2 • The Daily Courier • 2013 Pet Parade
Parade of Pets Tracking pets' health
I
t is not always easy for pet owners to recognize when a companion animal is feeling sick. Dogs and cats can both be stoic when dealing with illness, and unless there is something
physically apparent like a limp or a wound, pet owners may have a sick four-legged friend on their hands without even knowing it. But a new technology is aiming Please see Page 5
Unali 10 year old Grey Tabby She rules the roost Owner: Gloria Long
Dolly 8 month old Pomapoo (Pomeranian-Poodle mix) Owners: Roy & Shirley Bailey
2013 Pet Parade Published by The Daily Courier. All information contained in this section came from Metro Creative Content. Publisher Wanda Moeller Editor Matthew Clark Advertsing Director Lori Spurling Advertising Chrissy Driver Jill Hasty Patty Davis Erica Meyer and Pam Dixon
Blu 16 month old Pit Bull Owner: Punk & Rebecca Roberson
Ginger “Ginny Anne” 10 year old Miniature Dachshund Owners: Lisa & Glen Harmon
2013 Pet Parade • The Daily Courier • 3
Parade of Pets Number of surrendered pets is high and growing In 2012, Superstorm Sandy caused the catastrophic destruction of many residential areas up and down the eastern seaboard. Just months later, much of the country experienced extreme temperature swings, some as much as 40 degrees in just a few days. Areas of Georgia were overturned when a tornado turned over cars, trapping residents of an Atlanta suburb. Such drastic changes are an anomaly that have many meteorologists scratching their heads.
The aftermath of drastic weather can sometimes result in property loss and damage that may force families and their pets into new living situations. Often times, pets are not able to make the move and are surrendered to area shelters. A struggling economy has also taken its toll on pets. According to Hope Brustein, the executive director at the Geauga Humane Society in Ohio, many animals are brought to shelters because owners have lost their jobs or
homes and tight budgets can tics on how many animals are no longer support them. Those surrendered to shelters in Canada, but the Winnipeg Humane who have lost their homes and Society alone takes need to relocate may not be able The ASPCA estimates in 8,000 to 9,000 to bring their pets animals each year. 5 to 7 million Although the along. companion number of animals The ASPCA animals enter anientering shelters estimates 5 to 7 mal shelters nation- continues to rise, million companion animals enter so do the number wide every year. animal shelters of adoptions. This nationwide every is in part to the year. Shelter intakes are generally publicity campaigns of many area shelters as well as the grassevenly divided between animals roots efforts of people commuthat are relinquished by owners nicating via social media. Animal and those picked up by animal control. There are no firm statisPlease see Page 7
Foxy Long 11 year old Setter-Chow mix Owner: Bart Long
Max & April 13 and 9 year old Toy Poodles Owner: Donna Pittman
4 • The Daily Courier • 2013 Pet Parade
Parade of Pets The law states that children and adults should be buckled up when riding in a car. The same regulations do not always pertain to pet passengers, although some experts think they should.
Precious 1 year old Yorkie-Shih Tzu mix Owner: Jean Morrow
Barbara Booth, DVM Gretchen Kelly, DVM Samantha Freudenthal, DVM We now offer...
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Wounds Allergies Infections Cuts/Bites Inflammations Tooth Extraction Pain Relief Sprains, Stains & Fractions Post-Surgical Healing & Pain Relief
126 Cherry herry Mountain Street Str Ph: (828) 248-2168 Forestt City, NC 28043 FAX: (828) 248-2520 www.foothillsanimalclinicnc.com www foothillsa
Did you know? If you are welcoming a new dog to the family but have yet to pick a name, you might want to consider "Max." Max has been a popular name for male dogs in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia on and off for years, many times topping the list as the most popular male dog name. Although names that described dog's traits, such as Spotty or Dusty, were popular more than 50 years ago, today's dogs (and cats) have decidedly human names. Dogs named Max have starred in movies (think Max in "The Grinch Who Stole Christmas,") and have also broken records. A dog named Max lived to be the oldest dog at age 26. Max has been a name given to pampered Yorkies as well as rough-and-tumble mutts. If Max is not the name for you, Buddy, Jake and Rocky are a few of the other popular dog names.
