February/March 2016
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Articles 5 Creature Feature 6 Bird Fair! 8 Winter Proof Your Pet 10 A Dog is for Life 16
12 STL Chip’s Adventure 14 Brrrr, It’s Cold Outside 16 Resolutions for Puppy Owners
20 Puppy Tails 23 February is Dental Health Month 24 Meet the Breed
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26 How Do Birds Survive Winter 30 Pawzzle 28 KC Chip’s Adventure 32 KC Pet Services Directory 34 STL Pet Services Directory
Dear Readers:
Chip — Our Founder
Two special days occur while this issue is out. St. Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day. Be sure to give your pets a special treat on these special days. You might want to give a treat to your favorite human, too!
February is National Pet Dental Care month. Read the article on page 23, and if you have any doubts about your pet’s teeth, go see your vet. The next chapters of Chip’s Adventures are available on pages 12 and 30. This issue is rounded out with a Meet the Breed and Pawzzle about the Gordon Setter. A great dog breed.
I just saw a spiny tail lizard on the next page! Wow! I can’t wait to learn about that guy. There are a couple of good articles about taking care of puppies. If you, or someone you know, is getting a dog, or even just thinking about it, be sure to read these articles. The Bird Fair is coming to Kansas City, so read the article on page 6 to find out more about it. There is also an article how birds survive in Winter on page 26. Learn what to do to protect your pet in winter by reading the article on page 14. And, did you know that the winter weather can make dogs sad? Find out how to keep your pet happy during these cold and dark days by reading the advice on page 8.
Publisher MetroPet Magazine info@metropetmag.com Editor/Production Manager Dan O’Leary editor@metropetmag.com Magazine Layout ROI Marketing 816.942.1600 • roi@kc.rr.com
Stay warm, and take care of your best friends during the cold days ahead. P.S. Can you help us grow? Yes. Please support the advertisers in this issue and tell them “I saw your ad in MetroPet magazine.” Kansas City readers – please like us at https://www.facebook.com/metropetmag - St. Louis readers – please like us at https://www.facebook. com/stlmetropetmag
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Contact MetroPet PO Box 480065 Kansas City, MO 64148 Phone: 913.548.1433 Fax: 913.387.4313
Contributing Authors
Kevin Clark Mike Deathe Geoff Hall Pat Hennessy Pauline Journe Kathleen McCarther Mark McKellar Heddie Leger Tyler Schoenfelder
Publishing Policy: Articles printed in the MetroPet Magazine express the opinions of the individual authors and do not necessarily represent the formal position of MetroPet Magazine. Acceptance of advertising does not necessarily constitute endorsement by MetroPet Magazine. Articles: Readers are invited to submit articles for consideration for publication to editor@metropetmag.com. All materials are subject to editorial review. © 2016 MetroPet Magazine. All rights reserved. Request reprint permissions at info@metropetmag.com. MetroPet Magazine is owned and published by ROI Marketing Services, all rights reserved.
Creature Feature Uromastyx or Spiny-tailed Lizards Uromastyx sp. by Geoff Hall
Summary: Some like it hot! These desert lizards need a lot of thrive but can provided their needs are met.. Size: Depending grow to an overall 12 to 30 inches.
heat to make a great pet thermoregulation on species, adults can body length of between
Natural Habitat and Range: Spiny-tailed lizards range from the deserts of North Africa, the Middle East, and Northwest India. Costs: Captive bred babies can range from as little as $50 to as much as $1000 or more depending on species. Where to Buy: A few species are occasionally available through reputable private breeders and many pet stores. Medical Care: Locate a local veterinarian experienced in reptiles and amphibians prior to acquisition of your pet lizard and seek their expertise if you are concerned about the health of your Uromastyx. Care: These lizards need a large enclosure to ensure proper thermoregulation with cooler temperatures on one side in the 80s and heating lamps creating basking spots reaching between 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit on the opposite side. Spiny-tailed lizards frequently inhabit burrows in the wild so make sure you provide a secure and dark shelter for your lizard.
Diet: Spiny-tailed lizards are primarily herbivores both in the wild and in captivity. Make sure you feed your lizard a diet of dark leafy greens with some shaved vegetables, millet, and iguana/tortoise pellets. Other: Please be sure to seek out captive bred specimens for your pet. Wild populations of several species of these lizards are highly stressed due to excessive capture for the pet trade. Fun Fact: Water is rarely available to these lizards in the wild and they can survive off of water created by the metabolism of their food. Geoff Hall is President of Wayside Waifs, KC’s largest no kill pet adoption campus. Geoff brings to Wayside more than 20 years of experience in the animal welfare community. This includes serving as Chief Operating Officer of the Kansas City Zoo, General Curator of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and as Executive Vice President/General Curator of the Phoenix Zoo. He is the proud owner of dogs, cats, birds and other pets! You may contact Geoff via email at CreatureFeature@WaysideWaifs.org.
2016 Spring
Bird Fair? 16th Annual Bird Fair What: One stop shop for all your bird needs When: Saturday, February 20, 2016 9:00 am to 4:30 pm Where: KCI Expo Center Cost: $7.00 Adults $5.00 Seniors & Kids 11-15 Children 10 and under Free by Kathleen McCarther, Beak n Wings 6
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
The 16th Annual Spring Beak n Wings Bird Fair is near, in fact, it’s right around the corner. On February 20, 2016. The Bird Fair will be in a NEW location, KCI Expo Center 11730 N. Ambassador Dr. Kansas City, MO. Beak n Wings hosts two fairs a year to provide the opportunity for the community of parrot owners and rescuers to talk to experts about bird care. For 16 years Beak n Wings been helping parrots with rehabilitation, nutrition and behavior issues. We continue to teach and educate the members and general public on proper care for feathered friends. Currently birds, behind dogs and cats are the third most popular pet in American households. Since 2003 Beak n Wings has taken in over 1,600 parrots. Now compared to dogs and cats that may not sound like a lot. We specialize in an animal that can live up to 80 – 100 years. Currently the organization has about 50 parrots in the program. Last year, Beak n Wings took in more than 140 birds. Beak n Wings is committed to hosting this Bird Fair twice a year, because of the sense of community the fair provides along with education, products and fun.
