Petacular Winter 2014

WINTER 2014 • VOLUME 10 • ISSUE 4

gazette.com/pets

Celebrate 10 YEARS

of PETacular!

Meet Chase: Winner of our Cutest Pet Contest Perfect gifts for animal lovers

Alternatives to declawing your cat

FR EE

How to manage your pet allergies

HOME for the HOLIDAYS How to avoid hospitalizing your pets this season

BY DR. BRAD HINES, SOUTHERN COLORADO VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE

As the holidays approach and we are pulled in so many different directions, it is easy to get distracted when it comes to the four-legged Brad Hines, DVM, members of our DACVIM family. Every year at Southern Colorado Veterinary Internal Medicine, we see pets for a variety of medical problems that are often avoidable. These are a few helpful tips that will help to ensure that your pet is home for the holiday season.

TROUBLE WITH TABLE SCRAPS

Pancreatitis is a condition in which the pancreas, an organ in the abdomen that produces insulin and enzymes that are necessary for the digestion of food, becomes inflamed.

The inflammation that occurs can be quite severe and result in a lack of interest in food, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort in dogs.

We recognize that the most common cause of pancreatitis in dogs is “dietary indiscretion.” During the festivities, it is a natural desire to share some of the holiday meal with your pets. Often, owners will give their pets drippings or skin from meat to enjoy. If you give your pet these very fatty foods, they will often show the first signs of pancreatitis within 24 – 72 hours and can spend several days in the hospital. Although most cases of pancreatitis can be successfully treated, pets who recover will need to be fed a low-fat diet on a long-term basis and are at higher risk for developing the same condition later in life.

In some cases, this condition can be life-threatening.

Southern Colorado

VETERINARY INTERNAL MEDICINE

Our Services and Specialties: • Cancer treatment • Stents • Video Endoscopy • Ultrasound • Echocardiogram • In-house CT Scans • Heart Disease • Kidney Disease • Liver Disease • Lung Disease

• Gastroenterology • Diabetes • Hormone Disorders • 24 Hour Critical Care • Hyberbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)

Our Veterinarians

Macon Miles, DVM, DACVIM Brad Hines, 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

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Toys, treats, and bones often get stuck in the esophagi of small breed and sometimes larger breeds of dogs around the holidays. Pets that experience an esophageal obstruction often exhibit an exaggerated swallowing reflex and may refuse to eat or drink. If they attempt to eat or drink, they may regurgitate the material very soon after consumption.

The longer a foreign object remains in the esophagus, the more damage it can do by damaging the tissue due to pressure and a reduced blood supply. In many cases, an esophageal foreign body can be removed using specialized equipment and general anesthesia. If the object cannot be removed, surgery may be required along with a few days in the hospital.

CHANGES IN A CAT’S ROUTINE

Our Real Specialty is Caring Chris McReynolds, DVM, DACVIM Karin Cannizzo, DVM, DACVIM

DANGERS OF CHEWING, SWALLOWING

I have always found cats to be very social eaters. They require the right food at the right temperature in the right setting. Anything that disrupts the mood may result in a lack of interest in food. When you are changing foods for your cat or when something changes in their world (work schedule, vacation, or an illness in your cat) they may stop eating. A condition called hepatic lipidosis or fatty liver can occur rapidly in cats that stop eating regardless of the cause. This condition is most common in cats who are considered to be overweight, but may occur in any cat.

The most commonly reported signs include cats that show an interest in food but refuse to eat (they may lick

gravy), elevations in blood liver values, and yellowing of the gums, skin, or white portions of the eyes. There are several treatment options to remedy this condition including the use of appetite stimulants. However, in my experience, the best treatment option is the placement of a temporary feeding tube. Most cats with hepatic lipidosis will recover but the placement of a feeding tube requires a short period of hospitalization and at home care can take several weeks.

CHOCOHOLICS

Chocolate is often present in most homes during the holiday season.

Cats tend not to care for chocolate but dogs quite like it. Unfortunately, ingestion of chocolate in dogs has a greater affect on their gastrointestinal tract and nervous system instead of their waistline. There are substances in chocolate that are toxic to animals, like theobromine and caffeine, which are present in larger amounts in cocoa and dark chocolate, but still in milk chocolate. Dogs that are exposed may get diarrhea, begin to vomit and become progressively more agitated.

If you notice that your pet has eaten chocolate and it has been less than two hours, consider inducing vomiting.

If a longer period of time has elapsed, they may require hospitalization.

All of the doctors and staff and Southern Colorado Veterinary Internal Medicine wish you and your pets a happy and safe holiday season. For more information, or if you do need to make an emergency visit this winter, call 719-272-4004 or visit www.imvets.com.

WINTER ISSUE:

Published by The Gazette

December 1, 2014

2 pet aftercare know this is a tough subject, but sometimes Winter pet event calendar 4 Most................................................. suggest that they are “gentle” or “respectful” the Rainbow Bridge comes quickly and without but I would ask for a recommendation before warning. So, I wanted to get the gears turning just I hired anyone to do such a delicate service.

Emergency service opens state-of-the-art hospital ............

5 in case you find yourself (hopefully not…) needing a I googled ‘equine cremation’ in my area. I found one service like this.

President & PublisherEquine Cremation nearby. Shocked. I’ve never, ever even thought Meet our Cutest Pet Contest winner .................................6 about it. Lo and Behold, there is a service nearby.

EQUINE CREMATION I stumbled upon an ad today Dan Steever So, google and learn what services are in your for Equine Cremation. Whaa? I had never thought Let’s Beends Brave Boutique 2014 onarea. a high note ...................................

I never want to see a rendering truck in 7 my about that. In my mind, there were only three options Advertising Director driveway – and hopefully it will never be necessary. and none of them were particularly palatable: andofTalk Benefits hiring an in-home pet sitter ..............................8 Home burial (if you have theRhonda equipmentMiller and if it CREMATION I found out that most equine is legal on your property) About It cremations are done in a small cat/dog furnace.

Pets of Pinterest: Gifts So, for you animal 9 Necropsy and …disposal (awful term, I know) want lovers to ask ............................. this difficult question, “Can Local Community Sales Manager you cremate the whole horse?”

Some equine Rendering (Oy, the idea of that truck rumbling up Erik Carlson crematoriums tout that they have the ability to Vet Central: What is a pet emergency? .........................

10 the driveway and yanking at my loved one is just cremate an entire horse.

Obviously, this is an gut wrenching.)

From the blog important question to ask. Another way to 12 know Editor, PETacular Risks of declawing your cat ..........................................

