September 2013 by Urban Paws Magazine

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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YOUR AD HERE Be a part of the Urban Paws Pack.

Affordable. Effective. Easy. To find out more, call 281.384.5431

Publisher Jennifer Kitchens-Street (281) 384.5431

jennifer@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Advertising (281) 384.5431

sales@urbanpawsmagazine.com

Contributing Writers Heather Saucier Michelle Spencer Jan Davidson

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 8: Volume 7

EVENT CALENDAR 6 September 2013

THE SCOOP 7

Canine News and Happenings

HAPPY TALES 10

National Homeless Animals Day Helps Highlight Despair and Hope of Homeless Animals

SPECIAL FEATURE 14

2013 Animal Legislation Update

HEALTH & WELLNESS 18

Part III: Radiation Therapy & Your Pet Questions and Answers

BODY & SOUL 22

What is Reiki and How Does it Benefit Me and My Dog?

ADOPTION 24 ÂŠ Copyright 2013. 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.

Please tell our advertisers that you heard about them in Urban Paws Magazine!

Houston Beagle & Hound Rescue

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 OCTOBER:

Rescue & Adoption

COMING IN NOVEMBER:

Senior Pet Issue Contact us for special advertising opportunities at 281.384.5431.

event calendar For a full list of events, visit: www.urbanpawsmagazine.com/events SEPTEMBER 6-7

5th Annual THLN Animal Advocacy Conference. Renaissance Austin Hotel. This is a great conference for animal rescue and shelter workers, animal control officers, animal law attorneys, animal protection organization volunteers, students, veterinarians, and citizens who care about the welfare of animals. Weekend registration is $140. To register, visit http://thln2013conference.thln.org.

SEPTEMBER 14

Special Pals Mobile Adoption event at Underdogs Sports Pub, 4212 Washington Ave. 6:00 - 10:00 p.m. For more information, visit www.specialpalshouston.org.

SEPTEMBER 16

PAWS Houston’s Food and Wine Extravaganza hosted by Sorrell Urban Bistro, 2202 West Alabama. 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. Four of Houston’s best chefs will prepare their signature dishes. Tickets are $95 per person or $180 for couples. To R.S.V.P. email scott@pawshouston.org or call 713.840.7297.

SEPTEMBER 21

You and your dog are invited to join Best Friends Animal Society’s First Annual Strut Your Mutt in Houston. Enjoy a leisurely fundraising dog walk followed by a doggie-themed festival that includes pet contests, photos, treats for your dogs, fun activities, refreshments and more. TC Jester Park, 4201 W. TC Jester. 7:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. For more

SEPTEMBER information, visit www.strutyourmutt.org/houston.

SEPTEMBER 22

2nd Annual Music for Mutts event will benefit Unity for a Solution. This event will feature live music by Zenteno Spirit, Mitch Jacobs Band, Zydeco Dots, David DeLaGarza & Friends and Ken Mondshine & Brotherhood. Outlaw Dave will emcee. Rockefeller Hall. 2:00 - 6:00 p.m. To purchase tickets, visit www.eventbee.com/v/musicformuttshouston.

SEPTEMBER 27

Houston Beagle Rescue’s Yappy Hour at Animal Tales, 23930 Westheimer Parkway. 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Stop by to meet the adoptable beagles available for adoption. Food and beverages will be provided. For more information, visit www.houstonbeaglerescue.org.

SEPTEMBER 27-29

DockDogs returns for its sixth year of canine competition and family fun at Discovery Green. For more information, visit www.discoverygreen.com/dockdogs.

SEPTEMBER 30

Swing, Drive and Putt: Save a Kitty and a Mutt. 9th Annual Golf Tournament benefiting Abandoned Animal Rescue. High Meadow Ranch Golf Club. To register, visit www.aartomball.org.

the scoop

Rescue Bank to Hold Annual Party and Silent Auction on October 24 Rescue

including Pennebaker and Limb Design among others.

