Atlanta pet life winter 2016

Your Pet Life Style Magazine

Vol. 1 Issue 4 Winter 2016

Four legs with style

AtlantaPetLife.com

Ronda Rich Author of

Savethe

Horses!

Story on Page 18

1,000,000 Ways To Help Animals In Need Page 31

What Southern Women Know with Husband John Tinker & Dachshund Dew Drop

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Advertising/Marketing/Social Media Services Bill Garst | 941.702.0155 petpagebillatl@gmail.com Advertising North Georgia Mountains Jackie Treneer | 706.878.8887 Graphics and Layout Stacy Wright | thgirwycats@yahoo.com Contributors Michelle Bourg Ashley Daniele Carestia Katharine Schlien Cella Nelson Jan S. Granai Nicole Essawy Victoria Stilwell Lorrie L Leickel-Koch David Green Steve Mise Bill Garst Stacy Wright Sparrow Marcioni Michael Roth Therra Gwyn Jaramillo

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inter days are here! We close the year and start the new one with our fourth edition of APL. As we move into 2017, I’m sure you will find our publication full of wonderful pet stories and local news. To close 2016, we at ALP want to extend a gracious thank you to our contributors, writers, photographers, production team, distributors, and of course our subscribers and readers. We look forward to wonderful events and new friends in the year ahead.

On Saturday, March 4, 2017 Ahimsa House will host its 13th Anniversary Gala, “Joining Hands & Paws.” We invite you to join us to celebrate 13 years of helping people and pets who are victims of domestic violence reach safety together. www.Ahimsahouse.org As four pawed members of this household, we wish you the best New Year!

The Editors - Tango, Lilly & Hallie Let us hear from you: atlantapetlife@gmail.com Join the Atlanta Pet Life Community Facebook: AtlantaPetLife, Instagram: #Atlantapetlife, Twitter: @AtlantaPetLife

Photo credit: Front cover image by Sarina Roth Model: Ronda Rich, John Tinker, and Dew Drop Tracey Luttgens of Heart Spot Pet & Family Portraits Natalia Kacala of Hot Photo Dog Some images throughout this magazine are sourced from freepik.com December-February 2016, Vol. 1, No. 4 Atlanta Pet Life (ISSN 2472-3290) Subscriptions: $24.99 (U.S.A.) annually to Pet Pages Atlanta.

To subscribe, including change of address, visit AtlantaPetLife.com or write 5140 Chippewa Ct., Cumming, GA 30040, Call: 770-888-9300 Attention Retailers: Sell Atlanta Pet Life in your store. Call 770-888-9300 for more information.

Write to us - we want to hear from you! Send your comments, questions, or concerns to Stacy Wright, Atlanta Pet Life 5140 Chippewa Ct., Cumming, GA 30040 or atlantapetlife@gmail.com All submissions become the property of Mercury Gold Studio, LLC and cannot be returned to the sender.

Submissions chosen for publication may be edited for length or clarity.

Copyright ©2016 Atlanta Pet Life by Mercury Gold Studio, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part may not be reproduced without written permission from the publisher.

Printed in the U.S.A. Atlanta Pet Life (ISSN 2472-3290) is published 4 times a year, in March, June, September, December by Mercury Gold Studio, LLC. Executive, publishing, editorial and advertising offices: 5140 Chippewa Ct., Cumming, GA 30040, (770) 888-9300.

POSTMASTER: Send all remittances, subscriptions and address changes to Atlanta Pet Life, 5140 Chippewa Ct., Cumming, GA 30040 Single copies $5.99 in U.S.A. Responsibility for advertised products lies with the advertisers. Atlanta Pet Life will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials and is not liable for any damages arising from the purchase or use of any products. If you have any consumer complaints concerning goods purchased from our advertisers, please send us written notification to aid our screening process.

Atlanta Pet Life

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Articles

Featured Businesses

Cover Story The Rondarosa

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Pets and Poverty

9

Stamp Out Animal Abuse in Georgia

Rescue a Family Affair

All About Schutzhund Shephers in Action

34

14

Year-Round Fun

35

18

Pet Nutrition

Atlanta’s pet resource desert

Save the Horses and Canine Adoption Network

Coats and Sweaters and Boots Oh My!

31

1,000,000 Ways to Help Animals in Need

26

Dog sports that take it indoors

37 38 40

Cat Psychology 101 Samantha Shelton

Furkids Animal Rescue

In Every Issue Victoria Stilwell

16

Holiday Pet Safety Tips

For the Love of Cats The Cat Outside

23

Fabulous Dogs Need Fabulous Things

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If the Sweater Fits, Wear It

Parrots and Humidity

28

Featured Pet Products

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Creative Ideas

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for Displaying your Favorite Pet Photography

Dobbie Mom’s Safety Corner

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Getting Along Swimmingly

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Market Place

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Flying With Your Pet

Splash and Dash

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Lucky’s Burger & Brew

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M

y husband, John Tinker, who is from a prominent television family and is, himself, an Emmy-award winning television writer/ executive producer, grew up as a child heavily influenced by television. With his understated but clever wit, he named our small farm after me with a tip of the hat to Bonanza’s Ben Cartwright, The Rondarosa.

On the Rondarosa, we welcome and love animals and dote on the deer that saunter across the property. In the beginning – this was 10 years ago when I built the house before we married or even knew each other – there was just Dixie Dew, my chubby dachshund, who usually was honored with a story in every one of my “What Southern Women Know” books. I rescued two kittens that someone had tossed out. Then Tink and I married a few years later and the number of animals grew rapidly.

Since Tink was raised in suburban Connecticut and had spent the last 30 years in Los Angeles, he was delighted to find himself on the gentle rolling hills of north Georgia with streams and creeks and lots of trees. He had always wanted a horse so, for his first birthday following our wedding, I surprised him with a handsome paint named Skips Fancy Enough. We had been spending hours reading the handwritten diaries of his great-great-grandfather, Charlie Tinker, who worked with his close friend, Abraham Lincoln, in the White House (Charlie was a telegraph officer which was how he first became friends with lawyer Lincoln back in Illinois), so we renamed Skips to Charlie. We love Charlie.

Welcome to the

Rondarosa

“You can’t name a horse born in Corinth, Mississippi after a Yankee general”

was the first female sports writer to cover SEC football fulltime. Georgia, Auburn, Tuscaloosa, Tennessee, Kentucky, Mississippi, Archie Manning (red hair and blue eyes) and one named Clemson – Clemmie – a salute to Clemson’s quarterback, De “He’s so alone,” Tink said repeat- shaun Watson, who is from my hometown edly for a month. “He needs a friend.” A of Gainesville, GA. I covered Clemson as a month later, an underfed horse named sports writer so that fits, too, even though Jake arrived to the tremendous joy of both it’s an ACC school.

Tink and Charlie. We fattened him up and Tink renamed him “Rondy” after one of

Two years ago for Christmas, my General U.S. Grant’s favorite horses. family gave us a miniature donkey which we named Sweet Tea. She is a Jerusalem

“You can’t name a horse born donkey that has a cross on her back. in Corinth, Mississippi after a Yankee Legend says that this is the kind of donkey general,” I protested. But I had to admit that carried Jesus into Jerusalem. that the name fit. Rondy is independent, sometimes defiant, occasionally aloof but Sweet Dixie Dew died last year from the corner of his eye, we can tell that after giving me almost 15 years of joy. My he loves us and life on the Rondarosa. best friend, Debbie, gifted me a dachshund puppy for my birthday. She is a red

Over the years, we have added miniature – half the weight of Dixie Dew several rescue cats who wander in and – and is named Dixie Dew Drop. Two out of the two barns on the property and weeks before she arrived home from the sometimes our garage. We name them breeder’s, Tink and I discovered a threeafter SEC schools, a bow to the fact that I month-old black and white mixture of 7

beagle and pointer in a drain pipe. It took me two days to lure her out with a homemade Southern biscuit but she came home to the Rondarosa, just in time to miss an ice storm. Her name, of course, is Biscuit.

We love our animals on the Rondarosa and by all appearances, they are happy to call the Rondarosa “home.”

We consider it a privilege to take care of a few of God’s animals on the land that the good Lord has loaned to us on this earth.

What Southern Women Know About Pets is that it’s hard for us to out love them.

They give us so much joy and love.

Ronda Rich is a syndicated columnist and best selling author of “What Southern Women Know (That Every Women Should Know)”.

John Tinker is a television producer and writer.

Tinker is the co-creator of Judging Amy, and has been an executive producer on Chicago Hope, The Practice and The Book of Daniel.

Atlanta Pet Life

Pets and Poverty

In addition, local businesses like West End Animal Wellness are partnering with PFL to bring veterinary services to the area residents.

Pets for Life also provides dog training, spay and neuter, vaccinations, supplies, transportation, trap-neuter-return services, euthanasia and even advice, when needed. There are no qualifications required for this assistance.

Contributed by Stacy Wright

hen families struggle economically, W a family pet can provide needed emotional comfort. Yet some families are

faced with a variety of challenges to keep their pets healthy. There are organizations available to make spaying and neutering available and some to help put food in bowls so pet owners don’t have to make hard choices. However, even these resources are out of reach for some whose pets are needed companions: An area of west Atlanta reaching from Scotts Crossing southward to Sylvan Hills has no animal clinics and no pet food suppliers—a challenge for those who lack money and transport. There is a pet resource desert in Atlanta, where people and their cherished pets live without.

