Urban Paws Magazine by Urban Paws Magazine

3DZ 3UL

SHW SKRWRJU

E\ * AMIE

ZZZ SDZSULQWVE\MDPLH FRP a ZZZ ID

Publisher Jennifer Kitchens-Street (281) 384.5431

jennifer@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Advertising (281) 384.5431

sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Contributing Writers Paul Mann Scott Freeman Valerie A. Fadok, DVM, PhD Mary Greene

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 7: Volume 8

EVENT CALENDAR 6 August 2014

THE SCOOP 7

Canine News and Happenings

BODY & SOUL 10

10 Things to Do If Your Pet is Lost

NUTRITION

All Nutrients Are Not the Same 12 Nutrition 101 16

HEALTH & WELLNESS What is Chagas Disease? 18

Food Allergy: What it Is and What It Isn’t

ADOPTION 24

Recycled Poms - Houston

© Copyright 2014. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisher’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!

Photo by Paw Prints Pet Photography by Jamie Fincher.

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

urbanpawsmagazine.com

FIND US ON FACEBOOK

event calendar

AUGUST

For a full list of events, visit: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events AUGUST 2

AUGUST 17

Center off Park Rd. & Fry in the Bridgeland

volunteer Ron H. Smith’s memory. Nothing

Splash and Dash at the Lakeland Community Community. Dogs and masters will jump

from a dock that extends about 50 feet out

into Lake Bridgeland. RUN1-Mile RunAll dogs must be leashed for the entire run. The run

is 1-mile and has a hydration station (water, Gatorade, ice) around the 1/2-mile mark.

4th Annual Bowling for Beagles named in

beats the August heat like a fun day of bowl-

ing. $50 for three hours of unlimited bowling and includes the lane, shoes, ball, food, t-

shirt and the trophies. For additional infor-

mation, visit www.houstonbeaglerescue.org.

The run is a scenic beautiful run around lake

AUGUST 26

relaxing at post race with food, drink, music

serves to help galvanize the public to recog-

Bridgeland before crossing the finish line and and friends. For more information, visit www.cypresstriathlon.com. AUGUST 16

Tiny Paws Rescue Adoption Event at Funny Fur, 3268 Westheimer in River Oaks. 12:00

p.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit

National Dog Day is celebrated annually and nize the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year, and acknowledges family

dogs and dogs that work selflessly each day

to save lives, keep us safe and bring comfort. For more information, visit www.nationaldogday.com.

www.tinypawsrescue.com.

AUGUST 30

AUGUST 16

raffle benefiting Operation Pets Alive.

All Texas Dachshund Rescue’s movie night at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, 531 S. Mason Rd. 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Featuring Walt Disney’s

The Ugly Dachshund. Door prizes and silent

Dog Days of Summer adoption event and LoneStar Ace Hardware, 2111 Rayford Rd.

11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.operationpetsalive.org.

auction. For tickets, visit www.atdr.org.

the scoop

Houston Realtor Donates $1,000 Towards Animal Protection Association

organization bringing awareness to the commu-

ingful than giving his clients a gift basket filled

plight of homeless dogs and cats in the com-

A local realtor is doing something more meanwith treats and a nice bottle of wine. Bruce A.

Nicholson, an avid dog lover, is contributing $1,000 to the Houston SPCA on behalf of his clients for every house sold. Nicholson is a realtor for the Better Homes and Gardens Real

Operation Pets Alive (OPA) is a non-profit

nity regarding the No-Kill movement and the munity. They use innovative programs that raise awareness and reduce the number of dogs and

cats entering shelters, while increasing the number of dogs and cats that leave.

The Final Party and Adoption Event will be

Estate (BHGRE) Gary Greene Inner Loop

held at the Lonestar Ace Hardware located at

Nicholson will make a donation in their name.

to 3pm. The celebration will be a great oppor-

office. Instead of giving his clients a closing gift, This is a way for Nicholson to thank his clients,

many of whom are dog owners. And heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s getting much appreciation and positive feedback

from his clients. He has lost his two dogs, Abby and Scotch, and hopes by donating to SPCA he can help others love a pet as much as he loved his furry friends.

