See how Bark Busters changed the life of an Airforce dog handler or, view the “Aspen’s Story” video on YouTube.com
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Publisher Jennifer Kitchens-Street (281) 384.5431
jennifer@urbanpawsmagazine.com
Advertising (281) 384.5431
sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com
Contributing Writers Jan Davidson Bob Williams Heather Merrill
Staff Photographer Jamie Fincher www.pawprintsbyjamie.com
Urban Paws Magazine PO Box 1556 Spring, TX 77383
www.urbanpawsmagazine.com Web: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
contents Issue 4: Volume 7
EVENT CALENDAR 6 May 2013
THE SCOOP 7
Canine News and Happenings
SPECIAL FEATURE 9 Pet Safety
TRAINING & BEHAVIOR 14
Creating a Dog-Friendly Backyard
HEALTH & WELLNESS 18 Crisis Management: A Guide
BODY & SOUL 20 Where’s the Dog?
ADOPTION 24
Pug Hearts Houston Pug Rescue
VETERINARY DIRECTORY 26 © Copyright 2013. No part of this publication may be reprinted or otherwise reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Urban Paws magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, feature and idea submissions, or photographs, and such material will not be returned. Urban Paws magazine assumes no liability for the contents herein and has the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Urban Paws magazine does not endorse any specific product or service contained herein; we do encourage you to support our advertisers whenever possible.
Please tell our advertisers that you heard about them in Urban Paws Magazine!
Cover photo and this photo by Paw Prints by Jamie Pet Photography.
BE A PART OF OUR DOG LOVING COMMUNITY! ON THE WEB
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COMING IN JUNE: Training and Behavior
COMING IN JULY: Anniversary Issue
Contact us for special advertising opportunities at 281.384.5431.
event calendar For a full listing of events, visit: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events MAY 3
National Specially-abled Pets Day. Celebrated nationally and internationally, National Speciallyabled Pets Day encourages adoption always and for people who would like to bring a new furry family member home, to consider a specially-abled pet. For more information, visit www.disabledpetsday.com.
MAY 3-5
National Adoption Weekend at all PetSmart stores. Adoption partners will have animals on-site at all PetSmart stores through the weekend. For a list of locations, visit www.petsmartcharities.org.
MAY 4
Montgomery County Animal Society’s Bake Sale & Craft Sale. Pick up something just in time for Mother’s Day. All items are homemade and benefit the MCAS foster and shelter animals. 8535 Hwy 242 in Conroe. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information, email montgomerycountyanimalsociety@gmail.com.
MAY 4
La Vita Dolce Wine Walk benefiting Italian Greyhound Rescue Houston. 1824 Spring Street from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Guests are provided with a wine glass and may visit all tables tasting various wines from Italy. To order tickets, visit http://683692557174256173.wee bly.com/index.html.
MAY 5
Adoption event at Petco in Conroe. 1410 North Loop 336. Visit the adoptable animals from Adopt
a Rescue Friend (AARF) from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. For more adoption event dates, visit www.aarfhouston.org.
MAY 16
PAWS Houston’s 4th Annual Beach Party. PAWS Houston is kicking off the summer pool side at the Hotel ZaZa from 6:00 - 10:30 p.m. Join us for an exciting evening of food, drinks and fun. R.S.V.P. to scott@pawshouston.org or call 713-840-PAWS (7297).
MAY 18
Houston Beagle and Hound Rescue’s Annual Bring Your Own Beagle (BYOB) event. The absolute favorite event of every Beagle! There are games and contests for the beagles and all the food the humans can eat. Paws Pet Resort, 3425 Couch Street. Noon - 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit houstonbeaglerescue.org.
MAY 18 Pet Health Fair at the Conroe Animal Shelter, 300 W. Davis Street. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. $5 vaccines and $20 spay/neuter vouchers. MAY 19-25 National Dog Bite Prevention Week MAY 25
Low Cost Vaccination Clinic at Special Pals Shelter. 3830 Greenhouse Road from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. No appointment necessary. For more information, visit www.specialpalsshelter.org.
