Urban Paws Magazine by Urban Paws Magazine

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Publisher Jennifer Kitchens-Street (281) 384.5431

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Contributing Writers Paul Mann Stacy Sutton Kerby Rick Hymas

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www.urbanpawsmagazine.com ÂŠ Copyright 2015. 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.

contents Issue 6: Volume 9

CANINE CALENDAR 6 July 2015

THE SCOOP 7

Canine News and Happenings

PET HEALTH 10

Smoking and Animals: Healthy Habits for Healthy Pets

PET SAFETY 12

7 Tech Tools That Promote Pet Health & Fitness

PAW & ORDER 16

THLN Gains Key Victories in the 2015 Texas Legislative Session

TRAINING & BEHAVIOR 20

What is Competitive Dog Weight Pull?

ADOPTION 24

Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue

ON THE COVER

Find us online! Website: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/UrbanPaws-Magazine/121834510351?ref=ts Printed in the U.S.A.

4 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

PHOTO BY PAW PRINTS BY JAMIE PET PHOTOGRAPHY

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

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FIND US ON FACEBOOK

CANINE CALENDAR

july

JULY 9-12

enjoy the lively performance events and

of Houston

judging, plus seminars, displays and shop-

Dog Days of Summer at Children’s Museum Put your super-paw-ers to the test! You're invited to em-“bark” on the Summer of Epic

Adventure – Forces Unite. July 9 -12, super-

exhibitions, relay races and conformation

ping. For tickets, parking and event hours, visit www.houstondogshows.com.

hero trainees will raise the “woof” and experi-

JULY 25

of Summer. For a complete list of events and

Start your morning off with a race with your

ence some doggone fun during the Dog Days times, visit www.chmhouston.org. JULY 11

Our Country, Our Pets Freedom Adoption Event

This community-based event, sponsored by Fort Bend Pets Alive! and Classic Chevrolet

Sugar Land is to raise awareness and respect for companion animals in Fort Bend County.

Activities include: adoptable animals, animal

Cypress Doggie Splash ‘N Dash

best friend. The race site will open on race

morning at 5:30 a.m. and the event starts at

7:00 a.m. with a time trial start (one-by-one) jumping into the water. The awards ceremo-

ny will be at 8:00 a.m. followed by the youth triathalon at 8:30 a.m. Lakeland Community Center off Park Rd. & Fry in the Bridgeland

Community. To register, visit www.cypresstriathalon.com.

advocates and family fun for the kids with

JULY 31

13115 Southwest Freeway. 11:00 a.m. - 3:00

Celebrated on two dates per year to raise

Bugga Bugga Balloons and Face Painting. p.m. For more information, visit

facebook.com/fortbendpetsalive. JULY 15-19

Houston World Series of Dog Shows

Join the city's premier canine extravaganza,

National Mutt Day

awareness of the plight of mixed breed dogs

in shelters around the nation and to educate

the public about the sea of mixed breed dogs that desperately await new homes. To get

involved, visit www.nationalmuttday.com.

held at NRG Center. The whole family will

THE SCOOP

Can Your Dog Smell A Rat? Find out at the Houston World Series of Dog Shows

show!

The specific time and registration details for

each one can be found online at www.houstondogshows.com.

Local Animal Shelter Partner Rebrands and Changes Its Name

The Houston World Series of Dog Show has always been the premiere spot to test your dog’s

MCASociety has changed and re-branded their

challenges and this year will be no different.

sion has never been stronger; and their hope has

skills and abilities through uniquely designed Two existing events will be back for all to enjoy, the Weight Pull and the AKC® My Dog Can Do That! competition. The all-new Barn Hunt will be making its debut.

The Weight Pull gives dogs both big and small

the chance to win prizes in several different

weight classes, while the AKC® My Dog Can

Do That! competition allows your pet the opportunity to try an agility course while you

name as Texas Animal Society (TAS). The misnever been greater. TAS is promoting the ability

to Rescue, Educate and Adopt animals in need, at the local shelter and beyond. Now reaching out to aid and include other facilities, the TAS

works through a network of fosters to rehabilitate sick, injured and abandoned animals, by providing veterinary care and finding each one a loving home.

MCASociety was founded in December of

receive tips from professional trainers. Both of

2011 to offer more, do more, and help more for

er endless fun.

