SPRING 2016 • VOLUME 12 • ISSUE 1
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Focusing on pet’s happiness during treatment Unconditional love deserves the spa life Prepping dogs for baby’s arrival PET OVERPOPULATION:
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FOCUSING ON PET’S HAPPINESS DURING TREATMENT:
Tipping the scales in favor of M&Ms BY DR. KARIN CANNIZZO, SOUTHERN COLORADO VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
As a veterinary internal medicine specialist, we see tough cases every day — cases that are beyond the care possible by other veterinarians. Our job is not typically about fuzzy puppies and wiggling kittens; it is more commonly filled with critical illnesses, serious traumas and cancers. So what makes me smile when I look at tomorrow’s schedule? M&Ms! But for me, it’s not about green or yellow, these M&Ms melt your heart, not in your hand. The morning’s M&Ms are Missy and Marley. Missy is a gorgeous tan shepherd we have been treating for about two months. I remember the day I met Missy, just before Thanksgiving. Her owners had driven from south to north and back down again, trying to find help. Missy had been limping on her hind leg, drinking a lot, struggling with urination, and not eating well. Her primary care veterinarian had identified a large mass in
her caudal abdomen. She had already seen two vets who said they couldn’t do anything about the mass and they were sorry. Would I have wanted to remove the mass? Sure, but if we can’t take the obvious route, can we take another way? We couldn’t do anything about the mass, but maybe that’s not how we needed to help Missy. See, this story is about tipping the scales in favor of the M&Ms, but not about breaking a New Year’s resolution. This is about my ongoing personal resolution. When I met Missy she felt bad and she wasn’t happy. We identified that she had anal gland adenocarcinoma and it had spread to a lymph node that grew from the size of an almond to the size of a nerf football. We didn’t have any real hope of making this mass go away, but here comes the important part. Missy’s cancer isn’t my priority — Missy is! If we get past the headline and ask, “how is the cancer
3rd Annual Paws for the Cause 5K, Fun Walk & Pet Festival! Monday, Memorial Day, May 30th 8am - Noon • Retired Military Working Dogs • Costume Contest (humans & dogs!) • Pet Photo Booth • Military/Police Dog Demo • Obedience Demo • Fundraising Contest
Wags, smiles, & dog love included! Have fun support a great cause too! All proceed benefit the Healing Pets Foundation
Register and learn more about it at www.HealingPetsFoundation.org/5K 2
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bothering her?” we realize it wasn’t the size of the mass. We started her on pills to reverse the complication of cancer (high calcium), and have been checking on Missy every two weeks. Happily, she has her wag and spirit back — and that’s how I met Marley. Marley is Missy’s housemate, and he has been coming along to every visit. He patiently waits in the lobby with his owners while Missy has her blood tests. He’s a mid-sized mix with Papillion-inspired ears. He watches for her to come back to him. I love that Missy’s visits are a family affair because seeing her with them is a celebration of her improvement. Missy is back to running and playing with Marley. Even when treatment stops working, we will never regret trying because Missy and Marley have been enjoying this time. Missy and Marley aren’t the first M&Ms our lobby has known- not by years! My first taste of the joy that are M&Ms were Midnight and Misty in late 2012. Similar to Missy and Marley, Misty would come along with Midnight for his treatments. Midnight was a handsome 10 year old black lab, and Misty his striking white shepherd foil. Midnight was diagnosed with lymphoma. While his cancer will not be cured, we continue treatment to keep him feeling good until his cancer stops responding. His initial treatment course brought them to the clinic once a week for two months, then every other week for another four months. Midnight’s first remission lasted about 1-and-a-half years, and Misty waited for him each visit eager for her share of affection during my doctor update with their folks. One visit, about three months into Midnight’s second course of treatment, his owner mentioned that Misty had been losing weight. Misty had a visit with their primary care veterinarian and the most unforgiving lightning had struck again. Misty too, had cancer. But, Misty’s cancer was not like Midnight’s. Medications wouldn’t shrink her cancer and it had already caused her kidneys to fail. I can be honest that it was difficult to see Misty and her family struggle because we knew her as a friend be-
Missy, SCVIM cancer patient Courtesy photo
fore she became a patient. We worked for her happiness, but it was short, her appetite failed as her cancer took over. We lost Misty within a month of her diagnosis. Her loss was hard on the family, including Midnight, and we still talk about her a year later. Midnight will be in late tomorrow afternoon for his treatment, and even though Misty isn’t going to be waiting for him in the lobby, we are always working for his happiness. His cancer has come back three times now, and each time he has responded as we change his medications. He is having some trouble with his hind leg strength — let’s be honest, he is becoming an old dog. I hate to see him age, but I am also so happy to see him age because we should have lost him years ago. Midnight’s cancer is typically fatal within three months without treatment, and even with treatment the average is less than a year. So I owe this boy three years of smiles and I will continue working to keep the scales tipped in his favor. How do we keep the scales tipped in favor of M&Ms? The same way we always do — by focusing on the pet’s happiness. We balance the known, the likely, and the rare risks against the known, the likely, and the rare benefits. This balance guides us to the right choices. CONTINUED ON PAGE 13
Published by The Gazette
SPRING ISSUE:
March 2, 2016
Southern Colorado Veterinary Internal Medicine .......................
2 Doggies in Diapers ...................................... 4 When is it an emergency? ........................... 5 Canine Design Salon & Country Club ......... 6 Look What the Cat Brought In: New Building, New Possibilities..................
