June 2015 Issue by Urban Paws Magazine

Head to http://ruv.me/BarkShop4Good and enter our code at checkout: KINBBX1 Proceeds benefit Kingwood Barkfest.

Publisher Jennifer Kitchens-Street (281) 384.5431

jennifer@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Advertising (281) 384.5431

sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Contributing Writers Paul Mann Bob Williams Jennifer Gretson

Staff Photographer Jamie Fincher www.pawprintsbyjamie.com Urban Paws Magazine PO Box 1556 Spring, TX 77383

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 5: Volume 9

EVENT CALENDAR 6 June 2015

THE SCOOP 7

Canine News and Happenings

PET SAFETY 10

Disaster Prep for Pets

TRAINING & BEHAVIOR 14

Enjoy the Outdoors With Your Dog

PET HEALTH 18

Common Dog Skin Problems

NEWS BITE 20

Montgomery County Animal Shelter Names Operation Pets Alive! as 501(c)3 Non-Profit Partner

ADOPTION 24

Pup Squad Animal 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

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CANINE CALENDAR

june

JUNE 5

JUNE 13

Abandoned Animal Rescue is seeking 30 par-

Local artist, April Murphy (AEM Gallery) will

Registration Deadline for Strut Your Mutt

ticipants for the Best Friends Strut Your Mutt event to be held on October 17th. To register, visit http://support.bestfriends.org. JUNE 6

Emancipet Houston Grand Opening Event

This free, family and pet friendly event will

celebrate the new Emancipet clinic, opening

Second Saturday at Winter Street Studios sponsor Greyhound Pets of America -

Houston at Winter Street Studios, 2101

Winter Street from 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. For every print sold at April's studio during this event, April will donate a print to GPAH for future auctions or events. For more information, visit www.gpahouston.org.

in Houston's East End. Emancipet offers low

JUNE 15

services including vaccinations, microchip-

Putts Open: Bettering the Lives of our Best

cost spay/neuter and preventive veterinary ping, and heartworm medications from its

48-foot customized trailer. 4410 Navigation Boulevard. 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. JUNE 13

Lone Star Animal Welfare Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mutts & Friends at The Woodlands Country Club -

Palmer Course. Spend the day playing golf

and enjoying a great lunch and dinner. 10:30 a.m. check-in.

Bank for Paws Pet Adoption 2015 Fort Bend

JUNE 26

to host the first annual event to raise aware-

Created by Pet Sitters International (PSI) to

Pets Alive! & First Community Bank team up ness and respect for companion animals in Fort Bend County. First Community Bank,

24310 Southwest Freeway in Rosenberg. 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.fcbresource.com/home.aspx.

17th Annual Take Your Dog To Work Day

celebrate the great companions dogs make and promote their adoptions, this event

encourages employers to experience the joys of pets in the workplace for one day to support their local pet community. To learn

more or to participate, visit www.takeyourdog.com.

THE SCOOP

Local Pet Business Recognized With Better Business Bureau’s Pinnacle Award

to be affiliated with an organization that pro-

motes high ethical standards in the Greater Houston area,” said Joy Lee, Co-Owner of

Rover Oaks Pet Resort in Katy. “Through organizations like the BBB, the Houston and Katy areas continue to thrive. We’re proud to be recognized with the leaders in other industries

that have the same high ethical standards that we do.” Rover Oaks Pet Resort was one of 314 companies recognized at the annual Better Business

New Low-Cost Pet Clinic Opens in Houston’s East End

Bureau Awards of Excellence on May 13, 2015,

which honored businesses and non-profits for their achievements and commitment to quality in the workplace. Rover Oaks Pet Resort was selected as the recipient of the BBB's 2015

Pinnacle Winner of the Awards for Excellence

in the Pet Care category. This award is the BBB's highest honor. This marks the fifth year in a row

that the BBB has recognized Rover Oaks Pet

Resort for superior commitment to ethics,

Emancipet is expanding to Houston, its first

Oaks was honored with the Pinnacle Award in

partnership with the City of Houston. The ini-

excellence and quality in the workplace. Rover 2014 and 2011, followed by the Winner of Distinction award in 2012 and 2013.