With limited availability of toys and enrichment activities for parrots and other birds in local stores, we need this bird fair. What helps owners from allowing their birds to develop nasty irritating behaviors? Enrichment activities! This is a key strategy of creating an evolving, pleasant life for these pet birds. Like all wild creatures, birds come into this world with innate instincts, and are compelled to survive through notions not necessarily understandable at a conscious level. Instinct is not repressed easily, so when birds are kept in captivity as pets, no matter how many generations have passed in domestication, those instincts still kick in. A small cage with little room to move and having food and water supplied to you at all necessary times creates a life of the doldrums, filled with boredom and little reason to draw the willpower to continue acting as birds are supposed to act. By using parrot enrichment, a pet bird can be given the chance to explore
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
more of his/her natural instincts and mannerisms, to keep life from regressing to a sleep-eat-and-youknow-what kind of existence. What the fair delivers, is enrichment, for both the owners and the birds. At the end of the day Beak n Wings attempts to raise awareness and money to keep doing what they do the other 333 days of the year. After all the expenses are added up and paid, what ever is left is what we have to pay medical expenses, storage fees, host educational seminars, provide grooming, and disperse educational information. The bird fair is an unforgettable experience that also helps an amazing animal welfare organization.
For More Details About The 2016 Bird Fair Call 913-322-3398 or Visit BeakNWings.org
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Winter-Proof your Pet: 3 Ways to Lick Seasonal Affective Disorder
by Tyler Schoenfelder and Kevin Clark Public awareness of Seasonal Affective Disorder, SAD, in pets has grown in recent years, and with this awareness has come a lot of good information about causes and symptoms, not to mention quite a few great ideas for curing our companions’ winter blues. Cases of SAD in pets can range from moderate to serious, with symptoms ranging from lethargy and potty-training relapse to sudden aggressive behavior and refusal of food. The majority of solutions out there boil down to three big ones: exercise, socialization and sunlight. Hit these biggies on a regular basis for the next couple weeks, and you’ll have your old friend back in no time.
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1. Exercise. There are plenty of easy, pet-friendly activities that will help you beat the boredom, even on a snow day. For example, you might start with a simple round of fetch in a long hallway, progress into a stimulating session of hide and seek, then move on to a cardboard box obstacle course or a scratching-post play area. And now that you’ve got your pet panting or purring, why not round out the afternoon with a soothing session of doga? 2. Socialization. Ready for a day out? Consider taking your pet to an indoor pet park where he can interact with his peers, or enroll in a day class that you can participate in together. Lack of socialization is a key factor in SAD, so the combination of exercise and social interaction such activities offer may well justify the extra expense. Also, having your pup tag along for your kids’s
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
after-school activities is a great way to work in some much needed social interaction for their pal. 3. Sunlight. Pets are susceptible to SAD in the first place because they’re mammals, and all mammals respond to the sun’s seasonal retreat in the same way: they ramp up production of melatonin, the body’s sleep medicine. If your pet is staying active during the day, more melatonin is a good thing. But without ample daylight and activity to balance things out, your pet’s double dose of drowsy medicine can effectively push them into hibernation mode. Which is not a good thing. Unless your pet is a bear. Yes, natural light can have a miraculous effect on your pet. But between the short days, gym memberships, kids’s recitals, unpredictable weather, bad traffic and looming deadlines—sometimes a leisurely walk in the dog park can be a lot to ask. But fear not, there are some nifty solutions out there that can safely promote independence and boost your pet’s morale, even when you’re away from home. The common pet door, for example, has seen some notable transformations in recent years that make them a unique solution for busy pet parents. Offering advanced features like customizable automatic locks and integration into electronic containment systems, pet doors aren’t what they used to be. For those seeking an indoor light supplement, the phototherapy box, or lightbox, a proven boon to humans, has now been successfully adapted for the pet market as well.
Kevin and Kim Clark are the new owners of Invisible Fence of Kansas City. Kevin has 25 years of sales experience and Kim has 20 years of accounting experience. They purchased an Invisible Fence system six years ago for their dog Buddy, and so strongly believe in the system, that they purchased the dealership last Fall. They both love pets and are excited to help other pet owners keep their pets safe at home. Kevin services Buchannan, Clay, Douglas and Platte County, MO. Kevin can be reached at 816.522.2195. Tyler Schoenfelder, along with his parents Tim and Ann Schoenfelder, purchased the Heart of America Invisible Fence dealership in February, 2014. They have been in the Invisible Fence business for 12 years, with dealerships in Huntsville and Knoxville, TN. Tyler was the Rookie Dealer of the Year for Invisible Fence Corporate in 2014 and number one in the country for growth in 2014 and 2015. He grew up with Brittanys and Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers. Tyler serves Johnson County, KS and Jackson County, MO. The office is at 13342 Pawnee Lane Leawood, KS 66209, 816.941.7700.
So, this winter, when you find yourself caught off-guard by erratic, out-of-character moods or behaviors from your pet, remember the big three: exercise, socialization and sunlight. A little sunlight, a lap or two at the pet park, and a rousing session of the Muffin Tin Game — and you’ll have your pet’s case of SAD licked. www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
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A DOG IS FOR LIFE They are cute, cuddly and adorable and your children have been begging you for weeks. You are stopped at the light and there on the corner is a big bright colorful sign with balloons to get your attention and a woman is holding those cute, cuddly, adorable puppies smiling and waving at you enticing you to just stop by and say hi. A voice inside your head is saying, “Don’t do it, look the other way, drive on by,” but your heart takes control and you cannot resist. It happens hundreds of time a day in communities across the country. People give in to the impulse of a cute, cuddly, adorable puppy. The next time you are tempted to make a decision based on emotion rather than reality based fact, keep in mind that the siblings to those adorable little puppies many times are down the road at the local shelter or rescue hoping for a home. Those cute little Christmas puppies in a few months become adolescent and adult dogs. If you have not planned accordingly for the care and socialization of your pup, they could end up a statistic in a shelter or rescue. Puppies and kittens are not toys. They are living, breathing (not to mention eating and eliminating) creatures who need a lot of attention. Who has time for a puppy or kitten during the holidays, that stressful 10
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
Questions to Ask Yourself • Does everyone want a dog? Kitten? • Where will dog/cat spend most of its time? • Where will the dog/cat sleep? • Where will the dog/cat exercise? • Where will the dog/cat eat? • Where will the dog/cat go to potty? Especially important if you live in the city or an apartment. • Who will drive to the store to supply the food? • Who will groom the dog/cat? • Who will train the pet? • Who will pay for the expense of supplies and health bills? season of socializing and shopping? With a houseful of guests and a holiday dinner to prepare, who will make sure the puppy isn’t being mauled by over enthusiastic children and/or guests? Who has time to get housetraining started right? There are many things to consider before bringing home a puppy/kitten or adopting an adult. Owning a pet means you will need to feed, train, walk, play with, groom, exercise, clean, and love them every day for many years to come.
