April 2013 by Urban Paws Magazine

See how Bark Busters changed the life of an Airforce dog handler or, view the “Aspen’s Story” video on YouTube.com

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Publisher Jennifer Kitchens-Street (281) 384.5431

jennifer@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Advertising (281) 384.5431

sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Contributing Writers Jan Davidson Fred Lundgren Michelle Spencer

Staff Photographer Jamie Fincher www.pawprintsbyjamie.com

Urban Paws Magazine PO Box 1556 Spring, TX 77383

www.urbanpawsmagazine.com Web: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

contents Issue 3: Volume 7

EVENT CALENDAR 6 April 2013

THE SCOOP 7

Canine News and Happenings

JUST FOR WAGS 10

My Dog & I Are Growing Old Together and Things are Getting a Little Ruff

LIFESTYLE 16

Eco-Friendly Pet Products

HEALTH & WELLNESS 18

Diagnosis Cancer: Now What?

BODY & SOUL 20

Helping Fido Go Green

ADOPTION 24

Houston Boxer Rescue ÂŠ Copyright 2013. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s written permission. Urban Paws magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, feature and idea submissions, or photographs, and such material will not be returned. Urban Paws magazine assumes no liability for the contents herein and has the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Urban Paws magazine does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible.

Please tell our advertisers that you heard about them in Urban Paws Magazine!

VETERINARY DIRECTORY 26

Cover photo and this photo by Paw Prints by Jamie Pet Photography.

BE A PART OF OUR DOG LOVING COMMUNITY! ON THE WEB

urbanpawsmagazine.com

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

COMING IN MAY:

Pet Safety Issue

COMING IN JUNE: Training and Behavior

event calendar For a full listing of events, visit: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events APRIL 6

Pet Adoption Day presented by S.A.V.E. Rescue and Stubbs Harley Davidson. Come out to listen to some great music, see some new motorcycles, and meet adoptable animals looking for forever homes. Free gift with any monetary pet donation. 4400 Telephone Road. 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Visit www.saverescue.org for more information.

APRIL 13

AAR Furry Friends Tennis Tournament presented by tennis Hall of Famer Owen Davidson. The Woodlands Country Club, 2404 N. Millbend. Entry fee is $30 per player. Fee includes lunch, refreshments and Nike hat. Registration begins at noon and play begins at 1:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.aartomball.org.

APRIL 13

Spring Bark!!! Hosted by Lone Star Animal Welfare League at Northshore Park, 2505 Lake Woodlands Drive. 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. This annual event raises money and awareness for Fixing Montgomery County, a spay/neuter program. For more information, visit www.lsawl.org.

April 2013

APRIL 13

Member’s Choice Credit Union Spring Festival, 3770 N. Fry Rd. Join Special Pals Shelter for a fun spring festival. MCCU volunteers will be hosting a shelter supply drive and electronics recycling collection for Special Pals during the event. Every pound of scrap you keep out of our landfills will help raise funds for the homeless animals at Special Pals.

APRIL 13-14

Dog Training Workshop with Dr. Ian Dunbar, PhD at Peace, Love & Dogs, 9615 Yupondale Drive. See page 7 for more info.

APRIL 20

Third Annual Paws for a Cause Dog Walk, Juergens Park, 1331 Ulrich. Events include a fun with with poker hand, prizes, pet photography, flea-less flea market and games. 8:30 a.m. registration. $20 fee includes t-shirt and poker hand. For more information, visit www.aartomball.org.