Pets for Life (PFL) is a project started by the Humane Society of the United States. With direct care providers in Atlanta, Philadelphia, Los Angeles and Chicago and similar programs in dozens of cities around the country, they are making extraordinary efforts to increase access veterinary and pet services in under-served neighborhoods. Their goal is to keep pets in homes by connecting families in poverty to the resources they need, as well as to maintain the bond between pets and the owners who depend on them for emotional support.

Atlanta’s PFL Manager, Rachel Thompson, is dedicated to the cause and has made impressive efforts to establish a reliable base of operations in the heart of Atlanta’s underserved area. The PFL facility offers residents the opportunity to improve their pets’ wellbeing, but Thompson doesn’t just sit and wait for the residents to come to her. Through strategic door to door community outreach, PFL is building a humane community by knocking on doors and letting people know that it’s there to help, and people are opening their doors.

Right is Luisa Lopez with Teddy, Tukina, Kamila, Barton and Chloe Bottom is Rachel Thompson taking a picture of Tyron Sharpe’s dog Champagne to be sent to the veterinarian for scheduling her appointment.

Lower right is the map of Pets for Life Atlanta area of focus and marked accessible resources.

Next Page Bottom Rachel Thompson with Nikki Rogers and Miguel Next Page Right Tyrone Sharpe and Champagne

Photos provided by: Tracey Luttgens of Heart Spot Pet & Family Portraits

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When asked if she sees the area making a complete turnaround in the future, Thompson says that there will always be work here to do. The area’s residents are transitional; many move out or are evicted and new people are always moving in. She says eviction days are emotionally difficult; she has delivered pets home from a veterinary stay to find the family packed up in the car waiting for their family member to join them. Some find they must surrender their pet; in these cases PFL can help them make a choice in their pet’s best interest.

There are a thousand sad stories in an animal shelter, and if those forlorn eyes could tell their stories, we know how many of them would go: “Once upon a time I was loved, I was safe and I belonged.”

PFL is making a path into Atlanta’s pet resource desert and helping to make sure that beloved pets are able to stay with their families—where they belong.

“Pets bring joy and comfort to those who love them and that shouldn’t be an experience only for more affluent people. Lack of financial means does not equate to a lack of love that can be felt for and shared with a pet. Often, the less someone has, the more important the emotional support from a dog or cat means to that person. With one in six Americans living in poverty, a large number of people struggle to provide the ever-increasing cost of veterinary care.

As the service providers and animal advocates, we can extend our compassion and understanding to the people, in addition to the animals, and work to increase access to pet care so everyone can experience the unconditional love a pet brings.”

--Amanda Arrington, Director, Pets for Life

Splash and Dash

“Because Your Pet Is a Member of the Family” Georgia’s Only Accredited State Certified Crematory, Preferred by Veterinarians for 44 years Contributed

by Michelle Bourg

For most of us, our dream job would combine a career with our personal passion. For Sandy Yeung of Suwanee, the realization of that dream came when she traded the world of big business for sloppy kisses and suds as the owner of Splash and Dash Groomerie and Boutique, located in the Shakerag Shopping Center on McGinnis Ferry Road.

Says Yeung, “I spent over 10 years in a corporate working environment and it burnt me out. I was looking for something that I could do on a daily basis that made me happy. I love Splash and Dash because I spend my days being covered in slobbery puppy kisses and making my clients happy. There’s no better feeling than when you reunite an owner with their freshly groomed, clean fur baby!”

Splash and Dash opened in November of 2015 and has been off and running ever since. The shop offers both bath and brush services and full grooming packages.

Membership subscriptions are available that provide an unlimited bath and brush program that can be combined with a monthly full grooming. In addition to grooming services, the shop has a full service boutique offering food, accessories, toys, and grooming products with special orders available.

But of all the benefits Splash and Dash offers its customers, perhaps the biggest one is priceless: time.

Yeung knows that most families don’t have the time to keep their four-legged friends looking their best, and finding a grooming professional they can trust makes life a lot easier. “Keeping an active lifestyle is important to me, just as I am sure it is to you. We can take care of all the dirty work and hassle for you, so you can spend the time with your loved ones.”

Yeung enjoys her business, and she especially enjoys being a part of the business community in Suwanee.

“This is a great place for dogs and family. My store may be new to the area, but we care about the community,” she says, and sums up her philosophy this way: “Being a pet store owner is more than just a way to make money for me.

It is my passion and I pride myself on offering amazing service and customer care.”

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Stamp Out Animal Abuse in Georgia!

It has been well documented that homes with reports of domestic violence have a very high incidence of animal abuse. In fact, the abuse towards the family pet is often the precursor to cruelty directed towards human family members such as women, children and the elderly that are dependent on the abuser. Often the defenseless pet is used as a pawn to influence forced behaviors and unfortunately suffers the bulk of the cruelty.

Did you know that one of the first signs of abuse in the home is animal abuse?

It has been well documented that homes with reports of domestic violence have a very high incidence of animal abuse. In fact, abuse toward the family pet is often the precursor to cruelty directed towards human family members such as women, children and the elderly, those who can be dependent on the abuser. Often the defenseless pet is used as a pawn to influence forced behaviors and unfortunately suffers the bulk of the cruelty.

What makes matters even worse is that these abusers, who cause harm or neglect towards animals, are frequently involved in other forms of criminal activity such as drug and firearm possession, gambling, dog and cock fighting to name a few. The high correlation between the abuse of animals and criminal activity makes it critical for agencies involved (specifically law enforcement and animal and shelter services) to be able to identify the situation and then communicate and share the reporting with each other.

“When abuse has been reported, enforcement agencies across Georgia counties do not have a unified system to handle, process and cross report these cases and concerns. What’s missing is education and training. That’s where Animal Law Source comes in.” says Jessica Rock, co-founder of Animal Law Source.

Animal Law Source co-founder Claudine Wilkins is an attorney who has worked on hundreds of animal abuse cases and founded the Animal Law Section of the Georgia Bar. Animal Law Source co-founder Jessica Rock is an attorney who has worked on hundreds of animal abuse cases and is the current chair of the Animal Law Section of the Georgia Bar.

Claudine Wilkins and Jessica Rock are former prosecutors with over 25 years of combined experience in criminal and civil law related to animals.

Recognizing a huge gap in awareness about animal law and legislation, the lawyers created Animal Law Source, a non-profit that brings the latest animal legal news not only to attorneys and law enforcement, but also to veterinarians, animal welfare advocates, researchers, the public and more. In addition to providing education, Animal Law Source is dedicated to drafting legislation and assisting in litigation and other actions to end the abuse and mistreatment of animals.

A visit to the Animal Law Source website at www.animallawsource. org provides free and easy access to an extensive searchable repository of thousands of legal cases, legislation, case law, statutes, legal forms, news stories, templates and best practices, and other resources, all related to animal law and protection. It’s a clearinghouse for find-

Claudine and Jessica at the signing of the most recent Animal Cruelty bill that strengthened the animal cruelty laws in Georgia in 2014.

Atlanta Pet Life

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Give your pet a key to the house

ing laws and legislation within the state of Georgia that concern animals and animal related issues. Updated regularly, the database is organized for easy searches of content by profession such as prosecutors, animal control, pet dealer/ stores, the general public, etc., or by subject such as puppy mills, hoarding, class actions, hot cars, etc. So whether you are a legal professional seeking the latest legislation on dog fighting or a student writing a paper on circus animal abuse, or simply a member of the public that wishes to become an advocate for animals, the free database provides a wealth of current and relevant information at your fingertips.

“The goal is to help prosecutors, judges, law enforcement, policy makers, students, researchers, animal shelters, veterinarians, advocates, other legal professionals as well as the general public make sense of the wealth of information and resources regarding legal and legislative issues. Our mission at Animal Law Source is to change how we care for animals by uniting local communities through education.” Says Claudine Wilkins.

When abuse has been reported, enforcement agencies across Georgia counties do not have a unified system to handle, process and cross report these cases and concerns.

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Animal Law Source holds an annual event called the Animal Law & Enforcement/Animal Shelter Symposium. The next event will be held on March 14, 2017 at the State Bar of Georgia Conference Center. This unique symposium is for anyone involved with animals.

Education is provided on animal law enforcement and prosecution, animal sheltering, rescue and animal care/ medicine as well as the best practices for handling all types of cases. The conference is segmented into a legal track and a shelter track, highlighting the importance of the collaboration of agencies for success in investigating and prosecuting animal cruelty cases in Georgia.

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Atlanta Pet Life

Victoria Stilwell’s Holiday Pet Safety Tips It’s hard to believe that the holidays are here. Holiday decorations are already lighting up homes and businesses, and I even ran into Santa Claus at the mall! The holidays are a wonderful time to spend time with family and friends, but they can also be a challenging time when you have pets. Anxious or reactive dogs are especially prone to stress during the holidays.

Here are eight tips for keeping your dog safe and stress-free this holiday season:

Plan Ahead

If you know you’re going to be having guests over, whether for a few hours or a few weeks, plan ahead.

