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CONTENTS
Showcase Magazine
JULY 2021
PET CARE ISSUE Showcase Magazine
@showcaseDVA
showcasemagazineva @ info@showcasemagazine.com
FEATURES Pet Care
Summer Safety for the Fur Babies
Dog Walking Basics
8
14
ALSO INSIDE Editor’s Letter
Say Hello to My Little Friend 6
Games
From the Kitchen of
Big Bear’s Wife Lemonade Fruit Salad 20
Crossword & Wordsearch 18
Paws for a Cause Meet Oliver 19
Pet Care Summer Safety for the Fur Babies 4 SHOWCASE Magazine |
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PG.
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8
Dog Walking Basics
PG.
14
Confessions of a 30 Something Part of the Family 21
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EDITOR’S LETTER
Say Hello to My Little Friend I went home for lunch one day in December 2019. When I stepped onto my porch, a faint meow grabbed my attention. I followed the sound to the wooded area behind my house. I found the source of the meow… a white and black kitten. It was sitting atop a heap of trash and wood. Of course, it ran when I got close. I took the meow as a plea for help. It was winter. It was cold. I knew what I had to do. I placed a trap with a can of food. Later that day, I met Ralph for the first time. I brought him inside and gave him food, shelter, and protection. At first, he seemed ungrateful, but it didn’t take long for him to take over the place. I had planned on naming him Bandit because of the “mask” he wore over his eyes. But after a week, this kitten turned out to be a Ralph as in “Wreck-It Ralph.” He destroyed everything in his path. Ralph is about a year-and-half old now and has made himself part of the growing family, which now includes two dogs and three cats. When you rescue an animal, you’re not only changing its life, but you’re also bettering your own. If you can’t tell, I’m a massive animal lover. We all are animal lovers at Showcase. This month, the issue is all about pets. We delve into ways to keep your pets safe, not only during the sweltering summer, but year-round. Sam Jackson breaks down dog walking etiquette and safety. And Lee introduces readers to his fur kids in this installment of “Confessions.” Our cover model, Bandit, and the rest of the animals featured this month are available for adoption at the Danville Area Humane Society. These animals would absolutely love to be a part of your family. And you’ll be happier by inviting them into your home. Jane Goodall said it best, “You cannot share your life with a dog, as I had done in Bournemouth, or a cat and not know perfectly well that animals have personalities and minds and feelings.”
showcase JULY 2021
CEO Andrew Scott Brooks scott@showcasemagazine.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Paul Seiple | paul@showcasemagazine.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kim Demont | demontdesign@verizon.net FINANCE MANAGER Cindy Astin | cindy@showcasemagazine.com ADVERTISING Lee Vogler | Director of Sales and Marketing lee@showcasemagazine.com | 434.548.5335 Kenny Thornton Jr | Account Executive kenny@showcasemagazine.com CUSTOMER SERVICE Subscribe to Home Delivery for $24 per year 753 Main Street #3, Danville, VA 24541 Phone 434.709.7349 info@showcasemagazine.com www.showcasemagazine.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Angie Barrett | Paulette Dean | Sam Jackson Paul Seiple | Lee Vogler CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Angie Barrett | Captured Portraiture | Lee Vogler
Enjoy the issue.
COVER Bandit photo by Captured Portraiture (Bandit is available for adoption at the Danville Area Humane Society.)
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FEATURE SUMMER SAFETY FOR THE FUR BABIES
Summer Safety for the
Fur Babies BY PAUL SEIPLE PHOTOS BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE
I
f you’re a pet owner, usually the first residents to greet you after a long day are of the furry variety. For most, adopting a pet is welcoming a new member to the family. The relationship between pet and family only strengthens with time, but it’s important to remember that even though your dog feverishly wags his tail when you call his name and your cat purrs when you scratch her head, your pets have needs that go beyond basic. The owner/pet relationship is mutually beneficial. There are many ways pets can improve our quality of life. Having a furry, little friend is a great stress reliever. Petting your dog or cat has a calming effect that can lower your blood pressure and give much wanted affection to your pet. Another health benefit to owning a dog is an extra outlet for exercise. Dogs love their walks. Taking your dog for a walk or hike gets your blood pumping and may help to combat heart disease. Owning a pet can act as a social strengthener as well. If you gravitate toward an introverted personality, most pets are anything but introverted. Pets help you break through the shyness and meet new people. Pets are invaluable companions that add much positivity to our lives without uttering one word. OK, maybe a bark or a meow here or there. But it’s important to not take a pet’s unwavering love and selflessness for granted. Understand that just because Fido can’t say, “Hey, are you really gonna leave me in here,” when you leave him unattended in a hot car, it’s not OK to do it.