APRIL 22 Earth Day

APRIL 13

Houston Pet Expo at Reliant Center. 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. Bring your leashed pet for a day of shopping, learning and playing. Prize giveaways, adoption event, discounted vaccinations, agility demonstrations and much more. Meet Shorty Rossi from Animal Planet’s “Pit Boss”. Admission is free. For the full list of events, visit www.houstonpetexpo.com.

the scoop

Houston’s Luxury Pet Hotel & Grooming Salon Announces Cutest Canine Contest The Dog House Pet Salon presents their Spring social media contest, Houston’s Cutest Canine. Houston’s Cutest Canine is an online competition that will accept entries by allowing contestants to share the cutest photo of their dog by posting on The Dog House Pet Salon’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/thedoghousepetsal on. The competition will accept photo submissions from April 1st through April 23rd, 2013. There is no cost to enter. The goal of the contest is to convey the importance of caring for dogs while displaying the loveliness of all breeds. The Dog House Pet Salon is excited to showcase their passion for animals and their desire to unite the Houston pet community. The Cutest Canine Contest is open to all pet lovers in Houston who own adorable dogs. Anyone can enter by visiting The Dog House Pet Salon’s Facebook page. Dog owners may enter by uploading pictures and are encouraged to tell friends to like their picture posts. The top prize for the winner of the contest is a $50 gift card that can be used for any salon service at The Dog House Pet Salon. The winner will also receive a doggy-bag that contains a dog tshirt, provided by Evanger’s Dog Food, Wagmore Barkless Treats, provided by Natural Pawz and products from Paul Mitchell’s dogline “John Paul Pet”. The winner will also receive a $125 gift certificate from Scoop Le Poop. The top prize winner will be announced on The Dog House Salon’s Facebook page on April 27th.

Barrio Dogs Celebrates Three Year Anniversary with A Bitter-Sweet Dedication On April 7th, Barrio Dogs will celebrate their three year anniversary at Bohemeo’s with live music and food. This celebration will feature a tribute to Norma Zenteno, one of Barrio Dogs’ first and biggest supporters. Her support was critical to Barrio Dogs’ success and she and her band played at most Barrio Dogs’ events, including last year’s 2nd anniversary celebration. This year’s tribute will include the Spirit of Zenteno band and other local musicians along with students from KIPP Intrepid who will perform Norma’s song “We’ll be the Ones to Make a Change” which she wrote for Barrio Dogs. “This year’s celebration will be bitter-sweet,” said Gloria Medina Zenteno, Barrio Dogs’ founder and Norma Zenteno’s sister-in-law. “We are proud of what we have accomplished during the past year for our East End community but we owe Norma for jump starting Barrio Dogs. Without her, it would have been difficult to get the organization off the ground. She has been such an important part of our success that we considered cancelling the 3rd anniversary event when she passed away. We would like to think that Norma would not have wanted us to cancel; she would have wanted us to have the celebration so we are having it in her memory.”

Renowned Animal Behaviorist and Dog Trainer to Present Houston Seminar

Veterinarian, animal behaviorist, and dog trainer, Dr. Ian Dunbar will visit Houston to present Urban Paws Magazine 7

the scoop

a two-day long dog training workshop in Houston at Peace, Love & Dogs (9615 Yupondale Drive, Suite A) from Saturday April 13th to Sunday April 14th from 9:30am to 5:30pm both days. Dr. Dunbar has authored numerous books and DVDs about dog behavior and training. In 1982, he designed and taught the world's very first off-leash puppy socialization and training classes, SIRIUS Puppy Training. Subsequently, he developed the San Francisco SPCA's Animal Behavior Department, started the American Kennel Club's Gazette "Behavior" column, and founded the Association of Pet Dog Trainers. Currently, Dr. Dunbar is the Scientific Director for www.dogstardaily.com, a free online, multimedia educational website for puppy and dog owners. The Houston workshop has two registration options. You can register as a Handler, and bring your own dog to work with, or you can register as an Observer. After this workshop youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll understand your dog much better and your dog will be much more reliable off-leash, with faster and flashier performances. The reliability-testing day is fascinating to the extreme, revealing how dogs learn and accelerating training. The games are enjoyable for dogs, owners and observers alike and the dogs get better and better as the games proceed. You are going to have an absolute blast whether play-training your dog or observing the proceedings. For registration information, visit https://www.jamesandkenneth.com/store/sho w/HTX-011.