When asked what it means to Rover Oaks Pet

Resort to receive this recognition, Steve Smith, President, states “It is truly an honor to be rec-

ognized by the Better Business Bureau for our

efforts. We work very hard to provide superior service to both our clients and their pets."

“As a Houston-based company, we are proud

location outside Central Texas, thanks to a new tiative was spearheaded by Council Member

Robert Gallegos and made possible with the

support of Mayor Annise Parker, Mayor ProTem Ed Gonzalez, and Council Member Oliver

Pennington. The City is investing $260,000 in Emancipet’s new clinic in Houston.

Emancipet will offer low-cost spay/neuter and

preventive veterinary services in their cus-

tomized 48-foot gooseneck trailer which will be Urban Paws Magazine 7

THE SCOOP

located at the nonprofit Neighborhood Centers

purchased.

in Houston’s East End, a low-income neighbor-

mane.org.

Inc.- Ripley House, 4410 Navigation Boulevard hood where the stray animal problem is the

For dates and times, visit www.houstonhu-

most dire. The clinic will be able to spay/neuter

7,000-8,000 animals per year, and provide approximately 10,000 preventive care visits.

After six to nine months of operation,

Emancipet will move into a brick-and-mortar space in the same neighborhood, and move the

semi-permanent trailer to a new location. By

2017, depending on the success of fundraising efforts, Emancipet plans to have three perma-

nent locations in underserved areas of Houston, which currently has an estimated 800,000 to 1,200,000 stray animals.

Emancipet Houston is in the process of hir-

ing up to 18 local people to staff the clinic. They

will also form a local advisory board. For hours, location

and

www.emancipet.org.

appointments,

visit

Houston Humane Society to Offer Microchip and Vaccines Every Sunday in June Houston Humane Society is hosting a hurricane/disaster prep event every Sunday in June.

You can get your dogs and cats prepared for just

June is Adopt-A-Shelter-Cat Month

Animal shelters across the nation celebrate Adopt-a-Shelter-Cat Month during the month of June.

Each spring during “kitten season,” thousands

of newborn kittens join the millions of cats already in shelters across the country. That

means your local shelter has tons of cute, cud-

$45. The package includes a microchip, rabies,

dly newborns, in addition to all the mellow,

FVRCP (vaccine for cats), and bordatella (for

shelter staff are ready to help you adopt your

DA2PPC (distemper vaccine for dogs) or

dogs only).

There is no office visit fee unless additional

services are added. The full package must be 8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

older cats and everything in between. And the

very first cat — or to bring home a friend for another beloved cat!

PET SAFETY

Disaster Prep for Pets

Baseline Emergency Preparedness How-To’s

hen a natural dis-

domestic pets are very

aster threatens,

much in tune with the

or actually occurs, the ensuing chaos

and confusion can make it difficult to make sure pets are aptly safeguarded for the event both physically and emotionally, and that a pet owner’s home duly equipped for the crisis at hand. In fact, when pets are involved, the gamut of related crisis management concerns can aggravate an already worrisome

situa-

While

pet

tion.

owners want to make sure their pets do not

experi-

ence any bodily harm when

a natural disaster presents, it’s also important

that

many

remember 10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

environment and their

and

immediate surroundings

can

become

unusually

stressed under circumstances sur-

rounding a natural disaster. As such, it’s imperative that pet owners are prepared to mitigate physical danger to a pet as

well as psychological

distress

like nervousness, fear, and

anxiety—and how

these

emotions

may be outw a r d l y expressed (even

when

contrary to a

pet’s normal

personality and

ior),

behavwhich

may include

h i d i n g ,

PAUL MANN

scratching, biting, noise-making, attempts to flee and disregarding commands.

To help keep pets safe, and their homes duly

supplied, for an impending—or in the real event

Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should always wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit.

of a—natural disaster, here’s a spotlight of fun-

Important documents: Place copies of your

ness tips offered by the Federal Emergency

vaccination documents and medical records in a

damental yet crucial pet emergency preparedManagement Agency (FEMA):

1. Get a kit of pet emergency supplies. Just as

pet’s registration information, adoption papers, clean plastic bag or waterproof container and add them to your kit.

you do with your family’s emergency supply kit,

Crate or other pet carrier: If you need to evac-

larly food and water.

with you, provided that it is practical to do so.

think first about the basics for survival, particu-

Food: Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container.

