Winter 12
Volume 1 | Issue 1
inside: Naughty or Nice: Gifts for Pets
5:45 PM
silent auction
24th
7:15 PM
Annual
Dinner
8PM
Greater Huntsville Humane Society
Dog Presentation
FRIDAY
Dog Ball
FEB. 8, 2013 VBC South Hall
700 Monroe St. Huntsville, AL 35801
thedogball.org
… r e v o c e h t n o
Nutmeg is a ‘middle aged’ Brussels Griffon. She was rescued from a puppy mill and joined her new family in March 2010. Due to her past, the road to recovery has been long, but well worth the journey. Cover photography by S&S Photography
Rocket City Pets magazine is a free, quarterly publication in the Huntsville, Alabama region, supported by advertising from local pet related businesses and services.
Publisher & Editor Tia Wheeler Advertising Michelle Harte Jones Graphic Design & Layout Kalico Design www.kalicodesign.com Contributing Writers Rob Adams Ariana Kincaid Laurel Rose Tia Wheeler
Facebook.com/RocketCityPets A published advertisement does not constitute an endorsement of VECTORBUTTONS. COM 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
www.rocketcitypets.com | Winter 2012 3
I’VE NEVER UNDERSTOOD WHY MY HUMAN WON’T LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT HER LEASH. I THINK SHE’S AFRAlD OF GETTING LOST. BUT IT’S OK, I KIND OF LIKE SHOWING HER AROUND. — HARPER adopted 08-18-09
It may seem there is a bias towards dogs because they have so many more events and service categories. The reality is that most
Editor’s Note How to Greet a Strange Dog Importance of Early Socialization Gift Guide Nutmeg’s World Directory Listings From Our Readers Meet the Breed: Brussels Griffon Events
people do not take their cats to obedience classes (although I know one who needs it – see Nutmeg’s page), and as far as I know there is not a rabbit park. By no means do I want to exclude other types of animals from Rocket City Pets, but we do need input from you, the reader. Our website will be updated weekly, with several social media postings a week. This is a great way to get event information out to the public. We will not be showcasing specific animals for adoption, simply because there are too many, but adoption fairs will be posted; just send us information regarding events. Finally, this is a free publication, supported by advertisement — PLEASE SUPPORT OUR ADVERTIZING BUSINESSES. Happy tails, Tia
5 6 8 10 15 16 18 20 21
|contents |
I am so pleased to provide you with this first issue of Rocket City Pets Magazine. It is smaller than future issues will be, but our intent was to get the name and idea circulating. This magazine is a community resource so it needs input from you, the readers, in order to be a great source of information, particularly regarding events. Almost every weekend there is an adoption event somewhere in the Greater Huntsville area, and there are so many animals in need. There are some fantastic annual events such as the Dog Ball and HOTC Dog Fair, as well as special dog days at the Botanical Garden.
editor’s note
Editor’s Note
www.rocketcitypets.com | Winter 2012 5
|By Laurel Rose; Such A Good Dog |
How to Greet A Strange Dog... Any Strange Dog A while ago there was a news story about an on-air news anchor getting bitten by a dog. Unfortunately, it was a ‘power breed’ that bit the anchor woman, but it could have just as easily been a Chihuahua, a Labrador or a mutt. The lesson that can be learned from this incident is how important it is to interact with strange dogs on their terms, not those of humans. The anchorwoman interacted with this dog by cupping his head in her hands, leaning into him, and eventually putting her face in his face “to get a kiss”. This dog had never been in a TV studio and he was using body language to let her know how uncomfortable he was, but his signals were ignored by all the humans. Though she meant no harm, from the dog’s point of view it felt threatening.
