All About Pets 2015

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all about pets october 7 & 8, 2015

ALL ABOUT PETS!

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

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ALL ABOUT PETS

OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2015

all about pets Published by: St. Peter Herald 311 S. Minnesota Ave, St. Peter, MN 56082 507-931-4520 • Fax: 507-931-4522 Le Sueur News-Herald 101B Bridge Street, Le Sueur, MN 56058 507-665-3332 • Fax: 507-665-3334 Le Center Leader 62 East Minnesota Street, Le Center, MN 56057 507-357-2233 • Fax: 507-357-6656 Publisher, Julie Frazier www.stpeterherald.com • www.lecenter.com www.lesueurnews-herald.com Cover Design: Nikkie Gilmore Ad Design: Lauren Barber, Mary Jo Blanchard, Nikkie Gilmore ©2015

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OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2015

ALL ABOUT PETS

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Is a Pet Right for Your Family? breeds whose care will stretch or exceed their budgets in favor of dogs that are unlikely to do so.

Lifestyle Prospective pet owners must be willing to change their lifestyles when they adopt a new pet. Some pets won't require their owners to make many changes at all, while others can dramatically alter the lifestyles their owners may have grown accustomed to. Prospective pet owners should decide how willing they are to change their lifestyles and let that willingness guide their adoption decision. Those who want to change their lifestyle as little as possible may be best suited to pets that need little attention, while those ready and willing to make more significant changes may be ready to bring a dog into their homes.

Men and women unsure about the lifestyle changes they will have to make to welcome dogs into their homes may want to consider fostering dogs before they adopt their own. Fostering can give prospective pet owners more accurate ideas of the commitment required to adequately care for a pet as they try to decide if that commitment is one they are capable of making.

Pets make great additions to households. Parents often find that bringing a pet into their homes is a great way to instill a sense of responsibility in their children, while singles or couples embrace the companionship that devoted pets provide.

sibility might want to avoid adopting dogs, which need daily walks and exercise, in favor of cats, which don't require as much attention, or other pets that do not require as significant a time commitment.

Adoption is the route many prospective pet owners prefer to take when bringing new pets into their homes. Shelter animals are in need of good homes and providing such an environment to animals others have abandoned or were forced to give up can make new pet owners feel better about themselves. But in an effort to make their transitions to pet ownership go more smoothly, men and women should make certain decisions before adding any furry friends to their family dynamic.

Budget

Prospective pet owners also should develop a budget before visiting a shelter or speaking to an adoption agency. Pets, even if they are adopted, can be expensive additions to a home, and it's easy for prospective pet owners to fall in love with an animal and bring it home only to realize down the road that the cost of keeping the animal is beyond their means. When adopting a pet, men and women should expect to pay adoption fees and pay for an initial veterinary visit, which may include vaccinations, the cost of which can quickly add up. In addition to those initial costs, pet owners will need to pay for other items, such as bedding (or cages if Pets are a big responsibility, but some pets are easier to adopting a bird), food and toys, and those items are not care necessarily one-time costs. for than others. Fish, for example, don't require as much effort on the part of pet owners as dogs do. ProspecBudget also must come into play when deciding which tive pet owners should discuss how much responsibility animal to adopt. Certain breeds of dog, for example, are they are willing to take on and just who will be handling predisposed to certain health conditions that can make the bulk of the caretaking. Prospective pet owners who caring for them an expensive proposition. Prospective don't feel like they can take on much additional respon- dog owners on limited budgets should avoid adopting

Responsibility

Adopting pets is a great way for animal lovers to make positive impacts on the lives of animals in need of homes. But prospective adopters should first make certain decisions about pet ownership to ensure their transitions to pet owners go as smoothly as possible.

Family Owned since 1988 from 11 am -11 pm • Outdoor seating available

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125 S. 3rd St. 507-931-9051

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ALL ABOUT PETS

St. Peter P.A.W.S. 15th Annual Halloween Fundraiser

OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2015

COME

t a e r t r o t rick with us at the

15thAnnual

P.A.W.S. WALK th

October 24 1 night f courtesy o n In c ri e m A Motel

Adult and Youth Top Fundraiser Prizes!

Pet & Peo ple costume contest!

P.A.W.S. WALK Trick or Treat Sponsors: When a dog or cat is lost or abandoned in St. Peter, Cleveland, Kasota, or Nicollet county, chances are that it will be impounded at Kind Veterinary Clinic.

Cities and law enforcement agencies cover the boarding fees for 5 days to allow owners to claim them but after that there is no financial obligation to the animal.

In order to spay/ neuter, vaccinate, and medically treat these unclaimed animals without raising the cost of adoption the P.A.W.S., (Providing Animals With Shelter) fund was created.