Water: Store at least three days of water, specif-

ically for your pets, as well as water you need for yourself and your family.

Medicines and medical records: Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof container.

First aid kit: Talk to your veterinarian about

uate in an emergency take your pets and animals Sanitation: Include pet litter and litter box if

proper, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash

bags and household chlorine bleach to provide

for your pet’s sanitation needs. You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach), or in an emergency you can

also use it to purify water. Use 8 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water,

stir well and let it stand for 30 minutes before use. Do not use scented or color safe bleaches or those with added cleaners.

what is most appropriate for your pet’s emer-

A picture of you and your pet together: If you

cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors;

emergency, a picture of you and your pet

gency medical needs. Most kits should include antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention;

latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book.

become separated from your pet during an together will help you document ownership and

allow others to help you in identifying your pet.

Include detailed information about species, Urban Paws Magazine 11

PET SAFETY

breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing charac-

your immediate neighborhood and other farther

Familiar items: Put favorite toys, treats or bed-

Talk to your pet’s veterinarian about emergency

stress for your pet.

should include in your pet’s emergency first aid

teristics.

ding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce Consider two kits. In one, put everything your pets will need to stay where you are and make it

on your own. The other should be a lightweight,

smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away.

2. Make a plan for what you will do in an emer-

gency. Plan in advance what you will do in an emergency. Be ready to assess the situation. Use

common sense and whatever you have on hand to take care of yourself and ensure your pet’s safety during an emergency.

away, where you will meet in an emergency.

planning. Discuss the types of things you kit. Get the names of vets or veterinary hospitals in other cities where you might need to seek temporary shelter. Also talk with your veterinar-

ian about microchipping. If you and your pet are separated, this permanent implant for your pet and corresponding enrollment in a recovery

database can help a veterinarian or shelter iden-

tify your animal. If your pet is microchipped, keeping your emergency contact information up to date and listed with a reliable recovery data-

base is essential to you and your pet being reunited.

Evacuate. Plan how you will assemble your pets

Gather contact information for emergency ani-

evacuate, take your pets with you, if practical. If

cies including the Humane Society or ASPCA

and anticipate where you will go. If you must

you go to a public shelter, keep in mind your pets may not be allowed inside.

Develop a buddy system. Plan with neighbors, friends or relatives to make sure that someone is available to care for or evacuate your pets if you

are unable to do so. Talk with your pet care

buddy about your evacuation plans and show them where you keep your pet’s emergency sup-

ply kit. Also designate specific locations, one in 12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

mal treatment. Make a list of contact informa-

tion and addresses of area animal control agenand emergency veterinary hospitals. Keep one copy of these phone numbers with you, and one

in your pet’s emergency supply kit. Obtain “Pets Inside” stickers and place them on your doors

or windows, including information on the num-

ber and types of pets in your home to alert fire-

fighters and rescue workers. Consider putting a phone number on the sticker where you could be reached in an emergency. And, if time per-

mits, remember to write the words “Evacuated

PET SAFETY

with Pets” across the stickers, should you evacuate your home with your pets.

3. Be prepared for what might happen. Some of

the things you can do to prepare for the unex-

pected, such as assembling an emergency supply kit for yourself, your family and your pets, is the

same regardless of the type of emergency.

However, it’s important to stay informed about what might happen and know what types of

emergencies are likely to affect your region. Be ready to adapt this information to your person-

al circumstances and make every effort to follow

boarding to avoid what can be serious health

concerns, highly trained and reliable professional pet sitters to visit or board a pet can be prearranged or are available on-call to ensure a pet receives protection as well as love, attention and

skilled treatment while apart from the family. That kind of peace of mind is priceless.

Paul Mann is the Founder and 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.

instructions received from authorities on the scene. With these simple preparations, you can

be ready for the unexpected. Those who take the time to prepare themselves and their pets

will likely encounter less difficulty, stress and worry. Take the time now to get yourself and your pet ready.