Local Business On a Mission to Help Homeless Pets

The Woodlands Heating & Air Conditioning is

on a mission to reduce the homeless pet popu-

2111 Rayford Road on August 30th, from 11am tunity to see the passionate people at OPA who

dedicate their time to help the homeless animals right here in The Woodlands area. One hundred percent of the funds that are raised will be going

directly to helping local pets find their forever

homes. For every $10 donation, participants will receive one raffle ticket. There will be great raffle prizes and lots of wagging tails!

To donate to the cause online, visit http://the-

woodlandsac.com/content/our-charity-causes/dog-days-of-summer-2013.

service heating and air company is teaming up

Rover Oaks Pet Resort Raises Over $10k for US War Dogs

friends find homes this summer with the Dog

long donation drive, Operation: War Dogs, to

lation. This summer, the locally owned, fullwith Operation Pets Alive to help four-legged Days of Summer Fundraiser.

Rover Oaks Pet Resort recently held a monthsupport

the

United

States

War

Dogs

The company's goal is to raise $10,000 by the

Association, or USWDA. The drive began on

brought in nearly $6,000. The Woodlands

year, Rover Oaks raised a total of $10,210 for

end of August. Currently, the fundraiser has Heating and Air Conditioning matches donations up to $5,000, dollar for dollar.

Memorial Day and ended on July 11, 2014. This USWDA through Operation: War Dogs.

United States War Dogs Association is an Urban Paws Magazine 7

the scoop

their

services

for

directions,

visit

Photo courtesy of U.S. Army

www.roveroaks.com. To learn more about the

United States War Dogs Associations their pro-

grams and how they are assisting our country,

visit www.uswardogs.org.

First EarthWise Pet Supply in Texas Now Open in Northwest Houston

organization of former and current military dog handlers and other individuals committed to

promoting the long history of military service dogs,

establishing

permanent

War

Dog

Memorials, and educating the public about the

invaluable service of these canines to our coun-

try. Another main focus of their mission is providing the funds necessary to provide transportation to veteran War Dogs overseas to bring

EarthWise Pet Supply, located at 22454 Tomball

Parkway next to Sprouts Farmer's Market,

opened in July and celebrated with a grand

opening event on July 12.

The specialty pet store sells all-natural organ-

ic products, including food and treats for cats

them back home to their adoptive families and

and dogs.

donations, and 100% of money donated goes to

also offers grooming services, in addition to

new lives. The organization relies completely on the War Dogs.

During Operation: War Dogs, donations of

$25 received a commemorative dog tag necklace

The store, which is the only Texas location,

self-wash stations where customers can wash

their pets. The Spring location offers a home

delivery service, and the store will hold rescue

or commemorative USWDA bandana, and

events where customers can adopt pets.

ing at Rover Oaks Pet Resort. In addition, Rover

www.earthwisepet.com/houston.

prints presenting the names of the clients and

Local Company Launches Line of Ecologically Minded Pet Beds

donations of $100 received a free night of lodgOaks decorated their facilities with patriotic paw

community members who contributed to

USWDA. These donations will help provide an abundance of critically needed items including

K9 medications, food, grooming tools, bedding and other necessities.

To learn more about Rover Oaks Pet Resort,

8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

To learn more, visit

Houston, we have a solution! Dream Doggy, a

local pet bed manufacturer has recently

launched Dream Doggy pet beds, a comfortable

pet bed that is eco-conscious throughout its life

the scoop

cycle.

Owner and founder, Holly Miscovich, wanted

to find a solution to her Beagle’ Miss Bea’s flat, hair-ridden, licked pet beds that ended up in

landfills. After months of research, material

testing and development, Dream Doggy was born and is one of the world’s most eco-friendly products on the market today.

Part of the company’s mission is dedicated to

COMING IN SEPTEMBER:

Animal Legislation Issue

COMING IN OCTOBER:

promoting and supporting the Beagle Freedom

Rescue and Adoption Issue

ly to the cause.