R-E-S-P... Responsibility Before choosing a pet you have to understand the level of commitment as it pertains to pet ownership. The little guy or gal you adopt is trusting you with their lives. Be fully knowledgeable and ready for the responsibility. Do your research. A good place to start is at the American Veterinary Medical Association website (www.avma.org) SEARCH: Guidelines for Responsible Pet Ownership. If you can’t commit to being a full-time pet parent, don’t adopt. Volunteering at the local animal shelter is a way to help if you don’t feel you can dedicate the time needed for pet ownership. Once you’re ready to expand your family, finding the right veterinarian for you and your pet is important. To maintain good health, routine check-ups are essential. Remember, our pets age seven times faster than we do. Much can change in months and pets are instinctive in hiding illness. It’s recommended to visit your vet every six months to keep your pets in their best health. Unfortunately, pets get sick, during these times you will want a vet that shows compassion and answers all of your questions regarding how to get your pet back on track. Also remember to visit your vet before vacations. Pets that are traveling or being kenneled will need to be up to date on their vaccines.
Whoa Nelly… It’s Getting Hot in Here Hyperthermia and the upper respiratory system are the two major culprits in overheating. Leaving pets unattended in a parked car or exposed to the elements at the beach on a hot day places them in environments Continued to Page 10 www.showcasemagazine.com
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FEATURE SUMMER SAFETY FOR THE FUR BABIES
Continued from Page 9
where it becomes difficult for them to cool themselves. This leads to hyperthermia. There can be a stark difference in outside temperature and the temperature inside a vehicle because of solar heating. You may feel comfortable outside on a 77-degree day, but inside a car the temperature can rise to 120-degrees Fahrenheit in a matter of minutes. On a hot day, pets can die in a parked car in 2 minutes. Never leave your pet in a parked car, even with the windows cracked.
If you think your pet is suffering from heatstroke, seek veterinary help immediately and follow these steps. • Get your pet out of the heat. Find shade. • Use cool water, not ice water to cool your pet. Ice water can actually impede cooling by constricting blood vessels. • Use cool, wet clothes on the feet and head. • Offer ice cubes for your pet to lick until you can reach the veterinarian.
Certain breeds, such as bulldogs, with compressed upper airways have a hard time cooling down through panting. Sometimes, the dog produces more heat to cool. Breeds with flat-shaped faces (Brachycephalic pets) such as pugs and Persian cats also have a more hard time panting.
Even if the visual signs of heat stroke dissipate, internal organs such as the brain, liver, and kidneys can be adversely affected by heat stroke. A serious blood coagulating condition called Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation is a secondary complication to heat stroke that can occur hours, even days, after a heat stroke. So, don’t risk it if you think your pet suffered a heat stroke, there could be underlying problems you can’t see. Get to the vet.
Pets at the Greatest Risk of Heat-Related Problems • Puppies and kittens (up to six months of age) • Aging pets - large breed dogs over seven years old, small breed dogs over twelve years old, cats over twelve years old • Overweight pets • Other factors such as illness, poor circulations, and medications put pets at a greater risk
Signs of Heat Stroke • Excessive panting • Labored breathing • Sticky of dry tongue and gums • Bright red gums • Increased heart and respiratory rates • Staggering • Vomiting • Bloody diarrhea • Body temperature over 104-degrees Fahrenheit • Coma • Death
Normal temperature for dogs ranges between 101 to 102.5 Fahrenheit
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Normal temperature for cats ranges between 100.5 to 102.5 Fahrenheit
But My Weather App Says It’s Not That Hot In the age of smart phones, checking outside temperature is one swipe away. But there is another measurement you shouldn’t ignore — the Temperature-Humidity Index or heat index. In humans, we sweat, which allows us to combat heat through evaporation. Dogs and cats have very few sweat glands, so they mainly rely on panting to eliminate excess heat. Panting allows dogs to release heat from their bodies and it evaporates over their wet tongues. High humidity doesn’t just make for a miserable experience; it also impedes evaporation, which can make pet susceptible to the heat.