Sometimes help is needed to care for a pet when emergencies present, like during an evacuation when a shelter or lodging facility does not allow

pets. In such instances, it’s prudent to have a

backup plan in place to make sure you can secure proper care for your pet. As FEMA

notes, one option is to “consider family or friends outside your immediate area who would be willing to take in you and your pets in an

emergency.” However, when you don’t want to

burden or impose on family members or

friends, or subject a beloved pet to kennel

Urban Paws Magazine 13

TRAINING

Enjoy the Outdoors With Your Dog

our dog loves fresh air and sunshine as

run through, a pause table, a ladder, weaving

side games and activities to keep your dog

dog on a leash, and walk him through the course

much as you do. Try some of these out-

healthy and happy. In addition, playing with your dog, like training him, enhances the bond you share and helps keep his focus on you. FREESTYLE OBEDIENCE

Take your dog to a large open area or yard and

sticks, poles to jump over, etc. Start with your in the order you want him to complete the

obstacles. Give him lots of praise when he gets

it right, and recruit friends, family and neighbors to serve as judgesâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;or to bring their own dogs to compete.

have him follow you around as you deliver com-

BATTING PRACTICE

praise when your dog completes the correct

and a dog-safe ball to hit across the yard or a

mands: sit, down, stay, come, etc. Give lots of

action. You can then move on to more advanced

commands, teaching your dog to back up, jump over something, circle around, etc. OBSTACLE COURSE

Try setting up a tube (such as an agility tunnel,

available at most pet retailers) for your dog to 14 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

For a twist on traditional fetch, grab a Wiffle bat

park and have your dog play outfielder. Try not

to hit another ball until your dog has returned the first back to you so that he learns he must return the item for the game to continue. WET FETCH

If you have access to a body of water that your

BOB WILLIAMS

dog is allowed to play in, take a couple of balls

safe shampoo to combine playtime and a bath.

throw them in for your dog to swim after. If

HIDDEN TREASURE

water, start by tossing the object just at the edge.

smell a treat, then hide it in the yard. Release

or toys that will float to the water’s edge and your dog hasn’t had much experience in the Make sure to first teach him where he can safely exit the water.

HOMEMADE PUP-SICLES

You can use a popsicle mold or just an ice-cube tray to freeze yummy, refreshing treats for your

dog. Get creative by tossing ingredients such as

Start with your dog in a sit/stay, allowing him to your dog from the sit and let him find it. Add a degree of difficulty by hiding a number of treats in advance. You can also try scatter feeding your

dog his kibble at mealtimes (throwing in all

around the yard. Many dogs will spend hours enthusiastically hunting for every last bit.

yogurt, bananas, peanut butter and carrots into a

WALK THIS WAY

broth (all-natural or low sodium versions are

your dog, walking is an activity almost anyone

blender with a little water or chicken or beef best).

TRACKING

While not all dogs will take to tracking, it’s fun to try. Go somewhere that your scent isn’t already scattered–or use a strong and unique

In addition to being great exercise for you and

can take part in and a great way to get to know

your neighbors. Organize a walking group for your neighborhood or apartment building. Pick different destinations, or up the intensity by choosing portions to pick up the pace.

scented piece of leather–and shuffle your feet

Remember that basic obedience is the founda-

ward pattern. Have someone else stay with your

activities should be a fun and rewarding bonding

or rub the leather in a distinct but straightfor-

dog out of sight. Then, have your dog sniff you and your feet (or the leather) and lead him along the path that you created. WET & WILD

Fill up a kiddie pool with water and urge your dog to splash around. For even more fun, grab a hose and have your dog chase the stream fo

tion for having fun with your dog–games and experience, not a stressful time for you and your dog.

Bob Williams is a Master Dog Trainer at Bark Busters. For over ten years, Bob has successfully trained more than 3,000 dogs throughout Houston Northwest, including Cypress, Katy, Champions, Spring, Tomball and The Woodlands. To schedule an appointment, visit www.barkbusters.com.

water in and out of the pool. Add some dogUrban Paws Magazine 15

16 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

HEALTH

Common Dog Skin Problems

healthy animal will also have healthy

skin. If dog skin problems occur, it gen-

erally indicates that the dog has an underlying condition. These conditions can be caused by

pus, swelling, lumps or discoloration. There are many conditions that can cause these symptoms and they are best detected by a professional.

multiple factors, including infections, pests, and

Pests may be the source of problems. The bites

create problems. When a pets external appear-

tation. Some pets may even be allergic to the

allergies. Stress or metabolic disorders can also ance noticeably worsens in any way, medical

help should be sought. Letting conditions become chronic can cause further damage to the

health of a pet. In addition, some untreated conditions are contagious and can infest other animals. Some can even be passed to humans.