Project and 10% of every sale is donated direct-

To shop the collection of DayDream loungers

and sheets, visit www.dreamdoggy.co.

body & soul

10 Things to Do If Your Pet is Lost

early one in five lost pets goes missing

you. Ask neighbors, letter carriers, and delivery

works, thunderstorms or other loud

recent photograph of your pet and information

after being scared by the sound of fire-

noises, according to a survey by The American

Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to

people if they have seen your pet. Hand out a

on how you can be reached if your pet is found.

Animals. And, while losing your pet can be a

4) Go door to door and speak with your neigh-

have hope as 93% of dogs and 75% of cats

and that you are upset, worried and desperately

traumatic experience for both you and your pet, reported lost are returned safely to their homes according to another survey.

If you do lose your pet, here are 10 top tips to

help reunite you with your furry friend as quickly as possible:

1) Contact or visit your local shelters and animal control organizations. File a lost pet report with every shelter, dog pound and animal control office within a 60-mile radius of your home and visit the nearest shelters daily, if possible.

2) Get the word out to all veterinarians in the area. Sometimes people pick up a stray and drive

bors. The more people know you have lost a pet, trying to find your pet, the more people will call

you if they see an animal in the woods or on the road, or in their backyard.

5) Place posters and flyers throughout the neighborhood. Post notices at grocery stores, community centers, veterinary offices, traffic intersections, at pet supply stores, and other

locations. Also, place advertisements in newspapers and with radio stations. Include your pet's sex, age, weight, breed, color, and any special

markings. To avoid scams, when describing your pet, leave out one identifying characteristic and

ask the person who finds your pet to describe it.

it to a distant clinic.

6) Post info about your pet on all pet recovery

3) Search your neighborhood. Walk or drive

websites

day. Enlist friends, family and others to help

missing pet info quickly. National pet care

through your neighborhood several times each 10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

and

services.

Sites

such

Craigslist.org, TheCenterForLostPets.com and FidoFinder.com allow you to broadcast your

providers can be hired to assist you in your search for your lost pet.

7) Consider using a lost pet recovery service. There are now numerous lost pet alert services,

them to keep their eyes open for her. The more people you alert about your missing pet, the greater the chance someone will recollect seeing your pet in their area.

such as FindToto.com, that will contact homes,

10) Don’t give up. Be aggressive in your search,

izations for a reasonable fee.

don’t wait a few hours “to see if she’ll come

veterinarians, shelters and animal control organ-

8) Place food and water outside your home. Your pet may eventually return to your home when they get hungry or thirsty. Consider plac-

ing the food in a rented or purchased humane pet trap to capture them.

9) Tell everyone you see about your pet and ask

get lots of help, get the word out right away – home on her own “– you need those early hours to put up posters and start your search.

Paul Mann is the Founder the CEO of Fetch! Pet Care—the nation’s largest and most trusted franchisor for professional pet sitting, dog walking, and pet fitness/exercise services. Visit Fetch! Pet Care online at: www.FetchPetCare.com.

Urban Paws Magazine 11

nutrition By: Scott Freeman, Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Logic

All Nutrients Are Not The Same o you think it is healthier for you to get

Until Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Logic pet food became available

orange or from a chemical called ascorbic acid

use 20 or more added synthetic vitamins and

your required vitamin C from an

synthesized in a chemical plant in China? If you

said from an orange, then you concur with the

findings of studies looked at by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Baltimore1,

Public Health in

studies looked at by The National

in 2006, all pet food companies used and still

minerals to their diet formulations. This is done as a way to inexpensively meet required adequa-

cy instead of creating adequate formulas to supply all essential nutrients from real, whole foods.

Cancer Institute2 and research conducted by

Getting all the nutrients that you and your pet

who all say the same thing.

has been substantiated by science and proven

prominent pet food ingredient

nutritionists3

All three sources say it is better and safer to get all your needed nutrients from real, functional foods and not from chemically synthesized vitamin and mineral supplements created in chemical plants.

need from real food, not synthetic supplements, with results as the way we should eat to be healthy. Also, getting needed nutrients from real

food is the safest way because on numerous occasions, excessive doses of synthetic vitamin supplements have caused poisoning of both humans and pets.

