PETacular Summer 2015

SUMMER 2015 • VOLUME 11 • ISSUE 2

gazette.com/pets

Falcon family reunited with missing dog after community search rally Oh, baby: Miss Kitty advises readers on healthy infant, feline dynamics

Pooches in Pink PETacular is back!

Pikes Peak region pups help out in healthcare field /coloradopetacular

@CoPETacular

/petacular

FR EE

Quiz: How well do you understand house-training how-tos?

THE SCVIM TEAM:

Understanding burden of caring for sick pets

BY HANNAH BLICK, PETACULAR

Dan Reynolds plays with two-year-old Mastiff Moose at SCVIM while his wife Amy Reynolds watches. Amy works as a client services specialist at SCVIM and can empathize with patients’ families since Moose has received critical care at the internal medicine hospital. Photo by Leslie Massey, PETacular.

Southern Colorado

VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE

Southern Colorado Veterinary Internal Medicine is proud to announce the addition of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) to our practice!

Southern Colorado is proud to be the only hospital in Southern Colorado offering this progressive treatment. The Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) chamber is designated for pets, and it accelerates the healing process for patients by delivering 100 percent pure oxygen under pressure. HBOT is useful in a variety of clinical situations and is most often given in combination with other modes of therapy. Here are a few examples of adjunctive therapy involving HBOT: • Pancreatitis • Infections • Nerve Damage • Fracture healing • Post-surgical recovery • Skin and tissue damage • Burns, ulcers and arthritis

Our Real Specialty is Caring Our Veterinarians

Chris McReynolds, DVM, DACVIM Macon Miles, DVM, DACVIM Karin Cannizzo, DVM, DACVIM Brad Hines, DVM, DACVIM Kirk Sears, DVM, DACVIM Board Certified By the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Located inside the Veterinary Specialty Center

5520 N. Nevada Ave #110 • www.imvets.com

719.272.4004 2

SUMMER 2015

PETACULAR

When Aubrey Carlson’s 11-year-old, diabetic, blind, rescue puggle Wilson was struggling with bladder stones and needed his gallbladder and parts of his spleen and liver removed, she really wasn’t too worried about it.

“I knew he was getting the best care possible, so despite all the factors, I felt calm,” she said. Carlson works as a client services specialist at Southern Colorado Veterinary Internal Medicine (SCVIM), where Wilson underwent a hydropulsion procedure to resolve his bladder stones. Things turned more serious, and he needed surgery and hospitalization. “I almost lost him once before he was a patient here, but I trusted our team and now he’s a success story. That’s just one reason I love working here.”

Carlson is not alone — many of the SCVIM client services specialists have similar stories. Their pets have been through everything from ultrasounds to overnight stays in intensive care and surgical procedures to remove tumors.

“As a team, we truly sympathize with our clients,” said Trista Parsons, relationship manager at SCVIM. “We understand the emotions that come with discovering illness or injury in a pet because we’ve shared these experiences with our own pets. Our team makes a great support system.”

The team even understands the sudden panic that often follows an “oops” moment when a curious pet gets into trouble. “He ate a corncob,” said SCVIM client services specialist Amy Reynolds, referring to her twoyear-old Mastiff Moose, a gentle giant at 130 pounds and counting. “It was during Easter, the baby slipped him some corn on the cob, and as soon as I figured it out I knew we needed to bring him in.” Amy and her husband Dan Reynolds brought Moose to SCVIM for an ultrasound, which suggested he might need surgery. Luckily, for Moose, intravenous fluids and a little more time allowed the cob to move through his system without surgery. “It was a little scary, but it was a good experience to be on the other side of the desk,” Amy said. “I think it helps me show even more compassion to the families who come in to see us.”

Kaley Sherraden is a pro on the

client and client services sides of veterinary care — she came to SCVIM for vet services before starting a client services specialist position and caring for other pet families in southern Colorado. In 2011, her English Setter mix rescue dog Riley was vomiting and lethargic; Sherraden’s regular vet suspected cancer, but she brought Riley to SCVIM for a second opinion from Karin Cannizzo, DVM, MS, DACVIM. “Dr. Cannizzo figured out it was actually Ehrlichia, a tick-borne disease,” Sherraden said. “I was so impressed with the work that went into making sure Riley was taken care of.”

SCVIM client services specialist Stacey Kent knows quality care can make all the difference, especially for families with rescue pets. “A lot of our clients have rescue animals, and having three of my own, I can relate to what they are going through,” she said.

“I love when I get the chance to comfort or encourage someone during a difficult moment.” Kent’s rescue dog Sophie, a Chihuahua-rat terrier mix, was treated by SCVIM’s Chris McReynolds, DVM, DACVIM, for regurgitating food.

While performing an ultrasound of the gastrointestinal tract, he discovered a nodule on her spleen. “My husband and I opted to remove the spleen in fear of the nodule possibly rupturing and the possibility of it being cancerous.”

Sophie has recovered from her surgery and is doing well.

Kim Mestas, also a client services specialist, is grateful for the care her eight-year-old American Pit Bull Jasmine has received at SCVIM, especially when a mysterious mass in her flank needed testing; thankfully, it returned benign.

“You don’t always know how long you’ll have with your pets and you want them to have the best life they can have; we all understand that here,” Mestas said. “I take seriously the role I play in helping our clients and their families.”