7 Vet Central: Climate change and pets ........ 8 3 dogs and a baby ....................................10 Wild Blue Animal Rescue & Sanctuary receives grant .....................
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Debunking myths about spaying and neutering ..............................
12 Pets of Pinterest .......................................13 Spring Events Calendar............................14
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President & Publisher Dan Steever General Manager Brad Howard Local Community Sales Manager Erik Carlson Editor, PETacular Leslie Massey Graphic Designer Gina Pietramale Advertising Designer Connie Rasor Advertising Coordinator Cathy Tapia To advertise: 719-636-0130
CORRECTION NOTICE:
The article in the Winter 2015 issue of PETacular, “My dog swallowed what?� by Dr. Cody Laas from Powers Pet Emergency and Specialty, was accompanied by an incorrect photo. The team at PETacular apologizes for any confusion that may have resulted for our readers.
Find more Paws A Moment original cartoons from local artist Leslie Thompson at www.gazette.com/pets!
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Doggies in diapers? Housetraining troubles not uncommon SUE MANNING, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES — If it can happen at the White House, it can happen in any house. Sunny, the Portuguese water dog who joined fellow first dog Bo and the Obama family in 2013, has housetraining issues. “We’re dealing with that problem, but she sneaks and does it,” Mrs. Obama said in December. Housetraining problems are one of the biggest reasons people return dogs to animal shelters. So it’s important that dog-owners understand why dogs have accidents and how to remedy the problem. “Not all owners are like the Obamas, approaching their dog’s problem with patience,” said Dr. Lisa Radosta, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist for the Florida Veterinary Behavior Service. And not everyone wants a dog in diapers, the way actress-author Mary-Louise Parker dresses her cocker spaniel, Mrs. Roosevelt. (Parker has said the dog is forgetful and can’t be trusted.) Here’s some advice on why dogs have accidents and how to handle it.
REINFORCE GOOD HABITS FROM THE START Lexie, one of Radosta’s puppy patients, was given too much freedom to go wherever she pleased, so she was never properly housetrained, Radosta said. Her owner had to start from scratch. Dogs must learn to urinate and defecate outside from the beginning, on grass, sidewalk, gravel or whatever surface they will be using. And they need to be monitored so they don’t make mistakes. Housetraining should start when puppies are seven or eight weeks old. If you can’t walk the dog on a regular schedule, hire a dog-walker or use doggy day care. Keep dogs on a leash until they’ve done their business: no running or chasing balls first. And always reward success. Carry treats so you can give the reward outside instead of encouraging the dog to hurry back inside. But don’t punish mistakes. “Don’t come home from work and yell at your dog,” Radosta said. “They are so excit-
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ed to see you and you start yelling at them and they have no idea why. Your dog will become afraid of you.” Dogs also won’t know why you’re angry if the accident happened earlier in the day. Radosta’s website, www. flvetbehavior.com, has more on training.
WEE-WEE PADS Dogs who are used to wee-wee pads may resist doing their business outside. If you plan to keep the dog primarily indoors, if it’s very small, or if you live in a high-rise and won’t be taking the dog out on a regular schedule, then you might prefer the pads. But if you expect the dog to go outside, don’t introduce the pads. Commit to regular walks from the start. If you must provide an indoor option, products like DoggieLawn, which is basically a patch of grass in a box for
dogs, may help reinforce the message that grass is OK, but the floor is not.
ANXIETY AND PHOBIAS The vet saw a golden retriever who was scared to death of the doggy door. So if the owner wasn’t there to let her out, she wouldn’t leave the house to go on her own, Radosta said. Some dogs have separation anxiety. They have accidents when their owners leave the house.
ALZHEIMER’S Dogs get canine cognitive dysfunction syndrome or the dog version of Alzheimer’s disease. You might take your dog out just like you have for 10 years. But instead of doing what it’s always done, it might look around, see a lizard or squirrel and forget why it’s out there.
MEDICAL ISSUES Your dog may have a urinary tract
infection or may need treatment for diarrhea. Especially if you’ve just adopted a pet or there’s been a change in your dog’s habits, see a veterinarian to rule out medical issues and discuss diet.
SOMETIMES YOU LIVE WITH IT Mia is an 80-pound Rottweiler that is so fearful, “the whole world is scary except the inside of her house,” Radosta said. She has been using wee-wee pads since she was very small. Radosta and the owner have talked about retraining, but they’ve decided to leave things the way they are.
ELIMINATING ODORS AND STAINS Club soda and products like MisterMax Anti-Icky Poo, Urine Off and Febreze Pet Odor Eliminator may help remove stains and smell.
Peace of mind: When is it an emergency?
LESLIE MASSEY, PETACULAR
name and number too. If an emergency does catch you off guard, you won’t have to scramble to find information. Most important, remember to trust your instincts. You know and
love your pet, and you have the right to be worried if something seems wrong. Emergency veterinary professionals are there for you, never hesitate to call.