Follow us on FACEBOOK & TWITTER for the most up-to-date information, news and events! 6 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
May 2013
the scoop
Natura Pet Expands Voluntary Recall of Dry Pet Foods
Natura Pet Products is voluntarily expanding its March 29, 2013 recall of dry pet foods because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The expanded recall now includes all dry pet food products and treats with expiration dates prior to and including March 24, 2014. Consumers who have purchased these pet foods should discard them. For additional information, consumers may visit www.naturapet.com. For a product replacement or refund call Natura toll-free at 800-224-6123. (Monday – Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM CST).
Website Connects Sponsors with Pet Parents in Need of Spay/Neuter Assistance
Get Your Fix is a program created by FiXit, a Virginia based non-profit to introduce pet owners in need of sponsors who wish to help by funding a spay/neuter surgery. With this free service, pet owners can create a pet profile and wait to be contacted by a sponsor. Once selected, a low-cost clinic in your area will be recommended. Sponsors have the choice of communicating directly with the owners or they can make a flat donation to FiXit for the spay/neuter of a specific animal. A list of local, low-cost spay/neuter providers is also available on the website. For more information on this program, visit www.getyourfix.org.
Statewide Charitable Public Art Event on Display Throughout Texas
Paws for a Purrpose is a Texas statewide charitable public art event consisting of 60 beautiful works of art on fiberglass sculptures of the pets we so dearly cherish. Life-size dogs and cats of different sizes, shapes and poses will be included along with two mini-cows and a few surprises. In June, South Texas College of Law will turn the 9th floor of the law school into an art gallery and host a special reception to unveil the art. The “gallery” will be open daily from late June to late August. From late August through late October, the art pieces will be moved to high-end retail stores, hotels, car dealerships, museums, restaurants, and law offices in Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, San Antonio, Wichita Falls, and Amarillo to generate excitement for the upcoming celebrity-hosted live auction of the art. The auction will be part of festivities to be held on Thursday, November 7, 2013, at The Downtown Club at Houston Center, 1100 Caroline, from 6-9:30 p.m. Proceeds from the sponsorships and the live auction will support the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) and South Texas College of Law’s Animal Law Clinic (STCL). To see all the fabulous art pieces and learn more, visit www.pawsforapurrpose.com.
Urban Paws Magazine 7
the scoop
Spring Bark 2013 The annual Spring Bark event was held at Northshore Park in The Woodlands on April 13th. Hosted by the Lone Star Animal Welfare League, the event benefits homeless dogs and cats. Hundreds of dog lovers gathered to see adoptable dogs from various rescue organizations and shop the vendor booths. Among the activities were Rally Obedience demonstrations, Toys rather than Treats fun obedience training tips and puzzle games for dogs. Making an appearance this year was Cronkite, the News 92 FM Newshound handing out pawtographs. Music was provided by Duaine Hatfield. This year’s major sponsors include Gillman Subaru, Forest Shadows Pet Resort and Texas Doghouse.
8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
special feature
Pet Safety 101 We love our pets and want the very best for them. We want them to be happy and healthy. While most pet owners are aware of the most common dangers for pets, there is a litany of those that are less common. Did you know that over 500,000 pets are affected by home and commercial fires each year in the U.S.? Of those 500,000 pets affected, over 40,000 pets are killed. To learn more about fire protection and preparedness, see page 11 for the infographic. Many household products are toxic to our pets. Leaving a bottle of Ibuprofin within reach of a pet can mean big trouble. There are also dangers lurking in the yard. Several common plants and flowers are also harmful to our pets. The best thing any pet owner can do is to be educated on the household toxins (both inside the house and outside).