“It is a difficult situation when the pets of our staff members need our care,” Dr. Cannizzo said. “We know we will always provide the best care, so there is nowhere else they should be.

The unexpected benefit of these crises is when one of them answers a client question with ‘I understand,’ I know she really does.”

Published by The Gazette

SUMMER ISSUE: 30 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, CO 80903

President & Publisher Dan Steever

June 1, 2015 In case of emergency: Powers Pet Emergency & Specialty open 24/7........ 4

Advertising Director Rhonda Miller Local Community Sales Manager Erik Carlson

Look What The Cat Brought In and Train With Trust team up for feline education ........... 5 Summer Events Calendar ....................................... 6

Need a laugh? Paws A Moment this summer .......... 7

Editor, PETacular Hannah Blick

Pups help out in healthcare field ............................. 8

Graphic Designer Gina Pietramale

Falcon family reunited with missing dog after community search rally ................................. 10

Advertising Designer Connie Rasor

Miss Kitty shares advice on introducing a new baby to your cat ......................................... 11

Advertising Coordinator Cathy Tapia

Quiz: How well do you understand house-training how-tos?........................................ 12

To advertise: 719-636-0130

Pooches in Pink PETacular 2015 ........................... 14

Top Dog Business Directory.................................. 15

YOUR FAMILY THRIFT STORE! A local nonprofit-All proceeds benefit animal welfare organizations.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

BRAND NAME MERCHANDISE

DONATE OR SPEND

2015

2014

Thank you to our wonderful community for all of the fantastic brand named donated merchandise!

719.597.DOGS (3647) • www.stpaws.org 3275 E. Platte Avenue

Citadel Commons in front of Walmart off of Platte Ave Tuesday - Saturday 10am-5pm • Closed Sunday and Monday

PETACULAR

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Powers Pet Emergency and Specialty

preps for pet safety this summer

BY HANNAH BLICK, PETACULAR

Summertime is play time for families and pets, but a little adventure goes a long way when owners plan for potential pet health emergencies.

“In the summer we start seeing more injuries from dog fights, rattlesnake bites, broken bones, lacerations, intoxication from chemicals and flea-and-tick products, and heat exhaustion,” said Lee Wilwerding, DVM and owner of Powers Pet Emergency and Specialty (PPERS).

For Dr. Wilwerding and his team members, if something is an emergency for your family, then it is an emergency for them.

“People often ask us to define emergency, but it’s hard to say without seeing the pet,” Dr. Wilwerding said.

“Something can be minor one day and an emergency the next, and what constitutes an emergency for one person does not for another. We tell

people to err on the side of bringing them in.”

PPERS is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year — it opened its doors in May 2005 and has provided 24/7 emergency services for six years.

The hospital also offers full surgical services, emergency, intensive, critical and extended care options, in-house blood work, the latest in imaging technology and a fully staffed building around the clock.

“We are a very compassionate and caring veterinary hospital,” Dr. Wilwerding said. “It’s easy in the emergency business to become calloused, but I have never wanted that to be a part of the hospital. We always have the patients and the owners in mind when we are working.”

When owners bring injured or sick pets in at all hours of the day, it’s up to the PPERS team to make educated

• 24 Hour Emergency Care • Emergency Surgery • Critical Care • Neurology and Neurosurgery • Radiology • Comprehensive Radiology Center • Orthopedics • Rehabilitation

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Veterinary assistants Sarah Nelson and Denise Weber place an IV catheter in a feline patient.

Photo courtesy of PPERS.

assessments and quick decisions, often to potentially to save a pet’s life.

“People come in and can be very emotional or even angry, especially if they haven’t been in this spot before.

It can be extremely scary,” he said.

“We have to stay calm ourselves and be professional and understanding of the situation, whatever is going on with the pet.”

No matter the season, the highly trained and well-educated team of veterinarians, technicians, surgeons, and staff at PPERS are on call to make sure your pet is safe, no matter the circumstance. “I am extremely proud of this hospital and what it has done for our community,” he said. “It’s a tough job, but we’ve got a great team here; I can’t express enough appreciation to them for all they do.”

SUMMER PET SAFETY TIPS FROM PPERS • Avoid dog fights by leashing your dog securely while on walks in both your neighborhood and in parks and on trails.

• Keep an eye out for rattlesnakes this time of year, especially while on trails and open spaces like Ute Valley Park in Rockrimmon and in parts of southeast Colorado Springs. If your pet is bitten by a rattlesnake, it can induce vomiting and diarrhea and you should take them immediately to the ER.

• Broken bones are an emergency. If your dog seems lame but you didn’t witness an accident, it could still have a fracture and should be seen by a vet.

• Keep your pets away from lawn fertilizer initially. Once it has dried, it is not toxic for them to come in contact with, but they should not ingest it. Secure other toxic items in your garage like antifreeze and rat poison.

• Use only pet-appropriate flea-andtick products on your pets — read the label to make sure it is best for either cats or dogs. Be sure to your fleaand-tick products are not outdated, as cats can be especially affected neurologically by older products.

• Lacerations should be treated immediately. Dogs tend to continue running around with cuts, which could lead to infections.

• Do not leave your pets in a hot car on warm days, generally, 65+.

Cracking the windows doesn’t make enough difference to save pets from heat exhaustion.