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ingested something toxic it’s important to have them checked quickly. Those are just a few emergency situations. If you have any reason to suspect a serious problem, get directly in touch with a veterinary professional at once. If you have any medical records for your pet, it’s a good idea to bring them along, including any medications they are taking. The doctor will complete a comprehensive assessment before making any recommendations for treatment, and a treatment plan will be discussed with you. There are times when pets need to be hospitalized and typically, visits from family members during this time helps to relieve stress for both owners and patients. Experienced doctors and caring nurses are on-hand when pets require hospitalization, and will take care of any needs that may occur overnight. Obviously if you can, avoiding a pet emergency is always the best bet. Following your veterinarian’s advice regarding wellness care, eluding injuries by keeping pets safe, pet proofing your home by removing any potential hazards, all help avoid an emergency vet visit. However, it’s no secret that accidents happen. So when you have to deal with a pet emergency being well-informed can make the experience smoother. Have your veterinarian’s name and number on an emergency sheet that’s easy to locate, and write down the emergency hospital’s
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Many pet owners have found themselves in a frightening situation. Maybe your dog slipped on the way down the stairs and now he’s struggling to walk and, it just happens to be late at night. Will it make the condition worse if you wait until morning to call your vet? Frankly, sometimes injuries or illnesses can become more complicated if you wait. When you’re concerned about your pet, don’t feel uneasy about giving a veterinarian a call, no matter what time. You know your pet better than anyone else and if their behavior is unusual and troubling, or something just doesn’t seem right, it could be a subtle sign of a real problem. Calling an emergency animal hospital and asking a few questions can help you determine whether or not to bring your pet in right away. And, even if you find out nothing is wrong, you’ll be glad to have some peace of mind. Sometimes, it’s obvious you don’t need to call first. If your pet has experienced some type of trauma, like being hit by a car or a blunt object, or falling a sizable distance, it’s best to have them checked as quickly as possible. Even if your pet doesn’t seem to exhibit any noticeable symptoms, its possible there are internal issues that could become be life threatening. Many everyday household items can be toxic for animals; plants, foods, medications, cleaners, fertilizers, and more. If you are concerned that they
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We are dedicated to providing our community with the highest quality emergency and specialty care. Offering the best possible service to our clients.
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CANINE DESIGN SALON & COUNTRY CLUB
Unconditional love deserves the spa life BY LESLIE MASSEY, PETACULAR
As members of our families, and in view of the unconditional love they continuously shower on us, pampering our pets is a favorite pastime in America. In fact, the American Pet Products Association reports that in 2015, Americans spent over $60 billion on their pets. So, being selective when it comes to the people who care for and work with our pets is a no-brainer. Canine Design Salon & Country Club offers the utmost in luxury and care for both canine and felines alike. A country club for pets, Canine Design caters to the entire Colorado Springs area and prides themselves on fulfilling each pet’s special needs. “Our team is committed to providing individual service tailored to each pet,” said Margaret Heller, owner and founder of Canine Design Salon & Country Club. “Special requests for grooming, preparing food, or administering medication are followed to a ‘T.’”
Dogs love keeping busy in the playroom at Canine Design Salon & Country Club Courtesy photo
Established in 2008, well-appointed boarding, spacious daycare accommodations, joined with luxurious and relaxing grooming, is their passion. When it comes to providing the spa
While You’re On Break, Fido Is Too! Make Your Spring Break Boarding Reservation Now! •Boarding for Cats & dogs •Grooming •Doggy Daycare
856 Arcturus Drive
Colorado Springs, CO
719-227-7220 caninedesign.org
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GOLD Grooming BRONZE Pet Daycare
life and country club service to furry companions, Canine Design makes no exception. Their open door mindset allows owners to sneak a peek and see what their fur-babies are up to. “Pet owners should be able to tour where their pet will be staying,” said Heller. “It should be clean and comfortable.” Canine Design has even installed extra ventilation to keep the place smelling fresh. Delivering spa services and a country club getaway to furry companions includes things like the exclusive luxury canine penthouse, and a feline clubhouse suite with window views. Soft bedding, private living quarters and soothing music are furnished with each suite. The daycare is set up to accommodate a variety of dog sizes and designed well for expending energy while also awarding a fun and safe atmosphere with opportunities to build socialization skills. Outstanding grooming services for both canines and felines, from expert stylists who are happy to work with every client’s wishes, are carried out in a soothing and relaxing environment with only the finest products on-hand. Canine Design’s entire staff is devoted to keeping your pet safe and happy. “We have a great family of clients,” said Heller. “And we have enjoyed building relationships with them and their pets.” And don’t miss the pet boutique where a wide array of colorful and
Our team is committed to providing individual service tailored to each pet. Special requests for grooming, preparing food, or administering medication are followed to a ‘T.’ – Margaret Heller, owner and founder of Canine Design Salon & Country Club
ornate collars and pet products are readily available. Specialty items like Polish Pottery and breed-specific jewelry is sure to please even the finickiest of owners. From brushes and shampoos to leashes and toys, Canine Design’s boutique has a full range of the highest quality products your pet can’t live without. Stop by for a tour or call 719-227-7220 to schedule an appointment. For more information visit CanineDesign.org
LOOK WHAT THE CAT BROUGHT IN:
New Building, New Possibilities
SPRING CLASS SCHEDULE: MARCH
Sun., March 6: 12: 30 – 2 pm Introduction to clicker training (yes training!) for cats by Train with Trust There are many benefits to using positive reinforcement training with our feline friends. Join us to learn WHY and HOW to clicker train your cat! Sun., March 20: 12:30 – 1:30 pm The Natural Behavior & History of House Cats by Train with Trust Ever wonder why your cat rubs on your legs when you get home? Or why she is shredding you couch? Our free community class answers these questions and more.
APRIL
Sun., April 3: 12:30 – 1:30 pm Feline Body Language by Train with Trust Want to know what your cat is saying? Cats say much more with their bodies than they do with their voices. So come learn to listen with your EYES! Sun., April 17: 12:30 – 1:30 pm Preventing & Fixing Litter Box problems by Train with Trust You don’t have to live with litter box problems and you don’t have to get rid of the cat either! Join us to get the facts about litter box issues.
