, including Pintrest. The staff at Yarn Expressions, a local yarn store on South Memorial Parkway, also helps with patterns. Warren Candler, executive director of the Greater Huntsville Humane Society, says the program is “extremely popular.” The Greater Huntsville Humane Society gives the crocheted blanket to rescued cats, which often stay with the cats for all nine of their lives. Miss Sunn Hayward of Huntsville Animal Services says they receive sporadic donations of blankets, and they are grateful for any donations. Although not listed on the Snuggles website, Challenger’s House also accepts homemade blankets. Challenger’s House is a non-profit cat rescue and shelter founded in February 2001 by Sherry Carleton and Susan Burlingame. In the thirteen years since incorporation, CHI has rescued almost 3,700 cats and kittens. At any given time, Challenger’s House has between 100 and 150 cats and kittens in their care housed in the shelter in Toney, AL, foster homes,

spotlight and Petsmart. Crafted blankets are used in different ways at Challenger’s House—in the kitten kennels, in the kennels at Petsmart on University Drive, and in foster homes. Crafted blankets are also a nice item for their annual fundraising silent auction, Cat Tales. Challenger’s House runs with the help of volunteers such as Kami Davis, who contributed information to this article. Challenger’s House is located at 112 Tristian Road, Toney, AL 35773. They accept blankets during business hours. For more information, call (256) 420-5995

Local shelter animals can use your contributions so get crafting today! Find inspiration online or in your heart to warm the pets of our local kennels.

Photography by Sarah Belanger

www.snugglesproject.org www.rocketcitypets.com | Fall 2014 5

community Spotlight

The Snuggles Project (continued) In Huntsville, shelters participating with The Snuggles Project include: §§ The Ark, 39 Bo Cole Road Huntsville, AL 35806; accepts Snuggles during their normal business hours: Tuesday - Saturday 11:00am - 4:00pm. For more information on dropping off Snuggles, call 256-851-4088 §§ Challenger’s House, 112 Tristian Road, Toney, AL 35773; accepts Snuggles during business hours: Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday - 11am-5pm, by appointment only, Friday & Saturday - 11am-5pm. For more information, call (256) 420-5995

§§ The Greater Humane Society of Huntsville at 2812 Johnson Road, Huntsville AL accepts Snuggles during normal hours of operation: Tuesday - Saturday 10 - 4:30 pm. For more info email info@ghhs.org §§ Huntsville Animal Services at 4950 Triana Blvd SW, Huntsville, AL 35805 accepts Snuggles during business hours: Monday -Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. and on Saturday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For more information, call (256) 883-3782 §§ Parrots-R-4Ever Avian Rescue and Sanctuary, Inc., contact@parrotsr4ever.com

Donated homemade blankets help shelters and their animals. The crafter who creates and donates the blanket gets a warm fuzzy feeling, too.

6 Fall 2014 | Rocket City Pets Magazine

Why ShouldHorses Be The Only Ones With Long Flowing Manes?

E clusive Designs Salon Tom Gold-Barnett (256) 533.0720

Central Park Shopping Village 900 Bob Wallace Ave., Suite 119

Help Prevent Pet Overpopulation! Saturday, October 11 @ 6pm Straight to Ale Brewery

3200 Leeman Ferry Road, turn at the Matrix

All proceeds benefit the Spay Neuter Action Project (SNAP), a 501(c)(3) organization that serves Madison County, Alabama. $15 in advance, $20 at door, Adults Only

Casual ยง Food ยง Beer ยง Silent Auction ยง Music by Microwave Dan www.rocketcitypets.com | Fall 2014

|Betty Boyd |

Meet the Breed: Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever is a great all-around dog, serving as family members, hunting companions, service dogs, and working dogs. Golden Retrievers are friendly, intelligent, and eager to please, which may explain why they are the third most popular dog breed in the United States.

The Breed The Golden Retriever is a large dog that originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. They were originally bred to capture waterfowl; the name originated from when the dog would retrieve shot game undamaged.