Ways to Beat the Heat The easiest way to keep your pets safe from the heat is to keep them inside. It’s difficult when your dog chases you, tail wagging, to the door to go for a car ride, but try to resist the sad face and leave them at home during the hottest hours of the day. Dogs still need exercise and pine for fresh air. Schedule walks and outside activities for the early hours of the day or evening after the sun sets. The cooler temperature makes for a better playtime for your dog. Remember the feeling of the first time you stepped on scorching sand with bare feet? Keep in mind there is no barrier between the padding on dogs’ paws and the hot ground.
Panting is a natural way for dogs to cool down. The evaporation of fluids can lead to dehydration. Make sure there is always fresh, cool water available to your pets. If you take your dog for walks or evening hikes, be sure to bring a water bottle and offer your dog a drink frequently. Think about throwing some ice cubes in the water dish for a cool treat. It’s a common misconception that shaving pets in the summer will help them stay cool. Trimming long hair is a good step to maintain proper grooming, but according to the ASPCA, it’s unnecessary to do anything else for cooling purposes. The layers of an animal’s coat actually aid in protection from the heat and sun. Brushing regularly helps to remove loose hair, keeps your pet more comfortable, and aids in overheating prevention. Also, a kiddie pool is a fun and effective way of keeping your pets cool in the summer.
Here Comes the Sun It’s easy to think that dogs and cats have a natural layer of protection against harmful rays. To an extent their coats provide a shield, but it’s not enough. Areas without fur, such as the nose, pads of the feet, and inner ears, have very little protection from the sun. Pets with white hair and pink noses can be at a greater risk for sunburn and skin cancer. Be sure shade is available and put a dab of sunscreen on those pink noses.
are also felt on the pet population. It is reported that 55.8 percent of dogs and 59.5 percent of cats fit the definition of obesity. The extra treats and table scraps may lead to wagging tails and purring, but the long-term effects of poor nutrition will wreak havoc on your furry friend’s quality of life as they get older. According to a Vetsource, diabetes is on the rise in pets — “rising nearly 80 percent in dogs and 18 percent in cats over the last 10 years.” If your pets are overweight, the best thing you can do for them is to talk to your vet about a nutrition and weight-loss plan. Don’t let the guilt trip when you ignore Fido’s plea to sample what you’re having for dinner sway you. Warmer weather brings out the little monsters that feed on our pets. It’s important to be aware of the dangers that lurk. Disease prevention begins with knowledge. There is a prevalence of rabies in wild animals in our area. As summer kicks in and people get out and explore, we and our pets become at risk for this deadly disease. Keep all of your pets vaccinated for rabies. Continued to Page 12
In dogs, 20 to 40 percent of skin tumors are malignant. For cats, the percentage is higher, 50 to 65 percent are malignant. Skin cancer is common among dogs and cats, while not all forms of skin cancer are due to sun exposure, it can happen. Limit the time your pets are in direct sunlight. If you’re outside, there should always be a nice, cool shady spot for you and your pet. This rule applies not only to warm months, sun damage can occur throughout the year. An extra precaution for your pet is pet sunblock and pet sun wipes. There are also nose balms, and yes—UVprotected hoodies.
Some Kind of Monster Obesity is not just epidemic among humans; its effects www.showcasemagazine.com
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FEATURE SUMMER SAFETY FOR THE FUR BABIES
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The usual suspects — ticks, fleas, and mosquitoes — pose a threat to our pets. More than the nuisance these vectors present, the parasites they carry the real danger. Ticks Dogs like to get dirty, especially right after a bath. They love to roll around on the ground, not giving a care to the freeloaders looking to hitch a ride. Hiking trails are perfect spots to get an enjoyable walk under the blanketed shade of trees. Trails are also home to tiny blood suckers. Ticks are menaces to society. Their bites can transmit many diseases to dogs and cats. In Virginia, there are three important vector-carrying species of ticks American dog tick, lone star tick, and black-legged tick (deer tick) — that cause illness in humans and animals.