Shelter. While the Montgomery County Animal

these events are show classics and always delivThe Barn Hunt is an event where your dog will

the animals of the Montgomery County Animal

Shelter has undergone some management

search through an obstacle course made of hay

changes, MCASociety continued its mission by

tube. The event will be comprised of three sep-

benefit animals.

bales to find the rat hiding safely within a metal arate parts: the Rat N Gos, the Hands on Mini Clinic, and the BHA Fun Test. This event is sure

to add a unique flair to an already stand-out

expanding and striving to do more to directly To learn more, donate or volunteer, visit

www.texasanimalsociety.org.

Urban Paws Magazine 7

THE SCOOP

Rover Oaks Pet Resort Raises Over $30K for U.S. War Dogs

aged their clients to donate by giving away a free

annual Operation: War Dogs fundraiser for

Mission K9 Rescue. They also encouraged other

Rover Oaks Pet Resort just wrapped up its fifth

non-profit organization Mission K9 Rescue, the

Houston chapter of the United States War Dogs Association (USWDA). The fundraiser began

on Memorial Day and ended on July 4, 2015.

This year, Rover Oaks raised a total of $34,575

During the fundraiser, Rover Oaks encour-

night of lodging to anyone who donated $100 to pet care facilities to take part in the fundraiser.

As a result, a group of ten other pet industry

leaders from across the country launched fundraisers of their own to help War Dogs.

When asked what this fundraiser means to

for Mission K9 Rescue through Operation: War

Mission K9 Rescue, their founder Bob Bryant

$70,000 for this amazing organization.

hit a home run for War Dogs everywhere. These

Dogs. To date, Rover Oaks has raised over Mission K9 Rescue is a non-profit organiza-

tion dedicated to the service of War Dogs,

including retiring and retired Military Working Dogs and Contract Working Dogs. They provide monetary, transportation, adoption, and

professional assistance for these retired hero

said, "Rover Oaks stepped up to the plate and donations provide for care, boarding, trans-

portation, and development. Without organiza-

tions like Rover Oaks, we would be very limited in our ability to effect positive change for United States War Dogs."

"We are so grateful to Rover Oaks for this

dogs. Over the past year, Mission K9 Rescue has

amazing fundraiser," said Kristen Maurer,

and worked tirelessly to find adoptive homes

helps us continue to rescue and care for more

reunited many hero dogs with their handlers,

capable of meeting the needs of a retired mili-

tary working dog. Videos of some of these reunions can be viewed on their website.

"Rover Oaks is in a unique position to help

an organization like Mission K9 Rescue because

President of Mission K9 Rescue. "This money

War Dogs and achieve our mission. These dogs do so much for mankind, and this fundraiser allows us to continue to give back to them," she added.

To learn more about Rover Oaks or for direc-

of the types of clients that utilize our services"

tions, visit www.roveroaks.com. For more infor-

Resort. "Our clients believe that pets are mem-

missionk9rescue.org.

said Steve Smith, Owner of Rover Oaks Pet bers of the family and should be treated as such.

Their overwhelming response to this fundraiser

shows that they feel the same way about the War Dogs who have loyally served to protect our country."

8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

mation

Mission

Rescue,

visit

PET HEALTH

Smoking and Animals: Healthy Habits for Healthy Pets

or many, pets are considered to be family

because of the chemicals found in cigarette

tion should be given when making choic-

are at least 4000 chemicals found in cigarette

members. This is why special considera-

smoke, some that can also cause cancer. There

es about smoking. Second-hand smoke is a dan-

smoke, altogether causing many adverse health

Many people today are beginning to realize the

Pets are our Family, Too

hazardous to the smoker, but also to those

Many would agree that their pet is not just

many do not realize that second-hand smoke is

household pets being regarded as such, it is hard

ger to the heart and lungs of your pets, as well.

harmful effects of cigarettes. They are not only exposed to the second-hand smoke. However, also dangerous on the nervous systems of their cats, dogs, and other household pets. This is 10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

issues for both, people and animals.

another animal. Our pets are like family. With to imagine doing something intentionally that

would bring harm to them. You have to remem-

QUITDAY.ORG

ber, dogs, cats, and other household pets should

time. With the presence of third-hand smoke in

not understand that certain things will hurt

these harmful chemicals.