A silent auction will feature art from local

Bank®,

artists, including a painting by Jenny Grumbles

Houston

Crazy Canvas, the West Houston “paint and

the

of Storage Wars of Texas.

non-

sip” studio, is proud to sponsor this event and

that has

paintings created by their artists. Crazy Canvas

profit

delivered millions of

pounds of pet

food to local animal rescue groups, will hold

their annual “First We Feed Them™” Art and

is donating decorative pet food bowls and

offers lessons, art camps and events led by

painters, ceramicists, sculptors and stained glass artists.

Event tickets are available by email at

party@rescuebank.org or online at rescuebank.org/party.

October 24, 2013, starting at 5:30PM at

It’s Time to Tee Up for the AAR 9th Annual Golf Tournament

Uptown Park Blvd, Houston, TX 77056.

Golf Tournament will be held at High

Pet Bowl Auction and Party on Thursday,

McCormick & Schmick’s in Uptown Park, 1151 Tickets are $35 in advance, $45 at door. There will be Hors d’oeuvres & cash bar.

Rescue Bank’s mission is helping smaller, less

visible animal rescue groups that collectively

provide most of the community’s animal welfare resources.

This year’s event features the Celebrity Bowl

– a special display of bowls decorated by local media personalities such as Casey Curry. Your pet could be “never more than 7 minutes

The Abandoned Animal Rescue 9th Annual Meadow Ranch Golf Club in Magnolia on

Monday, September 30th. Sign in is at 7:00 a.m. with an 8:00 a.m. shotgun start. Prizes will be

awarded for top teams, longest drive, straight-

est drive, and closest to the pin. The $125 entry fee includes a lunch buffet, green fee, cart,

range balls, morning coffee, goodie bag with

snacks, two drink tokens and door prize drawing.

AAR is a no-kill, non-profit, animal shelter,

away” from their next snack.

adoption center and affordable Wellness and

“friendly” art bowl competition among

an all-volunteer staff. AAR helps the homeless

Also featured is the Designer Super Bowl, a

Houston’s leading graphic and design firms

Spay-Neuter Clinic managed and maintained by animals in our communities and encourages civic responsibility without any government

Urban Paws Magazine 7

the scoop

support. Operating money for the shelter

athletes across Texas, Oklahoma, and Louisiana

tions, grants, and fundraisers.

high-jump and long-jump off a 20-foot dock

comes from medical and adoption fees, donaFor more information, email:

aar.events@gmail.com. For registration and sponsorships, visit www.aartomball.org.

P&G Voluntarily Recalls Limited Quantity of Dry Pet Food Due to Possible Health Risk

The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) has

voluntarily recalled specific lots of dry pet food because they have the potential to be contami-

in diverse jumping competitions, including a into a 40-foot pool of water on the Jones Lawn.

Join the fun by participating in events like

the Haute Dog Costume Contest! Admission is

free and open to the public. Anyone with a dog can participate but you must register to participate in competitions and entry fees apply.

Online pre-registration closes September 23, at 11:45 a.m.

Rounding out the scene at DockDogs is pet-

nated with Salmonella. These lots were distrib-

friendly vendors, dog training demonstrations,

one-tenth of one percent (0.1%) of annual

and animal adoptions. Past exhibitors have

uted in the United States and represent roughly production. No Salmonella-related illnesses

have been reported to date in association with these product lots.

Consumers who purchased specific

Eukanuba and Iams products

(www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/default.htm),

should stop using the product and discard it

appearances by favorite look-a-like characters included Pinot's Palette featuring Pet Project,

S.A.V.E. Rescue Coalition, KONA Sno-cones, Haute Pets Mobile Grooming, Luxe Design Dog Clothing.

For event schedules and times, visit

www.discoverygreen.com/dockdogs.

and contact P&G toll-free at 800.208.0172, or via the website at www.iams.com or www.eukanuba.com.