If your dog is nervous around strangers in your home, set up a safe space for her to go when she’s feeling overwhelmed.

This may be a small room away from guests, or a crate with her favorite toys.

Ask your guests not to bother your dog when she’s in her safe place. For more extended visits, you can build a positive association between your shy dog and your guests. Ask guests not to directly interact with your dog; instead, they can drop treats on the ground when your dog comes around.

If your dog has shown any aggression towards strangers, manage the situation by keeping your dog in another room any time guests come over. Consult a trainer to help you work through these issues.

You can visit positively.com/trainers to find a qualified trainer near you.

Know Your Dog

If you know your dog is shy or fearful towards guests, don’t force your dog to interact with them. We don’t like everyone we meet, and we can’t expect our dogs to, either.

Is your dog a notorious counter surfer?

There are sure to be extra goodies lying around over the holidays, so make sure to keep them out of reach of your pet.

If your dog jumps on guests, work on this behavior before the start of the holiday season so that your guests can have a more peaceful entry into your home.

Watch out for Common Holiday Toxins

Grapes, raisins, chocolate- all common around the holidays and all are toxic to dogs. Coffee, alcohol, and nicotine are all potentially hazardous to your dog. If Atlanta Pet Life

you have a guest that’s an avid smoker or drinker, make sure you plan ahead to make sure your dog stays out of reach of these harmful items.

Be Wary of Holiday Hazards

You might be tempted to toss your dog table scraps from a delicious holiday meal, but keep in mind that rich, fatty foods can severely harm your dog’s digestive system.

Make sure your Christmas tree is securely anchored to the ground, and minimize your dog’s temptation to jump on the tree by avoiding edible ornaments like popcorn strings. Clean up pine needles frequently and don’t allow your pet to drink water from the tree stand.

Keep Your Pet From Getting Lost

If you’re celebrating Hanukkah, make sure to keep your menorah or other candles out of reach of your pets.

You shouldn’t leave your dog outside unattended for long periods any time of the year, but this is especially important over the holidays.

If you have a dog that likes to dart out the door, teach her a “wait” cue to prevent a tragedy in the future.

Keep a collar and tag on your dog at all times.

Don’t Leave Your Dog with Just Anyone

You have several different options for what to do with your dog when you go out of town.

Choose the best option for your dog.

Hire someone to feed and let your dog out several times a day. If your dog struggles being left alone, this may not be the best option. If you do choose this option, make sure your dog is never left outside unattended. I do not recommend this option for long periods as dogs do not do well spending large amounts of time by themselves. A boarding facility or petsitter is a much better choice.

Board your dog at a doggie daycare, vet, or kennel. If you choose this option, make sure your dog is up to date on all vaccinations, and make sure you research the facility in advance.

Hire a pet sitter to watch your dog in their home or in yours. This may be the most expensive option, but it may also give you the most peace of mind.

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Don’t Forget Fido

It can be easy to get caught up in the busy holiday season, but don’t forget about your dog in the process. Regardless of the weather or your schedule, your dog still needs exercise and mental stimulation to avoid boredom and stress.

Don’t miss that daily walk with your dog. Not only will walking your dog reduce his stress level-it will reduce yours, too.

If you’re going to be away from home more than usual, provide your dog with interactive toys or treats to keep him busy. Plan a doggie playdate with a friend.

Think Twice Before Bringing Home a Christmas Puppy

There is a large number of dogs being given away and dumped at shelters after the holidays. A puppy may seem like a fun project for the family, but many dog owners underestimate the amount of work and responsibility they require.

Victoria Stilwell

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Rescue a Family Affair

R Sisters Join Forces to Rescue Neglected Horses and Dogs

escue is a family affair. Just ask Cheryl Flanagan and Michele Williams. Chicago natives, both have devoted much of their lives to the rescue and rehabilitation of animals. Based in Cumming, GA, Cheryl formed the 501(c)(3) nonprofit farm in 1998 called Save the Horses (Horse Rescue Relief and Retirement Fund), with the vision of not only saving horses that are abused. With the vision of not only saving horses that are abused, neglected and in need of rehabilitation, but also educating the public on the standards of care needed to ensure the health and safety of all horses.

Since then, Cheryl and her team of volunteers have rescued and rehabilitated thousands of equines. However, when she approached a horse in need, many times there is another animal alongside that needed a safe place to stay. “How can I walk away when I see another animal that needs help?� says Cheryl. Today Save the Horses is home to 100 horses and approximately 30 other animals that include donkeys, pigs, goats, ducks, sheep, chickens, a turkey (saved from a prior Thanksgiving) and a cow named Rosie.

In addition to horses, within the current month, Cheryl has taken in a 4-week-old lamb with a broken leg that had to undergo eye surgery after being attacked by a donkey, several pregnant mares and a blind rooster. “Due to the magnitude of animals we take in, we are always looking for foster homes and people willing to adopt” says Flanagan. “We have rescued countless dogs as well and I am so glad that I am able to call on my sister for help.”

Cheryl’s sister, Michele Williams, founded Ball Ground, GA based Canine Adoption Network in 2005. Licensed by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, the non-profit 501(c)(3) rescues dogs and places them within their network of foster homes where they are cared for and socialized until they are adopted. “They are not placed in kennels.” says Michele. “They are placed in foster family environments where they interact with people and other animals. Our mission is to place these animals in the very best possible homes, no matter how long that may take.”

In addition to fostering, Michele spends a significant amount of time fundraising to care for sick animals such as Olive the 3-year-old bloodhound female that was abandoned and had to be treated for an advanced ear infection and heartworms. Currently, Olive is recuperating nicely and the rescue is currently looking for a family with no dogs or cats as Olive was used for hunting and gets excited over small dogs and cats.

Atlanta Pet Life

Photos provided by: Tracey Luttgens of Heart Spot Pet & Family Portraits

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“The amount of dogs that are in shelters is staggering. We are working hard to rehome while educating adopters about how important it is to have all their pets spayed and neutered.” Michele herself, lives with 11 dogs that she has rescued over the years. Many of them have never found adopters –so she welcomed them into her own family.

Neither organization receives federal or state funding. Thus, they rely heavily on tax deductible donations and adoption fees to feed and provide medical care for their residents. They also rely on a network of dedicated volunteers that help to care for the animals and help with the feed and general maintenance of the farm.

When asked where the sisters passion for animal welfare comes from, Michele credits their parents. “Our parents always helped with animals in need, bringing home strays, nursing them back to health and finding them new homes.”

Seeing the joy brought to families as well as the animals adopted or fostered is what keeps the sisters committed. They are making a difference!

What’s next for the rescues?

“We’ve dreamed of creating a Save the Horses Sanctuary where animals that would most likely never be adopted, could live out their lives in safety and peace.

We are currently looking for land.” says Flanagan.

If you are interested in donating funds or land, volunteering or learning of other ways you can help, please contact them at www.savethehorses.org or www.canineadoptionnetwork.org

Photos from Save The Horses Hay Day 2016. This is an annual event that takes place on the farm at SavetheHorses every October, and proceeds are used to purchase hay for the animals to eat during the coming winter.

There are great activities for kids of all ages (including the adult variety) such as hay rides, horse rides, a cake walk, petting zoo, and stables where you could visit and get to know some of the beautiful horses who live on the farm. All proceeds go to savethehorses.org.

Contributed by: Cella Nelson is the owner of Georgia Horseback (www.georgiahorseback.com) and a Volunteer/Marketing Coordinator at Save the Horses (www.savethehorses.org.)

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Atlanta Pet Life

Opening Early 2017

Blocks From the Beltline in Old Fourth Ward

The Cat Outside

Next Time You See a Cat Outside…

At Cat Care of Vinings, we see many unfortunate stray cats that have lost their owners, some abandoned or just separated by circumstance. By nature, cats are extremely curious and may suddenly run outside and hide. I recall a recent cat named “Boo” who was the only companion to an elderly client of ours.

While family was visiting for the holidays, the door was left open and Boo ran out suddenly and was not seen for several weeks. By the time he was found, he was starved, severely dehydrated and passed away two days after he was reunited with the his devastated owner. She blamed herself, though she searched and called and got the entire neighborhood involved in every effort to find her “Boo.”

A friend recently asked me how to tell if a cat outside was feral? I thought of Boo and what he must have gone through out there alone; a cat with no experience caring for himself because he was always in a loving home with wonderful care. I cannot stand to see a cat outside in the cold and rain; the question hit me hard. In my experience both in the USA, Mexico and Central America, feral cats are rarely seen except in groups and at great distance from human interaction. Their very survival depends on the cat community to which they belong; human interaction is very dangerous for them, real or imagined. My friend remarked that a cat was hanging around her work that was so very cute and seemed friendly but she was unable to make any direct contact. “That cat may have had negative interactions with humans, or have “strayed” from human contact long enough to feel more comfortable at a distance---as well, I added, “she probably knows the pain of starvation.” It is easy to forget that the “dumpster” cats we see are truly fending for their very lives--whether a previous pet or a stray-seeking dangerous warmth under our cars, in our engines, even in storm drains to stay out of the rain.