be regarded as infants in some ways. They do them. This is true especially when it comes to

the home, they are repeatedly being exposed to

consuming things like cigarette butts or empty

Ingestion of Butts and Litter

ensure their safety by creating a secure, and

Pets are affected in more ways than just being

cigarette packs. It is our job as pet owners to healthy environment.

exposed to second and third-hand smoke. They are also introduced to the harmful effects of

Second-Hand Smoke and Your Pet

ingesting cigarette butts, empty packs containing

Second-hand smoke is just as dangerous as

cigarettes. According to the US National Library

direct smoking. If you smoke indoors, everyone is subject to the same dangers and consequences

you face yourself. This includes children and pets. They cannot fend for themselves, so it is imperative that you make the right choices.

Second-hand smoke can lead to lung damage, increased blood pressure, and heart disease. It is

trace amounts of tobacco, or sometimes, whole

of Medicine who conducted a survey on the

effects of cigarette butt consumption, symp-

toms may include, but are not limited to, tremors, lack of coordination, convulsions, excessive salivation, respiratory failure, weakness, and in extreme cases, death.

hard to know the exact dangers your pets face,

A Safe Haven for Your Pet

heart, too.

The best way to keep your pets safe from these

Third-Hand Smoke and Your Pet

If you or someone you know is trying to find a

Third-hand smoke is also cause for concern.

harmful effects your habit has on those you call

but one thing you knowâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;they have lungs and a

According to the Mayo Clinic, third-hand smoke is the clinging of cigarette smoke to furniture, hair, carpet, and other surfaces and materials.

This is hazardous to pets because of the toxins this residue has. Many pets like to clean themselves while rolling on the carpet and rubbing

up against walls. They do this daily, and over

effects, is to create a smoke-free environment.

reason to quit smoking, just remember the your family â&#x20AC;&#x201C; your pets. You will be protecting

not only yourself from all the dangers of tobacco, but you will also be protecting the ones who

cannot protect themselves. Remember, these are

the ones who depend on you to make the right choices to keep them safe.

Urban Paws Magazine 11

PET SAFETY

7 Tech Tools That Promote Pet Health & Fitness Tech & digital resources that help facilitate pet nutrition, fitness, safety and overall well-being

n today’s culture, instant gratification

condition, a Dog and Cat Stress Calculator for

fitness, nutrition, and overriding health and

be too stressed out, and a Canine Cognitive

reigns supreme. Even when it comes to the

safety concerns of pets, throngs of owners are

seeking out effective tech-based tools and resources for their pet’s benefit that are highly

effective, user-friendly, and that can be quickly implemented.

With this in mind, here are seven types of tech

resources that can help promote a healthful and

owners who are concerned Fido or Felix might

Dysfunction tool to help find out if your dog might be suffering from dementia. Also handy is PetMD.com’s Chocolate Toxicity Meter

that

will let you know how much theobromine and

caffeine your dog has consumed and the symptoms that may follow.

positive pet lifestyle:

Online Quizzes: These tools offer a fast and

Internet Calculators: As with humans, Body

concern you may—or should—have about your

Mass Index (BMI) can be a reliable indicator of

dog’s body fat levels and serves as a free and easy way to screen your pet for weight concerns

easy way to get a snapshot of a particular health pet. Given the glut of related lifestyle and health concerns, there are a number of online freeaccess Pet Obesity Quizzes at the ready to help

that may lead to health problems. One need only

you determine if your pet is suffering from an

Dog BMI Calculators, such as that offered at

take proper to remedy. Another useful online

log on to the Internet to find freely accessible PetSci.co.uk This Web site offers an array of

other useful calculators, including a Feline Calorie Counter to decide how many calories

your cat needs to help manage or avoid an obese 12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

overweight or obese condition so that you can

quiz from industry-leading health authority Dr.

Oz asks “How Healthy Is Your Pet” and allows you to find out with just a few clicks. One inter-

esting online quiz helps you determine if your

PAUL MANN, FETCH! PET CARE

puppy has separation anxiety, which can put

The Health Benefits of Dog Walking for Pets

spective. With another, users can also take a vet-

Your Pet and You, Puppy Socialization - An

many behavior and pet care concerns into per-

erinarian’s quick quiz on Small Pet Dental Health applicable to rabbits, guinea pigs, and the like.

