Urban Paws Magazine by Urban Paws Magazine

! ! E E E N FR E O K TA

Editorial he holidays are a favorite time of year for many. Family get togethers, an over abundance of food and of course, shopping! If you’re like me, you wait until the last minute to check everything off your list. To help you find the perfect gift for Fido, this issue features our annual gift guide. If you’re looking for a unique gift idea, turn to page 26 where we feature the vibrant and whimsical artwork from Chowtime Productions. Local artist, Alyson Whitney puts her signature touch on each piece that she creates. This issue’s cover dog was beautifully photographed by Sonya Sellers. Valentino is a handsome Pomeranian who is searching for his soulmate. To learn more about him and other adoptable Pomeranians, flip to page 24. Look for more of Sonya’s work to be featured in our

Issue 9: Volume 4 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

upcoming issues. The holidays can pose some real problems for our pets. With all of the bright packages and savory aromas, your pooch is bound to be intrigued. Dr. Amyx’s article on page 12 can help you protect your pet from common holiday hazards. If you haven’t already, join our pack on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news, tidbits and local events. We welcome your thoughts, suggestions and comments. Have a great holiday season! And, as you do for yourselves and your loved ones, please remember to give a little to those who are less fortunate.

Jennifer Kitchens

On the Cover

Valentino, photographed by Sonya Sellers Photography. URBAN PAWS MAGAZINE P.O. Box 1556 Spring, Texas 77383 www.UrbanPawsMagazine.com Design and layout by: ZOECO CREATIVE © Copyright 2010. 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 you hear about them in Urban Paws!

The pound sold her to a lab. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let more dogs suffer her fate.

Visit www.aavs.org/LostDog

BEFORE YOU & YOUR PUP EMBARK ON A

ROAD TRIP

Traveling with your pooch can be easier with the help of a number of websites: BringFido.com: World wide directory of pet businesses.

DogFriendly.com: Stands out for its listings of attractions and events PetFriendlyTravel.com: Find special vacation rental homes on this site.

PACK THESE TIPS • Be sure to bring ID tags that are up-to-date with your pet’s contact information, i.e. hotel info, cell phone number. • Keep things familiar for your pooch; bring a favorite blanket or toy and be sure to pack plenty of your dog’s food – a road trip is not the best time to change your dog’s diet. • Practice short distance drives around town to acclimate your dog to longer stints in the car. • Always use a leash and respect local laws. This will help reduce the risk of a lost dog. • Plan activities with your dog in mind – never leave your dog unattended in unfamiliar surroundings. • Bring lots of water; traveling in a car (whether it’s hot or cold weather) can make for a thirsty pooch.

Photo by Christina Spicuzza

PetsWelcome.com: Information on international travel, including quarantine policies.

PetTravel.com: A database of pet-friendly accommodations. TravelHoundsUSA.com: Trip planning and travel products for your dog. WetNoseGuide.com: Comprehensive guide accessible by zip code.

Calendar December 2010 Events DECEMBER 2 National Mutt Day. For more information, visit www.nationalmuttday.com. DECEMBER 4 5th Annual Paws with Claus at Northshore Park presented by the Woodlands Dog Park Club. 10:00 am - 3:00 pm. For event details, visit www.thewoodlandsdogparkclub.org. DECEMBER 4-5 Santa Paws pictures benefitting Volunteers for Animal Protection at PetSmart, 20518 Hwy 59 in Humble. 12:00 - 4:00 pm. Email vap_shelter@yahoo.com for more information and additional dates. DECEMBER 5 Photos with Santa at Barker Street Gourmet

For a full listing of events, visit: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events

Dog Bakery. Have your pet photographed with Old Saint Nick by Aliceaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kreations from 12:00 pm - 5:00 pm. Visit www.barkerstreetbakery.com for more information. DECEMBER 6 Reiki II workshop presented by the Lightfoot Way at Rummyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Beach Club. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm. For more information or to register, visit www.rummysbeachclub.com. DECEMBER 11 Discount vaccination clinic at Four Seasons Veterinary Hospital from noon to 4:00 pm. Clients are accepted on a first come, first served basis. For more information, visit www.fourseasonsvet.com.