The hectic holiday season is not the best time to bring home a new puppy. Although surprises are nice and many people like them, surprising someone with a live puppy is not a real gift. Before adding a pet to a person’s life, yours or anyone else’s make sure thee is ample room/ time in your/their life. There are several questions that should be answered before adding a dog to the equation of your life or the life of anyone else. Puppies purchased from a street vendor are often sickly or have temperament issues due to lack of socialization. They are mass bred for the sole purpose of supply and demand with little thought as to the puppy’s wellbeing. If you are going to buy a puppy from someone other than a reputable breeder (DO NOT buy a dog from a pet store or backyard breeder either!), the holiday season is the absolute worst time to do it. The best way to find a puppy that will be added as a member of your family as a companion is to be on a waiting list for a planned litter from a reputable breeder and whenever that litter is due is when you should be adding a puppy to your family. Holidays present a myriad of household dangers that normally would not be around - tinsel, abundant electrical cords, candles, poinsettia plants, chocolate, small items to swallow (like ornament hangers, pine needles, ribbons, etc.), roaring fires, and too many places to get into — potentially lethal to an inquisitive puppy.
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
So what should you do? You’re intent on giving such a wonderful present but don’t want it to backfire. Well... here are a few ideas to help you out. Instead of buying a puppy for your loved one, buy them a bowl, a collar, a leash, and a bag of puppy food and present it along with a “coupon” good for one puppy (of their choosing) at the time of their choosing at your expense. That way, they can wait until the holiday season is over and get the puppy during a more relaxed time period. They can also take their time in choosing the appropriate breed, sex, and size of their dog and it gives them a chance to do the required research into the various breeds. Also, if by chance they aren’t ready for a puppy or don’t want one, all they have to do is return the bowl and other items - and a puppy doesn’t have to needlessly suffer. Better yet, help them find a local rescue and help them adopt a dog that way they get exactly what they want and a dog that will fit into their family. These are just a few topics to think about and discuss before getting a dog/cat for your self or a friend or loved one as a gift. Adding a pet is a long-term commitment. Proper care of the pet needs the involvement of the entire family. It is wise to thoroughly research what owning a pet entails. No pun intended!!! When searching for a new family member, check out the local shelters and rescue groups. They have a good variety of dogs, different ages, different breeds and the staff with these groups can suggest options to fit your lifestyle. Remember — a dog is for life.
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is u o L . t S
The Next Adventures of Chip
SERVICE
by Heddie Leger
Recap Nov/Dec 2015 —We did not know where we were going or where we would land. The driver laid on his back, barely breathing and still moaning. Then I remembered he had a phone and we dialed for emergency. Thank goodness I have a very smart MawMaw, she knew the numbers 911, someone answered and we started to bark. We barked and barked hoping they would somehow track the phone and realize we were in trouble and connect with the emergency crews and somehow track us down, even though we were way UP in the air. It was getting dark and we were getting cold. We did have a blanket and some treats on board, so we huddled on the floor of the hot air balloon basket, ate a snack closed our eyes and hoped for the best. We had acted in a team effort to try to get help for the man, we kept licking his face, and pawing at his chest, like trying to keep him awake and massage his chest, as that seemed to be what was bothering him. All we could do was hope for the best, and hope he would wake up and we would get down safely.
MawMaw always says, “One never knows what the day will bring, we can only do our best in each moment and hope it is good enough.” My MawMaw had a lot of caring in her heart. I hope to be like her when I grow up. It makes people feel good when someone cares about them. In this instance, the man was very thankful. He was very quiet and calm. Somehow MawMaw had that effect on everyone. She nuzzled in next to him and he seemed to be better. She told me to lie on his feet to help keep him warm, so I did.
said. She said it was very important to serve others and take care of them. I guess we got a good dose of that yesterday. The man’s color looked better and his breathing was much smoother. He sat up and had a small drink of water, but was very weak.
float effortlessly, like it was being guided by a kind, gentle hand taking us to a safe place. We saw police cars and an ambulance below following us. We were beginning to have some hope. The police and EMTs served the public in caring about safety and keeping the peace, MawMaw
We did not know who these people were, we did not know who this man was, we did not know where we were or what was going to happen next, but what we did know was we were going to be safe. The person finally reached the basket. It was a woman, I could tell once she was close
The balloon was doing something very strange as it floated, it just slowly went lower and lower, until……… it actually landed in some trees upright in the branches and slowly kept deflating. We were wondering how we were going to get down from the tree, when Service: The function or It was very dark, and it started to rain. the fire truck and police car caught up with action of helping others in The only light was from the little flicker us, with the ambulance following them. The contributing to their welfare; fire truck parked under the tree and a ladder of flame that was left in the motor thing can be paid or unpaid. that ran the balloon. The balloon was so started coming up towards us. Everyone big it kept us dry, but the lightning really looked stressed and a bit worried, but they had us worried. What if lightning struck the balloon, I were all calm and were telling us to stay calm and stay asked. MawMaw said, “shhhh, let’s just not think about where we were. They said they were coming up to get things that might happen, let’s just take care of what we us…..so we followed their directions. Slowly, the ladder know about right now.” We all fell asleep. The rain, wind got closer and closer, until it leaned up against the basket and rocking motion of the balloon lulled us to sleep. where we were sitting. Then they sent up a little sling thing with a harness, and a bed like thing. Very last, I When we work up, the sun was starting to rise. It was could see a person climbing up the ladder. I could not tell a beautiful morning. We noticed the beautiful colors of if it was a man or a woman since they had on goggles and the leaves. They were bright oranges, yellows, crimson and red. It truly was beautiful. The balloon seemed to just a hat and suit.
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up. She was very kind, and instructed us to wait. She had to tend to the man first. So we did. She talked to him, did a few simple tests to see if he was okay, or if he needed treatment or oxygen. He seemed fine, so she helped him to the little bed thing, strapped him in and as she walked down the ladder guiding the bed thing with the pulley, she said that we should stay where we were and she would be back.
to serve others, if we wanted to. The police, EMTs, firefighters, veterinarian and everyone involved agreed. Check out Chip’s next adventure in April/May 2016, to find out happened to the man, and where Chip’s next adventure will take him.
“Everybody can be great...because anybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and verb agree to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.” ~ Martin Luther King Jr.