Digital Books & eBooks: While bookshelves are

and People, Cat Diabetes Basics: How It Affects

Insider's Guide to Dog Behavioral Fitness, and Real Safety Guide to Pet Health.’Free-

eBooks.net offers the useful eBook, First Aid And Emergency Care For Dogs And Cats.

filled with hard cover or paperback books that

APPs: There are a number of sound APPs on

health and medical issues, there are also a myri-

great option is the Pet First Aid by American

help owners manage their pet’s nutrition, fitness, ad of handy, quickly accessible, and more transportable digital books and eBooks that educate

on a multitude of topics. Amazon Kindle is one great resource with helpful titles that include:

the market to foster pet health and safety. One Red Cross APP that puts veterinary advice for everyday emergencies in the palm of your hand.

The petMD Symptom Checker APP provides

owners with answers to hundreds of questions

Urban Paws Magazine 13

PET SAFETY

on dog or cat health. Another APP, Dogs

about leaving a new puppy home alone, if the

Training Food Health Guide, offers helpful cal-

emerging Cloud Camera technology, like that

Nutrition Calculator - Puppies and Dog culator tools and information resources to make sure your dog is properly nourished no matter where you are.

Specialized Search Engines: While general search engines like Yahoo! and Google can be

helpful, other more specialized search tools can

greatly speed up and streamline a search process—gained time that can be critical if your

pet has a medical situation at hand. For one,

PetMD.com has a handy Symptom Checker engine that allows users to choose the type of

pet (either dog or cat), select symptoms, and then quickly access articles in kind.

Videos: The Internet is rife with helpful pet care

and safety videos. YouTube, for example, has many educational and informative videos on topics on nearly any pet health topic: everything

from general pet health awareness to the benefits of pet health insurance to what you need to

know about intestinal parasites. YouTube’s Pet safety videos around a multitude of topics, including product testing and safety, are also quite helpful.

Gadgets & Gear: Today’s breed of tech gadgetry can be a boon for assuring pets stay safe day-to-day and in optimum health. Pet owners are often consumed with worry–whether it’s 14 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

dog is still in the yard, and the like. With offered by D-Link, owners can now remotely monitor their pets from any computer or

wirelessly connected device like an iPhone,

iPad, Android or Android tablet. Nifty devices

like “The Tagg” pet tracking system allow users to track a pet’s location and activity from

their computer or mobile device to see where

the dog is or monitor its activity levels 24/7. Another area of pet health and nutrition that’s

been vastly improved with technology are

automated pet feeding systems, like the Wireless Whiskers solution, which uses a wireless tag attached to a cat’s collar to regulate

and monitor one or more cat’s food intake to make sure the pet isn’t eating too much or too

little at once or throughout the day—also keeping multiple cats away from each other’s

food. Water fountain and filtration systems

have also come of age, now providing pets with fresh, clean water anytime that is free of chlorine and sediment.

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—serving thousands of pets and pet parents throughout the United States from coast to coast. He may be reached online at: www.FetchPetCare.com.

Calling All Pet Pics! Send Us Your Adoption Stories!

Do you have a great and inspiring rescue story? We want to hear from Urban Paws fans, far and wide â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and we want to know all about your beautiful adoption stories! Send us your adoption stories and photos and we'll feature our favorites in our October issue and share them on our Facebook page. To submit, email us at info@urbanpawsmagazine.com. Be sure to send us: Your name, petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s name, at least one photo of your pet and your rescue/adoption story. Tell us why you chose to adopt and how you found your best friend! All entries must be received by September 14, 2015.

PAW & ORDER

THLN Gains Key Victories in the 2015 Texas Legislative Session ometimes, during a legislative session,

animals that were killed by the Texas Humane

tant as getting good bills passed. The 84th

was brought to exempt "Zoological Association

helping get bad bills killed is just as impor-

Session of the Texas Legislature was such a session.

House Bill 593, sponsored by Nicole Collier, DFort Worth and introduced by THLN, was a solid “win” for both peace officers and animals they meet in the line-of-duty. "HB593 better

informs Texas peace officers on how to avoid and defend themselves against a canine attack as well as protect the life and safety of the family pet." According to representative Collier.