Top 10 Pet Poisons 1. Chocolate 2. Insect bait stations 3. Rodenticides (mouse and rat poison) 4. Fertilizers 5. Xylitol (found in sugar free gum & candy) 6. Ibuprofen (Advil® or Motrin®) 7. Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) 8. Silica gel packs 9. Amphetamines (ADD/ADHD drugs) 10. Household cleaners
Chocolate
While it’s delicious to us, it can be dangerous to dogs. It’s always a good idea to keep your dog’s nose out of your chocolate stash. Do you know why different types of chocolate affect dogs differently? Or why cats are less likely to indulge?
Urban Paws Magazine 9
special feature
Know the Signs of Poisoning in Dogs and Cats
11 Plants Poisonous to Pets
signs of poisoning generally include:
1. Autumn Crocus 2. Azalea 3. Cyclamen 4. Kalanchoe 5. Lilies 6. Oleander 7. Dieffenbachia 8. Daffodils 9. Lily of the Valley 10. Sago Palm 11. Tulips and Hyacinths
Gastrointestinal Signs
• Diarrhea
• Diarrhea
• Absence or decreased urination
Signs of poisoning in pets can widely range based on the underlying poison. If you think
your dog or cat has been poisoned, call your veterinarian or the Pet Poison Helpline (800-2136680) immediately. When it comes to poisoning,
the sooner you treat your dog or cat, the better the outcome.
While this is not a complete list, some common
• Vomiting
• Excessive thirst or urination
• Drooling or hypersalivation • Loss of appetite
Liver Failure
• Nausea
Internal Bleeding
• Jaundice/yellow discoloration of the gums
• Weakness or collapse secondary to low blood sugar
• Coughing of blood
• Dull mentation or acting abnormally
• Pale gums
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting blood
• Racing heart rate
• Weakness or lethargy • Collapse
Kidney Failure • Halitosis
• Loss of appetite • Vomiting 10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
• Vomiting
• Black, tarry stool
Infographic provided by Compliance and Safety
Urban Paws Magazine 11
mutt mugs
“Our dog chases people on a bike. We’ve had to take it off him.” Winston Churchill
12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
training & behavior
Creating a
Dog-Friendly Backyard
14 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
By: Bob Williams, Bark Busters Home Dog Training
L
etting your dog have a free romp in your yard keeps him exercised, active and
happy; however, dogs that are kept in a bland
backyard all day are far more likely to misbehave. The following tips will help make your
yard more comfortable and appealing to your dog.
POISONOUS INGESTIBLES
WATER
Be sure that the yard includes a large water bowl
filled with fresh water in all seasons. If you choose to incorporate a water feature such as a
small pond, be sure that it circulates water to avoid mosquitos. Still water ponds need harmful chemical additives to kill the larvae that will grow.
Dogs that are bored or hungry will be tempted
SHADE
which can be toxic or splinter in their mouths or
being stuck in the blazing sun is unhealthy.
to eat poisonous plants and flowers or mulch, stomachs. Ask your vet for a list of poisonous plants. Avoid gardening with your dog present–he may conclude that playing with
plants and digging are acceptable activities. Also put away dangerous products like lawn chemi-
While being outside can make for a happy dog,
Create a cool spot for your pooch by selecting an area in a shady place where he can relax in
comfort–otherwise, your dog may create his own spot in an area not of your choosing.
cals (fertilizers and weed killers), antifreeze, pes-
DIGGING
coal and lighter fluid.
sounds and smells, to improve their shelter or to
ticides and outdoor grilling supplies like char-
CHEWING
Dogs chew for various reasons, such as stress, boredom, teething or diet deficiency. The easiest
way to stop your dog from chewing is to apply a foul tasting product such as Grannick’s Bitter
Apply spray, citronella or hot chili sauce to it.
Dogs dig in search of food, to investigate escape. Digging can be triggered by boredom,
separation anxiety, chasing rodents or bugs
and/or a nutritional deficiency. A qualified dog behavioral therapist can help you determine the
reason for your dog;s digging so that a possible training solution can be found.