Cat colony care is a growing community effort in cities around the country working to contain the stray population and prevent the spread of disease. Organizations such as Ally Cat Allies, a favorite of Cat Care of Vinings is a wonderful non-profit organization that is committed to dispelling myths about outside cats and their needs (www.alleycat.org.) They offer advice and perspective for those of us who wish to provide support for cats who live outside. My friend argued at one point that by feeding and providing shelter for outside cats, we are actually helping these populations flourish. To the individual who shares this perspective, I say that the solution starts with us and that a large part of eliminating this problem rests in collecting these cats, vaccinating and neutering them properly, and placing the ones that are pet-worthy, and releasing the ones that can live in colonies. The cats did not ask to be here. A small but critical shift in our perspective can literally save lives and protect us all, humans and cats alike.

Consider purchasing a trap or contacting animal control for a trap and collecting these animals for care. We “notch” their ear so we can tell which ones are already neutered or spayed. Without our help and support for these efforts, stray and feral cats can propagate diseases that threaten our lives as well as their own. Preventing any further suffering by organizing and working together is our best hope to change this tragedy. These cats are not cute or sweet or anything positive--they are starved and surviving and facing possible death on a daily basis.

Incidentally, consider having a microchip placed with your next veterinary visit for all of your cats and register the chip yearly. If your cat escapes as Mr. Boo did, you will be contacted and reunited when found.

All Cat Hospital Since 2006

Say awww...

4691 S Atlanta Rd SE, Ste 200 Atlanta 404.792.0700 www.catcareofvinings.com

Happy holidays and best wishes for the New Year, Michael D. Friedlander, DVM Cat Care of Vinings 23

Atlanta Pet Life

Coats and Sweaters and Boots Oh My! Contributed by Lorrie L Leickl- Koch

Grooming Your Dog for Winter

Winter! The season of colder temperatures, crackling fireplaces, holiday celebrations and ugly sweaters. But what about the family dog? Does he have to wear an ugly sweater too? Does he need to wear a sweater at all?

The first consideration in winter canine care is maintaining a regular grooming routine. Just as we continue to shower on a regular basis, your dog’s coat needs to be kept clean and tangle-free all winter long.

A clean coat will more effectively trap the air that is warmed by the dog’s body. The muscles in the dog’s skin will fluff up the coat for even more insulation. Clean fur will help repel snow or sleet, and be quicker to dry when your dog comes back inside.

Your dog’s nails may need to be trimmed more often in the winter, as she may get less exercise on hard surfaces which kept her nails shorter in the summer. Long nails can make walking on cold, slippery surfaces more difficult.

Trimming excess hair between your dog’s toes and under her paw pads may help prevent the formation of ice or snowballs. If you are uncomfortable trimming this area at home, ask your groomer for a demonstration or schedule a “pawdicure.”

Let’s Go Shopping

Whether or not you need to take your dog on a winter gear-shopping spree will depend on her breed, age, health and outdoor activity level.

Dogs that spend all of their time inside may not need any winter clothes or gear, while dogs that accompany their owners outside for extended periods of time can benefit from the vast selection of products that are available.

Young, old, or small dogs that venture out in the cold only when heeding the call of nature may benefit from owning both a sweater and coat.

Sweaters are usually knit, and provide an extra layer of insulation to help maintain body heat. However, when precipitation is involved, sweaters can absorb the moisture and quickly wick body heat away from your dog. This is when a waterproof coat is the garment of choice.

Active dogs that play with the kids while they make a snowman or accompany you on a winter wonderland walk may benefit from sweaters and coats that are more rugged and provide more insulation and features. Look for dog coats, rugs or blankets that are waterproof, windproof and breathable.

Atlanta Pet Life

Velcro closures allow for a secure fit.

Sweaters, coats and boots are available from your local pet store, catalog retailers and online. Take your dog to the local pet store and asking for the proper style and size will help assure a perfect fit the first time.

The best time to choose outerwear for a dog who has never worn any is now: The sooner you go shopping, the better the selection will be, and the more time your dog will have to get acclimated to her new clothes.

Putting a sweater or coat on a dog who has never worn one before may result in a dog who refuses to move when she goes outside. You want your dog to be comfortable in her outerwear by the time real winter weather arrives.

Once you’ve selected your dog’s outerwear, its time to think about her paws. Not all dogs need boots, but they are useful in wet, icy, snowy or muddy conditions. Dog boots are available in a variety of styles and materials.

Some styles are designed to provide traction, while others promise warmth and waterproof properties.

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Trying on Those Boots

One thing is certain… There’s nothing quite as amusing as the first time a dog wears boots. The best way to acclimate your dog to her new footwear is to calmly place the boots on the dog and swiftly head outside. Don’t make a fuss, try not to giggle, take your dog for a walk on lead and keep your dog moving while she adjusts to the feel of her footwear. Promptly remove the boots when you return home and praise and treat lavishly. Repeat on a daily basis until your dog is comfortable with her footwear.

Most dogs accept boots quickly, but others may need a slower approach, or different style altogether.

Wardrobe Care

Sweaters, coats or boots should be removed as soon as your dog comes inside.

Sweaters and coats need to be dried thoroughly after every outing, and laundered and air dried as necessary. Boots need to be air dried after every walk.

We’ve got their attention now!

A Few Final Tips

It is not usually necessary for your dog to wear a sweater in your home. Doing so can affect their ability to self-regulate their body temperature, and for long-coated dogs, increase the probability of tangles and mats.

Whether or not your dog wears outerwear, if she has been walking on a surface treated with a chemical ice-melting agent, you will need to rinse her feet in warm water and dry them thoroughly to prevent possible skin irritation or accidental ingestion. When using ice-melting products at your own home, be sure to choose one of the child- and pet-safe brands that are readily available.

Winter can be a great time of year for the properly outfitted dog. Outerwear can help keep her cleaner, drier, warmer and more stylish, leaving you to win the ugly sweater contest again this year.

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Atlanta Pet Life

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Fabulous Dogs Need Fabulous Things Contributed by Ashley Daniele Carestia is the proprietor of Bark Fifth Avenue. A luxury dog boutique.

If the Sweater Fits, Wear It.

It’s

almost that time of year again… we are not talking about the holidays, but of New York Pet Fashion Week! Before all the new styles and trends are announced, we are sharing the latest in dog fashion.

We’ve all seen the photographs online of dogs in different fashionable outfits and doing fun things. Of course we want our dogs to be fabulous at all times; however we also want them to be comfortable, healthy, and warm during the winter.

Some say that dogs do not need winter coats or boots because of their fur and the pads of their paws. However, it is our opinion that all of that is dependent on their breed, size, and age. If your pet does not have a heavy coat, or is hesitant to go outside in the cold, it may be time to invest in some fashionable winter clothing such as a coat, sweater, hoodie, or booties.

Where your pets grow up will determine if they are equipped to handle colder weather. By nature, some dogs are built to handle the cooler weather better than others, and may actually prefer it. However, if those winter-ready breed dogs were born and raised in a warm climate, they may not be ready as individuals for cold weather.

As always, we can’t stress it enough: measure your pet! Get the proper measurements for your dog to make sure you have the perfect fit that does not choke or squeeze your pet.

When dressing your dog, you want to ensure that they are comfortable and can continue with daily activities without being held back by their new fabulous attire.

Dog fashion is in style all year round for some pet owners, but make sure your pet is happy, warm, safe, and comfortable all winter long.

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Atlanta Pet Life

Parrots and

Humidity

Keeping Your Parrot Healthy in the Winter

Have you ever noticed how dry your hands get in the winter? Or how the texture of your hair changes? Sometimes your throat and nasal passages can become dry and sore. This is due to the low humidity in the air, often during the winter months when our heaters are in use.

Think about the environment where the majority of parrot species evolved. The average relative humidity is 50% or higher, year round, often with extended periods in the 90% range. Most psittacine species have evolved to live and thrive in a high temperature, high-moisture (high relative humidity) environment, and we seldom provide that for them.

Atlanta Pet Life

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So it is not surprising that periods of lower humidity can cause problems such as itchy dry skin, increased dust in species which produce it (African Greys, Cockatoos and Cockatiels) and irritation of the delicate and complex avian respiratory system. This can also aggravate those who already have related health problems such as birds who pluck and in some cases cause the plucking to start. Our homes are usually dry environments and are even more so in the winter when we are heating them. Underneath all of those beautiful feathers, a parrot has skin that needs care just as ours does. When skin becomes dry, it gets itchy – when we’re itchy, we scratch. Skin conditions are sometimes the underlying

lower humidity can cause problems such as itchy dry skin, increased dust in species which produce it... and irritation of the delicate and complex avian respiratory system. cause of plucking in a bird. If you are noticing changes to your own skin, you might want to consider buying a humidifier.

There are many types of humidifiers available and they all have different advantages and drawbacks. Models range from simple ones with a small tank and an on/off button to larger ones with washable filters, large water tanks and a humidistat to turn the machine on and off automatically to keep the relative humidity at a set level. I prefer warm mist, filterless models.

The purpose of any humidifier is to put moisture into the air, but this can be accomplished in different ways.

An evaporative humidifier is energy efficient and has filters that prevent the introduction of microorganisms and minerals into the air. You will have to be vigilant about keeping filters clean to prevent bacteria or mold buildup.

