Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine Issue #1

July, August, September 2014

magazine

COMPASSION AND BEYOND Katrin & staff of

Animal Kind

THE LOST GET FOUND

in Hudson

the truth about by-products!

miere is

sue

THE DINNER DISH

pr e

An interview with the founder of The Lost Pets of the Hudson Valley

FREE Please take one

Making paw prints across: Dutchess, Ulster, Greene & Columbia counties 1

“

Dedicated to Kaiya

You will be in my heart always, until you greet me in heaven one day.”

Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine 2014 | July-Aug-Sep | Premiere Issue

contents

july - aug - sep 2014 local tales

Compassion and Beyond: Katrin & Staff of Animal Kind in Hudson 6

DIY

Dog Treat Recipes

8

the dinner dish The Truth About Animal By-Products

10

interview

The Lost get Found: An interview with the founder of The Lost Pets of the Hudson Valley

pet resources

Helpful contact information

what's up dog?

Pet Events Calendar

14

15

16

All articles and content in this magazine are copyrighted by Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine. Any material, in whole or in part may not be reproduced unless prior written consent is given by publisher. While we strive to feature highly reputable companies and organizations, we are not liable for any claims made by such.

3

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Hudson Valley Paw Print 2014

issue1 July-Aug-Sep 2014 magazine

A Welcome Note from the publisher Founder & Publisher

SIRENA JOHNSON Art Director/Designer

GULNAR BABAYEVA

Media Consultant Advertising sales

STACEY LUTZ Copy Editor

GRETA METZLER Guest Writer

APRIL VAN VALKENBURGH

Special Thanks BERNARD SKELLY CARPENTRY BETSY LYLE DIANA LEFAS

Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine’s mission is to be the leading local resource for pet and animal lovers regarding events, activities, current health & wellness tips and information on your pet’s favorite people and places. As well as informative, each quarterly edition will strive to provide enjoyable reading & browsing, with heartwarming stories and photos of local pets.

My pets have given me some of the best moments in my life.

And knowing I am not alone with that statement, I look forward to hearing and sharing moments alike with fellow animal lovers here in the Hudson Valley.

Thanks for reading!

Sirena Johnson Founder & Publisher

Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine is published quarterly.

A list of locations to pick up your free copy are posted to the magazine’s website: HudsonValleyPawPrint.com Subscriptions are also available for $30/year.

For advertising rates & info, contact: 518.567.5707 or Sirena@hudsonvalleypawprint.com

5

local tales

Compassion & beyond: Katrin and staff of Animal Kind in Hudson

by April Van Valkenburgh

I

t has been said that life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans. It’s safe to say that this holds very true for Animalkind, Inc. founder and director, Katrin Hecker. “I never thought I’d run a cat house, but I guess now you can call me the madam of this one,” she says with a laugh. ​ trained pediatric nurse in her native A Germany, Hecker moved to Hudson, NY with her musician husband, where she originally designed his stage costumes. Living in Hudson, she became very aware of the large number of feral cats in the area; many sick or starving, as they dodged traffic and freezing weather. She fed and tended to as many as she could, and knows she must have been a sight. “The people must have thought I was 6

crazy, riding up and down the alleys on my motorcycle feeding all the cats.” One year and $20,000 later, Hecker knew that helping these animals couldn’t be sustained this way. In 2000, she formed Animalkind, Inc. ​ ocated in an unassuming building on Warren L Street, and armed with a small dedicated team, including two veterinarians, Animalkind serves Greene and Columbia Counties, and beyond. The scope of this small organization and all they have accomplished so far is simply astonishing. From their no-kill adoption program, to their low cost spay/neuter/medical program for those in financial need, to their Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program, Animalkind estimates that they have altered over 15,000 cats and have found homes for over 7,000 so

Hudson Valley Paw Print 2014

far. Visiting Animalkind, one is first struck by the sheer number of little lives housed inside.

As well as the bustle of activity, visitors, and phone calls in the office, it is clear that even with all of their work, many more animals are in need of help.

I​n the center of all the activity is Hecker much more glamorous and professional than the “cat lady” of one’s imagination. Hecker runs Animalkind in an effective and meaningful way which makes her the perfect representation for animal advocacy. Undaunted by recent setbacks, including the fire in the Spring of 2012 at their facility, Hecker and her team have carried on where most would have given up. ​ mong Animalkind’s programs, their adoption A program is the most familiar to the public.