Please join us for our 15th Annual P.A.W.S. Walk fundraiser this year on Saturday, October 24th, 2015, at the Mill Pond, Riverside Park, St. Peter, from 10 a.m. – noon, with registration beginning at 9:30 a.m. You may pick up a registration form at the St. Peter Police Department, Kind Veterinary Clinic, or on the day of the event. Participants are encouraged to collect pledges prior to the walk. Those with more than $20 in donations will receive a bag and map to collect great treats along the walk route. Those with donations of $35 or more will also receive a t-shirt. Participants are encouraged but not required to dress up. Participants are also welcome to bring leashed pets, but please do not bring female animals in season or aggressive dogs.

The walk will be followed by concessions, face painting and games in the park, with an awards program at 11:45 for top fundraisers and people/pet costumes.

Please take note of our ad, listing our generous sponsors who help to make this event possible!

The Blue Buffalo Company Kind Veterinary Clinic First National Bank Holiday McDonalds of St Peter River Rock Coffee Clark Whiskey River Do It Best St Peter Lumber Dairy Queen MGM 4 The Team Anytime Fitness Culligan Mayer Soft Water Hometown Bank Mary’s Flowers Brandt Law AmericInn Rising Sun Chiropractic VonEssen Towing Topper’s Plus Kokomo’s Bar & CharGrill Wells Federal Lone Star BBQ & Grill Pepsi of Mankato Patrick’s on Third Swine Vet

Event supports local impounded animals

Held at the Mill Pond Park (Rain or Shine) The walk begins at 10 a.m.

Costume Contest 11:45 a.m.

Games, Entertainment, & Concessions Registration forms available at Kind Vet or the City Municipal Office

OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2015

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2015 State 4-H Dog Show Results - Le Sueur County Balfanz, Olivia

Agility - Beginner [16 in.] - Gr. 3-6 Reserve Champion Agility - Jumpers 1 [16, 20 in.] - Gr. 3-6 Reserve Champion Rally - Pre-Novice - Gr. 6 Blue Showmanship - Open - Gr. 6 Blue

Choate, Annika

Agility - Beginner [16 in.] - Gr. 3-6 Blue Agility - Jumpers 1 [16, 20 in.] - Gr. 3-6 Blue Obedience - Beginner B - Gr. 6 Blue Showmanship - Open - Gr. 6 Blue

Domonoske, Connor

Showmanship - Open - Gr. 8 Blue

Domonoske, Desirae

Showmanship - Novice - Gr. 3 Champion

Mitchell, Addison

Obedience - Beginner A - Gr. 3-4 Blue Rally - Pre-Novice - Gr. 3 Awd of Excellence Showmanship - Novice - Gr. 3 Awd of Excellence

Mitchell, Sydney

Agility - Elementary [16, 20 in.] - Gr. 3-8 Blue Agility - Jumpers 1 [16, 20 in.] - Gr. 3-6 Red Rally - Advanced - Gr. 3-8 Blue Showmanship - Open - Gr. 6 Reserve Champion

Schatz, Regan

Showmanship - Novice - Gr. 9-13 Blue Want to get involved in the Le Sueur County 4-H Dog Project? Contact us today!

Le Sueur County 4-H Program Coordinator: David Foley (507) 357-8525 djfoley@umn.edu

Freeman, Chloe

Obedience - Beginner A - Gr. 3-4 Champion

Freitag, Hannah

Agility - Elementary [16,20 in.] Gr. 11-13 Blue Rally - Pre-Advanced - Gr. 11-13 Red Showmanship - Open - Gr. 11 Blue

Freitag, Sarah

Obedience - Grad Beginner - Gr. 8 Champion Rally - Novice - Gr. 8 Reserve Champion

Gilbertson, Madison

Obedience - Beginner B - Gr. 7 Red

Providing veterinary care for pets, horses, livestock and exotics.

1020 3rd Street • Nicollet, MN 56074 24 Hour Phone 507-225-3401 (Mon-Fri 7:30-5:30 • Sat 7:30-1:00)

ALL ABOUT PETS

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OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2015

Spaying And Neutering Promotes Pet Health testicles. These surgeries are performed under general anesthesia and do not require a long hospitalization period. Altering surgeries can be performed by the pet's veterinarian, while some are done in clinics that specialize in these types of surgeries. The cost of a spay or neuter surgery depends on a pet's weight, age and gender and whether or not the animal requires vaccinations. Many shelters and adoption centers require neutering and spaying before a newly adopted pet can be taken home.

These surgeries will not change the personality of the pet in a negative way and do not cause the animals to become lethargic or gain weight. They can be an asset to fostering a healthy pet and a great companion. Learn more about pet altering by speaking with a veterinarian.

The number of animals living in shelters across the country is a testament to the overpopulation problem regarding cats and dogs. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that between 6 and 8 million homeless animals enter shelters each year. More than half of those animals are never adopted, and some may live out their lives in shelters or be euthanized.

In addition to animals living in shelters, there also are thousands of stray animals living with illnesses or discomfort from injuries.

Spaying and neutering can not only help remedy the number of animals that have no homes, but it also provides several other benefits to animals.

One of the more difficult problems to arise when pets are not spayed or neutered is the animals' tendency to stray away from home in search of mates. Such wandering makes them susceptible to injury, such as those incurred when animals are hit by cars. Hormones can cause both dogs and cats to act more aggressively.