A cool-mist evaporative humidifier eliminates the possibility of a scalding

accident, but takes several hours to bring the room to the desired humidity level (usually 50% or less) and tends to blow cool air- not a desired effect in the winter. Most vets and experienced bird

keepers recommend that we use a warmmist humidifier with parrots because the heating of the water eliminates some mold spores and other fungal spores that might be dispersed into the air. Another advantage I have noticed with them is that my house just feels warmer.

Remember the humidifier will be operating around a parrot with a sensitive respiratory system. Never add any chemicals, medicines or fragrances to the water and be aware that a dirty humidifier will throw unhealthful molds and bacteria into your breathing space.

Keep it clean and always be sure to place your humidifier in an area that distributes the mist evenly, where it is not blowing directly on your bird and is in a safe location away from prying beaks.

Jan S. Granai, Kennesaw, GA, Bird mom to: Alice, YoYo, Tex, Hershel, Oliver, Peep, Willie, Chief Education Officer – Papayago Rescue House

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Atlanta Pet Life

Two Upscale Thrift Stores BeneďŹ ting Homeless Pets Over $700,000 to Animal Charities!

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Atlanta Pet Life

Shop and Help Animals

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1,000,000 Ways To Help Animals In Need

Photos provided by: Natalia Kacala of Hot Photo Dog

Contibuted by Therra Gwyn Jaramillo

An Atlanta couple believes that homeless pets are worth a million dollars, or specifically, what a million dollars can do to help them. “We’ll start with a million,” says Tanya Tobias, who co-founded Second Life Atlanta Upscale Resale Avondale Estates in 2011 with husband Toby. The mission of the 5,000-square-foot thrift store, stocked entirely with donated goods that have come in almost daily for the last five years, is to benefit metro Atlanta’s pet rescues and animal charities. In January the nonprofit will launch a Million Dollar Campaign for Atlanta’s homeless pets. They are more than halfway to their goal.

The couple was inspired to open Second Life largely by their general love and concern for animals and for one in particular – their rescued Dalmatian, Lucky, who was anointed the store’s first CSO (Chief Smile Officer). In the early days after opening their doors, the young couple and Toby’s parents ran the store almost entirely by themselves. Lucky

could often be found snoozing behind the counter and occasionally greeting shoppers.

After a few years they opened a second store next door to the first, adding 1,500 square feet of home goods and décor, also all donated. Second Life Atlanta grew steadily and before long was giving quarterly grants to local rescues.

To date, $715,000 has been granted to more than 40 Georgia rescues and charities from Second Life’s store proceeds.

One of those rescues is Pet Buddies Food Pantry in Woodstock. “We started as a pet food pantry and now we do mostly outreach,” explains Heather Koehler, “We help individuals and families in uncertain financial situations who are thinking of giving up their pets. We supply needed items - pet food, cat litter - everything to keep their pets happy and healthy.” Second Life has a bin in the front of their main store where people can drop off pet food and cat litter donations for Pet Buddies.

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In addition to helping keep pets out of shelters, Pet Buddies is active in helping owners spay and neuter their pets. “That’s the biggest thing,” Koehler says, “That’s where we can put an end to the issues with overpopulation in shelters.”

With funds granted to them by Second Life, Pet Buddies serves dog and cat owners mostly in Fulton, DeKalb, Cherokee and Cobb Counties with free spay or neuter, most often through LifeLine Animal Project or Georgia Pet Project. “Second Life has been a huge help with the spay and neuter. We would not be able to help half the pets we help without them,” explains Koehler. “We’ve spay/neutered over 200 pets with their grants.”

“We love Second Life,” says Koehler. “Tanya and Toby are amazing people. We encourage people to shop at their stores,” she continues. “The more people shop there the more they are able to help animal charities.”

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In January the nonprofit will launch a Million Dollar Campaign for Atlanta’s homeless pets.

They are more than halfway to their goal.

Photos provided by: Natalia Kacala of Hot Photo Dog

Tanya and Toby Tobias are enthusiastic about spay and neuter for pet owners (those who are not professional breeders preserving and protecting a breed) because of massive shelter overcrowding and the euthanasia of healthy pets who are simply between homes.

“Reducing pet population is important,” says Tanya, “We want to help rescue organizations with their spay/neuter programs because we know money is tight for them and it makes a difference. They are part of the solution to pet overpopulation.”

Jacki McDonald, director of Marketing and Development at PAWS Atlanta, a rescue also supported by Second Life, concurs. “We pull many of our dogs and cats from kill shelters,” McDonald says, “And the rest from owner surrenders. We can provide free spay and neuter to some pet owners because of Second Life.”

PAWS, located on almost five acres on Covington Highway, houses and cares for up to 200 homeless pets at

any given time. The no-kill organization was formed 50 years ago by a group of volunteers under the name DeKalb Humane. The name was changed in 2002 to avoid confusion with DeKalb County Animals Services (currently run by LifeLine Animal Project, a rescue and community service organization just a few blocks from Second Life).

McDonald is grateful for the vision and help of the Tobias’. “Second Life is innovative in how they are giving grants and extremely compassionate and fair,” she says, “They could play favorites by giving help to just dogs or just cats, but it’s animal welfare in general they care about. They provide a lot of help and trust the rescues to do what rescues do best.”

PAWs usually has two foster cats at Second Life, one in each store, and McDonald marvels at the help this has been in adopting homeless felines.

“We might have had a cat for years in the shelter trying to find him or her a home and then they go to Second Life and are adopted within weeks.”

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Tanya Tobias explains why a million dollars matters, and the second or third million after that. “Giving homeless pets a second chance at life is where our name came from,” she explains. “We want to expand and help as many rescues and animals as possible.

We want to change the stigma that shelter animals are somehow broken or something is wrong with them when all that happened is that they were let down by humans. We know that humans can also save them. That’s why we opened the stores.” She smiles, “We also know that pets change peoples lives. They make us better humans.”

Second Life (secondlifeatlanta.org) has two stores, located next door to each other at 1 and 89 N. Clarendon Ave. in Avondale Estates. (678) 974-5671

L

Atlanta Pet Life

All About

Schutzhund Shepherds in Action Over the past century, Schutzhund has remained a breed test but has also evolved into a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all walks of life, from new dog owners to seasoned competitors.

Persons of all ages and even those with significant disabilities are able to participate and enjoy the sport. Often it is a family hobby.

Schutzhund and the German shepherd dog Schutzhund, also known as IPO, was developed in Germany in the early 1900s as a breed suitability test for the German shepherd dog. It was designed to test the natural instincts of the breed and to weed out the dogs that were either unstable or untrainable. This helped ensure that breeding stock would pass on the most desirable traits to working dogs such as police dogs, military dogs, and search and rescue dogs.

Contrary to the popular misconception that Schutzhund is “all about protection,” it is actually securely founded on obedience and the control of a dog’s natural instincts and drives.

Schutzhund dogs are safe, stable companions in the home and in public, good with children, under control and at peace with their surroundings.

The three parts of a Schutzhund trial are tracking, obedience and protection, and the dog must receive passing scores in all three phases to be awarded the title at a trial. Dogs that are out of control or show sound sensitivity are dismissed and this is noted in their scorebook. Dogs that show aggression towards other dogs may be dismissed as well.

Why is Schutzhund important to the future of the working breeds? A dog that performs well in Schutzhund should demonstrate a solid temperament with a foundation of intelligence and utility. He will show a high level of trainability and happiness for his tasks. These traits are highly sought after in police K9s and search and rescue dogs. By participating in Schutzhund, we are keeping an important genetic pool alive for the dogs that serve and protect us. It also allows owners an opportunity to enjoy an internationally recognized sport with their dogs, creating a stronger bond, and a safe, well-mannered member of society.

Coal Mountain Schutzhund Association of Cumming, GA will host the 2017 Southeast Regional IPO Championship, February 23-26, 2017. Competitors from around the region will be in attendance to show off their elite canines. Along with the competitors will be numerous visitors and spectators, there to take in all the sights of this four-day event. We hope that you would like to become a part of this important event as a sponsor as well as a spectator. For more information on how to become a sponsor, visit www.2017seregionals.com.

Copyright-United Schutzhund Clubs of America (USCA). Reproduction in part permitted with proper attribution to the USCA. Article written by Christine Gajad of the USCA’s General Education Committee.

2017seregionals.com Atlanta Pet Life

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Year-Round Fun

Dog sports that take it indoors contributed by Steve Mise

As the temperatures start to cool you might find yourself looking towards winter and thinking about new ways to stay active with your four-legged friend. You may just find your answer with two popular canine sports that allow you take the fun indoors and stay warm : Rally Obedience and Barn Hunt.

Rally Obedience, also known as “Rally-O,” is an AKC sport based on traditional obedience trails, and is perfect for those who enjoy working with their dogs on basic skills. In Rally, each team proceeds at its own pace through a course of 10-20 designated stations, each marked with a sign providing instructions regarding the skill that is to be performed at that station. These skills are basic commands that each of our dogs knows, (even if they sometimes act like they don’t).

Once the team has completed the course, its score is posted ringside.

Rally Obedience features three levels of competition: Novice, Advanced, and Excellent. The number of stations, use of a leash, skills performed and type of direction and encouragement permitted varies according to the competition level. Scoring is not as rigorous as it is in traditional obedience competitions; the main objective is to “produce dogs that have been trained to behave in the home, in public places, and in the presence of other dogs, in a manner that will reflect positively on the sport of rally at all times and under all conditions.”