For more information on this subject

and to learn how Natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Logic is a more logical and healthy way to feed your

pets

www.natureslogic.com.

visit

1 http://www.cbsnews.com/news/multivitamin-researchers-say-case-is-closed-supplements-dont-boost-health/ 2 http://consumer.healthday.com/alternativemedicine-information-3/mis-alternative-medicine-news-19/heavy-multivitamin-use-mayraise-prostate-cancer-risk-604616.html 3 http://www.natureslogic.com/popular-functional-whole-ingredients-fruits-and-vegetables/

12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

• Made Exclusively from Whole Foods & 100% Natural Ingredients • NO Synthetic Vitamins or Minerals • NO Ingredients from China • NO Wheat, Corn, Soy, Rice or Potato • High Animal Protein

Nature’s Logic is now available at these locations in the Houston area: Bones 2 Go

Pampered Pet Inn

Spring Creek Feed

mutt mugs

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anybody who doesn't know what soap tastes like never washed a dog.â&#x20AC;? - Franklin P. Jones

14 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

nutrition Nutrition 101 hoosing the proper food for your dog or

proteins are crucial for your dog to thrive. High

health. It is also one of the most confusing and

essential amino acids a dog needs, since some

puppy is an important part of your pet’s

perplexing areas of pet ownership. Ensuring proper nutrition by understanding the ingredi-

ents in your dog’s food is one the most significant things you can do to positively impact your dog’s health.

quality animal-source proteins contain all the plant-based proteins may be deficient in some

essential amino acids. This is why one or more

of the first few ingredients on a dog food label

should be an animal protein source (chicken, salmon, etc.).

Learning how to compare foods and under-

Fat provides concentrated energy, contributes to

baffling. Staying up to date on dog food recalls,

provides the body with essential fatty acids. A

standing dog food labels takes time and can be news and safety concerns can be even more difficult and time-consuming. With so many dog

foods available, it can be overwhelming to make a selection you feel safe & comfortable feeding to your dog. So, where do you begin?

Protein, fat, carbohydrates, along with key vita-

taste, is essential for healthy skin and coat and dog with a shiny coat is most likely in good health. The proper balance of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids will give your dog healthy skin which will produce hair with a nice sheen.

Skin that is dry and lacking in these fatty acids

will lead to hair that easily splits, breaks, and falls out. Foods with adequate omega-3 fatty acids

mins and minerals are the necessary basics for a

also have an anti-inflammatory effect to reduce

mind that it is better to support your dog

or environmental conditions.

complete and balanced diet. Always keep in through all life stages with proper nutrition

itching and other irritations caused by allergies

using all natural foods with no fillers, no by-

Carbohydrates provide the fiber that helps aid

icals.

dog foods are formulated so that the necessary

products and no artificial preservatives or chem-

Every single cell in your dog’s body is made up

of protein. Protein is integral in building skin, hair, muscles, organs and other tissues. It is also

necessary to repair damaged cells and make new

ones. Many dog foods increase the protein levels using vegetable proteins, however, animal 16 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

digestion and elimination. Natural & holistic nutrients are readily available for your dog’s digestive system and easily absorbed by the body. The proper food for your dog should offer all the nutrition he needs while producing

only a minimum of stool to be picked up as the end result.

By: Mary Green, EarthWise Pet Supply

The vitamins and minerals found in your bag of

dog food work together to keep your dog’s

immune system and metabolism functioning

Mary Greene is the owner of EarthWise Pet Supply, located at 22454 Tomball Parkway. For more information, visit the store’s website at www.EarthWisePet.com/Houston.

normally. These vitamins and minerals come from both plant and animal sources in the diet. Without adequate levels of vitamins and minerals, your pet would eventually become ill.