Today I found several options for cremation, and I “Horse and Man” for sure is to ask to inspect their equipment. Then wanted to tell you about them. Hannah I know it isBlick a rather you will know whether the whole horse will fit in the sad topic, but to me, it is important to think ahead Feline shelter moves tocrematory. former spay and neuter clinic .... 13 about this. Having lost a horse recently, the last Some facilities offer the option of allowing the Graphic Designer thing you want to be thinking about is how to bury Wellness Program aidsowner pets toof watch terminally ill .................... the cremation.

They do14 this your friend. It is an awful, hectic time and I think it Gina Pietramale because notoriously, crematoriums are not always is best to know your options before the time comes.

Ask the Vet: Balancing diet trustworthy to cremate your pet your and/orpet’s give you the ........................... ashes of your own pet –16 if you FIRST THINGS FIRST The first thing to do is locate a service in your area. It is know what I mean. So reputable crematoriums offer this service.

Advertising Designer important to understand what services each facility provides. You want to find a pet allergies...........................................

Connie P.S. ~ Here atyour Homeward Bound,, we have a crematory that is large enough17 to local service because they do charge to pickRasor up your friend. Most will pick up from a Overcome accommodate the entire horse. We provide a private cremation for each animal, veterinarian or an equine hospital, a boarding facility or your home. But, you want Business 18 with Dog the remains returnedDirectory.......................................... in an urn of your choice. We work with a reputable to figure out the pick up restrictions (gate size, area from truck to horse, strategic Top Advertising Coordinator transport company who will pick up your friend from any location that can be

I

Help your pet avoid holiday hazards..................................

30 East Pikes Peak Avenue, Suite 100, Colorado Springs, Colorado 80903

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details). Also, you want to know how much they charge if you are out of their area.

Cathy Tapia

accessed with his truck and trailer.

Homeward Bound Pet MemorialTo Center & Crematorium Skye M. Stevens has been a co-owner of Homeward Bound Pet Memorial Center and Crematorium in Colorado Springs for over 18 advertise: years. She has a degree in Animal Health Technology and worked as a Certified Veterinary Technician for 20 years. She continued her education while managing her husband’s veterinary hospital, 719-636-0130 and obtained a BS in Management/ Accounting followed by an MBA in Finance/ Accounting from Regis University. She passed the CPA exam in 1992 and was as an accountant in private practice for several years. She assumed the chief executive duties for Homeward Bound in 2004, and she and her husband, M. Bruce Cottrell, DVM continue to operate the memorial center and crematory. Skye received certification as a Pet Loss Professional and a Grief Companion through the Pet Loss Professional Alliance in 2011.

The Homeward Bound Promise

“We Care For Your Pets Like They Were Our Own”

We are the only full service pet memorial center in Colorado.

• Offering you and your pet the care and respect you both deserve • Memorial chapel and observation room for witnessed cremations • Discreet and respectful Trey - Manager of Customer Comfort house call service 636-1036 • Elite Equine After Care 318 Karen Lane Colorado Springs 80907 • Helping you through New Location: From I-25 - East on Fillmore, North on Beacon St. & West on Karen Lane this difficult time For More Information on Services & Memorial Products www.Homeward-Bound-Pet.com PETACULAR

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PET EVENTS

DECEMBER 5

Tailwaggers Celebration Doors open at 7 p.m.

Event begins at 8 p.m.

Stargazers Theatre and Event Center, 10 S. Parkside Dr. $50 VIP access ticket (doors open at 6 p.m.) $20 regular ticket The event will include live music

by Suga Bear and the Show Time Band, an inspirational slideshow and presentation by NMDR’s founder, a silent auction, door prizes, photo opportunities, and food/beverage concessions, including the awardwinning Harley’s Honey Wheat provided by City Star Brewing.

Proceeds to benefit National Mill Dog Rescue. Visit stargazerstheatre.com for more information.

To have your pet event listed in the next issue of PETacular, email details to hannah.blick@gazette.com.

DECEMBER 7

Photos with Santa Paws Noon – 2 p.m.

Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique, 3314 Austin Bluffs Pkwy.

Mile High Weimaraner Rescue, MHWR. org, hosts this annual fundraiser at Rescued Hearts, providing local pet owners with an opportunity to visit the

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Pet photos with Santa

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The Citadel, 750 Citadel Dr. E. Santa loves our furry friends too! Bring your favorite well-mannered, friendly pet to sit on Santa’s lap in the lower level of the mall, near the Food Court. Please use the mall entrance by Hooters. We ask that all pets be well-mannered, friendly and leashed or kenneled.

Visit shopthecitadel.com for more information.

THROUGH JANUARY 4 Paws to Give Fund Drive

Monetary donations can be made at the Dumb Friends League, 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver, online at ddfl.org/ give or by mailing a check to Dumb Friends League Paws to Give, 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver, CO 80231. Funds go to help many homeless pets and horses in the care of the Dumb Friends League. Call 720-241-7123 or visit ddfl.org/give for more information.

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The BEST in the BIZ Power Pet Emergency and Specialty opens state-of-the-art hospital

BY HANNAH BLICK, PETACULAR

Veterinary health care in the Pikes Peak region just keeps getting better.

Case in point: Powers Pet Emergency & Specialty (PPERS) opened a brandnew, state-of-the-art facility this summer at 5886 Tutt Blvd. The hospital’s 12,000 square-foot, multi-purpose space is a far cry from its inception in 2005 as a small, nights-weekends-holidays-only emergency clinic. What hasn’t changed is its commitment to the local pet community.

bring neurology to this city,” Dr. Ko said.

“It’s obvious there was a need here, and I’m truly thrilled to help fill it.”

Dr. Ko was recruited by Dr. Wilwerding. Dr. Wilwerding limits his practice to orthopaedic and emergency care and has extensively developed the orthopaedic services offered at PPERS. Dr. Wilwerding has worked hard to bring in top technicians, surgeons, radiologists and doctors to create a cohesive and collaborative team.

TOP NOTCH

TEAM WORK

“Our real history is anchored and founded in the dedicated team of assistants, technicians and veterinarians who have all worked together over the years in providing the Springs with a very capable and caring facility to go to in time of need,” said Dr. Lee Wilwerding, owner and founder of PPERS. According to the PPERS mission statement, “If it’s an emergency to our customers, then it is an emergency to us,” showing the staff’s dedication to caring for both pets and their owners in critical moments. But PPERS is more than just an emergency room.

Its medical arsenal includes critical and long-term care, physical therapy and rehabilitation, orthopaedics, surgical and neurological care, an inhouse blood bank and advanced imaging and diagnostics.