The AKC website (akc.org/events/rally/getting-started) gives lots of great information about getting started and the different levels of competition. Also look to local AKC Clubs for information on competition and classes; a club directory is available on the organization’s site.

Another exciting and challenging pastime is Barn Hunt, a rapidly growing

sport based on the traditional role of many canine breeds in ridding homes and farming operations of destructive vermin.

Barn Hunt is a timed event in which participating dogs negotiate a simple maze by climbing on straw bales and going through tunnels to find and alert their handlers to the location of live rats that have been placed in the maze inside ventilated tubes (No rats are harmed; Barn Hunt uses socialized rats that remain safe inside the tubes and spend limited time in the maze).

Some breeds were developed specifically to serve as vermin hunters, and for many of them, Barn Hunt provides responsible breeders with the first true chance to test proper working traits in their dogs. However, Barn Hunt is open to any dog of any breed or breed mix that wants to play the game and can fit through a tunnel measuring roughly 18 inches wide by 15 to 17 inches high. Fun for dogs of all ages, Barn Hunt is excellent for dogs not suited for agility or obedience sports and also works as a low-key alternative to lure coursing.

Barn Hunt has levels of increasing difficulty, titles, and championships. While it is an independent sport, its titles are recognized by both the American Kennel Club (AKC) and United Kennel Club (UKC). There are many events and introduction classes that are offered throughout the Atlanta area; more information can be found at barnhunt. com.

The main thing to remember as we move into a new season is that no matter the weather, our dogs still need their exercise and crave our attention. So, whatever you and your dog love to do, get out there and do something fun with your dog.

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Atlanta Pet Life

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Atlanta Pet Life

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Pet Nutrition

As a health care provider dealing with the nutritional aspects of health, I’m often asked about supplementation for pets. Most of us own pets and love them, but we rarely give much thought to the nutrition we feed them.

The sad fact is that most modern pet food, wet or dry, is vitamin- and mineral-deficient very difficult to digest, and loaded with unnecessary carbohydrates (which provide little if any nutrition). Additionally, much of it contains hormones and pesticide-filled animal by-products which can severely compromise an animal’s immune system.

As a direct result, there’s been a remarkable increase in animal autoimmune diseases. The British Journal of Small Animal Practice published a paper stating that processed pet food suppresses the immune system and leads to liver, kidney, heart and other diseases.

Additionally, excessive processing creates noxious byproducts. Therefore, detoxification for animals is often necessary. Fortunately good nutrition and supplementation can help.

One option is to prepare your pet’s food yourself, using whole, raw, or-

Contributed by Dr. Michael Roth

ganic unprocessed foods. This provides the highest level of nutrition, keeps the moisture in the food, and will not stress the pet’s kidneys and liver due to chronic low-grade dehydration.

However, since even the best foods can be nutrient deficient due to modern agricultural methods, over-farming and soil or mineral depletion, then good, organic supplementation is often needed in order to help your pet’s immune system to function at its fullest potential.

Most of us take supplements and eat right for optimal health. Why wouldn’t it be the same for our beloved pets?

One of the best products for both humans and animals, and one that is increasing in popularity with both veterinarians and pet-owners is intraMAX; a 415+ carbon-bonded, organic nutritional supplement that addresses many nutritional deficiencies. Many of my customers have given intraMAX to various pets including dogs, cats, horses and even pet squirrels that have regained their health after some serious health issues.

Dr. Michael Roth is a chiropractor and wellversed in nutrition. He is currently working as the protocol consultant and a distributor

for Drucker Labs, creator of carbon-bonded organic supplementation appropriate for both people and animals. For questions/ more information, please contact at 678-8971614, email: drmichaelroth@juno.com . For product information, or to read more of Dr. Mike’s Healthcare Newsletters, please visit www.somahealth.net .

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Atlanta Pet Life

cat psychology 101 & Jackson Galaxy’s Spirit Essences Contributed by Sparrow Marcioni

Lorenzo in his bowl

As the director of CatRangers, an organization that rescues only cats and kittens from dire situations, I see many emotionally traumatized kitties and as the Chief Cat Behaviorist, at La Maison du Chat a free roam “cat orphanage” of sorts, where all those traumatized kitties reside…my day can be quite challenging. Imagine running a child day care where 30-plus children are running loose, they don’t speak English and they have sharp claws and teeth.

That is a formula for a lot of disagreements and misbehavior. I’d like to share some of the basic tips that I use to work with our kitties to help them adjust so they can go to wonderful new homes.

One of the first things you really must do is “unlearn” everything you thought you knew about cats, especially the stereotypical things like “ cats aren’t friendly”, “cats are independent” etc. For every stereotype, I can introduce you to a cat or two that is the exact opposite.

So, try to start with a clean slate and get to know YOUR kitty on his or her own merits. Second-guessing is also not a good idea until you know them very well either.

Cats are very tuned in to our facial gestures, tone of voice and body language, so much so that I like to tell clients to imagine that their cat can hear what they’re thinking. Everything you say and do is watched carefully to determine if you are friend or foe. Let your cat get to know you and keep your thoughts Atlanta Pet Life

on being their friend.

This suggestion can be a bit awkward but you need to “get small”.

Kneel down or sit on the floor or better yet, lie down on the floor…Get on your cat’s level so you don’t tower over them and if you pick them up while standing, consider that you are lifting them four to five times their height, so go slow or sit in a chair first and always support their feet.

Cats consider it rude to stare. If a cat stares at another cat, it’s considered an act of aggression and that goes the same for us. Don’t stare at your cat and if they wink or blink at you, always wink or blink back. Winking and blinking is how cats speak when they are getting to know each other among other things of course. Predators don’t blink when they are about to attack and we look like 38

Charlize in her chair big predators to them. A slow blink will signal you want to be friends.

Talk to your cat, and they will learn to understand you better. Cats align with a person’s voice quicker than their appearance and likewise will pick up on your anxiety or calmness through the tone of your voice. If you’re stressed, your cat will know it.

There’s always a reason for everything a cat does. We may not know what the reason is but they have one. This is why I find cat behavior so very challenging. To locate the reason for a particular behavior often requires not only analyzing the cat but the home, their human family, and sometimes their past as well.

Bengal Terror Bella

One of the tools we use frequently at La Maison du Chat to work with our kitties is Jackson Galaxy’s line of floral remedies called “Spirit Essences”. They are designed to address various behavioral issues in cats. We have been selling the entire line for almost two years now at La Maison du Chat. They are completely made from floral essences to address the intended issue but they are also “energized” or “activated” to help resolve the issues as well. These essences can be applied by petting the cat after applying to your hands, they can be added to food or water or you can simply put a few drops on sleeping places or trouble areas in the home. There is a formula called “Safe Spaces” that helps a cat feel safe and comfortable when they have been moved or unsettled in some way. All cats need their safe space, even if it’s a very small space, like our sweet little Charlize who decided that a small doll chair that no one else could fit into was her safe place. She was a shy girl and quite intimidated by all her other housemates at first, but now she is in her forever home with three other cats and a husky that loves cats.

Another formula is called “Trauma Free” and it helps kitties recover from something they have perceived as a traumatic event. Certainly losing their home, especially if they end up in an animal control facility would be traumatic. Working with truly traumatized kitties means their behavior can be unpredictable and caution is necessary. One of our severe trauma cases was a boy named Liberty, a slightly overweight, declawed, white, deaf, totally

fearless kitty. He could not be calmed by a gentle voice because he couldn’t hear you and he was hypersensitive to any gestures so he was often perceived as aggressive.

After working with him using Trauma Free for a few weeks he determined I was a good guy and maybe this wasn’t such a bad place. His safe place became an oversized orthopedic footstool and he patiently waited to find his perfect human that could understand his quirky ways and he found her.

One of the most used formulas at La Maison du Chat will come as no surprise, it’s “Bully Remedy”. This formula tones down their desire to conquer everyone and show their stuff even if they don’t have any stuff. In most altercations, there’s an aggressor and a victim; this can be worked out easily by applying Bully Remedy to the aggressor and taking the victim to safety, but two aggressors is a more difficult situation and it requires quick action on our part. Bully Formula could be applied to both cats or you could apply “Peacemaker”, which has brought more success to a double aggressive situation.

“Peacemaker” tends to ease stress and diffuse volatile situations with more than one cat. We have a long list of would-be bullies that became wonderful companions with a little patience and the right Spirit Essence formula. Like our amazing Lorenzo, who is as happy as can be, lounging in his favorite bowl and our little Bengal “terror” Bella who found her forever home despite suffering from “only cat syndrome” and biting the hand that feeds her constantly.

In my work as a “Cat Whisperer” or behaviorist, I have often received emails from frustrated “cat owners”, (an oxymoron I think) who have given up and are trying to find a new home for their family companion. Sometimes rehoming is the answer, but more often understanding what’s going on in the home and being patient just a little bit longer can keep the family together.

You can send email inquiries about your kitty or the Jackson Galaxy Spirit Essences to asksparrow@catrangers.org or for an appointment call 770-831-5513.