The bill requires mandatory canine encounter

training for incoming Texas peace officers as

well as those who seek advancement. For the

past eighteen months, THLN has worked with law enforcement agencies as well as dog shoot-

ing victims' families to significantly reduce the

number of fatalities for our four-legged family members. Shelby Bobosky, THLN Vice-

President and Legislative Co-Chair states, "In

2014, over 200 dogs were shot by law enforce-

Legislation Network. The first, Senate Bill 987, of America" (ZAA) members from the Texas

Dangerous Wild Animal Registration Act. Cile

Holloway, President of THLN, states, "By killing this bill, Texas will not become a breed-

ing ground for roadside zoos and exotic breed-

ers." The second, House Bill 2139, would have granted a special tax break to the Dallas World

Aquarium. In particular, the owner was seeking a tax write off for the cost of trapping, transporting, and maintaining exotic animals.

Unfortunately, House Bill 2562, also known as the Humane Tethering Bill, died in the House

among many other bills. It would have greatly improved the lives of tethered dogs and those dogs who live outside without access to food, water

and

shelter.

The

bill's

sponsor,

Representative Kenneth Sheets (R-Dallas) had bipartisan support with more than 40 co-spon-

sors, and THLN plans to bring this bill back next session in 2017.

ment in Texas. This is a common sense bill to

2015 Legislative Session Report

non-confrontational outcome." The bill passed with little opposition.

Canine Encounter Training for Police Officers

Equally important were two bad bills for exotic

This bill, which requires canine encounter train-

help prepare Texas peace officers for a safe and

16 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

THLN had a huge victory with HB 593 - The

Mandatory Canine Encounter Training Bill.

STACY SUTTON KERBY

ing for all new police recruits and some of those

industry, SB 987 and HB 2139, respectively. The

seeking advancement, will train thousands of

first, SB 987 was brought to exempt "Zoological

with our beloved canines. THLN began working

the Texas Dangerous Wild Animal Registration

Texas peace officers to better handle encounters

on this bill in 2013 and created key partnerships

with law enforcement and victim's families. Last year, over 200 dogs were shot by law enforce-

ment in Texas; hopefully, HB 593 will drastically reduce these incidents. A special Thank You

to Rep. Nicole Collier and her staff who passionately advocated for this bill.

Association of America" (ZAA) members from

Act. If passed, Texas would become a magnet for roadside zoos, exotic pet breeders and other commercialized wildlife operations (where ani-

mals often suffer in deplorable conditions their

entire lives). The second, HB 2139, would have

granted a special tax break to the Dallas World

Aquarium. In particular, the owner was seeking a tax write off for the cost of trapping, trans-

THLN Killed Two Bills for Exotic Animals

porting, and maintaining exotic animals. HB

would have benefited the captive exotic animal

islation for wealthy collectors. Thank You for

THLN was instrumental in killing two bills that

2139 was nothing more than special interest legUrban Paws Magazine 17

PAW & ORDER contacting your legislators and helping to stop these two bills!

THLN Will Return Next Session to Fix the

involved, no agreement on a compromise bill was reached. There will no doubt be further stakeholder meetings and interim studies to come, and THLN plans to take part in those dis-

Statewide Tethering Law

cussions.

Sheets on HB 2562, known as the Humane

Summary of House Bills

helped thousands of tethered dogs across Texas.

Prior to the session, THLN learned there have

Bill No. HB 234

been no prosecutions for inhumane tethering

under the current state law. In particular, stake-

Summary: Relating to the costs associated with

proceedings regarding cruelly treated animals;

THLN worked with Representative Kenneth

Tethering Bill. HB 2562, if passed, would have

holders told us it is impossible to write a ticket.

HB 2562 was a common sense bill supported by the Texas Animal Control Association (TACA),

numerous shelters, animal rescues and law

Sponsor(s): Farrar District 148 authorizing fees and costs.

Analysis: Bill supported by THLN Final Status: Failed

enforcement. Unfortunately, it did not reach the

house vote deadline, and therefore died. We plan

Bill No. HB 593

to bring this bill back next session. THLN extends a very special Thank You to Rep.

Summary: This is a THLN sponsored bill relating to animal encounter training for peace offi-

Kenneth Sheets who fought for this bill until the end.

Veterinary Medical Treatment for Shelter

Sponsor(s): Collier District 95 cers.