Lola 4 year old Boxer Mix Owners: Carmen White & Andrew White
Ginger 3 1/2 year old Pomeranian Lots of hair, weighs about 10 lbs.
Owners: Diane & Dennis Warlick
2013 Pet Parade • The Daily Courier • 5
Parade of Pets
From Page 2
to change the way pet owners are informed about their pets' health. At least two different innovators have developed devices that continuously monitor a pet's health and alert its owners when there is something amiss. The Japanese information technology firm Fujitsu announced its launch of an innovative new device called the Wandant in 2012. This device can be affixed to dogs' collars, where it can monitor their level of activity, number of steps taken and other healthrelated data. The data can be uploaded to a cloud or read by a
phone or computer. Transitions in pet health can be monitored to make it easier to understand any changes that could be indicative of a health problem. Similarly, a start-up company called PetPace is developing a collar that can monitor your pet's health and send an early warning to you and your vet when something doesn't add up. The Massachusetts-based company will produce a collar and base station that collects the data. There will be an initial cost for the equipment and then a monthly subscription fee for ongoing monitoring service. According to the company, the sensors in the collar can track the
Peatree 13 year old Blue Front Amazon Parrot Owner: Faye Bradley
animal's movement, temperature, respiration and pulse. There's also a microphone that listens for sounds like drinking, barking or stomach gurgling. Positioning and movement sensors, like those found in many smartphones, can even tell when the
animal is running, laying down or taking a bathroom break. The data is compared to what's normal for the breed and the animal's past behavior. Anomalies may alert pet owners to something that is wrong.
Ginger 6 year old Chihuahua Owner: Janice Head
Be it boarding or grooming, Some of our guests come to play, Some come to socialize, Others like to watch, Everyone wants to be loved.
Boarding or Grooming
Rutherford Veterinary Hospital
Appointments Preferred
Michelle Toms-Greene, DVM Pamela Poteat Hamby, DVM Kim Lednum,DVM Phone: 828-286-9335 Fax: 828-286-4769 E-Mail: rutherfordvet@gmail.com
LOVING CARE KENNELS AND GROOMING
meets your pets needs.
245 Airport Road • Rutherfordton, NC 28139 • (828) 287-7040
6 • The Daily Courier • 2013 Pet Parade
Parade of Pets Strap pets in for safety — theirs and yours
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ost drivers would not allow a 40-pound unsecured weight to ricochet around the interior of their vehicles. Passengers and cargo are typically strapped in for
safety. But if a driver is driving with an unsecured pet in his or her car, he or she could be putting everyone in the car at risk The law states that children and adults should be buckled up
Cowboy 22 year old Quarter Horse Owner: Jim Greengrass
Cinnamon 1 year & 4 month old female Miniature Dachshund My owner & I are also on the Pet Therapy Team in McDowell County Hospital & Oncology
Owner: Rita Viola Justice
when riding in a car. The same regulations do not always pertain to pet passengers, although some experts think they should. According to Christina Selter, the founder of California-based pet advocacy group Bark Buckle Up, pets can be very dangerous inside of a vehicle if they are not secured. A 60-pound Golden Retriever can hit you with 2,700 pounds of force in a 35 mile-perhour crash. However, that's not the only danger. A dog or cat that is allowed to roam freely inside a car can pose a distraction to the driver, potentially impeding a driver's line of vision or inad-
vertently bumping into the gear shift. A small animal could get down into the foot well on the driver's side and impede operation of the brakes or accelerator. In addition to the passengers and driver in the car, an unsecured pet poses a danger to itself. A dog or cat that is propelled through the car in a crash or sudden stop can risk injury or death. Even simply bumping noses on the dashboard or a seat can be very painful to the animal. There are other reasons why the pet should be tethered in the car. *A belt or tether secures the Please see Page 8
Blackie III 11 year old Chow-Shepherd mix Adopted from the Subway in Lake Lure. She is a protector and independent thinker!