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Fearless Liberty in his new home 39

e-mail us at pets@petsonmain.com

Atlanta Pet Life

Samantha Shelton of Furkids Animal Rescue been trying to shoo away from her house came strolling into Samantha’s back yard with her kittens. That moment of enlightenment changed her life forever.

If you live in Atlanta and love animals, you have probably either heard of Furkids or seen them at many of the local events here in town—the unmistakable logo on their tents at numerous Atlanta events is hard to miss. What you may not know is the amazing story of how this rescue organization came to be and the passion, dedication and work ethic of its founder, Samantha Shelton.

To understand her drive, you need to start at the beginning. As a child, Samantha had two cats, Higgins and Morris (the latter admittedly her favorite). As a young girl, she dabbled in pet sitting and babysitting but had no idea that years down the road she would be running the largest no-kill shelter in Georgia. Then in 2001 a cat she had

While working for Turner Broadcasting in event marketing in 2001, she started volunteering at the Petsmart adoption center in Atlanta’s Buckhead neighborhood. Over time, this grew into a partnership with them as Shelton’s group took on the management of the adoption centers at several Petsmart locations. In 2004 Shelton signed the lease on the largest cage-free, no-kill shelter in Georgia.

This endeavor went full time in 2011 when she took over a small dog rescue. With two rescues under her guidance, she now was looking at different ways to generate income for her shelters.

She started doing small fundraisers in her backyard that grew into one, then two, and now three fully staffed thrift stores. “Our stores help support the community and our clientele finds it so easy and rewarding to buy from us,” she says.

Since its inception, Furkids has adopted out 20,000 animals, two thirds

of them cats. Between the cat and dog adoption centers, seven Petsmart and six Petco satellite adoption centers, an average of 1000 animals are in the Furkids family. It takes a staff of 38 people and many loyal volunteers to run the organization.

When asked her about her long-term goals and where she sees the organization headed in the next 10 years, Shelton answers that she sees a new space that would bring the dog and cat centers together under one roof. She envisions an outdoor facility with plenty of natural areas and fresh air that would serve as a sanctuary for special situation animals, where adults and children are welcome to share time with the animals or pause for reflection in a memorial garden. She is currently looking at locations in both Gwinnett and Fulton counties for 10 acres to complete her vision.

On March 25, 2017, Furkids will be holding its 15th anniversary party at the Fernbank Museum, looking back at a lifesaving history and forward to a hopeful future.

Contributed by Bill Garst

goes further.

When a homeless pet’s path leads to Furkids, they’ve found the way home. Last year, Georgia's largest no-kill animal shelter served over 4,000 animals. Become part of the solution, join Furkids and help homeless pets right here where we live.

Adopt. Donate. Volunteer. furkids.org “SADIE’S PLACE” Furkids Dog Shelter 1520 Union Hill Rd. Alpharetta, GA 30005 678-624-1003

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Atlanta Pet Life

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Creative Ideas for Displaying Your Favorite Pet Photography

WAKE UP IN THE MOUNTAINS

Have you captured a few photographs of your four-legged best friend that really make you proud? Have you considered showcasing those images in unique ways other than in regular traditional picture frames, calendars and mousepads?

Here are some suggestions of fun ways to make those wonderful pet memories last using easy online photo specialty companies.

Create a canvas print. The clean-edged art pieces look elegant and can be quite stunning.

Visit www.costco.com Protect your furniture with photographic tile coasters. Upload your photo, crop your design, and order! Visit www.imagesnap.com Put your mutt on a mug. Now you can take Fido to work with you! Visit www.shutterfly.com Put Polly on a pillow… Your favorite pet image can also be screen-printed onto a canvas pillow for a fun decorative accessory. Visit www.zazzle.com Stay warm with a photo throw, with or without your pet on your lap. Visit www. snapfish.com Have some blank note cards made with Fido on the front!

Getting notes in the mail is still a fun way to correspond.

Don’t underestimate the value of a quick hand-written “thank you” or “thinking of you” card. Visit www.mixbook. com Get a custom phone case with your pet’s image. Visit vistaprint.com

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How about having breakfast with your pet everyday with this toaster that bakes the image right on your bread! Now that’s unique!... Visit Hammacher.com and search for product number 87141.

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I hope these fun ideas will help you be creative with your pet photography. If you have comments, questions or want to share your images with me, please email me at sarina@nevertherock.com.

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Contributed by Sarina Roth, Never the Rock Photography

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Atlanta Pet Life

That is exactly the concept of Lucky’s Burger & Brew, a family-style restaurant with a pet-friendly patio founded by Ernie Geyer, his wife Diane, and executive chef and general manager, Ted Lescher. Ted’s responsible for the beer and burger, the Geyers for the dog.

In this case it’s Lucky, a golden retriever who is the inspiration behind the dining establishments and often can be seen on one of the three restaurant’s patios making sure diners — and the canine companions — are having a great time.

Of course, it’s easy to have a great time at Lucky’s. It starts the minute you walk through the door. The decor is homey, casual, welcoming and inviting. The concept was to become a neighborhood spot where people of all ages — young, elderly, families — could come and enjoy a reasonably priced meal and some companionship. “You get a lot of food for your dollar here. We want to be a neighborhood center. We also have great service with very little turnover, and we have very-VERY loyal customers.” says Ernie.

The first Lucky’s Burger and Brew opened in Roswell in 2013. Ernie, a well-known developer in Atlanta who had built many big name restaurants Atlanta Pet Life

here, was downsizing his business — but not quite. As his wife Diane says, “He always has something to do, so he bought this dilapidated piece of property in Roswell and started thinking about his next stage in life.”

One day he mentioned that he didn’t feel well and was diagnosed with prostate cancer. A new treatment in Jacksonville caused him to move to Florida for several months and he brought Lucky 2 (There have been three “Lucky” dogs to date) with him. Lucky and Ernie went everywhere. He would go to the hospital for treatment and leave Lucky with the guard outside the hospital. Eventually, Lucky was invited inside not only to cheer up Ernie but the other patients as well. Lucky became a part of the hospital’s family and was a treasured friend to children and adults alike. After all, who doesn’t smile when they’re petting a golden retriever?

After he treatment, Ernie returned to Roswell and was, in Diane’s words, “feeling lost.” However, Ernie’s mind was back in business. He decided to turn that rundown lot in Roswell into a pizza restaurant. “I built a lot of restaurants and knew a lot of people in the business,” he says. “And, I always wanted to open up my own place.”

42

He called up his good friend Ted Lescher, who was the executive chef at The Grape at the time, which was coincidentally was closing. “Ernie wanted to do a pizza concept and I told him that if you don’t get the pizza right, you’re screwed and said I didn’t want to get involved. A month later, he called and said ‘How about burgers?’ And, I said I could do that and started getting the menu together.” They all agreed they wanted a restaurant where people could come in at least once a week and enjoy themselves and have a good meal. They also agreed that not only would it become a neighborhood place but they would be very active in the neighborhood and host charity events. And they wanted it to have a pet-friendly patio, which all dogs can come out with owners and be part of the “pack.”

That is how Lucky became the official mascot. But he’s so much more. Chef Ted used the dog theme for his menu. “I started putting the menu together and then associated them with different dog breed names such as the German shepherd (topped with triple cream cambozola and candied bacon jam); the Boxer (topped with Boursin cheese, caramelized onions and Dijon mustard) and the Mixed Breed is topped with Lucky’s famous buffalo sauce and blue cheese. They have produced many

award winning burgers, including Lucky’s Georgia Dawg Pounder, first prize winner two years in a row at The Bud and Burger Challenge.

Chef Ted agrees that they’re not re-inventing the wheel with its hamburger concept but “We just make them better than anyone else. I’ve been cooking for 25 years and I’ve been putting recipes and ways to make food delicious in my back pocket. I love being able to do what I do because it’s immediate gratification. With other careers, like being a lawyer, you might have to wait months to see how it turns out. With me, if you don’t love what you’re eating, I can fix it right then and there and you will be happy.

I like being able to do that and I like that we developed the concept with the community in mind.”

Six years later, Lucky’s now has three well-established neighborhood restaurants in Roswell, Town Brookhaven, and newest location at Emory Village. All three restaurants host benefits and also make sure that even on non-event nights their customers have fun.

They offer specials on beer, wine and food, host charity fundraisers and even promote fun events, including Lucky’s Second-Cutest Dog Costume Contest. “People bring their dogs in all dressed up. Some of them are really terrible looking dogs but their owners love them and find beauty in something that others don’t. I love how people respond to animals.”

“We are so pro-fighting cancer, so pro-dogs, so pro-kids,” says Diane. “We wanted to be able to give back to the community, really get involved and make a difference.” Today Lucky’s is very involved in several charities including Adopt a Golden, the Humane Society, Angels Among Us as well as the neighborhood schools.” Diane is personally involved with the Roswell Women’s Group and the Drake House, which helps homeless women and children.”

“Diane and I really do believe in helping and there are so many causes but we chose cancer and dog rescues. A little bit of promotion can make such a difference, especially with the rescues.”

Ernie, Diane and Chef Ted are thrilled that people have responded to their love of food, hospitality, friendship, community service and dogs. “I’m telling you”, Ernie finishes his thoughts, “There’s nothing better than beer, burgers and a dog. And, if I don’t know you’re name when you come in the door, I will know it by the time you leave.”