BE IN THE KNOW

Urban Paws magazine is where people in Northwest Houston and Montgomery County turn to discover the ideas, trends and individuals transforming the dog world. Subscribe online today! 6 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Bark of the Town

4th Annual Kingwood Barktoberfest

Photos by: Good Dog Photography

et lovers and their four-legged friends came out for the 4th Annual Kingwood Barktoberfest on November 6th. Dozens of animal rescue organizations and pet-friendly vendors lined the streets of Kingwood’s Town Center in support of this exciting annual event. This year’s event included a pet costume contest, canine freestyle dance demonstration, pet portraits and low-cost microchipping. Nearly $9,000 was raised to help local animal shelters and rescue organizations. Winners of this year’s proceeds included Corridor Rescue, BARC and Second Chance German Shepherd Rescue. To learn more about Kingwood Barktoberfest, visit www.kingwoodbarktoberfest.yolasite.com.

Urban Paws Magazine 7

Paw Press News & Happenings in the Houston Area WOODLANDS’ CHANGE FOR CHARITY PROGRAM PRESENTS DONATION TO MONTGOMERY COUNTY PET PARTNERS

The Woodlands' Change for Charity program continues as Market Street's General Manager Jill Liccioni presents a donation of $2,300 to the Montgomery County Pet Partners, a nonprofit committed to enhancing the quality of life in individuals through the human-animal bond. As an added bonus, The Woodlands Car Club's "Coffee & Cars for a Cause" donated an additional $500 to Montgomery County Pet Partners. Market Street's Change for Charity Program represents the coins voluntarily deposited by shoppers into Market Street’s curb-side Change for Charity receptacles during the third quarter of 2010. Since the inception of the program, Market Street has donated over $50,000 to Montgomery County-based non-profit organizations. IAMS HOME 4 THE HOLIDAYS ADOPTION CAMPAIGN MAKING GREAT STRIDES The Iams Home 4 the Holidays campaign runs from October 1, 2010 to January 4, 2011. In an effort to find forever homes for 1.5 mil8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

For a full listing of events, visit: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events

lion pets and provide 5 million bowls of food to shelters in need, there have been 288,184 pet adoptions so far and 439,746 meals donated to participating rescue organizations. 1.3 million pets were adopted last year alone. To learn more about the campaign and how you can help, visit www.IamsHome4theHolidays.com. 2011 WALL CALENDARS BENEFIT LOCAL RESCUE ORGANIZATIONS Most local rescue organizations rely solely on public donations. In an effort to raise funds for the coming year, many of them have collaborated with local pet photographers to create 2011 wall calendars. These calendars are available for purchase through the group’s web sites and make great holiday gifts. Greyhound Pets of America - Houston, Texas Alaskan Malamute Rescue and Pup Squad are just a few of the groups that are offering 2011 wall calendars. A HAVEN FOR BARRIO DOG’S ANIMALS Barrio Dogs, a non-profit organization based in Houston with emphasis on education and raising awareness on proper animal care in lowincome communities, is excited to announce the launch of a new project that will improve the lives of their rescues and other dogs in the city’s area. The organization is taking advantage of a unique opportunity to help out AC Boarding & Grooming, a facility that temporarily keeps some of their rescues while being rehabilitated and waiting for their forever homes. Together, they will be launching a remodeling project that will turn AC Boarding & Grooming’s backyard into a haven for Barrio Dog’s animals and theirs. (cont’d.)...