Give your dog an alternative and keep him
FENCES AND GATES
toys that reward him with treats, such as
property and out of harm’s way. If your yard has
entertained by providing high-quality puzzle KONG® products. Every few days, rotate what
toys are available to him.
A fence helps to keep your dog safely on your a traditional fence (chain link or wood), be sure
that all gates latch correctly each time that they
are closed. If there are any holes, fill them with Urban Paws Magazine 15
bricks or large stones.
cides–until the chemicals have dried completely.
not allow traditional fences, a popular alternative
could cut your dog’s paws.
Because some homeowners associations do
is the electronic or “invisible” dog fence.
Also be careful of metal lawn edging, which
Choosing this type of barrier has many bene-
DOG HOUSES
backs. While the fence may keep your pet in, it
and in familiar surroundings. Place the dog
fits–it keeps the landscape tidy–as well as drawdoesn’t keep other animals or people out. MAINTAINING THE YARD
Maintain your yard’s cleanliness by regularly picking up after your dog. Some dogs can be
trained to use one area for toileting. While the nitrogen in dog urine can be very hard on lawns, watering the area after the dog has urinated can help to minimize the damage.
Keep your dog off the lawn after any treatments–fertilizers,
herbicides
or
insecti-
Dogs are more relaxed when they are covered house next to your family’s house so that your dog feels like it is an extension of the larger den.
Provide a blanket or other comfy bedding. Choose a house made of naturally rot-resistant materials such as plastic or red cedar, but do not
use pressure-treated wood, which can contain
arsenic. Use rustproof, galvanized nails and screws.
The house should be raised from the ground
to insulate the dog from moisture and chills, and should be large enough for him to comfortably turn around but small enough to retain his body
heat. In colder climates, your dog may appreciate a heated dog house, whether created by a dog house heater or a solar panel.
Training your dog will keep him mentally stim-
ulated and help to decrease his overall level of
stress. Remember, you can correct your dog for
digging, barking, scratching at the door, etc. ONLY if you catch him in the act; correcting
after the event is pointless. A qualified dog
behavioral therapist can help you discover the source of the reasons for your dog’s outdoor
misbehaviors and can provide ways to correct the problems. Your dog and your family will be happier for it! 16 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
lifestyle
e l y t S & y t e f Sa
PET ALERT SIGNS Lightweight yet rigid and durable signs alert fire and rescue personnel to both the presence and the number of pets on the premises. Reflective, weather resistant and fire resistant. Available at www.rezqpets.com.
LIFE SAVER When your out on the water with Fido, put your mind at ease with an Outward Hound life jackets. Perfect for superior floatation for dogs at the beach, pool, boats and kayaks. www.kyjen.com.
SPORTY AND SAFE Sporty style and safety are two features of the GLO Reflective Wear. The 3M Scotchlite速 reflective strips provide safety and peace of mind for you and your pet. www.iseespot.com
INTELLIGENT TAG Keep your pet safe and sound with this intelligent tag. Your unique blanket i.d. number can help locate your pet should they become lost or stolen. Silent, scratch resistant and waterproof. These stylish tags come in a variety of designs and colors. Available online at www.blanketid.com. Urban Paws Magazine 17
health & wellness
Part II - Crisis Management: A Guide
W
hen you have an animal who is ill,
required to give you options. And required to
that you will face a crisis at some
willing to share with you what they would do in
elderly or special needs, it is likely
point in their care. A time when The Decision
asks to be made. Or smaller decisions about what and how much care, when to treat and when to accept, which course to pursue. These decisions can be heart-wrenching,
paralyzing, confusing, frustrating and overwhelming.