Inside the clean and open enclosures, cats are able to socialize, climb scratch towers, play with toys, or be cuddled by the numerous volunteers and possible adopters. At any given time, they may house up to 150 cats, including a separate area for the sick and injured on the mend. In addition, Animal Kind sets up foster homes whenever possible to provide respite for those animals awaiting a permanent, safe and loving family. On this day, we met Nala, a sweet and loving girl with a neurological issue that caused her to walk in a wobbly way (although otherwise healthy!). We observed Clyde the orange tabby taking matters into his own paws by escaping his enclosure and black kitten Ringo who was happily playing with his mommy. This is just to name a few - there were so many to cuddle and pet, it was a bit overwhelming for someone like this writer who wanted to take them all home.

In an effort to reduce the local numbers of stray and feral cat populations, Animalkind’s free of cost Trap/Neuter/Return program has done an effective job at ensuring the health, safety, and well-being of the cats already living among us. On this day as Hecker reports,

Animalkind.info

a local woman from Greene County states she’d be lost without them, as strangers routinely drop off unwanted cats and kittens on her farm. TNR manages about 15 colonies totaling around 180 cats in the surrounding area. Cats are humanely trapped, then spayed/ neutered, microchipped, given the necessary vaccinations and any medical attention

Animalkind estimates that they have altered over 15,000 cats and have found homes for over 7,000 so far. Visiting Animalkind, one is first struck by the sheer number of little lives housed inside. needed. They are then safely returned to their familiar area where colonies are set up with plenty of food and water, as well as shelter from the elements. This process stops the procreation that would have otherwise lead to countless births throughout the years. Why not make all of these cats adoptable? Hecker explains that in most cases, feral cats are not happy living the life of a domesticated cat.

Despite all they have accomplished, the TNR program has faced some resistance from community members who see the cats as a nuisance and would rather dispatch them on sight. Hecker explains that this does not solve the problem. The killing of one or two cats, aside from being inhumane, doesn’t stop the others from reproducing. TNR is the only way to properly monitor and care for the animals so that they don’t proliferate, and are able to lead healthy lives.

To spread the word, Animalkind’s education and outreach programs have offered insight ...continued on page 9

7

DISCOVER THE TRUTH ABOUT FERAL CATS Feral cats live healthy lives in their outdoor homes.

Feral cats are just as healthy as pet cats--with equally low rates of disease. They have the same lifespans, too.

Feral cats are not socialized to people.

And therefore, they are not adoptable. Feral cats don’t belong indoors and are typically wary of us. However, as members of the domestic cat species (just like pet cats), they are protected under state anti-cruelty laws.

Feral cats should not be taken to pounds and shelters.

Feral cats’ needs are not met by the current animal control and shelter system, where animals who are not adoptable are killed. Feral cats live full, healthy lives outdoors-but are killed in shelters. Even no-kill shelters can’t place feral cats in homes.

Feral kittens can be adopted.

Feral kittens can often be adopted into homes, but they must be socialized at an early age. There is a crucial window, and if they aren’t handled in time, they will remain feral and therefore unadoptable.

Trap-Neuter-Return does work.

Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR) benefits the cats and the community. Cats are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and eartipped (the universal symbol of a neutered and vaccinated cat), and then returned to their outdoor home. The colony’s population stabilizes--no more kittens! TNR improves their lives and improves their relations with the community--the behaviors associated with mating stop. Trap-Neuter-Return is the humane, effective approach for feral cats.

Join our movement to protect cats.

To learn more or find tools to help, go to alleycat.org

8

Hudson Valley Paw Print 2014

DIY Animalkind.info

Do It Yourself

...continued from page 7

regarding these issues and many others.

They continue to educate on their cause and offer supportive information and assistance to those who seek it. Animalkind offers low-cost medical services and free cat food to those who can supply proof of financial need. This allows pet owners the support to take care of and keep their pets, rather than the alternative.

So if life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans, it’s safe to say that these kitties, who never planned on the situations they found themselves in, are grateful that Katrin Hecker and her staff found themselves in the position to be able to help.

How can you help?

Animalkind is always in need of loving volunteers to build shelters, cuddle the kitties, provide safe foster homes, help clean the enclosures, help with outreach and donate money, food and blankets, etc. No matter what your skill or skill level, there is a way for you to help!

For further information, visit Animalkind.info or search for them on Facebook.

Kaiya’s favorite

Liver cookies 1 pound organic free range chicken or beef livers 1 cup flour (whole wheat or your choice) 1 cup oatmeal 1 large egg Place all ingredients in a food processor (or blender) and mix until smooth. Spread onto an oiled baking sheet and bake at 350 for 15-20 min. until firm.