Heard ‘Round the Fire Hydrant

Four Seasons Veterinary Hospital is offering a good samaritan discount through the month of December. Save 20% on wellness exams and 10% on treatments. It means a lot of work for the volunteers involved: Stump removal, weeding, clearing, landscaping and painting. But in the end, there will be a beautiful area where all their rescues and the others boarded at the facility will be free to run and play. A number of volunteers have already signed up to do the heavy lifting. A team of artists is even planning a beautiful doggy mural that will show off some of Barrio Dogs most successful rescues and recognize the people who support the project. Donations of materials – pavers, landscaping tools, sod, etc. – have begun trickling in. The project is nearly ready to break ground, and the entire project could be wrapped up by the end of the year! Although Barrio Dogs is well on their way with donations, they still need a few odds and ends – paint, brushes, potting soil, grass seed, etc. – as they move closer to completing the project. If you’d like to help the organization out, they would greatly appreciate it. By donating $50 or more, they will put your name on the mural as a founding supporter of the facility’s doggy haven! Visit their website at www.barriodogs.org to donate or contact them at info@barriodogs.org. VOLUNTEERS FOR ANIMAL PROTECTION (VAP) FUNDRAISER IS A SUCCESS Volunteers for Animal Protection, a Kingwood non-profit organization committed to saving the lives of abandoned dogs and cats, needs a helping hand to keep its no-kill shelter open. Its recent fundraiser, Wild About Animals Dinner and Silent Auction, was the group's first major effort to support the cause. The

event was held on Friday, October 22, at Walden on Lake Houston Country Club in Atascocita. Over $14,000 was raised for the shelter. Participants of the dinner had an opportunity to bid on more than eighty auction items.

The night’s entertainment was provided by The Kingwood Park High School Choir as well as Profusion Performing Arts, who danced to "Who Let the Dogs Out". Guest speaker, Dr. Christina Lee provided some educational and for some, eye-opening information.

Questions? Comments? Call 281-384-5431. Want to submit event information? Visit www.urbanpawsmagazine and click on Add an Event. We’ll do our best to include your event as space allows. A listing of events in full is available on our online calendar. Urban Paws Magazine 9

Bark for Books The Urban Paws Essential Reading List OOGY

In 2002, Larry Levin and his twin sons, Dan and Noah, took their terminally ill cat to the Ardmore Animal Hospital outside Philadelphia to have the beloved pet put to sleep. What would begin as a terrible day suddenly got brighter as the ugliest dog they had ever seen--one who was missing an ear and had half his face covered in scar tissue--ran up to them and captured their hearts. The dog had been used as bait for fighting dogs when he was just a few months old. The Levins, whose sons are themselves adopted, were unable to resist Oogy's charms, and decided to take him home. Heartwarming and redemptive, OOGY is the story of the people who were determined to rescue this dog against all odds, and of the family who took him home, named him "Oogy" (an affectionate derivative of ugly), and made him one of their own. (Grand Central Publishing, $19.99)

INSIDE OF A DOG

The bestselling book that asks what dogs know and how they think, now in paperback. The answers will surprise and delight you as Alexandra Horowitz, a cognitive scientist, explains how dogs perceive their daily worlds, each other, and that other quirky animal, the human. Horowitz introduces the reader to dogsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; perceptual and cognitive abilities and then draws a picture of what it might be like to be a dog. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s it like to be able to smell not just every bit of open food in the house but also to smell sadness in humans, or even the passage of time? Inside of a Dog explains these things and much more. Alexandra Horowitz examines the animal we think we know best but may actually understand the least. This book is as close as you can get to knowing about dogs without being a dog yourself. (Simon & Schuster, $16)

YOU HAD ME AT WOOF

Julie Klam was thirty, single, and working as a part-time clerk in an insurance company, wondering if she would ever meet the man she could spend the rest of her life with. And then it happened. She met the irresistible Otto, her first in a long line of Boston terriers, and fell instantly in love. You Had Me at Woof is a hilarious and heartfelt chronicle of a woman learning the secrets of love, health, and happiness from some very surprising teachers: Her dogs. (Penguin Group, $24.95) 10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

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Healthy Tails Holiday Hazards

By Dr. Jim Amyx, Four Seasons Veterinary Hospital

hristmas is considered a time for giving – giving presents, giving food, giving plants and giving sweets. However, some of those gifts are not gifts for our pets – they can be problems – serious problems.