6 Winter 2012 | Rocket City Pets Magazine
There is a long standing belief that as long as you put your open hand (and some think a closed fist) out so a dog can smell you, then you have been properly introduced. What if the dog is head-shy? What if you put your hand out too quickly and directly at the dog’s face? Have you ever seen dogs greet each other like that? Queue the butt-sniff jokes.
while looking like he’s ready to beat a hasty retreat, just stand there and ignore him the whole time. What if he smells you and then backs up and barks at you? Completely ignore him. Turn your head to the side and up, or turn your back to him. Wait for him to calm down and then just walk away. This helps a shy dog learn that barking won’t make you go away but calming down will. Don’t try to “win him over” because you can amp up his stress level.
feature story
So how do you greet a dog? It’s easy… Let the dog greet you. Stand slightly sidewise to the dog, don’t look at him, stay upright, and let him come to you. When he does come over, don’t take that as an invitation to lean over him and start petting. Let the dog smell you and get used to you. If this is a friendly dog and the owner says it is ok, you can open your hand next to you, not thrusting it toward the dog, and when the dog puts his muzzle in your hand lightly touch him on the side of the head or under the chin. Keep it short and sweet—count to 2 and then resume ignoring him. This makes sense to a dog. Coming straight at a dog, speaking in a high-pitched voice, looming over him, and/or reaching over his head to pat him are all signals of possible aggression in the dog world, and if this is a shy dog he may perceive you that way. If you see the dog stretching out to smell you
Remember, there is no rule that all dogs need or want to be touched by a stranger.
connect with us!
Don’t forget to connect with Rocket City Pets on Facebok!
www.rocketcitypets.com | Winter 2012 7
|By Operation Socialization |
Importance of Early Socialization What is Socialization? Socialization is the process through which your puppy becomes comfortable with his environment.
That’s Why Early Socialization Is So Important
Today, dogs are exposed to new things all the time: Crowded sidewalks, children playing, What does that mean to you? That any situation lawnmowers, buses, mail delivery people, you’d like your dog to happily accept as an cyclists, etc. And, dogs who have been positively adult—including interacting with people, animals, exposed to a lot of people, places, and things and things—you must introduce him to frequently as young puppies are much less likely to come and positively before he reaches four months of across something completely foreign to them as age. But puppies love everything already, right? adults, and better able to handle it when they For the most part they do, until the early stage do. Early socialization serves as a behavioral of their development draws to a close. vaccination for your dog. Dogs lacking positive Up until three to four months of age your puppy’s early socialization experiences are ill equipped to live in our ever-changing world. brain is very open and accepting of what he comes across—the so-called critical socialization But Is It Safe? window. After that, your puppy is genetically Better vaccinations have dramatically reduced pre-programmed to become wary of unfamiliar the risk of your puppy contracting a disease things and that makes it much harder to shape from another dog. We don’t recommend taking him into an easygoing, friendly adult dog. him to the dog park before he’s fully vaccinated, but it’s much safer than it used to be to have your puppy play with other healthy, partially vaccinated puppies. In fact, the risk of a dog dying because of a behavior problem (being put down or surrendered to a shelter) is far greater than the risk of him contracting a fatal disease from another puppy.
8 Winter 2012 | Rocket City Pets Magazine
Age
Period
What to do
Birth to 4 mos.
Critical socialization window
Positively introduce your puppy to all types of people, animals & situations you want him to accept as an adult dog.
4 to 6 mos.
Older puppyhood
Build on & strengthen your puppy’s positive association to strangers. Otherwise, this is when he may begin to shy away from people he doesn’t know.
6 mos. to 2 yrs
Adolescence
Continue to socialize your teenage dog to children of all ages. The most common age for previously social-butterfly dogs to become wary of children is 8 mos. If any problems arise, stop exposing your dog to children & consult a professional trainer.
2 yrs & older
Adulthood
Socialization maintenance. Keep your dog social & adaptable.
feature story
Your Puppy’s Development
Our Mission
OPERATION SOCIALIZATION
To make sure puppies grow up into behaviorally healthy, happy dogs that make great lifetime companions, thereby saving millions of dogs from surrender and euthanasia.
WHO: Operation Socialization™ is a membership organization of professional, positive reinforcement dog trainers and dog-friendly businesses that facilitates safe, early and effective puppy socialization.
WHY: We want all puppies to grow up into behaviorally healthy dogs that are easier to train, more adaptable and overall better lifetime companions.