DockDogs速 Returns to Discovery Green DockDogs速 returns September 27-29, 2013 for its sixth year of canine competition and

family fun at Discovery Green. This three-day

national tour dog jumping competition makes a stop at Discovery Green to feature four-legged 8 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Photo by Kenneth B. Moore

the scoop

60 Works of Art on Display in Texas for a Worthy Cause

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

Downtown Club at Houston Center, 1100

Caroline, from 6:00-9:30 p.m. Proceeds from the sponsorships and the live auction will sup-

port the Texas Humane Legislation Network (THLN) and South Texas College of Law's Animal Law Clinic (STCL).

To see all the fabulous art pieces, place a bid

and learn more about the live auction event visit the website at www.pawsforapurrpose.com.

dogs and cats of

different sizes, shapes and poses will be included along with two mini-cows and a few surprises. Internationally known artist Allison Gregory has selected 43 of some of the top artists in

Texas to participate in this event. Many of these artists produce museum-quality work, and all

were selected because of their unique style and overall quality of work.

In July, South Texas College of Law turned the

9th floor of the law school into an art gallery and hosted a special reception to unveil the art.

The sculptures will be on display through

August. From late August through late October,

Willie Nelson autographs the mini cow exclusively for this event as lead artist Allison Gregory looks on.

the art pieces will be moved to "foster homes,

such as high-end retail stores, hotels, car dealer-

ships, 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

Urban Paws Magazine 9

happy tales

National Homeless Animals Day Helps Highlight Despair and Hope of Homeless Pets itting on a dirty porch of a dilapidated hair salon in northeast Houston, “Carlos” a pit bull mix, suffered in silence with a red, swollen paw. Believed to be the victim of a dog fight, he allowed a volunteer from Corridor Rescue, an animal rescue and rehabilitation group in Houston, to help him last year. Named after the infamous Corridor of Cruelty, near U.S. 59 and Little York Road where mutilated dogs from illegal dog fighting rings are dumped, Corridor Rescue has saved more than 700 dogs since its founding in 2008. Carlos had to have his front leg amputated and waited nearly a year in boarding kennels and foster homes to be adopted. Seeing his picture on petfinder.com several months ago, Kacee Pavelka, 24, knew that Carlos was meant for her, as she had lost her right arm when she was hit by a drunk driver. “It’s rare to find someone who can share the same experience,” she said of losing a limb. “Not being able to find someone I could identify with, I started thinking, why not a dog?” To heighten awareness of the plight of tens of thousands of homeless animals and the positive impacts made by rescue groups, August 17 has officially become recognized as National Homeless Animals Day. An estimated 80,000 dogs and cats are euthanized each year and dumped in landfills in the greater Houston area. More are wandering the streets and suffering from cruelty and neglect. One of the most infamous places is the Corridor of Cruelty, a quarter-mile strip of

10 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

Kacee and her new pal, Carlos.

vacant land surrounded by shopping strips. “Veer to the left or right along any point and you will see the same thing everywhere – abandoned starving dogs in pain and suffering,” said Deborah Hoffman, founder of Corridor Rescue. “Here, trash and animals are discarded without thought on a regular basis.” If the dogs who are dumped do not die, they continue to breed and add to the homeless pet population. Corridor Rescue operates with a carefully organized group of feeders, medical and psychological rehabilitators, foster homes, boarding facilities and volunteers who perform thorough background checks to help find animals loving,

By: Heather Saucier

permanent homes. The group works with local pet stores, such as PetSmart and Petco, to hold weekend adoption events. “We are a small army of volunteers waging a battle on behalf of these animals,” Hoffman said. The group, which does not own a shelter, regularly looks for people to foster animals while they wait for adoption. It also relies on transporters to take rescued animals to adoption events and to a reputable shelter in Missouri, which enables the quick and safe adoption of dogs. Often times, as in the case of Pavelka, miracle matches are made. “So many people look at me and see my disability and it makes them very doubtful of my abilities,” Pavelka said. So she felt an instant empathy for Carlos when reading his biography on the internet. “When someone looks at a dog with special needs like Carlos, people are taken aback and afraid of what he can and can’t do.” Wanting to shout to the world the undeniable need of animals and how the dedication of peo-