• Care for your dog’s paw pads before getting out this summer. After a winter indoors, your pup’s paw beds are not conditioned for long hikes on hot surfaces, which could cause them to blister and overheat. Start out on walks and hikes during cooler times of the day and consider using dog boots when conditioning.

SUMMER SCHOOL:

Look What The Cat Brought In to offer enrichment, behavior, training classes

BY HANNAH BLICK, PETACULAR

No one ever said you can’t teach an old cat new tricks, in fact, this summer they might be able to learn a thing or two. The team at Look What The Cat Brought In (LWTCBI) will offer a variety of classes throughout the summer on feline enrichment, behavior, and training.

“People tend to think of health and behavior as separate issues in cats, but behavior is just an external manifestation of internal problems,” said Megan Phillips, BS, ADBC. Phillips owns Train With Trust, which provides behavior consulting services, and will instruct the classes at LWTCBI. “That’s just one example of how these classes can be insightful for cat families.”

“We’re hoping the classes will help prevent surrenders in the future,” said Jennifer Nosler, founder and executive director of LWTCBI. “Cats are creatures of habit, and if people understand that, they can be more sensitive to how a cat is reacting.”

The shelter is starting with three class topics, but hopes to add to its schedule later this year, including a class on introducing cats and new babies. “We want to bust myths and spread a better understanding of cats,” said Ariel Heart, event and media coordinator for LWTCBI. “We especially have a heart for the ones that aren’t going to have an easy time in traditional shelters, the hard-luck cats.”

FELINE ENRICHMENT: BRINGING OUT THE BEST IN YOUR CAT 1 p.m., June 28 1 p.m., August 9 Phillips recently visited the Denver Dumb Friends League (DDFL) where she saw cats of all ages interacting with seven different types of enrichment activities — one for each day of the week. “They were using everything from paper bags to fish bowls and really had a nice variety of options to keep the cats stimulated, while maintaining control,” she said. “Their shelter-related disease rate has plummeted since introducing the activities.” Phillips has implemented some of the activities for LWTCBI residents and plans to introduce Colorado Springs cat owners to the same feline enrichment options.

“Playing with cats is a critical part of their welfare,” she said. “I think it will be a great chance for families to come in and learn how they can enrich their home environments to keep their cats healthy.” LWTCBI will have recycled items like paper bags, cardboard, feathers, and markers available for attendees to make toys for shelter cats or their own feline friends.

WHERE DID YOUR BEST FRIEND COME FROM? THE NATURAL BEHAVIOR & HISTORY OF HOUSE CATS 1 p.m., June 14 1 p.m., July 12 If you’ve ever wondered about the origins of the domestic cat, this is the class for you. Phillips will explain how house cats are similar to and different from other domesticated animals and how they came to live in close proximity with people.

“The misconception often is that they are not social, but if you study the sociology of cats, they really are,” Phillips said. Class attendees will also learn the basics of cat body language — for example, cats mostly meow to get the attention of people, but cat owners don’t often recognize what their cat is trying to say to them.

“You might know some of these things already, but I think we learn something new about our cats each time we discuss their background,” Phillips said. This 45-minute class is open to all ages 12+.

THINKING ‘INSIDE THE BOX’: PREVENTING & FIXING LITTER BOX PROBLEMS 1 p.m., July 26 1 p.m., August 23 Elimination outside of the litter box is the No. 1 cat behavior problem and among the top reasons cats lose their homes. “There are many things we can do to set cats up for litter box success,” Phillips said. This workshop will be interactive and aims to arm you with the facts of and solutions for litter box issues, whether your cat currently has trouble in this area or not. Bring your questions and examples to share with the class.

“We want to bust myths and spread a better understanding of cats.”

Artists & volunteers needed: LWTCBI is updating its art display in the Kitty Love Café. Submit your original works by June 7 at 2129 E. Boulder Street. To apply for a part-time volunteer position managing the Kitty Love Café, visit www.lookwhatthecatbroughtin.org.

ADOPT

VOLUNTEER

DONATE

We are a limited admission, guaranteed adoption shelter founded in 2008.

Our goal is to find loving homes for cats that otherwise would not.

NEW LO

CATION

2129 E. Boulder Street 719.331.6852

LookWhatTheCatBroughtIn.org PETACULAR

SUMMER 2015

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PET EVENTS

JUNE 6

Wag N’ Wash Pet Food & Bakery adoption fair 11 a.m.–2 p.m., 1234 E. Woodmen Rd. Featuring 2nd Chance Rescue, visit www.wagnwash.com for more information.

JUNE 14

3– 6 p.m., Enso Prenatal, 10 S. 25th St. Expectant parents who have dogs often have many questions about raising bringing their baby home and about raising kids and dogs together.

Train with Trust will give you a better understanding of your dog, and your role in the dog/child relationship.

AUGUST 1

4th Annual Because We Care Pet Fair 11 a.m. –3 p.m., Intermountain Coach, 3204 E. Platte Ave. Low-cost wellness exams, vaccinations, microchipping, spay/neuter vouchers, dog wash fundraiser, demos, and more.

Visit www.harleys-hopefoundation.org.

Dogs on Deployment Vendor and Craft Show 10 a.m.– 4 p.m, Colorado Springs Event Center, 3960 Palmer Park Blvd.

Free admission, donations accepted.

AUGUST 8

Free admission, bring your furry friends! Visit www. thepromenadeshopsatbriargate.com for more information.