Making Decisions
It is almost inevitable that at some point in your life with your animal companion you
will be faced with one tough decision or another. It could be how and whether to treat an injury, disease, or condition. It
could be whether or not to give a medica-
tion. It could be whether to try to save him or her or let him or her go. They are
big, life decisions that can be completely overwhelming. And often they come abut at just the wrong moment - when your
spouse, partner or support system are out
of place; when work is most demanding; when you are sick; when you have a mil-
lion other demands on your time; when finances are tight. For whatever reason,
they occur disproportionately in the middle of the night on a weekend.
While your veterinary team is there to help
you make informed decisions, they are 18 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
tell you all the risks. Sometimes they will be your shoes, but often that does not feel comfortable to them and would not be right. You
don't want to be cheap when it comes to your
By: Heather Merrill, C.T.
animal, but sometimes the interventions pro-
our human hospice and palliative care counter-
are real and daunting. You may not be con-
and equally applicable to our animal family
posed don't feel right and the financial burdens vinced that just because we "can", we necessari-
ly "should". You want to weigh the potential
parts is light years ahead of veterinary medicine members.
benefit against the effect on your animal's qual-
Over the last 6 weeks, I have been working with
sider the realities of your own life.
work with animals.
ity of life. And you have no choice but to conSo how do you make these decisions? How do you weigh the options and the risks?
Viki to adapt one of her tools for use in our
The result is the Care
Giver's Crisis Planning Guide which we are delighted to share with you. We encourage you to take even just 10-15 minutes to read it and complete the worksheet so you have it handy
Our Guide for Making Decisions in Crisis
when you need it. To download a pdf of the
tions to overwhelm you, your brain to work
http://urbanpawsmagazine.com/?p=2329.
In a crisis, it is completely normal for your emo-
overtime, and the constant chatter of those
guide,
please
visit
around you to confuse you. While it may seem
Always remember: NO ONE knows your ani-
instant it is almost never the case that you can't
wants, wishes, needs and feelings. You are the
like you must make a decision in that very take a few minutes to calm yourself and get to a
place where a good decision, one you can live with without regret, can be made.
We love the work of Viki Kind, a Clinical
Bioethicist who works with families to make
health care decisions for their incapacitated loved ones (your pet is no different than a
mal better than you do. You know his or her expert when it comes to your baby. Trust your gut; it will never lead you wrong.
“New England Pet Hospice & Home Care supports those caring for ill, elderly and special needs animals at home following the human hospice and palliative care models of interdisciplinary care. Learn more and get your FREE subscription to Wag & Purr: Your Guide to Comfort Care for Pets at www.NewEnglandPetHospice.com"
human who cannot fully communicate his or her wishes). Her book, "The Caregiver's Path to
Compassionate Decision Making: Making
Choices for Those Who Can't", is a wonderful read. Yes, it is written with humans in mind, but
like so much of our work, we find the work of Urban Paws Magazine 19
body & soul
Where’s the Dog? olistic living is considering the body, mind, and soul in all you do. The same goes for your four-legged friend. I’ve talked before about feeding good food, fresh water, exercise, and just plain loving on your buddy. Living holistically also includes ensuring their safety.
H
Case in point: Little wire-haired dachshund I found wandering near the neighborhood park…on a busy street…while walking my dogs. Friendly little girl who came up to say “hello.” I checked with those at the park and no one knew where she lived. My little pack now increased, at least temporarily, by one. Since it was a Sunday, there were no options for her so she stayed with me overnight. I am a sucker for dogs…I have three. I was surprised she was quiet in the crate overnight and patiently hangs out in there. Unfortunately, today this sweet little girl is going to a shelter because I cannot permanently add another four-legged friend to the group. She is going having had stickers picked from her hair, teeth and ears looked at, a couple of good meals, a couple of Reiki sessions, and some loving.