Owner: Tommy Hicks
Millie 18 month old Maltese-Shih Tzu Owners: Joe & Jeanette Carpenter
2013 Pet Parade • The Daily Courier • 7
Parade of Pets
From Page 3 adoption announcements are frequently posted on Facebook, and many shelters now have their own online presence to alert the public to the plight of animals in the shelter. Petfinder.com remains one of the largest databases of searchable pets available
for adoption, boasting more than 374,000 pets from nearly 14,000 adoption groups. Parties interested in pet adoption are urged to visit their local shelters first and inquire about the available animals. Some shelters have stringent adoption guidelines and will not entertain an inquiry without the comple-
Hopalong Maui 7 year old Cassidy
tion of a form and a background check. People who are interested in adopting a breed-specific animal can contact rescue organizations that specialize in these types of animals. Some shelters will pay for shipment of the animal, while others require adoption candidates make their own travel arrangements.
Petfinder.com remains one of the largest databases of searchable pets available for adoption, boasting more than 374,000 pets from nearly 14,000 adoption groups.
Elvis
Wonderful 6 year oldcat Owners: mix Cocker-Bichon Barbara Ann & Owner: Bob Foster Wanda Moeller
6 year old Shih Tzu Owner: Teresa Revis
Hopalong Cassidy
Annissa’s Jasper Dean
6 year old Cocker-Bichon mix Owner: Wanda Moeller
Have you lost or found a pet? WE CAN HELP! Place an ad FREE in The Daily Courier. Ad runs for 2 weeks in print and online and includes 20 words for description. Call 828-245-6431 or stop by the office 601 Oak St., Forest City
6 year old Maltese Grandparents: Harold & Diane Nix Uncle & Aunt: Doug & Glenda Nix
Scruffy 13 year old mix breed Very Sweet! Owners: Chuck & Leeanne Summey Grandmother: Peggie Summey
8 • The Daily Courier • 2013 Pet Parade
Parade of Pets
From Page 6 imal and prevents it from hanging its head out of the window, where any small speck of flying debris can cause a serious injury to the pet's eyes or nose. It's important to keep the pet's
entire body inside of the moving vehicle. * A harness will prevent a dog or cat from physically jumping out of the vehicle. If a squirrel or other distraction arouses interest outside, the pet is unable to pursue it.
Lola 5 year old Norwegian Elk Hound Owner: Crissy Bush
* In the event of an accident, a pet seatbelt will keep the animal contained until emergency workers can assess the situation. A frightened or injured pet may scratch or bite. Having an excited animal on the loose can make rescue dangerous. * When wearing a harness, the pet doesn't have to work as hard
bracing itself while the car is maneuvering. The harness will keep it secure. There are many ways to secure pets in a motor vehicle. An animal crate that is belted down is one option, and a pet may be comfortable riding in a familiar crate and feel more secure as a result.
In loving memory of
Jennifer Marie Kelly January 27, 2000 - June 11, 2013
THE COMPOUNDING CENTER ◆ OUR COMPOUNDING PHARMACISTS WORK WITH YOUR VET TO DEVELOP A MEDICATION IN A SUITABLE DOSAGE AND FORM FOR YOUR SPECIAL FAMILY MEMBER. ◆ IF USING ORAL MEDICATIONS, WE HAVE A LARGE SELECTION OF NATURAL FLAVORINGS AND “RECIPES“ ENTICING THE PALLET OF ANY KIND OF CREATURE! ◆ ADDITIONALLY, SMITH’S DRUGS HAS OVER-THE-COUNTER PRODUCTS FOR YOUR PET THAT WILL IMPROVE THEIR DENTAL HEALTH, SKIN & COAT HEALTH, AS WELL AS THEIR JOINTS.