PPERS also plays host to some of the country’s most highly trained veterinary professionals, including Dr. Rainier Ko, DVM, M.S. Dipl. ACVS, Dipl. ACVIM (Neurology). Dr. Ko is one of only six individuals worldwide who is board certified in both surgery and neurology. He joined PPERS in November after relocating from a Denver hospital, citing Colorado Springs’s reputation as one of the pet-friendliest cities as motivation to move. He has already performed three spinal surgeries at PPERS, gifting his patients with the ability to walk.

“I was always getting referrals from Colorado Springs, so we decided to

“Communication is key, and we’ve got that down, both internally and with our clients,” said Dr. Shayna Warner, DVM. Warner has been with the PPERS team for three years and has seen the hospital double and quadruple its on-call staff, as well as increase its number of referring veterinarians. A founding principle of PPERS is to work closely with clients’ regular vets, keeping them informed of the pets’ progress before sending them home or to their veterinary clinics after emergency or surgical procedures.

In the next room, technician Kodi Jackson holds 5-year-old toy poodle Ike while Dr. Cody Laas, DVM, Dipl. ACVR, checks his heart for irregularities on an ultrasound. The two work quietly and effectively, hoping to get Ike back to health to ensure the mill dog rescue can be adopted into a loving home.

Five-year-old toy poodle Ike waits for his next round of tests at PPERS. Ike is just one of the many rescue dogs PPERS receives from National Mill Dog Rescue; he will hopefully be available for adoption this winter. Photo by Hannah Blick, PETacular

room for expansion,” Dr. Ko said.

The building boasts several rooms with state-of-the-art equipment and a large conference room that serves as a training and meeting area.

PPERS is planning to host quarterly continuing education seminars for its referring veterinarians. “We’re all

students, and learning the most we can will help us best serve this community,” Dr. Ko said.

For more information about how Powers Pet Emergency & Specialty Services can help your pet, call 719473-0482 or visit PowersPetEmergency.com.

ROOM TO GROW

Dr. Laas has been at PPERS for two years and worked with Dr. Wilwerding on the new hospital’s layout. The design’s flow has helped foster more collaboration between specialists, doctors and staff.

Though it’s well on its way to being as well-rounded and complete as a veterinary hospital can be, PPERS has saved some room to grow.

PPERS has plans to expand the physical therapy program and add more veterinary medicine specialists in the future. “There is always

PETACULAR

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5

CUTEST PET CONTEST

BY HANNAH BLICK, PETACULAR

WE HAVE A WINNER:

Charming mug, spunky personality earn title Border collie Chase celebrates winning the Cutest Pet Contest at Pet Pantry & Dog Wash, 5148 N. Academy Blvd. Chase received a $100 gift card to spend at Pet Pantry.

Photo by Hannah Blick, PETacular

Josh and Liz Jans knew their dog Chase was special the first time they saw him at a 4 Paws 4 Life adoption event in January 2014.

“There were a bunch of little black dogs, but he was the fluffiest one,” Liz said.

At 10 weeks old, Chase went home with the Janses and now, at over one year old, Chase is still a charmer and the winner of the 2014 PETacular Cutest Pet Contest.

Chase and his owners received a $100 gift card to Pet Pantry & Dog Wash, 5148 N. Academy Blvd. Dustin Haworth, owner of Pet Pantry, helped Liz choose a new grain-free food for Chase and some chew toys and treats to take home.

“He came in freshly bathed, but we’ll get them set up with some dog wash coupons for next time, too,” Haworth said.

Liz submitted Chase’s photo — along with 35 other adorable entries — in the Cutest Pet Contest that ran during the summer through Labor Day. Voting was open via the PETacular Facebook page from September 1 – 14. Out of the 1,846 votes cast, Chase’s mug re-

PEACE

LOVE

FUR DONATE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

hsppr.org/donate

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ceived 746 votes. And while Chase’s big, brown eyes and happy smile are certainly cute, his friendly demeanor is what truly makes him a delightful pet.

“He’s very playful and inquisitive, he has to smell everything,” Liz said as Chase jumped good-naturedly for a biscuit hiding between his owner’s fingertips. “He does so many cute things, too. We taught him to help with the laundry; he likes to carry the socks upstairs.”

The Janses work as youth pastors for the Church at Briargate, 9550 Otero Ave., and Chase has quickly become part of their youth ministry.

“The kids decided right away that he was the youth group mascot,” Liz said. “They’ve taken him sledding, he came to our Super Bowl party, anytime we do anything outside, he’s there. They love it!”

Chase also has a soft spot for very small children. “I’ve seen little kids afraid to talk, but they’ll want to pet Chase. Then, they open up and feel comfortable, it’s so sweet,” Liz said.

To see all entries from the contest, visit gazette.com/Pets or our Pinterest page: Pinterest.com/PETacular.

LOW-COST VACCINATIONS

lects a group of the month, and the Rescued Hearts partners with Dr. group receives a grant at the month’s Amy Neidig of Healthy Companions end. For December, Rescued Hearts Preventative Pet Care, 5310 Monte- involved invited its customers to vote bello Ln., to offer low-cost vaccination on their favorite local group — All Lee Bathelt started as a volunteer, became the store, along with micro- Breed Rescue & Training was selected volunteer coordinator, clinics and isin now a board member. Robbyn Winburn began licensing volunteering chipping, and blood tests. as the winner. Learn more about All one shift a week, and is There now a is fullno staff member. exam fee, and Dr. Neidig Breed at HaveANiceDog.org.

Both have adopted dogs through the store!

Rescued Hearts also distributes Rescued Hearts Volunteer recruiting is supplies continuous.

There is with vouchfor the services easily enough work to ers require 3-4same staffers on at her clinic, multiple awards quarterly and supevery shift. The fact thatalso theirwithout dogs are ports groups in the Indy Gives! Camanwelcome exam fee. in the store is a real draw for It also Dr. volunteers.

Neidig offers antibody titer test- paign. Donations are also raised onis a reason many people enjoy shopping at to determine non-profit RHUB---they get their ing “doggy fix!”

It’s awhether rare your pet re- line at Rescued-Hearts.org. In 2014, started as a volunteer, bout a year ago, Marcy it Bathelt added Chihuahua andbecame Small Dog vaccine.

Antibody titer testing Lee dayMcReynolds, there isn’t at leastquires one adog on duty as volunteer coordinator, and is now a board Linda Hoover, and Terra Kraettli greeter.