Golden Retrievers have a natural love for water. They are easily trained in basic or advanced obedience. Golden Retrievers require at least 2 to 3 hours of daily exercise due to their energetic and athletic nature. They can live in residential areas, but should be fenced in, due to their tendency to roam. Golden Retrievers are often used as guides for the blind or deaf, for search and rescue operations, and in narcotics and bomb detection. They love kids and thrive on noise and commotion. Golden Retrievers are not afraid to play in a family environment. The breed enjoys most other animals, and with proper training they all will get along nicely.

Health and Care of the Breed The Golden Retrieverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s blonde, yellow, or gold colored coat is very dense and sheds abundant amounts of hair. The breed sheds moderately in the winter and summer, and heavily in the spring and autumn. The coat is double layered and water repellent. Since they shed profusely, daily brushing is highly recommended. They should be

section header bathed at least once a month, and more often to keep them smelling clean as they enjoy playing outdoors and in water. Golden Retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia (an inherited condition in which the thighbone does not fit snugly into the hip joint) and Von Willebrandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s disease (an inherited blood disorder in which the blood does not have the ability to clot). They also can have skin allergies and will require regular visits to a veterinarian. The female is between 21.5 and 22.5 inches tall and can weigh from 55 to 65 pounds. Males are 23 to 24 inches

in height and can weight from 65 to 75 pounds. They generally reach their full height and weight by one year of age and full mature weight by the age of two. Golden Retrievers gain weight easily; they should not be overfed and need daily exercise. They love to play catch with a ball, run around, and generally want to carry something in their mouth like a soft toy or an old smelly sock. The Golden Retriever is a true family pet. They provide companionship, are loyal and friendly, make great guide dogs for the blind and deaf, and are capable rescue dogs in times of disasters.

knowâ&#x20AC;Ś did youGolden Retrievers are often used as guides for the blind or deaf, for search and rescue operations, and in narcotics and bomb detection.

www.rocketcitypets.com | Fall 2014

Just like humans, arthritis is a common problem for aging pets. Watching your once active playmate slowly waddle or unable to jump onto the sofa can be difficult for the human. Just imagine how the dog or cat feels. There are many possible treatments and medications, but finding the right one, or most effective combination, is trial and error. Arthritis is most frequently caused by the erosion of cartilage as animals age, but it can also be caused by joint trauma or hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia. This is more common in larger breeds and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;bulkyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; dogs. A veterinarian can often diag-

10 Fall 2014 | Rocket City Pets Magazine

nose arthritis by a physical examination, but may require X-Rays or ultrasounds to determine the severity of the degradation. To assist you in navigating the world or animal arthritis, below is a list of symptoms and treatment options.

§§ Inability to jump onto furniture §§ Limping or favoring a limb §§ A change in habit of sitting or laying down §§ Swelling of affected joints

The first course of action for minor arthritis is often supplements, such as glucosamine. When pain increases, a veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics and/or antiinflammatory medications. The primary complaint from people using supplements and medication is the administration. Many dogs can smell the medicine and will refuse to take a pill, or eat food with it mixed in. If you animal is suffering from arthritis, it is very important for the animal to maintain a healthy weight. Each extra pound (or half pound in small dogs and cats) can make a difference for the worse.

feature

§§ Slow, stiff movements

Despite the stiffness, continued gentle exercise is recommended. Walking and swimming are the best options. Walking is helpful in keeping the joints moving, as well as keeping weight under control. Swimming is the best exercise for severe arthritis, but is not easily accomplished. Public pools do not allow dogs and the water temperature is too cold for half the year. Small dogs can pseudo-swim in a large bathtub. As for cats and swimming — try at your own risk. Assist your dog or cat in their daily life by providing ramps or steps to get onto and off of furniture, or in and out of cars.If you have hardwood floors, carpets will lessen the frequency of slips. Another aide is toe grips, small rubber rings that go aroundthe dog’s toe nails and provide traction. Alternative treatments, such as massage therapy and acupuncture, should only be done by a trained professional as it is possible to do harm more than good. Disclaimer: This article is meant as general information and shouldnot be considered medical advice. If you suspect your animal issuffering from arthritis, or any other ailment, seek professionalmedical advice.

www.rocketcitypets.com | Fall 2014 11

DIY for your pet

u By:

Brought to Yo

Want to make a flower pot that looks like your pet? We will show you how in a few easy steps.

supplies

• An Empty & Cleaned 2 Liter Soda Bottle

Pet Flower Pot

2. 3. 4.