SEPTEMBER 12

Pooches in Pink PETacular 11 a.m.– 3 p.m., Garden of the Gods Expo Area For more information or to reserve your spot right away, call 719-636-0130.

ONGOING

Wag N’ Wash Pet Food & Bakery Adoption Fairs 11 a.m.– 3 p.m., every Saturday, 1625 W. Uintah St. Featuring Four Paws Rescue, visit www. wagnwash.com for more information.

All Breed Rescue & Training Romp in the Park “When Mike and I began volunteering forp.m., SafeNorris-Penrose Place we never expected to need their Bark in the Park: Colorado 10:30 a.m.– 4:30 services.

But when we did, we knew that Beau would be cared andSpeak: loved. That Indoor Arena, 1045 Lower Gold Camp Rd. for Dog Using Springs Sky Sox vs. gave Mike a lot of peace in his last days.”

A free, fun, family event for humans and Mindfulness and Body Oklahoma City Redhawks - Kate Harvey, fiancée of Michael Duncan dogs! Visit www.haveanicedog.org for 7:05 p.m., Security Service Field, Language to Build more information.

4385 Tutt Blvd.

Relationship with Your Dog

JULY 8

NO PLACE LIKE HOME!Your powers of observation and

a better understanding of your dog.

Classes are from 2 – 3:30 p.m. at Yoga Studio Satya, 1581 York Rd. Part 1: JUNE 13; Part 2: JUNE 27

Super Animals: All Breed Rescue And Training Children’s Program

With dancing fun and tricks galore, you can visit with some of your favorite stars and more this summer. Enjoy body-awareness are some of the most AUGUST 15 some doggone fun crafts to take home! important tools you need to build JULYHaving 12 served the local community 10thfor Annual Bark at the past 17 years as a virtual nonprofit, Safe Place for Programs start at 10:30 a.m. and are strong communication with your dog.

Playing for Keeps: Building Briargate Pets has recently achieved the enormous goal of opening its doors to the public for the very first free. Visit www.ppld.org for complete This two-part class series will help you 10 a.m.– 2 p.m., The Promenade Shops Happytime. and The Safe Dog & Manitou Springs facility will serve as a shelter, adoption center and new home for our to use these tools toward achieving at Briargate east parking lot Baby Relationships organization. Assisting both people and pets in El Paso and Teller counties, Safe Place is dedicated to finding summer loving, schedule. forever homes for the pets of Visit www.skysox.com for ticket prices.

New Pet Adoption Center Opens in Manitou

terminally ill owners. Founded in 1996 by local hospice nurse Joanne Bonicelli our all-volunteer team has found loving homes for hundreds of bereaved pets by providing veterinary care and other quality-of-life needs.

The generousBOWDISH gifts received overALLERGY the years combined with past GIVE! STORMS CLINIC

Campaigns have made it possible for Safe Place to develop new programs to aid in the adoption of its furry friends. These funds have allowed us to support the health and wellness of the often traumatized, grieving pets entering our program. Many Certified of our animals Board require medical in training Allergy procedures or behavioral before they can be adopted.

Safe and Clinical Place is dedicated to offering Immunology peace of mind to families and their pets dealing with the complexities SERVING and sorrows of terminal THE illness.

COMMUNITY SINCE 1975 Wellness for Pets WilliamOur W. Storms, MD Program Matthew S. Bowdish, MD helps cover expenses related to an animal that has been surrendered to us, but is still living with its owner. Our goal is to provide comfort and assurance for both the beloved pet and their owner facing an end-of-life illness.

Treating Children and Adults

Animal Allergies • Nasal Allergies • Asthma Future donations will help us improve our new animal rescue facility meet our foster pets’ needs.

Chronic Coughto“Fostering •optimally Sinus Problems is such a crucial part of our rescue process. We•areFood takingAllergies someone’s wellHives Eczema • Bronchitis loved pet and placing it in a foster’s home.

The love, attention and stability that fosters Sports and Exercise Induced Allergies give to our rescued pets helps them transition to their new forever home more easily,” says Sandy Thornton, Dog Intake Center Point, Suite 190 Coordinator and Safe Place Board member.

1625 Medical Colorado Springs, CO 80907

Tel: 955-6000

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You Can Make A Difference!

Foster Volunteer Donate Adopt Pet Adoption Center 1141 Manitou Avenue Manitou Springs, CO 80829

(719) 359-0201

www.safeplacepets.org 44

With volunteers being the real heartbeat of Safe Place for Pets, we must thank our foster info@safeplacepets.org Follow us on Like us on twitter facebook families and the fantastic network of 100plus hard-working, compassionate supporters that have helped us fulfill www.stormsallergy.com We are unable to accept animals on a “walk-in/drop-off “basis. our unique mission.

“Our •Safe Place for Pets volunteers Central • North South • Woodland Park are passionate about providing our clients and their pets with the best possible quality of life during most difficult time of their lives. Every adopted pet is SUMMER 2015 thePETACULAR someone’s best friend saved,” says Ann Davenport, President of the Board of Directors for Safe Place for Pets.

non-profit

Lee Bathelt started as a volunteer, became volunteer coordinator, and is now a board member. Robbyn Winburn began volunteering one shift a week, and is now a full staff member.

Both have adopted dogs through the store!