The key is to make sure you get all of these in the correct ratio for your specific breed and type

of dog. Working breeds generally thrive with a

higher protein and fat content in their foods. Most puppies will do well with higher protein

and fat in their foods, however large breed puppies need lower fat and calcium content than their

smaller

counterparts. Be willing to educate self.

your-

Read,

open to switching it

up for your dog. No two

dogs are the same, so don’t expect the same results for

one dog that you had with

another.

Remember, when you need more

information, your local independent

pet store owners are always willing to

help! And don't worry, you will see your dog benefit in the long run.

Urban Paws Magazine 17

health & wellness What is Chagas Disease?

e often hear about the spread of dis-

with the Chagas parasite, many of whom donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

Ebola, brought into the United

Latin America, where 8 million people are

eases, such as Chikungynya and

States by travelers. But what about man's best friend?

Canines across the state of Texas, from shelter

mutts to purebreds, are becoming infected with a parasite that causes a potentially deadly disease in people, Chagas disease (also known as try-

panosomiasis). This parasitic disease is found in the Americas from the southern United States through South America.

Although dogs aren't spreading the parasite directly to people, they are helping to make the disease more prevalent in the southern U.S.

The kissing bug, or Rhodnius prolixus, is an

even know it. Those infected, likely caught it in infected.

Two forms of Chagas disease have been

observed in dogs: acute and chronic. Some dogs enter an extended asymptomatic period (where

no symptoms develop), which can last from

months to years. During that time, however,

there is a progressive and insidious development of the parasite, leading to the degeneration and

inflammation of the heart, which can eventually cause heart failure and death.

Researchers have found, that in the past decade,

Chagas disease spreading in Texas and around New Orleans. In one study, a Texas A&M veterinarian tested 205 shelter dogs across the state

insect that transmits the Chagas parasite,

of Texas. Of them, about 9 percent of the dogs

the bloodstream, inside white blood cells and in

dogs in Texas â&#x20AC;&#x201C; working dogs, show dogs, etc.

Trypanosoma cruzi. This blood parasite lives in cells of the muscle.

The parasite is spread when the insect bites an animal (or human) and defecates on the site of

the bite. As the name suggests, kissing bugs got their name from biting humans around the mouth while they sleep, as they are attracted to

carbon dioxide. Dogs can also contract Chagas disease by ingesting an infected bug.

About 300,000 people in the U.S. are infected 18 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

tested positive. They are also looking at other Experts say that the chances of a dog spreading

the parasite to their owner is very low and is not

an indication that shelter dogs are posing a

direct risk to humans. In order for someone to

catch Chagas disease from their dog, the bug would have to bite the dog and then its owner as soon as the dog is infected.

Triatominae

A subfamily of Reduviidae, are also known as conenose bugs, kissing bugs, assassin bugs or triatomines.

health & wellness

20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

By: Valerie A. Fadok, DVM, PhD Diplomate, ACVD, North Houston Veterinary Specialists

Food Allergy: What It Is and What It Isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

llergic skin disease is seen often in our

pets, and the major clinical sign is itch.

they only measure allergic antibody.

The 3 most common allergies include flea aller-

Myth #1: Grains are a common cause of food

allergic to flea saliva), environmental allergies

commercials may say, grains are not a common

gy dermatitis (in which dogs or cats become

(pollens, molds, dusts, danders, mites), and food allergies. While pure food allergies are the least

common cause of itch in our pets, allergic reactions to food can be part of atopic dermatitis.

If ectoparasites like fleas are well controlled, we

often consider food allergy for pets with nonseasonal itching

Food allergy in pets can affect the gastrointesti-

nal tract as well as the skin. But not all pets with

food allergies will have both systems affected.

Some pets will have skin disease, others will

have gastrointestinal disease, and some will have both. Food allergy in pets is poorly understood

and there are a number of myths that we need

to dispel to diagnose and treat it properly. First

allergy in dogs and cats. Regardless of what TV

cause of allergies in dogs and cats. Right now, the most common cause of food allergy is

chicken! Chicken is a common ingredient in many pet foods these days, and our pets love it.