43

Atlanta Pet Life

therapy dogs. In this case you will need an appropriate harness with an extension to clip onto your seat belt for safety during takeoff and landing. The risk of your pet getting lost is the greatest when in transit, so always opt for a nonstop flight and have your pet micro-chipped. GPS tracking is available now for an additional fee with many airlines.

Is your dog collecting frequent flyer miles yet? Pet owners can still transport larger pets with Delta Cargo, a safer alternative in which pets are handled in temperature-controlled holding areas or vans and are monitored by service teams.

It’s important to remember that cargo bays generally have no heating or air conditioning, and are kept unventilated in order to help prevent fires. The temperature and It is estimated that in the last 10 years, air pressure inside the bay can fluctuate, more than 300 pets have died in the U.S. which can easily become a life-threatenwhile being transported by airlines. The ing situation for senior pets and animals actual number is likely higher, because with health issues. Prolonged exposure to the U.S. Department of Transportation low temperatures can cause cold injuries only began requiring air carriers to and lead to hypothermia, especially with report incidents involving the loss, injury or death of an animal last year.

These statistics are now published in the monthly Air Travel Consumer Report, available at dot.gov/airconsumer.

As a result of this requirement, many airlines, including Delta, have changed their rules for flying with your furry family member. As of March of this year, Delta no longer allows crated pets to be checked in with passenger luggage. If your pet is small enough to fit comfortably in a carryon kennel, this is your best option. For a one-way fee of $125, your pet can fly with you in the cabin and you can watch out hairless breeds or dogs with a thin single coat such as greyhounds, Dobermans, for each other. The carrier needs to be Weimaraners or pit bulls. It’s a good idea placed underneath the seat, so double-check with your airline about the to pack a thick blanket and to purchase an insulating mat like a half-size ridgeexact dimensions accepted. rest; even when your pet is traveling with

Unfortunately, most airlines you in the cabin, the floor can be quite still do not allow large dogs in the cold, which can cause joint inflammacabin unless they are certified service or tions.

Flying With Your Pet

Atlanta Pet Life

44

Heat can also become a problem in the cargo bay, especially during the summer months. This is particularly a risk for short-nosed breeds such as the bulldog, Pekinese or St. Bernard that are less efficient in cooling themselves by panting and therefore more susceptible to heatstroke.

Minimize stress and safety risks by choosing a sturdy and escape-proof kennel that meets the requirements of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and adheres to IATA Live Animal regulations (LAR). Make sure it has sufficient ventilation openings, ideally on all four sides. The container should allow your four-legged friend to stand and sit erect, turn around, and lie inside it without touching the top.

To ensure that water is available throughout the trip, fill the kennel dish with water, freeze it and then secure the frozen bowl inside the kennel before check-in. Never place a leash inside the crate as your pet could become tangled in it and suffocate. It’s also not a good idea to put toys or chewing bones as your pet could choke on them.

One of the most important factors for all traveling animals is easing stress.

Homeopathic drops, natural herbal remedies or essential oils like lavender can help your pet with anxiety. Just like humans, our pets can get motion sickness;

it’s important to be proactive and prepare for these situations. I will never forget my Dobie’s helpless face when I took him to Germany in the cabin and turbulence occurred. There are numerous natural pet products on the market now to help with these issues. Do not administer any sedatives or tranquilizers, which slow down the panting process and inhibit the dog’s ability to regulate its body temperature.

I also advise familiarizing your pet with the airport by going there a couple of days before your departure and letting them sniff around or say hello to airport staff. It’s a great opportunity to explore pet-related airport services.

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta Airport, for example, has a 1,000-square-foot fully fenced-in Poochie Park, located in the ground transportation area outside of Terminal South. The airport also has two pet relief areas, each with a “fire hydrant,” a patch of artificial grass and a water hose for clean up. These are located outside in front of the domestic Terminal North and the international terminal.

It’s important to remember that once you go through security in Atlanta, there is no access to dog relief areas. I am sure this situation will improve; many other airports have already implemented pet relief stations inside where they are most needed. For a list of pet-friendly airports in the U.S.: petfriendlytravel.com/airports.

As a precaution, you should not feed your pet on the day of departure and limit water intake. And needless to say, go on a nice long walk before your journey begins. Equip yourself with some poop bags, paper towels and a little spray bottle of vinegar for cleanup, just in case your dog has an accident. You can also buy doggy diapers such as Wiki Wags.

For identification purposes, all pets should be microchipped, which must occur prior to vaccination for rabies. When traveling abroad, most countries require a 30-day waiting period after receiving the rabies shot before the pet can depart. Other vaccinations might be required depending on your destination.

Whether you fly with a commercial airline or a private jet, a health certificate must be issued for your pet by a licensed and accredited veterinarian within 10 days of departure. For international flights, the health certificate also has to be endorsed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

They only have one office for the Atlan-

ta area: the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), located in Conyers. Make sure to download the appropriate forms online at www.aphis. usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel. Another resource is the CDC’s website: www.cdc. gov/Features/TravelWithPets/.

I would also recommend contacting the pet-related authorities of your destination airport overseas in order to verify that you are referencing the most recent regulations. It’s also helpful to have this contact in your files in case you have any questions or difficulties entering the country with your pet.

For trips to Europe, you should not only review the EU regulations, but also double-check any additional requirements for the respective country.

For information, visit ec.europa.eu/food/animals/pet-movement/eu-legislation/non-commercialnon-eu/tpe_en

All these regulations can be quite overwhelming. If you’re not up to the hassles of organizing an international trip yourself, you can utilize the services of Animal Airways, which provides professional flight managers to act as travel experts to organize all aspects of your pet’s journey. If you have the financial resources, you might want to consider Pet Airways. They offer private chartered flights, where you and your pet can fly together. Their policy is non-discriminatory and they will transport any dog, no matter what breed. Companion Air is another airline soon to initiate flights in America.

Long distance travel with a pet is challenging for both you and your pet, so it’s important to ask yourself: “Do I really need to take my pet and is it worth the risk just so my pet can be with me?”

Be sure to do your homework and plan ahead in order to provide the best possible journey for your paw-some friend.

Safe travels!

About DobieMom Nicole Essawy grew up in Germany and immigrated to the U.S. in 2003. She is a certified Pet Tech Instructor, giving classes on first aid techniques for dogs and cats. Nicole teaches pet parents and industry professionals alike in the Atlanta area. See class schedule and registration at www.DobieMom.com or email questions/comments to Nicole@DobieMom. com.

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Atlanta Pet Life

Getting Along Swimmingly Selecting a Fish for Your Aquarium One of the highlights of keeping fish for many of our customers is going to a store that sells fish and picking one to add to their aquarium. It can be a magical time, especially for children. Here are some hints to help choose a great fish and to keep the magic going.

Use Your Cell Phone in the Store “Google is your friend.”

When you find a fish that you like, search for it on Google. Chances are you will find a lot of information about the fish, such as whether or not it is compatible with your existing aquarium community, what kind of food it eats, and plenty more.

If there is going to be a problem, it is much better to learn about it now, rather than after buying the fish and seeing chaos ensue in your aquarium.

Look at the Fins Fins should be clear and free of flaws or marks. If you see anything on the fins, like white specks, translucent areas or blobs that seem out of place, or anything but what looks like a perfect transition from color to clear transparency, do not buy the fish. These are signs of potential disease or parasitic activity, and it could be (although not necessarily) spread throughout the system.

You may want to wait before buying any fish from this location and come back in three weeks to see if the fish has improved.

Avoid Buying Skinny Fish If a fish is skinny, then there is a good possibility that it has some sort of health issue, or it could be a weak fish. Choose a fish that isn’t skinny for the best chance of success. If it is the only one there, check it out in a few weeks. If it is still there several weeks later and has become healthy, then it may be a good choice.

Look for Active Fish With a few exceptions, fish should be active and swimming about. If you see a fish that is lethargic, swimming more slowly than you expect, do not bring that fish home to your tank.

After Choosing Your Fish Stores selling fish want you to be happy, and many are willing to help you get the right fish home. There is only so much that can be observed in a visit, but these tips will help avoid many mistakes.

Feed the Fish so that You Can See it Eating Usually, a fish eating is a good sign that it is in good health.

However, a fish not eating is almost always a sign of bad health or condition. Ask the person working in the fish room to feed it so that you can watch it eat.

Also, ask what they are feeding the fish so that you can feed it the type of food it is used to eating. If the fish eats heartily, odds are that you have a good fish.

Atlanta Pet Life

Quarantine/Hold the Fish In my experience, not as many retailers will do this. Two weeks is usually enough time to give the majority of parasites or diseases a chance to pass through, if they are present. The majority of problems that I have seen with aquariums come soon after adding a fish that wasn’t quarantined for at least two weeks.

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Contributed by David Green Co-Founder of ReefTechs Aquarium Consultants. www.reeftechs.com

Talk With the Staff About the Fish Ask questions, and ask more than one person.

Different people have different experiences. Tell them what other fish you have and get their feedback about adding the fish to your aquarium.

An important part of building a happy aquarium is choosing fish that coexist well. While there is no “silver bullet” that is 100% effective, following these suggestions can go a long way toward keeping and growing a happy community in your aquarium.

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Jetta Dog Finds a Home for Christmas

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