Owners: Steven & Gretchen Kelly
Bandit Jackson 15 Year Old Medium black & white Shih Tzu Owner: Mary Lou Jackson
Sophie SMITH’S DRUGS OF FOREST CITY 139 E MAIN STREET 828-245-4591 • www.smithsdrugsfc.com
2 1/2 year old 4 lb. Yorkie Spoiled Rotten Owners: Mark & Danette Barber
2013 Pet Parade • The Daily Courier • 9
Parade of Pets How to protect your pets when the mercury rises
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any people anxiously await the return of summer when they can wear shorts and shortsleeved shirts out in the sun. Although humans are able to keep comfortable in the heat by dressing accordingly, pets are not so lucky. Pets can have a difficult time when the temperature soars. Certain animals, such as reptiles or tropical birds, are acclimated to hot temperatures. But other pets, including dogs, cats and even some small animals, can easily overheat and dehydrate. When
the weather warrants cranking up the air conditioning, pet owners should pay special attention to pets to ensure they are comfortable and not suffering from summer heat. * Schedule a check-up with the veterinarian. Prior to the dog days of summer, make an appointment with the veterinarian for a well visit to ensure any preventive care measures are taken. This is the time to refill flea and tick medications and also to have the animal checked for heartworm. Insects that transmit diseases are more prevalent
in the warm weather, and more time spent outdoors can put pets at greater risk of insect bites or infestations. * Get to know your pet. Pets display different behaviors and signals when they are feeling
unwell. Heavy panting may be an indication that a dog is hot or not feeling well, while other dogs may pant for no apparent reason. Recognizing baseline behavior
Please see Page 12
Belle 7 year old Australian Cattle Dog Owners: Terra & Anthony Rollins
Delilah 5 year old mixed breed from the Community Pet Center Very nice dog! Owner: Tommy Hicks
For All You Need To Know About
Real Estate
132 Allendale Drive • Forest City, NC
828.245.2345 Fax: 828.245.2395 www.RgRealestate.net
In memory of Moe Passed away at 16 years old
Owner: Patricia Jackson Curtis
Callie
“The Trucker Cat” 1 year old Calico Weighs 10 lbs. 7 oz. Owners: John & Jennifer Click
10 • The Daily Courier • 2013 Pet Parade
Parade of Pets Hypoallergenic pets more hype than fact
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llergy sufferers are often advised to steer clear of pets, as brushing up to a cat or dog can trigger an allergy attack or a rash. Those with pet allergies may be willing to spend any amount of money to get a pet that is dubbed "hypoallergenic." Although there are some breeds of dogs and cats that are less likely to trigger an allergic attack, some research indicates that a hypoallergenic pet is a myth. According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America,
one out of evAccording to the Asthma in the Ameriery four people and Allergy Foundation can Journal of struggles with Rhinology & of America, one out of Allergy raises allergies and every four people strug- issues about asthma on a gles with allergies and hypoallergenic regular basis, and 15 to 30 percent asthma on a regular ba- dogs. People of these cases sis, and 15 to 30 percent who spend are dog- or catof these cases are dog- hundreds, if related. Those not thousands, or cat-related. of dollars on a with allergies dog purported may think a to be hypoallergenic may just be hypoallergenic pet will be the answer to their watery eyes and Please see Page 11 sneezes. But a study published
Here are a few dog breeds that may be better for people with allergies. * Poodle * Bedlington Terrier * Bichon Frise * Chinese Crested * Portuguese Water Dog * Schnauzer * Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier * Irish Water Spaniel * Maltese
4076 US Highway 221-A PO Box 337 Cliffside, NC 28024 828-657-6322
FUNERAL
AND
CREMATION SERVICE
www.mckinneylandrethcarroll.com Steve & Lyn Carroll, Owners
We firmly believe that pets are part of the family too. In keeping with this belief, we are proud to offer Pet Services to Rutherford County and the surrounding communities. We offer pet cremation, urns, memorial products, and pet caskets.