Three Important Vector Ticks American Dog Tick — Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (While uncommon, RMSF might be transmitted through lone star or deer ticks.) — Tick must be attached for at least five hours to transmit. There is no vaccination available. Lone Star Tick (Also dog tick) — Canine Ehrlichiosis — There is no vaccination available. Deer Tick — Lyme Disease — Tick must be attached for about 48 hours for transmission. There is a vaccination available and should be administered yearly in areas where deer ticks are prevalent.
Another illness caused by tick bite is tick paralysis. Unlike the other tick-borne diseases, tick paralysis is caused by a neurotoxin in a tick’s saliva. You can protect your pets by using tick collars or tick prevention spot on treatments. Keeping your lawn maintained will also help lower risk. You should check your pet every time they come in from outdoor adventures. Look between the toes, inside the ears, between the legs, around the neck, on the belly, and in the deep fur. 12 SHOWCASE Magazine |
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Fleas When the flea circus comes to town, it can bring a dangerous act. By not implementing prevention you’re setting your pet and yourself up for real trouble. Flea Allergy Dermatitis can lead to dog hot spots, patches of infected skin, usually circular. If left untreated dogs will lick and scratch the area until it becomes a bigger wound. In severe cases, Haemobartonella, which is usually transmitted through tick bites, but can be present in fleas, leads to anemia in cats. If left untreated, it can be fatal. Dogs that have had their spleens removed are most likely to be affected. The song Cat Scratch Fever (Disease) isn’t relegated to classic rock stations. While it rarely affects cats negatively, it can pose danger to humans. Fleas act as a vector, transmitting CSD from cat to cat. Roughly 40 percent of all cats will harbor this disease at some point in their lives. Humans contract CSD when the feces of infected fleas is transferred from a scratch, bite, or lick. A harsh reality with dogs is they will eat anything — that includes fleas. Ingested fleas carrying tapeworm eggs could cause a tapeworm infection in Fido. Dogs with tapeworm suffer from weight loss, vomiting, and general intestinal irritation. Fleas are carriers of plague, yes that plague. Most occurrences are found in the southwest. Plague is transmitted when rodents bite or are bitten by dogs and cats. And yes, plague is still transmittable to humans, although extremely rare. Fleas are miniscule but they can pack a punch to rival Mike Tyson in his heyday. The best methods of prevention are flea collars, spot on treatments, and baths. Keep flea and tick preventative on your pets all year long. There are also treatments for your lawn to deter infestation. Indoors, keep a tidy home, vacuuming floors and furniture regularly helps to eliminate fleas and their eggs. Fleas multiply throughout the summer and if you discover the problem in August, it will be almost impossible to control.
Mosquitoes It’s hard to find a competitor to mosquitoes as the most annoying pest. Blood suckers that aren’t afraid of sunlight just like those Twilight vampires. The diseases these winged assassins harbor aren’t secret, but for our pets, one is alarming — heartworm. In the southeast, heartworm is endemic. According to reporting from the American Heartworm Society there are 26 to 50 cases reported per clinic. Those figures are alarming, but the silver lining is that heartworm is preventable. For dogs, heartworm attacks the heart and lungs. It’s a severe disease that can be fatal. Treatment is possible, but expensive and isn’t pleasant for the pup. Heartworm affects the lungs in cats and there is no effective treatment. That makes prevention even more important. A variety of prevention options are available from daily and monthly tablets and chewables to topicals. Monthly
heartworm preventatives are more important than ever during the summer months as dogs and cats are at higher risk.
Plants Versus Pets It’s hard to think that your beautiful landscape could be dangerous to your furry friends, but certain plants are poisonous. Animals a curious by nature, you’ll want to make sure there is nothing harmful for them to chew on. And yes, they will chew on things. Among the most toxic plants are Azaleas and Oleanders. When planning landscape improvements factor your pets into the equation. For a full list of toxic plants visit aspca.org SEARCH: Toxic and Non-Toxic plants. With a few precautions, summer can provide many memories for you and your furry friends to recall when the arms of winter wrap tight around you and have you longing to be outside.