(washed inside, remove the outer plastic wrapping)

Place the rubber band around the bottle 3 inches from the bottom. Measure in a few places to ensure a straight line around the bottle. Draw a line above the rubber band, taking care not to move the band while drawing. Draw two ears, according to your animal. Cats generally have triangular shapes, while rabbit will have long, rounded ones.

• • • •

Rubber Band Ruler Black Marker Exacto Knife or Scissors • Heat Gun or a Very Hot Hair Dryer • Waterproof paint/s (to match your animal’s coloring)

Cut out the two ears and the remaining sections of the line around the bottle. Don’t cut off the ears! See image 1.

5. If the animals ears curve or flop, your can shape them by using a heat gun. First practice on extra pieces of the bottle. Heat the area for a few seconds and then gently bend around the heated portion. Continue to quickly heat and the bend, until you have the desired shape. See image 2.

6. Paint the entire surface, inside and out. See image 3. Once it’s dry, paint the nose, and draw the other facial features with the marker.

7. Now that the paint is dry, you can add a plant! But make sure that the plant is not harmful to you pets!

8331 Madison Blvd, Ste., 200B Madison AL 35758 | 256-705-GEAR

Coming This Fall: Second Location at Lowe Mill

www.mindgearlabs.com

12 Fall 2014 | Rocket City Pets Magazine

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logos • stationary • brochures • posters • advertising • magazine layout • websites

design for well-being... including your pet’s!

www.kalicodesign.com

Pets have a knack for getting into things they should avoid. There are many foods that people love, but even small quantities are toxic for animals. Therefore, it is important as a pet owner to be aware of substances around your house that can be hazardous to your beloved animal and store them in a pet-proofed location. Some of the more common dangers include:

Foods

Plants

§§ Alcoholic beverages §§ Apple seeds §§ Apricot pits §§ Avocados §§ Candy §§ Cherry pits §§ Coffee §§ Garlic §§ Grapes §§ Macadamia nuts §§ Moldy foods §§ Mushroom plants §§ Mustard seeds §§ Onions and onion powder §§ Peach pits §§ Potato leaves and stems §§ Raisins §§ Rhubarb leaves §§ Salt §§ Tea §§ Tomato leaves and stems §§ Walnuts §§ Yeast dough

§§ Azaleas §§ Castor bean §§ Lilies §§ Rhododendrons bulbs §§ Sago palms §§ Tulip/Narcissus bulbs

pet health

Pet Toxins

Other Household Products §§ Cleaners (such as soaps, disinfectant sprays, etc.) §§ Human medications §§ Insecticides or rat poisons §§ Wires or cords §§ Yarn or string

www.rocketcitypets.com | Fall 2014 15

Paid Advertisement

By Beverly Dezenberg and Walt Hennessee, Board Members, North Alabama Spay-Neuter Clinic

Since circumstances led to our clinic closing last May, we have been working to reopen. During the 28 months we were open, we “fixed” over 8,000 dogs and cats, and our efforts helped lower our city’s euthanasia rate. Every animal spayed/neutered meant fewer unwanted litters of puppies and kittens. It should be noted that high volume, high quality spay neuter surgeries are the only function of our clinic. After the animal is altered, the pet owner must go to a full service veterinarian for all future care of the pet. Our low cost simply means that lowincome families can have their pets fixed with no financial burden. Often this is the first health care the animal has ever had. 16 Fall 2014 | Rocket City Pets Magazine

The benefits of having pets fixed are indisputable – pregnancy/heat cycles and reproductive cancers are prevented, animals are less likely to roam and fight, animals’ overall health is improved, and they live longer. The more we can prevent animal overpopulation, the happier and healthier our pets are, and tax costs for city shelter euthanasia rates go down. The whole community benefits!