20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
By: Jan Davidson, Elegant Hippy
So what does this have to do with holistic living? Everything! This wonderful dog, who just might be very loved by her family, is on the streets and going to a shelter because no one noticed she was missing. It is so easy for dogs to slip out of the yard or the house…or worse yet, be taken from the yard. We need to be aware of the risks and take action to help prevent escapes. By taking some simple steps to ensure your four-legged family member is safe, you address the three parts of holistic living for your little buddy and yourself. Do you know where your dog is? Jan Davidson is a certified natural products manufacturer, aromatherapist, holistic health consultant, and Reiki master. She is part owner of Elegant Hippy. www.eleganthippy.com.
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SOLID GOLD FREEZE DRIED RAW BEEF
Many pet owners like to feed raw meat, but the constant recall of raw meat with salmonella poisoning or ecoli has put a stop to many sales. Solid Gold Freeze Dried Raw Meat has solved this problem. We dropped the temperature of the beef to -120Ëš below zero. This kills all diseases. Then, we put in a nitrogen flush which takes out all the moisture. The five pack is almost equivalent to 7 pounds of raw meat with the water removed. The single patty pack is equivalent to a pound and a half of raw meat. Spread out pieces or concentrate as needed. Break apart with fingers and mix with kibble or use as a treat or bait. Not greasy. No need to carry a freezer box.
The Cute Story It had been a long day at the dog show. The owner of two Rhodesian Ridgebacks was exhausted. She was going to rush into a fast food place, grab a sandwich, and the go back to the hotel. She had bought two 5-count Buckaroo Beef packages to mix in with the dry Solid Gold dog food that night. It was easier than trying to open a can of meat. Her two Ridgebacks were sleeping quietly in the van. Should she leave the new packages of Buckaroo Beef in the front seat or not? The two five packs were equivalent to almost 14 lbs. so they couldn’t possibly be that hungry. She had planned to break up the patties for supper, for a bedtime snack and breakfast with kibble. Sounded like a good plan. Rhodesians are very smart. When she returned to her van, all ten patties were gone, they had very carefully opened the packages and enjoyed every bite. Now for a little water, please. So much for the best laid plans---
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The 5 count package is $19.74 plus shipping Single count package is $4.27 plus shipping We accept all major credit cards as well as checks. To order, call (619) 258-7356, Monday thru Friday 10 am to 5pm pacific time, or go online to www.solidgoldholistic.com.
Ask your local pet store for a free catalogue. If they don’t have a SunDancer catalogue, call us at (619) 258-7356, M-F, 10am to 5pm Pacific time. Or e-mail us at info@solidgoldholistic.com. You can also visit our website at www.solidgoldholistic.com.
Solid Gold Holistic Animal Nutrition Center 1331 N. Cuyamaca, El Cajon, CA 92020
adoption Join us in helping our four-legged friends find loving homes. Adopt a dog today!
Pug Hearts of Houston Pug Rescue www.pughearts.org
PugHearts of Houston Pug Rescue is a true 501(c)(3) non-profit charity founded in the Houston area by dedicated pug owners and lovers. Our mission is the rescue, rehabilitation and permanent placement of needy pugs into loving homes. Gage is a 8 year old male that came to us 2 years ago from a local shelter. He had an eye removed and is blind in the other eye. This has never slowed Gage down. He is heartworm negative and otherwise healthy. He is a good boy and prefers the company of people and female dogs. Males dogs can make Gage nervous. He will be fine if they are laid back and calm, but too much activity or noise makes him feel threatened and scared. He loved to wrestle and play and would prefer a home with only one other dog. Gage will cuddle and loves to snuggle with his people on the bed. He deals with some itchy skin and needs to be on a good quality grain free food. Gage has waited a long time to find his forever family. I tell him they are out there, we just have to look hard. Are you the family for Gage?
Our cover dog, Gage!
Photo by Paw Prints by Jamie Pet Photography.