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FEATURE DOG WALKING BASICS
Dog Walking Basics BY SAM JACKSON PHOTOS BY CAPTURED PORTRAITURE
H
ave you noticed all the traffic out there lately? Your dog probably has.
One of the few bright spots to come out of the pandemic has been the increased attention heaped upon our pets, many of whom have gained more of their most cherished resource in life—their owners’ time. As a result, many have noticed a marked uptick in of the few activities we’ve all been able freely engage in—dog walking. “It seems now more than ever that folks are out walking their dogs,” said Brittney Ham, communication specialist for Danville Parks & Recreation. “Especially during the last year, the use of the trails has really skyrocketed. People are getting out after being cooped up all year.” Ham said that some areas of the local trails usually have more traffic than others, although some are growing in popularity, including Angler’s Park in Danville. “(It’s) the perfect long stretch” for people to walk their dogs, Ham said. Ballou Park also offers a secluded space for owners to keep their leashed friends moving. “It’s a really nice place to go if you want to walk your dog where there are few distractions,” she added. Though many parks and trails are growing in use, Ham said the most popular walking destination remains the Danville Riverwalk Trail. Its 11-plus-mile course offers both a place to entertain—and train—your dog. While training your dog to properly walk on a leash may not seem important to some who just want to get out
and exercise their pooch, Ham stressed the importance of it to keep your pet safe. “It’s so important to keep your dog leashed” everywhere but a dog park, such as Coates Bark Park in Danville, where dogs can roam freely. “When your pet is on a leash,” Ham said, “keep it tight. The use of long, retractable leashes is popular, but even those should be kept short when walking in public to protect dogs and other pedestrians.” Ham stressed that it’s important to teach your dog manners and proper behavior around other dogs and humans, and that dogs should be trained not to simply go up to everyone they see. “Not everyone is a dog person” like most dog walkers, she said. Now that summer is here, it’s also important to be mindful of when is the best time to take your pet out for a walk. Paulette Dean, executive director of the Danville Area Humane Society, said that even when it may not seem too hot to go for a walk, the temperature of the pavement must be considered. “In the summer in the heat, it’s always best to go early morning or early evening. That’s because the sidewalks are so much hotter,” she said. Even after the hottest times of the day, a dog’s paw pads can get burned and the owner may not realize it. “And while it may normally seem like a good idea to get your pet as much exercise as possible in one sitting, Continued to Page 16
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FEATURE DOG WALKING BASICS
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summer may not be the time to do that,” Dean said. “In the hot, humid summers of the south, people should consider going on shorter walks,” she added. It’s generally considered best to walk your dog in the morning and during the evening, when the sun is not at its hottest. But also consider that those times are among the busiest. Ham said the most high-traffic time for walkers around Danville tends to fall between 4 and 7 p.m., so that might not be the best time to walk an inexperienced dog. During normal business hours when traffic is down, “those are really quiet times that are good for training,” she added. Also, keep in mind that visibility can be a factor. Dean suggested not only dressing yourself in something that helps you stay visible, but your pet, as well.
“If you’re going out to take advantage of the many parks and trails, don’t try to multi-task,” Dean added. “If you have to drive them to an area for walking, never run errands where you have to leave your dog in the car,” she said. Even left in the shade and with the windows down, a hot car is not safe for a dog. “It’s also important to note that different dog breeds have different capabilities, and it’s good to know what your dog is physically capable of,” Dean added. Consult your vet before taking your specific breed out on any challenging walks. “We usually tell (owners) to form a very good relationship with their veterinarian,” she said. And if your dog needs a chance to run freely without being leashed, Ham suggested making use of the Coates Bark Park, near the Community Market.
“If you do go out in early morning or evening, I would have some sort of reflective collar on so that you can be more easily seen,” she said.
“It’s a really great place to let your dog off leash safely— we’d love to see it used even more,” she said. Ham said that now, as more people become vaccinated and restrictions are lifted, Parks & Rec hopes to have more pet-friendly activities around Danville.