Half way down, the bed thing started to tip. It was very scary, but she was very calm, and quickly got the pulley adjusted and straightened things out, then down they went. He was wisked away in an ambulance. Then she started back up for us. Once she got to us, she gave us a drink and a treat, and talked nicely to us. We could tell “You are what you do, not what you say you’ll do.common people to attain she was happy with us, and we heard her say good job. uncommon results. ~ C.G. Jung Then she put us in the harness things and down we went on the pulley thing, just like the man. It felt so good to have our paws on the ground. We could see our Humane Education Activity: family car speeding up the road, as the police had Is teamwork always about winning? Why or why not? In this let them know were had been found. They got there story, how did Chip act as a team with his MawMaw? just as the veterinarian was checking us out. We heard them talking. The vet said we were fine. The police said we did great service in helping the man, as he had told them, how we had pushed on his chest with our paws, kept him warm, and licked his face to keep him awake and breathing. They said we were heroes, but it did not feel like it. We had been very scared and did the only thing we knew to help the man. They said, that is what heroes do, they serve others in their time of need with no thought of themselves. The man told them how we kept him warm, breathing, and what we had done. I have never much thought of myself as a hero or one to serve others, but on that day everything changed. Penelope, Allen, Stephanie, and Robert decided that if we could do these things naturally, we were pretty smart dogs and could continue
Story Discussion Tips 1. What happened during the balloon ride? 2. How did Chip and MawMaw demonstrate service? What did they do? 3. How do you think Chip and MawMaw felt while they were helping the man? 4. Who came to help Chip and MawMaw? 5. How did they help Chip and MawMaw?
Hop On In ... New spring must-haves arriving daily!
Chesterfield • Creve Coeur • Columbia Des Peres • Ladue • Leawood Mid Rivers • Oakville
www.treats-unleashed.com
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
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Brrrrr It’s Cold Outside! The following guidelines will help you protect your companion animals when the mercury dips. 1. Keep your cat inside. Outdoors felines can freeze, become lost, or be stolen, injured, or killed. Cats who are allowed to stray are exposed to infectious diseases, including rabies, from other cats, dogs and wildlife.
2. During the winter, outdoor cats sometimes sleep under the hoods of cars. When the motor is started, the cat can be injured or killed by the fan belt. If there are outdoor cats in your area, bang loudly on the car hood before starting the engine to give the cat a chance to escape. 3. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can easily become lost. Make sure your dog always wears ID tags. 4. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice. 5. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting him a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
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6. N ever leave your dog or cat alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death. 7. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train him inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take him outdoors only to relieve himself. 8. D oes your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him, and his fur, in tip-top shape. 9. L ike coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. 10. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
Source: ASPCA www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
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RESOLUTIONS for Puppy Owners by Mike Deathe
Puppies as Gifts Let’s start with what might not be so obvious, but has been one of my all-time “Pet Peeves” when it comes to people getting new additions to their family. A holiday or special occasion is the worst time to get a puppy and puppies make lousy gifts! With that being said, it does not mean you cannot make it work, but you have definitely made your process more difficult. Let’s face it, who can resist a puppy! Anyone getting one as a gift is going to be excited and thrilled but have they or you thought about the following. • This is a 10 plus year commitment? • Will they be willing or able to do months of potty training work, in the cold and muck of winter? • Will they have time to monitor and/or manage the pup during the season? (parties, events and celebrations) • Can you commit to the socialization timetable of a puppy? (more on that later)
Resolutions for Puppy Owners Here are some cold hard truths about dog ownership. ccording to the University of Pennsylvania A School of Veterinary Medicine the total cost of owning a dog through its lifetime is $23,410.00! That is quite the commitment and it is not fair to the
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dog or you if you are not prepared for this expense! Things to think of: 4 Dog Food 4 Vet Bills 4 Training Cost (PS you should plan on classes of some sort for the first two years at least) 4 Flea and Tick Medication (monthly usually) 4 Heartworm Medication (usually monthly) 4 Boarding and Day care if you work 4 Grooming (probably needed quarterly at least) verage life Span of a dog is 13 years (This is not an A impulse decision.) 4 One of my favorite quotes drives this home, “A dog might only be with you a short time (in comparison to your life) but you will be with them, their entire life!” Developmental Timetables. What you can expect. 4
Puppy 8 weeks to 4 months — The oh my gosh you are so cute and I love you so much timeframe.
4 P re-Teen, 4 months to 12 months — What happened to my adorable puppy and why are you destroying my house and ignoring me?
4 F ull Blown Teenager, 12 months to 2-3 years — Wrecking the car, getting into trouble at school, being argumentative, not listening and testing limits. 4 3 years and older — If you have done everything right you now have the dog you envisioned when you picked out your puppy. Yes it really does take that long. Quit complaining it takes at least 18-20 years with a child and that’s if you are lucky! Critical Puppy Socialization Period. 4 F rom when you get your pup, no earlier than 8 weeks, to approximately 20 weeks — This is a time frame of development you have no control over. These are the most critical months in your pup’s life. This is when they learn if the world is safe and fun or if it is scary and not to be trusted. 4 Y ou cannot go back or redo this timeframe. If you don’t socialize now and do it right, you risk a fearful, timid or snarky dog. 4 Th is means your first 2-3 months with your pup are more than important and that you need to be 100% available and ready to work., not going to parties, being out with friends or being away for extended periods of time. Your focus needs to be on socializing
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
and setting the rules and routines your pup will follow for a life time. 4 I am really not kidding, I actually give my clients a 160 item socialization checklist to have completed before 20 weeks of age.
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Be Proactive Potty Training. Ok all I am going to say here is kids start at about 18 months of age and are usually in pullups till they are 3-4 years old. And, most of you will complain that it will take around 60-90 days of consistent and frequent work with your pup to achieve reliability in the potty training realm. 4 A little potty training tip — If your dog is not getting it, you are most likely the problem, not the dog. 4 P uppies do not magically understand (without training) where, when or how you want them to eliminate.
4 I might even suggest taking a week or so off work to jumpstart this program. Working Pet Parents. Just what are you going to do with your pet during the time you are at work? 4 Y ou had better look into a good doggy daycare or dog walker while you are at work. 4 D id you really think your puppy can hold it for 8-10 hours while you were at work? 4 Or that it was Ok to leave him or her in a crate that long? You do not need a dog trainer to tell you that dog ownership is hard work. In fact, you could have learned that from any number of you friend or neighbors. What a trainer can do is help you tackle training issues. Don’t wait until a crisis occurs before calling for help, because it will be tougher to fix.
I really hope that by reading this article you will be proactive and enlist the help of a great positive reinforcement trainer before you need help. A trainer can help you through the process. The best money spent with a trainer is sometimes in the moments before we get a dog and not after! I leave you with one final thought — it takes 12 years of school (if we are lucky) to get a children ready for college and on their way into the world. Why are we so shocked that we have to spend 2-3 years training and teaching our puppies? I personally think our New Year’s Resolution (in regards to puppies) should be both knowing what to expect and the patience to see it through!!! Have a Great 2016 and remember to enjoy the ride… It passes in an instant!