8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Yellow Ribbons Used to Raise Awareness of Dogs with Special Needs

A walk around the neighborhood can be stressful for both a dog and his owner when it comes to dogs who are easily frightened, dealing with health issues, or are just reactive. Safety is the first concern and explaining to others that your dog needs space is tiring. The Yellow Dog Project is a very simple, yet effective solution for making your walks pleasant. The Yellow Dog Project was created to bring awareness to the general public about dogs who need space while training, recovering from surgery, or being rehabilitated. Visit www.yellowdogproject.com for more information and to download a printable version of the graphic. Help spread the word in your community.

House Bill Introduced to Help Bridge Gap Between Animal Shelters and Rescue Organizations HB2981, also called the Tax Saving Pet Adoption, Sterilization, and Transfer Act requires that government run animal shelters collaborate with qualified 501(c)(3) animal res-

the scoop

cue groups who are willing to save animals at risk of being killed. HB2981 also gives shelters the right to administer vaccinations on intake to protect shelter pet populations. It also prohibits shelters from refusing to adopt out dogs or cats based solely on an animal’s breed (i.e. no breed discrimination). It also requires rescue groups to spay or neuter adopted pets. HB2981 is authored by Texas Representative Eddie Rodriguez. If you support this bill, you are urged to contact your state representative in and tell him/her that you support HB2981.

Registration Now Open for Service Dog Eye Exams

Registration is now open for the 6th Annual ACVO/Merial Service Dog Eye Exam Event, which offers free eye exams for service animals during the month of May. Registration runs until April 30. Guide dogs, handicapped assistance dogs, detection dogs and other service animals, (including horses), selflessly serve the public are eligible. More than 250 board certified veterinary ophthalmologists throughout the U.S., as well as Canada and Puerto Rico will provide free sight-saving eye exams to thousands of service animals. To qualify, service animals must be active “working animals” that were certified by a formal training program or organization or currently enrolled in a formal training program. Additional registration details can be found at www.ACVOeyeexam.org.

Woof Gang Bakery Expands Into Houston Market

Orlando, Florida.-based Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming plans to open its first Houston-area location this year as part of a push into the Texas market. In 2013, the company plans to open 10 locations in the state, including the one in Katy. After it moves into the local market, the company wants to open three more Houston-area stores.

GOOD TO KNOW:

You Can Pick Up Many of Your Pet’s Prescriptions at Kroger Pharmacies

There are hundreds of pet medications

available – including brand names and $4 generic options. All you have to do is bring in your pet’s prescription to a Kroger pharmacists, and they’ll be happy to fill your pet’s medication. To find out if there is a generic medication that might be right for your pet, just ask your veterinarian. For a list of $4 generic medications and other well known brands, visit http://www.kroger.com/pharmacy/Pages/ pet_meds.aspx. Urban Paws Magazine 9

just for wags My Dog and I Are Growing Old Together and Things Are Getting a Little 'Ruffâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

y dog's name is Fred. Fred is a 20

I reached the age of 64. So, based on the mod-

attitude toward everyone but me. My

years, Fred and I are about the same age.

pound Poodle with a no-nonsense

wife and daughters named him after me because he tried to copy my habits when he was a puppy.

He would watch me eat and beg for scraps and when I refused, he would go to his food bowl

and eat until he fell asleep in the bowl. This hap-

pened so many times that I was compelled to set a better example by eating less. Amazingly, I was

passing bad eating habits to my dog. Like Larry the Cable Guy says, "That's funny, I don't care who you are..."

Fred is now 11 years old and he stopped falling

asleep in his food bowl long ago. He guards our

ern formula for calculating a dog's age in human

However, Fred is in much better health than I am, something his veterinarian and my cardiolo-

gist will affirm. To regain my health, I have lost 80 pounds and I have become a vegan. These

days, my diet consists of foods that Fred refuses to eat. When I give him scraps, he buries them in the flower bed.