Other allergens can include beef, lamb, fish,

milk products, and eggs; occasionally we see allergies to soy, wheat, or corn. Anything an animal eats that contains protein can cause a food

allergy, if they eat it consistently. A grain-free

diet will only help pets with food allergy if they are allergic to grains, and that is not common. A

gluten sensitive intestinal disease similar to coeli-

ac disease has been described in Irish setters but we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand gluten intolerance well in pets.

of all, not all reactions to food are true allergies.

Myth #2: A change in food precedes the devel-

certain foods; a good example is lactose intoler-

gies are caused by particular proteins in the diet

Some pets, like some people, can be irritated by ance, which has been documented in dogs. True

food allergies can be mediated by the allergic

antibody IgE or can be mediated by other

immune mechanisms. Because there is more

than one mechanism, the current serum allergy

tests for food are not as useful to us, because

opment of food allergy. Actually true food aller-

that the dog or cat has eaten for some time. Itch that occurs immediately after a change in diet is not likely an allergy; it is more likely an intolerance to some component in that diet.

The gastrointestinal immune system is meant to be immunologically unreactive to what we eat. When food allergy develops, it is likely due to Urban Paws Magazine 21

health & wellness

inheritance of food allergy genes as well as

not effective to simply change the brand of

(e.g. viral infections, parasites, etc.). Then con-

share common ingredients.

exposure to situations where the gut is inflamed tinual exposure to the protein or proteins in the

diet will stimulate the allergic response over time.

Myth #3: Certain proteins are naturally hypoal-

lergenic. There is no naturally hypoallergenic diet. Dogs and cats can become allergic to any protein in the diet that they eat consistently, if they are genetically predisposed to do so.

Myth #4: Feeding the hypoallergenic diet fixes

the problem. With food allergy, feeding the recommended diet is not sufficient. We have to cut

food, as many of the over-the-counter diets Myth #6: Serum allergy tests can tell us what to feed and what not to feed. Unfortunately, this is

not true. The serum allergy tests available to veterinarians only measure one kind of antibody,

the allergic antibody IgE. Other kinds of antibodies or even other immune mechanisms can

cause food allergy, and so a negative serum test doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tell you that a particular protein is safe. Often the serum allergy companies will provide

a list of diets to consider, but the list is a suggestion only.

out treats, table scraps, rawhide, and any fla-

Diagnosis: We diagnose food allergy in pets by

during the initial diet trial. We can add them

longer, and then doing food challenges to find

vored medications our pets take as well, at least back during the challenges.

Myth #5: Over-the-counter limited ingredient

diets are equal to prescription diets. We know

that prescription diets used for food allergy are prepared very stringently so that there is no

trace of contaminating proteins. We also know that the over-the-counter diets are contaminated with trace amounts of chicken or beef or soy. If

a pet is extremely sensitive to these proteins, then an over-the-counter diet will not help. It is

best to use the purest diet we can for a food trial to determine if food allergy is a possibility. If

possible, we want to do the food trial once. It is 22 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

feeding a test diet for 6-8 weeks, sometimes

the diets that set off the itch. When we pick a hypoallergenic diet for our pets, we try to find

one containing a protein that the animal hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t

eaten before. For this reason, we need a good

diet history, with a complete list of the different commercial diets, treats, table scraps, flavored

medications and chews. We try to find a simple limited ingredient diet with one protein and one

carbohydrate. This diet is fed for several weeks,

and if all of the itch or GI signs are caused by food allergy, they will disappear. It is critical to

avoid any of the treats that were given before at least during the trial. Once the itch subsides we

do food challenges to find out what foods the

pet can tolerate and what foods make them itch.

Then we can usually find a commercial diet that the pet can tolerate and enjoy. And, we can learn what treats they can tolerate too.

For some pets, it may be easier to consider a

home-cooked diet. Veterinary nutritionists can help devise a balanced diet that the pet will enjoy and that will meet the nutritional needs.