(Warning: they do not smell like brownies baking!) Cut into treat sized bites. Store in fridge or freezer.

Pupsicles

for hot dogs!

Ingredients: 2 ripe bananas 2 cups plain yogurt 4 tbsp peanut butter Blend together, pour into ice cube trays and freeze. Makes 2 ice cube trays.

PawTip Having a birthday or anniversary party? Instead of gifts, have your guests bring dog or cat food to donate to the local SPCA food banks!

9

the dinner dish

source: DogFoodAdvisor.com

A

nimal by-products — what could be more controversial to dog food shoppers than animal by-products?

These common pet food ingredients are despised by many.

Yet they’re accepted… and even revered by others. Fans claim animal by-products are equal in quality to fresh meat.

And they blame the ingredients’ noted unpopularity on the unsavory mental image they invoke. Something proponents like to refer to as “the yuck factor.” Critics, on the other hand, insist these ingredients are nothing more than inedible waste of inferior nutritional value.

the

TRUTH about

animal by-products

by MIKE SAGMAN

“

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person."

~ Andy Rooney

10

Hudson Valley Paw Print 2014

What Exactly Are Animal By-Products?

Basically, animal by-products are what’s left of a slaughtered animal after the edible parts have been removed. They include the waste of meat processing not intended for human consumption. For example: feet, backs, livers, lungs, heads, brains, spleen frames, kidneys, stomachs, intestines, undeveloped eggs. But there are exceptions… Giblets (livers, hearts, gizzards and necks) as well as other organs can be sold as edible meats or used generically to make hot dogs, bologna and sausage.

Unfit for Human Consumption OK for Dog Food?

However, what makes some by-products Open weekends only thru Oct edible (and others not) isn’t just a matter 35 Van Wagner Road, Willow of what they are but how they’re handled WoodstockSanctuary.org after slaughter. For example, giblets not 845 679 5955 refrigerated immediately after slaughter but stored for up to 24 hours in a hot off Volunteers Welcome Any Day - Call Ahead all 3 trailer cannot be sold for human consumption.Yet they can still be legally used for making pet food. Likewise, dead-on-arrival animals or other condemned parts that have been declared inedible and unfit for human consumption can still be used for making pet food.

Visit with over 300 rescued farm animals

Turning Tons of Inedible Waste into Profitable Products There are two primary uses for meat by-products: Canned pet food By-product meals Inedible by-products not processed into canned pet food can be rendered. Rendering is a process similar to making stew. Except that the stew is intentionally over-cooked.

With rendering, the idea is to start with a stew of by-products and cook away the water.

Then, skim away the fat and bake the residue. What you end up with is a concentrated protein powder commonly known as by-product meal.

The Two Grades of By-Product Meal (and the Only One Suitable for Your Dog) In the specific cases of chicken or poultry by-product meals, there are two recognized grades: Feed grade by-product meal Pet food grade by-product meal In an important 2003 study, pet food grade by-product meal wascompared to feed grade by-product meal. The result? Pet food grade by-product meal was found to be: Higher in protein; Lower in ash; More digestible; More consistent. ...continued on the next page

11

Bottom line? All things considered, pet food grade by-product meals are superior to feed grade by-product meals.

The Two Ways to Describe Animal By-Product Meals Based upon the source of their raw materials, there are two ways to identify by-product meals: Named by-product meals Generic by-product meals Named by-product meals have one thing in common. They all clearly identify the source species of the by-products that was used to make the meal.

These common pet food ingredients can include: Chicken by-product meal Turkey by-product meal Poultry by-product meal Beef by-product meal And although named by-product meals may not be considered the highest quality ingredients, they can be considered acceptable.

And the One Type You Must Never Trust On the other hand, generic by-product meals do not identify the source of the meat. Instead, they use vague and non-specific names like: Meat meal Meat and bone meal Meat by-product meal Animal by-product meal What’s more, generic meat meals can also contain: road kill, dead zoo animals, dead on arrival poultry, diseased and dying livestock, and euthanized pets from animal shelters. Because you can never know the source of the meat used to make generic by-product meals, purchase of pet food products containing them should be avoided.

12

Nutritional Differences… Real or Imagined?

When comparing animal by-product meals with their “regular” meal counterparts, the differences can be nutritionallyinsignificant.

For example, in the case of rendered ingredients, the digestibility, biological value and amino acid content of both poultry and poultry by-product meals are nearly identical. So, if there’s little nutritional difference between the two, why then do some companies use meat by-products… while others don’t?

The Real Reason Dog Food Companies Use Animal By-Products There’s one glaring and indisputable reason animal by-products remain so popular with some manufacturers… and not others.