Analysis: During the 2013 session, a bill was brought to mandate peace officer training for

canine encounters. Although THLN supported

Animals

this bill, it died in committee. Since 2013, more

(TVMA) introduced HB 1274 to set forth stan-

occur across the state, typically on a weekly

The Texas Veterinary Medical Association

dards for veterinary medical treatment by shelter

veterinarians. A related bill, HB 859, sponsored

by Austin Pets Alive was also filed. The two bills

differed greatly in approach and THLN actively sought to bring all sides together to craft a bill

developing protocols for the treatment of shel-

ter animals. A number of stakeholder meetings

were held in that effort, but given the short time

frame of the session and the number of groups 18 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

horrific dog shootings of pet dogs continue to basis, making Texas the worst state in the nation

for dog shootings. Such legislation will mandate peace officer training to end or dramatically reduce the risk of these tragic incidents taking place.

Final Status: Passed

Effective Date: 7.01.15 Bill No. HB 1436 - Companion to SB 1855

PAW & ORDER Sponsor(s): Smithee District 86

homeless animals, horses, farm animals, native

ous dogs.

protected due to the bills that THLN wrote and

Summary: Relating to appeals regarding dangerAnalysis: Bill supported by THLN Final Status: Passed

Effective Date: 7.01.15

Texas wildlife, and exotic animals have been

advocated to pass into law. THLN believes that animals deserve compassion and their abusers deserve punishment, and that protecting those

who cannot protect themselves is a noble cause.

Bill No. HB 2018

THLN asserts that due to its efforts, animal cru-

Summary: Relating to abolishing the regulation

large scale commercial breeders are regulated to

Sponsor(s):Schaefer District 6 of guard dog trainers.

Analysis: THLN opposed this bill. Final Status: Failed Bill No. HB 2309

Sponsor(s): Metcalf District 16

Summary: Relating to the regulation of a road-

elty is a state jail felony; dog-fighting is illegal; ensure â&#x20AC;&#x153;puppy millsâ&#x20AC;? can be shut down; tens of

thousands of dogs and cats have been sterilized

through funding from the Animal Friendly

License Plate program; and gas chamber euthanasia is now banned in Texas animal shelters.

side vendor or solicitor by the commissioners

THLN encourages concerned citizens to join its

Analysis: Supported by THLN

where and when to call in support of animal

court of a county.

Final Status: Failed

Action Alert email list to be kept informed on welfare legislation. For more information, visit www.thln.org.

Bill No. HB 2562

Sponsor(s): Sheets District 107

Summary: Relating to the care and unlawful restraint of a dog; creating an offense.

Analysis: This is a THLN sponsored bill relating

to the care and unlawful restraint of a dog; creating an offense.

Final Status: Failed About Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) Texas Humane Legislation Network is a non-profit organization that has been working

to pass mainstream animal welfare legislation at

the state level since 1975. Companion animals,

COMING IN AUGUST: Pet Nutrition Issue

COMING IN SEPTEMBER: Animal Legislation Issue Contact us for special advertising opportunities at 281.384.5431

Urban Paws Magazine 19

BEHAVIOR

What is Competitive Canine Weight Pull? ogs have pulled things ever since man

dog in each weight class that successfully pulls

dogs like the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky

for most weight pulled overall and an award for

first domesticated them. Northern

and Samoyed are well-known for their ability to

pull sleds. Other breeds such as the Mastiff, Bernese Mountain Dog, Saint Bernard and oth-

the most is the winner. There is also an award the dog that pulls the highest body weight percentage.

ers have been used as draft dogs for hundreds

A common question asked is “Is this dangerous

is just pulling you on the end of the leash, and

long as proper equipment is used and the rules

of years. Dogs in general love to pull, even if it they are good at it!

While we may not all have a sled or cart for our

dogs to pull, we can take part in canine weight

for the dogs? Can they hurt themselves?” As are followed, then there is little to no chance of

injury. Dogs simply will not pull something if it is too much for them.

pull. Any dog can do it, no matter their size. In

There are several organizations that run weight

into classes based on weight and compete with-

name a few. Here in Houston, the Texas Alaskan

a weight pull competition, dogs are separated in their class.

The object is to pull a cart, more than 10 times their own weight, sixteen feet within 60 seconds.