Carlos waited nearly a year to be adopted.

ple can transform their lives, Hoffman began Corridor Rescue with one e-mail sent to many friends five years ago: “You will find mixes and pure breeds of all kinds: boxers, labs, shepherds, pitbulls, bull dogs, rottweilers, dalmatians – mostly larger dogs. But you’ll also find small ones and plenty of puppies, too. Some have mange, some have broken bones, and some are pregnant. Some are emaciated and all are hungry. Some will come right up to you and some will run the other way,” she wrote. “They live in wooded areas and travel through the ditches and across busy intersections. They get hit by cars and keep on going…they scrounge in the few parking lots there are for food scraps. They don’t want to live like this. They are scared and lonely. They want to be saved and have a home.” Before she knew it, donations were flowing and volunteers were stepping up. Today, Corridor Rescue, a 501(c)3 charity, has dozens of volunteers who work year-round with their final goal being adoption. When Carlos first moved into Pavelka’s Fulshear, Texas home, he did not bark or jump. Today, he talks up a storm and jumps on her couch. “That is very nice because he was always very withdrawn from people,” she said. According to Hoffman, Pavelka is one example of how a person can dramatically change the life of an animal. And she continues to look for countless more. Those looking to volunteer for Corridor Rescue, or to help foster or adopt an animal should contact www.corridorrescue.org. Urban Paws Magazine 11

mutt mugs

â&#x20AC;&#x153;A good dog deserves a good bone.â&#x20AC;? Ben Johnson

12 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

special feature

14 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

By: Jennifer Kitchens-Street

he 83rd Texas Legislative Session ended

pets and other companion animals in protective

Session, both the House and the Senate filed a

bill would technically fix the current law to add

on May 27, 2013. During the Regular

combined 5,868 bills. Only 1,437 of these were passed. Governor Perry vetoed 26 bills and vetoed individual items on 2 others.

orders for victims of domestic violence. This "actual or constructive care" to "possession" so that the county attorneys will enforce the law.

This bill has passed both the House and Senate

Listed below are two key animal bills tracked by

and is being sent to Governor Perryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office for his

(THLN) that recently passed.

Legislative sessions are a series of uphill battles

THLN BILL: SB 360 - Relating to methods

public and animal welfare advocates throughout

the Texas Humane Legislation Network

used by an animal shelter to euthanize a dog or cat ("The Gassing Bill").

This bill prohibits the use of the gas chamber

as a method of euthanasia in shelters, requiring

signature.

and victories depend on full support from the the state of Texas. Every animal advocate has a

voice and the animals need you now more than ever to make Texas a more humane state.

euthanasia by injection on shelter dogs and cats.

Established in 1975, Texas Humane Legislation

This bill passed both the House and Senate and was signed by Governor Perry on May 10, 2013.

that fights for the enactment and enforcement

law itself provides shelters time to come into

abuse. THLN is the political arm and voice for

The law became effective immediately, but the

compliance, no later than January 1, 2014.

THLN is willing to assist the 29 shelters (still using carbon monoxide to euthanize its shelter dogs and cats) come into compliance by this date.

SB 555 - Relating to provisions in protective orders regarding pets and other companion ani-

mals; providing a penalty. ("Pets in Protective

Network is a grassroots, nonprofit organization

of laws to protect animals from neglect and every animal and animal welfare agency in Texas.

To learn more about THLN and animal law in Texas, please consider attending the 5th Annual

Animal Advocacy Conference, September 6-7, 2013 in Austin. Please visit www.thln.org for more details.

Order Bill").

This bill makes it possible for county attorneys

to enforce the law that allows judges to include Urban Paws Magazine 15

special feature Phony Service Dogs Could Be Ruinous for the Real Deal By: Angie Timmons-Hanselka, Texas Humane Legislation Network Volunteer

n June, Texas Governor Rick Perry signed

service animal certifications and vests. A quick

with disabilities to bring service animals to any

ing these services for anywhere from $20 to

into law HB 489, which allows individuals

public place without having to show the animal’s qualifications or certifications.