The symptoms of problems are very diverse. Key behaviors such as frantic scratching, fre-

quent licking, or even chewing

should not be ignored. Pets

might also signal discomfort by

rubbing up against furniture or car-

pets. When these behaviors are recog-

nized, a closer look should be taken at the fur and skin of the animal.

If there are any scabs, scaly patches, bald spots, rashes or lesions, a veterinarian should be notified. Other reasons for con-

cern include redness, blood,

18 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

and droppings of fleas can create lingering irrisaliva in a flea bite, making matters worse. In addition to this, certain

JENNIFER GRETSON

flea control methods readily available on the market can be aggravating.

Different infections can plague the skinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sur-

face. These include fungal, bacterial or yeast type infections. Fungal infections can include

ringworm. Ringworm can result in scaly patches, baldness and irritation. Ringworm is particu-

larly troublesome as it can be passed to other animals as well as people if left untreated. Bacterial or yeast infections normally occur only

method of prevention is to use appropriate

products on a dog. A hypoallergenic diet

ensures that pets receive a nutritious and healthy meal without any artificial or unneces-

sary ingredients. Dogs should live in a calm, clean and quiet environment to limit stress lev-

els and discourage the proliferation of pests. A

veterinarian can offer suggestions on how to further prevent parasite infestation.

after the skin is compromised, further exacerbating the original problem.

Allergies can affect skin as well. These may be aggravated by naturally occurring irritants from the outdoors or allergies to food. Outdoor aller-

gies improve or worsen with the seasons, and depend on the circulating amounts of dust,

pollen, grass, or mold. Foods that typically cause reactions contain chicken, beef, soy, corn or

wheat based ingredients. Food additives, such as colorings, can also be aggravating.

Problems may also have a behavioral compo-

nent. A dog living in a very loud environment may experience heightened levels of stress. As a

result, it may lick and gnaw at itself. It can also perform the same behaviors simply if it is

bored. This is one reason daily exercise and attention are very important for pets.

Most of these issues are preventable. One

COMING IN JULY: Anniversary Issue

COMING IN AUGUST: Pet Nutrition Issue Contact us for special advertising opportunities at 281.384.5431

Urban Paws Magazine 19

NEWS BITE

Montgomery County Animal Shelter (MCAS) Has Named Operation Pets Alive! (OPA) As Its 501(c)3 Non-Profit Partner

ontgomery County Animal Shelter

• Adoption Events: Since OPA does not have a

Alive (OPA) as its 501(c)3 non-profit partner.

events held at retailers such as Petco and

(MCAS) has named Operation Pets

OPA is an attractive partner due to the breadth

of life-saving programs the group already has in

place. Based on the premise of a “no-kill” com-

munity, OPA’s current focus is on the following

physical shelter, they rely on offsite adoption PetSmart to place animals with local families.

The partnership with MCAS will enable shelter dogs and cats to attend OPA off-site events.

programs:

• Fostering: OPA’s robust fostering program

• Transports: Through OPA’s Flight for Life

through medical treatment until they are ready

and Pups on Trucks transports local at-risk dogs

and cats are moved from MCAS to NE shelters, where family-friendly pets are adopted rapidly.

OPA has transported over 2,300 dogs and cats

since 2011, with the number increasing each year.

includes long-term fosters who keep pets

for adoption and also includes short-term fosters who typically keep pets for roughly two weeks while they wait to be transported to other

shelters. OPA provides the veterinary services for foster animals in their program through the

use of community veterinary clinics. Through the partnership, OPA will also assist MCAS fos-

• Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR): Feral, or roam-

ter families when the shelter’s veterinary clinic is

With TNR, feral cats are trapped, sterilized, vac-

instance, the shelter does not have an X-Ray

ing cats, taken to a shelter are typically killed. cinated then returned to their colonies or placed

for adoption if necessary. A feral cat’s cropped left ear signifies it has been altered and vaccinat-

ed. With proper monitoring, feral cats can live long, happy lives and avoid crowding shelters. 20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

not able to provide the services themselves. For

machine, so when a pet has a suspected injury in

which an X-Ray is needed, OPA will cover that cost at an outside veterinary clinic.