When it’s their turn, the handler hooks their dog to the cart, walks to the end of the chute then

calls their dog. Calls like “work”, “come”, and “mush” are used to encourage the dog to begin pulling. Treats, toys or any artificial methods of

encouragement are prohibited. It’s all about the

owner and their dog. Once a dog completes a pull and is back in their crate, then they can get their reward (treats).

Pulls are completed in rounds with weight being added to the cart at the end of each round. The 20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

pulls, the IWPA, UKC and Iron Dog just to

Malamute Rescue (TAMR) sponsors the weight

pull at the Houston World Series of Dogs

Shows. This year will be the seventh year for the pull. For anyone interested in watching or par-

ticipating, the pull will be held on Saturday, July 18th and is open to all breeds.

RICK HYMAS

Photos by Arie Moghaddam.

Urban Paws Magazine 21

MUTT MUGS

â&#x20AC;&#x153;When I look into the eyes of an animal, I do not see an animal. I see a living thing. I see a friend. I feel a soul.â&#x20AC;? - unknown

ADOPTION Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue www.gbgrr.org

Established in May 1999, GBGRR is a voluntary non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization. They rely on donations and fund raising activities, with all proceeds going directly to cover expenses for foster dogs and veterinary care for Goldens in need. Golden Beginnings was formed to provide shelter, veterinary care, and comprehensive evaluations for homeless, stray, abandoned, abused, and neglected Golden Retrievers and to seek to reduce the numbers of unwanted, abused and neglected Golden Retrievers through rehabilitation, education, and adoption.

Crimson

Photo by Paw Prints By Jamie Pet Photography

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

24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

I’m five years old, fixed, no nasty heartworms and am in great health. I’m smart and know all of my basic commands, am housebroken, kid and cat tested, and crate trained (but I don’t really need it). I’m good on a leash, load right up in the car and ride like a champ, know to stay off the furniture, and LOVE to play. Frisbee is my favorite–I can catch it in the air and everything. I love tennis balls and tug-o’war too. Mostly I love people. I am an owner turn in because in spite of all my many awesome qualities. I don’t really like other dogs and I am thunderphobic, pretty severely. I shiver, shake, pant, pace, and generally panic at the roll of thunder or crack of a firework or a gun. The only thing that really works for me is medication when we know bad weather is coming and being close to people – when I’m scared, I’m not fussy at all…any human will do. I’m not perfect and I need a special family who will understand and help me with these few things. I’m getting better, and I’m trying very hard, it’ll just take time and patience. There’s a gorgeous, smart, fun and devoted reward in the end for my forever home. Fetch an application if you’re the one for me!

My name is Chester and my foster mom and dad call me the Gentle Giant. I'm a big, beautiful boy. My paws are the size of my foster mom's hand! I'm about 7 years old, but I still like to play, I just can't keep at it for long periods of time. I am friendly to everyone and love to meet new people, young or old. I get along with most dogs --my foster brother Ricky is a terrier and we like to play "bitey face" and chase each other around the house. I would love to join your family. I bet I can make you smile!

Chester I'm Eliot, a 4-year-old lab mix with a golden heart. My days on the streets are over and I'm ready for my forever home. My personality is as golden as it gets. I'm sweet, affectionate and I love people. I like everyone–people, kids and other dogs. I’m smart. I already walk pretty well on a leash and ride well in the car. I’m also housetrained. Despite living on the streets I learned right away to take care of business outside. I’m looking for a forever family that will love and cherish me. If you’re looking for an awesome addition to your family I hope you’ll come meet me.

Latte Maggie

Eliot

Hi! My name is Latte Maggie and I’ve infiltrated a Golden Retriever rescue. I’m 6.5 years old and I’m beautiful, blonde and fluffy. I’m also smart, obedient and loyal. I love people and I’ll do anything to make my person(s) happy. These are typical Golden traits so everyone thinks I’m a Golden Retriever until they find out my deep, dark secret...I like to herd. I need a forever family that already understands herding and prey drive isn’t bad behavior. I'm a dog that given the chance, will bond deeply with my owner. I want to love and be loved all the way, heart-and-soul. Urban Paws Magazine 25

VET DIRECTORY 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 Four Seasons Veterinary Hospital 3730 FM 2920, Suite 110 Spring, Texas 77388 (p): 281.825.4994 (w): www.fourseasonsvet.com

Veterinary Specialists Laurie Nocake, 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 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.

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