Treatment: Food allergy is simple to treat once we find the offending foods. We simply avoid

them! There are so many varieties of pet food available today that it is nearly always possible to

find a commercial diet to feed. It is also possible to continue to feed the test diet as long as it is complete and balanced. If the sole cause of the

itch is due to food, then our pets should not be

itchy if they avoid the offending foods. If any residual itch is seen, we recommend evaluation for environmental allergies.

Urban Paws Magazine 23

adoption Recycled Poms - Houston www.recycledpomeranians.com

Recycled Poms-Houston is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is volunteer run. Volunteers give freely of the time, money and affection to save these Pomeranians and Schipperkes. Our mission is to locate, pull, foster, vet and place each dog in a forever loving home. We rescue purebred dogs previously used as breeders in puppy mills and backyard breeders, dogs surrendered by their owners for whatever reason, lost and abandoned Poms, and those that end up in shelters and high kill shelters. We house, feed, socialize, seek medical attention (no matter the cost). We spay/neuter, micro chip, bring current on all shots and do a dental on all Pomeranians and Schipperkes we rescue. Our main goal though, is to give them love and find the perfect forever home for each and every one. As with every rescue, Recycled Poms-Houston is in desperate need of foster homes and volunteers. If you are able to foster, please contact Norma at: recycledpoms@suddenlink.net.

Photo by Paw Prints Pet Photography by Jamie Fincher.

Our cover dog, Harper!

Hey everyone! My name is Harper and I'm a five-year-old, 9 pound

bundle of absolute joy. I am super sweet and very calm. I love to run

around a fenced yard playing with

my toys, or settle in for a nice long car ride, or just be loved by my

human. I would love to find my new forever home. I would do best in a home without young

children and possibly a young

female as my new BFF. If you are interested in learning more about

me, please contact Norma at recycledpoms@suddenlink.net

24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Hello everyone, Snickers here. How would you like something sweet without the calories? Well, that would be me! I am 7 years old and 11 pounds of sweetness. I was once used for puppies, but those days are gone and now I can learn to love and play and just be a Pommie. I love my human and getting lots of attention. I am housebroken and just looking for someone to love me and snuggle close to. If you would like to learn more about me, please contact Norma at recycledpoms@suddenlink.net.

Cappu

Snowball here. Check me out窶田an you believe that I am this handsome and so full of cuteness? I was rescued from the Rockwall Animal Shelter. I don't know what I did wrong. I'm very sweet with a lot of personality but a bit shy at first, but after I get to know you I'm all yours. I am 4 years old and weigh 8 pounds. I am deaf, but that doesn't stop me at all. I am looking for a forever home that has a lot of love to give, lots of belly rubs and would like me to go for short walks. I would do best in a home without young children. If you would like to learn more about me, please contact Norma at: recycledpoms@suddenlink.net or 979-417-9180.

Snickers

Hey everyone! My name is Cappu. I'm about 5 years old and weigh in at 5 pounds. I was running the streets of Ft. Bend County and ended up in doggy jail. RPH took me in and had to shave me because I was so matted. I am a very friendly girl looking for my forever home. I get along well with other dogs and cats are okay, too. I would do best in a home with no small children. Once my hair grows back, I am going to be a beautiful young girl. So, if you would like to learn more about me, please contact Norma at recycledpoms@suddenlink.net.

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

Snowball Urban Paws Magazine 25

vet directory 2014 Veterinarians Clara Scott, DVM My Family Vet 20120 Kuykendahl Road Spring, Texas 77379 (p): 281.288.0500 (w): www.myfamilyvet.com Sunset Blvd Animal Clinic 2525 Sunset Blvd. Houston, Texas 77005 (p): 713.526.5881 (w): www.sunsetblvdanimalclinic.com

Veterinary Specialists Laurie Noaker, DVM, DACVIM VERGI 8921 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77024 (p): 713.932.9589 (w): www.vergi247.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 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 North Houston Vet Specialists 1646 Spring Cypress Road #100 Spring, Texas 77388 (p): 832.616.5000 (w): www.nhvetspecialists.com

If you are interested in having your veterinary practice featured in our Vet Directory, please contact us at 281.384.5431 or email sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com.

26 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com