HOW: Through early socialization, a critical but often undervalued factor in the development of puppies.
P.O. Box 327 Mount Vernon, VA 22121-0327
703-310-4443
www.operationsocialization.com www.rocketcitypets.com | Winter 2012 9
gift guide Most Americans give their pets gifts during the holidays and on birthdays. These gifts can range from a $1000 jeweled collar to a basic new bone. This holiday season, take it a step further and put some meaning behind the gifts for you furry friends — whether they were naughty or nice.
A Dog about Town When out for a walk, safety should be a priority. If you go for a walk after dark, use a reflective leash. The SafetyGlo series are USB and solar rechargeable. On trips to the dog park, skip the community water bowl and bring along a Popware Travel Cup. For the temperature sensitive dog, check out the Kumfy Tailz Thermal Harness. The harness has a belly pouch in which to place an insert that can first be heated or frozen. By placing the pouch under the dog, the harness can help better regulate the animal’s body temperature.
Popware Travel Cup
K u mfy Tailz Thermal Harness
10 Winter 2012 | Rocket City Pets Magazine
If you have a dog, or other animal, that makes frequent snack breaks at the litter box, consider toilet training your cat. The CitiKitty training system takes about one month to accomplish, but it’s well worth the results. Another disgusting bathroom habit of cats and dogs is drinking from the toilet bowl. While the simple solution is closing the lid, one reason animals opt for the toilet bowl is the circulation of water. This can also be accomplished by using a pet water fountain or a FroBo, a water bowl that is frozen overnight, providing cold water all day.
gift guide
Such a Potty Mouth
CitiKitty
My Jimmy’s were Choo’ed If you often come home to find a path of destruction in your house, there are two primary causes that can be addressed – boredom and anxiety. There is an abundance of toys that can entertain your cat or dog, but the object of daytime fun should prolong engagement. Puzzle and Dog IQ toys dispense treats; some require problem solving while others simple dispense by movement, such as the DogTwister which can also be filled with soft foods or liquids and frozen overnight, creating a long lasting summer treat. Anxiety in pets can have a variety of roots causes and is best addressed through a certified trainer or veterinarian. However, there are various aids in the process – herbal supplements and a Thunder Shirt. Thunder Shirts work on the premise of pressure, much like swaddling an infant; some animals display a small difference when using a Thunder Shirt, while for others there is an entire personality change. Considering the cost and the massive potential benefit, it is certainly worth the try for any anxiety riddled dog or cat.
DogTwister
Thunder Shirt www.rocketcitypets.com | Winter 2012 11
gift guide Pup-arazzi Want to carry your prince or princess in style? The JCLA Rescue Me Totes are super stylish with gold or silver paw feet, cheetah print liner, and an added mattress. Male dogs can look their best in formalwear by RoadWagz, while the girls achieve subtle style with HotBows. Your eco-chic cat can relax in a Kittypod, a stylish home/toy/scratching post made of recycled cardboard.
RoadWagz
Kittypod Rescue Me Totes
12 Winter 2012 | Rocket City Pets Magazine
gift guide
Wrap It Up Last, but not least, when preparing for the holidays or other celebrations, don’t forget the wrapping paper. Pet Party Printz makes gift wrap that is non-toxic, just in case pup or kitty decides to open their gifts a bit early — a likely event if there is food involved.