Suzy is a fawn female who is 10 years old, but you would never know her age by her activity level. Suzy is a bird dog trapped in a pug's body. She has made it her mission to seek out and alert her foster parents to birds lurking in bushes and flying around the yard. Suzy is independent, opinionated and a major flirt. She can also be a tattle tale when the other pups are up to no good. Suzy would love a home where she can be taken on walks. This is one senior who rocks! 24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Suzy
Oscar
Jojo is a fawn male who came to us in November of 2010 from an abusive backyard breeder. Apparently he was starved, kicked, and left outside in the elements for all of his 7 years. His physical issues included malnutrition, heartworms, broken teeth, and a bad back with fused vertebrae. All his physical issues have been addressed. His heartworms have been treated, and he has tested heartworm negative for more than a year now. His emotional scars have taken longer to heal. Jojo is a sensitive soul. He is easily stressed: thunderstorms terrify him (a Thundershirt helps), and too much activity and noise also make him feel insecure. He is the first one to sense when one of his foster brothers or sisters doesn’t feel well, and will cuddle them or share his bed. Jojo will be on daily medicine for his back pain and to calm him for the rest of his life. A back massage is a high point of his day. He needs his special person and structure to feel safe, otherwise he tends to chew on himself, and will make his flanks bleed. His perfect forever home would be an experienced dog owner who is retired or works from home, and rarely has children about. He has so much love to give and is a wonderful dog to share your pillow with at night. Jojo is nearing 10 years old now, and deserves a home of his own.
It’s been a little over a year now that Oscar has been in rescue and he is so ready for his family to find him. He is such a loving and wonderful boy. Oscar’s face defies description. He has the most unusual face and 99% of the time he looks like he’s smiling at me. Oscar was so sick when he came to PugHearts that his prognosis was not very hopeful. He had severe heartworms and it was questionable if he would survive the necessary treatment. It was very hard on him and he had some very bad moments, but through it all, Oscar has been a trooper, he never gave up. He has really developed his personality since he feels better. He is quite clownish and he continually makes me smile. He has also shown a marked improvement in his activity level. At the PugHearts events, Oscar is very social and adores the children (or adults) to pay attention to him. He will roll over and put his tummy out there for any and all to rub. He’s a perfectly behaved gentleman, he is house trained and will just slip right into any routine that a family has. Oscar is a miracle. He’s been waiting for over a year so we’re hoping that the perfect person, or family, will be coming along to give him the life he deserves very soon. The only requirement Oscar has is to be loved, everything else is just icing on the cake.
Jojo
Urban Paws Magazine 25
vet directory
VETERINARY DIRECTORY | 2013 Laurie Noaker, DVM, DACVIM Veterinary Emergency Referral Group, Inc. (VERGI) 8921 Katy Freeway Houston, Texas 77024 (p): 713.932.9589 (w): www.vergi247.com
Christie Cornelius, DVM Last Wishes In-Home Pet Hospice and Euthanasia
1302 Waugh Drive, Suite 968 Houston, Texas 77019 (p:) 713.452.0474 (w): www.petslastwishes.com
Rick Wall, DVM, CCRP Center for Veterinary Pain Management and Rehabilitation
10807 Kuykendahl Road, Suite 406 The Woodlands, Texas 77382 (p): 281.298.5509 (e): vetrehab@wallvet.com
Nicholas J. Millichamp,
BVetMed, PhD, DVOphthal, DipECVO, MRCVS Eye Care for Animals 17395 Tomball Parkway #3-H Houston, Texas 77064 (p): 281.890.3937 (w): www.eyecareforanimals.com
Angel Ibanez, DVM Angel’s Pet Hospital
24734 Kuykendahl Road Tomball, Texas 77375 (p:) 281.290.0360 (w): www.angelspethospital.com
Clara Scott, DVM My Family Vet
20120 Kuykendahl Road Spring, Texas 77379 (p): 281.288.0500 (w): www.myfamilyvet.com
The Woodlands
Spring
Tomball
Northwest Houston
Mobile
Greater Houston
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