Paid Advertisement

www.nalspayneuter.org

So let’s get our spay/neuter clinic reopened! We have a lot going for us – a great facility, all necessary surgical equipment, and a community eager for us to reopen! First, we must find a skilled veterinarian dedicated to the spay/neuter cause. Our new veterinarian will train at the Humane Alliance in Asheville, NC, to learn more about high volume, high quality spay/neuter techniques. As practice owner, our new vet will have a meaningful opportunity to continue the work of our clinic. Second, we’ll need a “premise permit” issued by the Alabama State Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners. The ASBVME will need to approve our vet’s practice license and then grant a permit for reopening the clinic. The clinic is in the process of adjusting its corporate structure in order to meet compliance requirements of the state board.

Third, we’ll hire staff and recruit volunteers to handle daily operations under supervision of our vet. Fourth, we’ll tell all North Alabama! We’ll launch a huge PR campaign and let the public know we’re open again and ready to start booking appointments. We need YOUR help to accomplish this! Our annual “Plea Market” fundraiser, with Silent Auction, is set for November 21-22. We need sellable donations of all kinds, financial contributions, and people who want to volunteer and make a difference! We’d like to thank everyone for your support in the past and look forward to your continuing support. See you at the Plea Market!

www.rocketcitypets.com | Fall 2014 17

Pet Wink If you love looking at and sharing pet photos, then you need to check out Petwink, a new social media platform for pets. And best of all, this new app was developed right here in Huntsville by four friends who share a love of pets and technology. Petwink launched in 2014, and continues for expand nationwide. Although it is currently only available on iOS, the developers are working to bring the app to Android smart phones. Future development includes video support, pet business reviews, and special offers on pet merchandise. “All of these features are foundational pieces to what the Petwink Team considers the true purpose of the app - to build communities. Communities where pet lovers can have a safe place to come together and talk about their pets, learn from other pet parents, and even organize play dates, walks, or events that support animal charities and the general well-being of all pets.”

Building on this sense of community, Petwink donates 10% of revenue to pet charities. “The Petwink Team believes we all have a part to play in looking out for those pets who are less fortunate. That is why we have committed to giving back to those who work tirelessly to make sure all animals feel safe and loved.” So help show your pets some love, or find them a new friend for playdates at the dog park. You can do it all with Petwink. Find it in the iPhone App Store, at www.petwink.com or on Facebook and Twitter.

www.petwink.com 18 Fall 2014 | Rocket City Pets Magazine

technology

Photography Tips 1 Turn off the flash. Not only does the flash wash-out the details on your preciousâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; face, it will also give them alien eyes.

Without F lash

With F lash

Ca ndid Sh ot 2 Always be prepared. As with children, the best photos are often the candid shots. This is where a smartphone can come into play. However, smart phones mainly use auto focus and are designed for a human face. You will probably have to adjust the settings to get the best photos of your petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s face. Or install an app to change the focus parameters.

3 When you have the right light and the right focus setting, how can you get the best posed pictures? Bribery. Hold up a piece of chicken and watch the ear go to attention. or place a dab of peanut butter on your camera and click away while they lap it up.

Chicken Bribery www.rocketcitypets.com | Fall 2014 19

reader

… s o t o h p “Blackjack”, “Edmund” & “Louie” Contributed by: Shrail Heinrich

see youinr poetur magazine!

Send a high resolution photo of your pet including its name and yours, and you may see it featured in an upcoming issue of Rocket City Pets.

Email the photo and information to info@rocketcitypets.com

20 Fall 2014 | Rocket City Pets Magazine

reader photos “Boston” Contributed by: Patty McCullough Boston is a 4 year old Chinese Crested Powderpuff. Boston is friendly and loves to meet people and children.

“Sam” Contributed by: Sydney Scott Sam celebrating his 3rd birthday!

“Lola”

“Brady”

Contributed by: Landon & Lee Lomax Lola the Lobster (Dachshund/Bassett Mix) is ready for Halloween!

Contributed by: Bonnie Rushworth Some days you need to dance in the rain!

www.rocketcitypets.com | Fall 2014 21