Volunteer recruiting is continuous. There is easily enough work to require 3-4 staffers on every shift. The fact that their dogs are welcome in the store is a real draw for volunteers. It also is a reason many people enjoy shopping at RHUB---they get their “doggy fix!” It’s a rare day there isn’t at least one dog on duty as greeter.

McReynolds, Terra Kraettli they’d been arted as a volunteer, became e of non-profit rdinator, and is now a board eynand welfare Winburn began volunteering more k, and upscale is now a full staff member. .

Rescued opted dogs through the store! ed uitingaccepting is continuous. There is in February work to require 3-4 staffers on

fact that their dogs are welcome real draw for volunteers. It also the people country many enjoy shopping at and shelters. et their “doggy fix!” It’s a rare lter, and fund at least one dog on duty as

Complete and compassionate care The store sells typical donated thrift store items---gently used (and new) clothing, purses, for the life shoes, furniture, decorative items, books, CDs, DVDs, kitchen items, pet supplies, and jewelry. of your pets!

There are also antiques and collectibles. Donors

benefit larger uch as Cause ls typical donated thrift store und a(and smaller used new) clothing, purses, a and Marcy e, decorative items, books, CDs, yitems, 2 years petago, supplies, and jewelry. eantiques owner.and She collectibles. Donors truly an ptwas for tax purposes.

Select new scess purchased for resale, including of Cause pplies.

Diapers ion to go that and belly bands

receive a receipt for tax purposes. Select new merchandise is purchased for resale, including Monday gifts and pet supplies. Diapers and belly bands - Friday 8-6 for dogs are made by volunteers, as are dog Saturday 8-12 and cat beds using recycled fabrics. During Closed Sundays the summer, a furniture annex was opened in the same strip mall, allowing for the storage of more furniture, seasonal items and donated pet food.

made by volunteers, as are dog using recycled fabrics. During xperienced in was opened in furniture annex tive animalfor the storage of mall,inallowing seasonal items and donated pet are essential

Russell Welfare, DVM

Their personal mmunity were the key to knowing where they h the abundance of rescue groups in the area, hose who don’t have as many members. They operate somewhat under the radar. The idea is publicity for them, as well as extra fund-raising

The long-delayed website recently launched, with opportunities for people locally and around the country to support our groups and causes.

There are educational links, also.

5470 Powers Center Point • Suite 100 • Colorado Springs CO 80920

719.282.1222

Find more Paws A Moment original cartoons from local artistCome Leslie Thompson to Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique—it truly is a great place to donate and a fun place at www.gazette.com/pets! s an enthusiastic supporter of two larger groups to shop!

e an exceptional approach to dog rescue, All Rescue & Training and Lucky Dog Rescue. dog comes into their custody, they go through reinforcement training. This practice aids essful adoption rate. Both groups help the ners address any issues that might arise, to the dog from being returned.

In addition to cues, Rescued Hearts helps cat, horse, reptile, nd exotic rescues, as well as Hamlett Spay and Clinic.

re closely involved ontinually network r homes, rescue mals in need with

A non-profit thrift store funding animal rescue/welfare groups.

Watch for upcoming adoption fairs for groups we support.

YOU

il sales. There are eet the groups the ually involve food, are educational, Adoption fairs are fairs and adopted Adoption Service, Bon Carbo, and Pals Forever have also done also collects donations of pet food, which are

www.npahvet.com

can make a difference in the lives of rescued animals.

Shop

Fun

Donate

up each month until the first grant checks were lent auction for Ruby Ranch Horse Rescue. It ne, but when they took in horses from the Black ven greater. Bids came from as far away as also were wine tastings for Lucky Dog Rescue, or Happy Cats Haven, a Pass the Puppy Party untain, and desserts at a “Talk with the Trainers” .

s that are drawn to be a part of this all-volunteer Susan Sterritt and Cathy Zapien joined long ly, Susan became a board member, but now Cathy and Terra. Cathy, the first full staffer is and master of clothes pricing!

Volunteer 3314 Austin Bluffs Pkwy

(west of Academy)

466-9797

www.rescued-hearts.org

A great place to donate, a fun place to shop.

Like us on Facebook PETACULAR

SUMMER 2015

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Caringcanines

Pikes Peak region pups help out in healthcare facilities

BY HANNAH BLICK, PETACULAR

MorningStar Senior Living at Mountain Shadows resident Marilyn Kirkpatrick pets Newfoundland poodle Watson, the facility’s house dog. Photo by Hannah Blick, PETacular

Watson makes his way across the room, stopping for pet here and a scratch behind the ears there, slipping gingerly through a maze of metal walkers and wheelchairs to sit obediently at Marilyn Kirkpatrick’s feet. “That’s a good boy, just rest here right by me,” Kirkpatrick cooed, her delicate, wrinkled hands rewarding Watson with head rubs.

It might seem like just another day in the life of a dog, but the six-year-old Newfoundland poodle — or “Noodle” — is doing his job as a house dog at MorningStar Senior Living’s Assisted Living & Memory Care at Mountain Shadows facility, located at 5355 Centennial Boulevard.

June is Adopt a Shelter Cat Month Find your furry friend today at www.HSPPR.org

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“We are so blessed to have him,” said Shirley Colvard, director of community relations at MorningStar’s Mountain Shadows community.