They may get into altercations with other animals or even people. Stray pets can kill or injure wildlife as well, or suffer their own injuries when confronting wildlife. Spaying and neutering helps alleviate these

problems.

According to the organization PAWS: People Helping Animals, a group that assists with low-cost spay or neuter surgeries, spaying or neutering can reduce or eliminate the risk for many diseases and conditions in pets, such breast cancer, uterine infections, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

While animals may still be protective of their homes, altering surgeries can reduce aggression levels and marking of territory, too. This reduces damage to property or the potential of biting or scratching incidences as well.

The urge to mate may distract pets and tempt them to roam, making them harder to train and affecting their behavior as a result. Spaying and neutering can reduce these impulses and produce more content pets.

The ASPCA strongly recommends spaying or neutering your pet as early as possible, typically before six months of age. Spaying is done on females and involves removing the ovaries and uterus. Neutering is the male surgery and involves the removal of the

The

Hall0ween Party at

Friday, October 30, 2015

5:30pm-7:30pm • Admission $5, pets and kids under 10 FREE PET COSTUME CONTEST: 5:30-6:30 FUN-FILLED EVENING FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY!

Experience the Largest Pet Store & Pet Resort in Minnesota!

The Paw 1741 Premier Dr., Mankato 507-625-7070 Pet Expo 1800 Adams St., Mankato 507-625-2505

OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2015

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Advice For Prospective Dog Adopters Shelter dogs make great companions. Many shelters have an array of dogs ready to be adopted, but prospective adopters should prepare for their visits before going to the shelter so they can be sure they end up with the right dog for them. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals offers the following advice to men and women considering adopting a shelter dog. · Decide what you're looking for. No two dogs are the same, and the ASPCA advises that prospective adopters identify what they're looking for in a dog before visiting the shelter. Parents of young children may want a dog that's great with kids, while single men and women may want a dog that does not require a lot of maintenance. Knowing what you're looking for before you visit a shelter and fall in love with a dog will ensure you get a dog whose behavior and needs are compatible with your lifestyle. Adopting a dog that does not suit your needs can prove problematic for both you and the animal.

open about the dog's past. Ask for information about the dog's intake, including the reason its former owner surrendered the animal. Ask for medical records and if the shelter conducted a behavior evaluation on the dog. Prospective adopters should also be as observant as possible upon visiting the shelter, paying attention to how the dog interacts with staff, shelter visitors and other dogs. Ask staff members about the dog's personality if you're having trouble observing it on your own.

· Spend time at the shelter. Adopting a dog is something to take seriously, so prospective adopters should expect to spend ample time at the shelter before choosing a dog. Walk around the shelter, picking out a few dogs you find appealing. Then observe these dogs for signs of friendliness, such as pawing and wagging their tails and pressing against the front of the kennel.

Some dogs may be shy, but the ASPCA notes that dogs that stay in the back of the kennel may need more time and training to adapt to a new home, which might make them more suitable to adopters without children.

Before adopting a dog, spend significant time with the · Learn about the dog's past and personality. No shelter animal so you get a better feel for how it interacts with wants to arrange an adoption and then have the pet you. More information about adopting shelter dogs is owner return the pet in a few weeks, so many are available at www.aspca.org.

Companion and Farm Animal Services, Supplies, Boarding & Grooming

Kind Veterinary Clinic

507-931-4700 109 West Grace St. • St. Peter

M-F 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM, Th 7:30 AM - 8 PM Sat 8 AM - 1 PM

507-357-4911 422 W. Cleveland St. • Le Center Tuesday and Thursday 8 AM - 5 PM

www.kindvetclinic.com

ALL ABOUT PETS

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OCTOBER 7 & 8, 2015

Did You Know?

and when it does, you’re protected by TM

Cats and vegetarian diets may not make an ideal match. Cats have a greater need for protein than their canine counterparts, and while protein can be found in a vegetarian diet, different proteins contain different levels of amino acids cats need to survive. Taurine is an amino acid found in meat and fish that cats cannot synthesize, meaning they must get it through their diets. If cats' diets don't include sufficient taurine, the resulting deficiency can lead to heart disease and other potentially serious health problems. Cats also need more protein than dogs, making vegetarian diets for felines an especially risky proposition and one many veterinarians advise against.

Including pets!

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All Sorts of Things for All Types of Pets

• dogs • cats • birds • rabbits • Fish

For pet lovers, we have special blends of dog, cat food, bird food, rabbit food, fish food, health supplies, kennels, beds, toys, leashes and collars.

We carry great brands!

820 East Main St. | Belle Plaine | 952-873-3244 Mon - Fri 8:00a.m. - 7:00p.m. | Sat: 8:00a.m. - 5:00p.m. | Sun: 9:00a.m.- 5:00p.m.

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RICKWAY CARPET and Window Treatments RETAILER AREA

1107 Cross Street, North Mankato 507-625-3089 wwwrickwaycarpet.net