• Targeted Spay/Neuter: Reducing the intake

of unplanned puppy litters is a crucial step to

shelter.”

with other groups and with veterinarians to pro-

C.A.R.E. is striving to move toward a no-kill

lower-income residents. OPA supports the

will serve to further that mission. Dr. Ross

improving live-release rates. OPA has partnered

vide low-cost spay/neuter for the County’s County’s efforts to provide better access to lowcost spay/neuter services.

Montgomery County has contracted with a company called C.A.R.E. (Caring for Animals

Reducing Euthanasia) Corporation, owned by veterinarians Dr. Aubrey Ross II and Dr. Diarra Blue, to manage shelter operations. The county,

nor C.A.R.E., can distribute tax-deductible receipts for donations. The partnership with

OPA will assure that donations are tax-

deductible and support life-saving programs for animals at MCAS and in Montgomery County at

large. OPA is governed by a board of directors, led by President and Founder Marcia Piotter.

For Piotter, the partnership should open the door for implementation of new programs that will increase live release and will strengthen

those already in place. “Our partnering trans-

community and hopes that the addition of OPA knows that building a no-kill shelter will be an

uphill battle, but feels it is one worth fighting.

“What we want to do is save lives. Period. The only way to do that is through innovative pro-

grams – programs such as transports and TNR – things that OPA is already doing.” Through their partnership, OPA and MCAS hope to put

in place the programs that have demonstrated

success in achieving the goal of a no-kill community. Generally, a shelter is considered to be a no-kill shelter when they are saving over 90% of

homeless pets. Euthanasia is reserved for those

animals with a grave prognosis for recovery or those considered dangerous to public safety.

MCAS and OPA will continue work with other

rescue groups, volunteers and business leaders in our community to maximize the impact on saving animals.

port shelters in the Northeast are requesting

For more information on OPA please visit

dogs) than we have been able to afford to send

on MCAS please visit www.mcaspets.org.

more of our local MCAS dogs (called “Dixie” and each one we send in turn funds the spay or

www.operationpetsalive.org and for information

neuter of a dog here at home. Programs like this one serves to maximize live release while also reducing shelter intake. Minimizing intake

and maximizing live release must go hand-in-

hand with caring for the animals while in the Urban Paws Magazine 21

MUTT MUGS

“Ever wonder where you’d end up if you took your dog for a walk and never once pulled back on the leash?” - Robert Brault

22 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

ADOPTION Pup Squad Animal Rescue www.pupsquad.org

Pup Squad is an all-volunteer, foster-based rescue group focused on pregnant moms, nursing litters and young puppies and matching them with permanent adoptive homes. We work with area shelters and the community to rescue pups before they are exposed to dangerous diseases and we pledge never to leave a momma dog behind. They work so hard to protect their pups, no matter how tough of a situation they are in, and they deserve our love and care every bit as much as their sweet babies.

Photo by Paw Prints By Jamie Pet Photography

Emi

Emi is a Pit Bull/Boxer mix. She was rescued not once, but three times. First, a kind man took her in off the streets, pregnant and hungry. Then, after his neighbors reported him for being over the city’s household dog limit and animal control took her to a shelter, she had her puppies, saving her from “the list”, finally, a Pup Squad foster volunteered to take Emi and her 13 24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

new babies home. Her puppies have all found their forever families, now Emi is healthy and ready for a family of her own.

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

Knuckles

Knuckles is a five-year-old Staffordshire Terrier mix with a big heart. He loves to give hugs and is devoted to people. He also is a champion at fetch, never tiring of chasing the ball. Buster and his siblings were rescued from a ditch that was rapidly filling with water. These Labrador/Border Collie mixes are smart, silly, fun-loving puppies. Most of the pups have been adopted, but Buster and his sister, Molly are still waiting for their forever families.

Benny and his sister Lily are the last two “fudge” puppies still waiting for their families. The fudge designation comes from their gorgeous coats that look like fudge in the sunshine. Both of these Labrador/Pit mixes are loving and adventurous.

Shiple

Buster

Lily

Shipley was born January 27, 2015 at a Pup Squad foster’s home. Shipley and his sister Cashew, who is also available for adoption, is a Labrador/Pit mix who adores people and will do anything for a treat. 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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