Animal by-products are simply cheaper… notably cheaper than most any other comparable meat product.

They’re used for making dog food because they save money. Not because they’re more nutritious.

Why is this important to a pet food shopper?

Although finding animal by-products in a recipe doesn’t guarantee you’ve

Hudson Valley Paw Print 2014

PawTip Stainless steel is widely believed to be one of the safest pet food & water dispensing bowls. Properly cared for stainless steel, won’t harbor dangerous bacteria and they don’t emit dangerous chemicals!

Rosie enjoys a large selection of toys, treats, biscuits, bones and great quality pet food at two convenient locations.

Shop Local at our Two Family Run Pet & Feed Stores 2812 Rt 17K Bullville, NY 10915 845-361-4081 Mon-Sat 9am to 5pm heritagefeedandsupply.net 609 Rt 208, Gardiner, NY 12525 845-255-PETS (7387) Mon-Sat 10am to 6pm Sun 10am to 4pm www.thenaturalpetcenter.com

Naturally the best place to find wholesome pet & livestock feed ...continued from the previous page

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The Bottom Line With the sole exception of precisely identified organ meats, two rules will help you more intelligently navigate the confusing world of meatbased dog food ingredients.

First, watch what you spend.

Never pay top dollar for any dog food that lists animal by-products on its label.

And lastly, never buy any dog food containing anonymous animal by-products sourced from materials a manufacturer refuses to clearly identify.

13

by Stacey Lutz

THE LOST GET FOUND Interview with Bentley Potter, the founder of Lost Pets of the Hudson Valley.

T

Lost Pets of the Hudson Valley crusade started after Bentley Potter was taking a drive through Woodstock in June 2012, he saw a flier on a telephone pole that read missing dog, but he couldn’t make out any of the other details. He drove on and about 10 seconds later an idea popped in his head; social media would be a GREAT outlet to assist finding missing pets. Two years later, armed with five Administrators: Stacey Lutz, Christine Bruno-Anderson, Kim Karidi Kraska, Erin Talarico, and Lauren Toglia, the page has 20,700 followers all dedicated to reuniting lost pets to their loved ones. This endeavor has reached a 65% success rate.

Where do you see Lost Pets going in the future?

Bentley: Brick and mortar, with a tracking team, volunteers and an expanded website.

What do you recommend to someone who sees a loose dog very late or early in the morning before you or any of the admins log onto the page?

Bentley: First call the dog control officer, second call the police, third post to the page. There have been many instances where people post a loose dog to the page between 4am and 8am, and haven’t contacted the DCO or police, so by the time one of us logs on, the dog has been loose for hours.

There is a list of DCO phone numbers in our “About” section, feel free to share others with us if you see we are missing any. he

14

What do you recommend if a cat goes missing?

Bentley: Leave the litter box and food outside. You can also borrow a Have A Heart traps from one of the shelters or rescues.

What other types of animals have been reported to the page as missing/found?

Bentley: Emu, peacock, horse, pig, macaw, bunnies and peahens.

What are some preventative measure people can take to ensure their dog’s safety?

Bentley: Accidents are going to happen but there are ways to prevent your pet from going missing.

Never leave your dog unattended, have a microchip implanted and keep it updated, and make sure the dog’s collar is secure enough so they cannot slip out.

With Facebook constantly changing, how has it affected the page?

Bentley: Facebook is limiting organic reach which means posts aren’t reaching as many people as they used to. I created the page and I barely see the posts! Sharing, liking, and commenting will help the post reach more people.

For more information go to their FB page: www.facebook.com/LostPetsOfTheHudsonValley or website: lostpetshv.org

Hudson Valley Paw Print 2014

LostPetsHV.org

pet resources

EMERGENCY ANIMAL HOSPITALS & POISON CONTROL Animal Emergency Clinic-Poughkeepsie. ������������������������������������������������������845 471 8242 Animal Emergency Clinic-Kingston ������������������������������������������������������������������845 336 0713 Capital District Animal Emergency Clinic-Latham ��������������������������������������518 785 1094 ASPCA Poison Control Center | aspca.org/apcc ���������������������������������������888 426 4435