The rich, fatty, spicy foods that we often eat during the holidays can trigger a gastrointestinal problem for our pets - a problem ranging from a simple upset stomach to a serious inflammation of the pancreas or intestine, which can be life threatening to your pet. So, instead of offering a human, holiday treat to your pet, offer them a special pet treat. They’ll appreciate it just as much and neither you nor your pet will regret the gift later. The ASPCA Poison Control Center strongly urges pet parents to keep alcoholic beverages, chocolate, coffee,

12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

moldy or spoiled foods, onions, onion powder, fatty foods, salt and yeast dough up and away from your pets. These are foods and beverages that are poisonous in varying degrees for your pet. Many Christmas plants are also poisonous for your pets. While lilies are beautiful and considered serene, they can be deadly to your cat, causing kidney failure if ingested. Poinsettias, if ingested, can irritate your pet’s mouth and stomach and cause mild vomiting or nausea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. Holly can cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea and lethargy. Holiday plants are beautiful - so keep them where you and your pet can see them, just not where your pet can eat them or chew on them. Other seasonal hazards are Christmas tree water (it contains fertilizers and can become stagnant), electrical cords, ribbons, tinsel, batteries, potpourri and glass ornaments.

Some pets are curious while others are mischievous. During the holidays we have all kinds of new items in our environment just tempting our curious, mischievous little friendsâ&#x20AC;Ś.so just be careful and protect your pet.

If you think your pet has been poisoned, seek medical attention immediately and, at the same time, call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-4ANI-HELP or visit their website at www.apcc.aspca.org. Four Seasons Animal Hospital would like to wish you and your pets a very Merry Christmas!

Ask Genevieve... monthly memoirs of a furry genius Dear Genevieve, My owners insist on having me sleep in their room at night. The problem is the snoring! The door is kept closed so I can't leave the room. I've tried nudging them, but they don't wake up, they just keep snoring. I'm exhausted. Any ideas? Sleepless in Spring, Miso Dear Miso, In this kind of a situation, “nudging” doesn’t cut it. Body slamming is what you want here. Get a running start on the floor, pogo off the edge of the bed to get as much height as possible, and land directly on the offending human. Their snoring will stop immediately, as will their breathing. You will have to do this only a few times before your humans either quit sleeping completely, or leave the bedroom door open for you when they do. Kibbles and Kisses, Genevieve

Dear Genevieve, When I go for walks with my sister (she's an Airedale; I'm a Miniature Schnauzer) and she sees another dog, she goes crazy! We're both on leashes and our owner keeps us away from the other dogs, but my sister Miso gets so worked up that she bites me since she can't get to the other dog. I love my walks but I am tired of being bullied. What can I do? I've tried to fight back but she's a lot bigger than me. Limping around the block, Pinko Dear Pinko, First of all, Miso is right here. When you’re out for a walk, you shouldn’t have it ruined by having to look at some mangy mutt who is not nearly as pretty or smart as you. Like Miso, I scream my lungs out whenever I see another dog anywhere. So put yourself in poor Miso’s place. She’s doing her job and you’re just standing there as if there were no problem. So Miso starts nipping at you to get you to act right. From now on, when Miso starts going batso at some other dog, you go even crazier. Not only will Miso stop biting you, but maybe your human will start screaming too. Kibbles and kisses, Genevieve

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Email your questions to Genevieve at: eiffelpress@verizon.net.

holiday GUIDE 2010 Urban Paws Magazine 15

GIFT CERTIFICATE FROM CALL TO DOODY A gift certificate from Call to Doody is the ideal gift for the person who has everything (or who just doesn’t want or can’t “handle” the poop scooping chore). It’s a great gift for teachers, neighbors, family members & friends or anyone else you can think of who owns a dog! Available in all denominations. www.calltodoody.com. (Photo is for advertisement purposes only.)