Robbyn Winburn began volunteering Rescue, Chihuahua-SmallDogRescue. is not widely known by pet owners, so member. decided it was time to do what they’d been one shift a week, and is now a full staff member. dreaming about---open a new type of non-profit org, and SafedogsPlace forthePets, Dr. donated Neidig offers at Rescued Both Theand store thrift classes store have adopted through store! Safethrift store to fund animal rescue welfaresells typical Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique pose with their pets outside Volunteer recruiting is continuous. There is groups. board Their members vision was a more upscale items---gently used (and new) clothing, purses, PlacePets.org, to the roster Hearts to help pet owners understand easily enough work to require 3-4 staffers of on about the boutique this summer.

Courtesy of Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique version of a traditional thrift store. shoes,Rescued furniture, decorative books, CDs, every The fact that their dogs are welcome Hearts Unique Boutique started accepting 20shift. benefiting organizations. how items, it can help their pets. in the store is a real draw for volunteers. It also DVDs, kitchen items, pet supplies, and jewelry. donations and officially opened in February a reason many people enjoy shopping at Instructor Cheryl 2013.

There are also antiques and collectibles.

DonorsMaxfield leads is RHUB---they get their “doggy fix!” It’s a rare There are thrift stores all over the country “Make and Take:new Essential Oils for daySHOP, VOLUNTEER receive a receipt for taxapurposes.

Select there isn’tDONATE, at least one dog on duty as supporting animal rescue groups and shelters. merchandise is purchased forclass resale, Pets” atincluding Rescued Hearts. Max- greeter.

Most Rescued Hearts merchandise Some are run by a group or shelter, and fund The store sells typical donated thrift store gifts andlarger pet supplies. Diapers and belly bands only themselves. Other stores benefit field uses primarily DoTerra oil, and for items---gently is donated, butnew) some products are used (and clothing, purses, numbers of groups. Still others, as Cause forsuch dogs are made by volunteers, as are dog shoes, furniture, decorative items, books, CDs, for Paws in Lincoln, Nebraska, fund a smaller a small fee, she can show you how to purchased new, like pet supplies and and and cat Marcy beds using recycled fabrics. During DVDs, kitchen items, pet supplies, and jewelry. number of groups. When Linda are also antiques collectibles.

Donors learned of Cause for Paws nearly years ago, a furniturecustom the 2summer, annex blend was opened oils andinsprays for your There gift-type items.and Browse the collection receive a receipt for tax purposes. Select new they went there and met withthe the owner. same She strip mall, allowing for the storageessences of pets, from calming to prod- merchandise of leashes, collarsforand harnesses, inis purchased resale, including shared her expertise freely, and was truly an more furniture, seasonal items and donated pet gifts and pet supplies. Diapers and belly bands inspiring example. Given the success of Cause ucts that soothe irritated skin.

Attendcluding Denver’s professional football

BY HANNAH BLICK, PETACULAR for dogs are made by volunteers, as are dog for Paws, it reinforced their intention food. to go that cat beds using recycled fabrics. During direction in their new venture. ees take home at least two products and team merchandise. Do you like to hike the summer, a furniture annex was opened in website recently launched, he key to knowing where they The long-delayed All three founding women are experienced in thewith same your strip mall, allowing for the storage of sells they have created themselves to help dog?

Rescued Hearts marketing retail, and are active animal more furniture, seasonal items and donated pet forandpeople locally andin around e of rescue groups in the area, with opportunities rescue and rehabilitation, which are essential their pets. collapsible water dishes, along with a Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique is food. to running support oursuch groups causes. have as many members. They the country for a store as this. and Their personal launched, contacts in thelinks, local rescue of treats and chew toys. None nothe ordinary store. also. community were the key to knowing where they The long-delayed website recentlyvariety at under radar. thrift The idea is There are educational wanted to focus their efforts. With the abundance of rescue groups in the area, with opportunities for people locally and around m, as wellIt’s as a extra fund-raising of its edibles are made in China. non-profit, all-volunteer thrift GROUP OF THE MONTH the country to support our groups and causes.

RHUB generally funds some of those who don’t have as many members. They Come to Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique—it do an outstanding job, but often operate somewhat under the radar. The idea is There are educational links, also.

The boutique also has products store with great buys on Each month, Rescued Hearts setrulydonated is a great place to donate and a fun place to have someone else doing extra publicity for them, as well as extra fund-raising Come to Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique—it behalf. to shop! c supporter of two larger groupsgoods, clothing, household collect-on their Rescued CONTINUED ON PAGE 19 truly is a great place to donate and a fun place Hearts al approach dog rescue, All and pet supRHUB is an enthusiastic supporter of two larger groups to shop! ibles,tofurniture, jewelry, Unique Boutique, that take an exceptional approach to dog rescue, All ning and Lucky Dog Rescue.

Rescue & Training and Lucky Dog Rescue. plies. But that’s just the beginning.

3314 AustinBreed Bluffs Pkwy. o their custody, they go through When a dog comes into their custody, they go through two years, Rescued positive reinforcement training.

This practice aids training. After This nearly practice aids Noon – 2 p.m., December 7 a successful adoption rate. Both groups help the rate. Hearts, Both groups help the 3314 Austin Bluffs Pkwy., is new owners address any issues that might arise, to No appointment necessary ny issues that might arise, to prevent the dog from being returned.

In addition to continuing its mission to raise funds Hosted by dog Mile High rescues, Rescued Hearts helps cat, horse, reptile, eing returned.

In addition to rabbit, and exotic rescues, as well as Hamlett Spay and for local animalreptile, rescue and welfare Hearts helps cat, horse, Weimaraner Rescue, A non-profit thrift store Neuter Clinic. es, as well as Hamlett Spay and Hearts Facegroups.

Visit the Rescued funding animal rescue/welfare groups.

MHWR.org The women of Rescued Hearts are closely involved book page for information on upcom-in the rescue community, and continually network Get your 2014 tax deductions – to arrange transport, find foster homes, rescue ed ing events and fundraisers. Here’s aanimals in need, and connect animals in need with donate by December 31st. ork look at some of Rescued Hearts’ mostthose who can help them. can make a difference in RHUB is about more than just retail sales. There are ue successful projects in 2014: Colorado Ave., and Mike's Natural opportunities for customers to meet the groups the Pet the lives of rescued animals. ith store supports. These events usually involve food, 3618 have dodrinkMarket, and music!

SomeJeannine events are Dr., educational, others are outright Adoption fairs are nated foodfundraisers. for this drive.

