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Publisher Jennifer Kitchens-Street (281) 384.5431
jennifer@urbanpawsmagazine.com
Advertising (281) 384.5431
sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com
Contributing Writers Bob B. Hamilton Bob Williams Jan Davidson 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 10: Volume 7
EVENT CALENDAR 6 November 2013
THE SCOOP 7
Canine News and Happenings
BODY & SOUL 10
Helping Your Elder Four-Legged Companion Through Life
SPECIAL FEATURE 14
Never Too Old to Love or Be Loved
HEALTH & WELLNESS 18 7 Tips for Helping Older Pets
TRAINING & BEHAVIOR 22
Tips for Safe Travel with Your Dog
ADOPTION 24
Best Friends Furever
Š 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!
Photo by Paw Prints by Jamie Pet Photography.
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COMING IN DECEMBER:
Holiday Gift Guide
COMING IN JANUARY:
2nd Annual Veterinary Profiles Contact us for special advertising opportunities at 281.384.5431.
event calendar For a full list of events, visit: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events NOVEMBER 1
7th Annual Wine and Beer Tasting at the Arbor Gate in Tomball. Enjoy wine, beer, appetizers and live music. Tickets are $40 and benefit Abandoned Animal Rescue. To purchase tickets, visit www.aartomball.org.
NOVEMBER 2
Come bark in the park at the 6th Annual Kingwood Barkfest at Kingwood Town Center Park. 8 N. Main Street in Kingwood. Pet adoptions, raffle, entertainment, food and fun! First 100 attendees receive a free goody bag. For more information, visit www.kingwoodbarkfest.yolasite.com.
NOVEMBER 2
Pugs at Blanco’s sponsored by Fielder Electric Supply. 6:00 p.m. at 3406 Alabama. Enjoy food, silent and live auctions, fashion show and music. Tickets are $35 and proceeds benefit Pug Hearts Rescue. To purchase tickets, visit www.pughearts.com.
NOVEMBER 16
Garage Sale benefiting Tiny Paws Rescue. 308 E. Main Street in Tomball. 6:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. For more information, visit www.tinypawsrescue.com.
NOVEMBER 10
Houston SPCA’s 3rd Annual iWalk for Animals. The iWalk was founded in 2011 as a “walk where you are" event to encourage people (and their pets!)
NOVEMBER to step out and iWalk in support of the Houston SPCA. To register for the event, visit www.houstonspca.org.
NOVEMBER 16
Paws in the Park benefiting Citizens for Animal Protection (CAP). 17555 Katy Freeway from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.petclique.com.
NOVEMBER 18
Gray Ghost Golf Tournament benefiting Weimaraner Rescue of Texas. Sugar Creek Country Club, 420 Sugar Creek Blvd. in Sugar Land. 10:00 a.m. registration and 12:00 p.m. tee time. Registration includes: golf/green fees, lunch and dinner, goody bag, t-shirt, raffle and drink ticket. To register, visit www.weimrescuetexas.org.
NOVEMBER 24
1st Annual Mutts and Meows Holiday Market at Legends Sports Complex, 602 Pruitt Rd. in The Woodlands. 1:00 - 5:00 p.m. Proceeds benefit Montgomery County Animal Shelter. For more information, visit www.muttsandmeowsmarket.com.
SAVE THE DATE: DECEMBER 7
Gleannloch Farms “Paws and Claus” Festival at the Gleannloch Farms Recreation Center and Park, 9420 Gleannloch Forest Drive in Spring. 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.glfpets.com.
Follow us on FACEBOOK & TWITTER for the most up-to-date information, news and events! 6 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
the scoop
Barker Street Bakery in The Woodlands Now Offers Grooming Services
less pets by providing medical care and equip-
dog grooming to their growing list of services.
available online at
Barker Street has recently added full service
Accommodating any size or breed of dog, they can offer any style or cut that a customer desires. For questions or to schedule an appointment, call (832) 322-6133.
Shelter Animals Have Crashed Into the Vineyards and Blended a Whole New Way to Raise Funds for Montgomery County Animal Society
ping volunteers to find homes and save lives.
These limited edition Benefit Wines are now
www.BenefitWines.com/MCAS.
The Wines: The certified organic and vegan
friendly wines - Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc, Malbec and Pinot Noir - are produced on a free trade vineyard in Lontue Valley, Chile. To learn more about the wines, please visit
www.BenefitWines.com/MCAS.
Pet Owners in Montgomery County are Warned of Distemper Rise in Wildlife City and wildlife officials are urging residents of Montgomery County to make sure their pets are vaccinated against distemper. The
warning comes after the discovery of numerous raccoons diagnosed with this virus.