ADDISON LOGAN CHRISTMAS COLLAR COLLECTION These fashion forward collars are adjustable and have contoured side release buckles. They are made extra comfy with strong nylon webbing and the stress points are triple stitched to ensure that they are strong enough for your pooch. Available in sizes XS-XL. www.addisonlogan.com.

LUCY’S LUXURIES ROYAL COLLECTION The collection includes a 4’ red snake print and black patent leather leash, custom flower charm and genuine crystal detailing. Also includes a matching collar with flowers and extra soft plush bag blanket with mini matching teddy in red and white. www.lucyslux.com.

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L.L. BEAN HOLIDAY GIFT SET The L.L.Bean Boat & Tote Snack Sack Gift comes in a green and natural Boat & Tote Snack Sack that is also stuffed with All-Natural Peanut Butter Treats, an Orbee-Tuff Mint dog toy and a Planet Dog WAG Euro Sticker. Like all of Planet Dog and L.L.Bean products, both gift sets are covered by a 100% satisfaction guarantee. They are available for purchase online at www.llbean.com and in L.L.Bean stores.

SPIFFY DOG LIMITED EDITION CHRISTMAS COLLAR This year's “Christmas Bones” collar will start its journey from the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and head outward to be eventually worn by hundreds of lucky dogs. These limited edition collars will be sold through Christmas. The collar is available in large, medium, and small. www.spiffydog.com.

WEST PAW ECO DROP BED Perched high off the ground, the Eco Drop is a soft sanctuary for pets that love to nest in folds of soft, fleecy fabric. The bed’s cover and double-stuffed inner cushion are both 100 percent recycled, making the Eco Drop a great option for those who like to buy green. The Eco Drop’s removable cover, which comes in three vibrant colors, is machine washable, dryer safe and features five-thread surged seams for extra durability. Made in the USA. Available in sizes small, medium and large. www.westpawdesign.com

Urban Paws Magazine 17

DECORATIVE HOLIDAY WREATHS Looking for a way to spruce up your holiday decor? With a fresh selection of holiday wreaths from Christmas Forest, you can also help homeless animals in need. When you purchase a wreath, a portion of each sale is donated to Barrio Dogs. www.barriodogs.org/reefs.html.

PET PORTRAITS BY ASHLEE NEWMAN PHOTOGRAPHY Capture your pet’s personality with a lasting pet portrait by Ashlee Newman Photography. It’s the perfect holiday gift for the pet lover on your list. View Ashlee’s work or schedule a portrait session at www.ashleenewmanphotography.com.

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A WELL TRAINED DOG ‘Tis the season for new family members. Why not give the gift of dog training? A gift certificate fits nicely in a holiday stocking and is sure to be one of the best gifts of the season. www.barkbusters.com.

DUBLIN DOG LIMITED EDITION CHRISTMAS COLLAR The Eco-Lucks collection from Dublin Dog is available in four limited edition collections: Ivy League, Gravity, Cherry Blossom and a seasonal Christmas line. Each collar is made from 1.5 recycled plastic water bottles using a water-based ink. The tags are synthetic and all products are made in the USA. www.dublindog.com.

Behavior

Finding a Companion for Your Pet

By: Jennifer Kitchens

• Consider your budget (don’t forget to include emergency and preventative veterinary care, food, supplies, etc.) • Your ability to make and keep a lifelong commitment to a new pet • The time that you have available to spend with a new pet • Your home’s size and yard (or lack thereof) • Family member’s allergies to pets ith a small pack of dogs already at home, I decided to add a new pet to keep Peanut, Carter and Lilly feeling young. After fostering for a local rescue organization, I found the perfect match in two-yearold Coco, a chihuahua-dachshund mix.