Watson’s breed does not shed and is quite docile, making him an excellent fit for a senior facility like MorningStar’s. “He really is the perfect dog for us; all our residents and visitors just love him.” Kirkpatrick was the first resident to move into MorningStar’s Mountain Shadows facility when it opened in Fall 2013.

Watson joined soon after and the two were fast friends. “He’s so loving, and you can really tell how much he enjoys it here,” Kirkpatrick said.

Each day, Watson makes his rounds,

visiting residents in their rooms and greeting their families and friends at the front desk. “He’s so laid back, he doesn’t get upset during things like resident activities and fire drills.

He keeps our residents focused and engaged,” Colvard said. The pup even has his own column, called “Watson’s Wisdom,” in the monthly issues of MorningStar’s “In Touch” community newsletter. “He’s quite the celebrity around here,” Colvard said. “Many of our residents have lost pets or had to give up their pets when they left their homes, so he really fills a void, especially for the two or three residents who have an extra-special connection with him. It’s amazing what having a dog like this in the facility has done for the well-being of so many.”

If Watson isn’t proof enough of the therapeutic power of petting a dog, stop by The Chiropractic TRUHealthDR, 5102 N. Nevada Avenue, Suite 140, and meet eight-year-old Benny.

Owners Mike Tolisano, D.C., and Nancy Tolisano, office manager and L.M.T., adopted the European English golden retriever when he was eight weeks old from a breeder in Red Bluffs, Calif.

“We started bringing him into the office in 2013 and found that our

patients love having him around,” Nancy said. “We had one patient who had a severe aversion to dogs because she’d been bitten in the face by one when she was a young girl, but she really loves Benny, and he helped her overcome that fear.”

The team at TRUHealthDR sees patients of all ages, including children, from newborns to teens. “Benny loves kids and babies,” Nancy said. “One of the toddlers who comes in loves to play peek-a-boo with him.”

Benny has a large dog bed and a few toys in one area of the office for him to rest and play, but he mostly likes to interact with the patients who are coming in for adjustments.

“He has a sweet spirit,” Mike said.

“We’ve had lots of dogs, but he has been the best one, the most gentle.

He brings a real tenderness and peace to patients who come in with a lot of pain and anxiety. As he relaxes them, it’s easier for us to work with them, too.” Benny has even helped the Tolisanos create a sense of community for patients at TRUHealthDR. “People will stop in even when they don’t have an appointment just to see him; everybody’s got to get their “Benny” fix,” Nancy said with a laugh.

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Togetheragain Oliver went missing April 22 in Calhan when he escaped from a sitter’s home.

Within four days, the Falcon community, Colorado Springs Lost Pet Alert and countless others helped bring him home safely. Oliver’s family expressed its gratitude and relief in a letter submitted to PETacular the day they were reunited: It is often hard to be eloquent with gratitude when you are completely overjoyed, but in this moment of feeling at peace because our family is whole again, we write this to you all knowing there are not enough words to communicate how grateful we are for each of you in helping us bring Oliver home.

Admittedly, after a few short days and hundreds of miles of driving, it was hard to stay focused, to not get frustrated and just give up. We couldn’t though. Our faith teaches us to believe, and we did. Your faith and prayers also were instrumental in bringing our boy home.

We have only lived in Colorado Springs for six months and are unfamiliar with many areas of town.

You have given us a hope in our hearts that Colorado Springs and Falcon are vibrant cities filled with a strong sense of community and a genuine care for neighbors.

Our many thanks to Denise, our sister and constant updater; Steve, our brother and turn-by-turn Google Maps director; Michelle and Andrea, two of the most determined animal lovers we’ve met; Terri, who helped us print flyers, and came out to help search; Claudia, the first one ready on Sunday morning to search; Mona and Bill, who, in the waning hours of the night, led us around in the dark to areas searching; and the six young men who tracked us down to fan out in the neighborhood searching at midnight! We would like to thank every member of the Colorado Springs Lost Pet Alert for providing invaluable information in our search. We would be remiss if we did not extend our humble gratitude to the community of Falcon. Your relentless support has left an indelible mark on our hearts.

We would also like to thank the businesses that allowed us

Oliver on the day he was found and reunited with his family. Photo courtesy of Sean Ahern.

to place posters of Oliver in their establishments. If it were not for Kendra at Catering 2 Pets, who linked our search to the Falcon Community Facebook page, we would likely still be looking for Oliver. Also, the staff members at Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region and Althea who helped us put together our lost report.

We have to thank the family that was able to secure Oliver in their home.

They provided him food and shelter and were an absolute blessing. They wish

to remain anonymous and are the most gracious family.

Though Oliver walked 25-plus miles during this ordeal, we are happy to say that he is in pretty great shape.

In no time, he will be back to his rambunctious self. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, and may God continue to bless you, your families, and your wonderful pets.

– Sean, Stephanie, and Lexie (and, of course, Oliver, too!)

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Celebrating 15 Years in Colorado springs DEAR MISS KITTY,

I’m expecting a new baby in a few months and am worried about my cat Ranger, who was my first “baby.” What can I do to help him adapt to my little one?

Where good dogs have a great time!

A photo on social media shows a forlorn kitty locked outside with the caption “I thought I was your baby.” Perfectly wonderful cats end up in shelters all the time because their guardians never taught them about the changes a baby brings.

Cats adapt best to big changes if they have time to adapt to smaller ones, a little at a time. Here are five tips for helping your cat adjust and maybe saving him or her from being abandoned.