Mike Deathe is an avid pet lover who found his passion as a dog trainer. Since 2008 he has trained thousands of pet parents on how to live with their companion animals. He writes the Keep It Simple Stupid dog blog (K.I.S.S). Deathe authored The Book of Pee and Poop, and Forever Home — Dog 101 and How to be a Better Shelter Volunteer. Follow Deathe’s blog at @http:// muttzmembers.blogspot.com/ or the website @ www. kissdogtraining.com.
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Puppy Tails by Pat Hennessy
Maybe you got a puppy over the holidays or you are looking to bring a puppy, or new young dog, into your life now.
Well — Congratulations! You will have many years of entertainment and affection ahead. However, there are some things you might want to consider to make your life (and Fido’s transition) easier!
Start Training Early! You want to start your training program early. A pup is never too young to start reinforcing good behavior. You should always use positive reinforcement techniques, because your puppy will be more motivated and interested in participating and you will not risk poisoning the relationship with something that causes fear or pain. You have the opportunity while Fido is a puppy to build a solid foundation and a relationship based on knowledge and trust. Your dog will do better if he “learns” a behavior vs. responding in fear. No one (be it us or our canine companions) learns well while in fear or pain, we just react to our environment but do not learn. You need to remember that your young dog has a short attention span (like a child), so the more you can repeat and reward the faster your pup will learn. You also want to reserve some special treats to use for training only (like freeze-dried liver, canned chicken or hot dogs), which will up the ante and increase motivation. Set aside a few minutes a day to practice, and don’t miss out on natural opportunities to reward (when Fido offers the appropriate behavior). You don’t always have to use food, as praise (aka attention) is a wonderful secondary reinforcement. Once your pup has learned the behavior, then you phase out food/treats but never phase out the praise. 20
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There are several common sense solutions to things that puppies do, but we have the tendency to forget about them…….until it’s too late.
Puppy Proof Your Home
Even though puppies get their permanent teeth at around 4-6 months, they will find things to chew on up through 2 years old (and longer for some breeds). To avoid disasters with your new puppy: • Stow away trash bins (out of reach, preferably in secure closets, pantries, or the garage), instead of out of sight out of mind, it is more like out of reach out of mouth • Puppy-proof your home by picking up shoes, trinkets, anything small, anything of value, and secure power cords, etc., then keep it put up or out of reach until your pup is past the chewing stage (he will put everything in his mouth, like a baby growing
up through the toddler stage, but is more likely to swallow it because they have teeth that can chew it up) • If you have an item that can’t be removed, such as a large area rug where Fido keeps going after the corners of the rug — then place something heavy on each corner (i.e. a brick). For Fido, it is probably just convenient to chew it because it is there, but he probably won’t go out of his way to move the brick. • Offer appropriate items for them to chew or to entertain them, such as Kongs® with treats or stuffing, bully sticks, Nylabones®, etc.
Supervise, Supervise, Supervise Supervise, supervise, supervise — that is the mantra for avoiding many issues.
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
• Potty training is pretty simple — put your puppy on a feeding and potty schedule and then manage him at ALL other times by supervision or containment (crate or appropriate small space like a utility room, or tether him to you or within your sight), because the key to fast potty training is to reward him for the right thing and redirect him outside immediately upon witnessing him potty inappropriately — using the “outside” cue/command and as soon as he potties in the correct area reward it (with treats or praise). You must be observant, however. As he learns to go outside he will start to give you hints and you must be on the lookout for them, as they may be subtle. If he goes to the door and stands, but doesn’t bark or whine, then you may miss the opportunity to let him out. If he has an accident it is not his fault as he gave his signal — thus why supervision and observation are
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important parts of your tasks in the potty training effort. • There must ALWAYS be supervision with Fido around children, even when you learn that he is friendly and playful. You never know when something, like a squeal or fast movement, might spook him and he has the right to react to someone stepping on him or pulling his tail. It is the adult’s responsibility to make sure everyone plays safe.
Socialization Socialization is the key to having a well-mannered and well-rounded pup. • Lack of socialization (or exposure) to other dogs, people, or other types of animals is what makes dogs fearful or reactive, and it is because they just don’t know what to expect or how to act. Again, because puppies have a short attention span, it is important to give them “controlled”, frequent small doses to the world around them. Take your pup to safe places and use a harness (which provides more influence over directing him when needed). It is a good idea to take your puppy to a puppy class, where he can not only learn social interaction but manners training at the same time. Many of these tips are just as good for the young dog
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that you have adopted, as you don’t know what he has already learned that he may need to be reminded of, refined for your home environment, or redirected into a new behavior. There are very few behaviors that cannot be modified with just a little time, consistency, “repetition and reward.”
Congratulations
Congratulations on your new canine companion! If you keep life positive and fun, you will have few frustrations, many days of joy, and a lot of love. Pat Hennessy is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides a holistic approach to companion animal care through behavior education, energy work, and positive training methods. Pat is a Level 2 TTouch® practitioner, CPDT, ACDBC, and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@n2paws.com, phone 816-522-7005, or visit www. n2paws.com.
Brush Up on Your Pet’s Oral Care February is National Pet Dental Month ~ Please Join your Local Vet in Protecting Your Pets’ Teeth! February is pet dental health awareness month. When was the last time you checked Max or Fluffy’s pearly (or not-so-pearly) whites, or took them to the veterinarian for a dental exam? Many pet owners do not realize that oral care is very important. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), an organization dedicated to advancing the science and art of veterinary medicine, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by the age of three. The good news: more pets are getting the care they need. Preventive dental care can help prevent severe pet health problems.
Dental Disease Can Be Deadly Just as with humans, dental care is key in maintaining a pet’s overall health. Bacteria in an animal’s mouth can get into a pet’s bloodstream and infuse different organs, causing infections that can potentially cause death. The AVMA reports the organs most often affected by oral diseases are the lungs, heart, kidneys and liver, and even the nervous system.