Adopting a pet can be rewarding for the entire family. However, not all pets are a good match for everyone (including your four-legged family members), and it’s not always the right time to get a new pet. When making the decision to adopt a pet, consider the following: • Your current pet’s history of interaction with other animals • Whether the pet’s breed, age, size and personality are compatible with your lifestyle 20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

• Other household members’ readiness to commit to a new pet Research is key. Your veterinarian is a great resource and can help you narrow your choices and recommend other sources of information. They are familiar with most breeds and can suggest one that would best fit your lifestyle. Prepare yourself for a new pet by reading books written by animal behaviorists. With each dog that I’ve adopted, I’ve become a more experienced dog owner. I continue to educate myself further so that I have a stronger relationship with my dogs. SEARCHING FOR THE PERFECT MATCH When you decide that you are ready to add another pet to your household and have determined which type of pet is right for you,

research the various resources available. Start by asking your veterinarian for recommendations on which animal shelters and rescue groups to check. You can visit most of them online and view the animals that are available for adoption. Next, visit the shelters that have animals that you are interested in. Make it a point to speak with shelter volunteers about the particular type of pet that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for. Once you find a potential pet, be sure to ask the shelter for any available background information on the petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s health and behavioral habits. Ask if they use personality assessments to determine the type of pet that will be the best match for you and your current pet. Knowing that Coco had a history of guarding her food, I knew in advance to feed my dogs separately.

by using baby gates so that you are able to monitor their behavior before they are close enough to potentially harm each other. Most importantly, never allow the pets to be alone unsupervised until you are certain of how they will interact and be sure that each pet has a safe place to use as a retreat from each other. Keep introductions brief and interrupt them at the first sign of conflict. Allow the new pet to explore the house without the presence of your other pets. Ask your veterinarian or an animal behaviorial specialist for specific advice on how to introduce your pets. They will also be able to help should there be a problem that needs to be addressed. The goal is to provide a safe and happy environment in which your pets can bond with each other.

Be sure to interact with the potential pet on several occasions if at all possible. The process of finding the ideal match should be enjoyable and can span several weeks. Before bringing the pet home, stock up on all necessary supplies including food, bedding, toys and schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. HANDLING THE PET INTRODUCTION You will need to take extra care and caution when introducing your new pet into his environment and animal companions. Introductions for dogs should ideally begin at the shelter, where they can meet on neutral territory. This allows them to interact without one being territorial with his space, food or toys. If taking your current dog to the shelter is not possible, introduce the dogs outside of the home, but not in an area in which your current dog could feel territorial, such as in the backyard). For all pets, confine them to individual rooms or

About a month or so after being adopted, Coco quickly became integrated into the pack, sharing toys with Peanut, playing with Carter and snuggling right next to Lilly.

Urban Paws Magazine 21

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Gimme Shelter

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

Recycled Poms Rescue www.recycledpomeranians.org Recycled Poms is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is volunteer run. Volunteers give freely of their time, money, and affection to save these Poms and Schipperkes. Our mission is to locate, foster, vet, and place dogs in forever loving homes. We rescue purebred dogs previously used as breeders in puppy mills, dogs surrendered by their owners, lost and abandoned dogs on death row at local shelters and a few dogs found roaming the streets. We house, feed, rehabilitate, socialize, seek medical attention for and spay or neuter each dog rescued. But mostly, we give them love. Check out our web site to view more adoptable dogs. Volunteer or foster opportunities are available. Valentino is my name and romancing is my game. I am about 5 years old and 9 pounds. I had those nasty ole heartworms, but I’m all better now. I am a very handsome boy with a fluffy coat and tail. I’m pretty laid back but I love to go for walks with you and pretty much be wherever you are. I love being by you on the couch and love sleeping in bed with you. I don’t snore either. I don’t bark that much, but if I hear something I will let you know something is outside or a noise in the house. I am good with other dogs and cats but I would love to be happy to be the only dog in your life. My adoption donation is $300. If you are interested in adopting me please email Lori at: wolfdancer616@yahoo.com

Please note that these dogs may have been adopted by the time you visit them; however, there are many more wonderful dogs in need of forever homes. 24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Hey ya'll my name is Chili. I am about a year old and I weigh 7 pounds. I am still a bit of a puppy so I am very active and playful but not destructive. I love to play with other dogs and I get along with cats. I don't seem to be a big barker or so they tell me. I am working on the housebreaking thing. I am looking for my new forever home that will love me forever. My teeth have been cleaned, I have been spayed and micro chipped. If you are interested in adopting me, please email Norma at: nflee@suddenlink.net