The variety most seen is canine distemper,
which can infect and kill dogs, raccoons,
skunks, foxes and coyotes. There is no cure for In partnership with Benefit Wines,
Montgomery County Animal Society is intro-
ducing a new line of charity wines - a lineup of six estate grown imported wines. These delectable wines, imported from Lontue Valley,
this disease. To help stop the spread of distemper, do not leave pet food or water bowls outside, especially at night. If an infected animal
eats or drinks from the bowl, any other animal coming along afterwards can also be infected. Symptoms of distemper in dogs include
Chile are highly rated and affordably priced for
sneezing, coughing and thick mucus coming
tion of the purchase price is donated to
vomiting and diarrhea, depression and loss of
the wine and charity lover. A significant por-
MCASociety to fund their mission to support Montgomery County Animal Shelter's home-
from the eyes and nose. Fever, lethargy, sudden appetite are also symptoms of the virus. If you
suspect that you dog has been infected, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Urban Paws Magazine 7
the scoop
Montgomery County Animal Society wins $5,000 in Entergy Video Contest
Houston Canine Frisbee Disc Dogs wowed the
Power Entergy employee video contest. The
pet/owner look alike contest, Houston food
Congratulations to the winner of the Star
grand prize of $5,000 goes to Montgomery
County Animal Society (MCASociety) for the
video submitted by David Dancsak. The video, which featured David in action volunteering at
crowd with their high flying dog performances.
Other activities included a pet costume contest, truck vendors, pawtographs from Cronkite the News 92 FM Newshound and low-cost vaccinations and micro-chipping.
The event was a big success and raised
the Montgomery County Animal Shelter
money for the participating rescue organiza-
than 12,000 online votes were cast in the con-
ed to win monetary and food prizes, valued at
(MCAS), was created by Cristina Myers. More test, but David's video with 3719 earned the
most votes to win the grand prize of $5,000. Check out David's video here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KZGR59 U_xfU.
David volunteers every weekend at MCAS
walking dogs and assisting with cat care. He is also a member of the MCASociety board of directors. Cristina has created biographical
videos for dozens of shelter animals and continues to create specialty videos for contests
like Star Power. Next up, MCASociety is in the running to win another $5,000 through the Shelter Me Video Contest presented by PetSafe.
Kingwood Pet Lovers Have a Barking Good Time at Barkfest
The 6th Annual Kingwood Barkfest event took place on November 2nd at Kingwood’s Town
Center Park. Dozens of animal rescue organizations and vendors were on hand. The 8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
tions. Four organizations were randomly selectover $8,000. These winner include: Houston Cocker Spaniel Rescue, English Springer
Rescue, Operation Pets Alive and Great Dane Rescue of Southeast Texas.
Photos courtesy of Mike Parsons
body & soul Helping Your Four-Legged Companion Through Life "There is a cycle of
love and death that shapes the lives of those who choose to travel in the company of animals. It is a cycle unlike any other. To those who have never lived through its turnings and walked its rocky path, our willingness to give our hearts with full knowledge that they will be broken seems incomprehensible. Only we know how small a price we pay for what we receive; our grief, no matter how powerful it may be, is an insufficient measure of the joy we have been given." -Suzanne Clothier
10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
By: Jan Davidson, Elegant Hippy
N
o one wants to talk about end of life
situations…not for humans and not for
our beloved four-legged companions. Death is a
as you and your dog navigate the unknown together.
difficult but necessary part of life. We can help
make the transition easier for both our pets and
3. I will be grateful for all my blessings.
ourselves by using Reiki. Reiki helps us connect in a deeper way…beyond the physical relation-
pared to ours; however, we need to be grateful
for the blessing of having known them no mat-
ship. It enables us to support their journey in such a profound way.
The Five Reiki Precepts can be used as guides
Our companions have such a short life comter how short or long the time. The uncondi-
tional love we feel from our dogs is truly a blessing to be thankful for.
while we support our dogs through their transitions. Keeping ourselves on a stable and bal-
4. I will work with honesty and integrity.
anced emotional track helps us to help our dogs
more completely. You don’t need to be a Reiki
unconditional love, it is during this time of their life that it is critical that we “work” toward doing
Master to follow the precepts. Incorporating them into our daily lives helps us live more fully as humans and as adopted parents of our fourlegged companions.
Because our companions have always giving us the same for them.
5. I will be kind to all living beings.
For me personally, this is the most critical pre-
cept. Being there for my dog as they cross the
Reiki Precepts
rainbow bridge has always been the kindest
Just for today,
reciprocating that unconditional love and begin-
1. I will not be angry.
Feelings of anger are common when faced with the loss of someone special. Remember more emotional energy spent on anger the less comforting energy you have to support your dog.
thing I could do for them. It isn’t easy, but it is ning our own healing process.