ADOPTION FAIRS are held. Lucky Dog Rescue had 2 fairs and adopted Breeder Release hasAdoption greatService, connecOne of Rescued Hearts’ favorite6 dogs!TheBothboutique he a mill dog rescue group based in Bon Carbo, and Pals Forever have also done od, tionsataround county anddonations helpedof pet food, which are projects is hosting adoption fairs. Theadoptions the store. the RHUB also collects to the groups. al, Majestic Canine Rescue, MajesticCaboutique partners with organizationsdistributed are RHUB held a fundraiser for a group each month until the first grant checks were nineRescue.squarespace.com, like Lucky Dog Rescue, BeALuckyDog.issued.

One fundraiser was a silent auction fordeliver Ruby Ranch Horse Rescue. It ed already been planned for June, but when they took in horses from the Black a truckload of cat food to Look What com/Rescue, and Pals Forever Ani-had ce, Forest Fire, the need became even greater. Bids came from as far away as andBrought Michigan. There also were wine tastings for Lucky Dog Rescue, d Pals Forever have also done the Cat In, LookWhatTheCatmal Rescue, PalsForever.org, to findWashington plant and statuary sale for Happy Cats Haven, a Pass the Puppy Party nations forever of pet food, which are dogs. Dozensaforgarden a local feline homes for local aBroughtIn.org, wolf-dog pup from Indigo Mountain, andshelter. desserts at a “Talk with the Trainers” from All Breed Rescue & Training.

The organization worked with of dogs have found homes through a The mix of personalities and skills that are drawn to be a part of this all-volunteer until themeeting first grant were Denveraremusician Joe Zamora —and now atchecks Rescued Hearts. The bou-organization its true strength.

Susan Sterritt Cathy Zapien joined long Ruby Ranch Horse Rescue. It before the doors opened. Initially, Susan became a board member, but now in Nashville — to run a successful tique has also hosted adoptable kitworks special events, along with Cathy and Terra. Cathy, the first full staffer is y took in horses from the Black the queen offood the back room and of clothes pricing! drive formaster Breeder Retens from Cats ds came from as Happy far away asHaven, Happy-trulycanned tastingsCatsHaven.org. for Lucky Dog Rescue, 3314 Austin Bluffs Pkwy lease Adoption Service, a mill dog Haven, a Pass the Puppy Party 20rescue group. fallZamora west of Academy collected food 2013 erts at a “Talk with the Trainers” and cash donations during his perforDOG FOOD DRIVES Rescued Hearts hosts dog food mances and doubled the amount the to be a part of this all-volunteer www.rescued-hearts.org drives for organizations t and Cathy Zapien joined long like Blue Lion boutique was able to collect. Mike’s Rescue, BlueLionRescue.org, which Natural Pet Market then sold Rescued me a board member, but now a. Cathy, the first full breed staffer dogs is Like us on Facebook rescues large and serves Hearts canned food at cost, stretching othes pricing! up about 9,000 pounds of kibble each cash donations even further. The resA great place to donate, a fun place to shop. month. Bon Pet Supply, 2312 N. Wah- cue group was able to feed dozens of satch Ave., Republic of Paws, 2411 W. dogs for an entire month.

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There’s no place like home Safety, companionship benefits of hiring in-home holiday pet sitter

BY HANNAH BLICK, PETACULAR

You might not be home for the holidays, but you don’t have to deprive your pets of the luxury. Hiring an inhome pet sitting service might be the best option for your family when you are out of town.

“It often reduces stress for the animals — they get to stay home and have their yard, a regular diet, and continued companionship,” said Erin Morgan, co-owner of Stay Happy Pet Sitting.

Morgan has been pet sitting for 20 years and shares her business with her sister. Stay Happy Pet Sitting typically sees an increase of requests for in-home pet sitters during the winter holiday months, and Morgan advised getting requests in as quickly as possible, as the calendar tends to fill up this time of year.

But the planning doesn’t end once you’ve booked a sitter.

“There’s so much to think about when prepping for a trip, people of-

ten forget about the pet’s needs,” Morgan said. “Don’t forget to put together a ‘to do’ list for your pet sitter.”

Details on your pet’s favorite treats, preferred walk route, and familiarity with neighborhood dogs are all helpful for a sitter to know.

“We’ll come to your house and do a free, one-hour consultation,” she said. “We’ll ask about any meds and the pet’s routine and habits and make sure we’re a good fit for you.”

Let your pet sitter know if you prefer to be in correspondence with them while you are out of town; if you’re lucky, the sitter will build trust with you and your pet and can return for future vacations and work trips that take you out of town.

“I’ve got clients that I see all the time and now it’s easy, I just go and know what to do,” Morgan said. “We really love your pets, not just watch out for them.”

There are added benefits to hiring

a pet sitter. “Break ins often increase during the holidays, so this way you have a built-in guard dog and person,” Morgan said.

A pet sitter can also help enforce house rules for pets, like staying off certain pieces of furniture, and closely monitor health issues and dietary needs.

“Choosing a pet sitter is ideal for the families whose pets are an extension of the family,” Morgan said.

“Your pets can tell something is dif-

ferent around the holidays, though they might not understand why you are suddenly gone.”

Dogs especially love to have treats that their owners made them for Christmas, Morgan recommended baking banana or pumpkin bread and leaving it with the sitter to treat your pup while you’re celebrating elsewhere.

“You can still make it special for them while you’re gone, and a sitter can help with that,” Morgan said.

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VET CENTRAL

Austin Bluffs Animal Clinic 4323 Austin Bluffs Pkwy.

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

PET ER:

How to determine if it’s a true emergency

www.BlackForestVetClinic.com Ted H. Mohr, DVM Rick E. Coufal, DVM Amy C. Mueller, DVM

Brown Veterinary Hospital 45 E. Old Broadmoor Rd. Colorado Springs, CO 80906 (719) 636-3341

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Healthy Companions Preventive Pet Care 5310 Montebello Lane Colorado Springs, CO 80918 (719) 465-3137

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BY DR. LEE WILWERDING, POWERS PET EMERGENCY AND SPECIALTY

What constitutes a pet emergency?

Unfortunately, it’s a complicated answer.

One symptom in your pet can be a clue Lee Wilwerding, DVM to a variety of issues. For example, vomiting could be a simple upset stomach or a gastric foreign body. The foreign body is an emergency, the simple upset stomach might not be.

The short answer is there is not a simple answer, but the following tips and can help you next time you’re trying to decide if it’s truly a pet emergency.

Take note of your pet and how they behave when they are healthy.

Pay attention when your pet is quieter than normal or not

Amy Neidig, DVM

responding to you as usual. For example, if a puppy is acting excited and vomits once, but continues to play and seems happy, it may not be an emergency.