While freedom from showing a service ani-

mal’s papers is good news for the truly disabled, the increase in people passing off any animal as a service animal is not. Individuals who simply want to bring their pet to dinner, for example,

internet search revealed multiple businesses sell-

$300. This shady business practice gives anyone

with a pet companion a sense of security about bringing their animal anywhere they’d like –

including into airline cabins, effectively avoiding the fees they’d normally have to pay to place their animal in the plane’s cargo hold.

This issue has caught the attention of many

can potentially do so without being questioned

bloggers with disabilities and legitimate news

tion papers. As such, unruly or undisciplined

further attention as the public attempts to dif-

by the restaurant manager or asked for certificaanimals may gain access to public places and

potentially tarnish the reputation of service dogs. A true service animal has undergone years of training, will obey the commands of its dis-

abled companion, and will not be easily distracted or excited.

Meanwhile, more than a few corrupt business-

es have seized the opportunity to sell phony

outlets. The matter is sure to continue to capture

ferentiate between phony and legitimate service animals. Visit www.thln.org

and register for

Action Alerts to be kept informed on this and

other important issues. More importantly, registration will allow you to be notified when we call

upon the public to take action contacting legis-

lators. Without calls to legislators, animal welfare legislation will not pass.

Photo courtesy of Found Animals

16 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

health & wellness Part III - Radiation Therapy & Your Pet: Q and A elcome to our series on companion

lymphoma) or one that has metastasized

discuss radiation therapy and how it can benefit

good candidates for radiation therapy. Also,

animal cancer. In this article, we will

your pet.

(spread to different parts of the body) are not

certain types of cancer respond better to radiation therapy than others.

What is Radiation Therapy?

Radiation therapy is a type of treatment that uses high energy radiation to kill cancer cells.

What’s the difference between curative, pallia-

used to treat companion animals is external

Some forms of cancer can be cured by radia-

The most common form of radiation therapy

tive and adjunct radiation therapy?

beam radiation which is delivered via a beam

tion therapy, so we say that the therapy is given

emitted from a machine called a linear accelerator. The high energy radioactive particles emit-

ted by the linear accelerator work to destroy the DNA, or primary blueprints of cancer cells, thereby rendering the cells unable to replicate.

What’s the difference between chemotherapy

Radiation therapy can be used in different ways. with curative intent. Some forms of cancer that cannot be cured, like osteosarcoma (bone can-

cer), may produce painful tumors. In this case,

radiation therapy delivered to the tumor can actually help reduce your pet’s pain. When used

in this manner, radiation is said to be palliative.

Radiation therapy can also be used before or

and radiation therapy?

after surgery. Using therapy before surgery can

ment, which means that both cancerous and

its successful removal. Using therapy after sur-

Chemotherapy is a systemic (whole body) treat-

healthy tissues throughout the body are affected. As a result, the side effects of chemotherapy are

systemic, too. Radiation therapy is a localized

reduce the size of a tumor potentially leading to gery can kill remaining microscopic cancer cells left behind after a tumor removal.

treatment that affects only tissues treated with

the radiation beam. While radiation affects both

What happens during planning?

cancerous tissue and nearby healthy tissue, its side effects are not systemic.

ment begins on your pet. After discussing treatment with your Radiation Oncologist, he or she

Why can’t all cancers be treated with radiation

A few things need to take place before treatwill make sure that your pet is well enough to

undergo therapy. Normally, they will perform a

therapy?

physical exam and run blood work to ensure

area, a systemic cancer (such as a multi-centric

Next, your pet will undergo imaging tests to

Because radiation therapy only treats a localized 18 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

that your animal is fit to receive anesthesia.