Simple Steps to Dental Care Pet owners can brush up on their four-legged friends’ teeth. Oral care has simple guidelines. • Pet owners can take their pet to get a dental exam. Your pet should have a routine veterinarian examination, including a careful examination of his teeth and gums, at least once a year. • Start an at-home regimen. Ask your veterinarian to suggest nutritional supplements, and a regular teeth brushing schedule or a specially formulated food proven to help remove plaque and tarter from your pet’s teeth. www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
Signs of Dental Disease What are some indicators that your cat or dog may have dental disease? Here are a few signs to look for in your pet. • Bad breath • Loose or discolored teeth or teeth covered in tartar • Your pet is not comfortable with you touching the mouth area, including teeth, gums, and lips • Drooling or dropping food from the mouth • Bleeding from the mouth • Loss of appetite or loss of weight If your pet shows any of these signs, you should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible. 23
Meet the Breed Feb/Mar Pet of the Month
The Gordon Setter
The beautifully striking breed of Gordon Setter is believed to have been developed in Scotland sometime during the early 17th century. Duke Alexander IV of Gordon recognized the talents of these dogs in the early 19th century, thus they were named after him. The Gordon Setter is skilled as a bird dog, as they have a spectacular sense of smell. They, like other setters have great stamina and will hunt in all types of inclement weather and love water. They are not quite as speedy as the pointers and therefore not as popular with hunters. It is a little known fact that the Gordon Setter was one of the breeds that was used to develop the foundation stock of the Irish Setter. The Gordon Setter is also good at pointing and retrieving. This breed is well known for their loyalty and can be a bit wary of strangers making them a good guardian. They are extremely obedient, devoted and bond strongly to their owner(s). Because they are have such a sweet temperament and tend to be very polite they make a wonderful companion that is excellent and tolerant with children. They are extremely cheerful and affectionate,
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but need an Statistics of the Breed: abundant • Th e range in height: amount of Males 24 - 27 inches exercise or Females 23 - 26 inches they can • Th e range in weight: become Males 55 - 80 pounds nervous, or Females 45 - 70 pounds high-strung. Proper positive training and communication between the owner and dog is essential. Like many of the hunting breeds, the Gordon does like to roam, a fenced-in yard is a must to keep your dog safe. Like all dogs it is very important to train puppies early before bad habits develop. It is easier to teach correctly, than to try to retrain bad habits. The Gordon Setter is slender, but robust in structure. The head is deep with a long muzzle. The muzzle should be about as long as the skull, with a defined stop. The black nose is broad. The teeth meet in a scissors or level bite. The oval eyes are dark brown. The long ears are set
low, about level with the eyes, hanging close to the head. The topline slopes slightly from front to back. The Gordon Setter is the only setter that comes in black with tan markings making a very striking dog. Field lines are often smaller and lighter than show lines (bench types). This lively breed has a life expectancy of approximately ten to twelve years. The Gordon Setter is an attractive breed draws attention where ever it goes. People who are athletic and like to run and exercise will love this breed. They are alert, graceful and love running so make a great companion for someone who is active. Thriving most on personal attention, they also have a good sense of humor and will keep you laughing. One must always be patient and persuasive, but never harsh with a Gordon Setter to build a good trusting bond.
number only indicates that the dog has had the clearance tests done and the owner has agreed to make the results public. It is in no way a statement that the dog has passed all of the clearances) CERF: To check genetic difficulties with eyes: Note that CERF does not provide an online listing of the registry to the general public, but does allow inquiries relating to CERF status of individual dogs: by dog’s name, CERF number, or registration number. OFA: To check for dysplasia (OFA listing of all Gordon setters)
This breed will not necessarily be happy with apartment life. They do best with lots of room to run and move around. Although a daily long, fast walk will help, they can become easily bored or restless which can make them a challenge to manage. The Gordon Setter needs regular grooming of the soft, fluffy, medium-length coat. Due to the length of the coat it is especially important to check for burrs, knots and tangles. Extra care may be needed during shedding season. The hair on the bottom of the feet between the pads will need to be trimmed and keep the nails clipped. The Gordon Setter does not shed excessively, but is considered an average shedder. Diseases the breed might succumb to include: Bloat, Dysplasia, Hemangiosarcoma, Lymphoma, Osteosarcoma and Sebaceous cysts. Please be sure your breeder checks for genetic diseases according to the following screenings. CHIC: (Please note that assignment of a CHIC
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HOW DO BIRDS SU by Mark McKellar It is easy to understand why people rush out and by bird seed when it snows. How can something so small and fragile possibly survive such brutally cold conditions? Birds, like humans and other mammals, are homeothermic (warm blooded). This means that as long as birds can find a suitable food source, their bodies can convert that food into energy (i.e. body heat).
While birds can’t put on an extra set of feathers in cold conditions, they can fluff up. Let’s not forget what the source of insulation is for a down jacket. By fluffing up and creating air space between feathers as well as feathers and skin, it is like putting on an extra jacket. This is why you will hear me talk about the importance of a heated bird bath. Water is essential to keeping feathers healthy and healthy feathers keep birds warm. When conditions get worse, shivering can help. Shivering is a body’s way of generating a little extra heat.
Cold temperatures are survivable by most birds, it is the covering of the food source that is the main problem. Ground feeders and waterfowl know that their food sources are going to be covered up quickly, but arboreal (tree dwelling) species like evening grosbeaks and crossbills can ride out the same “cold” conditions that juncos and snow geese had to abandon.
Perhaps the most amazing adaptation birds have for dealing with the cold is their ability to lower their body temperatures, heart rate and general body functions. Hypothermia conserves oxygen in the blood stream and is used primarily while sleeping. Hypothermia generally refers to lowering the body temperature a few degrees.
Given food availability, how do these tiny, fragile creatures endure sub-zero temperatures? Like us, they often try to find places that are well protected from wind and “cold air”. Evergreen trees provide very important cover as do artificial or natural cavities. Bluebirds, wrens and others will huddle or even stack on top of each other to keep warm.
Hummingbirds and a few other species can drop their body temperatures drastically. This condition is known as torpor. For species, like hummingbirds, with extremely high metabolic rates, this is the only way they do not “starve to death” while sleeping. Hypothermia and torpor do not come without hazards. A bird in torpor can’t take off and fly if danger
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SURVIVE WINTER? approaches, in fact, it can take up to an hour for a bird to regain full muscle control. Even though temperatures have been mild for much of this winter season, as all Missourians know, that can change quickly. Don’t forget that the food and water you are providing is important to birds, especially when its brutal.
Nov/Dec Pawzzle Answers
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
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Chip’s Corner 28
PAWZZLE
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
by Pawlean Journe
Across 1.
The Gordon Setter was one breed used in foundation stock of the ___________ Setter.
4.
They make a great companion for someone who is ________.
6. Like many other hunting breeds if you do not have a fenced enclosure the Gordon will tend to _________________. 7.
Gordons are also good at ______________ and retreiving.
8. The Gordon Setter will need regular _________________ to keep its coat nice. 10.
This breed is known for its sense of _____________.
11. This breed is believed to have been developed during the 17th century in __________________. 12. If not given enough exercise and things to do this breed can become ___________. 13.
This breed needs LOTS and LOTS of ______________.
15. Black and ____ is the only acceptable color for the Gordon
Down 2.