But, if your pet vomits and acts uncomfortable or lethargic, that is an emergency. The signs can be subtle, so it’s important to know your pet.

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Toxins are any chemicals or medications that were not prescribed for your pet’s treatment by a veterinarian; ingestion of a toxin warrants a call to the emergency hospital where technicians and doctors can advise you further. Many household medications can cause problems for pets, including Tylenol and ibuprofen, if not given as directed by a veterinarian.

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Keep an eye on your pet if it is or become more severe should be spending time in your garage. considered an emergency and your Antifreeze is especially dangerous for pets to ingest and constitutes a true emergency. It can damage your pet’s kidneys very quickly, and while it can be treated, your pet must be seen quickly to ensure its safety.

Have your pet seen immediately if it ingests rat poison or any pesticide or rodenticide in the house — even if they seem healthy.

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When a pet ingests rat poison, it might act perfectly fine for several days, but problems will surface and by this time it will be in far worse condition that if it had been seen immediately.

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A single seizure that comes and goes quickly may not be an emergency. Seizures that repeat

pet should receive medication to stop the seizing before cumulative effects harm your pet.

Lacerations can be considered an emergency, depending on the degree, just as with people.

A simple cut might not be too serious, but a deep one, in which blood vessels and tendons could be damaged, is an emergency. Any deep laceration should be seen quickly, especially if there is profuse bleeding; lacerated tendons can be fixed if they are treated as soon as possible after getting cut. Any laceration will benefit from early treatment, as wound infection can be headed off by a quick cleaning and application of appropriate medications. I would suggest removing any metal edging from your yard. This is notorious for causing the worst and deepest paw lacerations in dogs especially.

PETACULAR

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SCRATCH&SNIFF:

Your cat’s claws serve a purpose

BY SARA FERGUSON, HAPPY CATS HAVEN

“Can a kitten be declawed at birth?”

Someone recently asked this question at Happy Cats Haven. It’s a fact: cats come with claws. Scratching with their claws is a basic cat instinct, like eating or purring. It keeps their bodies functioning properly and is a major part of how they communicate.

HISTORY OF DECLAWING Many of us have declawed our cats in the past, as more and more cats became indoor-only pets. Dr. Marcus Brown, President of the American Association of Feline Practitioners, said, “I think many cat owners just had no idea that a declaw is an amputation.”

This procedure cuts off their toes at the first joint, along with their tendons.

Even many professionals were uninformed. The side effects, complications and aftercare of declawing weren’t taught in vet schools, according to Dr. Jean Hofve, partner with Jack-

son Galaxy on the website LittleBigCat. com.

Most people now realize that declawing can have lasting effects on a cat that can be just as bad as any behavior the procedure might be trying to prevent. Declawing is no longer taught in some veterinary schools, is now not required in most and is banned in most of the European Union.

APPROPRIATE MARKING Cats have glands between their toes that let them leave their scent on the scratcher. This is like email for cats that leaves a message for other cats to “read,” letting them communicate without getting into each other’s personal space. You want your cats to mark their territory appropriately as this helps them avoid cat fights.

Cats also use their claws to knead, or “make biscuits,” rhythmically ex-

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tending and withdrawing them. This is one of the biggest compliments a cat can pay you, since he is responding to you as if you were his mom. Simply adding another fabric layer under your cat will protect your legs and keep your cat happy as a kitten.

THE RIGHT SCRATCHER A cat tree or scratcher is part of the basic equipment you need to have a happy, normal cat. It’s all about making sure the scratcher you provide is worth more to your cat than your furniture is.

Most cats have very specific preferences in scratchers. Some like to scratch vertically while some prefer horizontal surfaces. Many prefer sisal rope while others like cardboard or carpet.

If you don’t know what your new cat likes, let him tell you by offering a couple of inexpensive orientations and surfaces, using a string toy or catnip to lure him onto it. Location is equally important. Most cats like their scratchers to be in areas where they and their people hang out, just not in the middle of traffic.

If your cat is still drawn to something you don’t want him to scratch, you can make that place less pleasant for him while providing the scratcher he does like. Many cats avoid double-stick tape, aluminum foil or vinyl carpet runners with the spiked side facing up.

TRIMMING CLAWS If you teach your cat that claw clipping never hurts and always gets a reward, it will become just another fun thing you can do with your cat. Break it down into small steps, go slowly and reward for every step, clip only when he is already relaxed, stop when he wants you to and always avoid hurting him with a misplaced clip.

Clicker training works very well for this procedure. We have lots of tips for how to choose the right scratcher and trim claws on HappyCatsHaven.com.

GET REAL ON DECLAWING According to Dr. Karen Becker of the website HealthyPets.com, it is common for an outgoing, social cat to start

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Courtesy of Happy Cats Haven

hiding, spending most of his time out of reach of those who once were his human friends. It’s likely this is because he is in pain, just as if he were wounded.

Many cats never recover emotionally, leading to litter box issues as well.

Some also become biters, as they now have fewer ways to communicate besides biting when their normal communication suddenly disappears.

Declawing changes how a cat walks, not just how he scratches. It causes pain so great that it’s the procedure used to test new pain medications in cats. It also affects cats’ elbows and spines, often leading to arthritis as they age.

There are millions of indoor cats in the world who prove that cats can scratch appropriately. At Happy Cats Haven, we do everything we can to provide our adopters and our community with the resources to help cats keep their claws.

If you have any doubts that declawing might be right for your cat, just imagine how it would feel if all 10 of your fingertips were chopped off, removed by the very people you love and trust the most. Would perfect furniture really be worth as much as that?

Jennifer Nosler, owner of LWTCBI, holds long-haired cat Baby beneath a custom logo painted on the front room wall in the shelter’s new location. Photo by Hannah Blick, PETacular

Look where the cat moved in

BY HANNAH BLICK, PETACULAR

Look What The Cat Brought In (LWTCBI) has taken up a new residency on the eastern edge of Downtown, in the Knob Hill neighborhood. But this isn’t the first time 2129 E. Boulder St. has been home to a locally beloved pet institution.

Hamlett Spay & Neuter Clinic operated out of the two-story building from 1977 – 2012. The clinic relocated to 3660 Citadel Dr. N., but managed to complete 680,000 spays and neuters in its 35 years on Boulder Street. The building sat vacant for two years, until LWTCBI moved in this fall.

NEW DIGS “I’m so happy to be in this space and for that little chunk of history,” said Jennifer Nosler, founder of LWTCBI, a non-profit shelter that aids cats that require extra care and find loving, permanent homes for those that otherwise might not. The shelter moved to its new spot in September and invited the public to a grand opening on September 13.