My dog's easy lifestyle compared with my stress-

ful life could be just enough to offset our genetic longevity differences. After all, some poodles live to age 25.

home with military precision (when he is not

As I write this blog, Fred is asleep beside me

age.

cerned about our longevity that I am compelled

sleeping), and like me, he is showing the signs of Fred and I have spent almost every day togeth-

without a care in the world while I am so conto write a blog on the subject.

er since he was weaned by his mother.

Fred and I spend most of our days writing

At the Lundgren home, we are known as "Big

emails from listeners and readers. During

Fred" and "Little Fred," but we both come to attention whenever my wife calls our name.

My wife says that Fred and I are beginning to

look alike, and one of our daughters joked that

if Fred went bald, he would look exactly like me. Fred reached the age of 11 about the same time 10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

blogs, listening to KCAA Radio and answering

evenings, we usually watch at least two hours of

MSNBC. There is always something happening

in Washington that upsets me. There is always another letter to write, another petition to sign

and a new issue to bolster. All the while, Fred takes everything in stride. Somehow, he has learned to ignore the constant prattle coming

By: Fred Lundgren

DID YOU KNOW?

April is Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Month

Across the nation, April is designated as Prevention of Cruelty to Animals month, raising awareness to an unacceptable issue.

Katy, Texas Resident Fred Lundgren and Fred the Poodle

out of Washington. When I stress out, Fred will

literally position himself between me and the computer screen and push my hand away from

the keyboard with his nose, all my protestations notwithstanding. He will not stop this behavior until I close my computer.

Perhaps I could learn some things from my dog. Fred Lundgren is the founder and CEO of KCAA Radio, the first affiliate of Air America. He is a resident of Katy, Texas, where he spends some of his time blogging on The Huffington Post.

Animal abuse is defined by the following: • A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly or recklessly: • Tortures or seriously overworks an animal • Fails unreasonably to provide necessary food, water, care or shelter for an animal in his custody • Abandons unreasonably an animal in his custody • Transports or confines an animal in a cruel manner • Kills, injures, or administers poison to an animal, belonging to another without legal authority or the owner’s effective consent • Causes one animal to fight with another • Uses a live animal as a lure in dog race training or in dog coursing Members of the public and other agencies are encouraged to contact the local authorities if they suspect that animals are being cruelly treated, or are in imminent danger of abuse or neglect.

Do you have a light-hearted or inspiring story

about your pet? Submit your special interest story

for

consideration

info@urbanpawsmagazine.com. Who knows? you just may be published in Urban Paws!

WHO CAN I CALL?

HPD Dispatch: 713-884-3131 Precinct 6 Dispatch: 713-923-9156 Humane Society: 713-433-6421, ext. 396 SPCA main number: 713-869-SPCA (7722) Crime Stoppers: 712-222-TIPS (8477) Urban Paws Magazine 11

mutt mugs

â&#x20AC;&#x153;All trees have bark. All dogs bark. Therefore, all dogs are trees. The fallacy of barking up the wrong treeâ&#x20AC;? Unknown

12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

special feature

Your Dog’s Carbon Paw Print May Be Bigger Than You Think

t’s April and you vowed to reduce your car-

in the car to finish those errands you put off

composting project you'd been putting off

No, this isn't a lesson in hypocrisy. Not even a

bon footprint in honor of Earth Day. That

when you were out earlier.

for years? It’s definitely time. That pile of news-

subtle hint that people who don’t pick up their

the recycling center this week.

to how we impact the environment with the

papers on the kitchen table? They’re going to

And then your cat rubs against your ankles,

purring for his breakfast. You open the bag of

cat food and as you shake the last bit of kibble into his bowl, tossing the bag into the trash. The dog walks in, looking for his breakfast too.

You drive a few miles to the

local dog park, hitting the

Starbucks drive-through on your way, engine idling while

decisions we make when caring for our pets.