MAY
Sun., May 1: 12:30 – 2 pm Feline Enrichment by Train with Trust Learn how to provide an environment that keeps your cat active, healthy and happy. Help us make toys for shelter cats or your own cat! Sun., May 29: 12:30– 1:30 pm The Natural Behavior & History of House Cats by Train with Trust Ever wonder why your cat rubs on your legs when you get home? Or why she is shredding you couch? Our free community class answers these questions and more.
JUNE
Sun., June 12: 12:30 – 1:30PM Feline Body Language by Train with Trust Want to know what your cat is saying? Cats say much more with their bodies than they do with their voices. So come learn to listen with your EYES.
BY LESLIE MASSEY, PETACULAR
Spring is bringing a fresh mindset to local feline shelter Look What The Cat Brought In (LWTCBI), including wrapping up the purchase of their building on East Boulder Street. “Now that the purchase is final, we have started on the deep cleaning and sanitizing,” said Jennifer Nosler, founder and director of LWTCBI. “It’s not very sexy, but it is very important.” Kicking off the New Year with immeasurable gratitude for the generous support of the community, LWTCBI is excited about all of the new possibilities and is looking forward to realizing continued growth and success. LWTCBI is also teaming up again with Megan Phillips, BS, ADBC , owner of Train With Trust Behavior Consultants to host free community feline education classes throughout the spring. “Megan offers great training classes that teach the benefits of using positive reinforcement training with our feline friends,” said Nosler. On her way to Scott Elementary School to pick up a donation from a class of third-graders, Nosler was proud of the many achievements the shelter has reached in the eight years of operation, and very optimistic about what is yet to come. “Getting a donation from a thirdgrade class is really impressive,” she said. “For youngsters like that to get
involved in supporting pet rescue is very moving.” LWTCBI is also busy planning to host their Second Annual Luncheon, Thursday, April 21 at Phantom Canyon Restaurant at 2 East Pikes Peak Ave. Celebrating eight years in business and the tremendous support from donations and contributions, in addition to the encouragement that has made it all possible. Registration begins at 11:30 a.m., headlined by popular comedian Jeff Wozer, the event will include live music. You can go online to RSVP at LookWhatTheCatBroughtIn.org and click the events tab to register and pre-pay. Based out of the world famous Comedy Works in Denver, he has appeared on some of the country’s biggest stages — Red Rocks Amphitheater, Las Vegas Riviera, Los Angeles Improv — with some of the country’s biggest acts — Martin Short, Brian Regan, Lewis Black. Look What the Cat Brought In is proud to bring Jeff Wozer to Colorado Springs for our luncheon. Don’t miss this great opportunity to benefit a worthy cause and enjoy a good laugh. “We are all really delighted with how well things have been going and we’re working hard this year to up our game,” Nosler said. “Adoptions have been up and the shelter is continuing to progress and improve.”
For more information: TrainWithTrust.com • 377-0867
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Vet Central Black Forest Veterinary Clinic 12655 Black Forest Rd. Suite 118 Colorado Springs, CO 80908 (719) 495-3666
www.BlackForestVetClinic.com Ted Mohr, DVM Amy Estrada, DVM Verona Douglas, DVM
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
Penny, a mixed-breed rescue dog, poses in her home in Brooklyn, New York. Her owner, Margery Cooper, is vigilant about inspecting her for ticks because her previous dog died of complications from Lyme disease. Experts say climate change has increased the prevalence of fleas, ticks and heartworm disease for pets in the U.S. AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz
Tender Care Veterinary Center
Climate change and pets: More fleas, more heartworm
www.tcvetcenter.com tcvetcenter@gmail.com
8036 Meridian Park Drive Falcon, CO 80831 (behind 7-11) (719) 559-TCVC (8282)
Amy J. Clark, DVM Rob Willyard, DVM Mark G. Finke, DVM
BY SUE MANNING, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES — Climate change doesn’t just affect habitats for wildlife. It’s also affecting cats and dogs. Fleas and ticks are getting smaller, but there are more of them, they eat more often, and they’re causing problems in what used to be the colder months. Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes, but those mosquitoes — which used to be found only in certain regions — are now carrying the disease all over the United States. Increased temperatures have turned kitten season into a year-long event instead of a spring ritual. The weather is even disrupting hibernation for a California woman’s pet tortoises. NASA recently declared that 2015
was the hottest year on Earth in 136 years of record-keeping with an average temperature of 58.62 degrees. For pet-owners, those changes may mean rethinking preventive care like giving dogs flea and tick repellent and heartworm pills. For example, now that heartworm has been found in every state, “I don’t know why a person wouldn’t give his dog heartworm pills once a month. That seems like a no-brainer,” said Gregory D. Ebel, professor and specialist in infectious diseases at Colorado State University’s veterinary school in Fort Collins. Ticks cause Lyme disease in dogs as well as in humans. The bugs are most active in warm months, but with cities CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
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24-HOUR EMERGENCY CARE
Powers Pet Emergency and Specialty Now at our new location 5886 Tutt Blvd Colorado Springs, CO 80923 719-473-0482
PowersPetEmergency.com Lee Wilwerding, DVM
To Feature Your Clinic in Vet Central contact: Cathy.Tapia@gazette.com or 719.636.0130
Vet Central BOARD CERTIFIED VETERINARIANS
Colorado Canine Orthopedics & Rehab 5520 N. Nevada Ave. Suite 100 Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (719) 264-6666
www.CanineOrtho.com
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
PowersPetEmergency.com
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
www.IMvets.com
Southern Colorado
VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE
Chris Reynolds, DVM, DACVIM Karin Cannizzo, DVM, DACVIM Brad Hines, DVM, DACVIM Macon Miles, DVM, DACVIM Kirk Sears, DVM, DACVIM
HOLISTIC MEDICINE
Dawn’s Light House 1031 Manitou Ave Manitou, CO 80829 804-536-8338
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Monument Pharmacy 115 Second St., Suite C Monument, CO 80132 (719) 481-2209 Same Day Pickup
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Penny poses with her owner, Margery Cooper. AP Photo/Beth J. Harpaz