“We had about 100 people at open house and raised $1,000 from our little silent auction — it was a nice surprise,” Nosler said. The shelter has taken on three more volunteers and a slew of felines since its opening. It has seen an increase in visitors and plans to extend its public hours this winter. Current hours are 2-4 p.m. on Sundays; visit LookWhatTheCatBroughtIn.org for an announcement on new public hours.

The shelter is leasing the building for now, opting to spend $50,000 on desperately needed repairs before it

moved in. From the shiny, new floors to the freshly painted pastel walls and improved intake and cat care areas, Nosler can hardly believe the shelter’s transformation in such a short time period.

“It’s one thing when you’ve got a shabby little spot and big dreams, and another when you’ve shoehorned into a great spot and people can start to see your dreams,” Nosler said.

The building’s second floor is split between a large, enclosed area for the shelter’s colony, which can house about 30 cats, and a multipurpose meeting room with new and donated furniture. “If there’s ever an emergency in the city again, we can

ADOPT

house evacuated cats in this space,” Nosler said. Plans are also underway to use the multipurpose room to host a weekly Cat Café and various classes for pet owners in the community.

“The space just invites your imagination,” Nosler said.

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TAKE A TOUR The ground level flows from a welcome room and office space, featuring a custom-painted LWTCBI logo, to an intake room designed to hold up to 24 kittens or 8 adult cats. The cats are tested for feline leukemia and feline aids before being moved to the adoption room, which can hold up to 22 cats.

“Someone donated that dishwasher, it really helps us stay clean,” Nosler said. “We have a lot more ventilation in this building, too.” Two isolation rooms house cats battling upper respiratory infections and ringworm, allowing staff to care for these cats while keeping the rest of the animals safe from disease.

The new building also has 10 sinks scattered throughout the building, a much-needed upgrade from the one sink in the previous location. “It’s so much easier to work here, we’re not tracking dirty stuff through the building,” Nosler said. It’s also significantly closer to the venues and veterinary offices LWTCBI staff and cats visit on a weekly basis.

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

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LookWhatTheCatBroughtIn.org PETACULAR

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Forever care, forever homes Wellness Program provides care for pets of terminally ill owners

BY HANNAH BLICK, PETACULAR

Eighteen years ago, a Colorado Springs hospice nurse named Joanne Bonicelli realized there wasn’t a safe place her patients could send their pets when they could no longer care for them. She made up her mind to do something about it, and Safe Place for Pets was born. Nearly two decades later, April Hoskins is helping to expand Bonicelli’s vision through Safe Place’s Wellness Program for Pets.

Safe Place, 1141 Manitou Ave. in Manitou Springs, has grown from a one-woman show to a multi-faceted, volunteer-run organization that helps find forever homes for pets of terminally ill people. One year ago, it became the only nonprofit in Colorado to provide a Wellness Program for pets of terminally ill people; it is still one of just a few in the entire country to provide these services, keeping two goals in mind: “First, we want to help maintain the

bond between the pet and the owner.

Second, we keep the health of the pet maintained,” Hoskins, coordinator of the Wellness Program, said. “We like to say, ‘Once a Safe Place pet, always a Safe Place pet.’”

WHAT THE PROGRAM CAN DO The Wellness Program can provide local pet owners with seemingly endless aid — if they are aware of it.

“People might have heard of us, but they really have no idea how much we can help them,” Hoskins said. “They will call and just want one thing, but often when we go meet them, we try to show them we can do so much more.”

To qualify for aid from the Safe Place Wellness Program, pet owners must live in El Paso or Teller counties and have a terminal illness.

“Families can make arrangements for pets, but that often gets compli-

Adoptable cats play in the front room at Safe Place for Pets. Photo by Hannah Blick, PETacular

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cated,” Hoskins said. “The people we work with don’t necessarily have a support network for their animals, so that’s where we come in.”

The program also partners with five area hospices to get as many eligible pet owners involved as possible.

About 120 volunteers help with everything from manning events to writing donor thank-you notes, creating social media posts and fundraising — but especially caring for pets. Sometimes volunteers follow up with pets that require ongoing medication, and sometimes Safe Place can help cover the costs of the medicine. They will take pets to veterinary and grooming appointments and always make sure the owner is as informed and active in the pet’s care as they want to be.

“When we take pets in, we try to get them to be as adoptable as possible,” Hoskins said. “We do bloodwork, dental work, vaccinations — whatever will help.”

STEVIE WONDER & CO. From start to finish, Safe Place and its Wellness Program can do so much for pets and their owners. Case in point: the story of Stevie Wonder, the 13-year-old long-haired cat, born blind and toothless and full of char-

For more information on how to receive services from Safe Place for Pets or the Wellness Program for Pets, visit safeplacepets.org or call 719-359-0201.

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acter. His owner, Bonnie, refused to leave her home for hospice care until she knew her cat would be cared for.

Safe Place immediately went to her home and took charge of both Stevie Wonder and her dachshund Calvin.

They were able to visit Bonnie one last time before she passed away three days later. “She was really relieved that there was a plan for the animals, that we could take care of them for her,” Hoskins said.

Stevie Wonder came to Safe Place on June 20 and was later placed in a foster home, but he is still looking for a forever home. Please call Safe Place at 719-359-0201 if you can give him a permanent home.

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ASK THE VET

FOOD FADS:

Navigate through trends, ingredient lists to choose the best diet for your pet

BY RUSSELL WELFARE, DVM, NORTH POWERS ANIMAL HOSPITAL

More people are trying to give their pets better, healthier, longer lives. What your pet eats can have a direct effect: the better the food, the healthier the animal. Unfortunately, interpreting pet food labels is difficult, and too much incorrect information regarding the subject is floating around.

According to the American Pet Products Association, the percentage of dog and cat owners who have gone online for health care and nutrition information has dramatically increased since 1998.

The Internet does have plenty of helpful information, along with plenty of misinformation. Distinguishing between the two can be difficult.

Fortunately, there are a few methods for pet owners to determine on their own the best type of food for their pets.

First, look for an AAFCO (Association

of American Feed Control Officials) Statement. This statement should include the phrase “substantiated by animal feeding trials.” This means they fed the diet to animals to be certain it supported their nutritional needs.

If it says “formulated to meet the nutritional needs,” this indicates that the food was made using the AAFCO formula, but not actually tested. Next, look for a consumer contact number.

You can call and ask about the protein digestibility of the product, if there are veterinary nutritionists on their company’s staff, and how much research the company has done on its products. Finally, engage your veterinarian in a conversation. We don’t have all the answers, but should be able to give you the reasons we have chosen the foods we like.