Some of these impacts are somewhat obvious,

while others we rarely consider. Here are just a

few ways that we can share our lives with com-

I’m reducing my carbon paw print. Woof!

you wait for your grande iced

latte. As you sit on the park bench, watching your dog play,

you chat with others about your resolution to do your part in preserving the environment.

You call for Fido, hoping he pooped while you

were chatting, throw your empty cup into the trash can, and head for home. You forgot to stop and pick up your dry cleaning because it was too hot to leave Fido in the car, so you'll have to make a second trip later.

You get home, open a can of dog food and

mix it with some kibble. You throw the can away, and then dump your cat's litter into a plastic bag, and throw that away, too. Then it’s back 14 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

dog’s poop are jerks. This is just some insight as

panion animals and

help

improve planet.

the

Ways to Reduce Your Dog’s Carbon Paw Print In 2013, it is estimated that Americans will spend approximately $51 billion dollars on their pets. Many of these products will contribute to immense amounts of waste harming the environment. With Earth Day right around the corner, there is no better time for pet owners to begin making small, convenient, changes that can help reduce your dog’s carbon paw print. • Make waste more eco-friendly: It is a wellknown fact that it takes 1,000 years for a plastic bag to decompose. There are more eco-friendly options available, such as biodegradable bags made of corn husk that are made specifically for picking up after your dog. • Premium dog food: When purchasing food and treats for your dog, look for organic and/or natural products, which are easier on your dog’s stomach, and helps reduce waste overall. Be sure you recycle the packaging that is used for dog food, such as cans and food bags. • Break out the fine china: For your doggie dishes, purchase stainless steel or ceramic bowls instead of plastic. These materials last longer and don’t have to be replaced as often, eliminating waste. • Green grooming: Use grooming products that are made with natural ingredients instead of chemicals that are harmful to the environment. You should also support groomers that use natural products or ask that your groomer switch to more eco-friendly products. Consider donating some green products so the groomer can see how much better they are than the toxic ones.

These organic products are safer for the planet and Fido. • Help reduce the population of homeless pets: You’ve heard Bob Barker say it before but here it is again: Spay or neuter your dog. This is not only beneficial for your dog’s health but the planet’s health as well. Humanely reducing the pet population helps to reduce the stress that dogs place on the environment. Instead of purchasing a dog from a breeder, you should consider adoption. Sadly, there are many great dogs waiting for homes out there. • Dogs are not a trend. It’s important to understand that when you commit to owning a dog, you commit to him for the rest of his life – much like deciding to have a child. People who are not fully committed and purchase a dog on a whim, often give up the animal to a shelter, increasing the population of homeless dogs. Also, a high demand for a breed causes breeders to create a high supply, which leads to the same problem. • Hippie chic pooch:. Purchase products for your pup that are made from sustainable, organic and/or recycled materials. There are many dog toys and beds that are made with organic cotton available. For example, you can find collars and leashes that are made from natural hemp.

Urban Paws Magazine 15

lifestyle

n e e r G g n i Go Bark if You Love the Planet Now Fido can show his love for the planet with this cotton/poly blend tshirt. Available online at www.baxterboo.com.

Rowdy Rooster and Friends Your dog will cuddle, snuggle, shake and toss their new fluffy, fuzzy friends. Don't let the soft, furry fabric fool you - these are some strong dog toys. They’re hand sewn in Montana after all! Stuffed with recycled IntelliLoft®, made from recycled plastic bottles, these toys sure are full of it! Available at www.westpawdesign.com. Planetary Orbs Planet Dog’s new Orbee-Tuff® Cosmos includes SOL, orange like the sun, LUNA, representing the moon, and RINGO, a cosmic green ball with a Saturn-like ring for some other-worldly bounce. Each has a Treat Spot™ for hiding healthy treats. Doggie-durable, recyclable and non-toxic. Available at www.planetdog.com. 16 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Earth Day Greetings Reduce, reuse and recycle! A perfect way to celebrate Earth Day with this greeting card. It states "Be nice to your planet" and a "happy earth day" shouted out from a special dog. Available as a single card or set of 8. Available online at www.lydiaandpugs.com.