SPCAs & HUMANE SOCIETIES Columbia Greene Humane Society | cghs.org �������������������������������������������518 828 6044 Emergencies or to report cruelty ������������������������������������������������������������� ext. 6 Lost & found pets ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ext. 4 Low cost feline spay & neuter ������������������������������������������������������������������� ext. 5 Dutchess County SPCA | dcspca.org �������������������������������������������������������������845 452 7722 Animal control or to report cruelty ��������������������������������������������������������� ext. 4 (all proceeds go to shelter) Low cost spay & neuter ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� ext. 114 (all proceeds go to shelter) Low cost grooming ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ext. 8 Pet cemetery & crematorium ��������������������������������������������������������������� ext. 119 Ulster County SPCA | ucspca.org ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 845 331 5377 Animal cruelty �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ext. 212 Low cost spay & neuter ��������������������������������������������������������������������������� ext. 216 (all proceeds go to shelter) Dog training ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ext. 213 Trap-Neuter-Release program ������������������������������������������������������������� ext. 210 ● To find your town animal control officer, see county SPCAs website ● For a list of low cost spay & neuter services: SpayUSA.org ● To find an animal shelter or rescue group near you: AnimalShelter.org ● For a list of local wildlife rehabilitators: Wildlife.rescueshelter.com/NewYork

PETS-LOST & FOUND WEBSITES LostPetsHV.org or facebook.com/LostPetsoftheHudsonValley facebook.com/groups/LostPetsGreeneColumbia PetFinder.com 15

“what’s up dog ?”

Pet Events Calendar for July, August, September 2014 7:05pm Thu

July 3 rd

11am-5pm Sat

July 5 th

3-6pm Sun

July 13 th 8am-3pm Sat

July 19 th

Sat - Sun

July 26 th - 27 th

Furry friends pet rescue sponsored at the Renegades baseball game Dutchess stadium, Wappingers Falls July Jamboree Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary 35 Van Wagner Rd Willow, NY 12495 For more details visit woodstocksanctuary.org Party at Keegan Ales to Raise the Kibble 20 St. James St, Kingston Ny 12401 This fund raiser is to provide the dog park with operating funds for the 2014 - 2015 season.

Yard Sale to benefit Precious Paws, Inc. 2122 Rt. 300 Wallkill www.preciouspawsny.org Volleyball tournament to benefit Mid Hudson Animal Aid, a no-kill free ranging cat sanctuary.

Beacon Memorial Park

7:05pm Tue

Furry friends pet rescue sponsored at the Renegades baseball game Dutchess stadium, Wappingers Falls

8am Fri

Putt for Paws for the Ulster County SPCA Apple Greens Golf Course 161 South St, Highland, Ny 12528 For more info, contact Dan: 845 255 1399 or email danmalski444@gmail.com

Aug 5 th

Aug 8 th

11am-2pm Sat

Sep 13 th

11-3pm Sat

Sep 20 th

Puppy Mill Awareness “Walk With The PACK!” Little W 12th/ Gansevoort St, 9th Ave New York, New York For more information and to register go to www.walkwiththepack.org DCSPCA’s 20 Anniversary Petwalk Bowdoin Park, Poughkeepsie It’s a great day in the park for dogs and the people who love them and a great way for you to raise funds to help animals in need. Register at www.pawsintheparkpetwalk.com

For the latest pet events, go to hudsonvalleypawprint.com or check out Hudson Valley Events for Animal Lovers on Facebook facebook.com/HVanimalovers 16

Hudson Valley Paw Print 2014

“My plans for the 4th of July aren’t finalized yet, but I’m either cowering under the bed or digging a hole into the couch...and you?”

SERVICE DOG MANNERS

✭✭Always speak to the person first. ✭✭Do not touch the Service Dog without asking for, and receiving permission. ✭✭Do not offer food to the Service Dog. ✭✭When you meet a person with a Service Dog, please remember that the dog is working.

CELEBRATE SERVICE PETS THIS LABOR DAY!

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ADOPT JACKIE!

To my amazing daughter, The Lord created you for many great things. Helping His creatures is one of the major ones, which I know this magazine will do. May God bless this endeavor! Love, Mom

A portion of the proceeds from this ad have been donated to Animal Kind

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ADOPT SVEN!

Sirena, May the good Lord bless you and all those who read this magazine.

Love, Grandma A portion of the proceeds from this ad have been donated to Animal Kind

The best friend I ever had came from the Dutchess County SPCA Start something beautiful at either of our adoption locations the shelter in Hyde Park or our satellite site inside PetSmart

845 452 7722 www.dcspca.org

Dutches County SPCA Adoption | Two locations: 636 Violet Avenue Hyde Park & PetSmart 2534 South Road, Poughkeepsie

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Hudson Valley Paw Print Magazine is published quarterly. For advertising rates & info contact: 518.567.5707 or Sirena@hudsonvalleypawprint.com   20