By: Michelle Spencer, Veterinary Technician, Oncology Specialist

check for possible spread of the cancer and then

Sometimes, a simple sedative will do the trick.

cer’s location. Chest x-rays are usually per-

used.

to map out a treatment plan based on the canformed to check for metastasis (or spread) of

Other times, injectable or gas anesthetic must be

the cancer and a CT is usually performed to determine the exact location of the tumor. The

What are the side effects of radiation therapy?

Radiation Oncologist will then use these images to map out your pet’s treatment. They will deter-

ized, and only involve the tissue surrounding the

treatment area. The most common side effects

mine the exact location and amount of radiation

your pet will receive to maximize treatment and

The side effects of radiation therapy are localare:

minimize damage to healthy tissue.

Mucositis: the irritation and/or ulceration of the

Did you say ‘anesthesia’?

mouth to the anus. Mucositis normally begins 1-

and minimize damage to healthy tissue, your pet

after treatment has ended. Your veterinarian can

Yes. In order to maximize treatment potential must remain absolutely still and in the same position during each and every treatment.

lining of the digestive tract anywhere from the 2 weeks into treatment and resolves 1-2 weeks prescribe medications to combat pain or diarrhea caused my mucositis.

Urban Paws Magazine 19

Dermal Effects: moist desquamation or “radia-

tion burn” of the skin

may occur, again, typically lasting a couple of

weeks. During this time,

your goals will be to prevent licking/chewing of

the area, to keep it clean

and to give any pain

medications prescribed by your veterinarian. Do not put anything (topical aids, bandages, etc) on

the area without your

veterinarian’s instructions. Your pet may also

experience temporary alopecia (hair loss). Hair normally returns, but may be a different color.

Ocular Effects: cataracts, KCS (chronic lack of tear production) and blindness may occur. Most

ocular changes occur months to years after radi-

ation therapy had ended. Again, if your pet’s eyes are within the treatment field, every effort

will be made to protect their eyes and reduce possible side effects.

Rest assured, if any of these side effects are like-

ly to occur as a result of your pet’s treatment,

your Radiation Oncologist will discuss them with you at length prior to starting treatment. 20 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

What happens during a typical treatment and why can’t I be present?

Typically, a veterinary technician will greet you

and your pet and ask if there have been any

changes since your last visit. If not, the technician will take your pet into the treatment area and you will wait in the waiting room. In order

to go into the treatment area, you must go through safety training and wear a radiation

monitoring badge. Normally, your pet will be

briefly examined, then sedated/anesthetized and

moved onto the platform of the linear accelerator. They will be positioned properly and the technicians will move behind protective walls. Your pet will be monitored via cameras or windows and will have monitors attached which

allow the staff to track their heart rate and other

important vital signs. The staff will then prepare

and test the linear accelerator and deliver the treatment. As soon as the treatment has ended,

and will continue to be monitored by a technician.

they will enter the room and begin to take your

Will my pet be radioactive?

pens within 15 minutes! However, your pet will

not have to take any special precautions!

pet off of anesthesia. Normally, all of this hap-

not be released to you until they have recovered

No. Your pet will not be radioactive and you do

from sedation/anesthesia, which may take

Thank you for joining us for this installment of

pet will relax on a bed or in a comfortable cage

cuss how surgery is used in the treatment of

another 15-45 minutes. During this time, your

our cancer series. In our next article, we will discancer.

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 and Care for Pets at www.NewEnglandPetHospice.com.

Urban Paws Magazine 21

body & soul What is Reiki and How Does it Benefit Me and My Dog?

By: Jan Davidson, Elegant Hippy

eiki is energy healing where the practi-

talking with the dog to gauge whether they are

It can be done with hands on or hands off and

with them and see if it changes. If they are

tioner is a conduit for universal energy.

is always done fully clothed (in the case of humans!). Reiki is great for both humans and animals. Reiki benefits that both you and your

receptive. If they are not receptive, I simply sit

receptive we proceed with the session by laying hands on the dog in various positions.