They can be wary of ______________________.
3. When grooming make sure and check for burrs, knots, and ______. 5. Their gentle and polite nature makes them wonderful with _____________. 9.
They love _____________.
12. The hair ____________ the pads on the bottom of the foot should be trimmed. 14.
The CERF registration status relates to what body part.
16. Gordon Setters have great ___________ and will hunt in in all types of weather. 17.
One health issue that can be deadly.
19. They are a great bird dog due to their spectacular sense of ___________.
Setter. 18.
What type of cysts are this breed prone to?
20.
What length is the coat?
21. This breed will not be happy living in an __________________. 22. They are known for being affectionate and ______________
Answers to this Pawzzle can be found in the Breed of the Month story on page 24.
with people they know. 23.
One must never be ___________ with a Gordon Setter.
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
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y
t i C s a s n Ka
The Next Adventures of Chip
DEDICATED
by Heddie Leger
Recap from Nov/Dec 2015: It is not my turn yet, but I already know what I am going to add in my segment. Never give up on your dreams no matter what they might be. Be dedicated in your mind and heart and see the results you want to see. That is how I found my MawMaw and developed such a great life that I am so thankful for. No one was feeling bad about the situation. I am very thankful they are making the best of it and making it fun even though we cannot get on the water right now. Perhaps the race will be over for the year, but we are definitely making some great memories and developing some great relationships with friends, but by sharing time together. I vaguely heard someone Attitude — The way you think and holler mudslide, but did not pay much attention, no one feel about someone or something. seemed too concerned, but I wondered what they meant A feeling or way of thinking that by yelling mudslide. affects a person’s behavior. No one had noticed that the campground was near the side of a ledge. With all the rain that had fallen and the water rising over the banks of the river we were becoming more endangered all the time. We did not even have time to roll up our sleeping bags, when the tent collapsed, and we all had to run for higher ground. We were soaked to the bone, our canoe was floating down the river, along with our food, sleeping bags and overnight bags, but all of a sudden, we all fell to the ground and starting laughing uncontrollably. Penelope was laughing so hard she was crying, and Allen was rolling on the ground, I just stood there looking at them wondering if they were going crazy. But when I stopped and thought about it, between their laughter, they were pointing to the milk jugs and eggs bobbing around in the water, then a package of bacon floated to the top and was floating down the river. I still did not see the humor, as I LOVE bacon, and there was not going to be a great breakfast like I had hoped. Then I heard Robert and Stephanie talking and other adults coming together to form a circle and they all said……. In the words of Abraham Lincoln, “We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.” ….let’s 30
MetroPet Magazine | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy. It is what you think about it.” ~ Dale Carnegie “Our life is what our thoughts make it.” ~ Marcus Aurelius, Meditations “We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts comforting others, giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms -- to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.” ~ Viktor E. Frankl
look for some roses here. I was totally confused. Here were Penelope and Allen, laughing their heads off and the adults looking for roses when there were not even any bushes. Then someone said, yes, we do have more supplies up on the ridge and there is a bus waiting for everyone. Someone had found an answer to the dilemma and found a solution. Someone else said, now that is a good attitude, you found a solution. So we all climbed up the slippery hill, watched all our goods float down the river, watched the waters rise, and the sides of the bank continue to slide, but we were all safe and sound and I could smell bacon cooking. Someone had a cooler on the bus, and a cook stove, and grill…..all was not lost. I heard someone else really mad and yelling since they had spent so much money on all their items floating down the river, and someone else say, but look, everyone is safe and sound, no one got hurt or worse. I think I like the second person’s attitude better. I looked over at Penelope and Allen, and they had calmed down, and were now shivering from the wet and cold, so I went over to keep them warm. Dogs are always warmer than humans, we don’t need the same amount of clothes, shoes, etc. to keep warm, even in cold or wet weather. They both hugged me tight and said their words of gratitude. They both have such great attitudes. I am so lucky to have such a great family. This experience helped me see that having the right attitude can make a great difference in any situation, and that we have a choice on which attitude to take…..a good one or a bad, negative one. It seems like the person who was mad and complaining was yelling and bossing people around, he was kind of a bully and no one liked having him around. It made a bad situation worse. I hope I don’t have to see him ever again.
www.metropetmag.com | Kansas City/St. Louis - February/March 2016
Story Discussion Tips 1) What is the first thing Chip heard? 2) What was the campsite near? 3) Why was it dangerous? 4) What was Chip looking forward to? 5) How did Allen and Penelope handle the situation? 6) What did the adults do? 7) Describe the correlation of the thorns in this story to a rose bush? 8) Describe the correctional of the roses to this story? 9) W hat was the difference that Chip noticed between the people and how they handled everything? 10) Why was the bully’s response not helpful?
Humane Education Activity: What situations have you been involved in where you had a choice to make a decision about your attitude and how you looked at the things around you? How did you handle it? Could you use some help with making good choices about choosing a good attitude? Look up how to choose your attitude and what it means to be a bully.
Heddie is a Certified Humane Educator and member of APDT, APLB, APHE and NHES. She has a lifelong passion of helping children and the elderly learn manners reinforcement with their pets. You can reach her through the PawZone In-Home PetSitting at 816.820.5829.
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Kansas City Pet Services Directory Adoption
Boarding & Daycare
Great Plains SPCA 913-742-7326
greatplainsspca.org
Great Plains SPCA’s mission is to save, protect and improve the lives of animals, while strengthening the relationship between pets and human companions. Locations in Merriam, KS, and Independence, MO, offer veterinary care, adoption, rescue and education programs.
Second Chance Pet Adoptions SCPAKC
913-814-7471
2ndchancepets.net
Camp Bow Wow, Lee’s Summit 1010 SE Hamblen Road Lee’s Summit, MO 816-246-7833
campbowwow.com/us/mo/leessummit At Camp BowWow Lee’s Summit your pups reap the benefits of exercise and socialization while having lots of fun romping and playing with canine friends. Pooches in Paradise 7200 Wyandotte Kansas City, MO 816-361-3388
poochesparadise.
Second Chance Pet Adoptions com
is a NO-Kill foster home adoption organization dedicated to helping homeless animals find loving, responsible, safe homes. Visit our center for adoptions and unique boutique items. We are open M, W, F, S. 9237 N Oak Kansas City, MO 64155 913-814-7471 • 2ndchancepets.net
Pooches Paradise was created with your dogs needs in mind. We are dedicated to offering the finest in boarding, daycare, obedience training and spa treatments. Visit us at our mid-town location one block off Wornall, on 72nd Street.