My name is Ducky. I am told that I got my name because if you don’t give me attention, I cry and sound like a duck. I am 5 years old and 6 pounds. I get along with dogs and cats once I get used to them. Being an owner surrender, I was not loved very much and I was just full of fleas when I was rescued. I enjoy walks and I just want to be wherever you are. I love to be carried around too. If you are interested in adopting me, please email Norma at: nflee@suddenlink.net

Hunter here. I love hunting for treats, toys and my human. I am a bit over 1 year old and weigh about 11 pounds. I am a very active and playful boy. I would love to have a little human friend at least 5 years or older that will walk me, play with me and let me sleep with them. I am very handsome and I have a very sweet face. I have been neutered, my teeth cleaned and micro chipped. I had those nasty heartworms but I am fine now. If you are interested in adopting me please email Norma at: nflee@suddenlink.net

Hey everyone, my name is Miss Hollywood. I’m called Missy for short. I am about 3 years old and I weigh about 13 pounds. I love to play, play, play even with other dogs, and toys and of course, my human. I seem to be housebroken. I enjoy being at your feet, next to you on the couch, at your feet and sleeping with you in bed. I would be a great family dog with older children but would also do well as a senior's companion. My teeth have been cleaned, I’ve been spayed and micro chipped. If you are interested in adopting me please email Lori at: wolfdancer616@yahoo.com.

Hi guys, my name is Paquito. I am a long haired Chihuahua. I was found running the streets and someone wonderful picked me up so I wouldn't get hit by a car. I am about 18-24 months old and I weigh 6 pounds. I am crate trained and doing pretty good on the housebreaking thing. I am a velcro dog and I love to lay in your lap an get lots of love. It takes me a while to warm up to you but after that, I’m all yours. I have been neutered, micro chipped and my teeth cleaned. If you are interested in adopting me, please email wolfdancer616@yahoo.com

Hello, my name is Quincy. I am about 1 year old and weigh 11 pounds. My daddy passed away and I was left in his home alone for about a month until they could find someone to rescue me. I am working on my housebreaking and getting to know my new foster family. I get along with other dogs and cats. I have been neutered, micro chipped and my teeth were cleaned. Now all I need is my new forever home and someone to love me. If you are interested in adopting me, please email Lori at: wolfdancer616@yahoo.com Urban Paws Magazine 25

Local Artist Spotlight Chowtime Productions

By Bobbi Leder, Freelance Writer

hand-painted, and each color is applied a minimum of three times to create the strong colors that are Chowtime Productionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s signature look. After painted, the pottery is bisque-fired in the kiln, glazed, and fired a second time. The best part about pottery for your dog is that his piece will be unique because no two pieces are alike and personalization is always free. The dog bowls and treat jars are available in two different sizes; and some of the pet urns are available in several sizes as well. re you looking for a special present for your dog? Chowtime Productions creates original pottery for dogs (and cats too), so why not treat your best friend to a personalized doggy bowl or treat jar?

The Pottery by Alyson Whitney Alyson Whitney, a greater Houston-based artist who studied in Italy, makes unique pet bowls, treat jars, photo frames, and pet urns. And each bowl can have a matching treat jar that will be the perfect accompaniment to your kitchen. Whitney makes her pottery dishwasher and microwave safe; however, Whitney suggests hand-washing these items to prolong their life. The Glazing Process Each piece is also glazed with lead-free glaze and is therefore safe for pets. The pottery is

26 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Orders Orders take between 10-14 days to produce and shipping takes between 3-5 days. Samples To see the beautiful and original examples of her pet product line visit Chowtimeproductions.com. To learn more about Chowtime Productions and view Alyson Whitneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original work of art, visit Chowtimeproductions.com, e-mail: contactus@chowtimeproductions.com, or phone (713) 446-2352.

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