Here are a few more tips and tricks when it comes to finding the perfect pet food:

NUTRIENTS VS. INGREDIENTS Nutrients are always more important than ingredients. As a culture, we have been trained to look at the ingredients list on food items simply because it is on the outside of the bag. Unfortunately, there is no real way to determine what the nutrient content of the food is just by looking; pet food companies are not required to put nutrient information on food packaging labels. Your veterinarian can help guide you toward foods built on nutrient levels and help you understand your pet’s nutrient needs.

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PETACULAR

It is my pet peeve when pet food companies advertise “Our first ingredient is always a whole meat.”

This is frustrating because the company is simply marketing to you, the human and it has nothing to do with the quality of the food. Ingredient lists on pet food are ordered by weight, so the first ingredient listed is simply the heaviest. Whole meat (skeletal muscle directly off the bone) is about 70 – 75 percent water, so when the food is processed and the water is removed, this only makes up a fraction of the actual protein in the food. Further down an ingredient list, there is typically some type of meal, like beef or chicken, listed. Your pet’s food mostly derives its protein content from this meal. The problem is, the pet food company does not have to disclose the meal quality on the package. If your pet food claims meat as a first ingredient, it does not mean the food is bad for your pet, it simply means this first ingredient does not

affect the quality of the food.

Recently, marketing has become such a factor that even companies making balanced, nutritionally driven foods have had to list a whole meat as the first ingredient. This still has no bearing on the quality of the food, but because consumers have been led to believe it, this has become necessary in today’s market.

GRAIN-FREE DIETS Grain-free diets are a current pet food fad, with many supposed expert sources claiming grain is terrible for our pets. However, there are no scientific studies that point toward grain as a nutritional danger. We do know that any protein can cause an allergic reaction and food allergies can occur with both grain and corn.

But, we also know that pets are more likely to have an allergic reaction to beef, chicken and lamb.

NATURAL OR RAW DIETS Raw or natural diets are also relatively popular right now. These diets can have a positive effect on your pet, but I believe the detriments outweigh the benefits. For example, it can lead to a significantly higher likelihood of intestinal colonization with bacteria like Salmonella.

Some dogs and cats have a level of resistance to these bacteria, but humans do not. If you have an animal carrier in your house, it has the potential to expose your entire family to these pathogens — a risk I am not comfortable taking with my family.

Every major veterinary group in the U.S. has come out with a position statement against raw diets.

’Tis the season:

Treat pet allergies with thorough cleaning during winter months

BY HANNAH BLICK, PETACULAR

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic pet, said Dr. Matthew Bowdish, FAAAAI, FACAAI. “People will say some breeds are hypoallergenic, because they shed less, like poodles, airedales, terriers and some short hair cats,” said Bowdish, a board certified allergist at William Storms Allergy Clinic, 1625 Medical Center Pt., Ste. 190. “But if you’re really allergic, it doesn’t really matter. You will likely still have symptoms. It’s more a matter of risk avoidance, than risk elimination.” never expected to need their If you are considering getting a cared for and loved. That pet, Bowdish recommended first visthe home of a neighbor or friend options to help you enjoy your pet,” , fiancéeiting of Michael Duncan with a pet, to see if any of your family he said.

People of all ages can develop almembers have an allergic reaction.

Symptoms of a pet allergy include lergies to pet dander, which includes s in Manitou sneezing, itchy and watering eyes, skin flakes and proteins found in pet nasal congestion irtual nonprofit, Safe Placeand for skin rashes, saliva and urine. There are few simple like hives.

If you do have pet aller- ways to manage the risks at home. s to the public for the very first “Do what you can to reduce exgies, it is not necessarily a reason on center and new home for our posure to dander, likefornot to avoid owning a pet.

“Pet allergies ler counties, Safe Place is dedicated to finding loving, forever homes thepetting, pets of nne Bonicelli our all-volunteer found homes for hundreds of bereaved hugging, or kissing a pet,” he said. are treatable, and we team havehas a lot of loving

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“If that’s not doable, be sure to wash your hands and face with soap and water afterwards.”

It helps to keep pets out of the bedrooms and off the furniture, as this promotes spread of dander. Have your pets professionally groomed often, supplementing with home baths. “This can help with the buildup of dander and oils on the an-

imal’s coat, especially if they spend a lot of time outdoors,” Bowdish said.

During the winter months, pet owners tend to be more closed up with their pets, getting a stronger dose of dander. This might be a good time to replace old carpet with tile, wood, or linoleum flooring that is less likely to retain dander and make your family allergic to its pets. Air filters and double or micro fiber vacuum bags can also help reduce allergens in your home.

To dig deeper, visit a board certified allergist for a complete history, physical, and testing for allergens. There are medications that can help you mask your symptoms, and regular immunotherapy shots can change the underlying allergy.

“Over the course of a couple years, you can build up a tolerance to your pet,” Bowdish said. “Many even see a decade of improvement after receiving the shots — the long-term results are great.”

and donate life giving blood As the owner of the blood donor, you will receive:

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

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.

•$75 to $150 to use toward your regular veterinary expenses (after 6th donation) •Free blood work and typing for your dog •Priority status in the event your dog needs a transfusion •The personal satisfaction of helping a pet in need

At no cost to the owner, the screening process includes: •Complete blood work •Tick-borne parasite panel •Heart worm test •Full Dog Erthrocyte Antigen (DEA) blood typing Must be at least 50 lbs and between the ages of 1 and 8, please visit www.hemosolutions.com for further restrictions.

Donation only takes about 15-20 minutes.

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Call 719.380.1900 or 1.800.436.0219 Fax 719.591.8933 Email info@hemosolutions.com Visit www.hemosolutions.com Where Several locations throughout the Front Range area for your convenience

PETACULAR

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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.

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RESCUED HEARTS UNIQUE BOUTIQUE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 7

Rescued Hearts board member Linda Hoover poses with her dogs Ziva and Leo and Santa Paws in December 2013. Courtesy of Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique

for your feline friends, including outdoor screen enclosures so cats can safely enjoy the yard. Rescued Hearts also sells herbs like basil and cilantro, grown by the store’s newest board member, Megan Byers. The store also plans to sell aloe plants over the winter.

Be sure to bring in your dona-

tions for a tax receipt, or consider volunteering if you want to get more involved. Rescued Hearts recruits volunteers who can commit to at least one three-four hour shift weekly. Retail and/or rescue experience is a plus, but not a must to help out at Rescued Hearts Unique Boutique.

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PETACULAR