Jan Davidson is a certified natural products manufacturer, aromatherapist, holistic health consultant and Reiki master. She is part owner of Elegant Hippy, LLC. www.eleganthippy.com
2. I will not worry.
Worrying about the transition and the fear of
the unknown are both very intimidating. Surrender to the uncertainty to help stay present
Urban Paws Magazine 11
mutt mugs
“He is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog. You are his life, his love, his leader. He will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of his heart. You owe it to him to be worthy of such devotion.� Unknown
12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
special feature
Senior Pets: Never Too Old to Love or Be Loved
14 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
By: Bob B. Hamilton
H
aving longer lives has a downside in
as healthy as possible given its present age, breed
wide variety of health issues that will
How often should you take your senior pet for
pets when they have higher risks for a
and physical condition.
adversely affect their quality of life.
these comprehensive veterinary examinations?
longer lives, thanks to advances in veterinary
lar examinations although you must take your
Domestic pets like cats and dogs are enjoying
medicine and increased awareness of pet health
by their owners. Such an advantage, however,
has a downside in that pets have higher risks for a wide variety of health issues that will adverse-
Veterinarians suggest two times a year for regupet for immediate consultations when any
changes in its activity, appearance and behavior are observed.
These comprehensive veterinary examinations
ly affect their quality of life.
involve physical examinations and laboratory
ed to changes in weight, mobility and tempera-
its veterinarian can establish baseline values for
These health issues include but are not limit-
ment; osteoarthritis, cancer, diabetes and thyroid
imbalances; and cardiovascular illnesses like
strokes and congestive heart failure. Indeed, pets require special care from their own-
tests. Let your pet undergo these exams so that its health, said values of which will be used to
determine any progression or regression in its health status.
Of course, you also have responsibilities in
ers/caretakers and veterinarians to promote a
adopting special home care for your senior pet.
Before special care can be provided, you must
psychological changes happening in your pet,
better quality of life in their old age.
determine whether your pet is a senior animal.
Keep in mind that the type of care that will be provided to a senior pet will be different from
that of a younger pet. Your best source of your
You should take into account the physical and said changes of which include loss of sensory perception, inappropriate elimination, and graying coats, among others.
Your pet’s veterinarian will recommend corre-
pet’s senior status is a veterinarian especially as
sponding changes in its diet and exercise pro-
ferent times.
essential in ensuring your pet’s comfort such as
each individual pet reaches its senior years at dif-
The first step in taking good care of your sen-
ior pets is regular veterinary examinations. These examinations are made in order to either
delay the onset of a progressive disease or to catch an acute disease in its early stages. Both are
gram. You may also purchase a few special items orthopedic beds and ladders.
In the end, the loving care you provide for
your senior pet will strengthen your mutual bond till the last days of its life.
obviously geared toward making your senior pet Urban Paws Magazine 15
Why Adopt a Senior Dog? S
enior dogs are often overlooked at shelters. Most people are looking for young,
active dogs and in actuality, there are plenty of senior dogs who are still quite active.
Dogs become “seniors” around age seven,
according to most veterinarians. Other factors,
experience reading humans can help them quickly figure out how to do what you’re asking. Seniors Have a Lot of Love to Give Need we say more?
such as size and health, can play a part in how
They’re Not a 24-7 Job
and become seniors later in life than larger dogs.
ing that puppies do, leaving you with more free-
quickly a dog ages. Smaller dogs mature slower If you’re considering adopting a dog from
your local shelter, don’t look past the older dogs.
They can make great pets for a number of reasons.
Older dogs don’t require the constant monitor-
dom to do your own thing. If you have young
children, or just value your time, this is a definite bonus.
They Settle in Quickly What You See Is What You Get
Older dogs have been around the block and
you’ll know important things like their full-
others and become part of a pack. They’ll be
Older dogs are open books—from the start, grown size, personality and grooming require-
ments. All this information makes it easier to
already learned what it takes to get along with part of the family in no time.
select the right dog and forge an instant connec-
Fewer Messes
surprises, an older dog is for you.
for adopting a senior dog. Older dogs are likely
tion that will last a lifetime. If you’re not into
Your floors, shoes and furniture will thank you
to already be house trained—and even if they’re
Easy to Train
not, they have the physical and mental abilities
Think again! Older dogs are great at focusing on
their teething years far behind them, seniors also
Think you can’t teach an old dog new tricks? you—and on the task at hand—because they’re calmer than young dogs. Plus, all those years of 16 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
to pick it up really fast (unlike puppies). With are much less likely to be destructive chewers.