Pick Up Power Tool This revolutionary power tool takes the hassle and mess out of picking up after your dog. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an eco-friendly and hassle-free alternative to wasteful dog poop bags. Available at www.auggiedog.com.

Non-Toxic Home Pops Pet Organics is changing the way you clean your pooch and your home. This line of products were fused with the purest organic ingredients to create powerful healing salves, repellants, and other healthy products for dogs & cats. Available at www.popspetproducts.com.

Urban Paws Magazine 17

health & wellness

Diagnosis Cancer: Now What? n this article series on companion animal cancer, we address what normally happens after your pet has been diagnosed. In future articles, we will address the ins-and-outs of conventional treatments, alternative treatments and palliative care. A diagnosis of cancer in your pet can be terrifying. But remember, you are not alone.

Step One: Staging Staging is the act of running a series of medical tests to obtain additional information. Staging allows your veterinarian to see the extent of cancer spread throughout your pet’s body and to assess your pet’s ability to handle certain treatments. Three types of medical tests are typically run during the staging process: Imaging: The mode of imaging chosen will depend upon the type and location of the cancer. It may include x-rays, an ultrasound, an MRI or a CT scan. Imaging shows not only the

spread of cancer, but also the integrity of internal organs. For instance, while an echo cardiogram may not show spread of cancer to the heart, it may show an abnormality in the heart muscle, which may affect the your pet’s tolerance for treatment. In that case, special precautions may need to be taken or another treatment option chosen. Blood Work/Urinalysis: Typically, a Complete Blood Count (“CBC”), Serum Chemistry and Urinalysis will be run. These tests are not used to diagnose cancer (except certain blood cancers) but provide information about the cancer’s behavior, any infection and how well your pet’s organs are functioning. For instance, while a pet’s liver may look healthy on an ultrasound, an abnormal blood test measuring liver function may reveal an issue. Additional Cytology (cell investigation): Your veterinarian may need to look at additional cells under the microscope to get more information about your pet’s disease. This may involve a needle aspirate (a quick and simple procedure under local anesthesia), a biopsy or even surgery.

Step Two: Treatment Options

After gathering further information about your pet’s disease, your veterinarian will present you with treatment options. Some cancers respond very well to conventional treatments, such as chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, while others simply do not. 18 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

By: Michelle Spencer, Veterinary Technician

2. You and your pet are not trapped. Cancer treatment is fluid and there is room for assessment at each step in the road. If, for instance, you begin treatment and your pet experiences side effects, you, along with your veterinarian, may decide that you will no longer use that type of medicine or even that you no longer wish to proceed with that form of treatment. On the flip side, you may cautiously begin treatment and, after seeing a positive reaction, decide that it’s appropriate for your pet to continue or pursue more aggressive treatment. Remember, you always have choices. Making decisions about whether and what type of treatment to pursue can seem overwhelming. In the next issue, we will talk about how to make decisions in times of crisis and confusion that will feel right to you both in the moment and when you look back on them.

Your veterinary medical oncologist and veterinary radiation oncologist are the best sources of information about treatment options, but always keep in mind:

“New England Pet Hospice & Home Care supports those caring for ill, elderly and special needs animals at home following the human hospice and palliative care models of interdisciplinary care. Learn more and get your FREE subscription to Wag & Purr: Your Guide to Comfort Care for Pets at www.NewEnglandPetHospice.com"