NEW SOUNDS Cat hearing is thirty percent more acute than that of dogs. Your new baby will be making sounds your cat has never heard before, which can be scary. You can get your cat accustomed to these noises by making or purchasing a recording of baby sounds and playing it for your cat. Please start off quietly and for a few minutes at a time, building up time and volume until your cat no longer pays attention to the sound.

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NEW SMELLS Humans have less than one percent the odor-sensitive cells that cats have, so a new baby can be very overwhelming. It’s helpful to start using baby lotions and powders before the little one comes home. If you can, borrow a friend’s baby to gradually get your cat used to the smell of diapers.

KITTY LOVE It will be impossible to maintain the level of affection you have with your cat once your new baby arrives. If mom-to-be is the cat’s main caretaker, try transferring some of that time and love to another family member. Even a oneperson cat’s affections can be shifted to someone else with the help of treats, extra playtime and/or clicker play. You can start by putting someone else in charge of feeding and expand.

When the baby arrives, try to give your cats at least some one-on-one attention, using their names to distinguish between cooing at them and cooing at the baby.

BABY EQUIPMENT Babies come with lots of new stuff, from strollers to bouncers to gates. If you purchase these things ahead of time and let your cats mark them appropriately with their cheeks and tails, it might save them from feeling the need to do it inappropriately after the baby comes.

GROWING UP Once your baby becomes a toddler, life can still be complicated for your cat.

Toddlers simply don’t have the motor skills to handle cats gently, so please supervise any interaction up to about three years old. They’ll then be able to learn how to hold, pet, and appreciate the purrs of a happy, child-friendly cat!.

Sara Ferguson is the Director of Happy Cats Haven, a rescue center for abandoned cats and kittens. HCH cats live in comfy colonies to help them recover from being left behind and blossom into their true personalities, making Happy Cats a happy place for adopters to visit too. Visit wwwhappycatshaven.com for more resources and information.

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Black Forest Veterinary Clinic 12655 Black Forest Rd. Suite 118 Black Forest, CO 80908 (719) 495-3666

www.BlackForestVetClinic.com Ted H. Mohr, DVM Amy Estrada, DVM

Northgate Animal Hospital 12225 Voyager Pkwy #12 Colorado Springs, CO 80921 (719) 481-3080

www.NorthgateAnimalHospital.net Laura J. Scott, DVM

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North Powers Animal Hospital 5470 Powers Center Pt., Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 282-1222

www.npahvet.com Russell Welfare, DVM Gwen Carlson, DVM

St. Francis Animal Hospital Located in Briargate 8834 N. Union Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80920 (719) 282-3443

www.FrancisVet.net Kim Kaufer, DVM Kerri Mozinski, DVM

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PowersPetEmergency.com Lee Wilwerding, DVM

To Feature Your Clinic in Vet Central contact: Cathy.Tapia@gazette.com or 719.636.0130

Test your ability to solve house training issues

BY PEGGY SWAGER, SPECIAL TO PETACULAR

House training failures can frustrate pet owners and often send dogs to rescues.

Take this house training quiz to see Peggy Swager how you fare with the more difficult house training issues. Choose the true statement under each topic.

Punishment and house training: A. Rolled up newspapers can be used to teach a dog not to mess in the house, as long as you don’t strike your dog too hard when disciplining.

B. Rubbing a dog’s nose in a mess can help it understand what it did was wrong.

C. Using punishment is counterproductive to house training. It is better to take a dog outside at the appropriate time and reward it for success.

D. Both A and B are correct.

Answer: C The best way to house train a dog is to take the dog out at opportune times and reward for success.

Although punishment was used for years and seemed to work, this technique can be counterproductive.

With some dogs, using punishment can cause house training to fail or prolong attaining success.

Medical issues: A. Medical issues can cause house

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training issues.

B. Urinary infections can cause a dog that was previously house trained to begin urinating in the house.

C. Older dogs can develop incontinence and have accidents in the house even though they haven’t have issues for years.

D. All of the above are correct.

Answer: D When dealing with a resistant house training issue, have a veterinarian check to make sure a medical issue isn’t at hand — even puppies can have bladder infections. That being said, some puppies will not develop good bladder control until they are almost a year old.

Male marking: A. Marking occurs when a dog chooses to leave a scent announcing its presence.

B. Only intact males mark in the house, so the only way to get rid of male marking is to neuter your dog.

C. Marking is done by an alpha dog to announce that it is in charge.

D. Once a dog learns to mark, you can’t change that behavior.

Answer: A Both intact and neutered males might choose to mark in the house.

Females can also mark in the house.

Marking habits can be changed through training and don’t always disappear after a male is neutered, but punishment is not part of the

BOARD CERTIFIED VETERINARIANS solution. Ironically, although most think marking is an alpha trait, often an insecure male dog will mark in the house. The marking is a message that seems to say, “Hey, I’m here. So, back off, please.”

Dogs eating their feces: A. The technical term for this habit is coprophagia.

B. Some adolescent dogs have been known to do this as a result of harsh discipline, administered when the teenage dog misbehaves.

C. Sometimes changing to a higher quality dog food and supplementing with vitamins and minerals can help.

D. All of the above.

Answer: D Coprophagia is the term for an animal that eats its feces; pica is the term for an animal who eats un-nutritious substances like rocks — both can be challenging to resolve.