Keep a small bottle of water on you when you venture out, just in case. “You never know when you could be delayed, and your dog can absolutely become overheated,” Dean said.
“We’re always looking to do dog activities, but now it’s a matter of… figuring out a way to do it,” she said. “We do have dog-centric programs for dog owners to congregate and use certain areas at certain times.”
Quick Tips for Walking Your Dog • Keep dogs on a short leash • Walk your dog on your left side, facing the flow of traffic • Keep treats on you to reward their good behavior • Teach them boundaries and manners toward humans and other dogs • Bring a bottle of water along for your pooch • Avoid walking on pavement between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the ground is the hottest. • When walking in early morning or late evening, put a reflective collar on your dog • Please clean up after your dog 16 SHOWCASE Magazine |
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“And as always, regardless of where you go or what you and your pet do, please clean up after them,” Ham said, “By making use of the dog waste disposal stations located around the trails.” “Our resources are there,” she said. “It not only keeps our spaces clean, but it’s all-around good practice.” If you’d like more information on the local trails, parks and other pet-friendly programs, call Danville Parks & Rec at (434) 799-5200. And if you don’t have a four-legged walking partner, call The Danville Area Humane Society at (434) 799-0843 to schedule a visit.
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EXTRA GAMES
Games
Crossword Puzzle ACROSS 1 Clean 5 Instrumental group 9 Masculine 13 Reverberate 14 Lotion ingredient 15 Gambol 16 Draw 17 One of Columbus’ ships 18 Finned mammal 19 Christian holy war campaign 21 Lint 23 Pig meat 24 Box 25 Mischief-maker 29 Parody 30 Compass point 32 Boxer Muhammad 33 Fashion capital 36 Lord’s table 37 Stake 38 Declare 39 Strength 40 Former magistrate of Venice 41 Chart
42 Deer 43 Water markers 44 Pastry 45 Snake sound 46 Bumbling insect 47 Complete (2 wds.) 49 MD 50 Women’s partners 53 Posttraumatic stress disorder 55 Dreary 57 Neon fish 60 Inflammatory disease 62 Entrap 63 From Asia 64 Roman cloaks 65 East 66 High __ 67 Absent without leave 68 Buzzer DOWN 1 Big burp 2 Sporty car brand 3 Strum 4 Garden tools 5 Outlaw 6 Extraterrestrial 7 Not (refix)
8 Unable to hear 9 Unleavened bread 10 Clever 11 Downwind 12 Stray 15 More comfortable 20 What children learn 22 Not rural 26 Not allowed 27 Lament 28 Ceremonies of passage 29 Sky 30 Thick slices 31 Decorative needle case 33 South American plain 34 Use 35 Sicken 36 Limbs 39 Lures 40 Payable 42 Asian nation 43 Summon 46 Located in the north
48 Ms. Winfrey 49 Wild dog 50 __ code 51 Electronic mail
52 Asian country 54 Input 56 Jab 57 Make lace
58 Vane direction 59 Twitching 61 Kine
Word Search ADOPTION
FLEAS
ANNUAL
GROOMING
NUTRITION
VET
CANINE
HYDRATE
PREVENTATIVE
WALKING
FELINE
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MOSQUITO
TICKS
WELLNESS
Answers on Page 22
PAWS FOR A CAUSE
Paws for a Cause WRITTEN BY PAULETTE DEAN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
We are so grateful to the good people of this magazine for spotlighting so many of our shelter animals. We hope visitors consider adopting a senior pet.
who come into the shelter. Sometimes, they have medical issues that, if treated, would make them very desirable pets. That fund, the Fritz Childrey Fund for Older Friends, is named in memory of a dachshund who lived for a little over fourteen years. His owner, Mark Childrey, has been a tremendous friend of ours for several years. Mark loves dachshunds and adopted Fritz from a shelter when he was a puppy..
In June 1992, not long after I started working for the Danville Area Humane Society, a dignified, elderly golden cat was brought to us by his owners because he was too old and they wanted a kitten. I thought then how sad it was that they were willing to turn their backs on such a treasure. It is sad but true that older animals have a tendency to have more health problems than younger ones, and it breaks our hearts when they die. It is also true that most people want a young animal to adopt because they want to spend as much time with them as possible. With those truths comes the sad truth that thousands of older shelter animals are overlooked.