Pet Party Printz
Where to Get It… CitiKitty: www.citikitty.com Dog Twister: www.nina-ottosson.com FroBo: www.myfrobo.com HotBows: www.hotbows.com/bowsfordogs.aspx Kittypod: www.kittypod.com KumfyTailz: www.kumfytailz.com Pet Party Printz: www.petpartyprintz.com Popware: www.popwareforpets.com Rescue Me Tote: www.jclaboutique.com RoadWagz: www.roadwagz.com Safetyglo: www.safetyglopet.com Thunder Shirt: www.thundershirt.com
www.rocketcitypets.com | Winter 2012 13
14 Winter 2012 | Rocket City Pets Magazine
Most days I spend with Alpha... either at home or
going to work; I love Alpha because she took me away from the bad place. My favorite part is riding in the car because she pets me a lot and when we go to food places, I get treats and everyone says how cute I am. Last week, Alpha and I spent the day in the car. One stop smelled like many animals, but with a hint of fear, so I was nervous about what was going to happen. When we went inside I saw the rest of my family (the big man and the little man) which was strange. We all went into a little room; by now I was very worried about what was going to happen. Usually when I go in these little rooms, a person pokes me with a needle. But this was worse ... much worse ... a baby cat. I went over and smelled it and it smelled me, but for the most part I sat next to Alpha and the cat ran around the room. Everyone was laughing at the funny cat; even I found it entertaining when it jumped up and down chasing a piece of dust – stupid cat. Then the lady took the cat away, and Alpha and I left to go home. You can imagine my surprise when I got home and walked down the hallway to find the kitten sitting on MY chair.
Nutmeg’s World
Nutmeg’s World Needless to say my life has been turned upside down by this kitten. She wants to play all the time, and she does not understand that I am old and like to sleep a lot. She follows me around and jumps on top of me. It is really unfair that I have to go outside for the bathroom, but she gets a special box. I tried using it, but Alpha made the scary noise and I have not tried again. Despite the annoyances, I have to admit that it is nice to have someone next to me when I lay in the sunlight, and it is pretty funny when she falls off the counters. Also, Alpha is so busy telling the cat ‘NO’ she does not notice me eating the cat’s food.
- Nutmeg
www.rocketcitypets.com | Winter 2012 15
directory Animal Rescue and Advocates City of Madison – Animal Control 100 Hughes Rd. Madison AL 35758 256-722-7190 www.madisonal.gov Greater Huntsville Human Society 2812 Johnson Road SW Huntsville AL 35805 256-881-8092 www.greaterhuntsvillehumanesociety.org
Huntsville Animal Services 4950 Triana Blvd. Huntsville AL 35801 256-883-3782 www.huntsvilleal.gov/animal Madison County Animal Control 3210-D Hi-Lo Circle Huntsville AL 35811 256-532-1651 www.madisoncountyal.gov
Cats and Birds and Horses, oh my! Help Us Fill This Spot!
16 Winter 2012 | Rocket City Pets Magazine
General Pet Services Pet Sitters Dorothy The Pet Nanny 256-679-1386
Just for Dogs Day Care Such a Good Dog 4001A Holmes Ave. Huntsville AL 35816 256-890-1234 www.suchagooddog.org
Dog Trainers Such a Good Dog 4001A Holmes Ave. Huntsville AL 35816 256-890-1234 www.suchagooddog.org
Medical Help Us Fill This Spot!
Other Pet Friendly Businesses
directory
listings submit your listing… Add your business to this directory so people can find you—we are looking for business such as: • Animal Rescues & Advocates • Pet Sitters • Animal Trainers • Animal Hospitals • Veterinarians • Animal Friendly Lodging • Animal Friendly Restaurants • And More!
Contact sales@rocketcitypets.com for information. Animal non-profits get a free directory listing.
Photographers S&S Photography 256-533-0088 www.snsphoto.net
General MindGear Labs 256-705-GEAR (4327) www.mindgearlabs.com www.rocketcitypets.com | Winter 2012 17
reader
… s o t o h p
“Gizzmo” 17 yr Old Chihuahua Contributed by: Donna White This is my 17 year old Chihuahua, Gizzmo, who is blind but still the Queen of our home. She has brought me 17 years of pure love and joy. Not so much for my 2 Dachshunds, Foxy & Snitzel, who she bosses no end! Gizzmo is the heartbeat at my feet.
“Rocket” 10 yr Old Cat Contributed by: Sara Carver This is my cat “Rocket” who I found as a stray almost ten years ago. Having just moved here, and being only a few minutes away from the Space and Rocket Center, his name was a given. Now he’s a VERY spoiled indoor cat. My one and only.
see youinr poetur magazine!
Send a high resolution photo of your pet including its name and yours and you may see it featured an upcoming issue of Rocket City Pets.