CLIMATE CHANGE: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8 in the Northeast and Midwest setting record highs this past December, calendars no longer offer guidance on when pet-owners should worry and when they can relax. Dogs should be checked for ticks, just like people, and veterinarians can offer guidance on a variety of pest repellent products. Margery Cooper, a dog owner in Brooklyn, New York, lost her beloved dog Scout to complications from Lyme disease a few years ago. She’s now the owner of Penny, a mixed-breed rescue, and she’s vigilant about checking Penny for ticks, especially after they go on hikes together. Madeline Bernstein, president of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Los Angeles, has even noticed changes in her 18-year-old tortoises, George and Mulan. They normally hibernate from October or November to April or May. But they were late going down this season and in mid-January, one of them was up walking around in 70-degree weather, Bernstein said. She made sure it didn’t eat. “Going
back to sleep with undigested food could kill it,” she said. At work, Bernstein is surrounded by more evidence of climate change: twice as many kittens. “Flea season used to be seasonal too, but now we treat for fleas all year long,” Bernstein added. John Trumble, a distinguished professor of entomology at the University of California, Riverside, said environmental conditions are creating larger populations of smaller fleas and ticks that will eat more frequently, develop more rapidly and spread more pathogens. Drought in Texas and California has dried up small water sources that once served horses, sheep and other animals. Now, he said, wet weather brought by the El Niño phenomenon will create all kinds of pools and puddles that will draw the pests, “setting the animals up for an increase in insect-borne diseases like West Nile virus,” a mosquito-borne disease that affects horses and people.
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Three dogs and a baby BY PEGGY SWAGGER, SPECIAL TO PETACULAR
There is a lot of information about prepping your dog for your baby’s arrival. For example, carry a doll around, show the baby accessories to the dog, or even use a recording of a baby crying. I’m all in favor of these steps, however once baby arrives, it’s important to consider how your dog’s personality can influence their behavior with the new baby. For instance, these three dogs each reacted differently when introduced to a new baby. Arwin (the tricolored dog behind the baby), is an English Shepherd, a herding breed who also guards. Although Arwin had opportunity to get used to everything “baby” ahead of time, it didn’t solve all of her issues with the new comer. Like many herding breeds, Arwin has a reserved approach to new things or situations, which can leave her feeling uncertain while experiencing something new. Sensitive dogs may
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even feel unease due to hormone changes in the mother-to-be. Arwin reacted that way, and was a little stressed even before the baby came home. The new baby, Faelynn, had a variety of smells that couldn’t be introduced ahead of time, and even the new mom Tia, smelled a little different. Trying to figure out these different smells and noises left Arwin ill at ease.
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Arwin also struggled to understand Tia nursing the baby, and the behavioral changes in Tia and her husband. Like Arwin, some dogs are more sensitive to change and rely on routine for security. They may become so stressed they want to hide, or become defensive enough to bite or nip. Fortunately, Tia had trained Arwin to have good manners and respond well to commands. Tia also did extensive socialization with Arwin prior to having Faelynn. Because of positive training, Arwin trusted Tia, making it easier for Tia to reassure her, while socialization gave Arwin practice relaxing when she felt uncertain. Tia also limited the initial exposure of Arwin to Faelynn and gave her a quiet and secure place to retreat if she needed. This allowed Arwin the time and opportunity to realize there was nothing to worry about. It isn’t unusual for some dogs, and most herding breeds, to want to figure things out before feeling comfortable and safe. A lot of baby-associated stimulus can create the wrong kind of reaction in different dogs. Report suggest that some dogs can trigger into a predatory state if a baby sounds in distress. These dogs are responding to a deeplyrooted, natural reaction which needs specialized training to change. For that reason, no dog should ever be alone with a baby until the owner has the opportunity to observe the dog around the baby in different situations. Even dogs who are jealous of the attention given to the new baby can take a few weeks before doing something adverse. If you have any concerns with the dog at all, it is imperative to keep the dog and baby
separated. Abby, (the Australian Shepherd on the right), was adopted by Faelynn’s grandparents years before Faelynn arrived. In Abby’s first home, she was exposed to other dog’s puppies and was known to love them. When it came to this baby, Abby readily accepted her and didn’t mind the noises or strange smells. However, as a toddler, if Faelynn got close to Abby’s chew bone a bite was threatened. While a dog may respect the owner enough not to challenge over possessions, they may not regard children that way. Of course, Abby wasn’t going to bite without a warning, but children don’t always pick up on the warning. In fact, many adults miss a warning prior to a bite. Prevention is best for avoiding problems. Don’t leave the dog and child unattended, and don’t let the dog have access to possessions when the child is around. Charm, (the Golden Retriever), like many retrievers, is naturally a good family dog and has more tolerance for hair and tail pulling than many breeds. However, just because you have a Golden or Labrador Retriever, don’t expect to have zero issues. Charm loved the baby and seemed to get along well from the beginning. However, Charm is ego-centric and pushy, which made her tenacious when it came to taking advantage of a young child. Charm would swipe any and everything eatable. Charm was also more focused with what she was doing, and without intervention, would whack Faelynn with her tail or knock her over. These examples are not the only possible interactions between a dog and child. Many breeds are not recommended for young children at all. No matter what your situation, it is wise to be cautious when you have dogs and babies together. The safety of the child must be insured. Peggy Swager is a behaviorist whose newest book is called Rescue Your Dog from Fear. Her award nominated DVD is Separation Anxiety, a Weekend Technique. At her website, www. peggyswager.com, you can find additional training information and a link to her YouTube videos.