While many practitioners use the hand posi-

dog may experience include:

tions currently taught in Reiki training, I have

• Reduced pain sensations

gy to direct where my hands are placed. In addi-

• Reduced stress

• Increased relaxation

If you have read my previous articles, you

know I used Reiki to help my Chocolate Lab

Mollie with hip pain. I now have a Rottweiler

gone back to what Dr. Usui did: allow the enertion, I allow the dog to dictate the session. A normal session is 60 minutes; however, animals intuitively know when they are energy filled.

As a practitioner, a Reiki session is all about

that was trained with a very heavy hand (which

honoring the sacred in all beings.

very fearful of making a mistake. Initially, when

Hippy will have a booth at the 6th Annual

immediately started using Reiki to help with her

sample sessions and answering questions. Come

she did not need!). Because of that, she now is I would reach to pet her, she would duck. I fear. She has gone from a dog whose ears were

always back to a happy hound. I can reach for her and she no longer ducks my hands. She has

definitely progressed toward a healthier mental state.

Animals can sense the energy much more

readily than we can because they don’t have the

same thought processes and skepticism that we humans have.

So what does a Reiki session entail?

For dogs, it is usually conducted in their home

because they are comfortable there and more receptive. In reality, it could take place any-

where. One of the precepts of Reiki is that the receiver must ask for the energy. This involves 22 www.urbanpawsmagazine.com

If you are interested in learning more, Elegant

Kingwood Barkfest and we will be conducting on out and help a good cause!

adoption Houston Beagle & Hound Rescue www.houstonbeaglerescue.org

Houston Beagle and Hound Rescue, Inc. (HBHR) is a non-profit 501(c)3, all volunteer organization dedicated to beagle and hound rescue. They are a small group of volunteers who foster dogs in their homes. HBHR provides placement assistance to shelters and individuals who need to find homes for hounds, which for various reasons, have become stray or homeless. Their goal is to educate the public regarding the tragic pet over population problem in the U.S. and around the world so that rescue will one day no longer be needed.

Tanner is a 9 year old male who sud-

denly found himself in need of a new forever home. He was returned to Our cover dog, Tanner!

Houston, because his owner no

longer had any time to give this wonderful boy. At 14 inches and 30 lbs,

Tanner is just about perfect. He has spent years cooped up in an apart-

ment in NYC, so he is really enjoying being able to play in a yard. He gets

along well with his canine foster siblings, even after years of being an

only dog. Tanner does get nervous if one of those dogs gets too close to him while he is eating. He does like his food as any respectable beagle

does! Tanner is a sweet, loving boy who needs love and attention to make his life complete. A yard, a

canine buddy and a dog door wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t hurt a bit!

Photos 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

Sandy is a 7 month old small bundle of energy. At 13 inches and 16 pounds, she makes her tiny frame fly around the yard as she chases after imaginary butterflies! This red and white cutie came to HBHR from a shelter, SW of Houston. She was turned in by her owners after her vetting was completed. Beagles are just not for everyone. It takes someone with a good sense of humor to put up with the antics of a beagle puppy!

Piper is 8 years old and Joanie is 9 years old so we aren’t wild and crazy like the young dogs, but we sure don’t look or act as old as we actually are either. We are very well behaved in the house and never have to be crated. We do love cuddling on the furniture and hope our family will let us keep doing that. We love going on car rides and walks… or anything really! We get along just fine with other dogs but I’m a little scared of dogs that are a lot bigger than me, I’m tiny! I am barely 12” tall and about 18 pounds. Joanie isn’t much bigger, only 13” tall and 20 pounds. We also enjoy spending time with children and would probably do well with cats too. Liza is a young female beagle, approximately 10 months old. Liza is all puppy in her behavior. She loves to play and has a lot of energy. She likes to "borrow" shoes and slippers, but so far has not damage anything; they are however usually pretty damp when retrieved. Liza likes to puppy bite, and likes to jump on people when she plays, so she would probably do best in a home with no small children.

Sandy

Joanie & Piper

Liza Urban Paws Magazine 25