Wayside Waifs 816-761-8151
Tails R’ Waggin
waysidewaifs. org
Wayside Waifs is a charitable animal shelter whose purpose is to improve the quality of animal welfare in our community by providing humane treatment and advocating for companion animals. It offers rescue, adoption, education programs, and pet memorial services. 32
Home Organization
Feel happy, centered, and productive in your space! Certified organizer Eliza Cantlay with Simplicana approaches clutter with humor and enthusiasm. Plus, she LOVES pets. The hardest part is getting started… Let Eliza Eliza Cantlay make it easy! www.simplicana.com P: 913-815-0008 • E: eliza@simplicana.com
Insurance
Scott & Sara Coffman
Auto Home Insurance Group is an independent insurance agency specializing in auto, home, business, workers compensation, life and health insurance. Our experienced staff members are always happy to help you with your insurance needs. 913.839.1478 • AutoHomeKC.com
Pet Memorial Options 6976 W 152nd Terrace Overland Park, KS 913-685-9246
tailsrwaggin.com
Tails R’ Waggin provides the finest daycare, boarding, grooming and training for your pet. We are your pet’s destination of choice to play, stay and be treated like one of the family. Come by for a tour today!
Midwest Pet Aquamation A gentler eco-friendly alternative to pet cremation
23753 W. 83rd Terrace • Shawnee, KS 66227 913-292-0953 • midwestpetaquamation.com
Midwest Pet Aquamation understands that losing a pet companion is difficult. We want to help you through the process by providing professional, dependable, and eco-friendly pet cremation options. Our office is available 24/7 to all KC Metro area families and inhome pickup is available. Let us help you honor your pet with a peaceful cremation process. Please call us today.
Pet Memorial Options
Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens
Serving the Kansas City area since 1973 Rolling Acres Memorial Gardens for Pets is a full service pet cemetery, crematory, and funeral home where our compassionate staff is ready to serve the bereaved families and friends of cherished animal companions. Our mission is to serve those who think of their pet as one of the family by providing compassionate, dignified and ethical cremation or burial services for their pet. Call us. We can help. 12200 N. Crooked Road • Kansas City, MO 816-891-8888 • www.visitrollingacres.com
Pet Scarves
Carol’s Dog Scarves`
Kansas City, MO • 816-728-2480
Pet Fencing Options
New Owners: Tim, Ann and Tyler Schoenfelder
913.345.2999 Established in 1988, Heart of America Invisible Fence is an authorized, full service Invisible Fence® Brand dealership serving Jackson and Johnson counties and surrounding areas. We offer solutions to many problems, both outside and inside. Learn more about how we can customize an Invisible Fence Brand solution for you and your pet. www.heartofamerica.invisiblefence.com New Store 13342 Pawnee Lane Leawood, KS 66209 New Owners: Kevin and Kim Clark 816-522-2195 Invisible Fence of Kansas City Recommended by vets and installed by professionals, our customizable solutions will keep your pet happy and out of harm’s way in your home and yard. Your pets are family to us. That’s why our pet specialists are certified in our renowned Perfect Start™ Plus Pet Training methods. We serve Kansas City north the river, Lawrence and St. Joseph.
etsy.com/shop/CarolsDogScarves The best dog scarf your dog will ever wear! Can’t be pulled off, torn off, chewed off or rolled off. Stylish, chic or www.kansascity.invisiblefence.com just plain cute — let your dog make its own fashion statement! Order online at Real Estate our Etsy Shop.
Pet and Garden Supplies
American Midwest Distributors
Martin and Suzie Taggart Team REALExperience 913.667.9789
TeamREALExperience@gmail.com REALExperienceREALEstate.com
1 Design Drive N., Kansas City, MO 64116 • 816-842-1905 • americanmidwestkc.com A local distributor which sells pet food (Earthborn Holistic and ProPac), bird seed and feeders, equine products, farm and feed supplies and fertilizers and garden supplies and many other products.
These full-time, pet-friendly real estate professionals (together with Sherman their rescue dog) enjoy helping pet-friendly people with their real estate experience! They understand selling a home with a pet & buying a home that is pet friendly can be challenging. Team REALExperience is here to help you & your pets with your move!
Veterinarians
Arbor Creek Animal Hospital 15971 S. Bradley Rd Olathe, KS • 913-764-9000
acanimalhospital.com
We believe that every pet has a different set of healthcare needs. Utilizing a blend of traditional medicine and holistic veterinary gives everyone options! Aid Animal Hospital 8343 Wornall Rd Kansas City, MO 816-363-4922
aidanimalhospital.com For 37 years, Aid Animal Hospital has provided quality veterinary medical and surgical services to Waldo and entire Kansas City area. We pride ourselves on quality customer service in a family friendly atmosphere, where your family can always feel welcome.
A Directory Listing in the MetroPet Magazine Appears In print and Online for A Full Year! Call us for Details!
913.548.1433
Keller Williams Realty Legacy Partners, Inc.
Protect your pet from the cold outdoors Be especially careful around areas that have been de-iced.
Pet Hospice Services
St. Louis Pet Services Directory Adoption/Rescue
Pet Food
St. Louis English Bulldog Rescue 314-381-2010
Earthborn Holistic
www.earthborn
www.stlbulldogrescue.org St. Louis Bulldog Rescue, Inc. is a Federal Tax Exempt 501c3 organization that is an all volunteer group of bulldog lovers whose mission is to re-home bulldogs who are surrendered by their owners or find themselves otherwise without homes, landing in animal shelters or wandering the streets as strays.
holisticpetfood.com Earthborn Holistic® offers a wholesome approach to nutrition with high-quality ingredients that nourish the whole pet, dogs and cats. Every holistic pet food formula is designed to offer balanced nutrients that support your pet’s overall health and physical well-being. Natural Food for Pets.100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Or Your Money Back.
Pet Waste Mgmt & Products
Pet Health
Yucko’s
www.yuckos.com
Weekly - Every Other Week - Once A Month One Times Or Just Because..!
Pet Cremation Services
Loving Hearts Pet Memorial Services
1631 W. 5th St. Eureka, MO 636-587-8880 www.lovingheartspet.com Loving Hearts was started by two families to provide the highest level of pet cremation services possible. The owners bring over 100 years of assisting grieving pet owners. We are committed to treating each pet as if it were one of our own. In your time of need, we will be there for you.
314-291-POOP (7667) Service
Free Estimates - No Contracts - Fully Insured Dogipot Products - Pet Stations - Litter Bags Fake Fire Hydrants And More...!
314-770-1500 Sales
Are The First Responders In Your Area Equipped With Pet Oxygen Recovery Masks?
www.PetOxygenMask.com
Two Special Days in February and March Give your pet a special treat on these days!