With pica, dog trainers often work to interrupt and redirect the dog in an effort to change the habit. With coprophagia, commercially available food additives can change the flavor of the dog’s feces to help discourage the habit. Dog owners often find they must also diligently pick up right after the dog eliminates. Sometimes, switching to a more nutritious dog food and adding vitamins and minerals can help.

Dogs who “learn” to relieve themselves inside: A. If a dog isn’t reliably house trained by one year old, the dog can’t be reliably house trained.

B. Using puppy pads can prevent some dogs from learning correct house training.

C. Mill dogs that lived in a cage in which they had no other choice but to eliminate in the crate can’t be expected to become house trained.

D. None of the above are true.

Answer: D Puppy pads can be successfully used to begin a dog’s house training experience. If confining a puppy in one room, make sure the dog has a place to sleep other than on puppy pads. As a puppy matures, the lesson can be expanded so the dog learns to keep the entire house clean. Though mill dog rescues originally lived in cages, these dogs can be reliably house trained using proper training techniques.

Submissive urinating, and greeting or excitement urinating: A. Submissive urinating is different than greeting urinating, also called excitement peeing.

B. Greeting urinating is a relationship issue and not a true house training issue.

C. Submissive urinating is a relationship issue and not a true house training issue.

D. All of the above are true.

Answer: D Though classified as house training problems, both submissive and greeting urinating are relationship issues. If your dog has a weak bladder and you offer an overly excited greeting, your dog could learn to pee when greeted or excited. Some dogs will outgrow this after turning one, when bladder control improves. Others will need training and relationship development to solve the issue.

Submissive peeing often occurs when a dog is feeling a lack of confidence with its owner. Some dogs have a natural, overly-submissive personality, while others take up this habit when the owner’s interactions are perhaps too harsh. Looming over a dog communicates that it needs to submit, and the act of peeing is the most submissive offering a dog can give an owner. Unfortunately, owners can trigger a submissive pee when bending to pet the dog. If they then become angry at the dog, they communicate the dog needs to try harder when submitting. The only way the dog can do a better job submitting is to urinate sooner or longer when the owner approaches. With both greeting and submissive urinating, changing the owner’s behavior begins the process of changing the dog’s unwanted behavior.

If you are facing what seems like an unresolvable house training issue, don’t dump your dog at a rescue.

Instead, seek out the help of a qualified dog trainer or behaviorist.

To take a class on the subject, visit e-trainingfordogs.com and search “Solving House Training Issues.” The class is offered for audit or credits.

Peggy Swager is a dog trainer and behaviorist. Her newest book is “Rescue Your Dog from Fear.”

For more resources and information, visit www.peggyswager.com.

Colorado Canine Orthopedics & Rehab 5520 N. Nevada Ave. Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (719) 264-6666

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Michael Bauer, DVM, Diplomate, ACVS Todd Riecks, DVM, Diplomate, ACVS Scot Swainson, DVM, Diplomate, ACVS Nate Miller DVM, Diplomate, ACVS Bonnie Wright, DVM, Diplomate ACVAA, Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner, Certified in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Powers Pet Emergency and Specialty Now at our new location 5886 Tutt Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80923 719-473-0482

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Dr. Rainier Ko, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA, DACVIM

Southern Colorado Veterinary Internal Medicine 5520 N. Nevada Ave. #110 Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (719) 272-4004

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Southern Colorado

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To Feature Your Clinic in Vet Central contact: Cathy.Tapia@gazette.com or 719.636.0130

PETACULAR

SUMMER 2015

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Photo by Hannah Blick, PETacular

WHERE LOVE IS FOUND

SAVE THE DATE:

Pooches in Pink PETacular 2015 11 A.M. – 3 P.M., SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 GARDEN OF THE GODS EXPO AREA The pooches are back! PETacular is teaming up with Susan G. Komen Southeastern Colorado for the 2nd annual Pooches in Pink PETacular event in beautiful Garden of the Gods. Join us for a walk through the Garden, vendors, demonstrations, competitions, entertainment and more!

For more information or to reserve a booth, contact Trent Lage at 719-476-4805 or trent.lage@gazette.com. Check out www.KomenSEColorado.org and www.gazette.com/PETS for more information.

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Redeem Puppy Perks at participating shops and restaurants during the Bark at Briargate event.

Visit ThePromenadeShopsAtBriargate.com for more information.

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e-trainingfordogs.com Course Solving House Training Issues $50:

See Specials at

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TopDog BUSINESS DIRECTORY Thank you for supporting these pet-loving businesses in our community. Look for these special offers and store fronts and mention you saw them in PETacular.

Eve’s Stay & Play Dog Daycare/Boarding

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To see your business spotlighted in the Top Dog Business Directory, please contact Cathy Tapia at 719-636-0130 or cathy.tapia@gazette.com or talk to your advertising account executive.

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The Zoo Keepers, LLC • Dog Walking Service Available (ask about our packages) • Pet sitting (daily visits or overnight) • Potty/play breaks & dog walks • Medication & Insulin visits • Pregnancy watch visits • Animal Taxi to the vet, groomer, or day care center • Field trips to the park • Care for all house & barn pets • Reptiles, Avian & small animal care

719-502-Z000 (9000)

We love all animals and are happy to care for any member of your zoo.

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