Email the photo and information to info@rocketcitypets.com
18 Winter 2012 | Rocket City Pets Magazine
reader photos “Enzo” 2 yr Old Borded Collie
“Athena” 2 yr Old Carpet Python
Contributed by: Adrian Sanders
Contributed by: Adrian Sanders
“Sadie” Black Lab North Alabama Box Rockers Flyball
Contributed by: Ann Barnes
Contributed by: Jennifer Swann
“Willow” Cat
www.rocketcitypets.com | Winter 2012 19
|By Tia Wheeler |
Meet the Breed: Brussels Griffons Monkey-faced and Ewoks are the most common descriptions for Brussels Griffons, and when looking at their large round eyes it is easy to understand why. The breed was popular during the early 20th century, with a mid-century decline, but rose in popularity during the 1990s thanks in part to the entertainment industry. First there is Rags, on the TV show Spin City, and then Verdell in the movie As Good As It Gets. Entertainment buffs will notice that those two dogs do not look alike. Brussels Griffon is in fact two separate breeds, one rough coated and one smooth coated. Traditionally Brussels Griffon are most readily identified by their beard, a feature noticeably absent in the smooth coated breeds. Thus smooth coats are known as Petit Brabancon. Griffys, as they are also called, are highly intelligent and alert dogs, with a great
need for human affection. They are known as ‘velcro-dogs’ because they tend to bond exclusively with one person, and can easily become depressed when left alone for prolonged periods; therefore this breed is best suited to single people who are home much of the day. The positive of this commitment is that they are most times content to sit still and watch their human. These little dogs seem unaware of their size relative to other animals, therefore owners need to help them stay out of trouble. Brussels Griffons are a toy breed with an ideal weight of 8 to 12 pounds. They naturally have a short tail, but it and their ears are sometimes cropped to meet traditional confirmation. Griffys range in color from solid black to sandy-brown. Litters can produce a variety of colors and coats, largely due to the hereditary blending. Pugs and King Charles Spaniels are the two most noticeable breeds that mixed with the Belgian stable dogs, resulting in the now adored Brussels Griffons.
know‌ did youBrussels Griffons
have webbed paws!
20 Winter 2012 | Rocket City Pets Magazine
Local Events
National Events
Jan. 19-Feb. 28 (Saturdays) Dog Days of Winter & Barkitecture
January
Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden For More Info: www.hsvbg.org Creative dog houses will be on display throughout the Garden during Dog Days of Winter.
Saturday, February 2 MindGear Labs Pet Product Invention Contest
ASPCA’s Adopt a Rescued Bird Month For More Info: www.avma.org
January
Walk Your Pet Month
February
National Pet Dental Month
For More Info: www.mindgearlabs.com
(Brought to you by AVMA and American Veterinary Dental Society) For More Info: www.avma.org
Friday, February 8
February 23
24th annual Greater Huntsville Humane Society Dog Ball, “Disco Down with the Hounds”
For More Info: www.petcentric.com
Time: 5:45pm Location: VBC South Hall For More Info: www.thedogball.org
Saturday, February 16 5K race and 1 Mile Doggie Dash Time: 8:00am for 5K (Humans Only); 9:00am for the Doggie Dash (Dogs Welcomed) Location: Huntsville Botanical Garden For More Info: www.hsvbg.org Race through the beautiful grounds of the Huntsville Botanical Garden! Dogs are welcomed on the 1 mile Doggie Dash!
events
events
International Dog Biscuit Appreciation Day
February 26
World Spay Day For More Info: https://spaydayportal. humanesociety.org/ An international celebration and campaign to raise awareness that spay/neuter saves lives.
www.rocketcitypets.com | Winter 2012 21
A Prayer for Animals by Albert Schweitzer Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share their blessings of the merciful.
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Pet Product Invention Contest
Judging & Celebration: Feb. 2, 2013 Check our website for entr y rules & details.
8331 Madison Blvd, Ste., 200B Madison AL 35758
256-705-GEAR (4327)
www.mindgearlabs.com