MEET OLIVER This senior guy came to us as a stray, so we don’t have a lot of information about him. We just know he’s sweet!
However, dogs and cats that are considered older or even elderly may be the best option for you. Older dogs are generally housebroken, do not have as many destructive behaviors (e.g. chewing) as puppies, and do not require as much exercise. Older cats are already litter box trained and are probably less inclined to have destructive habits. When puppies and kittens are young, their personalities and characteristics may not be as apparent. When a senior pet comes to the shelter from the owner, if the owners are honest and forthright, we are able to find out a lot of information that helps us make a perfect match.
This fund has financed veterinary care for many older animals, pays for the adoption fee, and pays for the spay/neuter surgery. Adoption fees are waived for animals at least eight years old. Older dogs and cats are now in loving homes because of this fund. Donations, of course, are accepted to finance this fund.
It is a sad fact that we will outlive most of our pets. It is painful when they die because our grief goes as deep as our love. Despite that, we still encourage potential adopters to look beyond the cute little puppies and kittens and search for a loving senior companion.
DANVILLE HUMANE SOCIETY
In 2009, we established a fund to help senior dogs and cats www.showcasemagazine.com
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FEATURE BIG BEAR’S WIFE
From the Kitchen of
Big Bear’s Wife Lemonade Fruit Salad WRITTEN BY ANGIE BARRETT OF BIGBEARSWIFE.COM PHOTO BY ANGIE BARRETT
This easy lemonade fruit salad is made with fresh fruit and frozen lemonade, for that perfect summer fruit salad! PREP TIME: 15m; CHILL TIME: 15m; TOTAL TIME: 30m; YIELD: 6 Servings: about 1 cup INGREDIENTS • 1-pint blueberries • 1 cup green grapes, seedless • 1 cup red grapes, seedless • 23-ounce jar mandarin oranges, drained • 1-pint strawberries • 12 ounces frozen lemonade concentrate INSTRUCTIONS 1. Prep the fruit. Wash fruit. Hull and slice strawberries. 2. Toss fruit into a large bowl. 3. Add in the frozen lemonade concentrate and stir to combine. 4. Place fruit salad into the fridge until ready to serve. NOTES You could also add fruits like pineapple, cantaloupe, blackberries, raspberries and kiwi. You could also add banana slices, but I wouldn’t add them until right before servings.
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CONFESSIONS OF A 30 SOMETHING
Confessions of a 30 Something Part of the Family BY LEE VOGLER PHOTO BY LEE VOGLER
“If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans.” - James Herriot I’ve been blessed in my life. If you’ve followed my column over the past few years, you are aware of many of the reasons I make that statement. This time, however, I wanted to talk about the pets in my life. Cats have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. From Sasha and Boots in my childhood, to Marshall and Mr. Gray today, and many in between, cats have been a fixture for me. Don’t get me wrong, I love dogs (I’ll talk about one in a moment), but cats just seem to suit me well. First, they don’t require a ton of caretaking, which with my busy schedule these days, that’s definitely a plus. Also, they just seem to know your moods. Having a bad day and need a friend? More times than not, you can count on your cat curling up next to you and giving a reassuring pur. I’ve had
Marshall since I was a student at VCU. We’ve been through a lot together. Through good times and bad, he never failed to “meet the moment.” Mr. Gray was a neighborhood stray that eventually worked his way into our hearts and home. He’s been a wonderful addition. My one and only dog that was truly mine was a boxer named Sweetie. It was truly an appropriate name. She came from a litter fathered by a boxer my grandparents had, Sandy. Sweetie was small for a boxer, but she had the biggest heart, getting on her hind legs to give hugs to whoever would receive them. She passed away right before I moved to Richmond to attend VCU. For years, it made me feel guilty. Like somehow she knew I was leaving her. Frankly, I still get a little choked up thinking about her now. And that’s the impact our pets have on us. To most of us, they’re more than just an animal that lives with us. They’re family. I hope you’ll consider looking at the animals in this edition of Showcase, and consider adding them to your family.
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