2013 Pet Parade • The Daily Courier • 11
Parade of Pets From Page 10
environmental evidence that any particular dog breed produces wasting their money. more or less allergen in the home Researchers at Henry Ford Hosthan another one. pital in Detroit took dust samples "That doesn't mean that all from 173 dog-owning housedogs produce the same amount holds, where 60 breeds were of allergen as others. In fact, gerepresented, including 11 breeds netics and environmental factors, that are considered to be hypoalincluding how often a dog and lergenic. What they discovered a home is cleaned, can contribwas that homes with allegedly ute to the dander and allergens hypoallergenic pets contained produced by a particular dog. just as much of the prime dog Dogs within the same breed may allergen, known as Can f 1, as vary as to how much Can f 1 one those of the other breeds. Acdog creates compared to another. cording to senior author and In essence, one labrador may epidemiologist Christine Cole induce an allergic reaction, while Johnson, "There is simply no the other doesn't even cause a
person to sneeze. The hypoallergenic label is often given to dog breeds that have short fur or do not shed much. But allergens are not attached to the fur. They are actually a secretion from the skin that produces an allergic reaction from dogs and the saliva of cats. Unless a geneticist is able to create a cat
without allergens in saliva or a dog that does not secrete allergens from the skin, no pet will be hypoallergenic. That isn't to say choosing a dog that sheds less may be beneficial, since dander with allergens is generally attached to shedded fur.
Hershey 1 year old female Chocolate Labrador Owners: Keith & Wavolyn Norville
Bella Skilled Nursing Care Enhanced Assisted Living Care Fair Haven has long acknowledged that pets play a central role in the lives of our residents. We are the only skilled facility to allow our residents to bring pets from home and we have several cats and two beautiful standard Poodles as part of our “Fair Haven” family. We feel our pets contribute greatly to our “at home” feel.
4 year old Bichon Frisé Owners: Johnny, Amie & Emily Sisk
In Memory of Poochie Hwy 74 E., Forest City. 245-9095 Suzanne Hensley - Administrator
The loving companion of the late Jack Dixon
12 • The Daily Courier • 2013 Pet Parade
Parade of Pets From Page 9 for your pet can make identifying a problem that much easier. * Keep plenty of water available. Hot weather can cause a pet to use up its fluid stores much more quickly than when it is cooler outside. Before leaving the house, be sure that your pet's water bowls are topped off. Water bottles in small animal cages should be topped off and regularly checked. * Know which pets are most at risk. Older, younger, overweight, and snub-nosed animals (think pugs, shih tzus, Persian cats, etc.) don't tolerate the heat as well as
other animals. * Don't shave fur too short. The idea that shaving a dog (or cat) close to the skin might help them keep cool is a popular notion. While some longer-haired breeds may need a trim to keep cool, resist the urge to shave fur all the way off. * Keep exercise to a minimum. Humans often feel lazy when the temperature soars and so may their pets. Overexertion during hot weather can lead to heat stroke, signs of which include panting, drooling, rapid pulse, and fever. Try to walk dogs early in the morning or late at night
* Supervise water play. Some Tips to care for your pets during the summer months. pets are natural swimmers, while
* Schedule a check-up * Get to know your pets * Keep plenty of water * Know which pets are at risk * Don't shave fur too close * Keep exercise to a minimum * Supervise water play * Be cautious of fireworks when the temperature is cooler. Do not keep animals chained up outdoors or sitting in hot windows during the day.
others are not. Do not allow pets to go unsupervised around a pool or another source of water. * Be cautious of fireworks. Warm weather and fireworks seem to be common companions. Even unlit fireworks -- which are made from potentially toxic substances -- can be hazardous if they are licked or consumed. Pet owners should use common sense regarding their pets and hot weather. Chances are if you are uncomfortable so is your pet.
Caring for ALL the members of your family
If you find a lower price at any other store for any product we carry, bring it to our attention and we will not only match it, but we will also give you back 10% of the difference.
145 East Main St.
828-248-2336
Keep collecting your receipts! Forest City Pets gives back a percentage of every receipt turned in to the Community Pet Center, Rutherford County Humane Society or any other local non-profit animal rescue.
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