Wild Blue Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
receives grant to help save community cats NEWSWIRE
Wild Blue Animal Rescue & Sanctuary is pleased to have received a grant from Best Friends Animal Society for its Fix Feline Families program to help Colorado Springs humanely manage the area’s community cats. “This grant project targets freeroaming community cats at serious risk of being killed if they enter shelters,” said Liz Finch, senior manager of Best Friends National Programs. “It provides a proven solution, called trap/neuter/ return or TNR, to save their lives, which is in alignment with Best Friends’ determination to help ‘Save Them All.’” “TNR,” Finch explained, “is an alternative to the ’trap and kill’ policies that traditionally have been employed to address an abundance of stray cats and nuisance complaint situations. Trap and kill, however, has been repeatedly proven ineffective, costprohibitive and publicly unpalatable.” In contrast to trap and kill, trap/ neuter/return methods, like the ones used in Wild Blue’s Fix Feline Families program, capture homeless, freeroaming cats to sterilize, vaccinate, and then return them to their ’outdoor homes’ to live out their natural lives without reproducing. It is the widely accepted, humane method of controlling the number of freeroaming cats. Another integral part of Wild Blue’s procedures is to temporarily take in the pregnant, nursing cats and kittens that are trapped with the goal of socializing the kittens for adoption, fixing the entire litter and returning only the feral mama cats back to their colonies. “This grant means that we can add our Fix Feline Families program this year to our efforts to make Colorado Springs a no-kill community,” said Lauri Cross, Wild Blue’s Executive Director. “Our goal is to perform 250 of spay/neuter surgeries during 2016. We would like to thank Best Friends Animal Society for their support in making this project a great success.” “Every day some 9,000 animals are killed in our nation’s shelters simply
because they don’t have a home. When you choose to adopt your next pet you are becoming part of the solution right here in our community,” said Cross. “That’s why we are proud to partner with Best Friends. We really believe together we can save them all.” Wild Blue Animal Rescue & Sanctuary (Wild Blue) is a nonprofit, limited admission, animal rescue located in the Black Forest area of Colorado Springs, Colorado and founded in 2010. Our mission is to save the precious lives of cats and kittens who are abandoned, abused, displaced, neglected or surrendered, and to find them permanent homes or provide them with a lifetime of sanctuary. Best Friends Animal Society is the only national animal welfare organization dedicated exclusively to ending the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters. A leader in the nokill movement, Best Friends runs the nation’s largest no-kill sanctuary for companion animals, adoption centers and spay and neuter facilities in Los Angeles and Salt Lake City as well as lifesaving programs in partnership with more than 1,300 rescue groups and shelters across the country. Since its founding in 1984, Best Friends has helped reduce the number of animals killed in American shelters from 17 million per year to an estimated 4 million. By continuing to build effective initiatives that reduce the number of animals entering shelters and increase the number who find homes, Best Friends and its nationwide network of members and partners are working to “Save Them All.”
WHERE LOVE IS FOUND
11TH ANNUAL BARKATBRIARGATE SATURDAY, AUGUST 6, 2016 10AM - 2PM
This outdoor pet expo is free to the public and will feature trainers, groomers, veterinary practices, pet businesses, and businesses who want to reach pet lovers. Call 719-265-6264 to reserve your space today
OVER 50 FABULOUS SHOPS AND RESTAURANTS 1885 BRIARGATE PARKWAY I-25 EXIT 151 ThePromenadeShopsAtBriargate.com
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Debunking
myths about
spaying and neutering Veterinarians say one of the best things to do for a pet is to have him or her neutered or spayed
COURTESY METRO SERVICES
Animal overpopulation poses a considerable problem. The Humane Society of the United States says about 2.4 million healthy, adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in American animal shelters each year — about one every 13 seconds. Many of these animals are the offspring of beloved pets or stray cats and dogs who reproduce unchecked. One of the easiest solutions to the problem is to have pets spayed or neutered. Another solution is for prospective pet owners to adopt pets from an animal shelter — one that handles spaying and neutering for their adoptable animals. Many pet owners are hesitant to have their animals spayed or neutered. That hesitation may stem from some prevailing myths surrounding spaying or neutering.
MYTH: You can use neutering or 12
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spaying interchangeably to describe the sterilization process. FACT: Neutering is associated with male pets and the removal of the testicles. Spaying is for female pets and involves the removal of both the ovaries and uterus.
MYTH: Recovery from spaying and neutering takes a long time.
FACT: Many veterinarians and animal clinics allow pet owners to bring their pet’s home on the same day the animal is spayed or neutered. Pets are usually fully recovered within a week.
MYTH: Removing reproductive organs will make my pet get fat and lazy. FACT: Weight gain is not a byproduct of spaying and neutering. Pet weight gain is typically linked to an unhealthy diet and inadequate exercise.