You Won’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew
There are those who yearn for a canine friend of
their own, but hesitate because they worry what might happen in their lives in the years to come.
And they are wise to do so—a puppy or young dog can be anywhere from an 8 to 20 year
responsibility, which is not appropriate for the
very elderly or those with certain long-term future plans. Providing a loving home for a dog in their golden years is not a less serious commitment, but it can be a shorter one. They Enjoy the Easy Life
Consider a canine retiree rather than a high-
energy, young dog who will run you ragged. It’s not that older dogs don’t require any exercise,
but they’re not going to need, or want to run a marathon every day. You Can Save a Life
At shelters, older dogs are often the last to be adopted and the first
Seniors by the Numbers:
32%
of homes to pet parents ages 65+ include a dog
37yrs
oldest cat living on record: Creme Puff
75%
of pet life span lived = “geriatric” classification
84%
believe older dogs should eat differently
to be euthanized. Saving an animal’s
offers
life
an
unparal-
leled emo-
tional return
on your invest-
ment, and you’ll feel
the rewards every day you spend together.
Urban Paws Magazine 17
health & wellness 7 Top Tips for Helping Older Pets
S
ometimes the simplest things can make
a huge difference. Here are some of our
favorite tips and tricks for helping older animals:
1. Lose the Weight!
Obesity is a huge problem in pets just as it is in humans. It causes joint problems, diabetes, pain and breathing issues. While it might be tempting
to treat your older pet to his favorite treat, he will thank you more for managing his weight,
3. Use a cookie sheet for a litter pan
The high walled litter box that keeps the litter neatly inside may be very difficult for your older kitty to manage. Observe your cat to see if she is struggling climbing in or out or if she is having litter box issues. Try a disposable cookie sheet for a litter box so your cat can easily step in and out.
giving him a healthy, pain-free, active lifestyle.
4. Help your dog with traction on slippery floors
2. Raise the Bowls
mats work well for small areas), keeping nails
Bending to the ground for food and water can
put a lot of strain on joints. We want to encour-
age eating and drinking especially in our older companions so making the bowls more accessible is often helpful. You can purchase raised
bowls, or simply put the bowls on a stack of books.
Using rubber backed throw rugs (bathroom
short, and trimming fur between foot pads can all help with traction and provide your senior pet with more stability.
5. Make sure you have good bedding
Older pets spend more time
resting and sleeping. They are
often "bonier" than their younger
counterparts and have a more dif-
ficult time healing. Choosing the right bedding for your pet can
make a huge difference in their
comfort. Imagine how you would
feel if you slept on the floor, ver-
sus in your own bed. Now imagine
asking your 90 year old grandfather
to sleep on the floor. How would he feel when he woke up in the morning?
Achy, uncomfortable not well rested. 18 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
By: Heather Merrill, C.T.
Older bodies are more prone to pressure sores,
which are more difficult to heal than when they were younger. There are many, many kinds of
bedding available. We particularly like those
made from memory foam, high loft fleece, and soft fabrics. But deeper isn't necessarily better! Choose a bed that suits your animal - too deep
and it may be difficult for him to get on and off or may feel unstable.
6. Use a Probiotic
Digestion problems often come with age. A
good probiotic given daily can help your pet digest her food and stay regular.
7. Add a joint supplement
There are many wonderful joint supplements
that, when given at the right dose on a regular
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.
basis, can make a huge impact on your animal's
comfort and mobility. We have had a great deal of success with liquid hyaluronic acid. Essential fatty acids can also reduce inflammation and help with pain. Ask your vet to guide you to a
good supplement for your pet - even before she
shows any signs of pain. Since the efficacy of supplements is directly related to their quality, choose a vet grade supplement rather than one off the pet store shelf.
Urban Paws Magazine 19
training & behavior Tips for Safe Travel with Your Dog
W
hether you travel by car, truck,
and a microchip is a permanent form of ID to
and pleasant journey with your pet
becomes lost.
plane or train, help ensure a safe
by taking these safety precautions.
• Carry a recent photograph of your dog to
General Travel Tips
• No matter what your mode of travel, the
single best safe practice you can employ to keep your dog safe during the journey is to keep him restrained.
• Affix a highly visible and durable pet ID tag to
your
dog’s
collar
and
have
help ensure that he is returned to you if he
him
microchipped. A tag is the first thing that anyone looks for when they stop to help a pet
make it easier for others to help you look for your dog if he gets lost.
• If your dog is prone to anxiety or motion
sickness, consult with your veterinarian about using pet tranquilizers for your dog appropri-
ate for the particular type of travel that you will take.