1. The goal of cancer treatment in pets is to control or eradicate the cancer cells while preserving a good quality of life. Your veterinary oncologist relies on you to assess your pet’s daily quality of life at home and communicate that information often. Remember, quality of life is the driving force behind veterinary oncology, and you are your pet’s voice. Urban Paws Magazine 19

body & soul

Helping Fido Go Green

By: Jan Davidson, Elegant Hippy

eing eco-friendly goes hand-in-hand

with holistic living. When deciding on

any product, it is important to look at the pack-

biodegradable or recyclable when it comes time to replace it.

aging as well as the ingredients to determine just

Lifestyle

ucts, there are general lifestyle considerations.

quality food, the amount of waste your dog gen-

how eco-friendly the product is. Beyond prod-

Doody – As I mentioned above, by feeding good erates is reduced because more of the food is

Products

usable by the body. Why is this important? It

come in? What about the quality of food? If

up pet waste is just as important as anything else

Food – what kind of container does the food

you are feeding a high quality food, more will be

absorbed through digestion and there will be

less waste (more on this under lifestyle consider-

means less “doody” time! Remember, picking you do because of the pollution it causes in rainwater runoff.

Baths – Dogs don’t need frequent bathing.

ations). Is the food organic, or at least high-qual-

When you do bath them, make sure you are

feeding the best quality food you can afford, you

indicates it is formulated for dogs. Many owners

ity ingredients, from a reputable source? By will also be spending less at the vet’s office.

Treats – what could be more eco-friendly than

giving your dog veggies as a treat instead of the

processed treats from the store? Mine love organic carrots as a crunchy treat.

Bedding – do

using a natural shampoo with a pH of 7 or that mistakenly bath too often because the dog has

an odor. If you have been using your shampoo

or, worse yet, dish soap, you may actually be

causing the odor because the pH isn’t right for the dog and impacts the skin’s protective barrier.

Flea and pest control – rather than using chem-

you use synthetic

ical treatments, opt for essential oil-based repel-

the material is

less toxic to the environment.

bedding?

How

manufactured can have

impact

major

the

environment. Another consid-

eration is whether the material is 20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

lents. It is not only healthier for your dog, it is You don’t have to make big changes all at

once—even making small changes has an

impact on the health of the environment and the health of your companion.

Jan Davidson is a certified natural products manufacturer, aromatherapist, holistic health consultant, and Reiki master. She is part owner of Elegant Hippy. www.eleganthippy.com.

Co-Pilot Protection Plan Protect your Pet’s Health with Healthy Paws Pet Insurance UÊ ä¯Ê vÊÞ ÕÀÊÛiÌÊL Ê«> `Êv ÀÊ UÊ/ «Ê,>Ìi`Ê Ê ÕÃÌ iÀÊ->Ì Ãv>VÌ Ê UÊ£ä¯Ê viÌ iÊ ÃV Õ Ì Your enrollment helps homeless pets! 7 Ì ÊÞ ÕÀÊi À i Ì]ÊÜiÊ` >ÌiÊÊÊ iÃÃi Ì > Ê i` V> ÊV>ÀiÊÌ Ê i «Ê}iÌÊ>ÊÊÊ i iÃÃÊ«iÌÊÀi>`ÞÊv ÀÊ>` «Ì ° 6 Ã Ì GoHealthyPaws.com/UrbanPaws Ì Ê}iÌÊÞ ÕÀÊ ÀiiÊ+Õ Ìi°Ê Ê Ê Ê Ê

THE REAL SCOOP ON POOP Think that pet waste is a â&#x20AC;&#x153;naturalâ&#x20AC;? fertilizer? Think again. Take a look at this infographic on how pet waste really affects the environment.

FACT:

Many metropolitan areas have imposed fines, some cities up to $750 if you don't pick up after your dog in a public place.

22 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

FACT:

Flies consume and lay eggs in feces. These same flies will then come into your house and then spread disease.

Graphic by Ross Bradley

Urban Paws Magazine 23

adoption Join us in helping our four-legged friends find loving homes. Adopt a dog today!