MYTH: My pet’s personality will change for the worse. FACT: Pet behavior may improve after the animal is spayed or neutered. Males tend to be less aggressive, and females won’t howl or pace when they’re in heat. Also, your pet actually may stick closer to home because the desire to find a mate has been reduced. MYTH: It’s advisable to spay a female pet after she has at least one litter. FACT: Many veterinarians stand by medical evidence that suggests females spayed before their first heat are typically healthier than those who aren’t.
MYTH: It is expensive to have my pet spayed or neutered.
FACT: Subsidized voucher programs as well as low-cost spay/
neuter clinics can help make the procedure affordable.
MYTH: The sterilization procedure is painful for my pet.
FACT: The surger y is done under general anesthesia, and the pet will not feel anything. Discomfor t af ter the surger y is usually mild, and a vet can prescribe a postoperative pain medication if your pet seems to have any lingering discomfor t.
MYTH: If I keep my pet intact, I can have a puppy or a kitten just like him or her one day. FACT: The offspring of a pet is not guaranteed to be a duplicate in looks or personality to your existing pet. In addition, at a later point in life, you may find your schedule or ability to care for a young pet has changed.
ets of
intrerst:
SOUTHERN COLORADO VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE: CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2
Creative plush pet beds
2 Midnight, right, SCVIM cancer patient and housemate Misty, left Courtesy photo
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3
For Midnight’s visit tomorrow afternoon, once we see how he is doing, we will adjust his medications to keep his whole body strong — it’s not just about fighting his cancer. For Missy, surgery would have been an unmanageable risk with limited benefit, so we didn’t even consider it. But I was suspicious that her high calcium might be behind how she was feeling, and medications could help (low risk, high potential benefit), so we tried when others said
not to. Tomorrow, she will have blood tests to make sure she is doing as well as she seems. Are you wondering if she could really be doing well with that mass still sitting in there? When we asked, her owner Patty responded, “She feels like she did over a year ago, before ever being diagnosed with cancer.” I’ll take that every time. Oh, and those other M&Ms: green are my favorite, but they definitely tip the scale the wrong way.
STORMS BOWDISH ALLERGY CLINIC
Board Certified in Allergy and Clinical Immunology
4 1 Ottoman/dog bed combo would be a great addition to the living room 2 Use the bottom of a nightstand for Fido’s own special spot to sleep 3 An old gutted console TV made into a cozy bedroom 4 A regular crate with a table over the top, safe, secure and snug – Originally pinned by landeeseelandeedo.com
SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1975
Matthew S. Bowdish, MD • William W. Storms, MD
Treating Children and Adults
Animal Allergies • Nasal Allergies • Asthma Chronic Cough • Sinus Problems • Hives Eczema • Bronchitis • Food Allergies Sports and Exercise Induced Asthma 1625 Medical Center Point, Suite 190 Colorado Springs, CO 80907
Tel:
719-955-6000 www.stormsallergy.com
Central • North • South • Woodland Park PETACULAR
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PET EVENTS
Now through April 5th Join in the FUN to elect the next Mayor of Divide!
Campaign runs February 15 – April 5 and it’s perfectly legal to vote as many times as you like. All proceeds go to supporting the animals at the Teller County Regional Animal Shelter. TCRASColorado.org
March 5
Wild Whiskers! 2016 4:30 – 10:30 pm Shining Mountain Golf Club 100 Shining Mountain Lane, Woodland Park $25 ($30 race day) 4-pak $80 ($100 race day) Silent Auction starts at 4:30, dinner from 6 – 7:30 p.m., and a Live Auction at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $40 ($26 tax deductible) Call to reserve tickets 719-686-7707 Benefiting Teller County Regional Animal Shelter
March 5
Bird Care 101 Class 1 – 3:30 pm Cheyenne Mountain Zoo 4250 Cheyenne Mountain Zoo Road $8.25 – $18.25. Registration: tinyurl.com/pe65tuc
March 10 Give Paws
Join Denver’s “Gabby Gourmet” Pat Miller and Denver’s top chefs in a night of extraordinary dining at Gourmet Fine Catering to benefit the homeless pets at the Dumb Friends League. Savor an unforgettable multi-course dinner, accompanied by hand-selected specialty wines, live music and a silent auction. Contact mgrimme@ddfl.org
April 2
Critters Cancer 10 am – 3 pm Local Children’s Hospital Cancer Blood Disorder Clinic Nicole Powell Photography 7 E. Bijou St., Suite 203, $25; tinyurl.com/z8x7dxn
April 23 – 24
Colorado Springs Pet Expo Colorado Springs Event Center 3960 Palmer Park Blvd. 719-637-3960 165+ top pet exhibitors, lots of activities, & animal lovers. Non-stop events throughout the weekend
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including: pet demonstrations, training seminars, adoptions, discount vaccines and much more! All pets are welcome at the expo! Must fill out a waiver at the Expo entrance or print and bring completed waiver to the Expo entrance during the show. Get a copy of the waiver at ColoradoSpringsEventCenter.com
APRIL 30 Fur Ball
To benefit the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region 6 p.m., Cheyenne Mountain Resort, 3225 Broadmoor Valley Road. $185. Advance tickets: hsppr.org
Adoption Fairs
New Hope Rescue Inc. Dogs, cats, puppies and kittens 10 am – 2 pm, Saturdays Petco, 1650 E. Cheyenne Mountain Blvd. newhoperescue.homestead.com
SAINT Animal Rescue Dogs, puppies, cats, kittens and small caged animals 11 am – 4 pm, Saturdays Petco, 3060 N. Powers Blvd. 541-3099, saintanimalrescue.org
Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue
Dogs and puppies 11 am – 3 pm, March 5 Wag N’ Wash, 1234 E. Woodmen Road 528-6590; palsforever.org
Cats, kittens 1 – 5 pm, Sundays 2129 E. Boulder St. lookwhatthecatbroughtin.org
Colorado Greyhound Adoption
10 am – 5 pm, Saturdays Petco, 5020 N. Nevada Ave. 587-9663, woof@slvaws.org
11 am – 3 pm, Saturdays Wag N’ Wash, 1625 W. Uintah St. 475-9274, wagnwash.com
Look What the Cat Brought In
Noon – 4 pm, March 12 Petco, 9835 Prominent Point 495-4337, wbars.org
SLV Animal Welfare Society
Pals Forever
Cats and kittens 11 am – 3 pm, Saturdays PetSmart, 2965 New Center Point 591-4640, colorado9lives.com
Wild Blue Animal Rescue & Sanctuary
1 – 3 pm, March 12 Petco, 1820 W. Uintah St. Jane Troyer, 633-2524
Four Paws Rescue
9-Lives Rescue Inc.