• Feed your pet his usual meal one to two
hours before travel. (If your dog is prone to motion sickness, feed him two to four hours
before travel.) Do not give him food or water during travel as it may spill, forcing him to lie
in a mess during the trip. Dogs can go 8 to 12 hours without food or water.
Cars and Trucks
• No matter how long or short the journey, your dog should be restrained. An unre-
strained dog is dangerous to himself and oth-
ers. He can become a flying projectile that can injure you, your passengers or himself.
• Secure your dog in the back seat (dogs rid-
ing in the front seat can be seriously harmed if the airbags deploy) with a pet travel safety
harness or car seat, or in a pet carrier fas22 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
By: Bob Williams, Bark Busters Home Dog Training
tened to a seat belt. If you drive an SUV,
another environment.
back area of the vehicle as well as securing
• Watch for temperature extremes. Your car
hooks in the floor.
freezer in the bitter cold.
install a pet barrier to keep your dog in the
him in his harness and attaching it to the
is like an oven under the blazing sun and a
• If you must transport your dog in the bed of
Airline or Train Travel
truck bed to prevent him from being thrown
in the cargo hold, your dog will need to travel
a pickup, use a crate or carrier, secured to the into traffic at a sudden stop.
• Do not allow your dog to ride with his head
out of the window. Road debris and other fly-
• Whether he will go in the cabin with you or
in an airline or train approved carrier. Check the airline or train line Website for requirements.
ing objects can injure his eyes.
• If your pet will travel as cargo, check for
• Before you set out on your journey and
records and other restrictions.
after arriving at your destination, give your
requirements on any health/immunization
dog plenty of exercise. This will help him to be
• Use direct flights to avoid mix-ups during
surroundings.
your pet off of the plane. Ask the airline if you
more relaxed and able to acclimate to his new
• When stopping for a break and before you
open the car door, attach a leash to your
transfers or the possibility of delays in getting can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded into the cargo hold.
dog’s collar so that he can’t escape. Even the
• Upon arrival of your destination, open the
when traveling. Always use a leash to walk
then leash your dog so that you can safely
most obedient pet can become disoriented your dog.
• On a long car ride, stop every four hours or
carrier as soon as you are in a safe place, and
examine him. If anything seems wrong, get him to a veterinarian right away.
so to allow your dog to relieve himself (be
A happy, well socialized dog that knows you
refresh himself with a small drink of water
secure will enjoy traveling to new places with
sure to clean up after him), stretch his legs, and help him understand that he’s going to
will always be there to keep him safe and you.
Urban Paws Magazine 23
adoption Best Friends Furever www.furever.org
Best Friends Furever is a small group of volunteers who work to save homeless, neglected, abused, and abandoned dogs and cats. BFF is dedicated to the sheltering, fostering and rehoming of these animals. They are a non-profit, 501(c)3 tax exempt, no-kill rescue and placement organization that depends solely on adoption fees, fundraisers, and donations to save lives. Please consider getting involved by adopting, donating or volunteering by contacting bffurever@yahoo.com.
Our cover dog, Zack!
Zack is a neutered male Husky mix.
Zack and his best friend, Zippy were rescued from the Arlington City Shelter just before they were sched-
uled to be put to sleep. Zack is a laid-
back boy with the most beautiful blue eyes. He enjoys quietly laying close to you and playing with Zippy. Zack is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated and ready to find his forever home.
Join us in helping our four-legged friends find loving homes. Adopt a dog today!
24 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com
Photos by Paw Prints by Jamie Pet Photography.
Ernie is a neutered, male pit mix. Ernie is four years old and has been waiting a long time for his forever family. He is a death row survivor, rescued just in the nick of time. He is a beautiful, brindle and white dog, with blue and brown eyes. Ernie is a mild-mannered dog with a sweet disposition. He is smart, sensitive, eager to please, relaxed and quiet in his crate, and yearns to be close to his human companion. Ernie is friendly with all people and other dogs. He is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.
Ernie
Grayson
Taffy is a female Shih Tzu/Terrier mix. She is about 1 1/2 years old. Taffy was abandoned at a local park and is a super sweet girl, who loves nothing more than to cuddle and give kisses. Housebroken and quiet, Taffy is good with other dogs and people. She is spayed, microchipped and vaccinated.
Grayson is a three-year-old Weimaraner mix. He was saved from the City of Houston’s animal control facility, and just in time. One word describes this dog - AWESOME! He knows basic commands like sit, stay, and down and is very smart and wants to please. Grayson will be very bonded to his human. He is neutered, microchipped and vaccinated.
Taffy
Urban Paws Magazine 25