Houston Boxer Rescue

www.houstonboxerrescue.org Houston Boxer Rescue (HBR) was born out of a deep love for the boxer breed and a desire to help end the suffering of boxers due to neglect, abuse, or abandonment. We dedicate ourselves to ensuring that the dogs in our program get the second chance they deserve and never find themselves lost, alone or abused, again. We are solely "volunteer" based and thrive on the compassion and generosity of our volunteers.

Photos by Paw Prints by Jamie Pet Photography.

Our cover dog, Chika!

24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Chika here and I'm a 1-1/2 year old, female Boxer. I'm tiny, I mean really little. The perfect size for an apartment or if you have a large home I'll fit right in. I'm a very spunky girl, given my age, so I have lots of energy. Being a Boxer, I am naturally playful, curious, and a trusting canine. Take me for a walk and after that, I'll curl up in front of the fire with you in the evenings and be your best buddy! I am currently in a foster home with other fur siblings. Big and small, I love them all, even the cat! There is a baby in my foster home and I love to make him laugh. I am cratetrained, house-trained and walk well on a leash.

Dawn

Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m Dawn, a three-year-old female Boxer girl. My foster parents say that I am a very sweet girl. If you are looking for some love and a girl that likes the easy life, then I am the one for you. I am a relaxed, laid-back kind of dog who enjoys napping. I am a people and kid friendly girl with a loving personality, and I like giving kisses! I am also house trained. Once you meet me, you will know right away I am Boxer to the bone! I have a zest for life and make it my mission to get people to smile and have fun with me. Sometimes I have trouble making a good first impression with other dogs as I am a very dominant female. I would be best as an only dog or in a house with a very submissive male dog. I do not like cats! I really miss being part of a family and am hoping I don't have to wait very long to begin my fur-ever future with people who will always adore me! Please give me a chance to snuggle into your heart!

Zepplin here, you know, like Led Zepplin. I'm a 1 and 1/2 year old Boxer and I am just as sweet as can be. I was an owner surrender at a local shelter because my previous owner could no longer take care of me. My foster mom says that I am a very relaxed kind of guy. I love my Mastiff foster sister at my foster home. I walk great on a leash. I am very quiet, not really a barker. I do not jump up on people, on furniture or things on which I am not supposed to jump. I have great doggie manners. I am potty trained and I am learning about the crate. I am also learning great commands like â&#x20AC;&#x153;sit.â&#x20AC;? If you are looking for a laid-back guy with four legs, gorgeous fur, and a heart of gold, please submit an adoption application.

Zepplin Urban Paws Magazine 25

vet directory

VETERINARY DIRECTORY | 2013 Laurie Noaker, DVM, DACVIM Veterinary Emergency Referral Group, Inc. (VERGI) 8921 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77024 (p): 713.932.9589 (w): www.vergi247.com

Christie Cornelius, DVM Last Wishes In-Home Pet Hospice and Euthanasia

1302 Waugh Drive, Suite 968 Houston, Texas 77019 (p:) 713.452.0474 (w): www.petslastwishes.com

Rick Wall, DVM, CCRP Center for Veterinary Pain Management and Rehabilitation

10807 Kuykendahl Road, Suite 406 The Woodlands, Texas 77382 (p): 281.298.5509 (e): vetrehab@wallvet.com

Nicholas J. Millichamp,

BVetMed, PhD, DVOphthal, DipECVO, MRCVS Eye Care for Animals 17395 Tomball Parkway #3-H Houston, Texas 77064 (p): 281.890.3937 (w): www.eyecareforanimals.com

Angel Ibanez, DVM Angelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pet Hospital

24734 Kuykendahl Road Tomball, Texas 77375 (p:) 281.290.0360 (w): www.angelspethospital.com

Clara Scott, DVM My Family Vet

20120 Kuykendahl Road Spring, Texas 77379 (p): 281.288.0500 (w): www.myfamilyvet.com

The Woodlands

Spring

Tomball

Northwest Houston

Mobile

Greater Houston

26 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com