1234 E. Woodmen Road secondchance-arf.petfinder.com
Wild Blue Animal Rescue & Sanctuary Noon – 4 pm, March 5 Petco, 5020 N. Nevada Ave. 266-1224, wbars.org
Second Chance Animal Rescue Foundation Dogs, puppies, cats and kittens 11 am – 3 pm, March 12 Wag N’ Wash,
Dogs less than 15 pounds 9 am – 2 pm, March 19 Petco, 1820A W. Uintah St. 578-1123
Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue Dogs less than 15 pounds 9 am – 2 pm, March 26 Pet Pantry, 5148 N. Academy Blvd. 629-9274
Chihuahua and Small Dog Rescue Dogs less than 15 pounds 9 am – 2 pm, April 17 Petco, 5020 N. Nevada Ave. 266-1224
TopDog
To see your business spotlighted in the Top Dog Business Directory, please contact Cathy Tapia at 719-636-0130 or cathy.tapia@gazette.com.
StubbYSdogwaSh.com
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
$25 FuLL dog
Thank you for supporting these pet-loving businesses in our community. Look for these special offers and storefronts and mention you saw them in PETacular.
groom Service
Includes Nails, Ears, Bath, Conditioner, Brush, Haircut.
Dogs up to 65lbs. New customers only. Does not include deshed or demating. With this ad. Expires 5/31/16.
1 night
Free boarding!
Buy 1 night, get 1 night free. Max of 1 free night per stay. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Expires 5/31/16.
719-434-8451 • 1565 York road
Open: Wed - Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm • Tuesday by Appointment • Closed: Sun & Mon
Dr. Robin ‘s
MAKING A DIFFERENCE, ONE PAW PRINT AT A TIME C
R
D
C
Douglas County Canine Rescue
Housecall Veterinary Services– LLC.
Douglas County Canine Rescue 501c3 Nonprofit Rescue Rescuing dogs from high kill shelters across the US Rebecca Waldrop 719-650-6209 • Jaime Hurd 720-708-8724 Dccrescue@gmail.com • Douglascountycanine.com
Robin Pongracz, DVM www.vetdocrobin.com Phone 970-217-1260
HOUSECALL FEE
is waived for first visit
Compassionate and quality care at your doorstep
$40 SAVINGS
VETERINARY HOSPITAL
Liv’n the dream! Falcon Dog Daycare & Boarding • Prices starting at $20 daily • Pick up & Drop-off Available • Military and Multi-dog Discounts • 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Daily 719-659-3146 • falcondog.com Specializing
PET SITTERS & ANIMAL CARE
in the care of older animals and those with special needs!
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.
THE PET PAWL
R
EXPRESS SERVICE AVAILABLE WE KNOW YOU’RE BUSY SO WE CAN EVEN PICK UP AND DROP OFF! CALL US FOR DETAILS!
719.635.8353 3641 Star Ranch Road • Colorado Springs thepetpawlor.net facebook.com/thePet-Pawlor PETACULAR
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nne Bonicelli our all-volunteer team has found loving homes for hundreds of bereaved
GIVE! grams owed eving
You Can Make A Difference! Foster Volunteer Donate Adopt
red to rt and of-life
cility eeds. escue wellhome. osters sition ” says nator
Complete and compassionate care for the life of your pets!
Pet Adoption Center
Monday - Friday 8-6 Saturday 8-12 Closed Sundays
(719) 359-0201
Russell Welfare, DVM
1141 Manitou Avenue Manitou Springs, CO 80829
www.safeplacepets.org 44
eat of foster info@safeplacepets.org Follow us on Like us on twitter facebook 100fulfill We are unable to accept animals on a “walk-in/drop-off “basis. onate uality pet is the Board of Directors for Safe Place for Pets.
719.282.1222
5470 Powers Center Point • Suite 100 • Colorado Springs CO 80920
www.npahvet.com
ers, Safe Place gratefully accepts in-kind donations, as need for people who can foster animals until permanent grams and fundraising efforts.
SHARE YOUR HAPPY TAIL ON FACEBOOK #happytailshappyhearts
ou Avenue in Manitou Springs. For more information on dopting a Safe Place pet please contact us at
Buddy, adopted 2013
Photo by Bogi Photography 16
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